It took awhile to work this chapter out to what I thought would be a good final print. I ended up redoing several parts to fit my story. And Mutsumi makes an appearance in this chapter as well. It was actually hard to write her part. The idol mind that hides a sharp intellect was something I really wanted to get right. It one of the delays to this chapter.

Some things seem to happen at a rather fast rate in this chapter. I, once again, changed key points to fit my story. It will just keep happening at an increased rate from this point on.

Disclaimer: I do not own by 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 pre notes this time. Enjoy the chapter.

A Different Start

Chapter Eight: And you are who again?

Everything had slowly fallen back in place, except that Naru just avoided Keiku when ever possible. Keiku had a sickening feeling she knew why but dared not ask her. The sad thing in Keiku's eyes was that she avoided Kitsune as well. Keiku had found out from the other girls that the two have been best friends since Junior high.

It hurt her to know she might be the reason for the growing gap between them. Keiku knew she had to do something to help, she just didn't know what. It was that jumble of thoughts that had her up this late staring at her ceiling. Sitting up she knew she wasn't going to sleep anytime soon. Looking at the board covered hole on her ceiling Keiku spots a small sliver of light.

"She must still be up," Keiku says,"Nows as good a time as ever." Gathering her courage Keiku silently makes her way up to Naru's door. Knocking gently she waits in silence until Naru opens her door. "What do you want," she says clearly annoyed. "I just wanted to talk," Keiku says thrown off by Naru's greeting,"Please it's important."

"You have five minutes," Naru says turning back to her room. Closing the door behind herself Keiku waits until Naru offers her a seat beside her kotatsu. Sitting on her knees Keiku nervously begins,"I wanted to talk about what I think you saw last week." Naru flinches but remains silent. "I'll take your silence as you know what I'm talking about," she says fighting her run and hide impulse.

"I want you to know that nothing happened," she says receiving an unbelieving look from Naru. "The last thing that I remember is walking up to my room," she says hoping Naru will believe her,"But Kitsune says that she knows nothing happened. I really don't remember but I wanted to apologize to help Kitsune's and your relationship."

Shifting away from the kotatsu Keiku bows in front of Naru head touching her hands on the floor. "I know you don't like me and after last week you probably hate me," Keiku says choking on the last few words,"But please don't let your friendship with Kitsune end because of my stupid mistake. You can blame it on me and... hate... me too."

Naru sits there in complete shock. Was she really willing to take all the blame just to save her friendship with Kitsune. "Why are you doing this?" Naru asks speaking for the first time. Keiku sits up looking first to Naru then to the floor. "I know what it's like to lose a best friend," she says keeping her tears at bay,"It hurts so much. I know because I lose almost all my friends after I... after I was... outed is the best word I guess."

"So please just take out all you anger on me and leave Kitsune out of it," she says with a broken smile,"After all I'm familiar with being pushed away. That's all I really wanted to say so I'll be leaving now." Standing Keiku walks to the door leaving a speechless Naru staring at her empty door way. Naru couldn't study at all for the rest of the night.

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"Urashima Keiku could you see me after class," the teacher says just before the bell rings. Keiku moans causing Haitani and Shirai to laugh. All three know why the teacher wants to see her. As of late Keiku's grade have been slipping just after they started to improve. So Keiku waited after everyone left for the teacher to tell her everything she knew he would say.

"So Miss Urashima why the sudden drop in grades?" he asks,"Is something going on at home that is affecting your studying." "No sir nothing at home is affecting my studies. I'm just having a hard time with the new material," Keiku says shying away from her family.

"Well what every you were doing before you need to do it again. If this keeps up then you'll never get into any college much less Tokyo U," he says looking over some papers,"Thats all I wanted to tell you, you can go now." Keiku nods telling her teacher that she will do better before leaving the classroom. I really need to study harder then before now that Naru isn't helping me Keiku thinks turning the corner. Walking right into someone Keiku falls back from the collision.

"Oww," she yelps as she hits the ground flat on her back,"that hurt." Rubbing her sore back Keiku looks over to the person she walked into. "I'm so sorry about that," she says smiling,"I wasn't watching were I was going." Keiku looks over the now prone girl. Long braided hair a shade or two darker then her own with with eyes the same color as her own.

"Miss are you ok?" Keiku asks not getting a reply. Moving forward Keiku looks for any sign from the fallen girl. Her eyes stare up life less as Keiku feels for a pulse. "S-She's dead!" Keiku yelps her eyes growing wider then normally possible. Suddenly the though to be dead girl sits up shaking her head. "Oh me oh my, did I pass out again?" she asks looking around,"Oh hello."

"H-Hi, I thought you were dead," Keiku says trying to low her heart down,"You didn't have a pulse." "Oh yes I'm anemic so I'm prone to faint from time to time," she says scratching her head. "You call not having a pulse a fainting spell," Keiku says dumbfounded. "Oh me oh my, how rude of me. My name is Mutsumi Otohime," she says smiling at Keiku,"Nice to meet you."

Wow she's pretty when she smiles Keiku thinks blushing slightly. "M-My name is Keiku Urashima," she says pulling herself from her own thoughts,"Nice to meet you as well." "What a nice name," Mutsumi says smiling,"It fits such a cute face." "What!?" Keiku says nervously her blush increasing to a bright crimson,"Why did you... what do you mean?"

"I mean that you have a cute face," Mutsumi says tilting her head,"Are you in high school?" "I'm TWENTY," Keiku says almost falling over. "Oh me oh my, you're quite energetic," Mutsumi says lightly laughing,"I was wondering if you could help me. I'm looking for the administrative office but I can't seem to find it. Would you happen to know where it is?"

"Yes it's down the hall around the corner then... Why don't I take you," Keiku says seeing the girl not following her directions. "What a charming person," she says as Keiku helps her up. Taking Keiku's hand Mutsumi motions for her to go ahead. Blushing Keiku guides Mutsumi to the administrative office. "This is it Ms. Otohime," Keiku says stopping in front of the office door,"I guess I'll be off then. Good luck."

Just as she was about to turn around Mutsumi's hands reach up to her cheeks. Before Keiku could say anything Mutsumi leans forward and gently kisses her. Keiku pulls back in shock her face a deep crimson. "What are you doing!?" Keiku almost yells completely confused. "Oh me oh my, I'm sorry I just tend to kiss people when I like them," Mutsumi says tilting her head while smiling.

"Yeah well I have to be going so um yeah bye," Keiku says making a quick escape. Finding a bathroom Keiku splashes water in her still red face. "What was that about," Keiku says the kiss still fresh in her mind,"she just kissed me. I need to calm down. I have more things to worry about then that kiss."

Splashing more water and shaking the thought from her head Keiku dries herself and leaves the bathroom. "It was just one time," Keiku says,"I'm sure I'll never see her again."

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"Oh me oh my, hello there Urashima-san. It's good to see you again," Mutsumi says greeting the shocked Keiku. "But but... What are you doing here!?" Keiku says stunned. Sitting at the cafeteria eating her lunch this was the last person Keiku expected to see. "Why I am eating my lunch silly," Mutsumi replies smiling to her,"This is the school cafeteria is it not."

Taking the seat in front of Keiku Mutsumi looks over to her current reading material. "Having trouble with advanced biochemistry?" she says just as Keiku quickly closed her book. "No! I mean... I was just looking over my notes," she quickly corrects herself. "I always have trouble with remembering the simples things," she says eating something Keiku didn't even want to try and identify,"That's why I'm a two year ronin."

Keiku heart skips a beat at hearing this,"You're a ronin too." "Does that mean you are also a ronin Urashima-san," Mutsumi says holding her hand to her cheek,"I didn't think anyone else was in the same situation as myself." "Y-Yeah I'm a two year ronin trying to get into Tokyo U," Keiku says wondering why she was telling this girl she hardly knows so much.

"Oh me oh my, what a coincidence. I am also trying to get into Tokyo U," she says reaching out and taking Keiku's hand in her own,"We are like twin spirits reaching for the same goal. It was destiny that we met don't you think." "I don't really follow you," Keiku says confused and blushing from the sudden contact. "I was only kidding Urashima-san," Mutsumi says smiling,"but maybe we can study together some time. I'm sure we could help each other pass the next exam."

"Well yeah I guess," Keiku says still somewhat off,"But are you sure you want someone who had a 49 at the last mock exam." "Oh me oh, you're quite dumb aren't you," Mutsumi says tilting her head again,"But then I got a 50 on my last exam." "And you're calling me dumb," Keiku says defending herself,"Besides it's not nice to call people names."

"So when do you want to start studying Urashima-san," Mutsumi says completely ignoring Keiku's response. "Well I guess we could start today after the last class," Keiku says trying to follow her train of thought,"We could go to my... I mean your place and study." "That would be nice Urashima-san," Mutsumi says,"lets met at the water fountain after class. I'll take you to my apartment then."

"I know where that is so that works," Keiku says picturing the fountain,"Well I have to get to class so I'll met you later." "Till then Urashima-san,"Mutsumi says waving at her. Once she was out of sight Keiku just runs through the events leading up to her having a study date with Mutsumi Otohime. Keiku blushes from thinking about the kiss again when she enters her class.

Haitani and Shirai motion her over saving a seat for her. "Thought you were going to be late," Haitani says giving Keiku his knowing smile,"I mean we saw you sitting at the lunch table with that beauty." "It's not like that and you know it Haitani," Keiku says correcting her friends one track mind.

"Then what were you two talking about," Shirai pops in,"and why are you blushing." "I helped her earlier and she wanted to than me. She said we should study together since we are both going for Tokyo U," she says,"and before you say anything it was brought up in our conversation and I ran to class so I'm a little tired. There does that answer your questions."

"I was only joking Keiku," Haitani says patting her head. "Right, sorry just a little stressed about my next test is all," she says half laughing at her own reaction. "Hey you want to go out and take a break from all this studying after class?" Shirai says trying to change the mood. "Sorry but I have to do something after class so maybe another time," Keiku says smiling to the two boys.

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How long do I have to wait here Keiku asks herself sitting by the fountain she should have been here almost fifteen minutes ago. "Urashima-san," Mutsumi says making Keiku jump,"I'm sorry I'm late. I remembered that I didn't know were the fountain was after class."

But then... by Kami how long was I going to wait here she thinking mentally face falling. "It's ok Otohime-san I just go here myself," Keiku lied,"So why don't we head to your house now." "Of course,"Mutsumi says bowing just as Keiku was standing. Bumping heads Mutsumi falls back on her butt with an,"Oww." A similar sound was heard followed by a splash.

"AAHH! Thats cold!" Keiku yells pulling herself from the fountain. On her hands and knees Keiku starts to shake feeling the chilling air washing over her. Sitting on her knees she wraps her arms around herself trying to keep warm. "Oh me oh my, Urashima-san you're soaking wet," Mutsumi says pointing out the obvious,"We need to get you out of those clothes." Helping the shaking Keiku up Mutsumi leads her down the room to her apartment.

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"Why does this always happen to me," Keiku whines finding herself wearing a towel in a strangers bathroom. Slowly stepping into the warm bath water Keiku begins to relax a bit. Maybe this isn't so bad after all she thinks enjoying her bath. "Urashima-san I was thinking I could wash your back," Mutsumi says walking in wearing a towel,"After all it's the least I could do."

"NO thats ok I can wash my own back," Keiku says quickly turning her head,"please I don't hold anything against you, it was an accident after all." "Nonsense Urashima-san I insist," Mutsumi says stopping at the bath. Reaching out Mutsumi touches her back only to have her pull away. "Please I'm really ok so you don't need to worry about anything," she repeats hoping she understands.

"Oh me oh my, are you shy Urashima-san? That's so cute," Mutsumi says gently laughing. "It's not that," Keiku says spinning around only to forget the next words she was going to say. Staring at Mutsumi was the only thing she could do. Her braided dark brown hair was free washing over her back and shoulders. The towel she had showed every curve as she innocently smiled at Keiku.

Suddenly the image of the kiss appears in her mind as she becomes entranced by her lips. She is so beautiful Keiku thinks not knowing any words to say. "Um Urashima-san your nose is bleeding," Mutsumi says pointing to the small trickle of blood running from her nose. Covering her nose in a flash Keiku blushes a new shade of red as she feels her cheeks run hot.

"Are you ok Urashima-san your face just got really red," Mutsumi says moving closer. "Please Otohime-san don't come any closer," Keiku pleads backing up in the bath. Mutsumi tilts her head in confusion,"Is something the matter?" "I... I need to leave," Keiku says trying to move out of the bath. Reaching for a towel to cover herself Keiku slips on the slick tile floor.

Almost in slow motion Keiku could see herself hitting the floor. This is going to hurt she thinks closing her eyes tightly. Bracing herself for the hard surface she lands on something soft. Opening her eyes Keiku stares back at the brown eyes of Mutsumi Otohime. "Are you ok Urashima-san," Mutsumi asks from under her,"You're not hurt are you?"

"I... I'm...," was all she could say while staring into her caring eyes. Slowly Keiku begins to lean down closing her eyes. A shock hits her as she jerks herself up eyes wide. Mutsumi just looks on confused as to what is happening. Without saying a word Keiku jumps to her feet and rushes out of the bathroom. Grabbing her dried clothes she quickly dresses and runs from the apartment. Running all the way back to Hinata sou Keiku never once looked back.

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"What's wrong with Urashima-sempai," Shinobu asks the gathered tenants of Hinata sou,"She only leaves her room to wash, eat, and use the restroom." "Something must of happened that night she came home late," Motoko says nodding. "She did come back in different clothes," Kitsune adds. Naru remains silent knowing she may have caused her current condition.

"Someone needs to go and talk to her," Motoko says Looking at Kitsune,"You are the closest with her so..." "I'll do it," Naru says stepping forward. Before anyone could say anything she walks over to Keiku's door. "Keiku I'm coming in," she says before sliding the door open. Walking in Naru takes in the mess the room has become.

Scattered test papers and exam books litter the floor as a pile of discarded clothes fill the far corner. Keiku, herself, sits at her desk looking down at something Naru couldn't see. "Keiku are you alright?" Naru asks approaching her. "Why do I feel like this," Keiku asks not turning around. Naru immediately notices the lack of emotion in her voice.

"What do you mean," Naru asks stepping closer,"How do you feel?" "I feel twisted and confused on the inside," she says still facing away from her,"Ever sense... I can't even remember a time when I didn't feel like this. I try to forget and change but I just can't seem to." Naru stops behind her as Keiku finally turns to her. "Is something wrong with me?" she ask her eyes red from past tears.

Naru drops down beside her,"Oh god Keiku have you been crying this whole time?" "Not the whole time," she replies,"just every now and then." "Listen I'm not sure what happened or what is going on but I do know this," Naru says reaching out and pulling Keiku into a tight hug,"You're not a bad person Keiku. Remember that you have friends here that are worried about you. If something is wrong then tell us so we can help. You aren't alone."

Keiku sits silent for a time letting Naru's words sink in before bursting into tears once again. "Thank you," she whispers between sob,"Thank you all." After calming herself Keiku begins her tale of the strange events that happened. "So that's... what happened," Naru says after listening to Keiku explain her situation.

"I um... well I really don't know what to say," Naru says shaking her head,"I would, how ever, apologize to this Mutsumi Otohime if I were you. Who knows what she's thinking right now." "Yeah I really should," Keiku agrees sipping on some warm tea Naru made,"I just don't know if I can face her again." "There's know way to know until you do it," Naru says placing a hand on her shoulder,"If it helps I'll be there with you." Keiku smiles nodding her thanks taking a another sip of her tea.

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"So do you see her?' Naru asks scanning the class full of students. "No not yet," Keiku replies keeping her eyes open. "And who are you looking for?" a voice asks from behind them. "We're looking for a AAHH it's you!" Keiku yells jumping back as Naru turns to the unknown person.

"Oh me on my, well that was entertaining," Mutsumi says smiling,"who are you again?" "I'm Keiku Urashima. I helped you find the administrative office," Keiku says confused,"You wanted to study together so went to your apartment. I... I um... well I ran away after almost... um."

"I'm sorry about the other day," Keiku says bowing deeply to her,"I was at fault and feel terrible about it. Please accept my apology." Tilting her head Mutsumi smiles,"You mean the kiss?" "Yeah that," Keiku says blushing a light shade of red,"I'm not normally like that. I don't know what came over me."

"Oh me oh my, so you didn't want to kiss me?" Mutsumi says still smiling,"You looked like you did." "No it's not that, it's just I... what I mean is that I... I don't know what I mean," Keiku says frustration clouding her thoughts. "It's ok I understand," Mutsumi says taking Keiku's hand in her own.

"So your not freaked out by all this?" Naru asks pulling Mutsumi's attention to herself. "Freaked out by what?" she asked a wondering in her tone. "Haven't you been listening to what she's been telling you," Naru says almost falling over,"Just forget I said anything. So Keiku said you were trying for Tokyo U."

"Yes I am," she says smiling,"But I've failed the last two times to get in. I just seem to forget the simples things. Are you also trying to get into Tokyo U with Urashima-san?" "Yes... I mean I am trying for Tokyo U but not with Keiku," Naru says quickly correcting herself. "Do you two study together," Mutsumi asks looking at the two girls. Keiku shakes her head looking at the ground," Not really after..."

"Yes we do," Naru says stopping Keiku form finishing. "What good luck then," Mutsumi says taking Naru hand too,"Then all three of us can be study buddies." "Yeah sure," Naru and Keiku say in unison. "Oh me oh my, you two seem to act very much alike," Mutsumi says still holding their hands. Keiku blushes again while Naru just shakes her head,"We're nothing alike!"

"Then I was mistaken," she says holding her smile,"So were are we going to study after class?" "We could go to your place this time," Mutsumi says nodding,"Unless you want to go back to my apartment." "NO! I mean we can go to the Hinata sou to study," Keiku says trying to forget the incident in the bathroom,"We have a hot spring and everything." "Oh me oh my, I love hot springs," Mutsumi says clasping her hands together,"Lets go to the hot springs after class then."

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Why do I always seem to get into situations like this Keiku thought holding the towel covering herself. Mutsumi, Naru, and Keiku all sat in the hot spring relaxing in the warm waters. "My that was a hard study session," Mutsumi says waving her hand in front of herself,"But relaxing in a hot spring is just the thing we needed."

"Yeah," Keiku says trying not to stare at the almost naked girl,"It's great for relieving stress." "So how long have you been living in such a wonderful place Urashima-san," Mutsumi asks starting a conversation. "About four months now," Keiku says blushing when she look up to answer,"How about you Otohime-san, how long have you been here?"

"Oh about two weeks," she says gently splashing the water around her,"I decided to move here for time to take my tests instead of traveling back and forth from Okinawa." "Your from Okinawa," Naru says changing the topic. "Well I'm from a small island just off of Okinawa," she says turning back to Keiku,"And why are you here Urashima-san?"

Keiku flinches at the question as Naru starts waving her hands,"She's just here to make traveling easier just like you. Her Grandmother owns Hinata sou." "So it appears that we have more in common then you and Narusegawa-san do," Mutsumi says causing Keiku to deepen her blush,"I'm so glade I found new friends that share the same goal as myself."

"Yeah me too," Keiku says standing from the pool of water,"I think I need to get out, I'm feeling a bit dizzy." "Oh me oh my, are you ok Urashima-san," Mutsumi asks moving closer to her,"Your not feeling like you did before are you." "No I'll be ok," she says turning to hide her blush,"I'm just going to go and rest for a bit before dinner."

"Oh me oh my, I think I should go before that then," she says stepping out of the water,"I do not wish to intrude." "Why not stay for dinner then," Naru says following her out of the water,"Shinobu always makes to much and afterwards we could study more." "Why thank you Narusegawa-san I would love that," Mutsumi says lightly bowing.

End chapter eight

AN:Chapter eight up and finished. Some serious moments and events happen in the chapter that forshadow the up coming chapters. I've pretty much left it open for either Kitsune or Mutsumi to be the paring for Keiku at this time. Though I am leaning to Mutsumi for now.

I actually had fun writing her character, all be it a stressful kinda fun. It was a nice challenge to get her bubbly personality and keen mind to mix in the right portions. I hope she comes out right to you the readers.

As always review and let me know what you liked or what you hated. Again anything you tell me only helps in the long run.

Till next time (^^)