~With Rose~

~Fast Forward~

Even with the evil glares, my face held its kind smile as those devil girls got closer *Remember, this is for Haruhi…plus I deal with Eric as a boss, and I'm a waitress. I can do this…* chanting in my head as Tamaki leaped up to greet the girls. He grabbed the hand of the closest one and looked into her eyes. "Welcome, my Princess," sending her his 'Princely' grin.

Cringing on the inside *I feel weird just standing here watching this…* using my peripheral vision to see the others weren't bothered by this. *Ah fantastic, just me wanting to stab my eyes from this display* concentrating on keeping my face calm and not busting out into laughter.

While the girls swooned at Tamaki, he wrapped an arm around that girl's waist, dragging her closure to him. "Now, my lovely princesses, which of these lovely people would you like to spend your time with?" slipping away from her moving to Takashi and Hunny. "Do you like the strong silent type? Or is it the boy Lolita?" as each boy did their own thing like Hunny hugging Usa-chan cutely.

Tamaki then moved to the twins. "Maybe you prefer the mischievous type?" Kaoru and Hikaru held one another very closely. Leaving the twins, Tamaki stood beside Kyoya, "or is it the cool type?" who gave the girls a light host smile as he pushed up his glasses. Then moved to Haruhi, "though it may be the natural type you seek?" Haruhi smiles light at the girls. Finally, last but not least, ending on himself, "or I'm I your type Princesses?" he bowed to them with that smile of his.

*Oh goody, I'm chopped liver…plus I'm so out of my element here it's not funny* I began to lose focus but came to when a voice spoke up, catching my attention. "Tamaki, who is this?" one of the girls pointed to me with dislike evident in their eyes though they tried to feign innocence. Biting my tongue *Haven't your parents ever taught you it's rude to point! Some stuck up, rich kid* from saying what I wanted to.

Tamaki shot up from his bow and moved to me, throwing his arm around my shoulder, which increased the intensity of the murder looks *Blondie abort! Can't, you see you're making them see red. I would like to live. Thank you very much!* glancing to Haruhi for help but was denied.

"This is Rose, our newest addition to the Host Club!" Tamaki happily stated to them but was interrupted before he could continue, "So like a maid?" another girl jabbed at me, trying to sound innocent. *Oh yep, I am the maid with a pointy spear in one hand…Honey, I could easily take you out* ranting as my anger starts to rise as I keep it at bay.

Tamaki went to speak again as I cut him off. "I guess you could say that if you wish, but I am only here to help them out so that they can spend more time with you girls," kindly speaking as I end on a sweet smile to them all. *If only I could use this spear on you…sadly I don't feel like having the shadow king after me* a light squeeze on my shoulder broke from my dark thoughts.

Glancing, I see Tamaki looking at me with proud eyes before engulfing me in a hug. "Oh, Daddy's sweet little girl is following in my footsteps!" swinging me around. *I'm going to throw up on him!* feeling dizziness hit me from the swinging motion that stopped suddenly. Looking to my savior, "Thanks, Takashi! Very much appreciated," sending him a big smile. "Your Welcome," Takashi response along with a nod.

Quickly I ran over behind Haruhi to get away from Tamaki's iron grip of a hug. Haruhi raised a brow at me. "Really? I'm shorter than you," peeking from her side. "True, but if needed, I can use you, my sweet little 'brother' as a distraction" with mischief in my eyes. All the girls gasped at my statement, and Tamaki squealed, "My sweet daughters!" causing my eyes to widen. "No! Bad Blondie! I don't want a hug!" taking off to hide in another room.

~Fast Forward~

Luckily word about me got around fast, so I could avoid Tamaki's hugs for now. Running back and forth from each host's areas, refilling drinks and sweets, makes it easy to prevent any embraces. Taking a quick breather out of the way, I look around *Never thought this would be like work…at least the majority of customers are friendly. Still, there are always a few* glancing at the two from earlier sitting among the Twins group *Stupid rich girls…fawning over them…* grumpily looking away.

"High privileged stuck-ups," muttering as I clean the closest empty table, "Ehem!" making me jump, turning Kyoya smirked at me. Frowning, I point at him, "You good sir are a butt, you know that…I'm going to attach a bell so I can hear you a mile away, buddy!" crossing my arms with a pout. His smirking grew before it completely disappeared, handing me a piece of paper.

Taking it, I look to see what's written, "Coffee, tea, sugar…" furrowing my brows.

"Well, you did say to the guests they can call you a maid" Kyoya walked off. *That asshole!* crumping the paper as I stomped off to go run the errands "Lazy ass rich people. I only said that because I didn't want to kick the girl's assess in front of the boys," slipping my shield off and lying it with my spear before leaving the room.

~Fast Forward~

Walking through the tall gates of the school, I quickly crossed the courtyard. "Lazy asses! Today was the most I have gotten stared at in my life. Next time it is a theme day, the cabinets will have all the goodies even if I have to cook all the treats! Never again," grumbling under my breath. Coming to the doors of the building, I reached to enter when a soft crying noise stopped me.

*Rose…No! Don't go to the crying noise…it is probably an animal, and it is nothing to concern you* going once more to the door as the cry intensified to a loud sob "Ugh! Why must I have a conscious…" dropping my hand from the handle I wandered to where the noise was.

Getting closer, I noticed a girl on the ground with her arms wrapped around her legs as her long black hair cascaded around her form. Surrounding her were tons of torn papers. There were thrown books about with other miscellaneous items broken mixed between the mess. I wince at the sight *Oh kid, what happened here?* slowly making my way in front of her, I kneeled. I carefully touched her arm using my free arm, causing her body to jump, looking straight at me.

Her bright blue eyes were red from crying as mascara on the eyelashes ran, covering her cheeks. She looked at me, frightened. I sent her a soft smile. "Hey, are you okay?" keeping my gaze on her. Sniffling a bit, she cast her eyes to the ground. "I'm okay…you can go. Thank you for checking on me, but it looks like you need to be somewhere" to my bag then away again.

Sighing, I set my bag next to her before moving to gather the books and papers.

As I picked up the items, the girl kept glancing at me in confusion while I organized them *These papers look like her homework…* frowning at my discovery *Who the hell would do this?!* as I continued my work.

After a few minutes, I got them all in neat piles and placed them near her. Gathering my bag, I went to leave "…Thank you," a soft voice broke the silence. Stopping short, I smiled back at her. "Hey, if you want…want to come to the Host Club with me?" she looked at me with wide eyes as I continued to smile. The girl blinked, then a smile formed. "Sure…I would like that…um, my name is Ariel" as she gathered her items and stood up.

Grinning at the breakthrough, "Nice to meet you, Ariel, mine's Rose," she came up beside me. "Oh, hold on!" as I dug in the bag, I pulled out a water bottle. "Here uhmm, I don't have a napkin or handkerchief though," frowning as Ariel took the bottle.

"It's okay. I have one thank you" Ariel pulls out a handkerchief from her dress. Pouring some water on it, she began to wipe her face quickly, stopping to look at me to give the verdict. "All good!" causing her to smile as we walked together to the club.

~With Host Club~

All the hosts began to notice that Rose had been gone for quite a while and became concerned, but only Tamaki showed it. He continually glancing at the door in worry for his newest daughter caught the attention of his customers. "Tamaki, why do you keep looking towards the door," a girl asked, breaking him from his concentration.

"Well, my princesses, I notice that Rose has been gone for quite a while. I have become worried about her," causing the majority of the girls to swoon except for one who wore an annoyed expression. "I don't see why you are worried…she was raised commoner, correct? So she should be good, right" spoke the girl that was the personification of a lady.

Tamaki went to comment back when the doors opened slowly. Walking in was a smiling Rose with a girl trailing after her. The girl's head mas down as her black hair cascades around her. Rose glanced around and caught Tamaki looking at her, smiling with a quick nod. She moved over to Kyoya with the bag in hand and the girl behind her.

~With Rose~

Ariel and I made it to the doors of the host club. While walking, I notice Ariel keep glancing around *Damn rich assholes! Whoever did this to make her jumpy needs a swift kick in the ass* clenching my jaw as rage flooded me. Turning to her, I flashed a smile while pushing the door open. Walking through together, I felt eyes on us from everywhere. I found Tamaki staring at me, smiling. I nodded before catching sight of the guy I needed.

Beelining to Kyoya, we got closer as Kyoya took notice of us. Looking between us, he focused on me. I rolled my eyes as I handed over the bag of items. "Here are the items, and next time tell me when we need things! I am not going out in another outfit like this again!" gesturing to the flowing armored dress.

"Also, this is Ariel! I ran into her on my way back," making a hand motion to her with a smile. Hearing her name, Ariel lifted her head to us. Nodding, Kyoya put his full attention on her. "Well, Miss Ariel, which of our hosts would like to sit with?" using his charming 'prince' voice. Shaking my head, I began to walk away back to clean up again.

"If it is not too much trouble…Uhm…could I sit with Rose? I know she is not a host, but…." Ariel spoke softly and unsure, not looking in Kyoya's eye. Turning around with wide eyes, I glance at Kyoya *Wasn't expecting that…I thought one of the guys could cheer her up. While I hide in a corner…and sleep*

Kyoya stiffly nodded. "Of course, that won't be a problem. Rose, you can take Ariel over there in between the twins and Tamaki," pointing to the un-used table with sweets and tea all set out. *How the hell did I not notice that* nodding, I walked with Ariel to the already set up table.

Sitting down together, I saw Ariel use her hair to shield herself from the world covering her face. As Ariel settles on the couch, I look at the table with a scatter of plates full of sweets, freshly brewed tea with a tea set, and a vase full of fresh-cut multi-colored roses. Around the vas was a bright blue ribbon tied around it. Grinning, I lean to untie it, trying not to rip it in the process.

I was looking back to Ariel, who held a confused expression looking between the ribbon and me. Standing up, I moved behind Ariel, gathering up her hair and braiding it in a French braid. Under my touch, I felt her freeze, causing me to stop. "Sorry! It's just…uh, my younger cousin has wild hair like you. I know how to braid because of her…she only lets me do her hair. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to invade your bubble," stepping back.

Ariel starts to chuckle, which transforms into full-blown laughter, causing others to look our way. Shaking her head, Ariel brushed a few ebony stragglers behind her ear. "It's okay, Rose! It reminds me of what my older sister used to do when I was younger…" her voice trailed off as the smile vanished.

Sitting now in front of her, I clutched her hands. "Well, then think of me as another sister, alright!" smiling brightly at her. "I don't mind. I will love it if you consider me a sister," made her smile. *Good, she is smiling for real* as she pulled out her books and placed them on the table.

Ariel turned to me. "Well…I was wondering if you could help me with my homework?" softly asking afraid I would say no. Nodding as I reached for a book, "Sure, but if it involves math…then, I am of no help sorry," shrugging my shoulders *So she did see me skim the torn papers* flipping through the pages. "Thanks again" Ariel glanced at me as she began to write, "Alright, from here on, no more thanking!" smirking at the girl, "You're going to make my head too big to fit through these doors," causing Ariel to laugh.

~With Host Club~

Tamaki, Hikaru, and Kaoru huddle together behind a wall watching Rose have a natural ability to interact. "My precious little girl is just like her daddy!" Tamaki squealed in joy as Rose continued to talk with the girl. Walking by, Haruhi stopped at Tamaki's words, shaking her head. "You act as she has never interacted with another person before," crossing her arms at him.

Hikaru and Kaoru leaned to watch Rose more carefully. She began to tell her customer a joke enthusiastically, causing both females to fall into laughter as the twins smiled at Rose's behavior. Takashi and Hunny wandered, overseeing them clustered together. "Rose is like Haruhi! Right, Takashi" Hunny looked to his cousin, who nodded, "Yeah," catching everyone's attention.

Kyoya was sitting off to the side, began to write within his book, "Well, we can not have two of the same types since Haruhi is already fulfilling that role," making Haruhi roll her eyes. Focusing on Rose, who was explaining answers to the girl, just like how she used to do when they were younger, made Haruhi smile "Big Sister," stating to the group.

"What are you talking about, my darling daughter?" Tamaki gave a confused puppy look to Haruhi. Her smile vanished. "That is her type, Big Sister. Rose has always been willing to help people. Whether it's school, work, advice, teaching, etc., that is what she is doing at this very moment. Being an older sibling to that girl, Rose tends to go into that role for those that need it. Even if she doesn't realize it," Haruhi headed off to her next customer.

Rose was smiling happily at her customer, who seemed to have gotten the answer right. The boys watched how Rose talked and acted for a while before wandering back to their next group of customers.

~With Rose~

Ariel and I worked rapidly through her homework, all while cracking jokes and telling stories to pass the time. As Ariel was finishing up her last assignment, "So what is today's theme? It seems like everyone is running around like it is a toga party" she tilted her head as she handed me the complete paper. I skim her papers for mistakes. "Yeah, apparently it is Greek God' & Goddesses. I don't question Blondie's ideas…actually, most of the group doesn't question it either now that I think about it," then set it down, seeing that it held no mistakes.

Ariel laughed. "I assume Blondie is Tamaki-senpai. Why do you call him that?" staring me down as she sips her tea. Thinking back to first meeting him, "Well, I guess it was because I didn't know who he was when I first met him, and he has blonde hair…so the name just came to mind" I gazed over to where said, goofball was.

Tamaki was in prince mode as he was having a moment with a girl *Though it turned more into a word of endearment…since he weaseled a place in my heart…not like I'd tell him* chuckling at the goof. "Now it's just his name for me…it kind of stuck since I like it better," shrugging as I grab a sweet.

Ariel grinned. "Rose, I know you told me to stop thanking you, but…" she got cut off. "Ariel, I will throw this cookie at you if you finish that sentence!" I threatened with fake anger waving the cookie, causing her to laugh. Rolling my eyes, I bit into the sweet with a smile.

Ariel's expression turned sullen "What's wrong?" causing her to jump and give a fake smile. "Nothing, my mind just wandered," Ariel responded quickly. "Liar!" shouted as I ate the rest of the sweet, making her frown. Staring her down, "Anything that makes you look so down is not something to ignore, alright!" as I wipe my mouth with a napkin *Since when have I been so proper…* stopping my actions.

Pulling my feet up onto the chair under my legs and setting my elbows on my thighs, lacing my hands to hold my head, I gave Ariel my full attention. "So what's wrong? You did dub me as your big sister, right? So maybe I can help," smiling at her form. Ariel bent her head down, blocking me from seeing her eyes before nodding and facing me once more.

"I did, didn't I. Well, to be honest, I was thinking of earlier…before you found me well…" Ariel trails off with sadness. I reach over and wrap my hands with hers's giving a squeeze. "Just take your time, Princess," giving a wired smile, which causes an eye roll.

"Well, there is this group of girls…who, for some reason, like to pick on me. At first, it wasn't anything to worry about, just general name-calling…you know, things that I could easily ignore, but lately, it has changed…it's gotten worse as you saw" Ariel's voice lost all its spark as her gaze hits the floor.

Clenching my jaw, I took a deep breath through my nose *I knew it* and angrily let it out.

"Have you told anyone…your parents? Hell, your sister, maybe?" I ask as she shakes her head no. "I cant…my parents are away somewhere on business in another country, and my sister stopped talking to me once she got married and began her own family" Ariel's voice broke in pain.

Leaning forward, I engulf Ariel into a hug holding her tightly as her body freezes at my touch. "Well. I'm here alright…I will help any way I can," I whispered into her ear, causing her to relax. Ariel grasps onto me while burying her head into my hair, muttering a soft "Thank you" as we stayed like that till Ariel began to pull away.

Once separated, I see Ariel full of tears. I grab a napkin and begin to wipe them away before they fall, and smile at her. "No more tears, alright! A pretty girl like you shouldn't be crying, only laughing, got it!" stated firmly with a quirky grin causing her to laugh. "No more tears," Ariel repeated as she gathered her things, causing me to furrow my brow at the action.

Ariel laughed, pointing to the clock. "Club time is over" as my mouth made the 'O' shape, I hit my head. "I'm dumb. I swear, I think Blondie is rubbing off on me. I think I made a horrible choice" as we stood, I walked her to the door. "it could be worse," Ariel started as we ended up near the other. I raised a brow. "Well, you could have ended up being a customer instead…" she gave a goofy smile at my present frown.

"Oh, you have jokes…so funny, meanie," sticking my tongue out at her with crossed arms. Ariel returned the gesture, "I'll see you tomorrow Rose!" as she left the club. I turned and saw all the hosts looking at me with smiles/smirks *Creepy* worriedly glancing at them all. "Why are you all smiling/smirking…that last one is aimed at you," pointing to Kyoya.

Tamaki stepped forward with tears in his eyes and glomped me. "We are so proud of you! You had your very first customer, and we figured out your type!" Tamaki shouts directly into my ear. Squirming to free me from the hug of death, "Thanks? I think, and what the hell do you mean by type?" pushing Tamaki's face away from me.

Tamaki gasped, looking to Kyoya. "Mommy! Daughter has used bad language!" who ignored him. "Yes. It seems like you are like Haruhi, a natural, but because that position is already filled, we needed to find another category to place you in," Kyoya explains while writing.

Standing still *I feel like more of an object than a person right now…I don't know if it's because of Blondie or Dark Prince over there…probably both* as Tamaki snuggles my face while cooing. *This is my life now…* before I could start regretting my choice Haruhi wandered over with a book in hand.

"Isn't this that girl's book" Haruhi handed it to me, looking at it noticing that it was indeed Ariel's. "Yeah, this is hers. She is probably still on campus. I couldn't have gotten too far; I can catch up to her before she leaves," nodding as I gripped the book.

Tamaki loosens his hold, letting go of me while I give Kyoya a pointed look. "I'll come back to clean up," as I moved out the door. Into the hall, I began fast walking that transformed into a steady jog before moving into a full-on sprint in hopes of catching Ariel before she left the school grounds.

~Fast Forward~

After a few minutes of running, I turn a corner to come face to face in the courtyard to see Ariel with three girls towering over her. Quietly, I moved closer to be able to see and hear what was happening *Wait. I know those girls!* sneering as my anger rises.

"Well…well, isn't it, Ariel. Seems like all of our work to get you to disappear is just not working," the middle girl spoke as the other girls stood on each side, nodding with fake smiles. Ariel stood tall against them, but I could see in her eyes the fear. Focusing better on the girls at each end *Those two were the ones calling me a fucking maid! Apparently, these are the ones that bully Ariel, too* my freehand turned into a fist as I rooted to my spot.

"If they try anything, I don't care if I get expelled. I'm going to be breaking some rich girls, noses!" muttering as the scene plays out with seething. Staying close to the shadows but close to jumping in if necessary.

"What do you want, Claudia…Cecelia…Delilah" Ariel is looking to the middle girl, then to the right and left. Claudia stepped forward menacingly as Ariel took a step back only to come in contact with a pole. "Well, it seems your all buddy, buddy with the new girl…oh, my mistake, the maid of the Host Club. Such a shame… your sister was so much better in representing your family name… such a true lady, but you…your just an ant waiting to be crushed" Claudia finished with a high-pitched laugh which the two lackeys followed suit.

My body began to shake in anger while my emotions went into full over-driver. "Hey, you! Yeah, that's right, you three ugly witches!" screamed at the spawns, making everyone turn towards me. Ariel looked at me with mixed emotions while shaking her head. "Well, I should just say ugly because compared to you three, it's just an insult to witches!" jabbing at them as they sneered before placing fake smiles on.

Cecelia spoke, "Oh, look, Delilah, it's the maid!" snickering as Delilah looked at my hand. "Oh, and she was off on another errand," reaching to grab the book. I moved out of her grasp and placed the book behind my back. Delilah frowned. "Give it here!" commanding me with her hand out. "How about you fuck off!" stating calmly with an evil glint in my eye at her.

The three of them reeled in shock at my language, causing me to roll my eyes. "Yes…yes, I cursed woopy-doo welcome to the real world girls" placing a hand on my hip "You have three seconds to leave, or I promise you I'll beat your asses…got it!" sending my death glare, daring them to try something *I'm not sitting back with this bullshit. I'm no princess needing saving. They need protection from this badass* as an evil smirk graced my lips.

Claudia took a step towards me while behind her. Ariel kept shaking her head for me to stop. Leaning into my face, "If you do anything to me, I can guarantee you WILL be kicked out of the host club…maid" Claudia smirked as I held my ground, looking straight into her eyes. "I don't give a rat's ass! I hate bullies, and if kicking your ass means I can't be in a club with my friends to teach you a lesson and protect my sister there.." pointing to Ariel, "then I'll gladly do it!" as my hands formed into fists.

The three girls looked shocked at my statement while Ariel held tears in her eyes with a smile. Smiling to her before focusing back on the girls only for my smile to return, seeing a familiar figure heading our way *Never thought the day would come when I would be thrilled to see him* as everyone turned to see what made me react.

As he made his way closer, the three girl's personalities quickly changed. He stopped in front of us, there in all his glory, "Blondie! Took you long enough," smiling towards him as he ignored me. With a fixation, Tamaki's eyes stayed on the three girls between Ariel and I *Strange, he seems…off?* tilting my head at the blonde's behavior. Claudia stepped forward and, on queue, spouted the waterworks. "Ooh, thank goodness you're here, Tamaki…these two were threatening us to stay away from you and the other hosts!" clinging onto Tamaki's sleeve.

Growling at that comment *Like hell I was, but now I defiantly will!* resisting from saying I want to say as I watched Tamaki *Also, if it weren't for everything else, I would say she would make a wonderful actress someday* waiting to hear what Tamaki's next words would be along with his actions. Tamaki placed a hand on her head, causing Claudia to look at him with love-struck eyes, but his golden locks blocked his eyes.

"You girls, I'm disappointed in you…." Tamaki's voice was serious but not aiming that remark at anyone, but Claudia glanced back to me with a smirk believing that Tamaki believed her story. Tamaki then lightly pushed Claudia away, making her smirk fall and seeing the extremely serious face Tamaki held.

Tamaki glanced at Claudia, Cecelia, and Delilah. "I overheard everything…from the moment that Ariel walked into the club, when she explained it all to Rose, to when you had cornered Ariel and when Rose stepped in. You girls may be beautiful, but bullying others is wrong. I won't have any of our guests doing that, so from here on, you three are banned from the club," Tamaki ended bluntly.

Which caused all of our eyes to widen before the three girls took off running in the opposite direction. Blinking as I tried to process what had happened, slowly, I handed Ariel's book back, which Ariel stuffed into her bag. Ariel turned to Tamaki, smiling. "Thank you!" as he returned it with a genuine smile, Ariel threw herself and hugged me tightly. "And thank you!" she pulls away with a big grin. "You are like my big sister now…see ya tomorrow, sis!" as she took off leaving for home.

Turning to Tamaki, "Sooo…you heard everything," sighing as I go to apologize, a hand touches the top of my head. Looking up at his smiling face, "So we are your friends!" as his smile grows, I roll my eyes. "Don't take it too seriously…it was in the heat of the moment!" biting back a smile as I push his hand off my head. "Come on before mom chews us out for missing clean-up duty, dad," joking as I turned to walk back to the club, "My sweet daughter!" only to bust out into a run.

"Blondie, I swear I am going to lock you in a room," yelling back at Tamaki as we laugh all the way to Music Room 3. *What have I gotten myself into…I can't wait for tomorrow!* grinning as I zigzag through the halls. Seeing the tall doors of the music room appear with Tamaki yelling behind me.

Edited:2021