"No woman alive could resist a guy near tears." One of the twins stated as I walked into the host club. I smiled at that. While it was true seeing a guy cry was something to behold in itself I doubt every girl would fall to it.

Then Kaoru gave Haruhi a small box with a sweet treat inside. Knowing she didn't normally eat sweets I had a feeling I knew where it was going to go. I just made it to her side when Hikaru gave me the same box with a different colored sweet inside. The difference between Haruhi and me was simple; I enjoyed sweets more than her. But we would both give ours as a memorial offering to our past loved ones. Hers would be to her mother while mine would be to my parents.

I didn't say anything while Haruhi explained to the girls about her mother. The girls swooned at her. I smiled gently not wanting to interrupt anything. Unfortunately Tamaki had a knack for interrupting.

While he was going on about how his tears were real Honey walked over to me and asked, "So, what about you Aya-chan? Do you like sweets?"

I bent down to his level and spoke softly. "I enjoy sweets, but only when I know they're homemade. You see, when things are made from scratch I feel that you put a little bit of yourself into what you make so it tastes better. But I think I'll follow Haruhi's example. It's been a little too long since I gave my parents a memorial offering."

Honey blushed at my sincerity. "Wow Aya-chan, that's amazing."

"It's nothing like that Honey."

Then we came to realize there was a person standing around the corner watching us all. The girl seemed shy and timid enough. Hmm, I wonder what this girl's doing. Oh well, it's none of my concern as long as she doesn't hurt Haruhi.

Next thing I know she's yelling at Tamaki. I had to cover my ears from her shrill voice. Covering my ears firmly helped but I had no clue what she was saying. Thankfully I didn't have to wait long. Takashi came over and gently grabbed my hands and brought them away from my ears when she stopped her rant. I had to fight back the blush that threatened to come every time he was near me.

We all sat down as she explained things. I was still a bit confused, but went with the flow. Shortly, we all realized that she had deluded herself into thinking Kyoya was her dream guy based off of a dating simulation game. I had to admit it was rather farfetched, but anything was possible with the Host Club.

I was brought out of my own thoughts when I heard she was going to be the manager of the Host Club from now on. It worried me a bit because of Haruhi and her secret. Granted I had enough money saved up to cut her debt by half so it wouldn't be that bad, but again Haruhi wouldn't let me help. Finally the craziness ended for the day and Haruhi and I left for home so we could pay our respects to her mother and my parents.

The next day was even crazier though. I sat off to the side since I wasn't a technical part of the club and overheard Tamaki stating that Renge could help bring out Haruhi's femininity. That comment alone hurt me in more ways than one. I tried to hide it quickly, but I had a distinct feeling Kyoya, Haruhi, Honey, and Takashi had all seen my hurt expression.

I knew that I wasn't very feminine, but for him to say that she had no friends besides the 'shady twins' hurt me even worse. I guess I should just leave and not come back unless I'm dropping off Haruhi or picking her up.

Renge then entered the clubroom and announced that she'd baked cookies. I didn't look up from my lap though hoping no one would come near me while I was in my depressed state. I needed something to take my mind off of things and quick. I was still debating on whether I should leave or not.

"She wasn't kidding, these cookies really are burnt." Honey stated gnawing on one.

"Don't eat that Mitsukuni it's bad for you." Takashi stated.

Renge then turned evil like Medusa and chased Honey and Takashi around the room. The whole time I heard Honey crying, "She's scaring me!"

I knew Takashi had things covered with protecting Mitsukuni so I went over to Haruhi trying to pull myself together. I reached for a cookie at the same time Haruhi did.

We both took a bite of our cookie. "They're not that bad at all. They've got a good flavor to them." Haruhi stated taking another bite.

I smiled at her. "Yea, she just needed to take them out a few minutes earlier and they'd be perfect."

Next thing I know Hikaru and Kaoru are with us. Hikaru was with Haruhi and Kaoru with me. "May I try?" Hikaru asked her. The cookie was still held between her teeth as he took a bite of her cookie.

I was already done with mine as I smiled at his antics. I knew he was trying to get under Tamaki's skin. But there was another reason behind his motives. I wasn't sure if even he was aware of it or not.

"Uh-oh Ayako you have crumbs on your face." Kaoru said to me. I then felt his tongue on my cheek licking the crumbs off.

My entire face flushed. I then calmed down and rubbed off his saliva. Haruhi took the reins then. I was thankful since I didn't trust my voice at that moment. Tamaki made things worse, but Haruhi like always took care of it easily enough.

I walked away from the craziness and sat down on a couch. Takashi then sat down next to me. I knew he wouldn't say anything but being this close put me on edge. What's he thinking?

Why am I so protective of Ayako? Kaoru's harmless and was just playing around. So why did seeing that bother me? Takashi thought while watching Ayako out of the corner of his eye.

As I was trying to tune out everyone I happened to glance over in Renge's direction. Then she was on another one of her rants after Honey asked her if she'd like a glass of milk. Something about them all being lukewarm, except for Kyoya. She then turned to me. "Who are you anyway? You're not a member of this club and yet you're here just as much as them."

I laughed at her. "Please, don't point at anyone. It's very rude and not very becoming of such a young lady."

The hosts stared at me in wonder. I pushed on, "I'm no one worth knowing, but if you want to know then my name's Ayako Sakamoto, third year here at Ouran. I'm the big sister figure to Haruhi and have been asked to watch over him on behalf of his father." I made sure to call her a him whenever we were at school.

Of course you're worth knowing! All the hosts thought.

Renge then gushed about how mature I was being and how tender I was. How can you make that assumption by me stating simple facts? "Um, ok."

She then continued her spiel at the guys. I laughed softly into my hand to help muffle the sound. I didn't realize that my action had caused the one sitting beside me to blush softly and glance my way.

After her stating their new roles she turned to me and asked me something I never thought I'd hear. "Ayako-sempai, you need to be a part of the club. They need a female touch other than my own."

"Uh…" I blushed at her suggestion. "I-I don't know about that."

Honey bounced up to me. "Please Aya-chan? You're here already because of Haruhi. Will you at least try?" Honey begged with puppy eyes.

I sighed I didn't feel comfortable with this, so I decided to ask Renge a question before I answered. "Renge, what exactly would my role be before I agree or disagree?"

She smiled at me from Kyoya's side. "Oh that's easy. You, much like Kyoya just be yourself."

I looked at Honey and picked him up easily. I smiled at him and sighed out, "I guess I can try."

Honey hugged me tightly around my neck. As I looked over his shoulder at the other hosts they were all smiling at me except for Tamaki who was already practicing his poses. As I looked over to Takashi his smile was different from the others, it reached his eyes which were warmer than usual.

I turned my attention back to Renge quickly to avoid looking at Takashi again as she explained our roles. Next thing I knew we were filming a movie about the hosts and their new personas.

It started out with the twins being basketball stars. Renge narrated a few lines then it switched over to view Tamaki in the rain. Again she narrated after his lines much like the previous scene.

While they were still filming in the rain it moved to Haruhi running away from Honey and Takashi. Honey being the bully as Takashi was his friend trying to help him. It was time for my part. But before I could run in Honey started crying and the scene stopped. Renge yelled at him as Honey kept apologizing.

I knew what I had to do. I gently grabbed Renge's shoulder and smiled at her. She stopped her rant as I walked over to Honey. "Honey, look at me."

He looked at me with tears in his eyes and running down his face. Gently wiping away his tears I spoke softly, "Honey, calm down, it's ok. Try not to think of it as you're being mean to Haruhi, think of it as you're trying to protect someone special from someone who's trying to hurt them. That way you can get this scene done with. I promise if you can pull this off I'll bake you a cake personally. Any cake you want ok?"

He jumped into my arms still crying. "I-I'll try, Aya-chan." He whimpered.

"Shh it's ok." I pulled back from him and began wiping his eyes again. "There, all better. Now, let's try that again."

He smiled and bound over to Takashi who held a gentle smile. I glanced over my shoulder at Renge. "Ready to try again?"

She shook herself and smiled broadly at me. "That…was…AMAZING! Tell me you got that?"

The cameraman nodded saying he did and she was positively glowing. I couldn't help but wonder why. It was normal for me to comfort those that were hurt or upset.

We all got back into position quickly and started the scene again. As the rain poured I heard Honey's final line. I then ran onto the scene and stopped in front of Haruhi's sitting form. "Stop this! I know you're the school bully, but nothing good will come of this."

Honey chuckled darkly. "Why should I listen to you, girl? Or should I call you that seeing as you're on every team at school. You're just another jock!"

I smiled gently letting the rain soak me. I walked slowly toward him with my arms outstretched. "Because, I know you don't really want to do this. You want people to see you as more than a cute face, but you're not this dark person. Please, don't hurt my brother. I want to help you."

"Help me! Help me! I don't need help!" Honey yelled.

I embraced him while I fell to my knees. "You must stop this Mitsukuni! I don't want to see you lose yourself."

That ended the scene and I felt Honey trying to hold back his tears. I didn't release him. "Honey…go ahead and let it out."

He bawled his eyes out. I held him close as I stood up easily carrying him back. Takashi held out a towel and I gave Honey to him. I smiled gently at Honey and pushed aside his bangs. "I'm glad you're not that person Honey. I like you just the way you are." I kissed his head and went over to talk to Renge.

I noted that Honey and Takashi were having a discussion, but knew not to ask what it was about. I began drying my hair with the towel Takashi gave me.

"Takashi, did you see how Aya-chan acted? She's so nice, even when she's not acting." Honey beamed.

Takashi stared after Ayako's retreating form. She's the only one besides myself that can get through to Mitsukuni when he's upset. She's truly something else.

Renge called Haruhi and I over. She brought us over to two rough looking guys and immediately I didn't like where this was going. I rushed over quickly as I saw Renge tugging and pulling on the guys. Then one of them lost his temper and he shoved Renge. Haruhi jumped in to protect her from hitting anything to hard. I made it just in time to catch her as she caught Renge. The impact was made harder considering I caught two people, but at least I kept my word about protecting Haruhi. As the equipment started to fall over I shielded them from the impact again.

I gently released Haruhi who released Renge in turn. I stepped in front of the two as Haruhi talked to Renge. Then Tamaki came around the corner from hearing the ruckus and saw Haruhi in tears. I was still standing in front of the girls. I made sure no one knew I was injured. I needed to protect them until the guys showed up.

Tamaki rushed in demanding answers of the guys. Haruhi interrupted him, in which Tamaki rushed over to her forgetting the guys who decided to run off. I then walked over to an empty place and slid down to sit for a bit and not hurt myself further.

Shortly after sitting, I felt myself being lifted into a pair of arms. Looking up I realized who had me in their arms. Honey was bouncing all around. "Aya-chan, are you ok? Are you hurt? What happened?" Honey frantically asked.

I glanced down at him with a small smile. "I'm fine, just a little bit sore."

Takashi spoke up. "You sprained your ankle and wrist."

I blushed up at Takashi. "Uh, Takashi…please, don't tell the others. I don't want to worry them. And how did you know that?"

He shrugged but refused to put me down. I huffed in annoyance and I caught a small glimpse of a smirk playing on Takashi's lips.

I heard a smash that broke the trance he had over me. I looked over to see Kyoya had smashed the camera lens. As I turned in Takashi's arms I saw Renge fall to her knees in tears. I tried to get out of Takashi's arms and go help her. It was in my nature to help, but Takashi refused to release me still. Thankfully Haruhi went and talked to Renge.

The next few days were odd for me. Takashi made sure I was taken care of while Honey asked me how I was doing. The girls were all talking about the film and discussing what parts they liked the best. The oddest thing of all was during and after classes, girls were coming up to me and stating they loved my part too. It was weird that they had openly accepted me and didn't mind me being so close to the hosts.

The club then found out about Kyoya selling the film, but cutting out the scene with the violence. Then Renge showed up much to everyone's surprise. She talked about Haruhi liking her then dragged her away. I found it rather funny and knew it was ok not to intervene. Tamaki did that for me.

I wonder if he still wants Haruhi to have female companions other than myself?