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| Fanfic: Tenderness; My first attempt at a KonoSetsu fic | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 3 2007, 06:03 AM (18,440 Views) | |
| Ryûchan | Feb 3 2007, 06:03 AM Post #1 |
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Middle Schooler
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I hope nobody minds that I post this little fic I wrote last night, my first attempt at a KonoSetsu story although I suppose the perspective I've used is somewhat odd. I've never read the manga, so if the things I write about here do not quite fit the backstory of the characters from there, well... pretend it is AU, maybe, or... squint really hard. ;P /Ryûchan Title: Tenderness Author: Carola "Ryûchan" Eriksson Rating: I would guess... a "T"? Category: Romance Pairing: Konoka/Setsuna Disclaimer: Mahou Sensei Negima etc belongs to Ken Akamatsu and possibly a few others, certainly not myself though if someone would feel like giving the series to me I would not object. ![]() <span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>TENDERNESS</span> ------------------------------------- By Carola “Ryûchan” Eriksson He was an old man, older than even he cared to think about most days, and despite what he might allow to be seen on the surface, the passage of all those years and the many and varied events that had coloured them weighed heavily on his soul. Konoe Konoemon was and always had been a creature of purpose and duty, and now, in the twilight of his long life, it was clear to him that a life of answering to duty had given him precious little besides duty left in this world. Precious little indeed, but there was one thing, one cherished priceless treasure left in his care, a boundless source of joy and pride for an old man... his only grandchild; Konoe Konoka. This cheerful and warm-hearted child was all he had left the woman he married, but more importantly, all he had left of that beloved bright-eyed child he had watched from her cradle all the way to a much too early grave. Young Konoka was all Konoemon had left of his beloved daughter, and if he spoiled the girl somewhat he felt himself entitled, having let the chance to do the same to the mother this sweet girl never had the chance to know slip through his fingers. It had been duty that had held him away from his only child so much, duty had been what he had raised her to know, and in the name of duty she had wed, born a child, and died. It grieved him when the thoughts came to him that for the sake of duty he had robbed his only child of happiness for the short life she was given, but fortunately he knew that she had come to feel affection the man he had chosen for her, and that for the brief time they had been given his daughter had been happy with her husband. If Konoemon had been free to make the choice himself it would be different with this child, this girl slowly becoming a woman would live for the sake of living, would get all the things her mother had been denied. He knew this was not to be, that duty and destiny held claims far to great to ignore on the slender figure of his only grandchild, in oh so many ways. He had done what he could to give the child at least a few years of innocence, of careless and cheerful childhood, where there were no greater concerns than school work and friendships. These few years of ignorance would be over soon, and then duty would claim Konoka, and the path of a future leader would be laid down before her like iron shackles bound around her feet. He watched unnoticed as the girl interacted with her friends, always a smile on her face and nearly always bringing a smile on the faces of those she spoke to. It was Konoka’s blessing, this light that seemed to emanate from her spirit and brightened all that crossed her path, and Konoemon feared that what the future had in store for this girl would steal that light and dim those eyes, erase that smile from features so dear. This was why he, despite the girl’s protests, continued to search for a good match, a good mate, a man who could stand beside her and ease the burdens of the life that lay ahead. Try though he might, the perfect mate had yet to be found. Oh, many a suitable and reasonably pleasant young man had approached Konoka, but none of them had caught her interest and none of them had seemed even remotely suitable once Konoemon had watched them interact with his grandchild. He was unsure as to why this was. As he watched over the girl Konoemon came to the discovery that although Konoka’s smile was always bright and cheerful, there was one for whom a special, much more radiant and stunning, smile was reserved. He noted with affectionate amusement how the smiles that Konoka gave her childhood friend turned guardian outshone even the sun itself, and he was pleased with himself for having been able to bring such joy to her life merely by hiring the right person to stand by her side. Then of course the time came when Konoemon realized that the shy, blushing young warrior he had chosen felt far more than mere friendship towards his grandchild. Sakurazaki Setsuna was a very capable and skilled warrior, with additional skills given her by her dual heritage, and her devotion to her duties where Konoka was concerned far beyond any possible reproach, but... the girl wore her heart on her sleeve. Yes, Setsuna would gladly die for Konoka’s happiness, and it pained Konoemon greatly to see. Once the shock and surprise had lifted Konoemon pitied the young warrior that he knew had but heartache and inevitable heartbreak to expect in return for her fierce and boundless loyalty and love. Ah, had Setsuna but been a man, she was a polite and pleasant child with many qualities Konoemon would wish for in Konoka’s future husband, and most of all she would have been someone he could have trusted the life, heart and happiness of his grandchild to. As she was not Konoemon thought long and hard on whether it would be a kindness to sever the bonds between the girls, to send Setsuna away now, before the pain would go too deep, and find another guardian to watch over Konoka. He considered the arrangements he would have to make to insure no harm came to Setsuna, but had yet to implement them as he had yet to find a replacement that could serve satisfactory as Konoka’s bodyguard. Setsuna could not be replaced of course, and so the question was who or whom would fill the void best... it was not a decision to be made hastily. Thus it was that Konoemon watched over his grandchild and her protector as the two of them had joined a small group of their friends for some activity involving the library. He found himself dreading Setsuna’s dismissal nearly as much as he dreaded having to face Konoka with the news that he had sent her precious friend away, and that was why he often found himself looking for them when his thoughts strayed of late. Still, watching the two of them interact with their friends for a while before being left alone, sitting with a few very large books in an out-of-the way corner gently lit by the light coming in through a window with mosaic glass, Konoemon knew he could not draw this out for much longer. The old man watched in wonder as his grandchild appeared to have fallen asleep with her head leaning slightly on the shoulder of her slightly blushing guardian, and how the warrior took great pains to slowly and carefully ease out of her uniform jacket without waking the slumbering girl and then drape it over Konoka’s shoulders to ward of any potential chill of the library. Having completed the caring task Setsuna settled in, still with a slight blush on her face, providing an awkward pillow for her companion for however long one was needed. It was a touching scene to a hardened old man that had never had the chance for such things in his own youth, and he decided to leave them to this moment in private, opting to take his troubled planning elsewhere in the building. Konoemon’s musings were interrupted by a certain young teacher and a group of his students, their antics both amusing and time-consuming, making it so that once they bid their farewells for the day no resolution to Konoemon’s dilemma had been found, and the hour growing late enough that he felt inclined to leave further deliberations for the day to come. On impulse he walked past the spot where he had seen his grandchild last, to make sure that the girls would not accidentally spend the night there. What he walked in on changed everything. The girls were sitting in the same spot as where he had seen them last, only now it was Setsuna that slept, arms crossed in a way that gave the impression that the slightest whisper and she would be wide awake and with sword in hand. Konoka was awake now, still in the same position as before and with Setsuna’s jacket draped over her shoulders, only her head lifted to face her protector’s sleeping countenance. If that had been all there were Konoemon might have told himself that it was a mere trick of the dying light from the window that painted that infinitely loving expression on his grandchild’s face and nothing more. But Konoka reached up, and with a slow, careful gentleness that matched Setsuna’s earlier, caressed a pale cheek with such tenderness that it brought an unfamiliar lump to the old man’s throat. So gentle this touch was, or perhaps so trusted Konoka’s presence, that the warrior’s shallow slumber was undisturbed. Konoemon watched, both stunned and moved, as his grandchild mouthed words of deep and sincere love for her black-haired companion that sleep ensured went unheard and unknown. A few moments more of adoring gazes and then Konoka, carefully still, pushed closer to wrap an arm around Setsuna’s waist and bury her face in the crook of the sleeping girl’s neck. Setsuna moved slightly in her sleep but did not waken, one arm instinctively coming to wrap securely around Konoka even in her sleep. Yes, Konoe Konoemon was an old man who had seen and done much in life. Yet looking at these two girls resting so peacefully together, so right together, as if they were two parts of one whole... he could not help but ask himself if there had ever been anyone to look upon him with such love and devotion. Had he ever in word or deed been able to display such tenderness for anyone? These girls loved one another, truly and sincerely... and now that Konoemon knew this he realized that the signs had been there all along. No wonder no man ever caught Konoka’s eye, no-one could ever compare to her beloved hero, whom it seemed quite possible the girl had loved since a very young age. Konoemon thought about that, and he thought about the woman he had been made to marry and the daughter whose future he had offered up in an alliance agreement. Neither of them had ever held that look... not even his daughter, though she had come to care for Eishun. He wondered what his duty demanded of him now that he knew. Had Setsuna been a man the solution would have been simple, and a few phone calls would have helped arrange for another omiai shortly, one that his grandchild would have welcomed for once. But for all her virtues and for all the many ways she would complement and support Konoka, Setsuna was still female. It seemed inevitable that duty would steal the brightness of Konoka’s smile after all. But then again... this was a different age than the one he had been born to, with different rules and possibilities. The more he thought of the matter the more Konoemon came to realize that duty was not the same thing as tradition... and as long as her duties were upheld, the way she chose to do it was up to Konoka herself. Setsuna would make a fine son-in-law and an even better mate for Konoka, the perfect protector or support for the future leader, and an ideal partner in studies as Konoka finally set out to learn the arts... there were even advantages that could be found in wedding his granddaughter to a representative of the Shinmeiryuu. Did duty truly say that Konoka must have a male partner after all? Konoemon was not so old and feeble that he did not realize that the question of conceiving an heir though difficult was not an impossibility. There were ways, and as long as the child or children were born by Konoka and accepted by Setsuna that would be enough. If science failed them Konoemon was sure magic would help out. There would be opposition of course, but there would be some opposition to Konoka regardless. As he walked away Konoemon felt curiously lightened at the prospect of playing match-maker between the two girls, and he decided he would call Eishun to hear what his son-in-law might think of the possible arrangement. If Eishun agreed then Konoemon would have quite a bit to organise and quite a few people to call in order to get Setsuna into an omiai with Konoka. He smiled to himself as he wondered if he could manage to keep any possible match-making plans secret to the two girls, picturing their faces once they would realize that they had been set up for an omiai with one another. He wondered what other reactions the children would have, and if his beloved grandchild would be happy this way... he thought she probably would, if the tender moment he had witnessed was anything to go by. Grinning mischievously Konoemon left the building to make his way towards his office, not caring in the slightest if his call would disturb his son-in-law at a late hour. Although for some reason the new-found resolution made him feel like a man a decade or two younger, Konoemon still thought to himself with impish glee that an old man had to take his amusement where he could find it. And who knew, fate willing he might even live long enough to get to bounce a great-grandchild on his knee after all. |
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| Ryuuen | Feb 3 2007, 06:55 AM Post #2 |
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High Schooler
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That was really nice :D can I ask for a sequel? XD |
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| Asakura Raine | Feb 3 2007, 07:47 AM Post #3 |
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wAIfu Nanasaki amirite
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Oh, that was beautiful! Sir, you CAN write! :lol: |
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| Rutee | Feb 3 2007, 09:34 AM Post #4 |
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Grade Schooler
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more I need more!! lol write the omiai part please, I want to see how both of em will react ^^ `Al |
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| Ryûchan | Feb 3 2007, 10:07 AM Post #5 |
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Middle Schooler
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Ryuuen, thank you! :D And, well, I can't promise anything, _but_... I am thinking of writing one. If I do get one written, do I paste it into this this topic as an "add reply" post, though? Asakura Raine, *bows* Thank you, thank you... although I suppose I should tell you that I'm female, though I don't mind the gender confusion much. *grins* Rutee, :lol: More, is it? Heh, I'll try but I can't promise anything. I did already try to start on something that would involve the omiai part, but for some reason it turned into "Konoe Konoka has a Power..." (and no, not healing or magic or anything such *winks*) |
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| Furu Kei | Feb 3 2007, 03:10 PM Post #6 |
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Middle Schooler
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*melts* t-that took my breath away... First attempt you said?...That was awesome... The unique perspective...the presentation...the love between KonoSetsu...your style is breath-takingly good. *bows* Please continue writing KonoSetsu. I will be waiting for more of your works. -Furu Kei |
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| Dobbles | Feb 3 2007, 06:11 PM Post #7 |
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Grade Schooler
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this is a beautiful fanfic and i would love to see a sequel as well <3 the scene was so gorgeous and cute ;_; Hope to see more work from you <3 |
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| Ryûchan | Feb 4 2007, 11:02 AM Post #8 |
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Middle Schooler
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Furu Kei, Aww, thank you for all that praise! *happily dancing with my ego cake* :lol: And yeah, it is my first attempt at KonoSetsu... I write quite a few things but I never managed to write anything about them before. I'm glad it didn't turn out _too_ odd at least. ^~^ Dobbles, My story rated little hearts? How cute *grins* Thank you, and I am writing something that might be a sequel, I'm not sure yet. And that leads to a question to anyone reading this... I am writing kind of a sequel to this, except the style is completely different. I'm really not sure about it, if I should go with it, or scrap it, or have it as a entirely separate story. Not to mention that I actually don't know if I am supposed to post sections of a sequel into the same topic as this one (forgive me, I'm new at this forum thing) or if I should do something else. I'd like to show you, well if you're interested that is, the three-four pages I have written so far to hear what you might think. Should I post them here? |
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| Ryuuen | Feb 4 2007, 11:09 AM Post #9 |
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High Schooler
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I think you should post them here :D Sequels or next chapters are usually posted on the same thread, I think. (never done it but its what others do... I just link xD; ) |
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| Ryûchan | Feb 4 2007, 11:23 AM Post #10 |
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Middle Schooler
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Ryuuen, thanks for the swift reply. :D And I don't have anything to link since I'm very, very reluctant to put anything up on Fanfiction.net. My apologies. *sheepish* Anyway, a small warning first then - this is written in a different style than "Tenderness", and I think the characters are somewhat OoC, I'm not sure. Either way, here's the first part. Should I stay with it? TENDERNESS 2 ------------------------------------- (temporary name ^^;;) By Carola “Ryûchan” Eriksson When Konoe Eishun arrived unexpectedly at the school, his daughter Konoka had been ecstatic to see him. He had met with his father-in-law briefly and then snatched both Konoka and her constant companion and protector, Setsuna, away from their classes for the rest of the day in order to have a pleasant and leisurely dinner in the park. Somewhere after the enjoyment of the meal and during easy conversation and relaxing in the sun, Eishun had dropped the bomb. Suddenly Konoka was not so glad to see her dear daddy after all. As things turned out, Eishun had not arrived at the school for the sake of his only child, but rather for the sake of his student. That part Konoka did not mind, in fact it would just have made her happy to know that her father showed that he cared for the stoic young warrior that never seemed to realize just how deeply she was cherished. Oh no, the problem was why Eishun had come to meet Setsuna. Konoka’s father had on behalf of the Shinmeiryuu come to attend... Setsuna’s omiai. Setsuna’s reaction had been to knock herself between the eyes with the hilt of her sword Yuunagi and promptly fall off her seat. The dark-haired warrior recovered quickly and scrambled back up on her chair, where she proceeded to clutch her blade with white fingers and, with a look of wide-eyed horror, stutter helplessly in an attempt to speak. As amusing as Eishun found the girl’s reaction he found his daughter’s to be even more so, and carefully schooled his face not to betray anything. His daughter, having recovered quickly from her moment of open-mouthed disbelief, was busy glaring at him dangerously with eyes gone pitch black with anger and, Eishun suspected, jealousy. He put an unreadable smile on his face, hoping neither girl would notice the amusement glittering in his eyes, and pretended not to notice his daughter being hopping mad and his young student in a state of shock so severe she could barely walk, and ushered them along on the path back to the school. Gleefully Eishun spoke of the hotel where the meeting was to take place, how he had rented a private conference room with a nice view over the ocean, moving on to mentioning that it was a pity the meeting could not be held in Kyoto but at least it would be a stylish establishment with all the required arrangements. His daughter interrupted him in a voice that was pitched noticeably darker than usual, and without the easygoing cheer that otherwise was Konoka’s trademark. “Daddy!” Secretly Eishun was waiting for Konoka to stomp her foot as she had done upon the rare occasion she as a small child had been very angry. “What do you mean, Secchan’s omiai? Why would you arrange an omiai for Secchan in the first place?” The sound of Konoka’s voice broke through Setsuna’s daze enough for the confused girl to turn towards father and daughter with wide eyes, clutching her prized sword to her chest as if she had forgotten it was a weapon. Eishun almost felt sorry for the confusion he was causing his otherwise so skilled and capable student... almost. “Oh Konoka, of course I am! You know Setsuna-kun is like a member of the family, and when I was approached with this offer for her I realized at once what a splendid opportunity it was to ensure for her future prosperity and happiness.” He beamed at the girls, meaning every word he spoke. He was just not revealing all he knew, that was all... and it also did not hurt that with that simple statement Eishun had neatly removed any ability Setsuna might have had to muster up a protest. Curiously both girls blushed at his words, Setsuna with down-turned eyes and a shy if somewhat torn expression on her face, and Konoka with a very strange, semi-strangled expression that seemed odd indeed for her. Neither girl found their voice for a moment, and Eishun took the opportunity to plough on. “The meeting will take place fairly early tomorrow, so I’m afraid you’ll have to come with me when we return to your school so we can do our outmost to prepare for tomorrow. We are among other things going to go shopping for formal attire for you Setsuna-kun, and I have arranged for a tailor to be expecting us in roughly an hour’s time. Don’t worry, you will have some help in choosing something suitable for you as one of your friends from class has so kindly offered her services for your omiai, to provide that feminine touch.” Eishun grinned at the girl that stumbled suddenly. “I expect we shall be quite busy until the meeting takes place, Setsuna-kun.” “Daddy!” “Erm, M-master?” Setsuna’s hushed voice gave Eishun the perfect excuse to ignore his glaring and adorably pouting offspring for a moment longer. “When you say a friend from class, sir, who exactly... ?” “Ah, it is Evangeline-san who has so generously offered her aid in your omiai. She is no doubt expecting us for the preparations, and of course my honoured father does so as well.” “DADDY!” “Yes princess?” Eishun was all pleasant smiles although his daughter was practically gnashing her teeth at him. Really, he should not be enjoying her discomfort so much, but his sweet-natured child had only thrown temper tantrums at very select opportunities, and to witness one now, at this age, especially when knowing what he did of the plans his father-in-law had laid out for him, it was all going to be a very cherished memory to look back at in years to come. “...” Konoka hesitated for a moment. “What about me, daddy?” “Hmm? You, my dear daughter?” “Yes, me!” Konoka struggled with herself internally, on one hand there was a voice screaming that if there was any kind of ‘feminine touch’ required for her Secchan, Konoka would be the one to provide it, and another voice asked if it was such a great idea to volunteer to be present when her beloved Secchan would be introduced to a potential marriage-partner. “If it is alright to bring Eva-san, then why can’t I be there too, for Secchan? I have been through lots and lots of omiai and I’m pretty sure Eva-san hasn’t.” “Why that is a great idea, princess!” Eishun enthused, smirking inside at how well he knew his daughter after all. “I am sure Setsuna-kun will be relieved to have you by her side through this.” Setsuna nodded gratefully although she still looked absolutely ready to bolt. “Oh yes, that was true...” Eishun feigned having recalled something and put his hand on Konoka’s shoulder as they walked. “Your grandfather expressed some dissatisfaction with your kimono on your latest omiai, I believe, so I brought you a bolt of fabric with me from Kyoto to make a new one. I am certain we will manage to find a tailor willing and able to fit you and have the kimono finished by morning.” He smiled down at his daughter, for the moment only thinking of how pretty she would be in the pale fabric with the cherry blossom pattern that he had selected for her. Konoka nodded in acceptance although she was bewildered as to what exactly was wrong with the green outfit she had worn for her latest omiai, and why her grandfather had never mentioned to her that he disliked it. The matter was unimportant anyway, since her sole purpose during one of her own omiai was to get out of them as soon as possible. “Well, Setsuna-kun... I am supposed to tell you a little about the person you are going to meet tomorrow. This person is of a prestigious family, is of your own age-group, intelligent and does well in school...” Eishun led them up the gravel path towards the buildings, pretending not to notice how his daughter’s scowling glare returned with his words. “...well-liked, popular, has a likeable personality... ah, I suppose I said that already.” Setsuna looked if possible even more pale. “Don’t worry Secchan.” Konoka linked her arm with Setsuna’s, a determined look on her face. “You just have to appear, sit and be bored for a while, and then you tell them ‘no’.” Their eyes met and Konoka spoke softly, her voice and demeanour taking on a protective tone. “I’ll be right there next to you, I won’t let anything strange happen to you Secchan.” In her father’s direction she said “Daddy, we’ll go along with this meeting tomorrow, but that’s it. If Secchan doesn’t like this guy you’ve found, you have to promise not to set her up on any more omiai... ok daddy?” “Oh, I only had Setsuna-kun’s best interests in mind.” Eishun feigned some surprise. “But if that is what you wish, then once this omiai is over I will not force you through another, Setsuna-kun.” He turned to face the girls for a moment, flashing them the wide and amused smile that he had been fighting to keep off his face. “But did I say that the omiai was with a man? How careless of me. Naturally the person hoping for a good match with Setsuna-kun is a young lady.” Both girls gasped, froze in place, and turned beet red. “Now now, what kind of teacher would I be if I had not realized such an obvious thing about my favourite student?” Eishun chided gently and made for the entrance for the building. As he opened the door he threw a smile over his shoulder “And Setsuna-kun? This young lady has a reputation of being quite a beauty.” |
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| Ryuuen | Feb 4 2007, 11:39 AM Post #11 |
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High Schooler
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that was very very very ---- *continues on saying very* ... nice but... *want's to read the next badly* XDD Yes, do continue it. It's really good so far! : D |
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| Jisatsu | Feb 4 2007, 11:41 AM Post #12 |
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Middle Schooler
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Oh wow, as soon as I notice a new fanfiction here, you update! That was really fast, and this fic is brilliant! How sneaky of Eishun and Konoemon to set up this omiai, lol. Am eagerly anticipating the next part of your fic (and I can't believe this is your first KonoSetsu fic either ;O) *feeds you more ego cake, yo* The matter was unimportant anyway, since her sole purpose during one of her own omiai was to get out of them as soon as possible. I think the incentive for getting out of her kimono after this omiai will a bit... different...? :domo: *shot'd* |
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| Ryuuen | Feb 4 2007, 11:42 AM Post #13 |
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High Schooler
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*seconds that* XDb |
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| Ryûchan | Feb 4 2007, 12:43 PM Post #14 |
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Middle Schooler
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*bows humbly to both Ryuuen and Jisatsu* Thank you both for the encouragement, I will definitely keep trying with this story now that I know its ok. :D As for the sneakiness, heh... it seemed one way for Eishun and Konoemon to get both girls to be present for an omiai and not suspect the real reason. *winks*
*laughs* There might be, you never know. ;P Ooo! More ego-cake! :D Delicious ego-cake... the food of muses! (Well, that and chocolate *grins*) |
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| Dobbles | Feb 4 2007, 01:04 PM Post #15 |
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Grade Schooler
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waaaah this next part is just awesome D8> that was hilarious at the end of ths part xD KEEP IT! we want to see more C: keep this up and great work <33 BTW i third Jisatsu's statement XD |
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7:21 PM Jul 10