I am new to writing. How the story goes is my idea. I don't bother checking errors. x-x; So I apologize if you can't bare it. I'm not exactly a person who speak english with correct grammar. My first language is tagalog.
But anyways,I can double check. But I am lazy. So spare me the hatred for me for having errors. I am only human.
The characters in this story are not mine. Ken Akamatsu is the creator of Love Hina. Though I may say Motoko character...he was inspired by the character in Inuyasha named Kikyou.
Anyways,I do owe one character and that is Shin. I should thank Shin without him this story is dead. DEAD. I wouldn't have the imagination I am getting.
Please Enjoy. Review are quite..acceptable. There is always room for improvement and inspriration.
"What do you want Kanako?" Motoko glaring back at her. She would glare at Shin if she can.
"Brother told me there was this guy that almost killed him and you didn't do anything to save him?" Kanako spat. Shin sweat drop and chuckled uneasily.
'Brother? Keitaro Urashima? I'll be damn. Doesn't look anything alike.' Shin thought for a moment looking at the two women before him. 'Boy,they sure love glaring.'
"I was in a moment of shock. My sword was taken away before I could have blink my eyes." She sighed at that thought. She wondered why Shin was fastet than her. Faster than Tsuruko.
"Excuses,Excuses. Now look even Shin here is injured because of your lacking skills." Kanako stated her eyes looking at Shin in a worried way than Shin was flustered to worry her so much.
He even noticed the closeness tone. As if Kanako and himself are closer than what people would have thought. But they really aren't close.
Motoko noticed Shin getting flustered and his expression softing up,while looking at Kanako. She didn't know what to do with him. She wanted to smash him,that's for sure. And drag him far away from Kanako.
"Actually,Kanako...Motoko saved my life. I was lacking skills and have gotten bitten by a poisonus wolf. And I was the guy that had threaten your brother life because he had accused me of something so insulting that I couldn't bare letting it go without teaching him a lesson. Um...I was the one who took Motoko's sword too. So please don't be angry of Motoko. Be angry at me." Shin explained to Kanako. Didn't want Motoko getting the blame for it. He didn't expect Keitaro was a snitch too. But he is amusing.
Kanako blinked at Shin explanation of honesty. Shin expected her to change view about him but she never. Motoko was in wonder why Shin suddenly stopped calling her Mo-chan even though she did appreciate him for saving or telling the truth about the whole situation.
"It's okay,Shin. My brother loves jumping to assumption. Oh. You got bitten. I hope you feel a lot better." Kanako reached Shin's arm and her arm looped around his. "let's go,Shin."
"Oh. A tour? I loved to." Shin said simply. He would love a tour. But he isn't in the proper condition at the moment. "But I have to decline. Because I don't have any top clothing on and I still feel weak."
Kanako released herself from Shin and was standing in front of him now.
Kanako took a good look at Shin standing up. She blushed. She couldn't contain it any longer. Shin had a lean built in him but he sure is muscular with eight packs and that line...
"Alright. If you say so,Shin." With that Kanako left actually smiling while blushing, a rare occurance. Motoko couldn't help but feel a sting somewhere within her. She didn't know why or where.
"Mo-chan. I'm sorry. People seem to have assumed it was your fault. I only give you more trouble don't I." It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Shin remembers ever since he had met Motoko all he ever cause her was trouble and possible pain. 'I'm a curse to her. I don't know why I tried asking for forgiveness when I only give her trouble' He sighed. Trouble featured appeared on his face.
"No. That's not true. You actually give some excitement in my life. I mean...umm..." Motoko couldn't quite say it. Either wanting to smash him or wanting to hug him so he would stop the sadness.
Shin closed the sliding door while Motoko was trying to find something to say. After closing it,Shin realized Motoko isn't going to finish her sentence which only led him into wonder world.
Shin faced her. Started walking towards her. So close now,she could feel his breathing. It kind of had a tickling feeling for her. Shin was smiling at her again. Reminding of Motoko of the earlier kiss.
"Thank You,Mo-chan. You always excite me in more ways than one." He said it. But he didn't quite know what he meant by it. " I missed you too much."
"Huh..You..Um..did?" Motoko couldn't figure out what was going on. She was feeling hot. Maybe because a handsome man stands so close to her and confessing he had missed her.
"Yeah. I used the death promise an excuse to see you again. Your sister didn't think much of it. She really thought I was looking for you so I can be killed by your hands." With that said Shin grabbed both of her hands with his own. He brought them up,close to his mouth. Slowly he let his lips touch both of her hands. Gracefully touching. But his eyes never left Motoko's eyes. Motoko's heart rate was going faster than usual.
Slowly he let go of her hands. Motoko couldn't say anything for his weird action. She didn't even thought of smashing him now.
'Shin...ahh...Now I don't know what to say. Damn it. Motoko say something! Like what? I don't know say something at least! Something dumb in front of a beautiful man? No..What!? He's my childhood...friend or enemy! How hard is it??' She thought. She never figured if he was an enemy or a friend maybe more as Naru had thought.
"I love your room. It truly is you. With all these swords and armor around..." Shin said looking around the room. Didn't bother to look at Motoko now. 'Dojo is yours then?' he thought.
"Shin" she slapped him hard and slapped him again. He didn't expect this. "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU!?" She bursted out yelling. Shin thought if this was a trick question.
He didn't answer. He let Motoko finish her slapping.
"What's wrong with you?" He asked back. He didn't exactly know why she slapped him for like one hundred times. His cheeks are red and hand marks started appearing.
"You come here. Looking for me. Saved Naru's life. Then disappear like you're some mysterious guy looking for a prey. And then you save my friend Shinobu from a beast that almost killed you and then..."
Motoko closed her mouth tightly. She didn't want to say about the kiss and Kanako all around him. That would only lead him thinking she's jealous. When she isn't.
"What's wrong with my action?" Shin asked curious what he had done wrong to make Motoko think something is wrong with him. 'She's nuts.' He thought.
"You kissed me!" She didn't close her mouth so tight since she had revealed what is upsetting her. Shin blinked at this. 'Kiss? Only that she slaps me to near death. She's mad!' Shin thought he would have laugh if it wasn't for the look of upset on Motoko's face.
"I wouldn't call it a kiss. Your lips merely touch mine. It's like skin touching. How is it that it upset you so much?" Motoko didn't know now. She didn't know why she was upset at a mere second of lips touching.
"I...don't know. But stalking me is weird...Beyond weird." Motoko said trying to cover up. She was sure before it was him who had been following her a few days ago.
"Not really. It's more of coicidence that we are at the same place at the same time." Shin logical explanation of weird action is fascinating, as the eavesdropper listen closely.
"Wow. Haha. Motoko is weak against him huh?" Kitsune whisphered as she listened carefully.
"But she is deadly. Did you hear her slap him how many times?" Keitaro asked the two woman with him.
"Yeah,but he isn't sent out flying like you usually do Kei-kun." Naru said completely amazed at how strong a man can hold himself against a powerful woman like Motoko.
"Whoa! Kiss!?" The three were suprised as the two people inside discussed the kiss.
"Haha he sure has a funny way of putting logic in a kiss." Kitsune added, drinking her sake that she didn't quite finish yet.
"Stalking? He's been stalking Motoko?" Naru whisphered softly. They listened more closely now since the conversation is exciting.
Keitaro chuckled softly. "I think I could learn a thing or maybe four things from him..." Keitaro was elbowed by Naru. "oww" he was sushed.
Shin walked slowly to the sliding door. So lightly and slowly he never made a sound at all. His pointer finger from his right hand was against his lips. Signaling Motoko to be quiet.
"Mo-chan...I must tell you...something I've been holding deep within me...ever since the day we have left each other..." Shin said softly as if trying to make it sound he was far away from the people listening.
Motoko decided to play along. It's better than arguing with him. Since his logic is as bold as him.
"What is it...?" She asked curiously. Looking at Shin waiting for him to open the door soon. But he didn't. He was looking at Motoko with a different expression on. An expression of longing.
"That...I'm fond of you." He said it loudly. With that he turned to the door and open it with a fast force that the three eavesdropper came tumbling foward to meet Motoko.
"I am so happy you three have visited me to see if I am okay. As you can see I am." He smiled politely at the three. He helped them get up. The three couldn't say anything but nod and go along with Shin.
"Yeah! That's exactly what we are doing!" Keitaro said suddenly. Laughing a bit. Shin joined him and nodded.
The fox eyed girl eyed Shin. "Since our cover is blown. What's up with you two?" Shin looked at Kitsune. He knows the face,doesn't know her name.
"Nothing. I'm quite sure Motoko isn't weak against me. She slaps hard." Shin stated simply. Nonchalant at the most. Motoko stared at him trying to figure what the hell is he talking about.
"Wah? You heard us?" Naru asked. Giving Motoko a questioning look. Motoko shook his head.Now realizing what he was talking about.
"I..never actually heard you guys. Too quiet to even hear for me." Motoko said. 'How the hell he can hear them? and I can't?' she thought.
"Urashima. Is there a place I can bathe?" Shin asked directing his attention at the manager. Keitaro was staring at Shin. Wondering how'd he know.
"This is a girl dormitory. As you are the only guy beside for myself...they can only accept you...you're the manager here. And...Well you must have bathe somewhere that males are acceptable. So I am asking you"
As if answering Keitaro's question. 'He's good. He thinks. Reasoning quite amazing' Keitaro thought.
"Ahh Yes. Let me show you then. Umm Shin?" Shin nodded and followed Keitaro. But stopped for a moment.
"A reminder. Eavesdropper need to be careful as well. Because they can have other people listening into them. Especially one with good ears." With that he completely followed Keitaro.
Motoko sighed. She was happy he's gone for now. Finally she can think straight without him distracting. But she still sees two woman staring at her now with question look.
"Who exactly is he,Motoko?" Naru asked. It's not like everyday a guy appears and seeking a friend of hers with some great fighting skills and observant as well.
"Yeah!" Kitsune said. Drinking more sake. She was carrying more bottles of sake as she sat herself down in the room.
"I...Do...I really have to,don't I?" Motoko looked at the two who nodded in unison. They all sat down.
"I met him when I was a child. He was a child. We're the same age actually right now. He was some what a friend. Maybe less. I had gotten used to talking to him about Kendo and the Dojo.
He found it funny I was dedicated so much with kendo. But he didn't really stop me from trying to reach my goals. Didn't really encourage me. But we had spar before. I guess in a way he helped me.
He and I used to get into trouble alot. Especially when he gets the idea of hunting for demons. He usually has logic to persuade me enough to go with him. But he stopped after the incident that happened."
Motoko said. Now finding out why Shin said he only gives her trouble.
"What incident?" asked Naru,curious of the relationship between Shin and Motoko.
"There was this demon. He and I wanted to see if we can handle it. But it ended up the demon was strong and we were young and naive. I was scared. So scared I have a phobia for turtles. He apologized for it.
With that incident he never asked me for another journey that deals with demons. Also, about Tsuruko's husband..." Motoko said.
"What about Motoko's husband? Do Shin have a relation with him?" Naru asked while checking if Kitsune is still paying attention. She was a little bit. She's drunk,close to passing out.
"Yeah. I guess you could say that. My sister's husband have hatred over Shin's family. With reason unknown to me. My sister married him,leaving the path of the sword giving the responsibility to me,when I was still weak. Shin was sadden at my sister's action of the marriage. But he was glad that I get to have the dojo. Though I have told him I dreaded it because I wasn't as strong as my sister. Like I had,Shin amired my sister.
I kinda concluded that he had held hidden feelings for Tsuruko. Because it felt like he was heart broken about the marriage. Tsuruko was kind to Shin. But her husband wasn't. That's why Shin had avoided Tsuruko but not me. He frowned mostly when he sees me practicing kendo. He said I won't get to follow my dreams,if I marry or fall in love with a foolish man. That is why I wasn't open to men..." Now she thinks about it Shin had influenced her more than she would have liked or realized.
"So...You were open to him though." Naru pointed out,considering Shin is a man and Motoko seem to have been open to him since young.
"Yeah. But we were kids. I didn't consider him as a lover." Pointed Motoko,knowing where Naru is leading her. She would have suspect for Kitsune to try this but not Naru.
"Mhm..was he ever open to you?" Naru asked.
"Now that you ask...He never actually...said...or open anything to me... That's shocking. For the many years I've known him. Never." Motoko said.
"Why'd did you two parted? Why does he seek you now?" Naru asked giving a curious look at Motoko. 'He isn't open to her...I see. He knows more of Motoko than she knows about him.' Naru thought.
"I...He tried killing..my brother in law. He asked for my forgiveness. During the process of trying to kill my brother in law. He kind of used me." Motoko explained.
"Used you!? So he isn't at all innocent?" Naru's eyes had widened at the thought of Shin using Motoko to kill.
"He...was caught. Because my brother in law used me to get Shin out. My brother in law had said that he would let the demons get me or he himself will kill me if Shin doesn't surrender." Motoko said remembering far back in the days of what trouble she had been put on along with Shin. 'He knows then,how much trouble he had caused me.' Motoko thought.
"Whoa! Surely Tsuruko wouldn't let him kill you. You're her family." Naru didn't know what else to say. That simple guy appearing is opening up doors she never thought happened for Motoko.
"Tsuruko didn't know. Shin gave himself up. But my brother in law did try killing me just to see what Shin would do. Shin protected me. That's when I concluded he died. Because last I remember I was back inside my own room at Kyoto. My sister with a worried look. Made me promise not to seek someone who is gone. Apparently my brother in law didn't mention about him trying to kill me and Shin trying to save me." Motoko said. She sighed sadly. Remembering the young Shin back then. His blood spraying all over the places as the Kendo she had pratices tortured him. He never shed a tear of pain in front of her. But she was shaking at seeing him in pain.
"Ahh..Motoko. At least tell me he isn't a bad guy in your life so I wouldn't assume things" Naru said realizing Motoko is alive because of Shin.
"I'm sorry. It seem people love to assume who and what Shin does or have done." Motoko stated simply.'I should thank him. I never gotten a chance. And for him to come searching for me readily to die.' Motoko thought.
"Urashima,Your fiancee is lovely." Shin commented as they had stationed themselves inside the hot spring.
"Quite she is. I'm lucky she loves me. She and I had promised something when we were children." Keitaro said smiling as his eyes were closed,feeling relax and finally having a guy to talk to.
"Promise? What kind of promise? A promise of love? Marriage? err. Death?" Shin suggested. It's always the word promise that gets to him.
Keitaro's eyes flew wide open at the mention of death with promise. He chuckled a bit. "What's with you and death,Shin?" Keitaro asked.
"Too many happenings with death. Possibly death is always stalking me." He joked at the matter. But he was serious about death stalking him. Keitaro didn't notice.
"Oh. Well I promised Naru,that she and I would go to Toyko U together. It did happened after many failure. I worked hard. It paid off. As you can see I'm quite happy! Though the women in this Inn are a handful.
I met them in some akward situation. It's like dangerous. They always send me flying being accused of doing perverted things to them. It's like I have the worst luck of all." Keitaro commented laughing.
"Urashima. You have peeped haven't you. You saw all of them?" Shin asked closing his eyes. He felt Urashima become tense in his question.
"Well. Kind of. I even kinda broke some of their hearts. Like Mutsumi then Motoko..." Keitaro said sighing. "It's not like I meant to hurt them." He tried defending himself though Shin didn't even say bad about it.
"It's okay Urashima. You are in love with a woman. And you didn't let any obstacle get to you. Even if those obstacle are hard. You love her." Shin explained completely in a calm tone.
"Yeah! Thanks. At least you understand where I am coming from." Keitaro smiled. 'This is better than having him trying to kill me. He is scarier than anyone around here.' Keitaro thought.
"Yes. I completely understand. Even though I never quite had experience it myself." Shin said being truthful,he had never been in a relationship.
"You never? Wow you're more pathetic than I am!" Keitaro said it so easily that he almost choked. 'Oh No! He's gonna send me flying over the earth's atmosphere!' He thought.
"Haha! Yeah. I am aren't I? It's just that I never quite seen a girl to have myself challenge. They don't drive me to wanting. Though your sister Kanako is...attractive." He said.
"WHA!? My sister? Kanako? Haha. Don't tell me you're gonna try and date her?" Keitaro asked even though he didn't mind at all.
"I'm twenty. Don't you think I should start dating?" Asked Shin. 'Kanako is beauty' he thought. Keitaro nodded.
"So with that nod,I have your permission to ask to date her?" Shin asked looking directly at Keitaro who looked back.
"Don't hurt her." Was all Keitaro could say. Shin nodded. He agreed not to hurt her, not intentionally at least. Every relationship has painful moments. Every relationship have ending or continuation.
"Ahh. Shin! What about Motoko?" Keitaro asked. Remembering, that Shin had been looking for her. And having eavesdropped at their conversation awhile ago.
"What about her?" Shin asked. 'What about her exactly. I merely came here to seek forgiveness. Or am I lying to myself?' He thought.
"I thought you like have feelings for her awhile ago. Over hearing you guys and all. I heard the word 'fond' at least." Keitaro explained.
"Ah.Fond. I adore her. That's all. " Shin said. Putting any further thoughts ended.
"Or is it?" Keitaro asked jokingly. That hit Shin hard. He couldn't quitely explain why he had seek her for so many years. He can't explain why he hadn't given up. He even risked his life by talking to Tsuruko.
"I'm not quite sure,Urashima." He was troubled. Keitaro noticed so he didn't push the issue any further.
Motoko and Naru had helped their friend Kitsune back to bed since she appears to be sleeping.
"She would get a sour after taste after this night." Naru said. Motoko looked at Kitsune and turned to leave.
"I'm going to turn in now,Naru." Motoko explained as her friend question her movement. Naru nodded. She too was tired. She was glad to know a part of Motoko's passed. Before it was only her sister they know about. Now they are starting to know the man.
Motoko yawned as she headed towards her room. She went in only to be suprised by a man that is toweled waist down. She blushed almost immidietly.
"Ahh. Sorry." Was all Motoko could master now looking down on the floor. 'I should have knock. But this is my room! Then again he did sleep him for three days,of course he would change here...' She thought.
"I'm sorry. I should have put a sign saying 'dressing' so you wouldn't have the pleasure to see me close to naked." Shin said. 'Always the bad timing aren't I?'
"WHA!? Pleasure? I'm not having pleasure seeing you half naked!" Motoko answered back. Shin looked at her with questioning eyes.
"So shall I go naked then?" With that he almost took off all the blocks to see him fully until Motoko suddenly reached for his hand holding it tightly so it won't release the clothing."NO!"
"C'mon. It's not like you didn't see me naked before." He said. No shame in his bone. No shame at all.
"That was years ago! We were young! We didn't know any modesty we have now. But I guess..you're more bold!" She said red as a cherry as she was reminded of her trashy novel she's been writing.
"Please. We're still young. The only thing that has change is the way we think. We don't think of each other as children. You think I'm a guy and you're a woman." Shin explained bashing her logic reasoning.
"Ahh! Damn You Shin." Motoko said quietly. Motoko was giving up already. Shin reminds her of her sister,Tsuruko. Never one to be beaten in an argument.
"I..have I upset you? I didn't mean to. I was merely teasing. Maybe I had push too much?" He asked,worried. Motoko shook her head.
"Please put some decent clothes on." Motoko is tired. Too tired. She's lucky it's vacation this trouble some guy had appeared.
"Yes." Shin did what he was told. He even fixed the two futon. One for him and One for Motoko. He eyed the tea he had made for her. To relax her. Maybe a gesture of thanks for saving his life.
"Mo-chan..Tea?" He asked. Motoko looked up at him. She just noticed he is a few cm taller than her. His hair is long close to shoulder. She nodded.
Shin took a small table and fixed it. He put the tea down on the table. Even had biscuit. He gestured Motoko to sit down as he sat himself down. Motoko did just that.
It was quiet for awhile. Shin was just gazing at Motoko through out the silence.
"Mo-chan. I'm sorry for my today action. Kissing you..." Shin said remembering the occurance this morning he woked up.
"It's alright. It was an accident I moved my head." Motoko said defending Shin of his own accusation. Shin shook his head.
"How do you explain me,taking your own and having my lips place on them?" Shin stated,or more likely whisphered it. Motoko eyed Shin.
"It was your action. You have some fascinating explanation don't you?" Motoko mocking him.
"My logic would have. But my emotion would just state it simple." Motoko eyed him. She wasn't sure if this was another trick of his. Even though she isn't quite sure what trick he had done before.
"And how would your emotion state it simply?" Asked Motoko,drinking the tea to make it seem she wasn't a bit curious at it.
"Because I wanted to feel your touch I guess...Feel your smooth skin against my lips. Felt wonderful,by the way." Shin honest as ever didn't notice the effect on what he said to Motoko.
Without bothering to look at her. Shin went to his futon. Fixed it for a bit and slowly layed his head. Falling asleep Fast.
'Damn him. Logic or Emotion. He confused the hell out of me!' she said. Her heart beating faster than usual just a little bit.