A/N: Finally had some time to sit down and write! I sincerely apologize for the major delay. Don't worry we still have great chapters to come. All new followers welcome. All existing, also awesome supporters, sorry for the wait (finally have some awesome downtime). Finally you can enjoy a new chapter! Thank you again for making last year one of my favorite years to write! Your support has been nothing but inspiring. Here's to another great writing year!
Chapter 22: Real Feelings Make You Sick
Kaoru awoke slowly. As his eyes began to focus, he realized he was now lying in his bed. He looked around, rubbing his eyes tiredly. I guess I fell asleep while watching the movie. As his eyes scanned the room, something felt off.
He looked down noticing Amelia wasn't on the air mattress and Hikaru wasn't in his bed. Where are those two? He heard the running water of the shower.
He got out of bed, checking passed his bedroom door. He could see Hikaru in the living room, sleeping on the floor. The TV automatically turned off the movie, illuminating the living room with a bright blue screen.
As his mind processed the water running, he walked up slowly to the bathroom door. He knocked.
"Imai?"
"I'll be out in a sec I promise," Amelia's voice replied, sounding surprised over the running water. Kaoru suddenly heard the shower turn off. Then subconsciously, he felt himself stiffen. Half asleep or not…something hit him.
Flash of panic on shown on his face. Did she even have clothes in there? His eyes widened at the embarrassing thought. Crap. I'm not ready for that.
He held his breath when the bathroom door opened without warning. She was dressed in the same plaid pants and tank top as earlier that night. He exhaled in relief. Thank goodness.
"Kaoru? What's wrong?" she asked. Amelia looked concerned at his suddenly tense posture. His eyes were still in a bit of shock until he smiled.
"Wow, even in the dark you know it's me huh?" Kaoru laughed softly. Amelia giggled. His eyes scanned her for a moment without him realizing it.
Amelia noticed, smirking mischievously. She leaned on the doorframe watching him.
"Is there a reason you're standing by the bathroom door?" she teased. Kaoru froze. He cleared his throat, straightening up.
"Sorry…I just…spaced out for a sec," he laughed nervously. His cheeks turned red. She's going to think he's a pervert if he's not careful.
"Where's Hikaru?" she asked looking over his shoulder.
"He's asleep in the living room," Kaoru laughed. As he turned to face her again, something changed in her expression. And it made him shiver.
"Good," she grinned. Kaoru froze in panic.
"W-What?" he questioned. She eyed him. Something about her gaze. He could see something he's never really seen in her. He couldn't tell if he enjoyed it or was terrified. Maybe it's both.
But…why was she looking at him like that? The more he tried to figure it out, the more something seemed off. That gaze…it was like a predator seeing prey.
"You know Kaoru…I've been meaning to ask you something," she stated smoothly.
That voice again…why can't I stop myself from shaking every time she does that?
He watched her carefully.
"That being?" he asked hesitantly. She bit her lip, putting her hands behind her back as she stepped closer to him. His instinct caused him to back up…and keep backing up.
"It's something that's been prodding in my mind," she purred eying him. "And I feel like…I can't wait too much longer on the answer."
She can't mean…
"I can't imagine what," he stammered. That was when he hit the edge of the bed, tripping and falling onto his back. "Whoa!"
As he sat up, he felt her hand on his chest pressing against him lightly. She almost climbed on top of him, just hovering over him. His heart was racing in mid-panic.
God…this can't be happening!
"Amelia what are you-?!" he whispered. What the hell was she doing?! She put a finger to his lips.
"Easy Kaoru…" she coaxed smoothly. God that voice…
He wanted to melt but the rest of his body was just too tense. But…when she spoke…what the hell was wrong with him? Why couldn't he get a grip on himself?
"Amelia…" he whispered begging looking at the door. He couldn't take it and his brother was in the other room. What if they were caught?
"What's the matter Kaoru? Don't tell me you haven't thought about this," Amelia whispered alluringly, her breath warm against skin, lips so close to his ear. He tried to control his mind. He tried to think of anything to distract him but he couldn't. Not with her being that close. It was impossible with her hovering over him like this. He struggled not to touch her when she felt inches away. His fingers gripped so hard onto the bed as if to control himself.
"Hikaru…" he finally breathed. She grinned, laughing lowly as she glanced at the door in his line of sight. He turned his head not to look at her. Unfortunately the effect was still there. She hovered over his ear, kissing it gently.
"Won't bother us if you keep quiet," she whispered alluringly. "Besides, I want you all to myself."
Her lips gave him goose-bumps. He felt herself lower closer to him. God he wanted to give in, to touch her…why was he this vulnerable with her?
"So…back to my question," she grinned playfully, nuzzling his neck. He inhaled.
"Yes?" he asked. He could barely hear his voice. His heart was pounding and his head was swimming with too many thoughts he wasn't used to seeing. He was holding his breath when she gently moved his head to face her, leaning so close to his face. Her eyes…something was off.
"Do you want to play with the big bad wolf?" she whispered alluringly. He closed his eyes tightly, not being able to speak. He could feel her lean in. He felt his lips move, like he just spoke but didn't hear anything. He knew he said something but he couldn't hear it. She reacted like he answered with a grin. What happened? Did I actually say something? She laughed lowly.
"Why don't we start with that nice neck of yours?" she whispered, leaning into his neck. He closed his eyes.
As she reached and nipped at his neck suddenly a noise, totally unnatural, rang in his ears and everything blackened.
Kaoru shot up from the couch, looking around anxiously. For a moment everything was processing. It was a dream?
He looked around, noticing that he hasn't moved from his spot from when they watched the movie. He was sweating. He looked down noticing Amelia and Hikaru weren't in the room with him. He got up slowly still shaking from the dream. He peeked through the bedroom door. Amelia was sleeping on the air mattress and Hikaru on the bed.
It was just a dream. Nothing really happened.
His stomach felt clenched, he was sweating and shivering. Why would he think that way about her? Was his mind telling him that…enough was enough?
He slid down the wall, sitting on the floor, head in his hands.
What's happened to me…?
…
The light of the sun hit Kaoru's face when he blinked awake. He could hear faint laughing outside the door of his bedroom. Hikaru must've been up. He blinked towards the air mattress noticing that Amelia was gone too. He sat up, legs dangling off the side of the bed. He rested his head in his hands trying to process the night. His stomach immediately clenched. How could he think that way about her?
"Stupid dream…" he whispered. He got up getting dressed then headed to the kitchen to join them. As he approached the door, Amelia was finishing a plate of waffles and eggs while Hikaru sat across from her, head in his hand, grinning.
"I really do appreciate you guys letting me stay," Amelia smiled. "It's been my favorite birthday so far since I moved here."
"Of course it is! We threw you the party. It's always going to be the best," Hikaru agreed with a grin.
"Sometimes I can't tell if you're confident or just cocky," Amelia teased. Hikaru laughed as she got up putting the dishes in the sink.
"Oh come on, I know that's the reason you love me," Hikaru grinned, getting up to follow her. Amelia rolled her eyes when she started washing dishes. Hikaru blinked at her starting the chore laughing a bit.
"You know you don't have to do that Imai," Hikaru mentioned walking up behind her.
"Sorry habit," Amelia replied, continuing to wash the dishes. Hikaru rolled his eyes grabbing the plate from her putting it over his head.
"It's your weekend. Stop doing chores and just enjoy yourself," Hikaru smirked.
"One plate isn't going to hurt me," Amelia smiled. "Now give it back."
Hikaru leaned at her eye level.
"Oh yeah make me," Hikaru provoked grinning. Amelia grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer towards her, throwing him off guard. She was inches from his face making him turn red. Kaoru stood by the doorway swallowing hard. The look on her face. Something about how she was…it wasn't the same as the dream but…maybe it could be real.
"Well?" Amelia whispered lowly to him. That's when Kaoru didn't just see a change in Amelia, but in Hikaru too. His eyes scanned her for a moment. And it wasn't just in embarrassment. It was…something else.
LA LA LA LALALALA LA LA! Amelia jumped at the sound of the ringtone. She looked at Hikaru for a moment, biting her lip as she let go and brushed passed him. She picked up her phone. Hikaru stood there for a moment, seeming to be staring off into space. Kaoru watched him nervously.
Does he…?
As Amelia conversed and hung up the phone, she turned seeing Kaoru.
"Oh hey, I thought you were still asleep," Amelia smiled. Kaoru stiffened as she approached him.
"Who was that?" Hikaru asked.
"Isao, he was making sure I was still here. But I need to pack up. We have school tomorrow anyway and I have to catch up on some reading," Amelia admitted.
"Awww…but it's not the end of the weekend yet," Hikaru groaned. Amelia rolled her eyes laughing grabbing a travel mug. She shoved it gently into his hands.
"If you ask the chef to brew a pot of his best coffee than maybe we can plan another weekend," Amelia teased, winking at him. Hikaru grinned.
"Deal," he laughed running to the kitchen. They watched as he left, then Amelia looked at Kaoru concerned.
"Are you okay? You look a little worn out," Amelia mentioned quietly. Kaoru looked at her and then grinned (trying to hide the fact that he really didn't sleep much after the dream).
"Oh yeah I'm fine," he replied quickly waving it off. Amelia smiled.
"Don't tell me that I sucked the energy out of you this weekend," she joked. He froze turning bright red. He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh come on Imai, you know me. Hikaru is more the social type," Kaoru laughed softly. She shrugged.
"Come on walk with me," she insisted as she headed back to their bedroom. Kaoru was hesitant but followed her. Why was he suddenly so nervous even in the waking world? This isn't the first time they've been together alone. But to him…something just changed. Like he was scared of what she thought of him.
Get a grip Kaoru. It's not like that and you know that…
They went back to the bedroom as Amelia grabbed her suitcase and started refolding clothes and making sure she had everything. Kaoru leaned on the door watching her as she packed.
How can my mind change so quickly about her? She was just a girl who walked into the Host Club. Now I can't get her out of my mind.
"Kaoru?" she questioned seeing him stare at her. Kaoru blinked and smiled.
"I'm sorry did you say something?" Kaoru asked.
"You…are spacing out a bit are you okay?" Amelia asked genuinely concerned as she walked up to him.
"Yeah I'm just waking up that's all," Kaoru mentioned smiling softly. Amelia looked into his eyes trying to smile comfortingly.
"Rough night?" she assumed. Kaoru scoffed shaking his head laughing a bit.
"Yeah…I guess," he answered. She reached out grabbing his hand with both of hers.
He looked down not expecting it and swallowed hard. His eyes looked at her trying not to panic.
"Why don't you sit down?" she suggested, gently pulling him to his bed. Kaoru absently followed her. She moved so he could sit on his bed to be comfortable. He sat down, head down, his mind just wandering. Too many thoughts. Too many things changing about her.
She furrowed her brows, leaning at his eye level, examining his face.
"Hey…" she said lightly. He looked up as she put her hands on his legs. He swallowed, his nerves spiking. But…when he looked into her eyes, it was different. Comforting.
"You know you can talk to me if something's bothering you right?" she reminded. Kaoru stared at her for a moment. His eyes softened, nerves gone away and he smiled sweetly.
"Yeah…I know," he agreed lightly. Amelia smiled, making his heart flutter.
"Good," she whispered. She leaned in kissing him on the forehead, raising one of her hands, running her fingers through his hair. He felt warm when she did that, but at the same time, goose-bumps rose on his skin. She leaned her forehead against his, looking at him in the eyes.
"Thank you for this weekend…I needed it. It's always better with you two around," she smiled. He stared at her speechless.
You two…that implies it's not just me…Still…I don't know if I'll ever be ready to tell her.
…
Amelia was busy for the next few weeks. More procedures were revolving around the company that she seemed almost absent half the time. When she was around, Kaoru couldn't help but feel a clenching, sick pain in his stomach. He thought he could hide it well, but even his twin kept thinking he's been acting funny.
"You know, you've been looking kind of spaced out lately. Something you want to tell me?" Hikaru questioned as they walked through the hallways after their last class. Kaoru blinked from his thoughts, looking at his brother smiling cheerfully.
"What do you mean? I'm fine," Kaoru smiled. "Just those quizzes in Conversational French have been bugging me."
"But you're good at French. If anyone should be worried it would be me," Hikaru laughed. They looked up seeing Amelia by her locker talking to Haruhi. She looked over seeing them, waving cheerfully. Kaoru froze turning red as Hikaru waved cheerfully. Amelia closed her locker walked up to them with Haruhi by her side.
"Hey! I was actually going to try to find you," Amelia grinned.
"Aw is my charm finally luring you in?" Hikaru grinned. "I'm glad I'm finally rubbing off on you."
Amelia giggled while Haruhi rolled her eyes.
"Dream on Hikaru. Like anyone would be lured by your charming ways," Haruhi stated flatly. Hikaru rolled his eyes gritting his teeth.
"Well I don't see you have nearly as many customers as me," Hikaru spat. Amelia rolled her eyes getting between Hikaru and Haruhi.
"Actually," she began smiling hopefully. "I was wondering if you guys wanted to have a study session after the club. We have that quiz tomorrow and honestly after that last physics lecture…I don't feel confident."
Hikaru grinned.
"So you're willing to admit that you need me for my brilliance, good choice," Hikaru commented. Amelia laughed.
"And here I thought your head couldn't get any bigger," Haruhi groaned.
"You're unbelievable," Amelia giggled. She looked at Kaoru.
"What about you Kaoru? We can exchange notes," she encouraged with a soft smile. He turned red, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"Nah I think I'll be fine on my own. I'm not exactly feeling well. Thanks though," Kaoru smiled.
"What? Are you getting sick?" Hikaru questioned in quick concern.
"You don't look sick to me," Haruhi insisted casually.
"Maybe it's just nerves from the quizzes tomorrow," Kaoru smiled. Amelia watched him. Something was off.
"Are you sure? I don't want you freaking out. It's our next biggest quiz until the finals in the summer," Amelia mentioned.
"Yeah I'm sure. I think if I just sleep on it and not cram I'll be fine," Kaoru insisted. Amelia shrugged, trying to hide the fact that she felt a little hurt.
"All right well we'll be at my house after the club if you need us," Amelia informed. She and Haruhi started heading up the stairs towards Music Room #3.
"You guys coming?"
"We'll be up in a sec," Hikaru smiled.
The twins stood there for a moment watching as they left. Hikaru looked at Kaoru suspiciously as he sighed in relief.
"What's with you lately? You didn't tell me you were feeling under the weather," Hikaru commented.
Kaoru smiled embarrassed.
"I'm just…feeling off the past few weeks that's all. No big deal. Maybe it's allergies," Kaoru covered up.
"You don't have allergies," Hikaru stated flatly.
"Then maybe it's stress. Just lay off would you?" Kaoru spat uncomfortably.
"You know you've been acting really weird lately," Hikaru stated aggravated.
"What are you talking about?" Kaoru asked. "I'm acting just fine."
"Yeah you're acting all right," Hikaru growled. Kaoru looked at his brother oddly.
"What?" Kaoru asked.
"Nothing," Hikaru spat. "Let's just…get to the club."
Kaoru watched as his brother trailed off in front of him. I can't tell you that I'm afraid to hang out with her…
…
"So is Kaoru feeling any better?" Amelia asked as Hikaru dragged a chair towards the coffee table in Amelia's living room. Amelia sat on the couch with Haruhi and Hikaru sprawled on his chair.
"Who knows? He's been acting strange lately," Hikaru replied.
"Well I certainly hope he's all right," Haruhi commented.
"I'm sure he's fine. Stress does weird things to people," Amelia mentioned as she opened up her notebook and textbook.
"Yeah but…he's been acting like this for weeks," Hikaru rolled his eyes.
"Did something happen a few weeks ago?" Haruhi asked genuinely concerned.
"I mean the only thing I can think of is the party. But I thought we all had a good time," Hikaru shrugged. Amelia stared at the words of her text book.
Flashes of when she did see him the past several weeks Kaoru did seem a little unlike himself. He was nervous, finding reasons to leave early or be in a group without her, find an excuse not to hang out. In the entire time, he…looked like he did when he shoved snow down her shirt the one time she got too close.
"Hey Hikaru why don't you guys order a pizza? I got to make a call," Amelia insisted standing up.
"You got it!" he grinned, grabbing his cell phone and heading to the kitchen. Haruhi looked at Amelia oddly.
"You okay? You seem kind of tense?" Haruhi asked.
"Yeah I'm fine just give me a minute okay?" Amelia smiled winking at her as she went upstairs to her room.
Amelia closed the door gently behind her, reading Kaoru's name on her phone. She took a breath. Is he really that scared of me? Her stomach turned into knots. Maybe she was going too far with him. But…you know she thought he had a good time the last time they hung out. She shook her head. She couldn't call him. Something in the back of her mind made her think it was a bad idea. Maybe…maybe he doesn't like her that way and she's pushing him. Maybe he's afraid of hurting her feelings.
She dialed a number reluctantly.
"Hello?" a voice picked up.
"Kyoya. You mind if we meet up after school tomorrow?"
…
At the club, everyone started bustling about. The abnormality…Tamaki was absent, claiming he was sick. Fantastic. For Amelia, she tried keep herself busy (and not worry about that quiz she just had in the morning. At least Hikaru's knowledge helped). She couldn't help but be a little grateful that at least Hikaru was talking to her. Maybe he's not as afraid as Kaoru's been acting. It wasn't like Kaoru was being rude. He was just acting different (not like she knew his sudden realization).
Kasanoda's voice surprised her while she was cleaning up the tables.
"So crazy that the boss is out today huh?" he asked. She jumped laughing a bit.
"Yeah it is! I didn't think he could get sick with how optimistic he is all the time," she smiled. She brought a full set tea tray to the twins' table as Kasanoda followed her. Haruhi sat in a spare chair talking to them since all three of them had a bit of a break from customers.
"Speaking of, Kyoya was telling us he'd surprise his majesty this afternoon," Hikaru mentioned as she placed the tray on their table.
"As long as I don't get what he gets I'm for it," Amelia mentioned with a smile.
"You coming Casanova?" Haruhi asked.
Kasanoda froze, turning bright red.
"Uh no I actually had plans tonight," Kasanoda rubbed the back of his neck.
"Oh I remember, you're going on a date aren't you?" Haruhi remembered smiling. Amelia and the twins whipped their head towards Kasanoda in utter interest.
"Uh! Well not exactly. She just wanted to get some ice cream or something," Kasanoda explained embarrassed.
"Aww little Casanova is growing up," Kaoru grinned mischievously
"Tell us did you drop the ball or did she?" Hikaru grinned just as wide.
"Oh come on guys, leave him alone," Haruhi intervened.
"Yeah really," Amelia agreed looking at Kasanoda and winking at him with a smile. "I'm sure you'll do just fine. Real Casanova and all."
Kasanoda turned bright red.
"Let me know if you need any pointers on how to make a girl feel special. Maybe I can rip a few pages of my book for you," Amelia teased. That made him turn redder. The twins tried not to look even little jealous.
"Uh…thanks Imai. I appreciate it," Kasanoda smiled, clearing his throat nervously. "I uh…think I uh will get rid of these dishes for you guys."
Kasanoda grabbed the previous tea set from the twins table, quickly moving to the back room.
"Lucky girl I'm sure," Haruhi smiled amused, getting up and heading to her table.
"Looks like my appointments are here," Haruhi groaned. "Let me know when you're heading to Tamaki's. I might need a ride."
"Can do!" the twins grinned, waving her off. Amelia smiled then looked at Hikaru.
"By the way, Hikaru," she began. Hikaru looked up.
"What's up?" Hikaru grinned.
Amelia glanced at Kaoru as he watched her walk over to the empty chair. She sat down, sitting in between them.
"Thanks for helping me study the other night. It really helped," Amelia smiled.
"No problem. Maybe next time we can just do one on one studying," Hikaru grinned mischievously. Kaoru swallowed seeing the look on his twin's face. Was he hitting on her? Why did it suddenly hit him with a jealousy pang in the gut?
"I'm sure it would be interesting," Amelia smiled at him. "Just try to actually study instead of goofing off. I know how…" Amelia grinned slyly. "Distracted you can be…"
Hikaru crossed his arms about his chest.
"Yeah, yeah, but I have good reason to be," he winked at her. "Maybe one of these days you'll figure it out."
Kaoru laughed, breaking the awkwardness he was starting to feel.
"So I take it the study session was a success?" Kaoru smiled. "I'm sorry I didn't make it with how much fun it sounded."
Amelia grinned, then looked over at Kaoru.
"Hey I told you to come along. Haruhi and Imai are great company," Hikaru smiled slyly, eyeing Amelia when she wasn't looking. Kaoru's teeth slightly gritted at his look. Why was it bothering him?! Amelia got up laughing softly.
"Aww well you're not too bad yourself," Amelia smiled, leaning down to his eye level. "Maybe we can have that one on one when we have some finals huh?"
"Can't wait," Hikaru grinned. "Maybe we can take some breaks a little differently next time."
Amelia smirked.
Kaoru cleared his throat.
"Hey Imai, aren't those your customers over there coming in?" Karol interrupted pointing towards the door. Amelia looked at where he was pointing and nodded.
"Yep looks like I'm needed," Amelia smiled. She nudged Hikaru.
"Thanks for the fun yesterday. I really needed it," Amelia mentioned ruffling his hair.
Kaoru twitched. Fun?
"Anytime," Hikaru smirked.
"Anything I can do for you in return?" Amelia asked.
"I'm sure we can make some arrangement," Hikaru grinned. "But we'll discuss that when your girls aren't around."
Amelia winked at him, going up to Kaoru. He was fuming until she went up to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Glad you're feeling better," she smiled sweetly. Kaoru glanced up at her his cheeks red from anger and embarrassment.
"Thanks. Sorry I couldn't make it. I've just been-" Kaoru began but was thrown off by her grip tightening on his shoulder.
"Kaoru it's fine. I'm not going to push you into doing something you don't want to do," Amelia mentioned. Her voice changed to something a little more serious. Kaoru's eyes looked at her hand then up at her.
She was tense. Almost like she was hurt but she was hiding it. She smiled at him.
"Imai! We're waiting!" the girls from her table sang. Amelia smiled sweetly.
"I'm heading over now!" Amelia called out just as playfully. She leaned down to Kaoru's level.
"I got to go. Let me know if you guys want to hitch a ride together to go to Tamaki's house after we're done here," Amelia stated softly. Kaoru looked into her eyes. How could've he been afraid of her? I mean…look at her.
Kaoru nodded as she patted his shoulder then quickly headed off to her table.
Kaoru watched her as she sat down. Hikaru crossed his arms about his chest.
"Yeah you certainly missed a grand old time with the girls," Hikaru gloated. "Shame you couldn't be there."
Kaoru's eyes darted to his brother.
"So you mind telling me what all that was about?" Kaoru asked, smiling to hide his jealousy.
"What are you talking about? We were just having a little fun. We've known her for you know how long now?" Hikaru asked.
"Seems like you two really opened up to each other," Kaoru grinned.
"What can I say, eventually my charm opens up to a girl," Hikaru grinned cockily.
"If that's what you call charm," Kaoru mumbled.
"What?" Hikaru looked at him funny.
"Oh nothing. Just something that crossed my mind," Kaoru mentioned.
As soon as I let my guard down, those two are closer, and I'm still stuck as the girl she likes as a friend…
…
By the end of the club hours, Kyoya came up to Amelia as she finished pulling on her jacket from her table. Hikaru shoved Kaoru towards Amelia.
"Hey Imai! You want to hitch a ride with us to see milord?" Hikaru asked. Amelia looked past Kyoya.
"Actually," Kyoya intervened. "If you two don't mind Amelia and I need to speak privately."
Hikaru looked between them, hesitant.
"Oh really?" he growled. Kaoru grabbed his brother embarrassed.
"No problem Kyoya we'll see you guys at milord's house," Kaoru insisted shoving Hikaru down the hall.
"Hey Kaoru stop shoving!" Hikaru growled as he was pushed out the door. Kaoru closed the door behind them. "What's you're deal?!"
"I'm giving Imai her space, what does it look like?"
"That's all you seem to do anymore," Hikaru spat.
"What are you talking about?" Kaoru laughed.
"Don't lie to me Kaoru. You've been acting weird for weeks," Hikaru shook his head annoyed.
"Hikaru…" Kaoru sighed. "I'm really fine I just have a lot on my mind all right?"
"You know you can talk to me. Or even Imai for that matter," Hikaru reminded. "It's not like we're going to judge you."
Kaoru looked at the door.
"I know," Kaoru nodded. "Thanks Hikaru."
"Hey what are siblings for right?" Hikaru smirked.
The door opened, with Kyoya and Amelia behind it. They stared at the twins just standing at the door. The twins looked over rather surprised, embarrassed of what exactly this looked like. Great Amelia's going to think we're stalking her…Kaoru thought as Kyoya looked between them.
"Aren't you two going somewhere?" Kyoya mentioned, pushing up his glasses.
"Yes sir!" the twins yelled, running down the stairs and out of the building. Amelia rolled her eyes.
"I have to admit Amelia, you certainly have a talent if you can keep up with those two," Kyoya commented as he locked the door behind him, proceeding down with her to the courtyard.
…
"Now tell me what's on your mind," Kyoya insisted lightly. "Usually you don't call me unless something is bothering you."
Amelia sat in the limo next to him staring at her hands.
"Have you noticed anything different about Kaoru lately?" Amelia asked rather nervously.
"Since…?" Kyoya asked.
"I don't know I guess since the party at their place?" Amelia calculated. Kyoya looked up in thought.
"Maybe a little," Kyoya replied. "Why do you ask?"
"I think he's trying to avoid me lately. I'm wondering if I stepped out of line," Amelia sighed.
"Well did you?" Kyoya asked plainly.
"I don't think so," Amelia shook her head. What could she have possibly done that they haven't really already?
"I'm just…scared to admit that it bothers me. It's almost like he's a totally different person," Amelia looked at him sadly. "You don't think I hurt him do you? I mean I was just…"
"Amelia," Kyoya intervened. She had tears forming in her eyes. The car stopped in front of Tamaki's mansion. Kyoya sighed, looking over at her.
"I'm fine…" Amelia scoffed rolling her eyes. "I'm probably just reading too much into it."
"If it helps clear your head in any way, I do not believe Kaoru is actually hurt," Kyoya stated plainly.
"What makes you say that?" Amelia questioned.
"Well for one thing, the times you weren't at school the past few weeks for work, he's been rather normal," Kyoya stated. Amelia gave him a dull look.
"And he's worse when I'm around?"
"Not exactly," Kyoya disagreed. "Hikaru seems to not have changed but Kaoru on the other hand on his behavior that I have seen him he seems…focused on something. Like he's not really in the room."
Amelia furrowed her brows at the thought. Maybe he just needed to figure something out.
"And…," Kyoya continued. "There are times he seems to be more distracted by you than actually doing his work with the other clients. I've had…complaints from his more veteran customers."
Amelia scoffed in amusement, shaking her head.
"I just…I don't want him to change," Amelia swallowed. "At least not in a bad way."
"You can't avoid change Amelia," Kyoya remarked. "But there's nothing wrong with it. I mean it got you here did it not?"
Amelia looked up at him nodding in agreement. She was about to get out of the car but he grabbed her arm.
"One more thing Amelia," Kyoya mentioned, forcing her to stop and look at him. She looked seeing genuine concern and seriousness in his gaze.
"It's important to remember that you shouldn't change for other people. Don't let even us make you turn into something your not," Kyoya mentioned.
"Kyoya…"
"If someone like Kaoru can't be brave enough to face who you are…then perhaps he's not meant for you. At least not in a romantic way," Kyoya added.
Amelia looked down. Maybe he was right. She still can hope though right?
"Now why don't we head on inside. I'm sure Tamaki could use some good company."
…
The day spent with sick Tamaki was amusing. The twins were busy messing with his scrapbooks of supermarket coupons. Honey and Mori were checking out the collections. What was even more curious was how he behaved towards Haruhi. He would sometimes jump in panic if he was too close.
Amelia tried to be more involved in what the twins were doing. She wanted to let Kaoru know she hasn't changed of at least being his friend. She was examining something when Kaoru tapped her on the shoulder causing her to jump.
He laughed putting up his hands.
"Oops sorry. Didn't mean to scare you," Kaoru grinned. She looked at him, smiling sweetly.
"It's okay, just wasn't expecting it," she waved it off. Kaoru rubbed the back of his neck nervously.
"Can we talk?" he glanced at Hikaru. "Privately?"
Amelia swallowed glancing at the others.
"Yeah sure," she nodded. He wanted her alone with him? That's odd. He's been avoiding her for weeks.
They headed inside a guest bedroom, he closed the door behind them.
"Look…about the past few weeks," he rubbed the back of his neck. Amelia watched him curiously. It's the first real time that they really had time together since her birthday.
"I'm sorry. I've had a lot going through my head lately," Kaoru mentioned walking up to where he's standing in front of her.
She hugged him wrapping her arms around his neck gently. He was shocked for a moment but then, something familiar came back. It was warm and inviting. His hands hugged her back.
"Kaoru…" she sighed, leaning back to face him. "You know you can talk to me about anything right?"
Kaoru turned red, feeling her hand in his hair.
"I know…I just…" he looked up smiling embarrassed at her. "I didn't want to bother you about it. I just need some time to think okay?"
"You're not mad at me are you?" Amelia asked worriedly. Kaoru looked at her in surprise. Did his actions really make him look that bad?
"What are you talking about?" Kaoru asked in disbelief. Amelia felt her tears come back.
"You just…you don't want to hang out anymore. Most of the time you just avoid me and it…okay I admit it, it sucks," Amelia swallowed. Kaoru sighed. His second guessing was opting her out of his life and he had no idea he was doing it. And by how she was reacting it was hurting her.
"Amelia…" he sighed, pulling her to him, hugging her tightly. He rested his chin on her head. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come across that way."
"So you're not mad?" Amelia said in his jacket.
"Of course I'm not mad at you," Kaoru smiled sweetly at her, pushing her gently away to look at her. "You're the last person I would ever be mad at."
Amelia nodded in acceptance feeling somewhat relieved.
"So what's been bothering you so much?" Amelia asked. Kaoru hesitated but then smiled.
"Once I figure things out I'll let you know," Kaoru replied. Amelia smiled slightly, hugging him tightly again
"Promise?" Amelia whispered in his ear. He shivered a bit then smiled.
"Yeah…I promise."
He had to find a way to be with her. Avoiding her was only hurting both of them. But it would only be a matter of time before he would have to face the truth. The truth was scarier than he would like. Especially if he had to admit it to Hikaru eventually.