I'd first like to thank CrabsAndCakes for reviewing! It really inspired me to keep going! I'm glad you've been enjoying it and I hope you enjoy the future chapters!

Ch. 6: Uproar in the Library! Gambling away!

On Friday, I attempted talking to Haruhi before class. So far things were going smoothly. I asked if he'd help me to double check my work and he did. I only had a few things wrong here and there, not nearly as bad as I thought I did. As soon as that was over we had a few minutes left before our first lesson would start and I tried to ask about why the host club had been so harsh with me - I had arrived early today and luckily enough so had Haruhi, that's the only reason we had some free time.

Unluckily she had the twins by her side the entire time.

Luckily only one twin sat on my left and the other was in front of him on Haruhi's left so we weren't sandwiched in or anything.

Unluckily I could feel their eyes burning into me the entire time I was talking to Haruhi. They were just trying to annoy me until I stopped talking to him but I wasn't going to have it. I could put up with whatever these twins had to throw at me.

And by that I mean LITERALLY throw at me. From just tossing paper balls to paper airplanes to spit balls, lets just say my dodging skills improved more rapidly then ever before throughout the course of the day. What really pissed me off is the teacher didn't do anything about it, but I figured I'd just shrug it off and show them they weren't going to stop me from seeing my one and only friend here.

I hated to admit it but the experience had me feeling a little bit down. But I wouldn't give up! It wasn't instilled in me to do so.

But I'm getting ahead of myself, lets take it back to my small interrogation of my friend.

"Its not because I'm foreign is it?" I had asked. He just shook his head.

"No I can tell you right now that's not it. Besides I'm pretty sure Tamaki has foreign blood so it'd have been pretty twisted if that was the issue."

"Wait, so you do know what it is? I mean what did I do?" I questioned, trying to get as much out as I could.

"It's not really anything you did… I'm not really in a space to tell you at the moment." He made a slight point towards the twins that were now shooting me glares. I gulped a little and nodded my head.

"Do you think it would do me good or bad to find out what it was?" If Haruhi suggested against it, then maybe figuring out whatever it was I was trying to figure out wouldn't be such a good idea and I'd switch tactics to finding my way on the Host clubs good side, or maybe just staying under the radar until the whole thing blew over.

"Honestly I don't know why they're making such a huge deal out of it. I'd have no problem letting you kn-"

"Oh Haruhi don't you just say the oddest things." The twins interjected.

"It must be a commoner thing and as adorable as that little conversation was to watch it's getting annoying to listen to." Kaoru added.

"Certainly it's end is long over do."

I gave them a flat look and I could tell by Haruhi's huff that he was just as upset with all of this as I was. However he had just given me one of the most important pieces of information – he was willing to tell me whatever it was that they were so scared of me knowing. If I could just get him alone – wow that sounds creepy – but if I could, then this could all get cleared up and I could explain to them that whatever they were freaking out about was no big deal.

Then I could be Haruhi's customer and help him out while still seeing him everyday!

Sure it wasn't the BEST idea but it sounded really good to me.

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One of the major flaws in my not-thought-out-at-all-plan was that the host club seemed to have someone escorting Haruhi everywhere 24/7. At least, that's what it felt like with Hikaru and Kaoru hovering over him – not literally but you get what I mean – all throughout class.

In between throwing paper objects at me of course.

Then as soon as class was over they latched onto him and began escorting him to the club activities. I barely had time to register they had gotten out of their seats before they were already at the door and Haruhi was commanding he be released.

Yeah, like you could ever get those twins to listen.

It seemed that now that Haruhi was already in the host club I would have to go in there if I was to get any more clues.

I figured I could just casually waltz in. They had said I could return if I was there to visit a host, so I planned on just hanging around out there. Surely if I kept that up then eventually they would let something slip and the secret would be revealed.

The only problem was that I wasn't even in the room for 5 minutes when Kyoya gave the order that I leave. The next thing I knew both elbows were looped firmly with that of two others and I had been spun around to face the door.

This time I picked up on what was going on.

"Hey, hey hey, calm down I'm here to see a host!" I tried and was given enough time to spin back around and see that the twins had been the bouncers trying to toss me out the door.

Kyoya told them to get back to work and that he'd deal with me himself.

"I'm terribly sorry but all of our hosts are very busy at the moment, you'll have to come back another day." He stated, pushing up his glasses.

"Oh really? But apparently they're free enough to act like club bouncers."

"I'd watch the attitude if I were you Miss Gray." His tone was full of menacing authority. I tried calming myself down and took a deep breath.

"Okay look, you said I could come back if I was here to see a host and I am." I reasoned. "You and I both know there are some open seats in here."

"Yes I said you could come back but I also told you they were all busy, seating space has nothing to do with being preoccupied."

"Come on, I mean, what did I ever do to get on you're guys' bad side?" I couldn't take not knowing.

"You're not on our bad side Miss Gray, whatever would make you think that?" I just sat there staring at him incredulously for a bit, wondering if that was a serious question.

"I can't believe you just said that – okay look, I don't know what it is I did but I'm sorry, now can I please visit my friend Haruhi."

"Whether you were on our bad side, or want to visit your friend or whatever, the matter still stands that all of our hosts – Haruhi included – are working. If that is all then you can just turn around and leave." I wanted to stand my ground, I really did, but this guy… I had no idea how I'd ever get past him, especially with this new dark like aurora that seemed to be emitting from him.

Like the scaredy cat I am, I retreated momentarily. And like the klutz I am I fell flat on my face when I tried to walk away with my dignity somewhat in tact. I thought about just laying there for a while but then slowly picked myself up and brushed off my dress before continuing on my way.

I could hear the girls that just entered giggle and then request to see Tamaki – of whom they were directed to immediately. I froze in my tracks. I wanted to turn around and exclaim "Ah HAH! I told you!' But then surely he'd just say "A spot opened up after you turned to leave and these girls just happened to refill it." And then end it with a polite and clearly false smile. Even though we both would have known it would have been a lie.

I figured the only way I'd get in there was with a disguise.

But... how would I get one? All I had was the clothes I brought with me and all the girls in there were wearing the school uniform, I'd be recognized in a split second. What I needed was a uniform and possibly wig – my hair stood out way to much for its own good with the bottom being light honey blonde and the top being variations of dark browns.

I rummaged through my messenger bag and grabbed out a deck of cards. I wasn't normally a betting person and I didn't really know any betting games but I did know how to play a game of bull, and if I could convince someone to bet me on that game then maybe I'd be able to borrow someone's uniform for a little while. As for my hair, I doubt anyone was going to just have a wig laying around. I think I'd be able to style it in a bob style if I owned enough pins. If I was able to get all the blonde tucked back then it would look like I just had short brown hair.

I breathed out deeply. I needed to suck up enough courage to try and get people to play me – which would involve making a big announcement. And being completely honest even if I had friends here to back me up I still would have been too reserved of a person to make this kind of statement.

I guessed one of the best places to find people to bet would be in one of the libraries considering it was always too loud in there to study. The closest one was in the east wing which, currently brought the unpleasant memory of my argument with Kirito.

Oh well. Time was wasting.

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I don't know how I did. I honestly have no clue how I was able to do it. Somehow, I managed to get myself siting around the table with a group of girls betting.

Granted, these girls seemed more rebellious then others, a little more tomboyish than elegant. I took a wild guess that their parents weren't to happy with that while I on the other hand was relieved that not all of them were perfectly dainty flowers -with the exception one of them was just a friend of them and she was shy and reserved. Also she was adorable. If they had all been flowery girls, then convincing them to gamble a dress might have been near impossible.

All I had really done was sputter out a few words that couldn't be heard over the clamor of people.

"Hey, um I'm looking to make a wager…" I had muttered. Obviously no one heard me so I had repeated the phrase a little bit louder then before. "Hey! I um… I'm looking for someone to bet me!" Still no one heard me, and before my courage left me – if I had any to begin with – I marched over to the nearest shelf grabbed the thickest book I could find and pulled out a chair to stand on.

I took a peak at where the librarian was meant to be and saw that someone up above must have been on my side because for whatever reason they weren't there right now. With shaking hands I let the book drop onto the table and squeezed my eyes shut. A silent hush went throughout the room and I could hear the blood pounding in my ears, my face must have looked beat red and when I finally got enough guts to open my eyes and see everyone staring at me – something I had to get a hold of quickly or I might lose their attention – I cleared my throat so they all knew this wasn't all pointless attention seeking.

Although I'm sure some of them would still think that anyway.

"Look. I need to borrow an Ouran Uniform –" Some people started chatting again after that while very few still decided to pay attention. Some people were already whispering that I was an attention seeker or that I was just looking to dirty up one of their uniforms. "Look I'm willing to bet for it, I just want to borrow not to keep."

"Oh really? And what could you possibly have to bet that we want?" One of the girls called out. She had short black hair that looked vary undone, as if it was her own little sign of rebellion against all things fancy.

"Well I don't really have much…" Crap. I never thought about anything that I could offer up to them.

"New money's right, why would we place a bet if there was no gain for us. I mean hheeellloooo?" One of the more airheaded girls stated causing her friends to burst into giggles.

'New money?' I wondered. 'Explains why she isn't as prissy as the rest of them…'

"I'll play for dares." I blurted. And they paused as if contemplating it.

"What kind of dares?" A male called out. I shrugged, unsure.

"I don't know, any kind."

"So you'd strip down naked in run around the school?" He called back and same other boys started whistling while the some girls scoffed in disgust.

"No!" I nearly screeched, my face flushing red all over again. " Any REASONABLE dares that won't get me expelled." I clarified.

"How do we know you'd do the dare?" The first girl who spoke called out again.

"Look you just have to take my word for it okay."

"What do you even want the uniform for?" Another person asked.

"That… is a little personal." I muttered.

"Hey listen missy none of us are gonna take a bet unless we know what you want the uniform for in the first place." The new money girl spoke again.

"Look I'll only tell you if you decide to play the game." I announced over the once again chattering voicing.

"And you'll still do a dare?"

"Yes. Of course – again only REASONABLE dares." I emphasized, taking a look throughout the crowd at the male specimen.

It went silent for a while. Well, silent for the people who weren't ignoring my announcement.

I stared at the new money girl who seemed to be my best bet. She glanced at a couple of her friends and seemed to be saying some things to them before returning my glance.

With a shrug she began stalking her way over. "We're in." she declared in a voice that made any declaration seem absolute. " What's the game?"

The corners of my lips turned up in a smile as I saw her friends following her over. I jumped off the chair and stuck out my hand for when she came over. She returned the gesture with a strong grip.

"My names Chieko Hatarashi, behind me is Aya, Miyuki, Eriko and Sachi." She said tilting her head in the general direction of each person.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Bee Gray and the game we play is bull."

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While most people went out about their business some people did pull up chairs around our little table to see how the game was played and how it would turn out. They would listen too and add banter with us.

I had to say, I was really liking the laid back attitude of Chieko, something about her just made a person kick back and relax. It was comforting and nice to joke around with someone.

When I had informed the girls that I needed the dress as a disguise to sneak into the host club Chieko had laughed and said "Okay first off why would you ever want to go to the Host club its just a bunch of girls fawning over guys putting on an act. And secondly why do you need a uniform? I didn't think those guys had a dress code. Heck I hear that half the time they have their shirts off."

"Well… I'm kind of banished, but I need to sneak in because I'm trying to confirm a suspicion I have." I mentioned the first part sheepishly and spit the last sentence out quickly to defend myself.

"Banished! Woah I applaud you how'd you manage to pull that one off?"

"I wasn't trying too! In fact I have absolutely no idea what I did, which is what I'm trying to figure out."

"So tell me, which one of these guys do you despise the most?" She questioned after a brief pause.

That question took me a bit off guard and I had no idea why she would want the information, but I was worried she may back out if I withheld it. "Honestly… I don't think I despise any of them really… if you want to know who gets on my nerves the most then hands down it's Hikaru and Kaoru those guys are so utterly annoying. Hikaru more so then his brother." I tugged at my hair a bit just thinking about it. She gave me a smirk after hearing the information.

"Look whatever that game you were talking about was, I'll play. But if I or one of my girls wins, then you have tooo….." She made a sly glance back at her pals who seemed to have caught on to what she was saying. "You have to go up to one of the twins – I don't personally care which one, hey you could do both if you want – but you have to go up to one of them and kiss them for at least 10 seconds on the day and time that I would inform you of at a later date." She said. My face must have looked disgusted because she said "Disgusting I know, but hey there's no point in a dare if it isn't something you wouldn't normally do."

She had a point. And something about the way she carried herself told me she wasn't out to get me or anything, she just wanted a fun game with something at stake.

I mulled it over for a little while, that was not something I wanted to do what so ever. There wasn't any guarantee that I would win this either… maybe I should just give up on trying to learn the secret until they forgot about me… but that would have made all of this pointless. So preparing myself for the worst I swallowed hard and agreed.

"Fine."

Around fifteen minutes later I had three cards left, Chieko had 5 and the others had from 8 -15. Because of the larger group I had to pull out an extra deck so there were roughly 104 cards in total. I already knew I was going to win. By the time it got back around to me the number I was suppose to put down would be 6, and all three cards in my hand happened to be 6's.

The game in all honesty was easily to plot out if you were able to count ahead far enough. And like all card games, have a bit of luck.

Of course like all players do when another player lays down their last cards they called BS. But they were wrong, and I proved it when I flipped the cards over to show them that I hadn't been lying.

"Alright, good game." Chieko said in defeat. "Drat I was looking forward to that dare… guess I'll just have to get someone to do that another time…so anyway, I have a spare dress over in my dorm room if you'll follow me, but I do have one last question."

"Yeah what is it?" I asked.

"You're plot to disguise your looks seem fair enough but how will you ever disguise that accent?"

Without warning my head fell against the table – starling them and surprising myself that I was comfortable enough to express myself without thinking about it. "Owww…." I muttered. "Someone please remind me never to do that again."

"You're kidding me right?" She started chuckling, recovering much faster then the other girls. "You didn't think of that? Aren't you supposed to be a super smart or something?"

" Suppose to be yes? Whether I am or not has recently been put up for debate." My voice came out mumbled when my face was rested on the table.

"You are a real card!" Chieko cheered. "Well you've gotten this far, I'm sure you'll figure something out." She pushed her seat out from the table and was making a gesture for me to follow when I came up with a brilliant idea.

"Wait." I stated and she stopped in the middle of her gesture. "You could be my voice."

"Ummm… have you gone insane or something? How am I suppose to be your voice, I'm not some ventriloquist."

"No that's not what I meant." I said, excitedly standing up and gripping her shoulders lightly. "I'm not going to be able to speak, obviously that'd be a dead give away. But if I was just shy and you were a friend speaking for me then it'd work!"

She stared at me oddly, seemingly surprised that I'd stood up.

"Yeah… well I suppose that'd work." She said relaxing. "But I'll have you know that I won't be bought to easily. The dress was part of the original bet, but me being your little speaker was not. If you want that too then we have to go another round. I'll even make it shorter on you, just you and me. But this time we play a game of Hanafuda. If I win it's the same deal as last game – except… after mulling over what you said I think Hikaru is definitely the twin you should kiss. I mean, you said he's the most irritating right? " She raised her eye brows at me "You in?"

"As much as I don't like risking myself again I have to admit I like how you think." I let go of her and calmed down. "Teach me how to play and I'm in."

There was no way I could lose.

Except for the fact that I did.