Summary: The final battle has ended and Kagome has to go back to her own time. After a while she gets on her feet but trouble soon meets the Higurashi family. And now she's stuck as the vice-president of Seika High. Keep in mind that Misaki is not poor and lives an ordinary life, except for the problems she has with her father, which is the cause of her hatred to men.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Kaichou wa Maid-sama! They belong to their respected owners.
"..ooo.." - Saying
'..ooo..' - Thinking
..ooo.. - Japanese
*..ooo..* - Happenings/doings
"..ooo.." – Unseen voices
Now…. ENJOY!
Chapter 14 X Final Clash
"We will now begin the second phase of the footman audition." Maki announced with the new pair made. "There is only one assignment in this second phase.
A new stage was being set up. Tables were place in accordance of the numbers of pairs.
"Please arrange the table nicely for afternoon tea." Maki instructed. "Consider the occasion and mood and arrange accordingly."
Many whispered confused as they tried to understand their task.
"It's important to understand how to set a table but use your taste to cover places you don't know. How one little thing is o
Placed could alter the appearance." Maki continued without rest. "Being considerate having good taste are important. You have 10 minutes."
"Please begin."
The participants ran toward the stalls where their materials were stacked. "Who's the one that's going to enjoy the afternoon tea…?" Kagome mused to herself.
Takumi stood beside her; his eyes still wide. "You…" Kagome didn't let him finish. "I'll explain later, it's just an illusion." She knew he wanted to ask about her missing breast and fake abs, but now wasn't the time.
The blonde let out a sigh. "Alright, I'll except a nice date for that."
Kagome ignore the comment, no matter how much she wanted to scold him. 'Thank Kami I asked Shippou-chan to give me some illusion leaf.' She thought with a sweat drop.
"Who are we setting the table for?" He then asked.
Kagome placed her fingers on her chin in thought. "The person's going to be elegantly enjoying the tea at a British looking café, so.." A smirk came on her face. "It'll be a classy madam or rich girls."
Takumi couldn't help but smirk along as they went to choose their table cloth and table set.
"3 Minutes left!" Maki's voice rang through the hall, more people starting to feel the pressure.
"Now we just need to choose the desserts…" Kagome muttered not sure which to pick out of the colorful and delicious sweets.
"Mind if I choose?" Takumi stepped forth; Kagome's eyes locked with his. "I don't mind. You seem confident." She said with a smile.
Takumi gave one in return and began instructing the last pieces of detail. "Put scones at the bottom rack of the cake stand. Go find red jam and clotted cream for me."
Kagome took a dash and came back but was quickly send on another errand. "Put packed sandwiches in the middle rack."
They stood together as their hands worked as one. "An on the top rack, pick out small cakes you would like." Kagome nodded and took her pick.
Takumi continued with the tea. "The choice of tea will be the light Earl Grey. It's a standard choice for afternoon tea." He explained.
"30 seconds left."
"And as a final touch." Kagome watched fascinated as Takumi finished the last bit. "Arrange some small flowers. It's all finished now."
It didn't take long for their table to be judged. "It perfectly replicated British style afternoon tea time." One of them said.
"The knives are well polished, too. The ladies will like the special touches." Another one said.
"It's a wonderful table."
Kagome turned her head to Takumi. "Just how perfect are you…?" She asked suspicious. He gave her a smirk. "What do you take me for?"
"A hentai kitsune." Kagome answered with a straight face. The boy sighed. "Fine, I can live with that."
"We'll now have a short break." Maki announced after each table was judged. "Enjoy your moment of afternoon tea at your table."
Kagome took a seat together with Takumi, sipping on their tea. "Say, Takumi…" Kagome hesitantly began. "Why did you take part in this audition?"
"My cute little kouhai asked me to, so I had no choice." He replied; sapphire eyes narrowed at him. "Baka!" She exclaimed not too loud. "If Kanrei-kun wanted to help me he would probably use the Taishou name, no matter how much I dislike that."
She watched Takumi calmly take another sip. "Because the mask looked interesting."
The miko couldn't help but sigh and gave up. "Knowing you that actually good be the reason."
She didn't pay attention the prying eyes that was looking down on them.
'Once again you seem to surprise me.' Tora smirked, his eyes landing on the smile Kagome. 'It just makes me all the more interested.' He watched as Kagome left her table and followed soon after.
Kagome stood in front of the toilets with a sigh. 'Ladies or gentlemen…? I don't even know anymore…'
She noticed an aura coming closer accompanied by footsteps. Kagome turned her head and saw Tora coming closer. She quickly talked some bravery in her and went inside the male bathroom.
She could hear Tora laugh as he passed by.
'That jerk… I'll get him someday!'
She thought resentfully, barely holding herself back from purifying him.
"You took your time." Takumi said when she came back. She nodded with a sigh. "Yeah. I went to the bathroom and went right into the men's room."
"You look mad." The blonde stated. "Were you nervous to be in the men's room and couldn't properly take care of yourself?"
"SHUT UP!" Kagome yelled back with tears in her eyes. She barraged his chest with her fists until the moment he caught her.
"Let go!" Kagome tried to pull her hand away from him, but it only made him hold her tighter. "Aren't you the one who's mad." She retorted.
"Maybe." Takumi tilted his head as if to take a better look at Kagome. "Do you know why?"
Kagome looked away. "That's because…"
She didn't notice the smirk on Takumi's face nor the hand that snaked around her waist. "Then let's make up." He brought his lips close to her ear.
"If you overwork yourself, I'll be punishing you, Kagome." He softly whispered in her ear.
Kagome flushed red as she noticed the attention, they had brought upon themselves. "We're not on some kind of show!" She yelled at the other participants.
"You made your point, too, Takumi, so get off!" She pushed her teammate aside. Takumi let go with the usual aloof smile. "I'm glad you understood me, Kagome-kun."
"We'll now begin phase three of the footman audition."
The group of young men stood in lines, waiting for their next instructions.
"Takumi…" Kagome whispered timidly to him. "I'll do my best not to overdo it, but I will still do my best until the end."
Takumi didn't say anything and patted her head as a reply.
They watched a new platform was being made and got up there.
'I know I'm being reckless.' Kagome looked down, lost in her thoughts. 'Still, I can't back down now. Not since I brought up the takeover.'
She felt someone place a card in between her bangs, making it stuck there. "Wow, I was really able to jam it in." She heard Takumi say hearing the surprise in his voice.
"We're not here to play around, baka Takumi!" Kagome exclaimed as she snatched the paper out of her hair. "What is this for anyway? 49?"
"Have you all received a paper with a number written on it?" Maki spoke through the microphone. "The number I had each group draw is the order of audition."
"The final phase is a customer relations simulation. We will have you wait on the judges." He explained.
"What we are looking for is elegance and loyalty, while handling tension. How well can you improvise in a situation where you can't make mistakes. This is the most important task. Good luck, everyone." With that the intro ended.
"Our pair switching reduced the number of pairs by one." Kagome mused, as she tried to lean back. Suddenly she felt her footing disappear and heard the snap of the rope. She was falling off the high platform.
Her body seemed to move in slow-motion through the air. "Ta..ku…mi…" She whispered out desperate for his help. She couldn't afford to stop now!
She closed her eyes, waiting for the impact.
*Bang*
'It… didn't hurt…?'
Kagome slowly opened her eyes as she felt her body lying on something soft. Her eyed went wide at the sight of who had saved her.
"Takumi!" She called out but he didn't react. "Takumi!" She yelled again; she could feel tears gathered in her eyes. "Takumi!"
A hand fell on her head, patting her soft hair. "Takumi…?" Kagome called once more, she watched him open his eyes with a smile. "You alright?" He asked her.
"I'm fine." She replied, watching stunned as Takumi sat up. "I'm fine, too, Kagome-kun."
"You shouldn't move." One of the judges came to take a closer look. "You need to get first aid."
"I'm fine." Takumi gave a curt reply as he stood up. Kagome quickly followed him up. "Of course, you're not." The crossdresser glared at him and went to grab his arm. "Even for you, you fell while protecting me."
The young male visibly winched at the contact; Kagome let go in shock. He was hurt… because of her he got hurt. "Your arm…"
"Are you really okay?" A new voice joined. The two looked at Maki walking towards them. "If not, I'll call a doctor." They could feel the underlining pressure for the two to drop out.
"That won't be necessary." Takumi turned to him with a pokerfaced smile.
Kagome and Takumi watched anxiously as the pairs went through the last phase until it was finally their turn. "Next, number 49."
"It's finally our turn." Kagome turn to her partner who gave her a smile. She gave him a glare in return. 'His left arm is badly hurt. And his right wrist, too.'
She walked after him as they went up the platform. 'Is it all right to let him go up those stairs like this? But if I quit now…'
"We'll now behind your audition." Maki greeted them when they arrived. "The customer and the judge will be me, Maki. I look forward to your service."
And so they started serving.
"Welcome back, Master. Let me take your bag for you." Kagome greeted with her professional smile. Takumi wanted to open his mouth and help but Kagome beat him to it. "And your coat." She said hurriedly.
She could hear Takumi give a light laugh, knowing her intentions. "Let me guide you to your table." Takumi led the way.
'I'll let Takumi handle the guiding and talking. I'll take on the manual labor. I can't increase Takumi's burden when his arms are injured.' Kagome nodded her head, sure of her decision. The brought the menu and served the tea with great focus.
"I'd like to order dinner now." Maki ordered with his stoic smile. "Of course." Kagome went to get the food, not seeing the trap that had been laid out.
"Oh, and you." Maki turned to Takumi as his smirk seemed to widen. "I'd like to have something to read. Can you bring about ten books from over there?" He nodded his head to the pile of books that were set.
Kagome raced over as fast as she could and brought the stack over. "Here it is!" Kagome panted.
"It's been bothering me for a while now, but are you covering for him?" Maki began. "There must be a reason. Perhaps you don't want him to hold anything?"
Kagome flinched. "I'm sorry, it was not my place to inquire into your affairs." Maki apologized with his sadistic smile. "But if he is incapable of working, I shouldn't ask him to do anything, should I?"
'Crap…' Kagome cursed with gritted teeth. "Thank you for your kind thoughts, Master." Takumi bowed besides her. "But we have no purpose without your commands. Please ask for whatever you'd like."
"But you have an issue, do you not?" Maki pushed. "For instance, and injury?"
Takumi straightened his back and gave a smile. "He is doing my work for me in order to leave me free to do other tasks. I'd like to ask your permission for one thing."
A helper from the sidelines, handed over a violin. "So, this "other task" is playing violin?" The judge questioned.
'I never knew he played the violin.' Kagome eyes shifted to his wrist with worry. 'But his wrist is…'
Al became quiet the moment Takumi played the instrument. A very gentle melody emerged as he elegantly moved his fingers.
"I see. Well done." Maki mused, his ears enjoying the sound that rang through the hall. "It'll make the dinner taste even better. I'll take the moment to enjoy the performance."
Time passed by as Maki continued to enjoy his dinner. Blue eyes narrowed in concern at the sight of her partner pushing through. 'He's starting to show that he's in pain.'
'I hid my gender this long in order to protect the café.' Fist started to clench up. 'I thought that this was the only way to handle the situation… But…'
She slowly raised her hand up and gripped tightly on the hem of Takumi's shirt. "That's enough." She whispered softly. Tears began to gather in her eyes as she faced him.
"Stop already!" She begged of him. Takumi silently let his arms fall to his side, violin in hand. "Is something the matter?" Maki taunted.
The hall had become quiet, feeling the tension rise between the participants and the judge.
Kagome snapped her head to him, her tears disappearing along the motion. She glared at him before bowing. "I'm sorry! His hands are injured. He needs medical care."
The smile disappeared from Maki's face as he turned to Takumi. "You. Is that true?" The blonde looked away and bit his tongue in silence.
"He hasn't admitted to it." Maki once again turned to Kagome with a stern voice. "Which means, even if he is injured, he's showing his will to follow through with his work."
"Just because he looks like he's in pain, you forced him to stop working in front of the Master? You do want to support your coworker, don't you?" Maki finished as he crossed his leg, he was looking down on Kagome… and she couldn't take it any longer.
"The "support" you speak of at your restaurant may be to watch your coworker collapse from fatigue." She began, her head lowered not letting Maki see her expression.
"But at our place, we "support" them so that they don't collapse. Because when people support you, you want to support them, too." The people around where carefully listening to every word she said.
"Even if you trouble them, they will watch your back and allow you to concentrate on your work." Her eyes went upwards and met those of Maki.
"Because it's a shop like that, I can put my heart into my work, and be confident that the customers will enjoy.
"That's why I love that relaxing café." Kagome smiled, unaware of the Miko ki that seemed to surround her. Soothing those that were restless as well as heal Takumi's wounds a little.
Tora and Maki shot, feeling their sense of fear rise, telling them to run. But when that energy washed over them it felt nice and comforting.
Takumi's green eyes widen at the tingling feeling he felt over his body, as if the pain was numbing. He watched Kagome bow and take her leave with him.
Once they were outside, they were greeted by the group they had left behind. "Kago-chan! Usui-kun!" Satsuki greeted as they ran over them. "How did it go-"
"I'm sorry, I'll explain everything later! But could you call a taxi?!" Kagome cut her off, desperation heard in her voice. "We need to take him to the hospital now."
"We'll take him to the Taishou's hospital." Kanrei took out his cell and called his driver.
"I'll get a wet handkerchief for his wrist!" Satsuki turned around to go to the toilet. "Manager!" Kagome called after her, making the woman stop in her tracks.
"I'm sorry." The young miko spoke with a bow. Satsuki smiled. "Kago-chan. If Maid Latte moved and looked different from how it does today, what would you do?"
Kagome looked up, tears faking to the ground. "If you needed me… Then I would go anywhere."
"Arigatou." Satsuki took a step closer and grasped her hands. "I'm truly a fortunate manager."
Maki stood silent in the empty gym on the platform. It was dark with not a single soul in sight.
"What's making you stand in a place like this?" A voice snickered as the person came to stand beside him. "I told you not to be an idiot when you're in public."
"I thought…" Maki began with a dejected voice. "I thought I knew what butlers and footmen should be like, so I never allowed them to compromise. I was convinced that I could satisfy any customer if we perfectly recreated the British atmosphere."
"Have you lost your vision because of what she said?" Tora questioned with his hands in his pockets. He let out a scoff. "You're a real troublemaker. Well, there are plenty of other locations. Like the best one possible."
Maki perked up and turned to face his master. "You don't mean that place that the Igarashi Foundation owns?"
"It's a place that was given to me. There's no problem." Tora walked off the platform to leave the area. "You'll probably learn a lot if you leave that place alone. You do your best now."
Maki took a deep bow. "Arigatou, Kaichou!"
*Ding Dong*
Emerald eyes widen when he opened the door with his one good arm. A raven-haired blue-eyed beauty stood in front of him with a piece of paper. The girl seemed timid with a light blush on her face, clearly intimidated by the rich area she entered.
"What in the world is this place….?" She questioned. "It's my house." Takumi answered, he let the woman inside and ignored her questions about the glasses.
"What? You came to visit me?" The boy leaned on his couch giving Kagome a smirk. "Something like that… Where's your family?" She asked
"They aren't here. I live alone."
*Miauw*
Kagome looked to the side and saw the cat he once picked up. "Well not completely." She replied with a light giggle as she kneeled to the floor to pet the young kitten.
She looked around noticing the emptiness of the apartment. "You didn't just move in or anything like that, right?" She looked over at the couch that held a single pillow and a blanket.
"I've been living here since I started going to high school." Takumi said as he moved towards her. "Why did you come alone?"
Kagome stood up and found herself cornered against the wall. His injured arm leaning against the wall next to her head.
"You don't mind me doing things to you?"
Unlike her normal self when he did that, Kagome kept quiet and gently placed her hand over his head. It was steaming hot.
"I knew you had a fever." Kagome sighed as she led the teen to the couch and made him lie down. "So, it's true that you forced them to let you leave the hospital."
Takumi watched with interest as Kagome continued her rambling while clearly taking care of him. "Get some sleep. I'm going to borrow a towel, ice and so forth."
"Onegai…" Takumi's heart skipped a beat when he saw Kagome holding his hands as tightly as she could, her eyes seemingly shining. "Let yourself heal."
"You haven't called your family at all?" Kagome questioned when she placed an ice towel on his forehead. "It's not necessary." He answered stubbornly.
"Why did you leave the hospital so quickly?"
"It was boring."
"Are you eating well?"
Silence. Kagome sighed as she went to the kitchen. "I'll make you some porridge."
"By the way…" Takumi softly called. "What happened with the shop?" A week had already passed since their ordeal and it seemed like Kagome didn't lose her job.
"Well, apparently Maki-san is going to open is café somewhere else."
"… I see." Takumi stared back at the ceiling in thought. It didn't take long before a delicious aroma filled the air.
"It's ready!" Kagome came to sit in front of him with a perfectly made rice porridge. "You're surprisingly good at cooking." Takumi sat up, with a smirk.
A thick mark appeared on Kagome's head. "What do you mean "surprisingly"?" She murmured under her breath.
"Here. Aaahh~" Kagome held out a spoon for him to eat after she finished blowing on him. She noticed that Takumi was a bit surprised at her action and saw his ears turning pink. It made her embarrass as well. "I'm sorry, this is probably too much."
"Iie." Takumi quickly shook his head. "I appreciate it." He opened his mouth and Kagome fed him until the pot was empty.
"If you can eat all that, then I guess I shouldn't have been worried." Kagome said with a small smile as she brought the utensils back to the kitchen.
"How can I leave leftovers?" Takumi questioned. He closed his eyes and lied back down again. "It's the first time I've had Kagome's home cooking."
Kagome flushed red. "Y-You should get changed; you must be soaked with sweat. Actually, you can't unbutton yourself with that hand, can you?"
Once again Kagome sat in front of Takumi, ready to give him a hand. He sat up and Kagome began undoing the buttons, slowly revealing his bare chest.
She felt someone stare at her and looked up, locking eyes with Takumi. Time seemed to stop as they as they locked eyes. Until Kagome gave in.
"What are you looking at?" She turned her head away. "You." He simply replied, once again Kagome turned red. "Look outside if you want to stare at something!"
"Hai, hai." Takumi obediently looked outside.
Kagome went on with her work quietly. 'I owe him once again…' Kagome pondered. 'He's teases me, sexually harasses me and makes me think he's screwed up. But he's always there for me when it counts. On the other hand, I can't even tell him about my past.'
"Gomen…" A soft whisper made Takumi looked back at the Shrine Maiden. "I feel like I'm totally depending on you. I've wanted to repay the favors you've done for me, but I can't at all. In the end, this is all I can do."
"I'm so hopeless." Kagome felt arms surround her body and hug her. "You're so sly, Kagome." She heard Takumi whisper in her ear.
"I'm actually relying on you quite a bit, too." Takumi didn't let her go as he talked. "Someone like you is perfect for me."
Kagome pushed him back, trying to hide her blush with her hand. "Perfect? Who do you think you are? Hentai Kitsune. You piss me off."
Takumi just smiled at her remarks.
"That's not fair, Kagome."
KC: Done! AT LAST! It was a hard thing to write but I'm satisfied ^^
Review:
15 Next Week
10 - 14 Two Weeks
0 - 9 Three weeks
So many thanks for those who did review!:
Two Sided Heart: YAY! I'm happy you found it ^^ Here is the new chapter !
BlueFiestaMockingjayPie: Thank you very much! I will do my best XD
Thisgirlreadswprds: Here you go!
Vanesilva496: Really?! Yay! That makes me super happy ^^ I hope I'm able to create more of those moments for you.
FyreDraagyn12: Thank you! I hope it was to your satisfaction ^^
Biggest Fan: Hope it's soon enough ^^
Leslie2132: I missed you too! Hopefully this was worth waiting for
Olivia Rodrigues 927: YASSS! XD
Gcardozaqromero1: I do speak Spanish, but I'll say thank you ^^
Mixie18: Yay! Thank you ^^ I will do my best!
Angel Winx: I hadn't thought of that before so… perhaps XD
HuangBaiLian: Here you go! XD
KawaiiKittyHigh: I'm happy I could do something for you ^^ Here is a new chapter hopefully worthy of your praise
YuukiAsuna-Chan: Haha I don't blame you XD
Cowgirlkitten2000: Thank you! It's good to be back ^^
Ayjah: Thank you so much! I will!
For those who do not know these words:
Hai: Yes
Iie: No
Baka: Idiot
Miko: Priestess
Miko ki: Spiritual energy
Kami: God
Matte: Wait
Hentai: Pervert
Kouhai: Underclassmen
Kaichou: President
Onegai: Please
Arigatou: Thank you
Gomen: (Another way of saying) Sorry
Kitsune: Demon fox
-chan:Honorifics for girls
-kun:Honorifics for boys
-san:Honorifics for everyone
-sama:Honorifics for those of higher standards