Disclaimer: I will say this now, and it shall forever be in effect!! In no way do I own right to this anime, which has a very long title, but I shall write it, anyway, Ouran High School Host Club! –is now outta breath and must take a nap-

The Curtain Falls. Adieu

Twins… especially Siamese twins, are said to be alike in every way. When you look at one, you're not sure which you are staring at, and when they're together, it may be difficult to tell where one ends and the other begins. This can be, and often has, been said of a certain pair, the Hitachiin twins. They're like the same person… but that is ONLY on the outside; however, on the inside, they're almost complete opposites. Get to know them long enough and you can tell the difference between them.

Hikaru often takes on the older sibling role, walking around all big and strong… When not in uniform, his outfits appear more chaotic than his brother's, but be careful, they like to switch, often! Personality-wise, he is probably the less mature of the two. On his own, he's rash, hard on others, and just a bit self-centered. But, given his youth, it's not hard to understand.

Kaoru is far different. He's more conservative, more reflecting, far calmer… and definitely more emotional. He lets his brother take the lead role in their host club activities, must because he feels that Hikaru needs it to learn how to grow. However, one thing he didn't plan on, was Hikaru moving… away from him. In only a short time, compared to their whole life, practically joined at the hip, Hikaru was becoming more independent. The two hardly made the same movements or thought the same things… and Kaoru wasn't sure how to handle it.

He also hadn't been sleeping. Kaoru had been noticing more and more of a change in his twin for a week, and he continued to think about it until early morning, where he sat on a luxurious couch in his family's house. he tried not to show his unease, and no one seemed to notice it, but two days without sleep weren't so easy to hide. The bags under his eyes would eventually be discovered, so, just in case, Kaoru had spent half an hour applying cover-up just before them. He knew his brother would awaken soon.

However… Kaoru had to think. What would he tell Hikaru this time? He wasn't usually the type to sneak out of their bed and disappear until morning, so each time he did it, he needed to come up with a new excuse. Though, Hikaru wasn't a very observant person, so it wasn't usually difficult. Soon enough, though, he heard the groaning of his brother just up the stairs. There were a few quiet calls for him, then some louder ones, and a number of minutes later, there he was, fully dressed and ready for school, hurrying down the stairs.

When the two met eyes, Kaoru's heart tightened in his chest. Hikaru looked almost panicked, and upon seeing his other half sitting calmly on the couch, a little agitated. But, Kaoru shook his head and rose to his feet, forcing a smile onto his face.

"Ohayo, Hikaru."

"Ah… O-ohayo. Kaoru."

He still suspected nothing.

--

Later, the group was in the third music room entertaining their respective clients. It was only halfway over, and yet, Kaoru was starting to have trouble keeping his eyes open. Two sleepless nights were hard to pull off, especially when he'd never before gone without that sleep. Though his brother was busy chatting away and did not notice, one of the girls did. She tilted her head at him as he put a hand to his face.

"Ah… is there something wrong?"

Finally, Hikaru paused in his work and looked over at his brother.

Play time.

Leaning over in his seat, Hikaru took a long look at him. Kaoru was slouching in his seat, somewhat sloppily, and his face almost looked pale. Reaching out a hand, Hikaru gently forced the other to look at him.

"Kaoru… what's wrong?"

"Hikaru…" What could he say? Nothing, really, so he only shook his head a little. This confused everyone.

"Kaoru? Kaoru, why wont you talk to me?"

"Sorry, Hikaru… I just- don't have the strength today."

The girls "aww"ed and Hikaru's expression got a slight tougher. He never used to be so aggressive, and even the hold on Kaoru's chin was tougher than normal.

"That reminds me… why, Kaoru? Why weren't you in bed when I awoke this morning?"

He was probably meaning to be serious, but the girls in front of them squealed, anyway. Taking this as a good opportunity, Hikaru went further.

"I was cold… and I went to wrap myself around warmth, only to find it missing! Kaoru, how could you?"

Act 2. This is where I come in.

Kaoru decided to start acting his part, and he slightly pulled away, putting his hands to his falsely reddening cheeks. He forced small tears to form at his eyes, and choked back a false sob.

"Oh, Hikaru… I didn't want to leave, but…"

"But…?"

"It was upsetting! Early in the morning, I awoke for no reason… something wasn't right, and I feared that I might be coming down with something!"

More squealing. The girls were really buying it, and apparently, so was Hikaru, for he leaned in close again and pressed his forehead to his brother's, affectionately. Both brothers closed their eyes for effect and opened them slowly, almost at the same time. Kaoru treasured this time, for it was one of the few where they could act as they had before.

"Oh Kaoru… is that a fever I feel? Why, oh why, didn't you wake me up? I would have taken care of you!"

"I wanted to, brother… but the way you were sleeping…" His cheeks reddened more. "You were so peaceful and lovely… I could not bring myself to wake you. And what if you had fallen ill? I could not forgive myself…!"

"Kaoru…!"

With that, the brothers embraced and shed false tears, which the girls absolutely adored. What nobody noticed, however, …was that Kaoru's tears weren't pretend. Before he knew it, the day passed and the sun was setting low in the sky. Hikaru was just packing up his stuff and Kaoru was sitting on one of the couches in a slight fog. E had tried to get in a small nap right after the customers left, but with the noise, it was impossible. However, just when he was about to pass out again, a hand fell on his shoulder.

"Kaoru? Are you okay?"

Opening his heavy eyes and looking up, he found himself staring at a slightly concerned Haruhi. She was a very kind person, and for some reason, it was like she could see everything! He admired her observation skills, and yet… in a sense, he loathed her; blaming her for the chances he felt. But, she hadn't meant to, so he gave her a smile.

"Hai. I'm fine, Haruhi! Just worn out from work today!"

"Yeah, I kind of am, too! It was a long day! But at least we don't have a lot of homework, ne?"

"Hai, hai! What a relief!"

"Kaoruuuu!"

Far too suddenly, Kaoru felt a tug on his arm, and in an instant, he was leaning in his brother's arms. That goofy grin that was absolutely Hikaru was plastered on his face. Although, there weren't any people around to show off for, so this sudden action confused Kaoru, especially the snuggle of his brother's cheek against his face.

"Today was awesome! I was totally impressed with your moves, Kaoru!"

"Ah… you liked that? Well, I can be clever when I want to!"

Kaoru returned his brother's smile in full, and soon enough, the duo made their way out to meet their driver at the front of the large school. The chauffeur opened the door and shut it for them, and as they rode on home, Kaoru could not resist resting his head on Hikaru's shoulder as they sat in contented silence. In response, Hikaru's head leaned slightly and rested against the other. Eyes closed, hands were clasped in each other, and things seemed great. But, for how long would that last?