I was out for one of my routine drives around the countryside. I wasn't sure what this road was called, but I somehow managed to go down that highway quite often. My only enjoyment to ease my stress is to ride my motorcycle. Driving around, having control over my bike just felt right. I was in a crash not long ago, just got my baby all fixed up, so I was taking her for a test drive. The limit there is 120, but I went way past that, just because I'm a rebellious badass, other than that, the lack of cops around there was also interesting.

*clank*

'What the hell was that?'

I pulled over to the side to inspect the noise that I hoped didn't come from my bike. I looked around from top to bottom before I noticed smoke. The smoke trailed from my engine. 'Great' not only was I stranded about an hour from home by bike, I didn't take my cell with me either. Stupid mechanic didn't screw something right. The first thing I did was take my anger out on my bike. My tantrum wore off, my first priority was to wait for somebody to drive by and ask if I could use their cell. After standing there like an idiot for half an hour hopelessly waiting for somebody to magically pop up in the middle of nowhere, I decided to take a long stroll along the abandoned highway hauling my bike with me. I noticed a house a small distance from where I was standing, with nowhere else to go, that seemed like the best place to be. I dragged my bike through a field of crops and bugs, with many hills and holes. By the time I was in front of the house, I realized there was a long cleared pathway leading to the house, the opposite way I started walking with my bike, in other words, the idiot I am, took the longest route possible to get there. The house looked a lot bigger up close and looked like it was also some kind of store. I stood my bike near the entrance of the shop and walked in. A little bell rang as I opened the door, which I thought was pretty cute, but nobody came. I looked around a bit and finally decided to just say something, in case the store owner didn't hear me walk in. "Hello?" I walked near the counter and leaned over it to yell inside the back room that looked like the house attachment to the store. "Is anybody here?" I yelled louder that time and I finally heard some rustling and a response,

"Yes! One moment"

My mind registered the voice, it sounded like a woman with a Kyoto-ben accent. She sounded very nice. My heart felt like one thousand weights have been taken off of it. Finally, I could get help. As I waited a bit for the woman to appear, I didn't expect what came next. Out of the other room came a beautiful girl in a purple flowery kimono. My heart skipped a beat and my ability to speak was gone. I blinked at the beautiful Kyoto woman before regaining myself, remembering my purpose for coming here. I felt my face cool off, 'did I blush the whole time?' Putting that thought aside for now, I proceeded to ask the Kyoto woman about my bike.

"H-hey, uhm, my bike kinda broke while going down the highway right near here and I was wondering if you had a phone I could use so that I could get somebody to pick it up for me", I stuttered trying to regain my will to speak. I looked at the woman again, examining her a bit more, my thought trailed off looking at her luscious chestnut coloured hair and her beautiful crimson eyes. She looked taller than me by a little. Her smile radiated the whole room. Lost in thought again..'She must not get many customers around here. I'm glad I came here, she looks like she could use a bit of company" I snapped back to reality the moment she replied.

"Oh yes, I'd love to help. The phone is inside the house, if you don't mind coming in." The woman smiled at me and welcomed me into the home portion of the small cabin-like building. I smiled and nodded as a response and started to take my gloves off and my shoes. I left them at the entrance that's right behind the counter that leaded to her home.

"Excuse the intrusion" I stepped into the home and looked around. From the outside it looked so small. The home was actually pretty big. From what I saw it had a fireplace, couches, a kitchen with many types of tea in jars and glass containers, I also saw a pair of stairs so there must be an upstairs, probably the bedroom.

"The phone is right here... Miss.."

The woman snapped me back into thought and I barely caught on to what she said.

"Oh, Natsuki Kuga, pleasure to meet you" I stuck out my hand, the woman's hand touched mine, a shock coursed through my body and made me get goose bumps all over my arms, I'm lucky she can't see that right now with what I'm wearing..., 'her hand is so soft...'

"A pleasure to meet you too, Kuga-san, I am Shizuru Fujino, I'm glad were in good terms" Fujino smiled at me and let go of my hand, giving me a sign that it's probably time to make the phone call now. I was probably holding her hand for a while without noticing. 'Dammit, why am I acting so weird today?'

"Th-thank you for everything Fujino" I stepped away from the pretty woman and dialed the mechanic that was supposed to get shit done right this time. Fujno-san made her way to the couch and sat down drinking tea while I yelled at the mechanic. Finally done the argument, I got one of the mechanic's buddies to come and pick up my bike. I hung up the phone and made my way to the woman. I sat on the couch beside her without thinking.

"So, Kuga-san, was everything alright with the call?" The Kyoto woman looked at me with a concerned look, I gave her a reassuring smile and told her what happened.

"Yeah, one of my mechanic's buddies is on the way here, he should be here in an hour or so..."I looked at the ground and around her house, I couldn't make eye contact with this woman. Then she spoke,

"That's wonderful, I'm glad your problem is resolved, pardon me for being rude, I didn't even ask, would you like some tea?" Her gaze met mine for a split second. I felt my body stiffened and I shyly said yes. Fujino got up and smiled at me before walking to the kitchen, picking out many teas, like she was trying to meet my taste. While her hands were busy with that, she kept conversation with me.

"Where did you come from Kuga-san? It seems you were quite worried that you might not get help, so I'm guessing you don't live near here."

I blushed at the comment. I must've looked like some lost puppy or something.

"I'm from the city, but I come out here often to ride my motorcycle, since the city is too crowded and cops get on your ass every 5 minutes for going over speed limits."

Fujino looked at me a bit stunned but then let out a little laugh.

"Ara, I see Kuga-san is very rebellious."

I smiled at Fujino's remark. She just kept asking questions until it got to one very odd question.

"Kuga-san, do you mind me calling you Natsuki? I know we are not very acquainted but you have a very pretty name."

The way my name rolled off of Fujino's tongue felt so unreal. It was like she was meant to say my name. 'What am I saying?'

"Y-yeah sure... Uh.. Sh-shizuru.", Shizuru looked at me with wide eyes, she probably didn't think I'd call her by her first name. I'm glad I can make somebody as pretty as her happy. It's probably sad for her to be alone. It kind of makes me worry about her. When I leave, will she continue to be alone with nobody to talk to? I don't want to leave her so soon.

"Does Natsuki like the country, as in living here?"

I looked at her with slight worried and depressed eyes

"I wouldn't want to live alone."

Shizuru looked at me and nodded in agreement.

"It does get really quiet out here, not many people still brew tea, so my store here is only for the pure enjoyment of having it. " Shizuru smiled to herself and slowly made her way to me with a cup of tea. She sat down beside me and we continued getting to know each other for whatever time we had left until I had to leave. Shizuru was the first to speak.

"Your hair is beautiful Natsuki, a bluenette, that word does suit you well. You also have very gorgeous eyes, I envy you." Shizuru gave me the same smile as she did the few other times. Something behind her smiles didn't seem right, but maybe that was just me. I blushed slightly at her compliments, the only choice I had left was to give my opinion about her too.

"Don't worry Fuj- Shizuru.. You're beautiful. I was a bit taken back when I saw you walk in. You would be hoarded by men if you came to live in the city, no doubt." I gave her a wink, and a smile. "And thanks for letting me use your phone, I appreciate it" Shizuru said she didn't mind, and it gave her a chance to interact with somebody once in a while. Our conversation went on for some time before we heard the little bell near the door ring, and a man's voice cut through my ears. He's here.

"Uhm, you can stay here if you want, Shizuru." I got up and headed for the door and said my goodbyes. As I looked down in a rush to put on my shoes, I felt somebody grab my wrist. Shizuru was holding on, she had a hint of fear in her eyes, I know she didn't have many people here, but I had to leave.

"I'm coming with Natsuki, I'd love to see her off, after all I've made a great friend" I finally got shizuru's intention and took her with me to the front of the store. The guy gave me a dirty look and started to talk.

"So your mechanic sent me all the way here for your bike, better be grateful."

"Yeah yeah, just shut up and get my bike out of here." I snarled at him and hurried him up. I helped him take my bike into his van. I opened the passenger seat to the car before the guy stopped me.

"Hey lady, I came to take the bike, I'm not a fucking taxi service" Before I snapped at him, Shizuru stood up for me unnessicarily.

"Please don't talk to Natsuki like that." Shizuru gave him a death glare, the man broke into a cold sweat.

"Alright, sorry lady, can you tell your friend here I'm not a cab driver. She can get somebody else to drive her ass all the way to the city." The man got into the driver's seat and rolled the window down to talk to us, well, me specifically.

"It'll be done in about a day or two. If you can't pick it up, then we'll have it for you whenever you decide to pick it up, later." The guy drove away and stuck the middle finger out the window in my direction. My anger built up a bit and I had to let it out.

"Yeah! Fuck you too!" I yelled and flipped him off before he got too far so he would see me in his side mirrors, I hoped he saw that. After that, I sighed and went back to Shizuru, she looked a bit shocked at what had just happened, I couldn't believe it myself either, how was I supposed to get home now?

"Let's go inside, Natsuki, it looks like it's going to rain soon. We can decide what to do a bit later, sit down and have a cup of tea; it'll soothe your stress a bit." Shizuru took my hand and I felt my muscles relax at her touch, this woman does wonders. My expression went back to normal after seeing her usual smile, and she lead me back into the house, we sat down once again. Frustration hit me and I started to rant.

"Gah! It's getting late and I can't get home. This sucks." I face palmed myself and tried to drink as much tea as I could. Shizuru gave out a small laugh.

"Does Natsuki have anybody else she could call? Like a friend? Or family?" I looked at Shizuru shyly, this woman has done so much for me already, the only thing I could do is at least tell her a bit about my past.

"About that, my friends are all pretty distant from me, I don't keep in contact with most of them. And as far as family goes, I don't have one. I live alone in an apartment." I stopped at that, thinking it'd be awkward telling somebody I just met a few hours ago my whole past. Shizuru's eyes filled with regret.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know, forgive me." Shizuru blamed herself, I couldn't let that happen, it was a simple question, yet she looked so worked up over it. Her expression pulled on my heart strings.

"It's alright, really! You didn't know, it's not your fault." I reassured her I was okay talking about it with her. I took her hand on instinct and held it, making sure she got the message. Shizuru looked at me and sighed in relief.

"If Natsuki doesn't mind, she could spend the night here? Or, whenever you finally get a ride back to the city. It's not much, but since you don't have anywhere else to go..." I looked at her and smiled, I guess it was alright. I'm far too lazy to travel that distance anyway.

"Sure, I'll pay for it, I wouldn't want to intrude or anything, I'll pay rent."

Shizuru laughed at my statement.

"No need, Natsuki is welcome as if this were her own home, nobody is paying anything unless I say so." Shizuru smiled gracefully at me. I pouted a bit, but gave in. She's really nice.

"Thanks, Shizuru." I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek without thinking. 'Wait, did I just do that...' I blushed furiously and backed away quickly trying to hide my face. I bet she thinks I'm weird now. I averted my eyes onto Shizuru, who had a light shade of pink on her cheeks, rubbing the spot tenderly where I had just kissed, she looked so cute right then and there, she even had a small smirk on her face.

"A-anytime for Natsuki. I'll go draw the bath, I'll call you up when the bath is free" I realized Shizuru said that just so she could hide her blush as well. She got up off of the couch and almost ran up the stairs. I had to process what happened for a moment. I kissed her on impulse, I blushed, she blushed, she ran away. I shook the many thoughts running through my head and just stuck with the plan that it was just a common thank you, just a bit more intimate than words. 'Yeah, let's leave it at that.' The second thought that popped into my mind was I'm staying here for a while. I decided to take a look around and get used to my surroundings while Shizuru was taking her bath. I went around and discovered another room. I stood in shock, the room had a giant TV, gaming systems, and a mini fridge with shelves beside it for sacks. I didn't know such a formal girl was into these kinds of things? Curiosity filled my brain as I made my way back to the main couch. I heard somebody walking down the stairs. 'I guess the bath is ready' I turned to see Shizuru in only a towel on her head and a towel wrapped around her body. The towel covered just past her butt. I felt like I was going to faint. Her legs were so nicely shaped ..

"Bath is ready, Natsuki better hurry, the bath could get cold if you don't go soon" Shizuru smiled at me and pointed to the stairs. I got up and the first thing I noticed were my legs, they felt really weak and wobbly. I needed to get the image of her out of my mind. I bowed at Shizuru and proceeded upstairs as if I didn't just see her half naked. I found the washroom. One glance at the washroom made my thoughts of shizuru disappear and I took the time to glance around at the beautiful designs in the tiles. The washroom looked very spacious, I proceeded to take my clothes off and neatly pile them up near the door. I got in the bath and relaxed. This felt nice, I felt as if I was in a spa, or a vacation of some sort. Pure bliss. After soaking in the bath for a while I felt the water get a bit on the cool side, so I decided to get out. I looked around for a towel and found one neatly folded beside the tub. I wrapped the towel around my chest, I grabbed my clothes and drained the water from the tub. I opened the door to the hallway and slowly tried to find the bedroom. I opened every door in the hallway and finally found a room with a queen sized bed and fancy old-style decor. I also noticed Shizuru wasn't up there, so began my journey down the hallway once again and back down the stairs. I found Shizuru sitting on the main couch sipping her tea, I also noticed she had a robe on, awesome, now I didn't need to almost get a nosebleed at the sight of her. I was curious as to why she wasn't heading to sleep, so I joined her on the couch.

"You're not going to bed Shizuru? I mean, I'm a guest here, but It's getting pretty late..." It was half past 12 and none of us were asleep, I was usually out by 11 if I had a hard day, but still. Shizuru looked tired, she looked away with a slight blush on her cheeks, she looked into her tea cup as if something amusing was going on in there, and she explained herself to me.

"Natsuki can go ahead and sleep. A storm's coming today and I have quite a large fear of thunder and lighting. I know Natsuki may think poorly of me, but I've been like this since I was a child. Don't mind me though, you can go ahead and get some rest after the long day you've had." Shizuru finished her sentence with a smile and leaned back into the couch a bit, looking as if she relaxed a little after the confession about her fear. I didn't want to leave Shizuru here all night when she has big windows at the front of the store, and she can clearly see the lightning outside, alone, in the dark.

Alone

That word pierced through my heart like an arrow. I had no family, so living alone was the only choice I had left, but Shizuru was alone because she loved her little tea shop and didn't want to leave, she has a choice. She has a family, yet, she stays here alone, isolated from the world around her, nobody to hold her when she's scared, nobody to laugh with, no interaction at all, and yet she can be so nice towards me. It kind of made me angry inside to see her suffer like this.

"Shizuru, I know we've only met a short while ago, but I realized you're really strong, a lot stronger than me. I feel as if I've known you for years, I don't know your past, but something about you is special. It's kind of like they say 'love at first sight' sort of thing. I saw you, and I was in awe, you are really beautiful, shizuru, and very independant. For someone as beautiful and loving as you, Shizuru, you shouldn't be living like this." I looked at Shizuru and realized she was wide eyed and teary, I was probably the first person to ever say that to her. My instinct was to hug her, it felt natural, like she belonged with me. The first thing she needed is sleep, both of us did.

"Hey, Shizuru, get up for a second." Shizuru stared at me when she heard me say that. She was curious with what I had in mind, and kind of disappointed I ended our hug. She got up and stood near the couch while I got myself comfortable. I put my feet up on the couch and spread out a bit.

"C'mere." I patted my chest as if signaling Shizuru where to go, she anxiously put her tea cup down on the table near the couch and made her way to me. I reached my arms out to Shizuru, she grabbed my hands and I pulled her down to my body. Shizuru's head was snug right at my neck. Though she was a bit taller than me, she weighed so little, having her sleep on me wasn't such a bad idea. Shizuru proceeded to put her feet up where mine were. She was now on top of me, snuggling in my arms. It didn't feel awkward at all, I enjoyed it a lot, before I realized I was still inside my towel. Grasping the situation, I blushed slightly as I realized Shizuru's weight was slowly sliding my towel down off of my chest. I tried not to think about it too much and just focused on the moment. I reassure Shizuru with my words once again.

"I don't want you to be alone anymore, you can sleep, I'll be here, don't be scared." I patted Shizuru's head and noticed all of the embarrassing things I was saying so openly.

"Thank you, Natsuki."Shizuru smiled at me and snuggled up to me a bit more. I patted her head until I noticed her begin to get heavier, she probably fell asleep. The only problem was, I couldn't fall asleep. I replayed the day in my head, how was I so comfortable with this woman? It really was a mystery, but I didn't complain, it was a very special day in my life, I'll remember it forever. The sound of rain overwhelmed my thoughts and I was slowly drifting to sleep. A bit rumble from outside shook the ground and lightning strikes lit the whole house. Although Shizuru was asleep, I felt her grip tighten on my body whenever thunder and lightning struck. I decided to hug Shizuru really tightly, to make her feel secure. We both got very comfortable and my mind said it was way too late to be up, I fell asleep the moment I closed my eyes.