"Are you sure you want to celebrate Halloween at Hinansho?" Rene asked. "There are so many fun things scheduled at the University."
"I'm sure," Hikaru replied. "I want to make costumes for everyone, including Ageha, Hibiki, and Masaya. I've decided that I want to add a specialty cosplay line to the Hitachiin Fashion House. This will give me a chance to use you guys as guinea pigs."
"Besides," Kaoru interrupted, "we're having our gathering here this weekend. It's only fair that next weekend's is at Hinansho. We'll all be at University next year. It will be easier to take advantage of all the festivities then."
"Don't forget that the new ballroom will be ready just before Halloween. We can use our party as the premiere activity to be sure everything is perfect before we offer it to clients," Kyoya added.
Haruhi laughed and kissed his cheek. "Always thinking like a businessman. No wonder you're at the top of your class."
"I resent that," Kyoya huffed playfully. "I am in a class of my own."
"The rice and chicken curry are ready," Takashi called as he and Chiharu carried the pots to the dining table.
"Good, I'm starving," Mitsukuni stated as he walked into the dining area with his arm around Reiko.
Haruhi looked at the pair, feeling like something was different. "Hey, Mitsukuni, is it my imagination or have you grown?" she asked.
Reiko giggled. "You're not imagining things. At his six-month follow-up this week, the height check showed he has grown three inches."
"That's wonderful news," Haruhi cheered. The rest of the Host Club expressed their delight at the continued improvement in their friend's health.
Kaoru commented, "No wonder you're hungry. You're a growing boy."
The others just groaned before digging in.
After everyone had eaten their fill, Haruhi turned to Takashi and asked, "Have you contacted the Kendo Association yet about the tournament in December?"
"Yes, I talked to the director this week and requested a private audience. He readily granted it because he wondered why I had been withdrawn. I explained the situation with the name change and the events that precipitated it. He reinstated my name in the tournament and agreed to keep my information in the strictest confidence."
Haruhi laid a hand on his arm. "I'm glad. I know how much kendo means to you."
Takashi had a mischievous twinkle in his eye when he replied, "Thank you for prompting me to make the contact—okaa-san."
Rene grinned as one of his brothers called Haruhi 'okaa-san' too.
OHSHC
Kyoya called Hibiki Ito ten days before Halloween, as soon as the event center had passed its final inspections. "Hibiki, I want you to book private Halloween parties for all of the conference rooms in the event center."
She replied, "But isn't the Hinan family already having a big Halloween party there that night?"
"Exactly. I want the premiere opening to be as busy as possible."
"But what if something goes wrong?"
"Precisely my point. People will expect something to go wrong at the premiere, so if we have the center at capacity then, everyone will simply attribute it to the newness. We'll find all the problems and fix them up front."
"Okay," Hibiki said tentatively. "That makes sense in a twisted sort of way. I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you, Hibiki. That's all I ask," Kyoya said gently, ending the call.
OHSHC
Everyone was excited for the big Halloween party at Hinansho. An open invitation was posted in the nearby town and the hospital set up special shifts so that everyone who wanted could attend for an hour or two.
Hotta and Aijima waited in the security office. Tachibana arrived a few minutes later. "Thank you for coming so promptly. I need you two to take charge of security for the party this evening."
"If I may ask, sir," Hotta inquired, "why aren't you taking that duty? Given that the Host Club will be in attendance and you usually provide their security personally."
"Master Kyoya has allowed me to chaperone my daughter and her friends to the party along with my wife."
"I'd prefer security for the open party to a bevy of teenage girls," Aijima stated.
"Good, because that's exactly what you'll be doing. Please make careful note of any difficulties or inefficiencies. Master Kyoya wants a full report tomorrow morning." Tachibana turned to leave. "I have to go get dressed in my costume."
OHSHC
The Host Club, Reiko, and Chiharu stood at the entrance to the ballroom dressed in costumes created by Hikaru. He had taken his inspiration from their English assignment studying Shakespeare's As You Like It. He was especially proud of Haruhi's outfit that allowed her to be both Rosalind and Ganymede without needing to change costumes. It merely required slipping out of sight for a moment to reconfigure portions.
Kyoya was very pleased that he, as Orlando, would be able to dance with Haruhi without drawing odd looks. "Hikaru, you have outdone yourself. These costumes are almost good enough for a stage production."
"What do you mean 'almost'?" Hikaru demanded.
"Stage costumes require exaggerations to be seen from the audience. These are designed to be viewed up close," Kyoya clarified, mollifying his brother.
Haruhi interjected, "Hikaru, I really like this costume. I'll be sure to try out the switch sometime." She looked to her right at Chiharu and Takashi. "Hey, coz. You're looking very fetching this evening, Celia."
Chiharu blushed prettily. "Thanks, coz. I had to brush up on this theme. It's been a couple years since I studied it in English class."
Takashi, dressed as Oliver, smiled down at Chiharu. "I enjoyed reading it with you. It was fun acting out some of the scenes."
"Daughter, attend upon your father, the exiled duke," Hikaru pontificated.
"Hey, where do you get off calling her 'Daughter'? She's my daughter," Rene teased.
"I thought she was okaa-san now," Kaoru interjected. "Anyway, you're Touchstone, the jester tonight."
"That's right. It is my job to entertain Celia and Rosalind." Rene struck a dramatic pose. "As well as protect them in the Forest of Arden."
"Don't you mean Ganymede?" Kaoru teased.
Keeping in character, Haruhi said, "Why Uncle? You were not supposed to know the guise under which I stole away with my cousin, after you declared my exile."
Everyone laughed at the antics. "We should get in position to greet our guests," Kyoya declared, offering Haruhi his arm.
"By the way, Reiko, you and Mitsukuni look so cute as Phebe and Silvius. I especially like the sheep plushies that Hikaru attached to the costumes," Haruhi said.
Reiko blushed and nodded while Mitsukuni laughed. "Yeah, they really help define the characters as a shepherd and shepherdess."
There were three maids stationed near the entrance and six more mingling about the ballroom. Each was dressed in the costume of their choice and would be enjoying the party in rotating shifts. For now, one was checking coats and two were helping guests who needed costumes to choose from the selection Hikaru made available.
Twelve additional security officers were also in costume and mingling with the guests. They were assigned to watch for trouble and handle it discreetly as needed. Otherwise, they were just to enjoy the party.
After half an hour, the flood of arriving guests dwindled to a trickle. "May I have this dance?" Kyoya asked, holding out his hand to Haruhi.
"I would be honored." She curtsied and took his offered hand.
Takashi offered his hand to Chiharu and she took it, giggling, "You know, you put me more in mind of Charles the wrestler than Oliver, but I don't mind."
A few steps into their dance, Takashi picked Chiharu up, settling her securely on his right arm, negating the height difference between them. "I hope you don't mind," he whispered.
"I don't mind at all. This is so much easier." She placed a quick kiss near his ear as she answered.
Mitsukuni looked at Reiko, seeing her longing gaze at the dancers. "Shall we?" She smiled and took his hand. He swept her on to the dance floor and among the other dancers.
"I have to admit," Reiko murmured. "I like this new, taller you."
He winked. "I like being taller, too."
Hikaru, Kaoru, and Rene exchanged glances as the others danced away. "Well, there are plenty of lovely young ladies available tonight. I think I'll go mingle," Hikaru declared, eying a group of shy young ladies watching the dancing longingly.
"Hikaru is correct, the princesses await," Rene announced dramatically before following Hikaru. Kaoru just shook his head and tagged along behind. Within moments, all three were on the dance floor as well.
Just before the first song ended, Takashi asked Chiharu nervously, "Would you mind if I dance with Haruhi?"
"Why would I mind?" She looked at him quizzically.
He blushed slightly as he responded, "I will have to pick her up like I do you. It can be construed as rather intimate."
Chiharu moved her hand from his shoulder to his cheek. "I trust you. And I trust her."
"Thank you for being such an understanding girlfriend."
She bit lightly on her bottom lip with her teeth. "Would you mind if I dance with Haruhi after you do?"
He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"I want to see the Ganymede version of her costume. I'd also like to talk to her for a few minutes," Chiharu clarified.
Takashi's face showed a look of comprehension and he nodded. "I will get us some punch during your dance with Haruhi. I'll meet you by the refreshments table."
When the song ended, Takashi and Chiharu made their way to where Kyoya and Haruhi were leaving the dance floor.
Takashi bowed slightly and asked, "May I have the pleasure of a dance with Haruhi?"
Kyoya and Haruhi exchanged a glance before Haruhi replied, "I would be delighted to dance with you." He offered his left hand and swept her up with his right arm.
Kyoya's expression darkened at the intimate embrace but Chiharu touched his arm. "He asked my permission and I allowed it."
Taking a deep breath, Kyoya asked, "Then, may I have this dance?"
"I would be delighted."
As they began to glide around the dance floor, Chiharu inquired, "May I offer a bit of constructive criticism about the event center?"
Kyoya looked at her in approval. "By all means. Your input would be invaluable."
"I noticed that, in addition to the ballroom, there are a dozen conference rooms identified by number."
"That is correct."
"From a marketing standpoint, that seems rather…bland. Would you consider giving a name to each of the conference rooms?"
"That's an intriguing suggestion. Do you have anything particular in mind?"
Chiharu thought for a moment. "There should be an underlying theme. Perhaps name each after a color, animal, or country."
Kyoya pondered her suggestion for moment as he released her waist and nudged her into a twirl under his arm. "It would sound much better to direct someone to the Russian room rather than conference room three."
"And a name would be more memorable than a number," Chiharu commented as the song ended.
"I will make a note of it after I return you to Takashi."
"Actually, I'm dancing with Haruhi next. I'm looking forward to her Ganymede costume."
"I'm rather curious to see that myself," Kyoya agreed.
The two couples met near the refreshments table where there was a small alcove to hide Haruhi from view while she rearranged her costume.
Kyoya, Takashi, and Chiharu were all amazed when she stepped back out.
"How do I look?" Haruhi asked curiously.
"If I hadn't been standing here and knew that it was you coming out, I would never have connected the two," Kyoya admitted, looking her up and down with approval.
Haruhi smiled as she said in her best Host Club manner, "May I have this dance, Miss Chiharu?"
Giggling, she responded, "This is going to be fun." Taking Ganymede's offered hand, they smoothly joined the other dancers on the floor.
"Takashi mentioned that you wanted to talk to me. Is it about the Shibasaki lawsuit?"
"Oh no, I wanted to thank you for all you've done for Takashi," Chiharu replied.
Haruhi looked confused. "What have I done?"
"I don't think you would have noticed it, but I did because I've knew him all the way through school at Ouran. He has gained so much confidence in himself after meeting you."
"That had nothing to do with me," Haruhi tried to protest.
"Oh, but it did. At first, I thought it was the Host Club, but then I remembered nothing changed during that first year. It wasn't until after he met you. I have to admit I was jealous." Chiharu looked down, blushing at her admission.
Haruhi chuckled. "I confess that he is one of the two in the Host Club that I liked the most. He's an incredible man-loyal, dedicated, insightful, and passionate. However, I chose to be with Kyoya."
Smiling, Chiharu said, "I think it was your belief in him that prompted a re-examination of his self-view. During our final year at Ouran, I noticed that he was more open…more vibrant. He stopped hiding behind Mitsukuni and his duty. Come to think of it, you did something like that for all of them."
"I didn't…" Haruhi started to refute Chiharu's assertions, but stopped. Searching the earnest expression on Chiharu's face, she finally murmured, "I will give that some thought. Thank you for your observations."
When the song ended, Haruhi led Chiharu back to the refreshment table where Kyoya and Takashi were waiting for them. They were joined by Mitsukuni and Reiko.
Takashi observed, "There are quite a few more ladies than men here this evening. Rene and the twins have been doing an admirable job dancing with them, but I think the rest of the Host Club should help out for the next four dances. If Reiko and Chiharu don't mind."
"Actually," Reiko said quietly, "I've noticed a number of very shy young men that could use some encouragement as well." Turning to Chiharu she asked, "Shall we?"
"I think it's only fair," Chiharu agreed.
Mitsukuni pulled Reiko into a hug and kissed her cheek. "Thank you for understanding and helping out."
Takashi leaned down and kissed Chiharu's cheek. "Thank you," he whispered.
Kyoya huffed. "It's not fair. I can't kiss Haruhi because she's Ganymede right now."
"You can have my first dance after we finish hosting and I'll reward you then," Haruhi teased as she winked at him.
The friends had a lot of fun making sure everyone was dancing and having a good time. After Haruhi returned as Rosalind, she danced with Kyoya and then Rene and the twins.
By midnight, the crowd had dwindled to fewer than a dozen, aside from the Hinansho residents. Kyoya caught the eye of the band leader and signaled for the final song.
Mitsukuni smiled at Reiko as they glided onto the floor. Takashi picked up Chiharu and followed them. Kyoya and Haruhi followed suit while Rene, Hikaru, and Kaoru found partners among the remaining attendees.
Afterwards, the Host Club, with Reiko and Chiharu bade everyone farewell at the door.
"Well, this was a night to remember," Rene declared. "Now let's go home. I'm exhausted." The others agreed as they walked out to the waiting limousine for the ride back to the main house.
OHSHC
Just before lunch the day after the party, Kyoya entered the security office. He smiled at Tachibana, Hotta, and Aijima. "I trust you all had a good time last night."
"Depends on your point of view," Tachibana remarked grumpily. "There were far too many young men paying attention to my daughter. She loved it. Her mother and I, not so much."
"At least you were there to chaperone," Hotta teased.
Aijima interjected, "I'm sure Master Kyoya would prefer to get back to his friends. Let's get the report on last night's activities out of the way."
Hotta reported, "The biggest problem was parking. Even using valets to bring cars back to the parking garage behind the main house, we had to park overflow on the sports fields."
"I will speak to Kosaku about funding for a parking structure between the sports fields and the event center. That would probably act as a good buffer, protecting the event center from such things as baseball homeruns," Kyoya replied, writing a reminder in his notebook.
"There was some confusion about the conference rooms. Some people couldn't remember which number they were supposed to be in," Hotta continued.
"Chiharu, Takashi's girlfriend, had a suggestion for that last night. We should consider naming them with a central theme. Ask the other staff for suggestions that the management team can evaluate," Kyoya stated. "Were there any other problems?"
Aijima spoke up. "We had to have the police pick up several men who were drunk, causing trouble and harassing some of the ladies. Their names and descriptions have been added to the watch list in our security database."
"Anything else to report?" Kyoya asked.
"For a premiere with fully booked facilities, it went remarkably smoothly. I did hear quite a few compliments from the attendees," Hotta reported.
"Thank you for all your hard work." Kyoya nodded and left.
Tachibana looked at the door and then at the other two men in the room. "Sometimes it's hard to believe he's not even eighteen yet. He's doing a great job for the Hinan family and I am proud to be helping him."
"Me, too," Hotta and Aijima replied in unison. The three looked at each other and laughed.
OHSHC
Meanwhile, back in Paris, Catherine was getting frustrated. She had just received a report from the Japanese translator who had contacted the Tokyo airport. "Amelie, would you come in here please," she called through the intercom.
"Yes?" Amelie asked.
"Have you received the report from the Paris airport about passengers matching Rene or Tamaki's description during the time period he supposedly flew here to see this mother?"
"I received the report this morning, but it was completely negative. No one using any of his names or matching his description arrived within a week of the date he supposedly flew out of Tokyo," Amelie groused.
"Well, that does mesh with the report Kozue sent me. The Tokyo airport has not record of any private planes leaving on the day in question. There was also no one matching his description or using any combination of his names." Catherine stared off into space for a moment. "You know what this means, don't you?"
"My guess is that his grandmother was lying. But why?"
Catherine shrugged. "Reynard said that she didn't like Rene or his mother. Rene's father knew nothing of the supposed trip to Paris. He expected him to be at University."
"Maybe he decided on a different University," Amelie suggested.
"It's a place to start. Run combinations of his name through the educational database again. Maybe that will point us in the right direction."
Half an hour later, Amelie returned with a puzzled look on her face.
"What's the matter?" Catherine asked.
"I tried running the database search again, but nothing came up."
"Wait. You mean the records of Tamaki Suoh that we saw before are gone?" Catherine paled at the implications.
"Exactly. Something fishy is definitely going on. What do we do now?"
Catherine's expression was grim. "I think I need to speak to my brother, the inspector. I hate to admit it, but I am beginning to suspect foul play."
OHSHC
Rene paced from the living room to the door and back again. "They should have been here by now. It's your birthday. We have plans."
"They are probably running late," Kyoya stated. "I wish I had a tranquillizer dart to put him out for a while. He's starting to get on my nerves. He's been at it for the past hour."
Before Rene could start his next rant, his phone *dinged* with a text message and Kyoya's phone rang. While Rene opened the text, Kyoya answered.
"Good evening, Haruhi. Are you guys running late?"
"I'm so sorry, Kyoya. Something has come up and we can't make it until tomorrow evening. I hate that I can't be there for your birthday."
"Well, if can't be helped, I'll just look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Call to let me know when you're coming just in case Rene decides to 'surprise' me with some activity."
"Will do. See you tomorrow."
Kyoya ended the call and thrust the phone into his pocket.
Rene announced, "The text was from the twins. They can't make it until tomorrow."
"I know," Kyoya replied. "Haruhi just told me."
Before they could continue the conversation, there was a knock on the door. Rene opened it to find Mitsukuni and Takashi.
Mitsukuni looked sheepish as he said, "I'm sorry we have to cancel tonight. Takashi and I are required to attend a lecture tonight for one of our classes. Reiko and Chiharu will be accompanying us. Please make our apologies to Haruhi and the twins."
Kyoya stepped up behind Rene. "Actually, they just contacted us and won't be able to make it until tomorrow evening. I guess it works out all the way around."
"But, mon ami," Rene protested, "this is your birthday. We must celebrate."
"It can wait until tomorrow, Rene," Kyoya said, shaking his head.
"NO! I will take you out to dinner tonight for your birthday," Rene declared.
To Mitsukuni and Takashi, Kyoya said, "Don't worry about the change in plans. It looks like it will all work out in the end. We'll see you tomorrow night. Enjoy the lecture."
"Thank you," Takashi replied. "Why don't you let Rene take you out to dinner tonight? It will at least make him feel better."
Kyoya considered for a moment. "You're correct. And he's usually less annoying in public." He looked pointedly at Rene who appeared to be oblivious to the comment.
After Takashi and Mitsukuni left, Kyoya laid his hand on Rene's shoulder. "Okay, you can take me out to dinner for my birthday. Will we be going to the usual restaurant?"
Practically bouncing with excitement, he said, "No, there's a place near the train station that Takashi suggested."
"Well, let's go then," Kyoya muttered. "Why do I get the distinct impression that I am being set up?"
On the walk home after dinner, Rene saw a karaoke bar. "We should go there." He tugged on Kyoya's sleeve to get his attention.
"Can you really see me doing something like that?" Kyoya quirked an eyebrow.
Rene huffed. "I guess not." He pulled out his phone. "I'm going to text some of my classmates and see if they want to go next week."
After Rene put his phone away, Kyoya said, "I'm ready to call it a night. Let's just head back to the apartment."
Rene shrugged. "It's your birthday." They walked the remaining distance to their apartment in silence.
When they reached the apartment, Rene dropped back and let Kyoya open the door. As soon as he stepped inside, he saw a banner that read, 'Happy First Birthday, Kyoya Hinan.'
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
All those who said they couldn't make it, popped out of the living room and yelled, "Surprise!"
Haruhi sauntered up to Kyoya and grinned.
"'First Birthday.' This is your doing, isn't it?" he accused before he kissed her.
"Well, in a way," she admitted. "I pulled it on the twins this summer while you were gone. They decided it was only fair to pull it on you."
OHSHC
In Paris once against, Catherine was pursuing another avenue of inquiry.
"Good evening, Catherine," Jean-Paul said as he gestured for her to enter. "I'm sorry it has taken so long for me to make time in my schedule for you."
Catherine gave him les bises before responding. "Your Chief Inspector told me it was a crucial undercover assignment."
"Couldn't someone else have helped you?" Jean-Paul asked.
Catherine shrugged. "I talked to a couple of your colleagues, but they didn't seem inclined to want to pursue the matter. I figure you have to listen to me since we're family."
Jean-Paul chuckled. "Okay, sis, tell big brother all about it."
Catherine spent the next half hour explaining her search for Rene de Grantaine, the discover of the name Tamaki Suoh used in Japan, and the disappearance of his name from the educational database between August and November searches.
She concluded with, "I'm probably way off the mark and imagining things, but I can't help wondering if Rene's grandmother murdered him and hid the body."
"That's quite a leap, but the circumstances definitely sound suspicious. I have some contacts in Japan. I'll see what I can find out." Jean-Paul's expression was grim.
"Thanks, big brother. You're the best." Catherine hugged him and he pushed her away playfully.
OHSHC
Takashi arrived home late from the dojo. He had been training diligently for the upcoming tournament since confirming he was still on the roster.
Mitsukuni was sitting on the sofa with a frown on his face, flipping through a sheaf of papers.
"I'm home," Takashi called quietly.
"Welcome home," Mitsukuni responded absentmindedly. "I made dinner and dished up a plate for you. It's in the refrigerator."
Fighting fatigue, Takashi mechanically heated his meal, ate it in silence, and washed his dishes. Afterwards, he shuffled into the living room and settled on the opposite end of the sofa from Mitsukuni.
A few minutes later, Mitsukuni asked tentatively, "Takashi, do you remember when it was that our families assigned you to be my guardian?"
Takashi pondered the questions several minutes. "It was just after your stay in the hospital when you fell out of the tree. Why do you ask?"
"I had a meeting with my physiology professor last week. He noticed my growth spurt and wondered about the cause since most males reach their maximum height at about sixteen. We talked for an hour or so and he suggested that I write a paper about my experience with the tumor."
"Is that a problem?"
"Not the paper. I ordered a copy of all of my medical records, hoping to figure out where the tumor came from." He paused a took a deep breath. "There was an MRI taken after my fall from the tree. Clipped to it was a note stating that it was inconclusive whether the tumor was cause by the fall or just discovered due to the testing."
"I remember the doctor mentioning that after you collapsed."
"But there's another note here. 'At this time, it would cause more harm than good to remove. When the patient reaches sixteen or the tumor grows to two centimeters, whichever comes first, it should be removed as soon as possible.'" Mitsukuni couldn't continue.
Takashi was taken aback. "You lived with it almost three and a half years longer than you should have."
With a stricken look, Mitsukuni whispered, "I could have had normal growth spurts. I wouldn't have had the headaches. I wouldn't have lost control. I…"
He was interrupted by a large hand gripping his shoulder gently. "Dwelling on 'could have' or 'wouldn't have' is unprofitable. The past cannot be changed but we can learn from it and move forward from here."
Mitsukuni took a deep breath and smiled weakly. "Thanks, Takashi. I needed that."
"Why did you ask about when I started guarding you?"
"This here, 'Location of tumor may result in uncontrollable outburst, unusual sleeping habits, and delayed puberty' along with a notation to schedule testing to see if the tumor is genetic." Mitsukuni snorted. "That would have been nice to know years ago, but do you realize what it means now?"
"What?" Takashi asked with a quirked eyebrow.
"You don't have to protect me—or rather protect others from me. Which is great because Reiko invited me to attend the Nekozawa Family Solstice celebration and, nothing against you, but I'd rather go alone."
Takashi nodded. "That will work out for me too. Now I can tell Chiharu that I'll be able to attend her family's Christmas. We'll be back for the Hinan Family After-Christmas Celebration."
"We'll be back then, too. I'm hoping I can convince Umehito and Kirimi to come as well."
"Feeling better?" Takashi asked.
"Yes, much. But now I'm tired. Let's call it a night."
OHSHC
The weekend before Christmas break, the Host Club, Reiko, and Chiharu gathered in Kyoya and Rene's apartment to discuss holiday plans over dinner.
"Hey, Tono," Kaoru called.
"Yeah?" Rene turned around, still holding the platter with the last few karaage.
"Did you really make dinner all by yourself?" Kaoru continued skeptically.
Rene puffed his chest out. "Yes, I did. Kyoya had a study group." He took the platter to the kitchen and returned to the table.
Kaoru looked to Kyoya for confirmation.
"I arrived home just five minutes before you guys got here." Kyoya threw his hands up in a gesture of 'believe what you like.'
Haruhi playfully swatted at Kaoru. "I, for one, think he did a very good job."
"You've come a long way, Rene," Takashi added, reaching over and clapping him on the shoulder.
"Hear, hear," the dinner guests all agreed.
Rene blushed bright red. "Thanks guys, that means a lot to me."
Kyoya stood and lifted his teacup. "Here's to Rene. I will admit I had misgivings about how it would work with the two of us living here on our own, taking care of everything ourselves. He did not complain, whine, or throw tantrums. He diligently applied himself to the lessons Haruhi taught us and embraced domestic tasks with confidence. He has grown greatly in the past months and I am proud of him."
Everyone raised their cups to acknowledge the toast.
"Thank you, otou-san, that means a lot to me," Rene said, his voice choked with emotion.
"Okay, enough mush," Hikaru declared. "We came here to talk about holiday plans."
Haruhi stood up and said, "First, let's get things cleaned up. Then we'll have plenty of uninterrupted time to talk. Kaoru and Hikaru, you gather the dishes and take them to the kitchen. Kyoya, you and I will wash dishes since Rene made dinner."
"Yes, okaa-san," the twins chorused.
"How can we help?" Mitsukuni asked eagerly.
Haruhi looked around. "You and Takashi can put the dining table away after Reiko wipes it down. Chiharu, can you grab pillows from the closet and put them in the living room for us to sit on."
Kyoya wrapped his arms around Haruhi from behind and whispered in her ear, "And who do you think you are, giving orders in my apartment?" Glancing around to be sure no one was watching, he nuzzled her neck and nipped her gently.
Haruhi spun around in his arms and slapped her hand on her neck where he left a small mark. "Behave yourself," she hissed.
Smirking, he replied, "That's my line." He slid his hand down her arm and gently took her hand. "How about we go get those dishes done? Everyone is waiting on us."
"Good idea," she said, dragging him into the kitchen by his hand.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone was settled in the living room. Rene stood up and asked, "So, what are everyone's plans for Christmas this year?"
Mitsukuni waved a hand. "I'll start. I'm going with Reiko and her family to the Nekozawa Solstice Celebration. We'll be back by Christmas Eve."
"I've been invited to visit Chiharu's family," Takashi said.
"That reminds me," Chiharu interjected. "I have invitations here for the Hinan family and the Fujiokas to attend the Tojo Christmas Eve Gala." She handed one invitation to Kyoya and another to Haruhi.
"I'm afraid I won't be able to attend," Kyoya stated, passing the invitation to Rene.
"And why not?" Haruhi demanded.
He looked at her, "I have to attend the Otori family…oh." He stopped, looking dumbfounded.
"That's right. You're no longer the third Otori son. You are-counting Usa-chan-the seventh son of the Hinan family," Haruhi remarked, poking his arm from her spot beside him on the sofa.
Kyoya's face lit up with a brilliant smile. "I don't have to go to the Otori Gala and be insulted and demeaned by my father and brothers."
"We're your brothers now," Hikaru and Kaoru chorused. "Harassing you is our job."
"I…need a few minutes," Kyoya said as he stood and walked toward his bedroom.
"Should someone go after him?" Reiko asked, concerned at the dazed expression Kyoya was wearing.
Haruhi shook her head. "It just hit him that his life paradigm has shifted. The restrictive framework of the Otori expectations no longer applies…"
"In other words," Hikaru interrupted, "he needs to get his head on straight."
"Hey," Rene yelled. "That's my brother and best friend you're talking about."
"He's my brother, too," Hikaru retorted.
Kaoru waved his hands to get everyone's attention. "Look. Let's put it this way. He just realized his map is out of date and the road he's been following no longer exists. We just need to be here for him while he finds his new path."
Haruhi reached over to where Kaoru sat on a pillow on the floor and patted his shoulder. "Thanks."
"So, back to Christmas plans," Rene said rubbing his hands together gleefully.
Haruhi shrugged. "The only plans I have are the usual-visiting my mother's grave with Dad on Christmas Day. Since Hinansho will be closed for Christmas, Dad won't have to work, so we will definitely be at the Tojo's Gala."
Suddenly Haruhi realized what she had said. "Guys, I am so sorry. It was insensitive of me to talk about what I usually do when this year won't be usual for any of you."
Kaoru and Hikaru scooted their pillows toward the sofa and laid their heads on each of Haruhi's knees. "It's okay. You didn't do it to hurt us.'
Mitsukuni and Takashi murmured their agreement to the twins' assurances.
Rene declared, "It's not like you manufactured the circumstances that resulted in the unusual situation we're in."
"It is ironic that the one who created the Hinan family is the only one of the Host Club who has not needed the refuge." Until he spoke, no one noticed that Kyoya had returned. He stood behind the sofa with his hands on Haruhi's shoulders. "I am immensely grateful to her foresight in creating the family." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.
Haruhi reached up to grasp one of his hands, too overcome to speak.
"So, Rene, since you were the only one at Hinansho last year, what are the Hinan family Christmas plans?" Kyoya prompted.
"I think we should all work together to create new family traditions," Rene declared. "Bring your ideas to the quarterly management meeting next week."
Mitsukuni suggested, "Could we invite friends to attend as well? I was going to invite Umehito and Kirimi."
"That's a good idea," Takashi agreed. "I'd like to invite Ritsu and Tetsuya as well."
Rene grinned. "The more the merrier. I wonder what other traditions we'll come up with."
17