A/N: Alright guys, second to last chapter! There will be one more after this, probably shorter then all the rest but still fun! We see the final result of Kyoya's hard work and planning in this chapter. We see Tamaki fight for the woman he loves. And we finally get to see some Mori and Honey action (them riding a motorcycle, not making-out) hahaha.
WARNINGS: Not a lot for this chapter, pretty tame. Sit tight and enjoy the chappy! Read and Review and let me know what you thought! OH! Uhm…..swearing (f-bomb!...multiple times)
Also, I really tried to think of how each character would react to their situations, how they would handle their tasks and how they would respond. I honestly think Tamaki might get a little carried away, not to say I think he is stupid, but we all know how much he loves Haruhi. So, don't think I am bashing Tamaki in this for messing things up (he only does a little). I like that character so I really am not trying to make a dig at him.
Chapter Four
The Club Gives Chase!
"It's been six months and the more time I spend with Haruhi, the more I realize she is everything I could ever want. Her personality, her grace and gentle nature remind me so of my wife. It's like she was brought back to me in this sweet little girl. I think I have finally helped her to accept her mother's death, not completely, it will take more time, but she will be able to move on by the end of the year. Though, the prospect of giving her a clean bill of health and not seeing her again breaks my heart.
"It's unprofessional, the way I feel for her, as if she is my own child and yet so much more. It's confusing and leaves me feeling dizzy and slightly mad. Yet, I know, when I wake up tomorrow I will look forward to seeing her. To holding her on my lap while she colors and hearing about all her ideas on the state of the world. She can name every American President, knows the entire history of Japan. How she picks up and memorizes such things is beyond me.
"The last time she came in for her appointment she asked if I was sad, she could see it before I could. I realized only after she offered me a hug that I was indeed sad, for I knew then, as I know now, she will be without need of my services soon. As immoral as it is I know I could lie, say she will need several years worth of therapy but….to what end? She is a child, it would be years before she was old enough to be anything to me but a patient, and even then….doctors code of conduct would frown upon something so blatantly inappropriate, even if she was eighteen. So, I have made the decision that after today's session I will write Haruhi a clean bill of health and send her off to live a normal healthy life. It will pain me, but it is for the best."
Ranka looked up at Kyoya who was rubbing at his chin with his hand, "It's odd."
"What is?" Ranka asked as he turned the page in the book and flipped back and forth between pages, eyeing the dates with confusion.
"Everything up until the last two entries has been nothing but professional. There didn't seem to be any catalyst for his break from sanity until now and even then, simply finding similarities between Haruhi and his wife, comparing her to a daughter or even some reincarnated lover….it's still only thoughts, there is nothing that indicates what could have caused the man to spiral out of control and become obsessed."
"Actually, I think I found it." Ranka said rather worriedly.
"Yes?" Kyoya asked and he shifted closer, coming to sit next to Ranka and gaze down at the book with him.
"His log entries skip nearly two months between pages. He didn't add anything to his journal until later, and judging by his handwriting I think we've reached the point where he loses it." Ranka says.
Kyoya starts reading aloud, "I thought if I didn't write about it, I could somehow get away with my journal feels to me more like a confession in church then a place for me to pour out my daily stresses. It feels like the world knows when I write things down, I thought if I stopped writing, I wouldn't feel like I was being judged. But without my journal, I feel my stress build, feel like I might explode from within. My feelings and thoughts, urging me to steal this little girl away. She needs to be with her father, yet all I see at night when I close my eyes is her smiling face. It disturbs me to no end, I don't see her as a normal predator would, she isn't some sexual conquest. Still, I know what this makes me, I know how wrong this is. I just want to lay with her for hours on the floor, playing games and having her smile at me. I made the mistake of touching her face the other day, moving a strand of hair out of the way of her coloring page. Haruhi didn't understand and she copied me, pressing that little hand to my forehead and moving my hair so gently.
"I nearly snapped, I just wanted to hold her close and keep her from ever leaving. Those eyes, so hypnotic, so kind and caring and so much like my beloved Rikona's. So sweet and gentle and all I can think is someday she will be a young woman, it would be appropriate to pursue her then, at least more so than now, code of conduct be damned. I can't bare to look at myself, yet I do wonder if I were to take her away, allow her to grow up, if she could ever love me the way I love her."
"I am going to skin him alive!" Ranka near shouted as Kyoya finished the passage.
"Are you going to be able to handle this, Ranka? Or do I need to finish this on my own?" Kyoya questioned and the man sighed irritably, "Yes, yes, continue."
"Very well, let's see….the next entry is about two weeks later….this is around the time you thought of changing her appointments to once a week, correct?"
"Yes." Ranka said, "I wish I had, in fact, I wish I had stopped taking her all together. I was so blind."
"Don't torture yourself with what if's. The past cannot be changed and no good comes from mourning the unchangeable."
"I know. Please, continue."
"I shall lose my mind if I must say farewell to her, like losing my most beloved all over again. Haruhi did the most unexpected thing today, something that made me question my sanity. I have been so far, able to control myself, but Haruhi had a bad dream last night and when she told me about it, I explained the symbolism and chased away her concerns. She is so perceptive. Now six years old, she understood everything I said, even pointed out a flaw in my reasoning and corrected me. I agreed with her, and after she realized what her dream represented and why she shouldn't be scared of it, she came to me, crawled into my lap and kissed my cheek, hugging me so fiercely and thanked me for helping her to not be scared.
"I'll admit it, for God to read and for me to acknowledge, I wrapped my arms around her and kissed the top of her head. Holding her close and accepting the small bit of affection she gave as if it was the appropriate thing to do. There is no "arms length" anymore, she came to me, offered her love and I took it. The rest of the session I simply held her and we talked quietly amongst ourselves about what she would be doing at school tomorrow. So innocent and domestic but my heart felt more satisfied in that last half-hour of talking with Haruhi then it has in years. Lord have mercy on me, my mind is coming unhinged."
"The next one, quickly!" Ranka ordered and Kyoya turned the page, scanning the first line before he sighed, "This is it, Ranka. This is where he starts to-"
"Just read it." The man said softly, his head turning away from the journal and staring at the wall to his right.
"Very well-" Kyoya clears his throat gently and starts to read, "I crossed a very big line today. Haruhi's father came in, said he wanted to start bringing Haruhi once a week instead of two. I told the man I would lower the cost if he continued to bring her twice a week, told him Haruhi needed more time, more help. He seemed to accept it, but now I fear my time with her is running out. I knew I must do something and in my haste to not lose the child I have come to know and love so much, I may have done something rather unethical.
"I didn't think it would work, Lord knows I don't tend to put much stock in hypnosis, but, to my surprise it seemed to. I tried something simple, having her follow along with my gold pocket watch as I swung it slowly through the air. After several minutes she seemed to go into a sort of trance and I tried using latent programming to infer value on our sessions.
"When I brought her back to her waking state she seemed anxious about leaving and almost threw a fit when her father took her. I played it off as if it was just fatigue, saying Haruhi had a long day and that she really should continue on twice a week. Her father conceded."
Kyoya didn't wait for Ranka to speak and simply continued reading the next entry, "Haruhi is becoming difficult, she seems reluctant to look at the watch and she doesn't want to take the tests I give her, but I continue to promise that it is all for the best. She will understand soon. I have changed our sessions from focusing on her day to day life and more on sending her through regressed states. It's fascinating and she is doing so well. I had her recall the last memory she had of her mother and it was so clear it was as if she was playing a movie before my very eyes. I hypothesize that Haruhi has an eidetic memory, but thanks to my programming won't be able to use it to its full potential until she is much older, until I unblock the ability. Normally such a thing can't be helped, it is simply the way the mind is wired, like taking a photograph with your mind that never grows hazy. But, for the sake of my safety, to keep her from taking these "mental pictures" of our time together, I need to bury them deep. I will unblock those memories, unblock the ability when she turns eighteen, by then she will be more than ready to process and handle what we have become, what she means to me and what I mean to her. Essentially, I turned it off, Haruhi's mind will refrain from processing her daily life at such a fast pace and will no longer be able to recall every single thing that happens. It will be easier for her in the long run, a wonderful gift to her, the only one I can give."
"Oh my God." Ranka sighed as he buries his face on his hands, "He got into her head, played with her memories like she was some programmable computer or video game! He changed who she was as a person! Making decisions for her without even asking, without even considering the long term effects it could have on my daughter!"
"Please, Ranka. Try to remain calm until we are though, I am almost finished, there are only a few entries left." Kyoya urged gently and the man crossed his arms and grit his teeth, "Hurry, I can't take much more of this."
"Haruhi's father came in today and stated our sessions would be changed to once a week. I did not fight him, though I asked him to reconsider. He refused and I had no choice but to accept. If I get too desperate he may find reason to be concerned. I couldn't risk it. I am so close to reaching my end goal. I can't say I haven't noticed in our sessions that Haruhi has changed. She isn't near as emotional as she used to be, even though she is very mature for her age, the spark seems to have gone out of her. It's as if all my work in securing her devotions has changed her somehow. I think it is for the best, as a lack of emotion towards her father would indicate a lack of attachment. It will make things easier when I take her away from him. Soon enough she will be in my care. I've lost my mind over this child, no other child seems to compare, but I swear I will do right by her. Raise her well, leave her untouched until she is of the proper age, she will be my most loved and adored, my sweet little Haruhi, my little Shojo."
"I'm going to vomit." Ranka mused and Kyoya placed a hand on his shoulder, "This is the final entry, it seems to take place just after your took that test from his office."
"What? Really?" Ranka said leaning over and glaring at the words on the page. They were hard to make out as they were in a rather frantic scrawl and the words didn't stay within the lines.
"The most recent test is gone! I have searched everyone, grilled my secretary to near tears on where it could have gone. If someone sees it and realizes what it is I will be finished! The only clue I could find is that Haruhi's father had been in to see me, but I was away at lunch! That blasted tranny! Sticking his nose where it doesn't belong! He took it, I know it! I can't wait anymore! I have to make my move! I have to try and take Haruhi from him! I could lose her forever if I don't lay claim before that blasted test it found! My sweet Shojo, I am coming! We will be together forever, no one will keep you from me! No one will stop me!"
"I'm going to kill him." Came Ranka's low voice, his eyes hard as stone and his teeth near cracking as he grit and stood.
"I'm going to hunt that monster down and rip out his heart-"
A tight grip on Ranka's wrist made the man look down to where Kyoya sat, the young man snapping the book shut before he stood.
"You promised you wouldn't do anything rash. I need you to remain calm, give me time to study this. It has provided me with all the answers I need to protect Haruhi completely. I already have a plan in place and suspect in the next hour it will be put into play. I need you to promise me that you will wait until it is over. Then, if you still wish to attack the man and get carted off to jail, I won't stand in your way...however, I do think it is rather selfish of you to put your own hatred for Sato before the well-being of your daughter."
The smack of Ranka's hand across Kyoya's face was loud, ringing out into the room as the young man's glasses went flying. The journal hung lose in his hand for a moment before dropping down onto the bed and Ranka stared between her burning hand and the red print on Kyoya's cheek.
"Oh...my….Kyoya...I'm….sorry. I don't….I didn't mean…." but Ranka couldn't finish, the anger had fizzled out with the blow as he realized he had just landed a rather harsh strike. He felt as if he had been possessed by rage, now though, there was just a hollow shock in his stomach.
Kyoya slowly turned his head back at him, those slate gray eyes giving a look of cool indifference though the small hint of a frown rested on his lips.
"You are a very captivating woman, Ranka-"
"Kyoya, I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me-"
And the young man brought a hand to Ranka's jaw and raised his face to look at him, "But, I think I find Ryoji very interesting as well. You think you need Ranka to be strong, but Ryoji has one hell of a swing." and then he pressed their lips together, cupping the man's face and kissing him deeply, an arm coming around to pull the man closer, his hand sliding up into those red locks of hair.
Ranka's arms had remained limp at his sides for a moment before suddenly Kyoya felt them finally embrace him. The touch was addictive and those hands burn up his chest and across his shoulders.
When they parted they didn't go far, Kyoya still holding the man close as Ranka said softly, "You said one hour, give you one hour to let this little plan of yours play out. Then, I could try and pursue Sato on my own, right?"
"Yes. Haruhi is safe with Tamaki, he won't let anything happen to her. Give me an hour to see if the bait is taken, if it isn't, then I will help you track down Sato myself."
"Well then, what shall we do for the next hour while we wait?" Ranka asked smoothly.
Kyoya seemed surprised before a wicked smirk came to his lips, "I think we can come up with something, don't you?"
PAGE BREAK
Honey and Mori walked down the sidewalk...well….Mori walked, Honey sat on the tall young man's shoulders. They didn't say anything but after awhile Honey's eyes lit up and he pointed, "Oh! Takashi, let's go there!" the young man prompted as he pointed towards the confectioners shop.
"We need to wait." Mori said simply.
"But...I want cake!"
"Kyoya told us to wait, in this instance, I think you should show the discipline and restraint you were trained to have. Haruhi could be in danger, we need to be ready to move."
Honey sighed, "You're right. It sucks being responsible sometimes."
"Hm." Mori confirmed as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black walkie-talkie that had a small glass screen in the center.
"Turn it on." he said as he handed it up to Honey, the young man adjusting his hold on Usa-chan before he started to mess with the knob and buttons.
"I hope this plan of Kyoya-chan's works. Otherwise, Haru-chan could be in real big trouble."
"It will work, as long as we are at the right place when we need to be." Mori said softly.
"Alright. But, cake after?"
"Alright." the man agreed and he continued his walk down the street.
PAGE BREAK
Kaoru sat on a brick fence and stared out across the yard towards the large house in the distance, not a stir or sign of life save for a lone light in the upper window. Guards paced and watched all points of entry but otherwise, it was uneventful.
Suddenly his phone vibrated and he pulled it out, seeing it was his brother and he put it to his ear, "Hey bro, how's the home invasion going?"
"Nghk, it's not a home, it's a hotel, and it's going fine. These vents are stupid small, how the hell did Sato get through them?"
"You really think that's how he got out of there unnoticed? Through the vents?" Kaoru asked.
"No, but Kyoya thinks that's how he did it. I don't even know why the man wouldn't just go out through the damn door. Why all the...nghk….sneaking around like this. It's not unusual for people to come and go from their hotel rooms." Hikaru complained.
"Kyoya Senpai said the hotel monitors the comings and going of their guests. It's the perfect alibi for him. Haruhi goes missing and the fingers will automatically point to him, but if the hotel's computer shows he never left his room on the night of the kidnapping he would be eliminated as a suspect." Kaoru explained.
"Yeah, well, I doubt this is how he got out, I can barely move in here."
"I told you to lay off the sweet tea and treats-"
"Oh, shut up Kaoru! Just talk to me alright, I'm a little….worried about getting stuck, I just need something to take my mind off the fact that….why is this so difficult!"
Kaoru leaned forward, giving his brother his full attention, "Hey Hikaru, remember that time we got the boss to imagine that manikin was Haruhi?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah, that was so funny, he was so pathetic, and then Haruhi walked in and caught him!" the boy laughed.
"Yeah, he was so embarrassed!"
"Man, I love the boss, but sometimes he can be so dense!"
"I know!"
"So, how are things on your end?" Hikaru asked, his fight with the vents seemingly becoming less of an issue the more Kaoru distracted him.
"Not a thing. I doubt he would be stupid enough to bring Haruhi here, his mother is just in her room. Guards everywhere, no clue why she feels she needs so much protection."
"Oh I don't know, maybe because her son is insane!" Hikaru offered up as a sarcastic explanation.
"Yeah, I suppose so. Are you there yet?"
"Yeah, pretty close. I can see the vent to his room. This map Kyoya gave me is stupid complicated."
"Just tell me when you are out."
"Yeah, no worries." Hikaru said in a softer voice, "Made it, let's see….just as Kyoya thought, no sign of him. The t.v. is on and there is a half eaten dinner trolly, but no hint of Sato. I'm getting out of here."
"Wait, are you sure he is gone? Hikaru? Hikaru!" Kaoru felt fear settle in and he was about to abandon his post when he heard his brother chuckle, "Wow, this place is pretty nice! No sign of him, looks like I will be waiting in the lap of luxury."
Kaoru smiled in relief, "lucky you."
The silence between them was heavy and Hikaru finally asked, "You think this plan will work? I mean, you think the boss can do it?"
"I don't know. He's so attached to her, it would go against everything he believes about being a gentleman. He may not be able to let her go."
"...Kaoru?"
"Yeah, Hikaru?"
"Do you think, when this is all over, we should let her go?"
Kaoru was silent a moment before he gave a gentle sigh, "It's not our call. Haruhi seems to have made that choice for us."
"She chose Tamaki….I wish we had tried harder, moved sooner….told her…"
"Yeah, I know. But Hikaru, you realize….there really isn't a we…...it's a you….you have to accept that...have to accept that you wish YOU have tried harder, moved sooner….told her how YOU feel."
"Are you saying you didn't feel the same way?"
Kaoru stares at the ground below him, thinking back over the last year and his many interactions with Haruhi.
"No. But, I don't regret not telling her. I know...I wasn't who she wanted. I am fine with that, you need to be too okay?"
Hikaru was silent for a moment before he said softly, "Yeah, right. I'm going to go, keep me posted if you hear anything. I better get back in the vent, Kyoya said once I confirmed Sato's absence I needed to head to the rendezvous. If he did get out through the vents, there is no way he would get Haruhi through them, he isn't going to be coming here with her."
"Yeah. I agree. Once it's confirmed they aren't coming here I will meet you there. Be careful Hikaru."
"You too."
They both hung up, Hikaru wiping at his eyes and Kaoru sighing sadly.
PAGE BREAK
Haruhi was running, she felt like she was running forever, the far side of the park where the limo was parked seemed to be so far away. Her chest was heaving and sweat poured.
Her ankle rolled suddenly and she tumbled forward, "Damn it!" she hissed as she shifted onto her backside and kicked off the short heels she was wearing. She was about to push up from the ground when suddenly someone grabbed her wrist.
She looked up in shock to see that unknown figure and those narrow green eyes stared down at her with focus.
"Let go!" She said sternly and then her leg swung up, connecting between the assailants legs, "Tamaki!" she yelled as she stumbled to her feet and looked around. The surrounding park seemed to be empty, the city seemingly so far to one side or the other.
The man, now on the ground and groaning, shifted and Haruhi made her decision. She dug her phone out of her small hand bag and started to dial, heading back towards where she had last seen Tamaki.
She didn't get very far before arms wrapped around her and she was tackled to the ground.
"No! Get off!" She yelled as she managed to roll onto her back and started to struggle, "Get the hell off!" She growled, her eyes growing wide as those green eyes narrowed more, a grunt coming from the man as he struggled to subdue her pushing hands.
Suddenly a yell rung out, "Get the hell off her!" and a blur of blonde and white tackled the man off her, "I said run!" Tamaki yelled and Haruhi only caught a glimpse of the blood on Tamaki's face before she was pushing up and running.
She put the phone to her ear and started to talk, "Hello! I'm in the cities central park, by the stream, my boyfriend and I were just attacked!" she rambled, not realizing nor caring that she had just called Tamaki her boy friend.
She heard a yell and stopped, looking back to see Tamaki kneeling on the ground, holding a hand to his side, a dark stain spreading slowly across the white fabric.
"No- NO! Tamaki!"
"I said to fucking run!" he snarled at her and though everything in her told her to stay she wiped the tears from her eyes and turned to run in the opposite direction.
PAGE BREAK
Tamaki pressed his hand to his side, "Who are you? What do you want with Haruhi?" Tamaki asked through gritted teeth, his violet eyes staring down the man in black as he looked wide-eyed at the boy before him.
"You look surprised. Was stabbing a kid not part of your plan? You'll abduct them but you won't kill them? Well, interesting set of moral, Dr. Sato."
Those green eyes seemed to lose their shock and instead glared at him.
"That's what I thought. So, now you have a choice to make. I know who you are, if you don't kill me I am going to tell them who you are. If you do kill me you're a murderer and Haruhi will never forgive you for killing her friend. So, what are you going to do?"
"Damn it." the figure hissed as he pulled out his knife.
"Thought so." Tamaki said, "At least she is safe, she will be with the police in less than two minutes. You won't be able to catch her, I've done my job. Time for you to do yours."
The man in black approached slowly, raising the knife above his head but in that instant he was sent sideways, a yell from Haruhi ripping through the air, "Haruhi! No! You stupid-"
But she was tumbling down the small grassy hillside with the figure, tumbling into the icy water. Unfortunately Haruhi landed on the bottom and the figure on top. Suddenly hands pressed against her shoulders and bubbles erupted from her mouth as she struggled to raise her head and get air.
It didn't take long for her lungs to start aching, or her limbs to start honestly thrashing in utter fear. Her vision started to fade and her nails clawed at the man above, a waterlogged scream floating up to the surface before her struggles faded.
She was then yanked from the water and laid out on the small bank, a hand giving a stiff smack to her back and she coughed up water, blurry eyes glancing to look at the figure above before she faded out again and her world went black.
PAGE BREAK
Tamaki had struggled to get up, his side throbbed and he was having a hard to breathing, but at the sound of water and splashing he was up without a thought to the pain. He struggled to walk, every step was jarring but upon reaching the edge of the small hill he looked across the stream and saw Sato crouched over a soaking wet and lifeless Haruhi.
His world seemed to freeze and then shatter before he screamed and charged. He took Sato by surprise and landed a harsh blow to his face. Sato fell stunned and Tamaki straddled him, raining down fists, smashing his face over and over.
However, in his rage he didn't catch the glint of the knife and suddenly he was frozen again, his ripped up knuckles freezing mid-air as his eyes glanced down and he saw the knife sticking out of his side.
"Ah, shit, nghk, shit." and a hand pressed on his shoulder. He fell off to the side, laying there stunned as Sato reached a hand into his pocket and removed his wallet.
"How stupid do you think they are? You….nghk….think if you take my wallet they will assume it's a mugging? You're going to get caught, Sato, it's not too late to change your mind, you can right the wrongs you've laid against her. I know Haruhi, know she will forgive you if you stop this now….this is your last chance." Tamaki groaned softly.
A hand swung and struck him across the face, "You don't know her! You know the Haruhi I programmed. You don't know the Haruhi trapped underneath. I'm going to bring her back, she will remember everything, including how much she loved me. Now just lay there and die."
Sato rose on shaky legs and gently picked up Haruhi, "Fuck, get up, get up you stupid…" but Tamaki couldn't, his world swimming as he watched Sato trudge away, "No! NO!" His hand reaching out in the moonlight but soon enough darkness came to the edges of his vision and his head fell back on the grass.
"Kyoya, I really hope you are ready, I didn't mean for it to go this far...I just couldn't….I couldn't follow the plan...I couldn't let him take her...please...be the man I know you are… where I failed you have to succeed, I know you can...nghk... fix my mistake and….save her." and then there was darkness and Tamaki let go.
PAGE BREAK
Nicholas placed Haruhi in the back of his car, yanking off the scarf over his head and face as he got into the driver seat and locked the door. He turned on his lights and then pulled out of the alley and onto the busy streets. His jaw and cheek were throbbing and the scratches on his arms from Haruhi's nails stung like acid.
His heart was hammering, tears in his eyes as he realized he had just killed someone, killed a kid, some young bright thing that would never be able to grow to his full potential.
You stupid idiot! Why did you have to fight for her! Why wouldn't you just stay down! Why didn't you just run off and call the police! Damnitdamnitdamnit…
"Well, I can't say you don't keep good company. That young man was willing to die for you, he was nearly as devoted as me. But I won sweetheart, I got you back. I promise, once this is all over and I wake you up, once I unblock your memories you won't feel bad about that kid. The world will seem brand new, and everything from your past, the pain and suffering, it will all be gone."
PAGE BREAK
Kyoya sat shirtless on the mat, his back leaning against the wall as Ranka lay curled into his side.
Ranka was still fully dressed, her fingers wrapping a strand of red hair around his finger over and over.
"Your hours almost up. Are you ready to keep your promise?"
Kyoya smirked and pressed a kiss to the top of Ranka's head, "I still have five minutes, have patience-"
"Kyoya-" came a static yet deep voice from the man's pant pocket.
"What was that?" Ranka asked as he sat up and stared at the man curiously.
"That, my lovely Ranka, is my plan coming to fruition." Kyoya pulled from his pocket a small black walkie-talkie and he brought it to his mouth, "You've reached Kyoya."
"He's on the move, Haruhi is with him."
"Excellent, and Tamaki? The twins?"
"He isn't at the rendezvous. Hikaru is here, Kaoro is in route."
"Damn it, Tamaki. You just couldn't stick to the plan." Kyoya cursed though his heart suddenly sped up as he realized what most likely happened.
"Stick to the plan, the bike is around the corner. Helmets on and follow. When you get there send me the coordinates. I will send the police to you. Send the twins to the park to look for the idiot."
"What about you?"
"I will join the twins. Keep your distance but make sure Sato doesn't get away. He has to be caught within the proper proximity of Haruhi or this won't work."
"Got it."
"What the hell is happening! Did you just use my daughter as bait to trap Sato!" Ranka shrieked and Kyoya looked at him, not saying anything as he stood and started to put his shirt back on.
"You bastard! I trusted you to protect her! You just handed her to him, you gave her to Sato! I'm going to kill him and then I am coming back for you!" Ranka's hand flew through the air but this time Kyoya caught it and he leaned in close, "I did what was necessary to catch him in the act. He won't lay a hand on her, physical or otherwise. Mori and Honey are on his trail and if he tries anything aside from hypnotizing her they are ordered to intervene and stop him."
"What makes you think they can stop him?" Ranka glared.
"Trust me, the world's leading martial arts expert and subsequent deadly weapon would kill him before Sato could touch her. As for you and I, we need to go, now. I have a feeling Tamaki is in trouble."
"What makes you so sure?"
"Think Ranka. The man is in love with her to a degree reminiscent of your love for Kotoko. How hard would you have been willing to fight to keep someone from taking her from you."
Ranka's eyes grew wide, "We need to go." he said as he turned and left the room.
Kyoya looked down at the green journal on the bed and frowned, "You better be alive, Tamaki."
PAGE BREAK
Mori drove the motorcycle and Honey sat in front of him, their helmets covering their faces with leather jackets on each. From a side view they looked like nothing more than a father taking his son for a ride. They had followed the car at a great distance, relying more on the tracker then on keeping the car within their sights.
Still, they had to stay within four miles as anything beyond that and they might lose signal.
"Takashi, the tracker says they turned off the road! To the left up here!" Honey yelled over the roar of the engine. Instead of following though, Mori pulled off to the side of the elevated road and turned off the engine.
"How long do we have to wait?" Honey asked, looking down the craggy gorge next to them as the moon cast shadows and silver light all around them.
"Long enough so he won't see our light behind. The road is marked private, if he sees a light behind him he will know he is being followed."
"How long will the tracker hold out?" Honey asked as he looked at the small screen on the front of the walkie-talkie.
"Hopefully another hour."
"Wow. We are so far outside of the city! Nothing but nature and mountains."
"Yeah." Mori said as he continued to stare ahead.
"Do you think Tama-chan is okay?"
Mori didn't respond at first, not wanting to upset his friend, but in the end he found he had to say something and so said the only thing he could, "I hope so."
PAGE BREAK
Kyoya and Ranka arrived at the park to see the lights of an ambulance flashing. They rushed from the Limo and pushed through the crowd, Kyoya muscling passed the cops with a grunt and order to let them through as they were family of the wounded.
They found the twins with Tamaki, their king was being loaded into an ambulance. Kyoya rushed forward, leaning over the gurney as the noise of the crowd faded and his eyes grew wide, "Oh, you stupid idiot!" Kyoya yelled suddenly and Ranka was taken aback, not used to hearing the young man yell in anyway.
So...that's his true voice….
"Kyoya...is the plan...is it working?"
"It's working you stupid idiot, but you were supposed to follow it! You were supposed to….a small struggle! I said small struggle you stupid….stupid stupidstupid-" and Kyoya grabbed at his head as his glasses fell from his face.
"I'm sorry. I c-couldn't….I couldn't follow the plan. Letting him take her….it...I couldn't let him….even if there was a plan….Ranka...I'm so sorry….I should have followed the plan, I put Haruhi at risk in not allowing him to take her….but I was so worried he would….hurt her...I just couldn't-"
"Shhh, it's okay. You're alright, just relax. Don't stress your wounds….you've done well. You've proven to me your dedication to my daughter. Thank you, Tamaki Suho." Ranka said softly.
Kyoya leaned down close and said with a hiss, "You better live you stupid idiot. You stupid….stupid….you better fucking live...got it? Or I'm coming into hell to get you."
"Promise." Tamaki whispered and he took Kyoya's hand and smiled, "Besides, you would get so bored without me."
"Damn right." Kyoya said and then Tamaki was being loaded up and Kyoya was straightening his coat, glasses and taking Ranka's hand, "You two, go with him to the hospital, keep his ass alive! Come on. We have to finish this, now." he said to Ranks.
Kyoya pulled out his cell phone and made a call, "Yes, hello, it's me. Code red is go. Bring the police and wait for the coordinates." he snapped his phone shut and then pulled out the walkie-talkie.
"Mori Senpai, have you got the coordinates yet?" and his vice was a little harsh and the hesitation on the other end was telling of the man's surprise.
"...No. Almost there, be patient. Tamaki?"
"Injured but alive. As soon as you get them-"
"Yes." the deep voice said and the sound of a motorcycle engine started and the line went dead.
Kyoya stared at the little black box in his hand and then brought fingers to his face and rubbed under his glasses at his eyes.
"Damn it, focus! Stupid, you're so stupid Tamaki...focus Kyoya!" he snapped at himself and then suddenly his hand was taken and he was led back to his limo. Ranka pressed him inside and then the roar of the crowd outside was silenced.
"Alright, tell me everything. I want to know what the plan actually is, but first, you need to take a moment. You are upset."
"Of course I am!" Kyoya suddenly yelled and Ranka jumped a little at the sound of the Walkie colliding with the door.
"I always have an ace up my sleeve, a plan for every outcome. I've never been out maneuvered! I bought my father's company out from under him just because I could! I'm not an idiot! I always have an ace…..but Tamaki….that man is my fucking wild card! The one thing in my life I have absolutely no control over is my best friend! If he had just done what I said! If he would just listen to me one time! Then this plan could have gone off without anyone getting hurt! I made it so no one would get hurt! If he dies I swear to god I will kill him!" and Kyoya was heaving, his eyes hard and angry and the frown on his lips turning into a sneer.
"You...stupid…..I'm so stupid!" Kyoya finally whispered as he put his face in his hands, "I knew he couldn't do it, wouldn't let Sato take her willingly. I gave him the benefit of the doubt again...and he might as well have given me the middle finger! You stupid prick!"
A hand suddenly comes to the back of his head and Kyoya freezes, those slate gray eyes staring wide at the floor of the car.
"So, this is Kyoya I am talking to. I was wondering how I was going to get him to show himself. I didn't realize he had such a heart, or such a temper. Very interesting, in its own way." Ranka said with a gentle smile.
"I...don't...have...a...temper…" he pants and Ranka gives a light laugh as his hand gently messages the back of Kyoya's neck.
"Yes you do. But, if it makes you feel better, you hide your true self expertly well. Almost as well as I hide Ryoji. So much anger in a man so young. I can only imagine what your childhood must have been like. Was there a lot of pressure?"
"You've no idea." Kyoya whispered and then he was sitting up, once again adjusting his coat, replacing his glasses and picking up the walkie talkie, "I apologize for the outburst, my lovely Ranka. As soon as Mori Senpai gives me the coordinates we will be on our way to Haruhi. I promise, no harm will come to her."
And just like that Kyoya was back to the cool and calm gentleman he presented to the world. His emotions being buried down so he could focus and keep track of all his plans.
"Was Haruhi aware of the plan?" Ranka asked.
"Unfortunately, it was best she didn't know. Considering her acting skills-"
Ranka made a face and sighed, "Yes, unfortunately she gets that from her mother. When did you set this all up?"
"This afternoon." Kyoya said as he pulled out his phone and started typing furiously.
"Wait….you set up this entire thing in one afternoon?" and Ranka's eyes bulged.
"Yes, as soon as Haruhi told me about her planned dinner date with Tamaki." Kyoya said as he hit send and then from out of nowhere pulled a gray binder and opened it, clicking a pen open and starting to write.
"What...what in God's name are you doing!" Ranka asked.
Kyoya continued to stare at the binder and write as he said calmly, "I am going through the plan again, making sure everything is in place and ready to go. As soon as I get the coordinates from Mori and Honey Senpai, you and I, my families private police force and the police will be enroute to Haruhi's location and we will catch Sato with her and he will be arrested. Aside from breaking the rules of the Order of Protection, he will also have kidnapping, assault and battery and conspiracy to abduct on his hands. He won't be getting out of jail before he dies. Both you and Haruhi will be safe."
Ranka stared a moment before he said softly, "That look in your eye….it's so evil."
Kyoya smirked, "So I've been told." he mused and then all was silent, Ranka leaning back in the seat and staring ahead in shock.
This kid….young man…..this man….is brilliant. A planning prodigy….in one afternoon he….planned and enacted the destruction of one man's entire life. Not that Sato doesn't deserve it….but….he's freed us….freed my daughter….they all have. Tamaki, you wonderful boy….so stupid and yet….when she is ready….if you are the man Haruhi wants….I'll not stand in the way. Soon enough you will be back in my arms Haruhi, thanks to Kyoya, thanks to the host club. I will finally be able to protect you until you are ready to protect yourself.
Suddenly the walkie blazed to life, "Kyoya, Code Red is a go, the coordinates are-"
PAGE BREAK
Haruhi woke up slowly, her head pounding as her eyes opened with several blinks and the room came into view.
It looked like some strange forgotten Dojo, moonlight streaming in from glassless windows. She could just make out the countryside in the distance.
Is that...a mountain? Where am I? Where's Tamaki? What happened?
"Hello, Haruhi." and suddenly her drowsy and dizzy head snapped alert, her eyes growing wide as she looked to the shadows and a figure emerged.
The man was tall and lean, still wearing the black outfit, but his face was exposed. The burning auburn hair reflected like the color of blood in the light of the candle he was holding. She could see those green eyes, staring at her softly as the thin long face and strong chin peered at her. He looked young, around her father's age with a clean shaven face and a gentle brow.
"It's you." she breathed and though she had expected to feel a swell of fear she felt surprisingly calm.
"You remember me." he says softly, that voice resonating in her mind and seemingly pulling foggy memories forward.
"I...don't know….it's….foggy." she says with a wince as her head starts to hurt worse.
"It's nice isn't it? Not being scared of the boogeyman?"
"What?" she asks softly in confusion.
"You have me to thank for that. I helped you suppress a lot of your fears. Helped you to become the person you are now. I mean, you were always a practical girl, that's true, but your ability to put fear aside so easily. To face the monsters in the dark, to stand on your own and not need anyone...to rely only on yourself….that's part of the gift I gave you. Once I unblock your memories….you will be different, but...you will be who you really are….who you were born to be."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Haruhi snapped and Sato chuckled, "So strong. Well, let's see if you take that tone when I bring back the real you."
"What? No, I like myself just the way I am thank you very much!" Haruhi yelled.
"I know. But I promise, you will like who you used to be just as much. And I will be there to protect you and ease your fears."
"How many times do I have to say it to the men in my life, I don't need protecting! I can take care of myself! I'm not some scared little girl who can't handle my own problems!"
"Not right now, I took that fear away. But Haruhi, it's always been there, you just have to remember."
Sato moved closer, tipping the candle and dripping wax onto the wood table next to her. Haruhi watched as he pressed the butt of the candle into the wax and let go of it.
He then turned away only to return with a small stereo, "Alright, we don't have a lot of time. We have to keep moving. I was planning to leave you here until the investigation was over, but as I can't be sure that little boy friend of yours is dead, we will have to proceed with the next phase of the plan."
Haruhi stilled, "W-What did you say?" she asked in shock.
Sato said nothing as he worked to get the stereo up and running, pressing through tracks and then turning up the volume.
"What the hell did you just say! Is Tamaki Suoh alive?! Did you kill him you psycho! Why! Why would you do that!" and the tears came in cascades, Haruhi suddenly sobbing.
"WHY WOULD YOU KILL HIM!"
"He left me no choice. If it makes you feel any better, he fought bravely for you, you should be proud of him."
"You bastard! I hate you! You're cruel and evil! Your inside is wrong and twisted! Let me go! I don't want anything to do with you!"
"Time to go back, Haruhi. Time to go back to a time when you were little-"
"Shut up! Let me go!" Haruhi said, struggling against the ropes that held her to the chair.
Suddenly music started to play and Haruhi stared, her eyes looking off as she took in the song and realized what it was.
"You so loved Chopin's Nocturne….opus number nine….it always soothed you."
"No, no turn it off! I don't want to….to…..hear….it….I don't….want…" but Haruhi fell silent as her eyes seemed to regress and she stared off into nothing.
"That's my girl, just relax. Now, my sweet Haruhi, look at the watch and see it swing….like a pendulum….a soothing rhythm of back and forth….back and forth….back and forth…"
"Back…..and….forth….." Haruhi said softly and suddenly her body went lax, her brown eyes shining in the candles light and slowly following the pocket watch swing through the air.
And Sato smiled, "Perfect."
PAGE BREAK
"Kyoya, where are you. He is using a watch….hypnotizing her….should we stop him?" Mori asked, his deep voice rumbling in his chest as he spoke softly. Honey was next to him, ducked down in the bushes and watching through the window.
"No. Do not engage, we are almost there. Do not approach until you see our headlights. If Sato thinks he is caught he might choose to run. He needs to be caught with her red handed for this to work without too many questions. Technically, as I set this all up, it could be view as entrapment...he would walk."
"But Tama-chan-" Honey started.
"I won't place my bets on Tamaki's dark horse. No guarantee Sato wouldn't claim self-defense. I want all bases covered. You will wait."
"Alright." Mori said and Honey whined softly as he held Usa-chan closer to him, "I don't like waiting Takashi. I think we should go in now."
"We will wait." Mori said, though even Honey could see the desire in the young man's eyes to barge in and break several of the man's bones.
"Alright." Honey sighes, though his fingernails dig in to Usa-chan just that little bit tighter.
PAGE BREAK
"Now, my sweet Haruhi, go back, remember how you were before. Unblock those memories you've forgotten, unblock the little girl you were, and allow those emotions to come up through your past with you, as if you always had them. They were always with you, ready to react to all the things you've done and seen. You are Haruhi Fujioka, that graceful and beautiful young girl. Intelligent, clever, kind and so gentle. Remember the two years we spent together, how happy I made you, how happy you made me. All our naps, the coloring, the beautiful conversations and hugs, the sweet kisses on my cheek….the laughter. Remember it Haruhi, how much you loved me."
"I….remember." she says softly and Sato smiles, "Now, Haruhi, I want you to answer these questions for me….tell me….what is the color of your true love's eyes?"
"My true love's eyes are…..green…."
"Yes." he shutters happily only to have that smile fade when she suddenly says, "And….violet."
"What? No. Haruhi, Haruhi listen to my voice…..and answer the question….what is the color of your true love's hair?"
"My true….love's hair…..is….red…..and yellow."
"No. No! Nononono!" he says standing suddenly and starting to pace.
"Sweet is the smile…. of my true love's lips and tender is the feel of my…. true love's kiss. Where is my true….love's….kiss?" she asks softly and Sato walks over quickly, "Here. It's right here." and he presses a kiss to her forehead before looking desperately into her eyes.
"T-Tamaki?"
"No. Oh...no. I'm too late. Years, it would take years to rewrite those memories….to….fix this. I was gone to long….to long…."
"Tamaki Senpai….my true love's kiss…..Tamaki…."
Sato takes up her face in his hands and stares, tears streaming from his eyes before he swallows, "Alright. Alright, I can fix this. You're sixteen…..two years until you would be old enough to marry….there's time to fix this….we just have to go now. I have to get you to a place I can take the time needed to help you remember….to help you relearn how to love me. To help you forget that boy. Alright, I can do this for you, just….get you to the car and we can go." he stands, staring down at the young girl with regret.
"It will be worth it, when you come back to me. It will be worth it for both of us." and Sato started to untie the girl's hands, sniffing as he did so, his own limbs trembling as he tried to focus on not losing hope.
PAGE BREAK
"Where did you hide the tracker anyway?" Ranka asked, the man unable to sit still in his seat as the limo sped along the road through the mountains and towards the coordinates Mori had given them.
Kyoya placed a hand on his shoulder, "If you would sit still, please, I will tell you."
Ranka stuck out his tongue at the man and Kyoya rolled his eyes, "Charming. I asked a favor of the twins mothers, she sewed it into the bow of Haruhi's dress. The one Tamaki got her for their dinner tonight."
Ranka stared a moment before he asked sweetly, "Say, do you think you could get me one of those trackers? I'd feel much better if I could sew one into Haruhi's shoes."
"No. I don't think Haruhi would appreciate being followed with a tracker once this is all over."
"Pleeeeease, Kyoya. It would make me feel so much better knowing where my little girl is all the time."
"Sorry." he said with a smirk and Ranka crossed his arms over his chest and slouched, "We better get there soon, or I'm going to take my anger out on you Ootori."
"I look forward to it." and the young man stretched his arm over the backrest, casually pulling the man closer, "Knock it off." Ranka growled.
"Knock what off? You looked cold-"
"You sneaky son of a-"
"Kyoya, there's movement. I think he is going to take her somewhere. How far are you?"
Kyoya brought the walkie to his mouth and said, "Not far, half a mile, if he tries to get into his car, I grant you permission to intervene but you must not let him get away. Understood?"
"Yeah." and then the line went dead again.
"Oh my god, my Haruhi, I'm going to absolutely lose my mind if this plan of yours fails. We're coming Haruhi, just fight a little longer."
"My plans never fail. Haruhi will be back with us all soon. I promise." and Kyoya kissed him softly on the head, Ranka leaning in and accepting the affection, Lord knew, right now, he needed the reassurance, for his little girl was in the hands of the beast and only two high school boys stood in the way of his daughter disappearing forever.
PAGE BREAK
Sato picked Haruhi up, cradling her in his arms, his nose nuzzling the side of her face, "I'm sorry this is so stressful, but I promise it will be alright in the end. Let's go." and he blew out the candle and headed for the door.
As he walked out onto the small deck and down the red stairs he made to move for his car only to stop when he realized all the tires were flat.
"The hell?"
"Alright, Mister! Don't move!" the sound of such a young voice threw him off and he jerked around to see two young men...well….one young man and an even younger boy standing in the moonlight, their faces hard and their bodies seemingly ready to spring.
Sato thought he recognized them, but in the dark he couldn't be sure, so he decided to take the safer route, "Can I help you? My daughter is rather sick, I need to get her to the hospital. Do you boy's need a lift?"
"No." the tall boy said as he crossed his arms over his chest.
"Well, this is private property and as you can see, my wheels are flat so you two better clear out before I call the police."
"We aren't going anywhere!" the smaller boy yelled, stretching out an arm to point a finger at him, a small stuffed toy hanging from his grasp.
"My, you two sure are stubborn. Say, you wouldn't have anything to do with these flat tires would you? It would be nice if you could pop in the trunk and grab the air pump I have...fill them back up for me."
"No." the tall boy said, his tone rather telling of his current mood.
"Very well, guess I will just have to make you." and he shifted his hold, Haruhi's legs dropping to the ground while he held her shoulders firmly against his chest and pulled from his coat a gun.
It glinted in the moonlight and the boy's looked surprised for only a minute before their faces were once again focused and intense.
"I was really hoping not to have to leave bodies in my wake, first that blonde boy...now you two. I think I am actually going to have to leave the country. But noone is going to take Haruhi from me. Especially two teenage boys that don't even know the real her!"
He pulled the trigger and fired, but to his shock the boy's reflexes were shockingly fast, both dodging flawlessly before charging.
"The hell was that!" Sato yelled in shock, his eyes trying to keep track of them in the moonlight, but they moved like phantoms through the dark and he fired off at nothing but shadows. The sound of the gun seemed to stir Haruhi and to Sato's surprise she gasped and buried her face in his chest.
"Easy. Easy Haruhi. Seems some of it is coming back to you. Don't worry, I will protect you." he started to move, trying to keep his footing as he moved backwards towards the house.
"Dr. Nick? W-What's going on?"
"Just a minor set back, it's alright, stay calm. We will be going soon."
"Going? Going where?" she asked as she grabbed as his chest and looked up at him.
"Far away from here." he mused as his green eyes watched his surroundings sharply. He was at the top of the stairs when suddenly he was hit from behind, a foot landing a blow to the dead center of his back. He went flying forward but his grip on Haruhi slipped and she was jerked away from him.
"What's going on! Who are you! Mori Senpai? Honey Senpai? Where am I!" she asked.
"You're safe." Mori said as he released his hold on her arm and Haruhi looked down at the man now laying on the ground at the foot of the stairs.
"Dr. Sato!" and she made to move towards him but a hand on her arm stopped her, she looked up to Mori and the young man shook his head once.
"You need to stay away from him Haru-chan, he tried to kidnap you, tried to alter your memories. Until a good doctor looks at you, you shouldn't talk to him." Honey said softly, his light brown eyes gazing at her with worry.
"But….why would he...Dr. Sato is my friend. He….helped me….didn't he?" and she looks to Mori who shakes his head once again.
"Haruhi, Haruhi come here, please come here, I need your help." the man moans from the ground and she tries again to go to him but Mori stops her.
"Let go!" she says angrily but Mori just stares at her.
"I said, let me go!" and she tries to yank away, "Let me go now!" and she starts fighting in earnest, but Mori simply picks her up and carries her struggling body into the house.
"Go ahead, Takashi, I will keep an eye on him." Honey says and he jumps off the top step, his feet landing harshly on the man's back, Sato letting out a strangled cry at the sudden weight before Honey swings his bunny through the air and whips the man in the back of the head. While the toy wasn't heavy enough to knock him out, it was propelled fast enough that it caused Sato's forehead to strike the ground and he lay there unconscious as a limo, military van and several cop cars pull up.
PAGE BREAK
Haruhi watches from the window as police swarm, a large warm hand coming to her shoulder and she turned to glare up at the young man next to her.
"This isn't right. Dr. Sato isn't my enemy. I remember, he is a nice man, he-"
"Attacked and nearly killed Tamaki….fired a gun at me and Mitsukuni. Kidnapped you, tried to alter your memories."
Haruhi's eyes were wide before tears came and she looked out the window again, watching as Sato was cuffed and walked towards a cop car.
Suddenly he jerked, slamming his body against the cop holding him and managed to get away, only to run towards the house. Another cop tackled him before hauling him to his feet, but the man yelled, "Haruhi! Haruhi, please! I can explain everything, I didn't finish….you need me to explain! Please, I have to explain or she will be so confused! She won't understand!"
Suddenly Haruhi pulled away from Mori and ran out the door, moving down the stairs before raising a hand, "Wait! Please, let me speak to him!" She called.
"Haruhi!" Sato called out desperately but he was stuffed into the back of the police car before she could get to him, a firm arm seemingly coming out of nowhere and she turned to look up and see her father staring down at her with worry, "No. Just...give yourself some time. Breath and be patient. We will figure it out, I will help you sort out the lies from the truth….but...you need time before you face him."
Haruhi felt tears leak from her eyes and then she wrapped her arms around her father and buried her face in his chest. The man was surprised but happily offered his daughter the comfort she suddenly needed.
"Kyoya, do you think I could take my daughter home now?"
"I should be able to arrange it. You will both need to go to the police station to give a statement, but for now, I will speak to them, see to it you are left alone."
"Of course, thank you."
"No. I want to go to the hospital, I want to see Tamaki." Haruhi said softly.
"That young man fought bravely for you, I think he would understand if you took some time to rest-"
"Please, please just let me see him. I'm so tired of people deciding my life for me, just let me...let me make this choice. Take me to see him, please, dad?"
Ranka sighed and placed his chin on top of her head, "Alright. Let's go see him."
PAGE BREAK
The ride to the hospital was silent, Haruhi leaning against her father and seemingly staring off, her eyes red rimmed and tired, empty and lacking their usual shine. Kyoya sat on her other side, a hand resting on the back rest and at one point Haruhi leaned back, her head resting on his arm while she held her father's hand.
Mori and Honey sat across from them, either staring out the window or eyeing the three across the space with curiosity. Both noticing Kyoya's fingers on his outstretched arm very subtly grazing across Ranka's shoulder.
Bout time he found someone. Mori mused.
Their kids would be scary...but at least Haruhi would have siblings….she'd be the oldest...like me! Honey thought happily.
By the time they arrived to the hospital exhaustion had set in, the silence remaining as they made their way to Tamaki's room.
The twins were waiting outside, rushing to Haruhi and hugging her happily, "Glad to see your not dead."
Kaoru nudged him, "Hilary, don't say that." He urged softly.
"What? Everybody's thinking it." And Haruhi smiled and placed a gentle kiss on the boy's cheek.
"Thanks for worrying." Hikaru did well hiding his blush.
When they arrived Kyoya met with the doctors and then pulled out his phone to call Tamaki's father, the hospital having already reached out, but since the man was on a business trip to America it would be awhile before he arrived.
Yuzuru gave Kyoya full rights to dictate his son's treatments until he arrived and when Kyoya explained why Tamaki had gotten into a knife fight, (protecting Haruhi from a mugger, as the full explanation would be far too complex to explain on the phone) Kyoya swore he heard the barest hint of pride in the man's otherwise cold voice.
Haruhi and Ranka went in first, Mori and Honey waiting for Kyoya to finish his call so they could speak with him.
Lips parted and eyes grew wide as Haruhi stared at the bandaged wrapped torso and bruised face, the young man not resembling in the slightest the handsome carefree prince he often proclaimed himself to me.
"Tamaki, Senpai, oh my-" at her soft voice his head turned and eyes opened, lighting up as he saw her standing there.
"Haruhi!" and he instantly went to sit up but groaned and pressed a hand to his side.
"Don't get up, you idiot!" she said in shock and then she ran to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly before giving a kiss to his cut lips.
"I'm so glad you are alright. Kyoya's plan worked then? Sato is in jail?"
Haruhi nodded, "Yeah, no thanks to you. Why didn't you tell me? Why all the secrecy? If I had known….maybe you wouldn't have been so stupid." she said, a hand coming to move hair out of his face.
"I love you Haruhi Fujioka, but your acting skills are terrible."
She stared at him in surprise before a small giggle, and then a full out laugh echoed up from her throat.
"You're so dumb." and she pulled him close again, his arms holding her in return before she leaned next to his ear and said so softly on he could hear, "I….love you."
Tamaki's shock was abundant, but instead of his usual flamboyant reaction, instead of saying all the ways he loved her too, he just pulled her to him tighter, holding on as if his life depended on it and cried softly into her shoulder.
PAGE BREAK
Ranka watched the pair together, realizing that his time with his daughter was drawing to a close, and soon, very soon, he would be letting her go on to a whole new life, a whole new world of experiences and feelings.
To his surprise, it no longer scared him. Yes, he would be alone, but Tamaki Suoh had proven he was more than willing to do what was necessary to protect her and to….love her. She would be happy, healthy and safe in his care.
For the first time in his life, Ranka did not feel like he failed, he felt like he had finally delivered his and Kotoko's daughter into the world of adulthood, and she was ready to create the most beautiful future for herself.
A hand came to his shoulder and he looked over to see Kyoya standing next to him, Mori, Honey and the twins moved passed and came to stand next to the bed, Tamaki greeting them happily and Haruhi laughing softly as Honey placed Usa-chan on the bed next to the blonde boy.
"See, my plans never fail." Kyoya said smugly.
"Yes. So it would seem. You promised to bring Haruhi back, to protect her and me. You delivered, I am thankful, I am...happy. Thank You, Kyoya Ootori, for being such a kind man."
Kyoya looked down at him before leaning close and saying softly into his ear, "I'm glad to hear you have such confidence in me. Because my next plans are already underway."
Ranka looks at him in confusion, "What plans would those be?"
"I wouldn't worry to much about it. After all, I did all this in an afternoon, I have two months for my new ones-"
Going a little pale in the face and staring at him with worry Ranka swallowed, "Those plans wouldn't have anything to do with me, would they?"
"Yes, actually. But don't fret, I think you will be quite satisfied with the outcome." Kyoya said gently before he gave the most discreet kiss to the man's cheek and then left his side to wander over to Tamaki's bed.
"Glad to see you are awake." and Tamaki looked up at him, "Glad to see your plans are still flawless as always."
Kyoya dropped an unforgiving fist onto Tamaki's head, "They would have been if you had listened to me and stuck to the plan…..idiot."
"Aw come on, what's a race without a dark horse?" Tamaki whined and everyone laughed as they watched Kyoya try not to lose his composure.
Ranka watched the group converse happily, the small family reunited and he debated if he should leave them to their fun, turning away only to be stopped by the call of that gentle voice of Tamaki, "Hey, Ranka, where are you going?"
"Me? I was just-"
"Get over here, you're part of this family too. Come on." Tamaki urged gently and the man gave a soft smile before he watched Kyoya hold out a hand to him, "Come on, my lovely Ranka, it's family time. No acceptions."
"Yeah, dad, come on, join the fun."
Ranka walked over, standing between Kyoya to his left and Haruhi who sat on the edge of the bed to his right and for once family felt like the perfect word.
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Two weeks had passed since the incident with Sato. He had been arrested and charged with with multiple crimes, but still, all waited with baited breath to see what the trial would bring. Haruhi had decided she didn't want to press charges, something Ranka did not understand but chose to respect.
Life was getting back to normal, and though the school seemed oddly oblivious to what had happened, despite the fact the story had made headlines, (all the Host's families requesting their children's names being kept out of the paper) Haruhi still seemed to be walking on eggshells.
She kept her head down in class, though she was back to her rather studious ways, taking notes and acing tests all while performing her duties with the host club, she seemed to be holding something back from them, a fact that everyone in the Club noticed.
It was one evening while she sat with her father, Kyoya and Tamaki around the table in their dining room that Haruhi finally shared what had been keeping her quiet.
"Dad?"
"Yes, sweetheart?" he had asked, dressed in full Ranka style as he had to work later that evening.
"I...I've been thinking a lot….about everything that's happened. And, well, I've decided...I want to see him."
The silence was thick, Kyoya, Tamaki and Ranka all looking at her with various degrees of shock, worry and curiosity.
"I...I don't understand, why would you want to-"
"He did something to me...that night...the night he took me. I have felt different ever since. I know he can tell me what is going on, why I'm so….why I feel this way. I need to talk to him and figure out if there is a way I can change back….to who I was before."
Ranka looked down at the bowl of ramen he was holding, his eyes showing he was lost in deep thought before he looked to the young man sitting next to him, "Kyoya, will you please go grab the journal?"
"Of course." the man said calmly as he stood from the table and left the room.
"What book?" Tamaki asked with curiosity.
"Your friend Kyoya is very capable, he never told me how he knew of its existence, but, he was able to get his hands on Dr. Sato's journal...the journal he wrote while he was giving you therapy as a child."
"What?" Tamaki asked in shock as Haruhi looked to the door, Kyoya walking in with the green journal in his hand. He exstended it out to her and Haruhi took it reluctantly.
"Before I take you to see him, I want you to read that. All of it. It may be hard for you to swallow, hard for you to handle...but I'm here if you have any questions or want help understanding...he explains a lot in there. You may find the answers you need."
"And if I don't?" Haruhi asks, eyeing her father warily.
"Then we will set up a time for you to go see him, but I want to go with you."
"Me too." Tamaki assured.
"I will go as well, for emotional support." Kyoya said as he went back to eating his food quietly.
Haruhi looked down at the journal in her hands, "I...I want to read this now." and she stands and makes to leave but Tamaki calls to her, "Haruhi, do you want me to-"
"No. I'd prefer if you didn't….know." and she left the room without further explanation.
"Oh no, I'm not letting you go through this alone." he said under his breath as he stood to follow her and Ranka spoke, "Tamaki-"
The young man looked to him, "Be patient with her. Haruhi...she feels….violated….she would never admit it to anyone...but...I know she is only acting this way because she doesn't want you to reject her. She doesn't want you to view her are as if she is damaged."
Tamaki looks down and thinks about that before he says softly, "We are all damaged, in our own way. She has nothing to be ashamed of and I won't let her hide from me. I don't care what he may have done to her, I love her, will always love her...no matter what." and then he was gone from the room, following Haruhi, determined to make her understand.
"You sure she is ready to read it?" Kyoya asks as he brings more noodles to his mouth, his eyes relaxed as he thinks of the results of such actions.
"My Haruhi is nothing if not practical….she is also brave and will never stop looking when there is a question that needs answered. My hope is that it will deter her from wanting to see him."
"And….if it doesn't?"
"Then I guess she will go see him. I won't stop her. She needs to make these discoveries on her own."
"That's an interesting notion, in it's own way."
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Haruhi stood on her mat, looking down at the leather bound green journal in her hands. When her bedroom door slid open she looked over with angry eyes.
"I said I wanted to do this alone." she said sternly.
"You said you didn't want me to know." Tamaki countered, his blonde hair falling over to shadow his eyes, "That is a big difference."
"No. It's the same thing. I want to face this alone, whether I want you to know or not is just a detail."
"But it's really not." Tamaki says gently as he approaches. He stands before her, placing his hands on her arms as she says softly, "You don't want me to know what he did to you. Because you don't know how far he took his love for you. You don't remember if he….did more than just hug you. And it terrifies you that I may find out….that I may not want you because he used you up."
"In this journal, are all the answers I might need. I will know what really happened, finally remember, I might even be able to undo the damage he's done. When I first came out of the trance he had put me in, I felt like he had been with me my whole life, like we had some deep significant trust that we had built over years of being together. I wasn't scared and when he had been hurt, I wanted to help him. When they tried to take him away, I wanted to run to him, beg on his behalf for him to be spared. But…."
"As soon as he was gone those feelings changed." Tamaki finished.
"Yeah. Now, as the days go by, I feel….so….conflicted. Part of me still thinks it's all a lie and he is a good man who cares about me, cares about what's best for me, even though the truth of what he was and did is right in front of me. But even with all this….even with everything he did...the memories are still so blury. I don't want to admit it, but, even though I fought him….told him to stop….a small part of me….wanted to let him do it….just so I could remember. But….I don't want you to know what he did….I don't want you to change how you look at me. For the first time in my entire life….I care what someone thinks of me….and I know...if that changed it would hurt far worse than anything that has happened to me."
Tamaki leaned down and placed a kiss on her head, "No matter what is in that journal, no matter what he did to you, my love for you will never change. And I will never see you as anything less than what you are. The most beautiful, kind and caring regular girl I have ever met."
She looks up to him and meets those violet eyes, stares as words swim through her mind.
Violet is the color of my true love's eyes, blonde is the color of my true love's hair. Tender is the feel of my true love's lips and sweet is the taste of my true love's kiss.
"Kiss me." she breathes softly and he leans down, cupping her cheek as their lips meet. This time, when Tamaki opens his mouth to her, Haruhi reciprocates and Tamaki gently presses forward and explores her mouth with tender affection.
Her nails dig into his jacket, a soft hum coming from her throat and when he pulls away, she asks softly, "Will you….read it to me? I want to hear your voice….not his."
"Anything you ask, you know I'll do." and he takes the journal from her and together they sit on her bed and Tamaki starts to read.
A/N: Once chapter left to wrap it all up. Really excited, hope you enjoyed this!