Hi guys, I know I know. Don't say it. I'm really sorry but my computer crashed and all that so this story was sadly delayed. But on the bright side, here's a new chapter. Remember I will never abandon a story. I plan to finish all of them.

I don't own sp! (Still haven't found a way to own Shizuma, but I won't give up!)

Chapter 11. A Rainy Day

The door creaked as the person on the other side slowly came into focus. She thought back to earlier today when she received that truthful lecture from her co-worker. Although she tried to hide it, those words reached her soul; causing her to realize that one way or another she had to try to be happy.

"Well, well, you're a sight for sore eyes."

"I know it's been a while dad. I tried emailing you but you didn't answer."

Shizuma's father, Kenji Hanazono opened the door wider to allow his daughter in and closed it softly behind her. He eyed her as she sauntered into the living room taking a seat on the luxury couch and letting her eyes fall down to the floor. This was the most unusual thing from his daughter. He has always raised her to keep her head up no matter the circumstances. She was a well off beautiful woman and nothing should ever shut her down. Or so he thought. Kenji began to motion over to the silver beauty. As he neared her, he noticed a small series of tears slowly making their way down his daughters face. Another unusual sight. Deciding that questions were best saved for later, Shizuma's father made his way over, pulling her into a silent embrace.

Nagisa arrived home wearing a light smile across her face. Being in the orchestra has really lightened her mood. Although there was still that hint of sadness that would try to show itself every so often; the music she played distracted her long enough to forget her feelings and just let go. She sighed as she relaxed on top of her bed, playing the music she rehearsed just a little less than an hour ago. Her hands conducted the tempo as she hummed to the music in her head, hearing every instrument, the stinging trumpets, chanting drums, charming oboes, whispering clarinets and singing flutes. The flutes, such a compliment to the orchestra, especially when playing a duet with the violin. The red head imagined the view of the orchestra and settled on an image of Lilliana, the thought brought a subconscious smile to her face. There was something about the English woman that made her feel comfortable and content. Her soft voice and calm demeanor made her seem like a breath of crisp, clean air after walking through fog. Nagisa thought back to just a little while ago when she accepted the invitation of being taught how to read music by Lilliana.

Getting up from her bed, she discarded her clothes as she pulled on a robe to cover her on the way to the bathroom to shower. Just before reaching the bathroom she heard her phone vibrate on the nightstand and moved swiftly to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hey, how did everything go?"

"Oh, right, I was supposed to call you after I got home, sorry Tamao-Chan"

"Doesn't worry about it, not calling me right away must have meant that you had a good time?"

"Yes, everyone there is very friendly and so talented."

"So then you are in the right place."

"I sure hope so, it feels right."

"I'm glad you're feeling again."

"I am too," there was a brief moment of silence, "it's very quiet there, Miyuki must not be around." She stated teasingly.

Tamao laughed slightly out of embarrassment and was silently grateful that her friend couldn't see her tinted red cheeks through the phone, "to be quite honest, I'm glad she isn't here right now. We've been having a lot of sex lately and I could really use a break."

"Where did she go?"

"She had to visit the office and make sure things were sent on time. She actually should be here any moment."

"Ah well you better get off the phone and rest while you still have the chance."

The two laughed deeply. Soon Nagisa over heard someone talking in the background followed by some rustling and muffle like sounds.

"Sorry" Tamao apologized, "I was fighting off Miyuki."

The red head giggled, "That's ok, I'll let you get back to your girlfriend."

"Lucky for me she went to take a shower so I have a little more time if you want to talk about anything."

"Anything like what?"

"Tell me about your peers; were there any cute girls there?"

Instantly an image of the English flutist popped into her mind. Setting the focus on that smile that warmed her in ways she couldn't explain. As she thought more about the gentle woman, a small amount of fear settled in her stomach after realizing that she actually has a slight crush on Lilliana. Her bodily defenses started to engage, shielding her from those types of feelings. Was she ready to experience a crush? Even if she was ready, should she? Should she allow that type of feeling to come back into her heart? A crush meant feelings and feelings, to Nagisa, meant hurt. The leaders of fear and uncertainty aided with her body in building a wall to prevent those feelings from flowing. Never again will those destructing ways get the best of her. Who did they think they were, prancing around freely? Tricking her with a false sense of security, allowing her to be vulnerable and give her all. What authority did they have to let her pour out her heart and soul without even giving her the slightest of warning that this person didn't deserve it? How dare those feelings make such critical decisions without direct order? How foolish and naïve to throw themselves out without the landing in visible sight.

The wall continued to build second by second, concealing those troublesome feelings forcing them to be obedient and show themselves only when they are wanted.

"Hello? Nagisa?"

The red head completely forgot she was the phone. Too occupied with her own thoughts.

"No…no there wasn't anyone there I'm interested in."

"Are you ready to tell me what's wrong?" Kenji looked down at the now calmed being in his arms, tightening the embrace just a little to reassure her. Reminding him of past years when the silver beauty was just a child, cherishing those moments when she could just be held by him, just because he was home. Being the sole provider ever since her mother passed away; he was often at work all hours of the night. Most of the time was because he buried himself in his work to suppress his guilt. He felt guilty because he knew deep down inside, his wife's death was karma's way of getting him back for all the past women he has hurt during his reign as a lady's man. Yes it was quite a trait he developed, almost like it was genetic passing on to every Hanazono. A physical anomaly he has yet to conquer. So he hid behind his work, sitting behind the computer screen, his only electronic friend that didn't judge him. It followed every command loyally without question; accepting its interlocutor for who he was.

Shizuma squirmed in his arms, unsure of how to form the words to express what she's feeling. Why was it so hard for her to just say what she wanted, to say what she meant? To say what was dangling at the end of her heart strings, making it heavy. The deep menacing feelings that danced like an imp on her emotional nerve, teasing her, making her feel as if she could let it out. She knew it was something that may not ever be able to become unconfined within her soul. Who, would dare listen to such a low down, no good human being she was. Why would anyone want to listen? When she doesn't even listen to herself and live within the means that will benefit her and the love ones around her? Something like this should never be heard. Not from Shizuma Hanazono. The silver beauty thought longer, fidgeting in her father's arms, giving him the signal that she's still there. Why was this so hard? She thought more and finally it came to her. Shizuma was embarrassed. This was something that she was supposed to be flawless in. Why was she so wrapped up in that red headed girl? It's been 6 months. Shouldn't she be over it by now? Isn't that the way she's supposed to be, she was trained and excelled in this sort of thing. She learned from the best. And rule number one was to never catch feelings, never fall in love until your ready to quit. But she did, not once but twice. She was a failure. How could she bring this kind of shame to the Hanazono legacy of womanizers? Shizuma corrected her posture slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable of the situation but spoke nonetheless. "I'm a failure."

Kenji looked down at his daughter, stroking her hair slightly, "and why are you a failure honey?"

The silver beauty smiled at the nickname. It was something her father had always called her since she was little. His reason was 'she stuck to his heart like honey'. Kenji always knew when it was right to use this name; it had forever held a calming effect on the woman. "I messed up."

"How?"

"I feel in love." Those words, those four words, struck her like a ton of bricks. The imp that was already dancing on her emotional nerve stomped just a bit harder, forcing tears to glide down her elegant face. The light from the moon shined in through the window, its white rays landing on the flawless skin of the saddened woman. Even in times of despair, she was beautiful. "I feel in love and I wasn't supposed to. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. I should be out, carefree, looking for someone else to warm my bed and I can't. It hurts too much, I can't even fathom these feelings, and I don't know how to handle them. It's too strong, my hearts walls are breaking and there isn't anyone who can strengthen the weak heart that hid behind it."

Kenji thought for a moment and softly said, "It hurts from the other side, doesn't it?"

Not able to hold on to the sea of tears that were building inside her, Shizuma simply just nodded.

Kenji continued as he pulled his daughter closer, "yes I know, I've experienced this feeling once before. It was so strong, so unbelievably accurate in stabbing at my weakest heart chamber. Yet, somehow it felt right. I felt all my tears were cleansing my soul so that I could be pure, pure of that person I was. No more filthy tricks to get someone in bed, no more lies, no more broken hearts, a clean slate. That's how I knew. I knew that if someone were able to break my shell and see me for what I really was, they were meant to be mine forever. She was the one to reach the deepest chamber of my heart and I will forever feel that way. "

"You're talking about mom, aren't you?"

Kenji nodded, "yes and she will forever be in that chamber. That space will always be reserved for your mother and you."

Shizuma just stayed quiet, thinking about what her father was saying.

"Tell me honey, do you feel any of the things I just said?"

Little did he know she was feeling exactly what he was saying and even more.

Nagisa awoke from her sleep with a smile on her face. Her first thoughts were filled by the lovely English woman she met the night before, Lilliana. She just couldn't wait until later tonight for their…date? Was it a date? Or was it Lilliana simply just being nice in offering to teach her to read music.

"Hmmm" thought Nagisa, "maybe I shouldn't read too far into this." Not sure what to think, the red head picked up her phone and gave her best friend a call.

The Phone rang on the other line twice before Tamao picked up, "Good Morning Nagi-Chan, how are you?"

"I'm not sure exactly."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember our phone conversation last night?"

"Yes, did something happen at your meeting with the orchestra?"

"Yes and that's what I need to talk about. I think I may have a crush on the flutist."

"Ohhhh," said the blue haired woman in a knowing tone, "I knew something might have happened; you seemed pretty happy when I spoke to you. Why did you tell me that you weren't interested in anyone when I asked?"

After a slight pause, the red head spoke, "because I wasn't sure if I should let these feelings in. I don't know if I'm truly over Shizuma."

"Oh, I see. Well the only way you'll ever be sure that you're over her is to try something with this girl."

"Yea, maybe you're right, I should give Lilliana a chance."

"Lilliana? How pretty, she must be American."

"Not quite, she's from England."

"Oh? What is she like?"

Nagisa thought for a moment. How could she put Lilliana into words? She gave her all types of feelings that were once buried deep within her soul. The very thought of her possibly having a relationship and falling in love made her shake with fear. But there was something about the English woman that made her feel she could do it. Like an unheard voice that always gave her encouragement. "I can't really describe her, I'm not even sure exactly what she's like, but something in me wants to be with her."

"She must be really special; maybe during your next practice you should ask her out."

"I don't know if I can do that, and she already invited me to her house tonight so she can teach me how to read music."

"Sounds like you guys already have things going. Did you say yes?"

Nagisa blushed a little, "of course I did and it's just a favor"

"But she has to like you somewhat to invite you over."

"I suppose your right."

"Of course I'm right, so what are you going to wear?"

"I haven't really thought about it, what should I wear?"

"It depends on what you're trying to say."

"But that's just it; I don't know what to say. Please help me Tamao-Chan."

"Of course I'll help you Nagi-Chan, let me just put some clothes on and I'll be right over."

"Thanks so much Tamao-chan."

Nagisa sat in her car looking at the white piece of paper with Lilliana's address on it.

"I guess this is it." She reached over to her glove compartment and placed the paper inside. After checking her appearance in her rearview mirror, the red head motioned her hand over to the ignition to turn the car off. But something was wrong, her hand was on the key but she couldn't turn the car off. Why, why couldn't she? It was easy…just turn off the car and go inside. Nagisa rested her forehead against the stirring wheel. Her mind finally got the best of her. What if everything goes wrong? What if she doesn't like me? What if she already has someone and this was all a waste of time? What if…what if…what if, she's just like Shizuma? The silver beauty's name bought a sour feeling to her stomach. What if Lilliana was just like Shizuma? Could she handle another devastating breakup again? How much more can her mental sanity take?

"Maybe I should just go home." Just as Nagisa had put her hand on the key she noticed a slender figure walking towards her. Letting her curiosity get the best of her she focused a little harder at the now familiar figure. It was Lilliana and she was too close for Nagisa to pull off in fear. As the English woman got closer the red head decided to roll down her passenger window. She took a moment to look the bluish-green eyed woman over. Nagisa couldn't help but enjoy the view of the tall woman in tight blue jeans and a white shirt that seemed to fit perfectly over her chest and abdomen. Her hair was in loose curls that accented her beauty. Wow she really is beautiful…

"Good evening Nagisa, I thought that was you."

Said woman snapped out of her trance with a tint of blush on her cheeks, "hi Lilly, what are you doing out?"

"I got a phone call from a friend of mine telling me that she sent me a package. So I came out here to check and I saw your car. And now here we are."

"Yea, I guess we are."

"Are you ready to come inside, I've made some tea for us," Said Lilliana with a sweet smile.

"Sure," The red head turned off her engine, grabbed her violin and got out of her car as Lilly waited patiently on the side.

"My, my you look very pretty Nagisa."

"Thank you," something about the English woman's compliment took her for a loop. It wasn't the comment itself, but how she said it. The ruby had experienced being complimented before, but, not in this way. What was so different? Then it hit her, this compliment wasn't just nice, it was genuine. That's it! It didn't feel like it had motive behind it, it didn't sound practiced and wasn't laced with the often known tone of wanting to get her into bed. It was a compliment just as it should be in its original form, genuine with no strings attached.

"Nagisa, are you coming?"

"Yes…sorry"

"No need to apologize, I get a little dreamy myself."

The duo continued into the building and waiting for the elevator in the well maintenance lobby. After a few moments the shiny gold elevator arrived, the two stepped inside and waited until they reached the 7th floor. The red head was impressed by how modern the building seemed. Between the vases of roses placed randomly throughout the hall, the bright vanity lights on the celling and paintings along the wall every hundred feet.

"Well here we are apartment 7B." Said Lilly as she opened the door with her keys. Inside the apartment was nothing like Nagisa thought it would be. Her taste was very simple and natural compared to the modern theme the building had. The ruby's attention was bought to the cute cedar bonsai plant on her coffee table.

Noticing where the smaller girl's attention was focused, the bluish-green eyed woman shut the door and motioned to stand beside her. "I see you've noticed Bijou."

"Bijou?"

"That's what I named him, isn't he cute?" she said with a girlish smile.

"Yes he is," the red head smiled back.

"May I take your sweater, I'll hang it right over there," she pointed to the coat rack by the door as Nagisa handed over her sweater, "go ahead and have a seat on the couch, I'll bring out the tea." After a few minutes she arrived back with a grey teapot and two small grey cups that had an outline of a teal blue. "I hope you like jasmine tea." She said as she handed Nagisa a cup.

"It's my favorite actually."

"Looks like we have something in common," said the English woman as she sat delicately on her couch and crossed her legs in the most feminine manner. The two talked for a while about each other, sharing their likes and dislikes. The conversation went from favorite movie to family history. The red head couldn't remember the last time she had such a decent in-depth conversation before. She found Lilliana so interesting yet mysterious. It was as if even though she told her everything, Nagisa wanted to know more.

"Oh my, it's getting late, perhaps we should get started. If you'll follow me into my work room, I have things set up for us there."

Nagisa nodded and followed behind the tall woman. They arrived in a small but bright room. It had two wooden chairs and music stands. There was a desk that held Lilliana's flute, along with other miscellaneous papers. "This is a very cute room Lilly."

"Thanks, it's my go-to space. Whenever there is a strong feeling of anger, happiness or love. I come here and honor my feelings through music. Assuming by how you play, I'm sure you do the same."

"Oh yes, almost every day."

"I'm happy for you, music is such good medicine, don't you think, Nagisa?"

"Yes, it's taken me out of some dark places."

"I'm sorry to hear that, I wouldn't ever expect someone like you to go through anything like that. But then again, never judge a book by its cover."

"I guess so," The red head showed a soft smile.

Lilliana smiled back as she motioned towards the chairs, "have a seat."

Nagisa sat down on one of the chairs placing her violin to the side. She watched as the English woman walked over to the desk to pull out some sheet music. The blonde haired woman reached over the red head to place some papers on her music stand. Nagisa was ready to react quickly. This was a typical Shizuma move, to pretend to do something and really go in for a kiss. She braced herself, expecting Lilliana to swoop in and try to kiss her, she waited and waited…and nothing. The auburn haired girl was a bit surprised at not having to fend someone off. The blonde had just simply placed the papers on the stand with just a simple 'excuse me'. How nice. She thought to herself.

Just then Lilliana spoke up, "I think its best, if you practice with your instrument. This way when you see the notes on a score you can use your reading skills instead of having someone play it first."

"I think that's a greatidea." Nagisa reached down to grab her violin and quickly got it into position. "I'm ready."

The duo practiced for a while. Lilly was quite surprised by how quickly the red head was able to grasp everything. She was pleased she didn't have to repeat herself numerous times.

"Good job Nagisa, now let's play from the beginning."

Said woman nodded and began to play, using her eyes to read a long. She diverted her eyes a bit just to look at the beautiful woman beside her play. Her body seemed to sway with music, almost as if it were written by her. The red head watched as her orchestra mate's pouty lips seem to sing into the flute and not just blow. It was like watching an angel play for love. A sight that deserves to be seen by everyone. Nagisa had been so intrigued by the figure beside her she hadn't even realized she stopped playing.

Lilliana noticed the red head wasn't playing and stopped, "is there something wrong?"

Oh crap, the ruby thought to herself, I can't let her know I was watching her… "Uhhh, umm, I can't seem to get this chord," she lied.

"Oh is that all?" she then placed her flute down and walked over to Nagisa, standing behind her, "it helps if you put your wrist like this."

This is it, thought the younger woman, another typical Shizuma move to swoop in from behind, next thing I know I'll have hickies on my neck. She waited for the move…and nothing. The only thing she felt was her hand move and the room fill with the sensual sound of violin.

Lilly turned her head toward her 'student', "is that better?"

Nagisa nodded and turned to face her 'teacher'. She was instantly mesmerized by the set of eyes in front of her. They're so beautiful, she thought to herself. Her trance was suddenly broken by a clash of thunder followed by harsh raindrops.

The younger and older woman walked over to the window. The rain resembled a waterfall against the window pain.

"Wow, it's really coming down isn't it?" started the blonde.

"Yea, it's very strange, the weather man didn't mention anything about rain."

"Well those weather guys are hardly ever correct. I don't want to sound odd, but I really wouldn't feel comfortable with you driving in this weather. Not to mention it's pretty late, perhaps you should stay here for tonight? The storm should be better in the morning."

"I don't want to impose."

"Oh nonsense, it'll be nice to have some company. And I really would feel awful if something happened to you because of the rain. I'm just thinking about your safety."

"That's very sweet of you thank you. I would love to stay."

Shizuma ran across the pavement to her front door, covering her head with her sweater she'd worn earlier today. "Damn weather man, he should be fired." She stepped into her home and placed her sweater on the coat rack to dry. "I should take a shower and get out these wet clothes."

Just as she was about to go upstairs her doorbell rang. "Who could that be at this time, in the rain at that?" The silver beauty walked to the door and opened it without asking who it was. The figure was one that was all too familiar. The hourglass shape, brown hair, lilac eyes and that peach scent. She definitely knew who this figure was.

"Lucida? What are you doing here?" She extended her door to let the rain soaked woman into her home.

"Well that's no way to treat a guest."

"That's just it, you're not a guest. Guests are wanted."

"You're right, so maybe you should me my guest."

"What are you talking about Lucida?"

"I'm sorry, I can't take it anymore. I want you back Shizuma."

Shizuma's eyes widened, "why?"

"I miss you. All these other good for nothing girls can't give me half of what you did. I miss our laughs, adventures, our fun, your touch. I miss you, all of you."

"Lucida...I..." Shizuma's words were interrupted by Lucida's lips. The lilac wrapped her arms around the silver beauty's neck making it hard for her to pull away. She pushed her tongue hard against the taller woman's lips begging to let her enter.

Shizuma tried to pull away, no, I can't…not like this…I…she's not the one…she shouldn't be here, kissing me. Nagisa should...but...I...I screwed it up. She will never take me back.

The silver beauty's loneliness began to get the best of her. She wasn't used to this. This incomplete feeling. In her thoughts she was never going to be happy again. Nagisa clearly showed that she won't be back in her life. What should she do? Should she be with Lucida or should she fight for Nagisa. And if she does fight, will Nagisa take her back? How did she let all of this happen?

Shizuma was slowly losing the battle to this surprise attack. Her mind was so torn on what to do. Lucida then pulled an old move on the silver beauty making her almost instantly give in and kiss her back. It was too late, she'd already given in. Little did she know she had fallen right into a trap.

dun dun dun lol..please review ")