"I was so insatiable
'Til the lights came on and the stories got old
Now there's no one here I know
And the city outside's not the same anymore." – Heading Home by Alan Walker, Ruben.

Chapter 3: Tyler, never forget where you came from.

Once the shock had settle into my bones and pink castle of a school set behind me as we drove home, I breathe. The exam had been far too easy that I finished it all in too far quickly for their tastes, the results far over their expectations. I remember hearing some of the staff saying the Japanese insult for a person of my history; orphans were not seen well in the rich world. "How can a throw away child be this intelligent at his age?" they mutter to each other, thinking I couldn't hear them as I quirk my eyebrow at them. They didn't use the phrasing again in my presence yet I knew that wouldn't stop them once I was gone.

They decided with the helpful influence of Jonathan to take the entrance exam for the class above my age. With that, I was put back in the classroom again with the higher exam papers. I took a little longer on these ones and probably made some mistakes this time around, some subjects that I haven't got around too or haven't been tutor to that level. They were still impressed with my scores and agree to me being in the class above for the new spring season. We left with automatic actions of shaking hands and thanks.

Honyaku's family had predicted correctly.

I sunk back into the leather seats of the expensive car; I couldn't tell you the modal beside it being a limo. Jonathan and Hikori were too busy talking in the front seats to take notice and I was thankful for it really. I was to be hit my teen years this year, the most awkward and self-finding years for my peers. I groan thinking about the potential chances of meeting the host club members if they were similar in ages, much as I love them on animated screen. I knew I didn't really want to wake up in their world of chaotic lives, I promise myself to not get involve whatever I could.

With that, I was brought back home for another couple of weeks of hell under Grandpa strict ruling. His teaching came rougher, there wasn't a lesson I didn't see that ruler not smack across my knuckles. The ruler began to peel skin and make me bleed. Jonathan always had to patch them soon after each lesson; I tried not to cry however I couldn't always contain the tears as he clean them. Jonathan agrees that this method was wrong, just like me he would get in trouble for saying so to his master. We just kept going. I found a friend and brother like figure in Jonathan in this time.

If it wasn't Grandpa, I was either studying, lessons or in the gym. By the end of the month of February, I had properly looked in the mirror for the first time in years. No longer did a small child with scruffy hair and baggy clothes stare back at me, now stood a much taller young boy all dress up smartly. My white hair now shaped around my head, classic boy hair cut. My body gave no hint to a ladies figure with the muscles showing around my shoulders making them seem broad, my figure maybe skinny had shape and I wonder what I would look like in a few years time once puberty hits. I'm definitely shaping into the gentleman the Honyaku's wanted.

Sometimes, I even forgot that underneath all these layers that I was still a girl. Honyaku's never really spoke of it much, mainly only when needing to hide something. Such as once I turn thirteen of age I will have a voice instructor to hide any feminine qualities in my voice may contain and help make it seem that I was going through puberty to grow a good masculine voice. They even discuss the plausibility of my period hitting in and medicine I will be taking to control that, since I won't have pad bins in the boy toilets. Luckily they have normal toilet stalls alongside stand up ones so that was one less worry. I check when taking the exams. Japanese boys aren't the type to go glimpsing into other stalls unlike the western kind, so I didn't have to worry about peeping boys.

What that? How was I to act around seeing boys peeing when I go to the toilets? Those things that would easily worry a normal young girl, I have already seen a full life where I seen boys and men in worse settings. I have seen my partners on the toilets, I've drawn naked models, I've seen it already all before in my last life. It was really the least worrying thing for me. I was more worry how far the Honyaku's are willing to go to hide my gender, much as I don't mind playing the part of a male. It doesn't mean I want to give up my womanhood either; I never gave much for gender norms in any of my lives. I didn't and still don't care how people preserve me as, as long as I knew who I am.

I'm Tyler, A girl who easily bribe with books. Is usually a chant I had to remind myself on days when my fingers won't cooperate with me through the pain when I was alone in the expansive bedroom, studying. A chant I echoed in my head when Grandpa left me alone for a couple more hours in the day. I'm Tyler, A girl who easily bribe with books. It was all I had beside the album and fox toy to remind me who and what I am in this life, the strings that I buried deep in my wardrobe to hide from Grandpa because I knew if he found them, he would throw them away.

I just couldn't wait for school to begin. Couldn't April come by quicker?

The weeks felt like they were dragging their feet as I dove into studying and the gym, anywhere away from Grandpa. I wanted to give my poor hands a break; It didn't take him long to catch me. He caught me at the end of my first week of hiding, he wasn't at all happy with me. He grimace and disappointed face stung more bitterly then any bee sting could to my heart, I hadn't realised how much I wanted to impress him until now. He pulled me up to his office and sat me down, he slap down paperwork in front of me. I knew I was in for a harsh punishment when I notice the gleam of his metal ruler in its pencil pot, it look like it had been sharpen but that might be my eyes playing with me. I gulped and got on with the work, no words needed to be said.

I made sure that week that I didn't make a single mistake and Grandpa seems much happier with the results, part of my education with him was the paperwork that my adoptive parents left to him. He saw it a great opportunity for me to both learn company work, skills and help him in his work. It was a smart tactic, if he ever got rid of the nasty ruler. The second week I wasn't so lucky in being perfect, can you blame me? I am only human. That's when I got a good taste of new ruler and for sure it had been sharpen because it clung in my skin. I cried out that day, in turn this made Grandpa Stop and call Jonathan, his face filled with guilt at the actions he had taken. He took no pride in what he had done that day. Jonathan was close to having yelling match with him however instead, he took me away to one of the bathrooms and washing the blood away and cleaning my hand. He spoke no words but I could tell he was brimming with anger as tears drop fell from my eyes. We didn't speak a word but for a little while, I didn't feel alone.

The silence over us eventually past, as he breathe heavily as he got me sit down on top of the toilet seat. He brought out the first aid kit from the cupboard before getting on his knees, with the bandage in his hand ready to wrap mine. "I'm going to have to report this to Master Sousuke, "he told me gently, his hand being careful in wrapping my right hand, my writing hand. "He's not going to happy about this news."

"Its fine, Grandpa didn't me-"I begin to mutter.

"How can you say that?" He interrupts me, "How can you defend him when he does this to you? When will it be too much?" His anger boiling over the edge.

I brought my non-injured left hand on his shoulder, patting it gentle. "Because no matter what, I have you to help me through this."

He breathes deeply, a slight chuckle left his lips and I couldn't help smile softly. "You're a strange kid, Tyler."

"I know, I know." I answer him soothingly.

That day the metal ruler was thrown away by Grandpa and replace with a wooden one. Something's can't be ever fully changed right away. He however did say sorry to me at dinner that night as he look down with shame, I put my hand over his chunky, wrinkle one. I couldn't find words to say for Grandpa never says sorry unless he means it. He knows he went a little too far. He wasn't the dream Grandpa but he was still my Grandpa. I still love him.

The last two weeks before school started, Grandpa barely uses the wooden ruler. He notices how much I struggle with my writing hand, the one he had struck. We got through the paper much quicker this way and he seem surprise at my pace without the influence of the ruler. That by the last few days, the ruler became what it was meant for. The tradition of the abusive ruler had been broken before I start school though the scar would forever be a reminder to him of his guilt. Jonathan was overjoyed by his master's growth though he wouldn't tell him beside that glued on smile that stretched across his face.

On that last day on the weekend, I had begged the kitchen staff to let me make him cookies. Their shellshock faces were a little entertaining before they agreed to my request as long they were allowed to help me with the task. With that we bake ginger cookies and the maids made some tea for me to take to Grandpa's Office. I took the tray in hand and brought it to him, with one hand balancing the tray, I knock with the other. I wait patiently until Grandpa opens the door; his surprise face was a nice touch before it turns in adoration for me. He gently took the tray from me and lets me follow after him. His Office space was one I dearly love beside the library; beside the countless books were knickknacks from all over the world, letters stuff between hardbacks and paperbacks. The window let light gleam through the other end, showing off the manors glamorous back garden.

I took my seat on the other end of his work desk where Grandpa lay the tray down before taking his own seat. The teacups were already full and ready to drink; I took my cup carefully with the way I was taught. A small part of me wanted to wrap my cold hands around the sides to warm them but Grandpa would not be please with that style of handling. I couldn't find words to say, even if I had been around this man for two years. There was a lot I still didn't know about him.

"Tyler," He interrupt my thoughts, placing his own cup back down with the sound of chimes. "What brings you to me today with tea and biscuits?"

"Well Grandpa," I start letting the words leak out from my tongue. "I have questions."

He hum, "Why ask now?" he seem intrigue by my newly evolved actions.

"I didn't have the courage to ask them before." I answer truthfully, "You can be a very intimidating person, Grandpa." I took another sip to bring some warmth into my lungs to stop the shaky limps from being obvious. There was a small part of me that is frighten off Grandpa, reasonably so. As much my past adult self hated it, I couldn't stop those feelings. I was still a child in this life and Grandpa is a fully grow adult that has shown me abusive tenancy towards me.

He chuckle lightly as he nabs a ginger cookie. "To children, I guess I can be." He answers, "Go on then, ask away."

"This whole," I point towards myself. "Pretending to be a boy thing. How far are you going to go with it?"

"As far to make you seem like a boy," he says. "We aren't going to change your gender; we only do that if you want that and believe you want to be a man. That is your choice at the end of the day."

At that news, I felt relief. I had my doubts about Honyaku's sometimes yet they have never gone too far intentionally. I nodded, "My other question is why you want me to pretend to be a boy?"

"Revenge." Grandpa said no explanations beside the smirk on his face.

"Revenge?" I further asked. "Why revenge?"

"Let's just say, we have some business partners stuck in the dark times." He told me, "Sousuke and I want to get some revenge on them by teaching them a lesson."

I gulp, if there's one thing I definitely learnt today is you don't cross the Honyaku's. "By putting me under their noises, your rubbing into their faces that women can do men work when my real gender is revealed." I couldn't help but like the way the Honyaku's think.

"Exactly, kid." He seems proud and I felt a bubble of warmth from this. "Anything else kid?"

"Besides wanting to get to know you more," I state. "No other questions." It went quiet as we finish our teas and biscuits in silence. It didn't take long, seeing as Grandpa wanted to get back to work.

"Come back next Sunday, same time and we'll talk some more." He tells me, as a smile grows on my lips loving the development of our Grandpa and Granddaughter relationship. If you told me last year I would be here I wouldn't believe you. I nod as I take away the trays with the cups and plate on top and left him to his paperwork.

"Don't over work yourself Grandpa." I left him with that as I shut the door, a chuckle echo through the wooden door and I couldn't help but bounce my way back to the kitchen. Today was a memorable day.

The day rush past me quicker than any race horse could run. The day became night and of course the only off-day I have is gone with matter of seconds. I found myself underneath the king size bed with all my blankets and pillows, little tea lights weaved through the bed frames. It was my own blanket fort under the bed, my safe place. On the days I have off, I had been building this little tiny place for myself. It has given me a place to breathe without feeling like I'm in a room much too big for one person.

This was my place to relax, to think, to be alone. I felt safe lying upon the many clusters of warm blankets, this is my sanctuary. Jonathan had found it amusing when he has to awaken me from underneath the bed; he wasn't surprise by the act either. I done it so often it came to be my quirk that the Honyaku staff gossip about, it never bother me as long as I could sleep.

As I buried myself under the fluffy abundant of blankets, I couldn't help ponder what waits for me in the new day, my first day at Ouran. A world I once view on screen and paper was now a reality in this life, some part of me couldn't help be grateful for a world so less harsh then many others. It can be cruel yet nothing like other media I had consumed on a daily basis in my last life. It was an reality very similar to my last life, though I never knew any rich kids personally so I had nothing to really compare to in that aspect.

But the days and years ran normally, nothing to accommodate the main characters lives and their own wants. No, the world kept turning with no remorse for anyone. Every single individual character I once adore under a different set of eyes, I knew I would have to remember now; they are flesh and blood. I will be on the side lines for sure. They wouldn't want me in their club, I'm pretty sure. With that easing thought, I turn the little tea lights off and let myself sleep the night away.

A door resounding slam awoke me from my slumber, Jon voice echo throughout the room."-ler, Tyler! It time to get up."

I groan as I pull myself from under the bed, it was awkward yet I'll keep doing it for the goodnight sleep. Jon chuckling at my pain, made me throws my pillow at him in which he easily catches. Once free from my little cavern, I grab the white uniform and underpants with me to the shower. Once clean, dress and ready, Jon took me downstairs to the kitchen where we had breakfast together. If it only me, I always told Jon to have the food together in the kitchen as I despise sitting in the diner room alone. It took much convincing but I got through eventually.

Once set and ready, bag in hand. Jon pats my head at the doorway as if sayings behave. I nod before following Hikori into one of many expensive cars the Honyaku's own. I learnt that Sousuke was a bit a manic for cars and kept a good collection of them in the ever so large garage. It felt more like a mini parking lot for the rich. Once directed towards one of the dark red car near the front, Hikori held the door open for me. I was thankful it was the one beside him; I couldn't help be amaze how they still comply with my odd requirements.

Taking my seat and I put my seatbelt over as the door shut beside me, Hikori was shortly in his own place and ready to drive. He smile softly, his pale complexion shone under the morning sunlight. "Good morning Tyler." He told me as he got the engine going with the key.

"Good morning Hikori," I began. "I wish I was allow to walk on such a nice day." and it really was, there was a soft breeze and the sky was gleaming blue.

Hikori hums, as he drove. "It is a beautiful day; maybe you can have a chance to experience it in the Ouran gardens."

"True, I could." I answer, as I watch the streets and home neighbourhood flow past. It felt strange seeing it once again, I rarely left the estate beside when being drag along for meetings. Those were far and few between, most the people I couldn't remember well. A lot of them brought myself being left to entertain their daughters, who fluster at seeing me and Grandpa, were please by this reaction. I felt these were test to see how male like I came across to others. Either extremely well or these rich girls were slow.

Either way, I knew I had kept everyone from knowing. Considering my own staffs haven't caught on is enough of a good clue. I was a very convincing actress.

The door open for me and I fumble off my seatbelt, Hikori shook his head before speaking. "Now, behave Tyler and keep the Honyaku's name well. They trust in you."

"I will, Thank you Hikori." I reply once standing. Hikori was never one for talks or affections, he play his role as paid and that all. He shut the door, took my hand and put in it something I've yet to receive; a mobile phone, a chucky Nokia.

"This is so you can contact me if anything changes and I know when to pick you up," He tells me. "Your Grandfather forgot to give it you yesterday. Take care."

Hikori got in the car and left me, always one to be punctual. I sigh as I put the phone in my front pocket, I'll play with it later to get familiar with how it works. I had grown up on this phone in my past life yet that was in my childhood years, tech grew rapidly with my years of growth. It felt strange to have it as modern technology; Honyaku's aren't ones to cheap out on these things. It felt strange to know what will be but not experience it again for years.

Looking up at pink castle, I took my steps towards the place where I am going to be educated. I thought of all those massive libraries and grip my bag tighter, I might not stay in them but I know I be booking handful out. The need to read and take everything I can from them sang to me. Get a grip, one step at a time Tyler!

Walking into the building and to the reception, the lady behind it had overly bubbly appearance as she hum through her paperwork. I forgot how sickly sweet some the staff could be here. Her lips painted ruby red, her hair familiar shade of colour. Her dark eyes turn to me and her cheeks redden at the sight of me, great a paedophile.

I cough, "excuse me; I've been assigned to the second year of the junior class."

She clap her hands together, "Ah! Yes. Honyaku, Tyler." I nod as she picks out paperwork and passing it over to me. "These are your classes and you will be meeting with the heads of your year in the junior teacher's office. They'll give you a tour." She gave further instructions to find the room and then 'shoo' me away to get there in time.

Once I found the room, all my papers I had stuff in my bag beside the class timetable left in my hand on the way. I knock on the door, a gentleman all dress smartly and glass was obviously one of the teachers here. He stood looking me up and down, probably wondering who I am. I better speak.

"Hello Sir, I'm Honyaku, Tyler. I was sent here." I told him, noticing two smaller bodies behind him. A lady with straight brunette hair and glasses was eying me down and the other, almost made me gasp at his appearance. I bit my tongue instead, instantly recognising the younger Ootori boy, his disguisable nose and gray eyes; even the fake smile and black mop of hair, all the features shown in the series I once watched.

"Tyler, I've heard a lot about you." The teacher told me, smiling. I almost want to scoff at that, knowing he meant I was a throw away child. "This is Ootori, Kyoya and Jounouchi, Ayame. They both head of your year and will help you with your first day at Ouran."

They both bow with their names and I return them, "Please take care of me."

"Well I must get on; I have a class to teach." The teacher said, with one bow and left us alone.

I gulp, not use to this environment. It felt tense with the way the two were trying to read me. Jounouchi walks up to me, eying me up and down. There was a glare in her eyes as she soak me in. "Jounouchi, Ayame." She spoke, her voice monotone and firm. I took her hand softly and shook it, she blink probably not expecting the gentleness in my touch.

"Honyaku, Tyler." I reply, a little confuse by the repeat of our names.

"For one with such name, you do not look anything like the Honyaku couple." Jounouchi pointed out, "You seem not to bare either their angelica hair colouring or their features."

Kyoya smirk at this, "That's because Honyaku was adopted." He answers smoothly as he walks up beside her.

I nodded, "Ootori is correct, the Honyaku's adopted me into their family." It was news you couldn't exactly hide, considering they took me on the age of ten and you can't really explain a child randomly appearing in their family. Though the Honyaku's are known to adopting in the past, it not unusual for the family.

She doesn't speak another word for a moment, before turning to Kyoya. "Ootori, I have other urgent matters I must tend to, may it be possible that I leave this to you?"

He smiles and nods back at her, "You may."

Those words are all she needs as she leaves us with one more goodbye. She was a strange one. I turn back to Kyoya, sweat on my hands. Of course I get left with him of all people, I thought today was going to be a good day.

Just think of those books, those beautiful, brilliant books.

Hey!

That's a wrap for chapter 3, we're starting to meet the characters! I've been reading the manga to learn of more characters and the Ouran world, due the anime does seem to gloss over a lot of details.

So that next chapter might be awhile, as I would like to finish the manga before continuing, just wanna get all the information I can before getting Tyler thrown into the crazy world of the host club. (I didn't realise how much more open the manga has on its world building.)

Thank you so much for all the follows and favourites, they mean a lot!

And special thanks to all those beautiful reviews :3

Seeya soon

Second Chapter reviews:

Mr. Meowington: Thank you for your feedback, I did notice some bumpy bits after upload (I uploaded in the early morning so my fault.) and I have gone back and tried to fix some of these pieces I could find. Thank you for bringing it up however. Yes, some of the fanfic apps do have a text to speech, I use an unofficial one that can do that too though I'm terrible at listening to stories. I prefer finding a time to sit down and disappear in a story, but I understand work must get done! Thank you for continuing on this journey with me, it means a lot to me!

cindy yuliana92: Thank you for the confirmation! I dug deeper than that, but I was very thankful when I saw your review, meant a lot.

Animie02fruit: Thank you!

0palescence: Thank you, I hope some of your questions were answered in this chapter. They did make me think more deeply on the affects that could happen later in the story, but I already knew a good deal of how the Honyaku's were going to handle it. Thank you so much, I'm so happy you and so many others are enjoying this little story of mine.

Cute-but-psycho824: There really isn't, but I'm not surprised by it either. Honyaku's have a lot of growing to do, but none of the families in the host club anime are outstanding people. The titles are base on things people have told her while growing up, so yes they are very ambiguous. Thank you so much for your review, it really means a lot!

Thank you all so much!