punkish furball – Hello, all! XD

Words to Ponder:

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This installment is extra-long to make up for my prolonged absence. Also, I plug with absolutely no shame my two recently updated stories, Just a Little Kiss, an InuYasha/TMNT crossover, and Ascending to Valhalla, an InuYasha/Naruto crossover. Check them out if you have the time!

Drabble 36: A Zinnia because I am Loyal to You

Part One

Kagome hummed as she waited for the secretary to search through her school records. Kyoya's cryptic words struck a chord with her, so she decided to investigate after he returned to his club duties.

"Higurashi-san, I've found the information you requested. I'll print it out for you."

Kagome thanked her after she received the printout before she left the front office. As she walked, her eyes darted from her path to the paper she held then her path again.

Okada Hirokzu? I wonder what he could gain from paying my tuition.

Kagome frowned. She was beginning to sound like Kyoya.

Part Two

Kaoru sighed as the last guest left. Kagome didn't come to see him not that he expected her too. He slowly grinned.

What an obstinate girl I have.

"Kaoru~!" Tamaki sang, "Your princess is here!"

Kaoru stood and approached the doorway, smiling when he saw Kagome.

"You waited for me."

"Would you rather I didn't?"

He bit the inside of his cheek. This game was more fun.

"You could have come to the host club."

Kagome snorted. "I had something to attend to."

"And you're still here to…?"

She smirked and leaned forward, pressing kisses to Kaoru's cheek.

"Say goodbye."

Part Three

"Goodbye?" Kaoru repeated, face flushed and eyes dazed. This game was definitely better.

"I have a little errand to run before going home," Kagome explained, "I'm not sure how long it will take."

"I'll go with you!" he blurted, growing more flustered.

"I mean if you want me too! I just thought that we could—"

Kagome giggled and pressed a single finger to Kaoru's lips. He kissed it.

"I don't mind the company."

"You don't?"

"I could use a ride too."

Kaoru chuckled and held out his hand.

"Well then, let's go, milady."

They departed leaving their unseen audience behind.

Part Four

"So that's real romance?" Tamaki commented, beaming as the two teens made their exit, "Truly amazing!"

Haruhi rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't say that, but they are cute together."

"Still, it sucks being ignored," Hikaru said, his irritation nearly tangible.

"Hika-chan, don't be stingy!" Honey scolded, "Go-chan's good for Kao-chan."

"Go-chan?"

"It's cute, right?" Honey turned to Mori, and he dutifully gave his assurance.

"Enough talk, men! Let's get to work!" Tamaki declared.

"What for?"

"We're going to change Kagome's opinion of our club!"

"Why?"

"To make her happy! For her and our comrade's sake."

Tamaki's enthusiasm was painfully one-sided.

Part Five

Kaoru fidgeted as he read the document Kagome gave him. It wasn't its contents that rattled him. It was the petite raven leaning into him with her knee resting against his and her flyaway hairs tickling his cheek.

"Have you heard of this guy, Kaoru-kun?"

"Not really. My family isn't involved with his line of work.

Kagome hummed. Okada was the head of a very successful construction firm that was several generations old along with substantial involvement in real estate. He's also a generous man, giving funds to historical and religious organizations.

He's a good guy, but why help me?

Part Six

Walking through the main lobby of Okada Enterprises seemed far less daunting with Kaoru beside her. Kagome was too conscious of his presence to be overwhelmed by her surroundings.

"Excuse me—" Kagome began when the two of them approached the front desk but was immediately cut off by the receptionist.

"Higurashi-san! I just got off the phone with Okada-sama. He's expecting you."

Kagome blinked. "He is?"

"Absolutely!" the receptionist replied, nodding, "Someone will be here to escort you as soon as possible. And before I forget!"

She handed Kagome a vibrant orange zinnia. Kagome and Kaoru knew what it meant.

Part Seven

"When did you call ahead to Okada?" Kaoru asked as he leaned toward Kagome's ear.

"I didn't! I just found out he existed this afternoon! I don't have his number, just the address," Kagome whispered.

"So what's the plan now?"

"Never had one. I was just gonna wing it."

Kaoru's eyebrow twitched. "Wing it? How was that gonna get us an appointment to see Okada?"

"It's working pretty well if you ask me."

"Because Okada called ahead."

"A meaningless detail."

The two teens quieted when their escort arrived and followed him. By then, Kagome tucked the flower behind her ear.

Part Eight

Kaoru glanced at Kagome as they followed their guide. Her cheeks were blooming like the zinnia, but her posture was proud. He grinned and mimicked her confident strides.

Their escort stopped in front of a large conference room.

"Okada-sama will arrive shortly."

Kagome nodded as he left and turned to Kaoru.

"This is an odd first date."

"Maybe. And I don't understand why Okada is loyal to you."

"Because," a rich, mellow voice interjected, "I'll always be loyal to my woman."

Before Kaoru could react, Kagome flung herself at the tall, dark stranger, burying her tear-stained face in his neck.

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – That is a wrap! X3 I'm pretty sure I cheated, but I say this still counts as perfect 100 word drabbles. Until next time, TCB! ^.^

Word Count:

Per part – 100

Total – 800

(edited 05.30.2014)