Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews, favs, and follows. Welcome to my new readers! Please take a minute and drop me a review. Happy Saturday Reading!
Disclaimer: Don't own it, never will.
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xXx
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Date Posted: 3/28/2020
Trigger Warnings: Language
The Next Phase - Chapter 31: The Bestest Uncle
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Saturday, March 19 (Continued):
Afternoon, Legoland Tokyo:
This has to be the most fun I've had during my entire tenure as Kyoya-sama's head bodyguard. Never, ever did I think I'd see him at a commoner's children's attraction. With a child. Holding his hand. Dragging him through the building.
Little Sota-sama is so excited to have his Uncle Kyoya taking him out for the day.
"Uncle Kyoya! Uncle Kyoya!" He was leaning forward and pulling so hard, like he was playing tug-o-war, and Kyoya-sama was trying to keep his dignity, but it's a lost cause. He really should relax and enjoy.
"Uncle Kyoya. This way. I want to see the Duplo Village!"
Kyoya-sama's wearing dark jeans and a navy button-down shirt. Getting him to dress that casual this morning was easier than I thought. Apparently, he'd been looking at pictures of Legoland on the internet and didn't want to overdress.
When we walked into the Shido Mansion, Sota-sama took one look at his Uncle's clothes and ran upstairs to change. His mother laughed when he came back down in jeans and a navy button-down shirt. He even wore sunglasses to match Kyoya-sama's regular glasses.
I knew right then this would be a day to remember forever.
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"This way…this way…this way," Sota-kun chanted as he pulled me across the lobby and into the Duplo Village room. It was exactly as pictured on their website. A room full of large Lego blocks and hyper children.
There's a huge pit of the larger Duplo blocks, and he jumped right in.
"Help me build a tower to the ceiling, Uncle Kyoya! Please. Please."
As the President and CEO of the Ootori Conglomeration, I must remain dignified and professional when out in public, but when I looked at that face, with the huge eyes and grin that went from ear to ear, I could not say no. How could anyone?
"Alright, Sota-kun. What color do you want to start with?"
"RED!"
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I watched my primary building a tower with his uncle and smiled at Tachibana.
"Are you recording this?"
"Definitely."
"Good. His mother will want to see how they interact."
"And I'll want it for other reasons."
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And now I'm on a children's ride. A ride. Sitting in a plastic chariot, shooting fake lasers at trolls and skeletons while trying to save a princess.
"You got him, Uncle Kyoya. Yea!"
It's actually not as horrible as it sounds.
I pointed to a bright pink creature and said, "Get him, Sota-kun."
He must have shot fifty times at that pink thing and didn't hit it. I shot once, and heard, "I got him! Did you see that! I got him, Uncle Kyoya!"
"You sure did. Great shot."
As he continued to shoot at the hoards attacking the 'chariot' we were riding in, I remembered Fuyumi's parting words…
Remember, he's a kid. He doesn't care that you're an important business leader. All he wants is to spend time with his Uncle Kyoya. Just have fun.
I leaned over and shot a skeleton with a sword and heard, "Great shot! You got him!"
I never did anything like this when I was a child, but he acts like he's enjoying himself.
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We exited the ride and headed for Miniland, an exhibit of miniature buildings and cityscapes done in regular Lego blocks.
"Your son is so energetic. How do you manage to keep up with him?" a frazzled mother with two children asked me.
"He's not my dad. He's my UNCLE KYOYA! The best uncle in the WORLD!" Sota-kun yelled, causing several families to turn and stare.
"Oh," she blushed, "that's so nice of your uncle to bring you here." Then she turned to me, "What a wonderful uncle."
"Anything for Sota-kun," I grinned, and he pulled on my arm.
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This is the bestest day ever! Uncle Kyoya is letting me go wherever I want and play with everything.
"Look, Uncle Kyoya. That's Paris!" I remember that funny pointy building from Dad's pictures of a trip.
"Yes. That's the Eifel Tower."
"Dad's been there for business."
"I'm sure one day he'll take you, Sota-kun."
"No! I want you!"
Uncle Kyoya laughed and said, "We'll see."
This is the bestest day ever!
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xXx
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Suoh Apartment:
"Haruhi, can I talk to you?"
"Sure, Kaoru."
I pulled her into the small study. This conversation couldn't have pressure from the rest of the guys.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes. It's fine."
I directed her to a sofa and sat on the other end. "Have you been following your hashtags?"
"No," she snorted. "Who has time for that?"
"Remember how there were some harsh tweets about you not really being a commoner? Then we put out that press release on your background?"
"Yes," she said, drawing out the word in cautious curiosity. This is going to get ugly.
"It kicked back some of the problems for a couple days, but the harsh comments are back and worse."
Her hand came up to her forehead, and she said, "So, I'm a commoner that did a modeling job because I'm a commoner and now I'm not a commoner anymore? That's revolting."
Where did everyone pick up that word?
"Haruhi, you are proud of your commoner background, and there's nothing wrong with that. The problem is that's not what people are seeing. They see a high school student at an elite school around rich kids. They see her living with an elite family, riding around in fancy cars, wearing beautiful clothes, and being guarded by her own security force."
"I wouldn't need that security force if I hadn't modeled for you! I wouldn't be living with an elite family if my father hadn't been killed!" She'd stood up and was yelling down at me.
"I agree with you," I said, holding up my hands in surrender. "You might not be the commoner you used to be, but you have the background and parts of your current life are beyond your control."
"What do you mean, 'not the commoner you used to be'?" I was really hoping she wouldn't get angrier.
I grabbed her hands and pulled her down next to me. "Be reasonable. You go to Ouran, you own a business, you model for one of the biggest fashion houses in the world, and your friends belong to the elite families of Japan." I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You're not who you used to be, but that doesn't make you less yourself. You realize that, don't you?"
She leaned her head against my shoulder and sighed, "I do know that, but it's harder than I thought. It's only been six weeks. In six weeks, I lost my father, his lover, and my bodyguard, I was kidnapped by someone who was trying to become my friend again, I had to move out of the apartment I've lived in for years into an unfamiliar place that's huge, I lost my scholarship…"
"Hey," I stroked her cheek with my thumb, "you're still Haruhi. Everyone's life changes. If it didn't, it'd be called still life."
That got a snort of laughter out of her.
"Uuuggggghhhhh," she moaned and shook her head like a dog trying to dry their fur. "Sorry. Didn't mean to get all weird. I know all that. I'm having more trouble accepting it than I thought I would."
"No problem. We're all here to help."
"Thanks." She sat up and scooted back from me. "Why are we here?"
"I think you should do an interview and explain your background and why you are where you are now."
OK, I didn't expect to see fear in her wide eyes.
"Interview?"
"Yes. I'll pick the magazine and interviewer. They'll be fair and polite and get your story out there to calm everyone down."
"But I don't care what they say about me." She thought for a minute then asked, "What does Endo think?"
"Your PR rep? I came to you first."
"It's not a good idea. I'm not comfortable with it."
"My mother thinks it will help."
"I don't think I can, Kaoru. I don't think it will make that much of a difference."
This is where her commoner roots are a detriment. She doesn't understand how business and image and trolls mingle. If I don't get this fixed, the line will tank.
I ran my hands through my hair in frustration but tried to be calm. "Haruhi, we need to schedule another photo shoot for the second wave of ads, but this needs to be solved first."
I stood up to leave the room, and she grabbed my hand, "Kaoru?"
I pulled away and said, "Please think about it," before I walked out the door.
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"Kaoru? What the fuck?"
I found him in our room, banging his head against the wall.
"I just fucked up with Haruhi. I feel like shit."
I laughed and said, "Did you dislocate her shoulder again? Did you call her your toy?"
"No. Don't be an idiot."
"Well, you couldn't have fucked up that big then. What'd you do?"
"I walked out on her. I told her she needed to do the interview, and when she said she didn't think she could, I walked out. I told her to think about it and walked out."
"Did you explain why she needs to do the interview?"
"Yeah."
"Bullshit. If you'd told her that your line was going to fail unless this issue was fixed, she'd be giving an interview right now." I grabbed his shoulders and gave him a quick shake. "What did you tell her?"
"Fuck," he huffed and walked to the window. The boss has got a decent view of the city, I'll give him that.
"I told her she should get her story out there, so they'd back off."
"And she said?"
"That she didn't care what they think."
"Duh. Of course, that's what she'd say."
"Yeah, but Hika, it matters to the line."
"And you didn't tell her that, moron."
He flopped down on the bed, and I flopped down next to him. "Give her some time to think. She's smart and learning more and more about business. It will click."
"Sure, but I feel like shit for walking out on her."
"She'll forgive that too. She's the best person either of us know."
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xXx
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Legoland, Tokyo:
"Anything I want?" Sota-kun asked me with complete awe in his voice. Was I not supposed to tell him that?
"Sure, but just a snack. You'll eat dinner at home."
"OK, Uncle Kyoya." Then he dashed over to the vending machines to look around. "Wow. Look at this. You can get your food from a machine!"
"That kid's never seen a vending machine before," one of the other kids whispered to his mother.
"Don't stare. It's not polite."
I came up behind Sota-kun and told him, "You can choose from something here or there's a window we can order from. Do you know what you're hungry for?"
His head swiveled as he tried to take it all in. Most was typical commoner food, but a few things looked edible.
I heard his feet running away and turned to watch him. "THAT!" He called, pointing at a picture on the menu.
That looks revolting.
Fries shaped like Lego bricks and a hot dog with a brick shaped bun.
"Please, Uncle Kyoya, please can I have that. Please."
I'm not sure anything could have kept the smile off my face. Such innocence and excitement over fried potatoes.
"If you're sure…"
"Yes! Yes!" he giggled, jumping up and down, still pointing at the picture.
I ordered the kid's meal for him and tea for myself, and we found a table.
Before too long, he was stuffing brick shaped fries in his mouth telling everyone I'm the best uncle ever.
I couldn't help feeling honored.
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"How about three?" I suggested.
"Any three?"
"We'll see. Go find what you want."
We were in the Lego store. He'd talked me into buy him a set. Well, there wasn't much talking. Just a 'please' and that smile.
As the day goes by, it's getting easier to relax into the role of Uncle.
"Uncle Kyoya? What's wrong?"
Dammit.
"Nothing, Sota-kun. I was just thinking." Thinking about Haru and the children we'll never have.
"OK," he said and ran down the aisle to find his toys.
"Everything alright, Kyoya-sama?" Tachibana asked quietly.
I ran my hand through my hair and sighed, "Yes. I'm tired. That's all."
He backed off and I started to consider the toys. Sota-kun, at five, was at the top of the age range for the Duplo bricks. Maybe some of the traditional sets were appropriate.
"Uncle Kyoya! Uncle Kyoya! Look. Dinosaurs!"
I joined him in front of a large display of completed sets. Dinosaurs. Everywhere. The Jurassic World line.
"You like those?"
Silly question. "Yes. They're the best. I want some Dinosaurs." He looked up into my face and smiled, "Please?"
Shit. That smile. Those eyes.
"They look fun. Pick three." At these prices, all three will still cost less than the shirt I'm wearing.
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xXx
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Suoh Apartment:
"This is going to be so much fun."
We were all in the main lounge, just off the entry, waiting for the girls to arrive.
"Don't worry, Haruhi. We'll help you get ready too."
Great. "I don't need help to put on a dress, Kaoru."
"Oh, yes you do. Besides, it's not my dress. Hika designed something for you."
That's different. Hikaru hasn't done much designing for me since his illness.
I looked at him and raised my eyebrow.
"Calm down. It's tasteful. I was designing something for Yuki and got a great idea for you too."
"Alright, as long as it's not pink."
"But Haru-chan, what's wrong with pink?"
"Nothing, Honey-senpai. It's just not for me."
The maid opened the door and Keiko-senpai and Cho-senpai came in. They aren't usually dressed this casually, but why dress up if you're only going to come here to get dressed to go out.
"Are we late? We were at the spa."
The spa? Again? Already?
"Cho-chan, you're not late. You're right on time. Do you want some cake?"
He danced up to her and held a pink cupcake to her mouth. "It's strawberry."
She took a big bite and thanked him.
"This way," Mori-senpai said as he picked up the bags. "I'll show you to the rooms you'll be using."
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"Hello all. Am I the only one wearing leather tonight?" Shinobu-chan said as she came into the room.
"I think so," Keiko-chan answered. "I'm wearing silk and lace."
"My shoes are leather," Yuki-chan called from the restroom.
This is going to be so much fun getting ready with all of them. We haven't been together as just girls since the spa.
Honey-kun ordered dozens of cupcakes from his favorite bakery, and I'm sitting in a corner nibbling on one. There's no way I'd wear leather, unless it's a purse or shoes, but Shinobu-chan looks wicked in it.
"Hope this will work," she said, pulling her dress out of her garment bag.
Dark gray leather skirt coming straight down to just above her knees with a matching lace shirt. Looking closer I realized the shirt is see-through, with the lace appliques in just the right places. Black spiked heels and a short, black leather jacket finished up the look.
"That's very sharp, Shinobu-san," Naoko said politely.
I wondered why there wasn't any color.
"Thanks. Ritsu told me to wear black and gray. Guess we're going to match."
"Or maybe he has a corsage for you," I guessed. "Some pretty flowers to pin to the jacket."
She looked at me very strangely. "No offence Cho-senpai, but if Asshole is dumb enough to think I'd let him poke a hole in my leather, he doesn't deserve to call himself a yakuza."
"Oh," I said, not really knowing how to respond. "Would you like a cupcake?"
"Any chocolate?" she asked, and I handed her one. "Thanks."
She walked back and bent over to grab her shoes. Oh! "Shinobu-chan?"
"Yes?"
"Do you always carry that gun?"
All eyes whipped around and stared. She reached around and pulled it out of her ankle holster.
"Shit. Forgot to give this to security," she mumbled and left the room.
"That was exciting."
"You didn't know she carried it?"
"No."
"What about Kasanoda-chan?"
"He always carries one. I'm sure it's with security now."
"Oh."
"Come on, Cho-senpai," Naoko-chan said, "don't tell me you're surprised. You know what they are."
"I suppose."
The room quieted down as they all went back to unpacking their dresses and accessories. I ate another cupcake and thought about two of my friends carrying guns around.
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"What do you think of my dress?" Yuki spoke up. "Hikaru designed it."
She'd described it to me already, but I was anxious to see it. I'll show off Kaoru's design after she's done showing hers off.
"It's beautiful."
"Thanks. I think it's appropriate."
And it was. A cream sheath-dress with an opaque over-dress that's a little longer and fuller, with the bottom trimmed in deep purple, giving the impression of it floating around her legs. The top had bold lace appliques in the same purple. They weren't like Shinobu's, designed to appear to show more than they were, but were swirled into a vague dragon shape resembling smoke. No sleeves, but wide straps over her shoulders.
"There's a wrap to match." She showed us a gorgeous short cloak, wool with lace bands, in the same purple.
"Hikaru did a great job. It's perfect for you," Keiko-senpai said. I had to agree.
"Here's the one Kaoru did for me," I said, opening the garment bag.
"Wow."
Damn right, wow. It's a dark navy baby-doll dress, with pleats in the skirt and bows where the spaghetti straps attach above my breasts. There's a matching ribbon choker with a bow to match.
"Haruhi-chan?" Cho-senpai asked, "What's yours look like?"
"I'm not sure. Hikaru hasn't let me see it yet."
"Knock-knock. Did I hear my name?"
"Hikaru, everyone loves your dress," Yuki said, blushing slightly.
"I'm glad they do." He walked over and gave her a quick kiss on the top of her head. They may not be dating, and her father may be arranging her marriage, but the kiss was very 'fashion like'.
"Here's yours, Haruhi. What do you think?"
Anyone can tell the twins have designed for her for a long time. Demure while being sexy, adult but still fun, Hikaru hit all the targets. It's longer than most of ours, coming down just below her knees, but the slits in the sides make up for it. It was a deep, solid red, close to brick. With a straight neckline and sleeves that flair at the elbows, the dress tucks in at her waist and then straight down. When he turned it around, we all gasped at the deep, plunging V down the back.
"Sorry, Haruhi. No bra tonight. I brought you a stick on." He handed her a package
"Are you kidding? What the hell, Hikaru? You knew I wouldn't like that."
"It's called fashion. Look it up."
"Never mind. I'll just wear the suit I brought."
"You brought a suit?"
"As backup. I never know what you two are going to try to make me wear."
"Oh, no, Haruhi-san," Shinobu said. She'd come in behind Hikaru and was standing in the doorway. "You have to wear that. The guys will be drooling all over you."
"I don't think that's what she wants, Shinobu," I said.
Haruhi sat down with a big sigh, "It's OK, Hikaru. I'll wear it. I didn't really bring a suit anyway."
"Thanks. You're a terrific muse."
"Whatever." She opened the package and looked confused. "Will someone show me how to put this stick-on thing on?"
"Anytime, Haruhi," Hikaru said with a sultry voice.
"No way in hell, Hikaru."
Just then, Renge came in.
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"Hello! Are we ready for some fun tonight?" I looked at them all staring at me. "What? Did I interrupt something?"
"No, Renge," Haruhi said, "Hikaru was just leaving."
"Alright, I'm going. Let Kaoru or me know if you need help with makeup or hair," he waived as he closed the door behind him.
"Renge, that garment bag is long. Is your dress floor length?"
"Sure is." I unzipped the bag and pulled the black dress out. "Tamaki-kun and I decided to go vintage tonight."
"It's straight out of the American 60's."
"I can just see Audrey Hepburn wearing it."
"Exactly. It's the 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' iconic long black dress. I even have the pearls, gloves, and bag to go with it."
"What's Tamaki-senpai wearing?"
"It's a more formal version of the suit the actor wore. I actually think he looks more like Steve McQueen in 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. We'll be perfect together."
I hung up my dress and said, "So, what's everyone else wearing?"
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"Why are they here at four? We're not leaving until six."
"Satoshi," I said, wrapping my arm around his shoulders like I was going to impart some amazing manly knowledge (which I was), "Beauty takes time."
"Get off me, Hikaru-senpai." He shoved my arm off and went to grab a soda. "It can't take that long to put on a dress."
"Oh, it doesn't. But it does take that long to compare dresses, try on each other's shoes, debate hair styles and eyeshadow colors, and talk about their dates."
"So, we're basically providing the venue for them to have girl time?" Chika asked.
"Yup."
"Meanwhile, we can have guy time." Kaoru grabbed my arm and said, "To the game room! Pool tournament!"
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"It's almost time to go. Is everyone almost ready?" I asked the rest of the girls.
"I am."
"Me too."
I took a last look in the mirror and wondered again why Ritsu said black and gray. No color. I know I look hot, but I'd be better in something bright. I've got some 'fuck me red' lipstick in my pocket as backup.
"Are you sure this is right?" Haruhi-san asked, fiddling with her stick-on bra.
"That's the way it fits. Does it hurt?"
"No, but it's weird."
"The price of beauty."
"Cho-senpai, you look so sweet. A perfect match for Honey-senpai."
Naoko's right. She's sweet. And pink. It's a darker pink than she usually wears. Like dark pink roses? Comes down to her knees and the skirt fluffs kinda like her ballgown did. Sleeveless. She's got nice shoulders.
Keiko-chan was the surprise of the night, wearing pants. Black, wide-cut, silk pants, going down almost to the floor over her spiked heels. She's getting better at wearing those the more time she spends with Mori-senpai. The shirt was a black camisole with spaghetti straps with a see-through, off the shoulders overshirt trimmed with silver geometric designs. Different but hot.
Maybe I could do something like that in leather.
"Princesses! Are you almost ready?"
"Yeah, come on, Bu. We have reservations."
"Coming, Asshole."
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I stood off to the side and watched how they reacted to the girls coming down the stairs. Renge-senpai asked me to take pictures.
"Chika, what are you doing over there?"
"Nothing, Tamaki-senpai," I said. Then I pointed to the top of the stairs. "You're going to miss them coming down."
They all looked suitably shell-shocked.
Shinobu-senpai was in the lead, wearing black and grey. Where's the color?
"Fuck me, Bu, you're hot."
"Thanks, Asshole."
"But," he said, lifting his shoulder in a half shrug, "there's something missing."
"What are you talking about?" she asked, turning around to see if she'd zipped up her skirt or forgotten a button.
"This." A black velvet box came out and he opened it.
Several of the girls gasped as he took out the necklace and held it up.
"I know black and gray can be a little dull, but who wants their dress to get more attention than the girl?" He clasped the chain around her neck. "Besides, you look so fucking hot in red."
The ruby pendent was huge and was easily seen against her skin.
"Damn, Ritsu, you just made me feel like 'Pretty Woman'."
I got a great picture of his smirk. "Yeah, well, I can do fluffy romance if I want to."
"Thanks," she whispered and gave him a kiss that had the rest of them giving wolf whistles. And I got the pictures to prove it.
Kaoru-senpai swooped over and lifted Naoko-senpai off the bottom step with a spin. "You look great in that dress. Just like I had pictured."
She planted a kiss on him as he was spinning her.
Renge-senpai came down and I finally understand why Tamaki-senpai's suit looks old-fashioned. They match.
"Tamaki-kun, you're perfect. We look great together."
"I'm even more handsome with you on my arm. You're beautiful." I watched as he gave her a deep dip and kissed her.
These pictures can't be for the club photo books. Who wants to see the hosts kissing their girlfriends?
Yuki-senpai and Haruhi-senpai came next. They both looked great, and Takashi's face was definitely photo worthy. His eyes were huge and there was a slight pink blush on his cheeks. I should show this picture to Aunt Umeko.
The last were Keiko-senpai and Cho-senpai.
"Cho-chan!"
"Honey-kun, we match!"
Yeah, they did. Their pinks matched. Ugh.
I heard Takashi gasp as Haruhi-senpai turned around. That dress dips down practically to her waist.
I'm definitely going to show these pictures to Aunt Umeko.
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xXx
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Shido Estate:
"Mom, we had so much fun! Uncle Kyoya helped me build a tower that was as tall as him. Then we rode a ride and shot the bad guys."
My son was jumping around, acting out the ride.
"Pew! Pew!"
"It was awesome! Uncle Kyoya shot some too. We saved the princess."
"You did. I'm so proud."
"Then, we ate Lego fries and Lego hot dogs!" He was pulling on Kyoya's arm, "Show her the pictures, Uncle Kyoya. Show her the pictures."
Fries and hot dogs?
Kyoya handed me the phone and I swiped through. Actual fries and hot dogs that are shaped like Lego blocks. I never would have thought.
There's the tower they built, with Kyoya holding Sota up to put a brick on top. Tachibana must have taken it. I can see why he enjoyed the ride. He'll probably be playing that crazy video game after dinner. It will take a miracle to get him to bed on time.
"Uncle Kyoya's the best uncle ever. Look what he bought me!"
One of the bodyguards handed Sota a bag and he dumped out three boxes. Legos. Of course.
"Dinosaurs, Mom. Uncle Kyoya bought me dinosaurs."
I bent down to look. "These are the smaller blocks," I said, looking up at Kyoya.
"He's at the top of the age range for the bigger ones, so I thought these were appropriate."
"They're fine."
I'm wrong about the video game. He's going to dump these all over the floor and build with them tonight. I'll still never get him to bed on time.
"Thank you, Uncle Kyoya. You're the best uncle ever!" He ran over to Kyoya and held up his arms. I was shocked as he was scooped up and hugged by my little brother.
"You're the best nephew ever, Sota-kun. I'm glad you enjoyed today."
"I did. I did."
His ruined appetite, Legos all over the house, and wrecked bedtime are all worth it to see that hug.
Yuuichi and Akito treat Sota like a puppy that you pet once and then ignore. He basically has no relationship with them.
This does both Sota and Kyoya good.
"Alright, Kiddo, time to go upstairs and get ready for dinner."
"But Mom, I'm not hungry."
"Maybe not, but you're going to try to eat some vegetables."
"I want to play with my dinosaurs."
"How about a compromise? Open only one and play while I talk to Uncle Kyoya. When he leaves, it's time for dinner."
He pouted while looking at his three boxes, and I could hear the gears spinning in his head. "Just one?"
"Just one before dinner."
"OK!" he yelled. Grabbing the biggest one, of course, he ran upstairs. He made me proud when he stopped at the top and called down, "Thank you, Uncle Kyoya!"
"You're welcome, Sota-kun."
"Can we go again tomorrow?"
Kyoya and I both laughed. After everything that's gone on in his life, him laughing was music to my ears.
"Not tomorrow, but we'll do something again soon."
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"I need to go to the office. I let several emails sit while Sota-kun and I were out."
Her eyes twinkled. "Kyoya, you may run the world, but you have time for a cup of tea with your sister. I want to hear how today went from you."
She handed me a cup and I leaned back into the chair. "Sota-kun is a nice boy, and I hoped to tolerate the outing for him."
"And…"
"And I will admit this to you and no one else," I paused for effect, "It was enjoyable."
"Was that so hard?"
I felt my eyes narrow. "Yes."
"Well, I don't think it was, but I'm glad you enjoyed it all the same."
I bowed my head to her and said, "Thank you for allowing me to spend time with Sota-kun."
"You scared me that night you came over." Her forehead furrowed and a line appeared between her brows. "I was worried for you. Even though Yoshio's dead, there's so much pressure on you. It's good to see you're coping better."
"I'm trying," I said, taking a sip of tea. An enjoyable blend. The Host Club should serve it. Dammit.
"It's noticeable and if you continue on this path, you can continue to see our son."
"There are many reasons for me to change. Sota-kun being number one." Haru being number one as well.
I stood up to leave and said, "Please tell your husband how much I appreciate him sharing his son with me."
"I will. He's pleased that you want to. It's good for both you and Sota."
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xXx
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Ootori Limo:
Riding home in the limo, thinking over the day, I realized I didn't even want a drink. Good. Good riddance to a crutch I don't need.
I swiped through the pictures from today, seeing the pure joy on Sota-kun's face.
I enjoyed our outing. I actually enjoyed being out with the commoners and playing with my nephew. He's a bundle of energy and so innocent.
He doesn't give a shit that I'm the head of the Ootori Conglomeration. Or that I almost ruined Haru's life. Or that I don't have an heir yet. I'm his Uncle Kyoya. That's it, and it's enough.
There's no pressure when I'm with him. Just follow along and watch him enjoy life. I smiled more today than I have in months. Since I was with Haru.
Sota-kun calls me the greatest uncle in the world. I want to continue to be that for him. It feels good to be that for him.
.
xXx
.
Noguchi Gallery:
"Welcome to our newest show," Tamaki-senpai said, throwing his arms wide and backing into the gallery. "Enjoy!"
We came at the opening and will stay until it closes. Then to some fancy restaurant. I'm hungry now.
"Haruhi, make sure you sample the hors d'oeuvres. I believe I see fancy tuna," he said, walking by me and speaking under his breath.
Fancy tuna!
"I'll come with you," Chika said. "I'm starving."
After we'd made up our (too small) plates, Chika and I walked over to a high-top table.
"No chairs?"
"It's supposed to facilitate mingling," he said.
"Do you know much about art, Chika?"
He held up his finger, asking for a minute. I'd caught him with tuna in his mouth. Once he'd swallowed, he said, "Traditional Japanese art, yes. This more modern art, no."
"Oh. I don't think Tamaki-senpai has had traditional art here."
"It's a show gallery, exhibiting new art. I doubt I'd ever find anything here that I'd care for."
I picked up my club soda and said, "That's the nice thing about art. There are so many types, everyone can find something to like." I took a sip and then another piece of tuna. How many can I eat and not be rude?
"What did your employees think about taking Petto Chinmi private?"
"I spoke with my assistant executive director, our marketing head, and finance. They're all on board. We'll be digging deeper into it Tuesday after classes."
"Good." He plucked at the cuff of his shirt.
"That suit flatters you, Chika."
"Thank you. This is the first time I've worn it." He reached up and straightened his tie. "It's a different cut than I'm used to and am still adjusting."
We watched the others mingle for a few minutes while we finished off our plates. I'm still hungry.
"Did you ask the girls about your stock?"
"Yes. None of them own any."
I must have looked concerned because he put his hand on mine and said, "Don't worry. We'll figure it out."
"Thanks." I picked up my plate and said, "I'm going to try those shrimp things next."
.
"Tama-chan, this art is fun!"
He'd walked up to our group. Mitsukuni, Cho, Keiko, and me.
"Yes. It's different," Keiko said.
"I'm glad you like it. Aditya Aryanto, an Indonesian digital artist, photoshops animals into surreal, silly, and unexpected situations. This one here is a good example."
He pointed to a huge whale swimming in the desert sand. Strange.
"That one's my favorite," Mitsukuni pointed to an enormously fat giraffe. Its body was the shape of a beach ball, and its neck was short.
"What about that one, Honey-kun? The kitty is all squared off."
"It should be a bunny," he said, jamming his hands in his pockets.
"Tamaki?"
We all turned to see Suoh-san walking up to our group.
"Father! I'm so glad you came. Is Grandmother here?"
"No." He looked around at the pictures. "These are interesting, but they are hardly her style."
"True."
"Will you excuse us," he said, bowing his head briefly. "I'd like to speak with Tamaki alone."
.
"Is something wrong, Father?"
His eyes were wide, and he'd paled a little. I need to stop this before it gets out of hand. "No. Nothing's wrong."
He blew out a breath and smiled.
"I wanted to make sure you knew how proud of you I am. You handled the contract negotiations well and the gallery is successful. It will be good to have you living in Mansion #1 with me."
He rolled his shoulders, standing up straighter. "Thank you, Father. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," I smiled. "Now, show me to the bar and then give me a quick tour. I don't want to keep you from your customers too long."
.
"This is some strange shit, Ritsu."
"Yeah. All the square animals give me the creeps."
"Think I could get away with a glass of wine?" she asked while adjusting the lapels of my jacket. I'd worn a dark gray suit with a leather jacket to match her. I went overboard at the jewelry store and bought myself ruby cufflinks.
"Probably not a good idea. Don't want to get Tamaki-senpai in trouble."
"Fine," she huffed. "Not sure I can take hours of this without alcohol."
I put my hand on her hip, "I'm here. I can keep you entertained."
"Oh, yeah? Let's see it."
My brain froze. Fuck. What the hell do I do to entertain her for hours in a gallery with weird art.
"What's the matter, Asshole? Performance anxiety?" she smirked, cocking her head and looking at me with laughing eyes.
"Fuck."
.
"Are you buying a picture, Haruhi?"
I looked up from the credit card slip I was signing. "Yes. The dragonfly picture." His eyes crinkled. "It had the London Eye in the clouds and a huge dragon fly perched on top?"
I saw the spark in his eyes return when he remembered the one I was talking about. "Yes, that picture is perfect for you. Up in the air, flying free."
"I think I'll hang it above my desk."
"What an honored place for my picture," the artist said as he walked up to us. "Thank you for your interest in my art."
"It's beautiful. I had a hard time choosing between that one and the plane that was part crane."
"Both evoking the feeling of freedom, from gravity, from day-to-day life, from anything you wish to escape from." He bowed and said, "Thank you again for your purchase. If you'll excuse me."
"Yes. Of course."
Putting away my credit card, I turned to Tamaki-senpai and asked, "Did anyone else buy a picture?"
"The show has been successful. Kasanoda and Mori-senpai both found a picture to buy."
"Good for them. There's quite a selection." Just then Keiko-senpai stepped up to the counter.
"I'd like to purchase the crocodile picture please."
"You found one too, Keiko-senpai?"
She laughed, "Yes. There's one with a white cat and a bird riding a crocodile. The cat looks just like my sister's. It's for her."
"I'm sure she'll enjoy it," Tamaki-senpai smiled. Taking her hand, he kissed her knuckle, "The Noguchi Gallery thanks you for your purchase."
.
xXx
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Five-Star Restaurant:
Haruhi lowered her head and used her hand as a shield from the flashes. There are a fuck-ton of paparazzi here tonight.
Some of us are more used to it than others. Kaoru and I get photographed all the time and are constantly in the tabloids and magazines. Mori-senpai, Honey-senpai, Satoshi, and Chika are used to the attention from competing. Tamaki-senpai, as the presumptive Suoh heir, has rumors flying a lot. Not sure about Kasanoda and Shinobu, but they don't look surprised.
"There she is. That's the Hitachiin model!"
"Fujioka-san! Over here for a picture!"
"Doesn't look very common to me."
"Hikaru! Kaoru! How about a photo for the magazine!" We posed but didn't bring Haruhi into it. I'm not doing that to her here.
"Morinozuka-san, are you going to win the gold for Japan?"
"She's a fake. She's not a normal person like us."
"I don't even want to wear the clothes now. It's all a lie."
"Yasuchika! I'm your biggest fan!"
By this time, Mori-senpai had escorted Haruhi into the restaurant, his arm around her shoulder, trying to block her from the cameras. Hope it doesn't make it worse.
.
xXx
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Suoh Apartment:
"I'm going to bed. Good night everyone."
We watched Haruhi go up the stairs, carrying her shoes.
"She's still upset about the photographers and fans."
"In know. She was so quiet during dinner."
"And she hardly ate anything."
"Not sure you can go by that, Satoshi. You didn't see how much fancy tuna she ate at the gallery."
Tamaki-senpai asked if we wanted to watch a movie, but we all declined. It's after midnight and we're all tired.
"Don't worry so much, Kaoru," Hika said. "Maybe that's what she needed to decide on the interview."
"Doesn't matter. She shouldn't have to go through that."
"Price of fame."
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xXx
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Sunday, March 20:
Main Lounge, Suoh Apartment:
"We've all had time to think. What are we going to do about the Host Club next school year?" Satoshi said, opening the meeting.
Hika and I had talked about this. No one will be there every day. We're losing Kasanoda and three of our members will only be there on Wednesdays. Plus, half of us have girlfriends.
I cleared my throat and started, "I don't see how we can continue it."
"No! We have to. It's our family. We can't quit." I knew he'd go crazy. "This club is everything! The princesses need us." He'd jumped up and was pulling on his hair. "Kaoru take it back! Take it back!"
So much for this being a civilized meeting.
"Tamaki-senpai? Please come back and sit down with me." Haruhi'd gotten her arm around his waist and was leading him back to his love seat. "Running around and yelling won't solve anything." She took his hand, laced their fingers, and squeezed.
"We have to talk about this, and you're not helping by flying off the handle."
"But…but we can't close the Host Club!"
"So far, we've only heard from Kaoru." Her eyes went around the room, resting on each of us. "What does everyone else think?"
"My plans haven't changed. I will not be a host next year. As for whether you keep it open or not, I shouldn't have a say," Kasanoda said, shaking his head.
"Takashi and I can still come on Wednesdays, Tama-chan."
"Yes, we can, but I'm not sure that's enough to keep it open."
"AAAhhhhh!"
"Senpai, hold on," she said, squeezing his hand again.
"Kaoru and I can only come two days a week at most, Boss. That's not enough to keep the quality up."
"Unless someone else is able to take over all the logistics I do, we'll have to close because I can't do them anymore. I'm sorry, Tamaki-senpai, but the Olympics are more important."
"For me as well," Chika said.
"What about you, my darling friend. Surely you want the club to continue."
"I'm only able to come on Wednesdays, but I'd prefer to not host. The attitudes of my guests have calmed down, but a few of them still stare at me and make iffy comments. I think shutting down is a good idea."
"No," he whispered, hanging his head and shrinking in on himself. "Not the Host Club."
I glanced around the group and saw regret on every face. OK, maybe not Chika's, but he wasn't smiling.
"We're all growing up and branching out. Businesses, schoolwork, family, competitions, it's just not feasible."
He still hadn't looked up so Hika tried, "Boss, the Host Club changed my life. For the better. Without Haruhi, Kaoru and I would still be doing everything together and not talking to anyone else. Without the club, I would have never made it through my treatment and come out well at the end. Without the friendship of everyone here, I'd never felt confident enough to start an internship, especially without Kaoru. But it doesn't work anymore."
Tamaki-senpai moaned and squeezed Haruhi's hand again. She tightened her grip around his waist.
"This club has changed me too, Tama-chan! I found Cho-chan here. I learned to not be so dependent on Takashi. I think I've grown up some."
Mori-senpai stared at Honey-senpai for a minute before he spoke, "I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the club when I started and was surprised when I did. I made friends that accepted my quiet nature and didn't want me to change. I learned a great deal about myself and my goals in life by watching you all follow yours. I have my doubts the club can continue half-staffed or less."
"I know I said I shouldn't have a say, but I'll tell you this. This club tore down that rough exterior and helped me make friends. I agree with Mori-senpai, to be accepted for who and what I am was the best part of this. But, Tamaki-senpai, you're talking about operating on a skeleton crew. How can you provide the high quality you demand?"
"Be honest with yourself, Senpai. Will it be the Host Club you want without everyone being there?" Haruhi gently asked.
.
My club is dying. I can't take this. I worked so hard to find the right people and build a family. Now they're all leaving.
I think I'm dying inside.
This was our vision.
That's it! That's the problem I've been feeling. Kyoya's not here. We started this club. Yes, it was my idea, but I couldn't have done it without him. He managed the money and brought my cosplay dreams to life.
I haven't told anyone, not even Renge-chan, but the club has felt 'off' for the last couple of months. It's Kyoya. He's not by my side making everything work.
I don't have a best friend and vice-president anymore, and it hurts. Why haven't I realized this before now? There's a huge hole in my life. I knew I missed him. Knew I needed him. But I didn't know how much he meant to me. How much I depended on him.
He's not coming back, and the Ouran High School Host Club will never be the same.
.
I held his hand and rubbed his back as he worked through things. The club was his baby, his family.
"Tamaki-senpai?" I said softly.
"Haruhi, I don't want to lose you. I don't want to lose any of you."
"Senpai, look at me."
He shook his head, so I let go of his hand and grabbed his chin. Once his eyes were on mine, I said, "You're an idiot." I said it gently and with love. "What on earth makes you think you'd lose all of us if we closed? We'll be friends for life, with or without the host club."
"Really?"
"Really."
The rest of the group assured him too.
"You'll always be my friend, Tama-chan! Just because there isn't a club doesn't mean we won't see each other. We're both at Todi. We may even have a class together."
"You won't lose us either, Boss."
"Yeah, you're too much fun to tease."
Chika huffed, "You're coming to the Olympics, right? I need a cheering section."
"But if there's no host club, when will we see each other?" he asked.
I swallowed past the lump in my throat and croaked, "We'll think of something. This group is too close to ever break up." Pulling away and taking a look around the room, I said, "Let's break for lunch and a change of topic, and pick this up after."
.
Before we made it to the dining room, Haruhi took my arm and pulled me aside. "I need to talk to you, Kaoru."
"I need to apologize to you for being rude yesterday."
"No, you don't. I've already forgotten about that."
Hika's right. She's the best person we know.
"I've done some thinking, and I know why I need to do the interview. The absolute last thing I want is for all your hard work to fail. Like it or not, I'm the face of your line and must uphold my responsibilities."
"Haruhi, you don't…"
"Yes, I do. You don't have to protect me from that. I may not have known what I was getting myself into, but I'm here now and I won't let you down."
He pulled me into a tight hug. "Thank you," he mumbled in my ear. "This means so much to me."
"I know, and I want to do my part."
.
xXx
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Ootori Private Jet:
This bottle of sake is excellent.
Goodbye Japan. Goodbye hospital. Goodbye answering to Kyoya.
Now I can let everything go and be in complete control of my life. No longer needing to pull strings in the background to feel powerful. I am powerful.
Once I land in Switzerland and move in, the first thing I need to find is the local BDSM scene. It's been way too long, and I'm way too frustrated. I must be discrete, so word doesn't get back to Kyoya. I owe him at least that. He changed and gave me my freedom.
.
xXx
.
Main Lounge, Suoh Apartment:
"Now that we've all agreed to close down the Host Club, how do we want to do it?"
I'm running the meeting again, taking notes and keeping them on track. Tamaki-senpai didn't say a word a lunch, but by the end he'd agreed to close.
"How many more weeks are there?" Haruhi-senpai asked.
"Two, if we don't open finals week."
"Maybe we should do a cosplay on Wednesday that week."
"Don't see why not, Boss. A break in the middle of the week might be what everyone needs."
"So, we'll need two more cosplays. Next week's is already set."
Everyone tossed out ideas, some were crazy, some were too expensive, and some could work. We hammered out the details, and the twins started thinking about costumes.
"We need something amazing to end with. Something that tops everything we've ever done." Tamaki-senpai closed his eyes like he was forcing himself to think.
His hands hit the table, and we all jumped. "A BALL!" he shouted. "We'll host the biggest, most extravagant ball ever for graduation."
Biggest? Extravagant? Sounds like a ton of work right before finals.
"When?"
"The day before graduation. That Friday night. We'll throw the ball of the century!"
"That's right after finals, Tama-chan. How are we going to set it up and study at the same time?"
"Oh," he wilted. But not for long. "Divide out the tasks. Each of us can do a little bit, and we can start planning now."
That topic was discussed to death for the next hour, but tasks were assigned, and enough detail was planned so I could start setting it up.
"Anything else?"
"I have an amazing idea that all the princesses will love!"
I don't like the sound of that.
"…"
"Are you kidding?"
"That's nuts, Boss."
"I think it sounds like fun! Usa-chan will love it!"
Organizing that took just as much time as the ball, but I pushed through it. What will the parents think?
"What about next year," Kaoru-senpai asked. "Without the club, when will we see each other?"
"I've been considering that," Haruhi-senpai said. "Let's all meet every Wednesday to study and then eat dinner at the diner."
"That's brilliant, Haru-chan!"
"Where will we study? Mitsukuni, Tamaki, and I will be at Todi, while the rest of you are at Ouran."
"I thought of that too, Mori-senpai. We'll study at the public library. It's sort of between the university and Ouran and not too far away from the diner."
"Girlfriends too?"
"Girlfriends too."
Then Chika cleared his throat and sat up straight in his chair. "I want to continue the Tuesday charity collection. I'll manage it if I continue to get suggestions from you."
"I think that's a perfect idea, Chika," Haruhi-senpai said. When she turns on that smile, it could melt a glacier. "I'll help you."
.
xXx
.
Author's Note:
I had a lot of fun with Legoland. Kyoya easing into his uncle role, Sota being crazy excited for his uncle to take him somewhere. Legoland is real, but I used aspects of their places all over the world in this story. Yes, the fries and the hot dogs are real.
The artist and the pictures I described are real. Google his name and you'll find them. Wanted to use a real artist and art.
Looks like Haruhi's going to do the interview. I'll be honest with you all. I didn't think her modeling for Kaoru would turn into such a big deal, but the more I wrote, the more I realized how impactful it would be. As she said, she's the face of the line. Which I really need to name…suggestions?
And finally, the decision about the Host Club's future. I hope I did the conversations justice. I'd planned this since the middle of the second story. With all the expanding I've done in their lives, it's just not viable anymore. I promise to send them off with a bang.
More complete Disclaimer: I neither own or make any money from the following: Ouran High School Host Club, Lego, Digital Artist Aditya Aryanto, the Olympics, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn, or anything else I might have mentioned.
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Next Chapter:
Back to school. A date for Haruhi? And some progress on her recovery.
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