~Arc Climax~

Chapter 10: Love is War

"You asked him out," Yuki frantically shouted as they greeted the Thursday morning. "I suspected something romantic, sweet, or anything in between, since you looked like a ripe tomato when you came home. But I didn't expect a date and you're the one who invited the guy."

Motoko on the other hand sat at the sit opposite to Yuki, staring at blank space. She still hasn't recovered from the shock of her actions. It wasn't like she hated what she did but she was just too embarrassed.

"But what do you plan to do," Yuki asked, snapping the girl out of her daze.

"What," Motoko replied, hearing Yuki's words for the first time since they started talking about yesterday.

"What do you plan on doing on tomorrow's date," Yuki asked again. "You're the one who asked him out remember?"

"Actually, that's why I'm talking to you right now," Motoko smiled, receiving a sigh from her friend.

"Eh," The whole Hinata household retaliated when they heard the words coming out from their manager's mouth.

"Wa-why are you guys reacting like that," Keitaro asked, stuttering from fear. Naru was practically itching to punch him.

"Well, the point that you'll stop looking for Motoko is already irritating enough but because it was only said by some girl just makes it worst," Naru replied, fists clenched and minutes away from launching Keitaro back to space. "And to make things more interesting, you're going on a date with her tomorrow."

"Is this true sempai," Shinobu asked. Tears were starting to form on her eyes. "You're going on a date with someone?"

"It's not a date," Keitaro shouted trying to repeat his words earlier. "I told you it's just an outing between friends."

"That's a date honey," Kitsune interrupted the panicking boy.

Keitaro wasn't able to retort anymore since it looked like Shinobu finally ran out crying and Naru had reach her limit causing Keitaro to feel the fresh summer morning air.

Besides the lively morning at the two households, the rest of the day passed by quietly. Keitaro and Naru resumed they're search for Motoko at Akihabara. But the tracker they were using required a one-day maintenance so the day ended with them getting more lost at Akihabara rather than actually finding any leads on their friends. Motoko on the other hand decided to walk around Akihabara with Yuki to look for places where she and Keitaro could hang out. Fuka also decided to tag along but she became more of a chore than help. And by the end of the day, it was Yuki who gave the distressed teenager a pair of tickets to the movies. But to what movie they were for, Yuki kept that a secret. And before they knew it, the sun knocked through their windows to tell them Friday just dawned.

Motoko woke up first and decided to train to relieve her of the stress. She was practically shacking in excitement as she imagined how the day would go. But before she could enjoy it for any longer Yuki stopped her from her tracts.

"Hey there," Yuki said with a grin before changing it into a frown. "I know today's a little special but don't forget you're going out there as some else. So if you don't want to get hurt, then I advice you to tell him the truth. A little secret isn't that bad for a great relationship but keep too much from the other and you won't even get pass friends."

"I plan on telling him later anyway," Motoko replied before giving the girl a smile. "Thanks for the concern non the less."

"No problem," Yuki replied back with a grin. "That's what friends are for right?"

Motoko simply left and headed for the roof. There, Fuka has already started training while waiting for her teacher. But as soon as Motoko arrived their training went up a level. But the entire time practicing, Motoko was still thinking of what Yuki told her. If she was to tell him later, then that meant she'd have to go back the next day. But maybe it was time for her to return. She has made the others worry too much anyway. And with that time passed until it was for Motoko to leave and meet Keitaro.

Keitaro picked up the polo he just bought and decided it was best to wear it in such an occasion. He then took his new glasses and decided it would look better rather than those large framed ones. He went down the stairs and prepared to leave but was stopped by Naru for a brief minute.

"Are you sure you're going," Naru asked the man and for a friendly outing he was dressed too well. "It's not too late to change your mind, you know. There's still an hour and it would be better if we searched for Motoko, Suu should be done repairing the tracker by now anyway."

"Sorry Naru," Keitaro said. "But I promised her, and you of all people should know how important it is to keep a promise."

"I know that," Naru replied. "But you just met her and we've got a friend out there who might needs us. So think about think about it, do it for Motoko," Naru trailed off better whispering. "Do it for me at least."

"Sorry," Keitaro replied looking at the girl seriously. He thought that maybe with a little more conviction she'd understand. "But I'll go to Akihabara. I really can't find it in me to betray a promise."

Naru didn't answer and decided it was best to keep her head down. She couldn't understand it but being with Keitaro all this time, she has started to have feelings for him. And it just hurts her to think he'll be with someone else for an entire day.

Keitaro reached the meeting area around noon. There, he saw Tomo standing besides the fountain. She was wearing a black skirt that reached her knees and a sleeveless white polo with frills. Certainly with her get up she instantly became the candy of the eye for all people there. And Keitaro was no exception as he stood at awe for some a few seconds before the girl started running to her.

"You're late you know," the girl said with a displeased tone.

"Eh," Keitaro reacted looking at his clock. "But you told me to be here at noon and it's just 12:05."

"Well, you're late for five minutes," the girl continued to pout. "And you know how girls hate waiting."

"Fine, what can I do to make it up to you," Keitaro finally gave in.

"How about ice cream," the pouting expression quickly changed into a grin as she pointed towards the parlor near the fountain. "Then maybe I'll think, of forgiving you."

"Fine a sundae it is," Keitaro said as they walked towards the shop. But as soon as he bought the ice cream, he felt his wallet lighter. He didn't bring that much money since he thought he'd only accompanying the girl to someplace important, but as it seems to have started with him spending immediately, the day started to not look good.

"Aren't you going to buy one for yourself," Tomo asked as she took a spoonful of chocolate ice cream.

"Well," Keitaro tried to not sound cheap looking at his wallet desperately for answers.

"Here," Tomo said showing the boy a spoon of her ice cream. "It doesn't feel good if I'm the only one to enjoy."

"Eh," Keitaro said looking at the spoon. It was starting to melt but the thought of eating from someone else's spoon just blanketed his mind.

"Just say 'Ah' already," Tomo shouted in a soft tone. She herself was starting to blush. "It's starting to and it's embarrassing if you don't eat it now."

Keitaro didn't felt the looks from the people around them and decided it was better to just eat it. But by the time he realized he has bitten into the spoon, Tomo's face was already beet red. She didn't expect him to actually eat it, but the thought of them indirectly kissing just made her mind go poof.

"Hmm," Keitaro said tasting the ice cream in his mouth. "It actually taste good."

"Pervert," Tomo said looking away from the boy. But what did he meant by "taste good?" was it the ice cream, "or-or the spoon?" Just thinking about it made her blush more.

"Hey, you're the one who gave me the spoon," Keitaro defended. "Anyway, what next."

"We'll go to the movies," Tomo said, showing him a pair of tickets.

"Wait," Keitaro tried to make things clear. "What about the place you've got to go to? Didn't you ask me to go somewhere with you?"

"Well, it's the movie," Tomo replied. "Why, is asking a friend out to watch some movie a bad thing?"

"But there's Yuki or maybe someone else," Keitaro retorted. "And there's a lot of better guys out there if it's a horror movie we're talking about."

"Well the people at the apartment were busy especially Yuki, and well…," Tomo replied back the next part was a little embarrassing for her to say. "Well… I wanted it to be you… got a problem with that? Or maybe you just hate me?"

"I don't hate you," Keitaro tried to sound nicer. "I was only caught by surprise. Anyway let's go, or we might miss the movie."

Tomo smiled when she heard his reply. "At least the date's still on," she thought to herself ignoring the idea that maybe she's the only one who sees it as a date. Instead, she led him to the cinema where the tickets where bought so they could get the movie started. But as they made their way to their next destination, they were unaware that a shadow was following them.

"Kyaaa," Tomo shrieked as she clung to Keitaro's sleeves. They were watching a rerun of Gamera and for some reason Tomo kept shouting every time the turtle monster would appear in screen. Keitaro started to doubt Tomo's identity again until she actually hugged him really hard. She was shaking and thanks to this her identity was saved again since Keitaro knew that Motoko, who was scared of turtles, show this side of her in a million years."

"You should have seen your face," Keitaro laughed as they exited the cinemas Keitaro was laughing so hard while Tomo was pouting. "You looked like you would burst into tears any second now." He found a little courage to tease the girl since she wasn't Motoko, if she were, he would surely have been sent into space anytime now. But instead, he's teasing only earned him an embarrassed teenager.

"Idiot," Tomo whispered before walking away. She didn't want to stay by side for another minute for fear of exposing her identity since her fists were itching to hit something. But Keitaro took this the wrong way and ran towards the girl.

"Hey," he shouted. "Don't leave me behind. I know why don't I treat you to something. We only ate ice cream for lunch so you might be hungry."

"You know I won't forgive you just because of this right," Tomo stopped walking and looked at the boy with a glare.

"Then how about I take you to anywhere you want to go," Keitaro said with a smile. He was having so much time with the girl that he started playing along with the girl. "How does that sound?"

"Fine," Tomo said returning to her calm self. "But I don't want some beef bowl place."

"Where did that come from," Keitaro asked, the only people he remembered bringing to a beef bowl place was Naru and she told the whole inn about it. But he didn't mind. "Maybe she just didn't like beef," he thought.

Keitaro led Tomo to a Chinese restaurant. And told the girl to order anything she liked. But the girl took this as payback and ordered the priciest one she could see at the menu. Keitaro gasped at this and asked her to reconsider but to no hope. As he realized he just lost another large amount of money decided to order a beef bowl and asked the lady to make it extra spicy. Tomo gave him a look asking, "Are you sure?" And he only replied with a nod. When the food arrived, Tomo received the Chinese style braised chicken and Keitaro a bowl of extra spicy beef stew.

"This is delicious," Tomo commented as she took another bite from her food, ignoring the fire-breathing guy besides her. "I warned you, didn't I?"

"Who knew it was this hot," Keitaro shouted fanning his tongue with his hands. "Better ask for water, I can't stand it anymore."

"Wait," Tomo stopped him from calling one of the waitresses. "Try this, it might help with the spices."

"Thanks," Keitaro nodded before eating the food in the chopsticks. But as soon as the food processed through his tongue he felt it only getting worst. "This isn't helping at all!"

"Suits you for laughing at me back at the cinema," Tomo said sticking out her tongue before taking another bite. "Anyway let's go, the day's only beginning."

"Hey wait up! Sorry here's the bill," Keitaro shouted, trying to stop the girl but to no use but in the end he had to pay for the food before running after the girl. "You know, you could have at least waited for me back there. But where are we going this time anyway?"

"To the amusement park," Tomo replied before glancing behind to see the boy counting his wallet. "Don't worry I'll pay this time around."

"Really," Keitaro asked looking away from his almost empty wallet. He was crying tears of joy inside but he still knew that the boy's embarrassing if the girl's force to pay when there are only two of them. But what could he do? He was almost flat broke.

"But you'll have to do something for me later," Tomo bargained. "Deal?"

"If it's tolerable," Keitaro agreed.

"Fair enough," Tomo smiled then she started running, pulling Keitaro by the wrist by the process.

At the park, she led Keitaro towards the roller coaster. The line wasn't that long for some reason and they were able to ride after only a few minutes of waiting. Keitaro immediately lost his lunch when they got off, earning another 'in-your-face' laugh from the girl. But the next ride they rode was the teacups. There, Keitaro got his revenge. He kept spinning the cup until the girl got dizzy. But he decided to stop, when he realized the girl was already right besides her. She was holding onto his sleeves, burying her head on his arms, and trying really hard to hold on to those chickens in her stomach. But even after stopping, Tomo lost her lunch as well. Keitaro saw the girl feeling really sick and decided to hold a truce. She agreed and they laughed everything off.

Keitaro noticed the sun setting and suggested they ride the Ferris wheel before leaving. Tomo agreed and they made their way into the long line. Keitaro looked up to the top and thought that they would surely get to see an amazing sight at there. Tomo on the other hand was both nervous and excited. It was her first time on such a ride and it was going to be with someone she liked. But she decided to confess her identity there instead of her feelings. She has already accepted the fact that she didn't have any chance with him anyway, since he and Naru were destined for each other.

"We're here," Keitaro called out to the dazed girl. "The view outside is just amazing don't you think?"

Tomo couldn't agree anymore, she looked at the amazing display of lights from the city. To her they looked like stars in the sky and the cars looked like shooting stars and if this were just true she would definitely have made a wish by now. But with out knowing it she has been saying her thoughts out loud, allowing Keitaro to here them.

"And what would that wish be," Keitaro asked at the girl realizing what she just did. "Mind sharing?"

"No way am I telling you something so embarrassing," Tomo said looking back at the scenery. "Kei-"

"Maybe it's to become a beautiful bride," Keitaro teased interrupting her words.

Tomo immediately imagined the idea. There she was, wearing a wedding dress, waiting for the groom to open her veil. She was looking down the whole time so she couldn't see the groom. But the time came, the priest asked them to kiss and there in front of her stood Keitaro. He slowly lifted her chin up with his fingers and slowly drew close to kiss her, but when their lips were about to touch she immediately snapped out of it, blushing and to top it all of, she started hitting Keitaro while shouting, "idiot!" But when the passenger car started to move again, she lost balanced and she slipped. She knew she fell on top of something hard but why did it felt like her lips were pressed onto something soft. She opened her eyes and she saw Keitaro's. Then did that mean their lips were touching- wait, kissing?

Tomo's mind blanked out. She lost all the will to leave and continued to press her lips onto his. But this didn't last long as Keitaro pushed her away. "Are you okay," he asked looking at the girl with concern. She on the other hand simply nodded and walked out of the car as red as she could be. She continued walking thinking of what happened. "Did they just kissed," she asked herself countless times. But every time she asked she was only led to multiple yes. But without realizing it, she bumped into a few other people. They looked intimidating, which meant they were only trouble.

"Oh, going somewhere cutie," the man asked. "If you're lost, we'll be kind enough to show you the way."

"Get away from me," Tomo demanded. But because of what happened earlier she just didn't have the strength to perform her sword skills.

"Or what," the man threatened. He wasn't scared at all, and Tomo wasn't at any condition to defend her self. "Anyway let's go kitty."

"Help me," Tomo shouted trying her hardest to get away from the men. "Please! Someone help me! Keitaro…"

"Do you mind letting go," Keitaro said sternly. He was keeping a calm look, since he didn't want to fight the men if possible. "She doesn't look willing anyway."

"And who are you," the man asked. "Don't tell me you're her boyfriend." The man was laughing his ass off as he looked at Keitaro with eyes that mocked his looks.

"No he's ju-," Tomo tried to defend the man but was interrupted by Keitaro's answer.

"And what if I am," he replied looking at the man with determination.

"Oh," the man sarcastically asked. Before delivering a punch right on Keitaro's face. "Don't make me laugh boy. You aren't even worth shit."

"Keitaro," Tomo shouted looking at the boy who got sent flying a few meter away. He looked really hurt but for some reason he came back up. "Just run away Keitaro, I can handle my self."

"Hear the girl shrimp," the man continued to mock the boy. "Get lost!"

"If you we're Motoko I could rest assured but you're not," Keitaro replied giving the girl a smile. "Now just wait for me, I'll definitely save you."

"Please stop," Tomo pleaded, tears starting to form in her eyes. "Please just save yourself."

But the boy ignored her wishes and slowly came closer to the man. He was chuckling as he watched the boy try so hard to get close to him just to get hit back down again. Keitaro came close and held onto the man's hand, the one he was using to hold onto Tomo's arm. The man gave him another punch but remarkably he was able to take it this time. Keitaro smiled before delivering a swift knee to the man's groin. Making him shout in pain, releasing Tomo in the process.

"Run," Keitaro ordered as he pulled on the girl's wrist.

"Why," Tomo asked. "Why didn't you run away?"

"Remember the time I told you I envied the Hinata girls," Keitaro replied remembering the first time they talked. "Well I envied Motoko's will to protect right? So I wanted to protect you Tomo."

"You're a complete idiot you know," Tomo whispered, blushing intensely.

"I know," Keitaro said with a smile. "Anyway it's better if we lose them first."

The two made their way through the crowd and finally reached the bayside. There they decided to take a rest. They had lost the group of people anyway so it was safe.

"Are you okay," Keitaro asked taking a deep breath. "He didn't hurt you right?"

"You're the one hurt," Tomo replied touching his lips. "Look you're bleeding."

"Its just some bruise don't worry," Keitaro replied. "Anyway, Did you want to say something earlier?"

"Oh," Tomo remembered. She was going to confess her identity but was interrupted when they kissed. "Well, Keitaro I-."

Naru looked around the crowd trying to search for the two. She originally planned to search for Motoko alone but with the tracker it only led to her tracking the two. And she has been at it since morning and was completely furious at what they we're doing. "How could he protect that girl like some princess," she shouted internally.

She finally reached the bay when she saw the two standing at the walkway. She instinctively hid in some bush as she heard the two talking. "Is she confessing," she asked herself, hearing the girl's last words. She decided to stop it because of the thought of Keitaro accepting her. He did look like he had fun today.

"Keitaro," she shouted, gaining the two's attention but what happened next made her void of emotions.

Keitaro turned to look where his name came from but immediately felt something soft in his lips. Tomo took this chance and kissed him. Her eyes were closed as she boldly moved his body to face hers.

"What are you doing," Keitaro asked looking behind to see Naru. She looked hurt and he wanted to chase after her but was stopped by Tomo's pull.

"I love you Keitaro…," the girl stated, but she herself wasn't sure what she was doing. The last thing she remembered was hearing Naru's voice and her body moved on its own. "Please stay with me."

"But what about Naru," Keitaro tried to break free.

"I love you," Tomo repeated but decided to let go. "Isn't that enough?"

Keitaro hesitated to answer at first, but what to do? He didn't want to hurt anyone. But he knew in such a situation it wasn't possible. "Sorry," he whispered before running away. But was briefly stopped when Tomo run in front of him.

"Then hear me out first," she said tears in her eyes. "I won't give you up. Okay?" Keitaro didn't reply to her last words instead he ran off searching for Naru in the crowd.

Tomo was left behind. She has burst into tears when the guy he loved left her. Maybe her love was one sided but it didn't meant it was hopeless. From her despair came hope. "It's time to go back."

First Arc is done. I hope you had fun reading my work. And here is the first last. I hope you continue following me since I've uploaded this on the last day of my winter break so it's a little scratchy but I did all I could to make it the best. I have also tried finding a beta so one they agree, I'll try to edit all of the first chapters... thank you -humility. :)