Flashback

"Oh man, I really have no idea what I'm doing. Maybe I should have just stayed…" Natsuki sat on the floor in the hallway of her new school. She was flabbergasted by her new surroundings and people for that matter. Natsuki was busy trying to find her new science class but couldn't comprehend the complex school map.

"I'm soooooooo gonna be late! This is so frustrating. Why can't they just have someone lead you to all your classes? This is totally insane!" Natsuki shouted as she banged her head lightly against the wall. She closed her eyes as she heard the school bell ring, knowing she was late she just stayed put.

"I really hate this; I should have stayed in Kyoto." (Sighs heavily)

"Did you say… Kyoto?" Natsuki opened her eyes slowly to see the figure of a beautiful young woman standing before her. Natsuki quickly got up off the floor and brushed herself off.

"Y-yeah! I'm originally from here… uh Tokyo! I-I recently came back to go to school here, in-in Tokyo from Kyoto!" Natsuki felt painfully embarrassed as the girl sweetly smiled at her. She knew what an idiot she must have sounded like to the young woman with all her stuttering and with her face now turning beat red.

"I'm from Kyoto as well. You're the first person I've met who came from the same place as I have."

"O-oh! Well this must be fate then." (Grr! What the hell was that! Did I just say that!)

"I guess so." The girl replied with a chuckle.

"By the way my name is Shizuru. Shizuru Fujino." Natsuki had a look of nostalgia about her face. Shizuru saw this and looked on with concern.

"Is everything alright?"

"That name sounds oddly familiar." Shizuru then smiled.

"It should. My father owns most of the company's here in Japan."

"Hehe. You don't say." Natsuki said with a half smile as she forced a tiny laugh.

"Well my name's Natsuki Kuga. It's very nice to meet you Shizuru." They both smiled at each other for a few moments. But then Natsuki suddenly realized something.

"Damn! I'm so late for class! And I have no clue where this stupid class is!"

"Hmm? What class are you looking for?" Natsuki held up her class schedule to Shizuru's face and pointed out the science class that she should've been in ten minutes ago.

"Oh I know where this class is. In fact, I have the same class right now. So I guess we'll be late together." Shizuru laughed and Natsuki did as well along with her. The two started walking side by side converting in idle chit chat.

"I guess I'm lucky." Natsuki suddenly said.

"Why's that?"

"Cause if I wasn't sitting on the floor like that… we might not have met." Shizuru smiled and nodded.

"You know, Natsuki. You looked rather cute sitting on the floor like that."

"What!"

"Yeah like a lost little puppy waiting for its master." She laughed as she left behind a stunned and blushing Natsuki.

"Hey hey! Wait a minute Shizuru!"

End of Flashback

"What am I doing?" Natsuki asked herself as she stood in front of the door of Nao and Yuichi's house. Every time she reached her hand up to ring the bell she retreated back.
(This is stupid. I should have really said no, I saw it in Nao's eyes she didn't want me to come tonight. The only reason I said yes was to be a show-off… in front of him. The real reason I'm here is…) Natsuki took a deep breath in and out as she pointed out her index finger to ring the doorbell. Before she could the door quickly swung open.

"Uh, Natsuki? What are you doing?"

"Um, well I was… trying to ring the doorbell…"

"Oh. I'm sorry if I startled you. I thought I heard someone out here it's why I opened up the door the way I did. I'm sorry. But you should've just come in you know, besides the door was open." Natsuki's eyes narrowed as she glared at Nao.

"What?"

"Are you that trusting or are you that foolish?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I mean so unexpectedly a stranger could come waltzing into your home. For you to leave the door unlocked is idiotic. And I thought you were supposed to be the smart one." Nao crossed her arms and looked away from Natsuki.

"Well excuse me I didn't know that what I do within my own house wasn't up to your standards. Next time I'll run everything by you, including when I take a shower. Would that suit you?"

"Look you don't gotta be so obnoxious. I'm just worried about your safety." Nao dropped her arms to her sides and her mouth hung open as she looked back at Natsuki. She tilted her head to the side a little as she curiously looked at Nao. (Since when are you worried about me?)

"Did I say something weird? Or do I have something on my face?" Nao shook her head.

"It's nothing. Never mind, please come in."

"Fine, fine. Since you asked; so nicely." Natsuki stated as she bypassed Nao making her way into the house. Nao closed the door behind her and shook her head. (Why can't she ever be serious? Everything's always a joke to you) Nao thought to herself as she walked into the main room following behind Natsuki. As soon as they both had entered the room Yuichi was there, greeting Natsuki with arms wide open. He had welcomed her with a big hug.
Natsuki felt a tad uncomfortable with Yuichi's sudden affection. She gave him a few pats on the back before he finally let go of her. He pulled away and smiled at her.

"I'm glad you made it! I really am. So would you like something to drink?"

"Yuichi I don't think—

"Sure, water please." Nao was a bit rattled with amazement.

"Okay. I'll be right back, you two wait here." Yuichi happily said before heading off to the kitchen. Natsuki happened to glance over at Nao who was still very intently staring at her.

"What is it? Why do you keep giving me dirty looks?"

"Hmph! I'm not!" Nao said crossly.

"I'm just surprised that's all. Maybe you are growing up."

"Why? Cause I asked for water? Get over yourself doc. What I wanna drink is up to me right, I didn't feel like drinking any alcohol you know. Thanks though Nao."

"What for?"

"For thinking I'm a lush all the time."

"I didn't… I'm sorry, Natsuki." Nao knew she couldn't really defend herself here, knowing that a while ago she had accused her friend of having a drinking problem. It really came back to her from the other night when she had to pick up Natsuki from that seedy looking bar. Nao suddenly felt the slightest pressure being applied to her right shoulder, when she looked over she saw that Natsuki hand was placed there.

"You have every right to think of me as you wish. Most of what you think and say of me is true. How you put up with me, I'll never know."

"It's my job… as your friend." Natsuki smiled at Nao, and Nao returned the smile.

"Hey, sorry I took awhile. I had a call I had to take so my apologies." Yuichi said walking back into the living room with a glass of water in one hand and another small glass in the other. He smiled as he handed Natsuki the glass of water. She took it from him and thanked him as he handed Nao the other glass he firmly held in the palm of his hand.

"Thanks Yuichi, but I didn't want anything." Nao said looking at the glass.

"Well it's just in case. It wouldn't be right that either of us had something to drink and you didn't. It's not very polite."

"Yeah I know but—

DING DONG DING DONG

Nao was cut off by the sudden ringing of the doorbell. She was about to walk over to the door and answer it when Yuichi put his hand on her shoulder stopping her in her tracks. Instead he went to go answer the door, Nao looked on in curiosity. Both Nao and Natsuki glanced at each other with confused looks about their faces. Soon Yuichi had returned… but he didn't come back alone. In fact another man had come in following behind him. As soon Nao caught a glimpse of who Yuichi's friend was she gave him a cold stare.

"Yuichi dear, you didn't tell me you were expecting anymore company."

"Hehe yeah… it was kind of last minute you know?"

"No I didn't know. (Sighs) I should have known you were going to pull this."

"Hey what's going on here?" Natsuki asked with a puzzled look on her face.

Yuichi pulled the stranger to his side and put his hand on his shoulder. They both walked up to Natsuki and Nao, Nao rolled her eyes and then smacked her hand against her forehead. Natsuki still had no idea what was going on as she took noticed of Nao's grumbling; she couldn't make out what she was saying.

"Natsuki, I'd like for you to meet Masashi Takeda." Yuichi said proudly as he practically shoved Takeda in Natsuki's face. She sighed softly as she let on a weak smile.

"It's um… very nice to me you. My names—

"Kuga, Natsuki Kuga. I remember." Takeda smiled widely as Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

"Uh… have we met before?" He nodded.

"Yes! About a year ago. I guess you don't remember me huh? Well it was a year ago after all. A-anyway! How have you been? You still look as beautiful as the first time I met you." As Takeda kept praising and talking Natsuki's ear off Nao had stepped over to Yuichi who was sipping on his drink. She nudged at his side; it was more like she elbowed him in his ribs.

"OW! What did you do that for?"

"What the hell is this Yuichi? I thought we talked about this, we agreed not to set her up. At least I said no I know that much."

"I know I know. But before I even told you about this I had already talked to Takeda… he sounded very excited when I told him. To tell him only a few moments later that he wouldn't be able to go out with Natsuki was… I just couldn't do it. He was really happy Nao. I didn't want to let him down."

"And what about Natsuki? Did you take into consideration how she might feel about all this?" Yuichi lowered his head in shame.

"Obviously I wasn't thinking. I'm sorry but—

"Forget it now. It's too late. But what are we going to do now? You forced them both into an impossible situation."

"Well maybe I can try and talk him out of it." The two walked back over to Takeda and Natsuki. Takeda was still talking her ear off and Natsuki seemed very unpleasant about it, she looked as if she was about to pop a blood vessel. Nao stood back by Natsuki's side and softly put her hand on Natsuki's forearm.

"Natsuki just relax alright?" Nao said to her in a whispered voice.

"So where was I… ah yes I was telling you about the Dojo. So anyway—

"Hey, hey Takeda. Mind if I borrow you for a second?" Takeda turned around to face Yuichi. Nao still held onto Natsuki's arm, but with her other free arm she firmly grasped the glass in her hand and raised it high above Takeda's head. Nao quickly pulled her other arm down and pushed her back into the kitchen. Nao let go of Natsuki once they got into the kitchen.

"What the hell where you thinking! Have you really lost your mind!" Nao yelled at Natsuki in a low tone of voice.

"I-I don't know! Nao… I-I-I just couldn't take it anymore. I needed to shut him up he wouldn't stop talking."

"So you were going to bash his head in!"

"Well… yeah." Natsuki said bluntly.

"I cannot believe you. Why would you even think of doing such a thing?"

"Ask your goofy husband!"

"What?"

"The only reason I was drove insane a few seconds ago was because of his friend. I don't even know the guy!"

"Well you could if you gave him chance." Natsuki walked up closer to Nao and crossed her arms.

"So you were in on this too?"

"In on what?"

"Your husband turning me into his personal dating service! Trying to hook me up with his friends, you were in on it!"

"No Natsuki! You've got it all wrong! I didn't want this. I swear." Nao said in a pleading voice, trying to reassure Natsuki that what was going on here wasn't her idea at all.

"Shut up! I didn't come here to get set up!"

"That's not what I—

"I came here to be with you!"

"N-Natsuki…" Nao became speechless. Her face flushed and her eyes began to well up with tears. Natsuki's simple words had pierced Nao in such a way that she was moved to tears. She couldn't control it as a few tears fell down her face. Natsuki put her hands on Nao's cheeks and with her thumbs wiped away her tears.

"Did you really think I came here because he invited me? Do you still think I'm that naïve? I knew he wouldn't just invite me here of his own free will. I discovered already that he was up to something, although I wasn't sure if you were in on it too."

"How… how did you know?"

"I heard you two talking through the door before I left your office. Sorry… I eavesdropped." Nao shook her head and placed both her hands over Natsuki's.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Nao asked.

"Because then I would have lost my excuse to come over here and spend time with you. Nao I wanted to be with you… alone. Just like in your office today."

"Natsuki…" Natsuki lowered head and moved her face closer to Nao's. Nao's heart raced faster and faster the closer Natsuki got, her breathing became shallow and she felt a slight tingle go up and down her spine.

"Nao… you have to know… Nao I think that maybe… I'm f—

"Hey is everything alright in here?" Nao quickly pushed Natsuki's hands off her and wiped her remaining tears away. She nodded at Yuichi who was standing at the entrance of the kitchen doorway.

"Y-yes Yuichi everything is fine. Really we'll be out in a sec." She weakly smiled at her husband who looked on at the two of them oddly. He just nodded and smiled back.

"Sure, no problem. Takeda was getting anxious."

"Anxious?" Natsuki quickly replied.

"Yeah… he wants to take you out. Uh, like right now."

"Are you serious?" Natsuki snapped angrily back at Yuichi. Before she continued on in her outburst she happened to notice the look on Nao's face. Natsuki sighed and held her tongue.

"Fine… tell him I'll be ready in a minute."

"Great. I'll tell him." Yuichi walked out of the kitchen and back into the living room.

"He couldn't talk Takeda out of it." Nao spoke up softly.

"Your fool of a husband is just that. He didn't try hard enough if that's what he was even trying to do. I'll go on this silly date to please them but I'm not going to like it. I'm just letting you know in advance."

"I know Natsuki… I know." Nao said in a sadden voice. She started to head out of the kitchen when Natsuki suddenly grabbed her arm stopping her from leaving. She turned to look back her Natsuki; her eyes had a hint of sadness to them.

"Nao… I'm sorry."

"What are you sorry for?"

"I realized… how much trouble I do cause for you. You always put yourself out there for me, and I never do the same for you in return. I'll try and be better for you." With that said Natsuki, still holding onto Nao's arm walked over to her. She smiled sweetly at Nao before letting go of her arm and walked out of the kitchen with Nao following behind her. (Natsuki… you promised me that a long time ago. But do you mean it this time? I don't know if I could ever trust you again… after you left me like you did. I want to believe you…)

Later that evening…

"I'll have a glass of red wine."

"Very good, sir. And for you miss?"

"I'll have what he's having." Natsuki lazily replied to the waiter.

"Of course. I'll be right back."

"No take your time… no rush. But it would be nice you'd put a little spring in your step." The waiter looked at Natsuki with disgust and even cursed her under his breath as he walked away from their table.

"Uh… Natsuki? Is everything alright?" Takeda asked nervously.

"Yeah…" Natsuki was hardly paying any attention to him as she stared out the restaurant's window. She sat crookedly in her seat turning her torso away from the table. She had her elbow situated on the arm rest of the chair resting her chin in the palm of her hand.

"Well it's just that… you didn't have to be rude. You sure that nothing is bothering you?" Takeda said as Natsuki sat back in her seat correctly, crossing her arms and legs. She sat uneasy in her chair at she felt like she was being interrogated.

"Look Takuya…"

"It's Takeda…"

"Right… sorry. Listen I'm sorry if I'm not being good company right now… I have a lot of stuff on my mind right now. I'm not the best person to be around at the moment." Takeda nodded.

"It's understandable. Hey I have an idea." (Oh joy. Can't wait to hear his; brilliant idea.)

"Go ahead genius. Lay it on me."

"Well why, don't you tell me a bit about yourself."

"Yeah… there's not much to tell." Natsuki replied sounding all the more bored. Takeda could tell that Natsuki wasn't at all enthused about it. She didn't even show the slightest interest. Natsuki sighed and shook her head and began to speak.

"Look sport. There's nothing to tell. I'm a very laid back person I keep to myself mostly. I don't have any friends or family to talk to I'm a loner I don't like crowds much. I'm really a very boring person you wouldn't like to be around me for more than a day… if you even lasted that long.

"I don't believe that…" Takeda sounded a little hurt through his words more like he sounded disappointed than anything else. Before he could say anything else the waiter finally came back holding a tray in his hand with the bottle of wine and two glasses. He placed the tray on the table and set one glass by Takeda and the other by Natsuki. He then took the bottle and poured some of the contents into each of the glasses.

"Make sure you leave the bottle." Natsuki said as she took the bottle out of his hand and poured more of the wine into her glass until it was filled to the rim.

"Very well. Are you two ready to order?" Takeda looked over at Natsuki who gulped down the glass of wine. He turned back to look at the waiter and shook his head.

"N-no. We need a little more time."

"Yes sir."

"Hey I have an idea… why don't you tell me more about your Dojo."

"Oh! That's right. So the Kendo Dojo I run was passed down to me by my father. And from his father to him and so on and so forth. One day when I have a son I will be sure to pass it on to him as well. The Dojo has been in our family for a few generations now. The current number of students now is one hundred and fifty; the highest the school has ever held is two hundred."

"So you train them all by yourself?" Natsuki said with a bit of curiosity.

"Yes, well I have two assistants that help me out every now and then. Of course I had to train them too for them to become my right hand men. It gets monotonous though, I've been doing this for seven years now. I think I'm going to retire soon… I have thought of it but as a family tradition I have to keep this school going. Plus on a high note it keeps me in good shape and keeps my reflexes sharp."

Natsuki poured herself another full glass of wine as she continued on listening to Takeda go on about his Kendo school. He talked about the different techniques and the ways of a true Kendo master, who lives by the code of the sword for honor and justice. That the way to wield the sword is to think of it as an extension of your arm so that it flows effortlessly, move as if you aren't even holding onto anything… just waving you arm in a steady back and forth motion.

"Aagh…"

"Hm? Natsuki… are you alright?" Natsuki held her hands on her stomach with a pained look on her face. She began to make all kinds of disturbing noises. She put her hand on the table and pushed herself away and stood up from her seat.

"S-sorry… my stomach is really hurting… will you excuse me?" Takeda nodded his head franticly as Natsuki ran toward the restroom area. As soon as she got there she ran into the nearest stall, she closed and locked the stall door and sat down on the toilet seat. (Sighs)

"Ah! Finally… I get a few minutes away from that guy. Heh didn't know I was that good of an actor. Damn can he talk, but that was my mistake for asking about his damn Dojo school or whatever." Natsuki lifted her legs and held her feet up against the door as she put her hands behind her head in a cradling format.

"I mean he's a nice enough guy… just so not interested. If anything Nao would be— Natsuki quickly shut her mouth. She sat up in a slumping position in the stall.

"Nao… Why am I thinking of her? This is crazy we only slept together once. Well that's not really true…." Natsuki talked to herself when a small smirk graced her lips.

"I'll give it another five minutes. Then I'll wrap this silly little date up. (Sighs) Nao… you owe me." After fifteen minutes or so Natsuki finally left the bathroom and made her way back over to Takeda who as soon as she came back asked worryingly if she was feeling well. Natsuki reassured him that everything was fine with a warm smile and soft voice she explained to him that she spontaneously gets stomach aches like that. He smiled and the two sat down at their table. The waiter came back shortly as well asking if they would like to order anything to eat and if there was anything else they needed.
They both ordered the same thing. A steak cooked medium well. As the night dragged on the two talked about trivial things, mostly ongoing things in their lives.
They ate in silence though once their food came and of course Natsuki had another glass of wine. She downright polished off the whole bottle herself, leaving nothing left for Takeda. Being the gentlemen that he was he told Natsuki that he would gladly take her back home.

He paid the tab and left a very generous tip for the waiter. They exited the restaurant and he escorted Natsuki to his car. Once inside the vehicle she guided Takeda the way to her apartment. The two didn't talk much on the way back to her place; they both have figured they talked enough. And although Takeda took note of Natsuki's behavior this evening, that still didn't make him think less or lose any infatuation he had of her. As soon as they neared Natsuki's building Takeda slowed his car down and parked right in front. Hastily he got out of the car and opened the door for Natsuki.

"I-I'll walk you to your door Natsuki."

"Um… no that's okay. I'll be fine I'm a big girl."

"N-no I don't mind at all." (This guy must think he's gonna get lucky with me or something. Do I look that easy?) They walked to the entrance and right to the elevator, all the while Natsuki was gritting her teeth. When the elevator came they both boarded, Natsuki stood in the corner near the panel and pressed the button for the 7th floor while Takeda stood in the other corner at the far end on the elevator. They rode up in silence yet again neither of them spoke a word.

DING!

"Well this is my floor. You can go now." Takeda waved his hand dismissively.

"No I'll walk you to your door." Natsuki sighed.

"Takeda… it's like five feet from the elevator. Nothing's going to happen to me between here and my door."

"It's no trouble." Takeda grinned and Natsuki rolled her eyes as they both walked over to Natsuki's apartment door. Natsuki unlocked her door and stepped halfway into the apartment.

"So thanks for taking me out."

"Yeah, no problem. We should do it again." Takeda said proudly.

"Uh listen… I don't think—

"I was thinking maybe tomorrow night." He interrupted her as he stood closer to Natsuki in the doorway.

"You know Natsuki… maybe I could come in and we –

"Yeah, goodnight!"

SLAM!

Natsuki slammed the door right in Takeda's face. He was a stunned by that sudden shut out but he made his way back over to the elevator. (Don't think I'm giving up on you Natsuki Kuga. Damn she's so hot!) Meanwhile Natsuki was safely in her apartment; she flopped down onto her couch and sighed heavily. About an hour or so had passed as Natsuki who was still sitting on the couch had fallen asleep. She was awoken by the sound of someone knocking at her door. Natsuki groaned as she got up to see who it was disturbing her at this hour. Natsuki flung the door open.

"What is it?"

"Whoa. Is that how you answer the door for everybody?"

"Tch, Nao. What the hell are you doing here?" Nao walked into the apartment and Natsuki closed the door behind her. She went over and sat back down on the couch and put her feet up on the coffee table.

"If you want something to drink… well you know where the fridge is."

"Nice attitude Natsuki. Is this how you treat all your guests?"

"Nope, just you. 'Cause your special." Natsuki stated in a sarcastic way.

"Oh well thanks. I'm flattered." Nao walked over by Natsuki and pushed her feet off the coffee table.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you not to put your feet up on furniture?"

"My mom's dead. So I don't care. Unless… are you taking over as my mother?" Nao sighed and crossed her arms.

"Besides it's my place I can do what I want. What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn't you be home getting it on with your husband?"

"Shut up alright? I came to see you. I wanted to know how your date was." Natsuki let out a huge laugh.

"HAHAHAHAHA! Seriously! You came all the way here to ask me that! You're a riot Nao!" She said through her laughter. Nao was getting frustrated.

"I mean, I mean you could have called or texted me. Even e-mailed me for all you care. So why come half way across the city just to ask me how my date was?"

". . ."

"What no answer?" Natsuki smirked as she got up and stood directly in front of Nao. She put her arms around Nao's waist.

"Natsuki stop…"

"Not until you tell me the real reason why you're here."

"I told you why… I wanted to see how your date was." Nao replied shyly as she averted Natsuki's leering eyes. Natsuki dipped her head down and started to suck and kiss Nao's neck. Nao shuddered at the sudden sensation of Natsuki kissing her soft sensitive skin. Nao put her arms around Natsuki and grasped tightly onto her shirt.

"Aahha! Natsuki… d-don't… we can't…!" Nao shirked. Natsuki just smiled into each kiss she gave to Nao's neck.

"Not (kiss) until (kiss) you (kiss) tell (kiss) me why you're here."

"I-I-I-I wanted to know… ahhhaha! Wh-what you were going t-to tell me…" Natsuki halted her assault on Nao's neck.

"What do you mean?"

"In… the kitchen at my house. You said I had to know something. It was really bothering me that you weren't able to finish telling me what you wanted to say." Natsuki pulled back from Nao and sighed heavily. She shook her head.

"It wasn't important…"

"Yes it was. I know it was."

"Forget it Nao. It's pass tense."

"Not for me it's not. Please tell me Natsuki."

"You really wanna know what I was going to say to you?" Nao nodded. Natsuki smiled and pulled Nao closer to her body, putting her face closer to Nao's as the tips of their noses touched.

"N-Natsuki what are you doing now?"

"I'm trying to show you what it was that I was going to tell you earlier." Nao looked oddly at the woman who stood in front of her.

"How are you going to do that?"

"Keep your mouth shut and I'll show you." Natsuki locked lips with Nao softly kissing her at first before darting her tongue inside Nao's mouth. Nao moan sweetly through the kiss as she felt herself being pushed back. Natsuki had already started to unbutton Nao's blouse and began pushing her down onto the floor along with herself. As soon as she got her on the floor Natsuki wasted no time as she slid her hand underneath Nao's skirt and into her underwear.
Nao ran her fingers through Natsuki's long hair as she continued to kiss her back. Natsuki moved her other hand up Nao's body and reached up to her left breast where she began to caress her breast softly. Nao gripped on that much tighter to Natsuki's shoulder, soon after she started to pushed on Natsuki's shoulder forcing her back a little so that she could come up for air from their heated kissing. Nao desperately gasped for air.

"Natsuki… Natsuki… wait…" Nao said while panting heavily.

"What's… wrong? Natsuki said back as she too gasped for air.

"Haa… we… shouldn't…"

"But… I'm… trying to show… you how I feel…" Natsuki went back into kissing her. Nao couldn't fight it off any longer, she wasn't strong enough to fend off Natsuki but in the long run she came to realize that she was enjoying this feeling. She had come to terms with that fact that she wanted Natsuki just as bad as Natsuki wanted her.

To be continued...