Author's note: Welcome to chapter 28, dear Reader! Oh my God, I can't believe we've made it so far! I just love all the positive feedback I've gotten, you're all so wonderful! As of this posting, there are just under 1,300 views! I feel so special! Sky loves you all so much, she wants to make cupcakes and cosplay for everyone!

As you may have noticed, my updates have no set schedule. I write whenever the muses and plot bunnies allow me. I've tried setting specific deadlines before, and it always ends badly for me. So, sporadic updates for dear Reader. But I promise, there WILL be updates, just so long as the plot bunnies cooperate. Thank you SO much for your continued reading! I hope you're enjoying Sky's journey as much as I am!

Triggers: Nope! Absolutely nothing dreadful happens in this chapter! Sky needs a bit of time before I let the plot bunnies start torturing her again.

As always, I do not now, nor will I ever, own anything Ouran-related. *sigh* If I owned something so fab, I would not have to resort to writing fanfic to get the characters to do my bidding. Enjoy the chapter, dear Reader! (And sorry for the lengthy AN!)


-Lunchtime, the next day-

Sky groaned quietly as she eased into her seat at the table. She glanced around, noticing the slightly concerned looks her boys were giving her. With a little roll of her eyes, she addressed them all at once.

"Stop giving me those looks, I'm fine. Yes, my knee is a little sore today, but it's nothing worth worrying over. So knock it off."

"If you're sure you're ok, Pixie-chan, then we'll let it go. Right guys?"

Honey flashed a serious look at the twins and Tamaki, who all nodded emphatically. No one was about to disagree with the frightening blonde. Sky caught the look and snickered, then patted his hand lightly.

"I'm sure, little bunny. I'll take things easy the next few days, and I'll be just fine."

"Good!"

Sky smiled prettily at her best friend before turning her attention to the food in front of her. She slipped one hand under the table to intertwine her fingers with Takashi's as she picked lightly at her lunch. The boys were talking about his upcoming kendo tournament, and Sky struggled to focus on the conversation. Her thoughts kept trying to wander. She felt vaguely apprehensive, like she was overlooking something obvious. Or forgetting something important.

She didn't have time to dwell, however. One of the yellow harpies was approaching the table. She wondered just why they felt the need to intrude. She was grateful that she kept her mouth shut, because Tamaki spoke lightly, and his words startled her.

"Princess Miko, to what do we owe the pleasure of your lovely company today?"

Miko? Isn't she that girl... Sky looked up, and was shocked to see the girl looking at her instead of Tamaki. She sat up a little straighter in her chair, wondering just what the girl could want.

"I just... I wanted to thank you all for...um... For Friday. But especially Prentiss-senpai."

Prentiss-senpai? What the... Oh, right. She mentally shook herself, then offered the petite girl a small smile.

"You don't need to thank me, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Any decent human being would've done the same. Don't have to call me Prentiss-senpai, either. Pixie works just fine. I don't need all the formality."

Honey giggled beside her and nodded in agreement.

"It's ok, Miko-chan. Pixie-chan just isn't used to people using her surname."

"I see. Well, in that case, please feel free to call me Miko. I... I admire you a great deal. I... I would very much like to be friends, Pixie-senpai. If you'll let me, I mean."

She couldn't help the little grin at Miko's shyness. The delicate little brunette seemed nervous, but adamant. Sky nodded and nudged an empty seat away from the table with her foot.

"Have a seat. I'm surrounded by testosterone, I could definitely use a girl friend."

"Oh, my. That's very kind of you, but I don't want to interfere with your lunch. Um... Perhaps, if you aren't busy, we could talk after school?"

"Heh. Sure, that works, too."

"Great. Thank you, Pixie-senpai. And thank you all, again. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

She gave a little bow and hurried off before anything else could be said. Sky watched her disappear and then tilted her head in confusion.

"That was weird, right? I mean, it's not just me?"

Kyoya cleared his throat quietly and shook his head lightly.

"It's not just you. There's definitely something...off about Miko today. Though, considering what happened Friday, it could very well just be some residual nerves and anxiety."

"Yeah, that's probably it. Poor girl. Oh well, we'll get everything cleared up after school, I guess."

With that pronouncement, Sky hitched her good shoulder in a shrug and went back to picking at her food. She continued to wonder just what she was forgetting, once again tuning out the boys' conversation. After a while, she gave up trying to figure it out and just laid her head on Takashi's shoulder, smiling happily when he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

-After School-

Sky was shocked to see Miko waiting outside her classroom at the end of the day. She smiled lightly at the girl and walked over to her. Miko seemed nervous, her eyes kept darting around the halls frantically. When she spotted the taller girl, she let out a little sigh of relief.

"There you are, Pixie-senpai."

"Miko, are you alright? You look...really nervous."

The little brunette whimpered quietly and bit her lip. Sky was thoroughly confused at the girl's behavior, but only for a moment. Then a light bulb came on. She glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then spoke very softly.

"He's not here."

Miko yelped and jerked back, then looked up at Sky with wide hazel eyes that glistened with unshed tears. Sky could see the fear plainly now, and just a little hope, too. She patted the shorter girl on one shoulder and nodded slightly.

"Come on, there's a quiet place we can talk."

She led the girl upstairs and started down the familiar hall. Miko looked extremely confused on top of her fear, and Sky grinned, a tiny laugh escaping. She wanted to pat the poor thing on the head, but refrained. She knew well how such gestures could be taken the wrong way, especially in her state.

"It's ok, settle down. We're not going to the Host Club. There's an empty room nearby that I've kind of commandeered for myself. It's where I stay while the boys are entertaining you ladies."

"Why is that? Why don't you ever come to the Club to spend time with them?"

"I wouldn't want to take time away from you ladies. The Host Club was here first, I'm not about to interfere. I'm perfectly happy to wait my turn."

She opened the door and showed Miko into her "Breakdown Room", then turned to the girl with a self-deprecating smirk.

"Besides, most of the girls here already hate me for spending so much time with the guys. It would probably come to blows if I took up their time as well."

Miko let out a little giggle at Sky's words, shocking them both.

"Some of the girls do tend to get kind of possessive over their favorite Hosts."

"So I've noticed."

She led the girl over to a couple of plush chairs near the window, and they sat. Sky leaned toward the brunette with a more serious look.

"But that's not what you wanted to talk to me about. What's up, what's got you so freaked?"

"You said...you said 'He's not here.' How did you know?"

"It was kind of obvious. To me, at least. The way you were scanning the halls? You were definitely on high-alert."

Miko gasped, hazel eyes going wide and terrified. Sky huffed out a little sigh and leaned closer to pat the poor girl's hand.

"Settle down, it's ok. I highly doubt anyone else noticed. It was only obvious to me 'cause I've been there myself. Once you've known that kind of fear, it's easier to spot in others."

She couldn't help noticing the way Miko was trembling, or the way her pretty cheeks blanched. She watched as the fear turned to confusion in her eyes, then understanding. She nodded slightly at the girl's shocked, questioning stare.

"Was it him? Was it Hinata? Did he...did he..."

"Whoa, hey, settle. Breathe, girl. Deep breath now, calm. And no, that bastard didn't get the chance to do anything before I broke my hand on his stupid face."

"So...so that one was true, then..."

Sky raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. What one was true? This little brunette was a bit flighty, but Sky couldn't help feeling protective of her, just the same. She waited for Miko to elaborate.

"Oh! Sorry. Um. Well, you see... There have been all these rumors going around, and some of them are just... I can't even repeat them, they're so hateful and foul. But when you showed up wearing that brace thing, everyone was saying that you hit him."

"Yup. He had me cornered in this little clearing outside. I knew what he was going to do, and I wasn't about to let it happen. Fractured two knuckles, but it was worth it."

"Oh gosh. I wish I had that kind of courage. I wish I was strong like you. Then I wouldn't have needed saving..."

She sniffled quietly. Sky pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to the teary-eyed girl, then stood and planted herself on the low table, purposely invading the other's space.

"Listen to me, Miko. Just because you ended up in that situation, doesn't mean you're weak. All it means is that that bastard thought he was stronger than you. People like that think they can have whatever they want. And when it's not given, they think they can take it. That's on him, not on you. The only thing that's on you is what you choose to do now."

Sky let out a little laugh and shook her head, then continued in a lighter tone.

"Besides, I'm not all that strong. I threw one punch, and broke my damn hand. And Friday, I just about killed my knee. I'm not strong, just hot-headed."

"Oh, oh... I'm so sorry you got hurt, Pixie-senpai!"

With a little roll of her eyes, Sky flashed a wry grin. She was glad that the girl's tears had quit, at least.

"Nahh, don't be. I'm always hurting myself some way or other, it's no big deal."

"But...but... What happens when he comes back? What if he's really mad? He could hurt you so bad, Pixie-senpai! I don't want you to get hurt because of me!"

What? Ohh... So that's why she's so tweaked. She shook her head again. She took Miko's hand in hers and patted it gently, then spoke softly.

"Deep breath, Miko. Now listen, ok? He's not coming back. He's been expelled, and he won't be back here."

"How do you know? How do you know he won't sneak in? What if-"

"Hey! Simmer. I know, ok? I know he won't be back. Tamaki's dad is the Chairman here, and Kyoya's family has some wicked police connections. That bastard won't get within a mile of this school ever again unless he wants to rot in a cell for a few years."

Miko's relief was palpable, and Sky nodded. For the first time, she was actually grateful for her friends' wealth and social status. She wasn't lying or stretching the truth for Miko. She was completely certain that the thug Hinata would never show his face in the area again. Her boys had made sure of that.

Once Sky got the girl calmed down, she turned out to be quite friendly. They spoke at length about school, Sky's eclectic look -Miko was sincerely baffled that Sky could hate the yellow dresses- and all manner of light topics. Sky actually found herself enjoying the shy girl's company. She went back to her own seat and settled in comfortably, appreciating Miko's take on several subjects.

After a little while, they walked down the hall to the infamous Music Room #3, chatting amiably. Sky flung the door open and strode in like she owned the place, much to the amusement of her new friend. Conversations within cut off abruptly, and numerous glares were thrown her way. Miko gasped quietly beside her, shocked by such unwarranted hate. Before anything could be said, however, a little whoop of delight was heard, and a certain blonde whirlwind rushed over. He threw his arms around Sky and squeezed her tight.

"Pixie-chan! You're here, yay! Are you staying for Club time?"

Sky grinned and tousled Honey's hair, then shook her head.

"Nah, sorry little bunny. I'm just dropping off a stray."

With that, she nudged Miko forward. Honey smiled sweetly at her, but didn't get a chance to say anything. Tamaki appeared out of nowhere before them. In true Prince Tamaki fashion, he bowed deeply and took Miko's hand gently in his own.

"My dearest princess Miko, I am beyond overjoyed to see you this afternoon. You are more radiantly beautiful than ever, and you honor us with your very presence."

Miko blushed deeply, a large number of the harpies swooned, and Sky could barely supress the eye-roll and snort of derision that so desperately wanted release. Tamaki flashed her a knowing grin when he straightened. Miko offered a small wave to Sky as Tamaki led her away. Honey gave Sky's hand a little tug.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay, Pixie-chan?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. I don't want to take away from the ladies. Could I steal Takashi for just a second, though?"

Honey grinned broadly and motioned to his cousin. With a small bow, Takashi excused himself from the cake-ladened table surrounded by simpering girls and strode over to where his love lingered by the door. Honey gave her another quick hug and pranced back to his guests, seeming to bask in their adoration. She tilted her head toward the door with a slight questioning look, and he nodded briefly. They exited without a word, causing several of the harpies to cast dark looks in their general direction.

Once the door closed behind them, Takashi wrapped his arms around Sky and pulled her close. With a quiet sigh of contentment, she curled her arms around her wolf and held tight, nuzzling against his shoulder. Reluctantly, she pulled away after just a minute. It was always so very difficult to let go. She smiled prettily up at him, thrilled when the corner of his lips lifted in response.

"I really do need to get going, I have to go by the art supply store before it closes."

Takashi made a faintly displeased sound, but nodded lightly. He stroked one hand down her rainbow locks. Sky smiled brightly at her wolf and covered his hand with her own as he cradled her cheek.

"Be safe, mo anamchara."

A delightful little shiver ran through her at his use of the Gaelic phrase. She didn't think she'd ever get used to him calling her 'soul-mate', especially when he said it so tenderly. He noticed the tremor, and a sly grin crossed his lips, causing Sky to blush faintly. She gave him a playful shove.

"Oh, go on. The harpies are waiting. If I keep you any longer, they're liable to come after me with pitchforks. I'll text you when I get home, ok?"

She took a swift glance around to make sure the halls were empty, then leaned up and brushed her lips softly over his for the briefest moment. He trailed his fingertips along her jaw, a soft look in his stormy eyes. As soon as he disappeared inside the club room, she turned and sauntered down the hall, humming quietly to herself, a happy bounce in her step.


A/N again: See? Nothing bad happened, hooray! Isn't it adorable when Takashi calls Sky "mo anamchara?" Prepare for more Gaelic terms of endearment in coming chapters. ^.^

Also, I was asked recently if I planned on including Haruhi in this story. I kicked the idea around, but the plot bunnies decided against it. Haruhi doesn't exist in Sky's universe, I apologize if anyone was sincerely hoping for her to show up. But there are going to be a couple of familiar faces in the near future. And if all goes according to plan, a few plot-lines from the anime, tweaked to fit Sky's narrative.

If you have any questions, comments, critiques, or any type of feedback, please feel free to review and/or PM! Sky and the lads say thanks in advance!