Disclaimer: I do not own Ouran High School Host Club.

Claimer: I own all my O/Cs (Emiko "Raine" Morelli, Han and Taro Maki, Leo and Aoki Morelli, and any future O/Cs)

Rating: Eh…for now it'll be K+ but we'll see where this takes us. Yes, I will warn you if I change the rating.

Pairings: Well, right now I'm leaning towards Tama/Haru and Hika/OC/Kao, but we'll see where this goes. Will most likely change though.

Bonus Chapter 3

Day 7 (inspired by Generic Cat Girl's review)

[RPOV]

After a week of agonizing work went by, it was finally time for Haruhi and me to do our project presentation for the class. We decided on talking about shogatsu (1). Last night we were cooking toshikoshi soba (2), osechi ryori (3), otoso (4), and ozoni (5) until nearly midnight. Auntie said it was a project well done, and if we didn't get an 'A' for all our work, she'd come in and demand one from my teacher.

For some reason, that didn't exactly put me at ease.

I also had to get to school by car, since I had so much to carry. Uncle insisted on taking the limo, since he had yet to take me in it.

"I thought you weren't into flashy things."

Uncle's face lit up, "I'm not girly, but I do love to go for the occasional ride in the old girl."

There's my uncle for you. Head of a computer company, but only interested in cars.

We picked up Haruhi on the way to school, and I was pretty sure she was going to faint when she saw the limo at her doorstep.

"You didn't have to go through all the trouble."

"Nonsense!" My uncle called.

Haruhi smiled a bit and then said, "Are you ready for the presentation?"

I gestured to the bags of food, clothes, and props, showing her that I was more than prepared.

She laughed and ran a hand through her hair, "I know we've got everything set to go, but I can't help but shake the feeling that something is going to happen."

I shrugged, "Let it go Haruhi, I think you're just second guessing yourself…and my auntie's cooking!"

Haruhi laughed again and we continued the ride in a comfortable silence.

..::.. ..::.. ..::..

"Have a nice day girls…I mean Raine. And Haruhi, no funny business with my niece, you hear!"

"Yes Maki-san." Haruhi said, suppressing a grin. I had already filled Uncle in on Haruhi's situation, and how she couldn't dress like a girl. He just laughed and said it was an interesting story.

"Call me Uncle." Uncle said with a wink.

Haruhi nodded, "Yes Uncle."

"That's what I like to hear. Well, off to work then. See you when I get home sweetie." Uncle said, rolling up the window. He waved one last goodbye and drove off, honking at the other limos to get out of his way.

"Your uncle seems really nice."

I smiled, "He is. Auntie Han couldn't have picked a better husband."

"HARUHI!"

Haruhi and I turned to see an overly excited Tamaki and an overly exasperated Kyoya walking in our direction. I put the bags of presentation stuff on the ground and waved while Haruhi just hid her face in her hands.

"How is my wonderful daughter doing today?"

"What do you want senpai?"

"What makes you think I want something?"

"Because, we don't usually talk this early in the morning."

Tamaki started babbling about how he didn't get to see his daughter enough, and I figured that Haruhi could use some time alone with him, so I grabbed our presentation and started to walk away. I remembered I still had Haruhi's costume with me, so I pulled out her kimono (a boy's kimono by the way) and ran back, handing it to her, "Here's your kimono Haruhi. Don't forget to change before class."

"Oh, my daughter wearing a kimono, what for?" Tamaki asked with genuine curiosity.

"It's nothi-"

"We're making a presentation in class today," I interrupted, "It's on Shogatsu. We're going to dress up and serve food and talk about when it was established and stuff."

Tamaki's face lit up, "Can I come in and help?"

"N-"

"Sure!" I exclaimed, jumping up and down, "you can dress up too if you want. Uncle packed a few different kimonos in case Haruhi didn't like the one I gave he-him."

Tamaki smiled brightly, "Then I'll meet you in class 1-A exactly twenty minutes after the bell."

I nodded, and handed Tamaki a kimono. He shook his head and said that he had his own in the Third Music Room. He grabbed Kyoya and ran away.

I looked over at Haruhi, who looked like she was about to kill somebody. I gulped and asked, "What?"

"I thought you didn't like him."

I looked over my shoulder to see him still running, "Well…I don't like working for him. But he seems so excited, and we could use the extra help…besides, I don't think you really mind all that much that he's coming."

Haruhi's face tinged pink, but she shook it off, "Well I do mind. You don't know him well enough. He's going to get Honey-senpai, Mori-senpai, and Kyoya-senpai into helping and because their helping, Hikaru and Kaoru will throw a fit because we didn't include them, and all our work will just blow up in our faces."

"You seem pretty sure that's how it's going to turn out."

"Trust me, I know them."

I shrugged, "Well it's too late now. Besides, I think we can handle it. Girl power, you know?" I giggled and started walking towards the classroom.

..::.. ..::.. ..::..

We were standing at the front of our class, dressed and ready to go. I looked at Haruhi, who had paled a bit since we started setting up. I gave a sympathetic smile and asked, "You nervous?"

She swallowed and shook her head, "No…I'm more worried about you. You have to do most of the talking. Aren't you nervous?"

I shrugged, "I like attention. I think it'll be ok."

"Are you ready?" Sensei asked.

We nodded.

I stepped forward and began to speak, "Shogatsu is the most important holiday in Japan. Most businesses shut down from January 1 to January 3, and families typically gather to spend the days together. Years are traditionally viewed as completely separate, with each new year providing a fresh start. Consequently, all duties are supposed to be completed by the end of the year, while bonenkai parties (9) are held with the purpose of leaving the old year's worries and troubles behind."

Haruhi stepped forward with the bag and began to speak as well, "Homes and entrance gates are decorated with ornaments made of pine, bamboo and plum trees, and clothes and houses are cleaned." Haruhi pulled out a few pine needles, a piece of bamboo, and a duster. The glass laughed.

I continued, "On New Year's eve, toshikoshi soba, which symbolize longevity, are served. A more recent custom is watching the music show "kohaku uta gassen", a highly popular television program featuring many of Japan's most famous J-pop and enka singers in spectacular performances." I pulled out a pot of toshikoshi soba and began to serve some to each student.

Haruhi smiled. I could tell she was getting into the project. She pulled out a poster sized picture of a sunrise and began to explain, "January 1 is a very auspicious day, best started by viewing the new year's first sunrise-"

"Did somebody say sunrise?"

The whole class turned towards the door to see Tamaki, Kyoya, Honey, and Mori dressed in kimonos and smiling. They walked into the classroom.

Sensei looked at me quizzically and I nodded, "Tamaki! You're here!"

"Of course I am. No project can go along without me."

A few girls in the class began to swoon and I mentally rolled my eyes. Haruhi scuttled as far away from the Host Club as she possibly could. The class started talking amongst themselves and I knew I'd have to do something to get their attention.

"Right, so the sunrise traditionally believed to be representative for the whole year that has just commenced. Therefore, the day is supposed be full of joy and free of stress and anger, which is why I decided to bring the Host Club here, as they reduce stress and anger for the whole year!" The class laughed again. I breathed out a sigh of relief.

"Then why didn't you ask us?" Hikaru asked.

Why did he have to ask? "Because…you're in the class, and you need to pay attention for this project."

Hikaru muttered something and slumped in his chair. I grit my teeth and wondered why he was being such a child.

Haruhi motioned to the other food I had set out, and I continued, "During Shogatsu, many other foods are served besides the toshikoshi soba. These include Osechi ryori, otoso, and ozoni. I've prepared these for you to try as well, along with a few sweets I thought you'd all enjoy."

"Yes and Raine here is a wonderful chef!" Tamaki boasted, "She often cooks for the Host Club-"

"Yeah!" Honey interjected, "She makes me and Usa-chan cakes and cookies and she even reminds me to brush my teeth!"

Haruhi stepped forward and cut them all off, "Shogatsu is also a time for friends, and many cards are sent during the holiday." she pulled out a few cards from the bag and handed them to each host member, who looked delighted.

"Why don't we get one!" Hikaru demanded.

"Aren't we your friends Haruhi?" Kaoru asked.

"I told you this would happen." Haruhi muttered.

I laughed, "Of course you guys do!" I pulled out two more cards from the bag (I had personalized them before class just for Hikaru and Kaoru. Call it paranoia, but after Haruhi said they'd cause a big fuss, I took precautions.).

Kaoru said "Thanks" and Hikaru just stared at me begrudgingly before finally snatching the card from my fingers. I smiled and went back up to the room.

"Many games are also played on January 1. There's hanetsuki (6), takoage (7), and karuta (8), plus many more, but I'm sure you guys already know that." More chuckles.

"Yes! Commoner's games are a favorite of mine to play in the spirit of the New Year!" Tamaki exclaimed, "Raine, you simply must play with me this year!"

I gave a half smile, "Maybe if we're still on speaking terms Tamaki."

Hikaru snorted and said, "Tono, I think that's her way of saying not in a million years."

I paled. He did NOT just say that…

Tamaki looked at me as his smile disappeared, "I think Raine WOULD like to play commoner's games with me."

"I don't think she even wants your help!" Hikaru shot back.

"Hika-" Kaoru started.

"You don't know what you're talking about!"

Haruhi gave me a sideways glance and even though she didn't say anything, I knew she was thinking 'I told you so.'

"Raine isn't your play mate!" Hikaru yelled, getting up out of his desk.

I looked over at sensei, but she was just watching the scene with a blank stare, almost afraid of what would happen if she interrupted.

"You're one to talk!"

"Come on Raine, you aren't going to listen to this idiot!"

"Raine, I don't know what you see in them!"

"WHAT!"

Then all I remember is all the food I prepared being thrown around the room.

..::.. ..::.. ..::..

Morelli Raine and Fujioka Haruhi-

Although your presentation started out very solidly, I must advise you not to bring in others for…help.

However, I see that you did your research and you did go through a lot of trouble.

I'm willing to give you a B-. This is very generous considering the circumstances.

-Sensei

..::.. ..::.. ..::..

"Cheer up Haruhi!" I said, trying to lift Haruhi's spirits.

"I've never gotten a B on anything, let alone a B-!"

I sighed, "Look, good grades aren't exactly my thing. Trust me, my parents would flip if they found out, but one B will not ruin your scholarship here! I promise."

Haruhi just sulked, "And now I have to pay to replace your uncle's kimono."

I sighed, she was right. I knew Uncle wouldn't have minded if any of the others had gotten food on them, but Haruhi was wearing his favorite one, and I knew he would be mad when he found out.

"Listen, don't worry about it! I'll do extra chores around the house until I can pay for professional cleaning expenses. You have enough to do here at the Host Club."

"Don't you have enough to do at the Host Club."

I shrugged, "I make enough here to be able to pay off my own debt in a matter of days. Don't worry Haruhi, everything will be fine."

I could tell she didn't believe me. But then Tamaki came and apologized and even paid for the ruined kimono.

[TPOV]

Raine stared blankly at the money I was handing her, "You don't have to pay for it. It wasn't your fault."

"I won't hear of it." I said, "A gentleman always pays for the ladies."

"How many times have you used that line?" she asked.

"Only once."

"Don't try and woo me Tamaki. I know you got your eyes on someone else."

"Who?" I asked, feeling confused.

Raine laughed, "Don't worry. I think you'll figure it out soon enough."

I let Raine go home early, which she was happy about. I think she deserved it, and now Hikaru wasn't speaking to her, so neither was Kaoru.

Why?

I sat on the couch and wondered what she did now.

"Hello senpai." Haruhi said, sitting down next to me.

"Oh…hello Haruhi, I thought you left already…with Raine."

She shook her head, "No. I decided to stay today. I think she needs to think right now."

I nodded, "With her around nothing seems to be the same anymore."

Haruhi nodded, but hesitantly, and then asked, "Hey senpai, earlier this morning, during our presentation…you said to Hikaru…you said, 'I don't know what she sees in you.' Were you talking about Raine?"

I nodded.

Haruhi smiled, "Good, then you aren't as big of an idiot as we all thought."

"What? Is my precious daughter turning against me? Calling her daddy an idiot!"

"I already have a dad senpai. And it's a good thing you figured it out, because Hikaru and Kaoru haven't." She paused, "I know they like each other…but this whole week has been crazy."

Haruhi stood up and grabbed her things, "I think the twins and Raine need each other, but they just can't see it yet." She fixed her book bag, and then left me in the Third Music Room with my thoughts.

And a light flutter in my stomach.

[HPOV]

"Hikaru, what was that all about?"

"What was what all about?"

Kaoru raised an eyebrow.

I sighed, "I'm just mad because she didn't ask us to help."

I was sitting on our bed in our room. Kaoru was sitting at the computer, playing solitaire while talking to me. He exited his game and faced me, "Hikaru, were you jealous because she asked Tamaki to help?"

I looked away, "Don't tell me you aren't upset too."

Kaoru laughed, "I'm way better at controlling my emotions than you."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You see. You get defensive way too easily. I don't think Raine had any bad intentions by not asking us to help her out."

I sighed again, "But Kaoru-"

"But nothing Hikaru. You better apologize. This is the third fight you've gotten into this week!"

"She started it."

"You started it."

"Since when are you on her side?"

Kaoru looked away. I bit my lip and felt guilty, but it was true. Kaoru was taking Raine's side and it wasn't fair.

I pulled out the card Raine gave me. It was crumpled and shoved into my pocket, but I smoothed it out. It was a picture of a kitten and a mouse. The inside of the card (written in poor Japanese) said:

Hey Hikaru, I know it's not really New Year, but Happy Today!

X's and O's, your 'toy' Raine.

PS. You're the cat ;-)

I sighed, and threw the card aside. It was stupid anyways.

[KPOV]

I glanced over and saw Hikaru toss his card from Raine aside. I pulled mine out of my pocket. It was still neatly folded.

Hey Kaoru!

I know it's not New Year for awhile, but for my project, I hope you'll take this card.

Sing the song of your heart…sounds so profound, doesn't it?

X's and O's, your friend, Raine.

The card was a picture of a sparrow on a cherry blossom tree. I frowned at it, and thought about what Hikaru said. Was I really always taking her side?

"I'm sorry Hikaru."

Hikaru smiled a bit and then said, "Forgiven."

I looked back down at the card and wondered 'Is she worth the trouble?'

Day 8 (inspired by OhMyGoshickles review)

[RPOV]

"Do I have to go?"

"Yes."

"Ok…but do I REALLY have to go!"

"Do you want Kyoya to indebt you even more?"

That shut me up.

Ever since my presentation in class yesterday, Hikaru and Kaoru had been avoiding me. Well…Hikaru has. Kaoru more or less just follows his brother around and gives me pity glances every now and again.

I don't even know what I did this time!

"I think he's just jealous that you asked Tamaki-senpai and the others to help out and not him."

"Oh…sorry, was I speaking out loud?" I asked.

Haruhi smiled, "Yes. Don't worry about it. Hikaru is just like this."

I sighed, "Well I wish he would stop. It's hardly been a week and already we've fought like three times!"

Haruhi shrugged, "You really shouldn't have come to the Third Music Room that day."

We continued walking in silence. When we finally reached the doors, I said, "No…I think I should have."

Haruhi just smiled like she knew something.

..::.. ..::.. ..::..

"Raine!" Kyoya called.

"Yes?" I asked tensely. In the past hour I've been asked to go down to the market (twice), make ramen and instant coffee (three times), dust the piano, and clean the windows.

"Will you please vacuum?" He asked coyly.

"But…won't that bother the customers?"

He smiled, "Don't worry about it, a child of the Maki family vacuuming and doing other household chores is brightening their spirits. They won't mind."

"You sound like you have something else planned."

"I assure you, I know of no other plans."

I eyed him suspiciously, but he just went back to scribbling in his notebook. I sighed and walked to the Third Music Room's closet for the vacuum.

But as I was bending over, someone shoved me into the closet and slammed the door shut.

"HEY!" I called out, "HEY OPEN THE DOOR!"

The door opened for a split second, but was blocked because someone else was getting shoved in with me. The door slammed for a second time.

"HEY!" I called, pounding on the door. I tried to turn the knob again, but it was locked. "Great…"

I looked over to see who was stuck in the closet with me.

"K…Kaoru?"

[HaPOV]

"Senpai!"

"Daddy did a good job, didn't he?"

I narrowed my eyes, although I wasn't sure if it was because he was considering me his daughter (again) or because of his latest stupidity.

"No! You pushed in Kaoru!"

Tamaki's face fell, "What?"

"Kaoru!" Hikaru wailed, trying to pull on the doorknob to the closet. The girls were surrounding the door, some pushing their ears up against it to hear what was going on. Some muttered about how Kaoru was cheating on his brother, and some were talking about how romantic it was.

I rolled my eyes, "Will you let them out?"

"B-b-but…"

"Now senpai!"

Tamaki reached into his pocket for what I assumed was a key. But he couldn't find it in any of his pockets. He looked around frantically.

"Does this mean that Rae-chan and Kao-chan will be locked in there forever?" Honey asked.

"Of course not Mitsukuni." Mori-senpai said for me.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience ladies, but I'm afraid you'll have to go home for now." Kyoya-senpai said.

The customers sighed and walked out sadly, all wanting to see how the story would end.

After everyone was gone, we all started looking for the key, but nobody saw it anywhere.

[HPOV]

"Kaoru!" I yelled, banging on the closet door, but it was no use. The door was locked, and the key was missing.

"Hikaru, I think he'll be ok." Haruhi said.

I shook with frustration, "No! He won't be ok!"

Kaoru was both claustrophobic and cleisiophobic (10). It happened when one of our nannies locked us up in a closet to punish us for pranks. Ever since, Kaoru was terrified of small, locked places. No one knew about it except for me and him.

I pressed my ear up against the door and continued to try and turn the knob when I heard Raine whisper, "Kaoru, it's ok if you're afraid."

My heart stopped beating and I stopped pounding on the door. I pressed my ear up against the door harder to listen.

"Hikaru-" Haruhi started, but I put up a finger to quiet her.

"Let me protect you Kaoru." Raine said.

I dropped my hand and fell on the floor in a heap. Haruhi looked at me, her eyes full of concern, but I didn't say anything.

Let me protect you Kaoru…

"But Kaoru," I whispered almost inaudibly, "I'm supposed to protect you."

[RPOV]

I sighed, "Well…it sounds like we're going to be in here for awhile."

I could hear Kaoru's breathing. He sounded like he was in the middle of a panic attack. He looked at me in desperation, but said as calmly as he could, "Yeah…I suppose so."

"Are you okay?" I asked, even though I knew the answer already.

"Y…yes…I'm f-f-fine."

"Kaoru," I whispered, "it's ok if you're afraid."

The banging stopped, and I wondered if Hikaru heard me over his screams. I held out my arms, which Kaoru happily lay into.

"I know it's supposed to be the guy who protects the girl," I said, "and I know I'm not exactly the first person you'd run to for protection anyways…but…let me protect you Kaoru." My cheeks burned and I was glad that the closet was dark, even though I was sure that he could feel my blush.

Kaoru nuzzled my neck, sending shivers down my spine. I wrapped my arms around him, to keep him from trembling.

"I'm sorry Raine." he mumbled.

"For what?" I whispered.

"For Hikaru."

"Don't apologize for Hikaru. He can do it himself. You aren't him."

Kaoru made a mumbling sound and I held him tighter. I had figured he was probably claustrophobic, which didn't make any sense, since he enjoyed being really close to people. But either way, I stayed and ran a hand through his hair affectionately.

Finally Kaoru pulled back and said shakily, "N…nobody ex-c-cept Hikaru has…has ever known about th-this…"

I nodded, "I figured…the way he was pounding on the door."

There was a long pause before Kaoru said, "Please don't tell."

I shook my head, "Never Kaoru, I promise."

He gave me a small smile and laid back into my arms. His breathing became more even.

The door knob jiggled, and then the door was finally pulled open, letting a lot of light in. I held a hand up and Kaoru jumped up about five feet into the air.

"Kaoru!" Hikaru said, running at his brother.

"Hikaru!" Kaoru said happily, hugging his brother tightly.

When they came out of their embrace, Hikaru looked at me and smiled, "Thanks for protecting him Raine."

And just like that we were back on speaking terms.

(1) Japanese New Year

(2) Toshikoshi soba: A type of noodles.

(3) Osechi ryori:

(4) Otoso: Sweetened Rice Wine.

(5) Ozoni: Soup with mochi in it.

(6) Hanetsuki: Japanese badminton.

(7) Takoage: Kite flying.

(8) Karuta: Card game.

(9) Bonenkai parties: Forget the year parties.

(10) Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces; Cleisiophobia : Fear of locked enclosed spaces. It is in fact possible to be one or the other. I know this for a fact (ahem…cleisiophobic right here XD)

A/N: So…after waiting for…like a week, I FINALLY update this story! I'm sure you can all see why this takes FOREVER! (ahem…super…long…chapters XD)

So…um…review?