They were all sitting at breakfast enjoying porridge, when Haruhi pointed her spoon at Rene accusingly. "We never did have lunch at Tom and Sabine's bakery the other day."

Rene looked sheepish. "Yeah, sorry about that," he mumbled. "But you have to admit that it's not every day that people think you're dead and are surprised when you're not."

"Okay, I will concede that something like that would make such mundane concerns as food seem unimportant," Haruhi teased.

Estee spoke up, "I have to admit that I wasn't interested in food after finding out my aunt was looking for us."

"She's enough to make anyone lose their appetite," Coco agreed.

"Not that I'm complaining, because it is delicious, but whose idea was the porridge this morning?" Mitsukuni asked, changing the subject.

Kyoya chuckled. "I think it's my housekeeper's form of punishment for staying out so late last night after having lunch and dinner at the Houshakuji estate."

"It's unusual to our tastes, but I wouldn't consider it a punishment," Haruhi commented, adding a few more sliced strawberries to her bowl.

"I agree," Mitsukuni said enthusiastically, adding more berries to his own bowl.

Takashi looked at Rene. "So, are you going to take us to lunch at the bakery today?" he teased.

"Yes, lunch at the bakery today is on me," Rene replied.

"I'll have security prepare the car so we can leave at one o'clock," Kyoya said. "I have a few business matters I need to attend to this morning."

"I think I'm going to try reading my mother's letters," Rene murmured.

"We're going to do some planning for touring the Jardin des Plantes and the Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et biologiques in a day or two," Reiko stated, indicating herself, Mitsukuni, Chiharu, and Takashi. "I'm hoping to acquire some additional propagates for my research."

Hikaru and Kaoru looked pointedly at Haruhi. "We need to go through your wardrobe and see what we should buy for you here in Paris. Estee and Coco can help us."

Haruhi rolled her eyes. "Very well. One more day of shopping won't kill me…I hope."

Everyone laughed as they finished breakfast and placed their dishes on the sideboard. Before they scattered to their morning projects, Kyoya called, "Meet in the living room at quarter to one."

There was a chorus of, "Yes, otou-san."

OHSHC

"Rene, it's so good to see you again," Sabine called as he and his friends entered the bakery. "How did things go with Catherine? Did everything get straightened out?"

"Sabine, thank you for all your assistance. Catherine helped me get it all sorted out. She even gave me the legacy from my mother," Rene replied. "But right now, we're here for lunch."

"Of course, Rene. Any idea what you want?" Sabine asked.

"Please bring us a selection of quiche and some tea," Rene requested.

Sabine smiled. "Make yourselves comfortable, I'll bring them right out."

The group rearranged several tables far from the door so they would not interfere with other customers.

"You are going to love these," Estee exclaimed.

"They are the best in Paris," Coco added.

Sabine brought their order and a selection of fruit tarts. "Estee and Coco, I believe these are your favorites."

"Oh, you remembered. Thank you," the sisters chorused excitedly.

They chatted amiably while enjoying the delicious lunch when the bakery's door opened and Yvette Seward stormed in.

"I should have known you two would be here. Did you thieves really think you could get away with it?" she demanded. "I've already reported you to the police. I should call and tell them where you are."

Mitsukuni, Takashi, Hikaru, and Kaoru all stood up and placed themselves between Yvette and the sisters. Kyoya stood up more slowly and walked languidly around the wall created by his brothers. "Go ahead and call the police. I should tell you that I sent a file to Inspector Touren-Grosseau this morning detailing evidence of your crimes—embezzlement, fraud, and identity theft, just to name a few."

"I don't know who you are, but you're bluffing. You don't have any evidence of anything," Yvette sneered.

Kyoya ignored her as he turned to Sabine. "Please call the police and have them send Inspector Touren-Grosseau. Be sure they tell him Estee and Coco Beringar are here at the bakery as well as Yvette Seward."

"You're going to turn them in?!" Hikaru yelled.

Turning to look at his brother, Kyoya smirked. "Don't you trust me?"

Kaoru placed a hand on Hikaru's shoulder. "Have you ever known the Shadow King to do anything without a plan, backup plan, and contingency plan?"

Sabine looked skeptical as she placed the call.

Five minutes later, Inspector Touren-Grosseau and a police officer walked through the door of the bakery. "We received a call that there were wanted criminals here," the inspector stated, trying hard to hide a smile.

Yvette rounded on him, pointed toward the sisters, and demanded, "Arrest them. They stole valuables from my apartment the day before yesterday. And those four men standing there helped them."

"And you are?" the inspector inquired.

"I am Yvette Seward," she raged indignantly.

"May I see your identification?" was the inspector's only response.

Yvette pulled out her wallet and handed him her identification card. "I called two days ago about my nieces breaking into my apartment, stealing me blind, and taking off with a bunch of foreigners."

Inspector Touren-Grosseau raised an eyebrow at her rant while he pulled up her information on his tablet. "I see that you did file a complaint. However, you failed to provide any list of valuables taken or substantiate your claim in any way."

"I'm still working on it," Yvette pouted. "I just happened to find them here when I came in to pick up something for lunch."

"Keep an eye on her," the inspector said quietly to the police officer. "I need to speak to the young ladies." Turning to Kyoya, he requested, "M. Hinan, may I speak to Estee and Coco Beringar for a moment?"

Kyoya held up a finger to say 'wait a moment' as he turned to his wall of brothers. "It is just a formality. The inspector and I spoke this morning about the matter," he whispered before waving Estee and Coco forward.

Grudgingly, Hikaru and Kaoru allowed the sisters to approach the inspector with their identification.

As he took the cards, the inspector smiled reassuringly. After entering the information into his tablet, he handed the cards back and said, "Everything appears to be in order." Then he turned to Kyoya again. "Since the young ladies are staying at your residence, I would like your permission to search the premises for the Mlle. Seward's missing items, when she provides a list, of course."

"Don't you mean 'if' she provides a list," Kyoya muttered under his breath. "You have my full cooperation," he assured the inspector.

Turning back to Yvette, the inspector declared, "Now we can address the charges leveled against you."

"What charges?" she demanded. "I haven't done anything wrong."

"The law would beg to differ about that. I received substantial evidence of your embezzlement of your sister's estate. You will come with us to the police station."

"I'll do nothing of the sort. You have no right…"

Undeterred, the police officer grabbed her arm and proceeded to secure her in handcuffs and inform her of her legal rights. Then he escorted her out of the bakery, ignoring her screams of protest the whole time.

Inspector Touren-Grosseau approached Sabine. "Thank you for calling. I apologize if we inconvenienced your business, but it will clear these cases up so much faster. While I'm here, I would like to pick up a dozen macarons and three croissants."

While Sabine was busy preparing his order, Kyoya turned to the group and smirked. "There is no need to worry about anything. The inspector will come to search as a matter of course to show due diligence on his part. Since Estee and Coco didn't take anything belonging to Yvette, they have nothing to worry about."

"Was having lunch here a set up?" Haruhi demanded, suspicious of the aunt's arrival.

"Not at all. Yvette's appearance was coincidental. I had no way of knowing she would show up here while we were having lunch. The inspector and I spoke this morning after I sent him my research on Estee and Coco's inheritance. Yvette was blatantly obvious in her theft of their money." Kyoya gestured for them all to return to their seats.

The inspector waved amiably to the group as he left with his purchase. Sabine came over to the table and asked, "Are you all okay? That bit of excitement was rather unexpected."

Mitsukuni grinned. "Actually, excitement like that seems to follow us around because we don't ignore wrong-doing. I think it was Haruhi that once said that corruption is like an elephant. You take it on one bite at a time. And it looks like we just took another bite."

Everyone laughed at his statement.

The bell over the door rang and Sabine turned to see who had come in. "Marinette. It's good to see you. How did the internship interviews go?"

At the sight of his old friend, Rene stood up and slipped around the table. Before she knew what was happening, Marinette was swept up in Rene's arms as he hugged her and spun her around the room.

Sabine was the only one who noticed that Marinette had not entered alone. Standing in the doorway in a state of shock were Alya, Nino, and Adrien.

Alya crossed her arms, snorted, and said with a smirk, "Well, looks like Mari really does have a thing for blonds."

Nino stood there with his mouth hanging slightly open because he couldn't believe his eyes.

Adrien suppressed the urge to growl and grab Marinette out of this…this…this encroacher's arms.

Takashi calmly stood up, judged his timing, and plucked Marinette gently out of Rene's suffocating embrace.

"Hey, Takashi, what did you do that for?" Rene pouted. "We haven't seen each other in five years.

"She needed to breathe," Takashi replied bluntly.

Marinette looked up…and up at the tall dark-haired young man that had 'rescued' her. Smiling brightly, she said, "Thanks, but it really wasn't necessary." She turned to Rene, picked him up, and swung him around in a tight embrace. "I've missed you. Five years is just too long."

Before Takashi had to intervene, Marinette set Rene back on his feet. "I am also relieved to see that you aren't dead. It was such a shock last week when the news reported that police suspected your grandmother had you murdered and your body hidden."

Nino finally recovered from his shock, stepped forward, and pulled Rene into a rough hug. "Dude, I am so glad that you're alive. It's been way too long, bro."

Adrien suppressed another wave of jealousy as the other blond garnered the attention of his best friend as well.

Haruhi snickered and whispered to Kyoya, "Maybe Nino is the reason Rene got so upset when he first figured out I was a girl and I remarked about just calling everyone 'dude' and 'bro' so I could pull off being a host."

"Interesting hypothesis," Kyoya replied quietly with a wink.

Alya stepped forward. "Hey, Mari, care to introduce us? Or are you trying to keep them all to yourself?"

Marinette blushed. "Rene, these are my friends, Alya and Adrien. They both started at College Francoise Dupont just after you moved to Japan."

Rene bowed over Alya's hand. "It is a delight to meet you, Alya."

"Dude, that's my lady," Nino grunted. "Friend or no friend, I don't take kindly to interlopers."

Haruhi stepped forward. "Don't worry about him, he's harmless. It's just the Host Club princely-type coming out."

Nino looked confused. "Host Club?"

Haruhi laughed. "Better to explain that after introductions. By the way, I'm Haruhi Fujioka. I met Rene because of the Host Club. There are quite a few stories that we have to tell."

Alya perked up. "Stories? Did I hear someone say stories?"

Rene turned to Adrien and said, "You look familiar." He pondered for a moment before snapping his fingers. "That's right, you are the face of the Gabriel brand."

Hikaru and Kaoru appeared on either side of Rene. "Fraternizing with the enemy? How could you, Rene?" they teased in unison.

Adrien looked at the twins quizzically and then this face lit up in recognition. "You're the Hitachiin twins!"

"It's been a while Agreste," Hikaru mused.

"Four years ago in Milan, wasn't it?" Kaoru asked.

Adrien grinned. "That's right. You two always played that game…'Which one is Hikaru?' I never could win. Though you don't look as alike now as you did then."

"We lost interest in the game when we encountered someone who always won, no matter how we tried to trick her," Kaoru admitted, jabbing a thumb in Haruhi's direction.

Hikaru continued, "In fact, let us introduce you to the rest of our group."

"Well, you don't need to introduce these two," Adrien said, gesturing to Estee and Coco. "They worked with me on a shoot three years ago when their mother was filling in for my regular photographer, Vincent. Two of the models I was supposed to be working with were stuck in New York because of a storm. They did a great job for stepping in last minute like that."

"Long time no see, Adrien," Coco teased. "It's been a whole week since we saw you while we were checking the work boards at Gabriel."

"Marinette, why don't you take everyone upstairs to continue the introductions and stories? The afternoon rush will begin soon," Sabine commented.

Looking pensive, Marinette responded, "Do you think we'll all fit? We have quite a crowd here."

"If I may make a suggestion," Kyoya interjected. "We could head to my house. There is plenty of room there for us to get comfortable and exchange stories. We can even plan on having dinner together."

Marinette, Adrien, Alya, and Nino looked at each other. "Sounds like a plan," Marinette replied.

Kyoya smiled. "Good. I'll call for transport."

"While he's doing that, let's finish the introductions," Haruhi inserted.

She had just finished introducing Mitsukuni, Reiko, Takashi, and Chiharu when the bell over the door rang and a well-dressed woman walked in.

"Marinette, thank goodness you're here. I really need you to watch Manon for me," Nadja Chamack begged. "I'm working on a story about the return of the missing de Grantaine son, but I can't make any progress locating him because Manon keeps running off or getting into things."

"I'm sorry, Mm. Chamack, but I have plans this afternoon," Marinette stated. She looked at Rene questioningly.

Understanding dawned on his face and he stepped forward. "Excuse me, but I believe I am the person you are looking for."

Nadja looked from Marinette to Rene to Sabine. Sabine nodded in confirmation that this young man was the person Nadja had been seeking.

"I would like to interview you for my show tomorrow. Are you available for a live interview tomorrow at one o'clock or will we need to record it?" Nadja asked.

Rene looked to Kyoya who nodded. "I am available. Just give me the address and I will be there tomorrow at noon so we have time to get everything set up."

"Thank you. Thank you so much," the reporter enthused as she handed him a card she retrieved from her purse.

Rene noticed that the transport had arrived to take them back to Kyoya's for their time with Marinette, Nino, and their friends. "I look forward to seeing you tomorrow, but you must excuse us, we have a prior engagement at this time."

OHSHC

"That was a lot of fun with Marinette, Nino, Alya, and Adrien yesterday," Chiharu said the next morning at breakfast. "It was fun hearing stories about Rene when he was younger."

"I thought Alya's pencil was going to start a fire on her notepad, she was writing so fast to jot down our stories," Reiko joked. "I guess that's really no surprise since she wants to be a journalist."

Mitsukuni spoke up. "So what are the plans for today?"

Kyoya stated, "I spoke to Inspector Touren-Grosseau this morning and he will be here at ten o'clock with two officers to search the premises for Yvette Seward's complaint. He said the 'list' she gave him was rather vague. It just said money and jewelry." Turning to Estee and Coco, he asked, "Do you have any money or jewelry?"

Chuckling mirthlessly, Estee replied, "I have some money from my job as a photographer's assistant. She was a friend of our mother's and she gave me a part-time job after the bombing. I have the pay stubs to prove it."

"I have a little left from my job washing dishes at a nearby café," Coco added, shrugging. "And we each have a couple pieces of jewelry that our mother left us."

Kyoya nodded. "Yes, I saw the pictures with your parents' wills. Everything appears to be in order, so we have nothing to worry about."

Rene piped up, "I have that interview this afternoon. Do we want to do some sightseeing after that?"

"Actually," Hikaru started, "I'd like a quiet day at home and a movie marathon tonight."

Kaoru added, "We're going out sightseeing and shopping tomorrow anyway."

Looking pensive, Rene responded, "Yeah, a night in sounds like a good idea now that you mention it."

There were murmurs of agreement from around the table.

Rene stood up to take his dishes to the sideboard. "I'm going to go finish reading the letters from my mother."

"I need to go clean up the mess the twins made of my room," Haruhi said, giving the offenders a half-joking glare.

"Mind if I keep you company while I work on business?" Kyoya asked.

She smiled softly. "I'd like that. We haven't had a lot of quiet time alone on this trip."

"Don't do anything we wouldn't do," Takashi teased.

Mitsukuni added, "We'll be in to check on you later to be sure."

"And we shall return the favor," Kyoya murmured, smirking and raising an eyebrow.

OHSHC

As everyone was arranging pillows and blankets to settle in for their movie night, Kyoya noticed that Rene was extremely pensive. Quietly he drew Rene aside and asked, "Is something wrong?"

Rene glanced around at the others and answered in a whisper, "Can we go talk in your office?"

Kyoya was disturbed by the downcast note in his brother's tone. He gestured for Rene to lead the way.

After he closed the door and the two of them settled in facing armchairs, Rene twisted his hands in his lap. "I finished reading my mother's letters today," he stated flatly.

Silence dominated the room as Kyoya waited for Rene to collect his thoughts and reveal the reason he wanted this meeting.

Suddenly, Rene sat up straight and his voice was hard as he bit out, "I want to take over the Tonnerre holdings…all of them."

Kyoya raised an eyebrow. "I take it your mother's letters were rather…illuminating about the Tonnerre family."

Rene stood up and started to pace. "I thought your fa…Yoshio was cruel and used people for his own ends, but the things my mother documented in her letters was another level of…of evil. Young girls lured with promises of good paying jobs, only to be used by Éclair's father. Then they would be dumped into one of his 'escort' businesses. But only after convincing them that they were worthless as anything but a body to be used for sex." He shuddered as he spat the words from his mouth.

Standing, Kyoya moved to his brother's side and wrapped him in a tight embrace. "Do you need me to get Haruhi for you?"

"NO!" Rene looked horrified. "I don't want her to know about the sick things the Tonnerres are capable of doing. If you guys had not stopped me from marrying her, I don't know what my life would have become." He buried his face in Kyoya's shoulder.

"Okay, we'll keep this project between the two of us. I have actually been considering a hostile takeover of several Tonnerre businesses since the stunt they tried to pull with the Otori Group that I thwarted. I just wasn't sure that Haruhi would approve of me taking revenge like that."

"What will she say when she finds out what we're doing?"

"Without going into detail, we will tell her that information in your mother's letters made the takeover imperative." Kyoya smiled encouragingly. "Don't worry. From what little you've told me, she would probably lead the charge if she knew."

"One more thing," Rene said, his expression serious. "I don't want any of the Tonnerre business linked to the Hinan family, even to dismantle it."

Kyoya smirked. "Not a problem. This is just the type of thing KO Conglomerate does. Don't you think the Tonnerre estate would make the perfect place for a rehabilitation center for rescued sex workers?"

"How very appropriate—and in some ways therapeutic for those exploited by Tonnerre to recuperate in the lavish surroundings formerly enjoyed by their abusers while said abusers languish in prison.," Rene grinned ferally.

"Poetic justice, don't you think? We'll need to find a top-notched group of physicians and trauma counselors to head the facility. I'll ponder who among my contacts would best be suited for that task while we watch movies tonight. Speaking of which, we should get back before they come looking for us. Shall we begin tomorrow while the others are out shopping and sightseeing?"

"Sounds like a plan, mon ami," Rene said as he headed for the door and the movies.

OHSHC

Reiko checked her bag for the envelopes with her permits and licenses to purchase and ship plants. "Are you ready to go?" she asked, glancing at Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Chiharu.

"Ready and waiting," Mitsukuni replied with a wink.

Takashi addressed those who were not accompanying them, "We'll be back for dinner, but we're going to spend the day exploring."

"Have fun," Haruhi called out as they left. Under her breath she muttered, "I know I won't be."

"We heard that," the twins chorused.

"Come on now," Hikaru admonished. "We have to behave ourselves because Marinette and Adrien will be with us."

"Okay, I concede that it will be fun to get to know them better."

Estee added, "Marinette is really nice and an incredible designer. She's won several design competitions in the past five years."

"It's no wonder she had internship interviews," Coco continued.

"Hmm, we'll have to ask her about that during our trip today," Kaoru mused.

Haruhi turned to Kyoya. "Are you sure you don't want to come along?"

"I wish I could, but I promised to help Rene with something today." He looked pointedly at the twins. "I trust you two will not try anything since you will have Marinette and Adrien along."

"Here's hoping," Haruhi said, laughing at the indignant expressions on their faces.

"I really wish you were taking our transport and a full security team," Kyoya stated.

"Adrien is only allowed to come if it is his car and his bodyguard. I'm sure we'll be fine, especially since I know you will have at least two security guards following us in an inconspicuous car," Haruhi murmured as she pulled Kyoya's head down to give him a kiss.

"You know me so well," he replied, caressing her cheek before she pulled away to follow the impatient twins.

"Speaking of Adrien," Hikaru interrupted, "his car just pulled up out front. I can see why he only has one bodyguard even though he's extremely famous in Paris—look at that guy."

"Have fun with your plans for world domination, you two," Haruhi called over her shoulder to Kyoya and Rene as she followed the others out to the waiting car.

OHSHC

"Mlle. Kanazuki, it is a pleasure to speak with someone so knowledgeable about pharmaceutical botanicals. Since your credentials are in order, I would be happy to help you identify which of our plants would be pertinent to your research."

Reiko turned to Mitsukuni and said, "You should go sightseeing with Takashi and Chiharu. This could take a while."

He smiled and replied, "Oh, I fully intend to stay here with you. I love watching you get passionate about your work. I do think, however, that Takashi and Chiharu should take some time alone. I'll be right back."

Takashi and Chiharu were waiting on a bench in the garden when Mitsukuni stepped out of the office. "You two go sightseeing. You deserve some time alone together. Reiko and the professor will be talking for a while. I'm staying here with her."

Takashi protested, "But…"

"No. You two will go have some time alone together."

Chiharu laid her hand on Takashi's arm before he could protest further. "Thank you. We'll see you two back at the house for dinner tonight."

After Mitsukuni returned to Reiko in the office, Takashi looked at Chiharu questioningly. "They need some time alone too. Remember, you don't have to be there to protect everyone from him anymore."

Takashi looked down at her and smiled softly. "Old habits die hard. Thank you for reminding me that he will be fine on his own." He offered her his arm. "Shall we?"

After fifteen minutes of wandering through the gardens and admiring the plantings, Takashi noticed that Chiharu was looking pensive. "Is something wrong?" He stopped and turned her gently to look at him.

Chiharu looked around rather than meeting his eyes. "Have I done something to upset her? Maybe my dedication to Mitsukuni?" Takashi thought.

"Let's sit on the bench over there. I have something I want to talk to you about," Chiharu said softly.

Takashi settled on the bench and stared at his hands in his lap, waiting to hear what Chiharu wanted to tell him.

Scooting close to him and taking his hand, she said, "I am not upset with you. I can read it in the look on your face." She reached up and cupped his cheek. "I just have a decision to make and I want your advice."

Takashi looked relieved as he waited for her to continue.

She rubbed her thumb across his knuckles for a few minutes as she gathered her thoughts. "Before the end of the term at University, I called Shima at Hinansho. I realized that I wasn't interested in advertising and marketing. You have each chosen your own path, rather than follow in your family footsteps. I want to follow my own path as well."

Raising her hand to his lips, he kissed it gently. "I will support your decision in any way I can," he assured her.

Taking a deep breath, she said, "I want to change my major to Hospitality Management, with my career goal of replacing Shima when she retires. What do you think?"

Takashi smiled. "If that is what you want, then I think you should do it. I certainly won't complain about you being around more during the breaks."

"Thank you for understanding. I just hope my family does." She stood up and pulled him to his feet. "Let's go do some sightseeing and have some fun."

Chuckling, he followed her as she dragged him toward the exit from the garden and out into the city.

OHSHC

When the twins climbed into the Agreste vehicle, they found Adrien and Marinette sitting together. They sat down opposite and pulled Marinette to the space between them.

"Hey," Adrien protested, trying very hard to contain a growl.

Haruhi climbed in and sat next to Adrien. "Don't worry. They're harmless. But you know how fashion designers are, they have to get together and compare notes and ideas."

Adrien sighed. "I know you're right. I just don't get out very much and Mari is the best friend I have."

"What about Nino?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"He's my best guy friend, but Mari understands the fashion industry and a lot of the things I go through being a model," Adrien admitted.

Estee sat on the other side of Adrien and Coco sat next to Kaoru.

As soon as the car pulled away from the curb, Hikaru rubbed against Marinette's right side and purred, "So, your mother mentioned that you were interviewing for internships. Anyone we know?"

"Those were three really intense days with ten interviews." She closed her eyes and started enumerating the list on her fingers. "Let's see, there was Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vitton, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gabriel Agreste, Audrey Bourgeois, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Bouchra Jarran, and Christian Loubouton."

Kaoru rubbed against her left side and asked, "Do you have a…favorite?" He looked pointedly at Adrien.

"I haven't received any offers yet so I can't really say," Marinette hedged.

Coco asked, "Don't you want to work at Gabriel so you'll be close to Adrien?"

Marinette's expression turned hard. "I do not like how Gabriel treats his son or his employees. And then, of course, was that spectacle he and Audrey created in London at the Knightsbridge memorial. I cannot believe that they pretended to be 'negotiating' when they were just creating a photo opportunity to advance their own careers."

Hikaru looked around her to his brother. "I like this one. She thinks the way we do."

Kaoru nodded. "Maybe we should offer her an internship with Hitachiin Fashions?"

"I'm sorry," Marinette said, looking down and twisting her fingers together. "There are reasons that I need to remain in Paris."

"Why would she limit herself like that?" Adrien looked at her in surprise and confusion. Then he thought, "Oh, of course. Her family is here in Paris."

Haruhi watched Adrien's reaction to Marinette's answer. "His life is a lot like Kyoya's was—controlling father, unrealistic expectations, suppressed emotions. The biggest difference is how sheltered he's been. From the stories the other night, he's only had about five years of normal social interaction. No wonder he doesn't understand the feelings he has for Marinette."

Before Haruhi could say anything to Adrien, the vehicle pulled up in front of the first shop where the twins wanted to take Haruhi shopping.

Just before they entered the shop, Hikaru's phone rang. He stepped away for a minute to take the call. When he returned, he had a huge grin on his face. He motioned Kaoru over and whispered something in his ear which made his twin grin as well.

"Okay, what are you to up to?" Haruhi demanded.

Hikaru smirked. "It something good."

"Estee. Coco. We have some good news for you," Kaoru called.

"What might that be?" Estee asked, slightly confused.

The twins exchanged a glance and Hikaru nodded to Kaoru to do the honors. "The phone call that Hikaru just received was from the lawyer for Hitachiin Fashions. He has drawn up the paperwork for you two to receive scholarships to whatever University you want to attend and a monthly stipend to cover living expenses."

"No," Estee stated. "We will not take handouts."

Hikaru looked at her tenderly. "It's not a handout. It is compensation for the death of your parents while they were in the employ of Hitachiin Fashions. A standard practice in better businesses."

"But it wasn't your fault," Coco proclaimed.

Kaoru countered, "It's not about fault, it's about what's right. It should have been done right after the bombing, but we didn't know who was working for our parents that day."

Estee stepped close to Hikaru and touched his arm gently. "You were dealing with your own loss and grief. I…we thank you for this opportunity to get the training we need so we can support ourselves."

Coco moved to Kaoru's side and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Thank you. This means a lot to us."

Haruhi waited a minute before she interrupted the doe-eyed looks they were giving each other. "If you four want some time alone, I can go off somewhere with Marinette and Adrien."

The twins and the sisters then recalled that they were standing on a public sidewalk. Light blushes graced all their cheeks. "It's fine. We'll get back to the shopping. We can talk more about the scholarships after we get back to the house," Hikaru admitted sheepishly.

After the twins found a couple of the pieces needed for Haruhi's wardrobe, they decided to buy a few things for Estee and Coco. The sisters tried to protest but the twins were adamant.

"We were there when you packed up your belongings at your aunt's apartment," Hikaru reminded them. "We know that you need a few things."

Kaoru looked at them pleadingly, though Haruhi was pretty sure it was an act. "Please let us indulge you. Haruhi won't let us buy very much for her and we love shopping."

Estee turned to Haruhi and asked, "Are they always like this?"

"Oh, this is toned down since we have company," she responded, nodding in the direction of Marinette and Adrien. "It's okay to let them have a little fun. But I warn you, keep an eye on them if you don't want to find something…risqué among your new clothes."

Half an hour later, they left the shop. They had arranged for their packages to be delivered to the house so they could continue unencumbered. They climbed in the vehicle to head to their next stop.

Estee was holding Hikaru's arm as they entered the shop. He mused, "I never realized how much more fun shopping could be with a willing participant. Haruhi has always been so reluctant we've practically had to tie her up and drag her along."

"I've never had someone this interested in shopping with me either," she replied, pressing lightly into his side.

"This is going to be so much fun," Coco enthused, holding Kaoru's hand and swinging it.

Kaoru smiled at her. "I know what you mean. You actually like to try things on to see how they look. Haruhi would rather grab the first thing in her size and be done with it."

"Okay, I get the message. I'm not fun to shop for clothes with," Haruhi called after them, grinning.

"You don't mind?" Adrien asked pensively.

"Not in the slightest. It's been a running gag practically from the moment I met them. Remember, I've never been big on appearances."

Marinette piped up, "How about you four go do your shopping while Adrien and I help Haruhi?"

"Sounds like a plan," Hikaru replied. "Good luck with getting her to try on anything." Then he and Estee wandered off in one direction while Kaoru and Coco went off in another.

Marinette walked around Haruhi, considering her from every angle. "Do you trust me?" she asked when she finished her appraisal.

Haruhi shrugged. "Why not?"

Adrien and Haruhi followed Marinette around the store as she picked up items and handed them to Adrien. Then she led them to the changing rooms.

Handing Haruhi several hangers, Marinette said, "Try these."

Looking skeptical, Haruhi took the pieces into the changing room. Several minutes later she stepped out and Adrien's swallowed hard.

Marinette guided Haruhi over to a full-length mirror. "What do you think?"

Haruhi turned this way and that as she admired the outfit. "I concede. You have quite the eye for style."

"Now go try this one," Marinette said, handing her another set of hangers. Haruhi went into the changing room less reluctantly this time.

By the time the group left the shop half an hour later, Haruhi had purchased three of the outfits Marinette had picked out for her. Estee and Coco had each changed into one of the new dresses the twins picked out for them. Their original outfits were shipped to the house with the rest of the purchases.

As they exited the shop, they were met by a gravelly voice demanding, "So, Estee and Coco, where has your aunt been keeping herself?"

Hikaru pushed Estee behind his back and Kaoru did the same with Coco. Haruhi stepped to Hikaru's side opposite Kaoru and Marinette to Kaoru's other side. Adrien signaled his bodyguard.

"Maybe you two should take us to your aunt's apartment and entertain us until she gets home," the large man with the gravelly voice suggested, leering greedily at Estee and Coco.

"She's in jail," Estee admitted.

"Oh, that's too bad," a weaselly little man sneered. "I guess you two will have to pay off your aunt's debts."

"Yeah. Two sweet little dishes like you will be very popular in our establishment. It should only take five or six years for you to earn enough to pay Yvette's debts," the larger one said, chuckling to himself at a joke only he understood.

As the two men reached for Estee and Coco, they were blocked by Hikaru and Kaoru.

"Keep your hands off," Hikaru growled through clenched teeth.

The larger man cocked his arm back, aiming his fist at Hikaru. "Don't interfere with my business, foreigner."

Hikaru braced for the blow, but it never came. When he looked, he saw that the man's arm was held in the vice-like grip of Adrien's bodyguard, who also held the back of the weaselly man's neck.

From behind the group of teens, an authoritative voice stated, "We'll take things from here." Men from Kyoya's security force restrained the men, allowing Adrien's bodyguard to remove his grip. "The police have been notified and will be here shortly. You may continue your shopping. I will inform the police that they may take your statements at the house later this evening."

Haruhi inclined her head respectfully. "Thank you for your prompt action."

The head of the team nodded in acknowledgement. "Please, be on your way so we can deal with these two."

Adrien's bodyguard herded the group into the vehicle. Hikaru held Estee as she wept softly into his shoulder, muttering, "What are we going to do? Who knows how many more of those…associates of Aunt Yvette's will come looking for us to pay her debts?"

Kaoru held Coco and rubbed her back in soothing circles. She was trembling and hadn't made a sound since the two men had confronted them.

Haruhi looked at the sisters and said to Marinette, "I think this is a good time for lunch. Shall we go to your parents' bakery?"

"That's a good idea. We can eat in the apartment, out of the public eye," she agreed. Calling to the man in the driver's seat, Marinette said, "Let's head to the bakery for lunch." Then she picked up Adrien's hand and stroked his knuckles with her thumb. "You doing okay? You've been awfully quiet."

His voice was barely a whisper as he replied, "For all the run-ins I've had with rabid fans, this encountered felt so much more sinister. Now I know why Father insists on my bodyguard." He laid his head on Marinette's shoulder and closed his eyes.

Haruhi patted his knee gently. "It's okay because it all worked out in the end."

Marinette wrapped her arm around Adrien's shoulders. "Just relax. We'll be to the bakery soon."

During lunch, they decided that they were done shopping for the day. Estee and Coco just wanted to head back to the house where they knew they would be safe.

OHSHC

That evening Inspector Touren-Grosseau arrived to take statements from the five accosted. "These were very dangerous men. While I'm glad they are off the streets, you should haven't confronted them by yourselves."

"Technically, we didn't," Haruhi clarified. "They approached us as we left a shop and Adrien's bodyguard neutralized them until Kyoya's security could take custody."

"Be that as it may," he continued. "Cochon and Belette are just low-level thugs in a very dangerous gang."

Hikaru laughed mirthlessly. "They called themselves 'Pig' and 'Weasel,' seriously?"

"But rather fitting," Estee inserted quietly.

Inspector Touren-Grosseau's tone was serious when he asked, "Do you have someone you can live with?"

Coco was nearly hysterical as she demanded, "But what about University? They could find us there easily."

"What about your Uncle Adam in London?" Kaoru offered.

The inspector looked pensive. "Even that may leave them vulnerable to this gang since they operate all over Europe."

Hikaru looked to each of his brothers and Haruhi. All of them nodded in return. "They can come live at Hinansho," he offered.

Estee and Coco looked at him to see if he was serious. "But why?" they asked in unison.

"Well, why not? Hitachiin Fashions is already going to provide scholarships and stipends, so you can go anywhere you want to in the world. I would really like it if you came to study at Tokyo University with the rest of us," Hikaru admitted bashfully.

The sisters pulled as many in the group into a hug as they could manage and the rest gathered around to join in.

"Looks like this matter is handled. There is the added benefit that I know where to find any of you if I need to," the inspector said. "Have a good evening."

OHSHC

Reynard greeted the Hinan group as they entered the ballroom. "Thank you for allowing me to throw you a going away party. It's been so good to see you again, Kyoya."

"It's been good to see you again as well," Kyoya responded. "I'd like to get together with you, Rene, Catherine, and Jean-Paul before we leave this evening."

"Ah yes, the last few details for the foundation." Reynard snapped his fingers. "By the way, Rene, I hope you don't mind that I invited your grandparents. They are eager to see you again after all these years. They are right over there near the refreshment table with your mother's brother and sister."

Rene's face lit up. "If you all will excuse me, I'll see you later."

Renge popped up and grabbed Haruhi's arm. "I wish we had more time, but you all are leaving tomorrow."

Haruhi smiled. "You know, Renge, you could always stay at Hinansho when you're in Japan for one of the Cosplay conventions."

"Oooh, that is an idea," Renge murmured happily.

"I hope you don't mind if I take a moment of Haruhi's time," Marinette asked politely.

Renge waved a hand dismissively. "You two go ahead. I'll just talk to the others."

"Thank you for the save," Haruhi said in relief. "Renge is best taken in small doses."

Marinette led her to a quiet corner near the doors to the garden. "Um, I wanted to ask you about something."

Trying to put her at ease, Haruhi smiled and said, "I'll answer if I can."

"Well, I remember from that night of stories that your significant other, Kyoya, used to be rather reserved and driven. What caused the change in him?" Marinette asked sheepishly.

At first, Haruhi was puzzled by the question. Then it occurred to her what Marinette was actually asking. "You want to know how to help him…Adrien. I notice the other day how much his life resembles what Kyoya's used to be." She spent several minutes giving Marinette tips on ways to help Adrien move forward with his life.

The twins and the Beringar sisters were talking to Tom and Sabine. "Please stay in touch," Sabine said patting Estee and Coco's arms.

Tom looked seriously at Hikaru and Kaoru. "The Hinan family will look after them, correct?"

Hikaru and Kaoru nervously exchanged a glance before Hikaru replied, "You have our word."

"And you know where we live," Kaoru interjected, trying to lighten the mood.

Tom laughed and clapped them on the shoulders. They were able to stay on their feet, just barely.

After an hour of refreshments and chatting, Tom approached Reynard. "Thank you for including us this evening. Sabine, Marinette, Adrien, Alya, Nino, and I have to be going. Please feel free to stop by the bakery from time to time."

Kyoya waited for them to leave before he asked Reynard, "Shall we have that meeting about the foundation? We'll need to be leaving soon since our flight is tomorrow morning."

"Of course." He gestured to a table on one side of the room. "The de Grantaines asked to be included because they are very interested in the foundation you wish to build out of the ashes of the Tonnerre empire. They were appalled when they heard about how Anne-Sophie was treated."

Rene's grandfather walked up and said, "Not to mention disgusted to learn that the Tonnerre empire was funded by human trafficking. I am proud of Rene and his new brother, Kyoya. You have done an exemplary job in just a few days."

"This project has actually been in the works for two and a half years. I started my research into Tonnerre holdings right after Éclair tried to trick Rene into a marriage," Kyoya admitted smoothly.

Rene patted Kyoya's shoulder. "You never want to get on the bad side of the Shadow King. Éclair did it three times in less than two days—she tried a hostile takeover of the Otori Group and insulted Haruhi, as well as trying to trick me into marrying her."

Catherine joined the discussion. "The new Foundation will certainly be keeping me busy for the foreseeable future. Rene, your mother would be so proud of you."

Jean-Paul added, "I should petition my Chief Inspector to give the Hinan family a medal. In addition to orchestrating the capture of Cochon and Belette, your dismantling of the Tonnerre empire has gutted the funding for the gang."

"Then it's probably a good thing that we're returning to Japan tomorrow," Rene stated. "They'll probably be a bit put out that we took away their cash cow."

Kyoya turned to Reynard. "Although there were enough legitimate businesses in the Tonnerre holdings to support the Foundation, feel free to contact KO Conglomerate here in France or SK Enterprises in England if additional resources are needed. I have left instructions that they are to help the Foundation in any way possible."

Catherine took notes as the group discussed the next steps for the Foundation and how soon it could start rescuing sex workers. It didn't take long for everyone to choose their assignments, eager to get started.

Reynard wished them all a good night. "Have a safe trip," he called to the Hinan contingent as he and Renge saw everyone to the door. "Don't forget to come visit again."

21