After that ordeal, the club resumed with its usual flare and merriment until the time for the next club day would arrive. Zaina assisted in the cleaning of the room as Rin sat with the twins and Haruhi.
"I can't believe you slapped her like that! I didn't see that coming at all!" Hikaru snickered, replaying the scene in his head.
"I normally don't condone violence, but she really was asking for it." Haruhi admitted, a frown set on her lips as she recalled all the comments that were made about Zaina.
"I didn't really plan to do it, but she just kept saying such bad things. It's not proper to resort to such things, I understand…but sometimes a firm hand is needed." Rin smiled a little sheepishly at the sudden praise from the two.
"A firm hand quite literally," Kaoru snickered a bit before he took a hold of her hand and pulled her close. "Perhaps you can show me a little discipline as well when it's just the two of us. You know I've been a bad boy." He smirked and glanced at his brother who was at her other side in an instant.
"Yes, we've both been quite naughty indeed." He slipped his arm around her shoulders.
"Boys, boys, if you wanted a firm hand…you should've said so from the start. I would gladly punish you both to your liking." Rin played along as she trailed a finger under Hikaru's chin.
"Someone needs to keep you in line as well, I think I need to show the both of you just who is in charge." Hikaru smirked at the two of them, Haruhi once again left to sigh in disappointment. Every time, without fail they played this game and yet she still hoped for a possible change of course.
One conversation…just one is all I ask. Mother in heaven, please help me. She pleaded in her heart, though she knew deep down she became accustomed to this life and would not change any of it or them now that she knew them better. She nervously smiled at the scene but noticed Renge was engrossed in a conversation with Kyoya and Tamaki.
"She simply must be allowed to join the Host Club! We're in the modern day where women can do just about anything a man can and she is the epitome of a female knight, breaking the stereotypes and saving damsels in distress where ever she can all the while staying loyal to her lady! It's a beautiful and bewitching tail of trial and perseverance, loyalty and dedication, and the chivalrous code!" She gushed over the thought of Zaina in the many costumes that were set for the hosts, most if not all of them male costumes even when the hosts would be dressed as women.
"She is well liked among the ladies who come here and has helped out quite a bit. Who are we to turn our noses at a commoner who is trying to become part of our beautiful world as well!" Tamaki nodded his head in agreement.
"We can't just accept her in to the club without some sort of rule or restriction. Others will come mimicking her in hopes to get in to the club and it would ruin the club." Kyoya pointed out to the two.
"But mommy, she's so cute and she's our daughter's friend! We should at least allow our daughter this happiness!" Tamaki pouted a bit, a strange sense in Haruhi telling her to turn and glare at the blonde. She had no clue why though, the trio too far for her to even hear the conversation.
"Oi, stop ignoring us! Here we are performing for you and you just turn away!" Kaoru pouted at Haruhi.
"Who says I wanted a performance in the first place? I told you always, I don't get why you're both so popular. You are biological brothers and they all know it."
"That's because you don't get art." Hikaru sneered and turned to Rin. "Rin gets us!" He threw his arms around her as does Kaoru, sandwiching the laughing girl.
"I definitely get the reason for the popularity and I have to agree with the masses on this one! They just have a charisma that isn't easy to ignore or deny. I don't know how you and Zaina are so immune to their charm." She patted the both lightly until they let her go.
"The opposite could be said from us about everyone here." Haruhi shook her head lightly at the fact they were the odd ones out in this scenario.
"It must be a commoner thing." Hikaru shrugged as the twins returned to their seats between the girls.
"Do you think he'll ban Zaina from the club? Or me? Both of us even?" Rin chewed at her lip a bit, a little apprehensive of the thought. She really did begin to like the group and coming here was fun, it filled her week with something more than the usual silence of the large mansion she called home. I hope I didn't mess things up, but I don't regret standing up for Zaina. She doesn't deserve to be treated like that and none of our help has ever been so disrespected without one of us protecting them. Though my brothers don't go around slapping people either…I mean look at Yamato, he's got the worst temper out of all of us and he doesn't do something like this. I still have a lot to learn. She softly sighed.
"I don't think you'll be banned, either of you." Haruhi was the first to speak up. "Sure, it's not exactly the best thing to do and I'd advise against a repeat of the incidence, but your heart was in the right place." She smiled at Rin. "Plus, Zaina kept her cool as well the whole time too."
"That was surprising," Kaoru spoke up at this point.
"Yeah, with how much she's ready to pounce at anyone or anything that even looks at you funny I was sure she was going to cause a bigger scene." Hikaru pouted a little, feeling a bit cheated from the lack of drama he was hoping for.
"The other girl wouldn't stand a chance against her…which, though it sounds entertaining, would be a big hassle for the club." Kaoru pointed out to his twin who shrugged with nonchalance. The interest in the matter gone since it would never be.
"That's true, we'd lose our new playmate because of it." He added, earning wink from Rin.
"You'd miss me terribly, we already spend such little time together as is." She playfully pouted her lips.
"Please, not again!" Haruhi cut in before the twins could react.
"Kill joy," they stuck their tongues out in unison.
"I'll take it." She hung her head as she lightly rubbed her temples, there was certainly a headache on the horizon.
"Speaking of trouble, weren't you in something similar at one point too? When you first became a host?" Kaoru thought aloud, Haruhi's head popping up to look at the trio.
"Who, me?" She pointed to herself.
"No, the other person that was a new host." Hikaru teased her, earning a glare from the shorthaired brunette.
"Now that I think about it, I did have trouble during my first few times as a host. A girl tried to frame me for attacking her." She recalled after some thought, lightly tapping the bottom of her fist to the palm of her other hand.
"We dowsed you both with water to cool things down because things looked a bit heated." Kaoru nodded as the memories came back.
"Accused you of attacking her? Dowsed in water? I'm sorry, what happened?" Rin looked at the three bewildered by the vague. "You'll have to be a bit more detailed on this." Rin leaned forward in honest curiosity. "I don't see how anyone could frame you of such character when you're always so calm and considerate!"
"You're too kind, thank you." Haruhi sheepishly grinned and scratched the back of her head at the compliments. "As you know I was forced to join the Host Club to repay a debt. In my first few club meetings, I was being watched by Tamaki to see how I was doing or something stupid, I believe the latter more." She bluntly admitted, a sudden pang pain shooting through Tamaki who ran over to the table.
"I was watching over you like a good mentor should! You shouldn't even be in these clothes anymore! Daddy wants to see his little girl dressed appropriately!" He demanded as he pulled out an ornate frame that held a photo of Haruhi with long hair.
"Why do you still have that?! I told you to quit making copies of my picture and you're not my daddy!" She snapped at the teary-eyed blond who paid her scolding no heed as he lamented over the loss of a female Haruhi. "Anyway, so one of the girls who normally designated him got jealous from all the attention he was giving me and his sudden interest in things normal people do. She started to bully me a bit like toss my school bag and books in to the fountain out front. I had a feeling it was her at the time, but I didn't say anything. Come the next club meeting she designated me and started talking about how my things getting tossed and how I should feel ashamed for Tamaki helping me. One thing led to another, I can't say I recall all the conversation detail too well, but soon she was yanking me towards her and the table knocked over. We were on the floor and all the sudden a rush of water hit my head." The twins proudly grinned at this part, giving a victory sign to the girls. "They all believed I wouldn't do such a thing and she was kicked out of the club just like the girl today."
"She sounds like a horrible person! I'm glad they knew to trust you over her!" Rin nodded her head in approval of the club decision when suddenly she is swept up into a hug by Tamaki.
"Yes, of course! You would understand me! You're the light to the bad influence of this dirty twins on my little girl!" He sniffled as the twins glared at Tamaki.
"Oi, what do you mean bad influence?" They scowled.
"You heard me, you're both a bad influence on my darling daughter!" He proclaimed as he released Rin who started to get a bit apprehensive of the situation.
"Shouldn't we try and stop them?" She looked to a very calm Haruhi.
"Oh, they do this all the time, you'll get used to it." She waved off as she busied herself with straightening out her uniform. Rin is suddenly pulled in to the argument once more as Tamaki boasted about her proper choice in the girl's uniform and dressing up as a girl.
"Didn't you decide Haruhi should be a host?" Zaina suddenly spoke up from behind them as she pulled Rin free of Tamaki's grasp. "How many times must I tell you all to not touch My Lady so lightly?" She glared at Tamaki and the twins.
"We didn't do anything! He's the one grabbing her!" They pointed to Tamaki who turned white as a sheet in fear of the consequences from Zaina.
"You two are always pulling her into some kind of trouble just like he does. You two more often than him since we have the same class." The twins opened their mouth to argue, but realized she had them pegged so they switched their response to a simple shoulder shrug instead. "That all being said," Zaina turned back to Tamaki who stiffened at the return of her gaze, his hope of being off the hook dashed in an instant. "Thank you, for earlier with the unruly girl. If you hadn't stepped up I would've had to and I already caused enough trouble for you, for which I sincerely apologize." She suddenly bowed to Tamaki who blinked and stared at her. Renge's words swam in his mind as he observed Zaina properly for the moment.
"I only did what I thought was right, you don't need to thank me for that. Stand up now, I feel awkward with you bowing me to me like that now that we know each other pretty well." Tamaki smiled softly as he insisted on Zaina standing up once more, which she did much to his relief. "I knew I should've stepped in for the sake of your two being here as well as the others. I don't like conflict; this club isn't about that but it happens from time to time. You responded to the situation perfectly yourself and I'm grateful you did since I know Rin is very important to you."
"Yeah, the fact that she's so rough with you all but not serious in action is a big sign of her trusting and liking you all as much as I have." Rin chimed in, Zaina sputtering a bit at this comment.
"What are you saying? I react to each situation accordingly! There is no like or trust!" She scoffed. The twins stared at her for a moment before identical devilish grins curled on their lips.
"Oh, so the more you like us the meaner you are?" Hikaru teased.
"No, if I liked you I would be nice to you!" Zaina scowled as the twins began to circle her like vultures on their prey.
"That's not what your lady said…does that mean your lady is lying?" Kaoru chimed in. "Are you saying she's a liar?"
"What, no! Of course not!"
"Then what she said is true. Also, didn't she say you should be more relaxed and act like a regular student? There's nothing wrong with admitting you actually like our company." Hikaru added with a few soft 'tsk's. "You really are the rebellious sort, aren't you?"
"I'm not being rebellious." She glared at the two as the moved around but turned at the sound of the laughter. Honey giggled at this response from atop of Takashi's shoulders while Haruhi and Rin tried their best to stifle their laughter.
"They have a point, I did tell you to relax and enjoy your time as a student here." Rin gave a slight apologetic smile.
"We like you both a lot too, Usa especially like you both!" He pulled out his famous pink bunny. Was that a blush on his cheeks? The girls wondered as the slight redness vanished as soon as they noticed it. "Takashi doesn't mind your company either, don't listen to what the mean girl said. Right Takashi?" Her looked down at the tall male who nodded his head in agreement.
"Thank you Honey and Mr. Takashi, that means a lot to me." She smiled at the two. "Usa as well, I could never forget Usa." She added in the end which made Honey extremely happy.
"Who could ever forget such a lovable bunny?" Rin agreed. "Thank you for coming to Kyoya about the issue Mori. Thank you for looking out for her." Takashi lightly scratched his head, unsure about how to take the gratitude since he thought he had not done anything to help the situation.
"No need," he said simply to her as Kyoya returned to the group after handling Renge who left in a slight huff at his inability to see her grandiose vision or blindly follow her leadership.
"You've some to a decision, haven't you?" He asked Tamaki who had gone quiet for some time. "I can make it work and her being here has been a help to all of us. She also interacts with the guests, making sure they're safe when we're busy hosting." He listed the pros. "The cons are that there may be more incidents of jealousy and others may try to join as well, but just as we made an exception for Haruhi we can make one for her as well. They also caused quite the scene today as well. They have caused all sorts of trouble in the club since coming here." He turned to his friend who remained silent. He knew what he was thinking and he knew the decision Tamaki was going to make. The fact that he could predict this unpredictable ball of strange he called his best friend only made him more irritated that he was unable to predict the two new comers.
"I have come to a decision," Tamaki nodded his head and stepped forward. As the president of the club, he needed to make the decisions. That also meant making the tough calls as well. For the good of the club and the young women that come here, he needed to decide what was best. The group turned to him as he pointed to Zaina, a serious expression on his face. "You, Zaina, from now on…shall be an official member of the Host Club."
"I'm sorry, a member?" She blinked and looked between Tamaki and Kyoya about this.
"You won't be a host like Haruhi, but you will help with things such a prep and seating of the girls. If we need someone to run a quick errand, that will be you. Of course, we will keep in mind that you are also the bodyguard to Rin so that you will not be pulled away from that duty as well." Kyoya clarified to her. "Any questions?" He expected some sort of opposition from Zaina and concern from Rin, the episode from today the main reason for Rin and the obvious errands that would keep Zaina busy.
"That's a fantastic idea!" Rin clapped her hands together with glee. "You'll definitely learn how to relax here and you keeping busy will avoid other girls from getting confused or troubled. Though in all honesty they really shouldn't, you should be allowed to enjoy here as much as you like."
Wrong again, he adjusted his glasses and looked to Zaina who looked torn with the sudden outburst of Rin's and the identical Cheshire grins of the twins. What is she thinking about?
"If My Lady sees it as a good opportunity as well then how can I refuse?" She said simply.
"Good opportunity?" Honey asked.
"Well, being a guest, I have to sit with one host and me simply sitting there paying you no mind is rude in its own respects as well as leads to conflicts like today. Being able to move around gives me the freedom to be close if I need to be and spring in to action if need be. I get to help you all out as well, which you've been nothing but gracious with everything else aside." She explained to them.
I'll have to start thinking differently when assessing these two. They go more by situation that what is dictated by their status…but even then, they break that norm as well. Commoner train of thought is one thing, but to use that with what the rich society deems correct only adds another complication of figuring them all out. "I'm glad you agree. If you'll give me a moment I can tell you what is expected of you helping us here. If you'll me some time," he turned to Rin who jumped a bit at his sudden attention.
"Oh, right! Yes, of course. I don't mind waiting a little longer." She quickly nodded her head in agreement and Zaina followed Kyoya to a table by the windows to discuss the needed details.