Starting Today. You Are A Host!

3rd POV:

"Sweetie! It's time to go!" Kimi Igarashi-Morinozuka shouts from the bottom of the grand staircase with her husband, Aito Igarashi. The couple smiles with love as they hear a crashing coming from one of the bedrooms and the sound of loud footsteps coming towards them.

"Sounds like our boy is on his way," Aito chuckles, and they see a familiar figure running towards them and down the stairs; finally, standing in front of them, out of breath, is their son, Nikki Igarashi-Morinozuka.

"Mama, are we going to see Uncle Aki-Chi?" Nikki asks his mother, who smiles at her adorable 9-year-old son.

"Of course! We get to see my loving big brother! And Takashi and Satoshi!" She beams and takes his hand, pulling him out of their home, her husband wrapping his arm lovingly around her shoulder, none of them aware that it'll be the last time they will be together again.

++++ OHSHC ++++

The Igarashi family walk into the Morinozuka family home to see Akira, his wife, Takashi and Satoshi Morinozuka waiting for them in the family room with their cousins Yorihisa, his wife, Mitsukuni and Yasuchika. "Taka-Chi, Mit-Chi, Toshi-Chi, Yas-Chi!" Nikki greets his cousin, running over to them with a smile as the adults converse. The younger of the four cousins, Satoshi and Yasuchika, only being a year younger than the energetic raven-haired boy.

"Niky!" Mitsukuni exclaims with a smile, hugging the taller boy, only reaching his middle.

"Let's play! Let's play!" Satoshi yells in excitement at seeing his cousins jumping up and down on the spot.

"Toshi, darling, please no shouting," His mother lightly scolds him, and he stops with a pout. "Kashi, look after your brother."

"Hm," Takashi nods, and the children rush out of the room into the traditional Japanese garden to play. The adults all smile as they watch their children running around in the garden, shouting and playing with each other having fun.

"Sister, are you looking forward to your trip?" Akira asks his younger sister.

"Yes! It'll be our first family vacation in a long time!" Kimi giggles with excitement. "Nikki has been looking forward to practising his French."

"Yes, he's been practising with the maids all week; he's getting good," Aito adds fondly.

"That's good to hear, he'll make a fine heir," Yorihisa comments.

"That's all you ever say, meanie!" She pouts, making her husband chuckle, and so the other adults join in.

++++ OHSHC ++++

The day grows into the night as the family gathers for dinner, Nikki sitting next to his mother with Takashi on the other side. The young boy looks at his beautiful mother as he eats, and Aito looks at his son with a smile, seeing how happy their family is. "It's nice having our family gather together again," Aito comments as he looks around the room.

"Yeah!" Mitsukuni replies with a grin as he sits between Takashi and Yasuchika. "We get to see Niky again!"

"What about me?!" Kimi exclaims, making the others giggle at her childishness. "I'm your beloved auntie aren't I?!"

"Kimi, so childish as always," Her sister-in-law chuckles, not offended by the comment.

"Am not!" She sulks, noticing her son giggle. "Sweetie, don't laugh with them!" She hugs her son, who hugs her back.

"Sorry, Mama," He laughs, trying to calm himself.

"Come on, darling, we're only playing," Aito chuckles at his wife and son. "Now, let our son eat, he needs to grow taller if he wants to beat Takashi."

"I will, just watch Taka-Chi, I will win!" Nikki exclaims, pointing at his older cousin, who looks back at him with an emotionless face.

"Hm," Takashi replies with a nod, making the adults laugh.

"Mama, don't laugh with them!" He repeats, making them laugh harder.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Kimi carries a sleeping Nikki in her arms as they walk out of the Morinozuka house with her husband. "Thank you for having us, Akari," Aito says softly, not wanting to wake his son.

"Of course, we'll come see you off before you leave for France," Akari replies, shaking hands with his brother-in-law, and kissing his younger sister goodbye.

"Bye, big brother," Kimi kisses his cheek, and they walk away towards their car with their driver; Aito opens the door for his wife, letting her get inside, still holding their son and climbs inside after her.

++++ OHSHC ++++

The Igarashi family sit in their car; Kimi smiles, leaning into her husband's side as she cradles her son, but the happy family is unaware of what is happening outside. A large lorry skids across the road, losing control of its steering; the Igarashi driver tries to swerve out of the way. Still, it's too late as he smacks into the lorry's side, crushing the left side of the car. Another car behind them tries to come to a sudden stop in time, but it crashes into the right side of the vehicle, crushing it. Inside the car, Nikki cries in fear as he sits between the bodies of his parents. The accident scene becomes mayhem as passersby try to get to the crashed vehicle, hearing the cries of a young child, but the lorry and car are set alight as the firefighters arrive on the scene. "Quick, we need to get any survivors!" The Captain orders his men and hears the cries of a child. "There's a kid in there!" One of the firefighters runs towards the burning car and tries pulling the passenger front door open, but it's too badly damaged.

"Sir! It's too damaged! I can't get in!" He shouts, and two other firefighters run over, smashing the back window, seeing the bodies of Aito and Kimi Igarashi hugging their crying son, the fire growing closer to the boy.

"Calm down, kid! I need you to move towards me!" The firefighter tells the boy, who clings to his mother.

"No! Mama! Papa!" Nikki cries as the fire engulfs the car seat, the boy screams as the fire burns at his arm. "Help!" The firefighters pull the boy from the car as he cries, and an ambulance pulls up; two medics run over to the screaming boy, one taking out a needle, sticking it into the screaming raven-haired boy's arm, silencing his screams as he becomes drowsy and falls asleep.

"Get him out of here!" The Fire Captain orders the medics as the fire consumes the scene. "Pull back!" He calls his men, who run away as the car and lorry explode into flames.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Akari Morinozuka awakens to the sound of knocking; he walks to the door to see one of the maids with a sullen look on her face. "What is it?" He grunts, feeling the need to get back to sleep, but something in the pit of his stomach says something terrible has happened.

"I'm sorry to wake you, Master Akari, but there's a call for you from the hospital; it's about Master Nikki." She informs him, and the look on her face frightens him as he barges past her towards the telephone by the main entrance; he holds the phone to his ear, his hand trembling slightly.

"This is Akari Morinnozuka speaking," He says, and he will remember the following few words for the rest of his life.

++++ OHSHC ++++

The Morinozuka and Haninozuka family sit in the private hospital waiting room, on the edge of their seats for any news of their loved ones. Finally, a doctor in surgical scrubs slowly walks towards the large family, who looks up, hearing the sound of footsteps; Akari stands to his feet, facing them. "How are they?" Akari demands.

"I'm sorry, there was nothing we could do for your sister and brother-in-law," The Doctor announces with a sullen look. "But your nephew is out of surgery; he has severe burns on his left arm from the fire. He's under heavy sedation, so please be careful; you can be with him now." He walks away, leaving the family in silence; Takashi stands to his feet and walks down the hallway, looking through the room's windows and finding the person he's looking for. His young cousin, Nikki Igarashi-Morinozuka, lying on one of the hospital beds with an oxygen mask and bandages.

"Niky!" Mitsukuni cries as he runs into the room with his mother and father behind him. Akari spots his son as he stands in front of the window, looking into the room in shock.

"He's a fighter," Akari tells him, patting him on the shoulder and walking inside with his sons in tow. The family gather around the hospital bed, waiting for Nikki to awaken, and it doesn't take too long as his eyes blink open slowly to see his Uncle Yorihisa sitting next to him.

"Careful, son, Mitsukuni, grab a nurse," He orders his son, who quickly runs out of the room to find a nurse.

++++ OHSHC ++++

After a month of pain and suffering, with Nikki still in the hospital after the accident that killed both his parents, sleepless nights with terrible nightmares, the young boy is finally released from the confines of the hospital. Takashi pushes the wheelchair with his cousin towards the exit where his father is waiting for them with his youngest brother Satoshi. He looks down at Nikki to see his head bowed as he looks down at his bandaged left hand in his lap; the usually lively boy was a wreck after the news of his parents' passing; everyone in the family was devastated but not as much as Nikki. Akari looks at his nephew, seeing his darling sister, and knows that adopting the young boy was the right move as he helps the weak boy into the car with Takashi getting in after him and heading home, being careful on the road for Nikki's sake.

++++ OHSHC ++++

A scruffy-looking boy stands at the door, looking inside one of the many libraries of Ouran High School full of students chatting away amongst themselves. "This place has four library rooms," Haruhi Fujioka sighs to herself. "You'd think one of them would be quiet," She closes the door and walks away up the stairs, trying to find somewhere to study. "How are things in heaven, mum? I can't believe it's been ten years already." She walks past one of the windows, not noticing a tall raven-haired male leaning against the window as she stares at a flock of doves flying past the window. "I'm beginning to think that rich kids only come to school to have a good time." The brunette walks along the hallway to find a room on the school map that seems abandoned; she looks up at the sign reading 'Music Room 4'. "An abandoned music room," They mutter to themselves as they pull on the handle. "I guess this is the only place I'll be able to study in peace and quiet." Haruhi opens the door and is met with a flurry of rose petals.

"Welcome!" The Host Club members greet the newcomer as five members stand behind a blond sitting in a chair.

"When I opened the door, I found the Host Club," Haruhi narrates.

"Only those with excellent social standing and those from filthy rich families are lucky enough to spend their time here at the elite private school, Ouran Academy. The Ouran Host Club is where the school's handsomest boys, with too much time on their hands, entertain young ladies who also have way too much time on their hands. Just think of it as Ouran Academy's elegant playground for the super-rich and beautiful." Tamaki practices his little speech as Haruhi clings to the door to find the doorknob.

"This is a host club?" She panics as she looks at the handsome males in front of her.

"Oh wow, it's a boy!" The Hitachiin twins exclaim in surprise, mistaking Haruhi's gender.

"Hikaru, Kaoru, I believe this young man is in the same class as you and Nikki, isn't he?" Kyoya questions the twins, looking at the strawberry blond twins.

"Yeah, but he's shy. He doesn't act very sociably, so we don;t know much about him," The twins explain with a shrug, and something in the 2nd Year clicks as if a lightbulb flickers to life.

"Hm. Well, that wasn't very polite," Kyoya comments, making the twins shrug again, not understanding the overly clever teen with a secret agenda. "Welcome to the Ouran Host Club, Mr Honour Student."

"What?" Tamaki exclaims, jumping to his feet in surprise. "You must be Haruhi Fujioka!" Haruhi tries turning the doorknob, but it won't budge. "You're the exceptional honour student we've heard about."

"How did you know my name?" She asks them, stopping her escape.

"Why, you're infamous, it's not everyday that a commoner gains entrance into our academy." Kyoya comments with a smirk, seeing the look on the girl's face. "You must have an audacious nerve to work hard enough to fight your way into this school as an honour student Mr Fujioka."

"Well, uh, thank you, I guess," Haruhi mutters, and Tamaki slaps his hand on her shoulder.

"You're welcome," Tamaki exclaims overzealously as he stands behind the brunette. "You're a hero to other poor people, Fujioka. You've shown the world that even a poor person can excel at an elite private academy." She makes her escape, scooting away from the overexcited blond. "It must be hard for you to constantly be looked down upon by others." He follows her.

"I think you're taking this 'poor' thing too far," Haruhi replies as she scoots away from him again towards the door.

"Spurred. Neglected. But that doesn't matter now," The blond exclaims, joining Haruhi's side. "Long live the poor! We welcome you, poor man, to our world of beauty." The brunette grows bored and heads towards the door.

"I'm outta here," She mutters.

"Hey!" Honey exclaims, grabbing the brunette's arm and dragging them back further into the room. "Come back here, Haru-chan! You must be like a superhero or something. That's so cool!"

"I'm not a hero. I'm an honour student," Haruhi replies and looks at the more petite blond. "And who are you calling 'Haru-chan'!?" She yells at him, making him run to his much taller cousin.

"I never would've imagined the famous scholar would be so openly gay." Tamaki remarks with a thoughtful look.

"Openly what?" She deadpans at the blond.

"So tell me what kind of guys you're into." He asks her. "Do you like the strong, silent type?" He gestures over to Mori. "The boy Lolita?"He looks over to Honey, who wipes at his eyes. "How about the mischievous type," Looking at the devilish twins, "or the cool type?" He gestures to Kyoya.

"Uh…I, uh… It's not like that," Haruhi stutters as she backs away from the blond. "I was just looking for a quiet place to study." Tamaki walks over to her, caressing her cheek.

"Or maybe… You're into a guy like me. What do you say?" He asks, drawing her close, making her uncomfortable as she backs away into the expensive Renaissance vase; she knocks back into the vase, making it tip and fall towards the ground. She tries to grab it, but it slips through her fingertips and crashes to the marble floor, smashing into pieces. The brunette looks at the smashed vase in horror, and the Hitachiin twins stand over her with sour looks.

"Aww," The twins exclaim.

"We were going to feature that Renaissance vase in an upcoming school auction," Hikaru informs Haruhi.

"Oh, now you've done it, commoner. The bidding on that vase was supposed to start at ¥8,000,000!" Kaoru adds, startling the brunette.

"What? ¥8,000,000?!" Haruhi exclaims in shock. "How many thousand yen is that?" She tries calculating. "How many thousands are in a million?" She peeks over her shoulder at the Hosts. "Uh, I'm gonna have to pay you back."

"With what money?" Nikki interrupts her with smug grins, everyone looking at the entrance of the new raven-haired male. Haruhi looks at him in surprise, recognising him from her class, and she can't help but stare at him for a second. "You can't even afford a school uniform."

"What's with that grubby outfit you've got on anyway?" Kaoru teases her as Kyoya walks over to the smashed remains of the vase, picking up one of the pieces.

"Well, what do you think we should do Tamaki?" Kyoya asks the club prince.

"There's a famous saying you may have heard, Fujioka," Tamaki says, sitting on his tiny throne. "'When in Rome, you should do as the Romans do.' Since you have no money, you can pay with your body." He informs the brunette. "That means starting today, you're the Host Club's dog." Haruhi stares out into space in shock.

"I don't know if I can handle this mum. I've been captured by a bunch of boys that are calling themselves a host club." Haruhi thinks to herself in shock as the club members crowd around the paralysed brunette.

"Poke, poke?" Honey pokes at the honour student, who falls over, but Nikki catches her before she hits the floor.

"Huh?" The Hosts question as they look at the brunette.

"Must be the shock of it all," Nikki comments as he carries the brunette in his arms.

"Indeed, and why were you late today, Nikki?" Kyoya questions the ravenette.

"I was talking with our homeroom teacher," He lies, and the glass wearing teen sees through it and glares at the younger teen. "Fine, I was caught up with one of our clients."

"I see, well, we will have to talk about this again, Nikki, no lying, are we clear?" He asks the younger teen, who nods.

"Of course, no lying," He smiles, and Honey walks over to his cousin with a smile.

"Are you okay, Niky?" Honey asks him.

"I am, she was just asking about having a private session," Nikki replies, and Tamaki looks over at them.

"What kind of private session?" The blond asks him.

"Not. Telling," Nikki smirks, and Haruhi begins to stir within his hold. "It seems our new puppy is waking up."

"What happened?" Haruhi mumbles as Nikki places her on her feet.

"You seemed to have fainted, Mr. Honour Student," Kyoya tells her.

"I see, sorry about that," She replies.

"That's okay, I don't mind cute things falling into my arms," Nikki flirts, making her blush a little.

"Would you mind going shopping with Nikki? I have a list," Kyoya tells her, handing over a slip of paper.

"Why do I have to go with the new puppy?" The raven-haired teen asks the older teen.

"Punishment, for lying and being late again," He replies and Nikki sighs.

"Fine," He takes the list from Haruhi. "Come along, puppy," He walks towards the door with Haruhi behind him.

"Also, Mini-Mori, you'll be training our new dog," Tamaki informs him, and Nikki looks back as he opens the door.

"Whatever, idiot," He replies, cutting the blond as he falls to the floor as the pair leave, and the Host Club begins as their clientele begins to arrive. Many of the female student body sit around the music room, chatting away with the members of the Host Club.

"Um, Tamaki, what's your favourite song?" The brunette to his right asks him.

"What song? The one that reminds me of you, of course," Tamaki replies.

"I baked you a cake today. Would you like to taste it?" She asks him.

"Only if you'll feed it to me, darling," He says, pulling her closer with a hand cupping her chin.

"Oh, wow. You're so dreamy," The brunette sighs in a daze.

"May I have a word with you Tamaki?" Seika questions, placing her cup of tea down.

"Huh?" Tamaki and the girl question, looking over at the princess.

"I've recently heard that the Host Club is keeping a little kitten without a pedigree," She remarks, not hiding her dislike for the honour student.

"I don't know if I'd call him that," He spots Nikki and Haruhi walking towards him, each carrying a bag. "Speak of the devil!" He beckons the brunette over as Nikki becomes surrounded by girls. "Thanks for doing the shopping, little piglet. Did you get everything on our list?"

"What? Piglet?" Haruhi mutters to herself and spots Nikki grinning as the girls surround him; Tamaki takes the bag from Haruhi, looks through the items and spots one he doesn't recognise.

"Hey, wait a minute, what is this?" The blond questions.

"Just what it looks like. It's coffee," Haruhi replies.

"I've never seen this brand before. Is this the kind that's already ground?" He asks the brunette as a crowd begins to form.

"What do you mean? It's instant coffee," She corrects him.

"It's instant?" The girls' question.

"Whoa. I've heard of this before. It's commoners' coffee. You just add hot water," Tamaki exclaims as he looks at the coffee.

"I didn't know there was such a thing," One of the girls' comments.

"So it's true then. Poor people don't even have enough time to grind their own coffee beans." Another of the girls' remarks, Nikki, snickering at their stupidity as some of the girls seem to agree.

"Commoners are pretty smart," Kyoya remarks as he leans over the sofa to look at the coffee.

"100 grams for ¥300?" Hikaru questions, reading the label.

"That's a lot less than we normally pay," Kaoru comments.

"I'll go back and get something else," Haruhi tells them, and Nikki walks over, leaning his elbow on her head.

"So that's why it was cheaper," Nikki questions as he looks at the coffee.

"Excuse me for not buying you guys expensive coffee," She grumbles.

"No, I'll keep it," Tamaki announces, standing to his feet, making the crowd gasp in shock. "I'm going to give it a try!" The crowd gasps. "I will drink this coffee!" The crowd applaud him, but Haruhi looks at all the rich teens with disbelief.

"Moron," Nikki snickers, gaining the brunette's attention.

"Alright Haruhi, get over here and make me some of this commoners' coffee," Tamaki orders the brunette, walking away with the crowd.

"I hate all these damn rich people," Haruhi frowns and sees Nikki walk over to the others, picking up Honey, placing him on his shoulders, making the girls swoon at the cute scene.

"Oh, Tamaki, now you're taking the joke too far. Your palate won't be able to stomach that crap. You don't have to drink it just because he bought it." Seika says to herself, sitting alone.

"Huh?" Haruhi questions her, looking at the princess.

"I'm sorry. I was talking to myself," The redhead brushes the brunette off.

"Um…" She goes to reply.

"Haruhi!" Tamaki calls her over.

"Eh, I'm comin'" She replies and walks over to the table set up; the brunette takes a teaspoon of the instant coffee and pours it into four cups and pours boiling water before handing it over to the ladies. "Here."

"Let the tasting begin," Tamaki announces, handing over the cups to some of the girls.

"I'm a little scared to drink this stuff."

"I'm afraid if I drink this my father will yell at me." The girls fret as they hold the cups in their hands.

"What if I let you drink it from my mouth?" Tamaki asks her, dipping her backwards.

"Well then I would drink it," She replies with a blush, and the girls watching all squeal.

"This is ridiculous," Haruhi thinks to herself.

"What a moron," Nikki comments; Haruhi looks at the raven-haired teen as he walks away, getting to his clients.

"So he had this nightmare that made him bolt up right out of bed," Hikaru chuckles as he sits with his brother and two of their guests.

"Hikaru!" Kaoru exclaims in embarrassment. "Don't tell them that story. I asked you not to tell anyone that." He pouts, looking down at the table. "Why are you so mean to me?"

"I'm sorry, Kaoru," He says, his tone growing sad for his brother, and the girls gasp as they watch the twins. "I didn't mean to upset you, but you were so adorable when it happened, I had to tell them. I'm sorry," He cups his brother's chin as he stands over him, Kaoru faking a blush as the girls watch on growing red in the face.

"I forgive you," He replies, and the girls squeal to themselves.

"I've never seen brotherly love quite like that," The girls squeal in excitement as Haruhi walks past with a tea tray.

"What are they so excited about? I just don't get it," Haruhi comments to herself.

"Sorry, we're running late," Honey yawns as he clings to Mori's back as the taller student gives the petite blond a piggyback.

"Helly, Honey. Hey, Mori," One of the girls greets the pair.

"We've been waiting here for you guys, hi," Another girl adds.

"I'm sorry. I was waiting for Takashi to finish his kendo meeting and I fell asleep," Honey explains as he rubs the sleep from his eyes. "Mm, and I'm still not completely awake."

"So cute!" The girls gasp and giggle at the scene.

"Is that boy really a third year student?" Haruhi questions as she stands away from the group, and Kyoya walks over to stand next to her.

"Honey-senpai may seem young and childish, but he's a prodigy," Kyoya informs her.

"Huh?" She looks at him.

"And then Mori-senpai's allure is his strong and silent disposition," He explains.

"Uh…" She mutters, and Honey spots her, running towards her.

"Haru-chan!" Honey yells as he spins the brunette around, making her yelp. "Hey, Haru-chan, do you want to go have some cake with me?"

"Thanks, but I don't really like cake," She replies, feeling dizzy from the spinning.

"Then how would you like to hold my bunny Usa-chan?" He asks her.

"I'm not into bunnies," Haruhi replies.

"Are you saying you don't like Usa-chan?" Honey asks the brunette, who looks at the pink bunny, that seems to blush at the close proximity to the female.

"I guess he is kinda cute, huh?" She mutters with a gasp, and the blond looks closely at the brunette, and it clicks as he gasps in surprise.

"Take good care of him, okay?" He tells her and runs back to the guests, jumping onto their laps and rocking as he laughs.

"Oh, Nikki, you're so hard to please," Haruhi hears one of the girls say and looks over to see Nikki standing by one of the girls, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"No, of course not; you always please me," He mutters into her ear, making the girl squeal and the girls sitting at a nearby table look on, waiting for their turn.

"I seriously don't get it," Haruhi mutters.

"You'll notice that our club utilises each man's unique characteristics to cater to the desires of our guests. Just so you know, Tamaki is number one around here. He's the kind. His request rate is 70%." Kyoya explains to the brunette.

"What's this world coming to?" She mumbles to herself as she looks around the room.

"And in order for you to pay off your ¥8,000,000 debt with us, you will act as the Ouran Host Club's dog until you graduate. I'm sorry, I meant our errand boy. You can try to run away if you want to Haruhi, but just so you know, my family employs a private police force of 100 officers. By the way, do you have a passport?" He threatens the honour student.

"Huh?" She questions and Tamaki sneaks up on her.

"You're going to have to work hard to pay off that debt, my little nerd," Tamaki tells her, stepping up behind her and blowing into her ear, causing her to jump away from the blond.

"Please don't do that again," She hyperventilates.

"You need a makeover or no girl's going to look twice at you," The blond comments, looking at the brunette.

"Yeah, well, I'm not trying to get girls to look at me," Haruhi replies.

"Are you kidding me? That's the most important thing," Tamaki replies, and Nikki looks over at the blond, shaking his head.

"What a moron," He mutters.

"Nikki, you're so mean," One of the girls chuckles.

"You have to learn to be a gentleman and please the ladies, like me," Tamaki tells Haruhi.

"I just don't think it's all that important," She replies with a shrug.

"Hm?" The blond looks at her, not buying her words.

"Why should I care about appearances and labels anyway? I mean, all that really matters is what's on the inside right? I don't understand why you even have a host club like this." The brunette tells him her opinion.

"It's a cruel reality, isn't it?" Tamaki questions, and the honour student grunts in disagreement. "It's not often that God creates a perfect person like moi, beautiful both inside and out."

"Say what?" Haruhi questions as she looks at the blond, and Nikki walks over to her.

"I understand how you feel since not everyone is blessed as I am, but you must console yourself. Otherwise how would you go on living?" The blond explains, but the brunette isn't really listening.

"Huh," She watches him as he flutters around in front of her, talking to himself.

"And think about this Haruhi. Why do you think they put works of art in museums? Because beauty should be shared with the world, and those born beautiful should-" He continues his lecture.

"There's a word to describe people like him," Haruhi thinks.

"-promote other beautiful things. That's why I started this club in the first place. I did it for those who are-"

"Hmm. What is it?"

"What a moron," Nikki groans to himself as he watches the club president flutter around the room.

"-starved for beauty. For those working day and night, pursuing beauty. And although-" Tamaki keeps talking.

"Aw man, I wish I could remember that word. Hmmm," Haruhi ponders, not paying any attention to her surroundings.

"Your looks may be average, and you have a few negative characteristics; I've chosen to share my expertise with you. Here's a tip. When settling down your glass, extend your pinky finger as a cushion, and that way, when you set it down, you won't be-," Tamaki lectures as he places a glass of water down on the side as he instructs.

"Uhh," She keeps thinking, struggling to find the word for the blond.

"-making a lot of noise. Gentlemen do not-"

"Maybe…"

"-make loud sounds. Besides,"

"A pain in the neck?" Haruhi questions but shakes her head.

"-a gentlemen looks much more refined-"

"No, there's something that fits him perfectly,"

"-that way. I like to check my reflection.., but above all else, Haruhi, you must remember how effective a glance to the side can be." Tamaki says, and the Hitachiin twins walk over.

"Huh. I got it!" She exclaims, thinking of the right word to describe the blond.

"Oh, did I strike a chord?" He asks her.

"Obnoxious!" The brunette answers, causing the blond to sink to the floor, sulking. "Uh, I'm sorry Tamaki-senpai." The twins and Nikki laugh at their president's sulking figure.

"You're a hero alright," Hikaru comments, the twins placing a hand atop the brunette's head.

"Uh-huh," Kaoru agrees with a smirk.

"But he is a pain in the neck," She thinks. "I'm sorry, Senpai, but your lesson did strike a small chord with me."

"Really? It did?" Tamaki asks, getting to his feet. "Let me teach you more, my friend."

"Well, he got over that quick," She mutters, watching the overzealous blond.

"Boss?" Kaoru questions.

"Call me King," Tamaki demands, pointing over at them.

"Okay, King Dumbass," Nikki jabs at the blond, who sulks at his words. "You can teach him all the basics of hosting…."

"But he's not going to get very far with the ladies if he doesn't look the part, you know. He's not exactly host club material, but…." Hikaru tells him and walks over to the brunette.

"Huh?" She asks as she looks at the strawberry blond.

"Maybe if we took his glasses it'll help," He comments and takes them off the brunette's head.

"Hey!" Haruhi exclaims as she tries reaching for her glasses, but she can't see very far in front of her. "I need those. I used to have contacts, but I lost them on the first day of school." The twins look at her in shock, and Tamaki rushes over to them, pushing the twins out of the way.

"Hikaru, Kaoru," Tamaki orders them.

"Got it!" The twins yell and grab Haruhi's arms, dragging her out of the room with a yell.

"Kyoya, my hairstylist," The blond points over to his number 2, who quickly gets on his phone. "Mori-senpai, go to the eye doctor and get him some contact lenses," He demands, and Mori breaks into a run, leaving Nikki and Honey.

"What about me Tama-chan?" Honey asks the fellow blond.

"Honey-senpai," He looks at the petite blond.

"Yes, sir!" He beams with a giant smile.

"You…go have some cake," He tells the 3rd year, who walks away sulking.

"Good going there, idiot," Nikki snaps, hating seeing his adorable cousin so upset as he sits at one of the gables with his stuffed toy rabbit.

"It's just us, Usa-chan. Everyone else said they were too busy," Honey pouts, and Nikki picks the blond up and places him on his lap.

"I don't mind having some cake, Mit-Chi," He tells him, making the blond beam.

"Yay! Usa-chan, let's have some cake!" He exclaims.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Inside the changing rooms by the music room, the Hitachiin twins drag the protesting Haruhi into some stalls. "Here! Change into this uniform," The twins instruct her, holding one of the Ouran Academy boys' uniforms.

"What? But why?" Haruhi questions as she looks at the clothing.

"Don't ask questions!" They tell her, pouncing towards her.

"No way! Okay, fine, I'll change, but you two have to get out," She orders them, kicking the pair out; the twins look at each other as something clicks. Nikki carries a stuffed Honey into the changing room area with the rest of the boys joining them as they wait for Haruhi to come out.

"Stuffed, Cake Monster?" Nikki asks his cousin.

"Yeah," He sighs.

"Um, Senpai?" Haruhi questions from behind the curtain.

"Aren't you done changing yet?" Tamaki asks her as the boys wait.

"You sure it's really okay for me to keep this uniform?" She asks as she opens the curtain to reveal a nicely trimmed haircut and the school uniform fitting perfectly.

"Cute!" The blond exclaims in delight. "You're as pretty as a girl! Adorable!"

"Haru-chan, you look so cute!" Honey beams.

"If we had known that's how you really look…." Hikaru remarks.

"We would've helped you out sooner," Kaoru agrees.

"Who knows? Maybe he'll draw in some customers," Kyoya comments.

"You know that's just what I was thinking," Tamaki says with a smile.

"Yeah right," Nikki scoffs.

"Our errand boy is moving up the ranks. Starting today, you are an official member of the Host Club. I will personally train you to be a first-rate host. If you can get 100 customers to request your service, we will completely forget about your ¥8,000,000 debt." The blond informs the brunette, much to her horror.

"A host?" She gulps as she looks at the group of boys.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Haruhi sits in the club room later that day at one of the tables with three girls sitting around with her. "So, tell me, Haruhi. Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do?" Kimiko asks the brunette, trying to spark a conversation.

"I'm curious, what kind of products do you use on my skin?" Momoka asks her.

"Yes, it's so pretty," The other girl beams.

"I can't do this anymore. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do," Haruhi thinks to herself, bowing her head.

"So why did you join the Host Club, Haruhi?" She asks the brunette with a giggle.

"Uh…" She struggles with an answer. "All I have to do is get 100 customers to request me, and you'll forget about my ¥8,000,000 debt. I know just the story," She tells them was the story of her mother's passing.

"I see, your mother was sick and passed away ten years ago. Who does the chores around the house?" Momoka asks her.

"Oh, I do them myself. My mother taught me. She was an amazing cook, and when she went to the hospital, she left me all kinds of great recipes. It was fun to create each dish, especially when they turned out well, and it made me happy to see my dad enjoy it. I've had a hard childhood, but dad and I have managed to make it through okay." Haruhi replies with a soft smile.

"So uh…" Kimiko mutters.

"Is it okay if tomorrow…" The third girl asks.

"We request to sit with you again?" Momoka asks her.

"Yeah, I'd really appreciate that ladies," She smiles, glad her plan worked.

"Why is he so popular?" Tamaki questions as he watches Haruhi with the girl and sits with his guests, the twins and Kyoya.

"He's a natural," Kyoya comments as he watches.

"No training needed," The twins add as they crouch on the floor.

"Have you forgotten about me?" Seika asks the blond.

"Oh, no sorry Princess. I'm just a little concerned about our newest host," Tamaki tells her, turning back to sit next to his guest.

"Well that's obvious, Tamaki. You sure have been keeping an eye on him," She remarks, sounding a little sour.

"Of course. I have to. I'm training him to be a gentleman like me," He replies and raises his arm up; the girls around the table giggle at something the brunette says, and Tamaki clicks his fingers, gaining their attention. "Haruhi! Come here for a minute," She complies, walking over to the sofas.

"What's up?" Haruhi asks.

"I'd like you to meet someone. This is my regular guest, Princess Ayanokoji," Tamaki introduces the lady sitting beside him,

"It's that girl from earlier," Haruhi gasps as she looks at the familiar girl. "Miss, it's a pleasure to meet you." She smiles; the blond gushes at her cute appearance and engulfs her in a bear hug.

"That was so cute! That air of bashfulness was very good! Super good! Amazingly good!" He gushes as he hugs the brunette.

"Uh, Tamaki?" Seika deadpans as she watches the exchange.

"You're so cute!" Tamaki exclaims as he spins around with Haruhi in his arms.

"Mori-senpai! Help me!" Haruhi yells, trying to escape the blond's clutches.

"I'm never gonna let you go!" He beams, and Mori gasps, feeling the need to protect the brunette, and rushes to the hugging pair, picking Haruhi from Tamaki's clutches.

"Mori-senpai, you really didn't have to go that far," He mutters as he looks at the older raven-haired teen as he looks at the brunette in shock, finally seeing what the rest have. "Come on little one, let daddy give you a big hug," He gestures with a creepy grin.

"I've already got a dad, I don't need another one," Haruhi grumbles at the blond.

"Come now, Princey, let's leave the kid alone," Nikki says, dragging the blond away. "Hello, Princess, it's nice to see you again," He greets Seika, who smiles stiffly at him.

"Hello, Nikki," She replies.

"Now, entertain these lovely guests of yours," He orders the club president.

"Thanks, Nikki," Haruhi says, looking at the raven-haired teen.

"Not a problem," He smiles, making some of the girls swoon.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Haruhi looks around the classroom, unable to find her school bag. "Hey, what happened to my bag?" She looks around, glancing out the window to see her shoulder bag and everything inside floating in one of the ponds in the academy garden. "Uh, are you kidding me? Then how did that happen? I didn't think there were bullies at his school. Hm, guess they're everywhere." She mutters to herself and breaks out into a run out of the room.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Haruhi runs through the academy hallway at top speed, heading toward the ground level, and runs past Seika as she walks, and the brunette comes to a stop. "Oh! It's you again," Seika grumbles. "I bet you love having Tamaki making you over and fawning over you. It's useless thought. You're always going to be a second class citizen," She says and walks away, but Haruhi doesn't pay her much mind and continues heading for the garden.

++++ OHSHC ++++

"I have a feeling that girl's the one who threw my bag in the pond. I can't be bothered with her right now though. I've gotta find my wallet or I won't have any money for food this week." Haruhi thinks to herself as she stands in the pond, her shoes on the side and her trouser legs rolled up as she fishes for her wallet.

"Hey, commoner! You've got some nerve skipping out on the club like that." Tamaki remarks as he walks over with Nikki by his side.

"Why is your bag all wet?" Nikki asks her.

"It's no big deal. I got it. I just can't find my food money," Haruhi replies, and the boys take their shoes off, rolling up their pant legs, stepping into the cool water. "Hey, you don't have to do that. You'll get wet."

"A little water never hurt anyone. Besides, people are always telling me that I'm dripping with good looks." Tamaki replies as he looks for the wallet, and Nikki chuckles, tipping the blond into the water, causing a splash.

"Oh, hang on a second. This what you're looking for?" Nikki asks her, holding up a dripping wet black wallet. "What's the matter, you're staring off into space. You're not falling for me, are you?" He asks with a flirtatious smile.

"Hey, I'm soaking wet!" Tamaki sulks as he sits in the pond.

"No way!" Haruhi snaps, taking the wallet from the ravenette.

"How did your bag end up in the pond anyway?" Nikki asks her, ignoring the blond.

"Well, uh, I guess I accidentally dropped it out the window at some point" She lies, and he sees right through it.

"Whatever, come on, Tamaki, we better get you dried off," He smirks, pulling the blond to his feet, and he looks at the brunette, and it clicks as he looks at Haruhi.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Seika sits at one of the tables in the music room with Harhhi sitting across from her; Nikki walks over to Kyoya, whispering into his ear; the glass-wearing teen nods, adjusting his glasses as they watch the exchange. "Oh really? That must've been terrible. I can't imagine what I'd do if my bag fell into the pond." Seika remarks as she takes a sip of her tea.

"Why did she request me when it's obvious she doesn't like me?" Haruhi ponders to herself as she looks at the redhead.

"And you actually made Tamaki and Nikki search that dirty old pond with you. How astonishing! You do realise they're bluebloods and not a commoner, right? The only reason Tamaki's paying attention to you is because he's trying to turn you into a gentleman." She remarks, making the brunette gasp. "Don't start thinking they care about you just because he's doting on you."

"Now I understand. You're jealous of me," The brunette confirms, and the redhead decides on the spot, pulling Haruhi towards her and causing the table to topple over, the teacups smashing to the ground. Seika lets out an unconvincing scream as everyone looks over to the pair, the brunette hovering over the princess, stunned at the sudden turn of events.

"No, Haruhi! Leave me alone! Somebody help, he just attacked me!" Seika cries out as everyone stares in shock.

"Huh?" Haruhi questions as she looks down at the redhead.

"Somebody do something! Teach this commoner a lesson!" She snaps, and Nikki pushes the devilish twins towards them, carrying water pitchers and dropping the contents over the two girls.

"Hm?" Haruhi looks up to see the twin as water drips from her hair.

"Why did you do that? Do something, Tamaki. Haruhi just assaulted me," Seika demands as Tamaki helps her to her feet, and Nikki helps the brunette.

"I'm disappointed in you," Tamaki scolds the princess. "You threw his bag into the pond, didn't you?"

"You don't know that. Do you have any proof that I did?" She snaps at the blond.

"You know, you're a beautiful girl, but you aren't classy enough to be our guest dear. If there's one thing I know, Haruhi is not that kind of man." He tells her firmly.

"But, why Tamaki? You idiot!" She cries and runs out of the room.

"Bye-bye!" Nikki calls after her, getting some of the girls in the room to swoon.

"Oh, Nikki!" They cry out.

"Hmmm… Now how am I going to punish you?" The blond walks over to the brunette. "Because it is your fault after all. Your quota is now 1000!" He announces.

"Huh? 1000?" Haruhi exclaims in shock.

"Come on. I've got high expectations for you, my little rookie," Tamaki smirks as he looks at the girl.

"Huh?" She looks at him with confusion.

"This is the only spare unifor we have. Sorry, but it's better than a wet one, right?" Kyoya says as he hands over a bag with the girl's uniform inside.

"Thanks a lot you guys. I'm gonna go change," She mutters, taking the bag with her to the changing rooms.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Tamaki walks into the changing rooms on Nikki's request with a handful of towels. "Haruhi, here you go. I brought you some towels," Tamaki says and opens the curtain to reveal the brunette taking off her shirt, leaving her in a thin under top, revealing her true gender. She looks over her shoulder, gasping at the blond's arrival, who quickly closes the curtain. "Haruhi."

"Yeah?" She asks from behind the curtain.

"So, you're a girl?" He asks her.

"Biologically speaking, yeah," She replies, not seeing the significance. She opens the curtains to show herself in the yellow dress of the girls' uniform; Tamaki lets out a scream of shock. "Listen, Senpai, I don't really care whether you guys recognise me as a boy or a girl. In my opinion, it's more important for a person to be recognised for who they are rather than for what sex they are." The rest of the boys join their club president as he stammers, trying to find the words.

"Well, isn't this an interesting development?" Kyoya comments.

"Indeed, Kyo-Chi," Nikki smirks as he looks at the mess of their princely leader.

"Oh, yeah," The twins smirk to themselves.

"Uh, you know, I have to say, Senpai, I thought you were pretty cool earlier," Haruhi compliments the blond, who breaks out into a deep red blush.

"Now, I could be wrong but I think we may be witnessing the beginnings of love here," Kyoya comments, and Nikki scowls.

"I don't think so," The raven-haired teen mutters to himself.

"Yes, indeed, the beginnings of love," He smirks, looking at the tall 1st year.

"Being a host and getting fussed over by a bunch of girls might not be that bad," Haruhi remarks, turning around, pondering to herself, making Tamaki gasp. "I wonder how I can pull it off. I've got it. I'll just call everyone 'dude' and 'bro' now." She laughs.

"I don't think that will work, Haruhi," Nikki chuckles. "Just be yourself," He slings his arm around her, kissing her on the cheek, making her blush.

"No! Get away from her!" Tamaki screams.

"Whatever, idiot," He smirks, angering the blond further.

++++ OHSHC ++++

Haruhi walks out of the school gates; Nikki walks behind her with his cousins Honey and Mori. "I'm gonna make my own way home," He tells them and jogs to catch up with the brunette. "Need some company?" He asks; she looks at him in surprise.

"What do you want, Nikki?" She asks him, looking at him suspiciously.

"Nothing, I'm bored, figured I'd walk you home," The ravenette replies.

"Thanks…"