...please read my apologies at the end of the chapter... *dead*

By the time Hikaru reaches home, he was beyond exhausted. The boy had to literally run from the fun fair all the way to his home, and even snatched a worn out bike from one of the neighborhood's dump site. And as soon as he reached home, he stealthily made his way past Kaoru who's talking to the maids and went up to their shared room to get out of his disguise clothes and shower before his brother got suspicious.

So when Kaoru got in, he stops mid-greeting to stare at his brother laying face down on their bed with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. The younger twin pulls out his wig to sit beside his brother, but not before he pokes him on the shoulder blade, eliciting a grunt as a response.

"Hey, what's up with you? You look tired," he said softly. "And your back is tensed, here; let me give you a little massage," Kaoru smiles out, though it was unseen by the elder twin. But once those gentle hands start to relieve him of his muscle cramps, Hikaru quickly went limp, allowing his twin to do as he pleases. Kaoru was always the one who's good with his hands, not that the elder twin would complain.

All was silent in the twins' large bedroom, with only Hikaru's soft moans and grunts filling the air as Kaoru continue to untangle his tensed muscle knots. After a few moments, Hikaru was relaxed enough for Kaoru to change into a much more casual attire; a white v-necked shirt with black track suit.

"Hey Hikaru, do you want to see the maid dress I've been working on? I've asked mum about her opinion and she said she's got a lot of new inspiration after looking at that dress. How's about it, want to take a look?" Kaoru whispers out next to his brother's ear. Hikaru shivered minutely and raises his head to look at Kaoru questioningly. The look he had given was enough for Kaoru to beam happily and runs off to his wardrobe where he starts to rummage through it in search for his dress.

Hikaru's eyes nearly explode from their sockets when he sees the new and improved dress. Kaoru had removed the apron and hangs it on another hanger. The black centre ribbon that's supposed to make his 'breasts' rounder had been stripped out of its white lace. Now it's decorated with glitter that would make his chest rather sparkly. And at the bottom right of the skirt is adorned with onyx gems to create a sparkly décor by strategically placing them to look like a British crown.

"Mum was nice enough to give me her extra gems and glitters. According to her, I should model for her for her next fashion line. As a girl of course," Kaoru said smugly. Hikaru's eye twitches slightly at the thought of the entire country's male species locking their eyes on Kaoru. His twin is sometimes denser than he is that it's ridiculous.

"And this is the bow and apron," Kaoru says as he pulls out said garment from the wardrobe. The small, white apron is now decorated with small, white crystals while the frills are left as plain. The cloth that's needed to make the bow has been glittered up and been made longer. Kaoru then pulls out the white frilly head dress which is now supporting small, rose shaped crystals all over.

"Finally, the boots and gloves," the younger twin said cheerily. He pulls out a pair of black, knee high boots that has a white rose on each side at the top. The right boot having a rose on its right side and the left boot having a rose on its left side. The gloves are now glittered up and Kaoru is having too much fun wearing them whilst practicing hand motions.

"So...what're the news from Lobelia?" Hikaru says, distracting Kaoru from his ministrations. The younger twin stops completely but is now tapping a finger to his lips as he hums in concentration. That made Hikaru twitch all the more. Kaoru is starting to talk and behave like a girl.

On the upside; it could make their brotherly act in the Host Club top up a notch. Downside; Kyouya, or anyone else would love to take use of this situation.

"Well...the Zuka Club still has a tight hold on Haruhi so there isn't much I can do without them...flirting with me again. And there's some bad news. After we got home from Rokurou sensei's house, I made a call to Lobelia's chairlady's assistant, Miss Saki. According to her, the reason that I have a time limit isn't because of the girls at Lobelia targeting Haruhi after the play, but because there's an exam," Kaoru explained whilst putting the dress back into the cupboard.

"What does an exam has anything to do with your task?" Hikaru asks, he just couldn't fathom the link, not to mention he's still rather pissed at Osamu for kissing his brother. The thought itself made Hikaru's scowl deeper but he kept his emotions in check. Now isn't the time to get angry.

"Everything. Haruhi isn't fully registered into Lobelia but once she takes the exam, her result would be keyed into the school's mainframe and she'll officially be a Lobelia High student. Right now she's just an ordinary transfer student, but after the exam there wouldn't be anymore changes, she's there to stay, not even our chairman can take her back without Miss Ryouichi's permission," Kaoru sighs out when he thought of the complications.

"You said so yourself, Lobelia's chairwoman likes you, you can convince her, right? In case you didn't make the time limit that is," Hikaru suggest out. Kaoru merely gave his brother a rather incredulous look.

"Hikaru, Haruhi is a scholarship student from our school. Between Ouran and Lobelia, Ouran's level is higher so if she's there to stay, she could somehow increase Lobelia's popularity with her achievements, I don't think even mum's influence on Miss Ryouichi could change her mind if that's how she sees it," Kaoru said being the ever thoroughly thinking boy he is.

Hikaru was dumbstruck. He had never thought of it that way. If what Kaoru says is true and Lobelia's chairwoman sees the potential in Haruhi for her school, there's no other choice for any of them, Haruhi is at Lobelia to stay. The elder twin hung his head until his bangs covers his face. "What should we do now...?"

"So far, I need to convince her. If that's not possible in this final week, we need everyone's help. Or better yet, we need Milord to apologize to her thoroughly and make sure Kyouya-senpai's there with him," Kaoru stops and thought his opinion thoroughly. "But we have to ensure that he doesn't blackmail, threaten or anything in between,"

Hikaru chuckles and nods his head. One week, Kaoru would be the apple of Lobelia's eye and Haruhi will wow the crowd. I just hope they both would make it back to Ouran.

Kaoru stares at his deeply thinking brother. It's not everyday Hikaru is this thoughtful, and the thought itself made Kaoru smile a little. Maybe it's time for him to grow; they can't stay together for the rest of their lives, can they? Kaoru's thoughts were interrupted when he notices how his brother's position is.

The elder twin is lying on the bed with his hands behind his head and his right leg bent at the knee while the left is crossed over it. Add to that, he's only wearing a towel! Kaoru blushes furiously and he doesn't even know where to look. So he opted; everywhere. Hikaru's legs, chest, hair, eyes, arms, everything and growing redder every minute.

Hikaru notices his twin's frantic eye movement and got curious. His places his left leg down and straight on the bed but still kept his right leg bent. He could hear Kaoru's breathe hitch and his younger twin start to look around the room, but his concentration is still on him.

"Kaoru?" Hikaru asks and his brother's face turn redder if that's even possible. "What's wrong with you, why are you so red?" Hikaru sat up and wrap his arms around his bent leg whilst looking at Kaoru questioningly. The younger twin stuttered and starts to point everywhere.

"C-can..you..put some...c-clothes..on-n..?" Kaoru stuttered out and looking downwards, trying as hard as he could not to look his brother in the eyes. Hikaru cocks his head sideways and finally, realization dawns upon him. He smirks at his blushing twin who's trying his best to glare back at him.

"What's the matter, don't you like what you see?" he purrs out as he leans closer to his brother. He could see Kaoru trying to calm his breathing; sure they've done the act millions of times but never to this extent. Normally they'd stop before things get slightly...hot. But a little experimenting never hurts, especially when it comes to Kaoru's self-restraint.

Before he knew it, he's got Kaoru pinned down on the bed and him looming like a hungry lion, ready to devour anything in its path. And just as his lips are inching closer to Kaoru's, they shifted towards the tip of his nose and Hikaru gave a small peck there instead. He releases Kaoru, got up with a mischievous smile and went off to get some clothes, leaving Kaoru to calm himself and pouting at Hikaru.

888

With only one week of preparation, the girls of 1-A are now busy drawing, painting and measuring everything and everyone for their Maid Café thanks to a free week without class. The class president, Kanaede and the class' planner, Rio are putting special attention to Kaoru. Because all the students will be doing for the week is decorating and getting things together, Kaoru had brought along his newly improvised maid outfit and is showing it off right now.

Rio's eyes twinkled with excitement when she sees the design. "Kaori-chan, it's beautiful! It's so shiny and sparkly, and I'm sure our class will be a hit thanks to you! And oh, it brings out your eyes beautifully!" she squealed out. Kaoru couldn't come up with anything to say. Actually, there's nothing for him to say, so he opt to just stay quiet.

"Haruhi-chan, where will you be after your show? Will you be in class to help out with the Café?" he asks. Haruhi hums a little and shook her head. Kaoru tilts his in confusion, blinking his currently blue eyes rapidly. Some girls squealed silently at the cute display. "You won't?"

"No, I'll be staying in the auditorium until the school ends. The Zuka Club says they'll be doing something for me because I helped them with their play. They said they want to give me a 'proper' thank you, though I don't know what that means," the brunette says. Kaoru's eyes flash when he heard that. He and Hikaru would be able to abduct her when the Zuka Club isn't paying attention to her.

And knowing Haruhi, she'd wander off when she's bored, probably to buy food.

"Oh, I see. Will you be inviting anyone from Ouran then?" Kaoru drops the bomb. He could clearly see the sudden rigidness of Haruhi's posture. She looks like she wanted to say something, or deny it but Rena suddenly appears by her side, glancing at her with those sharp eyes.

"You're not going to just forget about your friends from Ouran, do you? After all, Lobelia is just as wealthy as Ouran. And if you hate those rich students, then you must be hating us as much, is that it?" she asks with a sneer before continue walking forward as if the conversation didn't even happen.

Kaoru could feel his heart stops beating when he saw the look in Rena's eyes. That girl is so taunting, so evil that he wonders how can someone as cheerful as Airi and Hana became friends with her. That girl needs to be purified. Somehow.

"It's not that I don't want to invite them," Kaoru heard Haruhi said. Her head hung low, hair covering her eyes while the chatters of the girls behind them sound so distant, it's as if he and Haruhi are the only ones in the classroom.

"It's just that...I thought maybe because now that I'm free from their clutches, I would be feeling like a free bird. But day by day, my chest tightens every night before I go to bed. I kept remembering the Ouran blazer, and the tea bag the twins gave me when they visited is still at home..." she rasps out. Kaoru could simply listen with growing wonder and concern.

"The longer I stay here, the tighter this pain in my chest feels. And I even went to the doctors but they said I was fine. And whenever I see a limo or an Ouran student passing by, I...I wanted to cry. For some reason, I missed Ouran, and everyone there!" Haruhi shrieks out, tears streaming down her face like a non-stop river.

By now, the students are staring at them in wonder. Kaoru, finally realizing his surroundings, jumps slightly when he sees the multiple pair of eyes watching them. He sent a pointed glare at Rena who simply roll her eyes at him and scribbling something in her bright blue notebook. Airi seems to notice what just happened and whaps Rena at the back of her head. Kaoru could see her scolding Rena, while the other girl rubs her head with a scowl on her face.

"Haruhi-chan...Please stop crying, you're gaining too much attention." Kaoru pleads out as Haruhi continues to sob. The rest of the students are now murmuring to each other, while some are watching with growing interest and stars twinkling in their eyes. Closet shoujo-lovers...creepy.

Kaoru could feel a chill running down his spine when he sees those kind of girls. He doesn't mind a little bit of guy love (since he and Hikaru are a prime example) but when it comes to girl love, it makes him a little green, and not with envy.

But with that little confession, Kaoru could tell Kyouya how she feels and their best course of action. As much as he loves to abduct Haruhi, this situation needs more subtle approach. And he still has Osamu to deal with. Speaking of which, he hadn't seen that guy at school lately, wonder what had happened.

'Wait, what am I thinking? Why should I even care!' Kaoru thought. But that nagging, curious feeling makes him feel itchy and he couldn't help but ask one of his classmates.

"Hey, what happened to Rokurou-sensei? I haven't seen him in quite a while," he asks Rio. The girl's eyes grew wide and a grin slowly crept up her face, Kaoru could feel his face burning with embarrassment. He's been running away from Osamu all these time, and suddenly asking about him, could really make anyone suspicious.

"And you're suddenly so curious...why exactly?" she asks with a knowing smirk. Kaoru's face turn as red as his skirt when she starts to giggle. But then she shook her head and points to Kaede. "Ask the class president, she's the one having to keep track on the teachers that teaches us,"

Kaoru thanked her, asked Haruhi to sit down and went to Kaede as everyone resumes whatever it is they were doing.

"Hey Minami-chan, where has Rokurou-sensei been? He hasn't been attending to school lately," Kaoru says, hoping he isn't being too obvious. God knows what'll happen if these girls were to be fed canon pairings, especially between students and teachers. Kaede flips through her notebook and look straight into Kaoru's eyes.

"His reasons aren't really clear. I asked the chairwoman about him but she said he's going through a teaching course for a few days. She said he'll be back sometime tomorrow or the day after. Or the day after that, it really doesn't state out," Kaede said smoothly as she snaps her book shut, eyes never straying away from Kaoru.

The boy was about to thank her when she suddenly cuts him off. "If you're worried, you can just visit him, it's no problem. After all, we approve of your relationship, but we're also going back and forth between you and that dark-haired friend of yours," she said with a teasing smile.

Kaoru could feel his cheeks burning brightly when she said that, he could hear some snickers coming from behind him and that just made him more embarrassed. Suddenly, Hinako appears by his side and stares at him with a scowl.

"You mustn't be so attached to him. Have you forgotten what happened to you on your way back home? You got kissed by that pedophile pervert! And that friend of yours, which, by the way, I'm not too fond of because he's too brash. I mean, picking a fight with a guy older than you? Seriously? Maybe you shouldn't date him, no, scratch that, don't date anybody throughout your life," she said childishly.

Kaoru stares back at her as everyone returns to their work. Even Haruhi is now trying on her costume for her play. The boy blinks his eyes at her, blue meeting brown. He was about to say something when the door to their classroom suddenly blasted open, revealing none other than Osamu himself.

"My angel! I have come for you!" he shouted as hearts pop up from the background. Kaoru's face paled considerably when he sees the other man closing in on him. He could feel his eyes traveling all over his body.

"I have missed you so! Now, let's have lunch together!" he said exuberantly. Kaoru, still in his maid's dress, back away a few steps. Really, why was he even worried about this guy?

"But...lunch isn't for the next hour!" he said with a squeak. Before Kaoru could say anything else, Osamu had swoop down at him and runs off with the screeching boy. The rest of class 1-A could simply watch with a sweat drop over their heads.

It's been a long time, huh? My life have been SWAMPED by homeworks and tuitions and all those crap because this is my final year of highschool, and this year is also the year that I have a serious exam for college entrance, so yeah...mountains of homework are on my back, asking me to finish them.

One subject itself sometimes take 3 hours! Imagine 8 subjects and all needed to be passed to teacher the day after! It's pure torture I tell you!

So I'm sorry if I'll be posting it slowly, maybe I'll speed the story up because at this pace, I might have to write at least four or five more chapters. I'm trying to tune it down to two or three so I can have more time with work.

I'm really sorry, I hope all of you could understand. I spent my day at school and tuition classes, my evening till night knee-deep with work, so I really don't have the time as I used to have. Even holidays are nothing but full of homeworks! And lately, my health isn't really at its best because of the stress it's putting me through.

I'll try to lessen the time I update, but I give no promise.

I'm sorry...