Authors' note: Hooray for chapter 2! For those of you who have read the first, sorry this one took so long. Well, enjoy! And, review while you're at it.
Oh, and by the way, just to make sure no one gets confused or worried, I'm going to repeat that Kaori will NOT be paired with any of the boys in this story. Or anyone at all for that matter. Thank you.

Disclaimer: Sadly, only Kaori belongs to us.

Chapter 2 – Showers

Kaori stood in wait for her first job after having been forced to don an apron similar to the one Nook was wearing.

"Let's see, you first job will be… hmm… stocking shelves! Yes that's it! Stocking shelves is always fun! Get a box of stationary from the back and start stocking!" That said, the chubby raccoon tottered away.

Kaori sighed before setting off to do as she was told.

When she finished, Nook was filling papers in his office. "Are you finished?" he asked, seeing her standing in the doorway. Kaori nodded. "Great. Hmm, you look like you could use from fresh air. Around the back of the store you'll find some flowers and saplings. Plant them somewhere out front, would you?"

"What? Plant flowers! It's pouring rain outside!" the girl protested.

Then use an umbrella. But you'll have to buy that too," he chuckled.

"Nevermind," she said bitterly. Kaori exited the office just short of seething with anger.

"Why, oh, why did I have to move? I could be at home taking a nice hot bath or reading a book, but, no, I'm stuck working for some pompous raccoon to pay for a house that would fit into my old kitchen! And it doesn't even have a kitchen!" she ranted as she stamped to get the flowers, getting soaked from the torrential rain.

It took her just short of an hour to plant everything. She had managed to stay relatively clean, getting most of the dirt on the apron.

Tom Nook looked up from where he was taking inventory when Kaori came in. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

"No, of course not. I found it quite fun. Elating, actually." She answered, the sarcasm dripping from her voice.

The raccoon missed it completely. "I'm very glad to here that. I knew it would be. Who doesn't love planting in the rain, eh?"

Then why didn't you do it? Kaori would have liked to say, but instead only smiled sweetly as she wiped her hands on her apron and wrung out her lime green and black striped newsboy hat.

"Now, for your next job." The shopkeeper half waddled, half ran to the back of the store and came back with a box. "You are to deliver this to someone in town named Kyo. I have no idea where he lives. Good luck."

Kaori took the package and reluctantly trudged back into the rain, determined to find this 'Kyo' before she was completely soaked to the bone.

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After much searching Kaori finally found the house belonging to Kyo. She knew by the sign that read "Kyo's house." Well, she thought. How convenient.

She knocked, the tried the door when there was no answer. It was unlocked, so she went inside. Hope he doesn't mind.

The inside looked similar to that of a Japanese dojo, except with a variety of high-tech fitness equipment. In one corner were a plain bed, a simple nightstand and a small kitchen.

"Hey! What are you doin' here?"

Kaori spun around at the sudden voice behind her. A boy in his late teens stood before her. He had bright orange hair and red eyes. He was also sopping wet. Due to that fact, Kaori was able to see his muscles through his white T-shirt.

Check out those abs! He's got a six-pack! She thought quickly before speaking. "You must be Kyo."

"Yeah, and who the hell are you?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

"I'm Kaori. I just moved here. Um, this is for you. It's from Tom Nook," she said, handing him the package.

Kyo took it and nodded. "So you must be the new girl ninja-freak was talking about."

Ninja-freak? "Yeah, I guess that's me."

"So," the boy mused." When did you become Nook's lackey?"

Kaori smiled. "When I didn't have enough to pay for my house."

"Ouch. So," he said, sitting on the bed. "What do you want?"

The girl was confused. "Want?"

"In return for dropping off the box, I mean. What do you want? Like money, or," he looked her over, "clothes?"

"Oh, I don't really-"

"Fine. If you don't want to make a decision…" He walked over to the nightstand and pulled a small bag out of the drawer. He tossed it to Kaori.

"Kyo, Nook's paying me already, you don't have to-"

"Take it, dammit!"

The sudden outburst from the cat surprised Kaori. "Um, okay. Well, it was very nice meeting you, Kyo. I should get back to work. See you around."

"See ya," he muttered as she left.