Chapter 21: Birthday (The Weekend Part 2)

Ending of the party…

"Boys! Can you make sure the maids clean up tonight? Your father and I have to head to go with Miss Pinto to pack up her things," Mrs. Hitachiin called out. Everyone had already left except for Amelia's mother. The party lasted until the start of the evening.

"I'm sorry?" Gina asked in confusion as they approached the door.

"Gina you must come with me to my trip this weekend," Mrs. Hitachiin grinned. "We have so much to talk about!"

"You know I'd love to but it's a little late don't you think?" Gina protested.

"Nonsense. My husband ended up having a business trip this weekend so you can take his ticket. Please consider it my treat. I would love to discuss future projects with you," Mrs. Hitachiin insisted. "Lets just head on down to the hotel and pack your things."

"Well in that case it's hard to refuse now, isn't it?" Gina grinned as they headed for the door.

Amelia leaned against the opposite wall next to the twins, folding her arms about her chest.

"I didn't know your parents were going to be out of town," Amelia mentioned.

"Yeah, Mom is working on her spring collection up in Paris," Kaoru explained.

"That's why the party only lasted for so long," Hikaru added. Gina walked over to Amelia giving her a big hug.

"Thank you so much babe this was just what I needed," Gina grinned kissing her cheek.

"I'm glad you had fun," Amelia smiled. Gina looked at the twins with her arms wide open.

"And you two. Your mother told me you planned the whole thing!" Gina laughed. The twins hesitated but had no choice as Gina gave them a big motherly bear hug.

"Not a problem at all," Hikaru laughed.

"Really it was our treat," Kaoru laughed. They hugged her back as Gina laughed in amusement.

"Whatever makes you and Amelia happy," they grinned. Gina looked at them and smirked at Amelia

"Looks like you got your work cut out for you Amelia," Gina sang. "They seem to really spoil you when they get the chance."

"Mom!" Amelia turned red, while the twins laughed.

"Watch it boys, you don't want to get into too much trouble with her. She can bite when she gets angry," Gina smirked mischievously, winking at them. They grinned at her mother's antics.

"We'll watch for it!" the twins laughed, waving goodbye as Amelia shoved her away from them.

"Enjoy your trip to Paris, don't forget to write," Amelia said quickly.

"Amelia! I was only kidding!" Gina laughed. "You're so sensitive I swear."

Amelia rolled her eyes hugging her tightly.

"Get home safe, okay?" she asked as Mrs. Hitachiin smiled at the door with her husband.

"You know I will," Gina smiled kissing her forehead. "I'll take pictures!"

"Good!" Amelia called out. Then all three parents headed out the door.

"Bye, bye!" the twins called out laughing as they closed the door behind them.

"Whew well that's been a long day," Hikaru sighed with a smirk as they leaned their backs against the door.

"At least it was interesting," Kaoru smirked looking at Amelia. "Your mom seemed to have a lot of fun."

"I'm starting to think she likes us too," Hikaru grinned. "Watch out Amelia or we're going to be invited for dinner one of these days."

"You've already been invited for dinner since the day she actually met you two," Amelia laughed.

"See? I love it when I'm right," Hikaru smirked. Amelia rolled her eyes.

"You two and my mother seem like a really interesting date…" Amelia said sarcastically. "Can't even imagine that craziness."

"Well now that that's over, what do you say we order some pizza?" Hikaru asked.

"Fine by me," Amelia agreed, as she walked down the hall heading to their room. "I'll have just cheese."

"Okay! What about you Kaoru? Two meat lovers?" Hikaru asked as he grabbed his cell phone.

"I'll just have pepperoni this time," Kaoru corrected. "I ate so much today."

"One cheese, one pepperoni and one meat lovers, got it," Hikaru repeated as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt as he sprawled on the couch.

"I'm going to get out of these dress clothes…" Kaoru groaned, freeing himself from his tie as he headed down the hall.

"I'll join you once we've ordered," Hikaru informed.

…

Kaoru walked down the hall to their bedroom, opening the door. He was thrown off seeing Amelia's small suitcase on their bed. Oh that's right she put her stuff in our room. He heard water running from the sink in their bathroom.

"Amelia?" he called out.

"Sorry Kaoru, I'm just getting this make up off," Amelia replied from behind the door.

"No rush. I was just making sure no one left the water running all day," Kaoru laughed, unbuttoning his shirt.

Amelia looked at herself in the mirror finally free of the make-up. She dried her face taking a deep breath. Maybe it won't be so bad being with them for the weekend…

She came back out into the bedroom while Kaoru was getting out of his button down shirt. She jumped looking away laughing. Kaoru jumped as she laughed, looking at her funny.

"What's wrong?" Kaoru asked.

"Not looking I promise," she blushed a bit. As much as I'd like to…

She turned her back to him going through her suitcase.

"It's all right, I'm used to Hikaru walking in," Kaoru mentioned laughing slightly. "Doesn't bother me."

"I'm sure it doesn't," Amelia rolled her eyes.

"You've seen me without a shirt before. You didn't seem to care last time," Kaoru mentioned.

"That was almost a year ago you realize that right?" Amelia scoffed. "Besides…it's different now. I feel like it's rude to stare."

"Well it's not going to hurt you if you do, so just relax," Kaoru smirked, walking up to her, rubbing her shoulders. "We got a nice long weekend to ourselves."

She sank into his hands for a moment until he tapped her shoulders. He headed over to his drawers and pulling out a t-shirt. The back of her mind prodded, wishing he didn't let go for a moment.

"You two are something else," she breathed alluringly, as she glanced at him. Kaoru threw on a t-shirt. Kaoru glanced in her direction, noticing her tone for a moment.

"From the sounds of it, I don't hear complaining," Kaoru teased.

"Why would I complain?" Amelia questioned as she pulled out her plaid sleep pants with a tank top for the night.

"I know we're a lot for you to handle sometimes," Kaoru shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets.

"Oh yeah. And who told you that?" Amelia asked as she sat on the bed crossing her legs while facing him. She took out her clip in her hair, beginning to comb the strands it out with her fingers. Kaoru stared at her for a moment. It was odd seeing her dressed like that. It was rather breath taking.

She furrowed her brows at him curiously. Then she noticed he was eying her.

"What?" she asked. He blinked for a few moments before smiling.

"Nothing…I just lost my train of thought," Kaoru replied his smile remaining.

Amelia stopped, leaning back against her arms as her hands rested on the bed.

She eyed him for a moment. She was almost examining him. Part of her wanted to figure out what he was thinking. Maybe there's a reason why he and Hikaru were looking at her all night at the party. She suddenly smirked at the thought, feeling ridiculously attractive. Something that didn't used to matter a year ago. So…why does it matter now? And why is she thrilled about it?

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Kaoru asked curiously, laughing a bit.

"Oh nothing," Amelia sang. She bent down taking off her boots.

"And I thought I lost my train of thought," Kaoru laughed, grabbing a pair of sweatpants from his drawer before heading to the bathroom.

"You have no idea," Amelia whispered as he was out of the room. He closed the bathroom door as she got out of her stockings, putting her sleep pants then taking off her skirt quickly as well as her shirt and bra. She pulled her tank top on fast as Kaoru came back in from the bathroom.

"Sorry should've knocked," Kaoru apologized.

"Not a problem," she winked at him. She was taking out her earrings when Hikaru came in.

"Pizza is on its way," he announced as he threw his tie onto the floor, unbuttoning the rest of his shirt. "God why does Mom always make us where this?"

"You know how she is at dinner parties. At least it's not a dress," Kaoru smirked.

Amelia rolled her eyes as she put her suitcase on the floor, stuffing her dress attire back into it carefully.

"I need to find a shirt…I think our stuff got mixed up again," Hikaru commented as he looked through the drawers.

"I got it," Kaoru insisted as he went through his own clothes drawer. Hikaru turned facing Amelia with a completely unbuttoned shirt, leaning on his bureau.

"So Imai what did you think of the party? We throw a pretty good one, huh?" Hikaru grinned as he crossed his arms about his chest. Kaoru grabbed a shirt from his drawer, heading over to the bed and sitting next to Amelia. Amelia smirked eying Hikaru.

"Oh it ended? And here I thought that since our parents were out of town that we would have some fun," Amelia smirked playfully, winking at Kaoru. Hikaru eyed her, turning red for a moment. But he cleared his throat, regained his composure rather quickly.

"Gotcha," Amelia teased winking at him.

"Well now that you mention it-" Hikaru began. Kaoru threw the t-shirt in Hikaru's face.

"Why don't you take a shower? A cold one," Kaoru laughed. Hikaru rolled his eyes.

"Why would I need to do that?" Hikaru asked.

"You smell like the food from the party," Amelia laughed. Hikaru furrowed his brows, smelling himself curiously.

"Ugh I hate it when you two are right," Hikaru groaned. He grabbed a pair of sweatpants with the t-shirt.

"Oh and you two are always free to come and join," Hikaru winked at them. "I'm not shy."

Kaoru rolled his eyes at his brother's antics.

"You're unbelievable," Kaoru commented. He closed the door leaving Kaoru and Amelia alone.

Kaoru stared at the door until he could hear the shower running.

"Hey," Amelia said lightly. Kaoru snapped out of thought, looking over at Amelia. "I got you something."

"Oh really? You didn't have to get me anything," Kaoru laughed a bit. Amelia searched through her bag pulling out a manila envelope. She handed it to Kaoru.

"Open it," Amelia grinned, hopping back on the bed. Kaoru looked at the envelope curiously.

"What is it?" he laughed, opening it. He grabbed what was inside.

"I know you two like the magazines I'm in. So…I figured I'd give you guys the magazine of the shoot you went to. You know before it was published," Amelia explained. Kaoru pulled out two copies of the new edition of the magazine. Then he pulled out two glossy pictures, both different scenes. He examined each one. Their secret girl in her beautiful dresses surrounded by musical elegance. How could he say anything to her now?

"Oh those were the outfits you two picked and since he's not here," Amelia smirked motioning to Hikaru in the bathroom. "You can grab your favorite one first."

Kaoru sat there speechless. Kyoya wasn't joking. She…really did like them. Amelia paled seeing the look of shock on his face.

"It's not too much is it?" Amelia asked worriedly. Kaoru snapped out of his train of thought looking at her with a smile.

"No, no not at all," he smiled in disbelief. "Sorry…I just…this is really nice."

He looked at her as she smiled.

"Well…I wanted to say thanks," Amelia blushed a bit. "You know for everything."

Kaoru looked down at the pictures smiling.

"I like it. I think I'll grab this one," Kaoru smirked at her. "Besides I did give that one to Mrs. White."

"And why's that?" she giggled at the thought of him shoving clothes at her agent. Kaoru got up placing his picture and magazine on his bureau.

"My little secret," Kaoru sang glanced over grinning, his back turned. Amelia pouted.

"Aw, come on you can tell me," Amelia begged.

"Why do you want to know?" Kaoru laughed as he turned she got off the bed walking over to him.

"Am I not allowed to be curious?" Amelia laughed. She stood in front of him amused, crossing her arms about her chest.

"Sure but, I'm allowed to keep secrets," Kaoru smirked, his arms and back against his bureau.

"Something tells me that's not the only one you're keeping from me," Amelia commented lowly, her voice getting smooth. Kaoru swallowed, shivering at her tone. He didn't realize that he was starting to shake.

"Oh really? And what makes you say that?" he asked. Amelia grabbed his shirt pulling him lightly towards her. He grabbed her hand that held him instinctively, letting her lips rest near his ear.

"I have my own secrets," Amelia whispered.

He swallowed, feeling his hand tighten around hers. He was reaching out with his free hand to wrap around her waist, but then…

Ding-dong!

They jumped as they looked towards the front door.

"Pizza," Kaoru sighed in frustration, rolling his eyes.

He put his head back against the wall, letting go of her hand and lowering his own. Why me?

Amelia bit her lip, not really wanting to move. But…she felt bad that maybe she was pushing him.

"Kaoru! Can you get that?" Hikaru asked from behind the bathroom door. It made Kaoru jump looking towards the door before looking back at her.

"Kaoru…I," she began looking uncertain. He looked at her for a moment.

Ding-dong!

"Kaoru!" Hikaru called out irritable.

"I got it Hikaru!" Kaoru rolled his eyes. Amelia swallowed as she was about to say something but stopped when Kaoru a finger to her lips.

"Hold that thought," he said lightly. "I don't want to keep him waiting."

Amelia stood there as she heard him running down the hall.

"Yeah, yeah I'm coming," Kaoru laughed, approaching the door. She peeked out of their room watching Kaoru as he signed the receipt. Hikaru put a hand on her shoulder making her jump. He laughed, his hair wet but thankfully dressed.

"You're too easy," he grinned. Amelia rolled her eyes.

"And you're a pain when you want to be," Amelia laughed as she headed back towards the bed, grabbing his copy of the magazine and the photograph.

"Here I got these for you," she grinned. Hikaru grabbed them, looking at the gift as she sat on the bed, crossing her legs underneath her.

"Hey check it out!" Hikaru grinned. "Looks like the shoot went well after all."

"I gave you two the first two copies before they go out to the public," Amelia informed. "It's my way of saying thanks. I know you like the magazines."

Hikaru looked up for a moment, staring at her.

"Yeah well, it's kind of hard not to if you're in it," Hikaru slipped. Amelia looked up at him and he panicked.

"I mean you know, the magazine is better with your stuff anyway. Most of the articles are boring otherwise," Hikaru laughed nervously trying to cover it up.

Amelia furrowed her brows. Does he…like me that way too?

"Pizza's here!" Kaoru called out, passing by the door with the three pizzas as he headed for the entertainment room.

"Great I'm starving," Amelia said, hopping off the bed. Hikaru swallowed, grabbing Amelia's arm stopping her in her tracks.

"Hey Amelia," Hikaru began nervously. Amelia looked at him seeing him blush as if he was struggling to say something. She looked at him with curiosity as he stared at her for a moment.

"Hikaru, are you-?" she began but he leaned in kissing her on the cheek. She stood frozen trying to process what was going on.

"Thanks. Means a lot," Hikaru cleared his throat. Amelia looked at him blushing hard. "Come on, let's get some food."

Hikaru walked out of the room, leaving Amelia alone wondering what to do.

This was going to be a long weekend…

…

'Amelia...rise and shine sweetheart,' a voice called. It was familiar…why did she know that voice? She opened her eyes noticing bright sunshine into her room at the estate.

Amelia looked up noticing her father smiling down at her. He sat in a chair by the bed, brushing hair out of her face.

'Dad?' she asked. He smiled at her.

'Of course it's me,' he grinned. Amelia swallowed hard, feeling a tear run down her cheek. He looked at her smiling sadly.

'What's wrong sweetheart?' he asked. 'Aren't you happy to see me?'

'But you're-" Amelia choked, sitting herself up on her bed.

'Shhh, it's all right,' Howard smiled.

Amelia stared at her father in disbelief. This can't be happening.

She reached for his hand but he grabbed hers first. She could feel it. How could she feel it?

She laughed in disbelief. She could feel his hand!

More tears fell from her face.

'I miss you,' she cried. Howard smiled.

'I know…I miss you too,' Howard nodded. He suddenly looked up from his smile as if he heard something. He looked at Amelia smiling.

'Looks like your friends are calling you,' he laughed. Amelia looked at him in confusion.

'I didn't hear-' Amelia began but suddenly it was obvious.

'Amelia?' a voice echoed throughout the room. Howard smiled sadly at her.

'Happy birthday Amelia…Have a good time today…' Howard said.

'Wait Dad!'

Amelia's eyes opened in full alert. She turned towards the window noticing she was on a bed in the twins' room. She jumped when she realized Kaoru was sitting beside her on the air mattress on the floor.

"Whoa it's okay! It's just me," he laughed.

She looked up at him, swallowing hard. It was…a dream.

"Rough night?" Kaoru asked worriedly. Amelia looked at him confused laughing a bit. She couldn't tell him that she dreamt of her father. It wasn't the way she wanted to start off her day.

"No…no not at all why?" Amelia asked, smiling. Kaoru's free hand reached out brushing his thumb along her cheek. He showed her the tear. Busted.

"You look like you've been crying…" he sighed. Amelia looked at his hand curiously. He was holding her hand just like her father had.

As soon as he noticed that she was aware of this he took away his hand embarrassed. It was like he didn't want her to know that he was holding her hand. Amelia looked around.

"Where's Hikaru?" she asked.

"Oh he's getting breakfast ready," Kaoru answered he smiled.

"He's cooking?" Amelia asked raising a brow at him.

"Are you kidding? He can't even make popcorn without burning it," Kaoru laughed.

"Hey at least I try," Hikaru appeared, leaning against the door.

"I'm just messing with you Hikaru," Kaoru laughed.

"You're lucky the chef is making something special for us today. Especially when I told him it was Imai's birthday," Hikaru grinned winking at her.

"You guys didn't have to go through the trouble," Amelia smiled.

"You're our guest. Besides everyone should feel special on their birthday," Kaoru smiled. Amelia looked between them.

"So happy birthday Imai!" they grinned. Amelia laughed.

"Thank you…I really appreciate it," Amelia smiled at them. Her phone began ringing making her jump. The twins looked at her phone in curiosity. She looked over at the side of her bed, seeing the ID: Kyoya.

"Oh I wonder what he wants?" Amelia asked aloud.

"Who are you talking about?" the twins asked. Hikaru stepped in, leaning over Kaoru's shoulder. Both of them saw Kyoya's ID blink on her phone.

"Oh it's just Kyoya," Amelia smiled.

Don't think you're the only two people who like her…Kyoya's voice repeated in the twins' heads. If you don't make a move she'll look for someone else.

Hikaru whispered to Kaoru.

"We can't let him talk to her," Hikaru stated. Kaoru hesitated before nodding in agreement.

Amelia was about to pick up the phone, but Hikaru grabbed her phone. She looked at him oddly.

"Hey Hikaru!" she began but he got close to her face, putting a hand under her chin.

"Ah, ah, ah," he smirked. She flinched at his touch. "He's not allowed to talk to you today."

"Why not?" Amelia asked, her face turning red.

"Because you're with us this weekend," Hikaru purred. "And honestly I don't feel like sharing."

"Hikaru don't be ridiculous," Amelia laughed.

"Come on…at least until you get breakfast okay?" Hikaru suggested, hiding the phone behind him, ending the call.

"What do you want? Pancakes?" Kaoru chimed in. Amelia looked between them as they smiled at her. They…really wanted to spend the day with her?

"Sure," Amelia breathed.

"Good I'll get that set up for you," Hikaru grinned, moving out of the room. "I'll meet you two in the dining room."

Amelia watched as Hikaru left.

"What was that about?" Amelia asked. Kaoru rolled his eyes.

"You know Hikaru he's selfish sometimes. Always wants to be the center of attention," Kaoru smirked. "It's nothing personal."

"Yeah…" Amelia breathed.

"Why don't you take a shower, get dressed and then have breakfast with us?" Kaoru suggested.

"I can't seem to move right now…" Amelia scoffed. Kaoru glanced behind him before grinning at her.

"Oh well…I don't know if you want to stay there too long," he teased.

"Why?" Amelia looked at him oddly.

"Well I can think of a few things other than breakfast in bed," he purred, teasing her. "But then again so can Hikaru…"

"I'm up!" Amelia yelped, getting up quickly and running to the bathroom. Kaoru laughed as she left.

"I was kidding!" he joked.

Amelia looked at herself in the mirror. Certainly seemed real to me…

…

Kaoru walked into the dining room noticing Hikaru on Amelia's phone.

"So what exactly are you doing calling Imai when you know she's with us?" Hikaru asked annoyed into the speakerphone.

"I thought I'd just wish her a happy birthday," Kyoya smirked. "That's not a problem is it?"

"You said it to her last night don't forget," Hikaru smirked. Kaoru's mind flashed back to when Kyoya kissed her hand, wishing her a happy birthday.

He doesn't really like her that way does he? he thought as his brother sounded fumed over the phone.

"So are you two having fun?" Kyoya asked.

"Yes loads, and none of your business," Hikaru growled.

"Is that so? You forget that she is my business. As well as you two since you joined our club," Kyoya stated rather matter of fact. "I'm just making sure that she's happy."

"Oh and why is that matter?" Hikaru asked.

"Do you not understand that what we do is make every girl happy?" Kyoya reminded. "That involves any girl that is under our supervision."

Kaoru grabbed the phone from Hikaru.

"Kyoya, there's no need to worry. She's our guest, you do not need to check up on us," Kaoru smiled politely.

"That's what I like to hear. Sorry if I disturbed you two of your plans with Amelia," Kyoya replied. "She is always within my best interest."

"She's in ours too, remember that," Kaoru stated, hanging up the phone.

…

As promised, Amelia spent the whole day with them celebrating her birthday. After breakfast they played some games, baked (even had a food fight) and before they knew it, the day was almost over. Amelia felt more at home this year than the last. This time she had someone to just hang out. Although, she still couldn't shake off the dream she had of her father.

Kaoru noticed her distress off and on recalling how she was that morning. He even told Hikaru about it later. It made them feel almost obligated to make sure her birthday was a good day. In the end she thought she did. She couldn't believe she was already seventeen.

Finally, they ended the day with a movie. Amelia sat on the couch between the twins as they watched it together. Food was spread everywhere from the party. They couldn't let it go to waste. Especially when it was really good food.

"Anyone else still hungry?" Hikaru asked.

"Are you kidding?" Amelia yawned. "You guys emptied out the fridge."

"I'm a growing boy what can I say," he smirked. "I'm going to get a soda too. You want any?"

"I'm good," Amelia replied. "That stuff keeps me up all night."

"Oh come on it's not even that late," Hikaru teased.

"Yeah but the last game took forever," Kaoru yawned.

"You guys are such party poopers," Hikaru grinned, getting up. "I'm going to get that soda."

"You want us to pause the movie?" Kaoru asked.

"Nah I've seen this one a hundred times," Hikaru replied. Amelia watched him as he walked out of the room. She yawned. Kaoru giggled.

"I guess we tired you out, huh?" Kaoru asked.

"You two are big balls of energy. It's hard to keep up sometimes," Amelia laughed.

"Yeah well it's hard not to be when you're around," Kaoru stated, resting his elbow on the arm of the chair, leaning his head in his hand. "It's nice to have someone to hang out with besides each other."

"Yeah…" Amelia said lightly, looking at him with a smile. Kaoru's eyes looked at her in curiosity seeing her face.

"Thanks again for letting me stay. It's been fun," Amelia smiled. "It's been a good birthday."

"We always like having fun with you Amelia. We care about you," Kaoru smiled, turning his head towards her. "It's hard not to."

She blushed for a moment.

"Well…I appreciate it," Amelia laughed, putting a hand on his leg patting it affectionately. She left it there for a moment. Kaoru looked down feeling her hand, not realizing she was leaning in. He was stiff when he felt her lips press against his cheek, her free hand on the other side of his face. He couldn't move. Even mentally he didn't know what to do but blush. It was like the moment just froze. He couldn't help but notice how close she actually was.

When she backed her lips away from his skin it felt so cold. She smiled at him sweetly. He just stared at her, not knowing what to say.

"Thank you…" she said lightly. As she backed away, he reached out without realizing it. He grabbed her hand that rested on his cheek a moment was startled, realizing just how close he was to her.

"Amelia…" he whispered. She watched him for a moment. He was staring into her eyes, something in him longing. Then…he hesitated.

"Are you okay?" Amelia asked in concern seeing his face as if conflicted. Kaoru loosened up.

"Lost my train of thought…" Kaoru sighed. He pulled her gently to him, letting her head rest on his shoulder. He put an arm around her shoulders as she curled up next to him.

"It's okay…" Amelia yawned. "I'm sure that it'll come back."

She dozed at the movie as Hikaru came back.

"Yeah…" Kaoru sighed. He glanced at her as she fell asleep on the couch next to.

It's been a whole year and yet I still can't seem to tell her how I feel...But then again...maybe I just have to be patient.