K~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Haruhi arrived, Miss Mooreson wasted no time in extending her hand and performing her own introduction.

"So, you are Haruhi. It's very nice to meet Tamaki's fiancée. I'm Judy Mooreson." Americans. Do they always take such friendly initiative…Based on this morning's meet and greet, I'd say it's not likely.

"Did Tamaki tell you that," asked a confused but always congenial Haruhi as she took the offered hand.

"He told me that we were meeting you, Haruhi." Let's see if she's really as observant as I think she is. I gazed at Miss Mooreson. To my embarrassment, she shifted her eyes and caught my open stare. I turned my attention to Haruhi and found her eyes moving from Tamaki to Miss Mooreson to me.

"So, Kyoya told you who I was then?"

"No, not I." I raised both hands in the air. "I didn't even know you were at the concert tonight."

She directed her attention back to Miss Mooreson. "Then how did you know who I was."

"In relation to Tamaki, you mean," Miss Mooreson queried and Haruhi nodded. "It's very simple. I heard him say your name when he instructed you to meet us here. I went over what I knew of Japanese names (since I know very little), and decided that Haruhi must be a woman's name. I then decided to test that idea by asking if Haruhi was at the concert. Tamaki," she nodded at the surprised blonde, "said quote, 'Oh, yes, she was. I couldn't really see her from the stage, but she promised to come, and she doesn't break promises to anyone, especially me.'" She grinned, and Tamaki's expression grew from awe to slightly frightened. That grin spells trouble. She continued, "From the glowing quality of his face and the obvious hearts in his eyes, I decided Tamaki was in love with you; therefore, the two of you were likely dating. When you arrived I noticed the ring on your finger as you slid into the booth next to Tamaki. No big deal." She had directed her little monologue mostly to the lovers sitting on the opposite side of the booth from us, but she also occasionally turned her head to me. I watched her contemplatively while she turned to her chocolate shake and french fries and resumed devouring them.

"Kyoya, it seems you're not the only one who can do that any more," Tamaki snapped me from my reverie.

"Do what? Observe and deduce? Of course, Tamaki," I addressed the man-child. "Plenty of people have the power of observation, they just have to take the time to apply it. Miss Mooreson simply knows how to use it. Haruhi, how's studying going?"

"Oh, what are you working on, Haruhi?" I was thankful Miss Mooreson picked up on my need to change the subject.

J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, what are you working on, Haruhi," I queried.

"I'm preparing for the Bar Exam." Her big, doe eyes were frank and open.

"Wow! That's amazing. You can't be older than twenty-five. In the states, most law students don't take the Bar before twenty-eight." I was more than a little impressed.

"It's the same here. I decided to take an excellerated program like Tamaki and Kyoya did."

"I never asked you two what you are studying." I think I may have to eat humble pie.

Tamaki spoke up first with a flourish and wave of his hand. "I took a dual major in university in business and education. I finished my MME last year and will finish my MBA this year."

"So, you doubled up on your graduate studies, too? Woah!" I was thoroughly impressed now. "And, you, Kyoya?"

"I did the same as Tamaki, but where he took education, I took medicine. I completed my MBA last year and will finish my MD this year." I knew he was proud of his accomplishment, but his delivery was less a prideful statement than it was an arrogant recital of the facts. It's like 'this is how it is supposed to be and is. Naturally, I succeed in everything.' Good grief. I guess that means he's doing his residency. Humble pie, I hope you taste better than everyone says you do.

"I think I owe both of you gentlemen an apology."

"What for, Miss Mooreson," asked Tamaki.

"For the way I behaved upon our first meeting. I assumed you were only students, and didn't even ask. I was rude to force what I deemed appropriate standards on both of you. I apologize." Dang, I hate being wrong.

"Apology accepted."

"But, you were right, Miss Mooreson," Kyoya enjoined. What the heck! My jaw instinctively tightened. "It was inappropriate for us to address you informally when we hadn't been introduced." And, jaw loose.

"Well, since we have status taken care of, I would like to ask all of you to please call me by my given name. We are all on equal footing, save for Dr. Ohtori over here." I playfully tapped the table in front of him.

"Very well, Judith-san." Kyoya adjusted his specs. I quirked an eyebrow.

"I said 'first name' and 'equal,' so dispense with the -san."

"Judith."

"Na-ah. I'm Judy." I extended my hand to him and then Tamaki. They both took it in turn.

"Call me Tamaki."

"I'm Kyoya."

"And, I'm Haruhi Fujioka."

"It's very nice to officially meet all of you on equal terms." I smiled at all three of my new acquaintances. "Haruhi, what did you think of the performance tonight?"

P.S. I was ill when I wrote this chapter, so my apologies if the facts don't add up quite right. :) R&R, please. Oh, and I've just finished the next major plot point, so be prepared.