Okay, so I've started my first Ouran FF. Wow, this is gonna be a challenge but I really hope this works out and that you all enjoy what I have to write. I'm a write as I go kind of person, so I apologize for not having the story all written up right away and uploading super fast and as often as I'd like. I also have another story I'm working on, so that may detract from my time here too. I really hope it's not that much of a put off for you and that my story will make up for it.

I don't know ANYTHING about the Japanese schooling system, so if you spot any inaccuracies or things I should fix please let me know. And constructive criticism is highly appreciated, I would love to make the story better in any way I can.

And lastly a huge thanks to Kit Koko for allowing me to ask her opinions on a few rough drafts. She really helped me get into the flow of writing Charlotte's adventures with the club. I couldn't have this story without her!

Please, read and tell me what you think!

Disclaimer: I don't own Ouran or its characters, I am simply borrowing them. Tragic, I know. But I do own my OC, she's a doll. I also consult Netflix and Anime Transcripts for episode accuracy.

"Hey Haruhi, I have an art project I need to complete and I was wondering if you'd help?"

"Really? I'd love to Charlotte, what's it for?" Haruhi asked, her and her clients peering over at me with intrigue.

"It's a female study and I-"

"Female, but Haruhi's a boy." One of the girls pointed out, giggling softly at my ignorance.

"No she's not," I replied indignantly. Not a second later and I was swept off my feet, two pairs of arms wrapped around mine and rushing me away from the scene. I tried kicking and squirming around but they held fast and while I yelled for them to put me down the other club members were busy ushering everyone out. The boys dumped me inside a changing room, allowing me to only get a quick glance at my red-headed kidnappers before they closed the door on me. I stood inside the small space, trying to avoid noticing how confined it was. My chest heaved in and out and I felt my skin warm uncomfortably.

I could hear the host members, sans Mori, bid farewells to their guests and promising their next visit would be worthwhile. I frowned lightly when I heard the clunk of the heavy, pink doors shut. The sounds of guests chatting were soon replaced with hushed whispering. I was too short to see over the changing room doors so I moved on to my hands and knees, peeking out underneath. As I tried peering behind the two sets of legs before me the door opened, revealing the twins and their Cheshire grins.

"You're in trouble now!" They both singsonged in unison and though I could detect a small difference in their voices I couldn't tell either one of them apart. I got up, trying to ignore everyone's open stares. As I stepped out the twins moved aside and rested their elbows on my shoulders.

"So what are we going to with her boss?" The deeper voiced twin asked, leering at me with his golden eyes.

"Yeah Tamaki, like you said we can't just let her go." The other replied, mimicking his brother's look for a moment but then focusing back on the group. Even twins have their differences I suppose.

"Why can't you just let her go?" Haruhi asked. Her question seemed to have caught the group off guard, save for the emotionless Kyoya and Mori.

"Because she knows our club's secret. How can we be sure she will keep it unless we keep a close eye on her?" Kyoya responded, his voice clinical. I crossed my arms, frowning and stepping away from the twins. They lost their balance for only a moment, regaining their footing with cat-like grace.

"Honestly, I wasn't even aware it was a secret. What are you going to make me do anyways? I obviously can't become a host." I pointed out, feeling pretty smart for having pointed that out.

"Hm, I figured you'd choose that argument. You mentioned you have an art project, so you take art lessons here at Ouran? Obviously you posses the skills necessary to attend classes here." Something about his words unsettled me, removing the smug satisfaction I had before.

"Yeah, so?"

"Tamaki," He ignored my question, "What would you say to having an official Host Club artist?"

"What!?" I felt my face pale at the very suggestion. I looked to Tamaki, hoping the horrified expression I felt tugging my features would somehow affect him. But he was too busy fantasizing, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.

"Yes that is a wonderful idea Kyoya!" Tamaki clapped his hands together and approached me.

"From now on, you're our Host Club's artist." He pointed to me and all the hope I had that I'd return home unscathed disappeared.

"Hey boss," Hikaru and Kaoru called out. I hardly noticed them, I was still trying to wrap my head around what had happened.

"Call me King!" Tamaki responded, though his request went ignored.

"You already tried that senpai," Haruhi brushed past Tamaki and approached the twins. I turned to look too and saw they had a hold of my bag, and were busy pulling out my sketch pad.

"Hey put that back!" I rushed over but the twins threw the pad back and forth to each other, above my head. While we were really the same height, I was still unable to reach up and grab it.

"Milord! Catch!" One of them tossed it over to Tamaki but the poor blonde was unable to catch it. I stood with the twins and Haruhi, all of us standing in shock. The pad hit him square in the face, slipping down to the floor very slowly and landing on the tile with a loud thwack! It was silent for a few moments afterward but I couldn't help it.

"Are you okay Tama-chan?" Honey asked as a few giggles slipped out from my throat which then erupted into full laughter. The twins too lost their composure, doubling over into a burst of simultaneous laughter. Haruhi was trying not to laugh too, her lips tightening to a thin line while Tamaki began berating his "loyal subjects".

By the time I quit laughing, my eyes had tears in them and my ribs hurt as though I'd been socked in my chest. I was the last to recover from the fit and all the members had their eyes on me. I peered up at them slowly, my face was already a little pink from laughing but it managed to darken a few shades more under their collective gaze.

Tamaki picked up my sketch pad and began flipping through it while I focused a scowl at the twins.

"I'm sorry Tamaki. And you two, if you hadn't been throwing my sketch pad around then poor Tamaki wouldn't have been hit in the face!"

"You shouldn't have left your bag unattended," They responded with smug smirks.

"Who gave you permission to go through other people's stuff? I left my bag zipped for a reason." Why did they have to act so... annoying?

"Hey, these sketches are pretty good Charlotte." Tamaki commented from the sidelines. I peered over at him, my scowl diminishing for the moment. He certainly didn't deserve it after all he was just a victim of the twins harassment.

"You really think so?" I asked. I wasn't ignorant, I knew I was good or else I wouldn't be taught here at Ouran. My mentor was an art teacher at Ouran and I attended his lessons during the week, aside from Wednesdays. I had been on my way home when I'd bumped into Haruhi. But the compliment was still appreciated, it always touched my heart to receive something I worked so hard for. The other hosts began perusing my sketch pad as well, agreeing with Tamaki with nods and enthusiastic murmurs.

"Of course I do my dear. A good host never lies!" Tamaki raised his arm dramatically, forefinger pointing skywards. The corners of my mouth turned up a little but quickly disappeared when I felt something, or rather, someone behind me.

"So, do we have a deal Miss Macy?" Kyoya asked, his voice was as smooth as silk but still had that icy bite to it. Like a viper, poised to strike but waiting for the opportune time.

"Oh and did I mention that my family has its own private police force? I hope you don't have any outstanding warrants against you." Kyoya smirked, pushing his glasses up with his fore and middle fingers. The light hit the lenses and glared harshly back at me, masking his eyes. If he wanted to intimidate me, it worked. A chill settled deep in my stomach, clutching me with its sharp fingers.

"It seems I have no choice then. But is the police force necessary? I think I can keep a secret pretty well on my own," I raised a brow. I felt frightened but I wasn't about to let an arrogant, rich pretty boy bully me.

"Just a little extra insurance, I assure you they won't bother you unless they have a reason to."

"Well they don't. And if I'm stuck working here then we need to talk about some things first," I glanced back to the group and sighed slowly. I walked over and snatched my things back, glaring at the twins who had gone through my bag again.

"Alright Miss Macy, this way," Kyoya lead me over to a couch and motioned Tamaki over as well. I sat across from the two, bag in my lap so I wouldn't lose it again.

"I attend Mr. Tachibana's art classes as you are well aware of. I am not available during those lessons, nor the private lessons we have scheduled. I also cannot be here after five on Wednesdays nor can I be here on the weekends. As for my art lessons, I can talk to my teacher and see if I may reschedule them." Kyoya wrote all this down, scribbling it in his notebook with a clipped nod. Tamaki actually listened quite seriously, surprising me.

"That's fine Charlotte. So I suppose since tomorrow is Wednesday we aren't having you?" Tamaki questioned, his bright eyes focused on me.

"I'm afraid not," I shook my head softly.

"Okay, so we'll see you Thursday then." Tamaki smiled, looking genuinely pleased at the prospect of seeing me again. As did the other hosts, I could see them watching from the background all except Mori and Kyoya of course.

"Thursday," I repeated affirmatively.

"Mr. Tachibana?" I looked at my mentor, watching his dark eyes slowly regard my presence with little change of expression. He held a newspaper in his hands, his usual after class ended. He would seem casual if he wasn't sitting up as straight as a board. Even sitting down he was still a few inches taller than me.

"Yes Miss Macy?"

"I need to readjust our schedule," I explained. I learned around the age of nine I shouldn't waste time by avoiding getting to the point of my conversations, this lesson was actually one of many that Mr. Tachibana taught me and I still followed even outside of class.

"May I ask why?" He raised a thick eyebrow, almost curious. I explained briefly and without breaking my promise about my new commitment to the Host Club. The older man folded up his newspaper and leaned on his desk, looking to me with his ever intense eyes. I could see he was pondering this, mentally rescheduling in his head.

"But if you can't I understand and the club and I can work out a different arrangement," I finished.

"I've actually been meaning to bring something like this up Charlotte," He responded, sitting back in his seat once more.

"Really?" I couldn't keep the surprise out of my voice.

"Yes. I spoke with your grandmother recently, she's concerned that you're not making any friends."

"I have friends." My voice dripped with indignation.

"Is that so? You have co-workers and fellow students. You do not have friends Charlotte," His voice was sickeningly calm and patient, as if he were correcting a child's flawed thinking. Even so, I kept my tone as respectful as possible.

"Mr. Tachibana I am here to learn, not to have frivolous relationships with people who don't give a da-" He raised his dark brow again, this time cutting off my sentence with that one gesture. I sighed slowly, crossing my arms.

"With people who do not care about me," I finished, my face a little pink from embarrassment.

"That is true Miss Macy," back to Miss Macy, "You are here to learn. And you shouldn't waste time with ones who do not care for you." I felt a little better knowing he'd listened to me. He was like a father, attentive and calm. He's as patient as I am stubborn.

"However, as your mentor your grandmother has entrusted me with your well-being. Avoiding friendships is simply not healthy Charlotte. I think this club, however ridiculous it is, would be beneficial to your well-being. In fact, I am willing to re-schedule our lessons so long as they will not have an effect on your skill."

"Thank you sir," I said softly now. I still didn't want to go back to the Host Club, but it seemed inevitable. He nodded and without another word dismissed me. I left the room, slinging my bag over my shoulder as I walked down the hallway. I pulled out my phone, looking at the time. It was Thursday and I would be late if I didn't hurry up. Ignoring the lead in my feet I began sprinting towards Music Room Three.

"You murderers!"

I peered over at the commotion the twins had caused, just in time to see them shine a bright flashlight on the cloaked Nekozawa. He practically disappeared when the light hit him, running to the doorway he'd come from like a cockroach would when a light-switch flicked on. I absently rolled my eyes, going back to my sketch that I was working on. The girl I was busy drawing sat across from me, smiling pleasantly.

"I am so bored," Hikaru said. Or perhaps it was his brother? I'd have to pay a little more attention, I'd be able to tell them apart eventually.

"Isn't there anything fun we can do around here?" Kaoru asked as he and his brother sat down by the tall windows. I vaguely heard Tamaki whining about his "dignity" somewhere in the background. I actually felt a little bad for him, but that was probably because this very sketch pad had slapped him in the face.

"Hey Haruhi, we've got a favor to ask you." The twins looked to her in perfect unison, raising their hands.

"What is it?" Haruhi asked, I could tell she didn't really care to listen to them but it was amusing.

"The next time we get a day off..."

"...Can we come over to your place to hang out?" Admittedly I found this stereotypical finishing each others sentences adorable. Maybe there was some merit in having the twins in the club, but not much. I tuned them out once again, trying to finish up my drawing. I only had two more to do and then I'd be able to get started on my homework. Mr. Tachibana was allowing me to count two sketches as homework but I also had my other homework to do and it was waiting in my bag.

I soon finished and after taking a photograph of the sketch with my phone, handed it to the girl. She practically squealed in delight and thanked me a million times over. I smiled and kindly requested she and her friends excuse me so I could do my homework. I gathered my things and as I was walking towards one of the quieter tables I saw the twins trying to play a game with Haruhi. No doubt it was so they could visit her house, I stopped and watched.

"Which one of us is Hikaru?" They asked simultaneously.

"This one's Kaoru," Haruhi said almost immediately as she pointed to the twin on the left.

"And this one's Hikaru." She finished, pointing to the twin on the right.

"Uh oh you got it wrong!" The twins cried, grinning madly. Haruhi simply smiled.

"No, I know I'm right. You two may look alike but you're very different." The twins' smug smiles switched to shocked frowns. The other guests began asking Haruhi how she did it and I decided then I'd had enough distractions. I walked over to one of the tables, sitting near the raven haired boy who'd got me in this mess.

"Having fun Miss Macy?" He questioned as he looked over his notebook. I glanced up at him as I put my language book on the table. I was learning English, something that was becoming more and more useful these days.

"I would if my hand wasn't cramping from all the drawing," I quipped as I pulled out my pencil.

"I apologize Miss Macy, would you like anything to help with that?" He asked, coolly. The other girls in the club would probably find him charming and genuine. I shook my head, rolling my eyes.

"No, I'm fine." Our conversation probably would've continued if a loud motor hadn't cut through the room. I looked over, surprised.

"What on earth is that?" I asked, completely dumbfounded. Kyoya simply smirked as a long-haired girl revealed herself standing on top of a device coming out of the ground. How long was she down there?

"Awesome, this is just perfect! Our beloved Haruhi is in the middle of a beautiful, yet poignant four-sided romantic relationship. And to make it even more exciting, two of Haruhi's admirers are twins torn apart by love. Just the thought of it could make me eat three bowls of rice!"

I stared at the girl as she spoke, wondering. How much have I missed? Who is she? What is going on here? I looked at Kyoya and then the four people the girl was talking about.

"It's a love... square?" I asked, confused.

"You have a lot to learn Miss Macy," was his cryptic response. I focused a brief scowl in his direction.

"Oh butt out otaku." The twins responded, just as deadpanned as Haruhi.

"You guys are meanies! You shouldn't say something like that to your manager."

Manager? I mouthed to Kyoya, raising a brow. I thought he was the manager, he was the one with the clipboard after all.

"Yes and no," He responded. I sighed and looked back at the commotion the twins were now causing.

"Cut it out already! You're the one who's always crawling into my bed. Talk about annoying." The deeper voiced twin said.

"I only do that because you look lonely, I wouldn't choose to sleep in your bed you idiot!"

"Who are you calling an idiot? You're the one who sucks at math!"

Back and forth it went, with all the Host Club's clients fawning over the boys. There were practically hearts fluttering over their heads. I didn't see why they were so in awe over this. They weren't even paying the any attention. I looked back to my homework, trying to tune them out as Kyoya wrote in his book.

"Need some help Charlotte?" Haruhi asked as she approached. She looked just as annoyed about the boys' argument. I nodded softly and instead of starting my English I replaced it with my math textbook.

"Can you help me with my math Haruhi? English is pretty easy for me, but math is confusing."

"Sure," She smiled and took a seat beside me. We both glanced back at the twins as they continued insulting one another, finally coming to their last good insult.

"Your momma wears too much makeup!"

The next club meeting had gone as well as one could expect, considering the twins were still fighting. We'd had to shut down earlier than the day before because the twins wouldn't stop throwing things at each other, including me! I felt surprised that they could pick me up, let alone throw me back and forth tirelessly. It'd been Mori who had rescued me, the tall boy wordlessly diving in and capturing me before taking me to safety. And not without leaving me with a blush either, my face had gone as red as a tomato thanks to his heroics.

Now we sat at a long table cloaked in white linen and I didn't even bother asking where it had come from. This music room was obviously more than that and I found it easier to do my math homework than to try to ponder over this.

I looked up at Kyoya who was busy crunching his own numbers. Despite his cool demeanor and indifferent face I could see his jaw set tightly as he stared at the numbers, his fingers twitched over the keypad of his calculator as he checked his math. He explained earlier how the "brotherly love package" might be revoked and I could tell this actually worried him.

And it wasn't just him, the rest of the club was feeling the pressure too, it was even rubbing off on me. I didn't like seeing anyone fight, especially to this degree. Unknowingly I began scratching my scalp.

"It's weird for Hika-chan and Kao-chan to be fighting like this. It's never happened before." Honey spoke up, kicking his short legs under the table.

"They've never fought before?" I decided to ask, surprised. I rarely heard of siblings getting along that well.

"I've known Hika-chan and Kao-chan since we were in preschool. We weren't in the same year, so I never got to talk to them. But I remember that the two of them always played together."

"Yeah that's true. I mean, I've only known the twins since they were in middle school, but they definitely stood out." Tamaki explained how wrapped up in their own world they had been.

"Maybe this fight is a good thing for them..." I said softly, mostly musing to myself but Tamaki nodded in agreement. He spread his arms wide and smiled hopefully.

"Yeah, maybe it means they're expanding their horizons a bit. We should just leave them alone and let them work it out." Tamaki crossed his arms back over his chest, hugging himself. I looked back to Haruhi who seemed lost in thought, she was probably wondering the same thing as I was.

Do they know when to quit?

Apparently not. I stared at the twins with the rest of the club, terribly annoyed by this long-lasting argument. The twins had amassed a huge pile of stuff they'd thrown at each other, with poor Honey sitting at the top. The twins stood in front of us, across from each other and panted from the strenuous effort. They looked worn out, not just physically but emotionally as well.

Tamaki was the first to butt in and that only seemed to escalate the situation.

"I'm going to complete the curse Hikaru. I'm going to write your name on his back. From this day forward you're going to experience nothing but misfortune and sorrow!" The blue haired Kaoru whipped out the doll from his pocket as he spoke and Tamaki looked absolutely petrified.

"Would you guys knock it off?" Haruhi surprised everyone by knocking both the twins on their heads. Haruhi began yelling at them both as she grabbed the doll out of Kaoru's hands.

"You don't bring something like this into a petty fight. Both of you are at fault here but what's really sad is that you brought everyone else around into your big mess! Now apologize to each other! If you don't make up now I'll never let you come over to my house!" Both the twins stared up at her in shock but slowly their soft frowns switched to smug smirks. I felt sick watching them get up and sidle over to Haruhi, linking behind her as they spoke.

"So then what you're saying, Haruhi, is that if we make up we can come over to your place?" Haruhi slowly turned the doll over and screamed as the twins high-fived behind her. All of us grew pale and stared at the boys as they "made up" with each other, hugging one another close.

"You've got to be kidding? You mean you guys were faking it this whole time?" Honey cried out. Haruhi and Tamaki both fell to their knees while Kyoya began scribbling in his note-book again. Mori seemed just as un-phased.

"You shut down the Host Club for this?" I stomped up to the twins, glaring at them.

"You wasted my whole afternoon just so you could play at Haruhi's house? You guys are unbelievable!" I raised my hands in the air as I spoke and then let them drop when I finished. I felt more than mad, I felt furious. I had better things to do than watch the two of them argue over nothing!

"We were bored."

"That doesn't make up for anything! You two are... are..." I was running out words to say. I looked at the doll laying helplessly on the floor and back to them, practically growling out the words.

"You guys are the devil!" They stared at me a moment then pulled their bottom eyelids down and stuck their tongues out at me. It was like they didn't even care. I scowled at them a moment longer before grabbing my bag and leaving the club.

"I'm so glad they made up," One of the girls said as the twins began playing a game with their guests.

"Yeah, me too," I responded as kindly as possible. "So freaking glad," I muttered under my breath.

The boys were now playing the 'Which one is Hikaru game?' and probably scamming their guest even though they said she guessed correctly. I smirked as Haruhi corrected them and left the two speechless. I'd have to ask her how to tell them apart, for now I'm going by voices and even then it's difficult sometimes.

"Okay, all done." I took a picture of the sketch and sent her off as I waited for my next guest. The girl thanked me immensely and I thanked her for being so patient with me. Her hair had been difficult to capture but at least it was worth the effort.

"Some tea Miss Macy?" A familiar voice sounded behind me, sending a chill down my neck from his sudden appearance. Did everyone here materialize out of nowhere?

"Yes, that would be nice Kyoya," I responded as I turned to face him. He simply smiled and handed me one of the cups in his hands. Our fingers brushed together briefly and I tried ignoring the sensation.

"Would you like a portrait too?" I asked after I sipped my tea. "I have some time before my next, well your next, customer arrives."

"Maybe next time Miss Macy." He busily scribbled in his notebook again, casually looking back down to me when I spoke again.

"You don't have to call me that Kyoya. Charlotte is just fine," I said as I looked back out at the club. Everyone was in better spirits now that Hikaru and Kaoru were getting along. I smiled softly, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that engulfed the room.

"Alright, Charlotte. I have to get back to the guests but let me know if you need anything else."

"I thought I wasn't a customer but a worker," I tipped my head to look at him and he let out a soft "Hm."

"That's true but the Host Club strives to please every female that enters its doors."

"Every female?" I raised a brow and he simply smirked.

"Have a nice afternoon Charlotte," He responded before striding off. I watched him go and began to turn back to my sketch pad when none other than the twins approached me. One on the left, one on the right.

"You and Kyoya seem to be getting along." Either Hikaru or Kaoru said, this one had the lighter voice.

"You're right Kaoru, they're very friendly towards each other." So the deeper voiced twin was Hikaru! I'd have to remember that.

"Would you guys cut the crap and tell me what you want? I have a lot of work to do and it's all because of you." I tipped my head and frowned lightly at them both. I wasn't in the mood for their games.

"Okay, okay. Charlotte, we have a favor to ask you." Hikaru and Kaoru both said at the same time.

"Oh no, not this again. If you guys are bored go terrorize someone else." I looked back at my sketch pad.

"Wait, Charlotte we wanted to apologize." Kaoru said, losing the mischeivous tone. I glanced back up.

"Really?"

"Yes, really. We realized..."

"...That what we did was really wrong. And we want to make up for it." Hikaru finished. I set my pencil down.

"Make up for it how?" I asked, cautiously. That was when they grinned like the Cheshire cat they resembled. My eyes widened slowly and I felt the urge to flee. They spread their arms like they were in a broadway show and smiled excitedly as they responded in unison...

"We want to come over to your place!"