Repercussions Chapter 15, a love hina fanfic

Chapter 15, at long last.

It's been an eventful few weeks, and I apologise to those who have been waiting for this chapter. I hope the next post will be nearer the usual two or three weeks rather than two or three months...

Anyway, to other comments. I got a bit of criticism for the last few chapters – mostly agreeing with my own concerns. I plan to review the whole piece once it's done, and make amendments. But some of the comments about slipping into cliché were spot on, and I have made a few adjustments to the last chapter as a result. Thanks to those who informed me with constructive criticism. And also thanks to those who have PM'd me in the last few weeks with messages of support. They're all deeply appreciated.

Ramblings over.

Repercussions – Chapter 15

"I'm home!" Naru called quietly as she edged through the door, mindful that it was still early and a Saturday. When her tentative greeting went unanswered the honey-haired girl slipped the rest of the way through the entrance and set her bag down on the varnished floorboards before using her one functional hand to carefully shut the door.

Turning back to view the sight before her, Naru could almost have believed that she had only been absent for a few minutes. The same view as always, this morning illuminated by weak winter sunlight spilling in through windows positioned either side of the front door. Letting her eyes sweep across the familiar sight, the young lady almost missed a misshapen off-white lump resting upon one of the careworn sofas sat in the middle of the lounge. Peering inquisitively at the odd bundle through her trademark bottle-bottomed glasses, Naru almost jumped when it shifted of its own volition, accompanied by a vocal outburst, something along the lines of 'grompoff hurbivurrrrrrn'. The girl mulled over this profound statement whilst removing her scarlet coat and hanging it alongside its usual companions, subconsciously feeling it was back where it belonged.

Stopping to regard the heap on the sofa again, the Tokyo University student detected the sound of purposeful movement in the kitchen. Presumably Shinobu hard at work as usual. Making her own meals for once had reminded Naru just how under-appreciated the younger girl was at the Hinata-sou. Making a mental resolution to thank her at some point, Naru carefully approached the…..thing. From close-up it appeared to be a large pile of fabric, one that had either evolved into a sentient being or contained one. Deciding curiosity was killing her, the young lady poked at the blankets with a careful finger; one that made contact with something (or more likely someone) firm and warm in its depths. Judging by the way the cloth creature shifted and grunted, her ministrations were not going unnoticed. Giving into temptation, Naru smiled in amusement and gave the 'thing' several firm prods, each time her digit encountering a warm and soft landing. By the sixth a long grunt and a sleepy yawn informed her that the monster had awoken, whatever the 'monster' may be.

"Ahh cut it out Su-chan, I told you not to touch me there….." Bushy brown bed hair appeared from the far end of the sofa, followed by sleepy mahogany eyes. "Do it again and the others will kill me……" A hand emerged and rubbed the eyes vigorously, before they opened to their full extent.

And widened as they took in the face before them.

Naru went bright red as she realised who was actually buried in the blankets, and then dark red as she realised that she'd been prodding the aforementioned person somewhere undefined but probably off-limits. When Keitaro emitted what could only be described as an 'eeep' and buried himself once again, the fair-skinned girl didn't know whether to be angry, upset or embarrassed. Deciding that angry was definitely not the way to go so soon after her self-imposed exile, she settled on somewhere between the other two.

"Not pleased to see me, Keitaro-kun?" She said quietly, sounding and feeling slightly hurt. Yes, things hadn't finished on the right foot, but things weren't that bad were they?

"Uhhh, of course I am Naru-san." Came the muffled reply. "I'm just a bit of a mess this morning. You know, bed hair, bad breath and everything. I'd rather freshen up first if that's okay by you." The shrouded man added, with a hint of a nervous chuckle. Naru, still crouched by the side of the sofa, blinked curiously for a few seconds before her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"Come off it Keitaro-kun. How long have we lived here together?" After tucking a few stray honey hairs behind her ears the girl grasped the topmost blanket and tugged it onto the floor at her side, old suspicions beginning to resurface unbidden. "Now come out and say hello properly. I'm not going to have a conversation with a heap of linen."

"Really Naru-san, it's not a bother. Just give me ten minutes….." Keitaro quickly realised ten minutes wasn't going to be given as the pile of blankets suddenly got a lot lighter. "Honestly, I'm not even dressed yet! Let me put some clothes on at least!"

"Get real. You'd never sleep in the living room starkers, when anyone could walk in on you. You've got at least that much sense." Naru replied, unaware of her rising voice. As the pair struggled with the last remaining sheet the noise from the kitchen stopped, its occupant realising not everything was as it should be in the room next door.

"Honestly, you've got to let me get ready! You don't want to see me like this….."

"Like what?" Naru growled, taking a firm hold of sheet and bracing herself. "What are you hiding, Keitaro-kun?!" Feeling the fabric sliding through his fingers, the Kanrinin yelped in surprise.

"Naru-san!"

In the following moment, several things took place almost simultaneously.

The blanket detached from Keitaro's grasp, revealing his face and torso.

Naru gasped, hands flying to her slack-jawed mouth.

And from the kitchen came the sound of a plate smashing.

"Wha?" The honey-haired girl barely had time for shock to register before the kitchen door flew off its hinges, admitting a Shinobu that Naru didn't know existed. One that stood as if seven feet tall, with supernovae blazing furiously in each eye.

"Naru!" The teenage girl almost literally flew across the room, face a picture of intent. Intent that would have come to fruition had she not been intercepted by Keitaro with her open palm only inches from her target.

"Shinobu, stop." Naru watched with frank astonishment as the Kanrinin visibly struggled with the usually placid violet-eyed home-maker, who showed no signs of relenting.

"Let me go!" Her soprano voice shrieked, venom lacing every syllable. "She deserves it! You can't tell me she doesn't!"

"Maybe she does." Keitaro said, before dropping his voice to a level that only Shinobu could hear. Naru half-watched as the Kanrinin mollified the furious violet-eyed girl while her mind analysed the sight she had just witnessed. What on earth had happened? As far as she could remember, the only blemishes the Kanrinin had ever worn were the ones he had earned from whatever 'perversion' he had performed that day. All those marks and scars…….they didn't belong to the face she was familiar with, the one she had come so close to on the night of her departure. So what had happened in the interim?

And on top of that, why did Shinobu show every intention of removing her head from her shoulders?

"Okay?" Coming back to reality, Naru saw the mousy-haired man place gentle hands on the tiny shoulders belonging to the normally meek girl, drawing her eyes to his. After a few moments he was rewarded with a nod, albeit one steeped in reluctance.

"Whatever you want, Kei." She replied quietly, taking a half-pace back. As Naru registered the lack of formality, something inside her twitched – she was unsure exactly what emotion was behind it, but knew for certain that it left a bitter after-taste in her mouth. Her displeasure must have been visible, as Shinobu gave her what could only be called a smile in the loosest sense. "Something the matter. Naru-san?"

"What on earth has been going on?!" Naru blurted, confusion beginning to nurture her ever volatile temper. The violet-haired chef seemed intent to reply until Keitaro held up a silent hand, one that Shinobu obeyed.

"That's a long story, Naru-san." He began, reluctance obvious in his speech. "One that, uh, I'd rather not go into now….." Naru growled in annoyance, flicking another loose strand of hair behind her left ear.

"Cut to the chase, Keitaro-kun." Unconsciously the girl's posture grew aggressive, back straightening to its full height, the fingers of her left hand beginning to curl towards her palm. Equally unconsciously, the man she seemed to loom over began falling into a defensive crouch, empty hands making placating gestures.

"Honestly Naru-san, it's nothing that can't wait….." Keitaro semi-pleaded, old reflexes making an unwelcome appearance.

"I'm not interested in waiting. I want to know." The scene may have played out like many others in the past – climaxing in either total capitulation or a not-so-minor explosion, had there not been an audience.

The audience in question being a not quite five foot tall girl with deep violet eyes. Eyes which took in the scene before her and widened momentarily as a hundred bad memories echoed in her head, each one more disturbing and soul-shaking than the last. Raised voices. Threatening gestures. Intent clear as crystal written on faces that displayed no remorse, only a dreadful certainty. As Naru let her demons take over and Keitaro quailed in anticipation, Shinobu couldn't help but see familiarity in every detail of the confrontation before her. For just the tiniest fraction of a second the girl felt a deep desire to run and hide.

But she had made a promise. A promise to her 'sempai', to stand at his side and protect him, no matter what. A desire amplified by the sight of his scarred visage, and then magnified beyond measure by reawakened memories. And this time there was no-one to hold her back.

Naru certainly didn't see her coming.

As the ringing of a thunderous slap resonated through the room the university student looked up in wild-eyed shock from the floor, plaster-clad hand coming up to touch her now scarlet cheek.

"Falling into old habits Naru-san?" Blinking blurriness out of her vision the girl focussed on someone completely unrecognisable. A diminutive figure that towered, a meek face that glowered. A month ago Naru would have declared it impossible, but now……Shinobu was scary. Terrifying even.

"Wh-what do you mean?" She stuttered, feeling the urge to back away.

"Hah, don't be stupid. The usual Naru Narusegawa-san stand-by. If you don't get your way, shout louder. If you still don't, hit something until you do." Shinobu stabbed a rigid finger towards Keitaro, who was still in his traditional 'please don't kill me position' and blinking stupidly as he tried to work out how he remained both in the room and conscious. "Are you going to pretend you weren't going to hit him?" Naru huffed indignantly, trying to regain some composure.

"Of course I wasn't going to! That's all behind me now."

"Right. So the fact you were clenching your fist and trying to shout him down was 'The New You' was it?" Quotation marks almost visibly appeared around Shinobu's term, which was delivered soaked in sarcasm and garnished liberally with disbelief.

"Uh…..All I wanted to know was how he got all those marks. I mean, they weren't there when I left." Naru's eyes narrowed slightly, still unable to stop herself jumping to conclusions. "If he's been doing something perverted..…" If someone had held a straw poll on the worst possible thing to say, the sentence Naru uttered would have won by one hundred percent.

Any self-control Shinobu had retained evaporated as raindrops falling upon the sun.

"Fine. You want to know, then I'll tell you." Shinobu leaned down until she was barely inches from Naru, forcing the normally taller girl to look up into her furious face. "You see, Kei has been deceiving you. He's been deceiving all of us. Those scars aren't new, they've been there ages. He just hasn't let us see them." Naru stared blankly at the fuming girl, puzzled.

"Wha? How? I think I'd have noticed……" In response violet eyes narrowed, their owner's voice dropping to a growl.

"Trust me, I wish I had. Then all this nonsense would have stopped a long, long time ago. But how he did it isn't important." Shinobu ignored the frantic 'shushing' gestures that the Kanrinin was making over Naru's shoulder, despair from bearing witness far too many times forcing the words from her in a rush. "What does matter is that he has them. And they were given to him by people living here." In Naru's honey eyes the faintest light of realisation began to dawn, rapidly followed by denial.

"No. I would have seen them, it's too obvious. I couldn't have done that……"

The reply was a dry scoff as the young lady before her gestured at the plaster-clad hand tucked protectively against Naru's stomach.

"Call yourself a Tokyo University student? Surely you can do the math….." Slowly, Naru raised the offending limb before her and studied it in bemusement, blinking slowly. Shinobu watched in satisfaction as her adversary's pupils began to dilate in shock, jaw dropping open barely a centimetre. "Yes. If you can break your own bones, why can't you break his?"

The tiny gasp which escaped Naru's open mouth was enough. It was the sound of the soul receiving a concussive blow. Feeling the air being drawn from her lungs the bespectacled girl turned horrified eyes on Keitaro, who stood awkwardly to one side.

"Please, Kei-san. Tell me it's not true, please….." The strangled plea wrenched at its target as he regarded Naru with a blend of sadness and disappointment. Eventually, the beseeching honey gaze proved too much for the man to bear.

"……" The pit which had formed in Naru's stomach swelled into a yawning chasm as Keitaro slowly but deliberately turned his head away, revealing yet another ugly line tracing his jaw.

"No……I can't believe it, I won't……" Although barely a whisper the words resonated throughout the silent room. As they faded the sound of footsteps from the stairs cut through the silence, and drew three pairs of eyes to the figure descending them, dressed in a plain white robe.

"Good morning." Motoko stated simply, brushing raven hair over her shoulder as olive eyes settled on the hunched figure in the centre of the living room. "Naru-san."

"Please. Tell me it's not true, Motoko-san……" The last vestiges of hope Naru clung to were swept away as cherry blossoms on the breeze when the elegant lady shook her head slowly.

"To do so would be a lie." She stated simply, tone gentle.

For several long seconds the only sound was that of rapid, frantic breathing.

Suddenly Naru bolted upright, pale cheeks taking on a green hue, before sprinting for the staircase which she ascended two steps at a time. Rapid footfalls grew quieter as she disappeared down the corridor, before the sound of a door slamming shut heralded the return of peace to the Hinata-sou.

The three remaining figures stared at the recently vacated spot in silence.

"Well. Naru-san took the news about as well as I could have anticipated." Motoko murmured, brushing sleep from her recently woken eyes. "Although I feel that the timing was possibly left a little to be desired."

"Well, it wasn't as if there was much of a choice. You could say she caught me by surprise." Keitaro sighed, turning mahogany eyes onto the second youngest resident of the Hinata-sou. "But I think we could have handled the breaking of the news better." Shinobu bristled at the apparent slight.

"Kei, you wouldn't have told her at all!" She snapped in agitation, fingers gripping the white apron sat atop her everyday clothes.

"That would have been my choice…."

"No, not any more. Not since the rest of us got involved. Don't you realise what it would have done to everyone, the next time she lost her temper? What it would have done to me?" The diminutive girl's eyes brimmed with furious tears, bottom lip quivering. "I promised I wouldn't let it go on any more. Maybe I could've done it better, but I couldn't stand it if she hit you again. I just couldn't……stand it……" The last word emerged as nothing but a squeak before Shinobu sank back onto the sofa, face in hands. Motoko placed a careful palm on her shaking shoulders, shooting Keitaro a significant look. In reply he sighed and nodded, guilt taking a firm hold as he sat beside the quivering girl and cautiously extended an arm. The concern eased when she leaned into his embrace, allowing him to securely wrap his arm around her slight waist.

"Shinobu, I'm…..sorry. You're right; there was nothing to be gained by pretending. You shouldn't have had to step in. I'm a coward, nothing more, nothing less." The shame in his voice rang true in every syllable, something that Shinobu couldn't help but respond to.

"That's not true! You're just…..scared. And I can't blame you." Sniffling slightly, the girl raised her violet-haired head and gave Keitaro a tiny, watery smile. For several moments the group sat in contemplative silence, until Motoko spoke up.

"I suppose it is a good thing that Naru has gone to the bathroom." She commented idly, olive eyes gazing up the empty staircase.

"Why's that Motoko?" Keitaro replied, bare arm still wrapped around Shinobu's torso.

"Because if she tries to go back to her room, she might be in for a surprise." The other two puzzled over her statement briefly before Keitaro drew the correct conclusion.

"Oh yeah, her room's not empty any more is it?" Motoko nodded; raven hair rippling with the movement.

"I believe it would be a good idea if I intercepted Naru before she discovers the change in living arrangements. I daresay finding Sara asleep in her bed might not improve her mood." Getting up gracefully the ex-swordsmistress glided in an almost ethereal manner to the stairs, long white gown almost brushing the floor beneath her feet. "I will take her to my room. For the next few hours, company will not be appreciated."

"Don't worry, you won't be disturbed." Replied the Kanrinin, nodding his head.

"Thank you, Keitaro. So, if you will excuse me……" As Motoko left the room the pair still seated drifted into their thoughts in silence, sharing a common theme.

As if things could get any more complicated……

It was only when Shinobu realised the arm binding her warmly was shaking slightly that another sound was made. "Kei, are you okay?" The man in question turned to face her, teeth chattering.

"S-sorry Shinobu, but I'm f-f-freezing!" Shinobu couldn't help but giggle.

"Then all we have to do is this." Grasping one of the numerous blankets still scattered around the sofa the girl pulled it up onto her lap, before draping the grey-white fabric around herself and her seated companion. Bathing in the warmth Shinobu instinctively snuggled into Keitaro's side, feeling more comfortable than she could remember. For once she harboured no dreams of what could have been, only the pleasure of being with her 'Sempai'. The apron-clad chef barely noticed when Keitaro breathed her name barely millimetres from her ear.

"Shinobu?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks." The mouth of the violet-ette slid into a broad smile, one of utter contentment.

"Any time."

Breakfast on a Saturday was normally a late and somewhat sluggish affair, quite often going on for an hour as people came and went at varying times and paces.

On this occasion it was later than ever, although anything but sluggish.

That breakfast would be delayed became apparent when Mutsumi once again found two figures sleeping on a settee, wrapped securely in a blanket. After slightly bashful awakenings Keitaro had hurried off to the laundry room to change while the two young ladies set to work in the kitchen. As Shinobu tried to explain how one of the plates came to be in seventy-four pieces, a yawning and pyjama-clad Sara stumbled into the room requesting an urgent cup of coffee and an adjustment to the central heating.

When Su came bouncing down the stairs wielding a spanner, a lighter and a worrying grin, Sara's stated desire for her room to be 'a bit bloody warmer' was rapidly rescinded.

Unsurprisingly Mitsune, Seta and Haruka didn't appear.

Once Keitaro had arrived dressed in a slightly crumpled deep red shirt and a pair of well-worn slacks, the food was on the table and those present had set about demolishing it.

Then Naru had appeared at the top of the stairs.

Despite seeing it written in prose a hundred times or more, the girl had never believed that silence could truly be deafening.

Wrong.

Looking down at the faces gathered around the table, Naru fiddled with her golden locks nervously whilst examining the reactions. It was instantly obvious they all knew what she now did, given the frank astonishment that greeted her appearance.

Sara just let her jaw hang open, crystal blue eyes bugging quite some distance from their sockets.

Su peered up with blatant curiosity, tan face not a classic picture of delight but not cautious or hostile either.

Mutsumi on the other hand…..didn't smile. In fact, after her expressive brown eyes widened at the unexpected arrival, there was barely a reaction at all from the Okinawan. After several seconds of ocular stand-off the buxom lady dipped her gaze to her plate, neatly folding her hands across her lap.

Naru didn't think she'd ever seen something quite so unnerving.

"Hey, Naru-san!" Sara cheered, being the first to recover. "Didn't hear ya come in. Come on down, have some breakfast." The girl dressed in sky blue pyjamas grinned broadly, ignoring Shinobu's blatant annoyance at her apparently short memory.

"Come, Naru-san. You agreed that this was good a time as any." Motoko intoned, sweeping her typically regal way down the stairway. For several long seconds the girl stood at the top of the stairs, her fingers working anxiously at the hem of her mustard yellow sweater, all the while trying to decide why on earth this ever seemed to be a good idea.

Eventually she descended the stairs, although fighting gravity all the way.

"Here, have a seat!" Sara said, gesturing to the spot between herself and Su. Glancing at the little Molmolian, Naru's heart was lifted slightly as the princess gave her a tiny smile and a nod, normal frivolous persona absent.

"Yes, go on Naru-san." Keitaro agreed quietly, becoming puzzled when his one-time girlfriend remained standing. "Is there something wrong?"

"Well, that is, I….." Naru bit her lower lip anxiously, hands clenching one another so tightly her fingertips were numb. For several long moments the young lady stood stiffly opposite Keitaro, body completely rigid and shoulders tense as bowstrings, while an internal battle played itself out across her face. Eventually some sort of conclusion was reached, and she drew in a deep, deep breath.

And bowed. Bowed until she sank to her knees and her forehead touched the floor, and she could smell the dust gathered in the tiny cracks between the floorboards.

"I want to say I'm sorry, and apologise for the things I've done." The girl eased her head up until she could see the astonished face of the man before her, wincing once again at the sight of numerous scars and flaws. "I didn't know the harm I was causing, but that doesn't make me any less guilty. I wouldn't blame you if you asked me to leave, or never wanted to see my face again." Naru slowly dropped to her previous position of deference, long straight hair pooling on the floor around her. "So, all I can say is I'm sorry. I apologise to you all." Naru held the pose, waiting as Motoko had advised her for a response.

She didn't have to wait long.

"Naru-san, please get up." Keitaro said quickly, not wanting to see the girl lose any more dignity than she already had. Easing back onto her haunches Naru gazed levelly at the man before her, awaiting judgement. For several long seconds those gathered stared at her in amazement while the girl herself frantically tried to ignore the attention.

Eventually, the bespectacled Kanrinin cleared his throat.

"Naru-san, I…..look. I can't hold anything against anyone, it's just not who I am. And I'd be lying if I pretended that I was still mad." Naru felt her heart lift like a soaring skylark at the positive response, growing light-headed with delight. Seemingly ignorant of the affect his acceptance was having, Keitaro continued. "But I can't speak for the others, so….." He cast a look at the rest of the table's occupants, as if asking for their approval.

"Cool by me." Sara cheered, Su grinning beside her. "The more the merrier, but I'm not giving up my new room without a fight!" Relieved that at least two of the residents were on her side, Naru turned her attention to Shinobu fully expecting a more hostile reception. She wasn't disappointed.

"If Kei says it's okay by him, then I'm not going to go against it." The violet haired girl leaned forwards, fingers gripping the table top tightly as she stared deep into the kneeling woman's eyes. "But if you lay one finger on him, on any of us……You'll be behind bars before you can say 'pervert'." Gently the slight girl sank back into her seat, attracting wide-eyed looks from Su and Sara. Naru nodded, flinching involuntarily as Shinobu still regarded her with a mixture of anger and distaste.

"Shinobu-san, if something like that happens again, you won't have to call anyone. I'll give myself in willingly. I really wish I'd known this before now……" The sweater clad girl swallowed with visible effort, words thickly spoken. "Anyway, I've got to go and speak to Haruka. I hear she's got a few things to say to me as well." Easing up from the floor, Naru was about to take her leave when a voice halted her.

"Why don't you have breakfast first?"

"Uh….." At the offer Naru was sure she looked utterly gobsmacked, and she wasn't the only one. Shinobu glowered slightly, while Mutsumi shot Keitaro an incredulous glance but remained silent.

"Naru-san, if you wish to join us I would personally welcome your company." Motoko stated, to a backdrop of approval from Su and Sara. "I believe that bygones should be just that. You have made your apology and it has been accepted, to punish further would be churlish of us." Silently thanking the white-gowned woman, Naru turned her attention to the others at the table. Specifically the violet-haired teen who sat to Keitaro's left. The girl maintained her angry countenance for several seconds before it softened, almost imperceptibly, at the obvious remorse upon the honey-eyed face before her.

"Naru-san, it'll take me forever to trust you again. But if Kei wants me to try, might as well start now." She acceded, grudgingly.

"Thank you, Shinobu-san." As she made to sit down at the vacant spot between Su and Motoko a chair scraped backwards and Mutsumi stood, wiping her mouth with a tissue.

"Ara, I'm full. Time to go and get some bookwork done." The Okinawan brushed her long mahogany hair back over her shoulders, eyes carefully looking at nobody. Without awaiting acknowledgement she made her way from the room.

"See you later, Mutsumi-san." Motoko called after the leaving figure, before returning her attention to those at the table. "So, any plans for today, Keitaro?"

"Hmmmm?" The aforementioned man gazed blankly at the stairwell, seemingly oblivious until Sara reached over and snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Oh, uhm. Well, not really. I thought I'd pop to my room and see how Mitsune is doing….."

"Mitsune? In your room?" Naru, who had recently taken the offered seat, realised that her voice was a little too loud a little too late. The two very different warning glances she received from Motoko and Shinobu (demonstrating that a whisper and a scream can both carry the same message) suggested as such.

"Yeah. Long story." Muttered the scruffy-haired Kanrinin, clearly indicating it was a story he didn't have time to share.

"Let us just say that Mitsune-san has encountered several demons that she requires to conquer." Motoko placated, taking a sip from her tea. "We merely wish to give her the space required in order to do so."

"You mean we've abandoned her……" The svelte woman turned her gaze onto Keitaro, mild disapproval glimmering in her expression.

"Keitaro, Mitsune chose to follow the path she did without our intervention. It is for her to follow it to conclusion, whatever that may be." Strangling a wince at the cool tone, the Kanrinin bit back.

"You needed help to see the truth. Don't you think Mitsune deserves the same?" A deafening silence hung over the table for several seconds, before Naru cleared her throat.

"What are you talking about? And how did Mitsune end up camping in Keitaro's room anyway?"

"Let us just say that Mitsune decided that the answers to her questions were hidden in the bottom of a sake bottle. As for her residency in our Kanrinin's room, well, I think he is the best positioned to answer that question." Motoko replied calmly, although with an underlying edge. It seemed the swordswoman wasn't taking the ad-hoc arrangements well.

"Motoko….." A tone of caution emerged from the mahogany-eyed man's larynx, one the acknowledged by the ex-swordsmistress' silence. "The reasons Mitsune has for being in my room are not ones to go into right now. I'm going to see her and make sure she's okay, something I should've done already." Keitaro finished, expression unusually firm.

"…..Fine. It's the best I'll get." Naru huffed gently, sensing that now was not the time to push any issues.

"Hey y'all!" For the second time in ten minutes, all attention turned to the stairway. Or, more specifically to a familiar figure at its summit. "What, no hello? Ah, no matter, let me come an' join ya!" A thin, grey-haired figure descended the stairs, occasionally stumbling into the banister.

"Mitsune-san?!" Keitaro squeaked (quite literally) as the girl in question took the vacant seat at his side and proceeded to glomp him.

"The one an' only, sugar. So, whass a girl gotta do ta get a meal 'round here?" Mitsune grasped a free pair of chopsticks in slightly trembling fingers as Shinobu prepared a bowl of rice from the remnants of breakfast.

"Hey Kitsune-chan, long-time no see!" Sara's resonant voice echoed around the table as the recipient of her welcome scoffed a hurriedly assembled bowl of food.

"Ta, Sara-chan. Yer lookin' more ladylike than ever, you checked your bust recently?" While the blonde American seemed quite happy with the assessment, others around the table began to wonder if the fox's house had all its lights on.

"Mitsune-san, are you okay?"

"I'm fine ta, Kei-kun. But man, am I starvin'!" The slightly slurred way Mitsune deflected Keitaro's question along with the fact more rice was showering the table than entering the girl's mouth suggested that she wasn't quite up to par just yet. As a whiff of sake along with something acrid and unpleasant drifted across the table Motoko's nose twitched before she stood with an expression of distaste.

"I'm afraid I've just lost my appetite. Please excuse me ladies, Keitaro."

"Motoko, mind if I catch up with you in a minute?" Olive eyes met chocolate-brown, before she acceded with a simple nod.

"I shall be in my room, Keitaro. Join me when you wish." Naru took a sip of tea as Motoko left, trying to hide her astonishment. Keitaro being invited into the bedroom of her one-time comrade in arms? This sudden paradigm shift was going to take some getting used to. Mulling over how the world could change so much in such a short time, the honey-haired student almost missed the next question.

"Mitsune-san, have you been drinking again?" The fox scoffed the last of the rice and let out a satisfied if unladylike belch before replying.

"Nah, not since last night, or maybe this mornin'. Not sure really." Handing her bowl back to Shinobu with a request for more, Mitsune seemed to notice for the first time the returning face at the table

"Hi Kitsune." The girl recovered quickly, even whilst intoxicated. But there was enough of a flicker there, as the grey fox noticed her presence, to suggest that not everything was going to go smoothly.

"Hiya Naru. How's it goin'? Folks pleased to see ya?" The drawl was back – slightly drawlier than usual, and Naru responded with a smile.

"Yeah, nice to catch up once in a while. Managed to sort a few things out too."

"Nice to have ya back." As Mitsune returned her attention to filling the seemingly endless void of her stomach, Naru ran a hand through her honey locks while eyeing her friend. The conversation she had shared with Keitaro over the phone was running through her head incessantly, in particular the fact that Mitsune had, apparently, tried to get very up close and personal with the Kanrinin. Although she didn't obviously hang off the man like a cheap suit, Naru couldn't help but analyse the girl's behaviour as she chatted aimlessly with those left at the table. The way that her trembling hands seemed to search out Keitaro's on a regular basis as the conversation moved back and forth, the obvious hunger in her face that had nothing to do with a lack of regular meals…..whether imagined or not, it seemed to the university student her long-time friend was keen for a little attention.

There was also the fact that, despite the seemingly aimless banter and the fact the girl was clearly still hammered, barely a word or a look came her way. Naru may have expected it from Shinobu, but to be almost blanked by Mitsune was very odd. As the fox swept grey bangs out of her eyes and started talking with Sara about her favourite hair care product, a misplaced memory came back to Naru.

"…..That's how I feel every damn night. That's how bein' alone feels. Like part of you is broken, and someone just keeps on squeezin' it. Tighter and tighter……"

The anonymous voice suddenly became familiar. Now she had a face to match it.

The questions she needed answered now were when, and most of all, why?

Inside the room, all was silent. Mutsumi sat legs akimbo on her bed, deep brown mop spilling idly over her shoulders and down her back, lips which normally wore a smile weighed down at each corner. Anyone who knew the effervescent if fragile lady would have struggled to recognise the abject figure, moist eyes staring aimlessly at a point about six inches above her wardrobe. Listless fingers picked at the corner of a workbook, which lay unused and forgotten before her.

All in all, the girl was the living definition of the word 'morose'.

It wasn't fair. She had seen Keitaro's reaction when Naru walked back into his life, and it was the one she'd dreaded.

Acceptance.

Despite a touch of lingering guilt, Mutsumi had hoped that the break-up which had taken place only weeks ago was permanent. That it would take time for the pair to even speak to one another again. Then add in the whole Shinobu affair, plus Mitsune putting herself in everyone's bad graces……

The Okinawan had allowed herself to believe she had a chance of getting what (or more precisely who) she had always wanted. For Naru to simply stroll back in and take a seat at the table, even with a heartfelt apology, was galling to say the least. Or, to be brutally honest, it was utterly soul-destroying. Certainly, there were no guarantees that things would go back to how they were. But the one thing that had held the carefree young lady back in the past was that, deep down, she knew that it was Naru Keitaro really wanted. If the same feelings persisted now, well…..

She had had her chance. For some time the field was open, and no-one had a claim on anyone. But she'd been the same old Mutsumi, and given way with good grace, allowed events to proceed without pushing. And now, it seemed, her window of opportunity had slammed shut. Once again, she'd been the same old Mutsumi, and given way with the best grace she could muster.

Lord, how she hated being 'the same old Mutsumi.'

Abandoning hope of even pretending to work the buxom girl flopped face-down onto her aquamarine bedspread, burying her face into the soft linen. It wasn't the fact that she'd been passive to the point of stupidity, and possibly missed her opportunity that hurt most. It was the fact that she would now stand back and watch events unfold. With a smile.

The blankets rumpled as fingers clenched it tightly, the figure lain upon them wondering how much more of 'the same old Mutsumi' she could take.

Motoko perched easily in a meditative position, allowing her heightened senses to explore her surroundings. While she considered the way of the sword to be a part of her past, the one-time ronin still believed in maintaining the mind, body and soul in balance. Hence her silent consideration, using both personal observation and the general atmosphere of the house, to judge the repercussions of the last twenty-four hours.

The only firm conclusion Motoko could come to was uncertainty. Although Naru had received an ambivalent response, it was likely she would be accepted back into the fold and become a part of the family again soon enough. Meanwhile Shinobu had re-affirmed herself as a pillar of support for the Kanrinin, whilst Mutsumi's response had been oddly withdrawn. Even Mitsune had resurfaced, although what affect this would have Motoko was unsure. One thing she was certain of; until Naru and Keitaro defined the nature of their relationship, the future was hazy as Tokyo in the dawn mist.

The white-gowned lady had even given thought to how the two possible outcomes would impact on her. Her newfound self-honesty had allowed her to admit she cared deeply for her Kanrinin, even to the point of using the dreaded 'L' word. The idea of the seemingly ill-fated pair starting afresh didn't sit easily with her, but Motoko couldn't say for certain if it was because of jealousy or purely concern for their wellbeing.

Truthfully, in the depths of her soul, the lady believed that after all she had put Keitaro through Naru didn't deserve the man's love and devotion.

In the very darkest corner of the depths of her soul, Motoko wondered if she deserved it either…..

The rapping of knuckles on wood disturbed the martial artist's meditative trance, and she returned her attention to the world around her and the conversation she had been anticipating since breakfast.

"Come in, Keitaro. The door is open." A brief pause preceded the entrance of the aforementioned man, who bowed from the doorway.

"Thank you Motoko." Keitaro hurriedly slid the door shut behind him and fixed his line of sight on the floor two foot in front of Motoko, anxiety obivous as the few drops of sweat lining his brow. The girl gave a shake of her raven head, feeling a tiny twinge of familiar guilt.

"Urash- Keitaro, please don't tell me you're still dithering about being in a private place with a lady. I had hoped after our numerous revision sessions you had moved beyond that by now." The response was a sheepish grin, complete with hand scratching the back of the head.

"Sorry, Motoko. Old habits really do die hard, don't they? Besides, it's a little different when it's someone else's room." Taking a seat on the floor the Kanrinin fixed his gaze on the figure before him, not accustomed to being in Motoko's room with freedom to scrutinise.

"How so?" The girl asked, curious.

"Well if I'm here on business, which I usually am, the plan is do the work and get out quick." Keitaro scratched his jaw unconsciously, fingers coming away with the conclusion that a shave wouldn't go amiss. "You know what normally happens if I'm somewhere I shouldn't be, or at least not expected. Plus, it's just not safe to look around a girl's room."

"Not safe?" Motoko gestured to the room as a whole, tone genial. "I've invited you in here, I'd be a fool to not expect you to explore your surroundings."

"Yeah, well I'm not denying you're right." The man relaxed, allowing his dark eyes to roam around and take in the sights given his host's permission. "But Naru might disagree with you. Heck, you'd disagree with you twelve months ago."

Motoko couldn't help but silently admit he was right.

"It's not seeing the room that's the problem, as such." Keitaro continued, content he was safe to continue his visual survey of the primarily white and teak room. As expected of the one-time swordswoman, simplicity and functionality were watchwords (excepting the suit of armour perched sentinel-like against a side wall). "It's what might be on show in the room. You'd be amazed the things that people forget to put away, like that lace lingerie over there…..." The monologue trailed off as Keitaro licked suddenly dry lips, a sense of all-encompassing doom breaking over him like the surf. Slowly, mechanically, he turned his head back to Motoko while trying with all his might to stop the hot blush spreading across his face.

"Yes. That is indeed a good example." Came the reply, from someone who had left the aforementioned garment out for the very purpose of judging the reaction it got. Given the heat radiating from Keitaro's cheeks and the tiny trickle of blood from his left nostril, it was a favourable one.

"Ah! I'm so-"

"If you're about to express your apologies for spying something in plain view, then cease before you begin." Motoko interrupted, stern as she could appear while controlling the mirth bubbling beneath the surface. To see the outcome was incredibly gratifying for the young woman. After comparing herself initially to her sister, then later to Naru and Mitsune, the martial artist had never been particularly confident about her appearance - not that it had mattered while her 'pervert' trigger had been active. But now, to receive an obviously positive response to something comparatively minor, it made something deep inside her glow. She was unsure exactly what, and not exactly keen to go digging in order to find out, but it was pleasant all the same.

Sweeping her ruler-straight ebony hair back behind her shoulders, the young lady couldn't help but chuckle quietly at the utterly lost expression on her visitor's face. The man looked like he'd been cornered in an alleyway by a gang of armed men, only to find they simply wanted to tell him his laces were undone. And was unsure whether bending over to tie them up would result in secure shoes or a lead pipe to the head. And quite possibly a fate worse than death. Eventually taking pity on Keitaro (with a little self-reminder that it was at least partly her fault he reacted this way) Motoko cleared her throat.

"So, Keitaro. I take it you did in fact come in here with intent to do something other than peruse my surroundings?" She asked politely, albeit with a single raised eyebrow.

"Uhh, yeah." The man in question tore his attention back onto Motoko, although his eyes couldn't help but stray periodically back to the puddle of black lace which tormented him from the periphery of vision. "Well, it's about Naru and all that stuff that went on downstairs. Why did you make her do it?"

"Make her do what?"

"All that apologising and bowing and stuff." Keitaro replied, gesturing animatedly with his empty hands. "There was no way Naru would let her forehead touch the floor, and they'll be gritting the seventh circle of hell by the time she does it in front of a table full of people."

"But she did." Motoko answered easily.

"I don't..."

"Keitaro, please think about this." The youngest Aoyama cut her manager off before the words could pass his lips. "Naru has made an apology she needed to make. And she has done so before the people who needed to see it - as Shinobu succinctly pointed out this morning, the two of you aren't the only ones involved. Also, she has performed an act of penance, which I feel is entirely apt given the amplitude of the crime." Seeing Keitaro still regarding her with an emotion as close to anger as he ever got, Motoko sighed gently and bowed her raven-crowned head. "You may not agree entirely with my methods, but from my point of view every angle had been covered. Naru would not have apologised quickly or easily of her own volition, which may have allowed her grief to become anger. She has also done so in a manner which will stay with her, and act as a reminder. In the same way my personal epiphany was neither easy nor painless, but became all the more profound as a consequence."

"Ah, well..." The bespectacled man found his annoyance seeping away at the sight of Motoko with her head bowed, obviously awaiting an outburst. In the end he could only puff out his cheeks in frustration. "Look, I don't like it. That doesn't mean you're not right of course. I'm just a little wary; not knowing how she'll react."

"After what has passed in the last month, especially the last few hours, I doubt seriously that you have to worry for your safety."

"I know, I know." Keitaro replied, still looking anxious. "It's just...I don't know. Seeing her like that, it was just so wrong somehow. She's always been above me, out of reach. Looks, grades, popularity...heck, for years my ceiling was her floor. Looking down on her made me uncomfortable. Maybe I still care about her too much to watch her lose her dignity. It's something that I always respected, something she had that I hadn't." The mousy-haired man slipped his glasses off and massaged his closed eyes with thumb and forefinger, obviously exhausted.

"Keitaro..." Motoko breathed, feeling a touch of anxiety blossoming in the pit of her stomach.

"Ah, enough about that. There's something else I wanted to ask." Replacing his black-rimmed spectacles, the man looked at the figure opposite him with renewed focus. "Why are you giving up the Shinmei-ryu?" The unexpected change of direction caught Motoko off-balance.

"What do you mean? I explained my reasoning yesterday." She said, eyes narrowing. Seeing her reaction Keitaro waved a conciliatory hand in apology.

"Sorry, that came out wrong. What I really mean is...there's no way the Motoko I know will give up her position in the school; if she does the line of the school ends. As Tsuruko has already announced her intention for you to take over, if you don't..." He trailed off, watching Motoko carefully while the young lady weighed up her options. In the end, she decided that there was nothing to be gained by staying silent before someone she trusted not to betray her confidence.

"Well observed, Keitaro. The answer is that whilst at present I am the only one who could possibly inherit the school, all being well, there will be another heir arriving soon." It didn't take Keitaro long to work it out. The tiny drop of the jaw signified as such.

"You mean Tsuruko's child, don't you?"

"Yes." Motoko answered, expression becoming troubled. "It is not a decision I arrived at lightly, or without regret. I was burdened with the future of the school from the moment of my birth, and find the prospect of doing the same to another abhorrent. To this moment I have not summoned the courage to make the decision once and for all. I never believed myself of the potential to take over Tsuruko's mantle, so to commit an unborn child to what is my fate...I do not know if I have the heartlessness to do so." Keitaro watched with a furrowed brow as Motoko rose from her kneeling position with the ease of a geisha, and strolled over to her balcony window.

"I wouldn't call it heartless. I doubt anyone did when they gave you the title." The scruffily dressed Kanrinin murmured quietly. For several seconds there was no reply, the elegant lady seemingly more interested in the blue sky outside than the conversation within the room. The eventual response was just as quiet, but intense.

"I imagine it was passed on as a blessing, not a curse. Am I truly so selfish?" Slim fingers reached out until they touched glass, the clear surface they landed upon misting as warmth and cold collided. Looking at the scant reflection of the man behind her Motoko sighed gently before closing her olive orbs, finishing in a dry whisper. "It seems what Oneesan once told me is true. Logic cannot triumph over what defies it, Keitaro..."

I know I'm probably going to be killed to bits following this chapter for a variety of reasons. But I'm kinda getting used to it by now...

Until next time.

Nodoka Miyazawa.