Disclaimer: I could never own something as awesome as Ouran High School Host Club! If I did, there'd be many changes and more 'brotherly love' scenes. As well as chaotic things and countless torture of Tamaki and . . . -is cut off for the sake of the fic-

Summary: Kaoru has always been use to the fact that Hikaru becomes closer to Haruhi. But can Hikaru, whom is new to this, accept Kaoru being closer to someone other than him self?

Author note: Sorry for the late update. Not that three hours makes a huge difference right? Well, anyway, I'm sick. And I'm on a crap diet that consists of jell-o, juice, popsicles, apples, rice, and toast. Ugh. I want normal food! If only I weren't sick. Let's all hope that my being sick won't affect me . . .

-looks up- Or the fanfiction.

I've been told that if I threw up anymore, I'd have to go to the hospital -- and I don't wanna'! Hospital equals lack of update! Lack of update equals bad! DX

STARTSTARTSTART

"Oi! Wait a minute, Hikaru!"

Kaoru repeated his protest over, and over, and over, but unfortunately for the young twin, Hikaru wasn't listening. That wasn't the only unfortunate thing. His wrist was starting to hurt. Ever since they left the Ouran's grounds, somewhere in Hikaru's somewhat twisted brain had he decided that it'd be peachy keen to drag him around like a rag doll.

And once they were in the car, Hikaru would sit Kaoru down first, but as soon as he was seated, he would latch back onto Kaoru which, in Kaoru's opinion, was frankly annoying.

Once their feet were back on the ground (namely, on the Hitachiin Estate's ground), Hikaru went back to dragging Kaoru about.

Yes, Kaoru had much patience. Yes, Kaoru was generally an understanding person, but, dragging him from place to place, without saying a word, and repeating this mad process, there was no patience or understanding!

Somehow, Kaoru managed to snap his wrist back; he stumbled back, giving Hikaru an irritated look.

"What?"

Hikaru straighten him self and gave a look of pure confusion.

"What?"

Hikaru's features had a downcast atmosphere to it but he tried his best to hide it. "Ah, excuse me, Kaoru." With that said, Hikaru turned, his back now facing Kaoru as he slowly began to shuffle away from him.

What? Kaoru found him self staring after his dear brother. What just happened?

HIKARUKAORUHIKARUKAORU

In a well air conditioned room, sat a puzzled blond. What is wrong with me? That was the question that aimed wander aimlessly around his thoughts ever since he and the two twins left Ouran.

"So, Hikaru is it. Glad we met." That same fake smile remained. He opened his eyes to see that Kaoru was tugging at Hikaru to move. Takeru titled his head to the side in confusion. "'s something the matter, Kaoru?"

Kaoru looked up with the face that equaled a child that just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "N-no. Everything is fine. We--"

"We--" Hikaru interrupted, emphasizing on the word "we" while stepping in front of Kaoru in a very defensive way, giving Kaoru's friend a frown of disapproval. "We are about to leave. You should do the same, Takeru."

Takeru gave a frown and glare that matched Hikaru's. "Ah. I see. Thank you for your concern, Hikaru."

His frown grew when he saw something he clearly disliked. Hikaru. He was close to Kaoru. Too close if you asked him. Whispering something into Kaoru's ear while occasionally side glancing, and smirking at the fuming blonde. Kaoru nodded and mouthed "okay" while scurrying off.

Silently, they both stood, staring each other down. Each side refused to blink or make the slightest movement. Hikaru tensed since Takeru spoke first, "So, you wish to speak to me alone, why?"

"Well," Hikaru put a hand on his hip, shaking his head. "I personally dislike the fact that we are meeting just now."

Takeru pursed his lips. "Is that so? Well, it's not like we're dating. We're just good friends that really enjoy each other's company." And all of these words Hikaru suddenly loathed, but agreed with him.

"Yes." He nodded. "You're not dating. I intend to keep it that way."

Takeru let out a laugh. Was this guy serious? "Well, I don't see how you plan to do that. Especially when you can't seem to keep track of your own twin." He took one step, then two, and then a third one. Their faces mere inches apart. "Why don't you let me take care of him? I'll do a much better job. He'd be in good hands."

And that did it. That broke the last nerve. Hikaru reached out, his hand connecting with Takeru's jaw. The halls echoed the sound of Hikaru punching his jaw, and Takeru falling to the floor with a loud "thud". Hikaru started his way over to Takeru, kneeling before him.

His voice was dangerously low. "Don't." He started. "Don't you ever say that to me." When Takeru turned his head to the side and scoffed, Hikaru, out of pure rage, grabbed onto his collar, lifting him up. "Do I make myself clear?" He didn't bother to wait for a reply and released him, hoping that when his head hit the ground that it'd crack open.

He winced at the memory, clutching the very jaw Hikaru had hit. It wasn't anything serious, but, damn, it hurt like hell.

All of the maids were surprised. Takeru was generally a nice person. He'd get along with anyone. He was going to try with Hikaru. But after that incident, he figured that he was now an enemy. Even if it wasn't obvious to Hikaru's eyes, it was very obvious to him.

Hikaru didn't just care for his brother. He really loved him.

Sighing, he nudged his computer's mouse, and his eyes roamed over his room until his eyes laid upon the picture that Kaoru had gotten so worked up over. That was actually a nice picture. Maybe he should start a collection. Once the screen's desktop showed up, Takeru began typing furiously away at message he was going to send to (1).

Maybe he could arrange a deal with this "Shadow King" of Ouran's Host Club for all the pictures he had of Kaoru (2).

HIKARUKAORUHIKARUKAORU

"Why don't you let me take care of him? I'll do a much better job. He'd be in good hands."

The sudden flashback of Takeru's words caused him to hide a growl deep in his throat. How dare that bastard! The words replayed in his mind as he mocked Takeru's words, tapping rather loudly at the desk before him. What bothered him the most out of his conversation with Takeru was the fact that he intended on dating Kaoru now.

Hikaru stood up, pacing over to the room's window. 'Or maybe he was making some sick joke.' If Takeru intended on making Hikaru frantic about this situation, then he succeeded.

The door had creaked open as Hikaru sat down on the bed nearest the window, looking up, meeting Kaoru's questioning eyes. "Hikaru," He sighed to him self. He knew what Kaoru was asking about to ask. "Is everything okay?"

Hikaru chuckled at Kaoru's antics. "You know, it's okay to sit down. And stop pretending like you don't know me." The fact that Kaoru remained standing by the door and that he was being short and precise -- it gave off a vibe that Kaoru was uncomfortable or he was not sure of something.

Kaoru nodded, starting over to the bed and taking a seat by Hikaru. "Now, is what okay?"

"I'm just asking about you and Takeru. Isn't he great?" Kaoru asked, kicking his feet back and forth. He stopped and turned to face Hikaru. "You know, he helped me when I ran away." Hikaru gave a shocked look. Kaoru waved his hands. "Oh, no! I mean, when I got lost after running away. Knowing me, I'd probably still be wandering around that neighborhood."

Hikaru frowned, 'So that's why he figures he can date Kaoru. 'Cause he owes him, or some stupid reason like that.' Kaoru noticed the troubled look on his brother's face. He placed his hand on top of Hikaru's hand, his eyes meeting with his twin.

Hikaru easily could tell that Kaoru's eyes had a meaning behind it. Something along the lines of, "Don't worry" or "What's wrong?" Hikaru inwardly smiled a small smile and shook his head.

He figured that he had feelings for his younger twin, but he wasn't sure of it. Many would call it denial, but he wasn't sure. He wasn't sure if it was brotherly love or the type of love that Takeru claims he has for Kaoru.

Biting his lip, he looked to Kaoru, not sure if he should say anything more. It'd be wrong not to say anything since he was the one that encouraged this conversation after all. Kaoru noticed Hikaru's sudden movement, eyes focusing attentively on him.

He looked eager. "What?" Kaoru asked, just as eager as he figured Hikaru to be.

"You know I love you, right?"

Kaoru was taken aback at the question. He nodded, becoming more serious with Hikaru. "Of course!" Kaoru replied. It was odd. Did Hikaru doubt their bond? Or was it something else? "And you know I love you, too, right?" Kaoru asked as an afterthought.

"So, then, do you love . . ." For some reason his voice box stopped him from continuing his sentence and name that was to follow after. "Him?" He clenched and unclenched his fists many times before actually opening his mouth to speak, "Takeru, damnit! Do you love him, too?"

Once again, Kaoru was stunned. What caused him to think this? Was -- "Yes," He frowned at Hikaru. "As a friend." -- Was Hikaru jealous? "You're jealous, aren't you?"

Apparently so, because Hikaru didn't even look at him or reply to his question. Kaoru could only sigh with relief. Was that what this was all about? Takeru? "You know Hikaru; I wouldn't -- I couldn't pick him over you. I told you, I love you. You come first because you've been there for me always."

'Hm?' Kaoru looked up, forcing back a blush. Two maids and one of their butlers stood there. One maid was teary eyed while the other two only smiled; obviously they had listened in on their conversation.

Kaoru rushed over to them, asking how much they had heard and in unison they replied, "All of it." His shoulders drooped while they only laughed at him. "It was beautiful." Commented the younger maid. "Oh, master Hikaru and Kaoru. It's time to eat lunch. Come down when you're ready."

Speaking of which, Kaoru was very hungry as he gave a sheepish laughter. "Okay, okay." He turned to Hikaru. "Coming, Hikaru?"

Hikaru was caught off guard at the sudden question (he was off in thought), but recovered quickly, waving a reassuring hand. "I-I'll be down in a second." Kaoru gave a smile that made Hikaru's heart flutter. Once Hikaru was sure all four had gone down, he hung his head.

"I think . . ." He placed his face in his hands. "I think I love you more than you and I know, Kaoru."

-- End Chapter 1.0, a Strong Rivalry and Uncertainty

Footnotes!

(1) You should all know who this is. -coughKYOUYAcough-

(2) Does Takeru sound stalker-ish? If so, good, because I'm aiming for that. When it comes to the end of the story, that stalker-ish vibe may come in handy.

Also, you know that voting thing? Never mind. I think I'm going to stick with Alternate Endings choice. That way, like anonymous reviewer, Insane Teddy Bear suggested, "Everyone can just select a chapter and decided how they want the story to end."

So, yeah. I wanna' know how many people currently have a strong dislike, and don't particularly fancy Takeru. Or in other words, who hates his guts? -smiles- I wanna' know if I made anyone dislike him.

Yush. The twins shared a moment. X3 I'm still trying to develop Takeru's character too, but that's going well for now.

Thanks for reading! Review (on the story and Takeru)!