Author's Note: I do not own Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi or Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi by Shungiko Nakamura. This is a fan based fiction piece written in my spare time. I am not getting paid to write this. Please review and let me know if I should continue writing or let it collect internet dust.

CHAPTER 10: I'VE LOVED YOU FOR TEN YEARS (lemon content)

KAGOME

Ten years ago…

When Senpai's birthday was coming, I would imagine what it would be like to spend it with him. Since his birthday is so close to Christmas, I imagined sharing a cake and exchanging gifts. I smiled at the thought of candles lit everywhere and soft music playing in the background. I imagined sparkle and shine everywhere and my heart would beat fast.

Ten years later…

What the hell is Christmas?

"I'm back!" Everyone groaned when I walked in instead of greeting me in a human tone. This seemed to be the worst month yet. Not only was it the end of December but it was also year end. Because of the upcoming holidays, both printing and publishing companies will be closed so the due dates have been moved up. On top of preparing for the end of the month, we had a huge company party to prepare for where we would use this time to schmooze with authors and clients. But before we could drink, there was work to be done.

"Saito, tell me this is the last manuscript." I put my stuff down and saw drool coming from his mouth.

"Don't worry, it's the last one." He mumbled with his head laying on his desk.

"Hey! Hurry and get the phototypesetting done!" yelled Tanaka.

"R-right!" I quickly grabbed my work and began the typesetting. I feel awful and I wasn't the only one. None of us have slept for days.

"I'm sorry," said Sohei with his coat in hand. "I can't get a hold of her. I'm going to her place."

"Get it done!" Tanaka sighed as his phone rang. "Stupid year end schedule!" he picked up his phone at the same time my phone rang.

"Higurashi." I said picking up the phone. "What? Your assistants aren't available?...What do you mean they're attending a festival?" There's no time for this bullshit.

"Enough of this!" whined Saito. "Why the hell do we endure this every year?!"

"Because there are those who take the new year's holiday at any cost. We should stay open every day, twenty-four hours."

"Tanaka...our company is not a convenience store." Saito groaned.

"Excuse me," we all turned to face a delivery boy standing at the door. "I have a package for Sohei-san."

"Yes, we'll take it!" I said and signed for the package. Just as he leaves, we get the manuscript. My phone rang again. "Hello?...Yes, thank you for calling. We've just received the last manuscript."

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?! YOU'RE SUPPOSE TO LIE TO GIVE US MORE TIME!" yelled Tanaka.

"WHAT?!...NO, PLEASE IGNORE WHAT HE SAID!...Yes of course! I'm very sorry!" I hung up the phone and gave Tanaka a scathing look.

"Higurashi, take the manuscripts to the printing office." he said as he sat back down.

"But I just came back."

"They're your manuscripts! Hurry up and get out of here!"

"A-alright!" I packed up my stuff and walked towards the door.

"Kagome-chan," Saito stopped me and handed me a manuscript. "I've checked this but please check again at the printers'."

"Yes, of course." I said and stuffed it into my bag.

"Higurashi," Tanaka stood up and headed towards the door with his sketchbook in hand.

"I know! I'm leaving now!"

"I'm counting on you." He patted my shoulder and exited the room. Heat rushed to my cheeks and it took me a moment to regain my composure.

Some time later…

My legs could barely carry me to the bench and I collapsed with my hands holding my head up with my elbows resting on my knees. Everyone's getting ready for Christmas, and I'm here hoping it passes by quicker. I stared up at the buildings surrounding me and a headache formed, a sort of dull ache behind my eyes. The christmas lights blurred my vision.

I better let Tanaka know I'm on my way back. I pulled out my phone but hesitated as I my fingers hovered over the screen. After a moment I put the phone bag into the pocket of my coat and got up.

He only tapped my shoulder...why do I feel nervous?

I began walking towards the office and felt pain shoot up my legs with each step.

I can't believe...that we slept together. I was so drunk, I let it happen. I didn't want to believe it but...there's no denying it.

He acts as if nothing happened. I should ignore it too, right?

I'm already bothered by our past, now that he's my boss...I don't want to make it more complicated.

The past will have to stay the past. I need to move on and stop these awful feelings. I need to focus on my job. Besides…

Tanaka...is with Miyamoto.

That's right…

It doesn't have to be me.

I made it to the office when my phone buzzed. I checked the message and pressed the button for the elevator.

TANAKA: Good work. Go home.

I get this right as I get to the office?!

I put my phone away then started to turn back around when I heard voices from the elevator.

"So what do you want for your birthday this year?" Miyamoto and Tanaka stood there with shocked looks.

"Oh…" I quickly bowed.

"You came back?" Tanaka asked.

"Yeah I uh...just got your message."

"Well I got a call from the print office. Everything's good. You can go home." Him and Miyamoto walked ahead and opened the door.

"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow." I started walking out the door and felt nervous because it looked like we were all walking home together. How awkward if we all have to sit on the train together.

"Well? What do you want me to get you?" Miyamoto asked.

"Oh you know the usual. A nice house, some land...cash is always acceptable."

"Don't be a jerk!" she chuckled.

What are they talking about? Are they exchanging Christmas gifts?

"I'm stopping in here really quick." I pointed to the bookstore. "Have a good night."

"Oh, you know what? I need to grab something here too." My eye twitched. Can you not read the atmosphere?!

"I'll wait here." I said as Tanaka made a beeline towards the magazine section.

"Okay!" he said over his shoulder. Miyamoto stayed behind and gave me an icy look.

"You can go home if you don't want to wait around." I sighed. She sees right through me.

"I-I'll be going then. Please tell Tanaka I left." I turned around and began walking towards the door.

"Hey." Miyamoto called after me. I stopped to face her. "Do you have plans on Thursday?"

"This Thursday? We all have the day off don't we? Is there something going on?"

"It's Inuyasha's birthday." She said coldly. My heart skipped up into my throat.

"Oh...uh...I-I see."

"You didn't even know?" she said more like a statement than a question.

"Well…"

"It must not have been important for you to remember something like that."

"That's not-"

"Save it." I looked down and fidgeted with my coat. "The other day when you asked if Inuyasha and I used to date. This would be a good opportunity to tell you." I looked up at her. "The answer is yes."

The air left my lungs. I got my answer...but why do I care about it?

"When he was hurt and alone, I was there for him. You showing up now, you may hold his attention but don't let it go to your head. You don't even know his birthday."

"I've-I've been saying all along...that I have nothing to do with him. But…"

"What?"

"Are you...and Tanaka...dating now?"

"You just said that you have nothing to do with him. So you have no right to know that."

TANAKA

That was a long line for it being so late. I can't believe they only had one cashier. I walked out of the bookstore and saw Miyamoto standing alone.

"Sorry for the wait." she turned to smile at me. I looked around. "Where's Higurashi?"

"She said she was tired and went home." Her smile faded with each word.

"...Right." I said, disappointed.

KAGOME

I layed in my bed with the covers over my head. I didn't know why my heart was aching.

His birthday...of course I wouldn't remember his birthday.

They're going out...I don't care...It has nothing to do with me…

My doorbell rang over and over but I have no intentions of leaving this bed. My phone buzzed. The message was from Tanaka.

TANAKA: Where are you?

I turned off my phone and buried my head in my pillow.

Nothing.

Nothing.

It has nothing to do with me.

The next night…

"CHEERS!" We clanked our glasses together and drank heartily. It was our staff party on the last night of the year before the new year's party.

"This is so bad. It's so good I can't stop drinking!" said Saito excitedly.

"If you drink too much, we're not carrying you home." Sohei said as he looked at our waitress' backside. I rolled my eyes.

"You know she's a person...right?" I said between sips.

"I enjoy beauty in all its forms, Higurashi." He smirked.

"It's no wonder you're single."

"Actually," said Saito. "He definitely has a girlfriend."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Said Sohei as he was trying to look calm.

"Really because you're always looking at your phone and smiling during work hours. And their name in your phone is just a bunch of emojis."

"Can it!" Yelled Sohei as he made the motion of punching him.

"Well it's the way you act towards women that they tend to stay away from you." Sohei punched Saito's arm. "Hey! It's true! That's why each of us has a reputation. Sohei is the one our female authors avoid, I'm cute so they don't mind working with me, but most of them go to Tanaka as he seems like the most eligible bachelor."

"But the problem with Tanaka is that because he's good looking, he seems like a player." said Sohei.

"That's what I expect from authors." Said Tanaka with a smirk. "But truth be told, I'm a one woman kind of guy." he turned to face me. "Right, Higurashi?" I froze. Blood rushed to my cheeks and I quickly grabbed my chopsticks.

"H-How would I know? Have you guys tried the hiyayakko? It's so good!" I stuffed my mouth with food.

"Well thank goodness Christmas is here. Hello four day weekend!" said Saito.

"And hello to the new year of mayhem." Sohei sighed.

"Oh well for the new year," I perked up and swallowed my food. "Let's try not to yell, get our manuscripts done on time, and get lots of sleep!" I raised my glass hoping everyone would cheer. Instead they all looked down and away very awkwardly.

So much for changes in the new year…

Some time later…

"Our train is this way," said Sohei motioning to Saito. "so we'll see you next week. Bye!"

"Huh?" I watched them walk away and awkwardly looked up at Tanaka who was lighting a cigarette. "Well I'll just follow them, that route might be quicker-" He grabbed my arm and pulled me behind him.

"You're so shy you can't even go home with me?"

"Who's being shy?!" I pulled my arm out of his grip.

"You."

Later...

I awkwardly sat next to Tanaka on the train and kept my eyes on the screen of my phone. Tanaka yawned loudly and rested his head on the handrail.

At least I won't have to talk to him for four days. That reminds me...no one talked about Tanaka's birthday. Maybe they don't know about it? I guess it makes sense since they're all men. They don't care about things like that. Should I say something?

Tanaka rubbed his eyes and looked more awake.

"Um…" I couldn't meet his gaze. "Since I won't see you tomorrow...happy birthday."

He held his hand out. I turned to look at him, confused by the gesture.

"What?"

"Where's my present?" he said nonchalantly. This asshole...

"I'm sorry." My eye twitched with anger as I spoke through clenched teeth. "I didn't get you anything."

"How cheap of you." He dropped his hand. You could be greatful that I acknowledge it, you jerk!

"Did you remember my birthday?"

"Huh? Oh well actually Miyamoto told me." We came to our stop and both stood up and walked out the door. He walked ahead of me as we made our way towards the stairs that led to the street.

"Let's go for a drive."

"What?"

"Come for a drive with me tomorrow. It'll be my birthday present."

"Where to? Is anyone else coming?"

"My car is a two-seater."

"Oh well...I uh...already have plans."

"Liar."

"I'm not lying! I have plans!"

"Cancel them. You need to compensate for being the second to last editor to get their manuscript in."

"What?! How is that fair?"

"All's fair when I'm your boss." He smirked. "It's an order."

"I said I can't make it! And if you're so desperate-" I stopped myself before saying it.

"What?"

"N-nothing. But I can't make it."

If you're so desperate...then take Miyamoto for a drive. I should say it...but if I do I'll finally know the truth if they're going out or not. Am I ready to really hear it? Maybe I should put an end to this, I don't want to be bothered by these emotions anymore.

But I'm afraid of knowing the truth…

The next morning…

I was woken up by my doorbell ringing over and over in a frantic fashion. I quickly sat up and looked at my phone to check the time.

Who the hell-? It's 7am!

My phone rang and I groaned loudly as I got out of bed and stomped towards my front door. I cracked the door open to get him to stop ringing the bell.

"You are waking up the entire floor!"

"We have a date, remember?" He put his phone in his pocket.

"I'm sorry," I groaned, slowly closing the door. "I just woke up so you go ahead-Hey!"

Later…

And just like that, I'm sitting in his car. I shifted in my seat and pulled my sweater tighter over my body.

"You know it's supposed to rain a lot today."

"Rain is the best weather for driving. As long as it doesn't get too heavy." Just as he said that, it started to fall. Light drumming sounds of the rain filled the silence but even Tanaka couldn't stand it for very long. He put on the radio and continued to drive.

Last night, I dreamt about Tanaka. Well I dreamt about when he was Senpai. We had just started dating and I learned his birthday was the day before Christmas. I was so excited and imagined how I would celebrate with him.

But in reality...we broke up before Christmas.

"So, what are you doing on New Year's?" asked Tanaka "Are you visiting your family?"

"Oh, yes I am." I smiled a little. "It's tradition that everyone gets together and we make mochi."

"Mochi?" he smirked.

"What about you?"

"I'm spending it alone."

"Are you going to do work or-?"

"Well, both of my parents have new families...so they don't need me." he said blankly.

"O-oh…" Great, I made it awkward. "I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have asked."

"Don't worry about it."

We sat in silence for another five minutes but it felt like years. I felt this underlying tension but maybe it was only in my head.

"I'm not feeling well, I might be carsick. Mind if I sleep a bit?"

"Should I pull over?"

"Oh no, I'll be fine. Give me like ten minutes."

"Alright."

I lied. I just couldn't take the silence. Why is it so weird to spend time with him? I just don't know what to say to him.

I bet if Miyamoto was here...she'd know what to say...she'd know how to make him happy…

Later…

I woke up sitting in the car alone. I guess I fell asleep. Where are we? I looked out the window and was surprised to see snow falling. I wrapped my scarf around my neck and opened the door. I saw Tanaka standing near a lookout overlooking the city. He turned to face me.

"Look who's awake."

"Yeah, did I sleep long?"

"Not at all."

"I can't believe it's snowing. Look at this view!" I stood next to him and put my hand on the railing.

"If the weather was better, it'd be a better view."

"Oh but this is great. It hardly snows here." I smiled as I took in the view of the city. "Do you like it?"

"Huh?" he turned to me. "Oh, well...actually I like it because you like it. I just wanted to see it with you." He smiled, the first genuine smile I've ever gotten from him. My heart skipped a beat and my breath caught itself. I looked away from him and stared at my hands.

"Well...Happy birthday." he didn't say anything right away but I felt his eyes on me.

"Thank you." He said after a long silence. I gripped the handrail trying to calm my nerves when suddenly I felt very cold.

"Hey! What the hell?!" He threw a snowball at me and it hit me in the neck. I quickly brushed the snow off of my scarf and shot him an angry look. "Was the necessary?!"

"Come on Higurashi, lighten up! Did you never throw snowballs as a kid?" He picked up more snow and formed a ball in his hand.

"Don't. You. Dare!" I put my hands up to try and cover myself but he has already launched it at me hitting the side of my head. "I can't believe-"

I began to back away as he prepared another snowball and thinking quickly, ran to hide behind the car. He made his way towards me and launched the snowball but it hit his car instead. I quickly made my own snowball and launched it at his head missing him entirely. I quickly tried to make another one but he snuck up and put snow down the back of my jacket causing me to scream from the cold. I turned to face him and grabbed both of his hands to keep him from putting more snow on me. After struggling for a few seconds, we both stopped moving as our eyes met. My breath caught in my throat and I no longer felt cold. I let go of him but he grabbed my shoulders and pulled me in for a deep kiss. I pushed him away. Catching my breath and holding him away from me.

"Please...stop."

"Why?"

"Wh-why?" How can he ask me that? I took a deep breath.

"Higurashi-"

"Because... you're with Miyamoto..." He backed away from me and I put my hands down. I looked down at my feet.

"Why does she always come up when I'm with you?"

"Because she told me...you're going out."

"Are? You mean currently?"

"Well...she never actually said-"

"The truth is...we "were" dating." I felt the color leave my face, suddenly I didn't feel so good. "Truthfully, I don't think we were really dating. We just slept together when we were in university." My heart hurt. I don't know how I'm breathing right now. "A lot happened back then. I had anger management issues. When I met Miyamoto, I started that kind of relationship without really thinking."

"Is...is that why she knows the code to your house?"

"When I was rebelling, I hardly ate. My fridge only had alcohol in it. So she started buying groceries and preparing meals for me to heat up. Even now, she does it for me when my fridge is empty."

We sat there and I began to shiver from the cold. I can't...I can't be mad at him for dating someone...or even a lot of people. Ten years have passed since we were together. There were times when even I dated.

"Let's go. I don't want you to catch a cold." He turned around and opened the passenger side door.

"Why…" I felt my eyes water. "Why didn't you bring Miyamoto here?" Why am I so jealous?!

"IDIOT! DID YOU LISTEN TO A WORD I SAID?!"

"Idiot?" I was taken back.

"I said "we were" not "we are"! I'm not going out with anyone!" He took a deep breath and sighed heavily. "Maybe you don't get along with her but she is my friend. When I decided to work with her at Ueno, I set boundaries. We're friends and colleagues but nothing more."

"But…"

"I've said it before, Higurashi. No matter who I dated...I always thought of you. I've...I've loved you for ten years." I met his eyes then and felt the blood rush to my cheeks.

"Wha-" I sneezed and saw him shake his head.

"Get in the car." He put his hand on my back and ushered me in. We both sat in silence as he turned the car on and blasted the heater.

After hearing that...what are we supposed to talk about on the drive home?

"We should go. If the snow piles up, it'll be a problem."

"Oh, okay."

"By the way…" he rubbed his hands together to warm them up. "Back when we were dating, there was a time when…" he laughed softly. "I used to imagine what it'd be like to spend Christmas and my birthday with you."

What?

"I imagined a cake...getting your a present and everything." He sighed heavily. "But we broke up before then anyway. I was immature back then."

"I think…" I swallowed hard. "You know...I also thought of that stuff back then." I looked up at him and felt the air shift. He grabbed my hand and pulled me in close to him. He embraced me and I gasped when I felt his breath on my neck.

His body temperature...his scent...I can't stop myself…

I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him back. He pulled back and kissed me. It was gentle and soft. I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck as he deepened the kiss. His hands wrapped around my hips and pulled me into his lap.

"Wait-what if someone sees?" I breathed heavily.

"The snow covered the windshield." He smirked and pulled me back to his lips.

I no longer felt cold as his hands slid underneath my sweater. I removed my scarf and tossed it into the passenger seat. He took the chance and kissed the exposed skin of my collar bone causing me to moan. I felt a pool form between my legs. His hands moved to my chest, pushing my bra up so he could caress my chest. I couldn't stop myself from grinding my hips into his lap where I felt his member hard against my core. I moved my hands and ran them underneath his shirt and felt that porcelain skin over muscle. I shuddered as he kissed my lips again and he smirked against my lips, proud of himself.

He grabbed my backside and gave a small squeeze causing me to jump slightly. He chuckled then had me sit up just enough so he could pull my pants down. I quickly unbuttoned his pants and removed his member. He grabbed my thighs making me hover over him then slowly pulled me down as he entered me. I clung to him and pulled him close to my chest as we moved together. He breathed heavily near my ear and I felt his heart beating against his chest. Each movement made me break the silence and I was no longer afraid of getting caught. We moved slowly, almost lazily as each stroke was drawn out. He filled and stretched me to the point of destroying me. I climbed higher and higher reaching that peak as my breathing became erratic. Tanaka gently scratched my back each time I met his rhythm and I moaned in his ear. He pulled me back but I tried to cover my face.

"Show me your face."

"Wha-" He grabbed my hand to remove it from shielding my eyes.

"I don't want you to forget this. Not like the other day. So look at me." I met his gaze.

I want to tell him to stop teasing me...but when I look into his eyes...my body and mind are filled with him...I'm not able to control myself.

This was never like the past where each time was hurried and over before it began. We took our time, relishing the feeling of each other until we reached the top. My body reacted and I felt tears fall down my cheeks as pleasure surged through my body. I desperately hung onto him and rode out the waves as they hit me. It wasn't long before he had met me at the peak and he shuddered against me holding me by my hips. He rested his forehead against mine and slowly our breathing became normal again.

The following Monday…

I ended up buying a cake…

I held the bag carefully in my hands and walked into the building. Okay now what do I do with it? Should just the two of us have a birthday party? No! That's stupid. Why did I buy this thing? I'll look like an idiot.

"Morning." I turned to see Tanaka walking up behind me.

"Good morning." I said trying to hide my red cheeks.

"What's that?" he asked pointing to the bag.

"It's nothing." I tried to put the bag behind me and hide it but he saw through my facade.

"...Is it for me?" He asked without expression. "Did you get candles?"

"It's not for you!" I exclaimed. I quickly walked up to the receptionist and smiled. "Would you like this cake? I got it from a friend but unfortunately I'm allergic."

"Oh thank you Miss!" she exclaimed and took the cake to the back room with a smile on her face. I followed Tanaka to the elevator and got in after him.

"Here." I handed him the other bag I was holding and looked down at the ground.

"A birthday present? Thank you." He began to open it.

"I-Well I wasn't sure what to get you…"

His eyes went wide as he opened the box then he looked at me with a disappointed look on his face. Inside the bag was a box full of medicinal drinks for upset stomachs and hangovers, some joint pain creams, energy drinks and vitamins bought from the pharmacy.

"I think presents should be sexier."

"Well these are practical!" We made it to our floor and got out of the elevator. "And I want to be clear on something. As a boss...you do your job well but that doesn't mean I like you as a person. So please don't have any misunderstandings." He looked at me for a moment then smirked as he opened one of the energy drinks from the bag. "What?"

"Nothing…" He took a sip of the drink. "I just feel loved."

"What?! What part of what I said made you feel that way?!"

"It's called reading between the lines, Higurashi."

Author's Note: Oh man...I like this chapter a lot. Let me know what you think and I'll update as soon as I can!