Author's Note:

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

If you're new to this soap opera, go back to the first story – "The Last Straw". Otherwise, none of this will make any sense. Give it a chance. The first story is a little rough, but I get better as I go along.

As with all the other stories, individual warnings for each chapter.

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

Shit got real in this one. Hold on tight…

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xXx

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Date Posted: 10/8/2022

Trigger Warnings: Language

The Hard Truth - Chapter 4: We Wait

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Monday, September 26 (Continued)

Late Morning, Security Headquarters, Morinozuka Estate:

I sat to Oshiro-san's right as he stared down Igarashi and Miwa. They'd just returned from the hospital and turned in their resignations.

I wanted them thrown out of Japan.

At the very least, I wanted to look down on them like the failures they are. But I can't thanks to this wheelchair.

"I don't accept your resignation, Igarashi." He tore it in half.

Wait…What?

"You are demoted to the lowest ranking possible and will not be able to work your way back to a PPD [personal protection detail]. If your work is unsatisfactory, you will be terminated and blackballed throughout Japan. Coming from the Morinozuka's, that will probably prevent you from even a janitorial position."

She bowed a full ninety degrees. "Thank you, Oshiro-sama."

"Dismissed. Your new supervisor will contact you."

I'll give her credit for not running out of the room, but instead she backed out respectfully.

"As for you," he turned to Miwa, "You have a choice to be demoted to the bottom or resign with a blackball."

Miwa bowed a full ninety degrees. "I resign. I'm not fit to be on the same estate as Fujioka-sama."

"Agreed." Miwa's resignation letter was handed off to Oshiro-san's assistant. "Pack your personal belongings and be off the estate within thirty minutes or you'll be arrested for trespassing."

.

I watched Miwa leave the room and am satisfied with the outcome. My wish for physical revenge is not appropriate for a Morinozuka but understandable for the girl I think of as my daughter.

"Eiji, your assessment?"

"Her entire team will be reassigned. I'll build a new team from the ground up, pulling in the best."

"And you?" Oshiro-san leveled a glare at him. "You're her detail head. There or not, you're ultimately responsible."

"I'd appreciate it if Haruhi-sama was allowed to choose my fate."

Oshiro turned to me, "Akira-sama? Your opinion?"

"I agree as long as Eiji's demotion to the bottom of her PPD is presented to her as an option with your recommendation."

"Agreed."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Hatano's Go Salon, Tokyo:

"You did what?"

I leaned back and watched father and daughter interact. Once security explained everything to Hatano-san, and I'd finished with Kazue-san, we brought them together so we could decide how to go forward.

"I didn't know this would happen." She swung her arm towards the front of the salon. "How could I?"

"That doesn't excuse you taking a picture of a private customer in our salon and emailing it to Twit-something."

"It's Twitter, Father. And I didn't email it, I posted it."

She had the decency to blush and look at the floor after his glare. "I hardly think that's the point, Kazue, and you know it."

"I'm sorry, Father."

"What did you think would happen?"

That's what I want to know. I couldn't get that answer when Endo-san and I were talking to her.

"I don't know." Her whining is going to give me a headache. Neither of my children would ever use that tone of voice to me. "I was so excited to see her come into the salon. It was like dream to be around a real celebrity. It made me feel special."

"That's not good enough, Kazue."

"We weren't doing well. Remember," she gave him doe eyes, "you were considering closing."

"Not seriously. I knew we'd get through a slump. We have before." She looked down at her hands which were in her lap tearing a tissue to little pieces. His voice got louder as he figured it out. "That's why you did this? For money?"

"For business. I know how much the salon means to you."

"Kazue…"

"I made up a fake account. I didn't identify the salon. It was just supposed to be a test. I wanted to see if anyone cared if she played in a go salon."

"Apparently they do."

"I'm sorry, Father."

Time to step in. "The important thing now is to decide what to do next."

"I'm not sure I understand how you can help with that," he looked down at my card then back up at me, "Hara-san."

"As the head of Morinozuka Public Relations, we want to offer any help we can to get you back to normality. We can issue a press release stating that Fujioka-sama did play here a couple of times but doesn't anymore. We can also keep on top of any tweets about her being here and defuse them." I put on a supportive smile.

"But it's my daughter's fault."

I ignored the sniffs coming from her. I wasn't about to correct him. "Nevertheless, we'd like to help rectify it."

His head turned towards the front windows. Security had cordoned off the entrance and pushed all the fans back several meters. Unfortunately, the news was still out there. Our arrival created a bigger story. Unavoidable.

"Thank you, Hara-san."

"I recommend closing for a week or keeping it to appointments for your regulars only. The Morinozuka's would like to reimburse you for the lost revenue."

"I couldn't accept that. It wasn't that sweet girl's fault. She was so polite when she came. Always asked for a teaching game and was nothing but respectful."

"Haruhi-sama's grateful to you for her experience here and wants to help as well." I'm sure she would if she saw this mess. "She wasn't raised by the Morinozuka's, but by her late father who worked in a bar. She understands the importance of a family run business and knows how fickle the public can be. Please," I leaned forward to add a sense of urgency, "let her help you."

He took two deep breaths while staring at his daughter. I thought for sure he would refuse us again but, "Alright, but only for three days."

"Thank you, Hatano-san."

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Father's back in the office with that older woman going over some paperwork, so I finally had the chance to talk to Endo-san.

"Is it true? Has she been kidnapped?"

"We have no comment on that."

"So, it is true?"

"We have no comment."

Does that mean yes or no?

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xXx

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Late Morning, Warehouse in Tokyo – nowhere near the docks:

I'm so thirsty.

Need to focus. I need to be strong. Takashi's coming.

What are those letters about?

The only thing that makes sense, is the backlash from that interview. Condoms and tampons. And I thought I was being a strong feminist bringing those issues forward.

But it's just stupid that someone who has a problem with that would hire someone like that guy. He's perverted.

And if it was someone upset about that, what does taking me get them unless they force me to make a retraction. Stripping me down to my underwear and tying me to a chair wouldn't be something they'd do either.

Is it money? Are they ransoming me to the Morinozuka's? The guys warned me it could happen.

How did they get past all my security? If this really is about the condoms and tampons then how could they have taken me? I had two guards and Shinobu had at least three.

I thought Eiji had me completely covered. That's what Takashi insisted on. No wonder they were all so upset over that Statue of Liberty incident.

Takashi.

He must be tearing up Tokyo to find me.

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xXx

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Late Morning, Akito and Yuki's Guest Room, Morinozuka Estate:

"You knew this whole time?"

"I did. We were trying to find the right time to bring it up but realized there really wouldn't be one."

"I can't believe this is happening."

"Yuki," I gave her hand a squeeze and leveled an honest look at her, "the leak to social media isn't that bad. It has nothing to do with the actual kidnapping."

She sniffled and used my handkerchief to wipe her face. "I guess."

We sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard, and I let her process all this mess for a few minutes.

Tonight, we're sleeping here. Doesn't matter how comfortable those theater seats are, no one got a good night's sleep last night.

"I was just getting used to Tani-san."

"Used to him? But not comfortable with him?"

"No," she sighed, "not comfortable. I barely knew him."

"Teraughi's met his replacement and tells me he's a good man. You can meet Numata-san when you're ready."

"Same rules?"

"Same rules. He only reports security issues to his superior. Nothing personal. He's not a spy for anyone."

"Maybe tomorrow. It's not like we're leaving the estate anytime soon."

"We still have," I looked at my watch, "a few minutes before we need to be back in the library. What do you want to do?"

"Just hold me."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Public Relations Conference Call:

Hara (Morinozuka Head): "We've received inquiries from both the PM and the Princess's staff regarding the rumors."

Ando (Hitachiin Head): "What did you say? 'No comment'?"

Hara (Morinozuka Head): "Yes. I also reiterated that it's just a Twitter rumor with no evidence." Talking to both staffs was nerve-wracking, especially right after that Go Salon craziness. "They understood I was giving them plausible deniability."

Sawada (Ootori Head): "If either of their staffs contact any of us, we'll refer them back to you. That will keep us from having to comment at all."

Hara (Morinozuka Head): "Exactly what I was going to suggest."

Kinoshita (Houshakuji Japan Head): "Saw the Go Salon coverage. What did you end up doing?"

Hara (Morinozuka Head): I went over it but didn't discuss my anger at that girl. This is not the place for that.

Endo (Haruhi's Personal PR): "She won't be able to play in public for a while. And probably not consistently at one salon."

Ando (Hitachiin Head): "She probably won't want to after the kidnapping and having that salon go viral."

That's if we get her back. Everyone's talking like that's a foregone conclusion, but is anyone preparing for the worst?

Hara (Morinozuka Head): "I'm sure when we get her back, Go will be the last thing on her mind. We'll figure it out when she has an interest again."

Time to end this and get back to work.

"If there are no other immediate concerns or questions, we should all get back to repeating 'no comment' over and over."

That got a couple weak chuckles, and I ended the call.

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xXx

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Late Morning, Warehouse in Tokyo – nowhere near the docks:

78 – Sharks

79 – Anyone of a dozen pairs of spiked heels. Bet I could even get Ritsu into a pair to join me.

80 – Snakes. No, said that one already. Sea snakes.

81 -

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xXx

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Late Morning, Firing Range, Himura Compound:

I opened the door to the firing range and…

"Motherfucker!" Then the sound of gunshots. "Take that!" And more.

"Knew we'd find him here," Tetsuya mumbled.

I reached over and flicked the lights on and off to get his attention.

He dropped the gun on the counter and spun around, "Anything!?"

"Nothing new."

My son flew into a rage. "How the fuck can she be gone for almost twenty hours, and we don't know one fucking thing!"

"Calm down, Ritsu. This isn't helping."

"Fuck that, Pops. That's my wife out there somewhere."

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I've been waiting for one of them to slip up since Vegas. I won the bet. Tetsuya thought it'd be after new year's.

I kept my eyes on Junto-sama's face and knew the moment it clicked. "Your what?" He turned beet red, and his fists clenched. "What did you just call my baby girl?"

"My wife. She's my wife, and I want that fucking crazy chick back!" he roared back at Junto-sama.

Kasanoda-sama clamped down on Ritsu-sama's shoulder, "When did this happen?"

"Vegas."

Then he threw off his father's hand and picked the gun back up. "I don't want to talk about it. Ask those two," he pointed at Tetsuya and me then continued shooting.

Both fathers turned to us, and Junto-sama said, "You knew? Start talking."

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"I need a drink."

Junto led me to his private office and offered me a sake. After what Kono and Tetsuya just told us, I took it.

"My baby's married. Married!"

I'm not as surprised as him. Something about the two of them was more relaxed since they got back, and I'm not talking like they finally had sex, but that something big had been resolved.

Guess it had.

"Her mother's going to kill her." He poured us both another drink. "And Ritsu."

Ritsu can take care of himself, but Arisa shouldn't be deprived of her daughter's wedding.

"Don't tell her."

"What?"

"Don't tell her." I knocked back my second drink and refused a third. "The kids were going to keep it a secret, so don't tell her. She can still plan the wedding she's always wanted to give Shinobu-chan, and they'll go along."

Then his head fell into his hands, "My baby's married."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Conservatory, Morinozuka Estate:

Opening the door quietly, I stood and watched Tamaki-kun as he played. The melody tore at my heart. So sad. So hopeless.

It's because of me he's here now. Because of both of us. Because of our lack of communication.

I stood up straight, finger-combed my hair, and walked towards him.

Time to fix this.

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I heard her come in but didn't acknowledge her.

I don't understand how she could keep that kind of information from me. I'm not a child. I'm her fiancé. We're getting married in seven months. We're going to share our lives.

"Tamaki-kun?"

I kept playing. I didn't look up.

"Tamaki-kun?"

She's right behind me. I still didn't acknowledge her.

I've been playing for almost an hour. It hasn't helped. Usually, I find solace in the keys, the melody, the creativity. Not now. Not after what's happened between us.

"Tamaki-kun?"

I stopped playing and slowly turned to her, "Yes?" Then my eyes focused on her face. Red, puffy eyes. She's been crying.

"I'm sorry I drugged you without you knowing."

"And?"

"And I'll never do it again."

"And?" Is that all she's going to apologize for?

"And I'm not going to apologize for keeping the leak from you."

"Renge…"

"Hear me out, please." I waived my hand, inviting her to continue. "We're engaged. We're getting married in just over six months. That means lots of things to me. Right now, the two that are the most relevant are we're going to be a team, and we need to grow up."

Grow up? Isn't what she's done childish?

"Right now is incredibly stressful for everyone. We're all on edge." She sat down next to me on the piano bench. "Father told me about the leak because he wanted me to be ready when the group found out. I kept it from you because you knowing wouldn't have made any difference."

"But…"

"Think about it." Her huge eyes looked up at me, begging me to understand. "What would you have done if you knew? You couldn't do anything to make it go away. I'm not sure you could have kept it to yourself. I'm sure Akito was worried about how Yuki'd find out. It needed to be done gently, and Chika did."

"Akito knew?"

"We didn't discuss it, but I'm sure he did. Kyoya-senpai would have told him so he could be ready to help her. Remember how she reacted? The guilt on her face? Akito was ready to help her through that."

"You can say telling me wouldn't have made a difference because there was nothing I could have done, but what you're really saying is you didn't trust me with it."

She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. Taking my hand, she gently said, "No, I didn't."

Before I would have run off to the corner to grow mushrooms. However, things have changed in the last year. I like to think I've grown up.

"Why not?"

"I don't always know how you're going to react to certain things. I don't know if you'll think through the ramifications first. I don't know if you'll explode." She tried to soften it with a sad smile. "I still sometimes just don't know."

Is that true? How would I have reacted?

I was angry that it was leaked. I was angry I wasn't told.

But I thought no one else knew either. Then I found out Renge knew. And I went from being angry with the Morinozuka's and security to being angry with her.

I stood up and walked to the windows. Their gardens are traditional Japanese compared to those at Suoh mansion #2.

I took a deep breath and blew it out. "I'm angry with you, Renge-chan. Angry and disappointed."

Her gasp carried across the room. Great acoustics.

"We're going to spend the rest of our lives together. How can we be partners if I'm wondering if you're keeping things from me?"

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That's it. That's what it comes down to.

How to be partners. How to be a team. How to always have each other's backs against the world.

I followed him over to the window, put my arms around his waist, and leaned against his back. "I want us to be a team. Partners. Who we can rely on when the rest of the world is against us."

"Me too." It came out as a whisper.

"The thing is…team members know each other's weaknesses and strengths. Where one is weak in an area, another fills that role." I squeezed him tighter. "One of yours is reacting before you consider the facts and all the ramifications. One of mine is taking on everything myself.

"Not only do team members help compensate for weaknesses, but they also help the other work through them and get better."

He reached down and took my hands in his. Slightly rough from playing the piano, they were warm and steady.

"I thought I'd gotten better."

I swung around him to look into his eyes. "By leaps and bounds. You aren't that childish fake prince I detested. You haven't been him for a long time. You've grown, changed. You've impressed your father and grandmother. You've impressed me."

"Then why…"

"Why didn't I trust you with the information?"

"Yes."

"Same two reasons. I didn't think you needed to know. Nothing positive would have come from you knowing. Nothing negative came from you not knowing. I also didn't want to risk you not keeping it to yourself." I pulled him close and laid my head on his chest. "You're not the best secret-keeper, Tamaki-kun."

Does he understand? Did I explain it right?

I held him close while he thought about it.

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If she'd told me, what would I have done?

Rally the group and put operation 'kill the rumors' into action.

My shoulders slumped when I realized that's exactly what she was worried about. It's the same reaction that made me think of Haruhi as my daughter for a split second after I heard about the kidnapping.

"There are many things we need to work on to become partners."

"There are, but we can do it. We love each other. We want it to work. We just have to put in the work."

"I'm sorry I put you in the position where you thought you had to keep information from me."

"And I'm sorry for slipping you that pill to help you sleep."

"Those apologies don't fix this, do they."

She pulled back and looked into my eyes. "No, but better communication and hard work will."

"Now what?"

"Now, we do the hardest thing possible." She turned in my arms, and we both looked out the window. "We wait."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Security Conference Call:

Hibino (Himura Head): "Both Kasanoda-sama and Himura-sama have contacted the other syndicates. No one knows anything about the kidnapping."

Morimoto (BOS Acting Head): "Or they aren't telling them."

Hibino (Himura Head): "Or they aren't telling them, but we are accepting the word of those we're friendly with."

Kawabata (Suoh Head): "Why?"

Hibino (Himura Head): "We have our reasons." Which I'm not about to go into here. It's called 'need to know'.

Harada (Hitachiin Head): "So, where does this leave us?"

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "Back to the letters."

Fujii (Kasanoda Head): "Bullshit."

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "What?" What did he just say to me?

Fujii (Kasanoda Head): "We've been riding our yakuza connections hard since this happened for many reasons. But the biggest one is why. Those letters don't make sense. If someone grabbed Fujioka-sama because she said some shit about sex and stuff, nothing that's happened after makes any damn sense."

Morimoto (BOS Acting Head): "I must agree. Where would a group of angry parents get the weaponry and experience to pull this off?"

Fujii (Kasanoda Head): "Exactly. Hired thugs. That's the info we're pushing hardest for."

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "Doubtful that a parent group would have hired yakuza muscle."

Fujii (Kasanoda Head): "Again, exactly. But we're in the position to know about other sources for that. There just isn't any chatter. At all."

Hibino (Himura Head): "Plus, they've been silent. If it's that group, they didn't take her just to keep her from saying anything else. They would have something else planned."

Morimoto (BOS Acting Head): "Unless they didn't plan it through enough to figure out what to do next." I heard someone take a breath to argue, but… "Never mind. If they hired the muscle, got the weapons, planned the vehicle switch, they would have planned what to do with them after." I shook my head like a dog and signaled for more coffee.

Osakada (Houshakuji Japan Head): "So, if it isn't the parent group or a yakuza thing, what is it?"

Ishikawa (Haninozuka Head): "Personal. It must be something personal to one of them. Something we know nothing about."

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "Then it must be Shinobu-sama. Haruhi-sama's life is an open book. Eiji knows everything she's up do. And if there was something, her assistant, or PR rep, or coworkers, or someone in the mansion or…"

Ishikawa (Haninozuka Head): "Or any of the group."

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "Yes, or any of the group. And I can't picture any of them keeping something from us after knowing what's going on."

Kawabata (Suoh Head): "No. Not even Tamaki-sama."

Harada (Hitachiin Head): "Especially not Tamaki-sama or Hikaru-sama."

Oshiro (Morinozuka Head): "Then that leaves Shinobu-sama. She's into something you don't know about, Hibino."

Hibino (Himura Head): "We'll do a deep dive on her personal life and get back to you all in a few hours."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Warehouse in Tokyo – nowhere near the docks:

103 – Fire

104 – Komodo Dragon

105 - …

Fucker's an idiot if he thinks I'm talking. No way in hell.

He can threaten all he wants. I know I'm dying here if Ritsu doesn't find me soon. Hurry up, Mr. Himura. I need you.

10…

Shit. Forgot where I was.

1 – Dull blade

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xXx

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Late Morning, Library, Morinozuka Estate:

"Ok, Chika. We're calm now."

That's Hikaru. Has to be.

"Hika," the other twin put his arm on his shoulder, "Just because you strangled that sparring dummy's head off doesn't mean you're calm."

"Whatever." He stalked to the other side of the room, "This is as good as it's going to get."

The rest of us were calmer.

Holding Yuki-chan rather than doing something active might have been a mistake. She's shut down, but I don't think it's guilt. Or at least not all of it. Some could be her thinking the rest of the group doesn't trust her now. I'll need to talk to Mori.

Tamaki and Renge obviously made up and are a united front. Sitting calmly, holding hands, and waiting for whatever comes next.

Our four martial artists still have hair wet from the showers but are holding themselves less ridged. Cho's feeding Honey a cupcake.

Hikaru's the only one that's still obviously angry. But I didn't expect him to be successful calming himself down.

Chika took the lead. "We'll study until lunch. Your electronics will be returned once we're finished eating."

"I want mine now, dammit!" Hikaru again.

"No," Mori snapped, and Hikaru sat down. I'd obey that kendo master voice too if it was leveled at me.

"Once you get them back, there will be no posting. At all."

"But Chika…"

"No posting, Tamaki-senpai. None." He turned and stared each one of us in the eye in turn. "None. Us posting will not make anything better and will make things worse."

"How is the leak being dealt with?" Good question, Renge.

"All the families' PR firms along with On Okuri, Petto Chinmi, Hitachiin Fashions, and Every Woman's teams are handling it with Hara-san, the Morinozuka head, in charge. They determined the plan and are implementing it. We will do nothing to hinder them."

"But…"

He glared at Hikaru, "If they want our help, they will tell us what to do. Until then, we do nothing."

"What about all the emails, texts, and voice mails we're going to have about this?"

"Don't answer them."

"You agree with this, Mori-senpai?"

He nodded at Kaoru, "I do."

"Then I do, too."

Everyone else chimed in agreeing, Kaoru having to kick Hikaru.

"What if we need to post about business?"

"Essential business postings must be cleared with Hara-san prior to posting. If anyone posts anything that isn't cleared, everyone's electronics will be taken away. Uncle Akira will not stand for Haruhi or Shinobu-senpai to be endangered."

Then Mori cleared his throat, "And whoever posts will face me in the dojo."

Hikaru gulped. Tamaki's face went pale. But everyone else just nodded.

"In my professional opinion, this is the best idea. Silence is easier to explain than postings that are about anything but the rumors. I think the PR reps will make a solid plan."

Mori, Chika, and Satoshi nodded. And that was the end of that.

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xXx

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Afternoon, Twitter:

#FujiokaHaruhiKidnapping Does this have anything to do with those threatening letters she was asked about at the On Okuri Ball? #FujiokaHaruhi #HitachiinModel #FujiokaThreats [Link to original tweet]

[Reply to above] Where the hell have you been? That theory's been around for hours.

[Reply to above] Have you been living under a rock?

Can't get a response from anyone…tagged Petto Chinmi, On Okuri, the Morinozuka's. No one's answering. You'd think if it wasn't true, #FujiokaHaruhi would just tweet sometime and shut everyone up. #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapping #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #PettoChinmi #FujiokaThreats

Morinozuka PR shut down her Go Salon. Guess she won't be going back there. Thanks for ruining that for her everyone! #FujiokaHaruhi #HatanoGoSalon

#FujiokaHaruhiKidnapping I go to school with her…she wasn't in class today. Her close group of friends were out too.

[Reply to above] Then it must be true. No other explanation since everyone's quiet

I still think it involved the PM and the Princess. Why else would they talk to her privately at the ball? #FujiokaHaruhiKidnapping #FujiokaHaruhi #HitachiinModel #EveryWoman #PettoChinmi #FujiokaThreats

[Reply to above] What kind of stupid reasoning is that? You sound like one of those American conspiracy idiots.

And on…and on…and on…

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xXx

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Lunch, Umeko's Private Lounge, Morinozuka Estate:

We'd given up on our phones and had my Twitter feed scrolling on the flat screen. All the chimes were giving me a headache.

"This is delicious, Umeko. I've never had your chief's Italian dishes before."

"We don't request it often, but after all the simple Japanese food and the junk food the kids have been eating, I thought a change was in order." I only realized after that Italian was one of Haruhi-chan's favorites. Hopefully, none of the kids comment on the choice.

"There's an art show at the Noguchi Gallery tomorrow night," Akira said, pointing at the screen. The gallery account just posted with a link to the artist. "Do you think the group should attend?"

"No." The looks on their faces told me my tone was snippy. I took a deep breath and continued, "Tamaki and Renge going makes sense. It's his business. But if any of the rest of them go and it comes out they went while the girls were gone, it won't reflect well on them. It's one thing to ignore the rumors and an entirely different thing to purposefully act like nothing's wrong when you don't need to. They'll come off as callous, of not caring about their friends. I'm not even sure Tamaki and Renge should go. He doesn't attend all the openings."

Yorihisa nodded, "Agreed. None of them should leave the estate except for essential business or school reasons, or to go back to their own estates."

My husband shook his head, "That won't happen. I'm sure they'll all stay here until the girls are found. They need each other's support."

Kumi nodded and asked the maid for another serving. Perhaps I should schedule Italian for more of our shared meals.

.

I checked the timer on my phone. The girls have been gone twenty-one hours and seventeen minutes…eighteen minutes.

How do we have no leads?

Akira and Oshiro are in contact with Himura security, and they don't have any either.

It makes no sense.

"Yorihisa?" I started when Kumi touched my arm. "Are you alright?"

I didn't want to worry her more than she already is, so I gave her a gentle smile. "Just thinking about what to do next."

"Which is?"

Umeko stood up, "Check on the kids," and headed for the door.

"I'll come with."

But when Kumi stood up, she swayed and stumbled.

.

"KUMI!"

I turned quickly at Yorihisa's voice and saw Kumi collapse in his arms.

"Call our estate. Get our doctor over here right now."

Akira grabbed his phone, but I stopped him, "Our doctor is here now. I'll have him come quickly."

"No. We need our doctor."

Theirs? That means… "Is something wrong with Kumi?"

"She's pregnant."

.

xXx

.

Lunch, Dining Room, Morinozuka Estate:

I've never seen the elite of Japan eat so quickly and with so little regard for manners. Renge, Yuki, and I watched as the boys stuffed themselves full of Italian. Fortunately, Akito, Mori-senpai, and Chika were eating like normal humans. Even my Honey-kun was eating his vegetables like it's a race.

"Done," Hikaru slammed his fork onto the table. "Where's my phone?"

"We aren't all finished yet, Hikaru-senpai." Chika ate another ravioli and didn't look up from his plate.

"Screw that, Chika. I want my phone!"

"Do you think you'll win against me in the dojo?"

Hikaru swallowed hard and shook his head at Mori-senpai.

"Then you will not post."

"I won't. I promise."

With a nod from Chika, a security guard started handing out phones. "Tablets and laptops will be in the library."

.

"What a fucking idiot. This one thinks the PM is in on it."

"Or the Princess."

"They're making a big deal about those letters." I turned to Chika, "Are we ever going to get the details on those?"

"Beyond what you already know, no. It's not relevant."

"Who are you to decide what's relevant?"

"I didn't. Uncle Akito did. Take it up with him."

That quieted the room down, and Hika turned back to his phone.

"These people are crazy."

"Obviously."

"I've got about a hundred texts from my friends at school."

"Me, too."

"Yeah, the entire school's texting me."

"Do not respond."

"No kidding, Mori-senpai. I won't."

"What are you looking at, Chika? That's not Twitter."

"The stock market. I'm buying and selling based on the reaction to the rumors."

"Which stock would change because of that?"

"Hitachiin Fashions and a few relatively smaller ones."

Hika stood up and slammed his hands on the table. "Haruhi's out there somewhere going through who knows what and you're making money? That's cold, Chika. Even for you."

"What. Did. You. Say?"

Hika flinched but stood his ground. "She could be dying out there, and all you care about is money."

No one had time to react. Not Mori-senpai, Honey-senpai, or even Satoshi who was sitting next to Chika. Before any of us could even blink, Chika had come around the table and pulled Hika out if his seat by his collar.

"How dare you imply I don't care about Haruhi. How dare you!" he roared in Hika's face. "You don't know me at all if you can say that."

"Yasuchika," Mori-senpai barked, "put him down and step back."

His eyes never left Hika's. "You heard what he said, Takashi. How can I let that go?"

"Haruhi would."

With that, he dropped Hika back in his chair. "Yes, she would." Then he walked back to his seat and picked up his phone.

Cho-senpai spoke up, "It isn't just Haruhi."

"What?"

"It isn't just Haruhi. Shinobu's out there too. Don't forget two of our friends are out there alone. They both need us to be strong and keep it together."

.

I listened as Tamaki-kun mumbled to himself while reading. Finally, he turned to me, "The PR firms are doing their best, but it isn't making any difference."

"No, it's not."

"They're getting torn to shreds by these idiots. Nothing they're saying is making any difference."

"No, it isn't."

His lips met mine for a quick peck. "I understand now. If we posted anything, we'd be eviscerated."

"Exactly."

.

This dipshit thinks it's a publicity stunt by Hitachiin Fashions to sell more suits.

Mother would never do that. Karou would never do that. Me…maybe, but that's not the point.

I'm going to give this moron a piece of my mind.

Big, brown, expressive eyes looked up at me from the screen. Haruhi. My triplet.

Motherfucker.

I deleted the post and switched to a first-person shooter game.

.

I finished messing around with my portfolio and looked up for the first time since Hikaru-senpai said what he said.

The dining room was empty.

Somehow, they'd all left, and I didn't even realize.

The maids had even cleared all the plates but mine.

I cannot believe Hikaru-senpai called me cold. Said I didn't care about Haruhi. That all I cared about was money.

None of them have any idea what Haruhi means to me. Even she doesn't.

When…and I mean WHEN…she gets back, I'm going to make sure she knows how special she is to me.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Warehouse in Tokyo – nowhere near the docks:

The smell got worse as we came closer to her. Yeah, we killed him a couple days ago and turned the heat up, but I didn't think it'd get this bad. Then I realized a couple buckets of water weren't going to take care of her stink.

I waved my hand at her, and two of my guys dumped on more water. She's pissed herself again.

"You thought about what we said?"

"Yeah."

I waited for her to speak, but she only glared at me.

"And?"

"Fuck you."

"That's what I thought, so I have an incentive."

I pointed at the guy behind her across the warehouse, and he started dragging the chair with the other girl.

.

I turned in my chair towards the sound.

Haruhi.

They had Haruhi tied to a chair. Blindfolded and gaged. Stripped down to panties and bra.

My stomach clenched and a wave of liquid heat wooshed through me.

Son of a bitch had her the whole time.

.

He came back in and stroked my leg. "You ready for a trip?"

I didn't answer. I tried not to show any fear. Creeps like fear.

Now he's pulling the chair a long way. The echo's different. Sounds much larger.

When we stopped, I heard a new voice. "Now we'll see how tough you are."

Tough?

The blindfold came off.

Shinobu? Oh, no. She's tied to a chair too. They cut off all her hair.

What's that smell?

My eyes landed on a body on the floor. I couldn't hold back a scream.

.

"Shut up!" he barked and backhanded her.

I heard her whimper and let lose. "Leave her alone you motherfucker. She's got nothing to do with this."

"She's going to make you talk, Bitch. That's her role."

"Dickhead."

Then I caught her eyes. "It's alright Haruhi. We'll be alright."

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

Then I was gaged again. They did it quick to. No chance to bite them. Shit.

"You need to think about your situation."

.

I watched them all leave the room, the head guy laughing. I swallowed hard to keep from throwing up.

The smell was terrible, and I tried breathing shallow. What's going on? Every assumption I've made so far was wrong.

I'm going to make her talk?

They're using me as leverage to get Shinobu to talk.

It's not the letters. It's Shinobu.

.

They got her too. She's not even looking at me. Can't even meet my eyes. Must think this is a yakuza thing. It is, but not what she thinks.

I'm going to kill every single member on my security team. Hers too.

Just how many fuckups can one team do?

1 – Deployment

2 – Outer perimeter

3 -

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Guest Room, Morinozuka Estate:

"Everything's fine. Kumi-sama simply stood up too fast and got lightheaded. It's not uncommon."

"Are you sure? The stress…"

"Isn't good, but her blood pressure and heart rate are fine."

And that's enough of that. "Don't talk about me like I'm not here. I'm the one growing another person in me."

"I'm sorry, my love," Yorihisa was on his knees beside the bed in an instant. "I was so worried."

I reached out and placed my hand on his cheek. "I understand." I looked over his shoulder at the doctor, "But address me. I'm the patient."

"Of course, Kumi-sama."

Both Umeko and Akira were staring at the three of us, speechless. We weren't going to tell them for another month or so, after we told the boys.

"I recommend you stay in bed for a nap and then try to keep the stress at bay." He started packing up his bag, "I'll stay with you here until you return to the Haninozuka estate."

"I don't want the boys to know, and if they see you here…"

"I'll join the Morinozuka doctor for some shop talk. Besides," he headed for the door, "all of you are here, so it makes sense I'm here too."

After he left, I braced myself for the questions. It didn't take long.

"When?"

"Before we left for St. Louis."

"How risky is it," Umeko asked, sitting on the bed next to me.

"I'm in my early forties. It's not as risky as it would be in five years, but there are risks."

"She should be back at our estate, resting."

"I'm resting here just fine. You worry too much."

"I worry that you don't worry enough."

I fixed him with a Haninozuka glare. I may not have been born into the family, but I've learned through years of exposure. "Do not sit there and imply to me that I would do anything to endanger this child." My arms wrapped themselves around my waist. "Haruhi and Shinobu have dozens working for them. This child has me. This child is my priority."

"I'm sorry, my love."

"When were you going to tell everyone?"

I gave Umeko a small smile. "Probably not for another two months. I wanted to be well into the second trimester."

"We'll keep it a secret." She pulled the covers up and tucked me in. "Now take a nap. I don't want to see you downstairs for at least three hours."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Koi Pond, Morinozuka Estate:

"Renge-chan," I wiped the tears off her cheekbones with my thumbs, "you're going to make yourself sick with worry."

"I can't stop thinking about what could be happening to her."

"Neither can I."

We'd come to the koi pond, my darling friend's favorite place on the estate, to be as close to her as possible. Seeing how red and puffy Renge-chan's eyes are now, it was a mistake.

"Let's go get some dessert."

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, Various Security Officers:

Kawabata (Suoh Head): The banks are ready the moment we have a ransom amount, but Oshiro doesn't seem to think we'll get one.

Good thing Tamaki-sama's at the Morinozuka estate with Renge-sama. Without her, Tabata'd have to tie him up to keep him from doing something stupid.

.

Harada (Hitachiin Head): Glad this didn't happen on the red carpet.

.

Ishikawa (Haninozuka Head): This incident will change the way the entire group is guarded. We'll need to establish a task force with members from each family and outside specialists. Current protocols and procedures will have to be completely broken down and rebuilt.

And if this drags on too long, we won't be able to wait to get them back. The others aren't going to stay hidden on the Morinozuka estate for long.

.

xXx

.

Afternoon, CEO Private Office, Ootori Conglomeration Offices:

I stared at the amber liquid in my glass, trying to talk myself out of it.

Haru.

Where are you? Who has you? What are they doing to you? Will you be alright? Will we find you?

I'm scared. That's what this feeling is. The only other time I felt this was right after her car accident. Right after her father died, and I tried to keep her away from everyone. Tried to keep her safe. Tried to keep her for me.

And look how well that turned out.

Just as I lifted the glass to my lips, Tachibana opened the door.

"Kyoya-sama, I thought you were done drinking."

"Leave me alone."

"No."

He walked towards me as the glass touched my bottom lip.

"Haruhi-sama needs you sober."

"You want me to put the glass down? Fine. I'll fucking put it down." And I threw it against the far wall covered by a silk screen. The only thing of Yoshio's I didn't remove because it reminded me of that trip to the mountains Haru and I took.

The glass smashed, the scotch ran down the wall, and then…

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

Not sure if I feel sorry for Eiji or not. I've been quite cruel to him in this story. Hate to admit it, but Dad and I are still on the fence about him remaining the head of her detail. Opinions?

And the cat (or marriage in this case) is out of the bag. I'd need a drink too.

I'll admit that the Renge/Tamaki scenes were hard. It was like threading a needle to keep them both in character (or in character for how they've developed in this story). It certainly won't be their last fight, but I think they're strong enough to work through almost anything.

Finally, security calls bullshit on the letters. But how long until they figure it out, and who tips them? Kono doesn't even know what she's up to.

I'd dropped some breadcrumbs about Kumi being pregnant in a previous chapter and in the last story. Did you catch them? Go back and read the On Okuri ball…

And now Haruhi knows. But just what does she know?

And what the fuck is up in Kyoya's office?

.

Next Chapter:

Mama Hitachiin worries about her sons…the gang reminisces about Haruhi and Shinobu…Haruhi plays a perilous game…a hidden danger is revealed…a new staff member is hired…the law gets involved…and Mori and Chika lose it.

.

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.