A/N: Hello my darling readers! I hope you enjoy this next chapter. Let's get right to it!

I don't own Ouran.

I rejoined reality the next day feeling good. Even with the events of yesterday, they were going to release me from the hospital. I spent the day daydreaming about finally going outside. Takashi and his family came straight over after school. Takashi was charged with getting me to the limo while his parents did some paperwork. Satoshi had remained with his parents. Takashi had offered me a wheelchair, but I refused.

"I am going to walk out of here by myself." I insisted as I stood up. I took a step forward, but I was wobbly so I stumbled. Takashi caught me and I grumbled.

"It's just walking, so why is it so damn hard?" Takashi laughed at me, but I ignored him. Using his arm for support, I slowly walked out of the room. I then let go of his arm entirely and successfully walked to the elevator. "Haha! Told you I could do it!" Takashi clapped for me and I glared at him. I made it to the limo without a hitch and found that we were the last ones to arrive.

"Hello Wren, how are you feeling?" Asuma asked politely.

"I feel loads better now, thank you. And sorry for causing so much trouble." I apologized sincerely. The last thing I wanted was to cause problems, but of course I ended up doing just that.

"Don't worry about that sweetie. The only thing you should worry about is recovering."

"Alright, I will. Thank you Kira." I smiled at her sweetness. She really makes a wonderful mother.

"So you're all better now, right?" Satoshi inquired childishly.

"Pretty much."

"Good." He seemed relieved, and my heart melted at his concern. After we arrived at the house I went to my room to change into something more comfortable when I was surprised by the hosts. They popped up out of their hiding spots (except for Kyoya and Haruhi, they didn't bother to hide) and shouted surprise. I had to refrain from yelling some rather vulgar words.

"Geez, I finally get out of the hospital and you try to give me a heart attack?!" I scream at them, clutching my chest.

"Calm down twitchy." I glared at Hikaru as his brother chuckled.

"My dear daughter, I had no intention of scaring you!" Tamaki cried and I set my gaze on him.

"Oh really, then why would you hide and shout surprise? Isn't the entire idea meant for you to shock me?" His shoulders slumped as he considered my words and I shook my head at him. I looked around at the exorbitant amount of streamers and balloons and smiled at the sloppily made 'Welcome Back' poster they had made.

"Do you like it?" The twins asked eagerly and I nodded.

"Yes! Thank you all so much, this is so nice!"

"We figured we should do something nice since you were getting out of the hospital and all!" Hunny chirped and I ruffled his hair.

"I really appreciate it, this is really great." Tears gathered at the back of my eyes, but I kept them there. I didn't need them freaking out. I noticed someone enter from behind me and I turned to see Takashi bringing in a huge cake. He placed it on the desk next to my bed and I could smell the faint smell of...

"Is that lemon?" I exclaimed in excitement. Takashi nodded and I gazed at him with shining eyes. He smiled a little and handed me a piece. "How did you know to get lemon cake?" I asked, confused. We never talked about cake flavors and I don't think I've ever mentioned that lemon was my favorite.

"During club hours you always look for the lemon cake so I figured it was your favorite." He explained, shrugging a bit. My heart welled at the thought of him paying so much attention to me. Haruhi elbowed me and waggled her eyebrows, making me purse my lips. But they quickly returned to a grand smile when I looked back at Takashi.

"You are correct in your assumption." I say as I dig in. The party winded down after about an hour, and I was beginning to feel fatigued. My eyes involuntarily blinked sleepily as I talked to the hosts about various things I had missed at school, and they took notice.

"Alright everybody, it looks like it's time to go and let Wren rest." Tamaki said in a rare moment of awareness. I smiled at him gratefully and his eyes grew wide.

"My daughter is so cute when she is tired!" He shrieked as he spun me around. And the moment is ruined.

"Tamaki, put her down." Haruhi sighed firefly and Tamaki immediately complied, a guilty look on his face.

"Thank you, everyone, for the wonderful surprise! I really loved it and I'm glad to have such good friends." I looked everybody in the eyes as I thanked them, hoping they would understand the truthfulness of my statement. My eyes locked with Takashi's and I mouthed a second thank you to him, and he nodded in response. The hosts, minus Takashi, filed out and I collapsed on my bed. I was seriously worn out.

"Are you feeling alright?" Takashi sat down on the edge of my bed.

"Yeah, but I think I'm gonna head to bed early tonight." I yawned and my eyes refused to stay open.

"Goodnight." Through a haze of sleepiness I felt a pair of lips press against my forehead. I mumbled contently and soon fell asleep.

The next day at school I noticed that everyone was busy with something. Huge posters were being made and people were going in and out of various classrooms. Once I made it to my homeroom I asked Tamaki and Kyoya what was up.

"The music festival is almost here~!" Tamaki cheered. I looked to Kyoya for clarification.

"Ouran hosts a music festival, where people from all over the world come and try to impress sponsors. The event will be on Monday, which is why the school is cancelling classes so all the preparations will get finished. Then, tomorrow we will have the day off of school so the professional decorators and technicians can come and make sure everything is ready for Monday."

"Wren, you should sing!" Tamaki screamed in my ear. I shook my head firmly.

"I don't sing for crowds."

"But Kyoya said you used to be in a band." I cringed at that memory. He was apart of that band, and the main reason I don't perform for the public anymore. Too many bad memories.

"Not anymore." I said, maybe a bit too harshly since Tamaki leaned away from me.

"But I want to hear you sing again." He said softly. I felt bad for being so mean. But then his eyes lit up again. "Why don't you sing for just the host club and our guest on Monday then!" I didn't want to shoot him down and it didn't seem too bad... I nodded reluctantly.

"Fine." I mumbled and Tamaki cheered. We spent the rest of the day setting up, and by the end of the day I was exhausted. I guess my wound was really taking a toll on me. It didn't hurt that much unless I moved quickly or turned the wrong way. I walked to the third music room sluggishly and went straight to the couch. Haruhi noticed my haggard expression.

"Been a rough day?" I nodded and slumped further in the cushions. "Then get some rest, I'll take care of the snacks and tea today." She offered, but I declined.

"No, I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

"Wren, I want to. That's what friends are for and I want to make sure you make a full recovery." She was unwavering and I had to consent.

"You know, you're going to make a great lawyer. You have just the right stubbornness for it." Haruhi laughed and then left me to rest. I was just drifting to sleep when I felt a pair of arms lift me up and heard a mixture of squeals and hisses. I opened my eyes and saw that Takashi was carrying me to the bed Hunny sometimes naps in. He put me down and Hunny pushed his Usa-chan into my arms.

"Sweet dreams!" He exclaimed sweetly, causing a bunch of the guests to aww. I thanked them both and closed my eyes once more. I heard Tamaki announce that there would be a special performance Monday at the host club. I shifted uncomfortably, still not liking the idea, but I had already promised. The next thing I knew hosting hours were over and everyone was packing up to go home.

"Morning sleeping beauty!" The twins cackled at my surprised expression.

"Why couldn't I have been awoken by a handsome prince like I was promised?"I sighed dramatically and then laughed at their shocked faces. "Now move over boys, I want up." They glanced at each other and grinned wickedly. I felt a twinge of fear in my stomach.

"Let us help you with that." I gasped as they wrapped their arms around my legs and arms and lifted me up. They were careful not to irritate my stitches as they carried me to their car.

"Where are we going!" I asked. None of the other hosts seemed to be bothered, so I assumed they were in on the twins scheme.

"Not telling!" Kaoru answered unhelpfully. I scowled at them as they put me into their car and told the driver to go. I crossed my arms and glared at them as they laughed and laughed. Finally we pulled up to a huge mansion. It was very aesthetically pleasing, with a symmetrical build and intricate designs decorating the doors and window coverings. The twin monstrosities dragged me through what I was assuming was their home and into a room filled with outfits. A feeling of dread consumed me and I slumped forward.

"Please tell me this isn't what I think this is."

"It is!" Hikaru said happily. I groaned in dismay.

"Why me!" I yelled at the ceiling, but it held no answers.

"It won't be that bad." Hikaru admonished.

"Yeah, we will even give you the outfit you like the most." Kaoru added.

"I don't have a choice do I." I sighed.

"Nope!" They chirp as they get to work. They put me into at least twenty different outfits ranging from casual wear to freaking gowns. After about an hour or two of constant changes in clothing, they suddenly stopped handing me outfits.

"Is that it?" I asked, still wearing a yellow sundress that was actually kind of cute, but not really my style.

"We were just putting the finishing touches on the last outfit. I think you will really like this one." Kaoru said, smiling.

"O-kay?" I said hesitantly, drawing out the word.

"Trust us, you'll love it." Hikaru reassured as he handed me a pile of clothing. I went back into the changing room and gasped as I unfolded the piece of clothing. It was an absolutely stunning dress. The top was off the shoulders with a sweetheart neckline, and it had a corset that had ribbons criss crossing in the front instead of the back. Towards the bottom of the corset the ribbon became thick and was tied up in a bow. The skirt part of the dress went down to just above my knees and puffed out slightly. The entire dress was black and I was in love with it. I unzipped the zipper on the back and pulled it on, loving the way it hugged my body. I saw a pair of red heels that had been with the dress and pulled those on as well. I looked in the mirror and saw just how well the outfit suited me. It was like it had been made for me... wait a minute! I scrambled out of the dressing room and ran into the twins, who were just turning the corner. We all fell down and I clutched my side in agony.

"Oww." I moaned and the doppelgangers leaned over me.

"Are you okay!?" They both yelled. I waved them off.

"Yeah, I just wasn't expecting to fall so suddenly so I didn't have time to turn so I would fall on my other side. I'm fine now though." I held out my hands and they helped me up. "You guys were right, I love this dress!" They shook their heads to dispel the remaining shock of the wilderness of our collision before they responded.

"We knew you would." Hikaru told me as if it was an insult that I was even a bit sceptical.

"Yeah, we designed it just for you!" Kaoru answered the question that I hadn't gotten a chance to voice.

"Really? Why?" I questioned, not able to see their motive.

"Well..." Hikaru started.

"It's because..." Kaoru tried to elaborate. They were both blushing at this point.

"It's because you're like an older sister to us." They finished in unison. I blinked owlishly at them. They were staring at the ground, their faces red. It was obvious they were telling the truth, and it made a warm feeling erupt in my chest. I pulled them into a hug and ruffled their hair.

"Then I'll be the best damn sister ever." We all smiled goofily at each other and I accepted the fact that these two tricksters were had found a place in my heart. I had always wanted little brothers.

"Though Wren, what are all of these bruises from?" Kaoru was looking at the faded bruises on my legs, tracing them with his finger. "I didn't see them before, but there are so many." They both looked up at me expectantly. I tried to tell them that they were from falling out of trees, but my lips wouldn't form the words. I eventually sighed. I had to tell them, I had to tell all of them the truth.

"They are the real reason I am staying at Takashi's. Why don't you call all of the hosts over so I only have to tell the story once." The twins looked worried, but did as I asked. Once everyone arrived I had them sit on the couch. I had changed into a plain t-shirt and shorts so everyone could see the bruises. Takashi looked at me questioningly and I just half-smiled.

"Wren, why do you have so many bruises? Are those from training?" Hunny broke the silence, though I was sure he knew what they were from.

"They are actually the reason I called you all here. There is something I need to tell you all." My heart was pumping so loudly I could hear it and my breath was quickening. I could not have a panic attack right now, I needed to do this. I sat in the chair across from the couch and Takashi moved to stand behind me. He grabbed one of my hands and squeezed, giving me the push I needed to keep going.

"You see, the reason I am staying with Takashi is not because my parents are on a business trip. It's because I couldn't pay rent." I started with that, collecting my thoughts for a second. It was dead quiet, and the hosts were all staring at me like they wanted to say something, but they knew to just wait for my explanation. "I was responsible for paying rent because my father had left us three years after my sister died. I was eleven at the time, and my mom blamed me for him leaving and my sister's death, so after a few years she developed an alcohol addiction and all her money went towards that. I had to pick up the slack and pay for food and rent when I was around 14, but I eventually confronted my mom and tried to tell her to stop drinking, and that's when she began to physically abuse me." I had to stop for a moment, my voice was getting choked up so I cleared my throat and took a deep breath. Takashi squeezed my hand, and Hunny came forward and held my other hand. The hosts all looked outraged and sad, but they let me continue. "This went on for a few years, and it got more and more frequent as time went on until it happened every day that she was home. But there was nothing that I could do, and she was the only family I had left, so I couldn't bring myself to fight back. Then, after I got those burns from the tea and came home in a dress my mom assumed the worst. She said that I was hooking up with all of you so I could get things in return, and that if I was going to do that I should do it for money. I tried to tell her that that wasn't the case, that you all were my friends but she just laughed. The next day she told me her 'friend' would be coming so I should make myself presentable, and I knew what would happen if I allowed this to go on. So I finally stood up to her and tried to leave, but she knocked me out with a bottle. When I woke up she was gone and she had taken all of her stuff. I know I should have been sad about it, but honestly I was so relieved. And then Takashi found out about everything and his family took me in, and I've never been happier." I had started to cry during my story but I smiled at the end of it. It felt amazing to get everything off of my chest. I had been so worried about burdening the hosts with my problems, but we've been through so much already that I knew there was no going back now. I mean, the twins thought of me as a big sister! Suddenly I was hug attacked by all of the hosts. I felt my side flare up but I ignored it. We all sat there for a moment in a hug pile, and once everyone separated Tamaki was the first to speak.

"I had no idea that you had been going through that. And we made it worse for you! I can't believe your mother would try to make you.." He trailed of, his had curled in a fist and his face scrunched up in anger. I looked at all of the host and they all had the same expression.

"I didn't tell you guys this to make you upset, though I see how there is no way I can expect you to not be. I told you because I trust you all, and I didn't want there to be anymore secrets between us. I didn't want to tell you before because I didn't want you guys to be unhappy, and I was worried that every time you saw me you would be reminded of how broken I am. But Takashi, you have helped me realize that I need to be honest, and that I have to trust that I'll be accepted for who I am." I looked up at Takashi, and I saw pride in his eyes.

"Wren, we could never think of you as anything less than the strongest person we have ever known. Yes, you may be broken, but we all are in some way or another. Your strength and courage is what we will think of when we see you, along with how smart, funny, beautiful, and wonderful you are." Haruhi said, stroking my hair. The other host nodded, their anger fading away and turning to what I assume is love. They all love and care for me, and I have never felt happier in my life.

"Thank you all so much. I probably would still be with my mom right now if you all hadn't given me the courage to stand up to her. I love you guys with all my heart."

"We love you too." They all said back, pulling me in for another hug. I had a real family now, and I wasn't about to let go of that.

A/N

Sorry for the shorter chapter, but it was time for Wren to come clean with the hosts. Expect a lot of fluff in the next chapter though! And this chapter and the next chapters are what I have written recently, so there may be a difference in how it is written, but hopefully it's not too different! I'll see you all next week!

-Ptera