Author's Note:
Another Saturday, another chapter.
Many of your reviews show your worry about Haruhi and her nightmares. There's some closure to that in this chapter. I hope it works for you.
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xXx
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Date Posted: July 15, 2023
Trigger Warnings: Language, Description of depression/anxiety/PTSD imagery
The Painful Truth - Chapter 25: Dark Art
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Wednesday, October 19:
After Classes, Library, Mori/Honey Apartment:
Email from Shinobu to Yamaki (Her 2nd at Shiraishi Syndicate):
Yamaki,
Changes to protection approved. Submit weekly revenue reports directly to me on Mondays.
Junto wants meeting with both of us on Friday at 4. Will meet at Himura Compound.
Need two standing weekly meetings. What days work best?
Himura
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"Hey, Ritsu?" He looked up and grunted. Biology must be kicking his ass. "I need to start having a couple weekly meetings with Yamaki and Tamura. Do you care what days?"
"Nope. Just let me know what you end up with, and I'll schedule time on those days with my stuff. I need to start going down to Nagoya once a month or so."
When am I going to schedule time? It's been hard to wrap my brain around the idea that I'm a fucking syndicate head now. I've got Dad's job with a different group of guys, different compound, and different businesses.
What a fucking mess. At least we'll be moving over there in a couple of weeks.
If I could just get some shit done during the day…
"Hey!" I yelled out to get everyone's attention. "Does anyone care if I use the soundproof room in Music Room 3 a couple times a week during lunch?"
Hikaru grinned like a maniac, "You and Ritsu going to slip away for some couple time?"
"While not the worst idea, no. Since it's soundproof and has a secure connection, I thought I could do a working lunch maybe Wednesdays and Fridays."
They all looked at each other, shaking their heads and shrugging. Finally, Renge spoke up, "Looks like it's all yours."
"Perfect." Good thing I didn't hit send yet on that email. I told him we'd do those over secure internet and to pick an evening for a face-to-face. He responded right away with Tuesdays, so I told Ritsu.
Then Haruhi asked and got the room on Thursdays.
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What does this say?
This is ridiculous. I can't read my own writing.
Burn? Cook? Oh, 'bake'.
"Honey-sen…Honey?"
"Yes, Haru-chan?"
"I asked you a while back about Bun Bun's partnering with Petto Chinmi on bakery items for pets, and then the ball and other things happened. Is now good time?"
He leaned back, popped a cupcake in his mouth, and stretched. He's looking at me like he doesn't remember. Maybe I'm not the only one who's been forgetting things. "This is the samples you brought back from America, right?"
"Yes. I have cookies, cakes, and other treats mainly for dogs."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hikaru make a face. Not sure he's forgiven me for tricking him into eating a dog cookie.
"How soon do you want to make a decision, Haru-chan?"
"I'm not sure. The sooner the better, but it depends on how we pay for this. Right now, I'm cash poor because of switching factories and the lawsuit, so I don't know how much I'd be able to invest up front."
"I can help with the financing, Haruhi. I do currently own part of the company."
Why won't they ever let me just do things the way I want to without a bunch of questions? I don't feel like justifying the way my company spends money all the time. "I know, Chika, but if we can figure out a way for Petto Chinmi to contribute later, it's better."
"Let's do this, Haru-chan. Let's meet with my CEO and our product developer sometime next week and talk it out."
I pulled up my calendar. I'm so busy. I need an extra day in the week. "How about Tuesday after classes at the Petto Chinmi offices."
"That works."
"I'll have my assistant set it up and let you know the details."
"Thanks."
And I sent Imai-san an email before I forgot again.
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I leaned over and whispered, "Takashi, are you going to be here on Friday night?"
"Not sure. Why?"
"I had Cho-chan's dollhouse set up in her guest room, but her flight isn't getting in until late tonight. I wanted to have her over for a date on Friday and surprise her."
His eyes flickered over to Haru-chan, "I'll go home or take Haruhi out somewhere."
"Thanks."
Yea! Date night with Cho-chan!
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We sat down for dinner, and Bu spoke up, "Friday my first Gentlemen's club opens. Anyone wanna go?"
"Strip club…"
"…count us…"
"…in."
"No. I told you before, you're not eighteen yet."
"But…"
"No. Because I own it, the cops will be watching. No minors."
"Fine."
"Whatever."
"But we're going after our birthday."
"For sure."
"That's fine. I'll clear a private room for you if you want, but not until then."
"What's the theme?"
I hid my smirk at the light pink on Akito's cheeks. "Techno. It's our largest one. Four bars, three stages, one with a catwalk down the middle. There's an area off to the side with a dance floor for customers only. We've also got four private rooms that hold twenty people, each have a couple of poles."
"Oh." His cheeks had gotten even pinker. "Techno's not really my thing, and Yuki-chan isn't eighteen yet."
Her eyes grew huge, "You want to take me on a date to a gentlemen's club?"
"Bad idea," he mumbled. "Never mind. I was just curious."
I'll put him out of his misery, "Well, Ritsu and I will be there in the VIP section if any of you change your mind."
I really don't see any of them coming out until maybe the supper club. Maybe we could have Wednesday dinner there once.
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xXx
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Evening, Security Review Introduction, Zoom Video Call:
Call includes all family security heads, all PPD heads and team members, all security techs, and all other security personnel available. All family members including all parents and kids (except those under 15). Any family staff that regularly interacts with security (assistants, lawyers, etc.). Security personnel and staff from all family businesses.
Basically everyone.
Morimoto (BOS Head): "Thank you everyone for joining us. The purpose of this meeting is to introduce you to the team that will be performing a comprehensive security review of our families, businesses, estates, social media, cyber and tech, current security, training, threat assessment, transport, and anything else that comes up.
"There are well over three hundred people on this call, so this is not the time for questions. You'll be getting an overview of the team, the timing, and what's needed from you. There will be time for individual questions at another date."
Studying my monitor, I mainly kept an eye on Ootori-sama for any cues. He's still on the flight coming back from America along with Cho-sama and their security. So far, he looks bored. Let's keep him that way.
"After recent events, it was determined by all the family security heads that a full review of all security was needed. Fortunately for us, Ogata Yoshitaka-san, former head of our emperor's security, has agreed to put together a team and perform said review. I'll turn the meeting over to him now."
Ogata (Consultant): Here we go…
"Good evening. My name is Ogata Yoshitaka. For the last forty years, I've held various positions within the emperor's security teams, retiring recently as its head. When Morimoto-san, Oshiro-san, and Ishikawa-san approached me with their request for a security review, I was honored by their confidence in my abilities.
"Knowing this would be a huge endeavor, I decided to put together a team of security experts from around the world with various backgrounds. They have relocated to Japan for the duration of this review, and I'll introduce them to you."
The tech put their window in the middle of the screen, and I looked them over again. It was a huge undertaking to find not only the best, but those that could put their lives on hold for three months or so and move here.
As I called out each name, they raised their hand and nodded. I went through their background and what expertise they bring to the team.
"My team is contracted through the Black Onion Squad. Our contract is available to those on the call who request it with their security head's approval. Quickly, our terms are the following: All data collected belongs to the BOS and will be kept confidential, everyone on my staff has signed an ironclad NDA, we are exclusive to this project until it is finished, and our final report is due by December 30, although I hope to provide recommendations ongoing throughout the review period."
Some of them look bored. Need to speed it up.
"Each of you will be emailed a link to a survey and a suggestion form. Both can be anonymous if you wish, though if you choose to identify yourself, it will be kept confidential within my team. Please complete the survey by this Friday close of business in as much detail as possible. These surveys are a critical first step in understanding where to focus, what the immediate needs are, and how to best attack such a huge project.
"The suggestion form is for a single suggestion and can be filled out as many times as you need to. Every suggestion will be considered, no matter the source: family, security guard, HR staff, gardener, it doesn't matter. Each of you is involved with security in some manner, and we want it to work for everyone."
I checked my list. Just a couple more points.
"Once the surveys are compiled, parts of my team will start meeting with you either individually or in groups. You may be asked to participate in more than one meeting. We will do our best to accommodate your lives, but we ask you to please make yourselves available as much as possible.
"You will also start to see members of my team observing regularly scheduled security meetings, accompanying you on outings and trips, inspecting your estates and businesses. Please let either me or a member of my team know if you have specific concerns.
"As Morimoto-san said, we're not taking questions right now. The email with the survey and suggestion form links will also contain contact information for how to get your questions answered. You can also ask your PPD head if you are a primary or your family's security office manager. They will either know the answer or know how to find it.
"Thank you for your attention."
Morimoto (BOS Head): "Thank you Ogata-san. And thank you everyone for your valuable time. Please go through channels with any questions or concerns. Your cooperation in this endeavor with help speed the whole process and is expected from everyone."
End call…
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xXx
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Evening, Lounge, Mori/Honey Apartment:
The call ended and everyone's phone chimed with the receipt of the email. Several of them checked it, but I studied Haruhi.
She's staring at the TV where the call was displayed. Then she turned to me, "Takashi, is this a good thing?"
"Yes."
"I didn't realize it would involve so much."
"Better to review it all than to miss one thing."
She was quiet for a moment, then sighed, stood up, and held out her hand, "Will you help me with my survey."
"Of course," and I followed her into the library.
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"Well, shit, Asshole. Our lives just got a lot busier."
And just when neither of us need it. Remodeling the new compound, dealing with the gentlemen's clubs and love hotels, breaking down and reforming an entire new syndicate.
I don't have time for this shit.
"You think our dad's will let us quit school."
"I wish, Bu, but no way in hell."
"Then they better not be pissed when we just barely pass."
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I curled up against Akito-kun and thought about the call. I think out of everyone in the room, we're probably the least affected. We're both students, neither of us own businesses, and our public profile is only where it is because of our association with the rest of this group.
I don't envy any of the others right now.
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As long as I can still go to Neon and this doesn't interfere with my training at different dojos around town, I really don't care what they change.
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xXx
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Evening, Over the Pacific, Ootori Private Jet:
Kyoya took the call in his private office, so I can't talk to him about it. But Yamada-san, my detail head is here.
"I thought the problem was with Haruhi's detail."
"It's one concern."
"But is sounds like they're looking at everything."
"It's needed, Nomura-sama. We're talking about ten elite families, including three yakuza syndicates, interconnected in an unprecedented way. There are so many moving parts when taking the entire group into consideration. Fame, crime, threats, cyber, social media. Not to mention ten estates, over thirty business headquarters, and the fact that when you are all together there are seven elite family heirs."
"Seven?"
"Haninozuka, Morinozuka, Suoh, Hitachiin (counting both twins), Kasanoda, and Himura. Plus, Shinobu-sama is now the head of a yakuza syndicate in her own right. One successful strike and the entire country's economy is crippled."
"I guess I hadn't thought of it that way."
He crossed his ankles in front of him and sighed, "It's a necessary thing, and I hope everyone takes it seriously."
I checked the time, "We have two hours before we land. Let's do my survey."
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xXx
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Evening, Home Office, Suoh Mansion #1:
"Are you alright, Anne-Sophie? You're so pale." And she's breathing so fast.
"Just surprised. I didn't realize Rene was in so much danger."
"He's the Suoh heir and is friends with the elite of Japan including yakuza, which is unheard of. A security review is overdue."
Her next words I had to strain to hear, "Are we in danger, Yuzuru?"
"No more than normal." I gathered her in my arms and held her tight. "I won't let anything happen to you."
"I love you so much."
"I love you, too."
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xXx
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Evening, Security Office, Mori/Honey Apartment:
"Well," I looked around at my fellow heads, "we're all here except Yamada-san, and we can loop him in later. What are the bets?" I pulled out my phone to track them.
"Out of the group, first survey finished."
"Haruhi-sama."
"Dammit, I wanted her."
Once everyone had picked, we moved on to, "Last survey finished?"
"Satoshi-sama."
"Hikaru-sama."
"Akito-sama simply because he's so busy in class."
…
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xXx
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Thursday, October 20:
After Classes, Ouran Pickup Area:
"There she is, Nagata-san," Ebisu said, nodding towards the main doors.
About time. I was starting to worry. Haruhi-sama almost always texts us if she's going to be late.
And then she didn't even acknowledge us as I held the door for her, and she climbed in.
Something's wrong.
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Stupid hand.
Stupid headache.
Stupid art history.
Sensei kept me after class wanting to know if there was anything she could do to help. How would I know? It's not like I was doing well in her class before my hand stopped working.
Why did I have to take art history?
Why doesn't Ouran offer business classes? That's just stupid.
Stupid.
When was the last time I was at peace? When my head wasn't running in a hundred different directions? When I could breathe?
I need someplace quiet. Someplace where no one cares who I am.
I looked up and realized they were waiting for me to tell them where to go.
"How about we play a few games at the Go salon?"
"Ah…" Ebisu shifted in his seat and didn't meet my eyes, "It's not secure."
"What do you mean not secure? No one knows I play there."
"Actually, Haruhi-sama," Nagata had turned around from the front seat, "it was identified on Twitter while you were in the hospital and now everyone…"
"And now everyone in this flipping country knows I play Go at some hole-in-the-wall Go salon?"
"Yes, Haruhi-sama. I'm sorry."
"Well," I threw myself back in my seat and crossed my arms in front of me, "that's just great."
Stupid country.
Stupid fans.
Stupid Kaoru.
"Home, Haruhi-sama?"
"Yes."
It's so frustrating.
And I'm so tired.
I tried not to, but I felt a couple of tears run down my cheeks in frustration.
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Nagata-san texted ahead and suggested I meet Haruhi-chan when they arrive, so I was in the garage when her SUV pulled in.
As the door opened, I heard her snap, "I can open my own door, Ebisu, unless you think there's a threat in the Morinozuka-garage."
"No, Haruhi-sama. I apologize."
And to my shock, she didn't say another word as she climbed out of the car and headed toward the door. She almost always thanks her driver and guards.
Then she saw me. "Umeko-obasan?"
"How was school?"
Her bookbag crashed to the floor, and she walked into my arms. "I can't write," she cried. "I can't keep up with my notes. I don't understand art history. My head hurts."
By this point, she's practically whaling. "All I wanted was to go somewhere quiet. Somewhere where I wouldn't be recognized and could have some time to myself. Somewhere where I could just be…but NO!" she squeezed me tighter, "now I find out I can't play at my Go salon."
"I'm so sorry, Haruhi-chan." I rubbed her back, trying to stop the crying. "We'll think of something. Don't worry about it."
A small voice drifted up from my chest, "I guess I'm not surprised. I don't have any place that's for me anymore. No privacy anymore."
I pulled her gently and got her walking towards the door. "Come on. Why don't you go upstairs and take a nap. You'll feel better."
"Crap."
"What, Sweetheart?"
"I have that stupid gallery show tonight. Takashi will be here for dinner and then we're leaving at seven-thirty."
"I'm sure Tamaki-kun will understand if you don't go."
"Maybe," she sighed then straightened and rolled her shoulders, "but I should go. It's his first show with one of the artists he found in Los Angeles, and like it or not, me being there will draw the press. Besides, my agent said it would be a good idea."
"Well," we started to climb the stairs to the family wing, "you still have plenty of time for a nap."
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xXx
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Evening, Red Carpet, Noguchi Gallery:
"Feel like we just did this."
"We did, little brother."
"Cut the shit, Hika. You're only a few minutes older than me."
"Yeah, but I made those minutes count."
"You're an idiot."
"Boys, smile and wave, or didn't your mother teach you anything?"
I smirked at my husband's comment as we watched them walking the carpet in front of us. It's not technically a red carpet, just some velvet ropes lining the entrance to the gallery with whatever press decided to gather. Similar to press outside an exclusive nightclub or restaurant. Tamaki-kun's learned how to use it to his advantage. Those of his friends that want to can walk the line and help with publicity, and those that don't, like our yakuza couple, come in through the back.
The boys talked us into coming tonight because it's his first artist that he found during the trip for the Olympics. They told me this one was edgy, and Tamaki-kun was quite nervous.
Associating Hitachiin fashions with edgy and America can only be a good thing.
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"So, we're agreed? Two hours tops, and we're out of here?"
"Definitely. We have that Japanese history paper due tomorrow." I looked out the window; we're one car back from the drop off. "You did do the paper, didn't you Satoshi?"
"Yeah."
The driver opened the door, and we stepped out to about a dozen screaming fans. Satoshi's screaming fans. "Did you tell them you'd be here?"
"Duh."
"Satoshi! Satoshi! Are you going to Neon tonight!"
He walked over, one hand shoved in his pants pocket, the other he used to comb back his hair, "I will if you will."
"OOOOOoooooo!"
"We'll be there!"
"Please dance with me!"
"And me!"
"If all you lovely ladies save me a dance, I'll be there in a couple of hours."
When he got back to me and saw my glare, he shrugged, "What?"
Jackass.
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When I arrived for dinner at the estate, Haruhi surprised me by coming down in sweats with obvious bedhead. I worried we'd be late, but she ate quickly then took only about fifteen minutes to get ready.
It doesn't matter what she wears, my heart still skips a beat when I see her. But tonight, she chose a simple dark green dress with lace over it. It made her skin glow even without makeup.
She hates the press, but her agent talked her into coming in the front, and there was no way I was going to let her do that alone.
"Fujioka! Who are you wearing?"
She turned her head but didn't stop walking, "No idea. I got it at Nihombashi." A commoner's department store. I'm not surprised.
Just before we got to the door, she stopped. I recognized the reporter as one she'd talked to before. I wonder if she does. They asked her something about the kidnapping, and she turned it back on them. "I'm here to support my friend, Suoh Tamaki and the Noguchi Gallery. The artist tonight came all the way from Los Angeles, and I'm excited to see the show."
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"Oh, look!"
"It's fixed!"
After pulling up to the entrance, I walked around and helped Cho-chan out of the car. My bunny car. I had it fixed and sent the bill to Tama-chan.
"Watch out for the ears," and I handed the keys to the valet.
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"Suoh-san! Are you proud of your son and his gallery?"
Anne-Sophie surprised me when she answered the question, "Yuzuru and I are most definitely proud of our son. Tamaki," she's doing better remembering not to call him Rene, "has poured his heart and soul into the Noguchi Gallery. It's an honor to attend a show here and see how his hard work has paid off."
There was nothing left but for me to agree. I put my arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer, "My wife and I are enjoying the opportunity to support our son. Thank you." I kissed her temple and led her into the gallery.
My mother would not have been embarrassed by Anne-Sophie tonight. It's a shame her pride kept her from knowing my amazing wife.
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xXx
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Evening, Photography Exhibit, Noguchi Gallery:
"Two beers."
I grabbed the glasses and turned around, but my wife wasn't there. Took a few minutes, but I finally found her standing in front of a three-meter tall [~9 feet] by one meter wide [~3 feet] black and white photo.
It's creepy. This whole show is creepy. Almost all black and white. Full of women, and a couple of men, screaming or crying or trapped. 'Trapped by Depression' is dead-on for the name.
I came up next to her and handed her a glass. She's staring at a girl that looks like they're wrapped in cobwebs. She's tearing through them and screaming.
Then I saw the tear running down Bu's cheek.
"You OK?"
She didn't answer. Didn't acknowledge me.
I gave her a minute, then tried again, "Bu? This shit's fucking depressing."
Another tear, then I had to strain to hear her, "It speaks to me. I've felt this." She pointed to one across the room, "See that one? The one where she's wrapped herself up in the sheet and curled up on the bed? That could be me. And that one," she pointed to a photo of a hand reaching out from dark water, "I look at that and feel it. In my gut. It makes me sick."
We don't talk about this shit. We haven't talked about how she's felt since the kidnapping. We've been so busy with the new syndicate and getting her well. Shit. Her eyes came back to the photo in front of us. "I didn't realize you were having that much trouble."
"It comes and goes. I need to be stronger."
"Not with me you don't." She took a sip of beer. I watched her hand shake. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
Her eyes were haunted when she looked at me, "I know, but I don't have the words."
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Someone's hand pushed on my lower back, and I jumped and flinched. Then I realized it was Takashi. "Sorry."
"No need. It's crowded in here." He knows I don't like crowds. He's just trying to help guide me through them.
But it's so dark in here. And small. Did the gallery shrink? Each photo has its own spotlight and there are soft lights above the food tables, but in between it's practically midnight.
And these pictures. They make me wonder what's behind me. I'm trying not to act like a frightened rabbit, but maybe I shouldn't have come.
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After this show, I'll be sure to check out the artist before I bring her back. What is Tamaki thinking asking two friends that just went through what Haruhi and Shinobu went through to an exhibit full of depression and PTSD imagery? I know he wanted something edgy for the younger crowd, and I know he found this artist long before what happened, but he still should have realized it wasn't a good idea for them to be here.
Then I saw it. Across the room. Almost life-sized.
It wasn't obvious if it was a man or a woman, but they were standing against a black background. They were enclosed a bag or a stocking or something sheer. Trying to walk. Reaching out with one hand, the other reaching for their throat like they were trying to talk but no sound was coming out.
That's how I felt that day. That's how I felt when we knew where she was and were waiting for the rescue plan. Like I was trapped in an outer skin Like I was wrapped in cotton. I've never felt more helpless. More terrified.
CRASH
My head jerked towards the sound. Just a dropped glass.
But beyond that. On the wall. Another photo.
Black background. A head under water, but I couldn't see the face. The water was moving above, blocking out the details. That's how the warehouse looked when we came in. That's how I saw Daiju, just a faceless obstacle in my path to Haruhi.
He wasn't a person when I killed him. He was in the way.
"Takashi?" I started a bit, but I think I hid it. I looked down into her huge eyes. "Can I have a glass of water?" She asked it like a child would ask.
"Of course." I think we both need one.
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"I'll have it ready by then, don't worry."
I hung up and looked around. I've never been in the theater lobby here. Being an artist myself, I only came for the art shows, not the plays or music.
Today's artist isn't really my thing, but I couldn't pass up the networking opportunities.
I didn't know they hung art here in the lobby. And it's not what I would call professional quality. More like emerging. That landscape is pretty good. I looked at the tag, "Yellowstone – Ito Yuki."
I wonder if Suoh-san would introduce me to the photographer.
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Renge-chan broke off and headed over to Cho, so I continued my lap around the gallery. I think it's going well tonight. Nothing's sold yet, but these pieces are the type that need time to grow on you.
"Suoh-san?"
"Jigoku-san. Thank you for coming tonight. I appreciate your support."
"The photos are intriguing. I predict a success with certain subcultures of youth." He hesitated, "I was just in the theater lobby taking a call and I saw the landscape from Yellowstone. Would it be possible to arrange a meeting with the photographer, Ito Yuki?"
He likes her photos! I told her she was professional level.
"Of course! She's a friend of mine and is actually here tonight. Come with me and we'll track her down," and I led him through the crowd.
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"Akito," we both turned to see Kyoya coming towards us, "can I speak with you a minute?"
"Sure. Anything wrong?"
"No." He turned to me, "I'll have him right back." They headed off towards the bar, and I turned towards a photo of a girl on her knees, her head bent forward, her arms raised by what looked like puppet strings. This is a very strange show.
"There she is. Yuki!" I turned and smiled as Tamaki came up to me. "Yuki, allow me to introduce Jigoku Zaiaku. He saw your photo in the theater lobby and wanted to meet you." He turned to the man standing next to him, "Jigoku-san, this is Ito Yuki, landscape photographer."
"Well," I could feel my face heating up, "I'm not a professional by any means, but I'm learning."
"Nonsense," Tamaki huffed, "we've sold one of your prints. You are most definitely a professional."
Jigoku-san stepped closer, "You are a student?"
"Self-taught. I started a couple months ago."
"Your photos show quite a bit of talent for someone so new to the art."
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"Less than six months and our children will be married."
"I'm so glad you took the time out on your visit to come tonight, Reynard. We should get together for dinner while you're in town."
"I'd be honored, Yuzuru."
My darling Renge has told me so much about their wedding plans, but it had been entirely too long since I'd seen her, so I decided to visit Tokyo and conduct some business as well. I'll also be interviewed for the security review while I'm here. It's long overdue in my opinion.
"I realize my daughter probably has everything under control but do let me know if there is anything I can do for the wedding."
"I wouldn't worry about it. Your daughter is nothing short of amazing and is managing the planning like an expert."
I'm not surprised. She's fantasized about her wedding since she was a child.
"Ah, there are the two lovebirds now."
I smiled and kissed my daughter's cheek as she and Tamaki-kun walked up to us.
"Rene, darling, I had no idea the show would be so…dark."
"Yes, Son. I'm surprised you chose this artist. It's quite disturbing."
"Exactly, Father. Art should be disturbing. It should speak to those who can't find their voice. Feeling trapped, unheard, blank, washed out is something many teens and young adults feel. Look around," he waved his hands around, "it's drawn quite the crowd."
"We're thankful all three of you came. Your support means everything, but you must remember, you aren't the target audience for this artist."
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Not sure why Kyoya needed to talk to me in private. An email or text could have served just fine to remind me of the next Ootori board meeting. I'm just a medical advisor. I'm not even sure if I have a vote.
I sipped my sake and took in another photo. It's huge. One by two meters [~3x6 feet]. Black and white, it shows the left half of a woman's face from above the eyebrow to the jawline. She's been crying and her makeup had run in streaks down her face.
Reminds me of a patient I saw at the internship today. She tried to kill herself. Pills. She cried and screamed at us for wanting to pump her stomach. Had to sedate her.
These pictures hit too close to home.
And I'm so tired.
.
"Honey-kun, do you think we can sneak out of here? I don't like these pictures."
Neither do I. And after being here for a couple of hours, I need lots more cake than Tama-chan has.
"Let's go out the back."
She took my arm, and we threaded through the crowd, but she suddenly stopped. When I followed her eyes, she was staring at Haru-chan.
Haru-chan was standing in front of what I think is the most disturbing picture here. It's like a sheet of gray rubber with a face pressing through it. The mouth is wide open like they are trying to scream.
I shivered and Cho-chan pulled closer. "Do you think we should check on her first?"
But then Takashi put his arm around her shoulder, and she leaned into him. "She's in good hands. Let's get some cake."
"After this, I'll let you eat as much as you want. I think I might need an entire one for myself."
.
"I'm really nothing compared to this artist," I waved at one of the pictures hanging to my right.
"Ah, but that doesn't mean your photos don't speak to people. You've spoken to at least one person. They bought your print."
"I suppose…"
"I know raw talent when I see it, Ito-san. You just need someone to take you under their wing. Someone who can guide your training and show you the ins and outs of the business."
That's when Akito-kun came up beside me and handed me a glass of water. "Jigoku-san, allow me to introduce my fiancé, Ootori Akito. Akito-kun, this is Jigoku Zaiaku. He's a professional photographer and saw my pictures here."
"I was just telling Ito-san that if she's taking such amazing photos as a beginner, then just imagine the shots she could get with some training."
"Yes, she's quite talented." He finished his sake and placed it on a passing waiter's tray. "What type of training do you suggest?"
"Well," he adjusted his tie and addressed me, "first I'd like to review your entire portfolio. Once I get an idea of the breadth of your knowledge with the camera and your eye for composition, perhaps you should join me on a couple of my shoots, or we could arrange private lessons."
Private lessons! With a professional photographer! "I'd like that, but…"
"But?"
"I don't have a portfolio." Now I really feel like I'm just playing around with the camera.
Then he smiled at me, "It's no problem. I can recommend a couple places that can help you put one together." He handed over his phone, "Please add yourself to my contacts and I'll email or text you the information."
"That would be wonderful."
We agreed to meet in a week at his studio.
When he walked away, Akito pulled me into a hug. "Congratulations."
"Thanks." It's so exciting. I'm going to have my own portfolio!
.
"Where'd you get that?"
He knocked back his drink and put it on a table, "What?"
"Don't what me, Hika. You're drinking."
"So?"
"So? You don't want to get the Boss in trouble, do you?"
"No one cares, Kaoru. No one gives a shit at all."
OK, he's clearly talking about more than him having a drink. "What do you mean, no one cares?"
"I mean, look over there," he tilted his head, and I looked over his shoulder. "Ootori's here acting like he hasn't done anything wrong. Like he's been absolved of everything."
This again?
"Well, I haven't. I haven't forgiven or forgotten what he did." He grabbed a glass off a passing tray. "I'll never forget."
.
Is that me? When did this artist get a picture from inside my mind?
She's underwater. Looking up. Her hands are in front of her, trying to push through the ice. Trying to let her breathe.
How many times since the car accident have I felt like that? Like I was being pulled under. I was getting better. I was climbing on top of my life and finding myself again.
And then they took me. And Shinobu. And kept us in the dark.
And now I'm jumpy. It's like I'm hypersensitive. Like that picture over there. The one where the head has five faces. They're screaming, crying, shouting. Like they can't make up their mind. One of them looks absolutely terrified.
A shadow flashed in the corner of my vision, and I jerked my head to the left. Is that him? Is he standing there behind the table?
My hand jumped to my chest. My heart's racing.
"Haruhi?"
I couldn't help it. I let out a squeak and jerked away from the voice. Then my eyes focused, "Chika?"
"Are you alright? Where's Takashi"
"Bathroom." My eye darted back to the table. He's gone. I hung my head, "I don't think I'm OK."
"Come with me. We'll find someplace quiet, away from people."
.
I saw Chika leading Haruhi out of the gallery and into the theater lobby and followed.
"Chika? Haruhi? What's wrong?"
It's like I pulled a trigger. She jumped up from the seat he'd put her in and charged over to me. "He's here. I know it. He's come for me."
I grabbed her flailing arms, "Who's here?" No answer, so I gave her a light shake, "Who's here, Haruhi?" I have my gun. Ritsu has his. Whoever the fuck she's talking about won't be a problem for much longer.
"The knife," she choked out. "The guy with the knife."
A huge wave of relief washed over me. He's dead. Ritsu and Ootori killed him. So, who's she seeing?
"He's not here, Haruhi."
She looked at me, eyes widened to their limits, dilated pupils huge. Every muscle on her face tensed, was on edge. She's wound so tight she'll spring at the smallest thing.
I almost stepped back at the sight.
"Yes. He's here. I saw him. I see him all the time. He's everywhere, and he's coming."
Chika caught my attention over her shoulder, and I shook my head slightly. I mouthed, "Get Mori", and he took off.
"No, Haruhi, he's not."
"But…" Her mouth hung open as if she was about to scream or gasp for air. Her skin's as pale as a ghost.
"I've got you. Nothing's going to happen. Do me a favor and just breathe. Breathe with me."
We took several deep breaths together, but she hadn't calmed down much. "He was out there, staring at me."
"No, no he wasn't. It was a shadow or something. He's gone."
She shook her head, and I realized I was going to have to tell her. "I know he's gone." I gave her another light shake, "Listen to me." Her eyes met mine and I stared back, "I know he's gone. He'll never bother you again. He'll never bother anyone ever again."
"How…?"
"He's dead."
She stared at me, like she didn't understand. "Who?"
"Doesn't matter. Just know he's taken care of. He can't do anything to you ever again. Not ever again."
She practically collapsed in my arms.
.
"Hey, I'm headed out. You guys want to go to Neon with me?"
Hika stared at Satoshi, and I could see the wheels turning. "I've got something I have to do first. Alone." He dropped his glass on a table and headed straight for Ootori.
"Should we stop him?"
I watched as Hika mumbled something to him and then the two of them headed towards the back of the gallery, Tachibana following. "No. Let him go. He needs to do this. Get it behind him."
"But we're going to wait?"
"Hell, yeah."
.
I saw him headed directly for me. His eyes, narrowed into slits, burned with rage, with hate.
This has been a long time coming and will get ugly. It hadn't slipped my attention that he'd been drinking tonight.
Through clenched teeth, he snarled at me, "I need to talk to you."
Best to get it over with. "Follow me."
I knew the ins and outs of the gallery from when I found it for Tamaki to purchase. I knew there are practice rooms in the basement. We headed for the stairs, Tachibana right behind me.
When we got there, I told him to stay outside no matter what, and I gestured Hikaru in.
I stood there, crossed my arms in front of me, and said, "What?"
"What? Like you don't know fucking what."
I waited, tapping my foot. I knew it'd piss him off and help him get started. Not that he probably needed any help after the alcohol.
"You bastard," he screamed. "How dare you come back into Haruhi's life. Come back into my life. Come back like you never did anything to us."
He pushed me hard enough that I had to take a step back to maintain balance. "You don't get to be forgiven. You don't get to walk around like nothing happened." His chest heaved, and I braced for more.
"Haruhi wasn't your only victim, dammit. You owe me. You owe me for leaking my medical records. You owe me for using me to make her marry you. You owe me, you asshole."
Another push. Another step back.
His face was twisted by pure loathing. That hatred was a chilling reminder of his anger, his obsession, and what he'd done before to Haruhi. What he was capable of.
"You owe me a fucking apology," he bellowed in my face.
"I'm sorry." I took a breath and tried again, "I'm sorry I did that to you. I considered you a friend, and I ruined it. I did a horrible thing to you, and I apologize for it." And I meant it. Not that he'd realize that.
"Apology not accepted."
Suddenly, something slammed into my stomach, knocking the breath out of me. Time slowed as the pain washed over me, and I was driven to my knees. He hit me.
Gasping for breath, I looked up into those hate-filled eyes. "We'll never be friends again, Ootori. Never," he practically spat at me. "I don't know what the fuck Haruhi's doing. I don't understand how she can stand to even be around you, but I can't. I won't."
I expected him to kick me while I was down, but he stood there, chest heaving, and he threw his head back and let out a primal yell at the ceiling. Then he started pacing the small room.
Not wanting to piss him off any further, I stayed down on one knee, my hands on my stomach, and waited.
He was mumbling, and I only heard snatches of it.
"…can't stand his fucking face…"
"…everyone's fucking nuts…"
"…dammit…"
"…for Haruhi…"
Then he marched back up to me and stared me down, "I hate you. I never want to see you again. I never want to talk to you again. Never!"
He paused for a second, and I again expected to be kicked. "But I love Haruhi. I love her like the little sister I never had. I love her like only someone she's given a second life to can love someone. And she's talking to you again." He reached up, dug his hands into his hair, and pulled with both fists. "I have no fucking clue what's going on in her head, but I'm not about to tell her she's wrong. If she wants to forget all the horrible shit you did to her, I'm not going to tell her she's batshit crazy."
With a growl, he paced to the back of the room and then up to me again. "Here's what we're going to do. We'll never be friends again. Never. I can't forgive or forget what you did. I can't. Not after everything. But I can at least not be a complete dick to you when she's around."
That's more than I thought he'd be able to give.
"Fuck! For her I'll even be fucking civil to you when she's around, but the minute she leaves the room, I'm ignoring the shit out of you. You're dead to me unless she's there."
He bent over and poked my chest, "Got it?"
"Yes."
"Good. Don't ever speak to me again."
And he walked out and slammed the door.
.
I passed Tachibana as I stomped back upstairs to the main gallery. I'd said it. I'd looked that motherfucker in the eye and said everything I wanted to say.
And then I punched the bastard in the stomach. Damn, that felt good.
And now I'm going to go to Neon, find a girl, dance all night, and call the doc tomorrow.
.
Kyoya-sama's arm was cradling his stomach when he came out. I knew I shouldn't have listened to his orders.
"Do you need a doctor?"
"No. I'm fine." He headed for the stairs, and I followed. "Glad that's behind us."
"What happened?"
"Hikaru said everything he needed to say to me. Then we agreed to be civil when Haruhi's around and ignore each other when she's not."
"So, it's over?"
"It is for me, and I'm fairly sure it is for him."
"It's for the best."
"After what I did to him…After what I did to Haruhi…yes, it's for the best."
.
"When will it be delivered? I need to let my decorator know."
"The show goes on for one more night. Deliveries will be on Monday."
"Thanks," and I signed the slip and took the receipt.
I felt Ritsu come up behind me, "Which one did you buy?"
"The scream. The tall one with her arms open wide and her hair flying everywhere. It looks like a cross between desperation and a war cry." I turned around and smirked, "It will look great in my office and intimidate every old man out there."
"Fucking A."
"Let's go home and not sleep."
"You got it."
.
xXx
.
Night, Haruhi's SUV, Headed back to the Estate:
What do I even say? She's so quiet.
She disappeared for a while then Chika came for me. We found Haruhi crying in Shinobu's arms.
…
"Take her home, Mori," she said as she passed her to me.
"Haruhi?" She just sniffled and shook her head.
We left through the back.
…
She's curled up like a cat in the corner of the seat, her forehead pressed against the window.
What happened?
"Takashi?"
"Yes?"
"Did you see that picture? The one with the white smooth surface with the screaming face pressing out of it?"
"Yes." I remember that one. It was horrifying. When she didn't say anything for a couple of minutes, I asked, "Why that one in particular?"
"That's how I feel. All day. Every day." She lifted her head and stared at me, eyes huge and blank. "Like I'm trapped. Like life is going on around me and no one hears me screaming. Like I'm being smothered."
"Haruhi…" I reached for her, but she pulled back.
"I haven't been sleeping well. The nightmares are bad enough, but when I wake up, I swear I see that man with the knife in my room."
My stomach clenched, and I swallowed hard. Why hasn't she told me this before? He must have been arrested with the rest of them. I could prove it to her.
I had to strain to hear her, "I thought I saw him tonight."
"He's in jail, Haruhi. He can't hurt you."
"No," she shook her head, "he's not. He's dead."
"What?" I thought Daiju and Daikichi were the only ones killed in the rescue.
Her shaking hands reached out and grabbed my arm, "I thought I saw him tonight. In the corner, in the dark. Then Chika and Shinobu took me away. I tried to tell them what I saw. I tried to make them understand. Then Shinobu told me." She took a huge breath, practically gulping air, then leaned closer, "She told me he was dead. That he couldn't hurt anyone…ever again."
"Did she tell you how?" I couldn't stop myself. It just popped out.
"No. She said it didn't matter. She told me he was taken care of. That no one did that to Ritsu's or her friends and lived." Two huge tears spilled from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks. "They killed him for me."
"She said that?"
"She might as well have."
I reached out slowly and pulled her into my arms and against my chest. My Haruhi. The person with the strongest moral compass I know. How will she live with this?
I heard her soft voice rise from under my chin, "That man did terrible things. To me. To Shinobu. And probably to other girls. And now he can't hurt anyone ever again. There's no chance of it. And…" She sniffed hard and swallowed, "And I'm not sure I can care that he's dead. I mean, I don't think I mind that he's dead." Her whole body jerked back so she could look at me, "Does that make me a horrible person? Does that make me a monster?"
"No." I said it firm and with confidence because I know it doesn't. "You are not a monster. You are a victim. And there's nothing wrong with knowing your attacker is gone and being fine with it. His actions got him killed." I reached up and took her face in my hands, "I'm not upset he's dead either."
"You're not?"
"No, I'm not."
She collapsed back against my chest and blew out a breath. "Thank you. I knew you'd understand."
.
He always understands. No matter how what I'm feeling, he understands.
I don't have to be upset that man's gone. I know he's gone. He can't hurt me anymore. And I can work on getting better.
"Haruhi?"
"Hmmm?"
"I need to tell you something."
"Anything, Takashi. You know that."
My head rose as he took a huge breath. "Did you see the picture of the person trying to walk but wrapped in a stocking or something?"
"Stumbling, reaching forward with one hand and the other grasping at their throat?"
"Yes." I remember that one for sure. Extremely disturbing, but it was easy to put myself in their place. But he's telling me something important now, so I waited. I could hear the tires on the pavement.
It was a few more moments before he spoke. "When you were gone and we finally figured out you were at that warehouse, there was a period of time where the Black Onion Squad had to plan your rescue. I thought I would go insane waiting. I felt I could tear the entire place down with my bare hands but knew I shouldn't. I knew the professionals needed to determine the course of action. While I was waiting, I felt like I was stumbling, reaching, and suffocating. I felt like the person in that picture."
I squeezed him tighter but didn't say anything. I don't want to break the spell. He needs to get it out, whatever it is.
"Then we charged the warehouse. I burst through that door right behind the first wave of security. And I saw you." His arms clutched tighter, and he rested his cheek on the top of my head. Almost like he didn't want me to pull away to look at his face…
"I knew what it meant, but I'd never experienced tunnel vision before. Everything went gray but you. You were the only thing I saw, and I ran straight for you. But…" He gasped roughly. Is that a tear that landed on my head? "But there was something in the way. I broke past it and got to you. I didn't think anything more about it until later."
Those are tears. I can feel warm dampness in my hair. What on earth could make this man cry? Could make the bravest man I know cry?
"A day or two later, Chika told me," he swallowed and took several breaths, "Chika told me it was Daiju. Daiju was in my way. Daiju was between me and you, and…and I killed him to get to you."
"Oh, Takashi," I hugged him harder, pulled him tighter. His arms crushed me to him. This poor man. "Thank you," I whispered, but I knew he heard me.
Silence except for his breathing. Rough and ragged.
"You saved my life. He was coming to kill me, and you stopped him." I reached up and stroked my fingers through his hair, "I'm sorry you've been carrying that burden alone." Because it is a burden. He took a life, no matter how justified. His honor would not let him put this down.
But I can help him.
"But you don't have to carry it anymore. Not for me. Not for you." I used his words back to him, hoping they'd help, "Daiju's actions got him killed. And I'm not sorry he's dead."
Then he used my words back to me, "You don't think I'm a monster?"
"No. Absolutely not. You saved my life. You came in that door for me. You came for me." I choked out a sob, "You're always there for me, Takashi. You're the one person I know I can always count on to understand, to help, to listen."
I pulled back gently, and he slowly lifted his head and relaxed his arms. When I could see his face, that handsome, gentle face, I reached out and cupped it with my hands, "On that day, you were my hero. Everyday you're my best friend."
I placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
I love this man.
.
xXx
.
Author's Note:
Can you see the group having dinner at the gentlemen's supper club? I may have to do it just for the entertainment value. Except – it won't be the entire club. Maybe a triple date: Bu/Ritsu; Honey/Cho; Akito/Yuki (after her birthday). That'll be a trip.
I tried to keep the security call short, but there's no getting away from it as an information dump. Now I won't have to drip and drap that info out later, and you'll all know what's going on when I talk about surveys, suggestions, and different meetings. I avoided actually introducing the members of Ogata's team, though I have built the team and named them. Not sure you all will ever have to meet all 13 of them, but you'll see some as they tag along on events and I will have to do some of the meetings. Still not sure about Haruhi's new detail head. American with celebrity experience? Male or female? Older? Any opinions out there?
Figured it was about time Haruhi found out her Go salon was outed. Dad and I have a plan for her to be able to continue to play. She really enjoyed the anonymity and peacefulness playing there gave her. We may not be able to solve the anonymity, but we think we can make it so no one cares who she is. Look for more of that soon. As for her attitude, it reminds me of me. Stupid this, stupid that (though I'd be using the F word). Figured she'd hit that wall soon.
The art show's been planned for a while. It hit several threads, opening and closing some things. I wasn't sure about the artists (except that he was a photographer) until I started writing it. I've posted this before, but I'll mention it again. I used to post individual links to different inspirations, but I've ended up creating a board on Pinterest for this soap opera with sub-boards for different things. The main board is: pinterest MollyMuffinHead / fanfic-soapopera/ (remove the spaces). There's a sub-board for the art show with the pictures I referenced. I realize they aren't all the same artist, but this is fiction and I needed them all for the scenes. The sub-board is: pinterest MollyMuffinHead / fanfic-soapopera / tamaki-art-tpt25/
You can take a look at all the rest of the sub-boards, but there might be some stuff in there for future ideas. Nothing too big, mainly outfits, future date ideas, artists for Tamaki, and various other inspirations. There's a board for each girl with lots of clothes. Sometimes I pull them up to help me write in their personalities. Anyway…have fun.
There was a lot of talk about how Bu, Haruhi, and Mori were and still are being affected by the kidnapping and warehouse rescue. I probably went more in-depth than needed, but I felt I owed it to them. They aren't out of the woods yet, but they're all talking about it now and that's progress. Sounds like Akito's internship is affecting him more than he realized until tonight. Doesn't sound cut out for being the on call psychologist in the ER. Good thing, too, because I never really saw him doing that. This internship is serving to show him what he doesn't want to do with his life rather than what he does want to do.
The Hika/Kyoya blowup was long overdue. After what Kyoya did to Haruhi, it's easy to forget Hikaru's a victim too. Dad and I didn't want to make it one or the other now that we're working on Kyoya's rehabilitation, but just because some of them can accept him slowly coming back, doesn't mean everyone will. Hika will always be the one to struggle the hardest with his emotions, and I don't think it's fair to force him to forgive and forget. Who knows, he might actually be polite to Kyoya in 20 years. But we won't still be writing this then.
Haruhi finding out about knife guy was always the plan. It's never the plan to let her know Ritsu and Kyoya killed him. That secret will stay with those that know and no one else. That getting out is a road I don't want to go down and is completely unnecessary.
And what did you think about the ride home with Takashi and Haruhi? Dad thought it went too long, but they were both dealing with some heavy shit, and I didn't want to ever have to revisit it on that scale. It's done and over with. It's not completely out of their minds, but there won't be much reason to ever talk about it again.
And she realizes she loves him. About time this slow burn combusts.
.
Next Chapter:
Haruhi makes a decision…Bu gets a present…Cho and Honey celebrate…a strip club opens…Yuki gets a portfolio…and a fucking huge shock.
.
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.
