I will spare you all the waahmbulance, and just hand you a new, long-overdue chapter. It's a mixed bag, and hopefully now it will allow me to move forward with ideas I have had since Chapter 2. (over a year ago). Et VOILA! Enjoy!

Chapter 11: Quiet Concessions

The sound of the wood bokken hitting it's inanimate target with precision echoed within the walls of the otherwise quiet dojo with sharp raps.

Step, thwack-thwack. Step, spin, thwack

For the introspective host, kenjitsu was meditative. It was his way to focus his restless energy, and unleash his stress and frustrations of his daily life. Keeping his grades up; standing in the shadow of his half-pint cousin and best friend; the daily restraint of all the emotions that he'd constantly locked away and never verbalized: He kept them at bay by beating the living daylights out of a human-shaped dummy, much akin to a tailor's mannequin.

Today, his routine faltered. Lack of focus was keeping the young man from feeling his usual satisfaction in his daily ritual. The sweat trickled off his furrowed brow as he breathed deeply, closing his eyes.

This is a piss-poor practice, Morinozuka. Get a grip. Now to redo sequence fourteen...

Like a dancer, his steps took him to calculated spots as he landed hits to the waist, shoulder and neck in a matter of seconds. This time, he had done the sequence correctly. With a sigh, he decided to take a break and reached for his bottle of water. The cool refreshment tingled as it slid past his lips and down his parched throat.

With a satisfied gasp, he let the plastic vessel uncermoniusly tumble to the floor and into a corner. He went over to the window and decided that the chilly late November air would be far more energizing. As the wide double windows opened, a crisp breeze rustled his sweaty gi, prickling his skin. The melancholy third-year found himself leaning against the sill, up at the clear dark sky, alight with a full moon and speckled with stars. A shiver ran up his spine, less the reaction to the temperature and more of a realization of everything that was bothering him.

He always put everyone's feelings and well-being before his own. Always content to stay out of the limelight, he took to being a support to those he cared about the most. But tonight, it finally hit him.

I did this to myself.

The affections of the other hosts always undermined his own for the petite first year. Tamaki and the twins, most prominently, showering her with hugs and attention whether she wanted it or not. He intuited Kyouya's feelings, but respected the way he stood back and gave her space as he also had. Little did he realize that Kyouya would stealthily sweep Haruhi off her feet. Whether he had made a calculated move, or gave in to his sentimental side, he was sure he would never know absolutely.

A blush crept onto his cheeks, despite the near-freezing temperature permeating his surroundings. Takashi would never deny the jolt to his system he felt any time she called for him in a moment of need. At times she had unknowingly intuited his thoughts and feelings and had given him warm and knowing smiles when he was troubled. He recalled the few occasions he got to give her hair a friendly ruffle, noting how soft it was. The first day Haruhi hosted, she had called for help. He would never live down the twinge of embarrassment as he lifted her out of the blond's grasp and felt soft mounds of feminine flesh, or the hint of joy at making her blush as he scooped her up into his arms at the water park.

Still I never said a thing. And now...I guess I never will. I could never do that to her.

Deep down, the sting of disappointment lingered, mostly with himself. And in that moment, he vowed to express himself when it was important.

But I will never hesitate to protect her. Right now, she needs her friends.

Deep dark eyes slid closed as Mori took one last deep breath of invigorating night air, resolving his focus on his talent and chivalry before shutting the windows and returning to his nightly routine.

In the dimly lit bedroom of the Hiitachin brothers, the glow of the television reflected off the two mirrored visages of the first-year hosts. Muted grunts of frustration mingled with the soft clicking of buttons as they poured their emotions into the virtual battle on the large flat-screen before them. Two fantastical characters with over-sized weapons punched, kicked and slashed away at each other until one was the match's victor.

The words "Game Over" flashed onto the screen as Kaoru gloated in his succession of wins over his brother. Hikaru slammed the controller onto the floor.

"You only won because I can't concentrate!" he huffed indignantly.

"There's a first time for everything, Hikaru. You always win," the calmer twin replied. He watched as his older brother seethed, knowing that losing the game was only the icing on the cake. "You ready to talk, yet?"

Hikaru shot up from his seat, fuming, and began pacing in front of the entertainment center.

"What is there to really talk about? Everything is fucked up now, and we both know what the problem is," Hikaru snapped, with an expressive gesture of his arms as he turned to his brother.

"Well, sometimes venting and putting the pieces together helps find a solution," Kaoru said plainly.

"Nothing helps the fact that I took my sweet-ass time procrastinating telling Haruhi how I feel. Look at how she addressed the boss?" he pointed out bitterly. "She probably never felt that way about me, anyway."

"So wouldn't you say that it's better that you never said anything, and that you saved yourself the embarrassment of being rejected?" Kaoru asked, trying to redirect his brother's train of thought.

Hikaru paused and sighed, allowing his arms to fall limply at his side.

"Well, it's just that...ugh, I don't know." The tone of his voice hinted at the shifting gears from anger to sadness. Kaoru noted that he'd been vacillating between those two emotions all evening.

"As much as I hate to say it, It could have happened to any of us," Kaoru stated, feeling defeated. "If it had been you she was with, but in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the secret managed to get out, then everyone would be laying the blame on you."

"But I would have been more careful about it!" Hikaru defended haughtily, crossing his arms with his nose in the air.

"And you think that Kyouya, master of planning, always ten steps ahead, didn't take precautions? Those people were family friends. And people don't mess with the Ootoris willingly. I know I wouldn't," Kaoru said, prying himself off the couch and coming over to look his brother in the face. "Listen. I know it hurts. But in this case, she's with Kyouya now. As her best friends, we really need to support her and not upset the situation anymore than it has been already."

"I know..." Hikaru mumbled in reluctant acknowledgement. "I can't help being jealous, Kaoru. I just am. And I'm pissed off that she's suffering because of all this."

"I'm upset, too. But she's a tough one. You know that," the empathetic red-head replied, resting his hands on his brother's shoulders. "She still has all of us, and Kasanoda, Renge and a few other good friends in her camp. Things will eventually blow over."

"I hope to hell so."

Kaoru leaned over and turned off the television and game console, exhaling slowly in relief. Turning to Hikaru and gesturing towards their gigantic bed.

Finally the bargaining, and the acceptance.

"Where on Earth are you, Haruhi?!"

Ranka's dramatic tone made his guilt-ridden daughter cringe as she answered the call. Clearing her throat of what she was expecting to be a sleepy sounding tone, she attempted to get her wits about her.

"Dad, I am so sorry," she began. "I didn't mean to worry you. It was such a long day. I know Kyouya told you about it."

Ranka replied in the affirmative, but proceeded to rant about notifying him and what time it was.

"Not to mention, the indecency of being at his house at this late hour!"

"Dad," she was forced to repeat, halting his lecture. "We were watching a movie, and just conked out. The last thing I remember, it was eight o'clock."

Haruhi heard her father sigh in resignation.

"I know you had an exhausting day, sweetie. I'm sorry for giving you a hard time. But why don't you get home and get some more shut-eye. We'll talk about it in the morning over coffee, all right? I'll be waiting up for you."

"Okay, Dad. I'll see you soon."

The exhausted brunette flipped her phone shut with a sigh. Kyouya could hear the entire conversation, and was just as relieved as she was that Ranka had been understanding of the situation. Other than their brief make-out session, it really had been a case of nodding off.

Then it occurred to him that his phone was missing. After grabbing his glasses, he began searching for his own phone, which had been set to wake them.

"Kyouya, are you missing your phone?" Haruhi asked as she watched him scan the loft for the elusive device. He nodded, a crease in his brow.

"Well, I have been known to toss an alarm clock or two in recent years, and that is what concerns me at this moment," he replied.

Haruhi got up and peered over the edge of the railing of the loft to scan the floor below.

"You lucked out, Kyouya," she proclaimed moments later. "You threw it, all right! But it landed on the couch."

Kyouya looked down at the white couch just below the balcony and saw his phone, seemingly in one piece.

Note to self: don't use the phone alarm ever again.

Kyouya lay in his bed after sending Haruhi home in the car accompanied by Hotta. It was nearly four in the morning, but he couldn't sleep. As he rested on his side, Kyouya kept opening his eyes hoping to find Haruhi before him. Mild disappointment twinged in his chest as he resigned himself to the fact that his cozy companion would not manifest herself. So he let eyes slide shut and began to relive their heated moment from hours ago. The flustered teen pondered how his counterpart felt after everything that transpired that evening.

"I am terrified by how exhilarating it is."

Her words had pretty much hit the nail on the head. It was a rush, it made his nerves tingle with an other-worldly fire. Something so foreign had taken over his mind and body. All control had begun to slip away like grains of sand in an hourglass, as they let their sharp minds drown in overstimulation. It was unknown territory, but Haruhi inspired him to blaze a new trail. In his life until now, with all the gourmet delicacies he'd dined upon, Kyouya Ootori was sure there had been nothing as enticing and sweet as the taste of Haruhi.

His fingers, feather light, flitted over his own lips, slowly drifting down below the waistline of his pajamas as he let himself sink deeper into his fantasy. His whole body ached as images of a possible future rendezvous evolved in his mind's eye. As his body warmed, his mind sank quickly into the erotic reverie. Wandering deeper into his subconscious, he followed a barely clothed Haruhi into his sleep.

Haruhi's arrival home had been fairly uneventful as both her and her father were exhausted. After futher apologies and a hug, both of the Fujiokas retired to their quarters. Haruhi was finding it hard to get back to sleep between her racing mind, and lack of warm body to lull her.

She pondered what could have transpired had they not been so worn out. Turning onto her side, the sleepy girl replayed the intoxicating moment in her mind. As her mind wandered, so did Kyouya's hands, once again sparking sensations she now longed to experience in a corpeal reality. Her inner thighs tightened in an automatic response to the imagery washing over her. After a mere passing of minutes, she was whisked away into slumber by her romantic dream.

Morning came too soon, bringing the harsh reality that today would be the first day that Haruhi would attend school openly as a female. She had over slept by about a half-hour, to be awoken by two familiar voices engaged in conversation.

Kyouya is here early? She quickly considered yesterday's mess. He's probably explaining and apologizing to Dad.

Haruhi pried herself out of bed and, before getting into her uniform, decided to freshen up and greet her boyfriend and father.

"Good morning, Dad, Kyouya," she greeted as she slid open her shoji and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

Kyouya gawked a moment, never having seen her in her sleepwear before. A slight blush crept onto both their faces at the realization. Fortunately, it went unnoticed by a still groggy okama.

"Good morning, my darling. Do you feel better today?" Her father replied with a gentle smile, his concern softened and kind.

"Yeah. But today is just the first day of the rest of my career at Ouran. I'm sure I'm going to be dealing with some hassels for a little while at least," she responded with a hint of exasperation. "Not to mention, the issues we need to sort out concerning my involvement with the Host Club."

"Speaking of that, Haruhi, I have some options I'd like to discuss with everyone as soon as possible," Kyouya interjected. "I was thinking that my house would be a good place to meet tonight, as Yuuichi will be the only one home."

"I think that's a good idea," she agreed before turning to her father. "So it looks like I'll be going home with Kyouya and the guys to have a meeting and dinner. Is that okay, Dad?"

"Of course, sweetie. Especially if it's to help solve some of the problems you're facing," Ryoji said, granting his permission as he took a swig of coffee. "Just call me this time, if you're going to be late."

Kyouya, on cue, handed his bleary-eyed girlfriend her own cup of caffeination. She nodded her thanks before taking a long drink. The toasty warm liquid piqued her senses, and she exhaled in satisfaction.

"All right," she said at long last. "I'll be quick." And with that, Haruhi headed to the bathroom to get ready.

While he waited, he decided to email to the rest of the hosts. Ryoji hummed happily to himself as he made omelets. After all was said and done, the teo high-schoolers were off in the brisk late-autumn morning.

After a somewhat awkward, yet thankfully uneventful, morning, the hosts met for lunch. Kyouya noticed the odd aura of sobriety emanating from the hosts. Even Haruhi had noticed everyone's lack of their usual vivaciousness. Haruhi sat between Kyouya and Kaoru, facing Hikaru, Tamaki, Hunny and Mori. Conversation was kept light, avoiding any heavy topics, as they all knew they'd have their time to vent later that evening. Kyouya had some sneaking suspicions about some of the other hosts. In his gut, he always had known there was competition. But he could see broken hearts being worn on their sleeves. A pang of guilt hit him as he realized he had indirectly hurt some of his dearest friends. Although he refused to let that eat away at him, his slender fingers gripped the fork that didn't seem to want to touch his plate.

Haruhi watched Kyouya unnoticed, as he sat in an odd trance. It was unlike him, and it worried her slightly. Reaching out to him, underneath the table, she rested her hand on his leg, above his knee, giving it a squeeze. She watched realization wash over him before he he glanced over at her, giving her a small smile and nod of thanks. Finally her handsome, pensive sweetheart resumed his lunch.

The rest of the day passed without much more than a few odd looks in her direction from perturbed classmates. Renge had found her in the halls between classes at one point, making it a point to give her a boisterous embrace to show off her acceptance of Haruhi and apparent unwavering friendship. Someone as popular as Renge was unflinchingly standing up to the masses. Haruhi wouldn't admit it aloud, but she had been grateful for that mildly embarrassing moment. It made her feel a little less uneasy.

Only a few minutes after classes ended, Kyouya arrived at Haruhi's classroom to escort her back to his house. The others were set to meet them at the Ootori Mansion for a six o'clock dinner. The whole ride there, Haruhi tried to keep her curiosity at bay as to what her boyfriend had in store. He was still the Shadow King, after all, and was seemingly keeping his big idea to himself until he could explain to the entire club simultaneously. As much as she wanted to pry, Haruhi respected his reasons, resigning herself to watching him tap away at his laptop keyboard.

She quietly pondered how they got to the point they were at in their relationship, and how much life had changed in a matter of little more than a month. It was hard to look back at so many moments and not see the potential that had been brewing.

They say hindsight is twenty-twenty, after all.

The thoughtful girl smiled to herself, as a romantic notion popped into her head. Her companion, still focused intently on the screen before him, was nearly oblivious to her increasing proximity as she leaned in. Her moistened lips met the warm bit of skin on his neck just behind his ear, along his hair line. She could feel his body tense for an instant with the shock of the unexpected contact, his hands suddenly still for the first time in fifteen minutes. Haruhi, emboldened by his physical response, began treating his flesh like it were his mouth.

A soft gasp escaped the usually cool host. The feeling of her lips upon his sensitive skin lit every nerve ending on fire. Half-lidded obsidian eyes peered down at her form, as he instinctively allowed her more access. Her tongue gently brushed at the spot in tandem with her lips, and he couldn't stop the low hum that it elicited from him.

"Haruhi..." Her name drawled out slowly, like caramel from his lips.

A soft giggle tickled his ear, sending another flurry of miniature shocks through his body.

"I couldn't help it. You looked like you could use a momentary distraction," Haruhi replied in facetiously. She was elated that her hypothesis had tested true in practice. It was information she would store away for later.

Kyouya chuckled at her playful tone as he gently placed his laptop aside, despite reeling from the amazing warmth flooding his body.

"Well, I am now officially distracted. Thank you," he countered, turning to capture her mouth with his. It was full, and lingering. Kyouya pulled away to look at her naturally lovely face.

Haruhi was enthralled, though slightly confused by his seemingly sentimental mood. She was unwavering in her reciprocation of the deep gaze he fixated on her.

"You know, one minute I can be calculating international stocks, debating the world political climate, or discussing astrophysics with you," Kyouya said, seemingly answering her unspoken question. "And the next, I am reduced to the reality that I am still a hormonal teenager, completely infatuated with a lovely young woman." He caressed her cheek, his eyes taking stock of every detail of the face before him before continuing. "It's one of many things...that I love about you."

Haruhi let those words sink in. As they truly registered, her jaw dropped, heart beginning to race as fast as her mind. She leaned back a bit further in fuzzy sense of astonishment.

"L-love?" she repeated sheepishly. The handsome aristocrat smiled and nodded, reaching out to draw her into his arms.

"Because of you, I am learning what love actually is."

Haruhi had never been so overwhelmed in her life. The tears that welled in her eyes, were those of joy, relief, and appreciation. It had been such a trying situation, dealing with all the initial repercussions of their relationship. And as stressful as the last month had been at times, the enamored scholarship student knew it was all worth it.

"Same here..." she agreed as she held him. "And I'm glad it's not like all those stupid romance movies or shoujo mangas," she added with a little chuckle as her head rested on his shoulder. "That idea of love never seemed real to me. It's too contrived. This...feels real. Despite the trouble we've endured, it's comfortable."

"And smart," he added as he pulled back slightly and wiped gently under her eyes with his thumb. "Tangible, yet something...deeper." He re-positioned himself so that he put his arm across Haruhi's shoulders as they faced forward once again. Glancing out the window, he noted their approach upon their destination. To him, home was an often cold place, where he felt restricted to being a certain facet of himself, and only that persona was acceptable, except when he was with her.

"You have always been yourself with me, Haruhi," he stated, thinking aloud as he turned his attention back to her. "That, in and of itself, has allowed me-inspired me-to be myself more often. And I'm pretty sure it's more about that, than some grandiose, complicated notion of romance."

Haruhi couldn't contain the indescribable warmth kindling in her chest. She guided his head toward hers for another tender kiss, remaining there a moment before releasing him. With a squeeze of his hand, he wordlessly assured her, before moving to pack up his laptop as they pulled into the Ootori Estate grounds.

Later on, everyone was gathered in Kyouya's suite, lounging on the various couches, sprawling out on the floor, or sitting patiently at the white table in the middle of the sitting area. The twins had brought portable gaming systems and were battling it out virtually while Hunny got audibly excited about the eminent tea and cakes. Tamaki laid himself out across the couch while Haruhi sat with Hunny and Mori at the table.

Kyouya collected his notes before allowing the maid in to serve the tea and sweets. Once she had left, he flipped on his "vice-president" mode and got the discussion rolling.

"Alright, everyone," he started, getting the group's attention. "I know we are all a little disappointed with the results of Monday's vote. Despite half of the girl's being accepting of the idea of Haruhi as a female host, there are just as many who's business we may lose if we keep her on as a full-time host."

"So we have to let her go?" Hikaru asked, with an edge in his voice.

"Not at all, actually. The vote was if we had her be a host," he retorted dryly, adjusting his glasses. "So I propose we keep her as a member of the club, but with a different title, and less 'hosting' responsibilities."

A figurative light dawned on everyone, and previously glum faces began to brighten.

"Tamaki is our President. I am the Vice-President. Haruhi could potentially be-"

"Our secretary!" Tamaki exclaimed, bolting upright from his previously horizontal position with a snap of his fingers. "That's brilliant!"

"Thank you," he said, nodding in Tamaki's direction as he sat down next to their former 'secret princess'. "I figure that I can give Haruhi my accounting duties, and she can have a few random days in which she can entertain clients who still wish to visit with her. And I will take her spot as a full-time host."

"So Haru-chan can stay. But we honor the girls' request and everybody ends up happy? I think that's great!" the pint-sized lolishota beamed.

The twins looked at each other, considering with a hopeful shrug what could be the best possible solution.

"Sounds like a solid plan, senpai," Hikaru conceded.

"Yeah, it seems like that is the best compromise we could ask for," Kaoru agreed.

Kyouya felt a hand at his back. He turned to find a satisfied Haruhi.

"I had no doubt you'd come up with something good," she said with a smile. "I'd be happy to be 'Secretary Fujioka'."

"But what if we still lose clients who don't like the idea of her even being around?" Kaoru asked hypothetically. "Would we have to still let her go? Because I don't want to have the club without Haruhi around."

"Yeah, me neither," Hikaru chimed, followed by the other three hosts.

Kyouya sighed. He completely empathized. The club would never be the same if Haruhi wasn't around.

"As long as we are able to make our budget work, I personally don't care if those petty few stop coming. I am sure you'd all agree."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"The only thing is, senpai," Kaoru spoke up after considering everything. "You openly declared Haruhi as your girlfriend. But you will host full-time with her around...how will that work out? Won't some of the girls be turned off, or scared away by that?"

The group deflated for just a heartbeat, as they considered the valid point.

"But even if a guy has a girlfriend-or a boyfriend, for that matter-a girl with a crush wouldn't stop crushing on them, right?" Haruhi pointed out. They all went quiet. What Haruhi didn't seem to realize is that her statement hit a bit too close to the heart for some of her friends. But Tamaki cleared his throat, diffusing the awkward silence.

"You're absolutely right, Haruhi. But..are you okay with that?" The president replied, assuming more confidence.

Haruhi smiled. "Of course I'm okay with it. I trust Kyouya. He's a business man. He's going to do what is good for business, without compromising himself." She rested her hand on his, standing by his decision.

The room was silent a moment, as the five other hosts truly realized how strong their friends' bond had become. Bewildered looks eased into acceptance. This was Haruhi, after all.

"All right then, men," Tamaki declared. "Let's make the announcement for Monday's club hours, and that we will open with the results of our deliberation."

After hanging around for a little bit longer to make some plans for their next session, one by one the hosts left, saying their goodbyes. Mori and Hunny were the first to go. As Hunny launched himself into Haruhi's arms, Mori rested a hand on her head gave her a rare small smile. Haruhi looked up to him, and caught an odd somber look in his eyes that betrayed the mild expression he attempted. She didn't let it keep her from giving him a warm smile in return, wishing both him and Hunny a good night.

"Goodnight, Haru-chan!" Hunny cheered. "And don't worry about anything, all of us care about you a lot. We'll never let anything bad happen to you! Right, Takashi?"

"Yeah. We're all your friends," he replied, a nearly imperceptible flicker in his eye.

"Thanks, guys," Haruhi replied with sentimental air. "That means a lot to me."

"Yeah!" Stereo voices concurred as two hands fell upon her shoulders.

"You may be taken," Kaoru pointed out.

"But, you're still our bestie," Hikaru continued, a light blush painting his cheeks at the admission. "So don't be a stranger, okay?" They both leaned in for a simultaneous snuggle.

"You definitely owe us some hang-out time," Kaoru said with a little nudge. Haruhi knew that she had been spending most of her free time with Kyouya. And in that moment, it occurred to her not only how much her friends missed her, but how much she missed them, too.

"I promise," she said holding up her pinkies to swear to them. "Maybe we could go to an arcade, or something?"

This delighted the doppelgangers to no end. The idea of going to a "commoner" hangout with Haruhi was exactly what they were hoping for. Haruhi found herself sandwiched in a suffocating Hitachiin hug,

"Guys...seriously..." she grunted. Not wanting to incur the wrath of one observant Ootori, they let her go and headed out the door with a wave.

"See ya tomorrow!" They called.

That left Tamaki, who had been unusually pensive, seemingly enjoying staking out an entire couch for the evening. Having sat up to see the twins off, the Host King found himself inspired by their ability to persuade Haruhi. He had not only been feeling the distance between he and his 'dear daughter', but also the lack of his best friend's presence.

"Hey, Kyouya?" Violet eyes sought out stormy ones, hidden behind glasses that flashed in the blonde's direction. "So, if Haruhi is spending a day with the twins, maybe you'll have for ton meilleur ami, ne?"

And something struck Tamaki at his core: a smile, soft and genuine, slipped onto Kyouya's face. For the first time in weeks, there was a smile that wasn't particularly for Haruhi, but for him.

"Absolutely...mon ami," Kyouya replied, his smile becoming askew. "I've been a pretty negligent friend, haven't I. Whatever you want to do is fine with me."

Life returned to Tamaki's face, as he strode over to the brunet and wrapped him in a death grip.

Yup. Tamaki's still my happy idiot, I guess. Kyouya could not be mad at him for being so overbearing. He had been a bad friend, and owed the the zealous Frenchman so much.

Haruhi looked on and laughed at the look on her favorite face. She pictured Kyouya, three years prior, awkwardly tolerating this ridiculous behavior. Haruhi smiled to herself as she pondered the balance between their friendships and their relationship. Everyone in her life was invaluable to her. It would all work out. She was sure of it.

Friendship is love, too, after all, isn't it?

I personally am a little hard on myself about this chapter. It was difficult to write at times. Straight up writer's block. But it was one that was necessary for development and moving forward. I hope you like Kyouya's plan. Nothings perfect, but I thought it was a good compromise.

There are still things I'd like to do with this story. even after settling this situation. And I can promise you that rating will be going up to M in the very near future as frontiers are *ahem* explored (hell, I was 17 once, hehehe)...So be forewarned.

Have a great week and know that I already have 12 working. I am going to ride the wave/go with the (creative) flow.

~Destinies Entwined