Well, it's been a long time hasn't it? This shall be the first in a long line of steady updates throughout the summer. As of this Friday, I shall be done teaching and can enjoy some well deserved solitude, the scritch-scratch of pen and pencil, and the tip-tap of fingers on keys. Cheers!

K~~~~~~~~~~

"Judy, nice of you to come on time. I half expected you to be fashionably late." Well, that wasn't the best cover for my slack jawed stare.

"Please. As if you would really consider that anyone would go against your orders. Pfft." Oh, bantering is it? By all means, let's battle.

"I can never be sure with you, but you have been more amenable these last few weeks." I offered her my hand, which she took. If this room were full to capacity, this little show of ours would make quite a splash.

"I'm only amusing you to amuse myself, you know."

"Oh, is that how it is? I was certain that a few threats were helping you to be compliant." The look she gave me cut me to the core. I realized that I had gone too far again. "Judy, I'm-"

"Don't. I do understand playful conversation when I hear it. You just have a tendency to blend your playfullness with other things to get your way." Her face went from serious back to stunning with a fresh smile. "Now, I do believe I'm here on business. Is that my stage?"

J~~~~~~~~~~

Why did he have to say it? Why does he always have to remind me of Sato? The situation must be in the forefront of his mind all the time. I guess that means, my protection is ranked pretty high on Kyoya's list, but I wish…No. I can't be thinking that way. There is no future there.

I busied myself arranging the seating, sheet music, and microphones on stage. When I completed my task, the musicians and I ran some of the more difficult numbers. I always was a bit of a perfectionist, so the poor fellows had to play for half an hour before I felt the music was passable. As we were playing the last piece, Tamaki and Haruhi walked in with the rest of the gang. I couldn't tell what the guys were saying, but the twins were pointing animatedly at me. I suppose we won't get any more done anyway.

"That should do it. I'll see you when the doors open." I walked down the few steps to meet the group on the floor. "Hello."

"Judy-chan! You look beautiful! And, you sound beautiful!" Hani grabbed my hand while saying this, and More gently removed Hani's hand from mine with an "ah ha."

Streaks of orange were on either side of me, circling me, tugging material, testing drape.

"Nice dress, Judy," said twin one…Hikaru?

"It'd be a shame if it got ruined." The one I thought was Koaru brandished a fist full of mushy chocolate at me.

"You wouldn't," I said apprehensively.

"Wouldn't they?" Kyoya's voice washed over our group as he gripped Kaoru's menacing hand. "Though you look lovely, my dear, you aren't wearing a Hitachin design: and Hikaru and Kaoru usually take offense to that."

"Petty, huh? Pity." I quirked a sly smile at them as I swiped a single finger across Koaru's chocolate covered palm. I slowly lowered the contraband toward his white lapel

"W-we understand why you didn't buy one of ours. You're just a poor teacher and could never afford one of our gowns, but if you'd like, you can put on the dress we just happen to have in the green room for you. So, please, don't do anything stupid!" His voice grew more panicked the closer my finger got to his dinner jacket. I looked at Kaoru flabbergasted. They can't be serious?

"I'm sorry boys, but I've already dressed for the evening." I swiped a tissue from Kyoya, wiped my finger off, and carefully folded the messy thing. "If you'd like me to wear a Hitachin original, please give me notice prior to the event." I popped the tissue into Hikaru's upper coat pocket. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings by not asking you for help." With a pat to both of their heads, I swished off to the green room to wait.