Disclaimer: I own NOTHING but this storyline.

Chapter 2: Heartfelt Confession

After Kaoru got back to the nurse's office he sat with a whole new wave of worried guests. They noticed that Hikaru wasn't there as did he and the rest of the club, bur he simply dismissed the matter. He didn't know where Hikaru was either. For the past three months whenever someone brought up Hikaru and him always changed the subject.

Could I have hurt his feelings by leaving so quickly? he thought, But I've been hurting Hikaru for a long time now. I hate it. I hate ignoring him and pretending I don't care for him. I can't take it.

"Hey, Haruhi," Kaoru greeted casually as the only female in the host club came by with fresh tea and didn't acknowledge his being there — when she was finished she walked swiftly away without a word.

So things were back to the way they used to be between Kaoru and Haruhi. She hated him once again, and he knew it. He'd went so willingly with his brother the she must have thought that they were back together. He'd given up Hikaru for Haruhi, that was all it took to get her. But this time it'd be harder to get her back. All the lonely hours without his brother that had seemed to stretch out forever wasted, just to be pushed away andlose his brother. Surely Hikaru hated him now, too, after the unforgivable way he'd acted.

Could he win him back? Would it be easier than torturing himself to get Haruhi?

When the last of the guests departed, Kaoru decided to wait on Hikaru.

"Where's Hika-Chan?" Honey asked from his perch on Mori's shoulders. Kaoru shook his head in response, ignoring Tamaki'sflirting with a reluctant and unresponsive Haruhi,

Kyoya paced up to them, "Hikaru has been gone for quite a time now. Should I send a search for him?"

"No!" Kaoru answered instantly. They looked at him. "Uh... I'll go look for him. Thanks anyway, Kyoya." The third son nodded knowingly, the same look on Honey's face; just how much of this had they guessed? All well, it didn't matter now. It was over, hopefully.

Nearly dashing out into the hallways, Kaoru started opening doors, peeking inside, and calling softly. He was beginning to think he'd gone home when when a low whimper sounded from the next room: the bathroom. Oh... Kaoru frowned.

"Hikaru?" Kaoru said gently.

Hikarusuppressed all of his sobs at the sound of his brother's voice, he couldn't let him see him like this. The elder twin was sitting on the floor in the small space between the toilet and hinged door, hugging his knees. He could see Kaoru's shinny black shoes under the door of the closed stall. He was quiet, thinking he'd pass over and go away.

"Hikaru..." A few minutes passed. Kaoru leaned against a sink in front of his twin, waiting for him to answer.

When Hikaru figured Kaoru wasn't going until he said something he whispered hoarsely "Kaoru."

"What are you doing in here?"

Hikaru could tell Kaoru he was crying over him. "Nothing," he lied.

"Why were you crying?"

"No reason..." Damn... he heard me...

A hint of annoyance crept into Kaoru's tone, "Don't lie!"

"Ah...!" Hikaru's heart heart more to hear his twin mad at him.

"Get out here." When Hikaru said nothing, Kaoru added in thick command, "Now."

Hikaru got up immediately, wiped the remaining tears drying on his face away, and opened the door to see Kaoruperched on a sink - both hands gripping the sides firmly. His stern gaze locked on him.

"Now, why were you crying?" Kaoru tryed again, feeling he already knwe the answer.

Hikaru looked down at the tile floor. "I—I was sad," I wasn't a lie—he was sad... and lonley, and heart-broken...

"About what?" Kaoru pressed. His voice softened, no longer needing to be harsh, not that he ever wanted to. He hated making him cry.

Hikaru's voice cracked a little, more tears betrayed him, "I mi— ... I've mi— misses y— you... I'm so lon— ley... W-why...? I'm so... sorry..." He shook with sorrow. How weak and childish must he seem in the eyes of the one he loved right this instant? He was ashamed.

Kaoru suppressed a grin, he knew now that Hikaru missed him like he had vice-versa. He also wanted him. "Sorry for what?!" Kaoru chuckled.

Hikaru looked up at Kaoru, "What...?"

"What have you to be sorry for? I'm the one who should be apologizing."

The Hitachiin heir stood there like a dim-wit.

"I'm sorry. I never should have hurt you like that... I want you so much that I just can't resist you. Is that enough to say that I miss you?" he smiled warmly. "So... We should probably get out of the girl's restroom," Kaoru murmured. Hikaru flushed a deep red. Kaoru laughed, "I'll meet you at the car. I've got to someone real quick. Wait for me!"

As Kaoru ran from the restroom — smiling up a storm — Hikaru nodded slowly. What... the heck?He was confused but happy. Thinking about what had just happened he walked outside and stood beside the black limo, feeling the cool breeze on his face.

Kaoru found Haruhi just as she was getting ready to leave after cleaning up. "Hey, Haruhi!" He called. She kept walking; he ran and stopped in front of her.

"What?" she gave in with a frustrated hiss.

"Uh... concerning Hikaru..." she waited for him to continue, "I'm sorry. But he is my brother, and I would rather—"

"Kaoru, it's wrong!" she argued.

He breathed, "I know..."

"Then why—"

"But I don't care."

She looked at him hard.

"Haruhi, I like you and all, but Hikaru... he needs me, and I need him."

A few seconds later, "OK."

"OK?" he was confused

Looking away from his face she huffed, "Do whatever you want, it's never stopped you before." He gazed at her until she gave him a small encouraging smile, he returned it. "So then... good luck?"

"Heh. Thanks. You're cool with it?" he wondered.

"Well...not really, but it's you two who will be called 'gay-wads,'" Haruhi admitted.

Kaoru chuckled at that, "All well. It's true, isn't it?"

"Hm..." They walked with each other out of the school.

Hikaru was getting anxious, hopping from foot to foot where he waited by the car. His heart leaped when his brother emerged from the double doors, then sank again as he held it open for Haruhi.

The same hateful pang and hurt—almost a sense of betrayal—from earlier shot through him, making him bite his lip. He remembered what Kaoru had once told him when he'd felt like this before towards Tono: "Your probably jealus..."

They stood an chatted for moment before his younger brother turned and approached him.

The way Kaoru ran released butterflies in Hikaru's stomach. His hair bobbed up and down, the soft sound of his footfall on the stone walk. You're beautiful, Kooru, he thought, Why am I not used to seeing you?

Kaoru smiled brightly to see that his brother had waited for him like he'd asked. "Hey," Kaoru ginned, holding the limo door open for him.

Hikaru blushed and looked away, forgetting his jealousy, murmuring his thanks as he climbed in. Kaoru got in beside him, the older twin moved over to give him room.

"Straight home, please," he old their showfer. Hikaru stiffened in surprised as his younger brother scooted over and sat clse to him. Very close. He didn't want to shy way from him.

Kaoruhesitated, unsure on what to do now that he was with his twin. Their arms were touching Hikaru's stiff but slowly relaxing.

Kaoru glanced at the driver, checking his eyes, tem found Hikaru's hand and held it tightly. This surprised Hikaru further but on nstincethe gripped it back, entwining their fingers. They both enjoyed the warmth of their shared closeness.

Hikaru snuggled up against his younger brother closing his eyes and leaned his head on his shoulder. Kaoru pressed his lips to Hikaru's golden hai, smelling lavender.

The breathing in front of them changed: harder, fatser, almost gasping. Kaoru glanced up in the rear-view mirror; the driver looked sick, the blood drained from his features, and horrified. Kaoru smirked and cupped Hikaru's chin in one long hand, bringing his face up only inches from his own.

This brought the reaction he was hoping for. Supremely startled — his brother in silent historics as well — the twins' new shouferr brought the vehicle to an almost abrupt stop. He blurted, only to anxious to have rid of them, "We've arrived!"

Kaoru snickered, grabbing Hikaru's wrist and dragging him away.

"Kaoru..." Hikaru whispered.

"Hikaru, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have cared what she thought," Kaoru said as they entered through the big, hand-crafted, wooden door of the Hitachiin Mansion.

She? Hikaru thought,Haruhi?

"Now," he said, chipper again, grinning from ear-to-ear, "I'll make it up to you."

They felt the hot, curious gazes of the maids and servants as they ascended the wide carpeted staircase in the main room, Hikaru in tow. Little squeeks and giggles outnumbered the grunts of awkwardness as Kaoru rapped his arm around his twin's waist to lead him along.

Hikaru was blushing furiously by the time they reached his room. Kaoru shut the door behind them, clicking softly. Hikaru watched as he ambled calmly over and drew the dark red curtains. The room now a few shades darker, though the dim evening light still glowed — tinting the furniture light honey — escaping the drapes.

Hikaru's breathing hitched as his twin stoad toward him. "Hikaru, I do want you. Don't you everthink otherwise," Kaoru said. He wrapped one arm around Hikaruwaist, the other behind his neck, fingers playing lazily with his hair. "But," he breathed, "do you want me?"

There were a million ways he could answer that question, a million possibilities, a trillion words. But in his daze distracted by Kaoru's little touches, he picked the two corniest, clasical words, "I do."

Kaoru smiled, he had him, had who he wanted. He'd won him back, though he admitted he probably didn't deserve it. Spinning him around he backed him into the bed. The edge hit the back of his legs, making his knees buckled and he fell backwards — half on, half off the mattress. Kaoru climbed on top of him after he'd scooted up, carefully placing himself so that barely any of his weight was on his brother.

Kaoru'shands messed with Hikaru's shirt while the elder twin's groped Kaoru's chest and slim hips.

Kaoru placed chaste kissed down his jawline and neck. When he'd gotten the last button loose on Hikaru's uniform he whispered, "Lean up." Obediantly he did so, Kaoru slid it off then quickly got his own off. Their linens disappeared to some unknown spot on the floor.

They couldn't get close enough, bodies crushed together. Hikaru's hands the only thing between their bare chests.

"Kaoru..." Hikaru whined softy, breathing heavy, "The door's unlocked. We can't do this. What if someone come in. What if—!"

Kaorucrashed his lips to his brother's to shut him up, fighting a grin when he moaned into the kiss.

Hikaru pulled away, Kaoru pouted, and sat halfway up, "Shh... listen."

"No! You can't go in," a maid's voice drifted to them from right outside their door.

"Why not? I want to talk to my sons," Mrs. Hitachiin said; she'd just gotten home.

"Uh... because they're not here," another maid.

"Oh really?" their mom's voice sceptical.

"Yes, ma'am. And... this room is getting cleaned. For your own safty please don't go in. We're using chemicals you're highly allergic to. You remember last time, ma'am?"

When the clicking footsteps of highheels faded away and sighs of releif could be heard they relaxed. Kaoru chuckled softly, "So the maids are covering for us."

"So it seems...," Hikaru agreed in a whisper tone.

Kaoru grinned mischievously, "Where were we?"

Clothes got in the way, even skin seemed a barrier. Pretty soon all linens involved were boxers and the sheets in which they were tangled.

"Hikaru...."

"Kaoru...."

"Hikaru!"

"Oh, Kaoru!"

"STOP!"

Hikaru immediately jerked himself away at the urgency in his voice. Tears of pain rolled down Kaoru's face, this made Hikaru also tear up, "Kaoru, I'm sorry...."

"No... Not you...The medicine... wore off," Kaoru clenched his teeth, holding his lower half. It took a moment for Hikaru to comprehend — his burn, it must be hurting worse now. It wasn't his fault after all.

Then he remembered who gave it to him.

"Kaoru, I'm so sorry!"

"Shh...," he hushed as the pain nulled with the numbing heat and neddles of sharp pain. "Acident... 't doesn't matter..."

"Kaoru..."

The younger brother hesitated, he'd wanted to say something since he couldn't remember how long. Now didn't seem the best time to do so, though. He'd just have to make it.

He pressed his lips to Hikaru in another heated kiss, flicking his tongue around the other's mouth — re-exploring. He traced little fiery designs on his arm. Hikaru pulled him deeper into the kiss, forgetting everything else. After a few more minutes of arousing they had to break apart for air.

Kaoru took the chance, "Hikaru?"

"Hm...?" he practically purred.

Taking a deep breath to gain courage he whispered, "I love you Hikaru. I love you now and I always will."

Hikaru's mind went blank, thoroughly vacant. When he could think again his thought were incomprehensible, racing fast. His heart finally slowed to a somewhat normal pace. Did he... just confess? Sure, they'd used those three word — "I love you" — many times before, but tonight they took on a special significance.

"I love you, too," his own words sounded questionable to even his ears.

Kaoru detected his uncertainty and frowned. Maybe now wasn't as good a time to confess as he'd thought. Was Hikaru leading him on this time?

I do love him. Right? Hikaru thought. Painfully looking into Kaoru's hurt eyes he remembered all that had happened. After losing his little brothe oncehe understood what, and how, it was like without him. He didn't want to share Kaoru. Hikaru loved his little touches and touching him. It felt right. Why was it he was sad when Kaoruwas sad, happy when he was happy, yet so sad when he was too happy with Haruhi?

Is this love? Is this what love feels like?

A hollow tear slid down Kaoru's cheek. Hikarucradled his face in one hand and wiped the tear away with his thumb. "Kaoru, of course I love you. Until the end of time," these words sincere.

That was enough to convince Kaoru, he could hear the truth in it. He wasn't just imagining it, not just hearing what he wanted to hear.

As they were falling asleep in eachother's arms Hikaru whispered, "Won't they find it weird in the morning if they find you my room?"

"Probably. And ourroom..." They both smiled — a personal heaven.

(Morning)

Hikaru was awaken by uneven breathing beside him. At first he was alarmed, then he heard a yawn and remembered Koaru had moved back into this room.

It was a few moments until he felt the pain in his lower half — his thoughts slowly dripped back to him. Last night. Did the really do that?

Kaou was grinning as he opened his eyes and sat halfway up. Hikaru sat beside him. It felt right to wake up beside him again.

"Mornin'," he yawned.

"Mn...," Hikaru replied, scowling. He felt guilty.

Kaoru noticed, and knew that he was the one who should feel guilty, but he wasn't for what they did last night. He only felt that wretched emotion for leaving him in the first place.

Kaoru stretched his hand out to caress Hikaru's cheek, but before it could reach Hikaru purposefully jumped up and ran to the closet. "We're going to e late for school," he quickly made an excuse. Annoyed — hand still raised — Kaoru glared at the clock.

When Kaoru had joined him at the sink he rushed away. He stood at the end of the bed and watched as his brother rushed around the room.

"Let's see... It should take 20 minutes to eat and get to to school. It's 7:32 're not even dressed!" Hikaru rambled on, avoiding eye-contact. Was this his excuse to distract himself from his brother. Pathetic.

"Hikaru," Kaoru interrupted him. Placing a hand on his shoulder he pushed him down, "Shut-up."

Kaoru was sitting on Hikaru. The older twin blushed deeply. "Hikaru...," he whined and looked away, squirming.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Kaoru whisper in his ear.

"W-what?" Hikaru stuttered, he couldn't think straight.

He sighed "I said I'm sorry. For everything. Am I forgiven?"

"You always were," he whispered.

"Then what? This shouldn't be awkward." He let his hand snake its way under Hikaru's shirt.

He gasped, fighting pleasure.

"But you're right," Kaoru stood. "We should be getting to school." Screw school...

Hikaru was oddly disappointed.

Their regular driver was back — he kept his poker face and ignored th twins' flirting.

At school girls sighed and crooned as the Hitachiin brothers walked through the hallways hand-in-hand, and at their improved brotherly love "act." Renge made up her usual dramatic stories of forbidden love — which Kaoru had to admit they hit the mark somewhat in their lives.

Kyoya had secretly gotten pictures of their PDAs and made albums of them. He was pleased to see that they'd sold out in the first two days.

Hunny was peppy.

Haruhi was... Haruhi.

Milord was overjoyed that Kaoru wasn't hanged around Haruhi as much.

Hikaru and Kaoru stood shoulder-to-shoulder against the far wall, not really watching the commotion Tono was making. Their hands found each other.

"Kaoru?"

"Hm...?"

"Don't leave me again."

"Never again."