Tamaki's alarm goes off and it takes everything in me to wake up. I groggily sit up and yawn. While stretching I suddenly recall last night.

Ugh. That was rough. It probably could have gone better.

*Flashback*

As soon as we get inside, I can tell this is going to be an interesting night. We take our jackets off and hand them and my purse to the servants waiting. Then we're lead tot he dining room.

Yuzuru is already sitting when we enter and he stands up to greet us.

"Good evening Tamaki, Kairi."

"Good evening," we both reply.

"Shall we eat?" He gestures us to sit down. We do. Tamaki sits to Yuzuru's left and Yuzuru gestures for me to sit to his right. As soon as we're all seated, the servants bring in the appetizer. We seem to be having calamari. As soon as I see it I scoot back a little. Tamaki and Yuzuru start eating and after a minute Tamaki notices I'm not eating.

"Kairi, it's calamari. It's not as bad as it looks," Tamaki explains.

"Thanks. I know what calamari is. I am a chef," I reply.

"Ok. Then is something wrong?"

"No. Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure."

He shrugs and continues eating. After they finish eating, the servants retrieve our plates and replace them with the main course. Upon looking at it, I realize it's Teriyaki Chicken. Then that means... I pick up my fork and move the food around a little. Yup. Sesame seeds. I'll just move my food around so it looks like I'm eating.

"So, Kairi," Yuzuru starts.

"Yes?"

"Have you thought about where you're going to shop?"

"Pardon?"

"For your clothes."

"Oh. Um. Not really. I figured I'd go to the thrift store."

Tamaki, who was in the middle of chewing, starts coughing as if he had just choked on his food.

"Are you alright Tamaki?" I ask.

After he recovers he replies, "Yes. Sorry, father. She was just joking. We were going to talk to the Hitachiins about some temporary new clothes until we can get her some permanent ones."

I look at Tamaki quizzically. He nods. "Yeah. I'm sorry. That was a bad joke. Just as Tamaki said, I plan on discussing it with Mrs. Hitachiin."

"I see," Yuzuru replies. After that, it goes silent again except for the sounds of them eating. Once again, after they finish, the servants replace our main course with dessert, which looks like a German Kompott. Upon closer inspection, I notice it's not exactly a normal one. Usually, they consist of berries but this appears to have mangos and papaya in addition to the berries. Really? mangos? Fuck. Could this get any worse?

They finish eating and the dishes are taken away. Yuzuru stands up and turns to me.

"Kairi, may I speak with you privately?"

"Ok."

"Follow me. tamaki, we won't be long and then you can leave."

I stand up and we leave. he leads me to his office and gestures for me to sit; I do.

"I noticed tonight you did not eat anything. Is something the matter?"

"No."

"Don't forget our agreement and your promise."

I sigh. "Did you read my medical records?"

"I've seen them."

"Ok. But did you read them?"

"I will confess I had someone summarize them."

"Then you don't know."

"Know what?"

"Fun fact. There are 8 very uncommon food allergies according to the American Government. These are red meat, sesame seeds, avocados, marshmallows, corn, mangos, dried fruit, and hot dogs. Most people don't have to worry about these allergies as they are very uncommon. As a chef, I have to be aware of these. As a human, I am very aware of 3 of these. Sesame seeds, avocados, and mangoes. Which two of these three were in tonight's meal?"

"Well, the teriyaki had sesame seeds and the Kompott had mangos. What are you saying?"

"I'm saying I'm allergic to sesame seeds, mangos, and avocados. And you tried to feed me two of these. Lucky for me, I am a chef and can quickly identify the ingredients in meals presented before me."

"I did not realize. I apologize for my carelessness. Next time I will be sure to check for food allergies."

"Is that all you needed?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll be leaving." I stand up and walk to the door. I open it and just before I leave I say, "You said you loved me and that you want to be my dad. yet, you couldn't even bother to read my medical records. If you had, you would have known about my allergies. I can't pretend to like someone if they can't bother to try."

I walk until I find Tamaki.

"Everything all right?" Tamaki asks.

"I'll tell you in the car. Let's go."

We leave and drive home. I explain what happened on the ride back. I'm finishing up as we pull up to the house.

"Well, he kinda had it coming," Tamaki remarks. "You aren't wrong. He should have realized. Although I do wonder, as a chef you must have to cook with those ingredients."

"Yes. When handling avocados and mangos I always wear gloves. With sesame seeds, I can touch them. It's just annoying for me when I eat them. My mouth gets itchy and it's annoying."

"Ok. That makes sense. So, that explains why you didn't eat the entree or the dessert, but why not the calamari?"

"Oh. Um. There was a thing with a person. Can we just leave it at that? At least for now? When I'm ready, I'll tell you."

"Ok. Well, after that disaster you must be hungry. Come."

We go to the kitchen and Tamaki pulls out some things.

"Are you cooking for me?"

"You may be a chef, but I do have a few things I can cook well."

I laugh. "We'll see about that."

We make small talk until he finishes. Then he places a plate of fried rice in front of me.

"Bon appetit."

I chuckle and take a bite. I chew slowly, making sure to fully evaluate it. After a minute or so, Tamaki gets impatient.

"So? What do you think?"

"Hmm. Well, it tastes like fried rice. The presentation could have been better. It's not too salty and there's not too much soy sauce. There's a good balance between the vegetables, the rice, and garlic. Overall, I'd say it was good. If I were ordering fried rice, I'd expect it to taste like this. Well done."

Tamaki lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you like it. Now hurry up and eat. We can watch a movie tonight in my room if you'd like."

"When you put it that way, I better hurry."

We go to his room and fall asleep to The Hobbit.

*End Flashback*

I get up and poke Tamaki.

"Wake up. We have to get ready for school."

"Mmm. 5 more minutes."

I chuckle. "C'mon. Up you go." As I say it I [ull off his covers. He jumps up immediately.

"Fine. I'm awake."

I chuckle and head to my room. After getting dressed I head down to the kitchen. I eat breakfast quickly and go back upstairs to grab my stuff. When I go back down I see Tamaki waiting for me at the entrance.

"Ready?" Tamaki asks.

"Yea. Let's go."

By the time lunch comes around I'm ready to sleep for a thousand years. I sit down next to Tamaki and Kyoya.

"Kairi, you look exhausted. Is something wrong?" Tamaki inquires.

"I'm fine. It's just been a long day so far. I feel like the teachers here are trying to put us to sleep."

Tamaki chuckles. "It's not that bad. Well, look at it this way. We have our performance after this and then you have a free period you can sleep in."

"Oh god. We perform today. Ugh. I totally forgot."

"Do you have your music?"

"Yes. I made sure to put it away after I finished practicing the last time."

"Then we'll be fine. We can do it."

"Yes. You're right. I just forgot about it is all."

After the bell rings Tamaki and I head to our next class. On the board, the teacher has written out the order in which we will perform. Unfortunately, Tamaki and I are first. Once the teacher sees us, she comes over and tells Tamaki and me to go get ready. We grab our music, I grab a sac, and we head to the practice room to warm up.

"You wanna just go over a little of what we do together? We can start just before you come in and play a little," Tamaki suggests.

"Sounds good to me."

"Cool."

We start playing and after a minute or so we stop.

"I think what was good enough. You think you're warmed up enough?"

"Yea. You?"

"I'm good."

"Ok. Well, let's go out there then. Let's give them something to remember."

We head out and see everyone is anxious. Tamaki and I head to the front and prepare. Once the teacher gives the word we start. Tamaki starts the intro and I come in and we just have fun.

After we finish, the classroom erupts in applause. The teacher comes over and informs us we did very well.

"Nice job Tamaki."

"You too Kairi. It seems everyone loved it."

We both smile and sit down. After the last group goes, the teacher congratulates all of us on doing a good job.

"Good job everyone. Now, as all of you know, the arts festival is approaching. After today's performances, I have made a decision about who will be performing at the festival. This year's performing duo is...Suoh and Himura. Well done both of you."

Everyone claps and Tamaki hugs me.

"We dit it Kairi!"

"What? I'm confused."

"Oh right. You don't know. Every year the school hosts the arts festival to show off the hard work of the students. The best of each area are chosen to present their work. We've been chosen to perform our song at the festival. This is amazing. It is super competitive to get in."

"Ok. Good for us then?"

"Yes!"

I'm still confused but I smile anyway. I can ask more about it later. Everyone comes up and congratulates us. While they are surrounding us, the bell rings and everyone disperses to get their stuff. I bid Tamamki farewell and head to the library. I decide to nap during my free period.

After the bell rings, I head to the club room. I find I'm the first to arrive and I decide to start prepping for today's menu. After a while, I hear everyone in the club room and I finish the last couple things left. Then I head out so we can start.

Time flies by pretty quickly and before I know it club is over. I start washing the dishes Haruhi brings in. After I finish I grab my stuff and go to the clubroom. Tamaki is waiting for me and Kyoya is still there.

"Hey Tamaki, can I talk to Kyoya for a sec?"

"No problem. I'll wait for you at the car."

"Thanks."

Tamaki smiles and leaves.

"Hey. So, about Friday." Kyoya freezes for a second.

"What about it?"

"I wanted to thank you again for listening. You don't know how much it means to me to have someone there willing to listen."

"It was my pleasure." After a second he adds, "If you ever want or need to talk, I'm willing to listen."

"Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Same to you. If you need or want someone to listen, I'm here."

"Thank you."

"Of course. Well, I shouldn't keep Tamaki waiting. He gets grumpy when he's hungry. I'll see you tomorrow."

I turn and leave. It doesn't take long to get to the car. After getting in, we leave. In the car, I get a text from Derek.

-Hey.

+What's up?

-Do you have a minute?

+I'm in the car, so yea. What do you need?

-Are you alone?

+No. Tamaki is with me.

-Let me know when you're alone.

+Ok...

Pretty soon we get home and I head upstairs to my room. Once I'm inside, I set my stuff down and pull out my phone.

+I'm alone now. What's up?

-Can I call you?

+Sure.

A second later my phone rings. I answer.

"Hey. What's up?"

"Hey. So, I've come across some information I thought you might be interested in."

"Ok. What's it about?"

"Um. I don't know if this is something you want to talk about over the phone. Can you meet me in person?"

"Tonight?"

"The sooner, the better."

"Let me see. I'm gonna put you on hold for a sec."

"Ok."

I put him on hold and go over to Tamaki's room. I knock and he answers.

"Hey. So, would it be ok if I borrowed the car for a while?"

"I don't need to be anywhere. Why?"

"I was gonna go meet up with a friend."

"Ok. No problem. Do you need help getting the driver?"

"No. I was gonna drive myself. Is that ok?"

"You know how to drive?"

"Yea. I learned a while back."

"I guess it's ok."

"Awesome. Thanks. I'll see you later."

"Bye."

I head back to my room and take Derek off hold.

"Ok. I'm good to meet you. Where do you wanna meet up?"

"Somewhere private where we won't get interrupted."

"Hmmm. What about a karaoke place? They're private and it wouldn't be abnormal for a couple teenagers to go."

"That sounds good. There's one on Main and 3rd. Meet me there?"

"Ok. I'll leave now. See you soon."

I hang up, grab my stuff, and leave. I quickly get in the car and drive away. What could he need to talk about? He said he had information. Infor on what? Why does it need to be in person and private? Hmmmm.

It doesn't take me long to arrive. I park, get out, and walk inside. I see Derek there and walk up to him.

"Hey. I already reserved a room. Follow me."

"Ok."

We head to a nearby room. After telling the staff we would not like anything, we're left alone.

"Derek. What is this about?"

"I didn't want to talk about this over the phone."

"Just get on with it."

"Ok," he takes a deep breath. "So, with my influence, I'm privy to information. An hour ago, word came in about someone I had tagged."

"Ok. Who?"

"You're not gonna like it."

"Who?"

"Nicholas Dogooder."

My heart stops. "How do you know that name?"

"While I was searching for you, I looked into your past. During my research, I learned about him. I had him tagged so I would know where he was at all times."

"He's in prison. Why are you bringing him up?"

"Well, I found out he was released and is headed to Japan."

"No. No. No, no, no, no, no. This can't be happening. I was assured he was never getting out. Not only that, my locations have always been kept secret. There's no way he could've found me."

Amidst my freaking out I start to have a panic attack. Derek leans over and hugs me.

"Hey. I want you to name 5 things you can see." I do. "Now 4 things you can feel." I oblige. "3 things you can hear...2 things you can smell...1 thing you can taste...Better?"

"Yea. Thanks. Where'd you learn how to ground someone?"

"I had an opportunity to take a class a while back and I figured why not. Now I'm glad I did."

"Do you know if he knows where I am?"

"My sources tell me he might. From the sound of it, it seems like he's coming here."

"Fuck. Ok. I need to think."

"Hey. Don't worry. You've got me."

"Thanks."

"And from the sounds of it, you've got a very wealthy family and some pretty wealthy friends."

"You're right. I just...I don't want to lose this. For once in my life, I have something concrete. I can't lose this."

"And you won't. I promise."

"Thanks." I take a deep breath. "Ok. I know what I need to do. Thank you for telling me. If I need your help, I'll be sure to let you know. I should get going. Lot's to do."

"Don't sweat it. It'll all be ok. We'll make it work. If you need anything, don't hesitate."

"I won't. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye. Get home safe."

"I will." I leave and go back home. When I get home I go upstairs and knock on Tamaki's door.

"Kairi. That wasn't very long."

"How trustworthy is the club?"

"What?"

"Can I trust the club? All of you. I know I can trust you, but what about the rest of the club? When all is said and done, can I count on them?"

"Yes. 100% yes. What's this about?"

"I need to assemble the club. Now."

"Ok."

Not long after, the whole club is sitting in our living room.

"Kairi, what's this about?" Kyoya asks.

"Well, now that everyone is here I guess I can start. Before I do, I need something from each of you. Your word. I need to know that no matter what I can count on each of you. And if I need you to keep a secret, that you will. Can everyone promise that?"

"You have my word," Haruhi promises.

"Mine too," Tamaki adds.

"And ours," the twins reply.

"You can count on me," Honey says.

"Me too," Mori reassures.

"I promise," Kyoya says.

"Thank you. All of you. I will hold you all to it. Now, in order for you guys to understand, I'll have to give you some backstory. I'll tell you now, this involves my past and it is very difficult for me to talk about. I haven't thought about it in a long time, so please be patient with me."

Kyoya sits next to me. "Don't worry. We're here for you."

"Thanks." He starts rubbing my back to comfort me. "Ok. So, as you all know, I went through a lot of foster homes. When I was little, I think I was 8, I was in a foster home. I only had one foster parent in this home, a man. Nicholas Dogooder. I know, weird last name. Anyway, I tried to be a good kid and not get sent off. One night, he took advantage of that attribute. He...um...well...he molested me. I didn't want to be a bad girl, so I didn't fight him after a while. This went on for 2 years. Then, someone found out and the police got involved. Before I knew it, he was in prison and I was being sent off to another country with a new last name. I guess they didn't want him to be able to track me or something. It was after that that I became a tough girl/delinquent. I made sure I knew how to fight and I became antisocial. It was a very dark time for me. It wasn't until I met Uncle that I came out of it. He and his wife loved me. Their daughter treated me like family, and I was happy. And then you all know the rest up until this point. It has recently, as in a couple hours ago, come to my attention that he is out of jail and headed to Japan, specifically here. I need your guys' help. I have no intention of leaving this place. I don't want to leave the life I finally have. Will you all please lend me your help?"

They all sit there for a second, taking it all in.

"You can count on me. Anything you need you may have," Kyoya offers.

"Thank you."

"Us too," reply the twins.

"Takashi and I will help too!" Honey exclaims.

"I'll do what I can," promises Haruhi.

"You didn't even have to ask," replies Tamaki.

"Thank you all. This means a lot to me. Now, I don't really have a plan at the moment. My first goal was to make sure I had people I could count on."

"Well you have us," Kyoya reassures.

"Thank you. I also have an old friend of mine. I met him shortly after it all happened and he helped teach me to fight. We were recently reunited and he's the one who told me. Let's just say he has connections and influence. He's with me."

"Kairi. Does dad know?" Tamaki asks.

"I don't know. I haven't told him. As far as I'm concerned he doesn't know anything about me. After last night, I don't have any faith in him."

"Don't you think you should tell him?"

"No. He'll want to send me away or put me in some sort of witness protection, or something. I'm not leaving. You guys can't tell your parents. They'll tell him."

"We promise," they all reply.

"Kairi, what about this," Kyoya starts. He goes on to lay out a plan.

"That might work. It'll take some talking to my dad, but I think that'll work. I just hope it goes well. If it doesn't, well, I'll probably be sent away."

"Is everyone clear on what they need to do?" Kyoya asks. Everyone nods. "Alright, then let's get started."

Hey all. I know. It's been over a month. Sorry. I recently got a second job and my first one started back up and I had no time to update. I also have AP testing this week and next so it's been hectic with teachers wanting to do finals and me having to prepare for exams. Soon enough I graduate and I won't have to worry about school until the fall.

Anyway, the song Tamaki and Kairi play is on YouTube. Look up Autumn Leaves - Saxophone with Piano. Or, you can copy the following link and put it in your browser.

watch?v=mBACGYh7mRo

I feel like there was something else I was gonna say, but I can't remember anymore. Hmmm. Oh well. Must not have been important.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I know I did. This went in a direction I didn't anticipate. So, this'll be fun to explore.

As always feel free to leave a comment. I love hearing what you guys have to say. Even if it's criticism I don't mind. I'll see you all next time.