**AUTHOR'S NOTE**
The chapter was once again proofread by a wonderful beta reader. (I found a new one, yay!)
To all my readers, thank you for your patience and continuous support. Please enjoy.
Takashi looked down at the food that was prepared for lunch today. The selection surprised him a little since it was catered towards his taste more so than usual. At first, he barely noticed the additions to the meals. A small side dish here and there slowly grew until what was now a full meal of what he would happily eat. Glancing over at Zaina, he wondered just how much of a coincidence this was.
She hardly noticed his gaze as she busied herself with making sure the thermos was within reach for him to have some tea afterwards. Once she was certain he had everything he needed, she turned her attention back to him and smiled. The sudden sight of her grey eyes looking back at him took him by surprise, startling him from his thoughts. He quickly looked away to hide the sudden flash of heat that rose in his face. With a soft mumbling of gratitude for the food, he began to eat to distract himself.
"Are you sure it's ok for you to be here?" Zaina frowned a little at the thought of trouble that may arise from his lack of presence. This was not just any socialite after all, Ayaka was someone that should not be ignored.
"It probably isn't." He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't really care. I want to be here." Zaina found herself staring at him for such a blunt statement.
Always so straightforward, yet not at all! She quickly ate something to mask the smile that threatened to show itself at the words. "Can't say hearing that doesn't make me happy, though I should probably reprimand you like I'd reprimand Rin or her brothers." She looked up at the high ceiling as her thoughts drifted back to the young woman she was employed to protect. I shouldn't be here, but how can I just ignore a direct order when there's no obvious threat? Her eyes narrowed as the image of Ayaka came to mind. She's definitely trying to set a tone...for what, I don't know. I'll have to keep an eye on her.
"You'd get in trouble if someone saw that." Takashi looked to Zaina as the sudden silence fell over them. He wanted to ask her why she was here instead of watching over Rin, but he knew the answer he would get. As much as he enjoyed her company, he knew she took her job with the utmost seriousness. She's here today because Rin let her. Nagano isn't someone to ignore. The others were pretty on edge, too. Haruhi and the twins were upset about something. If she's involved, Zaina won't tell me. She'll downplay it to avoid worrying anyone. The fact that she was so burdened and alone was not sitting well with him, and his eyebrows knit together at the frustration that was pooling inside him. Why am I so irritated by this? It's nothing new.
"Good thing no one's here," she laughed at his response, her voice bringing him out of his thoughts. Zaina knew there was no point in worrying about what was happening there. Whoever the source, she would know sooner or later what transpired in her absence and she would work accordingly. "Though, if someone was here, we probably wouldn't even be talking like we are now, and you wouldn't be cheating at basketball." She pointedly looked at him, but ended up laughing at the blank stare she got back.
"Yeah, it's a good thing," He agreed with her sentiment. "I like it as is...just us," he added, looking down at the remaining food in his tray.
"Yeah, me too." Zaina hummed a little as she leaned back on the bleachers behind her. "I like the time we spend here. I probably sound a little selfish saying this, but it's like having you to myself. It's a little world all of our own." She warmly smiled at the notion, looking down at her lap to avoid eye contact with him for the moment. At such simple words, Takashi felt his heart lurch forward as if to jump out of his chest. To hear her echo the sentiments that were the very same as his was exhilarating and validated his own, leaving him a little speechless. He knew he needed to say something, or she might get the wrong idea.
"Me too." He was surprised how calm his voice sounded in contrast to the internal panic that urged him to just say anything . That's real smoothe: copy exactly what she said, he thought with embarrassment; how repetitive can you get? Zaina lifted her head at his words, her expression sharing just how surprised and delighted she was to hear him agree. A light pink slowly grew on her cheeks as she cleared her throat and sat up once more. Her embarrassment of sounding childish was suddenly overtaken by a new sense of warmth at hearing his simple two-worded agreement. She was not entirely sure how to handle these new feelings, but she knew she was not against them.
"Oh," She whispered in quiet delight, "I'm glad." She smiled to herself as she picked up her chopsticks to resume eating her food. Takashi was grateful that she decided against looking at him just now; his ears felt as if they were on fire as he turned his attention to his own food. As embarrassed as he was feeling, the smile on his lips was not going anywhere.
The cafeteria was bustling with students as always, however the usually animated table of the Host Club was unusually tame and tense. The obvious reason was their new guest, Ayaka. Rin was not amused by the presence of the young woman because of the way she treated Zaina.
It's obvious she's trying to make a statement to everyone here that Zaina is the help and should be treated as such. She probably realized that most don't actively think about the fact that she's my bodyguard. Why would she want to make a point of that though? It hardly caused any embarrassment to me or her, we were able to handle ourselves with ease. That must've angered her, Rin smiled at Ayaka who sat across from her.
It was obvious that Ayaka was not pleased with her dismissing Zaina. She was having too much enjoyment from using the young female bodyguard as an example for everyone and anyone that watched-everyone was always watching with her involved. Before any comment could be made, Rin led the way to the menus for her to look at as the other Hosts made their way into the dining hall. Normally, Rin was ecstatic to see her handsome raven haired crush; however, the current situation was too serious to ignore. A simple glance was all she could afford him in passing as he made his way to Ayaka.
"Ah, Kyoya Ootori," Ayaka brightly smiled at the arrival of the raven haired host. Offering her hand to him, he stared at the offering for a moment before taking hold but merely gave a nod.
"Ayaka Nagano, pleasure." He gave his mastered "perfect smile". "You grace us with your presence out Ouran."
"Yes, well I heard quite interesting things about this establishment," she carefully eyed the gentleman before her. "And of its students, I simply had to come and see for myself." She lightly crossed an arm across her torso to hold the elbow of the other as she delicately rested her chin against her fingers. Everything about her oozed poise and perfection, yet it bordered on disturbing when coupled with the command she held in the room by merely being there.
"Yes, it is quite the establishment indeed. We look forward to enjoying the rest of the school year with you." Tamaki interjected and bowed a little as he offered her a rose. The smile on her lips grew at the attention as she took the rose.
"Oh, how lovely indeed. I was beginning to think the school lacked etiquette. It's such a relief to know there are those who know one's place." She looked down her nose at Tamaki, Haruhi bristling at the way she was treating him. The twins placed a hand on her shoulders to keep her in line as Tamaki rose to his full height.
"The beauty of Ouran is not the status of one's name, the beauty is being able to grow into the person one is meant to be." He gave a simple smile to Ayaka, the backhanded compliment not lost on him. He found it best to counter with his truth.
"Oh, I look forward to seeing how you foster such growth," Ayaka said demurely as she twirled the rose between her fingers, eyes trained on the blonde before her.
"I'm sure you'll come to see it for yourself," He nodded his head in earnest.
"Shall we eat?" Kyoya cut in before anything else could be said by Ayaka. It was clear she was not one to shy away. She will be someone we need to be careful around. She's sharp and willcut anyone down; if we displease her, we'll be in trouble. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose to readjust them.
"Ah, yes! We shouldn't just stand here talking!" Rin took the chance to step in once more, taking Ayaka's attention away from the hosts. "I'm sure you must be hungry after all the stress of transferring and adjusting to the new setting. It's rude to keep you standing and waiting like this," She proclaimed, taking the lead once more before anything crude could be said to Haruhi.
Now here they were, seated at the usual table with Ayaka who politely nibbled at her food with continuous commentary comparing it to the gourmet meals she was used to at home. She was a glaringly prime example of why Rin was not so keen about some of the young women in her social circles. After meeting her sister-in-law and growing up with Zaina, it showed her just how different people were and that this snobbish attitude was hardly becoming at all. Though, there was no way Rin would showcase her displeasure. She would simply outshine them with demonstrating how a proper lady would and should behave.
It was an intense test of patience on everyone's part so they simply smiled and humored the new student's backhanded words. The only relief they were able to get was the bell sounding the end of this torturous lunch. The twins were the first to stand, pulling Haruhi up with them as they made their exit from the room before anyone could stop them.
"It's that time already? It sure does fly when in the presence of a beauty such as yourself." Tamaki flashed a charming smile, however Ayaka hardly paid him any attention as she turned to Kyoya.
"I will need an escort back to my classroom," She simply stated. Kyoya's perfectly unreadable expression remained in place as he pushed up his glasses. Is that so? Certainly not shy in flaunting your status.
"Very well, it can't be helped." He stood from his seat to signal that he would give her what she wanted, but was not about to be yanked around by her. "I need to return to my own classroom; we should leave now."
"You don't need to go out of your way Kyoya; I can escort her back," Rin quickly cut in, wanting to be helpful to him as well as let Ayaka know she was not someone to be ignored.
"Oh, Rin! I could've sworn you ran away with those three."
"You were mistaken, I've been here the entire time to lead you back to our classroom."
"Oh, that's not necessary." She waved Rin off as if she were some sort of creature. "I have Kyoya here to escort me. I'll use you when I don't have any better option."
"Nonsense, I'm sure you'd never wish to impose so much and hinder the education of Kyoya Ootori," Rin purposely used his full name, "Why, that would certainly be the talk around, now wouldn't it?" She gave a pleasant smile to which Ayaka returned with a slightly terse one of her own.
"Oh I would certainly never dream of doing such a thing! You certainly made a valid point that I can only rely on his hospitality so much." As the two smiled at one another, it was nearly impossible to not see the sparks of animosity flying between them. Mitsukuni frowned at this tension, grateful he was not part of it but also upset that his friends were being talked down to by this new person. As much as he wanted to play peacekeeper with cake, he had a feeling that it was not a proper place or time to mediate this unspoken battle.
"Ladies, ladies, please!" Tamaki cut in, "Shall we head to your classroom? It hurts me so, to see such beauties looking so distraught! We'll escort you both right away." He bowed toward the two, Ayaka looking down at the tall blonde as she extended her hand towards Kyoya. Taking her hand as he should, he helped Ayaka out of her seat while Tamaki merely looked at the two with a blank look on his own face before turning to Rin and offering her a hand with a sincere smile. She happily accepted the gesture from the king of the host club before turning to Mitsukuni.
"Don't worry about me, I have Usa-chan! Also, Takashi should be back soon. He's always coming to get me!" He cheerily spoke, showing off his pink bunny.
"It has a name?" Ayaka raised a well manicured eyebrow at the stuffed animal and the upperclassman that held it. The Host Club members present all tensed at her words that were directed towards the bright member. It was clear she was poised with another backhanded compliment and they needed to be ready.
"Yes, it's quite endearing." A familiar voice cut-in, calling the group's attention to Takashi and Zaina who were walking towards them. "It's truly inspiring to be so confident and honest with one's personality. Truly quaint, don't you agree?" Zaina properly bowed to the group at their attention.
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Rin agreed without a moment of hesitation. "It has a sweet charm to it, refreshingly innocent." She smiled with relief at Zaina and Takashi's timing.
"My Lady, are you ready to head back to the classroom?"
"Yes, we should be on our way." She nodded her head.
With the day coming to a close, the Hosts were relieved to know there were no club activities after classes today. Solemn nods of recognition were the only signs of understanding between the members in passing through the halls as they made their way to their awaiting vehicles. Zaina, ever the shadow, was next to Rin and vigilant as her lady happily chatted with Haruhi while on the way to the car.
"That was some lunch, huh?" Haruhi mumbled, her shoulders slumping as she let out a heavy sigh. "I don't think I'll ever understand the rich."
"It's certainly complicated," Rin gave an apologetic smile to her companion. "Rest assured, nothing bad will happen to you or anyone. Right, Zaina?" She turned to her trusty guard.
"Of course, My Lady." Zaina gave a polite yet confident smile that boasted she would do everything in her power to get what is needed done. As they stepped out into the warm sunlight, Zaina stepped ahead and directed their attention. "Our car is over here," she motioned to the limo towards the right.
"Oh," Rin glanced over to it before turning to Haruhi once more. "Let us drop you off, I insist." Grabbing the short-haired brunette's hands, she peered into her eyes with a pleading look in her own eyes. I really don't want Ayaka trying to grab you just because we're not around. Unable to refuse her, Haruhi looked between Rin and Zaina with a slightly apologetic smile.
"A pleasure to have you with us," Zaina bowed as she opened the door for the two of them. "And please, it's an honor to make sure you safely reach home." As the two climbed in, Zaina's attention was briefly taken by someone. With her perfect smile in place, she simply bowed her head in their direction before climbing into the car last and closing the door.
