Less Than Three

She lived her entire life behind a computer screen. He lived his entire life out in the open. And then, they came together on a little chatroom. And to think, that love started with a simple less than three. Kyoya x OC.

By Adaelie

Author's Note; This is really just a fluff chapter. I just wanted to test out to see how far Kyoya could push Nanako until she snapped. Expect maybe one or two more of these chapters (including this one) until an actual chapter. But trust me, these are perfectly relevant to the plot line. Sort of, haha. And yes, I actually put this into perspective on paper too. Oh, and you might see a little more of Nanako's personality. I think I'm really going to be able to bring her out a bit more this way as well. Also, I have no idea if you can actually buy shopping carts from their supermarkets, so; don't try it. Haha.

This was a war.

This was a war between that damn Ootori and me.

There was a list.

There was a list of tasks that I would accomplish. No matter what.

This was a war.

And I sure as hell wasn't about to lose.

Task #1: Buy groceries.

I glanced down at the list, skimming over it slightly. To set the scene, I was at the great battleground better known as the supermarket; where the great war of grocery shopping would commence. I had never actually done things for myself, so this would be interesting at least. That's what I believed anyway. As far as I knew, Haruhi had used to be the one who had gone grocery shopping. Because as far as I could tell, none of the host club members could pass off as remotely normal without squealing about something like sugar.

But, oh! I was the assistant now, so apparently that was Kyoya speak for 'the worker monkey'. It wasn't even right the way he was blackmailing me into working for him! Besides, I doubt that he had really even lost that much money. He was a demon that Ootori, a demon; I say!

I blinked, staring at the frozen foods aisles. "They make… these things and freeze them?" I pressed my face up against the frozen glass. "Interesting." I murmured, at least before glancing around again. I needed to get sugar, tea packages, things to bake sweets with, and instant coffee. Now where these things were was beyond me. At first, Haruhi had insisted that she come with me to make sure I didn't get lost or anything; but I refused it. …maybe that part wasn't as true as the fact Kyoya nearly bit her head off for suggesting to help me. Apparently, the fact I was forced into being an assistant was my fault.

I didn't know where I was going though.

I pulled out my personal GPS tracker, looking around and frowning. It didn't say anything more past the fact I was in a grocery store. I shuffled down the halls, careful not to step on my daisy-yellow uniform.

Eventually, I had located the things I needed and went up to the cash register. The cashier was less than friendly, but I guess I could imagine why. She looked like she'd rather be anywhere but at work. I gave her two hundred dollars, assuming it was enough to pay for my surplus of things. Her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. I shrugged; maybe she had never seen that much money before. I tossed my bags into the trunk of the limo, before glancing over at several shopping carts discarded at the corner. I grinned, before turning to the person who was pulling the carts into the supermarket.

"Would you mind if I bought a few of those carts?" He raised an eyebrow before I signed a check and gave it to him, before he widened his eyes and nodded merrily. I took about ten of them, just enough for everyone at the Host Club. What I was going to use them for, I'm not about to tell you. I sighed, scurrying away to the limo and speeding off to accomplish task number two.

Task #2: Bake the sweets and make tea.

I unfortunately have never cooked in my life. Luckily though, I've watched the food network enough to have a basic grasp on it. Maybe.

I shuffled towards the counter, taking out several things needed for baking. What I didn't understand was why Kyoya had made her do the cooking. Normally, didn't they just go buy it from a bakery? Besides, what could he get out of this- oh. This was a cheaper way. I rolled my eyes, cracking a few eggs into the already emptied flour in the bowl. I picked up a box that said baking soda and put it in after everything else was mixed in. Unfortunately for me, the cooking god had other intentions. It exploded on my face, covering my entire body in flour.

I sighed, leaning against the messy corner and flipping out my phone. "Hello? Ritorusuiitsu?"

Task two completed.

Task #3: Clean the Music Room

I skated around the club room on soapy towels; cleaning the floor while attempting to not fall over and hurt myself. I had a helmet too, so no worries. I spun around a bit, at least until the doors opened and I rammed right into it. "I told you to clean the club room, Nanako. I didn't ask you to skate around like a moron." Kyoya said bluntly, and I narrowed my eyes. Well, gee; thanks mister I-Kill-Joy-and-Kick-Puppies. I scuttled away as the door closed and grabbed a bucket and sat on the ground and started scrubbing.

Task three unfortunately completed.

Task #4: Set Up the Theme out in the Garden

I delicately bent the petals of the sakura blossom upward so that they would float in the small river, as koi fish swam gently amongst it. I sighed, picking up all the other things and slowly began to set up everything else for everyone. Tamaki's area was secluded with the flower he expressed the most interest that being a red rose. I had set it up near the beginning of the river.

I set up Kyoya's nearby the lilies. I supposed it was a gentle enough flower to perhaps express some relief on him. It wouldn't have killed him to be a bit kinder to everyone; could it? I set up the twins near by the dahlias, after all; they came in different shades. Perhaps there would be one that could express them both. I set Haruhi near by the daisies, simply because I thought it would be cute. Not only that, the idea that Haruhi was just a simple person was what made me put her there. I put Honey and Mori near by the sunflowers. For what reason? When you put Honey and Mori together, it contrasted and made each other shine nearly as brightly as the sun.

What?

I can be poetic too. Task four, accomplished.

Task #5: Breathe

I breathed in, leaning against one of the trees; waiting for the Host Club to show up. I breathed again, shutting my eyes for just a moment. I needed to sleep just for a little. Just a little. I shut my eyes and let my dream world take me away.

[Kyoya's POV]

I sighed, rubbing my temples in annoyance.

It was just yesterday that I had given Nanako her list of tasks to do for the day. She did surprise me however. When I had walked into the third music room; I hadn't imagined she would actually attempt accomplishing a majority of the things I asked her to do. That being said, I suppose it'd make sense. I was holding her as my assistant against her will. But the more I think about it, I sound as though I'm going to drug her.

I walked out to the garden, although what I had seen made my lips curl upward into a little smile. She had actually done it.

She was sleeping soundlessly, propped up against a tree. I was willing to wake her up; but, she had done enough for today. I wasn't heartless after all.

I picked her up into my arms and carried her off towards the little area she had even set up in case Honey needed a little nap. She moved slightly in my arms, curling inward and using my chest as a pillow. I wasn't sure what it was that compelled me to do this for her. I set her down, covering her with a sheet before getting up again.

"Don't go…" Nanako said through half-lidded eyes, pulling on the sleeve of my costume. I blinked, staring at her for a moment. She looked almost fragile. Like she needed me to be there sitting next to her the entire time. I moved her hand back down again and handed her Tamaki's stuffed bear (hopefully he wouldn't throw a tantrum about it) before slipping to my area as the others came one by one.

Strange thing was. I wasn't sure I should've left her when she asked me not to.

Author's Note Dos; I'm sorry if Kyoya was a little out of character, haha. Just bear with me. x3