Hey, so I'm back! Yay! I'm actually on time this time! Kinda. It's just a couple days after! Haha! Well, enough with the talk, ne? Let's just get to this story!

Oh, and before I forget, I haven't introduced Arai that much yet; just a little inkling. I'll put some more emphasis on the situation this chapter and fill in any parts of the plot that may or may not make sense! It'll just let you know what's going on while still progressing through the story! Get it? XD

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Ouran High School Host Club nor do I own its characters! They all belong to the wonderful Bisco Hatori! I only own this story plot! And the song, I'm With You, belongs to the one and only Avril Levigne!

I'm With You

~Chapter 7~

To say Haruhi was excited was an understatement; she was absolutely beaming. She couldn't believe that she was actually in a place that she (most likely) was accepted and loved. But, she couldn't shake the disappointed feeling that she possessed when she found out she was to be adopted into the Suoh family. And, oddly enough, it seemed to revolve around her beloved Tamaki-senpai.

She found it a bit weird that she thought of this fact. She didn't know why she had even felt disappointed. Honestly, she thought she was supposed to be rejoicing with all the others and celebrating the event. But, no, she found herself caught in a slight drizzle; it becoming harder every second she left her thoughts to linger on her adoption.

Why, she asked herself, why do I feel this way? It just doesn't make sense!

"Haruhi," Tamaki called, cutting her out of her thoughts, "who's Arai?"

Haruhi silently thanked Tamaki for keeping her thoughts from becoming even more depressing. Sitting down on the cushion of a couch in the T.V. room, she flashed him a smile before she started to write her response: 'An old friend of mine.'

Tamaki raised an eyebrow at her for a second, his face morphing into a look of thoughtfulness. "Do you mean that he's the one who was your only friend in your childhood?"

Haruhi's eyes widened as she looked at him with surprise. 'How did yo-'

"I let him read what you had written to me a while ago; about your past, Haruhi," Hanako said before Haruhi could finish her question.

Haruhi's face showed that of understanding. She didn't feel the urge to get mad at her Aunt, surprisingly. Usually, if someone would spill to another about her past, Haruhi would be furious, thinking that no one even deserved to speak of her history to others. The very thought infuriated her! She didn't even feel a shred of anger towards the fact that Tamaki knew; and at this, she wondered just what was going on with her.

Tamaki nodded with understanding, things finally starting to click into place. Yes, he was still thoroughly confused about her upbringing, but at least he was starting to get it… right?

At that thought, the biggest thing that had been bugging his mind ever since Haruhi came into his life randomly and spontaneously popped up: why is she mute?

Of course this was coming; he's thought about it billions of times but he never got the best time to ask. And at this very moment, with them talking about Haruhi's history, he was bugging to ask. And, at this very moment, he found himself asking that very question.

"Haruhi," he began, somewhat awkwardly, "why… why are you…"

Haruhi raised a questioning eyebrow at him, showing that she was indeed listening. But, Tamaki couldn't seem to get the words out of his mouth. Maybe, he thought, I can't say it because of the wording!

So, re-wording his sentence, he began, once again, to ask what he truly wanted the answer to: "Why don't you speak to anyone?"

Haruhi was quiet. She didn't know what to say. No, scratch that; she knew exactly what to say. She just… the subject was just really sore to her still. She couldn't even think about it without tears prickling up at the back of her eyes.

Tamaki's eyes widened at Haruhi's response: she looking down to the ground and covering the upper half of her face with her bangs. The aura around her seemed to darken and he was immediately regretting his question. What was he thinking! Mentally slapping himself silly, he forced a smile upon his lips.

"S-sorry, Haruhi; you don't have to answer that. I was just being stupid." Awkwardly chuckling, Tamaki sweat dropped, "Never mind…"

Haruhi, none the less, was quiet for a little while. And then, a minute after Tamaki had said his last word, she lifted up her face to show him the forced smile that she had tried her best to create.

It broke his heart to see her in so much pain. And it hurt him even more to know that he had caused it. So, he did what he did best in these kinds of situations: he smiled.

There was an awkward moment of silence before Tamaki's father came into the room. And almost instantaneously, he noticed the thick atmosphere surrounding the trio. A relieved sigh came from the mouth of the almost forgotten Hanako, thanking God that someone finally came to cut this awkward silence.

"Well this is awkward," Mr. Suoh stated, face portraying no emotion.

Haruhi scoffed at his obviousness as Tamaki laughed a bit awkwardly.

"Now son," Mr. Suoh began, "giving me that awfully awkward laugh isn't going to help the atmosphere. Be a little more like Haruhi here."

As he said this, Mr. Suoh walked over to Haruhi's side and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.

Tamaki stared at his father incredulously. "That's not something to say to your child!"

"But my child is old enough to know that I'm kidding, is he not?"

"Yeah, but…" Tamaki sighed, shaking his head in frustration. "You know exactly what I mean father."

Mr. Suoh chuckled. "Yes, but I very much enjoy messing with you, son."

Tamaki scowled at the floor as Haruhi stifled a barely audible giggle. And finally, Mr. Suoh turned his gaze to his daughter to be.

"Haruhi, I think it's time to tell you the agreement us adults came up with for your adoption."

Haruhi instantly gained an air of seriousness and nodded at Mr. Suoh, urging him to continue.

"This agreement will only last a year, until you're sixteen. Once you turn of age, you are going to be, legally, an adult; therefore, the contract will be off." As Mr. Suoh said this, he looked between Haruhi and Tamaki with a knowing look, amused to see his blushing son and his oblivious, about-to-be daughter-for-a-year.

Haruhi, giving him a questioning look, beckoned him to move onward for his conversation.

"I am but looking after you," Mr. Suoh sighed, complying to Haruhi's urging. "You will keep your own last name and you aren't really going to be Tamaki's sister. But, I will still be your legal guardian. So please call me 'Daddy'."

Mr. Suoh grinned when he noticed his son's glare pointed at him. He obviously knew his son referred himself to Haruhi's 'Daddy' but never really persuaded her to do so. And he relished in the amusement of Tamaki's annoyance.

Haruhi grabbed hold of her writing pad and started to write down her thoughts. 'Okay, Daddy', Mr. Suoh grinned at his son's growl, 'but when did you go over this with Yuki and Tsuyoshi?'

"Oh, it's very obvious. We did when you two were giggling and staring at each other both in the car and dining room," Mr. Suoh said.

Both kids blushed, looking away from any eye contact that was very possible to catch.

The almost forgotten Hanako cleared her throat after letting out a set of giggles. "I think I should get to my job."

She bowed and exited the room, leaving the trio in her wake. "I believe I'll be heading out too." Mr. Suoh, true to his word, headed out as well.

The two teens watched the door much longer than necessary after the older Suoh left. There was a somewhat awkward silence before Tamaki decided to break it himself. After all, he was pretty sure that Haruhi certainly won't.

"Haruhi… what happened to you to make you not want to speak again?" Once again, it was that question.

Haruhi didn't bother to make eye contact. And, honestly, because of the question, the air was getting even more awkward than before. So, he stood up, apologized and left the room. Little did he know that his question really did effect Haruhi more than he had originally thought.

Why did she promise herself never to speak?

Weeks passed and, eventually, the Suoh family did get the applications signed and gained custody of their beloved Haruhi. Tamaki, being the way he was, was completely ecstatic. And, Haruhi couldn't help but follow the blond boy's mood. Actually, she found it quite amusing.

After that fiasco, everything went back to normal… or, as normal as the Host Club could get. Haruhi followed her routine that she had required after being taken in by her savior: Waking up, morning routine, eat breakfast with Tamaki-senpai, go to school with Tamaki-senpai, go to class with the twins, eat lunch with the Host club, classes again, Host club duties, go home with Tamaki-senpai, do homework and tutor Tamaki-senpai, eat dinner and get tucked in by Tamaki-senpai… Usually. Sometimes the schedule was off, but, of course, it usually followed the outline.

Honestly, Haruhi had thought that nothing in her life could ruin this feeling of happiness in her heart. She was completely contented. And so, she decided to relish and savor the feeling in her heart. After all, it is just like as she says:

You never know when your life will take a turn for the worst.

It started off as a semi-normal day, all of her actions and thoughts, oddly, surrounding the shenanigans Tamaki-senpai would do. Usually, she'd ignore his spontaneous-ness, not even trying to help or center her own schedule around it. But, today, she just had this weird feeling. She wanted to, for some odd reason. So, following her gut, she did as she was told.

The Host Club was conducting their activities for the day, conversing with their guests and doing their usual routine. Haruhi couldn't be any happier. As she conversed with her guests, she had a huge smile grace her lips. And this sent the girls into fits of giggles and squeals. Her fellow hosts didn't know what had her so high in the sky, but, even if they asked her, she wouldn't be able to tell them her reason either. She just felt… happy today.

Just as her next guest came in, Haruhi was instantly hit with nervousness. Her big smile wavered and she questioned herself of what was happening to her. She was so happy only a second ago… what could have possibly gone wrong?

Her guest sat down. She wasn't a regular… well, at least not for her. She was… Tamaki-senpai's regular. She gasped quietly as she recognized the girl. What did Tamaki-senpai like to call her again? Princess… Princess what?

"Hello, you must be Haruhi Fujioka," the girl said, elegantly sweeping her dark red hair behind her shoulders.

Haruhi could only nod as she watched gray eyes flicker over her being, as if looking for the best way to take the host down.

"Tamaki has told me a lot about you. I'm Ayanokouji."

Haruhi gave her best Host Club smile and wrote down her reply: 'It's pleasant to meet you.'

Haruhi swore she saw distaste in Ayanokouji's gaze as she looked up. But, if she did, it was instantly gone in a snap. She just brushed it off. Maybe she was seeing things…?

"The feeling is mutual," she said in what looked like mock politeness.

Haruhi was thoroughly confused.

Ayanokouji assessed the girl once more before looking the girl in the eyes and whispered her thoughts.

"I don't see why Tamaki even likes you."

Haruhi, sipping delicately on her tea, choked.

"I mean, why would he want to take you in? You are quite boring, and those rumors about you being mute are actual fact? That just makes it all worse!"

Haruhi could feel tears gathering in her eyes. She sucked it up and kept up a polite smile.

"He must really feel pity for you."

Haruhi quickly scribbled down her intended thoughts, trying to write neatly behind her blurry, tear filled eyes.

'I assure you that it is not all pity. It may have been at first, but we have grown quite close. We have created a friendship like no other. So, I can thoroughly assure you that his feelings are definitely not pity.'

"You said that first part twice." She laughed. "You must really be incompetent.

Haruhi lost her patience. 'I know I did. I just wanted to make sure you got my point, seeing as you don't seem to be all too bright.'

A vein throbbed at Ayanokouji's temple. She felt her temper snap. But, she tried her best to keep her composition.

"Hmm. This only proves my theory."

Haruhi looked at her in question. She raised a delicate eyebrow at her offender.

"Tamaki is certainly going through pain. It must be so hard to take care of such a nuisance. I mean, look at you; you don't talk, you depend on him so much. I would never be a bit surprised if he just plucked you off the street like a lost puppy."

Haruhi's eyes widened as she heard this. How had Ayanokouji gotten this information?

"If I were him, I would have lost all my patience."

Haruhi wrote the only thing that someone who was being pelted with mental wounds could do:

'You're wrong.'

"Oh, on the contrary; just take a look. Doesn't Tamaki seem a little more… tired since you came into his life? I definitely see the difference. And don't spout some nonsense saying that it has absolutely nothing to do with you; I assure you, it does. He's changed so much ever since you came here. And let me tell you this: I assure you it is for the worse."

Haruhi started at the girl in horror. She definitely felt the tears beginning, probing to overflow. But, she kept them in. No way would she let this person have the satisfaction to watch her cry.

"Everything would be so much better without you. I'm sure if you left, you wouldn't be missed. So what do you say? Please, take the burden from him; set him free. Let him be happy again. Why don't you just disappear? Go away and leave him in his merry way?"

Haruhi stood up. Roughly shoving her chair away from behind her, she swallowed back the tears and gave Ayanokouji a sad, weak smile. And in that instant, all eyes were on the duo. At her words, Haruhi almost broke out crying. So, to keep herself from doing so, she did another thing that she had never, ever wanted to do again.

"Okay," Haruhi said, her voice full of the unshed tears that were threatening to overflow.

Calmly, she walked out of the room, leaving the room quiet and surprised behind her. No one didn't make a move to stop her, to comfort her, to yell or voice their opinion at Ayanokouji; they only heard the sweet voice coming from the quietest person in their school speak out the first word they'd ever heard her say.

Her one worded sentence rang through each and every one of their ears. And just like that, all attention was immediately on Ayanokouji.

~Chapter 7 End~

You like? You hate? Tell me in a review! And thank you for all the reviews and/or adding me to your alerts/faves! I appreciate it!

And, the thanks goes to…

werebeare- I'm glad you like!

Zahchi- Haha! You got that right! But, I really do hope that the explanation of the 'relationship' of Haruhi with the Suohs make sense… cause, she's only kind of Tamaki's sister sorta… Yeah. XD Haha! The update this time is a bit faster!

missforever-a-vampire-lover- I'm glad you like it so much! It makes me feel special! :D And, of course, I'll update more! *giggle*

breeziusachan- yeah, I made a weird Haruhi, didn't I? Well, I guess that in order for this story to work out the way I want it, I had to do it. Or else, everything would turn out a little bit more different. I'm glad you like!

darkness34- …it didn't last very long, did it? Nah, it didn't. But, I swear that the sob story-ness will end… sometime. I can't promise it to be soon though. You must still worry for her. Sorry.

OoO-Ashee-OoO- I'm glad you liked! And, no, Arai hasn't been mentioned… Well he has but you didn't know that yet. This chapter should have explained who Arai was… a little bit.

KageNoNeko- I've just fixed them! Thank you so much for that! Haha! I didn't notice it. I'm glad you liked! It makes me happy! :D

sweetwithobsessions- yeah, she didn't. But now she did.

Thank you all once again! Your patronage is appreciated! Haha! I'm sorry, I just had to say it! My school's music department put on a carwash and I partook in it (cause I'm in the choir). I was waving signs at cars on the corner of the streets with my friends to advertise and getting donations from random cars on the street and drying off cars with my peers. I got really used to saying it. :D

~xXPaintingRealityXx logging off! :D