Chapter 14: those wide eyes stared back at me.

I had been trapped in this penthouse for three entire days. I had explored every inch of it, and Myoga had been there with me every step of the way. Watching my every move. No doubt he was enjoying watching me suffer. I couldn't stay locked up for much longer. I needed to see Hojo. He was expecting me any day now. I had been laying on the couch for the past hour and a half. Trying to plan my next escape attempt. Which was difficult, seeing as though Myoga was sitting right next to me.

"Do you not have work to go to?"

He smiled. "Yes, but not today. You can take a few days off when you're the boss."

He went back to reading his paper.

"You have to use the bathroom, get something to eat, fall asleep."

"Well, I am a demon so I would surely overpower you. I'd beat you to the door before even take two steps. I don't need to eat or sleep much either." He flipped the page. "You get an A for effort though."

I groaned. I did not have to look at him to know he was smiling. I could hear it in his voice. I sat up looking straight at him.

"How long do you plan to keep me in here?"

He put the newspaper down. "If there is somewhere you'd like to go, I'd be happy to accompany you."

I grimaced. "I do not want you to accompany me."

He shrugged. "Then, you cannot go."

"It is right down the street."

"So then me coming with you should be of no issue."

I groaned. "I feel like a child."

"Do you wish to see your murderous lover again?"

"He is not my lover, and he is not who I want to see!"

He chuckled. "Another lover perhaps?"

"Myoga!"

He put a hand up, trying not to laugh. "Alright. I'm sorry, go on."

"Have you ever met a young man by the name of Hojo?"

He nodded. "He visited you very often, while you were in the hospital."

"I had stopped by the flower shop two days ago. I had been buying flowers for Inuyasha's grave. Hojo happens to own that shop, and I told him that Kagome would stop by to see him."

"Now look who was being reckless."

"Myoga, please. He visited me for so many years. I owe him this. I have to give him some sort of closure. He still loves me. It broke my heart to listen to the way he spoke about me. I felt so stupid for not realizing how he felt sooner. If I did I would have handled this a long time ago, but I was robbed of seven years of my life. So please, just give me this."

He gave me a smile, his eyes softening. He tossed something to me. I cupped my hands catching it. I opened them, seeing the ring sitting there.

"You were toying with me this entire time, weren't you? You had planned to let me go from the very moment I asked you. Probably even before that."

"Be careful." was all he said.

I jumped up, running over to him. Placing a chaste kiss on his cheek. Earning me a smile.

**N**

I stepped out of the elevator, looking into the large gold mirror hanging on the lobby wall. I made sure all of my hair had been tucked away. I wore a pair of jeans with a t-shirt and sneakers. I didn't want to draw any attention to myself. I was taking a big risk from going outside without wearing the ring. I touched my pant pocket making sure the ring was there. Just in case of an emergency. I stepped out of the lobby, the warm breeze hitting my skin. It felt nice to be outside. Those two days had felt like forever. It was just down the street, it wasn't that dangerous. I started walking, keeping my head down. Making it to the shop in only three minutes. I pushed open the glass door, hearing the ding-dong go off.

He looked up from the counter. "How may I help you?"

I pulled off my cap, letting my hair fall.

"Hey, Hojo. Its been a while."

I ran my fingers through my hair, nervously. He didn't say a word. He just stood there staring at me, trying to catch his breath. He was in shock. I assumed he hadn't expected to me so soon. Or at all for that matter. He walked over to me quickly. He wrapped his arms around me. Squeezing me tightly. I could hear him inhaling my scent, I slipped my arms around him, squeezing him back. We stood there like that for a while. Just enjoying each other's embrace. He pulled away, holding onto my shoulders. He was looking me over, taking me in. His eyes glossing over.

"Say something. Anything." I said.

"You're really here. " He laughed nervously. "Your friend said you would come. I didn't really believe it... but you're really here."

He let his hands drop to his sides.

"In the flesh I said."

He smiled brightly. "I told myself that there was so much I would tell you if I ever saw you again, but my mind has gone blank."

I rubbed his shoulder. "It's alright. I'm alright, and I'll stay as long as you'd like me to."

He ran over to the front door, flipping the sign over to closed and locking the door. He walked back over to me, flashing me another smile. He ran his fingers through his hair, avoiding my eyes.

"I'm sure your friend told you what I'd said the other day. The way I feel about you... the way I've always felt about you."

"Hojo I-"

"Don't feel the same?." He interjected. He hung his head low. "I figured that out a very long time ago."

I wrung my hands. "I'm sorry. If only I'd paid closer attention. Noticed sooner, then maybe-"

"You could've broken my heart sooner?"

I folded my arms. "I'm making this worse aren't I?"

He shook his head, giving me a sad smile. "You aren't telling me anything that I didn't already know. I'm just glad that I had the chance to see you again. So, thank you."

I took his hands in my own. Looking him in the eyes. "No. Thank you. You visited me so many times without being asked. Doing whatever you thought would help to wake me up. Even before I ended up in that hospital bed. You were always so kind to me. Even though I didn't deserve it. You were always there for me. So for that, I thank you. I am so grateful to have been loved by someone like you. I know that someday you will make a woman very happy."

We were both crying now. He knew. He knew that I didn't love him. He knew that I never would. Yet he continued to love me. Continued to take care of me, visit me. He was truly an amazing person and I was truly grateful for having met him. He hugged me once more. Letting it out. Not holding one tear back. They were tears of sadness, but tears of happiness as well. We would never be lovers, but we would forever be friends. He pulled away looking at me. I laughed, which had made him laughed. No doubt we both looked mad to the people walking by on the street. Standing here teary-eyed and laughing out loud. He caressed my cheek. Our chocolate orbs clashing. I could see so many emotions dancing in his eyes. I could tell there was so much he wanted to say, to do but he knew he could never have me. Have what he truly wanted. So he said nothing. He pulled his hand away. Walking over to the counter. He plucked a single red spider lily. Handing it to me.

He gave me a sad smile. "A thank you gift. For your friend; for allowing me to see you again."

I smiled, wiping my eyes. "She'll love it."

We stood there, looking at one another. I had done what I had come here to do. I'd given him closure and I had my peace of mind. Things were perfect. Or, so I'd thought. A loud bang startled me. My head snapped towards the sound. My breath hitched in my throat. I could only stare, as those wide eyes stared back at me.