Hello, everyone. I am extremely sorry that I took forever but I'm back now! So yeah. Anyway a lot happens in this chapter and also THE FAULT IN OUR STARS REFERENCE BECAUSE IT IS AWESOME. And also it happens in this chapter. And by it I of course mean something that I've been leading up to for several chapters so you should be happy. And anyway, I hope you love it! This is the longest chapter so far and I really like it so yeah. Please read and review (ESPECIALLY IF I MAKE A MISTAKE I NEED TO KNOW) Anyway, thanks!
~Desime

"Yes, Aislin?" Kyoya asks me as I stand there awkwardly. I don't know exactly how it came to this, but now I'm sort of in his debt. Well, maybe I do know how. It's this lovely thing called blackmail, I guess. See, when I had gone to confront Kyoya about why he was going out of his way to get me kicked out of not only my club, but also one of my closer friend circles, he had an apparent agenda.

He told me what I wanted to hear, oddly enough. But I quickly found out that I didn't want to hear what I thought I had. Apparently he had a good piece of blackmail, something that I hadn't thought was an issue but was apparently enough to get me shunned by the entire Black Magic Club. Either way, Kyoya had wanted me for himself. More or less. See, when Hikaru had suggested to him that I join the Host Club, Kyoya had agreed. Just, for a different purpose.

Apparently I had "potential" as he said it. I think he just decided he wanted someone that wasn't a crazy otaku managing their club. I am to be Renge's assistant, apparently. Let me get something straight, I don't want to. But Kyoya is extremely convincing. And I'd rather not have the only people in this school that I actually like start to hate me. He is also capable of that. I understand the full extent of why the twins call him the "Shadow King" now.

"What is it exactly that you want me to do?" I ask, probably sounding quite irritated, because I am. "Whatever she," He was referring to Renge, "tells you to do." That sounds pleasant. "And why exactly do you want me to do this?"

Kyoya sighs, he's getting impatient. "Because, Aislin, you have the business potential that Renge lacks." He seemed like he had more to say, but I cut him off. "And what does that have to do with me getting her coffee?" I'm starting to get just as impatient as Kyoya. "You need a club." is his only reply.

I'm about to question Kyoya further, but somebody comes and wraps their arms around me, getting my attention. "So, Aislin, now that we also have you during club time." I don't know what he's asking, but I don't like where it's going. "No, Kaoru." I turn around to face him, so he sees my serious face. "But you didn't even hear-"

"No!" I say finally. "Aislin, you're no fun!" I hear Hikaru say as he comes up next to me and Kaoru. I roll my eyes. I turn around to finish my conversation with Kyoya, but then I realize he's gone. "So what were you two talking about anyway?" They both ask together. "I hate my job." They both laugh at that, and I don't really get it. "What, do you not like Renge either?" I ask, my only answer is more laughter.

It's only my third day as Renge's assistant at the Host Club, but she's already making me do most of what she used to. She's currently going to StarBuck's for an expensive coffee (which I'm not supposed to tell anyone about because it breaks some sort of unspoken rule or something) and she has me in charge of anything that happens while she's gone.

Which is a lot, apparently. I'm currently speaking to the head of the costume design club, and he isn't being very friendly.

"Look, if you people want to use our costumes, we're going to have to charge more! Our materials aren't cheap!" He's telling me.

"Well, if you aren't happy with what you're getting, we can try to reach a deal. However, I have to tell you that we won't pay you any more than we already do." Heaven knows I've heard Kyoya complain about how much money we spend on cosplay already.

"Well then what do you expect to do? I won't take anything less than twice what we were already charging, which was a great deal by the way." He thinks he's in the position to demand?

"Look, having your costumes in the Host Club is more of a benefit to you than it is to us, let me tell you. Do you know how popular our club is? We have at least half of the school's female population visiting us weekly. And all of them want to be just like the Host Club. All we have to do is mention that we use your costumes and you'd have at least a hundred new customers."

He's hesitating. He doesn't want to lose our business, but he probably still doesn't feel like he's getting a good deal. I need to make sure he doesn't think he can pressure us in to paying more.

"Of course, if that isn't enough for you, I understand. The Host Club can always find another place to get our costumes. It's not like we don't have quality designers willing to do them for us, for free no less." He looks surprised now, "The name Hitachiin doesn't ring any bells to you?" One thing about this school is that everybody here thinks like they're the CEO and need to stake out their competition. So obviously, everybody knows everybody else's history. Which is partially the reason I'm here arguing this today.

"Look, just make sure to recommend us to all of your clients whenever you wear our costumes, and we'll be satisfied." He says hurriedly, he's scared.

"Of course, you should expect nothing less." I say formally, and he nods and turns to leave. "Don't forget, our next order is 'Wizard' and we are expecting it next Wednesday." I remind him, and he nods then scurries off.

"That was rather impressive." I hear someone say behind me, and quickly turn around.

"I didn't know you were that good of a negotiator, Aislin." Tamaki says as upbeat as ever. I didn't even know he was there, but apparently he'd been watching from the doorway. I wonder how long he was there.

I didn't even have a chance to respond before Tamaki was pulling me into the main club room –music room 3- and calling everyone else to come over. "We need to have a club meeting, right away!" It's a good thing all of the guests have already left for today.

"What is it now, Senpai?" Haruhi sounds quite unamused with Tamaki's antics.

"I have made a decision! Aislin is going to be our new club delegate!" He gets a mixed reaction from the club, but I think most of them are quite confused about what he means. He seems to sense this too, because he then elabortates.

"Her new job would be to handle our affairs with other clubs. She'll represent the Host Club in business ventures."

Haruhi responds first. "Doesn't Kyoya-senpai already do that?"

"Well, yeah but Kyoya does everything. That way, it will be one less thing that he has to worry about." Tamaki argues.

"Well, that would be a good thing for Ai-chan, too. Isn't that what your dad does?" Honey-senpai looks at me as he asks. That is a weird question, and it makes me wonder exactly how much this club knows about my family. Because yes, he does have to make deals with other companies often, sometimes even representatives from other countries, but that's not something most people know about the job. I just nod.

"See, then it's agreed, Aislin gets a promotion!" Tamaki says boisterously.

"Now, hold up a moment. Does Aislin even want it? I don't remember you ever asking her opinion, Tono." Kaoru says almost accusingly, and now everyone is again focused on me.

And I need to reply this time. Damn. I hate being in this position. I don't even know if I really do want this new 'delegate' position or whatever, I haven't had the time to consider it.

"Honestly? If it means not having to go get Renge's coffee any more, then I'm all for it." I say honestly. Because today was a fluke. Usually I'm the one that has to run to Starbucks for coffee. But then, Renge also usually buys me some too.

"Doesn't Renge drink commoner's coffee like us?" Hikaru asks, he seems confused.

My response to that is just laughter.

So I did get that new position, and I no longer have to do whatever Renge tells me to, which is a plus, but I feel a lot less connected to my friends than before. But this seemed to happen once I started working as Renge's assistant. But it's different now than it even was then.

See, it started with just the club in general, and only while I was in the club. I was ignored for the most part and it seemed like everyone was keeping something from me. At first I thought it was some sort of newbie hazing thing, but it continued. I realized that it mostly happened whenever I was around Haruhi. I get the feeling that he doesn't like me too much, considering how much he avoids me whenever I'm around. Which is unfortunate, because I really like Haruhi. He's nicer than most guys I know, and not near as annoying, and (whenever he will talk to me) I feel like he listens more than most people do.

But once I got used to that brand of weird, things changed. It went from only being awkward around the club and its members, to being weird all other times too. But this wasn't the same people either, which worried me. Hikaru and Kaoru (who'd been the only people that weren't acting weird before) were now acting weirder than I'd ever known them to. I mean, they still talked to me, but I had the strangest feeling that they were holding something back. Their constant side conversations whenever I was around didn't help either. I've gotten used to their 'twin-talk' kind of convos, but the rapid whispering and constant looking back at me weirdly just gave me an uneasy feeling. After a while it kind of died down a bit, but I often catch them shooting weird looks at each other during random parts of conversation. I wonder if it was something I did?

I'm in one of those moments now. We're sitting at lunch, are looking over a new version of the Moe Moe Ouran Diaries that just came out this week. They're pretty upset about it.

"I can't believe it! I mean, Tamaki usually gets voted 'Hottest' but- AISLIN YOU ARE NOT LISTENING!"

I turn my attention to Hikaru now, I had been staring off aimlessly. Kaoru waves his hand in front of my face "Earth to Aislin, anyone there?"

"I was paying attention." I say as I push Kaoru's hand out of the way.

"Whatever." Hikaru says, unamused. "ANYWAY, did you see it?! Kaoru placed higher than me! They think Kaoru is hotter than me!" Kaoru says something about the magazine being right, and Hikaru says something back, and pretty soon their having an annoying argument. Atleast, annoying for me since I have to listen.

"Now, now, you're both pretty." I say, looking from one to the other. "But seriously. One, you're twins and two, he didn't score that much higher than you. Just a few points."

Hikaru gets a mischievous look on his face. I don't like that. "So who did you vote for, Aislin?" He asks me. "Or, wait. Don't tell me, you're the 1% that voted for Kaoru instead, aren't you?" He smirks.

I just roll my eyes. "You seriously think that I would participate in that stupid magazine? Please." I dismiss their comments, but apparently they studied before they asked their questions.

"Well, we happen to have it on good authority that you did." Kaoru says. I'm going to add this to the "Things That Make Me Hate Renge" list. "Well, I didn't vote for either of you, if that's what you think."

"Well, then, who did you vote for?" Hikaru asks suspiciously.

"Yeah, Aislin, we're your friends. You can tell us these things." Kaoru's voice as he says that makes me feel like I shouldn't tell them.

"Well, if you must know, I voted for Mori-senpai." I answer.

"What, do you have a thing for him or something?" Hikaru teases, but I don't respond.

"So, does your silence mean yes or…..?" Kaoru asks, and I lightly punch him in the shoulder. He laughs and continues "I mean, we are your friends. We would tell you these things."

The look Hikaru gives him after saying that says "No, no we wouldn't" (which honestly makes me think there is something like that that they were keeping from me) and Kaoru's response seems to say "I'm your twin and have more blackmail on you than you know so shut up". All in all I gather that they both have something they don't want me to know.

"Well, maybe I did. Just for a little while, I mean. I'm over it now, obviously." I say honestly. "Obviously." Hikaru says sarcastically, and I wish I was sitting close enough to him to punch him too.

"So Aislin, I have a question." Hikaru quickly changes the topic.

"Uh-oh." Is my response.

"But you have to answer it honestly, okay?" I nod hesitantly. I don't like where this is going.

"Ok, so between me and Kaoru, who is more attractive?" What?! What kind of a question is that? Not fair!

"Oh come on. You're both my friends and it's not like-"

"It's okay, Aislin, spare our feelings and answer the question." So I guess I have no choice then? They both look like they're eagerly awaiting my response.

"Honestly? I don't know. Kaoru, I guess. I mean no offense Hikaru, but you're more annoying." I answer.

"No hard feeling Aislin." Hikaru then turns to face Kaoru. "See, I told you so." He says simply and then stands up to leave. "You know, it's almost time to get to class." He says as he walks off.

"Di-I- Is Hikaru going to class early?" I say, shocked. "He's always one of the last ones in!" Kaoru just shrugs and we both stand up to follow Hikaru. I notice out of the corner of my eye that Kaoru's ears are a bit red, I wonder if it has anything to do with what Hikaru said.

"Aislin, are you going to pick up Kyle after school today?" I don't even notice which twin asked me, I'm too busy putting my stuff away. "I always do."

"Well, we're coming with you." The same voice says from behind me. I determine it to be Hikaru, just by the voice.

"And your house too, most likely." Kaoru says decidedly. He comes over in front of me and helps me put all the loose papers back into my bag. I am extremely aware of the fact that our hands touch in the process of that about five times. I can't help but think of that time at Honey-senpai's house. Kaoru hadn't let go of my hand, why hadn't he?

I blush a bit and quickly stand up, leaving my bag unzipped. "Is there a reason you guys want to come over today or….?"

Hikaru looks slightly defensive "What, we can't just want to hang out with our friend and her family?" I roll my eyes. I can't get rid of them,

When we get home we all stay in the living room doing homework, even Kyle. I'm surprised for a moment then I remember that Hikaru is here and that is probably why he's decided to stay out here with us.

Once Kyle is finished with his homework, he jumps up. "Hey, Hikaru, I have something I need you to see!" Hikaru looks at Kyle hesitantly, probably not sure if he wants to follow or not.
"Well, are you going or not?" I urge Hikaru, I think it's really cute that he's friends with Kyle, and I know Kyle really enjoys it.

Hikaru went upstairs with Kyle to his room, leaving me and Kaoru alone in the living. "So, what do you want to do now?" I ask nonchalantly, we've already finished our homework for today. I look over to Kaoru and notice his eyes light up "Want to help me with something?" He asks excitedly.

"Sure" I laugh. "What is it?"

"Well, my mom likes to give me and Hikaru these challenges, like to find out who is better at different things. One month it's a sport, the next an instrument, just to see who gets better at it during that time." I nod, not seeing the point. "Well, this month it's an art form. I chose to do painting. I…." He looks kind of embarrassed. "I was wondering if I could paint you… Or, do a painting of you, not… you know, painting on you."

I laugh "Sure, I guess… but I don't think I have any art supplies." I say awkwardly. He smiles mischievously and pulls out a bag. "I was hoping you'd say yes."

"Okay, so you need to stay sitting straight up, but I want you to be looking down. Like, at the table." I nod and do as I'm told. He messes with my hair a bit, making part of it fall in my face a little, and steps back. "Perfect. Now, give me a minute alright?"

He sits and paints for a while and the time passes quickly. I find it hard to sit still, but Kaoru keeps talking to me while he paints, which I find reassuring. "I'm done." Kaoru says shyly, and when I look at the clock about an hour has passed. "Well, I mean… I'm not done done, it still needs highlights but….. you don't have to sit there anymore."

I jump up quickly "I want to see it!" I run over to where Kaoru is sitting and look over his shoulder. I decide I can't see as well so I sit down next to him and he awkwardly moves over a bit, giving me space. I look over the picture quietly, and he seems to be holding his breath. It is amazing! I would've thought it was a photograph if I didn't see Kaoru draw it myself. He must have a real gift for this. I wonder if that was what I caught him doing in his notebook before, not writing, but drawing.

"Kaoru, it's beautiful." I say honestly, still gushing over the picture. "Well, you are, so obviously…." Kaoru says quietly. I blush a bit and try to pretend I didn't hear that, since I don't know how to respond. I'm still staring down at the picture but I notice that Kaoru has scooted a bit closer to me on the couch.

"Aislin?" He whispers.

I look up instantly and notice that his face is only a couple inches away from me. "Yeah?" I ask, matching his tone.

"I'm going to kiss you know, okay?" He says it almost breathlessly. I don't know what to say, so I just say

"Okay."