A/N: Why hello you guys! I am going to update now! The reason I didn't update before was because my computer went haywire and we had to erase EVERYTHING off my computer and then re-install it again. So the chapter I had started is gone, but don't worry! I have it in my brain.

We made it to chapter 10! And 80 reviews! twenty more and we have a hundred! C'mon, keep those reveiws coming!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. That plain enough for ya?

Chapter 10: Problems solved, some not.

I walked inside as quickly as I could. I grabbed my card off the shelf we always left them on and punched in. Sango was already here and Ayame was too. Even Miroku had made it before me. Gosh, that was horrifying!

I walked quietly toward Kurena's office. I softly rapped on the door.

"Come in,"

I stepped inside and sat down. In front of me, Kurena was hunched over her paper work, furiously scribbling away.

Any more harder, and that poor pencil would be history.

But under that, I saw that she was upset. Her hair was in a messy bun, not at all like the neat and combed ponytail she always had on. And when she looked up, her eyes were semi-swollen from either no sleep, or lots of crying.

It broke my heart. Kurena was my friend and here I was being the reason she couldn't sleep at night.

" Kurena? I came to you to talk about something," She let go of her pen and sat up.

"What is it Kagome?"

I took a deep breath. " Well, I overheard that conversation you had about my firing. I also heard that if you didn't, you'd get fired." Kurena smiled at me. She patted my hand.

"Oh, Kagome! I'd never ever fire you! You're one of my best employees, and like I said before, I'll be damned if I fire you!"

I blinked. "But Kurena! You've been so upset recently! It's really okay, you can fire me!" I exclaimed. I hope she wasn't doing this for my sake. She stood and walked over to me. She grabbed both my hands, making me stand up.

"Kagome, I could never live with myself if I did. You're like family and so is everyone else here. You're all my friends, and I wouldn't want anything else for the world." She smiled and let go of my hands. " Now off to work you. I don't pay you to sit around, now do I?"

I laughed. "See ya later, Kurena!" I waved and walked out to her office. I skipped to my register, suddenly giddy.

For a while, it was boring. Nothing new and we were having a low flow today. I turned off my register light to go see Ayame in the warehouse. I found her talking with her Kouga. When he caught sight of me, he smiled.

"Why if it isn't Higurashi! How's it going?" We shook hands, like we always did.

"I've been good, thanks for asking." I turned to Ayame. " Can we talk in private?" Kouga groaned.

"Aw, come on! You're stealing my girlfriend already?" He pouted toward Ayame but we both knew it was an act. Ayame waved him off.

"Later, ok? Kagome and I have girl things to talk about," She hooked her arm with mine and we walked away. I couldn't help but giggle.

"Aw, Ayame, he likes you so much!" I said, poking her in the ribs. She laughed.

"I know, the boy's hopeless." She turned to me as we found some boxes to sit on. "What did you need to talk about Kagome? You seem a little. . .out of yourself for a change."

I smoothed out the wrinkles in my uniform. Where would I begin? Should I tell her the Inuyasha bit or what I overheard Kikyo's dad say.

"Is it about Inuyasha?" She asked, leaning in.

Well, I guess I know now what to start with.

"Part of it." I sighed and looked at her. "Kurena we were so close!" I made a minimal of space between my thumb and finger. "That close from kissing! Then my sell rang and the moment was ruined. What's worse, on the way here, he apologized! What am I supposed to say to that?" By now I had gotten up and was pulling at my hair.

So much for keeping my composure.

Ayame crossed her legs. "Kagome, don't you think he apologized because he was embarrassed, and not because he didn't like you? Ever thought of that?"

I blinked and slowly my arms lowered themselves. It made sense now. The way he said the words contradicted himself.

"I never thought of that. Do you really think so?" I turned.

"Yes, I do."

I smiled softly to myself. I bent over to hug Ayame.

"Thanks! You're the best."

Suddenly, the intercom in the warehouse went on. "Higurashi, at your post now!" Kurena bellowed. I smiled to myself, standing up and waving goodbye to Ayame.

I walked out with more confidence in my stride. I felt lighter than air. Inuyasha liked me and I was giddy. Of course, I wouldn't act on it until he did. When he finally asked me out, I'd say yes and then it would be a happily ever after right?

What I caught sight was why I answered myself no.

Kikyo stood in front on my register, trapping her foot impatiently. I walked toward her, not even bothering to glance at her. I grabbed her stuff and scanned it.

"Hello, cousin. Nice day to work for me, huh?" She smiled wickedly. I was about to open my mouth when someone else did it for me.

"At least she can work for herself and doesn't have the need to get laid to get paid," Sango hissed, crossing her arms over her chest. Kikyo huffed and snatched the bag out of my grasp.

"Just you wait. I'll have you begging for mercy in no time,"

I gave her the finger.

She walked out with a look of disgust. Sango turned to me, laughing.

"Kagome, you gave her the finger! How long has it been since I've seen you use it?" I shrugged. I don't know why I did it, because I usually hated to do it, but something just let itself loose.

"So Sango, about that revenge plan. . ." I trialed off, eyeing her. She got that gleam in her eye.

"I say we go to her house when she's not there. Tomorrow, she had an aerobic class. She's always gone on Wednesdays."

I nodded. We'd get dirt on her and use it against her.

When it was time to leave, I felt a little nervous. What was Inuyasha thinking? Did he understand when I told him that he didn't need to apologize? I had no more time, since he pulled up. I opened the door.

"Inuyasha?"

He smiled at me. "Hey Kagome. Get it before you catch a cold." I slid in his car and it felt so warm. It smelled nice, like cherry blossoms.

I was beside myself with nerves. I had no idea what to do, what to say. I'd end up freaking out if I didn't keep calm. I looked out the window instead. Suddenly, I had the feeling to speak, to talk about what's been eating at me since last week.

"The anniversary of my father's death is on Thursday." I spoke softly. I didn't need to look behind to tell that Inuyasha was surprised.

"My mother's is too." I turned around in surprise.

"Really?" I asked. What were the odds that it was the same day?

"Yeah." His grip on the wheel tightened but relaxed.

We were already near my house. I felt a little more bold and covered his hand with my own. Inuyasha sighed.

"Inuyasha, why don't you come with me on Thursday with me and the rest of my family to go visit the graves. We could pass by your mother's grave."

He glanced at me. "Are you sure your mom wouldn't mind?" I shook my head.

"No. Sango and Miroku come all the time. You'll blend in," I smiled.

The car stopped. We were at the steps of my house. I turned to say goodbye when he leaned in.

"And don't think I haven't thought about what you said," That pulled me up short. I mumbled a goodbye and got out. I watched as Inuyasha sped off.

Suddenly, I realized that he used the same thing I had.

Oh, he was clever.

A/N: So I know this is short. But you guys will understand that sometimes, to keep the story flowing nicely, you have to stop somewhere. Just wait until "Thursday" comes for the gang. You'll love me then!

And you guys, I can't ask you enough, please go read "Defying fate" and review. It's not on my profile, but on the author who I am co-writing this with. Her penname is rockerchick16. It's a very good plot, and I know you guys would like it. And just because it doesn't say romance in the genre, doesn't mean it won't have any! PLEASE! I AM BEGGING YOU! And to those who already did, thank you.

Preview for next chapter: Dirt and a mystery man

Kagome and Sango head off after school to sneak into Kikyo's house. There, they find things they know Kikyo wouldn't want to come to light. Meanwhile, the awkward relationship that Inuyasha and Kagome have deepens as they discover more about each other's lives. Then another guys enters the picture, claiming that he's the one who left that flower for her. What will Kagome do? And who is this guy that is so devilishly handsome?

Chew on that!

-daichilover.

8/27/11

Edit: First edit of the day! Hope you are enjoying the story!

~Daichi