Disclaimer: I have no rights over any Ouran characters. Nor do I have the rights to Antique Bakery.

Usually Haruhi was a very good judge of people. It was something that came fairly naturally to her, and she had continued to cultivate it once she realized how important it was to being a lawyer.

But, sometimes, Haruhi did not understand people at all. Or, should she say, she did not understand certain people.

"You want me to WHAT?" Haruhi exclaimed.

"We want you to model a Hitachiin Original at the Hitachiin International Extravaganza." Mei said again, as if this was the most reasonable request in the world.

"Really, it looks like it was made for you. Mom had one of her 'dreams' and then created it. It really doesn't fit our typical models," Kaoru said calmly.

Haruhi shook her head, "No, I am not some dress-up doll. I am a lawyer. One who works for a very high profile law office. I will not be seen modeling at some sort of party. For one thing, if Mr. Tachiki saw me he'd fire me on the spot – no matter what Mamoru said."

"I disagree," said Hikaru. "You see, if he recognizes you and asks we'll say you did as a personal favor to us. He won't run the risk of losing Hitachiin International as clients."

"Besides," said Kaoru, "you've helped Mamoru win several big cases and settle dozens of others outside of court over the past year. He's not going to fire you."

"Oh? And what do I say when one of the Tachiki clients recognizes me and then dismisses me as an airhead due to the fact I was modeling? Do you know how hard it is to be respected as a female lawyer in Japan?"

"Hm, that does present a problem," said Mei.

Haruhi grinned triumphantly, "Yes, it does, doesn't it?"

The three up and coming fashion designers grew quiet for a moment. Haruhi began to grow a bit apprehensive. All three of them were capable of being quite devious when the occasion called for it.

"I know!" said Mei. "We can have the models wear-"

"MASKS!" all three of them shouted as they grinned like the evil relations to the Cheshire Cat that they were.

Haruhi put her head in her hands and sighed. She knew that she could continue to argue with them, but she'd ultimately lose. There was no way she'd win against all three of them. They were a very, very scary united front.

"Okay, I'll do it."

XXX

The only good thing about agreeing to model the dress was that they were all extremely nice to her. So, when she told them to get lost, they did.

With no one around to bother her, Haruhi headed to her old, college haunt – The Antique Bakery.

She wasn't much of a sweets fan, but one of Yusuke's pastries combined with a coffee, well, it made her relax.

Which is exactly what she was doing when Hunny plopped himself into the chair across from her.

"Hello, Haru-chan!"

Well if she had to be interrupted, then Hunny was a sight better than Tamaki, Mei, or either set of twins.

"Hello, Hunny," she said, smiling.

It was hard not to smile when Hunny was around.

His eyes narrowed and he studied her, "Haru-chan, what's wrong?"

"Kaoru, Hikaru, and Mei talked me into modeling at the Hitachiin International Extravaganza."

He looked puzzled, "But, don't they realize that some of your clients will be there?"

She shrugged, "That's what I said, so they decided all models would wear masks."

"But you don't want to, do you?"

"Not particularly."

"Want Mori and me to talk to them?"

She smiled at him, "No, I'll be okay. But thank you." She looked around the café, "By the way, where is Mori?"

"Oh, he's watching Genji and Fusao. Reiko is out of the country for the next week. Some sort of big convention in San Diego. Mori offered to watch them for an afternoon." He shuddered, "They've started walking."

"Sounds like trouble."

"Oh, it is, but, do you know what?"

She shook her head.

"I wouldn't give it up for anything else in the world."

"My dad always says the same thing."

Hunny chuckled, "Ranka's a very smart person."

"I couldn't agree more."

He grinned and took a bite of his cake.

The two of them ate in pleasant silence.

It was a very nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

XXX

"Mei, you are NOT doing Haruhi's makeup," declared Chiye.

"But, I'm the best!" Mei said.

"Sorry, Mei, but you aren't," Masaye said calmly, "or, at least you're not the best for Haruhi. She needs a very light touch – especially with that dress. Too much makeup would ruin the affect, you're a designer, you should see that."

Mei crossed her arms and pouted, but she didn't argue.

"I don't see why I even need to wear makeup," Haruhi said for the millionth time since she'd agreed to this insanity. "I'll be wearing a mask."

"The mask only covers half your face," said Masaye as she adjusted the angle of Haruhi's head and began to apply foundation.

"And with this mask your eyes will be very visible, you need good eye makeup especially," added Chiye.

Haruhi sighed in defeat; she just couldn't win when it came to this stupid Extravaganza.

By the time Masaye finished, Haruhi didn't recognize herself. She was more made-up, and yet more natural than she'd ever been in her entire life.

The girls helped her into the dress and then she just stared at herself in the mirror, feelings of shock and awe coursing through her veins.

With the mask on no one would be able to tell that this sophisticated model was Haruhi, the queen of business suits and a no-nonsense appearance.

The dress was very simply cut, and yet, it felt so sophisticated. The straps were wide and loose as they fell off of her shoulder and onto her upper arms. The cut of the chased showed off her pale neck, while still leaving much to the imagination. The rest of the dress fit her like a glove until it reached the hips, where it flowed out like water. The turquoise fabric shimmered as she moved. She'd never felt so unlike herself in her entire life.

"Breathtaking," whispered Chiye.

"Just as I imagined it! You look like a porcelain doll!" proclaimed a strong voice Haruhi hadn't heard before.

Turning, she saw it belonged to a gorgeous older woman. She turned away from the mirror and smiled at Haruhi, "You must be Miss Haruhi Fujioka. I am Yuzuha Hitachiin, now stand up straight please."

She put her hands on Haruhi's shoulder and waist, physically forcing her to stand up straight.

"Very good! Now, follow Mei, she'll take you to the rest of the models. Your dresses' names will be called and you'll descend the staircase, modeling the dress. Once every girl is at the bottom I want you to mingle with the guests. Let them see the dresses in action! Also, be sure to dance, to show how the dress looks as it moves. You'll be the last girl out the door since your dress is my crown jewel, I want nothing to outshine it! Understand?" She looked Haruhi in the eyes, "You and that dress are the belle of my ball."

Haruhi nodded, "Yes, Mrs. Hitachiin, I understand."

"Wonderful! Have a lovely time!"

And with those words she swept from the room.

The four girls stared after her for a moment, trying to catch their breath.

"So," said Chiye to Mei, "that's your boss?"

Mei smiled dreamily, "Yes, isn't she amazing?"

Haruhi sighed, "Mei, she won't be so amazing if we don't follow her orders."

"Oh! Right! Masaye, Chiye, I'll see you in the ballroom. I need to show Haruhi where to go. And remind the boys, we're calling her Princess tonight. I'm sure they've forgotten."

"Will do! Good luck, Haruhi!" said the Koenig twins together before heading out.

Haruhi sighed and watched them go. She wished she was going with them. Standing at the top of a giant staircase while everyone watched her did not sound fun.

Not at all.

Author's Note: Poor Haruhi, she just can't get away from being dressed up by her friends. Also, I adore Hunny.

Enjoy! :)