Glad you guys are liking it so far. It's nice to get such positive support. And because you are all so sweet, I'm going to respond to your reviews like a good little goose. .
Kiki Smythe-I'm happy you like Inuyasha being gay. I was afraid of possible hostility...
sashlea-No, I have never read Spider, or Wolf, for that matter. But now that you have recommended them to me I'll be sure to check them out. It's always nice to get advice in that department, I never know what to read anymore. Thank you! Yes, that was a rather dramatic first meeting...but it's more interesting than having them bump into each other on the street and giggle and all that. About putting the stuff on the same line, I'm not sure what you mean by that...And it wasn't impolite, don't worry.
Rabid-Inu-Girl-Well aren't you a happy person? To start, thanks for reading and reviewing every chapter, that was very thoughtful. Yes, I will add more information about the stories, thanks for the tip. Um...Yes, I've met several gay men and they're all a riot. Not all of them are as feminine as Inuyasha, though. And I've never had artichokes on pizza but they are very good. That line was from the French movie Amelie. So is the title of the story and the title of chapter 2. The story title translates to, "do you want to meet me?" And the other one translates to, "I am no one's little weasel." ^ ^
Stacerue-Well thank you very much! What lovely positive comments! I really appreciate your review!
shadowcat-Yes, Inuyasha is gay. How very perceptive of you.
***
Chapter 4-Co-worker Alley in Candy Land
***
I clicked my pen. And clicked it. And clicked it.
It was noon. Fifteen more minutes and I would be on my lunch break.
Riba was sitting next to me sharpening her letter opener, which was shaped like a sword. If someone she didn't favor approached the desk, she would either sharpen it in front of them or lick it slowly. I liked Riba. She was my type of person. Riba was older than me, a plump, middle-aged, black woman with a wasp-like sense of humor. Today she was wearing a pirate-cut, white shirt and she had her hair piled on top of her head in a little mountain.
Riba and I were both receptionists for the front desk of a building that was devoted to a vast company that produced office supplies. Our building was one of many that handled paperwork for the company in New York, and the world for that matter.
My job was very boring. I sat at the desk in my spinning office chair and either answered the phone or directed people to where they wanted to go in the building. Riba was a nice, chatty companion, and often favored me with her conversation when we weren't busy with our own tasks.
Today no one was calling. No one was coming in. Nothing was going on.
My mind was whirring with thoughts of Inuyasha and what he thought of me. We both knew that our argument had been over more than just my going out for coffee and not telling him. It was about the club accident, and the fact that I was becoming too dramatic and stupid for my own good. I think we were anticipating that my next stunt would be something really bad. He probably did entertain the thought of me committing suicide as being a real possibility.
I had professed my problems to Riba after I had bustled in several minutes late. Half-way through our discussion she made a very good point.
"And he thinks I'm going to commit suicide."
"Suicide?" Riba sputtered. "Where did he get that idea?"
"Well...you know... Because of...Kouga." I said sheepishly while pretending to look for something in my purse.
Riba shook her head slowly, "He thinks you'd commit suicide over Kouga?"
I stopped rifling and looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Honey," she gave me an imploring look. "What do you think of Kouga?"
"Think?" I snorted. "I try not to."
"Then it's safe to say you don't like him?"
"Duh."
She threw up her hands in disgust. "Then what makes Inuyasha think you'd kill yourself over him?!"
I paused in consideration of her statement. "You're right. I hate Kouga. I hate what he's done to me, and...and...now that I think about it, I've wasted a good week of my life! He's caused me so many problems! Why don't I get over him if I don't like him so much?!" I sighed. "I feel like I'm walking in circles..."
Riba shook her head again and reached to answer the phone. "I don't understand either of you. Always pissing each other off, pissing other people off, getting pissed off by other people...lord, you need to beat yourselves back into shape before someone else does it for you."
I pictured Sango coming at me with a baseball bat and laughed.
Still clicking my pen, Riba alerted me to the fact that it was time for lunch, and I got up and left with her towards the elevator. We usually went up a few levels and hung out with the ditty ladies in the cubicle department. They were almost as crazy as Riba, and they always found time to make me cookies. I loved the ditty middle-aged ladies.
When the little ding chimed, sounding the end of our brief trip up to the top levels of the building, I perked up a bit and then yawned. Riba peered over at me. "You okay?"
I nodded quickly and adjusted the strap of my handbag. "Yeah, just a little tired."
"Don't think I haven't noticed how pale you are these days." She added darkly as we stepped out into the vast maze of identical white boxes. I chose not to respond.
We hadn't gone more than a few steps when I heard a bright voice call my name. It was Nancy. Nancy had vivid red hair a foot tall piled in a messy bun on top of her head. She was pleasantly plump, and wore daring make-up. "Heeey there Kagome!"
I smiled meekly. "Hi."
Riba clucked behind me and leaned in close to me, "You know where to find me." And with that she sidled off, though not before Nancy made a good natured insult in her direction.
"So how are you?" I asked politely.
Nancy's expression changed rapidly and at once she launched into a flood of talking that covered everything from her back pains in the middle of the night, to her young niece's birthday, to her cat's habit of tearing up the furniture. I nodded sweetly, bobbing my head customarily to every statement she made.
"Oh that's awful." I commented casually when she finished a story about the demise of her new leather shoes at the clumsy hands of her husband.
"Yes it is!" She reached over and roughly unplugged her persistent phone without averting her eyes from me. Then she made an excited noise and bent underneath her desk. "You're on your break, right dear?"
"Yes I am."
"Well..." She emerged with a little plastic container clutched in her chubby hands. "Maybe this will brighten your day! I just made them, Dutch cookies. Guaranteed to put a bit of meat on you, you skinny thing!" Nancy then burst into a fit of hearty laughter as she passed the box to me.
"Thank you so much!" I glanced at the clock hanging over her computer and quickly bade her farewell. My break was almost over.
After navigating my way through the hive and saying hello to a few of my other coworkers I swooped in through a door along the far right wall and closed it shut firmly behind me. I had a small tower of plastic containers balancing precariously on one arm and my bag in the other. Riba laughed from where she was leaning casually against the counter, there was a bubbling coffee pot to her left.
"Get me some of that, will you?" I grumbled.
It was the 'coffee room' where my friendly group of ladies gathered on our breaks to drink and gossip. The male population of the building had taken the hint several years back before I had even started working there and pointedly avoided the room at certain hours of the day, for fear of interrupting whatever sacred female rituals we were conducting beyond the ominous door.
The coffee room was small, nothing special. There was a tiny table and some chairs in the middle of the tiled floor, a counter that stretched across the back wall, a little sink, a small refrigerator. Yet somehow, we managed to squeeze all of the overweight women plus me, the single other woman under thirty, Jordan, and Sheri, a tightly wound, gray haired lady who resembled a stick and smoked with a shaking hand in or outside of the building; it didn't matter to her.
Kaede, my favorite person after Riba, and the closest thing to a grandmother I had ever had, was sitting up on the counter leisurely. She fetched a mug from a cabinet above her head and poured me my coffee. I slumped over to the table and let my packages tumble forth next to Jordan's, who was sitting in one of the chairs next to Sheri. I joined them after I took my beverage from Kaede.
"Mind not smoking today Sheri? I have a headache."
She made no move to put out her cigarette, but instead dug into her purse, muttering incoherently. In seconds she produced a bottle of aspirin and tossed it in my general direction. I narrowed my eyes. "Thanks Sheri." She nodded.
"So..." Jordan leaned close to me, her bright blue eyes afire with mischief. "Riba tells us you're going to commit suicide?"
I blanched. "What?! No, I-"
Kaede made a low rumbling noise that was probably a growl of some sort. "Yes, explain yourself Kagome."
I looked desperately from face to face, seeking help, and saw Riba snickering devilishly. "Fiendish wench!" I accused.
"Ahem?" Kaede tapped her fingers impatiently on the counter.
"Let me explain-"
"Please do," she interrupted again.
I cleared my throat uncertainly, very aware that were there about four sets of eyes focused on me. Even batty old Sheri was staring at me intently. "Well, you all know about, about...the um...break-up..."
Jordan's eyebrows shot up and her mouth made a silent 'O.' Sheri sniffed coldly. Kaede nodded silently. Riba scowled and muttered to herself.
"Anyway..." I continued apprehensively, "I've been acting bitchy lately, pardon me Ms. Kaede, because of it, and this morning I snuck out for coffee after a particularly bad night and when I came back Inuyasha was upset and proposed that I could have been killing myself for all he knew." I sighed and sank into my plastic roost. "And that's that."
Kaede made a motherly noise and hopped off the counter to pat my head and give me a little hug. "Don't smother the girl," Sheri snapped.
Jordan leaned back, "Well that's rough Kagome, and please don't hate me for saying this, but shouldn't you start thinking about getting over Kouga? I mean, he seems to be the cause of all your problems lately, and you're missing work all the time..."
"Jordan!" Kaede reprimanded. "Horrible things like these take years to recover from!"
Jordan shrugged and I gently pulled myself from Kaede's embrace. "No Ms. Kaede, she's right."
Riba intervened, "Kagome has no reason to be hung up over a piece of shit like Kouga."
"Don't be vulgar." Kaede said softly.
"Let her say whatever the hell she wants." Sheri snuffed out her cigarette on her bare finger, a trick I had once been impressed by. Unfortunately, she simply pulled out a fresh one and lit it from the smouldering ashes of the first that were eating away at the plastic surface of the table where they had fallen. Riba scowled and threw a wet paper towel over the mess.
"As I was saying," Kaede continued in her wisest voice, "Kagome has every right to be upset, if it soothes the pain." She smiled down at me.
"Not if it causes other people pain." I added quietly.
At a loss, Kaede faltered for words and then the room was quiet. After a few awkward moments, I slapped the table enthusiastically with both hands. "But the point is, I'm not going to commit suicide!"
"Here, here," Jordan lifted her cup to me.
Riba glanced down at her watch and then looked up again, "Kagome we have to get back."
I grumbled and saw that I hadn't even gotten halfway through my coffee. I gathered my things and prepared to leave. "May I please borrow these for the rest of the day?" I asked Sheri, lifting the bottle of aspirin she had chucked at me earlier.
Sheri cackled and very much resembled the witch stereotype from fairy tales. I took that as a yes and headed out the door after Sheri. "Bye everybody."
***
The rest of the day passed without anything eventful occurring. I sat at the desk with Riba and we chattered about such and such, trying to pass the time. A few people came in, there were a few phone calls, nothing out of the ordinary.
But for however dull it was, I wanted to stay in my spinning office chair forever, because I dreaded coming home to Inuyasha. I was afraid of what would come from any more conversation between us, but I was even more afraid that I might come home to find that he had packed up and left. I wouldn't put it past him, who wanted to live with a psycho like me? Hell, I didn't even want to live with me.
I volunteered to shut off all the lights, even though it was Riba's turn, and took my time, staying late. But eventually the janitor booted me out and I was on my way home. I dragged my feet for a while, thinking that I could walk, possibly get lost, and never have to face Inuyasha again. Yet after a while, I realized that if I came home late and Inuyasha still had any shred of concern left for me, I could ruin that past salvation. So I called a taxi and hurried home.
The halls of my apartment building were quiet and forbidding. I stopped at Sango's door and rapped sweetly, hoping that maybe she would be able to tell me if Inuyasha was home or not; but she wasn't there. I continued to my own door, swallowed, and opened it with the greatest of care.
My heart burst and I almost cried for joy when I heard the sound of the T.V. coming from Inuyasha's room. He had a private set. But just as quickly as my spirits rose, they came crashing down when I realized that now I would actually have to talk to him. Now was the time. I had to be a big girl for once in my life or risk losing my dearest friend in the entire world.
I walked to his door softly, determined to make as little noise as possible. "I-Inuyasha?" My voice was meek and trembling. There was no answer except the sound of the T.V. as it was switched off. I cleared my throat, "May I come in?" Still no answer. Hesitantly I pushed the door open, only to be thrown out again by a stiff hug.
My brain took a few seconds to register what had happened as I stumbled backwards and crashed into the couch. His arms were around me, holding me close, pushing the air out of my lungs with sheer force. My nose was buried in his white hair. I was speechless.
He was too. For several minutes, or hours, we stood there like that. I didn't know about him but I was terrified to move and possibly shatter the beautiful moment. That and I was paralyzed with relief; surely this gesture meant he didn't hate me after all.
Inuyasha was the first to speak. "Kagome I'm sorry."
"Me too Inuyasha."
I lifted my face from his hair and together we moved towards the couch, though he never released me from his grip. When we sat down I cuddled into him and rested my head on his shoulder. He pet my hair gently.
"I'm going to try and be a better person Inuyasha." I began quietly. "I'm going to br better for you and Sango, and Miroku, and Rin, and myself. I need to put Kouga behind me, and after the other night I think we both know that that can't be done in just twenty-four hours. I think I need to take things one step at a time. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes Kagome. I think you're right." He sighed deeply as I was starting to nod off into his shoulder. "And I just wanted to apologize because, well...it was probably all my fault. You know, at the club."
I was startled out of my relaxation. "Why?"
"Because what you said is true, it can't happen in one day. And I tried to make it that way."
"Oh Inuyasha, don't say that..."
"No, it's true! I shouldn't have forced you into it, it just made things worse." He held me even harder for a second, as if he were afraid I might escape. Again.
I curled my finger into his hair. "Please don't say such things... Neither of us knew. You were helping, you wanted to help me. It wasn't as if you were being malicious or purposely trying to hurt me, and it isn't as if you're to blame."
"But..."
"Just trust me on this one." I sought a new angle. "You won't help me get over...You won't help me get better by feeling guilty about something that wasn't your fault. If you want to help, then forget about it. And I will too."
He was reluctant, but finally agreed.
"Good." I said, and then I yawned. I had exhausted myself worrying over Inuyasha. "Oh, and I'm sorry I walked out on you this morning. And I wasn't going to commit suicide. I met a girl at the café I went to, by the way. She's really nice, her name's Yukari. And another thing, thanks for sleeping next to me. Why didn't you get into the bed?"
"Okay, slow down. For one thing, we aren't going to mention the stupid incident this morning ever again."
I smiled. "Deal."
"And I know you would never commit suicide, I apologize for that comment."
Inuyasha..."
"We won't speak of that again either. Anyway, I'll have to meet Yu...whatever her name is, sometime."
"Yukari," I supplied sleepily.
"Yeah, her. About the sleeping arrangements, I thought you might wake up in the middle of the night and freak out or something."
"Now why would I do that?" I yawned again and rubbed my eyes.
"I dunno. Seeing a male, maybe you would think I was Kouga."
I laughed. "How very thoughtful of you Inuyasha."
"Don't mention it."
"Quit saying that."
***
Needless to say, having both exhausted ourselves worrying about each other the whole day, we drifted off to sleep soon enough. Of course, that was after we spent some time talking. Talking about what we liked to pretend were random subjects, but we were actually planning. Yes, planning, rather than bumbling along. Steps, as I had said, needed to be taken, and taken one at a time, very slowly.
Inuyasha once again advised that we relieve the tension of the situation. But this time, he was more subtle. We tossed around the idea of visiting Rin, then went on to consider gathering up Sango and Miroku and going to lunch.
When we both woke up, we lolled around on the couch for what seemed like an endless span of time; piecing our wits back together and flipping channels mindlessly. Gradually, after much small talk, we decided that we would go see Rin, and invite her to see a movie at the local Independent Film House.
It was odd, how easy it was to forget how stressed out we each had been only a few hours ago. I guess it was the fact that for a time our whole lives revolved around and depended on the opinion of one another, and when it was all done, we were so relieved we couldn't think straight. It proved to me how strong our friendship really was, and for all my pain and suffering and fingernail biting through the day, and a lot of the week, I think that it was worth it to be rewarded with that knowledge. I only hope that Inuyasha didn't wreck himself up as much as I did, but it's almost a sure thing that he did-at least for one day. I saw the look in his eyes when I woke up on the couch with him. Before his appearance settled back down into his usual, lazy, I-don't-give-a-damn manner, I saw his eyes wide and frightened, and I felt his fingers still twisted in my clothes, afraid to let me go, afraid that he was seeing things, afraid that I would disappear out of his life.
***
Rin was in a good mood.
She appeared beaming at her apartment door. Inuyasha had warned me of trouble when we had listened to her ecstatic voice over the phone as we told her of our plans. He told me that she was crazy when she was happy, and I knew from past experiences of my own that he was not lying.
"Kagome! Inuyasha!" She embraced both of us and planted traditional Spanish kisses on our cheeks. She hung out with a European crowd. "Come in!" Rin ushered us both in enthusiastically and guided us through the greeting corridor into the spacious living room. It looked out on the city. Her father had helped her find the apartment; only the best for his little princess.
She bounced out of our sight beyond a corner, and we apprehensively followed. I was just remembering her chirpy comment on the phone. It was obvious by her tone and childish giggles that she was only putting on a show, and an unfortunately badly acted show, of nonchalance.
"So we'll see you in a half an hour, okay Rin? And thanks for having us, we know you've been busy with the art show and-"
"Oh don't mention it Kagome, I can always make time to see my little big brother and his darling sidekick Kagome!" I was too surprised by her chipper attitude and colorful choice of words to acknowledge the fact that I had been called a sidekick. To Inuyasha no less. Rin, meanwhile, continued. "Oh and Kagome, I have a surprise for you and Inuyasha when you come over!" She hung up promptly in a poorly disguised fit of laughter. I'm not sure, but I think she was trying to fake a cough.
I had been too caught up in snickering about Rin's awkward enthusiasm to even process what she had said. Now my carelessness was coming back to bite me in the ass as we stood in the hall. What had she produced this time, a new pet? Rin adored everything that moved. She had a large, violent Iguana named Ah-Uhn that would purr when she touched it or strapped it fondly into its little harness for walks, but threatened to bite the head off of every other living creature in the world. Including her other misfit animal, Jaken. Jaken was a self-conscious frog that would only move when Sesshomaru was around, and seemed to loathe Rin with a passion.
I was stewing over these dear memories when I rounded the corner, and saw instead of a baby alligator or a balding goat, a boy. A boy with red-blond hair and playful green eyes. He was sitting casually on the couch. As Inuyasha and I walked in, he raised a hand in greeting and looked ready to speak when Rin interrupted him. She sidled up behind him and draped her arms around his neck, smiling broadly. "Inuyasha, Kagome," she began, looking affectionately down that the boy, "this is Shippou, my new boyfriend."
He chose this moment to speak for himself, and once again raised his hand, "Hi! Glad to meet you!"
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Inuyasha shift his weight from foot to foot uncomfortably. He was very, very protective of Rin, no matter how much he tried to deny it or ignore it, it was common knowledge. Sesshomaru was the same way, maybe a bit more open about it, but the point was that they both loved their little sister and would not let her go without a fight. Typically, Rin would blame whatever break-up she experienced on herself, and not the obvious; nine times out of ten, her older brothers' persistent meddling was to blame, and the other one time it would be her father's.
I, on the other hand, was looking at this young man sweetly and politely. He looked cute. He seemed to act like Rin. I liked his name, Shippou, it was friendly. He hadn't made a single wrong move that I could see, so I had no problem with him.
"Hi Shippou!" I walked up to him and extended my hand for a shake. "It's nice to meet you too!" Shippou's smile grew even wider. I turned to Inuyasha, giving him a vicious look over my shoulder.
He folded his arms and sniffed. "Feh."
"Inuyasha!" I hissed angrily. Obviously Shippou posed no threat whatsoever; Inuyasha was just making a big deal of things per usual. I was about to march over to him and slap him around when Rin began laughing.
"Oh don't worry Kagome," She smiled to Inuyasha, "He's just being silly. Aren't Inuyasha?"
He was startled and look ready to say something way out of line again but caught my eye, swallowed, and thought better of his next move. He muttered and shuffled his feet. "Yeah Rin. You know me, a silly guy am I."
I grinned at him evilly and looked to Rin again. "So Rin, are we still on for the movie? You don't mind independent films, do you Shippou?"
"No I don't mind. I'd be glad to go." How polite he was! Rin had certainly found a nice guy this time. Usually she picked up greasy rock stars, that didn't really have any bad qualities, but no redeemable ones either.
Rin bent down and kissed the top of his head, "Thanks Shippou, you're a sweetheart."
To which he replied, "No, you are!"
My heart almost stopped. How precious! Oh, they were adorable. Inuyasha looked like he wanted to hurl, so I elbowed him in the ribs none to nicely.
"So um..." I interrupted the cuddle fest they were conducting. "What do you want to see?"
"I dunno..." Rin curled a lock of her hair around her index finger. "What's out?"
"I heard about this new film," Shippou began, "about an Indian bride that runs away to France to escape an arranged marriage."
"Well that's new," I said. "Do you know what it's called?"
"Tash...mane...something, I don't know. Some obscure foreign thing."
"That should be enough to go on...I don't want to call the theater, let's just walk over there and hope that it's around." I lifted my purse higher onto my shoulder and grabbed Inuyasha's shoulder in a vice-like grip to force his evil stare away from Shippou. "Alright with you, Inuyasha?" I ground the statement out between my gritted teeth.
"Yes."
Rin hurried into the bathroom to primp for a few minutes and left us alone with Shippou. I forced Inuyasha to speak once or twice, but his comments were clipped and dangerous. I had a distinct feeling that Shippou realized Inuyasha's scorn and was fiendishly using my good graces to both protect himself, and punish Inuyasha. It made me like him even more.
When Rin came out again, we all bustled out of the apartment. As we journeyed toward the elevator, Shippou said, "Oh I have one request, by the way."
"And that is?" I asked.
"That we get candy. I love candy, can't get enough of it."
"A sweet tooth huh? They say that's a sign of sensitivity in guys." I winked at Rin.
Inuyasha muttered, "It's also a sign of-" he ended his remark in a gasp of pain as my fist made contact with his stomach.
"Yes," Rin batted her eyelashes. "They also say, sweets to the sweet!"
Shippou looped her arm with his. "I'm not sweet Rin, you are!"
As soon as we were in the elevator, Inuyasha went straight to a corner with his back to us and began softly banging his head against the wall.
***
Sorry, I realize it's a bit short. Meh. I'm a little tired... Okay, now for the recommendations.
Disease
By psycho pixie
Disease is Sess/Kag, the best one I've ever read. It's hilarious, it's clever, and I've just never read anything quite like it before. I can't even describe it...
Ariels
By psycho pixie
This is the sequel to Disease. I love it, love it, love it. I think it's a riot, and it's got the most original plot I know of for a story on FF.net. For one thing, Kagome discovers that she wasn't the only one who got reincarnated... There's a touch of Naraku/Kagome action, but it's against Kagome's will and so it's only more precious when Sesshomaru comes to save her.
Prisoner, My Prisoner
By profiler120
This is an alternate universe fic in which two powerful royal houses of Japan are at war with each other. Kagome is from one house, Sesshomaru is from the other. I think it's just ridiculously gorgeous and well-written.
Ripples in the Sand
By chickmooget
This is a Trigun fic. It turns out that one of the ships from Earth got in an accident and was destroyed. It was carrying a girl with strange powers and before she was killed her father sent her in an escape pod to Gunsmoke. Vash stumbles onto her just after he comes back with Knives at the end of the series, and well...you do the math.
Myouga Strikes Back
By Myouga Jiji
A cute, funny little story that plainly deserves more attention than it's currently receiving. It's about Myouga, and how he intends to get revenge on Inuyasha and everyone else for his mistreatment in the past.
All That Matters
By feathergurl
This is an Escaflowne fic, it's about how Hitomi discovers that she is actually a Draconian princess. She travels back to Van with her little brother in tow, but they have Dilandau to contend with before they can be at peace.
Moonstruck
By Aiwendil Amaurea
This is so beautiful... Sesshomaru kidnaps Kagome because he has heard of how drinking a healer's blood will restore his arm.
Nine Men and a Little Lady
By Kielle
Oh lord...I laughed so hard when I read this. LOTR fic, it bashes Mary-Sues like no other story I have ever read. Read it.
Speaking of LOTR humor, I'm a freakish fan, don't get me wrong, but I know of a fantastic parody at the address: http://homepages.nyu.edu/~amw243/diaries/ . MAKE SURE YOU READ THE STUFF BY PSYCHO PIXIE. IT'S FABULOUS.
Kiki Smythe-I'm happy you like Inuyasha being gay. I was afraid of possible hostility...
sashlea-No, I have never read Spider, or Wolf, for that matter. But now that you have recommended them to me I'll be sure to check them out. It's always nice to get advice in that department, I never know what to read anymore. Thank you! Yes, that was a rather dramatic first meeting...but it's more interesting than having them bump into each other on the street and giggle and all that. About putting the stuff on the same line, I'm not sure what you mean by that...And it wasn't impolite, don't worry.
Rabid-Inu-Girl-Well aren't you a happy person? To start, thanks for reading and reviewing every chapter, that was very thoughtful. Yes, I will add more information about the stories, thanks for the tip. Um...Yes, I've met several gay men and they're all a riot. Not all of them are as feminine as Inuyasha, though. And I've never had artichokes on pizza but they are very good. That line was from the French movie Amelie. So is the title of the story and the title of chapter 2. The story title translates to, "do you want to meet me?" And the other one translates to, "I am no one's little weasel." ^ ^
Stacerue-Well thank you very much! What lovely positive comments! I really appreciate your review!
shadowcat-Yes, Inuyasha is gay. How very perceptive of you.
***
Chapter 4-Co-worker Alley in Candy Land
***
I clicked my pen. And clicked it. And clicked it.
It was noon. Fifteen more minutes and I would be on my lunch break.
Riba was sitting next to me sharpening her letter opener, which was shaped like a sword. If someone she didn't favor approached the desk, she would either sharpen it in front of them or lick it slowly. I liked Riba. She was my type of person. Riba was older than me, a plump, middle-aged, black woman with a wasp-like sense of humor. Today she was wearing a pirate-cut, white shirt and she had her hair piled on top of her head in a little mountain.
Riba and I were both receptionists for the front desk of a building that was devoted to a vast company that produced office supplies. Our building was one of many that handled paperwork for the company in New York, and the world for that matter.
My job was very boring. I sat at the desk in my spinning office chair and either answered the phone or directed people to where they wanted to go in the building. Riba was a nice, chatty companion, and often favored me with her conversation when we weren't busy with our own tasks.
Today no one was calling. No one was coming in. Nothing was going on.
My mind was whirring with thoughts of Inuyasha and what he thought of me. We both knew that our argument had been over more than just my going out for coffee and not telling him. It was about the club accident, and the fact that I was becoming too dramatic and stupid for my own good. I think we were anticipating that my next stunt would be something really bad. He probably did entertain the thought of me committing suicide as being a real possibility.
I had professed my problems to Riba after I had bustled in several minutes late. Half-way through our discussion she made a very good point.
"And he thinks I'm going to commit suicide."
"Suicide?" Riba sputtered. "Where did he get that idea?"
"Well...you know... Because of...Kouga." I said sheepishly while pretending to look for something in my purse.
Riba shook her head slowly, "He thinks you'd commit suicide over Kouga?"
I stopped rifling and looked at her. "What do you mean?"
"Honey," she gave me an imploring look. "What do you think of Kouga?"
"Think?" I snorted. "I try not to."
"Then it's safe to say you don't like him?"
"Duh."
She threw up her hands in disgust. "Then what makes Inuyasha think you'd kill yourself over him?!"
I paused in consideration of her statement. "You're right. I hate Kouga. I hate what he's done to me, and...and...now that I think about it, I've wasted a good week of my life! He's caused me so many problems! Why don't I get over him if I don't like him so much?!" I sighed. "I feel like I'm walking in circles..."
Riba shook her head again and reached to answer the phone. "I don't understand either of you. Always pissing each other off, pissing other people off, getting pissed off by other people...lord, you need to beat yourselves back into shape before someone else does it for you."
I pictured Sango coming at me with a baseball bat and laughed.
Still clicking my pen, Riba alerted me to the fact that it was time for lunch, and I got up and left with her towards the elevator. We usually went up a few levels and hung out with the ditty ladies in the cubicle department. They were almost as crazy as Riba, and they always found time to make me cookies. I loved the ditty middle-aged ladies.
When the little ding chimed, sounding the end of our brief trip up to the top levels of the building, I perked up a bit and then yawned. Riba peered over at me. "You okay?"
I nodded quickly and adjusted the strap of my handbag. "Yeah, just a little tired."
"Don't think I haven't noticed how pale you are these days." She added darkly as we stepped out into the vast maze of identical white boxes. I chose not to respond.
We hadn't gone more than a few steps when I heard a bright voice call my name. It was Nancy. Nancy had vivid red hair a foot tall piled in a messy bun on top of her head. She was pleasantly plump, and wore daring make-up. "Heeey there Kagome!"
I smiled meekly. "Hi."
Riba clucked behind me and leaned in close to me, "You know where to find me." And with that she sidled off, though not before Nancy made a good natured insult in her direction.
"So how are you?" I asked politely.
Nancy's expression changed rapidly and at once she launched into a flood of talking that covered everything from her back pains in the middle of the night, to her young niece's birthday, to her cat's habit of tearing up the furniture. I nodded sweetly, bobbing my head customarily to every statement she made.
"Oh that's awful." I commented casually when she finished a story about the demise of her new leather shoes at the clumsy hands of her husband.
"Yes it is!" She reached over and roughly unplugged her persistent phone without averting her eyes from me. Then she made an excited noise and bent underneath her desk. "You're on your break, right dear?"
"Yes I am."
"Well..." She emerged with a little plastic container clutched in her chubby hands. "Maybe this will brighten your day! I just made them, Dutch cookies. Guaranteed to put a bit of meat on you, you skinny thing!" Nancy then burst into a fit of hearty laughter as she passed the box to me.
"Thank you so much!" I glanced at the clock hanging over her computer and quickly bade her farewell. My break was almost over.
After navigating my way through the hive and saying hello to a few of my other coworkers I swooped in through a door along the far right wall and closed it shut firmly behind me. I had a small tower of plastic containers balancing precariously on one arm and my bag in the other. Riba laughed from where she was leaning casually against the counter, there was a bubbling coffee pot to her left.
"Get me some of that, will you?" I grumbled.
It was the 'coffee room' where my friendly group of ladies gathered on our breaks to drink and gossip. The male population of the building had taken the hint several years back before I had even started working there and pointedly avoided the room at certain hours of the day, for fear of interrupting whatever sacred female rituals we were conducting beyond the ominous door.
The coffee room was small, nothing special. There was a tiny table and some chairs in the middle of the tiled floor, a counter that stretched across the back wall, a little sink, a small refrigerator. Yet somehow, we managed to squeeze all of the overweight women plus me, the single other woman under thirty, Jordan, and Sheri, a tightly wound, gray haired lady who resembled a stick and smoked with a shaking hand in or outside of the building; it didn't matter to her.
Kaede, my favorite person after Riba, and the closest thing to a grandmother I had ever had, was sitting up on the counter leisurely. She fetched a mug from a cabinet above her head and poured me my coffee. I slumped over to the table and let my packages tumble forth next to Jordan's, who was sitting in one of the chairs next to Sheri. I joined them after I took my beverage from Kaede.
"Mind not smoking today Sheri? I have a headache."
She made no move to put out her cigarette, but instead dug into her purse, muttering incoherently. In seconds she produced a bottle of aspirin and tossed it in my general direction. I narrowed my eyes. "Thanks Sheri." She nodded.
"So..." Jordan leaned close to me, her bright blue eyes afire with mischief. "Riba tells us you're going to commit suicide?"
I blanched. "What?! No, I-"
Kaede made a low rumbling noise that was probably a growl of some sort. "Yes, explain yourself Kagome."
I looked desperately from face to face, seeking help, and saw Riba snickering devilishly. "Fiendish wench!" I accused.
"Ahem?" Kaede tapped her fingers impatiently on the counter.
"Let me explain-"
"Please do," she interrupted again.
I cleared my throat uncertainly, very aware that were there about four sets of eyes focused on me. Even batty old Sheri was staring at me intently. "Well, you all know about, about...the um...break-up..."
Jordan's eyebrows shot up and her mouth made a silent 'O.' Sheri sniffed coldly. Kaede nodded silently. Riba scowled and muttered to herself.
"Anyway..." I continued apprehensively, "I've been acting bitchy lately, pardon me Ms. Kaede, because of it, and this morning I snuck out for coffee after a particularly bad night and when I came back Inuyasha was upset and proposed that I could have been killing myself for all he knew." I sighed and sank into my plastic roost. "And that's that."
Kaede made a motherly noise and hopped off the counter to pat my head and give me a little hug. "Don't smother the girl," Sheri snapped.
Jordan leaned back, "Well that's rough Kagome, and please don't hate me for saying this, but shouldn't you start thinking about getting over Kouga? I mean, he seems to be the cause of all your problems lately, and you're missing work all the time..."
"Jordan!" Kaede reprimanded. "Horrible things like these take years to recover from!"
Jordan shrugged and I gently pulled myself from Kaede's embrace. "No Ms. Kaede, she's right."
Riba intervened, "Kagome has no reason to be hung up over a piece of shit like Kouga."
"Don't be vulgar." Kaede said softly.
"Let her say whatever the hell she wants." Sheri snuffed out her cigarette on her bare finger, a trick I had once been impressed by. Unfortunately, she simply pulled out a fresh one and lit it from the smouldering ashes of the first that were eating away at the plastic surface of the table where they had fallen. Riba scowled and threw a wet paper towel over the mess.
"As I was saying," Kaede continued in her wisest voice, "Kagome has every right to be upset, if it soothes the pain." She smiled down at me.
"Not if it causes other people pain." I added quietly.
At a loss, Kaede faltered for words and then the room was quiet. After a few awkward moments, I slapped the table enthusiastically with both hands. "But the point is, I'm not going to commit suicide!"
"Here, here," Jordan lifted her cup to me.
Riba glanced down at her watch and then looked up again, "Kagome we have to get back."
I grumbled and saw that I hadn't even gotten halfway through my coffee. I gathered my things and prepared to leave. "May I please borrow these for the rest of the day?" I asked Sheri, lifting the bottle of aspirin she had chucked at me earlier.
Sheri cackled and very much resembled the witch stereotype from fairy tales. I took that as a yes and headed out the door after Sheri. "Bye everybody."
***
The rest of the day passed without anything eventful occurring. I sat at the desk with Riba and we chattered about such and such, trying to pass the time. A few people came in, there were a few phone calls, nothing out of the ordinary.
But for however dull it was, I wanted to stay in my spinning office chair forever, because I dreaded coming home to Inuyasha. I was afraid of what would come from any more conversation between us, but I was even more afraid that I might come home to find that he had packed up and left. I wouldn't put it past him, who wanted to live with a psycho like me? Hell, I didn't even want to live with me.
I volunteered to shut off all the lights, even though it was Riba's turn, and took my time, staying late. But eventually the janitor booted me out and I was on my way home. I dragged my feet for a while, thinking that I could walk, possibly get lost, and never have to face Inuyasha again. Yet after a while, I realized that if I came home late and Inuyasha still had any shred of concern left for me, I could ruin that past salvation. So I called a taxi and hurried home.
The halls of my apartment building were quiet and forbidding. I stopped at Sango's door and rapped sweetly, hoping that maybe she would be able to tell me if Inuyasha was home or not; but she wasn't there. I continued to my own door, swallowed, and opened it with the greatest of care.
My heart burst and I almost cried for joy when I heard the sound of the T.V. coming from Inuyasha's room. He had a private set. But just as quickly as my spirits rose, they came crashing down when I realized that now I would actually have to talk to him. Now was the time. I had to be a big girl for once in my life or risk losing my dearest friend in the entire world.
I walked to his door softly, determined to make as little noise as possible. "I-Inuyasha?" My voice was meek and trembling. There was no answer except the sound of the T.V. as it was switched off. I cleared my throat, "May I come in?" Still no answer. Hesitantly I pushed the door open, only to be thrown out again by a stiff hug.
My brain took a few seconds to register what had happened as I stumbled backwards and crashed into the couch. His arms were around me, holding me close, pushing the air out of my lungs with sheer force. My nose was buried in his white hair. I was speechless.
He was too. For several minutes, or hours, we stood there like that. I didn't know about him but I was terrified to move and possibly shatter the beautiful moment. That and I was paralyzed with relief; surely this gesture meant he didn't hate me after all.
Inuyasha was the first to speak. "Kagome I'm sorry."
"Me too Inuyasha."
I lifted my face from his hair and together we moved towards the couch, though he never released me from his grip. When we sat down I cuddled into him and rested my head on his shoulder. He pet my hair gently.
"I'm going to try and be a better person Inuyasha." I began quietly. "I'm going to br better for you and Sango, and Miroku, and Rin, and myself. I need to put Kouga behind me, and after the other night I think we both know that that can't be done in just twenty-four hours. I think I need to take things one step at a time. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes Kagome. I think you're right." He sighed deeply as I was starting to nod off into his shoulder. "And I just wanted to apologize because, well...it was probably all my fault. You know, at the club."
I was startled out of my relaxation. "Why?"
"Because what you said is true, it can't happen in one day. And I tried to make it that way."
"Oh Inuyasha, don't say that..."
"No, it's true! I shouldn't have forced you into it, it just made things worse." He held me even harder for a second, as if he were afraid I might escape. Again.
I curled my finger into his hair. "Please don't say such things... Neither of us knew. You were helping, you wanted to help me. It wasn't as if you were being malicious or purposely trying to hurt me, and it isn't as if you're to blame."
"But..."
"Just trust me on this one." I sought a new angle. "You won't help me get over...You won't help me get better by feeling guilty about something that wasn't your fault. If you want to help, then forget about it. And I will too."
He was reluctant, but finally agreed.
"Good." I said, and then I yawned. I had exhausted myself worrying over Inuyasha. "Oh, and I'm sorry I walked out on you this morning. And I wasn't going to commit suicide. I met a girl at the café I went to, by the way. She's really nice, her name's Yukari. And another thing, thanks for sleeping next to me. Why didn't you get into the bed?"
"Okay, slow down. For one thing, we aren't going to mention the stupid incident this morning ever again."
I smiled. "Deal."
"And I know you would never commit suicide, I apologize for that comment."
Inuyasha..."
"We won't speak of that again either. Anyway, I'll have to meet Yu...whatever her name is, sometime."
"Yukari," I supplied sleepily.
"Yeah, her. About the sleeping arrangements, I thought you might wake up in the middle of the night and freak out or something."
"Now why would I do that?" I yawned again and rubbed my eyes.
"I dunno. Seeing a male, maybe you would think I was Kouga."
I laughed. "How very thoughtful of you Inuyasha."
"Don't mention it."
"Quit saying that."
***
Needless to say, having both exhausted ourselves worrying about each other the whole day, we drifted off to sleep soon enough. Of course, that was after we spent some time talking. Talking about what we liked to pretend were random subjects, but we were actually planning. Yes, planning, rather than bumbling along. Steps, as I had said, needed to be taken, and taken one at a time, very slowly.
Inuyasha once again advised that we relieve the tension of the situation. But this time, he was more subtle. We tossed around the idea of visiting Rin, then went on to consider gathering up Sango and Miroku and going to lunch.
When we both woke up, we lolled around on the couch for what seemed like an endless span of time; piecing our wits back together and flipping channels mindlessly. Gradually, after much small talk, we decided that we would go see Rin, and invite her to see a movie at the local Independent Film House.
It was odd, how easy it was to forget how stressed out we each had been only a few hours ago. I guess it was the fact that for a time our whole lives revolved around and depended on the opinion of one another, and when it was all done, we were so relieved we couldn't think straight. It proved to me how strong our friendship really was, and for all my pain and suffering and fingernail biting through the day, and a lot of the week, I think that it was worth it to be rewarded with that knowledge. I only hope that Inuyasha didn't wreck himself up as much as I did, but it's almost a sure thing that he did-at least for one day. I saw the look in his eyes when I woke up on the couch with him. Before his appearance settled back down into his usual, lazy, I-don't-give-a-damn manner, I saw his eyes wide and frightened, and I felt his fingers still twisted in my clothes, afraid to let me go, afraid that he was seeing things, afraid that I would disappear out of his life.
***
Rin was in a good mood.
She appeared beaming at her apartment door. Inuyasha had warned me of trouble when we had listened to her ecstatic voice over the phone as we told her of our plans. He told me that she was crazy when she was happy, and I knew from past experiences of my own that he was not lying.
"Kagome! Inuyasha!" She embraced both of us and planted traditional Spanish kisses on our cheeks. She hung out with a European crowd. "Come in!" Rin ushered us both in enthusiastically and guided us through the greeting corridor into the spacious living room. It looked out on the city. Her father had helped her find the apartment; only the best for his little princess.
She bounced out of our sight beyond a corner, and we apprehensively followed. I was just remembering her chirpy comment on the phone. It was obvious by her tone and childish giggles that she was only putting on a show, and an unfortunately badly acted show, of nonchalance.
"So we'll see you in a half an hour, okay Rin? And thanks for having us, we know you've been busy with the art show and-"
"Oh don't mention it Kagome, I can always make time to see my little big brother and his darling sidekick Kagome!" I was too surprised by her chipper attitude and colorful choice of words to acknowledge the fact that I had been called a sidekick. To Inuyasha no less. Rin, meanwhile, continued. "Oh and Kagome, I have a surprise for you and Inuyasha when you come over!" She hung up promptly in a poorly disguised fit of laughter. I'm not sure, but I think she was trying to fake a cough.
I had been too caught up in snickering about Rin's awkward enthusiasm to even process what she had said. Now my carelessness was coming back to bite me in the ass as we stood in the hall. What had she produced this time, a new pet? Rin adored everything that moved. She had a large, violent Iguana named Ah-Uhn that would purr when she touched it or strapped it fondly into its little harness for walks, but threatened to bite the head off of every other living creature in the world. Including her other misfit animal, Jaken. Jaken was a self-conscious frog that would only move when Sesshomaru was around, and seemed to loathe Rin with a passion.
I was stewing over these dear memories when I rounded the corner, and saw instead of a baby alligator or a balding goat, a boy. A boy with red-blond hair and playful green eyes. He was sitting casually on the couch. As Inuyasha and I walked in, he raised a hand in greeting and looked ready to speak when Rin interrupted him. She sidled up behind him and draped her arms around his neck, smiling broadly. "Inuyasha, Kagome," she began, looking affectionately down that the boy, "this is Shippou, my new boyfriend."
He chose this moment to speak for himself, and once again raised his hand, "Hi! Glad to meet you!"
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Inuyasha shift his weight from foot to foot uncomfortably. He was very, very protective of Rin, no matter how much he tried to deny it or ignore it, it was common knowledge. Sesshomaru was the same way, maybe a bit more open about it, but the point was that they both loved their little sister and would not let her go without a fight. Typically, Rin would blame whatever break-up she experienced on herself, and not the obvious; nine times out of ten, her older brothers' persistent meddling was to blame, and the other one time it would be her father's.
I, on the other hand, was looking at this young man sweetly and politely. He looked cute. He seemed to act like Rin. I liked his name, Shippou, it was friendly. He hadn't made a single wrong move that I could see, so I had no problem with him.
"Hi Shippou!" I walked up to him and extended my hand for a shake. "It's nice to meet you too!" Shippou's smile grew even wider. I turned to Inuyasha, giving him a vicious look over my shoulder.
He folded his arms and sniffed. "Feh."
"Inuyasha!" I hissed angrily. Obviously Shippou posed no threat whatsoever; Inuyasha was just making a big deal of things per usual. I was about to march over to him and slap him around when Rin began laughing.
"Oh don't worry Kagome," She smiled to Inuyasha, "He's just being silly. Aren't Inuyasha?"
He was startled and look ready to say something way out of line again but caught my eye, swallowed, and thought better of his next move. He muttered and shuffled his feet. "Yeah Rin. You know me, a silly guy am I."
I grinned at him evilly and looked to Rin again. "So Rin, are we still on for the movie? You don't mind independent films, do you Shippou?"
"No I don't mind. I'd be glad to go." How polite he was! Rin had certainly found a nice guy this time. Usually she picked up greasy rock stars, that didn't really have any bad qualities, but no redeemable ones either.
Rin bent down and kissed the top of his head, "Thanks Shippou, you're a sweetheart."
To which he replied, "No, you are!"
My heart almost stopped. How precious! Oh, they were adorable. Inuyasha looked like he wanted to hurl, so I elbowed him in the ribs none to nicely.
"So um..." I interrupted the cuddle fest they were conducting. "What do you want to see?"
"I dunno..." Rin curled a lock of her hair around her index finger. "What's out?"
"I heard about this new film," Shippou began, "about an Indian bride that runs away to France to escape an arranged marriage."
"Well that's new," I said. "Do you know what it's called?"
"Tash...mane...something, I don't know. Some obscure foreign thing."
"That should be enough to go on...I don't want to call the theater, let's just walk over there and hope that it's around." I lifted my purse higher onto my shoulder and grabbed Inuyasha's shoulder in a vice-like grip to force his evil stare away from Shippou. "Alright with you, Inuyasha?" I ground the statement out between my gritted teeth.
"Yes."
Rin hurried into the bathroom to primp for a few minutes and left us alone with Shippou. I forced Inuyasha to speak once or twice, but his comments were clipped and dangerous. I had a distinct feeling that Shippou realized Inuyasha's scorn and was fiendishly using my good graces to both protect himself, and punish Inuyasha. It made me like him even more.
When Rin came out again, we all bustled out of the apartment. As we journeyed toward the elevator, Shippou said, "Oh I have one request, by the way."
"And that is?" I asked.
"That we get candy. I love candy, can't get enough of it."
"A sweet tooth huh? They say that's a sign of sensitivity in guys." I winked at Rin.
Inuyasha muttered, "It's also a sign of-" he ended his remark in a gasp of pain as my fist made contact with his stomach.
"Yes," Rin batted her eyelashes. "They also say, sweets to the sweet!"
Shippou looped her arm with his. "I'm not sweet Rin, you are!"
As soon as we were in the elevator, Inuyasha went straight to a corner with his back to us and began softly banging his head against the wall.
***
Sorry, I realize it's a bit short. Meh. I'm a little tired... Okay, now for the recommendations.
Disease
By psycho pixie
Disease is Sess/Kag, the best one I've ever read. It's hilarious, it's clever, and I've just never read anything quite like it before. I can't even describe it...
Ariels
By psycho pixie
This is the sequel to Disease. I love it, love it, love it. I think it's a riot, and it's got the most original plot I know of for a story on FF.net. For one thing, Kagome discovers that she wasn't the only one who got reincarnated... There's a touch of Naraku/Kagome action, but it's against Kagome's will and so it's only more precious when Sesshomaru comes to save her.
Prisoner, My Prisoner
By profiler120
This is an alternate universe fic in which two powerful royal houses of Japan are at war with each other. Kagome is from one house, Sesshomaru is from the other. I think it's just ridiculously gorgeous and well-written.
Ripples in the Sand
By chickmooget
This is a Trigun fic. It turns out that one of the ships from Earth got in an accident and was destroyed. It was carrying a girl with strange powers and before she was killed her father sent her in an escape pod to Gunsmoke. Vash stumbles onto her just after he comes back with Knives at the end of the series, and well...you do the math.
Myouga Strikes Back
By Myouga Jiji
A cute, funny little story that plainly deserves more attention than it's currently receiving. It's about Myouga, and how he intends to get revenge on Inuyasha and everyone else for his mistreatment in the past.
All That Matters
By feathergurl
This is an Escaflowne fic, it's about how Hitomi discovers that she is actually a Draconian princess. She travels back to Van with her little brother in tow, but they have Dilandau to contend with before they can be at peace.
Moonstruck
By Aiwendil Amaurea
This is so beautiful... Sesshomaru kidnaps Kagome because he has heard of how drinking a healer's blood will restore his arm.
Nine Men and a Little Lady
By Kielle
Oh lord...I laughed so hard when I read this. LOTR fic, it bashes Mary-Sues like no other story I have ever read. Read it.
Speaking of LOTR humor, I'm a freakish fan, don't get me wrong, but I know of a fantastic parody at the address: http://homepages.nyu.edu/~amw243/diaries/ . MAKE SURE YOU READ THE STUFF BY PSYCHO PIXIE. IT'S FABULOUS.
