A/N: Special thanks go to wealhtheow1, thethoughtsofawildheart, HipsterSnowWhite, ChoKyumiCassie, CxlumsWife, Psychobunny97, BizzyLizy, Squish The Squirrel Fish, PyroKitsune, toffeed, angel2u, Sgt. Shenanigans, Kora01, jinkiestrap, Tailorsteele21, Happyritas, DeadlyKris, DayDreamAria, and KasumiAkemi for following and faving.

wealhtheow1: Thank you so much, that means a lot to me!

Squish The Squirrel Fish: Thank you!

YuYuHakushoObsessor: Here it is! And thanks, I did pretty well on them! :)

Kora01: Your review really meant a lot to me and made me want to be a better writer for you. Thank you so much. And I'm glad I could make you smile. :)

Lorena held her new phone in her hand, just staring at it. Since her father had been paying for her phone before, she had to get a new phone, one that she would pay for. Luckily, she was able to get all her contacts and pictures from her old phone transferred to her new phone.

And now she was faced with a decision. To call Haruhi, or not to call Haruhi. Her thumb was poised over the "Call" button, with Haruhi's name selected.

There was no doubt she was going to be pissed, no matter the explanation. But this was Haruhi, the most understanding and forgiving person on God's green earth.

But this was a major thing. I mean, she left the country without as much as a goodbye to any of her friends.

But then again, she didn't have much choice. Theresa had cut her off completely from the outside world by taking away her phone and laptop. And even if she did try to contact them, Theresa had the power to ruin their lives. She had threatened to evict Haruhi and her father, destroy the Suoh's reputation, and who knows what else. She'd had no choice.

But she could've tried. She could've done something. But instead she stuck her head in the sand. She ignored the world in the hopes that it would in turn ignore her as well. And look where that got her.

Having friends was hard.

Luckily, her inner turmoil was interrupted by Nate, "Hey, I think I found you a place." He looked up from his laptop and saw her with her phone in her hand. "Oh, sorry. Were you just about to call someone?"

Lorena tucked her phone in her pocket. "No." She smiled at him and joined him on his couch. "What'd you find?"

"It's a really nice place. A mansion, but not too big. Two stories. Five and half bathrooms, big kitchen with granite countertops, big open yards, a grand staircase, and six bedrooms. The best part? A big backyard pool." He clicked through pictures of the house, Lorena drank it all in.

"That does look very nice. I'll get it. Lemme make an offer on it." Lorena took the laptop and began typing away, making an offer on the house.

"Whoa, hold on." Nate put his hand on the screen to stop her, "Don't you want to at least see it before you buy it? There may be some things they left out of the pictures. Do you even have the money to buy and pay for this house? Or live on your own for that matter?"

Lorena scoffed, "Please, with all the work I've done for my father's company, and the gifts from distant relatives..." She moved his hand off the screen and continued typing away. "Besides, did you forget that I'm going to own two-thirds of Boone Industries in two years?" She finished typing and sent the email to the owners. "I have enough money right now to live very comfortably for the rest of my life without having to work one day more."

Nate rolled his eyes. "Rich people."

Lorena's returning remark was interrupted by Nate's laptop. Ding. "That was fast." Lorena opened the email and they both read it. Nate was only halfway down the page when Lorena jumped up cheering. She jumped around the room whooping in victory as Nate finally read the words, "We accept your offer of the full price. The house is yours." He promptly joined her celebration.

Both of them jumping around and cheering attracted the attention of Adam and Emma from the backyard.

"What'dya think they're cheering about?" Emma whispered to her brother.

"Dunno. Let's go see." Adam grabbed his sister's hand and led her inside. They both joined in on jumping and cheering.

When they all settled down to catch their breaths, Emma looked up at Lorena, "What are we cheering about?"

Lorena laughed at her and picked her up, "I just bought a big new house!" She spun her around happily, both of them giggling. When they stopped, Lorena smiled knowingly at the two kids. "You know what this means... Ice cream!" Immediately both kids began cheering again and scrambled to put on their shoes so they could go get some ice cream.

They finally got their shoes on and the four of them left.

Lorena carried an unconscious Emma and Nate carried a sleepy Adam. They had gone to get some ice cream, spent some time at the park, and had dinner at a nice restaurant, so now the kids were past their bedtimes.

They were only a few blocks away from Nate's house, but Lorena's arms were getting tired. She shifted Emma from one arm to the other.

"Thank you, again, for treating us to dinner and ice cream." Nate put his free arm around Lorena's waist to keep any weirdos away.

"It was my pleasure. I really wanted to celebrate getting my new house. Thank you for searching for a good one for me."

They finally arrived at the house, the two passed out kids were set gently into their beds, and left to sleep.

Lorena and Nate had just sat down on the couch to do some more online shopping when there was a knock at the door.

"Who could that be at this time of night?"

Knock knock knock.

"Let's see." Lorena stood up and followed Nate to the door.

On the other side of the door was a grinning Michael in his army uniform. Nate nearly tackled him, hugging and kissing him. Michael returned the actions just as excitedly. When they broke apart, Michael grabbed Lorena and gave her a big bear hug.

As she hugged him back, she felt him leave a kiss on each of her cheeks, which felt kinda gross because he was crying. Finally he set her down and they pulled him and his duffle bag inside.

"Are the kids already to bed?"

"Yeah, they passed out on the way back here from the park."

"Dang. I tried my best to get here soon enough so I could see them before they went to bed. Oh well, I'll just surprise them in the morning."

Nate laughed, "Yeah, and they wouldn't be able to sleep if they knew you were home." They all laughed as they moved to the living room where they could sit and talk. "Speaking of, how long are you home for?"

"Two weeks."

"That's not too bad."

"Yeah. And I had no idea Lorena would be here, but I'm glad you are."

"Me too." Lorena was seated across from Michael and Nate, the coffee table between them. "Unfortunately, I have to go back home to Japan the day after tomorrow."

"So soon?" Both Michael and Nate whined simultaneously.

"I have to get back to school. And my friends. I'm going to see if I need to re-enroll tomorrow, finalize the details for my new house-"

"You got a house over there already?"

"Yeah, it's a mansion, but not too big. Perfect for me and the critters."

"That's awesome! You have to send us pictures."

"Definitely." She yawned, "I think I better head off to bed now. Behave you two."

They bade her goodnight as she walked down the hallway to the guest bedroom and flopped on the bed. She was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

Lorena was in a deep sleep when she was suddenly jerked awakened by two rowdy children jumping on her. She had slept on the floor in their room at their request, but if she had known that this is how she would be woken up, she would've declined.

"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" They chanted. "Daddy's home! Daddy's home!"

Lorena grabbed the both of them and held them against her chest. "I know. He came in last night." The silly voice she used made them giggle.

"Do I hear the laughter of my lovely children?" Michael nudged the cracked door open, two mugs of coffee in his hands.

"Daddy!" They squealed and practically launched themselves out of Lorena's arms and flung themselves at his legs, hugging him tightly.

"Woah, careful! You guys are getting too strong for your old man." He looked up from their smiling faces to Lorena's-who had stood up when she was freed. "Here you go." He handed her a mug of coffee.

She sipped it and hummed contentedly. The taste of creamer and sugar blended perfectly with the bitterness of the coffee. "Thanks."

"Alright, who wants eggs and bacon for breakfast?"

"Meeeee!"

Laughing, Michael made his way back down the hallway to the kitchen, one kid clinging to each of his legs.

"I should really get back to Japan tonight."

"You really have to go so soon? I just got heeereee..." Lorena stared blankly across the table at Michael in response to his whining.

The five of them had gone to the park with the kids. Nate was playing with the kids on the playground as Lorena filled Michael in on the details of recent events.

He sighed. "Fine. I understand. You're missing school, aren't you?"

"Yeah, that's why I have to go as soon as possible." There was a comfortable silence. Out of the corner of her eye, Lorena could see Michael fidgeting, picking at the wooden table. "What's wrong, Michael?"

"It's-... I just-..." He groaned, "I have a confession to make, and you're going to hate me once I do."

Lorena faced him fully, brows furrowed. "What are you talking about? It would take an awful lot to make me hate you."

"I told your friends about Jenna." He blurted it out so fast that it took a minute for the words to register in her brain.

"You did...what?" She didn't scream. She didn't yell. In fact, her voice was completely level. And that's what scared him the most.

He focused his eyes on the table, which he was harshly picking at. "I...showed your friends a picture of you and Jenna..." Lorena's back was ram-rod straight and her breathing was shallow. A fire burned in her eyes. He rushed to explain himself, "They wanted to know why your stepmother was taking you back here to America. They were worried about you!" Lorena said nothing. "Please say something. Yell. Scream at me. Be angry. Please."

Lorena's face was blank as she pulled out her phone and typed something on it. "The jet can only take me back at one time today, and that's in two hours. I should go get packed and ready." She stood from the table and began walking away, towards the house.

"Lorena, please don't ignore me! I had to tell them! They deserved to know!" His calls were unheeded as Lorena kept walking, never turning back or hesitating.

"Don't go~!" Both Emma and Adam were holding onto Lorena's legs, trying to keep her from getting onto the jet.

All of her luggage was already aboard, and the dogs and lizards had been sedated for the flight, they too were already on the jet. The only thing left was for Lorena to say her goodbyes.

She knelt on the ground so she was level with the kids. "I wish I didn't have to. But I have to go back to school. But I promise, as soon as I get a vacation, I will come straight back here. And then we can spend more than just a few days together." She hugged them tightly.

"We'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too, little ones." She kissed their cheeks.

She stood up and turned towards Nate and Michael. She hugged Nate and they kissed each other's cheeks. She then turned to hug Michael, who had been awkwardly standing on the sidelines the whole time. She opened her arms to him, and he eagerly gave her a bone-crushing bear hug. "You're not mad at me?" He whispered in her ear.

"No. You did the right thing."

He smiled and hugged her tighter. "I'll miss you. Have fun in Japan."

"I'll miss you too." She let go of him and took a couple steps back. She turned and began walking towards the plane, constantly looking back over her shoulder so she could still be able to see them. When she was at the top of the stairs, she waved and went in.

Once she was in a seat, she looked out of the window to see them walking away, Emma holding Nate's hand, and Adam holding Michael's. Lorena's heart ached. She did love them so.

She didn't take her eyes off of them until they got back into the airport, and the plane was beginning to ascend.

Lorena sighed for what must've been the tenth time in a half an hour. She had landed in Japan two hours ago, watched as her things were loaded into a large truck an hour and a half ago, and got in a limo that would take her to her new home separately an hour ago. The problem was, the limo broke down. All of a sudden the engine started smoking real bad and they had to pull over.

And it was hot in this car.

Hot as Satan's sweaty balls.

Of course, it didn't help that she was wearing a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, a beanie, and black converse.

Lorena got out of the car and stood in the shade of a nearby shop's awning.

The driver approached her, "I do apologize once again Miss Boone. But the tow truck said they won't be here for another hour." He wrung his hands nervously.

She waved it off, "It's not your fault. I'm sure this is not the way you wanted to spend your day. There's no way you could've known there was something wrong with the limo." Relief washed over the driver's face as he sighed. He took off his cap to wipe the sweat off his brow before placing it back onto his head. "Here." She pulled her wallet out of her back pocket, "Why don't you go buy yourself a drink? Can't have my favorite driver passing out of dehydration on me." She handed him some cash with a smile. He thanked her and went into the store behind her to do just that.

Next thing she knew, she was on the ground on her side, staring at her reflection in her aviator sunglasses that she could've sworn were just resting on her nose.

And then someone was grabbing her arm and pulling her back up and pulling her along somewhere.

Now, Lorena had been a victim of attempted kidnapping, but this didn't feel malicious. She could only see the boy's black hair.

He pulled her behind a parked car. He faced her and held a finger to his lips, shushing her before she could say anything.

"Mizuno! Where did you go, you little monster! You'll pay for this!" Lorena and the boy peeked over the hood of the car to see a woman covered in what looked to be flour and perhaps cinnamon.

The two of them ducked back down when the woman looked over towards them and stifled their giggles behind their hands. They peeked back over to see the woman going back into her shop, slamming the door as she did.

Now that the coast was clear, they stood up and made their way back under the awning where Lorena had been standing a minute ago. The boy-presumably Mizuno-bent down and picked her sunglasses up, wiped them off and handed them back to her with an apologetic smile.

She put them back on and held her hand out to him, "I'm Lorena. Lorena Boone. And you are?"

He shook her hand before pulling his phone out of his pocket and typing something on it. When he was done, he held the phone up so she could read it, "Hello. It's nice to meet you. My name is Mizuno Kenzo. I apologize profusely for running into you, that woman terrifies me."

Lorena hesitated, "Uh, pardon me for asking, but are you sick or something?" He shook his head. "Mute then?" He nodded and smiled warmly at her. "Oh, okay. Do you know any sign language or anything?" Another nod.

He began typing on his phone once more. "I know JSL and ASL."

"I know ASL, but not JSL."

Wonderful! He signed to her. This makes it so much easier.

Something about him intrigued her. She had only just met him, but she felt like she'd known him her whole life. She felt completely comfortable around him.

He looked old enough to be a second or third year. He was average looking, not too bad, not the best either. In fact, nearly everything about him was average.

"So, who was that woman?"

That was my nanny, she doesn't like my pranks.

Lorena laughed, "You did that to her? What did you do?"

I tipped a bag of flour and nutmeg on her head. He smiled mischievously.

Lorena got a hold of herself, "Why?"

She keeps bugging me about getting a job. And I've tried to tell her that I have an interview for one today, but she just doesn't seem to understand.

"A job? And here I was thinking you were a second or third year." She scratched the back of her head.

Oh, I would be a third year, but I finished school early. Lorena hummed in understanding. You know, I couldn't help but notice your limousine is broken down, do you need a ride somewhere?

Lorena waved her hands hurriedly, "Oh, no no. I'm not going anywhere in a rush. And I couldn't ask that of you."

No, it's I who must impose on you. You see, I need an excuse to get away from that, he pointed over his shoulder towards the shop that the fuming woman had come out of just before. We can just ride around until we think of something to do if you want.

Lorena considered the risks, but Mizuno seemed trustworthy. And if he wasn't, she'd beat him up and leave him for the police.

Lorena shrugged, "Okay, but I have to do something real quick." She left him there to go inside the shop and inform the driver to take her things to her new address, she also tipped him extra for his trouble. When she came back out, Mizuno was waiting for her on top of a motorcycle, a black helmet in hand. "You have a motorcycle?" She asked skeptically. He nodded and gestured for her to take the helmet, but she shook her head and pointed to the beanie on her head and her curled hair. He nodded and put the helmet on himself, then waving her over towards him.

As soon as she had mounted the motorcycle, he sped off down the road, causing her to hold onto him tightly. But once the initial shock was over, she relished in the feeling of freedom, the wind whipping through her hair, and watching as the buildings and streets sped past.

She didn't know how much time had passed until they began slowing down. She opened her eyes and looked around, seeing that they were parking in a courtyard of a school, but it wasn't Ouran. "Where are we?"

Mizuno hopped off the bike and took his helmet off, I hope you don't mind, it's just I promised my sister that I would come see her in this play that they're putting on here. This is Lobelia Academy.

"Oh, Lobelia." She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on already.

What is it? He helped her get off the motorcycle and they began making their way inside.

"It's just, I've had a run in with a few girls from Lobelia. I'm from Ouran, you see, and they came to visit... I wasn't there for most of the time so I'm not really sure what happened the whole time, but they don't exactly like me or most of my friends."

Well, we can just watch then. Is that okay with you?

"Yeah, that sounds good." She smiled at him.

They didn't talk anymore until they had sat down in some seats that were in the middle of the room, surrounded by screaming fangirls.

So, tell me more about yourself, Lorena signed to him seeing as she wouldn't be heard over the noise. Where did you learn American Sign Language?

Mizuno smiled at her, New York. My parents moved there for business for a couple years, and no one there knew any Japanese Sign Language, so I had to learn. What about you?

I didn't speak for two years, so my parents made me learn so I could still be able to communicate to people.

If you don't mind me asking, why didn't you speak for two years?

Lorena paused before carefully selecting her words, Because of a...personal loss.

I'm so sorry.

No worries. So, do you have any other siblings?

Mizuno smiled at the change of subject, Yes, a younger brother in primary school and a baby brother who is three years old. And you?

Your family sounds adorable. I have an older sister who is in college in Germany. They sat in a comfortable silence until Lorena began getting uncomfortably hot. Is it just me or is it really hot in here? She tried fanning herself with her hands, but it did nothing.

Yeah, it is really hot in here. I think it's because it's so packed.

Lorena unzipped and took off her leather jacket, leaving her in her Captain America tank top. Much better.

Before they could continue their conversation, the lights dimmed and everyone quieted. The curtains rose, and the play began. "What the..." Lorena sank a little in her seat as she whispered to herself. Mizuno looked at her with concern, but opted to just put a hand on her arm, letting her know he was there for her. "That's my friend." Mizuno looked on stage to see a girl in a poofy dress and heavy makeup. He pointed at her with a questioning expression. "Yes, her. She goes to Ouran with me." She stayed slouched in her seat, attempting to be non-conspicuous.

And so, the show went on...and on...and on.

Finally, the main guy's death scene comes up. The play is wrapping up, Lorena's pretty sure she fell asleep a couple times in the middle, but so did Mizuno, so it was okay.

The guy was making his long-winded death speech when all the fangirls in the crowd starting whispering about a kiss-scene coming up. This caught Lorena's attention, but she wasn't really worried about it, they most likely wouldn't do that...right?

All of a sudden, spotlights began turning on, and all of them were focused on six males standing against the wall... And they just so happened to be the Host Club and Ranka-minus Kyoya.

Lorena cursed in what must've been a mixture of German, English, and Japanese as she sank incredibly lower into her chair. Mizuno looked seriously worried for her mental health, but she just shushed him and pulled on his sleeve, "Lean forward a bit, I gotta hide from them." He did so, but not without shooting her a look that said Explain later.

Lorena had to cover her face as Tamaki ran up on the stage yelling about how he was going to save Haruhi and keep her kiss from being stolen. She had to bury her face in Mizuno's arm as Ranka and the twins joined him. She gave up all hope on her friends when they all started chasing poor Haruhi around on the stage, and instead pulled out her phone and began recording it. She knew she would find it very amusing later, but she was so far-gone in second-hand embarrassment that almost nothing could've snapped her out of it.

Only when Mizuno began tugging her along down the aisle did she snap out of the trance. She stayed low as they snuck out the doors, and they ran down the hallway to the bike. Mizuno gave her back her jacket.

Where now? He signed.

"I would really appreciate it if you would drive me to my place."

Tell me where, I'll get you there. They both smiled at each other.

Mizuno pulled up to the mansion and just stared at it for a minute. Damn this is a nice house.

Lorena laughed, "Thank you. And I would invite you in but I literally have nothing in there. Not even a chair."

Don't worry about it, I have to go to my interview anyways.

"Uh, before you go. Can you put your number in my phone? I figure you could talk to someone that you don't have to write everything down or something. Only if you want to." He took her phone and began typing in it. "I know we can't call each other, but we can text, right?" He nodded and gave her phone back. She then began typing, but finished quickly. "There, I just messaged you so you now have my number as well."

He nodded, Thanks for trusting me not to be a serial killer.

"Anytime." She began walking backwards towards her front door, "See ya."

He waved, put his helmet back on, and drove away.

A/N: All righty, don't be afraid to tell me what you think, I await eagerly. Seriously, I have nothing to do. This chapter was kinda long, but it needed to be, and I'll have the next one out soon if everything goes as planned. Until next time!