Ranka wasn't stupid, not by a long shot. So even though he was carefully patting Kyoya's back as the young man sputtered, inwardly his mind was racing. His little Haruhi was an object of affection? Nothing surprising there. It had been obvious for some time that the Suoh boy was infatuated with her, and he could tell how much the twins cared for her as well. Also, regardless of what she'd insisted, he'd lay odds that Honey-senpai was sweet on her as well. But Kyoya? Oh, like any father wanting what was best for his child, he'd had his hopes – hopes that were idly considering the responsible, solid, and admittedly gorgeous Ootori son. But he'd never truly entertained the idea of having the dark-haired host as a son-in-law, not in any serious capacity. Still, after seeing the boy's composure completely crash in the wake of their discussion and Haruhi's entrance, Ranka found himself hiding a smile.
"Kyoya-kun insisted on providing dinner. He came over to fill us in on your plans for the beach trip." He pretended not to notice the split-second flash of blatant relief in the boy's eyes, standing up instead to hug his daughter and take some of the food the delivery man was holding. By the time he'd set down his armful Kyoya had regained his composure with typical ease and was paying for dinner. Not much was said as they all sat down and filled their plates but eventually Haruhi was the first to speak.
"I have to say, Kyoya-senpai, you have wonderful taste when it comes to food. This is delicious!"
"Of course I do," he replied with a skillfully smug grin. She snorted.
"Yes, thank you so much for this amazing meal!" Ranka said with a smile, watching the way the two teens interacted without seeming to pay attention at all.
"So senpai, what is going on tomorrow?" Haruhi asked as they finished up the food. Sparing a moment to blot his lips with a napkin, Kyoya took a drink before responding.
"Tomorrow morning, Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai will be leaving via their family's jet for the island. Since it is the Morinozuka's beach, our senpais have chosen to be there early to make sure everything is set and prepared. The plan is for you to accompany them. I've taken the liberty of getting you a passport -" here he reached into his laptop bag and pulled out a manila envelope which he handed to her. "- so there should be no issues whatsoever. Honey-senpai will be sending a car for you at six o'clock tomorrow morning.
"All of your camping gear has already been delivered; however I made the decision to not have it set up for you. I thought you might enjoy arranging your campsite yourself." Haruhi was floored. None of the other guys would have thought twice about ordering all of her things assembled and ready – once more Kyoya's foresight was impressive.
"From here the car will take you to the Haninozuka main estate where you will meet up with the cousins. They'll explain the rest of the travel plans then. I would suggest that when you pack you plan for warm weather, but with an eye to light rain. There are rarely storms in the island, but at this time of year there are occasional warm showers that blow in from the coast. I believe that's everything – do you have any questions?"
Haruhi was, quite frankly, speechless. She couldn't fathom the amount of preparation an endeavor like this would take.
"If I'm leaving so early, what time are the rest of you leaving?"
"We're traveling together, obviously, and our flight will be leaving at noon. That way there will be more than enough time for you to get set up and settled before we arrive."
"Thank you, senpai," she said with soft sincerity. "I can't imagine how much trouble this arrangement has to have caused you."
"Don't worry. I'll raise your debt accordingly." Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped – and then she saw the telltale gleam of humor in his eyes.
Watching his daughter and Kyoya talk together, Ranka felt a bittersweet happiness flood over him. Regardless of what the future held, he knew for a fact that his Haruhi would always be taken care of.
Tamaki always enjoyed dining with his father when his grandmother wasn't present. The Suoh men had a good rapport, able to talk on nearly any subject. So regardless of the fact that he'd had to leave his beloved dau-Haruhi in the care of those rascal twins, he found himself happily anticipating the evening meal.
It didn't disappoint. Tamaki regaled his father with tales of school and the Host Club and the older man reciprocated with anecdotes from the eyes of educational administration. It wasn't until the dinner dishes had been cleared and they were awaiting dessert that the conversation took a decidedly unusual turn. Yuzuru seemed slightly preoccupied and as their custard flambe arrived Tamaki voiced his curiosity.
"Father, what's got you so concerned?" He watched as his sire blinked and shook his head slightly.
"Tamaki – have you given any thought to what your plans may be after graduation?" The blond wasn't expecting that and stammered a bit.
"I...um, well...I – not really," he finished, embarrassed. "I kind of thought I'd be, well, following in your footsteps. Provided Grandmother has no objections, that is."
"I was referring more to your personal life after school."
"Father?" The elder took a deep breath.
"Tamaki, I am debating on a course of action I once swore I would never force you through." Now the blond was worried. If this was something that bothered his father this much, it had to be big.
"What is it?" There was a long, tense silence before Yuzuru answered.
"I have been seriously considering a candidate for marriage for you."
"A what? A who?" The Host King couldn't believe his ears. His father sighed, suddenly looking very old.
"I know you are friends with the Fujioka girl. She has a very bright future ahead of her, and would be an invaluable asset to any family – despite her background, she would make an excellent partner and wife for you, I am certain of it." Tamaki's mind was whirling.
"So you're thinking of having me wed to Haruhi? I still have a year of school to complete – she has two. Isn't it a bit early to think of marriage?"
"Perhaps, but a betrothal now would solidify our intentions and still leave an acceptable waiting period – the wedding would not be held until after she graduated, of course." Tamaki looked down at his suddenly unappetizing dessert. Despite the easy and admittedly tempting path laid so nicely before him, he knew what his answer had to be.
"Father, I truly appreciate your concern for my future, and your foresight...but I'm afraid I can't do this." The other man raised an eyebrow at his son's forlorn expression.
"Why ever not? You are fond of the girl, are you not?" Tamaki's reply was quiet but firm.
"I love her." He saw that his answer had confounded his father.
"So if you love her, why wouldn't you want a betrothal?" The younger man sighed and idly drew lines in his custard with his spoon.
"It's because I'm in love with her that I cannot accept this." He looked Yuzuru in the eye. "If I were to ever have Haruhi as my own, I would want it to be because I was the one she chose, not because I was the one someone else chose for her." He sighed at the other man's expression. "Think of it this way. You love Mama. But would you want her to marry you because some other person told her she had to, or because she loved you in return and chose to stand by your side?" The understanding on his father's face was tempered by melancholy.
"I can respect that, my son. Very well." His demeanor was serious. "However, in that case I feel I should give you some advice."
"Yes?" Tamaki questioned.
"If you truly do love the girl and want her to share your life, I would suggest you leave no question of your interest and do your best to win her hand. And that you waste no time in doing so."
"Okay, but why the rush?"
"Because Yoshio has his sights set on her as a bride for your friend Kyoya."
Tamaki's brain ground to a halt.