"Sorry you had to wait."
Kyoya looked up as she entered. He rose to greet her, and led her to the sofa just as he had seen his father do with his mother when he was a child. He suddenly realised something. That even thou he had been a host for several years now, he had no clue as to how he was to talk to Ai.
She wasn't a client. He wasn't trying to get her to buy something. She was to be his wife. The mere thought, that he did not have full control, scared the daylights out of him, but he was careful as not to let the other host understand that. Just as he sat down the servants came in with plates of food. Not surprisingly considering what her family was.
"I hope everyone likes it." She gestured for them to start eating. While they ate he could see how she took mental notes about everyone's favourite food, and storing them in neat files. Taking notes about how much they eat, comments and every little detail. Suddenly it felt like an earthquake, the whole house shook so bad. Ai rose, her anxiousness easy to read, and turned to the door which suddenly opened.
A little girl darted threw the door, close followed by another girl, identical to the first one, and a female servant. Arisu and Chieko, her sisters. It was clear that one was chasing the other, and like she had done nothing else her entire life Ai captured the two girls. The girl who hade been chased was crying, and while she let this girl cry against her shoulder she talked to the chaser. "Chieko what happened?" No answer. She tried to question the crying one, but she didn't get anything comprehensible from her. She turned to the servant, but she hadn't seen what had happened. Kyoya caught himself studying her. What was she to do next? "Chieko, did you hurt Arisu?" "It was her fault. She was lying. She said you where moving out." Ai grabbed Chiekos arm. "Chieko I am moving out. I'm getting married and have to live with my husband." Kyoya froze when he understood he had been the cause of the fight. The room was silent as the grave. No other noise than the three girls. "But why? Don't you love us anymore?" "Why do you say that Chieko?" "That is why mom left. Was it not? Because we where unlovable?" Ai drew the little girl close, hugging both of them tight. "Now listen to me, both of you. Are you listening?" The girls nodded. "I love you two more than I can tell, more than anything else in this world. And just because I am getting married and moving away does not mean that I stop loving you. Nothing or no one in this world can make me stop loving you. Both of you."
The girls stepped away from their sister. "Do you understand?" Chieko nodded, and she even smiled shyly. But doubt was showing in Arisus eyes. Sadly Ai didn't seem to catch it. She looked up and pointed to him. "That's Ohtori, he is the man I'm going to marry." The girls went closer and just looked at him. What do I do now? They are so small? What if I hurt one of them? Then he felt a throbbing pain as one of them kicked him. "Arisu." Ai grabbed the little girl who just looked down on the floor. He could hear as the twins tried to kill a laugh. Apparently impressed about the girl who beat up the big Kyoya Ohtori. "Arisu you never ever hit or kick someone. No matter what they do." "But…" "Never. No matter what." Kyoya was fine; she was not that strong a kicker. He had been more surprised than anything else. He bent down brushing dust of his pants, as he realised that Ais voice actually trembled as she told her sister of.
"I'm sorry."
"That's okay." Ai was again frightened as to hold cold he acted. What if he told his father about this? She didn't want to think what her father might do if the wedding was cancelled. She had to do something to make him forget about what had happened. "Now girls, no more fighting. Go and play in your room." "But we want to be with you guys." "Pretty please." "Pleas." "Pleas." "With cherry on top." They stuck out there lower lip and made puppy dogfaces. Ai felt sorry for them. She looked at the guys and Haruhi to see if anyone objected. Since no one did she looked down at her sisters again. "Are you going to behave?" They nodded energetically. "All right, as long as you behave."
The girls cheered, and ran to the boys before she could change her mind. Chieko jumped on Hikarus lap and looked between him and Kaoru, for the first time not only seeing other identical twins, but also tall, handsome, male identical twins. Even thou she was the more masculine of the two, she was also the most boy crazy. Arisu sat next to Mori with her arms around her legs. Just looking at him. Both girls were exceptional quiet, and it dawned on Ai that this was the first time she took anyone home with her, let alone seven. Ai tok her eyes of her sisters to study Kyoya, still scared Arisu had made him mad. But no matter how hard she tried, she could not read his blank expression. This scared her. If I can't read him, how am I to stop him from…? She felt her hands shake and folded them hard in her lap. She took another look at her sister. They had now had started questioning the hosts from everything between heaven and earth. She did not do this for her self. If anything, her father was a man of his words.
"Thank you Ai, it was nice to meet you."
"It was a pleasure guys, and again sorry for my sisters." She finally managed to separate the hosts from the girls and sent them inside. "So you'll come over tomorrow?" She nodded, smiling a kind of half smile. "Yes Kyoya." That was the first time she called him that. He liked it. The servants closed the door, and the other hosts started talking about Ai. Kyoya was so preoccupied with his own thoughts it took him some time understanding Haruhi was actually walking beside him. Knowing her people skills, and trusting her ability to judge people he asked her; "What do you think?" "She's a good person, and will make a good wife and mother. But the question is, is this what you want?" Kyoya was stunned to hear her ask the same question as Tamaki. Am I really that easy to read? He sat down in the limo, opened his book, and determined not to let anyone else read him.
"Not so much oil Fuyumi."
Ai took the bottle, but smiled encouraging to her. "I told you. I ruin everything I touch." "No you don't so stop saying that. Everyone makes mistakes, especially in the kitchen." Ai twirled around and stirred in a casserole with pasta. "Can you get the sifter?" Fuyumi looked over he shoulder at the pasta. "How can you tell that its finished?" Ai tried to explain, and was happy when it seemed as Fuyumi understood. She left to find the sifter, and Ai closed her eyes. Just taking in the smells that surrounded her. She had always loved the kitchen. And she would probably always love being in the kitchen, no matter what happened. The kitchen was in her blood. She couldn't do wrong here. This was where she belonged. "Kyoya taste this. Tell me what you think."
Ai froze as she heard that name. He couldn't. He wasn't due home till later. "Okay Fuyumi, but if you were hungry, why not just let the chiefs make you something?" Ai couldn't breath, but as calm as she could she turned and looked at him. "Well since Ais family is known for their special abilities in the kitchen I begged her to teach me a trick or two. Its not like it could get any worse." Fuyumi laughed, but Ai could see how his eyes got I bit colder, and she understood why. It was a pity how the woman kept talking herself down. "Don't say that Fuyumi. You are better than you give yourself credit." Ai looked at him, and to her surprise, he thanked her. When the food was ready they sat down and started eating.
"So little brother, when where you going to tell me you were getting married?" Ai almost chocked. She had not been aware he hadn't told his sister when she talked to her. She looked scared at him, but he only met his sister's eyes. "We have only known for a few days ourselves." They shared a look. A look Ai hated. The same look people had shared when her mother had gone missing. That we know something you don't know look. What is so important you have to share a look Kyoya. I'm you future wife please tell me. But she said nothing. She had learned the wisdom of not asking questions. "You are lucky you have som many brothers Fuyumi. I always wished for a big brother when I was younger." Kyoya rose and left the room. "Did I say something wrong?" Why did she always mess things up?
"All his life Kyoya has been competing with his brothers. As the youngest he don't have a lot of chances being my fathers successors, even thou he surpasses them both in talent and in intelligence. You can't understand. As the first born you most likely will be the successor." "I wont inherit anything. My husband will." She rose and left through the same door Kyoya had gone through.
After some fumbling she finally found his room. He sat by his desk, some papers in front of him. Homework, she concluded. "What do you want?" He turned, startled either by her question or her present. She took a step closer, somehow surer of her relationship whit him. "Do you want to take over the Ohtori business?" He just stared at her. "Say something Kyoya. Is that what you want? Is that your dream?" "Yes but," "No. No buts. If that is what you want, let me help you get it." She went down on her knees in front of him, grabbing his hands. He just looked at her. "I know what it will say having dreams that seam impossible. Let me help you reach yours. I promise, what ever it takes I will do. If you lead, following might not be so hard." She looked in his eyes, and he smiled. He kissed her on the forehead. "If you lead, following might not be so bad."
"Actually I do look better in yellow than in green, but green was more expensive so I just had to have it."
Kyoya listened to the gossiping girls surrounding him, and made a not for everything that might be important later, either for the club or him personally. This preoccupied his mind so much; he didn't see her as she sneaked in. But on the other hand, everyone else did. "Ai?" He turned as her named was spoken, and thou he was surprised to see her he hid it well. "So what do I owe this pleasure?" "I was wondering if I could order a host?" "If you want, who?" She smiled. "Haruhi." Not the answer he thought, but agreeable non the less. He suddenly wondered what would have happened if she hade wanted one of the twins f.eks. At least she knew Haruhi was a woman. But why do I care so much? Just because of her reputation? Yes, it must be that. I only do things that are in merit of my self, and marrying a girl with a shaky reputation would not give me merit.
"You see there is a debt to be paid, and I want to do my part." She took a step closer, and was now only inches from his ear. "But I think its kind of sad, that you feel the need to force her to stay rather than relying on your friendship. Are you really so scared of loosing her? Do you really think she feels so little for the host club, for you guys, that after two years, that the only thing that keeps her here is the debt?" She took a step back, "I'm starting to feel a little jealous," smiled, and went over to Haruhi. Kyoya was stunned. He was speechless. No one had ever talked to him like that.
He suddenly realised that the other hosts where looking at him, and he started writing in his book again. He knew no one knew what he felt, but it was weird that she had this power over him. He cast a quick glance over at her. She and Haruhi were chatting like old friends. She looked over and smiled at him, and his legs felt like they where made of jelly. For the remaining of the day he caught himself frequently casting glances her way, and before he knew it, the club had closed. The only ones left where the hosts and Ai. There was something different today. She was calmer, more confident, less scared. He cast a glance again her way, and saw how everyone was looking her way. "What?" "Ai just told about your first meeting." He raised his eyebrow, and saw her become a little less confident. He had thought their first meeting was when she had come to verify the engagement, but then again. Two years at the same school, chances where they had meet somewhere before. Especially considering what he had been working with, but he was sure she was not an old costumer. He had already checked.
"You probably don't remember this but it was your first year. A fellow classmate wanted to see Tamaki, but was to scared since she was only middle school pupil. So she dragged me along. And then deserted me as quickly as we got through the doors. I was all alone, and on my way out when a voice behind me said; "Sorry, but you dropped this." I turned around and there he was. So cool, collected, calm, my fears just vanished. I know you where like that to everyone. But in that moment you handed me my bracelet it was like you existed just for me. But that's just how your clients feel I guess. No wonder they keep coming back." She rose and looked at him, kind of puzzled. Then he could see how she got scared. "I'm sorry. Excuse me." This is getting annoying. How could he marry someone who was constantly scared of him?
He rose and ran after her. A thing he hadn't done in a long while. A way down the hallway he caught her. "Ai, wait." Ai looked at him, her eyes widened. When she looked like that, she reminded him of her sisters. "You don't have to apologise all the time, only when you actually have done something wrong to apologise for." "I always do wrong things." "Why do you say that?" She started crying. "Why else did mom leave med? Why else do father always…." Her voice died down, and Kyoya got a feeling something was wrong. "Ai you are not the reason your mother left. You did nothing wrong." "So why did she leave?" He hugged her. Holding her tight to his body as she cried into his shoulder. "I don't know Ai. I honestly don't know."
"Come on Ai, concentrate."
Ai hit the pole so hard she could, but it didn't even wobble. Sweaty and exhausted she almost fell over, so she sat down before she actually did it. It was late in the afternoon, and the entire school was completely quiet. She loved it, almost as much as she loved cooking. That's why she had decided to train here. That, and the fact her father would disown her if he knew she was doing this. He hated the thought of women fighting. "You're not doing that right." She shot up like a rocket when she heard Moris voice. "What do you mean?" He ran against the poles and barehanded he got the bar to fall down. Ai was impressed. "How did you do that?" Mori placed the bar back on the pole and then explained it very simply. She tried to do it, exactly as he had told her. The bar didn't fall down, but the pole did wobble. She was ecstatic. She was smiling from ear to ear.
"Again Ai." She nodded, and after three more tries the bar fell down. Ai leaned against the pole, exhausted. "Again Ai." She tried lifting the bar to the top, but it was quite heavier than anticipated. She turned to seek help, but he just stood there. Arms in cross, strict face. Well I wanted to be better, and now I have one of the best as a trainer. What have I gotten my self into? After five minutes of pushing and lifting, the bar was in place. "Now, knock it down." Ai did just as last time, and this time she made it on try three. One less shot than before. "Again." For more than two hours. He trained her. Pushing her so hard, at the end she could just lay on the ground. She was totally pumped. "Same time, same place next week?" she joked, but was glad when he nodded. He helped her up. "What are you doing her anyway? If its not to impolite?" "I'm the kendo teacher." She smiled, adrenalin and endorphins pumping in her veins. "I should have known." She loved it.
"We would like to welcome you all to our host clubs winter formal."
Kyoya looked at the girls, pink hearts in their eyes. Even he was impressed. With Ais words, about why the girls come again and again, fresh in mind he went from one girl to the next. Trying as hard as he could to make every one of them feel special. "Do I have to pay every time I want to dance whit you?" Kyoya caught her eyes before measuring her up and down. She was beautiful. The blue dress matched her blue eyes, and fit her figure perfectly. He could actually see her muscles in her arms and legs where mote defined most likely to Mori and all her weekly practice. "You look wonderful." "Thanks, you don't look to bad yourself." "And may I say, Mori must stop going so easy on you at practice." "Well, he is the teacher so I trust him to… Wait, you know?"
Kyoya smiled to her. "Of course you know. Is there anything you don't know?" "Your favourite colour." She looked surprise. That was probably the last thing she would expect him to say. "Dance with me and I'll tell you." "Tell me and I'll dance with you." She smiled. She leaned against him, again her lips inches away from his ear. "Blue." Kyoya smiled and grabbed her hand to lead her to the floor when one of the guards came over to talk to them. "We have some students that are demanding to talk to you Mr Ohtori." Kyoya cursed under his breath. He turned and kissed her hand. "I must…" "Go. It's all right. Just remember you owe me a dance." He bowed, and followed the guard.
When he came back Ai was dancing whit Mori, and there where a lot of girls who wanted to dance whit him. When the party was over, and cleaning was under control she came over. "You still owe me a dance Kyoya?" "And I always pay my debt." He took her hand and was to lead her to the floor when they where interrupted again, this time by her chauffer. "We have to leave Ms Fuhiri." She nodded, understanding. She turned to Kyoya. He grabbed her and held her close. "I have to go Kyoya." She whispered. Like she was scared of those words. She smiled as she gently caressed his cheek. He grabbed her hand and started to kiss her palm. He realised something. He didn't want her to go. Gently se took her hand away from him, and he had to stop kissing it. "I have to go. Bye." "Bye." She started walking behind the driver, then turned and flew him a kiss. "Till next time." Then she turned and ran out the door.
"Ai, wait up."
Ai turned as Haruhi came running. Ai knew the girls where gossiping, but she didn't care. She didn't care. Haruhi was her first real friend, and she was not going to loose her because of some girls saying things behind her back. They went out of the gate together. Suddenly she felt arms around her chest, and before she could fully understand what happened she and Haruhi was pushed into a car whit soothed windows. She couldn't see, but as the car started she was thrown on something soft that led out a shriek. "Haruhi, are you all right?" "I'm fine. How about you?" Ais maternal instinct thrived, as did her guilt. "I'm unharmed." Ai knew what hade happened. They had been kidnapped. She felt around in the dark for Haruhis hand, and squeezed it tight when she found it. Ai could feel the salty taste of tears. She couldn't stop crying. She had created problems for Haruhi. What would happen when they found out who she was? "Haruhi." "Don't be scared Ai, everything is going to be fine." I'm not so shure about that, but she said nothing.
"What do you mean they are gone?"
Kyoya watched as his captain in command trembled before him. He knew Tamaki was having a tantrum just a little behind him, and that the captain on several occasions had learned just why Hunny and Mori was the best at what they do. Hunny seated in a couch looking very sad, and Mori, standing by the window. Surprisingly you could se his distress. The twins where as always ticking bombs, and he knew that if the hosts started beating up this man he neither could nor would he stop them. The captain was terrified, and Kyoya had no sympathies whit him. Two people had been kidnapped right of campus, and not just any two people. Haruhi and Ai.
She was gone, probably in danger. "Can you explain to me, because I'm having difficulties to comprehend how two students got swept of campus in browed daylight." The captain just stood their, wise enough not to speak. Kyoya sat down in chair. He was surprisingly tired. He looked at his father. "You are fired. Go and tell your second in command to come in." The captain bowed and almost ran out of there. Kyoya thought he had gotten of easy, probably the same thing the captain had thought. He almost wanted to call him back and let the other hosts' loos on him. But before he could the door opened and the second in command and Mana, Ai survant, came in.
In his hand was a letter in a plastic bag. Kyoya stood up. "This was apparently delivered at the house sir." The man delivered the letter to Mr Fuhiri, who had been talking to his father. He became pale the more he read, and when he was finished he sat down in a chair. Kyoya was scared, and he hated that feeling. He was glad his father was closer. "Katso what is it?" "Its Sango." Kyoya sat down again in the chair. "Who is that?" He turned to the other hosts, he didn't even know who had asked the question. "Ais mother."