# Nakama

## A Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu fanfiction

### by Brian Randall

Disclaimer: The series begun with the light novel 'The Melancholy of Suzumiya
Haruhi'/'Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu' is the creation of Nagaru Tanigawa. No
disrespect is intended with the creation of this work.

* * *

I had managed to get some rest after that strange dream, but was still feeling
sluggish and drained when I trudged into the classroom. It would be the
weekend soon, and I was greatly looking forward to our now regular get-
together. Nagato hosted us, typically, and by Haruhi's decree, it was a pot-
luck style affair.

This meant bringing one or two ingredients and handing them over to Haruhi,
who was the unquestioned queen of the kitchen. Koizumi and I would stay safely
out of her way and idle in the living room, while Haruhi explained the basics
of cooking to Asahina-san, who took every instruction as a fascinating new
insight. Lately, the upperclassman had gained the courage to try her hand at a
few side-dishes, leaving her positively glowing with satisfaction when we
praised her.

In fairness, Asahina-san was at least my mother's equal.

Nagato sat with Koizumi and myself, playing games or just reading a book,
depending on her mood. When asked why she didn't join Haruhi in the kitchen,
she dodged additional work with the explanation that, "Suzumiya Haruhi is a
superior cook."

Haruhi managed to keep from blushing too darkly at the praise, but didn't
pressure Nagato after that.

Cleanup afterward fell to Koizumi and I, but the distribution of labor seemed
fair by my reckoning.

Such thoughts were not foremost on my mind, admittedly, as I was still
contemplating that dream. I tried to focus on the weekend more, but couldn't
banish the output of my slumbering mind so easily.

When I stepped into the classroom, I saw that Haruhi had beaten me there,
looking even more tired than I felt; she'd done her hair up in the best
ponytail she could manage with her hair at it's current length.

I took my seat before asking, "Rough night?"

"Strange dream," she answered, blowing out a sigh and rubbing at her cheeks.
"It woke me up in the middle of the night and I couldn't get back to
sleep...."

What an interesting coincidence. "Was it a nightmare?"

"Worse," she answered, sighing. "When you have a nightmare, you wake up and
it's over; you can be relieved that it's gone. When you have a truly wonderful
dream, you wake up and have lost everything. I'd rather have nightmares every
night than a dream of something fantastic that I can see when I'm asleep, but
not in the real world."

"I guess that makes sense," I said thoughtfully. "In fact, I once had a
dream...." She turned to look at me directly, eyebrows rising in interest.

"It was some time ago," I amended. "In middle school-- But I dreamed that
classes were canceled for a day. Somehow, I knew it was a dream, and instead
of enjoying that time off, I was just upset that I would wake up and not have
it."

"In that case, maybe it's better to not know it was a dream, so you can at
least enjoy it a little before you lose it," she said thoughtfully, relaxing
as her gaze went to the nearby windows.

That could be true as well, I supposed. "What did you dream about?" I
wondered.

"E...eh, I'll tell you ... later," she mumbled, shaking her head. "Never mind
that for now." She paused to toy with some loose hair that had escaped her
ponytail, frowning at nothing in particular while avoiding meeting my gaze.
"Do you think I should grow my hair out?"

I wasn't sure what brought that question on, so I settled back into my chair.
"Well, it's up to you," I said slowly. "You might attract a great crowd of
admirers, though, as I heard you did through middle school!"

"Eh...." Was her wordless reply, releasing the hair she was curling about one
finger to stare at the board. "Maybe at some point later, then," she mused
quietly. "This is easier to manage."

"Then, doesn't that suit you?"

She made a sound in reply, but her gaze was distant, her thoughts elsewhere.

Despite being tired, I managed to focus on my lessons after that. Though
Haruhi typically sat next to me and discussed plans for the club, or even just
groused about work during lunch, today she was distracted. Nozomu pounced
almost as soon as the bell rang. "Haruhi-chan!" she called, grinning. "Um,
hmm, I want to ask you for some advice!"

Haruhi raised her eyebrows and shrugged. "Looking for part-time work?" she
wondered.

"Uhm...." Nozomu's cheeks were a faint pink as she shook her head lightly.
"It's a secret," she said with a significant glance at me.

"Should I give you some space?" I wondered, despite being curious as to the
topic of conversation.

"Well, maybe you could help, too," Nozomu said thoughtfully, glancing at the
class rep, where he was chatting with some other boys in our classroom.
"See...." Her voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned a bit closer to Haruhi
and explained, "It's about--"

"Ah-- W-we should discuss that elsewhere!" Haruhi said quickly, her eyes
widening as the exhaustion marking her face abruptly vanished. She hopped to
her feet with her normal energy and shook her head furiously. "Um, come on,
Nozomu-chan!"

The other girl was hauled behind Haruhi at a speed the track club would have
hung their heads and wept in envy over. It was another two years until the
next Olympics, but the 8th Asian Games would be in Thailand in the coming
December. I was absolutely certain that she would be able to train herself to
compete in that time, if she had wanted to!

Of course, that wasn't what she actually spent her energy on; when I'd
offhandedly mentioned her capability once, she'd dismissed it as 'boring' and
insisted she had better things to do with her time.

In the meantime, I did wonder what prompted her haste. She was out of my view,
but looking into the hall I could see Asahina-san standing outside the
doorway, looking after Haruhi and offering a charming smile at the girl who
was her roommate and friend. Turning to look into the classroom, Asahina-san's
eyes widened as they met mine, and she jumped slightly, before raising a hand
in a nervous wave.

Shrugging, I climbed to my feet and moved to the hall, since I hadn't
unwrapped my bento yet. "Hello, Asahina-san," I greeted her. "What brings you
to this class?"

I was carefully oblivious to the envious stares of the other boys in the
classroom. Touching her pointer fingers together and shooting one last glance
at the corridor Haruhi had vanished down, she giggled, for some reason. Unable
to meet my eyes when I drew close, she asked, "Um ... could I speak to you for
a few minutes, Kyon-kun?"

I couldn't say 'no' to that, could I?

I shrugged and stepped through the doorway in answer. She beckoned me to
follow, still smiling.

"You're quite cheerful today," I had to remark. Not that I could complain;
like Haruhi, Asahina-san is a person I thought should always have reasons to
be happy. And shame on the person who gave her a reason to feel otherwise!

"Ah, I--" She cut off and looked evasive, reminding me again of my younger
sister. In almost a mumble, she said, "Suzumiya-san just told me about a
strange dream she had last night -- um, but nevermind that!"

Well, I supposed it wasn't any of my business, even if I _was_ curious. If
Haruhi wanted me to know, she'd tell me in her own time. "I see...."

Not much of an answer, but that seemed to be my pathetic default.

I was mildly surprised to find that Asahina-san lead us to the clubroom -- on
occasion we'd eat lunch together there during work days. After setting my
bento on the table I nodding to Nagato, who was already deep in a new title.
My faltering English picked out, 'Ringworld,' before turning my attention back
to Asahina-san.

Her cheer had faded to a look of consternation as she closed the door and
hesitated. "Um ... how to say it..." she hedged. "Ah, well ... Kyon-kun, have
you noticed that Suzumiya-san seems to not like her uniform?"

Well, as a matter of fact, I _had_. I nodded at that as I took a seat.
Fidgeting for a moment, Asahina-san brightened as she turned her attention to
the tea set that Haruhi had taken with her before leaving Kitago, and began
preparing a batch of tea.

While waiting for the water to boil, Asahina-san hedged, "Um ... somehow ... I
want to help Suzumiya-san, but I think she wouldn't be happy if I were too
direct about it?"

Nagato looked up and nodded her agreement, pausing to adjust her glasses and
watching us curiously instead of going back to the pages.

"That's certainly true," I agreed, shrugging.

"So ... what do you think I should do that she wouldn't mind?" Asahina-san
posed.

My expression must have twisted to a grimace; this was a difficult question
indeed, wasn't it? I couldn't meet either her gaze or Nagato's, and my eyes
wandered as I wracked my brain. Why couldn't I be sharper about things like
this? Haruhi would have found a way to handle it, I was sure....

My roving attention settled on the stewardess costume that Haruhi frequently
wore, and then moved on to the potted bamboo that Nagato had brought into the
room. Still trying to pick out something that would give me a clue or an idea,
my eyes flicked from tanzaku to tanzaku before I jumped to my feet in
realization. My chair scooted back loudly and Asahina-san squeaked in alarm,
almost spilling the tea she was just pouring.

"Ah-- Was it-- Do you know something?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes -- I think so," I said slowly. "Though, in truth, it was you and Nagato-
san who provided the clues-- Asahina-san, you want to improve your sewing
skills, don't you?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed. Tilting her head to one side, she said, "But ... I don't
think I could make a uniform? The handbook says that uniforms must be
professionally made, too...."

I waved a hand. "That's true, but it wouldn't stop Haruhi," I countered. "And
I think she'd be good enough it would be very hard for anyone to tell, anyway.
But that's not the point. What is important is the fact that while Haruhi
wouldn't be happy about a gift she felt she couldn't pay back, it's just a
question of how you present it. Haruhi's great at sewing, isn't she?"

"Yes," Asahina-san said slowly, pausing to shoot an admiring glance at the
stewardess costume before she served out tea for the three of us. "But I don't
understand?"

"She mentioned her parents had a sewing machine.... Learning how to use one of
those might be difficult, but she already knows how -- so if you were to get
one for yourself, and let her use it to teach _you_ how to sew...."

Asahina-san's eyes lit up in understanding as Nagato nodded slowly, remarking,
"Efficient."

"Ah!" Asahina-san exclaimed cheerfully, seizing me in a hug that briefly
blanked my mind of the ability to think straight. This was the second time I'd
been hugged in that room, and while it wasn't as significant as the other, I
would be lying if I said it were unpleasant. "That's brilliant, Kyon-kun!"

Of course -- this was the moment when the door opened again, and Haruhi
stepped in, Koizumi just behind her.

Haruhi stared for a long minute, as Asahina-san squeaked and paled, releasing
me and jumping away as though burned. "Um-- Um-- Er--"

"What's _this_ all about?" Haruhi asked dourly, her expression sullen.

"Uh," I stammered, any 'brilliance' I had wasted and spent on the idea that
had cheered Asahina-san so.

"E...eeh," Asahina-san whimpered.

"Asahina Mikuru asked for advice on learning how to sew," Nagato supplied
quietly, raising her teacup. "It was suggested that you might be able to teach
her."

"Well, I _could_," Haruhi drawled, frowning as she and Koizumi entered,
setting their bento boxes on the table. "What brought this up?"

"The-- Competition!" Asahina-san yelped quickly, smiling. "Um, I want to try
my hardest, like you said, so should learn sewing better!"

"Ah," Haruhi sighed, cocking her head to one side. "At this rate, I just might
lose."

"No, no--" Asahina-san stuttered. "Um, Kyon-kun had good advice, and I was so
happy -- um, he's like a very clever little brother!"

Curiously, such a remark didn't sting me the way I thought it should. I
remembered a day in a different clubroom when Asahina-san cried over something
Haruhi had done -- before she'd come to regard the girl as such a close
friend. Thinking of that, I couldn't help but mutter, softly enough that
Haruhi could hear, and Asahina-san couldn't, "While that's similar to my own
feelings, I somehow feel more like she's the younger one...."

Haruhi snorted at that, her grim expression finally washing away. "Well, I
don't mind teaching you, Mikuru-chan -- you had only to ask, after all! Hmm,
it's easier with a sewing machine, but that's fine. We'll need some thread and
needles, and I think a good practice project for you would be to make a
stuffed animal. It does take patience, however!"

"Ah, um, could you, maybe, help me pick out a machine?" Asahina-san asked
hopefully. "Maybe.... I could meet you after work?"

Haruhi's eyes narrowed in suspicion.

Did she see through our little plot already? "Well.... The department store
_does_ offer an employee discount," she said slowly. "Alright -- I'll help you
save a little bit of money and teach you how to use a sewing machine."

"Um, and it's only fair that if you want, you can use it, too," Asahina-san
added, smiling brightly.

Sighing softly, unable to hide a smile, Haruhi groused, "I see.... Well, I
suppose that's true. I might as well pick out some cloth myself. I can afford
that, at least." She gave me an appraising glance, frowning in realization.
"Oh ... but that means I won't be able to go visit Kyon's charming little
sister...."

"It's for something important," I countered. "She'll understand."

Asahina-san set tea cups before her and Koizumi before claiming her own seat,
still pleased with herself. I couldn't fault her in the slightest!

"What did Nozomu want to talk to you about anyway, Haruhi?" I wondered,
sampling my mother's cooking.

"Ah, it-- Nothing important," Haruhi coughed, looking away, her cheeks red for
some reason.

Well, I'd just take her word for that. I was sure if it _was_ important, it
would come up later, wouldn't it?

* * *

It was fortunate that Saturdays were only half-days at Hikami Gakuen. Even
though work shifts were slightly longer on Saturdays, thanks to the shortened
school hours, they ended earlier, and homework could be put off until the next
day -- Sunday.

We technically had a small window between class and work that was longer than
it took to ride the train to work; Koizumi told us to go ahead and that he'd
take a later train, as he needed to discuss something with one of his
teachers. Haruhi and I decided to loiter and stroll through the park nearer
the train station to wait for him, and let the initial rush of departing
students clear out before we braved boarding.

She heaved a sigh, looking up at a tree's branches as we walked beneath it.
"Kyon?" she asked abruptly, looking at me sidelong.

"Hmm?"

"Ha...have you ever confessed to someone?" she asked. At my blank stare, she
hurriedly glanced around to see no one was in earshot before hastily adding,
"That-- That's what Nozomu-chan was asking me for advice about, you see...."

"Oh," I said in belated understanding. For a moment, I'd thought she'd somehow
divined my dream, and meant to question me about the unfortunately imaginary
confession there. She seemed anxious about it, but if there was one person I
felt I could trust with this, it would be Haruhi.

"Yeah," I admitted, thinking back. "There was ... one person."

"Ah? Who?" she demanded, eyes sparking with some light I couldn't quite place.

I rubbed the back of my neck with one hand and had to look away, sorting my
thoughts out. "Well.... In middle school, I offered my feelings to a girl I
studied with, and ... it didn't work out." When I glanced back, I saw that
Haruhi had gone pale, looking torn between anger and utter confusion.

"That is-- I should start from the beginning," I realized with a sigh. "Um....
We shared a class in middle school, but didn't become particularly close until
near the end of our third year. We ended up both needing extra study sessions,
but unable to afford a tutor or cram school; thanks to that, we spent a lot of
time at the library.

"At first we were only study partners, but after only a few sessions we became
friends. I thought she was remarkably perceptive, and she was able to help me
get my miserable test scores high enough to hope for...." I trailed off there
with a gesture, not particularly wanting to discuss Kitago at the moment.

"I-- I see!" Haruhi exclaimed, pursing her lips. "But why didn't she go with
you...." The girl at my side trailed off curiously.

"I don't consider myself particularly brave, though," I allowed after a
thoughtful pause. "When it was confirmed that we would both graduate, before
we started testing for our new school, I offered to walk home with her
afterwards. She didn't particularly seem to mind, so I became a bit hopeful.
As we approached her house, I tried to subtly explain the history of my
family. I couldn't ... imagine not being open about that, since it's still so
problematic for some people."

"By 'some people' you clearly mean 'idiots'," Haruhi opined firmly, scowling.
"And because of _that_--"

"No, no, not at all," I corrected hastily. "Ah ... when I explained it, her
reaction was to remark that such history had no bearing on her, and she
considered us good friends anyway."

"...oh," Haruhi mused softly. Shaking her head, she asked, "But why tell her,
then?"

"If she _couldn't_ accept that about me, would I want to be involved with such
a person?" I asked.

Haruhi's eyebrows rose, and she uncrossed her arms; I hadn't even noticed her
crossing them. "That makes sense," she allowed.

"When she seemed so positive about things, I ... managed the courage to
confess my feelings to her," I mumbled, shifting my shoulders and looking
away. "She was actually quite surprised. It took her a moment to compose
herself, but she explained it to me that she hadn't been looking to be
involved with anyone for some time. She was flattered, but she was planning on
becoming a successful career woman. Even if my family history wasn't relevant
to her, she wondered if we could handle the combined difficulties she expected
her life would invite to interfere with mine."

"O...oh," Haruhi said after a quiet pause.

"And likewise, thinking about it ... it would be difficult enough for a woman
to prove herself able to succeed in this world. How much harder would it be
with ... my issues joined to hers? I stood to make things even more
problematic than what she intended to face. I felt that if I pushed the issue,
she would relent; she admitted that she _did_ care for me, and if I
insisted....

"But I am not particularly couragous. Certainly, I couldn't stand the idea of
me ruining her chance at a more positive life, could I?"

I shrugged again, heaving one last great sigh. "In the end, we simply remained
close friends. Thinking about things further, I decided I would follow her
example and focus to the best of my abilities; I would put off pursuing, um,
romance until after I completed college. Then, if I wanted to try and move to
avoid the past, it would be much simpler...."

Though it was the same word, Haruhi's final, "Oh," was even more subdued. She
followed it with a line I had regretted using myself: "I see...."

"Why don't we sit?" I asked, gesturing to an empty bench with a view of the
train station. "If you're tired, you can rest or nap for a bit, and I'll wake
you when Koizumi comes around."

"Yeah, okay," she agreed in a subdued voice. She looked exhausted, so slumped
to the park bench when I stopped there. Her eyes closed as she leaned back,
and I mulled over those thoughts. "Thanks," she added quietly.

How was my good friend? We hadn't spoken in too long. I hoped she was well ...
that she somehow found someone as reliable and supportive as I had to help her
out. Unlike Haruhi, I couldn't nap in the face of those memories, though.
Instead, while we waited for Koizumi, I mulled them over.

Was that dream, maybe, my own mind telling me I should be more willing to move
forward, and that I shouldn't need to wait until college? Especially after how
far Haruhi had gone?

* * *

Haruhi ultimately did fall asleep, groggily waking and stumbling after me to
board the train; since we had chosen a later one, she did get a chance to
sleep again on the train. When she woke from the second part of her nap, and
we walked toward our work, she rubbed at her eyes sleepily.

"You seem excitable," I remarked to Koizumi as we crossed the street.
Contrasted to Haruhi, the observation was impossible to ignore.

"Despite having trouble sleeping last night, I found myself curiously
refreshed this morning," he mused, spreading his arms in a shrug, the weight
of his bag in one hand not unbalancing or slowing him. "But I also am looking
forward to tomorrow!"

"Really?" I wondered. "Did we have something special planned I forgot about?"

"Nope," Haruhi said authoritatively, muffling a yawn. "Homework and hanging
out, just like normal ... though I might also walk Mikuru-chan through some
basic sewing instructions. I'm a bit excited about that, actually! It's been a
while since I was able to use a machine -- I can start making fun costumes
again! It's really just the cost of materials, and they're cheap, if you're
willing to do the work!"

"Oh?" Koizumi wondered, one hand going to his chin thoughtfully. "Should Kyon-
kun and I be gathering materials so that you can make costumes for us?"

"Eh-- No, I--" She paused, frowning as we crossed the street toward the
building we worked in, the crowds moving around us. "Hmm, maybe," she allowed.
"What costumes would you want?"

"That's a good question!" Koizumi replied, chuckling. "Kyon-kun and I will
have to think about it while we work!"

Costumes, huh? "All I can think of right now is something to wear to
festivals, but that would be for everyone," I offered, shrugging. I knew my
mother, at least, would _love_ to get a proper yukata for my sister.

"That's a good start, actually," Haruhi agreed, nodding. Shortly after that,
we were through the door to the break room. After Koizumi and I clocked in and
donned our gloves, Haruhi finished tying her smock into place. "Work hard!"
she encouraged us.

Koizumi and I echoed the customary encouragement back to her, and we went
through our separate doors. Haruhi to the store's main floor, and us to the
warehouse and loading docks.

Boss Teuchi glanced over at the pair of us from the roll-up door to the
loading dock, wearing his own worn tank-top and work-gloves. "Alright," he
said, nodding in greeting. "Saturday, so not many trucks. Me and Kaiza will
handle the unloading; I want you two to rotate the boxes in storage shelf one
and two -- anything that's been there more than three weeks gets pulled off
and put into the return pile."

"Got it, Boss," I replied, saluting tiredly, as Koizumi echoed me, already
moving to the flat-bed cart.

Moving stock was my least favorite part of working, as it was less interesting
and had fewer opportunities to idle and recover. Well, work was work; Haruhi
would be even busier than us, thanks to it being the weekend!

"Did you have any interesting dreams last night?" I wondered as we reached the
edge of the stack of boxes we had to move, more to spark conversation than
from real curiosity.

He paused momentarily, putting on a thoughtful expression before grabbing the
first of the boxes we had to move. "I don't remember anything specific," he
said with a shrug. "I've read that we almost always dream, even if we don't
remember it. I suppose I must have dreamed something."

"Can you be really sure?" I asked, alternating with him to load up the cart.

"Well," he said thoughtfully, "it may be an assumption -- but we make
assumptions about many things in our life.

"Really, Chuang Tse asks if he might be a butterfly dreaming he is a man. The
same could be true for us. Are we really here? Are we _us_?" He paused to
shift some boxes, and I made no reply. He had sometimes nonsensical threads of
thought, and absolutely seemed to adore philosophy. I wasn't the biggest fan,
but didn't honestly mind listening.

"We assume we're real," he continued, "most of the time. We could be figments
of someone else's dreams, for all we can tell. What if I -- for example --
were just a shadow in someone else's mind, and they'd had a good dream? I
might have a positive feeling from them, thanks to that, despite not having
memory of it!"

"But you remember other dreams from your life," I countered. "Don't you?"

"I think I do!" he said with a shrug, smiling.

I had to resist rolling my eyes at him good-naturedly. Grunting slightly at a
heavier box, I shifted it over and added, "I get what you're saying about the
assumptions, though."

"You're the historian," he prompted. "What do you think?"

"I think we need to be aware of our immediate surroundings, and deal with them
accordingly," I answered. "If reality is a dream, we're not waking up from it
-- and that means we need to move these boxes or we don't get a paycheck."

Koizumi chuckled at that as he moved to push the loaded cart over to where we
would pull the boxes off and arrange for them to be returned. "That's a
historical answer?" he asked.

"More a cultural thing," I said with a shrug, helping guide the cart while he
pushed, so it didn't veer to one side. "I mean, philosophy is an aspect of
culture that wasn't able to emerge until after man had evolved to the point
where they were no longer living hand-to-mouth, and had progressed beyond the
hunter-gatherer stage."

When we reached the sorting area, Boss Teuchi gave us a blank look, then
glanced over his shoulder to where Kaiza was maneuvering another cart into
position, mouthing the words, "Butterfly dreams?"

Kaiza shook his head and shrugged, as if to say, "What can you do?"

So Koizumi and I were an oddball pair that talked about probably nonsensical
things. I didn't mind, though; the pair of them judged us part-timers on our
ability to do our jobs, not our interests -- and at the end of the day, that
was a net positive.

"Of course," Koizumi mused, "we are making the assumption again that such a
thing happened."

"I'm okay with-- Oof--" I paused until Koizumi could help me with a
particularly heavy box. Once it was in place, I restarted, "I'm okay with
that, though; we may never really be able to answer the questions that
Descartes or Socrates pose, but if we can some day unravel the questions asked
by Darwin, that will satisfy me."

"Some mysteries may be easier to solve than others!" Koizumi agreed.

Sighing, Teuchi chuckled, "Once you two start taking college classes, I think
my head will simply explode trying to follow your conversations."

"Sorry!" Koizumi chuckled, while I ducked my head.

Kaiza snorted and rolled his eyes. "Nah, you guys got a good future ahead of
you; nothing to apologize for, as long as you keep up the good work," he
supplied. "Though, maybe some day, I can talk you into tutoring my kid?"

"What subject?" I wondered, as the cart was emptied and we prepared for the
next load.

"History," Kaiza said, grinning. "That's your specialty, right?"

"Probably the only thing I might be remotely qualified to help out with," I
agreed wryly. "Anything else, I'm sure Koizumi-kun's got me beat on."

"Ah, I'm nothing compared to Suzumiya-san," Koizumi demurred cheerfully.

"Well, if you're up for it, we should talk about it some time next week --
kid's going to get summer school for sure, and if you could help him keep up,
I'd really appreciate it!"

"That sounds fine to me," I allowed.

When Teuchi stepped out onto the dock, Kaiza winked and added, in a quieter
voice, "We look out for one-another, right?"

"Eh?" I wondered, while Koizumi studiously examined the label of the next box.

Kaiza clarified, though quietly, "I went to school with your father, I think.
Tadamichi Yuuto?"

I could only nod in surprise at that, but Kaiza only relaxed at the
confirmation, grinning more widely. "Well -- if you can help, I'd be grateful.
Can't afford a _lot_, but...."

"I'd be happy to help," I said honestly. "Everyone deserves a chance, right?"

"I'll need some help with this box right now!" Koizumi interjected
apologetically, just before boss Teuchi stepped back in.

Well, that -- more than anything -- was a reminder that even if my job weren't
glamorous, it was one I didn't mind. Some day, if I managed to finish college,
I would want to reach higher, but for the time being....

* * *

After a grueling day of work, Koizumi, Haruhi, and myself stepped out, Haruhi
looking especially tired, but pleased with herself. "Alright," she said,
putting her hands on her hips and nodding decisively. "Mikuru-chan should meet
me out front, and then ... well, apologize to your mother and sister for me,
Kyon!"

"They'll understand, Haruhi," I assured her, smirking. "I hope you have fun."

"Will you need help carrying anything?" Koizumi wondered.

"Ah, I'm fine," Haruhi insisted, waving a hand. "You've worked hard enough
already! Anyway, I'll see you both tomorrow -- don't forget, or it's a
penalty!"

Of course.... "Take care then, Haruhi," I called, as she nodded at us and
strode around the building.

"Well," Koizumi remarked, looking at his watch thoughtfully, "I think I'll
pick something up and surprise my family on the way home-- You take care as
well, Kyon-kun."

"You, too," I replied, before stretching my arms over my head. Ah, I'd gotten
spoiled with Haruhi's company on the way home after work, hadn't I? Too bad!
I'd see her tomorrow anyway, and....

I sighed to myself. I had to admit, especially after that dream, that I
_liked_ Haruhi. I was still just at a complete loss as to what I should _do_
about it. I wandered slowly toward the train station, not really paying
attention to my surroundings as I thought about the possibilities. What could
I do? What would Haruhi accept?

I couldn't put _too_ much stock in a dream, no matter how real it felt; much
of that, as Koizumi had unintentionally suggested, was based on assumptions,
not truths. I knew Haruhi had to have _some_ feelings for me, but was it worth
the risk of ruining our friendship? Was there anything wrong with just biding
my time?

Or was I being a coward?

Before I reached the station, or reached anything approaching a satisfying
answer to that question, a voice roused me-- "Hey-- _Hey_! Are you-- Are you
called 'Kyon'?"

I nearly walked into a light-post in surprise-- A salary-man in a nice looking
sedan was leaning toward me from his seat in the car. I couldn't really say he
looked familiar, so could only stare in bafflement. He was heavyset, and
looked as tired as I felt, and ... somehow, both defeated and determined.

"I-- I am," I admitted, stopping in my tracks and frowning. He didn't look
like a detective ... or at least not my image of one. Aside from which, even
if he was, set out to expose my not-very-secret ancestry, the people I most
cared about already knew and didn't care. "What's this about?"

Taking a breath, he glanced around; a few people had noticed him and were
giving the pair of us curious looks. "I'd like to speak with you," he
explained. "Uh ... I'll give you a ride home in exchange for some of your
time?"

...well, I wasn't afraid of being kidnapped, exactly. There were witnesses
around anyway, and as tired as my feet were.... It occurred to me he might be
a lawyer, possibly even from the Burakumin Liberation League. Even though my
uncle warned me not to deal with them if I could help it, he had also taught
me how to guard my tongue, and I could use a ride home.

"Sure," I agreed. I wasn't about to mention the League when other people
passing by could hear it; even if I was fine with some people knowing, there
was no reason to advertise it. He sighed in relief as I climbed in, closing
the door behind me. I gave directions to get us headed toward the district
where I lived, and he nodded, pulling into traffic and smoothly moving along.

He said nothing for most of the drive, just looking intent, and as though he
were trying to muster his determination.

What was that about?

Even if I did appreciate the ride ... just in case, I directed him to a park
near my home, instead of giving him my address. He seemed to not mind at all,
and pulled into the parking lot, sighing and turning the car's engine off.
Since I could leave at any time, I wasn't worried, though I was a bit
confused.

"You-- You know Haruhi-chan?" he posed, turning to regard me, his face cast
slightly orange in the setting sun.

"Yeah," I admitted, frowning, surprised by his familiarity with her. "What's
this about, anyway?"

He took an unsteady breath, and couldn't meet my eyes when he blurted out,
"Aki-- Aki-chan means well, but she's just got ... some pride issues, you
know? I love her dearly, but I care about Haruhi-chan too!"

I blinked in astonishment. Who was this? How did he know Haruhi?

"What kind of man would I be if I didn't want the best for my family?" he
continued, forcibly unclenching his hands from the steering wheel and reaching
beneath his coat. His grip was shaking as he pulled an envelope out. "I want
... to do the best for them, so -- please, take this. I know ... if you care
about Haruhi-chan, you'll do the right thing."

It wasn't until I accepted the envelope in confusion and opened it up that I
realized what it was -- who this _person_ was. The amount of money inside the
envelope was more than I made in a week -- possibly more than my _father_ made
in a week! I was staggered. I worked hard for the money I made, but this....

And then it clicked that this was Haruhi's father. I turned to stare at his
nervous expression.

I was not a person who got angry easily, or very often. If it might be
prideful to say, I consider myself fairly calm. But in this instance, even
though I did get angry, I was grateful, too, because my feelings told me how I
truly thought about Haruhi in a single heartbeat. That dream was enough to
understand, but I supposed I was the type of person who could benefit from
additional reminders, wasn't I?

I wanted to be with Haruhi -- I wanted to be _worthy_ of Haruhi. After what
she'd done and sacrificed, even if she did miss her parents ... to throw away
what she'd worked so hard for, what she'd risked ... and accept a _bribe_ to
step out of her life? I wrenched the door open and practically leaped out of
the car.

My teeth were gritted together, and I didn't shout, by my voice certainly rose
as I said, "Listen, _you_!" very rudely. "If you think I'm going to try and
cheapen Haruhi's choice, you're _dead wrong_! So you can take this money and
_burn_ it for all I care!" With that, I flung the envelope at him.

Of course, it was an envelope, and it tumbled harmlessly into the empty seat
at his side-- Instead of looking angry, or like a thwarted villain, that man
-- Haruhi's father -- looked crushed, on the verge of tears.

"No!" he cried anxiously. "Wait-- I didn't-- I didn't mean _that_!"

I froze before turning about in an angry huff and storming home. As angry as
the idea made me ... he _was_ Haruhi's father. And she was someone I cared
enough about to listen to him on her behalf. "What _did_ you mean, then?" I
asked cautiously.

"We-- Let's start over," he said anxiously, grabbing the envelope and getting
out of the car. "I'll--" He broke off as he spotted a vending machine and
nodded at it. "I'll buy you a drink, and we can discuss this reasonably!"

Even if my feelings had suddenly crystallized, I felt I had to give him the
benefit of the doubt, so I nodded grudgingly as he closed the car doors and
went to the vending machine, hands trembling. "I'm an idiot," he said softly,
managing to put enough coins into the machine to get two cans of Karupisu
Soda. He handed one to me and motioned encouragingly for me to drink.

Grudgingly, I took the cue and carefully pulled the tab off, sipping the
unfamiliar beverage. I would have preferred a glass of milk, but that didn't
come in vending machines, and this was a treat for me in any case.

"I didn't say that right," he sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I didn't ... want
to bribe you to leave my daughter alone."

"What did you want to just -- to just _give_ me money for, then?" I asked
cautiously.

He barked a short, bitter laugh out. "Haruhi-chan is like her mother," he
explained hesitantly. "You-- Well, you have to know Haruhi-chan by now!
Neither of them would be willing to back down.... I'm glad ... that you care
strongly enough to say what you did, though. If you ... were to accept a bribe
like that, my daughter would not be willing to crawl back and beg for her
mother's forgiveness anyway. Such a thing would only ... make her life more
difficult."

"I'm sorry," I said contritely, my anger giving way completely to guilt.

"I'm not," he said, his nervousness fading as he offered a weak grin.
"Like.... Like I said! You're willing to stand next to her, and defend her
choices. I'm ... glad for her that it's the case. I didn't ... mean to test
your loyalty to her, though I am happy to see it!" He sighed and raked a hand
through his thinning hair.

"My daughter, like her mother, is strong-willed. Those two ... have clashed in
the past," he said slowly. "Um, I want what's best for both of them, even if I
can't ... oppose Aki-chan directly. I can't change Haruhi-chan's mind, either.
But I care about both -- you understand, don't you?"

I nodded at his sidelong glance, sipping from the drink he'd given me again.

"So.... Some day, Aki-chan will come around. She ... is a bit old fashioned,"
he added with a wince. "I think if she were to meet you.... Well, it's her
pride, and Haruhi-chan's, that's the real issue. But ... I think if she's
given enough time, and Haruhi-chan _can_ make it on her own, Aki-chan will
have to realize that she must respect our daughter's choices."

I thought about the indirect way that Asahina-san had to arrange for Haruhi to
get a sewing machine. I could understand what he meant about pride! It was a
bit humbling that it was really _my_ fault that such an issue had come up; no
matter how I might want to deny it, it was Haruhi's pride in accepting ...
_me_ that caused this divide.

On the other hand.... "But your wife would still have issues with me?" I asked
hesitantly.

Haruhi's father sighed glumly. "That ... she'll come around on, too," he
mumbled. "Honestly, it's admitting that Haruhi-chan can make her own choices
that's the bigger problem."

We were silent for a long minute at that, as Haruhi's father sighed, finishing
his drink. At that moment ... I could only feel sympathy for him. At least ...
he didn't seem to judge me, and I couldn't even find it in me to resent
Haruhi's mother.

Placing the empty can carefully in a rubbish bin, he continued,
"A...anyway.... I know how Haruhi is, and I've ... spent a little time trying
to track you down -- but you're always with her, so I could hardly approach
you without being obvious about it and letting her know."

"Why not?" I wondered. "I think ... Haruhi would be happy to talk to you,
wouldn't she?"

He winced. "But she wouldn't be happy that I couldn't stand up to Aki-chan,"
he said quietly. "Maybe ... no, there's no question about it. I'm just weak.
But ... I can work with you -- you can support Haruhi-chan, and I can ...
slowly encourage Aki-chan ... and some day, they can reconcile. I have to
believe that!"

I wanted to believe that, too, even if I wanted it to be sooner than later.
"When, do you think?" I asked cautiously.

He hesitated, eyes going to the empty sky as he considered. "Before you two
graduate college, at least," he said carefully. "But ... hopefully sooner than
that."

"I can't promise to hide ... well ... anything from Haruhi," I warned him. "I
trust her, and I think it's true that she trusts me, too -- so I don't want to
lie to her."

"I'm glad for her for that," he admitted. "But even so ... some time to let
both of them calm down first.... Well." He shook his head. "I do want to help
her, though -- but since I don't think I _can_, I'll settle for helping _you_
help her. That's ... what the money was for. It ... must be hard...." He
trailed off and shrugged.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but even _that_ would be tricky," I warned him.

"If she spends time with you and your family, I'm certain you'll find a way,"
he said insistently. "But if it can help make sure my daughter's healthy and
happy, then I'd be happy to give what I can." He produced the envelope again,
offering it toward me.

"I don't know if I can accept that," I said slowly.

"You can," he insisted anxiously. "I have to help her in _some_ way. Just ...
use it to pay for a date, maybe offer to buy her something nice -- you work,
and if you care for her, I know you'd be willing to do that for her if you had
the means, right?"

"I.... If she really digs and asks where the money came from, I won't lie to
her," I warned him.

He faltered briefly, but then nodded his understanding. "I may be too weak to
face her myself, but maybe if you can let her know that I -- and Aki-chan,
even if she won't admit it yet -- _do_ still care, then maybe that's for the
best," he agreed.

And even though I wasn't convinced, I accepted the envelope -- a bit surprised
when the man grabbed my hand firmly, giving it a strong, Western-style shake.
"I'm trusting you to take care of my daughter, because I can't," he warned,
smiling wanly.

I nodded, and he released my hand, looking even more exhausted -- but at least
faintly relieved.

"Maybe," I started hesitantly, when he took a few steps away. Clearing my
throat, I told him, "Maybe you should give me your phone number. Once in a
while ... maybe I can call you to let you know how she's doing."

He fumbled through his pockets and produced a business card eagerly. "Yes--
Absolutely," he agreed. "And ... while it might be a lot to hope for, maybe if
she's willing to talk to her mother some day...." He trailed off and nodded.
Coughing, he gave me one last smile, adding, "Though ... being entirely
honest, Aki-chan would be furious if she became a grandmother before she could
reconcile with her daughter."

"I-- Uh.... Thank you, Suzumiya-san," I managed, a bit shakily.

He paused, staring up at the night sky momentarily, then offered me a warm
smile. "You can call me Akira, Son," he insisted. "If my daughter doesn't mind
you calling her by name, then neither do I."

Leaving me with that thought -- as stunned as if I'd been struck upside the
head with a brick -- the full weight of what, 'Take care of my daughter,'
meant settled in.

I stared at the envelope dumbly as I mulled it over. A _date_? That _was_ what
I wanted, but wasn't certain about. An offhand comment like that....

...but I was being stupid, wasn't I? Haruhi had already made great sacrifices
to be with me, and was standing by her choice. I'd support her, for certain.
Hey! Even if her father _hadn't_ told me that, shouldn't I have been stepping
up to that challenge? What was the point in whining that I owed her and then
doing _nothing_?

He may have been right that Haruhi does have a certain amount of pride, but
she wasn't stupid by any means -- and she understood more than probably _I_
ever would.

After her father left, I found myself wandering about town aimlessly, still
trying to sort things out. He had saved me some time, but I wasn't quite ready
to go home and explain why Haruhi was too busy to my family. I had a lot to
mull over, and it was after the time that a train would have taken me home
when I stopped, realizing I had walked all the way to the downtown district
nearest home.

A long line of people waited to get into a nearby movie theater. I had only
ever been to a theater once, and that long ago ... but Haruhi's family had
gone often. Did she miss it? Wasn't it something she had enjoyed?

I craned my neck to look at the board displaying the name of the movie
everyone seemed so eager to see; the characters there hadn't been updated
since more than a week prior, announcing the release of a movie that had
opened on the thirtieth of the last month.

Well ... _there_ was an idea, wasn't there?

* * *

I was both nervous and excited for the next day, as Koizumi and I met at the
train station on the way to Nagato's place. I had anticipated my sister's
tantrum over not getting to see her, "Haru-nee," due to the sewing machine
project, and so she was tagging along with me, excited to be visiting my
friends.

If Koizumi was surprised that I brought my sister along, he didn't show it.
Since we were going to be doing homework, she had brought hers, as well -- and
even though I doubted Haruhi would complain, she brought her own contribution
to the pot-luck. My mother had declared that the minor expense of a package of
anpan from the market on the way to the train station was a worthwhile
expense, especially when I'd outlined my plan for the later evening.

I wanted my sister to be surrounded by friends who would accept her -- like I
had been lucky enough to find myself. While things were still going well for
her at school, I didn't think it would hurt at all if she were to get along
with the friends _I_ was proud of making, would it?

Naturally, despite -- or perhaps _because_ of -- her clumsy and tactless
questions about Nagato and Asahina-san being wealthy heiresses, they both
accepted her as easily as Haruhi, brushing aside my ... not entirely sincere
apologies for bringing her along.

The anpan may have helped with that.

But in a sense, my sister was a distraction ploy -- and while she engaged her
_new_ 'nee-chans,' I managed to corner Haruhi in the kitchen. Her ability to
handle multiple dishes at once was impressive, but she only glanced at me and
listed things she needed handed to her once she realized I was in the room.

"Haruhi," I posed, handing the bottle of soy sauce over to her. "Are you busy
tonight?"

She started, almost spilling too much in and gave me a curious, uncertain
look. "What did you have in mind?" she asked cautiously.

"Eh -- even though my little sister's here right now, would you like to have
dinner with my family? That is.... My mother missed you last night as well,
and ... you know how Imouto is when she doesn't get to see you," I offered.

"Oh, is that all?" she asked with a smirk, handing the bottle back to me. "Um,
mirin and ginger -- cabinet to the left of the stove."

I retrieved the requested ingredients and waited until she was done pouring
before adding, "There's also something I'd like to show you tonight ... if
you're willing."

"What's that?" she asked, frowning. "Why are you being so evasive, anyway?"

"Ah, well, it would be just us -- and my sister," I explained. "It's ... not
_much_, but I remember your wish to see something amazing?"

"You've found something?" she asked, staring at me in surprise.

"Eh, maybe it's nothing, really, but I believe it's something my sister would
love, and I thought...." I trailed off there.

Haruhi relaxed, smiling brightly. "Well, okay -- she's really adorable, so I
don't have any problems with it ... but your parents won't mind?"

I rolled my eyes, grabbing the cabbage when she asked for it. "Haruhi, if she
thought she'd get away with it, and Asahina-san and Nagato didn't need you, my
mom would move you into Imouto's room as it is," I chided her gently.

She snorted at me, even as her face flushed. "Set-- Set the table," she
instructed, turning away. "It'll be ready in a minute!"

I nodded, thinking more about the later plans than the fun we were already
having.

* * *

Of course, my sister didn't actually know about the plan either, though that
was how I wanted it. When we finished dinner with my family I led the pair of
them for a walk.

"What are we going to do?" my sister asked.

"It's a surprise," I announced.

Haruhi pursed her lips, staring at me suspiciously. "You think you're so
clever," she groused, though she couldn't help but smile anyway. "I don't know
what he has planned, either, Imouto, but if he's got a smile like that, it
must be something good!"

"Are we going to the zoo?" my sister asked excitedly. "Oh-- Or Miyokichi's?"

"You'll see," I told them.

My sister's legs got tired, especially after all the walking to Nagato's
place, so I had her climb on my back -- her weight was nothing compared to the
boxes at work, after all. When we rounded a corner and reached the end of the
line waiting to get into the theater, Haruhi started, almost walking past me
when I stopped. "What are we doing here?" she asked, frowning, her hands on
her hips.

"We're taking my sister to see a movie," I answered, unable to keep from
grinning. "I picked up the tickets last night-- I'd been saving up for a
while, after all!" And that part was entirely true, even if Haruhi's ticket
was paid for by her father -- technically.

Haruhi's mouth fell open a short distance and she turned to stare at the same
board I had previously. "What-- I-- Oh!"

"Ah?" my sister asked in surprise. "I can't read that title!" Pointing at the
board she declared, "That's 'Star', but what's the rest?"

"'Star Wars'?" Haruhi asked, eyes wide. "I've-- I've read about this in
magazines! It was _huge_ in America! Kyon-- How did-- You--"

She cut off, as my sister wriggled, and I crouched to let her stand on her own
-- hopping in excitement. "We're going to see a _movie_!?" she practically
exploded, the eagerness on her face a mirror for Haruhi's. "_Wow_!"

"Well ... it's not quite the same as getting to time travel, befriend an
esper, or actually _go_ to an alien world ... but unless Asahina-san's already
learned everything you have to teach her, you just might win that contest,
Haruhi," I said, shrugging.

Haruhi playfully punched my shoulder, though there wasn't any force in it.
"You tricked me into agreeing to see this!" she protested, eyes shining.

"Yeah, I guess I'm a terrible person," I agreed. "Good thing you're here to
protect my sister from my horrible influence."

"A...anyway," Haruhi added in a subdued voice, her cheeks red. "I think Yuki
is going to be the real winner...."

She might have been right, but I thought that if Nagato won, we all did -- so
that would be fine, too, wouldn't it?

* * *

Seeing a movie was more of an experience than I had recalled, but I think the
company was what made it memorable more than anything else. I _could_ have
tried to make it a proper date, but there was no reason to rush ... and even
though she could sometimes be annoying, I really didn't mind my sister getting
a treat like that, too.

Since there wasn't any rush, I wanted to do my best to do things right, after
all!

And ... maybe, just a little bit, my little sister made a convenient excuse to
help keep me from worrying that Haruhi only liked me as a friend. Dreams
aside, if there was _one_ person I didn't want to face rejection from....

Imouto fell asleep during the ending credits, so I ended up carrying her home.
Once we got there, my mother whisked her to bed, and my father and I gave
Haruhi the usual ride home.

Well ... Haruhi had been busy for the last few days, and fell asleep in the
car, despite her excitement. She'd pushed herself to try and help Asahina-san,
hadn't she? Knowing her, she _would_ do that....

If she had friends to look out for her, that seemed fine, though, so I managed
to pick her up without waking her-- Asahina-san must have heard the car pull
up, because she opened the door as I got there, gasping quietly, eyes
twinkling as she saw us.

Touching a fingertips to her lips with a wink, she gestured me inside. I
followed dutifully, seeing that Nagato and Asahina-san had been watching the
television; I only caught a title reading, 'Uchu kara no Messeji: Ginga
Taisen'.

Too bad Haruhi was asleep! It sounded like the sort of thing she'd be
interested in. Asahina-san and Nagato both ignored the show; the older girl
led the way after I kicked my shoes off, and Nagato efficiently set up
Haruhi's futon and bedding.

After I managed to set her down, still without waking her, I couldn't help but
notice a small, cheap picture frame sitting next to Haruhi's alarm clock.

It held a picture from an instant camera, and my mouth dropped open slightly
in shock, mirroring the expression of the person _there_. I did remember
fumbling with her parents' camera and once accidentally taking a picture of
myself, but I hadn't realized she'd _kept_ it, and....

...well, maybe I was stupid for worrying so much about certain things.

Asahina-san's eyes widened as she saw where my gaze went, and she waved her
hands frantically, shooing me out of the room as her face turned red. I
managed not to chuckle as Nagato removed Haruhi's shoes and pulled her blanket
into place.

Yeah, as long as we remained friends, I couldn't help but think that things
were going to turn out alright after all.

* * *

Author's notes: I think this may be ... a bit wordy, to say the least, and
it's all largely pointless WAFF -- but I hope it's enjoyable anyway. Thanks go
to Sarsaparilla for her commentary on the initial draft, and the Soulriders
crew for their comments on later drafts. In the meantime -- happy Tanabata!