I do not own Ouran High School Host Club or the characters within it.

… … …

Someone knocked on her door, followed by a voice – one of the twins. "Haruhi, come on. We don't want to be late!"

"I'll be right out!" Haruhi made a face. The ball being a special occasion, it was also her first opportunity to wear her formal uniform. Seeing it in the mirror, she couldn't remember the last time she'd worn anything so fine. The suit looked black, except when the light shone on it in a particular way, and the blue tones in it could be seen. The embroidery around the collar and cuffs was gold thread. She smoothed the soft fabric with fingers that shook.

Maybe this will be the hardest test so far. She sighed, raising her eyes to look at her face in the mirror. All those people – ladies, lords, knights and squires alike. As well as the king and queen. Can I really keep my secret from so many people?

She took a deep breath and opened her door to find the twins waiting for her on the other side. Although she wouldn't admit it, they looked even more handsome than ever. Even if everyone was wearing the same thing, it seemed made for the two of them. The dark fabric set off their skin to advantage, and the gold thread brought to attention to like colors in their eyes.

Haruhi grumbled. Even if she was really a boy, she wouldn't have been able to measure up to the people in her new group. Then again… she brightened. If everyone's attention was on people like Hikaru and Kaoru, Kyoya and Tamaki… who would pay any mind to one average looking mildly effeminate boy?

…

The trainees were the first to arrive. The squires were to arrive with their knight master, unless – like Prince Tamaki and Prince Kyoya – they had some sort of special status. Next (those that were actually announced) would come the noble-men and -women, in order of rank, until finally the king and queen made their flashy entrance.

For the time being, Haruhi stuck next to Hikaru and Kaoru, and gradually, their group grew as they were joined by Katsuo, Yoshiro, Ren and Daichi, then Hunny and Mori. Tamaki and Kyoya, on account of their rank, were two of the last to arrive, but were whisked off just as quickly, returning every once in a while for a few minutes. Tamaki's parting comments tended to be along the lines of "It's a hard life being an attractive rich prince, having to dance with all these women. But someone has to do it." Extracting grins and eye rolls from everyone else present.

After an hour and a half or so of idle conversation, with one of the boys leaving for or coming back from sharing a dance with one of the various young noblewomen in attendance (and Haruhi standing there awkwardly, not really knowing how to act at these sorts of events), Kaoru nudged Hikaru and gestured to across the ballroom. His twin smirked and gave a low whistle, leading everyone to turn and look. What they saw was a gorgeous young woman about their age, dark hair curling softly around her shoulders, in a dark red dress with a form fitting bodice that flared into a wider skirt. She was a sight that set every man there practically panting. And she was walking towards them.

In his typical womanizing fashion, Yoshiro was the first to step forward and bow. "My lady, I-"

"Haruhi!" The woman exclaimed, leaving Yoshi – and almost everyone else – shocked.

"Why'd she go to Haruhi first? I'm way better looking than he is."

"Yeah. Is Haruhi even taller than her?"

"Maybe she's blind."

"And how does she even know who Haruhi is? He's only been here two or three weeks, and this is the first event since then."

Haruhi rolled her eyes at the whispers, and the woman's eyes slid past Haruhi to look at the boys standing behind her. "You do understand we can hear everything you say, right? And I'm not blind, something you'd figure out if you even thought about it for a second." She smiled sweetly, and Haruhi ducked her head to hide a grin.

"Hi Yuki. How've you been?"

"Pretty good. We have some catching up to do, though. Can I borrow you for a minute?" She smirked.

Haruhi shrugged. "I don't see why not." Yukiko pulled her into a corner of the room, safe from most of the curious eyes.

"What's the point of this?" Haruhi frowned, gesturing around her. "You could have just visited my room. This is more conspicuous, isn't it?"

"Not really. It's more convenient this way, though, since we were both already here. Besides, all they'll see is a beautiful girl talking with you, a- Oh, yeah, that is kind of suspicious."

"Oh shut up." Haruhi grinned.

"Plus, did you see the looks on their faces when I asked you to come with me? Priceless. Oh! Those read heads are so cute, you should talk me up to one of them. Preferably the one with the sarcastic look on his face. He looked fun. And that tall guy with the dark hair. He didn't say anything when I was over there, but he's gorgeous. And the little guy with the light brown hair – is he even old enough to be here right now?"

"Yuki. Calm down."

"Right. I just haven't talked to you in weeks. The only people I have are my maid and the other noblewomen, and no offense, but they aren't very interesting. I've only made one friend. I miss intelligent conversation. Oh! So you're good, right? No one… knows?"

"I think I'm safe. I haven't done anything to jeopardize my situation. I've actually made friends, though. Prince Tamaki is a little exuberant for my taste, and Prince Kyoya a little too evil, but they're endearing, in their own ways."

"How do you think they'll react when they find out?"

"Well, that won't be for another two years, after I'm knighted."

"Do you think they'll revoke your knighthood, once they know? Because I guess keeping it a secret forever wouldn't be very practical. You'll want to get married one day, or you'll get caught on a rainy day in a white shirt. There would be complications, I suppose."

"Well, I don't really think that marriage is in my future. But yeah, among other things, keeping it a secret forever would kill me. I'd feel too dishonest. I can deal with two years, but living my whole life a lie? I couldn't do it." She paused. "I did check the codes, though. The only lawful reason to revoke an earned knighthood is if the person commits high treason. Other crimes they go to court like everyone else, but they're still a knight. So… once everyone finds out, I'll still be a knight. Even if everyone hates me."

"They won't hate you. They'll understand where you're coming from. And even if they do… you still have me." She grinned. "Well, if that's all..." She started walking out into the open again, then glanced back at her younger sister. "I have to go now. But you should introduce me to your friends soon..."

Haru snorted, rejoining her group.

"Who was that?"

"How do you know her?"

Haruhi chuckled. "That's my sister. And I wouldn't try to get involved, if I were you." She met Kyoya's eyes and shook her head, smiling. He was one of the only ones who didn't appear to be too impressed by Yuki. Well, at least some of her new friends were sane.

... ... ...

So this chapter was mostly just filler stuff, establishing character and relationships more. Not my best work :|