A/N: Hi everyone! Another update already for ya! Lately I have been cranking out chapters for this story, I dunno I'm just having a lot of fun writing it right now so I'm taking advantage of that. And today is a very special update! It's Halloween AND it's my birthday! Yay hehe! Ok! Dj1: Inu's past? Now why would we want to know about that, nothing happened there -grin- Thanks for the review as always! TheyMadeMeDoIt: haha Ya I do that don't I? You got an update this weekend tho, oh and thanks for the b-day message this morning! I saw it but had to get to work hehe. Luv ya! Rosepetals: hehe Ya I like Kagome happy too! Hope you like the next chapter. Paradise-kisses: Aww that's what I did with my first IY fanfiction by Maggz! Who I am now really good friends with hehe, hope you like the new chapter too. Jaspyn: haha I LOVE your enthusiasm for my fic yay! Here's the update you wanted! But please no sweets….I've already had 3 different birthday cakes groan (My friends, family, and office all got cake for me! Ack!) demonpriestess: hehe thanks for the review, and hope this was a quick enough update :p Tiffani: hehe thanks so much! I'm glad you like, you should like this chapter then too, it's more shameless fluff. And thank you for your review on my other story as well. Ok! Thanks to everyone who's reading and thank you very much to everyone who's reviewing! If you got the time, I LOVE reading my reviews! Hehe. I'm off for more b-day stuff and maybe a little work in between ;p JA! Laurell
-----------------------------------------------------
It was early afternoon by the time Kagome was done dragging me from store to store finally, as much as I didn't want to admit it though she was being a great help. Reminding me of all the little things to pick up I hadn't thought of before, girls do that, think of all those weird little things. Our last stop being the biggest and Kagome's favorite, Target. We found some cool things to put up on the walls though, a couple of recreation paintings I agreed to, and she finally convinced me into at least getting more than one towel. I had been dreading going shopping for all of this stuff, but with Kagome's help it went by smoothly and I was surprised by how cheap she managed to find everything.
"I pay all my own bills," She explained. "And I didn't always have this job; I used to just work at a restaurant, so I'm good at finding deals." I couldn't help but smile at how proud she seemed of all of this.
"Well…thanks," I said kind of sheepishly. "I couldn't have done this without you." She smiled brighter and threaded her arm through mine locking them at the elbows as we walked back to the car.
"I'm sure I'll think of a way you can repay me." I arched an eyebrow but didn't say anything, knowing Kagome she didn't even get the implications she was saying. Despite my protests she managed to grab something to carry, leaning into the hatchback she tossed it on top of the rest of the pile of bags from assorted stores. But it was when she leaned up she stumbled a bit her hand reaching up to grab her forehead. My heart clenched when I saw this, my hands instinctively going out to steady her. She leaned back into my body with a light sigh.
"Sorry about that, stood up too fast I guess."
"Kagome…you're still supposed to be resting and healing. I'm sorry I've kept you out too late."
"No, no." She laughed waving me off. "I'm fine really." I looked her up and down sternly noting her completion was a little paler.
"Nope, you're going home and right back in bed after this. You've been on your feet too long." She opened her mouth to protest and I cut her off before she had the chance. "No arguing." I helped her into the passenger side before climbing in and heading back towards her apartment. She was silent looking out the window. A frown tugged at the corner of my mouth as I stole glances to how sad she looked.
"I promise I won't put anything up without you…Want to come over tomorrow after you've had a night's rest and help?" I asked at a red light. She turned and smiled finally.
"I'd like that a lot."
We pulled into her apartment complex sooner than I would have liked and I walked her up to the front door pausing unsure. She stopped before opening it and looked up at me, staring at my face for a long time before speaking again.
"Inuyasha…it's still pretty early? Come in with me if I promise to stay in bed? I've got a pretty nice movie collection…." She asked timidly twisting her hands a bit looking down. I pretended to think real hard for a moment.
"Weeeelllll…." I sighed heavily. "I guess, as long as you promise to take it easy." Her face lightened up again relaxing she giggled and opened up the door practically pulling me into her room before we could run into any of the famous roommates who Kagome hated I had heard about earlier.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
So many rainy days I thought sadly, as my eyelids drooped heavily and I yawned for the millionth time quickly covering my mouth. Weather like this was taken better under blankets, never raining more than a drizzle but cold enough to seep through all your layers. I sighed tucking a loose piece of my hair hanging down onto the paper I was working on behind my ear. Shaking my head lightly after another yawn the shrill sound of the phone ringing made me jump lightly before answering. I punched in the extension laying it back on the hook and turning up the light jazz music coming from the small boom box in the corner of my desk. Smiling at the light piano melody and slipping my glasses back on.
I had come back to work yesterday after my full week of resting. As promised I came over Sunday and Inuyasha and I redid everything in his apartment so it now actually looks like someone lived in it. It turned out nice looking and he seemed to really like it. Ever since then he had been coming over every day after work to 'check on me' and it was the most fun I've ever had being at home in bed. He even surprised me by going in early one day and taking a long lunch break to bring me my favorite sandwich from a downtown deli. All in all amazing didn't even begin to describe him, and life in the states was starting to finally look up. It was strange seeing him come in yesterday morning for the deposit; I had almost forgotten just how we had met. He stayed a couple minutes longer to make sure I was really ok and talk with me before promising to see me again that night. This morning was no different but he seemed satisfied I wasn't going to die without him by my side and I managed to shoo him out the front door with little interrogation. I smiled resting my chin in my palm as my thoughts drifted to him for the millionth time that day.
They hours of the day passed slowly because I knew what was waiting for me once that five o clock whistle blew. It was the most wonderful feeling being able to look forward to getting off work instead of dreading it. I knew he was only a phone call away and the stress of my day instantly melted when he hugged me hello. It had become my favorite moment. Tapping my foot to the steady swing beat I continued my board minute filing pausing now and then to answer a phone and direct the call glancing at the clock every time. My purse was packed fifteen minutes before five and Eri blinked confused seeing me hovering over the clock ready to jump.
"Kagome you're usually the last one out of here, what's going on with you lately?" She giggled leaning against the edge of my desk above me.
"Oh um…I just have some plans." I glanced away trying to be vague even though I knew she wouldn't stop there. I didn't mind so much though.
"Plans huh? With who? It wouldn't happen to be a certain cute pick up boy who literally knocked you off your feet would it?" She giggled as my face flushed and I turned away.
"Kagome! It's nothing to be embarrassed about, I'm so happy to see you getting out more! You seem much happier too." I rolled my eyes at her.
"Eri, I was fine before Inuyasha and I'll be fine after him if it comes to that. I just enjoy his company." I replied curtly stacking some files.
"Ok, ok." She submitted knowing not to continue further. "Hey, why don't you get out of here early? I can man the phones!"
"Eri…I can't do that what if-"
"Kaaagome!" She wined. "We'll be fine I promise! Remember you were gone a week and didn't come back to a pile of ashes, I can handle the front for fifteen minutes." Chewing my lip a moment I glanced toward the door.
"Ok fine." I smiled at her standing up beside her. After a hesitant moment I gave Eri a quick hug, she looked at me surprised. "Thanks!"
"Don't keep your suitor waiting." I heard her say with a giggle as I bounded out the front door. I smiled looking down at my cell phone as my long legs walked quickly to the side of my car. Dialing his number he answered on the first ring.
"Hello?"
"Hi." I purred into the phone softly.
"Oh hello, now who could this be? Tiffany is it?"
"Shut up Inu! I got off early, wanna see that new horror movie tonight?" I could hear him munching on something crunchy in the background. "Inuyasha! Are you eating? Don't eat! I'm hungry I want to get some food!" He laughed the sound of quick crinkling now beyond his voice.
"I was hungry! I got off an hour ago you know, I can't always wait for you." I pouted even though he couldn't see it.
"Yea don't rub it in how you get off an hour earlier than me ok!" He chuckled in response.
"So do you need to go back home and change?" Glancing down at my outfit I debated. The skirt and camisole were casual enough without the jacket but I debated my black strappy heels.
"Hold on let me check something…" Rooting around the floor of my messy back seat I finally found what I was looking for, a pair of ethnic looking black sandals. "Nope! I can work with what I've got." Shrugging off the jacket I put it on the hanger loosely dangling by the window and twisted the heels off one at a time.
"Ok then just come over."
"On my way, cya." I snapped the cell phone closed putting it back in my purse slung into the front seat. Jumping into the car to head to his place before traffic got too bad.
------------------------------------------------
