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??
(Mutsumi's Room)
"Mutsumi? Mutsumi are you ok in there?" came the almost frantic voice of Haruka Urashima as she knocked on her tenant's door.
Mutsumi, ever-so-slowly, opened her eyes at the sound of her friend's voice. She very carefully sat up from where she was laying down---not realizing that she never had time to unroll a futon the night before. She rubbed her eyes, stretched, then massaged the back of her neck as it was stiff from how she had slept. She could hear Haruka start to actually POUND on her door as the older woman was very aware of how fragile Mutsumi could be.
"I-Its ok Haruka-San," she started trying to shake the cobwebs from her head, "I am awoke!"
The frantic pounding stopped immediately and Mutsumi could almost hear Haruka let out a sigh of relief from the other side of the door.
"You mind if I come in for a minute?" asked the older woman, concern still very evident in her voice.
Mutsumi stood up and smoothed out her dress before answering.
"N-Not at all Haruka-san. Please do come in." She replied, still very shaken herself.
Haruka opened the door carefully, so as not to frazzle the younger lady's nerves, and immediately knew something was not quite right with her friend. For one thing, the smile that normally would come natural to Mutsumi seemed---"forced" somehow, as if she was acting in a play. The second thing she noticed was the dress she had on, the exact same one she wore yesterday when she left the Tea House to visit her nephew and the others the night before.
Mutsumi may have a somewhat "generic" fashion sense, but she has never been known to wear the same clothes two days in a row.
Then she noticed her eyes.
'Damn. Has she been crying?' thought Haruka as she approached Mutsumi while also noticing that her futon was never used at all.
Mutsumi, to her credit, tried to maintain the illusion of her normal self---but Haruka could tell that something terrible had upset the young Okinawan. Never one to mince words, Haruka spoke:
"Mutsumi. What going on? Have you been crying?" She didn't mean to sound so pushy, but she hated the thought of anyone making this sweet girl sad. " Did you sleep on the floor last night?"
Mutsumi sniffled a little, remembering the events from last night as well as making it up to her room where her grief finally overtook her. She tried to fight back the tears that threatened to resurface---but was starting to fail. Haruka simply placed her hands on Mutsumi's shoulders in support while attempting to decipher what could possibly make this girl so sad. Then she remembered her one weak spot.
Keitaro.
If it was one thing Haruka knew about this girl, it was the fact that Mutsumi loved her nephew terribly. Even though Keitaro loved another. For some reason Keitaro was hung up on Naru Narusegawa, she was nice enough, until you did something to offend her----then it was a quick trip to low-earth orbit care of her patented 'Naru-Punch'
My nephew can be clumsy at times. But even he doesn't deserve to be treated like he does. I know that boy does everything he can for those girls, Naru in particular, but quite frankly----he deserves better. She secretly hoped one day that Keitaro would wake up and realize what a genuinely GREAT catch he is missing---right in front of his Aunt as we speak.
One of these days Naru is gonna wind up on the wrong side of a "Haruka side-kick" if she doesn't start letting up on him. Motoko too for that matter. Haruka wasn't the least bit intimidated by the God's Cry student's mastery of the blade—her being no stranger in the fighting arts herself. She deeply cared for each of these girls, but Keitaro was family. Maybe it was time she showed people what that meant. Haruka turned her attention back to her friend, who was sobbing lightly.
"Mutsumi. Please tell me what's got you so upset." The younger girl looked up at Haruka who gently started to dry her tears. "Does this have something to do with Keitaro?"
Mutsumi fished a clean handkerchief from her pocket and attempted to finish drying her tears, then simply nodded in confirmation.
With her hands still on Mutsumi's shoulders, Haruka pressed on:
"Did he do something to you?" she refused to believe her nephew would do anything to harm ANY of the girls, but needed to get to the bottom of this. "Did Keitaro hurt you?"
Mutsumi looked at her in surprise, shocked that she would even ask that of Keitaro. She vigorously shook her head. Then looked down at the ground in front of her as she finally found her voice to answer.
"N-No Haruka-san. It is nothing like that." She finally looked Haruka straight in the eye. "Kei-Kun would never do anything to hurt me. He is too kind-hearted."
Haruka could easily hear the affection Mutsumi had when she speaks about her nephew. She was also relieved to hear that he didn't do anything "improper" towards her. She was, understandably, still confused as to why Mutsumi was so upset.
"Then why were you crying just now? I'm also guessing that you've been crying for sometime last night as well."
"Yes Haruka-san I was." She also looked around her room for the first time since she came in last night. "Apparently, I also seemed to have slept on the floor as I do not remember unrolling my futon last night."
"So it would seem." Replied Haruka. "I just can't figure out what would upset you so---short of Naru marrying my nephew that is."
She added jokingly but was taken aback by what Mutsumi said next.
"In a few days Haruka-san, you may be half right." Was all Mutsumi said almost whispering. She caught the shocked look on Haruka's face as she said it. Then she remembered that Haruka had no knowledge of the previous evenings events.
"You wanna run that LAST part by me again Mutsumi. What do you mean HALF?"
"Ara Haruka-san I will explain." Mutsumi offered. She went on to explain what was said during the 'meeting' held by Keitaro and Motoko. The challenge made by the Swordswoman's older sister, Tsuruko, as well as the conditions set by her challenge---win or lose. She also went on to explain the various reactions to this news by the girls---especially Shinobu and Kitsune. She even went so far as to tell her of the unique "request" she made of Keitaro and how much of a gentleman her nephew was afterwards.
After she finished recalling the previous night's events, Mutsumi looked at Haruka and waited for the other's response, hands clasped in front of her. It didn't take very long for the tea shop owner to digest this piece of information.
Leave it to that boy to come to someone's rescue---even if it bites him in the ass because of it. She looked at Mutsumi again with a sad expression. Motoko would make a decent wife, maybe Keitaro could manage to help that girl out of her shell and be more of a woman and I would welcome her with open arms. Personally, I've always hoped that Mutsumi here would somehow win his heart---She may be a ditz at times, but she means well and genuinely loves him. Hell, it'd be fun to have a niece I could hang with that wouldn't make me feel so old----like Kanako!
She shuddered at the thought of her adopted niece who had always seemed rather …..odd. Especially, when it came to her Oni-Chan. Shaking all thoughts of Kanako from her head, she turned her gaze back to Mutsumi.
"So how do you feel about all this?" she inquired. 'As if I didn't really know the answer.'
Mutsumi, feeling a little better after explaining everything to Haruka, replied: " I had promised both Kei-Kun and Motoko-chan that if they lost, that I would be there to support them. I value their friendship too much to lose it ---even if they are forced to wed."
"Well I am glad to hear that. It's good to know that you will be there for them…..but that's NOT what I asked." She could see the younger girl bristle as she hoped to avoid the question.
Mutsumi took one deep breath, exhaled slowly, and started to answer Haruka's question.
"It would make me sad Haruka-san. Ara, I do not believe I had made it a secret how much Kei-Kun means to me. I guess I had loved him ever since we played together as children."
Haruka always had her suspicions about why Mutsumi seemed so darn familiar when she started hanging out at the dorm these last few months, but she kept her findings to herself…..for now. She nodded once for Mutsumi to continue.
"Ara, it would also upset me if Kei-Kun and Naru-chan ever wed as well. Yet because I also had played with her back then, I feel closer to her. So it wouldn't bother me AS much to see those two wed. I would simply be overjoyed to see my two dearest friends be happy with each other. However, as much as I care for Motoko-chan, I am not as close to her…..so I honestly cannot tell you how I will react IF they arrive back as husband and wife." She felt ashamed at this admission, especially after what she told the two of them last night.
She is too damn nice for her own good. Thinks Haruka. Always thinking of others happiness before her own. Damnit Keitaro, don't you realize your "promise girl" has been near you all this time.
Haruka actually comtemplated running after Keitaro and Motoko before they reached the train station bound for Tsuruko's place in Kyoto. Hell, she felt like taking on that crazy lady herself for putting her nephew in the middle of their family squabble. She didn't know if she'd win----but she'd make DAMN sure Tsuruko painfully remembered her attempt. Unfortunately, it wouldn't look good on Keitaro for his elder (ouch) to come to HIS rescue. No, as much as her body ached to fight in his place….he had to do this on his own, win or lose.
Mutsumi could see the extreme tension racking Haruka's body at the moment. Then, just as fast, visibly calm as she seemed to engage in some minor meditative state right there in front of her.
"Haruka-san? Are you ok?" she asked, not wanting to touch her in similar support for fear of breaking her concentration. She simply stood there and waited. It wasn't long at all as Haruka opened her eyes and focused them back on Mutsumi.
"Yea. I'll be fine." She started walking toward a window and stared out at the inn. "That explains Keitaro's expression when I saw him and Motoko walk down the stairs earlier ."
"WHAT?" exclaimed Mutsumi. She moved to Haruka's side by the window. "How long ago did they leave?"
"About 15-20 minutes ago. I was getting ready for the morning crew when I saw them walk down the stairs. The both looked like they had a funeral to go to." She turned to see Mutsumi stare out of the window as well.
"Then I missed them." She whispered. She had hoped to wake up in time to see them off---now they were probably thinking that she blew them off on purpose. Not caring what Haruka thought, she leaned her back against the nearby wall and slumped her shoulder's a little with her head down. "I told Kei-Kun that I would support them and I didn't even manage to see them off." She felt guilty at the thought.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much Mutsumi. They stopped in for a minute and handed me this." Haruka reached into her apron pocket and fished out a sealed envelope. Not surprisingly, it was addressed to Mutsumi.
She offered the envelope to the younger girl, who very carefully reached for it. She seemed to stare at it a moment, wondering what it could possibly say. Haruka, sensing that she needed some privacy started to turned from the window and slowly headed out the door.
"I'll be downstairs if you wanna talk about what it says. Gotta go feed Su and Sara." She commented. At the mention of the younger resident's names, she looked up at Haruka questioningly. "Apparently, Shinobu wasn't in much of a mood to cook so they followed Keitaro and Motoko down the steps."
"And Kitsune?" she asked already knowing the answer.
"Not a peep I'm afraid. Which after what you just told me-----shouldn't be much of a surprise." She saw the other girl nod.
"Anyway, don't be too long. I'll slice you up some fresh watermelon---just arrived this morning." She was relieved to see Mutsumi brighten at the mention of her favorite food.
"Ara. Haruka-san. I'll be down as soon as I shower and change into something else." She replied. Confident that her services were needed for the moment, Haruka left. Leaving Mutsumi to ponder the note in her hand.
As Haruka made her way down the stairs, an amusing thought started to form. He kissed her and from the blushing I caught as she mentioned it---Mutsumi enjoyed herself. Haruka smiled inwardly, finally seeing her nephew come out of HIS shell as well.
Good for you, Nephew She chuckled to herself as she made her way to her customers, wondering if she will welcome a new niece.
A little while later, after she had washed herself and changed, Mutsumi picked up the note from where she left it. She knelt down in the middle of the room and contemplated the sealed envelope. After staring at it a little longer, she decided to finally open it. She was surprised. For what she saw wasn't just one note but TWO with different handwriting . The first set she had recognized immediately as Keitaro's, while the second could only have been Motoko's. Very slowly did she read both notes---and smiled.
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Mu-Chan,
It's been so long since I called you by your old nickname, but it seemed to fit this moment. I want to apologize first about what has been happening. When I agreed to help Motoko-chan with her sister, I would have never imagined that there was a chance that she might be my wife in a few days. It hurt me when Shinobu and Kitsune reacted the way they did. I value their friendship, yet I hope they can find it in their heart to help us through this if things don't go as we both hope they will. I don't think they realize that we will be in pain too.
Naru has no idea what's going on of course, so I can only imagine her reaction. I worry that she won't take it well at all. I know she comes off as indifferent when it comes to her friendship with me but I have also seen her sensitive side(yes, she actually has one) and hope she could learn to still be our friend. After confessing to her how I feel , I can honestly say that if I do come back a married man----then at least I tried.
However, my biggest regret in all this is hurting YOU. I know you may not believe it as I seem to always fawn on Naru, but I value our friendship just as strong. You have always been there for me: whenever we study, share a cup of tea in the living room, or hear me complain about Naru. You were always there to cheer me on and get some confidence in myself. You never 'punished'me, or judged me unfairly, and have always taken my side ---even when the others don't want to hear it. You have been my secret strength Mu-chan, and I don't think I have ever really thanked you for that.
I know you think what I am about to write next may seem meaningless---but I hope you know it isn't(least not to me).
I love you Mu-chan. More than you know. More than friends, yet not quite lovers. I hope this makes some sense to you as it still confuses the heck out of me( and I am the one writing it!)Thank you for trying to help Motoko and I with what is to come. I know that no matter what happens, OUR friendship will still survive—if you still want it too. I hope you do. I don't know what I would do if I lost you too. Anyway, it's getting late and I think I hear Motoko coming down the stairs so we can meet the train on time. I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.
Yours truly.
"Kei-Kun"
P.S. I hope you enjoyed our kiss as much as I hope you did. It was my first real kiss and I am guessing it was yours too. I will always treasure those few moments we shared. Whatever the future may bring, that will always be OUR moment. Please remember that Mu-chan.
******************************************************
Mutsumi was never so happy than she was at that very moment. For once, tears of joy, instead of sadness streaked down her lovely face as she held Keitaro's letter to her chest. Then she remembered Motoko's. She carefully put Keitaro's page down and looked at the other note written by the swordswoman.
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Hello Mutsumi-san,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wish to thank you for the support you have shown Urashima and myself during this time of uncertainty. It is obvious that you care deeply for everyone here at the Hinata-Sou---in particular Urashima. Though you are faint of heart( I mean no offense) your compassion and understanding know no weakness. I have often noticed how Naru-Sempai's control falters whenever you are near Urashima. Although I respect her greatly, her inability to express her feelings for our landlord is frustrating. I admire the fact that you show no such restraint and that your feelings for everyone are, indeed, genuine. However, should we lose this fight with Tsuruko, I may lose her as a friend. I hope that it will not be so --as I do value her friendship. I regret Kitsune and Shinobu's reaction to last night's announcement, but I suppose it could not be avoided. I hope to not lose YOUR friendship as well. I am VERY well aware of the level of affection you have towards your "Kei-Kun" and hope you do not hold it against us if we are forced to marry. Even though he may fancy Naru-sempai, I know how much pain it would cause him if you were to leave us as well.
I do not believe I have mentioned how much I do admire you. You have earned my respect as you continually strive to achieve your goals---whatever the personal price. Your friendship with Urashima is inspiring, it has helped me realize that it is OK to be friends with males.(please do not mention this to Urashima as I am sure I will not live it down).
You also never let anything upset you (except perhaps last night which I deeply regret)and you always help people see the better parts of themselves. I will attempt to learn from your teachings, as I hope it will help me become a better woman. Once again I hope this note finds you in good health as I must now get ready to walk to the station with Urashima---so that we may fulfill whatever destiny awaits us. I will see you soon( hopefully still single) and wish to say one final thing:
Thank You Mutsumi-san
Motoko
*****************************************************
Surprisingly, the young okinawan was equally as moved with Motoko's words as she was with Keitaro's. She stood and placed the two letters in her journal that she kept locked away in her room. No sooner than she put them in hiding than the door burst open to reveal both Sara and Su running(or in Su's case, bouncing) toward her.
"Heyas Turtle lady" started Su. "Haruka has asked us to bring you down so you can have your favorite fruity."
"Yea. I gotta feeling she thinks your gonna fall over if you don't eat any of that Watermelon Su and I already tried." Added Sara as she licked her lips in appreciation of the breakfast that was presented to them not too long ago.
"Ara that is right. Let us go downstairs and have some." Mutsumi seemed more alive than she was only moments before. As she made her way downstairs, she could see Haruka place a large plate of freshly sliced watermelon on her favorite table. Noticing the other girl Haruka commented, "Well. Must've been good reading eh?"
"Yes Haruka-san it was." Replied Mutsumi happily --taking a large bite out of one slice. She handed both Sara and Su a slice each as there was more than plenty.
"Hey turtle lady."
"Yes Su?"
"What say after breakfast, the three of us go back up the hill and go exploring for secret tunnels."
Feeling like she can now take anything that goes her way….good or bad, Mutsumi looked at both girls, smiled a real smile and said:
"Ara. Sounds like fun."
Author's Notes: Chapter 3 is finally up. Sorry to disappoint those looking for more Kei/Mot interaction( that's what chapter 4 is for).Should get that one up sometime next week. Sorry it takes me forever to get to the meat of my fics….just like to flesh out the stories I do(as anyone who has read 'To help a friend" can attest.) Chapter 4 will have more Kei/Mot interaction as well as NARU and TSURUKO's appearances. Now on to the MUST READS.
Motoko Aoyama: WHAT IS TRUE STRENGTH, MOTOKO- Which just completed its run at 12 Chapters. Very underrated as it only received about 25ish reviews. Guys lets support her with her next/current works as her stories are really VERY good. The epilogue was very heartwarming and made an excellent bookend to the fic. Which brings me to:
Motoko Aoyama(again) ANOTHER PROMISE- Another well-paced Kei/Mot fic complete with budding romance and the introduction of an original Character Akiko Akimoto( Motoko's niece) who actually adds something positive to the story and helps bring It along.
I Won't Tell: DROWN- which also completed its run at the same number of chapters(technically with multiple endings) Plz read this as it features one of the most underused characters to have a main lead---Kitsune. The story was consistent, well paced and provided the right emotional juice that every good story should have.
Give these three great fics a looksee if you already haven't done so( Heck even if you did , read them again I don't think they'd mind)
Gotenks01013: (Rubbing back of my neck as I finish the Author's notes) Cool, Another chapter down. Can't wait to get some shuteye.
Mutsumi: Are you sleepy Gotenks-san?
Gote: Yea Mutsumi-san. Had a long day.
Mut: Ara.Would you like some of my melons. I'm told they are quite yummy.
Gote: (whispers) I wouldn't know about tasting your melons.
Mut: (looks at me funny) hmmm?
Gote: Sorry Mutsumi-san. Was being bad. Actually, I'd love a slice if you have any leftover from Haruka's.
Mut: (hands me plate) I have plenty. See?
Gote: Thank you Mutsumi-san. By the way, what did you think of this latest chapter?
Mut: Ara. I thank you for the attention. Although I did not get to kiss Kei-Kun in this one(sad face).
Gote: Maybe not, but at least he wrote you that nice letter.
Mut: (looks dreamily) Yes. I never knew Kei-Kun could be so passionate. Motoko will be sooo lucky.
Gote: Um…Why do you say that Mutsumi-san?
Mut: Isn't it obvious? You are going to make them have wild nooky! He-He. ( The sound of running footsteps approach)
Motoko: Mutsumi-san! What madness are you suggesting? Urashima and I? Impossible! Who would write such a thing about us?( looks at the direction Mutsumi is pointing)
Gote: (Takes his cue to sneak away)
Mot: Hold it Gotenks-san! I should have known your vile lechery is behind this.
Gote: Um….hello Motoko-chan. What can I do for you?
Mot: Be still as I relieve you of your manhood.
Gote: Sorry Motoko-chan but that's one part of me I DON'T wanna part with.
Mot: Vile male! Your useless pleas go on deaf ears. Prepare to SING SOPRANO!! (Chases me with her katana swinging wildly)
Gote: Aaauuu!!!( Where's that damn Tama when you need it!)
Mut: Oh Dear. Poor Gotenks-san.( hears pleas of mercy starting to fade in the distance ) And I heard that Wild Nooky was Today's special at the Beef Bowl. Ara.
As Always guys: Plz Read and review.
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