I do not own anything from Ouran Highschool Host Club.

Ch.2

Haruhi spent the rest of the afternoon preparing dinner. When it was ready, she set two places. One for herself and her dad. Ranka worked at a local cross-dressing bar. He didn't come home late unless he had extra hours or a... Person with him. She then started studying. Having brains was no easy feat and they already had a test coming Friday. The clock in the small room ticked away and the sun went down. Her dad would be coming home soon. She put away her things and waited... And waited... And waited. He was a no show. This happened sometimes and Haruhi would just have to do what she usually did sometimes, eat alone, clean up, and go to bed.

Just when Haruhi was putting the last of the food away, there was the sound of a key turning in the door. Great! They might be able to eat together after all. Ranka stumbled through the door with a brunette in tow, them both smelling like alcohol. She looked about Haruhi's age, but she could tell that she was a lot older because of the curves. They didn't even see Haruhi in the dark kitchen. Right in front of her, they began making out. Haruhi scoffed and turned on the lights. Both turned around and looked at her, bewildered.

"You didn't tell me you had a kid!" The girl yelled.

She smacked Ranka hard across the face,"You're not getting shit," and stormed out the door.

Ranka sighed and glared at Haruhi.

"What have I told you! This is none of your business!" He crossed over to her and shook her shoulders hard. His fingers left bruises, "None of your business!"

"Stop dad! You're hurting me!"

Ranka let go, finally realizing what he was doing. Haruhi knew he was sorry. She could see it in his eyes. Not giving him a chance to speak, she ran from the kitchen and locked herself in her room. It had been another of those nights.

Haruhi didn't sleep well that night. When the alarm woke her up, she nearly broke it. Like the day before, she got dressed. Her dad was alseep in his room, thank god, alone. Today she remembered to pack a lunch before heading to school. She didn't want to see her dad today. Haruhi knew they both needed time apart after last night. Ranka would drown in his own guilt and Haruhi would feel bad for making him angry, which only made him feel more guilty, and her apologize more. It was a never ending circle. She was drowsy through most of her classes. Her shoulders ached so bad that she couldn't raise her arms or put her bag on. During her free period she went to the rose garden again. She would never go back to music room 3. In the garden she had found a secluded little gazebo covered in ivy. It was lined with cushioned benches and overlooked a pond covered in waterlilys. It was quiet here and all you could hear were birds. A butterfly perched on the end of her finger.

I bet you love it here little guy. Rich people have everything. It's only the second day and I'm already an outcast. At least I can talk to you.

"You could talk to me."

She jumped and the butterfly flew away. I tall blonde haired boy blocked the entrance and exit of the gazebo. It only took a second for her to realize that this was one of the guys from the music room yesterday. She instantly hated him.

"What do you want?"

"I just want to give you something and meet you."

"I don't want anything from you. Just because I'm poor doesn't make me a charity case!"

"I'm sorry I offended you. I just wanted to return this neckalce I found. I was positive that it was yours. The clasp was broken so I had it fixed."

Haruhi touched her bare throat but immediately pulled her hand away. This stranger wouldn't know how much it affected her. He placed it in her hand.

"What do you mean about being poor? Surely a beauty like you is an eris to some major company or princess of a small country?"

"No. Actually, I'm in the lower middle class. I live in a small apartment with my dad and only go here on a scholarship." Why was she spilling her secrets to him. There was just something in his eyes.

"Why are you even talking to me. After yesterday..."

"Yesterday? Yesterday! You were the girl from the club room that made the earth stand still."

"I thought everyone hated my guts. I'm not pretty or rich."

"Love, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. We were marveling at you. If anyone was frowning, they were jealous."

She blushed," Thanks...I have to go."

"Come to the Host Club tomorrow. Same place, same time. There will only be us Hosts tomorrow and I know the others will love to meet you."

"I never got your name."

"It's Tamaki Suoh, but you can call me Tamaki."

"That's kind of informal."

"It's okay. We can be informal. I feel like I've know everything about you and have known you forever."

He knew nothing about her.

"I'm Haruhi Fujioka."

"It was nice to meet you Haruhi."

"Just call me Fujioka for now," she gave a huge smile that took his breath away and became imprinted on his mind.

"I will never forget that smile Haruhi. It's gorgeous."

Haruhi turned, walking away.

A thought crossed his mind. She hadn't given an answer to wether she would go to the Host Club. Tamaki hurried to her and gave her shoulder a friendly squeeze," Are you..."

She cried out and slapped his hand away. He had seen the huge bruise that marred her skin. She saw her own pain reflected in his eyes. Terrible silence filled the air. Not knowing what to do Haruhi clutched her necklace to her chest and ran. It was only the second day of school.

Tamaki sat in the club room after school, lounging on a couch, his arm thrown over his face. His tea had gone cold, not that he had any intention of drinking it.

"What is the matter Tamaki? You're not usually this quiet." Kyoya questioned.

"I'm just thinking about this girl from earlier."

"Oh, a girl? Was she pretty?"

"She was the most beautiful girl I have ever seen."

Tamaki thought," Even when she shouldn't have been smiling, she smiled."

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