"Is she insane?"

Masami remained quiet, hands folded neatly in her lap as Alphonse began pacing the length of his home office. Despite Serafina's pushing, she held off on telling him Isabella's plans, completely aware of the temper tantrum he was bound to throw. Serafina found her son's temper rather amusing, like she found the rest of her children's tempers amusing but Masami was rather over it. She watched him go back and forth for several minutes, eyebrows raised.

"She wants to attend University in Japan? What's wrong with the universities here?" Alphonse paused long enough to look at his wife, his hazel eyes wide in agitation. She only stared back at him, her disposition indifferent. "We can send her to the best university in Italy, why on Earth would she want to attend university in Japan?"

Masami took a deep breath. "Because she had the freedom to choose?" she asked, eyebrows still high on her forehead.

"Is that what this is about? She wants to choose for herself? She can, she can choose any school here and we'll send her there!" He threw his hands up, clearly exasperated and started his erratic pacing again. Masami continued to watch him, hardly shaken by his temper.

"She doesn't want to go to school in Italy, Al."

"Why!?"

Masami eyed the doors, if he didn't stop all of his shouting, he was going to attract the boys. It was bad enough she had to have this conversation with Alphonse, the boys would be even worse. "She's got a taste of independence and she likes it."

Alphonse eyed her for a long moment, squinting suspiciously. "Mimi, my love, you don't actually think this is a good idea, do you?" She was far too calm for him. Isabella was as much as her daughter as she was his. She should be just as furious that their daughter wanted to stay in an entirely different country. She didn't immediately answer and his face paled when he realized that. "Mimi," he gasped, clearly scandalized.

"Now, Al, just calm down for a moment."

"Are you insane?!"

Masami rolled her eyes. The Giovannis were as dramatic as they were temperamental. This was never going to be an easy conversation but she could really do without the theatrics. "Alphonse, would you please shut up for a moment?" He sniffed, clearly offended but said nothing else. "I'm not exactly jumping for joy about this but if this is what she wants, who are we to stop her?"

"Her parents, Mimi, we're her parents and we can say no!"

"Right and do you remember what happened when my parents said no?" Masami snapped. It wasn't often that the two fought but they were bound to bump heads over this. "I left and I didn't look back. I left them when they said no because I wanted to be with you and it was a choice I made."

"You cannot throw that in my face, Masami." She'd struck a nerve, she realized, once he used her actual name and not just a nickname or pet name. "Our situation is completely different than Isabella's situation."

"How?"

"There's no boy she's choosing!"

Masami sent him a look, one that gave him pause for the second time. He stared back at his wife, unwilling to connect the dots. There was no way in Hell his daughter actually met a boy in Japan. Isabella was the most unromantic girl he'd ever met in his life. He began worrying the minute she hit puberty but he hadn't had that much to worry about because Isabella was unimpressed with romance in general. "There's a boy?" he asked in a strained whisper, hoping for the best.

Masami grimaced but nodded slowly. "There's a boy. I'm sure that's not her entire reason for wanting to say but..it's still a reason," she explained, eyeing him carefully.

"No. No, absolutely not. She's only eighteen, Masami."

"I was eighteen when we met and nineteen when we had her."

"Hell no, that makes it even worse!" Alphonse snapped. "I am not going to let some boy impregnate my daughter, Masami. I absolutely forbid it. We're getting on a plane first thing in the morning and we're going to Japan!"

Masami rolled her eyes. "You don't even know this boy to even assume those are his intentions for Isabella. And we aren't doing anything. What do you think she's going to do if we fight her on this? You don't think there's a chance she might pull the same thing I did?"

"All boys are the same, Masami. Isabella is a beautiful girl and she's...foregin! He probably just thinks she's exotic and that's it," he stubbornly insisted. "Isabella isn't reckless like we were, she'd never run away from home."

Now that was just rude to assume that about the boy Chi told her about. "He's from a very good family, I doubt his feelings for Isabella are so shallow," she amended carefully. "And how do we know what she'd do?"

"How do you know about his family?"

"My sister told me about him? They're actually a very traditional family and she said he's a very respectful young man."

"Chihiro is in on this? The absolute betrayal."

Masami rubbed at her temples, so very fed up, when the office doors opened. Francesco chose that moment to come striding in and from the looks of it, hadn't heard any of the shouting just yet. He wore a very easy-going smile, as per usual. "Hey Pops. What's going on?" he greeted first, ducking by his father to give Masami a kiss on the cheek in greeting. "Hi, Mama."

"Mutiny." Alphone's tone was sour.

"Oh, for Heaven's sake.."

"Mutiny?" Franceso repeated, amused.

"Your sister decided to take it upon herself to stay in Japan for a boy and your mother and aunt fully support it," Alphonse spat, hands on his hips as he openly glared at his wife. Masami, in turn, only rolled her eyes again but said nothing. It was clear that she'd hurt Alphonse's feelings and he was being a brat about it.

Franceso's head twitched in confusion and he looked down at Masami. "I'm sorry, what? What boy? Are we talking about the same Bella that I think we are?"

"Don't listen to him, Franky. He's just being a brat," she huffed, sending him a sour look. "Isabella wants to stay in Japan for—"

"A boy!"

"—University."

Francesco looked between his parents, a little confused. "Is there a boy involved though? Like Pops keeps saying?"

"She….she has a crush on a young man, yes."

He squinted. "Kay'...but...you're not going to actually let her stay in Japan, right? I mean, I thought it was just for the school year. Isn't the school year almost over? Who's this boy, anyway?"

Masami took a deep breath. "Chi says he's a very nice young man and he keeps an eye on Isabella."

"Apparently too well."

"Hush, Alphonse."

"Right...but you're not going to let her stay, are you? Don't you think she's a bit young to make a choice like that on her own, mama? She just turned eighteen, she's hardly been an adult long enough."

Masami grimaced. Of course she knew all that. It's not that she necessarily wanted Isabella to stay in Japan, she'd been furious when Chi told her. But after her talk with Serafina, how could she possibly deny Isabella's wants and desires? Especially when they were so similar to hers all those years ago when she chose Al over her family.

"Listen," she said in a calm voice. "I don't want this as much as you don't and I won't like it but I was her age once, I was a teenager once who wanted something that my parents said no to. I don't regret leaving but I regret leaving the way I did. I haven't heard my father's voice in years and even now...he's dying and I'm still too ashamed to call him. Do you want that for Isabella?"

"But Isabella wouldn't—"

"We don't know what Isabella would do," she said quickly. "My parents never thought I would do what I did but I did. We can't assume Isabella is going to keep doing what we want of her. She's going to eventually want to do for herself and we're going to let her."

Both men stared at the smaller woman for a long moment, both unwilling to yield but also unwilling to argue any further. Franceso broke first, taking a deep breath. "You should really call your father. I.." he trailed off, looking quite frustrated all of a sudden. Masami was sure it had something to do with his own absent mother, Francesca. "Lonny and Vinny aren't going to be happy about this," he said a moment later in an attempt to lighten up the mood.

Alphonse laughed but it sounded hollow. Masami's expression softened. She knew it wasn't easy for him to relinquish his hold on Isabella. She was his only daughter, after all and though he loved his children equally, she had a special place in his heart. His sons weren't bitter about it, as they were just as overprotective of her.

Franceso left first, no doubt to tell Alonzo and Vincente of Isabella's sudden decision to stay in Japan. They weren't going to like it one bit but he was willing to punch his brothers in the face if they got besides themselves.

Alphonse glanced at Masami, guilt suddenly clinging to his broad shoulders. They didn't often talk about her family and when they did, it was usually about Chihiro and Fumiko. She hadn't said much about her mother or her ailing father and though he knew she would never directly blame him, it was his fault their relationship was so strained.

He approached her and very gently threaded his fingers through her dark hair. She leaned into his touch, eyes closed but remained silent. "Perhaps you should listen to Franky and call your father, my love. It's been...it's been far too long."

"It has, hasn't it?"

"Miss Izabera, you're supposed to be resting!"

Izzy smiled but deliberately ignored Aimi's cries of protest, instead focusing on her task. Chi hadn't been impressed when she and Fumiko returned to find out Izzy had managed to sprain her ankle and had to be on bedrest. She pressed her niece on how something like that could happen but Izzy only shrugged it off as a moment of clumsiness. Neither of them were fooled but they chose not to press the brunette.

She'd been pretty bored while resting and by the third day, tottled around the house while Fumiko and Chi were out and unable to scold her for it. The maids, mostly Aimi, followed her around and insisted that she get back to bed but she dutifully ignored them each time. Her ankle was a pain but she'd rather be active while it healed.

Aimi found her in the kitchen, toiling away at the stove when she was supposed to be sitting down somewhere. Her curly locks were piled high on her head and she was dressed in a figure-hugging dress with a split thigh, no doubt something that was easy for her to slide in without agitating her ankle too badly. Ingredients surrounded her but a delicious smell wafted from the kitchen, one that was different from what they were used to.

"Miss," Aimi whined petulantly. She couldn't wait until Fumiko and Chihiro came home. They had an easier time bullying the stubborn brunette back into bed.

But Izzy only waved Aimi away. "I promise I'll settle down after this, Aimi. I really wanted some comfort food from home and no offense but I'm pretty sure the kitchen staff won't know how to prepare Italian cuisine."

"They're highly trained in the culinary arts, Miss, I'm sure they could manage."

Izzy shook her head. "This is different, it's comfort food. It's my Nonna's comfort food, specifically. No one can quite replicate her recipe but I think I do a pretty good job," she smiled, eyes never straying from the stove. Aimi grimaced, wondering how she could focus on so much food cooking at once. She herself couldn't cook all that well, which is why she handled other household chores.

Though she had to admit, whatever Izzy was cooking smelled heavenly. A good Italian woman knew how to cook, wealthy or not, Izzy's old-fashioned grandmother claimed. Aimi smiled but eyed the brunette's feet, noting how she constantly shifted her weight to her other foot to alleviate the pain of her sprained ankle. She glanced at the clock, Fumiko would be home any minute and—

"I'm home!"

Just on time.

Aimi spun away and hurried to greet the young girl. "Welcome home, young Miss! I'm so glad you're here, Miss Izabera—" she paused as she came to the front hall. Fumiko wasn't alone, backed by the Host Club with a sheepish grin. She approached carefully, eyeing the handsome young men while she took Fumiko's schoolbag.

"Thank you, Aimi. You said something about Iz?" Fumiko asked though she was focused instead of the aroma that greeted her from the kitchen.

"Ah, yes, um. I'm afraid the young Miss is rebelling."

"Sounds like Senpai," one of the twins muttered, she couldn't quite tell which one but she agreed anyway.

"What's she doing?" Tamaki asked but he could smell the food and he was positive that it was Italian cuisine.

"Follow me," Aimi sighed and motioned for the group to follow her to the kitchen. She herded them into the large kitchen, frowning as she held her hand up to the offending brunette. Izzy hadn't turned to them, still focused on her cooking.

"What do you think you're doing?" Fumiko asked in a shrill voice, grinning impishly when Izzy visibly jumped and then hunched in on herself. The brunette began muttering in Italian, no doubt a string of curses unbefitting of a young lady. "Well?" Fumiko pressed.

She spun in a flurry on her good foot, ready to defend her actions, knowing full well she had no business being up but came to a hard pause at the sight of the Host Club backing her cousin. She blinked her big eyes at them, mouth pinched, caught red-handed. "Oh…"

"This doesn't look like bed rest," Haruhi commented rather blandly, hands resting on her slim hips.

"I'm not sure why anyone's really surprised," Kyoya hummed casually, breaking off from them first. He eyed the older brunette critically, eyes finally glancing at her ankle as he stood next to her. "What are you making, Senpai?"

She eyed him in guilt and smiled nervously. She really hoped they wouldn't physically force her out of the kitchen. And by 'they', she meant specifically Mori. She was a little surprised he hadn't done so already but maybe he was just waiting for the green light from either Tamaki or Kyoya. "It's Venetian-style Paella."

"Venetian?" Hikaru asked loudly, sidling up to her other side. She immediately felt boxed in and hoped they weren't setting her up to drag her out of the kitchen. "Is there really a difference?"

Izzy tutted in disapproval. "If you ask a Venetian woman if her cooking is any different from a Sicilian woman's cooking, you'd be insulting her," she wagged a finger in his face. "Now get away, you're overcrowding my space and it's hot enough."

"You should be resting, Berry-chan!" Honey reminded her from his perch at Mori's shoulders.

"I've done enough resting," Izzy whined, ignoring Fumiko's clicking tongue of disapproval.

"This happened Saturday afternoon, Senpai," Tamaki pointed out. "It's only Tuesday." He knew it was a good idea to surprise the brunette to check on her. Kyoya and Haruhi insisted on leaving her alone for a couple of days while she rested but he just had a feeling the brunette was being stubborn. He smiled broadly at Haruhi in triumph but she casually ignored him.

Izzy only shrugged. "It's fine."

"Is it? Why are you resting all of your weight on your good foot then?" Kyoya asked pointedly.

"Who let you in here anyway?"

Fumiko giggled, not the least bit guilty that she brought them all over without warning Izzy. She had a feeling that Izzy was ignoring the doctor's order so maybe if her friends were around, she'd give in easily. "I didn't know you would be cooking, Iz. Would you guys like to join us for dinner? It all smells so good."

Izzy shot her a look, clearly unimpressed but didn't protest. She made a lot for dinner and they enjoyed all that cooking she'd done on Christmas. "Fine, fine, join us if you want but everyone out of the kitchen! I can't focus with you all breathing down my neck." She purposely elbowed Hikaru in the side to prove a point.

"And leave you alone?" Kaoru scowled at her.

"I'm not helpless," she reminded him with an over dramatic eye roll. "Why don't you all get started on homework in the living room? And call your parents to let them know you'll be late. I'd hate for any of them to worry. Especially Ranka."

"Worry-wart," Hikaru and Kaoru teased at the same time. She spat her tongue out at them but shooed them all away. She refused to admit it out loud but she was actually glad that they came for a visit. She was terribly bored all day without seeing any of her friends. Maybe Fumiko could bring Hisa, Yuna and Ayame over tomorrow.

She was grateful when they did as she asked, loudly filing out behind Fumiko into the living room and leaving her to her cooking. "Hey mambo, mambo Italiano," she sang under her breath and shook her hips to an unknown beat. "Go, go, Joe, shake like a Giovano," she sang, mimicking her Nonna's penchant for singing and dancing while cooking. She always said that food that's been sung to tasted better.

A large hand suddenly settled on the curve of her hip, causing her to come to a hard pause. Warmth spread across her back as she felt long fingers digging into her skin, teasingly gripping the fleshier part of her hip. Releasing her hip, the fingers dipped low to the high split of her dress, hooking under the fabric to trace nonsensical patterns against her thigh.

"Mori," she tried to warn him away in a stern voice but she practically sighed his name, a pretty blush creeping up the back of her neck. He relented though, the warmth of his hand vanishing from her thigh. She tilted her head back, peering up at him with wide eyes. "You shouldn't distract someone when they're cooking."

"You shouldn't be up," Mori replied instead, watching as the blush crept further up towards her face. Up close to her and with her hair piled on her head, he realized she had a spray of freckles across her shoulder blades and back similar to Fumiko's sprinkle of freckles. They trailed a journey down her back, vanishing under the bodice of her dress.

Izzy returned to her cooking, eyes downcast and focused on the simmering pot when she felt a soft brush at the top of her spine. She froze, uttering a soft squeak. "Mori."

"You have freckles." Again, he ignored her warning tone and drew his fingers down her spine. Izzy's face immediately flushed darkly and she involuntarily arched her back. She had no idea why it mattered that she did, in fact, have freckles or why it even interested him.

She closed her eyes, attempting to force her blush away. "I do," she agreed slowly. She was sure that her face was blotchy and red. She supposed it would be a surprise that she had freckles as her body was mostly covered by her clothing and hair but this was just ridiculous. She felt like she was going to combust.

Mori drew his fingers up the length of her back, causing her to physically shudder. She exhaled deeply and tried to relax. Mori continued his path up her neck, over her shoulder and finally settled at her chin. She grunted in confusion but he carried on, tugging on her chin so that she was forced to look up at him.

"Ara—" Mori dropped one kiss to her mouth and then another before he let her go completely. Words failing her, she could only watch as he took a step away from her, finally settling at the island to let her cook in peace.

Her lips tingled the entire time.

Dinner was a boisterous affair, reminding her of their Christmas dinner spent together. Only this time, Fumiko was present and added to the chaotic energy that seemed to follow the Host Club. It really was a shame that she had no idea Haruhi was a girl, she fit right in with them.

They told her all about what she had missed at school, including the arrival of Kanazuki Reiko, who apparently held some affection for Honey. That, of course, shoehorned into having to explain the Black Magic Club to her. She found it a little off putting but Honey insisted that Reiko was a sweet girl, so she took his word for it.

They asked about her ankle and pressured her into taking it easier than she had been. That just forced her to admit that she was bored and even lonely (okay, she didn't say lonely but Tamaki and the twins heard what they heard) without her friends around. There wasn't much anyone could do during school hours but they promised to check in on her afterwards.

When Chihiro came home that evening, she was surprised to see her living room filled to the brim with teenagers. Though she knew Izzy was close friends with her clubmates, she only ever met Mori. To see them all clustered in her living room was a bit of a shock.

But it was nice, she decided. The living room was bustling with chaotic energy as she peeked in to greet them all. They responded in kind, echoing friendly sentiments to the older woman. She was glad to even see her daughter among the chaos, sandwiched between Hikaru and Kaoru, looking as if she belonged there.

Izzy was sitting by herself on the recliner but Mori sat on the floor, her feet resting comfortably in his lap. His fingers twisted soothingly around her bruised ankle, offering comfort to the aching appendage. Chihiro noticed but opted not to say anything, smiling wryly as she left her daughter and niece in the company of their friends.

She was going to have to call her sister again.

"Are you sure you're okay to be back?" Hisa eyed Izzy apprehensively. The brunette had been out for a full week following her fall and her presence was greatly missed at school. The Host Club kept their promise, visiting her all throughout the week. She hadn't fallen behind in classes either, thanks to Mori, Honey and Hisa bringing her schoolwork.

Truthfully her ankle was a little tender but she wouldn't spend one more day at home. She healed enough that it wasn't agonizingly painful to move around, thus her return back to school. She opted out of wearing the bulky brace, deciding that the bandages hidden under her white stockings were just fine.

"It's fine," Izzy waved the honey-blonde's concern off. "I think I was getting cabin fever anyway. It barely even hurts now." It was a lie but hell if she would admit to it. It was more of a dull throb now and though she wouldn't admit it, she was going to be at the end of her rope at the end of the day.

"Right. How did you twist your ankle again?" Hisa eyed her suspiciously, gaze momentarily dropping to her ankle. It really was no secret that Izzy was rather graceful.

"I turned wrong."

She wasn't the least bit convinced but Izzy brushed it off, smiling instead as Fumiko approached, Ayame and Yuna in tow. Much like Hisa, they also gave her the third degree, but Izzy took it all in stride. Her smile never faltered, truly glad to return. It wasn't long when the Host Club arrived, causing Izzy to say her goodbyes before joining up with them.

"It's cute how they care for each other," Yuna commented, watching them with a fond look. "I really hope she doesn't overdo it today."

Hisa scowled, hands on her hips. "That girl doesn't listen to a word anyone says."

"She listens to Mori-senpai," Fumiko grinned impishly.

"If I had a boyfriend that looked like Mori-senpai, I'd listen too," Ayame snickered.

Yuna flushed terribly, "Ayame-chan."

"They're not even dating," Hisa reminded them with a dramatic eye roll.

"Yet," Fumiko sang off-tune. Honestly she wasn't sure what was taking the two so long to finally just date. Izzy's romantic relationship with Mori reminded her a lot of the Shoujo manga she tended to read. She didn't dare mention it to the brunette, knowing she would take dramatic offense.

She smiled sweetly, noticing Mori very subtly brushing the back of Izzy's waist as she busied with talking to the others, no doubt reassuring them that she was fine. Izzy could deny it all she liked, there was definitely something there between her and Mori.

Meanwhile, Izzy had an exhausting day back. It felt like every ten minutes, she was reassuring a classmate or a teacher that she was perfectly fine. It was a little jarring to her that so many of the student body cared enough for her. Back in Italy, she always made sure to keep her head down but that just wasn't the case in Japan.

By the time she made it to Club, she was carrying a load of get-well gifts, most of them being baked sweets. Though truthfully, she shared the majority of the sweets with Honey, she'd never finish them otherwise.

She smiled brightly at the kendo club members, waving cheerfully as she took her usual seat. Glancing around, she spotted Izuru and excitedly waved as he and Chiba approached. "Senpai, don't you think you should go straight home?" Izuru asked immediately, eyes on her ankle.

"Oh, please. It's fine," Izzy shrugged. Truthfully, her ankle was throbbing something awful but she ignored it. She'd been resting for a week and she was eager to get back into the swing of things. She noticed Chiba was rather quiet. "Are you okay, Chiba?" she asked with an innocent tilt of her head.

He finally looked up, his cheeks flushed. "Why…are you dressed like that?"

She was still dressed in her Hosting uniform sans her stockings, legs bare except for the bandages from her ankle. She blinked at him, a little surprised . "Oh, ah, well it was a hassle to change out of my regular uniform and into this one the first time around so I didn't bother changing back."

Her ankle had been on fire when she managed to get her white stockings off, leading her to believe it was better to forgo her sheer stockings for the time being. It caught the attention of the girls, though they simply admired her long legs. Chiba was eyeing her legs much like they had been but there was something different in his gaze. Almost like he'd never seen a pair of legs before.

"Is that what you usually wear for your Club?" Chiba asked, watching, completely enraptured as she folded her legs.

"I have no say in the matter," she replied flatly. She thought it was a bit ridiculous but Kyoya wouldn't hear any of it. If she was going to Host, she absolutely had to look the part.

"You fit right in, Senpai," Izuru elbowed Chiba in the side. All of his freakish staring was a bit suspicious.

She laughed and folded her hands neatly in her lap. She opened her mouth to reply but paused when a bokken swiftly swatted Chiba on his head, disrupting all of his staring. Mori stood over the two, somehow managing to sneak up on them despite his size. He eyed them blankly, hardly impressed.

"Oh, Mori," Izzy blinked at him, cringing at the bokken. "Was that necessary?"

He continued to eye Izuru and Chiba, hand on his hip. "You should be practicing right now," he said instead of answering her. He pulled the bokken away from the crown of Chiba's head and motioned them back towards the club. They did as they were told, sullenly waving goodbye to Izzy as they retreated. "Why're you still dressed like that, Bera?"

Izzy smiled weakly but popped her leg out, stretching it out to point at her ankle, unaware that Chiba and a few others were somewhat transfixed on her extended leg. "It's aching a little bit and I didn't want to irritate it by pulling my stockings back on or changing my shoes."

Mori tilted his head to the side, still quite unimpressed. He just knew her ankle was bothering her but the brunette was particularly stubborn. "You should've gone straight home instead." He reached forward and pressed his hand against her shin. With a gentle nudge, he eased her leg back down.

Izzy pouted. "But I missed Kendo Club for a week and this is the only time I spend with y—" she came to a hard pause, face flushing prettily. "Ara…"

But the damage was done and though his expression hardly changed, she could feel the smug airwaves rolling off of him. He bent at the waist, mouth coming dangerously close to hers. She flushed even harder if that was possible and reeled back, hand waving anxiously. "Mori, come on! Not..here." Steam puffed out of her ears because it sounded like she was suggesting that they wait until later. She squeaked instead when he brushed his thumb across her bottom lip.

She wasn't quite sure what to make of his sudden affections but they didn't bother her. Flustered her something terrible but she actually liked the attention. It was just so shocking, she had to get used to it. He was the Wild Host, after all, she amended. Still, she closed her eyes with a wary sigh and tried to coax her blush away.

Unfortunately, her bare legs proved to be a distraction. She cringed, as the Club members were, more often than not, wacked upside the head with a bokken. Even Izuru wasn't exempt, eyes straying towards the oblivious brunette.

"That was particularly rough, yeah?" Izzy prompted as Izuru plopped down next to her. He rubbed softly at his bruised forehead, nearly pouting as he did so. "You took a really nasty hit to the face."

"Well," he sighed slowly. "I guess it was well-deserved."

"Yeah? Something's got you distracted?"

Izuru peered at the older brunette, always so amused by her genuine obliviousness. "Ah, something along those lines," he answered with a soft smile. She returned the smile, chuckling at his bruised forehead. "Say, Senpai, I wanted to ask you something."

"Oh?"

He nodded, his face flushing. "There's some live music playing this weekend and I heard you like instrumentals. Um, I was wondering if you'd like to come with me to watch Sunday afternoon."

Izzy blinked. "Live music? That sounds like fun," her soft smile stretched into a grin. "Sure! What time?"

Izuru grinned back at her, truly relieved that she even agreed. Once Chiba mentioned that Izzy had spent a day out with him before, he was sure it wouldn't be so far-fetched to ask her. She even seemed genuinely excited about it.

They cemented their plans before Izuru made his leave, waving at the brunette just as Mori appeared. She turned her attention to him, offering another one of her smiles. "I think half the club have either bruises on their foreheads or lumps on top of their heads," she said by way of greeting. She was a bit concerned but it'd be a lie if she said she didn't find it amusing.

Mori remained stoic, hands resting in his pockets casually. He shrugged, clearly unbothered that he practically beat up half the kendo club. "They were really distracted today," he pointedly glanced down at her legs.

"It was me again?" Izzy asked, pointing to herself. It seemed like the kendo club had gotten used to her constant presence at that point. Sure, some of them blushed and stuttered whenever she talked to them but they were used to her.

Mori rolled his shoulders feverently, eyes dropping to her legs again. "Your legs."

"Haaa…" Izzy flushed and glanced down at her thighs, chuckling nervously. "Right, well, I'll be sure to wear my regular uniform again." She stood up and patted at her skirt in an effort to distract herself. "Where's Honey-chan? Did he go home early?" She'd noticed that the pint-sized loti-shota was missing. Usually he would attend kendo club with her but he vanished without saying anything to her.

"He's probably with Kanazuki-hime," Mori replied easily.

Izzy tapped her chin in thought. "Kanazuki? Ah, that's Reiko, right? From the Black Magic Club?"

"Ah," he nodded. "Wanna see?"

"See? Honey-chan and Reiko? Sure."

He took her hand, which she was sure was unnecessary, and led her from the kendo club. She dutifully followed after him, noticing that they seemed to be going further and further into the basement of Ouran. She wasn't one to spook easily but it was getting darker and darker the further they went.

"Mori?" Izzy worried her bottom lip and reached with her other hand to wrap around his arm. She moved closer, nearly glueing herself to his broad back. "Is Honey-chan really down this far?"

"Why are you whispering?"

"I don't know, it just seems right."

Mori chuckled and let go of her hand, allowing her to fully wrap both of her arms around his. She frowned petulantly, grimacing as they made it to what she assumed was the basement of Ouran. It was dark, the hall barely illuminated by gothic torches mounted to the walls.

"Are we even allowed down here?"

"Of course we are," Mori answered, leading her further into the darkness. Izzy only hummed but still followed after him, knowing she could trust him. He didn't seem all that bothered so it had to mean it was safe. Even so, she clung a little harder to his arm, unwittingly pinning him to her chest.

He stopped at a pair of gothic-styled doors that were left open, forcing her to stop as well. She leaned around him, hair falling over her shoulder as she peered into the room. The layout reminded her much of their own club room, though everything was decorated with gothic decor.

There were a total of five members, all dressed in dark clothes. None of them seemed to take notice of Mori and Izzy, maybe used to other students watching them from the safety of the hallway. She was surprised to see Honey among all the darkness, his blond hair a startling contrast to everything surrounding him. He was sitting with a pretty girl, one with a serious expression and dark hair.

"My, isn't she pretty?" Izzy mused, smiling despite the strange atmosphere. She suddenly noticed a dark shadow barreling towards them, causing her to reel backwards as the shadow overcame them. Izzy straightened up, ducking behind Mori. "Is that…" She blinked at the sight of a puppet waving in their faces.

"Mori, are you here for Honey-chan?" The puppet wiggled animatedly. Izzy peeked around Mori again, eyeing the teenager hidden under the black cloak. She noticed dark bangs from under the cover of the cloak but that was about it.

"Not really," Mori answered easily. "Bera wanted to meet Kanazuki-hime."

"Bera?" The puppet wiggled again.

"Ah, me!" Izzy popped up from behind Mori, waving her hand in greeting. "I'm Izabera, I'm Mori and Honey-chan's clubmate," she greeted politely, feeling only a little ridiculous talking to a puppet.

The figure under the cloak paused, tilting their head to the side. "Bera, this is Umehito Nekozawa, from class 3-B," Mori nodded to the figure still hiding away under the cloak.

"3-B? That means we're the same age. And the..uh…" she motioned to the puppet still dancing in her face.

"Oh, this is Beelzenef." The cat puppet waved its hands.

She laughed, only somewhat uncomfortable. "Nice to meet you….both."

"Berry-chan!" Honey seemed to finally take notice of Mori and Izzy. He grinned, unaware of Kanazuk's strange expression. She eyed the leggy brunette, dressed like Mori and Honey and wondered if she was the Big Sister who'd been out for a week.

"Excuse me, Nekozawa, um Beelzenef," she danced around him and quickly hurried to the two, smiling brightly. "Honey-chan, I was worried since you didn't come with me to kendo. Is this Kanazuki-hime?" she babbled as Mori joined them.

"I am," Reiko replied in a surprisingly soft voice.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Izabera. I've heard all about you, all good things," Izzy continued in her friendly, big sister like manner. That was partially a lie as she specifically remembered the twins and Tamaki referring to her as spooky, glum and even creepy.

"Izabera? But Honey-chan called you…Berry-chan just now?"

"Yes, well, ah, Bella turned into Bera and Bera turned into Berry," the older brunette shrugged. "Izabera is a bit of a mouthful."

Reiko smiled, though it was slow going and almost timid. "That's…cute."

"Think so? Hm," Izzy tapped her chin in thought. She was pretty sure Reiko wasn't necessarily creepy like the others had insisted. She seemed more shy, if anything. She wouldn't be surprised if Honey was her first real friend outside of her club. "You can call me that too, if you like."

If Honey liked her so much, she couldn't be that bad of a person. And Mori was comfortable enough to let her hang around him without watching them.

"Let's be friends, yeah?" Izzy offered cheerfully. The very easy offer of friendship was a bit strange to Reiko and she looked at Honey for confirmation. He was smiling brightly, elbows on the table and chubby cheeks resting cutely against his fists.

Her offer seemed genuine and Honey had mentioned more than once how nice it was to have a bunch of friends. "Are you sure?" Reiko asked carefully.

"Sure I'm sure. Any friend of Honey-chan's is a friend of ours, right Mori?"

He nodded with a gruff grunt, "Ah."

"See?" Izzy grinned and tapped him on the chest. "Even Mori approves." She straightened up and notably shifted her weight to her uninjured foot. "It was lovely meeting you, Reiko-chan. I think it's time I go though, my ankle is really bothering—"

Mori reached for her, pulling her off of her feet and swiftly throwing her over his shoulder. She grunted in surprise. "Mori, for Heaven's sake! Just because my ankle hurts doesn't mean you can—"

But he was already turning away, waving goodbye to Reiko and Honey over his shoulder. Izzy continued to fuss at him but he dutifully ignored her, pausing long enough to say goodbye to Nekozawa, who seemed just as confused.

"Um, Honey-chan…?" Reiko watched them go, stifling her soft giggles as Izzy continued her fussing. "Are they…I mean, Mori-senpai and…Berry-senpai…"

Honey grinned at the use of Izzy's nickname.

"Are they….together..?"

Fumiko frowned in confusion as Izzy hurried by her. She was dressed in a long-sleeved, shoulderless knit sweater tucked into a red skirt. Her ankle was still bothering her so she was wearing a comfortable pair of white canvas shoes. Her hair was pulled into a ponytail, her bangs tastefully framing her face. She looked really..cute, Fumiko realized.

"I'll be back later, Fumi!" Izzy called over her shoulder before vanishing out the front door. Fumiko only hummed, mildly interested but left it alone. Izzy had a habit of disappearing for the day to spend with her friends.

It was only two hours later when Aimi peeked into the living room. "Miss Fumiko? Ah, Miss Izabera's friends are here to see her…"

Fumiko picked her head up, thoroughly confused. Izzy's friends were here to see her but wasn't she already out with them? She followed after Aimi, meeting the Host Club at the door.

"Uh, hi?" Fumiko blinked at the lot of them. "Iz isn't…uh..here?" she pieced together, clearly confused. "I thought she was out with you guys. She got dressed really cute too…"

"Not here?" Kaoru and Hikaru echoed together, leaning in towards her. "What do you mean, Fumiko-senpai? Where else would she be?"

"Quit harassing her, you devils," Tamaki sniffed snidely, shooing them away from her. "She clearly said she thought Senpai was already with us!"

Fumiko laughed weakly but herded them all in, noticing that Haruhi wasn't present. She assumed they were probably going to force the first year out after grabbing Izzy. Too bad the older brunette was already out and about.

She dialed her cousin while Aimi politely directed them into their living room, offering to get them refreshments while they waited. Izzy eventually picked up and she noted that she could hear music in the background. "Hey, uh, Iz? Where'd you say you were going? Mama wanted to know."

She felt Tamaki, Hikaru and Kaoru piling against her back, trying their hardest to hear Izzy's muffled answers. "Why? Well, she's worried about your ankle.." Fumiko seamlessly lied, smiling all the while. "Hm? Budokan? What are you doing there?"

The trio were leaning all of their weight against her back and she was sure that she was going to topple over any second. She heard Kyoya mutter something softly before Mori easily scooped the three of them up to drag them away from her.

"You were invited to Budokan for music? With the Host Club? I didn't know they were all interested in music like you were, except for Tamaki. No? Izuru? From my year? That's a shock."

Mori paused and dropped the three, eye twitching for a brief second. Honey and Kyoya noticed and eyed him, though they hardly paid Tamaki, Hikaru and Kaoru any attention as they squabbled on the floor.

"Is it just you two? You didn't tell me that..I thought you were with your friends. Ah, Izuru is your friend? Are you sure that's all it is? I mean, it sounds like a date to me. You're sure?" She spoke with her for a few more minutes before ending the call. She stared down at her cellphone, utterly confused. How could she be so oblivious? What boy invited a girl out to an event like that for platonic reasons?

"Um…" she glanced up at the Host Club, smiling weakly. "It seems she went out with Izuru for some live music. At, uh, Nippon Budokan," she explained as they silently grilled her. "If you'd like, I'll be happy to let her know you all dropped by today."

Tamaki popped up and though he was smiling at her, it seemed a little tense. "No need, Fumiko-hime! Thank you for all of your help. We'll just be going now!"

He herded his friends out, waving energetically as he did so. Fumiko watched them go, blinking her pretty green eyes. She didn't stop them, chuckling when the front door snapped shut behind them.

"….Oh boy."

"Meravigliosa! Bellissima!" Izzy clapped excitedly as she walked beside Izuru. She clearly had a great time at the classical music concert, grinning the entire time. Most of it was lost on Izuru but she explained as much as she could.

"Are those…good things?" Izuru asked carefully with a chuckle.

"Of course! It was wonderful, very beautiful!" Izzy explained cheerfully. "I haven't been to a concert like that since I left Italy. Thanks so much for inviting me out. It brought back memories."

Izuru smiled warmly at her. "Glad I could help, Senpai," he offered. "Um, you look really pretty today."

"Think so?" Izzy held up her arms as if to model her outfit. "Thanks, my cousin thought so too."

"She was right. Why don't we sit down? Your ankle must be bothering you," he motioned towards a large stone fountain where others were currently milling about. Honestly her ankle wasn't bothering her that much but she agreed to it, letting him lead her over to the fountain.

Izzy smiled serenely as she sat down, leaning back far enough to dip her fingers into the water. "This turned out to be a really nice afternoon out, Izuru."

He joined her, plopping down far too close but she didn't comment on it. "So, do you plan on attending Ouran U?"

"Yes, actually! Perhaps for architecture or music or even fashion. I'm still rather undecided on it but I have a little time to decide. I still have to get through finals."

"Finals? You're worried about finals? You're pretty smart, Senpai, I'm sure you'll pass with no problem," Izuru leaned into her but she hardly noticed, still somewhat focused on her nails in the water.

"You'd think so, right?" Izzy laughed. "I had a hard time with History, you know? It's different from Italian history. Mori really helped me with that." Her serene smile morphed into a different kind of smile. One that he might even call love-sick. "I think I only passed because of his help."

"That was…nice of Senpai."

"Wasn't it? What are friends for?"

"Friends," Izuru repeated slowly. "And…is that all you two are? He seemed pretty irritated that day you showed up with…." Izuru motioned to her legs, which were bare again. He tried not to blatantly stare this time around, though it was difficult.

Izzy didn't immediately answer, eyes dropping to her lap. She was still smiling but he could tell that she was lost in thought. A dark blush brushed at her face. "Well…"

"I'm the one who's been writing the secret notes, Senpai."

Izzy stilled and blinked rapidly, coming out of her daze. She turned sharply, her curly ponytail whipping around with her motions. She stared at Izuru, face drawn as if she couldn't understand his confession. "…You…what?"

"The…notes. All the poetry. The love notes? That was…it was me, Senpai. I, uh…" he scratched at the back of his head, neck flushing terribly. "I've really liked you, Senpai, since the day I met you."

"You mean…when you tried to throw me out of kendo club?"

"I apologized, Senpai!"

"Yes, yes, after Mori made you," Izzy laughed before it died down gradually. "Um…" she wasn't exactly sure what she was supposed to do now. She liked Izuru a lot but only as a friend. Just as a friend. First Chiba and now Izuru. What was it even about her that drew them in?

"Is it because I'm Eurasian?" Izzy asked with raised eyebrows. She guessed she could see the appeal of liking a girl that wasn't fully Japanese. She was a bit taller, a little fuller and her beauty was something completely different.

"Your beauty is captivating but that's not the only reason, Senpai," Izuru insisted quickly. "You're kind and smart and funny…" he began to list off all of her attributes, ticking them off his fingers. She nearly laughed because honestly, she was sarcastic and grouchy and she was average at best with her studies. "And you're so very beautiful."

She pursed her lips. "Izuru…"

"Didn't you like my poems, Senpai? I thought they were romantic and would convey my feelings for you."

She cringed, she felt like the secret love letters were a bit…much. They were mushy, sometimes too overly romantic for her taste. Maybe because she didn't have much experience with romance but it often seemed like too much. Hell, even Tamaki thought it was laid on too thick at times. And that, she often thought, was saying something.

"You said there was nothing between you and Mori-senpai, didn't you?" Izuru pressed, watching her drawn expression. She'd gone terribly quiet and he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. "And there's definitely nothing with Tamaki."

"Why does everyone keep asking about Tamaki?"

"You're really close!"

"We're in a club together and we're friends. Boys and girls can be friends," Izzy pointed out sourly. She looked at Tamaki the same way she looked at her older brothers. She looked at all of them as her siblings, that was the whole point of her Big Sister persona.

Except for Mori.

"So there's nothing between you and Tamaki and nothing between you and Mori-senpai."

Izzy grimaced and cupped her cheek. "Ara…" she trailed off, unsure of how to answer that. The fact of the matter is that there was something definitely going on between her and Mori. She wasn't really sure what to call it but it was definitely more than just a friendship at this point. She certainly wouldn't let her friends just kiss her the way Mori had been kissing her.

"Senpai…please just let me…" Izuru grabbed hold of her wrist, shaking her out of her stupor. He leaned in and Izzy watched with wide eyes, fully aware of his intentions.

Just as he was about to press his lips against hers in an impromptu kiss, a large hand slid in between the two. The hand pressed against Izzy's mouth, fingers curling around her jaw as she was pulled out of reach.

"Mmph?"

Izuru's eyes popped open immediately, mirroring her shocked expression. They both glanced up, only to pause at the sight of Mori standing over them. "Mmph!" Izzy squealed against his palm, scared witless by his abrupt appearance.

But Mori barely paid her any mind, stony gaze focused on Izuru and Izuru alone. "Uh…" Izuru stuttered, clearly at a loss for words. "Mori-senpai? What are you doing here?"

Mori was still holding Izzy by the mouth, something unsettling in his gaze. "You can't do that, Izuru," he said instead of answering. Izzy, on the other hand, warily searched the vicinity for the rest of the Host Club members but came up short. She came up short but she wasn't sure how she felt about that.

"Do…what?"

"Kiss her, you can't kiss her." Mori's tone was far too calm for that look in his eye. It was truly unnerving and Izuru felt himself subconsciously lean away. Mori finally pulled his hand from Izzy's mouth, only to pull her to her feet by her elbow.

She went willingly but she was visibly confused. She was still wondering how the hell he tracked her down. She squinted hard and then paused. Fumiko and that bogus phone call. She thought it odd that Chi wouldn't just call herself if she wanted to know where she was for the day. The Host Club had probably showed up looking for her, just like last time. Is that why Fumiko pressed so hard about this being a date? She blinked rapidly. Hell, was this a date?

"Izuru, is this a date?" she squawked.

Izuru squinted at her. "…Yes…?"

"Oh dear…"

Mori finally looked at her, though it was a particularly blank look that had her laughing nervously. "We're leaving," he decided, beginning to turn. Izzy didn't fight the choice, still laughing.

"But Mori-senpai!" Izuru reached for Izzy's hand, causing them all to stop. Mori turned back to him, sending him a particularly dark look that had him snatching away from her. "Earlier…I asked but she wouldn't answer. Is there…something between you two?"

Mori eyed him, his dark gaze softening if only a bit. He studied him hard and for a long moment, Izuru was sure he just wouldn't answer. Izzy was staring up at him, hazel eyes wide and maybe even a little…hopeful? Izuru felt his heart crack.

Mori turned away but Izuru heard him loud and clear.

"Yeah."

Masami's gaze was hard as she stared down at the telephone. Her stomach roiled nervously and she shifted her weight between her feet, anxiously. She hadn't felt like this for a long time. Not since she left Japan for good.

Shinobu and Hiroki hadn't raised her to feel such an emotion. Morimotos were hard, cold and calculating. They didn't second-guess their gut feelings and decisions and they certainly didn't care who they had to step on in order to get what they wanted. They were cut-throat. And Masami was once considered the best among them. She wasn't bred to show fear like this. She was supposed to face it head on, head held high and shoulders squared. Just like her parents taught her.

But still...her stomach roiled terribly. It was a conversation she just didn't want to have. Not now or ever. Her lips tightened and she slowly unfolded her arms from across her chest. It was something she had to do. For the sake of not only herself but her daughter.

It's what Isabella wanted.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she snatched up the phone and tensely punched in the number. It was time, she decided firmly, to talk.

"Moshi - Moshi."

TeeBeMe: Iz is a particular special kind of stupid. She needs everything spelled out for her. The song she was singing was Mambo Italiano by Rosemary Clooney, not sure why but I've been obsessed with that song lately.

And I agree with you TheQueenofGoodbyes! I definitely think Mori would casually flirt and tease Izzy but still be very laidback about it. I definitely want to write that tired/flirty Mori too so maybe I'll squeeze that in here somewhere.

It's been awhile since I've read or watched the manga and anime so if Nekozawa and Reiko seem a little off, it's cause I honestly can't remember shit about them lol. I think Reiko was a little shy but in my head, Izzy gets along with her. You know, Honey's future wife and Mori's future wife (Idgaf that Izzy's an OC, Mori deserved more dammit!) should be close, right?

Anyway, hope you enjoyed! Drop a review and as always, stay safe out here!