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

Okay, this is my first Ouran fic ever. No joke. After reading over a couple of other Ouran Fanfics I thought: "well that sounds easy to do", but it wasn't as easy as I thought.

But, at least I got the first chapter up.

So, without further adieu . . .

Here's Chapter one of my Ouran fic: "Fitting In"

Yays! :)

~ Chapter 1 ~

Scholarship

"K.C."

"Coming, Joe."

Okay, first things first, my real name isn't K.C., it's just my initials: Katherine Carol Johnson. I preferred to be addressed as K.C. because Katherine, or more importantly, Kate, was way too girly to fit my style. I'm a total tomboy (Guilty as charged). I'll wear dresses and make-up if I was going out somewhere fancy, like dinner or a party, or if I just had to; but, of course, I wasn't a huge fan of them. A simple T-shirt with my favorite pair of jeans was comfy enough for me; plus, I didn't have to worry about what looked better with the shoes, or accessories, I was wearing, like most girls I've known freak out over. Heck, my best friend was one of them, but we got along despite our different taste in fashion.

Being fourteen and in the midst my freshmen year of high school wasn't as terrible as I thought it was. Well, it was just because I've been taking online courses. After hearing the rumors of what happens to all smart kids in REAL schools, I declined the offer. Public or Private, there were bullies and mean girls; and even though I may have not experienced it before, I knew that if I entered one of those schools, I'd have to constantly watch my back and be wary of who I made friends with. Deep down, though, I truly wanted to understand the entire concept of what a real school was like. Sitting in a real desk, having lunch in a real cafeteria, and staring at a real teacher from across the room, would be like a whole new world. But I doubted that my brother would have enough money to pay for at least one year tuition.

Why was my brother ultimately in charge? He was my legal guardian. Eight years apart, but we get along better than average siblings. We were pretty close. Whenever I wasn't feeling well, Joseph would always stay home from work to take care of me, no matter how much I protested; on the other hand, I would always encourage him whenever his day at work was rough.

How did he become my guardian, you ask? Well, despite living in a nice home in a suburban neighborhood, our old life with our parents was the opposite. In fact, we were the children of millionaires. Joseph lived there for the first seven years of his life; however, he wasn't into all the rules about being a "proper gentlemen". He never had the chance to be himself, only what our parents told him to be. Once it was announced about an arranged marriage, my brother had enough of being forced to "put on airs" and whatnot, so he snuck out of the estate and ran away from home.

I, on the other hand, only lived with my parents for five years. The only thing I remember about the mansion, despite getting myself lost every so often because of the numerous rooms, was one scene that began my journey that changed my life. I remember walking into my mother's room and trying on all the shiny gold and sterling-silver jewelry she had in that little box she kept on her nightstand. Every little girl loved to play around with their mother's jewelry to "be just like them", but I soon discovered a little piece of paper in the box, a photograph of my parents with a young, brunette haired, boy I didn't recognize. When I went to question my mother and father about it, they didn't answer. Instead, they scolded me saying that it wasn't "ladylike" to snoop around in other's business. One of the maids told me the whole story, though; and after packing some clothes and snacks, as well as the photograph, in the little suitcase I had, I was off on my journey to find my brother.

Thank goodness it only took a few days. Joseph was working part-time at a little cafe, and even though he flew by on his bike, making his deliveries, I quickly recognized him. After I had caught up with him, it took a lot of explaining, and adults and teens barely understand five-year-old logic. Once I showed him the picture, my only evidence, he quickly believed me. And ever since that day, I've been with my brother.

Anyways, now that the entire background and stuff has been said and done, let's get back to the story, shall we?

Joseph had just returned home from work and had called me for something. Sliding off my bed, I walked out of my room and down the hall where I met my older brother, who was sitting on the sofa. In his hand he held a pamphlet of some sort, and I realized that that must be what he wanted to talk to me about. But, was it some kind of pamphlet for a cruise? I doubted it. There was only one way to find out.

"What's up, bro?" I asked, taking a seat beside him.

"I just wanted know how you would feel about going to school," he spoke.

Before I began high school, I told my brother that I would like to go to a real school for at least a year, just to see what it was like. How in the world would Joe even be able to pay for it? It depended on what type of school it was of course, but I have heard rumors about what kids did to each other in these "schools". If Joe knew that there would possibly be a chance where I would become a victim, why would he even bring it up? Besides, he was saving up his money to buy Mackenzie an engagement ring, so there would be no way for the tuition.

Mackenzie worked at the same restaurant my brother worked at; however, while he was in the kitchen, she was serving the customers. However, they became friends quickly, and now they've been dating for three years. Kenzie and I were close friends too. Even though she would drag me around the clothing department and make me try on twenty-something different outfits, we still got along like sisters. As much as I understood that my brother wanted to propose to her by the end of the year, I knew that he would have to save up enough money to keep paying the bills, the engagement ring, and everything else he wanted for that "wedding fit for a princess". Now that he was proposing to put me through school, would that mess up his entire plans?

"I don't know," I answered. "I guess it depends. What kind of school is it?"

"See for yourself," my brother answered, handing me the pamphlet.

I accepted it and then examined the front. There was a large, brick building with a clock tower, and a long fountain filled with lily-pads with a stone structure of an elegant fountain spraying water from the top. The heading on the front page of the brochure was the name of this "school": Ouran Private Academy. Opening the pamphlet, I found the numerous academics such Math, Science, and some Japanese History here and there; as well as numerous activities and clubs like art and music.

There were some pictures of the students at their desks, as well as during some of their activities. One thing that caught my attention was that the boys and girls both wore specific uniforms. Women wore long yellow dresses with long sleeves that were puffy at the shoulders; while the men wore a blue blazer with a white undershirt and black tie, as well as black dress-pants and shoes.

"Sounds fun," I spoke, skimming the text of each activity they had to offer. "I wonder what the tuition is."

"It costs a fortune, that's for sure," Joe spoke with and small sigh.

"If it costs too much for you to pay, then we could find another place; or, I could just keep taking online classes."

My brother smirked. "Who said that I would be paying out of my pocket?"

Okay, now I was really confused. The money would have to come from somewhere, and if Joseph wasn't going to pay it, and I obviously didn't own half as much as he did, then who would pay the tuition?

"You see," my brother began. "Mother and Father had originally planned to enroll me in that academy once I began Middle School; but you know that I ran away from home long before then. I know how much you wanted to go to a real school, so I've decided to enroll you. That is, if you don't mind being away from home for a year."

"That still doesn't answer my question about how you were going to pay for this rich kid's school in ..." I skimmed back through the text, and my eyes widened in shock. "Japan!"

"That's where the plan comes in. Last year they offered one scholarship, and they're doing the same thing this year."

"So, I should try and get a scholarship?" I inquired.

My brother nodded.

I though over the "plan". A scholarship to any kind of school seemed fairly easy, but achieving one for an elite, private academy all the way over in Japan was completely different . . . right? I promised myself that I would try to get into a real school for at least a year before I graduated; and now that I was given that opportunity, I had to do whatever it took to get in.

"Sounds easy," I spoke with a grin. "Besides, I like traveling to new places."

My brother placed his hand on my head and tousled my hair. "That's my girl."

After a few more minutes chatting about this new school, I left the room, with the pamphlet in my hand. I sat on my bed, studying everything they had there from the academics to social activities. Then I closed the pamphlet, and took a good look at the building on the front cover. Ouran Academy... I mused. Then I took out my sketch pad and began to draw the high school campus.

Thoughts about traveling to Japan keep me from sleeping. I stayed up late for a long time drawing the campus, that I lost track of time. I had imagined going to a school in town, but i never expected to go to one on the other side of the world! A rich school, I might add. Of course, all the students would be the sons and daughters of rich snobs, so some of them might be cocky. Not all of them, for sure. Most of them might be kind gentlemen, or ladies; plus, I would be one of the filthy rich for the first time in a while. Since I was too young to understand, even remember, I didn't have the chance to digest how it felt being in a wealthy atmosphere.

Once I finished my sketch, I took the hairspray and sprayed the graphite picture so that it wouldn't smear. As I laid it out to dry, I glanced over at the digital clock for the first time in a while. It read: 12:06 a.m., which was far passed curfew. After the sketch had dried, I placed my graphite pencils and sketch pad on my dresser, and then I climbed into bed. All night I dreamt about Ouran Academy, as I wandered the long halls in my yellow, puffy-sleeved gown. Before I knew it, sleep came over me, and I was there in my dreams.

~ . . * . . ~

I needed more practice to fit in with the aristocratic, high-social students I would be surrounded by. After about a month, I perfected my etiquette skills, Mackenzie taught me how to apply make-up as well as master the curling iron, the three sets of uniform dresses had already come in the mail, and all my school supplies were organized together. I began to study up Japanese history and lifestyles online, as well as learn the language so that I could speak it fluently. Once I got the hang of it, and I was all set and ready to go to Ouran Academy.

A few months passed, but there was still no sign of a letter from the school. Every minute that passed by felt like an eternity as I eagerly awaited the results of my test. I may have been a genius, but all those questions were time consuming; but, at least I was able to complete it. All that left now was a letter saying whether I made it into the school or not; but as the days passed, I began to grow fidgety, and glanced out the window nearly every minute awaiting the mail truck to deliver the letter.

Once a week flew by, I let the mailman stalking cease because Joseph said that good things come to those who wait; plus, there were other ways to pass the time while I awaited the arrival of the letter. Still, every time my brother came home from work with the mail, I always asked, "Anything for me?" Of course, the answer would always be "not today"; however, Joe would always keep a smile just to help me keep my confidence up. Every day began to pass by slower, but I eventually found some stuff to do to pass the time. Whether it was sketching, or hanging out with Joseph, or Mackenzie.

Later that weekend, I was on my way home from a bike ride around the neighborhood. Hey, it was better to get my mind off the whole school-thing anyway. After pulling on breaks upon entering the drive way, I made my way through the back gate to put my bicycle up. After setting my bike against the shed, I made my way inside through the back door. Glancing over at the digital clock on the microwave, I found that it read: 3:17 p.m., so I had about two hours before Joseph came home from work.

Walking through the living room, I made my way down the hallway to my room. I took my sketch pad out from my backpack, and then I began to lightly outline the uniforms of that school. Sketching was just a way of retreating into my own world; heck, I even loved fiddling around with the Paint Program on my computer. Still, nothing beat the old pencil and paper. I began drawing the female uniform, which was the dress; and, since it was a school for the wealthy, I had to make sure that each ruffle on the sleeved, or the stitching in the white lace collar, was intricately designed. Eventually, I made my way down to where the dress ended making sure that it was exactly length, not too high above the ankles and not too low below the shoes.

As soon as I had finished, I heard the front door open. "K.C.?" my brother's voice echoed from the living room and down the hall. "I'm home. Are you here?"

"Yes," I called back. "I'll be there in a minute, Joe."

I quickly sprayed the picture with hairspray, and then I laid it on my bed to dry. Afterwards, I turned and slid of my bed, and then I made my way out of my room and down the hall. Once I entered the living room, I noticed my brother at the dining room table scanning through the mail. No matter how much I wanted to search through it to see if anything came for me, I held it back.

"Hey, Joe," I spoke, walking through the living room.

He glanced up at me from the mail, and smiled. "Hey, sis," he spoke.

"So..." I began, glancing around the room, trying to hold back the urge to ask if anything came for me. I released a small breath and turned back to my brother. "How was work?" I asked.

"It was good," he replied. "Same old, same old though."

"Good... well, um..." I began, my eyes traveling around the room.

There was silence between the two of us, but then my brother spoke up. "You're wondering if the letter came yet, aren't you?" he asked, smirking.

I smiled, and then I turned back to him. "You know me so well."

"Well, I've only gone halfway through the mail, so I'll let you scan through the rest."

With that, my brother laid down the envelopes on the table, and then I took a seat across from him. I picked up the cluster of mail and slowly began flipping through them, scanning the addresses for my name. Finally, I came to one, silk white envelope with the name: Johnson, Katherine C., and our address. I laid everything, except for the white envelope, down on the table, and then I flipped it over to find the back marked with a red seal with the insignia of an "O" in the top corner and an "R" in the bottom corner overlapping it.

Carefully sliding the razor across the top, I took out the paper, unfolded it and read it. I scanned it over once just to skip the formal wording to find whether or not I made it. After reading it over, I nearly gasped in shock; and I read it over twice more just to make sure I wasn't mistaking myself. A wide smile began to spread across my face, as I continued to gaze down at the typewritten text on the paper.

"Oh, wow..." I whispered. Unable to contain my happiness, I stood up from my chair. "I did it. I'm in! Joe, they accepted me!"

My brother was stood up from his seat, and asked, "Really?"

"Take a look," I spoke, handing him the paper.

My brother took the paper and scanned it over. Once he had finished, a broad smile spread on his face. "Well I'll be... I guess they did."

"I can't believe it! I'm going to Ouran Academy!"

Out of my excitement, I threw myself into my brother's arms, and he responded by picking my up and spinning my around. I still couldn't believe that they had even accepted me into such an elite and royal school. Even though I may have come from a rich family, I couldn't remember anything from my old life; but at least I obtained the brains in order to attend an academy for the wealthy.

After a few moments, Joseph put me down on the floor, and we both began sobbing tears of joy. "I'm so proud of you, K.C.," my brother spoke, smoothing the back of my head. "I never doubted you for a second."

"I guess all that patience finally paid off," I spoke.

"It sure did," replied Joe.

~ . . * . . ~

Ever since I opened that letter to discover that I was accepted, I began to grow excited as the days drew nearer. After orientation, which was held the third week in March (school began in April), I could still visualize walking down the long, towering halls of the Academy. The campus may have looked huge in the brochure, but it was around ten times larger up close. I didn't want to leave that place afterwards, but I knew that I would return once I was on the plane to Ouran again.

Until then, I needed more practice to fit in with the high-social students I would be surrounded by. After about a week and a half, I perfected my etiquette skills, Mackenzie taught me how to apply make-up as well as master the curling iron, the three sets of uniform dresses had already come in the mail, and all my school supplies were organized together. I began to study up Japanese history and lifestyles online, as well as learn the language so that I could speak it fluently. Once I got the hang of it, and I was all set and ready to go to Ouran Academy.

Now, with only a week left until school began, I began to grow not only excited, but also nervous. Why? I was going to be entering a new school for crying out loud! That means that I would be surrounded by people that were total strangers to me; and I wasn't used to being around rich people, so I wouldn't know how they behaved, or their personality. Well, one thing for sure was that some of them may be like my brother, hopefully.

Before I even knew it, I was in the cab as it drove down the road to my apartment. Yeah, I know, fifteen years old and I would be living all on my own for an entire year in a completely different country. Paying for the rent would be simple, especially since American currency was easy to transfer into Japanese (I mean, all you have to do is move the decimal over two places...). Still, even as I gazed out at the beautiful spring scene of Japan, I began to miss Joseph. Was this homesickness I was feeling? Probably. But, like how I've noticed it happen to others, it would pass after the first week.

Once the cab pulled into the apartment's parking lot, I paid the driver and then stepped out. I carried my entire luggage in myself, especially since it was only a suitcase and my satchel that I would use for school. After picking up my room keys and entering the complex, I gazed around at the area. An exhausted sigh escaped my throat as I hauled my bags into my room. (Hey, a ten-hour plane trip can make anyone tired; and it was already seven o'clock). Once all my belongings were unpacked and set in their appropriate places, I took a quick shower before climbing into bed, thoroughly exhausted. As much as I wanted to sleep-in, I knew that I had to get up early yet again tomorrow.

So? Love it? Hate it?

Now that K.C. is finally living her dream as a real high school student, how will she act when school begins? Will she overdo it? Clam up? Make any friends?

Of course I know the answers!

Hope you enjoyed the first chapter!