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.                                       

                               Warrior or Woman??

(Moments Ago)

"So what do you say Motoko? Are we up for it? Do you think we can beat your sister?"

She looks at the Hina Blade for a few seconds feeling the power surging within it. She looks at her potential future husband, breathes deep , and with a genuine smile of her own simply says—

"Let's do this"

(Present-Living Room)

  After making the decision to confront Tsuruko, Keitaro had summoned the residents to meet in the living room (except Naru who was in Kyoto with her family). They all wondered what the commotion was all about as the landlord NEVER calls for a meeting( That's usually Kitsune's job whenever she wants to try one of her crazy schemes---and even then they have it in the attic)

I wonder if this has to do with Motoko's crazy sister?thought the fox-eyed woman. Or maybe it's about what I said about her earlier. She thought with a little shame. She didn't really mean to hurt her friend's feelings. She just wanted things to be like they were before Tsuruko dismissed Motoko for her deception regarding her and Keitaro being engaged.

Kitsune looked around the room to see the rest of the girls seated: Shinobu, Sara, Mutsumi( who took some time away from working at Haruka's Tea Shop) and the normally hyper Su. She noted that Su would normally be in motion---even from a seated position. Instead, she just sat there, a grim look on her face.

Whoa! Something really serious must be going down, otherwise Su would be bouncing off the walls by now. Her attention was diverted when she heard two sets of footsteps approach from the hallway. Keitaro was approaching the group(limping actually, as he still had his leg contained in its cast) followed by a very serious Motoko. They both took a seat on one of the sofas sitting side by side----a fact that wasn't lost on the group. Kitsune grinned evilly, wicked thoughts invading her mind.

 Hey! Those two seem quite cozy since they came back. Hmm! Is she wearing one of his shirts? I wonder what went on in Keitaro's room after they came in from the rain? She was pleased that she seemed to figure out what this meeting was about. Don't much know what this is all about, but it looks like its gonna get good!

Keitaro looked around the assembly as well, noting how nervous everyone seemed. When all eyes were on him, he began…

"Hi guys. ThankYou for coming down as soon as you did."

All the girls muttered how it wasn't a problem then quieted down as Keitaro started to speak again.

" I think everyone knows what happened last night between Motoko and her sister." Everyone silently nodded as they remembered the fight in the hot spring. (except for Mutsumi, who was brought up to speed by Shinobu earlier that day) " And we all know what's been going on since then." Again everyone nodded not knowing where this was going. They all noted how quiet Motoko was, her hands resting on her knees as if something terrible would be revealed next.

The landlord continued, "What you didn't know is that Tsuruko contacted me when I went out to look for Motoko earlier." He noted the looks of shame on almost everyone's face, as they remembered how they didn't give the former swordswoman a fair chance to try becoming a normal girl. Instead, they talked behind her back about how silly it was, not realizing that she had heard almost every word.

Kitsune squirmed in her seat as she was mainly responsible for what was said.

"Yea Motoko about that…look, I'm sorry for what I said on the roof. I didn't realize it meant so much to you. I should have been more supportive."

"Me too Motoko-sempai." A very nervous Shinobu started. " I shouldn't have freaked out like I did when you tried helping me with the wood. I didn't realize that you were only trying to be helpful. If I knew it meant THAT much to you, I wouldn't have acted like I did."  She looked at Sara who was squirming similar to Kitsune.

"Me too I guess. We should have listened to the Dork about giving you a fair shake, instead of spitting it in your face." Sara found herself twiddling her thumbs she was so nervous.

Motoko looked up at her friends for the first time since she ran off.

"It was my fault as well. I should have realized that I could not just jump into something that I am not used too. I should have asked your opinions on the matter. Instead, I took everything to the extreme and almost alienated my closest friends. " She took a breath, then continued. " I am just used to being a warrior, always training to perfect my skill with the blade." She gave a deep sigh before she continued. "Now that has been taken away from me by my sister." Sadness still permeated her words.

"Ara. What happens now I wonder? What did Motoko's sister have to say Kei-Kun?" asked Mutsumi, with Tama-chan resting on her shoulder. "Myuh?" the turtle seemed to ask.

Noting how unusual it was for Motoko to not respond to the Hot Spring turtle's close proximity, Keitaro took Mutsumi's question as his cue to continue.

"Basically, Tsuruko is giving Motoko another chance to prove herself." This sent waves of relief throughout the room. " She has formally challenged Motoko and Myself to defeat her within two nights time.

"Sempai? How does she expect you fight when your leg hasn't even healed?"

"I have to agree with Shinobu, Kei-Kun.." added Mutsumi. "You are in no condition to walk, let alone fight."

"Yea dork. You end up tripping with two GOOD feet. You guys are gonna lose fer sure." She chuckled at her latest tease. "What do you think Su?" When she didn't an immediate response, Sara waved her hand in front of the older girl's face. "Helloooo Su?" asked the resident brat of her partner in mischief.

 Su looked up at Keitaro and Motoko (more like examined the pair) then focused her attention on Keitaro. "Su will help big brother Keitaro. Just tell Su what you need."

"But Su?" Asked Sara again, confused. "What do you think of the dork fighting?"

Su looked squarely into the younger girl's eyes and simply replied.

"Su have faith in Keitaro. Su knows he will give his best." Upon saying this, she started bouncing around the room like she normally does.

 "As do I Su." added Motoko, to almost everyone's shock as she stuck up for the landlord. It was no secret that Motoko thought Keitaro was some kind of weakling pervert. However, she remembered how he was the only one that believed in her efforts to change. As well as, how he had comforted her afterwards in his room. Earlier, in my vulnerable state, he could have taken advantage of me, yet he didn't. He alone had complete faith in my efforts to change while the others teased. How can I do any less for him? I am beginning to think that I had mis-judged him as well. Perhaps I simply wanted to please Naru-sempai by agreeing to punish him with her. I MUST find a way to make amends to Urashima.

 Kitsune noticed the discomfort her landlord still showed as he sat next to Motoko. She decided to press on with her instincts.

"Um Keitaro? Why do I get the feeling we don't know the whole story?"

All eyes turned to the Keitaro and Motoko as Kitsune asked her question. Motoko merely looked down on the floor, worry etched in her face and Keitaro frowned.

Damn Kitsune and her intuition he thought with a little bitterness.  This part's gonna suck.  Taking a deep breath, he faced his tenants and began.

"Tsuruko's challenge had some conditions attached with it." He looked at Motoko who only nodded once for him to continue.

"What kind of conditions Kei-Kun"

Mutsumi HAD to be the one to ask. He thought. I hope she doesn't faint when I tell her. Very well aware of the feelings his fellow Toudai student has for him. It was Motoko who spared him from explaining.

"My sister has decreed that if Urashima and myself defeat her in honorable combat by two nights time, I will be allowed to resume my training and be re-instated as the rightful heir to the family dojo. HOWEVER, if we fail…." She hesitated taking a breath of her own. "If we fail, Urashima and I are to marry IMMEDIATELY at the family shrine, with my sister presiding"

There. She said it. The reactions were NOT unexpected.

"WHAT? "  Asked everyone at once. Except Su, who seemed to expect such news, as if she knew all about the demands of familial responsibility.

"Can she do that?"

"No! Sempai!"

"Your kidding right, dork?"

"Oh Kei Kun!"

They didn't expect them to take this news well, but it was unavoidable. Keitaro didn't have much choice and he said as much.

"Look. It was the only way for Motoko to return her honor. I HAD to accept. You girls said so yourself, you wanted the old Motoko back didn't you?"

"But to marry her Kei-Kun?" asked an obviously distraught Mutsumi. Even Tama-chan gave a sad "Myuh."

"That is only if my sister bests us in battle." The looks the others gave her didn't seem reassuring. "We promise to give it our all…I swear to you!"

Shinobu sniffed back the tears that threatened to streak down her lovely face. "What if you lose Motoko-sempai?" asked Shinobu.  "What happens then?"

"Then that following morning, Hinata-Sou will be home to its first married couple since the building was founded." Said the landlord, very solemnly.

Kitsune couldn't hold back any longer, she had to get some sense into these two. She had to speak for the only other person who'd be most affected by this( After Keitaro and Motoko of course).

"Aren't you two forgetting someone?" she asked. Everyone KNEW where she was going with this. "What the hell do you think Naru will have to say about all this?"

For the first time since he's lived in the dorm, Keitaro spoke about his relationship with his other study mate. The tone in his voice was as serious as any of the girls will ever hear.

"Guys. It's no secret how I feel about Naru.  By now you all know, I recently confessed my true feelings for her when I was laid up in the hospital." He indicated his broken leg.  "Since then, she has avoided me like the plague. I have tried to give her some space so she can sort out whatever feelings she may or may not have for me. Maybe I should have kept my mouth shut, I don't know. I was just tired of playing these games."

He had their undivided attention now, especially Motoko who looked on at her de facto fiancee' in awe.

"I love you all very much –yes Sara, even you." Looking at the young girl who just stared at him. He surveyed the rest of the tenants and continued. "I love each of you for different reasons and I cherish my friendships with everyone. I'm not saying that we are going to lose. Motoko and I have already discussed this and we agree. We HAVE to win! Not just for her, me, or even Naru. Everyone here knows that things will be radically different if we lose. I can tell by looking at you all right now that some of you will have a harder time dealing with this than others."

He looked at Kitsune and Shinobu—the former frowning in respect to her best friend, and the latter who had always had a strong crush on her Sempai. Mutsumi had her hands clasped in front of her, saying a silent prayer, light tears streaming from her eyes.

Kami, they are taking this worse than I thought.

" Kitsune, you are welcome to call Naru and tell her what's going on if you feel you need to. It's not going to change my mind. I have to help Motoko ---I gave my word."

There it was. Everyone knew that there was no way anyone was going to stop him from fighting Tsuruko at Motoko's side. Keitaro Urashima was known for one thing that everyone took to the bank. A promise made by him was set in stone. No matter how crazy it sounded, he would follow through with any promise that he made…consequences be damned.

"So that's it then." Whispered a very angry Kitsune Konno. "You mean to go through with this, even if it means breaking my best friend's heart?"

She stood up, not wanting to here any more of this nonsense.

"For Naru's sake, the two of you BETTER not lose!" and just like that, she stormed out of the living room and up the stairs towards her room. Everyone looked on sadly as she left, hearing the unmistakeable sound of her door sliding open and being slammed shut.

Kami. Please give us strength. Thought Motoko, tears starting to stream down her own lovely face. She looked at Shinobu who was shaking where she sat. "Shinobu, I—"

Before she could finish, Shinobu bolted out of the room as well, much like Kitsune just did, only she didn't bother to hold back her tears and sobbed all the way to her room as well. Both Keitaro and Motoko's heart broke at the pain that they have caused so far.

Damn you Tsuruko!  thought Motoko bitterly.

Su broke in, " I'll be right back guys…..gonna check on Shinobu."

Su bounced up towards her best friends room in an effort to calm her down.

Which left Sara and Mutsumi.

Sara walked up to Keitaro and just frowned. He half expected her to kick the cast protecting his broken leg in revenge against the pain he caused Shinobu. To his surprise, she merely said, "Just don't lose Dork." She started up the steps then stopped when she was halfway up. Looking back at the pair she added, her frown softening a little. 

"Besides, how am I supposed to pick on you if Kendo girl marries you?" The remaining three people couldn't help but smile a little at the absurdity of her statement.

Motoko and Keitaro now turned their attention to the last remaining person. Mutsumi sniffled a little, obviously very sad over what had just transpired.  Drying her tears with her handkerchief, she stood up. To their surprise, she didn't leave the dorm or even the room. Instead, she walked over to the pair, knelt down in front of them and took one of their hands in each of hers. Tama-chan stayed a good distance away knowing how Motoko felt about it.

"Mutsumi-san, I-" started Keitaro.

"Kei-Kun" started the young Okinawan, not letting him finish.

"I will not lie. Hearing what you promised Motoko-chan's sister was a shock to us all, especially to me. Like you, I have never kept it a secret about my feelings. You have had a very special place in my heart for a long as I can remember."

This made Keitaro feel even worse. He knew how Mutsumi felt about him, even though she knows how he feels about Naru. Even so, it was always silently known that if things didn't work out with Naru then Mutsumi may be the only other person to capture his heart. Knowing her, she wouldn't even feel like she was second-best, she would be content to be with her beloved---a fact that made him feel like even more of a jerk.

Feeling his anguish, Mutsumi gripped both his and Motoko's hands in support. "It is safe to say that I want you both to be victorious in the upcoming battle. If not, please know that you are still my friends and that I WILL support you---right Tama?"

The Hot Spring turtle happily raised a flipper and said its usual "Myuh."

Then Mutsumi embraced both her friends in a big bear hug that threatened to crush their spines. After releasing her friends, she looked into Keitaro's eyes then Motoko's. To Motoko she spoke:

"Promise me that if you lose, you will try and make Kei-Kun happy. He isn't the pervert that Naru-chan makes him out to be and I know he would make a good husband to you."

Motoko, tears streaming her face as the woman who loves the landlord more than Shinobu and perhaps even Naru combined, has asked her to take care of the man that she loves. It broke her heart to know that because of her cowardice towards her sister, the people that she considers her closest friends are in pain. Remembering how honorable Keitaro was earlier in the evening, her answer to Mutsumi came rather easily.

"You have my word Mutsumi-san. I will do my best to make a good wife to him." Turning her head to her fighting partner, " He deserves no less."

Mutsumi kissed her on her cheek then turned to her childhood friend. He knew what she was going to ask before she let the words out.

"You don't need to ask Mutsumi-san. I promise to be a good husband to Motoko-chan. If we lose."

"You must do one other thing for me Kei-Kun. Two things actually."

"Name them." He said.

"First, you must try and find it in your heart to love Motoko-chan, REALLY love her. Not out of duty, or because you think that's what I want. Do it because you can find something about her that makes you feel good. Do not pretend that she is Naru-chan, or even me." She looks down as she says that last part. "I know it will be difficult, and that it will take time but she deserves to have true love as well. Please remember that."

Keitaro kept to himself that he did indeed already have some genuine feelings towards Motoko and that her request wouldn't be much of a stretch at all.

He didn't know that Motoko felt the same way about him.  It would not be difficult to genuinely love this man, he has proven time and again how much he cares for each of us. Oh Mutsumi-san, you are such a good friend to do this for us. I shall strive to deserve your friendship and make sure you continue to be in our lives  "What is the other thing you needed him to do Mutsumi-san?" asked Motoko.

Mutsumi looked into Keitaro's eyes, a look of pure affection etched in her face.

"Kiss me." She asked plainly." It may be the only chance I ever get while you are still able too. I-I understand if you don't want to. " She started to sob lightly.

Keitaro Urashima couldn't take it any more. The pain he was causing one of his closest friends was unbearable. Looking at Motoko, he was relieved to see that she had nodded once in affirmation. Standing up, she made her way to the kitchen to make some tea, thinking that the two of them would like some privacy. Tama-chan flew upstairs, perhaps for the same reason.

"Kei-Kun, I'm sorry I wasn't stronger.  I just wan-"

"Mutsumi-san, hush" he commanded gently as he took his hand and placed it under her delicate chin. He slowly raised her head up so that their eyes met. She allowed him to gently wipe away the tears that remained. She could see that he was also in pain at something that hasn't even happened yet.

"Kei-Kun," she whispered, "You don't have to-"

She never finished her sentence as Keitaro Urashima, a man who at one time wouldn't be able to even talk to a girl, brought her lips to his. Their eyes closed as they savored each other's touch, each other's taste. Keitaro wanted so much to explore the other's tongue with his own, but didn't want to ruin the moment by being rude. Surprisingly, he felt her tongue gently touching his lips in permission. He answered with his own tongue and both friends savored the kiss that may be the only one that they will ever share.

Neither of them knew how long it went. Only that their affection for one another was genuine and each enjoyed the intimate contact with the other—perhaps the only time they will ever share something this special. All coherent thoughts were gone from their minds as raw instinct took over.

Unbeknownst to the pair, Motoko silently watched from the other room as her friends shared this precious moment. She didn't mean to invade their privacy, her curiosity had simply gotten the better of her. She noted how gentle Keitaro was with Mutsumi, how he held her, how he caressed her cheek, again NOT the actions a pervert. She slowly walked back towards the kitchen where the water was boiling for the tea she was preparing. Satisfied that nothing was amiss, she allowed herself a moment to contemplate the scene in the living room. She sat down, leaning back against the chair and closed her eyes. To her surprise, she couldn't shake this sense of jealousy that permeated her being at that particular moment. She rather wished it WAS her Keitaro was kissing instead of Mutsumi. Ashamed at this last thought, she focused back on task at hand, the tea kettle signaling that the water was ready.

It was at that very moment that Mutsumi decided to break the kiss

(Not that either of them really wanted to mind you) but gently pulled away from her beloved Keitaro. Blushing, she tried composing herself and looked at her friend when she thought she was ready. She was pleased to see that Keitaro didn't act as if he had just put his first notch in his belt. Instead, he carefully stroked her face and gave her a hug of his own, gently caressing her back. She returned the embrace and whispered in his ear, "Thank You Kei-Kun for granting my wish. No matter what happens, I will still be here for you."

"Thank you as well Mutsumi-san." He pulled away and looked at her. "I'm sorry that we caused you so much pain. I care for you deeply—you do know that?" Mutsumi slowly started for the door.

Remembering what had just transpired mere moments ago she knew that he meant what he said. "I do Kei-Kun. I have also known that Naru-chan holds a very special place in your heart." She notices the shameful look on Keitaro's face. Suspecting what was troubling him she decides to put his mind at ease. "Kei-Kun, it was I who asked for the kiss. Please do not worry about my feelings."

Keitaro couldn't help it, he felt as if he betrayed his friendship with the young Okinawan and said as much. "Mutsumi-san, you must know that I enjoyed what just happened." He noted how deeply Mutsumi blushed with that statement and decided to continue. " I-I just don't want you to think that I …..that I used you somehow, and I DO care about your feelings. Like I said, I care what happens to you."  He was relieved when he heard her chuckle slightly, amused at his discomfort.

" Ara Kei-Kun, I could never think that of you. Unlike Naru-chan, I have never thought you were anything less than honorable in your feelings for everyone here."  Keitaro's relieved look told her that her last statement had the desired effect on him.  "Also, I will help you with Naru-chan and the others if things don't go favorable with Motoko's sister."

Suddenly remembering Naru, Keitaro felt guilty. Not because of the kiss with Mutsumi—he will ALWAYS treasure that—but because she has no idea what's going on. It would be a bad thing if she came back and found both he and Motoko were married. 

"Do not fear Kei-Kun. Things will be ok. You'll see."

"I believe you Mutsumi-san" she allowed him to open the door for her as she made her way back to Haruka's Tea House where she kept a room. "Will you be ok?"

She turned around, smiling at him. " Yes, I will be fine. Some sleep will do me good I think. Good night Kei-Kun and please wish it to Motoko for me."

"I will. Good night." As he saw her make her way down the stairs, a thought occurred to him. Silently, he made his way to the top of the stairs and watched as she walked to the teahouse. He wanted to make sure that if she fainted, he'd be there to help. He was relieved to see her make it all the way down and into his Aunt's teahouse without incident.

He started to turn around to see Motoko standing by the door holding two steaming mugs of tea, much like he did for her earlier that evening when he made cocoa for her. She handed him a mug as she approached the top of the stairs next to him. Both of them decided to sit at the top of the steps and enjoy their tea. It was Motoko who broke the silence.

"Urashima, I am sorry for putting you through this."

"It's not your fault Motoko. Things just happened like they did."

"But if it wasn't for my cowardice, our friends would not hate us now."

He took a sip of his mug and noted how good the tea was.

"I can't speak for Shinobu and Kitsune, there reactions were unfortunate but not unexpected. I hope that they can see it in their hearts to support us."

"Agreed"

" I hope Shinobu will be ok." He didn't like to see her sad—ever.

"Looks like Su is ok with what's going on. Although I am not sure, but I think Sara may be as well."

"Yes. Sara surprised me as well." She took a sip of her own mug before she continued.  "I am glad that Mutsumi-san has given us her support. I didn't want to hurt her. I value her friendship very much."

"She values yours as well Motoko-chan." Finishing his mug, he put it down before he continued. " By the way, she told me to tell you good night." He saw her nod once in confirmation.

 " She made it down to Haruka's without incident I trust?" Keitaro returned the nod. "Urashima, are we doing the right thing?" she asked. " I can give up my training if it means our friends are happy."

" We both know that after a while, you wouldn't be happy either." He stared at the stars, noting how beautiful they looked. " No Motoko-chan, we have to do this."

"Do you regret what you said to me earlier tonight?" she looked at the sky as well. " Or what you promised Mutsumi-san?"

"No Motoko." He turned to face her. "I meant every word."

Finishing her mug as well, she faced him—a slight smile on her lovely face. "I am glad. I meant what I said to Mutsumi as well---she deserves that much."

"So do you." He said almost above a whisper.

"Excuse me?" Motoko asked, not knowing if she heard him right.

"Mutsumi-san is right Motoko-chan." he grabs his mug from the ground to take another sip, remembered that he finished it off moments ago, then puts it back down. " You do deserve true love as well." His eyes looked at her for a moment then looked in front of him again just as fast after he said that, a slight blush forming.

" I-I see." Was all Motoko could manage, a blush forming on her face as well. She cleared her throat in an attempt to compose herself. "However, if both Shinobu and Kitsune  felt this strongly, I dread to see Naru-sempai's reaction if we lose."

It wasn't lost on Keitaro how fast the young Samurai changed the subject but decided not to pursue the matter."Yea. Even though she thinks I am some kind of pervert, I've always thought that she cared for me on some level." He starts to feel sleepy and tries to stifle a yawn. " It's getting late and I haven't asked Su for those smart bombs yet."

"Do not fear Urashima, I will ask her for you after I take the mugs back in the kitchen. You need your rest after all you have been through today. I will lock up the dorm."

"All I'VE been through?" he yawned again and knew better than to argue with her. "I suppose your right" he started to make his way inside the building then turned when a morbid thought struck him.

"What is the matter Urashima?"

"Well it just occurred to me. If we lose, that means that we have to share the same futon right?"

She didn't like where this was going, but couldn't help but blush again.

"Um, I suppose." Hoping he wasn't going to ask what she thought he was going to ask. "Why?"

"Well." He started rubbing the back of his head nervously. "If we have to share the same futon---where will Su sleep?" Knowing that Koalla Su loved sleeping with Motoko at night.

She was so caught up in what she thought he would ask, that she was completely unprepared for that one. Deciding to cause a little mischief of her own she merely replied. "I will buy a lock."

"A lock?"

"Yes. It would not do well for us if Su was to interrupt our---Nightly Marital Duties."

"Motoko, what do you mean by---?" then it hit him, and for the first time that day, his nose started to bleed. "Oh man."

Gotcha.  she thought wickedly and made her way back inside.

                       ***************************

(Shinobu's room)

It had been a few minutes since Shinobu assured both Sara and Su that she would be fine and that the shock of what was said had passed. After the other girls left to their respective rooms, Shinobu contemplated the possible outcome of the next couple of days. On the one hand, if Keitaro and Motoko managed to defeat her sister

(Something she was afraid would never happen) then all would be as it was.

However, if they managed to lose to her---that was something she didn't even want to think about. She had always known that someday, Keitaro and Naru may end up together as lovers. An idea that she thought she had ample time to prepare for, but to marry Motoko? As soon as a few days? She sat on her bed( the only bed in the dorm mind you) held her favorite stuffed animal, and cried into it.

"Oh Sempai" she whispered.

                        ***************************

(Kitsune's Room)

At about the same time that Shinobu was sitting on her bed, the resident fox-lady sat in the middle of her own room looking blankly at the bottle of sake(One of which Motoko missed during her morning raid on Kitsune's stash—switching it for vinegar instead) also contemplating what she had just heard.  Married? What the hell was he thinking agreeing to a crazy scheme like that?

 Despite how angry she supposedly felt in Naru's stead, Kitsune seemed confused. Am I angry for Naru? Or is it cuz I want him for myself. She'd be the first to admit that she used to want to milk the landlord for any free cash he could swing her way, allowing the occasional grope for a free rent. After a while, her feelings for the guy changed considerably. Although he reacts just like any other guy has in the past regarding her body ( My babies are all they seem to want-among other things) Keitaro actually was one of two men who EVER treated her with any kind of dignity and respect    ( Seta being the other man). She supposed that's why she had started to fall for him in her own way. Shaking such thoughts out of her head, she took a long swig of her liquor and lay flat on her floor , staring at her ceiling-thinking.

Damnit Naru! We could sure use you about now

                  **********************************

(Teahouse. A few minutes ago)

Mutsumi Otohime entered the building a few minutes after leaving the dorm. She noted that everything was ready for tomorrow's  business. She also noted that Haruka was nowhere to be found so she decided to turn in for the night in the room that she rents upstairs. She passed by Haruka's door, which was closed, indicating that the proprietor was sleeping for the night. Her room was a few steps further. She slid the door open , entered , and slid it closed behind her. As soon as she closed her door, Mutsumi leaned her back against it and slowly slid down to the floor hugging her knees against her chest. After that she pressed one side of her lovely face on her knees and let go the tears that she had been holding back since she bid Keitaro goodnight.

"Oh Kei-Kun" she whispered , as she continued sobbing well into the night until the blissful release of sleep overtook her.

Author's notes: Finally! Chapter 2 of my first fic is done!! I know it took me long enough, but if anyone has read my other story: To Help a Friend. then you know that THAT story has been flowing better for me. Now I'd like to thank some folks who have been patiently waiting for this.

 Author's Notes:  Wow, got about 6 more reviews regarding my re-write of Chapter 1. I honestly didn't think that FF.Net would post it in front again seeing as the original has been out for a bit.

 Dennis & Jenny, thanks for giving it a re-read, here's hoping this chapter gave you more to enjoy than the last one. Everyone else, I thank you as well and hope to see more of you in the review section in ANY of my works. As always its time to talk about a couple of LH fics worthy of mention.

MUST READ

CrosseyedButterfly: A Different Life- To say that it is simply another Kei/Motoko marriage fic would be a GROSS miscarriage of justice as it takes that tried and true concept and expands it to EPIC(The only word I can really describe it) proportions. Also of note is the introduction of Tsuruko's Husband( whom we never saw in either anime or manga)  I've only read the first 2 chapters of this wonderful story. (understand that each Chapter is HUGE) Give it a looksee if you already haven't. Just be prepared to have a snack or your favorite beverage nearby as these aren't quick reads.

VashTheUnholy: Steel Wings of the Phoenix-  Ah, my good friend Vash. Re-inventing the wheel so-to-speak. A VERY different take on how Keitaro comes to acquire Hinata-Sou. Here, a personal tragedy sets him on the path to Martial Arts in a school directly opposed to Motoko's Shinmei School. Kanako is here as well, in a way you've never seen her before either. Intrigued? Check this future classic out.

No Omakes tonight as I am dead tired from a horrendous day at work(Retail blows) I might forgo re-writes of Chapters 3 and 4 as they were done recently enough---although let me know through the review process if you think they need them. However, the first few Chapters of To Help a Friend definitely need re-writes as they are earlier works and I was just starting to come into my own style of writing. As always please: READ AND REVIEW