I would first like to apologize to my readers about the long time between posts. I am working to a feverish point at my job right now and am working towards getting a promotion. But things are starting to calm themselves just a bit. I will do my best to get the next chapter up and readable within the next week.

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 a long pre-author notes because I want you all to get to the story fast.

And here is the story.

A Different Start

Chapter Nine: A step in the right direction

Dinner was different to say the least. All the girls seemed to welcome Mutsumi to the table with a kind smile. Kitsune started out asking all the wrong questions. Shinobu only blushed at them as Motoko glared at her. Su was being Su eating other peoples plates if they weren't careful. Naru and Keiku just sat embarrassed by it all. Mutsumi through all of it seemed to have a good time. Smiling she answered each question politely. Until the question that make Keiku flinch.

"So how did ya meet Keiku anyway?" Kitsune asks noticing her sudden flinch. "Oh I was lost after trying to find the main office," Mutsumi says smiling at Keiku,"She helped me to the office after we walked into each other." "Is that all," Kitsune says somewhat disappointed,"An her I thought something happened." "Kitsune!" Naru says getting her attention,"Don't you have anything better to do then drill our guest." "I don't mind," Mutsumi pops in with before Kitsune could reply.

"Oh me oh my, I forgot to ask you Urashima-san," she says to the lightly blushing girl,"do you still have my clothes from the other day." Keiku stares in shock at the other girls knowing they saw her come in wearing said clothes. Kitsune grins a devils smile while Motoko only looks at her in disbelief. Shinobu blushes deeply eyes wide and Naru just stares at the only smiling girl at the table. Su was the first to speak breaking the growing silence.

"So you were playing dress-up," she says stealing more food from Keiku's plate. "Ha! And you said ya didn't do anything," Kitsune says rubbing her hands together,"so spill the juicy details. Was it love at first sight or was it more of the physical kind." "Kitsune!" both Naru and Motoko yell both blushing from her previous statement. "It' nothing like that," Keiku pleads,"we were going to study together and I fell into a fountain. She took me to he apartment to dry off and take a warm bath. When I left I mistakenly took her clothes instead, that's all!"

"Well that's boring," Kitsune says,"and here I thought something spicy happened." "You forgot that you almost kissed me," Mutsumi says nodding her head,"That and you fell on top of me." Keiku just stares at her the hair on the back of her neck at end. Naru fall over from the sudden shock while Shinobu runs from the room to embarrassed to speak. Su laughs as Motoko continues to stare in disbelief. And Kitsune pats Mutsumi on the back laughing,"Way to spill the details!"

"But thats not what... I mean it wasn't like... It's complicated," Keiku says shaking the initial shock. "But you ran away after you almost did,"Mutsumi continues oblivious to Kitsune's laughter. Jumping up Keiku shakers her arms,"It wasn't that I... I..." Stopping mid sentence and slowly dropping her hands Keiku begins lean. "I... I don't... feel...," was all she got out before falling to the ground unconscious. "Urashima," Motoko calls reaching for her. "Keiku!" Naru yells trying to stop her fall. Why do I always get into these kind of situations was the only thought running through her head before the world went black.

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Keiku slowly opened her eyes to her ceiling. Sitting up Keiku looks around her room trying to focus her vision. "Why do I always seem to find you in this kinda situations," Kitsune's voice call out from her desk area,"Here you might need these." Taking her glasses Keiku takes a better look around.

"Ya had us all worried about ya," she says,"Naru and that Mutsumi girl the most though. I think she's really taken a liking to ya if ya want my opinion." "Yeah I'm sure she is," Keiku says feeling a dull pan in her head,"After all I only freaked at her place and almost kissed her out of the blue." "Hey I'm not saying it's not strange but still I wouldn't discard it completely," Kitsune says smiling her 'I know something' grin.

Keiku decided not to ask thinking it a good idea to leave it at that. "How long have I been out," Keiku asks trying to change the subject. "Only about an hour now," Kitsune says taking a seat next to her,"The others are all down stairs. I could get them if ya want?" "No thats fine," she says waving her hand,"So why are you still up here?"

Kitsune leans back on her hands,"Well someone had to watch over you so I said I would." "Thanks," Keiku says lightly blushing,"You didn't have to." "I know," Kitsune says smiling,"Besides now I can ask you some questions about the unknown events that I can't seem to piece together." "Oh course," Keiku says sighing,"Now that sounds more like you." Kitsune smiles,"Ya know ya love me." Keiku just shakes her head ready for Kitsune's questions.

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"Hey everyone," Keiku says walking down the steps with Kitsune,"Sorry I worried you all. I'm feeling much better now." "Urashima-san are you sure your alright," Mutsumi says walking up to the two a look of concern on her face. "Yes Otohime-san I'm really fine," she says nodding her head. "That's good cause the melon lady was really worried," Su pokes in from her before unknown place.

"Su that's not nice to call someone that," Keiku says blushing at the reason behind the name. She was very well endowed after all. "What? I'm just talking about the watermelon she brought with her," SU says holding said melon over her head. Keiku blushes even more at the misunderstanding. "I was hoping we might enjoy it as a snack after studying," she says smiling to her,"But if you're not feeling good then we could always save it for later."

"No, no that fine. I think I could use a nice cold treat right now," Keiku says reassuring her. Leading her into the kitchen Keiku takes out some plates for everyone that just seemed to follow after hearing about the watermelon. Cutting the melon into equal parts Mutsumi hands each girl a slice. "I hope this helps," she says handing the last piece to Keiku.

"Thanks," she says the blush from before still present. Together the girl eat talking about the day and things that happened. Afterwards Keiku, Naru, and Mutsumi head back up to Keiku's room to study more. "I'm just to tired to continue studying tonight," Keiku says stretching her stiff muscles. "You're the one who wanted to study so no backing out now," Naru says suddenly yawning. "Oh me oh my, it appears that Narusegawa-san is tired as well," Mutsumi says gently laughing.

"Maybe a little break will be ok," she says pulling her glasses off. "What were your grades on the last exam," Mutsumi asks Naru leaning back on her hands,"I only got about a 50 average." "That's about what I got," Keiku says lying on the floor half under the kotatsu. "Mine was almost perfect with a 99 average," Naru says smiling at her triumph,"But I studied so much before it. I had a head ache the whole test."

"You're so lucky to be studying with such a smart person Urashima-san," Mutsumi says with no reply from Keiku. "Urashima-san?" Mutsumi asks looking over the kotatsu at the now sleeping girl,"She must of been really tired after all." "She's got the right idea though," Naru says yawning again,"It's getting to late for you to go home so why not stay over. We have an extra room."

"I guess I could if it's not an inconvenience," Mutsumi says tilting her head. "No it's alright," Naru says leaning back,"I mean we're all tired right now so it's understandable." "Thank you Narusegawa," Mutsumi says slightly bowing her head. "Call me Naru, everyone here does," she says lying her back on the floor. "Then you may call me Mutsumi, Naru-chan," Mutsumi says smiling to the younger girl. Nodding Naru closes her eyes only for a second to relax them.

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"What?" Keiku says slowly opening her eyes,"I must of fallen asleep last night." Quickly she becomes aware of two soft mounds directly in front of her. Trying to move away she realizes that Mutsumi has her arms around her head holding her in place. Trying to move her arms she feels another set tightly holding her around the middle. "How am I going to get out of this," Keiku says mentally picturing herself being held by Mutsumi and Naru.

Please Kami let me live through this she prays very slowly pulling her arms free. Stopping for a moment after Naru shifts in her sleep Keiku manages to free herself from her. Now she moves on to Mutsumi and her hold on her head. Bracing herself for what she has to do Keiku takes a deep breath. Pushing her head forward Keiku's blush covers her face.

Gently moving Mutsumi's arms away Keiku pulls away thanking Kami for her good luck. This quickly turns into a curse as she stares straight into the brown eyes of a fully awake Mutsumi. "Good morning," she says smiling,"Did you sleep well." "No.. I mean yes I did but not because I... it's not what you think I swear," Keiku says trying not to wake Naru. "It's fine," she says reassuring Keiku,"I had a very nice sleep." Keiku blushes unsure at what to say.

"My back hurts,"Naru says sitting up stretching,"I must of fallen asleep on something." Keiku on gulps as Mutsumi gently laughs. "What so funny Mutsumi," Naru asks not getting the joke. "Nothing Naru-chan I was just thinking about something," Mutsumi says waving her hand. "Wait when did you two become so familiar?" Keiku asks a bit taken back. "Oh me oh my, are you jealous," Mutsumi says smiling at Keiku,"Would you like me to call you Keiku-chan then."

"That's not what I meant," Keiku says blushing so hard her cheeks hurt,"I was just wondering is all." "You're just so cute when you act that way," Mutsumi says smiling at her. Not the smile Keiku says trying to look away she's just so beautiful when she smiles. "Oh me oh my, you are so red Keiku-chan," Mutsumi says tilting her head,"Do you like me that much." "No it's not like that," Keiku says waving her hands,"I think you're beautiful and have a pretty smile but I wasn't thinking that I promise."

Keiku instantly deepens her blush at the statement she just made. "Well I think you are cute as well Keiku-chan," Mutsumi says smiling at the flustered girl. "And this is going to far for me," Naru says standing,"I'll show myself out so you two can be alone." Before Keiku could object Naru leaves the room. "Oh me oh my, we seem to be all alone," Mutsumi says pointing out the obvious,"How about we go to breakfast. It is about that time if I am not mistaken."

"That sound good to me," Keiku says thankful for the easy escape. Walking with her Keiku enters the kitchen. All the girls, Naru included, turn to her as they enter. "Good morning Urashima-san," Motoko says followed by a loud greeting from Su. "Breakfast is ready everyone," Shinobu says placing the plates on the table. "This all looks so good Shinobu-chan," Mutsumi says taking a seat beside Keiku. "Yeah Shinobu is a great cook," Keiku says smiling,"The food I've had since I got here has been the best I have ever had."

"Thank you Keiku-san," Shinobu says taking a seat,"I love cooking for all of my friends." "That is such a good attitude," Mutsumi says taking a bit of her food. "Thank you," Shinobu says shyly. They continued to eat talking about several things moving from topic to topic. After finishing her food Keiku excuses herself to go and take a bath in the hot springs. At the mention of the hot spring Mutsumi beams and also excuses herself from the table.

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"This is still heavenly no matter how many time I come to one," Mutsumi says relaxing in the warm water. "Yeah I love it too," Keiku says leaning against a nearby rock. After a few moments of silence Mutsumi turns to Keiku. "Do you like me?" she says all seriousness in her voice. "Yeah I like you," she says not catching her meaning,"You're a nice and kind person." Mutsumi moves over to her slowly coming to a stop next to her. "Why do you ask?" Keiku asks opening her eyes.

Mutsumi leans in not answering her question. Placing a hand on her shoulder she gently moves Keiku to face her. "Do you want to kiss me?" she says slightly smiling. Keiku stares into her soft brown eyes as she nods after finding no words in her mouth. Mutsumi's smile grows as she nods her understanding. Moving forward Mutsumi gently pushes Keiku back against the rock. Keiku closes her eyes allowing Mutsumi to control her movements.

Lifting her head slightly Keiku places her arms against Mutsumi's body. What felt like an eternity Keiku waited for the touch of her lips against her own. Then they touched and a shock went through her as Mutsumi tenderly kisses her. Keiku didn't know how long they stayed that way, maybe only a few seconds, but it felt far longer. After Mutsumi pulled away Keiku opened her eyes a deep crimson blush on her face. "So what do we do now," Keiku says unsure of her own feeling.

"Why not go out with me," Mutsumi says seeing Keiku's own uncertainty,"we can take it slow and start from the beginning. We could each slowly get to know more about the other that way." Keiku liked the idea of getting to know her more. Mutsumi really was beautiful and kind beyond anything Keiku had ever seen. "I'd like that," Keiku says smiling.

Closing her eyes again Keiku rests her head on Mutsumi's shoulder as they hold each other. "That means you have to start calling me Mutsumi ok," she says to a smiling Keiku. "I will Mutsumi-san," Keiku says feeling something new in her heart. Maybe just maybe this would be different then before.

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The rest of the week had gone by in what felt like a flash. Keiku and Mutsumi had told the others about their new relationship. They all seemed happy for her, even Naru congratulated her. After that they started to study and work together on a constant basis. They still have yet to go on a date because of all the school work they had to do. But then that was why she was waiting for her now at a Tokyo train station dressed for their first date.

Wearing a plain pair of blue jeans and a Brilliant Green band T-shirt that she had borrowed from Kitsune she was glade she brought her coat with her. The chill in the air wasn't so bad as long as the wind didn't pick up. She still wonder why she had to met her here and not at her apartment. Things like this just made her wonder on how a girl thinks, and she was one.

Thankfully she didn't have to wait long as she saw Mutsumi exit one of the train that had just come in. Keiku stopped in her tracks as Mutsumi came into sight. Wearing a short knee length light brown dress with black legging underneath and a matching blouse and over coat Keiku was stunned. She looked beyond beautiful to her with all that on.

Keiku suddenly felt under dressed at her lack of attire. She made a mental note to remedy that problem later. Waving at her Mutsumi greets her with her normal smile and hug. "Waiting long," she asks know the answer already. "No not really," Keiku says remembering the twenty minutes she waited for getting here early because of her nervousness.

"So do you have any place in particular that you want to go to today Mutsumi-san," Keiku asks having a few places she planned on taking her in mind. "I was just going to let you guide me today," she says taking her hand,"I am still rather new to Tokyo so I don't know my way around it that well yet." "Ok I know a couple of places we can go," she says leading her to the street. Walking through Tokyo Keiku notices several looks from boys that stared at them.

She was use to it by now. She was what Haitani and Shirai called at token cute girl. She really didn't believe them until she was in high school and started to got several letters from her classmates. She started to see what they meant then. After that she started to see the looks guys gave her and the low whispers as she passed. She was ok with it as long as they didn't try anything. She knew she couldn't really do anything about it so why fuse over it.

But for some reason they started to bug her this time. Then it hit her, they were looking at her and Mutsumi. That was why it annoyed her so much. Was she really jealous so soon after just starting to date her. Luckily for her while thinking on the act of being jealous she failed to notice the other looks she got. Mutsumi how ever did not.

"Keiku-chan are you going to tell me when you are taking me?" Mutsumi asks drawing her attention away from the rest of the world. "I know this little park on the far side of the city," Keiku says making her way through the crowd,"We may need to take the bus if you don't feel like walking." "I don't mind walking with you," Mutsumi says causing Keiku to lightly blush. Quietly the two walk down the busy Tokyo street Keiku gently pulling Mutsumi along tightening her grip to keep from losing her.

Finally they break away from the crowd and walk into an opening looking over a peaceful field. "Finally," Keiku mutters under her breath,"And this is the park I was telling you about. What do you think?" "It is beautiful Keiku-chan," Mutsumi says taking in the view,"Shale we walk around for a bit?" "I'd like that," Keiku says with a smile. Traveling through the park Keiku and Mutsumi finally settle on a bench to take a break from their walk.

"This is truly a beautiful place Keiku-chan," she says leaning back on the bench. "I found it when I was dating Miina...," she says before she could stop herself,"I... I... I'm sorry I didn't mean to bring that up." Before Mutsumi could say anything a yell call out drawing both girls attention. "Keiku is that you?" a girl calls out walking up to them.

Pink hair and bright green eyes come into Mutsumi's vision as Keiku only flinches as the girl approaches. "Suki is that you," she says forcing a smile standing when she gets close,"I haven't seen you since we I graduated. How are you today?" "I'm fine thanks," Suki says hugging her,"How have you been. It's been like two years since anyone has seen you. Your parents said you moved out. What happened to you?"

Scratching the back of her head Keiku briefly touches the cut of her hair. "It's complicated Suki," she says half laughing,"I'd rather not talk about it. So anything interesting happen since I've been gone." "Not really," she says thinking,"I really lost contact with a lot of the old class after we all graduated. You're the first person I've seen in about four months. And about that, what brings you here to Tokyo."

"Right I'm so rude," she says motioning to Mutsumi,"This is Mutsumi Otohime. Mutsumi-san this is my old friend Suki Reijihe." "It is a pleasure to met you Reijihe-san," she says standing beside Keiku,"Any friend of Keiku-chan is a friend of mine." "Thank you Otohime-sama," Suki says smiling to her,"So what brings you here." "We are out on a date," Mutsumi says much to Keiku's sudden dread. Keiku waits for Suki to say something knowing what is coming.

"So who brought who," Suki asks causing Keiku to stare blankly at her. "Keiku-chan brought me to have a nice walk through this lovely park," Mutsumi says gently nudging her out of her daze. "Yeah that sound like her," Suki says shaking her head,"She was always the romantic dreamer back in high school." "Really I didn't know. Would you like to sit and talk with us," Mutsumi asks moving Keiku to sit back down on the bench. "Sure," Suki says taking a seat,"It has been along time. So what do you want to know?" Keiku suddenly felt a chill run down her spine. Some how this quiet first date was getting way out of hand. And Keiku had the feeling that it was only the beginning.

End chapter nine.

AN: And that was chapter nine with all it's glory. But seriously I was nervous about having Keiku and Mutsumi get together at first. I was always thinking in the back of my mind 'Did I push it too soon' or something like that. All in all though I have to say that I like this chapter for what it's worth. Some major things happened and I was worried they might not go over so well.

As always please review or comment and tell me what you think.

Till the time in next we meet. (^^)