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*Disclaimer I do not own Ouran Host Club.

Back in our world

By Alimackatjac

Chapter 38. Today is just a little too familiar.

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Mori's POV

Rember Mori 's in the room next Kaoru's, watching behind the adjoining door.

"Now don't be rude." A shrill voice sharply admonishes from the doorway.

Leaning his head against the door Hikaru rolls his eyes while hissing his words, "Oh, this is fucking fabulous, so this is how my day is going?" With a frustrated huff, he dryly adds. "I would have preferred a revenge-seeking ex-employee, let alone a stranger, to this."

I could feel the blood draining from my perspiring face as my limp fingers mindlessly slipped from the knob, hearing who exactly darkened their door. …and knowing this, made me believe the twins were probably going to experience something closest to their worst nightmare.

…or at least they were about to

Like I once did.

Having foolishly tangled with the shrewd old tiger, before. With my chest beating ferociously, I begin to recall the chilling lesson, the one I didn't realize I desperately needed to learn. It happened at my very first meeting …Soon after I was granted the patriarch position, of my family. Just the thought of how naive I truly was, quite literally makes me shiver, to this day.

I foolishly refused my well-meaning father's offer, to accompany me to the first couple of meetings. Seeing as Mitsukuni was granted the same position, and well, I've seen the heads of the families countless times, at lavish parties and later on, at various company functions. They seemed quite pleasant to be around, so I really didn't think there was a need. So, I blindly strolled into the ultra-exclusive meeting of the top five families. Like it was some kind of Christmas party …

…I was so wrong.

Unfortunately, before even taking a seat I chose the wrong side of a position…and well, even when the Suoh's matriarch, so wisely backing down…

With the haunting memory of the conniving Suoh grandmother giving a genteel smile, while merely acknowledging another member across the room. Quickly, although politely making her excuses, leaving the naive "new", kid alone to stare down Satan's sparkling eyes…As I refused. Just remembering those evil eyes I attempt to let out a long calming breath, as the escalating bile slithers and churns in my recently aggravated stomach, caused by her unforgettable voice.

"You mind wiping those stupid, expressions off of your stunned faces and show me where I can park my bike?" She stands in the threshold of the door, with a very familiar family smile playing on her lips.

At my very first meeting of the five families, I so stupidly chose to stare down the old Hitachiin tiger…Only with my cousin's help did my family come through such an egregious mistake ...but just barely.

"Maybe, over my dead body." Hikaru unwisely grumbles, snapping my thoughts from the past.

Letting out a heavy sigh, back then, I had no clue. To me, the old tiger was just this eccentric grandmother type who wore vivid kimonos and a lavish design of flowers sprouting from the top of her head. Meticulously brought up from a very young age with a cultivated eye for Ikebana. I didn't find out until after my first devastating top five meeting, that her reputation is fairly infamous among the people that counted

…which at the time, I wasn't among them.

Forget grandmother, the old grey tiger could make even the cagey patriarch of Ootoris question if he was achieving the better end of the deal. The shrewd Hitachiin matriarch is a fierce protector of the creative family's interests. Sending many wellbred businessmen, screaming out of the conference room, never to be heard from again …well at least not in the business world….or the legal….Or …ok well anywhere considered professional that deals with any form of currency.

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A perfectly arched eyebrow slowly raises over piercing devilish eyes, catlike eyes that could bring a man blubbering to his knees, within seconds of being flashed upon. "Well, if that's what you REALLY want CHILD," She lets out an amused chuckle, "I mean if that's what you really want, I'll be happy to arrange it for you." The shrewd grey-haired matriarch stood with her leather covered hands tightened around the beefiest handlebars, I had ever laid eyes on. As if she was toying with the stubborn eldest, a wicked smirk gradually lengthens across her knowing lips.

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"Oh yeah, sure, come on in, uh…. grandmother." Kaoru starts to inwardly panic as he sees the Hitachiin matriarch began to take over his brother's grumbling soul. Causing the normally emotionally stable twin to abruptly throw his two hands out, shoving his older brother, out of reach of her lethal claws. "Don't mind Hika," He nervously chuckles over his shoulder "He's uh, "always," happy to see you, Grams….you uh, know how he is, it's just always in his own special way." The younger twin continues to push against his brother's broad back.

.

Hikaru struggles with his persistent twin shoving him out of the foyer while calling over his shoulder. "Like, hell I am! Wh..what the heck are you doing, Kao?"

"Hikaru, unless you want to disappear in some godforsaken hole, with the most "interesting" bride who has ever walked the planet, you'll shut that freaking trap of yours!" Kaoru abruptly hisses over his grumbling brother, giving him a sharp warning look, raising his voice. "You're uh, going to avoid getting into our beloved grandmother's way, aren't you dear twin, of mine?"

"Tsk, Whatever."

Kaoru begins to take the bike from his grandmother, "Here Grams, let me take that for you." However as soon as the grey-haired woman lets go, the bike begins to wobble and tip. Seeing the oncoming accident my feet arch, ready to blast through this door and save my ginger friend, until a single gloved hand catches the massive bike, just before it crushes him.

"Uh, thanks but you better let me do that Sonny." She nudges a sharp elbow in the younger twin's gut."

He chuckles. "Yeah, that uh, might be more prudent." Noticing Kaoru's obscured arm blindly tense at his side, while he rubs his tender stomach, with his other arm.

"You're a bit lean in the muscle department, aren't you sonny?" Fiery golden eyes flash to the younger twin, as a devilish smirk abruptly melts away to a more impish smile. The grey-haired matriarch easily straightens, the absolute "beast," of a bike, before her eyes quickly skip over his shoulder, causing her mouth to tighten in a disapproving look. Speaking towards the oldest twin. "And I see you're still suffering from your incurable dull wit as usual … that makes you, the "other" one."

.

Hikaru crosses his arms, giving his grandmother one of his best smart ass smirks. "Yeah well you should be used to that by now since I hear with age, the mind is the first to go. You senile old -"

"Hika!" The younger twin quickly twists around, scolding his older brother.

Hikaru shrugs his shoulders, uncrossing his arms, gesturing towards the five families' old tiger. "What Kaoru, aren't you the least bit suspicious, why the hell the old bat, is even here? When did she "ever" give a damn about us?"

The younger ginger awkwardly reaches up and rubs the back of his neck. "Well no? I mean, "Suspicious" is a bit, too strong? I think it's more like "pleasantly" …um surprised?" Shrugging his shoulders.

"Yeah right, sure it is." Ignoring the old tiger, Hikaru strolls up, tapping his brother's forehead, "Listen, little brother, do me a favor, and check that figurative mask of yours… I uh, think the pretend strap is cutting off the oxygen to your brain."

"At least Kaoru can still get oxygen to a place he "ACTUALLY," uses." Balancing her bike with her hip, the old tiger chuckles while peeling off her leathered gloves.

Irritated, Hikaru, rips his finger from his twin's head, pointing it towards his grandmother. "Listen you old-"

She quickly pounces, sharply cutting off the older twin, getting right up in Hikaru's face. "Watch it, little man, I could do FAR worse things, to you, than bend your overstuffed britches over my knee."

Astonished the brunet's eyes never leave the quarreling family members.

She purposely drops her eyes, trailing off "Speaking of-"The old grey tiger, of the five families, lifts her graceful head, giving her grumbling grandson an amused look, with a chuckle. "How on earth, do you, two boys," with a devilish smirk she purposely points a perfectly sculpted nail, "plan on bestowing the Hitachinn family great-granddaughters with what you got going on… down there."

"Grandmother!" Both twins simultaneously warn the old tiger.

I couldn't help but silently chuckle at the twins' outraged faces, after watching years of them mischievously besting practically everyone else.

Although with the same devilish smile she completely ignores the twins' outburst, holding up a hand to their well-earned outrage." Wait, just a minute, I should be asking her this, now shouldn't I?" She purposely raises her eyebrow towards our oblivious brunet friend.

My laughter dies in an instant, with my fingers tightened around the metal doorknob. Barely restraining myself as I could have easily splintered the door.

…Having the old tiger so dangerously close…to her.

"What, no." A blushing Haruhi nervously holds up two hands, "Wait, I'm just-"

In fact, if it wasn't for the quick reassuring look from the younger twin …I probably would have.

"I know very well, who you are, Dearie." Her shining mischievous eyes are completely taken in by our brunet friend, "Those two knuckleheads bumbled around, far- too long, finding you." With an evil, amused chuckle she turns her attention towards the twins. "Now if they just would have asked ..." she teasingly trails off.

"What! Don't tell me you knew!" As if something snapped inside, Hikaru abruptly lunges towards his devilish grandmother.

Kaoru, however, quickly catches him around the waist, struggling hard to hold his fighting twin back. "Uh, grandmother…I'm sure you're uh tired from your trip." Losing his attempt to sound untroubled.

"Kao, you can't honestly ignore what she just said!" Hikaru shoves against his younger twin's struggling grip. "Do, I need to remind you of-"

Kaoru snaps, "NO, you don't!" With his clothes mussed and him quickly losing the struggle, Kaoru leans his head down, whispering something in the older brother's ear. And Like magic, Hikaru instantly stops fighting enough to stand on his own.

Still visibly fuming Hikaru jerks at the bottom of his angle zippered jacket, "Why are you even here, all you ever seem to do, is cause trouble!" However, the old tiger just shook her head causing Hikaru to brush a hand over his arms, straightening his outfit, "What, no answer?"

A malevolent smirk grew under gleaming cat-like eyes, "I would consider it, if it wasn't coming, from the family's spare."

Hikaru mockingly mimics her words, before rolling his eyes. "Tsk, I'm no one's spare … who the hell even invited you, you old-"

"Hika!"

"Fine," with a huff "Grand…mother." struggling to control his temper. "I know Kao, wouldn't dare to invite you-"

"No, but I did." A whirl of a silky tangerine fabric swirls in, as a pair of vibrant polka dotted heals confidently strolls into the occupied sitting room. "Sorry everyone, on the phone with Bangladesh, couldn't be avoided."

"Mom?" Hikaru's mouth drops open. "You're, here too?"

"Why of course Baby Blu, didn't your brother tell you?" On five-inch heels, she gracefully struts to her eldest son, pushing up his bottom jaw. Giving him a hug.

"Uh no, but I'm sure he was about to-"Hikaru gives his mother a genuine hug, as fireballs could have literally shot from his eyes and over her shoulder, at his squirming twin.

Avoiding his twin's outraged eyes, Kaoru lifts a hand, rubbing the back of his neck. "The thing is, Hika, I...I was about-"

The grandmother interrupts the two twin CEO's, her face melting into kindness. "Oh don't worry love, business is business. You've only ever come close to letting down the family that one time." Giving the twins a look, "and you SOMEWHAT made up for it, I mean making the best that, husband of yours, could scantly bear."

"Of course mother." The fashion icon forces a smile on her perfectly glossed lips, walking over to her, giving her a hug. "Here, mom allow me to park your bike." The Hitachiin mother easily takes the handlebars, gracefully maneuvering the bike out of the entryway, on delicate heels no less.

The toe of a chunky black boot with tattered black laces slams to the ground as the old tiger struts after her bike. She's covered from the neck down, in worn dusty black riding leathers. A dulled silver buckle clanks and dangles from her simple unbuckled motorcycle jacket. With not a shred of brightly colored leather, that the more modern Japanese cyclist would normally be donning. "I see you're still covering for "their" shortcomings." Her golden eyes purposely creep up the older twin, giving him a knowing look. "Hey, don't just stand there, like pigeons on some old, decrepit statue." She snaps, "What's keeping you from closing the door?"

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Hanging out of the door. Hikaru Blindly speaks, without turning his back. "You know, you really shouldn't say that about your friends, even if HE is far younger then you." Dryly referring to the figurative statue's age.

"Humph!" The tiger's golden eyes narrow at her snarky grandson.

Kaoru and the fashion icon snickered while looking the other way. "Um, Baby Blu is there something wrong?"

"No, I'm just checking to see if dad strolls up, in a black and white, checkered suit, matched with a hot pink tie."

"Why on earth would your father-" She trails off until, her hands suddenly swing open, like she's freezing the room after literally being struck with inspiration, "Although-."

"Not really the time mom." Kaoru quickly comes behind his mother, gently guiding her arms down to her sides.

Hikaru chuckles to himself, "I'm not sure, it's just the way my day has been going," Speaking to himself. "I uh, sort of expected it, now."

"Well, that man isn't coming," The old tiger with an evil knowing smile speaks over her shoulder. "This is strictly a Hitachiin "ladies only" holiday."

He turns away from the door. "Wait what?! Need I remind you two… ladies?" Hikaru unfolds his arms, bouncing an accusing finger at both elders. "Mom stopped dressing us up like girls when we were, like five!"

Kaoru lifts his hand to his smiling face, awkwardly rubbing his cheek, "It was more like eight, Hika, and now we only occasionally-"

"Shhh Not the point, Koa!" Hikaru quickly cuts him off, taking a moment to restrain himself, "My point is, then why the hell are you bothering us?"

Kaoru nods, "Yeah, not to be rude…But-"

Hikaru strolls over, throwing his arm around brother's neck, "What my twin, is so graciously stumbling over, is like, what hmm," for the briefest second the bolder twin is not quite sure how to proceed, before he purposely pulls back his shoulders, letting it rip ."Well just, exactly what you "love" pointing out, at every single family event, we are privy too…were, not that …I mean you were just staring…Even your senile eyes can obviously see we have-"

Kaoru slaps a hand over his twin's blunt mouth. "Extra! WE, obviously have extra!" The younger twin pleads in Hikaru's glaring eyes, hanging over his brother's purposely placed hand. "Hika, PLEASE let's leave it at that, there's ladies' present, and I personally don't want to experience that woman's wrath." He shivers.

Ignoring her grandsons, she purposely turns her head as a wicked grin slowly emerges. "Oh, we're not here for you."

"Don't tell me, "Kaoru's face turns ashen white when he sees just exactly who his grandmother is swooping down for.

"Oh, fuck no, I refuse! You are not sinking your conniving claws in Haruhi!" Hikaru crosses his swinging arms in front of him, "There is "ABSOLUTELY," no way, in hell." He stubbornly crosses his arms. "I won't allow it!"

The old tiger arrogantly chuckles. "Like, you can stop me." She purposely lifts an eyebrow, daring her grandson.

"Stop it Hikaru, need I remind you, it's not your decision!" Haruhi searing eyes flare towards the older twin.

"See, that's exactly what this family needs!" The devious tiger's smile widens.

Confused he turns his head, pointing to Satan herself. "But-"

Our friend stubbornly crosses her arms. "Not another word, Hika." Haruhi shakes her head.

"Fine." He grumbles. "But, you have no idea what you're doing."

The delighted grandmother lets out a bold laugh, "Aww, looky there, the spare finally gets it! See what happens when you shut that howling yapper of yours, and listen for once?" She walks over to Haruhi throwing an arm over her shoulder. "Come, my Hitachiin princess, we have so many plans."

"What?" Hikaru instantly turns his attention to his mother, "You're in on this too?"

She gives her son an awkward smile. "Wellll- Baby Blu, you see your grandmother called me the other day, and well she immediately noticed my excitement."

He uncrosses his arms, motioning for her to continue. "And?"

"Sooo, I ended up telling her I was expecting this beautiful China Doll, in the next couple of days." She couldn't help but squeal with excitement, "and well you know what a go-getter your grandmother can be …so yeah."

"Go-getter, I'd call her something else, more like a raging pain in my-" Hikaru grumbled.

"Hika!" The younger twin gives him a knowing look "Remember."

"Fine," Hikaru grumbles.

"This proud family's endeavors have been haphazardly jungled in little boys' hands for far too long." She lifts Haruhi's chin, so there now somewhat eye to eye. "It's time for the younger generation to have a woman's touch, something they've been evidently lacking."

"What no, I'm flattered but from what I can see they're doing what you raised them for," She pulls her chin from the old tiger, besides I wasn't finished with Kao. In fact, it was literally just starting, when you came in."

The grandmother spins her attention, confidently turning to the younger twin, raising an expecting eyebrow. "Care to shed some light on what the princess is speaking of, Sonny?"

"Nah, you go ahead, we'll catch up once you're done." Kaoru tries not to smile, waves a dismissive hand towards our mutual friend.

Hikaru walks up, standing next to his brother. "Now, I know what you're doing."

"Fellas?" Haruhi, somewhat desperately calls over her shoulder. "Hey guys, mind helping a girl out?"

Hikaru impishly waves, with a chuckle. "I can't, you told me not to." He folds his arms at his chest, before shrugging his shoulders.

"Well not with this," Haru hisses. They're your family members, at least try, and do something…anything?"

"Haru, there's nothing we can do." Kaoru motions to his two elders nudging the Brunet Beauty closer to the door. "You see, Haru when these two make up their minds ….it's best just to go along with it."

"What the devil are you going on about, Kaoru?" Haru cholates plead over the pushy women's shoulders.

"Have you ever wondered where Hika gets his mischievous troublemaker side, from?"

"Hey! I'm not the only one." Hikaru snaps.

"True, Kaoru nods, "but you, my dear brother, have to admit "you're" the worse out of the two of us."

"No!" Hikaru shakes his head.

Kaoru leans in, raising a knowing eyebrow "Really, Hika?"

He shrugs. "Ok, fine." Hikaru backs away, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, while grumbling. "Yeah, well maybe, I'll give you that one." He crosses his arms once more.

The two women stop, Kaoru motions to his grandmother as she leans in giving Haruhi, a wide devilish smile. "Well Haru, I'd like you to meet, donor number one."

"Nice to see you again, dearie." The grandmother's teasing smile only grows.

"Wait, again?" Hikaru bluntly asks, immediately turning his burning eyes towards his grandmother.

"Shhh love, I'll explain, later." The fashion icon holds a finger to her glossy lips shushing her oldest son. "Your ruining mommy's intro, Baby Blu. "

"And that leaves-" Kao then slides over an outstretched hand to his mother, wearing the most mischievous grin. "Donor number two, our mother, which you've already met."

The fashion icon looking as if she about to burst, grabs Haruhi arms, swinging them excitedly "I'm ecstatic, you're here, China doll! I have some many things to show you!" She squeals while lifting her shoulders.

Kaoru lifts his hand, rubbing the back of his neck. "Only, the weird thing is," He trails off rolling his eyes away, intentionally avoiding her eyes. "Hika, and I only, have a LIGHT smattering, of what they um", He nervously chuckles, dropping his hand." Actually, have."

I honestly didn't think her eyes could get any wider. "What?!" She whips her head around to either side of her, "a light smattering…really?" The grandmother nods, and the mother wiggles her fingers, both of them revealing a familiar mischievous smile.

Haru shakes her head in disbelief. "There's no way," her face turns white. "that's um impossible...there's no way a higher being would even consider doing such a thing to the rest of us!"

"Hey, now I know how you "really" feel about me," Hikaru grumbles.

"Hey nothing, it's true!" Haruhi swings out a hand.

His irritation quickly melts into a knowing chuckle as he shrugs, "I'm afraid Kao's, right, With a smug look, on his rough model-like features, he unfurls his arms, motioning to the two women, leaning extremely close to Haruhi. "Meet the 'original' Hitachiin devils."

Haruhi face turns pale, shaking between each Cheshire grim, closely leaning into either side of her. "But."

The same mischievous family smile merges on Hikaru's wide lips." See, I told you, you had no idea." He raises a knowing eyebrow, "And you only have a "slight" glimmer of what you've gotten yourself into."

"Well, enough of that." The fashion icon begins to somewhat firmly guide Haruhi to the door once more. "Come on China Doll, time waits for no one."

"Wait, but." Large brown eyes peek over their mother's shoulder.

"Hey boys, you mind if I park Betsy here?" She begins to steer the bike to the closest corner to the door. "I'd take her with, but with your mom," Trailing off she smacks the leather seat. "Well, that's just TOO many backsides, for Betsy to handle…well safely, anyway." With the toe of her, chunky boot she quickly kicks out the metal kickstand.

Hikaru shakes his head after seeing the metal kickstand gouging the suites' polished floor. "Here's an idea, why not park it, in the hotel's parking lot, or hey, perhaps the lobby?" He grumbles. "I mean, I've seen you do that, WAY too many times."

"No, thank you! Last time I did that, a crazy bellhop went on a little joyride across half of the city. " Her golden cat-like eyes slide over to Haruhi, causing a truly wicked smile to curl on her thin, crimson lips. "Un-less" The old tiger mischievously trails off, lightly patting her bikes seat.

"Unless what? Come on don't leave us in suspense …Here your nonexistent memory might need some help, 'Unless' mom requests a car, or hey, my favorite, UNLESS, a swarm of flying monkeys carries you off to another realm, where you become their queen and leave us the fuck-"

"Hika!" Kaoru scolds.

The old tiger ignores her scolding grandson, zeroing in on the older grumbling one, as she raises a thin eyebrow. "How about we find a proper place for Betsy, UNLESS you'd like me to take your little princess here, for a spin?" The Hitachiin matriarch gracefully leans against her bike, shrugging her crossed arms. "You never know, she might 'actually' make it, through the entire day."

"No!" It's like she suddenly turned up the heat on the now, burning oldest twin. "Absolutely not!" He walks up sharply poking a finger, at the levelheaded tiger. "The last time you bullied me to get on that "CRAZY" thing of yours, I woke up in the hospital, a week later, with a concussion, and two broken ribs …After, you thought it would be 'hilarious" popping a wheelie down freaking Ginza.

She chuckles shrugging her shoulders. "Eh, I did warn you."

"HEY," is not any kind of a helpful warning!" He adamantly shakes his head, sharply waving his hand in front of him. "It's not even a vague one! 'Hang on', MIGHT-"

"It's a word." The old tiger slightly shrugs her shoulder, while her boots cross at the ankles, leaning against her polished sleek bike, with red hot flames blazing across the extra-large tank. "In fact." She coolly waves a dismissive hand. "IF you were smart, you would have figured it out, yourself."

Hikaru narrows his eyes "Damn, I think you just enjoy fucking with me, you old-"

She quickly cuts off the older twin. "Watch yourself, don't be naughty." With a raised eyebrow, over her piercing cat-like eyes, she warns Hikaru with a teasing finger. "You wouldn't want to spoil your mother's plans, now would you?"

Irritated, Hikaru purposely presses his lips together, sealing in his next heated words, while lifting a hand to his head, rubbing his temple, as if to fend off an oncoming headache ."I swear you do this on purpose, GRANDMOTHER."

Kaoru only knowingly chuckles.

"Who's to say?" She teasingly walks away from the frustrated older twin, strolling towards the door. With an almost triumph smirk she laces her arm around Haruhi. Her golden impish eyes peer over her leathered shoulder, practically daring the older twin, to try and stop them. "Come on princess, say goodbye to Kaoru and Baby Bloot."

"It's Baby Blu. If you're going to try and insult me, at least pronounce the damn baby name right!"He angrily swings his arms in the air …however even the emotional twin sees the futility of stopping the old tiger as he lingers next to his younger twin.

"Uh bye? No, wait!" Haruhi whips her head around as she begrudgingly is ushered out the door.

The two brothers with pasted animated smiles wave towards it. "Do you think Haru will ever speak to us, after this?" A concerned Kaoru asks through a plastic smile.

He gives his brother a knowing smile. "Yeah…well maybe with the right incentive."

"The entire Japanese fishing industry doesn't even remotely have enough fancy tuna, to get us out of this mess."

"Oh I don't know ….I'm betting she'll be back, given enough time with those two, were freaking angelic compared to them." Hikaru lets out a sigh, "You planned this Kao, didn't you?"

Kaoru reaches up, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck, letting out a long breath. "Yeah, I did. Sorry, Hika." He begrudgingly comes clean, nodding his ginger head. "

"OK-" Hikaru struggles, roughly rubbing his face. "But why, Kao?" Throwing out his arms in front of his chest. "Do you have ANY idea, what you've started?"

"I know." Kaoru avoids looking at his twin as his eyes slide to his shoes. "Well, if it's any consolation, it wasn't me who invited grandmother. That was all mom." His hand falls from his neck, tucking them in his trousers' pockets.

"Yeah, but with Haru, you had to have SOME inkling she would-"Hikaru throws up his shaking hands. "Ah, Fuck, Kao!"

"Look, Hika, you're the one that brought mom in, in the first place!"

"Nope." Hikaru shakes his head, pointing a finger. That was all you, little brother! You asked her to cover for one of your shows, REMEMBER?!" He stubbornly crosses his arms.

"Oh, well, if I hadn't, we would have never-"

Hikaru cuts his twin off, throwing up a hand. "Yeah, you don't need to remind me, I get it." In frustration the oldest twin, rubs the side of his head, turning his back. "Besides, that was back in Japan! Away from Haru! Fuck Kaoru, every day I had to practically fight her off, just to keep her from coming here!"

Kaoru hurries to step in front of his twin. "But I didn't invite her, she just sort of popped up, and well, wouldn't leave..."

With a frustrated sigh, Hikaru rolls his eyes, "Look, Kao, It's not that I don't love mom, it's just you know wherever she is, that OTHER relative, already has plans circling around her. LIKE A DAMN SHARK! Especially when it comes to Haru! I mean you heard her. Damn it, if she had any idea, why the fuck didn't she say…well anything, really?! "

"Alright, Hika, what do you want from me, I already apologized!" Frustrated, Kaoru lifts his hands from his pocket, his striking golden eyes beaming through lavish lashes. "I know I fucked up, but it was for a good reason." Kaoru reaches out placing a hand on his twin's shoulder. "Come on Hika, please listen?"

Hika awkwardly flashes his eyes to his shoulder however makes no attempt to shove his twin's hand away. "All I can say, is you must have been desperate…you do realize what you've unleashed on us?"

Kaoru removes his hand, nodding his head. "I was…I am." He crosses his arms. "I didn't really have a choice, Hika. We really do have things to discuss, and like it, or not, Haru really shouldn't be a part of it… and you know how stubborn she can get. I needed some kind of back up."

"So you invited mom?! Again, why Kao, why can't Haru, be here? If it's about this crap you're avoiding, then it doesn't make any fucking sense, to have us fly back, in the first place! You could have just told me over the phone!"

Hearing Hikaru's temper about to ignite, once more… my hand pushed open the door.

"It's because I requested it…I needed you both here."

Hikaru's ginger head whipped to the door, "Wait, Mori-san!?" More than a little surprised he rubs the side of his head.

Standing in the doorway, with my shoulders held back I respectively bow. "Hello, Hikaru. Kaoru."

"Uh yeah," Hikaru quickly straightens, returning a small bow, Kaoru following his older brother. "Mori-san." Of course, after he straightens, his perplexed golden eyes begin to search the room. "Uh, where's shorty?"

My eyes drop for a second. "Long story."

He reaches out patting my shoulder. "It's alright big guy. No doubt, it's the reason, why you're here."

"Yes, it is." Straightening my determined shoulders, my eyes purposely slide over to each twins' perplexed eyes, being sure to seriously look them in theirs, when I warn them. "I need your help."

"I see..." Although Hikaru serious nod melts in seconds as he begins to search the door, I just came from.

"Hika, what are you doing, we already know Honey not here." Kaoru shakes his head.

"So uh, before we get matters underway ….Koa, is there ANYBODY else you're hiding around here ….like maybe our old high school English lit teacher?"

Kaoru swings out his arms. "Hika, do you see any lumberjack plaid anywhere around here?"

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End Mori's POV

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Sorry, I couldn't help the last line. ;) Alimackatjac.


Haruhi's POV

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QUITE A FEW HOURS LATER…

With a long breath, my newly, perfectly polished fingers shove against the glistening glass. Ignoring my throbbing feet, I whirl past the shop's elaborate door, causing my ankle to once more clumsily jerk. Feeling sweat dapple along my suffocating forehead I hastily stumble pass the overburdened chauffeur. Unable to lend a hand to the struggling blonde, mounded with expensive looking paper bags, and elegantly labeled boxes. Knowing what horrors await me,

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..If I fall behind, yet again.

.

The last time I uh, lingered, the two shopping divas enslaved practically an army of sales associates armed with countless creams, brilliant blushes, and lavish perfumes. As soon as I unsuspectedly stepped through the extravagant double doors, their polished claws pounced. Through flailing arms, I quickly recognize the glimmer of all too familiar, devilish smiles, hidden by fragile looking teacups. Mischievously watching, with stars in their devious eyes, as the commission starved staff spritzes, powders, and glues practically the entire store onto some portion of my body.

.

With the shivering thought, I encourage my throbbing feet to clumsily hasten in the devious women's direction. Once I catch up enough, I begin to here lively chatter mingled with elegant spiked heels gracefully clicking against the sidewalk. "So- I've been thinking that we should continue with our little "girls" night, and scoot on over to my absolute favorite spa, in the city, for a facial and bikini wax?" The fashion icon's golden eyes slide over in my direction.

"Wait, do you really think that's even necessary, I mean it's almost winter?" I cautiously question, while inherently dreading the very idea.

The Hitachiin grandmother winks over her shoulder with a knowing smile. "Of course it is." I normally go cliff diving in Fiji, this time of the year." Dressed in a camel colored silk pants, her polished fingers rest on her mustard tinted, patent leather bag. Her long legs take a wide confident stride, before turning her head. "I'm way ahead of you, baby girl, it's good, but you're just not thinking big enough, again."

The fashion icon stops walking for a minute, wrapping her glossed dark fuchsia nails around her popped out hip. Highlighting her chocolate, pencil skirt. "You know mother, even people who don't know me, wouldn't dare ask me a question, like that."

The grandmother slows her pace, her shiny salt, and pepper hair sleeks down on either side of her teasing face. A burst of chilled air briefly reveals a pair of coral lips, the ends tugged up in a wicked grin. "Your point, baby girl?"

"I was just- it was nothing." Letting out a sigh, she begins to walk. "So mother, what do you have in mind?"

Her teasing attitude instantly drops, excitedly clapping her fingers under her beaming face. "Well, baby girl, just after speaking with you, I took the liberty of booking all three of us at my absolute, most favorite spa."

"Wow, really mother, how did you manage it, in such short notice?!"

Kazuha eyes sparkle with pure evil. "Let's just say, they owed me."

"Someone new, made a little slip up about the flowers, didn't they?" The fashion icons eyes knowingly float to the top of her mother's head.

Her mother uncomfortably clears her throat. "Something like that."

Yuzuha shakes her head. "Mother, your temper."

I try and keep up with the striding Hitachiin women. "Wait, what? I'm uh, not sure that's such a great idea." Lifting my free arm awkwardly rubbing the back of my head.

"Oh, it's not, China Doll." The fashion icon glances behind her, "There's no quicker way to earn a spot on my mother scorned side, then comment about her usual hairstyle. You see she usually wears this stunning array of various flowers in her hair, but since she was arriving in Europe and meeting you, I talked her into changing it up…But only temporarily. "Her delicate palms fan out, in front of her, scrunching her shoulders.

My eyes sort of accidentally float to the top of the woman's sleek hair, and before I know it a question is fumbling out of my mouth." I uh don't mean to be rude, but if Hitachiin-sama_"

The grandmother cuts off my question while raising a thin eyebrow. "Kazuha, Princess or grandmother. Just so, you know I'd prefer the ladder.

"I think, we'd all prefer that." The fashion icon speaks under her breath.

"Give it time, baby girl." The grandmother glances over her shoulder, giving me a teasing wink.

"If Kazuha." I stubbornly speak, "is known for always riding around on her bike, I would assume that also means, a uh helmet. So, how in the world can she wear her usual style?" Realizing the older woman's face begins to twist, I awkwardly hold up both hands. "Which I'm sure is lovely!"

"Easy China Doll, you're not the first to ask …mom, won't even tell me her secret. She only mutters something about it's due to the genius designers, behind the style." the fashion icon lets out a frustrated sigh. "Then, I'm afraid that's it. Believe me, it's one of Japans' most sought after secrets. "

"True genius speaks for itself, it doesn't have to be verbally touted, to be recognized."

"True, but keeping it from your own daughter, it simply tragic." The fashion icon theatrically lays her head on her mother's shoulder.

Her mother lifts a hand, stroking her daughter's ginger head. "Dearest, you wouldn't believe me if I told you." The grandmother lovingly grumbles.

All I could do is stare at the strikingly familiar scene played out. ..A bit TOO familiar of a scene.

"Fine, "The fashion icon pouts but begrudgingly straightens her shoulders, and within an instant, it's like it never happened, as she confidently struts, matching her pace with her mother. "Anyway, China Doll, you're in for a treat …of course the boys might be a smidge peeved." Her excitement pauses, as she bites her dewy, bottom lip, her golden eyes flutter up to the side as she considers her next step. "Although we should be back by-"She trails off, sharing an expected look with her mother. "What do you think, mom?"

"Tonight?" I answer hopefully while awkwardly tugging at the hem of my fashion appropriate, but not at all modest, mini skirt.

The sly grandmother just chuckles. "Oh, Monday, at the latest."

"Wait, but today's FRIDAY! Where exactly are we going?"

Kazuha nods her head. "Oh, you're right, better make it Wednesday."

"I uh, should probably call the shop to extend your wardrobe." The fashion icon begins to verbally plan to herself.

"But what about the guys, I don't think I should-"

She waves a dismissive hand. "Eh, don't worry about them, I can take care of those two." With a wicked smile spreading across the mischievous grandmother's lips, she pulls out her cellphone, from her mustard colored bag. The one her daughter had ready for her when we first stopped off at the Hitachiin fashion house. As the fashion icon refusing to stroll around with her leather wearing mother, or for that matter what Hikaru provided. "You see Princess, with a push of a single button, I can easily sink those two. We could actually take you for quite some time before they were even able to lift their heads from the tidal wave of work I could potentially unleash on them."

.

"Yeah, but your joking, right …I mean about the kidnapping thing?" Feeling like I've experienced this SOMEWHERE before, sweat begins to stream down the side of my head.

Raising a delicate hand to her chest the grandmother knowing lips lengthen into a rather devious smile. "Kidnapping, I don't believe I ever implied-"

"Yeah, but "taking, someone for quite some time," that could sort of be construed as kidnapping."

"I always knew this one was sharp…well worth the overly extensive wait." The grandmother touts, although she doesn't deny it either….Instead she just keeps walking. Which also, seemed VERY familiar.

A little "TOO," familiar.

Yuzuha quickly distracts from the unanswered question, breaking the awkward air. "Oh, wow, how exciting our first bonding weekend, this is one for the books!" She abruptly hastens her steps.

"Yes, but let's get a move on, our ride is waiting." She too, quickens her strides, catching up, if not to beat her brisk daughter. "Come on princess, catch up!" The grandmother blindly calls back, too busy in besting her fashion icon daughter. To notice I'm out of breath, as my pace begins to slow. Stopping, to keep my unmentionables from being exposed, I quickly tug at the way too revealing ivory skirt. Deciding whether to give up or not, I slowly turn my head figuring out where exactly I am and how I can get back ….Hoping to try and speak with Kaoru before he goes off and disappears again.

.

"Woof! Woof!" For some reason I whip my head around, seeing only an excited dog, enthusiastically licking his owners face. I couldn't help but shake my head, as it felt like everything about today, seemed a little "too." familiar. Seeing it was already dark, I ignored the misbehaving pooch, to try and figure out a way home.

With a chilled wind, blowing against my overly exposed legs, I suddenly felt as if everyone scurried indoors. My wide brown eyes glance ahead while my lone footsteps echoed in the gloomy Paris Street. My strides abruptly quicken, figuring my best course of action would be finding a safe haven to call the guys from. As a familiar feeling lingers up my back. The same creepy feeling when you step out of the theater, and into a dismal night, right after watching a horror movie.

…feeling like your being watched.

Realizing I wasn't helping my situation I quickly scan ahead, trying to find some kind of Paris nightlife, along the deserted sidewalk. Rapidly second guessing my decision as my chatting escorts are half way up the shadowed block. Although my designer feet were throbbing, quickly making the decision for me. Out of breath, I lift my hand to wave, hoping to regain the Hitachiin women's attention. When my scared eyes suddenly widen under a large hand, clapped around my mouth.

Just like a horror movie, it happened so fast, it wasn't before I realized I was being dragged around the corner, of a towering brick building...Before I even started to struggle.

Pointy elbows sharply jab causing him to filch but deprived assailant remains silent, only shushing me. Refusing to give up my freshly polished nails try and gouge into the man's hand, which causes him to jerk back, releasing me. Ready to ruthlessly give him a change in octave I abruptly swing back my chunky heeled boot. hurling my laser guided foot where my attacker will innately feel it the most. Hhe crosses his arms with lightning speed, protecting himself. "Will you knock it off, Haru, I know you're pissed but I still need that!" He hisses.

.

"Hika?"

He straightens, crossing his toned masculine arms against his broad chest "Who else." His glimmering teeth are widely visible in his usual cocky smile. One that his twin, can't even pull off.

I purposely shake the image of his model like face, from my head, as my abundant anger escalates. "What are you doing here!?

"I uh,"

Quickly cutting him off "Furthermore, why the hell would you even attempt, a stunt like that!"

He ignores the question only stepping closer, teasingly pushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Well, I'd say I'm here to rescue you." His shining feline eyes linger from the shadows, dropping down, devilishly catching mine. "However, I know you don't want that, so I'm merely here, checking on how much of "their" Hikaru's knowing eyes slide up the street. "kind of fun," you're actually ...enjoying."

.

I step back, my arms swinging way out to my sides. Of course, before I could do any of that, I had to clumsily fight the tiny ivory-colored discs like-buttons, positioned on my waist. Unbuttoning my extremely "fitted," (yeah, that's how that well-dressed, dominatrix explained it As.) ivory double-breasted trench coat. More like a fashionable straight jacket. "Oh, ha-ha, does it look like I'm having fun?" My question only causes to widen his amused smile. That is until he notices my face turning depressed as my eyes flit around him ….Searching.

.

As if he knows what I'm about to say, the mischievous spark in his beautiful golden eyes extinguishes, before awkwardly dropping to his fidgeting strong hands.

"Hika, where's Kao?" My heart shatters just saying the words.

His depressed golden eyes peek up through thick strands of ginger, "He's uh-" unable to continue to cover for his twin, Hika roughly runs his fingers through his hair, letting out a long sigh as he does it.

"Not coming." Forcing my voice into more than a broken whisper. "Is he?"

Avoiding my eyes, he nods his head.

"Yeah, that's what I figured." Awkwardly swinging my arms, mindless crashing them together.

"I'm, sorry, love" Seeing my reaction, he rushes over, gently touching my hand, stopping my mindless swinging. "Give him some time."

"I am, I mean, I have been really trying, but for this to work, it takes two." To exaggerate my point to Hika, I hold up two fingers in front of him, then fold one of those fingers down. "Not just one." Hika immediately captures my hand, kissing the single finger. His soft lips sweetly touch down on the reappearing finger as he uncurls it. Proceeding to linger on each and every knuckle.

I should have jerked my hand away, but since …well since the cabin, I just stood there breathlessly craving each lifted finger. "You look stunning, by the way." He blindly mumbles between kisses. He gracefully straightens his broad shoulders, purposely dropping his eyes, "My uh mom, always did know my taste in footwear." Causing his cheeks to warm. "Cute shoes."

"I uh." For a moment, I couldn't gather my words, until I'm reminded of the absolute hell, he, and his confused brother just sent me through.

"Aww, you look so cute."

"Have you ever spent three hours just staring at heels?!" Sharply gesturing to my kicked out foot, turning my throbbing ankle in a pair of chunky patent leather rose heels.

"Well-" Making a face he casts his eyes to the side. At least she took pity on you and started you out with training wheels, so to speak. Wide heels, though heavy, are much easier to walk in." He chuckles.

"Oh wait," I stomp my heavy heal, against the sidewalk. "Why am I even asking you, I should know the freaking answer to this, it staring me right in the face! Of course, you have, you're freaking C.E.O of damn clothing company!"

"Among other things." With his usual "family" smile, he deliberately takes a step. His seductive molten eyes catch mine, causing me not to .notice his outstretched hand until I was too late. "Even though you're a bit argumentative, today, you're unbelievably gorgeous."

My plain brown eyes glance over to his leaning hand, against the wall …and purposely skimming my shoulder. "Argumentative, huh…I uh, can't breathe, my face feels heavy."

As if ignoring me, he softly slides his free hand to the back of my ear, being sure not to tangle my long seek back ponytail. "Stunning."

"I uh, can't re…really walk in these cement bricks strapped to my uh… feet " His burning eyes never leave mine, as he listens to settling gripes, as there just not becoming as important as they once were…as he consciously leans in closer.

"Beautiful." He murmurs, our chests softly fit together, like a puzzle.

Hearing the addictive sound of his heart. "And uh… Don't even get me started on how short this skirt is." I consciously tug at the ivory skirt.

He lifts my chin away from his chest, letting out an amused chuckle. "Wow, it's like we stepped back in time."

"Pardon?" only able to utter a single word.

"Oh, it's nothing." His long lashes frame the most beautiful pair of seductive eyes, over blushed cheeks. He doesn't bother to hide his blush, kissing the side of my warmed cheek before skipping to my ear. Allowing a whisper of his torrid breath to curl against the shell, causing addictive tingles to linger up my spine. "To tell you the truth, I'm a little irritated about the skirt, myself." He softly whispers.

All I can do is wait for my raging heart to calm, as I wait for the completion of Hika's teasing thought.

His large masculine hands suddenly grab at my waist, pulling me into his intoxicatingly hard body. "It's making it impossible to concentrate," My eyes only flutter to his tense jaw, barely resisting to touch my softest skin to it. "Haru, you have no idea what I want to do to you." As if to make his "very real" point, the gorgeous male CEO, my sweet emotional friend…and yes the man, I deeply love, only allows a fraction of his slipped restraint to show, as he crashes into my needy lips.

.

My head, roughly smacks against the wall, as I'm swept up, lost in the searing shared kiss. His hand slowly slides down my waist, passionately seeking out the micro hem of my mini skirt. He devilishly hikes up one side, while leaning his toned body in closer, shielding my sudden exposure. "Hika stop, we're in public, we can't-" My hand covers his offending one, "Besides, now that I think about it, I really should get back, knowing those two, you, and Kao-"

.

"Please love, could you not mention my brother, at this particular time?" Lowering his head, ready to continue.

"Well, it's true, you two could get in serious trouble, because of what I skipped."

"Now, you know," He shrugs his shoulder, leaning in once more. "What Ko- cutting myself off and clearing my throat, quickly correcting myself. "I mean what we "BOTH" have to deal with."

Holding out a hand, I quickly shove against his hard chest. "And now you know, what the rest of the world, feels when dealing with you two."

"Fair enough." He leans in again, chuckling the entire time. "You know, the spa they're referring to, well, it's more like an ultra-exclusive, commune for extravagant elites, questioning their spirituality."

"Oh."

He lifts my hand away from my nudged up skirt, lacing our fingers. "Yeah, and it's just a little south of Kolkata."

"Kolkata, as in India, that Kolkata? Are you kidding… but they said I'd be back by Tuesday?"

He lifts our hands, expressing all of his attention with the sultry use of his soft pressing lips. "Yeah, that's what they said," His piercing mischievous eyes crawl to mine, raising a knowing eyebrow. "Although- Haru, this isn't "EXACTLY" the first time you've been misled by a pair of Hitachiins, or for that matter kidnapped by them." His beautiful eyes drop back to our fingers, unwilling to wait for me to figure out what he effortlessly placed before me, what he believes to be entirely obvious.

.

"Um." Unable to reply as I begin to play back recent events in my head.

"Really, Love?"

"Ok, fine. You… MIGHT have a point."

His knowing smile lengthens, with a chuckle. "Yes, love." He pulls me closer, his head tilts sweetly, lingering his amused lips along my neck.

Feeling his tender skin against my beating pulse point, I tilt my head, exposing more of it. Which only causes a slight hum against my neck, as he seductively laughs. "I uh, should probably tell you." He pulls at my tender skin with teasing little bites.

"HONK!" A loud horn, from across the street momentary breaks his concentration, my seduced half-lidded eyes slide open for a disruptive second, before Hika finds my lips, nudging me back into our stolen moment.

However feeling his tightening fingers press into my hip bones, I begrudgingly pull my lips away. "You're uh grandmother?"

"Oh uh, Once my grandmother goes there, she been known to lose track of time." He shrugs his shoulders. "But- you're a big girl, I'm sure you can handle it."

"But it's only supposed to be a weekend, at most a couple of days."

"More like weeks, since you work for us, they won't bat an eye….and knowing my mother, they probably already have you packed. I mean with whatever stores they managed to buy out. Plus my mom can have items shipped over for whatever is missing."

Remembering the fashion icon's verbal thoughts, my stunned mouth drops. "I was right, those two were going to-"

He raises a knowing eyebrow. "Still think you don't need to be rescued, or at least maybe lend a hand?"

His fingers playfully whisper against my skin. To most women this might be considered repressive, however knowing Hika's usual mischievous personality, it's anything but…besides, ever since the cabin...…my restraint easily melts with such a touch. "Alright, I take it back, I mean at least, with this." With my hand on my hip, I firmly swing out a hand in front of me. "Hika," Biting my bottom lip, forcing the words "help me."

"Please?" The gorgeous, yet irritating ginger model raises an expecting eyebrow.

"F…fine" Once more struggling with my words. "…p..please..help..m-me ."

"What about you causing trouble, and taking one for the team? " He chuckles. "

"You said, a month, right Hika?" I dryly add.

"Well," He raises a teasing eyebrow. "It's going to cost you." With a devilish smile, playing on his lips, he once more pulls me close to his rather persuasive body.

Feeling him pull on my waist, my hands fly to his masculine hands, however, they don't rip him away. "Cost me, cost me what? After what you two pulled, I shouldn't even be speaking to you!" My plain brown eyes seer into his striking golden ones, while I halfheartedly refuse him, with my chunky heels stumbling closer to him.

"Well for starters," He purposely trails off, pressing his sensitive lips into mine. Instantly followed by another, and another, each growing in endurance and torrid breathless heat

…all I wanted is to revel in the ginger's sizzling attention.

"Honk!"

"Beep Beep!"

"Woof! Woof!"

"Hey, watch out, you asshole!"

"Hooonk!"

"Woof!"

"Suddenly both Hika and I pause, with heated breaths curling into the chilly night sky, craning our necks, trying to see what's causing all the commotion. Adjusting my eyes, I finally see a couple kissing, on the side of the street. "Aww, my heart thuds for the romantic couple. I hope we're that loving when we're their age."

He chuckles with an admiring smile, "Yeah, me too." In a flash, he jerks me closer to his body, sliding a hand up the back of my head, and seductively whispering in my ear. "But until then, let me tell you, how I'm going to teach you." I can feel a wicked smile barely touch the shell of my ear. "How to fucking adore that skirt of yours, as much as I do."

"UH." Hika's husky whispers, causes pulses of current to fry any coherent thought from my head, as it travels like lightning, striking my electrified apex.

"Well- love, still need that help?" He knowingly chuckles, before diving once more towards my throbbing pulse, wildly pounding under my perspiring skin.

All I can think about is what wickedly delicious ideas he might want to explore …and damn if I'm not breathlessly craving each and every one. We were a couple after all, so why the hell not. "You uh, drive a hard bargain… but, this might be something I uh want. My eyes cautiously peek around the ginger. "just not here."

Something my body actually burns for…

"Oh, I'm just getting started, wait, till I get you home, love."

To that, all I could do is nod my head, being captured by Hika's most beautiful eyes.

.

End of Haruhi's POV.

.


.

Just a tad earlier…

With my palm practically searing with pain, my stumbling loafers are valiantly jerked forward along the sparsely dotted sidewalk. All the while lifting a hand to my face, attempting to roughly clear my alabaster skin from the Lady Marie's unyielding affections….yuck. I dare say, I should be used to this nonsense by now. .This isn't the first time I've gained such affections, and knowing the family, I'm sure it won't be the last…But does she really have to use so much tongue?

.

The intoxicating glow of the glorious moon illuminates a crown of light, upon my head, when I notice the rather energetic blonde, I've invited to dinner. She happily keeps herself entertained bouncing from one little shop window, after the other. Until her curious eyes looked over her blond covered shoulder, causing her to happily circle back from her purpose filled walk. Her gorgeous, deep brown eyes glanced up as she eagerly went around, and round.

.

That is until I noticed I can no longer walk and tumble to the ground, where she once more finds me. I can't help but burst out in unbridled laughter, seeing my beaming smile reflected in her elated brown eyes, galloping towards me. Until, "BAM!" The back of my head smacks into the ground as she quite literally plows me over, covering me with adoring kisses.

"Oh stop! Stop! I can't take much more." Lifting my arms to my face, I struggle to at least sit upright. "Ah, my little Marie, what would your Grand ma-ma think?" Asking with a charming prince like grin, and as if to completely ignore my question, she teasingly gives me a smooch, right on my smiling lips. Causing me to instantly lift my arm to my face, chuckling the entire time. "Aww, Marie!"

With my eyes skimming over the panting blonde, I suddenly notice a stunning woman across the street, under a circle of light. Well rather her back, as she tries to catch up with two other women. The task seems even more treacherous for her, as she's apparently is a mere fledgling when it comes to exuding grace through five-inch heels.

Her trudging posture was actually kind of sweet …and somewhat familiar, though I wasn't entirely sure why. ..My chest suddenly echoed a torn feeling while sitting on the hard sidewalk. Unable to deny the simple fact that I was uncontrollably drawn in, watching her so cutely tug at the hem of her ivory mini skirt.

Finding myself uncharacteristically petrified, giving anything to gain her attention,

….for even the briefest of moments.

These last few weeks with Ma-ma's treatments, I feel more than a little deprived, painfully craving a little companionship, as I unavoidably gaze at the adorable woman.

"Woof, woof!"

As if hearing my unspoken wish, the granddaughter of my beloved Antoinette brilliantly intervenes. Only as she barks, she also decides my face is a tad too dry, slathering it with abundant slobbery affection. For only a fraction of a moment, I'm able to see pass her wagging tail to the glossy chestnut hair fanning out, as the mysterious brunette whips her head around.

.

… Instantly my tattered heart slams to my designer shoes.

"Haruhi."

.

With my head spinning, I began to stand, not being able to decide whether to stumble across the street or sprint back home. Except before, I can figure out what to do, the choice is suddenly ripped from me. A pair of masculine arms lash out of the bleak shadows, slapping a hand over her unsuspecting mouth. Dragging her fragile frantic body around the corner.

.

All I can see is his ominous shadow looming over her poor delicate head. Without even thinking, I proceed to execute what any well-bred gentlemen would naturally pursue …bolting out in traffic, causing a car to abruptly veer in the next lane. An angry horn echoes behind the accelerating driver. Being alerted to the boisterous horn a pair of familiar catlike eyes suddenly flash open for the briefest seconds, peeking out from the brunet's head, before being pulled back into a passionate kiss.

.

"Hitachiin."

.

Completely stunned, I feel the golden retriever's leash slip from my loosely held fingers. Unable to think coherently my heavy body begins to sway aimlessly in the middle of the street. Only to abruptly notice two beaming circles barreling towards me ...as I'm unable to move my feet, feeling lost.

"Rene!"

"Rene!"

Suddenly a clenching hand catches my arm, jerking me out of the speeding car's way. "Are you crazy, here I am delivering your order, when who do I see so stupidly standing in the middle of the street, but a certain dashing blond!? That's who! What would Miss Anne think? Your so damn lucky Marie, found me when she did"! A fuming waitress tucks her frazzled, grey strands behind her ear, before wagging a scolding finger. With all the commotion, my searching eyes anxiously skip over the waitress's bulging shoulder, realizing the boisterous mayhem not only gained Haruhi's attention but the devil twin's, as well. Knowing any moment, they would discover me, and having nowhere to hide, I quickly scoop up the ranting women in my arms, inwardly begging for forgiveness.

.

Diving in lips first.

.

End of POV. Could it be?

.

End of chapter 38.


Oh, and if anybody doesn't get my intentional misleading deception, about the "excited blonde" in the last POV, it was a dog. Not a woman. Which leads me to … Hmm, I wonder whose POV that possibly could have been? We'll all I can say is, after 37 chapters, it's about damn time his royal highness makes an appearance.

Yay! Tamaki has finally arrived. Oh, hey to anyone reading this I just finished "My world without you", and I was hooked after the second chappy. I just sent most of my afternoon bingeing on it. I haven't yet sat down and penciled out a real thoughtful review, but it's coming. Well don't wait for me you really should check out this sweet story.

Some answers to my reviewers, you know who you are.

Hey , To always keep the faith: Yay I'm glad to hear it. Its been many of mornings I've found the imprint of my keyboard imprinted across my face, trying to finish my latest discovery.

To bossymanda Honestly, I can't believe it either. Thanks for the feedback it means a lot.

To the guest who reviewed on the 2-13, THat is awesome to hear, that just shoots me to the moon! Thanks.

YourDemonicAssassin At work really, wow, I'm so happy to hear that.

As always thanks for taking a peek ;) See ya soon. Alimackatjac.