Author's note: Welcome to chapter 36, Dear Reader! (Ok, I know that technically it's 35, since the last update wasn't exactly a real chapter, but rather, an interlude. But I digress!) I'm SO SO SO sorry that this has taken so long! Ravyn was a bad author. Ravyn had to iron her hands. Erm.. I mean... Ok, so what actually happened was that the evil plot bunnies up and DIED on me, and I had to resurrect them. But I HAVE, yay! (It took a long time, some Frankenstein technology, and starting a completely different story -Luck of the Irish? just in case you're interested-, but I've managed it! Sky and the menagerie are BACK!
Triggers: Eh, not really. Sky's past is vaguely mentioned, and only briefly. Pretty much the whole chapter is extra fluffy fluffs. Like, SUPER fluffy. Like cotton candy.
Reviews would be FABULOUS! (And I'm up to 3,500 views now, woo!) Enjoy, Dear Reader!
"Thanks Mi-mi, I needed that. God, I'm sorry, guys."
Takashi made a shushing noise and stroked her hair gently, issuing a nearly-silent sigh of relief as she visibly relaxed. The group stood and scattered to lounge on various bits of furniture, and Sky turned to curl up more comfortably in her wolf's arms as he settled them on one of the fussy sofas. She laid her head on his shoulder and nuzzled lightly, closing her eyes.
"Hey Pixie?"
"Hm?"
"How do you know that psycho?"
Sky groaned quietly, but figured that her friends deserved to know. She answered Hikaru's question without moving from her position.
"I checked out Lobelia before Ouran. Mother and Father thought another all-girls school would be the best idea, considering the circumstances. It seemed alright, until I ran into Amakusa and some of her cronies. She tried to pull the same shit she did with Miko, but I told her off. I decided a co-ed school wouldn't be so bad after all, so here I am."
She gave a little shrug, trying to play it off as lightly as possible. But Takashi felt the slight tremor as she spoke of the incident. He tightened his hold on her a tiny bit, heartened when she made a soft, content sound against his neck.
Miko smiled, watching her friends. She was glad that Pixie was feeling better now. Mori-senpai always seemed to know exactly how to calm the tall girl down. If she didn't know better, she would swear that they had been together for a long time. They just...got each other. She felt the slightest twinge of envy, wishing she had such a deep connection with someone. Her eyes slid surreptitiously over to Kaoru, who was once again sitting next to her. But wait a moment, what did Pixie mean just then? With a little tilt of her head, she gave voice to her inquiry.
"What circumstances, Pixie?"
"Oh, balls."
Sky stiffened momentarily in Takashi's arms, then huffed out a little sigh and straightened, turning to face her friend. Her beloved kept his arms firmly around her waist, for which she was immensely grateful. She cleared her throat softly.
"I keep forgetting you haven't been here from the beginning, so you don't know the whole story. It's, uh...tragic and heartbreaking, to put it mildly."
Miko's pretty hazel eyes glistened and grew wide. She didn't mean to upset her friend! Sky saw the budding anguish and stretched across the low table to pat Miko's knee gently with a quiet laugh.
"It's alright, little lamb, settle down. I'm not upset."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course, Mi-mi. I'll tell you the whole thing, if you want. Just...not here. The walls have ears. Be prepared for lots of tears, cursing, and huge amounts of ice cream. Seriously. Huge."
The last was said with the slightest hint of a grin, lessening the seriousness just enough to put Miko at ease. For now, at least. She agreed to come to Sky's house and hear the story. Without missing a beat, Tamaki insisted that everyone come with, to rally around their beloved unicorn and shower her with comfort and support. Sky giggled at his insistent tone, and popped up to give her silly friend a firm embrace.
"God love your enthusiasm, chardonneret. But I'll be alright, really. You guys have ladies to entertain today, your talents and charm are needed here."
She gave him a swift peck on the cheek before turning back to Takashi. He took her offered hand and stood, tugging her gently back into his arms. She hugged him tightly for a moment, then pulled back with a pretty little smile.
"Walk us out, a ghrá?"
He nodded slightly, the corner of his mouth turning up in the tiniest hint of a smile. She snatched up her bag before he got the chance, then slipped her free hand into his, grinning broadly as he shook his head at her antics. He reached over and pulled the bag from her hand, despite her protests.
"I can carry my own bag, silly wolf."
"I know."
He didn't relent, however, and Sky huffed out a little sigh of faux-annoyance, even as her grin broadened slightly. She actually adored Takashi's unrelenting chivalry at times, it was totally sweet. Since she had a free hand now, she slung her arm around Miko's shoulders as the trio walked the halls and down to the entrance of the school.
-Several hours later-
Miko ended up staying for a couple hours after hearing Sky's tale. She had wept with the older girl, clinging tightly to her friend even as her own heart broke into pieces. She had known Pixie was strong, but she'd had no idea the true depth of that strength until now. She admired the older girl all the more now.
Once Sky had gotten the girl calmed down, they talked at length of lighter things over ice cream and fresh-baked cookies. Miko's giggles had been contagious, and Sky found herself in much better spirits than she'd figured as she bid goodbye to her friend for the night.
She had just finished dinner with her parents, and they were lingering at the table, discussing their respective days, when the doorbell rang. She thought nothing of it at first, assuming it was another delivery for Mother. Until a maid came in and quietly announced "young mister Morinozuka's" presence.
She jumped up with a little squeal and ran into the foyer, grinning broadly at the sight of her wolf standing just inside the door. She slid to a stop in front of him and leaned up to kiss his cheek, flinging her arms around him.
"Takashi! I didn't expect to see you til tomorrow morning."
He gently curled his arms around his beloved, thrilled to hear nothing but happiness in her tone. He held her close, sighing softly as she nuzzled against his neck and shoulder.
"I had to make sure you were alright."
"I must have been a saint in a past life. I've done nothing in this one good enough to deserve you."
Her soft, matter-of-fact tone shocked him. With a little shake of his head, he nudged her back just enough to look into her eyes. He raised one hand to cradle her cheek and brushed his lips tenderly over hers for the briefest moment.
"You are the most amazing person I've ever known. You deserve anything and anyone you want."
She blushed at his sincere, emphatic words, heated color rushing to her cheeks. She swallowed thickly past the sudden lump in her throat as her eyes glistened. She mirrored his gesture, caressing his cheek softly.
"Mo chroí, mo anam, mo shíorghrá... All I want is you. You are my everything. Is breá liom tú, mo mac tíre."
It was Takashi's turn to blush deeply, even as joy shone brightly in his stormy eyes. He cleared his throat softly and replied in a quiet, emotional tone.
"You are my everything, Sky. A chuisle mo chroí, mo anamchara. Is breá liom tú, mo banphrionsa."
Sky's eyes lit up, the bright cobalt depths practically glowing with joy and love. She slid her arms around his neck and leaned up to press her lips firmly against his own. His hand trailed up from her cheek to tangle lightly in her rainbow mane as he wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her close.
After several long, dreamy moments, they reluctantly parted as the need for oxygen made itself known. With a pretty little smile, she tucked her hand in his and laced their fingers together.
"Do you have plans, or can you stay a while?"
His only reply was to grin slightly and give her hand a gentle squeeze. She smiled brightly and tugged him towards the dining room.
"Father's actually home for once, you can finally meet him."
She didn't notice the brief moment of surprise and slight panic that flashed in his eyes. He shook it off immediately, thankful that she hadn't seen. Her parents were still seated at the table, talking softly. Suzette looked over at the teens' arrival with a little smile.
"Good evening, Takashi dear."
"Good evening, Mrs. Hoshimura."
Sky couldn't help but grin at her wolf's formal reply and respectful bow. No matter how many times Suzette playfully scolded the young man, he refused to call her by her given name. She just smiled and shook her head lightly; she had plenty of time to wear her future son-in-law down. Sky made a face at her, as if reading her mind, before turning to her father.
"Father, I'd like you to meet my Takashi. A ghrá, this is my father."
"It's an honor, Mr. Hoshimura."
Kenji Hoshimura was suitably impressed with Takashi's low, formal bow. He gave his daughter a small smile as the young man straightened up.
"I apologize for not being able to meet you sooner. My daughter has nothing but good things to say about you, son."
Sky giggled at the faint blush that crawled up Takashi's cheeks. She gave his hand a playful little swing, grinning radiantly when he glanced down at her.
"Of course, Father. That's because the only bad thing to be said is that we didn't meet sooner."
"Agreed."
Suzette cooed at how adorable the teens were, causing her husband to shake his head lightly. After a little bit of light conversation, Kenji ushered his wife out of the room, leaving the young couple to their own devices. Sky smiled prettily up at her wolf and stretched up to nuzzle his cheek.
Takashi laced their fingers together again as they crossed the foyer to the main staircase, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. A soft, content sigh issued from Sky's lips as she squeezed back, playfully tugging her beloved up the stairs and down the hall to her bedroom. Once inside, she strolled over to her desk and turned some music on, the delicate melody flowing quietly from the speakers of her computer. She turned to her wolf with another pretty little smile.
"Dance with me, mo mac tíre?"
With a tender smile, he pulled her into his arms in response. They twirled effortlessly around the room for several minutes, the gentle music the only sound. After a few songs, the exact steps became meaningless, and the couple simply held each other close and swayed with the melody. Sky's head rested against Takashi's shoulder, and his cheek lay against the top of her head. He had one arm wrapped around her waist, the other trailed up and around her back, resting lightly on the back of her neck. Her arms were curled around his back, clinging to his shoulders. Sighing quietly, she nuzzled lightly against his shoulder.
"I wish it wasn't a school night."
"Why?"
"Because I don't want to let you go home. I want to sleep in your arms tonight."
Takashi's response was to smile tenderly at his beloved and press a soft kiss to her forehead before reaching for his phone. He kept one arm around her as he sent a quick text and shoved the cell back in his pocket.
"Someone will be bringing my uniform and bag soon."
Her bright cobalt eyes shone with happiness as she leaned up to thank her precious wolf with a gentle kiss.
-The next morning-
A string of curses were mumbled in a quiet, rough voice, and a slender hand shot out from under the soft blanket to smack the offensive alarm clock. Sky groaned quietly and nuzzled against Takashi's chest. She was half-tempted to smack her beloved when he laughed quietly and stroked a hand down her back.
"Time to wake up, mo anamchara."
Despite the slight tremor that the Gaelic phrase caused - a tremor that did not go unnoticed - she shook her head firmly and made a negative sound.
"Too early."
Another light chuckle rumbled through her wolf's chest, and he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.
"Sky."
He admonished his beloved playfully. But Sky was adamant. She snuggled closer and hid her face more firmly against his chest, reveling in his scent and his warmth.
"Don't wanna. Can't we just skip school and stay right here?"
A wistful sigh issued from his throat at her suggestion. He tightened his arms around her and held her close for a moment. But only for a moment, unfortunately.
"Three more days."
A muffled, confused sound met his words. He couldn't help the tiny grin that formed; Sky almost sounded like a kitten just then. Then she pulled back and finally pried her eyes open, smiling up at him.
"That's right, I'd almost forgotten. We've got all of next week off."
She leaned in and pressed her lips to his cheek, then nuzzled softly for another moment. With a sigh of mock-annoyance, she reluctantly moved away from his embrace and sat at the edge of the bed.
"I guess I can manage for three more days. If I have to."
Takashi made a quiet, amused sound and hugged his girl gently, brushing his lips over her forehead before relinquishing his hold on her. He watched her stand and stretch languidly, reminding him again of a feline. Though the way she frowned as she rotated her shoulder worried him a bit.
"Sky?"
"I'm alright, mo mac tíre,just a little stiff. It'll loosen up while I'm in the shower."
He nodded, internally cursing himself as his faint blush caused Sky to burst into giggles. He was certain that she had phrased it that way just to fluster him. Once her mirth tapered off, she offered him a pretty little smile and reached up to cradle one pink cheek in her palm, brushing her thumb lightly over his heated skin.
They parted ways a moment later, Takashi shaking his head at the antics of his beloved as he made his way to the guest room he rarely slept in anymore. Once they were both showered and dressed, they met outside Sky's bedroom, where she instantly laced their fingers together. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they made their way downstairs, where they both received a small shock.
Kenji and Suzette were loitering at the dining table, talking over coffee and croissants. Sky smiled happily at her parents, traipsing over to give both a little hug and a swift peck on the cheek.
"Morning Maman, Papa."
"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Hoshimura."
Suzette laughed brightly at Takashi's formal bow and greeting, shaking her head lightly. Kenji, however, acknowledged the actions with a slight bow of his own. From what his wife and daughter had told him, along with the information he'd gotten from other reputable sources, he knew that this young man was a good match for Sky. A very good match, if the constant joy in his daughter's eyes was any indication. He had always intended for her to marry who she wanted; he never understood the need to force arranged marriages. However, he was certain he couldn't have picked a better match for her if he had tried.
Sky watched the slight smile form on her father's face, and grinned brightly. She was so glad that her parents approved of her Takashi. She tugged him down onto the seat next to her and nodded at the maids quietly stationed at the wall, grateful that her father preferred the same traditional breakfast foods that her wolf favored. She wrinkled her nose in distaste as grilled fish, miso, and rice were set before her beloved. Takashi raised an amused eyebrow and scoffed quietly at the chocolate-chip waffles, strawberries, and whipped cream on Sky's own plate.
Her parents watched the silent interaction with fond smiles, and Suzette burst into delighted giggles when Sky actually stuck her tongue out at Takashi.
"So, where are you kids going on vacation? I never did find out."
Sky looked up, startled. Then groaned and covered her face with her hand for a moment before turning to her wolf.
"Did those psychos ever make up their minds?"
Takashi gave a little shrug and shook his head lightly. Of course they hadn't. Sky growled quietly, tempted to bang her head on the table.
"I love our friends, I really do. But sometimes, they're all idiots."
He nodded in agreement, patting her knee comfortingly. She let out a soft, frustrated whine. Kenji let an amused grin form, then placed his hand over his wife's, knowing instinctively that they had the same idea. He spoke lightly before Suzette got the chance.
"What about the island?"
Both teens looked confused. But after a few seconds, Sky gasped as the meaning kicked in. She looked at her parents with bright eyes, bouncing in her seat.
"Can we, really?"
"Of course, darling. Papa wouldn't have offered otherwise."
Sky let out a tiny squeal of happiness.
"It's perfect! Thank you thank you thank you thank you!"
Takashi cleared his throat quietly and cast a confused, slightly skeptical glance at his suddenly-hyper unicorn.
"Island?"
"Oh! Sorry, a ghrá. Mother and Father own a small island near Okinawa. It's beautiful, and private. The estate there isn't quite as big as this place, but there would be plenty of room for everyone."
Before he could say anything, an odd look crossed her face. She turned back to her parents with a little frown.
"There is enough room, right? I mean, there are eight of us."
"Yes dear, don't worry. The mansion has ten bedrooms, you'll be fine. And before you ask, the staff quarters are a completely seperate house, but there is staff year-round. You won't have to take care of anything yourselves."
Takashi contemplated the idea for a moment. A private island did sound rather nice. It would be good for everyone - especially Sky - to get away from the stress and crowds for a while. A full week of relaxation would certainly benefit the group as a whole. But there was just one problem.
"Are you sure? Island means water."
Sky's heart melted at the concerned look her wolf sent her. Ignoring propriety, she climbed onto his lap and wrapped her arms around him, nuzzling his cheek with a happy little sigh.
"I know, mo mac tíre. There are plenty of things to do that don't involve the water. Sand castles, volley-ball, bonfires. As long as you're with me, I'll be perfectly fine on the beach. You won't need to worry so much, mo shíorghrá."
He blushed lightly at both the Gaelic and the sudden display of affection, but his arms automatically curled around her slender frame. He made a soft, relieved sound and nuzzled back gently. After a moment, Sky untangled herself and slid back to her own seat, and Takashi was both amused and relieved to see a faint blush staining her cheeks as well. He cleared his throat quietly and turned to her parents, bowing his head in thanks.
"We would be honored. Thank you for your generous offer."
-Lunchtime-
Sky dropped bonelessly into her seat and offered a lazy wave to her tribe as she rested her head against Takashi's shoulder. Conversation screeched to a halt as several worried looks were cast her way. She sighed quietly and flapped her hand dismissively at everyone before a word could be spoken.
"I'm fine, settle down."
Takashi patted her knee gently, and she slipped her hand into his, lacing their fingers together. The others weren't so ready to believe her statement, however.
"Are you sure, ma cherie?"
"Yeah, you totally forgot to get any lunch."
She groaned softly and closed her eyes for a moment. With a tiny grimace, she lifted her head and straightened in her seat before addressing the group.
"I really am ok, honest. I didn't forget, Hika, I'm just not hungry. I kind of overdid it at breakfast."
There were skeptical looks all around. Kyoya looked ready to argue, but her wolf shook his head at the younger teen. He gave Sky's hand a light squeeze and spoke quietly, playfully.
"Too much sugar."
He recieved a rude noise in response.
"Don't diss my breakfast choices. Chocolate-chip waffles are way better than icky grilled fish."
Honey and Miko burst into giggles when she stuck her tongue out at him. He just shook his head and squeezed her hand again as the corner of his lips lifted slightly.
"Grilled fish is good sometimes. But I agree, Pixie-chan, waffles are definitely better. Especially with chocolate chips!"
"See? Honey agrees with me."
"Yeah, but Honey-senpai thinks sweets are better than everything."
Sky cast a mock-glare at Kaoru and stuck her tongue out at him as well.
"That's because they usually are. Especially chocolate-chip waffles with fresh whipped cream and strawberries. ... ... But I still shouldn't have eaten three."
She ended with a little whimper. Takashi looked down at his beloved with a slight frown, concern evident in his stormy eyes. She offered him a pretty little smile and leaned up to nuzzle his cheek briefly, whispering reassuringly.
"I'm fine, mo shíorghrá, I promise."
He nuzzled back gently, even as a faint blush crawled up his cheeks. After a second or two, Sky returned her gaze to their friends, only to blush herself at the looks Honey, Tamaki, and Miko were giving them. She could almost see hearts and flowers dancing in their eyes and around their heads.
"You two are just so cute!"
"Sure, sure. Settle down, chardonneret. Anyway, allow me to abruptly change the subject!"
There were slight grins and a round of soft laughter before she continued.
"Since my psycho tribe can't make up their silly minds, I have great news. My parents have offered to let us use their private island for our vacation."
Appreciative looks and nods of approval greeted her words. Tamaki and Honey both grinned radiantly, while the twins high-fived with identical mischievous smirks. Kyoya, on the other hand, simply cast a genuine smile at Sky and spoke lightly.
"That sounds perfect, except for one small thing. You do realize that islands are completely surrounded by water, right, Pixie dear?"
Sky rolled her eyes and made a rude noise, barely refraining from once again sticking her tongue out. She should have figured Kyoya would catch on that. She reached across the table with her free hand and patted his arm.
"I know, little owl. But nobody needs to worry, ok? There's plenty of space on the beach, I won't freak out, I promise. No fainting on vacation, alright?"
Light laughter met her words, and the matter was settled. She sent a grateful look across the table, glad Kyoya decided not to pursue the subject. He nodded slightly, but made a mental note to keep a keen eye on her the next week.
AN2: Ta-da! See, nothing but fluffs. Aren't Sky and Takashi soooo cute? Oooh, an island! What kind of trouble will the tribe get into there? Stay tuned!
