Chapter 8

KaoruxOCxHikaru

The next morning was Sunday, and usually that was my lazy day where I picked up the apartment and did my laundry, that sort of thing. Today would be different though; today I would walk into my kitchen after a nice shower, with my hair wrapped in towel and no make up on my face except maybe the left over eyeliner from yesterday and hear a knock at the door. It caught me off guard; I was just about to make some French toast for breakfast. Pulling off the towel, I rapidly ran my fingers through my hair in all directions, which gave it a messy look, and opened the door. My face turned a bright red when my eyes locked onto Hikaru's, who was standing right in front of the door with Kaoru peaking over his shoulder.

"Wow, wet hair looks nice on you Yankee." Hikaru teased reaching out for a strand of my hair and twisting it around his index finger.

I pulled back and that gave them the initiative to come in. Slowly out of reflex I closed the door behind me, and watched as they sat down on my couch like the day before.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked with an annoyed tone.

"We were bored at home," answered Kaoru.

"So we decided to come and spend the day with you," Hikaru continued.

"Oh boy…" I mumbled, slowly walking back into the kitchen. Even though I didn't expect it, the twins being here somehow made this Sunday a little more exciting.

"What cha making?" Kaoru asked curiously, following me into the kitchen.

"Just some simple French toast; nothing fancy like you're used to." I answered.

"I've never had that before…" I looked over to see him looking as cutely curious as ever and I actually blushed from it.

Hikaru came into the kitchen next, examining his surroundings as he went, "Why don't you make us some too?" He asked.

"I will if you want me to," I said tilting my head a little.

"Please and thank you," Kaoru said, as he pulled himself up onto the counter, sitting like a child would watching his mother cook.

I began preparations for our breakfast, French toast didn't take all that long, but I knew it was really filling like pancakes or waffles so I didn't make a whole lot of extra. I made the table, and they both sat down and took a bite. I was nervous of their reactions but they both seemed to honestly like it, "Where did you learn to cook?" asked Kaoru.

I sat down and took a bite. "Well, mom taught me a few things when she could, but mostly I had to teach myself." I said with a nod.

The twins looked at each other, and then back to me, Kaoru was afraid to ask this next question, but he couldn't help but wonder, "What was your mother like?"

I paused for a moment, and I think they thought I was offended by them, "My mom… she was strong person, she never gave up, even after dad died after only a year of them being married. I didn't know my dad that well, but mom always said I looked just like him. Mom was working two jobs, so I didn't get to spend a great deal of time with her. Every once and while she'd take a weeks vacation though while I was off for the summer, I always looked forward to it, because instead of my mom being the stereotyped workaholic, she would actually put forth the effort to make sure we had a good time," I paused again, smiling to myself and then chuckled a little before I continued, "This one time we went to my uncle's lake, I was really little at the time and I accidentally fell off the dock. I have never been the strongest swimmer and I was sure I wasn't going to make it, my lungs felt like they were going to explode…" I stared down at my plate, "But mom hopped in and saved me in the nick of time. My mom was like my life support… anytime something went wrong she'd save me… sometimes I wonder if it was my fault she had to work so hard… if I was the reason that she…" I felt my eyes swelling up with tears, but forced them back and choked out the word, "died…"

The twins looked at me astonished. Slowly I started eating away at the French toast to keep my mind occupied, "The reason she was your life support was because you were her life." murmured Hikaru.

My eyes widened and I froze in place.

"She was your mother Chelsea, she was doing whatever it took to make you happy. She didn't die because it was your fault, she died loving you with all of her heart." Kaoru reassured, placing his hand on mine.

I dropped my fork, and let my hair fall in front of my face, so they couldn't see me cry. Picking up my plate that was nearly cleaned I scrapped off the rest of the food into the trash and set it in the sink, leaning against the counter, I stared down at the sink filled with water, and watched as one of my tears dropped and made ripples once it made contact.

Kaoru walked up behind me, placed a hand on my shoulder and gently turned me around to face him, when my eyes met his, he pulled me in tight, I lost whatever grip I had, and started to cry. Hikaru came up from behind me and put his arms around my waist, resting his head against my back, listening to the entanglement of my heartbeats.

I did as Hikaru instructed, I learned that if I were to cry, to let it be on their shoulders. That they were my best friends and as such I could trust that they wouldn't judge me for my weaknesses. The things that made me break down. They didn't mind holding me until the storm blew over. Yes, when the twins wanted to be, they were incredibly kind.

As the day went by I played a number of board games with the twins, and watched a couple movies with them as well. They never once complained, which I expected at least Hikaru to do once or twice. Toward the end of the last movie we watched, all three of us were wrapped in a blanket on the couch, the twins were snuggled against me like always, and honestly, it was nice not to be so alone for a change.

It was about 7 o'clock now, and the credits started to roll, "Hey guys, I want to show you something." I said wiggling out from between them and putting on my hoodie. Grabbing my key I opened the door.

"Outside?" Hikaru asked.

"Where are we going?" Kaoru wondered aloud.

"Just follow me," I said with a grin.

They humored me and after I locked the door behind us, I started up the nearby staircase.

"Where are you taking us Yankee?" asked Hikaru flatly.

"Just be patient." I answered.

When we got to the top of the stairs there was a door. Pushing it open, I walked out onto the rooftop of the building and motioned for them to come forward. When they came out they found themselves in awe at the sight. For upon the rooftop one got a very good view of the sunset. I walked up between them and smiled, "Pretty huh?"

They couldn't speak. Their eyes shimmered brilliantly and that made me very happy. To see them react so strongly. "The first day I was here, I came up here exploring and the first thing I saw was this." I stared at the radiant colors all around us. The twins reach out their hands in search for mine, and I took them openly. We stood there until the sun finally disappeared, and the stars came out.

I figured it was about 8 by now. "We have school tomorrow…"

"We should probably be heading home." nodded Hikaru.

They walked me down to my room and we stood there quietly, having a strangely awkward moment, "We'll see you tomorrow okay?" asked Kaoru hugging me goodnight.

I nodded, and looked at Hikaru wondering if he was going to hug me, but he looked to Kaoru, "Kaoru, you go on ahead, I forgot something in the apartment." Kaoru looked surprised and nodded. He flashed one more innocent smile my way before heading down the steps.

I looked at Hikaru sort of confused, but unlocked the door and stepped in, "What did you forget Hikaru?" I asked him and then turned around to face him.

Quickly, he took my face in his hands and pressed his lips against mine. I froze, but my mind started to go a million miles per hour. After a moment passed he pulled away, "I didn't want to forget that." He whispered and then winked at me.

My face flushed a bright red and I looked down sheepishly, "See you tomorrow… Yankee," He said turning and walking out of my apartment. Slowly, after a pause I closed the door behind him.

Once Hikaru got to the limo he got in and sat down next to his brother. Kaoru looked over at his brother suspiciously, "That was fast. What did you forget?" he asked.

"I had it with me the whole time." Hikaru answered flipping out his cell phone as evidence.

Kaoru's eyes slowly drifted away from his brother's as he stared out his window. For some reason, he had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he really couldn't figure out why.

The next day at Ouran felt like it dragged on. I just wanted the last bell to ring so I could see the twins again. This became a daily routine, and each day my anticipation felt like it grew. When the last bell rang, I hurried out of my class, just to be stopped in the hallway by Kaoru who was leaning against the wall outside the door, "Hey Kaoru… what's up?" I thought something bad happened. Was Hikaru hurt?

Kaoru blushed and looked down at his feet. His face was sort of sad looking, "Kaoru?" I asked.

"Chelsea I was wondering…" He started to say.

"Uh, yes?" I asked.

"The Ouran dance is coming up… so would you… go with me?" He asked, looking up at me with child like eyes and a flushed face.

I was relieved that nothing was wrong but then my face turned a bright red. Like I could refuse such a request, Kaoru was just too adorable, "Of course I'll go with you Kaoru." I replied with a smile.

He looked surprised by my answer and then immediately became bubbly with enthusiasm. He then put his arm around my shoulder, "Come on, let's go to the host club."

I was surprised that Kaoru asked me. I couldn't dance, and I hated wearing dresses, but I supposed for Kaoru I would grin and bare it. Then something hit me, as I'm sure it showed on my face. What about Hikaru?

Author's notes: I shouldn't have made them ate before getting a chance to eat myself *starving*. This chapter is sort of haunting to me, and I'm not sure why. The part with her talking about her mom was supposed to be a break through with the character and I think it let her feel she could depend on the twins more. This time Hikaru and Kaoru each had a moment with her, but back in the limo was Kaoru showing a hint of jealousy for a change? Looks like things are starting to stir. What will happen next? I'll probably write this weekend guys, but next week I may take a few days off to catch up on some art that needs to be done so if I take a bit longer to post up new chapters please be patient with me. As always feedback is more than welcome and have a wonderful weekend ^_^