CHAPTER 20

"Rough," is Hikaru's verdict as he plunks down beside Kaoru. "I'm not gonna take sides, okay?"

"Yeah."

The patio is small but private, a mini sanctuary for them to get out of the shop for some fresh air and rest when they're worn out.

"Sorry. I should be helping you with your situation. How're you feeling?"

Kaoru knows people in relationships don't intimidate his twin – he doesn't deign to let them two-time him, no, he steals other people's partners without compunction instead.

"Dunno."

"What d'you mean, dunno?!"

"Just that she seems to really like him. Thinks highly of him. If I'd been in her place, I wouldn't have dared to say anything to Kyouya-san."

"You've got to be kidding me. Seriously? Are you seriously saying that you, Hitachiin Hikaru, are choosing the noble course of action?"

"I can be noble!" Hikaru retorts.

Kaoru chortles heartily.

"You're such an abusive brother sometimes!"

"There, there." Kaoru pats him lovingly. "You know I love you, Hikaru."

Hikaru exhales heavily and tucks his head into the comfortable nook where Kaoru's shoulder joins his neck.

"I really don't mind if it's me and you for the rest of our lives," one twin says.

"I don't mind either," the other confirms.

.

.

They always enjoy a good gossiping session with Honey-san.

"Ehhh?" the habitué exclaims. "I didn't know Haru-chan preferred that sort of men!"

Kaoru sips his tea slowly, prolonging the time he gets to spend with the only customer with whom staff members are permitted to sit at the table with. "She isn't immune to the charms of lady-killers, I guess. It's kinda… oddly disappointing."

"Poor Hika-chan," Honey-san smiles sadly at him.

"Naah," Hikaru dismisses it sheepishly. "If he's as flaky as Kaoru says, I can bide my time."

"He is hot, though."

Honey-san's grin widens as Hikaru scoffs, "What the hell, Kaoru."

"Careful not to let Kyou-chan overhear that, Kao-chan."

"Come on, as if Kyouya-san cares. To be fair, that Tamaki-san really is gorgeous. On top of all the Frenchness and flirtiness, that is."

"I can't believe hot, French and flirty is Haruhi's type," Hikaru grouses. "They aren't all they're cracked up to be."

"Oooh, speaking from experience?"

"Duh."

"Which one? Valérie?"

"No."

"Eva?"

"No."

"Samantha? She was super provocative."

"No," Hikaru says, making a face. "I think she's way past provocative into promiscuous. She's had twice as many partners as me!"

"What other French person have you dated?!"

Oh.

"Oh my god." Kaoru's jaw drops. "Was Annette flirty? You said she was really pure-hearted!"

Hikaru gets that disdainful look whenever anyone mentions her. "I take it all back."

"Does this mean that Hika-chan isn't going back to France ever again?" Enormous light brown eyes conspire to extort Hikaru's acquiescence.

"For competitions, yeah. To stay, probably not. Why do you ask, Honey-san?"

Honey-san nibbles on the cake fork glumly. "Kao-chan and Hika-chan know that Takashi is going to judge the competition Haru-chan is in, right? After that, Takashi is getting married and setting up his own restaurant with his wife. I need another personal chef to travel with me."

"Y-You want us?"

Honey-san nods eagerly. "Nobody makes cakes like Hika-chan and Kao-chan."

"Uh, wow," Kaoru says, stunned and gratified.

"I know that Kao-chan and Hika-chan are tired of travelling so much. It'll just be for one to two years and then the three of us will stay in America! I'll sponsor Kao-chan and Hika-chan to open their own pâtisserie in New York or Los Angeles or anywhere you want."

"Really?" Hikaru leans forward, luminous with joy. "Really, you will?"

"Mm-hmm!"

"Uhh… Erm. What do you want, Kaoru?"

Kaoru strokes his brother's cheek. "Say yes. You know I'll go with you."

Don't be like that, Hikaru glowers at him. Aloud, "Honey-san, how long do we have to decide?"

"Until the competition ends."

"Yeah, 'kay. Thanks for offering, Honey-san."

"Hee. I thought maybe Hika-chan and Kao-chan would like a change of environment," he says diplomatically.

"I would," Hikaru confirms. "Kaoru's still pining, though."

"How do you go from ideal brother to complete asshole in less than one second flat?"

"Natural talent."

Kaoru guffaws involuntarily. "Fine. Let's go to other countries to find fresh prey, then. Better than watching Haruhi romance some handsome airhead."

"I'd appreciate it if you'd stop harping on his looks, Kaoru."

"I never said he's better-looking than you! He isn't!" Kaoru argues. "Just that it's his strongest selling point!"

"That's plenty to start with! Haruhi's so intelligent that she can afford to have kids with a hunky dimwit," Hikaru says acerbically.

Honey-san and Kaoru choke on a chocolate Cointreau and strawberry pavlova respectively.

"Besides, some guys are hot enough to date," Hikaru comments. "For example, I would totally date me."

Honey-san descends into a fit of giggles.

Kaoru gasps theatrically. "But we're identical! Does this mean you'd date me?"

He flutters his eyelashes alluringly.

The surrounding customers, particularly the schoolgirls, cannot help but ogle and twitter away coyly. At first Kaoru had been vaguely disconcerted at the predatory aura he sensed from the women; now he's accustomed to their zealous interest in his and his brother's admittedly deviant relationship. If they maintain their hands-off approach, there's no problem.

"Kaoru," Hikaru breathes sensually, scandalously sliding his hand up his twin's thigh. "I want to do more than just date you."

"Hikaru, not here!" Bashfully, Kaoru averts his face.

Over in the corner, a nosebleed starts up. Whether the result of her hot chocolate or the steamy scene, Kaoru is unsure.

Consummate entertainers both, the twins leave their audience wanting as they return to work.

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15/04/2012