Number One Priority: Chapter 8
Miroku rushed down the four flights of stairs of the building that he worked at out to the street level. He needed to call back Sango before he drove himself crazy thinking about how strange his life had gotten with Kagome re-entering it. He had never been so stressed out and high strung. He wasn't even checking out women! He decided he would talk to Sango on his walk to Chichiri. He needed some serious advice as well. Tasuki wouldn't be very pleased with him if he accidentally set fire to the lab. Who knows what the boss man would do to him.
Upon reaching the front doors, Miroku was breathing heavily. It had been a while since he had sprinted down that many flights of stairs in less than a minute flat! As he pushed open the doors he bowled over the person standing on the other side sending them crashing to the pavement as he managed to drop his phone in the process after having pressed send on the cell phone.
The familiar tones of 'mosquito' began to resound from the person on the ground's hand. Absently he offered his hand to help them to their feet. His violet eyes widened in surprise to find Sango had been the one he ran into.
"I was just returning your call," Miroku greeted, confused at her appearance. She looked horrible. Her hair was a mess and she had dark circles under her eyes.
Miroku bit back a shocked gasp when the next thing he knew, Sango had her arms around his neck, and face buried against his chest. Miroku was tempted to cop a feel in that bountiful bottom of hers but opted to grab her by her shoulders and hold her away from him instead. Violet eyes searched her face for clues to her emotional outburst. "What's wrong?" He demanded, worry evident in his tone.
Sango looked away, pulling herself out of his hold on her shoulders, embarrassed at her display, if the rising blush in her cheeks were any indication. In spite of his lecherous habits he was probably her best friend along with Inuyasha. Right now she looked utterly alone.
"Sango, look at me." Miroku requested quietly, hooking her chin with his index finger. "Come walk with me. I was on my way to Chichiri's." Miroku began to walk away, confident that Sango would follow. His left hand fell into the pocket of the dark blue windbreaker he had thrown on before rushing down the stairs.
He toyed with Kagome's silver thumb ring that he had taken that morning. She had left it on the dresser beside his bed and he had intended on handing it to her at breakfast. He had placed it in his windbreaker pocket but then for some reason he didn't return it to her. So caught up in twirling the ring he didn't notice Sango had caught up with him until she pulled on his shoulder to stop him.
"Miaka is leaving." Sango informed him. Miroku's eyes widened in surprise at the statement, but other than that he remained stoic in his expressions. "Tamahome told her he was going to America this semester and she didn't want to risk their relationship so soon." Sango continued.
"So she's going to go with him?" Miroku asked, disbelief apparent on his features.
Sango nodded. "She's decided to take the semester off and follow him to America. She said it was her brother's idea. Apparently, he and Tamahome had been speaking about this situation for a while."
Miroku listened intently, holding his chin in a thoughtful expression with his right hand, while his left continued to fiddle with the silver ring. His mind drifted and yet remained focused. He concluded that the ring was one that he had bought for Kagome three years ago and had sent to her for Christmas. His other conclusion was that Sango was now without a roommate. A situation she could not financially handle.
"What do you intend to do? Do you have another roommate in mind?" Miroku asked.
Sango's head bowed at that. "I tried calling Kikyo to ask if she would be interested in sharing an apartment. I remember that she has been looking for a new one ever since her boyfriend Suikotsu started medical school." Sango began.
Miroku smiled and absently patted Sango on the shoulder as he turned the corner, the temple Chichiri worked at came into view. "That's great! I know the two of you don't get along that well but I'm sure it will work out."
"No, she's already making arrangements. Apparently, Hotohori called her last night. Said he had a friend that was interested in the apartment across from his and Sesshoumaru's. His friend was a female and needed another female roommate. She agreed, so she's already committed." Sango explained. "I met this female friend of his, I think she's more than a friend. I bet he's just trying to get his booty call a little closer to home."Sango tried to crack a joke, but Miroku ignored the poor attempt as another thought came to mind.
Miroku stopped walking, left eye twitching in agitation. He slid the thumb ring upon his index finger and then used that free hand to pull out his cell phone. He was about to dial Hotohori when Sango placed her hand upon his forearm, forcing his arm down to his side. He looked at her puzzled.
"Miroku, I can't afford that apartment by myself. I need to move out by the end of the week. I was hoping I could stay with you and Inuyasha." Sango suggested, a hopeful edge to the request.
Miroku's eyes widened so that they were practically bulging out of their sockets. She couldn't stay with him and Inuyasha! She'd meet Kagome! But then, he said it would be okay if she met Kagome. Miroku wasn't sure of what to say. His smooth words failed to emerge.
"What about that girl? You know the one that you are always talking to? You said she was going to be staying with you. Maybe she and I can get an apartment together. When does she get in town? I thought you were picking her up from the airport the other day." Sango spoke quickly, not pausing for breath as she waited for Miroku to either confirm or deny her beliefs.
Miroku smiled at her, "I need to call Hotohori real quick. If you'll excuse me for a moment." Miroku walked away from her to the relative privacy of an alleyway. He was set to have a nice chat with his not so favorite frat brother at the moment.
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Kagome folded her menu and handed it to Hotohori, who sat on her left. Kouga sat on her right and Inuyasha was directly in front of her at the little table they had selected to dine at.
Smiling up at the waitress, Kagome made her request. "I would just like the Caesar salad, please." The waitress jotted down the order and left the table. Her steps were a little frustrated after taking the complicated order from two of those males. It would seem all they ate was meat. The one with long dark hair practically ordered a raw cow! It was wretched to think that someone this day and age would eat raw meat.
"So, how do you all know one another?" Kagome inquired, hoping to distill some of the tension.
Kouga grinned as he reclined in his chair, ready to answer. "Yasha and I are neighbors, as you know. Hotohori lives with dog-face's older brother. But, we mostly know one another because we're all in the same fraternity."
"I see. Why did you join the fraternity?" Kagome inquired, she was always curious about what would cause people to join. She knew Miroku's reasons but she never quite believed them when he told her he joined so the babes would want him.
"My father," Inuyasha answered. He had been unusually quiet ever since Hotohori had joined their ensemble. His golden eyes kept sneaking furtive glances at the model as if he was sizing up his competition.
"The honest reason is because I like the idea of brotherhood. The fraternity is like a wolf pack. You look out for one another," Kouga answered as he sipped some of water.
Everyone looked expectantly over at Hotohori who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Come on pretty boy. What's your motive?" Inuyasha asked, upper lip curling into a slight snarl.
"Don't think I'm shallow in saying this, but, I am a model. Everyday I have women wanted to 'befriend' me for my body. I joined a fraternity because it's full of men and I hoped that they would see me for being myself and not for what I look like. Appearances wouldn't be that important to them." Hotohori answered voice solemn.
Kagome had tears well in her eyes at the heartfelt admission. She reached for his hand under the table and gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. Hotohori smiled at her shyly in return.
"What a load of horse shit," Inuyasha replied. Hotohori glared at him and Kouga raised his hand to cover his mouth to help suppress his laughter. "You joined because Sesshoumaru had to and he told you it would be fun."
Hotohori grinned sheepishly and looked back at Kagome as she took her hand back. "Well, that was another factor." Kagome rolled her eyes as she playfully punched him on his bicep.
Hotohori feigned pain as he clutched his abused appendage. He was about to retort when his cell phone began to ring. He held up a finger, "Excuse me for a moment," before answering. "Hotohori here."
Hotohori visibly flinched as he held the phone away from his ear. "Calm down Miroku. I can't understand a word you are saying." He listened intently to the rants being bombarded at him from the other end of the conversation. Through out the phone call he kept glancing between his three listeners.
"I understand your concern. But, frankly I do not care. She's a big girl and can make her own decisions." Hotohori replied before hanging up and flashing everyone a picture perfect smile. He looked over Kouga's shoulder to see someone standing in the doorway of the café, he waved them over. "Kagome, I'd like you to meet that young woman I was telling you about."
Kagome looked over her shoulder to see a tall young woman with dark hair and eyes approaching their table. "I didn't expect you to be here as well Inuyasha," the woman greeted.
"What are you doing here, Kikyo?" Inuyasha asked. He looked back over at Hotohori for answers, but the model didn't even acknowledge him.
"I came to meet my new roommate," Kikyo answered looking past Inuyasha to Kagome. "I assume that you are Kagome?"
Kagome nodded mutely, looking over at Hotohori for answers, but he was checking his cell phone. He had just received a text message and was frowning down at the script. Kouga leaned over to whisper in her ear. "That's Kikyo. She and Inuyasha used to date in middle school or something. She's engaged to a guy in medical school. I hear she's been looking for a new apartment."
Kagome lightly placed her palm upon Kouga's knee and squeezed it gently as she mouthed a silent, 'thankyou.' He reached down to trap her hand within his own warm hand for a moment before releasing it. She looked up at Kikyo, "Yes, I'm Kagome." She extended her hand to shake with the offered one of Kikyo.
Kikyo glanced over at Hotohori was typing furiously on his number pad. His text message was sounding like it was a rather long one. "He suggested that you and I look at the apartment across from him and Sesshoumaru. I've seen it before; it's pretty nice and not very expensive. What do you say? It's better than those dorms. I lived there my first semester and would highly discourage you from living there."
Kagome chewed her bottom lip. She looked over at Hotohori, he was still typing like mad on his cell phone. She wanted to see why Miroku had called earlier. He shouldn't mind her living in his apartment building. She looked between Kouga and Inuyasha. Kouga was idly picking at his food while Inuyasha was watching her with narrowed eyes.
Looking up, Kagome answered. "Alright. I think that would be great."
Kikyo nodded. "Excellent. I'll work out all the details and we can probably move in as soon as tomorrow. I already talked to the landlord; he owed my fiancé a favor so we shouldn't have any problems. I'll see you later then." Kikyo turned and walked out, a little bounce to her step now that her living situation had resolved.
Hotohori's cell phone rang again and with a great sigh of annoyance he answered it. After a few seconds he looked at Kagome apologetically. "I'm afraid you can't come to the shoot with me. I'll make it up and invite you and Kikyo to join Sesshoumaru and me for dinner sometime." He smirked at her. "What are neighbors for?"
Kouga looked down at his watch and stood up, pushing his chair back under the table. He grinned at Kagome. "I have to jet as well. I promised the track coach I'd help him look at some of the potential talent for this semester. Choose the room on the East side, that way you'll be directly below me. We can talk through the walls or something."
"Of course telephones work too," Inuyasha grumbled aloud, earning him a growl courtesy of Kouga. Hotohori and Kouga left, leaving Inuyasha and Kagome alone at the table. They sat in silence. "Did you want to get some groceries?"
Kagome nodded. "Yeah, I think that would be a good idea. Would you come with me?"
Inuyasha stood from his chair and pushed it in before walking behind Kagome and helping her up, pushing in her chair as well. Inuyasha smirked at her. "I may know nothing about how to handle waking up to a strange woman in my bed but I do know about food."
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Miroku glared at his insolent cell phone as he stomped his way to the temple. Sango was trailing behind closely at his heels. "Don't you think you are over reacting?" Sango asked, slightly out of breath. Miroku never lost his cool! This behavior he was displaying was totally out of character for him.
"I am not over reacting!" Miroku shouted as he raised his fist to pound on the door of the temple. Not two raps had been made before it was pulled open by a rather amused looking Chichiri.
"Something is on your mind, no da," Chichiri greeted with a playful smile as he ushered in his two visitors.
Miroku looked back at Sango, and offered a contrite look. "Actually, Sango, if it's not too much trouble I would prefer to speak with Chichiri alone. You know, it's about guy stuff." He rather cryptically explained.
Sango looked at him suspiciously but nodded her head in understanding. "You'll think about what I asked?"
Miroku nodded absently as he practically pushed Sango away from the door. "Yes of course, I'll think about it and get back with you." Miroku shut the door with a resounded slam as he braced himself with his back against it. "I am so going to hell."
Chichiri raised a brow at the belief. "Is that so? Come on, let us meditate. You can tell me about your sins." Miroku followed Chichiri and soon sat Indian style on the temple floor with eyes closed in meditation.
"What is on your mind?" Chichiri inquired a few silent, peaceful moments.
Miroku sighed before shifting his position. "I am not acting myself. Ever since I picked Kagome up from the airport I haven't even looked at woman with any kind of hentai thought. Sango practically begged me to let her move in and that didn't even phase me!" Miroku cried, holding his head between his palms.
"I see. So, you are saying that since Kagome has been re-introduced into your life that you are not interested in other women?" Chichiri asked carefully, fairly confident that he understood the situation even if Miroku had yet to realize it.
"What do you mean other women?" Miroku demanded, violet eyes narrowed dangerously at his friend. "Are you implying that I'm seeing Kagome in a way other than brotherly affection?"
Chichiri smiled an infuriatingly cheerful smile at the posed question. "Are you asking if I think you are feeling something for Kagome? It seems to me that this is not your typical sibling over-protectiveness, no da."
"You're wrong. Kagome is my sister. I could never think of her in some other way," Miroku argued.
"Only you know how you feel. But, I will tell you that she is not your sister. You are not related by blood or by law. It seems to me that the two of you are childhood best friends reunited." Chichiri answered, infuriating smile in place.
Miroku had his mouth open to argue some more when his cell phone rang. Chichiri cast him an annoyed glance for not having it on silent in a holy place. "Sorry," Miroku mumbled sheepishly as he answered the phone.
Chichiri closed his eyes to meditate some more when he felt Miroku stand beside him. He cracked open a single eye to observe him in a silent question. "That was Tasuki. The boss man is in and demanding to know where I am. He told him I wasn't feeling well but that I should be back within the half hour."
"You better go then, no da." Chichiri replied closing his eye again.
"I appreciate you talking to me. It didn't really help me sort out my jumbled emotions but I value it regardless." Miroku gave a brief bow of gratitude before exiting the temple and running back to the lab.
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Kagome glared at the exasperating man beside her as she sat down, shoving the grocery bags out of the way. "I can not believe you."
Inuyasha crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall of the elevator. "Hey, we all make mistakes. You can read, so this is as much your fault as mine."
"How do you figure that? I can barely speak Japanese. I can't read the language that well. You should have seen the Out of Order sign. Or in the very least listened to Kouga as he was trying to warn us before shoving me in here." Kagome huffed, rising to her feet and jabbing Inuyasha in the chest with every angry syllable.
"Keh, well it's not like I wanted to be stuck in an elevator with you." Inuyasha answered as he flicked Kagome's finger away from his chest. "I already called them through that little red phone thing. They said they should be able to get us out with in the hour."
Kagome moved back to the corner of the elevator, as far away from her companion as possible. "Of all the people to have gotten stuck in an elevator with, it had to be you! If I have a panic attack you better be able to deal with it." Kagome muttered as she wrapped her arms around her raised legs and rested her chin upon her knees.
"You aren't claustrophobic or anything are you?" Inuyasha asked, watching as Kagome began to rock back and forth and counting to ten repeatedly.
Kagome peered up at him, "Maybe I am."
Inuyasha sat beside her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. She tried to pull out of his grasp but he held firm. "Look, I promise we'll get out of here. If they don't open these doors for us I'll rip open the ceiling and climb out. You can hold onto my back and I'll haul you up to our apartment, okay? I won't let anything happen."
Kagome relaxed ever so slightly in his hold. She looked over at him, meeting his eyes with her own. "What if we starve?"
Inuyasha snorted at the suggestion. "Are you kidding?" He gestured to the grocery bags that were resting on the other side of the elevator. "We have enough Ramen and bottled water to last for at least two days!"
Kagome laughed at his enthusiasm before throwing his arm off her shoulder. "Don't think you can use this as an excuse to touch me." Kagome warned him.
Inuyasha smirked at that and placed his arm right back around her shoulders. "But baby, you didn't complain last night." He pouted cutely, earning him a slap in the face. He released Kagome from his grasp and rubbed his sore cheek. "Hey, I'm just trying to make this better for the both of us. No need to get all prissy on me."
Kagome glared at him in silent challenge and then yanked his hand away from his face and wrapped it around her own shoulder again. "Happy?" She turned away and stared at the wall, "And I am not prissy."
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TBC
Thanks so much for your reviews! They are highly encouraging. I believe that the pairing for this fic should slowly but surely become more and more obvious to you. Belle