Author's note: Wowsers, chapter 17 already! I'm glad we're on this ride together, dear Reader! I know the last chapter was long and harrowing, but don't worry. Things are pretty fluffy in this one. It's a fairly short chapter, but it seemed like a good stopping point.

Triggers: Nope. This chapter is full of fluffy cuddle-y fluffiness. Enjoy!

Nope, still don't own anything/anyone but Sky. (And various books/movie titles that crop up.) Reviews and PMs are always welcome!


After several minutes that seemed far longer, Sky's tremors calmed and her tears finally dried up. She forced her aching fingers to let go of Takashi's shirt. She sniffled and sat up, but didn't want to leave the comfort and safety of her friend's embrace. She reached up to wipe her red, stinging eyes and cleared her throat gingerly. She started to speak several times, then shook her head lightly and sighed softly. She laid her hands on his cheeks and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead before finally managing to speak, her voice rough, but the short sentence full of feeling.

"Thank you, mo mac tíre."

The smallest hint of a smile tugged the corner of his mouth at her words, and his arm tightened slightly around her waist. He stopped rubbing her back and brought his hand up to cradle her cheek gently, his stormy eyes locking on the brilliant cobalt of hers. He brushed his thumb along her cheek, tenderly wiping away the last stray tear.

No words were needed in that moment. Sky rested her forehead against his, curling her arms lightly around his shoulders. He slid his hand around the back of her neck. They stayed that way for a long moment, silent and unmoving. Finally, she pulled away and offered a small but genuine smile.

"You really are a knight, you know. My knight in shining armor. You... you're my hero, mo mac tíre."

A deep blush colored his cheeks at her quiet, heartfelt words. He stroked one hand gently down her damp hair and shocked her by very softly kissing her cheek. Her tiny gasp of surprise was all but lost under the loud knock that suddenly sounded at her door.

She hopped up and rushed to the door on legs that were still a little unsteady. Tamaki and Honey were standing there, frightened looks on their faces, nearly in tears.

"Pixie, are you ok, ma cherie? You've been gone for ages, we were so worried!"

"I'm alright, Tamaki. I just...had to finish having my little breakdown."

She hitched her good shoulder up in a little shrug and gave the boys a small smile. Tamaki sighed in relief, and Honey rushed forward, throwing his arms around Sky's waist with a little wail. She patted the little blonde head.

"Honey, precious, don't cry. Everything's alright, really."

"We were so scared, Pixie-chan!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten anyone. I really am ok."

Tamaki reached out and laid his hand on her cheek. A soft look came into his pretty violet eyes as he spoke.

"If you're really sure that you're alright, then everything will be fine."

"Aw, chardonneret. I'm sure. I'm not injured, I'm not going to faint. I just freaked out a bit and had to cry like a baby for a while. I'm really, honestly alright, I promise."

She offered him a little, genuine smile as she covered his hand with her own, nuzzling lightly against his palm. Her boys really were so very sweet.

"Actually, I do need just a few more minutes. I've got to go rinse the chlorine out of my hair before it ruins my rainbow."

The light, joking tone made Tamaki smile. He jumped back with a dramatic gasp and pressed his hands to his heart.

"Not the rainbow! How will my unicorn princess be a unicorn without her beautiful rainbow mane?!"

Sky and Honey both dissolved into giggles at Tamaki's teasing outburst. Just like that, the serious atmosphere was gone, and things were back to normal. Or, at least, as normal as things ever were for Sky and her boys.

"Alright, silly boys, go on. Don't let Kyoya murder the twins, ok? Tell them I'm fine, and I'll be down soon."

After the blondes left, Sky turned back to Takashi, who had remained silently in the overstuffed chair. He stood as she walked toward him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly for a moment.

"Thank you, Takashi. For everything. You really are my hero."

-A little later-

Once Sky had rinsed and brushed her hair and put on some dry clothes, she made her way downstairs. She wasn't sure where her boys were, so she passed through the kitchen first. It was empty, so she grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and made her way down to the theater. She heard voices as she approached, and she smiled softly.

The moment she was through the door, the twins rushed over to her. They flung their arms around her and held her tightly, both apologizing profusely. She put an arm around each as they cuddled closer. Their voices were loud and overlapping, and they sounded as if they would start weeping any second. She pressed a soft kiss to each of their silly red heads and spoke lightly.

"It's alright, guys. It's ok, really. Calm down, breathe, stop freaking out on me."

She nudged them away after a moment and looked each in the eyes. There was so much concern in their eyes, and pain. Sky's heart melted just a little. She offered them a small smile, and her voice was gentle.

"Boys, listen to me. It really is ok. I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me, it was just a silly prank. I'm not hurt, and I'm not angry. Stop beating yourselves up over this, ok?"

She laid a hand on each boy's cheek as she spoke, and they calmed. Her bright blue eyes were sincere, and her tone reassured them. Hikaru and Kaoru both leaned in and kissed her cheek softly, then spoke in unison, their voices equally relieved.

"We love you, Pixie."

"Aww. I love you too, my little monkeys. Just no more sudden baths, alright?"

With a grin, she ruffled their hair, and the crisis was over. She glanced around, then noticed Kyoya standing by himself in a corner, a scowl covering his thin face. She wandered over and poked his shoulder.

"You know, if you keep making that face, it will stick that way."

"I fail to see the humor in this situation. How can you be so forgiving after what those morons did? How are you not absolutely furious?"

"Because they didn't mean it. It was just a silly prank, they weren't being malicious, Kyoya. They're goofballs, but they wouldn't hurt me any more than you would. Besides, you look plenty pissed off for me."

Kyoya huffed out an annoyed breath and pinched the bridge of his nose. He looked infuriated, but Sky saw the fear hiding behind the mask. With a little sigh, she pulled him into a firm embrace. She put her mouth close to his ear, her words only for him.

"Your mask is slipping, my little owl. I'm really ok, I promise."

He made a tiny relieved sound and hugged her tightly. After a moment, she pulled away and offered a small smile. She was glad when he smiled back, and she swiftly pecked his cheek before turning to the rest of her boys.

"Well, now that we've gotten all that excitement out of our systems, what's next?"

There was a short, animated discussion before they decided to have another movie marathon. They picked an adventure series, full of treasure hunters and harrowing danger, epic fights and noble heroes. Sky sat between the twins for the first movie, hoping to relieve the last of their panic and guilt. After a little while, Hikaru laid his head on her shoulder and Kaoru slipped his hand into hers, lacing their fingers together. She gave Kaoru's hand a little squeeze, her thumb lightly brushing one of the tiny scars from the broken DVD cabinet.

After the movie, Sky stood to stretch and wandered into the adjoining kitchen for a drink. She stood in front of the open fridge, trying to decide if she wanted juice or soda, muttering to herself with a little frown. A minute or so later, she made a frustrated noise and closed her eyes, jabbing her hand in the fridge and grabbing the first thing she touched.

"Ma cherie?"

She turned and hopped up onto the counter, opening the bottle of juice she had fished out.

"What's up, mon chardonneret?"

Tamaki moved to lean against the counter beside her and lightly bumped his head against her shoulder. She grinned and patted his head.

"Would you sit with Kyoya and me for the next movie, ma cherie? I'm still worried about you, and so is he, though he won't admit it."

"Aw. You're far more observant than you let on sometimes, chardonneret. Of course I'll sit with my favorite pair of pretty birds."

She hopped off the counter and slipped an arm around his waist, giving him a little squeeze as they walked back into the dim theater. They curled up together on one of the plush sofas, Sky pulling Kyoya close as well. He made a startled noise, but she shushed him and bumped her head affectionately against his. A tiny smile crossed his face, and he curled his arm around her shoulders.

When the second movie was over, she stretched her arms over her head, letting out a little groan. She yawned a little and rubbed her eye as she shuffled over to where Honey and Takashi were sitting. Honey beamed radiantly at her and bounced in his seat.

"Are you going to sit with us now, Pixie-chan?"

"Well yeah. I sat with everyone else, now I need cuddles from my favorite precious bunny and wolf."

"Yay!"

Honey moved over a little to make room for her. Sky was just about to curl up between the cousins, but Takashi surprised her by pulling her onto his lap again. She was secretly delighted, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks. Honey grinned broadly and clambered up onto her lap. She couldn't help the little giggle that bubbled up, and tousled his hair as he carefully laid his head on her shoulder. She wrapped an arm lightly around him, then slid her free hand into Takashi's, resting her head against his. He curled his fingers gently over hers, causing her heart to beat a little faster. The trio stayed cuddled up just that way for the whole movie.

As the ending credits rolled, Honey yawned and rubbed his eyes. Sky was glad he hadn't fallen asleep, as there was no way she could move him without hurting herself. He leaned up and kissed her cheek, then gave her a big sunny smile before scooting off her lap with another little yawn. Sky reached out and ruffled his hair as she moved over to sit between the cousins, keeping her other hand tucked in Takashi's light grasp.

"So, is everybody still awake in here? Or do I need to break out the water gun?"


A/N again: See? Fluffy fluff is fluffy! I really try not to jam too many stressful things close together. Where's the fun in a story that's nothing but sad? I hope you've enjoyed the story so far, dear Reader!