Disclaimer: I do not own "Ouran High School Host Club" or any of the characters in this wonderful manga/anime in any way.

Shelter in the Storm

Previously in chapter eighteen: "What am I, a child that needs constant supervision? I can take care of myself, and even if I couldn't, Takeshi is here with me right now. So do your homework. Education is important."

Kimiko giggled at Haruhi and then pulled out her homework, "Hai! Yes ma'am. As you ordered."

Chapter Nineteen

Takeshi and Haruhi sat on the porch, watching the sun set over the neighborhood in silence so that they didn't bother Kimiko from her studies. The landlady came out of her apartment and talked to the young couple. She had spoken with Ranka earlier that day, and made sure that she played the part, although she winked at Haruhi in the process. "I hope that this boy wont be here till sun-up tomorrow, doing who knows what, while your father is away."

"No ma'am. We've arranged for a student nurse to stay with me. I apologize if we gave you the impression that any wrong doings were going on. My father trusts my friends, so that's why they were permitted to stay with me and watch over me in my father's absence."

"Don't get me wrong, they all appeared to be handsome young men, but overnight without your father here…" she started but was cut off by Kimiko's appearance.

"Young master, I do hope that considering Haruhi-san's recent medical condition, that you are not allowing her to get too stressed out. That would not be conducive to her recovery."

"Of course not Kimiko-san. Haruhi was just greeting her landlady."

"Yes, dear, how are you doing now? That was awful what you have been through."

"I'm as well as can be expected. The doctors don't want me to be left alone for a while longer, thus the need for someone to keep me company at night. Other than that, they say that my recovery is coming along quite nicely. The detectives that worked my case were more impressed than the doctors however. They say that I am the only victim that ever survived."

"That was you? I mean, I knew that you got attacked, but that was your case? Haruhi dear, why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Well landlady-san, I have only been home from the hospital for a few days now, and haven't been coming out often. I'm sorry. I would have thought that between coming to visit me, his work, and attempting to get some sleep, that Dad might have told you."

"No, I guess he is a rather busy man, isn't he. Well, I'm sorry for keeping you dear. I do pray for your speedy recovery. And thank you for correcting what could have been an ugly situation."

Out of the corner of her eye, Haruhi saw what she had halfway been hoping for. She saw a man in all black with the O insignia on his breast make note of their conversation and then move back into the shadows. However, what Haruhi had forgotten about, was that Takeshi wasn't supposed to be at her house, but rather at school working on extra work.

The three young adults made their way back into the apartment and watched a little bit of TV since Kimiko had finished her homework. They also talked a bit. Haruhi learned that Kimiko had been working for the Morinodzuka family since she was 17, first to pay her way through high school, and then as she was working her way through college to become a nurse. They had been more than generous as far as helping her with her schedule, and even bought some of her books for her. However, she had to admit, that having her work at Haruhi's house was the absolutely easiest task they had given her yet. She admitted to feeling guilty.

Takeshi looked at both girls, then sighed, "Mother thought it would be funny to have my first crush care for my first true love." Both girls looked at him, shocked. "When I was 14, right after Kimiko first came to work for us, I had a crush on her. Mother found out about it. She didn't let me live it down for a long time. In fact, it wasn't until she started to tease me about the 'poor child being held captive by the host club' that she finally let my long since past crush on Kimiko drop. So I think this was one last dig at me, before she finally lets my past crush die like it should have while I was still at Ouran." Both girls started to giggle uncontrollably.

When the giggling died down, it was time for Takeshi to head home. He called for the car, and bid Kimiko a good night, then Haruhi walked him out to the porch to wait for the car. He stood two steps down from the top so that they could see eye to eye. "Haruhi, are you upset?"

"No, why would I be?"

"About Kimiko?"

"Do you still love her?"

"No, it was never really love, just infatuation… a crush."

"If she were to come out here and tell you that she wants you, would you leave me for her?"

"Never. What childish feelings that I had for her have long since died. No one could make me walk away from you. I need you to understand that."

"No one?"

"Only you. Only you telling me to go away because you do not care for me at all… that would be the only way that I will ever walk away from you. Even then it wont be willingly. But I would rather walk away and hope that we can remain friends, than try to stay by your side and have you hate me forever."

"I could never do that."

"Then I will never leave you. I said it yesterday, my biggest fear is to lose you."

"You wont lose me. I wont allow it."

"Then I guess we're stuck with one another, huh?" He smiled, "I think I could get used to this kind of being stuck with someone." Then he saw the limo pull up. "I don't want to go, but I guess I really should."

"Ok, I will see you in the morning, right?"

"Yes, and I will see you in my dreams, as I do every night."

"Good night, Takeshi." She hugged him one last time before he left.

"Good night, Haruhi." He didn't want to let her go. She belonged in his arms. But for now, he relented and released her. However, silently he vowed that as soon as she graduated from High School, he would no longer release her to leave for a different home. He would see to it.