She woke slowly, reluctantly, feeling less inclined to move from her snuggly warm bed than she had in ages.

Of course, that could have been due to the fact that she was wrapped in a snuggly warm pair of arms.

"Morning." The soft murmur tickled her ears and she opened her eyes to see a familiar pair of honey-brown ones looking back at her. To her shock she didn't blush, didn't feel odd at all.

"Morning," she whispered back. He tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear and she had the idle thought that she was going to need another haircut soon.

"Feeling any better?" he asked, warmth and concern in his voice. She nodded.

"A lot better. I – thank you. You know, for everything." Still sleep-dazed, she had a hard time pulling words together; still, she knew he would understand. She debated on getting up but she was just so comfortable that the idea of moving held a very, very limited appeal. She let her eyes drift shut again.

"Mitsukuni – how early is it, do you know?"

"Very. The sun isn't even up yet. Go back to sleep, Haru." She thought she felt a kiss on her forehead but by that point she was already drifting off into slumber once more.

The next time she woke she heard the soft, even breathing of the young man beside her and knew he was still asleep. Blinking, the light from early dawn sending a gently muted glow through the fabric of the tent, Haruhi just lay there and watched him.

He looked even more innocent than usual, eyes closed, curled up around her like she was Usa-chan. The thought made her realize something odd. When she'd watched the hosts over the last few days the stuffed animal was always present, as usual. But when he came into her camp last night there had been no sign of the bubblegum-hued lagomorph anywhere. She hadn't registered it then, but she noticed it now. Honey had left his beloved friend behind to come and check on her.

His dark lashes fluttered once as he sighed and shifted, but it was only to cuddle closer to her in his sleep. She wondered how late he had stayed up, how long he had simply lain there and held her. A myriad thoughts tried to force their way into her conscious mind but with a very deliberate choice she ignored them. In the quiet morning Haruhi let herself simply be. She was safe. She was comfortable. She refused to let herself think about anything. Morning may have arrived according to Mother Nature, but as far as Haruhi was concerned 'morning' was a concept for the future. Right now was her time to relax and just be herself and she would deal with everything else when she had to. She sighed contentedly and settled her head back against Honey's shoulder, drifting peacefully into a half doze.

She didn't know how much time had passed when he shifted again, this time deliberately. Smiling, she looked into the now-wide-awake eyes of the Loli-shota host.

"Morning," she murmured, echoing his greeting from earlier. Her soft whisper was met by a radiant smile and a hug.

"Morning, Haru-chan. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I did. Better than I have in...well, in a long time. I – thanks for staying. You didn't have to, but you did and I'm grateful."

"Silly Haru," he said, tapping her nose with one fingertip. "I already said anything you want or need you just have to ask. Besides," he continued, his smile turning into a grin cheeky enough to rival even the twins at their most devilish, "what red-blooded man doesn't enjoy waking up with a beautiful woman in his arms?" The gleam in his eyes coupled with the blatantly flirtatious statement had her stammering.

"Well, I, uh, yeah, anyway – um, thanks again." Her lack of composure made him laugh and the sound filled her with warmth despite how flustered she felt. He loosened his grip and they sat up simultaneously. One glance at his hair had her giggling and he raised an eyebrow.

"Something funny?" he asked. Still chuckling, she just gestured to his head. After raking his fingers a few times through his disheveled hair he grinned.

"There, all fixed. Can't say the same for yours, though." She let out a gasp and her hands flew up to her own hair only to narrow her eyes in mock anger as he burst out laughing.

"Very funny," she said drolly, dragging herself to her feet. He stood shortly after and they left the tent to stretch sleep-stiff muscles and wake up more fully.

"Haru, I've been thinking," he said once they'd finished. She looked up at him from where she'd been making a pot of tea over the rekindled campfire.

"About?" She could sense his hesitance and wondered what might be causing it. She didn't have to wonder too long.

"That maybe you should talk to Tama-chan before vacation is over. And that I think it could possibly be a good idea to tell the others about your dad."

In the silence that filled the clearing, the swish of the waves and the morning bird calls seemed amplified. Turning her full gaze to the blond she was quickly becoming reliant on for unconditional support, she could see how reluctant he had been to speak and risk upsetting her. She could also see the understanding in his eyes, and the honesty. She stood, gathering her thoughts as he walked over to her.

"You don't have to, Haru-chan. I just thought it might help."

"I know. Honestly, I'd planned to talk to Tamaki-senpai today anyway. I just hadn't figured out how. He's going to be so hurt." She trailed off and he put his arm around her, letting her lean against him. She knew he could tell how much she was bothered, but just feeling his strength and presence gave her peace.

"Well, I can always ask Kyo-chan to bring him to see you," he suggested off-handedly.

"Kyoya-senpai? Why him?" She seemed confused and Honey decided then and there to keep his suspicions pertaining to the two Club Kings to himself for now. He shrugged.

"Who else can reign in Tama-chan when he starts acting like...well, Tama-chan?" She snorted, grinning her agreement with his observation. However, the other part of his suggestions wasn't going to be as easy to solve.

"I...I still don't think I'm ready to tell the others just yet. I will, but I just – I need more time," she finished, feeling a bit meek.

"I understand," he said, pulling her into a hug. "Just remember, you don't have to face it – or them – alone. I'll be there for you, always." She nodded and he held her a moment longer before tilting her face to his. She could see the worry in his eyes, the warmth, the concern, and something else, something she couldn't put a name to but that made her melt a little.

"Are you gonna be okay, Haru-chan?" he asked, his fingers so gentle on her cheek. She nodded, swallowing hard.

"I'll be fine."

"As long as you're sure. If you want me to stay, I will." His earnest statement made her feel more cherished than anything else ever had. She shook her head.

"I'll be fine. I know you all probably have plans for the day."

"Most likely," he agreed. "Plus, I need to check on Takashi."

Just like that, every event of the previous day flooded back into her mind, drawing a gasp from her as the memories of how dinner had turned out rocketed through her. Honey correctly interpreted the distress in her expression and placed a finger over her lips, stopping her apology before she could even voice it.

"It's okay, Haru-chan. He's fine. In fact, he was more worried about you. It's part of the reason I came here last night."

Her mind tried to compute this but her lips spoke on their own.

"Part of the reason?" she asked, promptly feeling like a moron. She didn't need him to explain his motivations to her – he showed up; he stayed; that was enough. Still, he grinned at her, that sunshine smile tempered by mischief.

"Of course." He seemed to be waiting for her to respond and she sighed. In for a penny, she thought.

"What was the rest of the reason?" she asked. The arm that was around her waist tightened ever-so-slightly.

"I wanted to be with you." He took her face in both hands and pressed a kiss to her forehead before walking away, whistling a cheery tune. It took her a moment to realize she was smiling and despite the uncertainty she felt as to how the rest of her day would go, Haruhi admitted to herself that it had started off pretty damn awesome. Still smiling, she headed to her supplies. It was time for breakfast, and she found she did have quite the appetite.

Leaving the camp that morning was the hardest thing Honey had made himself do in ages. Watching over Haruhi while she slept, waking up beside her - it had been so wonderful. Yes, they'd sort of napped together that one time, but it wasn't the same as hearing her ask him to stay. And all of that paled in comparison to the fact that somehow she'd forgiven him. He knew better than to think she wasn't still angry. But she called him by name once more. He'd face any amount of anger from her any day of the week if it was followed by her calling him Mitsukuni and not senpai. Sighing, he shook his head as he walked back to the cabin. He held no illusions that her plea for his company had anything to do with romance on her end – she was worried and upset and, as she said, she didn't want to feel alone. And that was fine with him. He had her friendship and her trust – shaken though it may still be at the moment. It wasn't what he wanted but it was more than he'd thought to have. For that, it was enough.

His thoughts were still focused on Haruhi as he walked into the cabin, but it didn't take long for him to push them aside.

"Takashi – have you even slept yet?"

"No." The tall brunette stood easily from where he'd been sitting cross-legged on the floor. Honey blinked and walked over to him, reaching out to take his hand.

"How is Haruhi?" Mori asked.

"She's okay. She told me what happened at dinner." Honey watched as his cousin's eyes closed and the big man sighed.

"I lost control." Three simple words, but Honey knew how hard those three words were for Mori to say. More than anyone else, even more than Kyoya, the tall senior kept himself under control at all times. Honey was one of the few that knew exactly how much his cousin held inside, and he was also one of the few that understood fully that it was a part of who Mori was – it wasn't so much a choice to be quiet, not anymore. He'd trained himself to such stillness and calm that it was an integral part of him now. And for him to lose that control he usually held so easily...well, Honey could tell he was rattled.

"It's okay, Takashi. With that kind of provocation...hell, anyone would have snapped." The blond's grin was quick and lighthearted as he squeezed Mori's hand and he was happy to see the answering quirk of his cousin's lips. "Besides, she's not upset. Well, she kind of was, but it's because she blames herself and thinks you won't want to be around her anymore." Dark eyes snapped open and regarded the shorter one incredulously. Honey nodded, chuckling.

"Haru thought you left because you were mad."

"What?"

"Don't worry, I told her you weren't. I didn't explain anything else, though. You'll have to do that yourself." The blond stifled a laugh at the slightly panicked look that flashed over Mori's face and kept talking. "I told her that I'd spoken with Kyo-chan."

"And?"

"She was...not happy. Takashi – I thought I'd lost her." The usually energetic boy let go of his cousin's hand and walked over to slump down on a chair, passing one hand wearily over his eyes. "She was so hurt. I never wanted to see that look on her face, ever. But knowing I was the one that put it there -" He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "- it nearly tore me apart. If she hadn't forgiven me I don't know what I would have done." There was quiet for a moment, and then Honey visibly shook himself and continued speaking.

"When I brought up talking to Tama-chan today, she said she'd already decided to so I told her I'd have Kyo-chan take him to her."

"Is that wise?" Mori asked, moving to sit on the bed. Honey shrugged.

"I don't know. If Tama-chan and Kyo-chan aren't together yet, I don't see it being much of a problem."

"And if they are?"

"If they are and it's an issue, Kyo-chan will find some way to either send Tama-chan by himself or to coerce one of us into escorting him to her." The smallest host paused thoughtfully. "If they did finally get together, I imagine Kyo-chan is having a difficult time trying to come to terms with caring for both his best friend and a commoner."

"Mmm."

The two sat together, each wrapped in his own thoughts, and waited to hear the unmistakeable voice of their leader calling them out to face the day.

"Since everyone seemed to like the way yesterday turned out, I've decided that we'll try a similar plan today." The morning sun made Tamaki's eyes gleam even brighter as he surveyed his friends. The day had begun like the previous one, with an obvious difference – namely, both Kyoya and Honey had joined the others for breakfast. As they all sat on the sand eating the morning's meal, Kaoru spoke up. Swallowing a large bite of glazed pineapple tart, he cleared his throat.

"What kind of plan?"

"No plan at all," came the reply from their King as he calmly and precisely spread fresh strawberry mango preserves on a thick slice of homemade bread. "I thought we could all maybe field some suggestions and go from there."

"Why don't we take a walk around the island?" Honey said brightly, taking a huge bite of his cherry-topped cake. "There are a lot of pretty things to see, and if we just stay on the beach we'll miss them all." The idea was met with agreement – or at least lack of disagreement – all around and soon they were cleaning up their breakfast items and heading to their cabins.

While Tamaki was choosing appropriate hiking attire, Kyoya took a moment to check his text messages. He saw that the newest one was quite recent indeed – only three minutes old. What could Honey have to say that he'd need to text? He wondered as he clicked the message open.

Kyo-chan, I talked with Haru-chan last night. She says she's okay with talking to Tama-chan today. I thought you could drop him off at her camp when we go hiking.

Kyoya read the words swiftly before slipping his phone back in his pocket. He was just in time, too, as Tamaki was fully dressed and was putting on his boots, lacing them up quickly. Already suitably dressed, Kyoya simply switched from his beach sandals to his own boots and together the Host Club royalty left the cabin, the blond chattering a mile a minute about what they might see and how excited he was to find lovely things to take pictures of so he could show Haruhi when they got back. Kyoya hid every confusing emotion he had with practiced ease as they met up with the others.

The group started off walking down the treeline in the opposite direction from their cabins, Honey and Mori serving as guides. The first half hour was both enjoyable and uneventful, and even Kyoya had to admit to the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings. They stopped by a small stream to relax for a moment and after a few minutes when Tamaki was otherwise occupied talking to Hikaru and Kaoru, Honey walked casually over to Kyoya.

"Follow this stream. It runs right beside her camp. We're going to wander off, but we'll be here when you return." The Shadow King nodded once and the senior bounced back over to join the others. After a few minutes Tamaki sauntered over to rejoin Kyoya, a happy smile on his face.

"Mon amour, this is such a beautiful place, don't you think?"

"It is quite pleasant," the dark haired one replied. He let the quiet settle for a few seconds before continuing in a vaguely bland tone. "Honey-senpai says there's a sight further upstream that he thinks you especially will find appealing." As expected the blond took the bait.

"Really? Oh, we have to go! Say you'll come with me?" Violet eyes glittered with anticipation.

"Of course I will. You might get lost otherwise."

"Oh Kyoya, so mean!" the Host King said playfully, grasping his lover's hand. As the two of them began to follow the stream, Kyoya darted a quick glance back at their group. He was met with four gazes, approval lighting each one. Taking a deep breath he turned his attention back to his task – namely, taking the man he loved to see the woman they both loved. Long practice made it easy to push any insecurities aside so as to keep them well hidden.

They followed the twisting stream quite a ways, Tamaki occasionally exclaiming over a flower or animal, his ramblings interspersed with repeated inquiries as to how much farther the 'lovely thing' was. Kyoya answered as was appropriate, keeping his eyes peeled for signs of the camp. Finally he glimpsed golden sand through the trees just as Tamaki piped up again.

"Kyo...how much farther?"

"We're here." They'd stopped inside the treeline, their view still blocked by foliage. Tamaki looked around, confused.

"What? Where?"

"Through those trees," Kyoya said. He swallowed a sigh and gave his love a gentle push, watching as Tamaki stumbled gracelessly out into the clearing. He didn't stay to observe – he couldn't stay – but as he turned to go he heard her voice caressing the quiet morning.

"Hello, Tamaki-senpai."

Kyoya walked slowly back downstream.