The sight of one of my father's business associates standing nearby offered an escape from Haruhi's probing. I made my way over to greet him. To my surprise, Father arrived at the same time I did. Donning the winsome Ootori face I reserved for such occasions, I said, "Suzuki-sama, I welcome you to the Ouran Host Club." My father's eyes narrowed. "Have you already visited the arts exhibition to see the fine pieces crafted by your daughter?"

After a few more polite inquiries I excused myself so they could finish their conversation without me. I checked on the other hosts before returning to Haruhi. She sat at the same table, absently toying with her cell. Before I could say anything to her, the two men passed by us. Mr. Suzuki gave me a half-bow as he left, but my father lingered at the fountain. I tensed, keeping my eyes on the chair in front of me.

Apparently he had moderated his first opinion somewhat, but his voice still carried mild censure as he addressed my back. "When you're young it may seem that there is all the time in the world, but in reality, that is not so. Don't go wasting your time on things that are of no value." In my peripheral vision I saw him begin to move away, but my attention was arrested by Haruhi's sharp intake of breath.

She stood abruptly and followed my father. "In this host club, Kyoya-sempai works as hard as he can so that others can enjoy all this," she stated firmly, gesturing to indicate the happenings around us. I could hear the righteous indignation simmering beneath her words. "By making our guests happy, we also come to feel fulfilled. Do you really think it is worthless to bring joy to others?"

Father had frozen in place, no doubt surprised at being addressed by someone he considered beneath him. I slowly angled my body to stand protectively behind Haruhi. Later I would chuckle at the picture of her small form taking on my formidable father, but at the moment I was tightly coiled, ready to spring into action should he make any threatening moves toward her.

Her little fists were balled and she lifted her chin, exclaiming, "I think that Kyoya-sempai is outstanding!" Her tone challenged him to disagree. I was on edge, afraid my father might lash out in response, but the bigger part of me was reeling from her words.

She thinks I'm 'outstanding.' Really? Outstanding. That's… A wave of pleasure rushed through me and left every nerve tingling. I felt somehow taller, stronger.

Father simply ignored her and walked on.

We both stood still and watched him go. I had no idea what to say. What do you say after someone you... like… tells the world you are outstanding?

I was never so thankful to hear Kaoru's voice. "Well, Haru-chan, you really told him."

"Yeah," Hikaru added. "Maybe we should make you the new Boss." His teasing words died a quick death as we were all reminded of Tamaki's absence.

Haruhi stared at the grand double doors of the salon. "She said she told him not to show his face here today," she muttered to herself. We all knew who 'she' was. Haruhi returned to herself and looked each of the twins in the eyes. Her own eyes narrowed. "She said she ordered him not to." The twins looked appropriately appalled.

Swinging suddenly in my direction, Haruhi announced her decision. "I'm going to call him." She searched my eyes for a moment and I nodded encouragingly. This seemed to release her, and she snatched her cell from the table and began searching its contacts as she ambled toward the changing room. I stared after her.

Would Tamaki listen to her? What would she say? 'Your fiancée is an evil witch… what are you thinking? I love you, Tamaki, stay with me instead. Even if I am a commoner.'

Okay, clearly I wasn't thinking straight. Late afternoon sun streamed through the windows as the clock tower chimed outside. I readjusted my glasses and turned to the twins, who were whispering with their heads together. "We need to begin getting ready for the parade. Let's finish up with our guests and inform them that we are closing," I told them. "For the day," I amended.

They nodded and swooped in upon a nearby cluster of mothers and daughters. I enlisted Honey and Mori's help as well. Honey tottered over to a conversational grouping of furniture. "I'm really sorry…" I heard him beginning when I spied Haruhi slipping back through the door. From her deflated appearance, it seemed she'd been unsuccessful. I met her halfway across the room.

She stopped in front of me, lifting her shoulders in a deep breath and exhaled, "He didn't answer." She blinked quickly a few times, and I wanted to tease her about having a problem with her contact lens as she had so many months ago. But no one was in the mood for teasing today.

"We're closing up so we can get into our costumes for the Parade," I said quietly. She nodded woodenly. My heart nearly burst with pride when I saw her pull her shoulders back and raise her head resolutely. Taking another deep breath she screwed up a pleasant expression and walked over to where a group of teachers with drinks in their hands stood chatting.

Now that is outstanding, I thought. Most any other girl would have indulged in a good cry or at least a nice extended pity party. But Haruhi found courage to go on. Once again she sought to care for others before she would worry about herself. Another thing I loved about her-even if it did drive us all crazy sometimes.

Before long the salon was empty of guests and the boys had reconvened dressed in our Renaissance era costumes—royalty naturally, not peasant outfits. They were a bit frilly, and the calf-length breeches and hose looked ridiculous, but I'd probably worn worse in host club once or twice. Maybe.

I strolled to the windows, watching the parade preparations on the wide avenue below. We were running out of time. Each minute that passed without hearing from Tamaki made his threat seem more real. I'd been certain he would at least return for the big carriage ride he'd been so obsessed about.

I slipped my phone from my velveteen (sigh) pocket and snapped it open just as Haruhi tiptoed in, followed closely by a maid—no doubt provided by the twins—who was still attempting to affix a big pink bow to her… long tresses of brown hair? I gave her a quizzical look as she walked past.

"Wig," she grouched, taking a seat on a nearby divan. As I listened to the call connect and waited for Tamaki to answer I heard her complaining. "What's with this outfit?"

"We told you," the twins chorused innocently. "It's a costume for the special parade."

"Haru-chan, you look cute!" Honey encouraged.

"Not that," she said. "Why am I the only one dressed as a girl?" It was true. She was swathed in layers of pink and white and petticoats.

Hikaru attempted to explain away their blatantly self-indulgent costume choice while I listened to Tamaki's cell switch over to voicemail. I snapped the phone shut.

Kaoru turned toward the noise. "Well?"

"It's no good. He's not answering." I stared at the phone in frustration.

"Tamaki-sempai really did end up not showing his face at the salon today," Haruhi commented, shaking her head in disbelief. The other hosts exchanged doleful looks.

I turned back to the window, allowing my thoughts to continue scrolling through possibilities. I snapped my phone open again and placed a call to the landline at the Suou second estate, Tamaki's Japanese home. The aged housekeeper answered. I'd visited Tamaki there often and she remembered me.

I was correct in assuming she would have information for us. But her words jolted me. "The Master will be departing for France. I tried to stop him, but he said the Suou family had forgiven his mother, and that he could finally make his mother happy." Ah, the missing puzzle piece. "Also," she continued, "that if he continued at Ouran, his capriciousness would only make trouble for you, Kyoya-sama, and for everyone else."

"That idiot!" I swore, breathing heavily. I hadn't thought I could feel any worse than I had all day. I was wrong. To learn that my own words helped drive Tamaki to leave was almost making me crazed. Realizing my outburst had drawn everyone's attention, I repeated the salient point for them. "Tamaki is planning to return to France."

I heard the boys expressing their disbelief and outrage, but the housekeeper's raspy voice continued in my ear. "Kyoya-sama, I was thinking. If the Master's mother is really the sort of lady that the Master always spoke of, then I am sure she would not be pleased with the manner in which he is leaving Ouran." I had to agree. In his artless manner, Tamaki had shared with me bits and pieces about his life in France, and I had discerned from them that the son's big heart was a reflection of his mother's.

I firmed my resolve. "When is he leaving for France?"

"His plane is this evening."

I started. "That soon?"

"He said he would leave Japan tonight, as the Ouran Fair was ending."

A flashy red convertible approached along the parade route. I recognized it as one Tamaki had picked out about a year ago. His father wouldn't let him drive it yet, but his valet did ferry him around in it as often as Tamaki could convince him to. Apparently, leaving the country for good was excuse enough.

As it drew near I saw a shock of blond hair in the back. "Tamaki!" I exclaimed. The others ran to the window in time to see the car racing away.

"Tama-chan!"

"The Fair isn't over yet!"

As I heard the voices around me, I became aware that Haruhi's wasn't among them. Turning from the window, I saw she still sat on the divan, staring down at her clasped hands. Was it finally sinking in that he was really leaving her? Was her heart breaking?

Mine was a lump of ice in my chest. I refused to let him go. Kyoya Ootori doesn't give in so easily. Even if it meant watching Haruhi fall in love with him instead of me.

"My family's car should be in the parking lot!" I directed the hosts. "Haruhi!" I called and her head snapped up. "Let's go," I said, thrusting my hand toward her. She searched my gaze and I watched the resolve settle over her delicate features. She nodded and placed her hand in mine.

Together we ran to the elevator in the main hall. As the group burst out on the Parking level, I dashed ahead to the driver's window of our black Jaguar. "We're in a hurry," I advised him. "Head out at once!"

"Kyoya-sama," he said hesitantly.

"What's the matter?" I asked desperately. As he began to stutter out an explanation, I saw the dark shapes closing in from behind the concrete supports. The twins and Haruhi backed toward me, while Honey and Mori slipped away into the shadows.

"What are your orders?" I asked the Black Onion leader. "Were you ordered to protect Lady Éclair?"

He explained as politely as possible that he answered first to my father and that his orders were to detain us—by force, if necessary.

This was just too much, to lose to a heartless, conniving witch because my father took her side! He didn't even realize I'd won the financial battle for him. And now he would allow Tonnerre to keep Tamaki as a consolation prize.

I swore and pounded a fist against the car.