The new story's here! I told you all I'd be back! MWAHAHAHAHAAHA! Ahem. Anyway, I promised myself that I'd spare some readers the agony of reading sorrow in my "real" story. I choose to write alongside violence because it is not an unusual thing. Who's with me? *does a fist pump*

But, then I thought again, nope.

I'm writing violence in if I damn well choose to.

So…

Despite my various projects and benchmarks coming up, here we go!

Prepare for thy sequel you all have coveted!

Oh, and this whole story is dedicated to Fruitsbasketluver123, because she was the 100th reviewer. So bow down and worship the ground this mighty goddess walks upon!

The Only Exception

Away From The Sun

He had stared at the photo for what had seemed like ages. It was the only thing he'd been allowed to take with him where he was going. They didn't even give him cellmates. No, he was alone. Isolated. Forgotten. Left to waste away in a cold, dark room. It was enough to drive him to near madness.

That photograph was the only thing that had kept him tethered to the world.

Every face smiled warmly up at him where they lay in his hands. Even his own wore a little half smile. It was a picture of all the hosts. It was the only thing he had wanted to take with him. They'd allowed it.

It had been nearly seven years. He knew this, and constantly waited for that day that that door would open, he'd get out, see the sun again. He wanted to see his friends again, to hear them laugh again, to find out how much had changed. Mitsukuni's childish face beamed up at him. He snickered, wondering if his little cousin still looked the same.

He thought of each host in turn. Was Tamaki still as goofy as he'd been back then? Was Kyouya finally the head of his father's corporation, as he had so desperately desired? Had Hikaru recovered fully from his injuries? Did Kaoru still hate him? And Haruhi, had she finally achieved her dream of becoming a lawyer?

He had accepted the fact that Haruhi was lost to him. These long seven years had given him time to think. He'd accepted that he had problems. Those could be fixed, at the very least tamed. Haruhi wouldn't wait for him. She'd find a man that could make her laugh, not fear for her safety. A good guy. He had no problem with that.

Now that he had established all this, he wondered if they could ever be friends again. If all of them could forgive him, accept him back into the fold. It seemed childish yes, but he needed something to hold onto to. They could let bygones be bygones, right? He hoped so. He prayed so.

Rolling over, he shut his eyes wearily, drifting towards the end of another day. He fell asleep, photograph in one large hand. His mind washed away into the dream-like state of numbness. And he stayed like for the entire night, lost in a stupor.

The next morning, he groggily sat up, ruffling his ebony hair. It had grown long in the last years. Brushing his shoulders, he threw his bangs back from his face. He hated his long hair, he hated his beard. It was stupid looking he knew it.

Debating on how he could manage to cut it, the door cracked open for the first time in seven years. His silver eyes widened, then squinted shut in pain as the dim light pricked his pupils. Shielding his eyes, he squinted at the figure. It was a very tiny person, who ever they were.

Wait, no….

It couldn't possibly be…..

He stood abruptly, hand falling away from his eyes. Soundlessly, he embraced the man before him in a hug. The man returned it without hesitation, golden-brown eyes spilling tears of joy. "It's so good to see you." He whispered out hoarsely. "You too, Mitsukuni. You too."

Mitsukuni Haninozuka smiled, drawing back to look at his cousin. The childish tinge in his voice was gone. "Who is this strange man I just embraced? I didn't know a hobo was in here. Excuse me, sir?" he said slowly, clearly enunciating each word. "Do you know where I might find my cousin?"

"You're funny." He narrowed his eyes at his cousin. The only thing that had changed about Mitsukuni was the shape of his face. It had grown more angular, no longer round. Despite his new facial structure, nothing else had changed. He began to laugh. "Shouldn't you have gotten taller, midget?" He set a hand on his head.

"Heeeeeeeeeeey!" Mitsukuni whined. "Not all of us can be freakishly tall like you!" It was so easy for them to fall back into step. But inside, both of them knew how much had changed. They just wouldn't admit it.

"It's time to go." He breathed in sharply. His eyes slid from his cousin's face to the door. Light filtered in, hurting his eyes. It was a beautiful sight. Slowly, he edged toward the door, Mitsukuni's hand on his arm. They passed the guards, went down the long white hall. Carefully, the two men walked down the stairs, heading for the door. It was taking all of his willpower not to run for those doors. He ignored the people gawking at him.

They finally reached the doors, and Mitsukuni opened them.

And for the first time in seven years, Takashi Morinozuka looked up at the sun.

They walked down the street, avoiding the strange looks of passerby. Takashi's raggedy appearance was certainly drawing odd glances. It was as if he'd lived alone on an island for several years. Quietly making their way to a café, Mitsukuni thrust a large bag into his hands. "Go change. We can catch up in a minute." Nodding stoically, Takashi walked up to a waitress, asking where the restrooms were located. After giving him a look over, she pointed in the direction.

Quietly thanking her, he proceeded down the hallway. Once inside, he opened the bag, taking out its contents. There was a razor, scissors, and some clothes. Takashi held them up. It was a black t-shirt and white pants. And some other necessities as well. Hurriedly, he picked up the razor, and began shaving with fervor. Once his face was perfectly smooth, he began cutting his hair, taking more time with that. It soon reverted back to its' original style.

Silently sending a prayer of thanks to Mitsukuni, he tugged on the clothes. Perfect fit. That was to be expected. Takashi looked at his reflection in the mirror, staring at himself. He looked exactly the same. His eyes seemed to have aged yes, but that was about it. They had an oldness in them way beyond his twenty-five years of living.

On his way back to his cousin, he debated on how their conversation would go. Naturally, they'd talk about all the other former hosts. They might even get to talk about that ring sitting smugly on Mitsukuni's finger. That's right. He noticed. And he planned to get an answer.

He sat down at the tiny table, facing his blonde-haired cousin. "Yeah, I know, but I have to go, okay? Alright. I love you." Mitsukuni flicked his phone shut. "You're probably wondering who I was talking to." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossing over his head. The man's face wore a contented smile. "It was Reiko. You never met her, she came to Ouran after you were gone, but you'd like her, promise."

His eyes grew misty as a memory replayed in his head. "She tripped in the hallway once, and nobody stopped to help her. No one even took one look at her. It was like she had the plague. I noticed it on my way to class. She was just sitting in the hallway, her books all scattered around her. I came over, asked if she wanted help. She said no." Mitsukuni laughed. "She was so stubborn. Still is, actually.

"Anyway, so I didn't listen to her, and began to pick up her books. And she, well…. You'll know about that later. So then I help her up and hand her her books. And get this? As soon as her hand touches mine, I just feel this overwhelmingly warm sensation. She must've to, because she retracted her hand like I'd burned her. After all that, we just started seeing each other more often. We got to know each other, and we fell in love with each other. I honestly can't wait for you to meet her, Takashi. She's so amazing."

Takashi quietly listened to his cousin. He smiled a little, happy at his newfound love. "That's wonderful, Mitsukuni. I'm happy for you." Mitsukuni smiled at the waitress, who had appeared out of nowhere with massive hunks of cake. "Hey, Mitsukuni! Nice to see you here!" she smiled as she set the desserts down. "And who's your handsome friend?"

Takashi smiled tightly at her, uncomfortable. As she left, Takashi looked at Mitsukuni in reproach. "You're still on the cake? I hope you haven't got cavities." He forked a large piece of strawberry cake into his mouth. "Uh uh." He looked down at his own. Pushing across the table he said, "So what's new, Mitsukuni. Tell me everything that's happened since I…." he flinched, "…left."

He stopped eating. "Hmmmmmm….." His cousin blinked up at him. "Kyou-chan still isn't the head of his daddy's company yet." He said, voice slowly tilting back to childish. "He's vice president though, so that's good." Takashi nodded. "Let's see…. Ummmmmm…. Kao-chan and Hika-chan are doing better now. Hika-chan is even saying he forgives you. He got himself a girlfriend! She's just like him! They're always pulling pranks on everyone! Kao-chan… He's the one who ended up alone. Kinda sad, huh?" Mitsukuni looked down at his plate.

"Where'd my cake go?"

"You ate it."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Mmhmm."

"Well, anyways…." Hurriedly, Mitsukuni dug into his other cake. "An Tama an Ha cha got mahhed." Takashi looked at him, confused. "What? Mitsukuni, don't talk with your mouth full." He reprimanded. The blonde swallowed, blinking at him. They stared each other down for a full two minutes. Then, Mitsukuni caved.

"I said, Tama-chan and Haru-chan got married!"

They stared at each other more, gauging the other's reaction.

"And?" Takashi said, disinterested. "Is she finally a lawyer now?" Mitsukuni looked at him, disbelieving. "Uh, yah she is. And a really good one. She got Reiko out of trouble one time." But before Takashi could ask why, he glanced at his watch. It was the same one from many years ago, covered in bunnies. Little did his cousin know, long ago he had given up Usa-chan.

"I promised Reiko I'd be home in a couple minutes. You should come with me, since you have nowhere to really stay." Takashi nodded, rising. "Let's go. I want to meet her." Mitsukuni beamed, walking out of the café. "Hey, Takashi?" he asked shyly, looking down. " Hm?" He shook his head. "Never mind." Raising an eyebrow, the two men began walking.

All of a sudden, a warm weight settled on Takashi's shoulder, and a chin plopped down on his head. "Let's go." Takashi smiled up at his cousin, happy. Happy he'd taken him back so easily, how he acted as if nothing had happened. It made Takashi feel better.

At least until he reached Mitsukuni's house.

It was a small two story home with yellow paint and black trim. A garden ran wild and unruly around the house. There was an ominous looking sign painted in the front door. Takashi raised his eyebrow at it, giving Mitsukuni a what the hell look. To which he laughed, running fingers through his blonde hair. "Reiko put that on there. She said she it would protect us."

Mitsukuni jumped off Takashi's back when they went up the steps, straightening himself. "Ready to meet her?" The man looked at his cousin. "Sure." Mitsukuni advanced cautiously, keys in hand. He unlocked the door, cracking it open. Peering through the doorway, he noticed the emptiness and motioned for Takashi to follow him.

All hell broke loose.

A raven-haired blur flung itself at Mitsukuni, arms wide. Catching it, it looked at the tall man curiously. Takashi observed that it was a small girl. Her black hair was a mess, flowing wildly all over the place. Her eyes were golden-brown, like her father's. In a flash, she made an odd hand gesture at Takashi, muttering gibberish. After that, the little child placed her thumb in her mouth.

"Shinju*, what have I told you? You're not allowed to curse people, it scares them away." Takashi's eyes widened. "Curse?" He gave his cousin another what the hell look. Her thumb popped out of her mouth. "Yep, you're big and scary so I put a curse on you that'll make your hair fall out in…" Shinju paused. "…now."

Nothing happened.

"Daddy…" Shinju turned to him, eyes filling. "W-Why didn't it work?" A voice floated down the stairs. "Because Shinju, my lovely daughter, curses do not work on family members." A very pregnant woman glided down the stairs, dressed in all black. Her black hair was pulled up into a worker's bun, strands wisping around her face. "You must be Takashi." She turned and looked at her husband reproachfully.

"My sugary demon, you are late! I curse you for you lateness, your way of life, and what you've done to me!" Her clear voice rang indignantly through the house. Shinju covered her ears, squinching her eyes closed. "I cannot fit into any of my things! Just what do you expect me to wear? DRAPES?" Reiko shouted louder, causing her daughter to start crying.

Reiko snapped out of her hormone-induced rant. Looking down at her crying child, she whispered, "Shinju, my sweet child of darkness, whatever is the matter?" She drew her daughter to her, enveloping her in a hug. "Oh my child, I'm sorry. Mother is just a little tired right now, what with your new baby brother on the way." Shinju pressed her face against her mother's belly. "When's he comin' out, Momma?" Reiko smoothed her hair back. "Soon, dearest. Soon."

Takashi suddenly felt terrible awkward, like he was intruding. He was just about to leave, when Reiko's head snapped up. "Oh no, Takashi Morinozuka. You are not leaving to go to that cheap motel a couple blocks down." He turned white. 'How did she know that?' He swallowed. "Okay."

"Well, I should show you to your room." Mitsukuni chimed, grabbing his hand. Reiko, taking Shinju's hand, followed suit. When they came to a threadbare room upstairs, she pushed them aside. The woman began to chant incantations, sprinkling various herbs and water in the air. Shinju watched with fascination evident in her golden-brown eyes.

"What did you do?" Takashi asked. "I cleansed your room of any dark energy, cast a protective charm, and if you ever bring a woman in here, I shall know immediately." Reiko stated. Leaving the room, she cast one final glance over her shoulder.

"Oh, and my sugary demon, I do hope you told him about the reunion party tonight."

The door clicked shut.

"What party?" Takashi rounded on Mitsukuni. "Woah, woah, it's just a reunion party!" He raised his hands defensively. "I invited some people from the old academy, and maybe some of the Host Club." Mitsukuni thought for a moment. "Wait, yeah. I invited all of them." He grew white.

Takashi let out an even breath. "What will I wear?" he muttered, irritable. "What you have on, since they're showing up in…." He checked his watch. "One hour." The man blanched again. "Okay, Takashi, you can do this. It's just been seven years."

He threw his hands up. "SHIT!" Reiko's voice floated in. "Language, Takashi Morinozuka." He glared at her through the door. "And I know you are not glaring at a pregnant woman. That's bad luck, you know." Mitsukuni half-grinned at the door. "I love that woman."

"I love you too, my dearest one."

"Mitsukuni, help me out here." Takashi looked at his stupidly grinning cousin. "What do I do?" His grin rapidly vanished. "Be yourself." He said simply. "They'll all love you again. Don't worry." Mitsukuni looked at his watch again. "I'll introduce you back a half hour into the party. It should be fun." Takashi sweat dropped.

'Yeah. Fun…'

The hour came and went by quickly. Takashi lay on his bed, the only colorful object in the room. It was completely black instead. He stared a hole into the ceiling. This was going to be bad. He just knew it. He could see it all playing over again in his head.

The horror, the blood, all the confusion.

He fought down the wave of emotion that threatened to overtake him. Swallowing thickly, he glanced at the clock. Mitsukuni should be texting him any minute now. He'd presented Takashi with a cell phone, demanding that he keep it. Maybe if he fell asleep…..

His phone sang out "Cause I'm A Blonde".

It's time. The text read. Point blank. Right to the point. There was no going back now. No backing out or backing down. Mitsukuni would kill him. No, Reiko would curse him. Takashi shuddered. She scared the hell out of him.

Cautiously, the tall man got up, opening his door. The smell of food and the sound of music drifted around his senses. He trumped down the stairs quietly, adjusting his shirt.

This was it.

The big moment.

After seven years, he was finally going to see his friends again.

Would they hate him?

Would they love him?

Would they accept him?

Reject him?

So many questions, so many possible answers.

Takashi was going crazy trying to find them.

A warm hand settled on his forearm. He looked down. It was the little girl, Shinju. "C'mon, Uncle Mori. It's 'kay." She stumbled over her words, half asleep. And, in a way he used to do with her father long ago, he placed an affectionate hand on her head.

"Thanks."

"Alright everybody, can I have your attention?" Mitsukuni shouted over the rumble. "Please?" He tried again. No luck. No one was paying any mind to the small blonde man. They were all happy about meeting each other again.

Umehito Nekozawa was talking to Reiko in a corner, glowing over her swelling belly, blessing the child with incantations. She, in turn, was thanking him and doing the same thing to his girlfriend, Renge. Renge was another girl who had come after Takashi. She had been awkward, jumping from group to group, not knowing where she fit in.

She had tried the Black Magic Club, but decided it didn't suit her tastes. Regardless of that, she and Umehito had continued talking to each other. He had seemed very nice. And after a few years of dating, Renge had accidentally gotten pregnant. Though Umehito had apologized over and over and over, she had actually been pleased with what she called "my little prince of darkness".

Hikaru was with his girlfriend Chikako*. Both were planning on how to secretly get vodka into the punch bowl. He tucked her auburn hair behind her ear, kissing her neck. She told him how much she loved him. Chikako had been a nurse tending to Hikaru after his accident. They bonded quickly. He had said she was too pretty to be working there; she said she'd push his bed out of the window. Kaoru hadn't shown.

Tamaki, Haruhi, and Kyouya were sitting on the couch, debating animatedly. Her hair had grown out; something Tamaki had always wanted her to do. He had calmed down some; something she had wanted him to do. She was still as flat-chested as ever, but she made up for it in intellect. Haruhi was the cleverest lawyer at her firm. So in short, she could always outsmart her husband if necessary. With Kyouya, it was always difficult.

Her eyes strayed to Mitsukuni, knowing something was up. There was something the blonde wanted to say. She knew the signs. He was shifting uneasily on his feet, eyes cast down. So, in a very old Haruhi manner, she used her court room voice.

"Everyone, listen to what Mitsukuni has to say!"

The room hushed.

The spotlight fell on his tiny figure.

The music was turned down.

"Well, ummmmm…." Mitsukuni started, not sure how to begin. "Well, thank you all for coming to the reunion. How does everybody feel?" The party guests cheered at him. Apparently, they had brought their own alcohol. Now they were all hammered. Mitsukuni rolled his eyes.

"I, umm, God how do I put this?" Reiko got up, standing beside her husband, placing a hand on his shoulder. He covered it with his own. Suddenly, Mitsukuni had a bought of courage. "Recently, I have run into an old friend. They were very dear to me during my high school years, maybe even more so than my time with all of you. We talked, and I have seen how much they have changed. It is astounding what kind of person they have become."

The liquored hosts' eyes flickered in interest, trying to remember.

Trying to think back.

To a time of carefree actions.

Comprehension dawned in one's eyes.

'He couldn't possibly mean…'

But before they could get a sentence out, Mitsukuni turned to the entryway and said with a grin, "You can come out now." Out from the shadows stepped a relic from the past.

Something that everyone thought they'd never live to see.

Someone they thought they'd never see.

Takashi Morinozuka stepped into the light of the party.

Everyone's jaws hit the floor in total shock.

Hikaru tilted his head curiously, confused. Chikako grabbed his arm in a vice grip, whispering disbelievingly. "Is that the guy that hurt you all those years ago?" The elder twin nodded, head still tilted, thinking hard.

Nekozawa and Renge just sat there, not knowing what the hell was going on. They'd never met the man. But they'd heard the story. Everyone had.

Kyouya smirked a smirk of recognition. His glasses flashed, and he whispered to himself, "Look whose back."

Tamaki said nothing, did nothing, but cut a glance at his wife. Her face had paled somewhat drastically. He remembered those long, hard weeks of holding her. How it got to the point where he didn't have to tell Ranka why he was in bed with his daughter. Well, not in bed. He was always above the sheets, holding her tight. She'd cry so loud, so long, that Tamaki would sometimes wonder if she'd ever get through it.

Sometimes she would even be asleep, still crying and calling out Takashi's name in her sleep. It seemed that every dream was the same, her looking for him over and over again, never to be found. When she awoke, she cried. The tears never stopped. Until one day, when she'd kissed him. "Thank you." She had whispered before falling into an exhausted sleep.

It was all because of Takashi Morinozuka.

The question was, how would his wife do now that he was back again?

Haruhi stood, blood drained from her face.

Does anyone out there know the band from which I am stealing my story title's from? Hmmmm?

There we go! And thus, it is beginning! SQUEAL. I'm happy!

Shinju = pearl

Chikako = clever

Or at least that's what the names said. I hope I got them right! R and R lovelies, because I'm back!

-Danielle