Author's Note:
Welcome to another Saturday night of the never ending saga of the Ouran High School Host Club and The Group.
Drop a review – Dad may be out of the country, but I still email him every review.
Request for Ideas: Please read author's note at end of chapter.
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xXx
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Date Posted: January 28, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Language
The Painful Truth - Chapter 13: Thanks, Kyoya
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Wednesday, September 28 (Continued):
Dinner, VIP Private Buffet Room, Tokyo Main:
As I came down the hall towards the private rooms, I saw the Morinozuka's and Haninozuka's gathered outside the buffet door.
"Is there an issue with dinner?" I'll have the caterer's head if they ruined it. This private buffet was supposed to be giving them one less thing to worry about.
"Everything's fine, Ootori-san. We're going out for dinner and let the Group have the room to themselves."
"How are Haruhi and Shinobu doing?" I haven't checked their medical records. Yoshio would have done that.
Umeko-san turned her head toward their patient room. "Today went well. They both had visitors and will definitely sleep well tonight."
"I can walk fine, Takashi. I just need help with the IV stand."
The rest of us turned as Haruhi and Mori-senpai came slowly out of the room. Her face was still bandaged, and her hand still wrapped, but she seemed to be moving fine. He walked slowly beside her guiding the equipment.
"Kyoya-senpai?" The visible side of her mouth quirked up slightly. "I wasn't expecting to see you."
I need to get out of here quickly before I upset her. "I was just checking on dinner. I'll be out of your way soon."
"Out of my… You aren't in the way, Kyoya-senpai. In fact," she cocked her head to the side, clearly considering something, "you should join us for dinner."
"I don't think that's…"
"Don't you dare use the word 'appropriate', Senpai. Since when have I ever cared about appropriate?" Her smile got bigger. "Besides, I'm the patient, so I should get what I want. Right?"
I never could resist her. "Right."
She started walking again, "Then that's settled. Join us for what I'm sure is an over-the-top delicious dinner."
I decided to ignore Mori-senpai's glare and followed them in.
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"What's he doing here?"
"Don't, Hika. Please."
Ootori was following Haruhi and Mori-senpai in, and she turned to tell him to pull up a chair. Clearly, she'd invited him to come. Some of us hadn't sat down yet, so he pulled up a chair next to the Boss. Good choice.
Never have found out just how much Akito knows about what happened, but he sat down on Ootori's other side.
"Haven't seen much of you around, Kyoya."
"I've been giving everyone their space." His eyes flicked over to Haruhi and back to Akito. "Haruhi invited me to dinner. She's hard to deny."
"That she is."
"He says that now," Hika hissed in my ear, "but what about when he was being a dick to her. He denied her everything then."
"Let it go. We don't want to upset Haruhi right now. She's delicate."
"Fine," he huffed, "but I'm not sitting where I can see him."
"OK."
The staff had pushed several tables together to give us one big one in the middle. We sat down about a quarter way around from Ootori and across from Haruhi.
I watched Mori-senpai settle Haruhi into a chair then head for the food to make her a plate. I'm sure he'll grab plenty of sushi and a mug of miso soup. The caterer did a good job with plenty of things easy to eat with one hand. No cutting needed.
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Haruhi picked up a piece of fancy tuna, "How were classes today?" She shoved it in her mouth and chewed like a chipmunk. I just ate another piece of steak, keeping quiet because I'd stayed here with Bu.
"Everyone there is an idiot," Chika deadpanned while cutting his fish. "All our teachers had trouble keeping classes focused on the lessons. Everyone wanted to know about what happened."
"Yeah, and not necessarily about how you two were doing, but the hot gossip stuff." Hikaru rolled his eyes. "It's like they don't give a shit about you two as people."
"I'm not surprised." All heads jerked to Bu. "What? It's not like I'm real friends with anyone not in this room."
"We didn't even try to eat in the dining hall for lunch."
"Yeah, we ate in the Host Club room."
Haruhi sighed and dropped her fork. Yes, fork. She can't use chopsticks with her left hand. "Does anyone have anything fun to talk about?"
"Well, I wasn't going to bring this up until after dinner, but I brought you a present, Shinobu."
"What?" I'd be cautious too if Karou grinned at me like that.
"I brought my stylist tools to fix your hair."
Her hair.
She lifted her hand up and ran her fingers through what was left. If Daiju wasn't already dead…
"How about short and spiky? Maybe dye the tips?"
"Sure." He leaned back and tapped his finger on his lips. "What color?" Then his fingers snapped, "Green."
Shit. She went pale. "Not green."
Kaoru must have picked up on her reaction because he didn't press it. "Pink?"
"No fucking way."
"But Shinobu, I think pink would look great."
"Maybe for you Cho, but not for me. If my hair wasn't already black, I'd pick that."
"How about purple?"
"No."
Then it hit me, and I leaned closer to her, "Red. To match the rubies."
"Perfect, Asshole. Just perfect."
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Dinner was winding down and I wanted to say this while everyone was together. I know Hikaru, Ritsu, and probably Satoshi won't like this, but too bad.
"Kyoya-senpai?"
As I expected, the room instantly fell silent, and everyone stared at either me or him.
"Yes, Haruhi?"
"Thank you." When he tried to break in, I continued, "Thank you for rescuing us."
Now everyone's talking.
I just shook my head slowly. "I know that the Morinozuka's, Haninozuka's, Kasanoda's, Himura's, and police were involved, but I was told the Black Onion Squad did the intelligence gathering and planned the rescue. They were the first ones in."
It was so quiet, I could hear everyone breathing.
"I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't gotten there when you did. Daiju was ready to kill me. He'd already shot Shinobu."
"Wait!" Ritsu stared at her. "I thought Daikichi shot you. He was holding the gun."
"Daiju shot me. He was aiming for my head, but Daikichi rammed him. He wanted me for a fuck toy."
"Then he fucking deserved each one of those four bullets."
"Damn right."
We all watched as he gave her a gentle kiss that started sweet then turned intense fast.
I cleared my throat, and they broke apart. "As I was saying, I don't know what would have happened next, but we didn't have to find out because of you, Kyoya-senpai. I owe you my life."
"Morimoto-san runs the BOS. It was his leadership that found you."
"One thing I've learned in this rich bastard world I'm being sucked into, is that there's always a boss giving orders. He wouldn't have been in charge if you hadn't given the order. Plus, you turned your plane around. You could have just as easily ordered the BOS and gone back to Stanford."
At this point, Tamaki-senpai joined in. "She's right, Kyoya. You own the Black Onion Squad. They wouldn't have done anything without your say so." I knew I could count on him helping me.
"Well…"
"Yeah, thanks, Kyoya-senpai." Shinobu sat up straighter next to me, "The Himura Syndicate owes you."
"I would have done it for anyone in this group. You don't owe me anything."
I'd been watching Hikaru across the table and could tell he's ready to blow up. Of everyone here, I knew he'd take this the hardest. Especially, since he felt like he didn't do anything to help. I'll have to talk to him later.
"Doesn't matter. We owe you."
Kyoya-senpai nodded, but I can tell he'll never call her on it.
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After medical school graduation, after our honeymoon, but before I start my residency, I'm writing a case study about this group. The dynamics are worthy of any scholarly journal.
Maybe I'll write a book instead. Something mainstream. Could I change enough to not track back to the individuals?
"Thank you, Ootori-senpai." Chika looked like he swallowed a frog, but he said it with dignity. "We couldn't have found them without your help."
Cho, Honey, and Kaoru also chimed in, though Hikaru didn't say a thing. Not that anyone expected him to.
"Good." Haruhi picked up a spoon to attack her ice cream. Glad to see her getting her appetite back. "It's time to bury the hatchet between Kyoya-senpai and the Group. He's Tamaki-senpai's best man, after all."
Silverware crashed. Someone dropped their glass.
What?
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Like something out of a bad comedy, everyone slowly turned their heads towards me.
Shit.
It's clear that only the four of us, Haru, Renge, Tamaki, and me, knew about this. She hadn't even told Mori-senpai.
Satoshi found his voice first. "What?"
Followed closely by Hikaru. "Are you fucking kidding me?"
Then Cho. "I guessed right. Why didn't you say something, Renge?" But she doesn't know about what happened, so I'm not surprised by her lack of anger.
I looked around the table, trying to see if I needed to either call security or run. Akito, Yuki, and Cho were watching quietly. The girls didn't know what happened, and Akito only knows enough to be surprised. Honey-senpai, Satoshi, Chika, and surprisingly Kaoru were looking between Haruhi and me, trying to gauge her feelings.
Hikaru, Ritsu, and Mori-senpai were angry. No doubt. Shinobu reached out and grabbed Ritsu's arm.
"Haruhi?" Mori-senpai rumbled next to her.
But before she could say anything, my idiot best friend stood up and waved his hands around. "Yes, Kyoya's my best man. He was my best friend for years, and I wanted him next to me on the happiest day of my life."
"But Boss…"
"No, you crazy twin. Be quiet." I heard Hikaru's jaw snap shut. Tamaki gave Haruhi a huge smile. "I asked my darling friend Haruhi if Kyoya could be there, and she very graciously said yes." He spun back to Hikaru, reached across Renge, and poked him in the chest. "If she can welcome him for our big day, you can too."
"Sit down, Asshole," Shinobu said, trying to pull him back into his seat. "Don't embarrass her."
"Is this what you want, Haruhi?" His eyes slid over to mine, and I shivered at the look of hatred.
"Yes, Ritsu. Like Tamaki-senpai said, he asked, and I said yes." She squeezed Mori-senpai's hand. "I thought long and hard about it and said yes."
"I don't understand," Yuki whispered to Akito. "Why is there a problem?"
Haruhi took a deep breath and blew it out. "I guess it's time to explain some things."
Oh, no. Is she really going to say what happened?
"Details aren't important, but last year Kyoya-senpai and I dated for a bit before we realized it wasn't going to work out. Some not so nice things were said. But it's time to let it go." She caught Hikaru and Ritsu's eyes. "I don't believe either of us are the people we were then."
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Motherfucker gives her that contract, demands payment for her company, lies about her father, threatens her with ruin, blackmails her with my medical history, and then fucking kidnaps her after her father is killed and she wants us to let it go?
"Yes, Hikaru." I looked up at her narrowed eyes. Then I saw the beginnings of tears. "This is what I want. Please."
I glared over at that dickhead then back at Haruhi.
I will not ruin dinner.
I will not make her cry.
I will not kill Ootori…right now.
"Fine." It came out as more of a whine than I was shooting for. "But we'll talk about it later."
"We can do that," she smiled back.
I'll do it for my friend. My triplet.
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After everything that's happened, I shouldn't be surprised. She forgave Shinobu for the kidnapping, Kaoru for taking advantage of her friendship, Hikaru for attacking her, Renge for those pictures, Tamaki and the twins for dislocating her shoulder, and me for being so overprotective.
Of course, she'll forgive Ootori.
I just never thought it would actually happen.
I felt her hand tug my sleeve, and I leaned close. "I really want this." She whispered and kissed my cheek. "It's time."
"Are you sure?" I couldn't help myself.
"Yes." She glanced over at him then back. "He's not the same person he was then."
"You don't want to get…"
"I'm stopping you right there, Takashi." I could feel her nails dig into my arm. "We'll work to build a new friendship, but it will never be as close as it was, and I'll never want to be in a relationship with him again." Her brows drew together, and I saw the pain my assumption made. "Never."
"Alright."
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I can't believe I let that slip.
At least Kyoya-senpai doesn't look angry. And I've had enough practice reading him to be able to tell.
Maybe if I get him talking, they can see some of the changes.
"So, Kyoya-senpai, how's Stanford?"
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He started talking about the Ootori Teaching Hospital and his classes, but I tuned him out.
I had my suspicions when she agreed to him sitting with us for the kendo competition in St. Louis. She did it for Tamaki-senpai, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized he really doesn't have anyone else to pick for a best man. It would be Takashi or one of the twins and that just didn't make sense. And the alien would have never even made the list.
Haruhi seems sure. She's always known her own mind.
Not sure anyone else caught it, but I did. Takashi looked jealous. She slammed that door shut quickly. Last thing we need is for my cousin to become overprotective again. Though I'm not sure how he can avoid some of it after what's happened.
"So, five of my security officers registered for classes with me." I perked up when I heard that. "If they're going to be there anyway, they might as well get the degree."
"What a great idea, Kyoya-senpai." Haruhi tried hard to hold back a yawn.
"I think it's time for Haruhi and me to go back to bed. We're both tired." Shinobu-senpai pushed the wheelchair Ritsu-senpai insisted she use back from the table. "It's been a long day."
Kaoru stood and pushed his chair back, "Still up for a haircut? I don't have the stuff I need to color it, but I can bring that tomorrow."
"Sure. It looks like shit."
"And Haruhi?"
"What?"
"I have a present for you too."
Her visible eye grew in fear, and I don't blame her. "What?"
He pulled a cream-colored bag out of a bigger one. 'La Perla' was stamped in gold. "Got you some new underwear."
She blushed scarlet and turned to Shinobu-senpai. "I thought you were kidding."
"Nope," she made the 'p' pop. "I texted him, but don't worry," that's an evil grin, "I told him no thongs."
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xXx
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Evening, Tokyo Main:
"Ootori."
I stopped in the hallway and braced myself. Ritsu was volatile as a baseline, but after that discussion? Tachibana stood ready for anything.
I turned slowly and let him catch up. I'd almost made it to the elevators, practically bolting after dinner broke up.
Now he's standing in front of me, hands shoved in his jeans' pockets. Actually shuffling his feet.
"Wandthedto tthenak you."
He mumbled so fast, I could only make out the last word. "Excuse me?"
"Wandandto saythsnk you."
I held back a sigh, not wanting to piss him off. "I didn't catch that."
"Wandto say…" he trailed off, staring past me down the hallway.
"Fuck."
He stood up straight. Threw his shoulders back. Planted his feet. And stared me directly in the eyes.
"Thank you for rescuing Bu. I can't live without her."
Took me a moment to process. My eyes blinked once, slowly. And just before he got hostile, I let the light slip off my glasses and gave him a genuine smile. "You're welcome, Kasanoda-san."
He didn't need anything else. Didn't want anything else. No platitudes like 'I'd do it for anyone in the group', or 'don't mention it'. It was an exchange between two heads of elite houses, even though he's still the heir.
With a nod he spun on his heel and walked back up the hall.
"Damn," Tachibana whistled, relaxing from high alert.
"Exactly."
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"There you are, Kyoya!"
I ran up and gave him a huge hug. I know he hates them, but I couldn't help myself.
"Tamaki, get off."
"Not until you hug me back, Mon Ami."
"Fine, you idiot." His arms tightened around me for a split second. "Now, let go."
I jumped back quickly, not wanting to ruin the moment. He hugged me! My best friend hugged me!
"What are you doing here, Tamaki? Shouldn't you be with Renge?"
"I couldn't find you after dinner. You took off so fast." I nodded over to my security, "I finally had Tabata track you down."
"I stopped by hospital security and PR and now I'm headed for the Ootori Conglomeration offices."
"I know. They told me you were headed for the parking garage."
"What do you need, Tamaki?"
I could tell from the tone and the tilt of his head. Huge headache.
"I want some time with my best friend before he leaves for Stanford. Can we get together and do something?"
"Like what?"
"How about a full French dinner. That way we'll have plenty of time to catch up."
He actually seems to be considering it, so I stood as still as I could and waited.
And waited.
"Kyoya…"
"Actually, Tamaki, that sounds like a good idea. But," he held up his hand and I couldn't get close enough for another hug, "I don't know when I'm going back yet, so I'm not sure when to schedule it."
"How about Friday? We can always move it if we need to."
"Alright." He pulled out his phone and sent me an invite. "Now I really need to get going."
"Sure." I tried for another hug, but he dodged. "See you around here tomorrow?"
"I'll be around."
I watched his limo drive off then texted my assistant to make a reservation for the best French restaurant in Tokyo.
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xXx
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Evening, Girls' Patient Room, Tokyo Main:
"Are you sure you're up for this, Fujioka-sama? There's nothing urgent that must be discussed tonight."
Last time I visited her in a hospital, her father had just died.
"It's fine, Tanaki-san." She shifted slightly in her bed and a wave of pain flickered across her face. It must be hard adjusting with only one hand. "Talking about Petto Chinmi will take my mind off all the craziness that's going on."
"Alright, but there really isn't much since Friday."
I glanced over at Haninozuka-sama, and he gave me an encouraging nod. He and I'd been handling things while she was missing.
"We sent the princess her gift basket with my signature on the card and have already received a personalized thank you letter." I handed the heavy, formal paper over. "She was quite appreciative."
Without lifting her eyes from the letter, she mumbled, "I'll have to respond to this personally." Then she looked up at me, "Any news on the Korean lawsuit?"
"Nothing new. The lawyers are expecting an update later this week."
"Depending on notice, I can join from here without video."
I made a note on my tablet, and Gorou-san spoke up, "The advertising agency will have ads to review on Tuesday. Should we plan to have that meeting here?"
"Absolutely not." Fujioka-sama shook her head slowly, grimacing. "If I'm not discharged from the hospital by then, I'll escape on my own. We can do that meeting at the office."
"Alright," Gorou-san didn't seem so sure, but went with it. "I'll schedule it for after your classes."
"Thank you. And make sure to include Inokuma-san. He was at the shoot, so I'm sure he'll want to see the ads."
Yes, I'm sure her agent will want to see them. He definitely took control of the press and her access. I'm surprised he's not here now. Unless he doesn't know about the meeting. Gorou-san's already spoken to me twice, more like vented, concerned about the amount of control he'll want over her. I don't think she has anything to worry about, but time will tell.
"I brought you a couple journals and magazines that came in. Thought you might want to read them if you were bored."
"Thank you, Tanaki-san. If nothing else, they'll keep me from watching the news." The side of her mouth quirked up, and I smiled back.
"Ruka and I wanted to give you this," I handed over an envelope. "We donated to Lighthouse in your name. But," I also handed her a small box, "she didn't want to send me without a gift, so she baked cookies."
Her eye lit up when she saw the chocolate-chocolate chip cookies and ate one right away. "Yum. Please let her know they are delicious." She glanced over at Haninozuka-sama, "It's a good thing Chika doesn't like sweets, because I won't be sharing these."
"I'll be sure to tell her."
Gorou-san and I started packing up, and her son Maki-san stepped forward. "I did well on my English final yesterday, all thanks to you, Haruhi-chan."
"I'm glad to help. I would have never passed physics if it wasn't for you."
"Mom and I donated to Kakurega," he held out an envelope which she gently took.
"Thank you. I know the victims will need the help."
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It was quiet for several minutes after the three of them left, and I just couldn't sit still.
I need to say some things to her. I need to do it while it's just us. And before I lose my nerve.
My parents, Aunt, and Uncle are still out to dinner somewhere and there's a heavy, canvas curtain pulled between Haruhi and Shinobu-senpai's beds. Even though I know she and Ritsu-senpai are over there, we can't hear them. When the Petto Chinmi group showed up, Takashi took the chance to go back to his apartment for a shower and change of clothes. Not sure what it is about sitting around a hospital all day and doing nothing, but I end up feeling dirty. Guess he does too.
It's now or never.
"Haruhi?"
"I meant it, Chika. You can't have a cookie."
I couldn't help a small laugh. "I'm not even going to try. I think you'd bite my fingers if I reached for one."
I watched her eat another then close the box. "Where can we hide these so your brother doesn't find them?"
I tucked them in the bag with the business journals and set that behind a sofa. "There. Safe." I walked back to her bed and stood at the side.
"Maybe. I swear he's part bloodhound."
She fell silent, and I tried again, "Haruhi?"
"Hmm?"
I reached out and took her left hand. I looked into those expressive, kind eyes.
Now or never.
"When we didn't know where you were, I thought I'd lost you. That I'd never get to see you again. And then," I squeezed her hand, "the BOS found you. And we had to wait for them to plan."
I felt a tear run down my cheek and drip off my jaw.
"I didn't know what we'd find when we ran into that warehouse. I've never been that scared in my life."
"Oh, Chika."
"I thought I'd never get the chance to tell you how I feel and what you mean to me."
I watched her blink and a tear ran down her cheek.
"And then there you were. Tied to a chair and stabbed. I thought," I cleared my throat and tried to swallow a huge lump, "I thought…"
"It's alright. I'm here now."
"I thought I had a second chance."
I held her eyes with mine for several moments. I dug for courage.
"You hold a special place in my heart, Haruhi." Her eyes widened and another tear escaped. "It's not like Takashi, but it is special. You're the friend I thought I'd never find. Someone I can talk to about anything. Someone I can share my most personal thoughts with." I squeezed her hand tighter. "You're not alone. I promise to be here for whatever you need."
My stomach lurched when she sobbed. Stepping closer, I gently put my arms around her and guided her face to my chest.
"It's alright. Let it out."
I barely understood her 'thank you' through the sobs and sniffles.
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xXx
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Night, CEO Private Office, Ootori Conglomeration:
I think hell froze over today.
Haruhi thanked me in front of everyone.
Shinobu thanked me in front of everyone and said her syndicate owed me.
Chika thanked me in front of everyone.
Then Ritsu thanked me. Yes, we were in private, but still. And he admitted to me he couldn't live without her. To me!
And Tamaki wants to get together before I go back. He talks to me like nothing happened between Haruhi and me.
And Haruhi. Let it slip about me being Tamaki's best man and defended her decision. Said I'm not the same person I was before.
I closed my laptop and leaned back. I do not even want to finish that homework assignment.
I don't want to go back to Stanford.
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xXx
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Night, Phone call between Kyoya and Ritsu:
Ritsu: What the fuck? Just because I thanked him doesn't mean I want to talk to him.
"Yes?"
Kyoya: "The BOS has identified the hacker. I have a name and address."
Ritsu: How? I haven't even asked him yet.
Kyoya: "Kasanoda?"
Ritsu: "Yeah. I didn't know you were looking."
Kyoya: "We got the information from the law firm. I've had them on it since then." I waited for a response but didn't get one. "I'm meeting a couple techs at the hacker's apartment. They're going to assess his computers and other tech for info to hand over."
Ritsu: "Address?" I assume he's giving me the chance to be there otherwise why tell me any of this.
Kyoya: "I'll text you."
Ritsu: And I hung up.
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"Who was that?"
"Just business. Go back to sleep."
I crawled out from under her arms, blankets, and wires. Kasa lifted her head and stared at me.
"Where're you going?"
"Gotta handle something. I'll be back."
I told Kasa to watch her Mama and left.
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xXx
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Night, Girls' Patient Room, Tokyo Main:
I heard Ritsu on the phone through the curtain and then walk across the room and shut the door. Business? It's better not knowing.
Haruhi's asleep, holding Usa-chan in her good arm. Mitsukuni insisted when everyone visited before leaving for the hotel.
I don't know what Haruhi and Chika talked about, but from her red eyes and his wet shirt, it was obvious she'd been crying. I didn't ask, and she didn't volunteer.
I'm trying to give her space and be there when she needs me. I have no idea how to help her through this. But being in the same room with Shinobu is helping. Even with the curtain between them sometimes.
No one was subtle about avoiding Ootori as a topic. Every time someone came remotely close to the subject, Hikaru brought up something ridiculous like why the walls were that particular shade of blue or why he chose the shoes he was wearing. Shows how angry he is if that's all he could come up with.
He's not the only one that doesn't understand.
It's one thing to thank him for the rescue. I'm sure Mother and Father will formally thank him soon and as the heir, I'll be included in that. I probably should say something to him between us. The BOS was instrumental in finding and rescuing her.
Haruhi thanking him I understand, and I do understand why she'd agree to him being Tamaki's best man, but to say he's a different person?
Is he?
And so what if he is?
That doesn't negate everything that happened. It hasn't even been nine months.
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xXx
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Late Night, Hacker's Apartment:
"We'll take all his computers, drives, and other electronics back to Headquarters. Anything pertaining to the trafficking ring will be turned over to the police."
I nodded and waived my techs on their way. This guy had over a dozen laptops, a full array of external drives, and a huge box of used phones and sim cards. My techs want to review his work. See if there's anything they can leverage from his other activities.
"Here's a birthday card," Ritsu said, holding it up with an envelope. "Same last name on the return address."
"Parents?"
"That's my guess."
"Give it to the techs. They'll hand it over to the police with anything else they have."
It's a small apartment, but big for this area. Must be doing well as a hacker. There's no evidence of any formal job.
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I grabbed a beer from the fridge and chugged half in one go. It's not like he's going to need it.
The alert for Himura security went off on my phone.
What the fuck is Kono doing texting me?
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Kono: Should I do anything with the guy I brought here?
Ritsu: Just leave him. No contact. I'll deal later
Kono: what do I tell Hibino if he finds him?
Ritsu: That he's mine
Kono: k
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Fucking idiot. Can't even sit on a prisoner.
I probably should take care of him sooner rather than later. If Haruhi, Mori-senpai, or the Morinozuka's find out I have him, they'll want him turned over to the police.
And I'm not about to do that.
Bu would never forgive me.
I watched Ootori standing in the middle of the apartment, hands in his pockets, tie loosened, just watching his people go through everything and box up stuff.
Torture's not as fun when you do it alone.
Haruhi seems to want to forgive that jerk.
And his guys did save Bu.
Maybe it's time I found out just what kind of person he is.
"Hey, Ootori. Wanna help me with something?"
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xXx
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Thursday, September 29:
Early, Early Morning, Secret Area, Himura Compound:
I didn't flinch at the scream. That shithead's been screaming for the last hour.
Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Tachibana-san standing on the other side of the door. Parade rest. No expression. Is he at all surprised Ootori-sama would take part in this?
When the four of us arrived, the young lord insisted he be allowed in. He also took one look at Kono and told him to 'get the fuck out of my sight'. No surprise there. Making us wait outside the door did surprise me. He's never excluded me from something like this.
A high-pitched scream suddenly cut off and silence filled the area.
Guess they're done.
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Tetsuya-san and I stepped away from the door when it opened. Both men came out with blood on their hands and splashed on their clothes.
Good thing they're wearing gloves and changed into clothes that will be burned.
"He didn't last as long as I thought he would," Kyoya-sama mumbled as he headed down the hall, not even acknowledging me.
"They usually don't when they lose that much blood." Kasanoda-sama followed him, calling over his shoulder, "Tetsuya, have someone take out the trash."
We both turned and looked in the room.
"Fuck," he whistled.
Yeah.
.
I cranked the water up as hot as I could stand it and just stood under the showerhead watching the water run red as it went down the drain.
Never in a billion years would I have thought Ootori had that in him.
.
When I turned off the water, I could still hear Ritsu's shower going. The bloody clothes were gone. He assured me they'd be incinerated.
There's a tremendous amount of satisfaction in getting to do that for Haruhi.
Mori-senpai could never have done that. Haruhi would never have approved.
But it's dealt with.
And I took out a lot of anger and frustration while doing it.
I was just finishing tying my tie when he came out of his shower and headed to his locker.
"Who's going to know this happened?"
He started tugging on his jeans. "No one but the four of us and Bu will know you did anything. I don't keep secrets from her, but she can keep her mouth shut."
Yes, she can. "That's acceptable."
"As for that shithead being taken care of…Pops, her father, both security heads, and Kono. No one else needs to know."
"Agreed."
"I still think you're a dick, Ootori, but I don't want to kill you anymore."
"Progress."
I found Tachibana outside the locker room, and Himura security escorted us off the compound.
.
xXx
.
Early Morning, Haruhi's Patient Room, Tokyo Main:
"You don't understand. I need to see her."
The guard replied, but I couldn't hear it through the door.
"Ask Haruhi. I'm sure she'll see me."
Another reply.
"Takashi, can you let Hikaru in, please." She'd been watching koi fish on her tablet. Another nightmare woke her up.
"Hn."
I waved him in and left for a meditation room. After everything that happened yesterday, they need some time alone. I did warn the guard to kick him out if he started yelling.
.
"I thought you'd be asleep. The sun's not even up yet."
There were huge bags under the eye not covered in bandages. "Nightmare."
Shit.
I dragged myself over to her bed and grabbed the rail. "I'm so sorry, Haruhi."
"For what? You didn't do anything."
"That's just it," I tried swallowing the lump in my throat. "I didn't do anything."
"Hikaru," she reached out and ran her fingers through my hair, "Please don't…"
But I cut her off. "I've never felt so helpless in my life. I've never felt so useless." I reached up and grabbed her hand like a lifeline. "I thought I was never going to see you again."
"Well, I'm here. I'm safe. What happened is over. Please stop dwelling on it. You're making yourself miserable."
"It's just…" I pulled away and started pacing. "Mori-senpai was there for you. Chika too. Fuck, even Ootori. You fucking thanked him in front of everyone. And I…"
"You need to stop, Hikaru. Please stop." She waved me back over and I went but couldn't meet her eyes. "You're going to make yourself sick over this for no reason." Her finger hooked under my chin and lifted my face so she could meet my eyes. "I love you, Hikaru. You're an amazing friend. You and Kaoru are practically my brothers. Please stop beating yourself up about this."
.
He shut his eyes and huge tears leaked out.
He can be so annoying, so brash, it's easy to forget just how vulnerable he is. How fragile. How scared. He masks it well, but his insecurities rule him.
"Haruhi, I…"
"Shhhh." It took a bit of searching, but I found the button that dropped the rail. "Come here," I held out my hand and he leaned in. "Climb in and hold me. You can keep the nightmares away, and I can sleep."
I buried my head in his chest, smelling the familiar expensive cologne he and Kaoru both wore. Doesn't matter. I'd be able to tell them apart if I woke up from a dead sleep.
"Is this alright?" he asked as he put his arm around me.
"Yes."
"Thank you."
"For?"
"Letting me help."
"Any time."
.
I found them curled up asleep when I came back from meditating. Both had tear tracks on their faces.
But both also looked peaceful.
.
xXx
.
Morning, Shinobu's Patient Room, Tokyo Main:
"You sure they can't hear us?"
"Yes, Asshole. Haruhi's not even over there. She's getting a shower. Mori-senpai's eating breakfast." My eyes flicked to my visitor and back. "Now, do you want to tell me why he's here?"
"Ootori-san…"
'san'?
"And I went to the hacker's apartment last night."
"You ID'd him?"
"Yes. Your law firm gave me his email address. The BOS tracked him from there."
And I just sat there. Blinking.
"Bu?"
I shook my head to focus. "Yeah, go ahead."
"The BOS took all his electronics and made copies. All information about the ring will be turned over to the police, but we're curious what else he was up to."
"He was a gray hat. Could have been anything."
"They did enough analysis to know he was hacked back. That's how Daiju found you. They followed his last hack back to him."
"Shit." I could feel my blood pressure rise and took long, slow breaths. Can't fuck up my eye. "And they got my name from him."
Ritsu just nodded. Ootori-san (guess I'll go along with that) flashed his glasses.
"Family?"
"We gave all his personal information to the police. They're making the notification. Parents. No siblings."
"They going to tell them why he was killed? They going give him my name?"
I saw Ritsu's hand flinch like he wanted to reach out and hold mine, but he didn't with Ootori-san here. That's why we work. Mutual respect. "They'll tell them it was because of the trafficking ring but won't mention your name."
"Whether they do or not, his parents will more than likely figure out your involvement." Ootori-san stood and headed for the door. "I have a meeting downtown. Let me know if you have any further questions."
"Hey," I called out just before he reached the door, "Thanks."
"You're welcome." And he was gone.
.
Glad he left before I told her about the rest. It's going to be a while before I get used to not wanting to kill him.
"Gotta tell you something else, Bu, and I hope it doesn't piss you off."
"If I could roll my eyes, I would." She did give me a smirk. "Just say it. There are doctors all around to set any bones I might break."
"I took care of that dickhead that stabbed Haruhi."
"Without me?" OK, that was a growl.
"Yeah. Figured the sooner the better before someone figured out he's missing or someone at your compound told your father. If Haruhi or Mori-senpai started asking and found out we had him, they'd want him turned over. It made sense."
I watched her lips count to ten. "At least tell me you fucking stabbed him in both hands first."
"Did that and more." I looked over to make sure the door was shut and lowered my voice. "Had help too."
"Tetsuya?"
"Ootori."
"Are you shitting me?"
"Shhh." Her glare got harder. "We were at the hacker's place, and I just asked. Wanted to see how he'd handle it, if he'd even want to come along."
"And?"
"That motherfucker is a closet sadist."
"Duh." Then she smirked, "I want details."
"Not here. I'll tell you when we're back at one of the compounds. I swore no one else would know about his involvement."
"Yeah, but we can't even tell Haruhi, Mori-senpai, and anyone else about the guy being dealt with."
"No shit. You, me, Tetsuya, Ootori, and Tachibana are the only ones that know he's involved. I'll tell Pops, your parents, and both of our security heads the guy's done. That's it."
"Deal."
.
"I feel so much better."
"Amazing how restorative a shower can be."
"Definitely. I didn't realize how dirty I felt until after, and it isn't even my first one since getting to the hospital."
I was climbing into bed when the curtain was pulled back.
"I'm next," Shinobu grinned as she pet Kasa. Ritsu was just handing her off to the maid so she could go home.
Then we heard heels clicking, and her ophthalmologist walked in. "How's the patient this morning?"
"Be better after a shower and some breakfast." She sure is cranky when she's hungry.
"I want to check your eye first."
He dimmed the lights and slowly removed her eyepatch.
Ten minutes later, he was shaking his head. "I'm not seeing the expected progress."
Arisa-san gasped. I watched her hand clench.
Shinobu just wanted it straight. "What does that mean, Doc. Spit it out."
"I'm scheduling you for another surgery. It's not surprising. Sometimes this injury can take two or three to completely repair the damage."
"When?"
He pulled out his phone and swiped several times. Then tapped. Ritsu and Junto-san's faces were both turning red with the delay.
"I scheduled it for eleven."
Someone needs to lighten the mood. "Too bad, Shinobu," I called from my side of the room. "No breakfast for you."
"She's right," he said, giving her his stern doctor glare. "No food or drinks until after recovery."
"Shit."
"Don't worry, Bu. I'll get you whatever you want for dinner."
"Burger and onion rings?"
"Sure," he rolled his eyes.
.
xXx
.
Morning, Bun-Bun's Offices, Tokyo:
"Forty-two locations are performing better than anticipated, five at expected levels, and three are struggling."
"Where are those three?"
"Two in Funabashi and one in Sagamihara. None of them are located close enough to kids and teen hangouts. When I reviewed the records, none of them had ever performed well."
"Recommendations?"
"Close them down. There are plenty of locations that make sense for new stores."
My heel clipped the leg of my chair. Looking down, I realized I'd been swinging my legs. Squaring my shoulders, I sat up straighter. I'm the boss here. The owner. I need to be business Honey.
"Alright. Close them down."
Tanaka, my CEO, nodded and took some notes. "Our third and last commercial bakery opens tomorrow. With all stores being supplied by the separate bakeries, quality and consistency will be assured. It will also make performance comparisons easier."
"Wonderful!" I took a long drink of my cake coffee and stopped swinging my legs again. "We should start looking for locations for new stores."
"I've been working on that, Haninozuka-sama." Matsumoto, my COO, put up a map of Tokyo on the large screen. "The pink, purple, and light blue sections indicate the current areas of stores supported by the large bakeries, with the bakeries indicated with squares and the stores with stars."
He hit a button and green and yellow areas were lit up. "These are two proposed new zones. Each has at least three middle schools and high schools along with significant numbers of youth hangouts such as arcades, shopping, and movie theaters." The screen split, one side now covered in numbers. "First pass shows these costs for purchasing the locations and remodels." The screen changed again to a timeline. "The yellow could be up and running by February, the green by March."
.
We spent the next two hours hammering out a budget and tighter timeline. Haninozuka-sama may not have much experience, but he knows what he wants.
I'd spent the time he was in St. Louis coming up with this plan and determining the best financing. Guess I didn't need to worry too much about the money. He's going to cover it himself. Must be nice.
"I got a catering request at the On Okuri ball. It's a little girl's birthday party. It's easy to do a one-off, but should we expand into catering?"
"It shouldn't be difficult now that we have the commercial baking hubs…"
.
xXx
.
Morning, Girls' Patient Room, Tokyo Main:
"Are you sure, Shinobu? Your surgery is in an hour."
"That's why it's a perfect time, Mom. They won't be able to drag this on for too long."
I recrossed my legs and leaned back. My daughter's so headstrong. There's no reasoning with her.
"But shouldn't we wait until you have an agent? Inokuma-san said he'd have suggestions for us this afternoon."
"For this meeting? It's Lighthouse and Kakurega, not the media. Besides," she reached over and grabbed her phone, "I'll let Haruhi do most of the talking."
"Oh no, you won't," she laughed from across the room. "I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is your show."
"Fucking great," she mumbled, but sat up straighter when someone knocked on the door.
.
Haruhi asked me to stay as support, but, like she told Shinobu, she didn't expect to be drawn into the meeting.
Mother and Father were sitting on the sofa as far from the group as possible. I sat between them and Haruhi. We didn't want to distract from the sacrifices either of them made.
Lighthouse's Executive Director was thanking Shinobu, and she was doing a good job of not looking too satisfied with the groveling. "On behalf of all the rescued women and girls, I want to thank you for your efforts. Without you, they would have no hope."
"I'm honored to help them. After the discovery in my strip club, I could not stand by and do nothing."
"I also want to apologize for not taking your earlier offer of help and money seriously."
Watching her eye, I could see some angry response building, but she stopped herself. Maybe she does have a little political sense. "It's in the past. The important thing is how we move forward."
"Speaking of which, I'm wondering what you want your future role to be."
That's a big question, and one Haruhi and I talked about last night.
I really should feel guilty for spending so much time talking to her rather than letting her sleep.
"I'm not sure. I hired the hacker and tipped the police but didn't do much directly. I want to keep supporting the fight financially, but beyond that, I'm still deciding." She shifted in her seat. I think her hip's bothering her.
The Kakurega Executive Director spoke up, "Those still in the hospitals wanted me to thank you for the flowers, candy, and other presents. They make them feel special, like the country cares."
"That's all Haruhi," Shinobu smiled as she jerked her thumb across the room.
"Actually, my assistant, Honami-san, thought of it. So many people were sending things to us, and we didn't have room. When she made the suggestion, we all agreed. The victims need the support much more than we do."
"We also greatly appreciate your suggestion to donate in your press statement. The current influx of money is almost four times our usual donations for this time of year. And with this many victims, we definitely need it."
"Do they need anything else? Clothes?"
"Thank you, Fujioka-san, but no. The money is allowing us to purchase everything that's needed. Plus, Ootori Medical has been quite generous also."
A tap at the door had everyone looking up at Haruhi's orthopedist walking in. "Excuse me, I need to examine Fujioka-sama's hand."
"Well," the visitors stood up and gathered their things, "thank you again for everything you did. We'll keep you updated."
"Please," Haruhi said, and Shinobu nodded.
.
xXx
.
Late Morning, Private Surgical Waiting Room, Tokyo Main:
After watching them give my daughter her anesthesia, I headed for the private waiting room they set aside for us. Junto and Ritsu were talking business in the hall and would be joining me soon.
"Oh, Himura-sama, I didn't realize you were in here."
My head jerked up at the nurse's voice. "Is something wrong with Shinobu?"
It's like she froze. She was taking too long to answer. I raised my hand and started walking towards her, ready to slap some sense into her. But she jerked a bit and came back to reality.
"No, nothing's wrong. We forgot to get a consent form signed before Himura-sama was given her medication. I'm looking for her next of kin."
I reached for the clipboard, "I'm her mother. I can sign it."
"Actually," she pulled it away from me, "I'm looking for Kasanoda-sama."
I held back from snatching the paperwork, but just barely. "They're only engaged." This is ridiculous.
"No…" She took a step back and looked like she was going to run out, "Your daughter listed him as her husband on her paperwork. He's her next of kin."
"Husband?"
.
xXx
.
.
xXx
.
Request for Ideas:
Each of our main characters is supposed to face a painful truth in this story, and you won't believe what's coming for some of them. The help I need is for some ideas for Akito/Yuki. Yes, they'll be celebrating her birthday with a surprise trip and the consummation of their relationship, but I don't want to have that be a problem. Neither of them deserve that. I need another issue. Something that could cause them to have a fight/disagreement and realize the other person's more damaged than they thought. Something like that. Ideas? The ones Dad and I have are kinda lame.
Author's Note:
So…Kyoya's being rehabilitated. You've all seen this coming piece by piece, but this is a big chunk. Dad and I went back and forth about how everyone should find out about Kyoya being the best man, and Haruhi spilling the beans worked for us.
And no…Haruhi and Kyoya are not getting back together. They probably won't even be really good friends again unless we keep writing until after everyone's done with university.
Not going to lie. I tried real hard to come up with a way for them to get back together, but both Dad and I thought it was ridiculous and would basically jump the shark. Kyoya and Haruhi are my OTP, but not for this story. From the beginning, this was always a Mori/Haruhi story.
And Ritsu thanked him. And hell froze over.
All that being said, you will be seeing more of Kyoya interacting with the group.
The idea of Kyoya helping Ritsu with knife-guy was planned as soon as we decided knife-guy wouldn't be killed in the raid. Call it male-bonding or whatever. Not convinced it totally rings true, but I wrote it about as well as I could. I'll end the cliffhanger before it starts and say Kyoya's involvement won't come out. This isn't that kind of story.
And a long awaited talk between Haruhi and Chika. It was touchy to write, but we think it came out ok. Does this clear anything up about them?
Poor Hikaru. So insecure and fragile, with all that anger and bluster to cover it up. At least Haruhi can read right through him.
And the nurse needs Bu's next of kin…What will the next chapter bring?
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Next Chapter:
Fallout from Arisa learning the truth…Haruhi has more visitors…Tamaki/Renge tour the coop…new info on Yoshio's basement…Honey and Cho sit their parents down for a discussion…and we find out Eiji's fate.
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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.