October 14, 2005

Kagome Higurashi fumbled with her keys before finally opening the front door with a click. She switched on a couple lights and dropped her purse on the kitchen counter and then wearily made her way to her computer. After a tiring day at work, the only thing she was hoping to see was an email from her boyfriend. Besides, as bad as it was for her, it had to be a million times worse for him, being in the army and all.

You've got mail!

Her heart sped up as she eagerly clicked the flashing mailbox.

Hey love,

How are you? I'm sorry I didn't send you anything yesterday – drills left me half dead, but don't worry, I'll come home for a visit next weekend to make up for it. By the way, hope you like the hearts – took me forever to find the right ones.

Things at camp are good so far. I'm not positive, but I think the food's tasting better. I think I finally got used to it! Either that or they finally switched the cooks – I've never been good with lunch ladies…you would know that. I miss your home-cooked meals like hell, and I miss you a thousand times more. Here's some more good news though: we're filing out! There was a bombing out North a couple days ago – right next to the Pacific actually. Pretty amazing, eh? The army's going up there to check for survivors and get rid of the Ijins. If the charge is a success, we get discharged! Isn't that great? I'll be able to spend time with my baby again! Anyways, the guys are fighting for the comp again, so I gotta get off, but I'll email you again as soon as I can. If the rest of the guys don't kill me first! Just kidding, love. See ya in a week! Wait for me.

Forever,
Kouga

Little animated hearts with "you & me" in some and "love u to pieces" in others danced around his signature, and Kagome suppressed a squeal. God, did she love him. Stretching her fingers out, she prepared to write.

Hey baby,

I'm so deliriously happy right now! You're coming back soon! That made my entire week! I can't wait – I'm so excited I'm already listing the things we're gonna do first when you get back in my head! And you love my meals that much? How sweet! Be careful though, baby, there's no chance in the world that I'll live if you get hurt.

You won't believe what I saw today, Kouga. You remember Inuyasha? You're favorite singer? The really, really rich one. Well, he was at Central Court today! I think he was looking for somebody, but a huge crowd cut him off. I was thinking about getting you an autograph, but I was already late to work (Sorry!), and the wait could take over an hour. I hate when it happens because the clients have enough trouble on their own hands without having to waste their time waiting for me to show up. Being a therapist is so difficult sometimes. Besides, you remember how much big stars like him bother me, right? I'm actually sort of regretting it now though…I think I actually remember him coming in my direction, but I was in too much of a hurry to be sure. On a last note, I love the hearts and I love you a million times more. Come back soon, ok?

Forever,
Kagome

It was a custom for the couple to sign their letters "Forever" instead of "Love". It had been going on ever since their second date in college. Though some people found it odd, Kagome always thought it seemed sweeter and much more romantic as it was less cliché. Besides, everyone in college had regarded the two lovers as "The Perfect/Cutest Couple," and, though she disliked being boastful, Kagome found the name to be suiting.

She was quiet and gently, but had a quick, flaring temple when anyone got her angry. At 5'5" tall she was considered slim and athletic although she played only a select few sports. Never one for grace, Kagome was deemed to be a klutz, but as long as her boyfriend didn't mind it, she hardly cared herself. After all, she had a pretty face with a petite nose, warm chocolate brown eyes, and cute, pouting lips.

Kouga had a strong build at 5'11" and a charming air about him as well as a cute face that had the tendency to attract, as Kagome called it, "unwanted attention." He was sweet and caring towards his girlfriend, and could be fun and crazy at the same time. Though he didn't have much of a raging temper, he was possessive and too often paranoid or suspicious. His insecurity was his weak spot, but his more distinctive characteristics made up for it.

As Kagome changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed, she smiled contentedly. Life was getting almost too good, and it almost made her feel paranoid that something bad would come around the corner. Moonlight filtered through her thin blinds, as Kagome relaxed against the air soft mattress and, pulling the covers up to her chin, imagined that Kouga was lying next to her. A smile spread silently across her face as she let her mind fade into a deep, comfortable sleep.

Wait for me…

xXx

He came home exhausted and more frustrated than he'd been since the breakup. "Shippou, grab me a beer, will ya?" Settling himself comfortably on a leather couch, Inuyasha prepared to turn on the T.V. before realizing that in order to get the remote, he would have to stand. That, of course, would require movement, so Inuyasha settled for the empty silence of the large room instead.

"Why, young master Inuyasha!" the butler exclaimed in mock surprise. "A beer? What happened to the margaritas, the vodka, the expensive wine, or the champagne?"

"Shippou…not now."

With a sigh, the butler complied and ambled into the kitchen to grab his master that beer. He was a largely built man (not fat, just large) with curly red hair that came down to the nape of his neck and a forcefully thin mouth that screamed for respect, despite his job serving Inuyasha. He had amazingly dark, maroon-colored eyes, which were frightening to invaders, but warm and gentle with those who he loved. (He was obviously a close friend as well as a bodyguard of sorts) Shippou had an amazing talent of conveying emotion with those piercing eyes, and as he handed his master the beer they were clearly screaming with disapproval.

Seeing the disappointment in his closest advisor's eyes, Inuyasha groaned. "Just a little, alright?" The butler nodded, but he could tell he wasn't satisfied. Ignoring him, Inuyasha cracked the beer open and sighed contentedly as he took a sip.

"Tell me what's wrong," Shippou sighed as Inuyasha polished off a quarter of the can. "And for God's sake, man, come up for air." With this, his friend laughed and, as a result of the beer still in his mouth, began to splutter and gag. Shippou rolled his eyes and muttered something along the lines of, "Typical thing to happen."

"Alright, here, you have some." Inuyasha shoved the beer in his friend's hands and began his story. When he was finished, Shippou had polished off the beer, leaving Inuyasha to grumble in response. "How about since you finished this one, you – "

"Nice try, Inuyasha, but you're not getting another can unless you get off your own lazy ass to do it."

"Awww, come on, man…you know I'm not gonna do it."

Shippo grinned evilly. "Exactly."

Suddenly, Inuyasha sobered and turned his head to glance out a shady window. It was dark out already; the sun never stayed for long as they neared winter, and pleasant weather like he'd had today was rare. He began to regret missing it for signing autographs and taking pictures.

"I could've stopped that crowd, Shippou. I could've found her again."

"Nah, man, it's not your fault. Remember what she did to you? Besides, those crowds are pretty damn feisty." Shippou loved working for his master because of how kindly he treated all of his servants, but sometimes the guy was too hard on himself.

Inuyasha cracked a humorless smile. "You don't have to soften the blow. I'm a man, I can take it."

"I dunno…with a package your size…"

"Hey!"


October 16, 2005

"He groped you?"

"Shhh! Keep your voice down, Kagome!" the brunette haired girl whispered heatedly, her green eyes darting nervously about the small café. A steady crimson made it's way from the girl's slim neck to her cheeks and even farther up her forehead. Before long, a rosy red was painted across her entire face.

"I'm sorry, Sango," Kagome apologized, and took another sip from her cappuccino. She frowned at her best friend, suddenly realizing why this boy who the brunette was speaking of would be so attached to her.

Even blushing, Sango was beautiful. With sharp, impeccable features and a good height of 5'6", she would make an amazing actress. Sango had instead chosen to go down the route of athletics, which was just as well since she had enough talent to attack any sport she chose. She worked as a coach for soccer and tennis, a good combination because of soccer's beneficial footwork in the latter sport. Unfortunately, Sango had difficulty with men as she found them to be pigs and often not worth the time, so she chose to stay out of the dating business. This was also because of her lack of femininity as well as her quick bursts of anger when she grew flustered or irritated.

"Anyways," Kagome continued, a sly smile spreading across her face. "Keep going from the part where he - "

"Alright, alright!" Sango cut her off impatiently. "Well, I was kind of surprised at first, and he was just standing there, the most lecherous grin on his face, and I couldn't help it! I…well, I snapped."

"And what did you do?"

The brunette cringed slightly. "I hit him. Hard." Choked laughter followed shortly after her response, and Sango visibly straightened with indignation. "Wouldn't you?"

"Well, I suppose," Kagome answered, her sniggers coming slowly to a stop. "But he's a guy, and sometimes they have trouble controlling their hormones. Besides, you hit hard!"

"Hey!" Her friend glared defensively at her. "You don't?"

"Not nearly," Kagome grinned back. "I feel bad for the poor guy."

"I felt sort of bad, too," Sango admitted. "He's not a bad person when he's not being lecherous."

"What's his name?"

"Miroku, I think it was."

"Miroku…" Kagome repeated. "Tell me more about him," she urged, suddenly curious about this perverted character.

Sango eyed here suspiciously. "Why do you wanna know all of a sudden?"

"Forget it."

"No, no! Tell me," Sango persisted. "Why the sudden interest?"

"It's nothing! Just a bit of nosiness. At least tell me what he looks like."

"Oh, alright…he's…he's not ugly. I guess he could be cute, but it's honestly pretty hard to picture him at all without a pair of wandering hands involved. He's about 5'10" I think – wonderfully blue eyes and cute brown hair, but don't get the wrong idea!" Sango warned.

"Of course I wouldn't," Kagome gave a sly grin. "Now tell me about his personality."

"Well, I don't know much about him, so – "

"Oh, that's alright! Just tell me what you know!"

"He's…devoted."

Another grin. "Quite obviously."

"And childish."

A wink. "Goes with the hair."

"A pervert."

Chuckling. "We know of course."

"And I guess if he weren't a giant pervert – what is your problem?"

Kagome's eyes widened as an innocent expression took over her face. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play games with me, Kags, I know you better than your grandpa does."

"Just finish what you were about to say, and I promise I'll tell you."

"Oh, fine. I was just saying that if he weren't a giant pervert he could almost be, well, a bit on the sweet side."

"Aha!" Kagome shouted, rising to her feet and aiming an accusing pointer at her best friend. "I knew it!"

"Wha - !" Sango stumbled to her feet as well, causing her chair to follow with an aggravating screech. Several other customers in the café glanced at the girls distastefully while others cast them curious looks as they sipped their drinks and chatted away.

"I knew you had feelings for him!" Kagome declared triumphantly before adding as an after thought. "About time, too."

"Lower you're voice, Kagome!" Sango pleaded. "And I do not have feelings for him! He's a pervert, and – "

"Oh, just admit it, girl! You like him!"

Sango stared at her with a gaping mouth. "That's a lie! He's nowhere near my type! He groped me remember? And I hit him!"

"Honey, the last person you said was "cute" was my brother."

"And that was merely days ago."

"You're not dating my brother!" Kagome shouted in an exasperated voice. "He's only 15! And you're two years older than me, which would make you guys 7 years apart!"

"I don't want to date your brother!" Sango spluttered. "I meant he was cute in a kid type way! Like, like my brother who happens to be two years older, but only "cute"! Miroku's the same! He would make a very, very cute brother!" She spoke quickly, desperately trying to convince her friend.

"Miroku's different, Sango! He's around your age, so – "

"23."

"Huh?"

"He's 23."

"Oh. Well then, he's 23! Even better, only a year older than you! It could work, Sango. I mean, how many times have you hit him?"

"For every time he's grouped me," Sango winced.

"And he still hasn't given up on you yet, right?"

"Well…I've only known him for a week. He's bound to give up sooner or later."

"It could work," Kagome insisted. "Give it a shot!"

"It won't, Kags." Sango sighed. "I know you're trying to help me, but honestly, I'm fine. I already plan to spend the rest of my life pining after my one and only."

"Yeah? Who's that? And don't you dare say Inuyasha."

"Fine I won't, but it's him and you know it."

"Sango!" Kagome groaned. "He's a singer! A pop star! A famous jerk who scores every night and wouldn't ever plan to settle down until his hits are in the past and he's got no one left to love but himself."

"You don't know that," Sango said quietly, casting her gaze to her feet and playing idly with her ponytail. "Miroku's not right for me, Kagome. I just don't like him like that, you know?"

"Yeah," she whispered quietly. "I know. I'm sorry."

"That's alright. Wanna go for ice cream?"

A grin lit up Kagome's face in a second. "You bet."