Chapter 21

Saturday. The best day of the week. No school, no annoying classmates and no worries. However, today was also the day that I go to work and...today was pay day! I walked to work with a spring in my step, not only did I love my job but the pay was pretty good to. I worked in a cafe in the centre of town, which was very popular with couples and businessmen who had the weekend off to just relax with a few drinks.

I opened the door to the cafe, which was not open until 1, and greeted my manager. "Hey boss, good morning."

My boss was a woman in her 40's, but she could easily pass for a 32 year old. She had beautiful red hair and green eyes. She smiled at me "Ah good morning Maria, it's a lovely day. I can tell we are gonna get lots of customers today."

I smiled back "Well I am gonna work harder than I have before!"

She laughed "That's the spirit! Now you better go and get changed, we're opening in an hour."

I nodded and went to the changing rooms out back. I opened my locker and saw my maid outfit, a black pencil skirt with a white blouse and a little white apron to go around my waist. I quickly got changed and hurried outside to see my other co-workers helping with the preparations. All the waitresses were women and the chefs mainly consisted of men. We don't know why that is but the boss insisted that female waitresses will attract male customers.

At 1pm we opened the doors to welcome workers coming in for lunch and a cool drink. Each of the waitresses were assigned tables and whoever they answered the door to they had to serve them. Since today was the busiest day of the week I would have to stay until 10pm but that meant better pay so I didn't mind.

At around 6pm the door chimed open so I bowed my head "Welcome to Cafe Rouge."

I lifted my head but froze on the spot, my eyes widened and I almost died. Standing there was the Host club and Haruhi. Tamaki smiled at me "Maria! What a coincidence! My daughter working at the cafe we so happen to come past by."

My eye twitched and I looked at Haruhi "How...did...they...find...out?"

Haruhi frowned "They practically forced me to tell them, they just turned up at my doorstep. I'm so sorry."

I sighed and Hunny hugged my legs "I think you look super cute in that outfit Mari-chan!"

I chuckled and looked over at Kyoya, who was staring at me with slightly wide eyes. I asked him "Is everything ok Kyoya?"

He shook out of his gaze and nodded calmly "Of course, why wouldn't it be?"

I sighed and decided to kick them out when Hikaru smiled "Surely you're not going to kick out paying customers are you Maria?"

Kaoru joined in with the teasing "Yeah, that would be bad for business wouldn't it?"

I growled and put on my most charming smile, obviously fake, but still charming "Well then, come this way please."

I reluctantly showed them to their tables and handed them all menus "Would you like a drink?"

Tamaki smiled brightly "Oh yes please, my throat is so dry. I will have a tea please."

The twins both exclaimed "Commoners coffee!" I rolled my eyes and Haruhi asked for water, Hunny asked for juice, Mori asked for water and Kyoya asked for tea.

I went into the kitchen to get their drinks when one of the other maids, Akako, jumped up to me "Oh my God Maria you're so lucky! Those guys you're serving are so hot!"

I shrugged "I guess."

She tilted her head to the side "Do you know them? You didn't seem very happy to see them."

I nodded "Yes I do, they go to my school. They're friends of mine but they can be very annoying." She chuckled and skipped back to her customers.

After filling up the glasses I went back and handed them their drinks, but it was no surprise that the table was surrounded my women, both customers and workers.

I shouted "Excuse me please! I need to get through!"

I shoved my way through and handed them all their drinks. "Are you guys ready to order yet?"

Kyoya nodded "I believe so, although I'm still debating."

I walked over to him and asked "May I see what your choices are?"

I leaned down next to him and looked at the menu, he pointed to the crispy duck and the grilled fish. I stated "I would recommend the grilled fish. It has such a fine balance of sweet and sour."

I suddenly noticed that our faces were mere inches apart, he was looking at me from the corner of his eyes and he smirked, "Yes that will do nicely." The girls around us squealed and I quickly stood up, "Y-yes sir."

I quickly got everyone's orders and ran to the kitchen. I placed my hand over my heart, which was pounding through my skin. My face was probably a new shade of red as I gave the chefs the orders.

Just then my boss came running up to me smiling "Oh deary where did you meet those handsome friends of yours? They are simply divine!"

I shrugged "They go to my school, you know Ouran Academy?"

Her eyes widened "Oh those are the boys you told me about? Well they can stay for however long they want! Oh by the way, remember it's your turn to perform tonight."

I nodded "Yes I know, how could I forget?"

I hated performing, because whenever it was me that performed there so happened to be pervy, drunken men in the cafe. Soon enough the meals were ready and I carried them all to the table. But I saw one of my co-workers flirting with Kyoya.

Her name was Akuhei and she was as cold as snow. She loved being the centre of attention, she had to be number one...but she was always second best because, apparently, I was the best at the job and she hated me for it. I could feel my insides heating up, my blood was boiling and I could have broken someone's hand with my anger.

I put on a smile and handed everyone their meals "I hope you enjoy your meals, if there is anything you need please don't hesitate to ask."

Akuhei smiled sweetly "And if Maria is unavailable, please don't hesitate to ask me for anything." She flipped her hair, gave me an evil smirk and walked off.

The twins asked me "Who's that?"

I sighed "That's Akuhei, she hates me because I seem to be the best and she's second best."

Haruhi frowned "Oh so that's the girl you tell me about? She doesn't seem very nice at all."

Tamaki nodded "I must admit her personality does not suit that face of hers; she looks so sweet and innocent."

I scoffed "Looks can be deceiving."

Kaoru then looked at Kyoya "Hey man are you ok? You seem upset."

Hikaru nodded "I mean that girl was all over you, you didn't seem to like it at all."

Kyoya shrugged "I'm fine, she is merely trying to squeeze money out of me. Although I didn't care much for her 'flirtatious' nature."

I bowed my head to him "I'm sorry Kyoya, I'll talk to her. But please enjoy your meal everyone."

I walked to the kitchen when I was pulled into the cleaning cupboard. Of course Akuhei was in there and she frowned "Why do you get to serve them?! I'm the most beautiful it should be me!"

I rolled my eyes "I answered the door to them and they are sitting at the table I work at, I have to serve them."

She smirked "Oh really? Well I think it's because you want to get close with that boy, Kyoya was it?" I clenched my fists as she continued "I must admit he is rather hot, I wouldn't mind serving him at all. Maybe I can get a date with him."

I growled, "Listen to me very carefully Akuhei. I know what you're like, you get the boy and when you're bored with them you break their heart. If you even dare try and seduce any of them, I will hunt you down and make you regret ever meeting me. Do you understand?" Akuhei tsked and stomped out of the closet, leaving me to regain myself before going back outside.

Soon enough it was time for my performance; every evening the cafe would allow the waitresses and chefs to show off their talent, whether it would be magic, dancing or singing we had to give it our all. Backstage I quickly got dressed into my performance outfit, which was a short, purple dress which reached my knees and a diamond patterned flower on my hip.

After fixing my make up I heard my boss announce "Now it's time for our performance!" Many cheers could be heard as she continued "Now you all know this girl for her beauty, kindness and her lovely singing voice. She is sure to sweep anyone off their feet so please welcome Maria Smith!"

I walked out onto the stage, surrounded by cheers and wolf whistles. I took a deep breath and the music to 'Why Don't You Do Right' began. I sang to the music, adding some body movements to enticing my performance. When it was over everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering. I bowed many times before running backstage.

Boss came up to me and patted my back "That was as beautiful as always, you brought the house down!"

I smiled "Thank you, I'm just glad its over."

I got changed into my uniform and went to the guys, who were shouting for me to come over. Tamaki leaped to me and hugged me tight "Oh it was beautiful! Spectacular! Wonderful! I wouldn't expect less from my daughter!"

I struggled away as Hunny smiled "You were so good Mari-chan!"

The twins asked "Why don't you sing at school?"

I sighed "Because I hate singing. I know you heard me just now but I only sing when I'm bored or have no choice. Besides performing means better pay."

At around 10pm I got changed into my normal clothes and waved to my boss "Night boss! And thanks for the pay!"

I shut the door and started walking home, the cafe was half an hour away from my house but I didn't mind. The guys had already left for home so I was glad to get some space from them. I felt so bad for Haruhi as she was dragged here against her will.

I walked past an alley, but was suddenly dragged into it with a hand over my mouth. The attacker pushed me against the wall, his hand still covering my mouth. I heard someone say to him "She's yours to do whatever you want to do. Make sure she suffers."

I turned to the voice and saw Akuhei smirking at me "It's about time you learned your place, a bitch like you shouldn't be the star. I'm the star! Everyone loves me!"

She laughed, a crazy sounding cackle as the assaulter moved his hands under my top. I struggled against him, kicking and biting his hand but he wouldn't budge. I almost gave up hope when someone shouted "Get away from her! Now!"

The man turned to the voice and was punched in the face, causing him to fall to the floor unconscious. I gasped for air as I looked up at my savior...Kyoya! He gave me his hand as he helped me up.

He held me close to his chest as he stated to Akuhei "You know, since I am a witness I could get you arrested for this. My family own 100 police officers. You could lose your job and your pride."

Akuhei started crying "Oh please don't! I didn't mean anything by it! I'll do anything!"

Kyoya smirked "Then my conditions are will leave Maria alone, you will never bother her again and you will never be spiteful to anyone." He walked away, still holding me close before he stated "Oh and for the record, you're not my type."

We left the alleyway and Kyoya seated me inside his limo before sitting himself down next to me and telling the driver to go to my house. I felt Kyoya look at me as he asked "Are you alright? It's dangerous to roam around at night Maria you should know better! What would of happened if I didn't come?! You would have..."

He clenched his fists on the seats and looked down, gritting his teeth. I looked at him "Kyoya, it's not like you to get so angry. I must have really scared you. I'm sorry Kyoya."

He scoffed "It's alright, but I'm more angry with that man. That bastard will pay for what he did."

I couldn't believe it, Kyoya was getting angry. This wasn't like him at all. I snuggled into his chest and hugged him tightly "Thank you for saving me Kyoya. I owe you my life."

He seemed to calm down as he sighed and hugged me back "Your welcome."

I looked up at him and asked "Why were you there? I thought you left with the others?"

He chuckled "They insisted on going back to Haruhi's but I didn't want to. So I decided to wait for you, it is a man's job to escort a lady home after all."

I smirked slightly "I thought you didn't like the Host club members engaging in violence?"

He shifted his glasses with smiling "Well since no one was there to witness my moment of anger, I think it should be ok."

I laughed and rested my head on his chest again, too tired to even realize what I was doing. When we arrived home he walked me to the door and a woman came out of my home and bowed to Kyoya "She is now resting in bed sir."

Kyoya nodded and the woman went into the front of the limo. I looked at him and asked "Did you send someone over to look after my mum?"

He nodded "Since you would be getting home so late I sent one of my nurses to look after her."

I smiled at him, almost in tears, "Oh thank you Kyoya. You do so much for me and I have so little to offer back. You really are a kind person."

He then stated to me "Remember Maria, tell anyone this and I will raise your debt by 20%."

I squeaked "Alright ok I won't!" He laughed and walked back down to his car and rode off into the night. I walked into my house and held my chest, which was barely containing my pounding heart.

A/N: Ta da! Since this episode would have been the twins flashback and I couldn't add Maria into it, I did my own chapter. Did you like it? I was quite pleased with it but anyway I hope you liked it and please review!