Step #7

Christmas Is Here, So Enjoy It

...\~/...

The police didn't do shit.

They came in, "investigated", and told him that they would do the best they could in finding the culprit, even though Hikaru had outright told them who it was. Said they would look into it; they never did. Everything was easy to replace, but it felt different somehow, like the "home" he had created was missing. The only thing he hadn't been able to replace was his pictures that Psybro had burnt to ashes. And all the while he and Nathan were bringing new furniture into his apartment, he had seen Sarah peering through the crack in her door. She would always narrow her gaze, then slam the door shut, and it was always when he caught her gaze. Hikaru knew it was out of control, but maybe if he ignored Sarah and her brother long enough, they would leave him alone after awhile, and move on. All he could do was pray and hope that the two didn't hold grudges for very long.

"I'm glad he didn't ruin your drawings, Hikaru. These are beautiful."

"Uh, thanks." He didn't really know what to say.

Angela was with him this time. Nathan wouldn't allow Hikaru the freedom of going to his apartment alone, so Angela had volunteered to go with him. Nathan had this idea that Psybro wouldn't do anything crazy if there were witnesses. Hikaru reminded him of the café episode and Nathan had told him to shut up. Hikaru was happy to have some alone time with Angela; he wished he had it more often. She didn't even have to say anything and she put him to ease. That was the effect the Carnegie family had on people.

"Is this your girlfriend?" Angela asked.

Hikaru looked over from his bookshelves and set his eyes on the picture Angela had displayed.

"No. She's...an old crush..."

It was Haruhi and he had drawn her beautifully. Hikaru had stolen Tamaki's fantasy about Haruhi walking along the beach in a white sundress with the setting sun behind her, giving her a warm glow. He had taken that fantasy and brought it to life. In the picture, the wind was blowing her dress back, and she had her hand running through her short hair. The colors he used to fill her in were dark, but the sun behind her was a bright orange, making it pop in the picture, and it complimented her all the same. It was his favorite picture of her and he was especially glad Psybro hadn't burned that picture.

"She's gorgeous. She's a fool for giving up a guy like you."

"Heh, yeah, I guess. Though, she has a pretty good husband."

"Do you know the husband?"

"Yeah. He's...I owe a lot to him, me and my brother both do."

Hikaru dropped the books he had in his arms and walked over to his filing cabinet, fingering through the files. He opened the 'friends' file and searched through the thick stack of pictures he had of all of them. "Here's her husband. He was the president of our club in high school. He's an idiot, but...he had a good heart." Tamaki was posing with one hand rested on his hip with his other stretched out in front of him, like he was beckoning someone over. In this particular picture, Tamaki looked like he did in middle school. When he had been drawing this picture, he had been remembering the time when Tamaki tried his hardest to get him and Kaoru into his club.

"He's handsome, but I find you more attractive." Angela said, her lips stretching into a smile.

"Thanks..."

"No, really. I'm still baffled you're single. You must have a girlfriend somewhere."

His pocket buzzed. He hoped it was Ripley. He wanted to talk to her right now. It had been almost a week when she asked him for his address and nothing had come for him yet.

"Erm...I'm talking to a woman online."

"Oh really? What's she like? Have you seen a picture of her yet?"

"Her name's Ripley. She's really nice, but different. I like talking to her." His phone buzzed again.

"Picture?"

"Nah, we promised each other we'd keep our appearances a surprise until we meet."

"I bet she's beautiful."

"She seems to be." His pocket buzzed again.

"Hold on. Someone's calling me."

...\~/...

"Geez, you finally answered. I was beginning to think you were going to ignore me."

"Hey, Kaoru, what's up?"

A gasp on the other line. "Hikaru, you actually...I can't believe it. You actually sounded happy to hear from me!"

"Can it before I hang up. What are you doing for today, it being Christmas and all?"

"Well, me, Hunny, and Mori are kind of having a guys day out. Plus, Syd, but she's more of a guy than a girl."

Someone yelled on the other line and Hikaru assumed it was Syd, defending herself from Kaoru's comment. It was true; she possessed more masculine qualities than feminine. "And what about your girlfriend? I would've expected you to spend the whole day with her."

"Um...well...we kind of got into an argument..."

He never did like Kaoru's girlfriend. He was pretty sure he mentioned that several times. "Really...?"

"Hey! Don't sound like you were expecting it-"

"Well, I kind of was."

"Hikaru, you need to give her a chance! She's...not as bad as you think..."

"Kaoru, is that doubt I hear in your voice?"

"...no..."

"Even though we're thousands of miles apart, I can tell you're lying to me."

A chuckle filled his ear. "Thousands of miles? Look outside your kitchen window."

Hikaru pulled the phone away from his ear, giving it an odd look. Then he said into it, "Look outside my window?"

"Just do it."

Hikaru walked over to his window, pushing it up, and leaned out of it. Down on the sidewalk were five familiar faces. They were all looking up at him, smiling. Hikaru couldn't help but grin when his eyes met Kaoru's. His little brother was here...his precious little brother was here. Finally... Hunny was perched on Mori's shoulders, waving his hands above his head cutely, a large smile stretched across his face. Mori had that signature little smile he always gave his friends. Syd, who looked half asleep, was more concerned about her earphones on her head than him. And then, there was the fifth face.

"M-Milord...?"

...\~/...

It wasn't two seconds after he opened his door when a heavy weight was thrown upon him and that heavy weight picked him up and literally spinned him around. Tamaki was laughing as he spun his long-time friend around in circles, clutching him close to his body. "Long time no see, mon ami! I've missed you so much!" Hikaru was beginning to feel sick. Tamaki plopped him down on his feet finally, holding onto Hikaru's shoulders firmly. "You look thin! Have you lost weight? ARE THOSE BAGS UNDER YOUR EYES?" A horrified gasp came from the over-excited blonde. "MOTHER-!" Tamaki spun around, expecting a certain black-haired, spectacled individual scribbling in his notebook, but instead, he got the deadpanned gazes of Kaoru, Hunny, Mori, and Syd.

Hunny perked up, "Tama-chan, why are you crying?"

Tamaki's body slouched, his right index finger pressed against his bottom lip pathetically. "I miss Kyoya..." he whimpered.

Hikaru snorted, "He's probably enjoying his headache-free life. I know I was...until you showed up, Milord."

"What's with the mean words, Hikaru? Didn't you miss me?" Tamaki asked in a small voice.

"Barely. I've been-" He stopped when Tamaki set his hands on Hikaru's shoulders.

"Hikaru," The blonde's violet eyes were shaded by his hair. "You don't have to hold it in anymore. I know the truth."

The dark-haired twin looked at the others, every one of them shrugging their shoulders. Hikaru looked back down at Tamaki with wide eyes. Had this doofus figured out that he was still in love with Haruhi? Had he figured out that Hikaru still felt guilty about his words at the wedding reception? Had he figured out that he was envious of the fool? No, he hadn't talked to Tamaki in forever; well, ever since the reception. The others couldn't have told him anything either; Hikaru kept his mouth shut about his problems ninety-nine percent of the time. There was no way this idiot had figured him out. He was too dense.

"Milord...?"

"I know, Hikaru, I know you've missed me terribly over the past few years." Tamaki looked up now, staring Hikaru straight in the eyes. "Have no worries though; Daddy's here."

"You're still on the family thing- GAH!" Hikaru found himself on his rear on the floor. Tamaki had pushed him back when he turned dramatically, posing now with his fingers on one hand splayed across his chest, his other arm outstretched to his side. The dumbass seemed to shimmer, even in the dim-lit room. Even through the years, Tamaki had not lost his beautiful looks. His blonde hair was still long, covering his lively violet eyes for the most part, and he still had that tall, toned body of his. He had managed to keep himself in shape while Hikaru allowed himself to waste away to nothing but skin and bones.

"Feast your eyes onto me and me only, my dear boy! For I will feed you the fruits of my love and plump your youthful body once more! What more? We will spend every waking moment with one another in hopes for some man-to-man bonding. We have a lot of catching up to do! And I want to hear..."

Hikaru's eye twitched as he watched the man walk slowly around the apartment. There was a slight throbbing in his head and he knew that Tamaki's loud, obnoxious voice was the cause of it. He could still hear the blonde blabbing about the hard-working individuals that worked diligently to give them a wonderful holiday. Man, did he ever shut up? No, no he didn't; Hikaru already knew the answer to that question. Hikaru couldn't help but glare at his younger brother, who caught his angry gaze, and sent a sheepish grin in the older twin's direction. What exactly was Kaoru trying to pull by bringing that fool into his life again? Didn't Kaoru know his heart couldn't take it right now?

"Aha! Who is this beautiful, young maiden standing here in this corner?" Tamaki exclaimed, bouncing over to Angela.

Hikaru stood up, sending a death glare into Tamaki's back, though it went unnoticed.

Tamaki pulled a rose out of nowhere, presenting it to Angela. "For you, mademoiselle."

"Hey boss," Kaoru started.

"Where'd you get that rose? Your ass?" Hikaru finished.

Tamaki was up in their faces in less than a second. "Hikaru, how could you say such a filthy thing? I would never- I get my roses from the most gorgeous of gardens and that rose can never beat the beauty of that woman over yonder! Hikaru, is that..." Hikaru's shoulders fell when Tamaki gasped, stepping backwards a few times. "Is that...is that the woman you've been conversing with online? Is that the woman you've been keeping a secret from me all this while?"

"No, she's-"

He didn't get the chance to talk before everybody flocked around her.

"Wow! You're super pretty!" Hunny.

"Yeah..." Mori.

"My brother did well. I approve!" Kaoru.

"You don't seem like Hikaru's type." Syd.

"You fools! She is a living, breathing flower! She is the only one that can restore Hikaru back to his normal state! Cheer her on!"

Hikaru turned his back on them when there was a knock at the door. He opened it, coming face to face with the mailman. "Um...Hi-ka-whatever your name is. Package for you." The mailman shoved a brightly wrapped box into his arms before walking away and mumbling something about 'damn foreigners with stupid names'. Hikaru closed the door with his foot whilst pulling the scarlet ribbon from its place. His company was too busy harassing Angela, who was answering all their questions, to notice Hikaru plop down on his new couch, ripping the snowmen-covered wrapping paper off. The tape that closed the lid on the box was easy to rip off and he flipped it open, peering inside.

"Oh, Ripley, you fool." he muttered with a laugh.

Inside were at least a dozen video games, movies, and books, and they were all brand new. It must've cost her a fortune, but she had mentioned that this package was composed by her and her roommates, so they probably helped her. The video games were all the ones she had told him about: Fallout, Red Dead Redemption, Assassin's Creed, etc., and he assumed that all the movies were her favorites. MJ and Dawn, two of her roommates, had been in charge of the books, manga, and art supplies. Hikaru laughed quietly when he picked up a thick box set labeled the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. "Still looks stupid..."

Hikaru jumped when a pair of arms wrapped around his neck and he knew who was. A chuckle escaped the person behind him, Hikaru feeling his brother's warm breath on the side of his face.

"A bit jumpy, are we?"

"Yeah, well, when you have a psychotic brute after you, you'll understand."

Another small laugh. "What's in the box?"

"Video games, movies, books, and art supplies. A care package from Ripley and her roommates."

"Aw, so you're getting comfortable with her?"

"Of course. She's an easy person to talk to."

Kaoru released his grip on Hikaru's neck so he could climb over the back of the couch, sliding next to his brother. Hikaru allowed his head to land on Kaoru's shoulder and he felt the younger twin's chin press into his hair. He was always amazed how sweet his brother smelled; sweet, just like Kaoru's personality. And he missed him terribly. There was a comfort that no one could give to him but Kaoru and now he was feeling it. Hikaru felt one of Kaoru's hands rub up and down slowly on his back, sending a pleasant feeling throughout his entire body.

"What did you and your girlfriend fight about?" Hikaru questioned.

"Something stupid. She wanted to go out with her friends and I told her that we should spend more time together. She called me controlling and that I didn't give her enough space, that I was always nagging her about things."

"And what did you say?" Probably nothing.

"Nothing. She left before I could." He knew it.

"I don't understand."

"Understand what?"

"How someone as sweet as you and cute as you and funny as you and-"

"Okay, okay, cut it out..." Kaoru laughed.

"-ended up with someone as nasty and rotten as her."

"Hikaru..." This time, there wasn't a laugh in his voice. He actually sounded hurt.

"Hey," Hikaru sat up. "Shouldn't Hunny be with Reiko right now? Ya know, with her being pregnant and all?"

"Oh...um...mood swings...and they have a scythe in their house..."

"Ah. Don't tell me the scythe's going to be a toy for the kids."

"Nah, I think that's the guillotine."

They shared a laugh over that. He loved how he could make Kaoru laugh when he knew he hurt him.

"So, what are you going to give Ripley in return? Jewelry? An 'I love NYC' shirt?"

Hikaru grinned, "Well, I know she has a fascination with New York City, and she wants pictures."

"Just pictures? C'mon, Hika, you can do better than that."

"How about I send a care package right back?" With that, Hikaru stood up, and pushed through the others that surrounded Angela, who had a nervous little smile on her face. "Hey, Angela, can you do me a favor?"

...\~/...

Click. Flash. Turn to another angle. Click. Flash. Beauty caught forever.

"Takashi, hot chocolate, hot chocolate!" Hunny exclaimed happily, pointing towards a food stand that currently had a family purchasing from it. Mori nodded once and walked over, Hunny grinning like a small child in a candy store. It was hard to believe that that twenty-somethin' year old, who was going to be a father, still looked like a elementary school student. It had been two years since he left Japan for New York, yet everyone still looked the same. Though, he liked how Kaoru cut his hair short again; he never did like it long.

They were in Central Park at the moment. Despite the cold and the frost, people still walked through it, either to get to their jobs or just to pass time. And it was still beautiful. He knew Ripley would love it. For the past few hours, Hikaru and his guests toured through the city, snapping photos of his long list of landmarks and buying every NYC-related souvenir he could find. She had mentioned something about collecting bobbleheads and snow globes (it was on her bucket list) in one of her messages, so he snatched whatever one he could find for her. T-shirts, magnets, Christmas ornaments, coffee mugs, pens; he even found a teddy bear for her and Hunny had found this really cool piggy bank and said to give it to her.

"I think it's really sweet you're doing this for her, but do you think you're getting her too much stuff?" Angela asked.

"Well, I figured she isn't rich and video games are expensive, she gave me at least a dozen of them, so I thought I'd give her a lot in return. I know she'll love it, though. She told me she always wanted to come here."

"With the amount of stuff you're getting her, you'll need three boxes." she said with a small laugh.

"Then three boxes it will be!" Angela watched as Hikaru gave a soft smile, his eyes focusing on the bags in his hands. "For some reason, I just...want to give her whatever she wants..."

Angela frowned at this, "Hikaru, I'm glad you-"

Hikaru wasn't able to hear her when Tamaki slammed his body up against Hikaru's, pulling him in an embrace. Hikaru felt very uncomfortable when Tamaki rubbed his cheek against his. "Awww, Hikaru, you're so cute!" Tamaki exclaimed. "I missed your adorable little smile! Oh, daddy loves you so much!"

"M-Milord-!"

"Hey, don't hog my brother!" Kaoru teased, wrapping his arms around Hikaru, too.

"I want to hug Hika-chan too!" Hunny exclaimed, jumping off Mori's shoulders and onto Hikaru's back, wrapping his arms around Hikaru's neck.

"Yeah..." Mori said, joining the group hug.

Angela watched in silence. She was glad that Hikaru had such great friends. She lifted the camera up to her face.

Click. Flash. This beautiful moment would be captured forever.

...\~/...

Times Square was the last landmark on his list. They had been to dozens- Louis Armstrong's House, Dakota Apartments, Grand Central Terminal, and the ever requested Rockefeller Center with its enormous Christmas tree, as well as many more. Chinatown and Little Italy had been bustling with energy when they visited and Hikaru made sure to pick up a package of fortune cookies for Ripley to share amongst her family and friends. His guests marveled at everything they saw and Tamaki was getting just as many souvenirs as he was, saying that he was going to share them with the domestic help back in Japan. And Angela was performing her side of the deal wonderfully. She was truly a master with the camera, her pictures coming out wonderfully. While the others bought lunch from a nearby food stand, Hikaru looked over at Angela.

"Hey, you were going to tell me something back at Central Park. What was it?"

He watched as Angela's face turned serious. "I want you to be careful."

"About Ripley?"

"Yeah. I mean, she seems nice from what you've told me, but you can never be trusting of people online."

Hikaru narrowed his eyes, "I don't think Ripley would scam me."

"How do you know, though? You've only been talking to this woman for...what? A week? I just want you to be cautious."

"She has three jobs. She doesn't need and hasn't asked me for money."

"Just because she hasn't yet doesn't mean she won't later. I've never trusted people online. You don't know who they truly are."

He watched as Angela lifted the camera to her face, taking pictures of their surroundings. What she said was something he hadn't thought about before. He had to admit that he was too excited about meeting someone that had the potential of being his soul mate that he hadn't thought over the dangers of online dating. He had heard stories before, how women and men alike got to know some poor, unfortunate soul who was too easily trusting, and sucked the money right out of them, like a flea on a dog's back. So far, Ripley seemed to pose no threat; he enjoyed talking to her, and he wasn't clueless to the butterflies he got in his stomach every time she sent him a message. The woman seemed so...so...kind, too kind to scam him. But what if she was lying to him? What if she was burrowed deep in the slums of whatever state she was in, ready to ask for money, then leave him when she got what she wanted? Hikaru grabbed his head, clutching his hair in his fists. What if...what if...she didn't even care about him? That kind-hearted soul who made him laugh, who gave him butterflies and warm feelings, could possibly be a wicked witch. No...he couldn't think about that... He would lose sleep if he dwelled on it too much and he finally started to sleep without pleasant dreams haunting him, torturing him.

Ripley Barrett...are you for real...?

Hikaru lifted the bags of souvenirs, staring at them. What if he sent all this stuff to her and she just threw it away? Or worse: sold it for money? What if she laughed when she received these gifts? Did she actually want to visit New York City? Did she really live in the middle of the country in an apartment with four other girls, whom were all high school friends? So many questions swirled around in his mind now. He was dwelling on it. He couldn't dwell; he couldn't let these negative thoughts plague his mind. He was finally starting to relax.

He didn't want to lose someone else... That was his fear, right?

Angela, do you know what you started?

"Hika-chan! Look! Isn't that Spiderman?" Hunny shouted, pointing towards a figure.

Hikaru turned and sure enough, a man dressed in a Spiderman costume was running towards them.

Seen Spiderman lately?

Nope, haven't seen Spiderman. Sorry. I'll try and get a picture of him, too, if I can.

"Hurry, Angela, get a picture of that idiot hero!"

"Roger, roger!"

Click. Flash. She just got a picture of a overweight man with a shirt too small, allowing his hairy gut to hang out.

Not the most beautiful sight in the world...

"I'm the FLASH!" someone yelled from behind them.

"Quick! After that Flash! Damn, is he for real? That sucker's fast!"

"BUNNY KICK!"

"Hunny-senpai, you just broke a federal offense!"

...\~/...

"Hikaru, we managed to fit everything into one box! Do you have packing tape?" Kaoru called from the living room. Hikaru pushed the kitchen door open, poking his head in. The box was a little bigger than he wanted it to be, but in order to send everything to Ripley, he had to do what he had to do. Hikaru pointed towards his art station. On top of his desk was a thing of tape and Kaoru quickly performed the duty of sealing the package. Kaoru had to brag; he had gotten good at packing boxes since he and his girlfriend had moved three different times. Nothing seemed to satisfy her... Thinking about that woman caused the younger twin to sigh. He'd have to call her to ask if she wanted a souvenir of some sort. He knew he'd need a pencil and paper ready so he could write down a whole list of things she'd want.

"Oh shit!" Kaoru heard from the kitchen. Next thing he knew, Hikaru rushed into the living room, looking panicked.

"What's wrong?" Kaoru asked.

"I forgot the love letter! I forgot to write her a love letter!"

The younger brother stood up, holding up his hands in order to calm his brother down. "Chill out, Hikaru. We'll write one tonight."

"Ah, a love letter! Such an old-fashioned way of expressing one's affections!" Tamaki said, strutting over, taking Hikaru's hands in his. "If you're nervous writing one to your beloved, you may practice by writing one to me. Do it, Hikaru, write down everything you've ever wanted to tell me."

"Uh...no...that's kind of weird." Trust me. You'd want to throw yourself of the Empire State Building if I told you everything I thought about you.

"But...I want you to write one to me..." Tamaki pouted.

"Sorry, Milord, but I don't write love letters to men." Why was it that Salem's voice was bouncing around in his head?

"Hey, everybody, it's snowing outside!" Hunny exclaimed from the window.

Everyone rushed to the windows, admiring the snowflakes that decorated the air. It was a White Christmas.

Is it snowing where you live, Ripley? I want you to have a White Christmas.

...\~/...

Alexander's Café was definitely decorated for the holidays. Red and green streamers criss-crossed each other near the ceiling; a Christmas tree stood tall in the right corner nearest to the door, wrapped in stringed popcorn, red lace, and littered with sparkling ornaments; the tables had been covered with white tablecloths, the middle adorning a pop-up snowman; and the stairs leading to the apartment above had their railing decorated with twisted red streamers. It smelled of cinnamon and sugar cookies, giving the whole café a warm, inviting feeling. The place was crowded with families at each table, chattering loudly amongst themselves. And Hikaru loved this place around Christmas time. Absolutely loved it.

"Oh, thank God you're here, Hikaru." Nathan said, after rushing over to them. He was wearing a Santa's hat. "Kyle's not enough. We have people by the dozen coming in. I guess all your customers from before talked about this place and now more people want a taste of your hosting."

For some reason, a feeling of pride rushed over him. People wanted him.

"Give me a moment and I'll put the uniform on."

"Can we help in any way, sir?" Hunny asked from Mori's shoulders.

Nathan blinked, almost like he didn't believe what he saw. The legendary Host Club was here...in his café. Tara had said that their hosting skills were something to marvel at, but he never believed that they would all be in his café, much less wanting to help him. Nathan was short on waiters and Kyle was stressing himself out trying to please everybody at once. Customers around Christmas time always wanted a quick meal, then to get out and get home.

"Uh...sure...I think we have some extra uniforms."

Behind Nathan, a voice sounded that everyone found familiar said, "Mademoiselle, is there anything I can get you?"

To which a voice answered, "Oh, yes please, more hot chocolate."

"Anything you wish, madam."

Hunny tilted his head to the side, "Is that-"

"KYOYA!" Tamaki exclaimed, gaining the attention of many, many customers. The blonde threw himself onto the black-haired man, arms wrapped around his neck and legs wrapped around his waist. Tamaki rubbed his cheek against Kyoya's, much like he did to Hikaru. Kyoya, however, was neither amused nor annoyed. In fact, his face was emotionless, as always. Tamaki pulled his face away from his friend's. "Mon ami, did you miss me? Because I missed you! You sourpuss, you haven't called me, or texted me, or...or...or written me any letters! I sent you bunches! Did you get them? I sent one by pigeon! I bet you got that one!" The gleaming grin on the blonde's face slowly faded, followed by a sad frown. "I've...missed you...so much..."

"Please, don't start crying. I don't have a mop handy." Kyoya said finally, leaning his head away. "And don't drool on me."

"I'm not drooling. Gentlemen don't drool."

"Then what does that make you, Tamaki? You're slobbering all over me."

Tamaki crawled off of Kyoya, "Did you hear? Hikaru's got himself a lady friend!"

"Yes, I know. I was there when that site matched them up."

"Isn't it adorable? Kyoya, where's Tara? I have to tell her the good news!"

"She's in the back, but don't go back there. She'll hit you upside the head with a frying pan for disrupting her."

"Ah, well, being knocked unconscious was not on my agenda today. Where are the uniforms?"

"Upstairs. Hikaru will show you where they're at."

Kyoya watched as the blonde walked away, hurriedly making his way up the stairs.

He couldn't believe it, but he actually missed the damn fool.

...\~/...

There was a crash, a plate smashing into little bits and pieces. Kaoru winced, bringing his hand close to his lips.

"Kaoru!" Hikaru called out, rushing over to the scene of the accident. A group of women ceased in their conversations to see what had happened. "Kaoru, are you alright? Are you hurt?" Hikaru asked in a rushed voice.

"I-I'm fine, Hikaru. I was trying to do too much at one time. Are you mad at me?"

That's when Hikaru grasped Kaoru's shoulders gently, allowing his thumbs to brush against both sides of Kaoru's jaw.

"Of course not, dummy. I'm just glad you're alright. You don't know how worried you made me."

"H-Hikaru..."

They looked deep into each other's eyes. "Don't ever scare me like that again."

The ladies ate it up, just like the girls in high school had. It was weird watching everyone play their parts again: Tamaki being princely, but not flirtatious (he had a wife, you know), Kyoya was teaching Nathan business strategies and better ways to make money, Hunny and Mori were the dynamic duo once more with Hunny wooing the ladies due to his child-like appearance and personality and Mori playing the part as the silent protector, and there was him and Kaoru, acting out their brotherly love ten-fold, but without the seductive jabs he used to do.

But it didn't feel normal. They had one person missing.

"Hey, Kaoru," Hikaru said. They weren't entertaining anybody at the moment. "Why couldn't Haruhi come?"

He chose to ignore the sad gaze his younger brother sent in his direction. "She had clients. Christmas is full of thieves."

"I miss her, you know."

"Hikaru..." Kaoru wasn't exactly informed on the thoughts that swished around in his brother's mind. Sometimes, he felt as though he failed as a brother from not being able to crack Hikaru's thick barrier. When they did talk, he felt that Hikaru told him everything, but never told him anything. He knew for a fact that Hikaru still pined for Haruhi, a woman that was declared untouchable from the moment she said the words 'I love you' to Tamaki. Kaoru wasn't stupid; he wasn't inept to emotions, especially to his brother's. He could see the anger and envy in Hikaru's eyes every time he looked at the idiotic blonde.

"Why'd you bring Milord here?"

"I didn't. He sort of brought himself. Haruhi told him to go because she was going to be busy, so he came for a visit."

"I wouldn't have left her, no matter how busy she was."

"She told him to go."

"I don't care." Hikaru's voice was dark, full of venom.

"Hikaru, aren't you happy to see Milord? He's sure happy to see you."

"I would've been happier not seeing him."

"You need to stop this. You're beating yourself up over something that happened a long time ago."

Hikaru stood up abruptly, glaring down at his brother. Kaoru had never experienced such hostility from Hikaru before.

"You don't understand! You don't know the pain I'm in right now! Aren't you my brother? Don't you care about me?"

Silence.

"I love her! I always have! I...I can't believe she...she..." He looked defeated.

The clattering in the kitchens had stopped. People were watching.

"I...I love her..."

"I know you do."

"I can't...I can't let her go..."

"I know you can't."

"I...I...I hate him!" Hikaru turned, meeting the violet eyes of the man he envied.

With that, Hikaru tore off his apron, and exited the café, walking away to wherever his feet took him.

...\~/...

Ripley,

Call me. 917-867-5309.

Hikaru

P.S. I need someone to talk to.

...\~/...

He was stupid for walking away without a coat. Goosebumps dotted his arms, his hands rubbing along the flesh to try and bring some warmth back in his body. He was still dressed in the café uniform - a thin, white button-up with black slacks - and it wasn't keeping the heat in at all. His breath escaped his chapped lips in little, visible wisps. To top off the situation, it was still snowing. Snowflakes dusted his dark hair, melting shortly after landing. His body was trembling; he needed to get inside, but didn't want to. Maybe he'd finally keel over and freeze to death.

Christ, what was taking her so long? He'd sent the message twenty minutes ago.

For Christmas, I think we're going to have a big get-together with our families, and then I'm going to my aunt's.

"You, i-idiot, s-she's with f-family." His teeth were chattering now.

His phone buzzed. Unknown caller.

"H-Hello?" he asked, trying his best to get the stammer out of his voice.

"Uh, is this Hikaru Hitachiin?" Huh, she pronounced his name perfectly.

"N-No, you've got t-the wrong number."

"Oh! I'm...uh...I'm sorry!"

"I'm j-just kidding. T-This i-is Hikaru H-Hitachiin."

"Oh... Please, don't do that to me. I already have an irrational fear of talking to people on the phone..."

Her voice was lower than he thought it would be. He expected a slight higher pitched one, but he was judging on the way she responded. He even imagined a bit of a valley-girl accent. Boy, was he wrong.

"Just to make sure you're not some creeper leading me on: what are my three older brothers' names?"

"M-Mark, Quin, a-and Joey. Clever t-trick." He stood up, heading towards the art institute building. He knew the doors were unlocked and the heat was on. A secret get-away from everyone and everything that bothered him.

"Thanks." There was a loud thumping noise on the other side, followed by a yell. "Go away, Mark! God...dumbass..."

Hikaru couldn't help but chuckle. "W-What are y-you doing r-right now?"

"We're at that get-together I was telling you about. Are you outside or something? You sound cold."

"I a-am cold. I'm s-stuck outside w-with n-no coat on."

"Well, get inside! I don't want you dying from frostbite, especially when you're on the phone with me! Do you know how traumatized that would leave me?"

"Um...a l-lot?"

"Uh...yeah? I'd have to go back to therapy!"

"Y-You've been t-to t-therapy?"

"Junior year of high school. Don't worry; I'm not...wait, maybe I am crazy..." Her voice trailed off when she said that.

"G-Great. My p-possible soul mate is a l-loon." he said with a laugh.

"Sucks, doesn't it?"

He finally reached the art institute, pulling the door open, shivering when a wave of heat hit him. He could hear an array of voices on the other side of the line and once again, there was a thumping and the yell of a voice, telling Ripley to get out of the bathroom.

"You're in the bathroom?" Finally, he wasn't stuttering anymore.

"It's the only quiet place in the house right now. Can you believe it's almost eighty degrees over here?"

So she didn't have a White Christmas. "I can believe it. What'd you call it? The Bi-Polar Weather State?"

"Hey! You remembered! It's December! I wanted snow today and then I wanted it all to disappear by tomorrow."

"Not a big fan of snow?"

"Ever since I got my driver's license, no. And the sludge afterwards depresses the hell out of me."

Hikaru pressed his back against the wall behind him, staring out the glass doors of the institute. The snow was falling heavier now, the sidewalks covered with it. It was snow that was perfect for packing snowballs and throwing them at oblivious strangers. He could hear her humming a tune he didn't recognize over the phone.

"What are you humming?"

"Oh...uh...it's called Waste by Foster the People. Ever heard of them?"

"Can't believe I have."

"You are so deprived, child."

"Have you ever had instant coffee?"

"Yes."

"Damn it, can't call you deprived then."

"Ha! Face it! I'm the more experienced out of the two of us."

"Mmm, not yet. I'll find something you haven't tried or heard of. Just you wait."

"Have to tell you; I'm not one for patience, so find something quickly."

He listened to how there was more thumping on the other side and Ripley yelled for them to stop. She had mentioned Mark being the one she argued with most so he assumed it was that brother. For some reason, he imagined her rearranging things on the bathroom sink, making them look neater. Hikaru's ears filled with her voice, telling Mark to go away and that she saw him all the time which did require her to spend time with him at the moment. The sole reason for this call was for him to tell her what happened, but he was enjoying this too much. He liked how they didn't have to be talking in order for them to be comfortable.

"Are you scamming me?"

"What? Scamming you...?"

Silence on his part.

"Why do you think I'm scamming you? Did I say something wrong?"

"You didn't say anything wrong. A friend of mine did. She said for me to be careful."

"Well, she's smart. There are a lot of desperate people out there. My dad's girlfriend being one of them..." It sounded like she didn't particularly like the woman she mentioned.

"You think she's smart for doubting you?"

"Well...yeah. Scammers are all over the Internet. I make my own money; I don't need anybody else's."

She seemed sincere in her answer. He'd trust her for now.

His phone beeped, telling him that there was another caller. Hikaru pulled his phone away for a moment, narrowing his gaze when he read Kaoru Hitachiin. He really didn't want to argue with anybody right now. He slid down to the floor, making himself comfortable.

"Here's another question: do you think I'm stupid for being mad at someone when they haven't done anything wrong?"

"Mmm, what are you mad at them about?"

Should he tell her? No, he shouldn't. It was too soon. "A girl a friend of mine liked fell for the guy I'm mad at rather than my friend. I'm really close to the guy so I feel angry right along with him."

"...uh...well, it wasn't the guy's fault that the girl fell for him, right? Not unless he did some weird brainwashing scheme; if he did do that, then I guess it's his fault, but I'm assuming he didn't, so it isn't his fault."

"I can tell you're not good at answering deep questions."

"Unless it's between two of my characters in a story, then no, I'm not. This is more of MJ's department. She's the one going into psychology and all. Maybe you should ring her up and talk to her."

"I have a feeling she would interrogate me on whether or not I'd make a good soulmate for you rather than answer my thought-provoking questions."

"Ah, you're probably right."

His phone started buzzing again. Oh, shit. He needed to answer this.

"I have another call. I'll be right back."

"'kay."

Hikaru switched over. "What do you want, Tara?"

"You need to get your goddamned ass back over here 'cause God forbid I come find you myself."

"I will in a little bit. Just let me cool off."

"Cool off? You bastard, you storm off after you say you hated Tamaki. What the hell did he ever do to you?"

"Nothing..."

"Damn right nothing. You're just jealous. You act like a fuckin' child sometimes, you know that? Grow. Up. You can't always get what you want."

"What if Kyoya fell for Haruhi and she fell for him and you were rejected? How would you feel?"

There was silence on the other side. He struck a chord and he wanted to.

"I would...I would've... Fuck you, Hikaru." Click. Dial tone.

He switched back to Ripley.

"Hey, Rip, I have to go. Everyone's waiting for me."

"Okay. I have to go, too. I had to pull the door close because Mark was trying to open it and drag me out."

He chuckled, "Alright. Kick him in the shin for me, will ya?"

"Ha! I'll do worse than that! Oh, and Hikaru," He liked hearing her say his name. "Whatever's going on, I hope you can get over it quickly, okay?"

"...yeah...okay..."

"Alright, well, I'll try and message you tonight. Or call, since I have your number now."

"Alright...see ya..."

"Yep!" Click.

He didn't stand up to leave. He wanted nothing to do with those people right now. He especially didn't want to see Tamaki.

Instead, he just buried his face into his arms, and closed his eyes.

...\~/...

He'd drawn himself. The Hikaru in the picture was outside in the cold, his hand pressed firmly against a see-through barrier. On the other side was everything he wanted and needed- Haruhi, Kaoru, his friends, his family. They all seemed to not know he was there, like he had never existed. He couldn't see his face in the picture, but he could only imagine the hate, anger, and sadness that most likely reflected in his eyes. But there was something that gave him hope. On the other side of the glass barrier was a shadowy silhouette directly across from him. The identity was unknown, but a smudgy hand was pressed against his, almost like it was reaching out to him. That figure knew he was there, knew that he existed, and wanted him with them. Hikaru tilted his head to the side, staring at the picture with hardened eyes. But what if that silhouette didn't know he was there? What if they didn't know he existed? What if they felt just as lost as he did, just as invisible?

"You're a very talented artist." a voice said from behind, their words echoing through the room.

Hikaru turned to see Tamaki standing there, looking over his shoulder. He had a small smile.

"What do you want?" he asked, turning back to his drawing, trying to cover it as much as he could.

"I wanted to see if you were alright. We tracked down your phone, in case you were wondering."

"No, I figured that out already. Now go away."

"Ah, ah, ah," Tamaki said, waggling his finger from side to side. "I have presents."

"Presents...?"

"Of course! It's Christmas, isn't it?"

Tamaki plopped himself down on the floor, opening up a large sack Hikaru hadn't noticed until now. Over the course of fifteen minutes, Hikaru had been handed one gift at a time, until they were all opened. Kyoya and Tara had given him a coffee mug with the words 'Please wait...sarcastic comment loading' branded on the side with a loading bar, as well as a new art easel he'd been needing. Kaoru, a Periodic Table of Elements tie and new headphones; Hunny, a complete water coloring set he'd said he needed for a new class he was taking in the spring and a book called 'History of American Graffiti'; Mori, a Juniper bonsai tree and a wall map; and Tamaki presented him with a rather stupid frog-shaped gumball machine, but Hikaru accepted it with a thanks anyway. He actually kind of liked it...

"And this is from Haruhi." Tamaki said, pulling a small, wrapped package from his coat pocket. Hikaru took it slowly, feeling like it was the most precious thing in the world. Haruhi still thought about him? "She found it at a flea market and thought of you. She hopes you like it and she's sorry about being busy and not being able to come over."

It was a bike chain bracelet. It was certainly a different kind of gift and it was like no other accessory he'd ever seen.

He didn't know what to say.

"Now, I believe we still have a love letter to write to Miss Ripley Barrett?"

...\~/...

He was smacked across the head with a rolled up newspaper.

"What are you doing, man? You don't start a love letter so casually! You can't greet her with a 'what's up'! It has to be along the lines of 'my dearest love' or 'the love of my life', not 'what's up'! I am ashamed of you! And to think you were a Host!"

He was beginning to get a headache.

"There, that's better. Alright, we have 'my dearest love'. Now tell her what you thought of her when you set your eyes on her the first time."

"But...I don't know what she looks-"

SMACK! "Are you talking back to your senpai?" SMACK! "Write! Write like you've never written before!" SMACK!

As he wrote down whatever came into mind, he couldn't help but relive all the times in middle school when he and Kaoru tormented those girls who wrote their love letters. Was it easier for girls to write lovey-dovey notes or was it just him that couldn't compose a love letter. He was beginning to regret all those times he ripped their letters up. It wasn't as easy as he thought it would be.

SMACK!

"Alright, cut it out with the-!" SMACK! "DAMN IT, MILORD!"

SMACK, SMACK, SMACK!

Milord was getting his revenge for what Hikaru said in the café.

"Writing a love letter shouldn't be this hard for you!" Tamaki shouted at him. "Don't you love this woman?"

"Uh, Milord, I've only known her for a week."

"But...it's chapter seven. Shouldn't you have felt a little bit of love towards her?"

"Uh...no..."

"Oh..." SMACK!

...\~/...

My Dearest Love,

I have not seen you in person, but judging from your voice, I can only assume you are a beautiful person, inside and out. At this point in time, I can only count the minutes I spend waiting for your messages, and I now have to live in agony waiting for you to call, so I can hear the gorgeous tones of your voice. You bring light into my dark world and you allow me to see the path ahead of me clearly. Please, never stop these wondrous things you do to me.

Sincerely Yours,

Mister Hikaru Hitachiin

On the envelope, he wrote in his nicest handwriting: 'My First Love Letter'.

"You did well, considering it was your first love letter." Tamaki told him. "Did you mean any of it."

"No. I just wrote what you told me to write."

"Hm. Well, we need to get you home. You look like you're about to pass out."

...\~/...

His bed wasn't empty anymore. He snuggled up next to Kaoru, burying his nose into the crisp folds of his brother's shirt. He could hear the beats of Kaoru's heart and his steady breathing was slowly putting him to sleep. The younger twin soothingly ran his fingers through Hikaru's dark mess of hair, scratching his scalp gently. Hikaru had once told him how good it felt when people messed with his hair and that it even helped him calm down. Ever since, Kaoru used this maneuver to ease his hot-tempered brother. Kaoru had to admit that he had missed the warm body of Hikaru beside him.

"Hikaru, you don't hate Milord, do you?"

"...no, I don't. I love him just as much as the next person."

"That's good. He was really worried about you when you ran out, especially since you didn't have a coat on."

"Hn, sounds like Milord alright."

He did love Milord. He was jealous, just like Tara said.

"Did Tara...?"

"She blew smoke for awhile, but she calmed down. She understood why you said it."

"Good. I felt bad about saying it afterward. I really did."

"I know you did. Now, close your eyes and go to sleep. I'm right here."

Hikaru closed his eyes, allowing the feel of Kaoru playing with his hair soothe him.

"Over in Killarney, many years ago. My mother sang a song to me in tones so sweet and low." Kaoru sang softly. "Just a simple, little ditty in her good old Irish way. And I'd give the world just to hear that song of her today."

After a few moments of silence, they both said, "That's an Irish lullaby."

So, here's chapter 7. There's some things I want to point out. This chapter takes place a week after chapter 6 so if there's any information about Ripley that doesn't seem familiar, it's probably from conversations she and Hikaru were having during that period of time. I also want to know if I got Tamaki's personality down. He's a very dramatic, emotional character, and I want to know if I did him justice. Plus, was Hikaru's outburst out of character? For some reason, I feel like it was... Also, Hikaru's phone number should seem familiar, and the whole chapter 7 quote from Tamaki was a jab at all the episode where the characters seem to have knowledge that they're in a manga/anime. One more thing: *gets into fetal position and begins to pound her fist into the ground* I'm so sorry for the crappy sixth chapter! I feel like I failed you all as a writer! I hope this chapter made up for it!

Author's Note- Fin