Hikaru and Kaoru knocked on Ryoji's door and waited impatiently for someone to answer. "She knows we're leaving in half an hour, right?" Hikaru demanded.

"Of course she knows," Kaoru soothed. "She's probably just checking to be sure she didn't forget anything, like her toothbrush."

Hikaru knocked again, louder this time. Haruhi wrenched the door open with a scowl on her face and a pair of underwear clenched in the fist propped on her hip. She yelled over her shoulder, "Dad, stay out of my suitcase. I've had to repack it three times already."

Kaoru snickered and said, "Are you looking for our opinion of your choice of undergarments?" pointing to her fist.

She looked from him to her hand and rolled her eyes as she stuffed the underwear into her pocket. "Maybe you two can run interference for me. I'm trying to pack minimally like you asked, but Dad keeps pulling out everything and replacing it with every dress I own."

"Even the Christmas sheath...?"

"Yes, EVERY dress, while at the same time removing everything else, including my underwear, pajamas, and the 'Classic Blunders' t-shirt."

Hikaru grinned. "Let me handle Ryoji. Kaoru, you help Haruhi pack the bare necessities."

The three walked into Haruhi's room to find Ryoji trying to latch the suitcase, to no avail. "Haruhi, come sit on the suitcase so I can latch it for you."

"No, Dad. I don't need that much stuff," Haruhi huffed.

"But you're going to be gone for weeks. You're going to need…"

"Stop, Dad. I'm going to let Hikaru explain it to you since you don't seem to be listening to me." Haruhi sighed, shaking her head.

"But…but…" Ryoji sputtered.

Hikaru took his elbow. "Let's head to the kitchen for a cup of tea and I'll explain the plan."

After they left the bedroom, Haruhi wrenched the suitcase open and started pulling out all the dresses. She handed them to Kaoru. He quickly and efficiently hung them back in her closet.

"Wait, I think you should pack the one from the graduation party. It will be perfect if we go out to dinner," Kaoru suggested, handing the dress back to her.

"Okay, I will agree to that. Hand me the shoes that go with it." She folded it carefully and placed it in the suitcase with a small selection of underwear, bras, and socks. "I want to pack two pairs of jeans, a pair of shorts, a swimsuit, a pair of pajamas, and three t-shirts, including the 'Classic Blunders'. Will that be enough until you guys take me shopping?"

"Sounds perfect. Do you want to pack an extra duffle for purchases or buy one while we're shopping?" Kaoru asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest while watching her pack and latch the suitcase.

Haruhi contemplated the question for a minute before she responded, "I'd like to buy a new suitcase or two for heading off to University—maybe even a small footlocker-type trunk."

"Then our work here is done." Kaoru tried to grab the suitcase to carry it out but Haruhi refused to relinquish it.

Ryoji sat on the sofa with his arms crossed and a pout on his face. He looked up when Haruhi and Kaoru came out of the bedroom. "It's so mean that you won't let me take you shopping, but you'll go with these two."

Haruhi looked at her father and concentrated on not rolling her eyes. "Like I explained to you, this is my graduation gift for the twins."

"Their shopping for you is your gift to them?"

Hikaru interjected, "See, that's just what I told you."

"Look, Dad, you know how much I hate shopping but the twins really want to show me some of the boutiques they like in London and Paris, so I agreed to it as my graduation present to them. I told you that I would let you take me shopping the week before I start University. Okay?" Haruhi said placatingly.

"I suppose," Ryoji muttered.

Putting down her suitcase, Haruhi walked over to the sofa and pulled Ryoji to his feet. "Come on, Dad. Give me a hug before we head down to the car. I'm sure Atsuhiro is probably already out front waiting for us."

"You know I'm going to miss you, Baby Girl, right?" he whispered, pulling her into a fierce bear hug. "I can't believe you're going to be traveling out of the country without me."

Squeezing back just as fiercely, she said, "I know. And I'm going to miss you too. Be sure to take care of yourself."

Hikaru's phone *dinged* and he looked at the text message. "Everyone is waiting for us. We need to get going."

Releasing Haruhi, Ryoji snatched her suitcase and refused to relinquish it. "I want to walk down with you and wave as you drive away."

"Then let's go," she said, grabbing his free hand and heading for the door, the twins following in their wake.

By the time they got to the vehicle, Atsuhiro had stowed everyone else's luggage. Ryoji reluctantly allowed Atsuhiro to take Haruhi's bag.

It hit Ryoji full force that Haruhi was about to leave to travel internationally. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asked. "They are foreign countries with different languages and customs."

"Dad, we talked about this. Reiko spent a year in England and she has been helping all of us with our English. Rene grew up in Paris and he has been helping us with our French. We'll be staying at Kyoya's properties in both cities and they are fully staffed with native speakers if we need any help. We'll be fine."

Haruhi contemplated whether she could survive another of her father's suffocating hugs before she wrapped her arms around him and whispered, "I'll be fine, Dad. You and Mom prepared me as best you could. Trust me, okay?"

Ryoji wanted to cling to her, but he knew she was right. He had to trust her. Sighing, he responded, "You take care. It will be awfully lonely without you. Maybe I'll take a trip to Karuizawa and visit Misuzu while you're gone."

"That's a great idea," Haruhi said as she climbed into the vehicle where all the others were waiting for her.

As the vehicle pulled away from Hinansho, Kyoya sighed, "It must be nice having a parent who loves you and worries about you, rather than having impossible expectations and displaying constant disappointment." He moved closer to Haruhi and took her hand.

"Yes, it is," she replied as she squeezed his hand and looked over at the twins. "I'm sure you two miss your parents a lot right now because they loved and worried about you."

Hikaru and Kaoru nodded wistfully as they leaned together for mutual comfort.

Rene piped up, "We may not be your parents, but we are your brothers and we care about you. Don't we, guys?"

Takashi nodded, lost in thought.

Mitsukuni said, "That's right. But I have to admit, I miss my parents at times. I wish I knew why they—or at least Father-had such an attitude last year."

Reiko rubbed his back and kissed his cheek. "Maybe someday we'll find out. But for now, let's enjoy the trip, even though the underlying purpose is rather somber." She reached over and patted Kaoru's knee and then Hikaru's.

Chiharu clapped her hands lightly. "Okay, enough of this morose talk. We need a different subject. I want to know more about how you started the cuddle pile and why didn't Haruhi's father object to her sleeping with six extremely handsome men?"

Haruhi laughed. "My father doesn't object because he got to know the Host Club before we ever slept together for the first time."

"Ooo, that sounds so naughty," Hikaru teased. Then he sobered. "I remember the first time all too well." He laid his head on Kaoru's shoulder, unable to continue.

Wrapping his arm around his brother, Kaoru picked up the conversation thread. "The first time was right after Kyoya called everyone to gather at the Hitachiin mansion around midnight just over a year ago. That was the night he delivered the news about the London bombing and our parents."

Chiharu paled at the implication and reached for Takashi's hand. He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "When Mitsukuni collapsed and was admitted to the hospital, we slept together in his room with the doctor's approval. She mentioned that humans and wolves have similar social structures and it was obvious to her that we had established our pack and needed to come together to protect a vulnerable member."

"Well, my attempt at a happier topic seems to have fallen flat," Chiharu commented. "Does anyone else have any conversation ideas?"

"I've been meaning to ask," Reiko said. "You guys don't mind if we travel out of London for a few days while we're in England, do you?"

The other occupants exchanged glances and Haruhi said, "I think that would be fun. Do you have a particular reason?"

Reiko smiled. "I received a special import/export license to bring medicinal plant cuttings and seeds to Japan from England. I want to visit a few of the outlying villages where I investigated the plants while I was studying in England so I can purchase the seeds and cuttings. Then I can arrange to have them shipped to Japan immediately so they can be quarantined while we enjoy the remainder of our trip."

"I like that idea," Kyoya replied. "The construction of the greenhouse for the medicinal plants should be complete just before we return. Having the plants already through quarantine will save time and get the planting done sooner."

Haruhi poked Kyoya in the ribs. "Always thinking about business," she teased.

"Just like you're always thinking about learning." He tugged at the strap of her satchel. "You don't even have any online courses this summer."

The others laughed at the banter and Rene chortled, "That's more like it. This is a family vacation and we need more fun."

They were all startled when Atsuhiro announced, "We're here."

"Already?" Mitsukuni asked, looking around.

"Time flies when you're having fun," the twins chorused as everyone climbed out of the vehicle. Atsuhiro opened the cargo area and started pulling out luggage.

Rene glanced around and stiffened. Kyoya noticed immediately. "What's wrong? Do you see Shizue? Or Yuzuru?"

"No," he stammered. "But this is the same place the chauffeur parked when he brought me here last year."

Haruhi and Kyoya moved to either side of Rene and wrapped their arms around him. "There's nothing to worry about," Haruhi soothed. "This time you're here because you want to be, not because someone is trying to get rid of you."

Rene's breathing started to accelerate. "Do we have to go to the VIP lounge?"

Kyoya squeezed his shoulder. "No, we are heading straight to our chartered flight. It's in a completely different area of the airport."

Taking a deep breath, Rene relaxed slightly. "Okay, I think I can handle this. Which charter company are we using?"

Smirking, Kyoya answered, "Mine."

Rene whipped his head around. "You own a charter company?"

"I've owned it for nearly seven years. I started with one plane and now there is a fleet of fifteen."

Haruhi looked at him in confusion. "That means you were…twelve?"

"Yes, it was just after my twelfth birthday. I was tired of everyone telling me I couldn't do things because I wasn't old enough. So I bought a plane just to prove that I could. Since I had no interest in traveling alone at that time, I decided to start a charter company." Kyoya laughed at the expressions of disbelief on the faces around him.

"No wonder the idea of a Host Club didn't faze him when Rene suggested it," Takashi commented. "It was just another challenging business opportunity."

Rene turned to Atsuhiro, who had just finished unloading all the luggage. "Thanks for saving me last year."

Atsuhiro grinned. "I'm glad I had the contacts needed and everything worked out." He looked around at the group. "You guys have fun and stay safe. It will take more than a quick drive for me to help if you get yourselves into trouble in London or Paris."

"Thanks for all your hard work," Haruhi said as she picked up her suitcase. "Don't work too hard while we're gone."

Kyoya led the way to the charter terminal where the plane was waiting for them. "Depending on the upper air currents, it will be a twelve- to thirteen-hour flight. With the time difference, we will arrive at Heathrow Airport in London between eleven o'clock and midnight, so don't worry if you can't sleep on the plane."

The staff in the charter terminal recognized Kyoya and waved him to the gate where the plane was waiting for them.

Once their luggage was stored and they were belted into their seats, Chiharu asked, "So, Hikaru and Kaoru, do you guys model anymore?"

"I want to," Kaoru responded. "At first it was just too hard to think about. Our last shoot was the Christmas Show just before the bombing. Then we got busy with our new brothers."

Hikaru interrupted. "You know what might be fun? If you girls all brought the dresses from the graduation party, we could do an impromptu test shoot in one of the villages Reiko wants to visit. It would draw WAY too much attention if we tried it in London."

Haruhi looked skeptical. "I don't know. Most of my photo shoot experience has been in cosplay. I doubt I'm good enough for an actual fashion shoot."

"Nonsense. As Rene said at the Tojo Christmas Eve Party, you're gorgeous," Kyoya stated. "Though, on second thought, if pictures of you got out, I'd probably have to start beating your admirers off with a stick."

Kaoru rubbed his hands together gleefully. "That sounds like a challenge. I accept."

"What's the challenge?" Hikaru asked for clarification. "Taking gorgeous pictures of Haruhi or being one of her admirers that Kyoya beats off with a stick?"

Tapping his chin lightly with his index finger, Kaoru purred, "Decisions, decisions."

Everyone laughed at the teasing banter that lightened the mood.

"Well, I brought my dress and I'd love to be a model for your test shoot," Chiharu said.

"Me, too," Reiko agreed.

"Hey, Haruhi," Hikaru called, "why don't you come up with a few storylines we could use for the photo shoots? Like you did for that first photo shoot at Hinansho. You remember, the fairy tale with a twist."

Haruhi and Kyoya both blushed bright red, causing Reiko and Chiharu to look back and forth between them.

Chiharu smiled devilishly. "There's a story behind that blush, isn't there?"

"Let me!" Rene waved his hands dramatically. "I want to tell the tale of dashing Prince Haruhi and the rescue of Princess Kyoya. I was the evil wizard after all."

OHSHC

The air currents were favorable and they landed at Heathrow just before eleven o'clock at night, London time. As they made their way to Customs, Hikaru and Kaoru were recognized by some girls returning from a trip to New York.

"It has to be them," one girl whispered to her friends. "Here, I have pictures from their last shoot on my phone." She pulled up the pictures and her friends passed the phone around.

One of the girls squealed, "It is them. We have to let the fan club know."

"Already tweeting it," another said, typing maniacally on her phone.

"I got a picture of them and posted it to my social media app. That should cover most of the platforms."

The six girls moved to a spot where they had full view of the door to Customs as well as the airport entrance/exit. They stood in a circle, pretending to be waiting for their transportation. "How long do you think it will take the others to get here? Will they make it before the Hitachiins leave?" one of the girls whispered.

"Joanne just texted that she should be here in less than five minutes. She was coming to meet our plane but a lorry lost its load on Bath Road and they just finished cleaning it up."

"How long will it take to get through Customs?"

"At this time of night, usually half an hour. But they are VIPs so it may not take as long."

"Or it could take longer if they brought a new line with them."

By the time the Host Club was finished in Customs a half hour later, there were at least two dozen screaming fangirls chanting Hikaru and Kaoru's names. As soon as the twins stepped into view, the girls stampeded in their direction.

Takashi and Mitsukuni immediately pushed Hikaru and Kaoru behind them and Rene joined the cousins to create a human barrier to protect their brothers. "Was not expecting this," Takashi grunted as one of the girls aggressively tried to reach past them to grab the twins.

Kyoya was already on the phone to have their transport brought around. "How long will it take to bring additional security, at least a dozen? It will probably take that many to create a corridor to get us out through the mob of crazed teenage girls."

"These girls are worse than the MOE crowd at the Host Club," Haruhi shouted to Reiko and Chiharu over the din. The three of them moved to surround the twins to add another layer of protection.

"At least none of the guests at the Host Club acted like rabid attack dogs," Chiharu muttered, watching the condescending looks on the fangirls' faces.

"Hikaru, are those your models or your girlfriends?" one of the fans shouted derisively. "I'd be better for you than any of them." She made a lunge toward him but Mitsukuni intercepted her.

"Please keep your distance," he stated, pushing her back toward the unruly throng.

"But he's my soulmate," she whined.

"Kaoru, I want to have your baby," screamed another girl. "I love you."

Hikaru and Kaoru cringed at the aggressive and possessive nature of these fangirls. "Now I know why Mom and Dad never let us out alone," Hikaru muttered.

Kaoru clung to his brother. "They're scarier than BossaNova ever looked."

Takashi was about to pick up the twins and make a run for the exit when Kyoya's security walked through the door. They split into two columns and started to clear a corridor to Kyoya and his friends.

"Sorry for the delay, sir," the head security guard said to Kyoya. "I brought a large security detail, anticipating the possibility of fangirls. However, the crowd is more numerous than I anticipated. In addition to the two dozen in here, there are at least another three dozen outside surrounding the vehicle. We'll have to go with Plan B. We will use a maintenance corridor near the Customs office to take you out through the cargo area. I arranged for three additional vehicles-one will be used as your transport, the other two, in addition to the one out front, will be used as decoys."

Kyoya bowed slightly. "Thank you for your thoroughness. We are quite tired and would like to get to my house as soon as possible."

"Of course. If you would please follow me."

The security force surrounded the fangirls and started herding them towards the exit. Meanwhile, Kyoya's head of security led Kyoya and his friends to a door marked 'Employees Only' and ushered them inside. "Your transport is just down this corridor."

A moment later, they stepped out into the night air and saw three identical vehicles. The head of security pointed to the middle one. "That will be your transport. Your luggage has already been loaded. Please climb in and buckle up."

After everyone was settled, he climbed into the driver's seat. "I have instructed the security detail to pretend to load the vehicle out front that the fangirls are watching. In three minutes, it will leave, headed for the Corinthia London."

Kyoya nodded in approval. "That would be a logical choice for VIPs."

"The second vehicle will leave in five minutes. Its destination will be The Shangri-La Hotel, at the Shard. We will leave in seven minutes, headed to your house, sir. In ten minutes, the final vehicle will leave for The Kimpton Fitzroy London."

"Good choices for hotel destinations. Any of those would be exactly where the Hitachiins would be staying. Thank you for your preparations." Kyoya looked down at Haruhi and wrapped his arm snuggly around her waist. Her head was resting on his shoulder and she was breathing softly in sleep. "Please get us to the house as soon and as safely as possible. We've all been up for nearly twenty-four hours and we're exhausted."

"Of course, sir. Leave it to me." Checking his watch, the head of security saw that it was time for their transport to leave according to their schedule. "We should be there in ten to fifteen minutes. I have already called ahead to have the housekeeper turn down the beds and prepare for your arrival."

"Thanks. Please wake us up when we get there." Kyoya's voice tapered off as he succumbed to exhaustion as well.

OHSHC

Haruhi yawned, then looked around with an embarrassed smile. "Sorry. It was a long day yesterday. Did everyone sleep well last night?"

"It would have been better if we could all have slept together," Hikaru stated. "Or if I could at least have slept with Kaoru."

"I agree," Kaoru muttered, yawning.

The head of security walked in and said, "Excuse me, sir, but I thought you would want to see this right away." He handed Kyoya a tablet with a news report in progress.

"…unknown reason these fangirls have suddenly mobbed the memorial at the Knightsbridge bombing site. Extra officers have been dispatched to determine the cause of the disturbance. Everyone is urged to avoid the area until further notice. Please…"

Kyoya handed the tablet back and sighed. "I guess that changes our plans for today. There is no way we can go to the memorial today. It's obvious that the fangirls anticipate that is why Hikaru and Kaoru are in London."

"Good thing we already planned to head to the villages so Reiko could acquire the medicinal plants and arrange for their shipment to Japan first," Haruhi reminded him.

Smiling softly at Haruhi, Kyoya replied, "That's right. We discussed that on the plane. I guess I'm still tired." Turning to the security head, he asked, "Is it possible to get permission to cordon off the memorial for an hour or two so the twins could visit it in peace?"

"I believe so. If anyone objects, I will remind them of the assistance you authorized during the emergency. Either way, It may take a day or two to get it scheduled."

"Thank you. Please give us three days to complete our business with the plants. For now, could you arrange train tickets for our tour. Reiko will be able to give you the list of places we will be going."

"Very good, sir."

Reiko looked up from her breakfast. "Do you have a pen and paper? I didn't bring any to breakfast with me."

"Here you are, Miss Reiko." He pulled a pen and pad a paper out of his breast pocket.

She tapped the top of the pen against her bottom lip for a moment before she started writing. "If you can arrange the tickets in this order, it would be the most efficient." When she finished the list, she handed the pen and pad back to the security head.

Glancing through the list, he pulled up some information on the tablet. Then he responded, "I'll have the tickets delivered by three o'clock this afternoon. The train will leave at four for your first destination."

As the head of security left the dining room, Mitsukuni and Takashi entered. After gathering breakfast from the buffet on the sideboard, they settled at the table next to Reiko and Chiharu.

Before Takashi started eating, he turned to Kyoya. "I must apologize. I damaged one of your camellia plants while I was practicing my kendo forms."

"I'm sure it will survive and grow back stronger," Kyoya replied with a chuckle. "An English garden isn't exactly designed for the open spaces needed for martial arts."

"There should be some village greens that will have enough room in the towns we'll be visiting the next three days," Chiharu offered.

"That's true," Reiko affirmed.

Mitsukuni looked confused. "What's up?"

"The fangirls from last night have overrun the memorial," Kyoya responded. "We will be heading out on the plant-gathering trip while my local head of security arranges a private visit for us."

"Okay. That makes sense." Then he turned his attention back to his breakfast.

"When do we leave?" Takashi asked.

"We'll be catching the four o'clock train so we'll need to leave about three thirty to reach the station in time," Reiko responded.

"If we're going to follow through on the photoshoot idea, we'll need to get some camera equipment," Hikaru remarked.

"I'll have a security detail take you to the best camera shop in town after breakfast," Kyoya said.

Kaoru interjected, "I want to go too. Will there be a shop nearby where we can pick up a few props and supplies for the shoots?"

"Security should be able to take you where you need to go. Just keep our timeline in mind."

Hikaru grinned, "Can we borrow your significant other?"

"Yeah. Especially since she was the one who was supposed to come up with the storylines. We'll need her to know what we need to pick up," Kaoru added.

"I'm not sure if I trust you two alone in a foreign city with my significant other," Kyoya teased.

"Chiharu and I could accompany them," Reiko suggested.

"If Chiharu is going, then so am I," Takashi interjected. "Especially with the hostility displayed by those fangirls last night."

"I'm going too," Mitsukuni stated.

"Can I come too?" Rene asked as he walked into the dining room.

"Where have you been?" Kyoya inquired.

Rene shrugged. "I called the de Grantaine family to find out where my mother is. No one has heard from her since she was dismissed by the Tonnerre family. All they got was a message from her apologizing for disgracing the family and that she was staying with a friend in Paris."

"Did they say who?" Haruhi asked.

"She refused to tell them, so they didn't know. I guess I'll just have to start at the bakery owned by Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng. They were the only ones I know of that Mother considered friends." Rene sighed in resignation.

"That's probably a conversation best had in person," Kyoya commented. "We will go there first thing when we head to Paris next week."

"Okay," Rene agreed. "Anyway, can I come too?"

Kyoya shook his head and chuckled softly. "Do you have any idea what we were talking about before you came in?"

"Well, no. But can I come too?" Rene said eagerly.

Everyone laughed at his enthusiasm.

"They are going shopping for camera equipment and props for the photo shoot that was discussed on the plane," Kyoya supplied. "Do you still want to go?"

"Yes! When do we leave?"

"As soon as everyone has finished breakfast and I can get a security detail here."

Haruhi looked at Kyoya. "Aren't you coming?"

"No. While you are shopping, I'm going to get things started for our private viewing of the memorial." Then he added teasingly, "Have your purchases couriered to the house, just in case you have to run from hordes of rabid fangirls."

"Will do," Hikaru said glibly with a mock salute. "You make the fangirls sound like the zombie apocalypse."

"If the ones at the airport are any indication," Mitsukuni interjected, "they probably have the same goal, catch and devour you."

"Except zombies are after brains and those fangirls sounded more like they wanted the twins' bodies," Takashi teased, chuckling.

Kaoru added, "If they were after brains, Hikaru and I would have nothing to worry about."

"Hey, I resemble that remark," Hikaru protested jokingly.

"Alright. That's enough," Kyoya said. "Remember we need to leave for the train station by three thirty. Just be back by three to pack."

"Yes, otou-san," Hikaru, Kaoru, and Rene chorused as they left their breakfast dishes on the sideboard.

Kyoya shook his head in exasperation. "I'll have the security detail meet you at the front door. Behave yourselves. Remember, we are visitors in this country and, I for one, would like to be allowed back again."

OHSHC

Several hours later, Kyoya was sitting in the living room working on his laptop when an unruly crowd of strangers burst through the door. "This is a private residence, not some common hall or pub."

Three young women in heavy makeup, wearing torn fishnet stockings, mini-skirts with lace bustles, and too-large off-the-shoulder peasant tops looked around in interest. Two of them draped themselves onto the sofa.

The third one eyed him appraisingly. "You sure, guvner? Looks like a posh gentlemen's club to me. Better than the one I work out of," she drawled, winking at him. "I wouldn't mind entertaining you, ducky."

Kyoya stood up and glowered at the speaker. "I am quite certain. Now leave this instant before I am forced to call security."

A dapper-looking man in the back of the crowd piped up, "You rang, sir?"

Taking a second look at the milling crowd, and especially the one who had addressed him as 'guvner' and 'ducky,' Kyoya pinched the bridge of his nose. "I take it you all had fun shopping?"

"Took you a minute to recognize us, didn't it?" Haruhi teased, wrapping her arms around Kyoya's neck and pulling his head down to kiss him.

The security guard explained, "I volunteer with a drama troupe and I knew of a shop that would be just the ticket. I figured the best way for the twins to walk around London unmolested was to disguise them. We went there first and didn't have a lick of trouble afterwards."

"Unless you count the misunderstanding when the police horse near the park started following Takashi," Mitsukuni offered.

Chiharu giggled. "That would have happened even without the disguises. You know how much animals like Takashi." She stood on her toes to pull Takashi's head down so she could kiss his cheek.

The security guard interjected, "You all were distracted with the horse, so you may not have noticed the seedy blokes eyeing the young ladies. By the looks on their faces, I knew they were going to make indecent proposals. I was going to intercept them, but they ignored me. Then Takashi turned around. When he saw them, he frowned. At that one look, the blokes turned around and beat a hasty retreat. You should have seen the looks on their faces."

"I thought they were pickpockets," Takashi admitted. "If I had known they were going to disrespect the ladies, I would have had a word or two with them before letting them walk away."

"You mean run away like a bunch of scared rabbits who just realized that the fox was watching them," the security guard clarified, chuckling.

Chiharu, Reiko, and Haruhi whispered together for a moment before gathering around Takashi. Folding their hands under their chins and batting their eyelashes excessively, they chorused, "My Hero!"

Takashi just shook his head at their antics.

Rene clapped his hands for attention. "Okay, guys. We have just enough time to pack before we have to catch the train. We can talk about the rest of our adventures then."

OHSHC

"Reiko, this is perfect for a photo shoot," Hikaru said in awe, turning around in a circle to take in the village green, the fountain, and the historic buildings.

"And look at the stone bridge over the stream," Kaoru breathed, pointing to the picturesque sight. "That will be perfect for the script with the fae enticing away the handsome men of the village."

Haruhi smirked. "Now aren't you glad I bought that book of local folklore?"

"Let's check in at the inn and stow our luggage. Then we'll have time to look around and find a place to have dinner," Reiko called, gesturing to the large building on the far side of the village green. "They only had three rooms available so Chiharu, Haruhi, and I will be sharing one. You guys can decide how you want to share the other two."

"I suggest that those of us with significant others room together and the bachelors can be in the other," Mitsukuni said with a twinkle in his eye, waggling his eyebrows at Reiko.

Rene spoke up, "I think it would be better if Kyoya was with the twins and I was with Mitsukuni and Takashi so we bachelors can act as chaperones. Can't have any funny business." He schooled his expression to look haughty and disdainful. However, he could only hold out for a minute before he started laughing.

Chiharu just rolled her eyes and muttered, "Whatever."

"I was hoping to slip out for a moonlight stroll," Takashi whispered in her ear and smiled as she blushed prettily.

Reiko checked in at the front desk and returned with three room keys. "The proprietor said that the best dinner in town is right here in the dining room. For breakfast, he recommended the tea shop near the fountain. Both the dining room and tea shop will pack lunches if we want to walk in the country and have a picnic."

"Let's take our luggage to the rooms and then have dinner. I'm starving," Mitsukuni said. As if to emphasize the point, his stomach rumbled and everyone laugh. "See. I wasn't kidding." He grinned and poked himself in the stomach.

"For expediency's sake, we should put all the luggage in the middle room and sort it out later," Kyoya suggested.

"Sounds good to me," Rene agreed. He covered a yawn. "Maybe call it a night after dinner?"

"If you don't mind, we'd like a minute to change for dinner. We did bring along the dresses the twins made for the graduation party," Reiko said.

"By all means," Mitsukuni replied. "You girls go ahead and use the middle room. During dinner, we'll decide which of us are staying in the other two rooms."

It didn't take the young ladies long to change and then they all headed down to the dining room. As expected for a country inn, there was no menu and only a few options available. They all opted to have the hearty beef stew with fresh baked bread and newly churned butter.

"I have to admit, this is pretty good," Haruhi commented. "Much better than the fish and chips we had for lunch."

"Definitely," Chiharu agreed. "Everything was brown on the outside and white on the inside, with more batter than fish."

"The chips were good though," Mitsukuni said. "Nice and crisp on the outside and fluffy inside."

"A lot of it depends on where you get them," Reiko added. "Today's was okay. I've have better—and I've had MUCH worse."

During dinner, they decided to go with Rene's plan of Kyoya and the twins being in one room and him being in the other with Mitsukuni and Takashi. The three couples exchanged smiles and surreptitious glances around the table.

"Let's get Rene up to bed," Kaoru said. "He's practically asleep in his dinner."

"I'll carry him up," Takashi offered, easily picking up the sleeping blond.

"Deja vu?" Hikaru asked.

"But that's the wrong blond," Mitsukuni laughed. "I'm over here."

"I think the conversation with the de Grantaine family this morning has been weighing on him," Kyoya commented. "Good thing we'll be in Paris next week. Hopefully we can find his mother easily."

The group thanked the proprietor as they headed up the stairs to their rooms. The guys grabbed their luggage from the middle room and headed to the ones on either side. Reiko winked as she said, "I'm not really tired yet. Do you two mind if we just sit and talk for a bit?"

Haruhi and Chiharu caught the wink and Haruhi replied, "Let's talk about what we want to do tomorrow."

Five minutes later, there was a tap on the door and Reiko opened it to find Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Kyoya. "Would you ladies be interested in a stroll with us?" Mitsukuni asked. "There's a full moon and the night is so inviting."

"We would be delighted," Reiko responded as she took Mitsukuni's offered arm. They moved aside so Chiharu could take Takashi's arm and Haruhi, Kyoya's.

Their first stop was the bridge and they stood in companionable silence as they listened to the soft babbling of the stream that flowed beneath it. They gave no indication that they knew they had been followed.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Kaoru whispered to Hikaru. "Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Kyoya might not take too well to us following them on their moonlight stroll with their significant others."

"Then be quiet," Hikaru hissed. "I just want to try out the lowlight filter I purchased today. The full moon is bright enough that I should be able to get some good shots."

Takashi whispered to the others, "Shall we put on a little show for Hikaru so he can try out his new camera equipment?"

"Definitely," Mitsukuni breathed. He whispered to Reiko, "Do you trust me?"

"Always," she replied, kissing his cheek.

He lifted her up to stand on the rail of the bridge, keeping his hands securely on her waist. She closed her eyes and tilted her face upward. Then she raised her arms toward the moon as if embracing the night. A light breeze ruffled the skirt of her dress and the moonlight caused a shimmering effect with the purple and black swirls.

Kaoru's breath caught in his throat. "She almost looks like the fae of the night."

Hikaru only nodded as he captured image after image. "The effect is stunning."

"Hey, Reiko. Turn around and face me," Mitsukuni directed. After she turned, he said, "Now lean forward. Trust me, I won't drop you."

Putting full trust in him, she stiffened and leaned forward. He easily held her up, giving her the illusion of flying on the night air currents and moonbeams. Then he gently tipped her down until her feet were on the ground once again.

"That was amazing," she sighed before she pulled him into a passionate kiss. "How about we walk down the path toward the apothecary—just the two of us?"

"My pleasure," he responded, wrapping his arm around her waist and nuzzling her neck.

"Would you care for a walk through the heather?" Takashi suggested to Chiharu, gesturing to the open field on the other side of the stream.

"I would be delighted." She placed her hand in his and they walked toward the far side of the bridge.

As they strolled through the meadow, she trailed the fingers of her free hand through the heather growing along the path. The heady perfume rose to surround them. Takashi smiled softly as he lifted her hand and gently twirled her around under his arm. The skirt of her dress brushed across the heather causing it to dip and bob as if paying homage to the fae of autumn.

Hikaru's jaw dropped and he almost forgot about the camera in his hands. The swirl of the russets and golds in Chiharu's dress seemed to grant a blessing to the heather for its adoration. Takashi and Chiharu slowly swayed away into the darkness.

Kaoru drew a breath, stunned at the vision in the far meadow. "Wow, they look incredible!"

While the others had been putting on their shows for the twins, Kyoya and Haruhi took a seat on a moss-encrusted fallen tree on the near side of the bridge.

The moonlight danced across the spring green and sky blue swirls of Haruhi's dress. Something about the pale yellow accents seemed to glow ethereally as she settled into Kyoya's lap and draped her arms around his neck.

With an arm wrapped around her hips, Kyoya secured her in his lap and caressed her jaw with his other hand. She smiled sweetly and his eyes darkened with desire before he kissed her passionately. She made a small sound of disappointment when he pulled away. "Remember, we have an audience," he murmured, smirking.

"Then we'd better take a walk. Otherwise my hands might start roaming," Haruhi teased, running a finger down his chest.

"As delightful as that thought is, we've talked about the boundaries," Kyoya replied, taking hold of her hand and kissing it lightly.

Haruhi looked down for a moment. "I know and I promise to behave myself." She looked into his eyes. "But sometimes you can be so loving and tender that I want to get lost in you."

"Plenty of time for that in the future. For now, we keep to the safe touches and not push the limits." Kyoya gently lifted her to her feet by her waist and then stood up himself. "We still have much to learn about the world and each other." He offered her his hand.

Haruhi took it and they started walking in the direction of the village smithy. She sashayed, making the dress twist and whirl around her.

Hikaru watched Haruhi walk away with Kyoya, snapping picture after picture. "It's like looking up at the sky as a breeze blows through a tree's new growth in the spring. The moonlight is catching the pale yellow just like dappled sunlight through the tree."

"Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous," Kaoru agreed.

Since the three couples had walked off in different directions, Hikaru and Kaoru decided to sit on the lip of the fountain near the village green and look through the pictures.

Flipping back and forth through the images that he had shot, Hikaru had a realization. "Hey, Kaoru, I just noticed something."

"What's that?" he responded with interest.

"Remember the other two bolts of cloth that I water-marbled when I did the ones for Reiko, Chiharu, and Haruhi?"

"Yeah. There was the stark white one with the blue accents and the bold green one with red, blue, and yellow accents."

"Do you recognize a pattern in the five fabrics?"

Kaoru looked confused. "How do you mean?"

"If Reiko, Chiharu, and Haruhi were fairies, what would they represent?"

Puzzled, Kaoru said tentatively, "The night, autumn, and spring?"

"Yes! Now what might the other two bolts of cloth represent, if they were made into dresses of the same style?"

"Oh, I get it. Winter like glacial ice and summer like a flower garden in full bloom. That's incredible."

Hikaru packed the camera away and leaned his elbows on his knees, clasping his hands in front of him. "Do you think we'll ever find someone? Like Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Kyoya have?"

Kaoru pondered that thought for a few moments. "I would hope so. We're still young. There are still plenty of people we haven't met yet."

Chuckling dryly, Hikaru said, "You're right. I thought I had feelings for Haruhi at one time, but that 'date' you set us up on in Karuizawa showed me that we just didn't fit. I knew you liked her too. I realized that she would never want to come between us, so she couldn't be with either of us."

"And look how far Mitsukuni, Takashi, and Kyoya have come—even Reiko and Chiharu, in a way," Kaoru pointed out. "We grew up with all five of them and, looking back, I could never have imagined them as they are now."

Hikaru pondered Kaoru's words. Slowly he nodded. "You're right. I vaguely remember meeting them all in elementary school. Just like us, they kept to their own worlds."

"Until Rene," Kaoru interjected.

"Yeah, until Rene…and Haruhi," Hikaru agreed. "Talk about shaking up the status quo. I wonder if either of them realizes the impact they have on everyone around them?"

"Now that our world has opened up to others, at least there's a better chance of us finding our own significant others in the future," Kaoru postulated.

"You're right. But now I'm tired. Let's head to bed. I'm sure the others will be coming back soon." Hikaru yawned and then looked sheepish.

Kaoru yawned in response. "Yeah, I'm nearly asleep on my feet. Let's go."

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