Chapter 2 Managing Crises
Keitaro was working quickly through several dishes and cutting up vegetables when the man came in. Keitaro stirred through the mix for the noodles, and then dropped them into the boiling water. When the man was next to him, Keitaro simply said, "Gendou, you mess up again you are fired." When Gendou opened his mouth to protest, Keitaro looked at him. The glare Keitaro gave Gendou silenced him instantly.
The rest of the day with the girls and Gendou was a roller coaster. Even after the warning, Gendou was still more interested in staring at the girl's in their various bathing suits. Keitaro slowly had to start watching over him while Gendou cooked. When Gendou realized he was being watched over his usual cheery mood to the customers soured.
After his third time complaining in one day about not seeing the girls Keitaro did something he had never done before. He yelled at another person. "Gendou if you are so distracted, go take a break! I can handle this for fifteen minutes." Gendou glared at Keitaro but took off his apron and walked to the front. Haruhi handed him a beverage and Gendou downed it in several swigs before eyeing Haruhi's behind.
Fifteen minutes passed and Keitaro was beginning to be pushed with the orders. Motoko handed him another order and he noticed that Gendou was talking to Haruhi while she was taking orders. He must have said something that upset her as she walked away immediately after taking the table's orders. Keitaro noted that Hana or Motoko didn't have a chance to notice as they were too busy. Keitaro walked out the kitchen and noticed he still carried his vegetable knife.
"Is something the wrong Keitaro-san?"
Keitaro didn't need to look to know who it was. "Hold this for a second Motoko I need to handle something."
Motoko watched him go noticing for the first time how serious the young man was. All of the customers and staff seemed to realize something was about to happen when Keitaro gripped Gendou's shoulder effectively stopping the man from following Haruhi.
"Gendou. I have your mailing address; I will send your pay for the time you worked. You are fired. Please leave."
Gendou turned to Keitaro noticing that the young man was serious. "What the-? I was just talking to her. She wanted to give me her number." He stated with a smirk.
Keitaro noticed that Hana took Haruhi to the back room. "Leave now Gendou before I call the police and have you removed from the property." Keitaro walked the larger man to the door and turned away in dismissal of the ex-employee.
Gendou growled out, "I didn't think I would last the day anyway." Gendou grabbed Keitaro by the fore arm and pulled him hard. Keitaro's body moved and Keitaro felt an impact against his face. "That's for being an all high and mighty with me!" Another blow hit his cheek. It was after the moment of shock that Keitaro realized that he was being punched by the man he fired. Several customers stood to help the cook, a few others started to shout cook-san.
"Zanganken!" Keitaro felt one more fist connect to his face before the grip on him loosened and then broke away. The Gendou laid sprawled on his back out the front door. Keitaro looked from where the strike came from. He was surprised that Motoko was panting and the vegetable knife still firmly in her hand.
Keitaro had seen ki strikes as Haruka showed him a few of hers. After looking at the man try to stand up while swearing, Keitaro knew he should have fired Gendou earlier. "Don't come back Gendou." Keitaro rubbed his cheek showing that the ex-employee did not hurt him.
Keitaro felt his hand shake for a moment before he gripped it. Gendou swore a few more times before walking away. Keitaro stood silently until the man was out of sight of the café. Finally, Keitaro turned to the crowd. "I would like to apologize to you all for having to see that. I am sorry, but we will need to close early today. If there are any customers willing to go, I can hand you a coupon you can redeem for a free drink of your choosing at our bar on your next visit. For those of you who wish to say, I would like to apologize for the slow service as I will be the only cook."
Keitaro walked to the kitchen as a few customers who had become regulars over the week promised to come back. Keitaro smiled reassuringly at Motoko who was busy at the bar writing coupons. She gave him a concerned look and he nodded in return. Inside the kitchen he heard a few quiet sobs. Keitaro walked to the back storage area.
"He's gone Haruhi." The girl still cried on Hana's shoulder. "Hana I am closing up early and Motoko is handing out coupons for people who agreed to leave for drinks at the bar. It looks like the only ones that are here are the ones that already are eating or placed their orders. I'll be done in about an hour."
Hana cooed reassurances to Haruhi for a moment before saying, "Thank you Keitaro. Can I hang back here with Haruhi?" Keitaro nodded before walking back into the kitchen.
"How is she?"
Keitaro walked around Motoko. He turned and plucked the vegetable knife out of her hand and washed it. "Haruhi is shaken up. I don't know what he said, but it really got to her. I think we will be loosing two workers by the end of the night."
Motoko understood. It was an ugly scene. "Are you alright Keitaro?"
Keitaro smiled at her lack of honorific. "I am fine Motoko. I am just angry at myself for letting him stay as long as I did. I should have fired him after the first few times he tried to shirk his job."
Motoko felt the need to defend his decision. She was about to voice her opinion but stopped when she noticed that Keitaro was too busy cooking to notice her anymore. Motoko left the kitchen and went to the bar to clean. Motoko looked at the sign she made. It was a letter from the management stating they are closing early. Motoko turned a few people away from the door with many apologies. She set the sign up and shut off the front lights. It was still daylight out, but the sun would set soon. The lack of front lights would tell the regulars that they were closing early.
The young Aoyama sat at the bar for a while. Hana and then eventually Haruhi came out from the back. The last people paid and bade the staff a good evening. Two of the regulars gave Haruhi comforting words. When the door was finally locked Hana turned to the black haired girl. "Thanks for covering for me Motoko-chan."
"It is fine; you will have a full day tomorrow with those coupons." Hana smiled before looking at Haruhi and Keitaro. "Will she quit?" Hana looked at Motoko unsure of the question herself.
-o-
"Do you want to take a break from work Haruhi-san?" Haruhi looked up at the young man who was still a few years younger than her. "I am just concerned. I don't want to ask you to repeat what he said; as I am sure you don't want to think about it. You will have my respect with what ever you do. If you feel you need space I can understand. If you would like to keep working here you are always welcome."
Haruhi felt tears well up in her eyes. She shuddered, but Keitaro made no move to comfort her. He couldn't after imagining what the other man just did to her. "So you are not going to fire me?"
"No, you will always have a place here Haruhi-san. But I don't want to make you do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. If you feel that you are not safe at this place anymore, I can put in a good word for you at another café. If you want to stay I can ensure you that I will keep bastards out of this café from now on." Haruhi nodded seeing his resolve for not tolerating that kind of behavior.
"I'll stay. I like working here. It's fun. I like the customers. Everyone except for Gendou have been great."
Keitaro gave his most charming smile. "Very well. If you feel as if you are not ready to work tomorrow, you may call the café and leave a message or tell Hana. I'll see you as soon as you are ready to get back to work. But just the same, I would like to have a cab drive you and Hana to and from work from now on. I am just glad you two are roommates. You shouldn't be alone tonight." Haruhi shivered. Keitaro stood and poked his head out the kitchen door. "Hey Hana, can you call a cab for you two I'll pay for it." Hana agreed and the two were gone ten minutes later. Keitaro stood up from his chair glad that the paper work for Gendou was done and looked into the dining room.
Motoko bused the tables one after another. They were three people down, and with only Motoko to clean the tables it was a long job. There was a sudden noise and Motoko saw that Keitaro pulled the bussing cart out from the back. "Thank you for your patience Motoko. I just wanted to get that paper work out of the way. I reported the incident to the police as a public disturbance and requested a restraining order be issued for Gendou to not set foot within a hundred yards of the Hina Beach House. I'll need to make the same suggestion to Haruhi as well."
Motoko nodded. With two people the last of the dishes were washed, and the bar was cleaned. It was still early by their watch and Motoko gave a slight chuckle at her own growling stomach. Keitaro smiles slightly remembering something. "Motoko, want to do an impromptu test of your culinary skills?"
Motoko smiled at the older teen. "I accept."
-o-
Dinner went smoothly. Motoko finally knew her way around the kitchen and her victory was savored with every bite. Keitaro was washing dishes and talking to Motoko when the phone rang. "Hello?" Motoko looked over to him. His face was grim. "How is she?" Motoko walked over getting a bad feeling. "Yes, they can both come over." "Thank you very much. Is Hana alright as well?" Keitaro closed his eyes. He nodded several times. "If they both want to stay here they are welcome to." Motoko clasped her hands nervously. It didn't sound good. "So you have him in custody?" Keitaro gave a relieved sigh. "Alright, if you need it I can document the report on paper." "Yes, I will be here for them. Another hour? Alright that gives me time to get the room ready for them both." Keitaro hung up the phone keeping his hand on the receiver. "I never thought I could get so angry at a person before."
"Are Haruhi-san and Hana-san alright?"
"Yes, but it sounded like Gendou didn't learn his lesson. He was at the girl's front door and was trying to get in." Motoko shivered. "Motoko we need to go to the store real fast and get a futon and some blankets. I had squared off some money to get them anyway. Now we need them." Motoko slipped on a skirt over her bathing suit and pulled on a blouse. Keitaro just stared as she got dressed in front of him.
Motoko looked back at him. "What? I am still in my bathing suit." Keitaro shook his head before the two ran down the street on foot. A few thousand yen poorer, the two purchased a large futon, pillows and extra blankets. The two fumbled with the rolled mats and blankets down the sandy road all the way back to the café. The two moved the last of Motoko things from her 'room' to his to give the women some space. Keitaro made sure the upstairs shower room was extra clean and stood up and ran down the stairs at the sound of a knock at the front entrance. Motoko was already at the door in a group hug with Haruhi and Hana.
If the police officer was surprised at how young the man was who ran the store, he didn't show it. Keitaro gave his statement over the incident that happened earlier. Twenty minutes of speaking with the authorities ended and Urashima felt tired. Keitaro walked up the stairs when the police finally left and found the girls talking in the guest room.
Keitaro politely knocked. "Are you three alright in here?" There was a call for him to enter. Ketitaro had only been in this room twice, and both times were with in the last hour. It was a nice room, but a little small for two people. "It's good to see you both safe." Haruhi walked up to him and hugged the teen.
"Thank you for letting us stay." Keitaro awkwardly patted her back unsure where to put his arms.
"I am glad I can help. The police said we were lucky. With Gendou making a second act of public disturbance and three accounts of assault there was enough to keep Gendou in jail for a while until they sort out when they are going to give him a trial. If he had done any of this on more than a single day, he would be walking out the jail in about a week." Motoko kept a supporting arm around Haruhi who nodded.
"I know it's a little late to think about it, but where will Motoko-chan sleep?"
Keitaro reddened before saying. "She sleeps in my futon. We just got that one today before you two arrived."
"Wait you guys are sleeping together?" Keitaro looked at Hana with irritation. The girl was already appraising the young 'couple'.
Unfortunately Motoko came to his rescue. "Of course we are. I don't want him to suffer on the floor just because I decided to stay."
Despite the traumatic situation Haruhi was the first to laugh. "I am sure he is suffering a lot if he is sharing a bed with you and is only getting sleep."
Motoko stared blankly at the older women. "And that is supposed to mean what?" Hana saw Keitaro looking like he wanted to die.
"It's nothing Motoko-chan. Haruhi just thought the situation was funny. And it is." Hana soon joined Haruhi.
Keitaro woodenly walked out, ignoring the laughter. "Get some sleep girls."
-o-
Keitaro was up early in the morning. He had to be careful not to wake Motoko. Keitaro was down stairs in moments writing a sign to place in the front. He wanted all of the girls to have the day off. And he needed to watch his jaw, there was no bruising but it was sore when he smiled. With the sign done and posted at the front door, Keitaro showered and waited for the first signs of life on the floor above him.
Keitaro was glad to see a few of the regulars knock on the door to see how Haruhi was from last night. Keitaro did not tell them about the evening after the café closed, but quite a few who knew Keitaro understood something else had to have happened for the café to close. He thanked them for their well wishes and sent them off.
Keitaro had no plans for the morning but was glad he had woken as early as he did. He spoke to his Aunt Haruka about the incident, as well as placing several other important calls. Keitaro wondered if there was anything more he could do for the two girls. He remembered they had planned to move out soon. Suddenly something in his mind clicked. He got up went through a filing cabinet and finally found the two girls applications. He hmm'ed to himself wondering how he could make this work.
Four hours passed where Keitaro patiently waited for the girls to wake. There was a scream that was loud enough to be heard outside followed by two others. Keitaro took that as his cue to start making breakfast. Well, an early lunch.
Haruhi was the first down the stairs with a hastily done hair and bathing suit. "Sorry for sleeping in Keitaro-san. We should have set our alarm…"
Keitaro gave her an annoyed looked and set a plate of food on the counter. He went back to the stove and started serving the other plates. Haruhi silently went to her plate muttered thanks for the food, and ate. Rushed feet came down a minute later with Hana and Motoko sharing disheveled looks with their make shift hair arrangement and lack of make up. Keitaro simply pointed at their plates and the girls went to them and ate unsure how to take Keitaro's impersonation of his 'Aunt' Haruka.
Keitaro leaned against the counter and ate his meal quickly. He then started cleaning up the pans used for their breakfast. When the girls began to wash their dishes in turn, Keitaro waved them off and placed the plates in the industrial dish washer. Finally Keitaro dried his hands.
"As you may have noticed, I have closed the café for the day. Mainly I think we all need a real day off. Especially since you girls only have one scheduled weekly." He let the girls think on that for a moment before he continued. "I also thought now would be a good time to decided what you two-" Keitaro looked at Hana and Haruhi. "planned to do. Would you two want to stay here indefinitely for the duration of your job? Or do you want to go back to your apartment. I know the place is chained shut but your land lord said that it would take a few days to fix your door since it is the weekend. I spoke with your land lord and found out that Gendou didn't just break the door. The bastard damaged the wall and the window trying to kick his way in. Your land lord said they have a separate apartment you could live. But you were very lucky there were any spares free for rent." Keitaro kept his eyes half lowered.
Motoko saw this look before and suddenly knew what it was. Keitaro was about to do something he was not going to like.
The girls exchanged glances. Haruhi was the first to speak. "I think we had agreed last night that if possible, could we ask to live here. I think we decided we don't want to live in this town any more than we need to. We are willing to stay here till the end of the season."
Keitaro's half lowered gaze softened. "Alright I can definitely help you there. It means changing our work schedule. I think I might close the café on Sundays. Us four living under one roof will drive at least one of us stir crazy since we are sharing the same hours." The two girls stuck their tongues at him. "Your land lord said if you want to move out, they can provide a moving truck since you paid for the months rent, and you'll get your full deposit back. If that's agreeable we can get your things out of your apartment today."
The girls nodded. The two were already thinking about what to move first and how to get there when Keitaro cleared his throat to get their attention. "I think all three of you girls should get dressed for moving. I am sure bathing suits, no matter what fabric, will chafe if they are hugging you that closely." All three girls blushed and ran up stairs. Keitaro called the moving truck and was pleased he could rent the trunk himself. It would be easier if he drove.
He hoped so anyway, he had only driven the family car during the winter.
-o-
"I am amazed you have this much stuff Hana-san." The girl blushed while Keitaro and Motoko lowered the dresser. Haruhi chuckled while she rolled up Hana' clothing bag.
Hana grinned. "Just because apartments are so small doesn't mean I have to live frugally."
"I think what Keitaro-san is saying Hana-san, is that you never seemed the kind of girl who would carry several varieties of yukatas." Hana laughed shyly at Motoko's comment. Yukata's were traditional Japanese woman wear. As a child Hana had liked to dress up and kept the habit well into adulthood. The result was a wide collection of yukatas in a range of sizes.
"Enough talking, more packing." Was Haruhi's reply for her roommate.
"If we get this done soon, I'll buy dinner. The café still has a free flow of petty cash." Keitaro added. It was met with a round of cheers.
The group finished after five in the afternoon. The truck was fully loaded and the girls groaned when they realized they still had to unload everything. Keitaro took the group and the unwieldy moving truck to a quiet restaurant his aunt recommended him once when she first got there. Dinner ended with Keitaro paying and the girls sighing as the four piled into the moving van again to go to their home.
The unloading was quicker than the packing since the girls planned to keep most of their things in their boxes for the inevitable move in less than a month. With the last box out of the truck Keitaro showered and put on some knee length shorts and a black sleeve less shirt. He slid his glasses on and knocked on the girls' room. When he was allowed to enter, he grinned as all three of them were sitting on a futon and were watching a movie.
"I am going to go return the truck then walk home. I need some air anyway."
Motoko looked at the clock. It was almost eight in the evening. "Will they be open?"
Keitaro shook his head. "No they will be closed but I just need to park the van there and drop the keys into a slot. And I need to do it tonight or I get charged for the extra day rental."
Motoko stood and stretched. "I'll come with you. I have not done nearly as much physical activity as I should be, regardless of training."
The two waved a good bye to the older girls and left. But not before Motoko caught the two girls giving her a 'v' for victory sign for the two going out together. Motoko stared at them for a moment before understanding why they were giving her a victory sign. She promptly pivoted on her foot and left the door not allowing them to see the blood as it began to rush to her face at their insinuation.
Just like Keitaro described the two dropped off the truck and were walking home. The two finally started talking when they left the last town block and were walking along the beach. "Are you that active of a kendo member? I was sore for the first few days of fixing the café and then drained from working all day. But you seem to still have some energy left after work."
Motoko smiled as she looked over the water. "It is more than physical conditioning. My family has lived by the sword for generations. I was a child when I held my first wooden sword. The mental discipline makes any fatigue I have earned easier to handle. I just think 'it is not so bad'. Although I have to admit I was exhausted for the first three days of employment." The two shared a smiled at the memory.
"Does that have to do with the whole Gendou flying through the front door? I didn't know you knew a ki attack." Keitaro looked at her significantly.
Motoko thanked what ever god looked over her for the dim light. The sun had set long ago, and the two had been wondering by moonlight for some time. "I am the next leader for the Shinmei-ryuu School of swordsmanship."
"I see, well I haven't seen much of that kind of training since my sister started practicing with our dad." Keitaro raised his fists and punched the air. "I never did get to learn more than physical deflection."
Motoko felt her memory come up with the image of Keitaro getting hit. The moment Gendou raised his fist frightened her. She was never in danger, but she felt scared. After a moments thought, she remembered Keitaro's little speech at the cafe. Motoko smiled at him and realized she had been scared for him. Keitaros' safety mattered to her. She had stayed silent about his apparent ability to not get hurt as she noticed that Haruka at times would hit him hard. Motoko finally said aloud, "I had wondered why you did not appear to be hurt from his blows. Gendou easily weights sixty more pounds than you."
Keitaro smiled in thanks. "You were pretty good at that one strike to knock him flat on his back. I guess you use a sword if you had to focus with that knife I had you hold right?" Motoko nodded. She suddenly felt uncomfortable talking about her swordsmanship with Keitaro. Keitaro lowered his fists and nudged her with his shoulder. "Hey, don't make that face Motoko. Want to go for a swim?" Keitaro pointed to the water. Motoko gave him a thankful look before heading to the water as Keitaro stripped off his shirt.
Motoko waded into the water after taking off her yellow shirt and off shade shorts revealing one of her many bathing suits she acquired thanks to Haruka. Motoko felt all the tension that building leave her. It felt nice after the oppressive heat from the days work. Keitaro swam up to her and was floating on his back. Motoko mm'ed out, "The night looks amazing like this." Motoko waded a little deeper in the water and he followed her lead. Stars decorated the sky like glitter and the pale moon was setting in the south. Motoko let herself just float in the water.
"This is nice." Keitaro grunted in agreement. At one point Motoko felt her floating hand touch Keitaro's. Keitaro's hand floated a way for a moment before Keitaro lifted his hand out to hold hers. Motoko felt her self flush but squeezed his hand. Before her courage ran out on her she said, "I wish we had more nights like this."
Keitaro smiled at the idea. Neither knew what time it was when they got out of the water. They walked barefoot along the beach with their hands never leaving each other. Keitaro sighed thinking about the girls who were now living in the café.
"What is wrong Keitaro?"
Keitaro tilted his head to see Motoko's face. It was pale in the dim light. "I am just wondering how I am going to handle everything now. A lot of things were supposed to happen for the café that didn't. Not to mention I got three over worked girls who need extra help."
Motoko squeezed his hand. "That is not the only thing that is bothering you is it?"
Keitaro hummed for a moment in thought. "There is always more. The thing that is worrying me right now is the safety of you three girls. I am not the most masculine of men. I will need to higher someone who can be at least an intimidation factor, especially since I am in the kitchen most of time."
Motoko's hand relaxed in his for a moment before she pulled his arm to her side, pulling the two of them closer together. "You really don't see what goes on up front do you?" Keitaro gave her a curious look. She laughed. Keitaro smiled at the sound even if he was confused as to why she was laughing. "Keitaro-kun, almost every single customer who comes into the café, knows you by name, not as cook-san. Keitaro. Every single person you talked to knows what kind of person you are. They know you would do anything for us. And many of them care about you. Didn't you see the crowd that was about to jump Gendou to help you?" Motoko's laughter faltered for a second as she coughed to clear her throat. "I just sorta beat them to it."
Keitaro looked at her before finally laughing out loud. His hearty laugh raised Motoko's spirits. "You certainly did." Keitaro looked at the café and noticed that the two had stopped walking. He didn't even notice that they were facing each other until they were both hold each others hands. "Thank you Motoko-chan. I really needed to hear that."
Motoko smiled at him and nervously moved her arms around him. Keitaro automatically followed her example, returning her hug. After a few minutes of leaning against each other Keitaro pulled back and the two resumed walking until Keitaro felt Motoko stop at his side pulling his hand along with her. "What is it Motoko?"
"I was just wondering about this morning. You had that look on your face that you were going to have to do something you didn't like."
"Mah, I thought you caught that." Keitaro was silent for a moment before he started. "The picture I gave the two girls was nicer than what it really was." Motoko looked at him curiously and squeezed his hand another time. He took that as encouragement to continue. "Hana and Haruhi's land owner did not want to give up a spare room. Someone had planned to move in a month, and Uraha, the land lord, didn't know if the repairs to the apartment would be fixed by then. The only room that was free was twice as small as the one the girls was living at and sounded as safe as a door with out hinges. It took me an hour of talking with the man to let him concede at breaking his contract with the girls with out any penalty." Keitaro stopped and looked at the café. He never felt it as anything but a place he worked at, but tonight it seemed like he was walking home.
"There was more. I had to argue with the man about the moving van. And I only got that since his insurance would cover it. After talking with the man I knew he had no interested in the safety of the girls." Keitaro looked at Motoko. His free hand moved across her hair line. Keitaro tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. "I did not want the girls to suffer any more doubt than they needed to, so I was ready to insist that they stay at the café."
-o-
The next morning found Keitaro quickly going through his check list of opening the cafe. Beach Café Hina would not open for several more hours. It gave Keitaro time to study for the Todai exams next year and get any work that he didn't have time for in the afternoon done.
Steps creaked to his left and Keitaro saw all three girls were awake. "You three are awake early." Keitaro set his book down.
Motoko cleared the last steps wearing a loose pair of shorts and a t-shirt. "Haruhi, Hana and I have been talking last night after you went to sleep." The other two girls smiled guiltily.
Keitaro noticed Motoko's faint blush. Hana grabbed an apple from the refrigerator. "Motoko-chan said she can teach us some self defense. I guess now would be a good time since I couldn't do much more than keep the door close a few nights ago."
Keitaro looked at the three girls and thought back to Friday's blow up. "Would you mind if I come and practice too?" Motoko smiled and nodded before leading the rest of them out to the patio.
Most of the things Motoko talked and demonstrated was much of what Keitaro knew. But it was good to get a refresher course. There was a few awkward times where Keitaro had to be the victim and let the girls shift his weight to ward him off or throw him to the ground. Keitaro was just glad they were on sand for most of it.
Keitaro finally escaped their little exercise with the perfect excuse that he had to prepare the kitchen. Before he went inside he looked back at the three girls. Motoko looked in her element in teaching. Haruhi took everything with an earnest effort. Hana suffered through all the extra work with a smile. Keitaro felt relief finally wash over him. Even after Haruhi agreed to stay and work, and even after the two girls decided they wanted to move in, Keitaro had a doubt at his ability to truly stop someone who was intent on hurting them. It had been eased slightly with Motoko being able to be a back up, but with all three girls knowing self defense, he felt less guilty about shunning his own training as a child.
-o-
"Thanks for being able to volunteer to switch over on short notice."
"Nonsense, if something bad happens along the beach it gives the whole area a bad reputation. The people along here look out for each other."
Keitaro nodded at that. "It's just me and you this Sunday since it's the girls only day off. If you feel you need a day off you are welcome to tell me the day before and I can work something out." He handed tall well built man an apron. The man looked at it amusedly. Keitaro was sharp enough to add. "Be thankful I am not making you wear a Speedo to match the girls bikini's."
The man took the apron and laughed uproariously. A few of the regular customers looked at the spectacle but smiled at the cook. Keitaro excused himself and went to the back to cook already hearing the man take orders and talk among the crowd out front.
Keitaro was glad he was able to find help on such short notice. Especially when he had the girls take the day off on Sundays. As if on cue the girls were coming down the steps to go out. "Afternoon ladies" Keitaro switched out pans quickly and set down the spices to grill the meat with.
"Hi Keitaro." Hana said while jumping the last steps. "We are heading out now." She looked up when she heard some loud laughter. When she noticed the man wearing an apron she asked, "Who's the foreigner?"
Keitaro set a plate out. "Orders up!" The foreigner came up and took the plates. He smiled broadly at Hana and in turn at Haruhi as she stepped down the stairs. He quickly took the plates and resumed talking up front with the customers. "That's Angelo-san. I got him to work here to make sure the place is a little safer."
Haruhi looked at the well built man. "What? Like a bouncer?"
Keitaro mm'ed for a second before saying. "Like security. We never had problems before Gendou, and I don't think we will now, but it's better to be safe and than sorry."
Hana stuck her tongue at Keitaro. "And to make sure you don't damage your precious little face." Keitaro chose to ignore the comment but the girls could detect a hint of red on the boys cheek.
"Anyway, he will be here with us for the duration of the summer. And he'll help me cover Sunday's when he is able to." The girls nodded at that before Keitaro looked at the two. "Where is Motoko-chan?"
"We thought she was down here with you." The girls exchanged looks before shrugging. Motoko had turned down their offer to go with them into town but did not say what she was going to do.
Keitaro frowned at that but resumed his work. He trusted that Motoko could handle herself.
-o-
It took Motoko a while, but she found a secluded cove where she could practice. She had been neglecting her discipline for a long time, and now was a good time to continue. She had no sword or even a stick to practice with. It was ten minutes later after giving up on finding a replacement that Motoko settled for practicing with an imaginary sword. She did not sleep well after talking to Keitaro about hiring another person. She agreed with the older teen that they did need an extra hand; quietly, she had wanted the new employee be another girl. She rather not work with a man who was anything like Gendou.
Motoko finally stopped and wiped the sweat off her brow. She never thought that training would be harder with out the sword, but it was. She needed to exercise great muscle control, and remain focused the entire time to not unintentionally slip from her perfected form.
Motoko took a seat on some rocks glad that the cove provided plenty of shade. She finished of her third water bottle. It was a sign that she needed to return. The Aoyama stretched and started walking slowly towards the café not the least bit interested in what kind of man Keitaro found that would replace Gendou.
The girl stopped at the steps of the café back door and slipped inside. She could hear Keitaro cook in the kitchen and laughter coming from the dinning hall. Now that her curiosity got the better of her, she walked to the front and poked her head out the door.
A very tall foreigner had a plain white apron wrapped around his waist. It appeared he was telling a story that had the customers laughing. Motoko tried to listen in but she was a little too far away with the background music playing. She watched him a few moments and caught herself follow a similar pattern of spying when she had first met Keitaro.
The youngest employee shook off the memory. She was glad she wasn't in her bathing suit so the few customers who would know her would know she was not on duty. She took a seat at a table and waited for the man to come by. She noticed that the man excused himself the moment he saw her sit. The man dusted off his hands and took a note pad from his pocket. "Were you ready to order little miss?"
Motoko nodded and asked for an iced tea. The man nodded and brought her a drink. She watched him slowly talk to various people that got his attention and finally returned a minute later. "Thank you for waiting. This place is busy for a Sunday."
Motoko looked up at him. "Is it usually not?"
The man smiled. "I don't know about here, but a few of the other stores don't get this much business on Sundays."
Motoko drank her tea while she made small conversation with the older man. She found out that he was bouncer from 'Sandy Nights' and volunteered to switch payrolls to ensure the safety of the workers and customers of the beach. Motoko was heartened to hear that the man recognized her as the girl Keitaro asked to dance that Thursday night.
"So did I pass your test?" Angelo asked with another laugh that ended like a bark.
Motoko smiled kindly. "Yes, I am sorry I was omitting some information about myself, but I just wanted to see for myself."
The foreigner bowed as a gentleman. "That is quite alright. You have every right after what Keitaro explained happened a few days ago. I had actually met the other two girls today. For the trauma the one girl suffered they both were quite up beat about it all."
Motoko smiled inwardly and finished her drink. "Keitaro has that effect on people." Motoko thanked the man for his time. Angelo returned to tables asking if everything was to their liking. Motoko gave the older man a look of amusement before walking to the kitchen. Keitaro was leaning against the counter with a book in his hand.
Motoko looked at him on this one rare moment that the Urashima did not choose to wear glasses. The young girl moved around to Keitaro's side and wrapped both arms around the taller teens' torso. Keitaro froze from the contact but it quickly left him.
"Eh, Motoko why are you hugging me?" She loosened slightly and Keitaro gave a nervous laugh. "I am not complaining. Just curious."
Motoko hugged him tighter. She buried her face into his back before saying. '"I just wanted to thank you." Keitaro mouthed out the sentence unsure if he had heard her right. Motoko felt his indecision, and continued. "You try hard to keep everyone happy. I just thought you should know we appreciate it."
-o-
The next day was a short day for most of the staff. The only time before the evening that Keitaro saw the girls was when they were out doors in the morning practicing self defense. He was just grateful that he was no longer needed as a practice dummy.
Keitaro kept busy in the morning with Angelo coming to help out just after noon. The girls didn't need to come in till seven in the evening and had dragged Motoko out into the town again for a day away from the café. Keitaro waved them off while Motoko gave her best 'help me' look. The memory kept a smile on the young man's face for the whole day. That night Keitaro made a point to talk to Haruhi every time she went into the kitchen for a break and he knew she would be alright. Keitaro was glad all three girls enjoyed living and working under a single roof. It made his decision easier about what he wanted to do if Haruka allowed it at the end of the summer.
The third Sunday rolled around and Keitaro sat at the bar. The café had early hours and was naturally slow. Keitaro stopped reading for a moment and really thought about his relationship with Motoko. It never progressed beyond holding her hand in private; however he felt that he should consider his actions carefully. He knew she was young, but it wasn't until her age came up in a conversation with Angelo that he knew by how many years they were apart. There was a rounding sound of disappointment that she could not go with Hana and Angelo to the club he used to work at. Her age popped into his mind again. Fourteen years old since December.
Keitaro scowled at himself. It was effectively robbing the cradle as far as he was concerned. Four years apart was huge. He remembered seeing her for the first time. She wore a stern expression that made her look not much younger than he was. The image stuck and he got used to seeing her in a bathing suit not realizing how young her body looked as well.
What was tough for the situation was that he truly liked Motoko. It was a first since his promise girl. The idea of being with her made him happy. "We will just have to wait a few years." He finally decided. After a moment, a dark thought came over him. If she is willing to wait that long.
-o-
Keitaro finally had a chance to take his break. Although he never kept track of his own breaks, Motoko knew it was his first in three days. He rarely stopped for lunch and dinner anymore. The place was just too busy, and Keitaro never did find anyone else to hire as a cook. Hana said it was likely because it was only a summer job with summer not lasting much longer. Motoko helped him in the kitchen when Angelo was there for the evenings, but was glad that he was there with her. She was never fully comfortable cooking dinners. Lunches were the easiest for her.
Motoko went over to him. She was about to ask if he was alright but stopped. His eyes were slightly unfocused and had dark rings under them. She shook him slightly and he jerked up.
After a sharp inhale, Keitaro exhaled. "Sorry Motoko. Just a little tired. Another order is up?" Keitaro made to stand up but his legs gave out on him.
Motoko recognized the symptoms of extreme fatigue. "You are too tired work. You really should get some rest."
"I am fine. I can still work."
Motoko smiled as he tried to get up. The girl simply let her hand rest on his shoulder and he was unable to stand. She then moved her arm under his help him stand. A few customers looked over to see the spectacle. "I am taking you to bed and I'll take over for a bit, if you wake up you can come down to take over."
"But the orders, they are coming in today. I need to sign off on those, and what about dinner? You can't do that by yourself. It's Friday."
Motoko rubbed her cheek to his shoulder. "I'll be fine. You need some rest or you won't be any good to anybody tomorrow when we are really busy."
Keitaro wanted to argue but saw the look in her face. She was not allowing a discussion. The teen sighed in defeat. "You win."
Motoko gave a brilliant smile to rival any of his. "I know." Motoko tucked him into bed and he murmured her name before falling into deep sleep. When Motoko arrived down stairs she wondered exactly where to start.
"I got an order! What? Motoko what are you doing back there? Where's Kei?"
Motoko shook her head at Haruhi's bout of obliviousness. "You didn't see me take him from the dinning room?"
"Oh, ok. Are you cooking then?"
Motoko nodded before taking the order and getting to work. While she was definitely smaller than Keitaro, she was just as adept as navigating all of the equipment and the cooking utensils. Lunch passed by with no more trouble than if Keitaro was doing it by himself. The only change in plan she needed to do was call Angelo in early to help cover. He was more than happy to come in once he heard that Keitaro was exhausted and was sleeping.
"Haruhi! Orders up!" Motoko wiped her hands dry before looking into the dinning room from her serving window. She leaned back, glad that the current rush ended, and started cleaning up and preparing the food for tonight's dinner. She was almost done with the cuts of beef when the back door bell rang. Motoko washed her hands until they were grease free and ran to the back and opened the door. A man in his mid thirties looked at the girl in surprise.
"Good, you are here early, just go ahead and set the vegetables in the refrigerator. You can leave the fruits in their crates back here. I'll take the meat in the kitchen." Motoko left the door opened and went back to the kitchen to continue her work.
The man stood there for a second in confusion at the little girl that gave him orders. She didn't look any older than his twelve year old son. He shook it off and did as he was told. While he wouldn't comment on her expertise for such a young age, he did want to ask where the adult was that should be supervising her.
"Miss?"
Motoko looked up at the man. She wanted to smile at his confusion but took the vegetable crates. Ignoring the delivery man she quickly set them in the dry refrigerator cabinet and closed it as she was sure the café wouldn't need those for the evening. Finally Motoko answer the man after he set down the meat in the freezer. "How can I help you?"
"Where is the café supervisor?"
"I am sorry. My boss is sick right now, and unable to work. I am the most senior employee. I guess that means I am the staff's supervisor." Motoko smiled inwardly at the title. She never coveted titles before, but this was one that felt right to her.
"So there is no one older that can sign for this?" The man moved the sign sheet for the delivery. While he had personally had young teens sign off for deliveries, he had made various trips to family owned restaurants. This was the first he had seen that had a child so young in the kitchen by themselves.
"If you really want someone older to sign it I can get Hana, she is the only other person that deals with serving food. Even though those are drinks." Motoko mused to herself. She was about to go get the older woman when the delivery man stopped her.
"Don't worry about it I was just concerned you were being over worked for your age."
Motoko blinked at the man's concern. She bowed and thanked him before taking the list and signing her name to the sheet and the man left. Motoko wondered at the man and almost wished to ask him how old he thought she was. Plate after plate was made that night, and Motoko found a new appreciation of Keitaro doing it daily. When she realized how much work it was, she decided she would need to spend dinner shift in the back. With her as the only other cook, Keitaro really needed the extra hand during their busiest shifts.
The Aoyama's absence on the café floor did not go unnoticed. Several times Haruhi stated that a few customers asked what happened to the youngest waitress. Motoko raised eyebrows at this but smiled after giving Haruhi the next table's order. Several pots and pans were lined on the stove when Motoko sighed. This is hard and boring. The thought plagued her as she wondered what was going on in the front. When she passed a dinner plate to Hana, Motoko burst out laughing.
Haruhi walked up to the window and she and Hana exchanged looks thinking that the young girl finally cracked under the work. Finally it was Angelo who hovered over Hana's shoulder who asked. "Are you alright there little miss?"
Motoko waved her hand before she turned to gather another plate chuckling all the way. She looked at the dinner window and saw all three almost leaning in to look at her with various looks of concern. She quickly gave them the plate and resumed laughing. After Hana's impatient look, Motoko waved them off. "Sorry I just realized why Keitaro kept looking like he was crawling out the window to escape the kitchen." The three older employees looked at each other and realized how far they were leaning into the window and chuckled to themselves before spreading out to resume their duties. The young chef had worked in the kitchen most of the day, but this was the first time she found herself in good humor that lasted well into the night.
When the kitchen finally closed Motoko washed the pots and pans and sent the dishes through the washer before putting them away. She looked at the clock. It took her a half hour longer than Keitaro. The Aoyama gave a frustrated pout at not matching Keitaro's performance but let it go in favor to help up front. The delivery was put away, the kitchen was clean, and the accounts were finally done as the last of the customers left. Motoko sat down on a chair exhausted.
"I am surprised you lasted so long Motoko."
The black haired girl looked up and smiled at the man. He had been kind to the girls since he had arrived. "Thank you Angelo-san. I never knew how much work Keitaro does, and he does this on Sunday by himself." Motoko gave a moan in exhaustion thinking about it.
Angelo was counting the hours on his hands. "That's almost eighty hours of work at the café. And doesn't he study for a university entrance exam too?"
Motoko felt her neck pop in several places before she realized she needed to stretch before going to bed. It was also a reminder of what she needed to talk to everyone about. "I really am going to have to find a way to convince him to close down the café for at least two days completely or he's going to wear him self out."
Hana's voice called them. "You guys think Keitaro will be alright with just the one day of sleep?" Angelo and Motoko looked at the new voice to see Haruhi and Hana move to sit with them.
Haruhi added. "I checked your guys's room, he's still out cold."
Angelo looked at the girl in surprise. "Your 'guys's room?'"
Motoko waved him off muttering 'long story'. She already blocked out the memories of the teasing Haruhi and Hana gave them when they explained to the younger girl what adults do in the bedroom. "I don't think he will be awake before tomorrow. So I think we need to make some changes in schedule if you girls are up to it." The girls and Angelo nodded. Motoko yawned. "I think we need to close the café earlier in the evening except for Friday and Saturday. We won't loose that much if we close at normal restaurant hours. I know Keitaro wanted to keep the old shift hours, but he has not been able to find the staff he was looking for, and quite frankly I know you two girls are getting tired as well."
Haruhi perked up. "We're not complaining. 50 hours a week is good money with over time and tips."
"Sorry to rebuke you Haruhi, but we need to unanimously request these changes or Keitaro won't agree to the demands. Haruka-san had informed me when we arrived here that almost all of the profits will be going into fixing up the Hinata-sou Apartments. Keitaro volunteered to help since he failed the Todai exam's and wanted to be away from his family while he studies. I am actually unsure if he gets paid for his work."
Hana thought back to what Keitaro said on their moving day and caught on immediately. "Now that you mention it, when ever he said he would get something he mentioned the café budget."
Motoko added as an afterthought. "He said the same thing when we went to get the extra futon."
Haruhi thought back to the dormitory. "The dorm you are talking about, is that the place you are supposed to be living at right now?"
Motoko nodded. "It was an old hotel and was closed for a few years before Granny Hina decided to open it as an 'All Girls Dormitory', but from what I heard from Haruka, It's under code and in serious danger of being closed since we don't have enough tenants to fund keeping it in shape."
Haruhi and Hana looked at each other. But it was Angelo who spoke. "So that means he really is just working to keep that place running."
"But I don't want to make him work to this kind of exhaustion, which is why I need all of us to agree to request these changes." The group spoke a little longer into the night but agreed finally. They would ask to scale back the work load and shift hours.
-o-
Motoko finished her shower and was glad she waited for the older girls to go first. She received enough teasing about the two teens sharing a bed. The young teen finished drying and slipped on a long shirt that wouldn't give Keitaro a nose bleed. It was embarrassing enough the first time when she ran out of clothes and went to bed with a normal waist length shirt.
Motoko almost went to the girls' door to wish them a good night but thought better of it. They all were going to have a long day tomorrow. She padded over to her room and closed the door behind her. She looked at the bed with Keitaro in it. It was the first time she saw him since she laid him down earlier that day.
Motoko slipped under the covers on Keitaro's side of the bed. He had rolled over during the day. She smiled at him and touched his cheek with her hand. He exhaled slightly and leaned into her hand. He coughed slightly and murmured, "The day over?"
Motoko pulled closer to him. "Yes. We did alright. Get some sleep; we still have to work tomorrow."
Keitaro didn't move and his eyes were still shut when he mumbled out. "Thank you Motoko-chan. For…" Keitaro was already asleep when Motoko looked at him to see if he would finish. Not really knowing why, Motoko wrapped her arms around him and held him close before she fell asleep. The long day starting tomorrow morning was going to be for the sake of everyone's happiness, whether Keitaro knew it or not.
- - End Chapter 2 managing crises- -
A/N: Wow, first I have to say thank you for all of the reviews. I am actually surprised how many people still read Love Hina fanfiction. Thank you all for the constructive criticism it helped a lot.
I think one thing that I got back from many people was that many readers did not really understand Motoko's OOC'ness. I had set up the beginning with Motoko first making contact with the people who would shape her into the aggressive woman she would become in the beginning of cannon. I also think the reason it was not picked up so much was simply because I had not written a clearer picture of how sheltered and naive she is at this point in her life. Hopefully this chapter answered and cleared up many of the issues people found in chapter one.