I do not own any of the rights to any of the Love Hina books or merchandise. These are the property of Ken Akamatsu. This is a fanfiction written only to entertain, not to steal anything or show the views of anyone else. The only character that is originally mine in this story is River/Soso Kawa. Any reviews would be nice.

Chapter 6: Healing Begins.

Motoko walked through the dormitory, carrying a tray of food. It had been nearly two weeks since the battle at the waterfall, and there had been no change to either River or Su's conditions. Both were still unconscious. Keitaro was still limping, but at least now he didn't need help getting down the stairs. Kitsune had explained everything to her after she had carried Su and Keitaro down from the top of the waterfall. She had planned on leaving River up there alone, still feeling some anger at him, but Kitsune's protests had changed that. That had been the last time Kitsune had spoken to her. Since then she had either been in River's room keeping watch over him, or passed out drunk in her own room. Once she was even found passed out lying across his stomach because she had been drinking in his room. Naru had been taking care of Keitaro in a similar fashion, but with a lot less drinking involved. Shinobu and Naru were almost inseparable. Both girls wanted to be by his side in case he needed some help.

Motoko was currently on her own mission. Kitsune was once again in her own room passed out. This left Motoko time to visit River without any disturbances. She had kept her distance from his room because she knew it would cause her pain. She had worked for three days to get up the courage to face the man she loved, even if he was unconscious. She began climbing the stairs, taking them slowly, still a little unsure of her decision. She forced her legs to keep moving, but again found herself hesitating at his door. She started to knock, but realized how silly it was to knock on the door of someone who is in a coma. She slid the door open and walked in, almost dropping her tray of food when she saw that his bed was empty and that his window was open. She looked around quickly and saw his three swords over by his dresser. She didn't see anything that looked out of place, but she still felt worried. She set down her food and began to search the room, looking for any clue of where he could have gone. She noticed a small black case and started to reach for it, but then something got her attention. There was a sound coming from somewhere, music. The melody was haunting, and seemed to draw her in. She stood and walked to the door, trying to follow the sound.

As if in a trance, she followed the music all the way to Su's room. When she realized where she was, she became scared for her young friend. Her first thought was that it was an evil spirit come to take Su's soul away. She grabbed the door, pushing it open harshly, before running inside. Her heart was quickly put at ease, but now she had more questions. When had River learned how to play the flute? It was almost a scary scene. He was dressed in loose clothing with bandages placed all over his body. He had one wrapped around the top of his head like a headband. His hair was no longer in a ponytail; instead it fell around his shoulders, waving as he moved to play the silver instrument. He stood over Su's bed, playing the haunting melody as if it was the only thing in the world he had to care about. He played for ten minutes before he stopped and lowered the instrument.

River glanced at Motoko, surprised to see her. He noticed that her eyes were wide with surprise. He didn't say anything to her. He smiled weakly, and then turned his attention back to Su. He sat down stiffly beside her, reaching out to feel her forehead. She felt warm, but she didn't have a fever. He felt anger surge inside himself once more. He had failed to protect her. No matter what he did now, he would still remember this failure. Looking at her lying there, he was brought back to the night were she had sat with him, listening as he poured his heart out to her. She had been there for him as a friend, and when he had been in danger, she had done everything she could for him. Now because he was weak, she was in a coma.

"Motoko, as soon as I'm able, I will leave here."

"What? Why," Motoko asked the question, unsure what was going through his mind. She had been so angry when he first appeared, and she had let that anger make her do terrible things. But he sounded as if it wasn't her fault that he was leaving.

"I couldn't do it Moto-Chan. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't show you the truth, and I couldn't protect anyone. I've failed as a student of the Gods' Cry School, and as the man I wanted to be for you. So I have decided to leave as soon as I'm able."

"You aren't making sense. It wasn't your fault that Su was hurt. She always tries to help who she thinks is right." It was then that Motoko realized something. She had been wondering why Su had helped River during the fight. She had even gone so far as to use her newly developed Mecha Tamago even though it was still incomplete. Su was a genius when it came to building the war mechs, but even she couldn't have finished such a powerful creation in only a few days time. She had hastily cut corners to get it ready for battle. It was because of that the advanced machine had trouble turning. Su had knowingly put herself in danger to help River. Su was the only one who had seen Motoko's new technique before it had been used in actual combat. She must have known that River might be killed.

"I'm sorry."

"What? You haven't done anything Moto-Chan," His normal smile returned, but Motoko could still see pain in his eyes. She felt that same pull on her heart as when she had seen Kitsune on top of him. Her old feelings for him were once more starting to rise up in her, and seeing him in pain made her want to hold him. Wanting to hold someone was a foreign feeling to her, so she didn't make a move towards him, unsure of what she should do.

"River, I'm the one who has over reacted with everything. I attacked you, I wouldn't listen to anything you had to tell me, I went into a jealous rage without learning the truth, and then I tried to kill you. Because of me, Su's in a coma! I did this, not you! I'm the one who shamed our school! That's why I ran away! I can't do anything right!" She fell to her knees, sobbing loudly. She buried her face in her hands, trying to hide from him. She was caught off guard when a pair of arms wrapped around her. She didn't look up at him, feeling more ashamed that he was holding her even though she had caused all of their pain.

"Motoko, you silly girl. You've more power inside of you than either Tsuruko or me. Part of the reason I came here was to show you that. Motoko, I want to apologize. I came here both as a mission for Tsuruko, and for my own selfish reasons."

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me, why do you think I came here? What purpose could I possibly have after all these years apart?"

"I thought at first you were here to kill me. But after everything that's happened… I don't know why you came. If it was for my good company, then you are probably disappointed."

"I came to teach you how strong you really are, which you have learned, even if only through your anger. I also came because I still love you Moto-Chan. I've thought of you every day that we've been apart."

Motoko finally lifted her head out of her hands. Her eyes had become blood shot because of her tears. His face was only inches from her. She looked deeply into his eyes and finally understood. She began to lean into him, aching for a kiss from him. She closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his, feeling a shock that accompanied her first real kiss. She allowed her body to relax and felt his arms tighten around her even more.

"OH MY GOD! WHAT THE HELL?"

Motoko and River broke their kiss and looked up, startled. Naru, Kitsune, Mutsumi, Shinobu, and Keitaro were all there at Su's door. Naru looked outraged, and was at the head of the group. Mutsumi's eyes were wide and she had a silly grin on her face.

Her sleep was interrupted by shouts and arguing. Su sat up and rubbed her eyes, feeling a bit hungry. She looked over at her door where everyone was standing, with the exception of Motoko and River who were on their knees with their arms wrapped around each other. Su was too sleepy to understand what they were all shouting about, but she could see that Naru was angry and Motoko was blushing. She gave one big yawn and crawled out of bed, over to where Motoko was arguing with Naru, Getting behind Motoko. She wrapped her arms around Motoko and yawned again.

"Motoko, I'm still sleepy. Don't make so much noise."

Motoko almost screamed when Su had come up behind her. She had been so caught up in the argument that she hadn't noticed Su had moved. When she heard the young girl's voice, she turned to her and took her in her arms.

"Oh Su! I'm so glad you're okay! Please don't ever do anything like that again!"

"But I couldn't let you do it Motoko. I couldn't let you kill River, and I didn't want him to kill you."

"But neither of us wanted you dead either!"

Motoko broke down sobbing again, leaving the rest of their group to watch. Each one felt happy that their friend was finally awake. It was enough to even distract Naru from her rage. The anger faded away as everyone took turns hugging Su. River was the last to come to her, his normal smile in place.

"You crazy little girl. You almost got yourself killed."

"I wanted to help you River. You're my friend, just like Motoko."

"Thank you Su. You saved my life."

He lifted Su up and took her into a warm hug. He held her like that for a few moments before setting her down. Without another word, he turned and walked out the door with his head down. After he had gone Su reached up and brushed some tears from her cheek. Naru winked at her.

"You don't have to cry Su. We're all just glad you're okay."

"But I didn't cry. River was crying when he hugged me."

Naru for once didn't know what to say. She looked over at Keitaro, who shook his head, unsure of what to tell her. He and Shinobu had listened to River talk to Su the night he set out to fight Motoko. Both of them knew that something had happened between the man and the young girl, but they didn't know exactly what it was. Shinobu believed that Su had feelings for River, but Keitaro thought that they were just friends. Now he wasn't sure how either of them felt.

River was lying on the roof, looking up at the fading light in the sky. Soon it would be dark and the stars would be out, shining brightly once more. He remembered watching the stars as a child. But things were different then. Now life was more complicated. All he wanted was to let Motoko know how he felt, but after the events of the past few weeks, it seemed as if he was destined to fail once more. He had nothing left to give her. He knew that in a week, he would be well enough to travel. When that time came, he would leave her once more.

He was lost in thought until he heard the sounds of footsteps. Motoko had gotten up on the roof as well, looking for him. She sat beside him wondering if she could say anything to change his mind. She was finally sure of her feelings for him, and now he was planning to leave again. She wanted to change his mind somehow, but didn't know what she could say. So instead they sat in silence. The events of the past few weeks ran through her mind as she stared up at the sky. Stars were beginning to appear in the sky along with the fading light. She had started counting the stars when River began to stand. She could see that he was still in pain, but trying not to show it. He suddenly let out a grunt of pain and started to fall. Although she was still sitting, Motoko grabbed him and was able to pull him to her so he wouldn't fall off the roof.

"You shouldn't be up here in your condition," she scolded him. When she was answered with his usual smile she smacked him gently on the head. She felt her heart warm a bit as she looked into his face. The same feelings she had felt in Su's room began to rise up once again. She began to allow her face to inch closer to his, and closed her eyes. A shock went through her when their lips touched. She felt as if the world around them no longer existed. Their kiss lasted for several moments before River finally pulled away from her.

"You know, I'm in a lot of pain. It could be weeks or even another month before I'm ready to travel."

"And let me guess, you want me to play nurse for you right," Motoko asked with a playful smile.

"Actually, I was hoping you would escort me to dinner tomorrow. A wounded man has trouble going places by himself."

"Are you asking me to go on a date?"

"Moto-Chan, I would be honored if you would go to dinner with me."

"In that case, how can I refuse," Motoko replied, hugging him close to her. She knew that this wasn't out of her own guilt; she truly wanted to be with him.