Keri: omg chapter two :0

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When Kaoru had first gone to a commoner market, he had been surprised by how cheap everything was, but now that he didn't have a near infinite amount of money, things began to seem a little more expensive. It had been two days since they had left their parents' house, they had been able to transfer their college fund into their own bank-account like they said they would and had been able to buy a small condo with it. They agreed to only touch the rest of it if they desperately had to, that way it would collect a lot of interest, allowing them to buy more expensive things if they wanted.

The younger twin was busy buying the groceries for the week, having already planned what he would cook up until Sunday. He figured it would cost less money this way. Hikaru was busy stocking their home with the furniture they had bought – a couch, a small TV, a table, a bed, some chairs – nothing was too large or fancy, but it would do for now.

He sighed, turning the tomato over in his hands, checking for bruises and scratches, when his brother came up behind him. Hikaru placed a hand around Kaoru's waist. "Well, the house is all set up; we'll have to pick up some pots and pans while we're out. I was able to get a job too," he sighed as well, "it's just being a bag-boy," both shuddered, "but it's better than nothing, I guess."

Kaoru nodded slowly, placing the vegetable into his basket. "I feel kind'a bad for yelling at everyone. But it was their fault…we should have been more careful though." He hung his head, waiting for his brother to scold him for accepting some of the blame. As pranksters, they weren't supposed to feel bad for others. Although the sudden switch from anti-social, to social, to anti-social again all in the course of a year was very hard on the brothers.

Hikaru placed a hand on Kaoru's shoulder, knowing what the other was feeling. "Let's just get finished here and get home. We need to make arrangements to go to public school." He said the word as though it were something disgusting instead of just a free school. As though the word itself was painful for him to say, he even licked his lips after saying it, making sure none of the commoner word was left in his mouth. Just thinking about it made the ex-rich boys want to go home and bathe.

He led his brother to the check out and helped him carry the bags back to their new home. He unlocked the door and helped Kaoru put the groceries away. It wasn't a large home, but it was just right for the two: a kitchen, sitting room, bathroom, and a bed room. The landlady had been a bit put-off at the fact that the twins only wanted a one bedroom, despite her many efforts to show them two bedroom homes.

Now that their parents knew, they felt free to show their relationship openly. Be it holding hands while they walked, or kissing in the park; they wanted everyone to know that yes they were brothers and yes they were lovers and if you didn't like it then too bad. But Kaoru was slightly frightened of what the kids in public school would say. They weren't as strict with bullying as they were at Ouran (or so he had heard) and he was worried about getting picked on. He could fight pretty well, but he fought better with his older brother there for "moral support". Though, he wasn't very good with verbal abuse, and that's what kept him up at night.

Kaoru sat down on the couch, Hikaru sat next to him, bringing his brother into his arms. "It'll be alright." He said quietly. "I know things look bad, but they'll get better. We just need to stick together and things will start looking up."

"We're never going to be rich again." He buried his face in the blue-shirted chest of Hikaru. "We'll be commoners for the rest of our lives." His grip tightened around his brother's waist, seeking the comfort he seemed to be getting more and more of as their lives together continued. "I…I'm scared, Hikaru."

Sighing, he lifted Kaoru's chin to look him in the eye. "I'm telling you, things will be fine. We can't let our fears get the best of us; we can't do anything to show that we can't do this. We have to show our parents wrong and let them know that we can do this. We're all we need to be happy." He placed a kiss on the other's lips. "Okay? And we'll prank the hell out of anyone who crosses our path!" he punched the air and smiled.

Kaoru laughed at his silly brother. "Okay! Let's do it!" he nuzzled Hikaru's chest again. "I won't be scared if you're there. We don't need anyone else in our lives, just me and you forever!" They sat up and nodded to each other, kissing once again before Kaoru got up to make dinner and Hikaru got on the phone to talk with the public school.

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"Well, they say we can start tomorrow." Hikaru held his head in his hands as a plate of food was placed in front of him. "Itadakimasu." He muttered, picking up his fork and placed a piece of chicken in his mouth. Both boys thanked whatever force had made Kaoru take cooking back in middle school. "Thank you."

The younger nodded and ate his food as well. "You told them we want all the same classes at the same time, right?" when his brother nodded, he smiled and placed their hands together. "Don't worry, like you said, we'll be together. I know nothing bad can happen when we're with one another." He only returned to eating when the smile was returned.

Hikaru opened his mouth when the doorbell rang. "Who could that be?" he stood up and opened it. "Mother?" he scowled, "What do you want?" he felt Kaoru looking over his shoulder.

"Please boys, I just want you to come back home. I've been worried sick!" he pleaded with them, pulling her fur coat tighter around her. "I'm divorcing your father - I've been meaning to for awhile – so you don't' have to worry about him. Please, please come home, Hikaru, Kaoru, I miss you both. We'll work something out!" she was fighting tears; she just wanted her sons back.

Kaoru felt a pull at his heart. He did want to go home; he missed his room, the money, the house, the pool. He missed the maids and the butlers, but most of all, he missed his mommy. His grip tightened on Hikaru's shoulder.

The older bit his lower lip. "No, mother. We're sorry-" he stopped at Kaoru's grip and sighed. "Alright, we'll think about it. But we're not working anything out." He looked at their feet. "We want to be together, we don't want to have to stop being in love just because people say it's wrong. And if you can't accept that, then we're never going to be able to live with you."

She nodded, drying her tearing eyes with a handkerchief, embroidered with the initials J.M. Her mother's name. "Of course, of course." She sniffed. "I…I understand boys." She nodded and turned, walking down the stairs back to her waiting car.