Everyone met at the van to drop off the rest of their belongings. Haitani and Shirai had bags of fireworks they set in the back. After this they all went to an open air restaurant next to the ocean. Checking the menu they all decided to share a large sea food platter. The platter had shrimp, grilled squid, salmon, crab, clams, and different types of sushi.

"We'll have to visit you guys at your hotel. Heck, maybe we can even get a job at your cafe." Shirai said as the food came.

"You can ask my Grandma when you see her. We have been a little short-handed lately." Keitaro informed his friend as he took some of the-9+ crab.

"We still have a play to do this weekend." Motoko added after taking a bite of squid. "Did we ever agree on which one to put on?"

"I think that's what Granny Hina is going to want to talk about tomorrow." Su answered.

"Well let's get an idea going. How about a noir, cop drama." Rin suggested.

"It's for kids so we can't have violence, so noir is out..." Mitsune said with a sigh.

"This is going to be difficult..." Keitaro mumbled.

"I'll be right back guys." Mitsune said getting up from the table.

"You might want to hurry before the food's gone." Mei said as she watched Su shovel food in her mouth. "We might need to order another platter..."

Mitsune laughed as she left the restaurant to find a restroom. Heading to a small building she noticed Naru walking out of the security office. "There you are, we've been looking for you."

"Really? Well I've been looking for that boyfriend of yours. I still can't believe he left you alone like that."

Mitsune sighed as they entered the restroom. "I told you it didn't bother me. He was spending time with his sister."

"Isn't it a little weird how close those two are?"

Mitsune entered a stall as she answered. "Not really. After Kanako was adopted, Keitaro spent all his time with her to make her feel welcome in the family."

"Kanako's adopted? What happened to her real family?"

Mitsune kept silent behind the stall door. "I don't know, even Keitaro doesn't know. But their relationship isn't anything strange at all." Naru waited as Mitsune finished and came out. Washing her hands the two then left the

restroom. "So what about you and Mei? You were quick to leave her all alone."

"What about it? Mei's fine..."

"She was upset Naru! She wanted nothing more than to spend time with her sister and you left her for your stupid hunt for Keitaro." Naru kept silent as she followed Mitsune back to the restaurant. "We're getting ready to go on the boats to watch the fireworks. Last chance to make things right tonight."

Mitsune waved to the rest of the table as she went back to join them. Naru slowly went up to Mei and cleared her throat. Mei didn't even turn around and kept talking to Kanako.

"Hey Mei, I was thinking we could see the fireworks together." Mei still didn't acknowledge her as she took a bite of shrimp. "Can't you hear me? I asked you to see the fireworks with me."

"Hey Rin wasn't that zombie part of the house creepy? It reminded me of an old American movie."

"Um... yeah sure." The young boy seemed confused as Mei kept smiling. Everyone watched as Naru started to lose her temper.

"Mei..." Mitsune said pointing to Naru as the little girl sighed.

"Oh hey Naru, what's up?"

Naru growled a bit before calming herself down. "You wanna watch the fireworks before we leave?"

"You sure there's nothing else you wanna ditch me for?" Mei's tone was dry as she watched her sisters face fall.

"I-I promise it'll be the two of us. No more running off from me."

"You really promise?"

"Cross my hea-" Mei grabbed Naru's hand as she pulled her out of the restaurant. "Good, cause I have a free rental for the boats and you're rowing."

Mitsune chuckled as she watched the two. Kanako pulled on Keitaro's arm as she whispered to him "Thank you for everything today. I'm going to watch the fireworks with Su and Motoko."

At first Keitaro didn't understand what she was getting at until she nodded her head at Mitsune. "Oh... Mitsune, you want to finish the night t-" This time Mitsune was the one dragging Keitaro off.

"I thought you'd never ask."

Motoko, Su, Rin, and the other two men were left at the table. Shirai watched as Su kept eating. "The fireworks start in an hour. By the time..." He stopped as Su gulped down her drink and slammed the glass down as she jumped from her seat.

"To the boats!"


The line for the rental boats was short. Naru and Mei already started rowing out to sea. Motoko, Su, and Kanako shared one as they followed right behind. The last three single guys Haitani, Shirai, and Rin were shoving off, just as Keitaro and Mitsune finished paying.

Keitaro helped Mitsune into the boat before taking a seat at the oars. All four boats stopped as they came to a fifth boat. Haruka and Ichigo waved at the others as they all set themselves up to watch. Mitsune scooted over as she laid herself in Keitaro's embrace.

"This has been a fun week, hasn't it?" She asked as his arms went around her.

"Sure has, next weekend we have to put on a play though."

"Yeah... working on our last weekend here. It kinda sucks!"

"I'm sure we can make it fun."

A few minutes of silence passed before Mitsune spoke up again. "We're going to be seniors next year. You're going to college?"

"I've been thinking about it."

"You still trying for Tokyo University? Your... promise girl and all..." He noticed how her tone changed at the end.

"A-actually, I was planning on going to a art school in Osaka." Mitsune shot up from his arms.

"You're going to a College in my home town?" She chuckled as he kept the boat from rocking. "I could talk to my parents and see if they could hook you up with a place to stay. I still have a lot of family over there."

Keitaro started to laugh. "I thought you were going to be a little upset."

"Over what?"

"It's just that… I'll be gone most of the time if I get in."

Mitsune started to rub the back of her head as she looked over where the fireworks were supposed to be. "If I get into the school I want, then I'm only going to be able to come home weekends."

Again it grew quiet. "We'd only be able to see each other two days out of the week."

"It can still work out. I mean the class schedules can change by the time we get in."

Keitaro sighed as he leaned back in the boat. "You know what? Let's make a promise to each other."

"Oh? You're making me your new promise girl?"

"Even though we have some hard times ahead we'll get though this together." Mitsune went back into his arms as they kissed.

"Ooo~ it's getting heated in that boat!" Su joked as a few of the group giggled.

"It's a promise suga, no matter what, we'll do it together."

Again the two kissed as the first fireworks were set off. The group sat in silence as they watched the show.


Last weekend before going home

Mei looked out at Keitaro and Motoko as Kanako and Su were putting the finishing touches on their hair and makeup. "We're on after them. Wow, they're quite popular."

Keitaro and Motoko both had on samurai outfits as they mimicked Kamui Gakupo Dancing Samurai.

"Motoko liked the idea after she watched the video. It was surprising how fast she got the dance down," Su answered.

"Haitani, Shirai, and Rin did a good job with singing Triple Baka as an opening." Kanako said, making sure her hair was finished. Hina came backstage laughing.

"Oh, the three of you look so cute!"

Mei had on Su's sleeveless hoodie with a pink and green skirt along with mismatched slippers and stockings. Su had on her school uniform with white stockings and Kanako had a black top, black and white skirt matching stripped stockings and black slippers. "Let's hope we can stack up to the rest." Mei said as Keitaro and Motoko finished their act.

"OK girls, get ready!" Su called as the three waited to be introduced by Mr. Urashima.

"Please welcome to the stage, Chibi Girls performing Caramelldansen."

As the music started the three ran to center stage. Swaying to the beat at first they went with the dance as it picked up. The crowd went wild for the three girls.

Keitaro was met backstage by Mitsune as she she hugged him. " Great performance out there, stud. You break the news to your parents yet?"

"They can't wait for me to try Osaka's art school. What about you?"

"I'm looking into a few different schools actually. I'll wait till I'm sure which one I'm more interested in though."

"Listen to that crowd! They love them out there."

Mitsune laughed as she started to walk away. "I'll see you at the after party. I have to get the stage ready to close.


The after party was short. Haitani and Shirai lit off the fireworks they had from the boardwalk and the adults finished off the alcohol. The bus was loaded and ready to leave as everyone took a last look out at the ocean.

"We'll have to do this again next year." Keitaro said taking a drink from a beer his dad let him open.

"Yep, we know where to come. Right, Haitani?" Shirai asked and got a nod of agreement.

"Kanako dear, how would you like to stay here next year?" Mrs. Urashima asked as her daughter looked up her.

"You mean it?"

"You're going to have to live with your grandmother but you can stay in Japan if you want." Nobody noticed Naru's face fall at this.

"Thank you!" Kanako said running over to hug her.

"That means we can hang out more during the school year." Mei happily added. Su would have added to the cheers but was fast asleep with her head in Motoko's lap. Rin was the same way in Haruka's lap.

"So you really don't mind looking after my son when I'm at work?" Ichigo asked her, finishing his beer.

"Drop him off anytime. I don't mind him at all." She noticed how he started looking down at his feet. "I can read you like a book. Yes, feel free to stop by yourself for tea after your shifts." The two sat in silence as they opened themselves a fresh beer each.

"I got a feeling this coming year will bring some major changes." Keitaro said as everyone looked his way.

"Maybe some..." Was all Mitsune said as she rested in his arms.


Graduating year of High School

"Hurry up everyone, the college couple is almost here!" Mei rushed to get the drinks ready while everyone else was getting the Inn ready for a surprise party.

"Oh my son is starting college. It's is so..." Mrs. Urashima was at a loss of words as she sat on the couch.

"Don't worry, you'll still have him coming home to eat and do laundry." Her husband assured as he took a seat next to her.

"He'll be all the way in Osaka! Seven hours away. You know our son. What if he gets hurt or something?"

"He's immortal!" Haitani said as him and Shirai entered the inn. "I doubt he's going to get hurt, Yakumo. He can get hit by a truck and walk away." Haitani then walked over to a table full of different food as he took a bite from one of the plates. "Mmh... you guys went all out." Shirai chuckled as he watched Haitani get a smack to the back of his head.

"Wait till they get here! Also when are you two going to college?"

"Ouch! My mom needs me to work a bit longer for her but I did get accepted into my first choice."

"I did too, Mrs. Urashima, though my parents needed me as well." Shirai said as he scratched the back of his head.

Kanako came down the stairs in a purple tank-top and blue jeans. "Didn't my brother come with you guys?"

"He went right to the park to meet Kitsune like you predicted." Haitani answered as Shirai helped Mei.

"I knew it! That bought us some time, everyone. Hey Mei, could you help me upstairs with a few things?"

"Sure, be right up. Su, could you finish this for me? We just need the drinks out here."

"Got it!" Su called as she and Motoko finished cleaning the room. Naru barely dodged Mei as she passed her coming up the stairs.

"Jezz, we all came rushing home to set this up and those two are taking forever." She exclaimed before walking to the kitchen.

"They're college bound. Maybe she's helping Urashima pack what's left before he leaves tomorrow." Su raised an eye brow as Motoko seemed to let herself get lost in her own thoughts. She then decided to tease the young samurai a bit.

"Are you sad to see your crush leave?" Su had to bite her lower lip to keep from laughing as Motoko jumped a bit. "I've been watching you. Every time Keitaro comes around you start blushing and hiding from us. If he wasn't seeing Mitsune, you would be dropping that sword and putting the moves on him, wouldn't you?"

"I would do no such thing! I don't have those types of feelings for that man!" Su giggled as she started to walk away only to bump into Rin. Blushing Su quickly turned away. This time it was Motoko's turn to fire back.

"Every time you're around that boy I see you blush. If anything I bet you would drop those inventions of yours just to put the moves on him."

"S-shut up!"

"Did I miss something?" Rin asked as Mei was coming back down. She stopped when she saw Rin and blushed. Coming down, she took hold of his hand just as Su took the other.

"Hey, can you come wi-" both girls paused as they noticed the other pulling at his arm at the same time.

"Rin, come help me!" Mei growled as she pulled.

"No, come help me!" Su yelled as she too pulled at Rin.

"Somebody help me!"

"Let him go girls! He's going to need both arms for basketball." Haruka said as Rin sighed in relief.

"Thanks..." Rin's father was right behind her in uniform as he laughed at his son.

"The love birds should be here soon people." Hina called as she walked in from the back.

"Someone's coming up!" Kanako called down from the second floor.

"Everyone get ready!" Mei said as they all gathered around the front door. They waited as the door slowly opened. As the person stepped in she was surprised by everyone screaming surprise. The young girl with dark

blue hair blushed as everyone looked at her.

"I forgot we had the new tenant coming today." Hina said as she went to the young girls side.

"Y-you mean this wasn't for me?" She asked making everyone sweat drop. The silent pause let them hear the back door as they turn to see Keitaro with Mitsune on his arm.

"Hey guys! Looks like we're in time for the new tenant's party, huh?" Keitaro asked causing a few to frown.

"Hey we got two reasons to party guys!" Su yelled, making everyone cheer in agreement as the young blue-haired girl was shown to the couch.

"What's your name?" Mei asked her.

"Maehara Shinobu." She said in a whisper. "May I ask what the party was supposed to be about?"

"My nephew and his girlfriend are going off to college." Haruka answered as she pointed to the two. The two waved at her.

"Nice to meet you." Shinobu then took a seat as did everyone else.

"Hey, what took you guys so long? Busy playing kissy face?" Su asked making the couple blush.

"We were actually looking into apartments and we found one close to both our colleges."

"Hang on, you're telling us the two of you are going to be living with each other?" Ichigo asked with a chuckle. Mitsune just giggled as she pulled Keitaro to her.

"Seeing as we both didn't like the idea of being apart I looked into a writing school in Osaka. As you can see it all works out."

Mrs. Urashima felt her head spin as her husband just chuckled. "Growing up and leaving the nest. So both of you have jobs lined up as well?" She asked.

"My parents asked a friend to let me work at her shop. Though it surprised them I was even looking for a job... let alone the fact I'm going to college." Mitsune finished in a hurt tone.

"I start my job the day after school starts, so it works out." He then looked back to Shinobu. "Enough about us, let's welcome granny's new tenant guys!"

Everyone cheered as they turned to the now blushing girl. "T-thank you, everyone for the welcome."


Two years later

Haruka checked herself in the mirror. Her simple white dress fit her perfectly so that every curve of her body showed. She gave a light sigh as Shinobu handed her the veil. "You look beautiful Haruka." She commented before helping Kanako zip up her light pink maid of honor gown with purple lace.

"Thank you..."

"This is the first time I've seen you this nervous."

"It wouldn't be so bad if my old college crush wasn't out there."

"Don't think about him. This is your day and I'm sure he's only here to support you." Kanako said, putting on her slippers. "Plus Ichigo's friends are keeping an eye on him if he isn't."

Haruka only cracked a smile as she picked up her bouquet. "He wouldn't be dumb enough to spoil a cop's wedding. Besides, he had his chance." She and Kanako smiled at each other before giving each other a hug.

"How's Mei? I know she was a little upset when Rin confessed to Su last year."

"She's fine now. She, um... found someone else." Kanako answered with a blush. Haruka raised a brow at this.

"Who might that be?" Just as she asked Mei came in the dressing room in her light blue dress.

"Su's getting things ready. Wow, being married by a princess. I hope my wedding can be as special." She then looked over to Kanako. Making her cheeks glow a hot pink before she gave the young Urashima a peck on the cheek. "We're almost ready. Your brother will get you when it's about to start."

Kanako held her cheek as Mei left. Looking over Haruka was also a hot pink as Shinobu looked away to hide hers. "I should take my place. See you out there."

The two watched her rush out the dressing room as Haruka started to laugh. "I really didn't see that coming."

"I was wondering what those noises were when Mei moved into the Inn." Shinobu said making both of them blush. "I should get out there, too. Good luck Haruka!" Shinobu said as she opened the door just as Ryu was about to knock. Dressed in his old police service uniform, he closed the door behind him as he gave his sister a smile.

"You look beautiful."

"So I hear... thank you for giving me away."

"It's an honor, little sis..." He was trying to hold back tears himself as Haruka quickly grabbed a few tissues. Hugging her he gave a small sigh. "Dad's watching from up there, you know that?"

"I know... thank you Oniisan..." This time he started to cry a bit.

"You haven't called me that in years. I'm starting to think you wanted me to cry."

"Kind of... ya." She said, giving him a playful push.

"It's time, let's get out there."

Outside Ichigo looked out to the sea, his dress uniform suddenly felling tighter. Su smiled at him as she wore a white gown that draped over her body. Her long blond hair was down so the wind moved it about. Keitaro wore a simple black suit as he stood next to Ichigo as the best man. Mitsune watched from the front row next to Keitaro's mother as Kanako took her place. Motoko and Naru watched from the second row behind her as

Shinobu and Mei joined them. Rin waited with the rings on a pillow as he looked over his dark blue suit. Haitani and Shirai stood waiting with cameras to record the event from the side.

The whole set up was on the roof of the beach hotel they stayed at during summer at the cafe. The music sounded as everyone watched Haruka being escorted by Ryu down the aisle. She looked into the crowd as Seta, her old crush was sweating heavily as four dressed police officers were surrounding him. She wanted to laugh as one had his service pistol sitting in his lap. When she came to the altar, Su cleared her throat before starting the ceremony.


The reception was held in the lobby of the Hotel. Seta was about to leave when Naru stopped him. When the dance floor opened, the bride and groom danced their first as husband and wife. Shortly after couples were filling the dance floor. Kanako and Mei got a few people whispering when they danced together. Naru's face went a chalk white at the sight before passing out, at which point Seta helped her to the restroom. Haruka stepped out for a cigarette when she found Mitsune sitting alone, looking out at the ocean. "Hey there, long time no see." Haruka called as the young fox looked back and smiled.

"Congratulations on your big day." Mitsune said as the two hugged.

"Have you been keeping my nephew out of trouble?"

"I do my best but it follows him around no matter where he goes." Mitsune answered as they laughed. Haruka offered her a cigarette only to have it turned down. "From what I heard you two have been getting along just fine out there," Haruka stated as she lit her cancer stick.

"My job and classes are going smoothly. Working in a bar gives you a lot of inspiration when you watch people. Keitaro's doing great too. His teacher wants him to try a internship with a graphic design company."

"Is he going to take it?"

"He's going to. When he does we're thinking of..." Mitsune trailed off as she rubbed her ring finger a bit. Haruka got the idea and she smiled at the fox.

"The night I got that call about you passing out on a boy, I have to admit to thinking the worst. Come to find out you helped my nephew from getting hurt or arrested walking around downtown Tokyo drunk. Playing match maker was my brother's idea but I have to admit I'm happy to see... well, him so happy." The two were silent as Haruka took a drag. "It's been a long time since I felt this happy."

Mitsune looked up at the few stars that were out. "I would never want anything else in this world than to be by Keitaro's side. Forever and a day..."


Seven years later

Naru yawned as she climbed out of her car. Her five year old son was fast asleep in the backseat before her teenage stepdaughter Sarah woke him. She made her way up the steps that belonged to the white house by the ocean.

Ringing the doorbell she could hear two young boys scream as her friend called that she was on her way. Mitsune opened the door with a tired smile as she welcomed her friend. "Hikaru, Ayumu go play with Sarah and

Jun!" she called behind her before stepping aside as two hyper twin boys came running outside.

Hikaru had his mothers gray hair with gold colored eyes. He wore a toy cowboy belt and sword on his back with a white ten gallon hat. Ayumu took after his father with his black hair and brown eyes. He carried a camera that was on a string around his neck. The two boys tackled Sarah who laughed as she pushed them off.

"Say cheese!" Ayumu yelled as he took a picture of both Sarah and Jun.

"Who are you supposed to be?" Jun asked Hikaru, rubbing his eyes.

"I'm what you get when East meets West. The Samurai Cowboy! I can cut a bullet in two and shoot the wings off a fly!"

"That's stupid!" Jun yelled as Hikaru pulled the plastic sword out.

"You wanna go? I'll cut you down to size!" Jun screamed as he took off running as the two brothers chased after him.

"Stop picking on my little brother!" Sarah called as she went after them.

"Watch the kids, Sarah!" Naru called as Mitsune took a seat on the steps. Naru took a lawn chair and joined her.

"Thanks for taking the kids, Naru. Me and Keitaro need a break."

"Where is the dork anyway?"

"Presenting his design for the new school building. He should be home soon."

"And the manga him and Motoko are doing?"

Mitsune chuckled a bit. "Motoko's last chapter made him blush but he got it done. It should be out next week."

"You can tell Hikaru took a liking to her."

"More like her daughter. Haitani and Motoko, who saw that couple coming?"

"Like my sister and Kanako? Those two run the inn now. By the way Rin's crowning as Prince of MolMol is coming up. We can get flown out first class if we call Kaolla and book it."

"Oh, the kids would love that. How's Shinobu by the way?"

"Her and Ema took over your parent-in-law's bakery like you heard. From what she told me, things are good. Also the new tenant, Mutsumi, has been doing well." The two watched as the four kids ran past them. This time

Hikaru had his toy gun out and Jun had a stick. "Someone's going to get hurt." Naru said getting up just as Keitaro's car pulled in. The two greeted each other as Keitaro went to his wife and kissed her. "OK all of you, let's get going!" Naru waved goodbye as the kids flooded her car.

"We'll catch up more tomorrow," Mitsune called as Naru gave a thumbs up. The two watched as the car pulled off before stepping inside. Keitaro yawned as he fell back on the couch. His wife joined him as she rested her head on his chest.

"How's your article coming along?" Keitaro asked as he closed his eyes.

"I should have it finished tonight when the boys are in bed. My 'Surviving Double the Trouble' has been a big hit."

Keitaro chuckled. "You could make a book with what our boys give you."

"They inspire me so..." The two sat in silence till Mitsune shot up from her spot. "The kids are going to be gone for four hours." Keitaro's head slowly came up as he looked at her. The two ran for the bedroom as Mitsune jumped on the bed. Keitaro did the same right next to her after putting his glasses down on the bed stand. The two laid there till Mitsune started to snore. Keitaro chuckled as he put his arm around her.

"The simple things you learn to enjoy."


Many years later at the Hina family temples

Hikaru and Ayumu helped their mother down the steps as they went to visit their father. Mitsune aged quite well. She had a few wrinkles under her eyes and cheeks. Her white hair still kept its body has she kept it in a bun.

Hikaru took her over to Keitaro's resting spot as Ayumu set flowers down on the grave. Mitsune lit the incense as they prayed. As they wiped away some tears, Mitsune asked for them to take her someplace to rest. Hikaru looked around till he saw a small shrine with a well in it. The two boys helped their mother as she took a seat on the boarded up old well.

"Hey mom I'm going to go say goodbye to Aunt Kanako and Mei. Want me to bring you back a drink?" Hikaru asked.

"I'm fine honey."

"I was going to go say goodbye to dad again. Just call if you need anything." Ayumu said as he started to leave his mother's side.

Mitsune felt sleepy as she went to grab her cane. Looking down she found a ten yen piece. Slowly she picked it up as she found a small opening in the wood. "Should I have one wish, it would able to have the chance to do this over again." Letting the yen drop she felt herself tire. Laying down on the boarded well she closed her eyes as her breathing shallowed. She smiled at the smell of coconut, vanilla, and lemons as it felt like someone was carrying her. She felt herself being set down in a soft warm bed. As the person went to leave, she grabbed their jacket and asked them not to go. The person climbed into bed with her as they pulled the covers over them.


Mitsune woke up with a headache as she hugged her head. She opened her eyes to an empty wall. "What happened? Hikaru... Ayumu?" She started to cry as she hugged her pillow. "No... it wasn't a dream! All those years, those fun time we all had, m-my sons..." She started to cry harder till an arm came around and hugged her.

"What's wrong? Did... did I do something?"

She paused as the events played over in her head again. Spinning to face the voice she was inches from Keitaro's face. Her breathing heavy as she hugged Keitaro, burying herself in his chest as she cried. The young man was unsure what to do. With a sigh he kept hugging her as she kept crying. "Why are you so upset?"

Mitsune pulled away as she smiled up at him. "I'm not upset. I'm happy!"

"Hu?"

"I asked you to stay and you did. Though it's brave of you to do it and not fear the Naru punch that's to come if you're found here."

Keitaro sighed as he rolled on his back. "What's the worst she's going to do to me, other than sending me to the moon?" The two chuckled as Mitsune curled up to him again.

"Are you going to leave or brave the chance of her coming in?"

"I think we're safe for now, so I'll stay with you till her alarm clock goes off."

Mitsune felt a bit of anger rise as she hugged him tighter. "Why are you still stuck on her anyway?" There was a long pause. "Well?"

"I... well, it's mostly um..."

"I'm waiting!" She then started to squeeze him to were it was starting to hurt.

"I don't know!" Again there was silence.

"That's not an answer..." she said loosening her hug. "Can't you just..." She stopped herself.

"What? Can't I just what?"

"Just... you idiot. So fixed on one girl you can't see what's actually in front of you."

"You're saying there are other girls?" This question earned him a smack to the head.

"Duh! Think about it will ya!"

"Like who?" He could tell Mitsune's patience was thinning.

"Well think how nice Motoko has been to you lately. Or how Shinobu goes out of her way to do things for you. Maybe I should bring to the table Mutsumi who kisses you every time she sees you."

"I get the feeling you left someone out." Mitsune looked up as Keitaro kept a serious look. Blushing she did something he didn't expect. Pulling herself up she kissed him. He even surprised her when he didn't freak out, yet

instead he hugged her closer. As she released his lips the two fell silent as they stared at each other. "What was that?"

"It felt like I really needed to. Why didn't you freak out like usual?" she returned.

"It's going to sound crazy... but it felt like we've done that before." They started to close in for another kiss when Naru could be heard stomping around in Keitaros room next door.

"Where are you? You should be back by now." Keitaro quickly got off the bed as Mitsune motioned for him to get under her western style bed. Doing so he kept silent as Naru peeked in. "Hey, glad to see you're back. Did you see that baka? He's not home yet."

Mitsune snorted as she let the covers fall so they could hide Keitaro better. "Maybe he's just taking a breath from you always wanting to bash him. He is human, you know?"

"I keep him in his place! Give him an inch and-"

"Just stop Naru! Let it go and get some sleep. I'd hate to think of how you'd treat your son some day."

"Err... where did that come from? Whatever… goodnight." Naru waved as she closed the door behind her. They both waited till she couldn't be heard anymore before Keitaro came out.

"Keep me in my place? What the hell does that mean? She makes me sound like a dog!"

"Calm down for now, suga. Get some rest and think over what to do."

"Yeah... I guess. I'm heading for bed. Goodnight Mitsune."

"Wait! Tomorrow... let's go out. Me and you and it's my treat." Keitaro stared at her for a bit before smiling.

"Yeah... sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow."


Motoko walked around the temples to clear her head. "What was with Naru today? I know myself and Urashima did nothing perverted when she sent him flying. All we did was talk... and I was the one who engaged it." She stopped outside a small shrine when she felt a need to rest. "Was it when he showed me his sketch pad? Maybe she saw him do something perverted that I... No, both his hands were in my sight. I swore to stop drawing my sword on Urashima for three weeks and I'm learning more than I thought." She found the small boarded up well as she sat down. Looking up at the sign she read 'May all your wishes come true.'

Getting up, she heard her foot bump something. Looking down she found an empty bottle of temple wine. Snorting, she picked it up to find a ten yen piece under it. "A wish? humf! Childish thoughts." She was about to leave when she stopped and thought about it. Finding a small hole she slipped the coin in before leaving.