My longest chapter yet! I put an entire day into the one chapter, which is why it took a full month to update this story. I'm not sure if that's how it's going to be for the remaining chapters, though. Probably not. I'm just making this up as I go along.

Thank you to Momochan77, Princess Royalty, queenglitch, and Princess Miller for your reviews! They are always appreciated, especially for my newer stories!

Disclaimer: Still don't own.


Ouran Academy

Exact Location: Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

Front entrance

07:38


"Livia-senpai? Where are you going?"

The American paused in the middle of her escape. Damn Haruhi's strange ability to tell when someone was trying to get away unnoticed!

Pushing down her mounting desire to slap some duct tape over her neighbor's mouth, Livia managed to present an apologetic-like smile. "Sorry, Haruhi, but I've got some papers to hand in at the main office before class starts. I'll see you at lunch, though."

Thank goodness Haruhi was still naive enough to trust Livia's words at face value, because she nodded in understanding and turned back to watching the front doors, waiting for Tamaki to arrive. Livia quickly took advantage of the opportunity and slipped away, before Tamaki arrived and the two offered to join Livia on her walk.

The moment she was out of sight, she took off running.

She was on the clock.

Despite the delay, Livia arrived at Music Room #3 with time to spare. Dropping her school bag by her feet, she hastily pushed aside the various school supplies until she could reach the secret pocket sewn inside the black bag. Pulling out a small plastic bag, she quickly inspected the small cubes inside for any signs of damage before pulling one of them out. Carefully, she stuck it to the wall by the door, making sure the beige color was similar enough to the color of the walls that it wouldn't draw attention before reaching down to pull another object from her bag.

This device looked vaguely like an iPod. Livia knew that there were a number of people back at the R.A.R.E. compound in Vienna, Austria currently working on a more updated disguise, but the current shape worked well enough as it was.

A few clicks and the screen flashed to life, showing a video feed of the music room from the little block's point of view. Frowning in concentration, the brunette hastily adjusted the camera until she could see a majority of the room at large. Once she was satisfied, she dragged her stuff over to the windows. Ten minutes later and another seven cameras had been set up around the room. Quickly, Livia shoved the remaining cameras into her bag's secret pocket before pulling her laptop out. Giving the clock tower outside the windows a furtive glance, she plugged the two devices together and typed out the commands.

Her foot was tapping a harsh staccato beat against the tile floor as a familiar loading screen popped up. "C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, hurry up already!"

Ping!

"Finally."

Unplugging the two devices, she quickly shoved them back into her bag, zipping up the secret pocket as she did so, before picking the bag up and walking towards the door. A glance at the clock told her she had another ten minutes to get to her classroom. Perfect.

Grabbing the door handle, she went to pull the door open when the other suddenly swung inwards. Livia recoiled, shifting her right foot backwards just in case she needed to launch herself at an oncoming attacker.

"Miss Trasic?"

Dropping her defensive pose, Livia quickly adopted a wide-eyed expression. "Oh, Mister Ootori. You startled me..."

The boy chuckled and stepped further into the room. " I can see that. Might I ask why you are in here so early this morning?"

"I could ask the same of you." Without even the slightest hint of hesitation, Livia cast her gaze to her shoes. "Hikaru and Kaoru told me the Host Club meets in this room every morning. I had to turn in a few papers at the main office and just got here but... I guess they were playing a trick on me instead."

"Hm." The boy didn't sound all that impressed, or surprised. Livia repressed the urge to scowl up at him in response. Why she had to act like a little moron was beyond her understanding. It was almost beneath her dignity to behave this way.

Even so, Kyoya was nodding. "That sounds like something those two would pull. I'd like to apologize on their account for making you the victim of this little prank of theirs. I suppose it is lucky that I happened to forget something here last night, rather than leaving you here to be late to class." Livia did scowl this time, but not until Kyoya had turned and walked over to a nearby table. He picked up a fancy looking pen and turned back towards the girl with a smile.

"As it is, considering the two of us are unlikely to have another moment like this to ourselves, I might as well use this opportunity to its fullest." Livia blinked in fake confusion as Kyoya stepped closer, a hand coming up to rest above his heart. "Would you mind joining myself and my family for dinner tonight at my home? My other siblings are coming home and I know Fuyumi would love to see you again."

Livia gave him another flutter of blinks, reaching up with her free hand to tuck a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. "I... would love to accompany you to your home tonight, Mister Ootori. I'd very much like to see your sister again as well. I've missed her."

Kyoya smiled, white teeth all but glistening. "Splendid. I shall inform my father of your attendance. My driver will pick you up at 6 from your apartment." His hand dropped from his chest and gently scooped Livia's hand up in it's palm. Bending in a low bow, he kissed her knuckles before releasing her and walking back out of the room.

The door slammed shut just in time for Livia to let out a low growl. "I'd be more flattered if your smile actually meant something, Mister Ootori."


"Hey, Trasic-san? Can I see your notes for a second? I fuzzed out a little." Livia shrugged and passed the blue notebook forward without a word, ignoring the wide smile she received in return. Not that she was trying to be rude, of course. She was just a little preoccupied with coming up with a plan for the dinner she'd be attending that evening. She had a feeling Kyoya would want to be near her for most of the night, so she'd need a new plan for setting up her cameras. Hmm… perhaps a tour?

"Uh... maybe I should ask someone else, huh?"

"Mmm?" Livia's eyes lifted from the hairline scratch on her desk to Kuriko. The girl was holding Livia's notebook up so she could see the writing. It took her a moment, but eventually Livia understood what the big problem was.

The page Kuriko had flipped to was covered with both Japanese and English words, sometimes both languages in the same sentence. Most of the accompanying equations were scribbled in any available space between the sentences, be it on the margins or anywhere else there was free space. It was a jumbled, unorganized mess... to the untrained eye. Meanwhile, Livia could tell which equation was in reference to the words, and the language changes flowed along with her internal thoughts. Most of the time switching back and forth depending on which language she could remember the word in.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry. Um... " Livia pointed towards a rather long line of variables and equations somewhere in the bottom right quarter of the page. "These are the new ones we just learned today."

"Cool. Thanks!" She nodded and withdrew her hand, but Kuriko wasn't done with her yet. "So, how does any of this even make sense to you? I thought your notes would be..."

"Impeccable?"

"Yeah. You kinda seem like the type."

Livia shrugged in response, "It makes sense to me." And it really did. It probably came from having to decipher and create so many secret notes and letters during her involvement with R.A.R.E., but her teachers back at the compound never complained, so she never changed it. Besides, it encouraged her classmates to take their own notes and not depend on her for keeping up their grades.

The girl sighed, something she had been doing a lot of recently. While she might love Japan, the school system wasn't her opinion of a top-notch learning center. At least for her. She knew that most of the world considered the nature of education in Japanese society to be the ideal standard, Livia much preferred the classes back at R.A.R.E. There she had teachers and tutors from all over the world who understood what it was like to bounce around different schools and multiple times a year. They were able to bring her back into their system the day she came back from a mission and even integrate what she had learned while in the field. Missing out on her favorite education system was yet another reason Livia was upset with the back-to-back missions.

"You're hosting for the first time today, right?"

"I dunno. They didn't train me or anything..."

"I'm sure you'll do just fine! Haruhi didn't even get a day in between recruitment and hosting, so at least you had some time to think it over!"

Livia raised an eyebrow. They did that to her? Geez, I can't believe she's still hanging around them! I would've gone off if that had been me. In the back of her mind, Livia sent Haruhi a silent apology for wanting to duct tape her mouth shut earlier.

"Ooh... looks like your admirer is back at it again." Livia didn't even bother to turn her head. If Kyoya was going to continue to fake-flirt with her, she was going to continue pretending to be hard-to-get. If she had ever done anything to deserve something good, this mission would be over before the month was out.

In the real world, she simply sat back further in her chair. "Not an admirer, though I suppose he's trying to appear that way. Probably doesn't want me to say anything negative about him to his father."

"His father?" Kuriko turned around completely in her seat. "You know Ootori-san's father?"

"We've met a few times."

"Why? How?"

"Business."

The girl narrowed her eyes a little bit before giving Livia a firm nod. "That does it, I'm sitting with you today at the host club."

And just like that, Livia had her first guest for the day.


I wish I could tell you all that I was 100% prepared for hosting, but to be honest I didn't even bother researching what I was supposed to do. After all, if I am to play the role of a classy young lady from an upscale neighborhood in America, I can't exactly have a lot of knowledge about what goes on in a Japanese Host Club, now can I?

Even so, I'm starting to feel a little nervous. Hosting hours look a lot closer from this side of lunch- oh, shit!

Coming, Kyoya!

He wants to walk me back to class. It's so hard finding any privacy at this school for personal recording. Honestly, who waits outside of a bathroom to walk a business partner to class?


Three hours later and Livia was watching as the first wave of girls flooded through the double doors. A hand gently touched her upper arm. Thankfully it wasn't a hold or anything, and Haruhi withdrew as soon as she had Livia's attention.

"Don't worry, Livia-senpai. You'll do just fine."

She nodded, as if she had been watching the girls because she was nervous. "Well, if everyone is saying it, it must be true. I guess I was just hoping for some semblance of training."

A shrug. "I didn't get any training either. Just answer the girl's questions in the half-answer way you do and you should be fine."

"Half-"

"Miss Trasic? You've been requested by the three ladies over by that window. If you could please join them?" Biting her tongue, Livia nodded once before walking away. At the table Kyoya had indicated, Kuriko and two other girls she didn't recognize were waiting. Smiling politely, the brunette took the remaining seat.

"Hello."

The girls dissolved into giggles.

"Oh, did I say something funny?"

More giggles. Kuriko smiled and tucked a flyaway strand of hair behind her ear. "Are you excited to be hosting, Livia? Is... is it okay if I call you Livia here?"

"Sure. And I don't know if... excited is the correct term."

One of the other girls managed to reign in her giggles enough to ask. "So... why don't you tell us about yourself, Livia-senpai! I'm so curious!"

"Yeah! We don't get many foreigners at Ouran."

Livia briefly cast her gaze around the room, humming as if deep in thought. There was nothing suspicious going on, save for the surprising number of hosts watching her from their own tables. Haruhi looked mildly curious, Tamaki interested, and of course Kyoya was watching her, too. But her Charge seemed almost... amused. Entertained, even. She had to hold herself back from marching over there and punching him in the nose. He was expecting her to crash and burn, wasn't he?

Fuck. That.

"There's not much to say, ladies. But I'm incredibly flattered you're so interested in me."

That sent the girls she didn't know by name back into a frenzy of giggles, but Kuriko remained on task. Her desk neighbor leaned forward, a dangerously determined look in her eyes. "How about some general information then, hm? What's your favorite class?"

"Don't really have one. I'm pretty decent in all of my lessons."

"Oh, come on!" Kuriko leaned back in defeat, despite the fact she was still smiling. "Would it kill you to give me a straight answer for once?"

"Fine. History."

"Exactly! Like tha- Wait, did you just give me a straight answer?"

"I guess?"

"... Finally!" Kuriko clapped her hands once and laughed, clearly thrilled to have learned something about her new classmate. The other two were also quick to jump on the answer, now trying to pull out Livia's reasoning or a specific period or topic that was the most interesting for her. She, of course, quickly went back into giving out useless and vague responses. The four of them jumped through a least twenty more topics before the three left to make room for 'The Mysterious Host's' next appointment.


I have a feeling that if I hadn't been trained extensively in evading interrogation, I would've been completely overwhelmed after the first half hour. Especially with Kyoya and Tamaki both keeping a close eye on my progress. Every single guest I had seemed to think that my life was the most interesting topic in the world and spent their whole appointment with me trying to pry into it.

I… Okay, I swear if you start laughing when you listen to this next bit, I will find you and break your nose.

I was popular.

No. Laughing.

I had far more guests than I could've anticipated. There was hardly a moment where I wasn't surrounded by two or more girls who wanted to ask me a question... or twenty. Maybe it's because I'm the first girl to be purposefully invited to be a host? Or they might've been looking for something like Haruhi... but with a different personality? Hell, maybe I'm the first in a long line of new Hostess's to be introduced to the club? I mean, the only other option would be to say they thought I was genuinely interesting.

Whatever. The point is, I was much more popular than I expected to be. It was as big of a surprise to me as it was to the other hosts. As soon as my last guests of the day walked out the doors, the rest of the club gathered around my table themselves to congratulate me on my success.

Tamaki only managed to strengthen my first impression of him. He is a narcissistic, overly-dramatic airhead. What Haruhi sees in him, I will never know. I mean, he literally said I was on my way to becoming nearly as popular as he was. At least the others were quick to inform him I was just 'good' at being mysterious. Kyoya, of course, just smiled at his black journal the whole time.

I can't give much of an opinion on the other four hosts right now because I'm running out of time. Kyoya's limo should be coming around any minute now to take me to dinner. I'm glad I had the foresight to pack my evening dress for this mission. It's dark purple and stops just below my knees. Personally my favorite part of the dress is how free the skirt fabric is. It gives me plenty of room to kick and also perfectly hides the gun attached to my right thigh. Just what every girl needs in a dress.


Livia moved the recorder away from her mouth at the sound of knocking at her door. Quickly reaching around the back of her head, she attached the recorder to the bottom of her hair clip, easily hiding it in plain sight as a part of her barrette. Much more dignified than stuffing it in her bra, at least.

Instead of her usual french braid, she had half of her hair pinned up in an elegant bun, delicate fern designs extending from the barrette around the bun. The rest of her dark brown hair fell down her back in glossy curls.

Livia did her best to ignore the discomfort of her heels as she walked to the front door. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the hand purse and glanced through the peephole. Her eyes widened in authentic surprise before she pulled the door open, staring at the short girl standing on the other side.

"Haruhi? What are you doing here?"

Haruhi blinked, eyeing her neighbor up and down. "Wow... Trasic-senpai... you look good."

"Thanks. My previous question still stands, though."

"Oh... I just wanted to see if I could study at your place tonight. My dad won't stop grilling me about you, but it looks like you might be busy."

Livia smirked, stepping back to let the other girl enter. "Yeah. You can say that."

"Thank you." Haruhi slipped her sandals off, still side-eyeing Livia. "You seem... taller." Livia hummed, turning her left foot to the side to better show off the silver heels strapped to her feet.

"Wow. You know... I never really pegged you to be the kind of girl to... dress up. Even with your background."

"I don't usually. Only for business dinners."

"Is that what this is for?"

"Yeah." Livia sighed, dropping her purse back onto the little counter space. Haruhi was looking around the apartment space she could see. "A bit bare, isn't it?"

"Mm? Oh, no. I mean, there's less stuff here than I expected, but it's kinda nice. Airy."

The taller girl shrugged. "I'm not a big fan of the minimalist look, but I won't be staying here long. My guess is I'll be long gone before next school year. So I figured why should I bother bringing all my things here?"

Haruhi nodded appreciatively. "That makes sense. You know... you're the first rich person I've met who hasn't completely irritated me with your lack of real world knowledge."

"I'll take that as a compliment. I've always thought the people in 'my world' were morons. Going on and on about hair and clothes and 'who's marrying who'. So shallow."

"I used to think so, too. But you're all so confident in yourself and most of you are pretty kind hearted as well."

"Like Tamaki?"

The girl smiled softly. "Yeah... like Tamaki. But, anyways, where are you heading off to?"

"The Ootori's."

Haruhi looked shocked, like Livia had just announced she was a werewolf. "What for?"

Livia huffed a short breath. "Mister Ootori invited me to a dinner with his family. Mother and Father would've never forgiven me if I turned down an offer like that. Besides, I'm fond of his older sister, and this may be the only opportunity for me to see her while I'm in Japan." She glanced at the clock on the wall as Haruhi nodded, accepting her explanation even if it wasn't even close to the truth.

"When are you leaving?"

The green-eyed girl opened her mouth, but just then there was another knock on the door. They both turned to look at it. "6 pm. Right on time. I'm sorry I can't help with your studying problem, Haruhi."

"It's alright. You're busy." Haruhi eyed the front door with distaste. "While I might be able to call myself Kyoya-senpai's friend, I'm not so sure I'd want to join a family dinner with him. His father..."

"Oh, believe me, I'm well acquainted with the kind of man his father is. And his brothers. But I should be going." Livia scooped up her purse once again as Haruhi slipped on her shoes. Pulling open the door for the second time that evening, Livia was greeted by a man wearing a black suit and matching cap.

"Miss Livia Trasic." He bowed deeply. "I am here to escort you to the Ootori family home, under the direction of Master Kyoya."

Livia kept a blank face. "Thank you. Might I inquire about your name?"

The man stared at her, an almost startled expression on his face before it melted into a grateful smile. He tilted his hat towards her. "Minoru Choshi, Miss. Master Kyoya's personal driver. Shall I lead you to the car?"

Livia smiled and stepped out of the apartment. "Let me lock up first, then yes, Choshi-san. I would be most grateful." Haruhi slipped out behind her and waved goodbye as she headed off towards her own home. Livia waved back, locking the front door with her other hand.

Tucking the key into her hand purse and taking the man's offered arm, Livia allowed herself to be led down the stairs. As much as she didn't like how the interaction made her look helpless without a man's help, Livia kept her poise. Besides, so far she liked the chauffeur. He happily told her how long the drive would be between the apartment and the Ootori's home, asking if she preferred to listen to the radio whilst being driven, or if there was anything else she wished to be provided. Livia declined the offer but smiled anyway. He was kind.

It wasn't until they drew closer to the limo that Choshi grew quieter. He slipped his arm away from hers and stood by the back door. With his back uncomfortably straight, he grasped the handle and pulled.

"You look lovely this evening, Miss Trasic."

The brunette hesitated. "Mister Ootori... what a surprise." She had to strain to not clench her purse in distaste. "I was unaware you'd be picking me up personally."

Kyoya merely smirked and gestured for her to get in the car. She obliged, giving Choshi one last grateful smile before sitting on the seat and pulling her dress skirt in after her. She nodded at the chauffeur and the door shut softly at her side. She reached up to grab her seat belt, her pointer finger lifting up to press at the car frame, just above the seat belt bracket.

Car surveillance? Check.

"Are you nervous, Miss Trasic?"

She faced front once she was buckled in. "Hardly, Mister Ootori."

"You seem much more confident tonight, as compared to this morning."

"This morning is not what my parents will be informed of."

Nodding in understanding, Kyoya pulled his journal up from the pocket of his door, starting to scribble on a blank page as the car pulled into traffic. Livia kept her gaze forward, but all she could see was the black barrier meant to separate the driver from his passengers. A quick scan of the cabin showed the switch for lowering it was on Kyoya's side of the car. Such a shame.

"Just so we're clear, I only came to collect you from your... present living arrangements tonight because it is the gentlemanly thing to do. And besides, I felt this would be the best place to make my one request of the night." Livia cocked an eyebrow, prompting him to continue. "It might do you well to address me as Kyoya while you dine with my family. After all, there will be three other 'Mister Ootori's' for you to address before the night is out."

"I shall. Then would you mind terribly if I requested for you to call me Livia?"

"Not at all."

Twenty minutes of awkward silence later and Livia was itching to scramble out of the car. She could only pray that Kyoya would permit her to make the return trip home by herself. Then she could listen to the radio and talk to Choshi.

As said man gracefully helped her out of the car, Livia regarded the mansion towering in front of her. It seemed just as large and overbearing as it had four years ago. With three stories, the house looked just as grey and cold and it's current residents.

Livia didn't care much for architecture, but she distinctly disliked whoever had designed this particular building. It didn't look like a home. More like a business. Made to belittle whoever approached. She could only imagine what it could do to a person to live there.

"Livia?" Kyoya had materialized at her side, left arm held out in a non-verbal command. "Are you ready?"

She didn't respond out loud, but lightly gripped his inner arm. He began leading the brunette up the stone walkway. Behind them, Livia heard the car drive off and internally cursed herself for not telling Choshi goodbye. He didn't deserve to be ignored. She really hoped she'd be able to speak with him by herself at the end of the night.

The two 2nd year students stepped up to the front door which was immediately opened for them by an elderly butler.

"Welcome home, Master Kyoya." The white-haired man eyed the girl at the heir's side and straightened his back in surprise, revealing a small smile. "And welcome back to the Ootori household, Miss Trasic. I must say, you are nearly unrecognizable from when I last saw you."

Livia didn't know how it had happened, but somehow the coldest family in all of Japan had managed to hire the friendliest staff. During her consultation with Yoshio Ootori, he had informed her that their waitstaff had not changed since she was last there, and Livia was more than glad. Everyone who worked at the Ootori household had been there for at least ten years, some even longer. Livia knew that the Ootori family assumed their workers secretly hated them but that was shockingly far from the truth.

"It's wonderful to see you again as well, Shigeru-san. I was worried that I would be surrounded by unfamiliar faces after these four years, but that's clearly not the case. I'm honestly quite thrilled!"

Shigeru (she had never heard his first name) bowed and shut the front door behind them. "Your compliments are greatly appreciated, Miss. Our kitchen staff and servers will be beside themselves when they hear of your return. Do you wish to have your sweater hung up?"

"Oh, no thank you. I'm still a little chilly."

Beside her, Kyoya tugged on her arm. "Livia, we should probably move to the parlor. Fuyumi will want to see you before dinner is served. Shigeru? Are we to begin dining at 6:30, still?"

"Yes, Master Kyoya."

"Good."

Livia sent the butler a small wave as Kyoya began leading her down the hallway, the older man slipping into a room on the right. Once the butler was out of sight, she frowned up at her 'escort'. He noticed.

"What?"

"Nothing. I suppose it's just surprising to me how you fail to realize how lucky you are to have your staff. They hold you in such a high regard and you don't seem to appreciate them."

Kyoya had raised an eyebrow as she spoke, but retained his usual smirk all the same. "I don't think I fail to see anything. Shigeru and the rest of the staff are paid good money to take care of this household and treat my family with respect. It's a purely business relationship."

"Is that what you call your Host Club as well?"

"Of course. There isn't much else it could be." And yet there was hesitation in his voice. Why was he trying to lie?

"What a sad, frigid world you live in, Kyoya Ootori."

He looked down at her but didn't get a chance to respond before they were entering the parlor/sitting room. Livia dropped her disinterested expression in a heartbeat and smiled widely at one of the black-haired ladies sitting across the room.

"Livia-san!"

Fuyumi set her tea cup down and hurried across the room, Kyoya slipping his arm away from Livia as his sister gently hugged her. From his position by the fireplace, Fuyumi's fiancé watched the scene with a small smile. But he was the only man who did.

"Fuyumi. That is enough."

The two girls pulled away but continued to smile, Fuyumi responding without looking around. "Apologies, Father. I am simply excited to see an old friend."

Mister Ootori softly 'hmph'ed before making his own way across the room. "Be that as it may, you would do well to not forget yourself in front of business partners." The ravenette nodded, but sent a secret wink in Livia's direction.

"Miss Trasic. It is a delight to see you once again."

Livia nodded, bowing shallowly. "Likewise, Mister Ootori."

The man regarded her for a few seconds before turning to reintroduce his wife, a very stiff and proper looking older woman, his other sons, and Fuyumi's husband. Aikio and Yuuichi then introduced the two women standing with them. Yuuichi's wife and Aikio's fianceé. The two women looked just as refined as the rest of the Ootori family, but Livia saw the barest trace of fire in their eyes. They may be calm here, but the agent had a feeling the two women were not this soft spoken in their own homes. Perhaps these Ootori boys had a type? Or perhaps it just took rather strong women to be able to even remotely deal with Ootori boys?

Introductions out of the way, Mister Ootori walked off with Kyoya and the other men in the room, probably to speak about the business. Misses Ootori went back to her tea, but the three remaining girls edged closer to Livia.

"It's very nice to finally meet you, Miss Trasic."

"Yes, Fuyumi hasn't stopped talking about you in the past half hour."

Fuyumi giggled as Livia looked at her in amusement. "Did she now? I hope she didn't exaggerate anything."

"Of course not!"

"So, Miss Trasic…" Konami, Yuuichi's wife, suddenly looked very mischievous. "It would appear that you've caught the eye of the last available Ootori. Well done."

Minae and Fuyumi giggled, but Livia's joking mood vanished, "Oh, I do hope you're joking. Or that you are wrong. If I have, that is most unfortunate."

The other three stopped their laughter.

"Unfortunate?" Fuyumi looked almost hurt. "But Livia-san…"

"Oh, no, Fuyumi, I'm not trying to insult Kyoya or anything! And as much as I would love to be family with you, I'm not staying for long. Once Mother and Father find me a new school to attend in America, I'm going home. I would hate to leave a broken heart behind me, especially if it was unintentional." Livia did her best to ignore how crushed the older girls looked. Geez, how many people are going to think Kyoya and I are star-crossed lovers?

"Gentlemen, ladies, your dinner is ready to be served."

Thanking the high heavens for providing a perfect out of the conversation, Livia smiled at Shigeru as the butler turned and began leading their party of ten out of the parlor and into the adjacent room across the hall.

The dining room was just as grand as she remembered. It was the only warm room in the entire house, not just in temperature but appearance as well. Rich maroon colored walls, warm lights, golden and pure white accents decorating the table in an intricate pattern, and the heavenly scents that wafted in from the kitchen. You couldn't help but relax in the environment.

Livia went to follow Fuyumi, but Kyoya pressed a hand to the small of her back. She wanted to swat it away, but quickly realized that they could very well have already decided where everyone would sit for the evening. So, she allowed herself to be led, albeit stiffly. At least, to make up for the rudeness of trying to control her, Kyoya sat her beside his sister and pulled her chair out. Livia didn't respond, but the boy was smiling as he sat to her right.

Continuing counterclockwise around the table was Mister Ootori, at the head of the table. Then Yuuichi, Konami, Aikio, Minae, Misses Ootori Noa (at the other end), Shido Hiroyuki, Fuyumi, and finally back to Livia.

The salads were brought out first, and the ten of them maintained light-hearted conversation with each other. After all, other than Livia, they were all family or about-to-be family. Livia was asked very few questions regarding her parent's business in America, which she was usually able to deflect or answer with a well thought out lie. With Yoshio Ootori's assistance in redirecting the conversation, most of the attention was able to be steered away from Livia.

The conversation was going well until they were halfway through the main dish.

"So, Livia-san, are you still in Kyoya's class?" Fuyumi was the only person at the table other than Kyoya who addressed the American girl by her first name. The two girls had kept up a pretty constant stream of conversation throughout the night, for which Livia was grateful. Fuyumi didn't ask about her family or the faux business the others thought she was representing, but was genuinely curious about her interests. Livia liked talking to the older girl, especially about her trips to the U.K.

Unfortunately, Kyoya liked to input his own thoughts into their conversation, occasionally answering for her. Like now.

"She is." Kyoya smiled at his sister, the one member of his family he seemed to genuinely enjoy the company of. "She has even agreed to join the club I co-run with Suoh Tamaki at school. You should've seen him when she agreed... absolutely over the moon about it."

Fuyumi smiled back, but another voice from the other side of the table suddenly piped up. "Ah… the Host Club, correct? Is Miss Trasic in a secretarial position? Surely the daughter of such a prestigious business owner wouldn't host her male classmates? That might reflect poorly on her reputation. We wouldn't want such a lady to seem… immoral."

Instantly the table quieted. Livia's eyes narrowed. She couldn't have stopped that reaction even if she had tried. It might've sounded like Aikio was just trying to take a jab at her, but she wasn't dense enough to not notice it was also a swipe at Kyoya. And yet the boy to her right simply continued to eat as if he hadn't heard his brother's comment.

Mister Ootori dabbed at his bottom lip with a napkin. "Now, Aikio, my son, if Miss Trasic has decided to join Kyoya's club, we should respect her decision. I'm sure she made the choice for the right reasons."

Aikio looks back at his own plate, ignoring the way Minae was glaring daggers at him out of the corner of her eye, but Livia decided she would not let the remark slide. She had been forced to deal with similar comments the entirety of her last assignment for the Ootori family. No way in Hell would she let that happen again.

She smiles in Yoshio's direction, but purposefully ensures the warmth doesn't reach her eyes. "Don't worry, Mister Ootori. I don't mind Aikio's questions. After all, if he is genuinely interested, I'm all too happy to correct his assumption that I'm only capable of being the Host Club's secretary." Livia turned her condescending expression towards the second son, who was looking at her in wary interest.

"I am an actual host alongside Kyoya and his friends. But I'm serving female clients only, not male. Incidentally, I'm quite grateful to Kyoya for the opportunity to participate in his club." A few eyebrows lifted, but Livia ignored them. "Being in the host club has given me a quick way to bond with the female population of Ouran Academy on a fairly personal level. They trust me with information about their lives, which is amazing given how it's only my second day attending the school. Secondly, I am relieved that Kyoya was considerate enough to not force me to service male clients. As of this moment, I am not especially impressed by the men Ouran Academy has previously managed to produce in their environment."

Her green eyes dug a little harder into Aikio before she returned her attention to Yoshio. On her right, Kyoya took a sip of water. She didn't risk a glance at her 'escort', but she assumed he was hiding a smile.

"Besides, I was informed years ago that my grasp on reading and writing your language is rudimentary at best and my penmanship is ghastly. I would hate to burden my classmates who have gifted me with such an opportunity with my incompetence."

The table was dead silent. Livia looked around at the family. Aikio understandably looked uncomfortable while Yuuichi was being quelled under his wife's angry gaze, though Konami's glare was nothing compared to Minae's. Livia had a feeling the elder Ootori boys would have some explaining to do once they got home, despite how only Aikio had been openly rude to her.

Either way, no one dared to speak. After all, if she had actually been an heiress to a family company they were dealing with, she just proved that she does not forget an insult. Which Aikio had done. Twice, now.

Returning her eyes to Mr. Ootori, she saw his calm facade just barely beginning to splinter. Barely concealed anger was starting to seep through the cracks, showing in the twitching muscle in his left cheek. It almost made Livia smile. After all, what greater insult was there than having a young lady with no real foothold in his 'world' manage to outwit his second eldest son?

Of course, there was the barest hint of respect in his eyes as well.


Okay, so I'm back in my apartment. I don't really feel like talking about everything else that happened tonight, so I'm just going to give you the basic hits and let whatever my recorder picked up fill in the blanks.

After dinner, Kyoya offered to walk me around the Ootori mansion. I didn't even have to suggest wanting a tour. Thankfully, I remembered where a lot of my cameras had gone four years ago and I stuck to a similar set-up. I managed to slip away to the restroom to finish the set-up before I had to leave.

Something I wasn't expecting did happen though. I'm still unsure about what to make of it.


"I don't recall you being so outspoken before."

Livia gently ran a single finger along the edge of a mahogany table where a beautiful vase sat atop, not doing anything but looking pretty. Once the camera was stuck to the bottom of it, she pulled away with a sigh.

"Do you remember how your brother tutored me when I was here four years ago?"

Kyoya nodded, the two continuing to walk down the hallway. "I do."

"I had only the barest grasp of your language when I arrived, and he insulted me at almost any chance he had. He doesn't exactly have the greatest temperament."

Kyoya went quiet for a few more steps, unaware how Livia's index finger had slipped into her purse, tapping her last camera to be placed. Kyoya's bedroom. Last time, the assassins had attempted to sneak in through Yuuichi's windows rather than going through the entire house. Livia didn't want something like that happening again.

"You said that my family didn't realize how lucky we are to have the staff that we do."

"Yes, I did."

"I assume you meant that they truly respect us. Perhaps even care for us?"

"Kyoya." Livia shut her eyes, stopping in the middle of the hallway. When she opened them again, the boy was staring at her. "Your staff members are perhaps the nicest waitstaff I've ever met. As for caring for you, most of them have known you since you were born. Don't you think that, perhaps, they might feel the slightest bit attached to you after seeing you grow up? Not everyone gets such a big family with such a history."

"I hardly call it family."

"You should. Just because you're not related to someone doesn't mean they can't be family. You have no idea how many people in the world would want the staff that you do, and not because they want their house cleaned or five-course meals. Just to have people who you can depend on..."

"What of your staff?"

Livia looked away. "Father is… very particular. If someone does not behave or respond the way he wants…" She pressed her lips together. Her father was never an easy topic. Especially when she had to speak of him in a false negative light. "Let's just say I have no one who has watched me grow up from when I was born to present day, and leave it at that."

Well, at least that much was true.

Kyoya was still staring at her, like he's seeing her for the first time. "Your parents?"

"Kyoya, can you honestly tell me that your parents have watched you grow up?" He didn't answer, and Livia walked past him. "Can we just finish the tour so I can go home? My feet hurt."

The two continued walking for another five minutes before anything was spoken out loud. Kyoya pushed open a door. "This is the end of our tour. My bedroom."

Livia peeked in. "May I?"

"If you wish."

Walking into the room, Livia immediately decided that she had just found her second favorite room in the house. It was basically her dream room. Huge bay windows that overlooked the well manicured yard. A wide, spacious area with couches and tables for homework or guests. And a loft for the bed.

"Wow…"

"Hm. Haven't heard that one before." Kyoya had followed her in, but the door remained open. After taking in the room for another few seconds, Livia walked over to the window closest to them, right where the wall turned the corner and transitioned into glass.

Her right hand pressed against the cool grey metal that lined the many glass panes that was his bedroom wall. Beneath her pointer finger, a square, grey camera was pressed against the wall. Livia's green eyes reflected the moonlight coming through the glass as Kyoya joined her. He regarded the girl thoughtfully before speaking.

"I never managed to ask my original question in the hallway. I'm not aiming to upset you, Livia. I was simply curious as to why you went after my brother where the waitstaff could hear you. If they are as attached to us as you say, didn't you consider how your words towards Aikio would affect their views of you?"

The brunette looked at the boy blankly for a moment before turning back to the window. She could see the flower garden below her, bursting with color. There were cherry trees dotting the landscape and Livia felt a burst of disappointment that she had missed the cherry blossom season yet again.

"Not at all."

"Hm?"

"I wasn't concerned about that. Not in the slightest. Perhaps some of your staff will think I was very outspoken like you said, but I was wronged by your brother years ago and I was not about to let that recur. Especially now that I know how to defend myself with your words. My insults were, in my opinion, justified and deserved. I am not especially impressed by how your second eldest brother turned out, as proven by the way he tried to wound not only my pride but yours as well. And Yuuichi once watched our sessions all those years ago and said nothing while Aikio insulted me. Your waitstaff will see my words as calling him out on a wrong and warning him from repeating his mistake."

Kyoya looked out at the garden as well. "And your family's ties to mine?"

"If your older brothers were inheriting the company, perhaps I would've said something to Mother and Father about their lack of respect for American women." The boy turned back to her. He didn't speak, but she heard the question. "You are different from them. Perhaps if you stop treating me like a show horse and more like a classmate and club member…" Her eyes crinkled in the corner, allowing him to read the humor in her voice. "Then we should get along just fine."

Kyoya smirked, "I do believe that can be arranged. But one final question."

"Ask."

"Why did you defend me? You didn't seem to like me very much until perhaps this moment."

Livia's smile vanished. "It was clear that you were not going to defend yourself. And no one else in that room who could have, would have. I cannot abide people who treat others like they are nothing when, in fact, they are…"

Their eyes met before she looked away.

"Extraordinary."

The two lapsed back into silence.

"You are perhaps the second person in my life who has said something like that about me. Thank you."

Now it was Livia's turn to smirk. "You must not be listening to the right people, then. Now, would you mind terribly if you lead me back to your car? I would very much like to go home."


Um… yeah. That was officially the last thing I expected to happen tonight.

I don't know how Ootori Kyoya suddenly went from being a person I despise to being someone I can imagine hanging out with, but that's what happened. Honestly, having a heart-to-sort-of-my-heart with an Ootori wasn't very high on my "to-do" list, but it's nice to know that Kyoya's still a kind person once you remove the mile-long stick out of his ass.

Okay, enough insulting him. I need to sleep. And I need to end this ridiculously long day for you to catalog.

End log, for your sake more than mine.


Um... I don't really remember how I wanted to end the chapter originally, but it wasn't like that. Just so you're aware, that was not them falling in love with each other. It was simply taking off the masks (at least in Kyoya's case) and acknowledging they didn't need to fake being friends. Just... clarifying.

Also, so you're not confused from all the additional names I added in here:

Ootori Noa = Kyoya's mother

Ootori Konami = Yuuichi's wife

Minae = Aikio's fianceé

Shido Hiroyuki = Fuyumi's fiancé

Um… yeah. Let me know what you think! If you really liked it, please favorite, follow, and leave a little review to let me know!

See you next chapter!