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: Finally, an update! Unfortunately, school just got in the way. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this segment of the story. It sets up a lot for Usagi's storyline. The next chapter will feature the long awaited gala event. I can say that if you review, the more likely the chapter will come out sooner rather than later. I'm just saying.
This chapter is dedicated to the reviewers from Part 4 (Serenity Komoshiro, steel_149, traddy, .Black, Hoshiko Megami, JiaeR, Sunshine Fia, Sailor-Moon-Z, Hyper Bunny16, ally0212, YukiSukinomotoChan, HTchime, Moumaphet, The Cuteness, Purr, almightyswot, lalala, Angry Girl, PinkRabbit, zodiac1231, Raye-chan, sapphire11224, Shadowchild89, The Original Moon Princess) – thank you so much for taking the time to review. It's really very appreciated. As for those who favorite the story and don't say anything at all, well… -shrugs- Now, please read, review, and enjoy the story.

Part 5: Home

Usagi practically flew up the curving staircase to the second floor, running past bewildered servants and into her room, where she collapsed on her bed and muffled her tears in her pillow.

I am such an idiot.

She curled up into a ball on her mattress, turning onto her right side and clutching Kaoru's shirt to her body. She struggled to control her breathing and hiccupped loudly. She sighed and rubbed her eyes, the silence of her room beginning to sooth her frayed nerves. A few more tears trailed down her cheeks, but she wiped at them furiously.

Stop being such a crybaby! He was just taking you out for fun. It wasn't anything more.

She had no false assumptions about their 'date'. When he had asked her, she could tell it had been impulsive, something he had done in reaction to their kiss. Still, there was no mistaking the delight that spread through her at his words. And so she had said yes. She had wanted to see what it was like, to see how it would be, just Kaoru and her for the day.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. "Wh-" Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat a couple times. "Who is it?"

"Usagi? It's me," replied a worried voice. "Can I come in?"

She sat up and rubbed at her cheeks again; hoping to erase any tear marks, but knew her eyes were probably red and puffy. There was a knock again as she kicked off her sandals and brought her cream white blanket up to her shoulders.

"Go ahead," she called, sitting with her back against the custom-carved rosewood headboard.

Usagi pulled her knees close to her chest, still hugging her blanket, and watched as a woman in her late twenties entered and closed the door behind her. She had beautiful wavy black hair that when unbound, reached her waist, but being on duty, she had it twisted at the nape of her neck in a very complicated bun. In the light, it often looked like her hair had tints of violet. She wore a matching skirt and blazer of deep purple with a white blouse underneath. As head housekeeper, the woman was young for the position, but her predecessor had been her mother. Usagi liked to think that her grandfather hadn't the heart to hire someone new.

She smiled weakly as her pseudo-guardian's sharp blue eyes took in her appearance. "Hello, Luna."

"I assume the date didn't go so well?" she said coolly.

Usagi winced and buried her head in her hands. "The ending could have been better."

Feeling a hand on her arm a moment later, she looked up to see Luna's expression had softened. "The Hitachiin boys are bad seeds, Usagi. I did warn you," she reminded quietly.

"They're not 'bad seeds'!" Usagi replied immediately before biting her tongue. She lowered her voice at Luna's reprimanding look. "They're actually quite charming. So what if they like to pull the occasional prank-"

"I've heard others term it as 'raising hell'," Luna interrupted wryly.

"They tend to like mischief," Usagi stated stubbornly, frowning. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"The Hitachiins may be a powerful family – I have always admired their female members – but those twins…" Luna clasped her hands in front of her. "… You shouldn't associate with them too much."

Usagi gave her a look, and even with her disheveled appearance, still managed to look intimidating. "They're my friends, Luna," she said softly. "Please don't talk about them like that."

"So this is what friends do now?" Luna delicately touched the redness around Usagi's eyes, and her fingers traced down to her charge's puffy cheeks.

Usagi turned her head away, and Luna's hand fell away from her face. "This is just…" She touched the spot just under her eye. "… me being silly."

"You are a very silly girl," she replied, not unkindly. Luna took hold of her chin and turned it so they were looking at each other, face-to-face. "One with a big heart that is too easily bruised." She tapped her nose. "I worry about you."

Usagi tried for a small smile and was thankful when she got one in return. "Thank you for your concern, Luna, but it's unnecessary." She rubbed her temples. "There's nothing to worry about."

Luna sighed and crossed her arms. "If I have nothing to worry about, then why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying anymore," she protested weakly.

"Usagi."

She recognized that tone. Deciding she might as well get comfortable, Usagi pillowed her head on her crossed arms, turning it so she was facing Luna to her left. "I imagined something that wasn't there," she whispered. "I knew beforehand, but I let myself get carried away." She smiled sadly.

Luna sat down on the bedspread, staying silent as she laid a comforting hand on the blonde's knee.

"There was always something reminding me at the back of my head." Usagi told her tale as she let her eyes trail to one of the large windows of her room. "Whenever he tried to come close, I would pull away. He didn't really mean it. And if he did, I think it was for all the wrong reasons."

Luna frowned. "Then why did you choose to go with him in the first place?" She gave Usagi's knee a light squeeze. "It seems you knew his intentions weren't to woo you. At least, not because he truly wanted you."

Usagi winced as Luna echoed the thoughts she had never voiced aloud. "I… I was caught in the moment," she admitted. "When he asked me, I felt like I was dreaming and I agreed right away." She didn't need to look at her guardian to know that Luna's frown had deepened. "But after, I realized that even if it was something spontaneous on his part, I wanted to go."

Her gaze locked onto the orange-dipped sky, tinges of gold and red streaking across the endless canvas. "What is Kaoru-san like on a date? Will he have fun? Will he smile? Laugh?" The light of the setting sun was reflecting eerily in her deep blue eyes. "I asked myself all sorts of questions. I thought I'd go crazy."

Beneath her blanket, Usagi ran a hand along the fabric of Kaoru's shirt, which was a little too big for her. "I pulled away from him. But that didn't stop me from going to him." She shook her head at Luna's puzzled expression. "I had to be the one to initiate contact or I shied away."

"Why?"

Usagi hesitated, not knowing if she should reveal her theory to Luna, but also feeling like she wanted someone – anyone – to understand why the twins never left her mind. "There is something inside that hurts him. He carries it so deep that it runs through everything he does." She spoke with such conviction that Luna could almost believe her. "I wanted to hug him and keep him close. I felt like, if I did that, I could help him somehow."

Luna looked into glossy blue eyes. "Help him what?" she prompted quietly.

"Heal."

That simple word had Luna reaching forward to take her young charge in her arms. "You foolish girl," she murmured, hugging her close. "How can you tell me not to worry when you won't protect your own heart?"

Usagi returned the hug a beat later, wrapping her arms tight around the person she was closest to in a mansion that was often too lonely for her. "You know what, Luna?" she whispered.

Luna pulled back and tucked a strand of hair away from the blonde's face. "What?"

"I really did have a wonderful time today," she confessed. She rubbed her neck shyly and ducked her head.

Luna was torn to see her charge so invested in a boy that most likely didn't deserve her. However, remembering Usagi's earlier words, she held her tongue. She rose from the bedspread instead and again clasped her hands in front of her.

"The master will be out of town until this Wednesday. You are to keep attending your lessons until Kou-san deems you ready," she informed, moving to a more neutral subject. "You also have a dress fitting tomorrow at one o'clock."

The wistful look on Usagi's face faded away into a groan. "I forgot about that," she said, pouting.

"One would think you'd be excited about obtaining a new dress," Luna replied.

"I am excited about that," she retorted, leaning her head against her palm. "But I hate just standing around while someone pokes at me."

"If you'd stay still, then maybe the dressmaker wouldn't poke you with the needle," Luna replied calmly. "And before you even ask, you can't get out of it." She held out her hand. "Now, if you'll hand me that shirt, I'll be on my way."

"What?" Usagi huddled her form underneath the blankets again, her head popping out beneath the covers. "Why?"

"To clean it, of course," she answered. She raised an eyebrow. "You do plan on returning it to its owner?"

"How do you know it's not mine?" Usagi sighed as Luna gave her a blank look. "Okay, stupid question… Wow, I really am horrible at lying."

"Yes, you are. Now…" Luna still had her hand out. "If you don't mind. I'll have it cleaned and delivered to the Hitachiin mansion tomorrow."

"Uh… can't I just hold onto it a little bit longer?" Usagi bit her lip, and tried for a more pitiful expression. "Please?"

Luna hated to facilitate the crush her charge had on one Kaoru Hitachiin, but knew when to pick and choose her battles. Usagi was already defensive about her relationship with the Hitachiins – no doubt she would be near impossible in the coming weeks before the gala if Luna chose to put her foot down now. She drew her hand back and crossed her arms. She didn't have to say anything for Usagi to understand.

"Thank you, Luna."

The familiar beaming smile had the older woman relaxing slightly, even with her reservations. "Get some rest before dinner. I'll send Reiko to wake you when it's done."

Usagi nodded, scooting down on her bed until she was lying down comfortably underneath her blanket. Just as Luna was about to exit, she called out, "Are you sure I can't get out of the dress fitting?"

"Sweet dreams, Usagi," Luna replied, a certain note of finality in her tone. She hit the switch to the right of the door and the room was flooded in darkness as she returned to her duties, leaving her charge to her thoughts.

Usagi heaved a huge sigh of disappointment, already growing restless at the thought of standing still atop a stool for hours. She turned on her side and drew the button-up shirt closer around her. She chose to think about earlier in the day, when she was just enjoying the sunshine and pleasant atmosphere with a person she cared about, rather than the responsibilities piling in front of her. She could still hear his laughter ringing in her ears, and that teasing smile was there when she closed her eyes.

Usagi knew she was teetering on the edge of something that could change her life. Her fascination with the Hitachiins, and then interest in Kaoru was more than an obsession.

It's more than that, she told herself. It is.

–

"Usagi-chan, you're thinking too much. No, you turn the other way – wait, no! Stop. Stop!"

A woman looking to be in her mid to late twenties approached the dancing couple with a palm raised in a pacifying movement, her eyebrows drawn together in exasperation. Her red hair was done up in two loops before falling into twin pigtails not unlike Usagi's. A spaghetti strapped dress matching her hair was enough to show off her simple yet elegant taste.

Usagi looked guilty as her teacher approached and her hands dropped away from her partner's grasp and shoulder. "I know." She sighed. "I'm sorry, Kakyuu-chan."

Kakyuu tapped her high heels against the tile twice as she looked at the person who was both a student and friend. Instead of asking questions like Usagi expected her to, she said, "I think it's time for a break."

Usagi watched her walk away before she looked up at her partner. "She's mad at me, isn't she?"

His lips turned up into a somewhat resigned handsome half-grin. "I wouldn't say 'mad'… maybe frustrated. Or annoyed."

She hung her head, knowing it was bad if she had managed to annoy the usually serene and understanding Kou Kakyuu. "I haven't been very focused, have I?" She didn't wait for the black haired man to respond. "I'm sorry. I've been… distracted these past couple days."

"More than usual." He chuckled, but then tried to hide it in a poorly disguised cough when she glared at him. "Look, she's not really mad, annoyed or frustrated. Perhaps a bit disappointed. You're lacking your typical focus during these lessons."

"Hello?" she said, pointing to herself. "Distracted."

"Yes, but by what? Boy troubles?" He tapped her nose. "Cute, little Odango."

"Seiya-kun!" Her eyes narrowed and she tugged at his ponytail mercilessly until he gave a yelp. "I told you not to call me that!" She gave an indignant huff.

"Brat." Seiya patted his hair protectively with a pout. "And you still didn't answer my question. Is there someone out there who has caught your beautiful eye?"

Usagi felt the familiar burning in her cheeks, and knew she had given herself away without saying anything. "I'm just worried about my grandfather's party." It wasn't a lie – she just wasn't admitting the whole truth.

However, Seiya wasn't to be deterred. "Is he going to be there New Year's Eve? Will you introduce us?" His eyes twinkled with amusement, and Usagi imagined many a fangirl falling for his baby blues. "I can help you snag him, if you want." He winked.

"You know that this thing between us –"

"We're friends, that's all," she said. She briefly marveled how she could say it without tearing up.

"But you want something more," Seiya deduced, carefully watching her face. "I can get him to notice you."

His words intrigued her, whether she wanted to admit it or not. But she stubbornly reminded herself that nothing could come of her relationship with Kaoru. She wasn't going to delude herself into imagining something that wasn't there. Still, her mouth was already forming one word: "How?"

A sly smirk lit Seiya's features as if he had her right where he wanted her. "It's quite simple and has been known to work more than ninety percent of the time." He leaned in close and murmured, "Make him jealous."

She stared at him blankly. "How am I supposed to do that?"

He blinked. "You spend your time, a lot of your time, with another guy. Preferably in full view where your mystery man can see what he's missing."

"So then I'm using someone else for my own purposes?" Usagi frowned. A couple years ago, she wouldn't have thought twice about it. Being boy crazy did that to you. Now, being immersed in a world of social games and politics, it made her more than a little hesitant. "Isn't that like leading him on?"

"Not if you have someone who's in on it," he replied smoothly. "Someone willing to help you out."

She raised an eyebrow, not having the faintest idea of who would want to pretend to be with her for a night. "Like who?"

His lips quirked up in a devastating smile, and Usagi could see how the twenty-one year old pop star melted fans all over the world. "Me, for instance," he answered, voice dipping into a low timbre.

Two hands came down to smack him simultaneously on the back of his head. Seiya yelped, breaking his cool pretense, and rubbed the spot where he had been hit.

The owner of the left hand raised an eyebrow in challenge when he turned to look at her. "Excuse me?"

At the same time, Usagi asked, "Do you like to make trouble?" She lowered her right hand and gave Seiya a punch in the shoulder for good measure.

"I'm only teasing." Seiya pouted and turned his puppy gaze to the red haired woman. "You know that, don't you, Kakyuu? Baby?"

Kakyuu rolled her eyes. "Why did I marry you?" She poked his forehead. "You flirt."

Seiya grinned sheepishly, and Usagi thought it was a testament to his wooing skills how he could make it look equally endearing. "You know you love me," he replied, pulling the red haired beauty into his arms.

Usagi resisted the urge to clasp her hands and 'aww' at them. Instead, she crossed her arms and stated, "Thanks for your help, but I guess… I'll just let things run their course." She sighed.

Kakyuu pressed her lips against Seiya's briefly before giving him a good shove. As he stumbled backwards, she turned to smile at Usagi in that peaceful way of hers. "Though my husband is not often prone to bright ideas –"

"Hey!"

"He may have a point here," she continued without blinking an eye. "Giving your man a gentle nudge in the right direction isn't unheard of."

"He's not my man," she protested, flushing. "And I don't know… This jealousy thing might backfire."

Kakyuu crossed her slender arms and leaned into Seiya's body as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "How so?"

"I mean… how will I know where his jealousy is coming from? Out of genuine feeling for me?" Usagi didn't dare think of what that could mean. "Or from some twisted possessive male ego?"

"My, my Odango… that is entirely too cynical for a ray of sunshine like you." Seiya's fingers absently rubbed circles on Kakyuu's bare shoulders. "I'd have expected you to be a bit more optimistic."

She laughed, though there wasn't any humor in it. "With the Hitachiins, you learn to practice caution," she replied without thinking.

Kakyuu gave a start of surprise, while Seiya remained clueless. "You like a Hitachiin?" she asked.

Seiya frowned, scrunching his nose in thought. "Why is that name so familiar…?"

"Hitachiin Yuzuha," Kakyuu clarified absently, still staring at Usagi and mulling over her revelation. "She's the designer I adore."

Usagi fidgeted uncomfortably under her dance teacher's stare as Seiya snapped his fingers. "Oh, right! And Yaten's the one who's crazy for her men's line." He gave an oblivious Usagi a good-natured grin. "Sometimes my brother just won't shut up about it."

Kakyuu was regarding her as if seeing her in a new light. "So you like her twins."

"You make it sound like I'm crazy." Usagi, however, kept quiet about that not necessarily being far from the truth.

"Hikaru or Kaoru?"

Usagi looked down at the ground and closed her eyes. "… Kaoru."

"Hmm…"

Usagi shook her head. "Let's forget it, okay?" She looked up and beamed. "I'm here to dance, not to divulge my secrets." She almost flinched when Kakyuu laid a hand on her cheek.

Kind red eyes gazed at her in understanding. "It must be difficult." Kakyuu let her hand fall from Usagi's cheek to her shoulder. "I'll lend you this guy here-" She gestured to Seiya at her side. "- for a couple hours at the party, if you want. All in the name of love, of course."

"Who said anything about love?" Usagi was trying her hardest not to fidget.

Kakyuu seemed to see something Usagi didn't, but took pity on the blonde and said nothing about it. "He wasn't wrong about the jealousy thing," she commented instead, referring to Seiya's earlier suggestion. "It could work."

"He doesn't… feel anything for me." Even as she said it, Usagi flashed to their kiss days before. "He won't react the way you think he will."

Kakyuu gave Usagi's shoulders a small squeeze. "Well, we won't know until you try, right?"

Usagi laughed in spite of herself. "I guess," she answered, her curiosity getting the better of her. "I need to think about it some more."

"Of course." Kakyuu continued to talk in a pleasant tone as if she and her husband had not tried to give Usagi advice on her love life. "Now, about that quarter turn into a box step…"

–

Usagi knocked hesitantly on the ornate rosewood door. "Grandfather?" She waited for a response before a muffled 'come in' reached her ears. She entered the large study and approached her grandfather's desk at the far side of the room. She passed a fireplace and two comfy armchairs on her left, while shelves upon shelves of books filled the side of the room to her right.

Usagi paused just before the edge of her grandfather's imposing desk. He was writing in some kind of account book and didn't bother glancing up as he asked, "Yes, child? What is it?"

Instead of shrinking like she instinctively wanted to do, her etiquette lessons surged through her head and she straightened her posture. "I wanted to inquire about the plans for Christmas."

"Christmas?" His gray eyebrows scrunched together, but he continued to scribble in his records. "I believe I've been invited to a party… somewhere. Yue has the details."

"Can I – May I-" She paused, gathering her wits. "May I visit Juuban for Christmas?"

"To see your family?" He closed one book, only to exchange it for another one at the corner of his desk.

"Yes." Her hands curled into the folds of her dress. "Please."

Her grandfather put down his fountain pen. He looked up and she was met with eyes that mirrored hers, though she wondered if hers could ever be so intimidating. He remained eerily silent as he peered at her over his reading glasses, and she resisted the urge to twitch.

"I'll arrange for Minato to take you there. He'll pick you up the next day."

He adjusted his glasses and picked up his pen again as he continued to write. She remained silent in her shock and after a moment, he spoke again. "Is that all?"

She blinked and shook her head as if to chase away the fog in her head. "Ye… yes. Thank you." She was more than a little relieved, but also a bit puzzled that he wasn't giving her a harder time. Acting on impulse, she rounded his desk and threw her arms around his neck, resting her cheek on the back of his head. She still had the peace of mind not to jostle him too much.

She felt him stiffen for only a moment before he just as quickly relaxed. He reached behind with his free hand to pat the top of her head. "You are a very silly girl."

The hint of underlying affection in his tone took away any insult that statement might have had, and the indignation at being called 'silly' by both her grandfather and Luna.

She smiled. "Thank you, Grandfather."

"Hmm." Her heart warmed when he put down his pen and laid his hand upon the arms around his neck. "… you're welcome."

–

Usagi missed this.

She missed her mother's boundless energy, her father's calming presence. She even missed Shingo, the little brat. Back in Juuban, back with her family, Usagi felt like she was home. Her grandfather and Ouran suddenly seemed like worlds away as the familiar chatter surrounded her.

She stood up when she noticed her mother heading towards the kitchen for a third time. "Do you need help, Mom?"

Ikuko stopped in the doorway and turned towards her with a raised brow. "I never thought I'd see the day." She shook her head and smiled, though Usagi could see the sadness in it. "At least they're teaching you something at that fancy school of yours."

It was the first time during her visit that her mother had referenced Ouran at all. "Mom…"

"I'm fine, honey." Ikuko gestured for her to sit down. "I just have a couple more plates and then we can start eating." She disappeared into the kitchen with a twirl of her apron.

Usagi did as she was told a bit reluctantly, wondering how hard her mother was trying to put on a brave face.

"How is Ouran, Usagi?"

Startled, she turned towards her father, whose expression was unreadable. She chose her words carefully. "It's… different. A lot more challenging, but I do my best."

Shingo snorted, but immediately looked down at his plate as his father gave him a stern look.

Usagi ignored him, though her lips twitched. "Ouran's a great school, Dad. You have nothing to worry about."

"I'm not worried about your education. Ouran's a fine institution – the best there is." Kenji leaned forward to place a hand over Usagi's. "I worry about you, sweetheart."

A rush of emotion swamped her unexpectedly and she had to blink furiously to stop the well of tears. "I'm fine. It's fine." She brushed her eyelids with the back of hand, embarrassed. "Grandfather's been nothing short of generous."

"At what cost, though?" her father muttered bitterly.

Usagi placed her free hand on top of her father's and squeezed. "Dad, it's okay."

His anger seemed to deflate at her quiet words, and he pressed a weary hand to his eyes. "I'm sorry, it's just…" He sounded so tired. "I can't help it. You're paying for my weaknesses." He sighed and began to search her face as if trying to memorize it. "We never see you anymore."

There was a heavy weight on her heart, but she put on a brave face. "Just think of it as boarding school," she said with a small smile. "You and Mom have always wanted me to get my act together about school anyway."

Her father's lips turned up sadly. "You've grown up," he said, pride underlying his tone despite his melancholy.

"Usagi? Grown-up?" Shingo couldn't hold back his disbelieving laugh. "Dad, you're losing it."

Usagi rolled her eyes, though inside, she was glad Shingo's comments were able to break the tension. "Save it, brat," she replied.

Her little brother crossed his eyes. "Make me!"

As Usagi contemplated whether or not her parents would punish her for choking her brother, she was unaware of her father looking at her with affection. Instead, she pulled down on her right eyelid and stuck her tongue out at her brother. Shingo responded by crossing his eyes. A soft laugh interrupted their glaring contest, and the two siblings turned as one towards the hallway where their mother was watching them.

"No arguing at the dinner table, you too," she scolded. The tiny smile on her face, however, said she wasn't angry at all. "Though this is rather nostalgic…"

Usagi smiled sheepishly before eyeing the plate in her mother's hands. "Mom, is that double-fudge chocolate cake?" She felt herself start to salivate and quickly wiped at her mouth, composing herself. "Oh, uh, I mean… that dessert looks quite delicious. I can't wait."

"I'm happy to hear that." Ikuko smiled and placed the cake on the side table. "You're the only one who gets so excited about my desserts." She dusted her hands off. "Well, let's have dinner, shall we?" She sat across from Kenji at the table, and began to pass around the dishes.

Usagi accepted the sautéed vegetables without complaint and looked around at her chattering family. A sense of peace settled over her heart. She closed her eyes and for one moment, just wished.

–

The phone continued to ring as she bit her lip, waiting. After the fifth ring, a stern voice finally answered, "Yes, child, what is it?" He sounded preoccupied.

She knew it was better to get straight to the point. "May I –" She cleared her throat and steadied her voice. "May I have one more day?"

There was a long silence and her hand tightened on her cellphone. "Grandfather?"

"Yes, yes, I heard you." He gave a world-weary sigh. "Very well, child. One more day."

Usagi was once again bewildered by how easy she got his permission. "Thank you." She couldn't think of anything else to say.

"Only one day," he repeated firmly. "Luna will pick you up with Minato."

"I understand. Thank you," she repeated sincerely. "Merry Christmas."

She must have imagined the forlorn tone in his response. "… Merry Christmas."

–

The sight of the Crown Arcade sent a familiar thrill of excitement down her spine, one she hadn't felt in a long while.

Miss Tsukino.

She forcefully pushed thoughts of a certain amber-eyed boy out of her head, instead smiling when she saw a familiar blonde head wiping the counter once she stepped past the automatic sliding doors.

"Motoki!"

The tall man in the white apron looked up at the sound of his name. He stared at her before his eyes widened. "Usagi?!" He rushed around the bar to envelop her in a bear hug, which she returned with a laugh. "I can't believe you're here!" He gave her another squeeze before pulling back to look her over. "And look at you – all grown up."

She blushed under his gaze, thinking that if this moment were a couple years earlier, she would have swooned at such a compliment from her first real crush.

"It's the clothes," she replied, touching her outfit self-consciously, aware that her new wardrobe was a far cry from her junior high style. When she had left her home, her grandfather had told her to leave all her clothes behind as she was getting a new wardrobe. Today, she wore a yellow cotton dress with white stockings and a stylish leather jacket to protect from the cold.

"No… it's not just that." Motoki brought a hand to his chin and tilted his head as he studied her. "You're not that same junior high kid who demanded strawberry shakes with a side of fries."

Her eyes lit up. "A strawberry milkshake?" she repeated eagerly.

He paused before laughing aloud. "Well, glad to know some of the old Usagi is still in there." He walked back around the bar. "So, one strawberry shake?"

"Yes, please!" She slid into her old counter seat of red vinyl and watched him gather the ingredients.

"So, Usagi –" He smiled as he dropped fruit and ice cream into a blender, and then the whirring began when he pressed a button. "– how have you been? Any news?"

"I've been… okay, I guess." She thought of her new responsibilities – her school load, etiquette lessons, her grandfather's New Year's Eve Party, the host club, etc. "Just a little hectic."

"I know that look." He eyed her with a raised eyebrow. "I have just the thing to cheer you up." The blender stopped and he poured the shake into a glass. He added whip cream and a cherry on top. "Your usual." He slid the drink down the countertop, and Usagi caught it with ease.

She took a striped straw from the dispenser and dropped it into her drink. Then she took a nice long sip. "Yum!" She picked the cherry and placed it in her mouth with a plop. "No one can make a milkshake like you, Motoki."

He chuckled. "Really? Not even at Ouran? I find that hard to believe." He moved so he was standing across the counter from her.

She shrugged, chewing on the cherry stem. "They'd consider this too common." Her tone grew detached.

"Usagi?" His forehead creased with worry. "Are you all right?"

She blinked and looked up with a bright smile. "Of course!" She tilted her head as she took another sip from her milkshake. "Why would you ask that?"

He frowned at her. "Is everything okay at Ouran? No one there is giving you problems, are they?"

"You're still like the big brother I never had, always looking out for me." She twirled her straw in her drink as she shook her head. "I'm fine, Motoki. It's sweet of you to worry, but there's no reason to."

He looked unconvinced. "Are you sure?"

"I'm fine," she repeated. She placed a hand over his and squeezed. "Come on, Motoki. It's me – clumsy little Usagi. I would tell you if there was something wrong. You know I can't keep it bottled up inside."

Motoki hesitated, but placed his other hand on top of hers. "I'm always here if you need me."

She smiled gratefully. "I know. Thank you." When Motoki pulled away to clean the countertop with a cloth, she brought her hand back to her drink. She watched him for a while before a thought occurred to her. "Oh, are you free New Year's Eve?"

"Actually, I'll be visiting my parents in Kyoto – why?"

"Well, you can stop by the party my grandfather is throwing at the mansion." She reached the end of her drink, and tried to sip the remnants without being too loud. "It's a black tie occasion, though."

"Sounds fancy. Are you sure it's okay to invite me?" he wondered aloud, stacking glasses behind the bar.

"Grandfather won't even notice. He'll be too busy entertaining his friends." She slid the glass back to Motoki, and grinned when he caught it without looking. "Besides, it will be nice to see some familiar faces instead of complete strangers."

Motoki looked up with a small regretful frown. "I really wish I could, but I already promised my family I'd be there for the holidays. We're planning on going to the temple on New Year's Day, so…"

"Don't worry about it, I understand," she replied, nodding. She couldn't help but be disappointed though. "I just thought I'd ask."

Motoki went back to cleaning the counter before he stopped mid-wipe. "Could I extend your invitation to…?" He trailed off, but Usagi knew who he was talking about.

She fidgeted a little, but nodded. "Of course. I'll make sure his name is on the list." She looked at the clock. "Oh, I told Mom I would be home soon. I'm sorry – I've got to go." She stood up and walked back towards the entrance. Her hands trailed the countertop as Motoki mirrored her movements on the other side of the bar.

He nodded. "It was nice seeing you, Usagi." He came around the counter to give her another big hug, which she returned wholeheartedly. "Try to visit more often."

She hugged him tighter and nodded against his chest. "I will." She breathed in his scent of sweets and milkshakes, knowing she wouldn't see him for awhile. "Goodbye, Motoki." She pulled away and smiled at him, though there was something bittersweet about it.

"Goodbye, Usagi." He waved as she walked backwards out the door. He didn't say anything, but he was slightly amazed when she didn't trip. "Take care of yourself."

She nodded. "Bye," she whispered. The automatic doors slid closed and she looked at Motoki one more time through the glass before she turned and began walking back towards the bus stop. She ignored the wetness gathering at the corners of her eyes.

–

She hugged her parents and even her brother, surprised when he allowed her to. "I'm glad I was able to visit you."

"Keep in touch, dear," her mother said, reaching out for another hug.

Usagi stepped into her arms again. "Of course, Mom." She squeezed once more and looked to the side. "Bye, Dad."

Her father reached down and kissed her forehead, wrapping his arms around her and her mother. "Remember, we're only a phone call away."

She nodded, and blinked as she felt the beginnings of an emotional cry. How she was able to handle two goodbyes in one day she would never know. There was a cough near the street and Usagi turned to see Luna still waiting with the door of the BMW open. Though Luna's face remained blank, Usagi could tell she was uncomfortable.

She turned back to her family with a sigh. "Looks like it's time to go." She was surprised when they ambushed her with a group hug.

"Bye, sweetheart," her mother whispered.

Her father kissed the top of her head. "Goodbye, honey."

Shingo even buried his head in her shoulder. "Bye, 'neesan. Try not to trip, okay?"

Usagi laughed and ruffled his hair even as he pulled back and protested. "Bye, bye," she whispered. She walked to the car and felt her parents' hands on her shoulders until she moved out of reach.

Luna's eyes were sympathetic as she placed a hand on Usagi's back and guided her into the car. Usagi settled into the leather seat as Luna walked around to get in from the other side. She only looked out the window when the driver started to pull away from the curb. She waved at her family and kept looking back until they disappeared from her view.

"Usagi…"

She leaned back in her seat and watched as the streets of her old neighborhood faded away into the night. "Luna, please. I don't feel like talking right now." Usagi closed her eyes as a tear trailed down her cheek. "Tell me when we get ho– to the mansion."

She thought of her old life, the one she had voluntarily left behind for the well being of her family. She thought of how she fit in so much better there than she ever would at her grandfather's estate or at Ouran. It was a mistake to visit her family for Christmas. It only reinforced something she had tried to deny ever since she had moved away from Juuban.

The Ginzuishou mansion would never be her home.