Author's note: Welcome to chapter 33, Dear Reader! As of this posting, I've gotten over 2,500 views! I'm honored, thank you all! (Pixie-chan says thank you, too!) This is sadly, one of my shorter chapters. But it seemed like a good stopping point. Hopefully you agree!
Triggers: Nope! Things are cute and fluffy! Enjoy the fluffs while they last, people!
As always, I don't own anything Ouran-related. If I owned Ouran and the Hosts...well, I won't get into that. Wouldn't want Dear Reader getting nosebleeds! Reviews and PMs are always welcome! Enjoy the ride!
-Tuesday morning-
Sky yawned and rubbed her eye, shuffling through the kitchen. She would be so glad to graduate; she hated early mornings. She muttered to herself as she searched the fridge. Before she could decide on something for breakfast, the doorbell rang.
It's too early for deliveries, what the hell? Glad that she had put a robe on over her pajamas, she made her way to the front door. Her annoyance turned to utter confusion when she opened the door, revealing Takashi and Honey. She offered them a pretty little smile and stepped back to let them in.
Takashi lightly gripped her chin and tilted her head up, studying her face. There were dark circles under her eyes, so he knew she hadn't slept very well. But her eyes were clear and bright. She had apparently shed no tears this morning. He let out a relieved little sigh and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead before letting go. Honey broke the silence finally, his voice bright but calmer than usual as he flung his arms around her waist.
"We just wanted to make sure you're ok this morning, Pixie-chan."
"Aww, that's so sweet! You're too good to me, both of you."
She hugged her best friend tightly and kissed the top of his head before giving him a little nudge. He grinned radiantly up at her as he stepped back. She smiled back happily and gestured toward the kitchen.
"There are fresh strawberry cupcakes, a dhlúthchara."
Honey's grin grew even broader at the Irish endearment and the prospect of yummy cupcakes. With a little whoop, the hyper blonde dashed into the kitchen, leaving the couple to smile fondly after him. Sky gave a quiet laugh and turned back to her wolf.
"Are you alright, mo anamchara? No nightmares?"
She slipped her arms around him and snuggled close. With a soft sigh, she nuzzled against his shoulder, delighted when his arms curled firmly around her. Her voice was calm and steady when she answered.
"I didn't get a lot of sleep, I admit it. But there were no nightmares. I'm ok, honest. But I'm really glad you came anyway. Thank you, Mo shíorghrá."
She leaned up to brush her lips softly over his cheek, grinning at his slight blush. It wasn't the first time she'd used that particular phrase, but it still flustered him. To know she thought of him as her "eternal love" meant the world to him. He tightened his arms around her just a little, holding her closer. After a minute, Sky reluctantly pulled away.
"Have you eaten yet? I was just about to have breakfast."
"I'm fine. But I would like to pay my respects to your mother, if that's alright."
Bright cobalt eyes glistened. She smiled prettily at her darling wolf and touched her lips to his for the briefest moment.
"I'm sure she would love that. You're so sweet."
He smiled back, just the slightest curving of his lips. He stroked one hand down her hair before turning and heading to the stairs. Sky wandered into the kitchen to see if Honey had devoured all the cupcakes just yet, contemplating just what she should eat.
Takashi entered the empty bedroom and crossed to the dresser that held the photograph of Sky and her parents. Handling the treasured item with the greatest care, he took the picture and set it on the low table by Sky's reading chair. It wasn't a shrine, but it would have to work for now. He briefly wondered if his love would appreciate having a small shrine for her parents, then dismissed the thought. Sky was raised in America, with a Judeo-Christian background. She probably wouldn't feel right having one.
He knelt at the small table and bowed his head for a small moment before looking at the photograph. Rhiannon Prentiss really had been a beautiful woman. He wondered vaguely how Sky would look with long wavy red hair. Hmm... He shook his head, dispelling the image, intriguing though it was. Now was not the time for idle fantasies. He studied the pale, smiling face behind the glass, grateful that he didn't have to speak aloud.
You truly were a lovely woman, Mrs. Prentiss. Sky has told me so much about you and your husband, I feel almost as if I knew you myself. You instilled such wonderful qualities in Sky, she really is the greatest person I've known in my life. Thank you for bringing such an amazing woman into the world. She is everything to me, and I sincerely hope that you approve of me. I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to keep her safe and happy for the rest of my life.
He held his hand to his heart as he made his oath to his beloved's mother. After another silent moment, he stood and straightened his uniform, brushing a few specks of lint from his knees. Just as he turned to the door, Sky and Honey walked in, both smiling happily.
Sky crossed over to Takashi and leaned up to kiss his cheek, sighing in contentment as he pulled her into his arms. She laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms firmly around his waist, snuggling close. She was reluctant to let go, as always, but she forced herself anyway. With a little grin, she snatched her uniform from the open closet and dashed into the bathroom. She couldn't help the giggles that bubbled up as she heard Honey's voice through the closed door.
"Happy birthday, Rhiannon-san! I hope you get lots of yummy cake up in Heaven! Don't worry about Pixie-chan, we'll take really good care of her, I promise!"
Sky finished getting dressed, hurriedly brushed her teeth and hair, then rushed back into her bedroom. The precious photograph had been returned to her dresser, so she crossed over to it. Running her fingertips over the happy face of her birth mother, she smiled ever so lightly. For the first time since she'd lost her parents, she didn't feel the need to spend this day hiding under the blankets, weeping and trying in vain to drown her sorrow in ice cream and assorted junk food. She took a deep breath and released it slowly. Happy birthday, Mommy. Don't worry about me, I'll be ok. I've got my boys now, I'm not alone anymore.
She stuffed her feet into her favorite black leather boots and grinned at her boys. She clasped hands with each of them and squeezed tight, so thankful to have such caring people in her life. She kissed them both on the cheek and grinned broadly.
"Well, come on, boys. We don't want to be late for school. Tamaki will likely send a search party."
-Lunch-
Sky hadn't taken more than two steps into the lunch room when she was yanked away from Takashi and Honey with a startled little shriek. Tamaki flinched slightly at the noise, then hugged her tightly. Sky wondered briefly if he'd managed to crack any ribs this time.
"Pixie, darling! I'm so glad to see you!"
"I'm glad to see you too, chardonneret, but I would like to breathe now, if you don't mind."
Tamaki yelped and jumped back, apologizing profusely. Sky just rolled her eyes and patted the silly blonde head. She glanced up as the rest of her tribe surrounded her, and a tender smile stretched her lips. See, Mommy? Told you I'd be alright. She couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up as the twins shoved Tamaki out of the way. Evidently she wouldn't be allowed to sit any time soon. The redheads flung their arms around her from both sides and nuzzled her cheeks.
"God, you guys are silly. You just saw me yesterday, why are you attacking me?"
Kyoya reached out and slapped Tamaki and the twins in the head, glaring slightly at their outburst. He cleared his throat quietly and patted Sky on the shoulder. He would have embraced her as well, but he had a reputation to uphold, after all. He studied her face for a moment, glad to see no sign of tears.
"We weren't sure if we would see you today, my dear. These idiots just don't know how to contain their joy."
"Kyoya, you're so mean! How could we not hug our precious unicorn tight and let her know how much we love her and how glad we are that she's here?!"
Sky burst into giggles at Tamaki's dramatics. The group was getting some seriously odd looks, but no one seemed to care too much. By this point, the student population was used to the Host Club's antics. Eyes were rolled, heads were shaken, and a scattering of hearts were bruised at the sight of the rainbow-haired transplant getting so much attention. Just a few sighs were issued throughout the crowded lunch room, but they were lost in the sea of conversations.
"Come on, you dorks. Instead of standing around, let's actually go eat lunch, hrm?"
Sky linked arms with Miko, who had stayed quiet through the whole interaction, grinning fondly. The petite brunette was glad to see the older girl in such a good mood; she'd been worried. Sky gave her a little squeeze, and they started toward the lunch line, chatting happily.
Once everyone was gathered around their usual table, conversation picked up again. Sky stifled a yawn and blinked repeatedly, completely lost by the topic. Her eyes darted back and forth for a moment, then she gave up trying to comprehend her boys. She hitched her good shoulder up in a shrug and started to pick at the food on her tray instead.
"Cultural exhibition? Is that why classes are canceled after lunch?"
With a little start, Sky's head whipped up at Miko's words. She coughed and quickly swallowed the small berry she'd been chewing.
"Wait, canceled? When did classes get canceled? And what cultural exhibition?"
She felt a little shiver of dread course through her at the words, and wondered why. For such an innocent phrase, it certainly felt...sinister. Hm. Guess I should lay off the horror flicks. She gave a mental shrug and tuned back in to the conversation. Kyoya was explaining how the school was holding an event to showcase various clubs' activities. Apparently, different clubs from nearby schools would also be attending, and demonstrating their own activities as well. Well, that solves that mystery. Even more people to avoid. Wonderful... A sudden chill sent a tremor down her spine.
A/N again: Oooh, foreshadowing! I'm sure you all know just what's coming up next. *dramatic music* Also, two new Irish phrases, yay! A dhlúthchara (uh gloo-kar-uh) literally means "my best/closest friend", and Mo shíorghrá (muh heer-grah) means "my eternal love". ^.^ (Yes, this is the first time Sky's called Takashi by that particular phrase "on-screen", so to speak. But we're not watching them 24/7, right? =p )Stay tuned, poppets!
