Disclaimer: Still not mine, except in my dreams xD

A/N: Less than a year! Wooo!

Chapter Eight

Shizuru didn't stand as Haruka entered the room, but she did shift, folding her hands in her lap and straightening her posture. For a second Haruka thought she saw annoyance, and some other kind of discomfort, but it was masked before she could be sure.

"Suzushiro-san!" delivered with a smile and surprised tone, "I thought you were in the same explosion as Kuga-san."

"I was."

"But you look fine?"

"Nat-Kuga-san shielded me."

"That explains why she's here then, instead of at Fuuka General."

Haruka stared at Shizuru's perfectly friendly face, and felt as if she'd been tricked somehow. She didn't like it. It made her feel like being childish. Like doing or saying something that she'd regret later. She wanted to demand to know why it needed explaining, but she wasn't clueless. Any other student would be at the general hospital, and given the antagonistic relationship between Natsuki and the Executive Team it would obviously seem strange for her to be any different. She wanted to demand to know why Shizuru was there, but again the answer was obvious. She was the Kaichou, so she had a reputation of caring to keep up. She was also Natsuki's friend, a fact that had previously caused Haruka countless headaches when the bubuzuke had stood in the way of discipline on the biker's behalf. A fact that now made Haruka feel troubled for reasons she couldn't quite formulate.

She just knew she didn't trust Shizuru.

The woman always kept her off balance.

"What I don't understand, and forgive me for asking Suzushiro-san, is why you would be in Kuga-san's apartment?"

With questions like that.

Haruka put her hands behind her back, hiding the uncomfortably instinctual clenching of her fists. She didn't know what answer the she-devil was after, or why she wanted to know, but it felt dangerous somehow.

"I don't know that that's your business Fujino-san, beyond that I was invited."

It was the only answer she could comfortably give, but she knew as soon as she'd said it that Fujino wouldn't leave it at that. Her expression was too pleasant.

"Ara, simple formalities Suzushiro-san. You were conducting a detention with Kuga-san – according to your notes - and later she was injured, and you are fine. Because, as you said, she shielded you instead of the other way around. If the detention were still in progress at the time, some on the student council may want you to be held accountable. If it were over, then there still remains the question of why the Executive Director of the Executive Team would be…how did you phrase it to me…ara! I remember, why would the Executive Director be 'fraternising with a delinquent'?"

Haruka's knuckles went white as the tension in her clenched fists intensified. She was incensed. How dare Fujino level veiled threats and accusations! The detention had been officially over when she'd stormed out of the Lindem Baum. Yes she'd said they were moving straight to Phase Two – but by the time they'd reached Natsuki's apartment Haruka had forcefully changed her mind. She'd only really gone into Natsuki's apartment to escape the rain. She'd done nothing wrong.

She'd be damned if she was going to explain that to the bubuzuke though.

"If the student council has concerns about the way I run detentions, or my own life, then I'll answer to an inquiry," she ground out, forcing herself not to yell like she really wanted to. Shizuru looked ready with a quick reply, no doubt to throw her elected weight around, but Haruka didn't let her speak. They weren't in school. "You should leave now Fujino-san. You're outside of visiting hours."

Shizuru didn't move straight away, instead narrowing her eyes. It was petty but satisfying to Haruka that she'd made Shizuru display any sign of displeasure, that she'd forced the mask to slip a little. It made her feel powerful – and even Shizuru saying, "so are you Suzushiro-san," couldn't change it. It made her smile, perhaps a little vindictively.

"I have business here Fujino-san. You don't. So you should leave, while you have the option to do so voluntarily."

She wasn't as subtle as Shizuru, and she knew she'd probably live to regret it, but at that moment she really didn't care. She just enjoyed seeing Shizuru stiffly get up and move away from Natsuki, for once struggling to keep the fake cordial smile in place as she had to walk past Haruka to the door, pausing when she got there, refusing to look at Haruka as she said "I'll be back tomorrow then, during visiting hours."

"You'll be turned away. Natsuki-san is in critical condition, no visitors allowed."

Shizuru's head whipped around at hearing Natsuki's name from Haruka's lips, and she met Haruka's challenging stare with a second of hatred before she caught herself, forcing herself to smile tightly.

"You'll inform me when that changes, yes?"

Haruka walked calmly towards her, pretending she hadn't noticed or been startled by Shizuru's briefly obvious anger, forcing the woman to back up.

"You'll be informed, when she is well enough to inform you herself," she said, before casually closing the door in the Shizuru's face. She couldn't see the reaction, and in spite of her bravado she was slightly worried. She had yet to come out on top of an altercation with the red-eyed woman - except for just then of course – and being so brazenly aggressive could have consequences later.

That being said…after she'd had the nerve to try to intimidate Haruka – and so blatantly - the blonde was just pleased she'd been able to put her in her place for once. In her place and away from Natsuki, who still hadn't stirred. Taking a breath she went back to the seat at Natsuki's bedside, settling in to wait for the blunette's awakening.

She remembered reading somewhere that it was good to talk to people in Natsuki's condition, and pursed her lips trying to think of what to say. She didn't want to say anything too personal, grateful or not, because she knew it was entirely possible that Natsuki could hear her, and might even remember whatever was said. Which then gave her an idea.

For the rest of the evening, and that weekend, Haruka recited the student code of conduct – including in depth explanations as to why the rules were the way they were.

By the time Monday rolled around, she'd reached Section 32: Article 3 – just over halfway through. She would have been further, if not for the doctors who came in and out, and having to pop home to clean and get more clothes, and occasionally sleep. Well, try to sleep. She wasn't comfortable leaving Natsuki alone, and the chair at her bedside wasn't the best for dozing in. She told herself she only stayed because she needed information about whatever had attacked them, and if there were anymore, so she could figure out how to coordinate her team to protect the campus. She insisted to herself that she needed the information as soon as possible, so she needed to be there when Natsuki woke up.

To her father, when he tried to insist that she sleep at home, she'd said that she didn't want Natsuki to wake up alone. That when Natsuki woke up, she might be disorientated and confused, and Haruka wanted to be there to reassure her – it was the least she could do considering that Natsuki had saved her life. It had struck a chord with her father, and he'd hugged her tightly for a long time before agreeing that she could stay.

She could not miss school though. He'd made that condition clear before he'd left, and she'd readily agreed. She had a team to organise, and school discipline to maintain. Plus she fully intended on collecting Natsuki's missed school work, so that the biker could catch up as soon as she was well enough to study, which would surely be before she was ready to return to school. Haruka just hoped that the biker didn't wake up while she was away…she hadn't been lying about not wanting Natsuki to wake up alone.

The thought weighed on her mind as she freshened up, as much as she could, and went outside to meet the car her father had sent for her. For most of the car journey, she quietly worried. It was only when she saw the school gates come into view that she forced herself to stop, putting on the stern face that people had come to expect from her, preparing herself for the unrest that would inevitably follow Friday's 'explosions'. It was going to be a long day, and she needed to be focused. She reminded herself that she was the only conscious witness of what had happened, and with the general population of the school being so unruly and rude, there would most likely be stares and murmurs to contend with.

She thanked her good organisational skills that she'd have the chance to brief her team, keeping her head high as she marched to the start of the week meeting, doing her level best to not stop and yell at every inconsiderate gawking brat that proved her right about the student body's curiosity. Reminding herself that it was to be expected and actually dealing with it were two completely different things, and though she'd never admit it out loud – because she had an example to set - she conceded in her head that she was too tired for that shit. With that, she blew up far more than she meant to, and was only able to arrive seven minutes early.

As usual, Yukino was already there waiting for her, laptop under her arm. The brunette went to speak, but Haruka just shook her head, sinking into one of the uncomfortable wood and metal chairs with a sigh. Exhausted from just getting there, she put her head in her hands and closed her eyes, secure knowing that Yukino would alert her if anyone was coming. For a minute silence stretched between them, before her mousy friend broke it.

"Are you o-okay Haruka-chan?" she asked, her voice breaking a little with concern. Haruka looked up tiredly, about to admit that no, she really wasn't okay, when she noticed that Yukino seemed…off somehow. Quickly she decided that she wouldn't worry her friend unnecessarily, and plastered a determined grin on her lips.

"Of course I'm okay! It'll take more than an explosion to get to me, ha ha ha!" she said, her manic tone being the opposite of reassuring to Yukino, who hurried closer and knelt in front of her.

"Are you sure? People are saying that Kuga-san shielded you, and…well it was bad…and you can tell me Haruka-chan."

Haruka's expression became serious again, disappointed she'd worried her friend anyway. She didn't want to go into it, but seeing as Yukino seemed intent on pushing…her delicate hands gripping Haruka's knees, her creased brow so fretful…Haruka couldn't leave her in that state. Better to get everything out – or at least a believable version - for Yukino's sake if not her own.

"It was bad. The detention didn't go well, and I was arguing with her when the first explosion went off…and she pushed me out of the way almost as soon as it happened. When more went off she took the brunt," she bit her lip, pausing to fight down bile that rose in her throat at the thought of what had really happened, "It's the worst thing I've ever seen Yukino."

As soon as the last bit slipped out, Haruka regretted it. She stared intently at her friend, and when the brunette didn't reply – didn't know what to reply with – Haruka knew that being so honest was a mistake. Yukino was like a baby bird, and if Haruka didn't do something to lighten what she'd just said…well she was worried that Yukino would be crushed by the weight of it. She was too fragile to really share the load. Again she forced a wide smile, patting Yukino's head with a gentle affection.

"It's fine though, really. Kuga-san is going to be okay, and it'll take more than a bloody accident to traumatise me!" she laughed, slightly confused at Yukino's deepening frown.

"You don't sound okay – if you're swearing…"

"Swearing? What?"

"You said bloody…unless you meant gory?"

"Ha ha! You always know what I mean Yukino!" Haruka clarified, standing up and helping Yukino up with her, relieved to see her bespectacled companion crack a small smile. Just in time too, as the rest of the members of the Executive Team started to arrive and file into the room, sorting themselves into neat rows ready to receive general instructions for the week.

For the next half an hour, Haruka set about organising extended patrols of the school grounds, stressing the importance of cracking down on gossip and rude behaviour, and generally maintaining order. Her voice impassioned and quick, and she peppered her speech with the occasional mistake to give Yukino the opportunity to correct her – knowing it was something that made her friend happy for some reason. By the end of the meeting a new buddy system was established along with everything else, and Haruka was confident she'd done everything she could with the information that she had. It made her more relaxed and confident as she went to her first class, and she only had to shout at two groups.

Once she was seated, her classes went smoothly, and she was grateful for the fact that teachers had to change classrooms instead of students. If she'd had to deal with gossiping and pointing in the corridor, it would have led to the kind of explosion she normally reserved for reckless or dangerous behaviour – and such a change in the level of her response would have only fuelled the childish behaviour she wanted to stamp out. The only hitch in her self-enforced calm came when a note from the student council was delivered.

Suzushiro Haruka, please report to the student council room during lunch recess today. An inquiry has been set up to investigate your recent activities and the injury of a student under your care, and you are required for questioning. Failure to report will result in you being immediately terminated from your position as Executive Director of the Executive Team. Failure to answer questions put to you during questioning will result in the same. Attendance and willingness to answer questions will allow you to maintain your position at least until the inquiry is concluded.

Kanzaki Reito (Vice-President)

Her temper flared at the content and tone of the note, and though it was signed by Reito, Haruka was under no illusions as to who had really orchestrated the waste of time they were calling an inquiry. She should have known that the damn bubuzuke would take her up on her statement that she would answer to one, and that it would only take the Kaichou being concerned to form one. She wasn't concerned, just annoyed, and it took all of her control not to curse the tea drinking she-devil out loud. They both knew that Haruka hadn't done anything wrong. It was just a power move, designed to show Haruka her place. Well, she'd show that manipulative wretch exactly what she thought of that.

As soon as the bell rang she stormed out of the room, marching to the student council room in a fury that dissuaded even the most curious student from commenting as she passed. As she arrived she saw that Yukino was already there waiting, again. It surprised her for a second, before she remembered that of course she'd be there. She was the student council secretary as well as Haruka's second. In a defensive thought that made her ashamed, she was suddenly glad she hadn't told Yukino more that morning. Not that she really believed Yukino would say anything that could be held against her…but still.

The fact that the damn enquiry was making her doubt her best friend infuriated Haruka even more, and she stomped past Yukino without a word, sitting herself in the single chair they'd clearly set out for her. It was directly in front of a desk that she gathered the council would be sitting behind, and she snarled lowly at the thought of them sitting as judge and jury before her.

Yukino wanted to say something to calm Haruka down, but she didn't know what. She had been just as surprised when she'd found out about the inquiry she'd be sitting on – what had happened to Kuga, in the official version, was clearly an accident. She knew better than anyone that Haruka couldn't have done anything to prevent what had happened. She'd wanted to say as much as soon as the idea of an inquiry had been brought up – but what could she say that would be believable? It was horrible. It was bad enough that Kuga had valiantly injured herself defending Haruka against the Orphan, while Yukino had only been able to helplessly watch and call an ambulance – now she couldn't even defend Haruka against students!

Her anxiety about it all clearly showed on her face, but as the other council members arrived and she joined them behind the desk, Haruka wouldn't even look at her to see it. The blonde's gaze was pointed fixed on Shizuru, who was smiling casually back at her.

A short quiet extended as everyone settled into their seats – Haruka noticing with disgust that the first year lackey Yuuichi Tate was there too – and then Reito began things.

"Suzushiro-san, you are here to be questioned regarding-"

"-Get on with it Kanzaki-san. We all know why I'm here. You have questions, ask them," Haruka's tone was sharp as she interrupted him, his calm tone getting under her skin just as much as Fujino's smile. He had the decency to look minutely startled, glancing to Shizuru before shrugging nonchalantly.

"As you wish. You were conducting a detention with Kuga Natsuki on the evening of the incident. What was the status of the detention at the time of the incident?"

"The detention was concluded."

"When exactly was the detention concluded?"

"When I left the Lindem Baum."

"Why exactly was the detention at a restaurant?"

"Traditional disciplinary methods have previously failed with Kuga-san. I took the decision to try a new approach."

Reito opened his mouth to continue with more questions, but was cut off by Tate who – with his ego fluffed by being there – decided the answer wasn't good enough.

"New approach eh? You mean taking her on a date?"

"What did you say!?" Haruka exploded, half rising from her seat in outrage at his nerve before catching herself, forcing herself back down to answer the question through clenched teeth. She didn't want to give Fujino an opening, "No."

"Really? Because witnesses at the restaurant say it sounded very much like a date."

He was enjoying himself far too much, and Haruka's voice laced with anger in response.

"Slander! When I find out who's been spreading such unfounded rumours, they will be dealt with! How dare you!"

"How dare I? How dare you! Using your position to facilitate a clearly deviant relationship!"

Haruka couldn't stay in her seat at that, knocking her chair back as she rose in rage, her cheeks flushed. Before she could open her mouth though, she saw that both Yukino and Shizuru were standing – and to her surprise Yukino spoke first.

"You're out of line Yuuichi! That's entirely inappropriate!"

Tate started to defend himself but was cut off by Shizuru, "I agree with Kikukawa-san. Your phrasing was..." she paused for effect, her hand solidly on the desk, "…troubling. We are here to support the students of this school. Your personal opinion on the types of relationships they form is irrelevant, and has no place in inquiry, or this council." When Tate tried to contradict her, she continued, her voice relaxed but commanding, "I'd stay quiet Yuuichi-kun. Kanzaki-san was conducting the questioning, as you are aware was agreed."

The use of 'kun' stung him. He knew it wasn't affection, and that she was simply reminding him of his station, and it made him sulk – sinking down in his seat without another word. Yukino and Shizuru both sat, and Reito addressed Haruka contritely.

"My apologies Suzushiro-san. While we are trying to establish the facts of the matter, Council Member Yuuichi's tone and accusation was uncalled for. I'm sure he didn't mean to disparage you. If you'd like to retrieve your seat?"

Haruka did so, slamming it back into position and sitting down heavily. Yukino winced at the noise, and at seeing how rigidly Haruka was sitting, but she was the only one to respond. Reito gave Haruka a moment to compose herself, and then continued.

"Excuse the question, but for clarity, it is your assertion that the meeting between yourself and Kuga-san at the Lindem Baum was a detention, nothing more?"

The indignation in Haruka's voice was unmistakable, "It was a detention! It's in my notes for f-goodness sake!"

"Pardon my saying so, but your notes aren't proof."

"It was a detention."

Her tone had a growl underlying it, and Reito wisely moved on.

"If the detention concluded when you left the Lindem Baum, as you say, why did you then accompany Kuga-san back to her apartment?"

It was a difficult question, and there was a long pause before Haruka said, "Because she asked."

"That's all?"

Another long pause, "The detention ended badly. She asked me to accompany her back to her apartment to rectify the situation, and I agreed so as give her another chance."

Reito sat up a little straighter, his tone a little more serious, "So you ended one detention, and started another one, which was in progress at the time of the incident?"

The implication was obvious, and Haruka had to bite her lip to stop herself from snapping irritably, "No."

"No? Then what?"

"I had no transport, so Kuga-san drove us to her apartment. Her driving was reckless, and when we arrived we argued about it. I decided to end things, and that was that."

"But you were in her apartment at the time of the incident?"

Haruka looked at Reito like he was an idiot, "Did you miss me saying I had no transport? Did you miss the rain on Friday? Are you obtuse?!"

"Settle down Suzushiro-san," he ordered, and that was as far as he got. Haruka was on her feet again, more than just irritated, she was absolutely wrathful.

"No I will not settle down! You want to know what happened? It was raining and she invited me up to wait for a taxi despite our argument. Then there was an explosion, and she pushed me out of the way, and when more went off she used her own body as a shield! It should have been me, but she reacted first – now I'm here, and she's in intensive care!" Haruka's fury and passion made her voice shake, "I already blame myself, so your judgement means nothing to me!"

With that she strode from the room, determined not to let them see her lose any more control, heading straight for the toilets so she could lock herself away and calm down without anyone else witnessing her emotional state.

In the room she had just left, it slowly dawned on them what Haruka had experienced. A student had been grievously injured, right in front of her – in a situation clearly beyond her control - and they were making her relive it…for what?

Reito slowly turned to Shizuru, his face pale, "I think we have our answers. She's obviously done nothing wrong."

Shizuru took a moment to answer, her expression unreadable, "…While I'm sure her emotion is genuine, we do still need to confirm her story with Nat-Kuga-san."

At that Yukino rose from her chair, "I-I think you're being u-unreasonable," she said, her voice full of nerves as she challenged the Kaichou, "We don't k-know how long Kuga-san will be in hospital, and it's cruel to h-hang this over Haruka-chan."

"I know Suzushiro-san is your friend Kikukawa-san, but her story needs to be confirmed. If she's telling the truth then she has nothing to worry about, ne?" Shizuru replied smoothly, cutting down Yukino's argument expertly. The brunette shifted uncomfortably, before gathering the nerve to continue disagreeing.

"Even i-if the detention was still in progress…how can you hold her responsible for an accident? I…I know that Kuga-san is your friend, but n-nothing suggests that Haruka-chan was negligent."

Shizuru's eyes flashed dangerously, and Reito saw it – he was looking between the two women nervously, very aware that he was in the middle of them, and thinking desperately how to defuse the situation.

"If I may…" he began cautiously, "…I propose that we end the inquiry in Suzushiro-san's favour. When Kuga-san is well, Shizuru-san, you can question her personally, and if she says anything that suggests wrong doing on Suzushiro-san's part then we can reopen the matter."

Shizuru's lips smoothly formed an agreeable smile, one that showed her teeth.

"Very well."