AN: Thanks to the reviewers, and I hope you stick with the story. Here we go.

ii

Another Girl, it's Allright

Haruhi and I hadn't been dating long, and as I mentioned earlier, it didn't really change much of the happenings around us. I hadn't even been to her house, nor she to mine. We hadn't even "done it" yet.

Wait, not THAT. Don't jump to conclusions! I meant...kiss her. Well, I've sorta done it already, just...not in the "real" world. My first kiss was more of an act of impulsiveness and desperation. Even now, thinking about it, I doubt it even took place. It was a like a vague shadow of a repressed memory, like an episode of a TV show you probably watched but can't recall.

Anyway, after the stupidity of the afternoon, I had just wanted to call it a day. And so after saying some hurried goodbyes, I split from my friends and the destruction that Jim Kisaragi had caused. Haruhi had been reluctant to let me go, however. An absolute shocker to everyone. And she was none to subtle about it. Haruhi would continue to gush praise and fervent questions my way with a tenacity that was surprising even to her. I realized how it must've looked, me the painfully-average Kyon of the SOS Brigade, suddenly kicking ten kinds of ass against a magic ice-wielding bishounen. It really was something right out of a manga.

However, I didn't like how she was treating me. Why, you ask? Well, to be frank, this power just isn't me. Isn't a part of me. Suddenly she was super interested, and not for a second between her ceaseless ramblings did she stop and try and tell me just who exactly Jim Kisaragi was. Her ex-boyfriend, he had mentioned, sure. But to what extent? How long had they dated for? Had they...done anything?

It pissed me off a little. But it shouldn't have. Why was I so interested in what that guy and Haruhi had gotten up to? I was acting like a child. Whatever the case for now, I just wanted to go home and clear my head.

I stepped out of the taxi, paid my fare and started walking through the bitter cold to my front door.

But wait...

*Rustle rustle*

That sound...

I turned around quickly, fighting stance locked in, scanning every inch of my surroundings for a sign of danger.

The snow fell quietly around me, nothing stirred. A car sounded its horn a distance away.

No, I...felt it somehow. A prescence nearby, watching me. Was it that guy again? How persistant...and annoying.

'Come on out! I know you're there!' I yelled, sounding a bit too full-of-myself.

Rustle

A figure stepped out from a bush near the driveway of my house; a bush I'm certain wasn't there yesterday.

'...Hi, Kyon'

Woah.

'N-nagato!' I blabbered, quickly dropping my fighting stance, which probably had looked supremely stupid. Sure enough, Nagato Yuki was standing there, looking pensive and uncomfortable, with the bush she had been hiding in before vanishing as soon as I took my eyes of it.

'Are you ok?' I ask on reflex. She had really given me a start. Had it been Koizumi popping up out of nowhere like that, I probably would've socked him one. 'I thought you...went home or something.'

Nagato shook her head, fixing me with a sudden determined look. I wondered what was wrong with her, but what she said next utterly shocked me.

'Can I come in?'

No way. It was already getting dark, and she wanted to come inside my home? What...was she up to?

Despite suddenly feeling beyond embarassed and nervous, I spoke without thinking.

'Sure, come in. Do you want some tea?'

X

This was awkward. After quickly ushering Nagato into my home, and not having to explain anything to my absent family, I let her into my room.

Nagato sat herself on my bed; legs together, hands folded on her lap. She was quiet, pensive.

And every second she just sat there, staring at the wall made me more and more uncomfortable.

I thought to ask her about Jim whatshisname, and how that guy seemingly had magic powers.

'Hey Nagato, few questions.'

She jumped in surprise, turning towards me, wide-eyed.

'Oh! I'm sorry. What'd you say?'

I temporarily forgot what my name was for a second. She wasn't normally this nervous.

'Uhh, I meant to ask about that guy, Jim.' I found my voice in the nick of time. I felt silly standing there, so I swiveled my desk chair around and sat opposite her. 'What the hell is he?' And what's Haruhi going to think, seeing someone use powers like that?'

Nagato focused her eyes on me, thinking hard.

'Right, that's what I wanted to talk about.' Her voice steadied with seriousness. It put me at ease too. 'Jim Kisaragi attended Haruhi's previous school. They dated for about one day, before she broke it off without explanation. As for his powers to generate red ice with lethal capablities, I don't have any data to explain how that's possible.'

'Really? You don't think it was some sort of trick?'

She shook her head, resting back on my bed with her arms. 'If it was, I would've seen it instantly. That and the way he left the scene was...'

Oh yeah, he pulled a Superman. Some elaborate wire mechanism? No, that sounded too stupid.

'So he actually has powers. Perfect.' I sighed. Then I recalled something else important. 'Oh yeah, Nagato...'

'Yes?' She raised her eyebrows, voice quivering a tiny bit.

I held up my right arm, its power rippling through to my fingertips. 'My arm, the power Haruhi gave me. It's back.'

She nodded at that, smiling a little. Hey, this isn't funny.

'Yup, I figured. After all...' Nagato paused momentarily, staring down her shoulder as she fiddled with my sheets a little. '...You were pretty awesome.'

My face grew hot. The air heavy. W-what the heck? Maybe I should open a window.

'But how?' I quickly asked, desperate to shift the atmosphere. 'What made it come back?'

At that question, Nagato stiffened; her body language demured.

'It was Suzumiya.'

Something about her tone was off...

'Her desire for you to be something more. To be able to protect yourself, and the way of life you two share. For it to manifest in this way again must have something to do with any events or media she's experienced in the past.'

In the form of a super-powered arm that gave the bearer inhuman fighting ability? Just what movie did she get that from? But more importantly, Haruhi apparantly wanted this for me. The power to defend myself.

'Also, because Haruhi watched the battle, it will probably affect the boundaries of this reality.'

I...did not like the sound of that.

'What's that mean, exactly?'

Nagato russled her hair, looking off to the side.

'Well, things like you saw today, will become more...how to say...common.'

That's the last thing I wanted to hear. I was going to be fighting stupendous battles daily now was I? How irritating. I had homework to do y'know.

'Urgh...' I slumped forward in my chair, resting my forehead on the rim. 'Haruhi sure has a way of complicating things, huh?'

Sitting like that for a while, I noticed Nagato hadn't followed up with anymore talk. Why was she so quiet now? Did I say something to upset her?

I raised my head and looked over at her. She was still there, tense and unmoving. Waiting silently.

Staring at her got me thinking. Every time mention of Haruhi came up, she'd get a little defensive. And me not being the utter naive idiot in anime shows, I figured what must've been on her mind.

Question is, what could I do to keep her happy? She was so sweet, and an irreplacable friend to me. I should tell her this, that no matter what I'm doing with Haruhi, or anyone else for that matter, I'd still be here.

But I stayed silent. The words I knew I wanted to say swam about in my head in a jumbled mess I couldn't piece together.

Say something, for god's sake!

'Nagato...'

She looked at me, tired with a tinge of sadness.

C'mon, just tell her. You're such a great girl. I'll always be here.

Still couldn't.

Instead, with my face burning and confidence all but nought, I ambled over to my bed and sat down next to her.

Before I could say anything, she reached over and gently took hold of my hand, smiling a little.

'Kyon, it's Ok.' She reassured, keeeping her eyes locked on our hands. 'You don't have to say anything. It's fine like this.'

My nervousness increased tenfold when she shifted closer to me, gazing into my eyes. I could feel her soft breath tickle my chin.

What do I do? This is too fast! S-stop shaking, dammit!

Nagato closed her eyes, exhaling slowly.

My mind blanked, unknown forces urged my own face towards her. My heartbeat reached an unbelievable peak.

Then I stopped, just shy of brushing her lips.

She opened her eyes, staring back at me wistfully. I could see my own pathetic reflection in them.

I shuffled away from her, turning away. I couldn't look at her face.

Apology time, maybe?

...to who?

'Nagato, you're a good friend.' I mumbled like a jackass.

I tried my hardest to follow up with something eloquent. But a sudden bout of mild nausea numbed my mind.

'Kyon.'

With whatever self-worth I could muster, I managed to meet her face. She seemed oddly happy and content. Part of me thought she'd be in tears or something.

'You really are a nice guy.'

She stated it like a fact. Don't know if I'd agree with her though.

Nagato stood up from bed, now smiling cheerily.

'...and I'm sorry. That was selfish of me.'

Her eyes hardened with determination.

'It doesn't matter what's going on. I'll protect you, protect Haruhi. Everyone.'

Then that pep that I adored about her returned.

'So!' She winked, making a tacky pointing gesture. 'Don't worry, yeah?'

I felt a smile crawl over my face. There was no helping it. I felt better already.

'Yeah. It'll work out, huh?'

Nothing's killed me yet. Oh wait...

'I better go then.' She announced, hopping over to the...window? 'See you at school, Kyon!'

She jumped out of my room with a quick wave, leaving me alone with my thoughts at last.

Or so I thought. My phone hummed abruptly from my desk, scaring the hell out of me.

Flicking it open, I noticed the new message icon blinking on the screen. It was from Haruhi:

kyon

luv u

teach me thse moves tmmrw!

I stared at the screen, reading those words over and over.

luv u

Love you.

My finger hovered over the 'reply' button. What to say?

...

see you at school

...I'm such a mess. What the hell was I going to do?

X

(OMAKE)

My finger hovered over the 'reply' button. What to say?

I'm not sure how I did it, but the inhibitions of my being simply vanished as I started to type a message back; one straight from my heart, my inner being.

We've known each other for a while now. And through our adventures and conversations, I can honestly say that I would never have it any other way. I hope you stay in my life forever. I love you so much.

My heart raced as I touched up the grammar and quickly sent the message out.

Wait a second.

My phone displayed a notification message. One that made my blood run cold backwards.

Your message has been sent to Koizumi I

AAAARGH!

X

AN: Woo, this is fun to write. Please review everybody! I'll reply to them all. I really appreciate every bit of input and feedback. Thank you!