DEAR READERS:
If you love 'Love Hina' and love heart-warming stories, this is the story for you! I have added a new character as Shinobu's crush, and his name is Senji Shimitsu. If you want to see what he look like. well I drew him and if you feel like seeing him just send me an e-mail (senzen_xlr8@hotmail.com), and I can send a copy of him to you. But please on the subject write (I demand to see senji!) so that I know that it is not junk mail. Meanwhile have a read and tell me what you think! I hope that you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of its characters.
~LOVE SHINOBU
CHAPTER THREE- KISS AND MAKE UP
"Motoko sempai! What is the meaning of this?" Shinobu urged as Motoko drew her sword from her sheath.
"Oh I'll need to settle an old score with him!"
Motoko summoned her battle aurora as sparks of energy cracked around her. Her eyes became terrifying and her sword glowed brightly in the dark surrounding. Gusts of wind spiralled around her, sending the hair of the ones present to dance in the air. "Hmmm. Aoyama san. You have gotten better since the last time we met. But I do not have a sword, so I cannot challenge you. Since it is against the code of honour of a swordsman to attack someone who is unarmed. thus may I ask you to put away your weapon? We can settle this some other time."
The gusts of wind died down. "So you are Shinobu's date. She said that you were strong, and she is right. You humiliated me once before Shimitsu! But you'll not get away with it! The next time we meet, you had better be ready!" Motoko retreated hastily into the girl's dormitory, leaving Shinobu with Senji outside.
"What happened between the two of you?" Shinobu asked suspiciously as Senji tried to get rid of the dreadful feeling from his chest. "Oh. it was a couple of years back when I went to Kendo camp. That was the first time I met Aoyama san. She lost a match against me, there was no big fuss except the fact that she obviously holds a grudge against m."
"Why can't you just shut up!" Motoko came flying out of the front door and swung her sword at Senji. He responded quickly and caught the blade with both hands in mid air. Before Shinobu even processed that Motoko was even in front of her, Senji kicked the handle of the sword which sent it flying through the air. Both Motoko and Senji leapt for the weapon, but the sword landed in Senji's hand and he quickly dashed away from his attacker. A kick from Motoko sent Senji crashing back to the earth and he skidded along the dust. Senji leapt just in time to dodge Motoko's second kick which left a deep dent on the ground. He quickly took advantage of Motoko's position on the ground and grabbed her shirt and pinned her down where she stood.
The event had taken mere seconds and after Shinobu gave up on following the movements of the two martial artists, the fight was already over. Motoko stared angrily at Senji who was now holding her sword placed on her neck, threatening to cut her soft flesh. Shinobu looked in disbelief at Senji. Both of them were panting at that very moment and the suspense created from exchanged stares sent sweat drops down their necks. Senji took the sword away from her neck and stabbed it into the hard soil in front of her. (just a training sword not sword 'Hinata')
"I am sorry. but I do not intend to lose to you Aoyama san. But don't take it too hard. This isn't a proper match, we can finish it later." He looked back at Shinobu who stared at him as if she had never seen him before. "I apologise Shinobu for having to end this night so violently. Forgive me."
Shinobu was unable to respond for a while but nodded eventually. Senji gave her a painstaking smile and proceeded walking down the steps of Hinata sou. Shinobu quickly ran to Motoko who was kneeling before her sword in disgrace. "Damn it! I am lacking on my training!"
Senji returned home and examined the fist shaped bruise on his chest in front of the bathroom mirror. He touched it lightly and waves of pain made him leave it alone. 'Damn it! She is better than before. She packs quite a punch! Seems like she still holds a grudge against me. I don't blame her. after what I did. I was lucky that I survived our first real duel! And winning it was just so unexpected.' He splashed water on his face. "I hope that Shinobu is not too angry with me."
* * *
School started as it always has, but now both Senji and Shinobu avoided each other so much that it was very obvious to the other people. Even in art lessons Senji sat at a free desk which became crowded with other students after a short while. Shinobu sat in the library as she always had and read a book which had never suited her tastes in the past. She would read it just to pass the time. Senji played soccer with the other boys and became a celebrity in a few short days.
Shinobu walked home from the tram station and climbed the stairs to Hinata Sou slowly with an umbrella in her hand. The wind blew rainwater on her skirt, but she never wanted to adjust her umbrella to shield it. She had burnt her cooking many times over the past days and everyone became worried about her.
Shinobu leant on her bedroom desk with a candy wrapper in her hand. It was a peach flavoured gummy jelly. She opened the packet and caught the smell of the candy. It triggered her memory quickly and remembered that it had smelled like Senji. It may have only had a slight resemblance to him but it made her heartbeat accelerate with excitement. Without realising it, tears filled her eyes and it dropped like rainwater on her clean and tidy desk.
There was a quiet knock on her door and Shinobu quickly wiped her tears away and answered it. As she opened her door Motoko stood at the entrance uneasily. "Shinobu Chan. can we talk?" She was carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.
Shinobu quickly let her in and soon they were seated at a furnace table. They were silent at first but after some time Motoko quickly spoke up. "Shinobu. I am sorry about the other day."
Shinobu swallowed the tea which had suddenly tasted bitter. After a brief moment of hesitation she too spoke while she kept her eyes on her steaming cup of tea. "It is okay Motoko Sempai." She said in a quiet voice. "I am not talking to him any more and you don't have to worry about him bothering you." Her hand began to shake, making ripples in the liquid within her cup.
"But you don't feel happy." As those words escaped Motoko's lips, Shinobu's eyes began to water again. "I. I am happy. I am happy. I am." Quickly she put her cup on the table and embraced her face with her hands as her lungs felt as if it was being sucked out of her.
"Shinobu! Don't force yourself to say things that are not true!" Motoko quickly took Shinobu into her arms. "Look. I am sorry about what happened! I regret my actions. I never realised that they would lead to this. Please forgive me Shinobu. although it may disgrace my honour. I will apologise to him also. If that will make you feel happy."
Shinobu's body loosened from the initial tense state. "You don't have to."
"No! I will. It is the least I can do. Tell you what. I'll even let him come into Hinata Sou just for one evening." Motoko almost punched herself for saying those words but was glad that Shinobu hugged her as a token of thanks.
* * *
Shinobu's body tensed as she walked over to where Senji was playing soccer. Many popular girls where present at that section which was next to the tennis courts, the swimming pool and the oval. They stared at Shinobu as she walked by them, their whispers made her wonder what they where actually talking about. She picked up her speed and continued her search for Senji.
Soon she saw him sprinting with the ball in his possession and kicking a goal. A few guys cheered but they knew that he was not performing to his full potential. Shinobu looked on and blushed as she saw his fine black hair flicker in the midday sun. The rays of light had bounced off the fine strands and shone radiantly into all directions. She lost all her senses and without realising it, she sat down on a bench watching him as he ran.
A hand had finally persuaded her to awake from her dreamlike stares at Senji and after once again focusing her mind, Shinobu looked to the one who had disrupted her. "It is Shinobu right?." A girl said. "Yes." Shinobu replied quietly as she stared into the light brown eyes of one of the most popular girls in her school. She was beautiful with long hair tired with a red ribbon. Her height was greater than Shinobu's and had one of the cutest smiles that Shinobu had ever seen. "Why are you here? Are you lost.? Should I point you to the library library-girl?"
Her friends laughed whom had gathered around Shinobu to make her feel uncomfortable. Shinobu was hurt by those words and swallowed before she could reply in a dry and soft voice. "I just wanted to speak with Senji. That is all. I am not lost." The girls all gone silent and stared at her with curious smiles. Shinobu fidgeted with her skirt as her heart rate quickened.
"Look Shinobu. Why would Senji even want to talk to you? He is one of the most popular guys at school and you. well. I would not want to go to the fine details. Sure he may have sat next to you in art for a few days. That does not mean that he would want to talk to you." The girl said with a mocking tone.
Shinobu's chest suddenly felt as if it was going to collapse as it became so sore and dry that it made her eyes water. The tears dropped down her cheeks as she stared bluntly into the eyes of the girl who said those words. "Now that was a little harsh Kamia. even for you!" One of her friends said. "Yeah that was a little bit mean." Said another.
"Hey! What is going on here?" Senji questioned as he ran to the scene. Shinobu quickly sat up and hastily wiped her tears from her eyes. "Nothing. Can I talk to you Senji?"
"Sure." Shinobu started to walk quickly from the scene as Senji followed, still puzzled with what had just happened. They walked to a deserted spot under a tree. The golden rays shone down upon them both and the sudden calmness making them blush in each other's presence. The noise from the oval can be heard, only in soft echoes but there was silence in this part of the school as they both sat down on the root of the large cherry tree.
Senji lay back on the tree trunk trying to not show how tense he was at that very moment. Shinobu's heartbeat had already accelerated and she was trying her hardest to invite Senji to Hinata Sou. She had been thinking about what to say all night but she could not put her plan into motion. "Shinobu."
"Yes?" Her mind became empty as she was startled by Senji's voice. "I am sorry for avoiding you."
"I was just about to say the same thing..."
"And I am sorry for my behaviour at your dormitory. I just couldn't let you see me as a weak person. That is all." Senji began to turn crimson.
"Really? Why would you what to do that? I would still like you no matter." Shinobu began to blush and both of them began to smile towards each other.
"But now. Things turned out to be like this. I had never wanted this. You avoid me and I avoid you. Can we get back to the way everything was before? I promise to apologise to Aoyama Motoko!"
Shinobu's heart pounded harder. "Then why don't you do that when you come to my place?"
"What?!"
"Motoko sempai also want to apologise to you Senji. She asked me to invite you to Hinata sou for dinner."
"Wow! Hey! I'd better get a good present then! You sure she said that?"
"Well. yeah!"
* * *
Senji approached the tall stairs of Hinata sou. It was already afternoon and the rays of light from the late afternoon sun added a shade of orange on everything the eye can see. A calm and almost harmonic breeze blew past, sending Senji's hair to dance in the warm air. Trees cast dim shadows over the long steps which are obviously worn slightly over time. In his hand he had a box which contained a dagger (Japanese style dagger, looks much like a Japanese sword but only shorter), a prized weapon in his collection. The package was delicately wrapped in white wrapping paper and a blood red ribbon. As he reached the bottom of those stairs he halted for a while and quickly gained his ascend to the top.
Once he reached the top, a sweet scent of food filled the air which made his mouth water as he smelled it. 'Shinobu is certainly a good cook.' He knocked on the door and waited until it slid open to reveal Motoko with the sword HINATA in one hand. "Er." Senji paused as he was temporarily stunned with the weapon in her hand. 'That weapon. there is an evil soul in that sword. Is she going to fight me?'
"Are you going to come in or are you just going to stand there?" Motoko said hastily (She had planned this and chose to be stern for that night) as Senji quickly bowed and removed his shoes. "Sorry."
He quickly handed the package to Motoko. "Sorry about what happed last time. and the time before. I hope that this will be enough to set everything right." Motoko froze for a moment but soon accepted he package with a softened and surprised look on her face. "Thankyou."
"It is one of my favourite pieces in my collection. I hope that you'd like it." Senji smiled at her as she untied the ribbon and opened up the package. "It is beautiful.," Motoko said as she placed her hand on the shiny black sheath decorated with golden cherry blossoms. She took out the blade and it shone with a blue reflection even in the orange sunlight.
Soon enough Keitaro came in. "Hi. You must be Senji! I am the manager of this dorm. Urashima Keitaro. Welcome to Hinata sou!" Senji smiled. "Thankyou very much Mr Urashima!" Keitaro and Senji soon left to meet the other residents of the dorm, leaving Motoko at the door as she still looked at the weapon in her hand.
'I can tell that it is a good blade. what if I.' Motoko dropped the ribbon on the blade and like she thought, it was cut in half without her having to move her hand. 'I must give him something in return. What am I saying? I haven't even apologised yet!'
Soon Keitaro led Senji to the lounge where all the residents except Motoko and Shinobu were sitting down, Mitsune decided to take the time off and brought Mutsumi with her. Keitaro quickly introduced everyone when Motoko walked into the room. "Senji Shimitsu!"
"Yes?" Senji replied hesitantly.
"I have to say sorry to you for starting that fight. Although you still have the upper hand. I will not lose to you next time." Motoko almost shouted. 'What the hell am I saying?! I am here to apologise. not challenge him to another duel!' She kicked herself mentally but kept her stern look.
"Hmmm. It will be interesting. But if you are challenging me to another duel, I will accept. But you have to let me know a week in advance."
"Deal." Motoko swallowed and calmed down. 'This turn out better that I thought.'
"Oh! So you are the Kendo boy Shinobu has a crush on?!" Mitsune said opening her eyes for once. "Ara!" Mutsumi said with a surprised expression while clapping her hands together in front of her. The both of then quickly got up to take a closer look at Senji, who tried to back off uneasily.
"We just have to have a look at what you can do later!" Mitsune rubbed Senji's hair gently with one hand and began to move the other one towards his chest.
"Hey everyone! Dinner is almo." CLANG! Shinobu dropped the wok of stir-fry to the ground and looked on in horror.
"Shinobu San!?" Senji shouted. "It. it is not what it seems!"
Shinobu was silent. Senji quickly went to Shinobu and both of them proceeded to the kitchen. "Really I didn't initiate it." Shinobu laughed at what Senji said. "You think that I don't know Mitsune San's personality? Don't worry I know exactly what she is like!"
Shinobu hugged him and quickly picked up her wok and went to the stove once again. "Need help Shinobu?"
"No. no! I am almost finished. Just sit down and make yourself comfortable!"
"No. I'd rather watch you cook."
The others looked at them with wide grins across their faces. "Ara. Seems that they get along well. I guess she has gone off you Kei Kun." Mutsumi smiled as she got close to Keitaro.
"It seems so. It is good in a way. She was never good a making friends so I think Senji is a good choice for her."
* * *
Dinner was enjoyable for everyone as everyone was locked in conversation. Shinobu tended to speak to Senji more than anyone else since neither Suu or Sara were present. The Atmosphere was a lot quieter without them around. After everyone has had their dinner they all decided to take a bath. "Bath! What?!"
"Haven't you heard of a bath before Senji? Come on it would be fun." Mitsune said with a slight blush on her face (she has been drinking). "Oh you mean we take turns in it right?" Senji sighed with ease.
"Not at all! We have a large outdoor hot spring. Why don't we share it together." Mitsune started to caress Senji's hair. "No! That is wrong! Umm err I mean." He struggled for words, even if he wouldn't mind a bath surrounded by women but he did not want to accept it because of what Shinobu may think of him.
"Don't worry Senji." Motoko said calmly. "You are using the men's bath. But if I catch you peeping. I'll de-sex you!" Everyone looked at her in a funny way, but Mitsune could not control herself. "And I bet you'd enjoy it too!" She received the laughter she anticipated which made Motoko blush.
"Come Senji. I'll get you a towel." Shinobu quickly led him out of the room, leaving Keitaro and the rest of the girls to their arguments.
As they walked along the long hallways of Hinata sou they smiled to each other hand in hand. They enjoyed the quietness of the night and the sight of the bright moon which shone brightly that very night. "You live in a very interesting dormitory Shinobu. Everyone is so lively and there are not one but three Toudai students. The only very odd thing is that you have a male manager. But anyhow, this is a good place to live."
Shinobu smiled at Senji and leant against him as they walked. "Yes. I feel lucky that I live here. My parents always fought. but I found happiness here and they let me stay. Usually thinking about them makes me sad and uncomfortable. But tonight is different. you are with me once again." Senji put his hand on Shinobu's shoulder and held her closer to him. "I really do all that?"
Shinobu smiled again and looked into Senji's eyes. "Yes. Without a doubt."
* * *
Senji sat back in the bath comfortably as the warm water relaxed him like nothing else. He watched as ripples made by his hand disperse in concentric circles on the surface. Looking at them made him smile and look into the stars which twinkled brightly. However the main object was the moon as it shone brighter than everything in the night sky. 'Moon, moon so bright. You shine so very brightly tonight. Something big is about to happen I know. Now lets see how the events go!'
At peace he looked away from the stars and turned away from it, while closing his eyes. All was silent except for the noise of a passing aircraft. The noise was obviously made by a helicopter but the more Senji listened, the louder it was. Until the noise was so loud that it was as if it was just outside the bathroom window.
Senji turned around and suddenly, he was engulfed in the intense rays from a searchlight. He quickly covered his face to try and adapt his eyes to better suit the light. Then a feminine voice came from the loud beating of the helicopter propellers. "Brother! You are mine!"
END OF CHAPTER
Next chapter's going to be a killer! Try and work out what is going to happen! Actually there are two things that are going to be outrageous! Stay tuned.
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT SENJI LOOKS LIKE? READ DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS
If you love 'Love Hina' and love heart-warming stories, this is the story for you! I have added a new character as Shinobu's crush, and his name is Senji Shimitsu. If you want to see what he look like. well I drew him and if you feel like seeing him just send me an e-mail (senzen_xlr8@hotmail.com), and I can send a copy of him to you. But please on the subject write (I demand to see senji!) so that I know that it is not junk mail. Meanwhile have a read and tell me what you think! I hope that you like it.
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of its characters.
~LOVE SHINOBU
CHAPTER THREE- KISS AND MAKE UP
"Motoko sempai! What is the meaning of this?" Shinobu urged as Motoko drew her sword from her sheath.
"Oh I'll need to settle an old score with him!"
Motoko summoned her battle aurora as sparks of energy cracked around her. Her eyes became terrifying and her sword glowed brightly in the dark surrounding. Gusts of wind spiralled around her, sending the hair of the ones present to dance in the air. "Hmmm. Aoyama san. You have gotten better since the last time we met. But I do not have a sword, so I cannot challenge you. Since it is against the code of honour of a swordsman to attack someone who is unarmed. thus may I ask you to put away your weapon? We can settle this some other time."
The gusts of wind died down. "So you are Shinobu's date. She said that you were strong, and she is right. You humiliated me once before Shimitsu! But you'll not get away with it! The next time we meet, you had better be ready!" Motoko retreated hastily into the girl's dormitory, leaving Shinobu with Senji outside.
"What happened between the two of you?" Shinobu asked suspiciously as Senji tried to get rid of the dreadful feeling from his chest. "Oh. it was a couple of years back when I went to Kendo camp. That was the first time I met Aoyama san. She lost a match against me, there was no big fuss except the fact that she obviously holds a grudge against m."
"Why can't you just shut up!" Motoko came flying out of the front door and swung her sword at Senji. He responded quickly and caught the blade with both hands in mid air. Before Shinobu even processed that Motoko was even in front of her, Senji kicked the handle of the sword which sent it flying through the air. Both Motoko and Senji leapt for the weapon, but the sword landed in Senji's hand and he quickly dashed away from his attacker. A kick from Motoko sent Senji crashing back to the earth and he skidded along the dust. Senji leapt just in time to dodge Motoko's second kick which left a deep dent on the ground. He quickly took advantage of Motoko's position on the ground and grabbed her shirt and pinned her down where she stood.
The event had taken mere seconds and after Shinobu gave up on following the movements of the two martial artists, the fight was already over. Motoko stared angrily at Senji who was now holding her sword placed on her neck, threatening to cut her soft flesh. Shinobu looked in disbelief at Senji. Both of them were panting at that very moment and the suspense created from exchanged stares sent sweat drops down their necks. Senji took the sword away from her neck and stabbed it into the hard soil in front of her. (just a training sword not sword 'Hinata')
"I am sorry. but I do not intend to lose to you Aoyama san. But don't take it too hard. This isn't a proper match, we can finish it later." He looked back at Shinobu who stared at him as if she had never seen him before. "I apologise Shinobu for having to end this night so violently. Forgive me."
Shinobu was unable to respond for a while but nodded eventually. Senji gave her a painstaking smile and proceeded walking down the steps of Hinata sou. Shinobu quickly ran to Motoko who was kneeling before her sword in disgrace. "Damn it! I am lacking on my training!"
Senji returned home and examined the fist shaped bruise on his chest in front of the bathroom mirror. He touched it lightly and waves of pain made him leave it alone. 'Damn it! She is better than before. She packs quite a punch! Seems like she still holds a grudge against me. I don't blame her. after what I did. I was lucky that I survived our first real duel! And winning it was just so unexpected.' He splashed water on his face. "I hope that Shinobu is not too angry with me."
* * *
School started as it always has, but now both Senji and Shinobu avoided each other so much that it was very obvious to the other people. Even in art lessons Senji sat at a free desk which became crowded with other students after a short while. Shinobu sat in the library as she always had and read a book which had never suited her tastes in the past. She would read it just to pass the time. Senji played soccer with the other boys and became a celebrity in a few short days.
Shinobu walked home from the tram station and climbed the stairs to Hinata Sou slowly with an umbrella in her hand. The wind blew rainwater on her skirt, but she never wanted to adjust her umbrella to shield it. She had burnt her cooking many times over the past days and everyone became worried about her.
Shinobu leant on her bedroom desk with a candy wrapper in her hand. It was a peach flavoured gummy jelly. She opened the packet and caught the smell of the candy. It triggered her memory quickly and remembered that it had smelled like Senji. It may have only had a slight resemblance to him but it made her heartbeat accelerate with excitement. Without realising it, tears filled her eyes and it dropped like rainwater on her clean and tidy desk.
There was a quiet knock on her door and Shinobu quickly wiped her tears away and answered it. As she opened her door Motoko stood at the entrance uneasily. "Shinobu Chan. can we talk?" She was carrying a tray of tea and biscuits.
Shinobu quickly let her in and soon they were seated at a furnace table. They were silent at first but after some time Motoko quickly spoke up. "Shinobu. I am sorry about the other day."
Shinobu swallowed the tea which had suddenly tasted bitter. After a brief moment of hesitation she too spoke while she kept her eyes on her steaming cup of tea. "It is okay Motoko Sempai." She said in a quiet voice. "I am not talking to him any more and you don't have to worry about him bothering you." Her hand began to shake, making ripples in the liquid within her cup.
"But you don't feel happy." As those words escaped Motoko's lips, Shinobu's eyes began to water again. "I. I am happy. I am happy. I am." Quickly she put her cup on the table and embraced her face with her hands as her lungs felt as if it was being sucked out of her.
"Shinobu! Don't force yourself to say things that are not true!" Motoko quickly took Shinobu into her arms. "Look. I am sorry about what happened! I regret my actions. I never realised that they would lead to this. Please forgive me Shinobu. although it may disgrace my honour. I will apologise to him also. If that will make you feel happy."
Shinobu's body loosened from the initial tense state. "You don't have to."
"No! I will. It is the least I can do. Tell you what. I'll even let him come into Hinata Sou just for one evening." Motoko almost punched herself for saying those words but was glad that Shinobu hugged her as a token of thanks.
* * *
Shinobu's body tensed as she walked over to where Senji was playing soccer. Many popular girls where present at that section which was next to the tennis courts, the swimming pool and the oval. They stared at Shinobu as she walked by them, their whispers made her wonder what they where actually talking about. She picked up her speed and continued her search for Senji.
Soon she saw him sprinting with the ball in his possession and kicking a goal. A few guys cheered but they knew that he was not performing to his full potential. Shinobu looked on and blushed as she saw his fine black hair flicker in the midday sun. The rays of light had bounced off the fine strands and shone radiantly into all directions. She lost all her senses and without realising it, she sat down on a bench watching him as he ran.
A hand had finally persuaded her to awake from her dreamlike stares at Senji and after once again focusing her mind, Shinobu looked to the one who had disrupted her. "It is Shinobu right?." A girl said. "Yes." Shinobu replied quietly as she stared into the light brown eyes of one of the most popular girls in her school. She was beautiful with long hair tired with a red ribbon. Her height was greater than Shinobu's and had one of the cutest smiles that Shinobu had ever seen. "Why are you here? Are you lost.? Should I point you to the library library-girl?"
Her friends laughed whom had gathered around Shinobu to make her feel uncomfortable. Shinobu was hurt by those words and swallowed before she could reply in a dry and soft voice. "I just wanted to speak with Senji. That is all. I am not lost." The girls all gone silent and stared at her with curious smiles. Shinobu fidgeted with her skirt as her heart rate quickened.
"Look Shinobu. Why would Senji even want to talk to you? He is one of the most popular guys at school and you. well. I would not want to go to the fine details. Sure he may have sat next to you in art for a few days. That does not mean that he would want to talk to you." The girl said with a mocking tone.
Shinobu's chest suddenly felt as if it was going to collapse as it became so sore and dry that it made her eyes water. The tears dropped down her cheeks as she stared bluntly into the eyes of the girl who said those words. "Now that was a little harsh Kamia. even for you!" One of her friends said. "Yeah that was a little bit mean." Said another.
"Hey! What is going on here?" Senji questioned as he ran to the scene. Shinobu quickly sat up and hastily wiped her tears from her eyes. "Nothing. Can I talk to you Senji?"
"Sure." Shinobu started to walk quickly from the scene as Senji followed, still puzzled with what had just happened. They walked to a deserted spot under a tree. The golden rays shone down upon them both and the sudden calmness making them blush in each other's presence. The noise from the oval can be heard, only in soft echoes but there was silence in this part of the school as they both sat down on the root of the large cherry tree.
Senji lay back on the tree trunk trying to not show how tense he was at that very moment. Shinobu's heartbeat had already accelerated and she was trying her hardest to invite Senji to Hinata Sou. She had been thinking about what to say all night but she could not put her plan into motion. "Shinobu."
"Yes?" Her mind became empty as she was startled by Senji's voice. "I am sorry for avoiding you."
"I was just about to say the same thing..."
"And I am sorry for my behaviour at your dormitory. I just couldn't let you see me as a weak person. That is all." Senji began to turn crimson.
"Really? Why would you what to do that? I would still like you no matter." Shinobu began to blush and both of them began to smile towards each other.
"But now. Things turned out to be like this. I had never wanted this. You avoid me and I avoid you. Can we get back to the way everything was before? I promise to apologise to Aoyama Motoko!"
Shinobu's heart pounded harder. "Then why don't you do that when you come to my place?"
"What?!"
"Motoko sempai also want to apologise to you Senji. She asked me to invite you to Hinata sou for dinner."
"Wow! Hey! I'd better get a good present then! You sure she said that?"
"Well. yeah!"
* * *
Senji approached the tall stairs of Hinata sou. It was already afternoon and the rays of light from the late afternoon sun added a shade of orange on everything the eye can see. A calm and almost harmonic breeze blew past, sending Senji's hair to dance in the warm air. Trees cast dim shadows over the long steps which are obviously worn slightly over time. In his hand he had a box which contained a dagger (Japanese style dagger, looks much like a Japanese sword but only shorter), a prized weapon in his collection. The package was delicately wrapped in white wrapping paper and a blood red ribbon. As he reached the bottom of those stairs he halted for a while and quickly gained his ascend to the top.
Once he reached the top, a sweet scent of food filled the air which made his mouth water as he smelled it. 'Shinobu is certainly a good cook.' He knocked on the door and waited until it slid open to reveal Motoko with the sword HINATA in one hand. "Er." Senji paused as he was temporarily stunned with the weapon in her hand. 'That weapon. there is an evil soul in that sword. Is she going to fight me?'
"Are you going to come in or are you just going to stand there?" Motoko said hastily (She had planned this and chose to be stern for that night) as Senji quickly bowed and removed his shoes. "Sorry."
He quickly handed the package to Motoko. "Sorry about what happed last time. and the time before. I hope that this will be enough to set everything right." Motoko froze for a moment but soon accepted he package with a softened and surprised look on her face. "Thankyou."
"It is one of my favourite pieces in my collection. I hope that you'd like it." Senji smiled at her as she untied the ribbon and opened up the package. "It is beautiful.," Motoko said as she placed her hand on the shiny black sheath decorated with golden cherry blossoms. She took out the blade and it shone with a blue reflection even in the orange sunlight.
Soon enough Keitaro came in. "Hi. You must be Senji! I am the manager of this dorm. Urashima Keitaro. Welcome to Hinata sou!" Senji smiled. "Thankyou very much Mr Urashima!" Keitaro and Senji soon left to meet the other residents of the dorm, leaving Motoko at the door as she still looked at the weapon in her hand.
'I can tell that it is a good blade. what if I.' Motoko dropped the ribbon on the blade and like she thought, it was cut in half without her having to move her hand. 'I must give him something in return. What am I saying? I haven't even apologised yet!'
Soon Keitaro led Senji to the lounge where all the residents except Motoko and Shinobu were sitting down, Mitsune decided to take the time off and brought Mutsumi with her. Keitaro quickly introduced everyone when Motoko walked into the room. "Senji Shimitsu!"
"Yes?" Senji replied hesitantly.
"I have to say sorry to you for starting that fight. Although you still have the upper hand. I will not lose to you next time." Motoko almost shouted. 'What the hell am I saying?! I am here to apologise. not challenge him to another duel!' She kicked herself mentally but kept her stern look.
"Hmmm. It will be interesting. But if you are challenging me to another duel, I will accept. But you have to let me know a week in advance."
"Deal." Motoko swallowed and calmed down. 'This turn out better that I thought.'
"Oh! So you are the Kendo boy Shinobu has a crush on?!" Mitsune said opening her eyes for once. "Ara!" Mutsumi said with a surprised expression while clapping her hands together in front of her. The both of then quickly got up to take a closer look at Senji, who tried to back off uneasily.
"We just have to have a look at what you can do later!" Mitsune rubbed Senji's hair gently with one hand and began to move the other one towards his chest.
"Hey everyone! Dinner is almo." CLANG! Shinobu dropped the wok of stir-fry to the ground and looked on in horror.
"Shinobu San!?" Senji shouted. "It. it is not what it seems!"
Shinobu was silent. Senji quickly went to Shinobu and both of them proceeded to the kitchen. "Really I didn't initiate it." Shinobu laughed at what Senji said. "You think that I don't know Mitsune San's personality? Don't worry I know exactly what she is like!"
Shinobu hugged him and quickly picked up her wok and went to the stove once again. "Need help Shinobu?"
"No. no! I am almost finished. Just sit down and make yourself comfortable!"
"No. I'd rather watch you cook."
The others looked at them with wide grins across their faces. "Ara. Seems that they get along well. I guess she has gone off you Kei Kun." Mutsumi smiled as she got close to Keitaro.
"It seems so. It is good in a way. She was never good a making friends so I think Senji is a good choice for her."
* * *
Dinner was enjoyable for everyone as everyone was locked in conversation. Shinobu tended to speak to Senji more than anyone else since neither Suu or Sara were present. The Atmosphere was a lot quieter without them around. After everyone has had their dinner they all decided to take a bath. "Bath! What?!"
"Haven't you heard of a bath before Senji? Come on it would be fun." Mitsune said with a slight blush on her face (she has been drinking). "Oh you mean we take turns in it right?" Senji sighed with ease.
"Not at all! We have a large outdoor hot spring. Why don't we share it together." Mitsune started to caress Senji's hair. "No! That is wrong! Umm err I mean." He struggled for words, even if he wouldn't mind a bath surrounded by women but he did not want to accept it because of what Shinobu may think of him.
"Don't worry Senji." Motoko said calmly. "You are using the men's bath. But if I catch you peeping. I'll de-sex you!" Everyone looked at her in a funny way, but Mitsune could not control herself. "And I bet you'd enjoy it too!" She received the laughter she anticipated which made Motoko blush.
"Come Senji. I'll get you a towel." Shinobu quickly led him out of the room, leaving Keitaro and the rest of the girls to their arguments.
As they walked along the long hallways of Hinata sou they smiled to each other hand in hand. They enjoyed the quietness of the night and the sight of the bright moon which shone brightly that very night. "You live in a very interesting dormitory Shinobu. Everyone is so lively and there are not one but three Toudai students. The only very odd thing is that you have a male manager. But anyhow, this is a good place to live."
Shinobu smiled at Senji and leant against him as they walked. "Yes. I feel lucky that I live here. My parents always fought. but I found happiness here and they let me stay. Usually thinking about them makes me sad and uncomfortable. But tonight is different. you are with me once again." Senji put his hand on Shinobu's shoulder and held her closer to him. "I really do all that?"
Shinobu smiled again and looked into Senji's eyes. "Yes. Without a doubt."
* * *
Senji sat back in the bath comfortably as the warm water relaxed him like nothing else. He watched as ripples made by his hand disperse in concentric circles on the surface. Looking at them made him smile and look into the stars which twinkled brightly. However the main object was the moon as it shone brighter than everything in the night sky. 'Moon, moon so bright. You shine so very brightly tonight. Something big is about to happen I know. Now lets see how the events go!'
At peace he looked away from the stars and turned away from it, while closing his eyes. All was silent except for the noise of a passing aircraft. The noise was obviously made by a helicopter but the more Senji listened, the louder it was. Until the noise was so loud that it was as if it was just outside the bathroom window.
Senji turned around and suddenly, he was engulfed in the intense rays from a searchlight. He quickly covered his face to try and adapt his eyes to better suit the light. Then a feminine voice came from the loud beating of the helicopter propellers. "Brother! You are mine!"
END OF CHAPTER
Next chapter's going to be a killer! Try and work out what is going to happen! Actually there are two things that are going to be outrageous! Stay tuned.
HEY WANT TO SEE WHAT SENJI LOOKS LIKE? READ DEAR READERS FOR DETAILS