Title: 12. No otherways for pomp and majesty

Pairing/Character/s: Yuki/Machi, Kakeru, Kimi, Nao

Word Count: 591 words

Summary: Nao wins an award! Takes place after Ch. 125

A/N: This was so hard to write. I'm losing the love for Yuki/Machi. Good thing there's only 12 more to go. Naohito Sakuragi is referred to as Nao and Chibi-suke and Sakuragi-san.

"Most Hardworking Student Council Member," Yuki read incredulously. The shiny plaque twinkled back at him with obnoxious glee. Kakeru was choking on his spit; he was laughing so hard. Two seconds ago, Nao came into the office and thrust his award in front of the President's face.

"Nao also got a 50,000 yen gift certificate," Kimi added, batting her lashes at Nao. "Congratulations," she whispers, leaning into him.

"Get away. I'm not buying you anything," Nao grumbled. He had imagined Yuki crumbling into despair, not looking confused.

Yuki crossed his arms. "Who even voted on this?" he wondered. "How do they know you're most hardworking?"

"The WSU-"

"Wimpy Shorties United," Kakeru interjected.

"The Worldwide Student Union," Nao shot back, temper rising, "simply realized my potential after they interviewed me. Now, do you realize, Yuki, that I am better than you-"

"You can hang it up there." Yuki points to a random wall and becomes enraptured with another subject. "Hi, Machi."

She froze in the doorway, pink with embarrassment. The entire Student Council was now staring at her... except for the shortest member, who was seething with anger.

"Shindo-sensei wants to talk to Sakuragi-san."

Kakeru slung an arm around Kimi and Nao, stupid smile firmly in place. "Probably wants to congratulate Chibi-suke for being the most hardworking ranger on the School Defense Force." There was so much pride in his voice that everyone could hear the capitalization.

Nao rolled his eyes when he realized Machi, the only other person who did any real work, was not even looking at him. Her gaze was set on something behind him. With a patronizing sigh, Nao handed his plaque to Yuki and pushed past Machi. "Make sure to hang up my award for me," he says smugly. The command hangs in the air.

"I'll hang it up." Machi's words come out in a rush of syllables. Her cheeks pink, she takes the plaque before Yuki can protest. "I have nothing to do right now, and-"

"No, I'll help you," Yuki protests, standing up. "I've been sitting all day-"

"You have a lot of things to look at-"

"I can do it later."

They're both looking into each other's eyes, unaware of the stares they are getting from Kakeru and Kimi.

"I wanted to thank you for the present. I... I put the doll on my bed," she says softly.

"That's great. I'm glad you like it."

"Did the fertilizer work?"

He nods, words forgotten for a moment. "It's great. The garden is just... beautiful."

"Can I see it? President's garden, can I..." Her fingers are white; they're pressing so hard on the plaque.

"Of course you can. Machi, I-"

He pauses to hold her hand like he did yesterday, but she is so startled by the touch of his hand that she drops the plaque. It hits the floor with a bang. Machi scoops it up and attempts to hang it up on a free nail. Yuki helps her straighten it as he struggles to come up with the right words.

"Today. Can you come over today?"

"I have nothing else planned."

"OK then."

"OK."

She smiles, aglow with happiness. He takes her hand, and brings it to his cheek.

Kakeru looks up at the ceiling, wondering if anything else strange was going to happen. "If anyone asks, I not only gave my permission, I tried to help them along."

The girl next to him looks scandalized. "Kakeru, you knew and didn't tell me about Yun-Yun and Machi?"

Well, now everyone in the hallway knew.

A/N: As always, tell me what you think, guys! Questions, comments, or reviews are always welcome.