A/N: This story is dedicated to my Pu-chan. Thank you so much dear :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters!

Please remember! This is a fictional story. Similarities with real persons or situations are purely coincidental and not intentional! This is just a product of my crazy imaginations.

Read at your own risk!

Have fun!

Pairing: Shimako & Yumi

Summary: Food is an essential must which is unfortunately often only seen as such by some people. Shimako is one of those, but with a pinch of charm and the right recipe, even she can be convinced about one of the most enjoyable things in life.

"The ingredient that brought us together"

Chapter 1

Raw cane sugar

There are some essential things that a person needs in order to live. Social contacts, work, a home… Just to give you a few examples. How to arrange those things is up to each individual but sadly, some people don't understand the importance of those. But that would be another topic.

There are also needs that every human being was born with. Needs that can't be easily denied or ignored. To name one , love, for example, is one of these needs and I'm sure you'll agree unless you're a psychopath or completely dominated by bitter experiences you have made in your life so far.

Receiving love, giving love… It doesn't matter if you think about friends, family members or partners. Love is needed and love is wanted by all of us.

Now that that is cleared, let's talk about how to show love.

There are surely a lot of different ways. Often enough would it be good to just make casual remarks like "take care" or show signs of caring, a little note on the fridge or if you're the direct type then just say: "I love you".

It would be ideal if everyone could simply express their feelings.

Even better would it be if everyone is able to receive and understand the signs, subtle or not so subtle…

Well, there wouldn't be a story to tell if things would be always ideal?

And that brings us to this one…

Another day of hard study was about to end as Shimako Toudou settled down on a seat near a window. With a sigh of relief, she let her eyes wander in order to take in her surroundings. She had never been in this place before, but the cute frog at the entrance had caught her eye and she had decided on an impulse to try it out.

As soon as she had stepped into the location, there was this welcoming feeling that engulfed her in a warm embrace and put a smile on her exhausted face miraculously. It was a feeling that she was missing for a long time now – sadly so.

But this place felt like home, unlike other typical cafés or restaurants - not that she usually went to one. Not a seat was like the others. It conveyed the impression that the owner had just bought them randomly, without really thinking about it. There was a wing chair that could have been found and made from olden times and compared to a single stool that was so obviously modern – it was impressive and yet so fitting to the decorations of the walls. They were packed with various paintings, mostly abstract and even if Shimako generally not cared about that kind of art, the rich and expressive colours fascinated her. It was quite difficult to tear her gaze away, but the most heavenly reason that settled her down right now were the odours that hung loosely in the air.

Her eyes fluttered close and she allowed herself to dwell in this moment of peace, breathing in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, almost tasting the bitterness on her tongue that caused her to swallow longingly.

"I recommend a cappuccino with an extra shot espresso."

She had never been one who showed any kind of emotions so clearly on her face, but she couldn't help as to tear her eyes open only to blush at the sight of laughing eyes in front of her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb."

"N-No…" She cleared her throat. "Why do you think a cappuccino would suit me?" Shimako asked, curious as for how this woman had guessed her favourite coffee right on the first try.

"Would you rather prefer it simple and black?"

Shimako smiled. "I asked first."

"Hm…" The woman walked away and went behind the bar; starting to pull and press on that big machine that Shimako only assumed was for coffee. While the stranger was busy, Shimako used the time to roam her eyes over her face.

'Pretty' she thought. 'Kind, gentle and yet so strong… But why is she wearing a chef's uniform?'

"I think, I might have the right answer…" The stranger said, showing a perfect line of white teeth, eyes the colours of hazelnuts were twinkling playfully.

"That would be?" Shimako was unable to resist that smile and gave it back.

"Coffee is probably the most loved drink, at least here in Germany… It fits for every occasion. In the morning, while working or just after meals. It doesn't matter when you want to have it, even though I've stopped drinking it before going to bed…" She smiled, setting a mug in front of Shimako.

"If I have to guess, then I think you're a purist, you like to keep things simple. But…" She paused, eying Shimako curiously, probably wondering what she was thinking but continued on with a giggle as Shimako's only reaction was to calmly put her chin on her folded hands and look straight back without batting an eyelash. The smile never left her lips.

"You aren't bitter like the espresso in that cappuccino. You like sweets, maybe a sweet life itself… And with a little milk on it, you make up for the bitterness."

An awkward, palpable silence enveloped the space between them but before Shimako could utter a word and share her thoughts, her companion burst into laughter – into one of the sweetest kinds.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend… I just have this friend who is reading a lot and well, she told me about a 'you eat what you are' theory and… You just sat there…"

"…and looked like a victim of such assault?" Shimako asked teasingly. It wasn't that the stranger was wrong, but she hadn't to know that. She was a private person.

"Indeed... And that without ordering, so I thought I give you some extra attention." She winked and shoved a can of brown sugar across the table. "Sweeten and drink your coffee while it's warm. It's brewed with the right temperature, that's why you should be able to drink it directly but it will cool off fast if you do not enjoy it soon."

Shimako fidgeted with the can. "I usually use white sugar…"

"It's just a matter of taste but in my humble opinion, raw cane sugar is suited best for coffees. Go on, taste it yourself." She nodded encouragingly, sweeping Shimako's hesitance right away with an enticing smile.

"Well, then… Don't mind if I do." She put some sugar in her mug and stirred it up. Trusting that it wouldn't be too hot, she took a sip and then another, stopping herself with force in order to not gulp it down at once. It tasted incredulous and it seemed that the right temperature had unfolded the roasting flavour to its fullest. The taste was more bitter and stronger than she was used to since it was doubled, but with the right amount of milk froth mingled with the raw cane sugar was it a bittersweet enjoyment with a smack of caramel.

Shimako wasn't able to stop the moan of pleasure that escaped past her lips and licked off – almost sensually – the foam above her upper lip.

"I assume you like it?" The stranger asked, a glint of amusement dancing in her eyes.

"I do… I never had a coffee like this before." She admitted, taking another sip and closed her eyes for a brief moment – enjoying the feeling of its warmth that made her way through her throat and settled down in her stomach to heat up her insides. "I think that I will always prefer it this way." She stated, opening her eyes again.

"You're always welcome to come back anytime you want." The woman shifted in her seat, cocking her head and surprisingly so, smirked at Shimako.

"But even if I don't mind to have you here, I suggest you take a closer look at the business hours since I'm usually not here but in the kitchen." She laughed that cute laugh again and Shimako wondered how this woman could make her blush just twice in a row without much effort. Well, at least she had an explanation for the stranger's attire.

"I'm sorry, I thought it was open…" she mumbled sheepishly, taking another sip to hide her embarrassment.

"Don't be, I meant it as I say that I don't mind you being here. Besides, it was my mistake to leave the door open while cleaning up."

Their conversation was interrupted by a voice, calling a name it seemed.

"Ah, that's my co-worker. Sorry, but unfortunately I have to do some shopping… No, no!" She prevented Shimako from standing up whilst putting her hands on her shoulders. "Stay, I'll let them know that you're allowed to be here. The cappuccino is on the house too, so please, make yourself comfortable."

"But…" Shimako tried to protest.

"No buts. My house, my rules. Besides, you did come here off-time." She winked, flashing a smile that didn't allow Shimako to object further.

The woman pushed back her seat and attempted to leave as Shimako regained her ability to speak and grabbed the stranger by her wrist.

"T-Thank you… uh…" Shimako scrunched her face in confusion as it came to her mind that she hadn't asked about her name.

"Yumi. Just call me Yumi." With another grin, she finally turned around and left.

"Thank you, Yumi…" Shimako whispered, an almost goofy smile on her face. She cupped her mug with both hands and leant her cheek against the warmth.

"Nice to meet you…"

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See ya next time!

xLaShay