Again Love Hina does not belong to me.
The Quiet Man
Chapter 7 Who Needs Enemies.
As Keitaro and Kitsune were walking down the front steps, The others around the breakfast table were just recovering from the foxes earlier outburst.
"Can you believe the nerve of her, suggesting something like that as a joke." exclaimed Naru with a scowl. "I mean what if it gives him ideas?"
"I agree. I do not think it appropriate behavior or conversation at the table while we are eating." Motoko agreed with a disapproving look. "Also with children present, she needs to curb her flirtatious nature."
Kaolla and Shinobu were looking on with interest at the somewhat adult conversation between the two. Hina was also watching the two, but with a more bemused expression on her aged face.
"Well, it certainly has been an exciting morning hasn't it?" Hina asked with a chuckle. "But we need to get you girls off to school. Shinobu why don't we go into the kitchen and prepare the bento's and Motoko, Naru and Kaolla can clear the table."
"Yes Granny." came the upbeat reply from Shinobu as the other girls started to gather the breakfast dishes and clear the table. Within minutes the table was cleared, dishes in the sink and the bento's ready. The girls gathered their things and headed out the door to their respective schools. Once the girls had left Hina had done the dishes and started on cleaning the common rooms. It was about lunch time when she finished and decided to go down to the tea house and join Haruka for lunch.
Leaving the inn she proceeded down the stairs and to the tea house. A few minutes after she left a young girl had come up the steps just missing the elder matron and went to the door of the inn and rang the bell. After ringing again and still receiving no answer she then proceeded to look around taking in the view before leaving the inn and going back down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs she looked around and noticed the tea house, or more specifically the name. Taking a breath she entered the shop and took a seat in the corner.
After a minute or so she noticed the hostess heading her way. "Welcome to the Urashima Tea House. How may I help you?" asked Haruka politely with a smile.
"I would like a cup of green tea and maybe some information if you can help me?" The girl asked in a meek voice.
"The tea will be no problem. The information depends though." Haruka replied with a guarded look.
"I am looking for the owner of this shop. Are you her?" The girl asked.
"I am." Haruka replied.
"I am looking for a Keitaro Urashima, do you know him?" The girl asked with some anticipation.
"Why are you looking for him?" Haruka asked with a guarded tone.
"It's a personnal reason." she answerd carefully.
By this time Hina was walking over after hearing the girl ask about her grandson. "Haruka, why don't you go and get this young lady her tea and I will take care of her inquiries about my grandson." Haruka nodded mutely and left Hina and the young girl alone. "Now, may I ask your name and what your interest in my grandson is?" Hina asked with a smile putting the young girl at ease.
"My name is Mutsumi. As I told the other woman my interest is personal and I would prefer not to share it at this time." Mutsumi replied with a slightly sad look at denying the elder woman of the information.
"I can respect that young one, but I will also tell you that I just don't give out that kind of information with out a good reason." Hina replied.
"I see." Mutsumi replied with a sigh. "Very well then, My name is Mutsumi Otohime and your grandson Keitaro killed my brother Kenichi."
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After leaving the inn, a still flustered Keitaro was slowly being dragged by a laughing Kitsune. "Was the look on their faces priceless or what." She squealed out. "Come on Keitaro you gotta tell me. Did they look mortified or what?"
"Yeah, you got them good." he started out slowly and then started smiling. "The look on Motoko's face was priceless, like a fish out of water, and Naru I've never seen a girl spray milk out of her nose before. So yeah I guess it was pretty funny looking back on it."
"Now you know my secret so you'll have to try and keep the good work now." Kitsune smiled at him as they continued down the street into town.
"What secret?" Keitaro asked with a puzzled expression.
"How to bounce back from anything that life throws at you. Good humor and a positive attitude. With those two traits you can do any thing you put your mind to. How do you think I got over my blindness. I realized that 'yeah it sucks' what happened to me but with a little help from Granny Hina I realized that being blind wasn't the end of the world and if others could overcome their disabilities then so could I. I also just realized something else too." Kitsune said with a radiant smile on her face.
"And what would that be?" Keitaro replied with a grin.
"Just that by helping you, I'm paying back Granny for all the times she helped me. After the accident I was in a bad way. Depressed, despondent, and just about ready to give up on life. My parents didn't survive and the only one who was left was an uncle, and the less said about him the better, any way like a breath of fresh air there was your grandmother. She knew my parents and she had a proposition for me. She had closed down the inn and was looking to make it a girls dorm so she asked me to move in and help out with other tenants that would move in eventually. At the time I just about told her where she could get off, but she didn't give up and eventually she helped me move on and get over myself. I owe her more than I could ever repay in two life times. So when she told me about you, I figured I could pass on her gift of kindness and charity to others." Kitsune finished with a fox-like grin.
Walking into a store for men's clothes, Keitaro turned back to Kitsune to realize she hadn't followed him in. With a small slap of his hand to his forehead and realising she was blind he went back out to get her. "Kitsune. This way please. Sorry about turning and leaving you in the street." He apologised.
"No problem, shugah. Not used to walking around with a blind person are you?" she asked with a smile.
"Sorry." he apologised again. "It's just that I was listening to your story and I just kinda forgot."
"Relax. Actually it is somewhat of a nice change. I mean almost every one treats me like I can't take care of myself just because of my condition." She replied with a grin. "You wouldn't believe how people suddenly change once they realise I can't see. They get real quiet and they aren't sure what to say and do. But you don't act like that, and I really appreciate it. However since we're in a store now I need you to kinda guide me around a bit just to make sure I don't bump into things. Think you can handle that?" she asked somewhat sheepishly.
"I think I can." he replied with a smile while taking her arm.
"Alright then. First stop pants. I was thinking we should get you a couple of pair of jeans, several work pants and a nice set of slacks. Then for shirts one or two casuals, several for work, and two dress shirts. We'll follow that up with a couple of pair of shoes. One for work and one set of dress shoes. How's that sound?" she asked.
"It sounds ok, I guess, but why the dress clothes?" he asked with a confused expression.
Pulling him closer to her she replied with a mischievous grin. "Because dear, when we go out to lunch, I don't want to be seen with a slob. Also when you take a girl out you should always strive to make a good impression." Pulling him closer resulted in a heated blush that she could feel along her arm. "Am I embarrassing you honey? You weren't this shy last night." She could actually feel the heat coming off his face and started laughing loudly. "Relax Keitaro. I'm just playing with you. I'm not that kinda girl, at least not on the first date anyway." she laughed out in a quiet whisper.
Pulling back from her, Keitaro started to calm down. After hearing her remarks he decided two can play that game. Pulling her closer he whispered in her ear. "But Sweetie after breakfast this morning you seemed so satisfied." he purred along with a slight puff of air into her ear. He had the distinct satisfaction of watching her face become flush. "All right now that we're done flirting with each other let's get some shopping done."
Keeping a hand on Kitsune's arm he steered through the store buying his clothes. She continued to make playful remarks about wishing she could see how the clothes looked on him and asking if he needed any help in the dressing room. After the last of his purchases he left Kitsune in front of the dressing room he changed into his new dress clothes. Coming out he asked if she was ready to go and eat.
"Yeah and I know just the place. It's a new restaurant I heard about that I haven't been to yet. So I can kill two birds with one stone. Eat and write up a review for the local paper. So how do you like your new clothes? They fit all right?" She asked.
"Actually I feel a little out of sorts. I mean I'm so used to wearing one thing, and I don't know how if this is actually me or not. You know what I mean?" he asked her somewhat unsure of himself.
Actually I know exactly what you mean. After I lost my eyesight, I had to rely on someone else's opinion of whether what I was wearing looked good or not." she answered wistfully. "Even now I really don't know if what I wear is me or not. Everyone says I look great but deep inside I still have doubts."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel bad." Keitaro replied sadly. After a moment he began speaking again. "I have an.. idea. I think I can help you out a little, but I'm not sure how you would take it."
"What do you mean Keitaro?" She asked curiously.
"Well there's a technique that the clan Urashima teaches. I mean we teach how to defeat opponents, but we also are taught to heal. Now this doesn't mean I can cure you blindness but maybe I can help you see yourself as others see you." he answered her slowly.
"Really? You can do stuff like that? I mean that sounds a little far-fetched if you ask me. The doctors said there was no way for me to ever see again." she replied in a disbelieving voice.
"Actually it won't be you doing the seeing. It's the way I can see you. But.. there's a little snag. I mean I know I can do it but when I do sometimes stray thoughts or feelings come across to the recipient." Keitaro reluctantly replied. "You made me feel welcome and have been helping me out like this so I figured I could do something nice for you, but it takes a little bit outta you, makes you feel kinda weak for a bit. I'll tell you what. why don't we walk to the restaurant, and when we get there if you want we can try it then."
"Sounds good to me. So let's get going." Kitsune replied with a smile.
Leaving the clothing store she gave him directions to the diner. Walking along and making small talk the trip was relaxing for Keitaro and Kitsune both. The crisp fall weather and the sun shining down on the town was all making for a great morning. Walking along arm in arm, a breeze had sprung up and it chilled the two. Drawing a little closer together for warmth, both blushed at the thought of how they might look to others. finally reaching the diner, Kitsune let go of Keitaro's arm and he took a hold of her shoulder to help guide her in the establishment. Soon the two were seated at a small quaint table. Keitaro was describing the inside of the diner, what it felt like to him, and how clean the place seemed. The server came along after a minute or so to take their drink orders. Realising that one of her customers was blind she suddenly went quiet and then stammered her request of what they wanted to drink. At this Keitaro started to chuckle and Kitsune outright laughed.
"Relax miss. We're not laughing at you, just the fact we were talking earlier about what people do when they realise that I'm blind. By the way, my name is Mitsune Konno. I am here to enjoy lunch at this diner and write a review of my experience at this place." Kitsune started out, but was interrupted by the server.
"WOW!! You're the fox aren't you? I read your reviews all the time. Please wait here for a moment while I get my boss. He'll love meeting you." with a swift but polite bow she ran off to get the manager.
Keitaro started to laugh softly. "I guess that makes you famous doesn't it?"
A bewildered Kitsune could only shake her head. "I guess. This is the first time I've be recognised though."
A moment later the server returned with a man in tow. Both stopped and bowed deeply. "Miss Konno, it is my pleasure to welcome you to my small establishment. My name is Sato Iwakawi. Please feel free to order anything you want, it's on the house."
"I'm sorry, but I can't allow the restaurant to pay for my meal. It would be a matter of perception. Some would think they could buy a good review, so as such, I'm afraid I'll have to decline your gracious offer." Kitsune replied with a slight bow.
"Yes, I completely understand and agree with you. But the free meal was not for a review but as a thank you. I have been reading your reviews since you started writing them, anyway I read your review of a small eatery in east Hinata district and I took my girlfriend there. You see I had just graduated a culinary school and I was celebrating. She was impressed with my choice due to fact the food was good and the price was well within our budget, but it was the small kabuki show on the stage that was a hit with her. She is studying classical theater. Any way the short story is we were taken in with the moment that I proposed and she said yes. Her father liked me and as part of a dowry he helped me open this place. So you see, thanks to you I'm happy, my wife is happy, and life is going pretty good. All thanks to you." Sato gushed out. "So as a thank you, I would like to show my appreciation to you."
"I'll tell you what." Kitsune started out. "I'll pay for lunch today, write my review, then later next week after the review is published I'll come by and have dinner with you and your wife. Will that be acceptable to you?"
"Yes. That will be even better. My wife is also a fan of yours as well. Just let me know so we can work it out so that our schedules will not interfere with each other." With that he left them to their server who took their orders and left them in peace for the moment.
Talking quietly to each other, Keitaro had described how the meal was presented, the looks of the food and how it tasted. With a small giggle Kitsune had then proceeded to tell him that she was blind not tasteless. Smiling as well they both finished their meal, thanked the server and the owner for a fine meal and good service. Paying for the meal they left the diner and went to a small park that was nearby.
Sitting down on one of the benches Keitaro asked Kitsune what she thought about his earlier offer to help her.
"It won't hurt will it?" she asked with a little concern in her voice.
"No, but it will be a bit disconcerting. See the technique is used to let the student know how a sensai feels when he uses his ki to perform some of the healing techniques. It was by accident that I found out how to use this to sort of project an image of what I see into another persons mind. Needless to say, that after that, my masters took a bigger interest in me, and unfortunately I got a big head over this. That was the start of what led to my incarceration. Anyway it won't hurt but it might feel a little weird."
"Weird how?" Kitsune asked.
"Well I told you earlier that some feelings or thoughts might be picked by you. So if that happens I just don't want you to think I'm strange or anything." he replied somewhat guardedly.
"Well let's give it a try and we'l see what happens." She replied throwing caution to the wind.
"All right. Please sit here and make yourself comfortable." As she sat he took her hands, and took a deep breath. "Alright just relax and look at me." with that said she smiled a somewhat fox-like grin and looked in his direction. Keitaro slowly relaxed and started to meditate. The thing that made it harder was he had to keep his eyes open while concentrating on Kitsune. After a few minutes he slowly spoke." Are you ready?"
"Yeah, go ahead." she replied nervously.
"All right. Just relax and breath slowly." he spoke slowly. With that he started shifting his mental focus and ki. He felt Kitsune's ki and slowly shifted his ki to match hers. he sent warm happy feelings thru his ki to hers. "Can you feel that?" he asked still quiet and slow.
"Yeah. It feels really good. Like I'm safe and happy." she replied with wonder on her face.
"All right then. This next part will feel kinda weird, and I really can't explain it other than it will feel like you just stumbled over something. Here goes." he told her, and with that he applied what could best be described as something akin to flipping a switch.
The next thing Kitsune was aware of was that she was looking at herself. Slowly she saw her gaze go down to her feet and slowly pan up from her white tennis shoes to her stone washed denim clad legs. Up from there to her waist where she could see the bottom edge of her soft beige wool pullover sweater. As the view moved up she was surprised by the actual size of here breasts. She knew she was a D-cup but she had never really seen her body since she was just really starting to develop. After a linger gaze, the view moved up to her face. Looking at her, Keitaro felt really happy at the look on the young woman's face. She had a look of awed wonder on her face.
"Speak real slow and quiet so as not to disturb my concentration Kitsune. So how do you like how you look?" Keitaro asked quietly.
"It's amazing. I mean everyone tells me I look good, but wow I.. I wow." she babbled out. About this time fate had decided to rear its humorous side. Between the cold stone bench they sat on and the cool breezes that flitted about, Kitsune got a chill. She could see the slight shiver of her shoulders and then the gaze shifted down to her breasts which, due to the fact she was not wearing a bra, her nipples were very prominently displayed.
"Wow amazing. Gorgeous." came a stray thoughts from nowhere. She also got the feelings of sexual stimulation, but she suddenly realised they weren't hers. Quickly letting go of Keitaro's hands, her vision suddenly went black, as she brought her arms up to cover herself. While she was doing this Keitaro was blushing profusely and stammering out apologies.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry Kitsune. I couldn't help it. I ..I. aww man I'm really sorry." He blurted out. Keirtaro started to get up and move off but Kitsune had recovered and reached out toward him to stop his sudden rush. As she reached out, he was in the process of standing up and she accidentally grabbed his crotch. Wondering for a moment what part of him she had grabbed in her rush, she squeezed a little, then realised what she had in her hand and quickly let go like her hand was on fire. Her face was suddenly flushed and she could feel the heat coming off her face and chest and arms.
Keitaro, at her sudden touch, went stiff in more ways than one. With an "URK" followed by a groan of pleasure, He promptly feel over face first into Kitsune's soft chest. Kitsune felt Keitaro slump onto her and promptly fell backwards off the bench onto the grass below. Rolling the now unmoving Keitaro off her, she sat back up and slowly felt for him, and hoping she wouldn't embarrass herself or him, she sighed with relief when she felt his arm. Moving her hand up here arm she felt his shoulder then finally touched his face.
"Come on tiger, wakey wakey!" she called out to him while softly slapping his face.
Keitaro slowly opened his eyes and had a dopey smile on his face and softly spoke out. "Wow, soft fuzzy sweaters. Nice"
Kitsune blushed at that and gave him a harder knock to the top of his head. Keitaro started at that and looked up and saw Kitsune leaning over him. "Aww man, I..I..I'm sor.." he started out till Kitsune interrupted him.
"Easy there big boy." she blushed at the implications of that statement but pressed on. "Just relax for a minute."
Keitaro dropped his head back with a thud. Realising they were on the ground he relaxed for a moment then started speaking with a quiet voice. "Are you all right Kitsune? I'm really sorry. Those thoughts just kinda popped out on their own."
"It's ok Keitaro. Your a guy and I guess guys do that sorta thing all the time. It just caught me by surprise, that's all." She replied with her trade mark fox-like grin.
"I guess we should head back to the dorm now. Also for what its worth" he added quite bashfully, "I really think you do look nice."
"Why thank you Kei. I think you're quite the guy yourself. However I think we should keep this part of the day to ourselves. Unless you want to tell Motoko and Naru about it that is." she replied with a cat got the canary smile.
"No that's quite all right. I like my head right where it is thank you." and with that both got off the ground with Keitaro helping her up and made their way back home. As they were leaving the park, Kitsune fired off a shot that had both of them smiling all the way home. "I'm glad you like my fuzzy sweater Kei."
