I do not own Ranma ½ or Ouran High School Host Club. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and Bisco Hatori. They are the ones getting money for these titles and not me. I am only writing this because I am having fun doing so.

Wild Side of the Host Club

By Ten-Faced Paladin

Chapter 1: Here's Ranma…Again!

Nodoka was severely…displeased. In regular terms, it meant that she was pissed off beyond all recognition. To the older woman's credit, she was able to keep her reserve through her boiling anger and disappointment.

The reason for her anger? Simple, she had to bare witness to the farce that had claimed to be the wedding between her son and Akane Tendo. She had come expecting to see her manly son get married to that sweet Akane Tendo, only to witness her husband, her son, and some guests get in a free-for-all over the wedding cask before it was consumed by Happosai. To make matters worse, the female guests who arrived early began fighting, trying to take Ranma for themselves. One of the guests actually tried live steel against her son! It had happened a couple of days ago, but she was still seething about it.

How had it become this bad? When did it become this bad? How could she have missed it? Of course, Akane and Ranma shared some spats, but seeing how badly these other girls reacted to the mention of a wedding, it was obvious that they were aiming to be more than a mistress, they wanted to be the wife and make sure no other girls were around. That wouldn't do since a manly man just couldn't be satisfied with one woman alone. Of course, Akane and Ranma were hardly blameless. Ranma had been involved in that little free-for-all and Nodoka had seen how brutal Akane could be when she attacked that Kuno boy when he tried to woo her.

At the moment, Nodoka was cleaning the kitchen of the Tendo home as Akane and Ranma left for school. She had been giving some thought to the situation for some time. For a while now she was concerned about Ranma's actions in school and his attitude in general. It seemed that he was completely oblivious to his education and he had practically no friends. The only ones who came close were those boys who constantly attacked him and the girls who were always trying to force him to go with them.

It shocked her to no end that her son was being denied of a proper education and a good time as a teenager. He was coming to the prime of his life! He should be out there talking with friends and looking at girls. Instead, Ranma was practically alone no matter where he went and he was almost afraid to talk to girls since it always ended up in some kind of trick from the girl or him getting attacked in some way, shape, or form. That would just not do at all!

Wiping her hands from washing dishes, Nodoka decided it was time for her to step up and be a mother. She had a duty to her son to provide him with what he needed and she was going to do exactly that. Her manly son needed his education, friends, and a lot of girls to date and such. It was painfully obvious that her son needed those things. A little stability in his life would be a good thing. He needed to get away from the jealous suitors, the violent fiancées, and the numerous challenges that seemed to run his way. Still, the question was how.

"I suppose," Nodoka sighed. "It is time to talk to father."

---TIME BREAK---

"I'm changing schools?" Ranma blinked in confusion.

It was past suppertime and Nodoka had called a meeting to discuss plans she had developed since the failed wedding. Naturally, everyone was thinking or hoping for some good news. The fathers naturally hoped that Nodoka would bring their disobedient children together. Nabiki didn't care either way what was going to be said. She just hoped she could profit off it. Akane hoped it would help make the other fiancées go away. Kasumi patiently listened and Ranma just hoped it wouldn't cause too much trouble.

When Nodoka that Ranma would be changing schools, naturally everyone was a tad disappointed.

"Yes," Nodoka nodded. "After the failed wedding, I decided to see what your life was like to bring such violent reactions from everyone."

Ranma shivered at the memory. It was certainly the most violent he had seen the fiancée brigade and his rivals act. They had almost destroyed the dojo in their acts. Still, considering that the fiancée brigade destroyed his mom's house by themselves, he shouldn't have been too surprised. He had just decided to not let it get him down, but apparently his mother had had enough.

"From what I had learned," Nodoka explained. "Ranma is attacked on average about four or five times a day. First by Genma in the name of training, second by that Kuno boy when they get to school, third by the fiancées when he tries to stop their usual spats and gets caught in the crossfire, fourth by that Ryoga fellow, and even by Akane when she seems to walk in at the worst moment and she hits him with a mallet. Happosai also seems to throw in the odd fight when Ranma stops him from his raids."

"I wouldn't do it if he wouldn't be so perverted!" Akane cried in her defense. "I'm sure Ryoga would be nicer too if Ranma would stop teasing him!"

"Akane, I had people follow Ranma and he never once showed any interest in any of the fiancées, which disappoints me a little, but no matter." Nodoka shrugged.

Nabiki took in the information and glanced at Ranma. The pigtailed martial artist seemed genuinely surprised that he had been followed. That told the middle Tendo that he hadn't noticed and that whoever Nodoka had follow him had been good.

"Akane, Ranma never said one word to Ryoga before the boy would see him and shout a death threat before attacking," Nodoka deadpanned. "I am also aware of Ranma's history with the boy. Teasing may be a little rude, but hardly something to attempt killing someone over."

Akane had been effectively cowed. Hearing just how often Ranma was put in a fight was a little shocking. Being faced with Ryoga's overreactions to Ranma's words also made her stop to think a little. She had usually taken Ryoga's side over Ranma's because it looked like Ranma was teasing him, but how often was it that she had arrived in the middle and not the beginning of those fights?

"I have also been informed of the odd attacks by Ranma's teacher, principal, and the odd challenger," Nodoka continued. "As such, I have decided that Ranma needs a little more stability in his life. Being at Furinkan where he is forced to fight someone at least three or four times a day is hardly a stable learning environment."

"B-b-but Nodoka!" Genma cried out. "Surely the boy can overcome this! His career path is decided anyway. He's going to take over the dojo after he marries Akane!"

"Quite right!" Soun nodded. "Genma and I got all the education we needed on the road in our training! It shouldn't be so hard for Ranma."

'And you can't pay the bills by yourself,' Nabiki thought darkly to her father. 'You don't even run a dojo anymore.'

"Perhaps in your youth that was true," Nodoka nodded. "But running a dojo legally requires a little bit more than a high school education. You need a university degree, and Ranma can't get one of his education is so spotty."

"Preposterous!" Genma huffed. "We'll help the boy run the dojo! He can learn a lot from our experience!"

"What experience?" Nodoka asked. "You never once even attempted to start a dojo and Soun hasn't done so in years. My decision is firm…unless you'd like to contest my idea?"

She spoke her last words while drawing her katana. Genma gulped and sweated before shrinking back into his seat. With him out of the way, Nodoka decided to continue with her speech.

"I am also going to take steps to ensure that the fiancées and the rivals do not follow Ranma," Nodoka continued. She then turned a steeling stare at Nabiki. "That includes information leaks."

"Why are you looking at me?" Nabiki blinked, trying to act innocent.

"The wedding itself was supposed to be a secret with the guests coming after it was finished," Nodoka explained. "When I asked the fiancées how they knew, they gave me invitations that had the time of the ceremony, rather than the reception on them. They also told me that you were the one who sold the invitations to them. I do not want you to sell the information of my son's new school to anyone."

Nabiki knew she should have felt upset, but the steel in Nodoka's eyes squashed that pretty quickly. As much as Nabiki had wanted to sell the information, Nodoka's silent threat was making it pretty obvious that she would…disprove of it. Still, Nabiki's inner self asked what she could do about it. It wasn't as if she would make Nabiki commit seppuku or something.

"So where am I going to school?" Ranma asked curiously. He was definitely all for this idea since it meant he would get some peace and quiet at school for a change.

"A very good place," Nodoka smiled. "Ouran High School."

"OURAN HIGH SCHOOL?!" Nabiki shrieked out. Everyone turned to her in confusion. This was definitely not like her at all. "That's impossible! You need money and lineage to get in there! There's no way Ranma can qualify! I mean, look at him!"

"I can most readily assure you that my son does qualify," Nodoka frowned. Even though she was hiding the next bit of information, she still felt insulted. "My father, Ranma's grandfather is Tekkei Kurenai."

Kasumi and Nabiki both gasped in shock. Genma just scratched his head, but Soun was in shock at what he had heard.

"Who is he?" asked Akane.

"Tekkei…Kurenai," Nabiki gulped. "Is the most influential man in Japan next to the Emperor! Really, they are almost related!"

"Yes," Nodoka smiled. "My ancestor rescued an ancestor of the Emperor's and the two families have been very close since. Our family also has done very well in various technologic companies so we have a fair bit of money too."

"Oh my!" Kasumi gasped. "Then why does Uncle Genma…?" She left it unsaid that Genma was a notorious freeloader and it was pretty obvious that he was a thief as well as a cheat.

"Well, my family didn't really approve of my marrying him," Nodoka admitted. "So I was forced to be denied access to all family holdings until it was an emergency. I was also sworn not to tell Genma as well since they felt he would try to mooch off everything for the rest of his life."

"Hey!" Genma cried indignantly, even though everyone knew she was right.

"So how did you convince them?" Ranma asked curiously.

"Well, I just had to explain your situation and they investigated deeper," Nodoka answered. "From there, they confirmed what I told them and Father felt it was best to get you out of the situation immediately. It was them who suggested Ouran."

"Huh," Ranma blinked. It was a little shocking to find that his mother's side of the family was loaded and influential. If he had to guess, his father was still trying to find someway to leech onto it. The only two things Genma worked hard at were martial arts and avoiding work.

"So how do you plan to keep the fiancées and rivals away?" asked Nabiki. "You know they aren't the type to listen when people say things they don't like."

"My family's agents are…persuasive," Nodoka smiled, bringing a chill to everyone's spines.

"So…Ouran sounds good," Ranma gulped. It beat being hounded by fiancées and rivals everyday.

"Excellent!" Nodoka smiled as she clapped her hands together. "My family maintains an estate near there so you'll have a place to stay."

"Excellent!" Soun smiled. "He and Akane will be comfortable together then."

"What do you mean Soun?" Nodoka asked. "Ranma will be going alone."

That deflated Soun's sails quickly, "But she and Ranma are engaged! They should be together!"

"My family did not take the news of one of their youngest members being exploited by my husband very well," Nodoka explained. "As such, they are going to review all the engagements before making a decision."

"But this is a pact between the Tendo and Saotome families!" Genma blustered. "They have no say in this!"

"I am part of the Kurenai family and since Ranma is my son, my family has just as much right!" Nodoka frowned. "I asked for their assistance and they are giving it! You cannot change that!"

Genma wanted to rage, bellow, whine, and do all the things that he usually did when he tried to convince people to do something for him. Still, Nodoka's sword was out and he didn't want to risk losing something important by pressing the issue, namely his head!

"That being said, the paperwork has already been filed," Nodoka continued, regaining her calm face. "A uniform has already been sent to us as well. Ranma is to begin tomorrow."

"Uh…sure," Ranma nodded.

---TIME BREAK---

Ranma was walking in his brand new Ouran High School outfit along the fence towards his new school. After his mother had made her announcement concerning his new school, Ranma tried to figure out what was so great about it. That boiled down to paying Nabiki. She got him the information and it got Ranma to have second thoughts about going.

Apparently Ouran was a very high class school where the wealthiest and the prestigious went to school. All sorts of old and powerful families sent their kids there. The Ouran facility itself actually went from elementary school up to university with their teaching. They just had different buildings with their levels. An entrance exam wasn't expected, but you would get one of the school wasn't sure you had what it takes. Apparently Ranma's grandfather had taken care of that.

Nodoka had been insistent that Ranma not act like he did while he went to Furinkan. That meant no sleeping in class, no fighting the teachers, no fighting the students, and no destroying school property. She also told him that he was allowed to make friends…or even check out the girls there if he so wanted. Ranma didn't want to disappoint his mother, but he really didn't want to talk to girls that much. Every time he tried he usually ended up getting hit with some blunt object or obtaining another fiancée somehow.

Looking to the distance, he saw the Ouran High School coming up. Ranma had to admit that it looked like a pretty impressive place. It was a western-style place that looked more like a mansion than a school. The pigtailed martial artist was glad that his father wasn't there or else he would try to grab everything that was worth a single yen. As such, Ranma was just worried that he would face more people like Kuno.

Leaping off the fence, Ranma walked to the front gate. He idly noticed that a large group of people were hanging around, apparently waiting for something. Curious, Ranma stepped closer to the crowd and tried to hear snippets of what they were talking about. Getting only mumbles, and snippets of 'Kurenai', 'Grandson' and 'Ouran', Ranma decided to just ask.

"Hey," he called, catching a boy's attention. "What's going on out here?"

"Didn't you hear?" the boy asked incredulously. "Tekkei Kurenai's grandson is supposed to arrive at Ouran today! We're waiting for his limo to show up!"

"Limo?" Ranma blinked. He recalled that his mother offered him a ride, but Ranma already had the directions so what would he need a ride for?

"Of course!" a girl squealed. "We'd expect nothing less from the latest in the line of the Kurenai family! I wonder what model it is."

"I bet he's good looking!" a second girl shrieked. "They say all males of the Kurenai family have no problem attracting girls!"

'The problem is making them go away,' Ranma frowned in thought.

"Are you going to wait around too?" the boy asked Ranma.

"Um…not really," Ranma shrugged. He didn't really want to get caught as being the grandson of Tekkai Kurenai just yet. He didn't need to be mobbed so early in the morning. "I've gotta get to class. Let me know if you see him."

"Sure," the boy nodded as he returned to waiting with his fellow students.

Leaving the anticipating mob, Ranma swiftly got into the school. He secretly hoped that the teachers would help keep order. He doubted that since he had to go through the teachers not lifting a finger in Furinkan, but that was one school. He didn't like his odds though.

---TIME BREAK---

Classes at Ouran were proving to be just as boring as they were at Furinkan. Sure, the teachers seemed to have a bit more enthusiasm for the work. At Furinkan, the teachers never tried to make the material interesting, knowing the students would rather pay attention to the next big fight. Then again, working at a school for rich kids probably gave you a much better paycheck. What was there not to be enthusiastic about?

It was a hard battle, but Ranma managed to stay awake through the classes. He took the odd note, but he usually kept it in his head. There was room there for martial arts, but schoolwork has its own space. Significantly smaller, but its own space was still there.

The bell rang and all the students began getting their things together so they could leave. Since it was the end of the day, Ranma was more than happy to do so.

"Mr. Saotome," the teacher called. "A word if you please."

Blinking, Ranma looked up to his teacher, a woman named Ms. Chitose. Hefting his bookbag over his shoulder, Ranma walked to the front desk where the long-haired woman was waiting.

"Yes?" he asked in curiosity.

"Myself and your fellow teachers had been watching your progress today," Ms. Chitose explained. "You being Tekkai Kurenai's grandson, you can't blame us for being a little bit curious."

"Oh sure," Ranma shrugged.

"And we were a little concerned that you didn't even attempt to make any friends," Ms. Chitose continued. "Usually someone in your position would be a popular fellow. Instead, you have shied away from almost every attempt at contact."

Again Ranma shrugged. During his first class, the teacher had introduced him but Ranma had avoided mentioning his grandfather. Still, word had gotten out somehow and people were asking him all sorts of questions whenever they could. Ranma's usual answer was 'dunno' or 'not sure'. He tried to keep conversations short and didn't give many details. The girls of course attempted flirting with him, but they were disappointed and confused that their attempts failed miserably. Some tried tripping to reveal their panties, but Ranma hadn't even noticed. Nosebleeds abound from some of the boys sure revealed that it was noticeable, but Ranma didn't even blink.

"I'd rather…not be popular because of who I'm related to," Ranma sighed.

"Understandable," Ms. Chitose nodded. "But how are you going to make friends if you don't attempt to connect to your fellow students?"

"Never really crossed my mind," Ranma answered. "To be honest, I've done just fine without friends. It's nothing new to me."

"Oh dear," Ms. Chitose frowned. "Then it makes me glad that we did what we did."

"Huh?" Ranma blinked.

"Well," Ms. Chitose explained. "We asked some clubs if they'd like to have you sit in and try to connect with some of your fellow students. We got a number of affirmative responses. Some of them rather vocal."

"Swell," Ranma sighed. He had been hoping to go to where his mother set up his apartment. "Which ones?"

"Well," Ms. Chitose spoke as she pulled out a small pile of documents. "Almost all of them. You can take your pick."

Withholding the urge to burn the documents, he picked the top sheet. Ranma was never a club type of guy save more martial arts related clubs. The problem was that the guys involved were nowhere near skilled enough to really give him a challenge or a decent spar. So Ranma had given up on it altogether. Looking up at the paper, Ranma read the name of the club he intended to be the first to be shot down in a long line of clubs to be shot down.

"The Ouran High School Host Club," Ranma read. That was a new one. He hadn't heard of a club like that before. "What's that?"

"Ohhh!" Ms. Chitose giggled. A slight flush came to her face. "That's a popular one. The boys there are very friendly. They're popular too. Everyone talks about them. I think you'd be welcomed with open arms."

"Great," Ranma deadpanned. "Well, might as well get it over with. It says these guys are in Music Room 3. I'll find them."

"I hope you enjoy it," Ms. Chitose smiled as Ranma left the room. "I know the young ladies will like your appearance."

Walking through the halls, Ranma had to travel up a few flights of stairs before finding the room in question. Checking to see that the paper in his hand matched the sign, Ranma resigned himself to what was happening. Gripping the door handle, Ranma opened the door to see what was going on.

"-giggle- Oh Master Tamaki!"

"Hunny! Please have some of my cake!"

"Oh Koaru, remember those times?"

"Hikaru! Not in front of the ladies!"

"S-s-so Mori…um, how was practice?"

"Kyoya! I want some of those pics!"

"Right away."

Ranma blinked at what he was seeing. It seemed a group of boys were entertaining blushing and giggling girls. At a small table, a blonde boy was leaning in close to a girl and whispering in her ear, making her blush and giggle furiously. At a couch, orange-haired twins were almost flirting with each other, making the girls across from them squeal with delight. By himself, a blonde kid who looked too young for the school was sitting on a girl's lap, eating cake while she hugged him. A tall black-haired boy was making quiet conversation with a stuttering and shy girl. At one spot, a black-haired boy with glasses was handing photos to a bunch of girls who were scrambling with money in their hands.

"What kind of place did I land in?" Ranma gaped.

"Hmm?" the black haired boy with glasses blinked as he finished handing out the photos. Adjusting his frames, he walked over to Ranma. "Welcome to the Ouran High School Host Club. You're actually the first man who has shown up on our doorstep. Is there anyone you'd like to talk with in particular?"

"Huh?" Ranma blinked. The conversation made him blink out of his stupor at seeing the obvious flirting going on. Refusing to think how Akane would blow her stack, he held up the sheet Ms. Chitose had given him. "My name's Ranma Saotome. You guys offered to let me sit in on this club."

"Ah, yes," the boy smiled. It was a lukewarm smile that still sent shivers down Ranma's spine. "Well, we're glad to have you Ranma. Since the others are busy, I'll walk you through the club."

Closing the door behind him, the boy led Ranma to an unoccupied portion of the room so they could talk in private.

"My name is Kyoya Ohtori," the boy introduced. "I'm the vice-president of the group and the general bookkeeper."

Pointing to the twins, he continued, "The twins there are Kaoru and Hikaru Hitachin. A real crowd pleaser."

He then moved to the other dark-haired boy, "He is Takashi Morinozuka. We call him Mori. He's also one of our oldest members."

Continuing to the shortest boy, Kyoya went with his introductions, "He is Mitsukuni Haninozuka. We just call him Hunny. Believe it or not, he's actually seventeen."

"No way," Ranma blinked. "He acts like he's ten."

"Yes, but it brings in customers so we're glad he does," Kyoya shrugged. He then gestured to the last boy in the room, the tall blonde who was flirting without restraint. "That is our president, Tamaki Suoh. He's definitely one of our best."

"I can see," Ranma blinked. "So…what kind of club is this? I mean, I've never really heard of a host club."

"Well, we're a club that offers a service to entertain young ladies who desire a little bit of companionship. It's mostly a service offered to girls with some free time on their hands. We entertain them and show them things they prefer to see in a man," Kyoya explained. "As you can see, every member here fills a standard that girls desire in a man."

Ranma blinked and turned to see what Kyoya was talking about. Sure enough, each of the boys were acting a different way. Hunny was the child, Mori was the strong silent type, the twins took brotherly love to a new level, and Tamaki was acting like a prince out of a story.

"So the twins…do they really-?" Ranma gulped.

"No," Kyoya chuckled. "Those two are the only ones who actually act that way consciously. They love pranks and doing such things."

"Well, they sure are good at it," Ranma sighed in relief. That would be too weird even for him. "They convinced me."

"That's good. The girls eat it up," Kyoya smiled. A gleam entered his eyes as he turned to Ranma. "So…think you'd like to try what we do?"

"Huh?" Ranma gaped. He began to blush at the insinuation. "W-w-w-well…I-I-I don't think I'd be that good at it. I'm…kinda hopeless with women."

"Hmm," Kyoya pondered. "That might work in your favor. From the information I picked up, you're a martial arts prodigy, but naïve in many other areas. Since you were raised by your father with no influence from your mother, and judging by his criminal record, I'm not surprised."

"…how did you know that?" Ranam gaped. This guy was like Nabiki times ten! Only male.

"My family has numerous agents," Kyoya smiled. "Just as many as yours I believe."

"…Uh, yeah," Ranma gulped. Did he know about the curse? "Still, I don't think I'm ready for what you guys do yet. Do you mind if I just watch and pick up some tips?"

"By all means," Kyoya smiled. "I certainly hope you decide to stay with us. You'd fit in quite well."

"Maybe," Ranma shrugged.

Taking a seat in a circle of chairs, Ranma just took in the scene of girls swooning over the members of the host club. He had to admit, he envied them. These guys knew exactly how to talk to girls. Heck, a few did it with several at once and they continued to swoon. Ranma would have just continued to stick his foot in his mouth if he was in their situation. Tamaki had already moved onto another girl and was making her swoon almost as soon as she sat down. Hunny was hanging on Mori's shoulders as their clients cooed over them. The twins were hugging tightly with blushes on their faces, making their own clients swoon, almost fainting. Kyoya was calmly sipping tea with a pair of girls as he passed them some photos and they passed back money.

"Um…hello?" a shy voice spoke up.

Turning, Ranma saw a girl with long dark hair that reached down her back standing next to one of the chairs around him. She had an embarrassed flush on her face as she breathed a little quickly.

"Hi," Ranma greeted in a friendly notion. He had to remind himself that these girls were not like the fiancées and weren't going to mallet him or do something violent if they heard something they didn't like. "What can I help you with?"

"Is this…chair taken?" she asked timidly.

"Nope," Ranma smiled, not noticing the girl's blush brighten a little. "Feel free. Some company would be nice."

The girl gave a ghost of a smile before sitting in one of the chairs. She was quite red and she was looking at her lap.

"I'm Ranma," the pigtailed boy introduced, deciding that if he wanted friends, he was probably in the right spot. "Who are you?"

"Ah…Miyuki," the girl said quietly. "This is…my first time here."

"Well, this is my first day here so we're in the same boat then," Ranma grinned. "So what made you come here? You don't look like the kind of girl who has trouble catching a guy's attention."

Miyuki's blush brightened considerably as she struggled for an answer, "Well, I heard lots of handsome men pay attention to you here. I figured it would be nice."

"Well you came to the right place," Ranma chuckled, not notice how Miyuki was slowly becoming entranced by his aura of friendliness. "These guys look like real pros at paying attention to girls. Way better than me anyway."

"O-oh?" Miyuki blinked. "Y-you don't seem so bad to me."

"Well, I'm kind of hopeless when it comes to girls. I suppose it just takes the right kind for me to open up a little," Ranma chuckled. 'Like the non-violent type!'

Miyuki's blush turned crimson, "R-really?"

"Oh sure," Ranma nodded. "I mean, out in China I met this girl who just wouldn't give up. Really makes me nervous you know? I had no idea how to deal with her."

"Oh my," Miyuki blushed. How bold of him to admit a shortcoming like that!

"I really know nothing about girls to be honest," Ranma shrugged. He then brightened up considerably. "Hey, do you think you could teach me a thing or two?"

"Eep!" Miyuki blushed crimson again. "W-well I….you seem to have…a good lead right now….um."

"You okay?" Ranma asked in concern. "You look a little flushed."

"Ah!" Miyuki gasped. "I'm just…a little warm! Yes, warm."

"Oh, then I suppose I'll get you a drink," Ranma smiled gently. "Won't be a moment."

Ranma got out of his seat and headed to where a tray of snacks were kept. Picking up a platter, Ranma filled it with a cold drink, cups, and a few cookies. They looked good, but he supposed Miyuki would want some too.

"Not bad new guy," two voices chirped.

Ranma turned to see the two Hitachin brothers grinning like goofs behind him.

"Kaoru and Hikaru, right?" Ranma asked. He knew their names, but telling them apart was something else.

"Right in one," the left twin, Kaoru, grinned.

"You're a sharp one," the right twin, Hikaru nodded.

"Thanks," Ranma nodded. "So you guys on break or something?"

"Letting our clients recover for a moment," Hikaru laughed. "Me and Kaoru went a little overboard today I suppose."

"I figured the near kiss was a little too much," Kaoru grinned. "Still, we saw the girl you're talking to. She seems pretty flustered. What did you say?"

"She's just a little warm," Ranma shrugged. "I'm getting some drinks and snacks for us."

"Oh, she looks a little warm to me," Kaoru nodded.

"That she does Kaoru," Hikaru nodded. "Better not cool her off too much. She looks like she's enjoying herself."

"Well, she is nice company," Ranma nodded. "I don't want to keep her waiting either."

"Then don't let us keep you," Hikaru grinned.

"Keep up the good work," Kaoru nodded.

Ranma nodded and headed back with his tray of snacks. The twins watched him go with growing smiles on their faces.

"You know," Kaoru smiled. "I don't think he realizes that he's entertaining her."

"Your right," Hikaru grinned. "He's a complete natural and hasn't even realized it."

Ranma balanced the tray perfectly as he returned to where he and Miyuki were sitting. Setting it down, Ranma got back in his own seat. Miyuki smiled and nodded her thanks before nibbling on a cookie.

"All we have is hot tea so I suppose it will have to do," Ranma shrugged. "I hope you aren't too disappointed."

"Oh no!" Miyuki giggled. "Not at all."

"Good," Ranma sighed in relief. "I was a little worried that you'd be upset with me."

Miyuki giggled, "Oh I wouldn't get upset over something like that."

"Really?" Ranma blinked. "Wow, I wish I met girls like you sooner. Maybe I wouldn't be the hopeless case I am now then."

"O-oh," Miyuki blushed, but the smile on her face was unmistakable. "There's plenty of girls who'd love to help. You aren't that much of a hopeless case."

"Well, I dunno," Ranma pondered. "I've got a lot of catching up to do. If you want to help, we'd have to meet up often."

"Ah," Miyuki blushed. "O-okay!"

A chiming grandfather clock got the two teens' attention as they turned to check the time. When Miyuki read it, she began to pout a little.

"Oooh, I have to get going," she sighed. She turned back to Ranma hopefully. "Will I be able to see you here tomorrow?"

"Sure," Ranma nodded. "I'll be waiting."

"Oooh!" Miyuki squealed excitedly before she nodded goodbye and left.

In his chair, calmly sipping tea, Kyoya had been keeping an eye on Ranma through is stay. The new student proved to be very good at the Host Club business. They were talking for some time before the girl in question got up and prepared to leave. She was definitely satisfied if the smile on her face was any indication. As she headed for the door, she stopped and headed to Kyoya.

"Um…are you the one who handles appointments?" she asked.

"Of course," Kyoya smiled as he took out his ledger and a pen. "Is there anyone you'd prefer?"

"Ah…could yet set me up with Ranma as soon as possible?" she asked.

"Of course," Kyoya nodded. He quickly created a column for Ranma and made the appointment time. "Name?"

"Miyuki Fujisawa," the girl smiled. "Thank-you!"

"Glad to be of service," Kyoya smiled. As Miyuki skipped away, Kyoya had to smile. "First day and he already has an appointment. How talented."

Time slipped on and Ranma continued to watch the Host Club work. They wooed and complimented every girl they were paired up with. Ranma was basically left alone while they did so. He didn't mind though. He was too busy marveling at how the boys could flirt with every girl in the room and not get malleted for some reason.

Eventually the last of the girls went and the Host Club seemed to be finished for the day. Hunny and Mori began putting away their plates while Kyoya began getting his numbers crunched. Tamaki had spotted Ranma and was already putting a welcoming smile on his face.

"Ah! Our newest member!" Tamaki smiled. "Welcome Ranma Saotome! I hope you managed to learn a thing or two from our shining examples."

"Uh…maybe a thing or two," Ranma shrugged.

"Not that he needed it," Kaoru snickered, leaning on Ranma's shoulder on the left.

"He seemed to be a complete natural," Hikaru grinned, leaning on Ranma's right.

"Huh?" Ranma blinked as he looked at the grinning twins. What were they talking about? He hadn't been flirting with girls like they do. All he did was talk to that Miyuki girl. She was nice and very easy to get along with. "What are you talking about?"

"Why that stellar performance with a new client!" Tamaki smiled. "I must say that you're a real charmer. It takes an expert hand to leave a girl giggling and blushing like the maiden that she is."

"Uh…," Ranma blinked. That girl was a customer? Well, then why didn't she sit in with one of the other guys?

"She was really happy!" Hunny agreed. He bounced over to Ranma with a stuffed rabbit in his arms. Cake was smeared on his face from eating it while running.

"Yes," Kyoya agreed. "She asked me if you would be here tomorrow so you could see her again. I hope you don't mind but I already set up the appointment."

"Huh?" Ranma blinked. "Wait you mean I did what you guys do with Miyuki?" No way! He couldn't have!

"That's all there is to it New Guy," Kaoru chuckled. "It's not hard. You're a natural at it."

"Yeah!" Hikaru agreed with a sage-like nod. "After all, these girls just want a little company. It's not like we're leading them on or something."

Tamaki blinked at the interaction between the new member and the twins. After a couple of moments to let his brain catch up with what he witnessed, he immediately reacted, "EGADS! You mean you did that well without having a clue what you were doing?!"

"Well, I guess," Ranma shrugged. This guy was reminding him of Mr. Tendo with the way he made outbursts.

"That settles it!" Tamaki cried as he dashed up to Ranma and gripped his shoulders. Incidentally, he knocked the twins out of the way too. "We cannot let this kind of potential go untapped! You must join our club! It's fate that led you to us!"

"Uhhhhhhh," Ranma blinked.

"Yeah!" Hunny cheered as Mori scooped him up onto his shoulders. "We haven't had a new member in so long!"

"Our workload has increased since the new term started," Kyoya nodded "We could use the extra man to help out."

"It'll be fun!" the twins grinned at the same time.

Ranma knew he was caught now. His mom wanted him to try and make more friends and despite some of the oddballs here, these guys seemed okay. Of course, the flirting relentlessly with the girls was a littler intimidating, but Ranma's mother did want him to talk to more girls. This place seemed to be a safe place for that. Not even Akane could accuse him of being perverted since they just talked to each other.

"Well…I guess I could stick around to see how this turns out," Ranma shrugged.

"Excellent!" Tamaki smiled charmingly with Hunny cheering in the background. "Then welcome to the ranks of the Ouran High School Host Club! Now, we'll have to figure out what kind of role you can fill!" Tamaki held Ranma at arm's distance and began to peer at him with an analytical eye.

"I think I have one already," Kyoya spoke up from his book. "Ranma seems to be the home-grown type of guy, but is experienced with the world while naïve in others, namely women. I think he's the perfect type of boy for those who desire someone from home with a taste of the exotic."

"Didn't get one word of that," Ranma muttered.

"Wonderful! It's perfect!" Tamaki cheered. "The natural but wild hair, the loose and relaxed stance, the eyes which speak experience no regular mortal can bear, yet hold a thirst for knowledge that can't be denied! It's perfect!" Tamaki whipped around to point at Kyoya. "Kyoya! Get on the website! By tomorrow I want the entire school to know that we have a new member!"

"I'll make a note of it," Kyoya nodded as he popped out a pen.

"Yay!" Hunny cheered as he leaped off Mori's shoulders and onto Ranma's. "This is going to be fun! A new friend!"

"Uh…sure," Ranma shrugged as he let himself relax a little more. Maybe being in Ouran wouldn't be such a chore after all.

"By the way," Kaoru spoke up as he stepped into Ranma's view, looking at him curiously. "Rumors say that you're Tekkei Kurenai's grandson. People were waiting outside for your limo but you never showed yet here you are. How'd you get here?"

"Simple, I walked," Ranma shrugged.

"Really?" Hikaru gaped, dashing into view on Ranma's opposite side. "You walked here when you had the option of coming in a limousine like others or even just a personal car? That's bold!"

"Mom offered a ride, but I already knew the directions," Ranma shrugged. "So why bother with a ride? I can easily get here on foot without breaking a sweat."

"Ooooooh!" the twins and Tamaki (who seemed to leap into the conversation from out of nowhere) gasped. Obviously it was something to be noticed when someone decided to come to school by foot instead of by limo or personal car when they had someone like Tekkei Kurenai as a grandfather. Really, just how big was the old man?"

"Yes well, it is getting late and we all have homework to get to," Kyoya spoke up. "So, let's pack it in for the night and head on our way. We all have appointments to keep after school tomorrow."

Cleaning up the music room, the boys all said their goodbyes and headed home. As Ranma left Ouran, he pulled out a piece of paper which had directions on it. It was where he was going to be living while he was taking classes at Ouran. Quickly looking them over and finding the direction he needed to go, Ranma was off like a shot. Roofhopping certainly cut down on travel time and such. Landing on the ground some time later, Ranma blinked at where the address he was supposed to be was. It certainly was the right place, but it didn't look right. The grounds had a perfectly cut lawn with trees growing side by side up to a large house that looked to be a mix of western and eastern architecture. It seemed pretty big too. Well, too big for one person.

"Wow," Ranma blinked. Shrugging, he headed up to the house to see that the address carved onto the brass plaque was indeed the same on the note that his mother gave him. Figuring that he had the right place, Ranma opened the door and stepped inside.

"Hello?" he called as he entered. "Is this-WOAH!!"

"Okeari nasai Goshujin-sama," several voices called out.

Standing in the main hall (which looked rather grand in the first place) were what had to be at least twenty maids all dressed up in black dresses with white aprons, blouses, and shoulders. Each of them had a white cap with long hair cascading down their shoulders. All of the female maids were at least in their twenties or just exiting their teens. Seeing them all smiling welcomingly and brightly made Ranma freeze in shock and/or fear.

"O…kay," Ranma gulped as he slowly began to back away. "I MUST have the wrong place…sorrytobotheryou!"

Trying to make a dash for the outside, Ranma felt the bag of his jacket get snagged by something. Looking over his shoulder, he realized that he had been snagged by one of the maids. This one was wearing the average uniform, but her hair was done up in two buns. It was ebony black which made her green eyes stand out. Her figure was curvy and she had a generous bust. Usually any man who saw her and was caught by her would have been grateful to get this close.

Ranma Saotome was not one of these men.

"Look, I obviously have the wrong house and I'm sorry for barging in," he gulped. "So I'll just leave, no harm, right?"

Blinking slightly, the woman began speaking, "Ranma Saotome-sama. Is that you?"

"Uh…yeah." Ranma gulped, completely missing the sama added to his name by the maid. "Look, if my pop cheated the owner of this place then I can just…"

"Oh don't be silly!" the woman giggled. It served to make her chest wiggle, but again Ranma didn't notice. "Ranma-sama, YOU are the master of the house. All of us here are here to serve you!"

"…huh?" Ranma blinked. "Wait…you mean you all work for my grandpa?"

"He does sign our pay stamps," the maid nodded. "Of course, you're the one who tells us what to do. Don't be afraid to ask us for anything should you require it. Okay?"

Ranma blinked confusedly, looking from the busty maid back to the other women who were smiling brightly just the same. He didn't quite understand why he needed maids in the first place, but he didn't really see anything he could do about it. It's not like he could send them all home or something. They worked for his grandpa even though he did have the right to tell them what to do at the moment. Still, he never was much of one to boss people around.

"Um…thanks," Ranma nodded. "Wasn't quite expecting maids though. So…uh…do I have a room here…or something?"

"Of course!" he busty maid nodded and snapped her fingers. Suddenly, two more attractive maids popped up and began pulling on Ranma's arms, leading him to the main staircase. "These two will show you the way. Enjoy yourself!"

Ranma didn't even have time to question what was happening before he was guided into a large room. It was filled with expensive furniture and even had a canopy bed. A private bathroom was located nearby. Plush Victorian furniture was in the room and hardwood dressers were available to keep his clothing in. Ranma blinked at the extravagance of it all, was his grandpa really this loaded? It was all too much for Ranma's personal tatstes.

"Here you are Ranma-sama!" both maids smiled, releasing the pigtailed boy. Shaking his arms, Ranma eyed the two who had grabbed him.

Both were dressed in the usual garb of the maids, but their hairstyles set them apart. One had dark hair which seemed almost green and was done up in two braids. The other had short violet hair which framed her face cutely. Both were certainly attractive and would have had the hentai horde from Furinkan High running. Their figures would have had even ore men from the school coming since they were both naturally curvy in all the right places. Of course, Ranma wasn't paying too much attention to their looks as he was the room.

"Uh…thanks," Ranma nodded absently, looking at the room.

"Our pleasure Ranma-sama," the green-haired maid smiled. "Just ask us for anything should you desire it."

"Especially if you need your…manly, desires fulfilled," added the violet-haired maid huskily.

THAT brought Ranma's attention to full force on the two maids. He now knew that his mother had to be involved in some way with the house. She was the only person he knew who talked that way. She had often asked him about what manly desires he entertained and how he quenched those desires. She kept hinting about girls and such, but he never could catch on to what the heck she was talking about. Of course, hearing these maids talk that way, he could see her hand in this, "My mother had you two placed here didn't she?"

"Yes!" green hair smiled. "Lady Nodoka hand picked all of the maids here because of the training we underwent with her mother on the lessons of servicing men amongst men!"

"So, do you need 'service' Ranma-sama?" asked the violet-haired maid with what Ranma assumed to be excitement in her eyes.

"Uh…no," Ranma answered simply. So his grandma was the one who got his mom into all of the man amongst men stuff? Well, she had to have picked it up somewhere. Still, being in a large house with at least twenty girls who followed the same train of thought was going to be troublesome.

"Oh," both maids sighed before slumping in disappointment. Both bowing respectfully, they left the room. However, the green-haired one poked her head back in before the door shut completely and added, "We maids have a communal bath near the back on the first floor. Feel free to stop by if you feel the need."

With that, she left and shut the door behind her, leaving a confused Ranma behind. Why would he want to go to that bath when he probably had a shower in the bathroom connected to his room.? Shrugging, he dropped his schoolbag next to a solid oak desk and flopped onto his bed. The day hadn't been so bad and definitely not as crazy as his usual days at Furinkan. At least the guys in the host club seemed somewhat normal. They weren't complete weirdoes like the wrecking crew.


Ten-Faced Paladin: What do you guys think? This idea just popped into my head one day and I decided to write it down. After so long of not knowing what else to do with it, I decided to post it in my idea farm.