Author's note: Welcome to chapter 41, Dear Reader. I apologize for the wait. I'll explain in the ending note. For now, please enjoy the latest installment in our dear Sky's journey!
Triggers: This chapter DOES mention Sky's past, and a few more details are revealed. Tread lightly, poppets.
As always, reviews and PMs are most welcome. I love hearing what you think! I own nothing Ouran-related, no matter how much I beg Bisco Hatori.
They walked down the halls in silence. Sky kept a firm grip on Takashi's hand, but he was pleased to feel not a single tremor. The tiniest hint of a smile played across his lips, and he gave her a quick squeeze to convey his pride in her. She offered a little grin in reply, which turned to a look of utter shock a moment later.
"Pixie-chan!"
She braced herself as she watched her favorite blonde whirlwind rush toward her. With a broad grin, Honey launched himself at her, and she hugged him tightly, laughing quietly at his enthusiasm. When she put him down a moment later, she pressed a little kiss to the top of his head.
"What are you doing here, precious?"
Instead of his usual bubbly, giggle-infused tone, he answered in a much calmer, more mature voice. One that she had only heard a few times. But the happy grin stayed firmly in place, relieving her.
"Moral support, of course. I know how important today is."
Sky smiled sweetly at her darling friend as he captured her free hand, squeezing gently. The warmth of his smaller hand in hers was nearly as much of a comfort to her as Takashi's larger hand covering her other one. Held securely by her two favorite people, the anxiety that had tried to sneak back up suddenly retreated to the farthest corner of her mind.
"Thank you, a dhlúthchara."
"Anything for Pixie-chan."
They grinned happily at each other for a moment before the trio started down the hall again. When they reached their destination, she took a deep breath and nodded slightly, reassuring her boys that she was alright. Takashi knocked lightly on the door. Honey gave her hand a little squeeze before letting go, offering another bright smile instead.
Sayuri Morinozuka greeted the teens warmly, pulling a surprised Sky into a gentle hug. She squeaked a little, startled, then returned the hug only somewhat awkwardly. Much to Sayuri's amusement, if the quiet, short-lived giggle was any indication. She tugged the bewildered girl into the room and happily introduced her to Honey's parents. Sky bowed respectfully and, after only the slightest hesitation, spoke carefully.
"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Haninozuka. It's an honor to meet you both."
"You were right, Sayuri, she's lovely! And so polite."
Itsuki Haninozuka leapt from her position at the low table and dashed across the room. Honey's mother was nearly as adorable as her son, having the same small stature and large, bright eyes. Her hair was several shades darker than Honey's, but the resemblance was still uncanny. She had his same radiant smile, as well, easing Sky's anxiety a little more.
Yorihisa, on the other hand, was just as tall and imposing as Takashi's father. Unlike Akira, however, there was very little warmth in the Haninozuka patriarch's eyes as he studied the rainbow-haired girl. Sky swore she could almost feel the disdain coming from him. Only the secure grasp of Takashi's hand around hers kept her from trying to flee. She clung to him and kept her eyes downcast as the man finished his scrutiny, struggling to keep from whimpering in fear.
She breathed a quiet sigh of relief when he finally backed off a few moments later. Takashi released her hand and wrapped his arm lightly around her waist instead as they walked over to sit at the table. He settled beside her, stealthily making sure to keep the length of his thigh pressed lightly against her own. Sky was immensely grateful for the extra contact, and offered a thankful little smile. Honey sat at her other side, and surreptitiously patted her knee under the table. He was given the same smile before she chanced a look across at the adults.
Honey's father continued to watch Sky, his caramel eyes cold and calculating. She trembled under the near-glare, and shifted slightly closer to Takashi, who slid his arm back around her waist and squeezed gently. The reassurance did much to settle her nerves, and so she didn't jump at the sudden burst of sound as Yorihisa finally spoke.
"I assume you know why you've been asked her today, young lady."
"Yes, sir. I understand how important this is."
"Do you really? Enlighten me, then."
She took a deep breath and answered in a quiet, but steady, voice.
"The Haninozuka and Morinozuka families are closely entwined, more so than I think most people realize. Yet, despite the families joining a few generations back, the Morinozuka still serve the Haninozuka, for lack of a better term. This isn't just Takashi's aunt and uncle wanting to meet his girlfriend. It's your assessment of me as a possible wife and member of this family. To put it bluntly, if you don't approve of my relationship with Takashi, neither will his parents, and... we'll be forced apart."
Takashi made a barely-noticeable sound of distress at her slight hesitation, and his hand twitched, tightening slightly at her waist. Honey could easily see the anguish from both of his favorite people, and it took every bit of strength he possessed to keep his seat and not fling himself in their laps to console them.
"Correct. And do you honestly think you have what it takes to earn our blessing? To actually be allowed to join this honored clan?"
Another deep breath. Slow, only slightly trembling on the inhale, even less so on the exhale.
"I admit, I have moments where I can't imagine what Takashi could possibly see in someone like me. But I realize that those times are mostly because of my anxiety and paranoia, and they don't happen very often. So, yes, I do think that I have what it takes, sir."
She nodded slightly at Yorihisa, continuing in the same quiet tone she'd started with.
"Compared to you and your children, I was raised at poverty-level in the States. I have only a few years experience in this world, and reluctantly, at that. I have trouble speaking to or even being near people I don't know. Conversely, I admit to the rather unfortunate habit of cursing like a deckhand around my tribe, in a multitude of languages. I don't look ladylike in the slightest; I'm too tall and broad, I'm covered in scars... Not to mention the abundance of piercings and outlandish hair. I realize most people see me as a freak."
One pale brow rose across the table and a soft sound of derision could be heard. Sky twined her fingers with Takashi's and squeezed, a gentle reminder to keep his temper even.
"And I'm just fine with that. My pack know the real me, so the general populace can think what they like. The people who love me know that I'm a good person, despite my appearance and my many flaws. I'm a good student, near the top of our class. I'm usually very polite, even to those who treat me rudely. I try to be helpful to everyone I can, in big ways and small. Most importantly, I love. In spite of everything, I am still capable of love. Frankly, I think that, in itself, is miraculous."
Takashi and Honey both offered their unicorn proud little smiles and reassuring squeezes. She was immensely grateful for them, especially at Yorihisa's vaguely interested, slightly confused words.
"Just what do you mean by 'in spite of everything,' child?"
Sky closed her eyes for a brief moment, silently asking her birth parents for added strength; she would need it for this. She extracted her hand from Honey's grip with a tiny smile of thanks, then reached for the purse she'd set beside her. Pulling out two thick manila folders, she wasn't surprised to hear her boys' quiet gasps.
"Sky."
She clung tightly to Takashi's hand for a second, dropping her voice ever so slightly.
"It's alright, mo shíorghrá. They need to know. I can't ask for their blessing otherwise, it would be dishonest."
She accepted the distressed sound from her beloved, wishing desperately that she could, at the very least, nuzzle his cheek to calm and reassure him. Instead, she handed the folders to Yorihisa and Akira with hands that trembled less than she'd figured. She cleared her throat quietly and answered the highly-puzzled looks from the two patriarchs.
"Two copies of my complete medical records, police reports, court transcriptions, and anything else I thought should be known. Detailed descriptions of the car accident that took my birth parents and nearly killed me, as well. Doctors' reports of the injuries, treatments, and extensive physical therapy that followed. Copies of the notarized letters from my biological aunt giving up all rights and obligations concerning me. Police reports and court transcriptions regarding the arrest and conviction of my foster-parents for numerous counts of rape and abuse of a minor. Doctor's statements regarding my psychological hospitalization following a suicide attempt just after my twelfth birthday."
Propriety be damned. Takashi gathered Sky in his lap and wrapped his arms protectively around her, clinging for his own peace of mind as well as hers. She had begun trembling at the mention of her aunt, and her voice wavered when speaking of the police reports. Tears glistened in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Honey sniffled quietly beside them, and Sky reached out to take his hand, both giving and receiving comfort from the contact.
Another sniffle caught their attention, and three heads whipped up. Across the table, Sayuri Morinozuka was unable to stop her own tears from falling. Neither, it seemed, could Itsuki Haninozuka. The two women held hands tightly, each clutching a frilly handkerchief to her face. Sky glanced at their husbands, wondering about their reactions. Akira looked relatively calm, except for his eyes, which were dark with a combination of grief and anger. She knew that look, for she had seen the same clouds in Takashi's eyes on the rare occasion her past was mentioned. Yorihisa's expression, however, both confused and worried her. He seemed utterly unfazed as he thumbed through his copy of her file, only the slightest frown showing.
"All of these documents can easily be fabricated."
Sky shushed her boys when they both uttered low growls.
"That's true. Anyone with a bit of creativity can mock up documents like those. I could just show you my scars, if you'd like."
Without waiting for a response, she unbuttoned the cuffs of her top and pushed the sleeves to her elbows. She held her arms out, the thin lines along her wrists clearly visible. The slightest hint of frustration began to color her voice.
"Or maybe those are too small. How about these?"
She flicked open a couple extra buttons and tugged the collar of her top away, baring the rough, jagged ropes of scars covering her left shoulder. She knew it was improper to practically undress like that, but she was becoming angry. After a few seconds, she dragged the fabric back to its proper place, not bothering to readjust her sleeves.
"I'm not completely indecent, so I'll refrain from showing you the cigarette burns on my thighs. Though the police got plenty of pictures when they were fresh, you're welcome to look at those."
She flung a large envelope across the table, where it hit the hand of a very shocked Haninozuka patriarch. Pictures fell out, covering the table in vividly-colored horror. Even more spilled as he moved to pick up the envelope. Scene after scene after scene, full-length and close-up. Dozens of shots, taken as evidence against Carson and Emma Smithson as Sky lay heavily sedated, forearms covered in pristine bandages from wrist to elbow.
Yorihisa grew sick at the sight of the overly-skinny, obviously malnourished little frame, covered in burns and bruises in places that left no room for conjecture as to their cause. His hands trembled, and Akira took the stack from him, swiftly placing them face-down on the table. He placed a steadying hand on the other man's shoulder, nudging a pretty, delicate tea cup closer.
Meanwhile, Takashi had thoroughly surprised Sky. Once glimpse of the photographs, and he had nearly howled in rage and anguish. Instead, he dropped his head onto her shoulder, hiding from the terrible images with a sound very like a whimper. She could feel the shudders that racked his body, and she turned, wrapping her arms around him. Her own anger and pain vanished, replaced instantly with the need to comfort her wolf. She held him close, running her fingers lightly through his raven locks as he buried his face against her neck.
"It's ok, mo shíorghrá. Everything's alright now."
She continued to murmur soothingly to her beloved, completely disregarding the adults as they finished leafing through the files. Everyone pointedly ignored the envelope. After a few moments, Takashi's horror dissipated, and his tremors stopped little by little. He finally lifted his head, and Sky cradled his cheek in one hand. She offered a small smile, relieved when his lips twitched up the slightest bit in reply. Watching the last of the grief leave his eyes, she sighed softly. Thank God.
A throat being cleared caught their attention again, and they turned back to see Yorihisa looking at them with something akin to guilt. And perhaps just a bit of wonder. Sky slipped back to her own seat, but tucked her hand resolutely in Takashi's, refusing to break contact completely. The Haninozuka's voice had lost all trace of condescension and disdain.
"We need some time to discuss. Takashi, why don't you take your young lady to see the gardens? You too, Mitsukuni."
All three teens bowed silently and rose to leave. Sky didn't notice anything amiss as they crossed the room, and received another shock as the door closed behind them. Honey threw his arms around her and squeezed tightly, knocking the air from her lungs and nearly toppling all of them. She wondered how she had missed the violent tremors before. She knew there would be painful repercussions for her shoulder, but it couldn't be helped. She picked her best friend up and held him tightly.
"Shhh, it's alright. Mitsukuni, a dhlúthchara, it's alright. Calm down now, everything's fine. Stop crying, or I won't make you special cupcakes tomorrow."
The playful threat, delivered in a clear and teasing voice, worked like a charm. Honey's tears dissolved into startled laughter, much to the others' relief. Takashi took pity on Sky's poor shoulder and plucked the blonde from her arms. The trio huddled together in the hall for a long moment, comforting each other, before Sky grinned at her boys.
"Right, then. Off to the gardens, shall we?"
Quiet laughter met her words, shaking off the last of the stress. Joining hands, they made their way swiftly to the outdoors. They sat at one of the fancy little tables, gladly passing the time discussing tentative plans for the next day. Honey quite happily rattled off a long list of cakes and other sweets that he wanted Pixie-chan to make at some point or other. She couldn't help the giggles that bubbled up at Takashi's quiet scolding, and promised to attempt each and every confection in time.
A little while later, a maid came scurrying across the grounds. Apologizing for the interruption, she told them that they were wanted back inside. The happy atmosphere vanished in an instant, replaced by a shared sense of apprehension. They made their way back inside silently, hands clasped once again. Each kept their peace as they sat across from the adults, though both young men refused to let go of their unicorn's hands. She gave them each a gentle squeeze and a small smile.
Yorihisa had regained his calm, almost detached look. Sky felt a momentary flicker of panic, and squashed it before it could bloom in full. But then the imposing man spoke, his deceptively quiet voice sending a stab of ice through her heart.
"Takashi, what would you do if I said we don't approve?"
"I would be disappointed, and I would miss you all."
Takashi's answer was immediate, without even the slightest hesitation. A beat of silence, and then the Haninozuka spoke again.
"And just what do you mean by that, young man?"
"If you don't accept her, you don't accept me. I won't let anything keep us apart. I love you all, but Sky is my everything. I won't stay where we're not wanted."
Sky's head swiveled around, and he offered her a tiny, reassuring smile at her stunned gasp. She sniffled, but smiled back radiantly, heart soaring. She raised their joined hands to her lips, placing a feather-light kiss to his knuckles. The faintest tinge of pink crawled up his cheeks, but his gaze was steady on hers, his eyes clear and bright. He lifted their hands and returned a kiss to her own, his lips barely brushing the cluster of scars below her knuckles.
"It seems my son was right about you, young lady."
Yorihisa's voice held the slightest hint of amusement, to Sky's complete surprise. He continued lightly, shocking her further.
"You're a great deal stronger than any of us realized. To have had so much trauma in such a short time, and to still be so gentle... You were right. To be able to love so deeply after everything you've suffered is truly miraculous."
"Well, that settles it, then. Welcome to the family, dear."
Itsuki's voice was bright and chipper, and she grinned broadly at the young couple. Sky's jaw dropped, hanging open comically for a moment before she shut it with a snap. Even Takashi looked utterly shocked. Honey's mother broke into giggles, followed by her son a moment later.
Sky tried to speak several times, but no words would come. Tears of joy and relief were finally allowed to fall, trailing silently down her cheeks. After several long moments of floundering, she sniffled, cleared her throat, and managed to find her voice.
"Thank you. I'm honored. I... This is... Thank you."
She scrubbed her hands roughly over her cheeks, but didn't have time to say anything else. Honey flung himself at her, unable to hold back another second. He hugged her tightly and nuzzled her cheek before pulling back just enough to catch her gaze. His eyes were huge, bright caramel depths glistening with happiness.
"I always knew you were my family, Pixie. Now everyone else will know, too."
AN2: There you have it, Dear Reader. Now Takashi just needs to talk to Maman and Papa, and they can make it officially official! I hope everyone's enjoyed the story so far. I honestly have no idea how many chapters this has left, but it isn't many. But not to fret, there WILL be a sequel!
As for my previously-unexplained absence. There was a tragedy in my real life, and I lost ALL motivation for a while. After some time, and some long conversations with a couple of fellow authors, I seem to have found it again. Thank you all for your patience and continued support, it means the world to me!
