Hey, I thought I'd try and get another chapter out (while also doing an essay :s oh well) ^^

Enjoy!!


Chapter 8

The bright rays of sunlight streaming majestically through Haruhi's favourite window woke her that morning. She sat up and stretched, then rolled herself out of bed.

"Waking up like this is nice...no interruptions..." she thought. She instantly regretted it, remembering she had not seen the twins for a few days now. She ate her breakfast, chatting quietly to the servant who had brought it for her. Once finished, she told the girl to call Yuzuha and went to wash. Yuzuha entered her room, arms laden with bundles of clothes, which she preceded to dump on to Haruhi's bed.

"Phew! I've brought you a selection, as I did not know your plans for today..."

"Oh! I thought I would just do a tour of the castle today. I'm not sure if they have been everywhere yet...and it'll help them get their bearings."

"Alright. It'll be...hmm...this one today then!" said Yuzuha, pulling out one of the garments from the pile. It was a floor-length indigo dress with silver stars on the arms. As all of Yuzuha's creations, it hugged Haruhi perfectly.

"It's beautiful, YuYu. Thank you."

"No problem, dear. I'll just put these in here." She said, placing some sweets in Haruhi's pocket. Haruhi giggled at her and they headed out of the room together. Haruhi made her way to Takashi's rooms. She knocked on the door and waited for an answer. Eventually, the tall prince came to the door.

"Haruhi. Mitsukuni is ill. He has a fever..."

"Oh. I was going to show you the castle but you'll have to look after him?"

"Can you bring someone to tend to him? I'd...like to see the castle..."

"Y...yes. I'll go get one of the servants." And with that she ran down the hall to find Chiro. She found her in the kitchens.

"Chiro. I need you to do a job for me today..."

"Of course, Princess."

"Could you take care of Prince Takashi's servant, Mitsukuni?"

"Is he the little one? He's so cute! Of course I'll do it!"

"Please come with me."

Haruhi led the way back to Takashi's quarters, Chiro picking up provisions on the way. Haruhi knocked on the door and went in. Takashi was sitting on a seat next to Mitsukuni's bed, head in his hands.

"Takashi, this is Chiro, she's here to look after Mitsukuni." The girl bowed to him and Takashi nodded, then stood up.

"Thank you, Chiro." He said to her.

"He has a fever, so do what you can for him...I'll check on you later." said Haruhi, leading Takashi from the room. He took one last look before Chiro closed the door. Haruhi began leading him all over the castle, to all the rooms no one ever saw and even to some no one knew about except her. Takashi, however, seemed very unfocussed and Haruhi noticed. She slowed down her pace and placed a hand on his arm. The tall boy, torn from his thoughts, looked down at the small girl.

"He'll be alright, Takashi."

"Hmm...I know."

"Let's go to the library. We can have some tea and try to take your mind off it." He nodded and followed her in silence. Soon enough they reached the library and Takashi was amazed. The library was vast, with rows and floors full of books.

"My father is a keen reader and collects book from all over the world. Come this way..." she led him through the shelves until they found a small seating area. On the table was a small tray, holding a tea pot, two cups and an assortment of treats.

"Sit down Takashi..." said Haruhi, taking a seat. He did as he was told and sunk into the cushions of the chair next to Haruhi's. He watched as she wound her delicate fingers around the teapot's handle and poured them each a cup of tea.

"She's so gentle...no wonder everyone loves her..." thought Takashi, taking a sip of his tea.

"So, what would you like to do, Takashi?"

"Hmm...Learn..."

"Oh, what about?"

"You..."

"Really? Well...I'd like to learn more about you too..."

"Hmm...I'll ask you a question, you answer, then I'll give my answer. We'll take turns."

"That sounds fun. You start then." said Haruhi, pulling her legs up on to the seat, making herself more comfortable.

"Favourite colour?"

"Hmm...yellow." "Brown"

"Emm...favourite food?"

"Natto...it's a dish from home." "Mine is strawberries"

They talked like this for a while, covering the basics; favourite animal, shape, hobby, flavour (a/n: it's different from food) etc. It was then Takashi's turn to ask.

"Do you miss your mother?" Haruhi was slightly taken aback, not expecting to be asked this by her stoic companion.

"Every day, but I know she love me and is watching over us." Haruhi felt tears trying to escape but held them in.

"I'm sorry I asked, Haruhi. Forgive me."

"Don't apologise. It's better to talk about it than to push it down and forget...I had to teach Father that..."

"Why?"

"He took it the worst. He spent a while living in a cover cave in his room. Sometimes I feel more like the parent." she said, giggling. Takashi also let out a small laugh, which surprised Haruhi.

"It's nice when you smile, Takashi." He blushed slightly at this statement, but she didn't notice.

"So, how do you know Mitsukuni?"

"I've known him all my life. We grew up together. His family have always been serving my family, that's how it had been for generations. We spent a long time as friends, learning and growing. I remember the day Father told him he was to serve me...Mitsukuni spent weeks not speaking. We eventually got into a routine and it went back to normal."

"You are really close then?"

"Yeah. We protect each other. I'm worried because he is ill, I didn't protect him enough..."

"You can't blame yourself. We all went in the water." she said, placing her hand on his "He'll be well enough soon." She smiled at him.

"Do you have many friends here?" he asked, moving his hand from underneath Haruhi's to take another sip of his tea.

"I have two very close friends...Hikaru and Kaoru...after my mother died father kind of...gave them to me. They moved into the castle the day he recovered. They didn't like it at first and would not speak to me much but we got used to each other in time..."

They stayed in the library for a while longer, talking about their families and learning more about each other.

"Come with me, Takashi. There's one more thing I want to show you..." she said, gazing out the library window. He followed her down the corridors and realised he recognised some of the things.

"All this walking is doing some good them..." he thought

They soon stopped in front of a door.

"This is my room..." she said, pushing the door open. The room was very spacious, more so than the guest rooms Takashi was staying in. She led him in and straight towards the biggest window he had ever seen.

"You need to close your eyes! It's better!" Takashi, albeit confused, did as the short princess bid and shut his eyes. He felt her tiny hand slide into his as she pulled him along. He felt her stop but she didn't let go of his hand.

"You can open your eyes now..." As he slowly opened his eyes, he was astounded by the breathtaking scene before him. The sun was just reaching the sea, throwing vibrant red and yellows streaks across the vast sea.

"This is my favourite time of the day. I love just standing here until the sun disappears..." After a few minutes Takashi regained his composure.

"Thank you, Haruhi. For taking time to get to know me and for showing me this."

"It was my pleasure. Thank you for giving me the chance to learn more about you." She squeezed his hand; suddenly realising they had been holding hand the whole time. Blushing and removing her hand from his, she suggested she take him back to his room. They reached the room, discovering Mitsukuni sitting up, eating a piece of cake.

"Taka-ton! Have you had a nice day?"

"Un...how are you feeling?"

"Much better! Chiro-chan is very nice!" he said, looking over at the girl in the corner of the room.

"Thank you, Chiro. You may leave now." Said Haruhi

"Yes, Your Highness. Bye Honey!" she said, leaving the room

"Bye Chiro-chan!" Mitsukuni called after her.

"It's nice to see you're feeling better, Mitsukuni. I didn't think I was going to get a chance to give you these." Haruhi said, pulling some sweets from her pocket. Mitsukuni's face lit up as he began piling the sweets into his mouth.

"Thank you Haru-hime!"

"I'll leave you now. I had a lovely day, Takashi. Thank you. Bye Mitsukuni."

"Bye Hime!"

Haruhi walked out of the room but felt and large hand around her wrist.

"Thank you again, Haruhi, for your kindness." He placed a quick kiss on her hand, which sent butterflies piling into her stomach. Pulling his lips away, his hand lingered in hers before he went back into his room. Haruhi returned to her room, questions racing through her mind about the moment that just passed between her and the once stoic giant.


Just thought i'd get another chapter in so you don't feel like i'm neglecting you all ^^ i hope you enjoyed that - let me know

Sergeant LemoOoN

xxx