Chapter 17: Jealousy
"So you finally got to London?" Amelia asked as Gina called for her routine few-week check up.
"Oh yeah it's fantastic. So many things to do out here," Gina beamed over the phone. "I'll be here for another month or so depending on how the productions go."
"I would love to go out there," Amelia smiled as she paced back and forth her room.
"Well maybe you can come out when you have a bit of a break for Christmas?" Gina suggested. Amelia smiled as she plopped on her bed.
"That sounds like a much needed vacation," Amelia smiled.
"So how are the boys?" Gina grinned behind the phone.
"Boys?" Amelia repeated in confusion.
"The Hitachiins? The Host Club?" Gina questioned. "Are they treating you okay? Still all right with all those men hanging around you?"
"Mom I'm fine," Amelia scoffed. "I'm just taking a break from them this weekend that's all."
"I understand darling," Gina commented, and then grinned teasingly. "So did you ever have a date with one of them yet?"
"Mom!" Amelia exclaimed. "Nosy much?"
"Oh come on darling, I see how you and Mrs. Hitachiin's sons are with you from the festival. They seem like nice boys. And the rest of them are certainly good looking," Gina encouraged.
"All right I'm hanging up now. Love you Mom see you soon," Amelia laughed and hung up her cell phone. Why me?
Amelia didn't know what to think after being alone to the twins. Maybe something was clicking about being a "woman" that she wasn't aware of. Whatever it was, something about the twins started to get her even more flustered. Why did she feel like her heart would race when they attempted to get so close to her? Maybe the weekend will be enough to let her think. The scary thing is I almost want more…
That afternoon Hitachiin Estate…
"I don't get how we didn't see it. You think she's honestly falling hard?" Hikaru questioned as he scanned the magazine pages of her father's recording company promotion on his bed.
"I don't know what else to call it when she got that flustered," Kaoru explained learning his back on the bed as he sat on the floor. Hikaru sighed rolling over onto his stomach flipping to a page of an shot from above of Amelia with a long blue evening gown, her hair long and curled with a few blonde highlights in her hair fanned out as she laid her back on a beautiful grand piano. He scoffed.
"It's hard to believe some of these pictures are really her, huh?" Hikaru questioned. Kaoru turned around facing his brother, resting his arms on the bed and looking at the picture.
"It's weird that was only a few months before she came to Japan," Kaoru agreed. "She's almost unrecognizable in these."
"It's funny how I keep forgetting how much feminine she can look," Hikaru mentioned. "It's almost unsettling."
"Why?" Kaoru asked.
"I guess…I wouldn't know what to do if she was looking like she's supposed to. I mean on top of the way she is with us," Hikaru explained, turning red at the thought of her getting so close to him.
"You ever wonder if she's out of our league?" Hikaru asked embarrassingly. Kaoru smiled putting a hand on his shoulder.
"I doubt it," Kaoru replied. "Come on lets go out. Maybe we can get our mind off of this for a while."
If he asked me that when we met her, I would've said yes. But now I'm beginning to wonder if we are what she really needs and she doesn't know it yet.
…
"Imai, someone's on the phone for you," Isao called out. "She'll be right with you."
Amelia went downstairs.
"One of the guys from school?" she questioned as Isao covered the phone.
"Actually it's your agent Mrs. White here in Tokyo," Isao replied. Amelia looked at him bewildered. Her talent agent was a Japan connection to a US company. Her father used a Japan native (but very fluent English speaker), Mrs. White to get onto some of the global magazines and clubs in Tokyo for music and modeling gigs.
"I haven't had anything since last year. What does she want?" Amelia questioned. Isao shrugged handing her the phone. Amelia picked up the phone.
"Hello Mrs. White?" she greeted in confusion.
"Amelia sweetheart. How are you darling?" Mrs. White greeted energetically over the phone. Amelia smiled.
"Very well, actually. I'm taking a break from post-midterm craziness," Amelia replied.
"Good. I actually heard you're back in Japan," Mrs. White began. "I was hoping we could get your father's, I mean your beautiful music business back on top."
Amelia looked over noticing Isao in the kitchen with the other phone giving her thumbs up as he listened in. Amelia rolled her eyes and smiled.
"That would be fantastic. When do I start?"
…
That Monday, Music Room #3, 5pm…
Amelia knocked on the door, peeking in. She saw the Host Club in a circle around a stranger she hasn't seen. A boy was sitting on the floor, definitely different from the rest of her known classmates. Dark red, long hair, sharp facial features and he looked very embarrassed being in the same room as the other members. What she didn't know was he was Ritsu Kasanoda (or various other nicknames from the club not getting it right such as Bossa Nova and Casanova) from Class 1-D and a very different character amongst the Host Club. Amelia looked around seeing no customers then got Kyoya's attention from inside.
"Kyoya are we done with the Host Club today?" she greeted.
"Imai I got your message. Mind going into more detail?" Kyoya greeted as he walked over to her.
"Message? What message?" Tamaki questioned. The others looked up in curiosity. Amelia blushed hard at the idea of telling them.
"Oh it's nothing big really I just have to make a few arrangements with Kyoya," Amelia informed laughing.
"You didn't tell Daddy you were making plans!" Tamaki whined.
"Look I'll explain in a bit just give me a moment," Amelia rolled her eyes looking at Kyoya.
"Can we talk privately?" Amelia requested. Kyoya smiled motioning to the back room.
"Of course," Kyoya accepted, leading her into the back room. The twins smirked, tip toeing over to the back room, hiding behind the door and listening in.
Kyoya walked over to Amelia, smiled crossing his arms about his chest.
"Sorry for the late notice, but my agent called," Amelia began.
"And?" Kyoya continued the conversation. Tamaki got behind the twins peeking in as well.
"My agent heard I'm going to be the owner of my father's company and wanted me to do a few glamour magazine covers and articles," Amelia explained. "So I'll have to make it to a few photography shoots and interviews this week."
"Any chance you can do it after the club?" Kyoya asked.
"Unfortunately no, but…" Amelia smirked, reaching into her bag. The twins and Tamaki leaned in to the door.
"What are you guys doing?" Haruhi questioned making the twins and Tamaki jump. They put their fingers on their lips shushing her and pointing inside. Haruhi rolled her eyes peeking in next to Tamaki.
Amelia snatched up a check holding it out to Kyoya.
"I can cover for this week," she finished. Kyoya raised his brows, looking at the check as he grabbed it.
"Now where exactly did you obtain this kind of money?" Kyoya smirked.
"It's a payment in advance. After the shoots and interviews are dealt with this week I'll get the rest," Amelia mentioned.
"$5,000 is a lot of money Amelia. Are you sure that you don't want to save it for yourself?" Kyoya questioned. The twins were floored as well as Tamaki. Haruhi was just in awe with the amount of money.
"I'll be getting more within a week. I just need to make sure I can make it to the photo shoots," Amelia closed her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
"Well I believe $5,000 for the week will be enough to cover you," Kyoya stated, pushing his glasses. "However, you are delaying a lot of your customers."
Amelia smirked.
"What if I give you something other than the money?" Amelia questioned. Kyoya crossed his arms across his chest.
"Go on," Kyoya encouraged. Amelia leaned closer to him.
"What if I gave you the photographs of the shoot? I'll ask for a few personal copies and let the photographers know that I know you personally. You can auction them off, do whatever with them, get a bit of money on the side?" Amelia grinned. "Deal?"
Kyoya laughed lowly.
"One other thing to add," Kyoya insisted lightly. Amelia narrowed her eyes.
"I'm listening," she whispered.
"Since you are also doing photo shoots for your magazines, maybe you can do a few for us. Let me come with you to one of the shoots. I want to see if your agent can set us up with one of her known photographers. That way we can update our photos for clients with the host members," Kyoya grinned.
Amelia looked at him bewildered.
"So let me get this straight," she began. "Aside from the check, you want the photographs of the shoots, come on set during those shoots and later on have a private shoot with me and the other members for the Host Club?"
"Precisely. I would love to see how that works," Kyoya smirked. "Besides if you do this for us I'll cut your debt by the amount you're getting paid for this week."
Amelia looked up in thought and smirked holding out her hand and shaking his.
"Deal," Amelia agreed. Kyoya grinned. The others were floored as they ease dropped. As Kyoya and Amelia headed out the door the others ran to their spots next to Honey, Mori and Ritsu. Amelia walked next to Kyoya as he clapped his hands.
"All right everyone we have an announcement," Kyoya began with some authority. "Imai will not be joining us in the club this week due to a few duties for the company."
"What's wrong Ima-chan?" Honey asked.
"I have a few things to take care of with my agent," Amelia stated. "Actually I have to talk to Chairman Suoh this afternoon to see if I can get off this week entirely."
Tamaki perked up at the sound of his father's name.
"Wait so you're not even going to be in class?" the twins asked.
"That would be rough on your grades wouldn't you think?" Haruhi asked.
"Thankfully since midterms are over, it's easier for her to catch up," Kyoya informed.
"Would you mind taking notes for me while I'm out Haruhi?" Amelia asked.
"Yeah sure," Haruhi agreed.
"Thanks," Amelia thanked and looked over seeing Ritsu. "Oh Kyoya, who is this?"
"Imai this is Ritsu Casanova, he's apprenticing under Mori," Kyoya introduced. Kasanoda straightened up putting a hand on his leg as he sat on the floor with Honey and Mori. "You'll be seeing more of him for a few weeks."
"Oh cool," Amelia smiled and put out a hand to Kasanoda. He hesitated, putting out his hand.
"Uh," Kasanoda greeted putting his hand on hers and shaking it. "Hi, and it's Kasanoda. It's Imai right?"
"Yeah sure, that's what everyone calls me here," Amelia replied with a smile. Kasanoda was thrown off by her smile and kind of blushed (again not knowing she was really a girl with her male uniform on). The Host Club watched at Amelia and Kasanoda conversing.
"Your accent that's not Japanese," Kasanoda mentioned.
"No actually I'm from the states," Amelia smiled.
"It's actually a nice accent. I bet the girls are all over you with it," Kasanoda laughed slightly.
"Not exactly. They're kind of more for my 'bad boy' routine," she laughed.
"And…that's what exactly?" Kasanoda questioned with an odd look. Amelia smirked. The twins furrowed their brows.
"Well maybe if you ask nicely I could show you one of these days," Amelia winked eying him. "I'm sure the girls will be after you then."
Kasanoda blushed hard and laughed nervously. The twins noticed Kasanoda's expression and suddenly gave a glare.
"Imai, you might want to get to the office before Chairman Suoh office hours are up," Kyoya suggested. Amelia straightened up and smiled at Kasanoda.
"Well looks like you're busy," Kasanoda commented.
"A bit. Maybe we can catch up this next week. Anything you like to do?" Amelia asked. The twins were watching Kasanoda carefully.
"Well I like kick the can and a few outdoor games," Kasanoda admitted embarrassed.
"Sounds like fun. I'll keep that in mind," Amelia smiled. "Talk to you later Ritsu."
She turned to the others.
"Kyoya I'll give you a call on the shoot details," Amelia smiled. "Don't be late."
"Oh I won't be late," Kyoya reassured. Amelia smiled and waved as she walked out, Kasanoda furrowed his brows in confusion.
Why does she remind me of a chick?
The twins glared at Kasanoda grinning evilly.
"So why don't we start up your training Casanova?"
…
Later on that week…
Amelia was in her limo when Kyoya stepped in as they went to the first photo shoot.
"My agent is so glad to meet you Kyoya," Amelia smiled.
"I'll be more than pleased to meet her as well. She's one of the best talent agents in Japan," Kyoya informed, texting on his phone.
"Were the guys okay for you not being at the club today?" Amelia asked.
"Oh they were just fine with it," Kyoya replied with a smile. He texted on his cell phone the address of the photo shoot to the Host Club and the time with 'If you want to miss an opportunity to see Amelia just as the magazines your loss'. The rest of the members got the message, scattering in their separate ways to get to the photo shoot.
Amelia fiddled her thumbs nervously and Kyoya looked over.
"Nervous?" he asked seeing her hands shake slightly. Amelia took a deep breath.
"Yeah I'm not really fantastic at these kinds of things," Amelia admitted. "Lots of lights, it gets hot and sometimes I have to pose in odd ways."
The car stopped to a huge photography studio with pictures of models in the windows. Kyoya got out first, going around to Amelia's door and opening it for her. She stepped out grabbing his hand for support on the step. When he closed the car door, Amelia started up the steps glancing, noticing Kyoya not following.
"Kyoya? Aren't you coming?" Amelia questioned.
"You go ahead, I realized I forgot something and need to do a few calls," Kyoya smiled. She swallowed nervously, nodding and proceeding up the steps going inside. Kyoya laughed lowly as he saw a few fancy cars pull up to the photography studio.
"About time," he commented as Tamaki popped out of the car.
"Kyoya! Why did you agree to this? What if she's exploited?" Tamaki asked. Kyoya rolled his eyes.
"She's a professional and you have to deal with it. Besides this is harmless," Kyoya reassured. Hikaru and Kaoru jumped out of their car behind Tamaki's.
"Where's Haruhi?" Tamaki asked.
"She was too busy getting class dealt with," the twins greeted. "Did we miss anything?" the twins asked.
"Not yet. We just got here," Kyoya informed. Honey and Mori stepped out of the car grinning.
"Well that was something I didn't expect," he admitted.
"Sorry we're late, Mori had Casanova wanting to come but we wanted him in class," Honey greeted. "Didn't want him to know about Amelia…"
"All right, now all of you, I need you to behave," Kyoya directed. "Imai has no idea that you're coming by. The least you can do is not give the Host Club a bad reputation."
"Nonsense Kyoya! We'll be perfect gentlemen," Tamaki announced.
"Kyoya Ohtori! What a pleasure to meet you in person," Mrs. White grinned, walking down the stairs to shake his hand. Kyoya grinned politely.
"The pleasure is all mine really. These are the other guests I informed you about last night," Kyoya mentioned, motioning to the others.
"Oh the Hitachiins. Your mother is such a great client for my girls. I have heard nothing but good things from them about your mother and her business," Mrs. White grinned. The twins laughed and smiled.
"Mrs. White, Miss Wolfe needs your assistance," a fellow employer announced from the door. Mrs. White turned around, grinning at the thought.
"Be right there," she announced, looking at the boys. "All right, right this way boys. Follow me."
…
The photography studio was huge. There were men setting up lights and sets for the shoot, a rack of various clothing and costuming and just overall busyness. The Host Club followed Mrs. White through the busying studio.
"I'm so glad you could come out to see this. This could be Miss Wolfe's start on her career with her father's company. A woman in the big leagues, it's glorious," Mrs. White grinned.
"Hey Kyoya did you finally-" Amelia greeted, seeing Mrs. White with him and stopped cold seeing the others. The Host Club stared in awe at Amelia as she came out. Dark eye shadow and mascara with dark lips, hair curled and pulled up in a clip in the back (even with it short), wearing a clingy and wrapped, maroon dress with long sleeves, scoop neck and a high slit at the left side to above her knee with shining high heels. The dress was clinging to her curves showing off her chest and the rest of her hourglass figure. It was definitely feminine. The twins couldn't help but jaws dropping.
"Oh good my dear you're ready!" Mrs. White grinned with pleasure. "You are growing every time I see you."
"You look great Imai," Kyoya grinned winking at her. Amelia looked seeing the rest of the Host Club staring at her. "I'd have to say that kind of style suits you."
"Kyoya I thought we had a deal," Amelia whispered harshly, looking at the others nervously.
"We did but you never did say I couldn't bring company," Kyoya smirked. "Besides who would want to miss this?"
"Miss Wolfe we're ready for you," one of the photographers called out. Amelia rolled her eyes going on set glancing at the others with somewhat embarrassment. She leaned closer to Kyoya's face.
"We'll talk later. But so help me if they misbehave-" Amelia growled.
"They won't," Kyoya interrupted calmly, smirking. Amelia shook her head brushing passed him as she marched onto the photography set. Tamaki was thrown off by her appearance but then was distracted by a few photography assistants who wanted to talk to him. Honey and Mori stood beside Kyoya as Amelia set herself up, sitting in a mahogany chair facing the photographer with a guitar resting in front of her.
"She's so classy!" Honey grinned. "You would've never thought she dressed as a boy everyday."
"Yeah," Mori agreed. "Seems to fit well."
Honey looked behind him seeing Hikaru and Kaoru both red in the face as they couldn't help but stare as Amelia began her shoot.
"Isn't she a natural Kao-chan?" Honey grinned. Kaoru grinned, hiding his nerves.
"Sure is," Kaoru laughed. Hikaru was still staring at Amelia.
"She looks even better in person than the magazines," Hikaru muttered glancing at Kaoru.
Amelia did a few minutes of a shoot in that dress before Mrs. White ran over grabbing another outfit from the rack. This went on for a few hours. It was excruciating to her nerves as she posed and could feel the Host Club members stare. Kyoya better put double away of her debt for this week alone away.
She had to do this in front of the guests. It didn't help that Tamaki was flirting with the production assistants, Kyoya helping the Photoshop designers and the twins eying her outfits when she wasn't wearing them while giving Mrs. White tips. The only well behaved ones were Honey and Mori sitting behind the photographers. Honey was even trying to get her to smile a few times by making funny faces in the back.
That helped a little bit. It didn't help that she knew Hikaru and Kaoru had magazines of her in the past. She could feel their eyes on her when the photography started.
Amelia stood, grabbing the last outfit trying to not feel her cheeks go red when the twins stared at her as she left the room to change.
She went to the dressing room putting on a dark brown skirt, a sweater tank top that was a dark maroon with dark stockings and knee high boots. She let her hair down as the hair stylist came in putting curling her shoulder length hair with some mousse. As soon as the lady was done she waited for a moment staring at her reflection in the mirror.
One more and then I can go home.
After a deep breath she went out to her last photo shoot. Kyoya was slipping a card to Mrs. White supposedly with his contact information on it. Amelia walked up to Mrs. White and smiled.
"Ah good dear you're here. One more and we'll call it a day okay?" she grinned. Amelia nodded. "Kyoya here has been such a gentleman. And your friends have been keeping the staff very lively indeed. We should have them here more often!"
"Yes…we should," Amelia narrowed her eyes at Kyoya who just smirked.
"Mrs. White?" one of the staff called out. Mrs. White looked up and motioned to them.
"Let me get them set up," Mrs. White pointed at the designers, brushing passed her.
"Very nice woman. I can see why you work with her," Kyoya mentioned with a smile.
Amelia put her arms about her chest.
"I agreed to have you come by on set. Not the whole brigade," Amelia narrowed her eyes at him.
"My apologies. It was a bit hard to resist the temptation. Then again I could've soaked up the enjoyment on myself," Kyoya smirked. "Why? Does it bother you?"
"Of course it bothers me," Amelia spat. "You have any idea how embarrassing it is to pose in front of-"
She froze. She stopped herself while glancing at the twins. Kyoya smirked in realization putting up his hands.
"All right all right. We've been here long enough," Kyoya agreed. "Bring the photographs with you back to the school when you're done. For your efforts I suppose I can cover more than just this week."
"Thank you," Amelia whispered as he walked off.
"All right gentlemen! Time to pack it up. We need to get back to the club before our hours start," Kyoya announced.
"That's right it's almost 2:30 already," Tamaki mentioned looking at his watch. "All right men! Back to the club!"
Kyoya walked up to Hikaru and Kaoru as they grinned at Mrs. White.
"All right you two enough chit chat. Say your goodbyes and let's head out. We'll have some customers waiting if we don't leave now."
"Huh? What about Amelia?" Hikaru asked looking over as the crew set up for the last shoot.
"Don't worry, she told me she'll be back at the club," Kyoya informed. Hikaru looked at Kaoru with uncertainty. "Now hurry we don't want to be late."
Kaoru nodded in understanding as everyone left except Amelia and the crew. He put a hand on Hikaru's shoulder.
"Come on Hikaru. We'll see her at school," Kaoru pushed gently.
"Yeah, yeah all right," Hikaru gave in glancing back at the set. Amelia wanted to run up and hug them to some degree. But a part of her was too afraid of what they saw. Seeing her as a woman clearly thrown them off. And their attraction to her was enticing and scary at the same time.
…
"You two seemed awfully distracted today," Kyoya mentioned as the twins sat by the window after their last clients left.
"Huh? What makes you say that?" they asked. Kyoya smirked.
"Oh nothing. Must be my imagination," Kyoya grinned. Haruhi looked between them.
"So Imai's still at work huh? How was the photo shoot?" Haruhi asked. "It must've been pretty neat to see what those things are like."
"Yeah if you're into that sort of thing," Hikaru sighed, looking at out the window.
CRASH!
"Oops sorry," Kasanoda groaned as a tea set crashed down to the ground. Kyoya looked at the twins.
"How about you boys help Casanova pick up the pieces? The broom and dustpan are in the back?" Kyoya directed. The twins groaned as they went to the back room. Haruhi helped Kasanoda pick up a few pieces.
The door suddenly opened with a very still feminine looking Amelia. She still wore her last outfit from the shoot. The maroon sweater brown skirt, knee high boots, hair down and curled at her shoulders with a leather jacket hugging her. Make up was still on as well as jewelry.
"I gotta say Kyoya, you have a way with women," Amelia smirked with an envelope in her hands as she walked up to Kyoya.
Kasanoda looked up furrowing his brows in confusion. He heard Imai's voice…but someone else's face.
"Who's this chick? She's not wearing a school uniform," Kasanoda observed. Haruhi swallowed looking up at Amelia. "She's kind of cute."
"Amelia!" Honey greeted hopping beside her as she handed Kyoya the photographs. "How'd they come out good?"
"Pictures look good," Amelia smirked. "Not bad for a newbie business owner, eh?"
"I have to say your photographers are very good," Kyoya grinned as he looked at the finished copies. "I'm impressed. They'll do well with our next photo shoot."
"Ooo let us see let us see!" the twins trotted in grabbing the photographs from Kyoya. The others were too busy from the excitement that they didn't see Kasanoda staring at Amelia, except for Haruhi.
Haruhi cleared her throat.
"Now why don't I get that dustpan and broom shall we?" Haruhi questioned, getting up and heading to the back room. Kasanoda snapped out of his trance turning red. Haruhi grabbed Amelia's arm and looked at her sternly.
"Amelia can I talk to you?" Haruhi questioned. Amelia looked at her oddly.
"What's wrong?" she asked. Haruhi motioned over to Kasanoda who was obviously trying not to look in her direction.
Amelia swallowed in realization looking down at her features. Crap. She quickly went into the back room with Haruhi as the boys examined the pictures. Kasanoda walked over beside Honey and Mori looking at them in interest.
"So is this girl one of your clients or something?" Kasanoda asked. Honey's grin suddenly went nervous as he realized what was going on. Everyone looked at Kasanoda rather sternly realizing what just happened.
Amelia peeked through the door as they looked at the group.
"What am I going to do?" Amelia asked desperately. "I feel so freaking stupid."
"Maybe he won't tell anyone if he finds out," Haruhi said hopefully. "I mean it's not like it matters if he knows. He's not the type of guy to hurt anyone you know?"
"You think?" Amelia asked. Then something hit her. "I can say I'm my own twin."
"What? You don't think he's going to buy that do you?" Haruhi rolled her eyes.
"Hey they couldn't figure US out until the last minute. You think he's going to be any different?" Amelia asked pointing towards Kasanoda. "Besides, even if he does find out, I just have to make it clear that we don't want it spread. Right?"
Haruhi groaned and rubbed her eyes. This was getting way too complicated. She grabbed the broom and dustpan.
"All right fine. Let's just get that mess cleaned up," Haruhi insisted.
"What? Did I say something?" Kasanoda asked as the boys stared at him. Amelia walked out with Haruhi smiling confidently. Kasanoda choked when she came up from behind Kyoya. Honey and Mori noticed trying not to laugh.
"I'd have to say those pictures come in handy," Amelia grinned reaching into her bag. "By the way…"
She pulled out another substantial check. Haruhi grabbed Kasanoda to help with the tea cup mess. He sort of eagerly agreed to get away from the pretty girl.
"Pleasure doing business with you," Amelia stated.
"So are you coming back for the rest of the week?" Honey asked.
"No I still have a few interviews and maybe another shoot," Amelia sighed. "It's a crazy business to be in."
"Aww but will you at least visit? It's empty here without you Imai," Honey begged with teary eyes. Amelia laughed, grabbing Honey, squeezing him into a bear hug.
"Of course I will!" she laughed. Honey laughed hugging her back.
Did he just say Imai? Kasanoda thought suddenly turning pale before beat red looking at the rather feminine looking girl who he saw just the other day as a boy in the Host Club.
Amelia noticed Kasanoda staring at her. The others noticed as well and raised an eyebrow at him.
"You all right Ritsu? You look like you're catching a fever," Honey mentioned due to his tomato red face. Kasanoda cleared his throat.
"Oh yeah. I was just…wondering who our visitor was. I thought maybe she was one of your clients right?" Kasanoda mentioned laughing nervously. The club looked at each other suddenly realizing that he's scoping their secret out.
"Is that really any of your business as a rookie Casanova?" Kyoya asked.
"Uh…" Kasanoda cleared his throat. "No I just didn't…you know want to be rude."
He got up from cleaning up the mess putting out a hand at Amelia, trying to smile but too nervous to do it right. Amelia looked down seeing his hand shaking.
"I'm Kasanoda," he introduced. Amelia smirked. She could have fun with this. "But you know you could call me Ritsu."
Amelia grabbed his hand shaking it.
"Rookie? Does that mean you're becoming a host?" Amelia smirked, eying him playfully. "Maybe I'd have to keep an eye out for some free time."
At the same time Kasanoda turned beat red, almost losing his breath, while the twins paled before glaring at Ritsu. The others found it rather amusing. Kasanoda laughed nervously.
"Well I don't know about being a host. It's not really my thing," Kasanoda admitted.
"Aw that's too bad," Amelia smirked. Kasanoda felt a lump in his throat. This can't be Imai. He doesn't act anything like this chick…
"Casanova, don't you have some cleaning to do?" the twins interrupted, glaring at the boy. Kasanoda jumped at the sight of the twins' anger.
"Uh right, sorry," Kasanoda cleared his throat looking apologizing to Amelia. "So uh…maybe I'll see you later?"
"I'd count on it," Amelia smirked, winking at him. Kasanoda turned red when the twins grabbed him dragging him over to the pile of tea cup chips that Haruhi had finished sweeping up. Amelia smirked at Kyoya.
"If your not busy later this week let me know. I'll gladly show you a few more photographs I'm getting that the photographers are still working on," Amelia informed.
"No problem. I'll give you a call," Kyoya smirked. Amelia threw her bag over her shoulder heading out the door. She secretly grinned at the twins' behavior over Kasanoda liking her.
"Don't wait up," she said, winking at the twins while she left closing the door behind her. The turned beat red as well as Ritsu; however, that changed as soon as they realized he was staring at her just as much as they did.
Later that Day…7pm
The others were gone when Amelia came back to the music room even if it was only an hour ago. She forgot to give Kyoya the check for the day. She had to make her driver go back to school to drop it off. She sent the limo driver back home since Isao needed a ride for errands.
"Kyoya?" she called out.
"He just left," Kasanoda's voice came from the backroom washing dishes. Amelia jumped at the voice and then approached the backroom. She opened the door a bit more.
"I'm sure that if you leave a message he'll-" Kasanoda began and suddenly froze seeing Amelia leaning on the doorframe, arms crossed about her chest.
"Oh it's you again," Kasanoda grinned nervously. Amelia smiled, revealing a check in her hand.
"I forgot to drop this off Kyoya," she mentioned, brushing passed him, putting the check in a savings drawer they kept at the club.
"Right," Kasanoda cleared his throat, turning off the water and drying off his hands. He was trying to keep his eyes off her. Amelia noticed clearing her throat.
"Well then I'll um, see you tomorrow right?" Amelia slipped walking passed him to the door.
"Uh yeah, see you tomorrow Imai," Kasanoda slipped. Amelia froze. So he did know.
Amelia turned looking at Kasanoda noticing he froze at his words. She turned facing him.
"Actually it's Amelia," Amelia corrected. Kasanoda sighed in relief. He thought she was Imai.
"You like Imai's sister?" Kasanoda asked, leaning his back against the sink as she approached him. Amelia smirked.
"Maybe," Amelia grinned. "Although I can teach you the bad boy routine. Get the girls all over you."
Ritsu froze as she stood in front of him.
"Imai?" he asked swallowing hard, eying her. "You…look…uh."
"Well by the look on your face I'd say not too bad," Amelia teased. Kasanoda turned redder.
"Then…why are you dressing like a guy?" Kasanoda questioned. Amelia grinned.
"I'll tell you if you promise to keep it a secret," Amelia answered lightly. "Can you do that for me?"
"Uh…sure but why?" Kasanoda asked nervously. Amelia in front of him, leaning forward and putting her hands on each side of the sink behind him.
"I have a few favors to complete with the club. The only way I can repay some debt is by wooing a few girls. Can't do that as a girl now can I?"
"Uh I guess not," Ritsu agreed. Amelia smiled sweetly.
"I also don't want you getting pummeled by the others either just because you found out," Amelia admitted, backing off a bit. Kasanoda exhaled when she backed off grabbing her bag. "So we have a deal?"
Ritsu cleared his throat.
"So no telling anyone? No one from school?" Kasanoda repeated rubbing the back of his neck.
"Right," Amelia agreed.
"What if the club finds out?" Kasanoda questioned nervously. "I don't think they'll be too happy."
"You leave that to me," Amelia replied. Kasanoda smiled uneasily.
"All right, then it's a deal. I won't tell anyone," he agreed.
"I appreciate it," she smiled softly. "Well I should…be going now."
"Wait!" Kasanoda blurted without realizing it as she was turning to go. She jumped at the command.
"Uh…let me walk you back down. It's dark out," Kasanoda offered. Amelia was thrown off.
"What's wrong with it being dark out?" she asked.
"I know a few kids in my class that can be some trouble with the girls after school. Besides, I let a girl walk on her own," Kasanoda informed grabbing his coat and slinging his bag over his shoulder. Amelia couldn't help but smile at the gesture.
…
They walked out, locking the door behind them as they went out into the courtyard. It was a nice night. Amelia couldn't help but smile when she saw Ritsu relax a bit.
"So if you're name's Amelia why do they call you Imai?" Kasanoda asked as they walked through the vast campus.
"It was a pet name my Dad called me after a few people here got it wrong," Amelia laughed.
"Well…I think Amelia's better. Suits you," Kasanoda mentioned nervously.
"And you don't think you're a nice guy?" Amelia smirked. Kasanoda looked around.
"Is your driver somewhere?" he asked. Amelia grabbed her phone noticing a text.
"Shit…" she breathed. "Looks like he's not going to be able to come back. Isao and him are still at the store."
"No problem. You can come ride with me. Where do you live?" Kasanoda offered as they walked up to his driver's car. Amelia swallowed hard.
"Oh no I don't want to bother Ritsu," Amelia said.
"Come on I'm not leaving you out in the cold or walking home in the dark," Kasanoda stated. Amelia was thrown off by his generosity as he opened the back door to his car.
"Hop in," he offered lightly.
"You promise you won't bite right?" Amelia teased.
"AH! What gave you that idea?!" Kasanoda panicked. Amelia laughed.
"Kidding," she grinned. "Come on."
She hopped in the car. The driver glanced to the back smirking Kasanoda giving him a thumbs up.
Kasanoda growled turning red.
"It's not like that," he whispered harshly before hopping in the back with Amelia. The driver grinned for his master and drove off to Amelia's estate.
…
Kasanoda sat on his end trying to make idle conversation but failing a little miserably. Amelia tried not to tease him too much for trying but it was fun. She felt like she could relax and joke a bit around him.
"So why are you in the host club if being a host isn't your thing?"
"I just…I don't know just want to have a few more friends. See that maybe I'm not this big scary guy you know?" Kasanoda explained. "I mean Mori is big and scary. How does he get friends so easily?"
"I'm sure if you just relax and be yourself people won't be so tense and scared," Amelia shrugged.
"You think so? It hasn't been working so far," Kasanoda mentioned.
"Well you got the club. And me obviously," Amelia smiled. He looked at her nervously.
"Really? You too?" he smiled slightly. Amelia nodded and he laughed a bit.
"Thanks. That helps," Ritsu smiled. The car stopped in front of the estate. Amelia glanced seeing the home. Kasanoda jumped out of the car pacing to the other side of limo waving off the driver.
"I got it, thanks," Kasanoda smirked. The driver winked at him as he opened the door for Amelia.
From inside, Isao was sitting in the kitchen looking out the bay window towards the driveway.
"Boys! Imai's here," Isao called out. The twins apparently came to Amelia's estate to hang out and ran into the kitchen. "Looks like she got a ride from one of you guys from the club."
"Oh really who?" the twins asked as they walked to the kitchen's window and Isao headed out.
"Some red head guy. I think I know him from dojo nearby."
The twins looked out the window in curiosity as Amelia got out of the car and Ritsu leaned on the door smiling at her.
"CASANOVA?!" they shrieked.
"Thanks again Ritsu," Amelia smirked. "You still good on your promise?"
"I don't go breaking on my word Wolfe. At least not that easily," Kasanoda informed. Amelia smiled, hugging him.
"I appreciate it," she said lightly. He turned redder, getting stiff.
"No problem…" he said rather restrained, patting her shoulder, almost as if he's afraid to touch her. Amelia backed off, kissing his cheek making him turn bright red. He shivered when she putting a hand on the same cheek. The twins were fuming in the kitchen.
"You're a sweetheart. Don't think you're anything else," Amelia complimented putting her hand down. "Casanova."
She smirked turning around to her house. Kasanoda stood there speechless.
"Why is it when she says Casanova, it makes me nervous," he muttered.
"I'll see you tomorrow!" Amelia called out as he went back into his car rather wobbly.
"Nice girl sir," the driver complimented. "Easy on the eyes you think?"
"Let's just head home," Kasanoda recommended as the driver made it out of the driveway.
…
Amelia opened the door of the estate seeing the twins crossing their arms rather furious with Kasanoda.
"So…who was that who dropped you off?" the twins asked gritting their teeth. Amelia jumped seeing them.
"When did you guys get here?" she asked.
"Isao was here. We were wanting to surprise you," Kaoru mentioned.
"Looks like we're the one who got the surprise," Hikaru added. Amelia walked passed them dropping her bag in the living room.
"What are you two talking about? Ritsu dropped me off. My driver couldn't make it back in time to grab me," Amelia rolled her eyes.
"Ah good you're home," Isao greeted as he walked into the living room. "My wife is sick so I need to go home for a while. You mind being here on your own tonight?"
"Sure," Amelia replied.
"There's money on the table for pizza. You boys can stick around if you want," Isao smirked at the twins as he grabbed his keys. The twins put on a fake smile at him.
"Will do. Thanks Isao!" they waved as he closed the door and locked it behind him.
Amelia looked at the door then back at the twins. Suddenly she froze. Crap…she's alone with the twins. She started turning beat red.
The twins suddenly went from jealous fury to seeing her staring at them.
"Amelia? What's wrong?" Kaoru asked. She swallowed hard as she got up quickly.
"Nothing," she spat.
"So you seem rather close to Casanova rather quickly," Hikaru mentioned. "I'm sure that his type obviously gets to you."
"Type?" she repeated. "Oh you're playing this game again well that's fine but no he's not my type, just a nice guy."
"Doesn't mean you don't like nice guys," Kaoru coaxed.
"Oh come on we're not going to play this now are we?" Amelia asked grabbing her bag and heading up the stairs to her room. The twins followed her.
"Come on Amelia we want to know if he's really something you're into," the twins objected as she went into her room.
"Why does it matter what I'm into?" Amelia asked as she sat on her bed taking off her boots. "It's not any of your business."
Kaoru jumped on the bed behind her smirking.
"Come on Amelia, we like knowing these things," Kaoru purred. "Especially what you're into."
"What's the harm in that?" Hikaru added sitting in front of her, putting his hands on her knees.
"Do you like Casanova or not?" Kaoru asked, putting his arms on her shoulders and pulling her against him. "We won't tell."
"But we'd put him in his place," Hikaru grinned. "Let him know what you are to us."
"Oh my god…" Amelia swallowed looking between them. "You're…jealous of Ritsu."
The twins froze staring at her.
"What makes you think we're jealous?" Hikaru laughed nervously.
"You're pushing me to agree that I like him," Amelia replied. "If you must know I don't. Not that way anyway. I barely know him."
"You certainly are being rather close to him for someone you barely know," Hikaru spat.
"Hikaru…" Kaoru breathed. "Easy."
"Oh come on Kaoru you can't tell me that you aren't mad at him for gawking at her since this afternoon!" Hikaru spat.
"Look I don't like him that way okay? He's just a nice guy!" Amelia growled frustratingly.
"Wait…Amelia…you came out of the car with him dressed like that…does he know?" Kaoru asked. Amelia froze a few minutes of awkward silence. Hikaru read her face and snarled.
"Oh I'm going to kill him," he growled. Amelia got up as he headed to the door, getting in front of him, closing and locking the door. She stood in front of it blocking him.
"Don't you dare," she growled staring him down. Hikaru was thrown off but still snarling angrily.
"How could you tell him?" Hikaru spat.
"I didn't. He figured it out," Amelia growled.
"He's not supposed to. You're supposed to be our secret!" Hikaru yelled.
"He's not going to tell anyone. I made sure," Amelia said calmly, folding her arms about her chest.
"By what making out with him or showing him everything?" Hikaru growled.
"Hikaru!" Kaoru got up shoving him in discipline. "How can you say that to her?"
"You saw how she was when she got out of the car! For all we know he could've coaxed her into telling him and God knows what else," Hikaru stated angrily. Amelia marched up to him as he talked to Kaoru grabbing Hikaru's arm and pulling him to her.
Hikaru went off balance as Amelia pulled him to the wall and pinned him there angrily.
"Amelia!" he growled. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"You listen to me and listen good right now!" Amelia growled. Her legs were shaking. She was so angry, so hurt that he would accuse her of such things.
"I am not a girl who gives herself away so easily. You telling me that I am is uncalled for," Amelia growled.
"Oh yeah I'm not so sure about that," Hikaru growled.
"You think I enjoy seeing girls come in and out of the club everyday having your undivided attention. Swooning them, toying with their heads and leaving me in the background?" Amelia growled. Kaoru stood there shocked at what she was saying and Hikaru's eyes widened. "I don't. But I don't go accusing of you two of being sleeping around."
That's when it hit them. She…was just being nice. Just like she was with them when they helped her with the club. She wasn't nervous with Ritsu outside like she was with them. She should be more insecure then them. When she sees the girls around them all the time. But…she never said anything.
"I'm…sorry Amelia, I didn't mean it," Hikaru looked away turning red. He had no reason to be upset. Neither did Kaoru.
"Ritsu is a friend. That is all," Amelia stated quietly. "He was just being nice. And I mean it when I say he won't tell."
Amelia let go of him backing off, grabbing her cell phone and throwing it at him.
"Now go order pizza before I kick you out," Amelia said, grabbing her jeans and another more comfortable sweater and heading to her bathroom to change. Kaoru looked at the phone in Hikaru's hand.
"You heard her. I don't really feeling like getting on her bad side…" Kaoru scoffed.
"I guess we were right about her liking us…I just forgot when she was with him," Hikaru sighed tossing her phone back to the bed, grabbing his cell phone unlocking the door and heading downstairs to the kitchen.
Kaoru sighed as he leaning on the doorframe. As Amelia came out changed she sighed.
"I'm sorry…" she breathed. He looked at her shaking his head.
"You were right. We are a bit…jealous," Kaoru sighed with a small smile. Amelia swallowed hard. She suddenly started shaking.
"We like you Amelia. Problem is…we know you…like us too…"
That's when…everything changed.