Whelp, this took far too long. Sorry guys, I wanted this to be out much sooner. But you know how it is. School gets in the way. I had a summer assignment and then school actually started. I had to work on this little by little. So finally, here it is!

Chapter 10: Money Business

I was actually surprised. The twins didn't bother me at all during the school day. They seemed to be preoccupied with something. It was strange, a little too strange. They had to be up to something, most likely for this afternoon. The good thing about that was that I could have a peaceful day at school. I had plenty of time to think and no cause to get angry.

Despite what my mom was trying to do, I still needed to stick with the original deal. If word got out about our ordeal, we would lose support and money. It was already bad enough that we'd lost most of our Belgian customers. The only reason word hasn't gotten out all ready is because some unknown supporter has been keeping it that way. I can only hope they continue it…

After the last class, Yuki surprised me for the second time that day. "Kuro, I can't stand it any longer! A simple difference of opinion is no reason for us to remain silent!" She put her hands on her hips and spoke in a Yuki-dignified manner.

"I won't accept it unless you admit you were wrong," I replied seriously.

"What?! How can you be so thickheaded?! Now who can I ramble to?!" She pouted after her outburst.

I broke my mask and laughed. "So that's the real reason huh? I was joking Yuki! I've been rather lonely without you. Ramble on." I gestured outward with my hands while smiling at her.

"Oh, thank goodness! I thought I'd lost you there!" She let out a sigh of relief. Then she began one of her rambles at my consent.

Eventually, we made it to the club room. I paid no attention to the door and went right on in with Yuki. As Kyoya came up to us, I felt a pair of eyes on me. I turned my head to see Tamaki quickly turn his head around. What a strange guy.

"Miss Kurosawa," Kyoya grabbed my attention. "Will you please follow me?" he gave me a smile as he closed his eyes and tilted his head. Kyoya led me to an empty table with only two chairs. I looked on at the scene in confusion. Where are the twins? And why only two chairs?

Kyoya pulled one of the chairs away from the table and gestured for me to sit. I did so reluctantly. He attempted to push the chair back to the table. I grasped the edge of the table and dug the heels of my black Converse into the floor.

"I'm fine where I am, thank you," I told him. He let out a sigh and released the chair. He went to the other chair and sat. "I thought you told me I was seeing the twins next," I stated.

"You were, but it was brought to my attention that I would need to do this too. I am technically a host." At least I didn't have to deal with the twins for that day. Kyoya got out his ever-present black notebook in the space of our silence.

After several seconds I broke the silence. "So, do you really know my family's secret?" I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask. He stopped writing in his book and looked up at me.

"And why should I tell you that? If I was bluffing you could easily back out of the rest of our deal," he explained.

"Yes, but assuming that you do know, I want to know how you found out." I went a little further. It was unlikely he'd tell me, but you never know.

"Assuming that I do, I have sources and methods of finding anything I need to know."

I sat up from my laid-back position and leaned over the table. "Prove it." I had a plan now.

"Why should I?"

"I have my own sources and methods. So if you don't want a bloody nose or that book of yours to get stolen, prove it."

"Now who's the blackmailer?" I gave him a look as I leaned back in my seat. He sighed. "I suppose the only way to prove it…your family secret," I held up a finger to stop him. Then I made a writing gesture. He sighed again. He tore out a page from the back of his book, wrote something on it, and passed it to me. I reached out to grab the paper.

I don't know what I was expecting, but the page was regular lined paper. He'd used a normal black pen. I guess I thought it would be different because he was always so secretive. On it, Kyoya had written my family's exact situation with the Belgians. So he really did know.

I looked up at him without moving my head. I folded up the paper and put it securely in one of my cargo pockets. "Well, I guess you weren't bluffing then. And now I know just how serious that threat was." I hung my head a little when the weight of it sunk in. "Ichirou's going to kill me," I said to myself.

Kyoya must have heard me. "Oh, about your brother, he remains a complete mystery to me. I'm sure it's no secret now that we were keeping an eye on him as well. Is there anything you can tell me?"

This information didn't irritate me as much as when I found out they were spying on Jirou and me. I closed my eyes and told him all that was worth knowing. "Look, Ichirou's a mysterious man even to us. He's not someone you want to mess with, though. His temper is worse than mine, and he's scarier than me as well," I reported gravely.

"I see…" is all Kyoya replied in acknowledgement. I think he wrote down what I'd said.

"Why do you want to know about my family and me?"

"It's so that we have a better understanding of you," he replied. Why would they want to understand me? Besides, my motives are obvious, aren't they?

After all the guests and Kuro had left, Kyoya joined the others, He was quite satisfied with himself; despite being blackmailed. He'd been able to get information from Kohaku, and get some work done. He'd also figured out a way to maximize the club's profits.

"So Kyoya, how'd it go?" Kaoru asked as he and his brother came up behind Kyoya.

"Quite well actually. I was able to expand on my profile of her," he replied, not turning around. He was focused on something in his book.

"Really? How so?" Hikaru sounded disbelieving. This had caught the attention of the other hosts as well.

"Well, Ichirou Kurosawa is as mysterious to his family as well as to us. And from the way Kohaku spoke of him, he seems quite monstrous."

"It's no wonder Kuro-chan is so though, huh?"Honey was hugging his bunny to his chest.

"Wait, he's worse than Kuro?" Tamaki looked scared to death. Kyoya nodded. Tamaki drained of all colors.

"So Kyoya, about tomorrow." The twins changed the subject. "We've been working on a theme. Oh, and can we take use of one of the couches?"

Hey Kuro, u free this weekend? I want a rematch at the sk8 park. ;P Shou texted me as I entered the safety of my bedroom.

As far as I know I'm free. But I hope you realize you won't beat me! I'm the ultimate champion! Ahaha! :P I sent back.

Not for long! I've been working on my moves!

We'll just have to see, then. ;) I laid back on my bed after I sent the response to Shou. I couldn't seem to take my mind off my host situation. Should I have dealt with it differently than I had? Would my current position be different if I had?

I decided to talk to Jirou. I left my room and crossed the hall to his. I knocked softly on his door. I heard his voice from inside telling me to enter. As I did so, I closed the door behind me.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I went over to him as he was sitting on the bed. He had a book in front of him.

"Of course. What is it?" He patted the bed beside him to invite me to sit. I sat.

"What would you do in my situation?"

'Well, that's difficult considering I'm not you. But, if I was in your situation, I'd deal with it calmly. I wouldn't overreact and I'd try to see the other side of the situation."

"That sounds exactly like you."

"Well I hope it does. So, did that help?"

"Well, I've been seeing that I haven't been entirely rational. But, I still don't know if I could see their side. Their motives confuse me," I explained.

"You're letting your personal opinion get in the way. You can probably piece the rest together yourself."

"I'll see what I can do. Thanks Jirou." I pulled him from behind so he was leaning against me. His head was below mine, so I rested my chin on top of it. I wrapped my arms around him, and rested my hands over his chest. He put his hands over mine.

So, whada guys think? Be sure to leave a review! Constructive criticism is still appreciated! Now on to business: 1. I do try to add updates to my profile. I put them at the bottom of the page. In them, I put info on other fanfics, ideas, etc. It might be a good idea to check that every once in a while. Especially if you want more info than I put here a few chapters left guys! But don't worry! It won't be the last of Kuro and her gang. I'm planning a sequel! 'Cause I can't put everything in one fic. The sequel will focus more on Kuro's relationships, and some other stuff. 3. I think I'll also create a poll. What for, you may ask? I want to know who you ship Kuro with. The results will not affect the outcome of the sequel. I just want to know your opinions. ;) I think that's all for now folks! Thanks for reading!