Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina. Tokyo Pop and Ken Akamatsu do.

No warning for this chapter. except maybe for an overdose of WAFF.

ELOPE A DOPE

Chapter 10

The Wedding!

November 15th, just a little after 5:25 pm. The sky is clear with just a couple of puffy clouds here and there as the sun begins setting in the east. We find Keitaro and Shinobu walking back down Kawaramachi Dori street once again, but this time they both look a little down.

Shinobu is walking a little bit behind Keitaro looking very depressed when she let's out a loud sigh. Keitaro looks back slightly and sees Shinobu looking halfway down at the ground and halfway at herself in the reflection of the store windows as they go by. He feels a slight twinge in his heart when he sees her sad expression.

"Come on now Shinobu cheer up." he says calmly. He sees her eyes begin to whelp up with tears. "…. How can I possibly cheer up?" sniff "We can't get married now. Remember what the receptionist said." says Shinobu about to cry.

Keitaro thinks back to just a little while ago when they were in the City Hall.

Keitaro and Shinobu walk into the Kyoto City hall and up to the receptionist desk. "Um... Excuse me ma'am, but where do we go to get a marriage license?" asks Keitaro. The receptionist looks up at the couple. She points and directs them down the hallway to the second door on the right. Shinobu and Keitaro both thank her and enter the room.

Keitaro and Shinobu walk up to the front desk of the room. "Excuse me. But we're here to get a marriage license." says Keitaro. The middle aged receptionist looks up from her work. She gives an awkward look at Shinobu. Shinobu knows exactly what she's thinking.

"Oh don't worry! Today's my 16th birthday!" says Shinobu with a smile. The receptionist lifts an eyebrow. "A little egger aren't we?" says the receptionist with a smirk. "Ok I just need you two to fill out these forms." she says as she hands them both a clip board with a few papers on them and a pen. Shinobu and Keitaro sit in some chairs and begin to fill out the forms.

It doesn't take them both long to fill out all the necessary information. They both walk back up to the receptionist and had over the forms. Within a few minutes the receptionist has typed up and printed out an official marriage license for the both of them. "Ok there you go, now if you'll just come back in a week we can have one of the judges to sign this and officially marry you two." says the receptionist.

Keitaro and Shinobu open their eyes in shock. "Uh what? Wait. We need to have this done today." says Keitaro a little shocked and with a bit of urgency in his voice. "I'm sorry sir but Judge Shino is on vacation and Judge Muritaki is out sick and neither will be back until next week." says the receptionist. Shinobu and Keitaro look stunned again. "I'm very sorry." says the receptionist again.

"Sempai what do we do now?" says Shinobu in a very sad voice with tears beginning to whelp up in her eyes. All Keitaro can do is lower his head a bit with an expression of pain on his face. The receptionist seeing that neither is taking the news very well speaks back up.

"Well there is another way." she says. Keitaro and Shinobu look back up at her. "If you could get a priest or some leader of a religious group to sign the marriage license, along with at least two witnesses, then we can officially record you as a married couple." she finishes. Both of them get a smile on their faces. "Really!?" says Keitaro nearly shouting.

"Yes sir…. however... it's already past 5:00 and most of the temples in the area have already shut down for the day so it still may not be possible to get married today anyway." says the receptionist a bit down herself. Shinobu once again looks really down. "Thank you ma'am! We'll be back as soon as we can. Let's go Shinobu!" says Keitaro with determination as he grabs her hand and starts heading to the door quickly. "Remember sir! City hall shuts down at 8:00 so you had better hurry!" calls out the receptionist. "Thank you!" shouts Keitaro back.

Keitaro snaps out of his flash back.

"Don't worry Shinobu. I know we'll find a temple that's still open!" says Keitaro with determination again. "But…. you heard what she said…. most of the temples are already closed." says Shinobu with a few tears running down her face. Keitaro places his hands on her shoulders, lowers himself to her level and looks her right in the face.

"Listen Shinobu. We didn't come this far only to be turned back by a minor set back. I know we'll find a temple or something still open that will help us! Just have faith that we will…. ok?" he says gently as he wipes away one of her tears. Shinobu looks back at him for a moment then nods her head. "Ok sempai. I will." Keitaro smiles, takes her hand and they both begin searching.

It's now going on 7:00. Keitaro and Shinobu have been looking for and open temple for more than an hour and a half, but to no avail. Every temple and shrine they come across has already shut down today. Things are looking pretty hopeless for the two. Shinobu has already given up hope on finding an open temple and Keitaro is even beginning to think so too.

Keitaro is beginning to lose hope that they'll ever find an open temple when he suddenly looks down an adjacent street and sees a sign in front of an odd looking building. "Baptist Church of Kyoto." he reads. "A Christian church?" he says to himself. He suddenly remembers something Seta had told him. Most Christian churches would stay open all night to help those who are in need. "This could work! Christianity IS a recognized religion here in Japan so this could work!" he says to himself. He grabs Shinobu's hand. "Come on Shinobu! I have an idea!"

Within minutes both of them have arrived at the front door of the church. Keitaro begins knocking on the door. "Hello! Is there anyone here!? We need some help please!... hello!" shouts Keitaro. Shinobu is looking slightly away while she has her left hand clutched to her chest while Keitaro continues to hold the other while knocking.

Suddenly a widow in on the apartment building next door opens up and a young man sticks his head out to see what all the noise is. "Hello there! Is there something I can help you with?" asks the young man. Keitaro looks over and sees the man in the window. "Um yes! We're looking for the priest for this church! We need his help!" shouts Keitaro.

"I'm the pastor! Hang on I'll be right down!" the man shouts back. He closes the window. Keitaro looks back at Shinobu and is happy to see her giving a cute grin. "Looks like we came to the right place." says Keitaro with a smile. Shinobu smiles and squeezes Keitaro's hand.

Within a minute or two the young pastor has made his way out to the young couple. "Hello there. I'm Rev. Hamada Kimachi. Is there something I can help you two with?" says the young pastor with a smile. "Hello sir. I'm Keitaro Urashima" "And I'm Shinobu Meahara." adds Shinobu. They both bow. "We were wondering if you'd be able to marry us tonight?" says Keitaro.

Pastor Hamada is a little taken back at Keitaro's sudden request. Keitaro seeing the pastor's face scratches the back of his head. "I guess we should explain a few things why first." he says sheepishly. Keitaro and Shinobu then go on to explain the situation to the young pastor. About Shin, Shinobu's arranged marriage to him, and a certain loop-hole Keitaro found in the marriage laws.

When the two finally finish Pastor Hamada nods his head as to understand. "I see. Well those are some interesting circumstances now aren't they?" he says in thought while rubbing his chin with his index finder. "So pastor. Will you help us?" asks Shinobu. "Well under normal circumstances I wouldn't. You'd be surprised at how many young couples such as yourselves tend to make this kind of a decision a little too quickly. However since you both have a very good underlying reason for doing this, I will help." answers the Pastor with a smile.

Shinobu smiles "Oh thank you!" she bows happily. "Thank you sir." says Keitaro. "No Problem. Just give me a few minutes to gather a few things and we'll do this." says Pastor Hamada. With that he heads back to his apartment to get the few "things."

Within about ten minutes the three of them have entered the church and are preparing for the small wedding. Shinobu has had a constant blush in her face ever since they entered the church. When they had entered and she had seen the inside of the beautiful little church it finally hit her that she's going to be married to Keitaro in just a little while. And the thought of that is the only thing that she can think of at the moment; she can't even seem to look him strait in the face now either.

"There all done. Ok we can now start the wedding." says the pastor with a smile. "Oh wait!" interrupts Keitaro. "We still need a couple of witnesses." he says. "Oh you're right." says Pastor Hamada. "Hang on. I'll be right back." says Keitaro. He then runs out of the church.

Keitaro looks back a forth up and down the street to see if he can see anyone. But given that this is a side street there aren't very many people out right now in this area. But then he finally spots an elderly couple walking down the street arm in arm. He quickly runs over to them. "Um excuse me, but I was wondering if you two would be able to help me?" says Keitaro politely.

"Sure young man. What do you need help with?" asks the elderly old man with a cheerful smile. "Um well you see…." starts Keitaro with a slight blush. "I uh…. need a couple of witnesses for my…. wedding. So um… could you help?" finishes Keitaro with a very obvious blush now on his face.

"A Wedding!? Ha ha ha! But of course! My wife and I are on vacation and we're just walking around enjoying the sights before we head on over to our hotel. Witnessing a small wedding would be a great way to end the day. Wouldn't it my dear?" says the old man cheerfully as he smiles to his wife. "Yes it would! We'd be happy to help!" says the elderly woman also with a smile. Keitaro quickly bows. "Oh thank you so much!" he says with great relief.

By now it's about 7:30. The elderly couple are sitting comfortably in a pew about three rows back, the pastor has his Bible and wedding rob on, and Keitaro and Shinobu are standing in front of him: Shinobu with a very obvious blush on her face, and Keitaro with a slight blush himself. With the elderly couple giving a grin at this youthful endeavor the pastor begins.

"Dearly beloved we are gathered…." "OH! Wait a second!" shouts Shinobu. Everyone watches Shinobu as she quickly goes over to the front pew and begins looking through her bunny backpack/purse. She finds what she is looking for and brings it out. To Keitaro's shock it's a wedding veil. "Shinobu… where did you get that from?" he asks curiously. "It's from my wedding dress that Mr. Hibachi bought. He let me borrow it thinking I was just going to show it off a little bit. I just thought that this wedding needed to be a little closer to the real thing." says Shinobu with a smile.

"Heh." huffs Keitaro with a grin. Shinobu puts it on and pulls the veil over her face. Keitaro is stunned for a moment. As he looks at Shinobu through the veil he swears he can see the face of a mature woman. It's only now that Keitaro notices that Shinobu has put on some lipstick, and she looks absolutely stunning. "Wow…" Keitaro says quietly to himself. He can't believe this is Shinobu at first. It takes a moment for Keitaro to come back to reality and tell the pastor he may proceed with a nod.

Pastor Hamada clears his throat. "Dearly beloved we are gathered here this morning… er…. tonight to join Keitaro Urashima and Shinobu Meahara in holy matrimony. If there is one among you who believe these two should not wed please speak up now or forever hold your peace?" he announces loudly.

For a brief second the thought of the worst case scenario flashes through Shinobu's mind. Her father, mother, and Shin would all run into the church with a bunch of hired goons and shout for them to stop and then she'd be drug away to marry Shin while she watched as Keitaro was beaten to within an inch of his life. But the thought quickly passes as she hears Pastor Hamada continue.

"Hearing none we will now continue." continues the pastor. Since this is a small wedding and knowing there really is no need for all the ceremonial traditions he decides to get to the point. "Do you have rings for each other?" he asks. "Oh no! We forgot the…" "Yes I have the rings right here." says Keitaro interrupting Shinobu. Shinobu looks and is shocked to see Keitaro pull out a ring box from his pocket. He opens it up and Shinobu gasps as she sees two weeding rings.

"Sempai when did you…?" "While you were still in the souvenir shop." says Keitaro with a smile interrupting Shinobu once again. Shinobu looks at the rings again. "Do you like them?" asks Keitaro. Shinobu give a big smile. "I love them!" she says happily.

Keitaro takes out Shinobu's ring and takes a hold of her left hand. "Shinobu. I'm not very sure of myself right now so I'm just going to say what's in my heart. (Keitaro takes in a deep breath) Shinobu since the very first time we met I could tell you were a special woman. I could tell there was a shell of sadness around you that you desperately wanted to break down. And ever since you moved in with us that shell is all but gone now. And ever since then we've gotten to know you better and I have seen many sides to your personality. I have sometimes seen you as a little sister such as when you needed help making tough decisions. You would always come to me or one of the older girls for advice. And also watching you strive to become more adult like makes you look so cute sometimes."

"At other times I see you like a mother. Always cooking and cleaning after everyone. I sometimes hate to see you having to pick up the pieces after one of Su's experiments, but you always did it with a smile. You would always seem to be watching over us in a way, making sure we didn't do too far with doing something, always being the voice of common since in a way. You would always put other before yourself. And I admire that."

"At other times I see you as a wife. Call it strange of me to say that, but you really will make a beautiful wife. You're there for me when ever I get hurt either physically or emotionally. You are there by my side cheering me on when ever I had an important exam, even if not in person but in spirit. And we would always seem to be on the same level when ever we talked to each other. We would always have something in common to talk about. And even though you are younger than I am and are a girl we are alike you and I. If I could I would fall in love with you at the drop of a hat."

"But most importantly I see you as a woman. Ever since we first met I could see you had the spirit of a woman inside of you. Unfortunately it had to struggle against a body and personality that was not ready to be a woman yet. But it is there. I see it in your face of determination when you lug a heavy load of laundry up to the roof, but even then you would sometimes need help carrying it up. I could see it in your face of happiness when you make the meals. You would have such the most beautiful look of peace on your face. I could see it in your face of thought when you were studying for an upcoming test. Seeing how hard you wanted to pass reminded me of myself when studying for a Toudai exam. And I could see it in your face of authority when ever you took charge of a situation. Seeing that you could lead people when the time came truly shows your abilities as a respectful and resilient woman. And even though your childish side would come out a lot it only was able to expose the woman inside of you further."

"It is these reasons why, Shinobu, that today I am happy and honored to take you as my wife. So I am so happy when I say this, 'with this ring I be wed.'" finishes Keitaro. With that he slips the wedding ring onto Shinobu's ring finger right up against the engagement ring.

Shinobu has tears streaming down her face. Tears of joyous happiness. Never had she thought that Keitaro would ever look upon her and see a woman. Those words have made her feel the greatest since of happiness she has ever felt. The warm feeling in her heart right now is the greatest feeling she has ever felt. Nothing can compare. She is truly and utterly happy.

Keitaro then takes out the second ring and hands it to her and gives her a big smile. He holds out his left hand to her. She hesitantly takes it still in a bit of fuzziness after hearing his speech. She tries to think of something to say back, but her mind just doesn't want to cooperate. But then without warning her mouth begins to move on it own.

"Oh Sempai… what you have just told me has made me feel so happy. More happy then I have ever felt. I love you so much. That first day I met you I sensed something special in you. I thought you were scary at first but that feeling changed when I realized that I had never felt this feeling in my heart before. And when you told me I could live in Hinata Sou and make friends with all of you I knew I had found someone which would fill the gaping hole created by my parents fighting and separation. And ever since I have gotten to know all of you better I have too seen many sides of you too."

"I have seen you like an older brother. Always looking after me and protecting me. I feel that you have always got my back if ever I was to fall into trouble. You're always there when ever I need help. Helping me with the laundry sometimes. Even helping in the kitchen sometimes. Given that you said you're a brother yourself you seem to know how to give advice in just the right way. And I appreciate all the help you've given me."

"I have also seen you as a father figure. You always try to do what's best for me. Helping me study hard, pushing me when I thought I couldn't do anymore. Gently pointing out mistakes I had done and correcting me. And not only in school work but in real life you have done that. Your guidance has helped me in many situations."

"I have seen you also as a husband. Not only in my daydreams but in reality as well. You've always been able to open your heart to me about how you feel. I too have been able to talk with you relatively openly about my problems which in many cases I would have kept it to myself. And although I first felt that we were so different, I have come to realizes that you and I are very much alike. Not having much luck with the opposite sex, being clumsy, and even saying sorry over and over again a lot. I find it very comforting."

"And I have also seen you as a man Keitaro. Despite what Motoko and Naru say a lot I can see that you are a man. Although your body does not fit the description of the world's view of a man, I know it takes a lot more than looks to be manly. You have a kind and caring heart. You are gentle and respectful. You are careful and considerate. But you also will stand up for what is right and are not afraid to take a beating for standing for your beliefs. You're smart and very perceptive. And in my eyes Keitaro that makes you the perfect man. I can see no manlier man that you."

"I can not describe just how happy I am right at this moment. Nor do I think I ever will be able to. I just wanted to let you know that I am so very happy. And right now nothing else matters. So I am also happy to say this. 'With this ring I be wed.'" finishes Shinobu. With that she slips the wedding ring onto Keitaro's finger.

Keitaro and Shinobu look into each other eyes with smiles on their faces. Pastor Hamada continues with ceremony. These rings represent the strong bond you have for each other and with this oath of devotion, will make you a complete unit."

"Keitaro Urashima. In the presents of God do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward. To care for and encourage from this day. To love her and cherish her. Both in sickness and in health. For richer or poorer. So long as you both shall live?" Keitaro never looks away from Shinobu. "I do." he says with a soft voice and a smile.

Pastor Hamada turns to Shinobu. "Shinobu Meahara. In the presents of God do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward. To care for and encourage from this day. To love him and cherish him. Both in sickness and in health. For richer or poorer. So long as you both shall live?" Shinobu never takes her eyes off of Keitaro. "I do!" she says happily with a couple of happy tears rolling down her cheek.

"With your oath to love each other from now on, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!" says Pastor Hamada happily. Keitaro, who had been removing the veil from Shinobu's face, suddenly freezes. He looks back at Shinobu and then gets a sheepish grin on his face. "Uh Shinobu…. we…don't have to kiss if you don't wa-MUPH!" Keitaro opens his eyes in shock as Shinobu has unexpectedly come up, wrapped her arms around his head and has planted a romantic kiss right on his lips.

And it's no ordinary kiss either. Her kiss lingers for a few second. "Is that her tongue!?" Keitaro shouts in his head. The elderly man suddenly stands up and takes a picture of the kiss. Keitaro remembers that he had handed over his camera to the old man to take a few pictures with. Shinobu finally backs away with a deep hue of red on her face, but surprisingly she does look away from Keitaro. Keitaro, with a deep blush himself, just has a look of shock on his face. He never thought Shinobu would so bold like that.

"I just…" Keitaro snaps back out of his stunned look. "I just wanted it to be special. That was my first kiss with a man so I just wanted it to be special and I will always remember it by." says Shinobu as she finally looks downward a bit. Keitaro places his hand on her cheek and she looks back up. Keitaro just gives a loving smile. She knows in that look he didn't mind and she smiles back.

"And with that I have the honor of being the first to introduce you too Mr. and Mrs. Urashima!" says Pastor Hamada. Pastor Hamada and the elderly couple begin to applaud the completed wedding and the newly wedded couple. Both Shinobu and Keitaro are now blushing even further in embarrassment.

"What a wonderful little wedding. I am so glad we were able you help you two out." says the old man with a cheerful smile as he and his wife sign the marriage license. "And I was honored to do it for you two." says Pastor Hamada as he also signs the license. "Thank you so much everyone! We really appreciate all the help you've given us." says Keitaro as he bows.

"Sempai what time is it?" asks Shinobu curiously. Keitaro looks at his watch and suddenly yells in shock! "AHHHH!!! IT'S 7:45! CITY HALL CLOSES IN 15 MINUTES!!!! AND IT'S AT LEAST HALF AN HOUR AWAY EVEN IF WE RUN!" he shouts! "WHAT!?" screams Shinobu. Pastor Hamada gives a smirk. "I think I can help you with this. You two go wait out front I'll be around in a minute." orders Pastor Hamada.

Keitaro and Shinobu head out the front of the church. "What do you think he has in mind?" asks Shinobu. "I don't know." answers Keitaro. Suddenly the two of them hear a loud engine coming from around the apartment building next door. The two look over and see a motorcycle pull up in front of the church with a side car attached to it. They watch as the man driving it looks at them and then pulls up his goggles.

"Pastor Hamada!?" says Keitaro with disbelief. "Heh heh! I'm known around here as the 'cycling pastor.' It helps with me with my witnessing. Now get in!" orders Pastor Hamada. Both of them are a little hesitant about getting in at first, but decide if they're going ever have a chance of making back in time they had better do as he says.

Thankfully the side car has two helmets which they both put on. Shinobu has to sit on Keitaro's lap because the sidecar doesn't have much room. Keitaro is a bit uncomfortable having her like this because he can feel the softness of her bottom rubbing a certain area of his lower region. Keitaro manages to shake it off and buckles them in.

"Ok you two hang on! I'll have you at City Hall in no time!" shouts Pastor Hamada. He reeves the engine a few times loudly before peeling out to Shinobu's frightful sounding… "YEEEAAHHHHhhhhhhhh!"

As the elderly couple watches as the motorcycle speeds off into the distance, the elderly man turns to his wife. "Shall we be going to our hotel now my dear?" he asks. "Yes. Lets." answers the elderly woman. With that the both of them walk down the street arm in arm to the intersection and manage to flag down a taxi.

Pastor Hadama's skilful driving manages to get the two back to City hall with barely 5 minutes to spare. Thankfully in one piece… although with a few frayed nerves. To the couple's surprise the middle aged receptionist had been waiting for them ever since they left, hoping that they would make it back in time. She felt a big since of relief when she saw the two had managed to get a pastor and a couple of witnesses to sign the license. She happily filled out the rest of the license and hands it back to them announcing they are now officially and legally a married couple.

After getting the license Keitaro and Shinobu say their goodbyes to Pastor Hamada and watches him as he speeds away on his motorcycle. "So Sempai…. What should we do now?" asks Shinobu. "I don't know about you, but all this excitement has exhausted me. I think we should find a hotel now." answers Keitaro. "You said it!" agrees Shinobu.

"The problem is I don't have a lot of money left." adds Keitaro. "Well what about that money Miss Haruka gave us?" asks Shinobu. "That could help… let's see…." says Keitaro as he looks through his travel bag. He finds the paper bag of money and reaches in to count it, but to his surprise he finds a note lying right on top. He pulls it out and he and Shinobu both begin reading it.

To Keitaro and Shinobu,

This is my little wedding gift to you two. Knowing that Keitaro doesn't have much money, I have reserved a hotel room at the Kyoto Kokuai hotel for tonight. My treat. So please make good use if it. But remember it's only for tonight. Any room service you order or extra nights you stay you guys will have to pay for it.

Haruka

Keitaro and Shinobu just stand there dumbfounded and shocked at what they just read. Suddenly they both shout together, "THE KYOTO KOKUAI HOTEL!?"

End of Chapter 10

To be continued in Chapter 11: The First Night Together. (Bit of a lemony warning for this one)

Author Note: I am so sorry for the 10 month hiatus on updating this story. But being a full time college student and having a part time job with leaving little time to sleep has left me with virtually no time to work on any of my fanfics. Until now. Christmas vacation and an easier college schedule for the spring semester will give me some time to work on my fanfics again. Next up is Chapter 7 of my Negima fanfic "Deadly Lessons." So please look forward to it!

Story Note: For the people who are Muslim, Jewish, or any other religion other than Christianity I hope you didn't find this chapter too offensive. Being the son of a pastor myself I found it easier to do a Christian like wedding for this chapter. Also some city halls in the major cities of Japan will stay open until 8:00. It's not uncommon.