Disclaimer I do not own Ouran Host Club.

Back in our world

By Alimackatjac

Chapter 33


Haruhi's POV.

Somewhere in Europe...

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Small swirls of chilled breath hover around my head in the bright autumn morning. Standing in front of a little outdoor produce stand as I make my selection with a discerned eye. I happily reach for a polished blended apple, almost giddily scrunching my shoulders while lifting it to my face. Delighted to be amidst the modestly busy outdoor market I contently close my eyes, finding myself reveling in the sweet fall scent of the freshly harvested fruit.

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This was my kind of shopping. I couldn't say life in Portland wasn't all that bad. There were certain aspects that reminded me of … With a pained squeeze at my heavy chest, I forced the thought of my cherry blossomed homeland out of my thoughts.

While living in seclusion I would often find myself on a sunny Saturday morning casually strolling the creative displays while scarfing on some freshly made street cuisine. Slurping on pan-fried noodles, passing everything from brightly glazed pottery to handmade herbal soaps. Trying my best to blend in to the busy weekend market. Of course, having two burly bodyguards assigned to my every move made that rather difficult.

.

With a wide gratified smile, I open my eyes before handing the awaiting vender my selection. The heavier set woman, with dark pulled back hair, bundled up in a worn navy pea coat happily nods her head, after taking my produce. Once handing her the necessary euros I watch the natural faced woman, with a small birthmark on the side of her face gladly load my freshly picked produce into a tan canvas bag. With my business finished, I carefully slide the bag over my arm and begin to walk the seemingly endless rows of street venders.

Trying my best to learn yet another countries' ways of life while clumsily finding my way around the small town. However, unlike Rome and London the modest mountain town has a significantly slower feel to it…closely resembling my old life.

Settling into my sixth week of the 'forced' Hitachiin European tour, with a completely different escort. I can't say I was very surprised, seeing a drained, yet smirking Hikaru attempting to wake me, before even the sun was up.

Exhausted, both physically and emotionally from the confusing, somewhat tense ordeal I found my tearstained face pressed into the hotel's flat pillow, when Hikaru found me. It ended up being several hours after Kaoru sadly hurled himself out the door, refusing to even look at me, much less speak to me.

Just thinking of the panicked younger twin caused my hand too unconsciously find its way over my heavy beating chest. I desperately wanted to hash things out with him. I knew deep down Kaoru would never really hurt me…What happened that night was NOTHING I've ever witnessed from the gentler twin. I could see it in his wavering eyes something wasn't right ….it was like he was internally struggling…With 'what' that actually was, I don't have the foggiest. However, since his abrupt departure that night, he would only talk to his twin,

Completely shutting me out.

Making it impossible to figure out what actually happened, between the two of us.

Hikaru tried to cover for his younger brother's silence. Explaining for the time, Kaoru had his hands full cleaning up his mess, and prepping for the next show. Nevertheless, my lips remained firmly shut, knowing what he said to be a complete balled face lie. During our little beach trip Kaoru had said, he was actually relieved Hikaru was taking the show's prep seriously, so he could concentrate on keeping me safe, and tucked away from the Shadow King .

.

Since that night was something …well, private, between Kaoru, and myself, I didn't feel comfortable talking about it. Not that I could, even if I wanted to… Damn, I would kill for a girlfriend right about now. I mean since we were on the run, hiding from the damn Shadow King's ever-reaching tentacles. It wasn't REALLY safe to call a lot of people, so Mei was out. Not to mention the more distance between the twins, and my overly protective father, the better.

.

Both the two ginger men decided it was best that communication be kept to a minimum, consisting of prepaid phones between the two brothers. Meaning, at the moment, there's only one person I could 'possible' go to …and that wasn't going to remotely happen….

I wasn't about to hurt Hika…..again. …and telling him I practically slept with his younger brother, would do just that. It wasn't I was ashamed with what we did,

….it's just now so ….complicated.

Ever since our last night in London, when Mori "accidently" left the adjoining door open. And Yes, I do believe it was the two sempi's intention to do so. Things between the three of us have become just that …complicated.

I mean even though the subject seems to be treated like a massive gorilla in the room, I now know the two ginger men not only hold long held preexisting feelings for myself, but deeply held emotions …. Along with (Inwardly clearing my throat) a surprising "physical" attraction with each other.

Hell, I don't have a clue even on how to approach the delicate subject …I mean in my drunken state I was able to gather a enough liquid courage to elude to it, with Kaoru, but I haven't been able speak to Hika about it. Not in the five days, we've been thrown together.

The deeply held concern swimming in Hikaru's golden pools caused me to believe he already knew "something" happened….. I could tell Hika was having a rough time, he was inwardly debating whether he really wanted to know the details, taking everything that he can possibly muster to restrain himself, from asking. He wasn't his usual fun-loving self. Making just carrying on a normal conversation…. Difficult, at best.

The awkward behavior between the two of us was quickly developing into a massive canyon….I mean he tried acting normal, plastering his usual mischievous smirk on his face while escorting me to our next destination. It wasn't like the older ginger hasn't grown since his overly possessive high school days … He just wasn't very good at it.

Of course, my rather recent jumpy behavior didn't help matters, in the slightest. It's not like I went completely unscathed by the unsettling incident with Kaoru …and I'm afraid Hika is unjustly taking the brunt of it, once again.

Although the difference between the two gingers is, night and day I find my body unconsciously jerking away whenever Hika even comes near me. I try and cover it up, force a reassuring smile or innocently returning his touch after the fact …but I can tell he notices the ongoing behavior ….and it's practically killing him.

Even our mutual need for something a little less hectic didn't help the growing situation. However, I had to admit, our current European stop was a complete surprise.

Identical opposites to the very end ….Unlike Kaoru, who remained decisive, thoughtfully considering my suggestions, Hika knew exactly where he wanted to go next. Knowing the twins, I fully expected to be dragged to yet another sprawling metropolis, or one of those exclusive resorts for the nauseating privileged…but no, that's wasn't the case.

Instead I'm somewhat floored finding he had rented a modest winter chalet just outside of the french town of, Les Bossons. Apparently, Hikaru's outdoorsy side from our Ouran years was now slipping through. Deciding on a more natural entertainment, with the countless majestic hiking trails winding around Mount Blanc.

I could tell the anxious older brother didn't want to stray too far from his confused twin… And seeing as the final leg of the European part of fashion week ends in Paris, we didn't. Well, for most people it would be clear on the other side of the country, but for the jet setting gingers it was a short hop….and well within reach at a moment's notice.

"Uh… Haru, are you ready to head back?" A familiar voice caused my head to turn in the direction of a single towering red and gold tent, just two slots ahead of me. Seeing Hika awkwardly readjust his black backpack on his shoulder, cautiously calling out, while juggling a small rolled paper bag, and two capped coffee cups. He uneasily stands next to various jewelry displays, adorned with polished chained stones, and intricate beaded earrings. Waiting for some kind of acknowledgment …. Noticing the simple guarded act causes my chest to painfully tighten with a fresh round of guilt.

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"Uh yeah, sounds good, Hika." I forced a smile on my face, waving to the drop-dead gorgeous ginger. I couldn't help but notice numerous salivating women ogling in his direction. One woman in particular even walked straight into a supporting tent pole, nearly bringing the entire thing crashing down on several very surprised shoppers. It didn't matter if the man was adorned in high-end designer duds or dressed down in jeans and hiking gear, the older twin "always" stuck out. "With all the fresh vegetables I bought, I'm thinking of making a curry for tonight's dinner. If we hurry back, it can simmer while we're on our Hike."

.

You would think the same could be said for his identical younger twin. However, Kao, has this almost unnatural ability to practically blend in to his surroundings, when needed. Like in crowded airports, or carrying out the sneaky part of their planned pranks, back in our Ouran days. Whereas Hika, would usually cockily accept his gawking fate, being the obvious 'distraction, for both men, and women, alike.

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"Haru, you don't need to put yourself out, I figured we'd just go out. You know I am a full grown man, I've been taking care of myself for some time, now."

"You cook? Now I've heard everything." I sarcastically ask.

"Well, no not exactly per se…..but, hey, I make a mean reservation." He chuckles.

"That's what I thought you would say. Hika, really, it's fine. It's no trouble what's so ever."

"Well good, to be honest, I was hoping you would say that, it sounds rather tasty." He clumsily motions a hand over his snug fitting navy sweater, "That will definitely hip the spot …I tend to be a bit ravenous after a hike." A wide gratified smile flashes on his chiseled face, before his eyes drop down to the two cups in his hands. "Oh!" He awkwardly chuckles, "I almost forgot, here you go. It's to help warm up your insides, for the trip back." The handsome ginger nods his head to the side while offering me one of the cups.

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The minute his soft hands brush against my fingers, I unconsciously jerk them away. "Oh sorry, the outside of the cup is much hotter, than I thought it would be." I apologetically hiss out, while dramatically sticking my thumb in my mouth, all the while 'pretending' to sooth it.

He lifts his free hand to his head, rubbing the back of his neck, sliding his wounded golden eyes to the side. "Uh yeah, sorry about that." I could tell he knew I was covering for my abrupt reaction, and it just seemed to hurt him, even more.

As the distance between us grows ….so did the awkward silence. With only the sounds of crunching gravel scuffing the soles of our shoes. My lowered gilt laden eyes covertly slide over, watching the uneasy ginger. One look and I can tell we are both in the same boat, desperately struggling to come up with something, ANYTHING that could break the tense chilled air surrounding us. Of course, he senses my stare and blinks back a concerned look. "Yes, Haru, do you need something?"

.

Being caught by Hika causes my cheeks to suddenly flush, "Uh, no." I shake my head, before sliding my gloomy eyes to my feet. "It's nothing...really."

"Here, allow me." He awkwardly speaks with no trace of asking permission. Before I even realize it, Hika skillfully alleviates my bag of produce off my shoulder.

With one hand, wrapped around my creamy latte I stop in front of Hika, clumsily shaking my palms for him to stop, "Hika, you're already carrying your bag. You don't need to carry mine, as well. I'm a big girl, I can handle it on my own."

Without missing a step my old friend just continues to walk right pass me, revealing a playful smirk as he does. "Haru, quit your protesting, it's already done." He blindly adds, while continuing towards the rented house.

I can't help but stare at his broad retreating back, a precisely placed white stripe runs across his black parka, only emphasizing his wide muscled shoulders. I shake my head from the momentary distraction before practically jogging to catch up with his wide, persistent strides. "Uh, thank you…Hika." While nervously sliding my hair behind my ear my eyes wander to my bag, when an idea strikes me. "So uh, I plan on making the curry extra spicy, tonight. I remember that's how you and Kao used to like it."

.

That stops him in his tracks, with wide golden eyes staring down at me. "You do, really?"

I quickly pull my cup from my lips, while rolling my eyes, "Oh please, how could I forget? All those pitchers of water, I gulped down." I playful exaggerated, waving my hand in front of my mouth. " Woo, when it came to you two it was always the spicier, the better." I chuckled, "Going out with you two was ALWAYS an adventure."

As if coming back from an old memory he happily nods to himself, "I wouldn't go as far as calling it an adventure…. but with you there it was never boring." He chuckled, taking a sip from his capped cup, "I remember you would make such a fuss when Kao and I 'escorted' you…you would go on and on about going home and starting your boring homework, or shopping ….and it wasn't even the FUN kind, either."

.

"Escorted?" I feigned outrage while poking a finger in his hard shoulder, "You two practically manhandled me!" I lift my hand, playfully tapping my cheek, in a thoughtful manner. "Besides, I seem to recall a certain pair of twins almost awestruck when they decided to 'stalk' me all the way to the supermarket."

"Ahh come on Haru, we were just making sure you remembered the commoner coffee." Hika glances at his shoulder before chuckling.

"What do you mean forget, we had an entire pantry stocked full of the stuff."

"For the most part, we just simply carried out what the Boss ordered us to do." Realizing what he just said he cautiously paused, carefully watching my reaction.

My breath suddenly stopped, inwardly waiting for the impending mixture of emotions that normally followed whenever the slightest thought of our old club invaded my thoughts. However, to my surprise there wasn't anything too overwhelming. For the most part, it was just faded memories of the prankster twins, causing a smile to slowly emerge in front of the ginger.

When he noticed my small smile, a smirk quickly curls under his sparking mischievous eyes, while playfully nudging my arm with his elbow. "We merely stood next to you ….and gently 'guided' you in the direction you needed to go. Just like any other gentlemen would be expected to do."

"Guided?! Geeze, having personally experienced your so called technique I'm dying to ask was your instructor covered in dark hair, and partial to yellow fruit? "

"Really Haru, a monkey? Well, well, look who's finally gained a sense of humor. I'll have you know women absolutely 'love' going out with me. " He teasingly give his head a little shake, allowing a stray breeze to come out of nowhere and whip through his thick ginger hair. "They can't get enough."

"Get enough of what, bananas?" I take another quick sip, from my cup." You and your twin, practically dragged me."

Hika, bit down on his lip, holding back his laughter, while defending himself. "Banana what? Geeze, Haru that was really, really, bad. If you're gaining your newfound sense of humor, on reading up, it's time to get a new book. "

"Oh Hika, and you call that better than the banana thing? Sounds like some else needs to read up. Oh, by the way if you want to know, the bookstore is in the other direction." I playfully swing a thumb behind me.

"Oh, ha-ha. Your freaking hilarious." He rolled his eyes, "Now, Haru, I can honestly say, that wasn't the case." With a cocky smirk playing on his lips he arrogantly pointed a finger down, towards the rocky path. "I'll have you know we never allowed your precious 'feet' to even touch the ground."

"So then were back to manhandling, again." I dryly add, after savoring the rich creamy coffee.

"Whatever," He shrugs his shoulders, letting out a few chuckles, "That was 'such a long time ago. I uh, can't believe it's actually…. been years." Hika speaks in a distracted tone, sinking back into a faded memory.

"Yeah, your right." I chuckled as the overwhelming pain that once squeezed at my chest, when thinking about our shared past wasn't there….well let's not go crazy, it wasn't completely gone,

But I could definitely feel a growing warmth begin to replace it.

"Although when it came down to it, you would surprisingly go along with it. Damn that was funny seeing your adorable face go all red, while gulping one glass after another." He teased but I didn't respond, after a long awkward pause I felt a hand shake my shoulder. "Um, Haru are listening?"

I jumped, noticing my hand covering my heart, all on its own. "Oh, uh sorry." I awkwardly babbled with blushed cheeks, "You could have warned a person, drinking water only makes the burning that much worse."

"Now where would the 'adventure' be in that?" He raised a teasing eyebrow, "Well to be fair, after your 'second' glass I did try-"He chuckled while halfheartedly defending himself.

"Yeah right, by then the damage was done. It seems I was always the butt of your jokes," I dryly add while crossing my arms.

Before my body could flinch Hika reaches out and impishly pinches my cheek, "But you always had the most adorable reactions."

I unfurl my arms, slapping away his hands, from my blushing cheek. "Will you knock it off?"

"I uh, just couldn't help myself." He begins to awkwardly look ahead, lifting his hand to rub the back of his neck, clearing his throat. "Well anyway … I remember that one time, I don't remember what you ordered exactly, but I thought you were going to pummel that unsuspecting waiter for just his pitcher of water." He amusingly laughed to himself.

"I nearly did." I peeked around his arm, seeing his handsome face almost the same shade as his hair…..Wait, was Hika actually blushing?!

"Yeah Koa, and I, laughed all the way home that night." His laughter died down, with his hand sliding off his neck, "Haru, it's a nice thought, but I know How much you don't like spicy food….I can just use pepper."

"No that's okay, back in the states I …uh don't know why, but I kind of started craving spicy foods."

"Really, that's strange." He shrugs his shoulders while casually walking the trail.

"Yeah, it's sort of funny, now, that I 'actually' think about….It just came out of nowhere." Speaking in a distracted tone, pushing back a suspicion about missing the twins…even back then. I thoughtfully gazed at the ginger man, who seemed deep in thought.

…..of course, neither of us bothered looking up, at the time.

End of Haru's POV

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Mori's POV.

Japan

Chilled drops trickle down in wandering trails, clinging to the rain soaked awning over my head. In my haste of leaving the car I paid little mind to the miserable weather, leaving me to suffer the wet consequents. Wondering just how long I've been waiting I slide my hand in my coat, pulling my phone from my pocket as 10:59 PM flashes on the glossy screen. Feeling the nasty weather pick up I swiftly return my phone to my pocket, before jerking the collar closer to my neck. With my face partially obscured, I peer out into the rainy night.

.

A little ways down the street two blinding circles beam through the driving rain. My eyes squint towards an ominous stretched car slowly rolling forward, splashing puddled water over the nearby curb. Until the vehicle's rain slicked tires slowly roll to a stop, just in front of my polished black shoes. I quickly turn my head, cautiously checking the desolate dark streets, before slipping from the shadows, and sliding into the awaiting car.

.

The dimly lit overhead light glints off a pair of glasses as a familiar arrogant looking face leans forward out of the darkness. "Mori, glad you could make it, would you care for something to drink." He tips his glass causing the chunked ice to clink against the short tumbler.

"Morinozuka." Holding up a dismissive palm, "No, let's just get on with it…what do you want?" Speaking in indifferent tone.

Pulling his dark drink from his lips, raising a quizzical eyebrow, "Morinozuka? We were schoolmates, friends for years. Hell, even club mates. "

My jaw tenses with his cavalier attitude towards our current situation, "Then maybe you should act like it."

"Well, I guess I've earned that to some degree." He clears his throat, pushing his glasses on the bridge of his nose. "Ah, then straight to the point, Morinozuka-san. After all, you are a man of few words. Although, I must say, I still don't quite understand the decision to enter in the legal field …..Surely, you would have realized your chosen field is surrounded by communication …as in 'verbal,' communication."

My tightened fist lashes out, clasping around my onetime friend's neck. "I said, get on with it." I hissed through my clenched teeth.

"Very well, no reason to turn violent," feeling his raspy voice under my palm.

His photo crumples in my free hand, hidden by my side. "No, I've think I have plenty of reason, you're threatening the happiness of my family." My hand carefully tightens around the man's windpipe. "Why shouldn't I just….squeeze?"

"Go ahead." His restricted airway causes the Shadow King to uncomfortably wheeze out his words. "Do you honestly think I haven't thought of that? If anything happens to me my personal bodyguards have instructions to release the photos." He ignores his sweaty face, and the lack of air, giving me an expectant look through his crooked glasses.

With my hand held on the man's throat, I inwardly struggle with the surge of overwhelming temptation. However, I reluctantly pull my hand away, releasing the blackmailing bastard. "I'm in no mood for your arrogant grandstanding. Now, get on with it. "

I straighten my back, coldly staring down at my scheming schoolmate uncomfortably gasping with labored breaths, while massaging his pained throat. He abruptly leaned over the seat next to him roughly coughing.

After a prolonged silence, he gradually regains his composure, readjusting his glasses, arrogantly tugging his sleeve of his suit, before clearing his throat. "This all goes away with a single favor."

"What exactly do you want?" I pull back my shoulders.

"Simple, just convince Honey to sell the shares of my company." He lifts his glass tumbler, taking a quick sip. "When all said and done, I'll have those shares running through so many hands he won't even know it's me buying them back…. It will just become one of those untimely stock market oversights."

"He's not stupid, he'll figure it out." Shaking my head.

He darkly chuckles, adjusting his glasses. "In that case… I'm afraid your hands will have to get a little dirty," A wicked smirk slowly emerges on his lips, "Sell your half of Usagi enterprises to me."

Frustrated, I roughly toss the crumpled photo across the limo's cab, landing right next to the ex-host vice president. "Then you might as well send your pictures. Mitsukuni, will never forgive me after that. It will be as if I stabbed him in the back, myself."

Kyoya's coal like eyes glance down to the seat next to him, picking up the crumpled photo. "Pity." Holding up the loosely balled paper to his raised eyebrow. "I thought with your 'mastery' skills of a well-practiced attorney, you could easily get out of this." He shakes his head, "tsk, tsk …I guest not." He carefully unfurrows the wrinkled photo, sliding it back on my leg.

" "I roughly snatch the photo from my knee while listening to the cocky son of a bitch prattle on.

"You know, you really should learn to occasionally look over your shoulder, then maybe you wouldn't find yourself in such unfortunate business." He taps his chin, "Hmm, I wonder what will happen to your 'happy little family' once, Honey turns his back on you? He leans forward with a maliciously chuckle. "You've been working against him this whole time."

" "

He falls back in his seat, rotating his wrist, watching the whiskey slowly whirl around the chunked ice. "Oh dear, I'm pretty sure it wouldn't just effect you now would it? No, I guess not, since Honey is the patriarch of Haninozukas. Why this could affect your sweet mother, your chatty little brother-"My obscured tighten fists shake with pure anger.

Gleaming knowing eyes peek from behind his glass, before he pulls it to his side. "How would your own son even fair with something so drastic?"

"Only this is ridiculous. I know my cousin, and family is 'everything' to him." I casually unfurrow my arms, lifting the crumbled photo of myself, and a partially destroyed pink bunny. "When all said and done, it's just a stupid stuffed animal." I lied with an indifferent tone.

"True, it's risky. I'll give you that. But you just showing up only validates my theory, further. No, we all know it's crazy, but Honey tends to be a 'wee' overprotective with that thing. " He glances at his watch, "Ah, will you look at the time. Only an hour before trading starts in the New York stock exchange." He lifts up a hand over his head, pressing a silver button. "Driver, stop the car, Mr. Morinozuka, will be getting out." Kyoya drops his hand, gracefully motioning to the door, not so subtlety ending our meeting.

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The smooth ride of the darkened black stretch slows to a halt, as I do my best to contain my blistering anger, so is to not "accidently" kill the bastard, before making my hasty exit. I swiftly swing open the door, taking my first step out of the car. Sinking a single polished oxford up to my ankle in a fairly large puddle of chilled water, the driver unknowingly parked in. "I'll be in touch."

"Oh incidentally," I turn back around, catching Ootori casually sitting in the darkened cabin, with a small overhead light shining down on him , making his outward appearance menacing . "While deciding your best choice of action you can just hand over the shares to that textile company, the Hitachiins have been toying with."

"What have they ever done to you?" My voice practically rumbles.

"Nothing really, just stand in my way, for the last time." Ootori, smugly lifts his hand, adjusting his glasses, causing the overhead light to reflect off of them, concealing his stone cold eyes. "I'll be eagerly waiting your inevitable decision ... Do try and not keep me waiting too long. After all, time is money."

Peering through the rain drenched night, I sharply tug at the collar around my neck, readying myself to fully step from the car. But for some reason, my overwhelmed head drops, staring down at the expanding ripples surrounding my soaked foot, caused by the icy drops plopping down in the murky puddle,

…When the most self-serving, treacherous thought slowly worms inside my head, "Wait."

Mori, what the hell are you thinking, she doesn't deserve that!asn't ….Yeah, but neither does my entire family. I slowly shake the hurtful action from my head, sliding from the seat. "No, never mind, I'm nothing like you."

A confident smirk played under his intrigued eyes. "Oh, Morinozuka, is there something else? Is there something else that could 'possibly' save your family?"

'

End of Mori's POV

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Hika's POV

French Alps

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My golden eyes glare down at my twitching fingers, burning for just the slightest touch as I abruptly jerk them back to my side. I had found them yet "again" inching closer, on their own, towards her soft hand. I folded my arms, pinning the offended appendage to my chest, with a frustrated huff."

Her adorable chocolate eyes flashed up in my direction. "Uh Hika, did you say something?"

Oh damn, of course she heard that, "Uh no, I was just listening to the uh…the birds." I anxiously pull my flavored latte, which has long since cooled, to my lips, hiding my blushing cheeks. I could feel the unappealing sticky residue of the stale whip cream, flowing over my tongue. But it didn't matter, for the time being this stale cup of coffee was my only salvation, for the moment.

"Oh." Her disappointed eyes dropped down to her partially eaten strawberry filled pastry. She breaks off a piece, awkwardly taking a bite as she quietly glances around.

When I went to pick up our coffees, they had several freshly glazed pastries laying out right next to the register. Figuring they were oozing with strawberry preserves, Haru's favorite, I didn't think twice to snatch up the entire doily covered plate of them, for the trip back.

Obscured behind the lidded cup I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Really, freaking birds, how lame could I get?

Come on Hikaru get it together... "this" isn't why you brought her up here. Damn, back home, you busted your ass to rush back, some much so, your workaholic mother banned you from your own office. You've already wasted an entire week. And what do you have to show for it? NOTHING! Your ass, has achieved absolutely nothing. Only more damned awkwardness between the two of us. How much more are you willing to let go?

.

I inwardly berated myself …of course these last few days, I've been doing that quite a bit lately. The suffocating silence wasn't good for much else. Sure, every once in a while, we would temporarily break the silence with an occasional topic. But the tense air around us never fully dissipated, causing the damn awkward silence too inevitably return…and usually with avenges.

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Any minute Kaoru could call, giving us the all clear ...And once again, your chance will have slipped through your buttered fingers. Damn it Kao, what the hell did you do? My obscured fists tightened with all the varying array of emotions boiling just beneath the surface, for my absent twin. Worry, trepidation, uneasiness, anger, abandonment, just to name a few. I knew I would be walking into something after the the way he left me staring at my bedroom door, it was a complete shock. I mean, the moment I snapped out of it I hastily leaped from my bed, trying to go after him, but he just vanished from the estate, without a trace….It was clear Kao, wanted to be left alone, even from me.

.

So, I quite literally threw some essentials into a bag and fled to her side. My breath was actually stolen when I walked into that crappy shoebox hotel room of theirs. It was hard to imagine anyone staying the night in such tiny place, let alone two people, for days. Of course, my heart practically shattered when the concrete "proof" they had been staying in this pay per-night hovel laid asleep right before my eyes.

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Haru was curled up into a flimsy blanket on a tiny bed. Her sleeping face was half obscured by her pillow, noticing her face look shadowed in sadness I carefully reached down, brushing her hair away from it. The skin under her eyes was red and swollen, the evidence of her tears dry on her skin… I softly cursed,

Knowing ever since Haru reentered "our world," she has been nothing but hurt by it…

My shaky hands reached out to softly glide over the brunette's silky strands, silently apologizing. With the comforting touch, her delicate cheek unconsciously lingered closer to my large hand. I reached up with my free hand, wiping the burgeoning moisture, from my gazing eyes, all the while silently promising to make her happy, again,

.like she was, before the club.

With that, silent promise sealed deep in my chest I quickly went around the tiny room, packing away what little belongings they had before waking the Brunet Beauty.

My golden eyes flashed to the literal distance growing between us as we quietly trudge up the path, nearing the rented chalet. My chest burns, reminding me since we arrived I've not done one damn thing to obtain that precious promise! Without wasting another precious minute, I abruptly stop in front of the startled brunet, "Damn it, I can't take this, anymore!"

She clumsily stumbles to stop, while blindly cleaning off the glaze from her hands, before tucking the crumpled paper in her bag, "Hika, what's wrong?" Her wide concerned eyes flicked to mine.

Frustrated, I fling out my arms between us, "This, whatever 'THIS' is… isn't us!" I roughly slide a hand through my hair. Frankly, at the moment, I felt more like roughly grabbing on to it, pulling straight up. "Haru, do you have any idea what I had to 'AGREE' to, just to be here, in the first place?" Just the thought of what that devious cake stuffing blonde asked from me caused my stomach to twist ….to be honest, I never thought I would 'ever' even remotely consider something like that, again.

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"How would I know? Hika, you never said anything, once you came back!" Her voice raises defensively.

"Well let's just say, it's 'something', I don't even want to think about! But when that horrible phone call ended so suddenly-" Without even thinking my hands reach out desperately clasping around her flinching shoulders. "Damn it Haru, I thought the two people, I care about most it this world were involved in some kind of accident! Without even thinking twice I agreed to that short demon's demands, before rocketing back, with my own army, searching every possible hospital we came across!"

.

She lifted a timid hand, resting it on my arm, "Hika, I'm so sorry, we didn't mean to worry you. I thought Kao, had explained the phone just kind of flew out of my hand, there wasn't anything we could do, It was just gone after that."

I consciously bit my bottom lip, carefully considering my next words. Which anyone who knew me, would say, that wasn't my norm. I usually don't give a damn and just honestly speak my mind. But, now I'm risking furthering the awkwardness between us.

With troubled eyes intently gazing into hers I begin to step across the line, I been trying to avoid. "Look Haru, clumsily talking about the damn weather, or what's for dinner, isn't 'us' ….It never has been."

She shivers in her adorable pale yellow windbreaker, "Well actually, now that you've said something it is becoming kind of chilly. Hika, don't you feel it?"

"Haru, be serious." I snapped back, feeling she wasn't taking me seriously.

The brunet beauty cautiously takes a step back, crossing her arms at her chest, rubbing her hands over the adorable yellow parka. "I am, it really does feel colder." She anxiously glances around us, "It feels like something is in the air." She raises a teasing eyebrow," Besides, I thought you were excited about dinner."

"I AM, I honestly can't remember the last time I've eaten any kind of home cooking." I let out another frustrated sigh," Haru, you know very well that's not my point. That's not 'us'. In the past, 'both' of us have been called out for being too 'blunt', almost brutally, in fact."

Haru points to herself shaking her head, "I don't think I was ever called 'brutal'."

"Okay, fine maybe that was just me." I shrug my shoulders, while motioning to her, "You were just extremely naive in what was 'actually' happening, 'right' in front of you." I sarcastically speak to myself, but spoke loud enough for her to clearly hear it.

"What?" Haru, blinked up at me with her 'usual' perfectly innocent face.

Shaking my head, realizing this "side" of the brunet beauty hasn't changed, "Never mind…. My point is 'we' don't screw around, when something needs to be said." I once more nervously chew on my bottom lip, carefully considering my next words. "Look, Haru I understand something happened with you and Kao, ….and 'BELIEVE' me when I say, it's taking EVERY cell in my being not to climb that mountain…..But, Haru out of everybody you must realize ….I'm not Kao ."

"Hika, I've always known you're not Kao."

"Listen, Haru, what I'm trying to say is…. You've always treated us as individuals. Lord knows, you never treated Kao, any different when it came to my rare screw-ups."

With her arms crossed, she cocked here hip, giving me a knowing look. "Rare, Really, Hika?"

Throwing my hands in the air, "Fine, my too numerous to count, in fact I bet there isn't a big enough number to quantify how many times I've majorly stuck my foot in my mouth!" I sarcastically snap back. "There happy?" crossing my arms, sharply nodding my head.

"Okay, if you say so." She lifts a hand in front of her mouth as she attempts to hold back her snickers.

"Hey, quit laughing, I'm being serious, here." A chuckle slips out.

"Sorry Hika, your right," Haru bites her bottom lip, forcing her giggles to die down. "I just never thought you would actually say something like that."

I pressed my lips together in a firm line, giving my face a strong earnest expression, "Haru, there's so much we need to talk about, this awkwardness growing between the two of us isn't helping matters….and to be 'BRUTALLY honest, we've already wasted way too much time 'not' being honest with each other, in the first freaking place!" Being sure to apply the descriptive word, making my point.

.

I roughly run my fingers through my disheveled hair, blowing out a heavy sigh, "Haru, have you ever just sat down and really thought about it? ….because since I've been away that seems to be all I've been doing lately." My depressed shoulders fall, as my voice nearly cracks with emotion, "What we could have had…..together? With the all those years we carelessly tossed away?" Wanting my hands free, I uncap my cup, splashing the cold contents onto the grassy side of the trail before stuffing it in my bag. Saving it for later, since there wasn't any waste bins along the winding trail, to the chalet.

.

She flinches away from my fingers as I try and hold her hand, "You know the usual things people share, when their in love ….a home …..a uh, family…..a life. We could have had all of that."

"Hika." Her soft voice strains.

With burning cheeks, I purposely grab both her hands, lacing her fingers snuggly between mine. "Haru, I'm not willing to wait." I stubbornly lift our hands between us, "and 'this' needs to stop." Firmly referring to her reaction with my golden gaze pinned to her wide chocolate eyes, I gently lift our interlaced fingers, while placing a sweet kiss on our joined hands. "Whatever happened... I'm not Kao." Softening my voice.

.

She sadly tears her eyes away, "I'm sorry, Hika, I don't mean to be like this it's just-"

I quickly unlace our fingers, gently lifting her chin leveling her depressed eyes, with mine, cutting her off. "Hey. I mean it. Please don't finish 'that' thought. To be honest, I'm really worried about Kao, actually 'both' of you, BUT I REALLY DON'T want to know ….or rather, I don't think I can handle knowing, I mean just yet."

She roughly swallows, "Hika." Her woeful voice barely comes out in a hoarse whisper.

My hand slips from her chin, "Look Haru," Seeing her pained eyes, just nudges me further into keeping my promise. "Kao, and I wanted to talk to you, but because of those damn pictures, and the Shadow King, we just haven't found the right time. So I guess, it's now up to me to bumble my way through it."

Damn it, little brother, you so owe me for this one…. I can't believe I'm about to do this, without you even being here. We agreed we would sit down together and do this. I inwardly curse my absent twin, while silently steeling my resolve.

Because Hitachiins don't waste time.

Well, not when it's important, we don't.

I nervously swallow, gathering every bit of courage I had left . "Haru, the thing is, Kao and I, well we've – "

She holds up a hand, cutting me off, "Hika, I already know," Her cheeks flush with a deep blush, her eyes anxiously slide to the side. "I mean about you and Kao …about how you two 'really' feel about each other."

I nervously babble, with warmed cheeks, "What? Oh no, that wasn't what I was going to say ….but since you brought it up, I already knew you found out … I mean it's actually a relief that you finally know our little secret. Of course, I'm more than a little anxious to hear what- ."

"Wait, but how did you know? I only vaguely approached the subject, with Kao, and we were both drunk at the time, so he didn't understand what I was eluding to."

"D… Drunk really?" raising a teasing eyebrow, "So my little brother managed to get you intoxicated, did he?"

Haru unfurrows her arms, playfully shoving my face with a single hand, "Oh knock off, and answer the question."

I shrug my shoulders, "Fine, if you must know, it was back in uh, Japan." Knowing how Haru felt I was bit reluctant in mentioning our home country.

"Oh, I uh, see."

"Uh ,….anyway, Honey, Mori, and I had dinner plans." Believe me, Haru, that was the most 'uncomfortable' dinner conversation, I've ever had the displeasure to experience. Haru, they confessed to leaving the door open back in London. Their reasoning was something about making up for NOT speaking up, back at….uh, Ouran."

"Yeah, when we talked back in London, he said something like that…." Haru, awkwardly looked down to her fidgeting fingers. "Along with other things." She spoke to herself, nervously sliding her hair behind her ear all the while avoiding my eyes.

After catching what she said I couldn't help but wonder, what that cake eating shorty had said to her? I mean, I had to admit my last conversation with him, was definitely a shocker. "Apparently, the happy-go-lucky lolita was a lot more aware of what was 'really' going on…..more than any of us realized, at the time."

"Wow, that's really sneaky of them, but I figured it was something like that." She shrugs her shoulder.

"Yeah, a total swami on the mountain kind of thing," I let out a humorless laugh, "Damn who would have known…. they both knew what we couldn't see for ourselves."

"It's a bit surprising….all this time-" She sadly nods her head trailing off in her thoughts.

I throw out my hands, wrapping my sweaty palms around her arms, keeping her at arm's length, waiting for the burnet beauty's to lift her wavering eyes to mine. "Look, Haru, what Kao and I realized, when it comes to you, neither us want to um… give up. Haru, I can honestly say all these year we've been miserable without you. We can't stand you missing from our lives….anymore." With all the emotion, pouring from my swelling chest caused my struggling voice to almost crack.

.

She reached up, softly touching my cheek, "Hika."

I lift my hand, covering hers with mine, "Wait Haru, and let me finish…before, I lose my nerve. Damn Kao, would be so much better at explaining this," I nervously, speak to myself , "He's totally buying me my next car, for this one…were taking something not offered to the public or maybe a restored classic." My attention begins to veer off.

With my hand still on her face, she blinks up. "Uh, Hika."

I anxiously drop my hand, rubbing off the sweat against my pant leg. Starring down at dried leaves rolling past my shuffling feet. "Oh, Sorry I'm just not very good at expressing this kind of thing …. I mean about feelings and all."

A chilled breeze blows against my perspiring neck as I lift my head, "Haru, you know what we said before the pictures, right? About our …uh feelings." I nervously reach out and playfully nudge her arm, "Haru, this is where you nod your head."

"Oh, uh, yeah. How could I forget?" She nods her head, letting out a humorless chuckle.

"Good," A relieved sigh blows pass my lips, "At least 'that's' been covered, the thing is ….. Kao, and I need you."

"Hika, do you see me going anywhere? It's not like you two would let me, even if I wanted to."

Ready to rip the rest of this preverbal bandage off, taking in a deep courage building breathe. "No, Haru, not like that. I don't mean like before…. as friends. Haru, we both want more than that, 'much more' actually-"

Haru's eyes nervously lift to the sky, "Uh Hika, I really think we should finish this back at the house."

"No wait, I really need to know … I mean it's always up to you and I don't have the slightest clue how it will actually work …three separate relationships? A threesome? I don't mean physically, well eventually." With my desperately held question honestly laid out, I begin to nervously babble.

"Uh Hika." The blood begins to drain from her face.

"No, I don't know if I can handle that, at first. Damn, Koa could explain this a hell of a lot better than I'm fumbling through it." I quickly catch my breath, gazing down at the Brunet Beauty, with heart rendering anticipation, clumsily lifting her hand to my hammering chest.

"Anyway, Haru," I nervously swallow, while trickles of sweat slide down my overheated temple. "What do you think …I mean about what I just said ….about the three of us…being more?"

But before I get my answer, an earsplitting roar suddenly rips open the sky. "Ahgg Hika!" A traumatized Haru frantically buries her face into my chest, panicked tears spill from her squeezed shut eyes, all the while clenching tightly to my navy-blue sweater.

"Oh crap!" Unable to grasp my horrible luck, I look up into the sudden torrent of rain, blurring my eyes.

"Really?! Now?"

.

End of Hikaru's POV

.


.

Kaoru's POV

Paris..

Meanwhile …

The sound of frantic knocking, pulls me from nothingness.

With my eyes shut a pained groan slips pass my lips. "What the hell happened?" Feeling as if my poor head was used as a hammer, I slowly lift my hand, tenderly rubbing the back of my head. I blindly try to gingerly lift my woozy head, feeling as it's inwardly spinning out of control, causing it to painfully crash back to the hard floor. Laying on the cold floor, knowing even if I could open my eyes it wouldn't do much good, as spotty memories begin to assault my pounding head.

.

I begin to vaguely remember my tired shoulders aching as I barely trudged from the elevator, coming back from a purposefully long day at the show's Paris venue. Once I left …..Italy. I forcibly pushed the haunting chocolate eyes from my head, diving head strong into my work. Deciding to forgo my family's estate, staying at the same hotel, the show was being held, so I could focus on it 24/7, keeping my mind busy.

.

Despite the long arduous hours, I achieved very little. Feeling physically ill, distracted with an unbearable need to….but no, that's not what's….um, safe.

I'm not what she needs. At least, not right now.

Like I said, I remember leaning, against the elevator's cool stainless steel wall. I had just left for my suite, after quite literally working around the clock as I was too exhausted to even hold myself upright. Once the doors slid open, I tiredly staggered to my feet, walking the short distance to my room. Thinking of nothing else but my bed I clumsily fumbled with my room's keycard, opening my door.

When a sharp pain violently strikes the back of my head causing my eyes to almost roll back in my head, before vaguely feeling two strong arms wrap around my sides, dragging my limp body, before carelessly tossing it to the floor.

Mumbled voices slowly bring me back from my unclear memories. I begin to mildly become conscious of more frantic knocking, coming from the other room….until the sound of the front door opens, and a single pair of high heels echo in the distance. "Hello." With the muffled familiar voice calling out, heavy footsteps begin to scatter away from me.

"Oh my lord, Lil pumpkin!" The familiar woman's heels hastily click against the floor, racing closer, "You! Why are you here? " Only behind my sealed eyelids my hazed eyes rolls back in my head,

As everything around me fades to black,

returning my drifting consciousness back into nothingness.

.

End of Kaoru's POV

End of chapter 33 Sorry the chapter hasn't been named. If you come up with something ,please let me know .


Okay, okay, the bunny blackmail is kind of farfetched… BUT Honey was willing to kill Tamaki and the twins, for merely spilling tea on it, in the anime. So I just went with it. It was either that, or messing around with Honey's wife, before Honey's marriage. I didn't think that fit with the close bound shared by the cousins ,so again I went with the evil bunny …It's just more Ouran than anything else.

Darn, it seems the twins can't catch a break! Well at least not now anyway ….Oh but in the next chapter "things" begin to turn around ,and start to reveal themselves….See ya, next time .

Thanks for taking a peek ;)

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