The Lady Of Light - yeah, I know it was kind of obvious but nesisary.
httydfreakforever - thanks, I thought it came out rather sweet myself.
animefollower - I'm glad you feel that way, I think over reacting and frankly overthinking is exactly how Kaoru behave.
Mae-the-Mage - Thanks for the praise, I'm a little sad that it's comming to an end but there's still a few chapters left I think so I hope Kao's reaction lives up to your expectations.
HazelMirror410 - Thank you, here's another!
A/N: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club or its characters.
Chapter 13: Family Isn't Always Blood
The sounds of wood clacking filled the air as grunts were heard from every corner of the expansive old style mansion. Mori had been hard at practice with his perfect Kendo skills for the last hour. A slightly sleepy but still bright eyed Hani sat on folded legs in the far corner of the private Dojo blissfully sipping his tea and observing his cousin's flawless technique. A full smile spread across his face as he watched the elegant and much taller teen rehearse his fluid movements with an ease that only someone of his skill set could. This was a Sunday morning ritual between the two who's families once shared a master and servant relationship, but were now joined as one extended clan.
The Morinozuka and Haninozuka family homes were next to one another, as close as two freakishly oversized mansions could be that is, which allowed to two best friends to easily move between them and spend as much time together as was humanly possible. This particular Sunday was like many others with one notable difference. Typically the two silently enjoying each other's company with one practicing their respective martial art while the other observed and offered constructive criticism only when solicited. Their friends would have been shocked to know that the oddly small blonde was indeed capable of sitting quietly for a few hours WITHOUT eating or even mentioning sweets.
Today practice was limited to only one hour as both boys were concerned for their orange haired friend and wanted to discuss how they could be of help to him. As the smaller teen handed his cousin and friend a towel he asked the question that he had been mulling over all morning. "Takashi, do you think we can get Kao-Chan and Hika-Chan to get back together? I'm sure that's what this is all about and we all know how much they both love each other. I just want to see them smile again. I know they still smile a lot when we see them, but it's not right somehow. Their smiles never really seem to reach their eyes. Do you think the others know what's going on?"
The dark haired taller teen nodded as he sipped his water and listened to his crush talk, one of his favorite things to do. "He would tell us if he wanted us to know."
"Ok, but we can try to make him smile anyway! Can't we?" With a reassuring nod the bubbly blonde jumped up and climbed onto his cousin's shoulders before the pair made their way towards the main house. It was almost three hours later when the Haninozuka house guest woke and joined his hosts for breakfast in the open air courtyard. "Good morning Kao-Chan! Doesn't this look yummy?"
"Morning Hani, Mori, thanks for letting me stay here for a little while." Kaoru's voice was sad and very unbecoming of the former 'little devil' as he took his seat and allowed the hovering staff to place his napkin in his lap and his plate on the table. It was an average breakfast, by wealthy standards, but he found that his appetite just wasn't what it once was. He picked at the perfectly prepared food and did his best to smile for his friends as an uncomfortable lack of conversation overtook the trio. Though silence emanating from the tallest teen was nothing new, this felt somehow different. It wasn't the feel of eyes watching his feeble attempt to force food into his system that bothered the youngest male; it was the pity that seemed to accompany the gazes.
"Talk?" Never one to mix words or speak meaninglessly the dark haired boy broke the tension with one simple declaration that sounded to the others more like a pleading question.
"I don't think this is something you guys would want to be involved in. I don't want to drag anybody else into my own issues. I'm sorry I got you as involved as I already have, I wouldn't have called if it weren't for Kyoya needing to go to Hokkaido." Looking down at the mostly untouched plate the ginger teen could feel tears starting to build… again. 'You'd think that by now I wouldn't have anything left to cry out. I'm surprised I haven't shriveled up like a strip of nori already.' An innocent giggle filled the otherwise empty air gaining the sulking boy's immediate attention.
"How could we not be involved Kao-Chan? Isn't helping each other what friends do?" The ever-optimistic Lolita beamed at his friend as he hugged his stuffed bunny.
Mori shook his head as if to disagree with his cousin gaining him two sets of confused expressions. "Family." His meaning was instantly understood by both of his companions as perplexed faces turned to smiles.
"I guess after all these years of being part of the Host Club I'm still just not use to having good friends. Maybe I'm doomed to be hopeless forever." Though his words were sincere and accurately reflected what his heart felt they weren't meant to be sad. He intended to be lighthearted and his hosts seemed to understand. 'Maybe they're right. As screwed up as the boss is he did manage to make us into a nice little family and isn't that what Haruhi as always telling us what family is about? Support when you can't do it on your own? What's that old saying… when you can't run… walk, when you can't walk… crawl, and when you can't crawl… find someone to carry you?* I don't think I'm doing the greatest at dealing with this on my own so maybe I do need someone to carry me and who better than Hani and Mori?'
"Why are you and Hika-Chan fighting?" Kaoru had drifted into his thoughts so deeply that he couldn't even identify which of his companions had spoken, though it was safe to assume it wasn't the taller one... or Usa-Chan.
Without looking his friend's in the eyes the ginger teen summed up the problems with his twin as succinctly as he could. "I'm in love with him." He wasn't sure of what reaction he might receive in response to the severity, in his mind, of the situation but it surely was not what he heard next.
"And he loves you, but I don't understand what that has to do with why you two are fighting. Do you understand Takashi?" The blonde martial artist turned to his cousin and received a nod implying that the dark haired boy fully understood the link between the twin's love for one another and their recent squabbling. Tilting his head in confusion the smallest teen turned back to his younger friend. "Did you not know Hika-Chan loved you back? Were you sad and that's why you fought with him?"
'For someone so clueless he's pretty damn observant.' Pushing the plate away having completely lost what little appetite he had Kaoru faced his companions and spoke softly almost hoping they wouldn't catch his words. "He loves me like a brother and that's good because these other… feelings… are so much more than just wrong. I thought for a moment that he felt the same way as me and I hoped, if only momentarily, that it might work out but the other day showed me the truth. He doesn't love me like I love him. He loves me as his twin and was just using me to blow off his hormonal tension until he finds someone else. He doesn't want me as a partner, just a body in the bed. The worst part is that a piece of me would be ok with that. I think I could be fine with just being his lover in the shadows, but I know that eventually I would be discovered and my selfishness would destroy everyone around us. I don't mind being unhappy and even miserable if it means that I'm protecting everybody else."
The sincerity and sullenness of his words hit his friends hard. How could they not notice how much he had been suffering? All the former hosts had assumed the twin Hitachiin boys were a couple in their private lives. It was never asked, just assumed and easily accepted. It had never occurred to any of them to be disappointed or disgusted with the concept. The twins were in reality a loving, non-platonic couple. Simple. To hear that they were not only never a real couple, but also that the younger of the two felt that it would never be an option was heartbreaking if not outright absurd.
"You're wrong." The deep voice sounded almost harsh and accusatory in Kaoru's ears, but he had agreed to let his companions help so he was prepared to listen to the criticisms he feared were now to come. "He feels the same. Why do you question it?"
"Yeah, if you were starting to see that he loved you back why did you change your mind? Why did you run away from him?" The second voice came from the small Hani, though he was hidden behind his precious Usa-Chan in an effort to regain some of the group's lost levity.
"I told him it would never work, that we shouldn't try because I truly believe that it could hurt those around us. I was going to stay with Kyoya for a day or two just to let him calm down; you know how his temper is. When I got to the house he had sent the staff home and he was crying in his room. I tried to just ignore him and pack to leave, but he burst into my room. He was drunk and well he kinda pushed me and… he… he tried to… I don't even know what he was trying to do really but Kyoya came in and got him off of me. I haven't seen or spoken to him since." Taking a deep breath to avoid hyperventilating as he spoke the youngest member of the chatting trio was unable or perhaps unwilling to continue with his story.
"It's ok Kao-Chan, I think I understand. I don't think Hika-Chan meant to try and hurt you. He was probably just as confused and hurt as you. Hika-Chan isn't quite as mature as Kao-Chan, is he?" The strange question was not directed towards the orange haired teen but rather towards the silent and statuesque Mori who bobbed his head in confirmation.
'Nothing fazes him in the slightest. I wonder is Hani has any clue about how Mori really feels? Does Mori even know? If they think Hika really loves me and I just can't see it, could the same be true for them? No one would be bothered by cousins being a couple so they might actually have a chance. I just need to see how Hani really feels about Mori.' A soft smile began to creep over his lips as the orange haired boy became distracted from his own problems for the first time in days. His companions quietly concluded that this was enough talk for one day and opted to end the conversation in favor of wandering the gardens while they awaited the arrival of Haruhi.
At the Hitachiin manor a pair of identical maids stood and smiled down at the scene before them. They usually never showed any emotion on their lovely faces, especially in the presence of their young masters, but since one was missing and the other lay asleep on the floor they felt it safe. Hikaru was flat on his back with arms splayed out. Haruhi lay on her side with her head cradled on the ginger boy's bicep. Lying next to her was Tamaki; on his side facing the brunette with one arm draped over her side and the other tucked under his head. The three looked so peaceful the two girls were reluctant to wake them, but it was well past ten and high time for breakfast.
Wiping their faces of the soft, pleasant smiles they loudly cleared their throats and gained the attention of the female sandwiched between the two boys. "Oh, sorry. Guess we fell asleep watching the movie." Looking down, she noticed the arm draped around her middle and blushed. As the maids made their exit, she examined the peaceful sleeping face of her 'daddy'. 'Still just as handsome as the day we met. The twins aren't the only ones trying to figure out these complex feelings. I wish Tamaki would look at me the way Hikaru looks at Kaoru. Not like his damned 'daughter' but as someone he wanted to be with. All well, focusing on helping the twins is the perfect distraction and they could really use the help. They're both completely clueless after all.' Shifting into a sitting position she began to gently wake her friends. "Wake up guys, breakfast is ready."
Two groggy teens stretched and blushed a bit at how they found themselves tangled together on the floor. "Morning Haruhi, Tono. How'd you sleep?" Rubbing his eyes to wipe away the night the only actual resident of the household climbed to his feet and began to mount the stairs. "The two guest rooms at the end of the hall should be stocked with anything you need. Let's all get ready and meet in the dining room in half an hour." His friends nodded in agreement as all three set out to freshen up.
As agreed, the group of friends found themselves in the large formal dining room just as the kitchen staff placed the last of the warm brunch style dishes on the table. They talked about random things like taking another group trip and Tono's upcoming birthday as they happily ate the delicious food until the brunette decided it was time to address the bigger issue at hand. "Are you going to be ok here by yourself? I'm sure Tamaki would stay here with you if you'd like while I go see Kaoru."
He knew her words were said out of friendly concern, but they still stung. 'I know they think that showing him my diary will make everything magically better, but they don't know him like I do… like I did. He's even more stubborn than me when he wants to be and I'm sure after the other night he won't even want to think about me let alone talk to Haruhi about me. I wonder if he's telling Mori and Hani? I bet he didn't need to tell Mori though, the guy is just as freaky as Kyoya when it comes to knowing the unknowable.' Swallowing the mouthful of fresh juice he had been savoring he plastered on his best smile before addressing his concerned companions. "I'll be fine, I promise. I think I'm gonna try to beat the last level in my game and that should take most of my concentration not to mention time. Go; see if he will talk to you, but please don't push him. If he hates me then he hates me and I'll live with the consequences of my actions."
"Look at that, my little boy is all grown up!" Leaping from his chair the blonde former Host Club King embraced his surrogate 'son' and smiled like a child.
"Um, boss? Glad you approve and all but I would like to breath now." Taking in a huge gasp of air as the bone crushing hug was released the younger boy returned the elder's genuine smile. The three friends finished their elaborate meal and each set out on their path. Haruhi was escorted to the Haninozuka manor by Imiki, Tamaki's chauffeur took him to his father's office, and Hikaru locked himself in his room to play video games and try to forget his troubles for a short while.
As soon as the long black car pulled into the moderate drive the brown eyed girl inside was bombarded with wide grins and pleasant greetings. "Haru-Chan, you made it! See Takshi I told you she wouldn't be late, not Haru-Chan! Come on! If we hurry, we can have Sukino bring us some tea and cake!" Before she had time to respond the energetic Lolita had disappeared, leaving behind his much more docile other half and house guest to welcome the giggling girl into the house.
"He's excited." Though it was not said there was an implied 'I'm sorry for my cousin's behavior' in Mori's simple words. As always he reminded the brunette how it was not always necessary to communicate using words. Over the years everyone in the club had learned how to read the mostly mute teen's eyes or as they called it 'the Mori code'.
"Don't worry; I wouldn't have him any other way. What's Hani without his sweets?" She shrugged her shoulders as she spoke and flashed a heart warming smile up at her rather tall friend.
"A demon." All three laughed at the ginger's quick wit and recalled the time the little blonde had a cavity and needed to refrain from his favorite fair. Not an experience any of them wished to ever repeat.
A few minutes later all four friends were seated comfortably in a sunny reading room happily sipping tea and watching in awe as Hani downed his third piece of cake. After not too long the orange haired member of the group spoke up and brought their focus to the one topic everyone wanted to discuss. "I know why you're here Haruhi and it's ok. Hani and More know everything, more or less, and we can talk openly. I must say I'm still not sure how happy I am bout everybody knowing what's going on with me and Hika, but I've done nothing other than make a fine mess of everything so how much worse can it get?" His laugh was joyless and empty as Kaoru tried to build a facade of indifference towards his situation.
"Yeah, that was a totally convincing laugh. It doesn't make me concerned about you at all." Sarcasm was something the twins were used to dishing out, not taking. The ginger teen suddenly felt as though he needed to go on the offensive.
"That's right. I don't need anybody worrying about me because I will be fine. I'm just concerned for Hika is all." For the second time in only a few minutes the frazzled boy had used his private nickname for his brother that had only previously been spoken to the boy of which it belonged. A small giggle escaped both the little blond and the brunette while the dark haired boy smirked. "What's so funny all the sudden?"
"Hika? That's so cute Kaoru, please tell me he knows you call him that! Does he have one for you?" Haruhi's words were barely discernible above the sound of her own laughter as the source of her sudden entertainment began to grow red in the face.
"Yes he does and no, not that I've ever heard anyhow." Burring himself in the overly plush cushions of the couch the golden eyed teen grew silent with a mix of embarrassment and confusion. 'I can't believe I used his pet name, damn. Why the hell is she so giddy about though? And why are Hani and Mori, well… kind of Mori, laughing too? It's not that weird that I would call him something like that is it? I don't get it.'
"So does that mean you really DO love Hika-Chan?" Hani's eyes were comically large as he waited in heavy anticipation for a truthful response.
"It doesn't matter what I feel for him. He sees me only as a brother and that's how it should be. He's made it very clear that he simply needs a physical release and I'm sure he can find one with any number of our fan-girls and once he's gotten everything out of his system I can go home and face him again. Simple." His eyes never left his tea cup, but it was easy for the others to tell what those eyes would look like if they were visable behind his amber locks.
"You're wrong." Standing, the tallest member of the group picked up his now teary eyed cousin and left the room without another word.
Finally looking up, the conflicted twin turned to his one remaining friend. "What just happened?"
"Hani is clearly upset that you and Hikaru are fighting and hearing you describe the problem so coldly, and incorrectly I might add, was too much for him." Her words were precise as she reached into her bag and retrieved the moderately sized electronic device she had stashed there the night before. "Here." Handing the laptop over to the ginger boy she smiled. "There are a few things on here you need to read. It might take you a while and you might want some privacy." Gathering her now mostly empty bag the brunette began to leave her friend alone with his task.
A/N: Please R&R. Constructive criticism welcome and encouraged!
* Firefly bitches: Long live capin' tight pants!