The next morning was hell for the staff that would get Kyoya and Maria to school on time. It wasn't of them being lazy or ill prepared for the new semester but mornings weren't a nice thing to either of them. It was the bane of their existence. Maria packed her school bag the night before besides the usual things like a notebook a laptop and her textbooks she always had her measuring implements on her at all times. She wasn't sure if they would come in handy but they were her treasured items and she would never leave home without them. She brushes her hair out and puts her hair into two braids. She slipped on a normal bra and a thong. She wanted to confident for her first day. She threw the yellow long sleeved dress over her head and it fell gently into place. She slipped on her white stockings and the dress shoes that were provided to her; they were correct size and all. She hurried down stairs feeling although she was late even though there was still at least half an hour before the school bell would ring. She was the first one down stairs. She would have left without him but her car was still back in the states and her license hasn't been switched over quite yet so even if she wanted to drive she couldn't. Kyoya came down a few minutes later with the look of death still firmly planted in his iron-grey eyes.
'The perfect demon lord' she thought as she smiled. She had bizarre taste. They entered the car together without one word. "So I don't know what class I'm going to be in do you by any chance know" she asked hoping not to upset him. He was never pleased being woken up in the morning.
"Well in most cases you would be judged on your family's wealth and reputation you would have been put in class B. But since you requesting being submitted under your own merits you will be in class 2-A with Tamaki and myself" he said trying not to be annoyed.
He didn't like talking this early but it was something she needed to know. It was vital information for her to start her school year smoothly. They arrived shortly after leaving the house. As she left the car she was in awe not of how large the school was but because of elegant and beautiful. Her previous school looked like an industrial park. "You should stop gawking or we will be late" he said grabbing her hand and dragging her along. He suddenly realised where they were and dropped her hand but she still followed him to their class. They arrived just as the teacher was arriving into the classroom. Maria tried slipping behind an another student to find a seat but the teacher noticed and called to her.
"Miss Capperella could you please come to front of the class and introduce yourself." She walked to the front of class without a word until she turned around.
"My name is Maria Capperella of the of the Capperella Manufacturing Conglomerate.I am transferring here from Garon Technical Academy. I have been holding contracts with other large companies as a consulting engineer for at least two years now. It is a pleasure to meet all of you." She said with a big smile being proud of herself. She didn't like talking front of others like this. She was also really proud of her accomplishments as well.
"Please take your seat now Miss Capperella" the teacher said gesturing her back to where she was going to hide. The day was quite boring for Maria. She was quite fidgety because she was so used to being on her feet and being challenged. This was drab and dreary. Lunch time had arrived. Tamaki stood up from his desk and walked calmly over to where Maria was currently standing.
"You didn't tell me you were coming to Ouran Maria-chan I could have prepared something for your visit at the club today" Tamaki said gesturing her to follow him to lunch room.
"I think I'll join you too after all her and my family are currently working out kinks in a contract" Kyoya trying to hold himself together. He was a little jealous of Tamaki and how he didn't need to hide anything but it was their decision to hide it in a game like fashion. They were speaking as they sat down with their lunches. "So is it really true that the negotiations have not been finished yet Maria-chan" Tamaki questioned.
"Well first off Souh-san its my father being a weenie and holding up everything and being lazy about signing it and now you're interested in my line of work I wonder where that enthusiasm was about a month ago" she said with a piercing tongue.
Tamaki was utterly defeated and hid in a corner. "Ya'know I still plan on coming to the host club after school to get to know all the nice people you talked about" she said gesturing him back.
Tamaki's eyes sparkled and he jetted back to his seat. "So who will you be requesting this afternoon so I can pencil you in immediately" Kyoya said while taking out his appointment book.
"I think I should spend some time with the twins this afternoon. I want to spend time with all the hosts this week and then i'll decide on my usual" she said with a sly smile looking a Kyoya.
Tamaki didn't notice he was quite dense to these things. Unfortunately it was time for class bored her to death but she still took notes paid attention and asked and answered questions. Math came around toward the end of the day and her face lit up. But she was never called to board to perform problems or anything. 'Japanese schools suck' she thought with a pout. The school day had ended and Maria and Kyoya were walking to the club room.
"Wow never realized how dense he was til I saw it in action" she said feeling a little defeated. "How do you think I feel" Kyoya said with a cool demeanor .They arrived at the host club. It wasn't some weird cosplay day so as soon as the hosts arrived they were open for business. She strolled into the club room to meet the hitachiin twins. "Please take a seat" Hikaru and Kaoru said as they pulled out a chair for her.
They both sat down in unison. " Wow i'm not really used to being treated like lady. The personel I'm used to dealing with are quite crass" she said in a little bit of awe. Kyoya treated her with this kind of respect but she didn't think anyone else would. "Wow America sounds like an awful place. So are you really the girl the chairman went with milord to meet a few weeks back?" they glared a little as they asked.
"Wow mildly insulting and yes in fact I was the girl that he visited but I turned him down. I can't handle that level of stupid and I need someone that could keep pace with me intellectually. Tamaki did tell me a lot about all his friends when he visited me back in the states. My dad really wanted me to spend time with people my age. The whole I need to enjoy my youth and stop working so much he decided I should go here of all places" she said trying to fake being koi but it was to no avail.
She sensed something clicked in both of them. Their eyes glistened and the heathen twins produced devilish grins.
"So it's obviously not milord or us I wonder who it could be" they asked with unchanging expressions as they looked at Kyoya entertaining some customers.
"Well, I bet the dunce over there will be last to figure it out" she said pointing to the blonde western gentlemen in the corner.
Haruhi just finished scolding him for doing something stupid again. "So what you wagering then"they both said leaning over the table a little.
"Probably my home cooking pretty much whatever you guys want if i'm wrong; If you're wrong you owe a cup of coffee at a really nice local cafe I need a new place to lounge around while i'm here" she said while putting a finger to her lips.
"Wow you really are nothing like Haruhi just like milord said" they chirped in unison. "Oh and how so?" "Well you're not open like Haruhi"they both whispered in each of her ears as they got up from their chairs.
"I'm assuming the appointment is over then gentlemen it was a pleasure getting to know you both even it was a little" she said with a little bow. "Wow she's really boring I thought she would be a demon" they said in unison as they skipped away.
'I think this is going to be a quick game Kyoya might be disappointed that the game might end tomorrow' she thought this while stretching and looking at Hikaru and Kaoru. They were both talking to Haruhi and gesturing to Maria. 'Well this is going to be really short unless they keep it from Tamaki' she thought. On the way home things weren't entirely tense but it was bizarre. She never quite liked being driven around. She always liked to felt like she was in control.
"So from my calculations the twins told haruhi as well as hunny senpai which means we're just waiting on Tamaki to figure it out I suppose" Kyoya said while writing into his appointment book.
"Well I honestly didn't expect the twins to catch on so quickly. I don't know, we could ruin it for the twins and tell Tamaki ourselves. They would really annoyed if we got the better of them"
Maria said trying to distract herself from the fact she was being driven.
"Well that would give us the upper hand I suppose. Why not, we can call him when we get back to the house. How bout we tell him to come over and I'll tell him I have to talk to him about something to dealing with the club" he said while closing his book and turning his head to Maria.
They arrived at home and Kyoya made the call promptly and within 15 minutes Tamaki was there.
"Wow he looks concerned. I'm guessing you told him to come alone" she said looking out the window and gesturing Kyoya to come near. "I'm guessing he told everyone to show up regardless though. I got him to come without question because I told him the kotatsu table is set up" he said assuming she knew of Tamaki's weird love of kotatsu tables.
"Yea he did mention something about that. I'm going to ski daddle to my room and change into a less annoying dress" she said while grabbing at the skirt of her dressing.
She left the area to go back to her room. She picked out a white dress with black polka dots. She removed her clothing and slipped on the new dress. She decided before her departure to Japan she should procure more feminine clothing so she would be a little pleasing to the snobs at the school. Because she had a larger chest than most of her current classmates she bought a cardigan to cover her cleavage. This was high society after all and it wouldn't be lady like to reveal too much skin unless the situation called for it. She brushed out her hair and brushed her teeth. She left her room and as she went to turn toward the direction of Kyoya's room and saw the rest of the gang walking down the hallway closer to his room. 'Oh, shit here we go this is actually happening' she thought as she closed her door softly hoping that no one heard her. She walked quietly to the his room at a slow pace to make sure everyone was seated by the time she got there. She entered the room and shut the door quietly behind her. She had never stepped to his room before. It had an incredibly large living room like area with a door at the far end of the room. 'That was probably the bedroom' she thought observing the room. There was a rectangle kotatsu in the middle of the floor in the living area the entire host club was squeezed underneath it . Well most of them were anyway. Kyoya decided to not sit underneath with everyone. Kyoya noticed her come into the room before anyone else. They met eyes and nodded acknowledging what was to transpire. Kyoya stood up to greet her and grasped her hand to lead her to the other guests bring to the other guests.
"Are you finally going to spit out why we're all here Kyoya-senpai" Haruhi questioned looking at the young women by Kyoya's side.
"Yes do tell" the twins said in unison with a devilish unassuming smile.
"Well some you may know why we're all here" Kyoya said while glaring at the twins.
"Sunshine here is the last suitor to see me and I decided on him" she said looking up with a huge smile toward the group.
"Wow are you two really in love? Are you getting married to Kyo-chan" Hunny questioned while jumping onto Maria almost spinning her around. She sat down on the couch near the kotatsu.
"I'm assuming he's in love with me because he kissed me first. And he brings a certain joy to life he's intelligent and handsome and kind ;so yes Hunny-senpai we do love each other. And the wedding won't be few years unless plans change due to circumstances" she said with a certain glow emanating from her.
The group always heard rumors or stories of how a girl would drastically changed from being in love. They were witnessing it in front of their very eyes. Kyoya tried to remain his composure while sitting down next to Maria. He wasn't expecting her to reveal that incident but he did love her. Tamaki was really happy for them somehow but something dawned on Maria. "Tamaki do you understand why your dad had me meet you?" "Well I thought he brought me along to entertain you while your father and my father while they were handling business " Tamaki said in a questioning tone. Maria started laughing so much that she started fell of the couch in the process.
"Tamaki you were sent to her as a suitor" Kyoya said with a bit of a chuckle.
Tamaki exiled himself to the corner woe and depression overtook him just a little. "Tamaki come back don't be upset" Haruhi said as she got up from the kotatsu table.
His spirits immediately rose when Haruhi came near. "So, Hikaru Kaoru i guess this means that the bet in null and void" she said regaining her composure.
"Yea I guess it does" Hikaru said. "I really wanted weird american home cooking too" Kaoru said in a disappointed tone. "What bet was this Maria"Kyoya questioned concerned for what she had agreed to. He wrapped his arm around her waist in a possessive like fashion. "Well it was to see if Tamaki could figure it out himself ya'know us being together. If he was the last to figure it out on his own Hikaru and Kaoru would owe me a cup of coffee at a nice local cafe. If he figured it out sooner I would have had to cook for them which is fine because I like cooking" she said with a light blush that started to erupt on her cheeks.
"American commoners food, I haven't tried that you should make us some right away" Tamaki exclaimed. The thought of anything cool and commoner like gave Tamaki pure joy.
"Ok I'm deciding what you guys are getting to eat. Hey Kyoya-dear what kind of cheeses are available in the kitchen right now" she questioned. The thought of commoners food made him feel a little bit of disgust normally but this was different however. It would be made with love perhaps her cooking was as great as her Nonna's. Kyoya still remembers the taste of her food. "Alright everyone ill find what cheeses are available since a certain someone just blanked. I'll be back in awhile unless you want to help ok everyone" she said jumping up from the couch.
"C'mon Kyoya you need to show me where the kitchen and damn I need to get my apron too just meet me outside my room ok" she said jumping up from her seat on the couch.
She started to leave the room.
"Wow she's super domestic I think she would be kind of boring to you Kyoya-senpai " Haruhi said while getting up to leave the room.
"She is a high class engineering consultant and is the heiress to a manufacturing upbringing is quite in line with her Italian heritage which she did explain a little but is still keeping some things from me about it. I'll have to do more research" he said while getting up slowly to walk with Haruhi to find the others. The group are at the door of her room and she left her room just as the two approach. Carrying a small notebook and her apron she smiles in a koi like fashion.
"Hey sunshine I'm going to need a guide to the kitchen" Maria said gesturing to Kyoya.
Kyoya showed the party the kitchen. Her eye widened with amazement and just a touch of overwhelm. She put on her apron, washed her hands, and got straight to work preparing the meal she decided upon. She raided specific cheese's and whatever ever pasta the cooks kept on hand. The hosts just stood there amazed.
"Maria-senpai if you want I can help if you need it" Haruhi said approaching Maria " You can start the rue for the sauce that i'm making and you can boil the water for the pasta too" she said getting back to her current task.
Maria moved swiftly and with a certain powerful feeling behind her chopping. Her movements were precious and mechanical it looks as if she was programmed to do this.
"Ok i'll throw this in the oven and we can eat in about 30 minutes or so" Maria said wiping her forehead with her forearm.
"Ok i need something to drink i'm kind of tired now" Maria said with a bit of yawn.
"Well we can go sit in another room and ill get you glass of water" Kyoya said while grabbing a glass from high up ,farther than she could ever reach, and after he obtained the glass he filled it with cold water from a sink. They all went to the other room in silence still in a sort of awe from what just happened.
"I didn't know you could cook Maria I thought you had chef at your home" Tamaki said in a small voice.
"Nope up until my grandmother moved in a few months ago I did all the cooking. We do have a maid to do most of the cleaning though" Maria said placing her hand on the side of her face.
"Wow perfect commoner wife material" Hikaru said with disdain.
"Hey boss maybe she would be better for you" Kaoru smirked and gestured to Tamaki.
"I'm too coarse for Tamaki's taste. I think he enjoys independence in a female counterpart but not pure stubbornness. If I know I'm right I will refuse to state otherwise" Maria said with a smirk. "Also my short temper isn't something to be sneezed at so yea Tamaki couldn't handle me even if he wanted too" she said with a devilish chuckle.
"Wow I never really pegged you as that Maria-senpai. I think you're a lot nicer than that" Haruhi said in a half serious.
They did just meet but Haruhi did firmly believe she wasn't as bad as she kept portraying. The timer went off and Maria appeared to have been startled by it. She got up from her chair and went back into the kitchen to serve the motley crew commoners food.
"Hey Kyoya-dear where are the plates and the silverware. I'm not really familiar with the kitchen yet" Maria squeaked happily.
"Yea 'Kyoya-dear' go help your wife" Hikaru and Kaoru laughed.
"Shut up both of you" Kyoya said sneering while getting up to go to the kitchen.
A slight blush came over his face as he walked through the door to the kitchen.
"Is everything ok kyoya you sound annoyed" Maria said.
"Just the twins getting out of hand again" he said trying to get his composure back.
Kyoya grabbed the plates from a cabinet far above Maria's head and grabbed chopsticks from a drawer further away. " I highly recommend forks dude" she said with a laugh while getting the dish out of the oven. She turned off the oven after putting the dish on on top of the oven. The food was golden in color and the smell of cheese brought all of the hosts in one by one. "I
cant get more american than this gentlemen and lady. I really hope you love my mac and cheese" she said with a giant smile that went from ear to ear. She refused to eat until everyone else was settled at the table with their plates and thoroughly enjoying the food. "Wow this is really gooey and cheesy it's super tasty" Honey exclaimed. Mori grunted in agreement. "It's excellent Maria if you weren't a budding engineer you'd be an excellent chef one day" Tamaki said trying to be suave.
"Really because you're the one saying that engineering was dirty men's work and I should give it up because i'm a lady " she said before taking a bite of her food.
Tamaki looked as if he was in deep shock. "We've tasted better in Manhattan before but this is still good" the twins said finishing their meals.
Kyoya was taken aback with each bite of how good the food was. He never really expected her to be able to cook. With every bite the flavor of the sauce was redefined.
"Well I'm going to clean up just bring your plates in the kitchen when you're done" she said yawning. "I'll help its the least I can do"Haruhi said following Maria into the kitchen.
The two were cleaning and the others brought there plates in one by one. Shortly after everyone was finished and brought there plates back to be cleaned Kyoya convinced them all to leave. Maria was barely awake by the end of this event. "Did I do good" she asked sleepily after cleaning. "Yes of course you did my dear" Kyoya said.