It was an unusual occurrence for Clarice Butler to willingly enter into a conversation that wasn't about business – or books. That was probably the reason why she willfully ignored the students who attempted to speak to her as she made her way to her first class in her new school – Ouran Private Academy. It was easy for her brown eyes to focus on something-or-other as people smiled and walked her way. It was one talent that always served her well.

The school was lavishly decorated and the luxuries were new to her. If Clarice were honest she was quite overwhelmed by the extravagance and sheer size of the school campus. It was huge. And pink – incredibly, undeniably, obnoxiously pink. The brown-eyed girl didn't really mind, and was in no position to complain. The entirety of the school was beautiful, from the stained glass windows and the decorative flying buttresses to the numerous gardens and pathways that gave the place a natural, almost homely feel. She liked it.

As she pottered down the hallways in her bright yellow dress – typical attire for female students – Clarice couldn't help but wonder whether or not she would be well received by her fellow classmates. Taking into account her distaste for small talk, her somewhat awkward demeanor, and the fact that she transferred to Ouran a month into term Clarice concluded that no, she would not be welcomed by the general populace into Ouran High School for Rich Kids.

The brown-eyed girl blew out a quiet sigh and continued on her way. After a few minutes more of wandering around she found her classroom. A brass plate hung on the door, the lettering "1.A" etched masterfully onto the metallic surface. She felt both nervous and excited as she turned the doorknob and entered the classroom. It was already full of students, messing around noisily and chattering among themselves - it was obvious that no-one had noticed her entry. Clarice sighed once more. It was going to be a long year.

~(^L^~)

When the bell rang Clarice shot from her seat and was out the door before the last chime faded away. She had a free period next which she planned to use for studying and making sure she was up-to-date with all the classwork she'd missed. After transferring so late into the school year it was crucial that Clarice didn't fall behind.

Clarice brushed her unruly brown locks behind her ear and fiddled with the arms of her glasses as she navigated her way around the school. To her utter dismay each and every library she encountered was filled to the brim with people conversing and socialising. The brown eyes girl felt a tiny piece of her soul leave her body to see places of peace and learning so misused and loud. Rich folk swarmed around the libraries like a plague, chattering noisily to one another as they practically destroyed what could have been a pleasant and calming haven.

"It breaks your heart a little, doesn't it?"

Clarice jolted and turned to face the small boy who had spoken. He was shorter than her – but then again a lot of people were - and had honey-brown eyes which were complimented by pale skin and neat, short brown hair. He looked strangely familiar though Clarice couldn't thibk of where she had seen him before. She must have looked confused because the boy felt the need to clarify his statement.

"Seeing the library like this," he gestured towards the horde currently amassing in the east-wing library, "it's so... wrong."

Clarice nodded in agreement and glanced into the library. "The really sad thing is that every other library I've checked is in exactly the same state. It leaves nowhere for people to quietly relax or study."

The boy sighed, "tell me about it. It's torturous – I've been studying in a music room for the past month."

The brown-eyed girl cracked a small smile at that and held out her hand for the boy to shake. "I'm Clarice by the way – Clarice Butler. It's nice to finally meet someone who appreciates the quiet."

The boy shook her hand firmly and sincerely. "Haruhi Fujioka at your service," he smiled, "but most people just call me Haru. And likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you. It's rare to find peace and quiet in this place but I know a somewhere that's good for studying around this time of day - I can show you, if you want?"

Clarice smiled again and adjusted her book bag on her shoulder.

"I'd like that. Thank you."

~(^L^~)

It was quite a trek from the east-wing library to music room number three, and Clarice's bag full of books did not make the journey any easier. She silently cursed herself for bringing that extra maths book along.

Never-the-less the duo managed climb the mountainous stairs and traverse the endless corridors. They stood in front of the large white doors, out of breath and with reddened cheeks.

"So this is the music room," Clarice stated. She had caught her breath and stood almost nervously, waiting for Haru to invite her inside.

"Yeah," Haru sighed almost dejectedly, "look, if anyone says anything to you just ignore them and follow me."

Before Clarice could ask him what he meant, her companion pushed open the double doors and entered the music room. She followed close behind him but visibly cringed when they were bombarded by the over powering smell of fresh roses. Her brown eyes widened as red petals suddenly swirled around her, their movements captivating her interest. Haruhi just scowled and brushed away any that fell on his shoulders. Clarice was about to speak but closed her mouth when a handsome blond boy walked gracefully over to the pair.

He was taller than Clarice – she would guess 6 foot. He had a lean figure which suited his uniform nicely. Speaking of the uniform, his pants and jacket were obviously tailored and fit snugly but comfortably on his slender form. Clarice almost took a step back when she saw his eyes. They were honest-to-God purple. The didn't look fake (though, she supposed, he would have been able to afford the highest quality contacts if that was the case) and they sparkled with something akin to delight. There was something slightly off about them but the brown-eyed girl wasn't given time to dwell upon it before the boy spoke.

"Ah, Haruhi, I see you have brought a new guest," his voice was rich and charismatic – he definitely had no problems with public speaking. Haruhi started to interject when he turned to Clarice, and offered her his hand.

"Welcome princess, to Ouran High School Host Club," he gently took her hand and kissed it, "it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, what might your name be, miss?"

Clarice looked like a rabbit in the headlights. Her face had turned a not entirely unattractive shade of pink and her dark brown eyes were wide and startled-looking behind her glasses. She found herself unable to speak, and was eternally grateful when Haruhi intervened. He grabbed Clarice's hand from where it still sat in the blond's larger one and pulled her away from the boy completely.

"Tamaki the Host Club doesn't start until after school, you can't just go around terrorising everyone that comes through the door," Haru scolded him over his shoulder as he led his friend towards a comfortable looking couch near the back of the room. The rest of music room number three was decorated with expensive looking tables and chairs, made from beautiful, dark wood and decorated with cute table cloths and soft cushions.

"But Haru! What kind of a King does not welcome his guests!? Especially when that guest is a beautiful lady, such as your companion?"

Clarice grew even more uncomfortable and her blush darkened, leaving her usually tan skin looking like a tomato that had been left out for too long.

"Tamaki-senpai that's enough, save your princely act for later. Clarice and I need to study."

Haruhi and Clarice had now successfully reached the couch. The brown-eyed girl let out a soft sigh as she felt herself sink into the plush cushions. She was about to get her books out when a side door opened a few feet to the left of them. She presumed it opened into a store-room or something similar, and so she was slightly surprised when a uniform-clad boy with dark hair and a stern looking face strode out with a laptop in hand.

He looked up as he passed their couch, and even though it was quickly replaced with a false smile his brief scowl was unmissable. Clarice decided quite quickly that she wasn't going to like this boy.

"Haruhi, I see you have brought a... friend with you," he glanced at Clarice and then turned to address her "I'm afraid you cannot stay. The Host Club does not open until after school hours, Miss Butler, you'll have to come back then if you wish to socialise with the hosts."

"Kyoya, she's with me. I'm helping Clarice study because, as I'm sure you know, she's new. There's no where else we can go but here – you know how loud the libraries are."

"How do you know my name?" she asked the boy – Kyoya.

"Everyone knows your name. You're new and foreign Miss Butler, and you have a common background. You have been a topic of discussion among students for some time now, and I will warn you: not all the things said have been strictly positive. You may stay but please don't get in the way of the Host Club's preparations. We have a reputation and a schedule to uphold. Now, if you'll excuse me," with that Kyoya adjusted his glasses and walked purposefully over to the other side of the room. Clarice glared at him.

"Just ignore him," Haruhi sighed, "he doesn't like people that much, and he hates it when something disrupts his "schedule". It's all a bit of a pretense really. He's not that bad once you get to know him though."

"He doesn't like me at all Haru. Maybe I should go – I don't want to disrupt your club thing," Clarice murmured and zipped up her bag.

"No, Clarice really it's alright. Don't let him make you feel bad, he's just cranky."

"You have my invitation to stay, dear princess," Tamaki chimed in, shooting her a smile from across the room before skulking off somewhere else.

"Alright then, I'll stay."

"Awesome, let's get started then. It's a good thing we're in the same class, I can show you what you've missed."

Realisation hit Clarice like a truck and she felt more than a bit stupid for not remembering that Haru was in her class.

"Thanks Haru, I really appreciate it."

"No worries, I'm happy to help."

The pair got stuck in. Clarice was familiar with most of the stuff they went over, but when there was something she didn't understand Haruhi's explanations were clear and concise. She was vaguely aware of a few people coming and going, but she paid them no heed. The boy beside her managed to make even the simplest things interesting and she found it easy to concentrate and jot down notes.

Haruhi was surprised by how smart Clarice was, especially when it came to maths. He by no means struggled with the subject, but she helped clarify a few of the more difficult and ill-explained formulae and concepts. Clarice was just glad to be able to help out, especially since he had been so nice to her.

Minutes passed them by along with the small number of people (which had to be other members of the "Host Club", Clarice concluded) and she found herself getting more and more curious as to what exactly the Host Club was. She hadn't heard of anything by that name back home in England and it intrigued her.

And so, about half way through their free period Clarice spoke up.

"Hey, Haru?"

"Yeah?"

"What's a host club?"

And so it began.

A/N

Wow I haven't posted anything in a really long time smh. I've decided to try to motivate myself (with the help of a super awesome friend [s/o to Alex whoop whoop]) to actually finish a fic... my other attempts have been somewhat short lived and disastrous, mainly because I had no plan for them. Tbh I'm still unsure about sticking an OC in there because it's been so long since I've watched Ouran, I hope I can keep the characters somewhat true to themselves.

Well, that's pretty much it.

Much love,
Ro.