Chocolates and Cookies[Open]

[Fujioka Haruhi]

A sunny day was what Haruhi saw when she ran out of her house to go to her school for the host club activities. The sky was crystal clear blue and there were only a few tiny clouds brought there by the morning breeze that made her day a little more pleasant. A happy day for a happy girl. She probably should not show it too much or who knows how he would react. Tamaki after all was always unpredictable. He and his mood swings although they could give him an annoying and cute side she made her vein on her forehead twitch.

Putting those thoughts aside she took the way to her school watching the people going back to their homes or driving their cars. She had no time though to look around her any longer and therefore she kept running even faster holding a huge bad but also watching out not to destroy her uniform. Although it was too heavy she had to be there on time and tried to ignore the difficulty of carrying it.

After running like that to the point of almost racing with a bike she reached Ouran, walked inside and took the path for the Fields where the rest members of the host club were having a gathering for their customers. She had gone home to make chocolate and cookies for their customers so she took some time to finish making her to run like crazy to be on time for the event.

She had prepared many cookies and chocolates and even put some in packages to sell them that was her idea after all. Bringing more money to the club by selling what she could make. Haruhi though had prepared one package only for Tamaki and therefore she wouldn't sell it since she wanted him to taste her chocolates. Of course she would make it look like it was not like that. Admitting things was still not one of the things she could easily do.

Passing by the greenery around her she reached the fields, passed the gates and found the place where the female students were sitting with the hosts. A specially designed place for keeping the breeze inside allowing them to remain fresh. She noticed that some of the girls were quite pushy but she just walked past them 'till someone noticed her. She bowed slightly and tried to find someone to carry the huge bag because if she were to hold it a little longer she would not be able to feel her fingers later on.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

Today was an unusual day for Beni, she had been here only a few weeks and she'd recieved an invitation to some 'Sakura Auction'. She had no idea what was going on, or who 'The Host Club' where, but she felt obliged to go. It was rude to recieve an invitation and then not attend, and she refused to give people a reason to dislike her. Besides, it would probably be fun, and she needed to become more active in what Ouran had to offer, and she couldn't do that by keeping her head in books and wondering the corridors alone. She had to put the past behind her, she wasn't in England anymore, she didn't have to suffer the same fate here.

Walking out onto the field, she looked down at the inventation and back at the sight before her. So many girls were lined up, for what, Beni didn't know. A few of the girls were sitting with various boys. And then it hit her, she now knew what this 'Host Club' was. It was obvious, the faces of the girls said it all, the Host Club was some sort of service club where they set out to please women. Beni didn't know what to think, it was so.... disgusting. But that word seemed too strong, by the looks on the girl's faces, it appeared harmless, but she didn't agree with it. This was wrong, the boys were toying with these poor girls emotions. It wasn't right to flirt with women and get their hopes up for nothing.

As she scanned the field, she was shocked to see that two of the Host Club members were her classmates Suoh Tamaki and Otori Kyoya. Tamaki she could expect to be in a club like this, but Kyoya? Why him? He was intellegent, cool and charming, why would he associate himself with something like this? His family were so powerful, her father had done deals with them before, mostly over insurance. Why would a man from that sort of family indulge in such activities?

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi just walked past them all and went to the stands were the rest of the foods were. She slowly put the bag down and the moment she did that she felt her waist again. Her fingers were still there at least though she could feel them being numb. She did not dare to open the bag yet so she just moved among the girls and hosts only to see a blond woman standing and looking at the people around her in a weird way.

She could recognise that look on her face from miles away. She had exactly the same look on her face when she first met them and saw how they were treating their guests but with time she realized that they were not the kind of boys who were flirting and hitting on girls. They were treating them right havign conversations with them and making themselves clear to them that they are just hosts. Most of the time though, all of them could show that they were not just reach brats but also men with heart who wanted to make every woman happy not just with their friendly talks and innocent flirting but by somehow pointing them the way. If she could make her realize that then she would probably get rid of that expression on her face that she could clearly tell it was probably disgust.

After the realization of how she felt Haruhi immediately walked to her and bowed slightly. "My lady, what can we do for you?" She asked her politely hoping that she would not throw a fit at her and that she would definitely not find out that she was a girl. She took one of the roses on the free table and gave one to her impersonating Tamaki. "A beautiful flower can only go to another beautiful flower!" She joked acting like Tamaki who was always like that with the women. "Welcome!" She said smiling warmly. "Where would you like to sit My lady?" She asked her being more serious since she was sure that if she were to continue like that the rest of the girls would start squeaking.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

If Beni had one possitive thing to say about this event, it was that it was set out rather beautifully. And if she was being totally honest, she'd have to admit that the guys were rather good looking. So far, she'd only met Kyoya and Tamaki, but the tall dark haired boy, and the short boy were rather charming, as were the twins. There was always something almost magical about twins, how they were able to think the same thought, and how they could share dreams. It was strange and Beni had always wondered about it, but she knew it was one of life's mysteries, and she just had to accept it. The only problem she had with twins, especially ones which looked almost cruelly identical, was that she struggled to tell them apart. And that made her feel bad, especially for twins, it wasn't fair on them. She just hoped that she wouldn't need to spend that much time with them, that way she'd be able to keep herself from making any mistakes.

As she looked around the beautifully decorated field, she noticed that someone was approaching her. Tugging at the sleeve of the quite frankly, hidious dress she was made to wear, she smiled and curtsyed slightly. She probably looked so horrible in the Ouran school uniform. The colour clashed with her hair, and it didn't compliment her shape at all. She hated having to wear it, but uniform was uniform, she couldn't argue with it, no matter how much she wanted to. As the young gentleman presented her with a rose, a small blush spread across Beni's face. Roses were her favourite flower, and even though she didn't take fancy to the gentleman, she still couldn't help but blush from the compliment, whoever he was, he was kind. "You are most kind." She said sniffing the flower. "I have no preference to where I sit." Beni said honestly. "May I inquire as to who you are? No doubt you're a member of the Host Club that is organising this, and as I am new, I have very little knowledge of Ouran or it's students."

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Great,I am not discovered yet! She thought sighing in relief. It was fun how she had the ability, even though she was a girl, to make another girl blush. She was aware of it before but it was actually interesting how her looks could be so deceiving for them. She heard her speaking and Haruhi smiled to her. "Then my Lady shall we go this way? The view from this table is the best, I will keep you some company until you decide on a host to accompany you." Haruhi explained to her and made a polite gesture to show her the way to the table.

She took the chair out for her to sit. "I am Fujioka Haruhi, scholarship student." She explained as she walked to the side to take the menu."And your name is?"She asked smiling to her while small sparkles were covering her face. "By the way this is the menu, if you would like to drink some tea then I will make it especially for you. Moreover if you would like home made cookies and chocolate don't hesitate to order some the first try is for free." She informed her as politely as she could as her eyes were shining. It was one of the few times that Haruhi was enjoying her role as a host more than usual because she was not like the other girls who would squeak for her.

"Sit please!" She said as she help the chair again and her eyes wondered around to spot Tamaki but she could not see him at all. "May I ask if you have just moved in Japan?" She asked politely showing that she really cared to know and that she was not just acting to win her trust. "Transfered student maybe?" She added to her question walking to the chair opposite to hers and sat crossing her legs the way Tamaki would.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

There was something different about this gentleman, Beni couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something...off about them. But she told herself not to worry or even bother, she shouldn't be trying to analyse and judge everyone. It wasn't fair or even necissary. So what if there was something different about the person who was so kindly attending to her? Did it really matter, they were taking a notice in her and treating her with respect, that was all that should matter.

Following the young gentleman, Beni nodded her head in thanks. It really was a good view, and a lot quiter then she had expected. The squeels of girls wasn't so loud here, in fact it was rather peaceful. This person certainly knew their stuff, and Beni was glad to have the fortune of meeting them. Today might not actually be so bad, true enough she didn't agree with such things, but she had a biased view, she'd never experienced something like this. So it might not have been as bad as she had assumed.

So the gentleman's name was Haruhi, a nice name, she was certain she'd heard that name before somewhere. "i'm Nanyoshi Beni" Didn't Tamaki mention the name a lot? Yes, he did, he was always talking about Haruhi, for what reason, Beni was unsure. It seemed strange to talk about Haruhi a lot, but what did Beni know? She was a stranger to Ouran, for all she knew, Tamaki and Haruhi might be best friends, she shouldn't question it. After hearing what the club was all about, she felt more at ease, it wasn't as harmful as she had first thought. "Are you the same Haruhi who is friends with Tamaki-san?" She asked, curiosity almost too much to keep in.

Taking the menu, Beni browsed through it, there were a few things that interested her but she wasn't all that hungry at that moment. Placing the menu to her right she smiled and nodded. "I'm not too fond of tea, but I will take you up on the offer of the cookies and chocolate, and may I get a cold beverage with it?" She asked polietly. Despite being from England, Beni couldn't stand the taste of tea or even coffee. She had tried it countless times but hadn't required the mature taste for it yet, and she doubted that she ever would. It was just so tasteless, so horrid... so pointless. She hoped she wasn't being too bossy or fussy, but if Haruhi was here to serve her, then she might as well get what she wanted.

As Beni sat down, she began to look around her and take in her surroundings a bit more. She had been given the choice of choosing a host, and she wasn't sure who she wanted, or if she wanted anyone at all. Haruhi was serving her fine already, she didn't feel the need to dismiss Haruhi for someone else. She would enjoy speaking to either Tamaki or Kyoya and learning more about her classmates, but if she asked for one of them, it would be insulting to Haruhi, and people might get the wrong idea.

As Haruhi questioned her on moving to Japan, a look of shock mixed with surprise spread on her face. She hadn't mentioned to Haruhi about moving here, of course it was possible that Tamaki or Kyoya told her, but surely that wasn't it. Why would information like that be important? Maybe Haruhi had picked it up from her accent, blushing, beni looked at the table and sighed, she'd tried not to appear a foreigner, but it seemed it was unavoidable. "I moved to Japan a few months ago, but my father thought it best to wait until the next school term for me to join." Pausing, Beni ran a hand through her hair and looked back at Haruhi. "Is it really that obvious that i'm not from here?"

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi heard the name of the girl. It sounded foreign but Japanese too. Beni, she had a feeling that the girl would probably have a really nice time with them her style was so close to someone that she knew and while she thought of that she looked from the edge of her eye to where Kyouya was. It only took a split second to divert her attention to Beni again.

Judging by her expressions, Haruhi figured that probably Beni had heard about her and then the question came to verify her suspicion. Though she wasn't sure that it was Tamaki the one who talked about her it made her feel happy that her boyfriend was talking about her to others. Feelings that she didn't really have before were developing in her while she was in that relationship. But before she would go to that topic in her mind she decided not to go further or she would look like a girl dreaming of her boy.

"Yes, Tamaki-senpai is a good friend of mine. Between us his behaviour used to annoy me a lot!" She admitted laying a little on the back of the chair. So she was in the same class as Tamaki, well that was a surprise but also something that made her think of how much trouble he must have given her. "If he had caused any trouble I apologize on his behalf!" She said lowering her head in a bow like they do in Japan.

Haruhi, seeing that Beni took the menu, she waited patiently for her order. She wouldn't guess what she would chose but she was sure that it wouldn't be tea if she was not japanese. Which soon her answer to that other question of hers came. It seemd like Haruhi was right to think that she was new there. It was fun how she even asked if it was showing a lot but Haruhi didn't chuckle. She just smiled and nodded.

"You see, apart from the fact that I haven't seen you before here, usually Japanese bow slightly when they greet, something that yu did not do which led me to think that you probably are not from here completely." Haruhi replied as she stood up. "Now allow me to go get your drink and chocolate and cookies!" She said bowing gently and slighlty turning on her heel to go to the table with the buffet. She took a glass and filled it with a cold beverage and taking the cookie picker in her hand she put some on the porcelain plate of the left side.

Haruhi was used to serving the girls so it was not a big deal for her and it was also fun. She used the chocolate picker to put some bars on the plate and putting the glass and the plate on the disk she picked it up holding it from both sides and leaving a slight sigh she walked back to Beni's table catching Tamaki from the edg of her eye still being around. But since she was working and he was probably busy she ignored him.

After seeing him though, she kept going and finding the table of Beni she put the glass on her side and the plate with the cookies and chocolates in front of her. "Here you are! Enjoy!" She said and putting the disk on the other side of the table she sat on her chair again. "Hopefully the cookies and chocolate will satisfy your expensive, I assume, taste." She said bowing slightly.

"I also hope that you are having fun here and that it was not a difficult moving here and changing environments like that." She expressed her hope being honest to her. She was not like the other girls therefore she had nothing to worry. She would not attack her or try to kiss her against her will and she would obviously not faint like those girls normally would have.

"If you have anything that you wish to share and talk about I am here for you princess!" She said acquiring another of those Tamaki-host ways that always were quite successful and she would not be discovered by Beni as to being a girl or she wasn't sure that her secret would be kept a secret. If the girls were to find out then she would probably be at a pinch. Who knows how those girls think sometimes? So it would be better if she was to continue with the act for her own good and for the clubs gain.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

Beni was indifferent about her name, her father had named her, wishing for her, unlike her brother, to have a Japanese sounding name. She didn't mind, but she had been teased about it. Her full name was Nanyoshi Beniko, but she'd shortened it to Beni years ago. She couldn't remember the last time someone had called her Beniko, maybe her father had when her brother had died. At times her father used her full name when he was angry, but she didn't pay much attention to him, just like he didn't pay attention to her, it was easier for them both.

She was glad to know that Tamaki and Haruhi were friends, it meant she had been right in her prediction, but she was also glad that Haruhi had such a good friend. Even though Tamaki could annoy her at times, Beni could see that he was loyal, to have such a friend was a blessing, and if she'd had the guts, she would have shared this with Haruhi. But alas, she kept quiet, too afraid of leading past events to repeat themselves. "It's true he can be annoying." Beni said in response to the 'secret' between her and Haruhi. "But he does have good qualities, it's just they're harder to see." A smile spread across her face, indicating that she was teasing. Some guys were protective over their friends, and she didn't want to offend Haruhi in any way. "But he has caused me no harm, so you need not apologise."

As Beni got the answer to her question, she went red with embarassment, if her father had been here, she would have been punished for her lack of manners. Well, she wouldn't have been punished here, not in front of a crowd like this, she would have recieved her punishment when she returned home. "Oh" Looking at the table, she clenched her fists which were hidden from sight. How could she have been so stupid? She had been raised under Japanese customs, her father had made sure of that, and yet she had let it slip so easily. She hardly noticed Haruhi leave her, she was just so angry at herself. Occasionally she did things like this out of spite for her own father, and to show him that he didn't own her or control her, maybe that habit had caused her to slip up, she didn't want to appear rude in any way, and yet she had done. At that moment, she wished that the ground would open up and that she would fall in, at least then she could hide from what she'd done.

When Haruhi returned, Beni looked up and bowed her head. "Thank you Haruhi" She said taking a sip of the drink. "And may I apologise for my rudeness earlier, though I've lived in England for most of my life, I was brought up with Japanese customs, I just happened to let it slip, and for that I'm sorry, it wasn't right." Bowing her head once again, Beni took a bite of the cookie and smiled, it was so tasty! Whoever had made these was good at what they did, she hadn't tasted baking as good as this since her mother.

A knot formed in her stomach at the thought of her mother, she was still in hospital, and things didn't appear as if they were going to improve. But Beni refused to think about such things, she wouldn't let her mother's illness ruin the good time she was having. Besides, she could feel sad later when she visited her mother, now was not the time for tears. "These are really good, who made them?" Beni inquired, hoping to compliment whoever had made them and buy some for later. Maybe she could give some to one of the maids or butlers at home, she could of course, offer her father one, but the two rarely spoke so what was the point? "As for expensive tastes? I do find that rather rude if I'm honest. When I lived in England, though we had money we didn't feel the need for a big house, and I attended a public school and had rather regular and cheap meals. My mother didn't see the point in spoiling us, occasionally we'd be treated, but I hardly had the sort of life that Tamaki or Kyoya did, and I do hope in future you will not put me in the same league as them again." She hoped Haruhi wouldn't take it in the wrong way, she had said it calmly, and she didn't wish to offend, mearly correct. "Even now I try not to take advantage of what I have because sooner or later, I won't have access to it, and i will have to work for my money."

It sounded strange, but it seemed like that would be the case, her father had hoped to pass the company to her brother, but now that he was dead, her father was looking for another heir. He completly ignored her, he was a typical Japanese buisness man, he didn't think she'd be cut out to run a company. It upset Beni at times, but she didn't care, she'd prove to her father one way or another that she was strong enough to run a company. If he wanted to be unwise and give the company to someone else, then so be it, it would be his loss, not hers.

"Japan is a lovely place, it wasn't too difficult moving out here, thanks to my father. Although it was hard to leave my friends behind." Beni replied, a smile on her face as she took another bite of the cookie. And my brother she thought to herself. She hadn't mentioned her brother to anyone at Ouran yet, and she didn't plan to. Her brother's death still affected her, and she wasn't ready to talk about him, besides, no one would truely understand her pain, the two had been so close, she'd lost a piece of herself when he died. She did her best to act as if he'd never existed, but that was more painful then having lost him.

Being called a princess was certainly strange, and Beni wasn't sure if she liked it or not, but she decided not to say anything, it was probably a Host Club thing that they all did. But she certainly didn't see herself as a princess, she was far from it in fact. Princesses were pure, innocent, beautiful and well spoken. They had a prince who saved them from danger, and they had perfect lives. Nothing about Beni fitted that, and she didn't want it to either.

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi got surprised kind of when Beni said that she had been raised with Japanese customs since usually it is not easy to slip like that unless you have to adjust in two difficult cultures. Probably if as she said she was in England then she wasn't behaving the Japanese way with the people around her because it would seem strange to them. Apparently that was how things were out of her house so Haruhi assumed that she was excused and therefore there was no reason for her to forgive her or something of the sort. "Please do not concern yourself with that My lady. It is excusable since, as you said yourself you were raised in England, behaving the Japanese way there, with the British, would probably surprise them. I totally understand!" She reassured her trying to calm her a bit gesturing her to calm with her palms but without doing something impolite.

But then Beni seemed kind of upset for what Haruhi said. She immediately realized that she used the wrong word for fine taste. That was obviously a mistake she shouldn't have done and probably it happened because of her thinking about him. Always him in her mind even when she should be taking care of her customers, Tamaki would always distract her in a way and make her behave and speak without thinking properly. Yes she was lucky that she had a man like him next to her but obviously it would soon lead her to make more mistakes like those and if for once she would let her guard down who knows what would happen!Dreadful thoughts! she thought and imagined herself shaking her head to get rid of those those thoughts.

"Summimasen ojou-sama!" She said lowering her head slightly. "I meant to say fine tastes not expensive tastes. My mind is not much into it. I have recently managed to have a girlfriend and I think of her most of the time causing me to be a little out of it. I sincerely apologize!" Haruhi said bowing again. Obviously she managed to get a lot of information about her though which made her happy because she opened up slightly even after such a mistake of hers.

"If you allow me, I find it very mature of you to think like that! Most girls here rely on the money of their parents! I personally never understood it. As I said before I am a scholarship student and I grew up in a small apartment cooking for my father and myself, leaving on my own. I learned to appreciate life and be independent from a very young age! Cleaning the house was also my job!" She said as her eyes started sparkling while she was speaking in the most honest way she could. "I guess you could say I understand you slightly! But take it as an advice, sometimes you should enjoy what you have while you have it or else when you lose it..." Haruhi said and look at the side again to search for him...feeling kind of jealous slightly but immediately concentrated on Beni again and beamed a smile.

"This is what I think! And by the way the cookies are made by me!" She said and tilting her head while sparkles were again appearing around her face and especially her big round brown eyes. "I just love homemade food and sweets that I make. And I suggest you buy now before Hani-senpai spots them and eats them all. He is very energetic during events like these and always eats most of the sweets making me to hide them from his reach, but today I did not have the time to do so!" She admitted sighing and laughing slightly as she started feeling awkward for her mistake while her lips were twitching backwards. "But as I said those cookies and chocolates are home made and they are made especially for our guests. As hosts we always want to take good care of our customers." She explained to her changing the crossing legs. She was opening up to her, slowly making her see that the hosts are not that terrible players. At least this was what she had guessed. Well, after all it was not like they promised their customers that they would love them forever. That aside though, she had to focus again on Beni who seemed to be thinking of something sad because her expression had changed suddenly. It was almost as if Beni was not in their conversation at that moment.

She had mentioned something about her friends and that she liked it in Japan. Leaving her friends behind must have been very hard for her. At least this was how it appeared. "Your eyes can tell me that you are more sad than you appear to be. Even though words can hide our pain, the eyes cannot! I hope that we will brighten your days here!" She said smiling warmly again with her calm features. It was one of her numerous charms.

"After the event you can stay and meet the Hosts so next time you come, if you want to laugh probably you should ask for the twins, or Hani-senpai. But I think you should meet us first! We are more normal when we do not have events!" She said chuckling at what she had just said. But she noticed how she was feeling awkward about being called a princess. Normally girls liked that. She couldn't really understand why she did not like it but she felt like explaining to her why sometimes they call their customers princesses.

"It is not bad!" She started her speech smiling to her. "Sometimes, women have the right to be called princesses. They may not be, but the idea of someone calling them one helps them escape from the reality for a while and relax. Women need that kind of behaviour sometimes to feel like they are not insignificant. Not every princess is beautiful or has a perfect live. They are also humans, they also have their own problems. But just the idea that someone considers a woman a princess is enough to make her smile." Haruhi said as wholeheartedly as she could explain it. Usually Tamaki would say something more than that but apparently it was not the same for her. "It is nice, for once, to be one for someone!" this is what they have taught me here. When I first started here it was because I broke a vase, and they made me do this! I didn't like it in the beginning, and found it stupid. This stays between us! But eventually, I changed my mind!" She said beaming a smile. It was true after all she could see the girls smile happily. And slowly the same girls would understand that their true purpose was to keep them company and never let them feel lonely. A man who makes a woman unhappy is unworthy. This is what she was taught by the man of her life.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

Beni smiled, she was glad that Haruhi hadn't been too upset with her, she was still mad at herself for forgetting the Japanese customs, but she couldn't change the past, so she just had to accept it and try and not make that mistake again. "I never used Japanese customs with my friends or at school, it was only at home that I was asked to practice it, or rather, when my father was around." Her father had mainly been in Japan, and on occasion he would visit them, mostly when he had a buisness trip. It had been strange for Beni, her parents had been married, yet they'd lived most of the time in seperate homes. Her mother hadn't wanted to move to Japan, not when Beni's grandfather had been ill and needed someone to care for him. People often made the mistake of thinking hat Beni's mother and father were divorced, and even Beni thought it at times, but she had been wrong, it was just the fact that her family did things differently. "My father didn't visit too often, so I was able to live a relativly normal life in England, but he still asked my mother to make sure I used the Japanese customs, and occasionally w-... I was made to." Beni quickly recovered from her slip up, she didn't want to reveal about her brother, not yet anyway.

It wasn't that she was ashamed of what had happened, far from it. It was just too painful for her to talk or think about, and if people knew, they'd only try and comfort her or be sympathetic, and she didn't want that. So hiding the fact that she had a brother was the only way she could think of to block out the pain. It didn't really work, but at least it stopped people trying to pry in, claiming that they knew how she felt and trying to comfort her. Besdies, people often became awkward around those who'd lost someone, afraid of saying the wrong thing, and Beni didn't want that, she wanted people to feel comfortable around her, and not feel afraid of saying something.

Once Beni realised that Haruhi had made a mistake, she felt slightly gulty, though her words hadn't been completly harsh, she should have given Haruhi the benefit of the doubt. Then again, Haruhi spoke better Japanese then Beni did, although Beni was fluent and had learnt from a young age, she'd spoken mostly English, and had only used Japanese in England when talking in private to her family, insulting someone or talking to her father. Apart from that, she had spent a lot of time speaking English, so surely Haruhi would know what she was saying? Maybe it was a simple slip of the toungue. "There is no need to apologize, accidents happen and your chracter suggests that you're not the kind of person to so easily judge people and insult them."

It was nice but also strange to be called mature, she had always thought of herself as more independant then mature. Occasionally when her father did talk to her, he would say that she needed to grow up and stop being like a child, that she had to act her age and accept the things that happened. She guessed in a way it was true, she did need to grow up, but surely her independance, and her refusal to let her father's strict actions get to her, showed she was mature, if that didn't, then what did? "Domo arigato Haruhi-San." Beni smiled at Haruhi, he certainly was a strange person, to cook and to clean, in England, such things were normal, but she'd never heard of it in Japan, then again those she knew all had servants, so maybe it was common practice. "Such skills will be useful in later life." Beni commented, trying to show she admired what Haruhi did. "And as for appreciating what I have? I see it as it's already gone, It will never truely be mine, my father would never give me the company, so why enjoy something which I know i'll have to give up?"

She was surprised to discover that the delicious cookies had been made by Haruhi, a man who could bake was a rare sight, and Beni was tempted to buy more. She wasn't sure who this 'Hani-sempaii- was, but if it meant she had to be quick, then she'd do just that. Reaching into her bag, she took out her purse and produced some notes. Putting her purse away she turned to Haruhi and smiled. "Will this be enough for some boxes of those chocolates and cookies?" She asked handing over the money. "You can keep the change, I don't really need it."

She hadn't realised that Haruhi had noticed the fact that she was feeling sad, and Beni felt embarassed, she didn't want people knowing, she wanted people to see as someone who was happy. Usually she was good at hiding her emotions, maybe Haruhi was more observant then other people were, which was why she'd noticed the fact Beni had been upset. "I'm fine, really. I was just thinking of those i'd left behind, there is no need to be concerned."

The prospect of meeting the other Hosts was rather appealing, even if she didn't fully agree with what went on, it would also give her a chance to get to know more people at Ouran. The Host Club appeared propular, so if she got to know them, then making friends with others would become easier. Beni wasn't really looking for popularity, but she did want a good group of friends. She wasn't sure who to go with, but she was sure that her time at the event would allow her to get more insight, allowing her choice to become easier. "It sounds like a wonderful idea, thank you Haruhi"

As Haruhi explained the reasoning behind calling someone a princess, Beni smiled and nodded, showing that she understood. But even then she still didn't wish to be called a princess, it wasn't reality, and Beni didn't want to caught up in a world of fantasy. It was best to stay in the real world, and be honest and true to herself, but she was glad that there were people like Haruhi and the Host Club who tried to make women feel special. Maybe the Host Club wasn't so bad after all. She wasn't like other women though, she didn't want to escape reality, it would only cause problems like it had done in the past. "I'm glad to see you like it, I don't believe that this club would be the same without you."

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi just gave a genuine smile while Beni was telling her about her life in London. Soon enough Haruhi managed to make the girl open up a little to her which meant that she was starting feeling more relaxed than when she met her a few minutes ago. She spoke of her family in a warm way though Haruhi could distinguish that when she spoke of her father she didn't seem as happy. Haruhi could guess that her relationship with her father was not the best she could have and she really did not understand why some fathers were like that. Her father was always there for Haruhi treating her with care and gently. Judging by how Beni was standing there in front of her she could probably tell that she was raised with strict ways. She was like Kyouya after all... and she was a hundred per cent sure that Kyouya would definitely grew a liking to her but she just remained silent about it 'till she decided to speak to her but she had noticed for a split second that her voice broke. She wasn't sure what she was about to say but apparently it was best if Haruhi would not ask her about it. She had learned not to pressure others to say things that they would rather avoid.

But a little after that because of the mistake she made while talking to her fearing that she had been rude to her and apologized she was told by her not to apologize and that mistakes are bound to happen which kind of put Haruhi at ease since she was not the kind of person who would allow herself to get into a misunderstanding without solving it and since it was solved she beamed another smile at her as pink roses were appearing on the background mixing in with Haruhi's kindness towards Beni. "That puts me at ease!" She admitted in a calm manner yet showing that she was relieved as a sigh escaped her lips after wards. "I hate creating misunderstandings!" She explained with another smile though this time it was simple and a bit awkward. It wasn't like her to get worried a lot over little things but if it was something that would make her look rude she would not really accept it and try to immediately prove that she is not rude. For a Japanese person after all, being said that he/she is rude is one of the worst insults. "Thanks for your kind words!" She said sweat-dropping a bit but other than that she was feeling pretty much relaxed if you compared it with before.

Domo arigatou-Haruhi-san she heard the girl say and Haruhi bowed slightly. "Dou itashimanutse my lady!" Haruhi replied to her after she was thanked for telling her that she was mature. Well it as the truth and Haruhi was not the kind of girl/host that would lie to her customers. And in no time Beni started praising her somehow for being able to cook. Haruhi wasn't really seeing it as something important but she knew that for boys to cook was not something very common in Japan and since Beni knew it apparently it made a big impression on her. "Since my mother died I had to take care of my father since he was taking care of the money for the house. I became something like the new housekeeper. If we could not adjust then things would be difficult for us! But having the warm feeling of being home and doing something for the family was enough to make me work even harder for it." She said to her with a smile trying to show her that she did not have to say that she was sorry about her mother because it was not something that was making her sad since she had hardly met her mother after all. Although she hadn't not mention that to her yet.

"Fathers sometimes can be annoying and tough but in the end most of them mean their child's best. Maybe your father secretly wants you to claim what is his now. I may be wrong of course! So excuse me if I am jumping to conclusions!" She said to her and looked at the table with the cookies and chocolates noticing that they were finishing thus she had mentioned to her about Hani-senpai. And this was good for her because since she wanted to buy them it meant that she still had time before they would become extinct. When Beni offered her the money Haruhi smiled at her and sat up. "Thank you My lady. I shall bring you the chocolates as soon as the people that are standing in front of them leave. If I go there now I think that the ladies might want me to accompany them and it would be rude to you." She said nodding and smiling. "Hopefully they will leave soon because if we do not hurry the Hani-typhoon will pass and the cookies and chocolates will become extinct." She said after leaning a little closer to her pointing at Hani-senpai with secrecy. She meant not to insult Hani of course it was mostly to emphasize the importance.

Putting that aside though and after she had already noticed that she had that slight trace of sadness she had made that announcement, let's call it, that she should meet the rest of the hosts and Haruhi tried to make her feel better. She listened to what she was saying carefully. And at the last compliment Haruhi could not help but blush. "You are complimenting me a lot I do not know if I deserve it. But yes, the truth it that I like it here now!" She admitted rubbing the back of her head awkwardly.

Remembering that she was given the money she looked again at the table with the chocolates and cookies and she immediately sat up. "I am going to get the packets now, it seems like the people on the front left meaning that I can safely go there now." She said nodding to her politely. "Hopefully the typhoon won't run faster than me. He is said to be dangerous!" She joked again winking at her. "Now if you excuse me my lady!" She said bowing slightly. Taking the disk she walked towards the table and like a shadow she look the three cookie packets and three of the chocolate packets. They were wrapped in a pink and light blue wrap paper and a white bow was tied on the top. Quite a cute packaging that she did on her own. Smiling at herself she put them on the disk and like a shadow again she walked back to the table with Beni putting the disk on the table. "I was not late right?" She asked winking and bowing she sat on her seat again.

"I hope your family enjoys eating them." She said crossing her legs again and leaning back as she rested her chin on her hand getting better and better at the job of a host and mimicking but also assimilating, Tamaki's ways in her own style. "Anytime you will need more of those you can ask for me to make some extra. I cannot guarantee that I will be faster than Hani-senpai next time!" She admitted chuckling at the idea of Hani eating all of her cookies and chocolate bars like a lion eating it's pray with gluttony.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

Beni was feeling rather relaxed around Haruhi, which was strange, she usually wasn't this relaxed around men, for good reasons. With a strict and rather abusive father, you started to not trust men, and the only man she'd been close to was her brother, and he was dead. She had been in a relationship once, but it hadn't gone anywhere due to her semi fridgid nature. The two were still friends, and she often wrote to him. She did have other guy friends, but it had taken her a while to become comfortable around them, yet with Haruhi it had only taken ten minutes minimum, maybe something more like fifteen or twenty minutes. However long it was, it hadn't taken long, and it made Beni slightly suspicious. Just who was Fujioka Haruhi?

Smiling back at Haruhi, Beni's thoughts rested on her father for a moment, she had never fully understood him or why he did what he did. Her brother had once explained to her about her father's upbringing, and how Japanese folk punished their children. Apparently, her father had been given a similar upbringing, so it was all he knew. But Beni didn't feel that excused his rather cruel parenting. She remembered the day of her brother's funeral, when she had accussed him of being the cause of her brother's death, he had locked her in a cupboard for a few hours in order to learn respect. Because of that, she now hated closed spaces, and she had come to dislike her father. He was never too harsh with her, the most he'd ever done to her was a slap across the face, but it was still enough for Beni to resent him. Usually he just spoke coldly to her and made the odd threat. But Beni didn't care, she was just the same to him.

As Beni reflected more on her father's skills as a parent, Haruhi's voice cut through her thoughts and brought her back to reality. Smiling, Beni nodded and drank some of the juice that she had forgotton about. "I dislike misunderstandings too" Beni replied warmly. "They can often break a friendship" Beni had never had such athing happen, at least not that serious, but two of her friends stopped speaking because of a misunderstanding, she had tried to make them both see reason, but they refused. She was unsure of what the situation was like now, but she hoped that they had come to some common ground again.

It seemed her and Haruhi were more alike then Beni had first realised, they had both lost people close to them, Haruhi a mother, and Beni a brother. And Beni was unsure as to what her mother's fate would be. She was still in the hospital, her father and her often visited, and her father had hired the best medical care he could give her mother. But decpite all that, her mother was still in a coma, Beni hoped her mother would recover, but part of her was doubtful. If she lost her mother, she was unsure how things would turn out, if she was in England, she'd be in a situation like Haruhi, either that or she'd have had to move to England or find someone to care for her. In many ways, she was glad to be in Japan and be well off, if her mother died, at least there would be people to care and look after her. "What you did was very kind Haruhi, I deeply respect what you have done. Mostly the staff cook for us, but if I had been in your situation, I am not sure what I would have done. I am not sure I would have the strength to do what you did, even if I do know how to cook."

As Haruhi mentioned about father's doing things to benefit their childrenm Beni had to force backa sarcastic laugh. She was pretty sure her father didn't fall into that catagory. She could of course be wrong, she hardly knew her father after all, neither of them had really made an effort to get to know one another, and Beni was content with her life being like that. "Maybe that's what he is doing, after all, i'm more then qualified to take on the company, and he did pay my lessons in various musical instruments. Maybe I should talk to him." Looking over at the line awaiting the chocolates and cookies, Beni wondered whether her father would want some or not, she wasn't entierly sure what he liked. Oh well, if he doesn't want them, there's more for me. Beni appreciated everything Haruhi was doing, he was being so kind, staying with her and keeping her company. Haruhi probably had other people to attend to, he didn't need to keep fixated on her, people would probably get jealous. "Thank you Haruhi-San"

As Haruhi pointed out Honey, Beni frowned, so it had been him. What was a little kid doing in Ouran? Unless Honey was very small, which was possible. But as she looked closer she noticed that he was holding a toy rabbit and he had a childlike spark in his eyes. "I mean no offense by this but.... how old is he?" It would be reasonable for him to be grades higher then his age, it happened in all schools, if a child was a genius, occasionally they'd move up a grade or two, and this could have happened with Honey. It seemed strange for a young adult to carry around such a thing and to act like such a child, but maybe Beni was wrong, maybe it was just how he was. As her eyes turned away from Honey, she noticed that Haruhi was blushing. "Em." Beni said running a hand through her hair, she didn't know what to say, she had been complimenting Haruhi a lot, but she saw nothing wrong with it.

As Haruhi excused herself, Beni began to analyse everything, from Haruhi's voice, to her body language and the way she'd interacted and made conversation. Beni was very analytical, something that had come from her intellect. Her brother had often teased her about it, commenting on how alike she was to a buisness man. Beni didn't know what to think of it, but it had often gotton her out of some sticky situations. And now she was using this to work out Haruhi, things just weren't piecing together and she found herself curious to discover whatever Haruhi was hiding, oh yes, Haruhi was hiding something, that was obvious. Usually beni didn't like intruding, but there was something off about Haruhi, something that made Beni want to turn from her usual nature. When Haruhi returned, Beni thanked him and continued to think over everything that had happened. She would probably have to make this an over night analysis, otherwise she'd miss out on the fun. "Thank you Haruhi."

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi had noticed. She had definitely noticed that she was being too feminine. Not literally but she was beingless masculine. Thinking that apparently there were people in this world who can actually tell the difference between a man and a woman even if the woman is dressed like a man. Not every girl was like the guests they had, apparently. Haruhi always thought that most of them were averagely smart even though they were in such a prestigious academy. She was sure that if she could see if they had brains she would not find anything inside, but still it didn’t mean that she hated them or anything. She just wasn’t thinking very highly of them considering their IQ. So taking a deep breath Haruhi tried to act more like a guy.

When Beni praised her again it made her smile warmly but she forced herself not to blush this time. “Thank you for your good words Milady. To be praised like that even though I am doing what I should be doing is very important!” She said and bowed slightly to show her gratitude. She was usually praised for that but she never had the mind-frame to understand why people were finding her so unique with what she was doing. Among the commoners it was indeed a common thing to happen to such cases though apparently the girls did not know a thing about it.

Haruhi heard what Beni said about talking to her father and she just smiled to her having an answer ready. "This is the best a daughter can do sometimes, hoping that her father won’t go berserk afterwards!” She said sweat dropping a bit. Well, she could not meddle with her affairs, she had just met her and apparently if she were to start showing interest Beni could easily misunderstand Haruhi’s intentions and think that he is hitting on her and if that happens the only way that could be used to change her mind would apparently be telling her that she is a girl and straight. Which was certainly not an option.

And then after Haruhi pointed at Hani-senpai the logical question came which only meant that she would have to tell her about him. She giggled slightly at the thought of Beni getting curious about the bunny. “I should tell you now before something goes wrong." She started talking while taking a serious expression on her face. "Hani-senpai is 18 years old" She explained to her having a really serious lok on her face. "He is Mori-senpai’s cousin, the two of them are inseparable." She added pointing discreetly at Mori-senpai. "Also, he might seem like he is a kid but he is not, and he might look cute to you but you do not want in any way to annoy him because he can get frightening." She warned her while her voice was getting a little darker to emphasize her point as much as possible.

"According to the Hitachin twins, he is very dangerous when he gets mad."[/b She went on about him going deepr in her explanation. "If you destory his bunny he will destory the Academy." She exaggerated there but it was the only way that she could protect her. "Also, if he falls asleep and you wake him up, it is also very dangerous!" She continued but at this point she thought.. 'will there really be a time when she would actually need to wake him up?' But then she just went on to the next subject.

"Most of the host members can get dangerous when they get mad by the way." She noted there being extremely dark there while she was emphasizing the word most. Then she remembered her first encounter and she just had to warn her. "Oh, and… if Hani-senpai offers you his bunny to hold, accept it immediately.”[/b She highlighted those words as much as possible. “Additionally, the moment he tells you to eat cake with him, do not reject the proposal or you will see a face you have never seen!” Haruhi was speaking of experience after all and she did not want Beni to get frightened so she thought that warning her would be the best and wisest thing to do for her own good. "And one last thing, in front of him be decisive, he hates people who cannot decide easily." She highlighted that remembering poor Kasanoda and how Hani scared him.

She was thinking that maybe she was too graphic but then again she had to become graphic or else who knows what could happen to the blonde. Hani could become very scary and she did not want her to experience such a terrifying side of the cute boy. "Other than that he is usually extremely kind and very nice to everyone around him so do not worry. Just avoid doing the things I mentioned and you will be safe!" She said nodding. Inside her though she was imagining Hani giving her the bunny and she holding it and she just tried to hold back a laugh. Thank goodness she did not crack, not even for a second.

While she was thinking of that and she went to take the cookies and chocolates she was thiking that maybe she should act more like a man or sooner or later she would find out. When she gave her the packages she sat down and looked at her. It seemed as if she was being looked at and Haruhi started thinking that maybe she should sit like a man more, but then again she might be able to find out so she just decided to be natural as always. “It was a pleasure my lady!” She said brushing her strands with a sudden move of her fingers. “ Please if you wish for something else I will do my best to fulfil it!” She added looking in her eyes with her brown ones.

While she was at it though Haruhi’s mind was traveling at the rest of the members. She was wondering what Tamaki was doing. Maybe she should trigger Tamaki’s jealousy? And then she thought of going to talk to him but decided against it since she was already sitting with Beni. Noticing that Beni didn’t drink all of her beverage she blinked. “Was the beverage not good My lady? Shall I bring another one?” She asked as she was ready to get up waiting for Beni’s consent.

[Nanyoshi Beni]

The mystery of Haruhi was really starting to bug Beni, she hated this part of her, but she analysed people, it was something she'd always done, and although she enjoyed challenges, she didn't like being confused or not knowing something. There was something different about Haruhi, and although Beni didn't truely care who Haruhi was, she still wished to know what she was hiding. Smiling, Beni took out her notebook and quickly scribbled something down, before placing it back in her bag. It was a simple note to let remind her to research a bit more into who Haruhi was, and she'd achieve that by asking some of her classmates. Beni knew it couldn't be because Haruhi was a 'commoner' because she had many friends who were 'less fortunate' then her. So she knew it couldn't be that, one idea had come to mind, but she didn't wish to ask such a direct question till she had gained more information. If however, Haruhi was homosexual, then Beni would encourage him to be more open and accept what he was.

"Praise are but simple words, which we rarely use." Beni retorted with a smile. She really didn't see a big deal in what she was saying, like she had said, they were just words, and meant little to her. It was just like the Host Club were doing, they commented on their customers and complimented them, but they were just words of beauty. It was the customer's choice how to take it, they could very easily ignore it or take it on board. Thatwasn't to say that Beni was a cold person, just that she saw no reason to act so amazed at compliments or praises, yes they were rare, but they idn't have to be if people actually meant what they said. "But it is good that you know where your duties lie."

Beni felt rather awkward at what Haruhi had said about dads going beserk. Her dad didn't go 'beserk', but he did get angry, and Beni didn't want to make him angry. She didn't mind annoying him, after all the two often annoyed each other, but it was when her father was angry that she really suffered. It wasn't anything too serious, the worst he had done was lock her in a closet... or maybe it had been him hitting her. She wasn't sure what she considered worse, but the thought of her father going beserk wasn't a very comforting thought. "Yes well, lets hope we don't get to that stage." Beni laughed.

Though Beni was going to stick to her opinion of the small blonde boy, she was glad that Haruhi was going to explain what was going on, she was however, surprised at the serious expression and tone that Haruhi had. However, this was nothing compared to the chock she felt when she discovered he was in fact, eighteen years old. Woh" She said looking at him again, was Hunny really that old? It was seemed so impossible, of course, she knew it wasn't, people were allowed to be short, but she had expected someone his age to be alot more...mature. Looking over at so called 'Mori' she wasn't too surprised at his appearance, at least he looked more of his age then his cousin did.

The thought of Honey being frightining almost made Beni laugh, but due to the serious tone Haruhi was using, she stopped herself. It seemed that no one here was what they appeared, and it was possible that this 'cute baby attitude' was all an act for the women. So she decided to listen carefully to Haruhi, though what she was saying sounded ludicrous, she decided to just accept it and stear clear of any of these things. She highly doubted that the boy would destroy the Academy over some stupid toy. She however, understood the whole waking up buisness. She herself didn't enjoy being woken up, she was not a morning person. But would she attack someone? Probably not, but she would be a bit grumpy, that was certain.

"Thank you Haruhi, I will make sure I am cautious." Beni said plainly, she hoped not to get in a situation where she had to hold his toy rabbit or eat cake. She liked cake, but she didn't like the thought of doing something she didn't want to do. Honey would have to grow up soon enough, after all, it wouldn't be long till he left Ouran, and he couldn't act like that in Univerisity. So he would just have to accept it when she refused to old his bunny or eat his cake. As for being decisive, they were on the same page, she often got annoyed by those who were incapable of making a decision, but she'd learned to accept that some people were unable to make decision quickly, so she rarely showed her annoyance at such a thing. "I am sure he is a nice person, we all have are dark and light sides."

As Haruhi questioned Beni on her beverage, Beni looked down at her drink and laughed. "It's fine" She said covering her mouth to quieten her laugh. Really, Haruhi was being rather fussy, she didn't need to make everything peerfect. "I tend to drink my drinks slowly, it allows me to enjoy them for longer, please, do not feel the need to trouble yourself over every little thing."

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[Fujioka Haruhi]

Haruhi looked at Beni and she was just quite curious to know what she was thinking, time was also passing by quickly and some girls were looking at her with a face that seemed ready to devour her. She looked at them in a very innocent way and then looked away making them melt again and scream ‘Kyaaaaaaa’. “I know people who find pleasure in praising me all the time!” she said sighing as she was sweatdropping. “You can’t really say anything but after a while it gets too weird.” She said brushing her hair to the back.

“My father, when he met the host club members he got crazy and wanted to protect me from them.” She said and laughed a little about it. “And when I was out with them, he would always follow me around. He worries too much for my safety! He always says that I am his only-kid!” Haruhi explained to her. “And that he would commit suicide if he doesn’t know that I am safe. When I am at school, I even thik that he has some kind of deal with the principal to make sure that I am alive!” She joked a bit about it. “Although I love him sometimes he scares the girls away!” She admitted as she played with the tableclothe.

“Ah and now that you reminded me!” She said after hearing what she said about perfectionism. “If he gives you the bunny and you stain it then probably he is going to become a monster so be careful. If you stain it with food just tell him that the bunny wanted to eat something so he will believe you and won’t make a fuss!” She whispered as she got closer to her in order to tell her and stay between them.

“As for the rest members, just make sure not to accidentally break anything or you might end up pretending to be a guy and working for the Host Club!” She said to her thinking of her experience while she was laughing at it inside her. It has been at least a year since she had that experience. “Also watch out of Kyouya-senpai. If you do such a thing he might start blackmailing you to do as he says or else he will send you out of the country without a passport.” She went on and on about it giggling. I know someone who had that experience! It was me but I cannot tell you. She thought and at that moment she sighed and looked at what the rest of the hosts were doing.