A/N: Hello! I have returned! Things didn't turn out all that well for my friend's house, and I didn't end up going in the end, so hi. I should have updated the day my friend's house didn't work out, I was feeling a bit too upset for any writing. At least you get an update though, right? That's something that I'm sure at least one of you might care about. Anyways, to the you-know-who person knows about my characters... I'm watching you... *twerks in your direction and awkwardly rolls on the ground* hashtag 2kool4scool.

Ahem. Anyways. I'm not sure where I'm going with this story anymore. Not that I ever knew to begin with. Also I know it's been going a bit slow. I'm sorry if it going slow is annoying any of you. Like I said, I really dislike most OC stories (of any fandom/genre) because they all end up going by so quickly. First chapter they automatically meet the characters, and by the second they're already with one of them. Know what I mean? Constant things happening way too fast. If you want to read something that happens all at once, go ahead and do so. I'd only been upset that I couldn't satisfy you enough with my work. If you're fine with the first few chapters not surrounding the actual main characters, then stay and read. I assure you, the rest of the Host Club will be presented in due time (probably sooner than I think). But until then, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

And again I would just like to say, thanks to everyone for reviewing! :D

Disclaimer: Ouran High School Host Club does not in any way, shape or form belong to me. Any and all characters, places, events, etc. that you know aren't from me... aren't from me. Credit is delivered where credit is due. Oopy doopy diddy dong shalong be bong timey wimey wibbly wobsob. In other words, I wish I had something to look forward to in life.

King For A Day

By: ParticularlyChimerical

Chapter 3

(Red, White, and Slipping Days)

I groaned and rolled over in my bed. For some reason, it seemed a ton more comfortable than what I remembered. Did mum buy new sheets? I remember her saying something a few weeks ago about possibly buying new sheets. That's probably what she did. Good for her, the old ones were ghastly. I gave a small smile and turned my head over, pushing it more into the pillow. She must have gotten new pillows as well.

I finally yawned and opened an eyelid. That's strange... this doesn't particularly look like my- holy shit.

I shot up from where I was laying and desperately looked around the room. Where the fuck am I. What the fuck am I doing here. What's going on. Where am I. Was I kidnapped yesterday? Oh God this surely must be Percival's doing. He always pulls pranks on me. I'm going to kill h- No wait. Student Exchange Program. Japan. Right. Can't believe I forgot that quickly. Hmmpt.

I shakily pulled the duvet off of me and awkwardly stood from the bed, my feet feeling foreign on the fluffy carpeted floors beneath me. I swallowed the small lump in my throat and scratched my cheek. Should I leave, or stay in here? What time is it? Is there a reason no one came to wake me up? Surely I've been sleeping for a while. Finally, I decided to just peek my head out of the door. No harm in that, is there?

I opened the door and slowly edged my head out, looking from side to side. It was empty out there as far as I could tell. I exited the room and gently shut the door behind me, then began tip-toeing down the hall. I wasn't sure where I was going, so this was probably the worst idea in the world, and the fact that I didn't know where anything resided in this place didn't help either. I glanced up at the large photos hanging up against the wall, many of which were of (what I was guessing) pictures of the Ootori family. Kyoya was the easiest to spot, probably because he was the most attractive in the family. Or maybe it was because I already knew him. Oh gosh, either way he was easiest to spot.

I continued down the hall, switching vision from picture frame to picture frame; laughing a bit at the ones that looked like they had some sort of stick up their asses, grinning at the ones where they just looked happy. Though in every picture that dubbed them as happy, it still looked as though Kyoya was forcing a smile. Such a pseudo charm, that one. Bit of a pity someone so pretty could be so completely spurious.

"What are you doing here?" A loud voice shouted from behind me. I shot around quickly, my heart pounding from the unannounced arrival.

"I-I'm sorry. I wasn't sure which way was which. I just started walking."

The stiff-looking female with a tightly strung (and graying) bun on her head, a maid I figured, guessing on her uniform, folded her arms across her chest and put out a stern lip. "That is no excuse. I'm guessing you're that foreigner?"

Wow okay, rude much?

I smiled nonetheless and gave a small nod. "Yes, that is me. Pretty obvious, I suppose. Hardly doubt anybody gets lost often around here."

The woman didn't laugh (or smile for that matter) but merely gave a curt nod. "You are needed down for lunch," she said, gesturing her finger towards me. "Come. And don't dilly-dally around. If you break anything it will be on the staff's head." She turned on her heel and mumbled something about Americans that I couldn't quite make out– though it didn't sound pleasant, before walking.

Lunch? Of course I slept in and missed breakfast. Great. They all probably think I'm some lazy sod who sleeps way into the afternoon. Which... to be honest, I am. But I don't want them knowing that. I sighed and followed after her, hanging my head slightly in shame. Why couldn't someone come in and wake me up? Isn't that what they usually do? Were all those late-time movies wrong?

We walked down a huge flight of stairs, my mind still focusing on missing breakfast. I almost didn't hear the loud shouting calling towards me. Though by the time I snapped out of thought, it was too late. I let out a frightened squeal as I lost my footing and flung forwards. I closed my eyes quickly, not wanting to see what happened next. Down, down, down and– Ooof!

"Whoa!" A voice said as a pair of strong arms wrapped around my waist. "Hold on! I got you, I got you. Dear me, are you alright?" I gripped on to whoever it was for dear life, burying my face in his shirt. Thank God for this wonderful human being. Thank God. I surely would have been a goner if it weren't for this angel saving me.

I was too shocked to respond. Having a near-death experience does that to a person. Plus, I'm sure if I opened my mouth, nothing but a whole bunch of stutters would flow out. I was shaking like a wet chihuahua. I swallowed hard and kept my buried in his shirt (which smelt really nice, to be honest). Finally I breathed out, "T-thank you."

A rumbling chuckle sounded. "No problem, Miss Baragarth."

An eye shot open and I leaned my head up. Oh. It's only Kyoya. What a shame. I was hoping for some hot servant or something. A look of annoyance suddenly replaced my deflated features as I pulled away from him and stepped back, folding my arms across my chest awkwardly. He rose an eyebrow at my sudden change in composure but didn't question it. Instead he pushed his glasses up and looked behind me.

"What happened here?"

He said it nicely, but it seemed mixed with something cruel, like he was hiding something deadly. Whoever he was speaking to seemed to notice this as well, for there was a shaky response.

I turned around to see a mousy-looking boy with wide eyes. "I am so, so sorry. It's noon. Usually I wax the staircase as noon. I-I thought e-everyone was already up and d-downstairs. I didn't know there was someone else staying in the house." He looked at me, a look of terror on his face. "Miss, I'm so sorry. I tried to warn you. I called out for you to stop. But by the time you heard me you already slipped on the stair." Tears began wielding up in his eyes and he looked back over to Kyoya.

"You are aware that if I hadn't been here when I was, you could have had our guest killed on only the first official day of her stay, right?"

The boy let out a small squeak and pulled tightly at his hair. "I'm sorry, sir. I am. I'm so sorry."

Kyoya's disposition was the absolute opposite of the young boy in front of him. He was completely nonchalant and at ease, or so it seemed. He stared blankly at the boy in front of him before he pushed his glasses back. He let out a soft laugh after a moment, pocketing his hands into his trousers. "It's fine, Kou-chan. I understand you have always been told to do things at a scheduled time." He leaned over to me and whispered, "That's how everyone works around here." then leaned back up and curtly pointed at the boy. "Be sure you know that everyone, guests included, are down before you begin waxing next time. Get back to work."

The boy nodded repeatedly and went back to waxing at once, muttering one more sorry towards me. I felt terrible. It was my fault he was in this state. If I had just been paying more attention I could have easily avoided slipping. Kyoya gestured for me to follow and I did, looking back at- Kou was his name, right? Yeah..- looking back at Kou with a frown. Maybe I should apologise. I will. I will right after lunch is over with. If I could find him, that is.

Kyoya airily fell back in place, so that he was now walking right beside me. "Don't worry about him." He said at once, smiling down at me. I blinked, looking back up at him and he just shook his head. "Your face portrays it all, Miss Baragarth. It's a habit that you ought to learn to control. Being so obvious with your emotions can cause a lot of problems. Well, you know, during certain situations, that is."

I sighed and chose not to respond to his words of slight advice. Instead I looked around the mansion and muttered, "So I slept in?"

"Yes. You did. Though it's not that big of a deal. You're in a different time zone now. I'd be very surprised if you woke up at a normal time."

"That doesn't make me feel any better." I groaned. And in truth, it didn't. We walked past a few servants, who nicely wished me a good morning, and turned the corner. I looked back at him. "Why do you keep referring to me as Miss Baragarth? I do have a first name, you know."

"Of course I do." He said, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Though first names are not always accustomed for distinct occasions."

Frankly, I was too tired to try to understand, so I merely nodded.

"Nice outfit, by the way." He said with what looked like a smirk as he pushed open a door.

"Wha- Oh god." A wave of heat rose to my cheeks as I looked down at my garments. I was wearing fluffy baby chicken pajama bottoms and a shirt that said, "Smart Chick" to match. Both in a sickening sweet yellow color. I walked through the door and at once my face flushed. The whole room was full of random people who were quick to glance over at me. Most of them had their eyebrows raised, as if to say, "Who let the American teenager in?" and a few were chuckling silently. I scrambled to make myself look presentable and placed my hands behind my back. "Er.. H-hello."

"Ahh right, I forgot that father had some of his business attendants coming in today. Oops." Kyoya grinned and gave my shoulder a small pat, but the look on his face made it obvious that he didn't actually forget at all. I was really starting to dislike him more and more, which again, is such a pity, because he really is an attractive bloke.

I strained a smile and awkwardly followed after Kyoya as he greeted some of the accomplices. I could hear a few people still laughing as we walked out of the room and through a different door. At once I rounded on him.

"What the actual hell was that!" I whispered harshly, fighting the urge to smack him upside the head.

He shrugged and pushed his glasses up. "I have no clue what you mean. Shall we eat?" I didn't get a chance to respond as he pushed open yet another door and led me through. It had appeared we were finally in the dining room. And boy, was this room divine. Only then did I realise just how hungry I had been.

And you know, I could have kept up the argument. I wanted to, I really did. But there was a slice of chocolate pie that was sitting on that dining room table that may or may not have sealed my mouth up for the moment... and as far as it concerned, that pie was the only thing that mattered at the current moment in time.

xxxxx

"Here's the handbook. You'd be wise to read up on a few pages before we arrive. Even the slightest bit helps."

I struggled as Kyoya placed yet another large book in my hands, the grand total being a whooping nine extremely heavy novels in my hand. He says that they were to help me at Ouran Academy, but judging by the sickly pleased expression on his face, it was merely to torture the hell out of me. And torture the hell out of me, it did. My arms felt like they were going to collapse any second now. Just the mere look of satisfaction on that boy's face made me want to knee him directly where the sun didn't shine, though that course of action would be looked down upon by my state of mind. If I pulled any buttons with him, I'd be straight on a plane back home. That was the only thing stopping me from punching him right in the nose. That and, I'd hate for any harm to come to his face.

Oi, you can't judge me. If you were here, you wouldn't want his face injured as well.

I adjusted my grip on the collection of books with a small wince. "Thank you, Kyoya. I'll be sure to put these somewhere... safe."

And by safe I mean stuffed somewhere underneath the bed where I will never let them see the light again.

He smiled down at me and I smiled right back up at him. He snapped his fingers once and around three people came scurrying over to him. He kept his eyes on mine while speaking. "If one of you could please retrieve these books and bring them to our guest's room..." the heavy objects were lifted away from me almost too quickly, which had me set undecided on whether I should be impressed, or rather bustled. "Ah yes, thank you. Wait, give me the handbook. Oh, and do tell my father that I'll be escorting Miss Baragarth to school now."

They all bowed and walked off. Kyoya extended his hand out towards me. "Shall we get going? It's best we arrive a bit early, so that you can get all your classes sorted out."

I reluctantly accepted his hand and followed him as he gently tugged me towards the car. We both got in, the door was shut, our seat belts were buckles, and before I knew it we were driving out of his property. He handed the handbook to me and mumbled something about reading bits of it. I didn't decline and quickly opened the book up.

To say I was nervous was a bit of an understatement. This would be the first time I had ever set foot in a school where I didn't know anybody. Well, I knew Kyoya, but that bogus and indecisive minger wasn't much of a friend. Plus, he was a year older than me, so we wouldn't be in the same classes or anything. I let out a small sigh and leaned against the door, looking out of the window in thought. What would I do if everyone disliked me? Or what if they all despised Americans in general? I know some cultures aren't as friendly with us as they could be.

I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked over to see Kyoya with a small smile on his face. "You'll be fine."

"W-wha-"

"Easy facial portrayal, remember?" He nudged his glasses up his nose. "Keep that in check."

I frowned and he gave a quick chuckle.

"For all serious matters, though. You'll be fine here, I promise."

I'd normally write anything he said off as a satirical statement, but this time he actually seemed to mean what he was saying. I merely gave him a large smile and nodded. "Thanks, Kyoya."

He nodded and released his hand from my shoulder, but didn't respond. I was alright with that. It didn't seem like there was anything more to be said. I glanced back out the window and waited for us to arrive. Despite Kyoya's words, I was still unnerved. Who wouldn't be? A new school in a different country. It's enough to make anyone work up a sweat.

Before I could think much on it, the car jolted to a stop. The car door opened up and Kyoya's extended hand was in my sight once again. I quickly grabbed hold as he helped me out of the vehicle. I took one look at the building in front of me and all the wind nearly flew out of my chest. Of all the things I Googled about this place, I didn't once decide to see how it looked. I wanted it to be a surprise. The only thing I can say right now is... Holy shit this place is big.

"It is rather large, I admit."

I gave a jump. I didn't know that I said that out loud. Kyoya grinned and nudged his head forward. "Let's go then, best find your classes so you'll be prepared."

I nodded my head started pacing right after Kyoya. When we walked through the main doors, I felt my heart drop. This place was fancy. Far too fancy. If I broke anything here, my mom would not be able to afford it in the slightest. A single broken vase probably would cost more than my whole house. I heard some random talking coming from my side so I turned my head; a couple of girls in a terrible looking dress were giggling loudly, walking down a random hallway. Please don't tell me that that thing is–

"Your uniform." Kyoya said, pointing over at the two girls. "You'll get one as soon as we get your classes."

He must have been able to sense my disgust, for he laughed. I was too busy staring at the ruffles of the ridiculous uniform to realise that he had already turned and was walking down another hall. I let out a small tsk of panic, pacing quickly after him. Fuck no, I thought, wrapping my hand around his own. I am not getting lost before I even get my classes.

He glanced down at our hands with a whimsical look then looked over to me.

"Oh shut it," I snapped, sending him a glare. "I just don't want to be left alone somewhere."

"Of course." He said simply, though again I had to fight the urge to punch him. What was it with the way he said things? Why did he always have to talk in that know-it-all voice? Maybe he did know it all, but he didn't need to act like it all the damn time. I huffed and pulled myself closer to his side. We were entering a different part of the school– a bigger part of the school.

"Wait here," he mumbled, releasing my hand. He entered a random door before I could argue and I was left standing outside the room awkwardly. A few other students walked by and looked at me, but thankfully didn't say anything. As the minutes ticked on by I got a bit restless. Finally, just as I was about to storm through the room, the door opened up, and Kyoya walked out holding a couple of papers and yellow garment.

"Here you are." He said, handing me the objects. "If you walk just through that door opposite us, you can change into your school uniform. I can then show you were all your classes reside." He pushed his glasses up with his middle finger and stared down at me.

I blinked a few times, confused. Then realization struck. "Oh! You mean right now?"

"Yes, now would be sufficient."

"Right. Okay. I'll... go get changed then."

"Alright."

"What do I do with my clothes?"

"We'll deal with that at a different time."

"Oh, okay."

"Off you go, then."

"Kay. Yeah. Off I go. Here, hold my papers."

"Alright."

Rustle. Rustle.

Crinkle.

"Okay uh... see you in a minute."

"Alright."

...

A minute or two later I walked out of the room, my other clothes in hand. I walked up to Kyoya with an awkward grin. This dress was really... frailly, to say the least. I had never been one who had liked to wear any type of dress. They just never seemed to suit me well. My friends said they were lovely on me, but I never liked them. Especially this color. Jesus, who picked this uniform out. "I'm uh.. back."

He looked at me in silence for a few seconds, making me feel more awkward, then casually said, "I can see that. Here, hand me your clothes."

I did as he said and he turned on his heel, walking back into the room he went in before. He exited around thirty seconds later, handing me a small slip. "This is so that you may retrieve your clothes after school. Don't loose it, it has your number entry."

"Er.. Thank you, I suppose."

He curtly nodded and then pointed off somewhere. "Shall we go locate your classes?"

"That would be great."

"Let's be off, then."

I grinned. "Alright."

We began walking back from where we came. I was entranced by the endless galleries of artwork and decorations, which appeared to flood the area. The thought of me accidentally running into something entered my mind again, and the worry crept its way up. I'm serious about a single vase costing more than my house. We weren't exactly a rich family. Especially not as rich as the people who obviously went to this school. If I were to accidentally mess things up at Ouran or even in the Ootori house, it could ruin life at home. Literally. We'd be put so far into debt that not even Lucifer himself could dig us out of the hole we'd be sealed tight in. We'd be like Adam Winchester in the cage. We'd never get out.

A warm hand wrapping around my own knocked me out of my thoughts. I glanced up at Kyoya with a confused expression.

He simply smiled, tightening his grip. "So you don't get lost." he said calmly. "We wouldn't want that, now would we?"

I blinked. "Right. Of course."

He started up a flight of stairs, his hand intertwined lightly with mine, and I couldn't help the blush that spread onto my cheeks. It wasn't as though I liked him, because honestly, I didn't. And as far I could tell, he didn't like me much either. I think it was just the farcical gesture in itself that made my face heat up as easily as it did. Even so, it still caused me a bit of fretfulness, and Kyoya obviously could tell. I slipped on another step halfway up the staircase because of it. Thankfully, Kyoya caught me just as he did yesterday.

"Hmm," he hummed lightly, a capricious, mocking tone in his voice, "If I didn't know any better, I'd guess you were, quite literally in the sense, falling for me."

I made a loud tutting noise of disbelief. Honestly, the nerve of this boy. It was probably because he was rich. I opened up my mouth to chew his out obnoxious and fickle behavior, but before I could get the opportunity, I found myself slipping yet again.

And Kyoya laughed louder than I had ever heard him as he caught me and my clumsy self for the third time in the short time of knowing me, and for some reason, I had a feeling he'd be catching me many more times to come.

(;_;)

Erpaderp! Greetings, readers of this fic! How're you this evening? Or morning? or night? Either way, how are you? I hope you are doing well.

I am doing okay. As good as one can be in my situation.

Sorry that this chapter is a day late then I said it would be. I've just been a bit busy.

I'm quite glad though! Today my Danisnotonfire and AmazingPhil t-shirt arrived in the mail! It was a couple sizes too big for me (as I needed a small and my friend ordered it in extra-large), but it was still magnificent! I was going to stick it in the wash to shrink it up, but I decided that I like it better as large as it was. It makes it seem like some kind of short dress, and it's really comfortable. I also got a Danosaur bracelet! Which looks as fantastic as I'd always hoped!

So that's the highlight of my summer. Getting my first dose of actual merchandise ever. Ahhh! Now if only I could afford a Llama hat, I'd be so very happy. Unfortunately, based on the bills, I won't be able to get anything personal for quite a long time.

Anyways!

As always things type themselves out, so sorry if it's a bit rubbish. As much as my writing has improved over the course of a few years, there's still a lot I need to fix, and I know this. But um... yeah! Fun chapter to type out. Had a decent time. Whoopy do da.

Okay! I'm going to head off to bed now. It's two in the morning. Oops.

As said before, hope you all are doing well! Have a nice day/night/evening!

Bye!

x