A/N: Hello lovies! I just got a job interview so to celebrate I am uploading a new chapter!
Please be aware that this chapter gets pretty dark. If you are reading it and feel that this story deserves a mature rating, please tell me and I will fix that.
I own nothing, including in real life so you'd have nothing to sue.
Previously: My eyes had closed sometime during the song. I sat there, panting for a moment. Then I heard clapping. I jumped up so quickly I could have gotten whiplash. There, standing before me were the seven I met today, Spooky, Bipolar Weirdo, Devil Twins, Crossdresser, Excitable Bunny Child, and Mr. Tall Dark and Silent.
"What the hell are all of you doing here?!" I yelled, trying to distract them from what I had just been doing.
"Ma fille, why didn't you tell me you could sing and play the piano so well?" Tamaki was ecstatic. He attempted to hug me, but I sidestepped, sending him into a nearby wall.
"Again I must ask, why are you all here!" I was really frustrated by now. I didn't want to deal with all these people who manage to make me extremely uncomfortable. Kyoya paused his fierce scribbling in his book to answer me.
"This is the Host Club Tamaki was talking about in class."
"What's a Host Club?" The twins wrapped their arms around my waist.
"We make woman with too much time on their hands feel good by fulfilling their fantasies." They purred in my ear.
"That's disgusting, I'm out."
"Wait my daughter, those filthy twins were kidding. We simply entertain girls, only going as far as flirting with them." Tamaki explained, gesticulating wildly.
"Still disturbing, I'm leaving." I said, turning away from the craziness.
"Oh no you don't, we want to play with our toy!" two horribly annoying voices said.
"I know you are a bit slow, so I will say this as simply as I can. For the last time I AM NOT YOUR TOY!"
"Feisty one aren't you" one of them said. I was about to do something wonderfully violent when Haruhi slapped both of them on the back of their heads.
"Wren and I are not your toy, you rich bastards. He said the last part under his breath, but I heard it and grinned.
"Finally, a normal person, you know besides the fact that you cross-dress." I didn't mean to let that last part slip, but it was already out there so... whoops?
"What are you talking about, Haruhi is the manliest person I know, I mean just look at.." the rest of what Tamaki was about to say was cut off by Spooky.
"Tamaki, she obviously already knows, so she should also know that I have a private police force that is able to work in a seconds notice. I might be so upset by Haruhi's secret getting out that.."
This time I cut him off. "Threat received and discarded, and you wouldn't know emotion if a walrus fish slapped you with it. I wasn't gonna tell in first place."
The twins looked half terrified at what Spooky, who I was currently in a death glare contest with, might do to me and half like they wanted to explode with laughter. They came up to me and wrapped their arms around me... again. *sigh*
"We like you, you're spunky." they announced. Even Mr. Silent Ninja had an amused look in his eyes. I was about to respond but the overly excitable bunny child/teen tugged at my sweatshirt.
"Please please please stay Wren, I want to eat cake with you!" he looked up with adorable puppy dog eyes and I gave in. What, that guy has some serious talent. Like his puppy dog eyes could be used as a freakin weapon.
"Alright Hunny, but just for a little."
"Yay!" he squealed, jumping up to give me a flying hug thing. I caught him, but grunted in pain when he landed on my arms. I cursed at myself for letting myself slip up and made up an excuse for the sound.
"Hunny, you're a bit heavy, mind getting down?"
"Oh I'm sorry Wren. I'll be more careful" He said with tears in his eyes. Behind his tears I saw something flash in his eyes, something a little more mature. I looked up to see Mori with the same look. I really hope they don't suspect anything.
"It's fine, I just wasn't expecting you is all." I rubbed the back of my head nervously. God this is going to be hard isn't it.
So now I am sitting in between Mori and Hunny, eating cake and talking to girls that hate me. Oh the wonderful joys of life. I now understand what a host club is and it greatly disturbs me. Not only do the methods they use to get customers frighten me sneezetwincestsneeze, but also the fact that girls go for that kind of thing. I completely understand fangirling but this is just wrong and I do not plan on coming back here if I can help it. But of course fate has to screw with me because my clumsy self decided to go and trip over air and knock over a set of tea cups.
"Those cost 500,000 yen Ms. Suzuki." Whoa, how does Spooky know my last name, I haven't told it to anyone.
" Wren Suzuki, blood type ab negative, 17 years old, here on a scholarship. I know all about you." And of course because he is a CREEPY MIND READER he responded to my thoughts...
"Since you obviously don't have the money to pay us back, you will have to work off your debt. You will help with the chores." I just stood there, completely shocked. I would actually have to stay here!? I swear the world is out to get me. What have I done that deserves this kind of punishment!?
"You have to pay back a debt too? Looks like we're on the same boat." Haruhi said, giving me a sympathetic look.
"You too? I was wondering why a sane person would be hanging around these wackadoodles." She chuckled slightly "They aren't as bad as they seem, their hearts are in the right place"
"Sure, we'll see about that" I grumbled. Suddenly I was lifted up and spun around, causing me immense pain. I bit my lip, determined not to cry out. I was finally put down, only to be squeezed viciously. It was Tamaki, going on about how he gained a new daughter and how happy daddy is, but I couldn't concentrate. I was about to black out when I was suddenly taken out of Tamaki's embrace. When I could see straight I noticed Mori looking at me, his eyes swimming with concern.
"What's wrong Mori?" I said innocently. He wasn't to be swayed though. I was saved by Kyouya announcing that club hours were over.
"See ya guys later!" I called as I high tailed out of there. I ran out, only stopping to cry "Freedom!" when I was out of school. 10 minutes later and I was almost home, so I slowed my pace. I was not looking forward to telling my mom that I was in a club that met everyday. I didn't know how she would take not having her little 'toy' for so long. I walked into our tiny apartment, only to be assaulted with the smell of alcohol. 'Great, she's been drinking again, that will make her sooo much more agreeable' I thought sarcastically.
"Hey mom, there is something I need to tell you" I started off softly.
"What is it now you brat. Why are you so late?" She snapped back.
"Well, I'm in a club now, so I will have to stay late everyday and I can't quit the club because I have a debt to them."
"Of course you do, I'm not even surprised. You couldn't do anything right to save your life. Well, at least keep getting in with those rich men. Marry one of them and I'll be set for life" She growled, spitting in my face. That was the reason she was so adamant about me transfering. She had this idea that I would lure in a rich boy and make him marry me so she could be rich. An impossible plan, but she didn't care.
"Remember, if you fail me I don't know how I'll react, but I can give you a little preview" She punched me square in the face and then swiftly kicked my knee, forcing me to the ground. I curled up into a ball as she continued her strikes, trying desperately not to cry out because that would just goad her on. She finally relented, picking up her bottle and taking a long swig.
"Let that serve as a reminder, do not fail me". I limped away to my room, locking my door behind me. At least it wasn't as bad today, she must be tired. I grabbed my first aid kit and started treating myself. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I quickly pushed them down, choosing instead to feel nothing. It was better that way.
The next day I managed to ignore Tamaki throughout our first classes, even though he was constantly passing me notes. I shut him up with the excuse of trying to pay attention. In reality school comes easily to me, so I just have to put in minimal effort to get an A. At lunchtime I dashed out the door and went to the same tree I was in yesterday. I didn't have lunch, I never did because my mom doesn't bother to feed me. I have a job, but all the money goes towards paying for rent. I eat one meal a day, usually made from red tagged products. At least I have a strong immune system now. I looked out from the tree, only to groan when I saw all the members of the host club approaching. I heard Tamaki's voice first.
"Where did you find her yesterday?" The twin's voices came next.
"In the tree straight ahead."
"Guys, why don't we just leave her alone." Yes, listen to Haruhi!
"But she must be so lonely~" Screw you Hunny.
"Ah." Goddammit Mori, not you too! At least Kyoya stayed quiet.
"There you are my dear daughter! What are you doing in that tree? Come here to Daddy before you get hurt!"
"Fuck off!" That sent Tamaki crying to 'Mommy'.
"Mommy, our daughter is using foul language!" he sobbed while Kyoya just sighed.
"I told you she wouldn't want to see you."
"Yes, why didn't you listen to Haruhi!" I exclaimed.
"Well we're already here." one of the twins, I think it was Kaoru since the voice was higher, said.
"So why don't you come on down, or are we going to have to come and get you." So he must be Hikaru. My mind conjured up a picture of the hosts trying to get me out of the tree and it didn't end very well so with a deep sigh I jumped down. To my surprise Mori caught me before I hit the ground.
"I was perfectly fine." I huffed. He set me down and ruffled my hair in response, causing me to pout.
"We wouldn't want you getting hurt!" Hunny trilled, snuggling his stuffed bunny. He had a strange look in his eyes, it almost looked devious. I shivered involuntarily.
"So, what are you peeps doing here?" I said, defeated. Kyoya's eyebrows arched at the word peeps.
"For having a scholarship to such a prestigious school you certainly have an interesting vocabulary. Anyway, Tamaki wanted to find you and see why you have been ignoring him." I glanced at Tamaki.
"You talk too much, and make me uncomfortable." Needless to say he was by the tree cultivating mushrooms in seconds. The rest of lunch went by almost pleasantly much to my surprise. The twins and I played off of each others jokes, though while they targeted the 'King' aka Tamaki, I went after Kyoya.
"So, that little black book of yours, what do you put in it?" I asked.
"Information." Came the short reply.
"Hmm, I don't think so." Kaoru stated.
"I think it would have to be a little more...interesting for you to be so invested in it." Hikaru elaborated.
"You don't think it could be?" I gasped dramatically. Somehow the twins caught on to my drift, or maybe they were bluffing through it.
"No...could it?" Hikaru edged on.
"It has to be." Kaoru gulped.
"Fanfiction." I finished "Hm, I bet it has a lemon in it too." I could have sworn I saw black lines hovering over Kyoya, and I think Haruhi lost her soul. The twins and I almost died laughing. Hunny was giggling while Tamaki just looked confused. I glanced over at Mori, and he looked stunned for a moment*. My eyes furrowed, but I just shrugged it off. After we all sobered up I placed myself next to Hunny and Mori, which may have been a bad idea considering how observant they were.
"Where's your food Wren?" Hunny asked.
"Oh, I forgot it today." I smiled. Nice save! He dropped the subject and I sighed in relief on the inside. I felt someone nudging me and when I peered over I saw Mori holding out two rice balls.
"Here."
"No, it's okay, I'm not that hungry. You eat you food." I refused, but he shook his head and put them in my lap.
"You should eat, it's not healthy to skip lunch." Hunny inputted.
"Fine." I grumbled. I tried not to gobble them down and draw attention to myself. It was hard though, they were so good. Soon, lunch ended, and during my classes I contemplated my relationship with the hosts. I hadn't laughed that hard since I was a child, before he betrayed me and she... it hurt to think about it. I closed off all my emotions but these guys somehow managed to chip my armor, and I didn't want to get hurt.
After classes I dutifully followed Kyoya and Tamaki to the club, where I would learn how I'm supposed to pay off my debt.
"You are to serve the host's guests tea and snacks. Make sure no table is without food or drink. If we need supplies, you will have to retrieve them. Do you understand?" Kyoya explained once we reached the club room.
"Yeah yeah yeah, whatever." I drawled, sitting on the couch Mori and Hunny usually occupy. They were getting changed into some Princely style cosplay. Seems that's normal around here, why am I not surprised...
After everybody got changed and the guests were let in I made my way to the kitchen to get the supplies. I walked around, refilling cups and laying out snacks. It was a lot harder than I imagined because I had to dodge Tamaki and the twins. Tamaki moved erratically so it was impossible to avoid him and he almost tripped me up a few times. The twins seemed to purposefully try and get in my way which was extremely annoying. After a while I got fed up with them and put a special spice in their tea mwahahaha. They spit the drink on each other, which made the whole thing ten times more funny. I kept a straight face though, even while Kyoya glared at me. Some much for paying my debt...
I felt that my time with the host club wouldn't be that bad, but the rich brats decided to change my mind. I was serving the customers at Hunny and Mori's table when Hunny gave me puppy dog eyes and asked me to have some cake with him. Of course I caved and we started talking about different sweets. Apparently his customers felt ignored so the one closest to me 'accidently' knocked her boiling hot tea onto my lap. I gasped at stood up, trying to wipe it off with some napkins. Tears gathered in my eyes but I forced them back. God it's so hot, and I couldn't move the fabric away because I was wearing skinny jeans. The girl who spilt the drink on me was apologizing but it was obviously fake and I could tell she was suppressing giggles along with the other girls. All of a sudden I was scooped up and hurried over to the dressing room. Why they had one of those in a music room, the world may never know. I peered up and saw a determined looking Mori. For some reason I blushed and stared at the ground. Well that was odd. He ushered me into a dressing room and left. The twins came in and handed me a piece of clothing.
"Take a cold shower to relieve the burning then put this on. We'll treat it afterwards." Kaoru gestured to the showers to my right and then left before I could say anything. I peeled of the burning fabric along with my other clothes and jumped into the shower. The cold water felt amazing against my heated skin. I dried off quickly, wincing when I wiped off my legs. I looked at the clothing Hikaru had handed me and saw it was a long summer dress, strapless and dark blue with a belt under the bust. I sighed and threw it on, cursing the twins. I suppose it was alright since it wouldn't bother my legs and was long enough to cover bruises. The only problem was it didn't cover my arms, and I still had some old bruises. I crossed my arms, covering most of them with my other clothes. I saw that the customers had all left.
"My daughter, are you okay?" Tamaki wailed, trying to glomp me. I dodged and went over to my backpack.
"Yep, I'm fine. I'm going home now."
"You should treat your legs first, we have some salve." Haruhi said grabbing a little tube.
"It's okay, it didn't even leave a mark. I really have to leave now. Thanks for the dress Hikaru and Kaoru. Bye." I dashed out the door before anybody could stop me. The trip home was torturous. The tea had burnt me pretty badly actually. I walked into my apartment, hoping my mom was out. But of course she was on the battered old couch we have, sipping out of a cheap bottle of vodka.
"Ah there's the little bitch, I have a few questions for you." she slurred. This did not bode well for me.
*Just in case y'all wanted to know, Mori was surprised because it was the first time he saw Wren smile/laugh. It was a nice surprise for him ;)
A/N
Well that got a little intense now didn't it? An abusive mom, bullies- poor Wren can't catch a break! But not to worry, because she will soon have a reason to face her problems. But be ready for a wild ride, cause Wren's got a lot of secrets. Now, I need your guy's help on few things. This story is almost completely written, at the moment I have 100 pages done, but I would like to know how you guys want them updated. I want to get a few chapters out asap just to give this story a little substance to catch people's attention, but do you want that in one upload of like 3 (or maybe more) new chapters that might take me a few days to edit, or would you like an update a day? Please let me know and I will get working on it straight away! Seeing people actually read this makes my little heart soar, even though it's only been one day. I'm so excited for you all to see where this is going! It won't follow the storyline, but I do include a few episode storylines randomly through the story, so you'll see our host club in a lot of new situations. Please continue to read and review, and I love you all very much! Thanks for dealing with my long A/N again :)
-Ptera