Disclaimer: Not mine.

4

Las Citas

(The Appointments)

The next day…

"HELLO? You met the Inuyasha, and all you can say is that he's a JERK?"

"Well, yeah…"

"Did it ever pass through your head to get his autograph for me?"

"Ask Rin… she got about 20 of them."

"REALLY?" Eri squealed and ran towards Rin. At least no one else was bombarding me with questions anymore. Once I had arrived at school this morning a large crowd had surrounded Rin and me, jostling to hear what we had to say about Inuyasha. At first, I had just kept yelling that Inuyasha was a jerk, and after awhile every one stopped asking me because nobody wanted to hear how their idol was a big jerk… even if it was true.

Wandering from class to class, I didn't pay attention to anybody. Somehow my thoughts always drifted to Inuyasha. I was so confused about how I felt about him. Was he really such a jerk? At first he was just so rude, but once I was hurt he was so kind to me. I remembered the look in his eye when I had held that jewel. Yes, definitely a jerk. What was so important about that jewel? I couldn't get him out of my mind, no matter how I tried. I couldn't even concentrate on my schoolwork, which I always worked hard on. Nobody really talked to me the whole day. Everyone was interested in Rin, which was fine by me, because today I didn't want to be bothered, just be lost in my thoughts.

I stayed the night in the studio. Last night I had spent endless hours on a new painting. It had been my refuge, keeping my mind off Kagome… well, the painting itself was Kagome. I carefully turned off my cell phone. I didn't like to be disturbed by the high electronic sounds while painting. The painting from last night was different from anything else I had painted before. I had always done abstract paintings, but there was definitely a vague shape in this painting. The background was a mass of blue or green shapes, with patches of white like wispy clouds. In the foreground were two dolphins. One was silver, at the acme of its jump. The other was a medium gray, about to follow. I picked up the palette and blended more colors and added them to the canvas. After I made my finishing touches, I turned my cell phone back on and it immediately rang. I looked at the caller ID and groaned.

I picked up the cell phone and said, "What?"

"Well, I'm glad to see you're still happy. Just tell me this: have you seen the Daily Star?"

"Well… no. You know I just finished a painting in the studio, so I wouldn't have had time."

"Well, since you were grumpy, I would never know if you saw it or not."

"Is it bad news?"

"What do you think? GO PICK IT UP!"

"All right, all right, I'm on my way to the newsstand!"

I walked to Long's yet again while Ayame waited. I could hear her breathing.

Once I reached the magazine rack, I knew exactly what Ayame was talking about. On the cover of the Daily Star was a picture of me carrying a pack of pads, with an enlargement of the package in my hand. In block letters was, "Inuyasha, Bachelor No More?" I gaped. I quickly turned to the article which showed Kagome getting into the limo while I opened the door for her. I sighed. This wasn't so bad. I just needed a press conference to explain that Kagome was starring next to me in my new movie.

I told Ayame, "She's the actress I was talking about. I'm starring with her so it's not a problem, right? We can just fix this and I'll be eligible again."

"Maybe we can portray you as taken. And the press could have a field day about this romantic movie in which you are starring with your sweetheart. That would raise the sales of the movie! And after the movie is out of theatres, you guys can 'break up', all right?"

"NO WAY!"

"I suppose on the other hand, when girls think you're still eligible, that means they'll go see the movie hoping to get married to you. And if this 'Kagome' girl is single—she is pretty hot by the way—guys will flock to see her!" It was nice having Ayame, one of my close friends, as an agent. She was so flexible.

"Thank you, Ayame!"

"No problem. I am still your friend, aren't I? But you will have to hang out with this girl so you can publicize your movie."

"I suppose…"

"And, you have to give her a place to stay. A hotel, or maybe…" Ayame paused. "A room in your mansion, perhaps?"

I sighed. "No way am I having that brat in my mansion!"

"Well… for one thing, paying for a 5 star hotel with great security would cost more money than keeping her in the mansion. AND, she does need security so reporters don't all go over to spy on her. We have plenty of room, so I would definitely choose the mansion. Be reasonable for once, Inuyasha!"

I knew that she wasn't going to let this issue drop. Just the tone of her voice… the way she had added "for once" after telling me to be reasonable. "OK, but I still think you're going pretty far! Sure, her house will get bombarded… but couldn't we just get her a better house?"

"Just let her stay here. You don't even have to interact with her if you wouldn't like to, although I would like you two to at least talk to each other. You're also going to have to go out with her at least one or twice a month for publicity."

"Urgh…"

"And it's your fault for exposing her to the public. I don't want her to suffer just because Kikyou happened to see you walking down the street with a pack of PADS!"

"Kikyou?"

"Mmhmm. She's butting into your life once again."

I thought about it. Kikyou could certainly be ruthless… "Okay, I'll let Kagome stay in the mansion. And you'd better set a good front for me at the press conference, Ayame!"

"Yeah… all right."

"I'll be back at the mansion soon." I closed my cell before she could say good-bye.

I couldn't believe I had to stay with Kagome for a few YEARS! There's no way I could avoid her for that long! AND I had to work with her. This would be pure torture. Before I returned to the mansion, I decided to go watch a movie… maybe one starring Kouga? I heard he had a new one out.

As I walked to the movie theatre I saw Kagome walking down the street. I quickly turned around the corner to avoid her. I think she was heading home, after all, it was around 3. I followed her, without thinking. As she turned into the residential district, I saw her enter a modest house. Outside, I saw Kikyou, hiding behind a bush.

"Hey! Kikyou, what's up?" I asked with fake courtesy.

"I see you're here to see your new girlfriend?"

"Oh no! She's just joined our acting community."

"REALLY?" Kikyou started scribbling down notes in the miniature pad in her hand.

"Well, yes. And she's just working with me, it's not like we're together."

"I see… denial," I heard her mutter.

"KIKYOU! Are you listening? We're not together."

"Yes, that's what you'd like us all to think, right? That you're not some player that has 10 different girlfriends?"

"Not this conversation again! You know I didn't dump you because I had found another girlfriend. We just weren't right together!"

"Yeah… whatever you say."

"Well, I can't monitor what you write, Kikyou, but at least give me a chance to explain. We are working together on my newest movie. We AREN'T going out."

"Right… we'll see what she has to say about that." Kikyou stalked up to the front door.

I saw Kagome turn as the doorbell rang. She walked to the door, looking unconcerned, and opened it.

I could hear Kikyou say, "Excuse me. Miss Higurashi, is it?"

"Yes…" Kagome seemed confused. Hadn't she read the magazine?

"I was wondering if you were dating the most eligible bachelor, Mr. Takahashi."

"NO! THAT JERK! HOW COULD I… HOW COULD YOU ASK SUCH A THING?"

"I see… this could make a different perspective… yes."

"Who are you, anyway?"

"Kikyou from the Daily Star."

"Oh… that gossipy magazine. I would never pick it up in my life! No offense. I'm sure you have a very good business and many readers. It's just I don't like to interfere with people's lives."

I chuckled at that. Kikyou looked miffed at her comment.

"Ahh… I see. Well, thank you for your time, Miss Higurashi."

"Oh, no problem! Would you like to come in for a snack?"

"No, thank you. I'm trying to keep my weight down."

"All right. Bye." Kagome promptly shut the door.

Kikyou approached me. "Well, Ms. Higurashi did have the right opinion of you at least."

I attempted to hide my smile. "She seemed to have the right opinion of your magazine also."

Kikyou was indignant. "She just doesn't realize this is my JOB. People dig this stuff. I'll see you around, Inu-baby."

"Don't call me that!"

"Whatever," Kikyou said coolly, her black car turning around the corner.

That 'Kikyou' character seemed pretty sneaky to me. What was her business with me? I sighed. I saw a flash of silver behind the bushes.

"Inuyasha?" I called out from the kitchen window. When nothing happened, I assumed it was just a trick of the eye. I still had to go dress up for that date with Hojo. It was at 5, and it was already 3:45. I quickly started my homework, getting halfway through before I decided to get my make up on.

I dabbed on the blush, and put on some lip gloss. I wasn't too big on make-up, but a date served as a special occasion. Even one with Hojo.

I shifted nervously. Where was Mrs. Higurashi? She had agreed to meet at the Starbucks. I sighed.

"Miroku?" I saw a woman approach.

"Yes, are you Mrs. Higurashi?"

"Yes. So, would you like to sit down?"

"Sure. I already ordered our coffees by the way."

"Thank you!"

"I just wanted to call a meeting for you to sign some papers, and also discuss any concerns about having Kagome do this movie."

"All right… I just need a schedule. No traveling involved."

"Well, that could be a problem. You see, this film is set in Japan. We can do some scenes on the set, but we may need to spend a few months, if not more, in Japan."

"I see… I'm not sure about this."

"Please, Mrs. Higurashi! I'm not one to beg, but I would really like to have Kagome do this movie. After seeing her onstage, we knew she was perfect for the role!"

"I guess. But we may have to discuss this within the family. Just a few months, you say?"

"It depends. It may even take up to a year in Japan. Movie production is a difficult business. We will pay for all costs, of course."

"Okay. I suppose Kagome needs to get out more. But Japan is so far. Across an entire ocean!"

"Well, yes. But we'll provide all services necessary for her, if not more! There will be good security. All her needs will be met! She will be safe with us! If you would like to check up on her, you could simply call her."

"I suppose… perhaps… I'm not too sure about this."

"Please!"

"Well, all right… I guess."

Yes! Sweet success. Now I just had to have her sign the papers.

"Thank you so much, Mrs. Higurashi. However, we will need some papers to be signed. Contracts, etc. There's some types of secrecy in acting. No money needs to be paid at all. However, we must have your consent because Kagome is underage."

"Why, yes. Of course I'll sign." Mrs. Higurashi quickly signed her name on the lines.

"Are there any other concerns?"

"Well, I was wondering about education…"

"Ahh yes… tutors." I wondered how long this would take. Mothers and their motherly instincts.

'Hey, Kagome!' I practiced it in my head. Was "hey" too casual? Perhaps "hello" was better. Maybe "hi" was the right thing to say. Well, "hi" did seem a bit perky. Yes, "hey" was best. Now, I had to practice my casual conversation… which I had planned every detail of.

Oh wait. It was already 4:15. Time to prepare my cool look. Some dark shades would work… maybe some baggy pants. Black, white, blue, red… which shirt? Uh oh. This could take awhile. Maybe I would make a Ben Franklin pro-con chart. (AN: hehe… sorry, we learned that in history… couldn't resist.) Yes, Ben Franklin was brilliant! That way I could decide between my options better and still have time to practice my casual conversation.

I drew 4 t-charts, one for each shirt. What was good about black? Well, it would be a cool color, but it was too dark. White wasn't that dark, but it would show all stains, if I spilled anything on it. Ketchup would blend in with the red shirt, but it was so bright and clashed with my beautiful eyes! Blue was a fairly cool color, but… there really weren't many cons about blue. There it was! Blue was the best shirt. The decision had taken all of 30 minutes. (AN: Apparently he doesn't think too quickly.)

Now, to practice my casual conversation. Wait, it was already 4:45! I had to get to the theatre quickly. I heard girls adored guys who arrived early. I walked down the street to the movie theatre and arrived at precisely 4:58. 2 minutes early. Now, to wait for Kagome.

I arrived at the theatre, waiting for Hojo. I hummed in my head, where WAS he? At least he could be on time for our date! Oh wait, had he stood me up? No… he was the one who wanted the date in the first place. Where could he be? I wondered if he was waiting in the theatre. (AN: the actual place where the screen is!) Yes, he must be. As I turned to go inside the theatre, I saw Inuyasha. He was walking briskly, I doubted he was waiting for anyone. Perhaps he was watching the same movie?

"Inuyasha!" I shouted.

He winced slightly at the loud noise. Then, he turned around slowly, with a disbelieving look on his face. "Oy! It's you, Kagome! Nice to see you again."

"Hey! What movie are you watching?"

"Well, I'm not really sure. I was planning to see Kouga's new movie. I think it's called The Only One."

"Cool! I didn't know Kouga had a new movie out. Well, I'm waiting for my," I refrained from saying anything bad about Hojo, "date."

"Interesting. I never knew you had a boyfriend."

I couldn't help myself but say, "He's a bit dense. I don't know how my friends convinced me to go out with him. And here I am, and he hasn't even come yet."

"Ahh… he stood you up?" Inuyasha questioned, as if he already knew the answer.

I shrugged. "I doubt it. He was the one who asked me out, not vice versa."

"All right then. I'd better buy my ticket. I'll see you around, eh?"

"Of course."

I waited a few more minutes and Hojo finally arrived on foot. I attempted not to yell at him for keeping me waiting.

"Well, hello, Kagome," Hojo said in a stuttering voice. "I mean, hi—ey! Hey Kagome."

I gave him a curious look. "Hi Hojo," I said slowly. He seemed to be acting strangely. Anxious, I guess.

"So, what movie would you like to watch?"

I thought a bit about new movies. Only one came to mind… the one Inuyasha had told me about. "There's a new one with Kouga in it. I think it's called The Only One or something like that."

"Okay! Let's go watch it!" Hojo exclaimed overenthusiastically.

"Yes… let's," I said, much more reluctant.

"So, do you know what this movie's about?"

"Urm… well no. But someone recommended it to me."

"A friend?"

Inuyasha was in NO way my friend. "Sure…"

We arrived at the front of the line. "Two tickets to The Only One, please," Hojo said perkily.

"Here you go." The cashier sure sounded bored.

"So, what would you like to get?" Why was Hojo so inquisitive? It was almost getting on my nerves!

"Well, how about some popcorn… light on butter. And a soda?"

"How about a large one, so we can share?" Hojo asked eagerly. Wow, he sure had everything planned out.

"I'm not sure. I'm sick and I don't want to get you contaminated," I lied.

"Oh… I don't mind," Hojo said, undeterred. How was he so insistent? I groaned.

"Well… if you want to be stuck with a hacking cough for a few weeks, then I'm sure I'll share with you."

Hojo looked at least uncomfortable now. "Okay, I'm not sure I want to share now. I'll get a large popcorn to share."

"Okay."

"Now, you can go reserve some seats. I'll bring back the food."

"All right."

I walked off to the theatre. As I walked in, two golden eyes turned to stare at me.

Kagome was about to walk in the room. Her smell was so distinct, of lavender. I was sure she didn't wear perfume, it seemed like a natural smell. I turned and stared. She looked uncomfortable, as if she were lost. She looked around the theatre, looking for seats probably, but she couldn't seem to find any.

"Kagome," I called softly. "There are two up here."

She turned. I saw her look at the two seats next to me, and a look of relief crossed her face.

"Whew! Thanks so much. Although I wouldn't mind if I could only find one seat. That way I could get rid of him."

"Well, you don't need to get rid of him. He is your date after all."

"Yeah, I should be nicer. He's just so… perky!"

"Unnaturally perky?"

"Well, yeah. It's so weird."

"I know what you mean. It's just as bad as fake people. Lots of movie stars are like that."

"Oh," Kagome sympathized. She turned to look at the door and a boy entered. "Hojo!" she called. "Over here!"

He was a relatively small boy. I suppose he had a type of handsome look. I just wondered why he was wearing dark glasses in the theatre. How could he see anything? He walked over quickly, tripped on the step, and managed to catchthe twodrinks beforethey spilled, but a few kernels of popcorn fell onto the ground, soon trampledby his clumsy feet.A wide grin popped on his face, as well as a rosy tint to his cheeks.

"Is that Inuyasha?" he whispered to Kagome as he sat down in his seat. Wasn't he aware I could hear him with my ultrasonic (AN: ooh! Science vocabulary word!) hearing?

"Yes, I'm Inuyasha. And you are?"

"Oh right. I should introduce you two. Inuyasha, this is Hojo. Hojo, Inuyasha!"

"Nice to meet you," we both muttered. Jealousy wafted from Hojo and I could tell he was shooting bullets at me with his gaze.

Inuyasha… how could I compare with a guy like that? Kagome sure aimed high. Gosh, and I thought she was here to go on a date with ME. I sighed.

"I like your dress," I said, trying to gain favor with her.

"Oh… thanks. But please, the movie's already started!"

"Right." Sworn silence from here on out. I had to make her happy, after all.

Suddenly, I had the urge to put my arm around the back of her chair. I slowly shifted my arm. Kagome changed her position slightly. Her back was toward me, and she was looking at Inuyasha. He was looking intently at the screen. What was wrong with her?

I couldn't believe Hojo was about to put his arm around me. ICK! That would be nasty. I quickly turned around so he wouldn't be able to do it, pretending to look at Inuyasha. I decided, to seem less suspicious, I would whisper something to him.

"Inuyasha… how do you like the movie?"

Inuyasha looked startled. I suppose I shouldn't have put my mouth so close to his ears. They must be very sensitive.

"Well, it's all right. But why don't you concentrate on it?"

"Umm… well…"

"Ahh, I see." Inuyasha was looking pointedly at Hojo, who was now pouting. "He tried to make his move?"

"I guess you could put it that way."

Inuyasha chuckled. He put his arm around me just as Hojo was planning to do. "How's this? Now he can't do it anymore."

"WHAT?" I hissed. "I'm supposed to be on a date with him, not you!"

"Well, you might want some protection from sexual harassment…" his voice trailed off.

"Well, fine… if it's effective."

"Of course!"

I snuggled into his warm arms, and somehow everything felt right.

AN: Yay! I'm done. Anyway, I called this chapter Las Citas because there was the Miroku/Mrs. Higurashi appointment, and the Hojo/Kagome appointment. I was originally going to add an Inuyasha/Ayame appointment but the chapter is too long already. Anyway, I'm a day late because I had absolutely no time yesterday to upload it. I spent so much time on 2 history essays yesterday. Seriously, I spent 4 hours and only ended up with 4 pages. Fiction is much easier to write. So, R&R.

Responding to reviewers:

goddessofdisney: It's SHEFALI! Hehe I had no clue… well I did, but I wasn't really sure. Agh my foods group is annoying. I can't wait until I get to leave them. crosses fingers

FallenInsaneDemon: Well, the story could've gotten worse… but I decided to make things happy this chapter… instead of having Kagome fall into a pit and die while Inuyasha laughs evilly.

Flyne: Wow, lots of Eganites. I would put in whose point of view it is, but it seems a bit obstructive to the flow of the story. And I think after a while you figure it out. In the beginning I didn't do it to disguise who was talking, but I guess I could start putting it in. On another note: Yes, I'm in MathCounts. Or I was, rather. Whoa, I just checked out your author page and you're Kevin? Well, if you're the person I'm thinking about, nice article on Google and the other search engines. Haha Michael's probably like, "That poll was biased!" and thanks for the URL.

Well people, thanks for the reviews. I still need to finish up my essay (I have 4 out of 10 pages so far.) I have a feeling I'm never going to finish it. So, I think the next chapter is going to be delayed.