Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ A Fragile Love ❯ Episode 13: Family Ties ( Chapter 13 )

A Fragile Love

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

I'm very sorry for this late update, readers. I wasn't expecting so many reviews clamoring for the next episode!

 

I have had a serious case of writer's block. Another issue also was my midterm exams, which took place in the last week of October 2004.

 

I know most of you readers were begging me to e-mail you about this update. I'm sorry, but I couldn't afford to reply because a) it'd be unfair to others who're in the dark and b) some couldn't provide their complete e-mail address. I didn't intend to leave you readers and reviewers in the dark. Coming up with this update had taken a toll on me this October, and I barely finished an update for this fanfic, but I got the others to fill in.

 

Also, this story needed MAJOR revision. I didn't like the previous format I used before, and I hoped this new format will help you read the story clearly. And because of that, I'm now in the middle of revising again the rest of my stories.

 

Readers and reviewers, I only ask you one thing --- please don't be very expectant. As a struggling writer and student, I'm doing my very best to please you all. I'm sorry to say that I had bouts of frustration and mental blocks during the phase of writing this episode. Thank you.

 

All kinds of reviews are acceptable, whether it's a support or flame. They help the writer understand more on what to do with his pieces of works.

 

This episode's idea originally and rightfully belongs to lighthawkdemon1 for his Love Hina fanfic, “Family Affairs”. Oh, lighthawkdemon1, if you're angered by this, my sincere apologies; I didn't intend to steal your idea, just borrowing it. I read your fanfic, and I was inspired by it (BTW it was good!). Anyways, this episode is made for you.

 

With that said (whew!) please enjoy the story.

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Episode 13: Family Ties

Legend

Word denotes character thought

Word denotes setting, time

-Word- denotes sound effect

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Timeline: June 6, 2000 AD, 1:00 AM

Location: Hinata District, Haruka's Tea Shop

Inside her personal room upstairs, Haruka Urashima was up late calculating financial expenses concerning her teashop and Hinata-Sou. Several sheets of paper filled with financial statements were piled neatly on her desk. Punching in random numbers on a calculator, she wrote her calculations on her notebook.

 

“Hmm… it looks like business this month is at a snail's pace. -Sigh- And it's not enough to cover the rent of the dorm. Now, how can I come up with any cash to solve this?” she rubbed her forehead.

 

She placed her pen down and looked at a family picture of her and her nephew perched on a shelf. Taking it, she traced her fingers on Keitaro's image.

 

“Keitaro… I've missed you so much. You had to be an idiot to leave and come back changed,” she giggled to herself.

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Flashback - Tokyo Medical Center; 20 Years Ago

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

Timeline before: 1980 AD

Birthdates of Urashima family line:

Jan 1, 1934: Yusuke Urashima (46 years, Father)

May 16, 1935: Hina Kea (45 years, Mother)

Feb 14, 1975: Haruka Kea Urashima (5 years, Daughter)

Feb 15, 1959: Keiu Kea Urashima (21 years, Son)

--- Married Miki Asami (May 3, 1960, 20 years Daughter-in-Law)

--- Gave birth to a son, Keitaro Asami Urashima (Jan 1, 1979, Grandson)

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Haruka was 5 years old when she first laid eyes on him.

 

Her parents took her to see the baby boy, who was entering the beginning phase of his life. He was at his mother's arms, his eyes blinking at the people gathered around his mother's bed.

 

“He's so cute! He has the color of your sister-in-law's eyes, though he takes his look from your brother, don't you think, Haruka?” Hina Kea Urashima asked her daughter, who looked curiously at the baby.

 

“Yes, mama, he looks like brother Keiu,” Haruka nodded to her mother in reply.

 

“Congratulations! What name did you give him?” her father, Yusuke Urashima, asked his son Keiu Urashima (Haruka's older brother), who was beaming with joy at his baby. He and his wife locked eyes with each other briefly before he replied.

 

“His name is Keitaro. It was Miki's idea from the start. He looks a bit more of his mother,” Keiu wrapped his finger around his baby boy's small hands, which were grasping it. The baby gave a small gurgle, staring at his mother, who slowly cradled him in his arms.

 

“Maybe he does, Keiu. Our Keitaro looks like an angel,” Miki Asami Urashima smiled to her husband.

 

As Haruka gazed at the baby, she couldn't help but felt an attraction from the two dark-brown orbs that exalted care, happiness, and love. There was something she wouldn't make of them until she grew older.

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At 17-years old, as she arrived in her High School years, it became apparent that she felt a long distance between her and him.

 

The years went onto her senior year. Her academic performance was superb, maintaining grades of A's in her subjects.

 

Nevertheless, she would always find time now and then to visit him, staying by his side. Annoyed when Keitaro called her by formality, she reminded him to call her by her first name instead, despite being 4 years older than him. At first he was awkward about it, but as her visits to him continued, he learned to accept it.

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At 21-years old, she took up a 4-year course in Business Management at Tokyo University.

 

The university had high regulations and standards that she at first made a mediocre performance --- the most she could make was passing marks of 4.0. Thoughts of switching colleges or courses crossed into her mind, as she felt hope draining from her within each poor performance.

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But it was also that time that she felt a constant akin to jealousy of other young, pretty girls who would spend time with Keitaro.

 

One time at a family gathering in his family's residence, she noticed a 14-year old girl, who was his good friend and next-door neighbor, innocently sharing a happy time with him, talking and holding hands. Haruka couldn't turn a blind eye to this while she noticed the scene. Her heart and mind being filled with envy and jealousy, she came towards the girl and shoved her off the chair she was sitting on. She then realized her action, quickly leaving the scene, embarrassed.

 

Keitaro helped the fallen girl up, wondering at his aunt's retreating form.

 

“Are you okay, Azusa?”

 

The girl dusted herself off and smiled.

 

“I'm fine, Keitaro. But why did your aunt pushed me just now?”

 

“I don't know. But she was acting strange back then. I'm sorry for what she did to you.”

 

“No, it's okay.”

 

Standing behind the kitchen door, Haruka wondered to her self, placing her hand over her heart.

 

Why did I just do that? Why am I like this?

 

She was afraid of these feelings developing inside her, mirroring her like to her nephew.

 

It was then she realized it was love.

 

But hurtful truths regarding incest within the family would be a major obstacle she dreaded. Pushing those thoughts aside, she tried her best to step in front of her new love, fending off possible romantic interests who confounded their feelings for him.

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Despite that incident, memories of him kept her going. She found a ray of hope and inspiration drawn from him, enabling her to progress forward.

 

Those 4 long years of study paid off. She graduated with full marks of 1.0, gaining recognition as valedictorian and part of the dean's list from her batch.

 

That would be a happy start of her adult life.

 

However, a part of her heart felt loneliness and sadness, as she would never be able to be with him again.

 

She sent Keitaro last letters, keeping in touch with him for the last time. She poured out all her feelings for him in each word written, though not actually confessing to him that she loved him not as an aunt, but a woman.

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She had decided to explore her horizons, by traveling to the US at a best friend's request after her graduation in college. Her best friend, Jessica MacDougal, was a cheery, spirited woman who had a 7-year old daughter named Sarah MacDougal. She worked as an archeologist in California University.

 

Jessica a fellow archeologist introduced Haruka to Seta Noriyasu. She became interested in him due to his likeness of her first love. Seta's behavior was calm and peculiar; nevertheless, he was devoted to his career.

 

But as several years past on, he liked both women. But, he couldn't make up his mind to choose who. So, he made a promise to both that when he turned 30-years old, he'd marry who he selected.

 

Alas, it was also the time when tragedy struck. While on a routine expedition dig, Jessica suddenly collapsed unconscious. After being rushed immediately to a nearby hospital, the doctor confirmed she had contracted a fatal virus that weakened her immune system gradually.

 

“I'm sorry… but she doesn't have long to live. I'd give her a month,” he guiltily replied, shocking Haruka, Sarah, and Seta.

 

“Impossible… I always figured she be cautious on wherever location she selects for the expedition dig,” Seta adjusted his eyeglasses, a twinkle of light reflected from its lens. He took the news carefully.

 

“You can see her now. I'm afraid there's no possible cure for her condition. Once again, I'm sorry. Please excuse me,” the doctor bowed to them, excusing himself to see his next patient. The three people stepped into Jessica's room to find the said woman sadly smiling at them. She had lost little weight, but her complexity was surprisingly maintained.

 

“-Cough- -cough- I'm glad you came. The doctor filled me in on my condition. It looks like I had gotten careless in the midst of my work,” she spoke. She saw her daughter clasping her hand over hers.

 

“Mommy… -sniff- -sniff- -hic-,” Sarah couldn't help but cry. Her mother ruffled her hair and wiped off her tears. She laughed a little, seeing how her daughter was a mirror image of her younger self --- long, blonde hair; purple eyes; bright peach skin.

 

“Don't cry, Sarah, things like this are bound to happen in our lives. I wish you all the happiness that a mother could hope for her child,” Jessica kissed her daughter on the forehead. She shifted her gaze at Seta, who was being himself.

 

“Seta, please take care of Sarah for me.”

 

The fellow archeologist nodded his head in reply. He clasped his hand over hers.

 

“Don't worry, Jessica, I promise you that. Excuse me, Haruka?” Seta turned facing Haruka, “can you take Sarah with you outside for a moment? I'd like some time alone with Jessica.”

 

The female Urashima sighed, looking at the two important people in her life.

 

“I understand.”

 

She gently led Sarah to come with her, exiting the room.

 

15 minutes passed in the hallway outside Jessica's room where Haruka and Sarah sat down in nearby hallway seats, waiting. Haruka took out a pack of cigarettes from her pants' pocket. She took a cigarette out from the pack and lighted it with a lighter. Putting the pack back in her pocket, she smoked a whiff of it, blowing out a puffy ring of smoke.

 

Jessica... why did this have to happen to you?

 

She patted the young MacDougal's shoulders, comforting her.

 

“Don't worry, Sarah. Your mother's strong. She'll fight till the very end.”

 

Sarah embraced her with a sad smile and teary face.

 

“Thank you, Aunt Haruka.”

 

Jessica's door opened, with Seta stepping out. He motioned the female Urashima to him.

 

“Haruka, Jessica wants to see you now alone.”

 

“Alright, I'll go see her,” Haruka replied with a nod. She snubbed her cigarette out in nearby garbage astray. She stepped past Seta and inside Jessica's room. She took steady but slow steps approaching her best friend's bedside. She drew a chair nearby for her to sit on.

 

Jessica sadly smiled at her, placing her hand over hers.

 

“Haruka… it seems that fate has suddenly become unlucky for me. But, it doesn't matter to me anymore. I'll always enjoy my line of work.”

 

“Jessica… I'm sorry this had to happen to you. I was shocked when the doctor informed me of your condition.”

 

“Yes. Maybe Seta was right; I've been too focused on my work that I hardly give notice to myself. But that plant sure looked very suspicious back there in the expedition. I was careless.”

 

“It's not like you to blame yourself. Put aside your worries and try to get some rest. Save your strength.”

 

“-Giggle- You always have that stoic look on your face whenever you show care and concern to others.”

 

Haruka smirked at her best friend's remark.

 

“Well, is there anything you want to talk about? Now will be a good time.”

 

“Yes, I have. Haruka, I'm not asking much, but can do you me a favor when I'm gone?”

 

The female Urashima squeezed her grip tightly as she nodded in reply.

 

“I want you to find your own happiness in your life.”

 

“W-What do you mean?”

 

“Well… before this happened, I began to notice you having a sullen disposition, as if you're not sure with what to do in your life. It became evident when you shared with me about your first love, wasn't it?”

 

“!”

 

“-Giggle- Come on, don't be surprised. It looks pretty obvious to me.”

 

Haruka looked away from Jessica, embarrassed. Well, she was her best friend after all during and after college. She could trust her in confiding her secrets. But she was annoyed and embarrassed now that Jessica brought that issue up in her stricken condition.

 

“Haruka… I know this might be a bad time to bring that up, but I just want to help my best friend, who seems to be in trouble.”

 

“-Sigh- Jessica… I'm not sure with what to do in my life,” Haruka looked back. Jessica released her hand from her grip and patted it gently.

 

“Haruka, we all have something to deal with in our lives. But sometimes, not doing anything about it will only make it burdensome and worse for you to bear. For example, I raised Sarah all by myself especially with her father who ran off from us, not to be seen again. Sure it was hard and painful, but as time passed by, I learned to get past it.”

 

“But Jessica… this is different. Can you not see a natural law that forbids incest happening within the family --- even when my first love happens to be the son of my 38-year old brother? Despite my love for him, I just cannot put it aside.”

 

Jessica shook her head in disappointment.

 

“To me, I think it's a wonderful thing. Sure it's shocking and strange at first, but there can be something special about to happen. Love knows no boundaries, as my mentor told me a long time ago.”

 

“Jessica…”

 

“Haruka, you should at least give it a try. You'll never know if you don't. Please promise me you'll do it. I never want to see my best friend hurt in any way.”

 

Haruka sat near Jessica's bedside, holding her hand over hers.

 

“-Sigh- Alright. I promise.”

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After that, Jessica MacDougal fought hard to live. With love and support from her daughter, Seta, and Haruka, she found the strength and will to fight her stricken condition. Chemotherapy was offered to her to help, but she declined, fearing its effects on her body. Her doctor was astounded by her will to live on until the end.

 

Because of this, Jessica got to enjoy some cherished and happy moments in her last days of life. She spent important times with her daughter, teaching her life's lessons.

 

After a year, the disease eventually took over, claiming her life. Her last wishes were for her body to be cremated, and her ashes scattered over her birthplace --- San Francisco, California. Seta followed and respected her wishes, and did as instructed.

 

Her family --- Sarah, Seta, and Haruka --- paid their respects and wishes. Fulfilling his promise to her, Seta adopted Sarah as his daughter, and took her to live with him in his archeological travels.

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At 25 years old, Haruka decided to fly back to Japan, in order to get over her best friend's passing. Her mother, Hina Kea Urashima, was looking for a manager in an all-girls' dormitory she had been running for the past 20 years. Haruka took up the position and began her duties.

 

Within a month, the first six tenants signed in --- Naru Narusegawa, Mitsune Konno, Motoko Aoyama, Koalla Suu, Shinobu Maehara, and Mutsumi Otohime. Each girl had unique personalities to boot at first glance. Nevertheless, Haruka laid down the rules and conditions for them.

 

A problem arose in the form of the dorm's rent. Monthly, it was estimated at Y62500 ($500), with a yearly cost of Y750000 ($6000). The first few months were covered by her parents; unfortunately in the following months, they couldn't generate more money to cover the rent, having enough for their retirement.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE

Supposed exchange rate of USD to Y --- $1 to Y125

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So, Haruka took upon herself to rent a suitable building a few blocks from the dorm and turned it into her teashop. It became an instant success a week later after its opening. Many residents in Hinata district flocked inside daily, generating enough revenue to pay for the succeeding month. She hired suitable workers to maintain the shop.

End Flashback

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“No, this won't do. Great,” Haruka placed her pen down and took a deep breath. She looked at another small photo of her with Seta and Sarah MacDougal, smiling sadly at it.

 

Jessica… finding my own happiness is hard for me now.

 

She stood up from her seat and headed downstairs to the kitchen, making herself a cup of tea to sooth her worry. She took a chair and was about to drink her now made tea when she heard knocking from the door.

 

Huh? Who could it be at this hour?

 

She placed her tea down on the table and walked up to the door, opening it. A young girl around her late teens stood there with a black bag and an animal cage to her sides. She had raven-black hair with a ponytail, dark purple eyes, light-peach skin, and stood around Keitaro's height. She wore a small black jacket over a dark-green shirt, a medium skirt, and black leather shoes.

 

Haruka was surprised a bit when she noticed the girl's features.

 

She looks similar to Keitaro.

 

“Yes? How may I help you?”

 

“Is this the Hinata Tea Shop?” the girl asked.

 

“Well, yes it is, if you looked up at the signboard there,” Haruka pointed out to the signboard above her head --- HINATA TEA SHOP. The girl blushed slightly in embarrassment for not noticing it.

 

“-Giggle- Um, are you Haruka Urashima?”

 

“Yes I'm she. Why do you ask?”

 

The girl played with her hands for a while coming up with a reply. She looked up to her.

 

“It's me, Kanako, Aunt Haruka.”

 

Haruka's jaw dropped little, her eyes widening a bit.