DISCLAIMER - see chapter one

For those of you who don't know, I am currently working on three fics. This one, Investigation of Cross Academy (Ghost Hunt/Vampire Knight) and Adapting Part Two (Bleach), and I am aiming to post something for at least one of them every couple of days, but I am now determined to get these done! So there should be updated here quite regularly.

Enjoy this latest chapter, and please drop a review so I know there are people reading, otherwise I may dedicate more time to the other works. Enjoy ;-)

Haruhi couldn't help but notice that the twins seemed somewhat subdued at school, in fact Mai was a little quiet too. She spent a lot of time looking out of the window, while Kaoru glanced across at her worriedly before sharing a concerned look with his brother, who simply nodded his agreement and continued working. Whatever had thrown Mai off was clearly affecting the twins, and it was unusual for her not to notice, unless she knows, but can't do anything about it because she's so concerned about their feelings…

After class the twins walked subdued beside Mai as they headed to the club room, not pulling her along or talking in animated tones as they usually did. Mai walked along deep in thought, her eyes watching her feet as she walked, not even noticing that the twins were staring at her almost constantly. Even if the twins don't ask Tamaki's sure to get involved…

"Mai!" Haruhi called, quickening her pace to catch up to the trio, who stopped and turned, the twins already catching on to her plan. Excusing themselves with the excuse of helping Kyouya the boys continued onward, looking over their shoulders occasionally as they went. "I couldn't help but notice that you seem preoccupied today…In fact the twins noticed too." The boyish girl stated as she went over to one of the tall windows and sat on the ledge, seeing no one to overhear them.

"I guess I have…" Mai replied in defeat as she perched beside Haruhi, not looking miserable, but certainly quite flustered. "I heard from Naru last night, you know…" She began, Haruhi nodding her understanding. When Mai had first moved into the area she had told Haruhi all about Naru; how she felt about them, what they did together, and the way they parted.

"I must admit, I thought you'd gotten over him." Haruhi admitted, having not heard a word about him for weeks. She'd thought Mai had settled down with the twins; Hikaru and Kaoru certainly seemed to think so. Mai looked at her feet guiltily, her predicament clear,

"I thought so too, but now Naru's contacted me I'm beginning to back-track! I'm happy with Kaoru and Hikaru; they're really nice, they helped me so much, but Naru…" Mai trailed off, not wanting to say out loud how much he meant to her. If she said it out loud then that made it real, and making it real meant that she couldn't just carry on as she was with Kaoru and Hikaru, but if I'm so in love with Naru then why do I even want to stay with the twins?

"Are you just grateful to Kaoru and Hikaru for being there? Because they like you, and I mean really like you…It's not fair to string them along if you're just going to leave one day." Haruhi counselled, trying to stay neutral, but it was hard. She had known Mai for a couple months, and they got on really well, but she'd been friends with the twins for over a year; they'd become like brothers to her. She didn't want to see them hurt.

"I know! And I don't want to hurt anyone, but I just can't get my head straight!" Mai cried in frustration, unable to choose between the two. Naru had never shown her an ounce of feeling, and it was unfair of him to suddenly start now after she had left and found two of the kindest, funniest and most considerate men she had ever met. It wasn't even clear that Naru was confessing either. On the other hand, what would she do if Naru did want her? Just drop the twins?

"I don't want to add to your load, but you have to at least tell the twins what you're thinking; they'd want to know." Haruhi insisted, in a tone that told Mai that the boyish girl would have no trouble telling Kaoru and Hikaru if she didn't. Mai nodded reluctantly; she couldn't just string them along. The twins deserved better than that, besides, once they hear about Naru they might drop me anyway; how can I really love them if I'm willing to leave them at the drop of a hat! But then, can I really love Naru if I want to keep the twins?

During service it was obvious that things weren't right, and it wasn't just the hosts who noticed. The twins weren't their usual selves, and their guests were worried and unsatisfied as they left, while Mai was clearly still distracted, though Haruhi did her best to keep things on track with their guests. It was unsurprising that the distractions got to Kyouya; his business relied on the ladies being satisfied.

"Whatever your personal problems, I want them sorted out before you return." The ebony haired boy said in a level manner. He hadn't minded when the twins pretended to fight; their energy had riled the ladies up, and more had joined to watch the spectacle, but now the twins were distant and forlorn. They weren't paying the ladies enough attention, and if the ladies weren't satisfied they were unlikely to return. Luckily we had no new guests today, so everyone is likely to return.

"Don't be so harsh Kyouya; it's an important time for them. Final year is full of exams! It's little wonder they're distracted." Tamaki excused, though the stoic manager wasn't buying it for a minute. Exams caused a different kind of distraction altogether, and it wasn't something the twins had ever suffered with. Still, I can let them off for now; it was only one session.

"Very well, but that excuse will not work tomorrow." Kyouya relented firmly, which satisfied Tamaki as he breezed his way over to Haruhi as she carefully returned the clean china to its rightful place. He was careful not to come up behind her; one of her favourite tea pots had been broken that way, and it had taken him months to track down another. Technically they're the club's tea pots, but Haruhi takes care of them more than anyone else.

"I take it you know what's going on…It seems everyone takes you into their confidence." The blonde said gently as he leaned on the table beside her, knowing that Haruhi had heard his footsteps approaching; she didn't even look up at him as she wiped the delicate tea pot, blue flowers woven all over the white surface.

"So what if I do." Haruhi replied as she scrutinized the gleaming surface to make sure there were no smudges or water stains running down the sides. Tamaki couldn't help admiring her as she worked; her brown eyes focused, her short hair brushing her ears as she leaned forward and her gentle hands carefully turning the pot over in her hands until she gave a satisfied smile and placed the tea pot in the cupboard with the rest of the set.

"Oh, no reason…I'm not one to pry." He added, the boyish girl giving him an unconvinced look as she moved onto the saucers, Tamaki lifting a spare white towel to help her.

"Then it's a good thing that I'm not a gossip." The brunette replied firmly, the blonde knowing he had been cut off there; not that he had expected anything less from his Haruhi. She was an honest and noble person, and he wouldn't have respected her so much if she'd share intimate secrets at the drop of a hat.

"Haruhi!" He whined theatrically, putting on his best puppy eyed look; not that it would get him anywhere, he just wanted to see Haruhi's cute conflicted expression. As if on cue Haruhi's eyes widened slightly, her eye-line tightening a little as she shot him a half glare. He could see her going back and forth, wanting to keep the confidence but at the same time battling with his irresistible childish plea.

"Don't tease me." She said finally, Tamaki relenting with a smile. It figured that she knew he wouldn't really press her. It wouldn't be gentlemanly behaviour,and I am nothing if not a gentleman. "I am worried though…I don't like seeing the twins upset." She added as she looked across the room, where the twins were waiting patiently for Mai as she packed her bag, not even Honey's lively antics cheering them up.

"Do you think it will blow over?" Tamaki asked in concern, unsure how worried he should be since Haruhi couldn't tell him without breaking her confidence. The twins were like brothers to him; everyone in the club were like family, he didn't like to see any of them hurt.

"I hope so; I really do…Mai will tell them tonight…otherwise I will tomorrow." Haruhi stated, Tamaki raising an eyebrow in surprise. He had never known Haruhi to be so assertive, at least, not about something that was obviously very personal. It almost sounded like she had blackmailed Mai, and judging by her slightly guilty expression, Haruhi thought she had too.

"If it's for Kaoru and Hikaru's sakes, then I agree." Tamaki stated plainly, his hand reaching out to grip hers supportively. If he had faith in anything, it was Haruhi's integrity. She wouldn't press Mai unless it was important. Feeling Tamaki's touch Haruhi opened her hand so that he could weave their fingers together, a warm smile gracing her features at the comforting touch. "There's nothing more you can do for today; let's go home." Tamaki said decisively, Haruhi readily agreeing to go with him.

As they headed down towards the main entrance Mai could feel her heart pounding and her stomach fluttering. There was no choice; she had to tell them before they got outside. If they got into the limousine then she'd have to sit there in silence, and there was little point taking them back to hers just to have them storm off, and she didn't know her way home from their house if they had the argument there. It has to be now!

"Kaoru, Hikaru…I need to talk to you." Mai stated plainly as she stopped halfway down the main staircase, the twins pausing to look over their shoulders from where they stood a few steps further down. Their amber eyes glanced at each other before shifting back to the timid figure behind, watching as she bit her lower lip worriedly.

"Here?" Hikaru asked, somewhat surprised by how suddenly Mai had made her decision. It must be bad if it has to be right here and now…Kaoru thought, his instinct matching Hikaru's perfectly.

"In there." Mai replied as she pointed to a classroom door at the bottom of the stairs. It was hard enough telling the twins without risking someone else overhearing. She'd been unpopular for a while because of her closeness to the twins; she didn't want to be hated for hurting them too. The twins led the way, Mai dreading the moment the door would close behind her, and it came far too soon.

As the door closed with a hollow click, Mai turned to the twins, who were looking around the plain classroom in disinterest. It seemed to be a first year classroom; the twins recognised the early grammar and quotations dotted around the room. The redheads leaned on the nearest two desks, leaving Mai to stand in front of them,

"Well? What is it?" Hikaru asked simply,

"You've been acting distant since last night…" Kaoru added mournfully, somehow seeming to know already that it didn't bode well for them. Mai hesitated uncomfortably, unsure how to say it. She didn't want to hurt the twins, but she couldn't just string them along. If she was stringing them along. She couldn't even decide on that.

"I…heard from Naru yesterday." She stated awkwardly, Kaoru's eyes dropping to his legs while Hikaru tossed his head to look out the window with a scoff. I should have known it had something to do with him! He thought, unsurprised that his brother had already guessed. He should have guess himself.

"And?" Kaoru prompted as he raised his eyes to look at the honey haired girl before him, seeing her inner turmoil as she clutched the handle of her bag and twiddled her fingers.

"And…nothing I guess…I mean; he didn't say anything decisive, but…" She trailed off uncomfortably, finding the experience much worse than she had been imagining all day. She'd imagined herself calmly explaining how she felt about them and Naru, and then the twins storming off, but getting to the storming off part was much harder than she had first anticipated.

"But you'd rather be with him than us? Is that it?" Hikaru snapped, his tone biting as Mai shuddered under his almost accusing gaze. As he got to his feet to leave he felt his twin's hand on his arm, gripping it firmly and drawing his eye. Kaoru's amber eyes were calm, but showed the hurt that Hikaru had shown.

"We should let her finish." Kaoru stated, Hikaru scoffing as he sat down once more, pointedly looking out of the window. Feeling her knees shaking Mai cleared her throat, feeling her vocal chords quivering in her throat,

"I…wouldn't say that exactly…Naru hasn't made his feelings clear, and we didn't part on the best terms, but…him reaching out to me like this…it's unusual for him, and I can't deny that part of me still hopes…but then, the other part…" Mai trailed off again, Kaoru gaining a little hope at that, though he knew he shouldn't. It still didn't put them on solid ground. "I've really come to care about you, both of you, and when I think of not being with you…I feel sad, but then there's Naru and I'm just…" She sighed in frustration, unsure where she should go from there.

"I understand…You care about us, but you care about Naru too, and when it comes to choosing between us you're not sure where you stand yet." Kaoru stated, the honey haired girl nodding her agreement as she looked at the floor guiltily. Kaoru gave a small hum as he folded his arms, his brother giving him an incredulous look,

"So what do we do?" Hikaru demanded, the hurt still plain in his voice.

"I think we'll go home for tonight. We need to discuss this." Kaoru stated plainly as he got to his feet, Mai nodding her agreement as she looked at her feet, unable to bring herself to look at them. She wasn't sure what was worse, Hikaru's outward hurt or Kaoru's quiet understanding. Does it matter? I've hurt them both! "Would you like us to drive you home?" Kaoru offered, holding a hand up to silence his older brother before he could even think to object.

"No. I'll walk." Mai replied stiffly, waiting until the twins' footsteps had retreated before allowing herself to crumble to the floor and cry.

"I don't believe this! We've been done over again!" Hikaru snapped as they entered their bedroom, the older twin tossing his bag aside before flinging himself back on the bed to glare up at the ceiling. It was just like the housemaid all over again; she'd abandoned them after they gave her their trust, and now Mai was abandoning them too. It was like having their trust thrown back in their faces.

"Calm down Hikaru; it's not so bad." The younger twin replied as he put his bag on his dresser, and pulled off his blue blazer, hanging it neatly on the door of his wardrobe, feeling Hikaru's eyes boring holes in his back. It was unusual for them to be at odds like this; usually Hikaru knew what his twin was thinking, but not today.

"She's going to leave us! She's going to go back to that dirt-bag who tossed her aside like she was nothing! How is that good?" Hikaru demanded, growing more and more annoyed by his brother's calm acceptance as he elegantly pulled his tie off and looped it over the shoulders of his jacket. It was only when his younger brother turned to face him that Hikaru saw the depths of hurt in his eyes, guilt washing over him at how inconsiderate he had been.

"I didn't say it was good, but she can't help the way she feels…besides, it's not conclusive. She said she was conflicted; that gives us the chance to win her over." Kaoru reasoned as he made his way to the bed and sat beside his subdued brother, who ran a hand through his hair as he sat forward on the edge of the bed.

"I just…I don't want to feel that again…" Hikaru said quietly, Kaoru nodding silently. As children it was only the maid who treated them like children; everyone else saw them as a route to their parents. For years after that maid had betrayed them they had closed themselves off, and it had only been once they met Tamaki that they slowly began to trust again, and it was Haruhi who freed them from their insecurity completely. Now Mai had come and they felt more insecure than ever.

"I know, but it was bound to happen…What are the chances of finding a girl at our age and spending a lifetime together?" Kaoru replied forlornly, Hikaru giving a dissatisfied huff as he turned onto his stomach, Kaoru laying back on the bed and folding his arms beneath his head as he looked up at the white ceiling. "We can't be mad at Mai forever; she has to follow her heart, whether it leads to us or Naru." Kaoru decided, looking across at his brother, who had his face turned away.

"I know…I just…wanted it to be us." Hikaru replied, the sound of his voice telling Kaoru that his twin was crying, Kaoru turning onto his side and tapping Hikaru's shoulder, his own tears blurring his vision.

"Me too Hikaru…me too." Kaoru cried, his hand fisting in his brother's blazer as he leaned his head against the older boy's back, feeling Hikaru pull away as he turned over to embrace him. Kaoru locked his arms around Hikaru as the older twin held him, both feeling strangely content in their misery.