Kiya-Chan: Hey everyone! Wow! Long time no see!

DemonicBrat: Heh, yeah, life gets way too in the way sometimes… -scratches back of neck-

Kiya-Chan: Wer are back with a new FF! Though it is not Naruto with the wonderful yaoi *_*

DemonicBrat: We hope that you enjoy our Inuyasha FF anyways!

Kiya-Chan: We do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters! Ah… Inuyasha ^^

DemonicBrat: Enjoy Everyone!

CH 1

Heaving a sigh and wiping the sweat from her brow, the young eighteen-year-old looked around the shrine as she finished scrubbing and polishing the wooden floors to a shine. Every day was the same for Kagome Higurashi; get up early and help clean, open her family's shrine, make breakfast then go to work at a small organic tea shop down the way. Not that she minded really, she was doing rather well for herself and her grandfather. Although the shrine did bring in a steady income it wasn't much. Since Gramps was too old work she took up a job as soon as she as she could. Between her paychecks and the shrine, they were both able to live quite comfortably, regardless of their frugal lifestyle. Behind the house was a small and tidy garden that provided them with fresh vegetables. Beyond that along the border of the property stood several fruit trees that would produce enough food to can and store apples and plums for the winter. Autumn was a busy time of year. Between college, work and chores Kagome barely had any spare time to herself. But despite everything she was content, which was a rare blessing these days. Kagome's dad passed away when she was seven from a car accident. Shortly after, her mother mysteriously disappeared as well leaving her an orphan and in the care of her grandfather. Those were dark days but thankfully they were behind her now, leaving her to look forward to a bright and happy future...Assuming she could pass her math class…

Standing up and stretching she walked the couple of yards from the shine to the main house behind it and into the kitchen. Pulling out a square pan and package of eggs she began to cook breakfast. Gramps would be in soon from sweeping the steps and once breakfast was finished she had exactly an hour and a half to change into her uniform and rush down the street to work. Buyo rubbed against her legs as she fried the omelets. Kagome took a deep breath and inhaled the crisp cool air through the open window. The last days of summer were upon them and soon she would be starting her second year of college. She smiled and watched through the kitchen window the early morning sunlight filter in through the leaves of the sacred tree.

"Today is going to be a good day." She remarked cheerfully to the cat "I can tell."

!

Kagome entered the tea shop causing the small bell on the door to tinkle pleasantly. The warm scent of herbs and fresh pastries assaulted her senses instantly. The shop was designed to be as traditional as possible while still accommodating a modern lifestyle. Separate by paper walls, Hojo's parents sold various herbs and natural remedies while Kagome and her coworkers served tea in a large room with tidy tables and zabuton arranged tastefully on the wooden floor in front of a beautiful bay window.

"Good morning!" Eri chirped from behind the bamboo counter as she carefully arranged the homemade pastries in the display case.

"Morning!" She replied as she stepped into the changing room to struggle into her mock komon kimono uniform. She and her three friends Eri, Yuka and Ayumi got this job shortly after high school when their classmate Hojo's family decided to expand on their Herbology shop. It was a peaceful job with good pay. Certainly, a step up from her last job at the 24-hour food market.

"Has it been busy?" She asked stepping behind the counter.

"No not really. Just the typical morning crowd."

Giving a nod and a smile Eri and Kagome swapped places. "I'll see you later then." With a small wave Eri took off, leaving Kagome to man the counter. Looking around the shop she heaved a long sigh, only five customers littered the tables.

"Kagome!" Looking up she watched as Hojo walked in, barely making the bell ring. She bit back the exasperated sigh she had built up in her chest. She forgot she was working with him today. He was a sweet guy. Really. But he was just so...so...enthusiastic? She watched him practically prance toward her.

"Good morning Hojo."

"How are you this lovely day?" He beamed

"I'm good." She put on a fake smile.

"And your health?"

"...Good."

"Are you sure? You're looking a bit pale. I'll make you a cup of tea!"

"Err that's not necessary! Really!"

"Nonsense! I can't have one of my employee's becoming ill!"

'Technically I'm your parent's employee,' She thought to herself as he walked into the kitchen. Looking towards the window she watched cars drive by. She felt her brain slowly start to turn off.

"Here's your tea!" Hojo set the cup in front of her loudly making her jump.

"Thanks." Kagome deadpanned staring at the steaming liquid. Patting Kagome on the shoulder Hojo made his way to the back office.

Just as Kagome was about to take a sip of tea the door flew open and her friend Ayumi came bursting in fifteen minutes late and with a huge smile. "Kagome!" she exclaimed, causing Kagome to spill tea everywhere. "Oops…"

Sighing Kagome grabbed a few napkins to clean the mess while Hojo came from the back to see what the commotion was about. "Are you okay Kagome?"

Glancing toward her friend, Kagome saw the dreadful flash go through her friend's eyes. 'Well this day just got better…' turning to Hojo she gave a smile, "I'm fine, no worries."

Ayumi made her way behind the counter, "I'll help her clean up Hojo, don't worry." she beamed, patting their manager on the shoulder.

Looking concerned and worrying his bottom lip, Hojo finally conceded. "Alright, I'll be in the back if you need anything."

The girls gave a nod in understanding. After Hojo disappeared Ayumi grinned at Kagome as she helped clean up the mess she had caused. "So… Hojo is here today." rolling her eyes Kagome gave a grunt in acknowledgement.

'Well he does live here…' Kagome thought dryly.

"Well?"

"Well what, Ayumi?" Kagome groaned as she threw away the soaked napkins.

Ayumi disappeared a moment to change into the mock kimono uniform. "You know, he's never here when it's just me or the others right? Hojo is only here whenever you are."

Kagome raked a hand through her long black hair in irritation. "I already know what you're going to say, Ayumi. My answer is still the same. Not going to happen."

Glaring at Kagome, Ayumi released a sound of irritation. "Come on Kagome!" she exclaimed in frustration. "He's a good guy! You won't find anyone better than Hojo."

Kagome rubbed her temples to work out an oncoming headache. "Ayumi, we've been over this a million times…" she groaned. "He's too clingy and too hyper. I don't want someone like that… I like my space."

"Yeah but he is so crazy for you!" Ayumi emphasized loudly making Kagome nervous about being overheard. "You should at least give him a chance."

"Let's just drop the subject okay?" She demanded.

"Fine, I'll drop it." Ayumi had a strange glint in her eye. "But this conversation isn't over!"

Kagome sighed. 'It never is…'

The girls spend the rest of the day waiting on the steady stream of customers while talking about the upcoming classes and their excitement for the new school year during their slow period. It was two hours before the end of the shift when the bell rang again and to Kagome's surprise in walks her grandpa.

"Gramps! What are you doing here?"

"Kagome." He started solemnly. "I need you to come home as soon as possible."

"But I'm at work." she replied, taken aback by his sudden appearance. He never came to visit her at work. "Can it wait for a couple more hours when I get off?"

"I'm afraid not. Let me talk to Hojo. It's important."

"O-okay." Kagome rushed in the back to find him with a growing sense of alarm. Something bad must have happened to cause gramps to act like this.

"Hojo, can you come out here please?"

"Of course!" He bubbled with a huge grin. He followed her out and faltered slightly at the sight of the older man before him.

"Hojo I'm sorry to ask but can you please excuse Kagome for the rest of the day. She is needed at home."

"I'm sure we can manage without her." He responded respectfully. "May I ask if everything is alright?"

"I'm afraid," Gramps uttered gravely "There has been a death in the family."