Disclaimer: I do not own Love Hina or any of the characters contained in
here. Love Hina is owned by Ken Akamatsu. This FanFic is purely for the
enjoyment of myself and for others to read. So please don't sue
To Help a Friend
(Outside Motoko's Room)
Kitsune, Sara & Shinobu were standing in the hallway outside their friend's room. It had been just a few minutes since Dr. Hikari proclaimed Motoko's current physical state. In that time, both Hikari and Haruka had gently carried Motoko back to the dorm in an attempt for the young girl to conserve what strength she had left. They were followed by the rest of the tenants--except for Keitaro, Naru and Mutsumi. Keitaro was still in shock over everything that had transpired: His nightmare, the fight with Motoko, his Aunt's betrayal, and most of all--the fact that Motoko herself was dying.
(The Hill- 20 minutes earlier)
When the others had started to follow their sick friend back inside , Naru had looked back at her childhood friends-worry etched in her normally lovely face. Mutsumi had caught the look and asked if Naru wanted to stay as well. Feeling like a third wheel, she felt that she would upset Keitaro even more if she stayed, but she realized that he was hurting too and decided to stick around for a bit. Something about their childhood---and her in particular---had caused Keitaro to apparently relive some horrible childhood secret that they had shared( she couldn't remember, of course, since she was only 2 years old at the time). She still could't believe about Motoko's grave condition.
After the initial shock wore off, she had justifiably demanded an explanation from Haruka about the day's events and Motoko's reason for her unusual behavior. Feeling responsible for what had transpired, Haruka did just that---explained how she found Motoko hunched in pain earlier in the day, the visit with Hikari, and Motoko's fear of leaving her friend's unprotected after she died. When asked about Keitaro's part in all this--- Haruka stayed mum, fearing that she had caused enough pain to her nephew by revealing whatever secret he had to Motoko. Although she understood, she was still left dumbfounded.
'So all this fighting was some sort of test for Keitaro.' She thought to herself. 'It still doesn't explain what this terrible secret of his is all about. Could this be what he was trying to tell me before Motoko went on her rampage? What about his fighting skills? Where did those come from?'
She had more questions than answers at this point. Without realizing it, Naru had put her hand to her throat where Motoko had barely cut her earlier. 'At least that explains why she was so serious about this whole thing, still she could have found another way to get her "point" across --- so to speak.'
"Naru-chan?" asked Mutsumi, bringing Naru back to reality. "How are you holding up?"
Naru had noticed that Keitaro had slowly walked away towards the trees, his face looking down at the ground in complete shock. She turned back to Mutsumi.
"All things considered, I guess I'm ok." She had approached Mutsumi now and both turned toward their friend.. "I'm more worried about him and Motoko."
"Yes. Both of them are in distress." Mutsumi stated. " We should let Dr. Hikari tend to Motoko while we take care of Kei-Kun."
Naru examined her would-be rival and found that she genuinely cared for their childhood friend. It wasn't lost on her how Mutsumi had felt about Keitaro all this time. Mutsumi caught her scrutiny and simply smiled. " Did I do something wrong Naru-chan?"
"What? Oh-Heh." She chuckled guiltily as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. " Its just.back there when you had calmed Keitaro down that I realized something--You really love him don't you?"
Now it was the young Okinawan's turn to look guilty. After she had composed herself, she answered softly: "Yes Naru -Chan. I love him very much, but I know his heart belongs to you and would rather cheer you both on than lose either of you as my friends."
Naru was stunned. Although she had a good idea how Keitaro felt about her, to hear it so plainly from one of her closest friends(as well as her own confession) was just another shocker in this already crazy of days. To her surprise, she wasn't the least bit jealous, she was just glad that someone else could show the kind of love for Keitaro that she was still too afraid to admit herself.
" You know Mutsumi, don't be so quick to dismiss how he feels about you." Amused at the confused look on her friend's face she continued. "You hold a special place in his heart too. I can see it when you guys are together - he feels comfortable with you."
As if she committed some heinous crime Mutsumi started to apologize." Naru- chan, I--."
"Hey. It's ok really. I'm glad that someone else can love him as much as I do. I'm just too chicken to tell him though. Besides, look at the proof. You managed to calm him down while everyone else was too stunned to do anything about it. You really saved the day you know." She put a comforting hand on her friends shoulder and smiled at her. "Besides, we played together as kids, so the three of us have to stick together right?"
Mutsumi happily returned the smile, glad that her friend held no malice towards her. "Yes. You are right. We must always look out for each other," then before Naru knew it, Mutsumi had raised her arm in the air and yelled. "RONINS FIGHT!" As they normally do in there study group.
Rolling her eyes in sarcasm Naru simply stated. " Come on. Let's go catch up to Keitaro and see if we can convince him to come back to the Dorm with the others. Mutsumi agreed and they walked in the general direction that Keitaro had taken. It wasn't long before they caught sight of him and Tama- chan( the pet turtle flying happily near its master). They were confused at what they saw-Keitaro pointing his bad shoulder near a large tree---swing it gently back and forth .
Mutsumi spoke first. "What is Kei-Kun doing I wonder?"
"I don't know maybe he's---" her beautiful eyes suddenly went wide in comprehension. "KEITARO ! NO!"
Her warning came too late. They both watched in horror as Keitaro suddenly SLAMMED his shoulder against the tree---hard. Equally as shocking was that he didn't scream out at all at what they were certain was an excruciatingly painful method of putting one's shoulder back in its socket.
They both ran to him immediately as he slumped to the ground in VERY obvious pain. They knelt to either side of his as soon as they approached him.
In typical Naru fashion she screamed. "You Baka! Are you crazy? Hikari could have set it for you!" tears started to form as she hated seeing him this way.
"Kei-Kun Why?" asked a very concerned Mutsumi.
They heard him mumble too himself. "Damn shoulder. Didn't think it would still hurt like hell after all this time"
'All this time?' Both girls thought. 'So this has happened before?'
He looked at them both now, his haze seeming to fade. He gave both of them a weak smile. "H-Hey. How long have you been standing there?"
Both of the girls answered, "Long Enough!"
"Kei-Kun. Are you going to be ok?" his friend asked as Mutsumi wiped his sweaty brow with her handkerchief.
"Yea 'Baka'!" continued Naru-not really meaning to call him an idiot. "You had us all worried."
"A-Are you ok Naru." He asked pointing to her cut and the small bump on her head..
"Oh these?" she asked. "Hikari says I should be ok-nothing to serious. It's Motoko we should worry about."
Ignoring that last statement about Motoko he simply said apologetically. "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough ." he reached out and softly caressed where she hit her head.
She let him examine her injury and gently clasped his hand.
"Any faster and we'd have to call you speedy." She said jokingly in an attempt to put him at ease. When that didn't wok she just said. " I'm ok Keitaro. I was just more shocked is all."
They both her him whisper. "Wasn't fast enough."
Mutusmi, sensing that the two may want to be alone, slowly started to get up and walk towards the dorm, Tama-chan following behind.
"Mutsumi-san! Wait" yelled Keitaro as he allowed Naru to help him up. She turned her head back to face them.
"Where are you going?"
"I -I was just going back to check on Motoko-chan" it didn't escape his notice the tears she was trying to hold back. Naru and Keitaro approached her.
"Why don't we check on her together?" he had asked, still feeling very weak from today's trials but starting to feel like his old self. "Besides, I'm still a little worn out---and wouldn't mind another set of arms to help me down the hill. Especially from my other childhood friend- that is if neither you or Naru mind.
Naru smiled and quickly responded "Don't mind one bit. How about it Mutsumi? I could use the help---he weighs a TON you know." She asked jokingly.
Happy that her beloved wanted her help, she approached the pair and steadied Keitaro from the other side. The three of them (and Tama-chan) slowly made their way towards the dorm.
"By the way Mutsumi, I don't remember saying this---but thank you."
"Whatever for Kei-Kun?"
"Saving my Aunt from my wrath. As well as possibly saving me from myself." He answered solemnly.
"I would do anything to help my friends-you should know that by now."
"Yes I do. And your right, we three have to look out for each other. After all, we did play together as kids." he stated slyly, purposely avoiding both their shocked expressions.
'He heard us!' They both thought as both their faces started to blush.
"When this whole scary mess is all over---I think the three of us should have a private chat." He stated.
The two girls agreed as they continued to help him to the Dorm. A thought entering Naru's mind., "Um Keitaro? What were you going to tell me before Motoko went ballistic?"
She felt both Keitaro and Mutsumi stiffen at the question, apparently still a sore subject.
"Naru, I promise you. When we finish helping Motoko, I will tell you everything."
"So you are not mad at Motoko-chan Kei-Kun?"
"Nah! I guess I understand why she did what she did. My problem is HOW she went about doing it." Both girls agreed-especially Naru. "However, my Aunt and I are going to have a little chat afterwards."
Both girls could sense the anger he still felt towards his Aunt about breaking her promise.
"I am sure she meant well Kei-Kun" she said as they approached the kitchen door.
"Naru shouldn't have gotten hurt." He stated flatly, more angry than intended. Mutsumi apologized.
Realizing how he said his last statement he shook her gently. " Sorry about that Mutsumi-san. I meant no malice towards you."
Both girls set the landlord down on a chair as Naru went to get a wet towel so Keitaro can clean himself as best as he could. Naru began gently rubbing his injured shoulder. "This gonna be alright?"
"Yea. Its just gonna hurt like hell for a bit."
"So what do we do now Kei-Kun?"
With a determined look, Keitaro simply stated. "Now, it's time to go help our friend. I'll be damned if I let her die!"
With that, he started out the kitchen and slowly started to head towards Motoko's room. The girls followed behind.
'Nightmare be damned!'
Author's note: Sorry it took so long folks---too much work goin on for the holidays. Anyway, as usual the next chapter will be the other sides POV. So see you soon and as always Plz R&R.
To Help a Friend
(Outside Motoko's Room)
Kitsune, Sara & Shinobu were standing in the hallway outside their friend's room. It had been just a few minutes since Dr. Hikari proclaimed Motoko's current physical state. In that time, both Hikari and Haruka had gently carried Motoko back to the dorm in an attempt for the young girl to conserve what strength she had left. They were followed by the rest of the tenants--except for Keitaro, Naru and Mutsumi. Keitaro was still in shock over everything that had transpired: His nightmare, the fight with Motoko, his Aunt's betrayal, and most of all--the fact that Motoko herself was dying.
(The Hill- 20 minutes earlier)
When the others had started to follow their sick friend back inside , Naru had looked back at her childhood friends-worry etched in her normally lovely face. Mutsumi had caught the look and asked if Naru wanted to stay as well. Feeling like a third wheel, she felt that she would upset Keitaro even more if she stayed, but she realized that he was hurting too and decided to stick around for a bit. Something about their childhood---and her in particular---had caused Keitaro to apparently relive some horrible childhood secret that they had shared( she couldn't remember, of course, since she was only 2 years old at the time). She still could't believe about Motoko's grave condition.
After the initial shock wore off, she had justifiably demanded an explanation from Haruka about the day's events and Motoko's reason for her unusual behavior. Feeling responsible for what had transpired, Haruka did just that---explained how she found Motoko hunched in pain earlier in the day, the visit with Hikari, and Motoko's fear of leaving her friend's unprotected after she died. When asked about Keitaro's part in all this--- Haruka stayed mum, fearing that she had caused enough pain to her nephew by revealing whatever secret he had to Motoko. Although she understood, she was still left dumbfounded.
'So all this fighting was some sort of test for Keitaro.' She thought to herself. 'It still doesn't explain what this terrible secret of his is all about. Could this be what he was trying to tell me before Motoko went on her rampage? What about his fighting skills? Where did those come from?'
She had more questions than answers at this point. Without realizing it, Naru had put her hand to her throat where Motoko had barely cut her earlier. 'At least that explains why she was so serious about this whole thing, still she could have found another way to get her "point" across --- so to speak.'
"Naru-chan?" asked Mutsumi, bringing Naru back to reality. "How are you holding up?"
Naru had noticed that Keitaro had slowly walked away towards the trees, his face looking down at the ground in complete shock. She turned back to Mutsumi.
"All things considered, I guess I'm ok." She had approached Mutsumi now and both turned toward their friend.. "I'm more worried about him and Motoko."
"Yes. Both of them are in distress." Mutsumi stated. " We should let Dr. Hikari tend to Motoko while we take care of Kei-Kun."
Naru examined her would-be rival and found that she genuinely cared for their childhood friend. It wasn't lost on her how Mutsumi had felt about Keitaro all this time. Mutsumi caught her scrutiny and simply smiled. " Did I do something wrong Naru-chan?"
"What? Oh-Heh." She chuckled guiltily as if she had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. " Its just.back there when you had calmed Keitaro down that I realized something--You really love him don't you?"
Now it was the young Okinawan's turn to look guilty. After she had composed herself, she answered softly: "Yes Naru -Chan. I love him very much, but I know his heart belongs to you and would rather cheer you both on than lose either of you as my friends."
Naru was stunned. Although she had a good idea how Keitaro felt about her, to hear it so plainly from one of her closest friends(as well as her own confession) was just another shocker in this already crazy of days. To her surprise, she wasn't the least bit jealous, she was just glad that someone else could show the kind of love for Keitaro that she was still too afraid to admit herself.
" You know Mutsumi, don't be so quick to dismiss how he feels about you." Amused at the confused look on her friend's face she continued. "You hold a special place in his heart too. I can see it when you guys are together - he feels comfortable with you."
As if she committed some heinous crime Mutsumi started to apologize." Naru- chan, I--."
"Hey. It's ok really. I'm glad that someone else can love him as much as I do. I'm just too chicken to tell him though. Besides, look at the proof. You managed to calm him down while everyone else was too stunned to do anything about it. You really saved the day you know." She put a comforting hand on her friends shoulder and smiled at her. "Besides, we played together as kids, so the three of us have to stick together right?"
Mutsumi happily returned the smile, glad that her friend held no malice towards her. "Yes. You are right. We must always look out for each other," then before Naru knew it, Mutsumi had raised her arm in the air and yelled. "RONINS FIGHT!" As they normally do in there study group.
Rolling her eyes in sarcasm Naru simply stated. " Come on. Let's go catch up to Keitaro and see if we can convince him to come back to the Dorm with the others. Mutsumi agreed and they walked in the general direction that Keitaro had taken. It wasn't long before they caught sight of him and Tama- chan( the pet turtle flying happily near its master). They were confused at what they saw-Keitaro pointing his bad shoulder near a large tree---swing it gently back and forth .
Mutsumi spoke first. "What is Kei-Kun doing I wonder?"
"I don't know maybe he's---" her beautiful eyes suddenly went wide in comprehension. "KEITARO ! NO!"
Her warning came too late. They both watched in horror as Keitaro suddenly SLAMMED his shoulder against the tree---hard. Equally as shocking was that he didn't scream out at all at what they were certain was an excruciatingly painful method of putting one's shoulder back in its socket.
They both ran to him immediately as he slumped to the ground in VERY obvious pain. They knelt to either side of his as soon as they approached him.
In typical Naru fashion she screamed. "You Baka! Are you crazy? Hikari could have set it for you!" tears started to form as she hated seeing him this way.
"Kei-Kun Why?" asked a very concerned Mutsumi.
They heard him mumble too himself. "Damn shoulder. Didn't think it would still hurt like hell after all this time"
'All this time?' Both girls thought. 'So this has happened before?'
He looked at them both now, his haze seeming to fade. He gave both of them a weak smile. "H-Hey. How long have you been standing there?"
Both of the girls answered, "Long Enough!"
"Kei-Kun. Are you going to be ok?" his friend asked as Mutsumi wiped his sweaty brow with her handkerchief.
"Yea 'Baka'!" continued Naru-not really meaning to call him an idiot. "You had us all worried."
"A-Are you ok Naru." He asked pointing to her cut and the small bump on her head..
"Oh these?" she asked. "Hikari says I should be ok-nothing to serious. It's Motoko we should worry about."
Ignoring that last statement about Motoko he simply said apologetically. "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough ." he reached out and softly caressed where she hit her head.
She let him examine her injury and gently clasped his hand.
"Any faster and we'd have to call you speedy." She said jokingly in an attempt to put him at ease. When that didn't wok she just said. " I'm ok Keitaro. I was just more shocked is all."
They both her him whisper. "Wasn't fast enough."
Mutusmi, sensing that the two may want to be alone, slowly started to get up and walk towards the dorm, Tama-chan following behind.
"Mutsumi-san! Wait" yelled Keitaro as he allowed Naru to help him up. She turned her head back to face them.
"Where are you going?"
"I -I was just going back to check on Motoko-chan" it didn't escape his notice the tears she was trying to hold back. Naru and Keitaro approached her.
"Why don't we check on her together?" he had asked, still feeling very weak from today's trials but starting to feel like his old self. "Besides, I'm still a little worn out---and wouldn't mind another set of arms to help me down the hill. Especially from my other childhood friend- that is if neither you or Naru mind.
Naru smiled and quickly responded "Don't mind one bit. How about it Mutsumi? I could use the help---he weighs a TON you know." She asked jokingly.
Happy that her beloved wanted her help, she approached the pair and steadied Keitaro from the other side. The three of them (and Tama-chan) slowly made their way towards the dorm.
"By the way Mutsumi, I don't remember saying this---but thank you."
"Whatever for Kei-Kun?"
"Saving my Aunt from my wrath. As well as possibly saving me from myself." He answered solemnly.
"I would do anything to help my friends-you should know that by now."
"Yes I do. And your right, we three have to look out for each other. After all, we did play together as kids." he stated slyly, purposely avoiding both their shocked expressions.
'He heard us!' They both thought as both their faces started to blush.
"When this whole scary mess is all over---I think the three of us should have a private chat." He stated.
The two girls agreed as they continued to help him to the Dorm. A thought entering Naru's mind., "Um Keitaro? What were you going to tell me before Motoko went ballistic?"
She felt both Keitaro and Mutsumi stiffen at the question, apparently still a sore subject.
"Naru, I promise you. When we finish helping Motoko, I will tell you everything."
"So you are not mad at Motoko-chan Kei-Kun?"
"Nah! I guess I understand why she did what she did. My problem is HOW she went about doing it." Both girls agreed-especially Naru. "However, my Aunt and I are going to have a little chat afterwards."
Both girls could sense the anger he still felt towards his Aunt about breaking her promise.
"I am sure she meant well Kei-Kun" she said as they approached the kitchen door.
"Naru shouldn't have gotten hurt." He stated flatly, more angry than intended. Mutsumi apologized.
Realizing how he said his last statement he shook her gently. " Sorry about that Mutsumi-san. I meant no malice towards you."
Both girls set the landlord down on a chair as Naru went to get a wet towel so Keitaro can clean himself as best as he could. Naru began gently rubbing his injured shoulder. "This gonna be alright?"
"Yea. Its just gonna hurt like hell for a bit."
"So what do we do now Kei-Kun?"
With a determined look, Keitaro simply stated. "Now, it's time to go help our friend. I'll be damned if I let her die!"
With that, he started out the kitchen and slowly started to head towards Motoko's room. The girls followed behind.
'Nightmare be damned!'
Author's note: Sorry it took so long folks---too much work goin on for the holidays. Anyway, as usual the next chapter will be the other sides POV. So see you soon and as always Plz R&R.