Love Hina Fan Fiction ❯ Great White Hunter: Keitaro ❯ GWH:K Onion Soup ( Chapter 15 )

GWH:K

Chapter 15

Onion Soup

 

 

“Kitsune, would you get some pictures of these stellae, and this mosaic behind them? It looks like it could reference something at room sixty-two,” requested Keitaro. Kitsune slid beside him, eyeing it carefully. Keitaro steadied her with a hand on her hip.

 

Things between the two of them kept getting more comfortable, despite his relationship with Kaolla Su. While initially jealous, Kitsune got over it thanks to Kaolla's clear affection for the both of them, and a sometimes knowing eye directed her way. Motoko had accompanied them to the ruins, acting as a guard as well as staying near their lover. Her nominal rival acted differently of late, less violent and softer spoken. Kitsune had found Kaolla holding her hand and leading her around the rooms exposed to the sky, through the courtyards with a few still intact mosaics and the ancient garbage dumps that Keitaro so loved to dig through for pottery shards.

 

“Okay, I see it,” she said, back to the task at hand. Several photos later her bearer followed the two of them with her camera gear. She never realized before how nice it was to have someone help her. For one thing, it let her put more of her attention on him, and to think about her own feelings. Part of her was amazed that Keitaro was loosening the bonds that had wrapped her so tightly for so long. She hardly drank anymore, even on the goodbye party they'd held for Shinobu, Naru, and Mutsumi, returning for Japan to prepare for the coming semester. Motoko had asked the girls to deliver a form requesting time off. Kaolla had shared a look with their friend and spoken to her quietly. Kitsune wasn't able to overhear, though she loved the gossip. Strangely, she felt comfortable having her rivals there with her. They were friends first, after all. If they could reign in their instinctive jealousy happiness might be possible. But Keitaro had promised them an answer and Kitsune wondered how she would feel if Keitaro chose someone else over her. Even thinking about it made her heart ache.

 

“How about we break for lunch, love?” asked Keitaro. Kitsune startled at the nickname. He'd never called one of the other girls by that. He kissed her cheek and led her back through the labyrinth of rooms toward the main tents of their encampment.

 

Keitaro thought about his work and his choice, gradually becoming clearer. He loved all three women very much, but only one made that spot deep inside happy. He felt stronger around her in a subtle way. The other two had strong attraction to him too, and affected him in different ways.

 

Keitaro led Kitsune and their assistants out of the ruins. Kaolla promised a trailer as soon as the road was properly built. They were building a road to the site, bulldozers and a hundred men working on it day and night for their convenience. They even had some guards and a perimeter fence to keep other archaeologists out of the place without invitation. The Geographic Society was screaming bloody murder, but they'd done the same thing a thousand times in the past. Sticks and stones.

 

“Hey, there, Full Timer!” greeted Seta. Haruka smiled and waved. She looked really happy, the first time he'd seen her smile in years.

 

“Keitaro,” greeted Motoko, bowing slightly. She'd become very formal lately and he was uncertain as to why. It had been a few days since he'd shared her bed and he wondered if maybe it was getting time he did that.

 

“Aoyama-san,” he replied, bowing in respect. She blushed. On impulse he released Kitsune and hugged Motoko, lifting her into the air and spinning the startled woman.

 

“Eep!” she yelped with what he knew to be pleasure. He steadied her on her feet a few minutes. Her hair trigger really was something to experience. Yes, he needed to spend some time with her later.

 

“So, what have you and Kaolla been up to today?” he asked. Kitsune looked sad, standing on the sidelines. Keitaro seized her hand and Kitsunes a second later, dragging them both to the Mess tent.

 

“What's for lunch, Kaolla-chan?” he asked, giving Kitsune a peck on the cheek before she could think to resist. Confusion reigned her expression. Keitaro noticed Kaolla's measuring gaze. He could see she wanted to talk to him privately, and soon.

 

“Curried papaya and coconut shrimp,” she announced with false cheer. The bearers and assistants were already digging into dishes of food, leaving a small table for their Japanese guests and their princess a little privacy. Kaolla poured them some iced tea and they ate cold soba noodles dipped into a nice pickling sauce. Motoko blushed as Kaolla chattered about the thing they'd seen together. Keitaro listened, paying attention to her expressions, holding the girl's hand under the table.

 

“…so then we found a buried arch which looks like it may contain another room under 48C. I think we should do another seismic survey to be sure,” she said, checking to see if he was really listening or not. Keitaro frowned.

 

“I'd rather we use Ground Penetrating Radar, love. Its less dangerous for the ruins and the crew. I really don't want to see any collapsing floors. Besides, I thought your footfall echolocation system was compiling data through the geophones already?” he asked. Kaolla smiled, relieved at many levels.

 

“By the way, how soon before we're ready to show this place to the Todai archaeology board?” he asked. It was a formal tour. He would have to prove to the academics that he'd reigned in Seta's more destructive urges and was protecting as well as documenting the find. If he looked at all out of control of it, they'd threaten him with censure, which would ultimately end his career and cause Molmol to close the site to everyone out of retaliation. There were politics at both ends of this find. A lot of it rested on his ability to be professional. Keitaro always did best in the face of the hardest challenges. Life had taught him that. Momentarily he missed Naru, and their long studies together. This was life. He was moving forward. Keitaro turned to regard Kitsune then, catching her scowl which collapsed in surprise. He took her hand.

 

“Yes, there's a lot of work to be done. I'm so glad you're all here to help me. I'm so grateful,” he said, eyes lingering on his friend. He turned to regard Motoko then, a hint of sadness and pride in her eyes.

 

“Your professors are arriving this afternoon at the capitol. We should all go to greet them,” said Kaolla, watching her friend's expressions. So much feeling in such fleeting looks. She really needed to talk to him soon.

 

“I see. A jeep after lunch then?” asked Keitaro. Kaolla nodded. She was going to enjoy the new road. They could drive on parts of it, just gravel but much better than the original open rock outcrops of uplifted reef coral and lava sharp enough to cut tires.

 

“Count us in for that too, Full Timer,” yelled Seta from nearby. Haruka was smoking with him and they looked to be drinking sake. “I should meet the professors as well.”

 

“Just as long as someone calm does the driving. If you wreck the jeep we'll be late,” pointed out Kitsune with a smile. Haruka paused with the sake glass, sighing and set it down, reaching for tea instead. Seta shrugged in embarrassment.

 

It wasn't too long after lunch that the prepped Land Rover, windows down in the heat, packed with close friends set out on the road back to civilization. Haruka smoked from the driver's seat. The road was dusty, sweaty, and they found the crews of men working on it at various stages, the last 20 kilometers already paved for future tourist traffic.

 

“I think we should bathe and change before we meet them at the airport. We've got another hour. We can do it if we hurry,” suggested Motoko, checking a pocket watch before tucking it back into the folds of her hakama. Su nodded in agreement and they flowed into the royal palace as she waved out the window to the guards. They rushed to the grand baths and hurriedly dressed in clean clothes before meeting once more. The women all had wet hair which rapidly dried in the heat of the day. Kitsune frowned at the split ends. Motoko was as composed as ever. Haruka grinned at Kaolla in her fancy Princess robes.

 

They piled into two limos and the usual guard vehicles cleared the way to the airport. The jet had already landed. Keitaro and company strode into the terminal, Seta leading the way, eyes sharp for his fellow professors.

 

“Seta!” yelled the voice of the dean through the press of bodies barely held in check by the guards, Motoko hand on her sword. Seta's grin appeared and he strode through the press to his friend. They clapped each other on the shoulder, introducing Kaolla Su and Keitaro to those Keitaro didn't already know in person. Porters gathered their luggage and several of the professors wore cameras, anxious to get a view of the site. Lost cities were getting rarer and lost civilizations even more so. This was a big deal, academically, if they could verify it as worthy of the claims made to its social value and uniqueness.

 

“Who are these young ladies? You look Japanese,” asked the dean.

 

“Aoyama Motoko,” she said, introducing herself. “Todai school of law, student.”

 

“This is Konno Mitsune, our staff photographer. We're close friends of the Princess,” explained Keitaro, implying there would be no dispute of their right to be there.

 

“I'll bet, hey, saw how close on TV, huhuh,” smirked one of the professors Keitaro didn't know. Kaolla's jaw set. Keitaro got in his face, painfully gripping his arms enough to bruise.

 

“If you dare say something like that again,” he whispered harshly, “you're going to find yourself ejected from the country before you can turn around. I'll stick you a slow boat back to Japan so you can think about your manners.” The man looked frightened at Keitaro's intensity. “Be grateful. They still have capital punishment on this island for insulting the royal family.” Keitaro pushed him back and smiled more easily to his Princess, offering his arm.

 

“Shall we return to the Palace, sweetie?” he asked. Kaolla took his arm and the royal couple returned to the limos, trailed by their uneasy friends, Seta trying to unruffle feelings.

 

 

 

Back at the palace, Keitaro found some time alone with the Princess. Holding her in his arms, looking out a window upon her private garden where her tiger prowled, hungry for his waiting meal.

 

“Keitaro, you need to decide soon. Motoko is getting uneasy, and Kitsune is close to tears when you're not around,” she explained. Keitaro kissed her cheek. She smelled of her own musk, and a faint spicy perfume.

 

“You become more of a woman every day I know you,” he said.

 

“And yet, you haven't chosen me,” she sighed. “I can see you love them both. Its hurting them to see you undecided so long,”

 

“I have decided,” he admitted quietly.

 

“I thought as much,” she agreed, holding him more tightly.

 

“It's going to be hard to tell her. I've become more certain of my choice, but I hate to hurt the other. Are you angry that I didn't choose you, beloved?” he asked, looking into her eyes. She still stared into the garden, a live goat shooed into the jungle. A moment later there was a heavy gallop and the sounds of rending bones as it was killed. Her tiger was tame to her only. She was its mistress, and only she.

 

“No, Keitaro. I can see the love in your eyes. So can she. In a way, staying here with me you have chosen. Do not forsake her entirely. She and I have spoken and I can approve a certain lenience, if you are both discreet. You should see her tonight after the feast. She needs you now,” said Kaolla. A tear slid down her cheek, belying her claim. Keitaro stroked her bare back, eliciting a shiver.

 

“Remember, beloved, I will be here to help you, every step of the way,” he promised. She nodded. Keitaro slowly disentwined from his princess and left the chamber. Kaolla stared at the closed door.

 

“You really would make me a fine husband,” she sighed.

 

 

 

Keitaro strode the hallway, finding her in her room. He knocked gently.

 

“Motoko, may I come in?” he asked. She nodded, stepping aside. She looked sad, no longer trying to hold in her feelings. The door shut and locked. Keitaro moved to hold her tightly.

 

“I've missed you, Kei-kun,” said murmured.

 

“I've missed you too, Mo-chan,” he said. “You are so beautiful. I hate to see you sad like this.”

 

“Would you rather I lied and pretended to be happy?” she asked. “I've seen how you look at her.”

“And have you seen how I look at you, beloved?” he asked her, looking up into her eyes.

 

“Make love to me, Keitaro. Make love to me one last time,” she begged. He picked her up then, carrying her to the huge western bed.

 

Their passion was deep and strong, she was as responsive as ever, shuddering again and again in his arms until they found exhaustion an hour later. Cradled in each other's arms she stroked his hair.

 

“Keitaro… I… I have something to tell you,” she admitted. Keitaro turned his head to look into her eyes, which floated in shimmering tears.

 

“I… I'm…,” she began. There was a knock at the door.

 

“C'mon Motoko. It's time for the big shindig for the archaeologists. If Keitaro's in there with ya, tell him to get his butt moving,” yelled Kitsune cheerfully. Keitaro looked questioningly at his lover before answering.

 

“Alright, Kitsune. We'll be along shortly,” he yelled back. He returned his gaze to Motoko but she was wiping her eyes.

 

“We should bathe,” she suggested. Keitaro shook his head no.

 

“I don't think I will,” he stated, staring at her nude form as she paused. She really was beautiful in every way. “I love you Motoko. You are so beautiful. You are so special to me. Can you forgive me?” he asked.

 

“I… I hope so. Yes. Damn you. Yes, I forgive you. Go to her before you break her heart… and thank you for that, Kei-kun,” she admitted at last, dressing herself, eyes downcast.

 

“Motoko… if ever things change between us, or… you need to see me again… I… I think it might be okay… with Su. And maybe with Kitsune too,” he finally stammered. She blushed.

 

“Maybe… maybe someday,” she admitted. “Now let's dress for dinner or we'll be here all night.” Making Love, was the unspoken end of that sentence.

 

Keitaro dressed and then regarded Motoko as they stood before the door to her chamber. He kissed her deeply before taking her hand and leading the way to the dining hall.

 

 

 

Keitaro found Kitsune and Kaolla chatting with the professors. Kaolla was discussing metallurgy with one of the scientists and Kitsune was gabbing about her journalism and her interest in documenting the whole site with photography, even considering getting together a documentary crew.

 

“The school actually has some grad students who would love to do that. And they'll get school credit,” he added.

 

“Will it be professional?” she asked. “Remember that this is a big deal. The higher the quality we can do this, the more places this will show. Even American TV would be interested, and there's Europe to consider as well. This is a true exclusive and its got a lot of appeal, particularly the artifacts involved. A 43 kili-anno culture that managed to create advanced machines and robotics yet to be matched by today's science. Its eventual collapse will have other educational institutions howling for access. This will be a huge boon for the department, and you could find yourselves with a lot of donations from peers hoping to buy their way in. You're going to have to move fast on this because the King is very interested in science tourism to the site. You'll see just what I'm talking about tomorrow,” continued Kitsune, selling the idea to the Dean. Seta watched the play go back and forth. Keitaro also watched his beloved talk and felt that warm sensation again. He looked at Motoko once again. She smiled gently and released his hand, bowing formally. He returned the gesture with equal emotion. Kitsune paused.

 

“Well, that's most interesting, Miss Konno,” said the Dean. “I'm looking forward to the slide show you're planning after dinner and a trip to the site tomorrow.” Kitsune's attention was lost.

 

“Ah? Yes, Seta can tell you more,” she agreed. “If you'll excuse me.” Kitsune stared at him, sniffing, her nose wrinkling before she moved away from Keitaro and the others, pretending to get a drink at the banquet table. Keitaro followed, touching Kaolla's hand as he passed by her.

 

“Motoko and I have talked,” he started.

 

“You've decided,” said Kitsune, bitterly, quiet enough so she wouldn't embarrass them in front of strangers. “I can smell her on you, you know. What were you thinking?” she hissed.

 

“Come on, we shouldn't talk here,” he said, taking her hand. She tried to tear it out of his grasp, striding out of the room ahead of him. Seta laughed at some joke by a professor. The door shut behind them, leaving them alone with soup tureens and dishes.

 

“What can you possibly say? I hope she's happy!” she snapped.

 

“Kitsune! It's not like that,” he began.

 

“No apologies Keitaro. I love you, dammit. How can you do this to me? I've never felt this way before… I was starting to trust you… and… and now!” she shivered in rage. He moved to hold her but she slapped him, hard across the face.

 

“Don't you touch me!” she hissed.

 

“Kitsune… I chose you,” he said, holding his stinging cheek. Kitsune quivered, uncertain.

 

“What did you say?” she asked, not believing her ears.

 

“I chose you, beloved. Marry me,” he said, offering a ring from his robes.

 

“But… but… you… and her… why?” she stumbled, confused. She looked at the ring. It had a modest diamond on a simple gold band. Classy, as befitted someone like Keitaro, but not too expensive. She looked at him, her hand print red on his cheek.

 

“I wanted to thank her and she needed me. She's jealous of you, but she loves you too and wants to see us happy. That's why. Do you understand, my love?” he asked. She nodded after long silence.

 

“Yes. Yes Keitaro, I will marry you,” she finally agreed. “Only, why did you pick me?”

 

Keitaro looked around the room, smiling as he found his requested dish.

 

“I was going to surprise you later,” he said, spooning out some soup into a dish and handing it to her. She tasted it, thinking a moment before remembering the name.

 

“This is French Onion Soup, isn't it?” she said. He nodded.

 

“This isn't my favorite. What does it mean?” she asked. Keitaro ate a spoonful before answering.

 

“Everybody likes Parfait. Its sweet and crunchy, made of yoghurt, fresh berries, and granola. My family bakery sold lots of it to housewives and tourists. We also sold lots of cakes and cookies,” he said.

 

“But what's that got to do with onion soup?” she asked, even more confused than before. He spooned her another bit before taking the bowl in his own hands.

 

“I don't really like sweets that much. I guess I had too many of them over the years, growing up around the bakery. I've never done anything easy. I could have been a master baker if I'd stayed. My parents wouldn't have thrown me out for failing to get into Todai twice. I wouldn't have moved to Hinata and become your manager. I wouldn't have met you and the other girls. I wouldn't have fallen in love with you if I wanted things easy. I don't pick the low hanging fruit. I like a challenge. I like onions. I like a woman with mystery and layers, like an onion. You're an onion, Kitsune. I don't think I'll ever get tired of your layers. That's why the soup.” Keitaro finished. Kitsune's jaw dropped.

 

“That has to be the weirdest thing you've ever said,” she finally responded. Keitaro grinned and slid the ring on her finger.

 

“Is this okay with Su?” she remembered to ask.

 

“Yes, as long as we don't make a big public spectacle out of it. Discretion is important while we're here,” he explained.

 

“Is it okay with the government?” she added.

 

“That's why I'm a Consort, not a Prince,” he said. “I have this freedom to choose a wife… though I still have responsibilities to the Crown.”

 

“What responsibilities?” twitched Kitsune, the red plus of anger at her temple throbbed like a warning sign. Keitaro found the hackles on his neck rising. A terrible sense of déjà vu came to him.

 

“Now, you agreed to this before, remember?” he reminded. Kitsune wound back one red glowing fist.

 

“Keitaro, YOU PERVERT!!” she yelled.

 

Keitaro went flying through the wall and into low orbit. Shortly he crashed into the desert, leaving a small crater on impact. Shaking his head, Keitaro remarked to the world at large: “I see some things never really change.”