I hate Mondays on a good day. I fucking loathe Mondays when I'm fighting jetlag. On a more positive note, though, at least I got to wake up to a beautiful view. Granted, that view may have had drool on my pillow, but totally worth it. As much as I didn't want to get out of bed, I rolled over and shut my phone up before I threw it into the wall. However, getting out of bed got a bit more difficult when Ritsu's arm pulled me closer to him. And to make it even worse, his lips found the back of my neck. Yep. We're not going anywhere for a bit.

"Do we have to?" he grumbled, still half asleep.

"I don't want to either," I agreed, "But unfortunately, it's the nature of the beast."

"You want to skip today?" Ritsu suggested, "We could go back to sleep, take the bike up to Nagano, freeze our asses off."

"Kind of," I rolled into his chest, "It wouldn't be much different from where we left."

"In a spiritual sense."

"No," I wiggled my way out of his tightening embrace, "We can do this. I sure as fuck don't want to go either, but after school, we can always go back to the ramen shop."

"It's Monday, baby," Ritsu pointed out, "We can't go to the ramen shop after school. Not until the host club lets you go."

"Fuck," I groaned, "I forgot all about that. Well…Maybe they will, too."

"You know as well as I do," he teased, "Their minds, although fleeting more often than not, can be steel traps. And that means them holding onto you and never letting you go."

"Until one of them gets my steel toe to the crotch," I pushed myself out of bed and started walking toward my closet, "We really do need to get going, though."

"Fine," Ritsu rolled over, "Buzzkill."

"But I'm your buzzkill," I smiled, my heart quickly turning into a puddle, "Think about it, Ritsu. After the host club turns me loose, then we can go to the ramen shop all you want. Can you wait until then?"

"I don't know," he thought it over, "Maybe I'll go to the ramen shop without you."

"You wouldn't!" I gasped overdramatically, "Are you taking some other slut with you? Do you have a ramen slut?"

"Yeah," Ritsu laughed, "And her name is Reila. She's cute as hell, a sweetheart deep down, and one scary bitch when she wants to be. So, it'd be wise of me to not piss her off."

"I love you, too," I scored a quick kiss and headed into my closet. Huh…That's weird. I don't remember this white box being here when I left. I ran my finger under the envelope with my name on it, pulling out a note.

I got it for you anyway, just in case.

It's your choice.

-Roy

That's what I thought it was. This wasn't just any box. I took my knife out of the pocket on my pajama bottoms and ran it along the edge of the tape. And a pile of yellow fabric stared back at me. Yep. Exactly what I thought it was. Honestly, after all the bullshit I've been through in the last six months, it might be time for a change. Who knows? If knowing the contents of Kyoya's little black book isn't enough to get me booted out of the host club, maybe this will be.

I took a quick shower and got dressed. Not nearly as bad as I thought it'd be. Kind of ballroomy. Maybe I should do something with my face, too. It'd be silly not to, right? Ever since I got to Japan, I've never put so much effort into myself before school until today. But it's a new day. And a new era. It's not like the whole school doesn't already know I'm a badass little bitch. And proud of it. But maybe looking all cute as shit on the outside wouldn't be such a bad idea. After a little liquid liner and a little mascara and a quick clear gloss on my lips, I dare say I look cute as shit.

"Rei!" Ritsu called out from the living room, "Are you ready yet? Because I think Roy's trying to break in."

"Yeah," I slipped on a pair of black flats and did one last spin in the mirror. Because despite my tough exterior, no one is immune to how much fun it is to spin around in a dress and watch the skirt go up. It's fucking wonderful, "Send him away. I got a better ride to school."

"Is it me?" he assumed, "Because I kind of hope it's me."

"Who else would it be?" I rolled my eyes, walking out of the bedroom. Shit! That's something I didn't think of. Riding to school on the back of Ritsu's bike in a big ass dress is going to be a pain in my ass I didn't realize I'd have today. Oh, well. It's not like I can't remedy it. I pulled out my hair tie and pulled my dress up just enough to tie off the massive amount of fabric that would otherwise get in the way. Hey, God? Could you do a girl a solid and not let my boyfriend lose a tremendous amount of nose blood today? That'd be great. Thank you. Give Mama a kiss for me.

When I walked out of the bedroom, I grabbed a granola bar out of the pantry and threw my bag on my back. Good news, bad news. Good news, Ritsu didn't have a nosebleed. We can chalk that up as a win. Bad news, there's a puddle of drool on my hardwood floors, "Uh…Rei…?"

"What?" I giggled, "It's like I told you on our first date, Ritsu. I'm a girl. Get the fuck over it."

"It's not that," Ritsu shook it off, "It's just…You're…You're…In a…Girl's uniform."

"Yeah," I shrugged, "And?"

"I thought you wore a boy's uniform…"

"I figured I'd switch it up a little," I brushed him off, "If that's alright with you."

"Don't let me stop you," Ritsu continued drooling over me, "Damn, Rei…You're cute today."

"I'm cute every day," I scoffed, kissing his cheek, "But thank you. What can I say? I'm in the mood to rock the boat a little."

"When aren't you?" he took my hand, "Shall we?"

"Absolutely," I locked my penthouse up behind me and took the elevator down to the lobby. Of course, because it's my elevator, we weren't squeaking out of there without a little making out before school. Should I tell him? I kind of want to tell him. But I'm not going to. Why? Because I'm a cheeky little minx and a little bit of an asshole. It's like a dog pissing in the yard to claim territory. He'll know soon enough.

As soon as we got to the illustrious Ouran Academy, Ritsu helped me off his bike like the gentleman he is and scored for us at the coffee cart. Just another day. I heard hushed whispers behind our backs of people wondering who the new girl with Kasanoda was and why they were so close. Little do they know, I'm not new. I've been going here since the last semester. I'm just in a different packaging than what they're used to. Granted, I was feeling a little self-conscious, but I knew I'd be alright. I had the nectar of the gods in my hand. I had my boyfriend by my side. Everything would be ok. Well…With the exception of one little problem.

"Hey, Ritsu?" I asked, keeping my voice down, "Can you do me a huge favor?"

"Let me guess," Ritsu read my mind, gently scratching at my shoulder blade, "Mars giving you trouble?"

"He's a sassy mother fucker," I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from moaning in the middle of the hallway. But holy shit, dude, did that feel incredible. I was here for it, "Thank you."

"Anytime, baby," he held the door open for me. Bless him. Methinks I keep this one.

This was where things took a very interesting turn. I took my usual seat in the back with Ritsu sitting to my right. Nothing different about that. Although, a particular set of twins decided to get brave on my behalf. Don't get me wrong. I'm proud of Hikaru and Kaoru for growing a pair. But growing said pair when I'm still jetlagged and waiting for my coffee to kick in? Maybe not in their best interest. Unless they have a death wish.

"Excuse us, princess," Hikaru flanked my left.

"But that seat's taken," Kaoru flanked my right, both of them gushing with host charm, "We can let it slide…"

"But Rei won't," Hikaru promised.

"We're just telling you for your own safety." I forgot the twins liked to speak in unison. Creeps the fuck out of me. Like the twins from the Shining. Although, Ritsu's little giggles made that all go away.

"You guys are right," Ritsu agreed, "That is Rei's seat."

"That's why I'm sitting here," I pointed out.

"What?!" Good to know I could still floor those two without even lifting a finger.

"Rei…?" Hikaru approached me with caution.

"Is that really you?" Kaoru poked at my cheek.

"Morning, Rei," Haruhi took the empty seat in front of me, "You look nice today."

"Thank you, Haruhi," I smiled, "And if it makes you two feel better, you can call me Reila."

"But…" they sat down before their knees gave out, "You're so…"

"I think I can interpret," Haruhi figured, "Why the sudden change?"

"Why not?" I shrugged, "I got my right uniform now anyway. I just changed up the outside a bit. Don't get me wrong. I could still cut a bitch, but all while being cute as shit."

"Hey, Kasanoda," a glint sparkled in the twins' eyes, "Any particular reason why your face is covered in glitter?"

"What?" Ritsu put his fingers up to his cheek. I knew someone would tell him, but I wasn't anticipating it being Hikaru and Kaoru, "Oh, what the hell?"

"What's it from?" Haruhi wondered in pure innocence. Aww…They're so cute.

"Mornings in the elevator do that," Ritsu wiped the remains of my lipgloss off his face, "That shit's sticking with me today. Wonderful."

"Glitter's a bitch," I giggled.

"How does that happen in an elevator?" Oh, Haruhi. You and Tamaki need to get out more.

"Haruhi," Hikaru put an arm around her.

"Isn't it obvious?" Kaoru followed suit.

"He…"

"He was making out with his girlfriend in the elevator," I beat them to the punch, "Her lipgloss didn't have the staying power she thought it had."

"Kasanoda's got a girlfriend?!" the twins gasped.

"Way to go, Rei," Ritsu sunk down in his chair, hiding his embarrassment. I know it wasn't who he was dating that embarrassed him. It was Hikaru and Kaoru calling him out on it. And making a big deal out of it. Ritsu was never one for attention, "Now, I'm covered in glitter and in Hell."

"Boys," I ordered, "Back off. He's had enough."

"We just have one more question…" Hikaru requested.

"Who is she?"

"Really?" I rolled my eyes, "Faces, so cute. Brains, so dumb."

"Do you know, Rei?" Hikaru freaked.

"Tell us!" Kaoru demanded.

"On one condition," I looked over at Ritsu, making sure it was ok. I already outed him on it. Might as well join him under the bus.

"Name it!" they chirped while I got the subtle nod.

"One of you scratches my back," I insisted, "Shoulder blade. Left side. Gently."

"I got it," Ritsu scratched my back for me. And I think I love him, "You two wouldn't do it right anyway."

"Hey, Ritsu…?" my eyes rolled back into my head.

"Yes, Reila," he eased up on the pressure, barely grazing my skin.

"You're the fucking best," I let a little moan slip.

"Wow, Kasanoda," Hikaru jabbed.

"Would your girlfriend be this cool with you touching another girl?" Kaoru chastised him.

"If he stops," I stepped in, flattening out on my desk, "His girlfriend will hand his ass to him on a silver platter. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, ma'am," Ritsu pressed on, "When was the last time you put any lotion on your back?"

"Last night," I winced, bracing myself for the shitstorm that was about to come down on me.

"Should've put some on before we left this morning," Ritsu groaned, "You have to take care of that, Rei…"

"I know."

"It's you?!" Hikaru squeaked.

"Really?!" Kaoru followed suit.

"Of course it's me," I damn near fell asleep. Ritsu had lulled me into a perfect state of relaxed where the jetlag could almost take over, "And right now, I love you. So much."

"I…" He's so cute when he's all flustered, "Yeah. You, too. You're welcome."

"Does that mean…" Hikaru asked.

"You're quitting the host club?" Kaoru finished.

"And leave Haruhi all by herself?" I scoffed, "Hell no. I'll be by the host club this afternoon. Don't' worry. By the way, Haruhi…"

"What?" Haruhi perked up.

"After we leave the host club," I wondered, "Are you doing anything?"

"Not that I can think of," Haruhi figured, "Why?"

"We should hang out," I offered, "Just the two of us."

"You think so?" Haruhi looked over at Ritsu, "That wouldn't be a problem?"

"Ritsu and I have been inseparable while we were in New York for the last two weeks," I assured, "We could stand a little time apart. Come on. Please?"

"Ok," she smiled, "I don't see the harm in it."

"Yay!" I really did miss Haruhi while I was back home, "Can we meet up somewhere? I don't think the back of Ritsu's bike can fit three and I really don't want to have to call my driver. He'll see that as an opportunity to try and become best friends."

"Sure," Haruhi nodded, "What about the ramen shop by your building?"

"I don't know," I looked over at Ritsu, "The ramen shop's kind of sacred."

"It's not like you're cheating on me, Rei," Ritsu let it go, "You can take Haruhi to the ramen shop."

"Ramen shop, it is," I nodded, shooting a glare at the twins, "And it's going to be just the two of us. That's not an invitation for the whole fucking family to casually show up. Got it?"

"Fine," Hikaru pouted.

"We'll give you your space," Kaoru whined.

"Thank you," I couldn't wait. Haruhi and I got along famously and I feel like, despite her being one of my best friends, we've never really spent much time together. It's a damn shame. Well, we'll remedy that tonight, won't we?

As the day went on, hushed whispers echoed through the halls of Ouran Academy. Especially when people saw Ritsu and me together. They still referred to me as the cute new girl. It's going to make for an awkward time at the host club. Either that or these girls needed to get better hobbies. Yes, I know he's yakuza. Yes, he knows I'm a mafia baby. But was that going to stop us? Fuck no. Ritsu already had Daddy's approval. I'm not letting him go just because of something out of his control.

Nevertheless, I knew one place I could get all my aggressions out. Suddenly, I wasn't the cute new girl anymore. My time in New York was fantastic. My time in the narrows was even better. But there was one thing I had here that I couldn't get back home. And it was my favorite way to end the day. My kendo class. I hurried up, got dressed, and got my staff. Now, all I needed was my kendo partner. And lucky me, he waited in our normal spot on the mat.

"Hi, Mori," I smiled.

"Hi, Rei."

"Morinozuka!" our teacher yelled toward us, "You're not fighting Mendoza anymore."

"What?" Mori gave him a look.

"Why?" I wondered with the same confusion.

"Because," our teacher pointed out, "She's a delicate young lady. You don't need to be fighting her."

"That didn't stop us before," I reminded him, "Also, I've never ever heard myself referred to as delicate, so that's a new, weird thing that's happened today."

"Technically," Sensei argued, "You shouldn't even be allowed to take this class."

"But I'm one of your top students," I retaliated.

"Morinozuka is too strong for you, Mendoza," Sensei stood his ground.

"I usually win when we pair up anyway!" I was starting to get a little heated. It hurt my pride more than anything.

"It's mostly for safety reasons."

This is bullshit, "For his or mine? Trust me. My family's not lawsuit happy. If something happens to me, my father would likely be disappointed. We got it."

"Fine!" Sensei had it with me since day one. And it's good to see nothing's changed. Although, I'm surprised I didn't get sent to see the headmaster. Although, I did remember seeing the name Suoh on his door. I could have that little transgression taken care of without batting an eye, "One step out of line, young lady, and I'll make sure you never step foot in this class again."

"Yes, Sensei," I gave him a little bow. Not out of respect, but mostly out of formality. I've fought Mori a million times by now. I can handle a little controlled scrap. As things returned to normal, so did our fights. Although, Mori has learned. If at all possible, I start by getting him off his feet. That way, our size difference doesn't mean shit. Then, I could cold clock him in the shoulder and have him pinned to the mat. But for the sake of argument, he didn't block me nearly as much as he usually did. Mori threw the fight for me. Not that he had to, but I appreciated the sentiment.

"Nicely done, Rei," Mori applauded, "I'll be more than happy to fight you anytime."

"Awesome," I beamed, my pride making a slow but sure recovery, "I'll meet you outside."

"Ok."

Just like that, class had come to an end and I changed back into my uniform. Granted, sweat had gotten to most of my makeup, but that's ok. I could always fix it before I go into the host club. It's not like I didn't come prepared. Once I was back to looking human again, I met Mori out in the hallway just outside the kendo room.

"I missed you, Mori," I wrapped myself around his arm, knowing damn well Ritsu wouldn't give a shit. Mostly because he trusts me. And he knows I'm not running off on him. Especially not Mori. That'd be an unnecessary punch to the dick. Besides, Mori was the big brother I never had. I couldn't do that.

"I missed you, too," he smiled a little, making me melt inside.

"Taka…" Speaking of creatures that make me melt inside, "REI-CHAN!"

"Hi, Honey," I caught him in my arms, "You didn't think I'd come by on our way to the host club?"

"I missed you so much!" Honey squeaked, "You look so cute!"

"Thank you, sweetheart," I hugged him tight. Don't get me wrong. All the hosts had their own special way of getting on my nerves. Tamaki when he got overly affectionate. Mori when he'd kick my ass in kendo. Hikaru and Kaoru when they dig a little too far into shit. Kyoya when he already knows what the twins are digging for. Honey could never. He and Haruhi were the same in my eyes. Neither one of them could do wrong. I don't give a fuck how jetlagged I am. I could always make room in my heart for Honey, "So, should we get going to the host club, then?"

"Where else would we go?" Honey sang, scaling my arm and taking a seat on my shoulders. If he started scratching my shoulder, I'd love him forever, but my sudden embracing of my cuteness was already enough on them. I don't need to drop a new tattoo on them, too. Tamaki's already going to be losing his shit about me. I'd rather not have him bitch me out because of how I decorate my temple.

By the time Honey, Mori, and I rounded the corner to the music room, the line had doubled in size from what it usually looked like. That didn't look good. It is Monday. And somehow, I did end up becoming a favorite host. Should I be concerned? Maybe a little. But in all honesty, I didn't care. Because if anything would prove that I was truly home again, it was this. I can handle a few girls coming into my section just to sit and bullshit. Why should anything else change?

Alright. I can do this. I can handle this. I am not going to get overly jumped when I walk through those doors. It is going to be host club business as usual. But then, sudden realization struck. And I remembered the events from this morning. What are the odds that Hikaru and Kaoru kept the news about Ritsu and me to themselves? More specifically, away from Tamaki? They wouldn't have told him. And I knew all of this was wishful thinking and odds are, I'm about to get my ass handed to me.

"Hi, everybody!" Honey chirped, climbing down from my shoulders and skipping to his section.

"Hello, Honey-senpai," Kyoya didn't break concentration. By the looks of things, he's balancing the books, "Mori-senpai…Reila."

"Shit…" I grumbled to myself, "I was hoping I could fly under the radar."

"Hard to get past me," Kyoya pointed out, "Welcome back…Princess."

"No," I stopped him before he could start, "Don't you start that shit. Just because I'm different on the outside doesn't mean I'm different on the inside."

"By the way," Kyoya hid the little shit eating smirk on his face, "Tamaki's looking for you."

"Fuck…" I whined, "Where is he and should I bring a riot shield?"

"I'd suggest bringing protection with you."

"Alright," I dug in my bag and whipped out my knife, "Good enough?"

"That won't be necessary," Kyoya lowered my knife, "Maybe you could put that away. For everyone's safety."

"It's not like I'm going to stab him, Kyoya," I rolled my eyes, "I don't like getting my knife dirty."

"Good luck," he sent me off. Like a lamb to the slaughter, "He's in his section."

"I see that," I braced myself for the impact coming my way. If Tamaki gets too close, he will quickly learn that no means no. I walked over to his section, taking slow, even breaths, "Hi, Tamaki."

"Hello, Reila," Tamaki beamed, happy as a fucking clam to see me, "Please. Sit with me."

"Ok," I sat across from him, kicking my feet up on the couch, "What do you want?"

"No, no, no," he shook his head, "That's not what I meant. Sit with me. You're not hosting today."

"What?" I looked at him weird, "Did someone slip a mickey in your instant coffee? It's Monday, Tamaki. I typically host on Mondays."

"Please?" Tamaki begged, "Please sit in my section."

"Why?" I wondered.

"Because," he explained, "I'd love to have a princess on my lap for the day. Just to see what it's like. And since Haruhi is a regular host, I can't exactly have her do it."

"You do realize I have a boyfriend," I pointed out, "Right, Tamaki? And that he'd probably be pissed if he knew about that?"

"Yes," Tamaki nodded, "Hikaru and Kaoru told me. And as your father, I'm disappointed I had to hear about it from them before I heard it from you."

"You're not my father, Tamaki," I reiterated, "I just saw my father. You've met my father. You two couldn't be further from each other. And I'm almost a thousand percent sure he likes Ritsu more than he likes you."

"That's ok," he let it slide, "I'm not for your father to like. That's something that falls on Kasanoda's shoulders."

"And my dad fucking adores him," I gushed, "And I love it."

"Please, Rei," Tamaki groveled at my feet, "Just for today."

"You want me to be your prop," I figured.

"I wouldn't put it that way," he bit his lip, "But kind of."

"Does this get me out of hosting for the day?"

"Yes."

"So," I thought it over, "I'm just sitting at your side for the day. Nothing more, nothing less?"

"Precisely."

"What about my section?" I wondered, "There's a line to the staircase, Tamaki. You're going to need all the help you can get."

"Haruhi's taking over your section today."

"What?" I don't think Haruhi knew that quite yet.

"It's just a few extra, Haruhi," Tamaki brushed her off, "You can handle it!"

"A few?" Haruhi gasped, "Senpai, Rei's one of the most popular hosts. I don't think it's going to be just a few."

"You can do it, Haruhi," Kyoya joined us, "If you do, you know that will count toward your debt. And a haul like that could easily knock it down to almost nothing."

"Fine," Haruhi groaned, "But it's just for today, right?"

"Depends," Tamaki sent her off, "Go on! Go make Daddy proud!"

"I'm sure I do make my dad proud," she grumbled bitterly, walking to my section. Sorry, Haruhi. Looks like I'm getting you dumplings, too.

"Hikaru! Kaoru!" Tamaki ordered, "Open the doors! And Reila…"

"What?" I don't know if I like where this is going.

"Please," he patted his lap, "Have a seat."

If my fat ass can fit on his lap, I'll be amazed. Carefully, I sat down while Hikaru and Kaoru threw the doors open. Like any other day, the host club flooded with different ladies in each section. I see Tamaki's looking for me to really ham it up. I'm not dating him. Nor would I even consider it. He's not my type. Asshole with the heart of gold. And unfortunately, the host club didn't really have that archetype here. Well, with the exception of me. But it's like Tamaki said, I'm not hosting today. I'm merely warming his lap. I had visions of Ritsu beating the shit out of him for it, but he also knows better. I'm not cheating on him with Tamaki of all people.

Although, the ladies seemed to take to me on Tamaki's lap like a duck to fucking water. Why? I don't know. I still wasn't sure how this whole host club thing worked. But I started to come around. A little extra attention every now and then was a good thing to feed my ego. Not that I really had much of one. I was just sure of what I had. However, just before the host club had closed its doors for the day, guilt crept into my conscience. Poor little Haruhi looked exhausted as the last person walked through.

"No!" Haruhi shot them down, "No more today! Rei, I don't know how you do it, but I'm not taking any more clients today!"

"Relax, Haruhi," I left Tamaki's section in favor of my own, "This one's particular in his choice of host."

"Hey, baby," Ritsu threw his arms around me, "You ready to go?"

"Yeah," I nodded, "I'm sorry, Haruhi. I didn't have much of a say in it."

"I know," Haruhi melted to the floor.

"See you later, boys!" I waved them off, "Pleasure doing business with you."

"I'll be at the ramen shop in a bit, Rei," Haruhi told me, "As soon as I get feeling back in my legs."

"Ok," I needed to make a side stop before I went to the ramen shop. Haruhi deserved so much more than just dumplings. And I knew just what to get her.

"So," Ritsu slipped his hand in mine on our way out, "How was the host club today?"

"Exasperating…" But damn, it's good to be home.