This chapter was meant to fill you in on what's going on. It's a little angsty and I guess it gets sorta melodramatic, but it's important all the same. I've decided that the dance scene is going to be more of an interlude or something in case I get a writer's block. Sorry to those of you who were looking forward to that! This doesn't refer to any episode, like the last chapter, but scenes and stuff will soon start showing up, so worry not! As for couplings... I'm not sure what I want yet.

Ouran Private Academy

by samisweet

Chapter Two

Usagi had her head bowed down as she walked down the stairs that led to her next class. Shortly after she had defeated Chaos, her family had been killed by a remaining phage that she had failed to heal, leaving her orphaned. With her father's remaining funds and government help, she had managed to move into a small two-bedroom apartment, selling her large home and all property. She had quite a wealthy sum of money, but knew that she would need it to carry her through college and the rest of high school. Her friends had helped her out immensely, but she still felt lonely in the quiet recesses of her empty home.

Her next period was something that she dreaded. This was a class where she knew absolutely no one. Everyone ignored her and didn't bother to speak. Usagi had tried to greet them and be friendly, but they had turned the other cheek, declaring that they didn't mix with lower class people. Usagi scoffed her head down and her posture slouched. Those that knew the young blonde would agree –she looked defeated. Usagi had pretty much always gotten along with everyone. She wouldn't dare approach Haruhi, Rei, or Ami with her problems; they had enough on their plate as it was.

Entering the classroom, she chose a seat in the back, away from everyone else. Whispers instantly sprang up but Usagi turned a deaf ear to them. She was here for only a month, no more, no less. Usagi slowly pulled out her notebook and a cute pen with rabbits all over it, decorated in pink and obviously designer. Rei had gotten her a set of expensive pens for her last birthday. Usagi bent her head over her notebook and waited for the teacher to appear, trying her very best not to pay attention to the rude gibes that were aimed towards her.

"Hey, you're Haruhi's friend!" two voices said together. Usagi gasped slightly at the suddenness and looked up, her eyes wide. Finding Hikaru and Kaoru looking down at her, she instantly smiled, face cocked to the side.

"Hi Kaoru-san, Hikaru-san!" Usagi said happily. "I didn't know you guys were in this class."

The twins looked at each other and shrugged. "We skipped the last two days."

Usagi smiled and nodded, growing even happier when they chose to sit with her. Suddenly, her face fell. "How come you guys are sitting with me?"

"Don't you want us to?" Kaoru raised an eyebrow. Usagi nodded her head in response.

"Of course I do! It's just that… no one else seems to deem me worthy of attention. Because I'm not rich, they pretty much ignore me," Usagi smiled all the same to show that she didn't really mind. Her forehead creased into a frown. "I hope they don't treat Haruhi-chan like this."

"Nope, Haruhi is a host," Hikaru winked. "Hosts are never made fun of." Usagi giggled.

"Is that so? Haruhi-chan doesn't seem to mind making fun of all of you."

"Haruhi is a host," Kaoru repeated, grinning.

"Well, you guys haven't answered my question. You guys aren't here to make fun of me, are you?" the blonde looked away, eyes shiny with tears. "I don't like it when people are mean. You shouldn't judge someone else before you know them."

"Of course not!" the twins replied in unison, exchanging a look. Kyouya had told them to make sure that Usagi wasn't hurt in any way. They also knew that Rei was not afraid of hurting them. Usagi looked up with hopeful eyes.

"Really?" she asked. When the twins nodded, Usagi impulsively sprung up and hugged the both of them, causing them to stiffen in surprise. Girls didn't really treat them like this, and they weren't used to physical contact from the outside. "I'm sure we can be great friends! I'll formally introduce myself. I'm Tsukino Usagi and I like eating and reading manga!"

"Kaoru and Hikaru," the twins shrugged. "We like playing pranks on others." Usagi laughed.

"Haruhi told me," her eyes grew soft. "I-I want to thank you guys for opening up to her. Other than me, she really had no one to turn to. Always immersed in studying, always worrying about her future… I managed to turn her to her dream. I knew she'd make it into Ouran, I really believed in her. And she made it! I'm happy you guys were able to accept her and make her… well, happier. I really do appreciate it." Kaoru and Hikaru gave soft smiles, truly sincere for once.

"It was nothing," they replied. In truth, Haruhi had turned them around as well and they knew it. The Host Club had immensely changed them.

Break

Usagi gave a wide smile when she spotted Haruhi trudging towards the Host Club.

"Haruhi-chan!" Usagi shouted as she bounded over to the brunette. Haruhi gave an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry Usagi-chan!" Haruhi said. "Important Host Club meeting and I can't miss it! I'll see you once the program starts ne?"

"Alright! See you in an hour!" Usagi waved good-bye. With that, she sighed deeply. Where could she hang out for an hour? Ami and Rei had their parents call them in sick because of some pressing matters, but Usagi was orphaned and couldn't pull off an excuse. Humming a sweet tune, she decided to explore the school. All she had seen so far were the areas surrounding her classes. The students mainly ignored her, so Usagi wandered through the halls, pressing her face against windows to view beautiful courtyards filled with rare flowers and tranquil fountains.

Deciding to visit one, Usagi stepped out into the afternoon sun, which created a hazy and sleepy atmosphere. She sighed appreciatively, running her hand through the fountain, seated on the wide lip. The school's curriculum wasn't very hard at all. It seemed that money was the only reason that people succeeded here. If you came from Ouran, regardless of social status, you could get into virtually any university without taking entrance exams or having good grades. A month here at Ouran would give Usagi an opportunity to become something in life. Crystal Tokyo would most likely not come, since Usagi required Mamoru to become queen of earth. She had pretty much nothing to support herself except a job and the fortune her father left her. Even so, the fortune would have to be used wisely –universities were excruciatingly expensive.

Usagi tried to hold back her tears at the thought of her father. Even though it had been an entire two months since they had been gone, Usagi still felt an overwhelming pain within her. Mamoru's absence the week before may have created a hole in her heart, but her family's death destroyed it. Usagi blinked as memories of her brother Shingo bombarded her… she had teased him mercilessly, but she loved him all the same. And her mother had been so loving and understanding. When Chibi-Chibi had come, her mother embraced the Light of Hope with open arms, and yet, still treated Usagi with more tenderness than the red-head. Her father had been strict but loved her more than anything else. He always her best intentions at heart and never failed to protect her. Usagi only regretted the fact that she couldn't do the same. Tears rolled down her face in big drops and she sniffled, trying her best to wipe them away and stop crying. It was to no avail and within the next ten seconds, she was overtly crying, not a sob uttered from her lips.

"Haruhi, I found her!" a male voice cried out. Usagi quickly wiped away her tears and put on a watery smile. "Haruhi wouldn't allow the Club to start the day's festivities until we found you, Usagi-san!"

"I-I'm s-s-sorry to keep you guys w-w-waiting," Usagi hiccupped as a sympathetic face came into her view. "L-Let's get going, Tamaki-san."

"Do you want to talk about it?" Tamaki asked sincerely, his eyes understanding. Usagi shook her head and tried to hold everything in. His kindness only made things worse. Usagi burst out in tears, openly sobbing with her head in her hands. Tamaki looked panicked.

"I-I can't take this loneliness anymore!" Usagi wailed. Tamaki gave a sad smile before sitting down next to Usagi. He waited patiently for her to calm down and once Usagi was reduced to silent tears, he spoke.

"You might think you're lonely, but really, you're not. Rei-san and Ami-san are with you, and I'm sure there are more. And Haruhi really looks up to you; did you know that? Worry no more about being lonely, because you can come hang out with the Host Club anytime. A friend of Haruhi's is a friend of mine."

"Thanks," Usagi whispered. "That really makes me feel better."

"Usagi-chan?" Haruhi blinked. "Why are you crying?"

"Just thinking over some past events," Usagi replied quietly, her eyes downcast. "You know, Haruhi-chan, I'm not as strong as you. Being alone is something I can't stand. I miss them…"

"Usagi-chan, you're the strongest person I know," Haruhi sat on the other side of Usagi, offering comfort. "If I were you, I would never have been able to handle so much. I would have given up long ago. But look at you. You were able to move on and live life with a new resolution. Not only that, but your grades have improved immensely. And I'm here for you, aren't I?"

Usagi nodded through her tears and threw herself at her friend. Haruhi smiled softly, mouthing a thank you at Tamaki. Tamaki's eyes glossed over, the tell tale signs of a daydream, and he soon began to mumble incomprehensible phrases and squeal. Usagi laughed loudly.

"You're awesome, Tamaki-san," Usagi winked before jumping off the fountain and brushing off her skirt. "Race you, Haruhi-chan!" With that, the blonde sprinted down the length of the courtyard and down the hallway.

"Thanks, Tamaki-senpai. Usagi hurts but she's selfless. She never shows it," Haruhi gave a heartwarming smile and ran after Usagi, causing Tamaki tomelt onto the ground in a puddle of goo.

Well, drop a few words by and let me know what you guys thought of it! I'm trying to find what pairing would go well with this story, but there are too many choices! Help, anyone?