Reiko looked around the shop with some trepidation, even with the Host Club at her back. Unlike the friendly, homey feeling she got from the Bilbery Apothecary or the quiet, business-like atmosphere at the shop in Stonehenge, there was a brooding air about this place. Because no one was in evidence, Reiko rang the bell on the counter.

"What do you want?" demanded a gruff voice from behind a curtain at the rear of the shop.

Reiko cleared her throat. "I'm here to purchase some plant cuttings and seeds."

"Anything purchased from here requires special licenses and permits."

"I am well aware of that fact." She tried very hard not to sound intimidated, but something about his voice sounded…dangerous.

The curtain was flung aside by a muscular hand and a man entered. He was about the same size and build as Kyoya, but the glower on his face was more like Yoshio Otori in a foul mood. "Hand them over," he demanded.

Reiko held out the two envelopes and he snatched them violently out of her hand. She involuntarily took a step back and was relieved to realize she was now leaning against Mitsukuni's solid chest. Although he wanted to wrap his arms around her to protect her, he settled for gently grasping her elbow to steady her.

She looked over her shoulder and saw the dark scowl he directed at the shopkeeper. Turning her attention back to the man rifling through her papers, she watched him carefully.

Finally, he dropped the paperwork carelessly on the counter and growled, "What do you want?"

Reiko handed him a piece of paper with the names of the two plant propagates she needed.

He took the paper and scowled. "You realized we don't keep these lying around the shop. I'll have to make a special trip out to cut and pack them for shipment."

"I understand. I can fill out the paperwork and pay for them now. You can ship as soon as you gather them," Reiko replied reasonably. She felt Mitsukuni step closer to her as the man leaned forward.

The shopkeeper reached under the counter and pulled out a clipboard with the necessary paperwork attached. "Fill this out while I prepare your invoice." He turned around and opened a low cupboard that housed his computer and printer.

Reiko returned her documents to their envelopes and placed them back in her portfolio. Then she began filling out the paperwork.

Kyoya watched the interactions with interest. "Something is not right here. I can't put my finger on it. And I do NOT like the way he is treating Reiko." He pushed his glasses up and continued to observe.

Reiko finished the paperwork and slid the clipboard across the counter. The shopkeeper tossed the invoice carelessly next to it. She picked it up and examined it. She raised an eyebrow at the prices, but decided not to protest. "This is the only place these plants are available."

The surly man flipped through the paperwork and seemed satisfied that it had been filled out completely. "Payment is due," he grunted.

Pulling her wallet from her bag, Reiko handed him her credit card. After the processing was complete, they left the shop and headed back to the train station.

Once all the others were on their way, Kyoya turned back to the shop. Ringing the bell, he waited for the shopkeeper to return.

"What do you want?" he growled.

"I simply want to warn you that, should that package not be waiting in Japan for the young lady when she completes her travels, you will be receiving a visit from the head of security for SK Enterprises," Kyoya said conversationally.

"Like a huge company like that will worry about some package of plants or listen to a scrawny little kid like you."

Eyeing him appraisingly, Kyoya smirked. "Oh, this will be fun if he decides to test me."

"Get out!" the shopkeeper shouted. "I have better things to do that listen to snot-nosed foreigners trying to throw their imagined clout around."

"Very well. I suggest you heed my warning. Good day."

Haruhi was standing outside the shop looking perplexed. She brightened when Kyoya came out the door. "There you are. Intimidating the local baka? Everyone was asking me if I missed a signal that you and I were going to meet and make out."

"Rene or the twins?"

"All of the above." She smiled and looped her arm through his. "Let's get to the station before they come looking for us."

"But weren't we meeting somewhere to make out?" he asked mockingly as he pulled her into an embrace.

"Oh, you," she sputtered before slipping her arms around his neck and kissing him passionately.

They were interrupted by Takashi clearing his throat. "I thought it was my turn to sneak off with Chiharu and make out," he teased, his chuckle a deep rumble in his chest.

Haruhi blushed and Kyoya commented, "I guess I didn't get the memo. I take it Rene sent you to find us?"

"Hn."

The three of them laughed all the way back to the train station and their waiting friends.

OHSHC

The friends sat around the breakfast table quietly discussing their adventures in the English countryside. "At least our return home was uneventful," Hikaru noted.

"I really enjoyed the trip," Haruhi commented. "Thank you for suggesting it, Reiko."

"Thank you all for coming along. It was so much more fun with friends," Reiko said. "Especially that last stop. I would have hated to deal with that shopkeeper by myself."

"Speaking of which," Kyoya interjected, "I was wondering if you might have some contacts here in England that would be a good replacement for him."

Reiko looked at him in confusion. "Replacement?"

"There was something…off about him. I'm going to have the SK Enterprises' head of security look into him. If my suspicions are correct, he won't be available to fill that job much longer. Because you deem the plants available from there to be important, the shop needs to remain a viable option to acquire them."

"Oh, I see," Reiko responded. She thought for a moment and then smiled. "Yes. I do believe I know three or four botanists who would be honored to take on such responsibility."

"Please make a list with their contact information. I will see that SK Enterprises makes good use of it," Kyoya said.

Haruhi chuckled. "I take it SK Enterprises is the England branch of your holdings?"

"That's correct."

Rene looked at his best friend with a puzzled expression. "What does the SK stand for?"

"Shadow King, of course," Takashi answered.

Clapping his hand to his forehead, Rene muttered, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Kyoya's London head of security entered the dining room and handed him an official document. "The private visit to the memorial has been scheduled for the day after tomorrow."

"Why not sooner?" Kyoya inquired.

"Two French designers are having some sort of dispute. One is based in Paris and the other in New York. They insisted in meeting on neutral ground to settle their dispute and decided the memorial was 'perfect' for their purposes," the head of security reported, trying and failing to keep the note of exasperation out of his tone.

"Probably just posturing and photo ops prior to the beginning of Paris Fashion Week in July," Hikaru carped disdainfully.

Trying to placate his injured feelings, Haruhi said, "Well, at least it's the day before we leave for Paris. If the memories get to be too overwhelming, you can take comfort in knowing we're leaving the next day."

Kaoru wrapped his arm around his brother's shoulders. "I'm more put out they're basically using our pain for their own gain."

The twins scowled mischievously. "Too bad we couldn't sabotage their little photo op."

Haruhi frowned at them. "I can't believe I'm about to say this, but there is a better way for you two to spend today and tomorrow."

"And what is that, pray tell?"

Rolling her eyes and raising her hands in surrender, she said, "You wanted to take me to your favorite boutiques and do some shopping. That is what I agreed to for your graduation present, isn't it?"

Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged a glance and devilish smiles started to spread across their faces. "Ah yes, shopping. So much more fun."

Kyoya cleared his throat to get their attention. "I will be accompanying you three on this shopping trip."

Pouting, the twins whined, "Why? Don't you trust us?"

"In a word, 'No.' Although I trust that Haruhi will veto any inappropriate outfits, it does not necessarily follow that you will not purchase them for her. She and I have an understanding about our relationship and have set certain…boundaries to keep hormonal urges in check." Kyoya's expression showed he would brook no nonsense from the pair.

Inwardly, Haruhi sighed in relief that Kyoya would be accompanying them. The twins had gotten better over the last year and a half, but they still loved to dress Haruhi in some of the most inappropriate clothing. "If clothing is what you can call those string bikinis, mini-cocktail skirts, see-through blouses, and barely-there slinky dresses."

Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged a silent conversation before Hikaru finally said, "Very well. You can come and we won't buy Haruhi anything you deem inappropriate."

Kyoya looked between the pair suspiciously. "I have a feeling they're up to something. His response was too carefully worded, as if mentally inserting a loophole. I'll just have to remain vigilant."

"When do you want to leave?" Haruhi asked, placing her empty breakfast plate on the sideboard.

"We'll need to put on disguises since we're headed into the fashion district and we've visited these places before with our parents," Kaoru explained.

"Shall we say ten o'clock then?" Kyoya suggested.

"Works for me," the twins chorused.

Haruhi turned to Reiko and Chiharu. "Do you want to come along, too?"

Reiko smiled. "No, but thank you for asking. We have plans for today. Takashi and Mitsukuni want to see the Natural History Museum, Westminster Abbey, and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. We also want to take a walk in Hyde Park."

"We have a list of places we'd like to visit and things we'd like to do, though not all today," Chiharu added. "There's the British Museum, the Tower of London, Kyoto Garden, and High Tea at Kensington Palace."

"Don't forget that we're meeting at the London Eye Pier by five o'clock. I already got us tickets for the cruise and then a private VIP pod on the Eye," Rene said excitedly. "Afterwards I made reservations for us on the Thames River Dinner Cruise. It will be so much fun."

"So, what are your plans for today, Rene? Are you staying here or going out exploring?" Haruhi asked.

"I don't want to stay here, but I also don't want to go out alone." He looked crestfallen. "I don't want to intrude on the couple's adventures either."

Kyoya walked over and patted his shoulder. "Why don't you come with us? That is, if you don't mind shopping?"

"Is that really okay, otou-san? Okaa-san?" he asked eagerly.

Haruhi turned to the twins. "Do you see any problem with Rene accompanying us?"

Hikaru shrugged. "I don't see why he can't come with us. Maybe we could find him some outfits too."

Kaoru rubbed his hands together gleefully. "That sounds like fun."

"Okay?" Rene responded, looking a little uncomfortable at Kaoru's chortling and Cheshire-cat grin.

"I'd like to make reservations for us all to have High Tea together at Kensington Palace tomorrow evening, if that's okay with everyone," Mitsukuni commented.

Haruhi replied, "That sounds like a great idea. I'd like a chance to compare it to that cosplay we did."

Kyoya frowned at her. "Not that I don't think your research was impeccable. I'm just curious."

His expression relaxed slightly. "Don't be surprised if you pay for that little remark sometime."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Haruhi teased, smiling warmly at him. "Shall we all get ready and head out on our adventures?"

"Yes" was the chorused reply as they moved to place empty dishes on the sideboard.

"I want to speak to the head housekeeper before we go. With the emotionally charged day coming up soon, I think it would be prudent if we all slept together to support Hikaru and Kaoru," Kyoya announced. "Not to mention what we may find out in Paris soon."

"Great idea," Haruhi agreed, patting Rene's shoulder and smiling at the twins.

Hikaru and Kaoru wrapped their arms around Kyoya's shoulders and whispered, "Thanks, otou-san. That means a lot to us."

"Okay. Enough. Off you go. I have arrangements to make."

OHSHC

Hikaru and Kaoru were chattering happily at Haruhi as they made their way to the next boutique. "We took you to all the good ones yesterday and saved the great ones for today."

Haruhi sighed wearily and shook her head. "I hope you guys realize how much I have to love you to let you drag me around shopping for clothes."

"But you'll enjoy this next store," Hikaru enthused.

Kyoya and Rene were trailing behind the three, smiling at Haruhi's exasperation with the twins. Rene looked in a shop window and stopped in this tracks. "Hey, Haruhi?" Rene called tentatively.

She stopped and turned around to look at him. "Yes Rene?"

"May I buy you a graduation present?" He turned his puppy dog eyes towards her.

Hesitating, Haruhi responded warily, "What do you have in mind?"

Rene pointed to the luggage shop. "The twins have been buying you clothes, but you only brought the one suitcase."

"True," Haruhi allowed. "I planned to buy some luggage while on this trip."

"Can I buy it for you? Please?"

Taking a deep breath, she looked at Kyoya, who just smirked at her. "Okay, Rene. Let's take a look at what's available."

Rene held the door for the other four as they entered the luggage shop. Haruhi looked around and immediately saw steamer trunks in one corner. "These look interesting. They lock and, sitting on one end like this, are just the right height to be a nightstand by my bed. There would be plenty of room for books and a lamp." Running her fingers over the brass clasps, latches, and hinges, she mused, "Very well constructed."

A haughty-looking salesclerk walked up and said, "Good day. Are you interested in purchasing a wardrobe trunk?"

"Wardrobe trunk?" she asked, hoping for clarification.

"Yes, please let me show you the features. This is one of our most popular models." He deftly flipped the clasp and latches and opened the trunk to reveal drawers on one side and suspended hangers on the other side.

"Wow. That is ingenious. Even better than what I hoped to find. I had anticipated purchasing a trunk and then getting storage containers be able to utilize the space efficiently."

Rene examined the trunk and his face lit up. "This would be wonderful for traveling. You wouldn't have to unpack and pack every time you changed locations."

That phrase, 'change locations,' caught Hikaru and Kaoru's attention where they were examining train cases and garment bags nearby. "That would be useful for photo shoots," Hikaru said, poking around in the trunk.

"Do they come in larger sizes?" Kaoru asked.

"But of course," the salesclerk responded with a smile. "If you will follow me." He led them through a door into a showroom that appeared to be full of huge boxes on wheels. He gently pulled forward a six-foot tall box that was about four feet wide and two-and-a-half feet deep. Then he opened two wings to display a central hanger compartment long enough to accommodate gowns surrounded by drawers. The wings each had two hanger compartments that would easily handle shirts, coats, pants, and ties.

Hikaru examined the drawer. "These would be perfect to hold all the accessories."

Kaoru examined the hanger compartments. "These racks even fold out so you can get something from the back without having to remove everything in front of it."

They exchanged a glance and said in unison, "We have to have these."

Kaoru said, "No more rolling racks, garment bags, shoe trunks, accessory bags, and train cases for make-up. Everything in one lockable place."

"And just think how one of these would make going to cosplay conventions easier?" Hikaru mused.

The salesclerk smiled. "What color do you want?"

"How many colors are available?" Kaoru asked.

"Four."

"We'll take one of each," Hikaru stated. "Can you make arrangements to ship them to Japan for us?"

The salesclerk schooled the startled look from his face. "We can do that. If you'll follow me."

While the twins were busy with their purchase, the other three continued to look around at the available offerings.

"See anything you like?" Rene asked hopefully.

"I really like that wardrobe steamer trunk I first looked at. It's versatile and practical."

Another salesclerk approached. "May I help you?"

"Certainly," Rene beamed. "I'd like to purchase this trunk." He led the salesclerk to the one Haruhi wanted.

While Rene was busy with his purchase, Kyoya said, "Haruhi, will you allow me to buy you a graduation gift?"

She looked puzzled. "I thought this trip was my graduation gift."

He smiled. "This was just meant to be a family trip with our significant others along."

"Okay. Do you have something particular in mind?" she asked him curiously.

Beckoning for her to follow him, he went to the opposite corner from the trunks. "I would like to buy you a locking security case. I know Takashi gave you a briefcase for your birthday last year, but I would feel better if I knew you had someplace secure for important documents."

She looked over the array of cases and finally settled on a metal case with both combination and key locks. "This looks like it should be secure."

By the time they left the luggage shop, the four young men also purchased wardrobe trunks for themselves. Except for the four large travel trunks, their purchases would be delivered to Kyoya's London house by the end of the day.

"Now, let's get shopping so we can fill those trunks up," Hikaru called.

"Don't forget to leave room for our shopping in Paris," Kaoru reminded him.

"We can always buy more trunks."

Shaking her head, Haruhi muttered, "What have I gotten myself into?"

Kyoya wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her temple. "You've gotten yourself involved in the Hinan family hi-jinks," he teased.

Looking at the young men surrounding her, she whispered, "And I wouldn't have it any other way."

OHSHC

It took the entire security force from Kyoya's house to create the perimeter around the Knightsbridge Memorial to enforce privacy, or at least safety, for the twins. The memorial's regular security was no match for the screaming hordes of fangirls.

"Sometimes I hate my job," the memorial's head of security muttered as he examined the official document granting Hikaru and Kaoru two hours of exclusive time. "All these rich people throwing their weight around so they can rub everyone's noses in their fame."

Kyoya's head of security scowled. His voice was hard as he stated, "Fame is not the reason for this exclusive time. This is the first opportunities those young men have had to visit the site of their parents' demise and get closure."

"What do you mean? There is no one named Hinan on that memorial. I've memorized every name."

"Hinan is their adopted name. Can you imagine what would have happened to orphaned minors of a rich family? They would have been taken advantage of and left destitute if their parents had not had the foresight to arrange for contingencies."

"Who were their parents?"

"The Hitachiins."

"My sincerest apologies. The past two days have been a nightmare dealing with a pair of fashion design divas fighting over an up-and-coming designer that they both want as an intern. It would serve them right if she rejects both of them." He chuckled mirthlessly.

While the security heads were working out logistics, Hikaru and Kaoru were waiting in the transport surrounded by their friends. The twins clung to each other as they watched the screaming crowds. Kyoya and Haruhi exchanged glances before they moved to either side and wrapped arms around the pair.

Kaoru sighed and leaned into Kyoya's side. "Thanks, otou-san. Okaa-san."

Hikaru clung to Kaoru with one arm while wrapping the other around Haruhi and burying his face in her neck. "I don't know what we'd do without all of you."

Rene, Takashi, and Mitsukuni each reached over and patted their knees. "Don't worry. Your brothers are here for you," Rene said gently. The others nodded in agreement.

"In some ways, this just doesn't seem like the place we lost our parents. It's so…clean and tidy. There's a disconnect between this…" He gestured to the immaculate courtyard surrounding the monoliths engraved with the names of the victims of the bombing. He shook his head, unable to continue.

Kaoru picked up his brother's thoughts. "Given the violence that ended the lives of our parents and so many others, this place is kind of surreal. They've cleared away everything the spoke to the tragedy, leaving this sanitized façade. It's almost like they were trying to make it appear inconsequential so everyone would forget as soon as possible."

Softly, Haruhi asked, "Do you think you'll be able to find the closure here that you need?"

The twins exchanged a look and a shrug before murmuring, "We don't know."

Everyone was startled as Kyoya's head of security opened the door. "We are ready for you now."

Rene stepped out first and then turned to face those remaining. "I will go first. Kyoya, you and Haruhi will follow, flanking Hikaru and Kaoru. Mitsukuni, you and Reiko will follow behind Kyoya. Takashi, you and Chiharu will follow Haruhi."

"Aye, Aye, Tono," the twins responded in unison, attempting to lighten the mood. They were thankful their dramatic brother was trying to make this visit emotionally manageable.

Reiko and Chiharu carried the flower wreaths that Hikaru and Kaoru had designed to lay on the memorial. "I wish I could have designed a permanent wreath for the memorial, but it would probably just get stolen," Kaoru mused sadly.

Haruhi considered the distance they had to travel to the memorial for the Hitachiins as well as the sentiments they had expressed in the transport. "I think I'll suggest that we create a memorial at Hinansho. That way Ageha, Kaoru, and Hikaru won't have to travel nearly halfway around the world to honor their parents."

The screaming crowds of fangirls went wild as soon as they caught sight of Hikaru and Kaoru. Most of the shouting consisted of the same things they'd heard at the airport. There were a lot of nasty remarks aimed at Haruhi because she had her arm around Hikaru.

"Just ignore them," he said sullenly.

"Ignore who?" Haruhi asked with a chuckle. "Did you hear something?"

An almost hysterical giggle escaped as he replied, "Thanks. I needed that."

"Happy to oblige." She kissed his temple and ignored the screeches from the fangirls who vehemently protested her familiarity.

When they reached the memorial, Rene stepped aside and gestured to a clear path for Hikaru and Kaoru. Before advancing, they turned to retrieve the wreaths from Reiko and Chiharu. As the twins stepped forward, the others stepped back to form a semi-circle, hiding them from the crowd as best they could.

Haruhi remained vigilant as both security forces were kept busy blocking attempts by the fangirls to breach the perimeter and get to the twins. Off to one side, she noticed a different tableau. Two young women wearing daypacks were earnestly talking to the head of memorial security, gesturing animatedly. They seemed more focused on the memorial than the people in front of it. Tapping Reiko's shoulder, she gestured 'Follow me.'

As Haruhi and Reiko approached the trio, Haruhi realized that the young ladies were speaking French, not English. "Reiko, would you get Rene? I don't think my French is quite good enough for this conversation."

"Of course, I'll be right back."

After speaking to the head of security in English, she greeted the two in heavily accented French. "If you will wait just a moment, we have someone coming who is fluent in French and can help us."

The girls looked at each other and sighed in relief.

Rene jogged up. "Reiko said you needed my help?"

"We need your French. As much as you've worked with me, I fear my French is still too heavily accented to carry on a productive conversation in a tense situation."

Rene turned to the young ladies and bowed. "My name is Rene Hinan. How may I assist you?"

The taller one stepped forward and said, "My name is Estee Beringar and this is my sister, Coco. Our parents were Hugh and Aline Beringar and they were killed in this bombing. We just graduated and we wanted to pay a visit to our parents."

"Would it be possible for you to wait?" Rene asked.

"No. We live in Paris and were only just able to come. There are obligations that demand our attention, but we needed to visit our parents first. I don't know when we'll have the opportunity again." Estee wrung her hands nervously and looked at her feet.

Rene looked to Haruhi and raised an eyebrow. "I see no reason they can't come pay their respects right now as well. The only reason we arranged the exclusive viewing was the disruptive attention of the fangirls. These two just want the same thing that Hikaru and Kaoru do."

"You mean the Hitachiin twins are here?" Coco asked urgently, stepping forward.

Rene and Haruhi swiveled to look at her suspiciously.

"Forgive me," she murmured. "Our parents were working for their parents that day. We had hoped to someday offer our condolences to them."

Exchanging another look, Haruhi and Rene decided that they believed the young ladies' story.

"Please, join us," Rene said gently, offering one elbow to Estee and the other to Coco. Haruhi followed them back, shaking her head and smiling softly. "Once a host, always a host," she thought.

The cacophony from the crowd increased as the quartet joined those who remained at the memorial. Some of the shouts were rather crass and vulgar.

"Just ignore them," Rene whispered to the ladies on his arms. "They have no manners whatsoever." Then he led them right up to the memorial.

Noticing movement out of the corner of his eye, Hikaru looked up to see who dared intrude. He had been lost in memories of the good times with his parents and it aggravated him to be pulled out of them. His breath caught in his throat when he saw the two lovely young women led by Rene. It was obvious that they were sisters, though probably not twins. The taller had dark chestnut hair and a lithe build. The other had lighter, almost honey-colored hair and was petite.

Hearing his brother's small gasp, Kaoru turned to see what was wrong and found there was no problem, but a pair of beauties. "Who are they? What are they doing here? How did they get past security and the others?" The questions whirled in Kaoru's mind, making him lightheaded.

Hikaru and Kaoru watched as Estee and Coco placed their hands near the names 'Hugh and Aline Beringar' and leaned against each other for support. Unashamed, tears ran down their faces as they grieved their loss.

Unconsciously, Hikaru and Kaoru moved to mirrored their posture, placing their hands near the names 'Yuzuha and Akihiro Hitachiin.

Quietly Haruhi spoke to Kyoya. "I think we should invite them home with us. They may need us just as much as Hikaru and Kaoru do. Estee told me their parents were working for the Hitachiins that day."

"Aren't you becoming the little mother hen," he purred. His tone turned serious. "But I do agree with you. I would like to hear their story and I think it would be a comfort to the twins as well."

"With Rene's assistance, I'll extend the invitation."

A few minutes later, Estee and Coco emerged from their grief. Exchanging a look, they stepped up behind Hikaru and Kaoru, wrapping them in a hug. "Our condolences on the loss of your parents," they whispered in unison.

Hikaru and Kaoru turned around and drew the young ladies into their arms and replied, "Our condolences to you as well."

Taking a step away from each other, they exchanged glances. Estee finally broke the silence. "Thank you for allowing us to interrupt your time with your parents so we could honor ours."

Hikaru reached for her hand and kissed the back of it softly. "It was no interruption. It was shared sorrow and grief, therefore a burden halved. Thank you for allowing us the privilege."

Coco touched Estee's shoulder and whispered, "We need to find a youth hostel with space for the night."

Haruhi had enlisted Rene's help and they were about to extend the dinner invitation when Kaoru said, "Please join us for a memorial dinner to honor all of our parents."

Sadly, Estee shook her head. "We still need to find space at a youth hostel for tonight and we return to Paris tomorrow."

The twins turned in tandem to Kyoya, who was already nodding and smiling. "I suggested to Haruhi earlier that we should invite them home with us. We have plenty of room for them to stay the night as well."

Hikaru looked at Estee with puppy dog eyes. "You can stay with us tonight. Kyoya's house has plenty of room. Please have dinner with us. We'd love to hear more about you and your parents."

Coco looked a little uneasy at the suggestion until Kaoru turned his puppy dog eyes on her. She giggled quietly. "I think I can handle it."

"If you're sure," Estee replied, looking for any signs of distress.

"They've all been so kind. I'll be fine. I don't feel like I'm about to have a panic attack."

Smiling, Estee wrapped an arm around Coco. "As long as you're sure."

Appearing behind the twins, Rene's face lit up. "Thank you for granting us the gift of your presence. Please allow me to introduce you to the rest of our merry band."

Throwing his arms around Hikaru and Kaoru, he said, "These two little devils you already know. Though I should tell you that their last name is now Hinan. Their parents made arrangements for a trusted family to adopt them in the event of just such a catastrophe."

Next, he stepped over to the pair standing close by. "This is Kyoya Hinan, one of our adopted brothers, and his significant other, Haruhi Fujioka."

They stepped aside so Rene could continue introductions. "This is Mitsukuni Hinan, another adopted brother, and his significant other Reiko Kanazuki."

Coco's face lit with a smile. "You used to compete in karate and judo as Mitsukuni Haninozuka, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did. But I was asked to retire from competition to give others an opportunity. I still do training, demonstrations, and exhibitions on occasion."

"I sense there are a lot of stories here if we find time for the telling," Estee surmised.

"Indeed," Kyoya said with a smile.

"To complete the introductions, this is our other adopted brother, Takashi Hinan and his significant other Chiharu Tojo," Rene finished.

"You won a kendo tournament in December as Takashi Hinan, but you used to compete as Takashi Morinozuka, right?" Coco said, clapping her hands together in glee.

Takashi smiled. "That's correct. But how did you know?"

Estee laughed. "Uncle Adam got her hooked. One of his assignments was at a world martial arts exhibition. He brought back videos and Coco was hooked. She watches karate, judo, kendo, and kyudo matches as often as she can."

"It appears we have a LOT of stories to exchange. Why don't we get going so we have plenty of time?" Haruhi gestured toward the waiting transport.

The group was chatting amiably when suddenly two fangirls crawled out from under the transport and made lunges for Hikaru and Kaoru. Takashi grabbed one and Mitsukuni the other. Both heads of security teams hurried over to take custody of the attackers.

"I apologize for letting them get through," Kyoya's head of security stated. "Their friends were milling about on the other side of the transport and covered their movements as they crawled underneath."

Kyoya scowled at the two fangirls who were yelling at him. "I cannot blame you for their persistence and deceptions. I do not understand most of the words they are spewing, but I surmise that they are colorful expletives."

"You are correct, sir." He secured one of the assailants with zip ties as the memorial's head of security did the same to the other. "What are your orders?" he asked once his prisoner was restrained.

"Have them charged with harassment and attempted assault-and-battery. It may not carry much of a penalty, but it might make them think twice in the future."

While Kyoya was dealing with the matter, the remainder of the group climbed into the transport. The head of security stated, "We'll take care of this. Your security detail will follow as soon as you are safely off-site."

Nodding in acknowledgement, Kyoya climbed in and the head of security closed the door. He patted the side of the vehicle to alert the driver that all passengers were aboard. The transport headed out on a pre-determined circuitous route back to the house, designed to foil any attempts to follow them.

During the trip, the group tried to put the Beringars at ease by talking about their trip to England, beginning with Reiko's plants and her course of study at University. That led to the others talking about their interests, University majors, and future plans.

When they arrived, the housekeeper met them at the door. "Dinner will be served in an hour. Would you like tea in the living room while you wait?"

"Yes, please," Kyoya replied, gesturing for the group to precede him into the living room. Estee and Coco sat together on the sofa. Takashi and Chiharu settled on the loveseat while Mitsukuni and Reiko took the settee. Kyoya and Haruhi took their places in the armchairs facing the sofa.

"We'll be right back," Hikaru and Kaoru chorused, as Rene looked around in confusion trying to decide where he should sit.

Before anyone had time to wonder what the twins were up to, they were back carrying several pillows. They threw one to Rene, tossed a couple in the corner, and put two on the floor at Haruhi's feet.

Comprehension dawned and Rene yelled, "Hey, that's not fair. Why can't I sit at okaa-san's feet?"

"You snooze, you lose," Hikaru taunted.

"There's plenty of floor for everyone," Haruhi chastised teasingly.

Rene huffed in disappointment. Then a devious look crossed his face. He took his pillow across the room and placed it on the floor between Estee and Coco's feet.

Hikaru and Kaoru were both confused by a stab of jealousy they each felt at seeing Rene sitting so close to Estee and Coco. "What was that about?" Hikaru thought. "Does that mean something?" Kaoru questioned.

"You're right, okaa-san. There is plenty of floor for everyone," Rene said smugly. "And sitting here, I can help with any translations or clarifications."

Estee tapped on Rene's shoulder. "What is this 'okaa-san' that you call Haruhi?"

Rene blushed. "It's kind of like mère in French. She's not really our mother, but our mother-figure." He launched into a condensed version of the creation of the Hinan family in rapid French. The rest of the room followed as best they could, watching their visitors' expressions with interest.

"There are times you may hear us call Kyoya 'otou-san.' It's kind of like père in French. Like Haruhi, he's not really our father, but he does take care of us. In fact, most of the security at the memorial today was actually his force." Rene finished his explanation with a smile. "Do you have any questions?"

"Is that type of thing normal in Japan?" Coco asked.

Haruhi laughed. "No. And there's nothing 'normal' about our situation, but we make it work for us."

Estee's expression turned serious. "I do have a question. What happened to Ageha? I didn't see her name on the memorial, but I know she was there at fashion week."

"How did you know she was there?" Hikaru asked anxiously. "Were you there, too?"

"No, but there were pictures of her on the memory cards found among our parents' belongings left at our Uncle Adam's apartment. They were staying with him instead of a hotel because Father didn't get to see his brother very often. Uncle Adam works for the government and he travels a lot."

"To answer your question, Ageha is fine. Her grief counselor didn't think she was ready to come back to London. She stays at Hinansho with Kyoya's sister and her family. They have a girl her age and a boy who's a few years older," Kaoru explained.

"I'm really glad she's okay," Estee sighed with relief. "It's good to have bright spots like that in the midst of such a tragedy."

"So, have you two been living with your Uncle Adam?" Hikaru inquired.

Coco paled and sidled closer to her sister. Estee's expression darkened as she wrapped an arm around Coco. "No." She shook her head. "Because Uncle Adam's job required him to travel so much, he was not allowed to take custody of us. We had no choice but to live with our mother's younger sister Yvette in Paris."

Leaning toward the sisters, Chiharu said compassionately, "That sounds like you had a rough time."

"Aunt Yvette was always jealous of our mother. She even thought Father should have fallen in love with her instead. She wanted the best of everything, but she didn't want to put in the necessary effort. The time since our parents' deaths has been difficult as we finished up school and dealt with Aunt Yvette's tirades and laziness."

Coco blurted out, "We had to do all the chores and even had part-time jobs to pay for things like food, clothes, and school supplies. Aunt Yvette spent all of our parents' savings on herself within the first six months."

The Hosts, Reiko, and Chiharu all left their seats and gathered around the sisters. There were no words to express their sympathies so they just wrapped them in a group hug.

After the group hug receded, Rene retrieved the pillows the twins had tossed aside and Haruhi left the room for a few minutes, returning with an armload of pillows. "Why don't we all move to the floor?" she suggested.

Takashi and Mitsukuni rearranged the furniture to make room. Then everyone settled on the pillows, as close together as they could.

"Tell us a little about your parents," Kyoya prompted.

Estee thought for a moment. "Well, our father was Hugh Beringar. He was born here in England and he had one brother, Adam. Father started modeling at a very young age—about six, I think. He enjoyed the play acting and attention, as well as the money. However, that's not what he wanted to do for a career. He wanted to design computer games."

Coco continued their tale. "Our mother, Aline Seward, was born in France. She had an older brother, Edmond, and a younger sister, Yvette. Mother was fascinated by photography. She started working as a photographer's assistant when she was thirteen."

"That's kind of young to start," Kaoru commented.

"It was, but the photographer was a friend of the family who needed help and she had already been teaching Mother the basics of photography," Coco responded. "Of course, you're one to talk. You've been designing since you were, what—three years old?"

Kaoru blushed. "That was a fluke. The nanny called in sick and there was no way Mother could re-schedule the premiere photo shoot for her new line, so she took us along. We naturally helped with the accessories. The photographer and models were intrigued by our choices and the fact they all complemented the outfits perfectly. Things turned out so well, that Mother continued to ask for our help and eventually used us as models, too."

"And now you're designing outfits and accessorizing them as well as modeling," Estee noted.

"Guilty as charged," the twins chorused.

"So how did your parents meet?" Reiko asked.

Estee and Coco exchanged a look and started to chuckle. Estee said, "They met at University. Father was taking graphic design and computer programming classes. Mother was taking art classes. He paid his way through University with modeling jobs. They met when Father was the nude model for one of Mother's art classes."

"That sounds like an interesting story," Chiharu commented. "Who made the first move?"

Coco laughed. "It was actually another girl in the class that was the catalyst. Mother was focused on her career and, growing up in Paris, nude models were a regular fact of life. However, this other girl fancied Father and thought Mother was making a play for him. When the instructor praised our Mother's sketch of Father, the other girl got jealous and attacked Mother."

Estee continued the tale. "Father, still in his state of undress, came to Mother's rescue and proclaimed her his girlfriend—in front to the entire class. Later, in private, Mother slapped him for being so presumptuous. They eventually worked things out and married after graduating from University."

The housekeeper appeared in the doorway. "Dinner is served."

"Well, it looks like we need to move this party to the dining room," Mitsukuni said, standing up and helping Reiko to her feet. They helped each other up and followed the housekeeper.

Once everyone's dinner had been served, Haruhi said, "You mentioned at the memorial that you'd just graduated. Hikaru, Kaoru, and I just graduated as well. Are you twins?"

Estee shrugged. "There are those who call us Irish Twins because we were born less than a year apart. It's considered a derogatory term, but we ignore it. We would have been more than a year apart, but Mother was in a car accident when she was pregnant with Coco. The injuries resulted in her going into labor and Coco was born six weeks early."

Coco added, "My birthday was the day before the cut-off date for school and Estee's birthday was three days after, so we started school together. I have a couple health issues from my premature birth, but nothing debilitating."

Wanting to move away from what seemed to be a touchy topic, Rene said, "At the memorial, you mentioned obligations that required your attention. What are your plans for the future?"

"Thanks to Aunt Yvette, we need to find jobs and a place to live," Estee grumbled. "Since we've graduated, she's kicking us out next week. On top of that, she somehow got her hands on the educational accounts that our parents set up for us to attend University. Everything is gone."

Coco scowled. "It took her less than eighteen months to spend everything our parents have been saving for the past eighteen years."

"Can't you live with your mother's brother, Edmond?" Reiko asked.

"He died in a plane crash about ten years ago. That's the reason we had to live with her." Estee sighed in exasperation. "We went to Uncle Adam's flat before we went to the memorial, but his landlady said he was out of country for at least the next six months."

"What were you thinking about for University?" Haruhi asked.

Coco answered, "I wanted to go into graphic design and marketing. Estee wants to be a photographer like our mother. Not much chance of that in the near future."

Haruhi cast a glance at Kyoya, who returned it with a contemplative look. Hikaru and Kaoru exchanged a silent conversation and then stood up as one.

"Kyoya, could we speak to you outside for a moment?" Hikaru ventured conspiratorially.

"Of course." He quirked an eyebrow at the request.

As the three left the dining room, Rene felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Reaching up and rubbing his neck to smooth the hairs, he said in a tentative voice, "Did anyone else get chills down their spine from the Shadow King and Devil Twins plotting together?"

The others in the room chuckled and Rene looked peeved. "What? You know what kinds of plans they come up with separately. Can you imagine what havoc they can wreak together?"

Haruhi laughed. "I'm sure it will be fine, Rene."

"Are you sure? How do you know they're not planning something to get back at Estee and Coco's Aunt Yvette?" Rene slumped in his chair and wrapped his arms around himself.

"Really, Rene. They don't have enough information right now to do any plotting or planning," Haruhi assured him. "Maybe after we get to Paris, but not right now."

"Do you really think they would do something to her?" Estee asked anxiously.

Haruhi smiled at her. "No, not really. And definitely not without your approval and permission. However, the Hinan family does have a reputation in Japan of opposing corruption."

"I doubt they could get much out of her. She's already spent all the money," Coco mused. "They couldn't even do anything to her reputation that she hasn't already done herself."

Meanwhile, out in the hall, Kyoya asked, "I take it you two would like the Hinan family to help them out?"

"Sort of, but not quite," Kaoru started.

"We wanted to know if Hitachiin Fashions could do something for them," Hikaru continued.

"Their parents were working for the company at the time of their death," Kaoru clarified. "It's only right that we should help them out."

Kyoya smiled and patted their shoulders. "I am proud of you two, thinking of others like that. I'm sure your fashion house could provide them with scholarships and living stipends to attend University."

The twins relaxed. "Great. We thought about contacting Mr. Naruse, but he probably wouldn't take too kindly to being woken up at three in the morning," Hikaru said.

"Good choice. I'll send him an email after dinner and have him get started on the paperwork and logistics after he gets to his office in the morning."

"Let's wait until we hear back from Mr. Naruse before we discuss it with the Beringars, okay?" Hikaru confirmed.

"Sound reasoning. They may need the cheering up in Paris if their aunt is anything like they've portrayed," Kyoya agreed. "For now, we should return to the dining room and finish our dinner."

When the three stepped into the dining room, Mitsukuni called, "So, have you finished finalizing your plans to take over the world?"

Kyoya chuckled. "Not quite yet, but soon—very soon world domination will be within my grasp."

"Just remember to clean up after yourself," Takashi admonished, pointing to their dinner dishes left on the table after everyone else had moved theirs to the sideboard.

"Yes, master," the twins lisped while walking with exaggerated limps to clear the table.

"Enough of your nonsense for tonight," Haruhi admonished, as everyone stood around waiting to see what was next. "I was thinking that we've interrogated Estee and Coco, so it's their turn to ask us questions. Shall we had back to the living room?"

Coco tried hard to hide a yawn. Estee looked at her and said, "It's been a long, eventful day. I think we're ready for some sleep."

The other around the table looked to Haruhi. She nodded and said, "You can ask us questions on the train tomorrow. Speaking of which, we have to get up early tomorrow to prepare for the trip to Paris, so we should all head to bed." Looking pensive, she continued, "We planned to all sleep together in one room tonight. Would you like to join us?"

Estee wrapped an arm around Coco and asked tentatively, "I know we French are reputed to be very liberal…"

"No, no," Haruhi said, putting her hands up. "Nothing…risqué. We just cuddle together for comfort. Nothing happens—just sleep, maybe a little talking."

"It really is quite innocent," Chiharu assured them. "I was a little unsure at first, but it is very comforting to know you're not alone."

Reiko added, "It's okay if you don't want to join us. It just seemed rude to exclude you when you've had an emotionally draining day. Like the twins have." She nodded to Hikaru and Kaoru.

"Please, can we?" Coco whispered. "If I'm between you and Haruhi, it should be okay."

Estee looked at her sister with a serious expression. "Okay, but let me know if you feel a panic attack starting."

"I will," Coco promised.

"Yah! That's all settled," Mitsukuni cheered.

While the others headed off to get ready, Haruhi showed Estee and Coco the room where they would all be sleeping. The master bedroom had all the furniture pushed up against the walls and the floor was covered in a wide assortment of pillows and blankets.

"You can use this bathroom to get ready for bed," Haruhi said, gesturing to the master bath. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

When Haruhi returned, she found most of them tossing pillows around and 'arguing' about who was going to sleep where.

Kyoya was ignoring their antics as he arranged several pillows in a corner and settled himself comfortably. "Your place is ready, Haruhi," he called.

She walked across the room, dodging pillows and settled in the place he prepared for her. "Coco, do you want to be on my right of left?"

"I think the left would work better," she responded as she made her way over and situated herself, using Haruhi's thigh as a pillow. Estee slipped in behind her and pulled a blanket over them both.

Rene curled up by Kyoya's right side, Kaoru settled his head on Haruhi's right thigh, and Hikaru settle behind Estee.

Mitsukuni and Reiko were setting up their nest of pillows and blankets next to Kaoru when Haruhi said, "Would you turn on the lamp on the nightstand? That way Takashi can turn off the overhead light now."

"Good thinking," Mitsukuni replied as he turned on the lamp.

Takashi left the nest he and Chiharu had been arranging next to Hikaru and turned off the light.

"Now let's get settled," Kyoya directed, before he nuzzled Haruhi's neck and kissed her ear.

"Yes, otou-san," was the responding chorus.

When it quieted down and everyone appeared to be settled, Haruhi said, "Mitsukuni, you can turn the lamp off now."

"Yes, okaa-san," he teased as he did. "Good night everyone."

22