She was just debating whether or not to change clothes for the evening when the sudden appearance of Mori at the edge of her camp startled her.
"Mori-senpai!" she greeted him cheerfully. He walked slowly into the sandy circle as if unsure of his welcome but she smiled and motioned him over. A quick glance behind him proved he was alone, and she was a bit surprised to see him without Honey, but she figured there was a reason. Standing up, Haruhi took a moment to brush the sand from her rear and legs before walking to meet him in the center of the camp and speaking again.
"I take it he's still with the others?" she asked. He nodded and held out the item he was carrying. Haruhi caught a whiff of salmon and took the warm dish, looking up at him in shock.
"Mori-senpai, is this – did you make me dinner?" She watched a trace of pink dance across his strong features as he shrugged, then nodded.
"Mitsukuni and I cooked tonight," he said simply. She understood what he meant and was flattered that they had thought to save her a plate.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. The food smelled wonderful and though she'd already eaten a light dinner a bit earlier she couldn't wait to dip into the delicious meal she was holding. Dropping to the ground, with a simple gesture she invited him to sit as well. He did so, taking a seat on the sand beside her with such grace she had to remind herself that she really wasn't supposed to stare. Knowing he wouldn't expect conversation and honestly happy that it was Mori that came this night, Haruhi smiled and dug in.
I suppose we should all be thankful she doesn't dress like this at school, Mori thought as he stood in the treeline surrounding the camp. She hadn't noticed him yet and he was quite grateful for that as he was still reeling a bit at seeing her dressed in a rather low-cut vest that more than showcased the curves her uniform usually hid and shorts that bared most of the legs he'd been trying so desperately (though with mixed success) not to fantasize about. Somehow the sight of her in such normal clothing was almost as alluring as the sight of her in nothing but a towel had been. Calling on years of training he forced himself to relax, settled his thoughts, schooled his breathing, and settled an impassive expression on his face. Only then did he feel comfortable stepping out of the trees. It took but seconds for her to notice him and the joy in her greeting had him walking slowly forward, pausing momentarily until she motioned him into her camp.
She seemed truly happy to see him, and the surprise on her face as she took the dish from his hands was adorable. It takes so little to make her happy, he mused silently as he moved to sit near her. As she ate, Mori pondered the enigma that was Fujioka Haruhi. Strong, determined, yet he knew she didn't want to succeed for money or even for the sake of success itself. She had to prove to herself that she could meet her goals. Unlike the rest of the hosts, all of her pressures, her expectations, were self-imposed. He wondered if perhaps that made her the most driven of all of them. And yet she saw the world through such open eyes.
Mori knew most people viewed him as his cousin's...accessory, for want of a better word. He was okay with that. It was such an expected viewpoint that when this girl, this commoner saw him as an individual it truly surprised him. He wondered if that was how the twins felt as well. He chanced a glance at her from the corner of his eye – and promptly forgot what he'd been thinking as he watched her eschew utensils to simply eat the food with her hands. He swallowed hard and stared back down at the sand. He knew his self-control was strong, but it seemed he'd found his Kryptonite...and she was sitting beside him licking her fingers.
When he glanced back at her again only to see her gazing at him with those large, dark eyes, he wasn't sure if he should thank the gods or curse them.
She supposed she shouldn't be surprised at how delicious it all was. She'd already been treated to some of the cousins' culinary delicacies. Suppressing a whimper of delight at the flavorful fish she took another bite, then another. It was so light, so flaky, that she decided to forgo chopsticks entirely. She was camping, for crying out loud. If she wanted to eat with her fingers she damn well would. And so she did, enjoying both food and quiet.
It was always peaceful around Mori. His lack of chatter was a soothing balm for her soul, especially considering the emotional roller coaster she'd been on lately. It was so nice to just sit and think and not be alone. The solid form of the tall one next to her was so incredibly comforting that Haruhi felt herself relaxing completely, the last of the day's tension fading and leaving her mentally limp. It was in that state of mind that she turned slightly to look at her guest...only to find him returning her gaze.
For the first time ever Haruhi really, truly understood what it meant to become lost in another's eyes. Those coal-dark depths were drawing her in, deep into a world she'd never known. Her dinner forgotten, all she could do was stare. She felt she should say something, but as quickly as the thought came it ran away. This was Mori – he never needed words. The silence stretched on, neither one speaking or moving a muscle. However, after a few minutes, hours, whatever, Mori shifted, and what he did next would forever stay in her mind.
So much in her eyes...
He found himself locked in her chocolate gaze. Even more shocking was the desperate need to not look away. Her eyes held him prisoner and he submitted to the tightening of the shackles on his heart willingly, eagerly. He would never know what prompted his next move but it somehow seemed right to pick up a piece of flaky, succulent salmon and hold it up to her mouth. He didn't know he was holding his breath. Honestly, he didn't really know anything but the draw of her eyes as they widened in surprise, and then she was leaning forward and her lips were brushing so very lightly against his fingertips as she gently took the proffered bite from his hand.
One bite led to two, two to more, both of them sitting in total silence as he fed her, never looking away from one another. He began to alternate between fish and vegetables, bite after bite being taken from his fingers by her soft lips, each contact sending a tingle down his spine. He had to deliberately regulate his breathing, keeping his motions steady, holding onto his splintering self-control with both hands. The last bite of food was lifted, Haruhi leaning forward to accept it once more, and Mori found himself feeling regretful that the plate was empty, saddened that their unusual moment was over.
That was when she grabbed his hand and began to lick the juice from his fingers.
Without a doubt this was the most strangely, unintentionally erotic thing she had ever experienced. She'd never had someone feed her before; at least, not like this. The heat in his gaze she could tell he was fighting so hard to hide – it called to her, beckoned her. She wanted to let it set her on fire. Despite how delicious the meal was she didn't notice it anymore. No, all of her awareness was focused like a laser on the gorgeous guy handing her bite after bite of food she was barely registering. She couldn't resist the urge to brush her lips against his fingers with each bite and she thrilled to see the nearly imperceptible shiver that slipped through him every time she did so. Eventually, though, the plate was bare and she was taking the last portion from his hand, and she had no idea what on earth possessed her to do what she did next.
He inhaled sharply when she reached out for his hand, but then she let her eyes flutter shut as she began to flick her tongue out, tasting the flavors of the fish, the vegetables, as well as an indescribable something that her mind simply labeled as 'Mori'. She didn't notice the tiny happy sigh that escaped her. She didn't see how tense, how rigid her visitor was. Part of her mind – the solid, responsible Haruhi who would never have acted like this, never even contemplated it seriously – was voicing a protest in her head. The Haruhi she was now, however – relaxed, emotionally overwhelmed, completely different from her usual self – shut the other one up simply by pulling Mori's fingers into her mouth one by one and sucking them clean. Some impulse had her opening her eyes and looking up at him. What she saw made her freeze in place. For as long as she lived she would never forget this moment – Mori looking down at her with such blazing desire in his eyes that it made her heart stutter.
She didn't have time to wonder about – well, anything – when he let out a low growl and dragged her into his arms, his lips on hers successfully erasing any ability she might have ever had to think straight.
He couldn't breathe. He didn't care. Because holy hell, Haruhi was Licking. His. Finger. Mori had never been struck by lightning, but some part of him had the random thought that even that couldn't possibly be more powerful, more electric than what he was feeling now. And then her warm tongue traced down his palm before switching to another digit and his brain shut off. The licking was torment enough, but when she sucked his index finger into her mouth his control began to crack. And when she looked up at him, her deep brown eyes intense and focused entirely on him, when she kept up the movements of her lips and tongue while holding that steady gaze on him, he shattered completely. He didn't hear the snarl that burst from his throat, didn't register pulling her onto his lap. The only thing he knew was the touch of those teasing lips on his and the feel of her hands against his chest. He kept her tight in his arms, kissing her thoroughly for who knew how long. But when she shifted to make herself more comfortable and her ass rubbed against his erection, his involuntary buck against her had his common sense flowing back in a raging flood. He ended the kiss abruptly, inwardly cursing himself for taking advantage of her when he knew for a fact how emotionally distraught and unsettled she had been lately, and picked her up only to set her gently on the ground. Leaping to his feet he murmured an apology and nearly ran from the camp before his good intentions were completely demolished by the need in her eyes and the memory of her warmth in his embrace.
He never looked back. Perhaps if he did, he might have seen the few small tears that trickled down her cheeks like melting ice as the chill night air wrapped around her like his arms once had.
Author's note: I have to say this is not how I'd pictured their evening going when I sat down to write it, but damn if it didn't come out better than the original thoughts I'd had. And this is why, Gentle Readers, I like to let my stories write themselves. :)