On Sun, 5 Apr 1998, Coutuva wrote:

Konninchiwa!

(SKJAM! puts down his Kikyo voodoo doll...)
Konnichiwa back!

Hell Hath No Fury - Part 1
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The return of Elysse?  She did get dumped so fast Hitomi didn't even 
realize there was a relationship.

	Having to select only six faces from the small sea of
hopefuls before her posed a daunting task to Hitomi, who wished
she could take them all in.  She hated the thought of having to
tell any of the moms the bad news, but she resigned herself to
the fact that in order to give the level of care that she wanted,
she had to keep the numbers down.

And the prices astronomical, given the kind of money she has to throw 
around.  And I'm having trouble believing hitomi can actually run the 
business side of the daycare, given her mental short-circuit.
 > 	Sighing, 
Hitomi straightened 
her surprisingly > conservative dress and prepared for the introductions.
Surprising to whom?

	As Hitomi began her prepared address concerning admissions,
a smartly-dressed woman in the back of the crowd of hopeful
candidates gasped audibly.  She lowered her designer sunglasses
in disbelief, and continued to stare at the totally enchanting
figure before her.
	She sighed appreciatively as she felt her cheeks flush,
and had to steady herself against the wall behind her as she felt
herself becoming lightheaded.

Now, who's this?

	As the girls made the rounds, the sharp-dressed woman sat
demurely with her daughter at her side, watching the object of her
affections intently through her sunglasses.  She gasped again as
she watched her getting closer, and could feel her heart rate
increasing markedly.

Well, it's either Hitomi or Kikyo...

	Quickly, she sent her child off to join the others, and
zipped out her gold-rimmed compact case to check her face.
Satisfied, she slid it back in her purse and pulled off her
sunglasses, just in time to smile pleasantly.
	"Konnichiwa.  Watashi wa Okimiyaki Kikyo desu."  Kikyo
bowed, smiling brightly.  "I am pleased to welcome you to
Hiroshima Daycare."
	"Ano... Ahh... Hajimemashite.  I am Kazagaya Anita."
the woman stammered, barely able to look Kikyo in the eyes as
she rose from her own bow.

	You know, this reminds me very much of Kikyo's first meeting with 
Hitomi... 
	Theory time:  Anita is the woman Kikyo would have ended up with 
had Kunou not "broken the wheel of Fate" (and we really should hear back 
on just how he was able to manage that...) and inadvertantly set the 
Hitomi timeline in motion.  The problem being that Anita is still 
reacting to Kikyo as she would have if they were still in the original 
timeline, which now will lead to disaster.  The "Fates" obviously didn't 
take the smaller human costs into account when they came up with the 
Hitomi plan. 

	"No need to be nervous... I'm just getting to know
everyone, in case your daughter comes to our Centre."  Kikyo
assured, sensing the woman's anxiety.  As she spoke, she
reached out and took the woman's hand in hers, patting it gently.
	Anita felt her face flush instantly, and her knees
start to wobble.  With a slight moan, she collapsed into her
chair heavily.

She's got it bad, all right.

	"As long as you're sure... "  Hitomi probed, noting how
Anita's eyes kept jumping toward Kikyo, who was now seated beside
her, still holding her hand.

Wow!  Hitomi actually noting subtext!  But will she catch on?

	"I'll stay with her for a few minutes, Sensei... "  Kikyo
indicated, patting Anita's hand again.  "She seems to be doing a
lot better now."  she added, smiling herself.

Hitomi wasn't smiling in the previous paragraph.

	"I... feel fine.  Thank you for all your help.  If you
still wish to talk to me, I will be right here."  Anita mentioned,
shooting Kikyo a wink.
	"H... Hai.  Arigato."  Kikyo nodded numbly, turning to walk
away; quickly.
	Anita smiled happily, then sighed wistfully as she watched
Kikyo leave.  She couldn't take her eyes off of the woman's sexy
walk and incredible body, and stared like a smitten schoolgirl for
as long as she could.

Gaag...Believe me lady, if you knew her inner personality, that would be the 
end of the crush.

	She could tell that Kikyo was at least five or six months
pregnant, but that didn't bother her at all... she too was a
mother, despite her preference.  In fact, that observation did

Preference for not having children?

nothing but endear Kikyo to her, indicating someone who was caring
and compassionate.

Bwa ha ha!!  (I know I shouldn't be so mean, but Kikyo's behavior so far 
in this series indicates she cares about herself, and Hitomi *in 
relation to herself*, and not much else.)

	Kikyo knew that the woman's interest in her was far more
than platonic, and she had to admit, had she not been so in love
with Hitomi, she would have gone on a date with her in a minute.
She was cultured, well to do, attractive, and seemed highly
intelligent, all of the things and more that she would have looked
for in a lover.

Like I said, the person she would have ended up with had not Hitomi been 
created.  (I must have missed the part where Anita demonstrated 
intelligence, though.)

 > 	Sighing with relief, Kikyo turned and headed back to the

common room, where Hitomi and Shampoo were starting the cleanup.
	Out in the parking lot, Anita and her daughter stood
patiently, waiting for their limousine to pick them up.  Glancing
at her watch, Anita huffed indignantly, noting the driver was late.

So much for her patience.  She waits *one* sentence.

Reaching into her purse, she withdrew her cell phone and flipped
it open expertly, then dialed a stored number.
        "Yes... it's me.  I want this driver replaced.  He's late
again... the second time this year.

January 2nd?  Time of year not clear.
  And I want you to do a little

digging... Hai.  Get whatever you can on one Kikyo Okimiyaki,

Uhoh...Now, the question will be, do they call Nabiki?  (Probably not, 
since this is presumably a Canadian resident she's calling.)
	But if they *do* ask Nabiki, it's going to set off some alarms.  
Remember, the last person to ask for information on Okimiyaki-san was 
Shampoo, and that person has never called back...Remembering what 
happened the previous time she messed with Kikyo, Nabiki is likely to 
assume the worst has happened to Shampoo.  And now, another request for 
info on the same woman...Nabs-chan is likely to become *very* 
interested/afraid....
 and

have it on my desk by the time I get there.  And call my
beautician... I need a makeover. "  she commanded in perfect
English, her voice level and even.
	As she listened to the response from her phone, her face
abruptly darkened.
        "I don't care about that... if he wants to keep his
position, he'll be there.

The beautician?  Does she own the shop?  Or is he on retainer?

	Huffing again, she waited quietly for the driver to
scramble around to open her door.  As he reached for the handle,
he looked back at her fearfully.
        "I am sorry, Ma'am... It will never happen again."  he
flustered, feeling the sweat on his brow.
        "You're right... it won't."  she replied in mock
sweetness, flashing a quick grin.

Uhoh.  I *hope* that means he just gets fired.

	
	"I'm not."  Kikyo pouted, lowering her head.  "I look
like a sumo, and feel ugly."  she added, turning away from Hitomi.
"Too ugly... for you."  she added. quietly.

Don't push it, lady.

	Hitomi bit her lip and felt her heart melt.  Reaching out,
she took Kikyo by the shoulders and turned her back around.
Lifting her girlfriend's chin, she smiled knowingly and looked
deep into her eyes.
        "Kiko-chan... you're *not* ugly.  In fact, you've never
been more beautiful."  she assured, pulling her into a gentle,
loving hug.  "I can't tell you... how much this gesture means to
me, Kiko-chan.  You've given me so much... and now, a baby too."

Even if it was as the result of a lie.

        "Anata... how do you always know exactly what I need to
hear?"  she sniffed, her voice actually wavering.

Brain short-circuit.

        "Easy... it's exactly how I feel."  Hitomi replied softly,
a happy smile crossing her face.

like I said.

the hallway and teased the two girls mercilessly, as they were a
bit behind schedule from trying to dress Kikyo.  Finally, they
wandered out to the diningroom, both eager to sample Shampoo's

"dining room"

	"See?  I told you she really wanted to do it.  I watched
her the other day, and she was in her glory around the kids."
Kikyo grinned, nodding.
        "Hai. I saw it too... and I've been worried about her...
I noticed how for a while there she was getting quieter and more
sullen, and that's definitely not her."  Hitomi smirked, sipping
her coffee.

Was this before or after she tried to break you two up?  I need a 
timetable here.

	All three women stood before the doors of the center,
looking at each other in surprise.  Before them were about five
huge bouquets, all loaded with roses and expensive foods.  Hitomi
was the first to move, walking up and removing a very ornate but
unaddressed card from the largest one.
	Opening it, she read it aloud to the others.

        "To the only ray of light in my heart...
        a token of my affections.  I can't stop
        thinking about you, Kikyo-chan...

        Love, Anita."

My God, she's a Kunou relation!

she recited, then froze in her place from a combination of shock
and anger.  The card drifted to the ground silently, coming to
rest at Kikyo's feet.  Shampoo gulped audibly, and Kikyo groaned
aloud.
        "Anata... there's something I have to tell you."  Kikyo
finally stated, hanging her head sadly.

I don't believe it!  Kikyo actually volunteering something?  Well, she 
hadn't bothered to lie about it and there was nothing to conceal, so I 
guess so.

        "Anata, I..."  Kikyo stammered, not sure what to say.  In
her mind, she pictured scenes from when Mu Lin had dealt with
threats, and was afraid Hitomi would do something similar.

I hope not.  Mu Lin wasn't too good at thinking through the consequences 
of her actions.  Or caring about them, really.

	"Daijobu, Kiko-chan.  I 

trust you completely."
Arrgh!  Still hate this!  Must have better explanation than "it's love", 
because love can only make you stupid to a certain degree...

  she 
smiled, > reaching for her girlfriend's hand.  "It's just what to do about

this 'Anita'... she's got it pretty bad by the looks of things."

Produce Hitomi's male half and explain that Kikyo's already in a 
relationship with him and Hitomi...

	Kikyo sighed heavily, both from relief and resignation.
        "I guess I'll have to call her and tell her I'm taken...
I hate to do it to her, but it's the only way."

You mean  *gasp* tell her the _truth_?  Are you sure you're really Kikyo? 
Though the fact that you don't want to reassures me you're still the same 
person.

	"I dunno, Kiko-chan... It's reminded me how good I have it,
and it could be considered flattering."  she smiled, winking.

Yes, true.

	"Well, flattering or not, I'm not impressed with being put
in this position... If you were the jealous type, this could have
been a major problem."  Kikyo complained, bitterly.

	Nah, that brain short-, aw the heck with it, you know what I mean.

	Kikyo sighed sadly, then sat heavily at Hitomi's desk.
Starting up the Admissions Database program on the computer, she
slowly typed in the name she wanted.  As it came up on the screen
a heartbeat later, she had the computer dial it and waited for
someone to answer.

	Hmm, wonder if Rei got in?

	"Good Morning." an elegant sounding gentleman with a rich
English accent answered.  "Kazagaya residence, to whom may I
direct your call?"  it continued, making Kikyo smile despite her
feelings.
	"Hello.  I am looking for Kazagaya Anita, please to get
for me?"  Kikyo responded in careful English.

But not too careful...

	"Certainly.  And whom shall I say is calling?"
	"It is Okimiyaki Kikyo calling, please."
	"One moment, Ma'am."  the voice responded, after a quiet
gasp.  As Kikyo tried to figure out why, the silence of the 'hold'
broke gruffly.
	"Kikyo-chan...?"  a soft, yet excited voice asked
tentatively.

That doesn't sound like a "gruff" breaking.

	"Hai.  Kazagaya Anita?"  Kikyo responded, ignoring the
honorific.
	"Hai... I'm so glad you called me... I haven't been able
to stop thinking about you ever since we met."  Anita breathed,
the happy sound in her voice causing Kikyo's heart to sink.
Gritting her teeth, Kikyo fought hard for a moment to wrench up
her courage.
	"Kazagaya-san, I am flattered that you think so highly
of me, but I have to tell you that I am seeing someone already.
I... didn't want to lead you on, so I thought it best to tell
you right away."  she finally explained, keeping her voice as
steady as she could.

Yay!  Good work, Kikyo, you've done the best you can.

	On the other end, there was only silence.
	After what seemed like an eternity, Kikyo heard a ragged
breath, and then Anita finally spoke.
	"Arigato... Kikyo-chan.  I... am glad you told me."  she
began, the catch in her subdued voice tearing at Kikyo's
heartstrings.
	"Gomen ne, Kazagaya-san..."  Kikyo began, but wasn't
able to finish.
	"It's okay, Kikyo-chan... I understand."  Anita
interrupted, her devastation evident.

Lie.

	"I hope so... I don't want to hurt your feelings."

Because this time I can't pretend there isn't anyone to hurt...

	Despite having no romantic interest in Anita, it hurt
Kikyo deeply to have to blow her off.  Having been on the
receiving end of such calls, she knew all too well how it felt.

Don't we all...except Hitomi, of course...wonder what'll happen the first 
time she meets someone who rejects her?

	Sighing once more, she shook her head slowly and exited
the program she had opened, all the while trying to remind herself
that what she had done was ultimately for the best.

Ultimately, yes.  Short-term...

	Anita sat beside the phone, utterly stunned that Kikyo
had spurned her.  She couldn't fathom anyone turning her down...
especially considering who she was.  As heiress to the third
largest industrial fortune in Japan, she was worth more than
most people could conceive of.

Kikyo didn't know that, and she doesn't want to go back to Japan... 

	Silently, she rose from her chair and walked toward her
massive bed, her face still drained and expressionless.  As she
moved, the household staff, who had previously breathed a sigh
of relief over her announcement that she had a new love in her
life, noticed her state and slowly began to disappear.
	Anita, meantime, sat on the edge of her bed and stared
into space, not moving a muscle.  However, as soon as the last
of the staff had left, she clenched her fists and screamed.

This bodes ill.

	"Is it over?" she asked, hopefully.
	"Hai, Anata... I told her.  It devastated her to hear it,
which really shocked me... I didn't think someone could fall that
hard that fast."  Kikyo responded, shrugging.

You did.  Shampoo did.  Kodachi did.  Elysse did.  (And what does that 
tell us?) 

	"Baka... That's how it was for me.  When I saw you standing
with Minako that day, I was a goner... I spent the whole morning
looking for excuses to get near you, and then worked up the nerve
to ask you to have lunch with me.  I was in love before our first
date."  Hitomi smiled, hugging her tightly.
	"Ano... you were?  So was I, but I was... too shy to tell
you."  Kikyo indicated, her cheeks flushing.

And I was already in the habit of lying...

	Kikyo, while still bothered by the phone call, felt better
as the day progressed.  Hitomi kept very close to her, just to
assure her that there was no problem over Anita's interest in her.
In fact, as the day drew to a close, Hitomi decided to make sure
of it.
        "Kiko-chan... feel like doing a little shopping?" she
asked, as Kikyo was finishing up her toy patrol.

	Man, they must charge truly unbelievable fees at this Daycare. 

        Kikyo smiled happily.  "You're too good for me... and I
mean that."  she sighed, reaching up and placing her hand on the
side of Hitomi's face.

Yep.

	Okay, an interesting start...but can you provide a believable 
ending this time?

SKJAM!