Week 7, Friday

Holding his breath, he carefully grasped the flexible plastic material in his hands and tied it in to an intricate knot. Then, mindful of his sharp claws, he doubled the security with a band of string, binding it tightly underneath his previous knot. He let out the breath he'd been holding, and was thankful that the smell had not lingered. He loaded the large and somewhat heavy bundle in to his mini cart and proceeded to pull out another large plastic bag. He replaced the can with the new bag and dusted his hands off before wheeling the load away.

He made his way around the curving bend of the sidewalk, the wheels clanking with each crack they ran over. A few times his load teetered off the edge, but his swift hands steadied it. Once he had reached his next stop, he repeated the same wrapping process yet again. After he finished this one, he would be completely finished.

His destination was nearly in sight, and he unconsciously pushed the cart a bit faster. The sun was slowly dipping beyond the trees and time seemed to flow slowly with it. Most of the kids had already filtered out of the park, and those that remained would be leaving shortly. For the most part, it had been a quiet typical day for him. Same old tasks in the same old park, with the same old kids…

And no Kagome.

His current job had allowed him to scour the entire park, so if she had been here, he would have found her. But he hadn't seen her. He could feel his chest tighten slightly at the thought. All his pent up frustration and anger from the days before seemed to have lifted ever so slightly, leaving him now with an empty feeling of dread. At first he had thought of nothing more than what she could be doing with him. And then his mind had fell in to turmoil at the thought of his ending service hours next week. Something in his mind had told him he should tell her the truth about everything, but another more conscientious side of him said no. He didn't want anything to change.

But now…now with her not here once again, he couldn't help but worry. What if it wasn't that she didn't want to be here, but that she couldn't? What if she was hurt or sick or something? What then? All his previous anger rants about her were replaced by guilt of such hasty thoughts. Now…he could only wonder.

The dumpster was only a few short feet from him now. Quickly, he unloaded all his trash bags from the cart and threw them in to the dumpster with a half hearted toss. After they were all inside, he continued back toward the main building to receive his next task for the day. There was only an hour remaining in his service time so hopefully his next job wouldn't be too tedious. He rolled the cart in to the shed before going off in search of Totosai.

"Hey Totosai! You around here?" he called out. He checked the old man's office, but it was empty. He checked a few more rooms and even the bathroom but still no one. He walked out the front doors of the building and shouted once more. "Hey Totosai! Where are you!?"

"I'm back here!"

Inuyasha's ears perked up at the sound of the scratchy voice. It was coming from behind the building. Strange…why would Totosai be back there? Shoving his hands in to his pockets, he walked around the building and turned the corner. He spied the old man and his eyes widened.

"Gah!" he cried out, taking a startled step back. His eyes nearly burned at the sight, and he blinked them, hoping to reduce the image in his mind. He gulped. "Wha…what the hell are you doing?"

Totosai looked up at him puzzled, before completely lowering the newspaper he had been reading. Inuyasha wished he hadn't. The park manager cocked an eyebrow. "What's the matter with you?"

Inuyasha didn't speak. He didn't even know such a color on a man was possible. Totosai smirked.

"What? Can't an old man sunbathe without being stared at?" He asked pointedly. He folded the newspaper and set it down on the lawn chair he had been sitting on. Standing up to his full height, he stretched, his wrinkled skin bouncing along with his movements.

Inuyasha grimaced. Totosai's skin was a deathly white. It was paler than pale, almost reflecting the sun in an unnecessary way. Hell, it was hard to even look at. And those swim shorts he was wearing…surely it was illegal to wear something that tight.

Totosai laughed at his face. "I can't be walking around the beach looking like a dead fish. I need to tan up, get my shape back. Otherwise Shoga would kill me." He shuddered slightly at the thought of his wife.

"Yeah…good luck with that…" Inuyasha responded, his eyes shooting skyward and away from the scene. "Anyway, do you have anything else for me to do?"

The park manager stroked his chin. "Did you mow the grass?"

He nodded.

"Chop the firewood?"

Nod.

"Trim the bushes?"

Nod.

"Empty the trashcans?"

Nod.

"Fix the sprinkler?"

"It wasn't broken."

"Oh right…" He bit his lip, pondering the possibilities. "Well, then I guess you're done here."

Inuyasha's eyes lit up. "So, I can go?" It would be a perfect early finish to a seemingly imperfect day.

But Totosai shook his head. Reaching in to his pocket he pulled out a few folded bills. He placed it in to Inuyasha's hand before closing his hand over it, giving him a satisfied pat. Inuyasha stared down at the offering dumbfounded. Was he…paying him? His mouth fell open in shock.

"Go fetch me a sandwich."

"What?!"

Totosai sat back down on the chair and leaned back. "Just go to Mayu and Satoru's Sandwich Shop. Pick me up a…pork sandwich with extra mustard. You can keep the change."

Inuyasha stared down at the money in shock. "You want me to get you a sandwich?" He repeated slowly. Totosai nodded.

"Yes please. I'm very hungry. The sandwich shop isn't too far from here, so it shouldn't take you too long. You can leave once you've brought me my food."

"This wasn't part of my punishment." Inuyasha mentioned, his eyes narrowing. He didn't like being sent around to do meaningless errands for others like he was their lap dog or something.

"Well just think of it this way: You are serving me and I am an important member of the community. So that's community service!" He suddenly sat up his chair and peered beyond Inuyasha. His big bug eyes widened. "Why if it isn't Kagome!"

His words caused a jolt to run through Inuyasha and he spun around before he could help himself. She had heard Totosai loud and clear and was now making her way towards them. Meanwhile, Inuyasha had lost all ability to speak and settled for just staring at her. She looked the same as she always did, he realized with a blush. Not hurt or sick or anything bad. Just with the same happy smile that always made his heart flutter just a bit more.

"Why…I haven't seen that look on Inuyasha's face since the beginning of the week!" Totosai said cheerfully with a chuckle. Inuyasha's cheeks darkened. A glimmer of realization rippled across Kagome's face. She smiled.

"Hey. How are you both?" she asked softly. She stopped in front of them, and Inuyasha's felt his limbs stuck to the spot at her proximity. He could make out her scent for the first time in days, and it burned a familiar flame within his mind. His mouth, however, still failed him.

"We're doing fine Kagome. How have you been?"

"Fine, just fine." She suddenly blinked. "Oh if you two are busy, I can leave."

Inuyasha's face softened. Typical Kagome. Always thinking of other's before herself.

"Actually, Inuyasha here was just going to get me a sandwich. Why don't you go with him!?" Totosai suggested eagerly, his head darting between the two of them excitedly. While Kagome's face seemed to light up, Inuyasha's was throwing daggers at the old man who didn't seem to notice. Seriously…did he want to die? He growled lowly, but it was cut off but Kagome's sweet voice.

"Well…I don't mind…that is, if Inuyasha doesn't." she mumbled more to herself. Her cheeks were tingled pink and she was twirling the cane in her hand nervously. Looking back at Totosai, Inuyasha gave one more pointed glance. If possible, the old man's smile grew even wider and he inclined his head toward the young woman.

"Let's go Kagome…" Inuyasha commanded stiffly, before walking past her toward his car, expecting her to follow. She waved to the park manager before following behind him. They walked in total silence for a few moments before he glanced over his shoulder to stare at her. He wanted to say something to her…anything really…but just couldn't find the words. He didn't dare question about him and any other things he that came to mind just didn't seem worthy or casual enough.

When did things become so difficult?

She held an expressionless look on her face, and she was keeping quite a safe distance from him. And the gap between them seemed to be widening with each step he took. It was almost like she was afraid of him. The thought bothered him.

Before he could lose his courage, he suddenly stopped and grabbed her wrist, gently but firmly and tugged her faster alongside him. She let out a startled squeak at the sudden movement, but allowed herself to be dragged. Her scent suddenly became fearful, and he nearly choked on it. Such a scent on her killed him, and he bit his lip. But he didn't let go. Something held him back. He tightened his hold on her.

They finally reached his car and he unlocked the passenger door. Carefully, he motioned her inside and released her hand, his fingers still tingling. "Thanks." She replied and he grunted in response. Stepping in to the driver's seat, he started the engine and took off toward the sandwich shop.

XxXxXx

He seemed so terribly awkward for some reason and she wondered why. She arrived at the park a bit later than usual and had immediately gone off to look for him. She hadn't seen him all week and to be honest, she had missed him. Thankfully, Totosai had seen her and she had found him as well. But even as she spoke to them, he had been silent. And now with them walking to his car, the silence continued and it was deafening. Could it have anything to do with the fact that she hadn't been here on Wednesday? But then in order for him to fully understand, then she would need to tell him everything.

Was she ready for that?

When his fingers had found her wrist, she couldn't help the startled squeak from her mouth. His hand had been slightly sweaty as if he was nervous and he hadn't said a word to her still. She wanted to say something, but couldn't. She was afraid of what he would say. His hand suddenly tightened around her wrist, but she remained mute. She heard him unlock his car, and she stepped in, the scent of musk and wood immediately alerting her senses. She sighed softly. She had no doubt this was his car. A few seconds later, she heard him start the car and they were off.

Nothing but the roar of the engine and the sound of whirling wind whizzing by from the open window could be heard. The need to fill the silence was eating at Kagome, and words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"I like your car." She stated, before cursing herself in stupidity.

"You…like my car?" The confusion and disbelief was in his voice and she gulped.

She laughed nervously. "Well…ah…it sounds nice."

"Oh…thanks…" he replied, his tone ending. But she refused to allow this awkward silence.

"Are you alright? You seem a bit tense."

"I'm fine." He grunted out. He made a sharp left turn causing her to lean slightly. His answer had been quick and rough, but his tone was guarded and forced. It bothered her immensely.

"You don't sound fine."

"Well I am."

She shook her heard. Typical Inuyasha. So stubborn. "Fine…be that way." When he didn't reply she sighed tiredly. "So…um…do you have any plans this weekend?"

"No. Do you?" He spat out the last part like it was poison. His voice was sharp, but now held a bitterness that she had never heard before. She blinked in confusion.

"What's with you today? Did someone kick your ass in your class today?" she said sarcastically.

He scoffed. "I knew it." He muttered, not expecting her to hear him. But she had.

"Knew what?" she snapped impatiently. Seriously, what was wrong with him today? She'd seen him grouchy before, but today easily topped it all. He was being…impossible! And she wanted to know why.

He remained silent and the air thickened around them. "Well?" No answer. "Am I not allowed to do stuff over the weekend or something?" She lashed out in frustration.

"Keh. I don't care what you and him do…" he said hotly. She was about to snap right back at him, but his words caused her to pause. 'Him? What on earth is he talking about?'

"Me and…him?" she questioned.

She heard him gulp and figured he hadn't really realized what he had said. He merely "Keh'ed" in response which didn't help to answer her question. Who could he be thinking of? She hardly saw any other guys his age but him and given her job, it wasn't surprising. And he seemed extremely angered by the thought of her and him.

And then it clicked.

"Do you mean…Souta?"

"I told you. I don't care abo—"

But she ignored him. "The one from Monday, right?"

"Keh."

Well that was as close to any yes that she would ever get. His tone had shifted from bitterness to anger yet again and this time her lips curved upwards in a grin. The pieces were all fitting together now and she held back the urge to laugh at such a thought. It would be so easy to tease him now since he was so obviously jealous, but she didn't dare. He was so easy to read, and she knew that teasing him would only bring disaster, and possibly more unease from him. And she couldn't bear to do something so silly like that to him. He was already insecure enough, or at least from what she gathered.

"Inuyasha…"

"What?" he bit out.

"Souta is my brother."

The car came to a hard stop causing her head to snap forward and then back again the headrest. She whined at the kink in her neck. "What was that fo—"

"Your brother?"

She smiled at the relief in his voice. "Yes Inuyasha. He's my younger brother."

"Oh…Well…keh. I don't care."

'Of course you don't.' Kagome thought all knowingly. The tension was slowly dispersing now with that new found knowledge. Even Inuyasha seemed a bit more relaxed sitting next to her. They talked for a few more minutes about pointless things until the car came to a stop once more and Inuyasha shut the engine off. They had arrived. He opened the door for her like a gentleman and she stepped out.

The familiar scent of freshly baked bread hit her nose and she gasped, recognizing it almost immediately. "Are we at Mayu and Satoru's Sandwich Shop?"

"Yeah."

They stepped inside and the scent of bread and freshly baked goods assaulted her even more strongly than before. She sighed happily. She hadn't been here in so long. The smell instantly brought some of the best memories to her mind. She remembered them as clear as day, and it made chest feel lighter just thinking about it. Her mind recalled all those cold days where the family would come in to get a fresh sandwich. The turkey was always her favorite; turkey sandwich with a cup of hot cocoa. It was heaven. A man walked by her and the strong smell of cigar hit her nose.

Her body instantly recoiled at the scent and she froze in place, terror seeping in to her bones. How could she forget? Although his place brought back some of the happiest memories, it also held the place for the worst memory. She didn't want to remember it; every time she did, it was like she was reliving the terror of her youth. She had spent months trying to forget, try as she might she knew she could never forget. It petrified her to no end and she suddenly felt scared and alone than she had been in months. Tears sprang in to her eyes before she could stop them. She bit her lip from crying outright.

Inuyasha's voice appeared next to her. "Damn Totosai. Figures he wouldn't give me enough mone—" He paused suddenly. "Kagome…are you alright?"

His voice was overflowing with concern and her heart melted at the sound. The fear was gone instantly, but the sadness still remained. She didn't have the strength to smile. "Can we please just leave?"

"Sure." He replied immediately, grasping her elbow gently and leading her outside. They loaded in to his car. He started the engine, and drove off.

"Want me to take you home?"

"Yes please." She gave him the address. He drove slowly and gently so as to not startle her. She was grateful.

The ride was spent in silence, but a completely different one than before. Tears continued to flow down her face, and judging by the sounds Inuyasha was making, it was starting to bother him too. She wanted to explain things to him, but was unsure of how to begin. Plus, she didn't know if she could handle it.

When he stopped and turned off the engine she knew they had arrived. She wiped the tears from her eyes, suddenly feeling pathetic. "Sorry about all this." She began, "I didn't mean to make things so difficult."

"Don't worry about it." He answered. "I don't think anyone…you can't always be smili…I mean…its okay to be sad sometimes…" he fumbled with his words.

"I understand Inuyasha. I'm alright now. Thank you." His effort to try and comfort her meant so much to her. She stepped out of the car. "Thanks again for the ride."

"No problem. You sure you're alright?"

She nodded. "I'm fine. I'll see you on Monday."

"Okay…bye Kagome."

"Bye." She waved to him, and began her walk up the tall steps of her home. When she reached the top, she heard the engine of his car come to life and drive off. She smiled at the sound. After hesitating a few seconds, she opened the door to her home and was met with the startled cries of her family.

XxXxXx

I'm done with finals! Yes! And all and all… I think they went pretty good. Sorry to keep you all waiting, but your patience shall be rewarded! I have the next few chapters all planned out and my entire break to do them! Thanks for sticking with me and I hope you enjoyed this chapter!