A/N: Well, welcome to my first story that isn't predicated by character profiles. You know how it gets, you just get the urge to write! I'm not sure whether this'll be a drabble, a oneshot, or a huge new story, but let's see where it takes me, kay? :D
Natalie hefted her stuff out of the car with one big lurch. As if moving to a new city hadn't been enough, she had managed to bring a lot of books, almost her entire personal library, with her. As she lifted the heavy box out of the back of the car and dropped it onto the curb, a man in a tailored blue suit stepped forward.
"Miss, are you sure you don't want help unloading and unpacking your things? I'd be more than happy to carry a few things for you."
Natalie smiled and shook her head ruefully. "No thanks, George, I have to get used to doing things on my own. Especially if I'm in a new city." The man looked slightly distressed, but bowed his head respectfully and returned to the front of the car. She piled another box on top of the first one, and picked them both up as one. Her driver, George, sent a worried look her way, and took a few steps towards her, but she smiled reassuringly and said "I'll be fine, as long as you get the door." George nodded and dashed up the front steps to open it for her. She nodded to him and said, I'll be right back down, just give me a few minutes. Don't do anything to help me while I'm gone." George was startled, and his face took on a guilty expression. She had known him long enough to know he had been thinking of doing just that. She simply chuckled and began walking towards the elevator. As she approached, she noticed a young asian girl just stepping on.
"Hold the elevator!" She cried, and was relieved to see the girl notice her, and grab hold of the doors. Five flights of stairs was not something she had in mind for herself. She rushed in, and smiled at the girl, who smiled politely back.
"Which floor?" The girl asked, and Natalie could tell the girl was fresh from Japan. She was having a little trouble forming her Ls and Rs correctly, and Natalie's smile softened.
"Five." she said confidently, and the girl nodded and pressed the button. "So are you a new student at the university?" Natalie asked kindly, and the girl nodded. "Yes, I am on exchange from Japan." The girl turned and asked, "Are you new as well?" and Natalie nodded. She could tell the girl had been practising her English, and thought it might be appropriate to compliment her. "Your English is very good." She stated, and the girl smiled and thanked her.
"My name is Natalie, what's yours?" The girl frowned for a moment before responding with "My name is Haruhi." Natalie smiled and said, "Well, it's nice to meet you Haruhi. I'm in apartment 503 if you ever feel like visiting." Haruhi's smile widened, and she said, "Thank you. I am in apartment 607, if you ever want to stop by." Natalie's smile grew, and she said, "I think I will."
Just then the elevator dinged, and the door opened to reveal Natalie's floor. She stepped out and said, "Well, I'll see you around Haruhi. I'll make sure to stop by once I'm all settled." Haruhi nodded enthusiastically, and said, "Please do. It will help to practise my English." Natalie laughed, and turned to walk towards her apartment as the elevator doors shut behind her.