This is literally just a mess, still in shock that it actually happened. Mzzz_Tiffy and Only For Us is under a new management. What many of you did not know this account is actually two persons, one person Mzzz_Tiffy (who is now writing this) and another person who went by the name of ShadowInnocence. This partnership worked very well for this story until recently. How this partnership worked was I would write and ShadowInnocence would give me the ideas, how to set it up and then proofread. It has come to my attention that this story is not as original as I had thought. ShadowInnocence has been getting the ideas for this story from a lovely author by the name of PhoenixDiamond more specifically the story Taste of My Lips. I am sure all my SasuNaru lovers have come across it in their reading. Though the characters are Inuyasha, Yu Yu Hakusho and OCs that I have created the plot which belonged to ShadowInnocence is actually PhoenixDiamond's.
Having a lovely and very informative chat with PhoenixDiamond, they have allowed to continue the story by myself and with that ShadowInnocence roll in this story is no more. I will finish this story in two weeks, and begin a new story with a fresh start. It is understandable if I lose some readers because it is a shame it took so long and the way it did to acknowledge the plot's owner. With that this story has been granted permission to be finished by the lovely PhoenixDiamond.
With that those who sticked around and those who are willing to become new readers enjoy.
Chapter 1: Resilience
"Higurashi! Order at table 11!"
"I'm on it!" A whirlwind of dark blue hair wove through the crowd of purple and black stripes patterned tables to her destination of a family of five, all smiles and delight to match the natural personality that came both on the inside and outside of this person's personality. A small notebook in hand, Kagome flipped to a clean page, and produced onto maybe her fifth table, a sweet smile. "Welcome to Sweet Sensation Cafe, I'm Kagome Higurashi, your lovely waitress and I'm to be of service to you, you, and you," she tapped her finger on the nose of the children, which ages varied from 4 to 7 years of age, earning herself sweet sounded giggles from the children.
The dark haired father, from the way her miko powers fluctuated was obviously a Youkai, though she did not know what type, nodding his chin at his children, "My, My, My, I'm very impressed with the way you handle children. It usually takes numerous coaxing to even get a smile out of these lots."
"I just love children," Kagome let out a beautiful smile, as she shrugged her shoulders. "I do have a lot of practice as well." Her smile easily contagious, as each family member gave her a smile back.
That was Kagome for you. Everything around her radiated innocence, purity and cheerfulness. It was entirely difficult to ignore or look away from her presence. From long midnight blue tresses, to eyes the colour of the ocean that would twinkle every time a smile made its way onto her face. Added to her pale but with supple tan skin and her hourglass that was brought out from the tight apron around her waist, who would not find this beauty easy to look at.
After the order of the famous oden and the little children's meals were written down, Kagome walked briskly to the counter to give in the order, before heading off to handle a previous customer, never failing to get a compliment about her fabulous work etiquettes. Another day, another satisfied dollar made from an even more satisfied customer. Kagome was the life of the cafe, always being requested as the choice of waitress . As made customers would promise to return, to entertain their taste buds.
The chiming of the door bell over the waves of satisfied customers taking their leave. A sound that Kagome came to enjoy. "Higurashi, order up for table 11!"
"Alright!" Kagome excused himself from the conversation of an attractive customer giving compliments, and hurried cross to grab the large silver trays, balancing the boys of oden, and kiddie meals in one hand, and the cups of lemon sweet tea, coke and milk in the other.
"Be careful Kagome, you need to try and break your records now." Teased the cafe owner, Ms. Midoriko smirking. Many customers would ask if both Kagome and Midoriko if they were related in anyway. They answer would always be a wink and It's a secret from both Kagome and Midoriko.
"Yes Ma'am. Just trying to keep everyone happy."
"Just don't try yourself of. You will need every strength you have for later."
Kagome giggled. It would seem Midoriko was unaware. The energy that was used at the cafe was nothing compared to what she had to deal with later on. It didn't even come close to it.
"And, here we are," In a single beat, a blue ballet flat foot jutted out to pull out a fold up stand near the table and spread it wide to balance the sterling circles. One by one, Kagome gave out to each customer their ordered meals, drink and then the trademark smile in return receiving yet another wave of giggle from the children and smiles from the adults. "If there's anything else, please don't be afraid to call."
"Thank you so much for this service, young lady." The colourful hair mother praised kindly. "Such a sweet girl you are." Kagome assumed that mother was some sort of bird youkai.
"Not a problem ma'am." With a courtesy in play, Kagome twirled off to clean off a couple of tables and straighten out a couple of chairs. On each table, lied a generous tip for her sparkling personality and she grinned proud of herself for earning a decent amount every time. At the rate she was going, to would earn her goal earnings in no time at all.
The rushing frenzy of the cafe's reputation, as always, brought it with it the very same buzz of excitement, and customers rushing in to get a seat, just to satisfy the itch of getting a taste of what the cafe provided. No matter the time of day, the specific date or the mark of a holiday, there was never table unoccupied, with eager and hungry customers.
There was never a dull day, and Kagome could never get enough. She simply loved every minute of it. The delighted smiles, the hums and moans of pleasure taste buds, low rumbles of laced conversation easing from the front to the back and side to side of the building. Everyday made Kagome want to come back to work, working all 12 hours of her shifts with non-stop energy.
When the highest hour of the cafe came, waiters and waitresses were hustling to meet the demands of hungry customers. Bustling pass each other, skilfully dodging from side to side to avoid a colliding mess of hot odens to miso soups to pastries. Trays stood as tall as the hands supporting them in a sea of voices announcing or taking to picking up orders. In the midst of all the confusion, the rays of midnight blue breezed everywhere, twirling and sliding through her co-workers.
"Hey, slow down Kagome!" Yelled the annoyed squeal of one particular dark haired wind youkai waitress, nearly losing the hold of her platter of dirty bowls. "You nearly got cake on me!"
Kagome manoeuvred around, slipping underneath her friend's arm, keeping the coursers in hand.
"I'm really sorry Kagura, super busy, busy!"
"Tsk, busy my backside. Just please be careful..." Mumble the agitated wind youkai.
At the sound of the twin doors opening, revealed a dark brown haired girl, carrying a small server in each hand. Her light blue eyes scanned the heavily crowded cafe for her table until an agitated Kagura came into view. At the frustrated scowl permanently resided on her face, she could already tell she wasn't too hyped about the crazed situation, "Horrible day already?" asked Yuka.
Kagura sighed, holding-up the dirty dishes from on top of her shoulders, "It is the same as usual. Just watch out for Kagome, you know how she gets round this time."
"Right." Yuka had to definitely watch out for the colourful hellcat.
On cue, Kagome came bustling pass the pair to head into the kitchen, bringing out in each had sizzling orders and in the same midnight blue flash, came hurrying back with three trays of odangos. Thank Kami for her skilful methods of moving around to somehow manage to prevent perilous collisions with others. Yuka and Kagura shared a friendly chuckle, as they watch the ever energized miko switch from one table to the other, all smiles and friendly appeal.
"That's Kagome," They both murmured before heading off to their respective duties.
Ramen and oden went flying to different directions to whoever was in want for their salted and delicate flavouring. The bubbly converse to hyper responses stayed unpredictable and fast pace went on to the wee hours of the late evening, an exhausted Kagura finally escorted the last of the family of five out the door, wishing them a safe and pleasant evening and looking forward to their return to the cafe. "Oh! Kami never again," grumbled the tired Kagura, sliding her back down the smooth glass door, until her butt came in contact with the tile floor.
The few remaining waiters and waitresses all made themselves comfortable on the leathery purple booths, or simply followed Kagura's example and made themselves comfortable on the tile floor. Kagome located a comfortable place on a soft booth she deemed worthy enough to hold her behind in place and blew out, fanning a hand over her sweaty face.
Yuka settle down on the next side of the booth, dropping her head and hands between her knees, "What a long day!"
Kagome's eyes shifted up to meet the equally tired blue eyes staring across, "No kidding. I think I had at least a hundred customers today. Nearly broke my toe, when I ran into Kagura."
"No one told you to be running around like a chicken with no head," Kagura flopped down on the floor next to the Kagome, bracing back on her bands, glaring at the wrinkled ceiling.
Yuka reached inside her blouse pocket, wrangling loose change and rolled her eyes, "Bay day for tips. How did you guys do?"
Kagura slid her hand down her blouse pocket, fingering over the crumbled dollars and coins. "Could have been better."
Kagome did the same, patting her semi filled pockets and smiled, "Pretty good for me, I will say. Glad it was nothing like yesterday though."
They shared a laugh, no one feeling any better or any sort of envy towards their partner for having earned a deal more. Especially since Kagome was in need for all the money she could get her hands on, than anyone else. All earned monies went straight to two separate sources in her life and a small portion to the side for another goal.
"Gather round everyone," announced Ms. Midoriko, appearing from the dreaded kitchen, wiping her hands on her flour coated apron. "Great job like always. No complaints about the meal or the service. I am very pleased. Keep it up and we'll stay on top." She scanned the worn out expressions of her staff also noting the slumped shoulders and stiff necks, rolling. No need in keeping them any longer than necessary. She will give the pep talk on another day. "Ok, everyone, the week's up. Make sure to be back here tomorrow bright and early for the weekend wave. I'll be closing shop early so make sure to have it speck and span from top to bottom, or otherwise I'll have you guys here till next week."
The less than joyous chorus of 'yes ma'am' grumbled from the workers, while some settled for a little nod as one by one to filed down to the downstairs storage room to retrieve their clothes, and belongings from their labelled lockers.
Yuka was one of the first to finish getting her things and went over to see her friends before heading home, "Hey me, Eri, Ayumi and Hojo were planning on going to see the Geisha Play this weekend. You guys want to come along?"
"Sorry already have plans," Kagura declined. "What about you Kagome?"
Kagome placing her bag on her shoulder replied, "No can do guys. Got a busy weekend ahead of me," Whatever spark of energy was left, was stored to be used for tonight and tomorrow to deal with other affairs." Waving good bye before the familiar groans of disappointments and inevitable a persuasive argument to be brought in, Kagome ran off.
"That poor girl," Kagura scratched her head. "All she ever does is work."
"It can't be helped," Busy. She was always emerged in it. Yuka sighed and shook her head in pity. As much as she wanted to persuade the miko, there wasn't enough protesting that can be done, as they understood the situation. Kagome was busy for a reason and no amount of coaxing or arguing was going to stop her from changing whatever affairs had to be attended to. She just wished that she would take just a little time to think of herself.
Just spare herself a little time.
XXX
Long work days brought even longer walks home for the exhausted Kagome. However, tonight was pleasant and cooling with the smell of rain on the plants around. With her bag on her shoulder and less than spritely step in her stride, she took the opportunity to reach into her pocket to search the fruits of her labour after such an exhausting day. Feeling around the tiny folded wad and clinging coins, Kagome blew out a low sigh, "There's got to be more than this!" she proclaimed softly. The profit was good, but she couldn't deal with good at this time, the profit would not even make a dent in the difference.
At the rate she was going, she would have to double her shifts just to make up for her intended wages. Things were not look up for her and God-forbid if they didn't stay as steady as they currently were. At twenty-one years old, she wasn't exactly living the prosperous life her parents wanted for her but after their unfortunate accident along with her younger brother, Souta three years ago, there wasn't much left for her to do.
Her mind then drifted off to her beloved Natsu. Her fiancée, who was a red Kitsune, was also taken away from her by a disease, a year after her parents, that only could be contracted by youkais, leaving behind small burdens to take care of by herself.. Selling the shrine was the only she could have paid for her family's funeral. Thankfully Natsu's family were able to pay for his. Things were going to have to change at this rate. Kami was differently not on her side.
She now only left with one solution. A sigh left her lips once again.
Kagome tighten her coat around her, slumped forward and thought over her plans for tomorrow. After her work shift, she would have to begin searching for a part time job, a full time would be a dream of through for her. In this time, money is the answer, she thought as she passed by a store window reflecting her glossy image. She was a pretty girl, when Natsu when he was alive, he could not stop complimenting her. This she thought as she flashed that beautiful smile of hers to ease the tension, encouraging herself to keep moving forward with life, before climbing the stairs up a two story complex to see on her neighbours.
The surrounding apartment setting was traditionally built of light red brick, with black titles lining down the rooftop, and steep, narrow stairwells on each side of the building. Mid waist high Yellow Chrysanthemum bushed decorated the front of the complex, giving off a homey disposition. Not too bad for a young adult.
Her building was three sidewalks down from the one she was currently going up to, where the bronze symbol B29 lied inscribed. She knocked two times and patiently waited for the door to be answered.
"I'm coming!" Called a chime-like voice from behind. Seconds later, the mahogany door swung open to reveal and elderly lady, with long white hair pulled into a low ponytail. The wave of miko energy swarmed gently around her. "Kagome, dear, I wasn't expecting you until much later." Kaede smiled warmly, stepping aside to let the younger miko in.
"I meant to call. We closed early for a morning session tomorrow. Ms. Midoriko wanted everyone to well rest for the breakfast and lunch rush."
"Well that is good to her. At least you'll get some well deserved rest."
"Let us hope so." Kagome rolled on the back of her heels, as she looked around the familiar cozy household, having been babysat here many times when she was a child. The hues of egg shell cream furnishings positioned orderly from the balcony glass door to the hall way and hints of yellow decorated in the form of minor sets for added effect toward the wide set kitchen, having been used countless times to make her favourite meals. It brought back memories of running from school, to spend the afternoon with Kaede. Such fond memories were held in this apartment.
Curiously, she notice the lack of giggles and normal excited shouts of greetings, Kagome tilted her head from in wonder, "So how were they today?"
Besides the lifted eyebrow and an exhausted sigh, Kaede could hardly hold in her resignation but opted for giving the young girl her most sincere smile and pointed to the back bedroom. "I was truly blessed with a few hours of needed rest. They are currently sleeping in the bedroom."
"I guess today was a rough day then?" Kagome sighed, already heading towards the devil's lair.
"Let us see. They were up and running for hours wanting this and that or needing this for that. I just can't seem to figure out what you do to keep them so tame."
"I surprise myself sometimes as well." Her speech died down to a faint whisper as she turned the doorknob and pushed into the small square room littered from door frame to the orange curtained window, with colouring books, to toys. Reading books lied half open on their sides, nearby broken crayons could be found.
Ah yes, the wraths of a child's energetic activities filled with joyous fun and cheer. In the farthest corner lying in a tangled mess of limbs and thin sheets were two small bodies sleeping peacefully in a fort-like bunk bed. "Out like a light," Kagome commented pushing the door open to step in.
"And all it took was three glasses of warm milk, six bedtime stories, four games of tag and a hundred promises that you'd return if they went to bed," Kaede snorted sarcastically.
"Only four? Last time you had to play 12 tags. That is a new record."
"Trust me, I made it up with playing their favourite movie, the Lion King."
Kagome kneeled down beside the lower bed and pulled the sheets off one of the youngest Higurashi twins sleeping soundlessly with his stubby arms wrapped around the neck of his favourite wolf. Shippo was the younger of the set resembling his father in so many ways. The messy clumps of auburn hung lifelessly against the soft pillow. His soft plump face bore the exact hue like her own, with a faint blush on his rosy cheeks. Had he been awake one would be in awe at the sea foam green that blended so will with his auburn hair. Eyes which he had inherited from his father. "Wake up Shippo. Time to go."
"Hmmm..." whimpered the protesting babe, one arm searching for the missing warmth and the other held tightly to the wolf. "Don't wanna go Kaa-san...too sweepy..."
"You can go back to sleep on the way home. Wake up sweetie," Kagome reached down to scoop up the tiny kitsune and oversized wolf. Shippo whimpered contently nuzzling his face into his mother's warm neck, and proceeded to re-enter dream world. Now that one kit was out of the way the most problematic pair, was up next.
This one was Kagome's double in more ways than one. Had it not been for his personality, many would doubt that Kurama Higurashi had come from Kagome's own womb. Kagome stood up to see the tangled horror of disorderly blankets and limbs scattered across the top bunk. For a person that barely passed three feet, Kurama show managed to appear like an octopus covering every stretch of the bed, as if to declare that no one was allowed on, but himself. Kurama had inherited long red hair from the second half of Natsu's fox clan, and it was currently woven around his pale skinned neck and chubby face. Both Shippo and Kurama had inherited their skin tone from her. By his side was a big plush teddy fox. Kagome had to work with extra care to untangle Kurama from the sheets.
"Kurama, come on sweetie. Time for us to go home," urging Kurama, by nudging his cheekbones.
One little emerald eye peeped open tiredly before turning the entire body away. "Don't wanna...too sweepy."
"I know baby, but we have to go."
"No...mama..." Kurama somehow manage to re-tangle himself into the sheets.
Sighing, Kagome jerked the sheets off, ignoring the pitiful whimper and childlike whine as she bend over and tugged the sleepy kit until he eventually rolled into her arms, more or less not pleased to be awaken in such a manner. "Mama...mean...mama," mumbled Kurama, before finding a cozy spot next to the soft neck.
"Yes I know, sweetie." With both kits and plushies in hand, Kagome delicately made her way out and to the front door, "Thank you so much Kaede for watching the twins. I truly appreciate it."
"It is not a problem, Kagome," Kaede held open the front door, escorting the young miko outside.
Kagome stopped half way down the stairs, "By the way Kaede, I almost forgot, how many vacancies are left at the school?" She questioned, while preventing Shippo from sliding down.
Kaede frowned, "Only seventeen," came the mumbled reply. "Summer term is almost over. The school is going to need the money by the end of this semester."
"I know, I know."
A silent pause came, before, "If you need any help Kagome, I can easily lend you - "
"It is ok," Kagome cut her off. "I can do it. I will have the money by then."
"Kagome... the deadline is only 15 weeks away." Kaede sighed, the look of pity made its way onto her face. "It would not be any trouble, really Kagome."
"Thank you again for watching the twins. W...We have to get going, before it begins to rain again. I will see maybe tomorrow."
But before Kaede could voice another persuasive conversation, Kagome was already sprinting down the stairs and rounding off to her own building. By the balcony railing, Kaede watched the young ones head off to their homes, nothing to fast pace that the little miko was using. She couldn't help that sigh that left her lips, as her thought went back to Kagome. She worried for Kagome and her kits, it was hard being a single mother, with no family to lean on. Even with family around Kagome was too headstrong and stubborn to take help from anyone. Sometimes she wondered if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
XXX
Charity or pity were two words that Kagome despised. She despised receiving it, when there was no need for it. She worked hard for a reason and that was to get to her goals. Working hard had been her mission since losing her family and her fiancée years ago and it has been a promise that she lived her days by. It was the only way she knew how to take care of her children and ensure that they had the best life and education, she knew they deserved.
As she finally tucked in the tiny kits under their shared bed, Kagome stripped out of her Sweet Sensation uniform, gazing out of the fogged up window, as rain began to fall. Her gaze then twisted to her dresser where her money container with today's earnings was kept.
A pleased grin made its way onto her face, as it felt reassuring to see that her money container was being to reach the top.
Starting tomorrow, her plan was to work as hard or even harder, and then go out to look for any place that was willing to hire. Kagome Higurashi was on a mission, one she planned on succeeding on.