Chapter 10 (International Relations)
AN: Hey gang, I hope you have been enjoying the story so far. We have finally hit the 10th chapter! Don't worry we still have many, many, many more to go. So stay tuned. I wanted to do something special so I created this "joke chapter" we will call it. I made it just out of fun to give people a laugh. I also want to address the concern about OCs. Don't worry, no OCs are planned, I still stand by that. The OC you see here is only used once and then discarded. I just made him into some sort of a character because it made the plot more interesting then making him a generic boss. Anyway we are just getting started when it comes to this story so I hope you guys enjoy. Stay tuned
Rem and Subaru had finally returned to Japan. Rem was enrolled in Subaru highschool, and will be joining him in September. The month is currently July, so Subaru has a little over a month, to teach Rem all she needs to know before she attends school alongside him
Rem had already grasped reading and writing for the most part. Though she still had some way to go, however, she could now start reading the textbooks Subaru gave her from the library. Kenichi and Naoko knew that Subaru was not the best teacher
They commonly noticed mistakes and inconsistencies when Subaru was teaching Rem Japanese. Naoko eventually asked Subaru if she could take over Rems' teachings. Subaru agreed, and Naoko would go on to take over
Subaru wanted to one day take Rem to somewhere very nice. He wanted to make sure Rem saw everything his world had to offer. Subaru wanted to save up for a trip with Rem, but Subaru was flat broke. So he decided while his Mom teached Rem. Subaru would go out on the streets and try and find himself a job to start saving up
He walked around the streets of Kyoto going into every store, on every corner. He had yet to find anywhere that would hire him. Subaru had been walking around all day, and was exhausted. He was about to give up all hope. Until he noticed a flyer on a lamp post
"...Janitor wanted… Toby Laus Host Club…" Subaru read out the flyer. A smile grew on his face, he had finally found somewhere that was hiring. Subaru made his way to the host bar, intending on landing an interview with the owner Toby Lau
Subaru didn't know anything about host bars, but he figured he didn't need to know anything about them since he was applying to become a janitor
He eventually reached the host bar, and walked in. Subaru requested to see the owner. He was eventually led to a booth to have an interview with the infamous Toby Lau
"What's your name, what do you want?" Toby asked as Subaru sat down in front of him
"My name is Subaru Natsuki, I came here to apply for a janitor position" Subaru said with a friendly smile on his face.
"Subaru Natusuki, I love the sound of that. That's the name of a real man's name. There's no chance that someone could mistake you for a girl." Toby responded while smiling back in approval. Subaru was taken aback he had only told him his name, and he already seemed interested
"My name's Toby Lau, but everyone here calls me Homo Lau. Know why?" Toby asked. Subaru didn't know how to answer "Is it because hes gay?" Subaru thought. Subaru didn't know the answer Toby was expecting
"Uhhhh... I don't know. '' Subaru said uncertainty. Toby frowned and his face scrunched up
"You don't know? My employees are expected to be hyper confident. Even when you don't know, you need to pretend you do. I am looking for men not boys." Toby said in a agitated tone
"Oh sorry. Why do they call you Homo Lau?" Subaru asked genuinely curious to what got him that name. Toby's face relaxed
"It's because I'm a homeowner, a homo for short. It's a sign of respect, none of these other hosts can afford their own place. That's what makes me number one." Toby said in a voice full of pride. Subaru nodded, he couldn't believe what he just heard. Subaru had never heard that term used in that context before
"Where did you go to school?" Toby asked. After the homeowner question, Subaru was debating whether to tell the truth on this one. Toby rubbed off on Subaru to be a bit odd. He eventually decided it would be better to tell the truth. Mostly because he couldn't think up a good enough lie
"I am currently enrolled in Sagano High School" Subaru responded
Toby yawned "Hmmm? What was that? I was taking a nap while you were saying something boring. Do you think you can afford to be boring as one of my employees? Well, you can't! The girls here aren't paying you to put them to sleep!" Toby said
Subaru got confused. He was applying to become a janitor, why does he need to be entertaining. Also what girls would he be talking to? Subaru didn't understand Tobys logic one bit
"Why do I need to be entertaining as a janitor?" Subaru asked
"Excuse me? I'm the one asking questions here. Now for a little role-play! I'm the girl, you're the host. Entertain me!" Toby said
Subaru grew even more confused. He did not even apply to become a host. Subaru was tempted to get up and walk out, but figured he may as well play along and see what work Toby would have him do
"Hee hee! Hello, handsome host! What have you been up to this week? Seen many girls?" Toby said in a famenine voice that made him sound like an old grandma. Subaru was holding back laughing at Toby's impression of a girl
Subaru decided this time he was going to give the answer he knew Toby wanted to hear: "So many girls, I'm exhausted. You're the sixth or seventh girl just today!" Subaru said in a cheerful tone. Toby smiled widely
"Wow, you must really know how to treat a lady. I think I want you to be my host." Toby said in a famine voice. Subaru celebrated in his head that he was able to impress Toby again
"So, Subaru, I think you've got what it takes to be one of Homo Lau's boys. In fact, stick with me and you might one day gain Homo status! Homo Natuski, it's got a nice ring to it." Toby said
Subaru nodded. He didn't know if he wanted to be associated with being one of "Homo Laus boys," but he went along with it, even though it sounded weird
"Alright so tomorrow you will start your job doing grunt work. You will be cleaning out bathrooms, ashtrays, and floors. See you tomorrow at 11:00 PM" Toby said smi
"Thank you. See you then" Subaru said as he got up and walked out of the host bar, and returned home. He could not believe he was actually able to land himself a job. Even though his boss was a bit odd, it was a start
Subaru arrived home late. The lights were all off, and his parents had already gone to bed. Subaru kicked off his shoes, and walked into his room. He saw Rem reading a textbook in bed. She was examining every page closely making sure to gather every bit of information. Rem still had a little difficulty reading, but she was getting better
Rem turned to look at Subaru the second she saw him enter the room. Rem smiled at Subaru
"Subaru how was it?" Rem asked. Subaru smiled back at her
"It went well, Rem. It took me awhile, but I finally landed myself a job" Subaru said. Subaru didn't want to tell Rem that he was working at a host bar. He was worried she would get the wrong idea, and think he's cheating on her. He also didn't feel like explaining the real meaning of homo to Rem
Rems smile grew larger "That is really great, Subaru!" Rem said. Subaru laid down next to her. He was exhausted from all the walking around he had been doing
"So what job did you get?" Rem asked
"I got a job being a janitor. Basically I am to go in tomorrow and clean the place thoroughly. It may not be glamorous, but it's something" Subaru said. Subaru hoped Toby would be a more forgiving for his slip ups then Ram was
"What have you been doing today Rem?" Subaru asked
"More of the same, Miss Naoko has been teaching me really well. We went down to the library today and got a bunch of text books for me to read. I am really excited to join you to school" Rem said
"That's good Rem. Make sure you study hard" Subaru said. Rem closed her book and set it on the nightstand
"I will Subaru. Anyway it's getting late and we should probably go to sleep. Especially since you have work tomorrow" Rem said as she laid down under the covers. Rem turned over to look at Subaru
"Subaru can you please turn off the light?" Rem asked. Subaru sighed, he didn't feel like moving, but he found the small amount of strength to reach out and turn the lamp off
"Thank you" Rem whispered
The next day Subaru went in to start his new job at Homo Laus Host Club
Subaru walked into the host club and met Toby. Toby passed him a mop, and sent him to clean the bathrooms. Subaru walked into the bathroom and saw it completely messy. Subaru sighed heavily. He started by whipping off the vomit on the floor. It was now clean enough to step on. Being a host bar, Subaru knew people would get drunk and vomit all over the place
Subaru walked over to the toilets and noticed a full roll of toilet paper in the bowl. Subaru fished it out and threw it away. Toby probably placed it there, that's funny to him. Subaru noticed the ashtray full of cigarettes. Subaru wondered why people would smoke inside the bathroom. He didn't think much of it, and grabbed the ashtray and chucked the cigarettes out the window
Toby then entered the bathroom looking for Subaru. Subaru turned to look at Toby when he walked in
"Hey one my hosts is feeling sick. Apparently has a bunch of host diseases. HeeHee. Anyway I don't have any hosts in my back pocket, and I am also feeling generous. There's a girl at table fourteen. So go host her" Toby said
Subaru knew he already had a relationship with Rem. He could not find it in him to host or date another girl that was not Rem. Subaru also didn't know how to host in general. He assumed he was meant to be entertaining, but he didn't know if he could live up to the expectation Toby had set up to him. He also felt like he was cheating on Rem by doing this
"But Toby…"
"Toby? Are we friends? No, I am your employer, new guy. Don't act so familiar. You can call me Mr. Lau, Toby Lau, Homo Lau, or Homo Toby Lau but you can NEVER just call me Toby" Toby said scolding Subaru
Subaru sighed. He didn't want to do this, but he needed this job if he was wanting to take Rem overseas. So he decided to tough it out, and did as Toby requested. Or should he say what Homo Lau requested. Subaru still did not like doing this at all
Subaru walked out of the bathrooms and made his way to table fourteen. Subaru was not that nervous. He was hoping that he would do terrible, and be saved from ever having to host ever again. Subaru sat down in front of the girl at table fourteen. The girl Subaru was hosting looked very pretty, but also looked very grumpy. Subaru just wanted to satisfy whatever she wants so she could leave him alone
"How about I tell you about a nightmare I had about a world I got transported to..." Subaru said trying to strike up a conversation. The girls face scrunched up as she grew more agitated
"You had a nightmare about a different dream world or whatever? That's not something you should tell me. You're supposed to make me attracted to you! I am here to have a good time!" The girl said annoyed
"It's Ram all over again" Subaru thought in his head. Subaru didn't like having to make himself attracted to other women. It did not feel right. Subaru could care less if the girl he was hosting was attracted to him or not.
"So what have you been doing lately?" The girl asked
Subaru didn't respond. He hated having to go on a literal date with another girl. He did not want to play any part in it. This burning passion of hatred grew larger the longer he was sat in front of her
"I had a pretty good day today" The girl said in a calm voice. Subarus' facial expression did not change. He once again did not respond to the girl he was hosting. The girls face grew agitated
Subaru knew the atmosphere was growing awkward. "Why won't she just leave?" Subaru thought. Subaru just wanted out of this situation. He knew exactly what he was going to do with Rem when he got back
"What kind of host ignores his client? You are making no sense. We just met five minutes ago. Why are you refusing to talk to me? I am out of here" The girl said before she got up and stormed off. Subaru smiled
Toby came to Subarus table with a furious expression on his face: "Subaru! That was some of the worst hosting I have ever seen! You've lost a client for sure, and managed to kill the mood of this entire club. Are you trying to make me lose my liquor licence? Get out! Come back here tomorrow, I will make sure to make you do something other than hosting. You have my word on that" Toby demanded. Subaru nodded, and stood, and walked out. He started walking off back home
Subaru was beyond frustrated that he had to make himself attractive to another girl. He was more frustrated with Toby for refusing to listen to him. He was tempted to never come back, but he decided he would come back tomorrow and see what work Toby had set out. Subaru felt good knowing that Toby promised to have him do something other then hosting
Subaru eventually arrived home. Like last time he arrived late, and his parents were already in bed. Subaru walked into his room, and like last time found Rem reading a textbook. He walked over with a blank facial expression and laid next to her
Rem turned to him and smiled like she always did. Her smile faded a bit when she saw Subaru's troubled expression. Subaru sighed heavily. Before turning to her. Subaru reached out and started unbuttoning her shirt. Rem got confused, he didn't look happy at all
Rem grabbed Subaru's hand, stopping him. Rem looked at Subaru dead in the eyes "Subaru… What's wrong? Why do you seem so agitated?" Rem asked. Subaru sighed and buried his face in the pillow
"If I tell you… You will get upset with me" Subaru said in a sad tone
"No, I will not Subaru. What happened?" Rem asked. Subaru sighed, and lifted his head to look at Rem
"Rem, today at work…. My boss made me go on a date with another girl" Subaru said. He buried his head back in his pillow. Subaru prepared to get decapitated. He knew if Ram found out about this he would be dead on the spot
"Why?" Rem asked. A annoyed facial expression came to her face
"Because one of the hosts got sick. So he came to me, and practically demanded that I host her" Subaru said
"I refused to even talk to her because I was so frustrated with Toby. Or Homo Lau I should say. I refused to talk to her. She got angry and walked off. Homo Lau came over and told me off, and I just came home, and tried to erase the memory by being with you" Subaru said
Rems expression loosened a bit. Subaru felt Rems hand brush his hair. Subaru flinched when he felt Rem touch him. Subarus face was still buried in the pillow he felt awful for what happened
"Subaru calm down please… Rem is glad that you told me" Rem said. Subaru let go a short sigh of relief knowing he gets to keep his life
"You really aren't mad?" Subaru asked
"Well… Sort of. I am more frustrated at your employer. I am just happy that you refused to date her." Rem said
"Does your employer know about our relationship?" Rem asked. Subaru lifted his head from the pillow and turned to Rem
"No, he doesn't. I tried to tell him, when told me to go out and talk to the girl. But he just refused to listen. I didn't want to get fired. It was really hard to find that job" Subaru said. Rem nodded again. Her facial expression became more calm
"Make sure to tell him tomorrow about our relationship, ok?" Rem asked. Subaru nodded. He liked that approach a lot. Sure he was concerned that he might get fired, but he really didn't care at this point. He had only been working for one day, and he already was miserable. Homo Lau was definitely a weird fellow
"Anyway Subaru you should get some rest. You once again seem exhausted. You had a long day" Rem said. Subaru got a bit disappointed, he still wanted to erase that memory of that girl from his mind
Rem noticed, and set the textbook on the nightstand "Subaru. I know what you want to do, and it's not that I don't want to…. It's just that…. Well here's the thing. Since we are heading into school. Like you said I need to focus really hard, and I can't do that and take care of a…. Child at the same time Subaru" Rem said getting a little embarrassed at what she just said trying her best not to get flustered
Subaru nodded "Yeah I guess you're right. I guess we just have to wait" Subaru said as he turned off the light
When the light was off Subaru felt Rem kiss him "Goodnight Subaru" Rem said. Subaru smiled. He was glad Rem understood his situation. He was personally going to make sure Toby knew the boundaries at his new job
"Subaru can you please tell me something" Rem asked
"What is it?" Subaru responded
"What's a homo?"
"Uhhhhhh….."
The next day Subaru reluctantly went back to the host club. After Subarus performance last night. Toby assigned Subaru to work outside of the club. His job was to advertise to the people on the streets. Subaru got confused; he came here to work as a janitor, but he got stuck working as an advertiser. The job consisted of him handing out flyers, which sounded easier so he didn't protest much
Subaru walked around the street handing flyers to the people that populated the city of Kyoto. He was not targeting anyone specifically. He just held out the flyer and asked if they wanted one. Majority of the time they just walked off, but Subaru was getting paid so he didn't mind. Though it was growing exhausting
Subaru noticed this tough girl standing by the vending machine. Her tough exterior must scare away everyone from her. So she probably rarely gets approached by anyone. Subaru thought she could be quite easy to talk to, and advertise
"Hello. Are you interested in going to Homo Laus host club" Subaru said while extending out one of the flyers offering it to her. She chuckled. Subaru put his arm down taking that as a no, and turned around to walk away from her
Subaru started walking, but he ran into a huge muscular guy who had an angry expression on his face. Subaru knew that his guy might have been her partner, and got scared
"Hey host boy, if you wanna talk to my girl. You are going to talk to my fist!" The man said angrily
"I am not a hos-" Subaru was interrupted by the man punching him in the face knocking Subaru off his feet dropping the flyers all over the ground. Subarus' left cheek repulsed with pain. The man and the girl walked off leaving Subaru on the ground
"This job is going to kill me, this better be worth it" Subaru said to himself. Subaru got up from the pavement and gathered the flyers that fell to the ground. Subaru didn't even feel like continuing after that encounter
Subaru reluctantly continued attempting to hand out flyers to advertise the club. He was really starting to grow tired of doing this. Subaru walked up to a tired looking office lady. Subaru held out the flyer to her
"Hello are you interested into coming down to Homo Laus host club" Subaru asked with a light smile on his face
The girl actually smiled back, something Subaru was not expecting. He never thought he was actually to get a somewhat positive response
"Sorry, but I am just catching a break before my archery tournament. So I am kind of busy," the lady said. Subaru nodded and walked off. Subaru saw another girl by the vending machine. Subaru wanted to walk past her because of last time, but decided to test his luck. He needed to redeem himself in front of the Lau, and getting customers to his club is the first step to doing that. Even though Subaru wanted to quit after working only two days for Homo Lau
Subaru did his normal introduction handing out the flyer to the girl. The girl actually smiled at him, just like the last one
"You know what, sure, why not where is it located?" The girl actually accepted the flyer. Subaru could not believe it he actually convinced someone to visit the host club
Subaru gave her directions and she walked off heading in the direction of the club. She told Subaru she will tell Homo Lau that Subaru sent her. Subaru finally did something right. The day eventually ended, and he let Rem know what happened at work. She was glad it went well for the most part
The next day Subaru arrived back at the host club. Toby requested that he arrive early for a meeting. Subaru wondered what could be on his mind
"Subaru you have been doing well so far as an advertiser, but I am afraid you are missing one vital skill. That is to be able to plot against your rivals" Toby said. Subaru got confused to why this skill was even essential to him, but Toby had already weirded him out so much to the point stuff like this seemed normal and expected
"I want you to get the number one host, Taisei fired. If you can't find a way to get him fired then you're fired" Toby said. Subaru just gave up reasoning with Toby at this point
"So my job basically depends on getting your best host fired," Subaru said. Toby leaned into Subarus face
"Don't question my ways, just go with it" Toby whispered. Subaru nodded his head in agreement
"Ughhh I am tired of flirting with extremely hot girls. I need some time with men, preferably naked and in the hot springs!" Toby shouted. Subaru hid his hands behind his face, he did not want to be associated with what Toby just said "He really is a homo" Subaru thought
Eventually the number one host Taisei walked up to Lau and Subaru
"Awesome! I have not been to the ossan in weeks. Come on Subaru. With you, me, and Toby it's a threesome!" Taisei said. Subaru just sighed heavily. He did not feel comfortable at all
At the ossan. Toby and Taisei were chilling out in the water. Subaru sat as far away as humanly possible. He hated every bit of this. It pained him more as he was going along with it. "It pays well at least" Subaru said in his head. Subaru was rapidly running out of ways to justify him coming along to the ossan with a guy who people called "Homo Lau"
"Aah this is refreshing. Subaru! You have been working at the club for a couple of days now. How do you like it?" Toby asked. Subarus' facial expression remained blank. He didn't even smile
The second Subru opened his mouth. Lau cut him off before he could even get a word out "Woah woah woah! Why would I care what you think? You are only the worst employee, not the best employee. Tell him Taisei." Toby said
"Toby doesn't care about your opinion unless it's your number one," Taisei said. Subaru sighed again. These games are really starting to get old. He missed working with Ram, and Rosswal. Looking back on it now. His butler job was ten times preferable to whatever Lau had him doing
"Damn straight. Anyways I am going to get out, and check some of these naked guys, for recruitment purposes" Toby said as he got out
Now that Toby was gone Subaru felt a little bit more comfortable. Though not by much
"So Tasei how's it going?" Subaru asked trying to be nice
"Shut up you! I know you are gunning for the top spot, but I am not going to let you have it" Tasei said snappily
Subaru did not want to fight with him. He could keep his top spot for all Subaru cared. In fact Subaru was done with this weird job. Subaru just shook his head
"Tasei you can keep it for all I care. This job had me practically cheat on my girlfriend, got me punched in the face, and had me dragged into multiple uncomfortable situations. Right now being a shining example of one" Subaru said. Taisei looked at Subaru weirdly
"Wait, you have a girlfriend?" Tasei said. Subaru nodded his head in shame, he missed Rem. He felt awful for agreeing to host that girl. Even though he really didn't host her
"You know what this is all too much, I need to get a drink. So Subaru can I buy you a beer?" Tasei offered
Subaru was surprised. Tasei just told him off for "gunning for the top position" now he was offering him a drink
"No that's fine I got it, I could pay for you if you want?" Subaru offered. Taisei chuckled
"You needn't do that Subaru. I make plenty of extra money for my "Special package" I offer clients" Taisei said
"Special package?" Subaru asked completely oblivious to what Taisei was talking about
"Yeah, new guy. You'd be surprised at how much a lonely girl would pay for a handsome man like myself. I make good money. Especially because I don't have to give Lau a cut" Teisei said
"Tasei! I didn't know you were running a side business as a prostitute from my club! I can't possibly keep you on! I run a respectable host bar!" Toby said, revealing himself from behind the corner. Toby turned his head to Subaru
"You know Taisei was in on this whole plan. We planned yesterday. Just for a bit of fun. I never intended to fire either of you, but I had to fire Taisei after that!" Toby said. Subaru nodded his head he didn't understand what was even happening "I think I am just going to quit, forget this" Subaru thought
"I also overheard you speaking of a girlfriend you supposedly had. Who do you think you are. You are going to damage my club's reputation because of your infidelity. You may have just gained your spot as number one, but I can still fire your sexy ass." Toby said
"So I am fired?" Subaru asked. Toby nodded his head and walked off. A massive smile spread across Subarus face
"Thank you!" Subaru shouted out. He couldn't wait to return home to Rem, and tell her the good news