My eyelids fluttered, and I gradually became aware that I was nestled against warm skin and cradled gently in… oh yeah, Kyoya's arms. Mmmm. Every muscle in my body seemed to have melted. For a few moments I wanted to think about nothing except the delicious feeling of being held. And the smooth contours of his neck. And the hard planes of his stomach where my hands clutched the hem of his t-shirt.

I must have given some sign of my returning consciousness because I felt Kyoya shift beneath me. His enfolding arm loosened its grip, causing my head to loll back into the hollow of his shoulder. My eyes traveled up to his face. It was still dark, but I could make out his angular profile. He'd removed his glasses at some point, and I couldn't help admiring the play of light and shadow over his elegant, aristocratic features. As I stared, he turned to meet my gaze.

Our eyes held, but there was no awkwardness. In the shadows I was free to study his expression, and to indulge myself for once in admiring the handsome face that other women swooned over. I began to examine my feelings again, wondering if I would really consider a relationship with Kyoya. And whether he would actually consider one with me.

I sighed. "I never know what you're thinking." My voice was raspy with sleep but my eyes searched his for a hint.

Something dark and beckoning flashed there. He spoke softly but in seriousness. "Maybe you don't want to know what I'm thinking."

Ummm…

He surprised me by continuing, his smooth baritone just above a whisper. "When I want something, I always find a way to get it."

Yes, you are Kyoya, after all…

His lashes lowered and his gaze fell to my lips before returning to my eyes. "I don't often find myself wondering if I want something I shouldn't."

I didn't understand, but what I intuitively understood was that he was about to kiss me. That whole thing earlier…he said it was an act, but it wasn't. We were drawn to each other, there was no denying it.

My mind toyed with images of how it could be….sharing our thoughts and ideas as equals, my compassion tempering his ruthlessness, his confidence backing my dreams.

My hand begged to be allowed to cup his jaw, to slide my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and tug him down to my mouth. His lips parted and his breathing accelerated.

Suddenly light flooded the room, shocking us back to reality. I blinked as my eyes adjusted to the brightness. In the background, electronics hummed to life again.

We continued staring curiously at one another, until a wistful half-smile curved his lips. "All better now?"

"Yes," I breathed, still captured by the magic I felt just moments before. Recovering myself I said, "I'm sorry…"

"Don't be," he interrupted. "Phobias can be quite powerful. It's nothing to be ashamed of. You're still the brave Haruhi we know and love," he said lightly.

Before I could latch onto 'love,' he wriggled his shoulders and neck, easing the stiffness there. "Would you like something to eat before I take you home? Cook left salmon in the warming oven."

Food? The wild ride of emotions I'd experienced tonight left my stomach uneasy. I shook my head against his shoulder. "I'm not hungry."

He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Then we should be going before my sister returns and wears you out with her questions." His eyes smiled as they roamed fondly over my face. "You look like you've been through enough for one night." He leaned forward, slipping his arm from behind me. Lifting my knees from his lap, he swung my legs around and deposited them on the floor. I indulged in a luxurious stretch as he stood and sought out his glasses.

Now that my panic had passed I could fully appreciate our surroundings. Like everything else about Kyoya, it was beautiful—elegant—yet at the same time crisp and efficient.

I'll be right back," he informed me before ascending a flight of stairs I hadn't noticed hidden behind the near wall. Bedrooms upstairs, I suppose. I wondered how many there were in his 'cottage.'

I examined the colorful artwork displayed here and there. No family pictures. No childish crafts. Was it just this house, or was his youth really that cold?

He returned momentarily wearing a hooded sweatshirt and handing me a zip-up.

"Thank you," I said, surprised at his thoughtfulness. "It does get cold at night up here." I slipped it on, huddling into this piece of him. It smelled fresh, clean.

"You're welcome." He stooped to collect his keys from the end table and felt the pockets of his jeans for his wallet and cell. I couldn't seem to keep my eyes off him.

"Ready?"

"Sure."

The ride back to the Pension was quiet except for the radio. We talked a bit about what kind of music we liked, finding a lot in common as usual. Before I knew it we were pulling to a stop in front of the inn.

A golden glow shone from the tall windows. A shadowy form flitted across. Probably Misuzu had been concerned. We sat in the dark, now-silent car.

I was reluctant to go. To leave his side. He didn't jump to open my door either.

"Well," I said, consoling myself and hoping I wasn't being too forward. "You still owe me a visit to the butterfly garden sometime."

"We'll have to make a visit before the end of summer then." He slanted me one of those mischievous looks. "I would hate to be indebted."

My mouth quirked in irritation at the reminder of my 'debt.'

A knock at Kyoya's window startled us both. His body obscured the person from view but when he recognized the figure, I heard him curse under his breath.

He opened the door, keeping it between them as he rose smoothly behind it. "Tamaki," he acknowledged.

"What's going on? Where's Haruhi?" he demanded. "Misuzu-chi said she was…."

As he carried on in Tamaki fashion I recalled my guilt from earlier and was glad to be able to make amends. I opened my door briskly,

"Tamaki!" My voice held a warm welcome. I made my way around the car to the blond figure, speaking to him as I went. "I didn't think I'd see you today. Did you just get back?"

He shot Kyoya a suspicious glance but quickly lapped up the attention I was offering.

"I was worried about you," he said, reaching for my hand. "Right after I got back to the cottage this terrible storm came up. And I know how you feel about storms, so I had to come over. I said I wouldn't leave you alone, Haruhi, and I won't." He pulled me against his shoulder in a hug.

It was sweet of him to remember that promise. But the embrace felt…wrong. My body was meant to fit someone else.

I wanted Kyoya. Speaking of which…

I pulled away from my exuberant would-be father figure to find Kyoya. He still stood in the same spot, arms crossed over his chest, his face a cool mask again.

"I guess I'll leave you two to catch up," he said blandly. "I should be getting back before my sister worries."

"Sure thing," Tamaki said amiably. "I had a great idea for host club…" He noticed me waiting in the shadows. "But I'll tell you about it later," he amended before turning back toward the front doors, expecting me to follow.

As I walked I cast a longing look over my shoulder. "See you in the morning," I said hopefully.

It was dark. He may have nodded. But his non-answer bothered me. I just had time to see him step gracefully into the beautiful car before Tamaki demanded my attention again.