Kyouya leads me swiftly down a seemingly never ending hallway; I follow slowly distracted by all the stunning artwork hanging from the walls. I gasp softly seeing the names of famous artists; all of them are hundreds of years old if not older. I reach my hand out hesitantly gliding it lightly along the uneven surface, was this made with oil paints, or pastels?
I close my eyes mesmerized by the overwhelming feeling bubbling inside of me. A calm feeling settles around me, I've always been very fond of paintings and other art, historic and not. Akito accompanied me to The Louvre in Paris for my fifteenth birthday, right before we moved to America, I hadn't wanted to leave, and I could have stayed there for months seeing new things every day. Besides Paris being an amazingly wonderful place, it was peaceful and rich with culture and beauty.
I open my eyes again smiling, I walk a bit further seeing Kyouya's frame getting smaller and smaller down the hall. I pick up the pace a bit trying to catch up with him when a painting catches my eyes; I freeze in place in front of it. It's familiar like I've seen it somewhere. Then it hits me, I saw this in France! What's it called, I can't think of the name. My eyebrows furrow in frustration, I concentrate as hard as I can.
"Ah the "L'arbre Aux Corbeaux" its lovely isn't it." I hear a smile in Kyouya's voice as I jump out of my skin. My heart hammers against my chest, Kyouya's hot breath is on my neck sending shivers down my spine. I blush lightly returning his smile.
"Oh y-yes I saw it in France, the artwork is just so mysterious and beautiful. I could stare at it for hours." I say dreamily. "But I'm sure that probably sounds pretty stupid to you doesn't it?" I stammer apologetically.
"No not at all Ashe, artwork is a thing to be treasured, it can express anything, smell, sight, taste, and sound. You don't need words they just speak to you, to your soul." He says with a grin.
"Wow Kyo-kun that was really beautiful, this is oil paint is it not?" I ask feeling the smooth almost greasy surface.
He nods and takes my free hand in his. "I can show you the rest later if you'd like? But for now let me show you to your room I'm sure you want to get settled. The maids brought all of your belonging from the airport." He murmurs.
I run a gentle finger over the raised surface of the old painting tracing the pastel sky bursting with gentle subtle colors, tiny crows dot the vibrant background, a large tree sprouts from a seemingly dead earth littered with smaller trees and dead trunks. The tree looks ancient with winding arms and soft sprouts of leaves. I sigh heavily; wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to paint something this magnificent?
"Yes of course Kyo-kun I would love that." He pulls me away from the painting and gently guides me down the hall once more.
"Wow Kyo-kun this is amazing." My eyes scan the huge room; I am breathless gazing out a wall sized window, a thick window seal juts out two feet out from the wall at the far end of the humungous window, soft looking pink cushions spread across it giving it a welcoming look. It will be perfect to sit and do my homework. I gaze out the crystal clear window it overlooks a magnificent rose garden. There are roses of every species and color, pink, blue, red, white, yellow, violet, it's unbelievable. Birds fly listlessly around the flowers making it almost as picturesque as the paintings in the hallway. Their soft songs fill the blue sky the scenic view fills me with calmness and serenity. My hand rests on the glass leaving a light smudge on the flawless glass; my jaw is dropped in amazement, it must have taken forever to set all this up.
"I had this window put in for you Ashe, the rose garden is in full bloom, though it pales in comparison to your beauty, I thought you'd find it pleasant and calming." Kyouya purrs standing behind me his hand rests on the small of my back radiating heat through the soft satin of my dress. A deep blush stains my cheeks, his voice drips with seduction; I'm not sure if it's there intentionally or if it's just Kyouya's voice.
"That's so sweet of you Kyo-kun how can I ever thank you?" I turn around facing him with an intense gaze. "Without you I never would have gotten my father to agree to let me come back."
For a moment I see a pained look on his usually calm face. I sigh softly knowing the cause of that pain; I take his hands in mine.
"Kyo-kun I know it's only for a year but at least I have that long, have you said anything to the other boys?"
He shakes his head a determined look replacing the pained expression from a moment ago.
"I didn't want them to be upset, and you know how obnoxious they can be, those idiots would be on their way to America to beg your father to let you stay before we could stop them. It's best if they don't know just yet. We'll find a way for you to stay Kanashe, without acting like foolish idiots."
He turns away dropping my hands, I smile trying to cheer myself up. Just one year and then it's back to America for me, back to complete loneliness, back to an empty mansion and maids who talk about me and my family behind my back. I have Akito but he can't come to school with me, he can't be by my side every minute of every day. I wonder if he's made it home yet.
I shove my thoughts to the back of my brain and take in the rest of the amazing room. A tall wardrobe takes up half the wall next the bed, it's a bed from every little girl's fantasy, a poufy pink pillow top comforter, mountains of pillows with silky cases piled high surrounded by an equally pink canopy. My luggage is neatly stacked in the corner of the room next to an enormous walk in closet. Beside the closet is another door, Kyouya leads me toward it revealing a lavish bathroom with a whirlpool tub the size of a small car.
"It's so perfect, thank you so much Kyo-kun." I rush into Kyouya's arms hugging him tightly, taking him by surprise he laughs softly.
"I'm glad it meets your tastes Kanashe." He smiles down at me gesturing around the room. "Please feel free to call on the maids with any wishes you have, this button here by your bed will send a page to them immediately. Dinner is served at 5:00 each night so we should be getting cleaned up, it's nearly time." He checks the watch around his wrist.
"Oh right, I'll see you in a little bit then Kyo-kun." I bow low smiling he returns my bow and disappears out the door. I take in one last awe-inspiring look at the rose garden framed by a slowly descended sun then get ready for dinner.
My gaze is captured immediately by the soft looking bed; I run to it throwing off my stilettos in the process and leap onto the pillowy comforter face first with a sigh of gratification. It's as comfortable as I imagined it was going to be, my eyes feel heavy, my body sinks lightly into the plush mattress, it hugs every one of my curves caressing me with a wonderful embrace. Maybe I'll close my eyes for just a moment I'm feeling quite jet lagged.
I jerk awake at the sound of knocking, I sit bolt upright and quickly fix my hair a bit and wipe the sleep from my eyes. I stumble sleepily to the door; a maid bows low greeting me sweetly.
"Sorry to disturb you Miss Himori but dinner has been prepared for you and master Kyouya." She has a pleasant round heart shaped face; her smile is genuine and kind. She looks to be around fifty or so with light brown hair that is beginning to streak with silver. I return her smile bowing politely.
"Yes thank you I seem to have dozed off." I confess apologetically, she laughs softly shaking her head and with a dismissive hand leads me down the long hallway, the plush carpet comforts my sore swollen feet.
I saunter into the dining room; wonderful aroma assaults my senses, my stomach twists with hunger. Kyouya is waiting for me; he has changed his uniform and is clad in a tight black tank top and cargo shorts. I blush at the sight of Kyouya's muscles, I'd never noticed how defined they were. He pulls out a chair for me motioning for me to sit down.
"Thank you Kyo-kun you're so sweet." I pull the folded napkin off the table and set it gingerly in my lap anticipating the delicious meal to come. I see Kyouya's smile turn upside down in an instant, is he mad at me?
"Hey we're sweet too Ashe-chan!" I blanch feeling a soft kiss on both of my cheeks.
I look to my left to see Hikaru grinning and to my right Kaoru has a matching naughty look on his face. I blush madly stuttering a greeting, they sit on either side of me, Kyouya doesn't look very happy at all.
"Ashe-chan! We came for dinner because we didn't get enough time to spend with you at school and we don't want Kyo-chan hogging you all to himself, right Takashi." Honey exclaims running over to me, Mori in tow. Takeshi nods with a small smile, I blush.
"Honey-chan, Taka-kun I'm glad you guys are here too." I say sweetly smiling.
They take a seat in the empty chairs beside Hikaru leaving one lonely chair on either side of Kyouya's pouting form. I smile; the scowl on Kyo's face is priceless he's so handsome.
"I can't get one night alone without you idiots showing up to cause a racket." Kyouya's scowl deepens.
"Who are you calling idiots? Tamaki-sempai is the idiot." The twins scoff sticking their tongues out childishly at Kyouya.
"Where are Tama-kun and Haru-chan?" I ask trying to distract everyone.
"Oh well we didn't see him or Haru-chan after you and Kyo-chan left." Honey says grinning widely a knowing look in his eyes, does he know? Did he figure out that Haruhi is a cross dresser? I'll have to ask him about it later.
"Yea those two just disappeared." The twins add shrugging.
The maids begin to circle around us with platters of food, the smells are unbelievable. They set them down soundlessly showing skill and grace. Our glasses are filled one by one with a sweet smelling tea. When everyone has been served they look to Kyouya expectantly.
"Thank you very much you can all go now." He says politely but dismissively.
"Wow Kyo-kun this looks so delicious." I pile some fresh made sushi on my plate modestly even though I'd like to pile my plate high with just about everything on the table.
"Would you like to try some of this curry Ashe?" Hikaru coos holding a spoon to my lips, I part them and he slowly slides the warm food into my mouth.
My tongue explodes with wonderful spicy flavor. Hikaru grins devilishly making me blush. Kaoru hooks my chin with his finger a sweet smile on his face and wipes the corner of my mouth with the silky napkin. My blush deepens as embarrassment sets in. Kaoru chuckles softly.
"You're so cute Kanashe; you don't have to be shy eating with us." Kaoru assures me with a soft whisper.
"Thank you Kao-kun." I smile at him and see a hint of red stain his porcelain cheeks, how adorable.
The rest of dinner flies by uneventfully, Kyouya's annoyed look subsides a bit but flares up once more when Honey starts to demand cake.
"Come on Kyo-chan you have to have cake around here somewhere!" Honey whines looking at Kyouya with his award winning cute face.
Kyouya pulls out his phone with a heavy sigh hitting a button and closing it again. Out of the shadows comes three eager looking middle aged men in black uniforms, I presume they are from his family's private police force. Kyouya reluctantly barks some orders and they disappear with a rehearsed "Yes sir!" They return quickly with a ridiculous assortment of cakes and sweets.
"Wow these will be great when we watch the scary movie the twins brought! Where is your theatre room Kyo-chan!" Honey exclaims excitedly.
I smile, a movie sounds great, with blankets and a soft couch to lie on. I excuse myself and go to my room to change into my pajamas. I pull on a black tank top and some purple p.j. shorts. When I open the door again the same maid from earlier is standing there with a kind smile.
"This way dear, the boys are already waiting for you." She murmurs in a grandmotherly tone.
I can't help but smile at her, she seems like she is very sweet.
"Um excuse me but may I know your name?" I ask her sweetly, she blushes slightly a pleasant smile on her lips.
"My name is Ichijo but you can just call me Ichi."
"Ok Ichi-chan I hope we can become good friends." She laughs softly, a lovely sound.
"Of course Miss Himori." She bows respectfully.
"Just call me Ashe ok Ichi-chan?" She looks pleased and nods.
Ichi leads me through different rooms all magnificent and full of antiques and artwork. She opens the door for me and I walk into a room twice the size of the one I'm staying in. there is a TV The size of the wall and the hugest couch I've ever seen, it's at least six feet wide, almost shaped like a huge futon. The boys are already sitting down spread out over the huge cushions. I am amazed at how big this couch really is, Mori sits with only his feet dangling from the edge, it's like a bed almost. The sweets Kyouya called for are on a large table in from of us and honey is already digging in.
"Come sit by us Ashe." Hikaru and Kaoru say simultaneously patting the small space between them.
I crawl onto the couch filling the space between them, pulling my knees up to my chest, I groan a bit trying to get comfortable, it's slightly frustrating trying to set my chin on my knees but my breasts are too big. I frown down at my chest willing my boobs to shrink. I sigh and just cross my legs. Kaoru pulls a soft comforter across our legs making us all snuggly and warm.
"What movie did you guys bring?" I ask as Hikaru gets up, causing a cold draft under the toasty blanked, to hand Kyouya the movie, he hurries back under the covers.
"It's one of our favorites!" Kaoru explains snuggling close to me; my cheeks heat up a bit. "Yeah it's a zombie flick from America." Hikaru adds.
"Z-zombies?" I stutter, instinctually leaning closer to Kaoru, he takes my hand; my face turns even darker.
"It's ok Ashe it's just a movie me and Hikaru will protect you." Kaoru smiles genuinely. "That's right you've got nothing to fear with us here." Hikaru adds.
"And us too Ashe-chan we would protect you from the zombies right Takeshi!" Honey shouts valiantly shoveling more cake into his mouth.
"We would." Takeshi nods.
I chuckle softly feeling warmth growing in my heart. "Thank you boys you're all so sweet."
The lights dim and the screen bursts to life, Hikaru leans into me, his head resting against my shoulder, Kaoru mimics Hikaru laying his head on my other shoulder, our legs are sprawled out comfortably. Twenty minutes into the movie I'm mortified, I've seen more blood and guts than I ever want to in my entire life but at the same time I can't stop looking at the gory movie. Kyouya is typing rapidly on his laptop ignoring the loud movie, engrossed in something. It seems like Kyouya's always working on something. Takashi and Honey sit quietly, it's odd seeing Honey watching such a violent movie. Honey leans against Mori holding Usa-chan tightly his eyes are like plates taking in the graphic scenes, he looks like a little boy and yet he's older then all of us. I try to imagine Honey being as tall as Tamaki and having a deep voice like Takashi and laugh softly to myself because Honey is so cute and sweet, I wouldn't want him being any other way. The twins gaze up at me with eyebrows raised.
"What are you laughing at?" They whisper in unison looking up at me, I just shake my head smiling to myself.
My eyes widen and my breath comes out shallowly, the movie has gotten super intense. I'm feeling a high amount of anxiety as the main character, an attractive young boy around 17 or 18 goes into a dark, seemingly abandoned house. I feel the twins tense up against me in anticipation. We hold our breath as the boy reaches his hand out to open a random door; I squeeze the twin's hands tightly, my heart hammers against my chest. The boy's hand is on the knob turning it painfully slow. I look over and even Kyouya is looking up from his screen, eyebrows raised. And then at the exact moment the door flies open to reveal a terrifying looking zombie, one of the maids whips into the room. We all jump out of our skin turning around to stare wide eyed at the confused maid.
"Sorry to have startled you all but there is a phone call for Miss Himori in the den." She says apologetically.
I crawl off the couch slowly still a bit shaken. Hikaru pauses the movie and everyone looks up at me.
"I'll be right back don't play the movie 'til I get back ok Hikaru." I say following the maid to the telephone.
"Hello?"
"Kanashe" Akito breathes into the phone, I can hear the smile in his voice it fills me with such joy.
"Akito-kun! Did you make it back to America safely?" I ask worriedly.
"Yes I just got to the mansion, how was your first day?" I blush trying to find a word to describe the day's event.
"Um I guess it was interesting, to say the least. We are all at Kyouya's watching a zombie movie." He chuckles softly.
"You're watching a zombie movie? I thought they give you nightmares?" I blush again, Akito knows everything about me, everything.
"I miss you already Akito-kun." I murmur softly into the phone clutching it delicately.
I hear him sigh softly, he'd tried so hard to make my father agree to let him stay with me but my father had insisted Akito come back. I'd even begged and pleaded but when my father makes up his mind, that's it.
"You know I hate being away from you Kanashe, it kills me, but Kyouya will watch over you, so will those other boys." I can hear the pain in his voice, which causes me pain but at the same time I have to smile because he misses me as much as I miss him.
An awkward silence passes between us.
"Well I need to get some work done and I don't want to keep you from your movie, I'll call again soon take care of yourself."
I smile nodding. "I will Akito-kun you take care of yourself too, don't let my dad push you around too much." I laugh softly hanging up the phone.
Once I'm nestled back in between the twins we resume the movie. My eyelids start to get heavier and heavier. The twins are both leaning heavily into me, Kaoru's eyes are closed and his breathing is slow and steady. His face looks so angelic, although Kaoru isn't really the naughty one; Hikaru is, so it makes sense that Kaoru looks more innocent. I smile leaning my head against Kaoru's, today was a good day.