『Three's A Charm』『OHSHC』*EDITING*

♡24: Kaoru Hitachiin

Alternate Ending 2

Note: This is an alternate ending. There will be two alternate endings, and one final ending. Please keep that in mind as you read. Enjoy!

unedited

Monday lingered like a rain cloud over my head. Classes were boring, and uneventful. If I could recall anything that was being lectured over I'd try to explain, but honestly I phased in and out all day. All I could think about were the twins, no matter how much that pained me. What Kaoru said... how he spoke such beautiful words like they were sinful.

"I love you Chelsea." he murmured, and my eyes widened. What had he just said? Was I hearing things? My heart was already pounding, but now it shifted into overdrive. He lifted his head, and looked at me with crying eyes, and tear stained cheeks, "I love you so much." he confessed. Now I was starting to cry, "but...I.." He said looking down at the floor, "I mean.... I can't be with you..."

It caused my whole body to ache. Trying not to tear up in the middle of class hour after miserable hour. I would just head straight home after school. I needed a couple of days to myself. I wouldn't do something as drastic as heading back to the states, because quite frankly, even now, being that far away from them seemed impossible.

Each step I took after the last bell rang sent pains up my legs and caused me to cringe. The way I was walking looked like that of a wounded animal. I was pitiful. So dependent on them I couldn't function regularly without them. I finally made it to the Ouran courtyard without much attention drawn to me. I started to pass the intricate fountains, and lovely rose bushes that surrounded me. That's when I paused, and stared at the little labyrinth opening. That was the very place Kaoru and I took a walk together.

It drew me in. I had to relive the moment. My steps were quiet, barely making a sound when they touched the lush grass beneath my feet. And there it was, the very gazebo Kaoru kissed me on. The way he held me. His words still lingered in my eardrums, and my memory, but then the freshest memory took its place, "I love you, but I... I mean I can't be with you..."

Sitting down on the steps, I hugged my knees, and stared at the roses in front of me. They were starting to close up in the afternoon sunlight, which was fading, as an overcast of clouds started to roll in,. They had lived out their day, and needed rest. Maybe that's what I needed too. A retreat. Somewhere, where thoughts couldn't haunt me, and I couldn't be found. Perhaps this could be my sanctuary. Who'd think to come looking for me here?

"Chelsea," I heard someone say. Their voice as dazzling as a wind chime in the breeze.

I lifted my head with all the strength I could muster, and turned to make eye contact with him. He seemed cautious, as if he was approaching a doe. One that would quickly turn, and run on seconds notice if frightened. It was Kaoru, someone whom I didn't think I'd lay eyes on again for quite a while.

I started to get up, just as he assumed, but he quickly moved to grab my hand, and sit down in front of me. He was on his knees, a stair below mine, with an expression of pleading proportions. "Chelsea, please listen to me." I trembled. What else could he possibly have to say? "I know I hurt you yesterday with what I said... and I understand if you're angry." I wasn't angry, just in a lot of pain, "but I only did what I thought would make you and if I could Hikaru happy..." He stared down at my hands thoughtfully as he held them, "but Hikaru had a talk with me last night. He told me I should be a little selfish for a change... that I could do what makes me happy first, if only just this once." Slowly he eyes returned to mine, "I said some pretty hurtful things to you yesterday, but please don't think that it was because I wanted to give you up. I was just doing what i thought was best. If it meant giving you up, so you could be happy, I wouldn't hesitate."

My eyes began to water. Why was he saying these things for me? It hurt so much. "But I was wrong." He said moving his hands from my neck, up to my hair, with his thumbs rested on my cheeks, "I want to see if... maybe I can make you happy." His hands were trembling nervously. "I want to be with you Chelsea, if you'll let me."

A tear slid down my cheek, but I was afraid that if I started to feel joy, he'd pull away again, and it'd only be another thing I would regret. I just couldn't move.

"I love you. No matter what was said yesterday, that's always been true. It will always be." he assured.

More tears. He moved me. I couldn't resist this feeling inside me. It was breaking, but it was what I needed to hear. I didn't think anyone would ever look to find me here, but I was wrong. I underestimated with all the time we had spent together, that as I would never forget the moment we shared here, neither would he. "I...I love you too Kaoru." I said, unleashing a shower of tears. Almost exactly at the same time, the rain started to come down and wash over us. He wiped away the tear stains on my face, and smiles, slowly leaning in, afraid to fill the gap, I did it for him.

We were soaked... trembling together in a storm of love and confusion. But the fact was that, we were together, and we'd never be apart. No matter what rain clouds seemed to hang above our heads. Whatever thunder tried to cloud our ears with lighting blinding or hearts.... nothing could be as powerful as the bond we had together.

"Let;s get you home." said Kaoru, picking me up in his arms, and carrying me away. I felt like a child once more, wrapped in his strong arms.

I could make you happy, make your dreams come true.

Nothing that I wouldn't do.

Go to the ends of the Earth for you.

To make you feel my love.

~To Make You Feel My Love, Josh Kelley