A big thanks goes out to KinKitsune01, the only person who reviewed so far! Thanks for the reviews; they're the main reason I bothered putting this chapter up! Well, enough of the mushy thanks, let's get back to the story!

Kagura was getting more then a little tired of pretending to be Haruhi.

For the past five days, her nights had revolved around her entering Hikaru's dreams and acting like Haruhi, all to keep Hikaru entertained.

And she just couldn't take it much longer.

She was falling deeper and deeper in love with him; that much was true. So who could blame her for wanting him to love her for who she was, not who she acted like.

I'm going to do it. She thought determinedly one night, as she lay in bed. I'm going to break it to him that I'm not Haruhi.

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Hikaru closed his eyes almost eagerly, anxious to retreat to his dream world.

He reopened them to find he was on the beach, where he usually took Haruhi.

"Haruhi? You here?" He called, looking around. There was a pause, then Kagura slipped out from behind a rock. He fought down his irritation. Why did Haruhi always have to show up as Kagura first?

"Ah, there you are." He said, walking closer. Kagura held up her hand. "Wait, Hikaru there's something I've gotta say first." She said. Hikaru froze, looking at her curiously.

"I'm not Haruhi." She said. Hikaru blinked. "Well, of course not. You're just a dream person." He stated the fact, annoyed with the incompetence of these dream people.

"No, I'm not a dream person. I'm the real Kagura." She tried again. Hikaru snorted. "Yeah, and I'm the queen of England!" Kagura rolled her eyes.

"Will you just listen to me?" She snapped. "Ever since the accident, I've been doing this almost every night. I can't help it, but I always find myself in your dream. Every. Night." She sounded exasperated.

Hikaru turned and walked away, fed up with this dream. He closed his eyes, willing her to just go away and let him dream in peace. But when he opened them, she was standing in front of him, her hands on her hips.

"You may not believe me now, but tomorrow when I tell you every little detail about your dreams for the past few weeks, you'll believe me." She warned him before she turned and walked away.

"Kagura! Wait up!" Hikaru was suddenly terrified he'd be trapped here again. But as he stepped towards her, she faded away, and he was left behind in utter blackness.

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Kagura sat up in bed the next morning, startled over last night's events. After she'd walked away from Hikaru, she'd been cast out of his dream, finally having her own for once.

But of course it centered around him. She thought irritably, rubbing her eyes. Still, she was better rested then usual, so she hopped out of bed and dressed quickly, eager to prove to Hikaru that it really was her that visited him every night.

She hurried downstairs, not too surprised to find that Hikaru and Kaoru were already eating.

"Good morning Kagura-chan!" Kaoru and Hikaru greeted her as she sat down. "Sakura still asleep?" Kaoru guessed and Kagura nodded.

"Get a good night's sleep last night?" Kagura asked, dishing herself a plate. They both nodded. "You?" Kaoru asked, taking a sip of orange juice.

"Yes. What about you, Hikaru? Have any strange dreams last night?" She asked, turning to Hikaru. "No…" Hikaru said, confused. Kagura pressed on.

"You sure? No unexpected visitors?" She tried again. Hikaru's eyes widened slightly, and he said nothing.

Kagura, satisfied he believed her, happily went back to her meal.

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As soon as they were done eating, Hikaru grabbed Kagura and dragged her outside.

"You've been lying to me all this time?" He hissed, glaring at her. She glared back. "I wanted to make your nightmares stop; is that so wrong?" She demanded.

"It is when you pretend to be someone you're not!" He fumed. Kagura narrowed her eyes. "I never pretended to be anyone! You are so obsessed with Haruhi that you turn me into her every night, but you can't bring yourself to tell her how you feel!" She snapped. Hikaru flinched.

"You know what I said." He whispered. "You know how much I care about her! And how she's pretty much rejected me every time I try to talk to her about that!" He spat, fury replacing the hurt she'd caused him.

"Haruhi is clueless. You'll have to spell things out for her!" Kagura exclaimed. Hikaru glowered at her.

"Don't call Haruhi clueless." He growled.

"It's the truth." Kagura retorted. Hikaru's temper snapped.

"It's also the truth that you are a nosy little liar!" He spat. Kagura's eyes flashed. "I never lied and it's certainly not my fault I'm dragged into your stupid dreams every night!" She screamed.

"You know what, I'm done with you. Good bye Hikaru; you're on your own every night from now on. Have fun looking for Haruhi every night." She spun on one heel and stalked away into the house.

Hikaru watched her go, his rage dying away to leave only pain. He buried his face in his hands.

Why do I have to chase away everyone who tries to help me?

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Kagura lay curled under the covers, clutching a pillow to her chest. Though she tried hard not to let it happen, a sob would escape her every few moments.

Hikaru's stinging words ran through her mind repeatedly, hurting every time they passed.

I just wanted to help him. She thought, wiping her tears on her sleeve. She heard the door open and quick footsteps.

"Kagura?" Sakura's voice was sharp with surprise. "Are you OK?" When Kagura looked up and Sakura saw her red, puffy face she silently got into the bed beside her and held her close, rubbing her back as Kagura told her everything; how she found herself in Hikaru's dreams, how she'd helped him, his utter rejection of her when she revealed it was really her in his dreams every night.

Sakura listened in silence, holding her close and letting Kagura pour her heart out to her.

"I'm so sorry Kagura." She murmured when Kagura lapsed into silence, unable to even cry any more.

"I thought Kaoru didn't love me once; it nearly killed me." She said quietly and Kagura's eyes flashed. She knew everything about what had happened when Hikaru had told Sakura about the game. Hikaru had even dreamed about it once, and she knew how much he regretted it.

"But he really does love me. And I'm starting to think Hikaru loves you too; he just doesn't know how to express it." Kagura looked up at her, hope threatening to engulf her.

"Really?" She said excitedly. "I'm not sure." Sakura admitted, and Kagura's heart sank.

"But Kaoru would know for sure." Sakura added hastily. "Want me to go ask him?" She asked. Kagura hesitated, and then nodded. "OK! I'll be back in a bit! He's out with the horses I think." She said, jumping off the bed.

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"Kaoru!" Sakura called, striding quickly into the barn. Kaoru, who was grooming Lady, looked up.

"Can I ask you something? About Hikaru?" Sakura asked, coming closer. "Of course." Kaoru looked surprised she had to ask.

"Do you think he likes Kagura?" She blurted out. Kaoru blinked, his eyes thoughtful as he leaned against Lady.

"Huh, never really thought about it before." He said thoughtfully. "He's so preoccupied with… someone else that I never thought he'd look at another girl." Sakura blinked, wishing she knew who this "someone else" was, but felt it was a secret Kaoru would never tell, not even to her.

Kaoru closed his eyes, as though replaying memories of Hikaru in his mind. Sakura stood in silence, wishing he'd hurry.

"Maybe." Kaoru finally announced, opening his eyes. "Maybe?" Sakura echoed. "I need a yes or no answer!" She said impatiently, pacing back and forth.

"Why?" Kaoru asked warily. Sakura glared at him and understanding dawned in his eyes.

"Ah, I see." He said. "Kagura likes him?" He guessed. Sakura sighed. "More like loves him! She's just now stopped crying after what Hikaru said to her." She fumed, anger flaring up at her at Hikaru.

"What did Hikaru say?" Kaoru demanded. Sakura hesitated, not knowing how to tell him without explaining about Kagura's ability.

"It's a long story." She finally said carefully and Kaoru nodded. "Well, I can't really give you a yes or no answer." He admitted. "I'm sorry, but I'd probably have to ask him about her; see what he says and stuff." He shrugged. "Where is he, anyway?" Kaoru asked. Sakura blinked. "I don't know." She admitted. "Probably out with Aoide." Kaoru snorted, returning to his grooming.

"I'll go tell Kagura what you said." Sakura said, stepping forward to give Kaoru a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving.

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Kagura and Sakura were both silent as they lay in their bed, both watching the rain patter against the windows. Every time the lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled, a thrill went through Kagura; she loved thunderstorms. They were exhilarating.

"Wonder how long we'll have to wait before Hikaru figures out he likes you?" Sakura thought aloud and Kagura shrugged. She was trying hard not to think about him; instead, she thought about the rain.

Haruhi's afraid of thunder. Hikaru told me that, in a dream. She thought. She scowled when his name crossed her mind.

"Hear that?" Sakura asked suddenly, sitting up. Kagura raised her head as Sakura hopped off the bed. She listened, then she heard it; a soft, but urgent scratching.

"Open the door." Kagura demanded and Sakura obeyed. Instantly a very wet Smoke pelted in, a soggy grey blur as he streaked across the room and onto Kagura's lap.

"Smoke! Stop that!" She laughed, pushing him down but he stayed, pawing urgently at her chest and yowling.

"Is he hurt?" Sakura asked anxiously, coming closer. Smoke's thoughts were coming at her too fast; she couldn't understand him. "No, he's scared about something." Kagura said, wrinkling her brow. "Smoke, are you scared of thunder?" She asked. She was speaking aloud for Sakura's benefit; she repeated the question in her mind and Smoke shook his head vigorously.

"No? Then what is it?" She asked. Sakura laughed nervously. "This is kinda like Lassie." She pointed out but Kagura didn't smile; she was too worried by Smoke's fear.

Pictures flashed through her mind; Smoke, leaving the barn, and hearing a horse go out. He turned to look and saw Aoide, looking nervous, with Hikaru on his back as they headed away.

Smoke sent more images on lightning and the sound of thunder into her head, along with Aoide.

Smoke, are you saying Aoide's scared of thunder and lightning? She finally realized. Smoke nodded excitedly and Kagura's eyes widened.

"What'd he say?" Sakura demanded. "Aoide's scared of thunder and lightning." Kagura explained. "So? He's in the barn; he'll be fine." Sakura said, confused. Kagura shook her head.

"No, Hikaru took him out; if Aoide spooked, he could have hurt Hikaru; I've got to go after him." She tore out of the room, Sakura calling after her, but she was deaf and blind to everything.

After what seemed like forever, Kagura had Admiral tacked and out of the barn.

Do you know where Aoide went? She asked the horse and he snorted. Yes. They always follow the same route. He explained. Kagura nodded; Admiral was an older, very intelligent horse; he didn't need pictures or sounds.

Can you gallop in this weather or should we take it slow? She asked and he let out a snorting laugh.

I may be old, but I can still run. He leaped into a gallop. Question is, can you hold on? Kagura gritted her teeth and hung on with all she had has Admiral thundered along, her mane whipping into her eyes as she fought to stay on.

Stay calm; I won't let you fall. Admiral assured her, and Kagura relaxed slightly. She was terrified of this mad pace and the muddy ground; if they fell, Hikaru wouldn't get help.

You could die any minute and you're worried over him? She berated herself with a roll of her eyes. Still, it was true and she urged Admiral still faster.

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Hikaru stroked Aoide's neck soothingly, trying to calm the nervous stallion.

"It's all right." He murmured. "Just a little flash and noise. You'll be fine." He said, trying once again to steer the stallion back home. But he snorted at the slightest touch and shook his head, giving a little half rear at the sound of his voice.

"Come on, we've got to get you home." Hikaru pulled the reins toward his knee, forcing Aoide to circle, keeping him from rearing.

When he seemed to calm down a bit, he turned him towards home and tried again to nudge him forward. Aoide seemed as though he were about to oblige, when a particularily bright flash of lightning dazzled his eyes and thunder boomed in his ears.

He reared up high with a shrill neigh, too terrified to think clearly. Hikaru leaned forward, trying to push him back down but the lightning came again and Aoide jumped, losing his balance.

With a wild neigh, both horse and ride toppled over backwards.

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I can hear Aoide! He's not far! Admiral announced, speeding up. Kagura breathed a sigh of relief that they were finally getting closer.

There! Oh no. Admiral's gladness at finding his target suddenly turned to horror. He came to a snorting stop and Kagura jumped off of him, running straight towards the rider less stallion.

He backed away from her, his eyes wild but she grabbed his bridle firmly.

Where's Hikaru? She demanded. Aoide snorted fearfully. Fell. Ground. Sorry. He had a limited vocabulary, but Kagura could understand him.

Where? She tightened her grip on his reins and he snorted. Stone. Tree. Away back. He explained. Kagura gritted her teeth in frustration, asking him for pictures instead. Aoide happily obliged, sending her images of, sure enough, a tall oak tree and a large boulder.

Admiral, can you take me there? She asked and the old horse nodded. It's not far. This way. He said, trotting away. Kagura chased after, and after a moment Aoide followed, his head low and his eyes ashamed.

I found him. Admiral thought, speeding up. Kagura chased after him, her breath caught in her throat. When she finally caught up to see Hikaru, she gasped.

Hikaru was laying perfectly still, his eyes closed. He didn't seem to be breathing. Kagura ran so fast she slipped and fell beside him, but she ignored the pain in her knees as she pressed her fingers to his neck, checking for a pulse. It was there, strong and steady and she exhaled with relief.

"Hikaru?" She asked, shaking him gently. She tapped his face and he blinked, his eyes opening slowly.

"Kagura?" He groaned, trying to move but his hands flew to his head. "My head." He moaned, closing his eyes again.

"You must have hit your head when you fell off Aoide." She reasoned. "Come on; we've gotta get you home." She reached her arms down and helped him into a sitting position.

But as she tried to lift him up he cried out in pain and tightened his hold on her so that she nearly choked.

"Hikaru? What the…" She tried to ask him what was wrong but he reached down and touched his left ankle and flinched.

"Crap, I think it's broken." He groaned. Kagura sighed. So much for walking him home.

"Admiral! Can you carry us?" She called over her shoulder, and Hikaru snorted. "So you can invade people's dreams and talk to animals?" He sneered slightly and Kagura glared at him. "Yes I can, as a matter of fact." She sniffed. Hikaru rolled his eyes.

Admiral nickered and came up to her. I can carry both of you; but how is he going to get on? He asked. Kagura thought for a moment, and then an idea occurred to her.

"Admiral, can you lay down so he can get on?" She asked him hopefully. "Yeah, he's going to just lie in the mud like an obedient little dog." Hikaru said sarcastically but Kagura ignored him. Admiral stepped closer to them then dropped to his knees, and with a grunt, all the way to his belly.

"Thanks!" She beamed, sticking her tongue out at the wide-eyed Hikaru. "You really can talk to animals." He breathed as she helped him hobble to Admiral.

He'd better ride in front; you'll have to hold onto him, since he can't grip very well with that ankle. Besides, if he falls unconscious because of his head, he'd fall right off if he was behind you. Admiral pointed out, and Kagura nodded.

"Good point." She agreed, helping Hikaru into the saddle. She pushed him gently to the front and sat behind him.

"Hey, what are you…" He trailed off when she wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his shoulder, her cheek pressed against his.

"Admiral said to do this; that way you don't have to grip too hard and I can still see and steer." She explained. Hikaru didn't object, and simply clung on as Admiral climbed to his feet.

"What about Aoide?" He demanded as they began walking. "I'll call him and tell him to follow us." Kagura said. She raised her head and peered at the silver stallion, calling to him. He pricked his ears and trotted closer.

She snatched his reins and looped them over the saddle horn. He snorted and tossed his head as thunder clapped overhead, his ears going back.

It's OK Aoide. Thunder and lightning can't hurt you. She assured the nervous horse as he pranced beside Captain, tossing his head up occasionally.

"Hikaru? Stay alert, OK?" She nudged him, since his head was lolling back. His eyes snapped open and he shook his head, obviously fighting to stay awake.

"We'll be there soon. Admiral, can you go a bit faster?" She asked hopefully, and Admiral sighed. You're killing me here. He lengthened his stride into a trot and Hikaru bounced in front of her. He didn't say anything, but his teeth were clenched and he winced every few strides.

Admiral, slow back down please. I think this is hurting him. Kagura said, glancing worriedly at Hikaru.

That's what I thought. Well, my old bones certainly don't mind slowing the pace. He snorted, slowing back down. Hikaru sighed with relief and his head went back again, his eyes closing.

"Hikaru? Stay awake!" Kagura said sharply, but Hikaru didn't respond.

He's out cold. She thought with a sigh. Well, at least we'll be there soon.

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Hikaru awoke slowly, each sense awakening one by one. First, smell. He could smell a sharp, too clean ammonia smell; he guessed he was probably in a hospital. Then, touch. He was on rather scratchy sheets, at least compared to his silk ones back home, and his ankle, previously throbbing with pain, felt as though there were a bandage wrapped tightly around it.

Finally, he could hear. He didn't understand what he heard. He could only hear giggling and laughs. Then, words began to reveal themselves.

"Guys, you shouldn't be doing this. He is unconscious after all." That was Kaoru's voice, but under the reprimand he sounded like he was holding back a snicker.

"Oh come on Kaoru lighten up! This is priceless!" That was Kagura. He could hear more giggling, but he couldn't identify the voices. He heard the click of a camera and a stab of horror washed over him. What had they done to him?!
His eyes snapped open just as the camera flashed again. He glowered at Kagura, the one holding the camera.

"You're finally up!" Kaoru said, a broad grin on his face. "Why are you all laughing and taking pictures?" He demanded and they all laughed. Hearing all the laughter, he looked past Kagura and Kaoru to see Tamaki, Haruhi, Mori, Hunny, Sakura, and even Kyouya were all there.

"You didn't notice?" Kagura asked in surprise. "You have a new friend." She pointed at him and he tried to raise his head to make a sharp retort, when he felt a soft, rather heavy presence on his head.

"What the… what kind of stupid hat did you put on me?" He demanded, reaching up to pat the soft, warm hat as he tried to rip it off.

"It's not a hat!" Kagura snickered as Hikaru finally removed the hat, with both hands needed, and stared into the sleepy blue eyes of none other then Smoke.

"Why was he…?" He trailed off, looking questionably at Kagura, who simply grinned. "He thought your head was warm, and he was sleepy. I left him alone and he curled up on your head." She laughed and waved her cell phone. "And I've got some great pictures of it." She said proudly. "Including the one where you're both awake and looking straight at the camera; priceless!" She chortled and the others all laughed, except for Kyouya and Mori of course.

"The doctors said you can be discharged today." Kaoru added. "Though vacation's over for us." He said sadly. "Why?" Hikaru demanded. "Arisa said you'd be no use hobbling around, getting underfoot." Kagura said and Hikaru smiled slightly. That was something she'd say.

"Come on; there's a wheelchair right here and we can just go home and say goodbye to Arisa; she's at home." Kaoru said, pushing a wheelchair towards the bed.

"Well, we don't disturb you any longer. Come Haruhi! I saw a big glass box filled with candy; you must tell me what it is!" Tamaki cried, dragging her away. Hikaru watched her go, trying to hide his longing. Seeing Kagura's hard gaze, he realized he hadn't hid it too well.

"Bye Hika-chan! Get better!" Hunny waved as Mori carried him out on his shoulders. Sakura and Kyouya left with a nod, leaving on Kaoru and Kagura.

Kagura bounded over and picked up Smoke, placing him on her shoulders. "See you." She waved, walking out of the room with the grey cat curled around her neck.

"They allow cats in hospitals now?" Hikaru asked in surprise and Kaoru laughed. "Not really, but who can argue with Kyouya?" He pointed out, helping Hikaru into the wheelchair and pushing him out.

"No one." Hikaru laughed as they headed down the hall and to the main office to sign out.

"We'll be home soon." Kaoru promised him after signing him out and heading out to where their limo waiting.

Home. For once, it didn't sound very promising.

Boy, this was a long chapter! I'm surprise I made it this long; this is rather out of character for me. But yeah I'll try to update soon; and please update!

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