Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran in any way shape or form.

Sorry this one took so long. I finished it but then I accidentally saved over it when I was writing the next chapter. This gave you a very frustrated author who then had to rack her brains to remember what she wrote. This is the re-write, it's not as good but I do hope you like it.

Chapter 5

Haruhi's POV

"I love you too. Both of you" the twins looked up, their eyes shining with hope, "Really?" asked Hikaru. "Yes" I lie.

I say it even though it burns my heart to do so. I don't love them, not that way. But maybe I can learn. I give them a smile and motion for them to give me a hug. This one is different to their usual squeezes. They hold me tenderly, almost like I'm fragile: precious. And I find myself thinking, he wouldn't do this. I shove the thought away, no; I can't think things like that; I have to forget it all; I know I can't have him; it is hopeless; he'd never think of me that way. Besides, I'm with them now.

I pull away, smile stuck to my face, but they don't notice. "Would...would you like to stay for dinner? I'm sure my dad won't mind" I ask, blushing slightly at my stutter. They mistake it for shyness and coo over how cute I look, "We'd love to stay" they chorus.

I fight the urge to yell and instead smile sweetly at them. I walk to the kitchen and start rifling through the cupboards, seeing what ingredients I can use. "Is Ramen ok?" I call. "Anything will be delicious as long as it's made by you" purred Hikaru as he walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned into him, sighing inwardly as his hands tightened around my waist.

"Hikaru, you sounded just like Tono" Karou laughed from the living room. Hikaru's eyes darkened and he dashed off yelling, "take that back!" "Hikaru's turning into Tono! Hikaru's turning into Tono!" Karou chanted as his twin chased him. I watched this bizarre game of cat and mouse for a minute or two before I got to work.

I had made this dish so many times that I could work on autopilot and still make it taste great. Something I was quite glad about as it allowed me to ponder what it would be like dating the twins. They are sweet and caring and great guys, when they aren't up to no good. I listen to them bad mouth the fashion sense of the cast of Eastenders. We'll have fun and you never know: I might even learn to love them. I quashed the feeling that rose, unbidden, in my chest. He's not mine, they are. Accept it. My heart tries but I can't help feeling that some part of it is lost with my decision.

"Food's ready" I call spooning the hot food into bowls. I take the largest one, cover it in cling film and place it in the fridge for my father when he gets home. Ramen was always his favourite. The twins take their bowls and sit around the table alternating between stuffing their faces and praising my efforts. I just smile and try not to vomit.

When they had finished I picked up their bowls, took them into the kitchen and began running water into the sink. Karou then picked up the sponge and began doing the dishes. After rinsing off the soap he passed them to Hikaru who dried them with a towel. I just watched, completely amazed. "How...?" I gesture to them as Karou laughs. "Our Mom used to make us do this when we harassed the kitchen staff" "Yep, our pranks actually taught us something" grins Hikaru as he passes me the dried crockery which I put away.

We work in companionable silence for a few minutes before I ask them "what are we going to do about dates?" They both give me a look, "I was just wondering if you would date me separately or together. I think it would be better if we all went on dates together, that way you too won't keep trying to give me a better date and end up falling out with each other. I love you both and I'd hate for you to stop being brothers because of me." I smile at them, hoping that they will agree. Karou turned to his brother, "I don't mind sharing" "Me neither" they both turn and wrap their arms around me, giving me a gentle but firm hug. "You really are perfect for us Haruhi" they say. I just smile and squeeze them tight, hoping that whatever happens, they'll still be my friends.