Author's note: Welcome to chapter 39, Dear Reader! I'm sorry for taking so long to update. Real life demanded more of my time. But things have settled down, thankfully. So we're back! Thanks as always for all the positive feedback, I'm immensely grateful!

Triggers: Nope. This chapter is 99.9% happy fluffy times!

As always, I don't own the rights to anything Ouran-related, no matter how much I'd like to. Reviews and PMs are always welcome, especially since they keep the plot bunnies from going rabid. ^.^ Enjoy!


-Saturday night-

Walking into the game room, Sky wished very hard to escape the notice of most of her tribe, to no avail. As if they sensed her approach, every head turned her way, and more than one shocked gasp could be heard. Too late to turn back now... She took a deep breath and offered a surprisingly shy little smile, immensely grateful for Miko's reassuring grin and emphatic thumbs-up. The dark cobalt sun dress she had helped pick out matched her friend's eyes, the delicate fabric flowing almost to Sky's knees and making her look like a modern interpretation of a Roman empress or Greek goddess.

Before Sky had a chance to say anything, two very loud squeals reverberated through the room. Her head whipped up at the sound, just in time to brace herself as her two favorite blondes flung themselves at her. Tamaki and Honey wrapped their arms tightly around their unicorn, cooing loudly about just how adorable she was. She couldn't help the giggles that bubbled up at their enthusiasm, even as she struggled to free herself from their firm hold.

The two silly blondes only relinquished their grasp when a throat was cleared behind them. With quiet laughter and wry grins, they let her go and stepped back. Takashi took their place and curled his arms tenderly around her, pulling her close. Despite their audience, he nuzzled her cheek and murmured quietly, his words for her ears only.

"Tá tú rí-dhathúil, mo anamchara."

Sky blushed and trembled faintly, the Gaelic words causing her heart to flutter wildly. Who knew a simple declaration of beauty would evoke such a drastic reaction? She felt more than heard the soft chuckle rumble through her beloved's chest as she nuzzled back silently. After a moment to compose herself, she pulled away and offered a pretty little smile.

"Will you go for a walk on the beach with me, a ghrá?"

He smiled back lightly in reply, lacing their fingers together and squeezing her hand ever so gently. He grabbed a handy blanket from the back of a nearby sofa as they passed, both of them pointedly ignoring the whistles and suggestive comments from their pack.

They walked hand-in-hand along the beach, enjoying the romantic atmosphere. The moon shone brightly in the star-filled sky, and the waves lapped gently upon the shore, providing a quiet melody to serve as backdrop to their nighttime stroll.

Hand tucked securely in the grasp of her beloved, she felt perfectly happy. Even being so very close to the water's edge couldn't hinder her contentment. Takashi's very presence calmed any hint of fear or worry. In fact, she found herself wondering if the water would be warm, though the sun went down hours earlier. The moment that thought registered, a surprised laugh fell from her lips. Which, in turn, caused her darling wolf to glance over with a questioning look.

"Just a random thought that surprised me, that's all."

She offered him a pretty little smile and squeezed his hand gently. He nodded and brought her hand up to place a feather-light kiss on her knuckles, lips twitching up at the corner at her slight blush.

"It's so silly. I was wondering if the water would be warm this late."

His eyes widened ever so slightly, the only sign of his shock. He had honestly thought that she would be trying very hard not to think about the ocean at all. But her strength never ceased to amaze him. He gently pulled her close and kissed her forehead.

"Would you like to find out?"

"I ... think I would, actually."

Another tiny smile played at the corner of his mouth as his hand tightened slightly around hers. He led her slowly toward the water's edge, pleased and more than a little proud when he detected no hint of tremor from his beloved. A quiet gasp escaped her lips at the first touch of water, but there was no hesitation as she took another small step. Then another. Before she knew it, they were facing each other as the surprisingly warm water lapped around their knees.

He closed the minuscule distance and pulled her into his embrace, free hand rising to cradle her cheek. She finally released his hand, only to wrap her arms around his waist and cling tightly. Her eyes shone with determination and success, and she grinned broadly, the moonlight causing her skin to glow like ivory. She truly looked like a goddess. His breath caught in his throat momentarily at the thought, and he repeatedly his earlier statement.

"Tá tú rí-dhathúil, mo anamchara. You are so beautiful."

Her eyes glistened, happiness nearly overflowing the cobalt depths. She raised one hand to his cheek, mirroring his tender caress. Moments, hours, possibly decades passed in silence as the two lost themselves in each other's gaze.

After a few minutes, they resumed their stroll, hand-in-hand once again. When they were a fair distance from the mansion, Takashi spread the blanket on the sand. Sky carefully tucked her skirt under her legs as they sat, briefly wondering why she had let Miko talk her into something so very short. The blush on her beloved's face as his eyes skimmed her long legs answered the question for her. She giggled brightly, causing a little grin in reply.

They lay with their arms around each other for a time, quietly enjoying the island's beauty. She was loathe to disrupt the serenity, but she knew they wouldn't get another completely private moment for several days, at least. With a reluctant little sigh, she finally voiced the concern that had scratched at her brain off and on all week.

"Takashi..."

"Hm?"

"Are you... Um... Are you disappointed that...that we haven't opened that box Maman put in my suitcase?"

Takashi blinked in confusion for just a moment, then sat up abruptly, pulling her upright with him. Kneeling before her, he gently took her hands in his own. He spoke quietly, but emphatically.

"No. No. I meant it when I said I had no expectations."

He blushed hotly and took a deep breath. He was determined to assuage any fears or doubts she had.

"Of course I want to be with you in that way. But I will never push you for something you're not ready for, or that makes you uncomfortable."

He cleared his throat quickly and paused momentarily, lifting her hands up to press several light kisses along her knuckles and the faded scars littering her skin. With a smile at her faint tremor, he continued softly.

"Besides, there's something I need to give you before that happens."

Love and confusion warred for dominance on her features as she contemplated his words. She shook her head slowly.

"I have your love, what else could I possibly hope for? You don't need to give me anything, mo mac tíre."

"It's important, Sky."

"What is it?"

He released her hands, sliding his own lightly up her arms, fingertips barely brushing her skin. He curled one arm around her and pulled her closer as his other hand cradled her heated cheek. He leaned in and kissed her cheek softly before whispering two simple words that caused her to gasp in shock, tears of surprised joy springing to her eyes.

-Hours later-

Sky sighed softly and closed her eyes, enjoying the near-silence of the room. The faintest hint of water lapping upon the shore, the subtle whir of the air conditioning, and the quiet breathing of her beloved were the only sounds to reach her ears; it would appear that the other occupants of the vacation home were all deeply asleep. As she knew she should be. Opening one eye, she cast her gaze across the room. She was not surprised in the slightest to find 4:37 glaring at her from the digital clock on the dresser.

She was well aware that she needed sleep, but she couldn't quiet her brain long enough. Tomorrow they would be leaving this little slice of paradise. Other than that one nightmare, and the unpleasant surprise when unpacking, the past week had been quite wonderful. She was immensely grateful to be able to spend such a joy-filled time with her pack. But it wasn't as if she wouldn't see them nearly every day once they got home. Her reluctance to leave was rooted solidly in one reason, and one reason only. Takashi's words on the beach earlier.

As if the very thought roused him, he shifted in his sleep, his arm tightening ever so slightly around her waist. A soft, contented sigh escaped his lips, his warm breath ghosting across the back of her neck. She laid her hand over his and laced their fingers together, secure in his embrace. How am I supposed to go back to sleeping without you every night?

With another quiet sigh, she tried to empty her mind. She focused on the warmth and intoxicating scent of her wolf, the way she fit so perfectly in his arms, and the gentle, soothing sounds of his breathing and steady heartbeat. Eventually, the comfort of his presence lulled her into sleep, and she knew no more.

-Sunday morning-

Sky groaned and let her head fall onto the table beside her plate. It was far too early to be awake, and she was in desperate need of caffeine. She yawned and growled in a vaguely angry way when Takashi carefully picked her head up off the table and pulled her closer, but she gratefully nuzzled against his shoulder. Then she noticed the soda he held in front of her face.

"You're an angel, mo mac tíre. Truly an angel."

She kissed his cheek twice and eagerly snagged the can from his hand, missing the slight grin and quiet chuckle from her beloved. After guzzling the life-giving liquid, she rubbed her eyes and glanced around the table. She still couldn't get over how enthusiastic and hyper some of her tribe could be upon first waking.

"How in the bloody hell can you people have so much energy this damned early? It's unnatural!"

Bright laughter met her words, and she smiled a little, despite her lack of sleep. Several grins were cast her way from around the table. She returned her head to Takashi's shoulder as the conversation picked up again, sighing happily as he slid his arm around her waist. She was determined to enjoy the last couple hours before they had to leave the island.


AN2: Huzzah, a new Gaelic phrase! Tá tú rí-dhathúil means "You are so beautiful" just in case you didn't catch it in the second go-round. In case you've forgotten, the box that Maman slipped into Sky's suitcase can be found in chapter 37. Oooh, just what did Takashi whisper that caused Sky to burst into tears? What could his words have been? Stay tuned, Dear Reader! Until next time!