Love Hina
Ever After
By: Belldandy'sKeiichi
Note: [any text in here is a thought text]
Author's Time: O great! I'm going back to school on the 25th! AHHHH! And I'm not even close to finish with this story...that means that updates to this story will be slow...like update every week! O no! Well, still, enjoy the fic! AFTER THIS CHAPTER, UPDATES ARE GOING TO BE SLOW AS HELL!!!! So enjoy this long chapter and wait patiently as I work on the next one. THNXS!!!!!
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"So did you come to a conclusion?" Seta asked.
"Well...um...about that...like when am I leaving if I do decide to go?" Keitaro asked him. Everyone gathered in the living room as Keitaro and Seta talked to each other.
"Well, I manage to pull some strings and you'll be leaving on Christmas Day. Just one more party before you leave everyone." Seta said to him. Keitaro glanced at everyone.
"Well...I made my decision..." He said, staring at Naru. He smiled at her and looked back at Seta.
"I'm going to America!"
[O my God!!! What have I done!!!!] Naru thought to herself, turning white.
Chapter 12: A Christmas Wish
"Alright part-timer. Welcome to the back breaking work that is known as archeology. Let's go to Todai so that we can find a replacement teacher for you..." Seta said to Keitaro as they walked out of the room. The girls stood there looking at each other.
"Whoa...feels like something just went through my heart just now..." Shinobu said aloud.
"So you felt it too?" Motoko said to her.
"I guess we all felt it then..." Kitsune said to them as they took a seat.
"But I thought we were all in for this? We all agreed that we want Keitaro to go." Shinobu said to them.
"Well, I guess in the inside...we really didn't want him to go..." Kanako said. They all looked at Naru who was now walking out the door.
"Naru? Where are you going?"
"No where...just out...you know, for exercise." She softly said as she walked out.
"Poor girl, it must have taken a real good toll on her as well... it felt like an arrow when through our hearts but for Naru, it must have been a bullet." Motoko said as they lost sight to her.
**
[Dammit Naru! What's wrong with you Naru! Why did I do it! Why did I tell him to go!] Naru thought to herself, fighting with herself. [You were supposed to tell him not to go! And you spilt the bean and told him to go! What was I thinking! Arg! I'm such an idiot!] She punched herself. Naru fell on her knees as tears started to trickle down her chin and fall on the floor. She started to beat the ground with her fist in frustration. [Why! Why why why why why!]
"Na-chan? Is that you?" Mutsumi called, knelling besides her. Naru looked up at her with tear filled eyes and hugged her.
"Mutsumi...Keitaro...he...he..." Naru started to say but was cut off by Mutsumi.
"There there...Seta and Keitaro passed by and told us...come, I'll make some hot tea for you." Mutsumi said, comforting her. They both entered the Hinata Café and Naru took a seat. Several minutes later Mutsumi came with a cup full of tea and gave it to her.
"So Kei-kun is really going to America huh..." Mutsumi said as she took a seat also with some tea.
"Yeah...And I'm the one that gave him the final push to that decision..." Naru said, hands shaking the cup.
"What? Didn't you tell him not to go?"
"I WAS! OK? I didn't want him to go and I had a whole speech ready! But I choked on the last minute and told him to go! ...I wanted him to be happy...but then if he goes, I won't be happy anymore. I would have felt selfish if I did held him back from something like this..." Naru softly said to her.
"Aww, there there Na-chan. I wouldn't blame you if you told him not to go. It means you really care for Kei-kun. You were just being optimistic about the situation is all. But you know, it's not too late to tell him the truth." She said, sipping her tea. Naru sat there in silence.
"You're right...it's not too late. I need to find Keitaro! Mutsumi! Do you know were they've gone?" Naru asked her.
"I believe they were heading to Tokyo U. Something about a replacement teacher something..." Mutsumi said but Naru was already out the door. Mutsumi ran after her and cupped her hand around her mouth.
"Kiss Kei-kun once for me Na-chan!" She called as Naru raised her hand.
**
"Hello? Anyone home?" Kai called, opening the door and walking to the living room. He looked around but no one came.
"Huh...guess everyone's out or something..."
"Kai! Where were you last night! We were supposed to study together last night and you went somewhere! Where did you go?" Shinobu yelled from the top of the stairs.
"Um...I had to go check something out...and I guess I lost time...." Kai apologized.
"Well, come on, the center exams are coming! We have to study!" Shinobu said to him, walking upstairs.
"Geez...that was close..." Kai let out a sigh.
"Hey Kai, what's up? What were you doing last night?" Kate asked, walking into the living room.
"Um...nothing Kate....it's nothing..." He said to her.
"Nothing huh? And I suppose blood all over your hand is nothing also?" She said to him as Kai looked at his hand.
"...oops...I knew I should have washed that..."
"Kai! Are you still doing that 'job' with Stan and the others?!" She yelled at him.
"Ok yes. But let me tell you, we are very close to completing it. But we need another hand...and well, I was wondering..."
"...if I would be interested in joining your little 'pack'? Well...I don't know..." Kate said, rubbing her chin.
"Come on, it'll be like old times. All we need to do is get pass one more wall of security and we are in..." Kai said to her.
"...fine, count me in. I swear this better make my day...and wash that blood off your hand. Someone might think you killed someone." She said to him, walking away.
"Yeah...damn nose bleeds..."
**
"You know Keitaro, for someone that's about to make a lot of money. You seem kinda...disappointed." Seta said to him as they walked out of the office of Tokyo U.
"Well, that's one way of saying it..." Keitaro laughed.
"What's up?"
"Well, I could have sworn that the boarders want me to stay...but all of them are insisting for me to go." Keitaro said to Seta.
"Well, it was your decision after all." He reminded Keitaro.
"Yeah, but if I stayed, I'll be disappointing everyone. Including Naru..."
"O? Naru said that it's ok for you to go?" Seta asked.
"Yeah...and that's the freaky part. I thought that she would want me to stay. But she also insisted that I should go. So if she wanted me to go, then I would go." He said.
"And if Naru said that you shouldn't go?"
"Then I won't go...." Keitaro and Seta looked at each other.
"Well part-timer, it's Christmas Eve tomorrow. Why don't you think it over before I send in this application." Seta said to him.
"I don't need to. Send it away Seta. If my wife wants me to go, then I'm going." Keitaro told him.
**
"O my, Na-chan! Welcome!" Mutsumi greeted again as Naru walking into the Hinata Café. Naru sat down and took a deep breath.
"Did you find Kei-kun?"
"No! He wasn't at Tokyo U. The office told me that he and Seta left ten minutes ago. Now I don't have a lead or anything!" Naru told her.
"Don't sweat it Na-chan. You can always camp in your room and wait for him to come home." Mutsumi suggested.
"That was plan b. Problem with plan b is that it's noon....about eleven more hours until Keitaro falls asleep." Naru said to her.
"Aww, you're really going to miss him if he does go huh..."
"No duh. He's my husband. The person that my heart belongs to. If he goes, I'll...i'll just snap or something."
"O my, well, I suggest you go relax yourself and wait for your clumbys husband to come home." Mutsumi said to her.
"Yeah...hey, you'll be at the party tomorrow right? Christmas eve's tomorrow you know." Naru said to her.
"Of course Na-chan! I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll bring the watermelon!"
**
"Ok ok ok...I know what I'm going to say to Keitaro when he gets back. I reviewed it and reviewed it...hell! I Even wrote down my whole speech on my hand and...ack! The sweat on my palm erased it! O no! I'm panicking again! How did it go again? Um...I think it started with Keitaro..." Naru said to herself, starting to sweat bullets. Just then, Keitaro staggered into their room.
"Keitaro! I need to talk to you and.... why are you tired?" Naru asked.
"Me and Seta went all over the place to get me ready to move to America. Buying suitcases and stuff. Ahh, living in America will be great. It'll take awhile for me to adapt but I learned so much English already that I'll be fine. And that sport that they play with a pig skin ball looks a lot of fun. Oops...sorry to cut you off Naru. What were you going to say?" Keitaro asked. Naru sat there.
"Um...I hope you have fun?" She said to him.
"O...ok...thanks."
[No no no! I was suppose to tell him not to go!] Naru though to herself. "Keitaro! There is something that we need to talk about and...ack!" Naru started but realized that Keitaro is fast asleep.
[Grrr....Keitaro!] She thought, raising her fist in the air. She stopped and dropped her hand.
[What can I do now. If I ask him, It'll break his spirit...] She thought, as she tuck herself in next to Keitaro. She laid there, eye open. She turned so that she was facing Keitaro's back and embraced him.
[Maybe the last time I'll ever get to do this...]
**
"Merry Christmas Dork!" Sarah and Su called as drop kicked Keitaro to the wall.
"You guys! It's too early for this!" Naru yelled at them, getting up from her slumber. Keitaro staggered up to his feet.
"Ow you guys...hey! Aren't you a little too old for that?!" Keitaro yelled at them. Su and Sarah looked at each other and took out thick text books.
"Why? Want us to upgrade?" They both said.
"Um...no...that's ok!" Keitaro said with a big sweat drop on his head. Naru got up and walked out of the room as Su and Sarah pummeled Keitaro to the ground with books.
"Good morning Naru. Breakfast is ready." Kate called as she cooked and Shinobu set the table. Everyone else was already eating breakfast.
"Wow you guys, this place looks great!" Naru complemented as she looked around the Inn. Christmas decorations were hung and the Christmas tree was up and looking beautiful.
"Yup! We did it all last night also!" Kitsune said to her.
"What the hell is this 'we' business? It was only me and Motoko that did all the work. You were top busy drinking your ass off." Kanako said to her.
"Details details, what matters is that this place looks good." Kitsune laughed.
"So where is Sempai?"
"I believe his is receiving his Christmas present early from Su and Sarah. Hey, what's with this tree?" Naru asked, looking at a small version of a Christmas tree on the dinner table.
"Like it? I thought of it myself. You see, we write a wish that we want to come true on this tree and hang them on the branches. All of us contributed what about you?" Kate said to her.
"Well, I haven't thought of a wish yet, but don't worry, it'll be there." Naru said to her. As they ate, Kai looked at his watch.
"Uh oh...come on Kate, I told the guys that we'll be there at ten." Kai whispered to her.
"O, right...ok." She said as they both got up. "Where are you two going?" Shinobu asked.
"Just out, you know, work out the food we ate...later!" Kai said as they both walked out of the kitchen.
"So what do I have to do?" Kate asked him.
"Are you handy with a gun?"
**
"Let's get this party started!" Kitsune called as everyone raised their glasses. Keitaro and Naru sat together on one sofa as they watch the others drink to their hearts content. "O come on Keitaro! It's a party! Don't just sit there with your wife all day!" Kitsune said, pouring him more booze.
"Um...thank. I'm ok right here..." He said to them. Kate and Kai sat together on another couch.
"Ah Christmas time...hey, what did you get every Christmas back at the orphanage Kai?" Kate asked him.
"Um...for some odd reason, I keep on getting knit socks...and every Christmas I always wonder, 'who in the world would give someone knit socks?!'" Kai said to her as Kate laughed nervously, hiding her Christmas present away from him.
"Want a drink Kai?" Shinobu asked, walking towards him wearing her Santa outfit with a tray full of drinks. Kai took one.
"Thanks a lot Shinobu." He said to her. It was about eleven o' clock and everyone was gathered in the living room.
"Alright you guys. I just want to say, I'm going to miss you all..." Keitaro started as they listen to him. "All these years that I've spent with you guys have to me the best years of my life. From the time I'm a ronin to now, you've been behind me and been supporting me all the way...although you have weird ways of showing that you support me...but that's not the point. The point is that I'm going to miss you all and I'll never forget the place that taught me never to give up, never to settle for less, and to always make sure I have life insurance. And on that note, since I can't bring everything I own to America, I'm leaving it all to you guys. Naru, I'm giving you my half of the landlord responsibilities and my personal items. I know that you'll treasure them deeply. Make sure that Keli grows up right ok Naru?"
"Don't worry Keitaro. I'll make sure Keli knows who her father was." Naru said to him.
"To my sister Kanako, I'm handing the deed to the Hinata Inn to you. I know that giving the deed you will insure it's protection. Also, I'm giving you all the cloths that I've out grown..."
"Thank you. ...great, more hand-me-downs...." Kanako said.
"To Shinobu, I'm giving you my text books and the best of luck to your entrance exams."
"Thank you Sempai."
"To Motoko, I'm giving you my old school books, note books and other supplies. I heard that books nowadays are really expensive."
"Um...thanks Urashima?"
"To Su and Sarah, I'm giving you guys my manga books that are in my books shelf."
"Wonderful..." Sarah said sarcastically.
"To Mutsumi, I'm giving you my photo club note book. If anyone would treasure it more, I knew you would."
"Thank you Kei-kun."
"And finally Kitsune....well...um...I ran out of items to give...so you get jack squat..."
"WHAT A RIP!" Kitsune yelled, throwing her beer can down.
"Alright! Since everyone else is going to give presents, let's give Keitaro ours!" Naru said to them as they gathered around and took out a picture frame. In the picture was the whole gang in front of the Hinata Inn and across the top was the words: My Family.
"Here Keitaro, from all of us to you. Merry Christmas. Keitaro stared at the picture.
"Thanks you guys..." He said smiling at them.
"Well come on! We still have forty five minutes left until Christmas day right? Let's party!" Kitsune said to them.
**
Keitaro slowly opened his eyes. He turned his hand and saw the clock on the table. "Huh...its five-thirty....my plane leaves at seven..." He said to himself as he turned his head again and notice that everyone was knocked out from the alcohol and sleeping on the floor. Naru was sleeping on top of him with a thick blanket covering them both. Keitaro got up and slowly tucked Naru in as he headed for the kitchen. "Hey...a wish tree. I remember doing this when I was still living with my parents..." Keitaro said to himself as he took a closer look at the plant. "...and every time this is out, Kanako always wishes...yup, here it is, 'I wish Keitaro would love me more than a sister'. And I'm guessing these three wishes of going to Tokyo U are Shinobu, Kai, and Kate's. A wish for more bananas from Su, more liquor from Kitsune, ...now who's is this? 'I wish for a 'special something' from a 'special someone'. Eh...whatever...Sarah wishes that her father would see her more...more watermelon for Mutsumi...go figure...I guess that's all of them....hey, there is one that's wrapped around the trunk of the tree..." He said, trying to grab the piece of paper. He manage to get it and read it. He paused as he re-read the wish again.
"'I wish Keitaro didn't have to go to America...'"
**
Naru slowly opened her eyes. She sat up and noticed that Keitaro wasn't next to her. "Keitaro?" She said, looking around. "Keitaro? Keitaro? Keitaro!" She yelled, running through the house. She opened the doors but each room was empty. Naru ran to the clock and checked it.
"Seven-twenty! Keitaro's flight!" She said to herself, running outside. She ran down to the street and to a cab.
"Quickly cab driver! I need to get the airport immediately!" She said as the cab speeded off. Naru made it to the airport and manage to get through security as she looked around the gates to find Keitaro's plane.
"Come on Keitaro...don't leave...at lease let me tell you one more time that I love you..." She said, looking around.
"Flight 710 to California, San Jose has now left the run way. Sorry for any inconvenience..." the overhead announced as Naru looked out the window. She saw the plane take off and disappear into the sky. She placed her hand on the window.
[Good bye Keitaro...]
**
"O come on Naru, you have to cheer up. It's Christmas." Kitsune said to her as Naru just sat down on the couch. Seta and Haruka walked in and everyone greeted them.
"Hi Papa! What are you doing here?" Sarah asked.
"Well, I was tipped off by someone to come here..." Seta said to them. Just then, there was a knock on their door. Naru got up and opened the door. On the other side, a guy wearing a Santa outfit, carrying a big sack, stood in front of her.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" He laughed as he walked in. Naru walked over to Mutsumi who seems to be enjoying the company.
"Mutsumi? Did you..."
"Hire a Santa? Well, this is Keli's first Christmas right? So make it special for her ok?" She said. Sarah and Su walked over to Joy old Saint Nicholas. He was wearing the usual Santa outfit with the white beard and the red cap.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! I'm here to hand out present to the good boys and girls." He said, carrying Keli in his arms. He dropped his sack and took out a doll for Keli. He walked over to Kanako. "Kanako, I got a letter from Keitaro tell you that he'll forever love you as a sister. And that he doesn't want you to get hurt." He said to her. Santa sat down and pulled his sack towards him. He opened it up and took out a big bunch of bananas. "For Su! Bananas! For Kitsune, a very expensive sake." He said, taking them out and handing it to Su and Kitsune. "For Shinobu, Kate, and Kai, the latest exam books on the market." He said, taking them out. "For Mutsumi, the ripest watermelon ever. And for Seta..." He said, getting up and walking towards him. Santa secretly handed him a small black box.
"And for Haruka, a lighter." He said, tossing her a lighter. Su and Sarah opened Santa's bag.
"Hey Santa. Where is Naru's present?" They aske him.
"Great...no present for me..." Naru said.
"Now now, there is a special present for her." He said, walking towards Naru so that they were face to face. Slowly, he removed his hat and took off the beard. Naru's heart skipped a beat as Keitaro now stood in front of her.
"Merry Christmas Naru..."
End of Chapter 12
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Happy New Year! As another year come and gone, the center exams comes closer and closer. Can Shinobu, Kai, and Kate pass the first hurdle for their acceptance to Tokyo U? Next time, Chapter 13: New Year's Promise!
Ever After
By: Belldandy'sKeiichi
Note: [any text in here is a thought text]
Author's Time: O great! I'm going back to school on the 25th! AHHHH! And I'm not even close to finish with this story...that means that updates to this story will be slow...like update every week! O no! Well, still, enjoy the fic! AFTER THIS CHAPTER, UPDATES ARE GOING TO BE SLOW AS HELL!!!! So enjoy this long chapter and wait patiently as I work on the next one. THNXS!!!!!
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"So did you come to a conclusion?" Seta asked.
"Well...um...about that...like when am I leaving if I do decide to go?" Keitaro asked him. Everyone gathered in the living room as Keitaro and Seta talked to each other.
"Well, I manage to pull some strings and you'll be leaving on Christmas Day. Just one more party before you leave everyone." Seta said to him. Keitaro glanced at everyone.
"Well...I made my decision..." He said, staring at Naru. He smiled at her and looked back at Seta.
"I'm going to America!"
[O my God!!! What have I done!!!!] Naru thought to herself, turning white.
Chapter 12: A Christmas Wish
"Alright part-timer. Welcome to the back breaking work that is known as archeology. Let's go to Todai so that we can find a replacement teacher for you..." Seta said to Keitaro as they walked out of the room. The girls stood there looking at each other.
"Whoa...feels like something just went through my heart just now..." Shinobu said aloud.
"So you felt it too?" Motoko said to her.
"I guess we all felt it then..." Kitsune said to them as they took a seat.
"But I thought we were all in for this? We all agreed that we want Keitaro to go." Shinobu said to them.
"Well, I guess in the inside...we really didn't want him to go..." Kanako said. They all looked at Naru who was now walking out the door.
"Naru? Where are you going?"
"No where...just out...you know, for exercise." She softly said as she walked out.
"Poor girl, it must have taken a real good toll on her as well... it felt like an arrow when through our hearts but for Naru, it must have been a bullet." Motoko said as they lost sight to her.
**
[Dammit Naru! What's wrong with you Naru! Why did I do it! Why did I tell him to go!] Naru thought to herself, fighting with herself. [You were supposed to tell him not to go! And you spilt the bean and told him to go! What was I thinking! Arg! I'm such an idiot!] She punched herself. Naru fell on her knees as tears started to trickle down her chin and fall on the floor. She started to beat the ground with her fist in frustration. [Why! Why why why why why!]
"Na-chan? Is that you?" Mutsumi called, knelling besides her. Naru looked up at her with tear filled eyes and hugged her.
"Mutsumi...Keitaro...he...he..." Naru started to say but was cut off by Mutsumi.
"There there...Seta and Keitaro passed by and told us...come, I'll make some hot tea for you." Mutsumi said, comforting her. They both entered the Hinata Café and Naru took a seat. Several minutes later Mutsumi came with a cup full of tea and gave it to her.
"So Kei-kun is really going to America huh..." Mutsumi said as she took a seat also with some tea.
"Yeah...And I'm the one that gave him the final push to that decision..." Naru said, hands shaking the cup.
"What? Didn't you tell him not to go?"
"I WAS! OK? I didn't want him to go and I had a whole speech ready! But I choked on the last minute and told him to go! ...I wanted him to be happy...but then if he goes, I won't be happy anymore. I would have felt selfish if I did held him back from something like this..." Naru softly said to her.
"Aww, there there Na-chan. I wouldn't blame you if you told him not to go. It means you really care for Kei-kun. You were just being optimistic about the situation is all. But you know, it's not too late to tell him the truth." She said, sipping her tea. Naru sat there in silence.
"You're right...it's not too late. I need to find Keitaro! Mutsumi! Do you know were they've gone?" Naru asked her.
"I believe they were heading to Tokyo U. Something about a replacement teacher something..." Mutsumi said but Naru was already out the door. Mutsumi ran after her and cupped her hand around her mouth.
"Kiss Kei-kun once for me Na-chan!" She called as Naru raised her hand.
**
"Hello? Anyone home?" Kai called, opening the door and walking to the living room. He looked around but no one came.
"Huh...guess everyone's out or something..."
"Kai! Where were you last night! We were supposed to study together last night and you went somewhere! Where did you go?" Shinobu yelled from the top of the stairs.
"Um...I had to go check something out...and I guess I lost time...." Kai apologized.
"Well, come on, the center exams are coming! We have to study!" Shinobu said to him, walking upstairs.
"Geez...that was close..." Kai let out a sigh.
"Hey Kai, what's up? What were you doing last night?" Kate asked, walking into the living room.
"Um...nothing Kate....it's nothing..." He said to her.
"Nothing huh? And I suppose blood all over your hand is nothing also?" She said to him as Kai looked at his hand.
"...oops...I knew I should have washed that..."
"Kai! Are you still doing that 'job' with Stan and the others?!" She yelled at him.
"Ok yes. But let me tell you, we are very close to completing it. But we need another hand...and well, I was wondering..."
"...if I would be interested in joining your little 'pack'? Well...I don't know..." Kate said, rubbing her chin.
"Come on, it'll be like old times. All we need to do is get pass one more wall of security and we are in..." Kai said to her.
"...fine, count me in. I swear this better make my day...and wash that blood off your hand. Someone might think you killed someone." She said to him, walking away.
"Yeah...damn nose bleeds..."
**
"You know Keitaro, for someone that's about to make a lot of money. You seem kinda...disappointed." Seta said to him as they walked out of the office of Tokyo U.
"Well, that's one way of saying it..." Keitaro laughed.
"What's up?"
"Well, I could have sworn that the boarders want me to stay...but all of them are insisting for me to go." Keitaro said to Seta.
"Well, it was your decision after all." He reminded Keitaro.
"Yeah, but if I stayed, I'll be disappointing everyone. Including Naru..."
"O? Naru said that it's ok for you to go?" Seta asked.
"Yeah...and that's the freaky part. I thought that she would want me to stay. But she also insisted that I should go. So if she wanted me to go, then I would go." He said.
"And if Naru said that you shouldn't go?"
"Then I won't go...." Keitaro and Seta looked at each other.
"Well part-timer, it's Christmas Eve tomorrow. Why don't you think it over before I send in this application." Seta said to him.
"I don't need to. Send it away Seta. If my wife wants me to go, then I'm going." Keitaro told him.
**
"O my, Na-chan! Welcome!" Mutsumi greeted again as Naru walking into the Hinata Café. Naru sat down and took a deep breath.
"Did you find Kei-kun?"
"No! He wasn't at Tokyo U. The office told me that he and Seta left ten minutes ago. Now I don't have a lead or anything!" Naru told her.
"Don't sweat it Na-chan. You can always camp in your room and wait for him to come home." Mutsumi suggested.
"That was plan b. Problem with plan b is that it's noon....about eleven more hours until Keitaro falls asleep." Naru said to her.
"Aww, you're really going to miss him if he does go huh..."
"No duh. He's my husband. The person that my heart belongs to. If he goes, I'll...i'll just snap or something."
"O my, well, I suggest you go relax yourself and wait for your clumbys husband to come home." Mutsumi said to her.
"Yeah...hey, you'll be at the party tomorrow right? Christmas eve's tomorrow you know." Naru said to her.
"Of course Na-chan! I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll bring the watermelon!"
**
"Ok ok ok...I know what I'm going to say to Keitaro when he gets back. I reviewed it and reviewed it...hell! I Even wrote down my whole speech on my hand and...ack! The sweat on my palm erased it! O no! I'm panicking again! How did it go again? Um...I think it started with Keitaro..." Naru said to herself, starting to sweat bullets. Just then, Keitaro staggered into their room.
"Keitaro! I need to talk to you and.... why are you tired?" Naru asked.
"Me and Seta went all over the place to get me ready to move to America. Buying suitcases and stuff. Ahh, living in America will be great. It'll take awhile for me to adapt but I learned so much English already that I'll be fine. And that sport that they play with a pig skin ball looks a lot of fun. Oops...sorry to cut you off Naru. What were you going to say?" Keitaro asked. Naru sat there.
"Um...I hope you have fun?" She said to him.
"O...ok...thanks."
[No no no! I was suppose to tell him not to go!] Naru though to herself. "Keitaro! There is something that we need to talk about and...ack!" Naru started but realized that Keitaro is fast asleep.
[Grrr....Keitaro!] She thought, raising her fist in the air. She stopped and dropped her hand.
[What can I do now. If I ask him, It'll break his spirit...] She thought, as she tuck herself in next to Keitaro. She laid there, eye open. She turned so that she was facing Keitaro's back and embraced him.
[Maybe the last time I'll ever get to do this...]
**
"Merry Christmas Dork!" Sarah and Su called as drop kicked Keitaro to the wall.
"You guys! It's too early for this!" Naru yelled at them, getting up from her slumber. Keitaro staggered up to his feet.
"Ow you guys...hey! Aren't you a little too old for that?!" Keitaro yelled at them. Su and Sarah looked at each other and took out thick text books.
"Why? Want us to upgrade?" They both said.
"Um...no...that's ok!" Keitaro said with a big sweat drop on his head. Naru got up and walked out of the room as Su and Sarah pummeled Keitaro to the ground with books.
"Good morning Naru. Breakfast is ready." Kate called as she cooked and Shinobu set the table. Everyone else was already eating breakfast.
"Wow you guys, this place looks great!" Naru complemented as she looked around the Inn. Christmas decorations were hung and the Christmas tree was up and looking beautiful.
"Yup! We did it all last night also!" Kitsune said to her.
"What the hell is this 'we' business? It was only me and Motoko that did all the work. You were top busy drinking your ass off." Kanako said to her.
"Details details, what matters is that this place looks good." Kitsune laughed.
"So where is Sempai?"
"I believe his is receiving his Christmas present early from Su and Sarah. Hey, what's with this tree?" Naru asked, looking at a small version of a Christmas tree on the dinner table.
"Like it? I thought of it myself. You see, we write a wish that we want to come true on this tree and hang them on the branches. All of us contributed what about you?" Kate said to her.
"Well, I haven't thought of a wish yet, but don't worry, it'll be there." Naru said to her. As they ate, Kai looked at his watch.
"Uh oh...come on Kate, I told the guys that we'll be there at ten." Kai whispered to her.
"O, right...ok." She said as they both got up. "Where are you two going?" Shinobu asked.
"Just out, you know, work out the food we ate...later!" Kai said as they both walked out of the kitchen.
"So what do I have to do?" Kate asked him.
"Are you handy with a gun?"
**
"Let's get this party started!" Kitsune called as everyone raised their glasses. Keitaro and Naru sat together on one sofa as they watch the others drink to their hearts content. "O come on Keitaro! It's a party! Don't just sit there with your wife all day!" Kitsune said, pouring him more booze.
"Um...thank. I'm ok right here..." He said to them. Kate and Kai sat together on another couch.
"Ah Christmas time...hey, what did you get every Christmas back at the orphanage Kai?" Kate asked him.
"Um...for some odd reason, I keep on getting knit socks...and every Christmas I always wonder, 'who in the world would give someone knit socks?!'" Kai said to her as Kate laughed nervously, hiding her Christmas present away from him.
"Want a drink Kai?" Shinobu asked, walking towards him wearing her Santa outfit with a tray full of drinks. Kai took one.
"Thanks a lot Shinobu." He said to her. It was about eleven o' clock and everyone was gathered in the living room.
"Alright you guys. I just want to say, I'm going to miss you all..." Keitaro started as they listen to him. "All these years that I've spent with you guys have to me the best years of my life. From the time I'm a ronin to now, you've been behind me and been supporting me all the way...although you have weird ways of showing that you support me...but that's not the point. The point is that I'm going to miss you all and I'll never forget the place that taught me never to give up, never to settle for less, and to always make sure I have life insurance. And on that note, since I can't bring everything I own to America, I'm leaving it all to you guys. Naru, I'm giving you my half of the landlord responsibilities and my personal items. I know that you'll treasure them deeply. Make sure that Keli grows up right ok Naru?"
"Don't worry Keitaro. I'll make sure Keli knows who her father was." Naru said to him.
"To my sister Kanako, I'm handing the deed to the Hinata Inn to you. I know that giving the deed you will insure it's protection. Also, I'm giving you all the cloths that I've out grown..."
"Thank you. ...great, more hand-me-downs...." Kanako said.
"To Shinobu, I'm giving you my text books and the best of luck to your entrance exams."
"Thank you Sempai."
"To Motoko, I'm giving you my old school books, note books and other supplies. I heard that books nowadays are really expensive."
"Um...thanks Urashima?"
"To Su and Sarah, I'm giving you guys my manga books that are in my books shelf."
"Wonderful..." Sarah said sarcastically.
"To Mutsumi, I'm giving you my photo club note book. If anyone would treasure it more, I knew you would."
"Thank you Kei-kun."
"And finally Kitsune....well...um...I ran out of items to give...so you get jack squat..."
"WHAT A RIP!" Kitsune yelled, throwing her beer can down.
"Alright! Since everyone else is going to give presents, let's give Keitaro ours!" Naru said to them as they gathered around and took out a picture frame. In the picture was the whole gang in front of the Hinata Inn and across the top was the words: My Family.
"Here Keitaro, from all of us to you. Merry Christmas. Keitaro stared at the picture.
"Thanks you guys..." He said smiling at them.
"Well come on! We still have forty five minutes left until Christmas day right? Let's party!" Kitsune said to them.
**
Keitaro slowly opened his eyes. He turned his hand and saw the clock on the table. "Huh...its five-thirty....my plane leaves at seven..." He said to himself as he turned his head again and notice that everyone was knocked out from the alcohol and sleeping on the floor. Naru was sleeping on top of him with a thick blanket covering them both. Keitaro got up and slowly tucked Naru in as he headed for the kitchen. "Hey...a wish tree. I remember doing this when I was still living with my parents..." Keitaro said to himself as he took a closer look at the plant. "...and every time this is out, Kanako always wishes...yup, here it is, 'I wish Keitaro would love me more than a sister'. And I'm guessing these three wishes of going to Tokyo U are Shinobu, Kai, and Kate's. A wish for more bananas from Su, more liquor from Kitsune, ...now who's is this? 'I wish for a 'special something' from a 'special someone'. Eh...whatever...Sarah wishes that her father would see her more...more watermelon for Mutsumi...go figure...I guess that's all of them....hey, there is one that's wrapped around the trunk of the tree..." He said, trying to grab the piece of paper. He manage to get it and read it. He paused as he re-read the wish again.
"'I wish Keitaro didn't have to go to America...'"
**
Naru slowly opened her eyes. She sat up and noticed that Keitaro wasn't next to her. "Keitaro?" She said, looking around. "Keitaro? Keitaro? Keitaro!" She yelled, running through the house. She opened the doors but each room was empty. Naru ran to the clock and checked it.
"Seven-twenty! Keitaro's flight!" She said to herself, running outside. She ran down to the street and to a cab.
"Quickly cab driver! I need to get the airport immediately!" She said as the cab speeded off. Naru made it to the airport and manage to get through security as she looked around the gates to find Keitaro's plane.
"Come on Keitaro...don't leave...at lease let me tell you one more time that I love you..." She said, looking around.
"Flight 710 to California, San Jose has now left the run way. Sorry for any inconvenience..." the overhead announced as Naru looked out the window. She saw the plane take off and disappear into the sky. She placed her hand on the window.
[Good bye Keitaro...]
**
"O come on Naru, you have to cheer up. It's Christmas." Kitsune said to her as Naru just sat down on the couch. Seta and Haruka walked in and everyone greeted them.
"Hi Papa! What are you doing here?" Sarah asked.
"Well, I was tipped off by someone to come here..." Seta said to them. Just then, there was a knock on their door. Naru got up and opened the door. On the other side, a guy wearing a Santa outfit, carrying a big sack, stood in front of her.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" He laughed as he walked in. Naru walked over to Mutsumi who seems to be enjoying the company.
"Mutsumi? Did you..."
"Hire a Santa? Well, this is Keli's first Christmas right? So make it special for her ok?" She said. Sarah and Su walked over to Joy old Saint Nicholas. He was wearing the usual Santa outfit with the white beard and the red cap.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! I'm here to hand out present to the good boys and girls." He said, carrying Keli in his arms. He dropped his sack and took out a doll for Keli. He walked over to Kanako. "Kanako, I got a letter from Keitaro tell you that he'll forever love you as a sister. And that he doesn't want you to get hurt." He said to her. Santa sat down and pulled his sack towards him. He opened it up and took out a big bunch of bananas. "For Su! Bananas! For Kitsune, a very expensive sake." He said, taking them out and handing it to Su and Kitsune. "For Shinobu, Kate, and Kai, the latest exam books on the market." He said, taking them out. "For Mutsumi, the ripest watermelon ever. And for Seta..." He said, getting up and walking towards him. Santa secretly handed him a small black box.
"And for Haruka, a lighter." He said, tossing her a lighter. Su and Sarah opened Santa's bag.
"Hey Santa. Where is Naru's present?" They aske him.
"Great...no present for me..." Naru said.
"Now now, there is a special present for her." He said, walking towards Naru so that they were face to face. Slowly, he removed his hat and took off the beard. Naru's heart skipped a beat as Keitaro now stood in front of her.
"Merry Christmas Naru..."
End of Chapter 12
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy New Year! As another year come and gone, the center exams comes closer and closer. Can Shinobu, Kai, and Kate pass the first hurdle for their acceptance to Tokyo U? Next time, Chapter 13: New Year's Promise!