The Painful Truth

by MollyMuffinHead

Sequel to 'The Challenges Ahead'. After the Olympic Games and the Charity Ball, each of the group learns a painful truth they must face. Life will be harder than they ever thought. From kidnapping, to wedding contracts, to losing touch with reality, everyone is in for a bumpy ride. Rated for Language and Smooching and Violence.

9. Chapter 9 - Family Discussions

Author's Note:

Happy Saturday Night!

Drop a review – Dad and I would love to hear from you. I read every one of them to him. Makes his week.

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xXx

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Date Posted: 12/17/2022

Trigger Warnings: Language, Mild description of violence

The Painful Truth - Chapter 9: Family Discussions

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Tuesday, September 27 (Continued):

Early Morning, Phone Call Between Yokota [Deputy Superintendent Tokyo Metro Police] and Takaoka [Superintendent General - Head of Tokyo Metro Police]:

Yokota: "We're done. Got the last two. But all bad news."

Takaoka: "Shit. Tell me."

Yokota: "First was the back of a strip club. They'd been tipped. We had to blow a solid metal door to get back there. No paperwork, no muscle, no customers. Just sixteen women, all shot in the head, all dead."

When he didn't say anything, I continued.

"Coroner's there. He'll do what he can, but we probably won't be able to ID them."

Takaoka: "And the last?"

Yokota: "It's the worst. Another strip club. It was on fire when we got there. Thirteen women, ten customers, all dead. Looks like the bastards locked them in and lit it up. They died in the fire."

Takaoka: "And that's it?"

Yokota: "I've got teams reviewing all the documents at each raid looking for other addresses, but that's it as far as we know."

Takaoka: "Get cleaned up and get back here. We'll do a press conference for the morning news."

Yokota: I checked my watch, four-sixteen. "I'll be in by six."

Takaoka: "Good. And Yokota?"

Yokota: "Yes, Sir?"

Takaoka: "With the results from the last two, you aren't going to hear this very often, but good work."

Yokota: "Thank you, Sir."

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xXx

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Morning, Security Headquarters, Morinozuka Estate:

"Kuroi, go home. Get some sleep. Be back at noon."

I'd been waiting for them to find that phone call, but they hadn't yet. Guess I'll have to say something. This could be the right kind of attention.

"Something wrong?"

"Yes, Sir." Then I stalled. Wish Ishikawa was here. He finally went to bed and left his second, Yonekura, in charge. "I think I know who the leak is."

"Tell me."

.

I sent Kuroi on his way and had the techs pull up the call.

Yep. Yamamoto told his husband.

"Get me Dylan-san's phone records. And Ranka's."

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xXx

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Morning, Surgery Prep Room, Tokyo Main:

"Looks like it hit the third metacarpal."

"Not broken though. Just a slight cut on the distal side."

"I'm more worried about the third lumbrical. Can't tell if it was sliced from this angle. If it is, she could lose her ring finger function."

"The blade's above the arterial arch. Explains why there wasn't much blood loss."

I was listening to their voices, but not really hearing what the doctors said. Haruhi was my focus. She's been my focus since I met her. She always will be.

The plastic surgeon said the face operation was a success. She could have a very thin scar, but it won't be noticeable. We won't know for sure for a couple of days. The entire left side of her face is bandaged.

Every time my eyes land on that knife, my stomach turns, and I have to swallow hard. They cut the arm of the chair off before her facial surgery, and now her hand is lying there, her arm still strapped to the wood, the knife still sticking through the back of her hand.

I asked if the delay is an issue and been assured it isn't. Better to finish the scans and know what's waiting for them than to rush. Oinuma-sensei is a top orthopedist, and Tezuka-sensei trusts her. I have to trust him.

"We'll measure the angles, but pulling it straight out is the best chance."

"Robot?"

"Yes. It won't wiggle it or change its orientation on the way out."

She's so small, lying here on the gurney. The surrounding machines make her seem almost childlike.

My fingers are tracing patterns on the back of her left hand and up her arm. She's warmed up since the warehouse. I thought I'd lose my mind when they said she was going into shock, and she faded out. She was so cold.

"Takashi-sama?"

I looked up and stared at Oshiro-san. "What?"

"May I speak with you outside?" I hesitated. What could he want to talk about that he couldn't say here. She can't hear him. "Just for a moment. You can see her through the window in the door."

I stood and headed out, "Quickly."

Once we were both out, he shut the door. "We've discovered who the leak was."

Leak? "I thought it was Tani. I thought he'd been dealt with."

"Yes, he has. I mean the leak to the press. The location of the warehouse, the trafficking…"

"Of course." I've been so focused on Haruhi. "Who?"

"Yamamoto-san."

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xXx

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Morning, First Class, Ouran:

"Attention all students:

"As many of you are no doubt aware, Fujioka Haruhi and Himura Shinobu were kidnapped and now rescued. They are currently being treated for injuries at Tokyo Main. Their injuries are not life-threatening.

"Their families and doctors have requested no visitors at this time. In leu of flowers and gifts, please donate to Lighthouse for the trafficking victims.

"Their close friends will be absent and request you not contact them through phone, text, email, or IM. They are too overwhelmed to respond.

"As the families release further information, you will be updated via email or announcement through my office.

"Thank you."

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And the students went crazy…

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"I was right. Pay up."

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"Do you think they were trafficked?"

"I don't know. I feel so sorry for them."

.

"I'm sure they don't mean me. Renge's one of my closest friends."

Message on Renge's voicemail: "Thank you for your call. I am currently neither accepting nor returning phone calls and texts. Please leave a message if this is regarding business or classwork and I will get back to you within the next few days. Beep…"

"Renge, it's me. Call me back and give me the dirt."

.

"I watched the live streams. Can you believe it?"

"I know. If someone can get through Shinobu-san's yakuza security, they could get through my family's."

"They got through the Morinozuka security too."

"I'll discuss this with father. I suddenly don't feel as safe as I did."

.

xXx

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Morning, Front Steps, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Station:

Superintendent General Takaoka stood behind me as I made my statement. His support surprised me, but the good outweighed the bad so he wanted the credit.

Doesn't matter. I know that I did everything I could for the victims. That has to be enough.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Deputy Superintendent Yokota Yasauaki, and I have a statement to make regarding recent events.

"Sunday, September 25, Fujioka Haruhi and Himura Shinobu were kidnapped by criminals operating a large human trafficking ring. Himura-san was working to dismantle the ring and was taken to find out how far along her efforts had gotten. Fujioka-san was taken as leverage.

"Early this morning they were rescued thanks to the efforts of Head Tokyo Prosecutor Tomizawa Kamamoto, the Ootori Black Onion Squad, Morinozuka security, and many Tokyo police officers. They were being held in the trafficking ring's headquarters, a warehouse in the Kabukicho district.

"After their rescue, officers and members of the prosecutor's office conducted a search and found information leading to nine additional locations. Raids were immediately organized and conducted."

I don't think I've ever heard this street this quiet.

"These nine raids plus the warehouse resulted in the arrest of seventy-five traffickers and 2 dead and the arrest of 89 customers. One hundred and sixty-one women and girls were discovered, 29 of them dead."

"Who killed the girls?"

"Did the officers shoot the two dead traffickers?"

I held up my hands for silence.

"The dead women and girls were found in the last two raided locations. The criminals had been tipped off and killed them before fleeing. They also killed ten customers at the last location."

"No loss there," a press member in the first row mumbled under his breath. I couldn't agree more.

"Where are the girls now?"

"What are their injuries?"

"How are Fujioka and Himura?"

"Please, let me finish my statement, and I'll take questions."

I went on detailing the efforts of Lighthouse and Ootori medical, but not releasing the hospital names.

"Fujioka-san and Himura-san are recovering from nonlife threatening injuries at Tokyo Main. Further information regarding their conditions will be released by their families if they wish."

I looked into the TV cameras, "Today was a good day for justice. A large human trafficking ring was dismantled, and a large portion of their victims were rescued. However, this is not the end of human trafficking in Tokyo. Please go to the link below [Lighthouse website] and educate yourselves about how to recognize the signs and report them. We must all work together to stop this horrific crime."

I nodded to the reporters, "I'll take your questions now."

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xXx

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Morning, Parking Garage, Tokyo Main:

"Oshiro-san?"

I met Yamamoto's car in the parking garage and stopped him when he got out. I'm not letting him back into the hospital. I wouldn't have done this here, but Takashi-sama and Mitsukuni-sama needed the things he was bringing back, and I didn't have the time or the energy to go to his apartment.

It's been a long few days.

"Yamamoto, I need your phone, your Morinozuka employee ID, your keys to Takashi-sama's apartment, and anything else you have on you that belongs to the family."

"I don't understand."

"You are being let go for breach of your NDA."

His eyes grew wide, and his mouth hung open. I waited a beat and then, "I need those things now. You will be escorted back to your apartment and assisted in packing your personal possessions."

"What did I…"

"You discussed the details of not only the kidnapping but the rescue with someone not authorized to have that information."

"Dylan?" It came out as a whisper.

"Yes."

"But…"

"After getting that information, Lewis-san proceeded to sell it to the media."

"He leaked it?" That was practically a squeak. Clearly, he had no idea.

"Yes. And was paid."

.

Dylan tipped the press? He sold them the story?

Why?

"I don't understand what's happening."

"I've explained it."

I didn't realize I'd said that out loud.

I looked up at Oshiro, standing there with flat eyes. No pity. No emotion. Just flat. He held out his hand, "Your phone, ID, keys…"

"Takashi-sama and Mitsukuni-sama asked for some personal things. They're in the trunk."

"We'll handle that." His fingers snapped, "Phone, ID, keys…"

I handed them over and two guards led me to an SUV.

That's when it hit.

I've been fired.

Because of Dylan.

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xXx

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Morning, CT scan, Tokyo Main:

"I still want a fucking shower."

"Shinobu," I squeezed my daughter's hand, "please be quiet. The nurses cleaned you up."

"I don't think I'll feel clean until I scrub myself raw with bleach."

"Then you really can't have a shower now."

"Shit."

Ritsu-kun leaned close and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, Bu. I'll give you another sponge bath later." I clearly wasn't meant to hear that.

Ritsu-kun and I turned when the doctors came in, but they had to walk into Shinobu's field of vision. Her head was still immobilized.

"I'm Minoru Takeji, your ophthalmologist." A man in his sixties bowed with a smile. I'd met him already, but the kids hadn't. "This is Fujimoto-sensei, your neurologist and Tanabe-sensei, your maxillofacial specialist."

"My what? Speak Japanese!"

Tanabe-sensei, a younger man in his late thirties, smiled and clarified, "Maxillofacial. Basically, your face. I'm here because you broke your zygomatic arch."

"My what? I didn't break anything, that dickhead Daiju did. Dammit." Part of her bad mood is hunger, but she can't eat with the upcoming surgery.

"Cheekbone, Bu. Your cheekbone."

"Well then just say that. I'm in high school, and I'm flunking biology for fuck's sake."

Fortunately, all the doctors ignored her rude outburst. She's not used to civilian doctors she can't intimidate.

The doctor turned on a computer monitor and showed us an x-ray of her head. "Your cheekbone is broken, but it's only a crack. Because the bones are not at all displaced, surgery is not necessary. For this injury to heal, refrain from lifting anything over five kilos, straining your muscles which will elevate the blood pressure in your head, and do not blow your nose for at least a week."

"Fucking great. I'm just supposed to let it run?"

"You planning on getting a cold, Bu?"

"Shut up, Asshole."

"Darling, if it runs, you just wipe it. No blowing." I'm glad she can't see me roll my eyes.

"Kasa's heavier than five kilos."

"I'll hand her to you."

"She can't come here anyway," I frowned at her. "It's a hospital. No dogs."

I saw Ritsu-kun wink at her and ignored it.

"What about my eye? Am I going to see out of it again?"

"Yes," the ophthalmologist spoke up again. "It's a detached retina. They are fairly easy to treat, but sometimes take more than one operation. I've reviewed the CT scans, and your first one is scheduled this afternoon."

"It can wait that long?"

"Retinal detachments can wait a day or two and still be successful. I'm hesitant to put her back under general anesthesia again until this afternoon."

"Does that mean I can eat something?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"I'm starving to death in a fucking hospital."

"Relax, Bu. I'll get you anything you want for dinner."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"How about Daiju's testicles on a plate."

"He's been dead for hours. You don't want them."

"Then deep-dish pizza. Loaded."

I just rolled my eyes.

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xXx

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Morning, Yamamoto/Lewis Apartment:

"Dylan? Are you home?"

I heard his voice from the bedroom, "I'm asleep, Daichi. It was a long night, and the kitchen was insane."

I flicked on the lights. "Shit, Daichi. Turn those off." He pulled a pillow over his head. "I thought you'd be at the hospital for hours."

I grabbed it and yanked it away. "What did you do, Dylan?"

My voice must have keyed him into my anger because he sat up and stared at me. "What happened?"

I told myself I wouldn't yell, but I couldn't help it. "I've been fired!" The pillow went sailing across the room, and I marched up to him. "Because of you!"

"Daichi…"

.

Shit.

I didn't think they'd figure it out.

And I sure didn't think they'd fire him.

"Don't you dare deny it." He said it quietly, through gritted teeth.

I took a close look at him. Nostrils flaring, I could hear him breathing hard and fast. His face is red and that vein in his forehead is pulsing. I couldn't see his lips; they were pressed so hard together. And his hands in fists on his hips.

I've never seen him so angry.

I've got no choice but to come clean.

"I didn't think they'd…"

"That's right. You didn't think." He started storming around the room waving his arms. "How much could that story have possibly been worth for you to ruin the good thing we have working for Takashi-sama? This apartment? Your job? My job?"

He spun and pointed at me, "We were happy! We were making good money! We were happy, dammit!"

No, he was happy. I never got to see him anymore. He wasn't around. He didn't need me. And these people and all their money. Why shouldn't we have some?

Then my cell phone rang…

.

"Hello?"

…

"Fukuda-sama?"

That's the manager at Ranka's. He must be calling to fire him.

…

"But…"

Then his voice got louder, and I could hear him through the phone. "All your personal things will be packed and delivered. Text me the address."

"You know my home address."

"No. I've been told you no longer live there."

"What?"

Dylan glanced at me, and I whispered, "We have to move out. There are guards here to watch us pack."

"I'll text you an address."

"Good. Don't contact me again after that."

"Fukuda-sama?" He looked at me, "He hung up."

"Get dressed. The guards will help us pack."

"I guess we can get a hotel."

"We need to save every yen. We'll have to go back to my mother's."

"Your mother's? Are you crazy? We have money now."

I just shook my head. "We have to save every yen. Do you really think Takashi-sama will let us work in this country again?"

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xXx

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Late Morning, Auditorium, Tokyo Main (Press Conference):

I stared out at the sea of reporters and cameramen and was for once damn happy I'm a junior employee. I don't have to say anything.

Matsushita-san, the hospital PR rep started, "Ladies and Gentlemen, if you could settle down, we'll start the press conference."

"How's Fujioka?"

"Are any of the trafficking victims being treated here?"

He held up his hands to try to hold them off. "Quiet, please. Hold your questions until the end, or I won't answer them."

He and Hara-san stood and waited as they settled down. If those questions were examples of what's coming, it's going to be ugly.

"Early this morning, Fujioka Haruhi and Himura Shinobu were airlifted to this hospital for treatment. They have each undergone a successful surgery and an additional one is scheduled for each of them later today."

"What injuries?"

He continued without acknowledging the question. "Their families thank you for your concern and well-wishes. They ask that instead of sending flowers and gifts here, please donate to Lighthouse to support the recovery of the recently rescued human trafficking victims."

"I'll take your questions now."

And the room exploded.

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xXx

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Late Morning, Medical School:

"There's Ootori. We should ask him. He's friends with her group."

"Yeah. He's engaged to one of her friends."

Teraughi leaned over and asked me again about him sitting in my final and keeping my classmates away.

"No. I can ignore them. They'll focus on the test as soon as it starts."

"I'll be right outside the door, Akito-sama."

I took my seat and gave my notes a last-minute review. Advanced abnormal psychology is one of my easier courses this semester.

It didn't completely work, but I did my best to tune out the comments around me.

"Do you think he knows what her injuries are?"

"Maybe. The press conference was really vague."

"What are you talking about?"

"The Fujioka kidnapping."

"The what?"

"How can you not know? Fujioka Haruhi and Himura Shinobu were kidnapped by human traffickers. After their rescue, they found more locations and saved a bunch of girls and arrested dozens of criminals."

"Are you kidding? I've been studying like crazy the last week. I wouldn't know if the emperor had been assassinated."

"You don't watch the news?"

"I just want to pass this test, so shut up and leave me alone."

My sentiments exactly.

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xXx

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Late Morning, Auditorium, Tokyo Main (Press Conference):

The wall of sound almost pushed me back, it was so deafening and endless.

Matsushita-san and I agreed he'd do the statement and I'd handle the questions. Last time I flip a coin with someone else's yen.

Questions were coming from everyone, all at once. We weren't going to get control here, so I latched on to the first one I could tease out of the noise.

"I have no comment on the raids or arrests. Please direct those questions to Deputy Superintendent Yokota of Tokyo Metro."

That slowed them down a bit as they stopped asking those questions. I was able to start answering specific ones.

"Why is there no Himura Syndicate representative up there?"

"The Himura family has asked that I answer those questions." And quite a fight that was. It won't be long before they realize Shinobu-sama needs her own PR rep or agent. She really stepped in it with this.

"What are their injuries? What procedures have they undergone?"

"They both sustained trauma injuries from their kidnappers' treatment. Details are being withheld per the family's request."

"Were they trafficked?"

At least they didn't ask…

"Were they raped?"

Shit.

"No." I argued that needed to be made clear from the beginning or we'd never hear the end of the rumors. "Himura-san was taken due to her involvement in dismantling the trafficking ring. Fujioka-san was taken as leverage. They were not taken to be trafficked."

"I have a source saying that Himura-san ran the ring and Fujioka-san was kidnapped for trafficking."

"Your source is wrong."

"What's the proof that Himura wasn't trafficking the girls."

"The Tokyo Metro Police are convinced Himura's not involved. Please direct any further questions to Deputy Superintendent Yokota of Tokyo Metro." Sorry, Yokota-san. You're a good guy, but I'm dumping everything regarding the investigation on you.

"Is Fujioka's modeling career over?"

"Will she model at the October 14 Every Woman fashion show?"

"Fujioka's future involvement in the Every Woman fashion line will be determined as she recovers from her injuries."

"Was her face damaged?"

"Is she scarred for life?"

I knew we'd get those questions with that answer, but I couldn't change Umeko-sama's mind. I could tell she hopes Haruhi-sama stops modeling because of this. And with that facial injury, who knows what she'll do.

"I will not be discussing the details of either of their injuries."

.

Hara-san's doing well despite the hard questions. A good PR rep can keep up the non-answers without getting frustrated and wear the reporters out.

I'm glad I won the coin toss.

.

Another thirty minutes of not answering the same questions over and over, and Matsushita-san called an end to the conference.

He walked Endo-san and me out of the auditorium and away from the exiting reporters. Aoi-san met us in a quiet room down the hall.

"I have keys to a suite at the hotel next door. It's for PR use until the girls are discharged. Please hand them out as you see fit, Hara-san. If you need more, ask the hotel."

"Perfect." I took the keys and turned to Endo-san. "Let's go take a shower and change. Things will only get worse until the family makes a more detailed statement."

.

xXx

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Late Morning, Todi:

"Tabata, hold the primaries. There's a huge crowd in front of their classroom."

When I held out my arm to stop Tamaki-sama and Cho-sama, he nearly ran into me. "What's going on? Why are we stopping?"

"There's a crowd in front of your classroom."

Cho-sama huffed, "Of course, there is. There's a huge final about to start. We need to get in there before we're late."

Her detail head, Yamada, held back a sigh. "With the press leak and other security concerns, we need to make sure they are only students."

"It's OK, Cho," Tamaki-sama put his hand on her arm, "they're just being cautious. The press won't come here."

Oh, to be young and naive. The press will stop at nothing, including impersonating a student, to get a story. After a couple minutes, we received the all clear and continued to the classroom.

.

The door was closed, and everyone was waiting for our instructor when we got there.

"Is Fujioka alright?"

"Did you know she was kidnapped?"

"Why are you here? You couldn't get out of the final with all your money?"

"Did they sell her?"

Fortunately, that's when Sensei opened the door and security pushed through to get us seated. I wasn't going to say a thing, but Tamaki couldn't let it go.

"Right now, we're all glad our friend Haruhi is back safe and recovering. Thank you for your continued support, but Cho and I just want to take our final so we can return to the hospital."

.

xXx

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Late Morning, Shinobu's Patient Room, Tokyo Main:

"Where's Haruhi?"

"Calm down, Shinobu. You need to stay still and not aggravate your eye."

"Asking where Haruhi is is not aggravating my eye, Mother." I want to glare at her, but the stupid doctor has my eye covered, and my head strapped down. "Now, where is she?"

"Fujioka is headed into surgery for her hand. The orthopedist is confident they can remove the knife without further injury." I think that's my eye doc, Minoru-sensei.

"About fucking time." I felt Ritsu squeeze my hand. "Yeah, OK. I'll calm down." He squeezed it again.

The doc came into my field of vision. I can see him just fine with my good eye. "Let's talk about your treatment plan."

.

He went on and on about laser this and reattach that, but I couldn't look up from my crazy wife's face.

Why did she keep it from me? I asked her if she was involved, and she lied. It's not like I would have told her not to do it. Can anyone picture her stopping when someone tells her 'no'?

I can picture it now. Bu in a skin-tight red leather miniskirt and crop top, her hand on her hip, tossing her long hair over her shoulder, 'Asshole, I don't take orders. I barely take suggestions.'

But that won't happen. That motherfucker cut her hair. It was scattered all over the warehouse floor like fucking trash. Wish I'd kept him alive long enough to pull one of his fucking hairs out by the damn root. Then his eyes. Then his…

"Hey?" I blinked, and my eyes cleared. "Ritsu?" Where did that scared little-girl voice come from?

"I'm here," I leaned forward so she could see me. "I'm not going anywhere."

"OK."

The doc cleared his throat. "As I was saying, no food until after the surgery, but clear liquids are fine for another two hours."

"What? You mean like sake?"

Junto-san just shook his head. I leaned back and rolled my eyes.

"No…" The doc can't tell she's kidding. "Broth, water, plain tea, apple juice, ensure clear. Things like that."

"You can have broth, you crazy chick. Just like you gave me after I was shot."

"Knew that'd come back to bite me on the ass."

"You also need to stay as still as possible."

"I'm strapped down like a…"

"…crazy person?" I finished.

"Asshole," she mumbled under her breath. "I'm strapped down. It's not like I'm going anywhere."

"Good. I'll be back in a couple hours to start the preop procedures. Try to get some rest."

He walked out of the room, and it was just the four of us.

.

I'd held back as long as possible, but, "Shinobu, just what were you thinking going after them by yourself?"

"Dad…"

"No, I'm serious. What the fuck were you thinking?"

"I was thinking someone had to fucking step up." Arisa started to say something, but she kept going. "You weren't there. None of you were. I saw those girls. I saw the fucking fear in their eyes when we broke down that door. I ripped that naked, sweaty motherfucker off that girl and covered her with the sheet. Me. I did that."

She took a couple deep breaths. Other than that, the room was silent.

"How the fuck could I see something like that and not do something?"

"But…"

"And then the bodies started. And they just kept fucking coming."

We all just sat there.

"TWENTY-SEVEN!" she yelled. Arisa jumped in her seat. "Twenty-seven bodies under that fucking club. The youngest was thirteen. Fucking thirteen years old! She should have been playing with dolls, not being raped and killed."

Ritsu reached out and wiped the tears from her face. She's so pissed she doesn't even know she's crying.

"They're never going to be identified. They weren't even all Japanese. No idea what countries they came from."

Her hand came up and started reaching around, "Dad?"

I leaned forward so she could see me, and she grabbed my shirt and pulled me closer, "If that had been me, what the fuck would you have done? Would you have ignored it? Made money from it like before or would you have stepped up like a human being and fucking done something."

She let go and pushed me back. "I had to, and if you don't see it, then fuck you."

.

Guess Bu made her point because her parents shut up and just sat there.

"Shhh. Calm down. You need to stay still for your eye."

She's taking deep breaths, in through the nose and blowing them out through her beautiful lips. They're chapped now. There's even a crack in one of them. But they're still beautiful.

I'm digging real deep to let go of the anger that's coming back as my fingers run through her short hair. Her beautiful hair.

"Ritsu?"

"Why didn't you tell me, Bu?" I asked gently. I'll get mad at her later when she can fight back. "I asked and all you said was you were paying for it."

"I thought you might wave me off."

Shit.

What do I say? That I would have helped? That's not what she needs right now.

"I get it."

"You do?"

"Yeah, you crazy chick, I do. I don't like it, and I wish you had more confidence in me, but I wasn't there. I didn't see those girls. And I get it.

"Try to get some sleep."

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Twitter:

#ChoNomura and #SuohTamaki at #Todi taking their finals. Said #FujiokaHaruhi is recovering. #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #HitachiinModel [pics of them leaving class]

(Reply to above) They're taking their tests while their friend is in the hospital. That's cold.

(Reply to above) You're an idiot. I'd be taking my final too. Why waste all that time and money?

Anyone at #Todi know when any of #FujiokaHaruhi friends are taking their next tests? #ChoNomura #SuohTamaki #HaninozukaMitsukuni [sent from reporter's fake account]

(News outlet official account) Join us tonight for a detailed report of the #FujiokaHaruni and #HimuraShinobu kidnapping. Exclusive accounts #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #PettoChinmi #FujiokaThreats [Link to website]

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Limo leaving Todi:

"Cho?"

I know I was handed a test, and I know I wrote down some answers, but I don't remember a word of it.

"Cho?"

Sensei either didn't hear or decided it wasn't worth it to stop the whispering. Some of the things my fellow students suggested Haruhi and Shinobu went through were sickening.

"Cho?"

I just want to get back to the hospital and see them.

"Cho?"

I jumped when someone touched my arm. "Tamaki, you startled me."

"Are you alright? You haven't said a word since before the test."

He's concerned, but not about everyone.

"Why didn't you mention Shinobu?" I sighed at the confusion on his face. "When you told the class that you were glad Haruhi was safe and recovering, you didn't mention Shinobu. Why not?"

His eyes grew dark and hard. "Isn't it her fault all this happened?"

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Private Surgical Waiting Room, Tokyo Main:

"She'll be fine, Umeko. Haruhi-chan's a fighter."

I tried to smile at Kumi, but from her narrowing eyes, I could tell it wasn't reassuring.

The doctors didn't think the operation would take long, but they weren't sure.

.

I'd pulled Takashi and Uncle Akira to a corner of the waiting room. The glare I gave Satoshi kept him away.

Now's the time to tell him before someone else does.

"Takashi?"

"Hn?"

"What do you remember from when we ran into the warehouse?"

He stared at me for a moment, confusion clearly on his face. "I remember Haruhi. Racing to get to Haruhi."

Dammit.

"Do you remember Daiju?"

"No," he shook his head. "Was he there? I assume he was arrested."

Uncle Akira took a breath, ready to correct him, but I silenced him with a glance. I could tell he didn't know what was coming either. He wouldn't have seen it happen, only the body. He came in after the building was secure.

"You don't remember running past him?"

Now he looks even more confused. Like I'm telling him a story.

"No."

"Takashi," I reached over and grabbed his forearm, ready for anything, "he was standing between you and Haruhi. He's dead now."

"Dead?"

Dammit. I'm going to have to say it.

"You killed him to get to Haruhi."

.

What? My son killed another man?

Impossible.

But there's no way Yasuchika would lie about that.

"No…" My son's face is completely bloodless.

"I'm sorry, Takashi, but you did. You did it to save Haruhi."

"Haruhi…"

My son took a life.

Can he live with that knowledge?

.

Haruhi.

I don't remember Daiju. I don't remember him standing there. I don't remember his face.

"How?"

"You snapped his neck."

How can I not remember?

How is that possible?

My vision went dark, and I dropped my face into my hands.

.

"Yasuchika, you saw this?"

"Yes, Uncle."

"Do the police know?"

"I'm not sure. I haven't been questioned yet."

I watched my cousin fighting for composure. Fighting for understanding. I saw a tear drip from between his hands.

"It was self-defense?"

"Yes. He saved Haruhi."

.

Haruhi.

I saved Haruhi.

Small. She was so small taped to that chair, that knife in her hand. Her face turned up to me, her eyes begging me to take away the pain.

Then it hit me.

"Haruhi!"

Father grabbed my shoulder, "Calm down, Son. She's fine now."

I glared at Chika, "Does she know?"

"No," he swallowed hard. I tried to soften my face. I didn't mean to scare him. "No, she doesn't. I think only the three of us know."

"The police?"

"I haven't been questioned. I'll have to tell them when I am."

I nodded and stared at the floor.

The room went silent, and time seemed to stretch.

.

Taka killed someone?

Shit.

And they don't know I can hear them.

.

Umeko turned to me, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.

She heard them.

Her son took a life.

.

I looked up at Father. At Chika.

"Don't tell her."

They nodded.

"I need to be strong for her. I can't think about this now."

"I'm here when you need me, Son. Whatever you need."

"Me, too, Takashi. Whatever, whenever."

I looked back down at the floor.

I need to be strong for her right now.

.

xXx

.

Lunch, Private Waiting Room, Tokyo Main:

"I'm sure the last thing Fujioka-sama would want is to do the talk shows."

"It's not about what she wants to do, but what's best." Hara-san and Endo-san just stared at me, so I plowed on, "Right now there are hundreds of rumors out there about what went on over the last forty-eight hours. Almost all of them are wrong. Almost all of them are things I'm sure Fujioka-sama wouldn't want the public to believe about her. She needs to set the record straight."

"We've issued press releases and held a press conference. That's enough."

This is why the girl needs an agent. They've gotten too close and want to shield her. I want to shield her too, but only as much as necessary. It's an ugly world out there and sometimes you have to hold your head up high and face it.

"No, it isn't." Hara-san stared at me, and I stared back over my glasses until she blinked. "And you know it."

"He's right," Akabane-san finally spoke up. "There's an Every Woman fashion show in two weeks, and we have no idea if she's going to walk, or even be there. We had a shoot scheduled for yesterday and need to get those photos done." She looked over at me then back at Hara-san. "The rumors out there could destabilize the brand, and you know Fujioka-sama wouldn't want that."

Hara-san heaved a huge sigh and leaned back in her chair, nodding for me to continue.

"We have to get out in front of all this mess before it takes hold. She needs to make a statement tonight before evening news."

"I'm not sure she'll be able to. She just had two surgeries."

"Then definitely before the nightly news."

.

"What do you think they're talking about, Kaoru?"

He's just sitting there staring at his noodles.

"Kaoru?"

"Hmmm?" He dragged his eyes away from the food and up to Hikaru's. "What?"

"You ok?"

He snorted and grinned at his brother, "That's my line."

"Yeah, but are you?"

"I'm as good as I'm going to get right now, Hika. That's going to have to be good enough."

"Of course, that's good enough." My boys looked across the table like they forgot I was here. They probably had. They're so used to being in their own world. "You two have been through a lot in the last two days. Take time and let it all catch up."

"Thanks, Mom."

I smiled at Kaoru then turned to Hikaru. "Have you talked to your doctor again?"

"No. I'm going to call him after this."

"I think that's a good idea, darling." I patted his hand then dove back into my noodles.

.

"I don't think I can go back to campus this afternoon." Cho-chan's eyes were huge when she looked up at me. "The press will be there, won't they?"

Tama-chan told me what happened this morning, and I'm sure it will be worse this afternoon.

"Probably, but," I took her hand and squeezed three times, "I'll be with you."

"And our security is working with campus security to keep the press away from our classrooms." Tama-chan smiled at her, and Renge-chan nodded.

I watched Cho-chan take a small bite of her roasted vegetables. She's more upset by all this than she's letting on. She hasn't once told me to eat more of mine.

"Don't worry. I'll walk you to your classroom then come and get you after my final. I've added two more to your security team to keep the press away. They can even sit around you during your final to block the other students."

"Really?"

"Really. No one upsets my girlfriend."

"Thank you, Honey-kun."

Her head rested on my shoulder, and I wrapped my arms around her. "I'll always protect you, Cho-chan. I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

.

I feel so lost. Like I can't function.

"Hey," Akito covered my hand with his, "they'll be fine. I've seen their charts and scans. It's nothing they can't recover from."

"Are you sure? We don't even know what happened yet."

"I'm sure about their injuries." He gave me a sad smile. I could see the hurt in his eyes. "I'm not sure about their mental state yet. That will come out in the next days and weeks."

I glanced over at Inoue-sensei, Haruhi's therapist. Akito-kun was relieved when he met her. He was going to talk to Umeko-san about getting Haruhi help, but now he doesn't have too.

"We just need to be ready to help them when they ask."

I turned my hand over and laced our fingers together. "So, what happens next?"

"Haruhi's surgery should be over soon, so she'll be spending time in recovery. I'm not sure how long it will be before we can see her. I've spoken with Shinobu-san's eye doctor. Her surgery is scheduled for this afternoon. We probably won't get to see her until dinner time."

He finished his tea and leaned back. "I have a final in three hours. Let's see if we can find a quiet room and study. I'm sure Kyoya can get us one."

I nodded, but I don't think I'll be able to concentrate.

.

"I suggest we go over to the hotel after we eat for showers and a nap. We haven't had any real sleep in almost two days."

She's still staring at her phone. She's got so much to coordinate with all the attention on Haruhi-sama.

"Honami-san?"

"Just a sec…"

She typed for a few more seconds then looked up, "Yes, Aoi-san?"

"As soon as we're done eating, we're going to the hotel for showers and a nap. I checked with Umeko-sama, and she won't need either of us until dinner."

"But there's so much to do, and I don't have any of my things."

"Send an email to the housekeeper. She'll get a maid to pack your things and send them to the hotel. You need your sleep. You can't be any good to Haruhi-sama if you're dead on your feet."

She nodded and picked up her phone again, then looked up like she just remembered something. "Do you know where Yamamoto-san is? I haven't seen him since very early this morning."

Oh, I may not know where he is, but I sure know where he isn't. Security let me know about his husband leaking the story to the press and his subsequent termination. He was clearly not meant to work for such a prestigious and private family. Umeko-sama's already asked me to start looking for a replacement. Takashi-sama won't have time.

But they want to keep it quiet for now.

"I think he went home for a break."

"Oh."

.

Tachibana and I were eating at a table in the corner. I finally let him make me eat a meal. I won't admit it out loud, but I definitely feel better with some real food in my stomach.

"When will Morimoto have a preliminary report?"

"He's still working with the police. The warehouse is a closed crime scene and forensics is working it. All papers found there and at the sites of the raids have been collected and taken to a new task force. They've been formed to investigate and determine if there are other sites. It's a big ring."

"I don't understand how Daiju managed to run it under his father's nose for so long."

"You bought Yoshio's companies and took them over without him knowing."

"But it was Yoshio's ego that kept him from realizing his vulnerabilities. I didn't get that impression from Dai-san."

"He trusted his son. Made it even easier for Daiju."

I stabbed some asparagus with my fork and wished for a glass of wine.

"Fujioka-sama won't be up for visitors until after dinner. Once we're done here, I'm taking you back to the apartment."

I shook my head, "I'm moving into the hotel next door until they're released. I've already contacted the maid to pack and send over my luggage."

He tensed but relaxed quickly. He doesn't like not knowing things like that. "I was just about to tell you."

"Alright."

"She's also sending your things."

"Thank you."

I glanced around the room and was surprised to not be getting death glares from Hikaru. Maybe he's forgotten I'm here?

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Todi:

I've been with Cho-sama since her relationship with Mitsukuni-sama became official, and I don't think I've seen her so out-of-sorts.

Not that she shouldn't be with what's going on.

It's just that she usually isn't so closed off.

"Cho-san, how is Fujioka?"

"Were they trafficked?"

Then again, she hasn't had a bunch of press yelling at her before.

Mitsukuni-sama had his arm around her and was whispering in her ear. Her team, his team, and I created a ring around them and pushed through.

"Hey!"

"Haninozuka! Any comment!"

Fortunately, campus security had barricades at the building doors so once we were inside, there were only the students to deal with.

"Nomura?" one of her friends in the class came up to her. "How are you doing?"

"Fine." She'll make a good Haninozuka. Her head's high and her tone normal. "Thanks. I just want to take this test and get back to the hospital."

"Let me know if there's anything I can do."

Once she was in the classroom, Mitsukuni-sama headed for his class. He'll be back after the test to escort her to the limo.

.

xXx

.

Twitter:

(Tabloid official account) #NomuraCho and #HaninozukaMitsukuni arrive #Todi for final exams. #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #HimuraShinobu [pics getting out of limo, security surrounding them, going through barricade and into building]

(Another tabloid official account): No comment from #HaninozukaMitsukuni and #NormuaCho before their finals at #Todi #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #HimuraShinobu [different pics of the same things]

(Random account) I can't believe the press is making #HimuraShinobu into some kind of hero. She's yakuza FFS #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapped #FujiokaHaruhi #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman [Link to news article about Shinobu working to take down the ring]

(Random account) #HaninozukaMitsukuni and #ChoNomura looking cozy at #Todi When's the wedding? HaninozukaMitsukuni ChoNomura [close up pic of the two, Honey's arm around her]

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Private Surgical Waiting Room, Tokyo Main:

"So, is everyone dead that needs to be dead?"

I sat curled up in a corner of the sofa, sipping from a mug of tea, while the men discussed business.

As a yakuza wife, I've been kept out of most decisions and business talk, but this is my baby. I'm ready to break in and set them straight if they don't decide what I think is best for her.

"Both Daiju and Daikichi are dead. The police arrested everyone else."

"What about that asshole Kono has in a cell?"

Ritsu-kun gave a scary chuckle. "That's the fucker that stabbed and cut Haruhi. He's there until I deal with him."

"You going to let her in on it?"

Ryuu-san rolled his eyes. "You haven't met her yet, have you Junto?"

"No."

"Trust me when I say, keeping what we do to that fucker from her is best. She's too moral for her own good sometimes." He turned to his son, "What are you going to do to him?"

"No idea, but it will take forever."

"Good."

I agree. Haruhi-san deserves blood for what happened to her.

"I know you," Junto nodded toward Ritsu-kun, "killed Daikichi. Who killed Daiju?"

"Not sure. I wasn't looking over there."

"I assume one of the Morinozuka guards in self-defense."

"He didn't have a gun."

"Then I don't know who."

Ritsu-kun finished his bottle of water and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, "I'll ask Chika. Mori-senpai was too busy trying to get to Haruhi. He might not even remember who did it."

He headed over to the floor to ceiling windows and stared out over the city. This waiting room is nicer than I've seen before in public hospitals. Benefits of being associated with an Ootori. Soft leather seating, big screen tv (which we have muted but showing the news), coffee and snack bar, and a couple desks. All done in muted colors and decorated with live plants and a fountain in the corner.

"Arisa?" I jumped when Junto touched my arm. "Are you alright?"

Alright? What a stupid question. My baby was kidnapped, hit, shot, rescued, and is now in her second surgery of the day.

"How much longer?" Not sure why I asked that. He doesn't know any more than I do, and Shishkura was allowed to observe so I can't ask him.

"Hopefully soon," he squeezed my knee. "She'll be fine. She's a fighter."

A fighter. Junto didn't give me much choice to support his decision to make her his heir. She should be a wife. This wouldn't be happening if she was a wife.

"Everything set for the Chiba syndicate?"

At least Dai had the honor to agree to hand over his syndicate and leave the country. No one needs a war right now.

Hibino looked up from his tablet, "It's set for tomorrow morning. He'll leave the country in the afternoon."

"Good riddance," I mumbled under my breath, then asked in a louder voice, "They're turning over everything?"

.

"Everything the syndicate owns." Arisa nodded. "They're giving it to Shinobu. I'll act as her representative." If she knew the kids were married, I'd make Dai give it to them as a wedding present.

"Shinobu? She can't handle all that."

I glared at her, and she looked down at her hands. It's one thing to say something like that around me, but not Ritsu, Ryuu-san, Fujii, Hibino, and Tetsuya. They can't see my daughter as weak.

"Of course, she can. She's my heir. Integrating all that into our syndicate will be good practice for when she's in charge."

Arisa looked back up at me, "I apologize. I meant that with her injury, it might be a while before she can take charge of it all."

"That's what staff is for. It's time she named a second and her own management team."

Ryuu's nodding his head

"Forget it, Pops. I got enough of my own shit right now."

"Once Ouran is over, you won't have that excuse anymore. You're only getting to use it now because your businesses are so new."

Ritsu-kun only grunted. He's still standing at the window. As an heir, he should know better.

"And get away from the window. All of Tokyo knows we're here, dammit."

Another grunt and he headed for the snack bar. He grabbed a box of double chocolate Pocky, and I asked him to toss me a box of matcha.

"And Kono?" Ryuu asked.

That's the billion-yen question, isn't it. "That's up to my daughter. Whatever she decides, I'll support her."

"Even if she decides to let him stay?"

"Yes." But I don't see her making that decision.

"What are we going to do about all this new publicity?" Fujii'd been quiet this whole time. I'd been wondering when he'd jump in.

Arisa's eyes were huge. "Publicity? Shouldn't we ignore it?"

I deferred to Ryuu. The Kasanoda Syndicate is the biggest in Japan, and mine is several rungs under his.

"I think we'd be idiots not to capitalize on it. We've got the only female heir working to bring down a human trafficking ring run by another syndicate."

"The Chiba Syndicate wasn't running it, Pops."

"The media isn't going to see the distinction after they turn their syndicate over to Shinobu."

"Yeah. Alright."

"As I was saying, Shinobu's young, female, attractive, and speaks her mind. It's a lot of positive press for the Himura and Kasanoda Syndicates individually, and yakuza that don't traffic as a whole." He recrossed his legs and gave the 'no smoking' sign a glare. "The Himura Syndicate needs a PR firm."

I glared at him, but he kept going, "I'll talk to our firm. With the merger and everything, they should bring you on board as clients. Will make everything easier in the future."

I nodded. Guess we've hit the big time.

"And Shinobu-sama needs an agent."

We all stared at Tetsuya.

"Think about it. There will be interview requests, news articles, and your syndicate is now linked to the Morinozuka's. The media will want both girls at those interviews."

"Shit."

I had to agree.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Todi:

The final was scheduled for two hours, but I turned mine in half an hour early.

My brain stopped working the more I worried about Cho-chan.

I left the room and kept walking, knowing my security team would catch up. I'm not worried about being attacked. I have so much pent-up energy and anger, anyone would have to be incredibly stupid to attack me right now. I'm also not worried about the press. I don't plan to acknowledge their existence.

Didn't stop them from calling out questions as I pushed past.

"Haninozuka! How's Fujioka?"

"How's Himura?"

"Why weren't you there for the rescue?"

"You've retired from competing. Does that mean you can't fight anymore?"

I took a deep breath and kept walking down the path towards Cho-chan's building. There's no need for me to respond to those questions. I know I can fight anyone and win. That's all that matters.

I need to get to Cho-chan before she's done with her test.

Before our test started, those guys from my study group kept asking questions about Haru-chan. Is that why I left? How well do I know her? I gave them what Chika-chan calls my 'black Honey' glare. It must have worked. They didn't say another word.

.

"Mitsukuni-sama," I bowed as he approached the door. "She's still inside taking her test. About a third of the class has left already."

"Then we'll wait."

His team flanked him, and he made a call…

"A selection of everything."

"…"

"Enough for fifty, plus me. At least ten of the double chocolate."

"…"

"And twenty liters [5 gallons] of cake coffee."

His head guard, Akatsuka, cleared his throat and pointed to his watch. "No one needs that much caffeine this late in the day, Mitsukuni-sama."

He rolled his eyes, "Make that ten liters."

"…"

"I'm not sure about the hospital security…"

Akatsuka cleared his throat again and reached out his hand, "I'll handle it."

"Thanks." He handed over the phone, and Akatsuka stepped away to make the arrangements.

.

I'm not sure about a couple of my answers, but the more I read them over, the more confused I get. I put my pen down and laced my fingers to stop myself from editing my answers into a failing grade.

I've got a guard behind me and to the right. To the left is the aisle and wall. There are only a couple still taking the test.

I'll wait and turn mine in last. Maybe if I take my time, they'll all be gone when I leave.

At least Honey-kun will be out there waiting for me.

.

"Here she comes," I reported, having heard it through my earpiece.

Security opened the door, and she followed the guard out.

"Honey-kun," she sighed and walked right into his arms.

"Let's get you out of here, Cho-chan." We all started walking towards the elevator. "Do you want to go back to the Morinozuka's and change or anything?"

"No. Haruhi should be in recovery by now. I want to see her."

We crossed the parking lot and kept the reporters away.

"Should we stop by a Bun Bun's and pick up some cake on the way back?

"No," he kissed her cheek, "I'm having it delivered."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Public Relations Conference Call:

Hara (Morinozuka): "Let's make this as quick as possible. It's been a long forty-eight hours."

I leaned back against the headboard and stretched my legs out on the bed in front of me. We're doing this without video. No one needs to see me in sweats with my hair in a towel. I finally made it over to the hotel for a quick shower and change. What I really needed was a good night's sleep. Hopefully, tonight.

"I'm turning this over to Inokuma-san, Fujioka-sama's agent."

Inokuma (Agent): "She needs to make a statement. Something that will stop the rumors. Something that will calm the city down."

Akabane (Every Woman): "We'll put it out through the Every Woman twitter account."

Inokuma (Agent): "No. Any statements she makes, any interviews she agrees to give, any appearances she makes all come through my office. She's become too many things to too many people. There needs to be a gatekeeper, and I'm it."

Endo (Haruhi's PR): "I thought I was."

Inokuma (Agent): How has Fujioka survived without me? "No, you represent her Morinozuka interests, not her overall image and career. That's me."

I had a long chat with Hara-san after lunch and we agreed to this new approach. Fujioka can't let anyone with a second master handle her image. It's not in her best interest.

"This was discussed briefly with Hitachiin-san but needs to be clarified with everyone who wasn't at that meeting.

"From now on, all communications go through me. I'll work closely with Fujioka-sama to make sure all your reasonable needs are met, but I will be the one keeping track of the entire landscape. All Every Woman posts from her accounts attached to you, come through my staff for approval. All interview requests and photo shoot schedule come through my staff."

Gorou (Petto Chinmi): "That doesn't work for Petto Chinmi. I see her every day in the office. I refuse to contact you before talking to her."

Inokuma (Agent): I knew this one would be tricky, and she has a point. "Gorou-san, you, Fujioka-sama, and I will work something out separately. Her owning Petto Chinmi does make your situation unique. However," I could hear her taking a breath and couldn't give her the opportunity to keep talking, "scheduling her shoots, coordinating the message, and giving interviews will be coordinated through my office and one of my staff will be present."

Gorou (Petto Chinmi): "We can work all that out when she's recovered. You were at her photoshoot on Saturday. Those ads are the next thing we have coming, and it will be next week before they're ready."

Inokuma (Agent): "Then we can all meet next week and hammer this out. Any other questions?"

Endo (Haruhi's PR): Now what am I supposed to do? My phone beeped.

IM from Hara: we'll talk about what your new responsibilities are later this week. For now, just go with it and support me.

I guess that answers that.

Inokuma (Agent): "Now, getting back to her statement. It needs to be video. Something that shows she's not dead. We have to squash that rumor fast." Fucking internet. "I want it on the nightly news and then on social media."

Sawada (Ootori): "What network?"

Inokuma (Agent): "We're down to two. It will depend on how they report the situation in the evening news. The one with the most realistic coverage gets it."

Tsuzuki (Suoh): "Live?"

Inokuma (Agent): Come on, the Suoh PR head should be savvier. "No. We'll tape it after she's rested and prepped. My staff, not the networks."

Hara (Morinozuka): I told him this when we spoke before, but I'm going to say it out loud here so everyone can hear it. "We all know Fujioka-sama on different levels, some much better than others. I think we'd all agree that if this is something she'd want, we'll support it." But I warned him that he better never go against something she or Umeko-san asked for.

Inokuma (Agent): "Of course."

Imamura (On Okuri): "How specific do you think the statement will be?"

Inokuma (Agent): "I'm expecting no more than a few sentences. Thanks for the well wishes…I'm doing fine…donate to Lighthouse. That kind of thing. No details about her injuries, her time with the kidnappers, the rescue, nothing. The police haven't even spoken with her yet."

Inamura (Haninozuka): I'm still not sold on Hara's decision to turn so much power over to this man. "Are we sure Fujioka-sama will want to even make this statement?"

Inokuma (Agent): "Umeko-sama and I are going to talk to her after she's awake and alert from surgery. I'll know for sure then."

Hara (Morinozuka): "Alright. One last item. After this, we'll go back to the chat update.

"Himura Junto approached me about working together. His syndicate will be hiring the PR firm the Kasanoda Syndicate uses. He doesn't want to but sees the need for his daughter to get an agent.

"Suggestions?"

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Phone call between Cho and Keiko:

Keiko: "Thank all the gods. I thought you'd never call."

Cho: "Sorry. The whole world's blowing up my phone. Chika showed me how to block everyone that wasn't in my favorites, and I'm just now going through the texts that came through."

Keiko: "How are they? How are they really doing?"

Cho: …description of injuries…

Keiko: "Damn."

Cho: "Yeah."

Keiko: "How are you doing?"

Cho: "I'm fine. Honey-kun's here with me. I couldn't go through this without him."

Keiko: "Hey, you're stronger than you think. Don't worry so much."

Cho: "It's the press. They're vultures."

Keiko: "Do you want me to come back?"

Cho: Do I? I really miss my best friend. It'd be so good to have her back. But… "No but thank you for offering. Haruhi has all of us now, and you have school. Besides, you'll be back for winter break, right?"

Keiko: "Definitely. But what about you?"

Cho: "Me? I wasn't kidnapped and tortured. I need to be strong for her. And Honey-kun's being strong for me."

Keiko: I'll try to get her mind off of it for a few minutes. "So, how's the marriage contract coming? I can't wait to start trying on bride's maid's dresses."

Cho: "About that, I kinda told Father that I'm going to marry Honey-kun with or without his blessing."

Keiko: "What?!"

Cho: I pulled the phone away from my ear.

Keiko: "Are you crazy! You said that to your father!"

Cho: "Well, he wanted me back at the estate and to stop dating Honey-kun. I can't do that."

Keiko: "What did he do?"

Cho: "Called Takao and made him call me." [Chapter 6]

Keiko: "And he said?"

Cho: "Do what I can to keep everyone calm and get the parents, Honey-kun, and me together after things calm down and figure everything out."

Keiko: "I knew I liked your brother for some reason."

Cho: "I've talked to Honey-kun. We're going to get everyone together later this week. Haruhi and Shinobu should be recovering well by then."

Keiko: "Just be firm about what you want, but willing to listen to your father. He just wants what he thinks is best for you, whether it actually is or not."

Cho: "Yeah. I know."

Keiko: "How'd your finals go today?"

Cho: "…

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xXx

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Author's Note:

Well…Dylan's betrayal couldn't stay quiet for long. He totally deserved what happened. Feel a little sorry for Yamamoto, but he shouldn't have broken Mori's trust. But what about the embezzlement?

Writing Bu and Ritsu in the hospital is really entertaining. Testacies? Sake? And then she blew up. I think she's my most complex OC. She's certainly the most fun to write. Haven't gone into too much of her father's history with trafficking. It's on purpose. Don't think I'll ever really discuss what happened before. Not necessary. Can certainly understand Ritsu's frustration at Bu not telling him what was going on and her thinking he might tell her to let it go. Her recovery and his part in it are going to be fascinating to write. Big plans.

And Chika finally tells Mori what happened to Daiju. Hope I did it justice. Dad and I went back and forth on how Mori'd react and how his father would. Thought it best to have Satoshi and the moms overhear so I wouldn't have to write that conversation over and over. So, how will Haruhi take it when she finds out…because she will find out.

"So, is everyone dead that needs to be dead?" Dad spit his coffee out when I read that. For real.

The Himura's are hiring a PR firm, and Shinobu's getting an agent. I think they think hell has frozen over. Not sure yet just how much of a media presence Bu will have after this. She's in a position to do some good, but she's also a yakuza heir with no plans to go legit. Could get interesting.

And Inokuma (Haruhi's agent) is stepping up and taking over as her point person. He's a useful tool in several ways. Haruhi needs someone looking out for just her. Not the family's name, not the fashion line, not the pet stores…just her, and he fits in fine for that. He will also allow some of the other PR characters to fade into the background so we don't have to track so many characters. Plus, I have some ideas for him for later.

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Next Chapter:

Bu and Haruhi together again…Dylan learns a lesson…a new security approach is discussed…Haruhi makes a statement…Mori learns a secret…and a surprise visitor makes an appearance.

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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, any real restaurant, business, artist, food product, movie, game, location, or really anything else that exists. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story.