The entire way back to the hotel, the air seemed to thicken a little bit at a time until suddenly Kaoru began to feel as though he was going to collapse under the weight of it. He couldn't help but keep himself tensed up, unable to shake the pressure of the off feeling he had. It didn't go unnoticed by his twin either, who kept trying to reassure him that he was just being overly paranoid today.

"You were turning a lot in your sleep last night. I don't think you got enough rest. That's why you're being so jumpy," Hikaru informed him in a confident manor while pulling on his cheek, still trying to wave away his brother's fears. Kaoru was trying best to rid Hikaru of the worry he felt for him at the same time, but it was hard when he happened to be one of the only two people able to see right through every fake smile and forced laugh. The only other person who seemed to be capable of that was Haruhi, and even she couldn't top how good Hikaru was at it.

"Hikaru, cut that out!" He swiped the hand away from his cheek with a frown. It was left slightly red where it was pinched. Kaoru rubbed his cheek, feeling a small stinging sensation. Hikaru laughed as his brother just frowned at him.

"You guys are running late! Tameki-senpai wanted to leave a half hour ago!" A familiar voice called from below the staircase the twins were making their way up. Despite the fact that Hikaru had grown to respect the owner of that voice, he still proceeded to roll his eyes. Someone always had to show up to cut in on his fun. If there was anything Hikaru hated, it was being bored. That was the opposite of fun as far as he was concerned.

"No, we're not." Hikaru shot a death glare over his shoulder at Haruhi. Her hands were cupped on the sides of her mouth to better project her volume. "We're here early."

"Um, well, maybe you guys mis-heard yesterdays conversation, but we planned on five 'o clock." Haruhi's voice was just as monotone as ever.

"Well, we decided that doesn't work for us." Hikaru waved his hand to dismiss her. Haruhi's expression shifted to one of annoyance.

"Yeah, and we'll need at least one hour to get ready," Kaoru added in a privileged tone. Truth be told, Hikaru's watch had apparently been an hour slow. He hadn't warn this particular one in a while and forgot to set it correctly for the last day-light savings. Of course, they didn't care to share that information, allowing themselves to seem as selfish as ever.

When they reached the room, they both stood their for a minute in silence when they noticed the two suits that were laid out on the bed for them. Hikaru turned his head and looked at Kaoru with a raised eyebrow. Knowing exactly that his brother was wondering why they needed to dress so fancy for a small event, Kaoru just shrugged, having no answer for him. Twisting his mouth up on one side, Hikaru mimicked the shrug in defeat before reaching over and tugging at the bottom of his brother's shirt. "I can help you change if you want." He flashed him a seductive grin.

Kaoru's cheeks heated up into a light blush. "We're already running late you know," he protested. The other twin swung himself around and pulled Kaoru in tight so their chests were pushing against each-other before wrapping his arms around the other's neck. He pressed his forehead in and touched their noses. It felt almost as if their hearts were beating in sync as well for a short moment. Kaoru became flustered, now able to taste the other's breath as he breathed in the same air. Hikaru forced the pose a little bit longer, afraid Kaoru might try to squirm his way out before he got a chance to make the mood sink in. Kaoru's heart beat began to come more rapid as he starred into Hikaru's wanting eyes. He had never seen eyes so perfect. They were identical, yet Kaoru saw a perfection in his twin that he had never seen in himself. There was no way to be as close as they were now, completely alone, and resist his urges. Grumbling something softly under his breath, he pulled at his lover's shirt to lift it over his head.

An hour later, they were finally at the large mansion-like building in which their party was to take place. "I should have known this party wasn't just going to be for the few of us when I saw the building from the outside," Hikaru spoke with a hint of annoyance in his voice. He had been looking forward to a short evening, having really drained himself out at the hotel.

"And by the amount of cars parked outside," Kaoru chimed in before taking a seat next to his brother at a decorated table covered by a snow white cloth. He sighed, putting up his best attempt not to slouch in disappointment. After all, that would be no way for a member of the club to act. The place was crowded yet spacious, roaming with both males and females. There was dancing going on at both ends, and Kaoru could not begin to comprehend how Tameki knew all of these people or got this thing together without anyone in the club finding out the details. He only assumed Kyoya had known though he probably felt it unnecessary to inform the rest. He only recognized a handful of people that actually attended Ouran Academy.

"This is supposed to be a vacation..." Hikaru sighed, and Kaoru sucked in the air around them for a deep breath.

"Well, at least we'll all get to exchange presents when all is said and done." He nudged Hikaru's foot lightly underneath the table and gave him a smile, trying to put a positive spin on the event. "And we'll get to do a bit of pretending to act in front of the ladies." Hikaru could only smirk at that statement before turning his head, seeing a familiar figure coming their way with a young woman on his arm.

"Hiya Boss." Kaoru smiled and acknowledged Tameki as he approached them.

"Ah, that Hitachiin twins!" The young woman spoke with a smile beaming across her delicate features. She was beautiful with long golden hair, but she wasn't exactly the twins' type. The only thing they seemed to be interested in that way was each other. There was a time when Kaoru feared he'd loose Hikaru to Haruhi, but that had all since been sorted out. "Now which one of you gentleman is Hikaru?"

Both twins raised their eyebrows, and Tameki shot them a daring glare before evening out his face for the sake of his current company. "Your mother had me invite Miss Yuu here with strict instructions that you show her a good time, Hikaru." Tameki informed them, raking his hand through his blond hair.

"Huh? Kaoru and I are supposed to hang out with just one client the entire night?" Hikaru stood up, leaned forward, and whispered in Tameki's ear. "That's not the way we usually run things, Boss." He wasn't exactly subtle though. Both Kaoru and the the woman could here him pretty clearly. In fact, it earned a slight giggle out of the lady in which she tried to hide with a hand over her mouth. Kaoru tilted his head to the side slightly.

"No, no." Tameki spoke, shaking his head with a charming smile. "Just you, Hikaru." He pointed at the eldest twin. "You are older after all, aren't you? If just by a hair."

"So, just me?" Hikaru squinted his eyes and starred at the young woman as he tried to put it together in his mind. A gasp out of Kaoru showed that he understood what was going on first. Suddenly, he could feel his heart sinking deep as he starred at the lady in front of Hikaru. Jealousy was starting to flood in, and he tried his best to hide it.

"Yes, you are a fine suitor for her, I think. Your mother makes good choices. You should be happy," Tameki spoke, doing his best not to have the woman upset by the reaction of the twins.

"I don't think-" Hikaru started to speak, but Kaoru cut him off immediately.

"Hikaru would be great with anyone, of course." He put on his best smile, though truth be told, inside it was killing him. "You're one lucky lady, Miss Yuu. My brother has some amazing qualities. He can offer you a lot." Kaoru felt absolutely sick to his stomach. Unfortunately, it couldn't be helped. If he protested, it would look very suspicious. No one could know the truth about them. He bit down on the inside of his cheek. Crawling underneath the table for the night was sounding pretty good to him.

Hikaru looked over at his mirror, a look of both shock and hurt on his face. He didn't understand why Kaoru was trying to push him to hang out with a woman their mother was trying to set him up with. Didn't he understand what was going on? Was this Kaoru's way of trying to get out of a relationship with him? Was he having second thoughts? He turned to Tameki, face suddenly flushed of color. "You of all people should know why something like this isn't right."

Tameki's gaze hit the wall off to his side. "I'm just passing along information. What you choose to do with that, dear friend, is up to you."

"Well, come on! I want to see the elaborate portraits everyone keeps raging about in the hallways!" The woman latched onto Hikaru's arm, not giving him a chance to protest before dragging him along. As if by instinct, Kaoru reached forward, wanting to pull him back. His twin was far out of reach already. Hikaru turned around, eyes pleading with his twin who just lowered his arm. Kaoru looked away unable to look into his brothers eyes now, now feeling completely helpless in the situation.