Story.

This was a story that my friend wanted me to write. It's a bit longer than the rest of my little drabbles. This is when Haruhi is still in her first year of Ouran High School.

Story - Prompt - A Kaoru/Haruhi Oneshot - 500 words

'Haruhi, what are you doing?' Kaoru peered over Haruhi's shoulder.

'I'm - Hikaru, give that back!' Haruhi turned to Kaoru, only to have Hikaru take away the sheet of paper she was working on.

'Is this a story?'

'We had to write one for class!' Haruhi tried to snatch it away from Hikaru, who gave it to Kaoru to read.

'Once upon a time-'

Hikaru snorted. 'Who starts stories with "Once upon a time" nowadays?'

'-There was a girl named Shiori. She was a princess-'

'A princess? That's so lame!' Hikaru was laughing hard now.

'She lived at the top of a tower, hoping everyday that someone would come rescue her.'

'That's so clichéd, Haruhi! So lame, so lame!' Hikaru was beyond laughing now, hunched over his desk in amusement.

'Her tower was desolate and plain, and she knew every inch of it perfectly. One day, a prince came by, and put a ladder against her tower. He climbed up and offered his hand to Shiori.'

Hikaru rubbed some tears from his eyes out of laughter. 'Okay, that's enough, Kaoru. Haruhi, come with me so I can show you something!' He dragged Haruhi out, not even looking back for Kaoru, certain that he would be straight behind him.

Kaoru, however, kept on reading.

'The princess looked at the hand uncertainly. She said, "Why should I trust you?"

The prince simply smiled. "That's your choice. There is a new world out here. It's your choice if you want to take my hand."

The princess stared at the prince, who was still smiling. "I refuse then."

"What?"

"You said it was my choice." The princess stared at the prince. "The world outside is new to me, and my tower is familiar. Why would I give it up?"

"You won't get anywhere if you don't take chances."

"There is always the chance you won't end up where you want to."

"Come out for one day, and then you can return if you still want to after." The prince proffered his hand once again. This time, the princess accepted.

After the day out, the princess returned to her tower, but requested that the ladder be kept against her tower so she could always the choice of leaving.

It was there for a long time, but the prince did not come back.

Then, the ladder broke. The princess lost her chance. She stayed in her safe tower forever.

She wished that she could have another chance.'

'Kaoru? What are you doing?' Haruhi came back. 'Hikaru was looking for you.'

'Reading your story.'

Haruhi sighed. 'It's okay. Laugh all you want, but then let's go eat lunch, okay?'

'But I like it!' Kaoru looked at Haruhi. 'It's very... reflective.'

Haruhi smiled. 'It's nice that you're trying to compliment it. Now, let's go eat with Hikaru. He's frantic with worry.'

They left the room together, leaving the story behind.

Kaoru couldn't help but wonder what the princess would have discovered if she hadn't returned to the tower.

- -

Did you like it? If you did, please review! Criticism and flames welcomed as well! XD I don't get enough reviews to be picky. "

Also, requests are very welcome! XD That make me feel loved. XD

Thank you for reading!