A/N: I guess by now Kyoya's not really sick but I can't think of chapter names so forgive the excessively redundant name but it also helps me remember what exactly I'm supposed to be typing that way I don't go off on a random rabbit trail and lost everyo

A/N: I guess by now Kyoya's not really sick but I can't think of chapter names so forgive the excessively redundant name but it also helps me remember what exactly I'm supposed to be typing that way I don't go off on a random rabbit trail and lost everyone including myself. Okay? Okay. Let's get on with the really long, really odd story that has nothing to do with anything. Oops, I think this is a rabbit trail. 

The Sick Shadow King and the Caring Commoner

Haruhi awoke and nearly screamed. Breathing hurt. She tried to move but that hurt too. A tear carved a path down her cheek. That hurt as well.

"You're awake," Hunny squealed, "Yay! I was so worried about you, Haru-chan." Haruhi looked at the small boy and couldn't stop herself from smiling.

"Did you find your cousin?" She flinched. Hunny nodded vigorously.

"He helped me beat up the mean guy. The mean guy is gone now; you don't have to worry about him anymore." A tall, dark figure stood behind the boy. He was silent and brooding. Hunny grabbed his hand and pulled him forward.

"This is Morinozuka Takashi. He's my cousin and he's really strong. He teaches Kendo at the local Dojo so he's really good too." Mori bowed politely.

"Thank you," he mumbled.

"Oh no," Haruhi said, struggling to get up, "I should be the one to thank you. If it hadn't been for you I think I would have been a gonner." Mori nodded. Haruhi sat on the edge of a bed.

"What kingdom is this?" she asked.

"Shuji Tenudo's," Hunny answered, "He's the one with the funny looking fluffy on his face." He giggled.

"Where's the Ohtori Kingdom?" she asked desperately.

"About two day's horse ride that way," Hunny said pointed South, "That king's nice but he has mean sons." Haruhi smiled.

"Only two of them are mean," she said lovingly, "The other one is just… misunderstood." Mori nodded understandingly.

"We should take her back," he told Hunny. Hunny looked at the two confused.

"I don't get it," he whimpered. Haruhi smiled.

"You will one day," she told him, "Just wait until you fall in love." Hunny scrunched his nose up.

"That sounds gross," he whined. Haruhi laughed and then groaned in pain.

"It's wonderful," she explained. "You feel butterflies in your stomach and you can't think straight. You always feel so good around your special person. It's magical."

"There's no such thing as magic," Hunny said, "and the only thing I want in my stomach is a good meal." Haruhi laughed again. It hurt so much but she couldn't stop. Tears streamed down her face. The laughs turned into sobs.

"Don't cry, Haru-chan," Hunny said miserably, "I didn't mean it." Haruhi shook her head.

"It isn't your fault. I just miss him," she said through her tears. Hunny lay Haruhi back down on the bed.

"You should sleep, Haru-chan. We can't take you home until you feel better." She sniffed then nodded her head.

"Thank you, again," she yawned. She fell asleep slowly. Silent tears coursed down her cheeks. Hunny turned to Mori.

"We have to take her home, Takashi. She misses him so much. We just have to help." Mori nodded.

"I'll take her," he offered. Hunny nodded.

"You're the better rider. I'll pray that you reach the castle safely." The two set to work. Mori carefully wrapped Haruhi in a soft blanket and cradled her in his arms. He knew what it was like to love someone and be apart from them. His own beloved worked in a hospital and was in the Ohtori kingdom to help with the sickness. Perhaps he could stop by and see her after he had dropped off the girl.

He walked carefully to his horse and mounted. He grabbed the reins and set off. The tips of the sun were just visible setting on the western horizon. Mori looked down at the bundle in his arms then kicked the sides of his horse and raced south.