*Disclaimer I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.

Lifetime Continues

Chapter 32 What means the most …

Renge's POV

A frustrated huff blows pass my classic red lips, after casually flipping through a few pages of a promising new manga. Disappointed by the poorly illustrated pages, my polished french tips carelessly toss the thick book, on to a nearby shelf. Surrounded by endless isles of disheveled paperbacks I grow impatient with my fruitless search. I quickly scan the row of clearly titled bindings for a potential one night stand, with a teasingly hot inked beau. When a sudden eerie feeling slowly burns at the back of my neck.

.

My two hands uncomfortably snap my trench coat's collar close to my neck. Quickly shielding the burning spot obscured by my swinging blonde ponytail. Anxiously holding my quivering breath as my brown eyes nervously slide over my bent arms. The long fluorescent bulb far over my head, begins to flicker, causing my frightened round eyes to glance around the practically deserted room. Only noticing rows and rows of towering shelves peeking out of the dimly lit room. Seeing no one

.

….of course why would there be?

.

After all, it was far pass closing time. It had taken me months of countless steaming hot takeout bags of takoyaki, and fried shrimp. Not to mention seemingly endless hours of misleading flirting to convince the closing manager to grant me after hour's access….However, I'm richly rewarded for my toiled endeavors. The only caveat to my brilliant scheme is I had to have my final selection to the drooling manager before he closes out the last cash register. It's beginning to become evidently clear I would be suffering a long lonely night

.

….Without an inked prince teasing my dreams.

.

Seeing no one around I shrug my shoulders and hastily dive back into my desperate search. First scanning, then tossing one book after another. That is until an arrogant voice slithers from an out stretched shadow lingering on the floor. "Excuse me, but do you insist on being so careless with that book? Your making my search that much more difficult."

.

"Oh!" My body jumps with the abrupt break in the silence. Franticly whipping my head around in the dimly lit room, searching for the owner of the familiar voice. "Sempi?" Noticing no one around my stunned eyes fall on the manga held in my fingers. A manga I was just about to toss back on the shelf.

A tall dark haired King steps from the shadows, lifting his hand, adjusting his glasses. "What's wrong Princess, I thought you followed this kind of mindless fluff?" His confident coal like eyes slide to the paperback I'm about to toss.

"Kyoya –sempi?" My heart madly beats like a humming bird in midflight, seeing the dashing vice president of the disbanded host club, stand before me. Knowing the title is clearly written on the spine of the book my cheeks begin to burn as I nervously swallow. "Uh, no actually... It's uh one of my favorites…It's just I've read it so many times, I was sort of looking for something new."

.

The light shines off his glasses, obscuring his normally serious eyes. However, I soon notice a wicked smile slowly curl at the arrogant man's lips. "Really, how intriguing." The next thing I know his body is pressing against mine with his firm hands wrapped around my wrists, forcefully pinning me against the unmoving wooden bookcase. "Hmmm…should we have ourselves a small peek at what stories dance around that head of yours?"

.

The Shadow King leans closer to my hand, holding the manga. "Uh, K…Kyoya-sempi, no, don't."

"Oh, this is… rather intriguing by the looks of your selection, it's not mindless fluff you're after." He leans his hard body closer, freeing up one hand to slowly travel along my feminine curves. "You like something far more….. Stimulating." A knowing smirk emerges on his confident lips as his large hand slips under the hem of my trench coat, brushing against my bare thigh.

.

"I …uh …" His abrupt actions cause my body to freeze, like some helpless deer caught in a wild panther's gaze, just before it's ready to pounce.

He leans in, teasing his searing hot breath against my exposed neck, "Maybe you would purchase your selection if I give you, a live representation?" His lips lightly brushed against my ear with his torrid suggestion. "How does that sound, Princess?" His hands gradually drift down my leg until reaching my knee. The indifferent king roughly hitches my leg next to him. I quickly take in a sharp breath as his passionate lips begin to intensely dance over my tingling skin.

.

"I uh…. but s…sempi that's not how the story goes." I bashfully utter with blazing red cheeks.

"Oh?" The Shadow King pulls away from my delicate skin, grabbing the paperback from my fingers. Without moving away, he adjusts his glasses to study the book. Lifting his head, a disappointed look emerges on his face. "Oh, I'm sorry. You're undoubtingly correct. It's evidently clear ….you, my princess like to watch." He begins to pull away. "What a shame. I'm afraid I would misrepresent the piece with just myself."

.

"What if I join the party?" A fashionable man steps around the corner. He flicks the brim of his tan fedora, revealing a devilish smile, under shining golden eyes. Dressed in an opened trench coat, with his arms folded at his chest. "After all, in these types of scenarios I tend to have more experience over the other members." He reaches over placing his hand on my trapped hands. Allowing his partially buttoned white linen shirt to peek from his coat. "Of course, that doesn't include my twin."

.

"F…Friar Laurence? I… I mean Hitachiin!"

"Oh, come now Princess. When it comes to you, I'm much, much more than a mere messenger, between my twin and your roommate." He leans closer, never blinking, as a golden flame flickers in his smoldering eyes.

"Yes, Hitachiin." Kyoya gives off a wicked smile reaching out, lightly tracing a finger along the edge of my quivering jaw. "From what I've recently witnessed I would have to agree with you. I've been unquestionably replaced by you …Although from her amusing reaction I think she's rather intrigued of the two of us."

"Is that so? Hmmm, well ,I'm willing to have a go…If you are, Kyoya-sempi?" With hungry eyes, my Lonely Prince dips his ginger head, kissing my tender skin that's just barely above my rapid pulse.

The Shadow King pulls my leg closer to his body. "I'll admit, the idea does have merit." My passion dazed eyes flutter closed while roaming hands of a King and Prince hungrily explore.

"Ren! Renge, it's time to get up!" A distant voice calls out.

Suddenly feeling my body rock back in forth. "Not now." I tiredly mumbled out my words, roughly jerking the thick duvet cover over my tangled blonde strands. "My Lonely Prince came to visit me." A dreamy smile curls at my lips as I nestle deeper into my silky plump pillow.

"Which one is it this time?" My roommate chuckles, while roughly tugging at the covers. "I lose track of which is which, when it comes to you're so called princes."

"Never mind. I'll explain it later….after my lovely dream." I sleepily tightened the covers over my head.

"Ren, I'm afraid visiting hours are over. I'm sure, you'll see him, later on tonight. " My roommate jerks the blanket from over my head. "You've slept long enough, Sleeping Beauty. We have to get going "

"Haru, your no fun, especially in the morning ." I stubbornly roll away from my determined roommate, tucking my hands underneath the cool fabric of my pillow.

"Here, maybe this will make up for your abnormally early wake up call." Haru teasingly shakes a Grande size cup of coffee, topped with a heaping pile of melting whipped cream.

"Yaaaa, coffee!" I quickly lift my messed head from my pillow, before I happily clap my hands. "Gimmy, gimmy!" My greedy hands flex towards the offered coffee. Haru just laughs at my animated antics, as I take the cup, lifting it to my lips. After taking a long sip of the cinnamon mocha, I pull the cup away from my lips. "By the way, you should know my Lonely Prince, has the same face as you're dearly betrothed." I giggle while licking the creamy coffee from my lips.

.

"Ah poor Kao, why am I not surprised? Well then, maybe you should finish that cup of coffee of yours. You only have yourself to blame." She playfully poked my arm, "I practically begged you to go to bed at decent hour, last night, but did listen?"

I pulled the cup from my lips and shrugged my shoulders, "Well, I couldn't help myself, they were streaming a marathon of Okie Doki. It's my all-time favorite anime." Speaking in a dreamy distanced tone.

Haru raises a knowing eyebrow, "Isn't that played every weekend?"

"Well yeah, but that's not the point. Something strange happened, this time I couldn't peel my eyes off the ginger character. It's funny I never really noticed him before."

"Wow, I wonder why that is" Haru speaks in a sarcastic tone.

"I'm not sure." I shrugged my shoulders after seeing my roommate slap her forehead, "You really need to watch it with me. There's a snarky twin brother, I think you would just die for!"

"Well that's one idea ….Here's another, maybe you should rethink spending your usual time with your vampire clan and get out of bed."

"Haru just stop. It's way too early for your snarky wit."

My roommate raises a teasing eyebrow, "Well considering, what today is, you just might want to stumble out of your coffin earlier then you're usual."

"Oh, that's right! Today's the day!" With my freehand, I hurriedly fling the covers off my body, and leap out of bed. "Haru, why didn't you wake me earlier?"

"Well, raising the dead isn't the easiest thing to do." Haru flopped back on the bed, bursting out in a fit of amused laughter.

Swinging open the bathroom door. Turning back around to see my laughing friend. "Yes, but today, I get to move into my prince's castle," swinging the door closed behind me.

"Someone should warn him." Haru speaks to herself between bouts of laughter.

"I heard that." Calling out to Haru, on the other side of the closed door.

"Ah, damn it… that doesn't make it wrong though." Haru grumbles to herself.

Peeking my soapy head over the shower door, yelling out to my grumbling roommate, between small chuckles.

"By the way …..I heard that too!"

End of Renge's POV

Hikaru's POV

Hitachiin Bunkyo estate …. Around the same time.

"Oh?" Kaoru rests his empty coffee cup on the top of the cold stone railing, "Knowing you, it wouldn't be some kind of crazy apology, now would it?" He glances over, and playfully slaps me on the back.

"Uh no, not exactly, but hey, If it gets me out of the dog house, then I'm all for it, little brother. " I playfully return the brotherly slap on the back and force an amused chuckle.

….of course I can feel the envelope become heavier with every passing second.

My hand slowly reaches in my back pocket and slides the official looking envelope out. My eyes cautiously drop to it, nervously flipping it over in my hands, inspecting it. "Actually Kao, it's something I've had since before I ….um …signed the dictionary."

Kaoru suspiciously looks down at it. "Please say you didn't buy something off the net again. That last time…. you burnt my entire face!" Kao lets out a frustrated sigh "It took the doc weeks to fix it...worst yet, you bought a year supply of the vile stuff."

"Kao, how many times do I have to say I'm sorry for that? It was a misunderstanding... It said it would give you a nice rosy glow. How did I know you would be allergic, and I wouldn't ….That like, never happened before!"

"Hika, it made me smell like week old sushi."

"Now Kao, be serious! How on earth would you know that? You've never in your life been exposed and were even close to day old Sushi, let alone an entire week." I chuckled at my twin, while shaking my head at my little brother.

My brother stubbornly crosses his arms at his chest. "Well, I can just imagine that's what week old Sushi would smell like. How you could even open that bottle, is beyond me."

"Well, you must have opened a bad batch, because the only thing I could smell was a light floral girly scent." I suddenly reach over and teasingly squeeze Kao's face with my hand. "Perfect for my little brother."

"Oh, knock it off!" He jerks his face out of my hands.

I quickly hold up two hands up, in defense, "Okay, Fine Kao, you win….I'm sorry. I would never hurt you intentionally. Do you forgive me? "

"Of course, it was years ago." Kao unfolds his arms shaking a finger "But, no more purchasing crazy concoctions online! This isn't just about me, I'm protecting you, and Haru as well .You can't believe half the crap you find."

"Okay, okay. I promise. Besides, it's nothing like that." I lift a hand to my neck, anxiously rubbing it. "It's actually from….well, see for yourself." I drop my hand to gradually flip the envelope over, holding it out for twin to see.

Kao leans in closer to get a better look, "Wait, is that?" My twin blinks up with a stunned look on his face.

"Yeah." I nod my head, while offering the sealed envelope to my twin. "It's the Hitachiin family seal. This was given to me, by our Grandmother, weeks ago."

Kaoru instinctively backs away from the officially sealed envelope. "Yeah, but why do you have it? Have you been ordered to carry out her dirty work?" Kaoru gestures to the envelope, "Whatever it is, you know, as well as I do. It can't be good, for either one of us."

"Relax Kao. I asked for this."

"And I thought the crazy face cream was a horrible idea." Kao, crosses his arms at his chest, while speaking in a sarcastic tone.

"Kao, do you know there's this little known tradition among our family?"

"Uh no, but I'm not the family's future heir, so I figure there's all kinds of tidbits I'm not privy to." Kao eyes never peel away from the offered envelope, as he shrugs his shoulders.

"Aw little brother, I will never allow that. To me there's no difference between the two of us. I'm planning on you facing the family's future headaches right along with me."

"Oh gee, thanks, Hika….You really shouldn't have." Kaoru coolly slides his hands in his pockest, speaking in sarcastic tone.

"Anyway, there's a special tradition you can ask the head of the family for something really special, in return for agreeing with your contract."

"Oh, I get it. So, what your saying is …it's your own personal deal with the devil?" Kaoru drops his curious eyes, while cautiously stepping closer.

"Well she's evil… but, I wouldn't call her that."

"I seem to recall you calling her, a whole lot worse, than that. So… uh what is it? It's not your own personal island," Kao blinks up at me, "Is it?"

(AN* Just a little something for those of you who read Hikaru's doodles.)

"Oh Kaoru, your hilarious. I haven't wanted that since I was like eight. It's actually something far more important to me…. And I…. uh… want you to have it." I slap the envelope on my twin's chest.

"Hika?" Kaoru's confused eyes drop down to my hand, pressed against his chest. "Why are you giving it to me?"

"Look, are you going to take it from me or not…..It's not like I don't like touching your firm chest and all, but I think this is hardly the time or the place. What if the girls catch us?"

"It's nothing they haven't seen from the club….Fine Hika, you big baby." Kaoru begrudgingly takes the envelope from me, shaking his head.

"Yeah, but it's different now, I don't want to give the wrong impression." I quickly turn my warming face away from my twin.

"You mean, you don't want Haru to catch you ….I should be offended. "

"Aw, Kao, it's not like that." Lifting my hand, running it through my silky hair. "I just….well I don't know, I just don't want to screw things up…..with Haru. That's all." I anxiously rub the toe of my sneaker into the cobbled patio.

"Aw Hika, you still can't be worried about losing her? It's over. Haru is legally yours."

"Yeah, but how many marriages ever really workout?"

"I see what you mean but Hika? There's mom and dad, both our grandparents …and I mean if it wasn't for the …um accident and all, I bet Haru's parents would have worked out. So you see Hika there are examples of happy marriages all around you. I think you and Haru, will be fine." Kaoru playfully nudges me with his elbow, "Besides, I'll always be your dirty little secret." Kaoru raises a suggestive eyebrow to me.

"All right Kao, and thanks. " I reach up and playfully ruffle Kao's hair

"Sure what are twin brothers for." Kaoru lifts the envelope to the side of his head. "So about this fiendish plot sealed in this envelope? What have I done to deserve such wicked attention?"

"Kao, it's nothing like that."

"Really?" Kaoru's curious eyes slowly creep over the official stationary.

I raise my golden eyes to my twin, giving him the most earnest look I could muster. "Look Kao, joke all you want. But… Besides Haru." I point a sharp finger, "that envelope you hold in your hands ….is the most important thing in the world, to me. …and I want you to have it. "

Seeing my abnormal behavior, the spirited smile melts off of my twin's face. "Hika… I…I can't accept this. You and Haru should take it …..Knowing our family, I'm sure it's extremely valuable." Kaoru holds out his hand.

"Yeah, I would consider it priceless."

Kaoru's stunned eyes bounce from me to his offered hand, back to me. "Really ….Priceless?"

I firmly hold up an open palm, effectively blocking my twins offered hand. "Sorry little brother, the deal has been made, no takebacks….Besides do you know of anything I can't already get my hands on?"

"Well, that's true." Kaoru lifts his free hand to his head, scratching the side, while his eyes practically burn a hole in the letter.

I playfully nudge my twin with my elbow. "Kao, you're not going to find anything out by staring at it. You really just need to open it. Trust me, Kao. Have I ever steered you wrong?"

"Uh-oh, it's your famous last words, right before the floor crumbles beneath my feet." Kaoru speaks in a sarcastic tone.

Leaning against the stone railing, I cross my arms at my chest and roll my eyes at my twin. "Whatever. Just get on with it."

Kaoru breaks the crimson waxed seal, before sliding a single finger under the partially glued lip. My twin slides the folded legal paper from the torn envelope. My heart stops in my chest as my dear sweet twin gradually unfolds the paper, and begins to read the thick parchment paper. After a long moment, Kaoru gasps out. "What?" Kaoru whips his head up, revealing wide emotional eyes. "Hika, I don't understand. What is this?"

.

"What do you mean, Kao? It's spelled out, right there!" Seeing my twin's face, I quickly walk over to him, and abruptly snatch the paper from his shaking hands. I hastily scan the folded paper, before nodding my head. "I don't understand, it's exactly what I bargained for. What's not to understand?" I folded the paper and handed it back to him.

.

"But how Hika, and… well why?"

I stood before my twin with my arms folded in front of me. I couldn't help but let out an emotional chuckle while my eyes drop to my sneakers. "Well for starters, It's your own contract…. of sorts." I lifted my eyes to my twin. "It's um …been signed by both our grandmother and our mother, as well as myself, as the future family heir."

"Hika…"

I toss my arm over my twin's shaking shoulders. "Shhh, Kao, let me finish." I motion to the paper gently held in my twin's fingers. "With that paper, you no longer have to wait for that dark day when Grams comes knocking at your door….

….Because for you, that day will never come.

"I made sure of it. Little brother, you're free to choose for yourself …for love. I know there's someone special out there, for Kaoru Hitachiin …..And just him." I extend out a hand and pat my twin's heart. "I want you to find, whomever that might be."

"Hika, I can't accept this. You didn't get a choice. Why should I be allowed to? Some faceless committee chose for you… because of who you are?"

"No Kao. It's like you said before, both Haru and I had a choice. We could have refused, its well within in our rights established in the Shadow Family's dictionary." I turned my head to my twin, as a beaming smile spread across my face. "And well, I can hardly believe it myself. It's amazing really, we both picked each other. Kao, I love Haru ….I guess in some way I always have. Besides, I wasn't picked by some faceless high ranking committee, because of my last name or being the family's heir. She picked me… because of me."

.

"She? She who? Do you mean Haru?"

I reached in my wallet and pulled out an old piece of pink paper. "Here, I wanted to wait until everything was settled, before I showed this to you." I gingerly hand the aged pink stationary to my twin. "Once you read it, you'll know exactly whom I'm speaking about."

"Wait, Hika your kidding me …this is from Haru's mother." Kaoru snaps his head up, speaking in disbelief. "But how?"

"Yeah it is. Haru's mother gave it to Grams. She not only, just picked Hikaru Hitachiin, but in her eyes, I was the only one ….and Kao, I have to say… It feels pretty damn good, knowing just that."

"So Haru's mom could tell us apart?"

"Yeah apparently, Haru inherited the trait from her mom. It's your turn Kao, I want you to find someone perfect for just Kaoru Hitachiin, you deserve that …..Like I said, besides Haru,

….You, finding that special person, and experiencing that feeling that comes with it

… is the most important thing to me, little brother. "

"Hika…I'm speechless….I don't really know what to say?"

"Well, that's thanks enough….Has anybody ever told you, that you talk way too much."

"No Hika, I happen to talk like a normal person .You just happen to grumble a lot." My golden eyes slide over to my twin, "uh… Hika…about?"

"Yeah, I know little brother…. I understand."

Kaoru quickly throws his arms around me, lightly patting my back. For a split second, I'm caught off guard but firmly squeeze my twin. Kaoru speaks against my shoulder. "Thanks Hika."

"I love you little brother." Kaoru sharply nods his head in agreement before breathing in a small sniffle.

"Yeah, back at you, big bro."

After a long brotherly moment, Kao drops his arms. He anxiously lifts his hand, rubbing the back of his neck. "Ah, Hika you wouldn't happen to know..." Kaoru awkwardly trails off.

"Actually, yes I do know." I begin to teasingly chuckle in front my twin, "It's relatively simple to figure out. If you always remember this simple fact….

"Nothing, is a mere coincidence …when it comes to our wicked grandmother"

"So ask yourself… Who's been around Haru this entire time?"

"Wait, you don't mean ….ah, that damn evil woman! What is she thinking?"

"Hey Kao, look there!" I lightly tap Kao's chest while animatedly pointing to the front gate. "Haru is finally here! Come on Kao, let's go!"

Kaoru grabs my arm "Just a minute lover boy, finish explaining….Why did Grams pick her?"

I quickly glance down at my arm. Giving my stunned brother a pleading look. "But Kao, she's here... I've been literally counting down the minutes. Can't this wait till later?"

Kaoru lets go, and folds his arms stubbornly at his chest. "Then you're motivated… Start talking."

My eyes bounce towards the blacked out windows of the SUV parked at the front gate and then back to my determined twin. Knowing it would take some time for the girls to get through, I begrudgingly let out a defeated sigh ."Fine."

"Good. Now explain what you know."

"Apparently, our wicked grandmother thought since we were so close, our future others halves should be just as close…

….Best friends to be exact."

"So when Haru started taking after school enrichment classes our grandmother made sure your contract was in the majority of Haru's classes."

"So she's been working on this entire time….Maybe just as long with your contract?"

"Well, I'm not sure it's been that long, but it's definitely since Haru popped up that brief excruciating second time around. Once Haru became of age, with the adoption agreement….she uh, also became Haru's roommate, here at Ouran."

"Yeah, but the babbling blonde otaku?" A stunned Kaoru slaps his head while stumbling back against the stone railing. "What the hell is that wicked woman thinking?!"

"Are you okay, Kao?" I calmly slide my hands from my pockets, and rest a comforting hand on my shocked twin's shoulder. What's the big deal, Kao? I've noticed lately you might feel something for the blonde?"

"Oh knock it off Hika! I've told you already there's nothing there."

"Really? Me thinks someone is in .al."

"Cute Hika, says the stubborn twin, who was emotionally blind to his own feelings."

"Yeah, but little brother the key word in your sentence is ….Was, as in past tense." Kao, it's my turn now." I smugly swing a thumb to my chest.

"Ah, Whatever, Hika." My twin concentrates on taking deep breaths. "And I'm not agreeing with you!" My little brother's golden eyes snap sharply at me. "But, no matter how I really feel about her … it's just a lot to take in. Thinking our grandmother thought the irritating otaku is my best match, just boggles my mind."

.

"Well thanks to me, it's no longer a concern. You my dear twin have been freed by yours truly. Grams actually thought I was making a worthless deal….after seeing your reaction I don't think it was a waste of time. I don't know if you know this or not, but our grandmother considers herself pretty good in the whole match making bit. She thinks Haru is somewhat like you and the crazy woman thinks Renge is somewhat like me …isn't that the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard?"

"Ah yeah…. I never really thought about it." Kaoru Speaks in a distracted tone. "Damn, why would that wicked woman do that to me?"

My stunned eyes flash to my twin. "Wait, Kaoru, you don't really think I'm like the Otaku? Do you?"

Kaoru shakes his fogged head and begins to walk away from me. "Ah, Hika, let's just go greet the girls. Remember, Haru is waiting." Kao was obviously avoiding my question.

I abruptly reach for my twin's arm, adamantly shaking my head. "No Kao. Answer me, damn it!"

My twin shrugs his shoulders, "Uh, well, to be honest-"

End of Hikaru's POV

Yuzuha's POV

A few hours later …

I couldn't help but have an extra skip in my step ….new life has been breathed into the Bunkyo estate. A warm content smile slowly emerged on my face as I find myself in front of a cracked open door. I lifted my closed fist to softly knock on it.

"Come in." A sweet familiar voice called out.

….and this time it's here to stay, with the return of the missing piece of our family.

I watched as a young woman in a pair of faded jeans and a navy-blue striped shirt, stepped from the walk in closet. Her beautiful face beamed with her arms out wide, "Yuzuha! Nice to see you, so soon." I wrap my arms around the girl, with an extra enduring squeeze.

"I'm not intruding, am I?" I ask with the girl in my arms.

"Of course not, I missed you. " My heart melted with the returned squeeze.

We pulled away from our hug, but our hands remained intertwined, dangling between us. "I just stopped by, to see how you are getting along."

"I'm almost done."

"So where is that son of mine?" I raised a teasing eyebrow to the girl. "I figured the twins would be here, barely giving you enough room to breathe, let alone unpack."

"You just missed Hika. He said he had things he needed to do, uh before tonight." Her eyes dropped down to the floor in a failed attempt, hiding her pink cheeks. "As for Kao, I think Ren is chasing him throughout the estate. He actually might be running out of places to go."

My shoulders relax after witnessing her soft blush with just the mere mention of my eldest. All of my doubts and concerns spinning around the contract wither and die ….as I can tell both participants carry deep feelings for each other.

I raise a knowing eyebrow "Oh, that's right, the big date is tonight." I begin to chuckle and playfully swing our hands, between us. "The poor boy has been working himself in a dither, preparing for it."

For just a short moment, she drops my hand and nervously slides a few loose strands behind her ear. "Oh?"

With the girl's innocent reaction I finally, set long held fears of a mother of identical twins at rest. Well half of my fears have been laid to rest ….However, I tightly hold strong hope in my heart that my youngest will find love on his own.

I begin to laugh with amusement. "Poor Kaoru he's beside himself, dealing with all the overflowing attention your friend is showering him with."

The brunette beauty joins me in a chuckle. "Well, Renge is not exactly subtle."

"No, no she's not. But I think it's good for him to have a small nudge in the right direction."

"Small?" She sarcastically speaks with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, never mind all of that." I wave a dismissive hand towards the girl before lacing our fingers. "Let's talk about you. Here I find my little sister hanging up clothes .You do know we have servants for that, right? "

"Oh, I don't mind. It gives me time to think." Haru drops my hands and walks to the bed, picking up a stack of folded blue jeans.

"I should have known, you're just like your mother." I playfully walk over to the bed, and flop down. "Well, at least I hope their happy thoughts bouncing up there."

"Yes actually …although."

"Uh oh, I hear a but coming." I gaze up at the troubled girl, taking her hand, encouraging her to take a seat next to me. "Here come and sit, tell your big sister all about it."

She slowly sits on the bed, placing the stack of denim next to her. "Speaking of…my uh -."

"Oh I see this is about your mom."

"A girl should want her mother here, after agreeing to enter a new life….with uh, another person." Her cheeks once more blush with the mention of my son. "But I was so young when she –"Tears begin to well up in her chocolate eyes.

I tenderly throw my arms around her. "Oh sweetie, I'm here. I can help you remember her."

"No, that's not it. Thanks to you, I can finally remember what little I knew about my mother. I should want her here with me. Right? I have so many question of what I'm facing and they will never be answered."

"Sweet heart your mother is not the only one that can answer your questions. I may be Hikaru's mother but I want to be here for you too" My eyes drop to my fidgeting fingers" I…uh….I …I always have."

A stunned gasp comes from the girl. "What?"

"Oh sweetie, you've been so confused. I didn't want my selfish desires to add to it."

"Yuzuha, what are you talking about?"

My tearing eyes nervously bounce around the room before landing on a pair of round chocolate eyes. "Years ago ….back when we finally knew your mother's unavoidable fate I begged your father to stay and be a part of this family….I knew I could never replace your mom, but every cell in my body wanted to at least try ."

"Yuzuha what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I never wanted to be considered your adopted sister …..I've always wanted to be something much, much more …I wanted to be a mother to you …and not because you're marrying my son or because you're the only piece of my best friend I have left. It's because…

…Years ago during those playdates, I fell in love with a little girl. Just as your mother fell in love with my boys … and we became an odd little family."

"Yuzuh-"

I quickly cut her off. "I know it will take some time, but I truly hope someday you will consider me for the position."

"Stop," She adamantly throws a hand between us, shaking her head. "Please, let me speak."

A painful fear strikes my heart as I begrudgingly lean back, straightening my shoulders. "I'm sorry. Go ahead, please speak your mind." Readying myself for the emotional blow of rejection.

"Yuzuha…..I…I'm so happy to hear you say that." A wide smile appears through trailing tears.

"What?" My stunned eyes blink towards the girl.

"That's all I've wanted since my memories have returned .It's all thanks to you. These past weeks, spending it with you, learning about my mother ….You began to fill a spot that I never dreamed would ever be touched I …I just couldn't figure out a way to tell you how I felt."

"Wait, you didn't agree to the contract because of…..because of me? I mean you really do love my-

She quickly cuts me off, vigorously nodding my head. "Yes, yes I do! Oh, you have no idea how much I do. I would never agree if I didn't. Besides you accepted me without it .I signed it because I wanted him, and not for protection from your world

….but because I don't think my heart could function without him."

"Sweetie, you have no idea how happy I am to hear that." My hands quickly wipe away my burgeoning joyful tears, before grabbing the girls fidgeting hands.

The brunet nervously bites at her bottom lip, anxiously lifts her eyes to mine. "So uh where does that leave us?"

I lifted my hands and wipe my eyes before offering my hand to the girl. "Well, I think we have a lot to do." I quickly pull her from the bed and spin her around. "Before my daughter's big date." I happily push her towards the bathroom. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this."

The brunet beauty begins to frantically twist her head around "Uh….. Mom….is this really necessary?"

A mischievous smile pulls at my glossed lips, with the soft click of the bathroom door, behind us. "Aww sweetie, welcome to the family….this is only the beginning to your next adventure."

End of Yuzuha's POV

'

Little did they know an elderly woman stood silent, with her folded fingers just inches from the open door. She begins to walk away while gracefully lifting a hand to dry her emotional eyes .Her feet quietly click along the empty corridor until she finds herself wandering outside a pair of wooden French doors. "Oh my dear child you can finally rest….Through your wisdom, all has been set right with your early departure from this world…

…We are whole once more, thanks to you."

Rest in peace my dear sweet Kotoko… Your daughter is finally safe with your loving family."

The last beam of orange light breaks through the dark blue clouds of the twilight sky, warming the older woman's face …..And touching her heart.

.

Kaoru's POV

Several hours later ..

I reached out and pushed open the swinging door from the kitchen, paying little attention on what's behind me. Sliding my hands back in my pants pocket, continuing to silently walk the estate. Well, at least I was trying to be silent.

"Rock star?" The animated blonde swings the door open, and stubbornly follows me.

"No." I blindly answer the blonde otaku, while I continue walking the estate. I've been everywhere…. outside, inside, all along the servant's passages. Hell, I even tried my own personal bathroom. That just barely stopped the crazy blonde. She waited in my room, for over an hour, until I gave up and walked to the kitchen. Who knows what she looked through while I was in there ….Ah what the hell was my Grandmother thinking…..It's a female version of Hika. …but worse, she's an annoying cosplaying otaku. I definitely got the short end of this damn deal.

"Super Hero?"

"Nope."

So once Hika and I showed up at the front door to welcome Haru and… my contract. Hika's brains immediately flew out the window with one simple smile from Haru. I of course, decided to politely hang back, giving my twin and Haru a private moment. Besides, I can add….. Two girls, plus two boys, equals my mother setting me up to be sacrificed. I couldn't help but notice that my wicked grandmother had popped in for the special occasion.

…and after what Hika had told me , I now know the reason behind my wicked grandmother's Cheshire cat like grin …and it sent shivers down my spine.

"Fireman?"

"Nope."

"Magical elf?"

"Not going to happen."

…And now despite my brother's deal, that wicked woman sentenced me to guide the crazy otaku around the estate...and even though it's only been a couple of hours …. it feels like decades.

"Ah okay then, how about a ….. Uh Banana?"

I whirled around, gaping at the blonde like, she had grown two heads. "Uh what?"

"Well it just sort of came to me?" The blonde leaned back, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

"Not in this lifetime." I shove my hands in my pockets and walk away from the blonde.

"Pirates?"

"No."

"Cops and Robbers? "

I once more stop and sharply turn to face the crazy otaku. "What are you like, five?"

"I'm not sure your typical five year old has access to these." The crazy blonde pulls something from her pocket, before letting a pair of silver handcuffs dangle in front of her teasing face.

"In a flash my hand quickly snatches the item out of view. Frantically whipping my head around us. Making sure no one saw the item in question. I have no intention in spending the rest of the day explaining the absurd situation with my parents or worse yet my grandmother. "Why the hell do you have those?"

"Well….It's-"

I hastily cut the babbling blonde off. "You know what, never mind." I throw up my hands, and vigorously shake my head, clearing the twisted image from it. "I don't want to know! I don't think my mind could take it, at the moment."

"It's not like that! There just for cosplay, that's all!"

"Yeah sure…what do you take me for … I'm not experiencing that mortifying emergency call when you just happened to lose the damn key."

"Who says it has to be you." She teasingly shouts at my retreating back.

"Wait, what." My feet suddenly freeze, causing the pouting blonde to bump into my back. "Hmmm… possibly."

A wide excited smile quickly emerges on the blondes face. "Really Hitachiin?"

My mischievous eyes start to sparkle, while slowly lingering on the blonde. "Well, it would definitely keep you from following me ….Naaa, my mother would kill me once the servants found you handcuffed somewhere outside." I once more shake the thought, and continue to stroll the corridors.

"Spies?"

"Funny, I think we all ready did that? No repeats."

"Ah… how about a maid and butler?"

"Not a snowballs chance in hell."

"Master and servant?"

I stop just short of the library's main entrance. "Damn! What kind of things do you read anyway?" I turn back around and enter the library. "…..and oh, by the way nope, not going to happen!"

"You Tarzan…uh me Jane?"

"Absolutely not …I'm against loincloths…. The fake fur inches in places I'd rather not mention."

"How about a Geisha girl and an Imperial warrior?"

"That depends on who's the Geisha?" My hand pauses at the book I'm reaching for.

"Ah me… of course?" The blonde gives me an offended look.

"Then no." My hand quickly slides my selection from the shelf and begins to leave the estate's main library. "I don't think so."

"Oh I know. How about cosplaying as a shining knight, and rescuing me from the tower?"

"Sorry, I left my armor at the cleaners."

"Oh that's okay, I brought mine."

"Yours? Then I doubt it would fit."

"Not to worry I packed several. You never know when you'll need it."

"Why am I not surprised? Knowing you, that would be all the time." I walked through a sitting room and headed for the back of the house.

"But Hitachiin I'm so bored, your no fun." The girl lightly stomped her polished heel on the marbled floor.

"Look I'll make you a deal. How about I give you a simple tour of the estates gardens? No knights. No butlers. No Tarzan and absolutely no bananas…..at times I have no idea what runs through that twisted head of yours." Letting out a defeated sigh, "How about a small tour with just Kaoru and Renge?"

"Do you really mean it Hitachiin?" She sweetly smiles.

"Ah yeah, of course I do." After seeing her smile I clumsily fumbled out my arm, "It would …ah be my pleasure."

"I think ….that would be lovely."

"Ah okay then, this way." I swing out my free hand towards the backdoor. "But afterward, it's quite time, while I read my book. Promise?"

"Okay, I promise." She happily flutters her eyes while nodding her head.

"All right then. Let's go. "

I begin to stroll towards the gardens, when I see my twin and his future bride. Their leaning on the railing, where my twin and I were earlier this morning. The new couple are obviously dressed to go out and are quietly talking amongst themselves, while waiting for the car to arrive.

Noticing small endearing touches and soft looks between the two, caused a warm feeling to develop in my chest. Haru has achieved the impossible, something I couldn't even come close to do ….she had tamed the beast within my turbulent twin.

After all the years of heartache, we were finally together. A heavy sigh of relief passed through with a genuine content smile…..we have found our missing piece ….and this time she was here to stay.

Wishing not to intrude on a fairly intimate moment, I'm about to guide the crazy blonde through another door…When something small and red steals my breath, causing my feet to mindlessly walk towards the couple.

End of Kaoru's POV

Haruhi's POV's

A little earlier….

"Knock."

"Knock."

My heart begins to rapidly beat in my chest with the simple noise. My wide chocolate eyes anxiously peeked over my endo era textbook and on to the bright blue digital numbers displayed next to me.

"Knock. "

The third knock causes my eyes to flash to the polished door. Finding my mouth suddenly dry and uncooperative, I nervously swallow before uttering my fumbled reply. "Ah…. Yeah….. I'll uh, be right there." I hurriedly push myself up from lying on my stomach, across the bed. Snapping the textbook closed, tossing it on to the bed.

"Haru, are you feeling alright? You sound a bit strange. " A familiar voice calls out with concern.

"Uh… no…. I'm alright." I mentally wanted to kick myself for causing him to worry….he has been working so hard for tonight. My hands quickly smooth down the front of my dress. I'm just lucky Yuzuha ….I mean mom. The newly discovered relationship is comforting but still feels a bit odd. She picked a dress out of a mountain of silky frocks that not only allowed me to effectively breathe, but move. Thinking about the ginger woman my hand unconsciously finds a warming spot on my chest.

.

"You know it's been a busy day for… um… you. I wouldn't blame you if you were …uh tired ….we could make it another night?" I snap out of my touching thought, flashing my eyes to the door. My heart grew heavy with Hika needlessly suffering behind the door.

.

"No, no I'm ...uh coming!" I frantically search my nightstand for my bag and my phone. Also, an item Yuzuha… I mean mom had taken considerable deliberation in choosing. Noticing the small beaded clutch bag had slipped between the bed and nightstand, I desperately reach in. Panic strikes when I notice my shoulder roughly bump into the edge of the nightstand, sending a crystal cut lamp toppling over. I whipped out my freehand, just barely catching the lamp, inches before hitting the marbled floor. Although it didn't stop my nightstand and everything on top of it to crash to the floor.

.

"Is everything okay? Haru what was that crash?" I could hear the panic in his voice. "Are you hurt? I'm coming in."

Hearing the locked doorknob twist and shake, I begin to frantically pick up my scattered items off the floor. "Uh no need…. just uh little clumsy moment! I'll be right there!" Knowing any minute Hika would most likely break down the door, I hurry to gather my things.

.

"Well, then hurry …I'm …uh…a bit concerned." He grumbles from the other side of the door.

"Ah, yeah I'm coming." My panicked heart beats loudly in my ears as I straighten the nightstand and toss the framed photo and the pieces of my busted up alarm clock in the top drawer. Paying no attention to the dangling power cord spilling over the face of the drawer I slam it shut and grab my purse. I quickly double check the contents of my bag, before briskly swinging the door open. I casually hang on the open door like nothing had happened. However my chest is heaving, while trying to catch a breath.

.

I didn't have to tell my embarrassing turn of events because without another wasted second Hika's strong arms are wrapped around me. "Haru don't do that. You uh…..scared me." I could feel his heart rapidly beat against mine, and the funny thing is I noticed they were beating at the same pace.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to- "

Hika's soft voice cuts me off, "Shhh Haru... it doesn't matter….it doesn't matter as long as you're here with me."

I allowed myself to melt into the comforting embrace, listening to both our hearts calm. After a long prolonged moment, I feel Hika let out a long relieved sigh and his shoulders relaxed. He slowly pulls his head away, "Uh Haru, are you ready to go?" An adorable blush swirls under his gazing sparkling eyes.

Caught in his gorgeous eyes I just nodded my dazed head. With a beaming wide smile, he reaches over and closes the door behind us.

"Well, uh great. Are you um…hungry?" Hika places his hand on my lower back, guiding me downstairs.

"Oh, no wait. Just a minute. I can't!" My captured eyes blink away from his golden flames.

Hika's face grows concerned. "I'm sorry?"

"I mean, yes, I'm starved, but can we first stop for some air? It will only take a few minutes."

"Oh course. After seeing you in that dress, my head could use some air… and uh… clear the haze it caused. " He playfully chuckles while guiding me in another direction.

"Uh yeah, sounds good." I used my last breath to wheeze out a response to the handsome man guiding me to the back. However, my thoughts lingered towards my curled fingers, brushing against something round, nestled safely in my beaded bag.

Just a few minutes later …

"Feel any better?" Hika softly asks with concern.

After takeing a deep breath, I nodded my head. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just needed the evening air…. It was getting rather hot inside."

"I uh… agree the mansion was getting pretty hot. Funny, I didn't notice it earlier, it just became stifling all of a sudden. " Hika begins to briskly fan the top of his collar at his firm chest, "I should speak with one of the estate's servants about it."

My eyes nervously glance over at his hands and uh, his firm chest, causing a wave of heat to roll over me. "Uh no, I wouldn't bother, I'm sure it's just a heat inversion sort of thing. It's probably only temporary. " I just forced an awkward smile, knowing I could be standing in the middle of a subzero freezer, in the middle of the artic, but as long as my Bewildered Knight is close by, my skin would be uncomfortable sweltering. "Besides their something I want to give you." My finger nervously danced around the clasp of my clutch, before pulling out the red item.

.

"Haru, what do you have there?" Hika's confused eyes flicker at the item before turning to his stunned twin. "Hey Kao, what are you doing here?"

"Uh hey Hika." Kao awkwardly waves a hand while staring at my fingers…..or rather what's laced in them.

My heart drums loudly as I anxiously bounce my eyes to the item and my Bewildered Knight, "Hika, I'm sorry this has taken me so long …to return." My shaky hand extends out, handing Hika the small tin.

"What's this?"

"Careful, It's what I care about most in this world," I take his hand, gently closing his fingers around it.

"A tin can? Why are giving it to me?" Confused, Hika brings the small, red tin close to his examining golden eyes. "Where have I seen this before?" Hika turns to his stunned twin, "Koa, do you know anything about this?"

"Hika." Kaoru whispers out, with emotional tears filling his eyes. "If I were you…" He roughly swallows while staring at the tin. "Hika, If I were you, I would just open it."

"All right, but if lame fake snakes pop out at me. " Hika playfully points the can at the three of us. "You're all playing a penalty game?"

"Just open it, you moron!" Ren impatiently shouts out.

An unblinking Kaoru suddenly slaps a hand on my roommate's mouth. I could tell by his behavior Ren must have told him what I stored in the can …..Does he remember after all these years?

Hika cautiously twists the lid off, tilting it forward, allowing the little blue car to slowly roll out in his palm. The sudden arrival of the lost beloved toy causes Hika to breathe in sharply. "It can't be."

"It's the only thing I didn't forget, I always knew it belonged to somebody very important "His tearing eyes lifted from the car to mine, "It just took me awhile to figure out who um…. it belonged to."

He lets out a humorless chuckle, "Well um…better late than never, I suppose." With trails of tears streaming from his joyful eyes he reaches out to softly cup my cheek. "Deep down, I always hoped you would remember. And… you actually did."

Leaning into his soft touch, with my own wet trails trickling under my emotional eyes. I gaze up at my Bewildered Knight to softly whisper the truth held deeply in my beating heart.

"How could I forget my first, and only love… Hikaru Hitachiin, it's always been you. "

The End….?

So on March 12, 2015, Almost 2 years ago I started hammering out the first chapter of 62 chapter story. Well, it later became divided into two separate stories in Oct of 2016.

Laughter, mournful tears, giddy with happiness…. I experienced it all on my couch, while wandering down the story's path. So, with mixed emotions I close the cover on my prolonged labor of love.

Please take a minute and tell me what the story meant you.

Thanks for taking peeking. ;) Alimackatjac.