Yes, yes, this is really late, but that's because I just finished up Finals week and I had a lot of stuff going on in regards to my major. Speaking of… I've decided that perhaps Accounting isn't for me… and I'm now pursuing an English major… in creative writing. Think I have a shot?

Anyways, I know this chapter is a little lame, but I hope the "new" characters I introduce make it better! I hope to be writing a lot for you all this summer!

Thank you queenglitch, Mikihiko Tada, and AusllyBeliever for your reviews on my last chapter! Kyoya is very sneaky.

Disclaimer: NoPe!

(F/n) = First name

(L/n) = Last name

(h/c) = Hair color

(f/c) = Favorite color

(N) = Nationality

(f/s) = Favorite snack

Of Artwork and Strangers

"(L/n)-sensei! Come lookit my painting!"

(F/n) smiled broadly as she carefully skirted the paper-covered tables, making sure to keep an eye on her other students. All of the desks were covered in paper and the floor had tarp everywhere and the children had little smocks over their uniforms, but she still didn't want to see anyone purposefully painting each other or themselves. She had made that rule quite clear to the children, but didn't want to take any chances.

Crouching down a bit, she gasped at Haruka's painting, "Oh my! What a pretty puppy!"

"That's Airi! My new puppy!"

"How cute! What's all this?"

"Flowers! I gave them smiles too because they're happy!"

"They sure are!" The (h/c) giggled and poked the little girl's nose, which made her giggle back, before standing up and moving around the room again. She was about to make a comment on another student's painting of a house when someone appeared at the door. It was the Dean. She quickly walked over to him instead.

"Good evening, (L/n)-sensei." The man's gaze roamed the room a bit, smiling softly at the students who looked up at him as well, "I see you went through with your little art project?"

"I did. Is that alright?"

The man nodded, a faint smile on his face as he took in the scene once more, "Of course. I just wanted to check and make sure everything was running smoothly." He tilted his head, "You seem to be fitting in well here at Ouran Academy."

(F/n) grinned, "I'm glad you think so, Sir. I'm enjoying being a part of your staff."

The Dean chuckled, "Well, you certainly seem to be in a good mood today. Looks like you have everything under control. I'll leave you be. If you want to hang your student's work up in the hallway, be my guest."

"I will! Have a good day!" She waved the man out of the room and shut the door, still smiling. For a brief moment, she forced her smile away and rubbed at her sore cheeks. Her boss had a point, she was definitely in a good mood. And had been for a full week.

Ever since she and Kyoya had gone out on that date.

Her smile came back, full force, not even caring that her cheeks hurt. She and Kyoya would be going out again in a few days to that play across town… oh, (F/n) couldn't wait. That man... Even though they saw each other every day when Kyoya dropped Tamaki off for class and picked him up again, (F/n) always bade him goodbye wanting more time. Of course, given how often the two texted each other, she couldn't help but assume that Kyoya felt the same way. Most evenings (F/n) would pinch herself in the arm before she went to bed to make sure she wasn't dreaming the whole thing up.

But no. She'd fall asleep every night to a 'Good night, (F/n)' text on her phone underneath the contact name paired up with the glasses emoji, and a smile on her face.

"(L/n)-sensei! Over here!"

Spinning around, the (h/c) quickly crossed the room and crouched down beside Tamaki, taking a look at his painting. It was of three stick figures who were all holding hands.

"Oh, how pretty! Who are they?"

Tamaki giggled, "That's you, me, and Papa!" Immediately, (F/n)'s cheeks flushed a nice red color as the blond started to explain, pointing at their hair colors and the smiles and the little red, purple, and (f/c) hearts that were floating around the trio.

When she finally managed to think of a response, the (N) coughed a little before smiling sheepishly at the boy, "I… don't really know what to say, Tamaki-kun. Thank you for adding me into your family's picture."

"But…" Tamaki tilted his head, looking a little confused, "You're gonna be a part of my family, right? You're gonna marry Papa and be my Mama, right?"

(F/n) felt like she'd just swallowed her tongue. Before she could react, the student on Tamaki's other side suddenly dropped his paintbrush and leaned over, "Wait, why does (L/n)-sensei get to be your Mommy? I want her to be my Mommy!"

"She's dating my Papa, Ai!"

"That's not fair!"

(F/n) hastily stood up and watched with wide eyes as her students all began shouting at each other, all wanting her to be their mother.

Oh boy...

*Time Skip*

Five hours later, (F/n) was humming to herself as she roamed around the grocery store. In the back of her mind, the events of the day were still replaying and she giggled to herself every so often. It gave her a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of her stomach when she thought about how all of those sweet children wanted her to be a part of their family. It really was adorable.

Of course, she had managed to explain to them all that they already had loving parents to take care of them, at which point Tamaki had spoken up that he only had one parent. That revelation got a few gasps and wide eyes from his friends, who quickly started babbling about how it was okay if (F/n) became his Mommy, since he didn't have two parents like the rest of them did. Haruka had even offered to share one of her two Mommy's, but Tamaki had shaken his head and stated that (F/n) was all he needed.

The (h/c) shook her head a bit before placing a loaf of bread into her shopping basket. Crisis averted. Perhaps I should text Kyoya about that. Maybe Tamaki shouldn't be telling everyone that we're dating.

"Um, excuse me? Miss?"

(F/n) turned her head around at the new voice, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear before focusing on the man standing beside her, "Oh, I'm sorry, am I in your way?"

"No, not at all." The stranger smiled, and in the back of her mind, (F/n) had to admit that he was somewhat handsome. Not like Kyoya… but still somewhat aesthetically pleasing, she supposed. "I was just wondering if I'd ever seen you before. You looked familiar."

Blinking, the (N) gave him another look. Dark brown eyes… even darker hair… slight amount of stubble… dimple on the left side…

"I'm afraid I don't recognize you. Perhaps you mistook me for someone else?"

"Hm, perhaps. Though…" the man tilted his head down a little, lips curling in a teasing smirk, "I wouldn't mind getting to know you a little better."

The breath froze in (F/n)'s throat and she unconsciously shifted backwards a little, giggling nervously, "I-I, *ahem*, I'm-um… flattered by your request. But-erm… I must be going… and I happen to be in a relationship."

For a full two seconds, the man just stood there. Then he started laughing, quickly stepping backwards, "Wait, you thought I wanted to ask you out? Wow, no! Why would I want to date you? Don't flatter yourself so much!"

"I…"

He shook his head with a pitying gaze, "Look, you seem like a nice girl and all, but honestly…" (F/n) couldn't help but squirm a bit when he looked her up and down again before smirking, "I have standards."

And then he walked away, stuffing his hands in his pockets. (F/n) couldn't even breath again until he was out of sight, leaning slightly against the shelves on her left, more nervous than offended.

What was that all about?

Swallowing, the (h/c) glances down at the shopping list still in her free hand. She had almost everything she needed… but she could go for a few more days without (f/s). Quickly stuffing the small paper back into her pants pocket, she began walking towards the checkout.

*Time Skip*

(F/n) didn't relax completely until she walked up the stairs leading to her apartment. The whole way back from the store had her checking over her shoulder and tightening her grip on her grocery bags. The bizarre experience at the grocery store had… unnerved her. Rolling her shoulders back in the hopes of releasing some of the tension, she quickly shifted her bags to one hand as she started looking for her keys.

"(F/n)~"

The (h/c) jumped, her keys falling onto the cement.

"Oh, whoops!" Her next door neighbor smiled sheepishly as he ducked down to grab her keys for her, "Sorry about that! Did I startle you?"

The teacher laughed lightly in response, forcing herself to appear calm, "Just a bit, Ryoji. Did you just finish your shift? They usually don't have you working during the afternoon-oh, thanks." She took the keys back and stuck one into the lock as her neighbor spoke up again.

"Are you alright, (F/n)? You look shaken."

The (h/c) froze for a moment before sighing, "I… it's nothing. Just a… weird conversation with a stranger at the grocery store."

"Hm." Ryoji eyed his new neighbor for a moment before gesturing towards his own apartment with his head, "Would you like to come over for a bit of tea? Kotoko and Haruhi would love to see you again. My little girl practically idolizes you, you know. And perhaps we could… talk about this weird conversation? If you're feeling up to it?"

(F/n) smiled gently, unable to even pretend like that wasn't exactly what she needed, "You know… I think I would like that very much. Just let me put away my things, and I'll be right over."

Now, before I get angry reviews and messages, please be aware that I was not attempting to generalize ANYONE in this chapter, but these types of people do exist and I felt that it would make for a decent chapter if I added someone like that. I did not write this chapter to offend anyone.

Anyways, if you liked, please favorite, follow, and leave a review! For those of you who read my other stories, I'll begin working on those straight away.

See you next chapter!