Dearest Starling

Chapter Four

Izumi tapped her foot impatiently. Minori didn't even know this was a date, and she was still spending hours getting ready. It was a good thing that she had found Izumi the second she got back, or she wouldn't have had enough time to get ready. Seriously, thought Izumi, who takes three hours to get ready, anyway?

Minori came out then, wearing a pink dress that went to her knees and her hair in a ponytail. "How do I look?" she asked.

Izumi glared at her sister, "Fine. Let's get going, already!"

"Is that what you're wearing?" Minori asked, indicating Izumi's rolled up jeans and button-down shirt with a black vest.

"What? Something wrong with it?"

Minori shrugged, "I guess not. It's just weird to wear something like that on a first date, don't you think?"

Izumi snorted, throwing Minori's purse at her, "It's not a date, and if it was, I still wouldn't dress better than this for that jerk!" Izumi had to remind herself that she was going with Hikaru, so that Minori and Kaoru would have no choice but to treat it like a double date.

It took a few minutes to get to the lobby, but when they got there, both Hitachiin brothers were already waiting. They exchanged greetings, and then went about trying to decide what to eat.

"There are tons of restaurants here, and you can't think of anything you want?!" Hikaru snapped impatiently at Izumi.

"I don't like expensive food. You got a problem with that?" Izumi could honestly say that she wanted to set him on fire.

"Well, I—!"

"I like McDonald's!" Minori interrupted randomly.

When nobody said anything, Minori began to wonder if she said something stupid.

"Commoner food?" Hikaru asked, intrigued.

Minori blinked at him, "What?"

Izumi, on the other hand, got angry, "Yeah. So? Got a problem with that, too, I suppose?!"

Minori put her head in her hands. How come every time they went anywhere, Izumi had to make people stare at them?

Tamaki sat with his best friend for the first time since they had arrived at the hotel. "Are you going to tell me more about this 'Renge' thing?" he asked.

Kyouya shrugged, "There's nothing to tell. She said that she wanted to get married, I agreed to it, we got engaged. It's profitable for both of us, so I see nothing wrong with it."

Tamaki gasped indignantly, "Profitable? What do you mean, profitable? Without love, there is everything wrong with marriage!"

Kyouya ignored his dramatic friend, as said friend continued to rant about the joys of passionate matrimony, and other such nonsense. Passionate matrimony did not get you ahead in life.

"And furthermore, I cannot allow such a fate…"

Kyouya wished he had brought his laptop. His laptop! He suddenly remembered a few things that he wanted to talk to Tamaki about.

"I did some research," Kyouya cut Tamaki off mid-rant, "And I think you'll want to know what I came up with. My first search was Hoshiyama Natsumi. Apparently she attended one of Ouran's sister schools, and graduated eighth in her class, which was Class B. She has no important bloodline, and all of the money that she is to inherit was earned off of stocks. Her mother sold all of them just before a crash, and it gave them enough money to live comfortably off of interest alone. They also have a number of shares in Microsoft."

Tamaki nodded, "Is that it?"

"If you're asking about dirt, the only thing that is odd about her is that she was adopted. Beyond that, she's completely clean.

"My next search was on Isaac Beresford. Nothing unusual about his money, just a family business that expanded and is now doing very well for itself. He is, apparently, very difficult to work with, which I experienced firsthand when I spoke to him yesterday. He hasn't been convicted of any crimes, but there are a disturbing number of accusations of rape and other abusive acts.

"His fiancée, Amelia Willard-Jones, is also unremarkable in inheritance, but has quite a history. I found several articles about few different suicide attempts. She's also diagnosed with Cyclothymic Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder."

Tamaki looked puzzled, to say the least.

Kyouya sighed, "She has mood swings and likes attention." 'Not too different from yourself,' was the silent add-on to the sentence.

"Oh."

"The Shigemiwa family," Kyouya continued, "Is a band called, Kokoro Uta, originating in America. They're first appearance, though, was on a Japanese children's television show, where the twins played the main character's singing, dancing friends. The show ended a year later, and they disappeared for a few years, until a record company signed them. They've made top ten in America with four different songs throughout the years, top twenty in Japan with nine songs, and top five in Germany with two songs. They have three albums out, and another due in mid-December. They've also acted in a couple of cliché twin movies."

"I've never heard of them," Tamaki admitted.

"Their most popular song in Japan was titled, 'Paint Without Color'."

Tamaki nodded, "Oh, I guess I have heard of them."

Kyouya nodded, "Chances are you wouldn't know the others without listening to commoners' 'rock stations'."

"Haruhi doesn't like 'rock'."

Kyouya smirked, "Interesting that you know that. Does she know that you know that?"

"She might. She must!" Tamaki sighed, "We're not talking about music anymore, are we?"

"We never really were."

Tamaki looked almost admiringly at Kyouya. He always knew how to control a conversation. "She knows, she just doesn't seem to care. It's like no matter what approach I take, she still thinks I'm ridiculous."

"Perhaps the direct approach is the only way to get through to her?" Kyouya suggested.

Tamaki nodded thoughtfully, "Did that work for you?"

"What?"

"With Renge-kun. How did you make her want to marry you?"

Folding his hands in his lap, Kyouya repeated, "It was a mutually beneficial business transaction."

Tamaki stood, doubtful. "Renge wouldn't do that. She's a romantic, so there must have been something you did to make her love you."

"I didn't do anything. It was Miyabi that made her come after me."

"No. We've established that she's aware of your oppositeness to Miyabi. You must have done something."

Kyouya looked to the floor, annoyed, "She knows that I don't care about her."

"Then I am sorry for her," Tamaki said, finality in his voice.

Amelia ate breakfast with Isaac. It wasn't unusual for them not to speak to each other, but it was unusual that Isaac would watch her so intently throughout a meal, or any other time for that matter.

"Where were you?" he finally asked.

Amelia continued to spread jam on a biscuit, "I don't know what you're talking about."

"When all of the other women came back," his voice got louder as he spoke, "and you didn't come back for almost two hours after that! Where were you?!" Getting angrier, he reached across the table and grabbed her wrist painfully tight, "And look at me when I'm talking to you!"

"I was just looking around. I didn't do anything wrong," she defended.

He only tightened his grip, "Who were you with?"

"I wasn't with anyone."

"Don't think that I don't have eyes over every inch of this hotel, Amelia! I know that you were with him," he spat, "You're a slut!"

Amelia shook her head, "Surely, I'm no worse than you." The thought hadn't even registered in her mind before she said it, and she didn't have time to regret it before his hand made sharp contact with her face and a stinging sensation took over.

Isaac stood, turning to leave, "I will not marry someone who can't follow basic instruction. When I say that I want you supervised at all times, I mean it."

Amelia shuddered, hating him for hurting her, and hating herself more for allowing it.

"I can't believe that we had to go to three restaurants just to get what each of us wanted…"

Minori smiled across the table at Hikaru, "Carryout picnics are always nice, though. This is a lovely park. I'm glad we got to come. Right, Izumi?"

Izumi looked at her sister quizzically, she couldn't possibly know, could she? "Yeah. This is lovely," she finally said, sarcastically.

"Let's look at the fountain when we're done eating," Minori said, finishing her meal.

It was quiet for a minute, then Kaoru looked at Izumi, "I didn't quite catch how you knew the bride."

"We don't. We're the entertainment," Izumi clarified, "She's our biggest fan, apparently."

Minori laughed, "She must be, we've never been hired for a wedding before."

"Hikaru and I were looking forward to designing her wedding dress, but it turns out they're having a traditional Japanese wedding," Kaoru said between bites.

"Really? I've never seen a Japanese wedding before," muttered Izumi, mid-bite. She was quite the slob sometimes.

"Aren't you Japanese?"

Minori answered before her sister could talk with her mouth full again. "Half. But we were born and raised in the U.S., so Izumi and I can't even figure out honorifics most of the time."

"So where we're a little ignorant," Izumi added, pointing to Hikaru, "You're just rude."

Kaoru interrupted before another fight could start, "If we're all finished, we should go look at that fountain before it gets cold and dark."

Squabble neutralized, they all made their way toward the round water feature. Along the way, Kaoru pulled Izumi aside, much to hers and Hikaru's dismay. He was supposed to want to walk with Minori.

Minori, in turn, didn't seem to notice when Kaoru began to whisper to Izumi.

"I hope you don't feel too strongly about Hikaru, because I'm wondering if Minori would be better suited for him," Kaoru whispered.

Izumi paled, Dammit!

"I'm wondering if you'll help me set them up?" he asked quietly.

She didn't have time to think about it, all she could do was agree and then work something out later. "Sure…" she mumbled hesitantly.

Kaoru put a hand on her shoulder, "I hope you don't feel cheated."

"I don't feel cheated at all," she said truthfully, she wouldn't be able to say the same for Hikaru, though.

Momoe sat in the middle of Natsumi's room, painting her toenails. It was just like when they were in middle school, with the smell of hairspray and nail polish, and the music just a little too loud. Momoe grinned up at her best friend, who was sitting on her bed, telling her all about what had happened the day before. "So," said Momoe once Natsumi had finished ranting, "You're freaking out because the guy that you're going to marry kissed you?"

Natsumi blinked, "Well, when you say it like that…"

"Look, I don't know much about boys," Momoe stood and looked at her toes absently, "But it seems to me that you should be happy that he wanted to kiss you." Natsumi nodded tentatively, obviously still going over what her friend had said in her head. "Moving on," said Momoe suddenly, causing Natsumi to look up at her, "Do you like him?"

Blushing like mad, Natsumi smiled, "Very much." She stood up to look the other girl in the eye, wearing the most blissful expression Momoe had ever seen on her. "He's sweet, and cute, and he's the only boy that I'm not afraid of," Natsumi described him, counting off his qualities on her fingers, "And he always tells me how cute I look, even when I know it isn't true, and he actually cares what I think."

Momoe hugged her suddenly, cutting her off in the middle of her list. "I'm so happy for you, Natsumi-chan," she whispered, holding on a little tighter.

Hugging back, Natsumi fought the urge to cry. There was a reason that they were best friends, and this was one of them.

The plan was this: Izumi would pickpocket Minori's phone and 'accidentally' leave it somewhere where Kaoru and Hikaru would find it. Kaoru would then 'find' the phone and insist that they wait until the next morning to return it. Then Kaoru would get up before Hikaru's alarm went off and leave a note telling Hikaru to return the phone. At the same time, Izumi would leave to go 'look' for the phone, leaving Minori alone when Hikaru returned it. There was absolutely no way this could go wrong…

Hikaru awoke to the sound of the alarm, like usual, but was surprised when Kaoru wasn't anywhere to be seen. Maybe he went to get some breakfast, Hikaru guessed, picking up his phone to call Kaoru and ask where he was. When he got the voicemail before it even rang, he grumbled. "Why don't you ever charge your phone, Kaoru?"

After stumbling around confusedly for a few minutes, Hikaru found a note written by his brother:

"Tono needed help. Be back soon. Return the phone while I'm gone."

Hikaru grumbled some more, pulling on some clothes before heading down the hall to Minori and Izumi's room.

Earlier that morning:

"I think I'm turning into you, 'Zumi. I never lose things…" Minori currently had her head under the bed, looking for her missing cell phone.

After halfheartedly looking for a few minutes, Izumi suggested, "Why don't I run out and look for it in the lobby?"

Minori sat up, "And you came up with a solution to a problem, too?! Man, we must be screwed up. I'll come with you and help look…"

"No," said Izumi, "It will take you three days to get ready, and then we will have wasted all that time, so I'll go, and you can keep looking here."

"Alright, but if it takes you too long, I'll have to come look for you and the phone."

"Ha, ha. Whatever." Izumi left, then, and made her way to the lobby, where Kaoru was waiting.

"Everything going smoothly?" he asked.

"On this side. You guys?"

Kaoru nodded, "According to plan. As far as I know, anyway."

"Well," said Izumi, "Let's hope that Hikaru doesn't sleep in today."

Amelia stepped out onto her balcony and took a deep breath of the cool air surrounding her. Tokyo didn't look quite as amazing during the day as it did at night, but it was still a notable view. She absently caressed her bruised cheek, which by now she had layered with at least an inch of makeup, and flinched at the throbbing sensation that came with the contact. She glanced over her shoulder; behind her, there were four men in the suite, all perfectly-trained to stand unblinkingly in each corner of the room. Looking back down at the street below, she contemplated jumping over the railing. It wouldn't be a horrible death. At this height, she'd probably die on impact. She grunted at how crazy her internal voice was sounding, but was distracted by a balcony a few rooms over. It was fairly far away, but there was no doubt about who was sitting there, looking out over the city. It must be a crime to be that gorgeous, thought Amelia, trying to make herself as unnoticeable as possible.

Why is it that you can wave your arms around and not be seen, but the second you don't want someone to notice you, they do?

He turned toward her and held her gaze for a good minute before she found her voice. "Ohayo gozaimasu, Mori-san," she said, trying to keep her "guards" from hearing, while remaining loud enough for him. He only gave a nod in response, causing the blonde woman to become annoyed. Why do I even bother?

Mori watched her, as exasperation flickered across her face before the businesswoman in her took over and she smiled calmly again. She made a comment on the weather; he really liked her voice.

"Mori-san, should I assume that you dislike conversing with me," she asked, disguising the seriousness of the question with a teasing tone, "Or are you simply shy?" Behind her eyes was the true question, Is there some reason that you don't like me?

Mori turned back to the scenery of the city below, "I am not shy." From the corner of his eye, he could see her flinch slightly, "But that does not mean that I can speak easily, unless I have something to say."

She turned then, too, looking out at the city. "I see," she murmured, relieved, "You and I have something in common."

Mori could see her watching the streets, her eyes following vehicles, out of his peripheral vision. They were quiet, apparently both comfortable saying nothing now that they understood that the silence was not meant to offend.

"Takashi," said a little yellow-haired blur, coming to stand beside the significantly taller man, "I'm ready to go, now!"

Mori nodded and then turned to Amelia to give her a slight bow, to which she nodded in return.

Hunny jumped up to peer over the railing at her, waving. "Have a nice day, Ami-chan!" He called, then jumped down and ran inside, leaving a twitching Amelia behind him.

'Ami-chan?!' she thought, bewildered at the term of endearment.

Inside the room, Mori smiled to himself.

Minori heard a knock on the door, and temporarily gave up her search to answer it. She didn't expect Hikaru to be on the other side.

"Yo," he said, waving unenthusiastically.

"Yo," she repeated in the same bored tone, before she giggled at her own silliness.

Hikaru blinked at her, but stood up a little straighter. "I have orders to return this to you," he mumbled, placing the cellular phone in her hand.

"Oh, thank you! I was worried that I wouldn't find it!"

"It's no big deal," Hikaru insisted, feeling awkward that she would be so happy over a phone.

"Well, thank you, anyway." After a minute, she asked, "Hey, what do you think of Izumi and Kaoru as a couple?"

Hikaru's heart must have stopped, "Eh?"

"I think they were just too cute together the other night. Wouldn't that be great, them together?"

"Yeah…" he murmured, trying to find a way to backpedal out of this conversation.

"We should totally set them up on a date!"

"Minori, I… don't think…" Hikaru stopped when Tamaki came out of his room, down the hall. "Tono," he asked, "Where's Kaoru?"

Tamaki looked like he had missed the punch line of a joke, "I haven't seen him since yesterday."

Hikaru was annoyed once it had all finally clicked. Kaoru had lied to him. Lied! To him! There was only one thing for certain, he was going to answer for this, but first he had to talk to Izumi again.

Hikaru marched down to the lobby, Minori following him along the way, where he spotted Kaoru and Izumi talking in a corner. "I need to talk to you," he said, dragging her away from his twin, and leaving Minori in her place.

Once out of earshot, Minori whispered, "How's phase one of 'operation teach siblings a lesson about meddling in our love lives' going?"

"I'd say it's complete," Kaoru answered. He and Minori watched them disappear around the corner, before Kaoru turned to Minori, "I wonder what they're talking about."

"Only one way to find out; come on."

Izumi yanked her hand away from Hikaru, "What is wrong with you?!"

"Stop flirting with Kaoru!"

"… What?"

Hikaru was getting impatient, "You're going to make them think that you want to go out with Kaoru, and then they won't date, and it will be all your fault. There's only one thing we can do, you need to kiss me in front of them."

Izumi glared at him, "Are you nuts?! I hate your guts, why the hell would I kiss you?!"

"This isn't about what you want," Hikaru snapped, before adding quietly, "It's not about what I want, either."

"What?" she asked.

He shook his head, "It doesn't matter. Never mind."

Izumi stared quizzically at him before an evil smirk crossed her features, "You like Minori, don't you?"

"It doesn't matter," he said, "They're so close to being together… They just don't know it yet."

Izumi sighed, "I don't see why you're pushing this so hard. If it hasn't happened on its own yet, maybe it just isn't going to happen." She was secretly hoping to get Hikaru to give up on his matchmaking scheme. She couldn't very well help both twins in their opposing conquests. "Why are you trying to set them up if you're the one who wants Minori?"

"I came up with this idea before I liked her—before I realized she was nothing like you," he muttered. "You must agree that they'd go well together, or you wouldn't have gone along with this for so long…"

"Actually…"

Hikaru's attention snapped toward her, "What?"

"I'm not really sure that he's her 'type'. She likes…" Izumi put her head in her hands and sighed, "I was really hoping to get her off of the 'bad boys', though."

Hikaru laughed, "No way! Sweet, innocent Minori is…!"

"Yeah, whatever! Just shut up, will you?!"

"Wait a minute," Hikaru said thoughtfully, "If you knew that Kaoru wasn't her 'type', why'd you go along with this?"

"I already said, I was trying to get her to date someone who wasn't a jerk, for once. Kaoru's nice, and smart, and…"

"Almost as hot as me?"

Izumi snorted, "Try hotter than you, you idiot. I figured that if I liked him, she could eventually, too. And he… Well, everybody likes Minori."

"Do I sense some jealousy?" Hikaru teased.

Izumi glared at him, "Whatever, jerk. I'm leaving now, my sister is out in the world, unprotected." She turned to walk away.

"Did you say she liked bad boys?" Hikaru asked her retreating back.

She didn't even turn to him when she called over her shoulder, "Don't even think about it, asshole."

Kaoru and Minori, who had been listening in (and hadn't learned much that they didn't already know), hurried back to their previous place in the lobby before Izumi could catch them eavesdropping.

Before she approached, Minori asked, "Should we begin phase two?"

Kaoru smirked, whispering, "I don't think we'll need phase two."