A/N – Wow, this chapter was really a struggle for me – I keep going back and forth as to whether I'm happy with it. I hope it came out okay!

Yet again, a fluff warning is needed – proceed only if you can handle high sucrose content XD

Still don't own OHSCH – forgot that on the last chapter, whoops.

Chapter 4

Haruhi glanced around, trying to take in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of this section of town. Her mind was still a little foggy from their en route "conversation" – during which very little talking had actually occurred. With one look at the restaurant, she could immediately tell that she was out of her league. She and her father rarely ate meals out and when they did, it was a far cry from this… what with linen tablecloths and real silver place settings.

"I don't think I'm going to meet the dress code…" she muttered dryly.

As usual, her protests fell on deaf ears. Tamaki gave her hand a quick squeeze and with a cryptic, "Wait here a moment" strode into the restaurant.

At a loss, she simply stood there, wondering what he had planned this time. The busy pedestrian traffic jostled her around, effectively breaking her out of her reverie and she claimed a seat on a nearby bench.

What in the world was he up to now? She lifted a flip-flop clad foot for inspection somewhat indignantly. He had better not be in there getting her a dress or something equally ridiculous. She was perfectly happy with her comfortable capri pants and sandals and if he thought –

Completely lost in her increasingly irritated musings, she didn't even notice his approach until his shadow suddenly blocked out the sun. Shifting her eyes upwards, she saw a beaming Tamaki with a basket under one arm and an eager hand reaching towards her. Unable to even form a question as to his strange actions, she accepted his outstretched hand and he easily helped her to her feet.

Without letting go, he silently led her away from the daunting restaurant. They slipped in between the next building, the street noises gradually diminishing as they continued on. The walkway suddenly stopped in front of an old-fashioned wooden gate underneath an ivy-covered archway. At first glance it was a remarkably authentic looking structure – the wood appeared weathered and the greenery tangled – until Tamaki inserted a hotel-style key on the left side, granting them admittance with a slight beep from a hidden mechanism.

Still somewhat confused as they stepped through the arch, Haruhi was immediately charmed by her first glimpse of the small garden, so well hidden among the modern structures. Whoever designed it had done amazing work – creating an atmosphere completely apart from the busy, noisy street just a few meters away. Tall, slender trees covered in delicate white blossoms flocked the edges of the garden, creating an open glade in the middle surrounded by a fragrant white carpet. At the north edge a miniature koi pond was nestled among the many trees. She hurried over to the small pool, bending over with her hands on her knees to get a closer look at the brightly colored fish rapidly darting about.

He grinned at her obvious delight, quite pleased that she seemed to enjoy the peaceful and secluded setting.

Sensing his eyes on her, Haruhi glanced over her shoulder and couldn't help but grin. She was actually a little amazed at his perceptiveness… especially after being so completely dense about his own feelings for so long. In the back her mind she couldn't help but feel slightly guilty for her earlier thoughts, especially considering how much thought he had put into this. He obviously knew her well enough to realize how uncomfortable she would be in an expensive restaurant.

She stood back up, expecting him to still be across the garden, but as she turned around her hands pressed into his chest, halting her forward motion as she practically ran into him. The young man didn't seem to mind, giving her a warm smile before wrapping his arms securely around her.

Growing accustomed to his embrace, Haruhi was able to rest her head against his chest comfortably. Keeping her close, Tamaki easily rested his chin on her head, "I take it you like it, then?"

She nodded without changing positions, her dark hair moving up and down on his chest. He threaded his fingers through her short locks, gently twisting the strands between his thumb and forefinger.

"So, are you hungry?"

She craned her neck to meet his eyes, her eagerness clearly written on her face, "Hai!"

He beamed, "Well, there's a table over there," he pointed to a table and two chairs set up under the canopy of trees, "Or, I got us a blanket and we could have a picnic." His eyes fairly glowed with anticipation at this suggestion and Haruhi's mind was immediately made up. Besides, the grass was lovely and plush and it actually sounded fun.

"I think a picnic sounds nice."

In no time they had the blanket fully spread out and were quite comfortable with the seating arrangement. Haruhi easily kicked off her sandals before sitting down as Tamaki began unpacking the basket he had brought. He smiled, almost shyly, "I know you don't really enjoy sweets, so I got some cheese and fruit…" he trailed off, "it's like a French dessert…"

He needn't have worried, as the petite girl had already sampled a sweet red grape and was currently nibbling delicately on a piece of Camembert, eyes wide with delight. A soft chuckle escaped as he watched his down-to-earth girlfriend enjoy her one indulgence – gourmet food.

She could tell he was watching her again, and gave him a happy smile, "You should try it, it's really quite good."

Although he had partaken in this type of food many times before, it was as though he was trying the delicacies for the first time as he watched her enjoyment. Waiting until she took a bite of a ripe strawberry, he moved in swiftly, helping himself to a taste – first of the sweet fruit itself, and then the sweetness of her lips. Her pleasantly surprised squeak quickly turned into a soft moan as his tongue traced her lips, effectively cleaning them of the sticky fruit juice. A liquid pull swept through her insides as he continued to taste her lips, alternately nipping at her with his teeth and then pressing soft kisses to the same area.

He gently eased her back on the blanket, lightly touching the tip of her nose with his as he knelt over her.

Recollections of the last time they were in this position danced through her mind – of course, that time it had been innocent and unintentional; despite how it had appeared. Not so this time. Guilt suddenly swept over her again, recalling her mistrustful thoughts about his intentions. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Might as well confess – she felt strongly about being honest and if they were really going to do this, there couldn't be secrets or distrust.

He noticed her long exhalation of breath and was at once acutely aware of their position. Instantly he scrambled back into a seated pose, a deep blush blotching his complexion. It was as though his instincts had taken control and he hadn't even though about how forward he was being – at least she hadn't slapped him.

"Haruhi, I didn't mean to take advantage! Please, don't think I'm a pervert!"

A highly confused Haruhi stared up at him, still fully horizontal on the blanket. She leaned up on her elbows, "What?" She shook her head, "No, that's not it at all… we are dating right… I'm pretty sure that's okay." By now she had nearly lost her train of thought. "Actually I was thinking that I should probably apologize for earlier." She hurried on before he could interrupt. "I was worried that you might want me to wear fancy clothes or act differently, since I don't exactly look the part of your girlfriend." The next part came out in one embarrassed rush, "But it was so thoughtful of you to bring me here; I should never have thought those things." The stitching on the blanket suddenly held her attention. "Anyways… I'm sorry."

"You're right, Haruhi." Her head snapped up in surprise. "You must never think like that!" The tension fled from her body as quickly as it had come. She couldn't help but shoot him a sideways glare for scaring her like that.

Oblivious to her Look, he gently lifted her chin, "As soon as I met you, I knew why those other girls held no interest for me."

"Even when you thought I was a boy?"

He choked a little, "Well, as soon as I knew you were a girl," he quickly amended.

"Oh, so only after you saw me in my underwear."

His eyes grew wide, unable to speak lest he dig himself a deeper hole.

Haruhi tried her best to keep a straight face, but his panicked expression set her over the edge.

Concern faded into confusion and then understanding dawned as he watched her struggle to hide her smile. He grabbed the still grinning girl, feigning hurt, "How could you take advantage of my virtuous nature?"

She made a disbelieving noise in the back of her throat, earning a pout from the blonde lord. He swiftly placed her in his lap, the security of his arms providing support as he leaned her back, heated eyes meeting hers. "I don't know how you could doubt my innocence," he teased, pressing a kiss firmly against her mouth.

Haruhi flustered a moment after he broke away, coherent thought slow to return. She gave him a wry grin, "Let's just say I've learned a few things today."

"I'm afraid my image is forever tarnished."

"I won't tell." She paused a moment, considering, "By the way, what are we going to tell the others?"

His already fair skin paled further as he pondered the ramifications of her question.

Eyes wide she deadpanned, "I'll protect you, Senpai."

Amused, he pulled her back in for another kiss. No further words were spoken, both content knowing they would just take it a day at a time... together.

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