Never Assume Anything

"Oh good, club activities haven't started yet." The great door to Ouran Academy's Music Room 3 opens with a gentle swish. A tall, dark haired girl enters as the members of the Host Club look up to usher in a new guest to their domain. With a quick scan of the room, the girl's eyes land on Honey and Mori.

"Mitsukuni, Takashi, I'm back!" A broad smile spreads across her pale face. The light from the open windows shines off the glossy enamel of a plum blossom hair comb holding her long black locks away from her deep black eyes. The hair comb is the only outstanding ornamentation to this plain girl. She stands almost as tall as the twins, much taller than most girls attending this elite school. Her strait black hair hangs down to her lower back, a stark contrast to her alabaster skin. When Honey and Mori realize who the visitor is they both rush to her side smiling happily.

"It's Yuki-chan! You're back!" Honey cries as he throws his arms around her waist in a tight hug.

"Yeah," replies Mori. He lays a hand on the top of her head and pulls her to his shoulder in a brief embrace. "Welcome back." He says with a smile.

Yuki blushes slightly at the contact with Mori and practically holds her breath for the short seconds he is touching her. When he lets go she quickly regains her composure and returns Honey's hug with equal enthusiasm.

"I've missed you while I was away." She says looking down into Honey's upturned face.

A few yards away Haruhi brings the tea tray she is carrying to the table Kyoya is occupying.

"Hmm, I wonder who that is?" she mumbles to herself as she lays a cup of tea before him. Kyoya continues to make notes in his ledger as he responds to her inquiry.

"That is Miss Yuki Soriyama, third year class A with Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai, recently returned from an overseas tournament."

"Huh, the three of them look very close." She says as she watches the trio talking animatedly with each other. Honey has Yuki and Mori by the hands and is leading them to the table where he left Usa-chan.

"That's no surprise. The three of them have known each other since early childhood and have been in the same class every year. The Soriyama family is one of the oldest and longest established families at this school. They come from a long line of samurai and have deep connections in the government, predominantly in the Ministry of Defense. They work closely with the Haninozukas to perfect our military's martial arts program. The whole family is highly trained in the martial arts, each member specializing in a specific weapon. Miss Soriyama herself is president of the Archery Club here at Ouran and is a national champion archer."

"Wow, another skilled person . . ." she says, her eyes growing wide in amazement. She takes her tray and brings it to the table where Honey has brought everyone. Honey, overcome with excitement at his friend's return, starts bouncing in his seat.

"Yuki-chan, this is Haru-chan!" Yuki giggles shyly at her friend's antics.

"So, this is the famous Haruhi you two wrote to me about. She's just as pretty as you said Mitsukuni." She pats Honey's head then turns to smile gently at Haruhi and bows her head in greeting. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Fujioka, I'm Yuki Soriyama. Please call me Yuki. I hope we will be good friends."

Her greeting is so sweet and sincere, Haruhi is stunned and she bows in a reactionary motion. "It's nice to meet you, Yuki-senpai." Just as she straitens herself Tamaki bowls into her to put himself inches away from Yuki, the twins close behind him.

"How do you know Haruhi is a girl?!" He screams, holding his hands up in agony at the exposure of his dear daughter.

"Yeah?" Hikaru and Kaoru say from over his shoulders. Honey pipes up from beside Yuki.

"I told her in my letters. Takashi and I tell Yuki-chan everything, especially when she's away for so long. Don't worry Tama-chan, she can keep a secret." Mori nods profusely in agreement. Yuki smiles knowingly at Honey and turns to Tamaki.

"Don't worry Tamaki, Haruhi's secret is safe with me." She smiles at him both reassuringly and bashfully at the same time. "I have a request to make of all of you. Besides seeing Mitsukuni and Takashi, I've come to the Host Club today to bring some news. I received first place in all my events at the archery tournament I just came back from. I now hold the title of World Champion. The school wishes to celebrate my accomplishments and put on an archery exhibition. This event will be my last as president of the club. I was wondering if you all would attend?"

"Eh, sounds boring." The Hitachin twins chime in simultaneously.

"I'll be shooting from horseback," she replies as she lifts her teacup to her lips. The twins' eyes grow wide in awe.

"That's amazing!" says Hikaru.

"You can really ride a horse and shoot at the same time?" asks Kaoru. As Yuki starts to explain the finer details of the art, Mori's mouth turns down. The idea of her shooting from horseback gives him a bad feeling. The act of doing so is quite dangerous.

"We're going!" The twins' voices cut into his thoughts. Tamaki rubs his chin in consideration.

"Hmm," he says, scenes from all the samurai films he's been watching lately play through his mind, "that sounds interesting, let's all go!"

"Yay!" cries Honey.

"Then it's settled. The exhibition is this Friday. Classes have been cancelled for the event. Please come in whatever is comfortable." Yuki says as she places her tea cup down on the table. She rises from her seat. "I'll see you all there." She pauses and makes eye contact with Haruhi.

"Haruhi," she says.

"Yes senpai?"

"May I request to sit with you next week? I'd like to get to know you more." Haruhi smiles up at her.

"Of course!" she says, turning on that natural host charm.

"Wonderful, I'll see you at the exhibition. Mitsukuni, Takashi." She smiles and waves goodbye to her two friends. They both wave back to her, happy she is home. As she makes her way out of the club room she stops at Kyoya's table.

"Kyoya," she says quietly.

"How may I help my favorite guest?"

"I'd like to request Haruhi for early next week." He makes a note in his ledger.

"Excellent, anything else I can do for you, Miss Soriyama?"

"Yes, one more thing." Her entire attitude grows serious. "As you know, my birthday is next week. Is everything arranged?"

"Of course. I would never let down the club's first investor and highest donor." He nimbly pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"Thank you," her demeanor softens a little. "Do you think he will find my request odd?"

Kyoya smiles genially. "I doubt it. After all, it is a host's job to make our guests happy." This brings a pained expression to Yuki's face. Ever so slightly she turns her head to glance at Mori. He sits with Usa-chan in his lap as Honey pretends to feed him cake. With a small sigh she walks out of the music room.

"Very well, I leave it to you Kyoya."

The day of the archery exhibition . . .

The main field of Ouran Academy has been transformed into an archer's dream. Targets of different styles and sizes line one end of the field at varying distances. This will expound on the Archery Club's prowess in both distance and accuracy. The other side of the field is organized as an afternoon tea with comfortable chairs, tables with parasols, and the finest china. A railing cuts the field in two to ensure the safety of the spectators. Everyone from parents to board members to students amble about, happily sipping tea and chatting quietly. The Archery Club is making their final preparations with Yuki at the helm. She must ensure that all goes according to plan today. This is her final act as president of the Archery Club, when the event comes to a close she will step down from the presidency and make room for her underclassmen to take over. Even with the pressure to perform, she stands taller and straighter in her ghi and hakama, a gloved hand holding her bow down at her side. Her long hair is pulled into a ponytail at the base of her neck, her treasured hair comb tucked neatly behind her right ear. Everything about her is different, more serious. It's obvious her samurai roots are starting to push through. Her pride and discipline are outlined with her every movement. All her club members defer to her with great respect.

The Host Club arrive on the field together and make their way to the railing for the best view. They have all dressed casually for the occasion, Haruhi looking boyish as ever in a pair of jeans and baggy hoody. The twins, Tamaki, and Honey all clamber up to the railing, craning their heads to take in as much of the view as possible. Haruhi ends up next to Honey up front and Kyoya and Mori hang back behind them. Honey clutches the railing and waves to Yuki.

"Yuki-chan! We're here!" Her stern face lights up with she sees her friends. She gives her final instruction to her vice president and heads towards the group. After greeting everyone she immediately falls into conversation with Mori and Honey.

Haruhi looks around in awe. They sure do go all out for this. Rich people . . .

"The Queen is looking especially regal today!"

"I know! Look, she and the King are talking!"

"Don't they look so amazing together?"

Haruhi spies the group of girls talking a few yards away. They cling to the railing and watch every move Yuki makes with bated breath. She points them out to Kyoya. "What's up with them?"

"Oh, they are fans of the samurai arts clubs. This is a rare treat for them. The Royal Couple is together."

"Royal Couple?" She asks in confusion.

"Yes. Mori-senpai is considered the King of the Kendo Club and Miss Soriyama holds the nickname 'Queen of Archers'. Together they are samurai royalty at this school and have developed quite a fan base." Haruhi turns her head to give Yuki and Mori further scrutiny. Yuki stands close to him as she talks. Their heights are similar, making them seem nicely matched. She smiles up at Mori so warmly and so happily. Mori himself has a certain softness in his gaze as he looks at her. That's odd, Haruhi thinks to herself, he's never made that face before. Just then a horse was brought onto the field.

"Oh!" Honey's eyes go wide with wonder. "Is that the horse you'll be riding Yuki-chan?"

She smiles down at him. "Yes, he and I have been practicing long and hard for this exhibition." Mori glances at the horse and his brow furrows slightly.

"Senpai, we're about to start!" a junior club member yells to Yuki. She turns and waves her acknowledgement to him.

"I hope you all enjoy!" She says to the Host Club as she leaves to take her position with her own club. They all line up and the ceremony commences. Many events take place. Feats of distance and accuracy awe the crowd, and all are met with light applause at the end of each volley. Yuki shines among all the club members, never missing a single mark.

Honey rests his arms and head on the railing, eyes trained on her. "Yuki-chan really is the best." The group watch as she lets an arrow fly. It hits the farthest target square in the center. "She may not be the prettiest girl, but she has a good heart and she's an amazing friend."

"What makes you say that Honey-senpai?" Haruhi asks.

"When we were young Yuki would come play with Takashi and me. I always felt like I could be myself around her. She would bring me cake and we would play with Usa-chan. When I tried to dedicate myself to martial arts, I gave Usa-chan to her. I thought I'd never get to play with him again. She must have known how hard that was for me because the day Tama-chan asked me to join the Host Club she returned him to me."

That's what he meant by her being good at keeping secrets. So, she's a big reason he and Mori-senpai joined the Host Club.

"Honestly if it hadn't been for Miss Soriyama there might not have been a Host Club." Kyoya says off handedly. "Without her initial investment and covering a portion of Honey-senpai's snack budget, we never would have gotten off the ground." Everyone looks surprised at this information.

"I didn't know that Kyoya." Tamaki says.

"Oh?" he adjusts his glasses. "I didn't think it was important at the time."

Honey furrows his brow. "Now that I think about it, Yuki hasn't been back to the Host Club since we opened last year. She met with every club member when we opened then stopped coming. And now she has an appointment with Haru-chan." This causes Haruhi to pause and reflect on Yuki's character. She's been supporting Honey and Mori for so long, even going so far as to help the club financially. All without taking part in our activities. I wonder . . . She glances up at Mori and studies his face. His face is set in a serious tone, his focus solely on Yuki. Could it be that-?

"Ah! They're doing the mounted archery now!" The twins lean over the rail in anticipation.

"Oh boy!" cries Tamaki, caught up in the twins' excitement. "This will be amazing! Watch closely Haruhi!"

Yuki takes her place astride the tall black horse at the far end of the railing. The crowd grows quiet. She kicks her heels in and begins to gallop parallel to the rail. Her back straightens as she starts her draw. Mori's eyes narrow as he scans her form. Sudden realization makes them widen in surprise and shock.

"The string is going to snap! Mitsukuni, the horse!" Honey nods seriously.

"On it!" They both brace their feet on the railing and leap simultaneously. Just as they launch themselves over the rail, the bow string frays and breaks. It lashes out at Yuki's head, loosing her cascade of black hair and causes her to fall backwards from the horse's back. The glossy hair comb shimmers as it goes flying and lands in the dirt. Yuki instinctively drops her bow and her hand jumps to the side of her neck as she falls. Seconds before her body can hit the ground Mori wraps his arms around her and they roll together. He holds her close, keeping her head firm against him. They come to a stop and he hauls her into a sitting position. With one hand he starts pulling at hers to see the damage beneath it, the other arm is locked tightly around her waist.

"That was reckless!" he scolds as her hand comes away. It shines red with blood. The words die in his throat and he puts his own hand over the wound. Warm blood drips between his fingers onto the stark white collar of her ghi. He calls to the other members of the Host Club. "Bring a doctor! She's bleeding!"

The twins dash away to the medical tent. Yuki turns her dazed eyes up to his face, barely able to focus from the shock. What happened? Why is Takashi . . .?

"Takashi, I-" she whispers, her voice locked in her throat.

"Quiet." He cuts her off. A look of pain and anger flash across his face. "Don't try to talk. How could you do something so foolish? You're too experienced with shooting to know to check your equipment before using it." She averts her eyes in shame and embarrassment. He must be so mad at me . . .

"Please move aside, medical personnel coming through." The doctor and nurses make their way over as Honey finally reaches them. He nimbly hops down from the horse's back and tugs lightly at Mori's arm.

"Come on Takashi, let the doctor take care of her." With surprising hesitation, Mori lets her go. He had been holding onto her so tightly his knuckles had turned white. As the doctor and nurses take her away he looks after her in a daze. The sun reflects off something on the ground and this catches his eye. There lies Yuki's treasured hair comb, covered in dirt and drops of blood. She has been wearing that comb every day since they were in elementary school, it had been a gift from her favorite grandfather. Seeing in the dirt nearly broke Mori's heart. He reaches out and picks it up, his hands shaking ever so slightly. He wipes the blood and dirt away and grips the comb between his hands. Pure pain and grief are etched across his face. He can only sit there on the dusty ground, staring in agony at the comb. Honey watches all of this, tears welling in his eyes, and he can't think of a thing to do for his friends.

The next week at school . . .

"Haruhi, your next appointment is here." Kyoya calls out. He indicates Yuki standing by a table set with tea for two.

"Ah, Yuki-senpai! Are you alright? You gave us quite a scare at the exhibition." She says as she pushes in Yuki's chair and takes the seat across from her. Aside from the bandage on her neck visible through her hair, she seems in good health. Something is different, what is it? Haruhi thinks to herself as she scans her face. Yuki embarrassingly puts a hand to the bandage, touching it lightly.

"I'm alright. It was only a friction burn from the bow string. It hit me so hard that it broke the skin, making it look much worse than it really was." She smiles softly at Haruhi. "Thank you for your concern. I'm sorry for worrying you."

That's when it hits Haruhi. Yuki's hair is hanging in her face.

"What happened to your hair comb senpai? You're not wearing it today." Yuki runs a hand through her hair where the comb usually sits and tucks it behind her ear.

"Ah yes, I seem to have lost it at the exhibition."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you find it soon, it really becomes you." Haruhi smiles at her, shifting to host mode. She picks up the tea pot and inclines it towards Yuki's cup. "Would you like some tea senpai?"

She nods, and they fall into quiet conversation with each other.

From across the room Mori glances at the two girls with knit brows. The girls sitting with he and Honey exchange glances and try to pull his attention back.

"We heard about what happened at the exhibition. Is Miss Soriyama all right?" Mori shifts his gaze to the girls and nods. Honey smiles brightly at them, yet his eyes tilt down just the smallest amount.

"Yes, we went to check on her over the weekend." Honey says to them. "Their doctor said she's fine and that the bandage can come off in a few days." Though he seems jolly enough, the harsh memory of that visit is still freshly engrained in his mind.

He and Mori had gone to the Soriyama home. They were directed to a sitting room where they were served traditional Japanese tea. As they knelt and barely sipped their tea, the door slid open and Yuki came in dressed in a light yukata. Before they could say anything to her she bowed so low to them her forehead must have been touching the floor.

"I'm sorry," she said, shoulders shaking. "I've caused you to worry about me."

"Yuki-chan, please . . ." Honey said, unable to find a thing to say to this. She doesn't move to get up from her position of supplication.

"You both have my deepest apologies, please forgive my selfishness and recklessness." Mori reached out and touched her head, his face soft and easy to read. She lifted her head to look at him, tears welling in her eyes.

"Get up," he said to her upturned face, "you know we forgive you." The tears spilled down her cheeks. A relieved smile spread across her face.

"I'm so glad."

The whole situation had troubled Honey. Yuki had been hurt plenty of times from a snapped bow string. This was the first time Mori had ever reacted the way he had. Honey could see how deeply his words had affected her and the toll they took. The image of her kneeling down burns in his mind. He could also see what the incident had done to Mori as well. He was preoccupied and seemed absent instead of just silent. Could it be that they . . . ? No, there's no way. Takashi would have said something to me by now. Unless . . . Honey does his best to mentally shake off these feelings and be jovial for their guests.

"Who wants some cake?" He asks.

Back at Haruhi and Yuki's table the two girls have gotten onto the subject of family.

"I see, your mother passed away all those years ago. I'm very sorry for your loss. Do you have any siblings to keep you company?" Yuki asks in a soft voice.

"No," Haruhi gently sets down her cup, "it's just my dad and I. Ah-" The look of sadness on Yuki's face stops her short. She waves her hands to show everything is fine and tries to shift the focus to her guest.

"How about you, Yuki-senpai? Do you have any siblings?"

"Oh yes," she says as she smiles happily, "I am the youngest of four. My brother Shiro is the eldest and then come my elder sisters Kaede and Ritsuko. There are two years between each of us." Haruhi counts on her fingers

"Wow, that makes your brother around 24. They're all grown up."

"Yes," Yuki replies. "Shiro already has a government position with our father, and both of my sisters are married." Haruhi's eyes widen in surprise.

"So young?"

"They were arranged marriages to secure alliances with other prodigious families in the private sector. My parents are shrewd and know that in order to keep the family strong we cannot rely on government connections alone. Neither of my sisters had any aspirations for college. They've known their whole lives what was expected of them."

"So, what about you senpai? Will you have an arranged marriage as well?" A forlorn look passes over Yuki's face.

"No, my parents have said the family is secure. My sisters' sacrifice allows me to marry for love. But I don't think that will happen for me." Her black eyes unconsciously go to Mori as she says this. That's the fifth time since we've sat down that she's done that. Haruhi thinks to herself. Now I know why.

"You're in love with Mori-senpai, aren't you?" Yuki freezes for a second and squeezes her tea cup with both hands.

"Am I that transparent? I thought I was doing a better job of keeping my feelings a secret." She casts her eyes down in embarrassment. Haruhi waves a hand back and forth.

"Ah, no! I'm just observant! And you've been sneaking peeks at him the whole time we've been talking." She scratches the back of her head, trying to kill the tension she created.

"I see, I guess I have been distracted. I apologize Haruhi, that is unfair to you. Besides," she glances at Mori one last time, "nothing will ever come of my feelings."

Haruhi's eyebrows pop up. "Why not? I'm sure if you told Mori-senpai-"

"No." Yuki states assertively as she cuts her off. Her black eyes are as hard as stone, her entire face set in pained determination. "I cannot tell him, ever."

"But, why Yuki-senpai?"

Her face softens and the hardness melts into sadness.

"There is no room in his heart for someone besides Mitsukuni. He is so loyal and so committed to him, even though the bonds of servitude have been lifted from the Morinozuka family. I've known those two for the majority of my life. I have watched their friendship build and build. I have watched Takashi grow into the man he is today. And I greatly admire and respect him for the very traits that will keep him out of my reach. His kindness, loyalty and care that he gives to Mitsukuni. I love all those things about him."

"I'm sure he would at least consider your feelings if you would just say something to him." Haruhi says, trying to appeal to her. Yuki can only shake her head and laugh bitterly.

"Have you ever seen a girl confess to him? I've witnessed it a few times, he has always been popular. He always lets them down so warmly and so kindly. I think it would kill me if he ever spoke to me like that." A single tear spills over the rim of her eye and runs down her cheek. As she wipes it away in shame and frustration Tamaki saunters up behind her.

"Haruhi, Kyoya says your next appointment has arrived." And as if nothing had happened, Yuki rises to her feet and smiles at Haruhi.

"I would appreciate if you kept our conversation from Mitsukuni and Takashi. Thank you for the lovely tea." She bows her head to Haruhi and leaves the club room at a calm pace. Tamaki stares after her in confusion.

"What did you two talk about?" Haruhi sighs heavily as she gets up from the table.

"We need to talk Tamaki-senpai."

Yuki's birthday, two days later . . .

A feeling of excitement buzzes in Music Room 3. A corner of the room has been cordoned off by a screen and all the guests are wondering what it is for. Kyoya quiets them down with an explanation.

"One of our lovely guests has requested a private appointment with the host of her choice for the occasion of her birthday. We will be offering this service for a short time. Please book your appointment with me should you wish to take advantage of this enticing offer." He smiles coolly as the girls flock to him. The club members shake their heads collectively. There he goes again, they all think to themselves. Haruhi sighs to herself as she walks a tea tray behind the screen and is surprised to see Yuki sitting at the table looking out the window.

"Oh, you booked this appointment Yuki-senpai?" Yuki turns her head and smiles at her.

"Yes, today is my birthday. I've been planning this tea since the Host Club started. Kyoya wanted me to be a regular but that just wasn't for me. So, he and I formulated this idea of a private birthday tea to warrant all the money I've given to the club."

"I see. Happy birthday senpai! Here," she lays the tray on the table, "let me get this started for you." Yuki stops her with a light touch on the arm.

"Thank you but no Haruhi. I'd like to wait for Takashi." Yuki's eyes are gentle and sad. Finally saying the words that had been locked away in her heart aloud had torn something loose inside her. The deep emotion continually eats away at her, but her pride has been keeping her from crumbling. As Haruhi surrenders the tea, a smile appears on Yuki's face.

"Oh, before I forget!" She reaches into the folds of her skirt and holds out a small stack of thick envelopes. "I know it's a little late to ask but I'd like to invite you and the Host Club to the party my parents are throwing for me this weekend. Would you hand out these invitations for me? Mitsukuni and Takashi already received theirs and will be in attendance. My parents said I could invite a few more friends. I hope you all can make it."

"Yeah, I'll talk to everyone and let you know." Haruhi takes the stack and examines the stationary. The envelopes are thick vellum, with beautiful hand drawn calligraphy of each club member's name across the front. Yuki's smile turns timid.

"Thank you Haruhi. You have been very kind to me. I hope you will do me one more kindness. Will you come to my house before the party and get ready with me? Usually my sisters and I would get ready together, but they're both married and live with their husbands now."

Haruhi smiles graciously. "I'd like that very much Yuki-senpai. I'll go give these to the rest of the club." With Yuki's thanks Haruhi emerges from the screen and heads for Tamaki and the others.

"What have you got there Haruhi?" He asks indicating the envelopes. She hands the one marked Suoh to him and the others to the twins and Kyoya.

"Invitations to Yuki-senpai's birthday party this weekend. She asked me to come early to get ready with her. I wonder why she invited the whole club and not her friends." Honey speaks up with a mouthful of cake.

"Yuki doesn't have very many close friends outside of me and Takashi. Those invitations are mostly for our benefit. There will be a lot of adults at the party and she wants us to feel comfortable. Plus, she really has gotten fond of Haru-chan. It's been lonely for her without her sisters in the house. She's close with all her siblings but she's the only one left and she doesn't get to see them often."

"I see," Tamaki says, "she sees Haruhi as a sister! That's wonderful! A new member of the family, wouldn't you say so Mommy?" He makes grand flourishes with his hands to emphasize his point.

"Anything you say, Daddy." Kyoya agrees sarcastically. "Ah, Mori-senpai."

Mori walks into the club room and deposits his bag by the door. "Sorry, Kendo Club ran late."

"It's fine. Your first appointment is behind the screen." Kyoya smiles coldly. "Please do your best to make the guest happy." His demeanor sends chills down Mori's spine. He makes his way to the corner of the club room. As he rounds the screen he stops abruptly.

"Yuki . . ."

Fresh flowers surround the table, turning the corner of the music room into a small garden. She sits quietly looking out the window, soft smile playing at the corner of her mouth. The sunlight shines off her glossy black hair tucked behind her ear, exposing the bandage on her neck. Even with the bright reminder of the accident, his heart skips a beat. She normally looks so plain, so familiar, but the way the light hits her face . . .

"Hello Takashi," she says softly, giving him a smile that lights up her eyes in a way he has never seen before. He blinks and returns the happy smile as he takes the seat across from her.

"Happy birthday." He says.

"Thank you," she replies looking content and genuinely happy. "For my birthday I wanted to share a pot of tea with you." He nods and reaches for the pot.

"Ah no," she says and holds up a hand to stop him. Her eyes turn down bashfully. "I want to serve you, if that's all right." She peaks up at him from under her dark lashes. Again, emotions surge through him. When did she get so pretty? He can only wonder to himself in confusion as he nods his assent. She starts to make the tea with a patient and practiced hand.

"You know, I've never once made tea for you? It was always a servant who would wait on us when we played as children. It's something I've always wanted to do." Her eyes remain down, focusing on the task at hand. She pours each of them a cup and prepares his exactly the way he likes it.

"Here," she says quietly as she holds the cup and saucer out to him with both hands. Finally, she can look him in the eye with a glad smile. As he reaches out to take the cup from her their fingers touch. The heat from his big hands shoots up her arms and blooms in her chest like a flower. Her heart starts to pound in her ears. Their eyes lock over the tea cup. The intense way his eyes bore into her is too much for her racing heart. She releases the cup and averts her eyes. Her fingers burn where they met with his skin while the rest of her body suddenly runs cold.

"Takashi I . . ." Mori's eyes remain on her pale face. He raises an eyebrow at her pause as he lifts the cup to his lips, hopefully covering the light blush on his cheeks.

"I . . . I hope you like the tea."

From behind the screen Tamaki nearly falls face first onto the floor. She almost did it! She could have told Mori-senpai how she feels but she stopped! Why?! He sits on the floor, hands grasping his head, unable to comprehend Yuki's actions. Haruhi marches over to him and tries to pull him away.

"Tamaki-senpai get away from there!" she whispers fiercely, trying not to make their presence known to duo behind the screen.

"But Haruhi she was so close! She almost confessed her feelings to Mori-senpai!" he whispers back furiously.

"It's none of our business senpai! Now move!" she manages to yank him away from the opening in the screen.

"Haruhi, it is the job of the Host Club to make every girl hap-"

"Tamaki-senpai!" she whispers seriously, making him check himself. "Some peoples' happiness is not in our control. I wish I hadn't told you about Yuki-senpai. Whatever happens between her and Mori-senpai is up to them. If Yuki-senpai wants to keep her feelings to herself-" the words expire in her mouth as Kyoya purposefully walks to the screen. He stands just outside of the opening and smiles amicably to Yuki. Haruhi and Tamaki back around the corner of the screen to get out of sight.

"Mori-senpai," his voice rings out clearly, "your next appointment is here. Please join Honey-senpai's party." Mori rises from the table and with a wave of goodbye to Yuki, heads out into the main area of the club room. Tamaki and Haruhi peak out from their hiding place to see if the coast is clear. They both decide to check on Yuki and see how the tea went. Her head is down, the hands gripping her tea cup shake minutely.

"Senpai!" "Miss Soriyama!" They rush to her side.

"I'm . . . I'm alright you two." She forces herself to let go of the china cup and lifts her face. Her eyes are shiny with tears that refuse to fall. "It went better than I expected. I at least got to have a quiet tea with him."

"Why didn't you express your feelings senpai? The power of love conquers all obstacles!" Tamaki inquires dramatically. Absolute misery washes over Yuki's face.

"Because I am a coward. I couldn't do it because I was scared he'd turn me away like all the others. I can only be his friend and that must be enough for me. There is no room in his heart for someone besides Mitsukuni. Their friendship is too deep. I could never compete with that, nor do I wish to." Tamaki's hands ball into fists.

"You don't know Mori-senpai at all. He is a kind person who would never take someone else's feelings lightly. I truly believe if your feelings are strong enough they will reach him." He says quietly. Yuki is completely taken aback.

"You know," Haruhi adds, "for once I agree with Tamaki-senpai."

"You do?!" Easy as ever to distract, he clasps his hands together in joy and launches into a tirade of nonsense as he examines this new development in their 'father/daughter relationship'. Haruhi ignores him and carries on.

"You've been going on and on about how you think Mori-senpai feels, but you've never asked him, have you? Wouldn't it be better if you talked it out with him? And what about your sisters? Didn't they make a huge sacrifice just so you could have this opportunity? I think you at least owe it to them to try."

All of this gets Yuki thinking. Kaede and Ritsuko, what would they say about a little sister who can't even tell the person she cares about how she feels? And it's true, she had been making assumptions about Takashi's feelings for years. But maybe, just maybe . . . Visions of her accident at the exhibition flash through her mind. Takashi catching her, the mixture of worry and anger and fear in his voice when he scolded her, the tightness of his arms around her, and his hesitation at letting her go.

"Perhaps I should say something to him . . ."

The night of the party . . .

The six boys of the Ouran Host Club arrive in grand fashion to the Soriyama mansion. All of them decked out in elegant tuxedos, they cause a stir among the adults as they pass by into the main hall. Everyone is making flattering comments to their neighbors as they watch the beautiful group of boys head to one of the refreshment tables.

"Wow," Honey says as he scans the room at large, "Yuki-chan's parents went all out this year." Mori nods his agreement. Kyoya adjusts his cuffs and attempts to excuse himself from the group.

"If you don't mind gentlemen, I'll see you later."

"And where are you going Kyoya-senpai?" Hikaru and Kaoru say together. Kyoya flashes them a patented look from the Demon Lord.

"There are many important people in this room tonight. Members of government, business tycoons, all of whom could benefit the Otori group." Tamaki laughs and claps him on the back.

"Go on Kyoya, mingle to your heart's delight." But before he can finish his sentence Kyoya is already gone. Although this leaves Tamaki quite sullen, he spies the fresh sushi on the refreshment table and his thoughts redirect to his favorite subject.

"Hey, wasn't Haruhi going to come early to help Miss Soriyama get ready for the party?" He starts looking around the crowd trying to spot her.

"Yeah, where is she?" The twins add in unison. Almost as if on cue, a hush falls over the room. On the main staircase stand Yuki and Haruhi, both in full kimono. Tamaki and the twins' faces all turn bright red and they unconsciously make their way towards the stairs, leaving Honey and Mori standing at the back of the hall. Honey gasps audibly and Mori's breath catches in his throat. Both girls look amazing. Haruhi's short hair is styled in light waves, her make up is done to perfection, and it all compliments the pale blue kimono with a pink cherry blossom pattern. Yuki's kimono is midnight blue with white cranes embroidered onto the silk, making her pale skin look like porcelain. Her long black tresses are pulled up in the traditional style and her make up is natural and feminine looking. The pair make their way down the stairs and into the crowd of well wishing adults. Yuki touches Haruhi's arm and indicates the boys making their way towards them. Haruhi nods gratefully and meets the trio halfway. Yuki continues to greet her guests and her eyes glance up to Mori, looking longingly at him, before turning her attention to the adults around her. Honey looks up at Mori, the same look is in his friend's eyes, and he finally understands everything.

"If you hurt her I'll never forgive you Takashi." His voice is cold and final. Mori looks down at him in surprise.

"I won't." He says back with equal amounts of finality. His eyes go back to Yuki, following her around the room. He can feel the hair comb in the breast pocket of his jacket and the weight of it is almost overwhelming. It was time to give it back to her.

After greeting everyone properly, Yuki manages to sneak into the garden for a short break. Her head was beginning to hurt. She seats herself on a bench under a plum tree in full bloom and sighs, looking up at the rising moon. The moon light is bright and illuminates the garden, making the petals of the plum blossoms look silvery and ethereal. That was tiring. The party has barely started and already I'm beat. Why did mother and father invite so many people? Lost in her own thoughts and enraptured by the flowers she starts to pull the pins from her hair without even realizing. The locks cascade down her back and the tightness in her head fades. Having her hair free makes her feel better, lighter. Eyes on the bright moon, she knows she must go back inside and talk to more people she doesn't know. All she wants to do is find Takashi and Mitsukuni and be with her friends. She remains in her own thoughts when a soft voice pulls her back to reality.

"The bandage is gone." Mori stands some feet behind her doing his best to keep his face neutral. She is a vision of loveliness sitting in the moonlight. It hurts his chest just to look at her. She stands quickly, a hand touching her neck self-consciously.

"Ah, yes. The doctor said it is healing nicely and the bandage is unnecessary." With his long legs he closes the gap between them in an instant. He gently pulls her hair away to see the faint red line along the side of her neck, his fingers lingering over the mark. Yuki's heart starts racing at his touch.

"I'm glad you're all right." His eyes meet hers, filled with overflowing relief.

It's now or never.

"Takashi," she whispers, her cheeks turn a light pink in the moonlight. His hand drops away from her neck.

"Takashi," she says again, trying to build her resolve, "I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember. I want to be there for you through all the good times and bad. I want to be loyal to you and serve you in any way you need." Her eyes shift down, looking at him only makes the experience more painful. "I don't expect you to return my feelings, but I couldn't keep them from you any longer."

"How can I not return them? I'm in love with you too." Her black eyes snap up to look at his face, hoping against all hope he wasn't making fun of her. He stands there looking down at her seriously, her hair comb in his hand.

"My comb . . ." Deftly he tucks her hair behind her ear and inserts the comb. Now she is whole and perfect to him. He rests his hand along her jaw.

"Takashi . . ." She smiles up at him so blissfully. A single tear of joy runs down her cheek. He smiles while wiping it away with his thumb and pulls her face to his in a deep kiss.