Silent Challenges, Chapter Three
It is the middle of the night, and I should be sleeping, but instead I've written the third chapter for 'Silent Challenges.' Here you go!
Title: Silent Challenges
Series: Chapter Three, 713 words
Pairing/Character: Mori & Haruhi
Rating: T
Summary: "Under normal circumstances, the quiet between the two of them was pleasant for Haruhi. Having been asked for her specific company, however, gave this particular silence an intensity that could be compared to that of a loaded gun."
Cross-posted to ouran_fanfics
Link to FF.net
Neither Mori nor Haruhi looked back at their group of friends as they exited the restaurant. It was enough simply listening to the boisterous trail of mixed voices and laughter trailing behind them to confirm that all was well.
There was a sharp contrast between the warmth and high decibel of the restaurant, and the subdued winter evening they had stepped into. Haruhi followed Mori, who led them back toward the park without so much as a word. Stars lit up the sky as they left the city lights behind.
Under normal circumstances, the quiet between the two of them was pleasant for Haruhi. Having been asked for her specific company, however, gave this particular silence an intensity that could be compared to that of a loaded gun.
"So, Mori-Senpai… What classes are you taking next semester?"
With a raised eyebrow and barely-there smile, Mori looked down at her. "This one just ended, and you already want to talk about next semester?"
Her sheepish grin only grew wider as he reached out to ruffle her hair before answering her question.
"Business classes, mostly. Some law."
"It must be satisfying to be getting on with your degree. I'm kind of jealous."
"Mm. You're brilliant. You'll get there."
"Thanks, Senpai. I don't know if I'd use the word 'brilliant' though."
"How long did it take you to convince the Chairman to let you take next fall's classes via correspondence?"
A look of surprise and speculation washed over her face. "How did you find out about that?!"
"Kyoya."
Mori smiled, amused that she felt as though she had been caught doing something wrong. Without putting much thought into it, he clasped his hand around Haruhi's.
"I see. Well, with no host club activities for a year, I've got quite a bit of time on my hands. "
The mere mention of her hands brought Haruhi back into the moment, wherein she came to realize that hers and Mori's fingers had become entwined. With an excited blush, she allowed the outward conversation to fall silent while a new one erupted in her head.
What does this mean? Is this what he invited me out here, for? It's been a rather long day. Maybe Mori-Senpai just overly tired…
"Haruhi."
"Mori-Senpai?"
"Takashi."
"Takashi?"
"What?"
The now confused expression across her face delighted his senses, though at the price of a small amount of guilt. He tried not to take advantage of it, but Mori knew how easy it was for him to throw her off course.
"Haruhi. I enjoy spending time with you."
"I enjoy spending time with you, too."
"I won't be around much for the holiday."
"Oh…"
"I won't be in Japan for most of your vacation time, and my school doesn't begin until two weeks after yours. So I'll be gone for close to a month."
"I see. So I suppose Huni-Senpai won't be home much, either?"
"No. He'll be around more than me."
"Oh."
Frustration was beginning to root in his stomach, as Mori continued to search for the words that had been so very clear to him, earlier.
"But if you wouldn't mind, I'd like it if we could spend more time together when I get back."
He looked down to Haruhi, hoping that between his indirect words and invitations that she would understand what he was trying to say.
"You know, Mori-Senpai. I only asked the Chairman to work ahead for that fall term, so all of my additional work is done. I think we can spend plenty of time together."
With a gentle squeeze of his hand, Haruhi smiled upward as she met his gaze.
Title: Silent Challenges
Series: Chapter Three, 713 words
Pairing/Character: Mori & Haruhi
Rating: T
Summary: "Under normal circumstances, the quiet between the two of them was pleasant for Haruhi. Having been asked for her specific company, however, gave this particular silence an intensity that could be compared to that of a loaded gun."
Cross-posted to ouran_fanfics
Link to FF.net
Neither Mori nor Haruhi looked back at their group of friends as they exited the restaurant. It was enough simply listening to the boisterous trail of mixed voices and laughter trailing behind them to confirm that all was well.
There was a sharp contrast between the warmth and high decibel of the restaurant, and the subdued winter evening they had stepped into. Haruhi followed Mori, who led them back toward the park without so much as a word. Stars lit up the sky as they left the city lights behind.
Under normal circumstances, the quiet between the two of them was pleasant for Haruhi. Having been asked for her specific company, however, gave this particular silence an intensity that could be compared to that of a loaded gun.
"So, Mori-Senpai… What classes are you taking next semester?"
With a raised eyebrow and barely-there smile, Mori looked down at her. "This one just ended, and you already want to talk about next semester?"
Her sheepish grin only grew wider as he reached out to ruffle her hair before answering her question.
"Business classes, mostly. Some law."
"It must be satisfying to be getting on with your degree. I'm kind of jealous."
"Mm. You're brilliant. You'll get there."
"Thanks, Senpai. I don't know if I'd use the word 'brilliant' though."
"How long did it take you to convince the Chairman to let you take next fall's classes via correspondence?"
A look of surprise and speculation washed over her face. "How did you find out about that?!"
"Kyoya."
Mori smiled, amused that she felt as though she had been caught doing something wrong. Without putting much thought into it, he clasped his hand around Haruhi's.
"I see. Well, with no host club activities for a year, I've got quite a bit of time on my hands. "
The mere mention of her hands brought Haruhi back into the moment, wherein she came to realize that hers and Mori's fingers had become entwined. With an excited blush, she allowed the outward conversation to fall silent while a new one erupted in her head.
What does this mean? Is this what he invited me out here, for? It's been a rather long day. Maybe Mori-Senpai just overly tired…
"Haruhi."
"Mori-Senpai?"
"Takashi."
"Takashi?"
"What?"
The now confused expression across her face delighted his senses, though at the price of a small amount of guilt. He tried not to take advantage of it, but Mori knew how easy it was for him to throw her off course.
"Haruhi. I enjoy spending time with you."
"I enjoy spending time with you, too."
"I won't be around much for the holiday."
"Oh…"
"I won't be in Japan for most of your vacation time, and my school doesn't begin until two weeks after yours. So I'll be gone for close to a month."
"I see. So I suppose Huni-Senpai won't be home much, either?"
"No. He'll be around more than me."
"Oh."
Frustration was beginning to root in his stomach, as Mori continued to search for the words that had been so very clear to him, earlier.
"But if you wouldn't mind, I'd like it if we could spend more time together when I get back."
He looked down to Haruhi, hoping that between his indirect words and invitations that she would understand what he was trying to say.
"You know, Mori-Senpai. I only asked the Chairman to work ahead for that fall term, so all of my additional work is done. I think we can spend plenty of time together."
With a gentle squeeze of his hand, Haruhi smiled upward as she met his gaze.