Bun Bun

by MiBo

The Ishikawa Family rose to power by producing the sweetest maple syrup but there is turmoil amongst the five siblings, two sets of twins, and a single middle child with a tea shop. She is to wed a prestigious family but extreme sibling rivalry left her to fend for herself for the first time in her life, her real world job is at Chateau Bunny, a maid cafe with a bunny girl theme.

4. Lollipops

Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club it rightfully belongs to Bisco Hatori. I only claim ownership of Mayu Ishikawa (a.k.a. Bun Bun) and the Ishikawa Family. This story is inspired by Desire Climax and Kaichou-wa Maid-Sama.

Chapter 4 - Lollipops

"Bienvenue maitre de la maison," came that familiar sultry voice of the floppy bunny, she began to act a little more sultry than before because she had gotten used to her position as the Frenchie. Mayu had done some research on French maids and even learned a few phrases in the language so that she could better act her part. The man that she lead to the table was the same critic as before. He sat down with a smile on his face, when she left to bring him his latte, he glanced at Kairi, he gave her a thumbs up, which meant that he was going to write another positive review about her establishment. She grinned at him while watching Bun Bun return with latte, she placed it down, poured the same amount of sugar as she had done the first time, and blew on it. He sipped it, nodded, and she handed him the menu, when he asked for the blueberry tart, she replied while batting her eyelashes, "Tres bien!" Bun Bun left to place the order, he sipped his coffee while watching her move around the room, she held a grace he had never seen before, and pulled out his little book to jot down notes.

The tart was handed over to her, she looked at it, wondering how to make it better, she took three blueberries, placed them together, then made a spiral line of blueberry syrup around them that lead to the tart. She made sure to keep just a tad on the spoon for flavor, when she showed it to Saki, the woman smiled and nodded, Mayu left with a smile on her face. It was placed in front of the male and she replied, "Profiter de maitre." He nodded as she left to wipe down a counter, she hummed to herself while she wiped, the man took a photo of the tart as he wasn't allowed to photograph the bunnies, and then proceeded to eat it. Once he finished, the check was handed to him, he gave the same tip as last time, she walked him to the door, and she whispered, "S'il vous plait venez bientot." The man nodded, waved his goodbye, and left the establishment as another entered, Kairi approached this one, and took him to her side of the cafe.

Mayu cleaned off the table, she sauntered away, the bunny tail on her dress swayed with her hip movement, it brought a life to it that made it look real. She placed the dishes in the proper area for the chefs, then took the tray out to its proper place. The moment that she was about to enter the dining room, Kairi stopped her. She tilted her head, "I wouldn't go out there." Mayu backed up, "I believe your older siblings are here."

"I see."

"Yeah..."

Mayu smiled, "It's about that time of day for it to be busy. I won't be embarrassed, after all, I'm Bun Bun."

Kairi grinned, "Atta girl!"

Mayu entered the dining room, her sisters looked around, and didn't even recognize her at first but she said, "Welcome home mistresses." Rosette and Colette gawked at her, she motioned for them to take a seat, they did so with their mouths hanging open. She handed them each a menu, "May I bring you a refreshment to ease your busy day?" Still they couldn't respond so she nodded, their eyes watched as she sauntered away from them, she disappeared, and it wasn't long until she reappeared with two glasses of water. One was placed in front of each them, "Do take your time as it seems that you have had such an exhausting day mistresses." They were in such shock at her appearance, but that all changed the moment that a small of stature blond haired male entered. Those amber eyes looked around until they spotted Mayu.

"Bun Bun!"

She approached him, Kairi had seen this young man before and allowed Mayu to take him, she grinned at her, "Master, you've returned!" He laughed at her, she knelt down and took his hands in her own, Honey kissed them lightly, she smiled, "You are so good to me." Mayu was about to take him to another table until a woman came up behind him, immediately Mayu looped her arm around hers, "Mistress!" The woman smiled and she lead them both to a table, handed them menus, and quickly got them water.

"Thank you Bun Bun," replied Reiko.

"You are most welcome mistress." Reiko couldn't help but smile at this version of Mayu, she went in place of Mori because he was too embarrassed to go, so she volunteered. Her eyes caught sight of the two twins watching her and Honey, she knew who they were, and she leaned over, and kissed Honey on the mouth. He returned it while Mayu glanced away, Reiko looked up at her, and smiled while she replied, "Will you be having tea or coffee?"

"I think I'll have lemon tea. What about you Honey?"

"Hm...hot cocoa! With a lot of whip cream."

"As you wish!" Mayu left them to get their desired drinks, she made sure to make the lemon tea a bit different than what was usually served. She added some lemon zest to the loose leaf tea, she poured hot water in, set up the teacup and saucer, then prepared the cocoa. Mayu added just a touch of chocolate syrup, once the cocoa was finished, she shook the can of whip cream, and made it into a bunny face. She put two chocolate chips for eyes and one for a nose. She brought them on a tray, the tea was placed in front of Reiko, and the cocoa in front of Mitsukuni. He was so astonished by it, as was Kairi, that he took a photo of it, though he did ask permission first. Mayu poured the tea into the cup for Reiko and offered sugar but she declined. "Do take your time and relax masters."

"Of course Bun Bun," replied Reiko. Honey and Reiko were talking about how it was a nice establishment and Honey especially liked it because of the bunnies, he loved rabbits. She smiled at her husband, she thought about asking Mayu if she could have some real rabbits for Honey inside the place but she knew it was probably a health hazard so she kept it to herself but that didn't stop her mind from wandering about how to get one as a present to him. She would need to ask Mayu for her help later on, it would be nice to hang out with her. Reiko sipped her lemon tea, she notied the zest in it, and smiled.

They watched as she approached her sisters, they only glared at her and both threw the glasses of water on her, but she leaned back so that the water only soaked her dress, and not her makeup. "May I assume that the mistresses are unhappy?"

"You're damn right we're unhappy!" hollered Rosette. The other patrons started to stare at them while Mayu apologized to them. "Your words are hollow Mayu!" It was then that Mayu placed a hand on her chest and said that her name was Bun Bun and that there was no Mayu present. "Don't bullshit me! I don't care what the rules are here 'cause you're just a disowned, renounced, Ishikawa Maiden who couldn't even keep an arranged marriage with a wrinkly old Morinozuka!"

Mayu began to feel that anger once more, that thing that was about to snap but she sighed, and took to glaring at her sisters while Colette added, "Yeah and the Ootori men wouldn't even take you because you had to request Knarly Hands to go with you! What kind of person takes an old woman with them for an arranged marriage? You're a disgrace to the Ishikawa name and that's why mommy renounced you!" They began to laugh but it was Mayu who looked down at the ground, when she looked back up at them, their laughter was silenced. Those red orbs glared at them, it was as if they were staring into the very pits of a blazing fire.

"I suggest that the mistresses leave before the house maid decides to do something irrevocably stupid that may jeopardize her occupation."

Her words made the twins shiver but made Honey and Reiko smile, Reiko chimed in, "Perhaps if you don't want to leave then maybe Belzeneff would like to aid in that." She produced her puppet from the club, those cat eyes stared at the twins, they shivered, squeaked, and she added, "All it takes is one phone call to get the real one here. He'll love you because you exude a dark aura, black magic will definitely take an effect on you." They squeaked in surprise once more and ran out of the establishment nearly knocking over another customer. Mayu looked at Reiko and thanked her, "Any time Bun Bun. You're my favorite bunny." She smiled whlie taking their order, this time Honey took four sweets while Reiko took the carrot cake.

When she was in the back making their orders, Kairi patted her on the shoulder, "You did good out there." Mayu thanked her, "I mean it. You looked as if you were about to lose your temper but you didn't and yet they were scared of your glare. What did you do to them in the past?"

"I have no idea."

Kairi laughed, "Well whatever it was, just one look from you and they about peed themselves!" Mayu laughed with while they returned to their work. Honey exclaimed how good the sweets were while Reiko nodded, Mayu thanked them for their praise, and returned to waiting on others. The day progressed smoothly as Honey and Reiko left, of course they left a tip that was far too extravagant for her liking but she thanked them anyway. When it was near shift switch, Kairi stated, "Alright Bun Bun, you can go now."

"Are you sure?"

"Uh-huh. There's a tall dark haired man outside waiting for you." She tilted her head, glanced outside, and recognized Mori. "Boyfriend?"

"Just a friend."

"That's a shame. You two would make such cute babies!" Mayu was flabbergasted while Kairi laughed, "Go on! He's waiting for you! You did most of the side work and prep anyway. I'll do the rest! Go have a life!" She laughed and headed to the changing room, she switched into her red workshirt, tight jeans, and slipped on her boots. She then pulled on her tweed jacket, scarf, and cleaned her face of all makeup that made her look like Bun Bun. The ears were placed with the rest of the outfit, she put on some pink eyeshadow, with coral lipstick, and ruffled her hair around; Mayu grabbed her market bag and headed out. She was leaving and thanked the chefs and Kairi for their hard work, "Don't mention it! You work harder than most girls I've hired! Keep it up!" She nodded, exited through the front, and nudged Mori.

"Have you been waiting long?"

"No."

"Lead the way!" He guided her away from the store, Mayu was curious as to where they were going, as the shops passed by, she realized that they were going towards the small boutiques. "Why are we here?" He opened a door, she stepped through it, "Thank you." It was a leather shop, she blinked, inhaled the scent, and replied, "It smells nice."

"I'm glad someone appreciates it," stated the clerk.

Mayu grinned, "It's very comforting."

"I know! Most others don't like it."

"Then they don't know what leather smells like." The man laughed and nodded, he said that if they needed any help then don't hesitate to ask. "Of course." She smiled at him while Mori lead her to the women's department, he brought her to the accessories section. There were gloves, he picked up a set of brown ones, she looked, and shook her head. Then he put them back and brought out another pair, they were black, and she stuck her tongue out. Mori gave an imperceptible smirk but replaced them, then he pulled out a pair of cognac colored ones, she took them, smelled them, and nodded. Mori then grabbed a pair of rustic brown ones, she liked those too but held one of each in her hands, he could tell that she was indecisive so he took both of them in his hands. "Both?" He nodded, "You can't do that for me!"

He leaned down, "I can and I will. Now pick a hat." She shivered at his tone while she went to go look at the hats, they were lambskin and calfskin so she was very careful with them. Eventually there was a rustic brown one in the shape of a short top hat that matched her gloves, it had a green ribbon around it, and a pin in the shape of a feather. She put it on and Mori nodded approval, "Pick another." She looked at him quizzically, "For your other gloves." Mayu smiled gratefully at him, he watched as she put the hat on her head, and began to browse the cognac colored ones. This time she found one that was in the shape of a panama hat, she put it on, and he shook his head, it went back on the shelf, and her eyes kept roaming around. Red orbs located a fedora, it was on a high shelf, Mori reached up, grabbed it, and dropped it on her head. She chuckled while she looked up at him, he nodded with a smile, and grinned. Takashi took both sets of gloves and hats to the clerk, he paid for them, all were placed in a small bag. She thanked the clerk enthusiastically while he returned her very same enthusiasm.

That small bag was placed in her larger market tote once they were outside, Mori reached in, removed the rustic brown gloves and hat, placed the hat on her head, and slipped the gloves over her hands. He nodded while she immediately hugged him, the Morinozuka martial artist was caught off guard but returned it. She looked up at him, "Thank you so much Mori!" He could see there were tears in her eyes, he used her scarf to wipe them away, "I'm sorry. No one's ever gotten me anything before. It means a lot to me. I'll treasure them always!" Mori smiled at her and nodded while they continued to walk through the small boutique area, her phone buzzed, Mori looked down at her, she opened it up, and chuckled. "My boss wants to meet you. She said that you can come inside and wait for me next time so that you don't turn into a popsicle. She's not sure if her oven is big enough to thaw you." Mori chuckled and nodded, "Thank you so much Mori." Once more they wandered around, he bought them red bean paste fish, she munched on it happily, while he did the same. "Honey and Reiko came to visit me today." Mori nodded and she asked, "Do you remember our conversation last night?"

He was silent and gave a small nod, "I was tired. I wasn't myself. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry." He looked down at her, "It was enjoyable to talk to you. Even if it's not all that often, our time spent together is special, and, no matter what, I love it." Mori smiled and nodded while they finished their fish. "Did Honey tell you that my sisters came by today?" He nodded, "Is that why you were waiting for me?" He nodded once more, "You're so sweet Mori! I really like being around you." He nodded again as they disposed of their sticks, she continued to follow him until they came upon a candy store. Mori ushered her inside, she stared at all the colors, "It's so bright!"

He gave a low chuckle, "Get whatever you want."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"I wouldn't even know where to start!" Mori followed her around as she looked at all the sweets, he could tell that she turned her nose in the air at the ingredients, and eventually she saw the dried fruit section. "Ah! That's more my taste!" Mori followed her as she looked at all the fruit, she glanced around a corner to see a clerk, she waved him down. He looked at her, "Can I put different fruit in the same bag if it's the same price?" He nodded, "Great! Thank you!" Once more Mori chuckled while he watched her put guava, pineapple, persimmon, and dragonfruit in one bag and kiwi, orange, lemon, and plum in another. She made sure to write all of numbers on each bag, she returned to Mori's side, he was chuckling. "What?"

"Nothing."

"What?"

He leaned down, "You're cute when you shop." Mayu felt her face flush a little but it abated quickly as he took the bags from her, he paid for them, and handed them back to her. She placed them in her market tote, they exited the shop, and he asked, "You don't have a purse?"

"I like my market tote. It's versatile!" He nodded, "Thank you Mori. I'm having a really fun time." He nodded again until he heard her stomach, she put her hands over it, and gave a sheepish laugh, "Sorry." Mori smirked and lead her to a ramen stand, they sat, ordered, and ate in silence. He could tell that she was happy and having fun despite her sisters visiting that day which was his goal. Mori watched as Mayu ate her ramen, her hands were no longer cold nor was her head, and that already made him joyous. They finished, he paid once more, and they left, this time he took her in the direction of her home, "Already? I was having so much fun!" Mori chuckled while she grinned, "You know I don't have a couch or a coffee table at my place. I was thinking on Sunday I could shop for one, would you like to come?"

"Sure."

"Thanks so much! You're really a good friend Mori." He nodded to her, "As I said before, if your family reconsiders the proposal, let me know." Takashi looked at her, "I may have been renounced as a member of the Ishikawa Family but I can still make my tea business the biggest one in the city. Will that put me on a level playing field to be considered by your parents?" He only stared at her as her red eyes blazed with determination, "That's what I thought. Until I can get Shining Grove Tea up again, I'm going to try my hardest to make as much money as I can to put away for it. Then I can gather a portfolio together for investors."

"Investors?"

"Investors help a business to grow but to get investors I need a product first, to get a product I need money."

"I'll help."

Mayu patted his arm, "You're helping me enough Mori, I want your parents to know that I can make something of myself even if I was renounced and that I'll do anything I can to be with you. More than you know, you're already helping me. You keep me sane as well as Honey and Reiko. All three of you keep me sane in a time when all I want to do is return to the estate and kill my mother." He was taken aback at her words, "It's not the first time that these insane thoughts have crossed my mind but I've become so close to doing it. When I want to go through with it, you, Honey, or Reiko show up and calm me down. Even if you three don't realize it, you're my closest friends, the first that I've ever had, and I treasure all of you." She put her hands on her heart, "The three of you will always be in my heart and that's what keeps me from wanting to do the things I think about." She looked up at him and smiled, "You're my best friend Mori but one day...maybe we can be more."

They reached her gate and leaned down, "I'd like that one day too, Snowbelle." Mayu smiled, kissed his cheek, he kissed the top of her head, and he watched as she entered the gate. Mori waved to her, she did the same, and they parted ways but the moment that she got to her floor there was a familiar voice.

"You have a boyfriend Mayu?"

"Ranka!"

"The one and only! Come inside my home!" Mayu nodded and entered, she removed her shoes, he hugged her, "I know that's Mori."

"How do you know Mori?"

"He's a friend of my daughter."

"Ah! That's good then!"

"Of course, come, sit, have some tea." Mayu nodded, she sat down while Ranka poured tea, "Now tell me about yourself. Everything that brought you here Ishikawa Maiden." She smiled, sipped her tea, and nodded; Mayu explained her life to him. At first he was happy but the more she told him, the more his face fell, until she came upon the part about her being renounced and leaving. "That's so sad. Family shouldn't treat one another like that!"

"The Ishikawa Family has always had inner strife, it's the way it is but that doesn't mean I have to put up with it."

"You're damn right! You're making such a good life here outside that it makes me wonder why you never left to begin with."

"My Gammy. No one there takes care of her but me. Now I worry about her but my Da tells me that she's doing fine because I send her money for her medication, doctor's appointments, and such."

"Why doesn't your Da do it?"

"Selka has found a way to funnel the money for Gammy's care into Rosette and Colette's trust fund so he's stopped putting money into her account. I made a new one with my Gammy and I's name on it and decided that I would help instead since she practically raised me. So I took it upon myself to care for her by making Shining Grove Tea. But now that it's been destroyed and forced into infancy once more, I became a bunny."

"You're such a sweetheart."

"I love my Gammy, she took care of me so now I do all I can for her. Whatever money I have left over from her care and my essentials, I put away for my business. Once I'm able to get a product going, I can look for investors, then propose to businesses to carry it."

"You're so smart."

"I've done this before but on a very small scale. Now I'm thinking much larger as Chateau Bunny has already said that they would carry my tea as part of the menu and I'm sure Blossom Cakes will to."

"Oh, you already have prospective clients, that's good. But why are you so determined to make it a big business?"

Mayu's eyes twinkled, "First so that I can get my marriage proposal back," Ranka grinned, "second to show Selka and my siblings that I can make it on my own just fine without their money. I may have been renounced from the money but I'm still an Ishikawa Light Maiden whether they want to accept it or not."

"That's very good Mayu. I'm glad that you have such a fire in you, my daughter is the same way." Mayu nodded, "But..if you don't mind me asking, who was your proposal?"

"Takashi Morinozuka."

Ranka laughed, "And you're still seeing him after it was cancelled?"

"As friends, I told him if he reconsidered to let me know but I think his parents may not approve because the contract was broken, something that I know prestigious families frown upon, and my position as a bunny doesn't help. So that's another reason I want my business big, to gain the approval of the Morinozuka Family."

"You could probably just learn martial arts."

She laughed, "I can't. For some reason that particular part doesn't work for me. I just fall down every time I try." Ranka laughed with her as they finished their tea, "Thank you Ranka. This Sunday I'll be able to get a couch and coffee table."

"Mori going with you?"

"Who else?"

"Very good! Did he buy you those gloves and hat?"

Mayu smiled, "He did. He got me two sets, dried fruit, red bean fish, and ramen."

"That my dear was a date."

She stared at him, "It was not!"

"Yes it was. Was he waiting for you after work?"

"Yes."

"He bought you nice gloves and hats, fed you, bought you treats, and agreed to go with you shopping for a coffee table and couch." Mayu nodded while Ranka grinned, "That was a date!" Mayu was shocked and began to say that she wasn't even dressed nice, "I don't think it matters. Mori doesn't talk a lot but he does think a lot so I'm sure he liked the way you were dressed."

"Thank you Ranka."

He nodded, "Just a side note but my daughter is a lawyer so if need any legal advice, I can call her over for you." Mayu nodded gratefully with a smile and he added with a grin, "Well then, we must part for I have to go to work!" She laughed, thanked him for the tea, and they parted ways. "Bye for now neighbor!"

She looked over at him, "Good to see you too neighbor!" They laughed and entered their respective apartments. Mayu took a shower, looked at her gloves, and smiled, "Thank you so much Mori." She picked up her phone while she was drying her hair, she unlocked it, and sent him a text message. "Thank you for today Mori. I had a lot of fun and I look forward to Sunday! My neighbor was talking with me and he said that it was a date. Was it really?" She sent it, waited for a response, and didn't receive one so she laid down to rest. The moment that she did, her phone buzzed, she snatched it, looked at it, and smiled, "It was a date." Mayu kissed the phone and texted in return, "You know I always kiss the phone before I go to sleep. It's like kissing your cheek all the time." Mayu sent it and was giddy inside for his response, when she got his text, she quickly looked at it. The only thing that he had sent was a blushing emoticon and she smiled, "Mori, you're too cute!" She hit the sent button and that was the end of the text messages, "I guess I embarrassed him." Mayu chuckled and went to sleep although she had no idea what she was really doing to Takashi Morinozuka.

-::::::-

The following day was no different for Mayu with the exception that Kairi announced it was Lollipop Day. She stood staring at her boss, "Lollipop Day?"

"Yes! It's that special day of the month that all of our masters wait for!"

"Why?"

"Because we hand out lollipops and wear lollipop inspired cocktail dresses, all sorts of swirling or solid colors and a big bow in the middle! We allow them to choose a flavor and we remove it for them in a very sultry manner. Can you handle it Bun Bun?"

She smirked, "I'll handle anything you can throw at me."

"Very good then! Let's get dressed!" Mayu nodded as they changed, she was chosen to wear a cherry colored dress, it was tight just like her French Maid outfit and the bunny tail was there, she grinned at it, pulled on her white lace stockings, and decided to wear red heels this time while the ears flopped over her chest. She fixed her hair, exited, and put on her designated makeup, this time she was able to brush on the fur, bunny nose, and whiskers herself. Kairi clapped her hands, "You look just like a cherry!"

Mayu laughed, "I hope that the cherry orbs in my eyes help out too." At this Kairi burst out in hysterical laughter, the pair exited the dressing room, and began to velcro the lollipops onto their dresses, Mayu was grinning the entire time as she placed a particularly large one in her bosom. Kairi quirked an eyebrow at her, "This is for someone special."

"Oh?"

"You'll get to meet him today!"

"Ah! The boyfriend who's just a friend?" Mayu nodded, "Good for you Bun Bun!" She nudged her boss while Saki and Ren exclaimed how cute she was. Kairi went on about her friend who was going to wait for her inside this time, she rolled her eyes, while they began to set up the front. "I'm happy for you Bun Bun. When you first came here barely a week ago, you were a bit shy but determined. Now you're as good as any seasoned maid."

"I do research."

She laughed, "I like that! Devotion is a trait that I highly value. Plus the new review came out today!" The two chefs, Mayu, and Kairi gathered around the article that was in the paper. Kairi read, "I've been to many maid cafes and Chateau Bunny is still one of the most unique ones I've ever come across. Their bunny girls are all simply divine, each one as different as the rabbit they represent but there is one in particular that deserves recognition this week. I've been served by her twice now and I can say that she devotes herself to the cause quite nicely. Bun Bun is a special French Floppy as she is the only one at Chateau Bunny to be a floppy but she's also special in the sense that she's an albino. Her gestures are smooth and full of enthusiasm to please. If you're lucky she'll even say some French to you on the way in and out. If you're even more lucky, she'll give you the first spoon of your coffee but don't be fooled, this little Floppy Frenchie has a flame inside that's just begging to turn into a blazing fire. All in all, stop by Chateau Bunny and experience it for yourself, you won't be disappointed. I know that I'll be back again next week to see the Floppy Frenchie again and again and again." They all squealed while Kairi hugged her, "No bunny has ever been mentioned by name before except me!"

"Congratulations Bun Bun!" exclaimed Ren. Saki nodded and patted Mayu's back, she was ecstatic, Ren grinned, "We knew you were special! Any one who looks like an albino bunny is special."

"Or Lady Amaterasu," added Saki.

Mayu nodded, "Thank you. I only wish to do my best and since today is Lollipop Day, I have no idea what to expect except there's a line forming already." They all laughed as they finished preparing, and Kairi opened up for business that day. The Ishikawa Maiden learned that Lollipop Day was definitely a good thing, there were many customers, and a lot of large amounts of money being passed around. She did her part, Kairi kept a close eye on her to make sure she was alright, and when a man was being particularly difficult, Mayu glared down at him with her cherry irises, "Etre calme votre enfant ingrat!" The whole establishment became quiet, she removed a sour apple lollipop, and smacked him on the head, "Non bon bon." The man looked visibly sad, she placed the sour apple then a watermelon on the table for him, she knelt down, and asked, "What would you like master?" He said his order, she nodded, "Tres bien!" She stroked the top of his head gently before leaving to get his order. He took his lollipops while everything went back to normal. Kairi grinned at her while she disappeared to get the requested cappuccino.

Once that bit had been completed, the rush ended, she took in a breath, and smiled at Kairi who wrapped her arm around her shoulder, "You did really good! Now we have to clean up in case of a second round!" Mayu nodded and brought out a tray, she was placing all the used dishes on it, and they both heard the door open, Mayu was busy with her station as she knew it was Kairi's turn but the voice made her stop. "Is Bun Bun here?" The man was guided to her only clean table, it was in the corner, and he placed his back against the wall, she glanced over her shoulder at him, and he smiled at her.

Mayu quickly bounded over to him, she whispered, "Welcome home master." He smiled at her while she gave him a menu, he tapped what he wanted right away, "Tres bien maitre!" Once more he smirked at her while watching her bound off to get his order placed. Kairi approached him, he looked up at her with his familiar stoic face.

"So you're Bun Bun's boyfriend who's just a friend." He nodded, she smiled, "You take good care of our little Bun Bun because she's a special one." He nodded once more, "I'm glad I got to meet you, I'm Kairi Hiryu, the owner but in uniform I'm Jackie." The male nodded once more and she added, "Bun Bun was in the paper as part of a maid cafe review so don't expect to keep her all to yourself. If you want to keep her safe then you'll have to come here everyday from morning until she's finished with work." He kept his stoic face, "Can you handle that responsibility?"

"Yes."

She laughed, "I like you! Awesome, I'm glad to hear it. She really likes you and treasures you a lot, I can tell." He only nodded to her, "I told her once that you two would make cute babies." Mori's face froze and she laughed even more, "That was her reaction too! But neither one of you have disapproved and that's good enough to sate my curiosity." She noticed that Mayu was returning, "Enjoy." Kairi left to attend to her own guest while Mayu placed the requested items down. She picked up the fork, took off a small piece, and looked at the man, he opened his mouth, and ate the piece of cake.

Mayu grinned, "I'm glad you came Mori." He swallowed the cake and nodded while she put down the fork for him to do the rest while she cleaned up. Mori's eyes never left as she placed everything on the tray and sauntered away, he watched that little fluffy tail sway to and fro. She disappeared, he nibbled on his food, when she returned, his attention was riveted onto her once more. Kairi took note, called Saki and Ren out, to which they hid in the corner to watch. Mori finished his cake, sipped his coffee while his eyes never left Mayu, once the room was cleaned up, and the tables wiped down; she returned to Mori. "Finished already?" He nodded, "Would you like more coffee maitre?" The Morinozuka male nodded, she smiled, took the cup away, and nearly hopped out of sight. He leaned back and glanced around the place, it was nice, decorated like a regular maid café, but held that little seductive tone such as the darker subdued colors, and choice of artwork as well as the gothic styled lighting.

The Ishikawa Maiden returned, removed his empty dish, and placed a fresh cup of coffee on the table for him, she was going to leave him once more but he whispered, "Thank you Snowbelle." Mayu looked at him, smiled warmly, it made her single eye twinkle, and he was able to get a better look at her costume, it was a cherry red cocktail dress with lollipops sparsed all over it, one candy was between her breasts, and her long floppy ears accented her face nicely. "You look nice." Mayu smiled at him, slowly removed the lollipop between her breasts with two fingers, and placed it behind his ear before she took away his empty plate, and began to wipe down the counters, everything was clean, and her side work had already been prepped and finished with her down time. Mori continued to stay there and watch as she greeted the others, he smirked at her antics, she knew how to charm people. That's why she was good at persuading clients to buy the syrup. She can tell just what a person needs to feel comfortable, she's inviting, and warm but, most of all, pleasant. Her smile lights up everything around her and it's good that Kairi covered part of her face, I wouldn't like it if she showed all of it. At this point, he stared into that cup of coffee, he realized that he was getting jealous. Is this a good thing? He resolved it by telling himself that it was completely natural because he still saw her as his proposed marriage even if the contract was cancelled.

It wasn't much longer until the rest of the customers left and Kairi stated, "Alright Bun Bun you can go." She nodded, Mori paid his bill, although she gave him a look that said he had tipped her too much, he only shrugged which caused Kairi to laugh. Mayu left to go change, once she removed every article of clothing that made her look like Bun Bun, she ruffled her hair, put on orange eyeshadow, coral lipstick once more, and dressed in a blue flannel, tight jeans, and her boots. She pulled on her tweed jacket, cognac gloves, cognac fedora, and her scarf. Mayu thanked them for their hard work and Kairi replied, "You too hon! I'll see you tomorrow!" She nodded while Mori walked with her out of the establishment, she smiled up at him.

He looked down at her, "Thank you for coming. It meant a lot to me. I hope the dress didn't offend you too much."

"Not at all. It was cute."

She smiled, "I'm glad. I know you wanted to see the maid outfit right?" He looked away with a faint blush on his face, and she chuckled, "It was unexpected but I made my quota for the week which means I can put away a whole day's worth of money for the tea." Mori nodded, "Where are we going?" He shrugged, she decided that now would be a good time to loop her arm around his, he glanced down at her. "It means nothing to the customers because they're not special to me. But for me to do this to you, I really hope you don't mind."

"You do what you want Snowbelle."

"You too Mori!" He smiled as they strolled around the area, he noticed that she stopped, her eyes had spotted her mother, and her younger twins. "Talia and Valia, my younger twins and Selka...my mother." Mori looked to see them enter a very expensive lingerie shop, immediately he tugged her in that direction. "I don't want to see them."

"But I want them to see you with me." She looked up at him, "How many pajamas do you have?"

"Just one nightgown and my sleeping kimono."

"I'll get you another." She stared up at him while he winked at her, she flushed but smiled, "You deserve it Mayu." She squeezed his hand, he squeezed in return, and the pair entered the establishment. Immediately Mori had spotted them by the negligees but he steered Mayu towards the nightgowns since she said that's what she owned. But he already noticed that she had caught sight of the nightgown and robe pairs, so he followed her. There were whispers about him there, Valia and Talia had taken the bait but it was Selka who began to roam around to try and see who he was with. He still had the lollipop behind his ear, he watched as Mayu glanced through all the sizes, shook her head, so they moved onto another rack, and it persisted until she found one that looked to be the right size but it was too baggy for her. "Another store," came his whisper.

Mayu nodded, Mori looped his arm around hers, and they proceeded to leave just as Talia, Valia, and Selka were paying. The bell signaled that they had left, the three ran out quickly to see Mori walking with a short white haired female, and her sisters gasped loudly. Talia shouted, "MAYU!" The Ishikawa Maiden glanced over her shoulder at them while Mori did the same, their arms were looped together, and Selka paled as did the twins. Mayu turned away from them, Mori took her to another store, the moment that they entered, Selka stormed off with her daughters in tow.

She laughed the moment that they entered and Mori smiled, "Did you see their faces?!" He nodded, "You're brilliant Mori!" He only shrugged with a smile on his face, Mayu hugged him, "I'll never forget their faces, that was so priceless." Mori returned the hug with enthusiasm before whispering something in her ear, and she nodded. "I'll go look." The Morinozuka male wasn't far behind her as she rounded the racks, intent on trying to find something that she liked but found nothing in her size so she spotted another section. It was satin nightgowns, she gently pawed through them until a blue one came into view, she pulled it out, placed it against her body, and looked at Mori. He shook his head, "Not my color huh?" Mori smirked while she put it back and found a nightgown and robe pair that was orange, "How about this?" He nodded approval, "Warm colors are more my style right?" He nodded again and she smiled while she picked out a pink one, and that was all for her. She heard him sigh, "What? I don't like to spend needlessly. Would it make you feel better if I sent you a picture later?" At this his eyes snapped onto her, there was a long pause but he nodded. "Good, I was going to do it anyway!"

Mori paid for them, they left, and he noticed that she put the bag in her market tote once more, and he wrapped his arm around her waist. It caught her off guard but she did the same to him, "I'm glad you texted me."

"Me too."

"How long until you can get your tea back?"

"Awhile because the shrubs are still in infancy and need a lot of care. You'll see them when you come over on Sunday to help me put together my coffee table!" Mori nodded, kissed the top of her head, and she smiled up at him. "I should give you a nickname too but I can't really think of one."

"I'll let you know."

She laughed, "Thanks!" They walked together for a time before she asked, "Are you going to eat that lollipop?"

"No."

"Why?"

"I'm saving it."

"For what?"

"My secret." Mayu laughed, they went back to looping arms, it was easier for them to walk together, and he could tell that she was much happier now. "You look better."

She glanced up at him, "That's because I am better now that you're here." He smiled down at her while he took her home, she kissed his cheek, and he her head as they parted ways. "I'll see you tomorrow?" He nodded, "Okay!" Mori left while she headed up to her own apartment, she closed the door, and sighed. "He's so good to me and there's really nothing that I can do in return..." Mayu pouted, took her water can, and began to talk to her tea bushes once more. The roeship one was growing the fastest, she smiled at it, "You were the first one I ever had and it looks like it's going to happen again. All of you are my favorites, I'll need to get more food for you guys so on Sunday. I'll do that first before shopping because you little ones are more important." Once she finished she took a shower, and removed the bag of gowns that Mori had bought her. "Well I promised him a picture." Mayu put on the orange one, she pulled on the robe, left it open, and headed to her mirror in the bedroom. It was a large oblong mirror with an antique frame, engraved on it was Lady Amaterasu, and she angled the phone right; she snapped a photo. What she didn't realize was that her hair was all stringy and fluffed out but she didn't care at the moment, so she started to add some text to her picture. "Here you go Mori, as promised!" She hit the sent button and slipped underneath her covers.

Mayu closed her eyes, but her phone buzzed, immediately she grabbed it, and read the text, "Wish I could touch you." Her face flushed and she kissed the phone, she looked through the emoticons until she found one that mimicked a kiss. Mayu selected it, sent it, and smiled while she waited for his response; there wasn't one right away but she did receive one minutes later. Red irises looked at the text, it was unusual for him but she read it, "I wish I could come over there and lay down with you. Just to be near you because I miss you Snowbelle." Her face flushed and she responded, "Once I get a couch you're more than welcome to stay over." Minutes passed and he responded, "Is your bed big enough for two people?" She texted back, "Yes, why?" Once more there minutes and his response was, "The bed is fine." Followed by a winking smiley face, she flushed even more but replied, "Sure! I look forward to it." She ended that with a smiley face as well and then that was the end of the conversation. She laughed, placed the phone on the end table, and covered up for some sleep.

The following morning, Mayu got up, stretched her back, got dressed, and headed out into the day for the last day of her work for the week. She was definitely looking forward to Sunday, even after the prior night's crazy messages. She smiled to herself until a woman blocked her path just outside of Chateau Bunny, Kairi was in the window watching, and Mayu glared at her mother. "What can I do for you Selka? I thought I didn't matter to you."

"You don't but why are you seeing Takashi Morinozuka? That contract was broken and Talia is set to marry him now!" Mayu stared at her then openly laughed, Selka was taken aback by her demeanor as this was not the quiet young woman she had grown used to at the estate. "What's so funny?!"

She calmed herself down, "You actually think that the Morinozuka and Haninozuka Families will want anything to do with the Ishikawa Family?" The maiden laughed again, "You are more clueless than myself when it comes to things like this."

"What are you talking about?"

Mayu stated with a smirk, "Let me make this clear for you, you cancelled a marriage proposal to the Morinozuka Family, one of many prestigious families in Japan, and that lead to repercussions. To cancel a proposal to any family leaves a horrible impression of that family but to do it to one such as them? Well, they will no longer consider the Ishikawa Family for any proposals in the future, you had your chance with them, and you took your jealousy, aggravation, and envy for me out on them. Now you have nothing and the Haninozukas are the same."

"How do you know what the Haninozukas will do?"

"Because I'm friends with one of them and their the direct cousins to the Morinozukas."

Selka stared, "How can you be friends with Takashi and a Haninozuka when you have nothing?"

"I have Mori's phone, he gave it to me so that I could contact him when the proposal was first arranged. Even though the proposal was cancelled I messaged him so that we could meet up. He's still my friend and now we're together; there's nothing you can do."

"I'll tell his parents."

"Fine. Tell them, see if I care but I'm warning you," Mayu came close to her mother, those red orbs blazing like embers, "if you do anything to have Mori taken away from me, as Lady Amaterasu as my witness I will do something that you will regret for the rest of your life, Selka. Mark my words."

"What can you do? You're just a dumb poor person."

"Oh? Am I just a dumb poor person? I created a business that you nor my siblings even knew about so how dumb can I really be Selka?" Mayu backed off, she watched as Selka hurriedly walked off, once the woman disappeared around a corner, she snuck inside Chateau Bunny. She took in a deep breath and looked to see Kairi standing there. She gave her a thumbs up and Mayu smiled, "I'm alright. I've had enough of that woman."

"If you need any help you let me know."

"What do you mean?"

Kairi's eyes twinkled, "As a bunny we have many connections through our masters and I happen to know a few who can dig up information about people, information that can bring down the largest corporation in the world."

"Oh, you are very devilish!"

She laughed, "Of course I am! I came up with the idea of this maid café!" Mayu nodded and praised her intelligence, "Oh posh! You're a hard worker and I don't want someone like her to get in the way of your happiness with Mori."

"Do you know who she is?"

"No. I assumed she was someone who has a grudge against you."

"Selka's my mother."

Kairi nodded, "Well then, seeing as how you speak of her, you don't seem too fond of her at all." Mayu shook her head, "You let me know when you want the information and I'll be happy to dig it up for you."

"Don't worry, you'll know. Until then I've got to warn Mistukuni, Reiko, and Mori; I'm pretty sure they have some connections too that I'm unaware of." Her boss nodded and watched as she typed as fast as she could, when the message was sent, she sighed, "I did it in time!" Kairi clapped a hand on her shoulder and nodded, "Thanks."

"Let's get to work and make some money!" Mayu nodded, they both changed, put on their makeup, outfits, accessories, and opened up the shop. The first person to enter was Mori, she stood shocked while Kairi grinned, Mayu greeted him in French, he smiled at her, and she lead him to his table in the corner. Immediately she brought him water and a cup of coffee, once more Mori nodded but this time he looked at every detail of her maid outfit. Kairi could see that he was memorizing it and she so dreadfully wanted to tease Mayu but she refrained from it, a customer entered, and she took him.

Mori grabbed her hand gently and whispered, "Nothing's going to happen."

"I know."

"I'll always protect you Snowbelle."

"I know because I'm only yours." Mori nodded while she returned to work, he watched her, her voice always made him smirk, and the customers seemed to like her too. A few had requested her as well and Kairi was all too happy to allow her to take the call parties and Mayu was always nice enough for her to take the next few that matched her calls. Kairi was impressed that Mori stayed the entire shift, Mayu left to change, she reappeared with her pink eyeshadow, coral lips, disheveled hair, green workshirt, tight jeans, boots, and this time her rustic brown gloves and hat. The pair left with Mayu saying, "Thank you for your hard work everyone!" They repeated the same to her, Saki and Ren smirked, and the moment that they exited the establishment, Mori glanced around for any one. Then he lead her to a restaurant, she looked up at him but he kept silent, she knew better than to ask when his face was that determined. So when they entered, he found the table he was looking for, and allowed Mayu to get in first, he took a seat, and they both stared at a young male with glasses.

He looked from Mayu to Mori and back again while Mori said, "We need your help Kyoya."