Disclaimer: I don't own Love Hina

A/N: This is a short chapter compared to the recent chapters. This chapter concentrates on Keitaro. I know that I said the next chapter would be about 'confronting' Motoko and Naru but then as I looked over my work, I started thinking and felt that I was doing a horrible job by not talking about Keitaro as much as I should. This chapter is an attempt (and maybe sad and pathetic at that) to make for that.

Chapter 8

Keitaro and Kyoshiro left Shinsuke's apartment and went to Keitaro's apartment. When they got there, Kyoshiro looked around the one bedroom apartment.

"You got a nice place," Kyoshiro commented.

"Thanks," Keitaro replied.

They sat down on the only couch.

"So Keitaro, how are you holding up?" Kyoshiro asked.

"I'm fine," Keitaro said.

Kyoshiro felt a little nervous, "Keitaro, son, I'm not exactly sure what or how to say about what has happened to you but-"

"Dad, can I ask you something?" Keitaro interrupted.

"Uh, yeah, sure…" Kyoshiro responded surprised that he interrupted.

Keitaro took a deep breath, "Dad, I have some questions for you."

Kyoshiro nodded, "Okay."

"Dad, three years ago, you and mom felt that I was wasting my time in trying to get in Tokyo University and that I shouldn't lead my life on a promise that I made."

"Yeah…yeah, your mother and I said that."

"Well, how do you feel now? Do you still think that I was wasting my time?"

"Well, you got in Tokyo U, you proved us wrong. I guess we should have had more faith in you."

"Yeah…So, here's another question? What is Mom doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"I find it strange that Mom didn't come with you. Kanako, I can understand, but what about Mom? Why didn't she come with you? What is Mom up to that she felt the need to stay at the inn?"

"Well son, your mother and sister is by now having 'a talk' with each of the tenants of the inn."

"A talk, Dad?"

"Yes, well, more like making sure they know that they know that they have hurt you badly and that they should stay away from you."

Keitaro was not happy of what his father was telling him, "Dad, what does that mean exactly?"

"Son, your grandmother and sister were at our house when you called her last night. We went with your grandmother this morning to the inn and when we all sat in the living room later on, we heard about the things that were going on in the time you were in charge, mostly by the girls when they were playing the blame game with each other."

Keitaro crossed his arms, "I see, I'd all ready told them that I didn't want them near me, I fail to see why Mom and Kanako for that matter, feels the need to do the same."

"Your mother is worried about you, that all," Kyoshiro tried to reason, "we all are. We just wanted to make sure they didn't try to get you back."

"Dad, I got to say, you and Mom didn't seem to worry about me when you decide to throw me out of the house."

Kyoshiro was taken back, "Okay yes it's true we kicked you out but we were never going to let you be out of the street."

"Am I supposed to believe that? How was I supposed to know that?"

"Keitaro, if you had not been able to find a place in that one-week period, then Shinsuke would have had you-"

"To come over to here in his apartment building, Shinsuke told me a while back."

Kyoshiro nodded as he was not surprised.

"Dad, I don't like the fact that you and Mom kicked me out and belittled what I was doing in regarding to getting in to Tokyo University. I mean, I understand where you two were coming from but still..." Keitaro paused and continued, "And it bothers me that Mom and Kanako is going around giving the tenants 'talks'. That's like saying I need protection and they have to do it." Keitaro shook his head.

Kyoshiro sighed sadly, "You're not happy with us, are you?"

Keitaro sighed, "Honestly no, I'm not. I'm not happy that you and Mom threw me out three years ago and just hoped that things will turn out okay for me and the fact that you felt that you 'couldn't afford for me to keep trying to get in Tokyo University', I didn't know how you and Mom would have reacted if I didn't find a place, I didn't know what you had plan for me."

Kyoshiro was hearing what his son was telling him and nodded sadly, "Very well," he got up.

"Dad?" Keitaro spoke and got up as well.

"You're right, your mother and I were not actually supportive. But at the very least, your mother and I just want you to know that we love you and that we're very proud of you and it's not just getting in Tokyo U but always sticking through what you plan to do," Kyoshiro was trying to keep cool, "I just hope that one day, you can bring yourself to forgive us for our own lack of judgment, although I know your mother and I will understand if you don't. I'm truly sorry Keitaro."

Keitaro wasn't sure how to respond to what his father had said.

"Take care Keitaro, if you ever feel like you want to see us, you know where to find us and make sure you be good to Shinsuke and his family. I bet that his kids are good and kind-hearted, like you. I'm sure you'll get along with them."

"I'm not sure, I mean, like me? No way, I'm not really good and kind-hearted, if I was, I wouldn't have been cold to some of the tenants."

"It's okay, I think the things you said to them are what they needed…take care Keitaro, I'll give your mother your regards."

Keitaro wasn't sure and was about to say something to his father but his father had already left and closed the door. Keitaro wasn't sure if he should have said something or was staying quiet the right thing.

Kyoshiro was walking down through the halls making his way to the exit. He knew that things weren't going to be good when he talked with his son but it still felt like things had gone downhill. He sighed heavily and continued to walk until he saw Shinsuke by the entrance.

"Hey Kyoshiro," Shinsuke greeted.

"Shinsuke," Kyoshiro greeted back.

"So how it go?"

"…Not so good…"

Shinsuke was saddened by this, "I see…"

"I knew it would turn out this way…my wife and I made a terrible mistake. We should have really planned this through…"

Shinsuke put his hand on his friend's shoulder, "So now what?"

"Well, I'm going to go to my wife and let her know what happened."

"Are you going to be okay?"

Kyoshiro sighed, "I don't know… I really don't know…" he looked at his friend, "Shinsuke, thanks for helping my son through this. I know he will work hard for you and your building."

Shinsuke nodded, "Yeah, I know he will."

"Kyoshiro," a woman's voice called out, the men turned to see Isana carrying a plastic bag, "are you going?"

"Yes."

"Well, before you go, here some leftovers, I'm sure you and Nanami will enjoy these."

Nanami handed over the plastic bag that had a plate of food.

Kyoshiro smiled, "Thanks, I'm sure we'll enjoy them. Well, I better go, I'll see around."

"Kyoshiro, don't lose hope my friend," Shinsuke said.

"I'll try," Kyoshiro replied and nodded and then left.

As they saw him, Shinsuke and Isana couldn't help wonder.

"I hope they'll be okay," Isana said.

"Me too," Shinsuke replied back.

From a window of the apartment, Keitaro was watching his father leave. He looked up in the sky and then looked as at the car his father was driving as it left the premises. Keitaro closed his window and thought about things a little. He decided to do some study for his classes and then he would turn in. He figured it would take him long and he didn't mind and it would at least get his mind off the things that had happened this day.

Soon, there was a knock his door. Keitaro wondered who that was and went to answer the door. He opened the door to find Shinsuke.

"Greetings Keitaro," Shinsuke said.

"Hi Shinsuke," Keitaro greeted back, "is there something I can help you with?"

"Are you busy at the moment?"

"I'm working on my assignments."

Shinsuke nodded, "I see, well I came because one of the tenants called me saying that there was something wrong with her heater."

"You want me to check?"

Shinsuke nodded, "Exactly."

Keitaro nodded, "Okay, I'll be right there, which apartment?"

"Apartment 3E, her name is Ritsuko."

"Okay, let her know I'm on my way."

Shinsuke sighed in relief, "Thank you Keitaro, I appreciate you taking your time to do this."

Keitaro chuckled rubbing the back of his head, "Don't worry, it's what I'm here for, to help with maintain your building, that was the agreement to letting me stay."

"Yeah, I'll let her know that you're on your way," Shinsuke said as he began to leave.

Keitaro closed his door to prepare a bit, "Oh well, hopefully I'll get done and then get back to work."

That's it for this chapter and that's all I'm going to say about that.