Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Love Hina.
Pre-Read by: Zenapax
Keitaro...I'm Pregnant: Spreading the Rumor
It's the same routine I have nearly every morning. I wake up a little before my alarm clock goes off, turn it off and think of what to make for breakfast before I jump out of bed, run to the bathroom and vomit in the toilet. I hope I don't get any in my hair again. The feeling of tiredness all the time, the tenderness in my breasts and the horrible morning sicken I have when I wake up is miserable. Is this what my mom went through when she has me? I wish I can talk to her about this so she can help me out, but I'm scare of her and my dad's reaction when I tell them I'm pregnant.
"Want me to hold your hair up Shinobu?" I turn and Raymond's behind me. I nod and vomit some more as he holds up my hair. I continue to do this for a minute more before telling him I'm finish. He lets go of my hair as I spit in the toilet. I hear water running as I get up. I see him walking towards me with a cup in hand. I smile and take the cup from him. I put some of the water in my mouth, swirl it around and spit it in the toilet before flushing it all down.
"Thanks. But what are you doing up so early?"
"I'm still jet lagged. Got up a couple of hours ago, so I decided to cook everyone breakfast."
"Oh? What did you cook?"
"Pancakes. It's one of my favorite foods."
"But we have no pancake mixer."
"I had a box of Bisquick in my bag. Come on! The food's going to get cold and you're eating for two now." I follow him to the dining room and take a seat while I wait for him to bring out the food. A minute later, he comes out holding a plate of five stacked pancakes and a jar of some sort. He places both items down next to me and goes back into the kitchen. I notice that the pancakes are cut up into eighth with a small sticks of butter on each of them. I didn't notice he came back in until he places a cup of milk next to me. It was strange that someone else was doing the cooking, but also felt flattered since no one else does this.
"Thank you for making this."
"I kind of had to after last night's dinner." I immediately remember dinner. He didn't eat with us at the table and got into an argument with Naru and Motoko about how he was disrespecting me. I later took his food to his room, but explained that the reason why he could eat with us is because he's allergic to seafood.
"Oh. I didn't know you are allergic to fish."
"It's all right. But please tell me ahead of time when you're going to cook fish or anything from the sea so that I can make my meal earlier."
"OK." He grabs the jar and pours out a red liquid on his pancakes. "What is that?" Pointing at the jar.
"It's boysenberry."
"Where did you get that?"
"It was also in my bag."
"Do you have all your food items in your bags?"
"Nah." He takes a bit of his pancake before speaking again. "When I was packing to come here, I almost forgot those. Unfortunately I already packed my Balikbayan box, so I just put it in my bag." He passes the syrup to me. I pour on a little on and bit into the pancake.
"This is really great." I say. "Even if I didn't put the boysenberry, it's still great."
"Thanks. I been meaning to hear that from someone other then my family."
"Why is that?"
"Before my dad died, he used to cook pancakes for my brother and I. He always cut them in eighth since we were too small to cut it ourselves. I missed eating pancakes a while after so I decided to try and cook them myself when I was ten. It took me three summers to finally get right, but I rather have it taste right then not."
"Is that why you cut mine into eighth? Because it reminds you of your dad?"
"Yeah. That and it's a force of habit."
"Maybe you can help me cook the food sometimes. I always wanted an pair of extra hands in there."
"Sure, but you better ask Keitaro for the fish items unless you want me in the hospital." I giggle a bit. "By the way, I don't mind you telling him that I'm allergic to seafood, but please don't tell the others. I don't want to wake up sleeping next to one." I giggle some more. I know that the others aren't like that. They would probably beat him like they do Keitaro before thinking that.
"Don't worry. I won't." We sit quietly, eating our pancakes. I start reflecting about my thought on my friends from last night. Basically, since everyone here knows that Raymond 'supposedly' impregnated me and I want to tell them that the guy who did is living with us now. But I'm not sure. He did say that we need to keep the story straight, but only if anyone ask. I really want to tell them since they always come to the Hinata Sou to hang out, but...
"Hey Shinobu," Raymond says, interrupting my thought. "I was just thinking."
"Yes?"
"Do you think I can go along with you to the market for now on?" I'm a little shocked. Sure, the others have gone with me a few times, but not all the time.
"I don't mind, but can I ask why?"
"I'm allergic to some more food items like peanut butter, nuts, egg yolk. I'm also a very picky eater, so if I can go with you to the market, I can pick my own food. And I'll pay for my own."
"Oh. Sure, you can come with me. But I have a favor to ask you." He seems a little surprise. Either that or his sleep is catching up to him. "Is it all right if I tell some other people that the guy who impregnated me is living here now?"
"You didn't have to ask that. I mean, you should tell your parents."
"Yeah! Yeah!," I nervously say. "I wasn't talking about them actually." He looks at me, wide awake now or what seems to be wide awake. "I was talking about telling some of my friends. You see..."
"Shinobu. I don't mind you or Keitaro telling anyone that I live here. Just remember to have the story the same when you do tell people." He smiles and goes back to eating.
We finish up eating and Raymond offers to wash the dishes for me. I go back to the bathroom for a quick shower. Once I'm finish, I go to my room.
I sit at my desk, brushing my long hair. It takes me half an hour to get the tangles out, causing me to be a little bored since I have nothing to stare at. But I put a picture of Keitaro and I from our trip to San Francisco on the desk. Remembering all the things we did together seems like I didn't brush my hair at all during that half hour. After putting my hair in pigtails, I check my school work before putting on my uniform. I look at the clock, noticing that I'm a little earlier then usually to leave. I think I'm forgetting something. Oh well. I walk out of my room and see Keitaro and Kitsune coming out of their room, looking very weary.
"Hi Sempai. Hi Kitsune." He slowly turns his head, giving me a sleepy smile.
"Hello Shinobu." They both say, looking out of it. I think I know of a good wake up call for him.
"Sempai, can you please help me with a homework problem before I go to school? I don't think I got it right."
"Sure." I let him in my room before closing the door. "So, what the problem?"
"This." I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him. He holds me tight before pulling back.
"Whoa! Was that your question or answer?" I smile and giggle.
"Did that pick you up?"
"Yeah. I don't even need to drink coffee now."
"That's nice, but you should try Raymond's pancakes. They're great."
"Raymond cooked?" I nod my head.
"He wanted to make breakfast after what happened late night."
"Oh. Guess he needs to act nice sometimes."
"Actually, he's allergic to seafood and other things. That's why he acted the way he did last night. He told me this morning."
"He is?!" Keitaro looks surprise.
"Yeah. But you should talk to him about that. I need to go to school now." We give each other one last kiss before letting go of one another and stepping out of my room.
I leave the Hinata Sou and take the bus to school. The ride takes twenty-five minutes, but I can't go to sleep in fear of missing my stop. I'm a little surprised that there aren't many people from school on the bus. I'm used to seeing that. I stare out the window, looking at the same shops and buildings I pass by each day from school.
"Hey Shinobu!" I turn around and feel delighted to see my friend Sachiko Kato. We been friends since I entered high school with Akiko. She's somewhat of a tomboy; talking guy stuffs with the boys, always fighting against guys and not really caring about her looks, even thought she's very pretty with her teal hair and brown eyes. I think she's like that, always hanging around her dad and three older brothers. She has an older sister and mom, but likes being with her brothers and dad more. "I never knew you took this bus too."
"I do, but I usually get a later one. I got done with my chores early and with nothing else to do, I decided to go to school." I let her take the sit next to me.
"So, how are you feeling?"
"Good...after throwing up." We giggle. "But mostly tired. Can you tell me when our stop is here so I can take a nap?"
"Sure. It must be hard on you being pregnant and all." I smile at her before leaning on the window and closing my eyes.
Sachiko lightly shakes me awake and we get off the bus. The walk from the bus stop to the school is only two blocks, but I hate it now. It seems like everyone in school knows that I'm pregnant. Most look at me funny. Others make fun of me, like calling me bad names or asking if I would give them a quickie. Luckily, this only happens when I'm alone. When I'm with my friends, even one of them, no one dares do to anything bad since they all know that they would probably, and I quote Kazuhiro, get the crap beaten out of them. With Sachiko with me, I feel calm.
"Hey! I just remembered something," she says with a evil smirk on her face. "Do you want to know a secret?"
"Huh...sure." We walk into the school, where Sachiko takes me to the gym. Once in, I look around and see nothing.
"What are we..." Sachiko looks at me seriously, putting a finger on her lips.
"SHHH! They'll hear us." I wonder who she's talking about until we slowly walk towards the door of the equipment room. She tells me to put my ear onto the door. When I do, I hear moaning, groaning, heavy breathing and what seem to be kissing noises.
"Ohhh...Uhhh...Yes!"
"You like that Akiko?"
"Yes Kazuhiro! Right there!"
Sweat begins to pour down my face as I see Sachiko trying to contain her laugher. Hearing my best friend and her boyfriend doing...whatever...makes me think of what Keitaro and I did on our last day in San Francisco together.
"What do you think of the secret?" Sachiko whispers.
"How did you learn about this?"
"You know that Kaz-chan and I been friends since elementary school, so I found it odd when he would show up to school before I did. I found their little hiding spot a few weeks ago and just listen in so I can torture him about it later."
"So, they have gone all the way?" Before she can answer, we hear them talking again.
"Maybe we should stop." I hear Kazuhiro say. "I don't want to..."
"I know," Akiko says. "And I'm sorry for pushing you this far...again."
"Oh no. It's my fault. I..." Before I could hear more, Sachiko tugs me away from the door.
"We should stop here," she says. "They act like complete dorks once they start apologizing to each other." What Akiko and Kazuhiro were doing made me think about him more. Like Sachiko, I have been friends with Kazuhiro Date since entering high school. At first, I thought he and Sachiko were dating because they were always flirting and teasing each other. But as I got to know them better, they acted more like siblings then lovers. I don't know what attracted Akiko into liking him, but I know it's not his look. We used to tease him about his orange hair blinding us. It must be his funny personality and the way he treats her.
"I guess we should leave then, huh?"
"We should. But now that someone else from this group knows, they need to find another hiding spot." I watch from the side of the door as Sachiko takes out a polaroid camera from her school bag. A moment later, she opens the door.
"Sachiko!" I hear Akiko yells. "What are you doing here?"
"Come on you two! I always wanted to see a live action show. Don't leave now! You two got half of your clothes on the floor. Why not finish the job?"
"Dammit Sac-chan!" Hearing Kazuhiro screaming at her. "Why do you happened to always show up at the times I really don't want you around?"
"Because making life complete hell for you is fun! Now..." She quickly takes a picture of them. "What should I do with the evidence?"
"Not again!" I don't understand their blackmailing method towards each other, but it's pretty funny when they do it to each other. "Fine! I'll do whatever you want! Just don't show that to anyone!"
"That's simple. Just found another hiding spot to make out."
"What? That's all?"
"Yeah, I'm tired of coming here every morning to hear you two almost doing it. I would like a change of scenery when I found you two again. Otherwise, I'm showing everyone in class!" I can hear Kazuhiro grinding his teeth.
"Sac-chan! I don't mind you embarrassing me or making me look like a fool in front of everyone, but don't you dare do this to Akiko!" It's very rare that I hear him serious. It's also rare to see Sachiko sad by his words.
"When you put it that way, I won't show the class. But please find another hiding spot."
"We will. And thank you Sac-chan."
"Yes, thank you Sachiko," Akiko says. "And please don't show anyone in the group either."
"Oh, I promise I won't show Hideki or Tsuyoshi." She grabs my sleeve and pulls me to the doorway, seeing Akiko's bare back with Kazuhiro's arms around her, holding each other in embarrassment. "But I think it's going to be hard not to show or tell Shinobu." Akiko is a lost for words as she tries to speak.
"Oh my gosh!" Kazuhiro cries. "It's not even eight o'clock and it's already a bad day!" I can't help myself for cracking a joke on those two.
"So, are you two trying to make a little playmate for my baby?" The both of them blush profusely.
"You two have better get dressed and head back to class before Tsuyoshi and Hideki arrive. Otherwise, I will show them the picture!" Sachiko says, closing the door. We leave and start heading to our classroom.
"Are you really going to show Tsuyoshi and Hideki that picture?" I ask.
"I wouldn't do that to him. I just like to see the look on his face when I tell him things." We enter our classroom and sit in our sits. A few minutes later, Akiko and Kazuhiro enter the room, breathing hard. They must have taken Sachiko's threat seriously and ran here. Still catching their breathes, Tsuyoshi and Hideki arrive, making the lovely couple calm.
"Hey guys," Hideki says. "How are you all doing?"
"We're all fine," Kazuhiro tells him.
"That's nice."
"Are you sure Kazuhiro?" Tsuyoshi ask. "You don't seem it."
"I am! I'm really fine!"
"What makes you think that onii-san?" Hideki ask.
"It's just, I never seen him like this before." Tsuyoshi replies. "He's usually all over Akiko-chan by the time we get in here. Now he looks like us after our morning training session with otousan." Tsuyoshi Ho and Hideki Ho are twins. They would almost be identical twins if not for Tsuyoshi's dark green hair and Hideki's darker black hair. Both their parents are martial artists and taught them everything they know, thus becoming very skilled martial artists, winning numerous tournaments and respect from other fighters older then them. But their parents are some what strict. Most of the time, they either study for school or training with them. They don't want us coming to the house unless we train with them or study. Lately, they been more leant, letting them to spend more time with us, as long as their grades are up.
"It's nothing. I'm fine!"
"All right then." Once they settle into their seats, we check our homework with each other. The twins are usually the last to arrive, but usually have a lot of time before our first class, so we can actually do this. Once we check and recheck our work, I began to speak.
"Guys. I need to tell you something." I feel nervous like when I told them that I'm pregnant.
"What is it?" Before I could tell them, the teacher enters the room.
"I'll tell you later at lunch." They all nod and turn our attention to the teacher.
The time before lunch went by rather slow. Maybe it was the eagerness of telling my friends that Raymond, the guy who supposedly impregnated me, is living with me. I found myself closing my eyes from being tired and fatigue. Luckily, Akiko and Tsuyoshi sit next to me and watch over me to wake me up when the teacher turns in our direction.
Once it's lunch time, we go to the roof of the main building. Nobody is ever there, so it's the perfect place to tell them. Almost everyone in school thinks that either Tsuyoshi, Hideki or Kazuhiro impregnated me. The rest just think I'm easy and will do anyone. As long as no one thinks it's Keitaro, I really could care less about it.
"Boy, I'm starving!" Hideki says. He, along with everyone else, takes out their bento. I search for mine when he speaks again. "So Shinobu, what did you wanted to tell us earlier?" I stop searching and look at them. I feel nervous telling them about the situation now. When I told them that I was pregnant, they all couldn't believe it. I could tell that Tsuyoshi took it the hardest since he likes me. I hope this news doesn't put him or the others over board. They always come over to the Hinata Sou every other week. Might as well tell them before they found out in person.
"You see..." I begin, feeling bad that I have to lie to my friends again. "The guy that impregnated me...is living with me now." Everyone looks amaze. We're silent for about a minute before Tsuyoshi speak.
"Shinobu... I don't know what to say." He says, sweating profusely while trying to know what to say next. "I mean, I can't speak for everyone, but if you would have told us that it was Keitaro, I'd have been fine with it."
"What?! He didn't do it!" He looks at me very confused.
"What do you mean?" Sachiko ask. "He's like the only guy that lives there." Either I told them wrong or they really misunderstood me.
"He was, but the guy that impregnated me arrived yesterday from San Francisco and is now staying with us." Everyone's eyes pop out of their sockets while their jaw drops.
"Wait a minute," Akiko says. "You mean to tell us that you got pregnant by a guy from San Francisco and is now living with you?" I nod. Everyone becomes silent again, trying to take in the lie I told them.
"So," Kazuhiro says, breaking the silences. "What's his name and what happened?"
"His name is Raymond Ancheta. We meet a few times in San Francisco because he's drove us around in his taxi cab. Anyway, he picked us up on our last night in San Francisco. "
"You mean after the baseball game?" Hideki ask. I forgot that I gave him the picture of Kazuhisa Ishii when I was at Pac Bell Park.
"Yes."
"I thought you told me that was a day game?"
"It was, but Sempai and I went around afterwards." He seems convinced about that lie. "Anyway, something was slipped into Sempai's water and got really drunk. I called a cab and it just happened to be Raymond picking us up. He helped me bring Sempai to our room and we got to talk since he was off the clock. One thing lead to other and...huh...you guys should know the rest." Everyone's faces are looking calmer. Maybe everyone had time to have the information sink into them.
"Wow! That...huh...I don't know." Hideki is a lost for words.
"I know what it makes me. Speechless." Akiko says. Everyone nods in agreement. I feel sick because I just lied to them again. Or is it more morning sickness? Anyway, their depressing faces really makes me wish I could tell them what really happened. But with their connection with Su, they might slip up (especially Hideki since he's such a ditz) and accidentally tell her, which may cause her to tell the others, which may cause them to kill Keitaro and maybe Raymond.
I noticed that a few of them are eating their lunch. I continue to look for my bento, but can't find it. I empty out my bag and still nothing. Then I realize because Raymond cooked this morning, I totally forgot to make my lunch. It also means that I forgot to make one for Keitaro. I never made lunches for anyone at the Hinata Sou to take with them to school. Since I want to do this only for him, I don't want anyone to think I'm giving him special treatment. So I secretly put it in a cupboard to take with him before going to Toudai. I tightly clinch my bag and cry.
"Shinobu! What's wrong?" Tsuyoshi ask. I look through my tears and see everyone it concern about me.
"I'm sorry. I just forgot to make my lunch."
"Oh my. " Akiko says " We can't have you not eating with a baby on the way. " She gets up and hands me her bento. "Please, have my lunch." I notice the Kazuhiro and Hideki also getting up.
"Mine too," they say together.
"Guys, I can't take your lunch," I tell them. "It's nice that you're doing this for me, but what will you have?"
"But please Shinobu," Hideki pleas. "You need to eat something."
"Shinobu's right Hideki," Tsuyoshi says. "If she takes your food, what will you have?" He gets up, walking towards me. "I have some extra money in case of emergency." He sticks his hand out. "Come on, let me buy you some food." I look at Hideki, who is giving a funny look at his brother and I know what it's about. Tsuyoshi isn't the type to speak his mind or feelings front of people. He usually waits for an opportunity to talk with that person, so I know that he wants to talk to me about the situation with Raymond and I.
"All right." I take his hand and head to the cafeteria. He doesn't speak at first, which he usually does. When we're half way there, he speaks.
"Shinobu. This has been bugging me, but why did you...do what you did with him?" I was a little caught off guard with his question. I had a feeling that he would ask me this, but hoped he didn't because I really didn't have an answer.
"Well...I...huh..." I really don't know what to tell him. I can't say that I found Raymond attractive with his looks or what he said, even those he is pretty cute. Maybe I tell him why I did it with Keitaro without revealing that it was him. "You see, the way he talked to me, held me, cared for me while we were alone felt like the right to do."
"I see," he says. I know that he won't tell the others this because it goes against our friendship. "Have you told your parents that he's living with you now?" I'm beginning to think he knows all the hard and uncomfortable questions to ask me.
"No. They don't even know that I'm pregnant." I wanted to say 'yes' and give him another lie about this, but I'm tired of lying about this. The only one that knows about this is Keitaro, but I think Tsuyoshi will understand and may give me some advice since he's going through something similar with his parents.
"What? Why not?"
"I'm afraid that they won't be back together."
"I don't understand." I look at him with tears in my eyes.
"They're doing better and better with each other everyday. I'm afraid I might jinx it if I tell them that I'm pregnant." I try to wipe my tears away, but somehow end up holding Tsuyoshi and crying on his shoulder.
"It will be all right," he says, stroking my hair to calm me down. "They both love you and will understand that you love this man. If you need any support with telling them, I'll be by your side." I hold him tightly as I begin to stop crying.
"Thank you," I tell him with no tears in my eyes. "You are a great friend." We release each other and continue to walk to the cafeteria. Then I remember the situation with his parents." So, did you tell your parents about your problem?" I watch him freeze. He seems scare to tell me, which is a first. But does anyway.
"No. No I haven't." Since he's the oldest in his family, he's suppose to inherit the family dojo. The problem is he doesn't want to be martial artist. Sure, he likes being one, but wants to pick his own destiny. He's not sure what he wants to be after high school, when he's suppose to inherit the dojo, but knowing him for this long, I would say that he would be a great manga artist. He's always drawing cute and funny chibi characters of us and does have some wacky storylines. He sometimes reminds me of Keitaro in the way they both draw things.
"How come?"
"I'm afraid of how my parents will react. I don't want to dishonor them."
"Do you want to be by your side when you tell them?" He gives a surprised look of happiness.
"That would be great, but why?"
"You're always there for me when I'm down or in trouble. It's time that I repay you for it." He smiles and hugs me before entering the cafeteria.
After getting some food, we head back to the group, eat our lunch and talk our usually nonsense. For some reason, they start asking me questions about Raymond. I answer a few that I know he wouldn't mind before it was time to go back to class. Upon my request, everyone goes back to the classroom so I can be by myself for a bit. I look in the direction of where I know Toudai is. I smile and wonder what Keitaro and Raymond are up to before going back to class.
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