"AAAAANNAAAAAA-CHAAAAAAAN! I WANT ANNA-CHAN! I WANT ANNA-CHAN!" Honey cries and rolls around the floor, kicking and screaming.

While Kyoya and Tamaki try to calm the panicking girls, the Hitachiin twins try to clear the room. Mori stands over Honey, even though the boy-Lolita type is scratching, biting, and hitting his legs. "Mitsukuni, calm down. You're overreacting and causing a riot."

"WHERE. IS. ANNA?!"

With the room finally cleared, Tamaki and the twins try to call Anna while Kyoya tries to help calm Honey. "Honey-senpai, Haruhi is getting Anna right now. It's only a matter of time until she returns."

The host room doors bang open. Haruhi falls to the floor, out of breath and sweaty, obviously irritated.

"Haruhi? Where's Anna?" Kaoru walks over and hands her a glass of water.

Haruhi gulps it down before panting, "Her aunt is visiting from America."

"What?" Tamaki snaps his phone shut and walks over to Haruhi. He put his arm over her shoulders and guides her to a couch. "What is she doing out here?"

"Her aunt wants to see if she was capable of completing her last task."

"Last task for what?" Hikaru walks over and leans against a nearby pillar.

"Last task of her lady etiquette training." Tamaki sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "What is the last task?"

Haruhi looks to Tamaki and nervously laughs. Scratching the back of her head she says, "Well, a lady is a master of seduction. Anna needs to prove she can make men fall at her feet and bid her every will."

"I CAN DO IT! I CAN FALL AT ANNA'S FEET!" Honey yells and jumps up. He runs into a side room and comes out, looking like his actual age. "I mean, I can't be cute if we want her aunt to really believe it, right?"

Mori, Tamaki, Haruhi, and the Hitachiin twins' jaws drop in stunned silence. Kyoya smirks and pushes up his glasses. "Yes, I think we all should help Anna. After-all, she has been here for us and has supported the club in more ways than one. She donated not only a lot of her time to this club, but a lot of her money. Not that we need it."

Going back to his boy-lolita type, Honey says, "Exactly!" He giggles and skips to his dessert stand. "Usa-chan agrees too!"

Tamaki fixes his hair and says calmly, "Yes, we should all help Anna pass her last task. She hasn't found a man at all."

"That's not exactly true," Haruhi says. "She's been with us since her first day here. Always hanging out with each of us, even Kyoya. I don't think any of you seemed to realize it, but there might be more behind that than we all think."

I take the tea off the stove very carefully, making sure to keep a straight posture. I gently set the pot on the serving tray, adding a cup of cream, a bowl full of sugar cubes, 3 cups and 3 saucers around it before walking out of the kitchen to the dining room. I walk in to my father trying to talk to my aunt.

"-of course I didn't want to fire anyone, but I had to do something. Especially if it meant financial gain to the company."

"Hm," Aunt Maryanne raises an eyebrow at my father, "I feared this would happen. You are too weak to make a hard decision by yourself. You let your heart get the best of you. How pathetic."

Taking a deep breath, I clear all emotion from my face and walk over to the round table. My father and my aunt are sitting across from each other, giving me no option but to sit between them. Before I take my seat, I set the tray in the middle of the table, remembering how my aunt told me a lady should serve her guests before herself if there isn't anyone to serve them all. My aunt ordered my father to give Osamu the day off, specifically for her visit.

'Step one, set the tray in the middle of the table, putting it down as quietly as possible. Step two, with the cups set on their saucers, first place a saucer in front of the dominant house provider before serving to other guests.' I take off a cup and saucer and set it in front of my father. I then take another pair and place it in front of my aunt before putting one in front of myself. 'Step three, pour the tea as gently as possible, making sure not to make a mess, yet not taking too much time.' Picking up the tea pot, I move to my father's left and pour the tea into his cup. "I hope you like Chamomile." As I walk to my aunt's right, I glance at my father to see him nod.

Before I pour my aunt's tea, she clears her throat. "Anna, how are your classes going?"

"My classes are quite well, thank you," I say as I pour her tea. "I am maintaining the highest of scores and have been put into the top classes."

I move back to my place and pour myself a cup of tea. Setting the tea pot back on the tray, I lift it off the table and take it back to the kitchen. When I return, my aunt is sipping her tea while glaring at my father.

"Have you found a gentleman to look after?"

'Oh no. I was hoping we wouldn't have to talk about this until later.' I smile and reply, "Aunt, please. You've had a long journey, you must be tired. We can talk about this when it isn't so late."

"Don't be silly." My aunt has a fire in her eyes - a look I've grown so accustomed to over the years. It's a look that knows she has won. "Bed time is seven o'clock. It is only five."

"Of course, Aunt Maryanne." Just then, the doorbell rings. 'Thank you! This is my chance to buy time!' "I beg your pardon, I should get that."

My aunt nods and waves her hand in dismissal. Distaste covers her face. Rising from my chair, I walk out of the dining room, through the hall, and to the entrance. 'I wonder who it could be.' "I open the door to find the host club in dark tuxes standing at the door. Each has a different colored rose pinned to their suit. Tamaki has a white rose, Kyoya wears purple. Kaoru has a coral rose and Hikaru wears blue. Honey has pink while Mori has a deep blue rose. Haruhi wears a long dark wig and a black gown with a red rose in her hair.

I take a special notice to Honey, who doesn't look like a middle-school child. He stands only a couple inches taller than me with his hair neatly combed. Instead of fun in his eyes, I see them glazed over. 'What is going on?' Tamaki is standing directly in front of the door, with Haruhi to his right and Honey to his left. Mori stands behind Honey with Kyoya behind Tamaki and the Hitachiin twins behind Haruhi.

"Anna," Tamaki holds out his hand, "we have heard you are down to your last task, and we would like to help you."

I look down at his hand, but ignore it. "What are you talking about?"

Pushing Tamaki out of the way, Hikaru starts, "We heard that your aunt is in town."

"So," Kaoru continues, "we thought you might need some help."

"We don't want you to go," Honey says. I blink a couple of times. His childish voice is replaced by a mature one.

Mori stands in front of everyone and looks me in the eyes. I've never seen this look in his eyes. I'm not sure what to think of it. "Anna, let us be the gentlemen you need."

"Give her some room guys," Haruhi tries to move everyone, but they all stand as still as statues. "Come on, she's looking pale." It's true my heart pounds hard against my chest, and although the door is open, it feels stuffy.

Kyoya clears his throat. "Haruhi has a point, let us all take a step back."

"Anna? What is taking so long?" I turn around when I hear my aunt's voice. I look back to the hosts and smile.

Feeling out of breath, I try to call back to my aunt. "We have guests, I assume."

"You assume? Bring them in! Your tea is getting cold and we have much to discuss!"

I take in a deep breath and close my eyes. Opening them, I face my aunt and smile, holding the door open for my guests to enter. "Of course. Please, young lords, welcome." As each one files in, I curtsy in greeting. The last one to enter is Haruhi, how curtsies back. I look at her and she winks. I feel much more at ease with my friends here. I close the door behind them and walk towards my aunt. "Please, follow me this way."

When every takes a seat in the library, I stand in front of the fire and begin introductions.

"Aunt Maryanne, these gentleman and this lady are friends of mine. They also attend Ouran Academy. Thank you for the privilege, allowing me to attend a public school, to meet others close to my age."

"Get on with it, girl," my aunt closes her eyes and sips her tea.

"Of course." I smile and nod to the host club. "First, I'll begin with my seniors, Mitsukuni Haninozuka and Takashi Morinozuka. Mitsukuni-senpai comes from the elite Haninozuka Martial Arts family. The Haninozukas have helped train police and SDF forces, along with overseas militaries. Mitsukuni-sen has been a national champion in both karate and judo since middle school. Takashi-senpai is Mitsukuni-senpai's cousin. The Morinozuka family had served the Haninozuka family for many generations, before marriage joined the two families. Takashi-sen has earned national championship in kendo when he was also in middle school and is currently well trained in karate." As I give my explanation to my aunt, both boys stand from their seats, bowing towards my Aunt out of respect.

"Next I should mention Tamaki Suoh and Kyoya Ootori." Honey and Mori sit down while Tamaki and Kyoya stand. "Aunty, you may remember Tamaki-senpai from my childhood, however he has grown to be a remarkable young gentleman. His father is the Chairman of the Board of Ouran Academy, and with his grandmother's obscene wealth and knowledge in the business circle for their ownership of Suoh Enterprises, the Suoh family remains at the top of their class."

Anna's aunt looks at Tamaki. "Come here, child." Tamaki walks towards Aunt Maryanne. He keeps his eyes cool and maintains his pleasurable composure as he nears her. "You have grown a lot, haven't you. I am pleased to see you are in good health and hygiene. Your manners seem to be impeccable. You show promise, Tamaki Suoh."

"Thank you, Madame," Tamaki says as he bows. He walks back to his seat, but remains standing.

Aunt Maryanne nods for Anna to continue. "Kyoya Ootori is the third son of the Ootori family, wealthy and noble in their managing of a health care zaibatsu. The Ootori family even employ a private police force. Although Kyoya-senpai is the youngest of his brothers, he shows promise to be equally qualified as the Ootori Patriarch. Kyoya-sen has superior intelligence as he never stops assessing his surroundings and the people within his near vicinity." Kyoya bows in turn and the two boys sit.

"Lastly, in my class, are the Hitachiin Twins and Haruhi Fujiyoka. Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin come from Yuzuha Hitachiin and Hayato Hitachiin. Yuzuha-sama is a famous fashion designer of her own company. Hayato-sama runs a computer software program. Both of their parents are always working, so Hikaru-kun and Kaoru-kun have relied on only each other. Hikaru-kun is the older of the two, which leaves Kaoru-kun the youngest. They have a little sister as well, however when the twins are away at school or on other business, she is attended to by their maids. Finally, Haruhi Fujiyoka. Haruhi-chan is highly intelligent, as she comes from a lower class family, yet has earned a scholarship to attend Ouran Academy in hopes of becoming a lawyer as her mother was." The Hitachiin twins bow and Haruhi curtsies.

"My friends," Hikaru, Kaoru, and Haruhi sit as Anna continues, "as you have heard by now, this is my Aunt Maryanne. Maryanne Beaufort is my mother's sister. She owns a fabric company originated in France, passed down to her from my mother's side of the family for many generations. Aunt Maryanne inherited my grandparents' company when they fell ill. My mother rejected the offer, as she was the oldest and was supposed to inherit the company herself. Instead, my mother met my father, the owner of a literary publishing company as well as many art museums. While they now co-own both businesses, my aunt remains the head of Beaufort Fabrics. I believe Yuzuha-sama uses various fabrics from my aunt's company for her designs."

When I return from the kitchen to serve my guests tea, I open the door to my aunt asking, "So which of you is trying to court Anna?" I close the door behind me, causing everyone to look at me. Tamaki and Kyoa sit closest to the fire on the right. Haruhi sits acorss from my aunt on the couch. Mori and Honey sit behind the couch closest to Haruhi, while the Hitachiin twins sit behind the couch closer to my aunt. "Anna! Perfect timing. And you brought tea. Good girl. I just asked which of these fine gentleman wish to have your attention."

"They all have my attention, Aunty." I reply coolly as I set the tray on a cart at the bottom of the stairs. "As I've mentioned earlier, they are all my friends, so of course they have my attention." I walk towards the Hitachiin twins first. I smile at Hikaru and Kaoru while I set up their cups.

"Well, of course they have your attention in the friendly sense, Anna. No need to be sarcastic with me. Watch your tongue, you insolent girl. Or I will staple it shut."

"Yes, Aunty. I apologize." I walk towards Mori and Honey, setting up their cups.

"I want to start off with the good qualities Anna has. Anna is a good scholar, sure. She is obedient and loyal. But she is a daydreamer and tends to be clumsy."

I leave a couple extra sugar cubes on the side for Honey before I head towards Haruhi.

"See what I mean? Anna, you dropped sugar cubes on the blonde young man's saucer."

"I apologize, Aunty, but Honey likes his tea on the sweeter side. He doesn't like having all the sugar in at once, however, so he sets a couple on the side to put in after the first set dissolves."

"I see."

When I reach Haruhi, she shakes her head. I hover my hand over a pitcher of water and she shakes her head again, so I start walking towards Kyoya and Tamaki.

Aunt Maryanne watches me as I skip over Haruhi. "Not even going to offer her water?"

"I am okay, Miss Beaufort," Haruhi replies before I can. "I don't need anything to drink."

"She still needs to offer you something as host of this house."

"Aunty, I have and she declined."

Aunt Maryanne narrows her eyes at me. I walk towards Kyoya.

"Really. I'm not surprised none of you has spoken up about courting her. Anna may have a pretty face, but that's all she has to her. Maybe her voice, I suppose. Have you heard her sing? She's comparable to a siren. That won't get her anywhere. Not with that attitude of hers. I mean, look at her. If Anna had her mother's looks and knew how to keep her mouth shut, then maybe she could turn a few heads."

"Actually," Kaoru begins, "I find Anna quite charming."

"Yes," Hikaru joins, "in fact she caught both of our attentions."

"In fact," Honey continues, "I've been interested in Anna from the moment I met her."

Mori nods in agreement.

"It's never a dull day with Anna around," Kyoya laughs. "She's always playing music for us. Writing for us."

Kaoru mentions, "Her appearance is more than simply pretty. When she's happy her eyes shine like the brightest emeralds. When she's sad, her eyes dull like the back of a turtle's shell."

"Her hair," Hikaru goes on, "is like roasted hazelnuts, or coffee beans, even!"

"Her hugs are full of love and warmth, like a teddy bear," Honey finishes.

Kaoru adds, "Anna is incredibly smart, talented, funny, caring-"

"-positive, beautiful, gentle, and kind," Mori interrupts.

Aunt Maryanne contemplates everyone's words. While I finish with both Tamaki's and Kyoya's teas, I whisper in Kyoya's ear, "Thank you." I rest my hand on his shoulder and give him a soft squeeze before I walk the cart back to the other end of the room. I lift the tray and start walking up the stairs. I hear murmurs when the door closes behind me.

I see my father at the entryway leading to the kitchen. "Is everything okay? Your face is very red."

I smile and hand him the tea tray. "Yes, everything is perfectly fine." I follow my dad into the kitchen. Taking a seat at the island, I watch him put things away and start washing dishes. "Father?"

"Yes?"

"How did you know you were in love?"

He pauses what he's doing and turns to face me. "Why do you ask?"

"I don't know what love is."

"I see." He faces the sink once more and continues to wash the dishes. "I knew I was in love when I wanted nothing more than the person I fell in love with to be happy. If she was happy, I was happy."

"Was that person my mother?"

"Yes," a voice from behind me speaks up, making both me and my father to jump. I turn around to see my mother leaning against the pillar. "I, too, would like to know if you have fallen in love with me."

She laughs and walks over to my father. They embrace and I look away to save myself from their PDA. "I fall more in love with you, every day, My Queen."

"Love is a funny thing, Anna." My mother starts, "Sometimes you only fall in love once. Sometimes you fall in love more times than that. It could be with the same person, or it could be with different people."

"Sometimes," my father adds, "you could fall in love with multiple people at the same time, or you fall in love with each individual as time passes."

I nod and watch my parents. "I should get back to the library. Apparently Aunt Maryanne wants to know if any of my friends love me."

I leave the kitchen and walk back towards the library. 'I wonder if they were saying that because Haruhi told them about my last lesson or not. If she did... Are they saying it because they love me as a friend? Or are they saying it because of something more?' Pausing in front of the library doors, I take a deep breath. 'It's okay, I'm sure nothing more came out of this.' I walk in to the library.

All talking stops and my aunt calls out before I walk fully in. "Anna, please show Tamaki and Haruhi to the kitchen for some snacks. I have more questions for these gentleman."

"Of course, Aunty. Only if my friends are okay with staying here without my attendance."

"Of course, Anna," Kyoya smiles up at me.

"We're having a great conversation," Honey mentions.

Nodding, I hold the door open for Tamaki and Haruhi.

"Wait for me," Hikaru jumps up from his seat. "I don't need to be here for the next part of the conversation." He walks up the stairs following us out of the room.

I look expectantly at my friends as we head to the kitchen. When they don't say anything I ask, "Okay, what did I miss?"

"Don't be stupid, Anna," Hikaru chimes.

"Hikaru!" Tamaki exclaims.

"What?!" Hikaru retorts. "It's true! She knows very well what's going on in there."

"Why didn't you stay in there, then?" Haruhi asks. "You spoke up in Anna's favor as well.

Hikaru blushes and shoves his hands in his pockets. "Anna is great and all but but she really isn't my type, no offense."

"None taken," I shrug. When we reach the kitchen, my mother is drying dishes while my father puts them away.

"Hey mom, dad," I call as I head towards the kitchen table. "You might remember-"

"TAMAKI!" My mother rushes over to the young boy with blonde hair and embraces him in a tight hug. "My how you've grown so much! You're taller than Anna's father now!"

"Hey!" My father walks over to us and pats Tamaki on the shoulder. "You really have grown, haven't you? Good to see you again, kiddo. You should have stopped by sooner."

Tamaki laughs, "Good to see both of you again, as well. I've always wondered how you have been. Yes, I should have stopped by sooner, however the host club always has events."

"Haruhi, sorry, didn't mean to ignore you, dear." My mother lets go of Tamaki and offer Haruhi a hug. She kisses the top of Haruhi's head before walking towards Hikaru. "And who is this handsome young man?"

"Hikaru Hitachiin," I answer for him. "He's in the same class as Haruhi and me. Him and his twin brother Kaoru." I look at my dad, hoping he doesn't say anything about Kaoru coming over.

"Pleasure to meet you," my mother holds out her arm to offer a handshake.

Hikaru surprises me by taking her hand and kissing the back of it. "The pleasure is mine, Michiko-Sama."

My mother giggles as my father holds out his hand for Hikaru. "Hikaru, huh? I've heard a lot about you and Kaoru."

"Oh?" Hikaru glances at me before shaking my father's hand.

My father chuckles, "Nothing to worry about. Just how mischievous you two can be, especially when you're together. I heard you all helped Anna put on a little show for Tamaki, though. That was very nice of you."

"Yeah, it was no problem," I watch Hikaru's face turns red as he gets more embarrassed.

We gather around the kitchen table and engage in small conversation while we wait for the others to finish talking to my Aunt.