When I first watched the anime, I liked Kyon x Haruhi as a pairing. But then I read the novels, and that made me prefer Yuki a lot more. Guess you could even go as far as to call me a fan boy. So, I wanted to write a Yuki x Kyon fic, and it took me a couple tries to find a concept I liked. First I was considering writing my own volume 10, but ultimately decided volume four's my favorite, so I'll work with that. And it wouldn't be the same without it being in the same style.

Also keep in mind this is based on the novels, especially volume four. This picks up during the second chapter or so of that volume. But I gave a bit of a summary for whoever didn't read it.

Disclaimer: I don't see why this would ne necessary. The website is called Fan. Which means I'm just a fan, writing some fiction.

So here I am, walking home with a girl I don't really know. Well, I did know her, but then things changed. They changed dramatically and instantly, from the very moment I got to school yesterday morning. That seems like a weird, and totally puzzling situation, doesn't it? Unfortunately, I'm probably the only person who can honestly say he'd be more puzzled by everything being normal. What I'm talking about is that my high school life up until now has been a crazy messed up world, and now, it's completely sane. The girl who sat behind me the past eight months isn't the same as the one who sat there the other day. Reality itself changed, and now Haruhi is missing, as is Koizumi and his entire class, classroom and all. But all that isn't what alerted me to the change. It was definitely the fact that I saw a ghost, one who had tried to kill me months ago, and ended up deleted. That's right, Ryoko Asakura is back, and fortunately not with a vengeance, otherwise I'd be dead already.

This place is definitely taking some getting used to. When I first figured out things were different, I went somewhat crazy. The first member of the SOS Brigade I found was Miss Asahina, who, in my confused stupor, I assaulted, scared, and was punched by. Now that I have a level head, I can't say I didn't deserve it. I managed to wander to the clubroom, which was yet again home to the near extinct literature club. I rushed in, and in my frenzy, pinned Nagato to the wall, seemingly to rape her. My thoughts cleared when I realized what I was doing, and I settled down. Somehow Nagato found it in her heart to not be afraid, and she invited me to join the literature club instead. And the biggest clue to how foreign this world is to me is the smallest thing.

The walk is quiet. I can't say there's a ton that's different between this Nagato and the one I've known for so long. They're both silent to a fault, and have very bad social skills. The biggest difference is this one shows her feelings significantly more than the one in the SOS Brigade, though I have to admit that I kind of like the literary club Nagato. Being that she knows me only in passing, I can't think of any reason why she'd invite me over. I mean, sure, I might get a chance to learn more about the keys, and what the program they start actually is, but I'm sure Nagato doesn't know anything about them, and doesn't have any information for me. Not that she's aware of, anyway.

Everything's silent, all the way up to her door. Her apartment is just as in descript as I remembered, barren walls, no curtains, the only thing is a simple kotatsu. I even notice the sliding door that leads to the room I spent a three year long instance in. I have my doubts, but I'm too desperate for a clue.

"I don't mean to intrude, but can I look in here?"

"Sure," Nagato says as she brings out a tea set.

It's not surprising at all. I don't find anything but tatami mats in the guest room. I shrug, and go to sit down at the kotatsu, where Nagato is serving two cups of tea. The last time I did this, Nagato had giving me a long spiel about the world, herself as an alien, and Haruhi as an evolutionary key. Only real difference at this moment is it's so much colder. Is history about to repeat itself? Or am I just thinking too much?

As I ponder the situation, I notice Nagato's eyes drop to the table. She's obviously trying to say something, but doesn't know where to begin. It looks as if she's struggling to keep herself from saying something she wants to shout to the world. Such an intense internal battle must be difficult on such a shy girl.

"We've met once before," she finally began. "Outside of school."

"Really? Where?" It's tough keeping myself sounding like I don't know.

"The library, in May." Does she mean when the SOS Brigade went on it's first Search for the Mysterious? But Haruhi was there... How is it that Nagato doesn't know her?

"You assisted me in making a library card." Assisted? I practically did everything, but no need to sweat the details. But there's finally another link!

She explains further, telling me a different story from what I remember. It was her first trip to the public library, and it was quite a busy day. She had wanted to check out a book, but the librarians were busy, and she was too timid to even be noticed. Then, in her distress, a student who offered to do all the paper work for her came to her aid.

So I'm the one who helped her get a library card. The story may have its differences, but it shares a couple of similarities to the memory engraved in my brain. Such as that it was her first time there, and that I made the card for her. But I didn't just happen to be there, I was the one who took her there in an attempt to pass the time. I think she had something akin to an orgasm seeing that many books. The differences make it hard to say that I remember, and a heavy silences smothers the room.

I want to say I remember, Nagato put herself out there to tell me this. She's obviously hoping to hear me say I remember, but I don't want to tell her something that's only half true. I remember the event, but my recollection has a large variance from hers. But I can tell right now, that memory is more important than I can understand this instant. It may even be a clue towards who made pigs fly, and most definitely why. The only question left would be "how?".

Ding-dong.

The bell ringing from the intercom interrupts our silence. Thank God, I thought this apartment was becoming a monastery, and I'm listed as the eldest monk. Nagato's spirit nearly crosses over in surprise, but she collects herself and walks over to answer the page. I can't fathom who'd be visiting as I listen to Nagato try her best, as quietly as she is, to get the person to leave. But whoever is there is far pushier than she can handle, and she lets the visitor in.

"What do you mean you have company?"

The door swings open roughly, and in walks a girl carrying a large pot, wearing a school uniform which I'm all but too familiar with.

"You? What are you doing here?" She swiftly kicks off her shoes. "You didn't force your way here, did you?"

Dishes crash in the kitchen as Nagato prepares plates and chopsticks.

"I'm the one who cooks for my family. And Nagato lives alone, so I make some for her as well. Otherwise, she's be malnourished and would be completely alone. But it still bothers me, what is it you're doing here?" Asakura really is just a generous person, it seems.

I don't have any words. What am I doing here? I'm here because Nagato extended me an invitation. Well, that and I guess I want to find out more about these keys, and the situation I've found myself in. But, I can't say that, so I make up a lie.

"Remember the confused state I was in? Well, it eventually led me to the literary club room. And, though she didn't understand what was going on, Nagato had helped me get my bearings. And to tell the truth, I've always had an interest in books, though I don't know if it's in reading them or writing them. I talked with Nagato about it, and walked her home. Our discussion wasn't done, so she invited me in."

"I really doubt you'd be able to have such an in depth discussion with Nagato." Shit, did she catch my bluff?

"Well, it was more like me just talking out my problems. She didn't really say much."

The sent of the oden drifts to my nose, and it's narcotic. The smell is so strong that it would make even an anorexic have an appetite. Asakura sits at the corner, her legs folded, and her eyes glaring at me. The stares start drilling holes in my head, and I can't stand it. I grab my bag and walk towards the door.

"So you're not going to eat?"

I only keep walking. As I pass the kitchen, I nearly bump into Nagato, carrying plates, chopsticks, and mustard.

"I'm sorry, but I'm leaving, okay?"

I start to walk away, but then I feel the slightest tug on my sleeve. It's so light that if I had started moving, my own movement would have masked it. It's the scene of the movie where the heroine chases after her lover as he leaves her for good. I turn back and see Nagato looking at the floor, her hand still attached to my sleeve. I just couldn't resist the sad look on her face.

"Alright, I'll stay."

And the greatest reward is mine, though nearly no one would even notice what it is. Nagato smiles.

Dinner is mostly just Asakura talking. I half ass any answer I give her, and Nagato doesn't speak at all. Her attention is fully directed at chewing, tiny piece by tiny piece. After we finish eating, Nagato takes the dishes to the kitchen.

"Do you like Nagato?" Asakura giggles.

Well, I don't hate her. But that sounds negative. If I have to choose between like or hate, it's definitely the former, hands down. I mean, she has done a lot for me. From saving me from a murderous Asakura, to making my passage back from three years in the past a safe one. This isn't that same Nagato, but I can't help but to think of her as the same. The two Nagatos even share the same personality, with only a few subtle differences. So, of course I like her, but what does my silence mean to the interrogation?

"I see. I guess I'm just thinking too much about it. I guess she's not your type."

"My type?"

"The weird ones, right?" another giggle.

"You've talked to Kunikida, haven't you?"

"Just overheard him, that's all. Sorry if I offended you."

"I'm used to it."

"Just one last thing," Asakura's cheerfulness doesn't fade, but her tone becomes more serious, "Please be serious about anything important with Nagato. She's a fragile girl, and I'd never forgive you if you hurt her."

The image of a knife wielding schoolgirl flashes through my head just as Nagato returns to the room. Asakura says her good byes and takes her leave. I almost join her, but I decide to pick up our previous conversation.

"Nagato." She only looks at me in silence. "I do remember the library in May, but the memory I have is not the same."

"What do you mean?"

"My memories from the beginning of May up until yesterday have all been different. Though I did help you make a library card, that much is certain. But the differences were that we were there as part of another club. A club that doesn't exist, other than in my memories. But we were both members, and we had split into teams, we were together for the afternoon. So, in order to kill time, I took you to the library. When it came time to leave, you were in the middle of a book, so I had to get you a card so we could meet up with the rest of the club."

"And that's all?" The look on Nagato's face tells me she doesn't believe me.

"Well in my memories, up until yesterday, you were an alien. And the literary clubroom was used for a club called the SOS Brigade. Yesterday morning, I woke up, and the whole world was different."

"So then you are a different person from the one I met at the library?"

"I don't think so. A lot of the details are the same. You're still just as quiet as you were then, and you still love reading. Asahina, another member, is just as timid as a mouse, like always. My classmates still act the same as they did a week ago, other than the cold going around. So, people didn't change who they are."

"Some things change, while others stay the same. It's thoroughly confusing, even when you know all the details."

"I'm..." Nagato is at a loss for words. I can't blame her.

"You don't have to believe me."

"Please leave." I stare at her, not immediately comprehending what she said. "Just go, I don't know what to think right now. You may just be a deranged lunatic."

"You're right." I entirely agree with her, when I think about it. "I don't mean to put all this on you. I'm sorry, it's just that I have no one else to turn to."

I sling my bag on my shoulder and head home. Is this world really better? When I compare the wild life I was living until now, this normalcy seems nice, but I don't think I could get used to it again. Am I so used to obscurities that I can't exist in a regular lifestyle? What would I do if I stay in this reality? I have a lot of options, but I have no ideas.

And all this while, where is Haruhi?

I've been meaning to get this up for quite some time now. I wrote this a few months ago, but then stopped due to a lot going on. But here it is, and I plan on keeping it updated every week or so. Leave a review, and I'll get to work on the next chapter right away.