There was something about her walking away, those sure-footed steps, hands balled into fists, shoulders held high despite her predicament, that Kyouya had to admire. Every fiber in his being told him to chase her, grab her, scream at her, tell her to think about this properly, but his feet were cemented to his spot. Just as her purple hair disappeared around the corner, he gripped his own fists as he whirled around, punching with all his force into a wall. Only, his fist was caught by Mori's hand. Eyes widening, he looked up at his friend who stared solemnly down at him. "Don't look at me like that." He pulled his fist away from the other's grip "She was bound to come to that conclusion anyway." He started walking away when Mori's voice made him pause.

"But you love her, don't you? Otherwise, you would not have done all that you have."

His hands gripped tighter, the ring in his palm digging into his palm. "I'm only after her mother's money and status, she said so herself."

"Then if you are not in love with her, I will court her."

"I already knew we were in competition over her, but I didn't think you were that serious about it."

"I'll be there, if you won't be. Since you seem to have no full interest in K-" Mori paused as it seemed he'd heard more than he was supposed to. "Pumpkin, as I care for her over money." With that, he took long strides in the direction Kodo had run off in, leaving Kyouya behind.

Again, his body told him to go, to chase after and tell Mori to shove it. But the feeling of betrayal and defeat filled him. Kodo's mother was wrong. That woman was just a careful planner as Kyouya was in setting up things to go her way, but it seemed Kodo was one to carve her own path. Inhaling slowly, he returned to the main room to his parents and apologized, and tried to explain Kodo's absence in the most vague and polite way as possible.

When he'd left the hotel, there was no sign of Kodo, Mori, or Hani, and by the time he'd gotten home, it was after 1am. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he saw it was flashing. Probably Kotaphira-sama. If that woman wants to be this involved in her daughter's life, why doesn't she just come here? Opening his phone, he saw the email was indeed from her, asking how the event went. He changed his clothes, going over in his head how he was going to tell her. Once lying down in bed, he stared up at the phone and slowly tapped away at the buttons, going over what happened concisely. After he hit the send button, he rested his arms, setting the phone on his face. He felt.. numb.

The first time he'd called her was the night he'd seen Kodo naked. He'd already known Kotaphira-sama was an important woman in Germany, but it wasn't until he'd done his research that night that he found the true extent of her influence. In fact, he felt nervous when he'd dialed her number, worried she would blow him off or hang up on him because he might come off as sounding like a sort of salesman. And he could tell even after he told her who he was in relation to Kodo at the time the woman had her full guard up. 'Who is this man suddenly wanting to know about my daughter, and me? What are his true intentions? Is he after what he can't have? Does he just want money?' It wasn't until after his involvement in purchasing and safeguarding the Sagano business (which if he was forced to admit, partially did it to impress the woman) for Kodo that her mother would listen to the rest of what he had to say. It wasn't completely wrong what Kodo said, he did want to be closer to Kotaphira-sama and was interested in her business, but he could still remember that woman's words from that first call, ringing in his ears clear as day:

"If you want my daughter's hand in marriage, you'll have to be truly in love with her. That means no matter what, even if she's broke, you'll still look at her as though she is the pride of your world. That if heaven forbid she DOES lose her future investment, you'll stand by her side. Because as much as I hate to say it, she's still half her father, and I'm sure you know that man's bad luck."

He was inhaling a snore when his face vibrated. "Ah!" Waking quickly, he grabbed his phone and stared at it, trying to comprehend the squiggles on the screen. Blinking a few times, he finally recognized the name of the sender of the email as Kotaphira-sama again.

"You idiot. Never assume! I was rooting for you, too. You two may have similar desires by way of wanting to gain things for yourselves, but remember that the key to any relationship is communication. You have never told her how you feel, have you? I love my daughter, but she is that dense sometimes. A trait of her father's, I'm sure. If you wish to get back in her good favor, I would suggest a chat! No more barriers! Oh, and a picture, for the road."

"Barriers?" Clicking on the attachment was the picture of Kodo wearing that dress, purple striped stockings, over-accessorized, and wearing too much makeup. Holding back a snort, he noticed the title, 'Going to a black tie event!' No wonder she became flustered when he'd mentioned the studded wear. He'd hit the mark on that one. Eyes softening, he stared at the image a moment longer before closing his phone and pushing it aside. "Relationship.. sure." Closing his eyes, he thought about it. Never had he even asked Kodo her opinion, he didn't even know what she felt for him. He'd done what he'd told her to do and assumed based on evident facts and concluded left and right. Her body language, her reactions, everything she'd done up to that point seemed in favor of liking him. And because of his involvement with her mother, he assumed it was okay to continue with an engagement. Especially because of what he'd done for her by obtaining and preparing her father's business for her. That was the main reason for that 'business party', not to show off what he'd done for her, but he was planning to surprise everyone with the announcement of their engagement. He really felt like an idiot. Had he felt he'd 'bought' her? And now that she wanted nothing to do with him, how was he supposed to chat with her?

The image of Kodo sitting on her couch, arms raised above her head as her hardened nipples pressed against that thin camisole returned to mind. Images like that needed to stop. Running a hand through his hair, he turned over in bed and curled up. After tonight, there was no way he'd get to speak to her again. She didn't even want to be called Kodo any more. That felt as though it were adding insult to injury, as he'd given her that nickname after all. Was she wanting to punish him? How would the Host Club be able to stick together now that two of their members were on bad terms? In fact, what reason would Kodo have to continue being in the Host Club once her debt was paid? The Yellow Rose of the group would break off, petals scattering because of his recklessness while Mori would come in and sweep up the pieces. "Competition.." He muttered before drifting off to sleep.

-x-

"Pumpkin?" It was Mori.

"Huh?" Looking up, Kodo visibly shivered from the cold as she tried to hide it. "M-Mori-senpai, what are you doing here?"

He held up her cape.

"Oh!" Reaching out quickly, she grabbed the cloth and wrapped it around her shoulders, though it did nothing for her legs. "Thank you."

"May I sit?"

"Of course." She hated feeling like she had to put on an air, but she didn't want him to worry.

"Are you okay?"

"Yea.." No.

"I don't think you are."

Pursing her lips, she almost argued with him. But this was Mori, he could see through people's disguises. "I'm not. First, I'm flown out here thinking I'm going to learn about my dad's companies only to have him steal from me and practically ignore me. I get trapped into working for a club- which turned out to be a good thing! Someone who I thought was a friend slipped an engagement ring on my finger, without my asking at a party whose purpose I thought was for business, only to turn out for being to show me off. I'm- I'm sick of people using me and thinking I'll just follow along! No one seems to want to listen to what I have to say."

"I'm listening."

Those two words made her sinuses hurt, and as she turned her head to look up at him, she felt tears fall. "Mori-senpai.." Without a second thought she pushed herself into him, wrapping her arms around his waist as she cried into his coat. She felt his hand on her head, and it made her break down more. How could just a couple acts of simple kindness have her this mushy? "M-Mori-senpai?"

"Hm?"

"Will you take me home, please?"

"Yea."

"Takeshi?" It was Hani, walking down the steps toward them. "I'm sleepy." He rubbed his eyes as he yawned.

"Oh." Kodo sat up quickly, wiping her face. "Maybe I should just take a taxi." Another shiver went through her as Mori's body wasn't helping keep her warm any more.

"It's okay." Mori stood and picked up Hani with one arm. "We can take you."

She sniffed and wiped her face again when the limo drove up. "Thanks."

The ride back was rather silent. Hani slept curled up on the side seats while Kodo leaned against Mori. She was grateful for the heater, but after a bit it became too hot. Her cape came off first, and she folded it, placing it under Hani's head as an excuse for removing it. After a couple of moments, she felt herself become uncomfortable and not because of the heater. She didn't know what to say. It was difficult to start a conversation with Mori, he was always so quiet, and his sentences usually consisted of so few words. Sighing softly, she placed her hands on her knees and stared forward. Kyouya always had something to say, always had a retort. It was one of the things she enjoyed about him, was that they could always just talk, even if it was about something mundane. "Uhg." She kicked herself mentally for thinking about him again.

"I heard."

"Huh?" Mori's voice was quiet enough, she was almost sure she hadn't heard anything at all.

"I heard your argument. At the hotel."

"Oh." Her shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry. That's kind of embarrassing." Her hand went behind her head.

"I thought you should know. Since I don't want to hide anything from you."

"What do you mean?" He was speaking, on his own! She had to keep the conversation going, but try not to be too loud for Hani's sake.

"Even though we were together, as a couple for a short time, I still wish to respect you as though we are."

"T-thank you, I guess?" Another heavy sigh left her lungs. "There's something I should tell you, then. Not long after we- you know, tried to go out, Ohtori- he- saw me in an inappropriate moment. After that, it seemed like he was always around, and not long after, he- he kissed me- and-" She didn't know why she was so flustered saying this. "I don't even know what all he did. I know he spoke to my mother, and- uhg, I hate him so much!"

"I doubt that."

"No. Mori, I-" She looked up at him, the heat swirling around in her head. "I want you- t-to take me."

There was a slight look of shock and wonder on his face at her words as he stared at her before he glanced at Hani. "Pumpkin-"

Quickly she was up and straddling his lap, her hands on either side of his head on the back of the seat as she stared at him with lidded eyes. "And I don't mean to take me home." Leaning in, she kissed him as her hands reached down for his belt.

"No." He whispered breathlessly against her lips as he grabbed her hands, holding them up. "This is wrong."

"I- I want this!"

"No, you don't." His throat cleared.

"Are you going to decide that for me, too? You're just like the rest of them, aren't you?" Tears threatened her eyes as she stared at him.

"What will doing this achieve for you?"

"I'm not him, I don't always want to gain something and manipulate others for that gain!"

"And how will this affect our relationship? When you only have thoughts for him?"

"Ah!" Leaning back on his knees, she shook her head, sniffling.

"You are too upset to think straight." Gently he sat her down in the seat. "Sleep, and worry about the festival tomorrow. Don't think about tonight, and certainly not the ill-thought actions of others." Carefully he took the cape from under Hani's head and wrapped it around her shoulders as the limo pulled to a stop. "Good night, Sagano-san." Reaching over her with a trembling arm, he opened the door and rubbed her shoulder as she slid out of the car.

Before she could even register everything he'd said, the car had pulled away and she was left standing in the cold in front of her house. Sniffling again, she wiped her face before turning and going inside. That was the most she'd heard him talk. But he was right, it probably would have ruined their friendship had he not stopped her. As her feet carried her up the stairs, she felt her limbs become heavier and heavier. Tiredness overcame her and by the time she fell on the bed, she was asleep.

-x-

"What.. the hell is this."

"Pumpkin-chaan!" Tamaki and the twins called out from a horse-drawn carriage as it approached from within a pumpkin patch.

"I thought this would be perfect for you to host guests for today!" Tamaki looked overly happy with his idea. "It's so fitting!"

"Uh-huh.." Shoulders slumping, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"And look!" Kaoru pulled at his shirt after he'd jumped out of the carriage. "Hikaru and I are flying monkeys!" He and Hikaru pulled a string on their suits and the small wings on their backs flapped at the same time.

"Is this from that movie? Why am I the wicked witch, you didn't have to paint my skin green! What if I'm allergic to the paints? I have sensitive skin, you know!"

"I'm the scarecrow! Look at my limbs, they're all wobbly!" Tamaki butted in, pulling at the straw in his sleeves.

Of course, he's more impressed with the costume. "Fitting, since you're after a brain and all!"

"Ah- But, it's nice, right? These are good quality cloths! Recommended by Hikaru and Kaoru!"

"Well no wonder you're the scarecrow then!" Kodo laughed.

"And somehow, I'm the farm girl." Haruhi tugged at the braid extensions.

"It fits with the character set up, but I fail to see how making me the tin man works in this scenario!" Kyouya was in a bad mood.

"Because you have no heart." Kodo muttered that out without a second thought and regretted it after, mostly because she didn't actually want to talk to him.

"Did you hear something, Haruhi?" Closing his eyes, he tilted his head as he pretended to clean his ear.

"I'm the cowardly lion!" Hani laughed as he straightened the mane around his head. "Roar!"

"I'm the small dog, a cairn terrier."

"Pfffft!" Hikaru, Kaoru and Kodo laughed at that. Mori was so serious and huge to be that!

"Uwaaah, scary!" Hani hid behind Mori as he peered at Kodo and the twins in their costumes.

"What's wrong, my pretty? Scared of a little old woman and her precious monkeys? Uwaahahahaa!" Kodo tried cackling but ended up sounding like a high pitched hyena, sending the twins into bouts of laughter. "Don't laugh at your mistress! To the carriage!" Kodo pointed then gathered up her skirts to step in to the carriage only to slip on the long fabric and fall face first into the carriage ungracefully. "Ouch. Hey, help me up, stop laughing! You guys are the worst!" Rubbing her face, she grabbed on to Hikaru's arm and practically pulled him down as she forcefully made her way up and sat on the seat. "Now! Take us to the waiting ladies! MUSH!" She pointed in the direction of the front of the area that had been assigned for them.

"Hey, Kyouya-senpai?" Haruhi looked up at him.

"Hm."

"What has all this got to do with management skills? Isn't this just like normal?"

"Not really. Today the guests will be the owners of high end businesses from around the country. So, future potential bosses for most of the students here." His black book snapped shut. "Tamaki knows and now you do, but not the rest. It's a surprise, but, in the business world you must be prepared for anything."

"Eh- what- else, do you have planned?"

A small, dark smirk appeared on his face as he watched the carriage across the way. "Nothing for you to worry about."

-x-

"Ah, so this is the Host Club at Ouran Academy my niece keeps going on about!" It was an older man, maybe in his late thirties, sitting with Kodo with a couple of others around his age. "I never imagined it would be this.. lively."

"Eh.. Well, you see, we try our hardest to make an enjoyable experience for everyone! Ehe.." Sweatdropping, Kodo poured the man's tea.

"You're falling out of character!" Tamaki hissed in her ear.

"It's hard to keep in character when I have to host business people! Students are different!" She hissed back.

"Is something wrong, witch-san?" A woman who sat at her table asked, hiding her smirking mouth behind a handkerchief.

"N-no! It just seems my mischievous band of flying monkeys are not keeping up with their job!" As soon as Tamaki had disappeared she exhaled and hung her head. "I'm sorry, I'm not typically used to acting this way around others. Or, in general."

"Not to worry, witch-san! We understand this is part of the event!" The woman nodded.

"Say, what is it you do outside of this club?" The first man asked.

What did she do? "Study, mostly. I'm going to run my father's business one day, I need to be prepared."

"Oh, and which business is that?" The other man asked.

"The Kissin noodle company, as well as Komatan juice and Kaleeco's cookies and chips."

The woman tilted her head. "Hm, Komatan, is that the one with the commercial of the man with the strange device wrapped around his head, with fruit that dispenses and fires at people?"

"Eh.. yea, it is, but I'm not in charge of the advertising department, so I can't decide on silly commercials like that."

"Oh, no, I found it amusing! Children seem to really respond to such silliness."

"Do they?" She hadn't thought about that, appealing to children for something like a fruit juice. She always assumed children hated juices- she did when she was young.

The first man spoke this time. "Say, aren't those companies owned by Sagano?"

Her shoulders slumped. "Yea, they are."

"So you're his daughter, then? It seems a shame to pass on a failing group like that to you."

"Well, you know, I'd rather run them than sell them off piece by piece to other larger companies."

The three customers looked at each before looking back at her, with a similar look on their faces as if saying, 'Does she not know already?'

"Wh-what is it?" They were looking at her sadly.

"It's very sad, you don't even have a basic knowledge of what's going on with your father's companies."

"What do you mean!" Kodo was feeling embarrassed already and she didn't even know why!

They looked at each other again. "The Sagano group has slipped in the Q1 rankings, it's worth is at a net 0%. Your father isn't worth a pence since everything was bought up by other competitors. It's already happened."

Her heart slammed around in her chest. Everything was gone. Her stupid father let it all go. She knew Kyouya had safeguarded it for her, which she didn't even know if he'd kept that since the incident last night, but any hope she had left of trying to salvage it on her own was gone.

"So sad, you didn't even know." The first man said.

"And to think, you're going to school for this sort of thing and you can't even keep up with it." The woman had become snide since the conversation began.

"I'm sorry you had to find out this way, but I agree with them. If you're ever going to succeed in this business world you need to keep better tabs on your targets."

With that, the three of them stood. "In any case, I won't be seen with a worthless person by value of net worth. Good look, Sagano." The woman turned her lifted chin away and left with the two men following after.

Everything was spiraling out of her control. It already had been from the start, but she was hopeless to do anything about it now. She needed to pay Kyouya back on her debt, at least she could get that out of the way before trying to start clean. "Hikaru, Kaoru!" She called out before going over to them. "I need to go for a bit, I'll be back later."

"Huh? Where are you going! The main event's coming up!" They said in unison.

"I have something more important to deal with." Pulling off her hat, she plopped it on Kaoru's head. "Kaoru, you be the witch!" With that, she spun on her heel and ran off.

The WWII badge of her grandfather's was still in her book bag, thankfully, and she was able to sell it for the amount left on her debt. The last thing she needed was the dress and shoes to return to Kyouya, which required a trip back home. Already she was gone from the festival for over an hour, but she had to do this. Up in her room, she gathered the clothes and was already headed back downstairs when she heard her father's voice come from his office. He wasn't quiet.

"I understand the debt I owe you sir, but I can't seem to get a hold of my daughter anywhere! I understand, sir. I'm terribly sorry for last night, I blame my daughter's carelessness and irresponsibility to her family."

Was this about that engagement thing? Her heart throbbed in her ears.

"As soon as I find her, I'll be sure to let you know. I understand sir."

She had to move, quick. Speed or silence? She could be out the door in about ten seconds, but her footsteps would thud and echo in the house. Or she could go quietly and be out there in about thirty seconds and risk him seeing her. "Speed." She whispered before leaping the last few steps of the staircase and sliding on the floor, turning backwards on the slippery polished wood in her socks and sliding backward to her shoes in the indented area of the foyer. Leaning down, she used one hand to press on the floor for traction as she slowed down. Twisting around, she sat on her butt and grabbed her shoes in a swift movement, sliding them on as fast as she could.

"Pumpkin? Is that you?" Her father was standing up from his chair.

"Quickly!" She hissed as she stood, sliding the heels on as she grabbed up the protective clothes case and her bag and headed out the door, his footsteps loud. Though, that might have been her heart pounding. She was out the door and had it closed, but the hard part was over. Now she had to get out the gate and down the street. She couldn't get to the gate fast enough. If her father caught her, he wouldn't let her go, nor listen to what she had to say. She had to run. Yanking the gate open, she slid through it and pulled it shut as the front door of the house opened. Go go go! Her legs moved on their own as they carried her down the sidewalk as fast as she could go. Each time her foot hit the cement she felt her heart thud in her ears. But no matter how fast she ran or how far she went it was like she couldn't get away from her house fast enough and the school couldn't get closer. Finally, the sakura trees were in view, the clock tower above them, calling to her invitingly. It was the first time she was grateful to see that pink roof. It reminded her of her first day of school, how she detested everything from the yellow dress to the pink rooftops. Now, it was her sanctuary. Just a little further! A sudden burst of energy went through her. She couldn't get to the grounds fast enough.

By the time Kodo rounded the corner of the building where the pumpkin patch was, she was completely out of breath. She was out of shape, and hated herself for it. All that self defense training back in Germany was for naught now. Gulping hard, she looked around for the others. It was awfully quiet here. "Guys?" She asked, holding her things closer to herself. Maybe they were doing the act they'd planned. Going back to the seating area, she saw it was empty there, too. Setting her things down on a table, she rifled through her bag to look for her cell when someone's presence made her nerves go on edge. Turning slowly, she was sure it was her father. Seeing Kyouya though made her exhale as she collapsed to her knees. "Oh, it's just you."

"Just me." His arms were crossed as he looked down at her, dark look over his eyes. He was back in his school uniform, making his scary appearance feel even scarier. "You left without a word, making it difficult on the rest of us. Do you realize what you've done? We had to cancel the performance and send the guests away, losing about half our profits."

That ticked her off. "Oh, of course, it's just about the profits. As usual!" Standing back up, she brushed herself off. "Well, I disappeared to get the things I owe you!" Grabbing the envelope of money and the dress, she held it for him. "There! Now I owe you nothing!"

He looked at her offering as though it were made of filth. "Nothing, you say? I commandeered your father's businesses for you, and you think you owe me nothing?"

Swallowing hard, she kept a tighter hold on the items she held out as she struggled not to argue.

"After last night's disaster, you attempt to attack a friend and think you owe nothing?"

"What- what attack?!" Her eyes darted up to look at him and she regretted it. It wasn't just anger any more, he was upset, and hurt.

"To Mori, you tried to force yourself on him!"

She didn't think Mori would have told anyone, but if he told Hani and Hani told Kyouya.. Uhg. "Well- I was upset, and-"

"Apologize to him!"

Slowly her arms dropped to her sides as she looked down. "I'm sorry for what I did to you."

He was silent long enough she was able to continue.

"I'm sorry for leading you on, I'm sorry I ruined your party, I'm sorry I'm a failure, I'm sorry I don't see things the way you do, I'm sorry- I'm sorry I'm a failure, and I'm sorry for being a Sagano and not someone you could find respect in!" Tears were threatening again.

"I think, you need to apologize to my parents. You left before giving them a thank you for the event. It came off as insulting, and they did nothing wrong." He turned, starting to walk away.

Kodo's eyes closed as she shook her head. Wasn't HE going to apologize! That stupid jerk! "Wait."

His footsteps paused.

"Why did you put that engagement ring on my finger?"

"That wasn't an engagement ring. If anyone put any meaning to it, logically it would have been seen as a promise ring."

"Why?"

He was silent a long time.

"Why!"

"Your mother asked me to set up the event, because she found out your father was intending to marry you off without your consent. A formal engagement party would have introduced us as a formal couple and you would have been untouchable."

So many questions arose. "Why didn't you tell me! Why didn't you say something, anything, about it!"

"She told me not to tell you, and I couldn't-"

"Couldn't what?"

He looked away as he pressed up his glasses. "I couldn't outright ask you to marry me."

"Social standings aside, why not?"

"Tamaki's makeshift family."

That was a relief, and it made her smile a little. They were best friends after all, and Kyouya wanted to help preserve Tamaki's ideal set up, his carefully thought out make-believe family. "I understand. You wanted to protect him. I'd be lucky to have a friend like that." She swallowed as she approached him, holding out the dress and envelope. "Here. I'd like to be friends, even if I don't owe you anything. And, you don't have to put me in charge of those snack companies. You can do whatever you want with them. Thank you for trying to keep them intact for me, but, you don't have to. I'll figure out something." She smiled as he slowly took the items from her.

"Kyouya! We found you!" It was the others with Tamaki in the lead, worried looks on their faces. "Ah, and Pumpkin's here, too."

"I said, call me Kodo." She crossed her arms as her cheeks puffed out.

"There's no time for that!" The twins called out as they grabbed her from either side. "Come on!"

"What- what's going on!"

"It's your mother!"

"Huh? Is she here?!" Excitement went through her for a split second before worry followed. "Is she okay?" A broken leg maybe? In the hospital? Recovering?

They dragged her to a lounge where they dropped her on a couch and sat next to her, turning on the television.

"Reports say multi-millionaire's Kotaphira Vogel's personal jet was en-route to Japan when her plane disappeared somewhere over Mongolia. It's been hours without contact from her jet, and sources are saying there are rescue crews going in to search the ground where they anticipate the wreckage may be. Miss Vogel was on board. We'll update you with any new information."

Everything else drowned out as she stared blankly ahead.

A/N: Does this feel like it ended too suddenly? I hope not.

Wealhtheow: YEAAA I wouldda been too. But Kodo kinda carves her own road xD

ShadowJ: Thank you! I try my best kukukuu