Disclaimer: I don't own operate or have anything to do with the creators, publishers or distributors of Ouran High School Host Club. This is a work of fiction based on existing characters and my own fantasy.

Chapter 5 – Unbreakable Friendship

The Myth of Andromeda and Perseus as presented by the Ouran High School Host Club went off without a hitch. Everyone ooh'd and ahh'd over Honey as the Oracle, Tamaki left fainting women in is wake as in the role of Perseus. Girls squealed in fright at Kyoya's sea monster, Kaoru was a perfect match as he dressed up as Cassiopeia.

"All in all, actually, it seemed like my Andromeda was more a background figure than a main character, which I have to admit, I don't mind in the least." Haruhi mentioned to the Hikaru as they finished changing out of their costumes for the last time.

"You weren't exactly a background figure for us the other night," Hikaru teased as Haruhi blushed. "You haven't been background for any of us since you walked in the door of Music Room #3 a year and a half ago." Taking her in his arms, he kissed her softly.

They broke apart as the door opened and Tamaki and Kyoya walked in. Kyoya's eyes instantly seeking theirs, while Tamaki just smirked.

"So…," Tamaki asked, "Is anyone going to finally tell me what is going on?"

"Haruhi and I are dating." Hikaru replied as he slipped an arm around her. He wasn't sure if Kyoya was ready to acknowledge his relationship with them yet.

"And you are ok with this," Tamaki asked Kyoya, astonishment clear in his voice as Kaoru, Honey and Mori walked into the room.

"Kyo-chan is ok with what?" Honey asked curiously.

"Kyoya is ok with the fact that Hikaru and Haruhi are dating."

Taking a deep breath, walked over to Hikaru and Haruhi, and slid his arm around Haruhi's waist as well,

"Actually I am perfectly ok with Hikaru dating Haruhi, because I am dating her too."

"Mmmpf… 'bout time," Mori's droll voice broke through the tension and everyone started laughing.

There was just one more person Tamaki had to confirm with. He turned to his former lover and with uncharacteristic seriousness asked, "Haruhi, are you really ok with dating both of them?"

"I am. I can't deny it and I don't really want to. It works for us and I don't want to mess that up."

"Then I am finally and completely happy for all of you." Tamaki's huge smile was genuine. "Who knew that when Haruhi stumbled through our door, how much stronger all of our friendships would get. I hope they can stay that way through the years, because I have an announcement that is probably not surprising, but is hard to hear."

Haruhi, knowing what Tamaki was going to say, stepped away from Hikaru and Kyoya and went over to her backpack to pull out several little boxes.

Tamaki continued. "Instead of going to the University here, I am going back to France for a year to study. I know we were originally going to try and keep the Host Club going with Kaoru, Hikaru, and Haruhi but the three of us have talked and we just don't think it will work. Kaoru and Hikaru are going to be spending a lot of their free time in their final year design classes and Haruhi wants to get some of her pre-law classes done. Honey and Mori classes are getting tougher and they are now permanent judges for several Martial Arts tournaments, so their time is limited. So as much as it hurts me to do this, Today is officially the last day of the Host Club."

Sadness swept over the room. They all knew that this was necessary and they had expected it, but it was a different feeling from expecting to actually hearing it happen. Without thinking they all stood in silence, looking at each other and shuffling their feet. No one knew what to say to break the gloom.

"I have something that I want to say." Haruhi said quietly breaking the silence. "Stumbling into this room while looking for a place to study and then breaking that damn vase was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I didn't know it then but all of you would become so important to me in different ways. I can't imagine my life without all of you in it. So I have something for each of you. I had them made out of titanium because it's unbreakable, like the way I feel in my friendship for all of you. They will always remind me of you, and I hope that they will help you remember me."

"Honey-sempai and Mori-sempai," Haruhi turned and bowed to them, her arms at chest level and her left fist tucked into her right," Sensei, you both taught me how to be comfortable in my own skin, how to protect myself and how to see the enjoyment in silly little things. I had these made." Haruhi held up three identical necklaces. They were simple in styling - a dark silver pendant with kanji on a leather cord. "The kanji are friendship and strength. I would be honored if you would accept them."

"Of course, Haru-chan," Honey said with tears in his eyes as he ran to throw his arms around her. She put the necklace around first Honey's then Mori's neck. Mori then in turn put the third one around her neck.

"You will always be my friend," Mori said quietly as he kissed her cheek before stepping back.

"Tamaki, Kaoru, could you please come here?" Haruhi turned and pulled out three identical silver thin cuff bracelets with kanji engraved on the ends. "You both taught me how to love unselfishly. You were my friends first and foremost and gently guided me when I was oblivious. You made me laugh and you held me when I needed to cry. The kanji are friendship and love. Will you accept them?"

Tamaki was speechless but tears were streaming down his eyes as he took the bracelet from her and put it on his wrist. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly for a few minutes before letting Kaoru have his turn.

"I will always wear it, my dearest friend," Kaoru said when it was his turn to hug her, "even if it clashes with my outfit." He added as an attempt to make Haruhi smile. He reached out and took the third bracelet and clasped it on her wrist, squeezed her one last time and let go.

"Hikaru. Kyoya. These gifts don't have a kanji on them, but you will know what they stand for. From the day I walked in both of you drove me crazy. Hikaru's incessant teasing and Kyoya's continuously adding to my debt. You made me frustrated. You made me angry. I couldn't stop thinking about you both. Then each of you did something that made me stop being angry and start seeing you for the person you really were, not the mask that you liked to wear. Once I saw the real you, I could never forget it, and I realized that you were offering me the greatest gift – your trust. I fell so deeply in love with both of you. I never thought I would be able to have you both. Now that I do, I can't imagine being without a part of you – whatever may happen in the future. These rings are designed for the middle finger of your right hand, since the left hand is reserved for a different purpose, and the right ring finger is for your family ring. Besides, I can't think of where else I would rather be than in the middle of you."

"OK, that last line was corny," Hikaru teased, "but you are in my heart and soul, and I will wear your ring for the rest of my life. I swear it." Hikaru took it and looked at it closely before putting it on. It was engraved with a phoenix. He laughed.

"You are one to talk about being corny," Kyoya laughed at Hikaru, "That line was seriously sad. What is even sadder is I can't think of anything else to say except that I feel the same way as Hikaru. I will wear your ring here for the rest of my life, but I intend that another ring will be worn in the future – only that ring will be on the left hand." His silver eyes flashed as he put on the ring with the engraved dragon. He picked up the third ring. One side was a phoenix; the other side was a dragon. "Perfect," He said as he passed it to Hikaru so he could see it before slipping it on her finger.

"I love you." Kyoya kissed her deeply.

"I love you." Hikaru kissed her deeply.

"I will love you both for the rest of my life." Haruhi answered. Then with a mischievous smile she added, "Now… about those tattoos…"

The End