Author's Note:
This has been taken from a roleplay between myself and my friend Jessica. As our roleplay progresses, so will this fanfiction. Be forewarned, this is the reason the point of view bounces around from person to person.
My characters: Mai (OC), Honey, Kaoru, Kyoya.
Jessica's characters: Cassandra (OC), Tamaki, Mori, Hikaru.
I hope you enjoy this dive into the wonderful little world of Ouran HSHC!
"... but I can't believe how much harder it is to follow along in an actual classroom than back home!" Cassandra continued, her green eyes flashing expectantly at Mai as they walked down one of the many long corridors of their new school. The exchange student had been unable to control herself, and as soon as Mai had met her after class Cassandra had started blabbering. It just... It felt so good to finally have someone to talk to, in person. Sure, she had been technically talking to Mai for years but that was through email and while it had kept her sane, it just wasn't the same. Cassandra took Mai's familiar silence as prompting to continue their conversation. "I'll have to really keep studying up on my Japanese if I plan on not falling behind. But luckily I have my brainy side kick!" Cassandra shot Mai a wide, if not slightly apologetic smile, she knew sometimes she could get carried away easily. Turning the corner, the two girls came to stop in front of a large set of grand doors, various noises coming through from the other side. "I wonder if this club is really as good as all the other girls say it is." Cassandra murmured curiously, giving the door a predatory glance before stepping forward and pushing it open.
Mori was lounging on a window seat, long legs hanging half off as he stared out at the courtyard. It was raining today. Mori idly wondered if Honey had brought an umbrella with him today, not that it mattered much either way, the little sugar-fiend could always borrow his own. The sound of approaching footsteps and nervous giggling caused Mori to pull his attention away from the quiet storm outside. "Good afternoon." He greeted quietly, the gaggle of girls all replying back with various forms of 'How are you's and 'Did you have a good day Mori-senpai?'s. Mori's glad Kyoya seems to have found a 'use' for his quiet nature, he doesn't know how'd he get through a day of Host Club if he had to converse with the girls like Tamaki does. Unable to help it, a small smile slipped onto his features, causing a few of the girls in question to faint.
Mai smiled at her friend's monologue, her long braid swinging behind her. She felt strange in the bright school-uniform dress; the small girl was used to wearing what she wanted during her tutoring sessions. This large academy of wealthy students was daunting to Mai, and she was glad that Cassandra was with her. The American's chattering made up for her own quietness, and Mai's own fluency in both Japanese and English let then converse in both languages.
She approached the door apprehensively, unsure about a "host" club. What were these boys like? Would they try to befriend her only for her status, the way her classmates did today? Not that it mattered- if Cassandra wanted to check it out, Mai would go with her. The two girls had bonded even more upon the American's arrival; Mai already felt like the redhead was her sister. She followed into the room, braver than usual with a friend by her side.
Honey happily munched on a slice of cake, his stuffed bunny sitting in the chair beside him. Unconsciously, the tiny third-year kept sight of his cousin out of the corner of his eye. He was glad that some girls were talking with Takashi- he hated to leave his tall friend alone even for a second, even for cake.
Honey beamed at the girls sitting around him. "Don't you just love cake? I do!"
The girls squee'd at his cuteness, quickly agreeing that cake was indeed delightful.
Cassandra peered inside, rather glad that all of the girls seemed far too enamored with the Host Club to even spare a glance at their entrance. If it was one thing the red head disliked it was having people stare at her, the very thought unnerved her. Not allowing for her discomfort to show through, she marched purposefully through the entrance and into the room. Cassandra's bright eyes roamed across the huge room, it was beautiful, if not a little over the top- even for this school. "Mai, I'm confused. What is this?" Cassandra asked in English, tilting her head to the side in confusion. She wasn't sure what she had expected but it wasn't this. People sitting around drinking tea- well more like girls fluttering around a few goodlooking boys at different tables while drinking tea. A little more than just disappointed, Cassandra began to head towards a small table of snacks, all the while attempting to figure out what the Host Club was. Did these girls simply come to look at the boys? For it seemed the guys were definitely the 'wow factor' here. Glancing over at Mai, Cassandra tried to bite down the little bit of guilt building in her throat. Her friend looked uncomfortable, and Cassandra knew the main reason she was even here was because of her.
Tamaki was if anything good at his job. And part of his job as the most amazing, wonderful, handsome, and desirable Host was to keep an attentive eye on the ladies. Currently he had his usual lovelies gathered at his table, enjoying a batch of freshly brewed tea, but out of the corner of his vision he noticed two new girls enter without any greeting. And that would just not do. It wasn't the style of the Host Club to leave ladies waiting! They were practically damsels in distress! "I'm sorry my dears, I must leave you for but a moment. Do not fret, for I will be back surely before you can even begin to miss me! For how can I stay away from such beautiful girls in the prime of their youthful blossoming?" Tamaki serenaded them, successfully leaving them in a dazed stupor as he zipped over to the shy-looking newcomers. Rose in hand, the King in all his charm and glory approached Mai, giving her a dazzling smile. "It is my honor to meet such a kind face as yours, surely you are new here? I would have remembered such sweet eyes." He plucked Mai's hand from her side, brushing a kiss on the back of her wrist before depositing the freshly cut rose in it. "A token. Now please do tell me your name? I doubt I can live much longer without it."
Mai was shocked into silence for a moment, wondering if this was how all wealthy boys acted. She glanced at Cassandra in a silent plea for help, then dropped her gaze to the flower resting on her palm. "Th-thank you," she managed to reply, looking up at Tamaki. "My name is Mai."
Kaoru sidled up behind Tamaki, openly gawking at the newcomers. "Oh look, new toys," he murmured to Hikaru, resting his elbow on his twin's shoulder. "And that one looks English or American. I bet she'll be able to entertain us for a while." Kaoru had loved America when he and Hikaru visited with their mother. It was such a foreign place, and the people were a bit rude, but it was a beautiful country none the less.
Cassandra inspected an odd looking fruit tart, very much aware of Mai's current situation but choosing to ignore it. It was good for her friend to get some experience talking to boys! Plus if she really needed any help, or if something got out of hand Cassandra would be right there to help her. After a few more moments of contemplation, the red-head bit into the little treat thoughtfully. It was interesting, a nice mixture of salty and sweet. Polishing it off, Cassandra noted that Mai was quickly being surrounded and decided it was time to intervene. Moving easily over to her friend's side, Cassandra tossed the boys a smile, her attention on Mai, "Someone's popular." She teased in American, turning towards Tamaki, Kaoru, and Hikaru Cassandra offered her hand and introduced herself.
"Mai." Tamaki repeated in a sweet voice, sparkles practically floating around him as he continued to jabber her ear off about how wonderful it was she had found the Host Club- only stopping when the twins and her friend joined them.
Mai's cheeks reddened a bit at all of Tamaki's praised. She narrowed her eyes at Cassandra's comment; at least her friend seemed to be enjoying herself. Mai was glad when the American finally rescued her. Cassandra was much better at being the center of attention than the small Japanese girl was.
Kaoru took the redhead's hand and planted a light kiss on it, glancing up at her out of the tops of his eyes in the way that made most girls hyperventilate. "It is a pleasure to meet you. It is not often that a foreigner wanders into these parts."
Kyoya appeared out of nowhere the way he always did, adjusting his glasses. "Oh, you two must be the new girls. Kyoshi Mai, 3-A, daughter of Kyoshi Akio. Our fathers have done business on several occasions, Miss Kyoshi." The cool, calculating Host turned his gaze on the other new face. "And the first exchange student Ouran has had in a while. Smith Cassandra, 2-A, American." A tiny smile ghosted on his lips, the way it always did when he spouted his endless supply of knowledge.
Honey forgot about his cake for a moment and wandered over to Mori. The small Host pulled lightly on his cousin's jacket. "Takashi, let's welcome the new girls, mkay?" He grinned at his closest friend, Usa-chan tucked securely under one arm. He would go back and finish the cake once they had made the proper introductions. And maybe have a second piece. After all, being such an adorable Host was extraordinarily hard work!
Hikaru followed suit of his brother, hiding a smirk as he mirrored Kaoru and took Cassandra's other hand. Teaming up on the newcomer would definitely bring some much-needed enjoyment! Hikaru was beginning to get tired of the same thing everyday.
Cassandra retracted her hands politely, eying both Kaoru and Hikaru curiously, she wasn't phased- or at least she didn't show it. It was however a little unnerving to have identical twin boys kissing her hands. "Ah, well I guess that makes me special." Cassandra joked, peeking over at Mai as if looking for what to do next. "It's nice to meet you two, what are your names?" She asked curiously, already not looking forward to the struggle of not mixing them up. At the newcomer's abrupt and rather mysterious arrival Cassandra tensed. She wasn't sure which put her off more, the fact that he had somehow managed to acquire that much intel on her without ever meeting her- or his creepy smile. Cassandra was beginning to lean towards the latter.
Mori stretched his arms high above his head and excused himself from the group of girls at Honey's words. "Hn." Following after the tiniest Host, Mori kept an eye on Honey's one undone shoe-lace, he just knew his cousin would trip eventually. But as always, Mori would be there to catch him.
"My name is Hikaru," Kaoru smirked and brushed his hand against his twin's cheek. "And this dazzling specimen is my darling brother Kaoru." He blinked lovingly at Hikaru with shining eyes.
Honey bounced over on his little feet, eager to meet the girls. His honey-colored hair bounced with him, tossed about his head like an adorable fluffy puppy. He squeezed between the Hitachiin brothers, used to their loving act, handed Usa-chan to Mori, and took the hands of both girls. The tiny Host didn't kiss their hands, but merely held them like a small child. "I'm Honey! I like sweets and pretty girls like you two!" He beamed his wide smile at Mai and Cassandra.
Mai felt fairly overwhelmed at all the boys clustering around them. This Honey couldn't be more than ten years old, yet he was wearing the Ouran uniform. The dark-haired Host with glasses was watching her like a hawk, and the blonde one hadn't stopped in his speal about what fine ladies they were. The two twins were gazing at each other oddly, and the tallest one was standing silently behind Honey.
Cassandra couldn't help the grin that spread across her face as she watched the two brothers. Okay so this place wasn't all bad... "Mai this isn't too bad right?" She murmured switching comfortably back English as she spoke to her friend. The fact that Mai could understand her was something Cassandra secretly reveled in. Even if her friend responded in Japanese it was fine, it was just one little connection Cassandra held close to her heart. A sudden tug at the girl's hand, had Cassandra's green eyes flashing dangerously. If people kept grabbing her freaking hands she was gonna-
All dangerous thoughts were cut short as she looked down at the adorable wide-eyed boy. Without one moment of hesitation, Cassandra dropped to her knees and enveloped the boy in a hug. "You are so cute!" She mumbled squeezing him to her chest before pulling back and smiling wildly. Repeating herself in Japanese, Cassandra continued, "What's your name?" Feeling the stares on her, the red-head suddenly became self-conscious. "Ahh sorry. For my rudeness. I'm still getting use to Japanese customs." She apologize quickly retracting her embrace in slight embarrassment.
Mori scanned over the two girls, they were definitely new, one was American and the other just seemed out off by Tamaki. Mori internally smiled at that, it was rare to find a girl who wasn't falling all over his 'kindliness'. Though Mori's contented mood quickly vanished as the American snagged Honey close to her. Worry shot through Mori as he calmly inched closer, just within reach of grabbing the senior if something went wrong.
Honey hugged her back. "That's okay!" It happened so often that he had learned to enjoy it. Girls just couldn't contain themselves when around someone so adorable. The third-year hung onto her arm, forgetting about Mai. This American girl was nice. "I'm Mitsukuni, call me Honey, from class 3-A." He knew she would immediately question the fact that such a little guy was 17, but again, Honey had gotten used to it. He saw it as an advantage, when both men and women underestimated him. It gave him an upper hand at all times. "Are you really from all the way in America? That's across a whole ocean!"
Mai realized that the small Host had attached himself to Cassandra, and glanced up to meet the gaze of the tall, dark-haired boy. She noticed his protective stance, and guessed that anyone who laid a hand on Honey would have to go through this giant. Deciding to be polite, Mai offered him her hand. "Kyoshi Mai. And you are?"
Tamaki had sulked off to a corner, everyone's attention having been transferred to Honey. It just wasn't fair! Tamaki had practically serenaded the girls yet it was Honey who got the hug from the American! Not fair! Sniffling to himself, Tamaki rocked back and forth in his little corner of darkness and misery.
Cassandra smiled, the tension in her shoulders easing a she relaxed, her hands ruffling his cute hair. "Yepp. All the way from America! Just to meet cuties like you." She winked at him, unable to feel like she was addressing a senior. Cassandra was a little surprised by his age but she didn't let it show, she figured he probably got that a lot. "We'll Honey you can call me Cass, if you like."
Mori eyed the red-head one last time before deciding that if Honey was okay with it then he was okay with it. Keeping a keen eye on the two of them, Mori let his attention fall on the girl standing before him. "Nice to meet you. I'm Takashi Morinozuka." He greeted in a quiet rumble, pausing for a moment as if he was mentally deciding on something. "Mori. For short." He added, the barest of smiles gracing his handsome features. Mori didn't know why but he was already beginning to become fond of the girl's-Kyoshi's- quiet nature. There weren't enough quiet people in the host club.
Hikaru huffed slightly, turning to his twin with a bored stare. "This isn't fun anymore." He complained, narrowing his hazel eyes at Kaoru in hopes his brother would come up with something new. Playing with the exchange student had plenty of promise, but if Honey hogged all the attention then they wouldn't be able to have any fun of their own!
Honey snickered. "In Japan, we add words to the end of names for our friends!" He was delighted to be able to teach Cassandra about Japanese culture. "Girls are chan, and boys are kun. I'll call you Cass-chan!" The small Host pointed up at Mori. "This is Mori-kun. He's my best friend and my cousin!" Honey turned to Mori and quickly scaled his tall frame, coming to a stop on his broad shoulders. He smiled down at Mai and Cassandra, hugging his bunny to his chest.
"It's a pleasure, Takashi," Mai gave a small smile. After her mother had died, she had had a very formal upbringing, and so nicknames weren't to her liking. The dark-haired girl watched with amusement as Honey climbed up Mori like a ladder. The two were an odd pair to be sure, but anyone could see that they were fond of each other.
Kyoya and the twins had lost interest in the newcomers. Kyoya went off to calculate his profits, while Kaoru rested against Hikaru's shoulders. "Seems like they like Mori-kun and Honey-kun more than us," he grumbled.
Cassandra nodded, watching him clamor up with amusement and standing up from the ground. "Very nice to meet you Honey-senpai and Mori-kun." She knew all about the honorifics, kun, San, chan, senpai, sama, but it was still hard to remind herself to use them. "Cousins? I never would have guessed!" Cassandra commented absentmindedly, green eyes flitting over to the twins and catching Kaoru's eye. They were wearing identical bored scowls, an Cassandra couldn't help but wonder what their problem was.
Mori felt his muscles relax as Honey situated himself on his shoulders. It always put the senior at ease to have the little teen so close. One less thing he had to worry about. Mori rolled his shoulders slightly, Honey's weight comfortable on his talk frame.
"Mori. Honey. Since you've become so acquainted with our new customers why don't you invite them to the beach trip tomorrow!" Tamaki had gotten over his little self-induced depression and was now putting his beautiful efforts towards securing two more girls for the host club. They hadn't had a foreigner for quiet sometime, and Kyoya did seem awfully interested in Kyoshi-san.
Honey's eyes widened. "You must come, Casa-chan and Mai-chan! Kyoya-kun's family has a private beach! It's so pretty in the fall!" He giggled with excitement.
Mai glanced at Cassandra. "I like the ocean," she admitted, but she would only go if her friend was going. "You haven't been to a beach in Japan yet, have you? They really are special this time of year." The last part was added in English, knowing that it would make the American smile.
Cassandra played with a piece of scarlet hair, unable to keep her smile hidden as both Honey and Mai sent her looks. Her best friend's use of Cassandra's native tongue sent the girl over the edge. "Of course I'd love to come. Thank you so much for inviting us." Cassandra finally responded, ducking her head in a modest bow. The thought of going to the beach with these new friends was exciting, if not a little daunting. But Mai would be there, and Cassandra knew as long as her dark-haired friend was with her she'd be fine.
Hikaru turned towards his brother, lounging on his side, a devious grin spreading across his features like wildfire. "Beach tomorrow." It was all he had to say to his brother, a plan already beginning to form in his head how to mess with the new exchange student.
Kaoru's eyes widened. "Ohhh yes," he chuckled, knowing exactly what his twin was thinking. "I love the way your evil little mind works, my dear Hikaru."