Author's Note: I have to admit, I was originally intending to end this story in the next three chapters, but with shifting thoughts come more chapters. Yay! My goal is to finish this before September when I start my next semester of classes, so be patient with me.
Anyway, this isn't an actual chapter for Tricks and Thievery – this is actually one of two side stories that happen before the current storyline. One story revolves around Haruhi and the instillation of her values and the other, which is following, revolves around Kyouya and his fascination with a young thief out to change the rules of society (sounds familiar, right?). Enjoy!
Side Story One: Fascination
I was fourteen when I first learned of Haruhi Fujioka, the beautiful young thief that had taken up the mission to change the rules of society on her own.
Of course, that was as far as society knew. I, the third son of King Yoshio Ohtori, knew far more about this thief than the average commoner or highest courtsman.
I knew of her parents (wealthy farmers by the names of Ryoji and Kotoko Fujioka, both deceased at the time of Haruhi's twelfth birthday).
The reason behind her defection from home (once close family friends had usurped her land, given to her by a legal will, and had made plans to cast her off to a brothel).
Her views of her life against usual society standards (Haruhi's strong romantic absence values and the goal of earning back her land by one means or another prompted her to take extreme actions).
Each instance of when she had taken someone's life, and what that person was like (simply put, they were men with lust in their eyes and lecherous hands).
She was fascinating to study, this twelve-year-old girl that turned into a thief and murderer (although I'll admit I'd say her murders would be justified if brought to court before myself), and even more so as an adult. I never thought that, on a simple hidden visit to a village that lies within the vicinity of my best friend's father's rule, I'd run into the woman of my fascination.
Or, should I say, I'd be her next victim. Of course, she wasn't counting on being tailed and cornered by me – ah, I do love the freedom of being the third son at times – nor the quick-minded decision to make her my personal servant. So began more of my studies on the thief.
Her expression, sharp tongue, quick to grab a weapon mentality. I noted it, encouraged it.
Her ability to act and shape herself to form into different roles. I relished it, was astonished by it.
Her look of defeat, the breakdown of her strong morals. I frowned, felt myself almost broken by it.
The taste of innocent lips returning a kiss, the murmurs of a passionate fire that consumed her. I smirked, feeling a bit egotistic that I caused the feeling inside her.
As I actually lay in bed tonight, staring at her sleeping form, I smile; I admire her. I'm fascinated by Haruhi Fujioka.
Perhaps I'm even in...