A/N: So this is a one-shot that is based off a multi-chapter story idea I had while writing the story Haruhi's Real Problem. I essentially took the story idea, crunched it down into thirty-seven pages and turned it into a one-shot. The story was supposed to be a KyoyaXHaruhiXTamaki arch, but decided against writing it out completely because I wasn't sure I could handle another full story at the moment. I have several other stories I need to finish. Warnings below, please read!

WARNINGS: SCENE OF A SEXUAL NATURE BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE, LEMON, DETAILS BUT NOTHING EXTREME, MENTIONS OF MASTERBATION, MINOR MENTIONS OF BLOOD AND SEXUAL TENSION. STORY IS RATED M FOR A REASON SO BEWARE BEFORE YOU START READING!

Read and leave me a nice juicy review!

The Great Divide

His mind is wondering lazily, slate gray eyes shifting over the room as the soft sound of conversations and gentle giggles caress his ears. His middle finger comes up to gently press the bridge of his glasses up along his nose.

Within the room, as the afternoon comes to an end the gentle conversations turn to a gaggle of goodbyes and longing sighs, he waits for the silence to commence. The young man continues to study his ledger and crunch numbers in a rather relaxed and unassuming manner.

He hears a voice rise above the din, though not because it is loud, it simply stands out comparatively to all the others. Cool eyes scan away from the numbers before him towards that voice, to high too be a boy, to low to be a girl and the ambiguous sound of it always stays within his periphery.

No matter the time of day, no matter the amount of people in the room, if she is near, he can find her instantly, by just following the unique tone of the voice that doesn't quite fit in with either sex.

"Bye, thank you for coming. I'll see you tomorrow!" Haruhi calls softly after a group of her regulars. A happy smile on her face and those shining brown eyes, always warm and welcoming…. when she isn't annoyed that is, look at the floor contently.

"Another profitable day in the Host Club." Kyoya muses as his eyes fall from her face and back down to his numbers. His heart settles gently as he looks down at his crisp, clean writing and admires his handy work.

"Time to clean up." and he snaps his book closed as he looks at the small group before him, eyes lingering on the only female left in the room.

"Can't we do it tomorrow?" Hikaru huffs as his arms hang listlessly before him.

"No." Kyoya says and he turns from the group, "Tamaki, I need to speak with you about next week's theme. If you have a moment."

"Sure." Tamaki replies gently, moving away from the rest of the hosts as they start to clean and walking over.

The conversation is short, as it always is, not much to really discuss in regards to their plan. Well, Tamaki's plan. He wants to do something with Egypt and Kyoya thinks this could be one of their more expensive themes. However, the girls do love when the boy's take their shirts off, so perhaps it will work to their benefit.

The twins could be shirtless, perhaps dress as the entertainment, Mori and Honey could be part of the court. Tamaki would be the Pharaoh, of course, and Kyoya could dress as the Pharaohs adviser. That would only leave Haruhi.

A flash of the girl in something akin to white Egyptian cotton sheets and little else comes and goes quickly, the young man dismissing it so fast it doesn't even phase him. His eyes remain clear and his cheeks remain clean of the all too telling red splotches. Unlike the rest of the group, Kyoya is not a slave to his bodies desires.

He always remains cool and calm, never flustered, never allowing his stray thoughts of the small girl to cloud his calculating and logical mind.

He is a man after all, it would be rather ridiculous to think he doesn't have urges or even ideas of her. But, unlike the twins or Tamaki, he saves them for other times, time that are appropriate, when he is in private.

He rectofies his minor slip by focusing more firmly on the numbers, reopening his book with a soft, "Hm."

Eyes find his salvation, his best option when such tiny infractions take place. Thinking on it, debating, and then he settles on keeping with Haruhi's background. She could be the fan waver, a servant, she wouldn't bulk at the idea and it would allow her to remain fully dressed, perhaps some sort of vest….or-

"Have a good night, Kyoya Senpai." and his eyes slowly pull from the book before him, looking at the girl as she smiles gently at him.

"You as well." he offers with a small smile of his own before his eyes relocate back to his book, pupils focusing more firmly again on the cost of the upcoming costumes. His body still unresponsive to her as she turns away, picking up her bag and heading for the door.

A small trace scent of her shampoo hits him, he doesn't react, doesn't even flinch as it lingers faintly under his nose, the only sign of his attraction to such a lovely aroma is the dilation of his pupils.

Still, he stares at the numbers, almost done with his calculation as he turns to Tamaki and sighes, "Well, it looks like Egypt is in the budget. I will leave you to getting your hands on the costumes and accessories. Please don't forget to give me the receipts."

"Yeah, of course. I will see you later, Kyoya." Tamaki assures as is eyes stray to the door.

"Very well. Tomorrow then." Kyoya confirms.

Tamaki nods at him before he turns away, "Hey, Haruhi, wait up!" and Tamaki is heading after the girl, those brown eyes turning from the door to find the Host Club's King jogging after her.

Kyoya stands there, eyes glued on his pages, the end of the tip of his pen pressing to his lips as he thinks about the best way to present the newest theme in a way that will enchant the young ladies of Ouran the most.

It's another ten minutes before he finally looks up and realizes he is alone in the large room. He looks up at the ceiling, his eyes closing, the silence a welcome respite from the din of business hours.

He closes the book slowly, tucks the pen behind an ear and heads for his bag. He tucks the book away and is soaking in the last few blessed moments of quiet before he leaves and is greeted by the stampeding feet of those students making their way home.

If my whole world could only be this quiet-

A small smirk comes to his face when his cell phone vibrates softly in his pocket.

Never a moment to myself.

He fishes out his phone only to spy a picture of Haruhi's father on the small screen and answers the call happily as he walks towards the door.

"Good afternoon, Ranka. I assume you called for an update on Haruhi?"

A sniff greets his ears and he stops with his hand on the knob of the door, "My dear Ranka, are you alright?" he asks lightly.

"Yeah. Yes, hello Kyoya. Sorry. Uhm, I...I was hoping you could help me with something. It's a little forward of me, but….I kind of need….I need a favor."

"Of course, I would be happy to help." his hand dropping from the knob as he waits to leave, not wanting anyone to possibly overhear the conversation.

"An old friend of mine passed away this afternoon-"

"Oh my, well, I'm sorry for your loss...but...I'm not sure how I could be of service? My families business usually only deals with treating those that are still alive-"

"No, of course, it's nothing like that. You see, my friend...he moved to America several years ago….that's where the funeral and visitation are going to be. Where all of us...his friends….are heading. It's going to be tricky, passports can be expensive but I need to go. He was….a very special friend to me when I was younger….before I met Kotoko."

Ah, an old lover then, such a shame.

"Then you would like help obtaining a passport." Kyoya says surely.

"No. I have….contacts that have already agreed to help me. The favor I need to ask is if...well...normally I wouldn't have a problem leaving Haruhi alone for a few days, but….this trip….could be a bit longer. A week...maybe two...and I just don't feel comfortable leaving her alone that long. I have complete faith in her...but...a girl her age, being alone for so long… our neighborhood isn't that bad but I'm just not comfortable doing it. So….well….normally I'd ask Misuzu, but ….he's coming too. We are all going, there isn't anyone who could check in and….I know it's an imposition….but….could…..Haruhi possibly stay-"

"Haruhi is more than welcome at the Ootori family home. For the duration of your trip I promise to make sure she is taken care of and kept out of harm's way." Kyoya offers calmly.

Kyoya hears the man visibly exhale on the other end of the line before he says with relief, "Thank you, Kyoya. Of all of the hosts I trust you the most to not let anything happen to her. I'd never dream of asking Tamaki, given how he takes to pawing at her. The twins are out of the question, they are nice boys but do like getting into trouble and while I have seen nothing but polite and gentle personalities in Mori and Honey I just don't know them as well as the rest of the group. I've been talking to you for the last year and you've shown me nothing but a mature and capable young man. I promise to repay the favor however you see fit...I don't suppose I have much-"

"Do not even worry, Ranka. It will be my pleasure. My father will enjoy talking commercial law with her and my sister will enjoy having another young lady around the house to talk to."

"Oh! You have a sister, that's right, how wonderful! Haruhi doesn't get near enough time with other girls, not in a way that really counts! Thank you, you are a lifesaver."

"It will always be my pleasure, Ranka, to help the family of Fujioka. When will you be leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning, early. I will speak to Haruhi tonight and make sure she packs a bag so she can just leave with you after school."

"Sounds good. I hope your trip goes well. Do take care."

"I will, thank you again Kyoya. You are such a good man."

"Goodbye."

"Bye."

When he pulls the cell away he hits the end button, his eyes staring unblinking at the phone. His face appears calm, slate gray eyes staring at the now dark screen. But while outwardly he appears calm and indifferent his inner thoughts are scrambling.

Quick, successive flashes of Tamaki, Haruhi and himself, swirling like a violent tornado in his mind. Earthquakes separating him from his best friend, Haruhi left on a small island between them. Thunder and lighting boiling violently in the sky as Haruhi trembles and shakes in the middle unable to reach either, Tamaki and Kyoya glaring at each other over her hunching form, across the great divide.

Slowly his fingers press the phone shut and his hand falls to his side, eyes now looking at nothing, unblinking and calm the war going on inside of him is mute to the rest of the world.

But, after a few more minutes of standing in the deafening silence of Music Room 3 Kyoya takes a deep soothing breath, calms his internal warning bells and raises his head, "Very well." and his hand takes the handle and he opens the door.

PAGE BREAK

It is well past midnight as Kyoya lays in bed, eyes once again staring unblinking at the ceiling. His loft bedroom is large, plenty of room for Haruhi to take the bed, he could sleep on the couch. But, instead, she shall have the room next to his, far away from him and with a solid locking door.

His heart beats tumultuously against his chest, eyes still giving that dead stare up at the ceiling of his room.

Eventually his head turns, looking at the empty spot next to him, staring….always staring at the empty spot next to him. The cold sheets having become more so ever since Haruhi came into his life.

There is a small part of him that is ashamed of his attraction. He is, after all, supposed to be the cool one. Always calm and collected, his twisted anger and hatred for ever little irritating thing pressed down below a tranquil and mature surface.

Yet, part of him knows better. It is natural for him to have some sort of feelings for her. Be it friend or friendlier….it was inevitable. He knew the moment she had walked in, all the possibilities for each Club member to possibly develop a crush.

Despite his disciple he had even calculated himself into the equation. Honey and Mori were the least likely to develop feelings. Then the twins….Tamaki had been his biggest bet and Kyoya had been right. If Honey and Mori had an affliction over the girl it had passed quickly and the three had become very good friends. She was the sister to their brotherhood.

The twins were still somewhat smitten but in time they would move on, also allocating the girl to the friendzone, Haruhi more than likely becoming their closest and most trusted friend. The godmother of their children or some such nonsense. The threesome that never happened but was always joked about.

Tamaki was the prized stallion to win the race, Haruhi already showing clear signs that she was responding to his rather stupid and imbecile attempts to win her over. She was like the tree that just barely bent in the waves of Tamaki's flood.

But eventually, Haruhi's roots would give. Kyoya had seen it long before the girl was even aware herself. Tamaki was the one.

Kyoya….he was the dark horse, the unknown factor. Not one to ever really be wrong, often times expressing rather fondly about how his plans never failed and his predictions were nearly foolproof he found an anger boil in his chest.

He had predicted it all, Honey, Mori, the twins and Tamaki, all falling perfectly into place in his predictive chart on who they would be to her, how important and how close they would all become.

Yet, no matter how many times he crunched the numbers in his mind, Kyoya's prediction about himself had yet to come true.

He had predicted he would develop feelings for her a few months after her initial induction and those feelings would putter out just after the final term. After all, there was nothing to gain from pursuing her and despite how nice Haruhi insisted he secretly was, Kyoya loved the game of gain. Doing something for nothing, while sometimes fulfilling, just wasn't his way, not how he had been raised. He was alright with that, like Haruhi, he liked himself...mostly.

It was now going into year two of Haruhi being part of the club, the next year starting out fresh and clear since the fiasco with Eclair Tonnerre.

Yet, despite all his other predictions coming true, his own prediction of a short crush lasting only a few months had turned into nearly seven months of heavily repressed and yet still growing feelings.

There is no gain…..no need….no want…..nothing to benefit….it's all so pointless…

But of course, no matter how he tried to rationalize with himself, these feelings remained and grew. If it wasn't for his discipline and maturity he might even find himself on his knees next to Tamaki and that made him feel disgusted with himself.

Still, in the silence of his room, as the darkness drifted around him and his eyes stared at the empty spot of the bed he found his hand moving as it always did.

His eyes close, that all to telling heat comes to his cheeks and his head turns away from the empty spot in his bed. His hand latches around his manhood and finally, after the heat of the day had gone and he was alone and in the privacy of his room, he allowed the dam to break and all the images from the day he had kept at bay flooded in.

He remained silent as he worked himself up, not wanting to hear himself give in, though considering that tomorrow after school the object of his affliction would be staying only a door down from him he knew he needed to take care of this now.

He would not be able to bring himself to do this when she was under the same roof, so for two weeks he would be trapped with his thoughts and no relief. He needed to make this time he had count.

The images changed to scenes, to little mini movies of all the ways he could take her, ways he would touch her, the things he would whisper in the dark as nails dug into her porcelain flesh and she whined happily into his mouth.

He comes undone quickly, too quickly, his head tilting back as the muscles of his neck flex and tighten and he chokes out her name into the dark.

The silence after is oppressive but he tries his best to ignore it, his eyes glazed as he stares again at the white ceiling, feeling like his body is hollow.

But he won't rest just yet, "Again. Get it out now, get it out of your system now. Once she is here you won't be able to….again Kyoya. One more time."

His shaky hand once again takes hold of himself and he closes his eyes, letting the images come, letting his imagination run wild with the things he would rather die before he admits.

PAGE BREAK

"I really appreciate you letting me stay with you for the next couple weeks Senpai." Haruhi says with a happy smile as she looks at him, the club picking up the area and returning it to the clean and organized room it was before the stamped of oozing and cooing ladies.

Kyoya looked around, seeing Tamaki talking with the twins on the far side of the space and he looked at Haruhi with a gentle smile, "It's no problem. I would prefer, however, if you did not mention the arrangements your father and I made in front of the others." Kyoya says with a kind tone, a small smile coming to his face as his cool guy exterior stays firmly in place.

"Oh? Why's that Senpai?" Haruhi asks softly.

"Not to be rude, but it may cause a certain influx of people at my home. While I enjoy spending time with the Host Club if they knew you were staying with me they would find any excuse to come visit and I would lose the one place I have where I can still enjoy the quiet."

Haruhi stares at him a moment and then smiles, "I understand. Sometimes I need that too. The Club can be a little overwhelming at times, it is nice to go back to my house and just lay in the silence and sort out my thoughts."

"Exactly. I am glad you understand. Tonight, if you would be so kind as to take your usual root home and I shall pick you up at the corner on the far side of the school."

"Of course. I understand Senpai."

Kyoya nods, "Thank you for being so accommodating."

"Sure."

And Kyoya's eyes watch her carefully from behind his ledger as she moves off to pick up some cake wrappers that had fallen to the floor, his eyes landing on her backside before he swiftly turns away and focuses on the numbers…..always focusing on the numbers.

PAGE BREAK

Kyoya is still looking at his binder when Haruhi enters the limo, the young man not looking up but saying calmly, "Thank you again. I apologize for all the cloak and dagger nonsense, but considering our king Tamaki can be rather intrusive I saw no other option but to-"

"It's alright, Senpai. I told you I understand and I meant it." she assured good naturedly, his eyes glance up to her quickly, take in every inch of her in less then a second, before he glances back down.

"Good."

The rest of the ride is silent, not awkward, but he finds himself glancing at her multiple times, ledger still open and pen moving the whole time. She stares out the window, eyes far away as they leave the busy streets behind and drive out to his family's home just outside the city.

Haruhi's face remains relaxed, content even, and those eyes continue to stare off, thoughts seemingly passing behind them but she doesn't voice anything. Kyoya is partially relieved, but he is also a little annoyed.

It isn't that he necessarily wants to talk at the moment, but Haruhi is no stranger to small talk and is not afraid to start up conversations with him. He wonders what she is thinking and it irks him he can't seem to translate that far away look into something relevant or meaningful.

Before he can stop himself his mouth opens and he asks softly, "Where are you right now? It looks far away."

Haruhi doesn't seem to hear him at first, but eventually her head does turn and her eyes refocus on him, a small pleasurable feeling coming to his stomach and Kyoya continues to write and plan even as Haruhi says softly, "I was just thinking about the last time I left the city...with my mom...I mean. We went to the festival in Karuizawa, not to far from Pension Misuzu. We took this road….mom rented a car."

Kyoya wasn't sure what to say to that so simply said, "Hm. Recognize anything?"

"Not really, just...that's what I found so interesting...you'd think I would...but the only reason I remember is because of the house coming up."

"Oh?" Kyoya muses, feeling relief that he can see where this is going and he smirks to himself at the irony.

"Yeah. I remember a big mansion up here. I saw it when I was little and asked my mom if we could live there. Dad laughed and mom said we didn't need a house that big...but I remember telling them that some day I'd go inside...find a secret way in so I could see what it looked….like…..and….I'd take…..pictures-" and she stops as the limo turns and the gates to the mansion she was just talking about opened.

"Of course it's your house." she breathes out with annoyance as she hangs her head in humiliation.

"Well, looks like you can keep your promise. Feel free to take as many pictures as you want." Kyoya muses, the smirk on his lips rather telling of his amusement.

"Right." she says with frustration as she sinks down in her seat and crosses her arms over her chest.

Kyoya chuckles gently, "I apologize, I don't mean to make fun. It's rather ironic, you staying in the mansion you dreamed about as a child."

It's like fate wants to torture me, I'd let her stay as long as she wants, as long as I could get her to stay…..keep focused…..professional...friendly….calm...cool…

The limo pulls up in front of the house and the driver gets out to open the door, Kyoya lets Haruhi get out first and then follows. Being the gentleman he is, he offers to take her bag but Haruhi declines.

"It's alright, it's a small bag, I didn't bring much."

"Very well. Follow me and I will show you to your room." Kyoya says as he opens the front door for her and she enteres into the main hall.

"Everything you imagined?" Kyoya asked as Haruhi looks around her with parted lips and wide eyes.

"It's so….contemporary. I thought it'd be more….traditional."

"Yes. It used to be, but my mother was rather changeable and had the whole house redone about fifteen years ago. She has a rather talented eye for home design and sometimes, when the mood struck her, she would use our home as her canvas. Thankfully the mood never struck again before she left."

"Your mom…..left?"

"Yes. A mutual separation between her and my father. They may decide to come back together someday, but for now, father lives here and my mother lives in New York." Kyoya said matter-of-factly.

Haruhi seems to digest this, the questions she wants to ask staying put firmly behind her lips as she decides to keep things light and impersonal, "I can't imagine changing my own home so drastically, let alone a place as big as this." Haruhi muses as she absentmindedly follows Kyoya up the rather wide and gleaming white stairs to the second floor.

It's all so clean, with sharp edges and so many different shades of white and gray. The few instances of color are muted to create the barest splash and Kyoya can see how surreal it is to her.

Still, he walks through the silent house, all windows and white until he reaches the correct door and opens it, motioning for the girl to enter.

Haruhi walks in and her jaw drops, "T-this is...my room?" she asks in near fear. Staring at the massive space, king size bed, designer furniture and private bath.

"Yes, I hope it will be comfortable enough for the duration of your stay." Kyoya offers as his eyes lock onto her back, watch her head pivot from side to side in shock.

"It's….lovely….thank you. I don't know what I will do with so much space. I think I just found the perfect place to study...it's so quiet." and she breathes in deeply, turning around, her eyes closed, "Not a sound. It's wonderful, thank you." and her eyes fall onto him, appreciation and a hint of affection falling on him and Kyoya steels himself against those shining eyes.

He takes the few steps forward so he can come to stand before her, "I am glad you appreciate the quiet. It is rare for the peace to be broken, but, if it ever bothers you, feel free to play some music, there is a stereo built in to the vanity and another in the bathroom. If you want to watch television just use the remote."

"Remote?" and Haruhi looks around, Kyoya smirking as he moves past her towards the bedside table, picking up the small white control and clicking a button. The wall across from the bed opens and a large flat screen tv comes into view and he sees Haruhi visibly shrinks away.

"Uuuh, I don't actually….watch that much t.v. but thanks anyway."

"As you wish." and Kyoya clicks the button and the large t.v. disappears behind the sliding wall panels.

"Dinner is served at seven and after that you can either come back here and study or you may join my family in the main room, my father is gone away on business but my sister and brothers should be in."

"Sister?"

"Oh, that's right. I've only talked to you about my brothers. My sister's name is Fuyumi, she, like my brothers come to visit on occasion. Her husband travels quite extensively for work so whenever he is gone she comes to stay with us. I believe she will be here for the duration of your stay. Feel free to say hello and visit with her, no doubt you two can relate to keeping company with small groups of men. Having three brothers can be a little off putting no doubt."

"Right." Haruhi says awkwardly and Kyoya smirks, "The family room is just off the dining room, after dinner whomever is home tends to migrate there for what we like to call, family time. You are welcome to join."

"Will you be there?" Haruhi asks him casually.

This took Kyoya by surprise and he said as he stared at her, "I do not normally join them as my studies and work for the Host Club take up the majority of my time."

"Oh. Well….maybe I can join you then….we can study together."

He stares at her, she stares at him and for a moment the silence rings before he says softly, "If you like."

"Alright, see you at dinner."

"Yes." and then he is shutting her door and heading for his own room, only to stop when he hears Haruhi's door open and she pops her head out, "Uh, Senpai? Where is your room?"

"Why, right next to yours, of course. If you need anything in the night or otherwise feel free to knock on my door. There are servants, but I have a feeling you'd prefer not to bother them, despite the fact that is what we pay them for."

Haruhi rubs at the back of her head nervously, "Yeah. I suppose I wouldn't. Thanks again, Senpai."

"Of course."

He grabs the door knob to his room and is about to enter when he hears her door shut again and looks down the hall, his eyes studying the space she had just been a moment longer before he opens his own door and walks down the short entryway and turns the corner into his own room.

He stands there in the entryway gazing at the large and silent space before slate gray eyes stray to the wall and he swears he can feel her moving in the room next to his. Shaking himself away from such nonsense he moves into his space, drops his bag on the floor and plops down onto his couch, leaning his head back and staring again at the ceiling.

He lets out a long sigh before bringing fingers to rub under his glasses at his eyes, fatigue setting in. No one could tell, but Kyoya was so far on edge that he thought he might lose his cool if he wasn't careful.

"Two weeks. Just two weeks. You can do this, just have her in and get her out."

Once again, the great divide comes to his mind, Tamaki on one side, he on the other and Haruhi in the middle.

Even with Haruhi leaning towards Tamaki, there is still enough time to take her from him. He doesn't have a solid foothold yet, despite what happened with Eclair, despite Haruhi's developing feelings….you could…..you know you could win her over in a matter of weeks….maybe even days….she has more in common with you…..you could take her from him…..but there isn't anything to gain from it…..no point….and Tamaki would….he'd never speak to you again….no more Host Club, no more plans…...just….silence...and her….

His fist comes down sharply on the couch, teeth gritting as he growls and sits up, his face pressing into his hands as he fumes at himself about how stupid he is being.

She's not worth the risk….indulgence…..the downfall of man…..she's a phase….it will pass….it has to pass.

PAGE BREAK

Dinner is a quiet affair though the silence isn't uncomfortable. It is just him, his brothers and his sister. His father is away attending to the finalization of a new hospital breaking ground in America.

His thoughts think of his parents, how they had agreed to a mutual separation for a few months that had turned into years. Never divorcing but living their own lives….it had become a partnership instead of a relationship. An agreement that served both so well. Kyoya would admire it more if not for the fact he had been the cause of the separation.

He was supposed to be a girl….then….when he came out a boy and showed such promise his mother favored him while his father seemed rather indifferent. Arguments followed, about where his place was meant to be within the family. He was handsome, smart and more than capable but he wasn't the first born, no had he been meant to be a boy. They had not planned a place for him….had not expected to have to figure out where he belonged in the family structure.

Slowly, his eyes made their way up to glance at Haruhi, the girl eating her soup happily and his eyes narrowed.

What kind of pair would they make? He mused to himself, knowing the girl was going into Law school, he himself already having plans to start a business of his own. Not really two jobs that could go hand in hand, and yet, having a lawyer like Haruhi as part of his staff could be extremely beneficial. Though, he doubts she plans to work for a company like that. If she follows in her mother's footsteps she will want to prosecute those that harm others, the evil filth of the world who like to tear families apart and hurt those unable to protect themselves.

He was unaware of the small smile that had come to his lips at the idea, Haruhi, the warrior princess of the commoners. It was a rather whimsical thought for him and Kyoya did not spy his sister watching him carefully.

His attention is instantly dropped back to his soup as she clears her throat and asks through the quiet, "So, Haruhi, my brother has told me you want to go to school for law?"

Haruhi is quick to set down her spoon and carefully wipe at her lips with a napkin, Kyoya's eyes just barely lingerie on those soft pink petal lips before he glares at his bowl and mentally kicks himself.

Not even a day…...you couldn't make it a day…..pathetic…..

"Yes. My mother was a lawyer, and I was always interested in her cases. I want to be like her and focus on the commonwealth, try to help those who might not necessarily be able to afford legal aid. I think a lot more cases could be fair if there were more people in it to genuinely help others instead of just doing it for the money."

It was his eldest brother who spoke next, his tone alluding to a rather amused thought process, "An interesting concept to be sure. However, I do wonder if you realize how often those cases are dismissed without ruling due to an inability to provide the proper evidence. A woman claims abuse, but without evidence to support her claim there is little to be done."

His other brother was quick to chim in, "It is no secret the commonwealth can tend to be a tad over dramatic as well. I can't tell you how many lawsuits the Ootori Group has to deal with daily which are based on claims of exclusion which are entirely false. Just those less fortunate looking for easy handouts."

Kyoya's interest is peaked, curious to see how Haruhi will respond to such ignorant statements, "Not all cases can be lumped into such a broad and ambiguous group." Haruhi says as her brows turn down in annoyance.

"The view of the commonwealth being nothing but money grabbing opportunists is rather old fashioned…..extremely outdated actually...and oftentimes a learned behavior from those already in power who don't face the struggle of daily life. Though, picking and choosing your battles is part of it, knowing the entirety of the case before you agree to represent is a must. Making a choice to represent someone without all the information would be foolhardy and show a certain amount of naivety. Still, how sure are you that those claims laid against the Ootori Group are so superficial? Have you talked to any of those that might claim exclusion based on financial status?"

Both his brothers stopped mid bite, their spoons halfway between their bowls and their mouths, his eldest brother saying softly, "No."

"Then, based on your indifference, you've no right to speak about those cases which was been laid against the Ootori Group. You've no clue what the situation is, or why those claiming exclusion would do such a thing. Therefore, your argument is not valid."

The silence was deafening, two pairs of dark eyes slowly looking over at her, spoons still hovering, Haruhi's brown eyes meeting theirs, unwavering and Kyoya is cackling wickedly on the inside, his brain abuzz with applause though his outside remains indifferent and calm as he continues to spoon soup into his mouth.

"Well….anyone for desert?" his sister asks near nervously, two of her three brothers still staring at the girl with sharp and narrow eyes.

PAGE BREAK

"Well, that was quite entertaining." Kyoya says softly as they walk up towards his room and Haruhi sighs softly, "I don't know. Maybe I should just eat my meals in my room until I leave."

Kyoya continues to walk, his eyes straight ahead, "Don't tell me they scared you off. I think you held your ground nicely, I dare say I've never seen the two so unnerved, it was rather satisfying, actually."

"What?" Haruhi asks in surprise.

"Just what I said. I enjoyed watching you put them in their place. It was thrilling."

"I...wasn't trying to….I mean...do you think I should go apologize?"

"What fun would that be. You initiated a challenge, let's just wait and see how they respond, hm?"

"A challenge?"

"Yes. A rather good one. No doubt tomorrow's dinner will be quite entertaining."

"Great." she muses with frustration as she stops at her room to grab her book bag and then follows Kyoya to his.

As he takes the knob Kyoya feels his heart give one single hard pump before he swallows and presses through.

He leads her into the main sitting area and hears the thunk of her bag on the ground, turning to see her stare around in shock.

"This whole….place...is yours?"

"Yes. This is my room. The loft is part of it, this is the main room through. Feel free to set up your studies wherever your wish."

"Alright."

For the next three hours they sit in the companionable silence of his room, both working studiously on their own homework, neither saying a word and Kyoya finds it rather soothing. Being able to study with someone who seemingly shares his own level of focus.

In fact, Haruhi becomes so involved in the work before her Kyoya finds he can stare at her from the corner of his eye without her even noticing. Something he takes full advantage of, as Haruhi is in her normal clothes, not her school uniform and as he studies her he can see the minor rise and fall of her chest, the delicate lines of her shoulders and neck. Watches as she swallows and sees her eyes blink slowly as she stares at the questions before her.

His eyes are quick to snap back to his own work as she raises her head, "Senpai?"

"Yes?" he asks softly.

"Are you any good at math?"

He smirks as his head falls down a little and the book before him reflects off his glasses, "Do you really need to ask such a silly question?"

Haruhi blushes, something that catches his eye instantly and he turns his face to stare at her, calm and collected as always, watching her cheeks go from pink to red, seeing the contrast between her pale skin and those splotches of embarrassment and his stomach twists, his loins stir, an image coming unbidden to him, of her below him, those cheeks still soaked in red, lips parted as he presses her legs apart-

"Why do you ask?" he says with a cool voice of curiosity.

"Well, you are above me in school, have already taken this class….I can't figure out….this problem….I think I'm supposed to-" and Kyoya is standing, moving around the table and coming to sit next to her, leaning close as he places a hand on her far shoulder and pressing her down towards her studies, "Show me." he says.

Haruhi doesn't seem worried in the slightest about his proximity, the blush fading as she once again focuses on the work before her and for the next few minutes takes Kyoya through the problem. Explaining expertly well where she is stuck and why she thinks she can't seem to find the solution.

"There is your problem, you plugged in the wrong variable." and Haruhi studies it before her whole face erupts in red and she shrinks a little, "Oh, well that's embarrassing. I don't usually make such simple mistakes." and he can literally see her sweat, so humiliated by such a simple blunder she almost can't seem to grasp how it could have happened.

"Don't worry. I am sure you would have caught it. After all, you are a highly intelligent young woman, Haruhi."

Slowly she looks over a him, her eyes meeting his and they stare a moment before Kyoya catches what he just did and he stands, his hand dragging across her back shoulders, though he internally smacks himself for doing that as well.

He plays it off, so good at hiding himself behind his cool guy exterior he goes straight into an easy stretch and says, "We have been working nonstop for three hours, anything can get exhausting with that type of dedication."

"Yeah, I guess so." Haruhi says as she glances back down to her work.

"If you need a break you could always go take a hot bath, I find it helps to adjust my mindset so I can finish the work more efficiently."

"A bath?" and the concept seems foreign to her and Kyoya suddenly realizes why, "Ah, only a shower at your home? Well, in your private ensuite bathroom there is a tub. You are more than welcome to use it, there should be oils and other such things if you wish to use them. Give it a try, I think you will be surprised at how soothing it can be. And how well it can clear your mind so you can focus."

"Yeah….yeah maybe I will. Thanks, Senpai." and Haruhi stands, slowly starting to put away her notes and homework before Kyoya says casually, "You may leave that if you like. I don't tend to go to bed until late, you're welcome to return here after to finish. Unless you would like some time to yourself, of course."

Haruhi thinks about it and then smiles softly, "Thank you. I'll come back after I've finished. Maybe then this will make sense." she says as she glares at her math paper.

"Very well. See you soon." Haruhi leaves, Kyoya waiting until the door is shut firmly behind her before he sinks down onto the floor and leans back against the couch, his eyes closing as he realizes that despite his discipline, despite his desire to remain in the shadows about his feelings, his body and mind are working against him.

He had given an affectionate compliment, ran his hand along her shoulders rather intimately, he was only glad such things often went right over Haruhi's head. She would remain blissfully unaware of the fact he had just inadvertently hit on her.

Two weeks, just don't touch her anymore….for the next two weeks….you can do that….you can….

His hands fisted against his face and he gritted his teeth, "Two weeks, Kyoya. You've faced tougher situations than this. Just knuckle down and get through it."

He forces himself to relax and two minutes later he is back at work, crunching numbers, starting the intro to his French language paper and forgetting about whimsy and lust.

PAGE BREAK

One week had passed, the Club remaining blissfully unaware of Haruhi's stay with him, their rather aloof strategy of Haruhi meeting him at the corner working rather well to hide the truth.

Kyoya feels rather like they are having an affair, though, it's hardly an apropo comparison as they do nothing each day but return to his home, wait for dinner, eat with whomever is at the house at the time and then go to his room to study for the remainder of the evening.

Gradually over the last few days their conversations had grown more extensive and while they studied and completed their homework for the day they talked about everything from Politics to world affairs, his father's business to her father's friend who passed away.

Eventually, more casual things thread into the conversations, such as music, food and books. That was one of Kyoya's favorite topics as it turned out they shared a rather blatant love for several of the same authors. Haruhi was not big into television, prefering to take those hours that could be used to blow off her school work to focus on reading law books or….well….reading in general….she was a bookworm….something with which Kyoya could appreciate and relate to.

Kyoya also noticed that while he had elected to keep his hands to himself and remain a safe distance from her, Haruhi had started to let her own guard down and she had slowly given to touching his arm gently, making solid and unwavering eye contact, sitting next to him instead of across from him at the table for dinner and while they were in his room studying.

He could smell her, feel the warmth emanate off her body, and despite the fact that his discipline seemed to be protecting him from doing anything rash, he found his own walls slipping little by little each day.

Kyoya was giving her more smiles, though they were small, engaging her in these conversations instead of waiting for her to start. Allowing just a few more cracks to form in his mask, feeding her droplets of his kindness, showing her tiny shredded pieces of his distaste for his homelife.

Giving to her parts of himself he had only ever given to Tamaki, parts of him that were so well hidden sometimes he thought he could forget. Everytime he did, Haruhi accepted it, smiled or offered him words of wisdom and comfort.

As he very slowly and cautiously let her in, he found those feelings that he had wagered would be gone in a few months fanning to life, no longer a bed of coals but a singular flame that gave off light and warmth, something he had never felt before and he found himself going to bed each night suffering and torturing himself.

His would fade to the empty spot next to him, his fingers twitching to glide down his body but as he had predicted, doing so with Haruhi in the same house, in the room right next to his, was unthinkable and so he refrained.

Tension built in his neck and shoulders, a headache started to come to him regularly and he begged no one in particular, that the next week would come and go as quickly as possible.

It was now the weekend, neither of them with plans or homework, though Kyoya was determined to throw himself into his ledger, going over the budget for the Club for the tenth time in hopes of ignoring the fact that Haruhi would be wondering the house looking for something to do.

It was Saturday morning around nine a.m. that she knocked on his door and Kyoya took a slow even breath before he bid her enter and Haruhi walked in dressed to go out.

"I was planning to go to the shopping center today."

"Very well, have fun." he says, glaring down at his ledger with determination as Haruhi kept speaking, "Fuyumi wanted to go. I guess she has a thing for Ramen and….cereal?"

"Yes, my sister, much the same as Tamaki, does tend to enjoy commoner's food. Not sure why, but I think she will enjoy getting out."

"Right. Well, if you want anything just….give us a call."

"I doubt there will be anything, but, very well."

When she leaves he breathes a sigh of relief, his eyes going to the spot where she had just been before returning to his work.

PAGE BREAK

Upon their return, four hours later, Kyoya has put all his things away, simply laying on the couch in his room as he hears the gentle knock on his door.

"Senpai?"

"Come in, Haruhi." he says, much more calm, much more centered.

She enters with a couple plastic bags and moves to stand before him on the couch, his arm remaining across his forehead though he glances her way.

"Since we don't have any homework….and we don't have plans with the rest of the Club….I thought...maybe we could watch some movies? I rented some from the video store" she says with trepidation.

"I thought you didn't care for television." he says with a bored tone, taking in the suddenly odd behavior. It's as if she can sense his disdain for the situation, as if she knows he had been avoiding her.

"Television, no. But these movies are all based on books. Good ones. I think you will like them."

He continues to stare up at her, eyes watching him curiously, her outfit cute but casual. He doesn't seen any harm in it, the movies could serve as a good distraction, though he isn't so worried now that he has had time with her out of the house.

He sits up slowly, "Very well. If you wish."

"Cool." she says with a happy smile and after some shuffling and Kyoya selecting one of the dvds at random he presses it into the player and turns on the tv.

He sits at the far end of the couch, leg crossed over a knee, arm resting along the back as he turns up the volume and waits for it to start.

Haruhi also took it upon herself to buy snacks for the event, all healthy fruit or vegetable based products, save for a single bag of chips which to Kyoya's interest seemed to be onion flavored.

He takes up a small package of suger-free gum and pops a piece into his mouth as he waits patiently for the movie to starts.

The first one is an old black and white film from the 1950's, Cirano de Bergerac. His attention is kept through the entire film. It's only an hour or so long, and when it ends he and Haruhi discuss the film at length. He had read the play, had to do a paper on it in middle school and found he had enjoyed the movie, much to his own surprise.

"Have you seen all of these?"

"Most of them, but not all of them, Gone with the wind and the Scarlet Letter I've read but not seen." Haruhi admits as Kyoya looks to the remaining stack.

"Another?" he asks and Haruhi nods, "We have all day. It isn't even dinner time yet."

No, in fact it's only going on one in the afternoon. He selects the next one as well, choosing Gone with the wind, since Haruhi has never seen it. A three hour movie that rattles him a little, as he finds certain similarities, though thin, between himself, Haruhi and Tamaki.

They discuss this movie as well, Kyoya saying it was rather boring though that surprises Haruhi as half of the movie is about Scarlette building her own business while also playing rather devious games with those around her.

It's the final movie however that truly gets under his skin, The Scarlet Letter.

For as he sits only a couch length away from the young woman whom his best friend seeks a relationship with he can't help but place them all into the story he is watching.

Tamaki, the husband who comes to find his wife has had an affair and is with child, the man responsible unknown….Kyoya the priest who laid with another man's wife.

It's the end though that really makes him stare, as Hester Prynne, the main character….leaves with her lover…..the woman's husband having killed himself for starting a war in his foolish attempts to smoke out the person responsible for seducing his wife.

He can see it all, rewritten to better suit his own situation. Sees all the ilk that would come from him pursuing Haruhi. The war would be between Tamaki and Kyoya. The Club nothing more than the members of the community trying to choose a side, condemn Hester or try and hide the war from England…..the Ootori Group and the Suoh Group, neither willing to let their sons jeopardize the future of their companies over a woman. And Haruhi being Hester, pulled between the man she loved and the temptation of Kyoya…..though he knew better then to think Haruhi saw him in that light.

Still, it played over and over in his mind, long after their discussion was over, as they sat at the dinner table and everyone ate quietly.

His mind ran wild with all kinds of thoughts and feelings, analyzing the moving and comparing it to his situation. Changing the scenarios so many times, changing the characters, their places in it. He finds himself wondering if such a thing had happened to them, would Haruhi still choose to go with him?

It was all so fanciful, pure imagination and whimsy and he found he hadn't imagined such utterly pointless things in years. His mind seemed to be taking a vacation from focus and logic, dipping into his long ago forgotten creativity.

It was a different kind of creativity though, not the creativity required to problem solve, to find solutions to increasingly difficult situations. This creativity was the kind that brough what if's and longings. It was the stuff of childhood, of wishes and hopes, doubt and daydreams.

"Senpai, would you pass the sauce?" and Kyoya is finally freed from the trap his mind has become by her voice, looking up at her slowly, staring a moment before his hand reaches out and takes up the small bowl, ladle shifting as he hands it to her, before suddenly sliding out and the sauce covered spoon clatters to her plate, sending the liquid onto her clothes, face, arms and neck.

A ringing silence before Haruhi looks up at him and laughed lightly, "Wow, Senpai, you're never so clumsy. Something on your mind?"

Kyoya drops his head, setting the bowl back on the table as he sighs, "Go get cleaned up, Haruhi. I will have the maids come to collect your clothes and clean them for you."

"There is really no need, Senpai. I don't-"

"Just go." he says sharply, too sharply, and she stares at him a moment before she stands, "Alright. I'll just leave them in the basket-" she turns without finishing and when she is gone his sister is quick to ask, ""Kyoya? Is something wrong? You seem angry."

"Just….just leave me alone." and he stands, leaving his half eaten meal on the table as he too leaves the room. His brothers saying nothing as they continue to eat, though his sister stares after with worry.

PAGE BREAK

Kyoya goes to the laundry room in hopes of finding a maid, his head giving a rather annoying throb as he remembers that it's Saturday. He stares at the running wash, the room empty as he remembers they leave early on the weekends to spend time with their families.

One of the few mercies my father grants them...of course….

He doesn't have time to be irritated, knows Haruhi's clothes need to be soaked and treated or the red sauce will stain and never come out. So, being the gentleman he is, Kyoya goes to Haruhi's room, knocks softly only to find the door swings open a little to reveal a dark room.

He carefully pokes his head in, doesn't see Haruhi but notices the light is on in the bathroom, that door cracked as well.

He moves in quietly, not wanting to disturb her, his only intention to grab the laundry basket and be on his way.

But, as he bends over to grab the soiled clothes he catches movement and he stands up stiffly, basket in his hands, eyes staring straight ahead. His heart starts to beat harder, hands sweating, and finally, his eye glances to the cracked door.

He sees her, just as she sinks into the tub, legs, backside, waist, smooth and flawless back and then shoulders.

He hears her sigh, the water swirling as she moves to run a rag over her bare shoulders. His eyes grow wide, his manhood shifting and he turns swiftly. Leaves the room as he came, cracking the door as he found it before he goes to head to the laundry room.

He is stopped by his sister, the woman with hands on her hips as she glares, "I really hope you went in there to simply take her clothes to the washroom."

"Of course." he says calmly, his heart now hammering but his exterior remaining a solid mask of indifference.

"Good. Because if I thought for one moment you were being anything less than a gentleman-"

"Spare me the reproach, Yumi, I don't have the patience for it tonight." and he brushes past her, eyes narrow and walk calm.

She stares after him for a long moment before she sighs and then turns and heads back down the hall.

PAGE BREAK

He lays on his bed, shirt unbuttoned and spread wide, jeans hanging low. The image of Haruhi in the bathroom shining like a golden reel of film before his eyes. He removes his glasses, rubs a hand down his face before he sits up, "Damn it." he hisses, staring at his feet before he yanks off his shirt and lays back down with a huff on his side.

Slowly, a hand reaches out to the cool side of his bed, eyes staring unblinking.

You take so much pride in your self control, yet, all it took was one week, a few corny movies and being a god damned pervert for you to realize that this is a real problem. It will pass, it will fade but….it is going to take time. So...you need to reevaluate the problem.

Clear your mind. Instead of placing your bets on a horse you know will lose, namely my self-proclaimed indifference to Haruhi and a crush that would fade away quickly, reexamine the problem and admit what it is.

I have feelings for Haruhi Fujioka….alright….so…..what do you do. Acting on it could damage the dynamic of the group, ruin your friendship with Tamaki…. Scare Haruhi away. All data seems to say that the Host Club would not fall apart and wage war amongst the ranks, no, they would simply remove the problem before they would disband.

You are the problem, Kyoya, so, what is the solution. If Tamaki finds out you become a rival, if Haruhi finds out you become someone to avoid, if the rest of the Club finds out then you will be shut out.

Solution, what is the solution….what is- "Damn it!" he yells as he slams his fists down on the bed and sits up, once again rubbing at his eyes before the soft call of his name hits his ears.

"Senpai? Are you...alright?" his head jerks up and he sees Haruhi standing at the top of the stairs, her eyes locking with his before slowly straying down to look at his body and then they pop back up and she looks away.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I tried to knock but you didn't respond. I just came to apologize-"

"Apologize? For what?" and his tone is rather irritated, his eyes narrow and showing the barest hint of anger.

"For whatever I did to upset you. I could hear it in your voice, I'm not sure what I did but-"

Kyoya sighs and says softly, "No need to apologize. You've done nothing wrong, Haruhi. I have just had a lot on my mind lately and I took my frustrations at myself out on you. I should be the one to apologize, and I am sorry, I behaved rather rudely."

Haruhi's eyes finally returned to his, locking with them as she smiles and moves forward, Kyoya swallowing as he shifted to sit on the side of his bed. Haruhi sits down next to him, "It's okay. Is it something you want to talk about? Maybe I can help." she offers and Kyoya stills his whole body, restraining himself from reaching out to her, sliding his mask firmly in place he takes his glasses, sliding them on casually as he says softly, "Thank you. But I should be able to manage. I always do. The problem is a simple one, I just need to apply myself more thoroughly to it."

Haruhi frowns a little, in thought as she brings a finger to her lips, "Yeah. I guess I didn't think about how disruptive me being here could be to your normal routine. Well, I will be more than happy to let you focus on your work. After all, I can just as easily do my homework in my own room. I have been monopolizing a lot of your time. I guess I just enjoy hanging out with you, we don't really get a chance to at school. I enjoy it, we're a lot alike. But, I promise, I won't bug you this next week. It will be like I'm not even here."

While Kyoya's first desire is to tell her no, that he has come to enjoy their routine and enjoy her company, the silence of the house no longer as comforting as it used to be, his instincts take over and he nods, "Thank you."

Haruhi stares wide eyed in surprise before she breaks into a smile, "Sure! Glad I can help. It's the least I could do considering you've let me stay here."

"Yeah." he says softly, nodding again, going into autopilot.

"Well, sleep well. Will I see you at breakfast?"

"Yes." he says, his vocabulary now reduced to nothing but single words that will push her further away without the need to hurt her.

She stands and places a hand on his shoulder, "Good night."

"Night." he whispers and then she is walking away, moving down the stairs, out of his room and when the door shuts he continues to sit there and stare at the floor.

Well, that is one solution…..

PAGE BREAK

Haruhi is good to her word, nearly the entire next week she keeps her distance, though when he does see her for breakfast or dinner she is always friendly and happy. She shows no signs of the new distance between them bothering her. Kyoya even found her spending time with his sister, the two in the kitchen baking cookies….well….Haruhi baking and his sister taking notes anxiously as she admits to not being much of a homemaker.

Kyoya takes this time to focus solely on his studies, on the Host Club, on his finances and his future. Back to his old routine of being in the quiet of his room, calm and collected. His mind finally able to focus now that Haruhi wasn't such a presence in his life.

It's the final weekend before her father's return and he is counting the hours, watching the clock, knowing soon enough she will be gone for real and things can go back to normal. He will be able to regulate himself, reallocate his focus completely to the things that actually matter.

Saturday Haruhi and Fuyumi join him in his room, finish watching the movies Haruhi rented and then they send them back to the store via the mail. Everything is going well and Kyoya finally feels his old self returning, seeing the girl in the halls of his home but finding his body doesn't respond near as violently and the images that often haunted him were easily pushed away and forgotten.

He is in the home stretch and he is finally satisfied with himself, satisfied he did the right thing and that all is well.

What he doesn't account for is that Saturday night, there would be a thunderstorm, and soon enough the empty spot in his bed would no longer be cold and vacant.

PAGE BREAK

He wakes up to the rumble of thunder and rain pelting his large windows. Another flash of lightning and more rumbles from the heavens. He is about to sink back into sleep when suddenly, the sound of a whimper comes from behind him and he slowly sits up, looking over to see a quivering form under the blankets next to him.

Thunderstorm…...oh no….Haruhi….she wouldn't…..not in my room…..not in my bed…..she wouldn't cross that line….she wouldn't seek me out…..she wouldn't….

"Kyoya, p-please….." another strike of lighting, a roar of thunder and he sees the body under the sheet jerk and hears a soft cry.

"Haruhi?" he calls softly and his hand reaches for the sheet, gently pulling it down to expose her face, tears flooding and cheeks red as her arms wrap around her legs and hug them to her chest.

He's never seen her cry….never seen her scared….never heard her make such sounds…..if he ever had doubt that she was a female….this moment destroyed his image of her. The strong unflinching woman who could rise above anything.

She is terrified…..Tamaki wasn't over exaggerating….she has astraphobia...a rather severe case…

"Please-" she suddenly whines as another crash comes and she jerks, "Just let me stay until it is over. I u-used to just hide in the closet….or under the table….but…..Tamaki...Hikaru…..they….I don't want to be alone anymore….please….can I stay?"

Kyoya's eyes are gentle as he lays down next to her, pulling the sheet up to her chin and pulling her closer, her face pressing to his bare chest and the heat of her body warming the empty spot of his bed.

His arms hold her through the worst of it, not saying anything, just holding her close, pressing his lips to the crown of her head as he waits with her. She jerks and cries through all of it, trembling and terrified and Kyoya focuses on nothing but comforting her.

His mind unable to talk himself out of taking advantage and as the storm dies a little he whispers, "Haruhi, turn over, stretch out, you're safe. I promise to hold you until it is over."

Slowly, with timid trepidation she turns, Kyoya taking this moment to wrap his arms around her, press his nose to her hair and inhale. He brings his legs up to press against the back of hers, perfectly cupping her body to his and he savours this moment.

His logical and calculating mind falling silent and his heart beating soothingly soft in his chest. Her warmth, her body, filling that void he has felt for so long.

"Senpai-" she whispers suddenly and at first he is confused as to why, the storm is subsiding, the thunder more of a dim rumble in the distance though the rain still falls.

It's when she shifts stiffly and he realizes she can feel his arousal that he too stiffens, the young man having been so lost in her warmth that he had neglected to adjust his hips and keep such truths from her.

She goes to move away but he holds her close, a hand coming to her mouth as he says softly, "Please, don't panic. It's a natural response, I promise, I have no intentions of acting on it. You are….my friend…..but you are also a very beautiful young woman Haruhi. Please, don't hold such a weakness against me. I promise...I've nothing but pure intentions towards you."

He then shifts his hips away from her backside, removes his hand from her mouth and loosens his hold.

He had not planned to say anything else, but his mouth seems to have a mind of its own and he speaks softly, "Truth be told, I find you very attractive. In fact, as it turns out, you are the problem I have been struggling with. What I should do about it, how I should proceed."

And Kyoya slowly sits up, gently placing a hand on her shoulder and pressing her onto her back, Haruhi laying there beneath him, eyes wide but not with fear. Her lips part before she asks, "Senpai- what do you mean, I am the problem?"

He looks down at her, his eyes gentle and face relaxed as he finally admits, "I have feelings for you Haruhi Fujioka. Feelings that have been causing me to lapse in my focus, take steps I would normally never take….." he gently runs knuckles down her cheek, "Feelings that have made me share things with you I have never shared with anymore, save for my best friend."

"Tamaki," she says, suddenly realizing where this is going.

"Yes. Now you see my problem-" and despite the fact he had just assured her he held no ill intentions towards her, he lays down on top of her, hands running up her arms which rest on either side of her head and he laces their fingers together.

"Tamaki Suoh may be an idiot, but he is my best friend, and he is in love with you."

Haruhi's eyes grow wider if possible, "Don't look so surprised. I know you are aware of it. Even you, in all your romantic ignorance, know how he feels. And, I know you have started to share those feelings. You may not love him yet, but it's only a matter of time. So, my problem is…."

And he leans down, gently rubs his lips over her brow before he whispers, "How do I get rid of my feelings for you, so I can remain in the good graces of my best friend and not alienate you in the process? How can I….change my own mind about how I feel for you….when everything you do….is so…" and he presses his lips to her ear, "distracting to me."

He hears her take a slow breath, can feel her heart fluttering rapidly in her chest, and knows he can't play anymore. He just took the moment he had craved so badly over the last two weeks and indulged. Though, while he may have just destroyed her trust, proven everyone who saw him as some secret nice guy, a respectable young man, wrong, he couldn't help feeling satisfied at himself for going this far and refraining from trying to seduce Haruhi into his bed.

"M-Maybe….if you kiss me….you will finally be disillusioned." and Kyoya's eyes go wide, his hands tightening slightly on her own as he whispers, "Don't tempt me, Haruhi. I want more from you then just stolen kisses. I'm not an immature little boy like Tamaki and the twins. I want you, your body….your affections and attention….I don't want some tawdry one night stand to sate my urges. I want you here with me, every night, in my bed, keeping me warm, talking to me...touching me-"

"You don't want to be alone anymore." she says softly and Kyoya clenches his eyes shut, presses his lips to her ear, "No." he whispers so softly, the realization of it finally comes to him.

That's the gain….that's the benefit….what I couldn't see all this time….it wasn't a benefit for my family I was looking for…..it was a benefit for me….I don't….want to be alone….not anymore.

"Damn it." he hisses and then he forces himself to pull away, remove himself from her so that she can get up and run, pack her bags, and call a cab. She will disappear into the night, just like his mother….just like his sister….like his brothers….only coming around to visit….leaving him in the silence….leaving him alone.

He lays there on his back, staring up at the ceiling, eyes dull and face indifferent, "Storms over, you can go back to your room." he says so softly, calmly.

Haruhi has sat up, looks down at him, and stares, "You're so...lonely." she says and Kyoya's eyes find her, staring with so much indifference that even he can feel it as he says, "Yes. But it doesn't matter. I can't pursue you. Even if you didn't care for Tamaki, stepping on his toes in such a way would cause waves in the Club. I have no interest in destroying our little family...I already destroyed the one I was born into."

"What do you mean?" Haruhi asked softly.

"I wasn't supposed to be born a boy, well truthfully, I wasn't supposed to be born at all. It was an accident, my conception, I mean. They could have gotten rid of me….one way or the other….it doesn't really matter….but once I was born…. Mom left….dad grew cold….my brothers followed his lead and my sister married and moved out. There is nothing but silence where laughter used to be. I learned to like it, embrace the quiet….but….since I met you….I don't want quiet…. I don't want….this. I want….someone…..next to me. It's funny….you marvel at this house like it is some marvelous comfortable thing…..but in it...I find nothing….no comfort….no warmth…..just the silence. Never-ending and so….cold. It doesn't surprise me that I want to seek out another…..but you….why you….when I know all the trouble it will cause me….and you….Tamaki….the Club…..I suppose I've always been selfish…. I just didn't realize how much until now."

Haruhi continues to stare at him, his eyes going back to the ceiling, his face that blank unwavering mask.

Slowly, Haruhi leans over, his eyes glancing at her before they grow wide as she brings her lips to his and kisses him softly.

When she pulls back, their eyes meet, "Haruhi, I don't want your pity." he says as his eyes narrow.

"I know."

They lay in silence together for a long while, Kyoya's eyes growing heavy as he feels the edges of sleep pulling at his mind. He starts to slide into his dreams when suddenly lips press to his own and he opens his eyes only to realize Haruhi is gently pressing her mouth to his. Kyoya's hand comes up, taking her face in a palm before he sits up slowly, presses her back down. Coming to lay on top of her as his free hand runs down the outside of her thigh, pressing her nightgown up and out of the way, a moan falling from his mouth and against her lips.

"Open up to me," he whispers against her lips and then his tongue is pressing in, her hands coming to run up his back and he pressed her thighs apart, settling down between them as his hands continue to press her nightgown up, her nails digging gently into his back.

He moves his lips to her throat and gently bites, sucks, and when he hears her gasp he is suddenly lost. His mind filled with nothing but a dark red pulsing, his hands pressing around to cup her backside and he breaths against her neck, "Haruhi, I don't know how much restraint I can give you now, you need to tell me-"

"Keep going," she whispers.

His hands roam over her body, caress her skin, so soft and warm and he thinks he might not be breathing, her scent filling his head and he shutters when he finally runs hands up her sides, presses up her nightgown the rest of the way and his large hands cup her small perky breasts.

"I want to be inside you, please….can we….can I-"

"Alright." she breathes out and his hand jumps down to his pants, yanking at the drawstring and freeing his length.

"I'll go slow." and he shifts his hips forward, the head of his length finding her entrance slick and ready as he presses in.

Her hands tremble as nails dig in deeper, a hand coming to grip her thigh as he slowly pushed into her. Inch by inch, making his way towards the end goal of being fully encased in her heat.

"Senpai-" she gasps and he pulls away to look down at her, glassy eyes, red cheeks, and parted lips trembling and his heart suddenly pounds in his chest before he brings a thumb to her eye and wipes away the tear, "Does it hurt?" he asks.

"N-no, deeper…." and he doesn't wait, he presses a little harder, reaches her end and finds himself lost in the feeling of it. He lays back down, burying his face in her neck as arms wrap around her and he prepares to take her.

"I want….it….hard." she manages as her body continues to tremble, nails running up his back before a hand comes to the back of his head, the other gripping a shoulder.

"Love me." she whispers and Kyoya can't object to such a dramatic order. She is so small and light it is easy enough for him to do as she asks.

He started to move, hips rutting into her harder, Haruhi urging him to go faster, to take her without mercy. Kyoya complies, wanting to give her anything she asks, seeing himself on his knees before her, waiting for commands on how to please her into loving him back.

No longer alone, no longer an empty spot next to me, but one filled with warmth...with her...with Haruhi.

He plunders her body, listening to her so intently, making sure it's never too hard, never too rough, only doing what she asks and nothing more. His own desires fading as he realizes there only ever was a desire to bring her to such ends and hear his name on her lips.

My name….forever….just my name….call my name….forever…..mine….

He bites her neck, sucking harder than before, knows he will leave a mark but can't regulate himself enough to care. She groans, whines happily, her back arching as she thanks him and he thinks he may lose himself, tip over before she can get there but to his satisfaction, her muscles suddenly tighten, her small back arches off the bed under him and she comes undone, calling his name, panting as her body convulses.

Kyoya grunts, pushes in swiftly several times, too hard, too deep but he can't help himself as he finishes, feels himself pulse and throb inside her as the pleasure shoots through him. He groans loudly, says her name as he presses his lips to her ear, kisses her throat, then her chin, and seeks out her lips. Groaning into her mouth, consuming her as the heat fades and the buzz in his head slowly dies.

He rests on top of her for a long time, still inside, still rooted in her depths. Haruhi's knees are bent, cupping his hips, her fingers dragging lazily down his back while her other hand gently twists into his hair.

Kyoya pants, his head resting just below her chin, and Haruhi says softly, "It's time to wake up now."

"What?" he groans with annoyance.

"Senpai, it's time to get up."

"A little longer, I just want to feel you for a bit-"

"Senpai!" and his eyes open to see the light of day outside his windows and he turns his head to look over and see Haruhi sitting next to him on the bed. Her knees are pulled to her chest, eyes wide and her nightgown firmly in place.

"I'm sorry to wake you Senpai. But it sounded like you were having a nightmare."

"What...happened?" he asked, "What are you doing….why aren't we still-"

"I came in during the thunderstorm, you said I could stay. I'm sorry I intruded. I sometimes lose all mind when storms are involved."

"I...what?" and Kyoya, never a morning person is confused, doesn't understand how something so real could have been just a dream. He remembers falling sleep, but also remembers her waking him with such sweet kisses. Could he have dreamed it all?

"Anyway, I appreciate you letting me sleep here with you. I don't think we should tell the rest of the Club, especially Tamaki. I'm going to get dressed-" he grabs her wrist and she stops moving, "Did we do anything else last night?" Kyoya asks suddenly as his eyes close and he tries to clear his groggy mind, this is too important to let his low blood pressure get in the way.

"No….well….I mean…. I gave you a kiss. For being so nice to me, letting me stay...I know how important your image is….I know how dangerous it was for you to let me stay here last night. As I said, I appreciate it."

He lets go of her wrist, Haruhi then stands and after a rather reluctant glance towards his bed, and her cheeks burning red, leaves.

"You've no idea how dangerous it was…..but not for me." he muses softly as he pulls the sheets over his head.

It felt so real, how could it have been a dream, how could it-

His hand presses out to the now empty spot next to him, craving the heat he knew he would miss when suddenly he felt something odd.

He sat up, pulling the sheet back and saw a small dark red stain on the bedding, his eyes growing wide as he realized what it was.

Blood of the virgin….

"Haruhi-"

PAGE BREAK

She left that day, claiming she would be fine for the remaining time her father was away and thanking them all for allowing her to stay with them. Kyoya said nothing as he studied her, noticing she was wearing a scarf around her neck.

To hide my bite mark...

"Thanks for letting me borrow this, Yumi, I will send it back with Kyoya first thing Monday," Haruhi says with a small smile.

"Oh, no need, you can keep it. I have plenty and it looks so good on you." the woman says happily.

"Thanks." and she is ducking into the limo, Kyoya's narrow eyes watching her, their eyes meet just before she shuts the door and he catches it, the barest hint of red stinging her cheeks before she disappears behind the tinted windows and the limo drives off.

His brothers and sister turn to go back inside, but he remains rooted in his spot, watching the limo as it travels down the drive and out the gate.

When the limo is out of sight he slowly walks back to his room, the silence of the house once again taking over as his mind carefully goes back through the last two weeks.

You did it for me because I told you the truth, you let me have you….let me desecrate you...I wasn't gentle….I wasn't kind….and you let me….why would you act as if nothing happened, why would you…

In the privacy of his room, he stands there, glaring at the white, shiny surfaces, the stagnant smell of clean and pure nothingness.

Suddenly his anger takes hold and he grabs the table, flipping it onto his side, "You idiot!" he suddenly yells, not sure if he is yelling at himself or at Haruhi.

He picks up a small vase and launches it at the wall, the shattering sound echoing in the silence and he then moves upstairs, grabbing items of a much more personal nature, launching them, kicking things, tearing at books and ripping the sheets from his bed.

Once again his eyes find that small stain, the only evidence to what he had done and he sinks down next to the bed, head bowed as his eyes stare at it, the proof of his actions.

It mocks him, twists his insides with guilt and shame.

Why did you let me…..why didn't you stop me….I thought….it was real….that I could have you….that you were…..letting me have you….but it was just….pity….

"I don't want your pity." he hissed angrily and then he was ripping at the sheet, yanking it from the bed and wading it up before he shoved it into an empty box and kicking it angrily.

What was it….really…...pity…..lust…..was I just a one night stand….do you actually care for me or….are you just…..does our friendship mean nothing….we could have talked about it...worked it out. I'm not a child, I could have taken the rejection if you had just been honest….no….you're not going to get away with this….I am not going to let you get away with this!

He grabs his helmet off the desk, yanks his leather coat from the closet and is heading for the door to the garage, his motorcycle waiting.

He rarely rides, only learned because he could, because it would be something people would expect him to do. Expectations were his life, how people saw him was everything.

How you saw me last night…..was the truth….my truth...and you acted as if nothing happened…..as if my feelings don't matter…..I…..took you…..claimed you as mine and you allowed those indulgences as if they meant nothing...as if I mean nothing!

He starts his bike, doesn't tell anyone he is going, and heads for the gate.

PAGE BREAK

He arrives at her home, turns the bike off and makes his way to the door. He knocks softly, waits, and when it cracks open he sees Haruhi's eyes go wide, "Kyoya? Is everything okay?"

He doesn't wait, puts a hand to the door and presses it open, moving into the room and shutting the door behind him, locking it.

"What the hell?" she asks, her brow dropping in anger as he barges in.

"Don't." he says sharply, Haruhi staring at him as she crosses her arms over her chest and continues to glare.

Kyoya knows he is coming undone, can't regulate his temper, knows she had never seen him mad and that he needs to tread carefully but when he sees the anger in her eyes he feels his own surge.

He looks down and closes his eyes, "Do you think I am an idiot?" he asks from between clenched teeth.

"What? Why would you-"

"You lied to me. I know what happened last night and I know you are trying to keep it from me." he bites out as he turns his head to look at her.

The anger is gone, replaced by shock and Haruhi approaches slowly, "Senpai, what are you talking about-"

"I saw the blood, I know what happened, what I want to know is why you felt the need to lie about it!" he yells suddenly as he reaches out and grasps her wrist, squeezing it tightly.

Haruhi's eyes grow angry once again and she yanks her hand away, "Why are you being so immature about it!"

"Immature!? It's a serious transgression!"

"Look, I was going to tell you okay! But I was embarrassed, I mean, you were really out of it when you woke up. I thought you wouldn't notice, and I figured the maids would remove the sheets before it became an issue!"

"Well I noticed, and it's an issue, a big issue!"

Haruhi scoffed, "I really thought you were more mature than this, Kyoya Senpai. It happens all the time. You have a sister, you know it happens regularly. I can't always plan when it happens….sometimes I'm not prepared-"

"The hell? You're using my sister as an excuse, she's happily married! She'd never do what you did! As for my maturity, I assure you I am only acting this way because of it! What happened wasn't right, you know it...so tell me why….why did you do it….why did you lie!"

Suddenly Haruhi exploded, " I told you, I was embarrassed! I forgot to change my tampon before bed and then the storm came and I didn't think about it!"

Kyoya's heart nearly stopped, his eyes bulging and his lips parting, "What?"

"I had to borrow one from your sister, anyway. I was out. It's not a big deal okay? I'm sorry I stained your bedding, if it means that much to you I can replace them!"

Suddenly it falls into place, everything from the night before, and despite himself Kyoya suddenly starts laughing, relief flooding him as he crosses into the dining room and sits down at the table.

"What the hell, Senpai-" Haruhi says in shock, a shiver seemingly running up her spine at the sound of his laughter.

"I'm such an idiot." and his laughter dies down, a hand coming to rub at his eyes before he holds it out to her and says, "Come here, Haruhi. We need to talk."

The girl slowly moves forward, sitting down next to him as she continues to watch him carefully.

"You are my friend. So, I need to be honest with you and I hope you will accept what I have to say with maturity and talk to me about it. I want you to be comfortable around me, I don't want to lose your friendship….do you understand?"

"Yes...I think so."

Kyoya found himself feeling light-headed, in good spirits for a change and he said softly, "Haruhi, last night….Did I say anything to you before you kissed me? Before we fell asleep?"

She looked down, her face mostly blank save for a small hint of sadness, "Yes."

"And after our little conversation, nothing else happened, we just fell asleep?"

"Yeah, why? Did you think-"

"I thought we had sex," he says softly and Haruhi looks shocked, looks absolutely floored at the very idea, and Kyoya smirks.

"After I fell asleep I had a dream that you and I… that we were intimate. When I woke up….I thought we actually had…. But then you claimed nothing happened and I was willing to assume the dream had just been rather vivid….I told you about my feelings for you and then you granted me a kiss, it wouldn't have surprised me to find my mind taking hold of such events and turning them towards my favor. Then I saw the stain-"

Haruhi sighed, "Oh, so that's why you were so upset. You thought I had lied...that the blood was from-"

"Yes. Naturally, I was confused, hurt, and worried about you. I thought you had simply given yourself to me out of pity….because I guilted you...I felt...abandoned and rather like a scoundrel. "

"So you came here to-"

"To assure you it meant more to me than just a one night stand. That my feelings for you are serious and if you feel the same way I was willing to take the risks to be with you….even the risk of losing my best friend."

"Wow." she says softly as she stares at him, "I never thought someone like you...could like me that way. You're always so composed in school...I figured I wasn't really your type. "

"Leave types, to the Host Club, where they belong. Outside of the club, I am nothing but a man. As it turns out, the bloodstain was just from your natural cycle and you did not make a rash decision on my behalf in the heat of the moment."

"So... things can go back to normal?" she asks hopefully.

"Yes. I know you don't see me the same way, and I am okay with that. These feelings will fade with time and I will move on. I hope it won't affect our friendship." he says softly.

Haruhi smiles gently, "Of course not. We are friends, I don't want you to distance yourself from me...if you can manage it."

"Of course. In the club, I am the cool type, I've made it this long, the only reason you were made aware of my feelings is because-" and he stops, realizes that it wasn't until after the kiss that he had fallen asleep and his eyes glance down to the table, "Haruhi, what I said last night...about being alone….about my family….I would appreciate if you kept it to yourself."

"Absolutely. Our secret."

"Thank you." and he looks down at her hand as it takes his and he smiles up at her, "You are an intriguing woman Haruhi, and I am glad you are mature enough to understand….everything I've shared."

He leaves a couple of hours later, the pair once again talking about any and everything that comes to mind, both falling back into their easy routine from the two weeks prior. As he goes to leave he turns to her, leaning down and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Thank you, Haruhi Fujioka, for being you." and her fingers gently come to the area where he kissed her, watching as he replaced his helmet and got on his bike before taking off.

Haruhi closed and locked the door, her eyes staring at her hand on the knob as she waited until the sound of Kyoya's bike faded. She went to her bedroom and stood in the silence, her mind blank as she looked to her desk, seeing the framed picture of her, Kyoya and Tamaki. Kyoya's hand on her shoulder, Tamaki's hand on her head as she makes a rather annoyed face.

She picks up the picture, continues to stare at it, as an image comes to her mind.

A great divide splitting the earth apart beneath her. Tamaki stands on one side, his violet eyes staring at her with sadness, Kyoya on the other side, his dead eyes and expressionless face gazing at her as well.

Haruhi is on an island in the middle, her heart aching as she looks between them. Suddenly everything she thought she was so sure about, seemed flimsy and weak, the past two weeks with Kyoya rushing to meet her and she realized her feelings were tearing in half.

She sets the picture back on her desk, crosses to her mat, and lays down, staring at the ceiling for a long time before her head rolls to the side and looks at the empty spot next to her.

Empty….always empty….

A/N: There you have it! A nice little one-shot for those KyoyaXHaruhi fans out there. Leave a Review!