Author's Note: First things first, thank you all for your support, it means the world to me. I apologize for the maMy PMs sent out today to my reviewers. I finally got around to responding to them. Sorry that took so long! In that spirit though, I want to send out a special shout out and thank you to Rin Owens, Rei Eien and kouga's older woman. You three have been posting multiple reviews and they really do touch my heart. They have been very helpful and have inspired my writing.

I also have a few guest reviews that I want to reply to since I cannot just send you a PM response. In any case thank you to all of my readers and reviewers, your responses to my writing make me smile.

Guest (There was no other name but it was posted way back at the end of March, sorry it took me this long to respond heh): I know my characters are a little if not very OOC, I have found that is the hardest part of writing this. Tamaki somehow is easy to write but the others are a little harder. I know Haruhi has been very short with the twins. In my mind, the stress of keeping her relationship with Kyoya a secret, yet act like nothing is happening would make her stressed and a little short with people, even her best friends. Hopefully, I will get better at this as time goes on. Thank you very much for your honest critique, it really does help.

slvrpheonx: Sorry for taking so long to respond to your reviews but thank you for both of them. I am glad you are enjoying the story and as you can see, I am updating right now. I hope you enjoy!

Now that I have probably bored you all to death with my insanely large author's note, I shall get a move on with the story but before that, I must sadly make a again, I am just borrowing Ouran, it is not mine. These are just ideas that go through my head.

This is another chapter I am not entirely happy with but I do hope you still enjoy. Since you have all been amazing with reviews and reading this super long note, I am giving you a long chapter. Please read and review!

Chapter 9:

Haruhi sits in the living room for several minutes after Hikaru leaves, not entirely sure what she should do. She knows Kyoya is still in his family dinner but she feels he needs to know. She also feels like she should warn Kaoru to make sure Hikaru is alright. Taking out her cellphone, she composes and sends two messages.

To: Kaoru

From: Haruhi

I don't know what all Hikaru told you but please take care of him. I am sorry.

To: Kyoya

From: Haruhi

I know you have a family dinner tonight but call me when you are done.

Within minutes Haruhi has a response from Kaoru but not none from Kyoya.

To: Haruhi

From: Kaoru

He told you huh? If you honestly do not feel the same way, do not feel bad. I will take care of my brother. He will be fine.

To: Kaoru

From: Haruhi

Thank you. It really is hard not to feel bad though. I know I broke his heart.

To: Haruhi

From: Kaoru

If you don't love him, you shouldn't force yourself to. It is better to be honest than lie to him and yourself. Yes, he is hurting but he would be hurt much worse if you pretended to love him and didn't. You would be hurt by that too I think.

To: Kaoru

From: Haruhi

I know, it just doesn't change that fact that I am the one that broke one of my best friends hearts. Thank you though Kaoru, your words do help.

To: Haruhi

From: Kaoru

Anytime, I better go take care of my brother though, he just got home. Don't worry, he is in good hands. He may be hurt for a while but I will make sure he is okay.

Haruhi puts her phone in her pocket and goes back to finding a dress and wig for tomorrow. It takes several hours but eventually she finds a red haired wig that looks decent on her and a spaghetti strap silver dress to wear tomorrow. The dress is shimmery and goes down to the floor. She also finds a black wrap, clutch and kitten heels to go with it.

Just as Haruhi is about to fall asleep, her phone finally goes off with the ringtone she recognizes as Kyoya's sounding. She stretches and turns on her bedside lamp before answering.

"Hi Kyoya." She answers with a yawn.

"I am sorry if I woke you up dinner went a little long tonight as my sister and her fiancee were here as well. What is wrong?"

"Something happened tonight and I wanted to tell you sooner rather than later." Haruhi starts but is unsure how to continue. She senses an immediate change in Kyoya though.

"Are you alright? What happened?"

"Hikaru came over tonight and asked me to go to the ball with him. He also asked me out on a date and confessed his feelings for me. I told him I didn't feel the same and explained that I only like him as a friend but then he kissed me." Haruhi says very quickly without taking a breath. There is no sound on Kyoya's end for several minutes.

"Kyoya? Are you there? I didn't kiss him back, I was trying to-"

"I know you would never do anything, I just wasn't expecting this. I thought he may have feelings for you, I just did not expect that he would be this aware of them or ready to confess them. I may come off as callous and uncaring but I did not want him getting hurt. That said, I am less than impressed that he forced himself on you."

"Please don't do anything to him, I think he wanted to be sure I didn't feel for him. Maybe he was thinking that if he kissed me and there was chemistry, he could change my mind..."

"Haruhi, even if he was just trying to be sure he did everything and fought for you, it didn't make what he did okay."

"I know and it's not like I liked it but I just feel awful for hurting him."

"Haruhi, my queen, do not beat yourself up over this. He will be fine, Kaoru will be there for him and once he knows about us, if he truly loves you...he will let you go."

"Thank you Kyoya, I doubt he will be okay with us, but thank you. Please promise you won't do anything. I know what he did is wrong but I think he is hurting enough."

"Fine, just this once. If he does anything else of this nature though, I cannot make any promises."

"Alright. Thank you Kyoya. I better go to bed though, I have errands to run tomorrow before the ball. Oh and look for a redhead in a silver dress for your last dance."

"Alright. I am looking forward to it my queen, sweet dreams"

"Good night my shadow king."

Haruhi's feet are very, very sore. She has been dancing all night with various guests. She may hate heels with a passion but men's dress shoes can be just as bad. Right now she is trying to find a way to escape so she can change and dance the last dance with Kyoya. Every time she tries to leave the salon though, someone stops her.

"Haruhi, the catering staff says they are out of coffee, would you mind checking if we have some extra they could use?" Kyoya says coming over to where the most recent guest has stopped her exit. He shoots her a hidden look and she knows he is just trying to help get her out of there. Perhaps he wants this dance as much as he does.

"Sure thing Kyoya-senpai. Excuse me ladies." She says and hurries out of the salon.

Thankfully the halls are deserted and she is able to grab her dress and change in the ladies very quickly. She fixes her wig and applies some light make up before hurrying back to her locker to store her things. Just as she reaches the salon hallway though, she is stopped by someone. She looks from the hand on her shoulder to the the person attached to it and tries not to let her nervousness show.

"Excuse me, I don't recognize you. Are you new?" Hikaru asks.

"No, sorry I was asked here by a good friend of mine. If you don't mind, I would like to get back to him." Haruhi says changing her voice a bit and hoping he doesn't recognize it.

"Oh. Well let me walk you back to him at least. I am curious who knows such a beautiful princess as yourself." Hikaru says kissing her hand.

"Alright." Haruhi says and pulls her hand away. Hikaru grins and they start walking back into the salon. Just as they reach the doors and Hikaru holds open the door for her, he asks the question Haruhi has been dreading.

"So who is your friend princess?"

"Ootori Kyoya." Haruhi says in a small voice and starts looking for him. Thankfully he is not too far away but, he is far away enough that she cannot ditch Hikaru, just yet.

"Kyoya-san? Really? I am friends with him and in a club with him. I didn't realize he brought a date. I am Hitachiin Hikaru by the way," Hikaru says in shock as they walk over.

"Ah Kanae, I am glad you made it back, I was worried you might have gotten lost." Kyoya says as they reach him. He holds out his hand to Haruhi, which she gladly takes.

"Thank you for leading me back Hitachiin-kun. I met him on my way back from the ladies Kyoya-kun."

"Yes, I didn't recognize her, she says she doesn't go here. She said she came with her friend Ootori Kyoya. I didn't realize you brought a date Kyoya."

"Yes, well she is my date but was not able to be here the entire night. She was fine with me dancing with our guests before but now as we are both here, I think we would like to dance. If you will excuse us." Kyoya says and leads Haruhi to the dance floor.

"Who was that?" Kaoru asks coming up behind his twin.

"I don't know, but I am determined to find out. Apparently she is Kyoya's date but something just doesn't seem right. That and something about her seems familiar."

"That was close, way too close." Haruhi says as Kyoya twirls her around the dance floor.

"Yes, I surprised he didn't recognize you."

"Me too, I have been trying to change my voice though."

"Good thinking. If anything else, you look absolutely radiant. I am not sure I like the red hair, but I love the dress." Kyoya says whispering the last part in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

As the night comes to a close, Haruhi slips out of the salon and changes again before waiting for everyone back in the club room. She left her dress and wig back in her locker, hopefully Kyoya can take her that way on their way out.

"So where did she go Kyoya? I thought you would have introduced her to us after the ball." Hikaru says as they enter the room.

"Well her driver arrived early so I had to send her home. Sadly, her father is very strict about her curfew. I am sorry I did not introduce her. If I ever ask her to escort me to an event again, I shall be sure to." Kyoya says loosening his tie.

"I don't even get why you would ask a date to this. Especially if she could not be here for the entire thing," Kaoru says crossing his arms across his chest.

"Well I wanted to invite her to the family ball but she has plans, so I asked her to this instead. At least she could come to part of it." Kyoya says and opens his laptop.

"Still seems odd, besides, why didn't we see her before the end of the ball?"

"Well she was there before, perhaps you missed her since you were dancing with your own guests?" Kyoya says starting to type.

"Who are we talking about?" Tamaki asks.

"Kyoya brought a date to the dance. She came late and left before he introduced her."

"Maybe he can introduce her next time right Kyo-chan?" Honey asks.

"I already said I would do that if I asked her to an event again."

"Good. So what was she like? Is she pretty? What's her name?" Tamaki asks getting very excited. Kyoya rolls his eyes and Haruhi has to fight not to sink into the couch. Those few dances are beginning to not feel worth it.

"Alright. I will say this only once. Her name is Kanae. She is a very nice girl I know who I decided to ask because I really like her. She is very beautiful and before you ask, I may ask her again but I am not sure right now with all the trouble you idiots are giving me. Anything else?" Kyoya says snapping his laptop shut. Everyone shakes their heads.

"Alright then. I will see you all at Haruhi's on Christmas Eve. Have a good break. Does anyone need a ride home?"

"I could use one senpai, it is pretty late and cold." Haruhi says, trying to act timid.

"Get your things. Let's go." Kyoya says before anyone else can jump in and try to grab her home. He hopes his short temper is enough to deter them.

"Thanks senpai. Have a good break everyone!" Haruhi says with a wave. Kyoya holds the door open for her and they leave to the others telling them to have a good break.

"I cannot believe they gave you that much trouble. I am so sorry, I truly regret trying to get a dance with you." Haruhi says in the limo after they have grabbed her things.

"I don't, you looked amazing and I enjoyed it. Any dance with you is always worth it. I meant what I said. I may yet ask you again." Kyoya says and kisses her.