Disclaimer:

I do not own anything from Love Hina or any copyrighted material. Any other characters used in this fic are mine, however.

Chapter 6 – Family Bonds

Haruka sat in the Tea Shop counting how much she made for the day, as well as balancing the figures for the basic necessities for the dorm. Going over the bills again, she couldn't get over how long it takes to fill out the payment for basic utilities like water and gas. Thankfully the expenses weren't as high as they used to be, especially now that the common sight of her nephew launching into the stratosphere and the fact the Su decided to switch over to a new form of cost-efficient energy for her inventions. Whatever that may be no one bothered to ask…or wanted to know for that matter. Satisfied that everything was in order, she put the paperwork for the Tea Shop away and gathered up all the bills and expenses for the old inn into a folder. Locking the door and with papers in hand, the older woman made her way up the Hinata Sou.

It had been almost six months to the day since Kitsune made her big announcement to everyone. So far the young mother-to-be was fairing well, and judging by the size of her stomach the future Urashima is doing fine as well. To ease the burden of running the Hinata Sou, Haruka had been helping keep track of the bills and managing the money for a few weeks now. Naru, and Motoko also helped out by doing some of the more menial tasks like dusting and assisting Keitaro in cleaning in and around the hot springs – even Shinobu lent a helping hand on top of her normal duties. Su used to pitch in now and then… until her inventions began to create more problems then solve, unfortunately. As Haruka stepped inside the main entrance, the presence of soapsuds in and on everything in the living room made it was clear that Su tried to help again. Motoko and Shinobu were busy mopping up the floor until thy noticed her.

"Let me guess…Su tried to help mop the floor, right?" Haruka asked, folding her arms across her chest.

The swordswoman nodded. "It's fortunate that she didn't shatter some of the dinner plates when she went to wash the dishes like last time."

"Good point," commented Haruka. "You two know where Keitaro is? I have the bills and papers he wanted."

"He and Kitsune are in their room on the phone," answered Shinobu, wringing out her mop.

"There was also a small package that arrived addressed to Kitsune," added Motoko, walking over to the coffee table. "Since we're…preoccupied at the moment, could you take it up to her?"

"Not a problem," she replied, taking the small parcel from the older girl.

At that very moment, the mad inventor herself came running down the staircase with another contraption strapped to her back. Apparently the other girls saw it too, and ran up to Su as the young foreigner slid to a stop.

"It's ready!" exclaimed Su. "Now you all don't have to worry about any messes again!"

"Su please, not another one," pleaded Shinobu. "We're still cleaning from you last one."

"I know," she answered. "That when I remembered this little baby I whipped up for such occurrences! I call it–"

"We don't care what it's called," interrupted Motoko, "just get it out of here – can't you see we're almost finished with the mess your last contraption made!"

"If I saw that you two were still cleaning, I wouldn't want to give a demonstration," said Su, causing the other two girls to gawk at her. "But since you two did, all the more reason to give this its first field test!"

"Haruka, can't you help us out," pleaded Shinobu. "Please?"

Haruka sighed and shook her head. "Sorry – you two are on your own on this one."

Leaving the three girls to their own devices, she began to make he way to Keitaro and Kitsune's room. She felt a twinge of guilt leaving the girls to fend for themselves, but experience has taught her that situations like that hardly ended well and without some kind of mess or structural damage to the old inn. Maybe that's why the insurance rate is so high she mused. As she approached the manager's room, she could her both her niece and nephew talking. Hearing them talking on the phone at the same time could only mean one thing. Sliding the door open, sure enough they were both on the phone with their respected parents – a very pregnant Kitsune on a cell phone and a strained Keitaro on the cordless phone.

"Hi guys."

"Hold on for a second mom," said Keitaro. Lowering the phone, he smiled and walked over to his aunt. "Hi. You finished the paperwork already?"

Haruka nodded and handed the folder to him. "Yup. Expenses have been taken cared of for this month and October, and a package."

"Thanks," replied Keitaro, setting everything on the desk and preceded to put the phone back to his head. "You were saying mom. Yes I know you were successful to raise me healthy but still…"

Kitsune huffed in irritation as she listened to the other person on the other end of the line. "No, I haven't been eating anything that's 'unhealthy'. Yes, I've written your suggestions down. Alright I'll write them down again."

"More nutrition tips?" asked Haruka

"That and more," Kitsune replied, rolling her eyes. "You know, my folks suggested we get this cell phone for emergency purposes but now it seems like it's just another way for my mom to give me her two cents worth."

Haruka couldn't help but laugh as Kitsune took a pen and pretended to write in the air. The sight of seeing her niece and nephew trying to coupe with motherly advice amused her…even though it was at their expense. It was moments like these that made her value being single. After they announced they were expecting to have a baby in a few short months, everyone on both sides of the family was giving them advice about one thing or another. At first Keitaro and Kitsune welcomed it with an open mind – now it's becoming a more and more annoying after being told what to eat, what music is good for the baby, and so forth. The one thing that amused her the most is when Kitsune's mother and her sister-in-law's advice on the subject contradicted the other.

"Yes mom, I understand your reasoning, but we have no clue what gender our baby is yet. Yeah, Keitaro is on the phone with her…why do ask?" Kitsune gave an exasperated sigh and turned to Keitaro. "My mom wants a word with yours, sweetie."

"Umm…how do you propose to do that?" asked Keitaro, placing his hand over the receiver.

"Allow me," answered Haruka.

Relieving them from the phones, she flipped the cell phone upside-down and clamped the two phones together. Moments later the voices could be heard as the two women on each end began a heated discussion. Haruka smirked at the young couple.

"Simple huh?" she commented, handing the phones to Keitaro.

"Whatever works I guess," Kitsune shrugged, then noticed the small wrapped box. "Hey what's this?

"No clue," replied Haruka. "Just arrived for you earlier today. Has you parents' address on it, though."

Kitsune looked at the small item, looked at it for a moment, and tossed it on top of her coat.

"Well, I'm going to head back now and open up the Tea Shop for this afternoon," says Haruka, giving the phones to her nephew. "I'll leave this little conversation with you."

"Thanks…now we can expect them to talk for a while longer," sighed Keitaro.

Suddenly the sound of a small explosion followed by the walls shaking for a brief moment caught their attention. Moving toward the living room, Haruka stopped short as she saw what happened. Not only there was dirt everywhere, but also all the cleaning that Motoko and Shinobu did went up along with Su's invention.

"Su! I thought you said that infernal machine was one hundred percent bug-free?" cried Motoko.

Su shrugged, slightly embarrassed. "Oopsies."

"Aww, now we have more to clean!" cried Shinobu.

'So much for a peaceful afternoon,' Haruka thought glumly. 'Hope the dorm is still in one piece by the time Kitsune delivers.'

Kitsune was lying back on the sofa, trying to enjoy another peaceful, yet boring evening. Normally she'd enjoy this moment with a bottle of sake or a can of beer…but given the current circumstances it wouldn't be a very good idea to indulge herself in alcohol like before. It was abnormally quiet as well, which was a bit unnerving for the girl – the other girls were soaking in the hot springs while Keitaro was busy fixing up a few things in another part of the dorm.

'God, I can't stand this!' she thought, getting up. 'Maybe sitting outside on the deck will get my mind off of things.'

As she made her way to the laundry deck, Kitsune thought about how these past few months had been. Ever since she found out that she was pregnant, her doctor told her what to do and what not to do until she gave birth. Obviously she had to refrain from drinking, smoking, or eating any raw food products for fear of food borne pathogens. Another aspect was refraining from strenuous work and avoiding the use of the hot springs because the risks the high heat posed to the developing fetus. Other than the abstaining of eating certain types of food, it at first sounded like what she normally did around the Hinata Sou – lounging around doing nothing. But in no time she found herself doing the same routine, evening after evening…and it was beginning to annoy her to no end.

As Kitsune stepped out onto the deck, she moved toward the railing. As she stared out on the horizon, she could see the suns rays turn into a hue of red and orange – a gentle autumn breeze swirled all around her, chilling her slightly. Taking a deep breath, the fox-eyed girl had a new appreciation for nature as her boredom began to recede. It was times like these that appealed to her the most. As she stood there, the sounds of footsteps from behind her caught her attention. Turning around she saw Naru coming over to her, a small smile on her face.

"Hey Kitsune, " she said, now stand by her side. "What brings you out here?"

Kitsune tiled her head to one side as she leaned against the railing. "Nothing, really…just trying to break the boredom."

"Oh, I see," commented Naru.

"What about you?"

"Well…I came just to think for a bit," answered Naru. "You know – gather my thoughts."

The two friends stood there staring off into the distance. In a way it was a bit nostalgic for the fox girl – the countless times they'd spend together when they first moved into the dorm. It was moments like these that made the problems of the world seem almost nonexistent.

"So, did you two decide?"

Kitsune wrinkled her brow. "Decide about what?"

"A name," her friend answered. "I mean, you're due in about three months so I figured you had a few names in mind already."

Kitsune smiled and instinctively put her hand on her stomach. "To be honest, the topic hasn't even come up yet."

"Better start coming up with a few names then. You don't wanna end up giving him or her a name randomly drawn from a hat now do you?"

Kitsune smirked. "Actually Naru, that doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Hey, you said it – not me," commented Naru.

Kitsune smiled and turned back toward the horizon. "Time sure flies, doesn't it?"

Naru nodded. "That's true."

"Hey Naru…can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Well…do you ever wonder…if…you know," Kitsune said hesitantly, "if you and Keitaro…"

"Oh," said Naru, then turned her gaze to the darkening sky. "To be honest, I really don't know."

Kitsune looked at her old friend intently as she continued. "I mean, if it were meant to be then…fate would've made it work somehow."

"I see," commented Kitsune thoughtfully.

"But I don't deal in 'what ifs'." Naru added, and smiled. "And I'm glad things worked out this way."

Kitsune slung an arm around Naru's shoulders and smiled. "Thanks Naru – but let's not get all too emotional just yet, okay?"

Naru laughed. "Oh yeah, I forgot – you're not the type for tender moment are you?"

"Seriously though, I appreciate the gesture. Thanks."

Just then a noise coming from the direction of the stairway caught their attention. Naru quickly made her way to the top of the short stairs. The longhaired girl then put her hands to her hips as Keitaro's figure slowly came into view, rubbing the back of his head.

"Well look who it is. What the heck happened to you?" asked Naru

"Hehe, I guess I wasn't paying to much attention."

"Clumsy as usual. Man, some things never change," Naru commented lightheartedly, shaking her head.

"Oh lay off the poor boy – he can't help it that he has to run the dorm, unlike some people," said Kitsune, smirking. "What brings you out here Keitaro?"

"I finished with all the things that needed some attention outside, and I saw you two up here," he answered. "I thought it might be cold, so I brought your coat too."

"Well, I'll leave you two alone," announced Naru. "Don't be out too late."

"Have you been talking to my mom too!" groaned Kitsune.

"Pay no attention to her," said Keitaro. "Here, put this on before you catch a cold."

Kitsune took her coat from him and slipped it on. Putting her hands in her pockets, she felt a small object inside one of them. Pulling it out, she immediately recognized the small package from earlier.

"It looked important," commented Keitaro, "so I figured you'd want to see what it is."

"It better not be anymore vitamins or anything like that."

Tearing the brown paper of nonchalantly, Kitsune was surprised to find a simple white box. Opening it and sliding what was inside into the palm of her hand, Kitsune was surprised to see an object she hadn't laid her eyes on for ages.

"What is it?" Keitaro asked.

"It's my old music box. My parents bought when I was born," she answered softly. "They used to play it for me whenever I couldn't sleep or when I was upset."

As she opened the lid, a soft melody filled the air around. Gazing inside, she noticed a folded letter addressed to her. Taking it out, she opened it and immediately recognized the handwriting:

Dear Mitsune,

I hope that you and Keitaro are feeling well, in spite of your mother's constant calling. I know that she can be a bit overbearing but trust me, she was the exact same way when Akane was pregnant with you nephew. Anyway, she and I were searching the basement for some things and we found your music box. We know how much it means to you, so your mother and I decided to give it to you when you and Keitaro. Your mother and I hope that you'll play it for your child as we had, and bring you lots of love and joy for your family as much as it did with us.

Love always,

Dad and Mom

Folding up the letter, Kitsune couldn't help bit feel a bit choked up. She soon felt Keitaro's arm wrapping around her back as he pulled her closer to him. She looked up to see a gentle smile on his face.

"That was nice of them to give it to you," he commented. "I'm sure the baby will enjoy listening to it."

Kitsune cleared her throat to regain her composure. "S-Speaking of which…did you already decide on a set of names?"

"Names?"

Kitsune rubbed her stomach and cocked her head playfully to one side. "You know who for…or do you think it'll be easier to draw a name from a hat?"

"Truthfully, I really haven't given it much thought," Keitaro stated somewhat flustered at her comment. "Did you think of any names?"

"You caught me there – I haven't given it much thought either," Kitsune laughed, putting her foxy look. "We better come up with some then…but not now – some of us need a good night's rest."

"Already? It's only a little past seven when I checked the time last."

Kitsune leaned forward until her face was a couple of inches away from Keitaro's. "Not for me, silly. You've been working all day so…I was wondering if you'd like a little relaxation time with yours truly."

The pair leaned forward and shared a tender kiss. Suddenly the familiar sound of a muffled explosion broke their lips apart. Kitsune gave an exasperated sigh as Keitaro groaned and ran his hands down his face, realizing the prospect of spending any quality time was dashed.

"I'm real sorry, Kitsune," sighed Keitaro, "but duty calls."

"It's okay…tomorrow, perhaps?" asked Kitsune.

"Sure…as long as we can get Su away from her workbench."

Kitsune laughed lightheartedly at her husband's comment. Putting the music box back in her pocket, the two linked arms and went back inside the Hinata Sou.

A/N – Six chapters down, several more to go! Sorry for the delay…again…but my schoolwork had seemingly increased exponentially since I only have about six weeks left in the semester. I've also been doing a little research on pregnancy, so I have a couple of ideas where to take my main storyline as well as a general way I want to end it. I have one small favor to ask, however: should Kitsune give birth to one child or twins? I'm having a bit of trouble deciding, and I just want to hear your suggestions on the matter.

Well I'm tired, and I have an exam I need to study for that coming up later this week. Please read and review, and I'll try to have chapter seven up soon, schoolwork permitting.