This fanfic is currently under construction and the chapters are therefore subjected to minor changes. I apologise for any confusion.

GREY CLOUDS AHEAD

Kyon was walking towards the coffee shop the SOS Brigade usually go to. It was noon and the streets were packed with people – people who most probably have nothing to worry about on a Saturday.

And on an ordinary Haruhi-free Saturday like this one, Kyon would normally be included in this category of people "who have nothing to worry about on a Saturday".

Yet, here he was, on his way to an appointed place to meet someone who'd surely ruin his peaceful weekend and give him stuff to worry about.

- -

"Thank you for meeting me," said Koizumi Itsuki as Kyon seated himself at his table in the coffee shop.

"Whatever you called me for, it better be worth listening to, Koizumi. I don't want you ruining my weekend for nothing," said Kyon.

"Don't worry. It's definitely something you'd be interested in."

Kyon wondered whether he really shouldn't worry at hearing this.

"I won't keep you here for too long," said Koizumi with a smile, "My job required me to do some overtime today."

"Really?" said Kyon, uninterested, as a waitress served him coffee. "I suppose that means Haruhi's moody again, isn't she?"

"Yes, you could say that." He paused. "I'd like to ask you again what you think the reasons might be behind Suzumiya-san's hostile behavior towards Umi?"

"That again?!" said Kyon exasperated. "Why Umi? It's not like Haruhi saw her again since that day at the hospital."

"On the contrary, they did meet each other. Yesterday. After the club."

Kyon stopped halfway from sipping his coffee to stare at Koizumi.

- -

"If it isn't Umi."

Koizumi, Umi and her companion turned to see Suzumiya Haruhi looking at Umi with a cold glare in her eyes.

Umi smiled. "Ah, nice to see you, Suzumiya-san. I hope you're doing well…" The last sentence trailed away along with her smile.

The atmosphere seemed to have dropped by 20 degrees and for a moment none of them spoke. Koizumi felt like he was smiling amidst a blizzard.

"What are you doing here, Umi?" This question sounded more like a threat.

"Um, well, you see – I think I told you this before… I fancy Koizumi-kun and, uhm, I thought – well, I thought, since he's not seeing anyone – "

"You thought you could go ahead and ask him out," said Haruhi in a tone that sent shivers up Umi's spine.

"What's wrong with that?" Umi's companion, a brunette wearing the same uniform as Umi's, cut in. "There's no problem with that, is there…" Her voice trailed away as well as Haruhi glowered at her.

Wow, she thought, killer eyes.

"Ahaha…" Umi tried to laugh but failed.

"Excuse me." It was Koizumi who spoke this time. "Umi-chan, you're a lovely person. But I'm sorry to say I'll have to ask you to look for a worthier guy than me. Please accept my sincere apologies." He bowed. "I'm sure that with your looks and personality, you'll find someone else who deserves you better than I" He gave her an apologetic smile.

"Ah, all right…" Blushing, Umi managed to smile. "Well, uhm, please just accept this in case you change your m- "

"He said no," said Haruhi, her eyes still staring coldly at Umi.

Umi's cheeks colored even deeper.

"I'm sorry," said Koizumi sincerely.

Umi tried to wave it away with a smile, saying "It's okay" and pretended to be cheerful as they parted.

When the two girls left, Haruhi turned to Koizumi and said, "Koizumi, didn't I tell you before to prioritize your position as the Vice-Commander of the Brigade? I didn't entitle you this so that your dates can get in the way of your duty."

Koizumi smiled and said, "I understand, Suzumiya-san. I apologize for worrying you like this. I'll definitely carry out my obligations as the Vice-Commander the way you wish."

"Hmph!" said Haruhi and left.

Koizumi watched her disappear from his sight. The truth is that he didn't really understand.

- -

Kyon scowled. This girl…

"So that's it? Just because Umi gave you a love letter?"

"Yes, so it seems," said Koizumi.

Looks like Hitler reincarnated into a girl named Suzumiya Haruhi, thought Kyon as he drank his coffee.

"My first theory would be that, since Suzumiya-san sees Umi as an enemy, naturally, she wouldn't want any of the Brigade members – who are, I might add, close to her – get involved with Umi," concluded Koizumi.

"Yes, but why the hatred towards Umi in the first place? It's not like she insulted Haruhi – at least, not that we know of." And you'd be stupid to do that even if you just met her, thought Kyon.

"My guess is still the same as I've told you before: either she somehow insulted or threatened Suzumiya-san when we weren't there or she might be a possible threat in the future."

Kyon nodded in agreement; Haruhi did have a sixth sense that could detect danger after all.

"Maybe she also fears that a love life might cause the Brigade to fall apart," suggested Kyon.

Koizumi nodded. "Yes, I thought that, too."

"But then it would really be weird if that's the case, even for Haruhi," said Kyon.

"Unless we are now withnessing a possessive side of her that was never so obvious."

Kyon frowned. Well, it was true that Haruhi can be possessive about her club members. He remembered her refusing to let Yuki join the Computer club at one time when the nerdy club leader invited Yuki.

"Like usual, she behaves in an absurd way that would give us headache," said Kyon irritably.

Koizumi simply smiled.

As both young men drank their coffee, they silently thought of the last possibility they didn't voice out: that Suzumiya Haruhi might be jealous of Umi because she has taken a liking on Koizumi herself.

Nah, can't be, thought Kyon. She has never really taken any interest in this yes-man of hers. This guy knows this, so it'd be stupid to say this out loud.

This seems to be the least likely theory, thought Koizumi. Kyon is the one she has chosen to be closest to her. It would sound rather foolish to suggest this.

After finishing their drinks, they talked about trivial matters and parted afterwards, not giving their last unvoiced guess any further thought.

- -

During the following week, Koizumi didn't notice any difference in Haruhi's behavior. At least, not in the clubroom.

In class, however, Haruhi displayed a continuous frown as she stared out of the window, the same frown she always wore before she created the SOS Brigade. But whenever Kyon talked to her, she never snapped at him or told him to shut up.

This behavior was unknown to Kyon and it confused him even more.

- -

On Thursday afternoon, Koizumi asked if he could accompany Haruhi on their way home. As Haruhi silently stared the esper, Kyon thought she would reject the offer.

However, Haruhi said, "Whatever."

Maybe Koizumi would be able to figure out this enigmatic mood, Kyon thought.

Koizumi thought so, too and tried to strike a conversation with Haruhi during their walk. But this time, it seemed that Haruhi was not in such a talkative mood. Whenever Koizumi would ask her something, she'd give a brief answer and then silently walk on.

Needless to say, this confused Koizumi even more.

- -

"Hey, mind if I walk with you a bit?"

This time it was Kyon who asked.

Haruhi gave him the same silent stare she gave Koizumi the day before, before replying the same way.

After walking silently for a minute or two, Kyon decided speak up.

"Koizumi told me Umi tried to give him a love letter last week."

Haruhi stopped in her tracks. "Koizumi told you?"

"Uh, yeah, he did." Looking at her cold stare, he added, "Why? Shouldn't he?"

Haruhi did not reply and continued to walk.

"What's going on with you, Haruhi? You're acting weird lately. Why are you so against Koizumi dating girls?"

"Kyon, the duty being a member of the Brigade comes before anything else," snapped Haruhi, "And I'm only doing my duty as the Chief and keeping the actions of my subordinates in check, as to not endanger the existence of the Brigade."

"Aren't you exaggerating a bit? I think you're being too unreasonable here," said Kyon impatiently.

Haruhi turned to him. "I have every right to demand whatever I want from Koizumi!"

"He's not your puppet!" snapped Kyon. "Not even your boyfriend! Can't you just back off and give him a break?"

Haruhi opened her mouth, but closed it at once. Then she showed Kyon an expression he never recalled seeing. Not looking at Kyon, she frowned, but this time, her face twisted in a pained way.

Before Kyon could absorb this sight, Haruhi turned away. Kyon wanted to follow her, but her back simply warned him not to.

He watched her walk away, contemplating on this puzzling behavior and partly regretting what he just said.

- -

As Kyon walked home, he noticed grey clouds looming above him.

Looks like it's going to rain.

© Mademoiselle X

Phew, thank goodness it's finished. And now, on to the next chapter! ...Well, to be honest, I really don't know when I'd put that up. I believe chapter 8 would be the most difficult chapter I'd have to write so far, so I can't guarantee when I'll update.

Anyways, thanks again for all those who've reviewed and encouraged me to continue this fanfic. Mind you, if I had it my way, I would've dumped this long ago due to laziness. Thanks to those who've cheered me on, I've found the energy to continue writing. So please, review and help me see this through till the final chapter - it's the only thing that keeps me stuck to this story! ^-^ - Mademoiselle X