Repercussions Chapter 22, a love hina fanfic

Time for Chapter 23.

After a little one-shot on a completely different note, I think it's time to get back to business. This has been a long, long ride and I feel it's one that should be finished completely. There will be 2 chapters after this one, plus an epilogue in all likelihood. So, those who have been going for so long, take heart that the end is in sight!

As usual this chapter took longer than I expected, but I hope it was worth the wait.

On with the show.

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Repercussions – Chapter 22

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It had been only moments since dawn summoned him from the world of slumber, yet for once the sight of an unfamiliar room did not rouse the normal surge of dread in Keitaro it had in the past. To awaken and not take in the sight of a ceiling occupied by a sizeable hole (or more recently a patch of mismatched woodwork) had always been enough to bring the man out in the coldest of sweats. He had only recently become accustomed to staring at the lounge as day broke before the scenery had changed once again.

The current sight was a plain white ceiling, only garnished by a light hanging from it – a light clothed in a blue lampshade. The view drew a contented smile from Keitaro, one that only grew in size at the sound of a body shifting in close proximity. Allowing his mahogany eyes to slide to the right the feeling of contentment swelled the instant they took in the slumbering figure nearby, one that shifted once again before settling and going back to what she'd been doing.

Snoring quietly.

For some reason it amused Keitaro no end, all of the tongue-in-cheek byplay he'd heard passed between Seta and Haruka now making perfect sense.

Although he was thankful Mutsumi didn't snore loudly as Seta claimed his aunt did.

Staring at the slumbering figure (and probably wearing an exceptionally goofy smile on his face) the young man let his mind drift back over the night before. It hadn't begun well, to be truthful, although he saw through Mutsumi's guilt like a glass window. It was usually he who had the guilty conscience after all, and he could recognise the same sentiment easily enough.

What followed…..

What followed Keitaro would rather not remember, but it wasn't entirely unexpected that Naru would fly off the handle at some point. The ferocity was down to the circumstances, and honestly he could see why the girl would be glowing with rage. On the other hand, Mutsumi had surprised him. He'd never imagined the Okinawan would say, or do what she did - but in all honesty she had as much right as Naru to be furious, probably more. And in the end, he'd sided with his new girlfriend over the old. What that meant to Naru was anybody's guess, but if there was one thing Keitaro was certain of it was that he'd made the right choice.

And what that choice had led to……Oh my. Quite a lot of 'oh my' in fact. Less 'oh my' than one of the 'pervert' brigade would have accused him of performing, but more than enough to make a certain violet-eyed chef to come over all faint. Although given the rate Shinobu was progressing at……

Ahem. In any case, if the old 'pervert' brigade had been privy to the activities of the previous night, even they would have been forced to admit he had not been the main…..aggressor.

Mutsumi had barely waited for him to get enter the room before seizing him in a lip-lock, a hold no professional wrestler would have been able to break. Somehow she'd managed to throw him on the bed without even the briefest disengagement, and just as he'd overcome his shock enough to reciprocate, he became prey for Mutsumi Otohime's dexterous fingers.

Some of what followed……Oh my.

Grinning like the village idiot who had just ridden through market bareback on a pig, Keitaro returned his attention to his slumbering girlfriend, who had again rolled over in bed. Tucking a loose strand of chocolate hair away from her face, Keitaro understood perhaps more than ever before that life could be good.

Yes, it was nice to awaken to an unfamiliar view sometimes. Although it was one he hoped to become more familiar with over time.

"Aaaaahhhhhhh……" Watching Mutsumi's sleepy eyes flicker open, accompanied by an almighty yawn, Keitaro made a mental amendment. To be completely familiar with this view might make it mundane – and hence stop it being something special.

He never wanted that to happen.

"Ohhhhhh, I'm stiff this morning." The girl sleepily intoned, clearly not quite all at home yet. This became even clearer as she sat up and stretched skywards, pyjamas joining her arms in their ascent and allowing her bedfellow to observe an impressive expanse of silken-skinned stomach. Tilting her head back the girl yawned again, this time so widely that had Tama-chan been passing she would be in danger of ingestion. Evidently satisfied with her stretching, the girl allowed a hand to drop to her lap. Where, to the eyebrow-elevated amusement of Keitaro, they found something that needed vigorous scratching on the very inner portion of her inner thigh. After several swift swipes of her fingernails, Mutsumi yawned again and fell lazily back onto her pillow, closing her eyes again as she did so.

For several seconds the only sounds were the muted noises of morning seeping through the window.

Then, someone farted.

Loudly.

"Ahhhhh, much better." Sitting up again and rubbing sleep out of her mahogany orbs, Mutsumi seemed to finally clock onto a very important fact.

She was not alone.

"Ara….." Fixed grin on her mouth, the Okinawan almost mechanically turned her head to see a very red-faced Keitaro in bed next to her. "Ah, umm, good morning Kei-kun."

Once again, the sound of silence. One that was broken by an explosion of a different kind.

Watching Keitaro roll around in hernia-inducing laughter beside her, Mutsumi felt her cheeks colour the faintest tint of red. All the same, she took the embarrassment with typical good grace. "Ara, if it amuses you that much Kei-kun I'll start every morning that way."

"No, no….." Waving a placating hand and waiting for his breath to return, the man managed to regain his wits. "It's not necessary, really."

"Oh? Shame. I must say I recommend it wholeheartedly, it's a great way to set yourself up for the day."

Crickets chirped.

"I'll bear that in mind." Keitaro grinned, before stretching himself and tilting his head back in his own version of Mutsumi's enormous yawn. The shifting of blankets and the sound of rapid movement beside him suggested his bedfellow didn't feel like waiting to see if he followed her advice to the letter. Quirking an eyebrow at her the girl adopted an expression of perfect innocence in response, gesturing to the glass of water she held in her hand before swallowing several mouthfuls.

"Morning is a thirsty time of day, don't you think?" Taking the remaining water offered to him Keitaro drained the glass, handing the empty receptacle back to the girl who placed it back on her dresser.

"Can't say you're wrong." Sitting up with blue blankets pooled around his waist, the ex-ronin realised he was half-naked in a lady's room, and the aforementioned lady was now taking a seat beside him on the bed. He was also pleased to realise he didn't give two hoots if someone walked in on them.

Freedom was sweet.

"Um, Kei?" Mutsumi's face was tinged with rose, her hands busily scooping streams of dark hair into her trademark style. "You know…..last night?"

"Yes?"

"Well…..I just want to make sure I remember everything right." Even Mutsumi Otohime couldn't hold onto her typical insouciance, breaking out in a full-on blush. "Did we…." Pausing and glancing around, the girl leaned in and muttered something inaudible into Keitaro's ear. Who smiled.

"Yeah." He replied, chuckling.

"And *whisperwhisper* too?"

"Oh yes."

"But we didn't *whisper*"

"No."

"Or…..*whisperwhisper*"

"Not quite."

"But we did…..*whisper?*"

"Did we ever!" Keitaro chuckled, his own face now an odd shade of crimson.

"……Oh my."

"Oh my is right." The man concluded, eyes alight.

"Whew." Mutsumi breathed, allowing herself to enjoy her memories over again. After a few seconds the girl eased out a cautious hand, one that landed upon her boyfriend's knee. "Kei….I know we pulled up before the final fence, so to speak….." Pausing to puzzle over her choice of words, the girl shook her head before pushing on. "All the same, it was my first time for any of that…..stuff. And I just want to say I'm glad it was with you….."

For a long moment Keitaro studied her face, squinting eyes bereft of their glasses drinking in each detail, tracing her expression of bashful delight and sketching the portrait into his memory.

"Same here exactly, Mutsumi-chan." He answered truthfully. It was also apparently the correct answer given the enormous glomp he received, accompanied by a rash of butterfly kisses showered liberally over his face.

"Ara, ara." Rolling off her captured prize, the girl threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood. "Fun as this is, I think we'd better get going. It's too nice a day too be spending all of it in bed." Keitaro privately disagreed, but thought better of saying so.

"Yeah." Shifting himself off the comfortable mattress, the Kanrinin stood and stretched once again. "I'd better go and help Shinobu with breakfast." Walking over to the door he poised to leave, before remembering an important fact. "Uhm, Mutsumi….."

"Yes, Kei?"

"I know times have changed and all, but….." Turning around, the man gestured at his slightly scrawny and battle-scarred torso. "I think strolling through the Hinata-sou to the laundry dressed in only shorts is still asking for trouble."

"Hmmmm." Turning back to her wardrobe, Mutsumi fell silent with her hand poised upon her chin, before digging into its depths. A few seconds later Keitaro instinctively caught a garment flung in his direction.

It was pink. With lace frills.

Keitaro had never seen Mutsumi wear anything like this, but supposed that it was inevitable she would have one tucked away somewhere. Glancing back at the Okinawan it appeared she was busy selecting her own clothes for the day, so the man sighed and began the task of deciphering what went where in his bundle of effeminate satin.

"Ah!" Turning around with a nondescript shirt in her grasp, Mutsumi put a palm to her mouth as she took in the sight of her boyfriend looking slightly uncomfortable in his, shall we say, unconventional outfit. "Ara, I didn't know you liked dress-up Kei-kun."

"Uh….." Sweatdrop forming, Keitaro looked on as the girl strolled over, clutching the shirt with a twinkle in her eye.

"Here you are, Kei. It took some finding." Expression innocent as ever she handed him the grey garment, Mutsumi smiled beatifically.

Keitaro wasn't fooled.

"Ara, what can I say? I just wanted to see you trying on my camisole." The girl chuckled behind her palm, face alight.

"So this is a camisole….." Keitaro murmured, as if solving one of the riddles of life. For a long second the man examined the lacy hem with interest before realising what he was doing.

"You look gorgeous darling." Mutsumi's comment had him stripping off the garment with all the haste he could muster. Exchanging it for the grey shirt he slipped it on, marvelling how well it fitted as he did so. So well in fact….

"This is my shirt." He stated, surprised.

"Yes, it is." The Okinawan agreed, rummaging once again, this time through her dresser drawers.

"How did you get my shirt?"

"I borrowed it. Without asking, but I doubted you'd mind." Came the reply, Mutsumi idly throwing something small and black onto the bed before moving onto her wardrobe once again.

"……Fair enough."

"I'm not the only one." Mutsumi continued, selecting a long green dress and laying it beside her already selected garments. "I think Su has a pair of your socks, and I'm sure Motoko has a shirt for herself. As for Shinobu…..I'd be surprised if any of the clothes in her cupboards are hers."

"Oh." Blinking slowly, Keitaro surveyed his shirt with puzzlement. "But why-"

"Kei, do you even have to ask the question?" Sighing quietly, the girl turned to face him. "You must know what you mean to everyone by now. Shinobu, the girl flung herself at your feet for goodness sake! Motoko only planted one on you the other day, and Mitsune tried to accost you in the hot springs! And as for yours truly -" Closing the distance between them quickly, the Okinawan planted a firm kiss on his lips. "- I hope you don't have the tiniest doubt over what you mean to me….."

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Sorry."

"Ara, you have to stop agonising Kei." Mutsumi chided gently. "I know it's not easy, but you've got to forget the way things used to be. You've got me now, and I can think of others who would pay every yen they owned to be in my place."

"……Sorry." The man received a flick to the nose for his apology.

"I don't want to hear that any more either." Turning away, the pyjama-clad figure was caught unawares when a pair of firm arms wrapped around her from behind.

"Thanks Mutsumi." The words whispered barely millimetres from her ear sent shudders down the shapely woman's spine.

"You don't have to say it, Kei." She murmured in return, shifting in the embrace to face him and linking her own arms behind his back. "There's ways to thank me without using words."

For a long second the pair stared into one another's eyes, matching irises searching their partner's depths. As if heralding some unspoken cue, the couple leaned inwards and let their lips meet in a gentle caress. Sinking into the embrace Mutsumi and Keitaro simply held one another close as the laws of physics would allow for what may have been seconds or hours, revelling in the blissful contact only found when holding someone precious. Time, life, the world itself ceased to exist, the only truth the body of another pressed tightly against their own. The warmth of another soul, the smell of skin and hair, even the rhythmic swell of breathing overwhelming the senses and rendering reality irrelevant, even if for mere moments.

The sound of a door being knocked nearby called the pair back to the real world, where they reluctantly separated with matching blushes.

"I think I'll go and get dressed, then put the kettle on. Sound good?" Receiving agreement, the man swept a few stray strands of hair out of his eyes and made for the exit.

"Kei?" Pausing, the Kanrinin glanced over his shoulder.

"Yes?"

"I love you." Mutsumi said quietly, her usual smile warmer than ever.

"Love you too." Keitaro smiled back, before making his way to the laundry where his clothes awaited him. In the room he left behind, Mutsumi unhurriedly made her bed before stripping off her pyjamas and dressing for the day, humming a vague but cheery tune all the while.

Yes. Life could indeed be good.

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Motoko didn't have to wait long.

Two curt knocks echoed through the room, some time before the student had expected them – nine AM was still over five minutes away, and it was quite un-Tsuruko-like to arrive anything but on the hour. Unhurried all the same, the silk-gowned figure stared at her slim fingers for a few seconds before nodding firmly. It was time.

"Come in." At her call the door slid open, admitting her sister, herself clad in finest midnight-blue silk as if in recognition of the moment's importance. Tsuruko said nothing as she entered, merely turning and closing the door behind her before assuming the same posture as Motoko, resting easily on her knees and folding hands across them. Only then did she lay her steely olive gaze upon her adversary.

Who didn't even flinch.

"Good morning, Oneesan." She stated levelly, voice betraying nothing.

"Good morning to you also, Imoutochan." Tsuruko replied equally blandly. "And if I may say so, it is a fine morning indeed. It does the soul and the complexion good to see the sun once in a while."

"I agree. Now the inevitable greetings have come and gone, may we dispense with the banalities and address the matter at hand?" Motoko said, pleased to see her sister twitch in annoyance. Having been the unwilling fish caught on the end of Tsuruko's hook more than enough times, the ronin-to-be took no little enjoyment from the shift in the balance of power.

"Although the way in which you have made your point was crass, I cannot deny you are correct. Let us move on to business." Setting her right hand on her Katana the elder Aoyama drew the blade, folded steel emitting a threatening whisper as it slid smoothly from its sheath, before placing it flat upon the floor before her. "Motoko-san, after some consideration I am still of the opinion that you should take your place at the head of the family, and continue the school. It is the decree passed on by the school itself, a decree you are obligated to fulfil in order to retain the name Aoyama."

Ending her statement, Tsuruko observed her sister to ascertain the effect her words were having. It surprised her more than a little to find her thinly veiled threat made not an ounce of difference to Motoko's calm countenance. Deciding to push a little further, Tsuruko leaned forwards a fraction and continued in a confidential tone. "If you do not accept the position that is yours to inherit, I cannot say what the outcome will be. But you can be assured that it will not be beneficial to your future……"

Motoko blinked once, then spoke.

"Are you finished?"

It was Tsuruko's turn to blink.

"Pardon?"

"I said; are you finished?" Motoko repeated, looking disdainful. "Any further threats you wish to make, or possibly you would like to use bare steel in an attempt to force me into submission?" She added, nodding to the unsheathed katana interposed between them.

"I merely wish to re-iterate the potential impact of an unwise decision. To remind you of the ongoing consequences……" Tsuruko tailed off as the dark face regarding her merely grew darker.

"You have my decision, Oneesan. You have been in possession of it for some time now, yet you continue to claim that my mind may be changed." Leaning forwards herself, the white-clad figure glared at her older sister. "What interests me far more is why you are so very insistent that I assume your role, Tsuruko-san. So far as I can see, you stand to gain nothing through my ascension, and have much to lose. I would go so far as to say you want to retire from your position…..?"

Anyone else would have missed it. But it was there, the reaction Motoko was searching for. The tiniest dilation of her sister's pupils, the merest hitch in her breathing.

"That is not an issue. It is not a matter of desire, purely of tradition." The retort was well delivered, both disinterested and dismissive, but already rendered useless.

"I disagree, Oneesan. I feel it to be very much the issue. As I have stated before, you are the head of the school, and can do as you see fit. So, I ask again. Why do you wish to retire?"

"I do not…."

"Stop it Oneesan!" Motoko cried, sweeping a white robed arm in a vicious cutting gesture. "I see through your denials as through the mist on an autumn dawn. They will hold no weight with me any longer, for no longer do I treat your words as gospel. You will tell me why, else our discussion ends here and now." She ended coldly, eyeing her older sister with a hawkish gaze that the recipient would have been rightfully proud of.

"My reasons are my own. I have adjudged you to be the rightful heir, and there will be no change in my decision. Either you renounce your name and become ronin, or come with me. The choice is simple, Motoko-san." Tsuruko stated, resolutely standing her ground.

"In that case, my dear elder, may I reveal to you what my first act would be were I installed unwillingly as house matriarch?" Without waiting for an answer, Motoko pressed onwards. "It would be to name a new heir. An heir who would be forced to take over the name as soon as he or she came into being. An heir who would share the same fate as I, bound to it as a chain around the ankle."

Tsuruko's eyes widened.

"Imoutosan, surely you don't mean….."

"I do, Oneesan." Face stony, the white-clad figure jabbed an elegant finger at her sister's swollen abdomen. "Your unborn child will inherit the school the moment it draws its first breath in this world. Of course, to force an infant to lead the school would be a fool's decision, so I would have to appoint someone as head by proxy until the time he or she was of age….."

A long, long silence fell between the pair, one tense and bitter as any either could remember.

"Motoko-san, I….I cannot say if I am impressed or disgusted." Tsuruko eventually murmured, an undeniable catch in her voice. "I must admit I wished to test your resolve, and I cannot deny its strength or indeed its ruthlessness."

The silence this time was shorter, within which was an almost audible snap as the tension was suddenly released.

"W-wha?!" Motoko stared at her sister, dumbstruck.

"Imoutochan, I did not wish you to make a mistake you would regret from now until the day you move onto the next great adventure. It was not my intention for our conversation to become quite so heated, but….." Tsuruko sighed, resting her palms flat atop the lump that was her unborn child. "I cannot deny that I desired otherwise, that you would change your mind now dreams of romance no longer hold you to this place. But clearly, your mind is indeed made up."

"Oneesan….." The white-gowned figure breathed, watching her sister's face grow more reflective than perhaps ever before. "Did…..did you know? I mean, about Keitaro and……Mutsumi?" The words still ached and stung as they emerged, but she said them anyway, waiting keenly for a response.

She got it in the form of a nod.

"Not before my arrival, I must add. I do not believe Keitaro himself knew at that point, although I sensed that subconsciously his mind was made up. But soon as I assessed the situation, it became clear to me that destiny had already made her choice and was merely waiting for the protagonists to catch up."

"Couldn't you….." Feeling her throat constrict, the younger sister was relieved when Tsuruko got the message without words.

"Yes, possibly I could have. But tell me Imoutochan, would it have made the truth easier to digest? Would you have perhaps chosen to disbelieve my word, either through hope or doubts over my motive?" Tsuruko's sculpted features softened as her sister allowed her head to drop in submission. "I surmised as much. It was a fact that you had to witness in order to accept."

"I…..I don't know that I have accepted it yet, Oneesan." Motoko murmured, olive eyes closing against the oncoming tide.

"Then why such certainty, Motoko-chan? Perhaps as the truth takes root within you may find you desire a different path….." Minutes ago, the question would have drawn at least a parry if not a counter-attack from the younger sister. As it was the girl could barely raise her head enough to look at her elder.

"Because I have given it much thought." Gazing around her room, Motoko took in the familiar surroundings, as if suddenly aware of subtle changes that had taken place below notice. Bookcases unchanged in appearance, yet their contents vastly different – intellectual and factual books replacing texts on the art. Her wardrobe now populated with comfortable kimonos and everyday apparel alongside training and formal wear. Even the suit of armour which once took pride of place was now nudged away to one side, a large portrait of the Hinata-sou and her residents hanging in its stead.

Returning her focus to her sister, the younger Aoyama swept her arm in a grand gesture, indicating the whole of her abode. "I have changed Oneesan. No longer am I the blinkered anger-driven individual I once was. Yes, you sent me here to learn life as it really was beyond the encapsulating walls of the family house. Well I must apologise Oneesan, as your fine intellect has conspired against you on this occasion. Your plan worked far too well, I have grown to love the 'real world' as you put it, and wish to be a part of it in the future."

"Imoutochan….." Tsuruko was silenced by a firm hand.

"Please Oneesan, let me finish." Taking a deep breath and another look around her room, Motoko sighed and shook her head. "I do not see a future in the Martial Arts, only emptiness. Conversely I have come to enjoy my studies, and would wish to pursue a future in academia, possibly in the field of law as it is an area in which I feel I could fulfil my potential. It would only be correct to become a defender of right, given how many sins I have still to atone for. I again have you to thank for that Oneesan, and could thank you from now until the setting of the sun yet still feel myself obligated to you. Also….." The girl managed the ghost of a smile as the picture sat upon the wall swam into her mind's eye, faintly mirroring those worn by its occupants. "They have become my family, those that live here. They were there when I felt cast aside in the beginning, and made me who I am. We have been through so much – I could not consider leaving them at this point in our lives, especially given the fact we may lose one of our number soon. As for…..Keitaro….."

"Motoko-chan, you need not continue, you have more than proven your desire to stay." Tsuruko said quietly, reaching out a hand to cover those which trembled in her sister's lap.

"No, I must….." Biting her lip and appreciating the soothing pain the already wounded flesh emitted, Motoko shook her raven-tressed head. "Keitaro…..I would stay at his side through come what may. On many an occasion has he attempted to release me from my servitude, only to be assured it is not necessary. I feel he has come to understand I have no desire to be released as I would not be set free, only cast adrift. And I love him-" The young lady broke off, swallowing frantically as shaking fingers found her cheeks and dashed them clean. "I-I love him, even if he were to love another, even though I may never tell him as such. Love him enough that his love will forever come before my own….." A tiny 'sniff' punctuated the air, one the distraught girl didn't recognise as hers. Glancing up through glazed eyes, Motoko felt herself freeze at the sight of her sister regarding her with her own tears running unchecked down her face.

Something fragile in the young student trembled, fell, and shattered.

"Oneechan!" Reaching out Tsuruko found herself receiving an armful of Motoko, an armful that buried her face into her older sister's chest and wept desperately. Settling into a more comfortable position and allowing a single hand to run its way through her sister's coal-black hair, Tsuruko felt a moment of shame at her own weakness - shame she crushed ruthlessly, disgusted at its very appearance. Yes she was a warrior, but she was a sister and mother-to-be also. There should be no shame in sharing grief with another, especially between sisters.

For the first time, the elder Aoyama began to understand her sister's determination to not to follow in her footsteps.

"Oh, I apologise Oneechan….." Motoko choked, face flushed as she drew away. Shaking her head, Tsuruko brushed her cheeks clean with a genuine smile.

"There is nothing to apologise for, Imoutochan." Glancing down at the midnight blue silk she wore, her smile became wry as she surveyed the damp patches adorning its front. "Other than for ruining my clothes, that is."

"Ah, uhm –" For a long moment, her younger sister looked a lot more Shinobu than Motoko. Stifling a laugh, Tsuruko's expression grew distant for the briefest moment before she regained her focus, face serious.

"Do not worry about it, Imoutochan. I daresay you feel better?"

"Perhaps a little." Motoko replied, coughing to clear her throat. "But there is much I would like to know, Oneesan."

"Such as?" Tsuruko asked, tone suddenly clipped and short.

"Well, why you felt compelled to pass on the title to the point of desperation for one….." Gazing at her older sister, Motoko felt herself frown. The woman suddenly seemed distracted, pensive. "Oneesan, are you alright?"

"Yes. Well, nothing is wrong in truth, but….." Standing quickly and with less grace than was typical of her, Tsuruko's olive eyes gazed into the middle distance somewhere over Motoko's left shoulder. "Different, possibly. How so…..Oh, already?" Growing concerned at the mutterings, Motoko stood herself and gave her sister's shoulder a tiny shake.

"What is it?" The girl understood what the moment Tsuruko returned to the present, slightly wide-eyed.

"Motoko-san, I would be happy to answer your questions. That is if you would be ready to travel in, oh, fifteen minutes?" Glancing down at the lump bulging from her sister's abdomen, the would-be ronin emitted an audible 'gulp'.

"You mean it's……starting?"

"Well not in the physical sense, but I sense my body preparing as we speak." Placing a palm atop the swelling, the young woman closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "I believe that if we leave with haste, I will comfortably make it back to my home before proceedings pass beyond the point of no return." Opening her eyes again, Tsuruko scooped her katana from its resting place and re-sheathed it at her hip before addressing her sister with forced calm. "Imoutochan, I have rarely asked anything of you. But now I would request that you accompany me back to the family home, to ensure my safety and to be present for the birth of your niece. Would you accede?"

Looking deep into her sister's face, Motoko could see the faintest stirrings of an emotion she had never known her to possess.

Fear.

"I will be ready in five minutes. Please, retire to the lobby and ask for Keitaro, he will arrange our passage and fetch your bags." She ordered, gently placing a palm to Tsuruko's back and guiding her to the doorway before opening it. "Oh, and Oneechan……"

"Yes?"

"Niece?" At Motoko's slightly high-pitched question, the mother-to-be dropped her eyes with a demure smile.

"Ah, shame. It was intended to be a surprise." With that she turned and unhurriedly paced towards the stairwell without a backwards look.

Motoko didn't realise she was staring after her open-mouthed until the figure had strolled around the corner and out of sight. Suddenly acutely aware of the passing of time, the slim girl had the wardrobe open and a suitcase out before human eyesight was able to catch up. Unzipping the travel case she paused, blinking as if a penny had suddenly dropped, mouth moving suddenly and almost soundlessly as if working of its own accord. In the silence of the room, it might have been possible to hear the words almost unknowingly spoken.

"Aunt Motoko….."

A second later the room was a hive of activity once again, although now had one been able to slow the girl's movements down to a visible speed it wouldn't have been difficult to notice the tiny smile which graced Motoko's face.

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Credit had to be given to Keitaro and Mutsumi. Within thirty seconds of Tsuruko's arrival in the kitchen the mother-to-be had a cup of tea complete with biscuits, a taxi on the way and the Hinata-sou's Kanrinin had already vanished up the stairs to pack her bags. Tsuruko didn't know quite what to make of this – far as she was concerned packing and carrying her clothes was anything but beyond her, but for once in her life she decided to allow herself to be treated like the china doll everyone seemed to think she'd become, if only to make everyone else feel that little bit better.

In all honesty, it was quite nice.

Besides, Tsuruko could sit at the table drinking tea and appear completely calm about the whole ordeal. On the other hand Keitaro would be utterly incapable of doing the same thing, so it made sense to give the Kanrinin something to do to avoid the pacing and flapping that would inevitably result.

Of course the sound of hurried motion through the hallways of the Hinata-sou attracted attention, and by the time a panting Keitaro had appeared back in the lobby lugging Tsuruko's case the room was somewhat busier than when she'd arrived. Sara and Su were sawing their way through a mound of re-heated rice and jabbering excitedly, while a bleary-eyed Shinobu nursed a steaming cup of something hot and watched proceedings with sleepy detachment.

"Where's Motoko?" He asked, nudging his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose.

"She has gone to the foot of the stairs to await our transport. She will not be long." Tsuruko answered serenely, dipping a biscuit into her drink before biting a sizeable chunk out of it. "As a matter of fact….." The front door opened, but not for the younger Aoyama.

"What's going on?" Naru asked the room at large, unwinding her scarf and shedding her red winter coat before hanging them both up in their assigned places. "I ran into Motoko half-way up, but she just said she was in a hurry."

"She is hurrying on my behalf." Tsuruko replied, wearing a half-smile.

"Oh, I see…."

"Yes. It appears my daughter wishes to enter the world a little early. Well, it must be admitted that patience has not always been a trait possessed by the Aoyama family….." The pregnant woman added wryly, patting her abdomen.

"It has arrived, Oneesan." Called Motoko, swiftly striding through the already open door and scooping up the weighty bags with consummate ease. "A train leaves in half an hour from now, should we make haste we will catch it with ease."

"Very well." Easing herself up and placing the empty cup carefully upon its saucer, Tsuruko carefully dabbed her mouth dry with a tissue before turning to face the residents. "I apologise for the suddenness of my departure, but I thank you all for your hospitality during my stay."

"It's no problem Tsuruko-san, we've been glad to have you." Mutsumi replied, to a chorus of nods and agreement.

"Will it…you be okay?" Shinobu asked quietly, eyes fixed on the swell of Tsuruko's stomach.

"I see no reason why not, but I appreciate your concern." Tsuruko replied, certainty clear in her voice. "I expect that I will be visiting with another guest at some time in the near future, so I would appreciate it if you would keep a room spare for that eventuality."

"Okay."

"Oneesan….." Glancing at Motoko's impatient frown, the elder sister nodded and moved to join her at the door.

"I will now take my leave. Farewell."

"Tsuruko-san." Pausing with one foot outside, the woman looked back into the room, and more specifically at Keitaro.

"Yes?"

"Thanks." Observing the half-bow the Kanrinin took and the hand intertwined with that of the girl stood beside him, Tsuruko shook her head with the tiniest hint of sadness in her smile.

"It is not necessary, Keitaro-san. All I ask of you is to take good care your tenants for me, and one of them in particular." With that she turned and swept outside, leaving a chorus of well-wishing voices in her wake.

"Well….." Motoko faltered, staring around the assembled faces as if unsure what to say. Eventually her gaze settled on the linked hands in the centre of the room, before tracing up to their owners. "…..I will return. Stay well." In the blink of an eye the younger Aoyama was also gone, the door closing behind her with quiet finality. For a short eternity the remaining residents sat in silence, staring after the departed sisters.

"I hope Tsuruko will be okay." Shinobu eventually murmured, staring into her half-empty cup as if reading the tea leaves in its depths for the answer.

"I'm sure they will be." Naru answered instinctively.

"Mmmmm." Sara grunted in agreement, mouth still full of breakfast.

"O'course! Motoko's gonna be a shiny new aunt!" Hopping up onto the table, Su grabbed the rice bowl from its centre and cradled it as if it were an infant. "An' I can't wait ta play with the baby! Whooooo!" She cheered, tossing the bowl in the air so it almost grazed the ceiling before catching it and setting off around the room in some sort of celebratory dance, performing gymnastic feats to leave Olympians open-mouthed while somehow never spilling a single grain of rice.

The other residents watched her with matching sweatdrops.

"Ara, perhaps we should keep her a safe distance from the baby when she comes to visit. Perhaps twenty feet?" Watching Su flip into a handstand while cradling the bowl between her bare feet, Keitaro glanced at Mutsumi and shook his head.

"Forty. At least forty."

"Wheeee!" With a final flourish the little Molmolian somersaulted into her seat, the rice bowl landing with barely a clatter in its usual place in the very same moment. Grinning at the assembled company Su went back to her breakfast with typical gusto, earning a glare from Sara who had been at the point of catching her in their morning breakfast eat-off. Something, unsurprisingly, the younger girl had never managed to win.

"Well, I'm going back to bed." Shinobu nudged her empty cup away from her, standing tiredly. "You're going to have to wash your own cups this morning; I haven't finished inspecting my eyelids yet." Watching the teen slope off to the stairs a concerned frown grew on Keitaro's face, one eased by a squeeze of his hand.

"Give her time, Kei." Mutsumi muttered, her own eyes tracking the disconsolate figure. "She'll come around. First loves are always the hardest to get over; heaven knows we've both had to try."

"Yeah." The man muttered back.

"Sweet, all done! Victory to the nation of Molmol once again!" Su chirped as the last mouthful of breakfast was consumed, seemingly ignorant of the death glare the green-faced Sara was giving her. "I'm gonna go work on me newest creation, see yas at lunch!"

"I'm gonna go see papa…..ah damn, he'll be at work….." Sara's comment drew alarmed glances between Mutsumi and Keitaro.

"Uh, what day of the week is it?" Keitaro asked, surprised to realise he didn't honestly know.

"Tuesday, dumbass." The slightly snide reply.

"Oh. So Seta-"

"Has gone to Tokyo-U. What, d'ya think the rest of the world has stopped?" Sara snorted, getting up from the table. "Well, whatever. I've got an appointment with my TV. Can't wait to see how that dope in the hat gets his ass handed to him today….."

"It's okay Keitaro-san." Naru's meek voice piped up, the honey-eyed girl staring at the floor. "I've explained what's going on to my tutor; she'll let the faculty know."

"Thanks Naru-san." Keitaro replied, before the remaining trio lapsed into an uncomfortable silence. One Naru eventually drew up the courage to break.

"Ummm, I think we should – I mean I've got something to say. Well, quite a lot to say….."

"Ara, you're not alone there." Mutsumi interjected calmly, but with the hint of a smile. One that allowed her adversary's tense shoulders to relax, and her held breath to escape.

"Yeah, well…..shall we re-locate? It's a little bit public here." The bespectacled girl gestured at the open lounge, her point obvious.

"Kitchen? I'll do the honours?" At the sound of unanimous approval, Keitaro led the way through the half-open door.

Time to put the kettle on.

Again.

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Time seemed to pass so slowly on a hospital ward. Minutes took an hour to pass, and as for days…..

Mitsune was coming to understand that, sick as she was, she was even sicker of being stuck in a bed in a large room with five strangers, two of whom had questionable control of their faculties. She was sick of the scent of bleach, of the cheerful but obviously strained nurses, of the 'food'. Although they offered meal choices each day, the actual option seemed to boil down to either a plate of 'white' or a plate of 'brown'.

She hadn't been brave enough to try the brown yet.

Mitsune was sick of crosswords, sick of thermometers, sick of being sick.

She was even sick of the rather attractive (and obviously well-off) consultant doctor, who would undoubtedly have received the full focus of her womanly charms if she could have remembered where she'd left them. So fed up was she that the sight of visitors bearing gifts brought tears to the girl's eyes, even if the visitors in their latest news round-up only served to confirm what she'd feared since that very morning.

"So Naru's really movin' out." The fox mused, resting back in her bed.

"Yeah. She told us this morning. Pretty brave of her, considering everything." Keitaro replied honestly.

"Her track record ain't the best. Nah, I reckon Naru's finally realisin' that runnin' blind don't do nothin' but delay the inevitable." Mitsune sighed, studying her well bitten nails. "Took yours truly long enough ta realise as well, so I 'spose I shouldn't judge. Tell ya one thing; it ain't gonna be the same 'round that ol' place without her."

The pause which followed spoke volumes.

"Anyhow, I hear y'all officially an item now?" Mitsune's subject change was well received, and greeted with obvious joy from the pair sat beside her.

"Ara, it's been a long time coming. Too long." Mutsumi said, her usual cheery tone spiced with an extra pinch of vibrancy. Watching the Okinawan move that little closer to Keitaro, closer than he'd ever been comfortable with before, Mitsune let the last remaining shreds of jealousy drift away on the breeze. Yes she liked the man, and yes her grey eyes would be tinged with the green of envy for a while. But Mutsumi and Keitaro…..just fitted together like a two-piece jigsaw now. She would never be that close, never need the man the same way Mutsumi did. Equally, she unconsciously understood that she could never be what Keitaro needed.

Suddenly Mitsune realised Naru was right to move out. Just watching the happy couple interact the fox could feel a tiny pinprick of regret – in comparison Naru must feel like she was being encased in the iron maiden with every moment of affection to which she bore witness.

"I'm glad for ya, Mutsumi-chan, Kei-kun." Waving a pale hand at the pair, Mitsune grinned with a hint of her old feral style. "I can see yah are right for each other. 'Sides, it's 'bout time mah Kanrinin got some, ne?"

It was a guess, an educated one mind you, but still a guess. The moment Keitaro choked on the water he was sipping and Mutsumi let out a gentle laugh, the fox knew her instincts were right on the money. "Oh really? Hope y'all kept the noise down, we got minors livin' under that roof y'know."

While patting a coughing Keitaro on the back, Mutsumi smiled honestly at the grey-haired girl. "Oh of course, it wouldn't do to keep everyone else awake all night, after all."

"All night?" Raising an eyebrow at the recovering Kanrinin, Mitsune smirked coyly. "Why Kei-kun, you sly dog. Truth be told, after seein' you run for yer life so many times, I kinda guessed ya had stamina."

While she didn't think it was humanly possible to turn any redder than Keitaro already was, she was proven very wrong.

"Ara, I must say Kei is very fit indeed. He has more than enough energy to wear me out. Several times." Mutsumi added gaily, apparently finding nothing wrong with discussing the subject on a busy hospital ward.

"Uh, Mutsumi, you're not exactly helping….." Keitaro was suddenly the recipient of a dazzlingly innocent smile.

"Helping what?"

"…….Never mind." Chuckling at the man's discomfort, Mitsune wondered how long it had been since the last time she'd genuinely laughed. Far too long ago, whenever it was.

"Ah, c'mon Kei-kun. Gotta allow girls ta talk."

"That's fine, but would you do it when I'm not around next time?" The Kanrinin pleaded, noting that a couple of others in the ward had gotten wind of the conversation and were giving him either amused or appraising glances. Being the only male in the area didn't help matters either.

"Can't promise anythin'….." Deciding to let the man off the hook, Mitsune went back to the other matter in hand. "So, did Naru say when she'd be leaving?"

"No, but I doubt it'll be long." Mutsumi put her hand to her chin, posed in thought. "She said within a few weeks, and I think it'll be 'the sooner the better' in her eyes."

"Yeah, kinda guessed that bit. Ah'd better be outta here before then, since I ain't lettin' her go without bein' there to see the silly gal off." The girl stated firmly, arms folded.

"I doubt you'll be here too much longer." Keitaro chipped in with a smile.

"Yeah, I plan on bein' home by the weekend. No way I'm hangin' 'round here past Friday. Ya can tell Seta ta have the van ready an' waitin' on the corner." The fox half-joked, although her visitors secretly doubted she was anything but serious.

"I'll bear that in mind. Anyway, I think Su and Shinobu want to come in and say hello, so we'll take our leave." Glancing up at the clock, Keitaro reached out and patted Mitsune's knee tenderly. "You get well soon, okay? Your room will be ready and waiting, and the Hinata-sou wants its fox back."

Suddenly Mitsune found herself unable to speak.

"Oh come on, no need for that Mitsune-chan." Mutsumi murmured, wrapping her slender arms around her friend.

"Thanks….." The grey-haired girl croaked out, welcoming the feeling of another hand rubbing her back.

"Any time." Keitaro confirmed, stepping back. "Well, I think our time's up. See you later, Mitsune-chan."

"Goodbye!" Mutsumi added, a cheery wave punctuating their departure.

Mitsune watched them go with a tiny smile, one that widened further at the sight of Shinobu and Su a few moments later, the former carrying something that looked suspiciously like a cake of some sort on a covered dish. She sincerely hoped it was, and if it involved chocolate all the better.

That was something else she had gone far too long without.

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Much of the train journey had been passed in relative silence. The raven-haired pair had watched scenery change from urban to suburban to rural and then back again for hours, one of them seemingly unconcerned by the passage of time and the other nerve-shreddingly alert to every single movement her sister made. Soon after making their last change of train Tsuruko had suddenly excused herself to the bathroom, where she had been for several anxious minutes until she had returned with an air of laconic calm that was just a little too well controlled.

Motoko was deeply thankful they were only minutes from their destination, especially when she felt Tsuruko twitch beside her with the tiniest gasp.

"Oneesan?"

"It is nothing to worry about Imoutochan. Merely the first of many." At her older sister's words, Motoko's olive eyes grew wide.

"You mean….."

"Yes. But please do not be fretful, Motoko-chan. We will arrive home in good time." At the questioning look she received, Tsuruko shrugged gently. "My body is merely beginning the process, I know and understand its ways well enough to be confident of this fact."

"I wish I shared the same certainty as you, Oneechan." The younger girl grumbled, wishing the train would move that little bit faster.

"Try to take your mind off it. It is essentially my problem, and you need not worry yourself unduly."

"Well, if I need a distraction……" Gazing down into her lap briefly, Motoko took a deep breath and looked up into her sister's face. "…..I still wonder why you wish to abstain from your position?"

"Yes. Yes, I did promise to answer your questions." Breaking eye contact, Tsuruko stared out into the countryside blurring past the window before sighing deeply. "Well, Imoutochan, I will fulfil my pledge. But while my reasons may appear far from earth-shaking, please hear me out before you pass judgement……"

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Tsuruko's reasons? Well, they're quite simple really.

Problem is it might take more than a month for anyone to find out......I'll endeavour to push on with the next chapter ASAP.

'Til next time.

Nodoka Miyazawa.