Author's note: Welcome to chapter 34, Dear Reader! Can you believe we've come this far already?! It amazes me, some days. As of this posting, we've gotten over 2,600 views! I'm honored, thank you all!

Triggers: Some light bloodshed, and some possibly-triggering phrasing. (Anyone who's seen/read the anime/manga knows who shows up during the Cultural Exhibition. Let me just say, I cannot stand this character, I got MAJOR skeezy vibes, even though it was played off as nowhere near serious.)

I still don't -and never will- own the Hosts or Ouran. Sky, her parents, Miko, and the plot are mine, and I make ZERO money from them. Read, enjoy, review!

After lunch, Sky and Miko spent some time in an empty classroom, doing homework like good girls. Sky was having trouble with her Japanese History paper, and was growing quite irritated. Miko still hadn't quite gotten used to the older girl's tendency to issue expletives in a variety of languages, and was overcome with a fit of giggles.

"Was...was that Russian just now?"

"Huh? Oh. Um... Yeah, it's possible. Stupid History paper. Sorry, Mi-mi. I know, I know, nice girls don't curse like deckhands."

Sky sighed quietly and dragged her fingers through her already-disheveled hair. The little brunette just giggled more and shook her head. She covered her mouth with one dainty hand to muffle the sound. With a little growl, Sky shoved her books back in her bag and popped to her feet.

"Ok, screw this noise. Let's go see what our boys are up to. Maybe we can torment them for a while before Club starts, yeah?"

Miko grinned happily and nodded emphatically before stowing her own things. She linked arms with her tall friend as they made their way down crowded hallways. It would be too easy to get separated with this many extra people in the school. She could feel Sky tense up beside her, and glanced up to see a surprisingly nervous look on her face.

"Pixie?"

"I'm alright, little lamb. Crowds make me anxious, but I'll be ok as long as we keep moving."

"Oh. Oh, gosh."

The petite first-year found herself feeling oddly protective. Which was silly, of course. Pixie was older, taller, and so much more capable than Miko. But the feeling persisted. With a little nod, she took charge. Grasping her friend's hand tightly, she pushed through the crowds with a determined scowl. For once, she didn't feel the need to be quiet and polite, and made no apologies for her sudden rudeness.

Once they made it up the final staircase, they found themselves in a blissfully empty hall at last. Sky huffed out a sigh of relief and ran her fingers through her hair again, making a half-hearted attempt to smooth the rainbow mane into submission. She grinned broadly down at Miko and gave her hand a grateful squeeze.

"Thanks, Mi-mi. You know, you're kind of a badass when you want to be."

Miko giggled and blushed just a little, shaking her head. Sky slung an arm around her shoulders and hugged her close for a moment. With another happy grin, she let go, and the girls strode down the long hall toward Music Room #3. When they entered the room, Sky stopped cold, jaw hanging open. She blinked slowly and stared for a long moment.

The lads were scattered around the room, nearly everyone doing their usual pre-Club things. The twins were lounging on one of the sofas, playing the handheld video game they were obsessed with lately. Kyoya was working on something on his laptop, diligently ignoring Tamaki's overly-dramatic soliloquy, which was, of course, flowery and long-winded as always. Honey and Usa-chan sat at their usual table, the blonde currently "feeding" the pink plush a bit of cake. Nothing out of the ordinary in any of their actions, despite today's cosplay theme. What caused the sudden paralysis was none of these, as she had barely noticed any of them.

Takashi stood alone in the middle of a large empty space in the room. Like the others, he had already gotten into his cosplay for the day's activities. What caused Sky's heart to flutter wildly in her chest and her bag to fall to the floor with a very loud thump - causing several heads to whip up at the sound - was the sight of her boyfriend in full plate armor, wielding a rather large sword. She swallowed thickly, unable to form a coherent thought in any language.

Even as the slightest blush crawled up Takashi's cheeks at the way she was staring, Sky managed to make her muscles obey. She took one step, then another, and suddenly found herself less than a foot away from her darling wolf. Wide cobalt eyes glistened as they tracked upward from the shining armor to his very slight grin, finally meeting the swirling storm of his own joyous gaze. The room was utterly silent for one long moment, until the wonder-filled girl finally found her voice.

"Mo mac tíre... Is tú mo ridire i armúr lonracha. You really are my knight in shining armor."

Takashi had just enough presence of mind to carefully set the sword aside - it may be a prop, but it was still a sword - before gathering his beloved in his arms. For the first time, neither teen cared - or even noticed - that they were surrounded by people. Propriety be damned. Sky reached up and placed one trembling hand on a pink-tinged cheek as one metal-clad arm encircled her slender waist and pulled her close. He very gently cradled her cheek in his free hand and replied in a quiet tone, pronouncing the Irish words carefully. Small phrases were par for the course at this point, but this would be the first full sentence he'd spoken in Gaelic, and he wanted - needed - it to be correct.

"Is breá liom tú, mo banphrionsa."

Sky gasped in shock and just stared for one long moment. Then her eyes brimmed with tears, and Takashi was filled with panic. For all of two seconds. Sky closed the tiny distance and crushed her lips to his with a soft whimper, and he knew he'd pronounced the declaration perfectly. They both would've been perfectly happy to stay in that blissful moment forever, but cheers and wolf-whistles made them remember that they had an audience. They broke apart with sheepish grins and deep blushes. Sky leaned up to nuzzle his cheek for just a second and replied quietly.

"I love you too, my prince."

After another small moment, she cleared her throat and scrubbed the last of the tears from her cheek with an embarrassed laugh. Before she had a chance to say anything to anyone else, she was spun away from Takashi's grasp with a little squeal. She found herself sandwiched between the twins, who were wearing identical mischievous smirks. She barely had time to roll her eyes before they were nuzzling her cheeks.

"What about us, Pixie?"

"Yeah, don't we look amazing?"

"Where are our kisses?"

Sky couldn't help the giggles that bubbled up at their pointed questions and insinuating tone. She gave each of them a shove and tried to glare, but gave up after a second. The boys slung their arms over each other's shoulders and grinned at her, glad to see her in such a good mood.

"Yes, silly monkeys, you look great."

She patted their silly red heads and gave each a kiss on the cheek. Turning to the rest of her boys, she offered everyone a sweet little smile.

"You all look fabulous. Why didn't anyone tell me you were doing this?"

Tamaki, feeling even more princely than usual, pulled Sky into his arms and twirled her around. With his most charming smile, he answered quite seriously, adding only a little theatrical flair.

"We wanted to surprise our darling unicorn, of course. We thought you might need a bit of cheering up today, in all honesty, ma cherie. And what better way than to become the knights you always claim we are?"

"Well, you did a wonderful job, chardonneret. You all look completely amazing."

She grinned as Tamaki cooed and hugged her tight. She embraced the silly blonde and ruffled his hair before nudging him away. Silly bird really is gonna break my ribs one of these days. She shook her head at his enthusiasm and kissed his cheek. She turned away just in time to get the wind knocked out of her as Honey barreled into her.

She barely managed to keep her balance as the shorter blonde flung his arms around her waist. The slightest groan escaped, and she wondered if she'd be bruised later, then mentally shrugged off the thought. Worth it. Ignoring the warning ache in her shoulder, she gathered her silly bunny in her arms and spun around, smiling broadly at the sudden burst of bell-like giggles. Setting him down after a minute, she nuzzled his cheek briefly.

"God, I love you guys. Thank you all for being so sweet."

She'd said the wrong thing again. Oops. Honey, Tamaki, and the twins were smothering her again. She wondered briefly if she should resort to one of her ear-piercing whistles, or pretend to faint. Thankfully, Takashi came to her rescue after only a few seconds, and tugged her effortlessly away from the hyper group. She flashed him a grateful smile before smoothing down her uniform, earning the slightest grin in return.

"Ok, ok, that's enough Pixie-squishing for today. Go smother Miko for a bit, yeah?"

A very quiet sound escaped the tiny brunette, causing Sky to burst into laughter. Miko had turned a very bright red and was stammering incoherently. The twins noticed, and immediately, identical devious grins formed. They stalked across the room toward the flustered girl. Sky took the opportunity to start for the door, but stopped as Takashi laid a gentle hand on her wrist. She offered a pretty smile at his worried look.

"I'm ok. Just need to go rinse my eyes, they're still burning a little."

Takashi nodded once, and Sky resumed her walk as squeals and laughter rang through the room. Striding down the hall toward the restroom, she was struck with the oddest feeling of deja vu. She shrugged it off as she pushed the door open. There was no reason for that feeling, it's not like Hinata would be stupid enough to sneak into school. Today, especially!

She swiftly rinsed her stinging eyes with cool water, then tried for a moment to force her rainbow locks into submission. Once they lay relatively flat, she nodded to her reflection and sauntered back down the hall. But the unsettling deja vu feeling persisted. If anything, it grew worse. She quickened her pace, confused, but trusting her instinct. She flung the door open, only to let out a string of expletives at the sight inside.

Three new girls were in the room, all wearing identical red and white uniforms that made Sky's skin crawl. The feeling only got worse as she recognized the tallest girl, who happened to have a firm grip on a very unhappy-looking Miko. A warning growl started low in her throat as she strode towards them. Her eyes quickly scanned the rest of the room, even as the familiar red haze settled over her vision. She noticed Kaoru sprawled on the floor a good distance away, sporting a busted lip. Hikaru seemed to be taking care of him though, so Sky switched her focus back on Miko and the unwelcome newcomers.

"Amakusa."

Her voice was laced with venom. Heads whipped around at the quiet rage. Even Miko's attention was drawn away from her own predicament. The tall girl who held her against her will looked up as well, predatory smirk turning to a confused little frown. Sky growled quietly and stepped closer, glaring.

"Let her go."

"I don't think I will. This poor innocent maiden was trapped in the midst of those horrid males. I couldn't stand by and let them corrupt such a beautiful young creature."

She brushed her hand lightly down Miko's cheek in a gesture that would have seemed sweet and tender from anyone else. Sky's rage doubled as she watched her petite friend tremble in fear and disgust. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for one brief second. Opening them again, she bared her teeth in a very feral grin at the pest. She spoke softly, her voice like ice.

"Your presence isn't wanted here, Benio. I suggest you let Miko go immediately and leave."

"And if I don't?"

Sky's grin widened at the scornful remark. Benio was nowhere near scared enough. But she would be. Sky's voice dropped lower, almost a growl as she replied.

"If you don't, I promise that you'll regret it. I won't let you off with a warning this time, Amakusa."

Benio looked confused, and so did the Hosts. The lads' eyes all darted between Sky and each other, but no one had any answers. Sky took advantage of the confusion and wrenched Miko from Benio's grip, shoving the petite girl towards the boys behind her. Benio issued a little huff of annoyance and rose to her full height. Sky wasn't intimidated, she was two inches taller than the annoying brunette.

"Ah, yes. I remember you now. I didn't recognize you without your beautiful chestnut hair. I see you lowered your standards, since you're wearing that atrocious Ouran uniform."

Sky let out a burst of harsh, scornful laughter.

"I assure you, my standards are just as high as they were. I chose Ouran because it isn't filled with psychotic feminist bitches who think it's alright to sexually assault people. You think that, just because you're a female, you'll get away with it? You disgust me. Now take your little lapdogs and get the hell out."

Benio and her two cronies all gasped in horrified shock at Sky's words. The two shorter girls stepped forward, ready to defend their leader. Sky was having none of it. She shot her hand out in their direction, one slender finger pointed at them.

"Back off, bitches. You've stayed off my radar until now, I would suggest you leave before things get violent."

Benio smirked slightly and shook her head with a small laugh.

"That pathetic male already tried, and he couldn't even manage to take the maiden from my arms."

"That's because he was raised like a proper gentleman, and it's improper to hit a lady. Even one that's definitely not a lady. You're a pathetic excuse for a human being, and a disgrace to womankind. Now, I'm only going to say this one more time. Leave now, or you're going to regret it."

The two shorter girls backed off with wide, fearful eyes. But Benio just wouldn't take the hint. She took a step forward with a scowl and grabbed Sky's arm. She went to speak, but never got the chance. Sky's fist connected with her nose, causing her to howl in pain. Before she could retaliate in any way, Sky ducked low and swung her leg out, sweeping Benio's legs out from under her. Watching the brunette fall to the floor, she glared down at the blood-covered face.

"I warned you, bitch. You're lucky that I'm feeling generous today. I'm actually going to let you walk out of here, instead of having you hauled out in a Goddamned body bag. But listen to me, and listen good. If you ever come back here, I'll kick your pathetic, rapist ass. The Host Club and Miko are my tribe, they are under my protection. And if you so much as think of hurting any of them, I will make your worst nightmare seem like a walk in a sunny meadow. If you evertouch any of them again, I will kill you. Now get the hell out of here before I change my mind."

Her voice had gotten lower as she spoke, her frosty words tinged with a barely-contained rage. The two younger girls grabbed Benio and pulled her to her feet, scrambling backwards out of the room as quickly as possible. The door slammed shut behind them, and Sky whirled around to face her friends, feeling a desperate need to be sure of their safety.

Hikaru and Kaoru were sitting on the nearest sofa, Miko tucked securely between them. In her panicked state, Sky didn't notice Miko clinging tightly to Kaoru's arm. Kyoya had a firm grip on Tamaki's arm; the blonde looked ready to rush across the room. Honey and Takashi were both very slowly approaching her, wearing nearly identical worried looks.

Noting that her tribe was completely safe, Sky closed her eyes and took several deep breaths, trying to calm herself. When she opened her eyes, the red haze had finally dissipated, though her whole body still trembling with anxiety. Her gaze darted swiftly between Takashi and Honey, and guilt replaced the anger immediately. She started to apologize for freaking everyone out, but burst into sudden tears instead, falling to her knees.

Her name was shouted from all directions. As she buried her face in her hands, two sets of arms curled firmly around her. Wolf and bunny both murmured soothing things to their wounded unicorn as they held her tight. Whimpers and gasps could be heard echoing through the room, and a low, keening sound. Honey carefully pried her hands away from her face, and she promptly flung her arms around him, hiding her face against his thin chest as she clung to him. Takashi pulled them both onto his lap and wrapped his arms tightly around them. After a few moments, Sky's weeping tapered off, and a broken, muffled plea could be heard.

"Don't...don't hate me... Please, please don't hate me..."

Takashi sighed softly and carefully extracted her from Honey's arms, turning her to face him. With the lightest touch, he tilted her face up until her eyes reluctantly met his.

"Sky. Don't. There is nothing you could do or say to make anyone in this room hate you."

The others had quietly approached, and all were gathered together, kneeling around the trio. Gentle hands were laid on her arms, shoulders, the top of her head, anywhere there was space. Sky glanced around at everyone and tears fell from her eyes again as she saw nothing but love and acceptance from all sides. After a moment, the silence was broken by Miko, surprising them all.

"That's twice you've rescued me now, Pixie. Once more, and I just might have to challenge Mori-senpai for you affections."

Several pairs of eyes darted to the petite brunette in shock. She struggled to keep a straight face for a moment, then burst into bright giggles. Sky stammered for a few seconds until her laughter joined the younger girl's. She shook her head and pulled the silly girl into a tight hug, then ruffled her hair affectionately. Crisis averted.

A/N again: What did Sky mean "this time"?! Stay tuned to find out! Also, more Gaelic, yay! (Do you love it? Hate it? Couldn't care either way?) "Is tú mo ridire i armúr lonracha" means "You are my knight in shining armor." And "Is breá liom tú, mo banphrionsa." means "I love you, my princess." Omg, could you melt? ^.^ Until next time, poppets!