DEAR READERS:
This is the final chapter of my fanfic. I hope tat you have enjoyed reading my story so far. Also I hope that you'd like this special chapter I wrote.
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of its characters.
~LOVE SHINOBU
CHAPTER SPECIAL - KEITARO'S WEDDING
After the incident concerning the evil sword, the sword was Senji's responsibility to seal away. Since he was now immune to the sword's evils, Motoko gave it to him to be the bearer and he thanked her sincerely. Over the years, Shinobu and Senji's relationship was closer than ever. They both studied hard and enjoyed each other's company to the fullest. Then finally, both of them made it to Toudai. Kanako was forgiven for what she had tried to do, but she will not do it again soon because the map to the fountain of love was lost forever, probably incinerated in the battle within Hinata sou.
It had been tough getting into Toudai as Shinobu and Senji spent a lot of time together studying. Senji had rented a new apartment close to Hinata sou so that they did not have to be too far apart. Senji was invited to many of the celebrations and festivities held by the residents of the girl's dorm. He was even granted to stay for over-nights if he and Shinobu studied till too late.
By Senji and Shinobu's second year of university, Keitaro had finally proposed to Naru. There was going to be a big wedding and everyone was thrilled that they are to attend it. The wedding dress was made by Mutsumi's family and all other preparations were in order for the wedding to take place. The only thing that was required was for the bride and groom to be at the ceremony.
* * *
It was one day before the wedding and a lone figure walked up the long stairs to Hinata dorm. She brushed her long black hair out of her way while she tried to keep her balance holding onto her large luggage case and her sports bag. A little camedian sat quietly on her shoulder as she struggled to get up the stairs. She was sweating by the time she had reached the top and droplets dangled down the sides of her forehead. "This is the place. Hinata girl's dormitory."
She looked up at the large wooden structure, full of wonder and amazement. 'It was a miracle that I have found this dorm! But I am finally here! This is where I am to stay. Rumour has it that almost all of the inhabitants are Toudai students.' She breathed out and stepped in through the front door. The sudden coolness of the room sent a sense of dread down her spine and she shivered. "Hello? Anyone? I am Maeda Ema. I applied to be a tenant. Is there anyone here?"
Maeda looked around and found the hallways empty as if the entire building was deserted. It took some time before she was tired of standing around and decided to explore the area. Her better judgement told her not to, but her curiosity was too much to ignore. After some searching, she was surprised to find an outdoor hot spring. It looked so good that she just had to take a dip in it!
Once she undressed, she cleaned herself before entering and soaked her body in the warm water of the large pool. The sound of splashing water was soothing as she let her hair soak in the comfortable warmth. The sounds are different when she pushed her ears under water as she realised that she could hear the splashes clearer. Maeda looked to the hot spring's entrance and was freaked to see it slide open. Her instincts made her try and hide behind some rocks as two people entered the pool.
"Are you sure that this is okay Shinobu?"
"Sure I am sure! Motoko had a dip this morning and so have most of the others. Anyway. we both have towels on so it won't look too bad. Only if they manage to see us." (Both of people are wearing towels).
"But."
"What is wrong Senji?"
"Nothing. You are right. This will relieve the stress for tomorrow. Being with you always relaxes me."
"Oh you are just staying that!"
"No I am not!"
"Eeek!"
SPLASH. 'What is going on here? Who are they and why is a boy in a this hot spring?! Oh no! Can it be that this is a mixed gender out door bath?!' Maeda panicked but tried her best to find a way to escape. Mean while Senji and Shinobu sat at the shallow end and gazed into the blue sky. The water had come up to Senji's shoulders while Shinobu was trying to keep her nose out of the water. Senji noticed this and gently tugged her towards him. "Here come and sit on my lap."
"Thanks." Once Shinobu sat, Senji gently wrapped his arms around her waist as she layed back against his chest while resting her head on his shoulder. The warm water made the both of them close their eyes as they enjoyed the feeling of one another.
"It is a beautiful day today."
"Yes. Just hope that it will be like this tomorrow." Senji replied.
"However beautiful tomorrow may be. It will definitely end in disaster."
"Mmm. I agree. But we ought to place more confidence on Keitaro sempai. After all. he gave us some great help in getting into Toudai."
"You are right. Umm Senji?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think umm. that. we'll ever find happiness like Naru sempai and Keitaro sempai?"
"You mean?"
Shinobu blushed and quickly swam to the deeper end of the pool while Senji pursued. "Eeek!" He caught her with no trouble as they stood side by side. "Come on! Tell me what you mean." Senji laughed "Or I'll torture you!"
Shinobu made a cheeky smile and shook her head playfully. "No!" Senji began to tickle Shinobu as she begged him to stop. "No! Okay! Okay!" Senji stopped and pretended to look at her viciously. "Well?" But he was not able to keep that face and pressed a smile.
Shinobu's face turned red. She was too embarrassed to say what she wanted so she quickly kissed Senji on the lips. Senji offered no resistance as he caressed her lips with his. He held her close to him as they were locked in the simple and almost harmonic motion.
Maeda knew this was her chance to escape. But looking at them made her feel queasy and her limbs became as soft as butter. 'I've never been kissed before. I wonder what it is like.' She placed a hand over her mouth as she looked at them.
"What is wrong?" Shinobu said questionary as Senji was suddenly alert of something. He quickly placed Shinobu behind him as he turned to face the rocks that Maeda was hiding behind. "Who's there?! I know that you were watching us! Show yourself!"
Maeda's heart skipped a beat as fear engulfed her, sending shivers down her spine. She froze in place as but her hands shook violently. 'Oh no! I can kiss my stay here goodbye! Using the hot spring without permission! What was I thinking?'
"I do not recognise your spiritual signature. show yourself and perhaps I'll let you leave without getting hurt!" Senji shouted as his muscles tensed in preparation for a battle. Maeda did not respond and so Senji quickly leapt into the air and somersaulted over the rock and swiftly landed in front of Maeda. SPLASH "EEEEEEEKKKKKK!"
"I warned you! But. but. Wha?" Senji looked down at Maeda puzzled. 'Who is she?'.
Maeda was petrified as she looked at Senji looking down at her. With her as scared as she was, she accidentally dropped her towel that was covering her body. Maeda looked down at her naked form as her head began to spin from the stress. Slowly she lost consciousness and fainted.
* * *
It was later found out that Maeda was a student that was to live in the room next to Shinobu's from now on. After the encounter in the hot spring with Senji, he apologised to her and he was how at her debt. Maeda got along with Shinobu well and Senji was quickly accepted by her as she saw his more friendly side.
Shinobu and Senji left Maeda alone in her room and proceeded to Shinobu's which was only one door away. Shinobu rested herself on her futon bed while Senji looked down at her with a grin. Shinobu stretched out her arms and pulled him on top of her as she giggled playfully. Senji supported his weight with his arms and looked at her face with wonder. "We have gone a long way in the last three years."
Shinobu looked at him and placed her hand to his face. "Yes we have, and I still like your smell even to this day. Are you staying for the night?"
"Only if I can beat Motoko in a kendo match."
"Since the room next to mine is Maeda's now. You can't sleep there any more. Maybe I can convince Motoko so that you can sleep with me!"
"What?!"
"Don't you want to?"
"But it is just that we have never done this before."
Shinobu giggled and flipped herself on top of Senji. "What is there to be embarrassed about? We are sleeping together at this very moment. Are you afraid that I may bite?"
"It is just that." Shinobu silenced Senji with a kiss to his lips. The kiss was delicate, tender and long but Shinobu broke it in the end and got off the futon.
"We can discuss this issue later. Now let's go and cook dinner. It is already getting late and we have an extra mouth to feed."
* * *
The day that everyone had been waiting for had arrived as the reception greeted the invitees who were to attend Keitaro and Naru's wedding ceremony. Everything was working fine except for the fact that a burglar had stolen the veil of Naru's bridal dress. It happened in the evening when everyone was busy with the preparations. The alarm siren sounded but the culprit was never found. After an entire night's searching, Senji was finding it difficult to keep his eyes opened as he greeted friends and family both from Keitaro's side and of Naru's side.
He did not see Shinobu for a while as she had probably ran off to greet a few people. Soon however, he managed to spot her alone and standing next to a tree. He quickly walked over to her and gently wrapped his arms around her while giving her a peck on the neck. The girl quickly resisted and smacked Senji across the face as he stumbled back a few steps. "Shinobu?"
Senji held onto his face with surprise as he looked to the equally surprised Niamo (does not know who Niamo is so mistaken her for Shinobu). Senji did not know that he had done to deserve the smack but by the looks of her, he knew that she was serious. He saw the stares from everyone near him and he was embarrassed and confused. "Sorry." Senji quickly retreated from Niamo and half ran to the forest next to Hinata sou. 'What is going on? Shinobu. when did she get that tan? It wasn't there a while ago. I feel so tired, can't even keep my eyes opened.'
His eyes were sore from the night's searching and yet he knew that he should have gotten ready for the actual wedding. 'I have three hours until the wedding begins, that means I have two hours of rest.' Senji collapsed onto the root of a tree and was quickly asleep.
* * *
The bright sun shone down from the heavenly sky as Senji stood nervously in his black Italian suit. A bright blood red rose was in his suit pocket while he eagerly waited on a platform where a priest stood with a bible. Everyone was seated comfortably in rows and lush green grass stretched as far as the eye could see.
Even though many people were present, Senji felt isolated and the sound of bells made him feel uneasy. Their faces where hidden from his view but there were people whom he had recognised. Naru, Keitaro, Mitsune, Mutsumi, Kanako, Sara, Suu, Seta, Haruka, Motoko and. There was a space of where Shinobu should have been and Senji's eyes wondered everywhere to look for her.
Suddenly, there was a familiar tune in the air and instinctively, Senji looked to the door of flowers at the end of a pathway which ran between the two rows of seated people. There was a figure dressed in pure white who stood at the doorway, bearing a bouquet of fresh red roses in her hands. 'Shinobu?'
Her face came into view to reveal a delicately tanned skin and a bright red blush on her face. A veil rested on her silky hair which moved like gentle ocean waves in the steady breeze. With a smile, she had instantly bewitched Senji and as she walked down the aisles, his heart thumped in anticipation. By the time she stood by him, Senji was finding it difficult to stop looking at his bride-to-be.
After some pre-sessions, they turned to face each other when ordered by the priest. Senji gently took Shinobu's hands into his and looked into her deep eyes with a smile. "Do you Maehara Shinobu take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do!"
"Do you Shimitsu Senji take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Senji's hands tensed but answered quickly. "I do!"
"Then by the power invested in me I preannounce you man and."
"HOLD IT!"
At the doorway stood another Shinobu, but with the usual pale skin. She too wore a wedding dress and held onto a bouquet of yellow roses. "Shinobu?"
"Senji. It is me! Don't you remember me? I brought these yellow flowers because that is your favourite colour. Trust me Senji. I am the real me! Senji."
* * *
"Senji! Senji! Wake up." Senji opened his yes unwillingly and was surprised to see Shinobu (the real Shinobu) in front of him. He did not say anything at first, but simply looked at her as if she was a complete stranger. "I thought you got a tan!"
"Oh! You must be talking about Niamo."
"Niamo?"
"Quickly there is no time! You have to get changed as soon as possible! Thank goodness I found you in time. The wedding starts in one and a half- hours. Go!" Senji nodded as he got up from the tree root he had been sleeping on. Niamo was present also but she kept her distance away from Senji.
He hesitated before giving a small bow. "Sumimasen Niamo san." With the quick apology, Senji ran quickly to his apartment to have a shower and a change into the prepared formal clothing. He arrived half an hour prior to the beginning of the ceremony and confronted the disappointed Motoko who had worked out that he did not manage to recover the veil.
"I've heard Shimitsu. However. Naru did not make too much of a fuss about it so your search was for almost nothing." Motoko said bluntly as she sipped on a cup of tea.
"Ah! Motoko sempai! It is very nice of you to be so. cold. But that dress is nice."
"Don't be a pervert and keep your eyes to yourself. You know. you are becoming more like Keitaro every single day."
That was the last straw and Senji fumed within as he was still cranky from the lack of sleep. "But Sempai! I only complimented your dress because I was shocked to see you looking so feminine!"
Motoko set aside her cup of tea as anger brewed in her stomach. Senji knew that he had hit a soft spot and prepared himself for an attack. "Just remember Shimitsu! You asked for it!" Motoko attacked with a forward punch but she had found it awkward to move with her dress and Senji avoided her assault without a problem. As she was about to attack again she saw that Senji's face was serious. He quickly pointed silently towards the bushes where obviously, there were two people lying in ambush. However the object that caught Motoko's eye was the bridal veil which one of the two intruders wore.
Motoko looked at Senji with surprise and he nodded in return as if saying that it was no dream. "I'll flush them out while you take care of them as they come out." Motoko whispered as she picked up a few knives and forks from the table. "Ready. Set. GO!" Motoko threw the lethal cutleries at the bush which stunned the intruders a bit. But as they revealed themselves and began running, Senji was surprised that one had the head of a moimoi statue and another with the head of a Halloween pumpkin. "Motoko sempai! You go for the one with the veil and I'll get the moimoi statue!"
Senji leapt at the moimoi head and quickly pinned him down with a few forks he took from the table. However the pumpkin headed intruder was still at large as Motoko, Kanako and Senji chased her until she was cornered. Their stares where frightening while all three were consumed within their battle auroras.
The intruder hesitantly took off her disguise to reveal the face of the little Maeda. Everyone looked upon the teary eyes of her face and felt uneasiness and disbelief. "Everyone. I am sorry. I can explain. I."
"My, what an unexpected meeting on this important day. Aren't you a self conscious groom?" Naru's voiced echoed in the now silent crowd while the man with the moimoi mask struggled to free himself from the numerous forks which held him firmly to the ground. It revealed to be Keitaro as he removed his mask and dusted his lab coat. "Sorry. I almost forgot. the truth is."
Keitaro explained the whole thing about him meeting Maeda on a deserted beach. Apparently Maeda tried the bride's veil on but when the sirens rang she fled as fast as possible. She ran to the deserted beach and met up with Keitaro. "Oh! Now I see why I wasn't able to track her down. I knew that Keitaro sempai was working on the beach so I did not think to look there (I never thought that he would not recognise the veil. Or forget about his wedding for that matter)" Senji said as Keitaro finished explaining.
"You were tracking me down?!" Maeda said a little alarmed.
"Yes. I looked all night long."
"Serves you right for being so careless!" Motoko said with the usual monotone.
"Motoko sempai. I do hate you some times!"
"Fine with me!"
There was a wave of laughter among the group as they cheered for the bride and broom. Keitaro was dressed straight away and the wedding started without any more problems. Seta acted as the priest as Naru and Keitaro looked at each other trying to stop smiling as the excitement rushed through their veins. Senji held onto Shinobu's hand while the wedding ceremony lasted. Motoko sat uncomfortably next to Senji, until jealousy took hold of her and she quickly elbowed him on the side. "Save it till later Shimitsu!" she whispered with venom in her voice.
Niamo was sitting next to Shinobu and smiled as she saw Senji's facial expression as Motoko hit him. "It is okay Motoko sempai. Look next to you. now she needs cheering up not you!" Senji whispered back while Motoko looked next to her and saw Kanako in tears of regret. "What makes you think that I'd need cheering up?"
"You talking about this?" Senji whispers while as quick as a flash took out a book from Motoko's hands and began to softly read a few lines. "At the wedding grounds a female swordsman proclaims her love in front of the groom." There were a few giggles from the people around them and Motoko turn very red. She snatched the novel away from Senji. "I will get you back for this! Just you wait!"
"I now preannounce you. Man and Wife!. You may kiss the bride." Everyone gasped as Keitaro and Naru's lips met. The image sent warmth to peoples hearts especially Senji's as the thought about his dream only a short while earlier ran through his mind. Everyone clapped their hands and cheered for the newly weds. Suddenly all the girls; Kanako, Motoko, Suu, Mitsune, Maeda and Shinobu quickly rushed forward. They waited hungrily for Naru to throw the bride's bouquet.
Once the bunch of roses was in the air, both Kanako and Motoko rushed forward extending their arms so that one of them may get it. However, their sudden urge clouded their hand-eye coordination and the flowers flew passed them. Quickly behind them were Mitsune, Suu and Shinobu. However Maeda managed to jump on top of their heads to get in position to grab the bouquet first.
It was a sure victory for Maeda as it headed closer and closer to her eagerly waiting hands. The stems of the roses hit her palm and her delicate hand began to close. However her speed was not quick enough and the flowered slipped from her hand and into the air once again.
The bouquet flipped like a baton in the air as it approached a raised and prepared hand. This time the person's speed was quick as his fingers made good gip of the plastic around the bouquet's stems. Senji was still seated when he caught the flowers and the shock and excitement only made him do one thing. His gaze was set on Shinobu while she smiled radiantly at him.
Time seemed to have gone slower at that very moment as everyone clapped for both him and the wedded couple. Niamo forgot about the earlier offence and patted his back. Senji slowly stood up with the lush flowers in his hand and swiftly walked over to Shinobu.
"I caught the bouquet."
"Yes you have. I am glad that you have."
Shinobu gave a tender kiss to Senji's lips as she embraced him with joy. 'Shinobu. We have gone through so much together and we have finally found the happiness that we had only dreamed in our wildest dreams. We'll live life to the fullest. together, side by side! For I wish to ask you only one question.'
"Shinobu?. If I asked you. Would you marry me?"
Pause
"Yes."
* * *
___ ___ ___THE END___
I hope that you have enjoyed the story, because I have enjoyed writing it! The last chapter was planned long before I started writing this fanfic. This last scene was thought up from my last 'Love Hina; fanfic which I doubt that I'd ever finish. I just loved the scene where the brides bouquet lands on Senji's lap and he smiles at Shinobu who was both excited and surprised. ^.^!
Thankyou for reading 'LOVE SHINOBU'
STEVEN ^_^
I HAVE FINISHED ANOTHER PICTURE FOR THIS PARTICULAR FANFIC. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND ON THE ATTATCHMENT ADD: I DEMAND TO SEE SHINOBU.
.AND I'LL SEND IT TO YOU!
This is the final chapter of my fanfic. I hope tat you have enjoyed reading my story so far. Also I hope that you'd like this special chapter I wrote.
Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of its characters.
~LOVE SHINOBU
CHAPTER SPECIAL - KEITARO'S WEDDING
After the incident concerning the evil sword, the sword was Senji's responsibility to seal away. Since he was now immune to the sword's evils, Motoko gave it to him to be the bearer and he thanked her sincerely. Over the years, Shinobu and Senji's relationship was closer than ever. They both studied hard and enjoyed each other's company to the fullest. Then finally, both of them made it to Toudai. Kanako was forgiven for what she had tried to do, but she will not do it again soon because the map to the fountain of love was lost forever, probably incinerated in the battle within Hinata sou.
It had been tough getting into Toudai as Shinobu and Senji spent a lot of time together studying. Senji had rented a new apartment close to Hinata sou so that they did not have to be too far apart. Senji was invited to many of the celebrations and festivities held by the residents of the girl's dorm. He was even granted to stay for over-nights if he and Shinobu studied till too late.
By Senji and Shinobu's second year of university, Keitaro had finally proposed to Naru. There was going to be a big wedding and everyone was thrilled that they are to attend it. The wedding dress was made by Mutsumi's family and all other preparations were in order for the wedding to take place. The only thing that was required was for the bride and groom to be at the ceremony.
* * *
It was one day before the wedding and a lone figure walked up the long stairs to Hinata dorm. She brushed her long black hair out of her way while she tried to keep her balance holding onto her large luggage case and her sports bag. A little camedian sat quietly on her shoulder as she struggled to get up the stairs. She was sweating by the time she had reached the top and droplets dangled down the sides of her forehead. "This is the place. Hinata girl's dormitory."
She looked up at the large wooden structure, full of wonder and amazement. 'It was a miracle that I have found this dorm! But I am finally here! This is where I am to stay. Rumour has it that almost all of the inhabitants are Toudai students.' She breathed out and stepped in through the front door. The sudden coolness of the room sent a sense of dread down her spine and she shivered. "Hello? Anyone? I am Maeda Ema. I applied to be a tenant. Is there anyone here?"
Maeda looked around and found the hallways empty as if the entire building was deserted. It took some time before she was tired of standing around and decided to explore the area. Her better judgement told her not to, but her curiosity was too much to ignore. After some searching, she was surprised to find an outdoor hot spring. It looked so good that she just had to take a dip in it!
Once she undressed, she cleaned herself before entering and soaked her body in the warm water of the large pool. The sound of splashing water was soothing as she let her hair soak in the comfortable warmth. The sounds are different when she pushed her ears under water as she realised that she could hear the splashes clearer. Maeda looked to the hot spring's entrance and was freaked to see it slide open. Her instincts made her try and hide behind some rocks as two people entered the pool.
"Are you sure that this is okay Shinobu?"
"Sure I am sure! Motoko had a dip this morning and so have most of the others. Anyway. we both have towels on so it won't look too bad. Only if they manage to see us." (Both of people are wearing towels).
"But."
"What is wrong Senji?"
"Nothing. You are right. This will relieve the stress for tomorrow. Being with you always relaxes me."
"Oh you are just staying that!"
"No I am not!"
"Eeek!"
SPLASH. 'What is going on here? Who are they and why is a boy in a this hot spring?! Oh no! Can it be that this is a mixed gender out door bath?!' Maeda panicked but tried her best to find a way to escape. Mean while Senji and Shinobu sat at the shallow end and gazed into the blue sky. The water had come up to Senji's shoulders while Shinobu was trying to keep her nose out of the water. Senji noticed this and gently tugged her towards him. "Here come and sit on my lap."
"Thanks." Once Shinobu sat, Senji gently wrapped his arms around her waist as she layed back against his chest while resting her head on his shoulder. The warm water made the both of them close their eyes as they enjoyed the feeling of one another.
"It is a beautiful day today."
"Yes. Just hope that it will be like this tomorrow." Senji replied.
"However beautiful tomorrow may be. It will definitely end in disaster."
"Mmm. I agree. But we ought to place more confidence on Keitaro sempai. After all. he gave us some great help in getting into Toudai."
"You are right. Umm Senji?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think umm. that. we'll ever find happiness like Naru sempai and Keitaro sempai?"
"You mean?"
Shinobu blushed and quickly swam to the deeper end of the pool while Senji pursued. "Eeek!" He caught her with no trouble as they stood side by side. "Come on! Tell me what you mean." Senji laughed "Or I'll torture you!"
Shinobu made a cheeky smile and shook her head playfully. "No!" Senji began to tickle Shinobu as she begged him to stop. "No! Okay! Okay!" Senji stopped and pretended to look at her viciously. "Well?" But he was not able to keep that face and pressed a smile.
Shinobu's face turned red. She was too embarrassed to say what she wanted so she quickly kissed Senji on the lips. Senji offered no resistance as he caressed her lips with his. He held her close to him as they were locked in the simple and almost harmonic motion.
Maeda knew this was her chance to escape. But looking at them made her feel queasy and her limbs became as soft as butter. 'I've never been kissed before. I wonder what it is like.' She placed a hand over her mouth as she looked at them.
"What is wrong?" Shinobu said questionary as Senji was suddenly alert of something. He quickly placed Shinobu behind him as he turned to face the rocks that Maeda was hiding behind. "Who's there?! I know that you were watching us! Show yourself!"
Maeda's heart skipped a beat as fear engulfed her, sending shivers down her spine. She froze in place as but her hands shook violently. 'Oh no! I can kiss my stay here goodbye! Using the hot spring without permission! What was I thinking?'
"I do not recognise your spiritual signature. show yourself and perhaps I'll let you leave without getting hurt!" Senji shouted as his muscles tensed in preparation for a battle. Maeda did not respond and so Senji quickly leapt into the air and somersaulted over the rock and swiftly landed in front of Maeda. SPLASH "EEEEEEEKKKKKK!"
"I warned you! But. but. Wha?" Senji looked down at Maeda puzzled. 'Who is she?'.
Maeda was petrified as she looked at Senji looking down at her. With her as scared as she was, she accidentally dropped her towel that was covering her body. Maeda looked down at her naked form as her head began to spin from the stress. Slowly she lost consciousness and fainted.
* * *
It was later found out that Maeda was a student that was to live in the room next to Shinobu's from now on. After the encounter in the hot spring with Senji, he apologised to her and he was how at her debt. Maeda got along with Shinobu well and Senji was quickly accepted by her as she saw his more friendly side.
Shinobu and Senji left Maeda alone in her room and proceeded to Shinobu's which was only one door away. Shinobu rested herself on her futon bed while Senji looked down at her with a grin. Shinobu stretched out her arms and pulled him on top of her as she giggled playfully. Senji supported his weight with his arms and looked at her face with wonder. "We have gone a long way in the last three years."
Shinobu looked at him and placed her hand to his face. "Yes we have, and I still like your smell even to this day. Are you staying for the night?"
"Only if I can beat Motoko in a kendo match."
"Since the room next to mine is Maeda's now. You can't sleep there any more. Maybe I can convince Motoko so that you can sleep with me!"
"What?!"
"Don't you want to?"
"But it is just that we have never done this before."
Shinobu giggled and flipped herself on top of Senji. "What is there to be embarrassed about? We are sleeping together at this very moment. Are you afraid that I may bite?"
"It is just that." Shinobu silenced Senji with a kiss to his lips. The kiss was delicate, tender and long but Shinobu broke it in the end and got off the futon.
"We can discuss this issue later. Now let's go and cook dinner. It is already getting late and we have an extra mouth to feed."
* * *
The day that everyone had been waiting for had arrived as the reception greeted the invitees who were to attend Keitaro and Naru's wedding ceremony. Everything was working fine except for the fact that a burglar had stolen the veil of Naru's bridal dress. It happened in the evening when everyone was busy with the preparations. The alarm siren sounded but the culprit was never found. After an entire night's searching, Senji was finding it difficult to keep his eyes opened as he greeted friends and family both from Keitaro's side and of Naru's side.
He did not see Shinobu for a while as she had probably ran off to greet a few people. Soon however, he managed to spot her alone and standing next to a tree. He quickly walked over to her and gently wrapped his arms around her while giving her a peck on the neck. The girl quickly resisted and smacked Senji across the face as he stumbled back a few steps. "Shinobu?"
Senji held onto his face with surprise as he looked to the equally surprised Niamo (does not know who Niamo is so mistaken her for Shinobu). Senji did not know that he had done to deserve the smack but by the looks of her, he knew that she was serious. He saw the stares from everyone near him and he was embarrassed and confused. "Sorry." Senji quickly retreated from Niamo and half ran to the forest next to Hinata sou. 'What is going on? Shinobu. when did she get that tan? It wasn't there a while ago. I feel so tired, can't even keep my eyes opened.'
His eyes were sore from the night's searching and yet he knew that he should have gotten ready for the actual wedding. 'I have three hours until the wedding begins, that means I have two hours of rest.' Senji collapsed onto the root of a tree and was quickly asleep.
* * *
The bright sun shone down from the heavenly sky as Senji stood nervously in his black Italian suit. A bright blood red rose was in his suit pocket while he eagerly waited on a platform where a priest stood with a bible. Everyone was seated comfortably in rows and lush green grass stretched as far as the eye could see.
Even though many people were present, Senji felt isolated and the sound of bells made him feel uneasy. Their faces where hidden from his view but there were people whom he had recognised. Naru, Keitaro, Mitsune, Mutsumi, Kanako, Sara, Suu, Seta, Haruka, Motoko and. There was a space of where Shinobu should have been and Senji's eyes wondered everywhere to look for her.
Suddenly, there was a familiar tune in the air and instinctively, Senji looked to the door of flowers at the end of a pathway which ran between the two rows of seated people. There was a figure dressed in pure white who stood at the doorway, bearing a bouquet of fresh red roses in her hands. 'Shinobu?'
Her face came into view to reveal a delicately tanned skin and a bright red blush on her face. A veil rested on her silky hair which moved like gentle ocean waves in the steady breeze. With a smile, she had instantly bewitched Senji and as she walked down the aisles, his heart thumped in anticipation. By the time she stood by him, Senji was finding it difficult to stop looking at his bride-to-be.
After some pre-sessions, they turned to face each other when ordered by the priest. Senji gently took Shinobu's hands into his and looked into her deep eyes with a smile. "Do you Maehara Shinobu take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do!"
"Do you Shimitsu Senji take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Senji's hands tensed but answered quickly. "I do!"
"Then by the power invested in me I preannounce you man and."
"HOLD IT!"
At the doorway stood another Shinobu, but with the usual pale skin. She too wore a wedding dress and held onto a bouquet of yellow roses. "Shinobu?"
"Senji. It is me! Don't you remember me? I brought these yellow flowers because that is your favourite colour. Trust me Senji. I am the real me! Senji."
* * *
"Senji! Senji! Wake up." Senji opened his yes unwillingly and was surprised to see Shinobu (the real Shinobu) in front of him. He did not say anything at first, but simply looked at her as if she was a complete stranger. "I thought you got a tan!"
"Oh! You must be talking about Niamo."
"Niamo?"
"Quickly there is no time! You have to get changed as soon as possible! Thank goodness I found you in time. The wedding starts in one and a half- hours. Go!" Senji nodded as he got up from the tree root he had been sleeping on. Niamo was present also but she kept her distance away from Senji.
He hesitated before giving a small bow. "Sumimasen Niamo san." With the quick apology, Senji ran quickly to his apartment to have a shower and a change into the prepared formal clothing. He arrived half an hour prior to the beginning of the ceremony and confronted the disappointed Motoko who had worked out that he did not manage to recover the veil.
"I've heard Shimitsu. However. Naru did not make too much of a fuss about it so your search was for almost nothing." Motoko said bluntly as she sipped on a cup of tea.
"Ah! Motoko sempai! It is very nice of you to be so. cold. But that dress is nice."
"Don't be a pervert and keep your eyes to yourself. You know. you are becoming more like Keitaro every single day."
That was the last straw and Senji fumed within as he was still cranky from the lack of sleep. "But Sempai! I only complimented your dress because I was shocked to see you looking so feminine!"
Motoko set aside her cup of tea as anger brewed in her stomach. Senji knew that he had hit a soft spot and prepared himself for an attack. "Just remember Shimitsu! You asked for it!" Motoko attacked with a forward punch but she had found it awkward to move with her dress and Senji avoided her assault without a problem. As she was about to attack again she saw that Senji's face was serious. He quickly pointed silently towards the bushes where obviously, there were two people lying in ambush. However the object that caught Motoko's eye was the bridal veil which one of the two intruders wore.
Motoko looked at Senji with surprise and he nodded in return as if saying that it was no dream. "I'll flush them out while you take care of them as they come out." Motoko whispered as she picked up a few knives and forks from the table. "Ready. Set. GO!" Motoko threw the lethal cutleries at the bush which stunned the intruders a bit. But as they revealed themselves and began running, Senji was surprised that one had the head of a moimoi statue and another with the head of a Halloween pumpkin. "Motoko sempai! You go for the one with the veil and I'll get the moimoi statue!"
Senji leapt at the moimoi head and quickly pinned him down with a few forks he took from the table. However the pumpkin headed intruder was still at large as Motoko, Kanako and Senji chased her until she was cornered. Their stares where frightening while all three were consumed within their battle auroras.
The intruder hesitantly took off her disguise to reveal the face of the little Maeda. Everyone looked upon the teary eyes of her face and felt uneasiness and disbelief. "Everyone. I am sorry. I can explain. I."
"My, what an unexpected meeting on this important day. Aren't you a self conscious groom?" Naru's voiced echoed in the now silent crowd while the man with the moimoi mask struggled to free himself from the numerous forks which held him firmly to the ground. It revealed to be Keitaro as he removed his mask and dusted his lab coat. "Sorry. I almost forgot. the truth is."
Keitaro explained the whole thing about him meeting Maeda on a deserted beach. Apparently Maeda tried the bride's veil on but when the sirens rang she fled as fast as possible. She ran to the deserted beach and met up with Keitaro. "Oh! Now I see why I wasn't able to track her down. I knew that Keitaro sempai was working on the beach so I did not think to look there (I never thought that he would not recognise the veil. Or forget about his wedding for that matter)" Senji said as Keitaro finished explaining.
"You were tracking me down?!" Maeda said a little alarmed.
"Yes. I looked all night long."
"Serves you right for being so careless!" Motoko said with the usual monotone.
"Motoko sempai. I do hate you some times!"
"Fine with me!"
There was a wave of laughter among the group as they cheered for the bride and broom. Keitaro was dressed straight away and the wedding started without any more problems. Seta acted as the priest as Naru and Keitaro looked at each other trying to stop smiling as the excitement rushed through their veins. Senji held onto Shinobu's hand while the wedding ceremony lasted. Motoko sat uncomfortably next to Senji, until jealousy took hold of her and she quickly elbowed him on the side. "Save it till later Shimitsu!" she whispered with venom in her voice.
Niamo was sitting next to Shinobu and smiled as she saw Senji's facial expression as Motoko hit him. "It is okay Motoko sempai. Look next to you. now she needs cheering up not you!" Senji whispered back while Motoko looked next to her and saw Kanako in tears of regret. "What makes you think that I'd need cheering up?"
"You talking about this?" Senji whispers while as quick as a flash took out a book from Motoko's hands and began to softly read a few lines. "At the wedding grounds a female swordsman proclaims her love in front of the groom." There were a few giggles from the people around them and Motoko turn very red. She snatched the novel away from Senji. "I will get you back for this! Just you wait!"
"I now preannounce you. Man and Wife!. You may kiss the bride." Everyone gasped as Keitaro and Naru's lips met. The image sent warmth to peoples hearts especially Senji's as the thought about his dream only a short while earlier ran through his mind. Everyone clapped their hands and cheered for the newly weds. Suddenly all the girls; Kanako, Motoko, Suu, Mitsune, Maeda and Shinobu quickly rushed forward. They waited hungrily for Naru to throw the bride's bouquet.
Once the bunch of roses was in the air, both Kanako and Motoko rushed forward extending their arms so that one of them may get it. However, their sudden urge clouded their hand-eye coordination and the flowers flew passed them. Quickly behind them were Mitsune, Suu and Shinobu. However Maeda managed to jump on top of their heads to get in position to grab the bouquet first.
It was a sure victory for Maeda as it headed closer and closer to her eagerly waiting hands. The stems of the roses hit her palm and her delicate hand began to close. However her speed was not quick enough and the flowered slipped from her hand and into the air once again.
The bouquet flipped like a baton in the air as it approached a raised and prepared hand. This time the person's speed was quick as his fingers made good gip of the plastic around the bouquet's stems. Senji was still seated when he caught the flowers and the shock and excitement only made him do one thing. His gaze was set on Shinobu while she smiled radiantly at him.
Time seemed to have gone slower at that very moment as everyone clapped for both him and the wedded couple. Niamo forgot about the earlier offence and patted his back. Senji slowly stood up with the lush flowers in his hand and swiftly walked over to Shinobu.
"I caught the bouquet."
"Yes you have. I am glad that you have."
Shinobu gave a tender kiss to Senji's lips as she embraced him with joy. 'Shinobu. We have gone through so much together and we have finally found the happiness that we had only dreamed in our wildest dreams. We'll live life to the fullest. together, side by side! For I wish to ask you only one question.'
"Shinobu?. If I asked you. Would you marry me?"
Pause
"Yes."
* * *
___ ___ ___THE END___
I hope that you have enjoyed the story, because I have enjoyed writing it! The last chapter was planned long before I started writing this fanfic. This last scene was thought up from my last 'Love Hina; fanfic which I doubt that I'd ever finish. I just loved the scene where the brides bouquet lands on Senji's lap and he smiles at Shinobu who was both excited and surprised. ^.^!
Thankyou for reading 'LOVE SHINOBU'
STEVEN ^_^
I HAVE FINISHED ANOTHER PICTURE FOR THIS PARTICULAR FANFIC. PLEASE E-MAIL ME AND ON THE ATTATCHMENT ADD: I DEMAND TO SEE SHINOBU.
.AND I'LL SEND IT TO YOU!