Just a quick note. Mimi is my own character, I don't own Ouran High School Host Club and ""If dialogue has two quotations then the twins are speaking in unison.""

Chapter 1: I've Been Able To Tell Since We Were Kids

When you're a kid, you have that one thing you take as truth. The one thing that you know from the beginning and carry it with you for as long as you can, whether it be that mom is the nice one, or older brothers are evil, or that your aunt really does hate you no matter how much she or your mother denies it. Maybe you thought that people can't die, or maybe you knew that everyone did eventually. Well I wasn't any of those things. I didn't think any of that. Not even for a second (except for maybe the aunt thing). I had only one thing that was an indisputable truth.

Marriage had nothing to do with love.

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Everything was normal today. Well, as normal as you can get when you're with the host club. Here at Ouran Acedemy, some of the brightest and most handsome men came together to create one of the most successful clubs in Ouran. Everything was elaborate and done for the sole purpose of impressing any woman that walks through the door.

Unfortunately for them, they were about to be presented with a new challenge.

"Guys! Guys! Guess what?" The blonde man shouted as he ran through the door.

""What is it boss?"" Tamaki's antics were the norm for them. His excited behavior usually didn't excite everyone else because they were used to it. It was like watching a funny movie over and over again. After a while it isn't funny anymore.

"You'll never guess who is coming to Ouran!" His face was flushed with excitement and they couldn't help but laugh at his behavior, though Kyouya and Haruhi were unamused.

"Who?" Haruhi wasn't interested, but she wanted to get him to calm down.

"Guess! Guess!" He was jumping up and down with excitement.

"Just tell us who it is, Tamaki." Kyouya's words brought Tanaki's excitement down a little, but it was still on a level much higher than any of theirs.

"MIMI KUROSAKI!"

~Silence~

"Why aren't you excited?" The twins let out a loud sigh.

""Her mother and our mother work together a lot.""

"But that doesn't mean she's a nice woman." Hikaru was thinking back to a party they had when they were kids. Sure they weren't little angels, and neither was their mother, but proper public behavior was something they handled well enough. Kikyo Kurosaki had been talking to their mother and they had over heard.

"Yea, what's to say her daughter is much better?" Kaoru remembered their mother asked why Kikyo didn't bring her children to the party, and Kikyo responded by saying she didn't want her children any where near Hikaru and Kaoru because she was scared they would 'corrupt' them. Their mother wasn't happy, and didn't say anything when the twins put worms in Kikyo's food and and a frog down the back of her dress.

"Not to mention all of the trouble she caused at her old school." Kyouya opened his black book and began reading a file. "She had at least seven reports of violence and got suspended once." Tamaki's excitement was fading fast. The way they were describing her was far different thant the way his father described her. Her father said she was a beautiful, well rounded young woman with a recognizable family name. Ouran was lucky to have her, he said.

"But she does have a few merits," Kyouya said in hopes of bringing Tamaki's mood back up. "She's a fantastic swimmer. Her times compete with that of Olympic swimmers. Not to mention her Academic achievments. She is a very bright young woman. Her skill in her father's field far outways that of her siblings, and she may even become the next head of his company."

Tamaki was excited again. He knew this girl couldn't be so bad! "Hey boss, since when do you care about new students?" Hikaru asked what everyone had been thinking. It was true that Ouran got new students just as much as any other school would, but Tamaki wasn't told about everyone, so what made her so special? Tamaki scratched the back of her head in embaressment.

"My father asked that I make her feel welcome." They gave him a look that said they knew there was more. "And that we all introduce ourselves and show her around the school." They sent daggers at Tamaki. Surely he didn't agree to this without asking them first, right? As soon as they thought that question they realized there was a very real possibility that he had.

"Her family's name holds a lot of weight. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to befriend the daughter of Kikyo and Jiro Kurosaki. Though we should be careful." Kyouya's calculating tone made every slump their heads in defeat. There was no way they were getting out of it if Kyouya was on board.

"Who is the Kurosaki family?" Haruhi was the only one left in the dark here. She didn't know anything about anyone, and usually she didn't mind until situations like this came up.

"They're a big family made up of two smaller families." Honey answered with a smile. "The Mr. Kurosaki is an architect. Most people go to him for new buidling because of how well they're designed. He has a whole company that handles the orders and consists of great minds picked out specifically by him. He only designs building upon request but helps with other projects as well. He gives the final approval of the design before it presented to the customer."

"And Mrs. Kurosaki is an interior designer, but her family's business lies in furniture and things of the like. She did not inherit the family business because she has three older brothers, but she is still a prominent figure. Her and her husband are usually hired together for most projects." Kyouya finished.

"Oh," was all Haruhi managed to get out.

"That's right! And it's our job to make the lovely young maiden feel welcome!" While Tamaki's actions were meant to motivate everyone, all it really did was exhaust them.

""Listen, we have nothing against her, we just don't want to deal with her family.""

"Don't worry boys, I understand." They all whipped their heads to follow the sound of the voice. She was standing next to the door that led into the third music room, in a white sundress and silver sandals. She had light brown hair with red and blonde highlights that cascading down her back in light waves. She wasn't wearing any make-up but it didn't make much of a difference. She was beautiful all the same.

"Ah, Ms. Kurosaki, welcome to the Ouran Host Club." Tamaki's princely charm had little to no effect on her, but she smiled anyway.

"Thank you, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Mimi Kurosaki but I believe you already know that. I really don't need you guys to help me 'feel welcome.' If it's something you don't want then I have no intentions of imposing. I was just told to come find Tamaki. I don't start until tomorrow, but I would like some help in finding my way around the school if that is at all possible."

"Of course, princess!" Tamaki was a sweet heart, and she was really glad that it was him and not one of the others. She could tell from their looks that they didn't like her already. She sighed in her head. She was used to the treatment. She wasn't exactly a perfect little angel.

"Hi, I'm Haruhi Fujioka." Haruhi extended her hand which Mimi graciously took. He was a nice guy and he was rather cute too. He almost looked like a girl. His hand was really soft too but she didn't want to offend the boy by mentioning it. She instead smiled warmly back.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Honey, and this is Mori!" A little blonde haired boy came running up to her extended his hand to the girl. She smiled and shook both of their hands.

"I've heard a lot about you, and I have to say I'm a bit jelous. Ever since I was a kid I've always wanted to know how to fight in case I ever needed to defend myself. I also thought it was a cool sport. If at all possible do you think that maybe I could come to some of your matches?" The little boy nodded eagerly.

Kyouya introduced himself next. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, casting a glare and preventing her from seeing his eyes. She didn't like that but she would put up. He was being civil so she should be too. "Hello, I am Kyouya Ootori. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Well he wasn't very original. She just smiled and shook his hand, not really having anything else to say. She glanced around and noticed the twins who seemed reluctant to go talk to her. She sighed and walked over to them, hand extended as a peace offering.

"Hello, Hikaru and Kaoru. I'm-" She was shocked when they cut her off. Actually, only one of them cut her off. The other didn't say anything and just looked at his brother in confusion.

"We already know who you are, so stop with the act would you?" She cringed a little at the tone of his voice. "We already know about what your like. Why did you have to come here and mess with us?"

She felt her anger spike slightly, but really what she was feeling was sad. She was sad that they already didn't like her, and deep down she knew that all of the other men in the room didn't like her either. She let her hand drop and placed a scowl on her face. She wasn't fond of this method, but it was bound to happen anyway. There was no way around this, so she wondered why she bothered in the first place.

"I see. Well then, I will be taking my leave. I wish I could say it was a pleasure to meet all of you, but in truth it was a rather unpleasant experience. I do hope our paths don't cross again." She turned on her heel and walked out of the room. Hikaru was glaring at her back the whole time. For some reason he couldn't help but feel a certain level of animosity towards the girl, and for some reason she couldn't help but feel sad that they had reacted that way, but in the back of her mind she knew it was for the better. It wouldn't have ended well any way.

"Hikaru," Haruhi snapped. "What was that for? She did absolutely nothing to you, so why would you treat her like that?"

"Did you see the way she walked out? She didn't like us either. I was just making it known that she wasn't welcome." Honey walked up in front of him.

"That's not true, Hika-chan. I liked her a lot. She was really nice."

"Yea, Hikaru. She didn't do anything wrong." Even Kaoru was siding with her now? What was this? Her mother had been terrible to their mother and them for many years and he was still willing to side with her like he did? So what if she wasn't doing anything wrong right then, that didn't mean she wouldn't get worse.

"I know her mother is a pain but that doesn't mean she was the same. Anyone would have walked out like that if you say something like that to them." Hikaru turned to his brother full force now.

"You know there's a reason she had a record. You've heard the rumors. The girl is crazy, and I didn't want her messing things up." It was silent for a second.

"While I do not approve of his methods, I must say I agree with Hikaru. She has trouble written all over her, so it's best we not get involved." Everyone glanced at Kyouya, before letting the subject drop. Maybe they were right. Maybe she was just being nice as a formality and the way she acted at the end was how she really was.

.

The next day Mimi dragged herself out of bed and to her bathroom. Today was her first day at Ouran, and already she had seven guys that didn't like her. She supposed that it was bound to be this way. She knew the rumors travelled pretty far among the rich, especially when the parents talked. She knew her mother told Mrs. Hitachiin about her fights and her suspension, and probably even told her about why she was kicked out for good.

She sighed and turned off the water, barely registering the shower. She was not a morning person under any circumstances. She made her way to her closet in nothing but a towel. She pulled out the hideous yellow dress, white tights and black shoes she was forced to wear. At least at her last school the uniforms were less hideous. They weren't good, but they looked less like easter vomit.

She let her hair dry as she went about her room, gathering everything she needed. It didn't take long for her to be ready, and the only thing left was for her to eat.

As she made her way to the kitchen she ran into the occasional maid and smiled warmly. They liked her well enough, but they didn't like being here. To be honest, she didn't like being here.

"Mimi, you're late. And what are you doing with your hair? I thought you would at least try to look decent." She sighed and sat down at the table without acknowledging her mother.

"Hey mom leave her alone." Her brother Katashi said with a smile. He was twenty-five, and was in the process of learning how to take over his mother's family's business. Their uncles weren't going to live forever and eventually a successor would be needed. They chose Katashi because he seemed the best suited. They could have just as easily chosen her other brother, Yasuo.

"It's her first day, and she already has a rep. You should leave the poor girl alone." They liked to stand up for her, as did her father, but unfortunately they weren't around all of the time, and that was when her mother really let loose. Her mother was a short woman, with black hair she pulled back into a tight bun. She wore business suits to look as proffesional as possible, and seem really impersonal.

Mission accomplished.

"Who's fault is it that she slandered our name?" That stung, and she knew it would, so Mimi just stayed silent and let them have their own conversation, then went up to do her hair.

.

Luck really wasn't on her side today. She was stuck in the same class as the twins and the strangely feminine Haruhi. The more she looked at him, the more he looked like a girl. Mimi walked up to the teacher and showed him her schedule. He nodded and told the class to quiet down so that she could introduce herself. She smiled lightly and gave a slight wave.

"Hi, I'm Mimi Kurosaki." She bowed slightly and looked back at the teacher.

"Mimi you can take a seat right over there." He pointed to an empty seat next to one of the twins. She nodded and rushed to her seat with her head low. She was next to Kaoru, which eased her nerves only slightly. At least he didn't snap at her when she tried to introduce herself, but that didn't mean he liked her either.

She didn't say anything to anyone as she sat down, so she was suprised when she heard someone talking to her. She looked around everywhere except at Kaoru.

"Mimi, over here." She glanced his way and noticed that it was him that was talking to her. She let a light smile touch her lips to seem friendly. "I just wanted to say sorry for my brother."

"It's ok Kaoru. He just didn't want me to screw up his world. I'm actually kind of used to it. We should probably pay attention to the teacher before we get in trouble." She didn't notice the look he was giving her. He didn't tell her he was Kaoru, and she was never told it was Hikaru who snapped at her yesterday. How did she know he was Kaoru. The teacher didn't say anything, he couldn't tell them apart either. He shook it off as a lucky guess.

When the bell rang she looked at her schedule and saw that she had math next. She sighed and grabbed her bag and walked out of the door. She tried to read the map she was given but it was still a little confusing for her. She finally sighed and gave up. She walked up to a random kid in the hallway.

"Excuse me, could you tell me how to get here?" She point to the room on her schedule and the kid nodded before he noticed the name at the top of the sheet.

"You're Mimi Kurosaki?" She nodded hesitantly. A scowl formed on his lips and he turned his back to her, completely ignoring her existence. She wanted to tap his shoulder again but decided against it. He wasn't going to help her even if she kept perstering him. She turned on her heel and tried to find her way through the halls again, scared to ask anyone else for help.

When she finally got to her class the teacher glared at her before sending her to her seat without introducing her. She liked it better that way. She noticed the twins were in her class again, but they sat a little ways away. At least she wouldn't have to deal with Hikaru. The rest of the period flew by, and she had to find her next class; science.

By now she had a slightly better feel of the school and was able to find her way there. She didn't have this class with anyone she knew and had to introduce herself, earning a few scowls as she did so. The teacher pointed to an empty lab table, telling her she wouldn't have a partner. She liked working alone better, but she reallly wished someoneo would make her feel less lonely.

Next was lunch and she didn't go to the cafeteria. After the day she had been having she was painfully aware that people wouldn't want to sit by her. This meant, however that she didn't have any food. She sat in the class, holding her stomach as it growled its complaints. That's how Haruhi found her, and she couldn't help but offer the poor girl some lunch.

"Thanks, Haruhi." She only nibbled, trying not to eat all of the poor guy's food. "I've heard about you. I must say I'm impressed. It must have been difficult going from normal kids to these rich kids. I know they can be a little ignorant but try to push through it, kay?" Haruhi was shocked to hear this. She too was a rich kid, so why would she say stuff like that? Mimi sensed this.

"I won't lie, I'm still pretty ignorant. I have never been a commoner but my my old friend was. I thought she was the most fascinating thing ever but I'm starting to realize I must have been annoying." Haruhi smiled at the girl before her. She wasn't so bad, so why was everyone treating her so badly?

.

The rest of the day went by pretty much the same way. Nothing notable happened and thankfully when she got home her mother was in a meeting in her office. She made her way up to her room. Once she got in she threw her bag on the floor and began to pull off the shoes, then the tights, then as she moved to the dress, she heard a noise coming from her bed. She nearly fell over from shock as she saw the twins laying on her bed, smiling at her with devilish grins.

"Uh... Why are you guys here?" They got off the bed and made their way over to her.

"Please, don't stop on our account."Hikaru joked. This whole thing was some big joke and she wasn't fond of it.

"Please leave." Her words were firm but had no effect of the twins, making her more scared.

"But we wanna stay here with you." She felt them getting closer as she backed up to the wall.

"Seriously, I need to change. Please leave." She saiad a little more loudly. They smirked.

"Fine, we'll leave," Hikaru took a step closer.

"If you play a game with us. You win, we leave." Kaoru got closer.

"What game?"

""The 'Guess Which One is Hikaru' game!"" They slicked their hair up to mess up the parts, then turned her around as they switched themselves up.

""Okay, guess!""

"The left is Hikaru, the right is Kaoru." They smiled. She wondered why they were smiling if she had just won.

""Wrong!"" She shook her head as she moved to get a change of clothes.

"No, I'm right."

""How do you know?""

"Hikaru's eyes are a lot more playful and Kaoru's eyes are a lot softer. You also talk a little differently, but when you talk in unison it's hard to tell." There was a long silence as they looked at her with wide eyes. She walked over to them and put their hair back in the appropriate spots while they still stared at her. She turned them around and began leading them out of the door.

""Wait! How would you know that if you've never met us before yesterday?"" So Kaoru was right when he assumed that she could tell them apart in class, but how?

"I've been able to tell since we were kids." With those words she shut the door and leaned against it, sinking down to the floor. She was so exhausted. She figured their mother was here to have a meeting with her mother and that was why the twins tagged along, to mess with her. She didn't need this right now but that wasn't important. She slipped on her jean shorts and black tank top with a few designs. Sure her clothes were expensive but the simpler the better.

She assumed they left and opened her door when she was done changing. Looking both way she found that they had in fact left and she was free to go to the game room without anyone to bother her. She liked playing her games to take her mind off of her things. She plugged in her system, put in her game, and played until she passed out. Tomorrow was a saturday, so she didn't have anything to do anyway. One of the perks to not having friends.