A/N:

So, first of all I want to say that it was a lovely birthday present to me on Sunday to see this story hit 150 views! I am actually so pleasantly surprised at the reception this story has got; definitely not what I was expecting when I started writing it – it was more for my own enjoyment but it's nice to see that other people enjoy it too! There are people reading this from 5 continents! Pretty cool, haha. Now, I'm sure you're already tired of hearing me talk but I'll beg a few more moments of your time for this shoutout to my reviewers:

- wealhtheow1: 1st review! Thank you so much, I hope you like this!

- MSBLackmon & lady alizaria: ^^ :D

- Lady Yori: haha I wish I could tell you but… sorry, you won't get a direct answer to that this time around. Maybe there's a hint in there about Yoshio, though…?

- luxartisan: Thank you, that really means a lot! I love getting detailed reviews, so, like in this case, I can incorporate some of that into my writing – I hope you like this flashback scene :)

Disclaimer (forgot about it last time, but just assume it stands for all chapters, including and following this one): I don't own Ouran. Pity.

And without further ado, let's see how Kyouya and Haruhi are doing on this flight!

"But you never fly commercial!"

"It's good to see you too, Haruhi."

Inside her head, Fujioka Haruhi cursed. Rich bastard. And yet… although it was a surprise, she was happy to see him, and a wide smile appeared on her face.

Seeing her expression change into one of such sheer joy, Kyouya couldn't help but smile back in return. It was nice to have someone just be thrilled to see him, and that fact that it was Haruhi made it all the more better. And he had just been thinking about her, too. Was it fate? Hardly allowing himself to hope, and forcing himself to stay composed, even if all he wanted to do was take her into his arms and tell her how much he had missed her, he managed to clear his face and inject a sardonic note into his voice.

"Haruhi, are you aware that you are blocking the aisle?"

Behind her, several people were waiting, somewhat impatiently, but also smiling privately to themselves at the obvious delight these two young adults shared at seeing each other unexpectedly, no matter how they tried to conceal it. Haruhi started and hurriedly put her bag up, apologizing to all the people waiting. As she arranged her things and shuffled into her seat, one of the other passengers who had been waiting, a tough-looking older gentleman with a leather jacket slung over his shoulder, winked at Kyouya and mouthed 'Good luck.' Kyouya laughed internally and nodded in return to the man. Was it that obvious? Evidently, to everyone except for Haruhi.

Oblivious to everything that was going on behind her, Haruhi made a small sound of satisfaction as she pulled out her jacket and plopped into her seat. Turning to Kyouya, she opened her mouth excitedly to speak just as he began to ask a question.

"You –" "So – "

They both laughed and Kyouya made a small motion for Haruhi to go ahead, gallant as ever.

"No, your Host Club charms won't work on me, at least not that easily," she said with a quick grin. "You first."

Looking at her face, Kyouya was following the movement of her mouth, the way her eyes crinkled at the sides when she smiled, the way one strand of hair fell over her forehead. He took note of her appearance, changed only slightly since high school. Longer hair, down to about the nape of her neck, with her soft bangs much as they were years prior. She was wearing a sleeveless tunic, plain and white, embroidered at the hem with small flowers, over dark jeans, an outfit he recognized as one from the twins' spring line a few years back. And was that a hint of jasmine in her perfume? He took in a deep breath, yes, and notes of sandalwood and –

Kyouya was forced to turn his inhalation into a hacking cough abruptly as Haruhi cleared her throat, looking slightly bemused. He mentally smacked himself. Creepy was not what he wanted their first interaction in over a year to be. From now on, he resolved, he would be smooth. Casual. Attentive. To start, he would try to lighten the mood, open up the conversation, ask her about how she was doing. In his mind, he quickly prepared several starters, all positively sparkling with wit and charm, the veritable definition of debonair. He pushed up his glasses, smiled, and opened his mouth to speak.

"I didn't think you could fly first class."

Wait. Oh no. What happened to all his clever compliments? The self-deprecating banter? Instead, what came out of his mouth was something that could have been attributed to Tamaki on one of his worse days. 'I didn't think you could fly first class?' He might as well have said 'I'm surprised to see you're not living in a straw hut.' Internally, he was screaming and banging his head repeatedly. On the outside, he attempted to put on a pleasant face and waited for a reply.

oOoOo

Haruhi just laughed. Some things really never changed, she thought, shaking her head – as it seemed, in this case, Kyouya's bluntness.

"Actually, you're right, I normally wouldn't. The law firm I'm working at gave me the tickets. I have to go to some two-day seminar back in Japan held by one of the investors, but it seemed a small price to pay for free tickets and a trip back home so I could see everyone again. And at the cherry blossom time, too! Also, I – Sempai, are you feeling okay? Your expression looks a little pained."

"No, it's fine, I'm being pleasant."

"What?"

"It's really nothing. Probably just the plane taking off."

"If you say so," Haruhi said cheerfully. "Anyways, I called my dad and the rest of the Host Club a few days back to tell them I was coming back today. I had tried calling you too, but your secretary said you were out of town. Actually, I'm not sure who was more excited to hear I was coming back, my dad or Tamaki," she said with a sigh. "The screams coming from the phone were so loud that Ashton asked me if everything was alright."

Here Kyouya, whose smile had been growing a little less forced as she kept talking, reverted back to his previous greenish shade.

"Ashton?" he queried innocently.

Haruhi wondered at the sudden change in subject, but replied to his question, "He's my supervisor. He's actually quite young, only a few years older than us, but absolutely brilliant. We've been working together on some paperwork for a case the firm is handling – Kyouya-sempai, are you sure you're alright? You're looking a little sick. Here, I've got some mints," she said, rummaging around in her bag for a bit before pulling out a tube of store-brand peppermints with a bright reindeer emblazoned on the side. At his amused expression as he nodded at the tube while accepting the mint, she replied, "Oh, these? Ashton gave one to all the interns around Christmastime – Sempai, you really mustn't pull at your passport like that, it'll tear."

She noticed him taking several deep breaths before putting it down and smiling at her. Eeeeeeh! Scary!, she thought, turning away, recalling all the times that that expression had been used on her in the years before. It looked like the Low Blood Pressure Demon Lord was back in full force, even if she couldn't have known that the humorless yet terrifying smile was not meant for her, but the aforementioned Ashton. Even so, Haruhi decided to change the subject.

"Now it's my turn for asking questions!"

She opened her mouth to say something, thought better of it, and smacked Kyouya on the arm instead. He was so surprised, the menacing look disappeared from his face, replaced by one of amusement.

"Am I allowed to ask what that was for?" he said wryly, rubbing the spot.

"You didn't even tell me you were in Boston! Actually, you haven't even returned any of my calls in months! The only way I know you're still alive is from that bored secretary of yours, plus Tamaki's occasional update, and even those are growing less frequent. You know, sempai, we were all getting a little worried." Waiting for a reply, Haruhi looked up at Kyouya, into those black eyes hidden behind the glasses, wondering what was going on inside his head.

oOoOo

He gazed down into her deep brown eyes, at those irises flecked with gold, marveling at the reproach and concern that filled them. Worried? About him? Mentally, he cursed himself for letting such an expression enter her eyes, while at the same time cherishing the small kernel of hope that her words raised in him. Clearing his throat, he apologized.

"Gomen ne, Haruhi. I'm sorry," he said sincerely. "It's just, work has been piling up, and everything that comes up seems to be highly important and deserving of my immediate attention. There was some deal going on with the government about healthcare facilities, then Fuyumi's news, and now this merger, which then had some sticky situation right at the very end that I had to take care of," he sighed. It had actually required some strenuous flattery and the courting of the executive's daughter with some expensive chocolates, but he had done it.

"Wait, 'Fuyumi's news'? What is that, is she alright?" Haruhi interrupted.

Touched by her concern, Kyouya had to laugh it off. "No, nothing bad. Well, it depends on your take on it." At her inquiring look, he continued, "She's going to have a baby."

Haruhi smacked him again. "Stop being sarcastic, sempai, of course it's good! Ah, I'm very happy for her! Please convey my congratulations to her and her husband. Are you looking forward to it?"

Kyouya smiled, debating mentally what to tell her. He wanted to give a manly appearance, but then… he looked at her face, holding a sweet smile at the news.

"I am actually very happy. I've got her some books, and I found some stuffed animals for the baby. It'll be nice to have a baby in the house."

"I can't believe it! The Shadow King likes babies!" Haruhi grinned.

Was telling her that a mistake? "Well, they are fairly cute, and this one will be the heir to their business and –" he replied defensively.

"I think that's very sweet of you, Kyouya-sempai."

I guess not, Kyouya thought, congratulating himself on his quick thinking and conversational mastery. That was enough to say for now; it probably would be going too far to tell her about the nursery that he had had decorated for the baby in soft shades of yellow. Or that the stuffed animals had once been his. A man had to keep up some dignity, after all.

"Anyway," he continued in a hurry, "you scold me for not calling when you yourself haven't been back home in over a year!"

"Well, I was busy with work. And studying." Haruhi responded lamely.

"No need to justify yourself, Haruhi. I understand – you're probably talking to the only other person in the Host Club who has such a skewed work-life balance," Kyouya said with a slightly rueful smile. "But even so, you still missed out on the year-before-last's holiday party. That, and the fact that you wouldn't pick up your phone, drove Tamaki slightly insane for a few hours."

They both laughed as Kyouya recalled that party, shaking his head slightly at the memory of Tamaki's idiocy.

oOoOo

"Mommy! Haruhi still isn't here!"

"Tamaki, I told you before, she just got an interning position at a very prestigious law firm. She is busy. Just call her. Now go away. I'm sorry, Miss, I hope you're having a lovely time." This last part was directed at a willowy redhead wearing entirely too much makeup. She giggled, flattered by the attention she was receiving. And from such a handsome man, nonetheless!

The Host Club was at it again.

Hikaru and Kaoru were throwing the party of the year, inviting all their designer friends, models, and practically the entire elite of Japan. And for old times' sakes, they had asked the rest of the Host Club to assist them in, well, hosting, the five hundred-plus guests, all of whom were thrilled at a chance to mingle with Japan's six most eligible, extremely handsome bachelors.

At this moment, Kyouya was networking, Hikaru and Kaoru were performing magic tricks for their guests, Hunny-sempai was talking to a large group of his fans from his high-school days, all of whom were plying him with cake, and Mori-sempai was both watching his cousin and discussing kendo with Yatsuchika using as few words as humanly possible. Oh, and Tamaki was sitting in the back sulking and cultivating a new crop of mushrooms because Haruhi wouldn't reply to any of his messages, which had started out sweetly enough, then proceeded to outright begging, ending up with him grossly sobbing into the phone.

"Hey, where's Tono?" Kaoru asked.

After a few minutes of searching and some fruitless persuading on the twins' part, they called everyone together.

"He's really taking this harshly, isn't he?" asked Hunny.

"Ah," Mori replied, looking at the rest of the group.

"Well, what should we do?" whispered Hikaru. "People are bound to notice his absence."

"They already have," answered Kyouya, pulling out his ever-present notebook. "I've had twenty-two requests for him today, some from daughters of investors in both his company and mine. This is inexcusable."

"Well, our first option is to get Haruhi to call him. Minimal stress, everyone is happy," Kaoru started.

"We could always beat some sense into him," Hunny offered sweetly. The rest of the Hosts shivered slightly at these incongruous words coming from the still cherubic-looking young man, although Mori looked slightly approvingly at the thought of beating sense into someone.

"Wait. I have a plan," Hikaru announced, grinning evilly. He whispered into Kaoru's ear, who laughed in agreement, and then they both ran off, yelling something vaguely about fetching Nekozawa.

The three left standing there just shrugged at each other and dispersed to talk more with the guests, waiting to see the effects of the twins' plan.

Hikaru and Kaoru waited behind a pillar, snickering, as Nekozawa carefully approached the morose-looking Tamaki, who had already harvested the first crop of mushrooms and was working on cultivating some more.

"Want some?" Tamaki noticed the hooded figure, but at this point didn't care about anything anymore.

"What?"

"Mushrooms. They're good."

"No!"

"Pity." Tamaki poked at them gloomily.

"I didn't come here to talk to you about the stupid mushrooms! Anyways, if you drink this, I promise Haruhi will call you back."

Tamaki perked up instantly.

"Really?"

"Definitely," Nekozawa promised with a eerie smile, which Tamaki paid no attention to whatsoever. In Tamaki's defense, Nekozawa made a habit of smiling eerily at all times, so it wasn't really his fault that he failed to notice that something was up.

Tamaki drained the tall glass in two gulps, gasping at the heat as it hit the back of his throat. Then, a broad smile filled his face and he went bounding off, completely forgetting about Haruhi.

"Are you sure this was a good idea?" Kaoru asked his twin, having some second thoughts about the whole enterprise.

"Well…" Hikaru began uneasily.

"What was in that glass?" Kyouya asked as he, Hunny, and Mori joined the twins several minutes later.

"Vodka," the twins chanted in unison.

"But we figured that Tono had a high tolerance for alcohol. He's French, after all." Kaoru added hurriedly.

"Yeah, and he already acts like he's drunk all the time anyway," Hikaru trailed off uncertainly at the look in Kyouya's eyes.

Not even deigning to give a response, Kyouya stalked off as they heard the noise of women screaming, several slaps, and glass breaking.

"Oops."

Tamaki awoke with a horrible headache late the next morning, surrounded by an understandably frazzled-looking Host Club. Not even bothering to act concerned about his poor head, they started listing off all the things he had done in the past night.

"You owe us new curtains after you thought you saw Belzenef hiding in the shadows and attacked them with a knife," Kaoru said disapprovingly.

"Also, you tried to sell your mushrooms to everyone in the ballroom," added Hikaru.

"Don't forget about the knocking a Christmas tree over so you could use the tinsel as a garland," said Hunny.

"Ah," Mori said sternly.

Tamaki quailed and looked at Kyouya for some support, instead recoiling from the murderous glare in his eyes.

"Finally, you kissed the American ambassador's wife. In front of the American ambassador. Was it your intention to start a war four days before Christmas?" Kyouya practically hissed.

"Oh, and Haruhi called you back about five minutes after you left the room," they all said together.

Tamaki groaned and put his head into his hands.

oOoOo

Haruhi could scarce draw her breath from laughing so hard. Kyouya saw the humor in it as well, even though she hadn't been the one who had to calm everyone down. Or the one to accompany Tamaki to apologize to the American ambassador.

They continued in this vein for over an hour, just sitting and reminiscing about good times in the Host Club, intermingled with stories about their lives now. They swapped stories about work and their families, and Haruhi reflected with happiness at the conversation. Kyouya truly was just a lovely person to talk to, witty and intelligent, but kind and caring as well. As he smiled and laughed, she couldn't help but do the same, wishing that others could see this side of the emotionless Shadow King.

She also noted with concern the circles under his eyes and the way he occasionally lifted up his glasses to rub at his eyes, running his hand through his hair, and begged off the conversation for now, telling him she wanted to rest a bit before they reached Amsterdam. She saw his small smile, as if he saw through her ruse, but he acquiesced gracefully and wished her sweet dreams. However, within minutes, it was him who was sleeping gently, his head sinking lower to rest onto his chest.

Haruhi took the chance to look at him more thoroughly. Despite the signs of fatigue, he was still as attractive as ever, she thought privately. The years since high school had suited him well, adding an inch or two to his height and sharpening his cheekbones. She looked with fondness at his sleeping face, free from any lines and worry at the moment, and remembered his sweet smile when he talked about his sister's baby.

Oh no.

This was bad. Was she developing feelings for the Shadow King? She had refrained from dating anyone in the Host Club for this reason.

Well, if he kept this up, she was in distinct danger of losing her heart to him.

"Sweet dreams, Kyouya," she whispered.

In his sleep, Ootori Kyouya smiled.

A/N:

:D :D :D I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I did writing it! Like I said, I just wanted this to be sweet and funny and I hope I hit the mark. I wanted to make all the dialogue as realistic as possible; I don't have much experience writing it, so feel free to give me pointers! Kyouya is so cute, don't you think? (I mean you have to, you just read this chapter) – will Haruhi prove irresistible to his charms? :D What do you think?

Anyways, I hope also that you liked that flashback scene! Tamaki is one of my favorite characters to write, so I can't help including him in all this – I tried to make it so it flowed with the story while not leaving anyone out, guest starring my two problematic favs: Kyoya's notebook and Nekozawa !

Ok, and for anyone who is going to gripe about the title, yes I know it's a LAYOVER in Paradise, not a FLIGHT, but rest assured, we'll get there soon enough. For a sneak peak of what's to come, look up the song Chaar Kadam on YouTube (for all my Bollywood fans out there, it's from PK :).

Reasons to listen:

1) The song and video itself are super cute, as well as the people in it – actually, if I were casting live action for this fic solely from a pool of Bollywood actors, these are my people.

2) This is basically the vibe that I'm going for with the next few chapters until the end: sweet, happy, slightly whimsical, and in a foreign country with plenty of bridges and flowers and cute stuff.

So yeah, just take a look if you want and please please please review if you liked – reading the reviews actually gives me some motivation to continue! Thank you lovelies, until next time!