I know… I know… I suck huge monkey balls. I must apologize for totally falling off the face of the planet, especially with two works that I have to finish. And now I have this one—I really suck…

Good news though: this one is completed! And each short chapter will post every other day! At the end of which, I will recommence posting those other two chapters…

So why this was more important… recently, my real world has been… hectic and brought up some very bad memories. Which is where this came from. This story is based on a true story.

Rating: T—for language. Lots of language.

The story is AU and OOC, but Ouran is a high school, and this stuff can happen. Anyway, read and review and expect the next installment on Monday!

In their most basic sense, rumors are words. They are phonemes and morphemes of language that only hurt because we say that they do when we give them meaning. And that meaning translates into symbols. And, anthropologically speaking, that's what culture is based on… symbols.

Words can't do anything to you. They're powerless until you give them power.

But, speaking as a human, words are the strongest weapon that humanity possesses.

And so the words hurt. They ripped at me. Scarred me, and wounded me, and made me bleed all internally so that no one could see the destroyed being I became.

Because of rumors.

"You know she cheated on him… she wanted to sleep with some other guy, and then she had to dump him when he found out."

"I hear she lost it in an orgy."

"She's such a fucking slag."

They're watching. Eyes bright with malice, teeth gleaming with poison. They are willing to ruin me. I am the prey to their predatory rumors. I can feel the snickers and taste the smirks and hear their rolling eyes. They want me to die.

I hate high school because this was never supposed to be how my third year ended.

"Whore."

"Slut."

"Bitch."

I clench my eyes and will the tears away.

I can't let them see me cry. I can't be weak and play into their game. I know the truth. And so do my friends. I can't give up.

And I can't let my father find out.

So, hope you enjoy. Stay tuned for our next chapter!