The invitation

"Where is the other two? I asked for all three of you." Akito demanded coldly of Hatori.

"Shigure had detention. Ayame is at a Student Council meeting. I am the only one who can answer to your summons, Akito-sama. I see that you know Ling-chan -" Hatori was rudely cut off as Akito snarled "Miss Ling to you, Hatori. You are not in school and will mind your manners! She is my guest and to be treated with the same respect as you owe me!"

Upon hearing this, Ling-chan's mouth dropped in shock. She reached out to Akito, intending to soften his rebuke to Hatori but was interrupted once again by his words "No, don't interrupt me, Ling-chan! This is basic courtesy that I insist that he must learn!" he then glared at Hatori, who looked to the floor.

Ling-chan tried again "But Akito-kun, it's alright! I am the younger one here. It is alright not to address me as Miss Ling-"

"No! I expect my orders to be obeyed! No one questions me! I -" Akito stopped abruptly at the disappointed and dismayed look on Ling-chan's face. He quieted down and took a deep breathe and asked "Did I gave you a fright, Ling-chan? Gomen. I do have a temper at times." He tried to smile but failed.

"No, no! It's alright! I ought to apologize instead. After all, every family or clan have their own way of handling things! There are still many things to learn from the Japan's culture!"

At her words, Akito smiled and murmured "You are very understanding, Ling-chan. In order to show that I am truly sorry in giving you such a negative impression earlier, will you accept my invitation to the Honkee, the main house of the Sohmas?"

Both Hatori and Ling-chan gasped together as one. For years, no one had ever received an invitation from Akito to visit! Especially not to someone who is clearly an outsider! As for Ling-chan, she was overwhelmed as to visit the main house of any clan as a guest in an honor itself. But to be able to receive the invitation from the clan head personally is a bigger honor! There is no way she can refuse!

Recovering from her shock, Ling-chan gulped and tried to regain her composure as she accepted Akito's invitation with grace. The date was set several days down the road, during an early afternoon. With the promised secured, Akito seemed satisfied and took his leave with Hatori, who got over his shock faster than Ling-chan herself. Before he left, Akito gave Ling-chan the assurance that they will chat for a longer period this time round.

Several days later

Ling-chan stood in front of the house gates, stunned at the size of it all. Feeling insecure, she debated whether to ring the bell to request for Akito. But fate gave her no choice as the fates opened, revealing Hatori and a blond child at his side. Upon seeing her, Hatori bowed most formally to her "Good afternoon, Miss Ling. Akito is expecting you; this is Momiji, another cousin of mine. Like Andrew-kun, he got the best of both Japan and Germany."

"Please, Hatori! Call me by name!" Ling-chan pleaded. "Perhaps, in front of Akito-kin, then address me as Miss Ling. I am really not used to people addressing me in such a manner! Can't we go back to how we are in school? I really hope to be friends! Please!" At her words, Hatori was taken aback. Still, he nodded to her request as there is no way he can deny her wish by those look in eyes.

"Come on, let's go in. Akito-sama is looking forward to seeing you today." He opened the gates and gestured for her to step on. Only after she entered the compound did Hatori close the gates behind her. Ling-chan was lead through a wide path, where one can see different houses on each side. Following which, she entered another compound and nearly fainted as each building is as big and grand as any palace! For a girl like Ling-chan to faint is no mean feat as she lives in a grand house herself! Finally, they reached the house where Akito live in. Momiji was handed to a nurse the moment they entered the second compound. As they round about a corridor silently, Ling-chan could catch sight of a breath-taking garden outside.

Before they could go on any further, Akito stepped out of a room, startling Ling-chan. He smiled with pleasure as he said "Welcome! I see that you do honor your promises, Ling-chan! Let's go to my chambers for some tea and snacks shall we? Hatori, prepare tea and snacks." With that, with a swish of his robes, he walked off, one hand holding onto Ling-chan's wrist. When he came to a room, he stopped and slide opens the door. Darkness was all ling-chan can see from behind Akito's shoulders.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

At last, Ling-chan entered the Honkee (the main house). What will happen next? All alone with Akito, what can happen? Ideas are welcome. Please review!

Till the next chapter, ja ne.