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.

20. Chapter 20 - Never Have I Ever

Author's Note:

Welcome back to the 6th installment of "The Last Straw" series, or what has turned into the Ouran Soap Opera.

Dad's still out of the country, but he gets back Friday!

.

xXx

.

Date Posted: May 6, 2023

Trigger Warnings: Language

The Painful Truth - Chapter 20: Never Have I Ever

.

Saturday, October 8:

Morning, Lounge, Morinozuka Estate:

My head's killing me, but Mother insisted on a family meeting after breakfast. I think she knows I was out late at Neon last night and is punishing me.

"Don't worry, Haruhi-chan. Nothing's wrong."

Mother must have realized just how uncomfortable Haruhi is, but with the way she's sitting all curled up on herself and picking at her shirt hem, it doesn't take a genius to realize how she feels.

She looked up and drew in a deep breath, "This isn't about security?"

Security. Just about the only topic we've all been thinking about lately.

"No, Sweetheart. Please relax."

Well, if it isn't about security, what is it? Taka looks lost too.

"You've been part of this family for eight months now, and we all want to be sure you feel at home here."

She looked up at Mother and gave her a weak smile, "I do. You all have been so kind and generous. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome. It's been our honor and pleasure. However," Mother reached over and touched her arm, "there are other things Akira and I would like to do for you."

"Please, Umeko-san, you've already done so much…"

"Such as what, Mother," Taka interrupted, squeezing Haruhi's left hand. Way to go, Bro. They could go on forever talking so formal they never get to the damn point.

I need a nap.

.

My eyes flicked to Takashi, and I gave him a quick smile. Akira and I decided not to discuss this with the boys first. We know they'll agree.

Haruhi caught my attention when she shifted in her seat. A gentle smile spread across my face as I looked at her. "After what happened at the cemetery," her eyes went wild, and her body tensed. Takashi's thumb started rubbing circles on the back of her hand. "Akira and I realized there is something we could do for you that will not only help you feel more at home here but also help protect you from your fans and the press."

"I don't understand."

I took a long breath and plunged ahead. "We'd like to, with your permission, move your parents' and Jarou's monuments to the Morinozuka cemetery on this estate."

My stomach clenched when her eyes widened and her mouth fell open. I could see her trembling, and Takashi let go of her hand and put his arm around her.

"What?"

"We'd like to bring them here for you."

A tear began to collect in the corner of her eye. When she blinked, it slipped down her cheek leaving a glistening trail. "I don't understand."

Takashi cleared his throat, and she turned to him. "This is your home now. We'd like for them to be here for you. We'd like for you to be able to visit them whenever you wish."

"But…"

"It's your choice, Haruhi-chan. Please think about it."

.

They want to bring Mom and Dad here. And Jarou-san?

They want to bring them here for me?

For me?

This doesn't make sense.

"But…" I swallowed and tried again, "But your family's memorial? They aren't Morinozuka's."

"They're your family and you are now a part of ours." Umeko-san tilted her head and smiled sadly at me. "If you aren't comfortable with that, we could build a separate memorial for them. Maybe with a koi pond."

"A separate…"

"Or include them in our current koi pond."

They want to do this for me.

I dropped my face into my hands and tried to slow my spinning mind.

Bring Mom, Dad, and Jarou-san here. To the Morinozuka estate. For me.

This is crazy.

This family has welcomed me in ways I never imagined. It's one thing to put me on their phone plan and buy new clothes, but they've protected me from the press, fans, rumors. They've given me a trust fund and a security team.

And now they want to welcome my parents and Jarou-san into their family memorial.

It's such a private thing. Such a personal thing.

I took another deep breath and tried not to sob.

.

I looked up at my mother over Haruhi's bowed head. She seems surprised at how hard she's taking this.

I wish they would have told me what this was about rather than just dropping it on her. I could have told them she wasn't ready. Not after her reaction in the SUV and at the Board meeting.

She's been so quiet. I've called her the last couple of nights before bed, but she hasn't wanted to talk. I know she's been having nightmares. I was hoping she'd call me, let me help her like I've done before, but she hasn't.

She's lost most of her spark. She's not alive like she used to be.

It's only been eight months since Ranka, Jarou, and Matsui. She hasn't had the time to fully recover from that yet. Although I'm not sure anyone ever fully recovers from something that traumatic. And now all this.

She's not ready.

.

Too soon.

Umeko and I should have waited another week or two.

We didn't have to do this right now.

.

The hell?

They think they can just suggest she move her parents' graves like it's no big deal?

I've never heard her refer to this place as her 'home'. She still walks into the kitchen like she's afraid of being caught. And asks if she can use the pool. Hell, she doesn't even call her room upstairs her room. And they think moving her parents here is a good idea?

"Haruhi," I knelt down in front of her and put my hand on her knee, "I'm sure you don't have to decide anything now. Mother's only suggesting. No one's asking you to do anything you're uncomfortable with."

I tried not to flinch when she looked up at me. Her eyes were huge and red. And she'd been silently crying.

"Satoshi's right, Haruhi-chan. You don't have to decide anything now."

"And no one will be upset if you choose to not move them," Father reassured her. "Security can make it safe for you to visit them where they are."

"Really?" She sounds like a little kid. Where did my brave Senpai go?

"Really."

.

My eyes are all watery, so I squinted at each of their faces. Umeko-san's forehead is puckered, and her jaw is clenched in worry. There was a hint of tension around Akira-san's mouth, his eyes had a gentle, almost pleading look to them. Satoshi stared at me like I was the only thing in the room, like I could lose it at any moment.

I turned to get a better look at Takashi and almost gasped out loud. Such hope. Hope that I'd understand? He gave me an encouraging smile.

I can't turn them down outright.

Not after everything they've done and continue to do.

"Then I'll think about it."

Her face cleared and she slumped in relief. "That's all we ask, Sweetheart," Umeko-san said, squeezing my arm in reassurance.

I felt Takashi's arm tighten as he pulled me into a side hug. I leaned my head against his chest and took a deep breath, inhaling his personal scent. His reassuring scent.

"Would it be possible to go see them tomorrow?" Dammit. Do I have to sound like a child begging for scraps?

"Of course," Akira-san nodded. "It's not a problem. Just let Nagata know when, and he'll make it happen."

"Thank you."

Looking at them all again, I felt closer. Like we took a step forward to being a family.

A family.

And that's when I finally realized.

The host club isn't my only family anymore.

I've been resisting for too long, just like Chika said the other night. It's time to accept this is permanent. This is my new family. I'm not a stranger living in this house. I'm not some burden they took on, though I haven't felt like that in a while.

This is my home now. Not some temporary situation until I graduate and move on.

This is my home.

"And if there's anything you can think of, anything at all, that would help you feel more comfortable here, more at home here, please let me know."

How did she know what I was thinking? Do mothers just know?

"Thank you, Umeko-san. I will."

.

And it's time to fix that.

"Haruhi," they all looked at me, "you've stopped calling Taka senpai. You've asked me to stop calling you senpai. Nobody in the group uses honorifics anymore. Don't you think it's time to drop the -san from my parent's names?"

"Excellent idea, Satoshi," Mother beamed.

"You mean, just use first names? I'm not sure I can do that."

"Then how about -obasan [aunt] and -ojisan [uncle]." Now Mother's blushing. "We'll never replace your parents, and we'd never ask you to think of us in that way, but…"

"I think that's a great idea, Umeko-obasan, Akira-ojisan." Then she blushed scarlet and gave them a shy smile.

"Oooooo," Mother sprag to her feet and pulled Haruhi up with her and into a huge hug. "Thank you, Haruhi-chan. Thank you." Father, Taka, and I joined them in a big, family hug.

Family.

She's finally a real part of my family.

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Shiraishi (formerly Chiba) Compound:

"That was intense."

Sure was. Never seen a loyalty swearing on that scale before. The entire staff turned out to greet us and pledge to Bu and the new Shiraishi Syndicate. And I didn't see any hesitation on the new name. It's like they were glad to see the end of the Chiba Syndicate.

Maybe they are. I get the impression Dia's and Daiju's wives weren't well liked.

They were all introduced to Yamaki Shinnosuke, Bu's new second. He's headed Junto-san's gun running for a while and was never going to be promoted to his second. When Bu asked if he wanted to join her, he jumped.

We're still deciding on a security head. Neither of us wants to promote Tetsuya or Kono, and the Chiba's head was 'taken care of' by Tamura. I'll try to talk her into Igaya, Fujii's second. He's ready.

Now we're being seated in the dining room with the staff heads from various departments. Boring.

"This is Sugiura Miho, the new head housekeeper."

The one here decided to retire, so Bu brought her over from the Himura Compound. She'd been the assistant housekeeper there for over a decade and didn't have anywhere to go. That old battle-axe they have as their head housekeeper will rule that compound until she dies.

"She'll be moving in right away. Are her quarters empty?"

"Yes. The previous housekeeper has already left to join her daughter in the country."

They went around the table with introductions and then Bu got down to it. She leaned back, crossed those long legs, and smiled, "First things first. This whole place is a dump."

.

Well, she sure doesn't hold back.

But she's right. As the head steward, I've done my best to keep the compound in good repair, but when you're denied funds…

"Ritsu and I want to move in the first weekend of November, so our wing is first. I've contracted with an architecture and design firm. In conjunction with Gurinraifu [Green Life], they'll be handling all renovations throughout the compound. Gurinraifu specializes in retrofitting buildings to be as 'green' as possible and is Ritsu's company."

The next hour was full of scheduling and ideas for what needs to be done. I was pleasantly surprised at her willingness to listen to our suggestions. She even suggested that we take holiday time during the main renovations.

This is a huge undertaking and will require over a year to complete.

.

"Alright, that just leaves immediate next steps."

One of which has got to be a personal assistant for me. It doesn't take much to give me a blazing headache, and the doc said that's normal for a while.

But for right now, I'm dumping it all on my new second. "Yamaki, go through them please."

He flipped back a couple pages in his notebook to the beginning of his list…

"First, Sugiura and I will be moving in by Tuesday when our rooms will be ready. Tamura and I will start going through all the paperwork this afternoon. Our main push will be staffing and finances. Through those we'll determine the priorities for the remodel here on the compound and others that need to happen throughout the other holdings.

"Shinobu-sama and Kasanoda-sama will tour their wing with the decorator tomorrow…"

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Solarium, Shido Estate:

Really?

"Don't you dare say it, Haruhi…"

I gave Renge a glare, but it was half-hearted at best. "Fine," I huffed. I'm actually looking forward to the massage anyway.

But really?

I've never been in Fuyumi's solarium, which is just a fancy way of saying indoor garden. It's huge and connected to their indoor pool, which is smaller than their outdoor pool. Why they need two pools…

Don't ask, the Morinozuka's have three.

But for today, there are professional level spa stations that I recognize for facials, nails, and massages. Seven of them. Each.

Cho and Yuki look like they were already halfway through their facials, and Shinobu isn't here yet.

Then I saw the food. And headed straight for it.

.

Just two more months and I can see my feet again.

I'm looking forward to this. The spa we hired to come out is bringing four complete lines of skin care, and my skin has been crazy with this pregnancy.

But first…lunch.

.

"Sorry I'm late. Got hung up with business." They won't ask questions with that excuse. "And thanks for doing this today instead of tomorrow."

"No worries. Glad you made it, Shinobu. Join us."

Chairs were set in a circle, and I sat in the empty one between Haruhi and Renge. I really need a manicure.

"So, the mission today is to make sure Haruhi leaves here with a preferred skin care line."

"Yes, Haruhi. No more soap."

"Fine," she rolled her eyes, "as long as it's easy."

.

"Fourteen? I really need fourteen different things?"

"Yes, Haruhi. Cleanser, serum, eye moisturizer, makeup remover, exfoliating cream, sleeping mask, toner, lip plumper, hydrating face mask, and don't forget the rest of your body."

"How can I with separate stuff for my hands, body, and feet? I've always just used lotion."

"This is lotion, just better."

"Whatever."

But I like how my skin feels like silk. It's never been softer. Or smoother.

"Just wait until Mori gets a feel…"

"Shinobu!" Cho gasped.

"Calm down. He can touch her arms or her face. Why did you head for the gutter, Cho?" she waggled her eyebrows at her, and she blushed. "Besides, doesn't Honey ever tell you how soft your skin is? You show a lot of it sometimes."

Can you blush deeper than scarlet? "He likes to pet my skin when I'm wearing the Bun Bun temporary tattoos."

"Ever think of getting one for real?"

She shook her head, "No. I don't think I could decide which or where."

"What about you, Shinobu?"

She looked over at Renge and smirked, "Asshole and I are getting matching ones. He's looking for the right artist."

"Oooo. Where? What?"

"We decided a large one on our upper backs. That way we can show it or hide it depending on the occasion. As for what, something traditional with koi and water." She reached up to play with her hair but couldn't find any. It's so short now. I barely heard her mumble, "Shit," before she raised her voice again, "Anyone else want one?"

No one did.

.

"When's the baby due, Fuyumi?"

"December eighth."

"Still want it to be a surprise?"

"Definitely." Umeji and Sota want to know, but it will be a surprise.

"Is the nursery done?" How can Cho bounce while she's getting a massage? She's perfect for Honey.

"Not even close." I winced as my masseuse found a knot in my calf. "The furniture's being delivered in two weeks. Once that's done, the decorator can figure out what we still need to get."

"It's so exciting," Renge practically squealed. "A baby."

"Are you and Tamaki talking about kids? You're getting married in about seven months, right?"

"Yes, it's getting so close…"

She faded out into fantasy, and I remembered my wedding. The planning was insane with everything that Yoshio wanted and the Shido's not really knowing what they'd gotten themselves into by marrying their son to an Ootori. But once we were finally married and out from under our parents, it was like heaven.

"Earth to Renge…"

She jerked back to reality, "Sorry, what?"

"Kids?"

"Oh, we'll have a couple, but not until after we're both done at university. There's no rush. He's got the gallery and the co-op, and I've got the baby clothes line."

"Speaking of the co-op, what are we doing tonight?"

I tried not to drift off while they discussed the details, but I'm so tired…

.

"We're going to have so much fun," Renge mumbled into her face cradle. She's over there waving her hands around while her masseuse is working her lower back. "We went to the 100 yen store and found some different candy and snacks along with some cute surprises."

Surprises. I looked over real quick at Haruhi. She's got her face covered with a hot towel so she can't see us. I caught Cho's eye and jerked my head towards Haruhi. Cho nodded. Yuki saw and nodded too.

Good. Ritsu and I found what we wanted and sent a maid out for them.

"Tamaki-kun is having dinner catered, so make sure you come hungry."

"I'mmmd no shhhur I be thr fo dinner," Haruhi muttered through her towel.

"What?"

She reached up and twitched part of it aside, "I'm not sure I'll make it for dinner. I'm going to visit Mom and Dad."

Renge, Yuki, Cho, and I all looked at her. Hell, even Fuyumi woke up enough to roll her head to the side.

Nobody said anything, so I did, "You sure that's a good idea after what happened?"

"I gave security plenty of warning. Nagata's going to make sure it's safe first."

Renge looked at us and shrugged, "Alright. We'll save you some dinner."

"Thanks, but you don't have to."

Now she's rolling her eyes, "We know, but we want to, Silly."

"Thanks."

Now I just have to figure out how to tell them all Ritsu and I are married, that I've been given an entire syndicate and renamed it, and we're moving onto the new compound as soon as it's remodeled and secure.

Shit.

.

xXx

.

Evening, Commoner's Cemetery:

I cleaned the marker and lit the incense.

It's so quiet.

I didn't realize Nagata would clear the entire cemetery for this. I figured he'd make sure there were no fan girls or press, but let others visit markers.

I feel like I need to hurry.

"Mom? Dad? I haven't been able to write you anything since before the ball. You won't believe what happened…

…long discussion of the ball, the kidnapping, and the fallout…

"And that's why I wasn't here on the fourth. I'm so sorry."

A cool breeze ruffled my hair, and I knew they understood. "Thanks, Dad. I love you, too."

I took a deep breath and braced myself. There are things I want to tell them, things I can't tell anyone else right now.

Here goes…

"I've been having nightmares." I heard a weird chuckle and realized it was from me. "Big surprise, I know, but I keep seeing that man with the knife. I see him everywhere. In my dreams, in the dark, on the street as we drive by a crowd. And he laughs at me. I hear his voice telling me he's coming back for me."

I let my head drop back, and I stared at the clouds blowing by. That one looks like a knife.

"He gave me a drink of water when I was tied up in that closet. I," it's hard to talk past the lump in my throat. I coughed and tried again, "I thought he was being nice. Can you believe that? A kidnapper being nice? But he told me he'd be back for payment. He ran his finger up my arm and said he'd be back.

"When I close my eyes, I can still feel him."

I shivered hard and pulled my jacket tighter.

"He kissed me after he stabbed me. But I bit him. I bit him hard enough to make him bleed.

"I don't know what he would have done next, but I know if they didn't come through that door when they did, I would have been dead at the end of it."

I raised my head and studied the cemetery. No one but my security team and Takashi. He insisted on coming. On making sure I was alright. And I let him. Two weeks ago, I wouldn't have, but today I did.

But they're all standing far enough way that they can't hear me.

.

When she looked up and caught my eye, I thought she was ready. Then I looked closer and saw the tears. She turned back and reached out to put her hand on their marker, and I sat back on the bench.

My whole team, her whole team, and five extra guards are here now. Nagata closed down the cemetery and has men walking the perimeter and stationed at the entrance. No one's coming in here. She's safe.

But I can't relax. Can't come down from full alert.

I'm wound so tight.

.

It seemed like forever before I could talk to them about moving.

"The Morinozuka's asked if they could bring you all to their estate for me. I have no idea what you'd want. There's nothing keeping you here. No other family. But would you want to move?

"And Jarou-san, what about you? You met Takashi once or twice, but I don't even remember if you met his parents. And what about your son? Does he visit you? I can't move you if he does."

I glanced over again and caught Takashi's eyes. I tried to give him a reassuring smile, but I don't think it worked.

"We don't have to decide anything today. Once things die down, they shouldn't have to clear the entire place for me to visit. Or maybe I could come after hours. If they can close it, maybe they can open it."

I thought back to that amazing group hug and how I felt.

"Dad, I know you never thought the Morinozuka's would have to be my guardians. I know you asked them just in case. But they've brought me into their family and made me feel at home. I'm finally feeling like that estate is my home.

"I've started calling them obasan and ojisan. I hope you understand. They will never replace you. You both are my parents. I'll never have any others. But they've given me a place in their family. They've made me feel welcome and safe. They aren't replacements. My family has grown.

"I hope you understand."

A few flower petals drifted past on a warmer breeze, and I smiled.

.

xXx

.

Evening, Ooka Artist Co-op:

"Haruhi's here!" Tamaki jumped up and ran towards us, his arms flung open wide, "Everyone, Haruhi's here!"

I stepped in front of him, and he skidded to a stop. "Mori-senpai…"

"Mori."

"Mori, I was just going to welcome her."

"Tamaki-kun," Renge called from across the room where she stood with her hands on her hips, "I know you weren't just going to touch Haruhi without her permission, were you?"

"Ah?"

"You do remember what happened two years ago and just last week. Right?"

His head dropped, and I heard him mumble, "I remember."

"Good. Now escort your guests over here like the gentleman I know you are."

"Yes, my love."

.

That was close. With everything that's happened, I couldn't handle one of his crazy hugs right now. Plus, my hand aches and I can barely move it.

Tamaki introduced us to Claudia-san, his manager. She's joining us for dinner and the tour after, but not for the night.

Takashi pulled out a chair for me, "I'll bring you a plate. Any preferences?"

I glanced over at the buffet and sighed. Looks like Tamaki decided American picnic was the theme. "Simple that I can eat with my left hand. No hamburgers."

"But Haruhi, my darling friend, I had the chef make 'sliders'. They're miniature hamburgers that are easy to hold with one hand."

"He's right, Haruhi," Ritsu held one up between his thumb and forefinger. "They aren't even messy."

"Fine." What I really want are noodles, but I can't use chopsticks yet.

Tamaki turned those puppy eyes on Renge, "Now?" She nodded, and I braced myself. Who knows what he could be up to.

"Now that everyone is here, I can tell you all about the Ooka Artist Co-op.

.

By the time Suoh-sama finished, they were all done eating, including the two latecomers.

"Everyone, if you'll join me, Claudia-san and I will give you a tour."

We showed them the café, store, a couple of studios, one in the basement set up for metal work and the other on the fourth-floor setup for a painter.

"I assume the metal work is in the basement because of the risk of fire?"

"Correct, Fujioka-sama." I don't know all their names, but after all her recent publicity, I do know hers. She winced at the title, although it's not unexpected with this group, plus she is my boss's friend.

"And lastly, the seventh floor is restricted to the artists. It contains the male and female bath houses, a kitchen for their use, lounges for relaxing and recreation, and the capsule beds."

I watched most of them wander over to the wall of beds and start exploring.

"If you included a closet and other storage for personal things in each studio, why didn't you include a bed? Or at least a futon?"

"Excellent question, my darling friend," Suoh-sama brushed his hair back from his forehead and smiled at her. He's so…French. "In order to include space for that, we would have had to move all the existing walls on those floors and reconfigure the studios completely. Plus, this allows for the artists to become more of a community."

I wondered the same thing, and with the amount of money he's spent on this place already, it wouldn't have been that much more. Although it would have pushed back the opening date as far as December.

Suoh-sama and I agreed I wouldn't need to stay the night, but I need to talk to the twins before I leave.

"Excuse me, Hitachiin-sama, Hitachiin-sama, I wanted to remind you of the final selection committee meeting Tuesday afternoon."

"We'll be there..."

"…Wouldn't miss it."

Strange kids.

I said my goodbyes and left before I was roped into staying anyway.

.

And here I am at another teen sleepover party. Is it strange that I enjoy them so much even at twenty-seven?

No. I refuse to feel guilty or odd for finally having a childhood. Fuck you, Yoshio. I'm going to do nothing productive tonight. I'm going to play whatever strange games Tamaki has come up with and enjoy them. I'm going to sit around in my pajamas and eat too much sugar and act like I have no responsibilities. You hear me, Asshole!

"Akito-kun? Are you alright?"

I smiled down at her glowing face. "I'm better than alright." And I kissed her.

"Hey, you two! Save it for later." I'm sure that's Hikaru. I can tell by the verbiage, and I can tell them apart almost all the time when I'm observing them. It's when they actively don't want to be told apart when I have problems.

Yuki-chan pulled back from me and blew them a raspberry. What the hell. I did, too.

"Because Haruhi and Shinobu can't be active, Tamaki-kun and I came up with quiet games." Renge led us over to a cupboard in the lounge area and opened it. Board games. And cards.

"Hell!" Hikaru yelled and reached for the stacks.

"No," Ritsu snapped. "Bu can't play because of her blood pressure and Haruhi can't because of her hand."

"But…"

"It's alright if you want to play without me."

"No, my darling friend." How is she not tired of him calling her that? "We should play something we can all do together."

"But Tamaki-sen…Tamaki, there really isn't a game fourteen can play."

"She's right, Boss."

That's when Satoshi noticed the game console. "Hey, Ritsu, Kaoru, Hikaru, I challenge you to a race." He'd opened the cabinet with the games and held up one, "Motorcycles."

"You are so on."

"Careful who you challenge, Satoshi."

"As the only one that knows how to drive a real one, all of you should be worried."

"But…"

I know Chika would rather be working on his portfolio – it's basically his form of game – but he reached in and grabbed 'Clue'. "Anyone want to play this with me?"

Yuki, Shinobu, and I joined him.

"But…"

"There's a Go board, Takashi."

"Hn," he picked it up and led her to a table near the window.

"But…"

Renge put her arm around Tamaki, "It's alright. How about you and I play Jenga."

"We'll join you, Tama-chan!" And the last four, Tamaki, Renge, Honey, and Cho, set up the tower to start the game.

.

I pulled the folder out from under the board, "Mrs. White in the library with the candlestick," then checked to see.

"Shit." Guess this headache is messing with my concentration.

"Mrs. White in the kitchen with the candlestick."

I tossed the cards down to show Yuki she'd won. She let out a squeal and clapped her hands. Guess if she gets such a kick out of winning this stupid game, I won't be upset I lost.

How the hell are we going to tell them we're married? Do I just fucking say it? 'Hey, by the way, Asshole and I got married in Vegas'. Who does that? Haruhi got it, but will the rest of them understand? Does it matter?

"You're turn, Shinobu." I looked at the board and realized they'd reset it and dealt new cards.

.

"No fair," Satoshi dropped his controller and pouted at Ritsu.

"We'll have to go back out to the dirt bike track soon. Maybe you're better on the real thing," he punched his shoulder, grinning ear to ear.

"Yeah, Ritsu, I'll kick your ass."

"Ah, Hika. Remember last time? You barely made it to the finish line."

"Whatever."

"I know," I snapped my fingers, "once the girls are better, we should all go out."

"Maybe, but I can't see Haruhi driving one of those."

"Yeah. Or even wanting to watch."

"It doesn't always have to be the whole group."

"OK. Mid-November?"

.

I gently placed the block on the top, but…

Crash

"Dammit."

"Cho-chan!" Honey-kun gasped. But I've said worse playing Hell.

"Sorry, Honey-kun," and I kissed him with cake lip gloss and all was forgiven.

"What's everyone doing tomorrow?"

"I'm not sure, my love. I'm caught up at the gallery and classes haven't started."

"I don't have to go into Bun Bun's, and we're in between training groups."

"Oooo," I started bouncing, "we should go back to the gachapon store and see what new toys they have in the machines."

"Great idea, Cho. I wonder if anyone else would want to go."

.

"I resign."

She dropped her head, and I watched her left hand fall into her lap and start to pick on her right cuff. She hadn't moved her right hand the entire game.

I glanced across the room and caught Nagata's eye, giving him the signal. Security decided that we only needed two on the floor with us and chose Nagata and Shimizu. The rest of the guards on duty were stationed throughout the building, with several in the lobby. No one was getting in here.

Not that they thought anyone would try, but…

"Here you go, Haruhi-sama," he handed her an icepack which she gratefully took.

"How did you know?"

"I've been watching you long enough to pick up on the signs."

"Thank you," and she proceeded to wrap it around her hand. "I don't have the brain power for another. Let's watch the racing tournament."

"Hn."

.

xXx

.

Late Evening, Ooka Artist Co-op:

"Truth or Dare."

"No."

"Boring."

"It's not boring you crazy twin. We can learn so much about each other!"

I looked around at the couples in the room. Yuki's sitting on Akito's lap, his hand resting on her inner thigh just above her knee. Cho and Honey are sitting squished together in one seat, and he keeps giving her quick kisses to taste her lip gloss. Ritsu's rubbing Shinobu's shoulders, her head leaning back on his chest. Mori's practically hovering over Haruhi like a bodyguard. Hell, even the boss is making goo-goo eyes at Renge and playing with her hair.

"I'm not sure I want to learn more about some of you."

"Yeah, especially since 'Truth or Dare' always ends up with questions about sex."

I gave Hika a thumbs up and tried to think of something else to play. But it was Haruhi who came up with it.

"How about 'Never have I ever'?"

"Never heard of it."

Akito looks lost, too.

"Easy. You put up all ten fingers and go around the circle. When it's your turn, you make a statement like 'never have I ever lived on a boat'. But you have to have never done whatever you say. Anyone that has, has to put down a finger. Last one with a finger left wins."

"Can you do that with your hand?"

She shrugged, "I'll just use my left hand twice."

"OK, let's do it."

We pulled the chairs and sofas into a better circle and chose Haruhi to go first.

.

I thought for a bit, then decided to knock out over half of them at once. "Never have I ever had a sibling."

"Ooo! Sneaky, Haru-chan."

Takashi, Honey, Cho, Akito, Chika, Satoshi, Renge, Karou, Hikaru, and Shinobu all put down their fingers. I forgot about Shinobu's brother. She gave me a quick half smile, reading my mind.

She was next. "Never have I ever gone to university."

Takashi, Honey, Cho, Akito, and Tamaki all lost a finger leaving just Ritsu, Yuki, and me with all ten.

"Your turn, Asshole."

"Never have I ever," he looked around and when his eyes landed on Tamaki, he smirked. Not good. "Played the piano."

"Not fair. You can't just target one person."

"Actually, Boss, that's exactly how this is played."

"Fine," he huffed and put down a finger.

Cho did too. "Mother wanted me to learn. I didn't last more than a month."

Hikaru was next and he gave me a huge grin. Guess I'm going to lose a finger. "Never have I ever modeled women's clothes."

"Wait. Does wearing one of Kaoru's suits on the fashion show red carpet count?"

"Yep."

"Nuts."

Renge, Cho, Yuki, and I all put a finger down.

"That just leaves Ritsu," Karou smirked. "Never have I ever worn a kitty cat maid outfit."

Ritsu turned as red as his hair as he put a finger down.

"This I gotta hear, Asshole."

"Later you crazy chick."

They were all staring at him, so I think I was the only one to see Cho put a finger down. She's got the least left with only five.

.

And now it's my turn. What can I do to get that ruffian? Play the piano…well, how about, "Never have I ever carried Beary around Ouran."

"Ah, Boss, you have carried that stupid bear around Ouran."

"A bear too? I need details."

"Later."

"Hush, you crazy twin. I'm trying to get him."

"Then don't use things you've done."

"Never have I ever…driven a motorcycle."

"Got me there, Tamaki."

"Me, too."

Ritsu, Shinobu, and "Akito?"

"Yeah, I thought it would make me cool. Father had a fit when he found out."

"Cho? You've driven a motorcycle?"

"Oh, driven? Not rode on one?"

"Nope, driven."

"Well then," and she put a finger back up.

Now it's my wonderful fiancée's turn.

"Never have I ever competed in the Olympics."

"Boring…"

"I had to think of something for Chika and Mori."

.

My turn. I looked around at everyone's hands. The twins, Haruhi and Yuki all still have nine. "Time to get you, Hikaru and Kaoru. Never have I ever dated an Italian twin."

"No fair, Satoshi."

"Yeah. I'll get you when it's my turn."

That's when Yuki spoke up, "Cho?" She only has four left.

"Well, there was this exchange student in middle school…"

"Cho-chan," Mitsukuni squeaked.

"It's alright, Honey-kun." She squeezed his hand three times. "You're my first kiss." And she kissed him again. And he licked his lips. She must have just put on more of that cake lip gloss.

"Get. A. Room."

Chika cleared his throat, "Never have I ever smoked a cigarette."

Jerk. He knows I tried one in middle school. I dropped a finger, and Taka stared at me. "Just one puff. It was terrible."

Ritsu didn't surprise me. I figured he might have tried it at some point, but Akito? He's a doctor.

"Akito-kun?"

.

How do I explain this? Maybe best I don't in front of the whole group. "I smoked in college. I don't anymore."

"Oh. OK."

Then, "Cho-chan?" Honey's looking at her like he's never seen her before.

"Well, you know Father smokes. I tried it once when I was little. Like Satoshi said, it was disgusting."

Alright, we need to get this game going. Shinobu, the twins, Tamaki, Renge, Chika, and Honey all still have eight. Yuki-chan and Haruhi both still have nine.

What can I use that will get almost all of them? And maybe skip Cho. She only has three left.

Taken art history? That gets Renge, Haruhi, and Yuki, but not the twins.

What about something from the island? [The Way Forward]

"Never have I ever gone parasailing."

Perfect. Hikaru, Karou, Satoshi, Mori, Haruhi, Honey, and…oops…Cho.

"I only have two fingers left."

"It's alright, Cho-chan."

Yuki gave me a flirty look, "Never have I ever kissed a girl."

Everyone but Shinobu, Cho, Chika, and Yuki put a finger down.

"Renge-chan?"

"Haruhi?"

"Satoshi? I thought you didn't mess around with those girls."

"I kissed Haruhi after I beat Taka at that world cup, remember?"

"Oh, yeah."

Tamaki tried again, "Renge-chan?"

"Remember when I was fake dating Haruhi? I kissed her on the cheek."

"Cheeks don't count."

"Oh, never mind then." And she and Haruhi both put a finger back up.

"Don't worry, Chika. I'm sure Koizumi-san will kiss you if you let her."

"Shut up."

.

Finally, my turn. I turned to Yuki and laughed, "Never have I ever live streamed by accident."

She flushed red and put a finger down.

But so did Hikaru. "I fucked up the first time I tried TikTok."

Honey-kun did a quick glance around. "We need to go faster, or we'll be here all night. Shinobu-chan, Renge-chan, Chika-chan, Yuki-chan, and Haru-chan all still have eight."

"Then hurry up, Alien."

"Never have I ever gotten drunk."

"That took care of Shinobu, Ritsu, Hikaru, Kaoru, Satoshi, Akito, Cho, and Haruhi. Good job."

"Cho-chan?"

I batted my eyelashes at him, "You remember our private party for my graduation?"

Honey-kun turned pinker than Usa-chan.

.

Mori smiled down at Haruhi, "Never have I ever owned a pet food company."

"Got me."

But she still has one finger on her first time using her left hand.

"Honey's right. Now that we're back to Haruhi, we need to pick up the pace."

She looked up at me with a grin. "Never have I ever been engaged."

Then all of a sudden, all the color drained from her face. I saw her mouth 'Kyoya', then Mori bent over and whispered something to her. She nodded and looked back at all of us.

Bastard Ootori. It doesn't count if you were forced, Haruhi. I'm sure that's what Mori said.

Tamaki-kun and I put a finger down along with Akito, Yuki, Ritsu, and Shinobu. Finally, one that Cho didn't do. She's only got one left.

Shinobu winked at Ritsu, "Never have I ever dressed as a dragon."

"Fuck."

"I'll get you, Haruhi. Never have I ever flown commercial."

Karou smacked his arm, "When would she have done that, Hika. She didn't have a passport until this year."

"If you had waited until next month, you would have gotten me. I'm flying to Seoul for the first trial."

"What about when you inspected the factory?"

"She flew in the Haninozuka jet with the karate team."

"Well then why did you put a finger down, Chika?"

"Because I had to catch a commercial flight after that emergency landing coming back from that world cup before the island."

"Oh."

"Wait," Kaoru pointed at Akito and Yuki, "when did you fly commercial?"

"Going to the Olympics, New Orleans, Yellowstone, and Washington DC." She shook her head, "It really isn't that bad."

I could see Haruhi bite her lip. She's getting better.

"My turn. This one's for you, Haruhi," Karou laughed. "Never have I ever worn La Perla."

He got all us girls with that.

"That was my last finger," Cho pouted.

And Shinobu, Ritsu, Hikaru, Karou, Satoshi, Akito, Yuki, Mori and Haruhi are down to one hand.

Time to get my fiancé. "Never have I ever owned a dog."

"Renge-chan!"

I just smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"This gets almost everyone. Ready?"

"Just say it, Satoshi."

"Never have I ever learned to drive."

Satoshi, Chika, Yuki, and Haruhi were the only ones that didn't lose a finger.

"Chika," Satoshi elbowed him, "your turn."

"Never have I ever lived in another country."

Akito leaned over and gave Yuki a kiss. "Never have I ever sold a piece of my art."

She blushed but smiled at Haruhi. "Never have I ever owned two cats."

"And I wouldn't give up either of those purring machines," Haruhi laughed as she put down a finger.

"Never have I ever had surgery."

After a second, it hit her. "I'm so sorry, Haruhi. Shinobu. I didn't mean…"

"It's alright, Cho."

"Yeah, don't worry about it."

Shinobu, Ritsu, Karou, Satoshi, Akito, and Haruhi all lost a finger.

"Akito's out!"

"Kaoru?"

"Appendicitis when I was four."

"So, you two doppelgangers aren't identical."

"Yeah, Boss, but you'd have to cut us open to figure it out."

"It's your turn, Honey-kun."

"Oh…ummm…"

"Ritsu only has one left."

"Never have I ever had natural red hair."

"You're out, Asshole."

"Yeah, you only have three left, you crazy chick."

.

Now that I'm out, I leaned back and opened another beer. I was surprised he had them, but more of us are over eighteen than under.

Mori gave Hikaru an evil look. "Never have I ever owned a hedgehog."

"Shit." And he's down to one.

Haruhi did a quick check. "One more round and it's over, no matter what."

"OK."

"Sure."

"Yeah, this is getting boring."

"Yeah, it's not like we're learning anything crazy about any of you."

With Cho, Akito, and me out, that leaves Chika winning at seven, then Honey at five, Mori, Tamaki, Renge, and Yuki at four, Haruhi, Satoshi, and Bu at three. Karou at two, and Hikaru at one.

But then Bu leaned over and whispered in Haruhi's ear.

"You sure?"

"Yeah. Do it."

"OK…Never have I ever gotten married in Las Vegas."

And Bu put a finger down.

Perfect.

.

Wait. What?

I covered my ears when Renge squealed, "You're married!"

"Yup."

"You eloped?"

"Yup."

"How romantic."

I looked up at Akito-kun, and he was nodding his head. "You knew?"

"I suspected."

"What gave us away?" Shinobu called over all the comments.

"You both just seemed more grounded after that trip."

"Do your parents know?"

"Yeah. They found out during all that shit last week."

"What a way to find out your daughter's married."

"No shit. Thought my mother was going to kill both of us."

"What about your wedding in the summer?"

"We're having that. Need a traditional one to keep the syndicates happy."

"Wait a minute," Renge's shaking her head, "you're telling us you've been married since…"

"September third."

"That's over a month."

"Yup," Ritsu waggled his eyebrows and gave a goofy grin.

"So that remodel?"

"We're moving in the first weekend of November, so our wing needs to be done by then."

"Holy shit."

"You said it, little brother."

Karou just rolled his eyes.

"This calls for a huge party!"

"Tamaki…"

"We'll rent out the biggest ballroom we can find…"

"Tamaki-kun…"

"Ooo. We could hold it at the flagship hotel where our wedding will be, Renge-chan."

"I'm not sure they want…"

"We'll hire the best orchestra and everyone will dress in their best. And the cake…"

"Cake!?"

"Yes, Honey-sen…Honey, the cake." He waived his hands up high. "It will be huge. With at least ten tiers, and roses, and trellis, and gold accents…"

"Tamaki…"

"And I'll make sure you get the honeymoon suite for the night." He clasped his hands together and tucked them under his chin, "I always thought Renge-chan and I would be the first married, but this is so romantic…"

"TAMAKI-SENPAI!" Ritsu roared, tired of trying to be nice. "No. Just no."

"But…"

Shinobu put a hand on Ritsu's arm to calm him down, "It's a sweet offer, but we're going to get enough ceremony and romance to fill Mount Fuji with the wedding my mother's planning."

I covered my smile at the way he just deflated. "But I wanted to celebrate."

"We'll think of something. Maybe a trip over winter holidays."

Renge cut him off before he could protest, "I think that sounds perfect."

.

They're married.

Shinobu and Ritsu are married.

They eloped and now they're married.

I looked up at Honey-kun through my lashes. He's still staring at them like he doesn't understand.

They're married, and we're not.

We don't even have a contract.

Tamaki and Renge. Akito and Yuki. They're engaged and will be married in April.

Even if we get the contract done soon, it will be at least a year before we can get married. Maybe longer. I still haven't seen the parts of the contract that the Haninozuka's insist on not changing.

.

Shinobu-chan and Ritsu-chan are married?

And Cho-chan and I don't even have a contract yet.

It's time to get our parents together again.

.

"What do you think, Asshole."

"That's one way to drop a bomb, Bu."

"I thought so."

We decided, and the opportunity was just too perfect.

But I think the game's over. They're still asking so many questions.

I told them about how Dai gave me the Chiba Syndicate, and I renamed it. Some of them hadn't been told yet.

"So, you're not just an heir, you're a boss?"

"Yeah." I guess I am.

Shit. I am.

I'm a yakuza boss.

Fuck me sideways.

.

xXx

.

Once things calmed down, I texted the caterers to bring in dessert. Or, at least everyone else's dessert. We had a table full of cupcakes for Honey this whole time.

"Is the game over?"

"Yeah, Boss. I guess Chika won." Hikaru grinned at him, "You're the most boring one here."

"Thanks."

"Everyone, please help yourselves to a late-night snack. We have one more activity before bed."

"Is this what I think it is, Tama-chan?"

"Yes. Get your surprises ready."

"Surprise? What surprise?"

"It's a surprise for you, my darling friend." He held out a pink gift box, "Please open mine first."

She took it with her left hand, and it dropped into her lap. "It's heavy. What is it?"

"Open it and see."

Takashi helped her with the ribbon. "Buckyballs?"

"Open ours next, Haruhi," and Kaoru handed her a gift bag. "We figured a bag would be easier to open with your hand."

"More like the maid figured," Hikaru mumbled.

"But I don't understand Tamaki's gift yet."

"Just open it. You'll get it."

This time it was a rubber purse with pop buttons all over it.

"Good job, guys."

"Thanks, Renge."

"A rubber purse…?"

"Maybe this will help, Haruhi." Akito handed her a gift bag with kittens on it.

She looked around at all of us and then at Mori. He reassured her with a smile.

"Alright." She pulled out a stress ball and then a jar of slime.

"Your physical therapist will be giving you these at some point, but the idea matched the surprise, so I'm giving them to you ahead of time."

She squeezed the ball a couple of times then opened the jar. "Strawberries?"

"It's not an official medical tool, but I thought it was more interesting than the rehabilitation putty they'll probably give you."

"You still don't get it, do you, Haruhi?"

"No…"

"Try this one," and Satoshi tossed his small box to Mori.

He held it out and she lifted the lid. "A keychain with a keyboard button on in?"

"Give it a press."

She clicked it a couple of times. "That's kinda fun."

"Glad you like it."

"Ours next," and Cho passed a bag down to her.

She pulled out a rubber strip about two centimeters wide. "What is it?"

"It's a bracelet. Mori, can you help her put it on."

"Put it on her left wrist, so she can try it with her right hand," Akito suggested.

He slipped it on and snapped it shut. "It's the same thing that's on the purse."

"That's right, Haru-chan. Just push the buttons and they pop."

.

What is all this weird stuff? Rubber purses? Slime?

I pushed one and it popped back. I like the feel of the rubber.

"Mine's practical," Renge said as she handed a long, flat box over.

Pencils with more of the pop things at the top.

"I still don't get it."

"Geeze, Haruhi," Hikaru rolled his eyes, "they're fidget toys."

"Fidget? I don't fidget."

"The hell you don't," Kaoru growled at me. "Honami-san's had to send over a dozen pieces from the line to have their hems or seams fixed because you've picked them apart."

My face started to heat up.

"And how many times did you ruin the bandages on your hand before the stitches came out?"

"Oh."

"Lots of people fidget, Haruhi, or they wouldn't make these things."

"They do look like fun."

"Then you'll love ours." Shinobu smacked Ritsu's arm, "Give it to her, Asshole."

"Yeah. Yeah. Crazy wife."

It was a phone case.

"Turn it over." I did. "You tilt it and make that ball run through the maze."

"Oooo…I want to try. Please, Haruhi…"

"Sure," and I passed it down to Tamaki.

Chika handed me an envelope and I pulled out strips?

"They're sticky. You put them on your laptop or tablet or anything really and rub them. The texture's supposed to help you focus."

There were five. "I'll put one on my laptop when I get home, but I'm not sure about the rest if the phone case already has a maze."

"You don't have to use them all," he smiled, "just know that you can."

That just leaves…

I turned and Takashi held out a velvet ring box.

.

When not only Haruhi, but all the other girls in the room gasped, I realized my mistake.

I should have had it wrapped in a regular box.

"Takashi…"

I opened it for her. "It's a fidget ring." A wide gold base with three thinner silver rings over it that spun freely.

"Shit, Mori. I thought you were proposing."

"No kidding, Bu. That's what I thought."

"Oh, please," Renge huffed, "they're nowhere near ready for that."

I lifted it out of the box and handed it to her. I wasn't going to put it on her finger after everyone's reaction. "I had it sized to your pointer finger so you can spin them with your thumb."

She slipped it on and gave the silver rings a spin.

She reached up behind my neck and pulled me towards her. "Thank you. It's beautiful." Then our lips connected, and I went gooey.

"Now that you've got all that stuff, I don't want to see another piece from my line coming back with a picked apart seam or hem."

"You won't." She looked around at everyone, "Thanks. I love them."

.

xXx

.

Sunday, October 9:

Very Early Morning, Ooka Artist Co-op:

In…

Out…

In…

Out…

It's OK, Haruhi. He's not here.

You're safe.

But where?

Tamaki…

Co-op…

Capsule hotel…

Can't breathe…

I rolled out of the bed and practically flew out the door.

I'd left it open.

It wasn't enough.

.

I looked up from my phone when I heard bare feet pattering down the hall.

She looks like shit.

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Couldn't sleep."

"Me either."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

I don't want to talk about it either. Fucking capsule hotel. It's like sleeping in a closet, except my closet's bigger. Add a snoring Ritsu and there's no way I was getting any sleep.

She sat down on the sofa across from me and curled her legs under her. I hid a smile when she started spinning that ring Mori gave her. I think he startled all of us with that fucking box. Could tell from the look on his face it never occurred to him.

"How's the eye?"

"The patch can come off Monday, and the doc's doing a scan on Friday."

I finished the email to my second and looked up at her, "You ready for the fashion show?"

She just snorted and shook her head. "I don't get ready for those things. I just survive them." More spinning. "Do you want to come?"

"I'd rather study my biology."

"That bad?"

"That bad."

I started another email, and she kept spinning.

We both looked up when we heard footsteps.

"Renge?"

"Got up for some water and saw the light. Mind if I join you?"

"Nope."

Haruhi just shook her head.

.

Perfect timing. I'll get to talk to Haruhi and Shinobu will back me up.

I took a deep breath. She's going to hate this.

"Haruhi?"

"Hmm?"

"You need to take your security more seriously." I held up a hand when she started to speak. "After everything that happened, you may think you are, but the way you just opened your own door and practically ran from the car shows you aren't."

"Renge," she sighed, "I know you mean well, but I've already had this discussion with the Morinozuka's, Takashi, Chika, and Nagata. I don't need you lecturing me too."

I pulled back and thought for a moment. If she's gotten a lecture from all those people (and I don't think she'd exaggerate), then she doesn't need it from me.

But what does she need?

"They tried locking the car doors." It was so quiet, I barely heard her.

"They what?" Shinobu growled.

"They tried locking the car doors so I couldn't open them myself and get out before they were ready." I'm sure that didn't go well. "Nagata told me he was doing it, but the first time we stopped, and I reached for the handle, and it wouldn't open, I had a panic attack. I was trapped. I couldn't get out."

It's almost scary to hear her tell this in such a calm, soft, emotionless voice.

"Nagata opened the door when he heard me yelling. I would have fallen on the pavement if he hadn't caught me."

"For fuck's sake," Shinobu mumbled under her breath, then in the same calm tone Haruhi was using, she asked, "They aren't still doing that, are they?" It's like she was afraid of spooking Haruhi. I'm sure she wanted to yell or something. I know I do.

"No." This whole time she hasn't looked up from that ring Mori gave her. Just keeps spinning it with her thumb. "They only did it that once. Now Ebisu's sitting in the back with me. When it's OK for me to come out, he helps me. The doors aren't locked anymore."

"I'm sorry all that's happening." What else am I going to say? That lecture sure isn't going to happen now.

I'm not sure she heard me.

"I can't sleep here. The room's too small."

"I'm with you there. It's even smaller with a snoring Asshole."

So glad I wasn't taking a sip of my water when she said that. Still choked a bit. Only got a small half smile from Haruhi.

"Chika told me I needed to stop fighting and accept that this is my new life. That living with the Morinozuka's isn't temporary. Isn't something to just get through. That trying to hold on to some independence from before isn't helping. It's hurting. It's making it harder."

"He's not wrong, Haruhi."

She looked up at Shinobu, and we watched a tear slide down her face. "I know. I'm trying."

It's so quiet, I can hear her spinning that ring.

"The Morinozuka's offered to bring Mom, Dad, and Jaruo-san to their estate. To include them with their family."

.

Fuck.

I glanced over at Renge. Her mouth's open.

Neither of us responded. I think we're afraid she'll stop talking.

"I haven't decided yet. I think I'll wait to see what November fourth is like." She shivered, and I tossed her the blanket I wasn't using.

"But just them offering helped. Helped me realize that living there is permanent. That my family has grown."

"That's wonderful, Haruhi," Renge smiled. An encouraging smile. Like she was trying to reassure a child.

"I decided to start calling them Umeko-obasan and Akira-ojisan." She ducked her head further, but I saw the tips of her ears turn pink.

It's a big step.

"I'm sure they're happy with the change."

"They are." She looked up at both of us, and the corners of her mouth turned up, "And I think I am too. Or, at least, I'm getting closer."

"And after everything, that's huge."

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

Long chapter, but I had too much fun writing the 'Never have I ever' game part, so I just kept going.

First…momstable and beancounter…stop hacking my outlines! It's spooky how the two of you predict where I'm going with different arcs. Maybe we should all collaborate on an original YA series.

It's down right freaky how momstable called the fidgets. Even down to Mori giving her a ring. That's right…I was planning on that before I saw your review. I've had a fidget ring for months and love it, so I figured she'd like one too. Of course, mine was about 10 bucks.

I was able to Zoom with Dad Friday while he's cruising across the Atlantic and read him all the reviews he's missed. Several things sparked interesting discussions (And no, I'm not telling you which things. You'll read about them when we get there and there will be shout-outs) and we added different things to a couple of our arcs.

And since I'm discussing reviews…ktmyldy28 – thanks for your love of Akito. Hope you like what I did with him in this one.

Mimiluvbug – thanks for the idea of moving the remains to their own place with a koi pond. And I probably won't be showing Hikaru's response video. Your imagination will probably be funnier than what I'd write.

And some good news…Dad gets back next Friday, so Chapter 21 will be fully vetted and maybe I'll be able to get some written ahead of schedule. It's been harder to write with him gone. Motivation's been lacking, and you all are too nice to say it, but I've seen it in the writing. I'm not going to let him go on another round-the-world cruise again. 128 days is too long to be gone. Unless he takes me with him…

Back to the chapter…

Their talk about moving the marker and remains to the estate took a while. I figured Satoshi would be best to realize what she needed in the end. Wanted to give him a bit of the spotlight. And his idea for the new honorifics has been building for a while. With everything she's been going through and everything I have planned for the group for the rest of the book, it's time for Haruhi to have that realization about family and get on with it. It won't be all smooth sailing from here, but she will be more accepting. Even of the rich bastard lifestyle. But she'll never let go of her charitable commoner roots. It's what's made the entire group better people.

I won't get into the nuts and bolts of the Shiraishi Syndicate. It's not relevant. Although Dad and I love writing those two. I think we write an entire story on just them. Different things about the new syndicate will come up, but because of the way she got it and other circumstances, the rest of the syndicates will leave her alone for a while, so she'll have time to get her feet under her. Different parts of this will pop up, but mainly it will be in the background.

So, I use face soap, moisturizer, eye cream, powder, and eyebrow pencil, and that's it. I had to google to come up with the list Haruhi now has. And now that she's got the skin care line for her, I'll be letting this go.

Haruhi's not telling anyone yet about her nightmares about the knife guy. We all know she has nothing to worry about with him. Ritsu and Kyoya took care of him for good. Will it get bad enough for her to tell someone?

Dad and I've known for a while that the marriage would come out over a party game during this sleepover, but I did have to explain the game to him. I had so much fun writing it but realized a few questions in that keeping track of 140 fingers was too much. So, being the complete geek I am, I built a spreadsheet that automatically tallied the fingers as I wrote the questions. I showed it to Dad on our zoom and he laughed and said he probably would have done the same thing.

I thought it would be really funny if one of them had basically done everything, so I picked Cho. Poor Honey. But it was fun to write.

And the marriage cat is out of the bag. And Cho and Honey aren't reacting well.

And Haruhi told Renge and Shinobu (the girls she's closest to) about what happened. I think telling them did some good. Probably made it all more real to her.

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Next Chapter:

No idea.

I'm so far behind on the outline and writing. I know what arcs are coming, but not the specific scenes.

Can't wait until Dad gets back.

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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.