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.

21. The New Campaign

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 and various others that appear. This story is inspired by Desire Climax and Kaichou-wa Maid-Sama. (Fluff! And fluffy lime, sorry there's so much recently.)

Chapter 21 - The New Campaign

Barking echoed around, everyone looked at Taiyo, she got up, started wagging her tail, and bolted towards Mayu. Haruhi called out to the white haired maiden, her red eyes glanced over her shoulder, and widened as the white Akita bounded towards her. "TAIYO SLOW DOWN!" exclaimed Mayu but the canine had no intentions of heeding, she barrelled through the water, Mayu did the only thing she could, she dove into the liquid, and the canine paused; her tongue lolling out. White hair emerged from the saltwater, she emerged from the depths, the canine barked, and she laughed as the Akita swam towards her. Mayu wrapped her arms around the white dog, she kissed her head, and said a small prayer. "Thank you my Lady for giving me such a wonderful guardian." Taiyo licked the side of her face, she laughed, and swam around with the white Akita while the Twins exited to hang out on the towels.

Haruhi smiled, "What did you two give Mayu?"

They grinned, "Nothing!"

Mei scoffed, "You two are nothing but trouble!"

They grinned once more, "We are not!"

"Yes you are!" exclaimed Tamaki. Everyone laughed while Kotoko giggled, the blond Suou took her from her mother, and cradled her against his chest. "My little girl, so beautiful like your mother." Haruhi smiled at him while her eyes returned to Mayu. "Why doesn't anyone else go in the water?"

Kaoru said, "It's kind of cold still."

"But Mayu didn't seem to mind," added Hikaru.

"She has a high tolerance for temperatures!" together they stated.

Mori stared at her in the water, "But she didn't do too well in winter."

Mitsukuni came up behind Reiko, he wrapped his arms around her neck, "She's fine. I'm sure since the sun is shining that she's fine." The dark arts user smiled at her husband while he turned to his cousin, "So when is the wedding?"

"Not sure."

Mei shook her head, "You and her are so alike minded it's scary!" He smirked while stating that she had no idea, "Oh! She's gotten you to open up a bit! How delightful!"

Ritsu laughed, "Be nice Mei!"

"Can I use you as a model?" Mori and Ritsu stared at her, there was a devilish glint there, "The Twins have Mayu so can I have you and Ritsu?" He shrugged, "Awesome! But I doubt I can make clothes as sexy looking as the Twins."

They grinned at her while Mori stated, "You can't do to her what she does to me, no matter how much you try."

"Why?"

"She..." he trailed off, unable to figure out how to word it. Mori sighed and Ritsu patted his shoulder, the male nodded, and the subject was dropped as they watched his dark eyes travel to Mayu; who was still paddling around with Taiyo. Suddenly the Akita growled, she grabbed the maiden's wrist, and tugged her towards the shoreline, and Mayu went willingly. However the canine refused to let go once on the sand, instead of letting go she kept tugging her, and the Ishikawa Maiden kept following. They were a couple feet from the water, Mayu turned around to look at the still surface, and Taiyo growled, she placed herself in front of her owner, and bared her fangs. Mori watched as her body stiffened, ready to spring, her red eyes focused on that water, something was bothering the canine, and she wanted to know what it was.

Suddenly a male appeared from the water, she stared at him, he held a camera in his hands, and he approached her slowly. Mayu knelt down, whispered something to the dog, and a bark elicited from the white canine. She stood up, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and watched him with keen interest; when he was close enough, and within reach, Taiyo bolted forward to grab his leg. Her teeth didn't pierce his skin but it startled him enough to drop the camera, Mayu sauntered up to him, she picked it up, the man demanded to return it. "I don't think so." She walked away from the man with Taiyo following after her, she was making her way to the others, and the man approached her from behind. He lunged but her foot shot out of its own volition, the bottom hit him square in the diaphragm, he let out a breath, and fell on the ground.

The woman took a seat next to Mori, he stared down at her, her hair was slicked back against her head, her eyes were angry, she activated the camera, and scrolled through the photos. Her eyes darkened at the man writhing on the floor, she put the camera down, which was promptly picked up by Kyoya, and she walked to the man. She took a seat next to him, leaned close to his ear, and whispered something; his eyes widened as if she had hit some important information. Her voice was barely audible to even him, "You tell him that the next time he wants to photograph me to do it himself. Also, if you or anyone like you come near my friends or myself again then you're going to find yourself in the hospital with no cure in sight. And tell him that I'm calling someone he knows all too well." The man scrambled away from her, he was shocked at her coldness, he dashed off through the sand, and she got up to return to the giant blanket.

"What did you tell him?" asked Mei.

"Nothing important." She picked up her phone, dialed a familiar number, and waited, "Good late morning Ichiro! How are you doing this fine day?" She was smiling while everyone watched her, "I'm doing very well! Yes I have today off, I'm with friends." Mayu laughed, "I'm glad that Jackie can entertain you. How are Atashii and Aran?" She nodded again, "I'm so glad! Business is good?" Mayu held that same tone, she laughed again, "I'm so happy for you! Yes my Lady always listens to me, I'm very honored by it. But I do have a favor to ask of you." She nodded, "I hope it's not too much to ask and you know you can ask me for anything in return." Mayu laughed again, "Daiki sent an amateur photographer at the Nekozawa house on the beach. Could you tell Shin for me? I have his camera and it's going to be promptly handed over to someone who can do things that Shin can't." The man was laughing so loudly that she had to remove the phone from her ear, when it died down, it was replaced, "What do you mean I don't owe you anything? I'm asking for a favor and I want to repay it." She smiled, "I understand Ichiro, thank you so much. I don't need any details, I assure you." She nodded once more, "May Lady Amaterasu protect you with her shining rays of light and bring prosperity to your bank. Have a shining day Ichiro." She smiled and chuckled, "I'll always have a shining day with such bright rays such as yourself in my life. Bye bye now." She could hear his echoing laughter as she hung up, the phone was tossed carelessly on the blanket, the others looked at her, and she shrugged. Immediately tan arms encircled her waist, they yanked her towrads a solid mass, she felt her back connect with solid muscle, and she looked up to see Mori. There was anger shining in his eyes, she smiled warmly up at him, "It's alright, I gave him a threat that he won't refuse."

Mori leaned down to her ear, "What kind of threat?"

A smile curled her lips, "Something about finding themselves in the hospital with no cure in sight."

"What can you do that's so dangerous?"

"You underestimate me Taka. Learning about tea and flowering plants brings about a certain knowledge of plants, their flowers, and their toxins. I have to take care and not use the plants that are poisonous."

He nuzzled her neck with light kisses, "That's just like you. Using something that you love to do as a weapon. No one would ever suspect it would they?"

She giggled, "No one but you."

"I wouldn't tell anyone. I told you before that I would protect you from everything and help you out with any trouble." He ran his hand along her arm, he felt something lightly prick his fingertips, his eyes glanced down to see the ring, "You wear it?"

"I wear it all the time. I never take it off, just like the necklace." It was then that the others noticed the golden chain with a small bell on it. Mori stared at the ring, the bell, and wrapped his arms tighter around her waist, he squeezed her against his chest, and she laughed.

Haruhi smiled, "I'm glad you found her Mori." He stared at her, "She's your other half." He nodded while resting his chin on the top of her head, "So what's on the camera Kyoya?" They turned to look at the quiet host, those glasses reflected anger, "Nothing good I take it."

"No." His eyes locked onto Mayu, "You saw all of these?" She nodded, "Is that why you threatened him with poisonous tea?" She nodded, "But you didn't outright say it?" She shook her head, "Good. I think I'll use these as leverage against him." Mayu smirked, "How long can tea last?"

"That type has to be fresh and brewed very carefully."

"Why do I get the feeling that you've done it before."

"No but I've practiced making it."

"For someone?" She nodded, "I see. Don't worry about it, this will be taken care of." The camera was handed to Ritsu, "Chiji says you and he have an understanding."

"We do." Ritsu smirked, "I got it." He was about to get up but Mayu stopped him and said that he was on vacation, it could wait until Monday. Ritsu laughed, "Alright!" She smiled at them until Kotoko began to sniffle and wail. "She just ate, is she hungry?"

"No, she needs a diaper change," replied Haruhi. The males looked flabbergasted and Mayu laughed, "Would you?"

"Of course!" Mori relinquished his arms on her, she was handed the baby from Tamaki, she cooed to her, telling it was going to be alright, and walked away from the little group while keeping a towel over the baby so the sun wouldn't harm her. Haruhi watched Mori, she cleared her throat, the martial artist glanced at her, and she made a shooing motion. Immediately he got up and followed after her, everyone looked at the Suou woman, and she grinned. They burst out in laughter while Mayu entered the Nekozawa house, she was still cooing to Kotoko but the baby was snuffling. "It's alright! Clean diaper is on the way!" She didn't know that Mori was following her, instead she went into the bedroom she shared with the other women, the diaper bag was there, she pulled it on her shoulder, then laid the infant on the bed. "Oh hush little one! It's not that bad!" The baby snuffled again, "See? Although I can see why you'd cry, I wouldn't want to sit in my own stuff either!" This time Kotoko giggled and Mayu smiled, while she opened up the bag, Mori stood in the doorway, he watched her with kind eyes, as she pulled out the wipes, and the extra diaper.

It was changed instantly, she was cleaned, and the diaper disposed of in the bin that Haruhi had brought with her, and Mayu picked up the infant. She kissed her head, the baby giggled, and she cradled her against her chest. At this point, Mori entered, he closed the door, and came up behind her; Mayu glanced over her shoulder at him and tilted her head. He wrapped his arms around her waist, her back was against his chest once more, and he looked down at the little bundle of joy. "You like her?" She nodded, "You're going to be a great mother." Mayu blushed and muttered something, "I can't hear you." When she didn't comply with him, his hand snaked between her legs, "You did say something, didn't you Mayu?" She bit her lower lip, his breath was warm against her ear while he stroked the outside of her bathing suit, and she gave a low moan; luckily Kotoko was asleep. "Aren't you going to tell me?" He felt her lean back against him, he smirked at her reaction, "If you won't tell me then I won't stop."

"The others will wonder where we are."

"Haruhi told me to follow you."

"Ah! She's so sneaky!"

Her breathing was erratic and he relished it, he stopped, and moved his hand up to her naval, she shivered involuntarily, and he smiled. Mori nibbled her ear and she gasped, "Shhh or you'll wake the baby." Mayu was blushing madly, "Kyoya told me you intend to start a war but I won't let you."

She smirked, "Says you, Takashi." He groaned as she shifted against his nether regions and this elicited a chuckle from her, "I don't know what you think Taka but I'm ready. You just don't want to see it yet." He was so stunned by her words that she was able to squirm out of his reach, he stared at her, and those cherry orbs slowly slid down the length of his body. He was only wearing swim trunks, the bulge was prominent, and she quirked an eyebrow at him; his face flushed red and she licked her lower lip. "When you're ready Taka, I'm here." She sauntered past him, he watched her leave, the door was opened, and she purposefully swayed her hips more than she needed to then disappeared down the hall. He groaned, a hand was roughly ran through his hair, but he was smiling to himself as he disappeared into the bathroom. Mayu returned to the group, "I'm back!" The others looked around, "He's coming, I think he got a little lost." They chuckled but Kyoya stared at her, she looked at him, and smirked while returning Kotoko to Haruhi. Her gaze turned on the twins, "So what's the new campaign?"

"Live show!"

"I know that but what kind of outfits?"

"It's a joint venture-" started Kaoru.

"With Mei-" added Hikaru.

"So we're going to pull out all the stops-"

"To make this the best show we can-"

"Because with Mei's fashion and ours-"

"Means Ritsu and Mori will be there-"

"With you!"

"That doesn't explain anything!" Everyone laughed while she smiled at them, "But I'm looking forward to it! I can hardly wait!"

"Us too!" they chimed in.

Mei grinned, "I've got some ideas I'd like to share with the Twins."

"By all means go ahead." More laughter erupted as Mori returned, Haruhi looked at him, he shrugged, and took a seat behind Mayu. Immediately his arms wrapped around her once more, she was yanked backwards, and elicited a giggle. "Taka!" He smiled down at her while he kept her in the shade, Taiyo was panting while sitting near Haruhi, "Looks like Kotoko has her own little guardian." The Akita was sniffing the little bundle and even licked her occasionally, Haruhi laughed while the canine huffed and put her head down but her ears were always listening.

The sun coasted across the sky and Mayu could tell that everyone was getting hungry, "I'm going to the kitchen!" Many of them laughed while she went to move but Takashi refused to let her go, she looked at him, "If you don't let go then I'm going to do something very embarrassing." Immediately he relinquished his arms around her, he gave a defeated sigh, and she grabbed her red kimono. Mayu wrapped it around her body then leaned over to pet Taiyo on the head, she praised the canine, "Good girl! You're keeping an eye out for the little ray of sunshine aren't you?" The dog started wagging her tail while Mayu smiled and kissed the top of her head, "You stay okay? Guard Kotoko." A single bark came from her while she headed into the kitchen, Reiko got up, followed by Mei. "You guys don't have to come!"

"We want to," replied Reiko.

Mei chimed in, "Besides it's hot so we should totally make sandwiches!"

"I agree! Cucumber water too!" added Mayu. The other two women laughed but it was Mei who asked her quietly what happened when she disappeared to change the diaper. Mayu chuckled and told her what happened with little detail, the other woman grinned, and they entered the house.

Mori had seen it and Kyoya stated, "She has many friends now." The martial artist nodded, "That could be dangerous for you." He nodded again, "You're not worried?"

"I trust her judgement."

"They might help her plan her war."

He shrugged, "This war has long been started, she's just raising the bar."

Ritsu looked at them, "What war?"

Kyoya smirked, "The physical attraction war."

"Ah! I know that well. The devious little Twins are no help!"

"HEY! We help plenty!" they exclaimed together.

There was a feminine chuckle, the guys turned to see Haruhi, "I love it all." She got up and walked away with Taiyo following after her towards the house. They looked at Tamaki, he shrugged, and she entered the kitchen, "Hello everyone!" She received a welcoming resonse from all the women in the kitchen, she took a seat while watching them make sandwiches for the hungry group outside. Haruhi smiled, "They were discussing your battle tactics Mayu." She laughed, "It seems this war has started awhile ago, you're just now upping the level?"

"Yep."

"When did it start?" asked Mei.

"I'd have to say when I asked him to stay with me when Daiki was causing trouble but maybe it was before that. Maybe Halloween..it's hard to say."

"Well the Twins have definitely been helping out in making him uncomfortable."

"So has Kairi," chimed in Reiko.

"Kairi?"

Mayu replied, "Kairi Hiryu, owner of Chateau Bunny."

"Why would she help you?"

"I work there. I'm Bun Bun!"

Mei was flabbergasted, "You're a bunny?!"

Reiko piped in, "She's the Floppy Frenchy with a bite!"

Mayu laughed, "Yeah, I've bitten shoulders before." Mei sputtered out laughter, "But I've got a PVC pipe in my bag now." She sputtered out even more laughter and couldn't finish the sandwich she had been working on, the maiden couldn't help but laugh as well, Reiko ended up catching the laughter bug, and eventually Kotoko and Haruhi as well. "They're going to think we're all crazy when they come in!" This only prompted them to laugh even harder, so much that even Mayu couldn't make the sandwiches any longer. She was leaning against the counter, she was fanning herself with some bread, "I can't breathe!" Mei had fallen on the floor and Reiko was sitting next to Haruhi wiping her eyes and the Suou woman was doing the same while she used the cloth to wipe Kotoko's face clean. "Oh my gosh! I haven't laughed that hard in forever!" She was gasping for breath while Mei finally picked herself up off the floor, "Welcome back."

The woman chuckled while trying to finish up, the pile of sandwiches were completed, they were divided onto trays, and set up on the table. Glasses and pitchers were created for the cucumber water, Mayu flopped into a chair while Haruhi smiled. "You are a blessing to this group of ours Mayu."

"Am I? I know people tell me that and I know that I believe it but sometimes it all feels surreal to me."

"I know the feeling," replied Reiko. "It's hard for me to grasp that I have friends and sometimes I think that I don't have anyone to talk to but then I remember that I do have friends." Mayu smiled, "That's why I text you at strange hours."

"That's alright, I do it to you too." They chuckled while Haruhi smiled at them, Mei grinned, and asked for her number, "Sure!" The women exchanged their numbers and Mayu was ecstatic to have another name in her phone. "I don't know if he told you but this was his phone. He gave it to me because I didn't have one and I never left the estate at the time."

"He told me. It was such a sweet story." Mayu smiled, a light blush on her face, and Mei hugged her, "I'm so glad to have met you! I want my kids to be raised in the ways of the maiden too!"

Mayu chuckled, "I'll have to open a school for it!" They agreed, "Reiko and Umehito can come and teach the class about Lord Belzeneff!" The dark arts user's eyes watered at the thought, Mayu smiled, "I always include my friends. You know that." Mayu thought for a moment, "I also need to go shopping for Kuyomi, he's due in a few months time."

"I wanna go too!" exclaimed Mei.

The maiden smiled, "Sure! The more the merrier! It'll be one big girls day out!"

Reiko added, "We can all go out Saturday night for drinks and arcade." They looked at her and Mayu grinned, "Mayu and I have it already planned, I'd like more of my friends to come." Mei hugged the Haninozuka woman, she blinked a few times but returned it warmly, and that was when the males walked inside. Taiyo barked while wagging her tail, "It's going to be fun Mei."

"I know it is! I'm so excited!" Mayu laughed while the others took their seats and began to munch on the sandwiches, she grabbed one for herself but found that Mori leaned over and bit off the end. Mei laughed at the spectacle, "He stole your sandwich!" She eyed him while he reached over to grab one for himself, she ate her own sandwich while still watching him, it made him uncomfortable, and he shifted. Mayu still watched him while she finished hers, then she reached over, grabbed another one, and continued to look at him, until he gave in. Mori handed her his sandwich, she took a bite, and promptly chomped on hers again. Mei cracked up laughing, "You guys are too funny! Your kids are going to be laughing all the time!"

As Mayu grabbed another one, Taiyo jumped up, snatched it, and ran off, "Taiyo!" The dog gave a muffled bark as she sat down and ate the sandwich, Mayu laughed. "Looks like everyone likes to steal my sandwiches!" The lunch was continued with chuckles, the men decided to clean everything up while the women chose to retire to the foyer. Mayu was the last one to get up, she was trailing behind the others when her phone chimed. She looked at it, slid to unlock the screen, and stared at the text message.

"Snowbelle?" Mori's voice caught everyone's attention while she continued to stare at the screen, her hair had dried by this time, and it fluffed out around her face, hiding her eyes. Her lips were pressed into a thin line as she continually stared at the screen. Mori took a step towards her but stopped as he asked once more, "Snowbelle?"

She looked at him, that dangerous look in her eyes was gone, as if it had never been there, and she smiled, "It's nothing Taka." He nodded but left it alone while she joined the others, when Kyoya asked him about it, Mori simply said that he'll talk to her later because she won't divulge anything at the moment. Mayu was happy with the other girls, happy to relax, but she stated that she was going to shower because the salt was frizzing out her hair. The others laughed as they realized her hair was, in fact, frizzy; sticking out in all sorts of directions. "I look like I stuck my fingers in a wall socket!" Mei immediately cracked up laughing and she chuckled while waving her farewells to the girls, this time, Mori followed her. When she entered the bedroom that they shared, she heard the door shut and the lock was flipped; she ignored whomever was there and dug in her bag for her other dress. Once it was in her hands along with her undergarments, she turned to see Mori. He was wearing a look of concern, she sighed, and a small smile graced her lips. "I'm alright."

Mayu headed into the bathroom, she started the water, tossed in some bath salts, stopped the water when it was the perfect height, then removed her red kimono, it was laid on the bathroom sink, and she felt his arms around her waist. Immediately her breath caught in her throat as he trailed his palms up her hips to her chest. He cupped her breasts in his palms, she bit her lower lip, and leaned against him. "I didn't want to see that you were ready because I was the one who wasn't ready even though I teased you so much. I thought you wanted to wait until the wedding as well." She smirked, "Careful Snowbelle, I locked the door."

"I know you did," she whispered. He continued his caresses until her brow knit together, he smirked at her reaction, and she began to breathe heavily. Mori leaned down to place gentle and light kisses against her neck, she sighed happily as he did so but still bit her lower lip.

His voice was a hoarse whisper, "I love it when you do that." He nibbled on her ear and she moaned once more but her eyes shot open when she felt his palm against her bare breast. Mori had slipped it underneath the bikini top, she gasped at his hot touch, and she moaned even louder as he used his thumb to trace small circles on the tip while her eyes fluttered closed. Mayu squirmed against him, he groaned at her actions, "Snowbelle..." Mayu was trying to stay calm, trying to keep her head straight, but she couldn't because of his actions, and Mori was relishing every bit of it. He slipped his other hand into her bikini bottom, she bit her lower lip once more, and he pinned her to his chest. His eyes closed as he stroked her, he listened to her breathing deterioate, and his soon followed. "Not yet but I want to do something else." The male martial artist slipped his fingers in, she gasped but he soon covered her mouth with his own, and he felt her return the passionate kiss with urgency. His body was wound tightly but he only cared for her, she was the only reason for him to exist at that moment, and the more she squirmed, the more he groaned since she was still pinned to his chest. A delicate hand tapped his arm, he stopped, and broke off the kiss. Both of them were panting in the bathroom, she was smiling, and the emotion in her eyes was swirling. "What is it?" he was concerned that he had done something wrong.

Mayu smiled and whispered, "At home. We can do this at home. I don't want to desecrate Umehito's home."

Dark eyes softened at her request, he squeezed her once more which elicited a giggle from her, "Alright." He slipped his hands from underneath her bikini, "Go take a bath." She nodded, "One more thing, what was in that text message?"

Her eyes flashed angrily, "My sister's telling me that if Kuyomi is born like me then he'll be disowned. I'm not worried about it because he's going to have a loving home either way."

"Yes, he will as will his cousins." Her face flushed red and he smiled, "In time Snowbelle." She nodded while he left, he made sure to close the door behind him, and he ran a hand through his hair but he was smiling. "I guess one more day won't hurt." Mori left to take his own shower while Mayu was sitting in the bathtub, she was shaking with excitement, and her body had this strange coiled tension. She sighed, breathed in the scent of the bath salts, and calmed herself down while she finished up.

She emerged into the foyer, she took her seat next to Haruhi, the Suou woman was smiling, she was glad for it. Haruhi immediately asked what she had planned for dinner and Mayu gave her a thankful look as no one else seemed to catch on. "I'm not sure. I was thinking of-"

Reiko piped in, "Make something with seafood!" The maiden blinked a few times, "I want that gumbo you made."

Mitsukuni was going to say something but Mayu laughed, "Sure!" Reiko literally lunged from the other side of the couch to collide with Mayu. They both fell back into the cushions with Haruhi laughing along with Mei. Mitsukuni was smiling as Mori returned, Mayu was patting her back, "I can't make it if you don't let me up." Reiko got off of her and grinned, "But no help. I need to start now."

"Why?" asked Mei.

"I need to make the spicy sauce that's why." Her gaze turned to Reiko, "Is there an apron here?"

"Yeah. Come on, come on!" She tugged Mayu to her feet and they dashed past Mori, she was laughing while he took a seat next to Haruhi. He looked down at her and she only grinned at him while she looked past him to watch the other two women in the kitchen.

"I'm going to watch her, I'm curious to see how she makes things on her own." Haruhi got up with Kotoko, the others soon followed, and Mori only smiled while Ritsu grinned. They stood around or took their seats once Reiko located an apron, she slipped it over her head, then wrapped a cloth around her head to keep the hair back. Haruhi was going to say something but Mori put his index finger to his lips, and she nodded. Reiko took a seat nearby and watched as Mayu dug around in the refrigerator for the ingredients, once they were found, she reached up in the cabinet to get the spices, one was on the top shelf, so she sat on the counter, and reached up to grab it, once in hand; she hopped off. Mayu was so focused that she didn't see the crowd that had gathered behind her to see how she cooked.

The maiden set the pot on the stove, started it, then began to chop the vegetables after they were all cleaned and her hands had been washed as well. She wore a warm smile on her face, the tomatoes were the first ones being chopped, they were tossed into the pot along with black pepper. Mayu searched the cabinets for another spice but she couldn't find it, "Where is it?" She opened up every cabinet, she took a step back, and glanced quickly, "Ah! There it is." She closed all the cabinets except for the one that she needed, she pulled it out, "Saffron. Perfect." She took less than a pinch, sprinkled it in, then replaced it. Mayu was thinking about the recipe that she was making and so she began to hum to herself. Mori was smiling warmly at her, to which Haruhi nudged Tamaki, the blond male looked over, and his mouth fell open. Ritsu glanced and grinned while the Twins stared in shock as well.

Mayu continually hummed while stirring the mixture, she placed a lid on it to simmer, then set to chopping the other necessary vegetables for the seafood gumbo. She was happy because it was all the ingredients that would have been at her home estate. Mayu felt the tears at the corners of her eyes but quickly wiped them away as she chopped the celery, it was tossed into a bowl, then she started on the leek, then the potatoes, and carrots. She was sure to shred the carrots as well as the leek before starting on the onions. They noticed another pan was produced where the chopped onions were placed inside, it was set on the stove, and they began to cook while she wiped her hands on the cloth that was on her shoulder. She found a spatula, she stirred the onions then added just a touch of olive oil, it sizzled, and the others watched fascinated as she caramelized the onions, the burner was shut off, she opened the simmering pot of tomatoes, and gently scraped the onions inside.

The maiden then washed her hands, placed the pan in the sink, and paused, "I don't think there's any seafood here..." She quickly opened up the freezer, her eyes glanced around, and she looked over at Reiko, "No seafood." The dark arts user sighed, "But that's okay." When Reiko looked at Mayu, she was smiling, "We can catch some. This sauce needs to simmer for a while anyway."

"I don't know how to catch any seafood."

Mayu grinned, "You're going to learn. We're on the shore so we can get oysters, they're pretty easy to get, or I'm sure I can wrangle a few locals into giving us some."

"How are you going to do that?" Mayu grinned while she brought out other ingredients to make another type of sauce, "You're going to barter with them?"

"Sure."

"That doesn't work!"

The maiden laughed, "You underestimate my selling skills!" Reiko laughed openly which made Mitsukuni smile, they watched as she made the alfredo sauce, then put it in some mason jars that she had discovered. They were screwed tightly, she disappeared, and then reappeared wearing her market tote; the jars were slipped inside. "Come on!"

"You don't have to do this Mayu."

"Yes I do. You want my seafood gumbo and you shall have my seafood gumbo." Reiko had tears in her eyes, Mayu looped her arm arounds, and stated, "Let's go get some seafood!" She laughed, it was then that she noticed the others, "Oh...how long have you all been there?"

"The entire time," stated Kaoru.

Mayu laughed, "Alright!" Her eyes got dark, "Don't touch my sauce. I mean it." They all nodded and she grinned, "We'll be back!" They disappeared through the back, Mei got up, and decided to go with them, so Haruhi laughed and stated that she would stay. Mei stated that she would keep an eye on them, Haruhi nodded, and the other males only sighed. In the meantime, Mayu grinned, "Welcome aboard!" Mei laughed as they went to the beach side where men were fishing and packing up their hauls. Mayu approached the first male, he looked up at her, "Good afternoon sir. I hope you had a productive day."

"I did."

"I see that you have oysters, shrimp, and squid."

"Yeah, what's it to you?" he asked gruffly.

"I was wondering if you'd like to trade."

"Trade? Trade this nice seafood for what?" Mayu produced the alfredo sauce, "Sauce? Sauce that I can buy at the store? Sorry girlie, wrong guy."

She unscrewed it, "Try some."

"Look lady," he got up and stared at her, she was smiling at him, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "Fine." He reached into his bag and pulled out a spoon from his pack, he scooped some into it, and was told to be careful because it's hot. He blew on it then ate it, he moved it around, and swallowed; then he stared at her. "You made this?"

"Yes. Freshly made naught thirty minutes ago."

"It's really good."

"Thank you."

"Why do you want seafood?"

"I don't have any on hand and I only know how to get oysters. Trade?" She screwed the lid back on and he nodded, "Thank you so much sir!"

"How much you want?"

"Equal weight to the sauce."

"You serious? You can ask for more since it's homemade sauce."

"I'm fine, equal weight."

"Alright." He packed a little bit of everything for her that would equal the one pound weight of her sauce, she was handed the bag, and he the sauce. "Thank you lady."

She bowed to him, "Thank you sir. May Lady Amaterasu bless you and your family with health and prosperity for the months to come." The man was dumbstruck as she and her friends wandered off to find more seafood to add to the gumbo sauce that was simmering on the stove. Mei exclaimed how awesome she was and Mayu laughed while Reiko agreed. "It's all about how you greet people and if you offer to let them try it then they're more willing to trade or buy."

"No wonder your tea was so successful!" exclaimed Mei. The other two women laughed while she grinned and they hit up another fisherman for some clams, the man was more than happy to trade, and she thanked him as she had done the prior male; this one was also surprised. They went onto the third male and he had something that Mayu desperately wanted to have; sea urchins, lobster, and crab. Mayu did the same thing for this man, although he was more adamant about not trading just sauce, so Mayu thought for a minute, and reached into her bag. She pulled out a card for Shining Grove Tea, she pulled out a pen, and wrote on the back of it.

"What's this?" he asked.

"Just show this to Shining Grove Greenhouse and they'll give you ten boxes of whatever tea you'd like, free of charge."

"Free?"

"Yes, that in addition to my last jar of homemade alfredo for your urchins, lobster, and crab."

"How do I know that they'll honor this?"

"My name is on the back."

"So?"

She smiled warmly, "I'm the owner." The man gawked at her as he looked at the front of the card and he was going to say something else, "Yes I'm the Hiitachin model as well." The fisherman was flabbergasted while she continued to smile, "Do we have a trade?"

"Yes! By all means yes! But...can I take a video?"

"Sure! I don't mind." The man told her his family name while he got out his phone, hit the camcorder button, and held it in front of Mayu, she waved, "Hello there Keitomaru Family! I'm Mayu Ishikawa, the Hiitachin Model as well as Bun Bun from Chateau Bunny, and the owner of Shining Grove Tea. I hope to find you all well and happy. May Lady Amaterasu bless you and your loved ones with good health and prosperity through the coming months. By the way," she leaned in, "I gave your dad a card for ten boxes of free tea. Little ones, tell him you want the candy cane one!" When she leaned back she waved, "Also, your dad is the best fisherman! Enjoy your dinner Keitomaru Family, bye bye now!"

"Thank you so much! My wife is such a fan of you."

"Oh?" She rummaged around in her bag for some paper, when she found some, she brought her pen out, and wrote down the recipe with instructions. She handed it to the man as he gave her the bag, "This is the recipe for the sauce." He was astonished, "I like to share!" The thank her profusely once more, "Think nothing of it."

"Do you have a house here?"

"No I'm staying a friend's place over the hill. My sister here wanted my infamous seafood gumbo so here I am!"

"You're devoted."

"Only to those I truly care for."

He smiled, "Thank you."

She nodded, "I should be thanking you for all this lovely seafood. Thank you so much Mister Keitomaru. You have a lovely and shining season."

"You as well Light Maiden." She smiled at him, bowed to him, and they parted ways while she was grinning while each woman had a bag of seafood.

"I'll get some replacement jars for Umehito."

"He won't care," replied Reiko. "You gave him Belzeneff cookies, he'll let you take whatever you want." Mayu laughed while Mei joined in and the dark arts user only grinned as they returned to the beach house. Mitsukuni asked if their trip was bountiful, the three women held up the bags, and Reiko added, "She's a good trader!"

"Trader? The woman's a master barterer!" exclaimed Mei.

Mayu laughed while she removed her tote, placed it on the counter, then took the bags and washed her hands so that she could start on it. She removed the lid, stirred it, sniffed it, and added a dash of pepper before tossing in the sliced leek. "Needs a little bit longer but it's almost ready. In the meantime I can prepare the seafood." Mayu put the arpon on, the cloth on her head, and the one over her shoulder. They watched as she expertly sliced all the oysters opened and the clams, Mei asked, and she laughed, "Selka used to always have these things on hand at the esate so I learned how to open them."

Takashi asked, "Did she not eat them as well?"

"Correct."

"So you made gumbo from it?"

"Correct again!" Mori smiled lovingly at her while she worked at getting all the oysters and clams open, "I also learned how to make alfredo sauce and this sauce and all kinds of other things. I really pride myself in tea but my crab cakes and vegetable soup come a close second although that's only for winter." The others watched while he still held that loving smile on his face while she began to hum once more. Mayu was happily cutting, chopping, and sauteeing certain pieces of the seafood while the sauce continued to simmer. "You guys can go watch television or something. You don't have to watch me cook."

"But we want to know what makes your food so damn tasty!" stated Mei. Mayu laughed while the dark skinned woman only grinned, "I'm jealous of Mori! He gets to watch you cook, eat your food, and watch you work at the castle. I'm jealous! I wanna be that close to you!"

Mayu grinned, "You're my friend Mei, you're already that close with me!"

"How so?"

"You're sitting there watching me cook, you've already eaten my cooking with help from Reiko and Haruhi, all you have to do is come to Chateau Bunny Monday through Saturday during the day." Mei cheered and the maiden only laughed, her phone chimed, she washed her hands, looked at it, and glared. She picked it up, "What do you want?" There were some other words exchanged on the other end, "I warned you." More words, "Fine, you want it? Come see me at the Nekozawa Beach House." A few more muted words, "Now. I'll be ready for you." Mayu placed her phone on the counter, she took in a deep breath, and continued withe seafood.

"Snowbelle?"

"I have some family matters to take care of in a about thirty minutes. No worries."

"Are you going to need help?"

"No thank you. I'll be fine." They watched as she seafood was tossed in a mix of spices, she removed the lid on the pot, slid in all the vegetables, then replaced it. She washed her hands, disposed of all the unneeded shells, and washed her hands once more. Mayu took in a deep breath, held it, then slowly let it; her voice was quiet but they heard her clear enough. "My Lady...protect them from what lay within. I know they mean to harm me but they're stupid and childish still, they haven't grown up so don't let me harm them too much." Taiyo barked, she smiled, and whispered, "Thank you my Lady." After another ten minutes, she slid in all the seafood, she gave it a good long stir, and then tossed in something that none of them had seen her chop. It was a pepper, the lid was replaced, she washed her hands, removed the apron, and the cloths. "It'll be another thirty so just wait for it. In the meantime, I've got sisters to tend to."

"I wanna see these little brats," stated Mei.

"By all means." They watched as she placed her phone in her tote, she headed out to the front of the house, Mori intercepted her. She looked up at him, he leaned down and whispered something to her while he took her tote from her. Mayu smiled, "Thank you Taka." He nodded and the others were curious to know what he had told her but he only smirked at them as they headed out to the porch to see her family. There were two, the oldest ones, "Colette, Rosette. What do you want?"

"We're here to give you pay back!" yelled Rosette.

"I see you're still bruised."

"Shut up tramp!" replied Colette.

Mayu glared at them "Tramp? I'm no tramp."

"You're dressed like one!" chimed in Rosette.

Two familiar voices rang out, "HEY! THAT'S OUR DRESS YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!" The twins made their presence known on either side of Mayu, the Ishikawa twins gasped. "Teach them another lesson as they clearly didn't learn the first time."

Mayu descended to the sand, once in front of them, she stated, "Well? Give me your best shot." Immediately Colette tried to sweep her, Mayu simply jumped back, and Rosette attempted to punch her but only fell down. "That was pathetic. Go home now."

"We got you on film!" cried Colette

"Film for what?"

Rosette grinned, "We're going to post your panties all over the internet!"

"I don't care." They blinked at her, "You want a better shot? I'll give you one."

"YES!"

"Okay." Mayu jumped towards them, she lashed out with her foot, to give them a sweep, they cried out as their feet were knocked out from underneath them. Her dress flared out around her, giving their cameraman a better shot, just as she had promised them, but the man came out of hiding. He approached her and smiled, "Yes?" He leaned towards her, whispered something, and she smiled, "Thank you. May Lady Amaterasu bless your career path with good fortune." He nodded and left them while the sisters were crying about their legs. "Perhaps you should get some exercise." Mayu left them to enter the house, "Your camerman isn't going to send any photos around, he already assured me of that because, apparently, he's a patron of mine. Now I have friends and family to cook for so shoo." She was heading up the stairs but was scooped up by Mori who swung her around. She was laughing, "TAKA!" Haruhi was grinning, Mori held her fast, her feet were off the ground, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "What Taka?"

"Your stance was exceptionally good for a novice and for someone who said they can't learn martial arts." He kissed her roughly, she returned it, and then he put her on the ground, she was beaming with pride. Mori was smiling as well and Mistukuni grinned while Mei jumped on her from behind stating how awesome she was. "She is." Mayu laughed and the front doors were closed by the Twins as her own family were still writhing outside, the others returned to the kitchen in order to get some of her delicious smelling seafood gumbo. Everyone took their seats as she scooped it into the bowls, once everyone had a bowl, she took a seat, and clapped her hands together. Her prayer was just like the last one except this time Reiko recorded it for Umehito, once that was done, it was sent to him, and they began to eat.

Reiko exclaimed, "I'm so glad you made this!" Mayu smiled while the others dug in and Haruhi was careful because of Kotoko but it was Mori who asked for the baby. This surprised everyone, he got up, walked over to her, took the bundle, and took his seat once more. Mayu's eyes softened at him, he leaned over, kissed the top of her head, and waited for her to finish. When she did, she took Kotoko while he finished his own food, and Mayu still held that soft smile on her face; until Reiko snatched the baby, and Mayu laughed.

"You're getting Kuyomi in a few months, I want this one for now." Mayu laughed once more while Haruhi grinned and leaned over to look at the glint in Honey's eyes. The males decided to clean up the dishes once more while they went to the foyer to watch a movie. Once it was put on, the couples snuggled together while Taiyo opted for the Twins. "Taiyo! You like the boys don't you?" She barked and wagged her tail happily which made the others laugh; the Twins decided to hug her and stroke her fur while they watched the film. Mayu was sitting next to Takashi, he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, and yanked her towards him. She chuckled while placing her head against his chest, her eyes drifted closed as the movie started, and no one noticed that she was asleep except for Takashi. He looked down, smirked, and shifted. Mayu woke up groggily, he got up, scooped her up in his arms, and looked at the others.

"We're retiring for the moment." The others just gave a mumbled agreement while Kyoya watched them go, there was a faint smirk on his face as he turned back to the movie, and Takashi took her to the bedroom that she shared with the others but that was only to get her things. Once he had them, he continued to carry her to another room, his own, and laid her on the bed. She gave a mumbled reply, he smirked, kissed her forehead, and laid down next to her. "You're tired today."

"You would be too if you had all this fun packed into one day," she murmured with a smile. Mori grinned, yanked her close to his body, and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you Takashi."

"You're welcome Mayu."

-::::::-

The following day was full of more fun but it winded down, Mayu was standing on the beach, she was taking one last look at it because she knew there was something to be found out there in the ocean. Her mind turned to her younger brother who was going to be brought into the world soon as well as the coming fashion show, she smiled, and she could hardly wait. As everything was packed up, she was staring at the ocean, it was calm, and her eyes turned towards the sky. She didn't look directly at the sun, just the clear sky, and she wore a happy smile. "Thank you my Lady."

Her name was being called, so she gave one last wave to the ocean, and headed up the sandy incline towards the waiting car. Mori was there, watching her with a small smile on his face, and she met up with; entwined her fingers in his and grinned. The car ride home was quiet but she didn't mind, she knew that he was thinking about what to do the moment that they reached the apartment, but she didn't mind. Mayu had said her goodbyes to everyone but always kept in touch and her phone chimed, Mori looked at it as she pulled it out, and read the message. Immediately her face turned red, he leaned over to read it, and she moved it so that he couldn't see it.

"I want to read Snowbelle." She shook her head, "Come on." She shook her head again, "Then tell me what it says." Her red face only stared at him, she shook her head once more, and replaced the phone in her pocket. He eyed her suspiciously because he knew that she had never blushed from a text message before. "Was it from Mei?" Mayu nodded, "Was it embarrassing?" She nodded again, "Does it pertain to us?" Mayu nodded once more and he smirked, "I want to know what it says." Red eyes glanced at him but she shook her head, "Alright." The maiden sighed happily but he was already planning something in his mind and would implement it the moment that they got home.

Just as expected, she entered first then him, the door was locked tightly, and she headed into the bedroom; he followed shortly after. The moment that she had her phone in her hand once more, he moved in front of her, and she looked up at him. She knew what he wanted and immediately her face turned red, her back was towards the edge of the bed, and he advanced towards her. Mayu backed up with her phone in her hand until her knees hit the edge, and she fell softly against her sheets. Mori was already on top of her, her dress was splayed out against the sheets as was her hair, he straddled her, and leaned down.

"I asked for the phone Mayu," he stated. The device in question was clutched to her chest, she was breathing erratically, he leaned down, and tried to take the phone once more, instead she raised her hands above her head, and he used on hand to clasp her two wrists together. "I'm bigger and stronger than you." She bit her lip, "I could easily take it from you." Mayu watched as he leaned down, instead of placing his lips against hers, he let them trail across her neck to her collarbone. "Still not willing to give it to me?" Mayu kept her mouth shut as she was too busy trying to keep her breathing steady, he reached her chest, "Still no?" He looked up at her, those cherry red orbs that he had come to love were closed, he smirked, and slipped his free hand behind her body. Fingers quickly found the zipper, he pulled it down, the satin sheets making it easy then they trailed back up to her bra. The clasp was undone and she didn't even know because he kept placing those kisses along her cleavage.

"Ta-"

His lips left her chest and covered her mouth, when he leaned back, his eyes were dark while hers opened slightly. "I didn't say that you could talk." She bit her lower lip once more, "That's the reaction that I like. Are you going to give me the phone?" Mayu shook her head, "Alright." He moved his kisses lower while placed a knee between her legs. His free hand traveled on her kneed, then up to her thigh, and disappeared underneath the hem of her dress. As his hand moved upwards, the hem followed with it until he reached her undergarments. Fingers stroked the outside of the panties, she moaned while he smirked, and asked once more, "The phone?" Instinctually her hand released the device but he didn't make a move to grab it, instead he continued with his stroking until she started move restlessly, then he moved the barrier aside, and was about to sip his fingers in when her phone rang. He sighed, "It's always something." Mori removed his hand from underneath her dress, he grabbed the phone, looked at it, and smirked. He picked it up, "Kairi, we're busy, she'll call you back." He hung up while Mayu gasped at him, he quickly accessed the text message, and read what Mei had sent her. Mori chuckled, "You told them a lot didn't you?" Mayu's eyes averted his gaze, the phone was tossed carelessly on the bed, he leaned down, "I don't mind. They're your friends too but not too much details right?" She nodded while he placed a few more kisses on her chest. "As much as I want this, it's not the right time."

Those red irises made their way back to his dark ones, they were shining, "I know. This time, when you're ready Taka." He smirked, he gave her one last kiss before leaning back and taking a seat next to her. She sat up on her elbows, "When you do decide, don't tell me. I like surprises."

"Good." The maiden smiled and they stared at one another for a time until he glanced down at her chest, when his gaze returned to her face, he realized that she was blushing but he leaned over, and kissed her head. "Kuyomi is going to make it more difficult."

"It'll be fine."

"How do you know?"

She smiled and winked at him, "I just do."