wow. I didn't expect to be this far in only two days. Thanks to all you readers for leaving such wonderful reviews. Seriously, I've never read any that have made me so happy . but what I really ask of you is that you enjoy the story to your hearts content. and now, here is chapter 4.

--

-

She had to admit it.Kasumi was pretty excited to go the festival. Sure she didn't have a kimono to wear, but she didn't really mind it. What she was really looking forward to was just being there. Right now, she was the only one in the house. For some reason, Ryu sasid he had something he needed to head back to his shop to help close it down for the night. Kasumi felt bad that he had been watching over her for a full day now.

"I wonder if he would mind if I used his kitchen..."She muttered to herself.The least she could do to pay him back was make dinner.She took the time to observe the decor was she walked down the hall. The house itself was mostly barren, but occasionally a wall hanging came up .The kitchen Itself was a small kitchen but considering there was only one person in the home it did seem to suit.

There was a note on the table. Scribbled in black ink it read:

Kasumi,

If there is anything you need, please help yourself. Make yourself at home.

Hayabusa

She felt some what released. Now she wouldn't have to worry if she used his kitchen or not. But it was still hard to feel comfortable in a home like setting. Much less a man's home...Ryu's home.

"I better get started." She said to herself as she tied her hair back. She may have been living on her own for awhile but occasionally, Kasumi w would take a job somewhere. Mostly waiting tables or cooking a restaurants in random towns. Because of that, she was actually quite skilled in the kitchen.

"Oh...What should I make?" She asked herself. While she thought about the main course, she made sure to start rice off first.

She decided to use two of the three fish the she caught. Sashimi didn't sound like a bad idea. It was simple and she knew a couple tips on making it taste even better. Before she knew it, the table wast set for two and all she had left to do was wait for him to come home. Then the thought of eating alone with Ryu suddenly made her nervous. For a reason unknown to her, she felt like a house wife waiting for her husband to come home."Stop thinking like that, your simply paying him back for everything he's done to help you" She told herself.

The sound of the door sliding open made her jump. The way she was feeling wouldn't have been any different if an enemy was walking through the door, but somewhat to her dismay, it was indeed Ryu.

"I'm back."He greeted.

"W-welcome home. I Made dinner already if your hungry..."

She hoped he didn't notice, but she felt her cheeks burning up.

"Thank you.."

The two sat down and Kasumi served the rice.

"So how long have you been running that shop?' She asked. Hopefully some small talk would make her feel more comfortable.

"About 4 years. The store itself has been in the family for a couple generations though. Kind of like an heirloom."

"May I ask who ran it before?"

"It was my mother. But after she passe away it was decided that it would go to my father and I. After I turned 19, he came to the decision that I was old enough to run it on my own."

"I see. Well it's a very pleasent shop.When you walk in you,suddenly want to know the story behind everything."

"I'm glad you feel that way."

"How do you keep it stocked? "

"Well aside from people selling their old antiques to use, sometimes people from the clan bring them back from their journeys. "

"Why is it that you don't live in the Hayabusa village?"She asked.

"I don't know. It's just a little more peaceful out here. But I'm never to far away if they need me."

"That's good that they can depend on you."

"By the way, I asked a friend to stop by tomorrow morning. You two can go look for a kimono if you want."

"Y-you didn't have to do that! " She said.

"By the way this is really good"

"You ignoring the point!"

They both stared at each other and laughed.

"I want you to have a good time tomorrow, and besides, you probably haven't worn a kimono in a long time either."

"Actually I wore one on new years when I was hanging out with Hitomi"

"Thank you Ryu."

After dinner the helped eachother with dishes and cleaning the tables. Alll the while chit chatting about simple things like gardening, sports, and what some of there other friends were up to.

"Well it's late. we should probably get to sleep." Ryu said.

"Yeah...Good night."

"Yeah. You too."

"How did I end up staying here longer then one day?" Kasumi asked herself. She couldn't sleep so she found herself sitting at the edge of her room staring at the full moon.

"I wonder who it was he called over..."

The next morning was just as sunny and fresh as the last. Kasumi found herself making tea even before Ryu woke up.

"I wonder how late he sleeps.."She told herself. She then heard a knock on the door. Open sliding it open, she was greeted by the familiar face of a chipper, happy Chinese girl.

"Lei Fang! what are you doing here?"

"That one guy asked me if I would come down and help you find a kimono for tonight's festival. oh and this guy was bored so I brought him along." She said pulling out a stranger from behind her. Much to Kasumi's surprise, it was Jan Lee.

"It's good to see you again."

"So is he even awake yet?" Jan lee asked.

"I don't know. I haven't seen him yet."

Kasumi turned around to let their guests in and she found herself almost running into the missing person.

"Well good morning Mr.Hayabusa!" Lei fang greeted.

"Good morning." He replied.

The four of them sat down and had some tea to get there morning started.

"So do you both plan on sticking around for the star festival?" Kasumi asked.

"Yeah. We actually are just touring Japan for the fun of it right now."

"Well she is, I'm trying to find some information."Jan lee blurted.

"On what?"

"Some of the families of Shinobi in China are saying something about the Mugen Tenshin clan arranging some kind of agreement with another clan. I'm just trying to figure out what it is."

"Just out of curiosity? Well aren't you brave." Ryu teased.

Lei Fang stood up from her seat.

"Well Kasumi let's go! We only have about 5 hours tofind one that looks good on you!"

"Okay. I'll be back before sun down."

--

Okay, two things: I apologize for not getting to the festival yet XD and two:When did I add Jan Lee x Lei Fang? XD

I'll have chapter 5 up in about an hour or so, if not it'll be up by today. promise