Authors Note: Hi everyone, sorry it took so long, I got sick again. I hope that this chapter makes up for it though. It's 5 am here so I'm going to get some sleep!
Um, I know this is a bit to ask, but if there are any type of people who would like to help me, I'd really appreciate it. Like I said, I write this fan-fic for you guys, so I need to know what you like and what you don't. Um so I have short little choice questions, if anyone could fill them out that would be great. All you have to put is a number 1-10 on if you like it (10) or if it makes you tick (1). You can put it in a review or send it to me in an email if you'd like to add a message or something.
Flashbacks:
Dreams:
Alternate Universe:
Really Long Chapters:
Rather Short Chapters:
Environment Descriptions:
Action/Emotion Descriptions:
Lime/Lemon in Fics:
Angst:
Comedy:
Romance:
Plot Twist:
Death:
First Person:
Again thanks everyone it means a lot to me….
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"I can't believe it actually started raining…"
"Aha well you know Karuizawa, so confusing and what not…"
Hikaru and Haruhi stared at the large pension as rain poured down upon its rooftop, leaving them soaked and rather confused. It was sprinkling before yes, but this was just plain ridiculous. Behind them a small chuckle could be heard, making Hikaru turn his head as Kaoru smiled innocently. Hikaru felt a small chill run down his spine at the smile but he didn't question its true intentions. It wasn't like Kaoru could change the weather right? Hikaru glanced over at Haruhi, who seemed oddly calm.
"So remind me why we're staying at exactly the same hotel that we did last summer?" Haruhi asked with a bit of an annoyed tone as she looked back at the two boys. They both laughed in symmetry as they rubbed the back of their heads.
"Well, familiarity for one. Besides the Author is getting really lazy with trying to get everyone to understand their environment and isn't going to pretend she knows anything about Japan, so using the place that you two had your fist date to show character growth with a bunch of Hikaru and Haruhi supporters seemed like a good idea at the time" Kaoru stated simply. Hikaru and Haruhi both looked at him with open mouths as he looked around quickly. Did he say that out loud? He laughed nervously and waved his hand quickly to downplay his mistake.
"I mean, it holds memories?" Kaoru questioned, seeing if they would bite. Haruhi and Hikaru both shrugged, accepting the answer as they headed into the Inn. Haruhi gave a soft gasp as she saw the old pension, which had been just opening up when they last visited, hustling and bustling with customers. Employees, all dressed in light pink aprons, ran through the hotel and guest expertly as they attempted to serve all of the customers needs at once.
"Wow. Do you think we'll be able to get a room?" Hikaru asked gently to Haruhi and Kaoru as the line to check in got longer and longer. Haruhi gave a soft sigh as she looked down at the ground; she had been really looking forward to staying here too.
"Haruhi?! Boys is that you?!" A high pitched voice called out lovingly through the crowd. Haruhi's head perked up, a small antenna evolving from her hair as her unusually sad eyes lit with joy.
"Mi-Misuzu?!" Haruhi called out happily. Finally, someone she knew and trusted in this mess of people! The girl, overcome with joy at seeing her former employer, ran to the transvestite with a large smile. The man, laughing with joy as the cute girl ran to him, excused himself through the crowd of customers.
"Haruhi, oh you grew up so much, you look so cute." The man cooed out as he took her by the shoulders, looking at her as he ran his big hand through her hair. Kaoru and Hikaru laughed slightly as they both walked over to the two of them. Hikaru was almost a bit jealous that the simple voice of this man could make Haruhi so happy, but he pushed it aside. Haruhi, after hugging the man quickly, pulled away, obviously having other motives as she smiled cutely.
"Have you heard from my dad? Do you two still keep in touch?" She asked quickly, the huge smile still plastered on her face as Misuzu gave her a weak smile as he ran his hand gently across her head as if to calm her down before she had even started to become unhappy. Haruhi looked up at him once more hopefully before he shook his head.
"I'm sorry dear I really am…if I could help you in any way I would, but your father's already refused me a dozen times, he won't even return my phone calls." The man whispered with a large sigh as he let his head fall. Haruhi sighed and slowly unwrapped her arms from around him, though she continued to keep about a forced happy aura so that no one would worry. Hikaru suddenly held onto Kaoru's shoulder as his knees seemed to give in for a moment; as Haruhi and the man talked Kaoru slowly turned to his Brother, who looked rather pale.
"Hey Hikaru are you ok?" Kaoru asked in a whisper. Hikaru slowly nodded as he let himself rest against his brother for a few moments as he rubbed his temple forcing his eyes closed as he took in a deep breath. Hikaru held in a moan as the world once again shifted underneath his feet, everything was moving and his head was dizzy. Hikaru nodded again to convince Kaoru that he was alright as he suavely pulled himself together.
"Wait, why can' I work here for the summer?" Haruhi asked in a rather hurt tone. This brought Hikaru's attention back to the girl as he looked at her as she trembled while the man explained that every position had been filled. Hikaru raised a brow as he watched the short handed staff attempt to fill all of the guest needs in a bustle. Haruhi tried to reason with the man only to be brought to a sorrowful defeat as he gave her a weak smile.
"Don't worry Haruhi, you're still a student, you shouldn't be worrying over money and small things like that. Enjoy your summer with your lovely friends ok? Have a good time for once." The man laughed out. Haruhi looked down at the ground, a small cloud of thoughtfulness hanging over her as the man led them over to the counter to sign in. Hikaru waited for Kaoru to go ahead of him as he slowly headed over next to Haruhi, his eyes closing as he sighed and let his arm rest against her.
She seemed to relax as his arm went against her shoulders but that was short-lived as she became tense and alert. Hikaru sighed and nudged her to come and sit down with him. Haruhi, though in no place to argue, rolled her eyes as they sat down in a few of the chairs in the lobby. Haruhi placed her elbow on her knees as she rested her hands on her wrist, her bright brown eyes avoiding any part of him. Hikaru leaned against the chair, letting his head and neck fall backwards so that he could sigh without her hearing him. He had to wonder what was going on at home that Haruhi had to have a job.
"Haruhi, he's right you know, I'm sure that you can survive a few months on what your father is earning, besides, if you ever need help it's not like you have a shortage of friends to ask. You know everyone is more than willing to help you out if you need it right?" Hikaru asked, raising his head to look back at her. Haruhi took a minute to gather herself as she forced out a giggle and nodded, her almost flawless childish grin flashing at him as she stood up.
"I understand Hikaru hehe. Thank you." Haruhi whispered happily as she started off. Hikaru glared at her back as he got up quickly, grabbing her arm to turn her around. Haruhi turned a bit scared at his tight grip as he looked down at her with anger. The girl flinched and closed her eyes tightly as she turned her head to avoid being hit. Haruhi blinked in confusion however as she felt Hikaru slap her arm with two fingers like a father would a small child.
"Stop that." Hikaru said simply as he looked down at her with a stern expression. Haruhi blinked before rubbing her arm lightly even though he hadn't actually hurt her. Hikaru let go of her quickly at seeing the slightly hurt girl. He stared at his hand a bit before shaking his head quickly to try and get himself out of the odd mood.
"Stop…stop what?" Haruhi asked, still in utter shock that he had acted that way. Usually he would get angry and scream at her for being an idiot and not doing what he wanted, and even though it had never happened before, she had always assumed that he would hit her if the time came for it. However now he just scolded her like a child with such a calm face, he was nearly a different person.
"Stop faking those smiles…you think that it makes us feel better, or that it eludes us from the truth, but it really just hurts us more knowing that you don't trust us enough to say what's on your mind. Haruhi if something is going on you know that you have me and Kaoru to depend on, and as much as I hate to admit it, you really do have the entire Host Club. I mean, Honey is like the best person to cheer a person up ever, Mori is a great listener, Kyouya, as odd as it sounds, actually gives pretty good advise, Tamaki's such and idiot you'll be forced to forget whatever it is that made you sad, and me and Kaoru are so damn sexy you can't think of anything else." Hikaru said with a dead serious expression making Haruhi have to bite her lip to keep from laughing, was he trying to reassure her or build up his own ego? The man smiled at seeing her hold in laughter and continued.
"I mean, we didn't all fall in love with some weird giddy all the time girl, so don't need to pretend to be one ok? We love you for all of your sarcastic jokes and oh so dense exterior, no need to change." Hikaru laughed out as he rubbed her hair quickly, messing it up on top of her head.
"Hey! Damn rich bastard!" Haruhi mumbled angrily as she tried to smooth out the fuzz on top of her head. Hikaru laughed as he shouted success and picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder. Haruhi let out an 'oof' as she hit his skin and blinked before growing heatedly and hitting him.
"Lemmee go! Hikaru this really isn't helping your case!" Haruhi shouted as Hikaru started up the stairs with her, a large and proud grin spread across his face as he laughed and ignored her constant yells. Kaoru looked up from the check in desk and laughed a bit nervously as well before quickly giving his information and heading after the two. Hikaru looked in front of him with determined eyes as he carried her in his arms with a bit of trouble, his knees were shaking and the world had started to spin again.
"Ugh…dizzy…" Hikaru whispered as his eyes half closed again. Haruhi's fighting suddenly stopped as she felt the difference in Hikaru's grip on her, she turned her head to him as she rubbed his head to try and wake him up. What was going on with the boy? Haruhi jumped down, afraid that her weight was taking too heavy of a toll on him.
"Hikaru, you ok?" Haruhi asked tenderly. Hikaru glanced down at her as he swayed slightly before holding his head in both of his hands. He just lectured her about asking for help when you need it, yet he couldn't even get himself to utter the dreaded words to him. Desperate to get out of the situation his mind registered what she had just done. He blinked as he looked down at her again, pointing an accusing finger.
"You could have jumped down the entire time?!" He asked in a shocked voice. Haruhi blinked innocently before looking at her feet, which were firmly planted on the floor. She blushed lightly before looking back up.
"Yea I guess I could." Haruhi answered simply. Hikaru laughed as he held onto his stomach making her tilt her head in what was so funny about the situation. Hikaru suddenly looked into her curious eyes deviously as he got down to her level by stepping down on a step. Haruhi blushed as he put a hand on her cheek and brought her head up so that he could whisper into her ear just softly enough for no one else to hear.
"Ah…so I guess that you liked me carrying you, eh Haruhi?" He asked smoothly as Haruhi turned a deep shade of red before twitching angrily. She punched him in the chest quickly, making him fall of a few steps as she glared at him angrily.
"You wish." Haruhi answered before storming up the stairs and turning quickly around the corner. Hikaru waited until she was out of his sight before laughing like a total idiot. Now that was the Haruhi he knew all to well! Hikaru started to calm down as he replayed that beautiful mix of shock and embarrassment in his mind, it was rather nostalgic, but from where did he remember it? Hikaru's eyes shot open as he stared at the spot where Haruhi once stood. Haruhi's expression, that's right, it reminded him of their first kiss. Hikaru couldn't hold it in anymore as he laughed outrageously, causing all eyes to be on him. He started to loose breath from rolling on the floor, holding his stomach and laughing at his own little joke as Kaoru stood next to him, nudging him with his foot in the stomach lightly as he waited for his brother to get over himself.
"Come on Hikaru it wasn't that funny."
Hikaru laughed again before picking himself up and waving it off. Yea, it really wasn't that funny, he should probably go make sure that Haruhi was alright. The boy got on his feet and went up the stairs quickly before turning the corner to look for her. She was a smart girl and had most likely already figured out what level of rooms they were to be staying in, and so he headed towards the double rooms quickly. Since Haruhi had been walked at an angry pace and Hikaru had now started into a run the two caught up rather quickly, Haruhi went up and down the aisle, as smart as she was, unable to figure out her room number.
"It's number 31." Hikaru answered for her as he stood at the end of the hallway, his happy eyes glancing at her. Haruhi gave a soft scoff, determined to keep up her act of anger as she stormed over to the door to room number 31 and turned the handle quickly to go inside. However, Haruhi forgot one minor detail- the room was locked. Determined Haruhi tried again, this time with more force as she fiddled with the knob discreetly.
"Great exit" Hikaru laughed out as he put his hands in his pockets.
"Hey Haruhi. Something wrong?" Kaoru whispered happily as Hikaru passed by her, a small laugh still escaping him as she stood in front of her room angrily, a bright blush evident on her cheeks. Kaoru stopped so that he was standing in front of her, still smiling and oblivious to the fact that the two had even had a small fight. Haruhi mumbled something under her breath making Kaoru tilt his head in curiosity.
"I'm sorry Haruhi I didn't catch that, could you please repeat it?" Kaoru asked sweetly. Haruhi gave an angry sigh before turning her head stubbornly and repeating the words through gritted teeth. It was so hard to keep an angry face when embarrassment ran through every inch of her veins.
"…I don't have my room key." Haruhi whispered under her breath. Kaoru blinked for a few moments before laughing softly and handing her the old bronze key. Haruhi whispered a small and forced thank you through her teeth as she thrust the key into the socket and pushed the door open.
"The jerk." Haruhi whispered to herself as she threw her light sweater off of her torso and onto the bed. Haruhi sighed as she ran her hands through her hair lightly, causing her bangs to fall messily against her face. Her hair had grown down to her neck during the summer and the lack of styling had made it messy and scrappy. Plopping down on the bed Haruhi closed her eyes; letting her troubles drift away for a few moments as she took in a deep breath.
"Why is he always trying to embarrass me?" Haruhi asked as she rubbed her back awkwardly. The girl had been working twenty four seven after school and during free hours ever since she had been released from the hospital and the burden of constantly moving was taking it's toll. Maybe everyone was right, she should just relax. The girl took in a deep breath again and let her mind roam as she felt herself melting into the soft bed.
Well…ok so Hikaru wasn't really that bad. After all it was his idea to go on a get away for her, and he did use carefully chosen words when he could have just bluntly told her that she was being a fake to everyone and they all knew it. Maybe cooking him a proper meal would be a good way of thanks? Haruhi sighed once more as she closed her eyes, the gentle sound of rain hitting the rooftop causing her to drift, it wasn't very late even though the sky was stormy, but her body was tired. If she was going to cook she could just borrow the kitchen and go to a local grocery store.
Cooking was one of the few things that Haruhi actually enjoyed, she was very good at it, and the feeling of making something out of bare ingredients was exhilarating. But most of all, and probably the main reason that she had loved cooking so much, were because of the connection she felt with her mom when she did it. Haruhi sighed as she opened her eyes halfway, her emotions twirling around her like a typhoon as she tried to re-create that feeling. It was…comforting, like a warm blanket being pulled over her. It was almost like nothing bad had ever happened, and that her mother was standing right beside her, moving her hands like puppet strings.
Cooking was her passion, but this she hid away from all eyes willing to see. To everyone else she was the little genius Haruhi, and that's all she would ever let them see.
Haruhi pushed herself up subconsciously as she headed down the hall without paying much mind to where she was going. She had been having weird dreams ever since Hikaru had gotten out of the hospital, and not normal, fly around on a pig in the Saudi Desert dreams, dreams of death, dreams of torture, dreams of romance. Haruhi shook her head quickly as another blush appeared on her cheek. It was getting late and if she wanted to get dinner started she should leave soon. Her hand knocked at the room next to hers as she thought about what type of dish she would like to make.
"Haruhi?" Hikaru asked as he looked down at the dazed girl.
'Maybe something with chicken…or should I just stick to the classic dishes? Maybe something French, I've never done anything like that before, though I'm sure those stupid rich bastards have tasted all the best of foods from all over the world so attempting to make a fine cuisine would be wasted on them…'
"Hi, wanna walk down to the store with me? I'm afraid to go out in the dark on my own" Haruhi asked half mindedly, her entire body relaxed due to her lack of attention. Hikaru stared at her wide eyed, obviously shocked that she would even admit being afraid of going out on her own, none the less saying it with such a serious and carefree face. Hikaru slowly nodded before grabbing his coat and closing the door behind him. Hikaru turned his head as he coughed into his shoulder heavily, bringing back thought into Haruhi's eyes for a moment. However the horrid cough didn't seem to stop him as he turned to stand beside the girl.
"Yea sure…come on." He whispered cautiously as he put an arm around the dozed girl again as they walked. Haruhi seemed to be in an unordinary daze as she walked, his hand holding onto her shoulder, not only for his own comfort, but to make sure that she did not fall in the process. Hikaru stared down at her right hand, which was shaking softly, Hikaru looked around in all directions as they got into the crowded lobby, and, in a moment of impulse, pulled his hand from her shoulder and put his hand over her own.
Haruhi herself did not react to the move, it was like she didn't even feel it at all, but her hand, which he had grown to love so much, twitched at his touch. Hikaru blushed slightly as her soft fingers slowly intertwined within his own, Haruhi's face showing no sign of noticing her movement. Hikaru smiled happily as he clenched onto her hand for a mere second, even if Haruhi didn't remember the love that they had before, as long as her hand still acknowledged his presence, his patience would never wear thin.
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"You really didn't have to come out with me you know!" Haruhi yelled as she carried the bags from the general store in her arms as she tried to keep it from falling. Hikaru rolled his eyes and took the heavy bags from her, placing them on his shoulder as he let out a deep sigh. She was so stubborn sometimes.
"Haruhi you're the one that asked me to come remember? You said that you didn't like walking around in the dark" Hikaru whispered in an annoyed tone at her pitiful defenses as Haruhi turned her head away quickly. Hikaru could have laughed but he decided that she had obviously been humiliated enough today. They had only gotten into the store when Haruhi snapped out of her trance and pulled her hand out of Hikaru's so his trip of romance was broken off as early as it had come.
"So is there anywhere else that we have to go to?" Hikaru asked pleasurably, he liked spending time with Haruhi; it was fun, even if she denied it. The rain poured hard on them, and chance was that they would most likely catch colds if they didn't get out if quickly, but the hotel was only a little while away, and a few more minutes wouldn't hurt. Hikaru hid a cough in his shoulder as he waited for Haruhi to answer. The girl shook her head a bit before her eyes caught sight of small fashion boutique. Hikaru followed her eyes and glanced up at the store before laughing and getting his head down to her level.
"Is my little Haruhi finally growing up?" He teased. Haruhi looked back at him with an angry glare before shaking her head and opening her purse. Hikaru was surprised at her actions but took the wallet from her hands and placed it in his pocket. She fussed but he merely pushed her toward the store. Haruhi growled but merely followed knowing she wouldn't win this fight yet.
"Sow hat caught your eye?" Hikaru asked curiously. Haruhi looked back up at the window, which was on the second story, with a bit of a laugh as she pointed to a red vintage dress that hung on a plastic hanger for all to see, along with its price tag.
"My dad…he really wanted that dress when we saw it in the store, but he was paying for my bills at the time and couldn't afford it…but it looks like its on sale so…" Haruhi trailed off a bit as Hikaru bit his lip, now feeling very bad for even teasing her a bit. Hikaru laughed a bit nervously and nodded as he rubbed her head.
"I understand, it must be hard, but you're doing well…we'll just take the stairs and get that for your father." Hikaru reassured her. Haruhi seemed to have been stopped by something though as she stood in front of the stairs, holding back what seemed to be chuckles as she pointed to a sign in front of the stairs. Hikaru tilted his head a bit as he read why she had pointed to.
"Stairs unsafe please use elevator" Hikaru blinked for a few moments, unsure that if what he had read was actually not just some stupid prank. Haruhi suddenly burst into giggles as she wiped at her eyes before shaking her head and heading toward the elevator, after all, why risk it right? Hikaru didn't feel well going into the elevator in this storm though, and the handwritten sign seemed to have oddly familiar handwriting.
"Hikaru come on would ya?" Haruhi asked as she stepped into the elevators doors. Hikaru slowly nodded, still very cautious as he took a step in with her. He looked outside, coughing a bit to himself as he started to become dizzy again. He shook it off before suddenly gripping onto the elevator side as the elevator started to move.
"Hikaru are you alright?" Haruhi asked tenderly, just as she did though the elevator came to a rough stop, shaking them both as Haruhi let out a small yell before holding onto the side of the elevator as it shook violently.
"Wh-what's going on?!" Haruhi asked suddenly as the elevator stopped. The lights flickered on and off before finally burning out. Haruhi took in soft breaths as she felt around the floor for Hikaru, who had fallen in the shake. Hikaru's coughs gave her a clue as she got on her knees and scooted over to his echoes. Hikaru, who she could faintly outline, was laying halfway stretched out in the elevator, heavy coughs shaking his entire torso.
Haruhi looked at him, very confused, before placing her hand on his forehead. Hikaru's eyes shot open as he panicked, trying to move her hand, he pushed it away as Haruhi stared at him in distress. Hikaru looked away, obviously not wanting to see her hurt brown eyes as he once again started to cough harshly, this time having to resort to taking in deep breaths to regain his breath.
"YOU IDIOT!" Haruhi yelled as she hit him with one of the grocery bags.
"YOU HAD A FEVER AND YOU CAME ON THIS TRIP ANYWAY?! IN THE RAIN?!" Haruhi screamed out as she hit him again. Hikaru flinched as she hit him, and turned his head away, now not able to breathe normally. His eyes closed halfway as everything started to spin underneath him. He clutched his shirt tightly as he tried to lift his head.
"…I-…I didn't think it was that bad…" Hikaru whispered through a hoarse voice. "It was coming and going and I thought that if I ignored it-it would go away…"
Haruhi looked more than hurt through the dark scenery as she continued to hit him weakly with her fist. She shook violently as she suddenly pulled him off the ground to look at his eyes. Hikaru tried to keep them open so that she couldn't be too angry at him, but they kept closing. Haruhi raised her hand to slap him, but her shivering hands couldn't get more than halfway to his face before stopping.
"…idiot…" Haruhi whispered as she pushed his wet hair out of his face with one hand as she pressed her forehead against his own to re-check his fever. Hikaru blushed a deep shade of red through the darkness as she moved her knees to each side of him so that she would fit in the cramped area. Hikaru now started to shake as he tried to contain himself, only helping his desire to take her in his arms by telling himself she was a different girl than the one who had accepted him before.
"Ha-Haruhi please don't sit so close…it's giving off a bad impression" Hikaru whispered to her honestly, it was hard dealing the dense girl, so telling her bluntly was the only way to get the message through. Haruhi didn't move though as she kept her forehead against his, her eyes angry and sad at the same time. Haruhi didn't even hear his pathetic call as she focused on not hurting the boy.
"DON'T TAKE YOUR HEALTH SO INSERIOUSLY! YOU WILL NOT DIE ON ME YOU UNDERSTAND?!" Haruhi yelled, suddenly loosing it as she felt herself shaking so badly that her face couldn't keep still even against Hikaru's steady body. Haruhi clenched her eyes together as she felt a moment of weakness show through her. Hikaru stared at her as his breathing became panting, his eyes closing to a sliver.
"…d-don't…worry…I'm not gonna die…not yet…I'm not…I'm not finished with the story…" Hikaru whispered as he swayed.
"Forgive me…for this…" Hikaru whispered as his body suddenly stopped functioning, his eyes suddenly closing. He fell against Haruhi's shoulder, his face stuck into her cold neck, making her feel the extent of his warm forehead. Haruhi jumped a bit as she looked around suddenly, no medicine, no doctor to help. Haruhi flinched as she suddenly wrapped her arms around the cold boy to warm him up, pulling him close to try and comfort him.
"Help? SOMEBODY?! SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP!"
The sudden flash of lightning stopped Haruhi's crys in a second.
Outside a lone figure sat in the rain, orange hair falling across his face as he twirled some of the missing elevator cords in his hands sadly. Suddenly soft tears began streaming down his cheeks as he wiped at them quickly, not understanding why his heart suddenly felt so bad.