Chapter 4 - It Begins

[knocking]

"Yes come in," Kyoya turned to see Anna in her uniform.

"Umm..."

"What is it," he asked concerned.

She walked in pulling her hair forward and turned around. "I can't reach... and the zipper is really delicate." She looked over her shoulder as he walked closer towards her. "I couldn't find a woman, and the guards weren't around..."

Kyoya cleared his throat. "It's okay."

"Are you familiar with this type of zipper?" she asked as his hands reached for her dress.

"There are types?"

"Well, you can't just pull it up. You have to inch it because of the fabric...and the tab is really small, it might break if you pull to hard."

"Right..." He thought a second before moving... but he slipped his hand inside her dress to hold the top close together. With the other hand, she slowly pulled the zipper up. He became acutely aware of her breathing... how her shoulders moved when she breathed in, the curve of her spine, her flawless skin.

He stopped, removing his hands, "Umm..."

"What? Is the zipper broken," she asked not turning around.

"Forgive me," he cleared his throat. "Your bra…is…um…"

"Oh, did I miss a hook?"

"Yes."

"Can you fix it?" His fingertips grazed her back and she sensed his hesitation. "Here..." her hands flew up, felt the claps quickly, and then adjusted it. "Did I get it?"

"Umm...no, now the top part is messed up and the bottom is okay."

"Ugh..." she reached up and tired it again but nothing hooked. "UGH!" She reached up for the third time and unzipped her dress and bent over. "Oh, turn around!"

Kyoya snapped out of his daze and spun around. "It seems like a lot of trouble..." he said trying to make it less awkward.

"Yes, these puppies are a pain sometimes, and they're not even that big." She smiled at his back. "One more try?"

[[[note: the proper way to put on a bra, is bending over, then placing the bra on. that way all of your breast are in the cup properly. you latch the back then pull up the straps. it's actually incorrect to put the straps on, latch the back and then pull your puppies up... amazing the random things you learn. btw if you go to a very expensive high scale lingerie store (not VS), they will teach you how to properly measure and dress yourself]]]

Kyoya turned and they were back to where they started, except her hands were still adjusting her breasts. "Sorry about this."

"It's okay, I learned something new." he said as he finished.

She turned around to face him, "About zippers or bras?" She winked at him.

"Oh get out of my room," he pushed her shoulder playfully.

Tachibana looked up when he heard the two laughing...coming out of Kyoya's room. It looks like he's relaxing some.


As it was the first day of school, there was an opening ceremony. As opposed to everyone standing outside as Anna was expecting from anime she saw and manga she read, they were seated in a lavish stadium seated, velvet cushioned auditorium. A few people had noticed Kyoya walking with her, but even more so noticed when they were seated. Normally they sat according to class rank: Kyoya, Tamaki, and then Ayame. Transfers were usually seated at the end, until formally introduced. Whispers started springing up as soon as the ceremony was ended. A few tried to introduce themselves to her, but Kyoya and Ayame were surrounding her as class reps. The most anyone gathered was that she was American and would be in 3A.

The teacher, Kyoya, and Ayame stopped at the front of the classroom when Kyoya pulled her back.

"You can't just sit down. You have to be introduced to the class first," he whispered to her, smiling.

Ah, the game is on. "Wait...you're kidding me right? I don't know the etiquette for that!"

Kyoya tried to explain when the teacher called the class to attention. "Everyone, we have a new student joining us this year. Please welcome Anna Stevenson, an American transfer student."

The class stood and bowed, and expectantly looked at Anna.

"Umm... Hi!" she waved and tilted her head to the side, looking unsure of herself.

Oh dear...Kyoya noted the faces of the guys in his class. If nose bleeds were real...

A few people giggled, which Anna looked to Ayame for assurance. "Oh right!" Anna turned back to the class, "I am in your care," and bowed. Straightening herself, she looked to Ayame for approval, who smiled at her warmly.

Kyoya noted a few of the girls had gone into moe mode and some of the guys were riveted to her.

She sat in between Tamaki and Kyoya with Ayame in front and Takeshi Kuze behind her. Ayame had her English translated books with her. She requested that the books remained printed right to left to help with translating the regular version. The boys noted she was rather fidgety and all wondered if she was nervous.

It was finally lunch time and Anna shot out of her seat. "Anna," Kyoya called.

"Ajima's waiting for me, I'll be right back!" she answered slipping out of the classroom.

Ajima? What's he want with her? Kyoya made his way towards the door with Tamaki when several of his classmates stopped him.

"We heard from Ayame that your family is conducting a business deal with hers and that's why she's in Japan!"

"How often do you see her? What is she like?"

"When did she learn Japanese? Ayame said she's fluent but can't read?"

"Is her hair naturally curly?"

"She looks great in yellow."

"She looks great."

"Does she like Japan?"

Tamaki interjected on Kyoya's behalf. "Ladies...gentlemen, we can talk about this later. I'm quite famished right now as I'm sure the rest of you are..."

Where are they?Kyoya thought finally making it out of the class room. He checked his phone and sure enough, Ajima sent him a text message saying he would escort Anna to the cafeteria.


Tamaki and Kyoya met up with the host club (save Mori and Hani) in the cafeteria.

"So how's the first day going," Hikaru inquired.

"Does she have a group of guys fawning over her yet," Kaoru finished.

Haruhi sat down and began unwrapping her bento, "Where is she?"

"She'll meet us here. We're going to get lunch, would you mind saving her a seat?"

"Yeah sure, Kyoya."

News of the new American transfer student was quickly circulating around the cafeteria. Tamaki was even being questioned as he is the Chairman's son. A few girls asked if she would be coming to the host club today. Some guys were debating whether or not she had a boyfriend back home, here with her, if she was arranged to be married, how much money her family was worth, etc. I supposed I knew it was going to be like this. She is the new item at school. She already requested that the school newspaper not feature her and even made them sign a contract...but that's just fueling the mystery behind her more. At least we worked out our story.

They returned to the table where they saw Anna and Haruhi comparing bentos. Ajima's presence kept people from approaching the two. "A bento?"

"Oh hi Kyoya! Yes, Ajima's wife made it for me as thanks for the nail polish." She looked back at Ajima and flashed him a smile.

"If you don't need me, I'll take my leave Master Kyoya."

"Yes that's fine. Thank you." He sat across from the girls.

"Why does Haruhi get to wear pants if she's a girl?" Tamaki and the twins froze.

"Due to certain circumstances, Haruhi had to hide her gender. However, the circumstances have ended and with her relationship with Tamaki, it's apparent she's a girl. She just didn't feel like changing uniforms."

"I am right here you know."

"I was hoping for some cute plaid skirt or something."

"You know, our mom is a fashion designer. We can get you a sailor uniform."

"Oh really!"

"Okatu!"

"What? I am not!" The twins sniggered at her. "Oh shoot, I forgot to get something to drink... where do I go?"

The twins pointed her in the direction and she ran off. As she stood in line, a small crowd formed around her. She ended up stepping out of line and sitting at the closest table. A barrage of people asking her questions. Oh god, I'm so hungry... why don't they just go eat.She expertly took control of the conversation, turning questions back on to them - asking about their families, their break, the family business, expectations for the school year, future plans.

"Kyoya, should we do something about this," Kaoru asked looking towards Anna. "It looks like she's at a press conference."

"I think she'll be fine. If we keep stepping in on her behalf, it'll raise more questions and make it even more tiring to deal with," he said finishing his lunch.

"But she hasn't really eaten much and lunch is almost over..." Haruhi said looking at Anna's bento. "Maybe we should pack it up for her to keep it warm?"

Anna finally came walking back and sat down in her seat. "Oh crap! My drink! How much time do we have left?"

"Oh Anna," Tamaki looked overly dramatic, "lunch is over."

"But I'm so hungry..." she whined packing up her lunch. "I didn't get to eat anything...Is there a vending machine or something where I can get something to eat on the way to class?"

"There is a vending machine, but it's frowned upon to eat outside of the cafeteria... or rather, it's not etiquette to eat in the halls or while walking," Kyoya explained.

"Can I skip class," she asked dryly.

"Don't worry," Tamaki offered, "There's a break midway, so we'll try to sneak you something then."

Unfortunately, Anna couldn't make it midway. Shortly after class started, her stomach growled, which the four closest to her heard... then she started to become even more fidgety, her head began drooping like she was dozing off.

I can't believe she's falling asleep in class! Kuze thought, watching her. The nerve of Americans!

What is she doing? Kyoya said, side glancing at her... This can't be good.

[SLAM]

The class turned to look at Anna who had tears in her eyes. "Ow ow ow ow ow!" she rubbed her forehead.

"Anna are you okay?" Kuze knelt beside her, having knocked his chair over. "You hit your head pretty hard."

The teacher was walking up the aisle, unsure whether or not to reprimand her for falling asleep.

"Am I bleeding?" She looked up to Kuze.

Kuze brushed the hair away from her forehead, "No, but I think you'll be bruised..." Her eyes squinted shut. "You should go to the infirmary. Teacher?"

"Kyoya, please escort her." The teacher looked towards Tamaki, wondering what he would tell the Chairman.

"Can you walk Anna," concern dripped in Kyoya's voice as she wouldn't get up.

"Yeah, just…give me a minute..."

Kuze sighed and looked at Kyoya. Kuze stepped aside and Kyoya picked up Anna.

"Bento."

"Honestly Anna."

"Get it..." she growled at him. Tamaki grabbed the bento and walked with Kyoya to the infirmary in silence.

What just happened? She definitely wasn't falling asleep... Is she diabetic? Kyoya laid her down on the infirmary bed, Anna was rigid.

"What's wrong Anna?" Tamaki asked kneeling beside her bed.

"Water..."

"Anna, you're really stiff..." he gently placed a hand on her arm. This was reminding him too much of his mom. "Here, Kyoya's brought water. Can you sit up?" she didn't move and a shaky hand reached for the water... instead, Tamaki handed it back to Kyoya... then lifted Anna up on his lap like a child and fed her the water. Some spilled out onto their uniform, but her face relaxed. "It's okay. You're fine," he petted her hair as she nestled into his chest.

Kyoya stood in slight shock. He knew that Anne-Sophie had been ill, but the last time Kyoya saw her, she was in good health. Is this what Tamaki saw growing up a child those fourteen years? Kyoya sat on the bed beside them. Tamaki kept feeding her water until she relaxed more into her arms. "It's okay, it's okay. You're doing a great job..." he kept whispering to her.

"Thank you Tamaki," she said after a while, slowly opening her eyes. Tamaki gently laid her down on the bed, propping her up with pillows.

"I see you've done this before," she smiled weakly. "I'm sorry."

Tamaki smiled sadly at her. "I'll go get the thermometer and a pressure cuff."

"It's okay. It's not needed, I just need food," she looked at the bento Ajima had brought her.

Kyoya unwrapped it and handed it to her, "Are you diabetic?"

"Nm..." she said mouth full. "Hypoglycemic. But my reactions are different. Sometimes I get angry and other times I start to get migraines." Tamaki placed an icepack on her forehead. "Maybe I should cut myself some bangs, "she joked mouth full. "Sorry for the lack of decorum."

Tamaki laughed. "You even cover your mouth when you talk...it's okay. Just stuff yourself."

"How severe is it?" I'll need to do some research on this. Should I tell my father? This might be something that he wants to know. I wonder if it's safe to assume that Ajima knew about this… but why didn't he tell me? Do Tachibana or Horita know?

"Not very... there are much much worse cases... but I have to eat. It doesn't help that my metabolism is high. I burn right through the food I eat."

"You know, I can just tell my father and you can eat in class."

"No, that's unnecessary. I just can't skip lunch like today."

"You should have said something," Kyoya sighed adjusting his glasses. This could have all been avoided, highly unnecessary.

"What did you want me to say? 'Sorry but if I don't eat, I get angry... you won't like me when I'm hungry... HULK SMASH'?" They gave her blank stares. "You need to watch the hulk, with Ed Norton... the hungry line... ya know Hulk? Okay never mind."

She was almost done when she explained that her dad would carry around snack bars and juice boxes for her. They played it off as keeping the monster at bay, but she said not to be surprised if, when he finally comes, he starts throwing food at her.

Tamaki went back to class and Kyoya stayed with her in the infirmary. After seeing how Tamaki cared for her, he felt bad wanting to just leave her.

"It's going to suck tomorrow isn't it?"

"Suck?"

"It's completely embarrassing," she pulled the icepack off her head. Kyoya leaned in, pulling her hair back a bit.

"It doesn't look like it'll be as bad as Kuze thought."

"I didn't mean that, I mean me actually slamming my head on the desk. Your classmates probably think I'm a freak."

Why do you care?"Just explain to them about your hypoglycemia. If anything they'll fawn over you."

"Speaking of, what's the deal with Tamaki?"

"Hrmm," he adjusted his glasses. I guess there's no harm in telling her. "His mother was quite sickly when he was a child. It guess it's second nature to him."

She nodded somberly. That's really sad...

Kyoya changed the subject, "How did you take to the class?"

"It's more difficult than I thought it would be. I can't process Japanese and English at the same time. My brain has to shut off English to hear and understand Japanese." She closed her eyes and rested her head into the pillow.

Is she getting a headache?

"Trying to read English at the same time just got overwhelming. Sometimes I hear something like 'Take the log of x and increase it to the power of flowers…' or 'The chemical compound of fried chicken…' I'll just have to not use any books in class. Learning to read Japanese is too difficult."

"Was it this difficult in Switzerland?"

"No, class was in English..." She looked at him, "Kyoya, you can go back to class. I'm okay. I'll come back after the break that Tamaki was talking about."

Is she kicking me out? "Are you sure you'd rather me not stay?"

She raised an eyebrow in response.

Oh great, what is she thinking now? That I'm hitting on her.

"No I'm fine. Thank you."


Kyoya went back to class, and of course, everyone wanted to know what was going on. He told them that she would be returning and informed them that she was still adjusting and had a dizzy spell. He stated that she was highly embarrassed by it all and kindly requested that everyone refrain from drawing attention to the incident for her sake. I wonder how no one was able to figure this out?

At the end of the day, Tamaki convinced Anna to come with them to Music Room 3 - saying that Hani and Mori would be crushed if she didn't see them. Kyoya explained how operations and the back office worked. Much to Tamaki's dismay, she was still uncertain of it all.

"It still sounds like an unpaid-unsexed escort service... like a lonely hearts club or something..."

"No, you have it wrong. You should stay!" Tamaki gently grabbed her hand, "Please."

So Anna stayed and watched as girls came in requesting different characters. Anna fell over laughing at the twincest between Hikaru and Kaoru... she was laughing so hard she snorted.

"You know, you're not helping our numbers by laughing at our customers."

Anna was wiping tears from her eyes, "I'm sorry, I'm not laughing at them, it's just the two of them. They're hysterical! But I don't get Haruhi, if they know she's a girl..."

"Some people still like to fantasize. Plus, she's fulfilling a dual role."

"Meaning?"

"Natural type and gender-bender."

"I'm sorry, but now you Japanese seem freakish." Kyoya eyed her cooly. "No offense... but Japanese culture seems so … refined in some ways and totally perverted in others." They ended up in a conversation about the sexuality of various parts of the world when a guest walked in requesting Kyoya.

Anna smiled and went to sit with Mori and Hani, whose client just left. "I need a good seat."

"Aww you don't want to play," Hani asked.

"I have to see Kyoya in action..." she sipped her tea. "Wow, this isn't quite as fulfilling as I thought it would be," she said to them. "What's his angle?"

"Cool type."

"Ooh, you speak." Mori smiled at her. She talked to them a bit about university life, excusing herself when a customer came. I can't believe they're this busy... I can't believe they actually do this instead of just hanging out. Maybe the girls don't feel any pressure because it's all fake... they can indulge in their fantasies without any repercussions? But I still l don't get it... Oh well, I have homework to do.

"Going somewhere," Kyoya asked as she passed behind him.

"Yeah, to find someplace to do homework. I did miss a good chunk of class."

Kyoya turned, closing his notebook and adjusting his glasses. He stepped closer to her, "Shall we leave?" he whispered.

"No, don't let me interrupt your club. That would seem off if you left with me anyway. I'll just find somewhere on campus to go so your dad doesn't wonder why I came home without you." she smiled at him.

She is quite thoughtful. "Please take someone with you." She nodded and left.

Once she left, the girls started asking the boys questions about her...which Kyoya already instructed them to divert attention away from her. Being in the host club, this task didn't prove difficult, but they did wonder how much dodging they'd have to do.