Hi there! For all those waiting for Cupid's Arrival the next chapter will be up soon, promise. I had gotten the idea for this story late at night when the wind was blowing hard and it was very cold outside. All of the characters I've ever written love the cold so I mixed it up a little and created a new kind of character. I figured Kyoya needs warmth to melt the cold.

Mistrelia of the Ice doesn't own Ouran High School Host Club, but oh, if she did *evil smile*

*Note" If you like this story check out 'Damn You Rich People' by AerisxArtemis. Hell, even if you don't like this, check it out. Also, this chapter comes with a song. You don't have to listen to it but if you want to look up Nil Se'n La by Celtic Woman.*

"MOMMY!"

A young man with dark hair and glasses inwardly sighed. Running towards him with shining tears in his eyes was a young blonde man. He sidestepped, causing the boy to run past him, almost into the window.

The boy quickly whirled around, "It's terrible! Absolutely dreadful!"

He pushed his glasses further atop his nose, "What is it now, Tamaki?"

Tamaki quickly got close to the boy, "You know that new lavender tea the twins recommended to the Host Club?"

"Yes, the ladies seem to enjoy it."

"No, no, no," he cried, "I have just learned that Haruhi Dear doesn't like it! Kyoya, you have to fix it! I knew I shouldn't have entrusted such an important detail to them," he muttered darkly.

Kyoya very nearly rolled his eyes but reconsidered. The tea the twins suggested was actually much more expensive than need be for a daily basis. Perhaps it would be wise to look for a replacement. After all, Haruhi had introduced them to instant coffee and it had been a huge success, not to mention saved them quite a bundle, "Does Haruhi have any ideas for a replacement?"

Tamaki immediately brightened, "Good idea! That way she'll pick a tea she does like! Oh, Haruhi!" he yelled happily.

Watching him go, he shook his head. What Haruhi saw in that over-sized blonde puppy he never knew. He quickly made a note in his notebook about the tea problem.

Honey shivered and blew on his hands, "It's so cold outside!"

The twins looked at the sky, "It's barely fall," they said in unison.

"So?" he whined. To his surprise he felt himself being lifted off of his faithful friend, "Takashi?"

Mori set him down, "It's good to move to warm yourself up."

Haruhi looked at the taller boy with surprise. She tried to remember the last time he had said so many words at once."

"Haruhi Dear!"

She sighed wistfully. Tamaki stood waving by a limo, the door open. She had long ago since given up refusing his constant offers of a ride home. For a moment she felt she could welcome it considering the chilly wind. She saw the twins enter into a limo as well as Honey and Mori-senpai getting into a sleek black car. Before she took a step she noticed Kyoya still by the school doors, "Do you need a ride, Kyoya-senpai?"

He lifted his head from his notebook and was surprised to find most of his friends gone. He shook his head, "No need. I will be firing my driver for being late again."

Haruhi looked thoughtful a moment, "It's not my place to say, but you never know another person's situation. Try giving the benefit of the doubt."

Kyoya almost frowned but reconsidered, "You are not rich, but you have taught us that is not what to judge a person on. You can speak your opinions."

She shrugged a little annoyed, 'Why does he always point out I'm not rich?', "Alright. Are you sure you don't want a ride?"

He shook his head, "I will try giving benefit, as you call it."

She gave him a little wave before running to the limo and then turned, "By the way, I don't really know any good teas that the Club Members would like, but my Father once suggested a place called 'Faye Flora' to me," she handed him a business card before walking away.

Once again, he was surprised someone so level-headed could stand Tamaki. He walked to the gates and was reminded why. For a split second as Haruhi reached the door, she shivered. In one swift motion Tamaki took his jacket off and wrapped it around her, for which she gave him the briefest of smiles. It was one Kyoya only saw her give when Tamaki did something mature. Needless to say, he didn't see it often. Tamaki returned the smile, causing Kyoya to turn his head. He, unlike the blonde, was able to recognize the moments two people needed alone.

He reached into his pocket and speed dialed his cell phone, "Yodori, where are you?" he nodded to the limo that drove past, Tamaki waving enthusiastically.

Another voice answered the phone, "Sorry little brother, my driver quit on me to go reclaim the love of his life or something so I will be using yours for a while. I'm sure you can find a replacement. Ciao~"

Kyoya snapped his phone shut, allowing himself to grind his teeth, as there was no one around. He opened his phone to call his back-up and was shocked to find it dead. He could have sworn he'd charged it earlier in the day. Thankfully, the wind was only blowing gently, causing nothing more than a slight chill. He hugged his jacket to himself and began to walk, mumbling curses the whole way.

After a few blocks he was relieved to see his building come into view. Before he could continue forward, a scruffy man in a large coat approached him, "Spare change?"

"No," he answered bluntly. He just wanted to get home and take a hot shower.

"I don't think you heard me," said the man as he pointed a gun, just visible enough for only Kyoya to see, "Got any spare change?"

Kyoya narrowed his eyes, "You have no idea who I am, do you?"

He walked towards Kyoya, backing him into an alley, "Doesn't matter. I know you're gonna be splattered all over this wall if you don't hand over all you got."

Kyoya caught a whiff of alcohol from the man and knew things were more serious than he thought, "I don't have any money."

The man lifted the gun, "I've seen little bastards like you walkin' outta that rich school. I suggest you don't make me ask again."

Kyoya felt his back hit the brick wall of the alley and tried to think, "I meant I don't have any money with me."

He cocked his gun, "Wrong answer kid."

Kyoya felt his heart pound but kept his face stoic and prepared his stance like Mori-senpai taught him, 'I'm not going down without a fight.'

To his immediate shock a figure leapt from a roof, their foot slamming into the man's cheek. His gun flew into the air and the person caught it. He couldn't see their face due to the large black hoodie. The person also had on loose dark blue jeans and regular white sneakers. They quickly dropped the gun and kicked it away before giving the man a few hard kicks and blows.

Kyoya blinked, trying to get his thoughts in order. The man was on the ground yelling and swearing. The person in front of him had taken the lid from a nearby trashcan and slammed it as hard as they could on his head. The man was out cold, the person breathing heavily over him.

"I-"

The person turned and for a moment he thought he saw a flash of purple before the figure bolted out of the alleyway.

Kyoya quickly ran to the mouth of the alley and looked around. Whoever they were, they were gone. Rain was softly beginning to pour and he hurriedly ran the next three blocks to his home.

As he entered through the large living room he trudged up the stairs. He heard his brother call what sounded like an insincere apology and something about his clothing but chose not to listen. He entered his room and tossed his clothes in random directions before stepping into the hottest shower he could get. Kyoya stood for a moment, letting the water bring his frozen nerves back to life. After a few more minutes he turned the heat down, beginning to feel scalded. His mind replayed the events over and over, long after the water began to turn cold. Kyoya stepped out of the shower and wrapped himself in his robe, exiting the steaming bathroom and walking into his room.

He felt himself shiver and put on the warmest pajamas he could find, 'They say when you have a near death experience your whole perspective changes. Why then, do I feel nothing?' he shook off the unbidden thought and buried himself under his blankets. The last thought he had was of the color purple.

"Kyoya-senpai?"

Kyoya did not look up from the notebook he was writing in, "Yes Haruhi?"

"Tamaki is with a client right now, but he wanted me to ask you if you have made any progress with the new tea, though I'm not sure why we're switching already. Didn't we just order this kind?"

He wrote a few more things down 'Tamaki did not tell Haruhi why we are looking for new tea. Look for new tea today.' Kyoya closed the notebook, "No, I had some business to take care of yesterday. I will look into it today," He realized with a mental start that he had forgotten to take a good look at the business card Haruhi had given him which was still in his pants somewhere on his floor, though with the routine check his maids did it was probably in the washer now. Part of his mind knew why he had become so careless but the other half felt it was inexcusable just because he had to stare down the barrel of a gun. He did not forgive lightly, even himself.

"Do you need another card?"

He looked up, eyebrows raised.

Haruhi laughed a little, "My Mom used to have that same look on her face when she forgot something. Here," she said handing him a new one.

As she walked away he made a mental note to increase her fee. The Club Members now had to pay the same amount to see her as they did Honey. He did not like showing his gratitude in public and felt this would be an easier 'thank you'. He directed his attention to the card. It was white with a large blue lily blooming on one side. The stem was dark green and swirled to create the words Faye Flora~. Printed underneath in bold black was the address and phone number. He felt a moment of surprise. The building was one block away from where the man had held him up and was not very far from the school. He could walk if he wanted to.

For a moment he felt like calling his driver after school anyway but shook his head. He didn't want to let one bad experience keep him from walking a simple two blocks.

Kyoya walked outside to find the sky a blanket of gray, the air colder than yesterday. Hikaru and Karou were shivering and hugging each other tightly, causing the passing students to squeal. He shook his head as he passed them and spoke low, "You're putting on a show."

Hikaru gave a conspirator's wink, "More of a sneak preview."

Tamaki and Haruhi walked by, Haruhi stopping, "Hey, Kyoya-senpai, did your driver ever make it?"

"No."

"Oh," she said quietly.

"Too bad," said Tamaki.

He gave his shoulders a slight shrug, "Though he did have a good reason as you said. He still has his job, but I have found a new driver."

She gave him a questioning look, "Do you want a ride with us, though?"

He shook his head, "I am fine."

"Alright," she answered and began to walk.

Tamaki looked a little forlorn, "Why does she always ask you if you need a ride?" he pouted.

Kyoya felt the corners of his mouth twitch, "She is a good soul, and cares for others deeply."

Tamaki continued to pout. Kyoya rolled his eyes, "She almost reminds me of my sister, and I feel she treats me as she would a brother. However, most of her attention is all yours."

He snapped his head towards Kyoya, eyes shining, "Really? You think so? Yay! Haruhi Dear, wait for me!"

He stared after them, wondering if the 'Prince' would ever figure it out.

Though the temperature was lower, there was no wind, allowing Kyoya to keep his jacket open as he walked. As he reached the building he observed it. It appeared to have two floors, was made of brick with crawling ivy on one side, and looked well kept. Attached to the side was a modest sized half-tube looking greenhouse; if he looked closely he could tell it was overflowing with foliage just due to the shadows. In the front on little stands were little pots with fake flowers as well as a large glass window to his right with the shop's name in the same pattern as the card. He wondered if the owner kept real ones out during the summer. He pushed the door open, which chimed due to a light purple butterfly wind charm above his head. A gust of warm wind surrounded him as the door shut, causing him to feel uncomfortable and a little sweaty in his jacket. His senses were immediately assaulted with the smell of fresh vegetation and upturned soil. The first thing he noticed was the lack of bright light. Most stores had lights that gave off a slight 'hospital' feel to them. Soft yellow bulbs were installed in the ceiling and gave everything the appearance of glowing as well as the sunlight that poured through satin gold curtains on one of the side windows.

The room was made up of various shades of yellow. Underneath his feet was a soft-looking gold rug that was actually hard under his shoes. The walls were a light yellow, yet looked a little orange due to the light bulbs. To his left was a small white stand with a few shelves. The top held gloves, packaged garden shears, plant enhancement food, and hats suited for gardening and the bottom had rubber boots of all sizes and colors. In a row of white shelves on the walls were different sized gardening books, going in order from beginner gardens to veteran farmers.

A dark wooden spiral staircase was a few feet left to the front desk, which was orange with a white bean-shaped table top and a brass cash register. He assumed the stairs lead to an apartment or loft space. To his right was a little off-white table with two chairs next to the big glass window that faced the street. On his far right were four white shelves that matched the ones on the other side of the room. On each shelf were seeds to the four seasons. If he looked at the shelf for summer he also noted that food seeds were on one side and herb/flower seeds were on the other.

He walked to the counter and saw a large assortment of vases and flower pots on the shelves behind it. By the register were little pamphlets for plant health-hazards and 'what-to-do's', as well as little fake plastic flowers with smiling faces. On each corner of the desk were two large potted green plants, one giving off a slightly minty scent and one giving off a slightly spicier scent?

He looked around, wondering where the owner was. He then noticed a door he had missed to the right of the counter. It looked like a screen door which led, to what he assumed, was the medium sized greenhouse attached to the side of the shop. He thought he heard noise coming from behind the door and walked towards it.

Kyoya cautiously opened the door and was once again assaulted with warmth and various smells. Row upon row of plants lined the walls. A few fruit bearing trees sat in the far corners of the greenhouse. Long white tables filled the room, each overflowing with different plants, some bursting with delicious looking fruits and vegetables, others overflowing with colorful and wonderful smelling flowers and herbs. For a moment Kyoya couldn't tell if all the smells of sweet, spicy, tangy, and just plain earthy were making his head swim or feel relaxed. Breathing deeply, he realized his eyes were closed and the noise was louder. He opened them and was surprised to find music echoing through speakers installed in the corners of the ceiling. The song was in a language he did not understand at first, until he realized it was switching between what he thought was either Irish or Latin and English.

Even more surprising was a woman that had just emerged from behind the trees. She looked American or English and was dancing and singing along. On her shoulder was a violin that was playing in perfect tune with the one in the song. Her voice flowed smoothly, intermixing languages. Her feet were bare, smooth legs prancing about the plants as she sang. Her soft light green dress flew around her as she twirled a joyous smile on her pretty heart-shaped face but her eyes was closed. Kyoya was slightly amazed she was able to dance blind without running into any of the pots or tables. She then whirled slightly away from the trees and was shocked to find her hair was a slight darker shade of green as her dress but lighter than the foliage around her. It was short and silky-looking, most of it cut in what he knew to be a 'pixie' style, except for one long section of hair that curved around her face and slightly covered her left eye.

The song ended and she finished the last note on her violin. She stood in the middle of the room, her back facing him.

Kyoya cleared his throat, "Excuse me?"

The girl suddenly tensed. With a voice crystal clear as water she spoke nervously, "W-who are you?"

Kyoya held a confused frown, "Are you the owner of this shop?"

She clutched her violin to her chest, "How did you get in here?"

"Through the door," he said dryly, "Your store was referred to me and your sign said 'open'."

The girl turned sharply, her lips in a surprised O, "Oh! I'm sorry! I thought you broke in here. I forgot to lock up and change the sign. I get carried away when I dance," she blushed.

He would have walked out at such a careless statement or had said something about the danger her actions could cause, but was momentarily entranced. Her eyes stunned him, for he had never seen a more vibrant shade of violet. They sparkled brightly like two perfectly cut jewels.

She took delicate steps, careful not to step on her plants. She held out her hand and smiled, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. It was my fault you're here so I'll let your first purchase be on the house. I'm Ame, the store owner."

He shook his head, "That will not be necessary. I thought this place sold tea?"

She clapped her hands together, "It does. I normally keep the tea samples behind the register but I had gotten an over-shipment of vases and pots and had to move the tea upstairs. I closed the shop early to organize everything but if you take a seat at the table I will be happy to bring them down for you."

He considered simply leaving but knew Tamaki would throw a fit if he saw the lavender tea served again. He rubbed the ridge of his nose, "I can't stay long so bring me just the finest you have."

She gave a cheerful salute, "Can do!"

He watched her quickly run to the spiral staircase and took a seat by the table. The wind had begun to pick up outside. He was about to leave before it got worse but the girl came bounding down the stairs with what looked like an armful of glass boxes that contained different colored little dried leaves. She set them on the table and took a deep breath, "Sorry about that. These are my finest!"

He looked at each of them and was surprised to find the boxes were made of glass. The names of each tea were engraved in calligraphy below the hinged lids, "Where do you get your boxes made?"

She walked behind the counter and opened a drawer by one of the shelves of vases, "My cousin and his friend work in glass. They make me whatever I need."

"I see," he said. He carefully opened the lids and smelled each one. For a moment he thought they were much more powerful than need be until he realized Ame was heating up cups of tea on a little hotplate. She set the five little tea cups down in front of Kyoya, "Whenever someone requests tea I give samples. Try them all if you wish."

He looked out the window and saw that the wind had died down again. Picking up the first cup he took a small sip, his lips feeling cracked. A wonderful burst of flavors entered his mouth and he instantly felt refreshed. Kyoya drank deeply and set the cup down, "What is this?"

She smiled cheerfully, "That happens to be my favorite one. It's raspberry tea."

He stared at the porcelain, "I have tasted teas from all over the country and not once has raspberry tea tasted like that."

She laughed a little, "Everyone says things like that but I think it depends on the grower, not the country it's from."

He took her words into account before trying the second cup. He recognized it to be green tea. It was amazingly smooth with only a hint of bitterness that vaguely reminded him of coffee. The third was an oddly spicy black tea. For a moment he thought about spitting it out but after a few more sips he learned it was an acquired taste that became quite enjoyable. The fourth tea was a shock after the spice of the black tea. It was amazingly sweet and was the only one that wasn't warm. It chilled his teeth as if he were drinking cold water, but had a lovely aftertaste. He looked questioningly at Ame.

She looked thoughtful for a moment before answering, "Oh, that's my peach tea. There isn't much of that particular tea left. Cake lovers adore it for some reason. I prefer it with a dish that includes meat."

He had intentionally saved the fifth tea for last. It was a strange dark color that, when looked at closely, appeared a bluish purple. He drank the tea and felt strange. It was sort of tangy, almost sour, but pleasantly so. It made his muscles feel oddly relaxed and loose.

Ame had begun to organize some pots when she noticed him settle into his chair more comfortably. She walked over to the table, "That's my special tea. The plant it's made from acts as a muscle relaxer if not diluted. I found a way to make it into a tasty yet tangy tea by accident and it's been really popular. A lot of people use it to calm their nerves for a big day or drink it before they go to sleep. It can be drunk warm or chilled but it helps relax people better when warm. I call it my Mystery Berry Tea."

Kyoya felt his headache settle with ease. Soon he felt nothing but warm comfort and complete serenity. Ame handed him another cup and giggled, "Drink this. It's the raspberry tea. It always helps wake me up after the Berry Tea."

He drank and was instantly awake. He cleared his throat and spoke, "I will take twenty boxes of each."

A hand flew to her collarbone, "Twenty boxes?! I-I know I said your first purchase would be free but I'm not sure I can afford that."

He shook his head, "Your tea makes up for your negligence. I will pay full price."

She felt stunned, the last part of the comment going unnoticed as her violet eyes shone, "Seriously? It's expensive, especially the Berry Tea."

He handed her a sleek black credit card, "Money is no objection."

"Alright," she said quietly. She ran up the steps and begun to carry down the boxes as Kyoya called his new driver. Ame had placed most of the glass boxes carefully into ten sets of ten larger cardboard boxes. In no time at all an expensive looking car parked in front of the shop and a man wearing a uniform began to carry everything to the trunk.

Kyoya looked at the amount everything rang to and raised an eyebrow, 'That is what she calls expensive?'

Ame handed him the little black credit card back and began writing something on a sheet of paper. She then placed it on the counter where it read, WE ARE OUT OF TEA AND WILL MAKE MORE SOON~ with a smiling 'chibi anime' face next to it.

She looked happy, "I'll get to replace my entire inventory now. It's actually quite nice to make, smell, and taste test the new tea. Thank you for the purchase," she said gratefully.

As his driver took the final crate outside Kyoya gave her a little bow, "You should expand your inventory. Expect to see me back here again."

She clasped her hands together, "Thank you!"

He glanced briefly at her before leaving. The glow of the lights almost made her look angelic. Before he could think he asked, "How old are you?"

She blinked, "I just turned seventeen. I worked through school and finished early though, so I could start my shop."

He nodded wondering why he even cared to ask, "Well, good day."

She waved as he left and began to pick up the five cups.

Later that night Kyoya found himself looking up everything he could about Faye Flora~ and its owner. Her name had confused him at first; Amethyst Eve Thistle. Her name was spelled 'Ame', not 'Amy'. Her mother Nami was a painter and was currently living in New York with her lover Valencia. 'Unusual names,' he thought. Amethyst had worked her way through high school and college before putting a down payment on her shop. This all happened as she turned fifteen. It was believed she was a genius like her mother but chose to work in a flower shop. He wondered why she attended community college when she could have gotten a scholarship and career from anywhere. Despite her talents, her aspirations were almost comically small. He rubbed his temples and wished for her tea before noting ironically that he would not have discovered it had she not chosen her path. Thinking nothing more of it he settled into his bed for a comfortable sleep.

Suddenly he sat up so quickly it made his head spin, 'The girl! It was her!' Kyoya quickly thought back to the alleyway. In his mind's eye he saw her small, graceful form leap from the building, her amethyst eyes flashing anger and worry.

"Violet eyes…no, amethyst eyes, of course. How could I not see it?" he muttered to himself. He reached over to his nightstand and wrote himself a reminder in his notebook to visit Faye Flora~ again tomorrow, "How appropriate. Well, it comes as no surprise to how she was named."

So! Hope you liked the first chapter! The second and third chapter are already written and the fourth is on it's way. This may be a ten chapter story so you're in for a treat :D Read and Review