Hey, sorry about the delay! University stuff... sigh...

"Asahina-san!?"

Sure enough, there was said beautiful redhead that Wednesday morning, looking out of place in my classroom before our lessons began. Asahina-san and I had never seen each other outside of after school and sometimes on weekends or holidays, so I wasn't sure whether I should be overwhelmingly happy, super suspicious, massively worried, or an odd mixture of the three. Since Haruhi hadn't arrived yet, I opted for option one and plastered a big (attempted to look friendly, but it probably ended up dopey... sigh...) grin on my face until I noticed she did not share my glee. In fact, she looked troubled.

"A-asahina-san?"

"Kyon, I'm sorry for visiting so suddenly," she said, staring at her shoes. "But I need to speak with you privately."

"Oh, alright," said I as I rose from my seat and followed her just outside the door where I'd been with Haruhi the day before at lunch. "Is there something wrong?"

"You weren't at our club meeting yesterday," Asahina-san finally looked up at me, her eyes still full of worry.

"I'm sorry, I was tutoring another student."

And what a fantastic night that was! Kimura-san appreciates my help greatly and pays me well, but that's not the best part of teaching her. I can barely even choose words to do such a beauty justice! She's just perfect. She had the cute demeanor and meekness of Mikuru and yet the beauty of Haruhi. Kimura-san's a perfect mix! Asahina-san is highly attractive and cute. However, I've come to realize over the years that sometimes her inability to save herself from Haruhi can get a little tiring (but still cute? It's hard to explain), although I hate to admit it. I love saving her, but at the same time, I don't, such as when Haruhi's trying to pry her into some new outfit. With Kimura-san, she's shy but you never have to make the decision between your (ahem) reference material for later, more private times or her own well being; she makes the decision for you. This saves you from your own moral dilemma. At the same time, she is not a polar opposite like Haruhi, who's also highly attractive, but so high strung with such impossible ambitions that it makes your head hurt. That doesn't mean Kimura-san herself is not ambitious, just that she's a lot more down to Earth. Then there's that sexy dark ponytail... Oh, am I ranting? He he, sorry....

Asahina-san fidgeted a little. "Suzumiya-san was very upset yesterday... She kept talking about you and eventually left early. Koizumi-san didn't smile like he usually does that day."

She was so adorable and so concerned. I began to feel bad for leaving her like that yesterday. "I'm sorry, Asahina-san. It's just this student needs my help."

"Kyon," her golden eyes stared into mine. "I'm afraid of what will happen if Suzumiya-san is left to be this upset. I don't know what she'll do. I've never seen her this way. Aside from the world being in her hands, as a person, it isn't healthy for her to carry on like this."

I sighed. Things always had to be Haruhi's way, didn't they? It was all fine when she decided to force herself upon others because that's none of my business, right? But now, my entire life had to change to accommodate her. Excuse me for thinking her an angry tyrant. Hey, wait... Am I beginning to resent her?

"K-Kyon?" That's when I realized I was glaring at my desk. I looked up, face softened, to see Asahina-san more worried now than ever. "W-what's the matter?"

"I'm sorry," I sighed. "I just haven't been feeling like myself lately."

"Oh, I'm sorry... Are you coming to our meeting today?" she asked, meekly. I smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, I'm sorry for yesterday, Asahina-san."

She smiled back and assured me I had nothing to worry about. With that, the bell had rung and the hurried off to her own class. It was time for me to return to my seat as well, so I did just that as our teacher was coming down the hall.

I waited.

...

Huh. That's funny.

Haruhi's usually here by now at least. Actually, she's usually early.

Kimura-san walked in with a small group of girls and waved at me with a friendly smile. I returned the gesture. Taniguchi shuffled in with Kunikida and Tendo close behind. After that came Ishida-san, Tachibana and Kimura, Kurosaki-san... Where was Haruhi?

She couldn't have not come to school just because I didn't come to our meeting yesterday, could she? That's ridiculous! That's almost as bad as the time she cut her hair just because I asked why she changed the style every day... I thought. Then again, if she was capable of doing that...

The day rolled on uneasily and I was unable to understand why Haruhi would be absent that day. Was she really that upset? And why? It's just me, after all.

Once the final bell rung for the day, I found myself walking over to the club room, probably only to satisfy Asahina-san, who would be completely flustered at the fact that Haruhi, who'd almost never missed a day of school in her entire student career, was at home. Besides, maybe Haruhi really was sick or something else reasonable and had found the strength to at least come to an SOS brigade meeting. If she was there and I wasn't, she'd make things much more unbearable for the little time traveler than they already were. Instead, I was met with Asahina-san, Nagato-san, and the esper, who certainly didn't look like his normal self. It almost made me shiver.

"Um, hey," I said finally, trying to break the awkward tension. Asahina-san was just as concerned as I thought she would be, Nagato-san stared out the window (most people would say calmly, but she was usually reading a book, so this was highly unusual), and I had noticed Koizumi had shifted his stare at me. I stepped back just slightly. Why did he look like that?!

It occurred to me that I'd never seen Koizumi unhappy. He always looked pleasantly annoying and never even so much as frowned, not even when Haruhi threatened to destroy this world and create a new one. Now he kind of reminded me of how my dad looks when I mess up. I half expected him to say "Son, we need to talk".

"Suzumiya-san is not present today," Nagato said, still staring outside. "That is highly unusual."

I gulped. "Well, maybe she's just sick."

I sat down across from Asahina-san, almost afraid to go near Koizumi. He continued to stare at me.

The room was silent. It was like a vacuum. By that, I mean that while I wanted so much to leave (Koizumi was really starting to freak me out), I felt like I'd be doing something wrong by leaving them. I felt like someone else had to leave first so I knew it was okay, but no one budged. At the same time, what was the point in staying? Haruhi wasn't here to tell us what to do and no one was offering up suggestions. I sighed.

"Koizumi," I said, putting aside my tiny fear of speaking to him now that he seemed to be some sort of parental figure. "Is there a reason why you're staring at me?"

"That depends," he said. "Is there a reason why you weren't here yesterday?"

I suppressed another gulp, almost tempted to say "Yes, sir".

"It's none of your business," I replied. It really wasn't and I was beginning to hate how he was reminding me of my father.

"Haruhi's well being is my business, and had you seen her yesterday, you to might conclude she was not well. She was very upset that you were absent."

I sighed. "I was helping someone else. Is that really so bad?"

"No, not at all," Koizumi replied. "But I must step in when it impedes on Haruhi's happiness."

"Well, what are you going to do then?"

"I'm going to ask you not to tutor Akane Kimura-san anymore," said he, simply.

"And if I refuse?"

He said nothing. I could tell he could do nothing if I refused, but then why ask? Maybe he trusted I would see it his way eventually.

"You know," he looked up from the table. "Selfishness will get you no where."

I made a surprised face. How could anyone call me selfish for being tired of obeying Haruhi's every demand? Mikuru looked up at me to see my reaction. I guess she must have seen the fault in what he said too.

"Selfish?!" now I was angry. "I've gone along with most of what she's asked me. Ever since I met her, things where more or less her way. All I ask is to be able to make one decision for myself and suddenly I'm the bad guy?"

Mikuru looked upset. I knew the probably hated confrontation, but Koizumi's comment was so untrue, I had to say something. Nagato-san sat there, staring at the floor. You wouldn't think it if you didn't know her, but I imagined she was a little uncomfortable. She was probably making notes about human communication as well, but I imagine combat on any planet is not a comfortable subject.

Koizumi closed his eyes calmly, but still in a bad mood. "Kyon, whether you like it or not, you're what's standing between life and death. It's unfair and you didn't choose this, but all I ask is that you make the best of it. She doesn't mean to ruin your life or whatever you think she's doing."

I just stared at him, at a loss for words.

"Besides," he continued. "She really did look hurt, and I don't like seeing her that way. I don't think any of us did."

Koizumi stood and turned back at us before turning the door knob and opening it. "I'll be going now. Good bye Kyon, Nagato-san, Asahina-san."

With that, he was gone. He'd destroyed the vacuum, but somehow, I still couldn't leave just yet. Asahina-san looked like someone who'd just had to let their dog get put down. Why was she so upset? Nagato-san stood up silently and exited as well. I sat next to the sad little redhead.

"What's wrong, Asahina-san?"

She seemed to snap out of her trance. "O-oh! No.. I'm alright. I just hate it when people fight."

"Oh, alright. Well, I promise not to fight in front of you again." More silence... This was driving me insane. I was about to ask if there was something else on her mind when she beat me to it.

"Kyon, do you think that maybe..." she paused. "That maybe Koizumi-san is... is in love with Suzumiya-san?"

I was taken off guard, surprised she'd ask me something like that. "I don't think so. Wh-what makes you think so?"

Asahina-san looked at her hands, which were on her knees. "Koizumi-san is calm in all situations, but after seeing Suzumiya-san so upset... It appears he is upset as well."

Well I assumed the two of them would have some sort of friendship after all this, which would prompt Koizumi's anger when he sees her so sad, I guess. But wait... Why did Asahina-san care?!

"Why... why do you ask, Asahina-san?"

Suddenly, she was flustered. "Well, I... it was just a thought. I-I guess it's really none of my business."

She blushed. I... I... What?!

Asahina-san and I left soon after. Did.. did she have feelings for... No, maybe she really was just curious. Maybe she's grown to think of Haruhi as a friend. Girls always wanna know about that sort of thing. Maybe she was worried for her friend. Yeah! That's it!

I sighed. I suppose it was a possibility. After all, Koizumi does have a bit of a fan club at our school. I sulked in my bedroom later that day, and what a day it was. Koizumi... That stupid ass. God, I need some air. I opened up the window and stepped out onto the sill, becoming more athletic and gaining darker hair as my clothing changed. I was Hero once again as I flew out into the night. I got that feeling again like something was wrong and flew to the victim's aid. A house on fire where I saved a baby and a small child, a homeless man in the park was almost beaten to death by neighborhood teens (one of which I recognized), a man being mugged in an alley, as well as a few other crimes I'd been able to intercept. Then as I flew out west, I heard someone crying in the distance. Somehow I was drawn to the little voice, like a moth to a light, and found myself landing in Haruhi's bedroom window. What drew me here...? Somehow, following her voice felt instinctive in my Hero form.

"Who-who's there?!" she sat up in bed and stared at me. Oh crap, what should I do? I almost fell from her window in my surprise. Haruhi stood, recognizing my silhouette. "You're... you're that Hero guy, aren't you?"

"U-uh... Y-yeah," Very heroic sounding, Kyon.

"What the hell are you doing here?! I'm not in trouble!" That's how you talk to the guy who saved you from being raped? Thanks Haruhi. Might as well tell the truth.

"I heard you crying and came to see what was wrong," I sighed. She glared (cutely, as much as I hate to admit it).

"I was not crying! Even if I was, it's none of your business."

"Right," I pushed back the curtain and stepped into the room. Haruhi looked angry.

"Don't you know this is breaking and entering?! I can call the cops on you, you know!"

I raised an eyebrow. "You're going to call the police on a guy who flies around, protecting everyone without any compensation, and who people aren't even 100% sure exists?"

She folded her arms in front of her chest. "Of course!"

I sighed. Typical Haruhi, I guess. It took me a few minutes to calm her down - I suppose she didn't like being caught in her "moment of weakness". Finally, she wasn't angry anymore, just annoyed at my persistence. Maybe it was my strange familiarity that made her mood come down a little?

"Why do you care whether I was crying or not? Just get out. Don't think I owe you just because you saved me once."

I blushed. "What, you think I'm looking for something?"

"What guy isn't?"

"I'm not," I decided to use her own logic against her. "Supernatural, remember?"

Haruhi sighed this time and turned to me, raising an eyebrow. "You know, you remind me of someone. Some asshole I know."

I decided to ignore that. "Why's he an asshole?"

She suddenly looked angry, but at Kyon, not at Hero. "Because he totally just threw his responsibilities away the other day for some dumb girl."

I sat down at the foot of her bed. Haruhi stared at me with a look on her face that asked "what are you doing".

"What?" I inquired. "You don't wanna talk about it?"

Haruhi sighed, frustrated with my forwardness, and muttered "I can't believe I'm doing this" as she sat on her pillows, her arms folded, staring at the sheets below her. There was a long silence.

"So?" I asked.

"So what?"

"Are you going to tell me more about this asshole?"

"What more is there to tell? He's a selfish, stupid, no-good asshole and I didn't understand why," she spoke angrily. "Until just before I went to bed today, I realized that he doesn't seem to enjoy half the things he does with us. I don't know why since we're always doing something interesting, but maybe he's just boring like that."

Maybe the familiarity was working in my favor. I never thought she'd open up to a complete stranger like this. But I can't help but wonder if the fact that I'm some supernatural being has anything to do with her openness. She seemed more willing to speak to me; an alien, a time traveler, an esper, or a slider for all she knew, about her problem than anyone else. I never fully understood why Haruhi ever had a problem connecting with real people. Suddenly in this form, I felt like she'd let me come closer to her than she would have when I'm Kyon. Is there another reason why she's made me like this? Is it really all because Hero's friendship with her could make her life more exciting? Is it really because then she'll be the one person out of the billions on Earth that made an impact? Or is there something more to this that I don't yet understand?

I listened quietly while she seemed to take a more sombre tone.

"Or maybe..." she stood, her back facing me. "This is stupid! Why am I telling you all of this?"

"Because I'm a neutral party," maybe I can convince her to tell me. "You have no idea when you'll see me again, if you ever see me again. I can't judge you or your opinion because I know nothing about you. I don't know anyone you know. I can't talk behind your back to anyone. What have you got to loose?"

Haruhi stood there for a while, then sighed, turning to me slowly. "Fine."

I looked up at her.

"Sometimes I wonder if he hates me. God, he's so dumb. I can't stand him," her eyes were turning red again. Is that why she was so upset? Ugh, now I feel bad... I frowned.

"Haruhi...?"

"Get out!" she shouted, near tears. She turned away from me. "Get out or I'll call the police! I don't want you in here!"

I sighed. I guess she's had enough of talking, but I think I got the gist of it. I walked slowly to the window, pushing back the curtains and setting one foot upon it, but I paused. I was going to just leave, but the sound of her attempting to stifle her new tears made it feel wrong.

"I don't hate you," I said, staring out at the night. I really didn't. I was just frustrated with her lately. That was all.

"What?" she asked. I gasped at myself a little. Damnit, Kyon, don't say something stupid!

"He doesn't hate you. I bet he's just angry about something. If you just talk to him, I'm sure you can work it out. He maybe an 'asshole', but I'm sure he's reasonable and will understand."

She stared at me like I'd just revealed something to her. I smiled over my shoulder. Maybe I'd finally gotten through to her. Then she frowned and put on the same Haruhi face.

"That's the dumbest thing I ever heard."

I nearly fell over. Typical Haruhi, but hey, I tried.

"Alright, I'm leaving then."

With that, I was off, but my strengthened hearing detected a new sound.

"Good bye..." she muttered once I'd left, then probably climbed into bed and went to sleep.

What a situation I'm in now. Now, Kimura-san is counting on me and my tutoring but if I don't go to the Brigade after school, Haruhi will think it's because I hate her and she'll be upset. But Kimura-san will be upset if I cancel...! God, why is this all so complicated? I was so deep in thought, I almost didn't notice a figure fly past me toward Haruhi's house. It was flying so fast, I couldn't quite make out what it was, but once I turned to see it behind me, it was gone.

"Haruhi?" I was a little worried now. Whatever that thing was, it didn't feel like a good thing. I flew back to the Suzumiya residence, just to make sure everything was alright. After doing a quick check of the house, I hovered into Haruhi's room through the window. Just like Koizumi said, if anything evil was around now, it would likely go after her. I hovered over her now sleeping form. Hah, I thought to myself, if you caught her sleeping, you'd never know how troublesome she was. I laughed a little and, seeing there was nothing wrong with her or her family, I decided I would take my leave. I guess I'd just have to watch out for whatever that was.

I'm scared this might of been OOC. ^^; Haha, maybe I should just embrace it?