*Disclaimer I do not own Ouran High School Host Club
Lifetime Continues
Chapter 25 What are friends for?
Haruhi's POV
Several hours later …late at night.
Huddled in the darkness, a sudden crash causes my tearful eyes to squeeze tight. A panicked scream rips from my lungs. With my trembling hands pressed desperately against my ears I hysterically wait for the next oncoming crash. The closet door abruptly flies open causing light to spill from behind a dark figure.
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A hand swiftly is tossed out next to me, followed by another, before I know it I'm lifted into someone's strong arms, and pulled from the closet. A sudden roll of thunder violently explodes above our heads causing me to muffle a terrifying scream against a warm chest. With my eyes squeezed tight I begin to feel us pick up speed. My hands clench tightly around his neck as I feel us dangerously making sharp turns, flying down countless steps. A familiar breathless voice tries to comfort me.
"Shhh, Haru, I've got you. It's only a little further then it should be all over."
End of Haruhi's POV
With Haru shaking in my arms I quickly reach out and swing the thick insulated wooden door shut. Walking over to the back of the small room, gently laying the panicked girl on one of the wooden slated benches. "Here you go Haru, the storm should be muffled in here." Feeling the chilled air brush against my arms I notice the terrified girl is wearing little more than a pair of yellow silky pajamas. Worried for the girl I quickly reach out for one of the white terry cloth robes hanging up, before draping over her shoulders. "Haru, you're safe now you can open your eyes," speaking in a kind reassuring voice.
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She pulls her arms through the fluffy oversized robe, allowing it to bunch up at her arms. Lifting her bare feet, bringing her legs in front of her, wrapping her arms around them. "Ah thanks, I didn't want to bother anyone with this ridiculous fear of mine, I guess I kind of failed." Haru softly speaks with a sniffle, lifting her hand to her obscured face.
Lacing my arms through the sleeves of my own terry cloth robe, pulling the tie tight. Out of haste to get to the horrified brunet beauty I had forgotten to grab my robe or for that matter a shirt before leaving my room. I was just lucky I decided to wear a pair of sweats to bed tonight otherwise I would have raced to get the girl in my normal sleeping attire, a pair of boxers. "Hey, it's not ridiculous I could tell you were terrified." Softly speaking, politely keeping my distance, but taking a seat on the same bench as her.
"So uh, where are we?" Her wide chocolate eyes glance around the room.
Nervously rubbing the back of my neck, "Oh sorry, yeah, I probably should have told you, we are in the house's sauna, and obviously it's not on at the moment." Giving a little chuckle, gesturing a hand to the terrycloth robes. "Otherwise we wouldn't need these… I figured since it's in the bottom floor and heavily insulated it would be ideal for blocking the storm."
Resting her cheek on her closely held knee, her large chocolate eyes lift to mine. "Uh, how did you know about my …..Um fear?" She quietly questions to me.
"Ah, well not getting into too much detail," once more rubbing my neck nervously as my golden eyes avoid hers. "Hika, sort of told me about your night at the gazebo. In fact I figured he was with you, but when you screamed I quickly realized that wasn't the case…and thought you might need my help." Resting my hands in my lap, shrugging my shoulders.
Enough with the suspense and mystery its Kaoru's POV ;)
Her face melts into concern after hearing about my twin. "He wasn't with you?"
Sadly shaking my head. "Ah no, I'm afraid not, no one has seen him since dinner. I was hoping he was still with you." I was actually happy to hear the rain splat against the window, knowing Hika would have raced to her side no matter what mood he was in at the time. It was Mother Nature's perfect moment for the two of them to smooth things out. I was really surprised not to see my twin with the girl since he is so protective over people he cares about…which means he's really trying to get over her.
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She shakes her head. "No, he left me at my door." She nervously bites the edge of her pink lip before speaking with a remorseful tone. "Uh, by the way Kaoru, about the other night ….I'm so-"
I quickly interrupt her words, throwing out a hand to her. "Stop right there, you don't need to apologize you were right." Letting out a heavy sigh, "I should have said something to you. Hika was just hoping you would remember us, that's all." My head dropped down to look at my bare feet, crossed at my ankles.
"I guess it was a stupid plan that did nothing, but hurt your feelings. I'm really sorry for that. If you could only remember who we really are to you, it would be clear how miserable we feel for hurting you." Honestly speaking pained words, continuing to look down at my uncovered feet, avoiding the brunette's eyes.
"You know, the estate hasn't changed much since that awful night …the night you and Hikaru brought me up to your fort," Letting out a humorless chuckle. "I bet it still has the same crayons." Her soft voice comes out in a teasing tone.
My miserable voice comes out, with a humorless chuckle of my own. "Well, we are older, we moved up to color pencils and markers now." My voice grows slightly irritated, lifting my eyes to the ceiling. Knowing he's probably at the very top of the house, with his damn crimson monstrosities wrapped around his head, unaware of the thunderstorm. "Hell, Hika is probably up there hiding from everything right now."
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Suddenly her words struck me as my head snaps up in astonishment. "Wait, you remembered being here…..Oh, Haru your beginning to remember?"
She nods her head as her wide chocolate eyes begin to glisten with over flowing emotion. "Yes, only glimpses here and there, but with help from your mother I'm beginning to finally start piecing together my past." Reaching up with her thumb to wipe away her tears sliding down her cheeks. "I figured Renge clued you into my memory lapse problem. I feel absolutely terrible for what I've done, I see now you were just trying to help me remember the two of you…. and I treated you so cruelly."
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A wide smile beamed between my own happy tears, throwing my arms around her. "No, I'm just over the moon to hear your beginning to remember." Letting out a relieved breath as tears silently flow off my raised cheeks. The three of us were finally making our way out of this hazy nightmare of our past.
"So, I really was here….. just before? She softly speaks between sniffles as I share a hug with my old childhood playmate.
Removing one hand from the hug, wiping away the evidence of my overjoyed moment. Pulling away from the hug and sadly nodding my head. "Yeah, we tried our best, but we were really young and given the circumstances, well, I'm afraid we weren't much help. Some of that night is still a bit fuzzy for me."
She timidly rests a comforting hand on mine. "No Kao, don't count yourself short, you and Hika were just what a scared little girl needed." She lets out a playful chuckle with a soft teasing voice. "Are you telling me you forgot about my first and second kiss?"
"Kiss?" My wide golden eyes blink up at her.
"Yes, it was really quite sweet." She reaches beneath the white robe, carefully pulling out several sheets of yellowing folded paper. Treating the paper as if it belongs in an elaborate gilded frame, hung in a museum, gently holding the papers out for me to take. "Here, these might clear things up. They did for me, when your mom showed them to me."
My eyes bounced back in forth to Haru's eyes and the folded papers she carefully held out as I cautiously slip my fingers around them. My fingers slowly fumble with the paper when my golden eyes grow from the sweet nearly forgotten sight. "What the- …..its Hika's purple headed nanny eating monster." My voice cracks as I quickly open the next picture. Drawing in a quick breath, roughly rubbing the side of my temple, as I'm struck with a temporary loss of words. "…and the bee."
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Her emotional voice comes through her soft tone. "Yeah, that's my favorite, I especially like how you signed it." Points a finger to a small red crayon filled heart, "that's what caused me to remember my first and second kiss."
A small sad smile curled at her lips. "You two just wanted to comfort a hurting friend. You both gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek to make me feel better…..and it did." Her voice begins to crack as she takes my hand with hers. "You were my friends and I knew as long as you were with me it wouldn't be perfect by any means without my mom, but after time it would…be okay."
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Her head fell to our laced hands. "But then it wasn't, because after she left me." A clear drop fell on the top of my hand. "I left the two of you…..and forgot everything." Her broken whispered words fell from her lips. "I'm so sorry Kaoru. If I could have just remembered, I could have stopped so much pain."
Slipping one hand away to wrap around the girl, pulling her closer to me. "Shhh, Haru you're not the only one who forgot for a time," My heart felt heavy with my whispered words. "I could only remember you in my dreams." Letting out a humorless chuckle. "You should have seen me I was constantly drawing pictures of our 'Ghost Girl', trying to remember what you looked like."
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Resting her head against mine, softly speaking with another sad sniffle. "Yeah your mother said you use to drive Hikaru crazy with them. She said I should ask you why."
Her pained voice came out in a pained whisper. "Did Hikaru, forget too?"
Taken back by her question, inwardly cursing my mother for placing me in the awkward situation. Pulling my head back to look Haru in those innocent eyes, nervously stumbling over my words. "Uh, well, I really shouldn't, you should uh, really ask Hika yourself."
"Kaoru, please." Her wide chocolate eyes staring up at me melted any kind of resistance I once held.
It serves him right, he should be here. He just can't hide from her, no matter how much it hurts. "Well for the longest time that's what I thought as well, that we both were forgetting and Hika was just being his normal stubborn self…but I was so wrong. You see, I called you 'Ghost girl' because I could only vaguely remember what you looked like."
Letting out a heavy sigh. "However, I only learned this recently, that you were Hika's 'Ghost girl' for an entirely different reason. Hika remembers everything," Nervously biting my lip before telling the girl the truth about my twin. "…in fact you were sort of haunting him."
Giving me a confused look. "Haunting him? That doesn't make any sense."
"I only meant he couldn't forget you."
"Oh, I see, he wanted to forget me." Her voice came out in a depressed almost whisper.
Seeing I was fumbling my explanation I quickly grab her by the shoulders, looking her straight in the eye. "No Haru, you don't get it." Shaking my head, softening my voice. "When Hika remembered you …it really hurt him ….a lot." My hands slid away from her arms, speaking with heartbreak, head fallen as I thought back through all the painful years he kept it hidden….the years I constantly pushed him to remember her. "You were quite literally haunting him." Broken whispered words fell from my lips.
Quickly lifting a shaky hand to cover her mouth. "Poor Hikaru, I've caused him so much pain." I've caused both of you so much pain…Kaoru what about?"
"I'm afraid I've said too much already." If you want to know more you really should try and talk to my twin." My golden eyes lifted giving her an encouraging look.
Letting out a frustrated huff, flinging out her arm. "Yeah, I tried, but he just took off."
"Yeah, I'm sure he did, he's upset right now." Giving her a small smile lacing my fingers with hers.
"I wish I could help him." Her concerned words fall from her lips.
"Yeah, me too." Nodding my head towards the girl.
After all, I think this time, you're the only one who can help him.
A little later ….
"Hey thanks Kao." She lifts up on her toes, reaching up to give me a friendly hug.
"Ah, what are friends for? I'm just glad your memory is coming back." Pulling away, anxiously biting the side of my bottom lip, "Ah Haru, there is something you can do for me."
"Oh, what's that?"
Peering down with sad pleading eyes, with almost desperate words falling from my lips. "Haru, please don't leave us again."
Giving off an uncertain look while she somewhat hesitates. "Ah, Kao, with everything happening, I'm not sure I can promise that."
"Yeah, I know about the 'french poodle' and his contract, you don't have to say anything." Dropping my head, speaking in a defeated tone.
"You know about that?" Asking in a surprised tone.
Tilting her head to catch my eyes, giving me a small reassuring smile. "So you know why I can't promise that, even though I really wish I could. However, I can promise I'll always be your friend…. Okay?" Anxiously Biting her lip.
"It's not the same thing, but I guess it's what I can get." Returning her smile, shrugging my shoulders.
"Hey Kao, maybe this will make up for it? I need you to take these back for me." Gently taking my hand and carefully placing the folded papers into my hand.
"Our old cards, I don't understand?"
Haru comes closer, turns her head to cautiously glance around her, before whispering out her words. "These come from a book on your mother's desk. If you hurry and take these back, you'll see something you haven't been allowed to see. Just make sure to put them back, before anyone wakes up. Okay?"
My golden eyes stare down at the folded pieces of paper, slowly nodding my head. "Uh yeah, okay, I guess I can do that."
"Goodnight Kao." She quickly reaches up to give me a sweet kiss on the cheek. "And thanks again." Giving me a smile, before slipping into her room, closing the door.
A little taken back from her friendly kiss, my free hand touches my cheek, mindlessly replying to an already closed door. "Not a problem. What are friend's for?" After I realize I'm speaking to a closed door I quickly shake my stunned head as my curious eyes catch sight of the folded paper held between my fingers. She said "If I take these back, I'll see something I haven't been allowed to see." A mischievous smile molds to my lips as I begin to stroll to my mother's studio.
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A Little later …
Cautiously peek my head in the wide doorway, pulling the papers behind my back. "Ah, hello mom, what are you doing up so early?"
My mother dressed in a yellow robe and her ginger hair messily tied up on top of her head, sitting at her desk, her one leg curled in front of her .Lifts her glass full of spiked cranberry juice, jingling the floating Ice chunks towards me. "I'm starting my day with a little liquid courage." Her golden eyes carefully travel over my body, speaking in a suspicious voice. "I should be asking you the same thing. Kaoru?"
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"Rolling my eyes, before entering her studio, letting out a heavy sigh. "Yes mom, it's me, you guessed right, this time. I tried going to bed last night, but it just never worked out for me."
Lifting her glass away from her lips, "See with Hikaru acting all moody recently it's easier to tell you two apart….speaking of, have you been looking for him this entire night?"
"Ah no, if I looked for him I'm sure I could find him, at the moment I'm pretty sure he wants to be left alone …..I was helping Haruhi with her fear of thunder." Leaning on my mother's desk with the papers in my hand, realizing I quickly straighten myself up and hide the papers behind my back once more. Inwardly cursing myself for making such a rookie mistake, under my mother's ever watchful eye.
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Her golden eyes intently stare into a book as her hand mindlessly rocks her glass back in forth. "Oh that poor girl, It really infuriates me how much pain the so called adults caused the three of you." Lifting the short glass to her lips, taking a good sized drink, before setting it back down. "If we just left well enough alone." My mother grumbles to herself as she intently studies the book in front of her.
I could tell yesterday's trips down memory lane had mentally taken a toll on her and she wasn't quite ready for another one. When Haruhi's mother passed it was especially hard on my mother, she would stay in her room for days at a time, with my father at her side. Only occasionally letting my grandmother in. I remember sitting at her door as a five year old boy, hearing his mother's heartbreaking sobs for hours at time, until finally falling asleep while I patiently waited to be let in.
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My mother's curious voice brings me back from darker times, giving my head a small shake. "Uh, pardon what did you say?"
The woman raised an eyebrow over her curious eyes, lifting the hand, motioning to my back. "I asked you what you're holding behind your back."
Damn it, Kaoru why didn't I just leave when I had the chance? "Ah, my hand?" Giving her a confused face.
"Kaoru." Giving me a no-nonsense look, reaching out her open palm towards me.
Giving her a sheepish look, I carefully place the papers in my mother's outreached hand. "Okay, okay just don't get mad, but Haru asked me to take these back."
A mischievous smile slowly curled at her lips. "Mad, why would I be mad? The clever girl figured out what I wanted to be done. Albeit, I wasn't supposed to be here, but that's my own fault for being here." Motioning to the book in front of her, lifting her glass to her lips for a moment. "Here it is, I was just looking through it myself." She quickly snapped the book closed, sliding it across her desk, and closer to me. "Do not let anyone see you with it." Giving me another one of her no-nonsense looks.
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Evidently my mother's early morning drinking had something to do with said book and I wasn't exactly sure I wanted to deal with the obvious drama that went with it. Especially with zero sleep from the night before and the "Beast" just hanging around. "What is it?" Glancing down with apprehension as my curious fingers walk across its cover.
Seeing my reaction my mother's lips curl deviously, almost daring me to open it. "Take a look for yourself, but I must warn you it will bring back some bittersweet memories. However once people start to roam within the house I must take it back." The large ice chunks clink together in her glass as she takes another sip.
Being a Hitachiin the curiosity is practically tormenting every cell in my body to open the book….And my evil mother knew it. Another second didn't pass as my walking fingers fling open the book causing my breath to freeze into my lungs. My stunned golden eyes softened to almost to the point of tears as my shaky fingers turn the pages of the book. "Damn, it's all here, every playdate we ever shared with Haru." My voice almost comes out broken and just above a whisper.
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I feel my mother come up behind me, gently placing a comforting arm around me. "There it is." My finger pauses at a large 8x10 color picture of three toddlers sitting on a massive play mat with various colored roads printed on it.
"What dear?" My mother leans in closer to get a better look.
Pointing to the precious little blue car that was not in my brother's hand, but a tiny pigtailed girl laying on her stomach between to rather familiar boys, grinning from ear to ear. "There's Hika's favorite toy car. Ah, when was this taken?" My head twists to the side to see my mother.
My memory was hazy. Judging by how old the toddlers are in the picture I could roughly surmise the age of the photo, but I wanted to hear it from my mother. It just felt right after, so many years of not knowing.
"Humm, that was taken just hours after the three of you met. You and Baby Blu were so adorable." My mother speaks with excitement as she reaches over to pinch my cheek .I just playfully roll my eyes at her and let her continue with her story.
"At first you two were so jealous of me even getting close to the girl. …..But all of the sudden Hikaru came over and slapped that little blue car in her hand, just before sprinting off to play with the other cars." Her head leaned affectionately against mine.
"Sounds like Hika." Letting off a chuckle, leaning my head over hers.
She tenderly reached up and patted my cheek with her fingers. "Of course my 'Lil Pumpkin' followed him and you both played with your cars, not paying any attention to the girl what so ever. "
Letting out a chuckle. "That is until she came over to play with the car Hikaru left in her hand. After that all three of you became pretty much inseparable."
Pointing a slender finger to the photo. "And that blue car never left your brother's side. I actually used it a couple of times to tell you two apart when you were trying to be each other. …. But I think your sneaky twin stopped carrying it when he figured out I could tell you two apart. I wonder if he still has it."
Letting out a heavy sigh, giving my head a shake. "No, that isn't why he stopped carrying it, although it does solve a mystery for me as to why you suddenly lost the ability to tell us apart. The reason he stopped carrying it was because he doesn't have it any more ….in fact he hasn't had it for at least 12 years now."
"You mean-"My mother trailed off with an astonished voice.
Nodding my head to my mother. "Yeah, I'm afraid so, I was there the day Hika gave it to her." My voice softened to almost a whisper with the mere thought. "It was our last morning with her. She was supposed to give it back to him when she came back, but we all know what happened after that." I couldn't help but feel the recurring pain burn in my chest, just by thinking about that bitter sweet day…..my mother was unfortunately right about the book.
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"Oh I see, well she probably forgot about it years ago and lost it somewhere." My mother's voice turned depressed from merely speaking about the day.
"No, that's where you would be wrong." Letting out a humorless chuckle slip from my lips. "It's the one thing she remembered over the years. She doesn't remember who gave it to her, but I've seen it, Renge showed it to me. She treats the damn thing like it some priceless treasure." My hand quickly lifts to wipe away an escaping tear from my cheek, obscured from my mother's eyes.
"You're kidding, after all this time? That's amazing. Does your brother know?" My mother speaks out in an astonished tone.
Attempting to discreetly regain my composure as I clear my throat. "Actually, I think he forgot about giving it to her, he hasn't really said anything to me about it. Although when it comes to our 'Ghost girl' and my twin he tends to hold things back, even from me."
Lifting her hand, gently ruffling her fingers into my ginger bangs. "Well, hopefully one day Hikaru will get his little blue car back."
"Yeah, who knows?" My worried golden eyes lift to the ceiling or rather the person fighting his own heart at the top of the house. Wondering if the return of the small car I once craved for, is something that maybe should never happened for my twin.
End of Kaoru's POV
Yuzuha's POV
Several hours later …..
A blindfolded brunette dressed in overalls blindly spins within a wide circle of various colorful cans of paint, suddenly stopping in front of one. Lifting her blindfold from her face, giving herself a minute for her eyes to adjust before calling out the cans color. "Okay, how about purple and …Green?" Haru makes a funny distasteful face towards me.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her expression while sitting in the grass next to the wide paint circle. "Okay, that might work."
The girl's beaming smile was identical to the one I lost years ago. It caused a sharp pain in my chest. I knew deciding to take a break from the scrapbooks and photo albums would possibly be even more difficult for me emotionally. However it seemed to do wonders for the girl, and that made the pain worth it.
"My mother really liked this?" Haru asks with disbelief as she too catches the infectious laughter.
Taking a minute I attempt to control my giggles. "Well, not at first," Shaking my head motioning to the house. "At first she just wanted to paint it the same color as the house, but later it became one of our most treasured memories."
"Yeah, but purple and green, even I think that's a bit ugly for a treehouse." The brunette laughs out while motioning to the old wooden structure high over our heads.
"Humm, I see what you mean, maybe you should try again." Answering the teen in an unsure tone.
"Okay, here goes nothing." She pulls the blindfold over her eyes and spins around, stopping at one can. "What color did I pick ?"
Leaning over to see the can I begin to laugh. "Ah, red?"
"Really?" Pulling down her blindfold to look for herself.
"Well, it's not completely horrible." Lifting my hand in attempt to cover my laughter. "I don't get it, all of our colors were picked the first time around."
"I guess you were just lucky." Shrugging her shoulders.
I lifted my eyes to the old elaborate treehouse perched a several feet away from the newer one I had built for the twins. My trained eyes carefully traveled over the old chosen color scheme until I realized it was every single one of my favorite colors. "Damn, and I'm supposedly the sneaky one." Speaking to myself. "Well that, or your mother cheated all those years ago to make me happy."
"From what I've been hearing lately, it's highly possible." Haru speaks bluntly
"Yeah, I would have to agree, she was just like that. Uh, maybe we should try again?" Not really knowing what to do next, I shrug my shoulders.
"If it's all the same to you, I would like to keep the same color scheme. I think she would have wanted it that way." Pulling the tangerine blindfold to hold back her braided hair .Haru steps out of the paint can circle, flopping down next to me in the grass.
My heart burned with another sharp pain. "Ah yes, it will make a fine testament to cheaters everywhere." Ignoring my chest I playfully fling out an arm to the old treehouse.
She laughed at my exaggeration. "I was thinking more along the lines of a testament to a close friendship."
Without even thinking my arms wrapped around the brunette. "I think she would have loved that …I know I do." Giving the girl a wide smile as I hold back my emotions.
"Well, now what?" The girl bluntly asks in my arms.
Realizing I once again had the girl in my arms. I abruptly pull my arms away. "Oh, I'm sorry your gesture was just so very touching."
"It's okay I'm glad you liked my suggestion, as for the hugging, I have a feeling it runs in the family." Her cheeks blushed a bit.
My eyes sparkled with curiosity, as I playfully nudge the girl with my elbow. "Oh, anyone I might know?"
"Ah no, it's nothing, I didn't mean-"Trailing off in a panic.
I just raised a knowing eyebrow to her.
She cleared her throat. "When I asked what was next, I meant what was next with the painting project." She attempts to change the subject as she motions to the treehouse. Her reluctance to indulge me causes my curiosity to quickly increase. After all I am a Hitachiin. However, I had other things that needed to be discussed. So the rather enticing subject would have to be explored at a later date.
"Well, as far as the painting, we have professional painters…But I do have some business I need to discuss with you ." Grabbing her hand, patting it with the other.
"Business, what kind of business?" She blinked up at me with a confused look.
"Well, actually mine." Straightening my shoulders, giving a wink to the girl.
"Yours? I'm not sure I understand?" Giving me a confused look.
"Do you remember what your mother sacrificed for my business?" My heart twisted with the thought.
"Yeah, I guess so, what's this about?" She leaned back on her hands in the grass, shrugging her shoulders.
"Well, what you don't know, is the reason I even started dabbling with fashion in the first place. It was because of your mother." A somber emotion washes over me with the faded memories I was stirring up with the conversation.
"My mother?"
"Technically, it was because of your ridiculously strict grandfather." Anger bubbled deep inside of me for the miserable heartless man that passed long ago.
"I'm not following."
Reaching over I began to readjust the tangerine scarf in the brunette's hair as I explain. "Well you see early in our friendship I learned quickly Kotoko only had three colors to choose from, black, navy and white, that's it." I held out my hand to tick off the colors with my fingers to demonstrate my point.
"Well it does seem a bit harsh, but it's somewhat livable, if it wasn't for the Ouran uniform some students there would only wear black." The brunette teen added.
"Yes, everybody has their dark period of clothing choice at one time or another. It's usually in your rebellious stage, but this was all her childhood and beyond. It's entirely different. As your mother's close friend I could see how much it actually bothered her. She played it off like it didn't matter, but I could tell." My head fell, turning to look at the bright green grass that tickled my palm. In an attempt to regain my slipping composure. I needed to get through this for the girl.
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"So I went to work coming up with designs that met both her father's strict rules and your mother's sense of style." Quickly wiping an obscured tear away and shrugging my shoulders like it was no big deal. "….and well the rest is history."
"Wow, Hitachiin-sama, that was very sweet of you, I never knew that. Uh, it's a nice story about you and my mother, but I don't see what this has to do with me?" Looking up a bit confused.
"I'm getting to that in a moment." Letting out a long breath I begin to explain as I hold my pained emotions deep inside. "You see…..After your mother um…. passed….let's just say I wanted to be more to you …I wanted to be there for you when I wasn't allowed to be." I began to hold back my tears and sniffle a bit, before I felt another pair of fingers holding my own, causing my head to snap up at the girl in surprise.
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The brunette teen sweetly gives me a reassuring smile. "It's okay Hitachiin-sama you don't have to continue I have a pretty good idea of how you felt." Haruhi speaks in a calm, soft tone.
Throwing up a polite waving hand to the girl. "No it's alright, I want to finish this." After taking a moment to regain my composure, I continue with my explanation. "Anyway, I always hoped some day we would meet again. Now keep in mind I had no idea about the deal with my mother and the top five …..None of it…But back then, I did manage to put 10% of my company in your name." Giving her a wide smile.
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Her face looked up at me with wide chocolate stunned eyes. "What?" Shaking her head, hands towards me. "You shouldn't do that, it's yours, and later I'm guessing the twins …..It should go to your family."
Letting out a relieved breath, leaning back on my hands, "Why not, it's my company. I can do with it as I see fit." Shrugging my shoulders.
"Yeah, but it's part of your business, It's a bit much, don't you think?"
I quickly take her hand into mine, giving her an assuring smile. "Listen I was going to do this for your mother anyway. I just ran out of time." Taking a deep breath, fighting my moistened eyes once more.
"Your mother walked away from her entire world to protect my business, without so much as a word to defend herself. She didn't have to do that….But more importantly she has always been like a sister to me, and another daughter to my mother. I can't speak for the twins, you need to ask them how they really feel…. but I have always considered you and your mother and heck even Ranka to be members of this family."
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With her head fallen her words almost came out just above a whisper. "You really shouldn't do this."
Taking a finger to gently lift her chin, seeing a small tear trail down her cheek. Lifting my other hand, wiping the tiny tear drop away from her face, as a comforting smile brightens my face. "Tsk, Tsk, I already did it years ago, there's nothing more to argue about, it's done. Anyway, every year a certain percentage of profit is entered into a trust and I don't mind bragging, but it's worked out to a tighty sum."
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Pulling her face away, taking my hand with hers. "Hitachiin-sama, other than thank you, I really don't know what to say…..I'm sure I can put it to good use paying for some of my future schooling."
"Ah, I don't think you quite understand what I'm talking about. Your entire education won't even put a dent into it. Besides, you're legally a Hitachiin and technically my little sister so our mother will continue to cover all of your expenses, well into your college years. Not to mention I'm pretty sure your Mother's inheritance is pretty substantial. Didn't your uncle explain all this to you?"
"Wait, the Hitachiin family has been covering my expenses?" Haruhi looks up stunned.
"Well the Hitachiin's and your uncle, your father knew all this. Ouran's tuition, the dorm room and all the after school classes? None of it was explained to you?"
"Uh no, this is pretty much the first I've heard about it. Of course to be fair most of my questions revolved around my own impending contract. They did say I could come and see them at any time when I had questions. "
"Of course those two left it for me to explain." Rolling my eyes, speaking somewhat to myself.
"Wait, The clothes ….the clothes came from you." The girl quickly looked down, snapped her head up, pointing a finger at me.
"Well my mother, but yes the designs came from my company. Of course a little bird told me you were given Hikaru's lifetime dress." My mischievous lips curled.
"Ah, I'm not sure what you're talking about? I did however recently receive a gorgeous blue dress from both of the twins. Is that what you're speaking of?"
"Ah yes, I believe so. You see in my chosen field a designer must come up with refreshing, and cutting edge designs continuously, it can be quite exhausting. However, there's this one time, possible two where a designer feels something incredibly special, it's almost like your being guided through the project by a higher power. The end project is what we in the business call a 'lifetime' dress."
"And you're saying I was given one of these lifetime dresses, for a dance?" Giving me an incredulous look.
Shrugging my shoulders. "Well, it's hard to say, as Hikaru is so young in his talented career, but I believe it was. He must have experienced something very powerful just before designing it…and if I'm guessing right, it had something to do with you." Pointing my finger at the stunned girl. I wanted to make it perfectly clear what a precious gift my grumbling son happened to give to her.
"Wait a minute, you're telling me Hikaru designed that dress and it's one of these lifetime designs?"
"Yes, I believe it is."
"He never said anything to me. I only learned about your family's extensive endeavors in the fashion industry recently. I thought they merely purchased the dress, like most of the people do in this crazy world." Her head lifts to the clouds.
The girl whispers to herself while deep in thought. "I really don't know what to say."
"I think you should ask Hikaru about it, next time you see him." My lips once more curled in a devious smile. "Listen, I already told you, I can't speak for the twins, but when it comes to me and 'our' mother, you and your family have always been a member of this family ….and as such, do you think my little sister could 'possibly' call me Yuzuha from now on?" Giving her a playful nudge with my elbow.
The brunette stops for a moment in deep consideration, before slowly nodding her head. "Yeah, I think I can do that."
"Good, because I hate being formal, as you will soon learn much of the Hitachiin family feels the same way." Giving out a small happy chuckle.
"What does the family feel mother?" My sneaky son just pops up behind us.
Startled, my head snaps up to see the family's smile ever present on his face, while escorting a smiling blond next to him. Knowing Hikaru's current mood I quickly surmise I'm speaking with my youngest. "Oh hello Kaoru, who's your friend?" Curiosity sparkled in my eyes towards my son.
But before my youngest could roll his eyes at his mother's obvious reaction Haruhi speaks out. "Ren, what are you doing here?"
"Mother, this is Houshakuji, Renge, she's Haru's roommate." My son turns to the brunette, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "Haru, I hope you don't mind, but I invited Renge, I figured you two could-"
Haru cuts off my anxious son, waving a hand to him. "No, you're right, we have so much to talk about. She stands up and gives my son a small respectful bow. "Thank you, Kao."
"It was nothing, what are friends for?" Giving the girl a wide smile, while waving to her.
My eyes slowly travel over the blonde. "Roommate? Humm, well, welcome…..you must stay for dinner."
The blonde gives me a small bow. "Ah, thank you Hitachiin-sama."
"Good, very good….. Well you two go off, Kaoru and I can supervise the painters. I'm sure you have all kinds of things to talk about."
"Are you sure?" Haruhi questions.
"Yes, now shoo to the both of you." Flinging both my hands out dismissively.
"Okay, thanks Yuzuha." Haruhi surprisingly leans down and gives me a brief hug.
A pain tugs at my chest, as I swiftly reach out and return the hug. "Oh, not a problem dear, now go on." After the quick, albeit sweet squeeze I drop my arms, giving her a smile. After our quick shared moment Haruhi and the blonde walk towards the house.
"So mother what was that all about, what are you up to?" My youngest son raises an eyebrow over his golden curious eye.
"Who, me? I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about." Purposely being vague. "Nicely done by the way on inviting the roommate." Changing the subject with a devious curl at my lips.
Kaoru takes a seat next to me in the soft green grass. "The two of them needed to work on some issues from the other night." Shrugging his shoulder. "So I figured why not here?"
Letting out a heavy sigh, "It's not like the Suoh's will let Renge get anywhere near Haruhi. Besides, I think it will keep Haruhi around for at least another night." My Lil Pumpkin's voice turned out in a defeated tone. "Even though, I don't think Hikaru will come around anytime soon."
"Yeah, but with some help Haruhi may feel comfortable enough to extend her stay even longer."
"I guess she could stay until the contract is issued …..But once it's issued she's just going to head back to the Souh's." Anger wraps around his depressed words. "I don't see the point." Letting out a long defeated breath. "She's bound to leave again."
Reaching out to playfully pitch my son's cheek before letting him go. "The point is Lil pumpkin, contract or no contract that girl is like family to me, and for once I want her to feel as such. Look, I know your father and I haven't always been around, but at least you had your brother. Think about how lonely you would have been without Hikaru. Now think about her, she had no one, but her distracted father. Hell, she was even home schooled for most of her life."
.
Kaoru sadly lifted a pair of golden worried eyes in the direction the two girls left. "She means so much to us, we only ever thought about how lost Hika and I felt without her, but you know you're right." Giving off a humorless chuckle, "Hell, she even joked about how isolated she was …..It never really occurred to me."
"I'm not making the same mistake twice. There's no way in hell I'm going to stand by and let other people rip everything from that girl, because they think they know what's best. Whatever lies ahead for her, contract or no contract, I want her to feel like she can consider this her home. Even if it ends up being a home away from her actual home."
My son reaches up to rub the side of his temple. "It's a nice idea, but I don't know with Hikaru feeling the way he does, I'm not sure it's possible." My youngest speaks in a miserable skeptical tone.
Wrapping my arm around my youngest. "Well, let's just give it some time, maybe he'll come around."
"You obviously don't know my twin." Speaking in a sarcastic tone.
"Actually sweetie, your brother is a lot like me." Pulling my Lil pumpkin closer to me, "when I find someone I love dearly, I will stop at nothing to be with them."
Pointing in the direction the two girls retreated to. "That girl is the only thing I have left of her mother …..and if your brother really cares for her, he'll find a way, 'French poodle' or not." Giving off a playful chuckle. "Were stubborn like that. Just give him some time, he'll come around."
End of Yuzuha POV
Kaoru's POV
Several days later …
So mom ended up being right and well completely wrong at the same time. She was right about Renge, Haru did happily extend her visit and later made my mother ecstatic by accepting her invitation to move into the family's estate, against the Souh's strong objections. However, they didn't have much choice until the contract is issued and accepted, Haru is free to do as she pleases.
.
For the weekend the two stayed close to my mother's side when they weren't held up in Haru's bedroom. They invited me, but it was clearly a girl thing. So, I occasionally dropped in, but for the most part I politely kept my distance.
Which was a shame because I really could have used the company. It turned out mom was completely wrong, Hika never came around, not even to politely welcome our new guest to the estate. Once it was clear the girls were staying for the rest of the weekend Hikaru made his excuses to our mother and promptly headed back to our dorm. I didn't follow him at first as I could tell he clearly didn't want me to. The "Beast" was back and he wanted nothing more than to be left alone.
.
Concerned for my twin I left early the next day, after promising my mother I would keep a close eye out for Haru. I assured my mother the promise wasn't necessary, I would always look out for my longtime friend. Regardless if she was signed, sealed and delivered to the french poodle or not, she would always be my ghost girl.
Renge stayed at the estate with Haru until the beginning of school, but decided to return to the dorms shortly after that. With Haru's promise to allow one of our drivers to escort her to and from school every day she is now free to finally attend regular classes. I had to admit her canary yellow Ouran uniform looked adorable on her, especially after my mother added her own special touches to them.
As expected the school was set ablaze with rumors of Haru's new birthright. I'm sure it didn't help matters with her being escorted every day in one of our family's cars. Not surprisingly the rumors buzzing around varied from the absolute ridiculous to the dead on. From what I knew, I could tell by the accuracy of some of the rumors the staff of the top five families most likely started to spread the word. As the actual family members involved kept their lips politely sealed.
.
With the new rumors all eyes were following the oblivious chestnut beauty as she happily strolled from class to class. I'll admit by some of their newly held expressions you could tell their eyes were practically burning wickedly towards her with devious plans. So, without being too obvious and drawing even more unwanted attention I stayed pretty close to Haru. Renge being her loyal friend and roommate stayed pretty much by her side the entire time.
.
By Wednesday morning it was evident that maybe the Souh's had the right idea. Hell, for that matter it seemed the top five and her belated mother's concern for a contract were valid as well. You could tell with the new unsubstantiated rumors several "friendly" students came back with orders from their scheming society climbing families to get "close" to her. Of course Haru made things difficult for Renge and myself staying as her normal oblivious self. Except for the driver my mother insisted on she refused to act any differently than before the delivery of her mother's letter.
.
Hell, on Tuesday morning I received quite the surprise as the "Beast" found his way in front of my bedroom door. He was clearly worried and thanked me for keeping an eye out for her. However he refused to say anything further than that. He just roughly slipped his red monstrosities on his head, shoved his hands in his pockets, before abruptly heading back to his room.
I knew it wouldn't be anytime soon I would be getting my "fun loving" twin back. I could tell just by looking at him he was suffering. Even the mere sight of our mutual friend hurt him in ways I can't even comprehend. It didn't seem right to finally have our friend remember who we actually are, to then only have her ripped from us one last time by the french poodle, of all people.
I mean who the hell was he compared to us? We are her close friends, her old playmates …..We were there when her mother…. Well where was he, obviously in France somewhere, hugging that damn brown bear of his. It didn't seem right, it felt like we were being punished for being in the wrong family …..Or rather the right family, her family. I guess my mother is right, we just need to make use of the time we have left. No matter how badly it will hurt once she leaves, for the last time.
.
Extending a hand to my throbbing temple as my eyes stumble over last night's homework. Damn, there was another selfish reason on my part for wanting the old Hikaru back. The "Beast" wasn't much help with math homework. Hell, it's not like I could get close enough to even ask him, as he's barely going to a few chosen classes. He just tromps around either the campus or the dorm with those damn red things strapped to his ears, gruffly keeping his distance from everyone.
.
"Kaoru! Kaoru! I found it!" An excited blond comes sprinting into the classroom.
Looking up from my homework, scolding the boisterous blonde. "Renge, you can't just barge in here, class is about to begin."
"Oh, please, Mr. Hoshi probably lost track of the time, with another mathematical equation the other staff members dared him to complete." The excited blond waves a dismissive hand towards me.
"Look Renge, regardless of Mr. Hoshi, I'm kind of busy at the moment." My hand slaps several sheets of graph paper in my other hand, "What's so important that it can't wait till after class?" Reaching up to massage the side of my throbbing head.
"Well silly, you're the one who said you wanted it." Her high pitched voice caused my head to throb even more.
That is until she pushed out a book in front of my stunned eyes. "Ta da, it's an Ouran Yearbook." She quickly opened a bookmarked page before plopping it down over my homework. "Look here." Pointing to the opened page with excitement.
My eyes traveled over an 8x10 full colored picture of three people waiting in line in their cap and gowns. "Lifetime friends Hitachiin Yuzuha and Ootori Kotoko met on their first day at Ouran Academy and are about to walk down the graduation isle together." Snapping my excited head to the blonde. "I knew it, by the way my mother has been acting it had to be a longtime friendship. They grew up together, which explains my grandmother's close feeling for Haruhi's mother."
"They were both gorgeous." Pointing to the picture, giving me a confused look. "Uh, Kaoru, what's with the flowers in your mother's hair?"
Shaking my head at the blonde. "Don't ask, it's a grandmother thing."
"Well it's very pretty, but I bet you're happy to be born a boy, to avoid all that." She chuckled.
My cheeks began to warm. "Uh yeah something like that, just don't go there." Not willing to ever explain those special times our grandmother saw fit to torture her seven year old grandsons with her girly girl flower masterpieces. Knowing not even Haru would ever be privy to such sensitive information. Luckily our father said he destroyed all the photographic evidence our mother acquired.
Quickly changing the subject, pointing at the picture. "Wow, Look at how much she looks like Haruhi. No wonder the top five hid these, she is definitely Haruhi's mother." It looked as is Haru stepped from the pages of the yearbook. No wonder my normally strong CEO of a mother has been tearing up lately. This has to be incredibly hard for her.
"Wow, take a look at the foot note."
"Also pictured with third year Ootori Kotoko is longtime boyfriend, third year Suoh Yuzura. I'm sure the two will soon be walking down yet another isle, in the near future." Quickly reading the footnote out loud to Renge. "So that makes sense the three people closest to Haruhi's mother were her Best friend, Boyfriend and big brother."
"Yeah, the same people she wanted Haruhi to talk to, that's the connection." Renge's eyes sparked with excitement, it sort of reminded me of my mischievous big brother.
Quickly turning the pages of the book, it didn't make sense. Sure it explained who Kotoko was, and I'm sure they were hiding the yearbooks to protect Haruhi's true identity…. but then why are they still being kept off the shelves, even after the delivery of her mother's letter? That is until my stunned eyes slowly travel over another 8x10 full colored page. "Look at this, I think this is the picture the 'Top Five' is hiding from everyone."
.
"Former Ouran Graduates come and support the new graduates." Renge reads the footnote. "I don't get it, it's just a bunch of kids sitting at the picnic tables, waiting for school to end."
"Three of these students pictured are Haninozuka Yorihisa, Morinozuka Akira, Yoshio Ootori, are current members of the Top Five." Pointing to each student in the photo. "Those two Yuzuha Hitachiin, my mother and Suoh Yuzura are current heirs to their families, and destined to be the next generation of the Top Five."
"Which means what?" Renge gives me a confused face, while shrugging her shoulders.
"Renge, look who's sitting right in the middle of all of them." Pointing a finger in the middle of the picture.
"It's Haruhi's mother." Shrugging her shoulders once more. "I still have no idea what you're trying to tell me." My head begins to throb from the oblivious blonde.
Restraining myself from slapping my head with frustration. "Renge, this is the connection to Kotoko and the Top Five, this is what they are hiding. …..they were all close friends with her."
"Which means, this isn't just normal family business." The blonde finally puts the puzzle pieces together that I've been waving in front of her.
A shiver went up my spine as my eyes slowly travel over an old yearbook photo of some of today's most powerful people in Japan. "No, this is personal for the Top Five…like 'really' personal."
End of Kaoru's POV
Mystery POV
"Click." "click." My polished Italian leather loafers echo in the vast, practically empty corridor, with the occasional tardy student scurrying pass me. I however keep a steady pace strolling pass door after door until I arrive at my destination, uncharacteristically late. After all isn't that what is expected of me, the more the attention the better. Pausing only to straighten my shoulders, before walking in without another word spoken. Seeing there's no need to seek the teacher's permission as they instruct at Ouran Academy and have grown to accept the everyday tradition carried out within their classrooms.
.
"Click." "Click." My sudden appearance immediately calms all but a few students in the formally boisterous class as curious eyes follow my every movement.
"Click." My shoes echo in the perfectly silent room until they stop at a particular student's desk. Oblivious to my arrival, her wide chocolate eyes clearly captured in the pages of her latest reading endeavors. Not bothering to clear my throat to gain the girl's attention. I quickly reach into my school bag, pulling out a thick 8x10 envelope, sliding the elegantly sealed documents on to her desk.
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Her stunned eyes leap from the pages of her math book, staring directly into mine, pulling her ear buds from her ears. With two fingers I push up my glasses, before speaking in a matter of a fact tone. "Hello my dear cousin, seeing by your expression I clearly do not have to explain what I just delivered in your possession. However, my entire being will be at your disposal once I have carried out the second half of my task."
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The astonished teen with the long chest nut hair could only manage a small nod from her head. With the confirmed nod I say nothing more, before abruptly turning on my heel to head from which I had entered from.
"Click." "Click. " Behind my retreating back the class started to develop into a busy hum of gossiping conversations with cellphones rapidly being pulled from various places.
A small devious smirk curled at my lips as my hand paused mere inches from the doorknob. Just before hastily turning on my heel.
"Click."
"Click."
"Click."
"Click."
Pulling out the last thick envelope, swiftly slapping it down on the stunned student's desk. My cool grey eyes shined as my deadly serious voice speaks to my ginger headed club mate.
.
"Kaoru, I suppose congratulations are in order .…"
End of mystery POV (Kyoya)
End of chapter 25…is it who you were expecting?
I'm not sure if you've read this on my profile, but I was three days into this update when I find out that windows office program was unknowingly freaking out. Saving this chapter with a whole 0KB worth of information. Which means it was saving every 10-15 minutes, but for some awful reason it wasn't saving any of the actual information? My heart panicked and I strung several four letter words together, repeatedly when I opened the file to find it absolutely blank.
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After several hours of nerve-wracking attempts to retrieve the information I had a choice to make. Throw my hands in the air, kiss off the wasted three days of work and bury my nose in the latest anime. While spooning something cold and chocolate into my depressed mouth…or roll up my sleeves, ignore the wasted time and get to work .Well since you just read the finished update, you can guess which choice I made.
So please at least on this update can you please tell me my efforts weren't entirely wasted? You have no idea how much I was teetering on the decision.
Thanks for taking a peek ;) Please Follow/Review/Favorite /Share