"I really should go with you," Kyoya said. "Mori-senpai and I both should."

"No. This is something I need to handle on my own. There shouldn't be any worry. He may have been an asshole, but he's still my father. Despite everything, I still love him. Besides, he isn't stupud enough to try to hurt me."

Kyoya could only grumble at her woeds, really despising the fact that she was goning to be alone. "You're too nice for your own good."

"I know. You tell me that every day."

Daichi was terrified about what his eldest daughter had to say. He knew she was probably livid wanted to make demands of him to compensate for all the trouble Ryuko caused. Therefore, he made sure to have all of Mitsu's favorite snacks and tea prepared, anything to get on her good side.

"Imagawa-sama, Lady Fukumoto has arrived."

"Bring her in." He watched his daughter enter the room, dressed and poised to mean business. "Mitsu, welcome. Please, have a seat."

She did so, a little amused and saddened that her own father feared her. "Let's get down to business. Your wife had tried to sue us for getting Ryuko arrested and expelled from Ouran. We won the case, of course, because well...we're the victims. You should let her know that."

"Yes."

"Anyway, I'm not here to discuss that, I'm here to discuss your future."

"Mine?"

"Yes. You've done good work, landing important clients and such, and doing so much to remain successful. Your talent is to be recognized."

"Th-Thank you."

"But, I know you're tired."

"Eh?"

"Of all of it. Your family is already spiraling down into bamkrupcy. You don't need to be here when it happens. That's why I'm here to offer you a position."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. At one of our publishing firms. You're qualified as chairman, and this firm specifically focuses on literature, your strong suit."

"I..."

"Have you heard about that new book that's been all the rage, everywhere?"

"No..."

"A Touch of Laughter, by a one, Hihara Daichi."

His heart stopped. "Wh-What?"

"I sent your book to a publisher, under your name of course, and they loved it. They published your book. Your work is finally selling, like you always wanted."

"Mitsu..."

"I don't hate you, dad. I can forgive, but never forget. You're still family and I love you. There's no need to worry about us anymore. And...I want you to walk me down the aisle."

And every emotion he felt at that moment; fear, shame, self-loathing, love and pride; they all escaped in their most natural and honest form: tears. "I'm so sorry, I don't deserve that honor. Your grandfather, or Ootori-san, or even Morinozuka-kun, should. I can't. I refuse. I've hurt you far too much to earn that right."

"But, dad..."

"No, Mimi. I can't."

"Well, at least come the wedding. I won't take 'no' for an answer for this."

He chuckled. "Yes, princess. Oh, and I accept the position."

"Good. Keep working on your books. They're brilliant."

Kyoya had been looking at the guest list for the wedding in his study when Mori entered. "Mori-senpai, what are you doing here?"

"Mitsu's father isn't giving her away."

"I'm aware. Is that what you'd like to discuss?"

"Ah."

Kyoya gestured to the seat next to him. "Tea?"

"Thanks." Once he was settled, he nodded. "I want to walk her down the aisle."

"What?"

"I'm the one who is pretty much giving her away, her mother and I. Her mother could do it, but she said she's not the one who's truly giving her away. Her grandfather can't because he needs to be next to Ume-san. That leaves me."

"Mori-"

"I love her, Kyoya, you know that. And you know that I will always love her. That's why I need to do this. So, I'll be able to let her go. I have to walk her down the aisle."

Kyoya sighed. "We wanted to ask you if you'd like to be the one giving her away, but I'm glad you came to me to discuss it."

"Yeah. Where's Mitsu? I want to talk to her."

"She's not here. She's at the doctor's. Said she wasn't feeling very well and pretty much forced me to stay put and not worry about her. She also said that if you come by, you shouldn't worry either, or she'll fight you." The silent one quirked an eyebrow. "Her words, not mine."

"Hmm..." Could it be...?

It had been a few weeks since Ryuko's arrest, and during that time, wedding planning had become rather hectic. In the midst of it all, Mitsu had learned about her pregnancy, and Kyoya decided that it was rather good timing. He knew the press would hear of it sooner or later, and he'd rather it be after they were wed. A few days after, they told the others, but Mori had been the first to congratulate them, cementing his position as godfather for the children. This prompting a melodramatic Tamaki to recite a lengthy soliloquy of despair, expressing how "mommy dearest" had "defiled and tainted" one of his precious daughters and allowed the "mean neighbor" to take part.

Their parents, however, were a different story. They were rather disappointed and a bit angered at the lack of use of contraception, and they argued for the wedding to be pushed forward in order to prevent a media frenzy over the news. However, it was Ume's wise words that calmed them, and eventually got them to agree and trust that their children knew what they were doing and continue as planned.

Soon enough, the wedding had finally arrived, and to say Mitsu was nervous was an understatement. It terrified her to know that she was tying the knot, and at the age of 16, no less. She had thought about waiting until after Kyoya had graduated, but they decided that it could not wait, especially with the pregnancy, settling with a few days after Mori and Honey graduated. Despite this, she wouldn't have had it any other way.

Yuzuha was doing her makeup when Haruhi came in, already dressed in her bridesmaid's dress. The twins wanted to follow, making up an excuse to see if the hair suited her, but she made it a point that no men were allowed to see the bride. They wanted a genuine reaction.

"You know...it's nit fair that you're this pretty," Haruhi joked.

"Oh, hush, you're gorgeous."

"Aww, thanks. But, seriously...you look stunning."

"Of course she does," Yuzuha smirked. "I designed and created the dress myself. I made her into the woman you see before you."

"You're a genius."

"Oh, don't worry, Haruhi. You're next."

"No thanks."

"It wasn't a request."

The brunette visibly paled. "Mitsu..."

"I'm not looking to die so soon, so..." the bride commented.

"Traitor. Anyway, Kyoya's gonna be speechless."

Yuzuha could only squeal in delight. "I'm not sure he'll be able to handle the sight."

There was a knock at the door and Kahoko entered. When she saw her mistress, she gasped, tears gathering in her eyes. "You look so beautiful. I can't believe you're to be married. My Young Mistress, becoming a woman. Any secretary's dream and nightmare."

"Kahoko...you're gonna make me cry, and I'm not sure if this makeup is tear-proof."

"It's time, Mist-Mitsu."

"And it took my wedding day to get you to call me by my first name. I-I'm so nervous."

"Now's not the time to get cold feet, especially after everything you went through," Haruhi scolded.

"I'm not getting cold feet. I just still can't believe this is happening."

"It's so surreal..."

"Time to go," Kahoko smiled.

Mitsu was rushed into position where Mori stood waiting. He was completely enchanted by her beauty and had half a mind to just steal her away and elope. He was sorely jealous of Kyoya, but he kept that to himself. "Mitsu...you look gorgeous."

"Thank you, Takashi."

He held out his arm, and she took it, sucking in a shaky breath. "Ready?"

"Yes."

And the doors opened, revealing her to everyone, but Mitsu's eyes were solely on Kyoya. And all he could think was how...breathtaking she was. Overwhelmed by her beauty, his happiness, and elation, he couldn't keep the tears from escaping, surprising his best man, Tamaki. I can't believe she's all mine. She chose me. She's mine.

As she walked down the aisle with Mori on her arm, she realized how much she wanted her father to be the one next to her. And the silent giant stopped, confusing everyone, and went to grab Daichi, who was as equally surprised as the bride. He only gave him a look, and he understood.

They were to walk her down the aisle together.

Mitsu could not have been more touched. Mori knew exactly what she wanted and, without a word, made her wish come true. Once they reached the altar, Daichi pulledher into a hug, his eyes brimming with tears only a father could shed when the reality of giving away his baby girl came crashing down. He was giving away his only daughter, but he was happy.

After he returned to his seat, it was Mori's turn to cry, an extremely rare sight. He was giving her up, which pained him, but he knew she was in good hands. So, he gave her hand to Kyoya, giving her a tearful grin which she returned with her own, her tears finally escaping as she realized how painful it was for him to give her up. Turning back to Kyoya, she caught him nod at the graduated senior, and he looked back at her with the largest smile he's ever had.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, "friends, family, and very distinguished guests. We are gathered here today to witness the next chapter, which I believe is the most important chapter in one's life, and that is the union of these two destined and loving souls. Now, I did have words to share, but I think it would be best to speak from the heart. Kyoya..."

Kyoya sighed contentedly, his words unable to form correctly. However, the love for his bride was unmistakable. "Mitsu, for once, I...I don't know what to say. My love for you, it's infinite. I know we've had our problems, and believe me, even now, I don't think I deserve you. I keep thinking how lucky I was to have you. There were times where I believed you may have been better off with Mori-senpai. But, you stated with me anyways and for that, I am so grateful. I love you, Fukumoto Mitsu. You're the very air I breathe. I promise to take care of you and Hiromi, and all the children we plan to have, 'til death do us part."

"Mitsu..."

"Kyoya, you were the last person to I expected to make me feel...like I truly sm myself. The moment you opened up to me, I knew you would be part of my life, but I never thought as my husband. You have done so much for me, opened me up to everyone else, and made me realize how much you mean to me. I want to make it so you don't have to hide who you truly are from me or anyone. I want to stand by your side as your wife, partner in life, and best friend. I love you, and I plan to stay with you, no matter what."

"With that being said, I pronouce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

And the couple kissed, sealing their union for life. They finally became Mr. and Mrs. Ootori. Hand in hand, their wedding rings glittering in the light, they walked back down the aisle, with Hiromi in Kyoya's arms, not as husband and wife.

But as a family.