"You're freaking kidding me. He took her WHERE?" The usually gentle blue eyes smoldered, threatening murder.

"Whoah, yeah, I just found out from a friend who owns the hotel…" Kaoru's attempt to soothe the livid blond backfired big time.

"HOTEL?! No freaking way. Lets go." He stood, an aura of pure death leeching the color from Kaoru's face.

"Um…" he choked, frozen. "Calm down?..."

Suddenly the door burst open and breathless Hikaru entered, carrying his own death aura. "Tamaki, the bastard! He took Haru-oh…" Tamaki and Hirkau stared each other down for a few moments, faces grave, before Hikaru sputtered, "Tamaki, why are you here? Aren't you with…" He looked around for another second. "Then who's with?..."

"Yeah…" Kaoru looked ashen.

"NO FREAKING WAY."

---

Mountains of sweets adorned every free surface and two figures, one big, one small, talked with heads bent over a slice of strawberry cake.

"Think we should intervene? Apparently the boys plan to chase them." Honey asked around a bite.

"Follow, maybe." Mori spoke softly, eyes downcast.

Honey grinned to himself and Mori grunted. "Entertainment…"

"Exactly my thoughts. You want the strawberry?" He asked cutely.

"Nah, save it for the flight."

---

The rush of foreign voices echoed through the busy terminals and disoriented Haruhi. The words were harsh and guttural and she found it hard to believe it was a romantic language, but everyone dressed nicely and acted with confidence. Having no other choice, she was carried along the aisles in the cover of Kyouya's arm. He had instigated the move, wrapping it casually around her shoulder as soon as they exited the plane, and as off as it all was, she was grateful for the support.

Two towering men in black suits came up to us and exchanged a few words with Kyouya, leaving presumably to get our luggage and accompanying us outside to a private car. Kyouya held the door from me and sat close beside me in the car, even though there were plenty of other seats.

"Welcome to France." He chuckled and kissed the side of my head, stunning me.

I was unable to speak for a moment, looking down at our intertwined fingers. "Why did you bring me here? Tell me the truth." I spoke quietly.

"I guess I can let you in on our schedule for today.." His face was serious. He rolled down a window, letting the mild breeze blow tendrils of black hair away from his face. "My friend owns a hotel nearby, and they're hosting a gala this evening. We are to attend, you as my date." He spoke so matter of fact, like I would be perfectly approving of this turn of events.

"Oh.. Does Tamaki-?" I started before he cut me off.

"Don't speak of Tamaki while we're here." His face surprised me, it was full of resentment. "In any case, this is the hotel." He gestured to the towering building down the street. Wealthy couples seemed to come in flocks toward it, decked in jewels and formal dress. I gulped, realizing that is exactly how we would seem. "Time to get ready."

---

René Tamaki Richard de Grandtaine… That snobbish idiot. Now that his fatherly love toward Haruhi is now the love a man holds for a woman, I must stop it at any cost… Even if it means I have to make him choose again.

"That will do perfectly." I put on my most amiable smile, surprised at how easy it came to me now that I had her all to myself. It almost felt good… "Here, let me help you."

Haruhi stood before the suites stretch of mirrors and as I walked toward her, I was better able to admire the flush in her cheeks, the smooth slope of her shoulders, her skinny waist. My hands slid down the satin material of the gown I had picked out for her, a deep purple dress with a corset style backing that showed a few of the lovely freckles on her creamy skin. I fastened them slowly and was rewarded by her catch of breath. Maybe making her love me wouldn't be so tough after all…

"I'm nervous." She finally said after I had finished the lacings and turned her to face me.

"Don't be. You look lovely in this color." I stepped closer to her, forcing her back into the corner, the mirrors giving me the added pleasure of seeing every move from her perspective. I lowered my voice to a growl, "Would you like me to show you exactly how much I love this dress on you?" I winked, and her face went blank.

"Shouldn't.." she paused to catch her breath, eyes wandering toward the door. "Should we be going soon?"

I straightened my posture and adjusted my suit in the mirror, watching her from the corner of my eye. "Indeed, we should." I was frustrated with how easily she turned me down… But by the end of the night… I grinned down at her and she gulped, eyes wide.

I laughed, "Don't be scared, Haruhi. Take my arm. I'll protect you."

Timidly, she rested her hand upon my arm and we swept out of the room. I could feel her eyes on me all the way to the lobby.

---

The five boys, two hidden, made their way through the terminals as quickly as possible toward the entrance, only stopping for a second when the bright lights of the Parisian night stunned them into silence. Each had a mission in mind, each had their happiness at stake. All they could hope was to make it in time.