Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ A Fragile Love ❯ Episode 11: Obstacles ( Chapter 11 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Keitaro finds that even a simple gesture could lead to delicate love scenarios for himself.
Motoko and Mitsune share a private talk of their feelings towards the landlord/manager.
To spice things up, Shinobu decides to sum up her courage to make a confession... of love to the manager?

Anime/Manga: Love Hina Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.06.2004 | Updated On: 08.26.2005 | Pages: 8 | Words: 6.0K | Visits: 2.2K | Status: Completed

A Fragile Love

OOOOOOOOOO

Episode 11: Obstacles

Legend

Word denotes character thought

Word denotes setting, time

-Word- denotes sound effect

OOOOOOOOOO

Timeline: June 5, 2000 AD, 7:00 PM

Location: Hinata Park

Motoko helped Keitaro up to his feet. They dusted themselves off from the aftermath of their training. The manager winced a bit in pain as he rolled his left arm to stretch it.

"Urashima, are you hurt?" the female swordsman asked, concerned. Keitaro shrugged off the pain with a smile, shaking his head slightly.

"It's just a scratch, nothing to worry about, Motoko-chan. It seems I've been rusty in my fighting skills. But, this could be a start."

Motoko hooked her arms around his waist and leaned her head against his chest. Slightly startled by the action, Keitaro embraced her back, stroking her cheek. She looked up at him with a smile.

“I like the way you're addressing me now… Kei-kun,” she shyly spoke, with a flush on her cheeks.

“Right you are, Motoko-chan,” the dorm manager smiled, “We should get back to the dorm right now.”

“I know. But, I just want to enjoy this moment."

The manager pondered at her remark.

What have I gotten myself into?

But still, I didn't want to break her heart.

However, I'm in deep water now --- Mitsune, Mutsumi, Naru, and now Motoko --- and I have these girls vying for my heart.

He gritted his teeth as his face turned serious. The female swordsman noticed this and was worried.

"What's the matter, Urashima? Is something wrong?"

"-Sigh- Just thinking, that's all. I'm happy to realize that I love you. But, I want to make something clear to you first."

"What is it?"

"I'll explain along the way. Have you your sword?"

Motoko released her hold of him, bending down to pick up her sword. Then she sheathed it. Keitaro adjusted his gi and ran a hand through his hair. He sheathed his sword in one fluid motion.

"All set to go?" he asked the female swordsman. She nodded and reached for his hand, grasping it with hers. The two swordsmen smiled to each other and began their walk back to Hinata-Sou.

OOOOOOOOOO

Along their walk back to the inn, the manager decided to explain briefly to her about the love dilemma he suddenly found himself in. He left out the part on his 'first time' with Mitsune in fear of hurting Motoko further.

She should at least know this, he thought. He was slightly worried at what her reaction was. He watched her face closely in anticipation.

Fear, shock, and worry poured inside the female swordsman as she slowly realized his situation. She tightened firmly her grip on his hand and stopped walking. The two remained in silence.

"I'm sorry, Motoko-chan. But, I think you have the right to know this," Keitaro broke the silence.

Motoko looked up his face with teary eyes.

I… I will not lose hope! Not when I finally realize how much he means to me!

"Please tell me… do you love me honestly?" she asked. She wanted to know his answer right now. Her heart skipped a beat.

Keitaro balled his hands into fists. He didn't want to push her away from him, but his dilemma crept back and forth in his mind. He took a deep breath and gazed at her.

No. I can't screw this up!

"You've changed into a beautiful woman whom I believe that came out in front of me now. I… I couldn't realize how much I meant to you," he started, closing his eyes. After a few seconds, he opened them again. He gently wiped her tears off from her eyes with his hand.

Motoko couldn't wait much longer. But, she remained steadfast and held on, struggling to keep her emotions in place. She gasped in surprise, as her face was pulled closer to Keitaro's with gentle hands. The manager curled his lips up in a smile.

"I do. I love you, Motoko-chan, with all my heart," he quietly spoke.

The female swordsman could feel more tears seeping out from her eyes as her trembling lips slowly formed a smile.

"Urashima…"

The manager placed a finger on her lips.

"I prefer 'Kei-kun' better," he sealed her lips with his. Motoko moaned as she felt his tongue playing against hers inside her mouth. Her hands clutched the back of his head as she enjoyed the sensation she was experiencing.

The two broke up the kiss, catching their breaths. Their faces were flushed from the excitement of their lip locking. Keitaro lifted her chin up, gently stroking her cheeks with his hand.

"I believe you," Motoko said, pulling away from his embrace and stepped next to his side. She reached for his hand and held it while gazing at his face.

The dorm manager looked down on their intertwined hands and smiled.

"I think we can enjoy our walk home then."

The two suddenly shared a heart-felt laugh after that remark. They firmly gripped on each other's hands as they resumed walking.

OOOOOOOOOO

Timeline: June 5, 2000 AD, 7:15 PM

Location: Hinata-Sou

The occupants of the dorm --- namely Mitsune, Mutsumi, Naru, Shinobu, and Suu --- were gathered about in the living room, waiting anxiously for the manager and the female swordsman (Apparently, Shinobu informed the rest of them about Keitaro and Motoko's practice after the two left hours later).

To kill some time, they decided to indulge themselves in some activity. Shinobu and Suu were playing Scrabble; Mitsune was enjoying a cup of sake while watching the moon and stars outside the window; Mutsumi was stitching an oversized shirt made for Keitaro.

Naru was the only one not creating an interesting activity; she was pacing back and forth impatiently.

What on earth has been taking them so long? I wonder if Keitaro suddenly took advantage of Motoko? The pervert! He'll face my wrath once he sets foot here, she thought, cracking her knuckles.

Her best friend, Mitsune, noticed her annoyed, but angry demeanor.

"What's with the look, Naru? You're worried about our manager?" she asked.

Naru feigned shock in her face.

"What if he's done something to Motoko? Maybe he's back to his old perverted self!" she exclaimed. Deep down, she was worried about Keitaro and Motoko. She couldn't help but worry further on a possibility of having competition for him.

The fox lady raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? By the sound of that, are you jealous?" she slyly asked with a grin.

A faint blush was visible on Naru's cheeks. She shook her head quickly.

"No way, Mitsune!"

"Uh-huh. I think I've hit on a sweet spot there," Mitsune grinned, chuckling with delight. As she was about to continue on, the front door opened, with the expected residents entering in.

"Good evening, everyone," Keitaro greeted. The girls were stunned by his appearance.

The fox lady's eyes drank in view on the manager's well-built body. She slyly grinned.

Oh my… sexy.

Mutsumi and Shinobu's mouths were agape.

Ara, Ara… Kei-kun, you're handsome.

Oh Urashima-sempai… you're like a prince in a fairy tale.

Suu rubbed her hands together as she snickered secretly.

All set! I wonder how Keitaro will fare against my latest invention? I got to ask him first.

Naru was also awed by his appearance.

Keitaro…

"Urashima-sempai, Motoko-sempai! Welcome back!" Shinobu greeted, snapping out of her reverie.

"Ara-Ara, welcome back, you two," Mutsumi added. She noticed the small cut on Keitaro's left shoulder and let out a small gasp. She hurried to him and checked it out.

"You're hurt, Kei-kun! What happened?" she asked, concerned. The rest of the girls huddled close to her and followed her gaze to the manager's small injury.

"It's nothing to worry about, Mutsumi. Motoko managed to land a clean hit there. I admit her skills are improving since we last met," the manager spoke, giving a quick wink to the female swordsman standing next to him. She blushed a bit and gave an embarrassed smile to him.

Mutsumi sighed in relief.

"I'm glad you're safe, Kei-kun," she said, giving a cute smile. The manager chuckled a bit.

"Thanks for your concern, Mutsumi," he replied, laying his hand on her shoulder. The said girl found herself feeling her temperature rise a bit on her love's touch. Meanwhile, the rest of the girls had jealous looks on their faces. Naru decided to break the loving atmosphere between them.

"Ahem! I take it that you didn't do anything to Motoko here, now?" she asked with a raised eyebrow. She shifted her gaze between the manager and female swordsman.

The nerve of her stealing his attention! Oh, Keitaro, thank kami you're safe. I hope you didn't try to go for Motoko.

As Keitaro was about to reply, Motoko spoke for him, stepping in front of the interrogator. She shook her head.

"Naru-sempai, he's telling the truth. We were just doing training. In the heat of it, it turned serious, and I injured him a little."

"…Okay, I believe you, Motoko. I'm sorry to have doubted you, Keitaro," Naru apologized, looking down, "I thought you may have been doing something perverted to her like before."

"…No apologies needed, Naru. It seems you were thinking about me these hours ago, huh?" Keitaro teased with a light-hearted laugh. Naru looked away from him, a tint of red developing on her cheeks.

Mitsune was wondering at the change of the manager's attitude.

I'd never thought he had a good attitude --- did he just flirt with Naru? You're unpredictable, Keitaro, I'll give you that.

She interrupted in to save her best friend from any more embarrassment.

"Was that the only thing you two did? Oh… you're no fun," she pouted. She grabbed hold of Motoko's arm, speaking quietly to her.

"Psst… upstairs with me, right now. You've got some explaining to do."

"Mitsune, w-what are you doing?" Motoko asked, while her friend was dragging her along. The two disappeared upstairs.

Keitaro had a raised eyebrow with an anime-style sweatdrop on his head after noticing the small commotion.

"You guys didn't have to wait for me, but thanks. You should get some sleep. We've got another day tomorrow," he said to the rest of the girls.

Shinobu grabbed hold of his arm and observed his injury.

"Sempai; let me bandage your injury. You shouldn't walk around with that."

Keitaro was about to protest, but decided to let the said girl do her job. He motioned her to start with a nod. She led him to her room upstairs. As they disappeared, Suu latched herself onto Naru's back, knocking the wind off her.

"Oof! Suu!" Naru exclaimed.

"Let's play a while!" the foreign girl said excitedly. Naru shrugged her shoulders, sighing in defeat.

"Fine, but just an hour! I have to pack my stuff for class tomorrow!"

"Goodie! Let's go to my room!"

The two went upstairs to Suu's room, leaving a wondering Mutsumi alone.

"Ara, Ara. I'll have to close everything here then," she spoke to herself. She proceeded to lock the front door and turn off the lights.

OOOOOOOOOO

Inside the fox lady's room, she and the female swordsman were having a talk. The two were seated down.

"So… what do you think of Keitaro? And exactly what did happen there?" Mitsune started.

Motoko looked down on the floor, a small blush gracing her face. A smile formed on her lips as she remembered the aftermath of her practice-turned-duel with the manager. She took a deep breath and faced the fox lady.

"Before, I used to have such distrust on males. I thought of them as distrustful, loathsome, and most of all, perverts. But, Kei-kun changed all of that."

Mitsune raised an eyebrow.

"Kei-kun, huh? My, I didn't know you two were getting close!"

"Mitsune, it's not what you're thinking! I call him that because we're good friends with each other now," Motoko looked down on the floor, half-embarrassed and half-happy. Her cheeks were reddening slightly again as she thought about the manager.

Oh no. I knew something unexpected like this would happen! No wonder I felt uneasy a while ago. She used the opportunity to be close to him! Looks like I've got competition, Mitsune thought warily. She shook the thought off her mind and turned her face serious.

Motoko noticed her fellow roommate's silence and different composure.

"What is it, Konno-san?"

"I want you stay away from him."

"…What do you mean?"

Mitsune looked away from her with a sad frown on her face.

"I saw men interested on my body than myself. I couldn't stand that. But when Keitaro came, all that changed. He tries his best to keep others around him happy; he's unselfish. I've grown fond of him day by day, and I find it irresistible to spend time with him."

Motoko kept a passive face. She nodded understandingly.

"I agree with you. Kei-kun, I mean, Urashima shown to me how different he is from other males I've detested. He treated me with the utmost respect when we practiced together."

"Hmm… to be honest, I fear I'd be getting competition for Keitaro. Obviously aside from Mutsumi and Naru, I figured you'd be in it as well."

"I unknowingly developed my feelings for him after our first training. I couldn't hold back my emotions tonight.”

Mitsune rubbed her chin in thought. She then snapped her fingers.

"I've got it! How about we share him? That way, we each can spend time with him without any worries with one another. How does that sound to you?"

"That sounds dishonorable! But then again… it might seem fair to both of us. However! Don't dare go one step ahead of me!"

"Same thing I could say to you. We'll shake hands to it as an oath. Whoever breaks the rule in keeping Keitaro all to herself without giving chances to the other deserves punishment."

“I could think of punishment right now… ah ha!” Motoko exclaimed triumphantly, “If you break the rule, Mitsune… then you'll swear not to drink anymore. Also, you'll do regular exercise under my supervision.”

The fox lady cried out in shock. However, she wagged her finger at her, snickering.

“Fine, I can accept that. But, if you break the rule, then you'll treat me out whenever, wherever I want! Deal?” she offered her hand out to the female swordsman, who shook it with hers.

"I accept your challenge, Mitsune. May the best woman win," Motoko spoke, determined.

OOOOOOOOOO

In Shinobu's room…

"Please be careful next time, sempai; I don't want to see you get hurt," Shinobu worriedly spoke to the dorm manager, who was seated down, upper body naked. She applied some medicinal cream on the moderate-sized cut on his left shoulder.

As she performed her task, she couldn't stop herself from blushing as her eyes wondered up and down on Keitaro's well-built upper body. She shook her head off perverse thoughts and struggled to apply a medium-sized bandage after done with the medicine. Her hands were shaking little as she finally pasted it on the manager's injury.

"Are you ok, Shinobu-chan? Your hands seem to be shaking," Keitaro asked, looking at the said girl. She quickly looked away from him to hide her blush.

He stood up and was about to lay his hand on her shoulder when she replied, "Y-Y-Yes, I'm fine, sempai. I was thinking of something, that's all!"

Nevertheless, Keitaro placed his hand on her shoulder. He received a faint gasp from the shy, timid girl.

"Shinobu-chan," he spoke. He slowly turned her around face-to-face and looked into her dark purple eyes that made her look cute.

"S-Sempai…"

W-W-What is he going to do? Oh, sempai, Shinobu thought.

Keitaro pulled her close for a soft embrace. He let her head snuggle against his upper body. He rested his chin on her head lightly.

"I just want to say, thank you. You've been such a big help and a reliable friend since my days as landlord/manager of this inn. And thanks for patching me up."

Shinobu sighed happily. She felt her heart pace quicken as she listened to his words. She slowly broke away from his embrace and locked eyes with her biggest crush of her life.

"Sempai… there's something I've always wanted to say to you. Ever since you first came here and became the landlord/manager, I thought of you as a kind, caring person. You're artistically skilled, after seeing your sketch of me in our first meeting."

Keitaro rubbed the back of his head in earnest and chuckled a bit.

"I've never been complimented that much, but thanks."

This earned a small giggle from Shinobu. She continued on.

"Sempai… you were my inspiration. It was thanks to you that I found the hope to find and meet my real parents, and able to come close to finishing high school. You never gave up. You give attention to others before yourself. I…"

Anxiety was filling in her mind, as she was about to pour out her most desired words to him. She paused, took a breather, and flailed her arms up and down hurriedly in anime-style, trying to stay calm.

Keitaro smiled at her action, laughing softly. He put his hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, calm down. What are you getting nervous for? Take a deep breath and relax. Okay, now finish what you're saying."

Following his advice, she continued.

"I… I… I love you."