Chapter 12

I stared up at the huge mansion and the lawn in awe. They had a circle drive way where you could enter at one end and exit at the other. The vast lawn was as green as you could get it with a beautiful fountain in the middle. There were already several maids and butlers at the door waiting to welcome the twins home. I saw other people on the upper floors cleaning through the windows. If this was their front yard, I didn't want to see the back.

Kaoru was pulling me out of the limo while Hikaru was pushing me out. Hikaru pushed me right as I was stepping out and I ended up falling into Kaoru's arm. I felt myself instantly flaming red and turned around to glare at Hikaru. He was smirking while the maids rushed over to see if Kaoru was alright.

"Master Hitachiin! Are you alright?!" One of the maids cried worriedly and I heard him sigh. I was with him there.

"Akari will be staying with us for a while so if you wouldn't mind going to get her things," Hikaru said, completely ignoring the servants worries.

"Of course Master Hitachiin we'll fetch someone immediately," said a nearby butler. I wonder how long they want me to stay I thought. At that moment, I realized Kaoru hadn't let go of my hand. I was about to say so but decided against it. His hand felt soft against mine, our fingers perfectly intertwining. I smiled slightly and was pulled along towards the front door. Hikaru grabbed my other hand and we all entered at the same time.

"This house is huge!" I exclaimed upon coming inside. They had statues, paintings, and other priceless art about. They were both grinning at my wide eyed expression but I didn't care. There were maids at every door with just as many butlers about.

"Come on Akari! This is just the first floor!" They both said and immediately started tugging me up the stairs. Trying not to trip, I hurried to keep up with their pace. We went up to the third floor and they pulled me into a room I'm guessing was theirs. Upon seeing the huge bed, I rushed over and jumped on it.

"Akari?" Kaoru asked, slightly surprised by my actions. I only continued to snuggle into the pillows.

"So soft," I murmured. I sensed the twins coming closer but I was too comfortable to react till it was too late.

"So you like our bed?" Hikaru said rather huskily, making me tense at the familiar tone.

"You know, you could sleep with us tonight if you want,"

"We bet it would be interesting,"

"That is, if you want," Kaoru finished, brushing my bangs aside to see my face. I had tightened my hands around the pillows, intending to use it as a weapon if needed. I glanced up to them both and tried to figure out what they were planning.

"I think I'd prefer my own room," I whispered, inching back slightly with every word. It was a failed attempt because they moved forward. I held back a whimper at their onslaught and I felt my back hit the wall. Their grins instantly grew and they pounced. I brought up the pillow I'd been holding and wacked them both in the face, causing them to fall off the bed. We all stared at each other stupidly before I jumped up and ran.

"Akari!"

"Come back!"
"We weren't going to hurt you!" They both called out, and I could hear the worry in Kaoru's voice. If they want to play games, we can play games I thought bitterly and ran into the nearest closet. I shut the door and locked it, burrowing myself into the back. I hid under clothing and behind shoes and stayed hidden. I heard several footsteps over the next several hours but the twins never found me. I dozed off at several times but immediately woke up from my fear of the dark. The silence was overwhelming and my eyes kept playing tricks on me.

Old habits kicked in and I forced myself to remain quiet. I lost track of time easily and found myself entering a trance of memories from the old days. When I couldn't stand it anymore, I jumped up and ran to the door. Unlocking it, I opened it slowly and looked down the unfamiliar halls. I was struck with déjà vu and started running towards the stairs. I made it to the second floor without being caught. The few maids that were left from the end of the day were giving me weird looks but I didn't care. I raced down the next flight of stairs and dashed to the door.

I hid behind a pillar and looked about, making sure no one saw me. Tip-toeing to the door, I opened it slowly and looked outside. "Where am I?" I asked aloud, and inched myself out the door and around the corner. I made my way the peaceful backyard and sat down by the pond.

The birds that were drinking and washing themselves flew away at my arrival, causing me to frown. I swirled my index finger in the water, making imaginary patterns to relax and hopefully bring them back with the small movements. The birds eventually came back, curious as to who I was. I held out my hands to them, seeing if they would come closer. Eventually I was able to stroke them softly, and I found myself humming a soft tune I'd heard while I was in the dark, cell like room.

I heard footsteps and instantly froze, causing all the birds to fly away. I found myself looking up at them, saddened by their leaving. At least their free, I can't even remember where I am.

"Akari?" I heard a soft voice call, "Is that you?" I timed their footsteps and estimated how close they were. I recognized the voice, but I wasn't sure why. It was a gentle, soothing voice but I knew that trick. My parents always used it when they wanted me to trust them. Then I would pay for it later. I looked into the pond and swirled my hand again. When I knew they were close, I jumped up, splashing water in their face, and ran to the maze nearby.

"Akari! Wait! It's Kaoru!" Kaoru? I thought dully but kept running all the same.

Kaoru's POV

"Damn. Why does she keep running? Where was she that entire time?" I asked myself aloud and turned when I heard Hikaru running towards me.

"Did you find her?" He asked and I nodded.

"She ran into the maze, even after I told her my name. It's like she doesn't know she's safe here," I sighed worriedly.

"Speaking of which, the maids said they found an open closet and a heap of moved clothes and shoes in the back. She must have been hiding in there the entire time we'd been looking. She might think she's back in the past,"

"Damnit!" I cursed, banging my fist against the wall of the house.

Akari's POV

I found an area near what I thought was the middle of the maze and sat down, leaning against the wall out of breath. I mulled over why the name Kaoru sounded familiar but I couldn't think why. I'd never met anyone named Kaoru, I'd been in the house all my life. After about half an hour, I climbed up the vines to see where I was at. When I made it to the top, I looked around and saw the maze go on for about a mile.

A movement in the corner of my eyes drew my attention to a couple of running figures. They ran as if they were in a hurry, like they were looking for someone they cared about. I tilted my head in confusion, wondering who they would be looking for. I climbed fully on top and supported my weight on some branches. Then I jumped to the next wall, feeling rather stupid. I continued this till I was above the two figures.

They both had beautiful auburn hair and looked so alike, it was scary. Then it finally clicked who they were. Oops. It was supposed to be a game. I looked to see the next turn and saw it slightly up ahead. I jumped down on my side and ran towards the turn, nearly running into them.

"Akari! We're sorry! We didn't mean to scare you!" Kaoru breathed hurriedly.
"Why the hell were you hiding in a closet?!" Hikaru exclaimed.

"Sorry, it was supposed to be a game..." I trailed off, only stiffening slightly when they both hugged me.

"Come on, let's get back to the house," Kaoru said, not letting go of my hand and we all ran back to the house. I felt pretty bad after that and I didn't leave their sight. We all came to a silent agreement to not pull that kind of prank on each other. You can imagine how it was a little awkward at dinner after that.

We all sat at the table, picking at our food and not talking. Hikaru was on Kaoru's right while I sat across from them. It was a huge table and we sat towards the end of one side. The dinner was made up of 3 rounds, the beginning being the appetizer containing salad. The next was the main course, containing a foreign dish that I couldn't even pronounce. Afterwards came the desserts made up of different cakes and ice cream. The twins had a couple sips of wine but mostly drank soda while I stuck to simple water.

"Akari, is there any place you want to specifically sleep?" Kaoru asked, breaking the silence and causing me to look up.

"I guess I wouldn't mind sleeping in a room near you guys," I answered, a little confused as to why he would ask. It's just a room. Kaoru nodded while Hikaru was grinning, probably thinking something along the terms of pervertish. Eventually the few remaining staff came and took our food away, leaving us to our own devices.

Seeing nothing else to do, they showed me to my room and left me to get ready by myself. I saw a suitcase containing all my clothes and decided to head to the bathroom. I knew I shouldn't have been shocked by the size but I still was. The bath was large enough to contain several people at once with a huge sink and counter. Even the toilet seemed grand in its normal form adorned with gems and what not. I started the water in the tub and stripped bare. Deeming the temperature warm enough, I stepped in slowly and completely submerged under the water, coming back up when I ran out of breath.

I leaned against the back and sat there for what felt like hours but was probably only 10 minutes. After cleaning my hair and body, I stood up and wrapped a towel around my body. I turned around and drained the tub of the still warm water and walked out into the room. Keeping the towel wrapped around me using my hands, I went over to my clothes spotting a note. Picking it up, it read:

Dear Akari,

I'm sorry we caused you to run off in fright, we never intended on hurting you. I hope you still want to stay and for a while at that. We love having you around, me especially, and don't want to cause you pain. We hope these clothes made specially for you help make up for our mistake earlier. We'd really like to see you in it.

Kaoru

I lowered the note and looked at the outfit. It was a simple slim black dress adorned with light silver sparkles. It cut off above the chest and had straps to go around my neck. I put it on carefully, noticing how comfortable and soft it felt against my skin. It fell onto the floor encircling my feet and keeping them hidden. I slipped on some under garments and then slid on some slippers that were just as soft as the dress, cupping my feet like socks.

I walked towards the twins room, hoping they were still awake. I knocked on the door, entering when I heard a soft 'come in.' The twins looked over at my entrance and I grew satisfied at their jaw dropping looks.

"Could you tie the back for me Kaoru?" I asked sheepishly, having not been able to do it myself. He nodded, as if on autopilot, only getting up when Hikaru elbowed him slightly. He walked over to me and I turned around, pulling my hair up so he could. Only when he was done tying did I realize how exposed I was. The dress didn't cover my back at all, dipping dangerously low to me waist. I felt his knuckles brush over my skin and I wondered if he was trailing his hands down my back, trying not to touch me.

"Thanks. I knew you said you wanted to see it so I tried it on and came over," I replied, turning around and taking a slight step back so I wasn't in Kaoru's personal space. Kaoru, sensing the moment over, moved back to the bed and sat down next to Hikaru.

"It looks good on you, just like I thought it would," Kaoru smiled innocently. I smiled in return and headed towards the door.

"Night guys, I'm going to go get some sleep," I called over my shoulder.

"You want any help getting undressed?" Hikaru called and I sighed, shaking my head. "Just making sure! Night," I sensed him grinning.

I made it back to my room and undressed yet again. I slipped into some pajama's and slid into bed. I found myself not able to fall asleep for fear of the familiar darkness. I sighed yet again, trying to drive away the sense of what had happened earlier, not wanting a repeat of the disaster. I kept turning and twisting, messing up the sheets. Eventually I gave up, and brought my knees up to my chest and closed my eyes. I found myself whimpering more often than I cared to admit, before I drifted off into restless oblivion. I was sure to be haunted by nightmares tonight.

Kaoru's POV

I heard a soft whimpering coming through the walls from the direction of Akari's room and remembered how dark it could get in the house at times.

"Hikaru?"

"Yeah I hear her," I sighed worriedly and grew more distressed when it lasted for about an hour. I looked at the clock and noticed it was about 10 pm.

"I'm gonna go check on her," I said, getting up and heading to the door. I knew Hikaru was frowning but I also knew that he understood. I couldn't explain it but I felt more happy with Akari than I did with anyone else, except maybe Hikaru.

I made it to Akari's room and quietly knocked, so I wouldn't surprise her when I walked in. I slowly opened the door and quietly called, "Akari?"

Akari's POV

I awoke to the sound of someone knocking and opening the door and knew it was Kaoru from the way he called my name. He came closer and I felt a slight breeze in the air from his moving hand trying to locate me in the bed. I reached out my hand and grabbed his, pulling him next to me.

"Can I lay with you for a bit?" He asked quietly, gently rubbing his thumb against the back of my hand.

"Yes," I said, knowing he wouldn't be able to see me nod. He slid under the covers next to me and I felt myself lowering my knees and curling my body to fit his shape without touching him. He reached his hand out slowly, finding my back a couple seconds later and started to rub it gently. We lay like that for a while, enjoying the peaceful silence.

"How did you know I was trying to find you in the bed? It's like you can see me," He said after a while, breaking the silence. I thought it over and replied,

"Growing up in the dark and losing sense of time, you learn to rely on your other senses to let you know things your eyes can't. Like I can hear soft movements that you usually wouldn't hear unless you're paying close attention. I can feel like a disturbance in the air when someone's moving from the slight breeze they might give off from moving," I tried to explain. By the slight pause in his rubbing, I figured he was nodding in a slight understanding.

I felt myself relaxing completely against the sheets and was half asleep. By this point, I was slightly pressed against him. From the angle, I could tell he was on his elbow, holding his chin in his hand while the other rubbed my back. I could just picture it and smiled at the image. We looked like a happy couple maybe or caring siblings. I felt my heart speed up at the couple idea and I frowned slightly.

Kaoru stopped his rubbing and started to get up, probably thinking I was asleep. I immediately sat up and reached out, almost missing his shirt. He froze when I grabbed the back of it tightly, not letting it go for the life of me. I didn't want to be alone, especially when I had just gotten used to having his company.

"Please stay..." I murmured, saddened at the thought of him denying my request. He reached his hand behind him and held mine and I just knew he would say no in the nicest way he could.

"Alright," He consented to my surprise and delight. I laid back down and scooted over to make more room this time. He slid back under the covers and completely lay down this time. I felt him completely relaxed against the bed and tried to be too.

I felt his arm come up and encircle my waist and I stiffened. He immediately pulled away but I took his hand in mine and moved it back. I could tell he was hesitant but I tightened my grip in reassurance. He pulled me slightly against him and rubbed circles against my stomach to ease my mind. Even though I had clothes on, his touch still sent electricity throughout my body as if he was touching my bare skin.

I found myself relaxing into his hold and I felt safe in his arms. Eventually I fell asleep but not before I heard his whispered words.

"I love you Akari. Sweet dreams," He said softly and kissed the back of my head. I smiled and was able to mumble 'love you too' before I fell asleep.

Oh my gosh guys, I had so much fun writing this chapter! I know I promised fluff to some of you and I hope this cuts it. I've never written fluff before and have only read a couple fanfics dealing with fluff. I also know that this chapter starts out a little sad but I hope the last scene makes up for it! I had sooooo much fun writing it! I think this was the first real KaoruxAkari moment and I hope you guys loved it. I also hope that those of you who didn't have your characters win from the vote are still reading too even though it didn't work out for you.

I can't believe how these chapters have been recently getting over 3,000 words a piece, it's amazing. I hope you guys are enjoying this story as much as I am and I hope you guys will let me know if you think I'm improving and what I can still improve on! Feedback of any kind is welcome but try and keep flames at bay lol. If you think the characters are a little OOC or Akari is a little Mary Sue, please let me know that too! Till next chapter! I'm also sorry if this was a little poorly written or if there are more mistakes than usual, I was up really late writing this. Dx