Loss and Redemption

Disclaimer: See Prologue.

Any comments, complaints, complements,
flames, and credit card numbers can be sent to: href="mailto:hawker_748@hotmail.com">hawker_748@hotmail.com Feedback and
reviews would be greatly appreciated.

Once again, I would like to thank all
reviewers for the feedback that was provided.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>This fanfic is based on the manga and anime and
borrows facets from both of them.
p>

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“*” Spoken words

style='mnsi-nsi-language:EN-US'>‘*’ Thoughts

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Love Hina

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Loss and Redemption

style='mso-ansi-lage:Ege:EN-US'> 
p>

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Chapter Five: Reunions and Realizations

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>  /p>

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>By: hawker_748

sS
style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Since becoming the landlord of Hinata House,
Keitaro had experienced a number of rough nights and rude awakenings. Having to
sleep next to Su when Motoko went to training camp had been difficult; she’d
cracked three of his ribs in her sleep. The night he and Naru had shared a room
in Kyoto, she had put herself on display in her sleep and he’d been forced to
tie himself up to stay in control. Even a study session with Mutsumi, Naru and
himself had gone awry when they’d all fallen asleep and the girls had nuzzled
against him while they slept.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But this night had been the absolute worst of
them all. It had started out pleasant enough, with Motoko giving him a massage
that easily ranked as the greatest event of his entire life. The problem was
that it had aed hed him, and then he’d had to fall asleep afterwards, but in
the grip of intense arousal and teeth gnashing frustrat sle sleep had been
nearly impossible. When he had fallen asleep, his dreams had been feverish with
desire and he’d woken up about once an hour, sweating and breathing shallowly.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Finally he’d managed to calm himself down and
fall into a fitful sleep. This didn’t last, as he found himself roused again,
this time by something resting on him and a ticklish feeling on his face. He
reluctantly opened his bleary eyes and was shocked completely awake by the
sight of Motoko’s face just inches from his own. The two of them had rolled
into an impromptu embrace while they slept, and Keitaro discovered that his
left arm was around Motoko’s waist and her right arm was around his. He
prepared to extricate himself as slowly and carefully as he could.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Then another impulse struck him. Motoko’s lips,
those soft, warm, inviting lips, were inches from his own. He could feel her
breath against his cheek. To kiss her, all he’d have to do is move his head
slightly, it would be so easy. It reminded him of the time he’d almost kissed
Naru when he thought she’d fallen asleep. ‘Naru.’ She hadn’t approved of it
then, and Motoko probably wouldn’t approve of it now. He looked at the clock.
5:17. ‘Guess Motoko didn’t want to train this morning,’ a voice at the back of
his mind commented.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He wanted to kiss Motoko, but doing it like
this went against his philosophy and he was certain that neither Motoko or Naru
would be happy about it. Thinking about Naru sent his thoughts into a mess of
spiraling confusion. He decided that there was no way he was going to get
anymore sleep today, and if he was up, he might as well do something. He
carefully pulled his left arm free, getting only a brief fright when she made a
move to grab it, which he managed to avoid. Quietly getting up off the futon,
he pulled on a pair sweats and a shirt. ‘Maybe a run will clear my head,’ he
pondered as he walked out of the room and quietly closed the door.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>If he had waited a moment longer, he would have
heard Motoko quietly call out for him in her sleep.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>***

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>At this hour the streets were virtually
deserted and Keitaro was grateful for that. He preferred the privacy, and his
only companions were his own thoughts. This wasn’t a jog he was on; this was a
frustration fuelled run. He was moving at a pace far faster than he had run
before and despite his burning lungs he felt no urge to slow down. The run also
allowed him the time to sort out the confusing feelings he was having towards
Naru and Motoko.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A month ago his romantic situation was a lot
clearer, even if seemed that the relationship between him and Naru couldn’t
decide if it was coming or going. Now he found his thoughts drifting between
Naru and Motoko, and he had no idea how to handle this. He had vowed to Motoko
that he’d get her reinstated and he fully intended to keep that promise if he
could. However after last nights massage and some dreams that were on the far
side of steamy, part of him was wondering if maybe staying with Motoko was the
better option.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>But Naru was still in his life, sort of. When
she returned, she’d probably be happy to hear about how hard he was working to
get out of the marriage. He did care for Naru, and spending the rest of his
life with her was also an appealing option. She had never scorched his dreams
the way Motoko done last night, but she was still beautiful and she meant a
great deal to him. He had been through a lot with her, and through it all they
had maintained a tempestuous relationship that went from tenderness to all out
war and back in the blink of an eye.

stylso-aso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘Ah, but aren’t you forgetting Mutsumi?’ his
mind asked. While not as prominent a place in his heart as Naru or Motoko, she
was still an important person in his life. The connection the two of them had
was almost uncanny, from their love of collecting print club stickers to their
similar personalities. It was almost like they were the two sides of the same
coin, or cut from the same cloth. While she seemed to be trying to get him
together with Naru, he was pretty sure that she would like an opportunity to be
with him as well.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>While his mind was having this debate, his
body, which was being pushed harder than it had ever been, finally threw in the
towel. He missed a step and ended up stumbling into a pile of garbage bags.
With the last ounce of his strength he got up from where he had fallen and
staggered over to a bench and collapsed onto it. He sat there trying to get his
wind back and wait for his muscles to eliminate their accumulation of lactic
acid.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He glanced at an outdoor clock and was
surprised at the time. ‘6:00? Man, that was a longer run than I thought,’ he
mused. He was pleased to discover that he’d succeeded in burning off some of the
frustrated energy that had built up during the night. ‘Time to go home,
breakfast should be ready when I get back.’

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He returned to his feet and began walking back
to Hinata House, his thoughts a lot less chaotic than they had been before.
‘For now, worry about the training, I’ll deal with the other issues when I have
a chance to really think about romantic entanglements.’

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘Romantic entanglements,’ he snorted. ‘Me,
having romantic entanglements. Who’d have thought?’ He spent the rest of the
walk back to the residence watching the sky get lighter and enjoying the
morning. Wh. When he finally reached the top of the steps he found Motoko
waiting for him. She wasn’t openly angry with him, but she wasn’t smiling
either.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Where did you go?” she asked with no preamble.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keitaro grimaced. ‘Should’ve guessed she’d be
upset at me leaving, should’ve left a note,’ he thought. “I woke up around
five, couldn’t get back to sleep, didn’t want to wake you so I went for a run.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Motoko’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why couldn’t
you sleep?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keitaro stared at her with an incredulous look
on his face. “You’re kidding, right? It was that massage you gave me!”style='color:red'>

style='color:red;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

Motoko blushed at his answer. “I’m sorry
Keitaro, I didn’t mean to cause you such distress. I’ll try to be more careful
next time.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>In a flash the truth came to Keitaro. ‘That was
the most erotic experience of my life, and could provide fodder for hundreds of
fantasies. She had me more sexually excited than I have ever been and she
WASN’T EVEN TRYING!?’ his mind shouted. He blushed heavily as another thought
occurred to him. ‘What, what would it have been like if she’d been trying to
seduce me?’ He realized that some parts of him were hoping he’d get a chance to
find out.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Are you alright Keitaro? Your face is all red,’
asked Motoko.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, I just pushed myself a
little too hard during the run, that’s all,” he replied nervously. To his
relief, Motoko seemed to accept that at face value. The two of them went inside
and had breakfast with the others.

style='color:red;mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

***

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Over the next few weeks Keitaro and Motoko
spent as much time as they couldtraitraining sessions. She still preferred to
be called ‘sensei’, but she didn’t whap him over the head if he slipped up and
called her Motoko. The distance and pace of their runs were gradually increased
and Keitaro never again had the urge to vomit after running, even after eating.
He was starting to toughen up, and his heart and lungs were in the best shape
of his life. Physically he was getting into top shape, and he carried himself
with a little more pride.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>His kendo skills however…

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

Keitaro wasn’t the worst swordsman in the
world, but he was pretty close. He had no trouble holding the blade or taking a
stance with it, but if he had to move with it, his inherent clumsiness asserted
itself. He would trip over his feet or the pant legs of his outfit. Sometimes
he got tangled up in the sleeves to the point that it resembled a straight
jacket. Even the cracks on the roof could send him ass over teakettle, and
Motoko would have sworn that once he tripped over his own shadow.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>He was trying as hard as he could, but he had
absolutely no inherent martial arts ability. It was so depressing at times that
Motoko figured the only chance that they had would be to cut her hair extremely
short and hope she could pass herself off as Keitaro. She rejected this idea
out of hand, but there were days she caught herself wondering where the
scissors were.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>While Keitaro was struggling to become a
swordsman, Motoko decided that she would try to improve her barely adequate
cooking skills. She was able to make simple and nourishing food, albeit
terribly bland, but she wanted to be able to make tastier fare. Her first
attempt at a western dish, which involved flambé cooking, was obviously too
difficult for her, and only quick action by Sarah with a fire extinguisher
prevented a disaster.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After this fiasco, Su installed a fire
suppression system in the kitchen that wouldn’t have been out of place at an
oil refinery. It did need a little adjustment though; Haruka discovered this
when she made the mistake of lighting a cigarette in the kitchen and was hit
with, in her own words, ‘Niagara Falls’. This incident was made even more
embarrassing as Haitani and Shirai had been visiting at the time, and the sight
of Haruka in soaking wet clothing had caused Shirai to pass out from blood loss
due to the resulting nosebleed.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When she was asked why she wanted to be able to
cook better, Motoko would say that since she was starting to do more of the
cooking, it was only appropriate that she try to do it better. What she didn’t
tell anyone, except herself, was that she was hoping that Keitaro would like
her cooking. She was still self-conscious about her femininity, and she hoped
that being able to cook better would make her more appealing to Keitaro.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Motoko hadn’t talked to Keitaro about her
growing feelings for him mainly because she was afraid of how he’d react.
Besides, what they had wasn’t too bad; they lived together, trained together,
and they were growing more comfortable with each other. She was worried about
rocking the boat, and telling Keitaro that she might be falling for him would
certainly classify as rocking. It was better to simply enjoy what she had now,
and see what happened.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When Keitaro wasn’t being taught kendo by
Motoko, she would tell him the history of the Shinmei School, and what it had
done in the past. She was so passionate and animated when she told these
stories that it served to remind him of how much it meant to her, and why he
had to work so hard in the face of such daunting odds.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keitaro was becoming aware of just how
wonderful a woman he was married to, and there were times when he wondered if
making the marriage official would be such a bad idea. ‘But if we do that, is
there any point to continuing the training?’ he wondered.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Motoko was starting to have similar thoughts
about Keitaro. For her the sword was her life and that was the way it had
always been. While she may have had some feeling for Keitaro, even he had said
the sword was her first love. Despite her better treatment of him, she still
longed to be able to call herself a warrior again. But as the weeks had gone by
and the two of them had gotten to know each other better, Motoko couldn’t
explain away the hollow feeling she got when she imagined the day that she was
re-admitted to the Shinmei School and no longer married to Keitaro.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Through all of this internal debate Keitaro and
Motoko still managed to get a little closer, much to Kitsune and Shinobu’s
dismay. The two of them always cheered Keitaro on when he was working out and
did everything they could to encourage him to work harder. Kitsune’s specialty
was cheering and moral support while Shinobu always tried to make food that
Keitaro liked. Despite their efforts, only one particular event was able to
throw a monkey wrench into the slowly growing relationship.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>***

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru Narusegawa stood at the bottom of the
stairs and looked up at Hinata House. ‘Two months,’ she reflected, ‘have I
really been gone that long?’ Not wanting to walk up just yet, she recalled what
had precipitated her departure two months earlier. Keitaro Urashima, her
landlord, study partner, and possible love of her life, had ended up married to
Motoko Aoyama, another Hinata resident.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>When the two of them were wed, she had been so
stunned by what had happened her usual fire had disappeared. She had been like
a deer in the headlights while watching the rudimentary wedding ceremony, and
when she had finally gotten around to recovering, it was over. It was too late.
She was too late. Keitaro was gone. Lost to someone that she had never
considered to be a threat. If she had been worried about anyone else getting
Keitaro it would’ve been Mutsumi, but Motoko? No, she’d never seen it coming.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Shaken down to her very core, she’d put up a
mask of indifference, lashing out when approached to insure that no one saw how
hurt she was. She’d opened up a little to Kitsune, but she’d locked everyone
else out. She had also unleashed her anguish against Keitaro whenever possible,
for she found it easier to get angry and assault him then to open up to him.
‘And it was easier to run away than to face him,’ she recalled sadly. What made
it worse was that he never attempted to follow her. When she and Keitaro had
taken that trip after they’d failed the exam together, the entire house had
chased after them.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘But when I went away, no one came after me,
not even Keitaro. Especially not Keitaro,’ she thought. She had said she needed
to be alone, but deep down, she was hoping they’d try to follow her. She sighed
deeply, and began to walk slowly up the stairs. ‘I lost him. I cared for him,
but I lost him. I’ll have to learn to live with that, and at least be civil
when I see them.’

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Traveling alone for two months gives one a
great deal of time for reflection, and Naru had certainly done a lot. She had
come to realize that Keitaro had been the most important person in her life and
she’d been unable to keep him. Now Motoko had his companionship, his love, even
his name. All things that she had finabeenbeen able to admit that she’d wanted.
‘I’ve to to move on now, I can’t go on pining away for him, he’s gone. I’m,
I’m going to have to let him go,’ she thought morosely.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>By this time Naru had reached the top of the
steps and was heading for thtrantrance. She stopped, took a deep breath to
steady her nerves, idly wished she had a flask of alcohol to drink from, and
then walked into the residence. “I’m back,” she called out tentatively.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Naru? Is that you… Naru!” Kitsune cried out
upon seeing her friend in the living room. She ran up to her and gave her a
bear hug that left Naru gasping for breath.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> <
<

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Good to see you too, Kitsune,” Naru wheezed as
she struggled to free herself.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Realizing that her friend would need a doctor
if she didn’t let go, Kitsune released the hug and called out, “Hey everybody,
Naru’s back!”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Within seconds, Shinobu, Sarah, and Su were
converging on the living room with all possible speed. “Heyas Naru, didya bring
me something to eat?” Su asked her as a way of greeting.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“No, but it’s good to see you all again,” Naru
replied as she hugged each of the girls in turn. She was so elated to be with
her friends again it took her a minute to notice that there were two residents
absent. “Where, where are Keitaro and Motoko?” she asked.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>There was a moment of silence before Kitsune
answered. “They’re out training, they should be back shortly. Listen Naru, I’ve
got to tell-” Kitsune didn’t get to finish the sentence as two new voices were
added to the room.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Very good Keitaro, that was your best time
yet.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Thanks Motoko, but I really don’t like running
in this hakama, it’s just not comfortable.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It is tradition to wear them. For centuries
they have been worn by some of the greatest swordsman.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It also used to be tradition to use leeches
when you were sick. Why can’t I wear a track suit or something?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“You’re comparing my family history with
leeches? How dare you, you…” At this point Motoko had noticed Naru standing in
the living room and any further comment died on her tongue.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Hey, what’s goi…” Like Motoko, Keitaro was at
a complete loss for words upon seeing Naru again.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru looked at the two of them in their
matching outfits and felt a new knife lance into her heart. She resolved to not
break into tears but to stand firm and move on with her life. ‘I won’t cry now,
I did enough crying on my own.’ “Hello Keitaro, Motoko. It’s good to see you
again.” She made an effort to put on a façade of civility and calmness.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Those efforts were put to their limits when
Keitaro broke into a wide smile and cried out, “Naru! It’s so good to see you
again!” This earned him a relieved look from Kitsune, a look of shock from
Naru, and a narrowing of the eyes from Motoko.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru just looked at him with an expression that
was full of barely suppressed sadness and longing. “If you’ll excuse me, I need
to get settled back in,’ she said as she headed up the stairs to her room.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Let me help you with that!” Kitsune called out
as she followed Naru up the stairs.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Keitaro was left feeling upset and confused by
Naru’s quick departure. He didn’t get much time to think about it as Motoko,
who seemed less than pleased with him, seized his attention.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Urashima!” She hadn’t called him that in a
month and a half. “You dare besmirch my family history by comparing it to leeches?”
she hissed. “You’ll have to run again for that, and this time push yourself!”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes Motoko, I’m sorry!”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“That’s sensei!” she barked, clouting him on
the head with her sword sheath.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes sensei, I’m sorry.” ‘I’m going to regret
that,’ he mused as he walked back out the door in preparation for the run.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>After Keitaro passed her, Motoko’s face very
briefly took on an expression of sorrow. But after less than two seconds, it
was replaced by cold indifference and she turned and followed him out.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Back inside, Su and Sarah decided that the show
was over and they ran off to resume exploring Hinata House. Shinobu would have
gone back to the kitchen, but her mind was racing at what she had witnessed.
She was glad that Naru was back, but she was also delighted to see that maybe
her chances had improved. ‘Naru didn’t seem to be happy with him,’ she
recalled, ‘and Motoko was definitely mad at him. If, if I can have a cold drink
and some kind words for him when he gets back, maybe he’ll take some notice of
me!’

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>A smile that would have more appropriate on
Kitsune, or perhaps Sarah, appeared on Shinobu’s face. ‘I may have a chance
yet! If sempai has both Naru and Motoko angry with him and neither wants to be
with him, I could win him! As long as I don’t upset him, and just act kindly to
him he’ll notice me… won’t he?’ this doubt gave her conscience an opening that
it tried to exploit. ‘It’s wrong to do this, you know. He does care for
them, and he’d be unhappy if anything happened.’

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>‘But I love him!’ her heart replied. ‘He’s so
wonderful, and I can’t compete with Naru or Motoko. I, I have to do this if I
want to be with him!’ Shinobu’s conscience didn’t reply to this argument, but
she had the sinking feeling that she hadn’t heard the last from it.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>***

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What the hell were you doing Naru?” raged
Kitsune. “Why did you push him away?!”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He’s Motoko’s now, I have to let him go,” Naru
replied softly.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do you mean…, that’s right, you don’t
know, do you?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Know what?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Did you notice their outfits?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Confused by this apparent non-sequitur, Naru
replied, “Yes, so what?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Motoko is teaching him kendo.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So what?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Aren’t you curious why?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’m in no mood for games, get to the point
Kitsune!” Naru growled.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Alright, alright. A day after you left,
Keitaro apparently went after Tsuruko and asked her to end the marriage.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“He, he did?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, he did. Tsuruko gave him a bag with a
sword and some letters. To make a long story short, if Motoko teaches him kendo
for a year and he impresses Tsuruko, then the marriage ends and Motoko gets
back into her family school.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru just sat there for a few minutes, not
having any clue about what to say. When she finally spoke, it was in a voice so
low that Kitsune had to strain to hear it. “I, I don’t know…”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Whaddya mean ‘I don’t know?’” Kitsune asked
incredulously. “This is your best chance to get him back!”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“It’s not that easy Kitsune,” Naru replied.
“While I was gone, I had a lot of time to think.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“About what?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Me. Keitaro. Us. Everything. Part of what I
decided was what I should do about him. He was married to Motoko, he didn’t
come after me, and he’s still living with her.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“So what?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I let him go Kitsune. I decided to let him go.
I spent weeks trying to forget about how I felt about him. I grieved for the
end of our relationship. I did everything that I could to get over him and move
on, and now you’re telling me it was for nothing?” Naru’s voice had been
steadily rising in pitch and was now on the threshold of shouting.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“We tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t listen!”
Kitsune responded while making ‘quiet down’ gestures. “You never answered your
phone, e-mail or anything! What else could we have done, used carrier pigeons
and smoke signals?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru opened her mouth to respond to that, but
ended up closing it as she realized that her friend was right. She had had
tried to cut herself off from her friends and had completely succeeded.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Kitsune saw that the truth was sinking into
Naru and she decided that now was the best time to let the other shoe drop.
“It’s lucky you came back when you did. Another month or so and I think you’d
been outta luck.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do you mean?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I mean, they’ve been living together, sleeping
in the same room, although I don’t think they’ve had sex, and they’re starting
to get closer.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How close?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“They’re not at the ‘Kei-kun’ or ‘Mo-chan’
phase yet, but it could happen soon. If you’d stayed, not much would have
changed, but Motoko is beautiful, just in case you haven’t noticed, and they
spend a lot of time together.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“But, but Keitaro and I worked together for a
long time to pass the Tokyo University entrance exam…” Naru stammered.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“And right now Keitaro and Motoko are working
together to impress Tsuruko,” Kitsune shot back. “Don’t worry though, how much
could two people learn to care for each other in a year?” Kitsune saw Naru
flinch at that, and she knew that her words had cut her to the bone. ‘I hate
having to do this Naru, but if you don’t do something, you’ll lose him!’
Deciding that now was the right time for a gentler approach, Kitsune said,
“Listen Naru. Keitaro isn’t Motoko’s, but he may not be yours either. If you
want him, you’re going to have to try to win him.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How?” Naru replied softly.

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>&n

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“How? How’d you do it the first time?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru rubbed the back of her head and chuckled
nervously. “I’m, I’m not really sure…”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Then just be yourself.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“I’ll try.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Good. I should warn you though, I’d be careful
around Motoko now.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“What do you mean?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Remember that slap you gave her before you
left?” When Naru nodded, Kitsune continued. “Well, she might not just stand
there and take it like she did then. I’d say she’s becoming attached to him,
which means possessiveness and jealousy may be a factor from now on.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>Naru thought about what Kitsune had told her,
and what she had done during the past two months. After a few minutes she
sighed and said, “I’ve really screwed up haven’t I?”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Yes, you have,” Kitsune replied in a
matter-of-fact voice. “But it’s not too late, and there’s still a chance.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Thanks Kitsune,” Naru replied with a faint smile.
“I think I’ll start tomorrow.”

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'> 

style='mso-ansi-language:EN-US'>“Why not now?”