Author's note: First off, let me say OHMYGODS I'M SO SORRY for such a long delay! This is the longest wait between chapters I've EVER had, and I am SO SO SO SORRY! There's really no good reason, I just had a massive case of writer's block. The muses have NOT been kind lately. I think they're upset that it's been literally a year since we started this journey, and it's nearing the end. (Don't fret, there's a sequel planned!) I am so incredibly thankful for all the faithful readers, everyone who's favorited and followed and reviewed! (Especially the reviews, they always TOTALLY make my day! I love you guys!)
Secondly, I know, I'm terrible. I finally update, and it's a short chapter. Ravyn will go iron her hands if need be. But I thought it'd make a good Valentine's present for everyone. Don't worry, we're still working! Ok, I'll go away for now, and let you read! ^.^
Triggers: Nothing too alarming, surprisingly!
-Wednesday afternoon-
After three days of making sand castles, playing volleyball, water-gun battles, seashell hunting, and experimenting with bonfires, Sky was exhausted. She loved her tribe, really she did. But she needed a break. She stifled a yawn and rubbed her eye, glancing around the breakfast table. Miko, Tamaki, and the twins were having an animated discussion about the new day's activities. Honey was chattering happily at Takashi, who gave Sky's free hand a gentle squeeze as he answered the hyper blonde. Kyoya, on the other hand, looked about as tired as she felt. They shared a look that clearly expressed their joint disdain for happy morning people. She shrugged and offered an amused little smile.
"Well, that all sounds exhausting. I think I'll stay inside today. Be lazy, watch a movie or two, grow mold for a while. I mean, this is a vacation, right?"
Several voices were raised in opposition, and she rolled her eyes. Shaking her head lightly, she refused the multitude of offered activities.
"Nope. No way, guys. I'm tired. I can't take another day of running around in the evil sunshine. I'm going to raid the kitchen, curl up with a big pile of junk food, and watch horror flicks til my eyes bleed."
"Apart from the bleeding eyes, that actually sounds like a surprisingly wonderful idea, Pixie. I think I'll join you."
She flashed a broad grin at Kyoya, mildly shocked that her serious, studious friend wanted to be lazy. She was thrilled to receive a genuine smile in return, and she reached across the table to pat his arm lightly.
"Keen. Anyone else? We could binge a whole series, I saw several wicked franchises when I skimmed the shelves the other day."
No one else took her up on her offer. It wasn't surprising, even when Takashi shook his head. He looked almost hesitant, so Sky leaned in and nuzzled his cheek gently, then whispered softly.
"It's alright, a ghrá. You don't have to stay in just for me. Kyoya and I will be fine, don't worry. Go play."
He nuzzled back, nodding lightly when she pulled away. Despite the faintest pink tint to his cheeks, he ran his fingers through her hair and along her jaw. She captured his hand and pressed a tiny kiss to his palm, giggling delightedly when his blush deepened. The teens chatted happily through the rest of breakfast, Sky smiling tenderly at her pack. She sighed in contentment and laid her head on Takashi's shoulder while the rest of the group finished their food.
After breakfast, she raided the kitchen with Kyoya, filling a handy picnic basket with snacks and drinks. As the others made their way outside, they pored over the movie selection. They argued playfully about which series to watch, and finally settled on a mutual favorite. Kyoya put the first disc in while Sky set out the snacks and curled up on one of the plush sofas. She tugged him down beside her when he walked over, causing an undignified little squeak to escape his lips.
"Must you manhandle me like that?"
"Yes, yes I must."
She giggled at his aggrieved look, and ruffled his hair when he just shook his head at her. He tried to glare, but it quickly turned into a soft, genuine smile.
"You are so weird."
"Well, yeah. That's my best quality, silly little owl."
They settled in for an afternoon of blood, gore, and junk food. Sky tried to behave for a little while, but couldn't help herself. She often yelled at the characters on-screen, berating them for making stupid decisions. She cackled evilly whenever the killer caught one of his hapless victims, which amused Kyoya to no end. He burst into surprised laughter when she booed and actually threw popcorn at the screen at one point.
Halfway through the third movie, she couldn't stifle a yawn, and was struggling to keep her eyes open. She tried hard to stay awake, but it was a losing battle. Kyoya noticed, of course, and patted her knee in reassurance.
"It's alright, Pixie. Go have a nap while it's still quiet. You know once everyone comes back in, you won't have a moment's peace."
She nodded, rubbing her eye, then looked towards the door. After just a moment, she shook her head and made a negative noise. She shocked her friend greatly by simply stretching out beside him and laying her head on his lap.
"Too far away, don't wanna."
Kyoya glanced down, a serene smile playing over his lips as Sky closed her eyes and settled in more comfortably. He stroked her hair lightly, amused at the small, almost purr-like hum of appreciation she emitted. With a content little sigh, he turned his attention back to the carnage on screen.
A little while later, the rest of their tribe came barreling in, with Honey and Tamaki in the lead. They took one look at their precious unicorn, sleeping with her head on Kyoya's lap, and instantly started -quietly- cooing about how adorable she was. Even with her brow scrunched up and her pretty lips turned down in a frown.
Alarms started going off in several minds as a soft whimper was heard from the sleeping girl. Her hands twitched, she shook her head, and she drew her knees up to her chest, making herself as small as possible, still sound asleep. Another whimper could be heard. Her lips parted, and quiet words were issued.
"Not true. It's not... This...wrong... Real... All real, not this..."
The murmured words were in English, causing a few confused looks, but everyone knew that frightened tone. Their dear Pixie was trapped in another nightmare realm.
Without a thought for the presence of the others, Takashi immediately picked her up and held her close as he dropped down in the nearest seat. He cradled her overly-pale cheek in one hand and spoke firmly, struggling to keep the urgency from his voice as tears spilled from her tightly closed eyes.
"Sky. You need to wake up now."
Sky's hands twitched again, opening and closing as she continued to plead in English. Miko and the boys watched fearfully, but thankfully stayed silent. None of them had yet witnessed one of Sky's nightmares, and they knew that Takashi was the only one capable of freeing her from its icy grip. He gave her a gentle shake, frowning when it didn't work. With a feeling nearing desperation, he placed his lips near her ear and tried again.
"Wake up now, Sky. Please, mo anamchara."
She jerked awake with a loud gasp. For one awful moment, she struggled, still trapped in the wake of her terror. Then she registered her beloved's arms holding her in a tight embrace, and all the fight left her. She flung her arms around him and buried her face in the crook of his neck, weeping pitifully. Another few moments passed, and her hysterics tapered into whimpers and harsh gasps. She pulled back and met Takashi's eyes, her fear finally dissolving in the wake of his concern and reassurance.
She laid one trembling hand on his cheek, sighing quietly. With a little sniffle, she leaned in until her forehead rested against his. He ran his fingers gently through her hair, keeping his other arm firmly around her. Silence reigned for a few seconds, then she spoke in a quiet, rough voice.
"I knew it couldn't be true. I just knew it couldn't."
The slightest relief passed through everyone, although all of their hearts were bruised from the broken sound of their unicorn sobbing. Uncharacteristically silent tears flowed from Tamaki, clutching the shoulder of Kyoya, who was struggling to keep his own fear at bay. Kaoru unconsciously reached for both Hikaru's and Miko's hands, the trio clinging tightly together. Honey was the only one who dared approach the couple. He touched her shoulder lightly, sorrow filling his eyes to overflowing.
Sky turned just enough to meet her precious friend's heart-broken gaze. In a flash, she reached out and pulled him to her. She kissed his forehead and held him tight, finally looking around at everyone gathered around her. Her eyes filled again, and she held her arms out to her tribe. Just this once, even Kyoya let himself be gathered into a sudden group embrace. When everyone was finally hugged out, she scrubbed her hands roughly over her eyes.
"I'm so sorry, you guys. Please don't cry, everything's alright. It's ok, really."
"Can't help it, Pixie-chan, you scared us all so bad! We were really worried!"
Honey kept his arms resolutely around her, refusing to let go for even a moment. Everyone else -even Tamaki- had calmed immensely, but the little blonde was still wracked with tremors. Sky held him close, nuzzling his cheek and petting his hair until his sniffles ceased. Once he finally settled down, he relinquished his tight grip, but stuck to her side like glue.
"Well, that'll teach me to watch asylum-based horror flicks when I'm that tired."
Seven pairs of eyes shot confused looks her way, causing a small, watery laugh. She rubbed her eye, then curled her arm around Honey's shoulders. Resting her head against Takashi's chest, she sighed quietly.
"Exhaustion and psychological horror movies evidently make my subconscious go into over-drive. It wasn't one of my usual nightmares. This time I was back in the psych ward. Well, not 'back', since I'd never left the bloody place. Everything was exactly the same, too. Even the damned yellow walls of the day-room."
She trembled in remembered fear and disgust, which in turn caused Takashi to wrap his arms firmly around her and Honey to squeeze her hand in reassurance. She smiled lightly at her wolf and bunny, giving both a gentle squeeze back before continuing.
"God, it seemed so real, no matter how hard I denied it. I never got out, never got adopted, never moved to Japan... They kept trying to convince me that you're all just delusions. I refused to believe them, of course. Even though I sometimes think that you're all far too good to me to be real."
She cast a tender smile at each member of her pack, breathing a quiet sigh. Now that the nightmare's grip had fallen, she was rather content. With the exception of the last few minutes, this vacation had been wonderful so far. She wondered vaguely how the last few days of their stay would go.
AN2: Ta-da! See, nothing overly dreadful for Dear Reader. As you may remember from the top AN, yes, this story is coming to an end soon. But there WILL be a sequel! I have loads of ideas, but if anyone has a suggestion or request, don't hesitate to let me know! If there's something special you want to see, please tell me, I love getting new ideas! Farewell until next time!
