ch 6

The next day I woke up exhausted. I don't know how, but I manage to roll out of bed and into a cold shower that immediately cleared away the sleepiness left behind in my eyes.

Another day at school.. and "work" I suppose..

Slipping into uniform, I grabbed my blue bag and headed out to school.

Oh what fun...

At school, just as the twins promised, nothing had changed at all. When I walked in the class they didn't even give me a second look. Maybe I had dreamt the entire ordeal about being a slave? Yeah, fat chance..

Surprisingly enough, school went by just like any other day. The only significance at all might have been lunch with Matsu. She was already waiting for me at our spot while happily eating her homemade bento. As I sat down next to her, she looked a bit startled but immediately killed me with questions.

"Mayu, what the hell?!"

"Yeah, good afternoon to you too.."

"Yesterday I called you like million times. Nisa and I were worried. But, then again you must have been busy with your boooyfrieeend!", She started off serious, but ended in a sing-songy voice. She reached out to pinch my cheek but I hastily dodged it.

"Matsu, we are definitely not dating. Trust me, I wouldn't want to. He's a jerk anyways and – stop it! ", I said, swatting her fingers away from my cheek.

"Mayu! Hey!" Matsu and I craned our necks and from a distance, we spotted short auburn hair bobbing up and down and an arm waving. Nisa was short and skinny, a petite girl. I was surprised when Nisa plopped down between us, smiling.

"Mayu you have to tell us everything!" Nisa chirped enthusiastically while Matsu nodded.

I smile at Nisa "Glad you could finally join us little miss popular!" I joke.

Rolling her eyes she answers, "Haha, very funny. But this is important," she looked at Matsu for agreement, "You have a boyfriend! And he's a host."

I look over at Matsu frustrated. "Seriously? Whos else did you tell? He. Is. Not. My. Boyfriend."

"No one, no one. Just tell us what happened yesterday!"

"Tell us!"

"C'mon tell us!"

"Please tell us.."

"Tell us!"

"You have to Mayu!"

"Plea–"

"ALRIGHT! But seriously guys, you have to shut up about this. I'm not really supposed to tell anyone...", I trailed off.

"Our lips our sealed."

By the time I had told them lunch was over and it was time for class. Unsurprisingly, they had different reactions. Matsu laughed at first. "Wow. Good luck with that." But, before she got up to leave she said, "Tell me if they go too far, though. You can't let them take advantage you."

Nisa on the otherhand was more...excited? "Wow," she said starry-eyed,"You even get to go to their house."

"Nisa, Hikaru's kind of a jerk. I don't enjoy doing his laundry."

"I would," she responded. Rolling my eyes we got up left for class.

Just like I did the day before, I did homework in the library and patiently waited for the last bell to ring. Already acustomed to the noise, I was actually able to finish my homework on time and went out to wait for the twins. Rocking back and forth on the balls of my feet, I waited nervously yet a bit annoyed. Yesterday's laundry wasn't exactly pleasant. But then again, they were still teenage boys, and laundry was still laundry. Crinkling my nose at the memory of the smell, I hoped that whatever I had to do today wasn't as...atrocious.

After about five minuets of fidgeting with a strand of my hair, I heard the metal doors click, and I automatically turned around. As expected, there they were, walking down the steps with matching smirks as they talked about God knows what. When one of them turned and saw me he frowned and started walking faster. The other just looked at his brother and treaded behind.

"What are you doing here?" He asked in an accusing tone. I stared at him a little shocked.

"What do you mean? I'm waiting for you." I ended a little harsher than intended. It's been one day. One day, andIwas already starting to get a little peeved. What was with his attitude toward me all the time? I hadn't even done anything wrong.

"Oh, for me? Well what do you want slave girl?"

"What do y– You know what, I–"

"What!?" At this point I knew I was about to lose my temper. You see my temper is kind of like a meter. I don't usually get really angry at the little things, but from time to time, as the little things pile up, and fill the meter, there comes a point when the meter is full and anything, however big or small could make it overflow. Not wanting to argue, I rubbed my temples.

"Nevermind. Let's just go." I said softly, recovering myself.

"Do I have to remind you who gives the orders around here, slave girl." That's it.

"I am not 'ordering' you to do anything! I was just saying–"

"Excuse me, slave girl, you don't have a say."

"I am not your slave! I'm just paying off a stupid debt you ungr–"

"Don't you dare say ungrateful you li–"

"STOP!" We both turn around with wide flaming eyes and see the other twin standing there with as much anger in his eye as Hikaru. Yup. I'm positive the one I was fighting with was Hikaru. "Hikaru and Mayumi. Stop it. Let's just go, alright?" Knew it. I mentally gave myself a high five.

I watch as Hikaru mumbles something along the lines of "don't call her by her name". Kaoru hops into the limo with Hikaru following suit, clearly a little peeved that the younger twin had told him what to do. I stand there my face a little red from getting all worked up. I usually never yell that much. Suddenly Hikaru pokes his head out the window.

"Walk. And don't wait for a ride anymore. It's your punishment for raising your voice to your master." I watched as the limo drove away, shocked. He was the one who started it! I didn't even know what we were fighting for.. I watched as the limo turned a corner and disappeared. What happenend to the carefree boy I had been with yesterday at lunch? I liked him a lot better..

XXX

An hour later, I stood exhausted in front of their front gate. Yes, one freaking hour wandering around and searching for the familiar mansion. I couldn't even call Hikaru because I didn't have his number. Note-to-self: ask for his number.. But at the same time, I needed some time alone to think and cool off. All I wanted to do now was take a nap or watch some tv. Anything other than be here, now.

I sighed and pushed the heavy gate open strolling toward the door. Before knocking, I put my hair up in a ponytail. Summer was on its way. It was getting hot. My fist pounded on the door and I took a step back. Tapping my foot and looking around the front lawn as I casually waited, a young maid probably in her late twenties, suddenly swung open the door and gave me a surprised look.

"Um, hello. I'm here to see Hikaru... And Kaoru!", I added as an afterthought. I didn't want anyone to get the wrong idea about me and Hikaru. Just my parents thinking we were dating was enough.

The woman at the door gave me a surprised look. "What's your name?"

"Katayama Mayumi."

"Ah-! Come in. The twins aren't home but they told me to give you this." The woman handed me over a small silver key. "4th door on the left." She pointed down the long corridor, as I nodded and thanked her. As magnificent as their house was, I didn't slow down like I usually did to watch. I just hurried down the hallway and halted right in front of their bedroom door. Jamming in the key, I easily unlocked the door and stepped in.

It was the biggest mistake of my life.

As soon as I stepped in, a wave of what smelled like rotten eggs mixed with cologne and armpit crashed over me, making me almost lose my lunch. In a flash I stepped as far back as I could go in the hallway, gasping for fresh air and coughing the vile air out of throat.

"What the...", I mumbled to myself. Yesterday the room smelled of light air freshner. Now though, it's just... just like a toilet for the world.

"Here. You'll need this", said a voice. It was the same maid that opened the door, but now with a surgical mask and a clothes pin in hand. "I'm not sure what went on their las night, but I do know they slept in the guest room and I smelled that this morning. I also heard something about a slave girl...?" She said the last part with a sympathetic yet knowing smile.

"Yeah..th-that's me.." I answered with careful smile in return. She seemed nice.

She put a finger to her chin in thought. "I thought so. The first time I saw you here you were.. well injured. I was genuinely surprised too see Hikaru take care of you. But, the second time, yesterday, I knew he was up to no good."

"It's kind of a long story." I said quietly.

She held up a hand. "No need to explain, I don't pry. The young master can be a bit of a.. pain. But, here." She handed me the clothes pin and mask. "Good luck, really." I waved goodbye and thanked her as she left. Huh. I guess I wasn't the only one who had to put up with his jerkishness. Plus, she seemed like a nice person.

I strapped on the surgical mask and pinched the end of my nose with the clothes pin. Alright. I can do this. Re-entering the room, I was glad to notice I didn't smell a thing. However, now fully inside I realized just how disgusting the room actually was. The beds unmade, dirty clothes so smelly that you could actually see it reek, half-eaten plates of food everywhere, the place was a mess. I was scared I'd find a rat or something. Each and every inch of the room was covered with at least something, so I had to pick my way over to the bed where I saw a note, with my name written in beautiful curvy letters on the front. Gingerly, I picked the note from under a half eaten banana and opened it up.

Slave girl,

You're task for today is to clean up our room. Cleaning supplies are in the closet. It better be sparkling by the time we get back from the waterpark.

-Hikaru&Kaoru

"Uhh!" I said throwing the paper aside. They definitely wrecked the room on purpose. And they went to a waterpark? I knew it shouldn't have mattered, but the fact that they went out on a trip infuriated me even further. Let's do this..

Determined, I went to the closet and took out a variety of cleaning supplies. I'll show them sparkling.

And show them I did. I spent the next four hours cleaning that room at full speed taking no breaks. Pilling a mountain of dirty clothes, filing five trash bags with food and dust, brooming, mopping, and organizing, I finally let myself collapse on one of the huge beds. I did a pretty good job, I thought smiling proudly at myself. Looking down at my watch I realized that it was already eight. I wasn't in too much of a hurry though, because my parents had now changed my curfew to eleven ever since I told them I got a "job". Closing my eyes for a while, I enjoyed the feeling of the soft comforter. It was a deep blue color; thick and warm. I traced a pattern of swirls on it with my finger. I felt like it shaped right to my body, its soft material inviting me to just close my eyes and–

"Ah!" I quickly sat up and scrambled off the bed, almost falling off in the process. Falling asleep on their bed would be the death of me. Rubbing my eyes, I picked up my school bag and took out a black t-shirt, blue sweater, jeans, and a pair of sneakers. I probably should have changed earlier but I forgot. Either way, I was annoyed at the long dress we had to wear as uniform. If it was up to me, I'd wear t-shirts and jeans everyday. I was more comfortable walking home with pants and sneakers. I quickly changed into the fresh clothes, shoving my uniform into my bag. Yawning, I walked out of the bedroom, closing the door behind me. As I started down the corridor, I spotted the same maid I had talked to earlier dusting a small table with an elaborate vase on it. When she looked up and saw me coming she waved. I waved back and as I got closer, gave her the keys. Before leaving she told me her name was Tomoyo. I liked her.

Almost at the door, I looked around the massive home my eyes landed on the staircase. Mrs. Hitachiin was there, on the phone.

"What do you mean you can't make it? I need you now. Tonight. ... For just about an hour. Tomorrow morning won't work because that's when they're coming to look at the pictures! ... Alright, fine. Goodnight." Mrs. Hitachiin snapped the phone shut and put her face in her hands. I wondered what was wrong, but decided to drop it. I didn't want to be nosy.

Not wanting to be noticed by Mrs. Hitachiin, I walked quietly toward the door. Almost there, just a yard away.. "A-CHOO!" Crap. Of all times, now. I mentally kicked myself and looked

up to find Mrs. Hitachiin staring at me oddly like she did yesterday. I awkwardly waved with a small smile. I said hello, too, but I doubt she heard me. Suddenly she was quickly climbing down the stairs.

"Wait a second! Wait!" While she walked across the landing of the stairs to me, I could see a wide smile on her lips and an odd look in her eyes. I've seen that look before somewhere.. hmm. "Katayama-chan! What a surprise, what are you doing here?"

"Um, well.. I was...waiting. For Hikaru and Kaoru, I mean. But, they don't seem to be coming back anytime soon and it's late so I guess I'll just be heading out then.." I grabbed the door knob.

"Wait, Katayama-chan! Don't leave" Mrs. Hitachiin started following me as I tried to escape. "I need your help!" Then I stopped as she grabbed a hold of my elbow from behind and gently spun me around. I looked at her questioningly and saw pleading in her eyes.

"Katayama-chan, none of my models are available right now for some last minuet pictures I need for tomorrow morning. I know it's kind of sudden, but would you please do me this huge favor and model for me?"

What?

"Mrs. Hitachiin... I don't know–"

"Please, Katayama-chan! The pictures aren't going anywhere. I only have to show them to some of my associates tomorrow." Was she serious? Me?

"I don't know how. I've never modeled before and–"

"It's easy, I swear! Please Katayama-chan.."

This time I saw the desperation in her eyes. She really meant it. Me. I wasn't pretty like all the other models I've seen in magazines. I was just so... plain, unattractive.. Maybe Tomoyo could help–

"C'mon, let's get started!" Suddenly, I was being dragged across toward the steps.

After being brought up the steps, Mrs. Hitachiin opened a pair of double doors right in front of the steps. It was dark, but as soon as Mrs. Hitachiin hit the lights, the room was illuminated. There was a makeup table with a colorful assortmant of makeup lining across the bottom border of the mirror. There was also a small couch and closet. "Wait here Katayama-chan. I'll call someone immediately. They'll send you over to me when your done, alright?"

"Uhh, sure..?" Done with what?

"Great." She smiled. "See you in a few minuets!"

I stood there awkwardly for about five minuets. I was still a little shocked that Mrs. Hitachiin asked me to model for her. I mean I thought she was kidding yesterday. Well then again, I was just a quick replacement. Just then, a group of three guys wearing tight black clothes with crazy pointy hairstyles entered the small room.

"Hello, Katayama-chan! We're here to prep you for your private photo session. Will you sit there please?" I nodded and sat in front of the makeup table.

XXX

Half hour. You would be surprised at what three guys can do to your appearance in such little time. While one worked on make up the other on hair, and the other on nails. I didn't really get the nail part though. I was modeling clothes, not rings. Either way, I was pretty amazed. I mean when I looked in the mirror, I didn't even recognize myself. My makeup was light, but noticeable. It made all my features sharper except my eyes. They made them look big and rounder. The blueness of them was also much more noticeable without glasses. They said I should look into getting contacts, and for some reason, I think I will. My normally flat black hair was now in thick shiny waves and my bangs swept to the side. I felt a little weird at first, as the guys led me to where Mrs. Hitachiin was waiting for me. But when we finally got to the huge room, I felt a bit relieved to see that it was only Mrs. Hitachiin. When she saw me, her eyes widened and put her hands on her hips.

"Wow. They did a pretty good job didn't they?" I blushed at her compliment, and waved it off with my hand. "I'm serious. You look great!" She smiled as she waved me over closer to her. In front of her was a mini catwalk. Off to the side there was a small shoji screen, full length mirror and clothes rack. The room itself was pretty impressive and seemed incredibly professional. The walls and floor was all white and aside from the catwalk, screen, mirror and rack, there was two pure white couches. "Okay Mayumi, all you need to do is model five dresses for me." She went over to the rack and seperated a few dresses from the rest, handing me the first one. "You can change behind the screen, with these," she handed me heels, "And when you're ready climb on the catwalk."

I took a good look at the dress. It was short, black, strapless and looked just about half my size. "Mrs. Hitachiin, I don't think it's gonna fit.."

"Just try it on, trust me." So I did. The dress itself easily streched and fit my body perfectly. It looked skin tight on the mirror, hugging my body and making my non-existent curves noticeable. My face burned tomatoe red. It stopped right on my thigh covering me just barely in the front. On the back, though, there was a long lacey tail design that dragged on the floor. Putting on the black stilettos, I almost tripped, as I peeked behind the shoji screen.

"Um, Mrs. Hitachiin.." She turned around and faced me.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so but.." She smiled understandingly.

"Trust me, you look beautiful. Either way, I'll rip the pictures up after tomorrow morning." I nodded, feeling a bit better. The dress was pretty...revealing? I don't know, but it wasn't something I'd usually wear, so I felt quite a bit self-concious walking up on the stage. "Okay, Mayu pose for me!" I stood there awkwardly at first, squinting as the sudden light blinded me. As the flashes progresssed, I tried a smile. I even tried putting my hand on my waist, but by the look on Mrs. Hitachiin's face I knew I wasn't really doing a good job. I can't do this.. I stopped smiling and got off stage.

"Katayama-chan..?" Mrs. Hitachiin asked slowly and carefully as I stepped down. She put the camera down and walked toward me. As soon as I saw her coming closer, I turned around trying to avoid her gaze, hiding my face behind my hair. I felt embarrassed. "Katayama-chan, ..turn around" She said softly and maternally.

"I'm sorry. I can't do this; I'm not a model."

"What?" I looked up at her. "You are beautiful honey. Everyone can see that, but you. Have confidence in yourself." Confidence in myself...? I knew what it meant, but I had never really thought about it. "C'mon, do you want to give it another shot?" I stared at the woman for a while. She wants me to do this. She said I was beautiful. "You can do this, let's go." She said, taking my wrist and pulling back on stage.

"Okay, first things first: stand up straight" I straightened my shoulders and my back. "Perfect. Now just lift up that chin, so we can see your face." I slowly looked up at Mrs. Hitachiin who smiled. She took my arm and put them on my waist. "Just relax. Don't tighten your muscles and act natural." As I she snapped the photo, I flinched a little and my smile faltered. "Hmm, why not try this? Think of someone who really... puts you down. Now stand up straight and smile proudly. Pretend their here and show them that you don't care what they think." This time I took the picture smiling natrually and unafraid. The same with the rest of the four other dresses, which were gladly a bit more discreet, but still very pretty. Little did Mrs. Hitachiin know that I was thinking about her son the whole time. When I was done an hour later, I was absolutely exhuasted. My watch read 9:49 so I mentally scolded myself, changing quickly into my normal clothes. Ah yes, the comfort of t-shirts.

"I guess I'll be on my way." I said approaching .

"Yes of course! Really Katayama-chan thank you so so much for doing me this favor".

"Actually thank you.." I said a little shyly. She smiled.

"I'm glad my sons were able to find such a good girl to be friends with". Guilt washed over me. I hated lying to her, especially after being so nice to me.

"Yeah.. See you around, Mrs. Hitachiin".

With that I got out of the room and quickly walked out toward the door in a bit of a hurry to get home. Today wasn't as bad as I had expected. In fact, it was eye-opening.

Hey everyone, I'm back! Sorry for the wait, next chapter should be up sometime next week. So yea, I hope you enjoyed the chapter! reviews are nice :D