A/N: Normally I would update tomorrow, but since I probably won't be on the computer all day tomorrow and possibly Saturday, I am updating today. I am sure you don't mind. :D Well, Yasu has made his first appearance and it looks like he is getting out of jail in a week. At least Hunny was there to help her. Thank you to mythogeek, mtnikolle, dessi16, and stylewriter565 for helping me with these next few chapters and helping me work through the whole Yasu situation and giving me ideas. I know it is another long chapter. :D
Chapter 13 – Plans of Protection
Hunny made the decision to move Haruhi to his apartment after the storm had passed. She was a wreck after the events of the week and the news she received. The storm sent her over the edge. Treating her as fragile as a child, he helped her to pack a bag and then got her into the car. When they pulled up to the apartment, Mori was waiting for them to offer assistance if needed. Hunny gave him the overnight bag and her school bag so that he could help Haruhi into the apartment.
Mori looked at the shell shocked girl and shook his head. He didn't like what he was seeing. She had gone through too much and now she was reliving a lot of those memories. He agreed with his cousin, she did not need to be alone and their apartment was probably better for now since the attack happened in her bedroom at her apartment. The usually stoic man allowed the look of anger to linger on his face before he took her bags to the guest room.
When Mori returned to the living room, Haruhi was sitting on the couch shaking and crying. Hunny had his arms wrapped around her and was rocking her back and forth while whispering calming words. Haruhi had her head buried in his neck and her arms were wrapped around Hunny's waist. Mori looked on and wondered if the girl knew how much she was already depending on her former Senpai and how much she really trusted him. It was obvious that she tended to turn to Hunny more than the others already and it had only been a week. It felt like it had been much longer since she came back into their lives.
The taller man was pulled from his thoughts when his cousin asked him to make some tea. Mori nodded and headed into the kitchen. He wished Yasu was there now and he could teach him a lesson, no one deserved to be treated the way Haruhi had been treated and no one needed to live with the terror he knew she tried to hide from all of them. She would trust them all again one day, he was sure of it.
Haruhi was trying to calm down. Hunny was helping, but she couldn't quite get rid of the panic feeling that was overwhelming her. She was not only going to have to deal and face Hikaru in just under a week, but now Yasu was getting out of jail in a week. She didn't care what the police said about a restraining order, she didn't trust Yasu not to do something. His last words to her promised that he would get her. She shuddered at the memory.
When she felt Hunny's arms tighten around her after the chill ran through her, she looked up at the man whose arms she was in. She trusted him completely. She wasn't sure why she did or what he did to make her believe that she could trust him with her life, but the fact remained that she believed in him more than anyone else she has ever known. She always knew that he could trust him and he would do what he could for her before, but he was such a child and even knowing his abilities she was never able to get past his child qualities. It endeared him to her as a little brother figure even when he was older, but no more than that. Now that boy had grown into a man and she wasn't sure why everything had changed, but she couldn't look at him and just see him as a little brother. She knew that he could and would protect her more than Mori had ever done before. She trusted Mori and Kyoya also, but the level of faith she had in Hunny was more absolute. Maybe because she ran into him first and he accepted her with open arms as soon as he saw her, she wasn't sure. She just knew that she needed it and him right now.
Hunny pulled back from the embrace when Mori brought in the tea, "Here Haru-Chan drink this. It will help calm you."
Haruhi took the offered cup of steaming tea from Mori, "Thank you Mori and Mitsukuni. I feel like I keep intruding in your lives. Sorry about today."
"We just want you safe," Mori said softly as he patted her head.
"Takashi is right Haru-Chan. You are welcome any time you need to come over and no apologies needed. I was happy I could come over and help," Hunny said quietly trying to make her understand that he wanted to be there for her.
"I just think everything is hitting all at once. First the whole Hikaru debacle and now I find out Yasu is getting out in a week. The police tell me that there is a restraining order and that he can't come near me, but I am still afraid," Haruhi explained.
"Hikaru?" Mori asked. He knew something happened, but Hunny had never told him what that was.
Haruhi stiffened and Hunny felt it, "Nothing Takashi."
"She brought it up. Speak," Mori prodded. Normally he would have left it alone and he had been, but she brought it up and it was apparent that the situation was adding to her angst.
Haruhi took a shaky breath and looked at Hunny, "He is right, I brought it up." She turned to Mori, "Hikaru grabbed me when we had lunch the other day. Kaoru had to pry him off of me. He was so angry and yelling." She started to cry again.
"I have dealt with it Takashi, but he did hurt her when he grabbed her. There were bruises on her arms," Hunny said softly rubbing Haruhi's back. He was trying to stay calm and comforting, but he really wanted to forcefully knock some sense into his friend. He had promised he wouldn't though. He looked up from Haruhi and looked at Mori; he could see the pure rage that was alive in the taller man's eyes. It was the same rage he felt.
"Kaoru called me this morning and apologized for Hikaru. I told him that it was Hikaru's fault and not his," Haruhi mumbled.
"Your right, Kaoru cannot be blamed for something his twin did. Hikaru needs to grow up and control his temper," Hunny said vehemently.
Mori nodded in agreement. He couldn't believe that Hikaru had done something like that to Haruhi. He was staggered by the news he just heard. He would have to talk to Hunny about everything later and what they were going to do to make sure Hikaru stayed away from their friend. He knew Hunny was very protective of her and he wouldn't want the older twin anywhere near her. He felt the same.
"Tamaki also tried to call and pressure me into going to lunch with him. He said we hadn't seen each other in so long that we needed daddy/daughter time. I told him no and said that we could go to lunch on Tuesday instead. He agreed but didn't like the fact that I said Mitsukuni had to come also. I am just not ready for one on one time with the twins or Tamaki," Haruhi said after she calmed down a bit and took another drink of tea.
"You don't have to be," Mori said evenly. Honestly, he was a little surprised she trusted the three other hosts as much as she did after hearing everything.
"That's right Haru-Chan. You don't have to do anything you don't want to and no one will pressure you into anything. Do I need to have another talk with Tama-Chan? I know we explained things to him yesterday," Hunny threatened.
Haruhi couldn't help it, she smiled, albeit it was a small one, it was still a smile, "No, I think he got the picture when I told him that unless you went, there would be no lunch. I told him that was the rule."
"I am surprised he didn't call me to tell me that I was trying to coerce you," Hunny grumbled.
"Probably called Kyoya," Mori injected.
"Oh you're right Takashi. He probably did, after all daddies will call mommies to complain," Hunny said chuckling.
Haruhi had to laugh too. She could only imagine what happened during that phone call. If Tamaki was still using had daddy role on her, she knew that Kyoya was once again Mommy, "Should we call him and find out?" It felt good to laugh right now.
Hunny pulled out his phone and hit the speed dial assigned to the infamous Shadow King. After two rings, the call connected and Hunny had to stifle his giggles and pretend to be serious when Kyoya said hello on the other line. "Hi Kyo-Chan! How is everything going right now?" Hunny asked innocently.
"Fine Hunny. Did you need something? I am kind of in the middle of something," Kyoya said politely. First Tamaki called early in the morning and had the gall to show up at his house at noon. Now Hunny was calling. He really needed to finish his presentation and it seemed as if he kept getting interrupted.
"I was just wondering if you heard from Tama-Chan, but I can tell you are busy so I will call you later. I need to talk to you about something any way," Hunny explained.
"That idiot called me before 8 o'clock this morning and was screaming something about our daughter and that I as the mother had to do something about it," Kyoya growled, "Then he showed up at my house at noon today and said that mommy and daddy needed to spend some time together. It took me a while, but I finally got him to leave."
Hunny couldn't help it. He laughed and since he had the phone on speaker, everyone else started to laugh also. Kyoya either didn't notice or he didn't mind because he kept talking. When he finally stopped ranting, Hunny said, "Ok Kyo-Chan, I will let you get back to your work. I will call you later tonight to talk business." The line went dead right afterwards and he knew that Kyoya had hung up. The rounds of laughter increased. He and Haruhi wound up holding their sides. Mori was able to control his laughter a bit more, but he was still laughing.
"Ok, Mori was right. I feel bad for Kyoya," Haruhi said trying to calm the giggles. She suddenly had a thought, "Maybe we should send him a sympathy basket." The laughter started again.
When the laughter settled down, Mori looked at his watch. He shook his head at the laughing couple on the couch. "She needed this," he thought to himself. "I have to go," Mori said to them.
Haruhi straightened up, "Go?" She thought that all of them were going to hang out.
"Family dinner. My brother is introducing his girlfriend to my parents and asked me to attend," Mori explained.
Haruhi smiled up at her friend, "Have fun!"
"Yes, Takashi have fun and tell everyone I said hello," Hunny said as he watched his cousin walk towards the door.
Haruhi turned to Hunny, "Aren't you supposed to go? He said it was a family dinner." She hoped that he didn't have to go, but would understand if he needed to leave.
"No Haru-Chan. The dinner is only for his immediate family," Hunny explained.
Haruhi smiled. She was relieved because she didn't want to be alone. A change in scenery didn't change the fact that she was still jittery and scared, "Ok."
Hunny grabbed her hand, "I am right here. Now what do you want for dinner. I thought we could order take out."
Haruhi squeezed his hand, "Thank you again. It seems like I am saying that a lot to you. As for dinner, anything sounds good. You pick."
Hunny nodded and ordered the food. It was delivered less than an hour later and together the couple ate. Haruhi picked at her food and Hunny watched her from the corner of his eye. He was really worried about her. She had so much heaped onto her and he worried that she would break. He couldn't lose her again. When he asked if she was ok, she responded with, "as well as can be expected".
They watched a movie after dinner and soon Hunny felt a weight on his side. Haruhi had fallen asleep and was leaning on him. It was a good feeling and one that Hunny was not ready to give up just yet. He pulled a blanket off of the back of the couch and threw it over her. Then he put his arm around her and just held her as he continued to watch the movie.
When the movie ended, Hunny carried Haruhi into the guest room and laid her under the covers. He was thinking that the room in just a week's time was becoming more hers than a guest room. He watched her for a couple of minutes before leaning down and kissing her cheek. Before he pulled away, he whispered, "I love you Haru-Chan and nothing will hurt you."
Hunny slowly made his way out of the room and started to close the door. He left it open a crack in case she started to dream like she had the other night. He went to the living room and cleaned everything up before pulling out his phone again and calling Kyoya. They needed to figure out what they were going to do. "Kyo-Chan, it's me. We need to talk," Hunny said in all seriousness into the phone.
Kyoya recognized that tone of voice and he was not going to brush off the martial arts master right now. Something was wrong and he could hear it in Hunny's voice. "What's wrong?" Kyoya asked not wanting to beat around the bush.
"Haruhi got a phone call today from the police. Yasu will be released a week from tomorrow. They told her that they have a restraining order in place, but you know as well as I do that they will not be watching that asshole 24/7 and if he wants to get to her, he will. By the time the police make it, it could be too late. We need to figure out what we are going to do. I will be there as much as possible, but even I can't be with her all of the time," Hunny explained dropping all pretense and showing how truly serious this was when he stopped using nicknames.
Kyoya had received that information earlier in the day and figured that is what Hunny wanted to talk to him about, "I know. I heard. I recommend stationing some of my police force at strategic locations around her apartment. I also recommend giving her a body guard that will be there when one of us can't be. She won't like have the guard detail though."
"I will talk to her about it. If she doesn't like the idea of a body guard, then I am at a loss of what to do. Go ahead with the police though. Can they be on campus also?"
"Yes, they can. I will see that it gets done. Let me know as soon as you can about the body guard. If we need to, we can have one assigned to her without her knowledge, but she won't like it and will think that we are controlling things again."
"I would rather have control of this situation than for something to happen to her, but I know what you mean. I will talk to her tomorrow. She is sleeping right now."
"I thought I heard her laughing with you earlier," Kyoya huffed.
"Yes, she is here. After the day she had, I didn't want her to be alone. And sorry Kyo-Chan for the laughing, but we wanted to know if Tama-Chan called you after he got off of the phone with her. He was giving her a hard time and playing the daddy card. We figured since you were mommy, he probably called you to talk about your wayward daughter," Hunny said trying and failing to keep the laughter out of his voice.
Kyoya rolled his eyes, "Sometimes I wonder why we are friends." He wasn't serious. Tamaki was one of his best friends, but sometimes the blonde had a way of making a sane person crazy.
Hunny laughed, "He means well, he is just a little flamboyant."
"A little? I think you and I know a different Tamaki," Kyoya grumbled.
"If he was really that bad, you would have stopped being friends a long time ago," Hunny giggled.
"You are probably right, but I can always change my mind in the future," Kyoya joked.
"Ok Kyo-Chan."
"Was there something else you needed?" Kyoya said switching back into business mode.
"No, I just wanted to talk to you about the Yasu situation," Hunny replied serious again.
"Do you want to tell me what happened with Hikaru?" Kyoya asked.
"No, I promised I would not tell."
"Ok then let me tell you that Kaoru spilled the beans. I will not do anything right now, but be aware that I am fully aware of what happened to Haruhi. I know that Hikaru grabbed her and started yelling. We need to make sure that they stay as far away from each other as possible on Saturday. I think she can only handle so much drama at a time."
"Kao-Chan told on his brother?" Hunny was shocked.
"Not without a bit of coercion, but yes, he did tell me what happened. I have not done anything yet and don't intend to unless I get the go from you. I am going to leave the ball in your court on that one."
"Thank you Kyoya. I appreciate that," Hunny said quietly.
"How bad was it?" Kyoya asked sincerely. Kaoru had told Kyoya what happened when the Shadow King asked to meet with the younger twin. Kyoya had painted him into a corner by saying that he already knew that Hikaru lost his temper. Then Kyoya added to the ruse and lied saying he knew that Hikaru hit Haruhi. The younger twin broke and wanted to set the record straight, singing like a bird the whole time.
"Bad enough, but it could have been worse. She only had some bruising on her arms where he grabbed her. Don't tell her that you know," Hunny offered.
"I won't, but you should know by now, I have my ways of finding out any information I want."
Hunny gulped, Kyoya hadn't changed from his shadow ways he acquired when they were all in school together, "I know you do."
"Was there anything else?" Kyoya inquired.
"No Kyo-Chan. That was all I needed to discuss. I just want to make sure that she is safe," Hunny responded.
"Ok then, if that is all, I have to finish a presentation for tomorrow. Good bye," Kyoya hung up.
Hunny lowered the phone and made sure the call was disconnected. He knew in the past never to underestimate his friend, but Kyoya re-enforced that logic today. It was a bit disconcerting how he always got the information he wanted when he wanted it. He wondered if that was the reason for Kaoru's call to Haruhi earlier in the morning. Even in his friends, Kyoya could instill a sense of fear. He shuddered before he got up and went to check on Haruhi.
Hunny watched the emotions play across the young girl's face. She looked troubled, but she was sleeping. He closed the door and went to his own room to change into his pajamas. He was about to get into bed and start reading when he heard the first scream. He was running to the guest room and by Haruhi's side before the second scream died down. He tried to shake her awake, but she was not opening her eyes. She started to whimper and Hunny got into the bed pulling her into his arms. He talked to her and told her that he was there. It seemed to be doing the trick because she started to calm down.
When Haruhi was finally settled, Hunny tried to get up but she was preventing escape. She had a tight hold on his t-shirt he was wearing and was pressed against his side. When he was finally able to pry her hands off of him, he fell out of the bed and onto his butt.
Haruhi sat up in bed and looked down at where the thud she heard came from. When she looked on the floor, there was Hunny attempting to sit up from his position on the floor, "What are you doing down there? Are you alright?"
Hunny looked up at Haruhi on the bed. She didn't wake up when he was shaking her. She didn't wake up when he climbed into bed or when he was talking to her; but she wakes up when he falls on his posterior on the floor. He chuckled at the ridiculousness of the situation, "I am fine Haru-Chan. I fell getting out of the bed. You had a nightmare and I was calming you down."
"Oh, sorry. I remember the nightmare, but then it went away," Haruhi mumbled trying to think and screwing up her face into a frown.
"Don't worry about it Haruhi. It is over and you don't have to think about it any longer. Why don't you go back to sleep," He said standing up and looking at her.
She knew it was wrong, but she couldn't stop the words from escaping, "Can you stay with me? I just don't want to be alone right now."
Hunny stared at her in the bed. He was weighing the pros and cons, but in the end, he couldn't say no to her, "Yah, ok. Scoot over and I will lay here with you for a while."
Haruhi gave him a relieved smile and scooted over to the other side of the bed. When Hunny was settled in, she turned on her side to face him and grabbed his hand to hold. The hands were between them and they were staring at each other. Haruhi was asleep a couple of minutes later. Hunny watched her sleep, but soon succumbed to the sleepiness himself.
This was how Mori found them when he returned. He smiled at the two of them in the bed together and shut the open bedroom door. He knew he should be worried about his cousin getting too close and the possible hurt, but Hunny was an adult and could make his own decisions. There was also the fact that he knew Haruhi was dependent on Hunny and was developing feelings for him. No, he was not going to worry about his little cousin for now.
The next morning, both Hunny and Haruhi woke up with a smile on their face. They got up slowly and surprisingly without any awkwardness, and got ready for the day ahead. He dropped her off at school and told her that he would pick her up for lunch before her internship. She agreed without argument.
Haruhi was actually relieved when she received a call from the partner at the law firm that she interned for that told her not to come in until Wednesday. Normally she would want to argue and go in, but right now she still needed a break after everything that happened. She was sure Kyoya had something to do with the two extra days and she decided would be sure to call him after classes to thank him as she rushed off to her final class of the day.
Hunny waited for Haruhi in the hallway outside of her class. Kyoya had already called him and told him that he arranged for Haruhi to have a couple of extra days off due to everything that happened in the last few days. Hunny had agreed that it was for the best and was grateful for the younger man's foresight. He watched as everyone left the class and still no Haruhi. He poked his head in and saw her speaking with her professor. He stepped back out into the hall to wait. When she finally emerged from the class, he walked up to her and grabbed her bag before leading her out to the limo, "Kyo-Chan told me that you have a couple of extra days off from everything."
"Yes, I need to call and give him my thanks. I needed the extra time," she gave him a small smile.
He could see the stress and the strain, but it was a lot better than it had been the day before, "I think you did. He is actually in a meeting all afternoon, so it is best to call him later or text him."
Haruhi shot off a quick text, but still had every intention of calling and thanking him herself. She turned her attention back to Hunny, "Where are we going for lunch today?" She noticed that they still had not left the space the car had occupied when they stepped into it.
"What do you feel like eating?"
"Can we go to H-Chan? I love the food and would like to see Bethany again. I wanted to ask her something," Haruhi said smiling a little bigger.
Hunny snickered, "Yah, we can go there. Do you want to have dinner with Takashi and me? I thought we could invite your dad and Kyoya if you want to."
"That sounds good," she said. As Hunny sent a quick text to Kyoya and told the driver where to go, Haruhi called her father. He was going to be working and was voicing his disappointment the majority of the limo ride to the restaurant. She finally got him off of the phone a block from their destination, "He can't make it tonight."
"Neither can Kyo-Chan, but Takashi said he can meet for dinner," Hunny beamed at the girl. He had every intention of talking to her about her guard detail tonight if he didn't spill it at lunch today.
Haruhi and Hunny pulled up to H-Chan and as soon as they walked into the restaurant, Haruhi scoped out the room to see if she could see Beth. She enjoyed the little chats that she had with the executive chef and was hoping to talk her into girl time in order to swap recipes.
Haruhi spotted Beth soon enough talking to a gentleman with dark hair. She didn't want to interrupt them, but Beth had seen her and was soon waving her over. Haruhi walked up to the two of them with a smile on her face.
As Haruhi approached, she was able to get a good look at the man. He looked so familiar to her, but it took her a second to place it. The man looked almost identical to Mori. She knew she looked shocked, but could not wipe off the surprise on her face.
Beth looked at the funny look that Haruhi had on her face and started to laugh. She turned to the gentleman next to her and he was smiling at the approaching woman. She thought they knew each other, but the way Haruhi looked, she couldn't be sure. "Hi Haruhi, I see you are back again," Beth said smiling.
Haruhi jumped and pulled her gaze from the man standing next to the young chef, "Um yes. Mitsukuni and I decided we wanted to grab a bite to eat."
"Where is my little cousin?" The dark haired man asked.
Haruhi studied him a bit longer, "The manager had a couple of questions for him so I came over to talk to Beth. I'm sorry, but are you related to Takashi Morinozuka?"
The man laughed loudly. Beth also joined in the laughter. Haruhi just looked confused. She wasn't sure what she said that was so funny, "Well, are you?"
Beth spoke up first, "I'm sorry Haruhi, but I thought since you were such good friends with Morinozuka-san and Haninozuka-san that you knew their brothers. This is Satoshi Morinozuka."
Haruhi's intake of breath and the look upon her face was priceless and sent Satoshi into another fit of laughter, "Oh Haru-Chan the look on your face is classic. You look like you have seen a ghost."
"Satoshi! I haven't seen you in forever it seems. You look more like your brother than ever and you grew!" Haruhi squeaked before she was pulled into a hug from the very expressive younger man.
Satoshi pulled back, "Yah it has been a while. Taka told me that you were back though. I'm glad. They have all been crotchety depressed old men since you left." He watched Haruhi blush at his statement and the blush deepened when he winked at her.
"Sato-Chan I should have known you would be here," Hunny said walking up to the small group with a big smile on his face for his younger cousin. He was also scanning the area for his younger brother, "Where's Chika? I thought you two were doing something today."
"He called and said that he had something to tend to, so I thought I would come here and get some grub," Satoshi replied.
Hunny nodded his head and then turned to Beth, "How is everything Beth-Chan?"
"It is really good. The lunch rush is over, so we are not as busy right now, but earlier we were hopping," Beth returned his smile.
"Excellent!" Hunny said. It made him giddy that people loved the restaurant he put so much of himself into. He turned to the inspiration for the restaurant and asked her if she was ready to eat. At her nod, they both said their good byes and he led her to a table so that they could order.
"I really like her. I meant to ask if she would like to get together sometime and exchange some recipes. I love her food!" Haruhi said to Hunny after they placed their orders.
"I think she would like that Haru-Chan. She really likes you," Hunny said in reply.
"Is she with someone? I think she would be perfect for Mori. I know he is single right now," Haruhi said thinking out loud and stopped when she heard her partner's giggle, "What?"
Hunny couldn't contain the laughing, "She is with Satoshi. In fact they have been dating for six months and he plans on proposing. Takashi likes her and she is perfect for Sato-Chan. He is more focused around her."
"Really? I didn't know. I can see it though now that I think about it. They look good together. I think that is why I suggested Mori," Haruhi laughed. "I can't believe how much he has grown up. He is almost as tall as Mori and looks just like him now. It is uncanny!"
"Well everyone changes as they get older," he said as he winked at her, "You should see Chika-Chan."
"Do you think that we should invite them to lunch with us?" Haruhi said blushing.
"I think they would rather have a little alone time right now, but we can invite them for dinner or lunch another time," Hunny said.
Haruhi nodded, "That sounds good Mitsukuni. I think we should definitely do that!"
When Hunny saw Satoshi heading towards the entrance of the restaurant, he called him over and asked him if he and Beth would like to join them for lunch or dinner one night. Satoshi immediately agreed and plans were made for dinner the next night. Haruhi thought the timing was perfect; she might need something a little saner after what was sure to be a crazy lunch with Tamaki.