Author's Note: I edited the previous chapters. I may edit the other chapters later but I might not, I'll let you know if there are any other changes! So I would recommend going over those chapters even though I didn't change anything major to where you HAVE to read them but they are more detailed and make a bit more sense regarding Tina and the situation. So basically I recommend going over them a bit. Though I did not edit every chapter...

Of course I do declare that I am deeply regretful for not updating sooner. I was adjusting to graduating high school, getting ready for college, and my nieces visiting for the majority of the summer. I also made some more notes and changes regarding Tina's character so I haven't forgotten you all.

Tea With Honey

Chapter 7

Indecision and Introductions

Last time on Tea with Honey: Aki steps starts to slow as he looks at the windows and around the hall. Aki's hand clenches on his fan.

"Fujioka.." We had stopped in front of a large door. Haruhi didn't seem to hear Aki as she looks up at the sign above the door. 'Music room 3...'

'We're here already?' I brace myself as she turns the door knob. Aki's eyes widen and he raises his hand to stop her. "No wait!" Too late as Haruhi has already opened the door. We shield our eyes as we are overcome by a flurry of rose petals.

"Welcome."

Haruhi soon disappears behind the door as it smoothly shuts behind her. I suppose I should follow after her.

"Isn't that why I invited myself along? But... "

I feel myself start to space out as I stare at the 3rd music room sign. It wouldn't be a problem if I decided not to go. I don't have to face the Host Club at all. Just give Haruhi an excuse later, go back with Aki, and finish schooling at Lobelia. My thoughts are interrupted by a jingling of the Host Club's door knob. Aki is facing me with a smile with his back and arms behind him and against the door.

My eyes widen in realization.

"Why... why are you blocking the door?" Is that Haruhi trying to get out?

I can feel my brows furrow in thought. Is Aki the reason why Haruhi couldn't leave the room? Maybe it's simply a coincidence and Haruhi is just panicking...

The muffled voices continued behind the door and were the only sounds in the hall. No one seemed to be around besides us but who knew how long that would last.

"...Aki." I call. Aki flinches in what looks to be surprise and focuses on me.

Did he think I forgot about him? He's still in the way of the door.

"You don't have to go in if you don't want to; I'll understand."

Aki lowers his head and replies in a soft voice. "Sister... sister does not have to go in if she does not want to as well." Now it's my turn to flinch in surprise.

Aki raises his head; revealing unsure yet determined eyes. "I can tell sister is hesitating from entering the Host Club. I do not want to be here at a club filled with men but I came along anyway because... because I want to stay by your side a little bit longer if I can. Even though I am scared..."

Aki's lucid grey eyes become resolute as he speaks to me.

"...I do not not want to be left behind."

A sigh escapes me and my lips quirk to a frown then to a smile. Left behind... That's a one way to put it. What a cheesy anime speech... I'm a bit of a sucker for them. While staying with Aki would be easier would I really be leaving the Host Club behind me? No and since when did I matter to the anime? I don't but at least I don't want to be left behind; I'm going in that music room and maybe I'll even enjoy myself. Even if nothing comes out of this, I will at least seize this opportunity to see what I once thought to be fiction to be reality

. Snapping out of my thoughts again I bring my attention back to Aki who stood there at the door, muttering to himself and avoids looking me in the eye. It's funny though I just met Aki I don't really want to let him down.

Clearing my throat a little I speak in what I hope sounds confident. "Aki, will you open the door? We don't want to be left behind after all."

A rosy blush rises in Aki's face as he twirls around to open the door though I saw a glimpse of a smile from Aki before his back is turned.

'Besides...' I thought ' I'm probably blowing this out of proportion. What could happen?' I feel a twist in the bottom of my stomach as the door to the Host Club opens again. Instead of rose petals we are just in time to be greeted by a shattered vase and the heel turn of the host club "king".

"Starting today, you are the Host Club's dog!" Tamaki's declaration rings throughout the room as the gray form of Haruhi sways hopelessly in the center. The Host Club appear almost like a gang with Tamaki as the "boss". I start to grimace in sympathy. Haruhi was understandably concerned; she was a "commoner" and being 8 million yen in debt is nothing to scoff at. I don't even what to think of how much that is in American currency.

"Poke. Poke." Honey narrates as he gives a few unhelpful pokes to Haruhi side that do nothing but tip her over.

Mostly a jerk reaction causes me to dart forward and grab the Host Club's attention as I catch Haruhi before she hits the ground. Woah never thought I would catch someone like this. Look at my skills! I carefully maneuver Haruhi on my lap; it's hard to bring myself to look at any of them. Just act natural Tina.

"Now who might you be?" Kyoya questions in a cool and mannered tone. While the twins shrug but still look over curiously it is Tamaki's eyes that light up in recognition.

"...T-the desert flower!" My face scrunches up a bit in distaste but I could practically feel the Hitachins' eyes gleam. I watch over Haruhi on my lap, listening to the twins and avoiding Kyoya's question.

Hikaru I think grins deviously and says, "Ah so you're the little princess that our boss stole from..."

"...After ditching her at some all girls school." Kaoru I'm guessing finishes with a matching grin.

Tamaki's face reddens as he whirls around at the twins. "I did no such thing you shady-!"

My vision is then obscured by the bunny Usa-chan waving in my face. Honey reveals himself from behind the stuffed animal and smiles surrounded by... pink flowers.

"This is Usa-chan! Do you remember us from before? We remember you and you can call me Honey what's your name? Want to eat some cake with us?"

My eyes widen at the energy when he speaks. In the back of my mind I wonder if I could act that peppy. I hesitate to answer when I notice a foreboding air behind me.

"Ahem." Everyone's attention is drawn to the front of the room where a dark and menacing air had been surrounding Aki. Pulling out a pitch black fan Aki directs an indifferent but almost hostile stare towards Tamaki which causes a shiver to rake though him.

As if on auto pilot Tamaki's persona returns to that of a charming prince as he approaches Aki. Tamaki bows elegantly and presents Aki with a suave smile.

" I apologize for not attending to any of you. But may we be graced with your names princesses?"

Before Aki could answer Kyoya finally speaks once again.

"Aki Nakamura: a first year and the heir to the Nakamura family who are supporters of multiple feminist organizations and a prestigious all-girls academy. The Nakamura family are also the leading producers of traditional kimonos and are currently hosting a foreigner from America named Tina E. Arwood."

He ends this intro with a click of his pen.

Aki nods as he smoothly strides past Tamaki and towards me then helps me up, pulling me away from the now standing Haruhi. I straighten myself out and give a thanks to Aki and a small look over at Haruhi while Aki checks me over with small pats.

The twins popped up behind us like a pair of weasels surprising me and Aki.

"An American visiting Ouran?" Hikaru questions.

"I wonder if it's for business...?" Kaoru starts.

"...or pleasure?" The two chime together.

"..." Whelp. Maybe I should have waited outside. Though that reminds me...

"Well I do need my luggage back." I say sheepishly.

Tamaki pushes the twins aside and addressed me. "Excuse those two and I assure you that you'll have your belongings as soon as possible."

I would hope so.

Kyoya glances at me and then Aki after that his glasses glint as he inclines his head in our direction.

"As an apology for the inconvenience please accept a complimentary pass to the host club."

Either Kyoya just got generous, he is trying to appease Tamaki, or trying to appease Aki who was giving off an icy mood ever since he came in. Honestly I could appreciate any of these reasons.

Tamaki, who appears pleased, introduces himself and the host club. Haruhi I think has already heard this introduction and doesn't look impressed and neither does Aki.

Kyoya passes over a slip of paper and some sort of credit card to Haruhi who reluctantly accepts it.

"A list for you Fuijioka for what we need for the club today." Haruhi silently grumbled to herself but prepared to leave.

"Mind if I tag along Haruhi?" As fun as these people are I do not want to be left alone with ALL of them. Aki hasn't said much since entering the club which does make me hesitate to ask if he is coming along again. Meanwhile the Hitachins maintained a curious but mischievous demeanor, their "boss" Tamaki shifted from attempting to either scold the two or tend to us "guests". Deciding on Aki and I, Tamaki, recovering from his previous failure took another go at hosting Aki.

"Miss Nakamura I-"

"Wait for me." Aki interrupts Tamaki, swiftly twirls around and trails behind us with a quick bow and a good day to the club members. This trio comprising of a dismayed Haruhi, a disgruntled Aki, and an anxious but grinning me all stride to the now functional exit. I spare one last peek behind us.

There are varying reactions from the club. Kyoya is flipping through his little shadow black book, the Hitachins are sharing a conspiring grin, Mori blinks silently, Tamaki is frozen fin place and Honey is waving happily. Just before the door fully shuts I hear one last snippet of conversation.

"For someone so openly gay Fujioka sure is popular with the ladies." I hear twins add.

The door clicks behind us and we all release a unified sigh. In my sigh was a combination of relief, exhilaration, and stress all at once. Everyone back home I don't know if I can handle this.

The two of us follow Haruhi on the coffee run. I peer around to appreciate the spacious area. The scenery matches the wealth of the school though it gradually lowers into more common standards of a city. Aki seems to struggle to keep up after awhile. Probably due to lack of stamina and traveling in such a elaborate uniform. Haruhi turns to us and studies us from under her glasses.

"You don't really have to come with me if you don't want to you know." Aki glances at Haruhi but doesn't say anything. My hand reaches and starts fiddling with the end of my braid.

"I want to. It wouldn't be bad to get to know about the area since I'll be here for awhile." I throw a grin at her. "Besides now the three of us are here and not at the host club." Haruhi groans a bit at the reminder but returns a small smile. My fingers twist my braid a bit.

"So I heard a crash in there and them call you their dog did you break something and now you have to do their errands or something?" Haruhi groans again and nods. She gives me an appraising look.

"You're pretty perceptive Tina." I give a nervous laugh.

"Not really."

Haruhi, Aki, and I are now returning from our coffee trip. It was pretty uneventful though Haruhi gave me a few thoughtful looks every now and then. From what I remembered Haruhi was usually thinking. We also got to know each other a little bit more while shopping.

Aki on the other hand kept fanning himself and muttering under his breath. I'm a little impressed on how Aki is handling this situation. Sure he sounds ominous now but he didn't ditch me in there. I shouldn't be that surprised since he must have plenty of experience with attending a co-ed school, Ouran at that.

A resigned Haruhi lead us through the rosy or maybe carnation pink arch to the Host Club now surrounded by a mass of yellow dressed young ladies and the working Host Club. It really is magnificent here. Now that I look around some more I can see how grand everything is from the floors to the walls, not to mention the size, design, and quality this place has. Just a few things in this room could probably pay for college!

Tamaki, who was lounging on a high class couch looks up from a auburn haired girl to Haruhi.

"Speak of the devil. Thanks for doing the shopping little piglet. Did you get everything on our list? I hope you weren't too distracted by your lovely companions?"

"What? Piglet?" Haruhi says in disbelief then proceed to go over to Tamaki. What happened to Haruhi being a dog? Was she promoted or demoted just now?

I sidestepped from behind Haruhi and off to the side. Aki follows fanning himself with that gloomy black fan all the while. Distantly, I can hear a conversation on instant coffee, poor people, and differences in market prices. Most of the club and its visitors were at the center of the hubbub except for Honey and Mori.

"I will drink this coffee!" The standing Tamaki announces with enthusiasm which is then met with a chorus of awe and applause. "Alright Haruhi. Come over and make this commoner's coffee."

Haruhi has an expression of disdain on her face as she I think is internally cursing rich people. Honestly I don't know whether or not I want to laugh or sneer myself. Almost everyone who is here excluding us three and the auburn girl moved over to a different area.

The auburn haired girl whose name I can't recall (I think it starts with an A) places her tea cup with a slight clink sound.

"Oh Tamaki, now your taking the joke too far. Your palette won't be able to stomach that crap. You don't have to drink it just because you bought it." The girl lets out a small noise then aims her head up at Haruhi. "I'm sorry, I was talking to myself."

Haruhi, at a bit of a loss, just gives a small confused ah in response then hearing Tamaki call her name she leaves reluctantly.

"I'm coming."

This girl's true nature is showing. She should have been more careful on what she says around people. I doubt Ouran ladies are supposed to speak that way at least not at school.

Not much is changing from what I recall. I'm almost disappointed.

Shuffling over with Aki in tow I prepare to watch the demonstration. Aki is following even closer behind me like a shadow. He is trembling slightly and is mumbling some words that seem to be along the lines of "girls everywhere" and "avoid her and her...". Aki fans himself a wee bit then acts as if nothings amiss.

Yikes.

I might have missed his reaction if he wasn't so close to me. How reliable a source Aki is I don't know. He does go to school here as a female student but with how he is when around 'scary' women and men in general... Frankly I'm not intimated yet. And definitely not by this... Ayanokogi? Don't get me wrong she is very pretty; it's interesting that she looks nice in her uniform even with auburn hair. But her annoyance is peeking through not just from her comment but by how quick she sipped her tea at the talk of tasting "commoner's" coffee. My fist hits my palm in realization.

Well excuse me princess could have been a funny thing to say! Darn. I have got to use that one of these days while I have the chance. Just got to wait for an even better opportunity. But now that I think about it I don't typically quote things. And would anyone get the reference?

Haruhi prepares and pours cups of instant coffee which a few guests now hold but still have yet to taste. "Here" Haruhi says sounding irritated. Tamaki sparkles a tad with his hand under his chin and gives a open mouthed smile."Let the tasting begin."

"I'm a little scared to drink this stuff." A girl with black hime hair and pink lips admits.

"I'm afraid if I drink this my father will yell at me." One wavy haired brunette girl worryingly states. Tamaki dips her down and proposes, "What if I let you drink it from my mouth?"

"O-oh well then I would drink it."

Ooah~! The guests squeal in response with the exception of Haruhi, Aki, and I. I get what he is trying to do but I wouldn't want to drink something that has been in someone else's mouth let alone coffee. Tamaki should be more careful; what if someone takes him up on that offer? The thought makes me snicker.

"At least they are having fun huh Haruhi, Aki?" Both just grumble. Well then. Haruhi moves away, walking by the twins who are doing their twins brotherly love act nearby. Do I want to see that up close? Aki twitches some more and when finally Honey who is piggybacked by Mori (whose has his hands in his pockets like a boss by the way) enters the room he ultimately snaps his fan shut.

"I am sorry but I will see you at another time sister."

Left on my own now? Kudos for coming with me Aki. Kudos.

"That's okay I'm glad you came with me Aki. See ya later." Is what I say while giving a wave goodbye. Aki graces me with a small smile and leaves. I wouldn't want Aki to stay any longer than he wants to. Now with Aki gone I bring my attention back over to the Host club and its customers. Girls swoon as the boys entertain them. The disgruntled Haruhi interacts with almost each of the hosts. I can feel the attention of a few customers who look hesitant to approach me. I wouldn't mind talking with them instead of the Host club.

My hand twist the zipper on my vest absentmindedly as I zone out in thought. It is because of my lack of awareness that I don't notice a person approach until they are right behind me.