A/N: Thank you for reading. I have updated the first chapter, making the story flow a bit smoother and making spelling and grammar edits. Please review and let me know how I'm doing! ^_^

-Amelia

Start Of Chapter Two

Sebastian-san wakes me up, and helps me to get ready. Unfortunately, I woke up screaming in the middle of the night because of a particularly disturbing nightmare. I am practically dead on my feet, stumbling around as Sebastian-san speedily dresses me and makes me look presentable. He escorts me downstairs, handing me my packed messenger bag, and sits me down at the table. After practically feeding me my apple strudel breakfast, I manage to break through the sleepy haze slightly.

"Oh, Sebastian-san," I say, "What are you going to do all day while I'm at school?" He looks at me in a confused manner.

"Why, stay by your side of course. You can't be wandering around unprotected while there are Reapers out for your head, can you?" I stare at him incredulously.

"You do realize that I am expected to act as a 'commoner', right? I can't just bring my Demon Butler to school with me! Even the rich kids don't bring their normal butlers to school with them. It would be the opposite of inconspicuous. How about..." I pause, flipping up my eye patch, exposing the white contract mark on my eye. "During school hours, I order you to not be seen by any of the students or staff unless I've given explicit permission. You must take care of Kiyoshi, keep him safe and happy. You can follow me and ensure my safety so long as you aren't seen. However... I'm not exactly helpless. I order you to only interfere if I am most likely about to die, and you are the only person in the vicinity who would be able to save my life." The mark glows as I give him the order, sending a soft wave of warmth through my body.

"Yes, My Lady." Says Sebastian-san in English. I nod in satisfaction. Once I've finished eating, Sebastian-san walks beside me out the door. He helps me to climb into the new car we bought just the other day, a blue 69' Camaro that matched the colour of my eyes exactly. I buckle in Kiyoshi, so grateful for how well behaved he is. Sebastian-san walks to the other side of the car, sliding into the front seat. He immediately starts to drive, quickly taking me towards Ouran Academy. We pull up in front of the school, and Sebastian-san quickly says something before I can leave the car.

"Kobayashi-sama, remember I will always be nearby should you need something." I smile bitterly at the comment that could be taken as concern for my wellbeing, because I know better than to think that. Sebastian-san just wants to ensure I don't die before my soul is ready for him to feast upon.

"Of course, Sebastian-san. How could I... ever... forget?" I look over at Kiyoshi, and give him a kiss on the forehead. "Be good, Kiyoshi. I'll be gone for a little bit, but I'll see you soon." Kiyoshi seems to understand, and he doesn't like it. He shakes his head vigorously, reaching out his hands.

"Okaa-san! Come. Come! Up!" My heart skips a beat. Kiyo called me mom.

"Kiyo-kun, your Okaa-san has to go. Okaa-san will be back soon, Okay?" I say to him, tears prickling my eyes and my instincts screaming at me to stay with him. Kiyo-kun's lip quivers, but he nods tearfully. I quickly get out of the car, and close the door. I turn around, regaining my composure as I walk up the steps to the entrance. It has taken a while, but I can willfully leave Kiyoshi in the care of Sebastian-san. I know that Sebastian-san would do absolutely nothing to hurt him because that is what I have ordered him to do.

Over the past several days, along with spending a lot of time with Kiyo-kun, I put a lot of thought into how I should behave around other people at Ouran Academy. I have made the decision to be a good conversationalist, but at the same time not initiate any interactions. I'll be open and answer questions, but never volunteer anything. I'll always remain neutral, and I'll always be quiet unless others try to speak with me. This isn't very different from how I normally would act, aside from the one last thing I decided on. I will not go along with any attempts at an ongoing friendship, no getting together with anyone outside of school, and no joining any of the clubs that are offered here at the school. I've decided to spend all my free time at school in the Library, or one of them at least. This school has four of them, after all. Spending time in quiet places designated for studying discourages too much socialization, after all. I'll just focus on school work, and try to get the best grades I can.

With that in mind, I set my shoulders and plaster a neutral look on my face. My arrival hadn't drawn any attention, thankfully. I walk up the steps to the front door, going over the route to my classroom in my mind. Class 1A.

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I walk through the door into the class, still blushing slightly in embarrassment from my experience in the hallway. Obviously I succeeded in looking like a boy, because as I navigated through the hallways, girls I made eye contact even briefly with immediately gasped and started blushing. Several of them I swear even had hearts in her eyes as they squealed at me! I hadn't actually seen myself in the mirror this morning, and I haven't even worn the school uniform before today. I had only held it in front of me briefly as I looked into the mirror in my room. Upon imagining it, I suppose I did look handsome, but did I really warrant all the looks from the girls? I blush again, shivering in a bit of unease. I never thought another girl would look at me like that...

I scan the classroom to look for an empty seat, only to see a bunch more of the squealing and blushing girls pretty much filling up the front three rows. Thankfully, they aren't squealing at me, but rather a pair of red headed twins who seemed to be fawning over each other. My heart pinches painfully, and I look away from them with a wince. Looking to the back of the classroom, most of the seats are filled with bored or exasperated looking boys. One person stands out however, not wearing the uniform. They are looking intently at the open textbook in front of them, the glasses on their face reflecting sunlight from the nearby window. At the sound of one particular group of girls squealing louder than normal, the student looks up in annoyance. The sun doesn't reflect off of their glasses at that angle, so I'm given a clear view of their eyes. My uncovered eye widens slightly. Upon seeing her eyes clearly, it is made quite obvious to me that she is indeed a girl. Her eyes, after all, are same the same size and shape as mine just in the colour Brown instead of my Blue.

"Hey, are you going to stand there all day, eyepatch?" One of the twins says, raising his voice slightly. My eye widens in hurt for a second, before going back to normal. I straighten a bit, and shake my head in the negative. I see an empty spot next to the girl without a uniform at the back, and decide quickly to go sit with her.

"Hikaru, that wasn't very nice!" Says the other twin, quiet enough so that I just barely catch it. I clench my fist, my fingernails causing a bit of pain from being pressed to my palm. Ignoring them, I continue walking to the back of the class. The girl had seen the whole interaction, and was staring at me with slightly narrowed eyes. After walking up to the empty desk next to her, she tilts her head in question.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" I ask quietly, keeping my voice neutral in pitch. She shakes her head.

"No I don't, go ahead. I'm Fujioka Haruhi, a scholarship student. Who are you?" I sit down, nodding politely at Fujioka-san.

"Nice to meet you, Fujioka-san. I am Kobayashi Masato. It's nice to meet another normal person in this school full of rich kids..." I trail off, noticing Fujioka-san's confused look.

"Oh, so you aren't super rich like the rest of them?" I sweatdrop at Fujioka-san's blunt statement. I feel slightly nervous, but think of the background story I came up with.

"Well, it's complicated. I was raised as a commoner... about two weeks ago an uncle I didn't even know existed died, and he apparently was quite wealthy... so, I got all his money because he apparently left it to me in his will. The only thing I've even used the money for so far is getting into this school... as far as I know it's the best education offered around here." I blush slightly at Fujioka-san's shocked look.

"Wow, Kobayashi-san... that must have been quite a shock for you, ne?" I nod. If only you knew...

We both turn our attention to the front as the teacher walks in.

"Alright everyone, quiet down now... its your first day, and I'm sure this is all very exciting for you first years..."

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I swear, each teacher that came in gave us the exact same first day lecture. I'm your teacher, blah blah blah, you need to respect me, blah blah blah, this is high-school now you have to work hard blah blah blah. Oh, but all of the teachers were extremely happy and positive and… well, it was extremely grating. I'm all for being nice to everyone, but constantly being nigh on hyper… ah. I've figured out what they remind me of. Pinkie Pie from My Little Pony. Somewhat confused as I haven't seen that show in years, I shake my head as though to rid myself of the thought. I find myself standing outside of Library #1, the place I've been heading to since I left the classroom. I open the huge, grand doors and find the inside to be just as grand. It was also a bit loud, but I brought my headphones so that doesn't bother me much. I walk in, and walk to the back near the window. I find a cluster of empty tables right by the window, and I smile mentally at my luck, all the while keeping up my emotionless façade. Sitting in the middle of the empty tables, choosing the one sitting against the window, I take my textbook and Ipod out of my bag. After rooting around for my headphones, I put them on and put my Playlist on shuffle. The first song to come on is Stressed Out by Twenty One Pilots, causing me to quirk the corner of my lips and sing along mentally. I start reading through my Japanese History textbook, which I can already say is going to be my worst class, but after ten or so minutes of this, my head starts to bob as my terrible sleep last night starts finally catching up with me. Within seconds, I'm sound asleep with a loud thump as the right side of my face hits the desk. This lasts for around half an hour before I'm disturbed.

I wake up suddenly as I feel a bit of pressure around my left eye. I brush it off as just being my eye patch, but I get slightly confused at the feeling of my it being removed from my head…

I jump to my feet like a startled cat, knocking over the chair I had been sitting on in the process of distancing myself from whoever had remove the eye patch. My hand instantly clamps over my left eye, ensuring I don't accidentally open it and show everyone the contract seal. Without realizing it, I've already fallen into a defensive stance. Standing a bit away from where I had been previously sitting is a startled, slightly scared and regretful boy wearing the Ouran Academy uniform. He has my eye patch hanging from his hand.

"What, exactly, do you think you are doing?" I ask slowly, keeping my voice calm and neutral. The boy looks from the eye patch in his hand to my hand pressed against my face, before replying with a shaky voice.

"Look, sorry, man… I was dared… here, have it, I didn't mean anything by it." He holds it out to me, and I stalk towards him slowly before snatching it out of his hand. I calmly tie it back around my head, and fix my hair which the boy had messed up.

"There is a little thing called personal space, you should research it. Oh, and ever heard of privacy? That's important too, you ignorant piece of crap." I snarl, my voice coming out practically as a growl. Upon glancing around, I realize we have the attention of the entire Library. I instantly start blushing madly and pack up my stuff. That seems to break the spell of silence, and instantly the room explodes with the sound of chatter. And surprisingly, it's not all about how evil and mean I am.

"Kawaii! Did you see how he lashed out because he got scared? And how he got so embarrassed after! He is the Tsundere type! I wish he was in the Host Club, I would totally request him!" Seemed to be the general consensus from many of the girls. The boys all just seemed impressed, and used to the girl's antics. I hurriedly make my way out of the Library, dodging fangirling teenage girls every few steps. My breathing quickens and my heart starts racing as the crowd feels like its closing into me, and it takes everything inside me not to sprint for the exit.

Once I'm out of the Library, I break into a run.

Thankfully there are no people standing in the hall, or I would have drawn even more attention. I round a corner, and collapse against the wall. I slide down into a sitting position, and take a few minutes to calm my racing heart, slow my erratic breathing, and disperse the irrational fear clouding my mind. Once it no longer feels as though I'm drowning in my own body, I sigh in relief.

"Note to self…" I mutter, "Avoid the Libraries." Getting back to my feet, I glance around to make sure nobody had seen my little panic attack. Satisfied with the empty hallway, I begin walking away. I come to a staircase, which I groan a bit at but climb all the same, and turn left once I reach the top. I come into a hallway filled with Windows that overlook the courtyard which I slowly stroll through whilst gazing at the beautiful scenery. At the end of the hallway is a pair of double doors, with a sign over it reading 'Unused Music Room #3' An unused music room? Well, I might as well see if it's empty. I might be able to come back here regularly if it really is unused…

I open the door a bit, and walk in. Taking in the scene in front of me, I'm a bit shocked. One thing is for sure… Music Room #3 is in no way unused. Fujioka-san, the scholarship student, seemed to be getting… lectured, for lack of a better word, on the art of being a gentleman by a boy with blond hair a violet eyes. The twins from class 1A were standing behind Fujioka-san, and she seemed to be holding a pink bunny, weirdly enough. A really tall boy with black hair stood by watching them, along with a really short blond boy who seemed glued to his side. Nearest to me, and the only one having noticed my entrance, was a boy with black hair and glasses. He walks over to me, his glasses glinting.

"Hello, welcome to the Host Club. I am Ootori Kyoya, a second year and vice-president of the club. Can I help you with something?" I shake my head slightly, keeping emotions from showing on my face.

"No, I'm sorry for intruding Ootori-senpai, my name is Kobayashi Masato. I thought it would be empty in here… but, if you don't mind me asking, who is the blond talking to Fujioka-san?" He glances over at the people in question, giving a small sigh.

"That would be Suoh Tamaki, a second year like myself, the president of this club."

"And above all, never forget how effective a glance to the side can be." I stare at Suoh-senpai and Fujioka-san's interaction with confusion. She seems to be thinking quite hard about something, not quite listening to what he is saying.

"Ootori-senpai, Suoh-senpai does know that Fujioka-san is a girl, right?" Ootori-senpai writes something down in a black notebook, before looking back up at me.

"As it stands, Tamaki is unaware that Haruhi is a girl. Honey-senpai is the only person other than you and I that is aware at the current time. However, Haruhi now owes us eight million yen and Tamaki seems determined for her to become a host to pay off her debt. As such, Haruhi will soon realize she needs to masquerade as a boy, and having you… a random student… aware of her secret, I'm afraid certain measures need to be taken to ensure your silence." I stiffen. That sounded… like a threat. I turn to face Ootori-senpai head on, giving a confident face.

"What do you mean by that?" I ask aggressively. He adjusts his glasses again, and the light hits them in such a way that it causes his eyes to be hidden from sight.

"Well, it would be best if I was able to keep an eye on you. It would be easier if you were closer… ah, here is an idea. How about you join the Host Club? That way, I can easily monitor your activities in most of your free time! Oh, and should you not wish to comply, you should know that my family employs a special police force of a hundred men. Ah, and do you happen to have a passport?" My eye narrows as I glare at him. I got the hidden message there. I wouldn't be able to stay in Japan if I don't do as Ootori-senpai said and join the Host Club. I know that Sebastian-san would be able to keep me from physical harm… but in legal matters, I'm not sure he would be able to change much without resorting to violence or blackmail.

"Oh, and besides, it seems as though many of the young ladies attending Ouran Academy already have an invested interest in you. The Tsundere type, I believe you are being called?"

I start blushing furiously, embarrassed.

"Seriously, that has already spread around? I don't even know what that is! Why is everyone paying so much attention to me? I just want to be left alone." I sigh, rubbing my eyes with exhaustion.

"Well, you are quite handsome so it isn't much a surprise the girls are paying attention to you. But your eye patch makes you quite the novelty, along with your abrasive personality." I sweatdrop at Ootori-senpai's comment. Well thanks for the compliment, you moron. I grumble mentally. Ootori-senpai walks over to the other boys and Fujioka-san, and the twins have just taken her glasses. I avert my eyes from the twins, as it simply reminds me so much of Rin-nee-chan. I grudgingly follow a ways behind Ootori-senpai, assuming he doesn't want me to just leave.

"Hey, I need those! I used to have contacts but I lost them on the first day of school." The twins freeze, staring at Fujioka-san. Suoh-senpai charges up from behind them, pushing them out of the way.

"Hikaru! Kaoru!" He shouts.

"Got it!" I flinch again as the twins reply in unison before sprinting off with Fujioka-san between them.

"Kyoya, my hair stylist." Ootori-senpai pulls out his cell phone and starts dialling.

"Mori-senpai, go to the eye doctor and get him some contact lenses!" Mori-senpai runs off. The short blond skips up to Suoh-senpai, smiling widely.

"What about me, Tama-chan?"

"Honey-senpai!"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Go… eat some cake." Honey-senpai looks around for someone to eat cake with, but his smile falters slightly as he sees all the girls are busy chatting amongst themselves, and all the hosts are buzzing around doing their prospective tasks. Then, his gaze lands on me and his smile explodes into a dazzling grin. He runs over to me, and latches onto my arm. I am only a smidgen taller than he is, but just as thin and petite.

"Whoa, what are you doing?" I nearly lose my balance, and sweatdrop at his energetic aura.

"Hi, I'm Honey! I'm a third year student. Who are you? Do you want to eat cake with me?" Without waiting for an answer, the little guy pulls me over to a table with two chairs and a bunch of cake on it, he sits down happily, and I just sit in resignation.

"Your name is Honey? I… my name is Kobayashi Masato. I'm a first year student."

"Well, I like it for everyone to call me Honey, Masa-chan. It's a nickname, from my last name Haninozuka. My first name is Mistukuni, but everyone calls me Honey because it's cuter, don't you think so?" I blush slightly in embarrassment because of Honey-senpai's use of the -chan suffix, but let it pass because he called Suoh-senpai the same thing. "Now, eat some cake Masa-chan! It's really good!" I can't help but crack a tiny grin at Honey-senpai's childish attitude, before schooling my expression again. His eyes widen a bit, and he quickly swallows the cake in his mouth.

"Wow, you really are the Tsundere type, aren't you! Cool! You should join the Host Club! We don't have that type yet. Oh, and we could eat cake all the time~!" I slouch a bit in my seat, dropping the fork I had picked up.

"Honey-senpai, what exactly is a 'Tsundere type'? People keep calling me that, but I have no idea what it actually means." Honey-senpai smiles in response to my own dejected expression.

"It means you seem all prickly and unapproachable but really once you get to know someone you are super nice and caring! You'll protect those closest to you with everything you've got! Isn't that right, Usa-chan?" Honey-senpai goes back to eating his cake, chatting quietly with his pink stuffed bunny.

I stare at Honey-senpai with a wide eye. Surprisingly… that isn't too far from the truth. Oh, and even though I am being forced to join this 'Host Club', I know I can't get close to any of the members. It kills me to have no one to truly trust or rely on… but the Reapers could find me at any point. The Reaper at my house killed my parents for 'Harbouring one of Them', after all. I imagine that the other Reapers would do the same to any who associate with me.

"Ah. Well, it seems we will be seeing each other often, seeing as Ootori-senpai coerced me into joining because I know Fujioka-san is a girl." Honey-senpai gapes at me, before smiling brightly and jumping on me. I'm prepared this time, and catch him as he clings to me.

"You are joining the Host Club? Oh yay! We can have cake all the time together! You can even sit with me and Takashi when the Ladies are here! Oh oh oh, Kyo-chan! Is it true? Is Masa-chan joining the club?" Honey-senpai has jumped off of me, and run over to where Ootori-senpai is standing. Now standing in front of Ootori-senpai, Honey-senpai looks up at him hopefully. After adjusting his glasses, he smugly replies.

"Indeed, Honey-senpai. Because it is the best way to keep... Kobayashi-kun... from spreading around the fact that Haruhi is actually female." Ootori-senpai had escorted all of the girls out of the club room a few minutes earlier, so nobody would overhear us talking. "I do believe we can go and join the others in the side room now, I'm sure that Haruhi has changed into the uniform by now." Honey-senpai enthusiastically grabs several plates of cake, speeding off to sit at a table in the side room that Ootori-senpai leads me to. I keep emotion off my face, but as instructed by Sebastian-san, I do not lock away said emotions to make it easier to cut myself off from people. I can't help but want to relax around Honey-senpai, who is just plain sweet. That only makes me try to remain aloof even more.

Once in the side room, I see the hosts all gathered around a curtained off area, waiting for Fujioka-san to emerge.

"Senpai?" She calls out, her voice hesitant.

"Aren't you done changing yet?" Suoh-senpai responds, exasperated. Fujioka-san pulls aside the curtain, and the others all gape at the newly transformed girl while I just calmly accept her new appearance with ease.

"Are you sure that it's really okay for me to keep this uniform?" Tamaki literally starts crying and chattering about how cute 'he' looks.

"Cute! You are as pretty as a girl! Adorable!" Honey-senpai's little comment is next.

"Haru-chan, you look so cute!"

"If we had known how you really looked,"

"We would have helped you out sooner!" Say the twins in tandem. I glance at them warily, pushing down memories of doing the same with Rini, and remembering Hikaru's crude comment earlier about my eye patch.

"Who knows? Maybe he'll draw in some customers." There goes Ootori-san...

"You know, that's just what I was thinking!" Responds Suoh-senpai, acting all charming once more. I think everyone knows what complete crap that is. All he was really thinking about was giving Fujioka-san a makeover. "Our errand boy is moving up the ranks! Starting today, you are an official member of the Host Club! I will personally train you to be a first rate Host. If you can get one hundred customers to request your service, we will completely forget about your eight million yen debt." I look at Fujioka-san with sympathy, as I know I'll have to do the exact same thing.

"A Host?" She asks, looking horrified. Ootori-san steps forward, and I cant help but sigh as I realize he is finally going to introduce me to the other boys.

"Well, Tamaki, since you have decided to induct Mister Fujioka into our ranks, I would like to induct my own new member. I'd like to introduce Kobayashi Masato, a first year just like the twins and Haruhi in Class 1A. Is it alright if Mister Kobayashi becomes a Host as well, president?" Suoh-senpai and the other Hosts (minus Honey-senpai but including Fujioka-san) look over in surprise, having only just noticed me. My shoulders slump, and I sweatdrop in annoyance. Please say I can't. Please say I can't. Please –

"Of course, Kyoya! This is the Tsundere we have been hearing about, is it not?" I growl slightly in annoyance, blushing lightly in embarrassment. Being called Tsundere is quite rude, actually. It's saying that I behave rude, brash and unapproachable! I'm actually a really nice person! I'm only acting distant, and that's only because I want to stop people from getting hurt! Obviously, I say none of that out loud.

"Kobayashi-san? Why are you joining the Host Club?" I turn my glare on full blast as I look at the person who spoke. It's Fujioka-san. I open my mouth to voice exactly how I actually don't want to join, but Ootori-senpai cuts me off.

"I asked him to join, as he has become extremely popular among the girls in such a short time. He would definitely benefit the Host Club by bringing in more customers. Although, because I am so busy with budgeting on top of entertaining my own customers, I won't be able to teach him myself." Honey-senpai jumps up out of his seat, pulling the tall boy with dark hair he called Takashi with him.

"We can teach her how to host! Ne, Takashi?" Takashi-senpai nods.

"Ah." I have to fake a cough to cover up the laugh that escaped through my guard due to Takashi-senpai's nonchalant attitude. I blush once again in horror at the lapse in my cold act. I just wasn't expecting such a response from mister tall, dark and handsome over there, let alone have him be the silent-type. And Honey-senpai, the energetic ball of chatter, seems glued to his side. It was just so... unexpected, I couldn't help myself.

"Wait, don't we get any say in this?" Says one of the twins, and I'm pretty sure it is Hikaru. He is the brasher one from what I've seen so far. "He's rude, for one. Why would anyone think he is worth the time of day? I heard that he totally blew up at some guy in the Library for no reason at all. For two, that eye patch of his totally ruins his image!" The other twin cuts the first off at this point, preventing him from saying more. But it's kind of too late, considering I'm already brimming with anger.

"What the heck is your problem? You haven't even talked to me before, yet you think you know so much about me merely from hearsay and rumors! For your information, I yelled at the guy in the Library because he tried to take my eye patch. He actually almost succeeded, which is why I got so angry! Why are you even bugging me about the eye patch anyways? Would you call a person without use of their legs 'Wheelchair'? Are you seriously that stupid? I don't wear it because I like cosplaying as a pirate or something, you idiot! I don't even want to join this stupid club! Ootori-senpai is making me." I glare at both Ootori-senpai and the twin that spoke. That twin is such a baka.

"Oh, so you aren't just doing some cosplay?" The same twin asks skeptically. My eye widens in shock, and my left twitches under the eye patch. No. I honestly wish it was just cosplay. If it was, I wouldn't have that cursed mark that bound me to a Demon. I wish I had never agreed to the contract with Sebastian... I wish I had died along with Rin, mom and dad... it would be better that having my soul eaten by a Demon... I suddenly feel a ghost of the pain the contract seal caused when it first appeared. I don't notice as my left hand slowly moves of its own accord to gently touch the piece of material covering my left eye. My right eye tears up, and I look at the ground to avoid the gazes of the others in the room. I blink a few times, willing the tears away.

"Hey, why would you say something like that to Masa-chan, Hika-chan? It's not very nice to speak like that." Honey-senpai says to Hikaru, confirming which twin was which, before walking over to me.

"Do you want to go eat some cake, Masa-chan?" I look at Honey-senpai, and nod. He grabs my arm gently and starts leading me out of the room. I take one more look at the boys and Fujioka-san, to see most of them in varying degrees of shock or confusion. Ootori-senpai actually looks quite ticked off, Takashi-senpai is following Honey-senpai and I looking a bit uneasy but mostly indifferent, Hikaru-san is looking frustrated, confused and angry, the other twin – Kaoru, I think – is looking quite shocked at Hikaru-san's actions. Suoh-senpai is looking just plain startled, and Fujioka-san is glancing between Hikaru-san and I in unbelief.

I glance away, choosing to instead just stare at Honey-senpai's back as he leads me away. We soon are out of the room and seated on one of the couches with a few plates of cake sitting on the table in front of us. A second later, an explosion of sound comes from the side room we had just exited, and I am not able to make out one single voice over the clamour all the voices yelling are making. Honey-senpai starts crying and jumps on me, stammering out apologies.

"I'm sorry if Hika-chan hurt you, Masa-chan! He doesn't think much before he speaks, but he means well! I think that maybe adding someone he didn't know into the club that is really special to him might have been what made him angry! I'm sorry he said such mean things! Do you really not want to be in the Host Club? I can ask Kyo-chan to not make you join if you want! You don't even have a debt like Haru-chan does, so you really don't have to join if you don't want to!" I stay silent, holding the sobbing Honey-senpai in my arms as he clings to my stomach. Upon thinking about Hikaru, my heart hardens. I want to get back at him, somehow. If my joining the Host Club upsets him... then, perhaps it would be worth it. He needs to grow up, after all. He can't remain an oblivious, sheltered child forever. I look at Honey-senpai, and decide in an instant that it will be useless to try and remain distant from him. The rest of the Host Club, sure. But I can allow myself to have one friend at least, right? He is almost like... a little brother or something. He might be older than me, but there is just something about him that is shouting at me to let him be a friend. To trust him. I suppose... I might as well.

I give Honey-senpai a bright, happy smile. He looks up with wide eyes at my smiling face. I wipe off his tears, glancing up at Takashi-senpai. He has a silent apology in his eyes, and that same strong, 'you can rely on me' aura to him.

"It's alright Honey-senpai, I understand. You don't need to cry. I think I'll stay in the club, though. How else would you Takashi-senpai be able to help me get back at Hikaru-san, huh?" He smiles, laughing cutely, and Takashi-senpai pats my head kindly. "Ah, I'm sorry for assuming I could call you Takashi-senpai. I have only heard Honey-senpai refer to you as Takashi, and I haven't been formally introduced to you yet. What would you like me to call you?" I ask him. He actually shakes his head slightly before responding.

"Just Takashi." My eye widens in shock.

"Just... Takashi? But, we've only just met and you're my senior and–" Takashi smiles, cutting me off with another gentle pat on the head. Honey-senpai jumps in with an explanation.

"What Takashi is saying is that we want to be your best friends! Hikaru might have already accidentally turned the boys in your class away from you by being rude, so because of that you might not make friends easily there. So, we want to get to know you and be best friends! So that means, because Takashi is my best friend and now you are too, you can call me Mitsukuni if you want to!" I can't help it, my jaw drops. I barely even know these to, yet they are offering to be my best friends? Something wells up inside of me, making me want to cry in joy. I hold it back, but nod eagerly.

"Alright... alright, then. Thank you guys so much... I've never met people that... just accepted me like you have and just want to be my friends, besides Ri–" I cut myself off before I finish saying her name. Tears well up in my eye, but I brush them away quickly. "Takashi, Mitsukuni, you guys can call me Masato, if you want." I smile widely, feeling better than I have in a while. Maybe it would be okay to let some people to get close. I just need to be able to protect them, should the worst come. I'll get better. I can start going to a gym, and practice fighting using the methods I've allowed to rust slightly over the past week or so. I'll start working myself harder than ever before, because I need to get better. I need to hit harder and faster. I'll learn all I can... so I can keep these guys safe from the Reapers. I don't notice Takashi and Mistukuni glancing at each other sadly. I'm jolted out of my thoughts by the hosts all returning to the room. First comes Suoh-senpai and Fujioka-san, followed by Ootori-senpai, then out last are the twins who both look quite chastised. Ootori-senpai appears to have recovered his 'cool' persona, glasses glinting, and both Suoh-senpai and Fujioka-san look quite satisfied. The twins immediately head straight for the exit, walking out the door a moment later.

"Kobayashi-kun, I would like to apologise profoundly for the actions of those shady twins!" Suoh-senpai says, making grand gestures with his hands and sparkling. Fujioka-san nods in agreement, though not nearly as extravagantly as Suoh-senpai does.

"Don't worry about it, Suoh-senpai. I overreacted, anyways. But it wasn't both of them that were rude, it was just Hikaru-san. If anything, Kaoru-san tried to stop Hikaru-san from speaking that way. Ah, and I suppose since I'm going to be in your club now, you all can call me Masato-kun if you want." I respond.

"I suppose you're right, Masato-kun! You can use my first name as well! Now, Welcome to the Host Club! Starting tomorrow, we expect you to come here every day straight after school!" Everyone says their goodbyes, and packs up their things to leave.

"Bye Masato!" shouts Mistukuni, glomping me. Takashi ruffles my hair in farewell.

"Bye, Mistukuni, bye Takashi." I smile brightly at them both, and Mistukuni returns it wholeheartedly after jumping down and Takashi smiles a bit while staying silent. Tamaki-senpai seems a bit surprised at the drop of formalities, but recovers and strolls out the door with the rest of us. I split off from the group, heading to the spot where Sebastian-san dropped me off. I know he will already be there waiting for me.

*/*/*/\*\*\*

*\*\*\/*/*/*

"Congratulations on joining a club on your first day, Kobayashi-sama." Is how Sebastian-san greets me. I'm greeted by Kiyo-kun with an excited 'Okaa-san!', and I smile and give him a hug.

"Thank you." Is all that I respond to Sebastian-san with. He drives away from the school, and we soon arrive back home. I get out of the car myself before Sebastian-san has a chance to try and open my door. I get Kiyoshi out and close my door, and turn around to walk to the front door. Once inside, I take my homework out of my bag and set it out on the dinner table. Going back to studying my History textbook, as I had fallen asleep earlier, I am determined to get a decent amount of studying done to make up for the time I lost.

"Kobayashi-sama, I received a phone call a bit ago from a student at your school. As school had ended, I was able answer the call without having to disobey your orders. He was calling to inform me of your joining the Host Club, and to ensure I would be alright with it. Of course, I responded telling him that it was fine, and you could do whatever you wished. This lead to questions, and I answered them using the cover story you decided on. He is aware that you live alone aside from me and Kiyoshi-sama, and that I am your bodyguard and Butler, along with formal guardian. That is all he is aware of, however, as he did not ask much details. I suspect he will ask you for answers tomorrow, once his research comes to a dead end and he finds nothing about you." That shocks me for a moment, but then I realize I should have expected it. Ootori, the sly and cunning mastermind. Coerced me into joining a stupid club, just because the girls around the school were interested in me. I mean, he could have just made sure I would stay quiet about Fujioka, but nooo. I have to join a HOST CLUB.

"Alright, Sebastian-san. Thanks. Oh, and you can answer our home phone. Should you have need of me while I'm at school, go to the Main Office and get me called down." I go back to reading the textbook.

"What time would you like dinner, Kobayashi-sama?" My fists clench in irritation.

"An hour from now. Don't disturb me until then, alright? I'm moving up to my room." I gather my stuff in my arms, grab Kiyo-kun's hand, and leave Sebastian standing downstairs as we march up the staircase. After situating Kiyo-kun with some toys, I lie on my bed on my stomach, with my textbook in front of me. I review the things taught in class, along with reading over the suggested reading for tomorrow. I do this for each of my classes, which is pretty simple because most of the material is already familiar. I'm jolted out of my 'study mode' at the feeling of someone small trying to climb on the bed. I look over with a soft smile to see Kiyo-kun looking at me with pleading eyes, and slightly teary eyes. Shifting over to him, I reach out my arms and pull him up. I cradle him in my arms, warmth filling me at his closeness.

"Okaa-san loves you, Kiyo. Okaa-san is here." He sniffles, before coughing quietly. I look down at him, concerned. "Are you getting sick, baby? Do you feel yucky?" Kiyo-kun just closes his red-rimmed, dry eyes. He snuggles close, hands tangling in my shirt. With a sigh, I set aside all my school things and make my way to the changing table. After cleaning Kiyo-kun up and getting him in pyjamas, there is a knock at my bedroom door.

"Come in," I say quietly, not wanting to wake a now restlessly sleeping baby, and knowing Sebastian-san will hear. He enters, wearing his perfect suit and holding his hand politely over his heart.

"Dinner is ready, Young Master. As you asked, it has been an hour." I blink, and Sebastian-san is no more then a foot in front of me. I growl in warning, clutching Kiyoshi tightly in instinct from being startled. Kiyo-kun stirs, blinking in a groggy way. Sebastian-san reaches out his hand in a graceful manner, pressing the back of his hand against Kiyo-kun's forehead. I flinch at the movement, but don't pull away.

"It appears Kiyoshi-sama has a slight fever. It is nothing to worry over at this time, however. Will you dine downstairs, or do you wish to have your meal in your room?" I furrow my eyebrows, looking down at a limp but conscious Kiyoshi.

"Up here, please, and bring some applesauce for Kiyoshi." I go at sit at my desk, and a moment later Sebastian-san is placing a delicious looking meal in front of me. Then comes a small dish of freshly made applesauce alongside a small spoon. I reach for that first. "Thank you, Sebastian-san." I say, before focusing on feeding Kiyo-kun. He reluctantly eats a few small bites, but after that he fusses and refuses to eat more. I sigh, and cradle Kiyo-kun in my left arm and begin to feed myself with my right.

Soon enough, I'm finished and I prepare to go to sleep. I opt out of putting Kiyo-kun in the crib, instead deciding he will sleep with me tonight. I sleep better than I have in a week.

*/*/*/\*\*\*

*\*\*\/*/*/*

Long story short, Sebastian-san convinced me to go to school. I wanted to stay home with my sick baby, but Sebastian-san insisted he could handle it. He said it was important that I don't miss my second day of school. So, here I am in class, too worried to even listen to what the teacher is saying. The whole day, I do everything on autopilot. When it's time for the Host Club, I half-heartedly greet a thrilled Mitsukuni and dramatic Tamaki-senpai. There is some sort of drama going on between Fujioka-san, Tamaki-senpai, and one of the ladies, but I'm occupied with having conversations with five girls that for some reason were very eager to request me.

"So, why did you join the Host Club, Masato?"

"Your hair is so wonderful!"

"I haven't seen you around before yesterday, are you a foreigner?" The remaining two girls who haven't asked a question nod, curious about this as well. Well, I guess this is a good time to tell the cover story…

"Well, a few weeks ago I got a letter from someone I was distantly related to. He had no direct heirs, and so he reached out to me to bring me back into the main family. There isn't any businesses my family owns or anything, but the family has saved a large fortune over the past several generations. Unfortunately, shortly after I was named heir, I received noticed that he had passed away. So, I came to Japan, where he had been living, to receive my inheritance. I caught wind of this school, which is known for its quality, and decided to attend." I blush slightly, embarrassed at having said so much at once.

"I see. That's sad, Masato, I'm sorry." Comments one of the quiet girls. I nod politely at her.

"What about your parents? Did they come here with you?" I stiffen, and look away.

"They died a few weeks ago… it is partly the reason why I decided to move here." All five girls gasp, and start stammering their apologies. "No, it's okay… I've got my little brother. He's all I need!" Grasping at the change of topic, the emotional girls start to ask about Kiyoshi.

"You have a little Brother? How old is he?" I grin a bit to hide the sudden unease I feel from being reminded of my sick baby boy.

"He's coming up on a year now. He's really cute!" A few of the girls start to squeal, much to my concern. "Uh…"

"Is there someone at your home with him, Masato? Where is he?"

"Actually, my butler Michaelis Sebastian is taking care of him. Sebastian used to serve my relative before he died." My heart skips a beat as an announcement comes on.

"Could Kobayashi Masato please come to Main Office A, Michaelis Sebastian is here to see you."

Kiyoshi.

Kiyoshi.

"Kiyoshi!" I say, before getting off the couch and sprinting for the Main Office. I take care to keep my Demon speed in check. Soon enough I arrive, and whip the door open.

"Sebastian! Is something wrong with Kiyoshi?!" I scream. The cries of my baby finally reach my ears, and a protective growl rumbles in my chest. I thrust my arms out blindly, knowing Sebastian-san will know what I want. The moment Kiyoshi is in my arms, his screaming quiets, but doesn't cease. I quickly examine him, and feel the hot fever radiating from his small form. A congested cough makes him struggle to breathe.

"Cloth soaked with cold water but not dripping. Warm glass of water. Hurry, Sebastian." I say in English, single mindedly thinking about helping Kiyoshi get better. I start to pace, bouncing Kiyoshi up and down gently while patting his back. "Shhh. Shhh. It's okay, it's okay, Momma's here. I'm here baby." Kiyoshi calms, but his breathing is still raspy, chunky and painful to listen to. Knowing Sebastian-san is going to get what I need, and Kiyoshi isn't panicking, I'm able to calm down and leave crisis mode. I glance around, and can't help but blush in embarrassment. Several teachers are standing in various places around the office, their eyes wide as they stare at me.

"What are you staring at? My little brother is sick, I've been worried about him getting worse all day. I panicked." I glare at the staff. Most of them nod and go back to whatever they were doing, but a woman I recognize as the English teacher approaches me. I feel anxious as she approaches, identifying ill intent in her gaze.

"Mister Kobayashi," She says quietly in English, "You called yourself momma. Is there a reason for that? As you said, he is your little brother… and you are a boy. Am I correct?" She narrows her eyes, scowling slightly. Hostility comes off of her in waves. I respond in Japanese, bristling with irritation.

"Not that you even be the right to know, but because I look a lot like my Okaa-san, after she died he mistook me for her. Now, he calls me Okaa-san. He is a baby, and I didn't have the heart to correct him even though I'm his Onii-san. If you have difficulty determining my gender, perhaps you should stop judging me because it's not your business anyways. Or, you know, check your files because you're a teacher." I scowl right back at her, before spinning around. I continue soothing Kiyo-kun absently as I stare in shock at the people I didn't notice entering the room.

All of the hosts barring Fujioka-san and Tamaki-senpai are here, standing in various states of shock or sadness. Or, in Kyoya-senpai's case, calmly writing in his black notebook. Crap. They heard.

"What?" I snap, irritated. "Stop looking at me like that." Silence. Thankfully, Mistukuni jumps forward to ease the tension.

"Is this your Otouto, Masato? He's so cute! What is his name? Is he okay? He sounds sick!" I smile as Mistukuni stands on his tippy toes to see Kiyo-kun, and respond.

"Yeah, he is. This is Kiyoshi. I think he is okay, but he's got a fever and a bad cold... speaking of, Sebastian-san was supposed to bring me a wet cloth and warm water! Where is he?" I begin to look around, anger stirring in my stomach once more at Sebastian-san's slow pace. Kyoya-senpai opens his mouth to reply, but is interrupted by the arrival of the very man I was wishing for.

"Speak of the Devil. It's about time, Sebastian. What took you so long?" Sebastian smirks slightly at my little slip.

"I apologise for my tardiness, Kobayashi-sama. You commanded me not to be seen inside the school, leaving aside the main office, unless with explicit permission. As such, it was required for me to acquire the things you asked for from home." I sweat drop.

"Really. Is that all?" I sigh, before I'm interrupted by a cough from the little boy in my arms. "Regardless, hand me the cloth." Sebastian gracefully holds out a hand, delivering a perfectly prepared cold cloth. I quickly take it from him, and begin to wipe down Kiyo-kun's sweaty and hot face. He flinches at the cold, eyes opening wide, and emitting a soft gasp. I hush him, and he relaxes into the cool touch of the cloth. I leave the cloth on his little forehead and hold my hand out silently for the warm water, not even glancing up. One of Kiyo-kun's sippy cups is placed in my hand, soothingly warm. I carefully bring the sippy up to his mouth, and encourage him to suck out the water. He whimpers at first, but as the water helps with his congestion he eagerly continues to drink, taking the sippy from my hand.

"Alright, Sebastian," I say, looking up at him, "Why did you bring Kiyo-kun to me instead of just doing this yourself? You were supposed to take care of him. Not that I don't love seeing the little guy, but I was working in the Host Club." Sebastian hesitates, shockingly.

"You see, Kobayashi-sama, I am merely one Hell of a Butler. Not one Hell of a Babysitter. I have never had to care for such a small child before. I would have been capable, had Kiyoshi-sama merely cooperated, quieted down, and ceased thrashing about. When he began to make himself more sick, I assumed you would wish to have him brought to you." I stare at him, my face blank of emotion.

"You told me you knew what you were doing. If you didn't, I would have stayed home." I say in monotone. "He is a baby. He is sick. He is going to cry. If you do not soothe him, he will not stop crying. And sometimes, babies just cry for no good reason. Kiyo-kun has been very good for us so far, so you haven't needed to learn this the hard way. However, if you want me to even think about coming to school tomorrow, you have to go do a truck load of research and learn how to, as you so eloquently put it, babysit. That is an order. Is that clear?" A coy smile on his face, Sebastian bows with his hand placed over his heart.

"Yes, My Lord." He immediately starts walking away, and I turn my back to him in irritation.

Awkward.

"Um, are the girls still in the music room? Because if so, we should probably get back..." I comment, ignoring the 'I don't know how to respond' look on the twins' faces. I'm pretty sure this is the most quiet they've ever been. Kyoya-senpai adjusts his glasses, before agreeing with me.

"Masato-kun is correct – we ought to get back to the ladies. It wouldn't do to leave them waiting any longer. Oh, and you can bring the baby. I'm sure they wouldn't mind seeing him. They were very worried when you just ran off in a panic like that." My heart clenches slightly at the thought of so many people around my Kiyo-kun, but I push my worry to the back of my mind and focus on gently rocking the drowsy baby in my arms. I follow behind Kyoya-senpai, and after a moment the others silently follow as well.

"We didn't know you had a baby otouto, Masato-kun," the twins comment, coming up on both sides of me. I silence a growl, but clutch Kiyo-kun a bit closer to my chest.

"Is he going to be okay?" Asks Kaoru-san, his voice soft. I look down at Kiyo-kun, and adjust the cloth on his forehead. I use it to wipe his slack face clean of sweat once again, and re-fold it so a fresh part of the cloth can rest on his forehead.

"It's just a fever and a cold, so he should be fine… but he is a baby, and I'm not exactly a doctor." Though, with the Demon in him, he should heal up really quick. "No, he will be fine. I'll just take care of him until he is better. Nothing will happen to him." I nod once, affirming my determination. Hikaru-baka seems fairly reluctant to say anything, having his hands in his pockets and his head slightly bowed.

"You seem to care about him a lot, Masato-kun. He's very lucky." Kaoru says, smiling brightly. I smile, but not at him. I'm focused on my baby, and watching his every tiny movement. His black, messy hair shifts with each rise and fall of his small chest. He's wearing a cute one piece pajama that is dark green and covered with little black animals.

"Yeah, I care about him. He's my whole world; Kiyo-kun is all I've got left."

We walk in silence back to the Club Room.

*/*/*/\*\*\*