'I'm surprised, not everything lasts.' Kagome stared down at her plate of cake.
"Waiter," She called to the timid boy. "Can I have another?"
He nodded, disappearing into the kitchen.
For a Saturday, the small cafe was rather busy. Every seat was crammed, and Kagome had thankfully taken a spot in far corner at a two person table.
"Here you are, Ms. Higurashi." The boy returned.
"Thank you, Ginta." Kagome drove her fork into the chocolate cake. Ginta nodded, and then scurried to another costumer.
Kagome returned to her open laptop.
She ran her fingers through her hair, and sighed deeply.
Open on the screen before her was a registration form for a local university.
"I'm not going to have enough." Kagome angrily bit into her cake.
'I've thought of every possibility!'
The seat in front of her scraped out, and she glanced up.
"May I sit here?" The man asked. Kagome nodded and then returned to her frustrating problem.
The man sipped the tea in his hand, and occasionally glanced at Kagome's scowling face.
"It isn't my business," He spoke up. "But what is troubling you?"
"Hm?" Kagome looked up briefly. "No matter how much I look at it, I can't afford the tuition for university."
"Might I be of some assistance?" He asked. "I'm an accountant at my father's company."
Kagome turned her laptop around.
"Everything is listed here?" He raised his striking golden eyes. Kagome nodded, stabbing the cake again.
"You haven't included the costs of family support." He raised his eyebrows.
"My mother is single and my younger brother still lives with her. I have no family other than them." The raven shrugged.
"I see." His brows furrowed and he returned his eyes to the laptop. "Unless you find a benefactor, I can't see how you will be able to afford it." He turned the laptop back.
"Thanks anyway." She sighed. "I'm Kagome, by the way."
"Sesshomaru Taisho." He offered his hand and they shook. "Your last name wouldn't happen to be Higurashi, would it?"
"Yes. How did you know?" Kagome looked sceptical.
"My younger half-brother is Inuyasha." Sesshomaru scowled, swirling his tea. "We were almost siblings-in-law, had you married him."
"Don't remind me." Kagome snorted, rolling her eyes.
"Ginta!" The raven called after they had sat in awkward silence for several minutes. "Can I have-"
"More cake." The waiter-boy rushed forward and back with a new piece.
"You're a regular, I take it?" Sesshomaru chuckled.
"Yes. This is my favourite cafe. I've been coming here since they first opened."
"What a coincidence, I am too." Sesshomaru smiled.
The two fell silent.
"So.. How about the weather?" The silver-haired man gestured out the window.
"Well, it hasn't exactly been pleasant." Kagome glanced up.
They fell quiet again, and it last another piece of cake...
"So, that weather. Sure has been rainy..."
"Yes."
.
.
.
.
"The weather- I'm not very good at this am I?" Sesshomaru sighed, running a hand through his hair.
Kagome threw back her head and laughed.
"No. Not really." She wiped away tears, and closed her laptop. Ginta rushed to take her plate.
"Goodbye, Sesshomaru. Nice meeting you." She slung her black bag over her shoulder and stood.
Sesshomaru watched as she left, threw down money for the tea and followed her out.
"Kagome!" He called, running after her.
The raven turned.
"My father is hosting his annual Hallowe'en ball, would you come with me?" He asked.
Kagome looked surprised.
"But-"
"Please." Sesshomaru interrupted. "It will be repayment for your disengagement to my hanyo half-brother. I insist you come. My father wants to personally apologize for Inuyasha's behaviour."
"Do we have to dress up?" Kagome's eyes narrowed.
"It is a requirement, yes." Sesshomaru nodded, dread gathering in the pit of his stomach.
Kagome reached into her bag, and pulled out a piece of paper. She scribbled her number on it, and handed it to him.
"I'm late for work. Call me later and we'll talk about details." She began walking away, a big goofy smile on her face.
"I'll take it that was a yes..." The Inuyokai chuckled, tucking the paper into his pocket.