Using Love

Chrysolite Heart

Chapter 11

First off, Kikyou spent a little bit of time talking to Sango about the idea of getting a dog. It had been quite the interesting conversation and Sango had been extremely supportive of the idea. Of course that would make sense since she was the one who suggested it, Kikyou mused. After discussing through, Kikyou found that she lacked the knowledge she needed and so invited Sango to come with her to the pet store in town. Sango had been reluctant at first, staring around the piles of chores still left to do but Kikyou had smiled and told her it wouldn't be a problem. Eventually, Sango had agreed and off they went.

~*~

Kikyou drove eagerly down the road. Why was she so excited? It wasn't as if she had never seen a dog before, but for some reason, the idea made her very happy.

"So, what kind of dog do you think I should get then?" Kikyou asked as images of trees, grass and buildings flashed by.

"I don't know, I think this would have to depend on you. Have you thought about it?" Sango questioned. Kikyou smiled.

"Well, no not really, the idea was a bit… sudden," Kikyou finished momentarily. Sango laughed.

"Of course, I only mentioned it this morning didn't I?" she said with a chuckle. Kikyou smiled.

"Well, what kind of dogs do most people like? Or which kind is most popular?" Kikyou continued to ask. Sango didn't answer for a moment and Kikyou assumed she was thinking about the question when eventually Sango shrugged.

"I'm not sure. I would say that the golden retriever is probably the most popular kind of dog. They're obedient, loyal and make quite good friends but like I said before, it should be up to you once you see the pups, which one you like," Sango reminded. Kikyou nodded.

"I know, I know, I was just trying to get an idea. A picture…" Kikyou responded. They were in town now so Kikyou reduced her speed a bit. She felt her heartbeat race a little as they continued to drive. At first, Kikyou wasn't sure why but realized the answer when they passed the large white building of the hospital … and that someone who was inside. Kikyou did her best to clear her mind, not think about what she thought she should be thinking about but really didn't want to think about but at the same time did. She shook her head, as if to shake the thoughts out of her mind. She was far more confused than she had given herself credit for, she realized. Now was this a good thing or a bad? She sighed, this was certainly not the time to be thinking these things, and she would only get a headache later…

"Oh! There it is!" Sango pointed out just as Kikyou was about to drive by the colorful shop. I'm really out of it…Kikyou thought to herself, but then again, that would probably make sense.

"Right," Kikyou replied hastily when she noticed Sango was waiting for her reply. She grimaced and swerved the car into the small parking lot. Once she had shut the engine off, Sango was hopping delightedly out of the car. Kikyou took her time in following after, still a bit lost in her own thoughts.

"Oh look at them!" Sango cried; poking her finger at a number of puppies barking excitedly at the glass window Sango was looking through. Kikyou allowed herself a smile when she set eyes on the adorable puppies. One of them especially caught her eyes, but before she had had a good chance to get a look at it, it was pushed over to the side by larger ones. Kikyou blinked.

"Well, why don't we go in?" Kikyou suggested. Sango looked up in a surprise.

"Oh! Of course, we're not going to be buying any pets out here now are we?" Sango said with a small giggle. Kikyou smiled again and followed Sango inside. The bells on the door jingled in a merry way as Kikyou and Sango stepped into the comfy store.

"Hello, what can we do for you today?" a young woman asked. Sango smiled and began explaining that they were looking for a dog or a puppy. The young woman nodded and smiled encouragingly as Sango began listing the details they wanted. When she was finished the young woman gave one last firm nod before gesturing towards the puppies they had seen at the window.

"Well, we've got a whole lot of young pups just dying for a nice home," the young woman began to say. "May I ask who the pet is for?" She was looking expectantly at Sango. Sango opened her mouth to speak excitedly but Kikyou cut in smoothly.

"Actually, it's for me," Kikyou said. Sango closed her mouth and then nodded in agreement. The woman turned her attention towards Kikyou for the first time.

"And you're name is…?" the young lady asked.

"Kikyou,"

"Ah, alright, well my name's Nazuna," the woman responded. Kikyou nodded her head once in acknowledgment. Nazuna turned to Sango. "And you're name's…"

"Sango," Sango quickly filled. "I'm so sorry, we should've introduced ourselves first," Sango added quite a slight flush to her cheeks. Nazuna shook her head and laughed.

"No, it's alright, I can see you had other things on your mind," Nazuna replied. Sango laughed along with her. During this moment, Kikyou took the chance to get a good look around the small store.

The place was packed with different sorts of animals. As Kikyou looked back and forth she noticed a few cages with birds inside. Beneath were several fish tanks with so many different colored fish that even the rainbow would look dull compared to them. To the other side was a fenced area. When Kikyou took a step closer she saw kittens purring and pacing around on their soft paws … almost anxiously, Kikyou noticed. Over in the back of the store were several different food supplies, collars, leashes, bowls and other pet supplies. As Kikyou's eyes scanned the store she realized that even though the place was not very large, it was warm and friendly and well organized as well.

"So…you're looking for a dog, Ms. Kikyou?" Nazuna directed her question at Kikyou, causing Kikyou to look up from her scan of the store. Kikyou smiled and nodded quickly.

"Were you hoping for a grown dog or just a puppy?" Nazuna continued. Kikyou paused to think this over.

"I think a puppy would be nice," Kikyou responded after a moment's hesitation. Nazuna nodded.

"Well, like I said we have quite a number of them over here," Nazuna said as she walked over towards the large fenced area. It was sort of like miniature stage for the pups. The puppies, realizing the new attention, immediately raced over, barking excitedly. All except for one, that is. It looked quite forlorn and sad. It's small figure didn't compare with some of the larger puppies and Kikyou realized it was the same one that had caught her eye only moments earlier.

"Look at them, aren't they precious?" Sango cooed, petting one of the puppies gently on the head. Nazuna smiled.

"They are, they've all been tested as well. They've been through regular check-ups and have been through tests and all that sort of stuff. They've all gotten their shots already as well, so that's one less thing to worry about," Nazuna told them. Sango and Kikyou nodded, although not really listening. Kikyou couldn't tear her gaze from the small and lone puppy. It wasn't like the rest.

Sad? Was it not getting as much attention as the others?

Nazuna must've noticed Kikyou's intent focus on the puppy and cut into Kikyou's thoughts saying,

"He's one of our more quiet ones. Not as enthusiastic as the rest and so he doesn't get much attention from buyers," Kikyou nodded absent-mindedly.

Shy? Was it afraid to come see people? To be touched?

"How old is he?" Kikyou murmured after another silent moment. Nazuna smiled eagerly at Kikyou's response.

"Not very…maybe a little less than a year, 10 months?" Nazuna replied. Kikyou nodded. Kikyou took in the small figure of the puppy. It had a small frame, wide brown eyes, a dark black coat of fur, sort of floppy ears and a dainty, small nose.

"Does he have a name?" Kikyou questioned Nazuna. Nazuna shook her head.

"Not yet actually, we usually leave it up to the new owners to give the puppy a name," Nazuna replied. Kikyou nodded, pleased. Kikyou fixed her eyes on the puppy for a little longer and then looked up to Nazuna's questioning but hopeful gaze.

"I think I'll take him."

A/N: So…puppy shopping? I know this chapter wasn't exactly the most interesting but bear with me. This is what happens to me when I get a writer's block. And I do feel bad for not updating in … a month? I'm sorry. :( What kind of dog do you think he is? Anybody? And did anyone recognize the mention to Nazuna? You'll find out next chapter!