Haruhi leaned against the wall watching the hustle and bustle as her children worked together to set up the ballroom for the anniversary party. She couldn't help smiling at the banner that Sawa and Gosuke, her youngest twins, had insisted on making. "Happy 25th Anniversary (or 30th or whatever)," it read. Hearing footsteps, she looked to her left.

"They are certainly having a lot of fun with that, aren't they?" her husband commented. Takashi looked down lovingly at his petite wife. Except for the longer hair and more rounded figure, she had barely changed at all from the young woman he met so many years ago. There were still times when he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have her choose him over all the others.

Looking up, Haruhi noticed the tender expression on her husband's face. "He really does get more handsome every year," she thought admiringly. "He's approaching fifty and still doesn't have a single grey hair. All the other former Host Club members are showing significant grey at the temples, though it's more difficult to see on some because it blends in with the blond hair." She was distracted from her thoughts by her husband's chuckle that she felt more than heard.

She turned and followed his gaze to where their six children were working together to hang two portraits beneath the banner. On one end, their oldest three children were hanging an enlarged copy of their official wedding photo with them in traditional shiromuku and hakama.

At the other end, their three youngest were hanging an enlarged photo that the Hitachiin twins had given them as a gag gift on their public wedding day. It was a photo Kaoru had taken with his phone at their private first wedding ceremony in the presence of the Emperor, who could even be seen in the background off to one side.

Takashi wrapped his arms around Haruhi's waist and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. She laid her hands atop her husband's arms as she relaxed in his strong and loving embrace.

Their youngest son, Gosuke, wrinkled his nose at their pose and muttered, "Get a room."

Takakura, their oldest daughter, looked at them with her arms crossed. "There are more than two hours before the party starts, so why don't you go take advantage of the room we booked for you here at the hotel."

Her minutes-younger twin brother, Isami, added, "One of us will come get you before it's time for guests to arrive." He paused before adding with a grin, "Just be sure you are presentable. We don't want to traumatize the younger ones if we have to send one of them."

Haruhi looked seductively up at her husband and replied, "No promises." Takashi offered his arm with a raised eyebrow and lift of the corner of his mouth.

"Oh please," Gosuke's minutes-older twin Sawa sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "It's far too late for that. Their antics have been traumatizing us for years."

Good-natured laughter followed the couple as they strolled out of the ballroom and headed for the elevators. Waiting for the car, Haruhi whispered, "We do have the time to…"

Takashi shook his head. "Not enough. You know how I like to…savor our time together." He bent down and nuzzled her ear.

Fanning herself for effect, she replied, "That you do. I guess I can wait until after the party is over."

"Then we can go have a party of our own," he murmured huskily as the elevator doors opened.

Alone in the car, Haruhi commented, "Takakura is really becoming quite the confident young woman. She is a good choice for the Morinozuka heir."

"Her business proposal to expand into specialized bodyguards for celebrities was a masterful presentation. Her first class will be graduating next week," Takashi agreed. "There was an incident that I observed last week that you would have appreciated."

"Oh really? What was it?" she prompted.

"Takakura was observing one of her students who was acting as bodyguard for a Korean popstar in town for an interview. There were several paparazzi crowding them at the entrance to a restaurant. Takakura grabbed the two most aggressive men by the collars and announced, 'You two will do nicely.' Then she promptly dragged them back to the school where she used them in a training exercise for her students in techniques of dealing with paparazzi. By the time she was done with them, they were apologizing profusely for their bad manners and promising never to do it again."

Haruhi laughed at the image of her daughter, who was only an inch taller than her, intimidating the men. "People do tend to underestimate her…to their chagrin."

"Not just that," he continued. "The student guarding the celebrity handily dealt with the rest. One actually tried to grab the popstar and was surprised by the speed with which the bodyguard wrenched his arm up between his shoulder blades. 'I will not allow you to assault my charge,' was all she growled before the rest of the crowd dispersed."

Nodding, Haruhi said, "Takakura has definitely found her niche."

"That reminds me, where's Sho?" Takashi asked. "I thought he said he would be here."

"Oh, he will be. He drove up to Karuizawa to pick up Dad and Misuzu," Haruhi replied. "He wanted to spend some quality time with them."

Takashi placed his hand in the middle of Haruhi's back as the elevator doors opened. She slipped her arm around his waist in response. As they walked down the hall toward their room, he commented, "Their relationship was quite a surprise to everyone."

Chuckling, Haruhi agreed, "It did cause quite a stir since he was the third son. And then there were all the rumors that he was your illegitimate offspring."

"Just because Hina Usami was one of my regular designates in the Host Club does not mean that I had a relationship with her," Takashi protested teasingly.

"I know that." She patted his chest lightly as she turned to stand in front of him. "I never doubted your fidelity for a second."

Takashi pulled out the keycard and opened the door, allowing Haruhi to precede him into the room. "It impressed me that Takakura did the research and found that he looked exactly like his maternal great-grandfather," he commented as he closed the door.

"She overheard his brothers harassing him about looking like you and wouldn't stand for such an injustice. But she did want to check her facts before confronting them." Haruhi turned around and pinned him to the door before pulling his head down for a passionate kiss.

Panting lightly as they pulled away for air, Takashi murmured, "I thought we agreed to wait until after."

"I agreed to wait until after for more involved activities," Haruhi said with an impish grin. "I reserve the right to kiss my husband whenever I get the opportunity."

"You are quite the mischievous little tanuki," he declared as he lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Walking over to the sofa, he settled down with his wife straddling his lap. He held her hips as he kissed her softly and slowly, starting at her collar bone and working his way up to her lips.

"Now who's getting impatient?" Haruhi teased, running her fingers through his hair.

"Hey, Miyuki," Takakura called. "Is the slideshow ready yet?"

Looking up from her laptop, she called back, "Just about. I'm reconsidering the order of some of the Host Club pictures."

Isami suggested, "Why don't you run a preview for us? That way we can lend a hand, or eye as the case may be." He looked at his watch and then glanced around the room. "We should have more than enough time. The only thing left is the refreshments, and the caterers are managing that."

"Just leave us enough time to get changed." Maki waved at her outfit and then around at the others. "I don't think tattered t-shirts and shorts are exactly fitting for a high-class anniversary party."

Sawa shrugged. "What does it matter? Most of the elite families already think we're a bunch of hooligans."

Her twin brother, Gosuke, laughed loudly. "It's not our fault they make it sooooo easy to prank them. Their expressions alone are worth it."

Isami turned to his twin, Takakura and asked, "Are Sho and his family coming?"

"Just his mother," she replied. "They haven't spoken to his father or brothers since the drama about him supposedly being illegitimate. Until that night when I confronted them with the picture of Sho's maternal great-grandfather, his mother had no idea that her husband had been telling everyone she'd had an affair with Father."

"That's right. The paternity test was the talk of the gossip shows for weeks," Maki commented. "It was next to impossible to get the news of the new Paris fashions because they were re-hashing it even though no one cared."

Takakura muttered, "It served Sho's father and brothers right. They seemed to forget that the family fortune and business were hers. When she filed for divorce, she gave him what he brought to the marriage-the house in Hokkaido and a small stock portfolio. Both of which were in better shape because of her management, but they're on their own now."

"On to happier subjects," Isami interjected. "My fiancée, Mare, will be coming with her parents Hopefully, I can get them alone for a few minutes so we can discuss possible dates for the wedding."

Miyuki and Maki exchanged glances. "The Chiba and Kurata families will be here as well."

"Do you think they will be willing to discuss a partnership for my anime project? I know they have been pretty vocal about keeping kabuki 'pure' rather than diluting it with such a 'juvenile' medium," Gosuke asked.

Miyuki said, "Maki and I broached the idea with Subaru and Natsume during our last double date. They said their parents would definitely be interested. We can use the opportunity tonight to work out the details for you to give your presentation."

"Excellent," Gosuke enthused. "I have it all set up in the office at the Kawamura estate."

"I am going to be allowed in on this as well, right?" Sawa asked with a teasing pout.

"Of course. It will be good to have all four families working together on the project," Gosuke assured her.

Miyuki cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "If we're going to preview this and still have time to change, we'd better get started." As they gathered around, she started the slideshow.

"Sho, thank you so much for coming all the way to Karuizawa to give us a ride to the anniversary party," Ryoji twittered excitedly. "It's been so much fun having this road trip and getting to catch up."

"Think nothing of it, Grandpa Ryoji," Sho assured him. "I've been looking forward to having time to catch up with you and Auntie Misuzu."

Misuzu leaned forward from her place in the backseat and declared, "Oh, I have so much to tell you. My daughter Mei's son, Jiro, recently finished his business degree and decided that he wanted to work with me at the pension. Mei has never shown any interest in it at all. She's always been focused solely on fashion. Her two daughters are exactly the same way."

She paused to take a breath, but before anyone else could speak, Misuzu continued, "It was so refreshing when Jiro popped up and asked if he could help me out. He is sooo done with fashion, even though Mei really wanted him to take care of the business side of their little fashion venture. I can understand why Mei's husband decided to become a long-haul truck driver. The chaos is just so…chaotic in their household. Well, anyway, I was so glad that Jiro turned up. I was despairing that I would have someone to take over the pension eventually."

Taking another breath, she plowed on, "I had considered Haruhi at one time, as a favor to you, Ryoji, but then she married that refreshing Morinozuka boy and had so many other opportunities. I'm just glad I can keep it in the family. I'm also glad that Jiro insisted that we go to Haruhi's anniversary party and stay a whole week. It will be so much fun to shop in Tokyo while we're in the area."

Misuzu finally leaned back and relaxed, smiling broadly as she looked out the window at the scenery.

Ryoji paused to be sure she was really done before saying, "Sho, now you must tell us what your wife and her siblings have been up to."

Sho regaled them with stories about his and Takakura's training school for celebrity bodyguards. "Most of the first class already have contracts waiting for them as soon as they graduate. There's even a waiting list for those who want to take the classes. Uncle Mitsukuni is in negotiations to get classes for some of his special military trainees who will be working at embassies."

"That sounds wonderful," Ryoji remarked. "What about the others?"

The rest of the car ride was filled with stories of Takakura's siblings. Her twin brother, Isami, had taken on responsibility for the Fujioka trust. Sho regaled Misuzu and Ryoji with anecdotes about several building purchases Isami made, some of which were to impress his girlfriend Mare, now fiancée, with his intentions to settle down. He commented on Isami's strides moving into other real estate markets and expanding the portfolio around the world using his international business degree.

Then he moved on to the third oldest, Miyuki. She was working on her degree in graphic design with a concentration in photography. Subaru Kurata had confided to Sho about his plan to propose soon, as well as the fledgling ideas to revitalize the Kurata family's wig and accessory business.

"How do they plan to do that?" Misuzu interrupted, leaning forward to tap Sho's shoulder for attention. "Wigs are such a small niche."

Sho chuckled. "It's actually part of a joint project proposed by Gosuke. He plans to ask the Sawamura, Kurata, and Chiba families to join with the Kawamura Clan to revitalize kabuki theater through an anime, video game, and cosplay project. It will benefit all four families and who knows where it could ripple out to from there. He may be the youngest, but he certainly has the biggest ideas."

After answering questions about the project as best he could, he continued on to the fourth of Haruhi and Takashi's children, Maki. She and her boyfriend, Natsume Chiba, were focusing on advancing the Chiba costume business. They wanted to learn more about design and construction, so they made arrangements with Ageha Hitachiin for a two-year apprenticeship at Hitachiin Fashions rather than attending university.

"That just leaves Sawa, the next to youngest," Ryoji prompted.

Sho looked around to see that they were just entering the city. He reasoned that there was just enough time to explain how she had decided to get a chemistry degree with a minor in botany so she can expand the Sawamura cosmetics company, focusing on botanicals and other natural ingredients.

Before the car even came to a full stop, Misuzu was unbuckling her seatbelt and reaching for the door handle. "We're finally here," she squealed, and flung the door open as Sho slammed on the brakes.

"I really wish she would wait," Ryoji muttered, pinching his nose in exasperation at his long-time friend's extravagant behaviors.

Moving the car to a nearby parking space, Sho shook his head. "But then she wouldn't be Misuzu."

"How true," Ryoji agreed as he climbed out of the car and stretched after the long drive.

OHSHC

Hearing the knock on the door, Takashi started to stand up to answer it when he noticed the mischievous look in Haruhi's eyes. She stood up, pulled on the complimentary bathrobe, and mussed her hair as she walked to the door.

Glancing over her shoulder with a teasing smile, she held the neck closed and opened the door just a few inches. She watched the blush creep up the cheeks of her oldest son.

Looking anywhere but at his mother, Isami practically whined, "Mom, really?"

Laughing at his response, Haruhi opened the door wider and pulled him inside. Looking around, he saw that his father was sitting on the sofa, completely relaxed… and fully clothed. Isami heaved a sigh of relief as his mother removed the robe and slung it over the back of the armchair.

"Very funny," Isami muttered sarcastically. "Takakura sent me to tell you that Sho is back with Auntie Misuzu and Grandpa Ryoji."

Takashi rose smoothly from his seat on the sofa and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist while gesturing with the other hand for their son to lead the way.

"Just give me a moment to fix my hair," Haruhi murmured as she stepped away from her husband's embrace.

Isami muttered under his breath, "It's your own fault."

Haruhi turned and winked at him. "But the look on your face was priceless," she teased.

"HARUHIIIII!" Misuzu squealed, her tone rising at least an octave over the course of the name. She grabbed Haruhi and began spinning her around before stopping abruptly and holding a fist against her back. "I'm not as young as I used to be," Misuzu muttered disgruntledly.

Pulling Misuzu into a gentle hug, Haruhi said, "That's okay. I'm just glad you were able to come." She turned to one of her daughters. "Sawa, why don't you take Auntie Misuzu to get an ice pack for her back and a small glass of sake to help her relax?"

"Sure thing, Mom," Sawa replied, offering her arm to Misuzu.

Ryoji stood sedately and opened his arms. Smiling, Haruhi stepped forward and was gently engulfed. "I have missed you so much," he murmured into her hair. "But I know that you've been very busy lately." Leaning back, he held her at arm's length and shook his head. "You look so much like your mother."

"Thanks, Dad," Haruhi murmured, bowing her head slightly in remembrance of her mom.

Before she could say anything more, the door to the ballroom was thrown open and Tamaki stepped inside, announcing, "I'm here!" His eyes locked onto Haruhi, and he spread his arms wide. "HARUHI! My darling daughter! It's been too long. I'm sorry that I've been such a negligent father."

Ryoji stepped between Tamaki and Haruhi. His arms were crossed and his face set in a scowl. "You STILL have not grown out of your delusion…even after thirty years?" Ryoji growled.

Tamaki pulled in his arms and clasped his hands under his chin as he started to whimper, backing away from Haruhi's irate father.

Hime, Tamaki's wife, rolled her eyes and huffed, "Tamaki, you promised to behave yourself today. That was the condition for us attending your…friends' anniversary party." She beckoned imperiously for him to follow her as she walked toward Takashi and Haruhi.

Approaching the couple, Hime plastered an insincere smile on her face. "Takashi, so lovely to see you. Congratulations on your anniversary. I'm so glad I was there for the original ceremony."

Takashi nodded in acknowledgement of her sentiment while ignoring the condescension in her tone. "Thirty years later and still as self-absorbed as she was in high school," he thought to himself as Hime sashayed past him to talk to Haruhi. He turned to speak to a much-cowed Tamaki and noticed the growing line as more guests arrived.

Smirking condescendingly, Hime looked Haruhi up-and-down. "Tsk, you really haven't improved any after all these years." Casting a quick glance around, she taunted, "You'd better hurry up and have those other two heirs that you need. You're not getting any younger."

Haruhi resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she slipped on her best courtroom smile. "Why, Hime, I have no idea what you mean. We already have more than enough heirs. You really shouldn't discount your own daughters." She paused for effect. "Just look what you've been able to do with the Suoh banking and hospitality concerns while Tamaki focused on Ouran."

Hime tried to hide her surprise at Haruhi's praise as she responded, "Well, my marriage contract stated that the heir had to be male. Not all of us have things handed to us on a silver platter." Without waiting for a reply, she turned away and headed for the bar.

A more sedate Tamaki wished Haruhi the best before following his wife meekly. Haruhi watched him go as she thought, "Shizue was quite the study in contradictions. Choosing a strong-willed woman to marry her grandson but insisting on a male heir in the marriage contract. Maybe Hime will mellow some now that the harpy is gone." She shook her head to dispel those thoughts and returned her attention to the next person in the receiving line.

Takakura glanced surreptitiously around the ballroom, pinpointing each of her students. "Sho and I are probably the only ones who could pick out which people are security, and which are guests." She smiled to herself and then looked around for her husband. Seeing him near the bar talking to Hime, Takakura headed to join him.

Sawa was selecting a plate of hors d'oeuvres from the buffet for Misuzu. She was settled at a table near the bar, sipping a glass of sake to relax her back while watching the festivities. Ryoji sat across from her, drinking a beer and listening to her critique the fashions of the various guests.

Seeing Hime and Ryoji near the bar, Tamaki decided to move to another area of the ballroom and grace others with his presence. Grabbing a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, he joined a small group to regale them with his exploits as headmaster of Ouran.

Isami, Miyuki, Gosuke, and Maki mingled with the growing number of guests, making everyone feel welcome. They encouraged everyone to sit and chat while the other guests arrived. They explained that there would be other festivities in about an hour, allowing time for most of the guests to make their way through the receiving line.

At a small lull, Takashi glanced at his watch and noticed that only half an hour had passed. He smiled as he remembered Haruhi presenting it to him on the day she told him that they were going to be parents for the first time. He shook his head slightly to clear away the memories so he could focus on the current celebration.

Since Tamaki and Hime arrived, there had been a steady stream of family, friends, work associates, and high-family acquaintances, as well as a number of political and social ladder-climbers. As Yasuchika and his family came through the line, Takashi realized that Mitsukuni and Satoshi had not made an appearance yet. Though, given the chaos their children generated, it was no wonder that they were running late.

Takashi stiffened when a small commotion drew his attention to the ballroom entrance. He relaxed when he saw that it was the arrival of the emperor with his entourage, rather than the rambunctious group of Haninozuka and Morinozuka nieces and nephews that he was expecting.

The crowd parted and bowed respectfully as the emperor approached the guests of honor. Takashi and Haruhi bowed deeply, welcoming his majesty for gracing their humble celebration.

Chuckling, the emperor said, "It is a pleasure to be here. When father took ill several months ago, I promised him that I would attend your anniversary celebration. He followed your careers with interest."

"He will be missed," Takashi said. "Though you are doing an admirable job filling his shoes."

Haruhi smiled at the emperor. "I hope you will be able to stay for a bit and enjoy the festivities. Our daughter, Miyuki, has prepared a slideshow that will be shown in about half an hour."

The emperor's expression fell slightly. "I wish I could. A state engagement demands my presence on the other side of the city at that time."

Miyuki popped up at Haruhi's elbow. "If you would like, Your Majesty, I could email you a copy of the slideshow for perusal at your leisure."

A smile returned to the emperor's face. "What a splendid idea." He gestured to a man from his entourage. "Kai, provide the appropriate email address."

As the emperor moved along to speak to the heads of several elite families, another commotion erupted at the entrance to the ballroom. Five children between the ages of six and twelve burst through the doors, performing various martial arts moves in an apparent battle.

Takashi heard Yasuchika groan behind him and mutter, "Our brothers really need to learn to discipline their children."

As the battle approached the guests of honor, Takashi cleared his throat and pulled his eyebrows together in a frown at the combatants. Suddenly all five stood at attention and bowed in unison, murmuring, "Sorry, Uncle Sensei." Then they turned as one and bowed to Haruhi as they added, "Sorry, Aunt Haruhi."

A frazzled Satoshi appeared behind the children with his willowy wife. "Sorry about that, Taka-bro. Our pair got away from us when they saw their cousins." Takashi raised an eyebrow at him, and he paled slightly, swallowing any further excuses.

Seeing that his brother was rightfully repentant, Takashi lifted the corner of his lips in a small smile. "It's good to see you. How have the competitions been going?"

As the brothers talked about the karate, judo, and kendo competitions their students were involved in, Haruhi greeted Satoshi's wife. They chatted about the children for a few minutes before an undercurrent of laughter from the crowd drew their attention.

Everyone was looking at Mitsukuni and his wife as they finished hanging an enlarged photo between the two wedding portraits under the banner. It was obviously taken on that day back in high school when Haruhi had called out, "Takashi! You're alive!" and jumped into his arms.

Smirking at the couple, Mitsukuni said, "It seemed only fair that there be a picture from the beginning of the adventure." The cousins and their wives chatted for a few moments before realizing that the receiving line had grown once again. "We'll have dinner some time to catch up," Mitsukuni called over his shoulder as he led his wife toward the buffet table where their three unruly children were filling plates with precariously piled quantities of food.

Takashi and Haruhi turned back to the line of people waiting to congratulate them. The next group consisted of junior members of Haruhi's law firm. In addition to congratulations on their anniversary, they also praised Haruhi for the breach of contract case she had won just the previous day.

They started raving about the masterful way she had handled the attacks by the opposing lawyer. The subtle way she laid the groundwork for the breaching party to admit fraud had them in awe of her. He revealed that he had no intention of fulfilling the contract. He was sure her client would be unable to fulfill the terms of the contract completely and he had no intention of paying for their services.

Before the group could re-hash the entire case, Haruhi prompted them to move along because the line was growing. They agreed sheepishly and headed for the buffet. When she turned to the next well-wisher, she was face-to-face with Kyoya.

As a leggy, blue-eyed blond watched with a smirk, Haruhi pulled Kyoya into a hug. "Congratulations, Mr. Ambassador," Haruhi teased. "It's good to see you. And I can't help admiring the irony of you as the American ambassador to Japan."

"I…we almost didn't come," he admitted humbly. "But Grandpa Collins made it an order since he was the one to get me the appointment and Caroline insisted that she wanted to meet the Host Club. I knew everyone would be here." He paused before adding, "There's nothing any of us wouldn't do for you. It's been that way since you stumbled into Music Room Three all those years ago."

Smiling, Haruhi remarked, "I must admit I've been watching your career ever since Yoshio ground the Otori name into the dirt and took it from the pinnacle of the elite families to a pariah."

Caroline laid a hand on Haruhi's arm. "Kyoya told me all about what a scoundrel he used to be. I think he was trying to convince me that he was a ne'er-do-well. But Grandpa Collins saw the hard work and integrity he put into everything. It took me ages to finagle a proposal out of him, but Grandpa made him an offer only a fool would refuse."

Kyoya looked at his wife with adoring eyes. "I was the lowest-of-the-low. A foreigner without any standing or position. How could I possibly say 'No' to a man offering me his gorgeous, smart, strong heir and all he asked was that I take her last name?"

Takashi clapped Kyoya on the shoulder. "I'm glad to hear everything turned out well for you." He squeezed gently, then dropped his hand. "You've grown a lot through the years. Miles ahead of what you might have been as an Otori."

"And so much happier," Kyoya admitted. "With Grandpa Collins, Caroline, and the twins, my life has never been fuller. Not even back in high school with the Host Club." He gazed at his wife lovingly.

"Are the twins with you?" Takashi asked.

Caroline waggled her hand in a so-so motion. "Jackson and Mirabelle are here at the hotel, but up in the room with Grandpa Collins. They're all still pretty jetlagged."

"Those two keep us on our toes," Kyoya admitted. "They have Grandpa Collins wrapped around their fingers and try to get away with almost anything." He paused and added sheepishly, "I guess they get that from me. I used to be…difficult."

Takashi looked over his shoulder at the three pictures under the banner. "Yes, you were back then. But after you came to your senses, you directed your efforts into something worthwhile."

"I have to admit, it was hard to watch all your hard work go to waste," Haruhi stated. "The Otori Conglomerate prospered so much under your hand while Yoshio was in prison in America. I guess I kind of hoped the experience would mellow him…make him a better person."

"With how he acted when he returned, even I couldn't save that name after what Yoshio did," Kyoya admitted, shaking his head in consternation. "With nothing to fall back on, Yuuichi and Akito had a more difficult time. Thank you for bailing out the hospitals and keeping my brothers on in administrative roles."

Haruhi said, "That was nothing. They were willing to work hard, and the hospitals fit right into the direction I was taking the Fujioka Trust at the time."

Caroline slipped her hand onto Kyoya's arm and murmured, "We need to let others have a chance at these two. Why don't we head over to the bar? I'm parched. We'll have to get together for dinner sometime soon." With a parting nod, the couple walked away.

Takashi looked down at Haruhi and caressed her cheek with the back of his finger. "Hardly seems like the same man who walked into the apartment that morning after you were kidnapped."

Pulling his head down for a quick kiss, she whispered, "He's all the better for it." Before she could say anything more, Takakura sidled up next to them with barely contained tension.

As they moved apart, their oldest daughter said quietly, "One of my security personnel detained an inebriated man that insisted that he had to speak with you immediately. He was subdued and placed in a locked room under guard."

Glancing at the time, the remaining receiving line and then her husband. Haruhi said decisively, "The slideshow is scheduled to start in ten minutes. Just before that, announce that we will be taking a short break." She smiled up at her husband. "Would you select some refreshments for us to enjoy during the slideshow while I see who our 'mystery guest' is?"

Taking her hand and kissing the palm before folding it up, he whispered huskily, "Of course. Call me if you need me." Haruhi shook her head to clear it and turned back to the receiving line. Takakura nodded before heading to consult with her siblings.

"Darlings, we have arrived," Ageha announced as she entered the ballroom, throwing her arms wide to gesture to her twin brothers following her. "Congratulations on thirty years. Now I must speak to Maki and Natsume about their apprenticeship. I have decided to allow my husband and daughter to run the business for two years while I see to their tutelage myself." Like a whirlwind, she was gone almost as soon as she had arrived.

Hikaru and Kaoru stood with their arms draped around each other's shoulders in front of the guests-of-honor. "Care to play the 'Which One Is Hikaru?' game," they said in unison.

Chuckling, Haruhi looked up at Takashi and asked teasingly, "Do you want to take this one?"

With the lift of the corner of his mouth, Takashi pointed to the twin on the left with the spiky black hair, pierced eyebrow, goatee, and flamboyant rainbow shirt. "Hikaru." Then he pointed at the ginger-haired, clean-shaven one on the right wearing a three-piece business suit. "Kaoru."

The twins laughed. "I guess when we don't look and dress alike it's harder to fool people," Hikaru stated. He waved over a tall chestnut-haired Italian woman. "This is my wife, Giselle. Our kids, Gina and Tito, are back in Milan covering for us while we're here on vacation. Gina is following in my footsteps as a photographer and Tito is a model like his mother."

Kaoru had his arm wrapped around a petite brunette in a stylish A-skirt suit. "This is my wife, Taylor. Our kids are still in New York. Greg and Madison are finishing up their internship applications and design portfolios. They purposely waited until I would be out-of-country so I couldn't look over their shoulders. They both want to design, but Madison also wants to learn the business side like her mother." Kaoru rolled his eyes dramatically and his wife swatted him playfully.

"We're glad you could make it," Haruhi stated. "Since the whole Host Club is here, we should get a group photo later."

Their time was interrupted by Takakura announcing a short break before the slideshow. Everyone was encouraged to get food and beverages and find a seat for the next part of the program.

Hikaru smirked as he said, "We will be getting the Host Club together for a gathering while we're here." He called over his shoulder as they headed to the buffet, "And don't think you can avoid it."

"Like I ever had a choice," Haruhi muttered under her breath with a fond smile on her face.

Surreptitiously, Haruhi followed one of Takakura's students to the room where the man who demanded to speak to Haruhi was waiting under guard. Flanked by two security guards, Haruhi entered the room and looked at the man.

"Mr. Koto. I should have known," Haruhi said in exasperation, crossing her arms and staring down at the man with his head resting on the table next to two empty water bottles.

Hearing her voice, he lifted his head and squinted at her. "Ish all y'r fault," he slurred. "I shoulda won that case. There was no way y'r client met the terms of the contract." He tried to stand, but dropped back into the chair and held his head. "It's yer fault I got fired."

"The facts proved otherwise. You chose to take on that case knowing the client was not acting in good faith. He made an offer that was accepted. Once the other person fulfilled their part of the contract, he should have done likewise rather than whining that it wasn't fair. He shouldn't have created the contract if he had no intention of abiding by it. That's exactly what came out in court, and the verdict affirmed," she stated before turning to one of the security guards. "See that he gets some food and then has a place to sleep it off. If he causes any more trouble, turn him over to the police for disturbing the peace."

The guard nodded and Haruhi left the room blowing out an exasperated sigh.

Returning to the ballroom, Haruhi moved to the head table and settled next to Takashi. He raised an eyebrow in question. She shook her head with a smile to let him know that there was nothing to worry about. He pushed a plate and glass closer to her and she nodded her thanks.

The lights dimmed and the slideshow began. The photos depicted the progress of Takashi and Haruhi's lives. It included baby pictures, school photos, Host Club events, and various aspects of their married life. There were laughs, coos, and sighs by turn.

When the lights were brought up, Akira Morinozuka stood and addressed the crowd. "I am extremely proud of my son Takashi and all he and his wife Haruhi have accomplished. They also raised a remarkable family that I am proud to call my grandchildren. The future is bright for the Morinozuka Clan. On that note, I am announcing my retirement and passing the responsibility for Morinozuka Clan over to the capable hands of my son Takashi." He sat down amidst a stunned silence.

Takashi and Haruhi stood up together. He said, "Don't worry. My father's announcement was part of the plan for tonight. We had a family meeting and decided to include it along with officially revealing our heirs this evening." Haruhi stepped a little apart, waved for their children to stand, and gestured for her husband to continue.

"The Morinozuka heir will be our oldest, Takakura. Not just because she is the eldest, but because she and her husband Sho have demonstrated great promise and passion for the family mission," Takashi explained as he gestured to the couple. They bowed respectfully in acknowledgement of the honor and duty bestowed upon them. Takashi then motioned for Haruhi to step forward as he sat down.

"Since the other three family fortunes technically belong to me, it's only right that I announce those heirs." Haruhi chuckled as she looked at their children. When she faced the audience again, she explained, "Though only three will be named as heirs, the others have asked me to include their future paths as well."

Looking out over the crowd, Haruhi continued, "I thought long and hard over what order to announce the heirs and decided to do it in the order the responsibilities came to me. First, the Sawayama family. Although the next to youngest and only sixteen, Sawa has had an interest in the makeup line for the past three years. An allergic reaction and her love of chemistry honed her focus to making the Sawayama products more environment- and user-friendly. She plans to study chemistry with a minor in botany. Currently, she is cultivating a test garden and experimenting in her spare time."

Sawa blushed as she bowed in acknowledgement. "I shall endeavor to do my best," she said shyly.

Haruhi turned and gave her a hug, kissing the top of her head. "I know you will," she whispered.

The crowd seemed to shift to the edges of their seats as Haruhi continued, "Our youngest, Gosuke, will be heir to the Kawamura Clan. He has a love of and vision for kabuki theater. There is more to this, but I will wait until I reveal the others for reasons which will become clear."

"The Fujioka Trust has actually been in the very capable hands of our second oldest, Isami, for the past six years. Just as he was graduating from high school, I was involved in a complex, high-profile case while at the same time some issues came up with the Fujioka Trust. He actually came to me and asked if he could take the Trust off my plate as practice for his international business degree that he intended to pursue."

Isami stage-whispered to the crowd, "I couldn't let her have all the fun. It's kind of like playing Monopoly, but for real." There were a number of laughs in response to his statement.

"Now for the middle two," Haruhi said after the laughter died down. "Miyuki has always been fascinated with wigs and other accessories. She is working on her degree in graphic design with a concentration in photography. Her goal is to work with the Kurata Family to improve their marketing and revitalize their business. It doesn't hurt that she and Subaru, the Kurata heir, have been dating for over a year now."

"Mother!" Miyuki gasped in indignation. "You don't have to announce that to the whole world!"

Smirking at her, Haruhi replied, "The whole world already knows. Or did you miss the two-page write up on the last cosplay convention. Half of the pictures had the two of you looking quite cozy behind the scenes."

Miyuki hid her face in her hands, but she jumped slightly when a pair of arms wrapped around her waist. Subaru had slipped up behind her to show his support. She dropped her hands and leaned into his chest.

"Okay, that just leaves Maki," Haruhi announced. "She has loved dressing up in costumes practically since she learned to walk. It was no surprise when her first friend in school was Natsume Chiba. Together they have designed and produced costumes for parties, theater productions, and just because it was fun. Ageha Hitachiin has agreed to take them on as apprentices for the next two years. Following that, they hope to revitalize the Chiba Family's costume business."

Maki bowed and then waved for Natsume to stand up. They both waved to the crowd and then Natsume resumed his seat.

"The final announcement related back to Gosuke. I told you I would get back to him later. He may be the youngest, but he has the biggest ideas. He has big plans to revitalize kabuki theater in conjunction with the Sawayama, Kurata, and Chiba families. I look forward to seeing how all this works out."

Takashi stood up and handed a glass of wine to his wife while motioning for their children to be seated. "It has been a wonderful thirty years. Here's to thirty more. I eagerly anticipate what they will bring." The crowd cheered the toast and then drank.

Sorry this took so long, but the USB drive with all my stories on it was damaged and I lost everything…except the first half of chapter 14 of The Trunk. It was an active file at the time, so I was able to save it to another location. However, then my notebook with my outlines disappeared. I finally found the notebook and finished this.

Losing all my stories has set back my work on Refuge: Part IV – Life Goes On. Thankfully I still have my notes.