Finally th sixth chapter is up. Sorry it took me so long to post it. Holidays and my birthday just got me far off track. I thank all my readers for sticking with me so far. I thought through this chapter and started to show signs of a budding relationship. Weather that will be a friendship or something more is still up in the air. Also in this story Kitsune has had somewhat of a past as well. Nothing like being the town whore or anything like that. Just some bad experiences with past boyfriends is all. But important non the less.

Disclaimer: I do not own my any means Love Hina or any of the characters I am using other then my own created ones (If there are going to be any at all).

Not much on AN this time so on with the story.

A Different Start

Chapter Six: Budding friendships

"And I stayed there until I graduated," Keiku says finishing her story,"I started working odd jobs for the past two years saving all I could. I finally came here to ask Granny for help." Kitsune sits stunned from her tale. That would be the worst possible thing to happen she thinks feeling a small lump sorrow for her And she's been through it all. She's been through more then me.

"Keiku I... I have no idea what you must have gone through," Kitsune says opting for the truth,"I've never been treated like that by my parents or my friends. But I am here if you need anything." Keiku stares at the fox her mouth moving with no words coming out. Kitsune reaches out and pulls the girl to her. "It's ok Keiku," she says hugging her tightly," doesn't it feel good to get that out in the open."

Keiku just returns the hug welcoming the warm embrace. After a minute or so Kitsune pulls away from the hug. "So you really don't like guys at all?" Kitsune asks her curious side beginning to surface. "No not really," she says a light blush starting to appear,"I always thought I was weird until I met.. I met Miina."

"So she was your first huh," Kitsune says her hand on Keiku's shoulder. "She was my only one," Keiku says lowering her head,"Before her I didn't know what it felt like to be loved like that. I guess I still don't know what it feels like." "So what's it like to um... like a girl?" Kitsune asks trying to change the subject. "It's... well I guess you could say it's the same as liking a boy," Keiku says scratching the back of her head,"I really wouldn't know how that feels though."

"That's right you've only been with a girl," Kitsune says looking away a pink blush coming to the surface of he cheeks. "So what made you choose girls anyway," she asks still curious," was it something you just felt or a choice." "I guess it was a feeling," Keiku says her eyes not focusing on anything," I thought it was a feeling anyway."

Why do I feel like this is going in the wrong direction Kitsune thinks looking over at the young girl. "Well I have to go and get some things finished up before I turn in for the night," Kitsune says standing," If you want you can sleep here tonight." Did I just offer what I think I did she questions her own thoughts. "No that's ok," Keiku says her blush increasing,"it wouldn't look right if I stayed here tonight. You've already done enough for me, I don't want to cause you any more trouble."

Not wanting to say anything wrong the fox just nods following Keiku to the door. Hugging her Kitsune wishes her a good night and that she will see her in the morning. Closing the door Kitsune leans against the frame. "What the hell was that," she says aloud," It's like I didn't know when to stop. Like I wanted to know how it feels to be with..." Kitsune shakes her head clearing her thoughts.

"It's nothing like that," she says assuring herself," I was just alittle curious is all." With that out of the way Kitsune gathers some papers together and changes for bed. Maybe the morning would bring better luck for the poor girl.

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At least that's what Kitsune had hoped. But things in Hinata sou were never that easy. Naru just ignored Keiku during breakfast. Keiku could sense that she was angry with her but she didn't know why. Motoko on the other hand kept glancing at her while not talking to her directly.

Between Su being her curious self and Shinobu worrying over what ever was over everyone the morning was quiet chaotic. Kitsune had managed to help Keiku out of several subjects that she didn't want to be in. But every time she did Naru would give her a look. Eventually breakfast ended with everyone heading off in their own direction. Keiku was able to relax in her room. Just when she was sitting down to study a knock comes from the door.

"Who is it?" she asks standing back up. "Haruka," she says,"can we talk Keiku?" "Sure," she says opening the door smiling at her aunt. Closing the door behind her Haruka walks over to the small desk and leans against it. "Can I offer you some tea" she says pulling out two cups. "I called your dad the other day," she says direct and to the point. Keiku nearly drops the tea cups at hearing that.

"Y-You did," she says forcefully holding her smile,"and how is he doing. I hope he's well, haven't seen him in a while." "Is what he said true," she asks another direct question. Keiku visibly flinched at this knowing she knew. Keiku half laughed at the sad irony. Three if not four people knew her situation. And here she was playing dumb about it all. "About what," she asks holding back the urge to run.

Maybe Kitsune can... she stops dead in her thoughts. Was she really ready to run to the fox for help. Kitsune did offer to help if needed. "You know what," Haruka says tired of playing her game," are you gay?" There it was all out in the open. She could deny it and hope she believed it. But she knew that her aunt already knew the truth. What would lying get her now.

"Y-Yes Aunt Haruka," she says her nervous nature getting the better of her. "Are you ashamed of being that way," Haruka says taking a pull from her cigarette. "I... don't know anymore," she says tear threatening to fall,"after all that dad said and then my friends I... I don't know anymore."

I really should hurt you right now bro she thinks looking over her shaking niece. Haruka walks to her and pull her into a hug,"It's ok, nothing to worry about. I don't care what your choice is. Your still my niece after all." To this Keiku breaks out into tears gripping her aunt. She cries until her tears run out. Getting it out in front of her aunt felt so freeing to her.

"So I know now," she says still holding her niece,"You don't have to hide it around me." "Kitsune knows," Keiku says wiping her eyes,"and I think Naru does too." Haruka was surprised, though she never showed it, at this new bit of information. "They know and Kitsune hasn't said anything," she asks not believing her ears,"and Naru hasn't yelled at you yet."

"I told Kitsune everything after she found some photos in my book," she says remembering last night,"and Naru is just ignoring me." Well that's two down that know she thinks,"Are you going to tell the others?" "I might as well," she says,"half of the girls know already. You and Kitsune are ok with it and Naru will just ignore me. I don't know what the other three will do."

"Su is ok with anyone, it's just her nature. Shinobu will be ok after awhile," Haruka says nodding to herself,"Motoko will... deal with it." Keiku nods still unsure if she can do this. "We can do this when ever your ready," Haruka says rubbing Keiku's shoulder. "Maybe after dinner," she says taking a breath,"that will give me time to tell Kitsune."

Haruka just nods as she turns to leave,"I'll be back then. I need to get back to the tea house and get ready for lunch." Smiling Keiku says good bye and watches her aunt leave the room. A small knot in her stomach was forming at the thought of revealing herself to everyone. She might as well tell Kitsune now and get that over with.

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Dinner was it's normal chaotic mess. Su was demanding banana's while Motoko kept telling her no. Shinobu was asking if everything was good and Naru just ignored Keiku. Keiku was her quiet self as the new norm. Nothing was really out of order except for one person. Kitsune was unusually quiet and deep in thought. She didn't even drink any sake at dinner either.

This did not go unnoticed by the rest of the girls. They didn't say anything just putting it off on her job or something. Once everyone was finished Keiku asked if they could met her in the main room. They all agreed, Naru just turned without saying anything. Sitting around in the room Keiku stood before them nervous and slightly shaking. Once she had their attention Keiku began.

"I have something to tell you all," she says wondering were to start," I've lied to your all." To this the other girls focus on her. "I'm... I'm... I'm not really in Tokyo... U," she says playing it cautious,"I'm a two year failure at trying to get in." Shinobu stares wide eyed at her. Su only stares not really effected by the news. Kitsune remains motionless watching the others. Naru just stares at her the same uncaring look. And to everyones surprise Motoko only nods.

"Wait... you don't care that I lied to you all," Keiku asks not sure she wants to hear the answer. "You had talked while sleeping when I was watching over you," Motoko says calmly,"You had asked my why you couldn't get into Tokyo U. I then over heard Haruka-san at the tea house." Keiku almost fainted at the sudden information. Sitting down Keiku braces herself for the next part.

"I have something else to say," she says waiting for the girls attention. "It's about me personally. I... I'm not sure how you all will takes this but... I'm ah... I... I don't think I can do this." Keiku looks at Kitsune who smiles at her. Guess I have to help out in the end after all she thinks standing up. "What she's trying to say is that she," Kitsune says walking next to her. She pulls her to her feet and faces her.

"This is so going to cost you," she whispers to a confused Keiku. Before Keiku could say anything Kitsune leans in and Kisses her. She protests for but a second before scumming to her soft kiss. Slowly closing her eyes Keiku stands losing site of the rest of the world. Kitsune pulls away leaving Keiku stunned eyes half opened. The rest of the girls just stare on shocked and flustered.

"Kitsune why did you do that," Naru yells breaking Keiku out of her trance. Turning crimson Keiku falls back into the chair looking over the other girls. "I have my reasons" the fox says,"And it helped get things out in the open didn't it." "She's gay," Motoko says losing her calm composure. Shinobu sits wide eyed a deep blush across her face. Su just sits smiling her normal goofy way. Naru just stares daggers at Keiku for reasons the young Urashima couldn't see.

"I'm sorry,"Keiku says dropping her head still blushing,"If it's too weird I can leave." Kitsune places a hand on her shoulder trying to assure her. "I don't she a reason for you to leave," Su says breaking the silence,"So what if you like girls." Everyone turns to the young gaijin surprised. This sudden out look lightens the mood of the rest of the girls. "I... I don't care either," Shinobu quietly says still embarrassed. "She has done nothing wrong or perverted," Motoko says calming her emotions,"her choice should not cause her to leave."

"Fine" Naru says folding her arms,"Just don't do anything perverted with anyone here." "Of course not," Keiku responds shaking her head,"I would never think of it." "Then it's settled," Kitsune says stopping the conversation before it gets out of control,"She can stay here for as long as she likes." All the other girls nod there agreement. "Well it is getting late and Keiku has been through a lot," Kitsune says moving Keiku away from the group,"so lets continue this tomorrow."

Keiku just lets her self be pushed away to her room. "But Kitsune I'm not tired," she says turning around the corner. "Yeah I know but it's best to let it sink in on them for the night," Kitsune says stopping at her door,"So get some rest and take it easy ok." Nodding Keiku thanks Kitsune for her help and retreats to her room.

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I can't believe they didn't care she thought still shocked. Her mind ran through every possible situation and this wasn't even on the list. "And her lips were so soft," Keiku says aloud. Mentally breaking she looks around quickly for signs of anyone. "I shouldn't say things like that about her," she says sighing,"She has helped me so much." Shaking her head she mutters to herself,"I need a bath to clear my head."

Taking some clothes she head off to the hot spring. Lost in her own thoughts she failed to notice the three baskets of clothes. Stepping out into the warm air Keiku takes a deep breath. "This will clear... my...," she stops mid sentence as three pairs of eyes turn to her.

Keiku blushes a deep crimson upon seeing Motoko, Kitsune, and Naru all in the hot spring wearing nothing. Covering herself and quickly turning around Keiku closing her eyes as tight as she can. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she says in fast repetition,"I didn't know anyone was in here. I'll come back later." With that said, and before anyone could say anything else, she dashes out of the springs.

Quickly throwing on her clothes she runs all the way back to her room. Closing the door she leans against the wall next to it trying to catch her breath. Sliding down she pulls her knees to her chest resting her head on her folded arms. What did I just do she mentally yells at herself They just accepted me and then I go and mess it up. Father was right I am a failure in the end.

Keiku continues to belittle herself looking over all her past failures. Not getting into Tokyo U, getting fired from her first job, losing all her friends at school, getting kicked out of her family for not being a better daughter, and a thousand other short comings. Fighting for control over the freshly formed tears Keiku slowly cries knowing that tomorrow will be another bad day in her growing list of them.

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Someone was calling he name. A soft voice with a hint of something. Caring? Concern? Worry? she couldn't tell. The gentle warm touch and a slow easy shake brought Keiku's head up. Shielding her eyes from the harsh ceiling light she asks,"Who is it?" "Don't tell me you already forgot shugga," the fox woman says with a smile.

"K-Kitsune I'm... I'm...," was all she could say before a finger was placed against her lips. "Don't cha go and worry about earlier," she says pulling her hand back,"Na harm done. after all it was a simple mistake right?" "R-Right I wasn't thinking about the kiss... I mean I... I um," she says blushing from the sudden embarrassment. "Sent you for a loop did it," she says smiling her mischievous smile.

Dropping her head Keiku sighs,"I guess I really am a pervert if I'm thinking that after all the help you gave me." "Nonsense girl, you have natural human desires just like everyone else," Kitsune says lifting Keiku's head looking eye to eye,"I'm actually flattered that I can make both boys and girls think about me that way." "I wasn't thinking that yet... I mean T was thinking about the kiss," she quickly corrects herself. It didn't, however, go unnoticed by the fox.

"And," she says,"how was it?" Her blush deepens at the memory. "It was soft and warm," she finally says looking away from her. "That sounds like a kiss from a mother," Kitsune says pulling the strings she knows are there. "NO!" she half yells turning back to face her,"It was more caring then my mothers kisses. It was like... like... it was just soft and warm."

"You like me don't ya," Kitsune finally says after taking in all of what Keiku said. "I don't know. I've only ever loved one person before," she says a sudden image of Miina coming to mind,"And that wasn't real. I really don't know what love is. I think your smart and caring and beautiful but I don't know if that's love." The pain in her voice was enough to make the fox to reach out and pull the young Urashima into a tight embrace.

"Shugga you know what love is," she whispers trying to calm the young girl,"The way you reacted after you found out about Miina shows you do. You wouldn't feel this bad or this hopeless if you didn't." To Kitsune's surprise Keiku wraps her arms around her returning the hug. "Thank you Kitsune," she says laying her head on the ashen blonds shoulder.

"Anytime Keiku anytime," she replies smiling. "I wish I had met you first," Keiku sighs,"I would have been happy with you." "Thanks Keiku but I'm not on that side," she says half laughing. "I know," she says still holding onto Kitsune,"I feel better just thinking about it is all." Keiku suddenly pulls back her eyes cast down. "I'm sorry again," she says above a whisper,"I didn't mean to make you feel uneasy."

"It's ok," she says still a bit off,"I've just never been hit on by another girl before." Keiku just quietly sits unsure of what to say. "So are you going to be ok for the night," Kitsune asks looking out the window,"it is getting late and you have to go to prep school tomorrow." "How did you know about my prep school?" Keiku wonders. "Well after you said that you weren't in Tokyo U and Naru starts back with hers tomorrow. I just put two and two together," she says smiling her all knowing smile,"That and the school called earlier today and said you transfer was done."

Keiku almost fall over dropping her head again," Even if you didn't find out from me the call would have done it." "Well tomorrow is a big day so get some sleep," she says standing,"I'll see you in the morning at breakfast." Keiku nods smiling back at her knowing that her list of worries just got a few items smaller. Suddenly a thought came to her,"Kitsune you asked me about the kiss earlier but you never said how you felt about it."

Stopping at the door she turns her mischievous grin back. "You never asked," she says one eye opened with a glint of something Keiku couldn't place. Saying nothing more the resident fox walks out the door winking at the confused Keiku.

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She was late. Keiku couldn't believe she was late for her first day of prep school. She had her alarm set and everything. That's what still confused her the most. When she woke that morning the clock was against the far wall lying like it had been thrown. She really wasn't a morning person. Bursting into the classroom Keiku apologizes for being late.

After her teacher told her to come back after class Keiku took her seat. Haitani and Shirai just laughed to themselves at the breathless Keiku. Class went over just as Keiku had expected if not a bit slowly. It was after class that the day started to get strange. The teacher had let her of with a warning this time because she was new to the class. But what happened next was something she didn't expect. A nerdy looking girl with thick round glasses walks up to her and her two friends.

"Hey can I talk to you for a minute," she asks looking at Haitani and Shirai,"In private." "Do I know you?" Keiku asks trying to pin down the familiar feeling about the girl. "Just come on," she says grabbing Keiku's sleeve and pulling her out of the room. Reaching the roof Keiku finally pulls away. "What are you doing pulling me all the way up here for," she says looking around for anyone else that might be on the roof.

"You really can't tell it's me," she says hands on her hips,"You really are clueless." "Naru?" Keiku says as the girl pulls her glasses off. "About time you remembered," Naru says putting her glasses back. "I didn't know you went to this prep school," was all Keiku could think to say. "We were on the same train this morning," she says sighing,"And I ran into the class just before you did."

"I guess I really didn't notice with that outfit you got on," she says looking Naru over. "LOOK!" Naru says getting Keiku's attention,"I just wanted to say I'm sorry about yesterday. I was out of line and didn't give you a chance. I'm just not used to the whole lesbian thing."

Keiku stands there eyes wide,"I... thank you Naru." "I know it's not the normal way a girl should act but... just... thank you for at least giving me a chance to show that I'm a good person," she say smiling at the younger girl. Naru nods smiling herself,"Just give me some time to get used to it ok."

"Sure Naru," Keiku says nodding. Keiku felt like her world was getting brighter. Maybe just maybe coming to Hinata sou was a good thing in more ways then one. At least that's what the young Urashima thought anyway. The rest of the day Keiku was smiling for some reason, and truth be told she didn't care what they were.

End chapter Six

AN:And that is chapter six. Yeah I know its a bit shorter then the last chapter. I still liked the way it came out though. And yes I know I had Kitsune act kinda out of character but it was just something I though she would do. It teased Keiku, embarrassed the other girls, and made Keiku indebted to her. All in all a win win for her.

I have finally come down to two choices for a Keiku pairing. After talking with another female Keitaro author I have narrowed it down to Kitsune or Mutsumi. I have seen a lot of Naru and Keitaro or Motoko and Keitaro. Plus a female Keitaro and Motoko story has already been done. Still undecided though on who to pick. While Kitsune is open minded and a caring person at heart Mutsumi would be the loving and supportive kind of person. It's just so hard to pick between them.

Well thats all for the AN this time. And as always please review and tell me what you think.

P.S. The next chapter should be out within the week.

Till next time (^^)