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!


"The ingredient that brought us together"

Chapter 2

Green smoothie


"Shimaakoo! Get up!"

With a groan of frustration, Shimako opened her eyes reluctantly and held her arm above her head to shield her eyes from the sunbeams that teased her through the shutter. Sleep was in the last few days, if not weeks, a rare visitor - refusing to grant her the right amount of rest.

Not bothering to get up, she rolled around and curled up into a fetal position, crawling back underneath the warmth of her blanket. She had absolutely no reason to leave the bed.

Unfortunately, her roommate did not agree.

"Shimako!" She almost jumped up straight with a silent shriek as her door flung open violently with a loud crack, slamming against the wall. On the doorway stood a tall woman with short, blonde hair whose grey eyes were accusingly directed towards her. Shimako pulled her blanket instinctively up to her chin.

"You grouch! I'm hungry but the fridge is empty!" The intruder pouted and crossed the room, apparently willing to drag her out of bed with force if necessary.

"Sei…" She whined, too tired to fight back properly. "It's Saturday…"

"Hunger does not care what day or time it is… come on, get up. I know a place where we can get a nice breakfast." Eying Shimako's face intently, the look of impatience turned into one of concern.

"Haven't you got enough sleep again?"

"Nope," Shimako replied simply and surrounded to her cousin's persistence, already feeling disturbed and knew that Sei would just bother if she insisted on staying in bed. She slid out of her shelter and sighed heavily, stretching her tired body.

"One would think that medical students know how to be mindful of themselves…" Sei stated, not even trying to hide her sarcastic undertone. Her eyes narrowed into slits. "You've lost weight."

Shimako just shrugged. "Food is not always within easy reach."

"Geez!" Sei exclaimed, clutching both hands against her head dramatically. "That's a lame excuse for your inability of cooking! She clicked her tongue impatiently and palmed her face in disbelief. "Get dressed!" she demanded, shooing her into the bathroom.

As soon as she was in the bathroom she leant against the door and closed her eyes for a moment and shook her head. A small yet wistful smile graced her quivering lips. Her cousin possessed a caring personality by nature even though she usually kept that side hidden. Lately, however, was she almost unbearable with the way she tried to pursue her on campus, only to invite her for lunch or to make sure that she had enough to drink.

Slowly opening her eyes, she walked towards the sink and had a long close look at herself. Lacklustre, grey-blue eyes, highlighted with dark circles were staring right back. Her once so angelic face was sunken, hardly resembling the one of a 22-year-old. Pale and clear white skin – usually an ideal of beauty where she came from originally – appeared unhealthy, so fragile; almost like the corpses she was used to anatomize.

Another heavy sigh left her chest. She ran her hand slowly through her light brown tresses – only to find out that her tips were brittle. Shimako closed her eyes again. Not daring to look as she took off her silky nightgown with her undergarments and stepped into the shower. Her exhausted body stiffened as the first splash of cold water came in contact with her sensitive skin. She could have taken a step back but felt the need to shock her systems to fully awaken. The subsequent heat that trickled down her frame was relaxing, almost comforting. Clearing her clouded mind.

It had already been three long years since she had given in to her desire to break out of her familiar surroundings. That time she hadn't felt the necessity to think long as soon as the opportunity had arisen and she had left Japan, accepting the scholarship to study medicine that had been offered to her. Sei, her beloved cousin, had welcomed her with open arms and acted as her tower of strength in this foreign country.

As much as she missed her father and her so much loved Ginko trees, the tiring studies and the cruel, short breaks made it impossible to go back for a visit. Her family wasn't rich, but wealthy enough to provide her with everything she needed to live a quiet life without having to think about a part-time job.

And yet she wished she could be more independent.

"Shi-maa-koo…" a sulky voice interrupted her musings, caused her to giggle. A 'hangry' Sei was never easy to deal with. "I'll be right there." She said through the closed door, turning off the water and stepped out of the shower. She gripped her towel and began the process of drying herself off, getting ready for general public.

Completely dressed, she followed the compelling aroma of black coffee that wafted heavily through their flat and found herself in the kitchen. Fitting to the rest of their apartment was it a small, tiny room. The walls were painted in a warm rose and decorated with framed photographs of black and white impressions of the city that Sei had taken before Shimako started living with her, made it the more snugly, pleasant and offered enough space for the simplest kinds of necessary equipment and a dining table for the both of them. But even though that she would say that a functional stove or countertops were must haves, the only environment she was used to handle was the microwave.

"Here, drink that. It seems you need it." Sei offered, placing a steaming cup in between her hands while she took her seat.

"Thank you…" She sipped carefully as to not get burned and couldn't help but creased her face in disappointment. It wasn't near of that taste she had the other day.

Sei furrowed an eyebrow. "Why that look? Did it offend you somehow?"

Shimako chuckled softly "Sorry, but…" A deep sigh left her chest and she set up her mug and tilted her head to meet curious grey eyes. Her voice dropped down to a husky whisper, "Have you ever tasted something so good that everything you try out afterwards is nothing less than a cheap reminder, a failed copy? Only faint hints of the original and leaves you all the more with nothing but the intense longing for the unique and so addictive taste?"

Sei's eyes widened in surprise but the corner of her lips twitched dangerously, turning slowly into a grin. "Is that your polite way of telling me that my coffee sucks?"

Shimako shot her a serene smile. "Maybe?"

Her cousin burst into a barking laughter. "You're the one to complain, missy. I'm not even sure that you know how the coffee brewer functions…"

"Granted, I don't." Shimako shrugged, shoving off her mug. Sadly, it was a waste of resources but she couldn't force herself to drink that lifeless sludge after tasting the real deal.

"Shimako..." The sudden meekness in Sei's voice made her cringe.

"She called… Twice… Saying that you don't answer your phone."

Shimako remained silent and tensed up, albeit visibly, while her gaze settled down on her hands now on her lap.

Sei sighed wholeheartedly, tousling pensively through her short hair. "I don't want to pry, but it's been a few months a-"

"She cheated on me…" Shimako cut her off and looked up, wondering herself about the steadiness of her voice.

"Oh…" She could clearly see the gears turning in that intelligent brain. Sei's face grew pale in bewilderment. "Would never have guessed…" She mumbled grimly, eyes tightening in anger.

Shimako shook her head calmly. "We're not in bad terms, though…" Sei snorted in disgust but remained silent, waiting for her cousin to continue.

"The relationship was over in that very moment I left… I mean…" Shimako explained, drawing little circles on the table with her fingertips. "I had been too much of an optimist to think that we can make it despite the distance and it wasn't fair to expect from her to wait for me. She never wanted me to leave in the first place…"

"So what? You could at least show some anger but all you do is suffering in silence!"

Shimako shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. "I can't be mad at her… She was honest and had told me about the girl long before something happened and I just call it cheating because…" She swallowed; it was not easy to talk about it even if she felt some kind of relief to let it out a little. "… because she only had confessed that day as she actually planned to board a plane to visit me… But even if I'm disappointed, I really can't be mad…"

Sei shook her head furiously. "I assume you broke up, only speaking through the phone and saying things like 'Let's stay friends'?"

"Hm… Pretty much…" Shimako admitted and reached out for Sei's hand to take it in between her owns. "It's better that way and I'm just glad that I didn't lose her completely…" She played with the blonde's pinkie absentmindedly. "I'm just not calling her back because some days… It's hard to know that she's happy without me…"

Sei grunted, freeing her hand to tap Shimako on her forehead. "You're too nice… Too much of a forgiving person." Though, her expressions softened as she cupped her cheek tenderly. "Just saying to let go wouldn't help, would it? It's too fresh. And knowing you, I'm sure you'll handle it somehow…"

"Sure, I do…" Shimako replied, smiling affirmatively in spite of the tightness in her chest. She had to.

"Well…" Sei mumbled, deciding to drop the topic. "Let's go and eat!"

Standing in the doorway she looked back and said with a serious voice, "You're tough, Shimako…" but then she grinned, Cheshire cat-like."But don't you dare criticise my coffee once more before you've learned to handle more than the microwave!" With that she left the kitchen to grab their coats, leaving Shimako behind with an amused smile.


Dusseldorf, renowned for its fashion, fair trades and also for its academy of fine arts, was one of the most populous cities in Germany. With the proximity to the Rhine, its shopping districts and must-have-seen-once places of interests, was it not only a popular destination for tourists but also attractive to many students – even if mainly due to the exciting night life in old downtown.

Most of them, however, had to live outside since the expenses would easily exceed every allowance a student could earn. But thanks to the large and well-connected Japanese community, Sei had been able to make some deals in order to provide for herself, and later Shimako, with an apartment not far from the university they attended.

It was a grey, Saturday morning and Shimako shivered as a merciless breeze of cold wind swirled around her. She instinctively buried her hands deeper in the pockets of her mantle and hunched her shoulders to brace herself against the blast. It should be spring and yet nothing but very few signs of sprouting leaves on still all too naked trees were hinting that the lifelessness of this city would hopefully soon vanish and be reanimated.

Shimako was deep in her thoughts as she walked silently on Sei's side, not paying attention as to where her cousin was leading her and was almost startled as she found herself entering the by then just once felt welcoming embrace. The so long missed feeling of home.

"Look, what we have here…" a young, feminine woman with long, dark-chocolate hair, braided in two pigtails greeted them with a smirk. She wiped her hands off on her apron as she approached the pair. "Long time no see, Sei. I already thought that you've forgotten about us."

"Hey, Yoshino…" Sei greeted back sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. "I was hurting, you know… Your boss dumped me… Again."

Yoshino giggled behind a hand, "Her weak spots are princesses, ladies. Not a lecherous old man like you." She winked as Sei pursed her lips into a pout. "But it seems…" Yoshino turned her eyes towards Shimako who fidgeted slightly under the considering gaze. "It seems that you already found yourself a new victim? And what a fair one." She smiled friendly.

Shimako decided to participate in the apparent, affectionate banter. "Victim would be right, but that's because I have no choice but to live with her." She smiled sweetly. "I'm Shimako, Sei's cousin."

"Ah, you're so nice today, Shimako…" Sei whined, attempting to ruffle her cousin's hair who took not a moment too soon a small step back.

Yoshino chuckled. "Well then, come on in and welcome to our humble abode. Let me take your coats and Sei, your favourite table is free."

They followed their hostess through the guestroom until they reached an old but solid table of oak, equipped with the ancient wing chair Shimako had admired the last time she had been here. She couldn't help but graced tenderly across the gilded armrest and settled down onto the softness of the dark red cushion in awe.

"That's actually my seat…" Sei complained but threw herself on the sun yellow armchair in the opposite to her.

"Not anymore…" Shimako set her straight with a smile of pure happiness. It was so comfy.

"What would you want for breakfast?" Yoshino asked with a chuckle.

"Café au lait and pancakes please~." Sei sing-songed, blushing a little as her stomach grumbled right on time to promote her request.

Yoshino nodded and turned her attention to Shimako. "And you?"

"I would like a cappuccino."

"Shimako…" Sei said with a stern voice. "You have to eat something."

Before Shimako could protest, Yoshino voiced out "Let me handle that, Sei." She winked at Shimako. "I'm sure that our chef will be able to convince you about the pleasure of a good and satiable breakfast."

She left in order to deliver their requests to the kitchen staff and then went behind the bar to prepare the coffees. Not long after, the rich scent of roasted beans enveloped the whole restaurant, pulling Shimako's eyelids downwards, leaving a dreamy smile on her face and helped her to relax more into her seat.

"I heard that we have someone here who doesn't know how to appreciate the power of a filling breakfast…"

Shimako opened her eyes and was unable to hold back a small smile after hearing the lovely voice. "Déjà vu…" She mumbled quietly, meeting sparkling orbs whose depths reminded her of Mokka, a Turkish-Arabian speciality of coffee that was drunk to say 'May our friendship last for 40 years.'"

"Hey, Yumi!" Sei broke out into a dazzling smile, almost drooling at the sight of stapled pancakes, fluffy and covered with the right amount of maple syrup and a knob of crinkled butter on top.

"Sei…" Yumi giggled. "I see you're hungry…" She settled the plate down in front of the blonde who was readily waiting with her cutlery in hands to dig in. Her eyes were glazed with pure undiluted appetite, but her manners didn't allow her to start eating. She looked up again. "What do you have for Shimako?"

"Shimako is your name then?" Yumi asked, while putting down a plate with toasted slices of buttered white bread and assorted cold meat that was garnished with red cocktail tomatoes, pieces of cucumber and lettuce leaves. Although what caught Shimako's most attention was a glass filled with a dark-green fluid and she had to admit, it appeared untempting to drink.

"Y-yes, that's me." She replied politely, turning her gaze to meet gentle eyes. "Is that for me?" she asked attentively.

"Indeed. But…" Yumi nudged Sei with her elbow. "Go on, start eating before they get cold."

"Yes, ma'am!" Sei obliged enthusiastically. As soon as the first piece of her delicious pancakes met her lips and disappeared into her mouth, a low moan of pleasure escaped her enclosed lips. She chewed slowly, enjoying and loving the feeling of fluffiness that was mixed with the honey-like and yet a little nutty but mild sweetness of maple syrup.

"Safe to say that you like them…" Yumi chuckled and turned her attention towards Shimako again since Sei was completely taken by her breakfast.

"You're not that much of a big eater, are you?"

"Not really…" Shimako admitted shyly. This woman with the long brown hair and the kindest eyes just had her way to charm a blush on her pale cheeks. "What is that?" She pointed at the glass with the odd-looking liquid. Weariness in her eyes.

"That's a green smoothie." She replied while pulling a stool from another table and sat down. "I just thought that pancakes or other heavy dishes for breakfast would overwork your stomach because you might be not used to them, unlike Sei here."

Sei stuck out her tongue briefly and continued to eat her pancakes. Not able to take off her mind from the heavenly taste.

"You know, Shimako…" Yumi leant her chin on folded hands, smiling so captivatingly that Shimako had no difficulties at all to listen closely. "Eating breakfast in order to start your day at best is not just a saying… I have my own preferences when it comes to food in the morning but I chose these for you because I don't want you to become sick. That's why I kept it light."

"The green smoothie doesn't look that tasty, though…" Shimako said, furrowing her brow.

"Don't judge a book by its cover… It will taste unusual at first, but then… Who knows? Maybe it will turn into your favourite drink?" She shoved the glass to Shimako. "Be brave…" She challenged mischievously.

Shimako cleared her throat and gripped the glass, still sceptical; she led it slowly to her mouth. She felt the blush creeping further down her neck by the intense look Yumi was giving her and almost missed her lips but then…

It was a smooth feeling on her tongue, not that unpleasant as she had expected. The taste was unusual, herb at first, but taking another sip – a sweetened explosion went past her gums, underlining the barely noticeable bitterness and made it the more to a drink Shimako never had tasted before. The creaminess of the green fluid was surprisingly digestible, refreshing and made its way down slowly to her stomach, tingling her nerves and left an enjoyable sensation in its wake.

Before Shimako knew, she had emptied the glass and settled it down with a thud. "Wow…" She said breathlessly, cheeks heated.

"I take that as a compliment…" Yumi grinned, obviously pleased with Shimako's reaction.

"What do-… How d-…" Shimako, even if wide awake now, couldn't help but stutter helplessly. Her mind too occupied with the invigorating jolts that rushed through her body.

"It's just a mixture of water, baby spinach, and fruits like apples, bananas, a handful of berries, a few leaves of mint and a dash of lime," Yumi explained. "I can say that it is healthy, but it would be beyond my capabilities to make an attempt to explain to you why. I just know that it is refreshing and whenever I drink it, I feel comfortable and have more energy when I consume it with a light breakfast like you are having it now." She chuckled at Shimako's still dreamy state.

"Please enjoy your breakfast; I have to go back to the kitchen." She said, winking at Sei who had finished her pancakes and was now leaning back in her armchair, completely satisfied and relaxed.

"Do you always take the time to serve your guests personally…?" Shimako blurted, cheeks already red went even redder.

If Yumi was caught off guard with that question she didn't show.

"I have a mission…" Her hazel eyes were twinkling playfully and Shimako felt goosebumps spreading down her spine at the sight of her charming smile.

"Besides, I have a weak spot for young ladies who are screaming to be pleased…"

With that said she turned around and left Shimako behind with the question as for how she should take that revelation.

A sly smile tugged at her lips, slowly growing into a full-blown one.

That, she vowed, was now her quest she was determined to solve.


A/N: Please review!

xLaShay