Afternoon light streamed through the floor to ceiling windows gleaming off the white marble tile with just the sound of their footsteps echoing off the high ceiling.

And it was killing Feliciano. He usually didn't do well with silence. No, he never did well with silence. But Ludwig wasn't acting like he wanted to talk at all and Feli wasn't sure how to start a real conversation with him. Maybe he should just jump in there.

'So Ludwig do you like ice cream?' That definitely felt wrong. But it was in times like this that the words just –came out of his mouth.

'What?' Ludwig tilted his head looking at him quizzically

'I mean- I had some gelato today at lunch-the lunchroom here is so good don't you think? But um anyway, it was chocolate and chocolate's my favorite and I was just thinking and since I don't know anything about you I just was wondering what you like to eat. That's kinda silly isn't it? Oh gosh I really need to stop talking.'

Projectile word vomit.

Feli felt himself blushing. Why? Why was he so-

Ludwig smiled down at him, seemingly bemused.

'I prefer vanilla myself. I don't mind you talking. It's calming. Your voice is,' his ears went pink again. 'soothing.'

'Oh.' Soothing. Nice. Feli let himself smile a little. 'It's okay if I ask questions?'

'Yes, as long as it isn't too personal.'

'I'll try my best! Okay, question number one, why did you join the host club Ludwig?'

Ludwig's face went very tight.

'I was forced into the idiotic club by my idiot older brother.'

'You have a brother? I have big brother too. What's his name?'

'Gilbert.'

Uh-oh. One word answers again. He shouldn't have asked about his brother. It might be safe to just stick with the host club.

'So what exactly is a host club? No one will tell me.'

'Prostitution.'

Feli stopped in his tracks 'P-prost-prostitution?'

The door to Feli's right swung open and a tall blond with shoulder length wavy hair burst out of the door. Gracefully he bowed, 'Come in cheri, come in! You are looking for the host club are you not? Well here it is!' The strange boy grabbed his hand and spun him about, seemingly trying to dance with him until Feli was inside what looked like a small parlor.

'I am Frances Bonnefoy, the President of the host club. It is a pleasure to meet someone as lovely as the morning sun light, what is your name mademoiselle?

'My names Feli,' he mumbled taking a step away from Frances and looking at his shoes.

'Not even a giggle,' Feli looked up. That was Alfred's voice! He was leaning against the wall on the opposite side of the room. Near him on a light pink and gold couch Arthur drank his tea next to a slight Japanese boy, studiously, on his laptop.

Alfred winked at him 'You're losing your touch boss.'

Frances ignored him and prattled on 'We were waiting for little Lulu here to start our weekly meeting. You must have stopped him in his tracks to make him so late. Mister serious is never late to anything, are you?'

Ludwig was grinding his teeth and looked ready to strangle Frances but before he could retaliate a loud manic giggle issued from behind the couch. Arthur put his teacup down and rolled his eyes. He turned around on and fwapped something very hard behind the couch.

A head covered in a shock of white hair shot up between Arthur and the Japanese boy, a pair of headphones perched on his head 'What the hell?! Why did you slap me?! Couldn't you have just said, Gilbert it's time for the meeting or hey you or something!?'

This was getting weirder and weirder. Feli took another step backwards.

Arthur folded his arms across his chest. 'You don't respond to Gilbert most of the time and you never respond to hey you. The only way to get your attention is with violence.'

'That's not true you didn't even try and be normal about it you just wapped me in the face you-you English tea jockey!'

'Should I be offended or amused?'

'Darn right you should be offended!' Alfred yelled, stepping in front of Arthurs place on the sofa. 'He told you to let him know when Ludwig was here to start the meeting. It's his own fault for not paying attention.' Apparently Alfred was the only one who could insult Arthur

'Non! Non violence among my hosts! And in front of a guest! For shame! This is unacceptable, Arthur go sit in the corner and think about what you've done!'

Arthur stood up, red-faced with those tiger hooded eyes. 'Go to hell you stupid frog! You just don't want your little friends' feelings to get hurt!'

The Japanese boy had curled up into himself and put his hands over his ears.

Maybe he should get out of here.

Feli took a step back and- there was something behind him. Something falling. an old statue, something Nanno would have loved, smashing to the floor, shattering into a million marble pieces.

Silence fell and all eyes turned to Feliciano and the mess on the floor.

'Well shit kid.' Gilbert said. 'Looks like you owe us a new statue.'

'I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!' Tears burned in his eyes. How was he ever going to fix this? The sculpture itself looked like it belonged in a museum, who knew how much it was worth. 'Please, I'll do anything just don't tell my grandfather. I'll fix it I promises!' He found himself reaching for Ludwig, grabbing for his shirt, his arm, his hand. Something to make him feel a bit more grounded. It must have been because Ludwig seemed so responsible. And kind.

'if I may offer a suggestion.'

Feli turned toward the Japanese boy.

'As the Vice President of the host club it is my duty to handle the club's budget and allowance of each member. That was a very important piece in our collection, given to us by one of the first members of the club. Invaluable, you might say. In order to make up for the price of that statue I would have to ask you to offer your services to the host club until you leave the school. Or we tell your grandfather. The decision is yours of course.'

'Whatever you need me to do, as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, I'll try my best to do what you ask.'

maybe he was signing his soul away to easily... Maybe he should reconsider.

But he could see the disappointment in Nanno's eyes. Not only did his grandson walk around in women's clothing he was also a clumsy little fool.

'That settles it Miss Feli,' Frances declared 'You're the host club's new maid.'