Author's note: Welcome to chapter 7, Dear Reader! I'm so sorry it's taken a whole month to get this chapter out. Puck's plot bunnies were NOT cooperative! But they're behaving properly now, so here you go!

I did something new in this chapter. As you'll see, there's a POV shift for just a little while. (That's why the names have changed, don't worry. I'm not randomly mixing Honey/Mitsukuni and Mori/Takashi. It's like that for a reason!)

Triggers: Very little, if anything. Emotions are running high at one point, and there are VERY vague mentions of some dreadful past event. And Puck's potty mouth, as always.

Reviews and PMs are always appreciated and most welcome! Feel free to comment on or ask about anything at all. I love feedback! And now, enjoy the new chapter!


-End of school-

As soon as the last class of the day ended, Mitsukuni was up and out of his seat like a bullet. As much as he enjoyed some of the lessons, Host Club was always his favorite part of the school day. He got to do most of his favorite things there, without fear of reprisal. During Club hours, he could act as cute as he wanted, eat his weight in cake and sweets, and spend time having fun with all of his favorite people.

With a perfectly adorable (and utterly calculated) giggle, he launched himself at his steadfast companion, grinning when Takashi hauled him up and settled the blonde on his broad shoulders with practiced ease. He called out farewells to several classmates, making sure to have Usa-chan wave bye-bye as well. The squeals and giggles followed them out the door and down the hall.

Takashi, on the other hand, seemed even quieter than usual. He had an odd feeling that he couldn't shake. Something was amiss, though he didn't know what. Usually, he only felt this way if something was wrong with his Mitsukuni. But the little blonde was perfectly healthy and happy, without a care in the world beyond what type of cake to eat first. So what could be bothering him?

As if he could read Takashi's thoughts (and it wouldn't have surprised the quiet young man in the slightest if he could), Mitsukuni rested his cheek on Takashi's head and nuzzled lightly. Since the corridor they were currently in was devoid of people, he reigned in the lolita act and spoke quietly.

"Ok, what's going on, Takashi? I know something's bothering you, what is it?"

"Something's wrong, but... I don't know..."

He let out a frustrated groan and scrubbed one hand over his face. The sooner this mystery was solved, the better. He absolutely hated feeling this out-of-sorts, especially for no apparent reason. He sincerely hoped the cause would reveal itself soon; this was beyond annoying. He got his wish a minute or so later as he opened the doors to the Third Music Room.

Halfway across the room, Robin lay sprawled face-down on the floor. Their long silver and green locks splayed out around them, and their school bag lay where it dropped, books and various items spilling out haphazardly. The Irish transplant didn't appear to be moving. At all.

With a horrified gasp, Mitsukuni leapt from Takashi's shoulders, and they both rushed to their friend's side. The blonde laid his head on Robin's back while Takashi grasped one wrist to check for a pulse. Mitsukuni gave an extremely-relieved sigh at the sound and feel of Robin's breathing, however labored it might be.

"Thank goodness. Robin's breathing, but it's all shallow and crackling."

Takashi carefully brushed their hair away from their face, concern ratcheting higher as he noticed the bright, hectic color staining the one visible cheek. Something was definitely, seriously wrong with them. He and Mitsukuni exchanged a quick look, and the blonde instantly reached for his phone with a little nod.

Before he could even start to dial, the doors opened again, and laughter spilled into the room. Laughter that was cut off abruptly as the rest of the Hosts took in the sight before them. Tamaki shrieked and rushed over, only to be stopped by a rather fierce look from Mitsukuni. The dark aura surrounding the usually-adorable third-year froze him in his tracks.

Kyoya, meanwhile, had taken stock of the situation. He noticed the shallow breathing and fevered appearance from a distance, and immediately pulled out his own phone. Seconds later, as Tamaki was trying to relearn how to move his limbs, the so-called Shadow King tucked his phone away again and turned to Takashi. The quiet upperclassman had very gently turned Robin over and picked them up, cradling their slight frame in his arms.

"My driver is at the entrance, Mori-senpai. I thought it would be better than waiting for an ambulance."

"Yeah. Thanks."

Mitsukuni scooped up Robin's belongings, tucking everything into their bag and slinging it over his own shoulder. The two third-years quickly convinced the others to stay and tend to the guests. He and Takashi would accompany Robin to the hospital, call their brother, and let the others know as soon as they had any news.

They hurried downstairs and outside to the waiting limo, grateful for Kyoya's quick thinking. Which a quick thanks to the driver, they settled into the back, Takashi keeping Robin tucked securely in his arms. Mitsukuni rifled through their bag, swiftly finding their cell so he could call Seamus. He kept his lolita side reigned in, relaying the scant information they had so far to Robin's brother in a seldom-heard voice, sounding far more mature than usual.

Takashi listened to the conversation, short though it was, and nodded when Mitsukuni hung up a minute or so later. Robin still hadn't woken, but they shifted and murmured quietly. A soft sigh passed Takashi's lips, and he was filled with sudden relief. He was still worried about his friend, but he was certain that they would be fine. He brushed their hair back and away from their face, carefully avoiding the darkening bruise around their eye. They shifted again, shocking the quiet youth by nuzzling against his shoulder.

Mitsukuni watched with a shrewd little grin as a pink tinge crawled up his Takashi's cheeks. He figured Robin must be in that state in-between awake and asleep, and that they assumed the person holding them was Seamus. He didn't think that they would be quite so cuddly otherwise. Especially since they still got flustered whenever he hugged them. His grin grew broader when Takashi cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. It was glaringly obvious that he was confused and debating whether he should set Robin on the seat or continue to hold them.

"Aww, Takashi, you're so cute when you're all flustered like that."

"Mitsukuni, this isn't funny."

Mitsukuni couldn't help the quiet giggles that bubbled up at the utterly helpless look being cast his way. He leaned over and patted Takashi's knee, then brushed his fingertips lightly over Robin's cheek. A worried little frown replaced the bright grin of a moment ago. What was wrong with their friend? He sighed softly.

-Later-

Robin blinked and squinted against the harsh lights. They groaned quietly and lifted an arm to shield their eyes, only to grunt in surprise at the slight tug against their skin. They looked down at their arm and cursed loudly at the sight of the IV sticking out.

"Well, it's about fecking time you woke your lazy arse up."

They whipped their head up at the sound. Seamus sat in a chair beside the bed, trembling and looking angrier than they'd seen him in a long time. They swallowed thickly and tried to remember to breathe.

"Shay... I..."

"Don't. Do you have any idea how terrified I was when your little schoolmate told me you were unconscious? Do you know what it did to me, seeing you in another Goddamned hospital bed?"

Robin racked their brain frantically for an answer, then gasped in shock as Seamus burst into tears. They could do nothing but stare blankly as he sobbed quietly. His strangled voice struck more pain into their heart as he continued, laying his head on their shoulder.

"I nearly lost you once, Robin. I can't go through that again. I can't."

They ignored the needles and various tubes and wires, wrapping their arms firmly around their beloved brother and hugging him fiercely. Tears fell freely from their eyes, stinging and coursing down pale cheeks.

"You won't go through it again, Shay. I'm not going anywhere. I promised, remember?"

The siblings clung tightly to each other for a few minutes, both of them struggling to compose themselves. Once they had, Seamus returned to his seat, but kept one of Robin's hands tucked firmly in his own. They gave his hand a gentle squeeze, relieved to see the fear and anger leave his face.

"So... Um... How'd I get here, then?"

Seamus told them how their upperclassmen had found them passed out and brought them to the hospital. He said nothing of their other Club mates, which lead them to believe that the others were unaware of the situation. They breathed a tiny sigh of relief. They really didn't want to deal with Tamaki's shrieking and squealing. Their head hurt plenty as it was.

A few minutes later, a soft knock could be heard. At his sibling's little nod, Seamus called for the knocker to enter. The door swung open slowly, framing the still-worried third-years. Robin's jaw dropped just slightly, surprised that the upperclassmen had stuck around. Before they could form a coherent thought, there was a little wail, and a blur of motion.

Honey launched himself across the room and flung himself upon the bed, hugging Robin tightly. Robin grunted slightly in pain and shock, then hugged back gently, patting the now-crying blonde on the back. They locked eyes with Mori as he crossed the room at a much more reasonable pace, surprised and more than a little pleased to see a small smile. He laid his hand on their head for the smallest moment, and they could have sworn they felt the slightest tremor from him.

"Robin-chan, we were so worried! You scared us so bad!"

They frowned and hugged Honey just a tiny bit tighter for a moment. He sounded almost as scared and upset as Seamus had. They closed their eyes against a new round of tears, refusing to let them come. Mori finally managed to release them from Honey's iron grip, and they took a couple of deep breaths as the pair settled into another chair near the bed. They opened their eyes on focused on the blonde first.

"I'm sorry, Honey-senpai. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to make anyone worry, honest. I just... I didn't think I was that sick... I'm sorry..."

"Stubborn, hard-headed arsehole."

They laughed at the forced exasperation in Seamus' voice and slapped his hand lightly. The siblings grinned fondly at each other, and Robin let out a little sigh of relief, wiping away the last of the tears with a trembling hand. They offered their senpais a little smile, absurdly grateful when both upperclassmen replied in kind. Mori patted their free hand gently as Honey spoke again.

"What happened, Robin-chan? Did the doctors figure it out yet?"

"Um... I don't know. Shay?"

Seamus gave their hand a little squeeze and nodded reassuringly. He spoke lightly, none of the fear or anger from earlier evident any longer.

"Pneumonia. Evidently, that wee little cold you caught wasn't quite so little, after all."

"Aye, apparently not. Figures. I knew that crazy little otaku was bad news."

Honey and Mori exchanged a little look. They were both glad that Robin seemed to be doing better. After a moment, their last statement struck a little chord. Honey turned a confused look on them.

"You mean Renge-chan? What's she got to do with this?"

"Ah. Um... Well... It's not exactly her fault, but she started the whole thing. That bloody movie of hers, hey? She just had to have all that rain..."

"It's your own fault, little bird. You know better."

Robin rolled their eyes, then conceded the point. Seamus was right, they knew better than to stay out in tepid rain like that. They shrugged lightly, then changed the subject.

"Aye. So, when can I get out of here?"

-A Few Days Later-

The ladies of Ouran certainly loved to talk. And gossip. About every-and-anything. Robin rolled their eyes as yet another rumor floated around the room. Everyone was speculating on the massive shiner they were currently sporting. Since no one had yet bothered to ask them directly, they didn't bother correcting anyone. But some of the rumors were getting kind of wild; perhaps it was time to set the record straight after all.

They stood and cleared their throat quietly, then called for everyone's attention. It was given immediately, of course. Even the other Hosts' guests turned toward the Rogue, wondering what would be said.

"I know a lot of you ladies are curious, so I'm going to set your minds at ease. No, mo banphrionsa, I've not been in any sort of fight. Sad to say, the bruise marring my face is from my own carelessness. I neglected my health, and ended up on the floor. So rest easy, darlings, I've not made any enemies here just yet."

There were relieved sighs and quiet, thankful exclamations from all corners. They flashed their best, most roguish smile at the crowd, laughing to themself at the squeals of adoration. These lasses were really too easy to deal with sometimes. One brave soul edged closer, leaning forward in her seat. Robin swore they almost saw hearts in the girl's eyes.

"Thank goodness! We were so worried, Puck!"

With a feral little grin, they flung themself down beside the girl, causing her cheeks to darken immediately. They trailed the back of their knuckles along her jaw, then gripped her chin lightly and tilted her face toward themself. They leaned in ever so slightly, drawing quiet gasps from several onlookers. Their eyes widened and glistened brightly.

"I'm so sorry to have caused you worry. Forgive me, a mhuirnĂ­n?"

Quiet thuds sounded as she -and several others- fainted straightaway. They chuckled softly and winked at one of the others. They were still laughing as Kyoya called an end to the day's activities and gently ushered the ladies out of the room. Once the last yellow dress was out of sight, and the door closed securely behind the crowd, they groaned softly and held a hand to their head.

"Puck-senpai, are you alright?"

Haruhi sounded concerned, so Robin offered her a genuine little smile. They waved their free hand in a dismissive way.

"I'm alright, kitten. Just a wee little headache. Some of those bloody squeals were so high-pitched."

"They do get over-excited, don't they? I don't understand them."

"Me either, kitten. But they're so much fun to play with, aye?"

They grinned broadly at the brunette, who just rolled her eyes in reply. Before the duo could land on a new topic, Honey launched himself at them. Haruhi squeaked and dodged, but Robin laughed and accepted the bone-crushing hug.

"Don't you ever run out of energy, senpai?"

Honey just giggled and shook his head rapidly, smiling radiantly. Mori plucked him off of their lap before he had a chance to squeeze them again, causing the blonde to pout. Wide caramel eyes glistened with unshed tears, and his lower lip stuck out, trembling. Before Robin's resolve melted completely, Mori sat Honey beside them with a stern look.

"Be careful, Mitsukuni. Robin is still recovering."

Their heart gave a funny little thump at hearing their given name from their quiet senpai. They'd gotten used to hearing "Robin-chan" from Honey, but Mori hadn't used any version of their name before. It was so very odd to hear anyone but Seamus use their given name; even their other relatives called them Puck. But there was something about the way their senpais said it...

They shook their head to clear those thoughts, then offered Mori a little smile.

"It's alright, Mori-senpai. I'm not made of glass, I'll be fine. Besides, I like Honey-senpai's hugs."

"Yay! See, Takashi, Robin-chan says it's ok!"

With that settled, he flung himself back on their lap and hugged them again, nuzzling against their shoulder. They grinned at Mori, who just shook his head at the duo's antics, then patted them both on the head with a fond little smile.

"You know... When you pet me like that, it totally makes me feel like a little puppy. If I bring you my collar and a leash, will you take me for walkies?"

Mori blushed deeply at their words, causing them to burst into delighted laughter. Then a little shiver of apprehension ran up their spine, just a moment before the twins appeared in front of the trio. They were wearing identical devious grins. Bollocks...

"What do you ginger devils want?"

"We're just wondering..."

"...why you have a collar..."

"Are you hiding something scandalous, Puck-senpai?"

"I'm not hiding anything. Wearing a collar isn't scandalous, lads. Goths and kinky folk have been doing it for ages."

"So which one are you?"

Robin snickered quietly and shook their head. Silly gingers. The twins had crowded in, pushing Honey off of their lap, each curling an arm around Robin's shoulders. They were grinning mischievously, obviously hoping for some naughty comment from their Irish senpai. Who adopted an innocent smile, then gestured for the duo to move even closer, like they were about to whisper some very important secret. Then erupted in even more laughter.

"Guys. Wearing a collar is a fashion choice, simmer down."

The twins made disappointed noises and left to torment Haruhi. Robin rolled their eyes and stood, stretching until a series of little pops issued from their aching back. Once the twins were well out of hearing range, they turned back to Honey and Mori, who were both watching with interest lighting their eyes. They noticed the knowing little smirk from Honey, and flashed a tiny grin of their own.

"That's not to say that's the only reason I like it."

They sauntered out of the room to the melody of Honey's delighted giggles and Mori's quietly surprised laughter.