My Choice

Chapter 1

His arms, they were shields for her, blocking out the storm that raged on around them. They blocked out the crashing thunder that would have made her whimper and jump. They blocked out the howling wind that would cause her to shiver, anticipating the coming crash. His thin arms not only acted as a shield for her, but they cast a serene aura over her, helping her to ignore the terrifying thunder and bright lightning.

Listening to the soft rock that played in her ears also soothed her, even though she didn't listen to that type of music on a daily basis. It soothed her because she knew he had placed the headphones over her ears in an act to comfort her, to protect her, and to apologize.

Haruhi wanted to say something to him, anything, but she feared the thunder around them; It beat against the walls, shaking them, vibrating in her chest. Even though she couldn't hear it… she knew it was still there, trying to break through to her.

"Hikaru…" Haruhi whispered softly as she snuggled closer into his side, shivering slightly from the cold. She wrapped the altar blanket tightly around herself, but the flimsy fabric barely blocked the cold.

"I'm here, Haruhi. Don't worry." The boy tightened his arm around her, gently lifting her so that she sat snuggly on his lap. "Better?"

"A-A little…"

Haruhi pressed the headphones tighter to her ears, trying to drown out the soft echoing of thunder. A blush rose to her cheeks as she felt Hikaru's rough yet gentle fingers gliding over the fabric covering her arm. His touch was so… serene.

Haruhi thought back to when Tamaki had held her during the last storm. She hadn't felt this calm in his arms. Sure he was trying to soothe her with light touches and soft words, but the way Hikaru held her tightly… there was something other then comfort floating around inside of her. Haruhi knew the feeling, but kept it hidden deep inside of her, almost in fear of it. The feeling was slowly growing inside of her with each caress of Hikaru's fingers, and Haruhi was sure it was going to be able to overpower the key she used to lock it away.

As she thought about the way she felt so calm and… worthy in Hikaru's arms, Haruhi hadn't noticed the way her head was bobbing softly further into his chest, the way her eyelids had grown so heavy.

Hikaru glanced down at the sleeping girl in his arms. She looked so peaceful and beautiful as she slept. When she wakes up… maybe I should tell her how I feel… Even if she doesn't feel the same… at least I will have get it off my chest… But no. I mean, I don't know. I can't just open up to her like that… Not like the way I do to Kaoru. But… it was Kaoru who told me I needed to be more open to people… Dammit…

The boy looked back down at his sleeping companion and sighed, pulling her closer. He didn't know how long she would sleep; However long it took, he had time to think about what he'd do.

*.*

Haruhi stirred slightly, a gentle warmth touching her cheek. As she opened her eyes, blinking to allow her brown eyes to adjust, she realized that the sun was out. A small smile graced her lips as she felt the warm kiss from the sun on her face. At least the storm was over.

She stirred slightly, tugging the headphones over her head and resting them on her lap. A soft, warm breath swept over her face, causing Haruhi to look up. Red rose to her cheeks as she saw Hikaru sleeping. His eyes closed, head tilted downwards towards her, his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

Haruhi tried to climb off his lap, but couldn't since Hikaru tightened his grip and mumbled softly as he slept. As his breath swept over her face again, Haruhi couldn't help but stare at him. He's so… No! What are you think?! Stop that, Haruhi!