Disclaimers: I do not own Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu.

Revelation

Man, good thing Nagato reminded me to have my sneakers washed. It's been quite a while since I last washed those…

I went to my locker, retrieved my shoes, and then decided to go home. I still couldn't believe that Haruhi dismissed the Brigade early today. Even before, during that one day in the rain where she sent me to pick up a heater from the other side of town, despite the extremely low temperature that day, she didn't dismiss us early. But as for today…

I wonder what's up with Haruhi…

After I ate dinner, I decided to go watch the seven o'clock news, for a change of pace. If Haruhi had caused something to happen, no doubt that if it's major, the news stations would have gotten wind of such an event.

With a jolt, I stood up. I had forgotten all about Nagato's request the other day, when we had our date!

"If you notice anything unusual or out of the ordinary with Haruhi Suzumiya, please let me know as soon as possible."

Oh man! Gotta call Nagato…

As I made for the phone, it suddenly rang. Huh? That's weird. I picked it up.

"Hello, who is this please?"

"…"

"Hello?" I said yet again.

"This is Yuki, Kyon."

"Oh Nagato, you're exactly the person I wanted to talk to. It's about Haruhi."

"A moment, Kyon. When you removed your filthy sneakers from your locker, did you, by any chance, see a bookmark in your locker?"

"No. Why? Did you leave me a bookmark to tell me something? Couldn't you just tell me in person?" I asked, slightly dejected that Nagato couldn't tell me something in person.

"It was supposed to be a surprise…." She trailed off into silence.

Oh, a surprise. That made me feel better.

"What surprise?" I asked.

"Nevermind. The current situation is as Itsuki Koizumi has suspected. He is here right now in my room, together with Mikuru Asahina. I called you because Itsuki Koizumi requests your presence here at the soonest possible time. According to him, we have another problem with Haruhi Suzumiya. I am in agreement with his conclusion, so Kyon, please come here right now, if it is possible," said Nagato.

"Okay Nagato, I'll be over in a while. Wait for me."

"Understood. Oh, Kyon?"

"Yes?"

"Take care of yourself," said Nagato.

"Don't worry, I will. Anyway, see you," I said, as I dropped the call.

Oh great. Another situation that involved Haruhi. What's new anyway?

After making excuses for my parents and some very, very tiring biking, I arrived at Nagato's apartment complex. Then, I saw her waiting for me at the ground floor lobby. When I approached her, she spoke with urgency in her voice.

"Quickly Kyon, there is much we have to discuss," said Nagato.

This must be something big, if she sounded so urgent. Without further ado, we hurried towards her room, as though a huge fireball was chasing us, like in those action movies the Americans made in Hollywood.

When we got to her room, we were greeted by the sight of an Asahina-san who looked pensive, and an unsmiling Koizumi.

I decided to preempt everything by breaking the silence.

"Okay Koizumi, what's the situation?"

"I take it that you have noticed Suzumiya-san's recent outburst of melancholy?"

"Who could not notice, Koizumi?"

"Precisely Kyon. After she dismissed us earlier this afternoon, as Asahina-san and myself were walking out of the building, my phone suddenly rang. When I answered it, it was my colleague informing me that we had a quite a few closed spaces to deal with."

"'Quite a few' meaning?" I asked.

"Twenty. Twenty closed spaces all materialized in the immediate area in less than an hour. Obviously, there is something troubling Suzumiya-san, because on Saturday evening, ten closed spaces materialized in a span of as many minutes as well."

"But the closed spaces have been taken care of, no?" I asked, suddenly concerned.

"Yes. However, with the losses we sustained in the battle with Asakura and the interfaces, we espers have been very overworked over the past three days. I myself haven't had more than four hours of sleep over the past three days," said Koizumi dryly.

I was dumbfounded. Twenty closed spaces this afternoon, and ten last Sunday. What the hell could possibly be Haruhi's problem this time?

Wait a second. Saturday….

Ah! Saturday was the day I arrived very, very late for the SOS Brigade meeting at the train station. By three hours, no less.

"It must be because I was late last Saturday for the meet-up at the train station," I said. "Ah, sorry about that, Koizumi, but I was really tired after that near-death experience last Friday."

Even I know that I have to apologize sometimes. Even if the recipient is Koizumi. Even if I had a valid excuse to be late. But four hours of sleep in three days to handle that many outbursts of Haruhi's closed spaces…

Koizumi just waved my apology aside.

"That may not be the culprit in itself, Kyon. Can you think of anything else that occurred on Saturday?"

Hmm… My date with Nagato and my visit to Haruhi's house were the only other events of that day.

"Well, Nagato and I went on our date, isn't that right?" I glanced over at Nagato and she smiled at me. "But, she was able to successfully reprogram Haruhi's view of our relationship, so in theory, that shouldn't be the problem!" I stated with confidence.

"I guess," conceded Koizumi.

"But when I went to Haruhi's house after to help her do the chores, she was also acting pretty strange. She seemed to be deep in thought while we were cleaning the living room, and she even offered to make dinner for the two of us," I said.

"Suzumiya-san really did that? She offered to cook dinner for the two of you?" asked Asahina-san.

"Yes Asahina-san, she did. Hard to believe, right?" I said.

"Not really Kyon. Remember, Suzumiya-san chose you," said Koizumi.

"Let's get real here for just a second," I said. "That incident in closed space, she thinks it was just a dream. She always treats me as nothing more than a lapdog. Lately, she's been treating even Asahina-san better than me, isn't that right Asahina-san?"

"U-uhm, yes, I guess. Suzumiya-san hasn't been forcing me to try on new costumes lately," said Asahina-san.

"Well, there you have it Koizumi," I said. "I refuse to believe that Haruhi Suzumiya is in love—" I slightly retched at the word, "—with me."

"Kyon, just because she treats you that way, we can't disregard the chance that she indeed, is in love with you. Haven't you ever heard of the saying, 'The more you hate, the more you love?'" said Koizumi.

"I have, but does that even apply to someone like Haruhi?" I replied.

"Personally, yes, I believe it does. I believe that Suzumiya-san treats you that way because you're special to her. She often does the opposite of what she feels to a person. For instance, Asahina-san —" Koizumi turned to her, "— do you remember what Suzumiya-san did to you on that day that she and Kyon disappeared? I mean, during the day before that event occurred," said Koizumi.

"I kind of remember, Koizumi-kun," replied Asahina-san. "In the clubroom that afternoon, all she did was to braid my hair. She didn't even force me to wear the maid costume, but I just wore it out of habit, I guess..."

"But as we all know, it was you and Kyon who triggered that night's event, right Asahina-san?" asked Koizumi.

"Yes, that's why the message I sent to Kyon-kun through you when they disappeared was an apology."

"So Kyon, there's your evidence. Suzumiya-san has a tendency to do nice things when she's in a bad mood, and a tendency to do things you may not like when she's in a good mood. I believe that the same bipolarity applies to her romantic feelings as well," said Koizumi.

I still didn't want to believe him, so I decided to ask Nagato what her stance was on this.

"What about you Nagato, what do you think about this entire business?"

"There is an 80% chance that Itsuki Koizumi is correct about Haruhi Suzumiya's tendencies," said Nagato. "However, we still have not pinpointed the cause of our current problems. Even I can detect the massive amounts of data she has been generating over the past few days. However, the data flares were not large enough to warrant assistance from the Integrated Data Thought Entity. That's why the esper faction was able to take care of it themselves."

"That's right, Nagato-san. Our superiors still seem to be in the mood to cooperate, no?" said Koizumi cheerfully.

"Indeed, that is the case. The Integrated Data Thought Entity believes that, at this moment, it is advantageous for our research if we align ourselves with Itsuki Koizumi's Organization of espers."

I decided to tread through unknown territory, unknown since the chances of it happening are very low, even though it would contradict my unspoken vote of confidence in Nagato's abilities earlier.

"But Nagato, have you thought about the reprogramming that you did on Haruhi? Is there any chance that you might have made some sort of mistake?" I asked.

"There is no chance whatsoever of me having made a mistake in the procedure. What we cannot be sure of is whether or not my reprogramming will hold for an extended period of time. There is a 10% chance that Haruhi Suzumiya may begin to view my relationship with you as a threat once again. In the event that she does begin to view us as a threat once more, I may have to reprogram her perception once again by pilfering some of her powers," said Nagato.

Could it be that Haruhi was jealous of Nagato? Because she was involved with me?

"So Koizumi," I said. "What you're basically saying is that there might be a small chance that the reason why Haruhi is acting like this because she's jealous of Nagato?"

"That may very well be the case, Kyon-kun," said Koizumi. "So, Nagato-san, I must ask you this: Will you please make sure that your reprogramming of Suzumiya-san's perception of your relationship with Kyon still holds?"

"I will do that tomorrow, since I have to be in close proximity with Haruhi Suzumiya to obtain detailed observations," said Nagato. "However, I cannot immediately give you results. I will still have to process the raw data that I may obtain from my observations," replied Nagato.

"No problem Nagato-san. Just please let us know as soon as possible," said Koizumi. "As for you Asahina-san, please try not to get too close with Kyon for the time being. We do not want to give more reasons for Suzumiya-san to fall into a foul mood."

"Okay, Koizumi-kun, I'll do that," said Asahina-san. "Sorry Kyon-kun, looks like our date will have to wait for a bit."

Koizumi's head swiveled at the word 'date.' His eyes hovered over to Asahina-san, then to me. He was looking at me as though he was trying to bore his way through solid rock with that stare. Asahina-san clapped her hands over her mouth and gasped.

"W-What?" I asked. "Nagato gave her permission Koizumi, you don't have to get so uptight about who I'm going out with."

He relaxed and smiled. Asahina-san gave off a huge and audible sigh.

"Sorry about that Kyon," said Koizumi.

He then stood up.

"Well, that's it everyone. So that's the plan. Tomorrow, Nagato-san will observe Suzumiya-san and let us know about her findings as soon as possible."

"Understood," said Nagato.

"Alright Nagato-san, thank you for having Asahina-san and myself over. We'll be going now," said Koizumi.

"Good night Yuki-san, Kyon-kun," said Asahina-san.

The two of them left, leaving me and Nagato alone in her apartment room.

"Hey Nagato, I better go now. See you tomorrow," I said.

Then, something that Nagato did took me by surprise. So surprised that I was rooted to the spot because of her actions.

She shook her head and said,

"No Kyon. I still want you to stay with me. Could you do that for me?" asked Nagato.

I recovered immediately and said,

"Of course I can. I can stay for a little while longer."

"Actually Kyon, I want you to spend the night here. With me," said Nagato.

What!? Spend the night here? In Nagato's room!? It's not that the idea isn't appealing to me, but what on earth will my parents think if I did that?

"There is no need to panic Kyon. Do not forget, I am adept at manipulating data. I have made it so your parents believe that you are on a study sleepover with me. After all, you do need help with your English literature, is that correct?"

She winked at me and I couldn't help but laugh at her cuteness.

"You've got a point there. So, when shall we begin with the studying?" I asked.

"Oh no Kyon, there will be no studying here tonight. I just want to spend this time with you, undisturbed by the presence of other humans. You are mine, and I want to enjoy this," said Nagato.

Oh. Must be her reprogramming of her attribute data that… Ugh, nevermind… I guess she's exhibiting her emotional side once again. We are alone after all, so I guess that's okay.

Nagato stood up and said,

"Please follow me Kyon."

She walked out of the dining room into a side room that I had set foot in once before. It was the room where she had frozen time with me and Asahina-san inside to compensate for the loss of Asahina-san's Time Plane Destruction Device, back during that time that we went back in time so I could help the younger Haruhi in vandalizing the grounds of East Junior High.

"I do not need to sleep, but I have gathered that people close to each other like to sleep side-by-side in a warm bed," said Nagato. "I wish to enjoy this experience with you."

She had no idea how loud my heart seemed to be thumping right now. Well, she probably knew, but was ignoring it. I was going to go to be beside Nagato in bed! It's like a moment from an American movie!

"If you wish to take a bath, you can use the shower room over there," she gestured to a door that was partly hidden in an alcove by the window.

The view from her bedroom was great. I could sit down on the tatami mats beside Nagato and watch the full moon from here all night if I felt like it.

I decided to take a quick shower. Can't be smelly when you're going to sleep beside the one you love…

When I stepped out of the shower, towel around my waist, steam followed me into the room. It was, after all, a cold night, and I wanted to take advantage of the heating system.

"Oh sorry about that Naga—"

My words were cut off at what I saw. Nagato was standing there, her sailor uniform discarded for a pair of light blue pajamas that had pictures of bunny rabbits all over it. My heart nearly melted at the sight of her. She looked so cute!

"What's the matter Kyon? Is what I'm wearing offending you?" she asked.

"N-no, it's not that. You just look really, really cute!" I said joviantly.

I rushed over to where she was and hugged her. She hugged me back, but immediately let go.

"What's the matter?" I asked.

"Kyon. You're still wearing just a towel."

My face went completely red and Nagato giggled.

"Oh! S-sorry about that," I said. "But I don't have any extra clothing on me. I can't just wear what I was wearing when I came over here, right?"

"Though your choice of clothing does not really matter to me, if you wish, look inside the closet. You will find matching pajamas that are of your size," said Nagato.

Man, she really thinks of everything. I went to the closet, took the aforementioned pajamas out, and dressed up inside the bathroom. When I was dressed, I went back to the bedroom, turning the lights off in the bathroom as I did so. I wondered vaguely how I looked wearing these pajamas with bunny rabbits all over it.

"Shall we go to bed now Kyon?" asked Nagato.

I looked at my watch. Nine-thirty in the evening. It's already been two-and-a-half hours since I got the phone call from Nagato that called me over here. I guess it wouldn't be so bad to sleep this early.

"Sure Nagato."

We lay down in bed, side by side, with moonlight shining on the two of us. After a moment's silence, she rolled over beside me and put her arms around my waist.

"I love you Kyon," she whispered.

"I love you too… Yuki," I replied.

And just like that, arms around each other in bed, I drifted off into dreamland, wishing this moment would never end.

I thought about the bookmark Yuki left for Kyon earlier today. I was wracked with jealousy at the thought. Is this really happening to me?

I paced around in my room, endlessly thinking about Kyon. I looked up at the clock on the wall. The time read twelve midnight. I still couldn't sleep. I was too troubled about this whole business.

How long can I keep this up? Sooner or later, the Brigade is going to suspect something. I can't have that! They'll see me at my weakest moment. As the Brigade commander, I always have to exude strength, and not weakness.

I looked at my dresser mirror. A lithe young lady stared back at me with troubled eyes. Has my body really grown this much since junior high? Wouldn't Kyon want this…

Stop being so ridiculous Haruhi! You are not in love with Kyon!

How can you be so sure of that?

Huh? Who said that?

I did.

I stared at the mirror and my reflection seemed to be doing the talking.

"Who are you?" I asked.

I am you, Haruhi. But, I am the side of you that's more in touch with your feelings.

"Really now. Prove that you're me and not some slider trying to mess around with me."

Alright, I will. You kissed Kyon in one of your dreams. Well Haruhi, it wasn't a dream. It really happened, though I don't know exactly how it came to be.

Oh crap she knows. I guess she really must be a part of me. Maybe I'm just delusional from all the stress. Ah, I don't care! As long as it helps me resolve the problem, it'll do.

"So it really wasn't a dream…"

Yes, it wasn't. Now Haruhi, go be true to yourself if you really want to know how you feel about Kyon.

"How am I supposed to do that?" I asked.

Duh. Ask him out on a date tomorrow. Tell the other Brigade members that there isn't going to be a meeting tomorrow, and go sneak out after school with Kyon, so no one will realize that you two are going on a date.

"What about Kyon and Y-Yuki?"

Nevermind them. You do realize that, if you really do like Kyon, then Yuki is going to be your greatest archnemesis. Besides, all is fair in love and war, right?

"I guess," I conceded. "But I won't let this be the cause of dissent and division in my SOS Brigade!"

If you say so…

Suddenly, my reflection fell silent. I guess that moment of delusion was over. Now I know what I'm going to do tomorrow.

I'm going on a date with Kyon!

A/N: The part with Haruhi talking to herself in the mirror was inspired by Sia and Kikyou from Shuffle! I hope that the scene with Nagato and Kyon in bed didn't cause diabetes for anyone. Read and review please! :D