For once Haruhi had no problems waking up early on a school-free day – though perhaps it would be more accurate to say she'd barely slept in the first place and therefore it wasn't so much waking up as deciding to give up on sleep altogether. She sat up and stretched, her restless thoughts tap dancing in her mind. Today she would be going to the beach alone with all of her friends. It was an odd concept. Still, far from the apprehension or worry she'd thought she might feel, all she really felt was excitement.

She'd packed her clothes and necessities after Kyoya left the night before and had stayed up far later than she probably should have talking to her father. Now it was time. She looked at the clock – five twelve. Okay, almost time. Apparently she wasn't the only one up early, though, as she could smell breakfast cooking. Feeling happier and younger than she had in a long time she scrambled out of bed, threw on the first clothes she could grab, and headed for the kitchen. Ranka took one look at her and burst out laughing.

"Interesting fashion statement," he joked, and she was confused until he made a motion with his hand and she looked down at what she was wearing. Green and purple fuzzy socks on her feet clashed horribly with her yellow bunny-covered pants. And neither of those even remotely matched the blue t-shirt she was wearing, one she hadn't worn in years and as such she'd forgotten about the spaghetti sauce stain that made it look like the cartoon dog was wearing a haphazard tutu. All in all she looked ridiculous and she burst out laughing at what her friends would say if they saw her like this.

"Well, at least you'll be...warm," the okama snorted, motioning her to the table and putting a full plate of food in front of her.

"Well, it's not like I'd wear this out of the house."

"Oh? I thought you might be planning a surprise for the boys." His innocent tone made her roll her eyes and chuckle.

"Come on. I really don't want to have my vacation cut short by having to have Hika and Kao airlifted to a hospital because of cardiac arrest." As she wolfed down her food, Ranka asked her question after question – Did you pack this? Do you think you'll need that? What if something happens...shouldn't you make sure you're taking that along? - until she snapped at him in exasperation.

"Really, Dad, I promise I have everything that I need. I'm going camping for four days, not on a year-long world tour. I'll be fine."

"Okay, okay!" he said, throwing up his hands in surrender. He took her dishes and gave her a push towards her bedroom. "Go get dressed. The car will be here in fifteen minutes. I'll bring out your bags." Suiting actions to words he grabbed her duffel bag and backpack from where they were sitting just inside her door and set them on the couch. A few moments later Haruhi re-emerged from her room – this time dressed in a perfectly respectable pair of blue jeans, a plaid button-up shirt tossed on over a white tank top, and her comfortable sneakers on her feet. She was glad her foot was healed enough that she could wear her favorite shoes. Peeking through the curtain she saw a dark car pull up and an impeccably dressed driver exit the vehicle and walk towards their door.

"Okay, the car's here," she said, turning around to find her father zipping up her duffel bag. He met her glare with an innocent expression.

"What were you doing in my bag?" she growled, remembering a previous beach trip wherein all of the clothes she'd packed had been replaced by frilly dresses. She dove for her duffel.

"I just wanted to make sure you had everything," he said with a guileless grin. She was immediately suspicious but before she could do more than quickly glance in the bag – noting with relief that the outfits she'd packed were apparently still packed – the driver knocked on the door. A few minutes later the man was, at his own insistence, carrying both bags down the stairs and Haruhi was hugging her dad goodbye.

"Whatever happens, Haruhi, remember this is your weekend. It's a time to do whatever you want. You deserve the chance to unwind and enjoy yourself." He kissed her forehead and she suddenly felt herself near tears for no apparent reason.

"I will, Dad. I love you."

"I love you too, baby. Now get going and have fun!"

"I will! I'll see you in four days!" With that she darted out the door and down the stairs, climbing into the waiting car. It pulled from the curb and began driving away, and Ranks stood watching as one lone tear made its way down his cheek.

"I hope this trip will be good for you, Haru," he whispered to the diminishing taillights. "You need to find yourself again, and I really think your boys are the best to help with that." He turned and went back inside their home.

She'd never been to Honey's house. Thus, having always equated wealth with ostentatious appearances, the sight of the well-manicured, understated – yet still impressively large – home made her feel like she could understand the Loli-shota host a bit better. The car drove up the long driveway and Haruhi looked out of the windows at the estate, the lovely thick grass that carpeted the expansive front lawn, separated in placed by cobbled walkways and dotted with small, graceful fountains here and there. To her surprise she saw a few peacocks walking about, their blues and greens shimmering in the early morning light. Before the car had reached the front walkway the door to the house was flung open, and by the time the driver had stopped and gotten out to open her door there was a flash of golden hair darting towards her.

"Haru-chan!" Honey exclaimed as he pounced on the female host, spinning them around together in glee until they were both laughing.

"Hi Mitsukuni," she said after she had struggled to get her breath back. She wondered why she had even bothered when his smile just stole it away again.

"You remembered this time," he said happily. She nodded and he grabbed her hands, walking backwards as he led her up the walkway to the house.

"Takashi will be here in about an hour. Did you already eat breakfast?"

"Yeah, Dad cooked for me before I left."

"Okay, in that case – would you like a quick tour?"

"Sure. I'd love to see your home." With her agreement they reached the front door and he opened it for her, bowing slightly at the waist as he ushered her past. The simple action made her smile. And then she was inside and could do nothing but stare.

The foyer blossomed with the same unobtrusive class that the front lawn had hinted at, the golden-brown wood of the floor gleaming beautifully under muted lighting. The walls were a similar shade of darkened goldenrod, delicate green and dark brown vines etched along the bottom and raising to about waist level. The few pieces of furniture were made of some dark wood that looked wonderful with the vines, the entire effect pulling together in such a way that it simply inspired calm. As they made their way through the house Haruhi noticed the feeling staying with her. It was as though every outward appearance of the mansion had been designed to promote peace and contentment. She was impressed – no surprise – but she also felt very welcomed, enfolded in understanding and comfort. As they moved through a back door and out into the rear of the estate Honey smiled at her.

"You seem happy, Haruhi," he murmured.

"I am," she replied honestly. "Your home is quite lovely. It's so...peaceful." He nodded.

"I'm glad you like it. Sometimes when I'm upset or angry, I'll take a few moments and just wander the hallways and enjoy the quiet." He tugged her hand. "Come on – you have to see Mother's grove!" He set off at a quick walk and she followed suit, her head swiveling and her eyes darting around to try and see everything. She mostly just got an impression of beauty and grace, and then they were standing in front of a high wall. It was bamboo, cleverly woven together by thin, dark ropes, and it stretched several feet above her head.

"You remember my grove, right?" She nodded. "Well, in our family it's a tradition that once you come of age by our standards, or marry into the family, each person is given a chance to find a place to call their own. They choose a location, they arrange it to their liking. It can be indoor, outdoor, whatever, but the important thing is that this becomes their personal haven, because everyone needs an escape now and then. My father chose to make his into a meditation room – it's in the east wing near his office. When he married my mother he offered her any place on the house or grounds to claim as her own. This was her choice. She spent the first three years of their marriage setting it up to her liking, and has added and changed and improved it many times." He pushed on a cleverly disguised panel and a section of the bamboo wall was revealed to be a door. His hand coming to rest gently on the small of her back urged her forward and she stepped through the door into what may have been the last resting place of Eden.

There was a small waterfall at the far end of the enclosure, flowing into a stream that burbled happily as it wound its way through the grove, small bridges arching daintily over the water in several places. She saw flashes of red, gold, and white as koi swam back and forth in the gentle flow. The grass was close-cropped and soft under her steps and scattered cherry trees added their beauty to the serene setting. At the far end Haruhi could make out what looked to be a zen garden and it was there that Honey led her, his fingers threading with hers and squeezing gently. To her shock the garden was occupied.

"Mother?" the blond said softly. The woman sitting on the bench turned as she stood up and Haruhi got her first look at the woman who had borne the adorable host at her side.

She was taller than Haruhi, though only by an inch or so, and was slender without being thin. Long golden hair hung in a braid over her shoulder that reached nearly to her waist. She had delicate, yet strong features and it was immediately obvious where Honey had gotten his enormous brown eyes from – as well as his sunshine smile. The woman stepped forward to greet the two of them.

"I see she's arrived." She spoke to Honey first as she wrapped him in a quick hug before turning to Haruhi, eyes dancing with welcome. "You must be Haruhi. Mitsukuni has told me so much about you. In fact, you're all he's talked about for two days."

"Mother," he groaned, the light flush on his cheeks making the female host chuckle. His mother smiled as she spoke.

"What? It's always nice to know one is being thought of with joy, is it not?" She was the picture of innocence and Haruhi had the stray thought that this elegant woman could easily give the twins a run for their money when it came to teasing and mischief. While Honey seemed to look everywhere but at Haruhi his mother had no such qualms. She placed her hands on the girl's shoulders and looked her over from head to toe, still smiling.

"My son was right – you are quite adorable." This time Haruhi blushed as well, accompanied by Honey's defeated groan.

"Haru-chan, this is my mother, Haninozuka Miyako. Mother, I was giving Haruhi a quick tour while we wait for Takashi and I wanted to show her your grove. I hope we didn't disturb you."

"Not at all, love," she replied brightly. "Have you enjoyed the house and grounds, my dear?" Haruhi nodded.

"It's all so pretty and tranquil. You have such a beautiful home."

"Thank you. I'm glad you like it. But I see my son is eager to continue the show-and-tell, so I won't keep you. Mitsukuni, make sure this lovely young lady enjoys her weekend," she admonished in an abrupt conversational switch.

"I will, don't worry," he said happily, looking at Haruhi with a grin.

"And Haruhi, please feel free to visit whenever you like. Such a good friend of my son is welcome here at any time."

"Thank you," Haruhi said softly, feeling humbled by the warm welcome. The firm hand in her own squeezed gently and as they left the grove she realized he had never once let go during their entire visit with the Lady Haninozuka. They retraced their steps and once inside Honey shut the door behind them. He turned to say something but at that exact moment Haruhi felt her lack of sleep catch up to her and gave a jaw-cracking yawn, apologizing sheepishly. Honey shook his head reassuringly.

"No apologies, Haru-chan," he said softly. "I'm betting you didn't get much sleep last night, right?" Her sigh was his answer and he began walking back through the house, his tired friend in tow. Nothing else was said until they made it to the top of a large staircase.

"I think it would be good for you to take a nap before we get going, okay?" She nodded, still feeling slightly embarrassed, but he squeezed her hand again.

"Come on. I think it's time I take you to bed." Long pause, wide brown eyes looking horribly humiliated by the unintentional suggestiveness of his sentence. She couldn't stifle her blush any more than she could stop the laughter that exploded from her at his chagrined expression.

"I mean – I didn't mean it like that, Haru-chan!"

"I know," she chortled, and then he was laughing too and it was all okay again. He led her down the hallway, finally opening a door and motioning for her to precede him.

"This is my room," he said with quiet pride, watching as she took in the décor, the ocean blues and forest greens of the bedclothes and upholstery meshing beautifully with the golden-brown paneling and flooring.

"This is beautiful," she murmured and he grinned, pleased that she liked it. She opened her mouth to say something else but instead ended up stifling another yawn behind her hand. Honey smiled and led her across the room. When she saw where they were headed she paused.

"I can't take your bed," she said. He shook her head, overruling her halfhearted protests.

"Yes, you can. You're dead on your feet and it's not like I'm using it right now. Just lay down and get some sleep. I'll wake you up when Takashi gets here." He'd maneuvered her into a sitting position on the bed and to her eternal shock had knelt down to untie and remove her shoes for her.

"Mitsukuni -" she began, but he drew back the cover and urged her to lay down.

"It's fine, Haru-chan," he whispered. "Just get some rest. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise."

"But -"

"Go to sleep, Haruhi," he said, his voice firm and fond. She decided not to argue any further. After all, she was extremely tired...and his bed was so, so comfortable...

She dozed, the faint scent of honeysuckle surrounding her. Seeing his precious Haruhi dropping off to sleep, Honey pressed a light kiss to her forehead before adjourning to the armchair, keeping a silent vigil over the treasure in his bed. He yawned himself – late nights were in style right now, apparently. He thought seriously for a moment and decided on a course of action. A few moments later and he had climbed up onto the other side of the bed, stretching out above the covers and closing his eyes. He was asleep in seconds.