Silver Moonlight

(Kaoru's pov)

As I sat there with my feet resting lazily on the desk, I picked up a pen and started to disassemble it. I sighed loudly before leaning back onto my chair. Man! Today is so boring; I might as well just go home… I yawned loudly before placing several parts of the now destroyed pen back onto the table. I opened the first draw hoping to find some sort of magical entertainment lying there. Of course to my upmost surprise, all I found was a stack of books and yet more pens… I pushed it shut and then returned back to my original lazy position. As I started to hum a quiet French song that I had heard in Paris, my mind started to wander…

Hikaru and Haruhi are deadly serious about their relationship, I mean, it's only to be expected; there adults now, they ain't school kids who make mistakes easily; if only I had been like that, I could still be with Karisa… I closed my eyes as my head rested on the palm of my hand… We were perfect for each other, why did I have to go and screw it all up? I stood up and kicked the desk as a result of my bad mood…

"Well it's too late now; you shouldn't have been such an idiot Kaoru…" I mumbled to myself. I turned around as the quiet 'knock' sounded from the door. I saw a tall, dark haired man with kind green eyes; he smiled before taking in a huge gulp of hair.

"M-Mr Hikaru Hitachiin?" he asked quietly. I was about to shake my head and point to next door which of course held the real Mr Hikaru Hitachiin but I remembered that I was supposed to be Hikaru… I smiled widely and then nodded.

"Please take a seat sir…" I beckoned towards the black couch opposite 'my' desk and then took a seat after him.

"Would you like a drink?" I asked politely. He shook his head.

"I-I'm perfectly fine thank you, this uhm, this shouldn't take that long." He smiled warmly before placing his suitcase on the spare seat next to him. I nodded.

"Evangeline, please would you fetch me a coffee? The usual." I smiled childishly at her as she left the room.

"So sir, my name is Hikaru Hitchiin, please call me Hikaru, may I ask yours?" I leaned forward on my desk and folded my arms.

"Uh… Misoko Sinokii, Sir." He held out his hand. I smiled and shook it friendly.

"Pleased to meet you Mr Sinokii, please, call me Hikaru, there's no need to be so formal." I laughed warmly before continuing; "So, what is your business today?" I thanked Evangeline as she placed the cup of steaming coffee in front of me.

"Well, my wedding is coming up soon and I've heard about your excellent services." He stopped and smiled at me; I returned the smile "I would like to ask you if it would be possible for you to create and make a traditional western dress for my bride." He looked at me hopefully before he picked up his suitcase quickly and opened it…

"I-I mean, I have all the details here, y-you don't have to make a decision right now right here, b-but if you could then could you give me a-an estimated price-"

"Mr Sinokii, please, slow down, don't worry, I'm sure I'll be able to fit you in!" I smiled warmly before holding my hand out…

"The details, if you please" he looked half-shocked like a rabbit in front of headlights before he scooped up all the papers which were spread all over the sofa and handed them to me hurriedly.

Jeez, I think this guy thinks I'm gunna eat him or something… I laughed and took the papers from him. I ordered them so that I could fit them into an A4 wallet. I picked up my cup of coffee and took a quick slurp.

"When is the date of the wedding?" I looked at the first page which was the measurements of the bride.

"Uhm… well that's the problem you see…" he looked down and sighed "It's in two weeks' time…" I gasped and almost choked on my coffee.

"T-Two weeks?" I asked shocked as I placed my coffee down on the table.

"Y-yes but please, I'm sure being the wonderful creator you are, it will be no problem…" he laughed shakily. I sighed and thought hard.

"Well, I'll look through the details tonight and I'll give you an answer tomorrow. Is that okay?" I looked at him with a slight smirk… after all, this is for Hikaru, not me…

"T-That's fine… thank you so very much!" he stood up hurriedly and shook my hand before he stuffed all of his papers messily back into his suitcase. He stood up and shuffled out of the room after thanking me again and shaking my hand…. once again.

I flounced back down onto my chair and sighed. A large smirk spread across my face as I rubbed my brow. I jumped up and skipped over to the door which separated our offices. I opened it slowly and silently and poked my head around the corner of the door to see Hikaru laid on the sofa looking as bored as I had been before the nervous man had entered my room. I tip-toed into the room with the wallet full of details and then walked up to my older twin's head. My head hung over his as a large smirk appeared on my face.

"Hika Hika Hika" I smiled widely and then held the wallet in front of his head.

"NN, what do you want? What's this?" Hikaru asked sleepily whilst taking the wallet from my hand. I skipped over to his feet and sat on his lap like a child. His confused look remained on his face as he removed the first sheet from the wallet.

"It's your new order, a wedding dress….. For two weeks' time." he gasped and sat up pushing me onto his legs.

"Two weeks?" he asked looking at me in disbelief. I nodded slowly.

"I'm sure you'll be fine! You're the head designer around here, you have nothing else on, and besides, I've just recently designed that stupid prom dress!" I flicked my hand back and forth in front of his face whilst smiling widely.

He just stared at me blankly, clearly not amused.

"Ahh c'mon Hika…" I tapped his cheek repeatedly before there was a soft but loud 'knock knock' at the door. Hikaru raised his eyebrows before pushing me off his legs and onto the floor. He stood up and let a large warm smile spread across his face.

"Hikaru!" Yuzuha cried happily. She held her open arms in front of her and waited for her son to walk into them.

"Hey mom" Hikaru smiled and embraced her warmly. I sat up on the floor and then heaved myself up onto the couch. I crossed my arms and pouted sulkily.

"How are you my darling? Oh, I've missed you so much! We would've had more fun with you in Paris Hika!" she held Hikaru tightly for a few more minutes before letting go and walking over to me.

"Oooh, Kaoru, cheer up! What's with you today?" she leaned over and pinched my cheek then winked playfully. I half-smiled.

"How is it that now of all times you are able to tell us apart?" I stood up and gave her a tight hug before sitting down on my desk and folding my arms.

"That tan isn't that discreet honey!" Yuzuha chuckled and then walked back over to my older twin.

"How was Paris?" Hikaru asked happily.

"Oh, it was very hectic dear, awesome, but hectic!" she laughed and took a seat next to me on the desk.

"Good good… Oh mom! I've just recently got a new order for…" he paused and looked at the first page of the wallet I had given him, "a 'Traditional Western Style Wedding Dress'…" he looked up to see his mother's delighted expression.

"Great, well, get to it Hikaru!" she smiled and took the wallet from his hands to read through it.

"Yeah but I have two weeks to design and make the garment" he said matter-of-factly. Yuzuha dropped the wallet and stared at Hikaru, then me, then back to Hikaru.

"T-that's…. Uhm, I suppose that's possible, in its own way…" she mumbled quietly whilst picking up the wallet from the floor.

Oh mom, you're ever the optimist. I laughed,

"Yeah, if you have the entire company on this project, two weeks to do a wedding dress is insane!" I paused and then stood up, "Good look Hikaru!" I smiled widely and then ran out of the office and into the main hall. I looked up at the large clock to see that it was already 6:07pm. I sighed and then turned back and returned to the room I had just run away from.

"Kaoru!" Yuzuha exclaimed happily.

"You really didn't think I was being serious?" I laughed and walked over to my older twin. I put my arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek playfully.

"I'll help you Hika!" I chirped. He laughed and tapped my cheek twice.

"Haha, you two will never grow out of it!" Yuzuha sang "Right, I best be off, Hikaru, give me daily updates either by email or phone call, whichever suits!" she walked over to the door of the office after giving us both a quick peck on the cheek. "Ta Ta for now boys!" she smiled and waved as she exited the room.

"Ok, well, I'm off home now Kaoru, did you want to come and stay for dinner, I'm sure Haruhi won't mind!" he laughed and picked up his coat and scarf.

"Nah, it's okay dude, I'm straight off home today, I'm gunna get some drafts drawn out…" I half-smiled.

"Ahh, okay, well, thanks again for helping out with that! See ya tomorrow Kao!" he smiled warmly and after picking up several books and suitcases, he walked out of the room and disappeared into the elevator.

I sighed and picked up my coat and suitcase. I slowly locked up my office door and wondered over to the elevator. As the quiet music started to play, my mind started to wander yet again… I crushed my eyes shut and decided I should go for a walk… just to clear my head, I seriously have been thinking too much today. I sighed as the elevator doors opened with a quiet 'bing'. I half-walked, half-ran to the doors which lead me out into the cold crisp air. My chauffeur was waiting for me outside in a sleek black limo. I ran up to the car window and dumped off my suitcases and folders in the back seats. I made a signal for my driver to wind down his window. As the window opened at a pain staking slow rate, I cowered further into my grey scarf as the air seemed to grow colder and colder…

"Hey, uhm, I'm going for a walk, if you want to get yourself home, I'll just call a cab" I smiled warmly at the elder man.

"A-are you sure, Mr Hitachiin Sir? It's awfully cold Sir" he asked with concerned eyes.

"Yes, I'll be fine Takonda, thank you for your concern" I nodded reassuringly and walked away.

"Oh just drop off my bags and folders back at the apartment please, you have a key right?" I shouted whilst walking backwards. He simply nodded and smiled. I smiled back and gave him the ever reassuring honour of a Hitachiin thumbs-up. I turned around and headed down the high street cowering into the warmth of my scarf and coat. The wind blew violently into my face as the sky turned a deep, dark grey. I kept on walking until I came into the more 'common' part of Tama (A/N an actuall Japanese City;; I thought it was kinda ironic seeing as Tamaki is sometimes referred to as 'Tama'). There was young couples walking hand-in-hand down the streets, run-down looking apartments and shops, plaster peeling off walls and many business men and women waiting for busses and calling cabs after I'm sure would have been a long hard day at work. I looked up at the full moon which lit up the streets of which I walked down. I turned my attention to the shops that were now starting to close up; there was a friendly looking ramen shop with an elderly couple washing out huge vats in a home like kitchen, a few doors down from there, there was a spirit shop which of course was open. I laughed at the man inside who looked like he was trying to bargain with the woman behind the till. I shook my head and stuffed my hands into the deep depths of my fairly warm pockets. I breathed slowly and watched as the steam evaporated into thin air. I smiled to myself as I found myself looking up at the shining stars; it was an extremely clear night. I sighed and brought myself back to reality just in time; I stopped seconds before walking into a glass door. I stepped back, wide eyed from what would have been quite a painful experience. I stared at the sign which read 'closed'; It was hand painted and looked pretty old. I stepped back again to see what the shop sold. I looked in the display window and smiled at the sight; there was a small light pink dress with lots of ribbons and frills, obviously made for a child, there was also a rather stylish special occasion dress which had a lot of extra components such as buttons all different shapes and sizes, more ribbons and frills and lace which held the top half section which was a delicate corset, to the ruffled skirt which stopped just below the knees. There was pastel pinks and greens, a strange combination, yet, effective. I smiled at the welcoming shop and then remembered that it was in fact, closed. I pouted and sighed; something like this could have cheered me up. I looked up at the sign of the shop:

'The White Witch'

Catchy name. I smiled and nodded whilst making a mental note of the name.

"Excuse me?" a rather soft voice sounded from behind me. I turned around slightly stunned to see a tall, slim dark haired woman. She had bright violet eyes and a pair of soft pink lips. She was carrying a small shoulder bag and what seemed to be like a sewing box. Her eyes looked slightly frightened and questioning.

"Are you here to pick up an order?" she asked walking slowly towards the door with a large bunch of keys.

"Uhm, no actually, I nearly ran into your door here" I pointed at the glass door as she struggled with her box, bags and keys.

"Let me help you!" I hurried over and took the bags and box of her.

"Thanks" she found the correct key and inserted it into the lock. After she opened the door and stepped inside, she removed her coat and threw it onto the counter. The lights where dimmed and there seemed to be no-one about.

"Oh, I suppose I should take these…" she laughed and removed the bags and box from my arms. I laughed too.

"Do you wanna come in? It's like minus 70 out there, I don't want to have to thaw you out, I'm tired and I need sleep" she mumbled as she flew around the shop conducting all sorts of different tasks.

"Uhm, you sure? I'm mean, if you're tired an all…" I asked feeling slightly awkward.

This isn't like you Kaoru, you never feel awkward or pushy or whatever you're feeling right now…

"Yeah, I'm fine" she walked over to me and grabbed my sleeve and dragged me in.

"I'm gunna freeze soon, chop chop" she dragged me in and then shut the door behind me. I laughed nervously.

"Sorry…" I rubbed the back of my head and walked further into the shop.

"So, did you like the dresses on display?" she asked whilst walking behind the till and into another room.

"And don't say you weren't looking at them caus' I saw you staring at them…" her head poked around the corner; "C'mon, a coffee is what you need, you look just about frozen."

I followed her into a cosy looking room which held several different sewing machines, manikins, some bare, and some with partially made costumes. There was a two seat sofa and a large armchair next to an open wood burning fire. The tall girl walked through holding a tray with a teapot, two teacups, milk, sugar and a plate full of home-made cookies.

"Sit down then" she ordered. I laughed and sat down in the two seated sofa. She sat in the arm chair after placing the tea-tray onto an oak coffee table.

"So, my name is Apple, I know, I know, a weird name…" she laughed.

"No, I think it's, well, it's definitely inventive…" I laughed "I like it" I smiled warmly at her when she smiled back I carried on.

"Kaoru, that's my name" I smiled again whilst stirring in three sugar cubes.

"Ahh… Kaoru, that's an unusual name for a male. The Japanese name 'Kaoru' means to be fragrant and sweet, it is usually used as a females name…" she stated and then took a slurp of her ironically fragrant smelling tea.

"I know, I don't know what goes on in my mother's head, it's best not to try and think what goes on in there…" I laughed and sat back with my tea and laughed quietly.

"Hmm…" she looked down and then shook her head as if to knock her out of some sort of a trance.

"So, do you work here?" I asked looking round the shop, "Actually, that's a pretty idiotic question to ask seen as you were carrying a sewing box, have keys to the shop and seem to hang out behind the till…" I shook my head.

"Yeah, I do work here, and yeah, that was kinda idiotic of you to ask that…" she laughed whilst lifting up her feet and folding her legs on the chair.

"I'm the one that designs them, I do help to make them but usually that's Kisune's job, but when she can't get in, I just take over her job, I don't really mind" she smiled "It's what I've always wanted to do;' to become a well-known fashion designer, y'know just like Yuzuha Hitachiin…" she beamed at the name. I smiled weakly; yeah, she happens to be the crazy one who gave me a girl's name…

"But, beggars can't be choosers I suppose." She sighed as the smile slowly disappeared from her face.

"What ya mean?" I asked slightly confused.

"My grandfather opened this shop several years ago, way way back, and it was his baby. His son, who of course is my dad, didn't like the fact that he was never away from the shop, so he asked if he could work with him. Of course, my dad being the apparent 'Unstable seventeen year old' was denied the job. He ran away and our family was cut in half. When I was born, my grandfather agreed to take me in if my parents happened to die. Of course that would never happen." She shook her head before continuing "My mum and dad were both killed in a car crash fifteen years later. So, my grandfather had no choice but to let me in. After seeing a few of my ideas, and a whole two years of nagging, he finally gave in and gave me the job; and here I am now." She smiled and finished her tea.

"I'm so sorry…" I said sympathetically.

"Ahh, don't worry about it, I'm over it now, I never saw them anyway!" she laughed and flicked her hand back and forth in front of her face. It was then that I realised that her hair wasn't dark brown, it was in fact a dark purple. I automatically smiled at the young, care-free woman.

"Well, I think your grandfather must have been mad not to hire you earlier… I think you have a great eye for designing… I admire your work very much!" I smiled and then looked at my watch. Jeez, I've been here for three hours, I better get home.

"Thank you, somehow, that compliment coming from you, makes me feel happier than when it comes from anyone else." She smiled warmly.

"No problem! Uhm, I really should get home, it's getting late… thanks for the tea, and the warmth" I laughed again before standing up.

"It's cool… You can come by any time, by the way… Y'know, if you're passing through town…" she mumbled.

"Thanks, I think I will…" I smiled and headed for the door. I walked up to the door and pushed it open.

"Cya around, Apple!" I waved as I exited the shop.

"Haha, Later!" she waved me good bye as I headed towards the 'Taxi Bay'. The door shut almost silently behind me approximately two minutes later. I reached the Taxi Bay and stood in the dark waiting for a cab to pull up. I stood in the freezing cold for what seemed like hours, and when the small white pieces of frozen rain started to fall, I gave up and pulled out my phone.

"….."

"what do you want?"

"Hika Hika Hika" I sang "What sort of a warm welcome was that?" I asked disgusted Hikaru Laughed as I continued.

"Listen, my buddy oh pal oh super awesometasticle bro! I need a favour"

"Yeah?"

"Can you come and pick me up pleaaaase?" I sang sweetly into the phone.

"Kaoru, you got lost again?" Hikaru laughed.

"NO! And I never got lost! I just…took the wrong… turning! ANYWAY, I'm not lost, it's snowing, I'm freezing and there are no cabs in sight! Now I command you to come and pick me up!"

"Haha okay okay, I'll come and pick you up… where abouts are you..?"

I smiled and whispered "Near 'The White Witch'…"

Silence.

"Okay, I'll pretend to know where that is!" there was a roar of laughter coming from the other end of the phone before he hung up…

YO yo,, so,, how is everyone?

Lol

Okok ~ a quarter way through this, I started to suffer from a sevre case of WRITERS BLOCK…

I know,, it's bad TTxTT

Anyway,, I got back on track,, hope you enjoyed the fourth chapter of SILVER MOONLIGHT ~

Later

~ FC x