Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of this story. They are the property of the creator of inuyasha series.

CHAPTER 6

RING

RING

"Hello"

"Bankotsu? It's Kagome Higurashi here… Naraku's soon-to-be sister in-law… I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Kagome. Ofcourse I remember you. No, you're not disturbing at all. As a matter of fact I was just thinking about you."

"Really. Well I sort of wanted to… hmm… I wanted to meet you before the get-together. If that's okay with you. It's alright if you're busy with stuff or anything… It's nothing important just…"

"Kagome. I'm free right now. Let's meet up for lunch. Do you have a place in mind or should I choose?"

"Really. I mean this really means a lot. Thank you. I was thinking of 'feudal era'. The food there is quite good and reasonably priced too. It's my treat. See you there in 15 minutes."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye."

The line was disconnected but he kept staring at the phone. Kagome Higurashi never seized to amaze him. She seemed quite nervous while talking, as if not sure of herself. He smiled to himself.

'She's really something.'

How on earth was he supposed to ignore his attraction to her was beyond him, maybe he'll let himself loose. Just this once and see what happens. Who knows, she could be the girl of his dreams. If only he knew who had troubled the little angel in the park. He would make sure from now on that no harm comes to this angel of his.

He got up and started for 'feudal era'.

'Ms. Higurashi, this is your big day. It's time for you to be swept off your feet by your Mr. Perfect.'

....

RING

"Miroku here. If it's a girl, how about a date? If it's a boy, what's up man?"

"Miroku, this is Kagome. I have a favor to ask you. Bring Inuyasha to 'feudal era' with you in a few minutes. Don't tell him I asked you. I'll be there, but do not come up to me. And make sure you see me."

"What's all this about? Is this one of your pranks? He's going to kill me if he finds out I was involved."

"It's something like that. Just don't say anything."

"Alright. But you owe me big time."

"Fine. And by the way… if you continue using that pick up line on the phone, Sango will castrate you for sure."

"Har har. Very funny."

"Keep laughing like that and I will castrate you. Bye."

....

"Hey there gorgeous, I hope I didn't keep you waiting." Kagome turned to see Bankotsu standing behind her.

"A rose for the pretty lady." He gave her the rose. Kagome was stunned for a few moments. Bankotsu seated himself next to Kagome.

"Well, you certainly surprised me." Bankotsu wrapped his arm over Kagome's seat and leaned forward.

"So, anything particular you wanted to talk about?" Kagome was hesitating a little.

"It's just…" She looked him in the eye.

"I wanted to thank you for understanding and all your support. Even though we had just met, you were there for me as a friend. I really appreciate that. This is just my way of saying thank you."

He was still staring at her. Then suddenly he cracked a smile.

"It's my pleasure to be of an assistance to such a beautiful girl. Now enough of the formalities, I'm starving. Have you ordered yet?" Kagome smiled at him. He was really a very sensitive and kind person with a good sense of humor. They'd definitely be good friends.

"No I haven't. I was waiting for you."

"Well then, let's start eating."

....

"Miroku, why on earth do you have this urge to eat in 'feudal era'? We could've ordered a take away. Why come all the way here? You're not setting me up with someone are you? Coz if you are, let me tell you, I am not interested in anyone in that way. I would appreciate if you'd back down from my case."

"Ease up man. All I want is some good food in my stomach. That's all. I'm tired of all the junk food we have, so I decided to try something new. As for you my friend, you've not left the confines of your home for a week now. I'm just trying to cheer you up."

"It better be only that."

"A table for two please." Miroku started searching for Kagome as soon as they entered the restaurant.

"This way, sir."

"By the way, have you by any chance mentioned your break up to Kagome?"

"No, why? Did she say something to you? I've been trying to talk to her for that past week, but she just won't answer my calls."

"Nothing in particular. Just curious." He spotted Kagome sitting two tables away from them. She was fiddling with her hair.

"Let's sit here. It's got a nice view of the ladies."

"You'll never learn."

Inuyasha seated himself. He was about to call a waiter when he spotted Kagome.

'This must be my lucky day.' He got up to go and talk to her when he saw Bankotsu. He had brought a rose with him. Inuyasha sat back and seethed at the happening infront of him. Bankotsu had his arms draped over Kagome's chair and was leaning in. To a bystander, they would've passed off as a couple on a date.

"So, are you going over to kiki's place for dinner tonight? I hear Kagome will be there too."

Kagome was looking up at Bankotsu. They seemed to be engrossed in their conversation.

"Inuyasha. I'm talking to you man… who are you looking at in that murderous way?"

Miroku turned and saw Kagome and Bankotsu laughing and having lunch. It seemed as they were on a date.

"Wow. I mean, I never thought I'd see them here, that too, on a date. This day seems to be getting weirder by the minute."

Inuyasha was boiling inside. How could she? How could she be on a date with another man?

"Sir, I must ask you not to damage the restaurants property."

"Please excuse my friend… he's a little disturbed right now."

Miroku snatched the already crumbled menu from Inuyasha's hand.

"Will you cut it out? What's the big deal? So she's on a date with a man she knows for just the past week. It's her decision. I would suggest you respect that."

"Fuck her decision. What does she think of herself? I'll rip that man apart from limb to limb. He's fucking all over her. Just look."

"I will not look and I suggest you stop looking too. Their on a date, so their behaving like a couple on a date. What's it to you? She was supportive of Kim… why can't you support her decision? If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're jealous of Bankotsu."

"The hell I am. He does not deserve to be with her. I'm only concerned."

"Do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Do you deserve to be with her?"

Inuyasha was confounded. He stared at Miroku.

"I know you love her. It's been obvious from the start, I'm just surprised it took you this long to figure it out."

"Miroku…"

"I must say I had my doubts when you started dating Kim. But when I saw you two together and the way you react towards each other, I knew this was a phase you need to pass yourself. No one can tell you what to feel. You have to figure it out yourself."

"So what should I do now? It seems that all this figuring out only led her to the arms of another man. I feel like ripping him off her. Just look at him. He's all over her."

Inuyasha was having a hard time trying not to look at them. Kagome was now eating an ice cream. It seemed there was some stuck to her face, since Bankotsu leaned in and licked it. This was the last straw. Inuyasha got up and was about to go over to their table when Miroku held his hand.

"Don't. It will only seem like you're stalking her. Try to think clearly. She doesn't know you love her. She has no reason to wait around for you to realize it. Hell, maybe she herself hasn't realized it that she loves you. You have to give her time."

"Give her time? Do you know what you're saying? I have no time. Will you just look at them? If I waste anymore time, God only knows what that imbecile will do to her. I can't wait."

"Fine. Go over there and ruin any chances you have with her. What will you say? You finally realize you love her and want her back? What if she refuses? What will you do then, Einstein? Punch a hole in the wall to make your point? Or better yet, punch a hole in her date?"

"I don't know. I'll figure something out. I need some air. It really baffles me to see her with him when only a week ago she was in my arms. I think I drove her to him. This is entirely fault."

"And how is this your fault?"

"Well, it sort of started when…"

....

"Waiter, bill please."

"Kagome, I insist. Please let me pay. It's the least I could do for such a lovely company this afternoon."

Kagome just couldn't understand. He seemed to have a very subtle way to make her blush. God, this was all she had been doing this afternoon, blushing. She had blushed when he draped his arm on the back of her seat. She had blushed when he accidently touched her hands while eating. She had blushed when he had so innocently told her she had a drop of ice cream stuck to her cheek, and when she wasn't able to find it, he had licked it off her face.

"Alright. But it wouldn't be a treat. I wanted to give you something special as a thank you."

"The only thing I want from you is your friendship." Kagome smiled and held out her hand.

"It would be my pleasure to be your friend." Bankotsu held her hand, turned it and kissed the back of her hand. Kagome blushed again.

"The pleasures all mine. And please call me Banky. No need to be formal with friends."

"Yeah. So, Banky… are you such a charmer with all women or am I special." They started to leave.

"Well, I must say I'm a born charmer… but indeed you're special, no doubt about it."

Kagome had really enjoyed herself. Bankotsu… no Banky, seemed very much a nice guy. During all this, she had forgotten her main purpose for calling him here.

......................................

AUTHOR'S NOTE: i have edited the story a little as per the plot. sorry for the inconvenience.

p.s.

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