Akio was happy to have a day off from her stressful life as a shinbo and today was perfect. It seemed as if the skies of Iwa themselves were welcoming her with open arms inviting her to come and enjoy her self. She was heading to her favorite place out of all of Iwa The Waterfall Point. She couldn't wait to enjoy the feel of the water rushing over her skin and the warm sun shining down on her. Yes Akio couldn't have picked a more perfect day to enjoy the sights that Iwa had to offer. When she arrived memories of old times with her father and mother rushed to her putting a smile on her face. She could see a small girl relaxing with a older woman the smiles on their faces revealing pure happiness on a day much like this one. Then a an older man picking the girl up and placing her in the water with him teaching her the basics of how to swim. Akio let out a sigh letting her mind wander back to the present. This was supposed to be a relaxing day not one that would just cause her to go home and cry into her pillow so she brushed it off.

She walked up and checked her surroundings it seemed as if the place was empty. This day was just getting better by the second. She knew coming here early was a wise choice. The waterfalls looked beautiful with the early morning light shining down on it's waters and Akio wasted no time climbing up the sides of the waterfall to her favorite point.

From up here she could see all of Iwa even her family's house a little. She then started to undress down to the simple white tank top she had underneath her clothes and let her short brown hair hang down to her shoulders. The young girl headed father down and relaxed herself. She walked back a little and ran taking a graceful dive from the rock ledge into the clear waters below. Splash! The chilled water surrounded her taking Akio into it's depths. She came back up taking a deep breath and wiping the water from her face. The temperature didn't bother her she was used to it after all the times she visited the waterfall. Akio was really enjoying the water and she started to drift off into a dreamlike state till a voice interrupted her. Hello who's there?

Lazily floating on top of the water, Nanashi allowed the small current to drift him to where ever it pleased, for his thoughts were on the life he had left behind – more specifically what he would be doing at the current moment. That being going through any number of dances or perfecting the art of Tea ceremonies, the latter which he misses greatly, having not done it since he started living in Iwagakure. Might need to start practicing again, probably rusty. Mother Kaguya would get on my ass if she knew I haven't been practicing. At the thought his the matriarch of the Okiya, a smile couldn't help but manifest on his face. She wa –

Splash

Blinking momentarily, Nanashi didn't bother in looking at whatever or whoever had splashed or fell into the lake – having seen a small silhouette on top of the waterfall only briefly before he had closed his eyes. Whoever or whatever it was, wasn't his concern for if they needed something they would surely call for hi –

Hello, who's there?

Just like that. Looking towards the direction where the sound was made, he spotted what apparently was a female swimming. What do we have here?, deciding to do the gentlemen thing and introduce himself, Nanashi swam towards the female before stopping a good two feet away from her. You know to give her some space. Along with given him enough room to get the hell out of dodge if she was crazy.

“Oh, just little ole me. Name's Nanashi. And who are you?” His citrine orbs locked on to the female in front of him, trying with all their might to not take note of her body. Though from what he had caught while swimming towards her, he approved. Let it not be said that Nanashi didn't appreciate the female body. But that's a story for another day. For now, he will fancy himself with hopeful a fun conversation, with someone around his age. Who knows, maybe a friendship will blossom out of this?

Akio was surprised to see a young man maybe a year or two older than her. She didn't refrain from staring at the person in front of her and neither did he. Nanashi looked harmless and he was polite when he introduced himself to her but she still kept her distance and again he did the same. I'm Akio Yanagi but you can call me Akio. He gave her a smile and a simple head nod and continued to float in front of her. She couldn't help but notice how graceful his movements were and the way he seemed flow with the water barley rippling it. She was feeling odd around this strange man and she didn't know why but she ignored it and gave him a smile. If you want you could spend some time with me she offered. I mean I'm just relaxing I wouldn't mind having company to enjoy the time with.

She hoped he would agree there were many places Akio had discovered while traveling and she always wanted to show someone around. The only person who would ever go with her was her mother. They both enjoyed searching the Waterfall point for hidden caves when she was a young girl. It would be fun to enjoy that with a new friend. She waited while Nanashi thought it over and Akio was happy when he
agreed. I need to find out more about this guy she thought. That's great I'm happy you said okay.

The young girl jumped out the water forgetting what she was wearing. She stood proudly wondering why the boy was smirking. Then it dawned on her and she quickly blushed and jumped back into the pond. She meets a cute guy and already she's embarrassed herself.

He was enjoying himself with her and honestly she didn't know if she minded it or not. It had been a while since a boy had taken any interest in her. These feeling stirring inside of her were new to say the least. Also it was exciting to have a new person in Iwa but when Nana told her where he was from she had nagging feeling that she had heard something about his town before. What had it been it was on the tip if her tongue when Nanashi interrupted her train of thought by lightly touching her shoulder. The touch was enough to send shivers running through her body and she quickly leaped out the water not caring about being pantsless anymore before he could finish his earlier statement about seeing her with little to no clothes on. Akio was gone before he could even leave the water and was dressed by the time he was back. It made her feel a little smug to see the disappointment on Nana-chan's face when she was dressed.

The moment was over when she noticed that he was standing in front of her naked and dripping wet. A blush covered her face as she turned around. You should probably get dressed Nanashi. That made him tease her even worst and he didn't hold back. With every word he got closer and Akio couldn't help but notice how this day wasn't going how she expected. She waited for him to stop and get dressed because when he did she had a place she wanted to take him.

Akio was surprised to see that Nana was truly attracted to her thats what his body seemed to say anyway. The way he was staring at her shamelessly also let the girl know that the attraction they were feeling wasn't just happening to her. When he was done teasing her and getting dressed he came over placed a stray piece of her hair behind her ear while asking where they were going. The young yanagi was almost too distracted by the simple gesture to reply right away. She shook it off and hoped her blushing hadn't gotten worst. I was hoping to visit one of the hidden caves behind the 2nd waterfall. I used to go there as kid. We can have some time alone to get to know each other she said. He agreed not forgetting to say something else to tease her. She lead him passed the first waterfall showing him how to cross without getting too wet.
Akio then led him to a small opening on the left side of the 2nd waterfall. There the two entered a small cave. It made her glad to see the way he started to admire it's beauty. It was a simple cave but the thing that made it special was the beautiful colored rocks that decorated it. The curved walls were a rainbow of colors that reflected your image back in every color. In the middle was a single small stream that ran through it leading to a small pond in the middle. In the pond were a couple of small black fish that called this cave home.

She turned to him with a smile isn't it great.

Akio couldn't believe the things Nana was saying to her. Sure the local village boys had shown some interest in her she had even received some offers for marriage before but they never kept her interest like Nanashi was doing now. Hell if anyone had approached her the way he did they would have been in the Iwa hospital. Calling her backside cute while saying she was beautiful. Not to mention he was hinting that he didn't mind doing certain "things"with her. The young girl knew she was completely red now that he was taking off his shirt.

Well if you're going to do things like that then i want something in return. She walked up to the young boy and placed a hand on his chest. He looked surprised consisting what she was going to do. Can I touch your hair she said in excitement?

Akio wasted no time playing the white locks they were even more prettier than her sister's long raven hair. It was so soft and silky just like she imagined it would be. Not to mention he had it styled so nicely. Wow nana-chan is is so fun. Akio couldn't help but wonder why the boy looked ready to die. This was what he meant earlier right. Anyway Nana she said after she finished playing with his hair the reason I brought you here is because I wanted to show you how nice this place was. If you ever need a way to get away from it all you can come here. But take good care of it Akio said with a sad look this place is where me and my mother would come to spend time together. She turned and gave him a bright smile but even though we just met I feel like we can grow to become very close.

Akio was surprised when Nana pulled her into his lap and started to hold her. He looked down on her his eyes wandering down her body and his hands dangerously close to certain areas but he stayed a gentleman and they didn't wander.

Akio looked at him searching his golden eyes for some kind of feeling. Was it compassion she saw? How can a man she had met only a few hours ago make her feel like this. What did it mean? Her train of thought was interrupted when he revealed his secret that he was a former geisha. That would explain the feeling from earlier his town was famous for it's "services".

It was shocking news and she stopped moving for a moment. She felt betrayed but they had only met today he didn't have to explain anything to her about himself. Yet she felt used somehow but she wasn't allowed to feel that way. They didn't know each other they were random strangers with lust for each other is what she said to herself. Besides he was former Geisha why should he care about her when he could do the same with many other women who would pay top dollar for a rare male Geisha. Nanashi just continued to tease her like he had been doing today not noticing the girl's internal struggle but if he did he would have noticed the tears running down her face.

Akio watched as Nana explained his life as a Geisha and nodded when ever he asked for a response. She watched as he would get a sudden look of happiness upon his face when recalling a good memory only to switch into a the opposite when recalling a bad. Not once did she speak as she slowly took it all in. She could tell the sun was setting now and she would have to be home soon.

Nanashi if you don't mind could you walk me home? The man gave a worried look but not once did he let go of her hand while they headed away from the cave. Nanashi she started it seems that we both have seen hard times. I'm happy you opened up to me and I hope that we keep this quickly developing friendship for a long time. She squeezed his hand tighter. In one day we became friends. I'm happy to have you as my fellow comrade and I'm sorry for overreacting earlier. It was a dumb mistake to assume the worst of you when we don't know each other well. What you did in the past doesn't matter as long as you're a good comrade and a loyal friend. she stopped wanting savor the rest of their time together. Before she could think about it she grabbed onto him holding him tight and close. I'll tell you something about my life since you told me about your's. At 9 years old my mom left the world leaving me, my father Eri and my sister Atsuko. Behind my father didn't take it well so I was pretty much their caretaker.

No one helped us Since my mother wasn't a member of the clan and at the time we were having a war within the clan itself. It wasn't until some time later that my clan leader took an interest in me that my family was able to prosper again with her help. If it wasn't for her I would be here right now. Finally she gave his hand and lead him back towards the path to her house.

Never being one to be slightly taken back by unexpected questions, Nanashi simply nodded at the request of what her home. Though there was a slight apprehensiveness for he really didn't want to deal with an irate parent, asking him what he was doing with their daughter. Though considering that nightfall was right around the corner, he could also use that excuse, besides the gentlemen side of him would kick himself, if something happen to her on her way home. Heading through the passage they came through, Nanashi intently listen to her words, while their hands interlocking together “Believe it or not. I rarely if ever open up to others. Guess considering my former occupation, you can probably guess why. We all make mistakes. And considering all the stereotypes and rumors whirling around being a Geisha, then it was only understandable. No harm done, Akio-chan. I'm happy I can call you a comrade as well. The thing about the past it can come back to bite you.” The last sentence being barely a whispered.

A smile manifested on his face as they stop momentarily, simply savoring each-other presence. Subconsciously ,moving closer to her, the smile on his face only getting bigger as she tightly grabbed onto his arm and held him close “I will always be a loyal friend and comrade to you Akio-chan. For you gave me something that others haven't. Friendship.” He said, running his fingers through her hair, a piece having fell in front of her face. Just like Akio had listen to him talking about his life, he did so as well. Not once interrupting her as she spoke about the loss of her mother, hardships she faced afterward and the likes.

“I can't honestly say I know exactly what you went through. For I never knew my father. Nor did my clan had a war within themselves, seeing how they are scattered. But I can sympathize by using experiences that similar but different to yours. “ Nanashi said, taking her hand once more, he followed her as she lead him towards her house.

Besides getting some looks from a few people who litter the streets, the walk towards Akio's house was peaceful and Nanashi enjoyed it immensely. Reaching her house, Nanashi turned to face her “I hope to see you again. And thanks for everything. Good night, Akio-chan.” He said, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and disappearing amongst the sparse crowd.

Who would have thought a simply visit to the waterfall would lead to a budding friendship? Nanashi surely didn't. But he welcomed it fully and he idly wander what tomorrow will bring. And with those thoughts, Nanashi made his way to his house with a smile on the face.

To day was a good day.

[Exit Thread]