Bewitched
Author: Krys Yuy
Summary: AU. Due to a chance encounter, Usagi is drawn to the mystery surrounding the anti-social twins at her new school. But the strength of her attachment is the last thing anyone expects.
Pairing/Characters: Usagi/? Hitachiin (Ouran Koukou Host Club)
Warning: Spoilers for Ouran if you haven't seen/read it, especially with the twins.
Rating: PG/K+
Disclaimer: I own none of the characters used. This fic is purely for entertainment purposes only.
Author's Notes: First off, a note – I'm using the US school semester system, even though the story does take place in Japan. It's just simpler that way. Thanks to all who guessed which SM characters I was using. Unfortunately, no one guessed it right. XD That's mostly my fault though – I was deliberately vague with the first two. And yes, Emerald was the third SM character introduced. The dance teacher is not, in fact, one of the Starlights. She has a SM connection to them (and in this story as well, but a different one), so I gave her their last name. And nobody guessed the art teacher either, but it's hard. I realized only later that he could be mistaken for Haruka. I won't give him away just yet though. Also, it looks like a lot more people are tuning into the story – if you're just starting to read, welcome! There's a lot of hot and cold attitude going on in this part. Some of you are probably wondering what is going with Kaoru and his motivations. He doesn't want to get in too deep, but Usagi just keeps pulling him in… And Usagi? Let's just remember she's more perceptive than others give her credit for. Enjoy the Kaoru and Usagi interaction in this part (there's a lot of fluff and drama to go around!), because the next part won't have much, if at all.
Thank you so much to the reviewers from Part 3 (crafty lily, Serenity Komoshiro, HTchime, anonymous, Hoshiko Megami, Hyper Bunny16, PinkRabbit, Moumaphet, ally0212, JiaeR, Firehedgehog, zarah, Sailor-Moon-Z, Sunshine Fia) – once again, it's all thanks to you that this chapter came out so soon. Now, please read, review, and enjoy the story.
Part 4: Fall
What am I doing?
Kaoru tuned out the logical voice in his head, instead choosing to focus on cherry lips that were finally opening up to him. She had remained frozen under his aggressive assault, understandably shocked when he closed the gap between their faces moments before. He only leaned further into her, urging her with actions rather than words to respond. When her mind seemed to process that she was, in fact, not hallucinating, she returned his kiss with her own brand of fervor.
Kaoru was not unaware of the vein of desperation running through his actions. Something about her made him throw his normally calm disposition to the wind. Their interactions over the past few weeks, all tracing back to their encounter in a deserted hallway, had given him a glimpse into her.
What he saw both thrilled and terrified him.
Lies, they're all lies! You can never trust, not again.
Kaoru reeled back, bitter memories of a cold afternoon in junior high mocking him. He covered his mouth with the back of his hand, panting, watching as Usagi did the same. She stared at him, and he quickly but carefully schooled his face into a neutral expression.
She took longer to guard her emotions, but it was too late – he had already seen the fear, the affection, and the want in her crystal blue eyes. A myriad of other emotions were swirling beneath the surface, but he was a witness to the ones at the forefront.
Her attachment to him was genuine, that much he was sure. She cared for him, and that warmed a part of his heart he had closed off. But as soon as it warmed, it cooled just as fast when he realized he didn't know how deep her affections were for his brother. While she had denied liking Haruhi, Hikaru was another matter entirely.
His mouth suddenly tasted sour, whereas there had only been a sweet flavor seconds before.
Usagi's breathing had slowed and her gaze had drifted to stare blankly at the table. Her fingertips ran lightly across her lips, over and over again.
Kaoru's hand twitched. He caught himself in mid-motion reaching out to her again.
She's dangerous.
The kiss had been impulsive. In those few moments, he let instinct guide him rather than thought. He had wanted to confuse her – have her be the one on her toes – but he just found himself sinking deeper into his own uncertainty.
"Usagi."
The sound of her name, along with the absence of any suffix, made her gaze snap up to meet his. Her face was tinted a lovely pink, and Kaoru felt an absurd amount of pride that he had been the one to cause the flush in her cheeks.
"Go out with me tomorrow." It wasn't an order, nor was it a question. It came out sounding more like a muted plea.
Usagi seemed mesmerized, as if she were experiencing a dream, and her response was unnecessary because he already saw the answer in her sapphire eyes. An answer that shouldn't have delighted him as much as it did.
"Yes."
–
Kaoru felt the weight of his brother's stare on his back, but that still didn't stop him from turning to look at the host club doors every time another client came in. None of them turned out to be whom he was hoping for. The rational part of his brain insisted he was being reckless, tumbling into something that ensured nothing but pain. Isn't that why he had come up with his plan to test her? Why then, was he jumping the gun and enjoying her company? Why did it seem like he was already beginning to trust her?
The irrational part of his brain replied with a simple answer that left things all the more complicated.
Because you want to.
The moment the doors closed behind the final client of the fall semester, Kaoru was not surprised when Hikaru dragged him to the room that held the sweets and decorations for the club's everyday use. He hoped it would give them the privacy of what he suspected would be a draining conversation.
"What's going on with you?" Hikaru demanded, his grip firm around his brother's wrist.
"It's nothing," he replied evasively, already knowing such a plain diversionary tactic would not work on his twin. There was also the expected twinge of guilt at trying to keep something from him. "I'm only a little distracted."
Hikaru stared at him long and hard, and if it were anyone else, Kaoru might have felt uncomfortable. "Does Tsukino Usagi have anything to do with this?"
Kaoru knew he would find out one way or another. "I'm taking her out tomorrow," he replied, waiting for the inevitable.
There was a pause. "On a date?" It was asked with absolutely no expression.
"You could call it that." Kaoru shrugged, knowing being flippant would only irritate his older brother.
"Why?" Hikaru's baffled look would have been amusing if not for what he said next. "She's just a toy."
Kaoru jerked his hand from his brother's grasp with a sharp twist. He didn't raise his voice, but his low timbre spoke volumes. "Don't say that."
Kaoru could tell his twin's blood temperature was rising with just one look at his face.
"Kaoru, you're the one who started this pet project in the first place!" Hikaru exclaimed, angry that Kaoru was looking at him as if he had crossed a line. But he was even more angry at the fact that it felt like he was losing his own brother. "It was fun at first, but I'm over it." He gestured widely with his arms. "And we can't move on from this if you're taking our experiment out on a date!"
Kaoru's expression was growing more and more closed off, and he could tell Hikaru didn't like it one bit, if his scowl said anything. "I'm not done with her," he stated simply.
"I don't get it." Hikaru shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. "All right, she's cute and maybe even more than a little bit amusing, but come on, Kaoru. We've already figured out that our brotherly love act does nothing for her, and that she responds to the threesome fantasy –"
Kaoru cut in. "She can tell us apart."
He waved his hand nonchalantly. "So she got a few good guesses at the 'Which one is Hikaru-kun?' game. Big deal." He remembered her pointing them out hesitantly. It was nothing like the confident and easy manner with which Haruhi did it.
"It's not just luck," Kaoru insisted, frowning. "But I have to make sure that they aren't flukes either. I need to be absolutely sure. I can't just brush her aside."
"Kaoru –"
"She's dangerous, Hikaru." Kaoru repeated the same words he had recited constantly in his head, almost like a twisted litany. "When this is all over, I'll either be completely free of her or…"
Hikaru was already dreading the rest of the sentence. "Or?"
"Or I'll have found someone who can see me."
It was the thread of hope in his brother's voice that threatened to break him. Hikaru wanted to fall to his knees and wrap his arms around Kaoru's waist, but instead, he found himself frozen. "We have Haruhi – isn't that enough?"
It was the wrong thing to say. Kaoru's eyes flashed and he murmured, "She's enough for you."
Hikaru took a step back. "What are you –"
Kaoru's guard lowered, shocked out of it by the hurt that crossed his twin's face when he stepped away from him. He closed his eyes. "Hikaru, you have to let me do this," he said, his voice softer and tone gentler, calming in the way Kaoru was supposed to be. "I need to know." Amber eyes opened and locked with their mirror image. "But I can't do it if we're fighting."
Hikaru's fists clenched. "I don't like this." Flashes of a crying Kaoru and a confused girl came unbidden to the forefront of his thoughts. "You're setting yourself up again. Just like before." He darted forward and grabbed the collar of Kaoru's shirt, nearly threatening to lift him off the ground. "You didn't listen to me then either."
"I'm doing it this way exactly because of what happened then," he replied, lightly touching the hand around his collar. Hikaru's tense form relaxed somewhat before settling completely when Kaoru gently guided his wrist down. "I know what I'm doing. Trust me."
Hikaru crushed his brother to him in a hug. "Only you, Kaoru. Only you."
Even with Haruhi, Tamaki and the rest of the host club now in their lives, Kaoru knew what he meant as only twins could.
I'll always trust you first.
–
Wrapped in the relative silence of the library at the Hitachiin mansion, Kaoru stared at the text he had yet to send to Usagi. It was a simple message informing her of the time and place they were to meet. His thumb hovered over the 'send' button.
His conversation with Hikaru had been enough to shake his conviction. What was he doing? This wasn't how the plan was supposed to go. But there was something about her that made him act spontaneously. Like the kiss, for instance.
That kiss. Kaoru brought a finger to his lips, remembering the caress of her mouth. He wondered vaguely how she would feel pressed against him.
"Well, you're different, aren't you?"
Her words echoed in his head.
And he pressed 'send'.
–
Kaoru had his driver wait at the west side entrance of the park. Dressed in khaki cargo pants and an untucked collared button-up shirt, he walked along the cement pathway, secretly glad that there seemed to be a few people out and about. It was surprising, considering it was a Saturday, but he chose not to question it. He fingered the leather strand around his neck distractedly as his eyes sought out a pair of round blonde hair buns.
Nearing the water fountain they were supposed to meet at and still seeing no sign of her, Kaoru sat along the stone edge in deep thought. He leaned forward to rest his chin on his interlaced fingers, elbows resting on his knees. There's no reason this can't be fun. Just don't get so serious. Forget everything else, he thought to himself. Just be you.
A soft humming penetrated his thoughts and his head perked up. It was coming from somewhere close to him and he turned his head side-to-side, curious. He stood, the trickle of the water adding a sort of soothing background noise to the quiet melody. He walked along the rim of the fountain and a glint of blonde caught his eye.
Usagi was dancing by herself, arms held out to an imaginary partner. A smile played across her lips as she hummed one of the more romantic waltzes. Kaoru noted that because she had been on the other side of the massive fountain, and with the sculpture in the way, he hadn't taken notice of her. But he watched her now; her steps light as she followed the pattern of a simple waltz. Her eyes were closed in concentration the whole time and the skirt of her dress brushed her knees as she did a left box turn before moving into a twirl.
Her hand lifted above her head like she was holding onto someone as she spun, and before he realized what he was doing, he had already crossed over to her. Kaoru took her hand in his, completing her rotation before swinging her into his arms, easily stepping into the waltz she had been practicing by herself.
Usagi looked up at him, startled, and she stumbled, but he skillfully guided her back into the right position. Kaoru was pleased to see the slow flush of her cheeks. However, she remained silent as she gazed at him. Then after a beat or two, she resumed the soft melody and Kaoru listened to her hum as he led her in the steps he had been taught since childhood.
Holding her in his arms felt surprisingly natural. Kaoru glanced down to see that she had closed her eyes again, implicitly trusting him. His left hand tightened on her waist as he lightly squeezed her right hand. Her mouth lit with a tiny smile as if she knew what he was thinking.
As they moved through another box step, Kaoru turned her in his arms. She now had her back to him as they continued to dance, his left hand holding hers and his right arm around her shoulder so he could hold her right hand as well. Kaoru vaguely wondered how long it had been since he had danced outside of the necessity for it at social events, and the last time it seemed so serene. With the next beat, their joined left hands came over her head as she turned to face him again, their interlocking hands making an 'x' between them. They stepped back and then towards each other before swinging into another unhurried spin, Kaoru's hand grazing lightly against hers as she raised it above her head.
The sun warmed their skin as they danced under a clear blue sky, a simple moment in time. If there were any passersby, there would be no denying the seemingly romantic scene with the girl in the pretty white sundress and the boy who only had eyes for her.
Kaoru slowed their steps in time with Usagi's humming as she leisurely came to the end of her song. The melody reached the last few notes, and her crystal blue eyes opened again to lock with his amber ones. Her entire countenance was tranquil and the elated smile that graced her face made something inside him unclench.
"I did it," she whispered, looking up at him. Kaoru could only nod numbly as she reached up to hug him. "I did it without stepping on your toes!" She pulled back to see the look on his face. "Okay, so I stumbled once… but still!" She hugged him again in her excitement.
Kaoru let out a quiet, shuddering breath and just as his arms began to move, she stepped away from him, remembering herself. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, embarrassed. "Oh god, I didn't mean –" Her pigtails almost touched the ground as she bent her head. "Sorry."
Seeing her so adorably self-conscious settled Kaoru's own nerves. He relied on the effortless confidence he and his brother used daily to lean down and wrap his arms loosely around her neck. She peeked at him from beneath blonde bangs and he chuckled.
"There's nothing to be sorry about," he murmured, drinking in her appearance. Her sundress stopped just below her knees with delicate green embroidery decorating the hem. Strapped white sandals completed the summery feel of her ensemble. He was suddenly thankful that the weather promised to be sunny that day, even though it was technically winter.
Her fingers fidgeted and she licked her chapped lips, unknowingly drawing Kaoru's eyes to them. "Thank you… for dancing with me," she said quietly.
Kaoru was already leaning further down as he replied, "It was my pleasure."
Usagi ducked under his arms and ran to the edge of the large fountain to get her purse. When she turned back around, her grin was wide and she seemed completely oblivious to what his intent had been. "So, what are we doing today?"
The moment broken, Kaoru tried not to linger on what the disappointment meant to him. He merely tucked his hands in his back pockets, leaning back on the balls of his feet. "Whatever my lady wishes," he answered smoothly.
"Hmm… 'whatever' huh?" Her eyes sparkled. "I'm going to hold you to that."
–
"What are we doing at a commoner's amusement park?"
Usagi beamed at him as she pulled him out of the Rolls-Royce. "We're going to have tons of fun!" she exclaimed, glancing excitedly at the rides visible beyond the park entrance.
Kaoru barely had time to shout an instruction to his driver to pick them up later before Usagi began leading him to the ticket window. She approached the cashier and ordered two tickets. However, before she could pull out her wallet, Kaoru slid a bill through the glass hole.
She started to open her mouth, but Kaoru shook his head. "I asked you out, remember?" he said. The cashier gave him his change and two tickets with the park's logo and mascots welcoming them. He held up the passes between the middle and index fingers of his right hand. "So now what?"
Usagi snatched a ticket and proceeded towards the gate. "Follow me," she called over her shoulder. The attendants took their tickets, greeting them with polite smiles.
Once they were inside, Kaoru turned his head left and right, soaking in the busy atmosphere. People of all ages scrambled around, heading to all areas of the amusement park. He saw kids running ahead of laughing parents and couples strolling hand in hand. He glanced at Usagi to find her staring at him thoughtfully.
"You act like you've never been to an amusement park before," she observed. They were walking side by side and Kaoru was still trying to take in everything.
"I've never been to an amusement park before," he replied with a shrug.
Usagi stopped in her tracks and looked thoroughly scandalized. "You did not just say that." She tilted her head and placed her palm on the side of her cheek, looking at him as if for the first time. "What do you do on the weekends? Or during vacation?"
"I go to Paris to watch fashion shows."
She gaped at him. He reached out to place his hand under her chin and closed her mouth. "Don't look so surprised. My mother is a renowned fashionista after all, being the president of her own brand."
Usagi ran in front of him and began walking backwards. "I know that traveling the world makes you a jet-setter and what not, but you're totally missing out on the simpler things in life, too!" She threw her arms out wide with the park laid out around her on all sides. "You are going to love this place."
Kaoru eyed the other teenagers their age chattering excitedly, and shrugged nonchalantly. "Maybe," he replied.
Usagi got hold of a park map and her eyes roved over the contents. "What should we try first?" she asked without looking at him.
Kaoru honestly had no idea where to start. "I tell you what – since you're the one with the experience, I'll just follow your lead."
"Okay." She seemed to find what she was looking for because she looked up and grinned triumphantly. "The roller coasters. Definitely the roller coasters." She grabbed his arm and started to lead him deeper into the park. "Come on, come on!"
Kaoru hurried to match her pace until he was walking by her side. She didn't let go of his arm, and he was in no rush to say anything. To an outsider, they would seem like any other couple. Kaoru knew better, but did Usagi?
He didn't feel like broaching the subject, not when she was looking as if she were having the time of her life. They approached a ride with steep slopes and a few loops, awe-inspiring for its sheer size. Less exciting was the line that stretched out of the ride entrance and around the corner past other attractions.
"There's a line?" Kaoru frowned, the idea of waiting not appealing at all. He was a Hitachiin – he rarely had to wait for anything.
Usagi dropped his arm and Kaoru ignored how much that irked him. She was already heading for the end of the line. "Aren't you supposed to be the patient one?" she called over her shoulder.
He didn't have to ask what she meant. "I am," he replied as he caught up with her. He shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "For things that are worth it."
"Oh, this will definitely be worth it." She practically bounced the last steps to take their spot in line as they finally reached the end.
As he followed her at a more leisurely pace, he echoed her sentiments in his head when she beamed at him as he joined her behind the long row of park patrons.
"Come on, I know you're more excited than that!" she said when he remained quiet. She gestured to his face, shaking her index finger at him. "Confess!"
Hearing the exhilarated screams as the ride passed over them and seeing the keen faces of the other people waiting in line, Kaoru had to admit that the ride did seem impressive. Anticipation began creeping in and he didn't bother to fight the enthusiastic grin that made its way on his face. Usagi nudged him in the side, giving him a wink. Kaoru hid his chuckle behind a cough as he nudged her back.
Usagi smiled. "You are so going to enjoy this."
–
"That. Was. Awesome." Kaoru laughed, running a hand through his hair as he and Usagi stumbled together out of the exit of the park's fastest and most thrilling ride – the "Jetcoaster".
"I knew you were a roller coaster person," she replied triumphantly. She gave him a victory sign and he grinned.
"We have to go again," he said, already heading for the back of the line. He let out an 'oof' of surprise and nearly tripped over his own feet when he felt a weight land on his back.
Usagi wrapped her hands around his neck and threw her legs forward, forcing Kaoru to support her by placing his hands under them. "What? Do you think this is the only roller coaster ride here?" He felt her snort against his neck. "You have a lot to learn." She pointed towards what seemed like a random direction to him. "That way next!"
"Am I supposed to stay silent as you help yourself to a free piggyback ride?" But he was already walking in the direction she pointed at.
"You sure are!" she chirped cheerfully. Usagi had somehow managed to take out the park map from her purse without much jostling, and was now holding it in front of their faces so they both could read. She lowered it a bit so he would still be able to see ahead of him while he walked.
"Are you sure you're not flashing anybody?" he asked, wondering if her dress was hitching up.
He felt her shake her head. "Don't worry about me – I have biker shorts on."
Must be short shorts, he thought as his hands felt only bare skin. "Sexy," he said, tongue-in-cheek. He wasn't surprised when she lightly slapped him with the map.
Her laugh rang in his ears. "Quiet you."
"I don't remember signing on for this abuse," he replied absently. However, he was more conscious of her leaning over his shoulder, her cheek so close that he could turn his head just so, and they would be touching.
His heart nearly jumped in his throat when she tucked her head in the crook of his neck and tightened her hold on him. "You're mine for the day." Were those words supposed to give him this much pleasure? "No turning back now!"
Kaoru was at her mercy.
No turning back.
–
"Whew – what a day!" Usagi exclaimed, collapsing on the nearest bench just before the exit of the amusement park. She turned so her back was resting against the metal armrest, and lifted her feet to rest on the wooden seat. She hugged her knees to her chest as he came back with an ice cream cone in either hand.
Kaoru offered her the one in his right. "Strawberry, as requested," he said graciously.
Usagi reached out and accepted the treat eagerly. "Thank you, kind sir," she replied, using the same proper tone he had. She let out a small moan of pleasure as she had her first taste. "I don't care what anyone says, ice cream tastes good even when it's cold out."
"Though we should be thankful it's not that cold, or you'd be freezing." Kaoru noted her bare arms not for the first time. "Are you sure you're okay?"
She waved around her ice cream cone dismissively, smacking her lips to capture any residue flavor. "Please. I'm tougher than I look."
Kaoru would have agreed if she didn't look so much like a little kid with the way she was devouring her frozen treat. He sat down next to her feet on the bench and began to dig in to his coffee flavored indulgence. "Mmm… I love ice cream."
"I know, right?" Her enthusiastic grin quickly turned into stunned surprise when a particularly strong gust of wind appeared out of nowhere, blowing her right pigtail in her face. She sputtered around locks of blond hair while trying not to shiver from the sudden cold.
Kaoru couldn't help it. He burst out laughing.
She glared at him, blinking away the strands that had blown in her eyes. "Whash sho funny?" she asked around a mouthful of hair.
"Nothing." He smirked and reached over her knees to help her pull her pigtail out of her mouth. He got the majority of it out, and tugged at the stragglers of hair left behind. His fingers accidentally brushed against her lips. He felt her tremble at his touch as her mouth opened in an unconscious sigh. His hand moved down to cup her chin.
Usagi's eyes were so round that she looked like a deer caught in the headlights. Shaking away thoughts that she actually looked adorable, all Kaoru focused on was her cherry red lips before he raised his gaze to stare into dazed sapphire. He started to lean in closer…
"Do I have ice cream in my hair?" she blurted out, effectively ruining the moment.
Kaoru sat back with a thump, a bit put out, and raised an eyebrow questioningly.
But she was no longer looking at him. She was inspecting her hair thoroughly with the hand that wasn't holding her sugar cone, trying to keep herself busy. "I really hope not – sticky hair is not fun, let me tell you." She giggled nervously. "I hope I didn't spill on my dress. My grandfather would kill me if he caught me in stained clothes."
Kaoru detected the beginnings of a nerves-induced ramble, and he abandoned thoughts of tasting her again. She was obviously trying to evade his advances. Frowning, he bit into his cone and helped himself to another lick of coffee. Now he was wishing he had gotten something sweeter. He looked to his right to find her finishing off her cone quietly, looking down.
He hated awkward silences. He attempted small conversation that would get her to relax again, while at the same satisfying the curiosity he had for her mysterious family background. "Is Ginzuishou-san often strict with you?" he asked. The usual playfulness was gone from his voice – in its place was the respectful and gracious tone of a well-bred socialite.
It was working. Out of the corner of his eye, he could already see the tension slowly begin to leave her shoulders. But if she was surprised he knew who her grandfather was, she didn't show it. Instead, she replied, "He has certain… rules that are to be adhered to."
Kaoru recognized the strained quality to her voice. "He expects a lot out of you, doesn't he?" he commented softly.
"I am his heir," she replied offhandedly, picking at imaginary lint on her dress. "There are appearances to maintain and duties to follow."
"You don't sound very enthusiastic about it," he observed, noting the somewhat resigned look on her face.
She shook her head, trying for a smile but failing miserably. "It's just a bit overwhelming sometimes," she confessed, biting her bottom lip. "I wasn't born into his world." She made a vague gesture with her hands before she finally turned her soulful blue eyes on him. "Your world."
She seemed so far away from him, and Kaoru didn't like it one bit. He looked down at the remainder of his sugar cone, staring into the ice cream that had melted and pooled at the bottom. "What do you mean?" he prompted. He tossed the rest of his treat into the trashcan that lay next to the bench they were sitting on.
There was a brief pause, like she was contemplating answering, before the floodgates opened. "A year ago, I was just a normal girl. I was late nearly everyday to class, and I had a C average." Her lips quirked at the surprised look he sent her. She shrugged. "I wasn't very motivated. All I liked to do was go to the Crown Arcade and spend time with my friends. My biggest problem was making sure I got my allowance."
She wrapped her arms around herself and rested her chin on the space where they crossed. "My father lost his job a couple months before my third year at Juuban Junior High. Long story short, there was debt. A lot of it." She didn't seem the least bit perturbed revealing her life story. If anything, she seemed to be breathing easier. "I was beginning to realize that my family was in trouble."
Usagi sighed, tilting her head back to look up at the cloudy sky. "And I couldn't do anything." She breathed in deep. "Then along comes my long lost grandfather. He saves my family. In return, I become his heir."
"I feel like I've heard this story before," Kaoru commented, Tamaki a faint thought at the back of his mind.
Usagi didn't ask him to elaborate. "I'm grateful to him. But sometimes, it just gets really, really hard to breathe…" She tore her gaze away from the white clouds to look at him. "Do you have any idea what I mean? Or did I stop making sense awhile ago?"
"Yeah," he said. Too many memories of being mistaken for his brother clouded his head. "I do know what you mean."
She didn't seem surprised. In fact, a small smile lit the corners of her lips. "Hmm…" Then an embarrassed laugh escaped her as if she was just realizing what she revealed. "Thanks for the impromptu heart-to-heart. Though I'm sure it must have been boring hearing me complain…"
"You weren't complaining," he disagreed. "Just venting. There's a difference." He was gratified when she smiled at him. "Besides, it was my pleasure." And he meant it. Listening to her had not been a chore. It made him feel good that she was willing to confide in him.
She stood and straightened her sundress, brushing her skirt of any possible dirt. "We should get going." The wind was starting to pick up and she hugged herself again.
Kaoru began unbuttoning his shirt.
"Wh- what are you doing?" she squeaked, placing her hands over her face.
His hands made quick work of the remaining buttons and he smirked. "You don't have to avert your maidenly eyes." He took off his collared shirt to reveal the designer T-shirt he had underneath. "I'm decent."
She peeked between her fingers. "Why are y–"
Her question was cut off when he draped his navy shirt over her, and she grabbed the sides in surprise. He tugged at the collar so that it stood up around her neck. "You're freezing," he stated simply. He rubbed her shoulders to get her warm, and he tried to ignore the stab at his insides when she pulled away from him.
"Thanks," she said quietly. She put her arms through the holes of the shirt, hugging it close.
"You're welcome," he replied. He placed his hands in his pockets in an effort not to touch her. "The car should be out front by now." They walked side by side to the exit. "… I had a great time today. Thanks for taking me here."
She gave him another small smile as they passed through the gates. "Next time we should bring Hikaru-san, too."
Kaoru made a gesture for his driver to stay where he was, while he opened the back door for Usagi to get in. "How do you know I'm not Hikaru?" he asked, holding out a hand for her to take.
She hesitated but accepted his hand as he helped her into the car. As she scooted inside, he slid in next to her and she pulled her hand away and laid it on her lap. "He would have complained more about waiting in line," she answered casually, turning her head to look out the tinted window.
Kaoru studied her profile. He wanted her to elaborate, but she seemed to close off again. While she had been carefree most of the day, there were instances where her attitude had been both hot and cold. It was almost like she couldn't choose one way to act around him. He sighed, propping his head on his hand as they spent the rest of the ride in silence.
–
By the time they pulled up to the Ginzuishou estate, the blue sky had faded into light oranges and reds as the sun began to set. Kaoru had his driver stay at the wheel as he opened his own door. He exited and once again held out his hand to her. A few seconds later, she placed her hand in his.
Kaoru helped her climb out and dropped his hand to the side when she let him go. Before he realized he had opened his mouth, he asked, "Are you free this week?"
She was fiddling with the cuffs of his button-up shirt. "Actually… I'll be pretty busy getting ready for the party my grandfather's hosting on New Year's Eve." She looked up at him. "Are you coming?"
He nodded. "I think the whole host club is planning on attending."
"Even Haruhi-kun?" They both knew their mutual friend's dislike for socialite events.
"Probably." Kaoru chose not to tell her that 'Haruhi-kun' would probably be showing up as 'Haruhi-chan'.
"That's good." She shifted awkwardly. "So I guess… I'll see you later?"
"Yeah." He ran a hand through his hair. "I'll see you."
Just as he moved to turn away, she jumped up and hugged him. "Today was absolutely wonderful," she whispered. "Thank you." She once again pulled away before he could hug her back.
Kaoru called out to her as she turned towards the gates. "You know that this thing between us –"
"It's nothing, I know," she interrupted, shaking her head. She had tilted her head down so he couldn't see her eyes. "Don't worry about it." She lifted her head and smiled radiantly.
Kaoru didn't miss how her eyes seemed just a bit brighter in the fading light. "Usagi –"
"It's okay, Kaoru-san."
He realized with a start that it was the first time she had said his name all day. Why hadn't he noticed sooner? The use of the formal suffix made his fists unconsciously clench. She interrupted before he could say anything.
"It's fine. We're friends, right?" She laughed, clasping both hands and pressing them to her mouth. "I'm glad." She hugged her arms, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. "I'll see you at the party."
Kaoru watched her go, helpless as she vanished behind the walls of the Ginzuishou mansion. The sheen of her unshed tears flashed in his head and his fingers dug into his palm.
What am I doing?
–
Kaoru stared at the cell phone on his dresser, his fingers interlaced and resting against his chin as he sat with his elbows on his knees. He stared and stared, but the front screen remained stubbornly blank. He tapped his foot against the floorboards of his room – still nothing. Finally, he stood from his desk and crossed the room. He picked up his phone and flipped it open, looking up a contact number that he had entered only a few days before.
Her name flashed at him mockingly. He was about to press 'call' when his brother burst in.
"What are you doing? We have to meet milord and the others at Asakusa Temple today, remember?" Hikaru jerked his head. "Come on, the car's waiting out front."
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Kaoru waved at him impatiently, going through the pretense of looking for his wallet.
Kaoru felt Hikaru's gaze on his back. His brother hadn't asked about the 'date' yet. Rather, when Kaoru had gotten home that Saturday, Hikaru acted like he hadn't been gone at all. But Kaoru knew sooner or later his brother would broach the subject, probably at an inopportune time. Finally, he heard the door close and he let out a sigh.
Pocketing his wallet, he looked down at the screen of his cell phone again.
"It's okay, Kaoru-san."
He pictured the lie on her face.
And flipped it shut.