Normal Disclaimer- I don't own any rights to O!MG or Love Hina. They belong to Fujishima and Akamatsu, respectively.

A/N: First chapter sets all of it up, introductions, etc. Crossover happens slightly later.

Only A Wish Away

Chapter 1 - Introductions Are In Order!

Tariki Hongan Temple – November 5, 2004

The crisp morning was beginning just like any other for the household within the house on the temple grounds, the household of one Morisato Keiichi, his wife, and her sisters – a typical morning if your family consisted of various gods and goddesses rushing to and fro, attempting to complete their morning routines prior to heading off on their own errands. The aroma of the delicious-smelling breakfast permeated the rooms and hallways, tantalizing the noses of those same beings as they ran back and forth. The chaos that reigned within the household stood in stark contrast to the serene atmosphere one would expect of such a place, housing such beings.

Within the kitchen of said temple's house, a figure moved purposefully between the various pots, pans, and skillets containing the sources of the afore-mentioned delectable scents. The figure was of a young woman, appearing to be in her late-twenties to early-thirties, sporting long, flowing light brown hair that hung to her mid-calf, held in a ponytail, with a couple of locks that hung loose and framed her beauteous face. She was clad in a simple dress of deep blue with a delicate patterning of flowers in various shades of lighter blue, over which she wore her apron for cooking. Her bright, azure eyes stared out of a face that held an easy smile that could – and had – melted many a heart, forever endearing her to the owners of those hearts. She hummed contentedly as she moved from dish to dish, ensuring that none burned. Her blue eyes twinkled in anticipation and delight as she contemplated the praise her beloved husband would lavish upon her over the meal – even after all these years, he still appreciated her cooking, a fact that thrilled the goddess every single time.

With a beaming smile, the woman, one Morisato Belldandy by name, began removing the various dishes from burners and the oven, portioning them among the bowls and plates, spending extra time on one setting in particular. The elongated diamond on her forehead furrowed briefly as she thought on all the problems that the recipient of said setting had gone through to get to this point in his life – and then smoothed away just as quickly at the happy memories that they had shared together.

Moving swiftly, the young woman began to transfer the laden bowls and plates to the Tea Room/ dining room, followed soon after by the cups of tea. Satisfied that all was in order, she turned and slid open the door to the hallway.

"Keiichi-san, everyone, breakfast is ready!"

She braced herself for the inevitable stampede she heard coming down the hall, again smiling as she stepped to the side, out of the way.

Morisato Keiichi was a young man, roughly the same age as the woman who was currently busy in the kitchen, preparing the morning repast for the household. He sported dark hair and was short, comparatively speaking, with dark brown eyes, with little in the way to make him stand out among a crowd. He was currently returning to the room that he shared with his beautiful wife, who he had finally built up the courage to ask to marry him almost six years before, still not believing his incredible fortune at being chosen by the goddess (literally) that he woke up next to every morning.

The man had recently been in the bath, having to undergo the same daily routine cleansing that his wife and her sisters had to, just as any god or goddess was required to. He no longer fell to the same problems that he used to worry about – that of walking in on someone else in the bathing room – because he could sense the auras of all those within the temple complex. That didn't halt the pranks of one certain white-haired goddess, who loved to find unique ways to enter just to tease him, but it did effectively halt the embarrassment that he would get so often prior to his ascension. He no longer felt the same embarrassment or nervousness at the thought of bathing along with her, or his wife, that he would have at one time, either – being injured so badly that you could do little for yourself, even bathing alone, would alleviate that problem in short order. Still, Urd and her youngest sister had taken to pulling pranks and jokes on him and Belldandy – his wife, their middle sister – meant to elicit some form of reaction from the happily married couple, at least once a week, often more.

Keiichi currently stood within the room that he and his wife shared, busily drying his unruly hair with a towel, between tasks of straightening up for the day by rolling up and packing away the futon, gathering any laundry from the day before into the basket, straightening the worktop of his desk (which had long ago been rid of a certain few magazines that Belldandy's father had been embarrassed about for his daughter's sake), and any other picking up that he found needing to be done. Belldandy took pleasure in the daily cleaning and cooking that she did, but, with having resumed her duties with the Goddess Relief Office, she had precious little time for such things. Keiichi gladly picked up the slack wherever he could, as did Urd (who had actually started taking more of a responsible role about her own role as a System Admin and resident of the household) and the youngest sister, Skuld, who still tinkered with her contraptions, but also was coming along better than expected with her own studies as regards her training with her powers.

Once finished with picking up and drying his hair (which he could have done magically, but decided to conserve his energies on such menial things), Keiichi began to quickly change into his own uniform, dropping the towel he wore about his waist in the laundry basket as well. As he pulled on his shirt, he closed his eyes in pleasant memory of the morning's most wonderful, even if normal, sight that greeted him – that of his beloved Belldandy lying next to him, a small smile gracing her soft lips even in slumber. Slowly, perhaps roused by his miniscule movements, she began her own swim back to consciousness, and that smile broadened into a full, beaming grin as her barely-opened eyes met his.

"Good morning, Keiichi, my love!" she called sleepily.

"It always is, with you beside me," he replied, kissing her on the forehead.

Keiichi was looking about the room, trying to see if there was anything that he missed, when the clear, unmistakable, voice of said person called from the direction of the kitchen.

"Keiichi, everyone, breakfast is ready."

He stepped out if the room, sliding the door closed with care, anxious to see his wife again, but also more reserved than a few of the other residents of the building. He was nearly bowled over in their impatience to get to the table. With a grin at their exuberance, and a small sigh of annoyance over their apparent lack of common courtesy, the young god followed the stampeding pack down the hall.

The oldest sister of the three goddesses that resided within the temple grounds, known as Urd, was just waking up, her snow white hair in complete disarray, a loose-fitting, extremely revealing, almost sheer nightgown hanging from her shapely shoulders, doing little to cover her curvy body, which was a permanent bronze color – a gift from her mother's side of the lineage. She drew admiring gazes no matter where she went – whether due to the clothes that she wore, the tall, statuesque body she had, the ample bosom that never failed to draw it's share of attention, or the white of her hair on such a young-looking person, was a matter of debate. She slowly pulled herself free of the covers of her futon, holding her temples, as pain coursed through her head.

That's the last time that I drink that much sake before I go to bed, she thought bitterly, knowing otherwise from experience. Sake was her secondary energy source while on the Mortal Plane, when she overextended her own reserves of energies, and her body needed a fast infusion. Her youngest sister, Skuld, relied on ice cream, while her middle sister, Belldandy, and her husband, Keiichi, depended on sleeping.

With a grumble, the older goddess cast her mind forth, ascertaining the locations of the other residents. Belldandy was already in the kitchen, cooking breakfast, which would be done shortly,; Skuld was in her own room, working on yet another invention of some sort (the Tariki Hongan Temple was now arguably the most well-defended property on the entire planet, what with four divine beings and numerous sentient machines in attendance); and Keiichi had just finished his own bath, and was heading back to his room. Grabbing a change of clothing, Urd quickly and silently made her way to the bathing room to see to her own morning cleansing.

I may still refer to her as 'kid', the goddess thought, but that girl is really growing up, and is an absolute genius when it comes to machines. I've never met another who could hold a candle to her – well, maybe Megumi, but that's a whole other matter.

After finishing her bath, she returned to her room and dried completely with but a thought; then, with another, she donned her outfit for the day – her uniform as befits her station, as she was once again resuming her duties as System Admin of the Yggdrasil computer this morning.

No sooner had she finished her dressing, than the call from the kitchen announced the first meal of the day. Suddenly realizing just how hungry she was, Urd raced from her room and towards the Tea Room, joining the mad dash for her sister's culinary masterpieces.

Skuld was in the middle of yet another mechanical invention, not worrying that the electronic components that were strewn about around her had come from the various appliances in the home. This fact, on more than a few occasions, had caused her problems with the various other residents.

She was attired in her uniform as per her station as a goddess in training, which had replaced the old pink and red dress that she used to wear. She had outgrown that outfit several years ago, when she had been accepted into training under a personal trainer, and had graduated from her station as the debugger of Yggdrasil. Now, she bore a flowing dress akin to Belldandy's blue and white G.R.O. ensemble, but the over-coat was in red with the triangular trim done in white, and the flowing main dress was also gleaming white. She opted for a pair of sneakers in lieu of the soft half-sandals of the G.R.O. uniform, since she ran a lot more than most of those goddesses. She kind of missed the old attire sometimes, but had grown out of it – both literally and physically – and felt that she needed to show off her more mature body to her long-time boyfriend, Sentaro. After all, weren't they in a relationship? She smiled at the thought of the young mortal who held her heart, as much as Keiichi had won her sister's all those years ago. He still held her heart as much now as then, perhaps more so, and it only looked like the bond that they shared would only grow stronger as the millennia rolled on.

Thoughts of said once-mortal brought a small tear to her eyes, as she remembered all the hell she put him through at first, for the first few years of his relationship with her sister. She had done her utmost to keep them apart, fighting an uphill battle against the inevitable, using all the underhanded tricks in her arsenal that wouldn't tip off her sister to her efforts. In the end, she worked against herself, ultimately injuring Keiichi to such an extent that she drove Belldandy further into his arms, and alienating them for a short time as they came to terms with her own jealousy and anger. Once all had been settled, though, she came to understand more about Keiichi, his good qualities (now that she wasn't so focused on hating him and really looked at him), her sisters, and even herself. Now, she cared for him almost as a brother, and maybe in the future (ok, she knew in the future), she would come to love him as a dear family member, a close brother – after all, she was the goddess governing the future, after all.

At the current moment, Skuld was lost in the building process of yet another machine, another robot along the lines of Sigil, only more advanced. She had learned much over the past fifteen years, since she had joined Belldandy and Urd in residence at the temple. Suddenly, her concentration was broken by the clear, sweet, musical voice of Belldandy calling to all the residents, reminding them that breakfast was served. She dropped everything – literally, as she had everything levitating about her – and bolted from her room. Along the way, in front of the entryway, where she had just removed her shoes, Megumi and Skuld collided, crashing to the floor in a tangle of limbs.

Keiichi's younger sister extricated herself from the tangle and lifted herself from the ground, then held out her hand to the goddess to aid her in rising. The raven-haired girl accepted the proffered appendage, pulling herself to her feet, smiled at her in-law, and both ran for the dining area.

Keiichi entered the dining room last of all the assembled beings. He nodded a good morning to his two in-laws, Urd and Skuld, said hello to Welsper the cat-demon and it's familiar, Wasp of the Blue Lance, and then sighed upon catching sight of his younger mortal sister, Megumi. Ever since the ordeal that led to his ascension and her finding out the truth about his housemates, she made sure to show up at least once a day, sometimes more – usually at mealtimes. Ostensibly, the visits were to spend what time she could with her brother, as she would all too soon grow old and pass away, while he would continue on, watching as his family and friends all followed suit, generation after generation. To help keep up appearances, as well as to ease the pain of knowledge about their extended lifespans, the celestial beings made their bodies appear to age as other mortals, through sheer force of will.

Even though she eased her teasing of her brother during his ordeal at Skuld's hands years ago, she renewed her verbal jabs as soon as he had proposed to Belldandy, which the other two took as a sign that it was fine for them to take up their own ribbing once more. To be sure, she wasn't mean-spirited or anything with her teasing, neither were the other two (normally), but, sometimes the jokes got rather… embarrassing… to the extreme. At least Skuld wasn't attempting to push the two lovers apart anymore.

Keiichi moved to step down into the room, greeting Megumi as he did so, when he felt the telltale tingling of magic directed at him, and felt a 'push' at his back, propelling him off the steps and into his wife – which succeeded in knocking the both of them to the ground. Their eyes met, and a wicked gleam in his caught her attention. He may not have been able to stop the assault, but…

How about we have a little fun with them, dear love? After all, we have been the butt of many pranks at their hands!

Belldandy giggled lightly, though quietly, as she picked the idea from her husband's mind. Throwing her arms about his neck, drew herself tightly to him, the two locking lips, and they kissed passionately until they heard the inevitable…

"Aaaahhg!I didn't need to see that!"

Skuld was staring and sputtering in shock and indignation as they turned their heads in her direction. Urd and Megumi (the former of whom was most likely the cause of the 'accident'), were staring open-mouthed at the couple on the floor. Soon, the pair busted out in laughter as they realized that the joke had backfired, and been turned back on them, and so deftly.

"You caught me off guard there, Urd, but I decided to go along with it. Why should I be embarrassed about this? We're married after all. Besides, after all this time, I would have thought you would have learned that I have changed – at least some."

Keiichi grinned mischievously, as he pulled himself, and then his wife, from the floor.

"Onee-sama, why'd you go along with that?" whined Skuld.

"Because it was fun! Besides, Keiichi-san is correct, we're married, and have nothing to be ashamed of."

"Aaaah!"

"Hey, Kid, give you any ideas for Sen-ta-ro-kun?" teased the oldest goddess unmercifully.

Skuld's face turned the color of a ripe tomato, as blood rushed in. She spluttered while attempting to come up with a suitable retort, while everyone else burst out in laughter.

"Hey, Skuld, need me to show you what to do, give some 'expert' advice," and Urd's smile turned evil, "or would you like them to just give you a practical demonstration right here?" she finished while gesturing at Keiichi and Belldandy.

Even Megumi lost it at that point, and ended up spewing her drink all over the table and her brother, followed by profuse apologies. All had a good laugh before settling down to the business of breakfast.

After all were done eating, Keiichi helped Belldandy clear the table and start the dishes, now quite used to the morning routine.

"We're on our way out, now," called Urd from the entryway to the house. "I've still got more kinks to work out of Yggdrasil's systems, even now, after all these years. The System Force is still bugging up, and I need to find a way to fix it. I'll see all of you tonight."

"I'm off, as well! More training and schooling in Heaven!"

"We'll see you this evening, then," beamed Belldandy. "We'll be busy at Whirlwind today; it's been awfully hectic since Chihiro-san expanded."

When they finished cleaning up, they exited the house and entered the carport, where Keiichi's old BMW sat waiting, lovingly kept in perfect running order, ready for just a day as this beautiful, sunny one, to carry it's divine passengers to their destination. They pulled it out, mounted it, and began their familiar drive to work.

Hinata-sou all-girls dorm, at the same time that morning

"We're going to be late again!" two voices carried throughout the dorm.

Two bodies hurtled out of their rooms, colliding at the base of the stairs, one landing on top of the other, his face planted firmly between the twin mountains of the other's chest – a familiar situation at this point in time. The former attempted to push himself off of the latter, in the process grabbing and pushing off of those same mountains.

Keitaro, the young man in the compromising situation – twenty-five, of slightly less than average height, with a shock of brown hair, and brown eyes, of obvious Japanese descent – didn't fully appreciate the position he now found himself in. The other person, one Narusagawa Naru – now twenty-three, about the same height as Keitaro, with light brown hair that hung in two long ponytails past her hips, brown eyes, and one heck of a temper, who just so happened to be the girlfriend and fiancée of said young man – was coming back to her senses from the crash of bodies, and her features twisted into a mask of rage.

"PERVERT! Already, this morning? What's wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It was an accident! I didn't mean to, rea…" Keitaro protested rapidly.

The next thing he knew, he was sailing into the wall behind him, across the hall, where he hung limply for a second, before his knees buckled and he slid to the floor in a heap.

A second female resident rushed down the stairs, sword at the ready, at the sounds rising from below. Her name was Aoyama Motoko, student of the Shinmeiryuu school of martial arts – focusing on kendo – and the school's heir. She was a little taller than Keitaro, twenty-one, with olive green eyes, long flowing, jet-black hair that hung to her waist, wearing a red hakama and white gi (the traditional garb of her school's students and practitioners), and with her sword at her side (though she sometimes replaced it with a practice boken as required).

At the moment, she had her katana partially withdrawn from it's sheath, ready to inflict divine punishment on a certain unlucky, unworthy, unwanted individual, she told herself. She arrived on the scene to find Naru straightening her skirt and sweater after standing up. Across the hallway, Keitaro lay upon the floor, back against the wall, obviously the target of Naru's attack – as the crumpled wall behind him bore witness to the force of his impact, though, thankfully, he didn't go sailing outside this time. The girl in the hakama and gi merely sighed, closing her eyes. All men were perverts, one hundred percent of the time – or so her mind told her, trying to deny her feelings for this particular specimen, since he was spoken for by her friend.

"Are you alright, Naru?"

"Yeah, just dealing with the local perv again. Sometimes I wonder why I put up with him, or agreed to marry him."

If you are having your doubts, then why not release him and let one of us have our chance… wait, what am I thinking? "Come on, let's hurry and eat. There is no reason for us to be late, though we will have to rush."

"Sounds good, Motoko."

I am sorry for your predicament, Keitaro. I really do have feelings for you, but I cannot show them while you are in a relationship with Naru… GYAAAA! I need to get my thoughts back under control! There is no way that I would ever be able to show him my feelings, because they are to be married.

The pair passed the unconscious form on the floor, with the brown-haired girl kicking at it's legs in disgust. As they continued, they also passed by the dorm's youngest tenant, a black-haired lass of seventeen, with large, expressive, liquid blue eyes, a sweet, innocent smile most of the time (especially when her thoughts turned to a certain Sempai), a lithe figure, and a keen intellect. Said girl was the resident cook for the dorms, as the other residents couldn't cook an appetizing meal if their lives depended upon it (the closest was Keitaro, who was decent; next came Motoko, whose dinners looked the part of perfection, but lacked any flavor; then came Naru, who could create something that tasted good, but turned the stomach to look at; Su's attempts were much too spicy to be able to taste anything after the first bite, let alone feel anything; and Mitsune? That didn't even bear a second thought, not to mention a first). She also did several of the other domestic chores around the dorm, including the shopping (as she did almost all of the cooking in the first place), laundry, and a few other minor things, in lieu of rent.

As Motoko and Naru passed the girl, who's name was Maehara Shinobu, they noticed the look of concern on her face, and Naru felt that she was entirely too worried for the kanrinin.

"C'mon, Shinobu-chan. Don't worry about him, he'll be fine in a few minutes, like always. Don't waste your time on such a loser, even if he is my boyfriend. Besides, the lecher would only assault you, as well."

Shinobu paused only the slightest bit in her stride, before turning bright red and rushing toward the object of her attention.

"What was that, just now?" …although I can imagine. I know of her feelings for him – have for a while, in fact. Most of us knew before she confessed them to us, even while she attempted to keep them hidden. Truth is, she had deep feelings for him long before any of the others of us.

"I don't know, Motoko. I hope she's okay. Do you think we should follow her?"

"We probably should," replied the kendoka.

They turned to watch the proceedings, catching the seventeen-year-old attempting to awaken the man, then help him to his feet. She wrapped her arms about his waist to help support the unstable man as he regained his equilibrium, the picture of love and concern, of the perfect girlfriend – or more.

The two girls gave each other a measured look as they caught a glimpse of the youngest girl's expression.

"You don't think…?"

"Are you seeing…?"

They broke off, dawning realization breaking through the haze of their thoughts. When they looked bake, they just caught a hint of a most startling look from the dark-haired beauty, before she quickly looked away and back to her charge.

"Did you see that face? What was with that?"

"I do not know, Naru-sempai. Perhaps we should inquire of her later?"

"You're probably right. C'mon, let's go eat."

Together, they turned back to their trek into the dining room, and a hastily consumed breakfast.

Shinobu - the youngest girl in the dorm while Sarah McDougal was away with her adopted father, Noriyasu Seta – was at her self-appointed task of preparing the morning repast for the residents of the Hinata-sou. She really didn't mind, as it gave her something to do, and the others were pretty bad at domestic chores. Besides, it gave her the opportunity to do something for her beloved Sempai, the only male in the dorms, her manager. Thoughts of him caused the young woman to blush in pleasant memories of him, and his kindnesses toward all the residents of the Hinata-sou – especially her. She had had a crush on him since the day that he arrived at the once-inn, looking for room and board from his grandmother, so that he could continue his goal of entering Tokyo University. That crush had eventually morphed into full-fledged love as time went on and she got to know him better – even with his clumsy, slightly clueless nature. She had kept her feelings a secret as much as possible, but the others found out as her body gave her feelings away by betraying her through blushes, stammering replies, and the like. She really couldn't help herself, though, blushing at the very thought of him near, showing her attention, maybe reaching out to caress her along her back, her cheeks, whispering in her ear. As she grew older, those fantasies had also matured, and become more racy – Keitaro kissing her passionately, holding her closely, unbuttoning her blouse…

STOP! Bad Shinobu! Naru has his heart, and soon his hand in marriage. He may be the only guy you will ever truly love, but you could never have him. Besides, he only sees you as a little sister, and not even as a grown woman. Yeah, he could marry you once you had turned sixteen, but he has never seen you in that way.

Slowly, the heat on her neck and face subsided as she reasoned with herself, followed by a sorrowful melancholy. She cheered herself back up by applying herself to the plate in front of her, and the thought of who that particular dinnerware was going to. She began to smile again as she took extra time on the setup and presentation of the food upon that special piece of china, prepared with every ounce of love and devotion within her. This was the only way that she could demonstrate her feelings for the young man, with the exception of being a pillar of support and encouragement – especially as he had eyes only for the girl with the most violent personality of the tenants, Naru. She, and Motoko to a lesser degree over the years, seemed to take a perverse pleasure in knocking the kanrinin about on a regular basis. Shinobu, on the other hand, recognized the accidents for what they were, though she still got a bit flustered when they involved her, either directly or indirectly. She had even understood when he had seemed to lie about being in Tokyo U when he first arrived, how Haruka didn't give him the opportunity to explain the true circumstances, and later as he tried to cheer her up by stating that even he got in. What he and Naru didn't know was that she had likewise heard him talking with his aunt, and so had found out the truth at the same time as Naru. She didn't blame the poor boy, at the time, though it still hurt when he appeared to lie to her.

Shinobu was just applying the finishing touches to Keitaro's plate when she heard the two doors open and close in rapid succession, followed by the sound of running feet, and the rustling of two bodies colliding and tumbling to the floor – as well as the inevitable "PERVERT!", a second later. "Already, this morning? What's wrong with you?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! It was an accident! I didn't mean to, rea…"

Then she heard the solid 'CRACK' of bone against bone, like a ball bat against a wall. She cringed at the sound, and even more at the crunching of the wall as Keitaro's body smashed into it, splintering wood. She rushed through the dining room, where Mitsune – better known as Kitsune, or 'Fox' – was already, surprisingly, seated at the table, along with Kaolla Su. Kitsune was slowly turning her already inebriated attention to the doorway, while sipping on a bottle of sake, with a wicked smile on her lips. Su, who was maybe six months older than Shinobu, had stopped in mid-bite, the half-eaten banana all but forgotten, as she cocked her head to the side, a grin pulling at her mouth. All could here Motoko arrive on scene, and the ensuing conversation.

With a scowl she hoped no one saw, Shinobu squared her shoulders and headed for the door. Little did she know that Su missed little that occurred within the dorm, and had seen the look. She donned a devilish glint and smile, creeping comically to the edge of the door, to stay in character for Kitsune's sake. She peeked around the corner, to watch the unfolding drama.

Shinobu strode forward, hands clenched tightly, until she brought herself under control with an effort, slowly extending her fingers with a deep breath. Around the doorjamb, Su bounced up and down, giggling. Shinobu continued forward to her Sempai, passing the older girls. Without turning, Naru called back to her.

"C'mon, Shinobu-chan. Don't worry about him, he'll be fine in a few minutes, like always. Don't waste your time on such a loser, even if he is my boyfriend. Besides, the lecher would only assault you, as well."

Not that I would mind! Shinobu interjected within her mind, then paused, thinking about that thought and all it's implications, blushing bright red, then ran to Keitaro.

She heard the two girls talking quietly behind her, then felt their attention centered upon her back, feeling self-conscious as she aided the unlucky man. He slowly returned to reality, and she encircled his waist with her arms, helping him into a standing position. They began to make their unsteady way to the dining room, and she shot a look of pure venom to the brown-haired girl's head, who was talking in subdued tones with the sword maiden, with a confused expression on her face.

Kind of hard to understand what one sees in him, huh? Why don't you open your eyes a bit? Maybe if you stopped being so violent to him, and started to really look at him, listened to him a bit, you would know what I see in him. Maybe then you would understand what love is.

When she saw them returning their attention to her, she quickly schooled her expression and turned her own attention back to Keitaro.

Su had watched and listened to the entire set of exchanges. Her devious little mind was already turning at full speed, cataloguing every little detail for later dissection. She bounded back to her seat as the others approached the dining room door, smiling innocently at Kitsune's silent questioning look, and resumed the downing of the stack of bananas in front of her. She decided to up the ante, as it were, once Shinobu finished settling Keitaro in his chair. Springing from her own seat and over the table, she landed on him, knocking the two of them and the chair to the floor, wrapping herself about his torso and head playfully. With a Machiavellian grin, she looked right into his eyes.

"Good morning, Keitaros! Wanna plays with me laters? Hehe!" …at which point, she kissed him soundly on the lips. His mind suddenly thawed and he went ballistic, launching her from his chest like a ragdoll, her limbs flying every which way. His face was deep maroon, and he looked like he was about to explode from fear and embarrassment, as he scrambled away from her to the corner, his arms thrown about his head in a protective gesture, legs drawn up to his chest.

"What are you doing, Su?" he exclaimed in abject terror.

"What do you think you are doing, PERVERT?" yelled a livid Naru, drawing back her clenched fist in preparation.

"What? I didn't do anything!" he pleaded, though he knew it was an exercise in futility. "What are you talking about; she kissed me, not the other way around!"

The sound of laughter broke through the tense atmosphere. All looked to see Su rolling on the floor and Kitsune doubled over in her chair, both holding their stomachs, fit to burst from the hilarity. Naru and Motoko both took steadying breaths, held them a second, then released them. They then decided it best to turn to their own almost-forgotten breakfasts, to quickly down them so that they could head out in time, once Shinobu set them on the table.

Su was crawling back into her chair, still wracked with giggles, as was Keitaro (though more warily), when the young chef entered with his plate and tea. She carefully placed them in front of the ex-ronin, being sure that everything was set just so, so that the presentation achieved the most effect. Giving him a shy smile, with more confidence than she would ever have been able to muster in the previous years, she bowed her head quickly and then ran back to the kitchen to deliver the others' breakfasts. Her actions did not go unnoticed by the assembled group – which she had actually planned to be seen, what with her newer confidence that she had been working on since 'her Sempai' had arrived – and it caused no end of consternation for a certain one of the girls involved, not to mention the feeling of foreboding in Keitaro.

Breakfast was finished quickly so that all could make their ways to their respective schools. Motoko (who had actually made it into Tokyo U. on her first attempt), Naru, and Keitaro all bound for Todai; Shinobu and Su for their high school; and Mitsune – well, who knew what she did these days.

The baka did a good job, actually making it into Todai. I would have thought, like his parents, that he should have given up on it and gone for a different school after failing twice - and then especially after the third failed attempt. Still, he made it in finally, and does an acceptable job of keeping up with the Hinata-sou – when he's not molesting us or being a pervert.

Naru looked over at the ex-ronin, studying him through the thick-lensed glasses that she was now forced to wear to see much of anything at a distance of more than six inches from her face. He would not be able to tell that she was looking, from this angle, even if he had not been preoccupied with trying to figure out the problem on his sheet. They may be there for different classes, but they still got put into the same class for two of them. It was easy to tell that he was struggling with that problem, and the material in general, by the determined expression on his face, not to mention the bead of sweat on his forehead. She sighed inwardly, knowing that tonight was going to be another long one.

Nekomi City, the same day

Keiichi was busy working on a customer's bike, customizing the engine and transmission, enjoying himself immensely, as he found this kind of work relaxing and fulfilling. He could hear Belldandy's sweet voice inside Whirlwind, on the phone with one of their suppliers, ordering a specialty-made part, as she was great at getting things to happen. Usually, all she had to do was ask in her ever-sweet, innocent voice, and anything she asked would be granted – often times with more gusto, speed, and a keener eye for detail than was originally required.

He smiled in memory of how things had been when they had first met, just starting out their lives together, when he had wished for her to remain at his side forever. That same smile had opened countless doors and avenues, so that they were able to find work, a place to live, as well as anything else that was needed in those early, uncertain days, before they were established a little better. He then thought of the other times that smile had been used – on him – and images flooded through his mind. He tried to banish them quickly, so that he could concentrate on the work at hand, and heard a ripple of laughter come from inside the shop.

Having fun listening in on my thoughts, again, dear heart?

Again came that musical ripple, as she giggled at his discomfort and situation.

Of course! But, Keiichi, love, should you really be thinking of such things at this point in time? You should be working on the customer's bike right now, not daydreaming of such… naughty… things. Hee,hee!

Don't I know it, love! But, what do you expect? You are just so beautiful and wonderful, and the bright center of my life. I am most certainly the luckiest man - eh, god? – on Earth, at the moment!

Hee, hee! Save that for later! She admonished, before breaking contact with him, knowing that she had just brightened his day, much as he had hers.

Keiichi quickly returned to the task at hand, trying to finish the work required before the end of the day, still trying to banish the stray, slightly erotic, images and thoughts that had entered his consciousness, blushing profusely.

"Thank you for your efforts today! We got a lot of work done, more than I had hoped. I guess that I will see you tomorrow, then, Keiichi, as you have other obligations with the G.R.O., Belldandy."

"Yes, Chihiro-san. Thankfully, a few new laws and restrictions were put into effect in the Yggdrasil system, so that I will not be put into a compromising position by any similar wish by another person. I don't wish for any problems to arise with our marriage due to our work."

"I could see the complications from a similar wish to Keiichi's, being asked of you."

Chihiro gave the young god a knowing grin, which left him spitting and sputtering, trying – and failing – to come up with a retort.

"Just kidding, Keiichi-kun. Anyway, good night, both of you."

"Good night, Chihiro-san."

They parted ways at that point. True, the immortal couple could have taken a faster method of getting home, but both still enjoyed the ride home on the old BMW. Through a lot of loving care – and a few surreptitious uses of the tools provided him by the Machiners over the years – Keiichi had been able to keep the old bike and sidecar in great condition. It helped that his wife was able to restore things to perfect order if needed. This was his first vehicle, the first one that the two of them had been on together, and remained their favored mode of transportation on Earth. A couple years before, they had moved the old Brough Superior, as the old inn was to be demolished, and they couldn't bear to see it lost in the destruction, but it belonged to another person – his grandfather and the young woman that he had promised that ride to. Thus, they decided to donate the bike to a museum, with the expressed wishes that it be treated with the utmost respect, cleaned daily, and run once a week.

The couple took the ride home slowly, reveling in the breeze blowing against them, and the intimacy of the ride, as so few vehicles were on this particular road at this time.

"Keiichi-san, have you ever considered helping others alongside me? I mean, it is the Goddess Relief Office, or Help Line – whichever you prefer – but…"

"I really haven't thought about it. I enjoy working with Chihiro-san, and never really thought about what I would do after that. I guess that is something that I will have to start thinking about. I have no idea what would be expected of me once I can no longer stay here, when I have to let go the Earthly life. I could always return, down the line, to see my family, and even could set things up to where I deed everything to myself, show back up in a younger body, etc., but that would be allowed only so long, I'm sure. The only reason that you are still here on Earth, is because of me; and Kami-sama is already working you back into the fold up there."

They continued on in companionable silence, with Belldandy resting her head on Keiichi's arm. Suddenly, a bright smile lit her face, and she turned to look at her husband.

"Hey, Keiichi-san? Let's ride the Nekomi Circuit! We haven't ridden that in years, and it'll be fun to do so again."

He chuckled a bit, then broke out in all out laughter, and made the appropriate adjustments to their route.

"And where have you been?" demanded an irate Skuld, as the loving couple entered the residence, laughing infectiously – hands on her hips, a scowl on her face.

"Oh, we just took the Nekomi Circuit for a run!" Keiichi explained off-handedly. "We decided we felt a little nostalgic."

"Well, we've been waiting for dinner. What are you going to do about that, Keiichi?"

"Calm down, Skuld. We will get on it in a bit. First, though, we're getting a bath, as we're filthy from work."

The youngest of the group glowered at the retreating backs of her sister and brother-in-law. Slowly, she released her anger at her sister's husband. She realized that she never truly hated him - and she did regret her actions from all those years ago, when she felt that she was losing her sister to a mortal - but she still felt anger at him when she got the perception that he was holding Belldandy up in some way, whether in her duties as goddess, or in every day social life. Skuld slowly began to understand Belldandy's feelings and relationship with Keiichi over the years, as she and Sentaro grew closer and more fond of each other.

As she watched the pair walk away, arm-in-arm, to pick up a change of clothes and their bath articles, then to move to the bathroom, Skuld sent warm wishes to her sister and in-law, knowing that they would reach them. She made her way to her own room, to work on her next invention – not to mention think about a certain boy that held her heart as tightly as Keiichi had Belldandy's.

Skuld had ensconced herself within her room again, to call Sentaro on the cell phone she now carried with her, wanting a little more freedom and privacy than trying to use the land line in the entryway. As her relationship and feelings for the mortal boy had grown and matured, so had her powers. Most of her abilities centered around her element – water – and her control of that medium had grown in leaps and bounds, though she had a minor control of wind, due to Noble Scarlet. The youngest of the residents of the Tariki Hongan temple was very close to Sentaro, and took every opportunity to visit the boy – no, young man now.

Sentraro was one of the few mortals privy to the knowledge of who and what the three sisters were. He had learned very early on in their relationship, as she had reveled it to him, not really knowing that she shouldn't have. At that point in time, she was similar to her sister when she first came to Earth for longer than it took to grant a quick wish, not knowing a thing about discretion. Due to the efforts of Keiichi and her sisters, she soon learned to keep her origins a secret, as well as the existence of Noble Scarlet. Once she had learned that lesson, she had sworn Sentaro to secrecy, on pain of a memory wipe, as per her orders.

"Yeah, they finally got back home and are working on dinner," she said, sounding just like a teenager. "It should be ready soon, I hope. No, I can't stay mad at Nee-san, though Keiichi still irks me at times. Huh? Oh, they decided to run the Nekomi Circuit for old time's sake. No, far as I know, they haven't ridden it in a couple of years – though Megumi still does on occasion, seeing as she still holds the title of 'Queen of the Ridge'. Yeah, her skills are amazing, almost as much so as her dad's still are. You didn't know? Her dad's the best human I've ever seen! Megumi and Keiichi - for all he's a god now, and all - have been trying to best him for years, and Keiichi pulled it off only once – just before he proposed to Belldandy; hasn't happened since!"

The young goddess went on, until the call went forth for all to assemble for dinner.

"Gotta go! Supper's ready, and I'm starved! I'm going out later to restock my ice cream stash because I've eaten it all," she said a little guiltily. "Perhaps we could meet up at the store, and you could help me carry it home." The young goddess finished her statement shyly, twirling a lock of hair in her fingers.

"Anyway, talk to you later! Bye, Sentaro-kun!"

Skuld ended the call and went to her door to leave. As she slid it open, Urd fell to the floor, her white hair splaying everywhere. She closed her eyes, drew a breath, and thundered at her sister.

"URD! What were you doing, listening to my conversation?"

The walls rattled from the force of her bellow, and Urd quickly clamped her hands over her ears to try to block at least a little bit of the sonic barrage.

She was listening in, again! Talk about nosy, and a lack of respect for privacy! The irony wasn't lost on Skuld, and she snorted at the memories of all that she had done. That's it, time for a new invention.

Skuld stalked past the twitching form of her sister, where she still lay on the floor. Without turning, she commanded:

"Make sure to close the door once you decide to join us at the table. Oh, and as for your crack earlier, DO! NOT! CALL! ME! A! KID!"

Dinner was simple, but all agreed that it lived up to Belldandy's standard fare – that of the most delectable thing that anyone had put in their mouths. They were surprised to learn that it wasn't Belldandy who had made it, but a very self-deprecating Keiichi.

"…been practicing for some time now, and I wanted to surprise all of you. Of course, I've had probably the best teacher possible. Sorry about it being so simple, but I am still working on it."

"Actually, that was amazing, Keiichi! I never knew that you could cook, especially that well. As for being simple, that's fine. Thank you, it was delicious!"

The once-mortal beamed at Urd's praise, glad that they were happy, and his efforts were appreciated. Now he understood how Belldandy felt when she was praised, and vowed never to miss an opportunity to offer a compliment to his lovely wife.

Skuld left the temple for the market that had opened up about a year after her sister's marriage, to pick up her ice cream, and to meet Sentaro. Urd retreated to her own room, leaving the couple to find their own entertainment. This they did by stepping out of the house and sitting on the wrap-around deck, watching the stars and moon in silence, just enjoying each other's presence and closeness. After a short time, they decided to take a night-time stroll through the gardens adorning the grounds, which now sported a regular graveled path that they lovingly laid a couple years before. Walking this path had become a favored pastime for them, day or night. It was quiet, peaceful, and they strolled along leisurely, arm-in-arm, without a care in the world at this one perfect moment in time. Above the loving pair, their angels followed along, likewise wrapped in one another's arms. They were as devoted and linked to each other as their counterparts below; so close was their bond, that even the Valkyrie, Lind, was in awe of the link. She had two angels herself, and even they did not have as tight a bond as those two – and this after Keiichi had allowed her to see how to let Cool and Spear Mint meet.

The couple finished their rounds, ending up on the roof, heads tilted together, as the talked quietly, reveling in the tactile contact. They watched as Sigil and a many-times-over modified Banpei patrolled the temple grounds - along with the two newest additions, who had not achieved the same AI status that the former two had. The pair had long ago been instructed not to just attack on sight, but only if needed; demons, however, were a whole different matter, with the exceptions of Mara and Hild. Mara was more often than not around for a visit, these days, than for any sort of trouble; and Hild? She would just as soon destroy the mechanical beings with but a thought, rather than just disable them. Mara had changed over the years, once more taking up her friendship with Urd, much to the dismay of both those in the Demon Realm, and those in Heaven. Still, she left the temple grounds alone, for the most part- almost as if they were a neutral ground.

After midnight, the pair decided it was time to head in.

"Should we head to bed, my love? We will both be busy tomorrow, and I would like to spend some time being close to you."

"Sounds good to me. Shall we, Keiichi-san?"

With that, they floated to the ground lightly, and moved through the house closing it up for the night, before adjourning to their room. There, they snuggled into each other, with their arms about one another, where they fell asleep some time later.

Hinata-sou, the same evening

"Hey, Naru, how about this problem?"

Keitaro sat across the low table from the young lady in question, his brow furrowed in a quizzical expression. He was in his typical attire of jeans and a t-shirt, this one of a blue color, with his squared off glasses sliding down his nose as he stared at the problem at hand.

Naru – her long brown hair rolled into a loose bun at the base of her neck, large, thick-lensed glasses resting on her own nose – was wearing a tan, light sweater and a darker brown long skirt, and was sitting on her feet. Her eye twitched at the interruption, though she waited a moment before answering, to gain a semblance of calm. Things really hadn't changed since getting into Todai, with the two of them studying for their classes together, and Keitaro still needing quite a bit of help with math and English. How had he gotten into Tokyo U, like this? Her mind still boggled at the idea, considering his apparent lack of understanding.

Finally, after about thirty seconds of silence, she sighed and slid his materials over so that she could see what he needed help with. To her surprise, and chagrin, it was the very next problem after the last one she had helped him with, some fifteen minutes prior.

"Are you just an idiot or what? Have you been stuck on this same problem this whole time? How did you ever get into Todai, if you haven't learned how to do even these simple problems?"

Keitaro rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Ah, Naru!" he protested, "you don't have to be like that. I admit, I just don't get this stuff."

With an exasperated sigh and closed eyes, she told him: "Come here, then, and I will explain it to you again. And this time, pay close attention."

He stood so that he could round the table… and promptly tripped over his own foot. Now, the accident wasn't the problem, as everybody has them at some point or other in their lives; no the problem lay in the direction his flailing body had decided to take. He fell face-first towards Naru, who attempted to back away from the falling body – only for him to fall face-first between her breasts. Both faces burned a bright crimson out of embarrassment, and when he tried to lift himself free of his predicament, he caught sight of a look of pure rage from his girlfriend.

"What are you doing? Is that all that you can think about?"

He backed up, absolute fear in his eyes.

"I tripped! I didn't do it on purpose!" he protested.

The unfortunate kanrinin didn't even have time to brace himself before the now-familiar feeling of knuckles connecting with his jaw was registered. The board with Liddo-kun was unceremonially ripped aside, exposing the hole beneath, and Keitaro felt the equally-familiar feeling of weightlessness a moment later. He landed on his back, dazed, facing the ceiling, when a heavy object impacted his stomach with force – his book, followed by a notebook – and he absently registered the slamming of the board back into place over the hole, effectively shutting out the light that filtered through.

A few minutes passed before he was able to think clearly once more. Sighing dejectedly, tiredly, he rolled over and began to rise. The young man jumped when there was a light tapping at the door. With growing trepidation, he made his way over to answer it, calling uncertainly to the person on the other side, before sliding open the barrier.

"Shinobu-chan! Why are you here? Is everything alright?"

"That's what I was about to ask you, Sempai," she said quietly, then blushed hugely. She was holding her hands on front of her, pushing her forefingers together, back and forth. "I heard a large noise in here and rushed to make sure you were fine," she finished in a rush.

When she finished, she realized that, with the exception of rushing the last sentence, she had made it through it without stuttering or becoming completely flustered, something that thrilled her to no end, as she hoped that she was starting to overcome that old habit. She again blushed and suddenly found the ground very interesting.

Relaxing a little, seeing that it was only Shinobu, Keitaro smiled at her, ruffling her hair, as he assured her that he was perfectly fine. However, the only male of the all-girls dorm let his guard down too early, as the resident kendo expert chose that exact moment to walk past, and mistook the entire situation. She reacted without finding out all of the facts, and he found himself pulling himself off of the floor , victim of her quick temper.

Shinobu raced to Keitaro's aid once again, silently berating the two older girls, while simultaneously trying to talk some sense into Motoko.

"I-it was m-my f-fault, Motoko! Y-you didn't n-need t-to do t-that! Sempai, how are you? Please answer me, Sempai."

Without conscious effort, or her own knowledge, she lost all of her stuttering when she turned her attention back to Keitaro – an occurrence which normally would take place oppositely. On normal occasions, it would become more pronounced, not less. She gently brushed a bit of his hair from his face and again tried to help him stand.

"How dare you try to use your ways on an innocent child, you pervert!"

A blast of wind and ki carried him back into the wall, and a moment later, Naru's face appeared in the hole, as the board was moved out of the way.

"What's going on down there? What's with all the racket?"

She took one glance about the room, saw Motoko standing at stance, Keitaro laying upside down against the wall, and Shinobu standing nearby, her face looking upset and bewildered. Naru's famous – or would that be 'in'famous? – temper flared anew, and she dropped through the hole between their rooms, ready to strike at the man.

"Keiii-taaarr-oo! You…Perverted…Baka!"

"STOP IT NOW!"

The scream tore through the Hinata Girl's Dorm, rousing the other residents. Shinobu stared about, at a loss, and attempted to shrink away. The two assailants stared in open shock, at the quietest of all the residents, all thoughts of the manager forgotten for the time being.

"I… um… I… er… I heard a racket earlier, and, um, c-came to check on S-Sempai. All h-he did… was ruffle my hair at the doorway… when you walked up, Motoko-sempai." She started off quietly, scared and embarrassed; however, her voice gained in volume and authority as she continued, which surprised even her, as it sounded so foreign coming from her mouth. "You didn't even try to find out what was going on, before jumping conclusions – and the wrong ones at that – did you, Motoko-sempai. And you, Naru - you're supposed to be his girlfriend, right? What's your excuse?"

"He's a male, Shinobu-chan! They're all perverted, lecherous, beings!" Do I really believe that anymore? Wasn't this just as she said, and also a bit of following old habits? "He had his hand on you. Of course I had to act."

"He threw himself on me, again! Then he tried to explain it away as another of his convenient 'accidents'. All he thinks about is one thing. Yeah, I hit him; he deserved it."

"So, what you're saying is, because Sempai is clumsy – and I admit he is extremely so, especially around women in general, and all the residents here in particular – you 'punish' him by hitting him so hard that he leaves holes in the walls and roof? And you, you use your sword on him, who has no way of fighting back? Sure, he's clumsy, and a male, and probably thinks about those things – especially in the presence of his girlfriend," which word she made an insult for Naru's sake, "but that's normal for all people who are normal. It is not a reason to go about beating up on others." The young woman began to shake, wringing her hands in front of her, yet she pressed on, as tears welled up in her blue eyes. All the tenants were dumbstruck at this new facet of their 'little' Shinobu, who had never talked this much, this authoritatively, this passionately, at any one time – let alone, have the nerve to lecture them. "You call yourself honorable, yet by your own actions, you betray that claim. You strike without due provocation, are extremely sexist in your views, and you take out your insecurities on everyone else – not even considering the possibility that you may be the one at fault.

"And you, Naru-sempai! You're supposed to be his girlfriend, right? RIGHT?"

"W-well, yes… I s-suppose," she fumbled under the onslaught.

"So, Sempai's head-over-heals in love with someone who's still not sure of her own feelings for him? Someone who shows more hatred and contempt than any real love?

"I know how he feels; I get nervous and clumsy whenever I'm around him, because of my feelings for him – feelings that you know I stopped trying to hide years ago. I'm pretty sure that that is the reason he gets so flustered around you all of the time – either that, or fear of what you may do to him next. For all I know at this point in time, it may even be a mixture of the two things, now. But, you don't even appear to care enough about him to find out the first things about him! You attack him whenever he falls, or fails – fails your expectations. And, to think, he throws himself into everything that he does, wholeheartedly. Yet, what thanks does he receive from any of you; more importantly, what thanks from the one person he desires to get closer to? He gets punched, kicked, berated, condemned, derided – hated!

"I'm ashamed of your actions, all of you! He doesn't need this! You don't deserve him, his kindness – most especially you, Naru!" The dropping of the honorific was not lost on the woman, but she dared not speak – no, could not speak.

Her rant finally registered in Shinobu's mind, and she drew herself up with a gasp, her eyes widening, as they darted about. Not a single word was spoken in the ensuing silence, as the girl looked at each person in embarrassment, not quite meeting anyone's eyes. In a panic, she fled the room with a barely audible "Eep!"

No one spoke in the awkward silence that followed her departure. Even Keitaro was stunned into immobility, his mind frozen with all the revelations of the past few minutes.

Has it really only been a few minutes?

With an effort, he forced his brain back into activity, slowly turning to each person in the room, looking them in the eyes – Kaolla Su, the ever-rambunctious, ever energetic ball of mechanical genius; Konno Mitsune (Kitsune), whose gambling left her in a constant state of tardiness on her bills, and whose drinking drained her remaining funds, leaving her scamming and begging others (usually him) for money; Aoyama Motoko, the resident swords master, the heir of her family's dojo and estates, always in control except where men or turtles were concerned, and who valued honor above all; and finally settling on Narusegawa Naru, the number one ranked student in their cram school for so long, the one who he had tried so desperately for so long to give his heart to, who he wanted so much to become closer to, yet who seemed to have some neurotic need to hit him as hard as possible on any and all occasions.

Naru refused to look at him, not even turning to fully face him. What had been said, stung her to the core, because it was true – much as she didn't want to admit it. She had agreed to accept Keitaro as a study partner reluctantly, and, even then, it rankled that she found herself helping him – the baka couldn't even seem to grasp the simplest of problems. Her own heart still yearned for her former mentor, Noriyasu Seta, even though she knew that she had made that promise with Keitaro when he was four or five. After all that time, and all the changes they each had gone through, how could anyone think that she could have feelings for Keitaro? It was true, what Shinobu had said, he put his all into whatever he set his mind to, with a single-minded determination that was scary at times, usually with little to no complaining. He upheld his managerial duties to an acceptable degree, still managed to study for Todai just as hard as ever, and even did all in his power to make sure that all the girls were comfortable and happy. However, he was undeniably clumsy, didn't always pay attention until it was too late, not to mention a complete idiot to boot.

She had a hard time admitting her feelings to anyone, even him – even after all that had happened between them.

Then again, what are my feelings for him. Am I really being honest with the both of us?

Mechanically, she began to leave, breaking the spell that had befallen the entire room. Everyone began to talk at once, moving off in their own directions. Only Su, who was the most serious she had ever been, saw Keitaro take a half-hearted step forward, reaching out to Naru, wishing to halt her departure. Her heart ached in a way that it never had before, going out to the man that Granny Hina had chosen to succeed her as the kanrinin of the dorms five years before. It tore at her to see the pain, the loss, etched in his face, the crestfallen way that he seemed to just lose all his will, all desire, at the way he shrank in on himself and his shoulders hunched in defeat. He held out his arm in silent entreaty for a moment as Naru's back retreated from him, then let it fell to his side dejectedly. He lowered his head, turned around, and sank to the floor as if his legs could no longer bear his weight, the outside world miles away from his inward turmoil. Su quietly slid his door closed, and for the first time since she had arrived at the dorm as a tenant, she walked up the stairs to her own room, lacking the will or energy to run or jump about, the weight of the world seemingly pressing down on her young shoulders. Her own mind - usually so bright and sharp, quick to find solutions – sluggishly turned, trying to work it's way through the events of the past five minutes. No matter how much she tried, or willed them to, the mental gears refused to turn. She almost didn't register the fact that she entered her own room, so caught up was she on trying to figure out what had just gone so wrong – and how best to fix it.

Motoko made her way towards her own room, not even attempting to hold herself erect, or keep the tip of her sword's sheath from dragging the floor behind her, where it hung limply from her lax fingers. Her shoulders were slumped, her head sank to her chest, unable to believe the happenings of the past few minutes. Shinobu had never acted in such a fashion. Usually, she was still quiet, even a bit timid around others, and had trouble saying more than a few lines at a time, even among her friends. The only time that that timid nature seemed to disappear was when she was in the kitchen, giving orders on how to best aid her own efforts as she flitted to and fro – and then it was the least words required to get the point across. Yet, here she was, lecturing the entire dorm on their actions regarding the manager.

And then, what was all that about love? Sure, things appeared to go well for the couple during and shortly after their trip of self-discovery when they had failed their entrance exams for Tokyo U., not to mention after they chased Naru all over Japan to get her to return to the dorms, as well as allow Keitaro to confess to her again and force a decision on her part about him. However, despite Naru's eventual admission of love towards him, Keitaro was the only one who seemed to display any real displays of affection. Naru still attacked him and put him down on a daily basis. Could it be that the only one in that relationship with any real feelings for the other was Keitaro? He appeared to be the only one to display any emotions for anyone else, other than disgust or hatred.

Are you so sure, Motoko?

That stray thought, out of nowhere, drew the kendoist up cold, her eyes widening. Her mind finally connected the dots that made it painfully obvious for all to see who paid attention, even if they didn't hear her confessions over the years, or ignored them: Shinobu was in love with Keitaro!

Only Shinobu?

"What is that supposed to mean?" she scolded her mind in a harsh whisper. "I cannot fall in love with him - he is promised to Naru-sempai, and she is his girlfriend." Is that really so, though? "It would be impossible for me to do anything, even if I was in lo... had feelings, for him. Besides, all men are the same, vile, perverts." Yet, you have developed feelings for him, as have the others. Do you not remember everyone's confessions among each other? "It is not true! I revile him, he is nothing more than a peeping tom, a pervert!" But, he doesn't do those things on purpose, does he? Besides, you really do care for him more than just as a friend or manager. You want more from him. Also, Shinobu was correct, was she not, when she said that you do not get all the facts before leaping to conclusions. Do you know your own mind and heart so little, Motoko? "What do you mean?"

Fear tinged her tone at that last question. You really do not know, do you? Or, could it be that you are only trying to deny the obvious conclusion?

Gasp!

Motoko's eyes turned into saucers, her mouth hanging ajar, as her mind and heart argued back and forth, making valid – if unwanted – points. With an effort, she finished making her way to her room, closing her door behind her, and knelt down to meditate on the evening – including her mental revelations and emotional turmoil.

Mitsune had already downed one bottle of sake – and it wasn't even three minutes since she had entered her room – and had just pulled the top off a new bottle and lifted it to her lips. The whole situation was out of control. True, she loved to poke and prod, to instigate things, only to sit back and enjoy the ensuing insanity – but tonight was just plain wrong.

And to top it off, I had nothing to do with it this time!

She thought about all the times that she had teased Keitaro, scammed him, or set him up to take a fall – all for her own amusement – and her mood soured even more. She looked at the bottle in her hand, capped it, and set it aside.

I don't know what happened, but something set Shinobu off tonight. Odds are, it was something that Naru or Motoko did to Keitaro again. I admit, he is clumsy around girls, since he's had so little experience in dealing with them. I'll talk to her tomorrow, and find out what's going on. In the meantime, I'd better ease off Keitaro for a few days.

With that final thought, she undressed and crawled into her bed, with plans on going to sleep.

Naru sat at her desk, hands in her lap, her diary opened but untouched, her mind in turmoil. Was Shinobu right in her assessment of the situation? Was Keitaro truly in love with her that completely? Mutsumi had said as much a few times – had said that Keitaro had admitted it to her. But, he had such a hard time talking to all of the girls, with the exception of Mutsumi and Shinobu. Of course, that could explain his nervousness and general lack of coordination with the other girls of the dorm – including herself.

Still upset, she decided that she would sleep on it – exhausted after the whole emotional ordeal.

I'll think about it tomorrow, she figured.

Naru pulled out and set up her futon, then crawled into it, willing sleep to overcome her weary mind and body.

Keitaro sat with his back to the door, tears rolling down his cheeks, as he considered everything said and done that evening. He knew that what had happened was just one more accident in a long string of them, something that happened to him in particular with an alarming frequency, but Naru had blown the whole thing out of proportion once again. In fact, his whole face still ached from the force of her fist's impact with his jaw, not to mention his back from his impact with the floor after the drop through her floor's convenient hole. One would think that he would be used to this treatment, after having endured it for so long, now; you would think that, but, in actual fact, you couldn't be further from the truth. The truth was, quite simply, that it hurt – a LOT.

I'm still surprised, sometimes, that I am still alive, he thought bitterly. One of these days, though, I won't be so lucky – either due to one of Naru's punches, Motoko's actually cutting me too badly, or one of Su's inventions blowing me up or frying me. Either way, my time is fast running out. The problem is, much as they all do things like that to me, every one of the girls is important to me, almost like family. I care too much for each and every one of them. -SIGH!- I wish that I knew what Naru's true feelings for me were. I bet she doesn't even know her true feelings. I know that she aids me with my studies (most of the time), and that we are a couple (nominally), and she claimed that she loved and cared for me (at the time, anyway), but how does she really feel about me, especially now? Ah, man! What do I do?

Keitaro sniffled a few times, reached for a tissue out of habit, then stood up. The dorm was quiet, save for the sounds of the breeze blowing gently outside, a slight chill in the spring air. The young man slipped a sweater and coat on, then his house shoes, then exited his room and headed to the front door, to try to shake off some of the melancholy that had made it's way into the heart of the physically and emotionally spent man. Once there, he changed into his sneakers and exited the building, deciding on a quiet walk with only his thoughts, to quiet his mind and settle his heart, in the quiet, breezy night.

Shinobu slammed her door behind her and collapsed on her bed. She was worried sick about Keitaro-sempai, how he felt – his emotional health. All she wanted was for him to be happy (preferably with her), but it was looking more and more like that wasn't going to be a feasible goal (either one, actually). Every single time things seemed to be settling down, going half-way decently, something would happen to ruin it – causing one or both of the older girls to 'punish' the poor man. She cried for a while – not for herself, but for Keitaro-sempai. She had not cried for herself for a long time, now – not since moving into the dorms, really. There was maybe a time or two before he had shown up, and maybe the same amount of times just after his arrival, but for the most part, she had cried herself out over her own circumstances. She didn't even cry over the divorce of her parents anymore, nor the bitter court battles over who would get custody over her; in fact, she considered here, the dorms, more her home now than with either of her parents. Here, she was loved, protected, needed. Yes, her parents loved and wanted her, she assumed, but that feeling felt like it dwindled a little more with each court appearance, with each tug-of-war battle over her, with each mistake and petty grievance dredged up by them. It began to feel more like she was an object, o piece of property, up for grabs by whichever person was the winner of the countless arguments. That wasn't the case at the dorms; here, she was accepted for who she was, and needed for herself, not as an object. True, the other girls had grown a little over-protective of her over the years, and that was for the best early on – it had proven advantageous a couple of times after she had moved into the dorms. They also took advantage of her more domestic side a bit, but that really didn't bother the young tenant, as it gave her a way to repay all their kindness, and she generally enjoyed the peace and quiet that doing the household chores afforded her.

BUT! Today, everything came to a head, and she couldn't explain the reasons why. It was difficult to do when you are only eighteen, and unused to the emotional rollercoaster that the other residents could put one through with their fickle natures – especially towards the one that your heart yearns for. She had seen Sempai attacked many times before – Almost daily, her mind interjected. And when are you going to stop calling him Sempai, and refer to him by name, Shinobu? – but, today just set her off, as if they had pushed just the right set of buttons to enrage her. She hated to see her beloved Sempai – What did I just get done asking, especially with you referring to him as 'my beloved'? – attacked every day, but she could never really say much, as Motoko and Naru would always quiet her complaints, her worries, dismissively.

Not this time, she thought with finality. But, I've never acted like that, lashed out in such a manner; nor have I said so much at one time. What will the others think? How will they look at me now? How will they react to me tomorrow?

Wanting some fresh air, and the solitude of her 'special' place on the roof, she grabbed a coat, dressed warmer, nabbed her own sketch pad, and made her way up the stairs to the roof. Shinobu carefully padded her way across the apex of the former inn, to the front corner of the roof, sat down, and began to sketch by the light of the flashlight she carried with her. She was soon lost in her own world as she filled page after page with new sketches.

Shinobu was startled out of her private reveries some time later (about forty-five minutes, in actuality) by the sound of the front door being quietly closed. She covered the flashlight beam and shrank back away from the edge of the roof, then lay down to give the smallest profile possible. Slowly, she slid forward just to the edge of the precipice once more, to peer over. There below her, stood her Keitaro-sempai, a dark shadow on the front walk, looking about in uncertainty. Shinobu almost called out to him, but before she did, he hung his head and began to shuffle off. He moved down the long flight of stairs and off into the night, moving from one pool of light to the next along the sidewalk, walking slowly, thinking deeply. She lost sight of him for quite some time, and was soon beginning to worry about him. Maybe an hour later, he reappeared at the base of the steps, looked up that long flight, then sat down on them. He placed his elbows on his knees, then his head in his hands.

The girl sat back up, grabbed her pencil and pad, and began to draw furiously, sketches flowing forth. She began with one of him sitting in the light of the lamp, sitting on the steps, at the bottom of the page, then spread out over the rest of the page, filling in with simple line drawings of him in different poses and activities.

So caught up in her drawing was she, that she jumped and nearly fell off the top of the dorm when she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. Her eyes wide, she quickly looked about, and up…

…into the kind, warm eyes of her Sempai. In the darkness, his eyes were little more than dark, bottomless, sad pools in his face. She could feel herself tumbling into that darkness, her heart aching, yet speeding up at the same time, her mind struggling.

"S-Sempai! W-when d-did you get u-up here?"

"A few minutes ago," he replied with a sad, tired smile. "I saw you from below as I ascended the stairs, but I wasn't entirely sure that it was you, even if you are usually the only one to come out here. Then, I decided to take the chance and come on up, as you have invited me to join you a few times in the past. When I got here, I called several times, but I guess you were in your own world, because you didn't respond. Sorry to interrupt you, and for startling you so badly."

"N-no! I-It's quite all r-right! Really, it's okay."

"Do you mind if I join you for a bit, Shiunobu-chan?"

"N-no… I m-mean, yes, please do!"

Keitaro smiled warmly at her, causing her to burn slightly from her blush, which she thanked the circumstances that it was dark out so that he couldn't see her reaction, and sat down a couple feet from her. They sat in silence for a couple minutes, before Keitaro spoke up.

"Shinobu-chan, why did you do that earlier, especially against your friends?"

"It's n-not right, Sempai!" she began in earnest. "I know that you are clumsy, we both know it's true, and nervous around all of us, but Naru-sempai and Motoko-sempai take things too far, and without just provocation. I know that you don't do those things on purpose – at least I hope not?" She turned to look him in the face.

"No, I don't, Shinobu-chan," he said with yet another sigh. "I always seem to be at the mercy of some cruel kami's idea of 'fun'. I don't do all those things on purpose, they just… happen. I wish that they wouldn't, but… I can't help but think that, if things like that didn't keep happening to me, maybe things would go so much better for me. I don't know…" and he trailed off, shrugging his shoulders, extending his hands to show his helplessness and defeat.

"I thought as much, Sempai - which means that they jump to the wrong conclusions, and refuse to see the truth, making what they do even more reprehensible. They think that you're like other guys – which you are to some extent, a you are a male – but they classify all men as perverts and delinquents, peeping toms, and the like. They refuse to believe that there are men who are not like that.

"I understand their prejudices to some extent, seeing what we've all seen and been through, but you've always treated us with the utmost respect and… love… - especially me – just like you do everyone else."

"That's because you are all special to me, all a part of my family, if you will. I've lived with, eaten with, cried and laughed with, consoled and rejoiced with all of you for about five years now, day after day, week after week. In that time, I have come to care for all of you as if you were my flesh and blood relatives. I would gladly give my life for any one of you, if it meant that you were safe, happy. I work as hard as I can to accomplish that, as well as earn my own way here. I may be the kanrinin, but that means that I have responsibilities to each and every one of you, not to mention to the upkeep of the building and properties. Yes, grandma left me the deed and all, but I still feel that I have a debt and a responsibility to this place, and that I need to earn my own way."

"That's what I mean, Sempai! You show us all every day what we mean to you, how much you care for all of us, but it seems like the others just can't – or don't want to – see it. They see your flaws, your inadequacies – or perceived ones – and refuse to see beyond them. Worse yet, they won't even acknowledge their own! Su, much as I love her, is always energetic and is a genius, but she sees you as a plaything, something to test her inventions on. She doesn't stop to think about how much she hurts you with them. Mitsune - or as she prefers, Kitsune," and she made the nickname a curse, "is always drinking and gambling, wasting the money that she should be using to pay her bills, including her rent. Oh, yes, we know that she gets away with not paying it, and how she does it, and we're all disgusted by it – not at you, really, but at her actions. We know how she's constantly conning you out of your money, as well as anyone else who will listen, all because you are so kind-hearted to say no and make a stand. Motoko-sempai hates all men, even if she said at one point that she had feelings for you, and takes that hatred out on any and all males around her, regardless of the possible ramifications. She speaks of 'honor', and how great her family and name are, but she betrays all of that every time she raises her hand before thinking or getting all of the facts. Naru-sempai, is also against almost all men – almost all. Yet, she tends to fall into the same exact trap that Motoko-sempai does – that of assuming the worst about people. And, because you are easy to blame in their eyes, they take everything out on you. I care for them all as sisters, but this is ridiculous!

"Today, I just lost control of my temper at last. I got tired of always being shushed by Motoko-sempai and Naru-sempai, when I try to defend you, or at seeing others (namely Mitsune) instigating problems for their own selfish entertainment. I just wanted them to see the way things really are."

"I didn't get a chance, earlier, to thank you, Shinobu-chan, for your courage and support. You've been the only one to stand up for me, to show me any kindness freely, aside from Aunt Haruka – without a shadow of doubt about me or my motives. You are the only one who hasn't believed the worst about me, thinking that everything that has happened has been according to some vile plan of mine. Thank you."

Keitaro smiled a genuine, warm smile at the girl, who blushed at the attention that the one she loved showed to her. Shinobu scooted closer to the kanrinin and hugged him tightly about the chest, her eyes squeezed shut. Keitaro stiffened in surprise at the sudden contact, and looked about frantically for the impending attack. When no attack materialized, he allowed himself to relax enough to carefully set his arm about her shoulders. She snuggled into his grasp, enjoying the unusual and unexpected attention.

"I could never think the worst of you, Sempai… no, Keitaro – even when you had lied about getting into Tokyo U. I know Haruka-san didn't really give you a chance to speak up, and then you were attempting to cheer me up later," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She pulled her head back enough to look him directly in the eyes, searching for his every reaction, and continued. "I have loved you for so long, ad yet I know that you could not return it, since I was too young before, not to mention your attachment to Naru-sempai. My only hope was that later you would see me as a woman, not as a child, or as a little sister." She closed her eyes as she finished her final statement, leaning in close to his lips, speaking only loud enough for her words to barely reach his ears. "I only wish that... that it could have been me that captured your heart so completely, as Naru has. I could promise you this, that I would never hurt you like they have."

With that statement, she finished closing the distance between their lips, pressing hers against his gently, savoring the moment with the man that she so desperately desired. Keitaro's eyes widened to the size of saucers at the girl's confession, as well as her forward actions.

Before he could react, she pulled away quickly, grabbed her pencil, pad, and flashlight, and took off back to the stairwell, a bright giggle escaping her throat. Keitaro sat motionless, frozen to the spot where he was, his brain once again shut down, while at the same time trying to make heads or tails of the young tenant's words and subsequent actions.

Little did they know that, in the window below their position, four figures stood in silence, listening to the conversation going on overhead. They quickly moved away to avoid detection when they heard the footsteps retreating towards the stairs leading back into the dorms. They had heard all that was said, with the exception of the final bit that eighteen-year-old Shinobu had revealed to Keitaro, her confession of her feelings for the abused man.

As quiet as Keitaro and Shinobu had tried to be, it was very difficult not to be heard by at least one of the other tenants of the Hinata-sou in the silence of the night, even with the sounds of the breeze carrying through the old place. Naru had been alerted by Shinobu's exit a few minutes before, but decided to ignore it for the time being, of the opinion that she could talk to the younger girl in the morning, and opting to stay in her bed. It wasn't until she heard Keitaro attempting to leave without a sound, that she got out of her futon and exited her own room to see what he was up to. Shinobu was most likely on the roof, her favorite spot to go when she wanted some privacy, but where was Keitaro off to? She glanced down the halls quickly, and, seeing nobody, rushed up to the roof, thinking that he may be meeting the girl in private. Again, there was no sign of her boyfriend. Perplexed, she dashed downstairs as silently as possible, and arrived just in time to see him closing the front door.

Running to the window, she spied him just outside, maybe ten feet from the building, looking to the sky, his breath visible in the chilly darkness. After a minute of immobility and contemplation, he visibly shuddered and stared about, as if trying to get some idea of where to go. He seemed to finally make up his mind, hunkered his face a little deeper into his coat collar, and made for the flight of steps leading down to the street below. Naru watched as he disappeared from view, then stood vigil at the window another ten minutes, waiting for him to reappear.

When he didn't show back up in the time-frame she expected, she began to pace back and forth, nervously. Another thirty minutes passed before she could stand it no longer. Running up the stairs, intent on contacting Motoko, Naru nearly bowled over the silent statue-like form of Kaolla Su, who was standing on the top stair, deep in thought. Only by some miracle did she pull herself up short.

The Molmolian's head turned towards Naru, almost distractedly, without any of the normal exuberance that she displayed in everyday life.

"Su! You surprised me! Are you okay? What's going on?"

"Shinobu's on the roof, with her pad." Su's deadpan expression and lack of tone in her voice concerned Naru, but she didn't say anything, letting her continue. "I tried to call to her, but there was no response. And then, about forty minutes ago, Keitaro left through the front door, and hasn't come back yet. I'm scared, Naru."

Naru noticed that, much like Shinobu earlier, many of Su's customary mannerisms had disappeared. Gone were the enthusiastic jumping and yelling, the child-like glee, the habit of repeating words or adding esses to the ends of others. In their place stood a serious young woman, whom Naru had never met before. That change scared the living daylights out of her.

"Come on, Su. I was just on my way to Motoko and Kitsune."

Grabbing the Molmolian by the wrist, she dragged her along behind, stopping to knock quietly at the kendoist's door. As expected, the swords woman was still awake, and answered almost immediately, though her face paled slightly and her frown deepened at the sight of Tama-chan floating behind the two girls at her doorway.

She was quickly filled in in the situation, and all three moved off to the room of the resident fox. Naru was in the midst of retelling the events of the past forty-five minutes, when the sounds of shuffling feet could be heard heading to the stairs of leading to the roof. The shuffling paused at the sound of one of the floorboards creaking loudly. When no one appeared to investigate, they continued on.

Looking at each other, the quartet nodded in silent agreement, and headed for the window below Shinobu's position so that they could hear whatever conversation occurred.

After a few minutes of silence, the darkness was cut by a loud "Eep!", followed by a quickly added apology.

"S-sempai! When d-did y-y-you g-get up h-here?"

They listened to the unfolding conversation, not believing this side of Shinobu existed – their timid, quiet, nervous Shinobu. Then they began to really listen to what was being said above them.

As each person was mentioned, they paid particular attention. Her words stung each in turn, the more so as they were so close to the truth. When she got to Motoko, the kendo expert felt her face color in shame. Shinobu was correct, she did seem to hate all men. However, much to her dismay, she had developed feelings for, and felt drawn to, a certain uncoordinated manager.

Naru's turn came, and it was a dreaded moment indeed. She knew that Keitaro was devoted to her,and he was doing better in his studies (somewhat), but he was still uncoordinated, a klutz, and always seemed to walk in on everyone at the worst possible time, in the worst possible way.

As the dorm's resident homemaker continued, Naru's eyes lost focus, her mind numb. Yes, she blamed Keitaro for a lot of things, most of them justified, in her opinion. But, was it really as bad as Shinobu claimed?

Do I really push problems onto him, use him as a scapegoat? I know we are supposed to be a couple, and I thought things were going better after that craziness with me running all over Japan, but… Are things getting worse again?

And what of our treatment of Shinobu? We are only trying to protect her from harm.

Her own ruminations were interrupted by two pairs of hands roughly grabbing her and pulling her out of sight of the young woman running down the stairs and past the short hallway. They made their own ways back to their individual rooms, deep in thought.

On the roof above, Keitaro stared off into the distance, his heart and mind pulled in a myriad directions at once. He spent another hour or so up there before he had enough sense to return to his own room.