Author's Note:

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

Please read the "Next Chapter" author's note at the end…

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xXx

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Date Posted: November 4, 2023

Trigger Warnings: Language and some smooching

The Painful Truth - Chapter 33: Guilty

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Tuesday, November 8:

Lunch, Dining Hall, Ouran:

"YUKI-CHAN!"

All heads snapped to the doors as Sota-kun and three of his classmates came running towards us, his teacher walking fast to keep up.

I jumped up and caught him in a hug, "Sota-kun! What are you doing here?"

"Mom said I should tell you last night, but I wanted it to be a surprise." He held up a wrapped bento box, "I brought my lunch today."

"You did?" Not sure why this is a surprise. He always brings his lunch on Tuesday so he can be 'just like Yuki-chan'.

"Yeah, and I have money for you!" He waived an envelope around. His classmates smiled and held up boxes and envelopes too. "We all do."

By this time, his teacher had caught up with them. "He's been talking for weeks about how the two of you bring your lunches on Tuesdays."

"And today I wanted to bring the money too!" He jumped up and down, hopping over to Chika, "Do I give it to you?"

"Yes," Chika bowed and accepted his envelope. "Thank you, Sota-kun."

"Me, too!" and the other kids ran over.

Chika took theirs as well. "Thank you."

"Tell them what the charity is, Chika," Haruhi suggested.

"Well, today we're collecting for 'Knights in White Lycra'. My older cousin Takashi found this one. The organization runs life-changing outdoor programs for abused, neglected, and orphaned children. Both multi-day residential camps and monthly day programs. They work with kids six to fifteen years old."

"I'm six!"

"Yes, Sota-kun," I ruffled his hair, "you are."

"Can I go?"

"Well," I knelt down in front of him, "the programs are for kids who don't have good home lives and need help learning to be confident and strong through playing sports. We need to save places for the kids who need to go."

"Oh," he pouted then immediately smiled, "but the money will help?"

"Definitely."

"OK."

"I see you brought your lunches with you," Renge smiled. "Did you want to eat with us today?"

"Can we?"

"Sure, if it's alright with your teacher."

"They were hoping they could. The rest of the class is in the elementary school dining hall, so I will stay with them and escort them back."

"Alright, kids," Hikaru stood and waved them over, "come and join us. But if anyone has cookies they have to share."

The little girl with the hello kitty bento pulled it closer to her chest. I saw her lower lip start to quiver, so I smacked him on the arm, "Get your own cookies. No one has to give you theirs."

That's when Haruhi opened up the bottom tray of her bento, "No worries. I brought plenty."

"Did you bake them, Haruhi-chan?" Sota-kun asked as he pulled up a chair next to her.

"Not this time, but the chef makes great ones."

By this time Shinobu of all people had coaxed the little girl over to the table and she was sitting next to her. "Don't listen to the boys. They have cooties anyway."

"Hey! Crazy chick!"

I'm sitting next to him so I could hear her whisper, but the little girl couldn't, "Don't worry, Asshole. You can give me a bath when we get home."

I felt my face heat up then my stomach flip.

I can't wait until my birthday trip with Akito-kun.

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xXx

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After Classes, Haruhi's Office, Petto Chinmi:

"Imai-san," I poked my head out of my office door, "could you please ask Tanaki-san and Gorou-san to come in here and then join me." I hate using the intercom.

"Right away, Fujioka-sama."

I texted Thompson-san asking him to join us as well. He's meeting with the security officers right now.

Once everyone was assembled, I got right to the point, "I just got off the phone with Sato-san. He ducked out of the courtroom to call me, but had to go back in, so I don't have him here now. Closing arguments will start sometime tomorrow morning. The jury could begin deliberating as soon as tomorrow afternoon. Since we have no idea how long either will take, we need to be there tomorrow when court starts and plan to be there at least through Thursday." I looked around the room, "Who should go?"

.

Well, we knew it would be sudden, so it's a good thing her team and I are ready. I started sending texts as she and her employees discussed logistics.

"Alright, it's settled. It will be me, Tanaki-san, Garou-san, and Imai-san. We'll be taking the Morinozuka jet, leaving at seven tomorrow morning."

It wasn't as hard as we feared it would be to talk her into using the Morinozuka jet instead of flying commercially. I've always pushed my clients to rent a plane. There is just so much out of our control flying commercially that just isn't an issue when flying private. And when the family has their own jet, it's an even easier solution.

"Imai-san?"

"Yes, Fujioka-sama?"

"If you could please calculate the total cost for the group to fly commercial, we'll be reimbursing the Morinozuka's that amount."

"Of course, Fujioka-sama. I'll go through the regular channels for that payment."

I confirmed with Oshiro-san about the plane and apartment. He's already got a couple of the team packing and going over tonight.

"We'll be staying in the Morinozuka apartment again. Please have Sato-san check out of his hotel tomorrow morning and be ready to stay there for the remainder of the trial. He'll be coming back with all of us after the verdict."

"Of course, Fujioka-sama."

"And include the amount we would have spent on a hotel in the reimbursement as well."

"Alright."

I'll say this about her, she's a class act. Knows that things cost money and won't let her business take advantage of her family's resources. It's not as common among people new to money that you'd think, but her integrity was definitely in the 'pro' column when I decided to take this job.

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xXx

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Evening, Formal Lounge, On Okuri Offices:

And now to swallow my pride…

"Thank you so much for agreeing to do this Himura-san." I don't care if she is the head of a yakuza syndicate, I will not call her '-sama'. It just doesn't feel right. Treating her as an equal is hard enough. At least she's dressed in a business suit. Yves Saint Laurent, if I'm not mistaken.

She bowed her head to match mine, "Thank you for the opportunity, Koseki-san." Then she looked me in the eyes and gave me what I could only describe as a smirk, "I realize the head of a yakuza syndicate giving an interview to Lighthouse and Kakurega," her eyes flashed to my fellow director, Nagasaki-san, "isn't something you ever thought you'd do, so let's try to get through this with as little tension as possible."

Two hundred and twenty-three women and girls. That's why I'm here. She helped rescue two hundred and twenty-three women and girls. And there are so many more out there. I will put up with this for them.

As introductions were made and we settled into our seats, I sat back and let Nagasaki-san take the lead. He's been the director of Kakurega longer than I've been the director of Lighthouse, so he's used to dealing with groups like this. Plus, him being a man, he feels he should be in charge, and since I wish to not associate with Himura-san more than absolutely necessary, I'll let his attitudes work for me today.

At least we're centering this interview around their involvement with On Okuri and its fundraising efforts rather than her association with the yakuza.

Nagasaki-san was on a roll, "…will be published on both Lighthouse and Kakurega's websites as well as our monthly magazines. We'll also use pull quotes in our fundraising materials. Any questions?"

"How will On Okuri be discussed in the interviews?" I wasn't sure about that young kid being the president of the organization, but after working with him for a while, I'll admit, I'm impressed. He's the type that can see the big picture without letting the details go. Plus, he's a Haninozuka even if he isn't the heir.

"We'll be emphasizing Fujioka-san and Himura-san's positions on the board of directors and thanking the organization for its generosity while directing our readers to donate directly to us."

"And the yakuza connection?" Himura-san's agent asked. Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with him directly.

"I'm sure you understand why it will be glossed over."

"No." All heads turned to Fujioka-san. Her eyes darted around the room like she was surprised she spoke. She took a deep breath then plunged ahead, "I realize I'm not the expert, but I think that's a mistake."

"Oh?" Nagasaki-san raised a brow and looked down his nose at her. Big mistake. Her public profile makes her someone we definitely want to stay on the good side of.

Her face flushed, but she continued in a strong voice, "Everyone knows Shinobu's connections to the yakuza. She's an heir. She's engaged to an heir. And after all this, she's the head of a third syndicate in her own right. Wouldn't it be better to deal with it directly? A short statement about how she made the original discovery and used her connections to do what she did?" She shrugged her shoulders, "I mean if you don't even mention it, won't the readers think there's more going on than there is?"

I jumped in before he could say something else to alienate her, "Excellent point, Fujioka-san. A brief mention is better than us looking like we're sweeping something under the rug."

"Exactly."

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Two hours later…

"That was painful," Shinobu huffed as she leaned back and stretched out her legs. I'd just gotten back from escorting the Lighthouse and Kakurega staff out.

"But necessary."

"At least it's over." Haruhi's sitting hunched over with her head in her hands.

"Are you alright?"

"Just a headache," she grimaced, "and I really need some sleep. I'm headed back to Seoul tomorrow."

Shinobu turned to her agent, "That's the end. No more interviews about that fucking ring or fucking Daiju or anything else. I'm fucking done." At least she kept the language clean during the interview.

Takemoto-san must be getting used to her because he merely blinked then nodded, "Of course, Himura-san."

"The room really came together, Haruhi."

"Thanks, Chika." She stood and stretched before grabbing a bottle of water. "The donations from Suoh mansion #2 and the Ootori estate go well together I guess, but I didn't do anything. I just put the three decorators in contact with each other."

"You chair the committee. It's not nothing."

"Whatever."

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xXx

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Wednesday, November 9:

Early Morning, Tokyo Bay:

"Get over there and get some closeups of the firemen!" Jigoku-san pointed towards the sirens and lights, and his assistant started running.

It's so early, the sun isn't up yet. Numata-san had given me a flashlight, but I hadn't turned it on. The red haze from the factory fire was bright enough to watch my step and see my camera settings.

I watched Jigoku-san jogging up and down the stretch of docks we were on as he tried to get the best angle. We were supposed to be taking pictures of the plastic pollution floating in Tokyo Bay this morning, taking advantage of the tides, but I got a call before I even left redirecting us here.

When we arrived, the factory was fully engulfed. Firefighters from trucks and boats were spraying foam, but it didn't seem to be doing much good. He'd pointed to an area of the docks and told me to stay out of the way.

I glanced over at Numata-san. His eyes seemed to be looking everywhere at once. "Do you know what that factory manufactures?"

He shook his head slightly, "Not sure, but they must work with some nasty chemicals based on the hazardous teams responding." He took a step closer to me, "You need to tell me if you start to feel sick or strange or anything. That mask isn't really going to do anything against toxic smoke."

Reaching up, I tightened my allergy mask over my nose. "It's all I have."

"I sent out for gas masks with filters," he grunted, "but I don't know how long they'll take." He caught my eyes, "Tell me if you start to feel sick, Yuki-sama."

"I will."

BOOM!

We both jerked at the noise.

The warehouse next to the factory just exploded.

Idiot…I haven't been taking pictures.

The wall of heat from the explosion pushed me back a step as I raised my camera and started clicking. We're almost a hundred meters away, so I'm not getting anything good.

Suddenly, the wind whirled around me. I looked up to see a helicopter hovering over, a massive bucket dipping into the bay.

Jigoku-san's words came back to me, 'Don't worry about the pictures you can't get. Pay attention to what you can.'

I lifted my camera and focused in on the helicopter.

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Two and a half hours.

I've been watching my primary take pictures of an industrial fire for two and a half hours.

I finally had to practically make her go to the security mobile headquarters van and call Shido-sama.

"It shouldn't be a problem, Fuyumi-san. I only have a paper due in the class I'll miss. I can email it as soon as we hang up."

"No. That test is after lunch. I'll only miss my first class and be late to my second. I was going to change at Ouran, but I'll need a shower now."

"I can use the old Host Club rooms. They have a shower."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

After hanging up, she swiped and tapped for a minute then climbed out of the van.

Guess she's not done yet.

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What a morning!

Dumb luck we were right here when the fire started. I scooped every other environmental photographer in Tokyo and a bunch of the news outlets. On top of the 20k an hour I'll charge Ito-san, I've already made triple that selling exclusive photos and video.

And the only reason I was out here today instead of tomorrow was her ski trip.

Maybe she's my little good luck charm.

Now, where is she? I texted her to have her join me at the barricades. They finally got the fire down to hot spots and all the dramatic shots are long gone. I really should spend some time with her one-on-one if I'm going to bill her for this whole morning.

There she is…

Hard to miss her with three…no four security guards around her. I'm sure there's more on the perimeter.

"Ito-san," I called and waved, "over here."

She jogged over towards me, and I had to pull my eyes up from her chest. It bounces real good. Not that great of a view with her heavy sweater and coat, but I've got an excellent imagination for filling in the blanks.

"Jigoku-san," she panted lightly, "did you get good pictures?"

"I sure did." I waved her over in front of me and put my arms around her so I could show her the camera screen as I clicked through them. "The stared ones I've already sold."

"Oh, wow," she sighed, and I felt her shoulders rub up against my inner arms. "The smoke and the fire in that one, they look alive."

"Thank you."

I flipped through a few more, "I took hundreds. Once I get them edited down to a manageable number, we can go through the goods ones together. It should be a good lesson to review each one and discuss what makes it a good shot."

"I'd like that. But it will have to be next week after I get back."

"Of course. I'm looking forward to seeing all your skiing pictures."

"I'll do my best to follow your lessons." That's such a cute blush.

"Do you have time to show me some of what you took this morning?"

"Sure. Ouran knows I'm going to be late."

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He handed his camera off to his assistant, and I slipped the chip out of mine and popped it into my tablet. It's easier to see them this way.

As I scrolled through, I felt his chest against my back.

Does he realize he's so close?

Probably not. We're close to the barricades now so the noise is so loud. This is the only way we can hear each other. He is a professional.

"That's a decent shot of the helicopter. Once we both get our pictures culled and organized, we'll compare shots and talk about what you could have done to make yours better."

Guess it isn't as good a shot as I thought it was.

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xXx

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Lunch, Soundproof Room of Music Room #3, Ouran:

Email from Shinobu to Strip Club Manager:

Sunday, November 20 will work. Plan on 60. Full menu and bar, but not everyone will be served alcohol. Entertainment to perform, but in clothes. There will be 7 underage attending.

Full opening on the 25th. I'll be there with Ritsu. Unsure about other VIPs. Will know after the 20th.

Costumes approved…

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Video Call with Seconds:

Shinobu: "We have thirty minutes. Tamura-san, you're up first."

Tamura (Previous Syndicate Second): "There's been some pushback at three businesses in the protection area. I've known these guys for a long time. They're testing you."

Shinobu: Shit. Surprised it took them this long. "Recommendations?"

Tamura (Previous Syndicate Second): "A painful object lesson."

Yamaki (Shiraishi Syndicate Second): "Not too painful."

Shinobu: "Tamura-san's right. Anything less is a sign of weakness. But it can't be so painful that they aren't able to stay open or make their payments."

Tamura (Previous Syndicate Second): "When I'm done, they'll know you're serious but with no permanent damage."

Shinobu: "That works."

Igaya (Security Head): "It's past due for you to be introduced to the area. It will be a fucking nightmare, but what about a street fair. Something to demonstrate the carrots of falling in line. You'll have shown them the stick with the lesson."

Shinobu: The call got quiet. They're all waiting for me to approve or ask for their opinions. They need to learn when I want them to just give them to me. "Opinions?"

Tamura (Previous Syndicate Second): "Not a bad idea. Dai never really did much to show the neighborhoods his good side. That's one reason why the pushback hasn't started sooner. Without even meeting you, they know you're better than him."

Shinobu: "Kasa's shit on the bottom of my shoe's better than him, but I get your point. Yamaki-san?"

Yamaki (Shiraishi Syndicate Second): "Both Himura-sama and Kasanoda-sama have done them in the past with good results."

Shinobu: By this time, I'd already decided on the date. "Saturday, November 26. Contact the Himura's and the Kasanoda's to learn how they did theirs successfully. I want a budget and plans emailed to me by tomorrow night."

Yamaki (Shiraishi Syndicate Second): "You'll have it."

.

Email from Shinobu to Love Hotel Manager.

excellent job on remodel. New ads are approved.

Ritsu and I will be by next week sometime to give a room a test run…

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xXx

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Afternoon, Courthouse, Seoul:

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury…"

Finally.

After months of worry and days of testimony, the jury is getting the closing arguments and hopefully will start deliberation today.

The factory owner's lawyer approached mine again this morning with a settlement deal. Still no admittance of wrongdoing. Still not enough to hurt their business. The amount they proposed is under their insurance coverage amount. Unacceptable. Though my Seoul lawyers pressed for me to take it. Not sure why. They're making very good money from Petto Chinmi.

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"…the evidence, coupled with the unwavering testimonies of numerous employees, paints a damning picture of the accused…"

They threw me to the wolves.

Doesn't matter what the jury decides. I can tell the judge has made up his mind. I'll be convicted on all counts. I'll be in prison for at least a decade.

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"…they have revealed the depth of his deception, from embezzlement to the deliberate sale of dangerously faulty dog food on the black market…"

No huge security issues so far. Weird just how different my perspective is from just last week when we were here and Nagata was in charge.

She did ask about the Go salon for tonight. I suggested she try a different one just in case. Ebisu-san, her guard that plays Go, is finding one.

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"…We demand you to render a verdict that serves justice and reaffirms the principles of honesty, integrity, and moral responsibility that our society holds dear."

With that, the prosecutor sat down and managed to not smirk at the defense council. I have no idea how he's going to dig himself out of it. There's absolutely nothing he can say that will sway the judge.

"Will the deliberations start today?" Fujioka-sama whispered.

"Depends on how long the defense takes in closing." I checked my watch. Almost three. "Based on what I've seen throughout the trial, my guess is the judge will hold and give them the case in the morning."

"Alright," she nodded. "Are you checked out of the hotel?"

"Yes. I'll be coming back to the apartment with you tonight and then back to Tokyo when this is over."

"Thank you for staying for the trial, Sato-san."

"You're welcome, Fujioka-sama."

We both turned back to our tablets to follow the translation of the defense statement.

"…testimonies you have heard, from employees seeking reduced sentences, cannot be taken at face value…"

.

xXx

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Late Afternoon, Security Radios, Various Locations, Tokyo, Nagano, and Seoul:

Kondo (Ootori Head): "Location heads, check in."

With fourteen primaries each with their own detail head, nine family heads, ten consultants, four main locations, each with several sub-locations, two private planes, and a dog, I, as the head of security for this trip, decided to break everything down by location and create location heads.

The families recommended various security personnel to run the locations. They picked officers that were ready to retire from the field and move into supervisory positions. This is promotion test.

The only exception being the commoner ski resort for the photoshoot. Thompson-san assigned one of Fujioka-sama's guards there. He's getting a crash course in what his new team is capable of.

Utsugi (Haruhi Female Guard): "Photoshoot resort secure. Undercovers in place. Hotel rooms and outdoor locations to be turned over to us tomorrow afternoon ahead of Fujioka-sama's anticipated arrival. No issues."

Haninozuka Officer #1: "Resort A secure. Undercovers in place. No issues."

Kondo (Ootori Head): They're testing him as the new assistant to the head. He's been in charge of security for all their businesses for years. The Ootori's are members of Resort A, and it has the best slopes, so we're anticipating the group will do most of their skiing there. His undercovers consist of guards and officers from all the families and syndicates. He has the biggest number in general and the biggest number of those that can ski or snowboard.

"Resort C?"

Kasanoda Officer #1: "Resort C secure. Undercovers in place. No issues. No yakuza issues."

Kondo (Ootori Head): I worried about that placement, but Fujii-san insisted. They're using it as a rotating vacation and training for some of their guards. It has the best halfpipe, so Ritsu-sama wanted to ski there. That means Shinobu-sama, the twins, and possibly Satoshi-sama. I loaded his undercovers with Hitachiin guards and a couple from the Morinozuka's, one of which is reporting directly to me as a backup.

"B?"

Hitachiin Officer #1: "Everything's fine at Resort B. Undercovers in place."

Kondo (Ootori Head): That's mainly a backup. B is an extension of A. It's where they have their non-skiing activities such as their hot springs, ice skating, sledding, etc. I was informed that some of the group might go for a soak, but other than that it should be quiet there.

"Seoul?"

Thompson (Haruhi Detail Head): "Trial over for the day. Closing arguments finished. Jury starts deliberation tomorrow morning. Petto Chinmi staff headed for the apartment. Primary headed for new Go salon. Arrival time in Nagano still unknown."

Kondo (Ootori Head): "Locations all confirmed. Ootori jet?"

Tachibana (Kyoya Detail Head): "As reported previously, takeoff occurred on time. No security issues at airport."

I ducked into the staff cabin at the rear of the plane so none of the group could hear me, "Be advised, the group is excited, and the usual suspects are rowdy. I haven't heard anything specific yet but be prepared. They all show signs of wanting to blow off steam, and it could get out of hand."

Kondo (Ootori Head): "Acknowledged." Great. Not surprising, but not what I need either. Fourteen heirs or members of prominent families and one yakuza boss all wanting to forget about the kidnapping and just be kids.

"Everyone be alert and be ready for anything. And with this group, I mean anything."

Various confirmations…

Kondo (Ootori Head): "Just a reminder…there will be unfamiliar guards and officers all around since we culled through all of them for those that can ski. You should have all familiarized yourselves with the faces posted on the shared site and don't forget to use the verification code."

It's a simple code and response. I'll be testing them, and they better use it.

"Now that business is done, I'll remind everyone that all bets must be submitted prior to the Ootori jet touching down in Nagano. That leaves you," I checked my watch, "twenty-seven more minutes. Go through the app."

I ended the call and went to place mine.

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Various betting…

Whoever designed this thing should get a bonus. I can bet on all the current ones and even add my own…

Let's see. Shinobu-sama's bringing Kasa. Not that I blame her. She's been more attached to that dog since the kidnapping. Doesn't want to leave her alone overnight at the new compound so soon after moving in.

I'll just add:

First person (guard or group member) to step in Kasa shit. Bet: 1 beer.

And I'll bet the Young Lord.

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How many times will Suoh Tamaki fall during his first lesson? Bet: 1k [~$10]

After teaching him how to drive, I think I have a unique perspective.

42

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How many cases of beer will the group go through at the cabin? Bet: 1 case

Well, there's fourteen of them. Five I've never seen drink beer.

4

And I can't believe no one's put this one up.

How many cakes (not including cupcakes) will Haninozuka Mitsukuni eat during the entire trip (not including travel)? Bet: 5k [~$50]

27

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Will Fujioka Haruhi and Morinozuka Takashi sleep in the same room at least one of the nights? Bet: 5k [~$50] (winners split the pool)

How juvenile.

I understand the moral booster, but betting on the sex lives of the primaries?

Since she's mine, I'll skip this one. I just can't do it.

First person (guard or group member) to step in Kasa shit. Bet: 1 beer.

Gotta be that Suoh kid…

.

And on and on and on…

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xXx

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Evening/Night, Various Locations, Shido Ski Cabin:

As soon as I opened the library door, I saw him. Kyoya.

Do I turn around and leave? I don't care if it seems rude.

What would Haruhi want me to do?

She'd want me to get as much of my homework done as possible before she arrives so we can spend time together. I know we still need to talk about what we want for our futures, but we also should spend time together just enjoying ourselves.

I picked a table on the opposite side of the room and opened my laptop. Two hours of homework should be enough for tonight. I can always skip the slopes tomorrow morning to finish.

.

I need a drink.

What am I even doing here?

That look on Mori-senpai's face when he saw me. He's too good to show hatred, but he's definitely uncomfortable around me. I don't think he understands why Haruhi's been allowing me to be around.

He's not the only one. I have no idea what's going on in her head.

Still doesn't explain how I got roped into this.

Tamaki and his fucking puppy-dog eyes.

I turned back to the list of names on my computer screen. Twenty women and girls aged sixteen to twenty-seven. All raised to expect an arranged marriage. All would help the Ootori Conglomeration in some meaningful way.

All not Haruhi.

All not Keiko.

None of them true partnership material. Interesting how that's all I can focus on after I spent months trying to 'train' that out of Haruhi.

They'd all look good on my arm. They'd all represent the Ootori name well at both business and social events.

But it would be torture trying to carry on a meaningful conversation with any of them.

Should I just draw a name out of a hat?

I closed my pineapple, packed up my things, and headed for the door.

I need a drink.

.

"Here it is. Knew they'd have one."

"Yeah," Hika huffed as we looked around the game room, "but I bet they don't have any video games."

He's right. Nothing electronic. Just pool, chess, Go, and a poker table. "Stuffy Ootori's."

"So," he headed over and grabbed a pool cue, "round robin or do we all play at once?"

"Go ahead," Satoshi didn't even look up from his phone as he plopped down on the sofa. "I'll take winner."

"What are you doing on there?"

"Chat with the Neon Girls."

I picked up a cue and pointed at Hika, "You break."

.

GrooveGoddess: can't believe you're gonna be MIA till next wknd [sad face] I miss you [heart]

DancingKing: It's only a week. I'll be back and dance with every single one of you.

PartyPrincess: some of us are thinking about coming to Nagano to see you. only a 2hr [train] ride. What day?

DancingKing: Sat but not sure yet.

PartyPrincess: u have to lmk as soon as u r [megaphone]

DanceFloorDuchess: 4 sure. Missed last weeks cuz I was grounded. [angry face]

DancingKing: I'm flattered you'd come all that way to see me.

DancingKing: Pls do me a favor…don't post on social media. My security will kill me. [face with zipped lips]

PartyPrincess: Anything for you Satoshi. You owe me a dance. [dancing girl, kissy face]

DanceFloorDuchess: Me too! [dancing couple]

.

I spread out several drawings and saw a football [soccer] stadium. "They're going to the World Cup?"

"Well," Renge smiled and laid out some more on the table, "I couldn't send them to the Olympics. Too many legal issues using the 'O' word. Plus, this keeps me from having to draw a bunch of sports."

"But what about the athletes? One of our characters is a fencer."

"They'll do local tournaments."

"But we had so much fun in St. Louis."

"Tamaki-kun," I swallowed hard as she headed towards me, her hips swinging in her short skirt, "everyone knows we went to America and why. I can't make this manga too much like real life or we'll be found out."

"But…"

Her fingers touched my lips, followed quickly by a kiss.

Then another.

Next thing I know, I've lifted her onto the table and her legs have come around my waist. "Yes…" she practically hissed.

Her fingers burn as she slips her hands under my shirt and glides them across my stomach.

Pure instinct has me pulling her closer, my hands fisting in her hair.

"I love you, Renge-chan," I whisper in her ear then bite the lobe gently.

Her moaned response of, "I love you, too," was enough to make my whole body shiver.

.

It's barely been two days, and I really miss Akito-kun.

It's not fair.

He's so busy with med school we hardly have any time to ourselves anymore.

Just have to be patient and keep busy. And with school, photography lessons, my writing, and the remodel, I'm doing my best.

I got to the end of the path and turned around. The cabin looks like something out of a fairy tale with the lights twinkling in the snow.

Now to figure out the best settings to capture it.

.

"That feels nice," Cho-chan sighed as I played with her hair.

She didn't want to do anything after dinner, so we're up in her room curled up on her balcony under a bunch of fluffy blankets. Not sure if it's helping, but she's got Usa-chan tucked up under her chin. He always makes me feel better.

It's so quiet it feels like we're the only two people around. The grounds are blanketed with almost thirty centimeters [~1 foot] of snow and more is gently falling. It makes the whole world feel muffled somehow.

"Mother wants me to start seeing a grief counselor."

"What do you think?" I held my breath, hoping she agrees.

"My first appointment is Monday." A small sob broke through, and she snuggled closer. "I know it's only been a couple weeks, but I feel so…"

I don't know how to help her. I've never felt grief like she's feeling.

"…so stuck. It's like my entire world turned gray overnight. Nothing's in color. Nothing I eat has any taste. Nothing I do is enjoyable." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve. I wish I had a handkerchief. "I figured going couldn't make it any worse."

I'm so proud of my Cho-chan. It must be so hard to try anything when everything feels so bad.

I gently kissed her cheek, "I support you no matter what. I'm glad you're going to give it a try."

"Thanks, Honey-kun."

A few minutes later, she'd dozed off in my arms. We can't stay out on the balcony all night, so I carried her in and tucked her under the covers. She's already changed into those cute yoga pants and a t-shirt. That should be OK to sleep in.

I really should head for my own room, but it's so hard to just leave her there. She still has tear tracks on her face.

.

"Done."

I stood and stretched, wincing as I heard my back pop. Too much time at the laptop today.

But someone has to make sure mother is taking care of herself. I signed her up for a service that emails her pregnancy updates daily. Just what she needs. Exercise programs, dietary requirements, recipes (which I also send to the chef), and suggestions for setting up the nursery.

She just doesn't seem to be taking it as seriously as she should. I even had to contact the organizers of that tea she went to last weekend to make sure they had herbal tea and dairy alternatives. She's eating entirely too much cheese.

And Ishikawa better respond soon. I just found out from my detail head that no one in security has been signed up for emergency birthing classes yet. Unacceptable.

I stretched again and felt an odd pull in my back. Might have gone overboard on that workout this morning. Perhaps a soak in the hot tub.

.

"Yes!" he shouted then threw my bikini top across the room.

"Oh…shit…Bu…" His hands are everywhere.

Next thing I know, my bottoms joined the top.

"Did you lock the door?"

"Don't worry. No one's going to come in…"

.

This soak is going to feel so good.

I swung open the door and stopped dead in my tracks.

Nuts. Someone got here first.

"Yes, Asshole. Right there…"

What?

Are those breasts?

Why is she leaning half in and half out of the hot tub? Is he giving her a back rub?

Then the dog ran across the room in front of me. Is he carrying underwear?

Took me a minute to process.

Shit.

My entire body flushed, and I backed out of the room in an instant, closing the door behind me.

.

Figuring sleep would be difficult tonight since I can't stop worrying about Haruhi in Seoul, I decided to head for the pool and swim laps to wear myself out.

I didn't count on Chika backing into me at the door.

He spun around, and I saw his face flushed with drops of sweat on his brow. But he's dry, so he hasn't been in the pool yet.

"What are you doing here?"

"Laps."

"No."

I raised a brow. "No?"

"You do not want to go in there." He reached up and scratched the back of his head while looking down at the ground.

"Why?"

I had to strain to hear him. "Newlyweds."

Oh.

"I'm going to go soak in my bathtub," and he practically fled.

Guess I'll go find the gym.

.

xXx

.

Thursday, November 10:

Breakfast, Dining Room, Shido Ski Cabin:

"Kyoya?" I could see the headache in his eyes as he looked at me. "Mori, Honey-kun, Chika, and I are going to get warmed up on the red slopes this morning. Want to join us?"

"I have a conference call and some contracts to review, so I'll be staying here this morning."

"Oh," I suppose I shouldn't be surprised. "Maybe after lunch?"

"Perhaps."

"But Kyoya," an ear-splitting whine came from across the breakfast table, "you have to ski. What's the point of coming if you're just going to work?"

"Tamaki," Kyoya snapped, but then sighed and softened his tone, "don't forget I'm the President and CEO of the Ootori Conglomeration. I have several mergers and acquisitions coming in the next weeks and months that require my attention. The only way I could justify coming along on this trip was to work in the mornings."

"But Kyoya…"

"You own two businesses. Almost everyone else owns at least one. I guarantee I will not be the only one working during this trip. Leave it alone." His shoulders drooped a bit, and Kyoya continued, "I'm an expert skier, and you'll just be learning. It's not like we would have skied together anyway."

.

My head's killing me.

Hundred-year-old scotch shouldn't hurt this much.

Though I did drink over half of it.

"May I speak with you for a moment, Mori-senpai?"

He looked down at me like I'm something that needs to be scraped off the bottom of his shoe. But he nodded and led me to the library.

Once we were alone, I took a deep breath and decided he probably won't kill me. "I heard about what happened Friday night."

His brow raised, and he waited.

"Don't fuck up like I did."

No change. He's as hard to read as I am.

"I can tell you from experience, it's pure torture to watch her dating someone else, even though I'll admit you're much better for her than I ever was."

Still nothing.

"Stop thinking of her as someone who doesn't know what they want or what's best for them. Haruhi's more self-aware than any of us have ever given her credit for."

It's like talking to a wall.

"Forget class. Forget money. Haruhi's your equal. Treat her as such."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I know I ruined everything with her. After everything that's happened, I'm finally in a place where I just want her to be happy. It won't be with me. I think it could be with you. But you have to pull your head out of your ass and recognize her autonomy."

I spun on my heel and left him standing there.

It's up to him now.

.

As soon as I realized Ootori was headed our way, I pulled Bu back around the corner.

"See? He might actually be human after all?"

She just stared at me, "So, after you two torture and kill a guy together you decide he might be human? You do see the irony there, don't you, Asshole?"

"Whatever."

"But I get what you're saying. We'll just have to keep watching. But if he hurts her again…"

"We'll kill him."

.

xXx

.

Morning, Instruction Slope, Resort A:

Four.

He's fallen four times and still hasn't even managed to get his boots locked into his skis.

"Use your pole for stabilization, Suoh-sama."

I hope that instructor can keep that level of patience through the lesson. Tamaki-sama is so easily distracted.

"That's it. Now use both poles as you step into the other ski."

"I think I have it!"

Five.

.

"You've got it, Ito-sama," my instructor called as he paced me down the hill. "Keep the tips together without touching."

I could walk faster than this.

What seemed like an hour later, I finally snowplowed to the bottom of the beginner hill.

"Excellent job, Ito-sama."

Slowly we started shuffling over to the tow lift.

Back up just to come back down.

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Courtroom, Seoul:

"Guilty."

If I hadn't been sitting, I would have melted into a puddle of relief on the floor.

Guilty on all charges. First by the jury, then upheld by the judge.

My Korean lawyer leaned forward from the bench behind me and started explaining, "Sentencing will be in three to four weeks. He'll be held in jail until then and after will be remanded to prison. He'll likely get ten to twelve years."

It doesn't seem like enough.

"The prosecutor going after the company owners will most likely approach him for a reduced sentence deal if he testifies against them."

So, he'll serve even less.

One of his assistants came up and whispered in rapid Korean. I've learned to ask for the restroom and that's about it, so I had no hope in understanding.

"We've been invited to a press conference, Fujioka-sama."

Great.

.

"…Justice has been served. Please know that Petto Chinmi will do everything in our power to make sure those that perpetrated this fraud can never do anything like it again…"

Garou-san finished reading the prepared statement then the Korean lawyer read the translation.

As soon as he finished, he asked for questions. Fujioka-sama tensed next to me as we waited for the onslaught. Last night, we all decided that she and Garou-san would answer them with the Korean lawyers acting as translators. As an older male, I didn't want to handle them and undermine her authority with that visual. Besides, she does a much better job than I could ever do.

They asked lots of technical, legal questions which were referred back to either our local lawyers or the prosecutors.

"Last question."

"Fujioka-sama, do you intend to start selling your dog food in Korea?"

I could tell her smile was because it was the last question more than anything else, "I'm not sure. It's something to consider."

.

Security Radios:

"Thompson to Kondo-san."

"Go."

"Trial and press conference over. Headed back to apartment for lunch then to airport. ETA in Nagano 3:20."

"Confirmed. Safe travels."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Various Chairlifts, Resort A:

"There's Tamaki-sama."

I leaned forward and craned my neck to the left to see where Numata-san was pointing. Sure enough, Tamaki was sliding down the hill backwards on his butt.

Quickly focusing in with my telephoto lens, I snapped several pictures managing to get that look of pure desperation on his face.

"Are you sure you don't want to try again, Yuki-sama?"

"Definitely."

After giving it my best all morning, I decided that I really don't care for skiing. It just wasn't fun. If Akito-kun and I decide we want to take a ski vacation later, I'll try again, but I don't see much of a point now.

So, Numata-san and I are riding a chairlift up to the top of the mountain so I can take pictures. I'm going to try to find as many of the group as possible and see what they're up to.

And Kyoya better be out here somewhere having fun. He said he'd only work in the mornings.

At the top of the beginner slope, we got off and switched to a different lift. As we were waiting in line to get on, I heard my name, "Yuki?"

"Yuki-chan! What are you doing here?"

Even though I'd seen them this morning, I couldn't stop chuckling at their outfits. Matching pink snowsuits with little Usa-chan's printed all over them. Honey told us all it was good advertising.

"Taking pictures," I said as I snapped a couple of them in those suits. "Skiing's not really my thing, so I thought I'd ride the lifts and take pictures of you all."

"What fun," Cho squealed. I hope the red in her cheeks is from fun rather than the cold. It's not that frosty out here.

When the four-person lift came up, we all hopped on. "What slope are you skiing next?"

"Moguls."

"What?"

"Small hills you ski around." Honey pointed to the slope below us, "Just watch."

I used my lens to get a better look but didn't take any pictures. I don't like doing that without the person's permission.

"Looks hard on your knees."

"We're careful."

We reached the top and they slid off. Numata-san and I stayed on to go to the top of the next one. "Have fun!"

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Morinozuka Private Jet, Headed for Nagano:

"We're way too small to think about selling our food in Korea, Fujioka-sama."

"I know," she sighed and scrubbed her hands through her hair. "We're still basically a local, Tokyo chain."

Here's where her youth and inexperience show. Despite our five-year plan, we haven't focused much on expansion. Definitely not after we had to cut back on so many things.

"If a company isn't growing, it's dying. We need to expand into new neighborhoods in Tokyo."

Her head jerked towards me, "But we don't have the money, Tanaki-san, and after getting the loan for the ads, I'm not sure the bank would give us another."

"Maybe. Maybe not. But consider the verdict we just heard." She nodded. "The jury was only out for just over an hour. If that keeps up, you might get the settlement offer you're hoping for. Once that happens, we'll have the capital to pay back Haninozuka-sama plus what we need to secure another loan to expand."

I could almost see the gears working behind her eyes. "We need an expansion plan."

"Yes, we do."

Then Garou-san spoke up, "And we're still leaving untold potential untapped on the internet. We need a better store."

"No," Fujioka-sama shook her head, "not a better store. We need something unique. A different store. The only products that are exclusive on our on-line store are the ones we manufacture. People come to the stores for the shopping experience and to see the products in person. If they already know what they want, they can get it several places on-line. We need something that sets our store apart."

"Like what?"

She flopped back in her seat and stared at the ceiling, "I have no idea."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Various Chairlifts, Resort A:

"What's the bet?"

"Homework?"

"We don't have the same classes."

"Losers have to carry the winner around for the week."

"Lame."

"Winner picks the movie tonight?"

"Boring."

"Well, shit, Satoshi. You pick something."

"Last one down is the slave for the others tonight once we get back."

"Oh, it's on."

"Yeah. Be ready to rub my feet all night, Asshole."

"Oh, I'll rub something all night…"

"Hey. I do not need to hear that shit."

"Just be ready to lose."

"Whatever."

I took a few pictures as the twins, Satoshi, Shinobu, and Ritsu all glided off the chairlift and headed for the top of the green snowboarding slope. This is only Shinobu's second time snowboarding. How is she not going to be the last one down?

"Let's ride this down and back to watch."

"Definitely," Numata-san smirked.

.

Yuki-sama took pictures all the way down.

"Got it!" Her triumphant smile really set off her rosy cheeks.

Neither of us were surprised when Himura-sama managed to clip the louder twin and push him over. Her managing to stay upright and get down the slope without falling did surprise us.

"Loser!"

We kept riding that lift down and back while they did four more runs before they noticed us. "Yuki!" This time they managed to get on the eight-person chair with us.

"Hey! Looks like you're having a blast."

"Why aren't you out there?"

"Skiing's not my thing." She held up her camera, "But I got the shot of Shinobu knocking Hikaru over."

"I need a copy."

"Sure."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Morinozuka Private Jet, Landing at Nagano:

"I'll see you all on Tuesday for our regular staff meeting."

"Good luck on your photoshoot, Fujioka-sama."

"Thanks!"

Garou-san and I headed towards the cars. "I'll see you after dinner, Fujioka-sama."

"Sounds good. I'm headed for our cabin and a nap. Gotta look well-rested for the photos."

.

After their cars cleared the area, the plane taxied back to a runway to resume its flight back to Tokyo. All her security left with her, so it's just Tanaki-sama, Sato-san, and me left on the plane.

"Does anyone have any ideas for the internet store?"

He must have noticed my fidgeting. "Imai-san?"

"Well, I know I'm just an assistant…"

"Every idea should be heard." He smiled gently at me, "You own a cat. That makes you a potential customer."

"It may not be what she's thinking, but my sister…"

.

After Imai-san outlined the basics, I started taking notes and drafting a plan.

By the time we landed in Tokyo, I had the beginnings of a proposal.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Various Chairlifts, Resort A:

"You sure you don't mind me joining you?"

"Nope. This will be fun."

Yuki was right. The moguls were hard on my knees. After a few runs, I changed into regular boots, and Honey-kun and I headed for the cafe in the lodge. Great hot chocolate. When Yuki and her security team came in to warm up, I decided to join her.

The three of us are headed to the top of a black slope so Honey-kun can join Chika, Mori, and Renge.

"So, who have you seen so far?"

"The last time I saw Tamaki, he was still trying to make it down a hill without falling. The twins, Satoshi, Ritsu, and Shinobu were racing on a green snowboarding slope until the twins and Satoshi got bored and headed for the red slopes. I haven't seen them since then."

"Get good pictures?"

"Oh, yeah."

She scrolled through lots of them on her camera screen. I nearly lost it when she showed me the series of shots where Shinobu tripped Hikaru. "Perfect."

"We're almost at the top, Cho-chan. You sure you don't want to ski with us?"

I squeezed his hand three times. "I'm sure. I want to rest my knees for tomorrow."

"OK." He kissed my cheek and glided off as we stayed and turned to go back down.

"Have you seen Kyoya yet?"

"No."

He better be skiing and not working.

.

As we turned around at the bottom to head back up, we saw Honey, Chika, Mori, and Renge heading down on their third run.

The pictures are so much better as I go up and they ski down. The faces are the best. So glad I let Jigoku-san talk me into this telephoto lens. It's a lot better than the one I had at Yellowstone.

Now might be the best time. I know Cho's still having a hard time since Keiko. "How are you doing?"

She stared off at the mountains, and I'm not sure if the tears in her eyes are from the glare or because of Keiko. "Mother suggested I see a grief counselor. I'm going Monday."

I reached over and touched her arm, "I hope it helps."

"Me, too."

.

xXx

.

Dinner, Dining Room, Shido Ski Cabin:

As soon as she walked into the dining room, everything stopped. Then everyone spoke at once.

"How'd the trial go?"

"Are you ready for your shoot?"

"Did they convict that fucker?"

"How was your flight?"

Everyone but me.

I was struck speechless.

She'd clearly just woken up. Her hair was a mess. Her clothes were wrinkled.

She's beautiful.

"Haruhi! You have creases on your face from your pillow!" Kaoru turned to a maid, "Get some ice!"

"NO!" Shinobu barked. "Hikaru, get her some ice."

"Hey, I'm not her slave."

"Yeah, but your mine."

"Fuck!" And he stomped towards the kitchen.

"Why is he your slave?"

"Lost a race," she grinned at Tamaki.

"Oh."

By this time, Haruhi'd made it over to the empty chair next to mine. "Did you have a good time skiing, Takashi?"

"Hn."

"Haruhi! What happened at the trial?"

"Security didn't tell you?"

"Nope."

"Guilty. All charges."

Chika, who was sitting on her other side, reached up and squeezed her shoulder. "Congratulations."

"Yeah. Only two dozen more."

"This one helps you get those. Don't worry so much."

"Thanks, Chika." She looked around the room, "How was skiing?"

"Harder than I thought it'd be," Tamaki mumbled. He's fidgeting in his chair like it hurts to sit.

"What about you, Yuki? Did you learn a lot?"

"Well," she hesitated, "skiing turned out to not really be my thing. I spent the afternoon riding the chairlifts and taking pictures."

"You'll have to show me."

"I will."

"You know," Haruhi leaned her head to the side, "if you don't want to ski, you can always come to my shoots and hang around with my photographers. They didn't mind you being there before, so it shouldn't be a problem."

"Really?"

"Sure. Why not?" she shrugged. "I'm leaving for my only night shoot in about thirty minutes if you want to come."

"That'd be great. I just need to pack up my equipment. I've got all my batteries charging now."

"Haruhi," she turned to me, and I crossed my fingers, "may I come?"

I knew the answer was no from the look on her face. She thinks I'm asking because of security. Is that the reason? I want to spend time with her, but how much quality time would we actually get to spend together.

I glanced over at Kyoya and saw him shake his head slightly in disappointment.

His words from this morning played on a loop in my head all day long. He's right. Partners. Equals.

It's harder than I thought it'd be.

"I don't think it's a good idea, Takashi. Thompson-san's satisfied with security. There's been a contingent there since yesterday. And you wouldn't have anything to do but sit and watch. You'd be bored."

She's right. And I knew it before she even said it. "Hn." Doesn't mean I'm not disappointed. We haven't had much time together.

"Hey," she nudged my leg with hers, "we'll have time together this weekend. This is my only night shoot. OK?"

This time I smiled, "Hn."

"Mind if I tag along, Haruhi?"

"No problem, Kaoru. You might just learn something."

"Ha. Ha."

Just then, a very rare steak alone on a plate was delivered to Shinobu. "Hey, Slave?"

"Yeah," Hikaru rolled his eyes.

"Cut this into tiny pieces and feed them one at a time to Kasa."

The dog whined and bounced at his feet.

"Fuck."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Various Locations, Photoshoot Resort:

"Why'd you really want to come, Kaoru?" I adjusted my shutter speed and focused for another shot. "Your ads are so different, you can't possibly learn something here, can you?"

"Probably not." He crossed his legs and sipped his coffee, "But you never know. She hates my shoots. Too formal. Maybe I'll figure out a way to make them more casual."

"Just bring in a bunch of dogs."

"Can't. No animals. It's in the contract."

"To keep the brands separate?"

"Yep."

"Too bad."

Bark! Bark!

"Oh, hush," Haruhi mumbled while scratching the big one behind the ears and slipping him a treat. They've already got her wrapped around their little paws.

"Perfect, Fujioka-san. Now if you could turn around and lay down next to the dog so both your heads are sticking out of the tent."

Both of their faces glowed in the firelight, and I tried multiple settings to get it to show up right.

"Try these," and the photographer I was hanging around with before showed me her screen. "They should glow without shining too much. You're ISO is too low."

"Thanks."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Game Room, Shido Estate:

"I win!"

"Only by one marble, Tama-chan. My Usa-chan hippo almost won."

"Again?" Renge-chan and Honey nodded, but Cho's barely paying attention. She only had four marbles.

That's when Kyoya walked in. "Oh, hell no," and he turned around and left.

"Kyoya! Get back here! We're having fun," I chased him out the door.

.

I looked up from the Go board when Tamaki dragged Kyoya-senpai back in. "I'm not playing that stupid hippo game. I'd rather stick pins in my eyes."

Well, that's definitive.

"I resign," Takashi bowed his head. That's three straight for me.

"What about Jenga?"

"I think I'll just go upstairs and work, Tamaki."

"But Kyoyaaaaaaaa?"

I might regret this, but I really don't want to play another game of Go. I'm just keeping Takashi occupied until Haruhi gets back. "How about Monopoly?"

.

xXx

.

Night, Various Locations, Photoshoot Resort:

"This is our last setup for the night, Fujioka-san."

Good.

I'm freezing. Wish I had a heavier coat. Los Angeles is never this cold. Guess I need a new wardrobe to go with my new job.

"Now, if you'll take the leash then walk down the path. We'll take shots of your silhouettes as the snow falls around you."

She's just made it down to the end of the path and was turning around when my text chime went off. After a quick check, I redeployed the team into a tighter ring.

I really hate social media.

.

Twitter:

Random Account: #FujiokaHaruhi in #Nagano Looks like a photoshoot! [picture of her with the dog taken from the tree line]

.

xXx

.

Night, Game Room, Shido Estate:

Stupid social media.

Figures someone would spot me on the first day of the shoot. It's going to be a hundred times harder to get anything done now.

And I know Takashi's going to want to play Go. After the last couple of weeks, the trial, my nap, and stupid Twitter, I've just got too much nervous energy for that.

I opened the game room door and was hit with a wall of sound…

"Shoot him in the head, Satoshi!"

"But I don't have 110,000 yen, Kyoya! Why is your rent so high?"

"Aoyama with four houses. Pay up, Tamaki."

"My hippo's eating more than yours, Cho-chan!"

"Use the grenade launcher, Asshole!"

"I only have 50,000."

"Then I'll take Ikebukuro and your 50,000."

Finally, the hippo game ended, and Honey noticed me. "Haru-chan! You're back!"

Tamaki ran over and scooped me up, "My darling Haruhi! Save me from the imperial bankers and their underhanded tactics."

"Can't…breathe…"

Then strong hands encircled my waist, and I was lifted away. "Thanks, Takashi."

"Hn."

I glanced back at Tamaki, "I thought the Suoh's were bankers. Shouldn't you be better at that game?"

His lower lip quivered, "Kyoya and Chika must be cheating. They own almost everything on the board."

"I'm sure they're not." Then I turned to Takashi, "Right?"

"They are winning, but not by cheating." Then he leaned down and kissed my cheek, "I'm practically bankrupt. Do you want to play Go?"

"Actually," I raised my voice for the whole room to hear, "let's play Hell!"

.

"Shit!"

"Play that four, Tamaki!"

SLAP!

"Too slow, Hika."

"Fuck!"

"Haruhi! Get off the cards!"

"Shut it! I'm short."

"OUT!"

Next thing I know, cards are being scooped up and counted.

"Twelve."

"Twenty-seven."

"Seventeen."

"mmmm."

"I didn't hear that, Tamaki."

"Negative three."

"Thirty-one."

"You're lying."

"Nope. I'm just that much better than you."

"Fuck."

Then shuffling and counting piles.

"Wanna try, Thompson-san?"

"I'm not sure…"

"Yeah, we can set up a security team game on that other table."

.

"150,000 for Ginza with a hotel."

Chika handed over the cash, and I added it to my considerable pile.

Renge, Tamaki, and Mori-senpai all left to play Hell, leaving Chika and me to finish this game.

"You know, Kyoya-senpai, we could be here all night just paying each other back and forth."

"Do you want to quit?"

"No," his eyes narrowed, and he grinned, "I want to win."

I picked up the die, "Me, too."

.

"First to five hundred…Honey!"

"I'm glad that's over," Haruhi grumbled. "I need to get to bed. I have a full shoot tomorrow."

"Yeah, and now you have to deal with the public," Kaoru held up his phone. "It's all over Twitter you were doing a photo shoot."

"I know," she huffed and headed for the door. "Good night."

"Good night, Haruhi."

"I'm not tired. Are you tired, Hika?"

"I'm not tired, Kaoru. Are you tired, Satoshi?"

"Nope. Ideas?"

I pulled a big, black box out of the game cabinet. "Cards Against Humanity?"

"Oh, you are so on."

"Who's in?"

.

"What does that mean?"

My face must have turned the brightest red when Shinobu whispered in my ear.

That was the fifth time I had no idea what the card meant. And it wasn't because I didn't understand the English.

I just don't know anything about sex.

.

We quit around four and headed for bed.

"Are you two idiots still playing that fucking game?"

No response from either of them. Ootori might not be my favorite person, but if those two ever decided to work together, they could rule the world.

"Shinobu?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure." I waived Ritsu on to bed and followed Yuki to her room. I have a feeling I know what this is about.

Once the door was closed, she just stood there staring.

"What?"

"Well…"

"Another thing on a card?"

"No. It's just," she swallowed and took a deep breath, "do men really want all that stuff?"

I'm almost positive she's still a virgin. A while back she said something about waiting for her birthday.

"Not necessarily. Why?" I'm going to make her say it.

"I don't know any of that stuff," she threw her arms up and flopped down on the bed. "How am I supposed to make Akito-kun happy if I don't…"

"Stop." I heard her teeth click as she shut her mouth. "Guys are pigs. But I'll tell you a secret. We are, too."

"What?"

"Listen," I sat down next to her and put my arm around her shoulders, "Akito's a good guy. I don't see him pushing you for anything you don't want to try. Ritsu and I experiment, but we both agree before we try something."

Now she's just staring at her hands in her lap.

"Hey," I shook her gently until she looked up at me, "If you are uncomfortable with anything he asks you to try, say no. It's that simple. If he can't handle that, you tell me. I know where to hide the body."

That got a chuckle. "Thanks."

"No problem."

Think she knows I'm serious?

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xXx

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Author's Note:

Finally got to the interviews that were discussed while the girls were in the hospital. That will probably be the end of any trafficking details for the story. The kidnapping PTSD aftermath will still be worked through, but it's time to let most of the trafficking itself go. Hope the interviews worked for you.

Did a security radio information dump so I won't have to give you the layout of the ski resorts in drips and drabs. Remember the craziness of the security for the island? It's that all over again except they're integrating with the public, so it will be crazy. I'm keeping them skiing in rich bastard resorts so the reactions won't be so bad. They'll be seeing their class contemporaries there.

Dad and I had fun with the bets. I didn't write them all because I wanted to leave it open for others as I thought of them. Ideas?

Had fun with Chika discovering the newlyweds. People walking in on the might just turn into a running gag…

So, I tried to learn to ski when I was in high school and hated it. I'm not all that athletic to begin with, but the idea of going up a hill just to come back down seemed stupid to me. I figured that not everyone in the group would enjoy skiing – the odds are just not there. Yuki seemed perfect to not like it and decide to ride the lifts and take pictures instead. I thought it was a good way to check in with everyone without being too detailed about what they're up to. If ski resorts in general frown on people just riding the lifts, remember they're filthy rich and can get away with a lot of things.

I do have a vague idea for Haruhi's on-line store. You'll just have to wait until I get some details figured out. I'm not that great a businessperson.

I absolutely hate Monopoly. It's the cause of one of the only fights I ever saw my parents have. It was banned from the house. But if anyone would enjoy it, it would be those two. Just wait until you see my 'end game' for them. I did look up the Japanese version of the game for the street/district names for the properties and the prices.

And, of course, Shinobu's serious about Akito's body. She'd do anything for her friends. I think they've all become so used to her attitude that it's easy for them to forget she's an actual yakuza boss now.

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Next Chapter:

So…this story's gotten pretty long and about now would be where I'd usually break it off and start a new one. But Dad and I don't want to do that. Our outline goes through New Years, and we really want to hit that. That puts us at about half-way.

However, I'm getting a little burnt out. Writing this chapter wasn't as fun as it usually is, and I feel like the writing is suffering. So, I'm going to step back for a while. I am absolutely NOT abandoning this story. If the story is ever abandoned, just know that I got hit by a bus or something. I just need a break. It will probably be January before I post again, but I will be coming back.

I'm proud that I've never missed a Saturday deadline and will continue the current publishing schedule when I return.

Thanks for understanding.

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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.