XXx Honeyx XX

"My brain is rotting," Aya groans as she rolls onto her back.

I pull myself into a sitting position, closing my notebook with a satisfied smile.

"Why didn't you just say you needed help in Math?" I ask her.

"Well someone wasn't paying attention during twenty questions," she jokes as she rakes her fingers through her bangs.

"Oh, right," I reply as I lean back on my hands. "Number eighteen, you hate having to admit you need help."

"Bingo," she says, pulling the upper part of her body off of the floor to give me a thumbs up from her spot across from me. "I guess that's how I always manage to get so behind in the subject."

She flops back down and stretches out on the carpet, her hair spreading out in a halo around her.

"Thanks for helping me out though Mitsukuni," she sighs. "I'm sorry for making you waste your weekend."

"It's alright Aya-chan," I say, smiling down at her. "I had fun."

"I just don't get how you can enjoy it," she groans. "You had to spend almost six hours helping me get through twenty-four missing assignments."

"But you caught on quicker than other people I've tutored," I reply. "Just ask anytime you need help."

"Thanks," she says with a bit of embarrassment weighing down her voice. "I've got to admit you're the best tutor I've had. All the other ones my parents hired would explain it to me like I was stupid, or a five-year-old."

"That stinks," I mumble. "But I'm glad that I was able to help."

She sits up, adjusting her purple tank-top.

"Hopefully we won't need to waste another weekend like this," she grumbles as she leans up against the wall.

I wouldn't exactly call this a wasted weekend, I mean, I got to spend all of it with her. I wouldn't call having her all to myself for six hours wasted. I think I'm growing pretty attached to her, which kind of stinks because I don't know how long she's staying here in Japan. But I guess I'll make the best of what I have now…

"Well I'm here if you need me," I reply.

She smiles at me. That's the second genuine smile I've gotten since I made my promise last week. Slowly but surely, I'm living up to my promise.

The club's been helping all they can, but it's taking a lot more than I thought.

Aya-chan gets to her feet, and walks over to retrieve the backpack that sits on her coffee table. I keep trying to ignore things I've been noticing lately that I usually overlook when it comes to girls.

Like now for instance.

Her black and purple plaid pajama pants hang low on her waist, and her tank top is bunched up a little under her ribs, exposing a large area of her stomach. Her skin is pale, but not in an unhealthy pale. And Oka-san can rest a little easier now, she doesn't have any navel piercings or any tattoos as far as I can see.

Her hair falls over her shoulder delicately as she slings her backpack off the table and lugs it over to the floor where our stuff is spread out. The blond parts glint a white gold color in the sunlight that spills through the curtain.

Her eyes are a green hazel color, almost the same as her birthstone, with flecks of copper and gold around the pupil. Her lashes are long and pale without makeup, and her bottom lip is fuller than her upper lip. When she smiles I can see the canine tooth on the right side of her mouth is slightly pointed.

She's thin, and parts of her body, like her shoulder blades and clavicles, stand out sharper than the rest of it. She is a trio of small scars on her right shoulder that looks like it could have been from scratching chicken pox blisters.

Her feet are like her hands, small and delicate looking, but covered in callouses. Her toes form a prefect arc, and her nails are painted a shimmery deep purple and chipped at the edges.

She finishes shoving her notebook and pen case in her bag and tosses it to the side.

"Well that takes care of that," she says as she leans back on the wall again.

The next few minutes pass by in silence, like neither of us know what to say. I can feel her steady breathing through the wall, and it makes me oddly relaxed.

"So," she finally says. "Hikaru and Kaoru have been teasing me about my next outfit all week. Any reason why?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," I reply. "But whatever the event is it'll be fun. Why don't you stay with me and Takashi for the event?"

"I don't know if that's a good idea," she sighs.

"Why not?" I ask probably way too quickly. "You haven't been by at all lately."

"Well one of your regulars seems to be a bit territorial," she explains. "And I don't think she will be that happy to see me."

"You mean Kisa?" I ask.

"Uh huh," she mutters. "She seems to think we have something going on and told me not so nicely to back off."

"Well that explains a lot," I admit. "Last week she came over during one of the club days saying you yelled at her in French. She had eye drops and everything."

"Really?" she groans. "It must have been because she didn't believe me when I told her I wasn't trying to steal you from her. Is she normally that possessive?"

"Well, I've never really noticed before," I respond. "But now that you mention it she does cut into conversations I have with other customers that exceed three minutes."

"Ah…" she sighs. "Well she's not going to intimidate me that easy. We're friends, so I'm entitled to spend time with you too."

I laugh and she looks over at me curiously.

"So, you'll admit we're friends now?" I ask.

"Well…yeah," she trails off, her voice wavering slightly. "We are…right?"

"Of course," I say as I nudge her with my elbow. "So does that mean you trust me now?"

"Maybe just a little," she says as she nudges me back.

"So you'll stay with me and Takashi?" I ask again. "We won't let Kisa do anything to you."

"Alright," she sighs. "Thanks. It's sweet of you to look out for me like this. Even though I'd really like to see her try something with me."

She yawns loudly before she pulls herself to her feet.

"Well, I got some stuff to do before dinner," she says as she arches her back and stretches her arms out. "So I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok," I say, getting to my feet. As I walk out, there's a ton of questions bouncing around my head.

Why would Kisa threaten Aya? I haven't done anything to make it look like I give her any special treatment have I? Other than the night of the dance party, I've been careful not to seem to clingy so she can have an easier time making friends.

But if Kisa thinks I like her, then she'll make it difficult. So maybe I should just keep a closer eye on her on the next activity day.

But her accusation does make me wonder. Do I actually like Aya like that?

I went through a lot of trouble to just get her to dance with me. And when we promised only one song we ended up dancing five.

If Kisa hadn't cut in when would either of us have noticed that the song we promised had ended? Would I feel any less confused if we had danced all night together? I can't help but feel like I might feel much more sure of myself if we had.

But on the other hand, would giving her that much attention would make Kisa even worse?

I'll admit I do feel something different towards Aya. I'm happy she considers me her friend, but do my feelings really just stop at friend?

XXx Aya xXX

"So explain this to me again?" I ask as Hikaru and Kaoru smudge my eye shadow.

"We built a mini temple to go along with today's theme," Hikaru replies as he sections off some hair from the area right behind my ears.

And by ears, I mean clip on fox ears.

"So we decided to make your costume the guardian kitsune of the temple," Kaoru adds as he begins pilling my hair into an elaborate updo.

"Ok?" I reply as I put on some of the lip gloss they lay out for me. "But why? Why not just put me in another kimono?"

They've put me in a cream colored tube top that ties in the front and has tassels hanging from the ends. I have a brown skirt that stops at my mid-thigh and has slits up the side. My shorts, which are about an inch shorter than the skirt, were designed to look like bandages.

"Well, no offence Aya-senpai," Hikaru starts off as he helps Kaoru fill my hair with ornaments.

"But to people who don't really know you, you kinda come off as being a bit hostile," Kaoru finishes.

"That's rich coming from you two," I snort.

"But," they continue in unison as they both flick me in the forehead for my comment. "We think that if you can come off as cute and friendly here at the club, the girls won't be terrified to approach you outside of it."

"Somehow I don't think it's going to be that easy," I say as I rub the sore spot softly. "But thanks for the thought anyways."

"Well, you never know," Kaoru says as he hangs a golden fox head charm with ruby eyes around my neck.

"I guess," I mumble. "But the people here seem kind of…set in their ways."

"Is that so?" they ask.

They begin to wrap my arms in bandages to match my shorts.

"Then it looks like you've got some work to do senpai," Kaoru says as he ties off the bandage at my wrist.

"It's show time," Hikaru says as he holds out a handful of large furry fox tails.

The two of them get to work pinning them to the harness at the small of my back. I stand still and wait for them to be done, and glance over at myself in the mirror.

Do I really even want any of these girls as friends? I'm kind of paranoid that all the girls in this club just see me the same way Kisa does. I don't get much time for intropection.

"Go get 'em," they say while giving me a shove out of the dressing room.

XXx Honey xXX

When Aya steps out of the dressing room the girls around the area stop their conversations and gawk at her. I don't know if it's the whole kitsune cosplay and the fact that her whole stomach is exposed, or if it's because she doesn't seem the least bit embarrassed by it.

She sees me from her place across the room, and begins to walk over. Her tails bob around her small body, and it looks impossibly cute by dwarfing her in comparison.

"You sure you knew nothing about this?" she asks as soon as she steps up to me.

"Absolutely no idea," I assure her, raising my hands in mock defense. "We never really know what Tama-chan's planning until we get to the club room. Or unless Hika-chan or Kao-chan let something slip about our costumes."

"If you say so," she says before crossing her arms over her chest and looking over at Takashi. "Is that true?"

"Yeah," he replies with a smile.

"Hey!" I complain as a large pout graces my lips. "I thought you said you trusted me!"

"I do," she says as with a smirk. "But only just a little remember?"

She winks at me and I can feel heat flooding my face. She looked away before it happened, but Kisa didn't miss it. Oops…

"But Aya-senpai," she says with a strained smile. "How could you not trust Honey-senpai?"

"I'm not good at trusting people," she says easily. "It hasn't worked that well with me before, so it takes a while for me to stop being paranoid."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Meirika asks in a hard voice. "You think he's going to stab you in the back or something?"

"Well that's kind of the definition of being paranoid," Aya replies calmly. "Feeling like everyone is out to get you."

"And you think Honey-senpai is like that?" Sumi asks, her blue eyes flashing. "You're a terrible person."

"I know," she admits. "But I do what it takes to keep myself from getting hurt again. It doesn't matter if no one else understands it. I'm not afraid of what you think of me."

"Aya-chan," I trail off, reaching out a hand to her.

"Mitsukuni," Takashi warns, catching my hand and putting it back at my side.

"I think you should leave," Kisa says coldly, meeting Aya's unwavering gaze. "You're making the club room depressing talking like that."

"I understand," Aya says tonelessly. "I wouldn't want to be around me either if I were you. Have fun."

And with that she walks away, her tails adding fake happiness to her steps.

"What is her problem?!" Meirika huffs. "Was that meant to lower our guard so we think she doesn't like Honey-senpai?!"

As they continue to talk about me like I'm not there, I look up at Takashi. He studies my face for a minute before his eyes widen. It lasts for about a fraction of a second before they return to normal and he places a hand on my head.

Suddenly the room goes quiet and all eyes turn to the doorway.

I turn as well and see a new girl is half hiding behind the open door. She looks incredibly shy with large brown eyes and long amber hair tied up in a pink ribbon.

"Looks like the host club has a brand new guest," I hear Hika-chan and Kao-chan say.

They produce roses from their kimono sleeves before floating over to the door. Takashi and I walk over, joining the rest of the club at the door.

But Aya is absent from the group.

"Come on in," Kao-chan says, holding out his rose to the girl in the doorway. "What are you waiting for?"

"Watching from afar is no fun," Hika-chan adds, holding out a rose of his own.

"Please miss," they coo in unison.

The girl shrinks back a bit into the shadows. Her eyes are wide and dilated; as if she can't believe what she's seeing.

"Stop that! How many times have I told you to be more courteous to our first time guests?" Tama-chan asks as he steps up to the three of them and turns to the girl. "Please, you don't have to be afraid my princess," he says, holding out his own rose. "I welcome you to the Ouran Host Club."

"NO!" she screams suddenly, punching him in the face. "Don't touch me! You're phony!"

Tama-chan stumbles back, clutching his face. Well...so much for her being shy.

"What do you mean I'm phony?" he cries as he clutches his face.

"Just what I said! You're phony!" the girl accuses. "I find it hard to believe that someone like you is the prince character of this host club!"

Tama-chan backs away from her, true horror etched into his features.

"You shouldn't go spreading your love around so easily like that stupid!" the girl continues. "You must be some kind of dimwitted Narcissist! You're incompetent! You're a commoner! You're disgusting!"

Each word seems to cut straight through him as he falls to the floor.

"He's created a new technique!" Hika-chan yells in awe.

"One man slow motion!" Kao-chan says in wonder as Tama-chan hits the ground with a loud thump.

"I don't suppose you are…." Kyo-chan finally speaks up as he examines her.

"It's you! Kyoya!" she yells as her eyes fill with tears.

She runs over to us, steamrolling Tama-chan in the process, before…..jumping into Kyo-chan's arms.

Well this is a first. Not even his regulars are that daring.

"Oh how I've longed to meet you," she sighs. "My one and only prince charming."

XXx Aya xXX

"Your fiancée?" Hikaru asks.

"Kyoya-senpai?" Kaoru prods, sounding unconvinced.

"Of course," the girl says. "My name is Renge Houshakuji and I'll be transferring into Ouran Academy's first year Class A tomorrow."

I bite back my nausea as I clutch Usako tightly to my chest. My arms shake slightly as I take in the picture of Renge sitting across from me, a wide smile on her face.

Today is obviously not my day. First the outfit, then the customers, now this.

I guess I should explain my sudden panic. You see, I met Renge at a dinner party in Paris when I was younger. If she recognizes me…I don't even want to think about what could happen.

"Why is he sulking?" Hikaru asks.

We all turn towards Tamaki, who's buried deep within his emo corner.

"Because Mommy was keeping a secret from Daddy," Kaoru taunts.

"Whatever," Kyoya sighs. "Why does everyone insist in referring to us like we're husband and wife?"

"Ours is a story of love at first at sight," Renge cuts in. "I couldn't resist the way you were adoring those flowers in the backyard when you thought no one else was looking. And how sweet it was when you reached out to that poor little injured kitten."

Huh? This is supposed to be Kyoya she's talking about? Is there…something wrong with her?

And is it bad that I hope that there is and it's rooted to the part of the brain that deals with memory?

"Is she serious?" the twins gawk.

"Could you have the wrong person?" Haruhi asks Renge cautiously.

"No way!" Renge yells defensively. "I could recognize my love anywhere! He's a gentle man who is kind to everyone and doesn't ask for anything in return! He likes solitude but in fact sometimes he gets lonely. He looks like the star of the popular dating sim Uki Doki Memorial! You're my real life Ichijo Miyabi!"

There's an extremely awkward pause as everyone soaks in this information. I of course, being me, already know what she means…but it takes a second for the rest of the guys and Haruhi to put it together.

"Uki?"

"Doki?"

"OTAKU!" Hikaru and Tamaki scream.

"I've never seen one!" Kaoru exclaims.

"I get it now," Kyoya finally says. "You're in love with that character and are projecting that love onto me, and somehow deluded herself into thinking that we're engaged. I assume this Miyabi character probably wears glasses as well."

"That's rough buddy," I mumble from the opposite end of the couch he's sitting in, before returning to playing with Usako's ears.

"So, she made it up?" Tamaki asks cautiously. "You're not really her fiancée?"

"Well no, I don't remember ever asking for her hand in marriage," Kyoya says calmly.

Renge suddenly plops down between me and Kyoya, and I scoot away from her as much as I can.

"According to my research I understand you are in charge of managing this club is that true Kyoya?" she asks eagerly.

"That's right," Mitsukuni replies for him. "Kyo-chan is our director."

"You're the club's director? That's perfect!" she gushes. "Oh wow I've always wanted to wear a sandwich board to advertise a business."

"We don't advertise, we're just a host club," the twins mutter irritably.

"I've made up my mind," she declares. "From now on I'm going to be the manager of this host club."

"Uh, listen Kyoya," Tamaki starts, beginning to look a bit uneasy.

"Miss Houshakuji is the only daughter of a very important Ootori family client," Kyoya says, cutting him off. "So please be polite and try not to offend her alright?"

Renge stands before Tamaki can reply, a smile flashing across her face.

"Well boys, I can't wait to work with you."

XXx Honey xXX

"I thought about it a lot last night," Tama-chan says. "Maybe having a lady manager isn't such a bad idea."

We're having another one of our Hosts Only meetings in the club room. Aya is in the chair next to the couch I'm sharing with Takashi. We're both curled up with our bunnies, mostly tuning out Tama-chan's speech.

"Why do you say that?" Hika-chan and Kao-chan ask.

"Well it's fairly obvious isn't it?" Tama-chan replies. "Renge just transferred into the same class as Haruhi. So, if Haruhi has a girl friend around then it could bring out the female within her, Renge's girlish are of tenderness may be able to stimulate Haruhi's own sense of feminity."

My head snaps up at his last statement.

"Isn't that what Aya-chan was supposed to do?"

Tama-chan flinches.

"Well, that obviously worked out well," Aya-chan mutters as she sinks deeper into the plush cushions of her chair.

"Now is our chance to help Haruhi get in touch with her feminine side," Tama-chan declares. "This is an important project men. She doesn't have any friends in class other than these two shady twins. That's no good for her."

"Like you have room to talk," Hika-chan and Kao-chan reply as Tama-chan points at them in an accusing fashion.

"Hey everyone!" Renge sings as she pokes her head through the door. "You'll be happy to know your new manager Renge, has baked all of you some cookies!"

"Oh! Isn't she lady like?" Tama-chan asks as he saunters over. "I'm so moved by your generosity."

"I didn't bake these cookies for you, you phony prince," she spits with a glare sends him to his emo corner. "Sorry I burnt them a little bit. I did the best I could. And I already know what you're going to say."

She drifts off into her dream world for a moment as I get up and walk over to the bag off cookies she set on the coffee table.

I take a cookie from the bag, munching it slowly.

"She wasn't kidding these cookies really are burnt," I muse out loud.

"Don't eat that Mitsukuni, it's bad for you," Takashi scolds as he comes up behind me.

There's a sudden battle cry and before I know it, Takashi scoops me up and Renge is chasing us through the club room, looking only slightly homicidal.

XXx Aya xXX

"Aya-chan, you want some? It's milk."

Renge finally got tired of chasing Mitsukuni and Mori and now they're busy preparing mugs of milk as a refreshment. I push the pause button on my headphone cord, glancing over to him. He holds up a small blue mug to me, his usual smile in place.

"Sure," I say, taking the mug with a small smile of my own.

I never used to smile over little things like this, so it still feels unnatural, but it's getting there. And Mitsukuni hasn't given up on me yet. His grin widens before he bravely walks off to offer some to Renge.

I take a slow sip, watching her closely as Tamaki freaks over the twin's latest stunt, screaming out things about sexual harassment.

Renge doesn't seem to recognize me, but then again, I guess I do look a lot different from when we met all those years ago. And when she met me, I was still timid, shy, and weak. I just hope she never puts two and two together. There would be questions I would not be able to escape with my normal distractions.

"Lukewarm! Every single one of you!"

My eyes flicker towards Renge. She has an intense look on her face that kind of scares me. I bite my lips nervously as she stares us down.

A full minute passes before she speaks again.

"Except for Kyoya all of your characters are lukewarm! Each of you needs to have some kind of dark side, you understand?" she demands. "Girls are vulnerable to handsome young men who are troubled! If you keep carrying on like this, it'll be only a matter of time before the girls get tired of you and stop coming all together! Are you trying to ruin my precious Kyoya's business?"

I curl up in a chair next to the boys as she continues her rant. I dunk some of the cookies she brought in the milk and munch on them quietly, watching as horror spreads onto everyone's faces.

"As your manager, it's my duty to change your character backgrounds! Let's start with you!" she yells, pointing to Mitsukuni. "If all you are is cute inside and out then you're no different than a baby! Therefore, from now on you are the baby-faced thug!"

I almost spray my mouthful of milk all over the upholstery.

Mitsukuni? A thug? Sure that's an unexpected twist, but I don't know if he could pull that off. He's just too…cute. I bite my tongue hard at the thought. I hate to admit it, but he is cute.

"And Mori-senpai, you're his childhood friend the flunky!" Renge continues, breaking off the confessions anonymous session going on in my head.

"The twins will be basketball players enslaved in their own world. Haruhi, you're an honor student who's constantly being bullied!" she continues before turning to Tamaki. "And as for you Tamaki, you're the school's idol who's admired for who's admired for your good looks, but you actually have an inferiority complex you're hiding from the world. The Lonely Prince!"

He freezes, as shocked look crossing his features. His legs seem to give out on him as he wobbles around the room. I would have laughed if Renge hadn't taken that moment to round on me.

"And for you," Renge says as she fixes me with a calculating stare. "Who are you? And why are you here? Are you even a part of this club?"

"Oh no," I reply quickly, waving my hands in emphasis. "I'm not."

"When we asked you to stay with us senpai, it meant you were to participate for things like this as well," Kyoya says coolly. "So yes, she is a part of the club. Unfortunately Aya-senpai doesn't have a character at the moment."

"We'll fix that soon enough," Renge says creepily.

Her stare intensifies. I feel a bit squeamish as she fails to blink. I try to concentrate on my milk and cookies, but they do not provide much of a distraction.

"Alright I've got it," she finally mutters. "You'll be the popular girl in school who's admired for being an aloof dance prodigy. But everyone is too scared to approach you because you're a Goth and intimidate everyone around you."

My jaw drops. A Goth? Sure I wear a lot of black, have thick eyeliner, and yeah I'm a bit antisocial, but that doesn't make me a Goth! What would make her think I'm a Goth?

Then I lower my gaze and take in for the first time today the black lace dress I'm wearing.

It's actually more like a jumpsuit (but ending in shorts instead of going to the ankle), but the lace rim looks so much like a skirt you couldn't tell the difference from where Renge's standing. That coupled with the elaborate red, silver, and turquoise beading and my knee high boots, I probably just look like a normal Loli-Goth to her.

"OH!" Renge suddenly squeals. "I've got it! Haruhi! Aya-senpai will be the source of your bullying!"

"WHAT?" we both yell as my cookie slips through my slack fingers and drowns in the mug of milk.

"It's perfect!" Renge gushes. "Since Aya-senpai is a loner, you decided to reach out to her Haruhi. Pretty soon you start dating which catches the eye of Honey-senpai, who's had a crush on her forever. He'll begin beating on you and trying to get you to dump Aya-senpai."

I see Mitsukuni pale out of the corner of my eye, and I'm pretty sure my face looks just like his. This really isn't good.

"And Kyoya you're perfect just the way you are now," Renge gushes. "So I want you to stay as kind and affectionate as ever 'kay?"

"Thank you," Kyoya says with a small bow. "I'm honored."

Tamaki continues to blindly stagger around the room before some random spotlight locks on him.

"The Lonely Prince," he moans. "It's true! That title is perfect for me!"

"Yeah right," Haruhi and I mutter.

We share an eye roll about our current predicament. How in all the hells are we supposed to pull off pretending to be a couple?

"Come on Kyoya-senpai," the Hikaru whines.

"You've gotta do something," Kaoru adds.

"Why? It seems like the Boss is up for it," Kyoya answers.

"How does this look Renge?" Tamaki asks as he melts from pose to pose. "Do these poses work for a Lonely Prince?"

"Oh wow, you're pretty good at that Tamaki," she gushes. "But you know it would be even more effective if you were standing in the rain!"

The twins groan, and I find myself joining in. This is an all new level of weird, even for this club.

"Let's just wait and see how things turn out," Kyoya says. "I'll bet it will be interesting. It always is."

I rake my fingers through my hair irritably, and am pretty sure that I can feel the beginnings of a migraine coming on.

XXX

Why does this kind of thing always seem to happen to me? Is there some kind of vibe I give out that attracts weird people?

I wander into the empty Haninozuka dojo, flipping the lights on as I step into the large training hall. It's already becoming dark outside, and the shadows that fall around my feet give the illusion that there are people standing around me.

It's a nasty lie, and after that episode in the club yesterday, it hurts to admit the sight is twice as effective at hurting me as normal.

But I shouldn't feel bad about telling them the truth right? It's only fair to show them what I'm really like. Anyone who still tried to pursue me after that is definitely worth keeping.

I flinch the second that crosses my mind. Who am I kidding? That's not true and I should know it.

It happened that way with Simon. He brushed what I said off and stayed with me, only to let me down worse than my first friends did. I run my fingers over the edge of my phone, before lifting my hands slowly to the buttons that rest on my headphone cords.

XXx Honey xXX

She's dancing in the middle of the empty dojo. Renge gave her a few routines to learn, and she seems to have picked it up fairly quickly.

She's covered in sweat, her hair sticking to face, neck, and shoulders. As she stops, her chest is heaving heavily. Her gray tank top sticks to her skin, suggesting she's been dancing for a while. She sits down on the floor, rolling the right leg of her faded red sweats up to her knee.

"So is that the one you're going to use for your scene in Renge's movie?" I finally ask.

"Maybe," she replies. "I'm still trying to decide if I'm going along with this whole thing."

She gets up and faces me. She pulls a rubber band off her wrist and pulls her hair up into a high ponytail. She looks stressed, and I don't really blame her. Renge was real pushy with her this afternoon.

"You up for a spar?" I ask. "You look like you could use it."

She considers it for a moment, pulling tight on the base of her ponytail.

"Sure, why not," she says with a smirk. "Just don't actually let me punch you ok? I don't want to take out my anger at Renge on you."

"Ok," I reply smiling slightly at her joke. "I'm ready when you are."

"So are you really ok with this?" she asks as she lunges forward to punch me in the face. "The whole thug thing?"

"To be honest I'm not sure," I reply as I calmly sidestep her. "But that's what's bothering you the most? Not the part about Renge wanting me to have a huge possessive crush on you?"

"Well…" she trails off as she pivots on her left foot and swings her leg around to catch me in the side of the head. "I mean, it's just acting. So no, I doesn't really bother me. This actually sounds like it could be fun."

"You think so?" I ask as I catch her by the ankle and swipe her other foot out from under her.

"Don't worry so much," she commands as she rolls, absorbing the impact of her fall into her shoulder. "You're going to do fine."

"But I don't like threatening people," I protest as she gets back on her feet. "Much less you and Haru-chan. So what am I supposed to do?"

"Well," she sighs as she lunges at me again. "While you're acting, think of something that makes you angry, and channel your feelings into your lines."

"If you say so," I sigh, catching her fist and ducking under the swing from her left. "So…you think you can really pretend to be in love with Haru-chan."

"Maybe," she confesses as she slides under my arm and goes to take my foot out from under me. "Even if I was a guy I'm not sure Haruhi would be my type."

"You have a type?" I ask as I beat her to the punch and sweep her off balance.

"I guess," she muses calmly as I hold her body mere centimeters off the floor. "Doesn't everyone?"

"Then what is it?" I pry as I gently set her down.

"Why the sudden curiosity?" she asks with a smirk as I let go of her arms and she places them back on the ground and leans back in a carefree teenager sprawl. "You should have thought of this when we played twenty questions."

"Well, Renge wants my acting to be authentic," I trail off as I sit down next to her. "So maybe I can sneak in a few extra lines about Haru-chan not being your type. Sounds like I could use that to fuel my hate for Haru-chan's character if I pretend I have them instead."

"You think?" she giggles as she glances over at me. "Your point is valid, but only just."

"So does that mean you'll tell me?" I ask.

"Nope," she says playfully and winks at me for the second time today. "But I'd like to spar with you again another time. But let's actually fight full out next time ok?"

And with that she picks her phone up off the ground and pulls herself to her feet. She walks across the room and pauses briefly at the door.

"See you tomorrow," she calls over her shoulder.

XXx Author's Notes xXX

So dun dun dun….the movie is next…

I decided to incorporate idea given to me by Proudhollow and give them a sparring scene ^^ it was harder than I expected…so I need to study more….

Lotsa love, Krystal