Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ Aftermath: Loss and Redemption 2 ❯ Half-Truths and Consequences ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: See Chapter Two

 

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“X” Spoken words

`X' Thoughts

 

Love Hina

 

Aftermath: Loss and Redemption 2

 

Chapter Five: Half-Truths and Consequences

 

By: hawker_748

 

 

“And how is one of my favourite patients today?” asked Dr. Naoko Akagi.

 

Motoko looked up at her, the misery in her eyes apparent to all who could see. “Terrible,” She growled.

 

“And why is that?” the doctor continued sweetly. Her cheerful, upbeat demeanour caused Motoko to scowl.

 

“I'm vomiting regularly, passing gas even more often than that, and my ankles are swelling. I'm always in the bathroom, either sitting on the toilet, or kneeling before it. I'm gaining weight, I'm losing my figure, and I'm going to need new clothes soon.” By this time, Motoko was in the middle of a full-on rant, and she railed against the indignities that she was forced to endure.

 

“I can't practice the art I love or spar with my husband. My balance is going, I'm eating like a horse, and right now I'd murder for a bag of chocolate kisses. I'm going to turn into a blimp, Kei-kun's going to think I'm ugly, and he's going to leave me! I cry at the drop of a hat, I constantly have to watch what I'm doing, and Kei-kun,” she spat the term of endearment as if it was poisonous, “did this to me, and he doesn't have to experience any of this! But other than that, I'm just fine!”

 

Concerned by his beloved's outburst, Keitaro gently placed his hands on Motoko's shoulders, trying to calm her down, only to have her smack them away.

 

“You did this on purpose, didn't you?!” Motoko was practically frothing at the mouth by now. “This is your revenge for all the times I used to hit you, isn't it?!”

 

“Mo-chan,” Keitaro spoke in calming, almost pleading tones. “You told me to tell you when you were acting like this.”

 

Motoko paused in her diatribe as she registered what he was saying. A crestfallen look came over her regal features, and she seemed to collapse into herself. “Oh Kei-kun, I'm sorry.”

 

Taking Motoko into his arms, and tenderly brushing the single tear off of her cheek, Keitaro ran his fingers of his right hand through Motoko's hair. In a soft, soothing voice he said, “It's all right my love, it's just hormones and mood swings. It doesn't matter.” Keitaro had become accustomed to Motoko's sudden and dramatic mood swings.

 

He didn't look forward to them, or how morose she was after many of them, but he was accustomed to them. “You're wrong, by the way. I think you're beautiful, and I'd rather die than live without you,” he added to reassure her.

 

Watching the scene before her, the doctor smiled softly. This wasn't too bad at all, and she'd seen worse in her career. `That couple in Nerima a few years back…' She shook her head to clear away those thoughts. `Poor guy, I'm amazed he survived.'

 

Motoko took a deep breath to center herself. “I apologize doctor, for acting like this…”

 

Dr. Akagi shook her head dismissively. “It's nothing I haven't seen before. It'll pass. The important thing is that all of your tests so far have come back normal. The pregnancy is proceeding along nicely.”

 

“I'm glad to hear that,” Motoko replied sincerely. “But I thought that chamomile tea and spearmint were supposed to get rid of morning sickness.”

 

“I said that they could help. I never guaranteed that they'd work. But you're saying now they haven't helped at all?”

 

“A little, I guess,” Motoko reluctantly admitted. “Better than nothing, I suppose.”

 

“Look Motoko,” continued Dr. Akagi. “Pregnancy isn't an exact science. There are certain expectations, but every one is unique. But you're healthy, and so is your child. Be thankful for that.”

 

“You're right, doctor.”

 

Keitaro moved behind Motoko and once again placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. This time, instead of slapping it away, she put her hand on his, squeezing it in gratitude.

 

“So, other than the usual physiological and emotional issues, have there been any difficulties?”

 

“No.”

 

“Been watching what you eat?”

 

“In the brief period of time before she eats it, yes,” quipped Keitaro before Motoko could respond. She glared at him, but there was amusement in her eyes as well.

 

Dr. Akagi had to stifle her snicker. “You've been staying active?”

 

With a feral grin, Motoko replied, “Yes, especially last night. Poor Kei-kun couldn't stay awake afterwards.”

 

Keitaro blushed heavily, and struggled vainly to conceal his embarrassment.

 

The doctor gave Motoko a knowing look. Her demeanour all but screamed, `I know what you mean.' Forcing herself to maintain some measure of decorum, she asked, “You've been able to cope with the inherent discomfort of carrying a baby?”

 

“Yes, the hot springs make it a lot easier to relax after a difficult day, and soothes sore muscles,” replied Motoko.

 

A dark look came over Naoko's features. “Wait, didn't I tell you before that hot springs are dangerous?”, she asked crossly.

 

“It's all right doctor,” Keitaro answered, making pacifying gestures. “The temperature was reduced to a safe level.”

 

A blank look replaced the previous dark one. “You turned down a hot springs?” the doctor asked incredulously.

 

“We didn't, Mutsumi did,” corrected Keitaro.

 

“Who?”

 

“She's our friend, and another resident,” Motoko belatedly added.

 

“I see. So how the hell did `Mutsumi' cool down a naturally occurring hot springs?”

 

“The water from underground passes through some filtering units before it enters the outdoor bath,” explained Keitaro. “There's a cold water supply pipe that feeds into the system. Mutsumi simply opened up that pipe a little, which mixed with the hot springs water. You know, like putting ice cubes in a hot drink.”

 

“So it's at a safe temperature now?” asked the doctor.

 

“Yes,” replied Keitaro confidently. “We always check the temperature before we use it.”

 

“We?”

 

“Sometimes Kei-kun joins me in the bath,” clarified Motoko.

 

Dr. Akagi took this in stride. “That's actually a good idea. It'll be harder for you to get around later in your pregnancy, and having Keitaro there to help you will be good for the both of you.” Both nodded to her as the doctor made one final notation on her clipboard and then put it down. “I think that's all for today. Everything is going well so far, so just keep up the good work you two. If any problems occur, just let me know.”

 

“Thank you doctor,” Keitaro and Motoko replied simultaneously.

 

“Confirm your next appointment with my receptionist, and I'll see you then. If you'll excuse me, I have another patient waiting. Good day you two.” With that the doctor walked out of the room and left the Aoyamas to see themselves out. As they left, they passed a red headed girl who was muttering to herself, and looked to be about eighteen. A worried looking foreign boy accompanied her. The doctor just shook her head and waved them into her office.

 

After confirming the next appointment, Keitaro and Motoko slowly walked back to Hinata House, holding hands and just enjoying the company and the weather. They were chatting lightly, and everything seemed as if it was going well.

 

It wasn't until they were almost home that the first inklings of trouble started.

 

The sight of the other Hinata House residents, minus Naru, at the bottom of the steps wasn't that unusual, but the near panicked expressions that some of them wore was new.

 

“Sempai! Motoko! Thank the heavens you're back!” cried out Shinobu.

 

Alarmed by the looks of the other residents, the Aoyamas rushed over to them. “What's wrong Shinobu?” asked Keitaro.

 

“It's Naru, she's, she's-”

 

“She's gone crazy,” interrupted Kitsune. “She got back and then she started acting weird.”

 

Keitaro blinked in surprise. “Weird? What do you mean?”

 

“She asked me if I had a romantic interest in you,” replied Sarah. She looked as if the very idea made her ill. Keitaro also felt sick when he briefly contemplated this thought.

 

“She pinched my cheeks and tried to rub off my markings,” added Su.

 

“Then sh… she flipped up my skirt and commented on my panties!” Shinobu cried, blushing a shade of deep scarlet.

 

“She groped my boobs!” hissed Kitsune.

 

“And she suggested that I should pose nude,” remarked Mutsumi.

 

Both Keitaro and Motoko's eyes grew wider at the litany of accusations. “Excuse me?” gasped Motoko.

 

“She met me when I came out of the bath, and she commented that if she'd had a camera, she'd make a fortune,” explained Mutsumi.

 

“Naru's got to be possessed, that's all there is to it,” muttered Kitsune.

 

“Possessed?” breathed Motoko, her eye twitching.

 

“Why else would she act like this? Unless you did something to make her snap, Keitaro,” Kitsune added.

 

“No. NO! I didn't do anything! But why do you say she's possessed?” inquired Keitaro.

 

“Can you think of a better explanation?”

 

“Not without seeing her for myself,” admitted Motoko. “Kei-kun, if Naru is possessed, I should attempt to exorcise her.”

 

“That's too risky, Mo-chan,” warned Keitaro.

 

“It's not that risky Kei-kun, and I'm the only one who can exorcise Naru.”

 

“Hey! Why do I need exercise? You trying to say I'm getting fat?!”

 

“Naru!” yelped Shinobu, as she moved back in fear. Sarah and Kitsune also found themselves taking an involuntary step back.

 

“What's going on here?” Naru asked suspiciously.

 

“Why are you acting crazy?” Kitsune shot back.

 

A disbelieving look sprang onto Naru's face. “What are you talking about Kitsune?” `Have you been drinking again?' she silently added.

 

“Why did you grab my boobs?!”

 

Naru recoiled at the accusation. “Are you on crack?! I've been gone all morning!”

 

“Like hell!” retorted Kitsune. “You came back and started acting wacko!”

 

“But how did Naru-san get down here without using the steps?” Mutsumi wondered out loud. It's funny how those least known for insight can sometimes have the clearest view.

 

Silence. In unison, all of the residents turned and looked up the stairs. “If Naru-sempai's down here…” mused Shinobu.

 

“Then who the hell's up there?” finished Sarah.

 

With eyes narrowed, Naru answered. “Let's find out.” She cracked her knuckles and moved to head up the stairs, only to have Keitaro stop her.

 

“I'll go first,” interjected Keitaro, drawing his sword. Motoko drew her own sword and fell in beside her husband. They exchanged a glance, nodded in agreement at some unspoken communication, and started stalking up the stairs. The remaining Hinata House residents followed a respectful step or two behind them.

 

In the middle of the pack, Kitsune tried to figure out who could possibly imitate Naru and why. She paused in her ruminations and took a moment to regard the Aoyamas. The two of them were moving swiftly and confidently up the stairs, looking every inch the professional swordsmen they were. Despite her difficulties with the two of them, Kitsune was glad that they were there at that moment. A grim smile came over her features. `Those two will make whoever that is wish they'd stayed home!'

 

XXX

 

`Naru' was currently looking around Hinata House, peeking into the rooms, and becoming familiar with its layout. She'd considered looking a little harder at the landlords room, but had decided against actively searching it at this point. `Plenty of time for that later,' she thought. The departure of the other residents was problematic, and she admitted to herself that perhaps she came on a little too strong. `No matter, they won't be able to trace it to me.'

 

As she strolled through the living room, admiring the state of repair of the former inn, `Naru' heard the commotion of the residents as they re-approached the residence. Figuring that it was time for her to leave, she decided to depart Hinata House and let the girl she'd replaced have to explain her actions to the others. Nodding to herself, she headed outside, ready to bid goodbye to the residents, when the unexpected sight of Keitaro caused her to pause.

 

`Oniichan…' `Naru's' heart skipped a beat; it had been so long since she'd seen him. Once again, she felt the urge to reveal herself and go to him. The rush of emotions the sight of Keitaro inspired caused her to not immediately register the katana that he was wielding in a threatening manner.

 

Belatedly, she noticed his outfit, weapon, and the fact that he wasn't alone. A tall, attractive, and identically dressed and armed woman was by his side, and she was regarding her with open hostility and suspicion. Attempting to conceal her sudden uneasiness, and forcing herself to address him by name instead of by honourific, `Naru' called out, “Keitaro, is something wrong?”

 

“That's what I'd like to know!” another voice snarled in response. The crowd behind Keitaro parted, and Naru pushed her way to the front and came face to face with herself.

 

Shock and disbelief swept through the residents, as more than one found themselves gawking dumbly, or rapidly looking back and forth between the two Narus.

 

Beneath her mask, Kanako paled. `Oh shit! I didn't think she'd be back so soon!' She hadn't considered the prospect of an armed reception committee either.

 

“Who are you?” her brother demanded. “What are you, a demon?” He took another step forward to punctuate his question.

 

Kanako found herself considering peeling off her disguise and revealing who she was, but she overruled that idea. She wasn't sure how the woman with the sword would react; Keitaro wouldn't hurt her, she was certain, but she wasn't sure about the others. The one she'd imitated was glowering at her and clenching her fists, looking as if she was eager to take a swing at her.

 

After a half second of reviewing her options, Kanako decided to make a break for it. She turned on her heel and bolted back into the residence, planning on hiding, or possibly adopting another disguise and attempting to slip by the residents.

 

The instant the intruder turned tail, Keitaro turned to Motoko and told her to stay outside with the residents. His tone brooked no argument, but as a panacea to Motoko he added, “Who knows, she might try to double back and escape.” He saw that she had accepted his logic, grudgingly, and he went off in pursuit of the impostor.

 

“Good luck Kei-kun!” Mutsumi called out sweetly.

 

“Kick her ass Keitaro!” Naru yelled.

 

Inside Hinata House, Kanako was trying to formulate a way out of the situation she was currently in. A part of her was kicking herself for not thinking ahead and anticipating what had happened. However, she quickly realized that Keitaro was the only one chasing her, and an idea formed from that. She slowed down to allow him to nearly catch up with her, and then ran into the landlord's room, making certain that he knew where she'd gone.

 

Once she was inside, she threw herself flat against the wall next to the door and poised for when he came in after her. `This isn't what I planned, but I've got no choice now.' Moments later, Keitaro ran into the room, and she grabbed him from behind, locking her arms around him, pinning his arms at his side.

 

XXX

 

The instant Keitaro ran into his room, he realized that he'd made an unforgivable error; he'd charged in blindly. His internal cursing tripled when he got grabbed from behind. `Dumbass! Always watch your back!' Motoko had drilled that into him ruthlessly, but he'd gone and forgotten that, too excited by the chase to think clearly. The sight of twin Narus had startled him, and he'd allowed himself to get sloppy. As he shifted his weight to kick back at his opponents knee, he realized that his assailant was whispering in his ear. “Oniichan, it's me!”

 

`Oniichan?' The unexpected words made him pause, as his brain couldn't comprehend this unexpected occurrence. He was only dimly aware that the woman had let him go and had moved in front of him, holding up her hands in a placating gesture. Keitaro shook his head to clear it and held up his sword in a ready position, but took no offensive action. “Who are you?” This time, the question held no aggressiveness, just simple curiosity.

 

The Naru facsimile in front of him sighed. “I guess you wouldn't recognize me like this.” Her voice was now her own, and the sound of another voice from Naru's lips was disquieting to Keitaro. “Just give me one second oniichan.”

 

The woman then reached up behind her head, gave a sharp tug, and took her mask off, a sight Keitaro couldn't stop himself from wincing at. The face underneath was attractive, and it took him less than a second to realize who it was. “Kanako?”

 

Kanako smiled at that. “Yes, it's me oniichan.” Seconds later, she found herself swept off of her feet as Keitaro ran over and embraced her in a hug. After a second's hesitation, Kanako returned the hug, enjoying the chance to hold her beloved older brother so intimately.

 

For his part, Keitaro was so happy to see his sister again that he didn't notice that Kanako's embrace went beyond the borders of familial. When he let her go, he missed the disappointment that passed over her features. “What are you doing here?”

 

“I came to see you,” Kanako replied truthfully. It wasn't the whole truth, nor all that she had planned, but it wasn't a lie.

 

“Why'd you disguise yourself as Naru?” Keitaro asked suspiciously.

 

Now Kanako had to stretch the truth even more. “I-I was nervous. I wanted to know a little about you and the people you live with before I came to see you.”

 

“Really?” When Kanako nodded, Keitaro pressed on. “So why did you grope Kitsune, or flick up Shinobu's dress?”

 

Kanako winced inwardly, and cursed herself for being careless enough to be discovered. Thinking quickly, she said the first thing that popped into her mind that sounded even remotely plausible. “I-I just wanted to know about the residents here.” `I was scoping out my competition,' she corrected silently.

 

Keitaro mulled that over for a minute before replying. “You should be more straightforward when learning about someone,” he gently rebuked.

 

“Yes oniichan, I'm sorry.” Kanako was relieved and delighted that her brother wasn't pressing the issue further.

 

“Just remember that. Hey, how did you know I was here?”

 

“Everyone said you were here, oniichan,” she replied with a faint smile.

 

“Have you met everyone here? Been properly introduced, I mean,” he added seconds later.

 

“No.”

 

“Then let's go, I want everyone to meet my sister,” he replied, his spirits rising.

 

“I'd like that. Can I get changed first?”

 

“Go ahead, I'll be outside the door.” Keitaro then left the room and gave Kanako her privacy.

 

`Maybe this will work out after all,' she thought as she stripped out of her Naru clothing, revealing her usual black outfit. Once changed, she exited the room and followed her brother outside, ready to meet her rivals for his affection.

 

XXX

 

Motoko was worried.

 

From the moment Keitaro had disappeared from view, there had been no signs of activity from inside the residence. No battlecries, no sounds of damage, no one being launched through the wall. The silence was eerie to Motoko because she had no idea of what was happening. `Could something have happened to Kei-kun?' Motoko found herself wondering. `He's as good as I could make him, but…'

 

Her concern was overcoming her patience, and she found herself mentally charging in after him. Taking a deep breath and preparing to do just that, she felt a curtain of worry lift off of her when she saw Keitaro walking out of the residence. The relief was tempered when she noticed that he wasn't alone.

 

“Is that her?” called out Kitsune. “The fake Naru?”

 

“Yes,” Keitaro replied sheepishly. “Listen everyone, there's something I need to explain, but first I want to introduce you to my sister, Kanako Urashima.”

 

No one spoke. A stunned silence hung heavy in the air, broken when Keitaro nervously continued. “She dressed up like Naru so she could learn a little about you before she showed herself. She was nervous about seeing me again.”

 

Kanako put on a vaguely guilty expression, and tried to act contrite. If Keitaro was saying this, then she wasn't actually lying to the residents, was she? Feeling bad about using her `oniichan' like this, but not willing to stop him either, she let him explain her actions to the others.

 

“Your sister, huh?” remarked Kitsune. “Why am I not surprised?” `You know something Keitaro? I used to think that I had the world's worst parents, but now I'm not so sure. Did your parents read anything more complicated than a cereal box before they started raising you two? I don't think they could have raised a more dysfunctional family if they'd phoned it in.'

 

“That doesn't explain why she made me look insane,” growled Naru.

 

“I'm sorry.” `Sometimes an apology, however insincere, is better than an explanation,' mused Kanako. Naru still looked angry, but she was no longer radiating an aura of rage.

 

“Come Kanako, let me introduce you to everyone,” Keitaro said, taking her hand and leading her to the residents.

 

“Thank you oniichan.” Once again, Keitaro missed the adoring look that Kanako gave him.

 

Motoko noticed it though. The look Kanako was giving her husband caused her eyes to narrow, and made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She tried to dismiss it as more hormone-induced paranoia, but Kanako's look had contained, to her eyes anyway, a touch of desire inappropriate between brother and sister.

 

Unaware of either his sisters desires, or his wife's concerns, Keitaro proceeded with the introductions. “Kanako, these are Shinobu Maehara, Sarah McDougal, and Koalla Su.”

 

“Heyas Kanako!” Su called out, her usual grin in place.

 

“Hello Kanako,” Shinobu said quietly, still a little uneasy at the woman she was greeting. After all, flipping up her skirt just wasn't right.

 

“Hey there!” piped up Sarah. “Nice goth look ya got goin' there.”

 

Kanako simply nodded and prepared to meet the others. These three were too young, and she didn't see them as serious rivals for Keitaro's heart.

 

Moving on to the watermelon-obsessed woman from Okinawa, Keitaro continued the introductions. “This is Mutsumi Otohime.”

 

“It's a pleasure to finally meet Kei-kun's little sister,” beamed Mutsumi.

 

“Pleased to meet you,” replied Kanako, looking carefully at the older woman. `Attractive, but spacey. She's probably got nothing in common with oniichan.'

 

“This is Mitsune Konno.”

 

“Call me Kitsune. Oh, and quit trying to grab my boobs.” She crossed her arms to emphasize her displeasure at the earlier contact.

 

“Don't worry, won't happen again.” `I got all that I needed the last time,' Kanako silently added.

 

“Naru Narusegawa.”

 

“You might say we've already met, Keitaro,” Naru retorted frostily. She didn't extend a greeting to Kanako, or offer to shake hands. Indeed, she regarded her with open antagonism.

 

Kanako found herself frowning. `This girl is trouble. Thick glasses, bookwormy type, just like oniichan used to be.' Her frown deepened as another thought suddenly struck her. `Wait, why is oniichan wearing that kendo outfit? And where are his glasses?' She made a note to ask him about that later, as she was now face to face with the last resident.

 

“And last, but certainly not least, Motoko Aoyama, my wife.”

 

Kanako's heart stopped mid-beat, and she went as white as new fallen snow. “What did you say?” she whispered, praying that she hadn't heard right.

 

“Oh, didn't you know? This is my wife Motoko Aoyama. Love of my life, mistress of the Shinmei School of kendo-”

 

“-And very soon, mother of his child,” finished Motoko, as she took Keitaro's hand and placed it on her stomach.

 

Kanako felt the world start to spin around her. `This, this can't be...he said he'd be there for me…' Her feelings of disbelief and denial surged desperately, but they took a mortal blow when she finally noticed the gold rings that her brother and Motoko were wearing. After one last gasp of virtually crazed disbelief, the truth finally took hold of her.

 

This proved to be too much for the young woman to absorb, and she fainted dead away. Kanako was dimly aware that Keitaro had caught her before her head hit the ground, and then she plunged into a black oblivion.

 

XXX

 

They'd brought Kanako back into Hinata House, laid her unconscious form on one of the couches, and placed a cold compress on her forehead. Once this was done, the girls began grilling Keitaro for information on his recently arrived sibling.

 

“So Kei-kun, why did she faint? Does she have a medical condition?” queried Motoko.

 

“Not that I'm aware of,” replied Keitaro. “Then again, I haven't seen her in a while, so who knows.”

 

“Why didn't she know you were married sempai?”

 

“She was the only family member we didn't visit. I guess I figured someone else in the family would have told her.”

 

“So why did she come here now?” asked Naru.

 

“She said she came to visit me,” answered Keitaro. “She must have decided it was time to get re-acquainted. That reminds me, I should have Aunt Haruka come cover. I don't think she's seen Kanako in a while either.”

 

At that moment, Kanako began to stir on the couch. “She's coming to, Kei-kun,” called out Mutsumi. In response, Keitaro went over to the couch and kneeled down next to his sister as she regained consciousness.

 

“Are you feeling better now Kanako?” he asked, concern etched on to his features.

 

Opening her eyes and blinking her vision clear, Kanako's first sight was her brother leaning over her, looking down at her, concern on his face. “Oniichan!” She sprang up and latched onto him, trying to drive away the remnants of her nightmare. `Wait…' Against her own will, she realized that her bad dream was actually reality. `He IS married, isn't he?' It wasn't a question, merely a reluctant confirmation.

 

Attempting to compose herself, Kanako let go of Keitaro, and laid back onto the couch. “How long have you been married to…her, oniichan?”

 

“Over a year.” Keitaro, and everyone else, missed the hint of jealousy in the question.

 

“How did it happen?”

 

Keitaro sighed, and tried to figure out the best way to tell her without upsetting any of the others present. “It's a long story Kanako. It started when Motoko's sister Tsuruko came to Tokyo to visit her…” Keitaro then proceeded to explain what had happened, occasionally glancing at the other residents, and pointedly omitting details such as the love triangle between Motoko, Naru, and himself, and why he and Motoko had left Hinata House for nearly a year.

 

Keitaro's incomplete narrative caused an occasional eyebrow to rise, as well as a few funny looks, but the girls collectively decided not to raise an issue at the moment.

 

After the story was finished, Kanako lay on the couch, trying to absorb all that she had heard. “I see,” she replied faintly. “I-I had no idea…”

 

“Sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I just thought you would have already heard.”

 

“You couldn't have known,” Kanako continued softly. “I didn't know either, or I'd have…” she couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence.

 

“So, where are you staying?” Keitaro tried to change the subject, and lighten the tension which had unexpectedly fallen over the residence.

 

Kanako paused as she formulated a response. “I-I hadn't really thought about that,” she admitted.

 

“Then you should stay here,” declared Keitaro. He looked up to see a couple of frowns. Marginally raising his voice, more for the benefit of the residents than his sister, he added, “We've got extra rooms, and I haven't seen you in far too long.”

 

“I shouldn't oniichan…”

 

“Nonsense,” Keitaro scoffed. “I insist. What kind of big brother would I be if I didn't?” Standing up, Keitaro gestured for Motoko to come with him. “Let's show her to her room Mo-chan.”

 

“Of course Kei-kun.” Motoko wasn't sure what she felt about Kanako, but she was her sister-in law, and besides, hadn't her first impression of Keitaro also been unfavourable? Once she got to know her better, she was certain that Kanako and herself would get along as well as Tsuruko and Keitaro.

 

XXX

 

“Kei-kun, why didn't you tell your sister the truth?” inquired Motoko when they'd returned to their room after showing Kanako to hers.

 

“What do you mean Mo-chan?”

 

“That was a rather edited version of what really happened. Yes, it was accurate, but it didn't include any of the more…difficult…parts.”

 

Keitaro let out a deep sigh. “Didn't want to relive some of the more painful memories,” he murmured.

 

“I'm sorry?”

 

Keitaro gave his wife a pained look. “I didn't want to upset anyone. Naru and Kitsune are still feeling upset over what happened, and I didn't want to rub salt in old wounds.”

 

Motoko pursed her lips as she considered her husbands logic. “I suppose that makes sense…”

 

“Besides,” continued Keitaro. “Does she have to know every single detail? We did fall in love and decide to stay together, didn't we? I know I'm glossing over some of the more difficult parts, especially with what happened to Naru, but would Kanako have to know about that? If the others hadn't been there I might have told her everything, but those are painful memories for me too, and I'd rather remember the better parts of our courtship.”

 

“Oh really?” asked Motoko, her eyebrow arched, and a hint of a smile on her face. “What would you call the `better parts'?”

 

“That's easy,” replied Keitaro. “When we started training, when we first started just talking to each other, the first massage you gave me, the picnic…”

 

Now Motoko was openly smiling. “I knew you'd mention that.”

 

“Hey, it was our first kiss. And it was some kiss.”

 

“If I hadn't gotten cold feet, it could have been much more than that,” deadpanned Motoko.

 

“Ah, yes, that was another of the `better times',” quipped Keitaro.

 

Motoko playfully smacked Keitaro's shoulder for that. “In your case it was `here for a good time, not a long time',” she teased.

 

“Ouch!” exclaimed Keitaro, pantomiming stabbing himself in the chest with a knife, and then twisting the blade. “That's cold. What did you expect, it wasn't like I'd had an opportunity to practice.”

 

“Sorry Kei-kun, I couldn't resist that,” she apologized. “And yes, you were much better in round two. And you've gotten much better ever since.”

 

“Thanks Mo-chan.” Nothing more was said for a few minutes, until Keitaro continued with the original subject of conversation. “I know it's sudden having Kanako staying with us like this, and she did act a little…odd…but I haven't seen her in so long, and I'd like her to be part of this if possible. She's the closest family I've got right now. My family, I mean,” added quickly.

 

“I understand, it's just…we had finally started to get back into something approaching normalcy, and now this happens.”

 

“I know, I know. But for what it's worth, I don't think that Kanako will be that much of a disturbance around here,” Keitaro concluded.

 

It would be some time later that Keitaro would remember these words, and remind himself to never tempt fate like that again.

 

XXX

 

Kanako had been only vaguely aware of what was going on around her as her brother and his wife escorted her to her room, pointing out the open air bath along the way. She'd managed to force a smile when she thanked him for his hospitality and then she'd pleaded exhaustion to get some time alone in her room.

 

Once alone, she sat down on the futon, bent her knees up to her chest and hugged them to herself. Anyone who had known Kanako, and there were very few who did, would have been taken aback at the sight of her. She seemed much younger than she actually was, and the black clothing only added to the image of a child pretending to be all grown up.

 

`Wha- what do I do know?' was the clearest thought that Kanako had. She'd had a terrible day by anyone's standards. She'd made a fool of herself and been forced to reveal herself because she hadn't been careful enough to prevent her own detection. Worse, once discovered, all of her dreams had come crashing down when she'd learned that Keitaro was married. `You said that you'd always be there for me,' she recalled sadly. `You promised me oniichan.'

 

Kanako would never be able to recall exactly how long she had spent alone in the room before she'd heard the knock at the door. She snapped out of her emotional spiral and put on a more composed front. She'd adjusted her position on the futon and called out, “Come in, it's open!”

 

The door opened to reveal an older resident standing there, holding a bottle of sake and two glasses. `Mitsune Konno, prefers to be called `Kitsune',' her memory recalled. “Hello Kitsune, how can I help you?” The calmness in her voice was a polar opposite to the inner turmoil she was feeling.

 

Kitsune smirked. “I figured you could use a drink. Join me?” she asked, as she held up the glasses and bottle.

 

At the moment, getting hammered sounded like the greatest idea in the world to Kanako. “Love to.”

 

Kitsune's smirk widened. `I knew it,' she thought, congratulating herself on noticing that something had been troubling the younger Urashima sibling. Years of observing fellow bar patrons, as well as the other residents, had given her a PhD in human relations and reading other people. She was still angry about being deceived and groped, but perhaps Kanako could provide some useful information. She didn't know what kind of information the dark clad sister of Keitaro could have, or what she'd do with it, but she was interested in it.

 

After pouring two glasses and passing one over to Kanako, Kitsune toasted “Cheers!” they clinked glasses and drank, Kanako downing hers in one quick pull. `Interesting,' mused Kitsune. “So, what's got you so upset?” she asked without preamble.

 

Kanako regarded the fox-eyed woman cautiously. She didn't trust her or her motives, and there was no way she was going to tell anyone what her intentions had been, at least not right away. But as troubled as she was, she reasoned that she could talk about her troubles in abstract terms, discuss what was bothering her without actually mentioning it by name. “I've just gone through a period of disappointment,” she replied. `That's the understatement of the year.'

 

“We get a lot of that around here,” admitted Kitsune. “Can you be more specific?” She refilled Kanako's glass, hoping to loosen her tongue with alcohol.

 

Kanako accepted the sake, knowing full well what Kitsune had in mind. But her alcohol tolerance was pretty good, and she never misspoke when drunk. “Did you ever want something badly, worked for it, strived to make yourself the best for it, only to find out it was gone?”

 

“Not personally, but like I said, we get a lot of that here.” Sensing Kanako's evasiveness, Kitsune decided to switch to another topic. “So what do you think of your brother being married?”

 

“I'm happy for him,” Kanako answered with forced sincerity that Kitsune didn't notice.

 

“Bit of a shock, huh?”

 

“Yeah,” answered Kanako, draining her second glass as quick as the first.

 

“Yeah indeed,” murmured Kitsune. She presumed that she wouldn't be able to learn that much from Kanako without more subtlety, time, and alcohol, so she decided to simply stoke the fires of sibling rivalry. “How'd you like to hear the whole story about your brother's relationship?” she asked, leaning forward conspiratorially.

 

Kanako's eyes narrowed a little. “What do you mean?”

 

“He gave you the Reader's Digest version. You want the `real' story?” Kanako's glass was swiftly refilled.

 

And even more swiftly emptied. “Do tell.”

 

“What he didn't tell you is that he was involved with a girl before Motoko.”

 

A neatly trimmed eyebrow rose. “Who?”

 

“The girl you imitated, Naru Narusegawa,” Kitsune answered smugly.

 

Dark eyes narrowed further. “So what really happened?”

 

Kitsune sat back and began her monologue. “When Keitaro came here, he made a bad first impression, walking into the woman's bath, running around naked, that sort of thing.”

 

Kanako's eyes flew open as wide as they could. “He did what?” she gasped in disbelief.

 

“He didn't realize that Hinata House was a woman's dorm, and not a hotel,” explained Kitsune. “We didn't bother to let him explain, we simply chased him to the roof and kicked his ass.” She smiled grimly as she continued. “Motoko and Naru would have probably de-balled him if Haruka hadn't shown up.”

 

“Then he tricked us into thinking he was a Tokyo University student, and so we decided to let him stay. It was all good until we found out the truth, that he was a ronin. We weren't happy about that, so we threw him out, only he comes back, and it turns out that Grandma Hina has made him the landlord.” Kitsune unconsciously scowled at that memory.

 

Kanako nodded and kept listening. Kitsune hadn't yet told her anything she didn't already know, except the part about Keitaro streaking, but she was interested to hear about it from the others perspective.

 

“We tried to drive him away, but he kind of grew on us, ya know?” Kitsune allowed. Her face darkened when she continued. “When he wasn't peeping on us, or falling into our bath, that is. He was aggravating, but not without some redeeming qualities. Somehow, he and Naru kind of hit it off, probably because they were studying so hard together. They even went travelling together when they both failed the Tokyo University entrance exam.”

 

Kitsune paused in her monologue, and allowed herself to think back to that time. `I didn't think badly of Keitaro then,' she admitted silently. `I even tried matching him and Naru up.' “All that time together and helping each other out, I guess it was inevitable that some chemistry would develop between them.”

 

“Despite various mishaps, both romantic and scholastic, they both got accepted into Tokyo University at the same time. They'd both learned to care for each other, but only Keitaro would admit it. When he broke his leg, he told her he loved her, but she was too freaked out to reply.” So engrossed was Kitsune in her recollection, she failed to notice Kanako scowling at that. “Truth be told, Naru did care for him, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him. Who knows how long that might have lasted, but then Tsuruko came to town.”

 

“Tsuruko? You mean Motoko's older sister?”

 

“Right the first time. She wanted to take her back to take over the family business, but Motoko was afraid that she wasn't up to it. So she said that she was engaged to Keitaro.”

 

“Why?”

 

“If she was engaged, she didn't have to go. But Tsuruko found out that she was lying and banished her. Motoko tried to be a homemaker, but she took to that like oil to water. She even threw away my booze!” Kitsune snarled, startling Kanako. “Sorry. She was offered a chance to fight Tsuruko with your brother's help. If they won, everything would go back to normal. They lost, and so Keitaro and Motoko had to get married.” This time, Kitsune didn't miss the flash of anger that passed over Kanako.

 

`So that's how it happened!' Kanako raged to herself. `Oniichan felt sorry for her and mistook that for love!'

 

Kitsune was a little taken aback by the look of hostility on Kanako's features, and she paused in her monologue to regard the young woman closely. `What the hell is going on here?' Faintly nagging doubts about the woman she was drinking with were starting to form.

 

Kanako noticed this scrutiny and realized that she'd be better off holding her cards closer to her vest. Forcing herself to calm down and be more restrained in her reactions, she asked Kitsune to resume her tale.

 

Kitsune figured that she wouldn't get any more useful information out of Kanako, so resolved to grill her later, and simply finish the story for now. “When they came back, Naru was hurt and pissed. She left for a few months to clear her head, leaving Keitaro and Motoko by themselves. Then the two of them got another chance to end it. If Motoko taught Keitaro kendo for a year, and he did it well enough to impress Tsuruko, the marriage would end, and Motoko would be reinstated. They worked like mad, but they grew closer too.”

 

At this point, Kitsune paused to empty her own glass, refill it, and empty it again. `This is the painful part,' she mused grimly. “When Naru came back, they both wanted Keitaro. It even came to blows when they both tried to jump him in the bath at the same time. Then Motoko tried running away with him, but we all followed them. At that point, Keitaro decided that he had to choose before someone got hurt. After a few days, he came back and chose Motoko. Naru was devastated.” Kitsune remembered just how badly her friend had been hurt, and her own anger started to rise. “The two of them left here and vanished, until about two months ago, when they come and announce that they're pregnant and moving back in. Lucky us. We also find out that Tsuruko had schemed to match them up, but Keitaro didn't care. And that, Kanako, is the whole and true story.”

 

Kanako sat there mutely, trying to reconcile what she had heard, when she suddenly realized something. “Wait, I thought you said that he made it into Tokyo University.” When Kitsune nodded, Kanako asked, “Why isn't he there now? That was his greatest wish!” `I can't believe he forgot about his promise girl! He thought about her constantly!'

 

“Ask him,” Kitsune replied bitterly.

 

`Oh, poor oniichan,' thought Kanako. `Forced to give up your dream because of that… that… hussy!' “How dare she,” Kanako murmured. “How dare she trap oniichan in a forced, loveless marriage!”

 

“Uh, I don't think that it's loveless, and he chose to be with her,” replied Kitsune. She may not have had the best feelings for Keitaro and Motoko, but she couldn't deny that they loved each other.

 

Kanako was beyond hearing, or caring. “No, that has to be, I know my brother.” She grabbed onto this thought as a drowning man would latch onto a floating timber. “Thank you for the drinks Kitsune, but I would like some time alone now.”

 

“Suit yourself.” Kitsune picked up the glasses and bottle and walked out, a feeling of unease following closely behind her.

 

As the fox-eyed girl left, Kanako found herself planning what needed to be done. `There's still time oniichan. I can still save you yet!' She wasn't sure what she would have to do, but she would be successful. Kanako Urashima would not be denied. `I'll go with him to Tokyo University and we'll live happily ever after!'

 

Outside, in the hallway, the feeling of unease Kitsune was feeling had evolved into concern and worry. She felt as if she had unwittingly opened a Pandora's Box, and she wasn't looking forward to seeing what came out of it.

 

End Chapter Five

 

Thanks to dennisud and Kylaran Aeldin for serving as pre-readers. Any mistakes are mine, not theirs.

 

I want to thank all reviewers for their feedback and patience.

 

I know, I know, these aren't coming as quickly as you'd like, but I'm working as fast as I can. I've had some things I've had to deal with, and my bloody muse picked the lock on its cage, which means I have to go hunt the goddamn thing down and recapture it.

 

E-mails asking for the next update won't make much of a difference, but they do let me know that you're still interested, and I appreciate that. Seriously.

 

This will be completed, but I'm not sure when.

 

Thanks.