Naraku's Phoenix: Just so I get this out of the way…In case any of you are wondering if the other characters from OHSHC are going to be a part of this story, don't worry, they will be. I just need to get Haruhi settled in with Nekozawa before I introduce anyone else. Remember the summary? Sorcery and knighthood… Guess who the knights are. So, bear with me folks. I trust that it will be worth the wait.

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When the wagon stopped Haruhi was gently shaken awake as Nekozawa had promised. In return Haruhi kept the bitter comments to herself. She was not a fan of his magically induced sleeps, and it unsettled her that he could place them on her any time he pleased. The two hopped off the wagon and unloaded the trunk and Haruhi's fruit basket, and they silently began their trek through the dank terrain once the wagon was out of earshot. Nekozawa conjured a ball of blue fire to lead them home, and a shimmer of relief flooded through Haruhi when they were inside the house and had dropped the trunk. They dragged it into the bedroom and immediately started unpacking it.

While Haruhi was pulling out the various bags and parcels Nekozawa was busy removing his cloak and folding it for future use. Once again his gleaming blonde hair captured Haruhi's attention, and she began to wonder if she'd ever get used to seeing him without his hood.

The two of them sat on the floor while they unwrapped all of the packages, and Nekozawa had seized the thick brown paper that encased Haruhi's new dresses. She was curious to see what he picked out for her, but let it slide when he merely set it aside and started finding places around the house to put her other new things. Haruhi was left in the bedroom sitting next to the taunting brown paper, and she gingerly began untying the knotted string when curiosity got the better of her. She was about to peel back the paper when Nekozawa returned. He gave a silent laugh when she quickly pulled away with the embarrassment of being caught. He picked up the heavy parcel and helped Haruhi to her feet.

"Try them on," he said, "I want to know what you think." The first set of garments he pulled out surprised Haruhi, for they were a set of fitted trousers and a long-sleeved shirt with a vest; the shirt was stark white – something she had never thought existed – and the vest and trousers were a matching dark green trimmed in earthy browns.

"I don't know from personal experience," said Nekozawa, "but it seems there are occasions where dresses are less practical."

"Thank you," said Haruhi.

"Not at all," he dismissed, "Well, try them on."

Haruhi waited for Nekozawa to leave the room and give her some privacy, but he was about to do no such thing. In the end Haruhi turned her back to him and changed that way. When she was fully clothed again, she turned around for him to see. Nekozawa eyed her appreciatively and nodded in approval.

"I wasn't sure which colors suited you best, so I got a bit of everything."

Haruhi nodded and turned around to try on the rest of her new clothes, which were all dresses, all the while remaining embarrassed, though never arguing, that he was watching her. After she had tried on the final dress, she decided she would keep it on until she dressed for bed; not feeling the need to change more than she felt was necessary. By the time she turned around again, she saw Nekozawa sifting through the package that wrapped her new knickers. As if her face couldn't get any more red, it just did. Nekozawa grinned.

"Kaede-san really came through," he said, "It's been a while since I've seen a woman wrapped in silk."

Haruhi huffed and turned her head.

"Why?" he asked, "Does that surprise you?"

"Just a little, Neko-sensei."

"Well, in any case I'm usually quite the gentleman."

"Is that to inquire that sometimes you aren't a gentleman?" she asked him.

"Only when Bereznoff takes over. Which reminds me, about tomorrow night," he made sure Haruhi was paying attention before continuing, "I have a ritual I perform once every other week where I submit myself to my subconscious and Bereznoff and I switch places. The exchange lasts for approximately twelve hours and will take place in the nighttime hours. I'll put a charm around your bed to prevent me from unintentionally harming you, and I expect you to go to bed before twilight sets in so you don't have to witness my chaotic state. If, for whatever reason, you awake during my ritual, it is very important that you don't step outside of the circle. I can't guarantee your safety if you do. Do you understand?"

Haruhi nodded, drinking in every word.

"Good," he said, "Time for bed, then."