Three: My Little Game

There was no mistaking it: Tamaki was here, right in front of her eyes. Ami stared, speechless, at the scene before her. One moment she was out in a normally hallway; the next, she was in this so-called host club. When she did not say anything, Tamaki waved a rose in front of her face. Her gray gaze went to the rose; it looked exactly like the ones on the bush that she had smelled...the last time she saw him.

"Are you that in awe, princess, of my heavenly beauty? Trust me, my dear...no matter how beautiful I am, nothing pales in comparison to you, my spectacled rose." He bowed slightly, giving Ami an irresistible smile. Though he was indeed handsome, she wondered where he came up with such a cheesy line...cheesy, but romantic A spectacled rose? What next? she thought.

Ami decided, for today, to go along with the whole host club idea. She wanted time to see exactly how Tamaki had changed in the past three years. Tomorrow, however, would be different. Her plan was to turn his world upside down...what better way than to use his hosting to her advantage? That was put aside, for the moment.

She imitated a curtsy, which looked odd since she was not wearing a dress. "Yes...I was just taken aback. I...would like to request you as my host..." Ami quieted her voice. Though it had been a few years, Ami still felt as if Tamaki was her friend. There was no reason for her to be naturally shy in front of him.

"Indeed, my princess. Please, come with me." Tamaki softly grabbed Ami's hand, leading her to a couple of couches. The tea poured, Tamaki leaned in closer to Ami.

"So, what is the name of my lovely flower?"

Ami wondered why she found herself blushing. "Er...Ami."

"Ami, such a fitting name for an angel such as yourself." He gazed up at her from below, which set her heart racing. Ami figured it was a normal reaction; after all, there were plenty of other girls outwardly swooning at Tamaki's actions.

"Thank you..." She sighed heavily, resting her head on her folded hands.

"So, will you be offering our humble club your presence often, princess?" Tamaki's gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes...I plan to come back tomorrow, too." Ami offered him a smile. When she bore this expression, she knew that it made her look like she was thirteen again. It was almost as if she was trying to test Tamaki, to see if he would recognize her. To her dismay, he seemed oblivious to the fact that his childhood friend was here. Though she had changed a bit in appearance, it couldn't be that difficult to figure it out.

Tamaki leaned even closer, as if he was going to spout another of his ridiculously romantic lines. Ami could barely take it; she stood up suddenly, heading for the door. "I'm sorry! I have to go for now, Tamaki...I'll be back tomorrow!" If this continued on much longer, who knows what she might do or say? It would ruin her plans.

As the red-headed first year left, Tamaki wondered what her hurry was. He didn't bother to ask himself how she knew his name, as he had not mentioned it. It was simple to him: she must have heard about him from another classmate. Yet, though he was sure that he'd never met her before today, there was something vaguely familiar about her...

Ami dashed down the hall, heading outside of the building. She called her mother, saying that she would walk home. On this long walk, she thought some things over. Tamaki has changed a bit...he's become such a...womanizer, if that's the right word. He's still cheerful, though. I can't believe he didn't even guess who I was! Is he that dense? I mean, I haven't changed my name. Her hair had been dyed a slightly different shade of red, but this was almost a year ago. After a messy encounter with black hair dye, Ami had tried her best to dye her hair back to the scarlet color.

That night, Ami did her homework absentmindedly. The next day went by slowly; she managed to avoid talking to the twins, or anyone, for that matter. Before she knew it, it was time for her second visit to the Host Club. However, she would surprise Tamaki...a sudden change in attitude would be good. Ami just had to figure out exactly what kind of attitude; she still wanted him to regret not saying goodbye to her.

Sighing, Ami entered the third music room. She made her way over to Tamaki, who was busy. "Haruhi, Daddy wants to see more expressions like that! You're so cute!" Though there were other clients nearby, Tamaki was clinging to Haruhi.

"Get off of me, Tamaki-senpai! And you're not my dad!" With that, the odd little scene was over.

Tamaki finally noticed Ami, who had scooted toward a small corner. "Ah, my fleeting rose...you have returned."

Ami took a moment, and decided how she would react for the day. "Why wouldn't I? I said I'd come back, right?" Her voice was a bit louder and much blunter.

"Yes, of course. Come over here, my goddess." She was hoping that he was inwardly shocked; after all, she'd talked so quietly yesterday.

"Goddess, really? And how many people have you called 'goddess'?" Monotone, Ami leaned back against the velvet cushion that covered the couch.

He seemed to freeze for a split second, but came up with a quick comeback. "No matter how many goddesses there are, nothing compares to your beauty."

Ami giggled softly. Was he that desperate to please women? It was kind of cute, really...no, she could not let herself think like that! She had finally realized that her friendship with Tamaki was over. He had confirmed that after leaving Japan, and never once bothering to contact her.

"Ah, nice comeback, Tamaki...just like old times." Ami mentally slapped herself; she had let a hint slip on accident.

Tamaki's blond eyebrows rose. "Old times? Have we met before, my darling?"

Ami was suddenly glad that Tamaki seemed a bit...oblivious when it came to some things, to say the least. She would definitely have a ball with this. "Maybe we have, maybe we haven't. Wouldn't you know?" A smirk spread across Ami's pale face.

"I was hoping that you would share the secret with me. To hear your beautiful whisper in my ear, nothing would please me more."

"Nope." Ami chuckled again. "You'll have to figure it out on your own." She winked, and was glad that her phone went off. It vibrated in her jeans pocket; again, Ami had decided not to wear the uniform.

After answering the call, Ami stood up. "Sorry, I have to go...my mother wants me to come home right away." With that, she left. She was sure that Tamaki would be wondering who she was, since she had basically told him they had met before. But, how much time will it take him to figure it out? He hasn't figured it out yet, as far as I know, but... she sighed. I might as well work with this, while it's still here.

Ami laughed as she went to the awaiting limo, her ride home. Time to start my little game. This is going to be a blast!

Important: I DO NOT own Ouran High School Host Club, or any of its characters.
I just own Ami, her parents, and Charles.

Third chapter! -sweatdrop-

This was my first time really trying to write Tamaki...I hope he didn't seem that out of character. D=
If he did, feel free to let me know, and why you think he did.

As the story goes along, I'd love to have a person or two who could tell me if any of the Host Club members seem out of character...kind of like a beta, I suppose? Private Message me if you're interested? :3

Again, this is my first Ouran fanfic. xD
Crits are welcome, but please...be constructive.
Reviews/etc are loved!

peace&love&anime,
Jezzy Williams