A/N: Okay, I'm dropping all of the Japanese terms. I may slip up and use them every once in a while, but they're annoying to type, and I don't wanna argue with anyone if I use them wrong.

Sorry for the delayyy…

I'm thinking of writing a TamakixOC story too…cuz yes, I also adore Tamaki. He's so much fun X3, what do you guys think? :D

"Then I'm definitely not coming with you." I said. Mitsuko groaned and tucked her pencil back behind her ear.

"Be reasonable, Kaori. This is for our fami—"

"This—this is ridiculous! You and Grandfather can't just control my life!"

"Kaori," Mitsuko said, her voice like gentle fire. "Do not be selfish. Do you want our family's company to thrive?"

"Of course, but—"

"Then stop acting like a child. It's time for you to grow up and start thinking about other people for once."

"Hold it!" Shiori yelled. "Mitsuko, Kaori is not being selfish. She's never been selfish and I don't see how you could think that. Yes, she has issues about wanting to control everything in her life—"

"Hey!" I said.

"—But she's not against this marriage because she's selfish."

"Excuse me," a dark haired boy said. He pushed his glasses further up his nose. This looks more like the guy Mitsuko would go for… "Could you ladies please take this conversation somewhere else? You're disturbing our guests."

Shiori, Mitsuko and I all quickly left.

"Aw, but Kyouya—" One of the twins said.

"—We wanted to hear more!" Said the other.

We stood in the hallway, Mitsuko's gaze still fixed on me.

"Why don't you go with her?" Shiori said.

"'Kay, I'll call you later." I said and followed Mitsuko outside. A car was already parked in front and I didn't speak as I got in.

"Kaori, your grandfather is here." Dad said when I arrived home.

I walked into the living room, immediately sitting down. Our house wasn't extravagant at all—we were rich, but a lot of the money was spent on the company. Mother also liked to give to charities, although Grandfather didn't approve.

"Good afternoon, Grandfather." I said. My grandfather looked half his age—he was tall and slim, with slicked back grey hair.

"Good afternoon, Kaori." Grandfather said as Mitsuko sat next to him. He always favored Mitsuko over me and I could never figure out if that was because she was the eldest, or because she was obedient. Father and Mother sat beside Mitsuko. "Now, Mitsuko has told you about your eventual marriage, correct?"

"Yes." I stopped myself from immediately voicing my protests. It was always best to wait until Grandfather was finished before speaking.

"She disapproves, Grandfather." Mitsuko said. To his credit, Grandfather didn't look surprised.

"Kaori, you want the best for our family, don't you?"

"Yes."

"It's not as if we are going to marry you off to some stranger. Your parents would never allow that. You will be allowed to choose from a group of young men Mitsuko, your parents and I approve of. So, what is the problem?"

"The marriage itself, sir." I said.

"You do not wish to marry?"

"Not right now, sir."

"I think it's time to tell her, Father." Dad said. Grandfather nodded. "Kaori, our company is having a bit of trouble."

"…More than "a bit", Dad." Mitsuko said.

"Well, yes. Sales have decreased tremendously. We've done everything we can, but the only way to prevent bankruptcy is for you and Mitsuko to marry into wealthier families." I sighed and hung my head. It really looked like I didn't have a choice. What was I going to do?

"I'll think about i—" I began.

"Kaori, this is not something that you can rebel against. You must do this." Grandfather said. I bit my lip, but nodded. I wanted to go to my room, so I could call Shiori.

Grandfather clapped his hands. "Now that that's settled, Mitsuko, would you like to show me around?"

"Of course, Grandfather." Mitsuko said. When they both left, my parents immediately sat next to me.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Mom said. "I don't want to do this to you. But Grandfather is the one mostly supporting us. If we refuse him, we'll end up on the streets. I don't want that for you." Dad patted my shoulder.

"I'm sorry but…can I be alone?" I said. They nodded, and when I looked at them, I could see the stress they were under. I stood and jogged to my room, immediately dialing Shiori's number.

"Kaori! What happened? What did you do!" Shiori screamed. I quickly explained to her what had happened and fell on my bed. "You can come live at my house! My family can adopt you!" Shiori said once I finished. I laughed and pulled my blanket on top of me.

"Wait, wait. I have an idea. What's the fastest way to make money?"

"Legally or illegally?"

"…Does it matter?"

"Kaori!"

"Legally, legally! I was only joking."

"Well, um… I'm not sure. You could be a hooker."

"Er, no thanks. And…that isn't exactly legal…"

"A bake sale?"

"I can't cook."

"Garage sale?"

"I don't have anything to sell."

"Uhhh… a hooker who bakes and runs a pawnshop?"

"I really do not want to be a hooker—wait! Wait! I got it!"

"You do!"

"Yes! It's perfect! Remember, at the Host Club today, Mitsuko showed them my vases!"

"Uh-huh…"

"And they liked them! So—"

"You can sell your vases!"

"Yes! And then I can hopefully make enough money to help the company! But I think I'm going to get a job, too."

"But Kaori… that's still a lot of money."

"I know, that is why we are going to stall."

"How?"

"You'll see. Life is about to be very difficult for Mitsuko. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Alright. Bye." We hung up. I grabbed some paper and a pencil and started sketching new vase designs.

They would have to be good if the Host Club was going to buy them.