Author's Note:

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

Drop us a review. They're like chocolate. And Dad and I love chocolate!

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xXx

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Date Posted: August 26, 2023

Trigger Warnings: Language and not even that much

The Painful Truth - Chapter 28: Yellow Teddy Bear

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Thursday, October 27 (Continued):

Late Morning, SCIF, BOS Headquarters (dialog tags for simplicity):

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): I looked up from my monumental to do list and studied my team. Experts from across the globe. Despite the short time frame for selection, I was able to put together a good team. A strong team. A team that only a few people on the planet could put together.

I should send Ishikawa-san a bottle of Juyondai sake. Even at 400,000 yen a bottle [~$4,000], it's well worth it as a thank you for saving me from a boring retirement.

"Let's get started." I turned to the older woman opposite me at the table, "Davis-san?"

Michelle Davis (Consultant - US Dpt Homeland Sec Analyst(F)): Not sure I'll ever get used to being called that. "All surveys have been turned in. Some were late and had to be tracked down, but we have them all now."

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): "Who was late?"

Michelle Davis (Consultant - US Dpt Homeland Sec Analyst(F)): "None of the main players except for," I checked my list, "Igaya-san, the new Shiraishi Syndicate security head, but he contacted us to let us know. They're so new he couldn't get his hands on all the information right away." Ogata-san nodded. "As for the others, it was mainly lower-level employees of the estates and businesses. No other security."

I turned to my left, "I'll let Mike discuss the details."

Mike Sanders (Consultant – US Data Architect): "As you know, the surveys were conducted on an encrypted website allowing for all responses to be collected directly into our database. My team of Black Onion Squad techs and I have reviewed all 647 of them for emergent concerns, missing details, and issues. Several of you have helped us with follow ups for more information."

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): "Are there any patterns to the missing information? Any specific concerns?"

I've been meeting with family heads all week, so this is the first report I've gotten on the surveys.

Mike Sanders (Consultant – US Data Architect): I took a deep breath and tried to slow my speeding heart. Yes, I've been a senior data architect for Homeland Security for a decade, but I've never reported to the big guys before. I always turned my reports over to Michelle who went to those meetings. Still can't believe she convinced me to retire early and join her in this crazy mess.

"All three yakuza syndicates," and I can't believe I'm working with the Japanese mafia, "intentionally left out information regarding their security setup, properties, deployment, etc. There was something left out of just about every survey from one of their members, with the family heads and the group members turning in the most complete surveys. Herbert-san and Ledesma-san have been in contact with them trying to fill in the blanks. It's not going well. They don't trust us."

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): Not sure I blame them. I did work for the government for forty years. They have to wonder if I'm going to turn around and inform on them.

With his background in a private security firm in South Africa, it makes sense for Herbert-san to be involved. I question bringing Ledesma-san in. She previously worked for the United Nations in security logistics and is a woman. Neither of which would be reassuring to the syndicates despite Himura-sama being a head and heir.

"Herbert-san. Parker-san. Let's set up times for the three of us and Sanders-san to meet with the three heads. We'll let them know what information we need and from who before the meetings, and they can make their members talk to us."

Lance Parker (Consultant - Delta Force Soldier): "You want all four of us to meet with each head or divide and conquer?"

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): "All four of us. Make the big impression up front so we don't have to do this again."

Parker-san, Herbert-san, and Sanders-san nodded. "My assistant will help with the scheduling, Sanders-san."

Mike Sanders (Consultant – US Data Architect): "Thank you. As for the other scattered bits of missing information, the data team and I are contacting the respondents to fill in the blanks.

"As for emergent concerns, they fall into two categories: legitimate and perceived. The predominate theme being issues surrounding the kidnapping and the aftermath. I'll have a full breakout report for everyone by Saturday morning.

"We also asked everyone to submit suggestions. Those are also being reviewed and will be included in the report."

Anthony Thompson (Consultant - Hollywood Bodyguard): "Can you give examples of the concerns?"

Mike Sanders (Consultant – US Data Architect): "Fujioka-sama, along with several others, expressed concern about her new detail head. Haninozuka Yasuchika-sama requested all security be trained in delivering a baby."

That got a few chuckles. Yes, Mrs. Haninozuka's detail should know the basics, but not for several months, and probably not the other details.

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): "This afternoon we'll be meeting with the family liaisons. A summary for each is posted to the shared drive. Make sure to review before the meeting."

I demanded approval of each liaison, hoping to head off issues of underqualification. For some of the smaller families like the Cho's and Houshakuji's, their security head's seconds are fulfilling that role for now. The larger families assigned a dedicated person.

"Next is the calendar. We'll go through events scheduled for the next three weeks and assign one of us to observe."

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xXx

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Late Morning, Phone call between Masaji (Keiko's father) and Shigeru (Keiko's brother in San Francisco):

Masaji: "How was the flight?"

Shigeru: "Fine. We landed about four hours ago. It's 5 pm here." When he didn't say anything, I just kept going, "I've been to the coroner's office. The autopsy's complete and they can release her tomorrow. We'll fly back and be there late Friday, Tokyo time."

Masaji: My head spun a bit, and I collapsed in my chair. My daughter's coming home in a box.

Shigeru: "I'm checking into the hotel now. Tomorrow I'll meet with the police and the lawyers and pack up her dorm room."

Masaji: "I'll let your mother know." I leaned back and focused on the ceiling hoping to make the room stop spinning. "Thank you for doing this, Shigeru."

Shigeru: "You're welcome, Father."

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xXx

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Late Morning, SCIF, BOS Headquarters (dialog tags for simplicity):

Ogata Yoshitaka (Head Consultant): After about an hour we finally had everyone assigned. "Alright. Everyone work directly with the PPD and family heads for your trips."

I checked the text I just received. And now, the elephant in the room.

"Our last agenda item is Sugahara Keiko's murder." I had to stare a couple of them into silence. It's one thing to engender an atmosphere of teamwork and another to allow them to interrupt. "The Sugahara's were included in the contract as a peripheral friend of the group but will now be removed from the contract entirely. The parents are not close to any of our families. We will be given the opportunity to debrief the guards sometime next week.

"The text I just received confirms that the funeral will be held Saturday afternoon. Because of who will be attending, the Sugahara's, and specifically their security head Aoyama-san, have asked Morinozuka security to take charge. That will be a separate meeting later today."

I looked up from my notes, "Any questions?"

There were several.

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xXx

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

Email from Haruhi to Tanaki:

Tanaki-san,

Two days ago, a friend of mine who's studying at Stanford was killed. I've just been informed her funeral will be Saturday.

We need a meeting with the ad agency to replan our weekend, as I will only be at the photoshoot on Saturday morning, and not the entire day. Sunday is still fine.

I'll be coming to the office straight from Ouran today.

Please make sure to include my agent in the meeting.

Fujioka Haruhi

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xXx

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After classes, High Quality Camera Store, Tokyo:

I arrived a few minutes late because I didn't want to spend any time waiting for Ito-san to show up. Not sure how serious she's going to be, and even though I'll be charging for every minute, I'd rather not waste my time.

Yanking open the door to my favorite camera store, I saw her right away standing at the counter. Good. She's on time.

But what is she wearing?

Looks like it's trying to be a business suit, but the skirt is so short and the shirt under the jacket doesn't come down and cover her stomach.

Gotta remember she's only seventeen. Maybe she thinks she looks professional?

"Good afternoon, Jigoku-sensei," she smiled and bowed.

I gave her a smaller one in return, "Good afternoon, Ito-san. Are you ready for this?"

"Yes," she gestured to the bag on the counter, "I brought all my equipment to check for compatibility."

We spent the next hour or so going through her camera bag and filling in the blanks. New filters, better all-purpose lenses, random accessories most beginners don't realize the importance of, and several more memory cards.

She pulled out that credit card like she was buying a bubble-tea. I really lucked out. I'll be able to pay off that new car quicker than I planned.

"What practice shots have you taken since Tuesday?"

"Well…"

I knew it. She's not taking this seriously at all. Wasting my time.

"I haven't taken hardly any. I found out yesterday that a friend of mine was killed."

Killed?

"She was going to school in America and was murdered."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Ito-san."

By this time, she's staring straight down at her shoes and mumbling. How girls walk in those heels, I'll never know. Sure make her legs look good.

She glanced back up and rubbed the tear on her cheek off with the heel of her hand, "Thanks."

"But strong emotions help make the best photos. You should use them. Go out and take pictures based on what you feel, how you feel. I think you'll be surprised by what you end up with. And," I reached out and put my hand on her shoulder, "It can be cathartic, even healing, to let those emotions out in your art."

"Really?"

"Most definitely."

Her brows drew together in determination, "I'll go out tonight."

"Excellent, but remember, you need to be taking pictures every day. Wander the yard, the house, wherever. Play with the settings. Play with the shadows. Every picture you think through and take teaches you something."

"I will. Thank you."

After she left, I stayed to pick up some supplies, and I sent a text to my assistant to bill her for two hours.

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xXx

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After Classes, Conference Room, Petto Chinmi:

I leaned back and gripped the bridge of my nose until I realized I always was annoyed when Kyoya-senpai did that. It does not engender confidence in my staff for them to see me so stressed.

"So, we're agreed?"

"Yes, Fujioka-sama." The ad agency representative checked his notes, "We'll work tonight and tomorrow morning to get the sets ready, so you can come directly there after classes tomorrow. We'll have two wardrobe changes and two sets of dogs. Saturday, you'll bring your cats. We'll start at seven and shoot until noon. We'll try for three wardrobe changes.

"After you leave, we'll reset for Sunday. We'll start at seven and shoot until we're finished. At least four wardrobe changes and sets of dogs. No cats."

"Sounds good." I'll have to get to bed early all three nights since I need to be up so early. We weren't planning on starting so early on Saturday, so I'll have to cancel my plans with Takashi for tomorrow night. Maybe he can come over for dinner and we could play a couple games of Go instead.

"As for the other shoot, we have a few ideas."

He clicked a few keys on his laptop and brought up a slide show. "The first provides all the best options but is the most expensive."

A beautiful ski resort appeared. Pristine snow, beautiful trees, roaring fire in the lodge, guest rooms and individual cabins. Then my stomach flipped when I saw the cost. "Four million yen [~$40,000] a day?"

"That's to rent the facilities and lodging for you and necessary staff. That doesn't include any sporting equipment we'd like to use such as sleighs, toboggans, etc."

"That's probably twenty million [~$200,000] total." And that's just the location. That doesn't include the animals, the ad agency staff. I don't think that includes food. Altogether it will be over…never mind. Can't do it. "You said you had a few options?"

The next three weren't that much better in price and the quality and variety of the locations were lacking.

All-in-all, this new campaign will cost a couple hundred million. Got to buy ad space, print flyers, pay staff, rent locations. Then there's all the postproduction fees and time.

We don't have the money.

But we can't afford not to do this. Petto Chinmi is at a tipping point. We either need to grow or we'll fail under our own weight.

Stupid lawsuit. If they'd just offer me a settlement I could live with.

"Let's hold on the decision until we see how this weekend's shoot goes."

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xXx

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After Classes, Every Woman Offices, Hitachiin Fashions (Dialog Tags for Simplicity):

Takehisa (EW Head of Sales): "Orders for the winter line have outstripped orders for fall, and they are still coming in. We might have to move the cutoff date up."

Sawaki (EW Head Production/Development): "And consider another factory."

Kaoru: It so overwhelming. Must remember these are good problems to have, and my staff knows what they're doing. That's why I hired them. I just design the clothes.

Omigawa (EW Managing Director): "Get bids from another four, Sawaki-san. Make them compete against each other. This line isn't going anywhere, so getting our contract is a huge windfall for them."

Sawaki (EW Head Production/Development): "Will do."

Kaoru: "What about the jewelry?" I fucked up with a late approval, so I hope the factory can handle the volume.

Takehisa (EW Head of Sales): "Huge. Just huge. Who would have thought snowmen would have been so popular."

Kaoru: I did, but Waki-san pulled it off. "The factory can keep up?"

Sawaki (EW Head Production/Development): "They say they can."

Omigawa (EW Managing Director): "Where are we on the spring designs?"

Kaoru: "I've got a couple dozen done."

Tanii (EW Fabric Buyer): "Don't forget, you promised to go with me to Seoul and Hong Kong for the initial fabric trips."

Kaoru: "November 10 and 11 are Ouran holidays. Schedule one trip for then. Work with Mao for my class schedule. We can do the other one anytime I don't have a test or a presentation."

Tanii (EW Fabric Buyer): "Thank you."

Suwa (EW Head Marketing/Ads): "That just leaves November 5, auditions for the two new models. Will Fujioka-sama be there?"

Karou: "I'm not sure. She was going to check with her agent, and I haven't heard back. I'll ask…"

Suwa (EW Head Marketing/Ads): "No, I'll call her agent. You're not supposed to be talking to her about business, remember?"

Karou: Right. That's what's keeping us friends. "Yeah."

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xXx

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Late Afternoon, Large Conference Room, BOS Headquarters:

I definitely need a run tonight after sitting for almost four hours. My foot and leg stiffened up way too much. And those chairs are actually comfortable.

"Thank you for coming, Eiji-san. We'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, Ogata-san. Thank you."

Couldn't believe when he requested the use of -san instead of -sama. Supposed to make us feel more like a team. Help us jump in and contribute easier. Just makes me feel uncomfortable.

As I headed down to the parking levels with the rest of the family liaisons, I couldn't help but think of the sheer scope of this review. All family members, all security officers for every family, all businesses for every family, and on and on.

I'm even more honored Oshiro-sama chose me to act as the Morinozuka liaison.

Ogata-san's got a good team representing eight countries that have various expertise in security. But what about when they're done? Will our security teams be able to work together to implement their suggestions? I know there've been issues with the yakuza. And now there's a third syndicate.

I started my car and slowly made my way back to my apartment on the Morinozuka estate. I've heard the rumors about Haruhi-sama. About the panic attacks.

I wish I could help, but I just can't bring myself to even approach her. I'm sure I'm the last person she wants to see.

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xXx

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Dusk, Shido Estate:

Some of the trees have started losing their leaves. The way the bare branches look like they're cracks in the sky is…disturbing. The same mood as the pictures from Tamaki's gallery.

And the leaves on the ground. No matter how hard they try, the gardeners can't get every leaf as it falls. There are some the wind has blown into piles, and the red and yellow of the sunset are making them glow.

I took a quick picture before the light could change and checked it. "Dammit." Must be something in the settings.

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When Tachibana appointed me as Yuki-sama's detail head, they hadn't even found the kidnapping victims yet. And now a friend of the group had been murdered. In another country, yes, but still murdered with her guards right there.

Technically, I'm not on duty when she's on the estate. It's walled off. There are BOS trained Shido guards. There's a guard house at the gate. The gate's hardened against someone trying to drive through it. Security monitors the cameras 24/7, and the cameras are everywhere. On the perimeter, facing into the grounds, all over the grounds, at the gate, and inside the mansion, though not in the private spaces except for Sota-sama's rooms for his safety.

But here I am, shadowing her as she walks the grounds taking pictures. I alerted the perimeter guards and the gate so they know she's outside and can follow her movements. She's been compromised twice by guards. I won't allow it to happen again.

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The light sure disappears quickly. I guess I didn't realize how fast until I want it to stay.

I think I got a couple good ones mixed in with all the junk. Maybe there will be one I can send to the gallery. Tamaki's assistant emailed me again today. She says a group of three looks much better than one of two. Well, not if the third picture sucks.

I turned back towards the mansion, the natural light now totally gone. I'd asked the staff not to turn on the garden lights until I was back, so they didn't mess up my pictures.

But I whirled around and nearly fell when I heard a twig snap. "Who's there?"

That's good, Yuki. Ask the murderer his name.

"Yuki-sama? It's me, Numata." A flashlight turned on and shown on his face.

"Numata? What are you doing out here?" Came out sharper than I planned. My hands are on my chest, trying to keep my heart from bursting through. The new neck strap for the camera works great.

"I'm sorry if I scared you, Yuki-sama. I saw you head out for the grounds and wanted to keep watch."

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She's so pale in the moonlight. Ethereal. Spirit-like. Though ghosts don't wear yoga pants and their fiancé's hoodies.

"You were watching me?" she squeaked. Dammit.

"I…Yes. I wanted to be sure you were safe."

"Safe?" It came out as a whisper on the breeze. Her hands finally unclasped from in front of her chest, and she relaxed her arms enough to reach down for her camera. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Yuki-sama."

"But," she looked at me with surprisingly strong eyes, "next time make sure I know you're there. I don't like surprises."

"I will."

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xXx

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Night, Game Room, Cho Estate:

"Cho-chan, the movie's over."

My eyes slowly focused on the screen and the credits scrolling. I don't remember anything after the first scene. "OK."

"Do you want to watch another one?"

"No." He could start this one again, and I'd still not know what it was about.

Nothing matters anymore. My best friend is gone. I'll never see her again.

I skipped my two morning classes today but managed to drag myself to portfolio management with Honey-kun and Mori. I remember as much of that class as I do about the movie. I remember Sensei lecturing, but I don't remember hearing any actual words. Good thing I don't have any classes on Fridays.

"Are you hungry?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you hungry, Cho-chan. You hardly ate any dinner."

"No." What I remember chewing tasted like sand.

"What would you like to do now?"

I snuggled deeper into his arms. "Nothing."

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About half an hour later, Mie-san and Cho-chan's maid Eri came in to take her to bed. It's like she's been in a fog since she found out. Eri put her arm around her shoulders and gently guided her out of the room.

I wish we were married. Then I could be with her through the night. I could be there for her. Instead, I'm stuck in a guest room in another wing.

"Are you headed for bed now, Mitsukuni-kun?"

"I'll be up in a minute. I have to leave for class by seven-thirty, but I'll be back before noon."

"Alright. We'll hold lunch for you."

"Thank you, Mie-san." She walked out of the room, her shoulders slumped. She looks ten years older.

I should go to bed. Friday's are the only day I have to wake up before nine, and it's a horrible experience. My chauffeur always has a liter of cake coffee and several cakes from Bun Bun's for me when I finally make it to the car.

But I can't seem to get up. Just a few minutes ago, Cho-chan was curled up into my side and the blanket is still slightly warm from her body heat. I can still smell her shampoo…roses.

And now she's upstairs in her bed. I hope she's able to sleep. Their doctor was by earlier and gave her a pill if she needed it. Something that would quiet her thoughts enough for her to rest. She doesn't have classes tomorrow, so she can sleep all day if she needs to.

Is there anything I can do to cheer her up? What would help me if Takashi was gone suddenly?

I can't think of a single thing. Nothing would make me feel better.

I just need to be there for her and make things easier. Take any burden off her I can.

I know…

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Phone call between Honey and Consul General in San Francisco:

Consul General: My assistant woke me up with an important phone call from Tokyo. The Haninozuka heir. Doesn't matter if it's four in the morning here. I must be available for the elite of Japan.

"Haninozuka-sama, what can I do for you?"

Honey: "Joshua Harrigan."

Consul General: This again? Just how well connected was Sugahara Keiko? First Ootori-sama and now Haninozuka-sama? "He's been arrested."

Honey: Good. He already knows about it. "What are you doing about it?"

Consul General: "I've spoken to Ootori Kyoya-sama. He's requested I work with the local police and district attorney and insist they pursue the death penalty. I have a meeting scheduled tomorrow with them and Sugahara Shigeru, her brother, to begin the process."

Honey: Kyoya? I shouldn't be surprised. He lived there. Probably knows the Consul General personally. I've never met him. "Good."

Consul General: "Would you like for me to keep you updated as well as Ootori-sama?"

Honey: It's looking more and more like Kyoya's working his way back into the group. Unless Hika-chan kills him. Although he was strangely quiet last night.

"No need. I'll stay updated through Kyoya. Thank you for your efforts."

Consul General: "Of course, Haninozuka-sama."

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Guess I have something else to thank Kyoya for.

I dragged myself off the sofa and headed for bed. Cho-chan has Usa-chan, so I grabbed the blanket we were wrapped up in to sleep with.

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xXx

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Friday, October 28:

Early, Early Morning (9am San Francisco time), Keiko's Dorm Room, Stanford:

I walked up the front walk towards the brick building covered in ivy. Could this look any more typically American? Why did Keiko insist on living in this place? One phone call from Father could have gotten her out of the requirement and into a decent apartment.

Tsujimoto-san came ahead to meet the moving company and get started. I climbed the stairs and turned left down the hallway looking for room 248, hearing several conversations as I passed open doors.

"I can't believe she's dead."

"Yeah. He just stabbed her right in the middle of the restaurant."

"Shit. We're not safe anywhere."

And then from the other side came a man's voice, "She should have given him a chance." It was a girls' dorm, but men could visit 24/7.

"Don't even start with that shit. Women don't owe men a fucking chance if we're not interested."

If she had given him a chance, she'd be alive right now. But for how long if he's that unstable?

I stopped in her doorway and looked around her room. At least she didn't have a roommate.

And that's when I saw it.

That stupid stuffed teddy bear sitting on her bed.

Suddenly, I was seven again…walking through a toy store with my nanny looking for a present for my new baby sister. A baby sister I really didn't care about at the time. What seven-year-old boy wants to hang around a baby? All they do is drool, cry, and stink. But my nanny insisted. And promised new toys for me too.

I grabbed the first stuffed animal I saw. That stupid stuffed teddy bear.

And she kept it all these years.

Treasured it enough to bring it all the way from Japan and display it in her dorm room. A room smaller than my bathroom.

"Shigeru-sama?"

I reached out and gently lifted it from the bed.

She really is gone.

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xXx

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Breakfast, Café near Petto Chinmi:

"Thanks for meeting me, Tanaki-san. With my friend's funeral and this crazy photoshoot, this is the best time to make sure we're set for the Seoul trip."

"It's no problem. We're right down the street from the offices. It's much further out of your way."

She waived her hand, dismissing the long drive, "I can take a nap in the car." I doubt she actually does.

"So, are we ready?"

"Yes. Imai-san's been in contact with the Haninozuka assistant in charge of setting up the plane and the Morinozuka assistant setting up the apartment. Everything is ready for us to arrive Tuesday night and leave the apartment Thursday morning."

"Excellent. Did the IT department figure out the translations?"

"They did. One of the techs will be at the shoot tonight to update your laptop with the translation software and install the app on your phone. They're doing mine and Sato-san's today. We can either listen to the Japanese through earphones or read it in text form."

"Seems like we have it all covered." She checked her watch and stood up, "I need to leave to make it for my first class. See you tonight."

It will be a huge relief when all these lawsuits are over and done with. She doesn't need the pressure and the company will get the settlement and we won't be so cash poor. There's so much that needs to be done if we're going to ride this growth spurt out successfully.

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xXx

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Lunch, Soundproof Room off Music Room 3, Ouran:

Phone call with Shinobu, her assistant, and her seconds.

Shinobu: "I know bringing in the love hotels and the gentlemen's clubs could have been a big liability, but not only do we now own them outright, Junto-san gave them to me without a debt."

Yamaki (Shiraishi Second): "Yeah, but they didn't come with cash, so any expenses we have to float right now."

Tamura (Chiba Second): "But once you sell off the hotels, that money can be folded in. It's from the legit side."

Shinobu: Hotels. SHIT! "I'll email Morinozuka-san today and ask if his company wants to purchase. Get a plan together to get rid of them in case he says no."

Tamura (Chiba Second): "What about all the syndicate members that live in those apartments?"

Shinobu: "What's the reasoning for them living there rather than on the compound?"

Tamura (Chiba Second): "Chiba Kyoko didn't want them on the compound."

Shinobu: Crazy bitch. She sure made Dai a shitty wife. And her furniture and color choices fucking suck. "I haven't made it into the housing on the compound yet. Is it livable?"

Tamura (Chiba Second): "No. Been sitting empty for years."

Shinobu: Shit. Just another fucking thing. At least when dad dies and I get the Himura Syndicate, I'll know it's in good shape. "Get the architect and designers over there. I need a timeline and a budget for them to be move-in ready. Are there enough units?"

Tamura (Chiba Second): "For all those living in the apartments? Yes, and some extra. Only about seven percent of the residents in the apartments are members."

Shinobu: "We'll have to make sure whoever buys them knows they'll be moving out once we get the remodel on the compound done." So, I'm going to shop out apartments with muscle living there and promise to move them out at some later date? That doesn't make any business sense. "Never mind." I scrubbed my hands through my hair. I hate it being short. "We'll hold on to them until we can move them out. Then we'll put them up for sale with all legit residents. It's crossing a line to house muscle there and call them legit anyway."

Tamura (Chiba Second): "What about the repairs that need to be done?"

Shinobu: "Repairs?" Motherfucker. "How many? How much?"

Not only am I not going to have the money from selling them, but I'm going to have to put money into them? Maybe I should hunt Dai down and kill him and his idiot wife.

Tamura (Chiba Second): "Not sure. There's no comprehensive list and nothing's been done since you were going to sell."

Shinobu: "Schedule a meeting with their management team for next week after classes," I checked my schedule, "on Tuesday. I want a full list and budget for everything that needs to be done to every apartment. No fucking surprises."

Manabu (Assistant): "Yes, Himura-sama. Where?"

Shinobu: "I'll go to their offices. That way they'll have all the information there." And they can't make any excuses or delays.

"Where are we on the protection restructuring? Are the profits up yet?"

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xXx

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Afternoon, Library, Cho Estate:

"What chapters do we have to read?"

My poor Cho-chan. She must not be able to concentrate at all. That's the third time she's asked me, and she was in class yesterday when Sensei assigned the reading.

"Here," I wrote it on a pink sticky note and handed it to her. "But they don't have to be read until Tuesday."

"Thanks." She didn't even look up at me. I haven't seen a smile since we found out.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

I had to strain to hear her, "No. I don't think I can."

"It's alright. You don't have to."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." I'd never been around grief before Ranka died. I learned from Haru-chan that everyone grieves differently and to give them the space to do it. "I'm here for you, no matter what, Cho-chan. If you want to talk, if you want to just sit, if you want a distraction, if you want to be held. No matter what."

"Thanks, Honey-kun." Her smile was weak, her eyes watery. "But I'm not sure what I need."

"It's OK to not know. It's OK to be unsure."

I stood up and held out my hand, "Let's sit on the sofa."

She joined me and curled up in my arms. It was only a few minutes before she dozed off.

.

xXx

.

After Classes, Petto Chinmi Photoshoot, Ad Agency Studio:

"The vision is for you to be relaxed at home with your dogs. You'll be doing things like feeding them dinner and treats, brushing them, playing with various toys, and even going to bed for the night."

She nodded along as they added enough extensions in her hair to be able to put it in a 'messy bun'. For this wardrobe change, she's wearing baggy pants, an oversized sweater, and thick socks so we don't have to do her toenails. Makeup is basic, but we'll change out the eye shadow color between changes.

"All the dogs are rescues?"

"Yes, Fujioka-sama."

Then her agent spoke up, "But they've been assessed not to be violent, right? And you have emergency medical available?"

I hate agents. "Yes, their behavior has been assessed. They're all calm and housetrained. Medical is right over there," I pointed to a bored looking EMT. "She'll be fine."

"Relax, Inokuma-san. Please," she gave him a reassuring smile. "I've never had a problem with the dogs except for them being piggy about the treats."

"Just doing my job."

"I know, and I thank you for it."

.

It's too early for directors and photographers and their defensiveness. I'm her agent and the only one that looks out for her as a celebrity, a model, and a person.

I watched her feed a chihuahua dinner on the kitchen counter, and it lick her face in thanks. Then a shikoku did a bunch of tricks for treats, with the trainer telling her what tricks to ask for. After that, they all sunk into an oversized couch, and they watched her read a book. Not sure why they put reading glasses on her, but since it didn't hurt her reputation, I didn't ask.

As they pulled down her hair and took out the extensions, I took the opportunity to talk to her. "Fujioka-sama? Have you given anymore thought to attending the auditions for the two additional Every Woman models next Saturday?"

"You really think I need to be there?"

"Yes. Hitachiin-san and his staff will make sure the models look right and represent the correct demographic, but you can make sure you can work with their personalities. If this goes to plan, you could be modeling and making appearances with them for years."

They changed her eyeshadow from browns to blues for this part of the shoot, and I agreed with the choice. The blues will set off the silk-like pajamas she's wearing now. This set of pictures will be of her and several dogs watching TV, reading, eating, or sleeping in a big bed.

"Will you be there?"

"I can be there as an advisor to you, though I'm not sure what Hitachiin-san will think."

"He shouldn't think anything," she mumbled under her breath, "this is business, not personal." I agree, but he's young still. Then she asked, "Do you think you should be there?"

"Only if you want me. You are a good judge of character. You'll know if you'll be able to work with them or not."

.

Good judge of character? Am I? Am I anymore?

I haven't felt comfortable about a decision I've made outside of work in a long time. Kyoya-senpai did that to me. And now Takashi sometimes makes me second guess my decisions, especially about security.

It's time that stopped. It's time to find my old self again.

"I'll be there, and you can have the day off."

.

xXx

.

Evening, Private Hanger, Private Airport:

Yoko-san asked Cho-chan if she wanted to meet the plane when they brought Keiko's body back. I could tell she wanted to say no. That she wanted to pretend it never happened. But she agreed.

That's why we're standing here, me in a black suit, her in a black dress, waiting for the plane to taxi into the hanger.

The Sugahara's thanked us for coming, but other than that have been quiet and standing apart from us. I know Yoko-san'd been given something to calm her down when she called Cho-chan to tell her what happened, but she looks like she still may be on it. Her eyes are huge, and she's looking around like she doesn't know where she is. Masaji-san's got his arm around her tight. Is she not able to stand without help?

Must remember she just lost a daughter. Cho-chan said that Keiko and her mother were never that close, but losing a child? I don't think that matters that much. You still lost a child.

Mother told me it's her worst fear, having to bury one of her children. And now she's having another.

"Oh!" Cho-chan gasped and covered her mouth quickly. The airplane door had opened, and Shigeru-san was climbing down the steps. "That bear," she whispered under her breath.

Bear? I looked closer. He's carrying a stuffed, yellow bear. A child's toy.

He acknowledged us, but walked directly to his parents and gave his mother a hug. "I've brought her back."

"Thank you, Son," his father hugged them both.

The next fifteen minutes was a blur as the hearse pulled up to the back of the plane and the coffin was moved. Cho-chan started crying at our first glimpse of it, and I pulled her tight against me.

Once it was loaded and ready for transport, Masaji-san came over and thanked us for coming. "We'll see you tomorrow."

"Yes, Sir."

And they were gone.

.

Honey-kun pulled me onto his lap once we were back in the limo for the ride home. His gentle kiss on the top of my head and his fingers running through my hair helped keep my headache at bay.

How can I be so tired if all I've done the last two days is sleep?

"Cho-chan?"

"Hmm?"

"What was that bear?"

"It's Keiko's. She's had it since she was a baby. Her brother gave it to her. She's always kept it on her bed. I wasn't thinking," I shook my head, "but of course they brought her things back. The last time I saw it, it was sitting on her pillow."

That did it. I couldn't hold it in anymore, and I broke down in sobs in his arms.

.

xXx

.

Late Night, Roaring 20's Gentlemen's Club, Tokyo:

"Close your mouth, Asshole."

I heard his teeth click and just shook my head. Men are simple pigs. That's why these places make so much money. "Go get us some champagne while I find my manager."

"Sure thing, Bu."

.

I headed over to the champagne tower and this topless chick handed me two glasses. I tried not to look, but they were right there! Ended up just comparing them to Bu's, and hers are way better. And I get to play with them.

"The tower is included in your cover charge for opening night. After tonight, various sizes and qualities of champagne are available for groups and private parties. A three tier, fourteen glass tower is available for customers to purchase for the performers if you wish."

"OK," and I took the glasses and ran. It's not like I'm going to be bringing groups here. Or buying anything for the performers. Hell no. I like my dick attached.

"Ritsu!" I turned toward the voice and saw her waving at me from a booth in the VIP section. I started threading my way through the people and tables.

"You've got bottle service, you crazy chick. Why'd you make me get these?" I handed her a glass and finished mine off in one go. Is it hot in here?

"Wanted a glass, not a bottle." She smirked up at me, "Now sit and order what you really want."

Ended up with sake.

.

I did a quick check-in with my manager then found a booth for the main show. Wanted to see how the costumes worked. They were pretty fucking expensive.

Halfway through, I'd seen enough to be satisfied. The main show was done with a group of women, all wearing flapper dresses with fringe. Except the fringe was attached to elastic bands just below their tits and at their hips. And it wasn't thick like Haruhi's dress. There was one strand of fringe about every two centimeters. The barely there thong was studded with matching beads.

Judging from the state of all the men's pants in the place, including my husband's, the costumes are good.

"Hey," I leaned over and ran my hand up his thigh, "let's get out of here."

He swallowed hard and nodded, so I grabbed his hand and dragged him towards the back. "Where are we…"

"Manager's office. We can pull up all the cameras and watch as we have fun."

"You're fucking killing me, Bu."

.

xXx

.

Late Night, Kyoya's Apartment:

I was going to rip the head off whoever bought him that bottle of sake, but this is Japan. He bought it himself and had it delivered. And despite the 400,000 yen [~$4,000] price tag, it's already over halfway gone.

I'd gotten the text informing me she was on her way up, so I'm waiting at the elevator.

The doors slid open silently. "Tachibana."

"Good evening."

She came inside the entry, and I took her coat. Underneath was the classic 'little black dress'. She kept her heels on. Kyoya-sama likes her walking around in them. "The bedroom?"

"Actually," she stopped and turned, "I should tell you that I called for you, not him."

"You want me to…"

"No. Not for me." I fought a blush that had no business being there. "He got some bad news, and I think you can help him."

"Bad news?"

"A friend of his in California was murdered on Wednesday, and he's blaming himself." I handed her a bag of 'toys' and various oils and fought that blush again. "He needs a distraction, and I don't know what will help."

She peeked in the bag and smiled. "Leave it to me."

"Thank you. He's in the lounge. You get him to the bedroom, and I'll take the sake away."

.

xXx

.

Saturday, October 29:

Early Morning, Morinozuka Estate:

Honami-san and I headed for the garage, each carrying a cat in a carrier. We're running late because Nodoka would not cooperate and threw a fit while we tried to get her out from under the bed. It took a piece of fancy tuna to capture her.

Stupid cat.

It's way too early for this. At least there will be food at the shoot.

We made it halfway to the SUV before I saw him. "Chika?" Has he even slept in the last two days? Or eaten? His eyes and cheeks look sunken.

"Can we talk in my limo on the way to your shoot?"

"Sure."

I had Honami-san ride in my SUV with the cats and security, and Chika and I climbed into the back of his limo.

Once we were on our way, I reached for his hand. "What's wrong?"

"I'm a monster."

"Why would you say that?"

He took a deep breath and blurted out, "Keiko-senpai's dead and I don't feel anything."

Oh.

"And?"

"And I don't feel anything! Nothing! It's like I don't even care that she's dead."

"Well, we know that's not true, so it must be something else."

"Yeah." His hand slowly swiped down his face, "I'm a monster. A psychopath."

Wow. He's much more upset than I first realized.

"I think," I started rubbing my thumb on the back of his hand, "that you're overwhelmed."

"But…"

"Not by her death, but by your life right now. You're so busy. There's so much going on right now that those feelings are overwhelming your feelings for Keiko's death so much that you don't realize you're even feeling anything about it."

Staring me in the eyes, he blinked slowly then shook his head.

"OK, try this. What's your to do list look like?" When he reached for his phone, I held his hand tight, "From memory."

He leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes, "There's a Japanese History exam on Friday. I have a chemistry problem set due Tuesday and a lab writeup due Monday. I'm going to Seoul Tuesday after classes for that board meeting Wednesday, and I'm not ready for it. I'm not familiar with the market, so I don't have any insight into how to help them, and from what I can see from what they sent ahead of time, they're floundering. Not sure why that didn't turn up when Lightening Investments checked them out in the first place, but if I'd known, I wouldn't have voted to invest in them.

"I was in the best physical condition of my life at the Olympics and haven't kept up with my training so I'm losing muscle tone. I need to create a better workout routine, maybe with some better cross training, or I'll have too much ground to make up.

"Lightening Investments is great, but they aren't moving fast enough for me, and their portfolio is too small, so I'm reconsidering starting my own venture capital firm. If I do, I'll want it all in place to incorporate on the first business day in January. There's a lot to set up for that. I'd need a new lawyer specifically for the company. They'd have to act for me in signing contracts and other things I can't do until I'm eighteen. That's a lot of trust to put in a person.

"On Okuri's board chairmanship is taking more time than I thought. Takashi signs the contracts and legal documents, but I'm constantly either emailing or on the phone with the CEO. The ball was a huge success, but we weren't ready for it. The growing pains are excruciating. They're asking for more staff.

"Mother's pregnant, and no one seems to be taking it seriously. The chef is still cooking things she can't eat for the rest of us. What if she accidentally eats something she's not supposed to? And don't even get me started on security. There isn't a single guard on her team that knows how to deliver a baby. And she hasn't even started on the nursery. And she's in her forties. There are so many additional risks for a pregnancy in an older woman. I'm not sure she's exercising enough, but every time I see her, she's eating, and it's not all healthy. Some if it is junk food."

He finally wound down and looked at me. I smiled gently back, "That's an awful lot of things going on in your life right now. Don't you think it's possible that your feelings about Keiko's death are getting drowned out in all that noise?"

He shrugged his shoulders.

"If every person in a room is shouting and another comes in and starts talking, you aren't going to hear them. But it doesn't mean they aren't there."

.

Is it possible?

I turned to the window and let my eyes unfocus as the city flew by.

That was an awful lot of stuff I just rambled off, and I didn't even include one of the bigger things that's been bothering me.

If I close my eyes and make all that noise stop, can I feel something for Keiko-senpai? Picture Cho and how sad she was. I did feel sorry for her, for what she's going through.

I need to get better at meditation. I bet I could sort all this out if I did it more often.

I turned back to the one person in my life that's always there, that always listens, that always helps. I squeezed her hand, "Thanks."

"Sure."

"How'd you get so smart?"

"I'm not. It's happened to me. I get so busy and bogged down in life that when something new comes along, I just can't process it."

Is she talking about Ranka's death? The kidnapping? Ootori?

"We're similar in lot of ways, Chika. I figured this was one of them."

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Bedroom, Kyoya's Apartment:

So warm…

I slowly peeled my eyes open and looked down at the sleeping woman in my arms. Last night didn't solve anything, but it blocked out all that shit for a few hours. Tachibana must have told her to stay this morning. I usually want her gone before I wake up. They both deserve a bonus.

One of her arms was resting on top of the covers. I reached out and glided my fingers down that smooth skin.

That's when I noticed the bruise.

Did I do that?

Was I that rough?

"Oh my God!"

.

I jerked awake when I heard him. His face was just above mine, white as the ceiling. Eyes huge, mouth quivering. Took me a second to realize…he's afraid.

Of what?

"What's wrong?"

"Your arm. I'm so sorry. I don't remember being rough. I can't believe I did that…"

He kept going, but I tuned him out and checked my arm. Sure enough, there's a small bruise near my wrist. I remember him holding it as he pulled me into a new position. I wouldn't call it rough. We were just having fun.

"…so sorry. I'll never see you again…"

I covered his mouth with my hand, "Shh. It's just a small bruise. There's only one. It doesn't even look like a fingerprint. It's no big deal."

"But…"

"Seriously. You don't need to apologize." I stopped just short of telling him I'd had much worse from other clients.

Whatever he's going through must really be messing with his head, because he basically collapsed on my chest mumbling about being sorry.

"Hey," I started running my fingers through his hair, "it's alright. I'm fine. Everything will be OK."

"I'm so sorry. It's all my fault."

"Shhh. It's fine."

"No," he choked out, "it's not. Nothing will ever be good again." I felt warm tears and pulled him tighter in my arms. "I'm so sorry, Keiko. It's all my fault. I wasn't there for you. I couldn't keep you safe."

He cried himself back to sleep a few minutes later.

.

xXx

.

Late Morning, Various Elite Stores, Tokyo:

"Cotton." Ritsu told me he didn't care about much but can't stand anything but cotton sheets. Like I didn't already know that.

The decorator, housekeeper, and I walked up and down several aisles. "Don't they have anything other than grays and pastels? I want something bright, something bold." I'm getting really sick of cherry blossoms. Then I saw it. "That one," I pointed to a large geometric pattern done in red, gray, and black. "The entire set."

Sugiura-san scanned the bedding, curtains, and matching towels.

"That was easier than I thought. Are we done?"

From the looks I was getting, we're obviously not.

"Himura-sama, you and Kasanoda-sama purchased furniture, but no linens, no accents. If nothing else, I need to get a good idea of what you like so I can finish off your rooms. Once you move in next week, redecorating the rest will be easier as we'll be able to meet easier."

Great. Just what I want. Easy meetings with the decorator.

But that's what I got myself into. And the whole fucking main house needs to be redone.

"Alright," I sighed and tried to focus, "why don't you show me some of the other things we need, and I'll tell you what I like and don't like."

"And Kasanoda-sama?"

"As long as it's traditional and not pastels, he won't care." But I will make him meet with the decorator for his own office. I shouldn't have to suffer alone.

Both of us decided to get all new stuff for the new place and not bring over any house stuff from our compounds. That way we can make it ours.

"Here we are."

I looked up at a huge wall full of throw pillows.

Fuck.

.

xXx

.

Late Afternoon, Ootori Limo, From Funeral to Suoh #1:

The heavy cut crystal glass felt good in my hand, the ice clinking just right. I watched the liquid swirl as I gripped it so hard my knuckles turned white.

It's just club soda.

If not for that crazy, blonde idiot it would be something much stronger.

But he caught me on my way out of the reception and invited me to his estate. He said the group was meeting up there to hold their own private gathering away from the politics, away from business.

I wanted to say no. I was going to say no. But I saw her over his shoulder. Those huge eyes practically screaming at me to come. That I knew Keiko better than most of the others. That I belonged. That I needed to be there. That I'm not alone.

So now I'm sitting in my limo with a glass of club soda headed for a private gathering of a group I haven't been a member of for almost a year.

Has it been that long?

When I close my eyes, I see her face. Not the one full of hurt and betrayal, but the one from today. The one full of encouragement and patience.

I don't deserve her in my life, no matter how tangentially.

"Fuuuuuuck." It came out as a sigh. "What am I doing?"

It comes down to not wanting to be alone.

I'll put up with the death glares from Hikaru, the slightly less deadly glares from Kasanoda, and the protective wall that is Mori-senpai just to not go back to my apartment and be alone with my thoughts.

And somehow Haruhi knew. Despite everything in our collective pasts, she knew I'm afraid of being alone.

That's what made her sit down next to me after the service as people were leaving the temple.

I'd sat in the back, wanting to give the group their space. Akito and Yuki wanted me to sit with them, but I just couldn't do it. I couldn't sit that close to the rest of them. Not for this.

When the service ended, I waited for everyone else to leave. I didn't want to go to the reception. There I'd be Ootori Kyoya, the President and CEO of the Ootori Conglomeration and the sycophants would want to talk to me. Keiko meant too much for me to spend her funeral reception talking business. Acting like the proper member of elite society and not mourning where people could see it.

I wasn't sure how long she'd been sitting there, but when the temple started to quiet, I looked up from the floor and saw her. Just sitting. Then I saw movement out of the corner of my eye and turned to see Mori-senpai standing at the end of the row of chairs, a look of disapproval in his eyes for those trained to see it. Clearly, he didn't want to leave her alone with me. I completely understand.

I'm not sure how long we sat there…five? Ten? Fifteen minutes?

I tried to soak up the strength she was radiating. The calmness. The unhurriedness, for lack of a better word. Her presence reassuring me that I can just sit here.

'You're not alone, Kyoya-senpai.'

She'd said it quietly, but not a whisper. Just said it like it's a given. A fact.

But it's not true. I am alone.

Or am I?

That's why I'm headed to Suoh Mansion #1. To find out.

.

xXx

.

Late Afternoon, Tamaki's Lounge, Suoh Mansion #1:

"It was a good service."

"Yeah, I guess."

"At least the reception wasn't as crazy political as your grandmother's, Boss."

He just nodded and took another sip of tea. I turned to Karou, "Did you see that dress?"

"The green one?"

"What else? Who the fuck wears anything other than black to a funeral? Such poor taste. Must not have been from an elite house." When I heard the growl, I looked over at Haruhi and tried to make it go away with a shit-eating grin, "Don't say it…"

"Then watch what you say. Just because she didn't uphold the customs doesn't mean she's a commoner. There are plenty of rude rich people in this country."

"She's got you there, Hika."

"Whatever."

"Well," Renge leaned back against Tamaki's shoulder, "if you leave out the inappropriateness, it was a nice dress. The style reminded me of that dark cream cocktail dress with the deep purple trim that Keiko had."

"Yeah. That was a good dress. Too bad I didn't design it."

"Remember when she…"

.

How can they sit here and talk about her like that…like we didn't just watch her being put in a grave? Like I didn't just say goodbye to my best friend?

I felt Honey-kun's arms tighten around me, almost like he knew where my thoughts were going.

I wish he could hold me all night and keep the nightmares away.

Last night was horrible. She was stabbed right in front of me. Security two steps away…two steps too late.

.

This was a good idea. And it only took a couple of hints before Tamaki-kun came up with it all on his own.

The funeral and reception were what they had to be. Not as political as some, but her parents still had to invite business associates and the elite families. I was surprised how many current Ouran students were there. They weren't in her year.

But this is what we all need. Sitting around in casual clothes eating way too much junk food and some of us drinking beer. And talking about Keiko and the things we remember.

Cho's still out of it. Honey's got her on his lap, and she's curled up tight so her head fits under his chin. I think he's grown another centimeter or two. It was hard to tell with her heels, but he might finally be just a tiny bit taller than her. She's not even telling him to eat some of the vegetables on the table.

I wasn't surprised when Tamaki-kun invited Kyoya-senpai and Haruhi agreed. With her declaring he's a different person now, him being in the wedding, and now moving back to Tokyo, I think we'll all have to accept we're going to see him more often. At least Hikaru's kept a civil tongue. I'll have to ask Kaoru what that's about.

Between the kidnappings and Keiko's murder, this group's been through a lot in just a few weeks. It doesn't matter that we just got back from the Olympics, I think, "We need a vacation."

"Renge-chan?"

"We all need to get away and do something fun. Relax. No work, no school, just fun."

"Great idea, Renge," Hikaru pulled out his phone, "We have a four-day weekend in two weeks. We could do something then."

"What are the dates?"

"November 10-13."

"I can't." We all turned to Haruhi, "I have a photoshoot that weekend for Petto Chinmi. We're doing a big winter shoot somewhere in the mountains with snow."

Oops…Mori's staring at her, his lips pressed tight together and his nose flaring. She must not have told him she'd be going out of town. Good thing he's not saying anything in front of everyone. Hopefully, he doesn't say anything to her at all. At least about security for the trip.

"That's perfect!" Tamaki-kun jumped up, and I almost fell over from the sudden movement. "Kyoya, don't the Ootori's have a ski cabin? We could go there."

"But…"

"Think about it…" and his eyes unfocused, "We could all go skiing and you could hold your photoshoot there. Unless," his head jerked towards her, his eyes huge, "you want to ski."

"I don't know how, and I don't want to learn."

"Then it's settled. We'll leave Wednesday night and come back Sunday afternoon."

"Tamaki?"

"Yes, Kyoya?"

"The Ootori's don't own the cabin anymore. Yoshio left it to Fuyumi."

"I'm sure she won't mind if the group borrows it, Kyoya. After all, with the pregnancy, it's not like she'll be using it until next year." Akito turned to Yuki, "Medical school doesn't have that holiday, so I won't be able to go. Do you ski?"

"Nope. Never learned. But I'm not sure I should go if you can't come."

He leaned forward and quickly kissed her lips, "You should most definitely go. Think of all the pictures you can take." She agreed with a huge smile.

"Wait a minute," Hikaru called out. "You said ski cabin. Where is it?"

Kyoya leaned back and started tapping on his phone, "Outside Nagano, so not that far. The cabin is one of many private homes with access to several ski resorts in the area."

"Snowboarding?"

"Yes. Two have excellent slopes for snowboarding including freestyle courses and half-pipes."

.

I sat back and watched the group hijack my photoshoot for their vacation. It's not a bad idea. And Nagano is relatively close. There's probably a lower-end resort there somewhere that we can use.

Kyoya-senpai pulled out his ever-present laptop and started making arrangements. "The cabin itself has fifteen bedrooms, so there are more than enough for you. There's a servant's quarters and it has full security, of course.

I felt Takashi relax a bit next to me at that.

"As for your photoshoot, you might be able to rent one of the nearby cabins."

"There's no way I can afford that. Email me the location details for the cabin and the nearby resorts. I'll let the ad agency figure it out on my budget."

.

"Can you get away for this, Bu?" he leaned over and whispered.

Can I? That's the weekend after we move into the new compound and I'm already taking a vacation.

Then I looked around at the group. Cho's actually following the conversation. Satoshi's already challenging Chika to a race on a black slope. Hikaru's talking to nobody about how he's going to finally get to freestyle on a snowboard. Yuki's telling Akito about how she'll be taking pictures everywhere. I can tell Mori's already planning his conversation with security. Tamaki and Renge are gushing about learning to ice skate.

Well, hell. I am the boss. "Yeah. I'll make time."

"Perfect. Don't worry about equipment. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks, Asshole."

.

Shit. Guess I'll let my fabric buyer know we can't take a trip that weekend. Looks like I'll miss even more classes.

Doesn't matter. It's not like I need my grades to get me into university. I just need to graduate.

I'll just copy off Hika like we've been doing for forever.

.

"I emailed you all the information, Tamaki and copied Akito. He can handle any issues."

"But Kyoya, you have to come." I don't care that he's looking at me like I'm an idiot. He's my best man. He's moved back to Tokyo. He ate dinner with us at Mori and Honey's apartment. He's back in the group and will come skiing.

"I'm not sure it's…"

"Don't you dare say appropriate." I put my hand on my hips and stared him down, "You're coming."

His eyes darted around the room, looking for anyone to tell him no. It was my darling friend Haruhi that reassured him, "You should come, Kyoya-senpai. You probably need a vacation as much as the rest of us."

For a moment he was quiet, his face blank. Then a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, "Alright."

.

xXx

.

Author's Note:

I was really worried about how you all would take Keiko's death. Thanks so much for sticking with us through this.

While I'm rereading, I'm realizing Petto Chinmi really shouldn't be that cash-strapped, but I figure Haruhi's only borrowing from Chika what the company can't come up with, so she's already sunk some of her money into the lawsuit. Don't worry – it's coming to an end soon. We will not be going into each trial, etc.

Tooks some time for security in this one. Let me know if you're getting bored by it. Dad and I practically wrote the contract, the game plan, and Ogata's final report we were having so much fun with it. I'll try to keep it to just the really interesting stuff.

Going to be playing with Yuki and the photographer for a bit. Beancounter knows where this is going (it was their suggestion – thanks!), but I'll never tell. Suggestions for different photoshoots for lessons? I don't think I've said what type of photographer he is – ecology/climate change/natural disasters.

Haruhi/Chika talk was easier to write than I thought. Just kinda came out of my fingers. With Honey and Satoshi, it's no wonder that Chika gravitates to Haruhi for peace of mind.

It's a lot harder than I thought to write about Kyoya's aftermath from Keiko's death and not make him sound too OOC. Bear with me while I struggle. I hope him coming to the ski weekend wasn't too forced. I need him there for several reasons.

Didn't write the funeral. Just didn't seem necessary.

.

Next Chapter:

How are all the parents doing after Keiko's murder?...the co-op opens…security inspections happen…another photo lesson…and Haruhi goes to Seoul!

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Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Ouran High School Host Club. I also do not own, nor am I making any money from, the following: Olympics, Lego, any real restaurant, business, artist, food product, movie, game, location, or really anything else that exists. I do, however, own any original characters and the plot of this story.