Feudal Christmastime
By Ekonika
Chapter 6: Houjo
Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha. I'm not feeling creative today.
When Kagome got to the food court, she looked around for InuYasha, even when she was in line and while she waited for her order of chicken strips. She ate slowly, so she could share if InuYasha came. She swallowed the last bite in disappointment.
She headed back to the fabric store and got there ten minutes early. Her kimonos were finished and packed already, so she picked them up. As she left the store, a frighteningly familiar voice called from behind her. At first, she wanted to ignore it and keep walking, but Houjo came up to her.
"Hey, Kagome! I didn't expect to see you here! Are you feeling better? Do you want me to carry those boxes for you?"
No! Not here, Houjo! Not now, not today! No! Kagome's mind screamed. Anywhere else, but not where InuYasha might see you!
"Oh, no, it's ok, I've got it…"
"You sure you can carry those bags and boxes all the way home by yourself? I don't want you to get hurt again." He was smiling, and just trying to be helpful, which Kagome really appreciated, as she appreciated his concern, but now wasn't exactly the time. If InuYasha came…
"No, it's fine… I have to go. I'll see you."
"Okay. Bye Kagome!" Houjo waved.
Kagome started walking quickly away, and as she turned and ran in to a shop when he was far enough away. I have to try to not run into him, for his own good. Kagome backed into the shop and bumped into someone.
"Sorry." She said automatically, and turned around to see a surprised InuYasha.
"Oh, thank goodness." She sighed, thankful that none of her mind's fantasies appeared to be true. She fell into him, a little tired from running with all of her gifts, and partly from relief. InuYasha dropped the shopping bags he'd been holding and held Kagome.
"Kagome? What's wrong?" InuYasha stood her up, and brushed her off a little.
She looked up at him and blushed. Kagome stood up and gathered her gifts into a more comfortable carrying position.
"Oh, nothing, just… was running. Don't worry, I'm not in danger," She added as he began to look around and roll up his sleeve, preparing to attack. He relaxed again, and looked at her, confused.
"So… how much more shopping do you have to do?" Kagome said, trying to change the subject.
"Just got to buy this thing," he said, keeping it hidden. He walked up to the counter, with Kagome following. She watched closely, and he made a pretty good transaction, without ever letting her see what it was. Kagome gaped. After a 30-second explanation? Wow… he learns faster than I thought. Maybe we should do this more. He asked the cashier for a box, and began loading all of their gifts into it, but let Kagome carry the two Kimono boxes. He started walking out the door, and Kagome shook off her surprise and followed.
"Hey, Kagome. Where can I buy a bow? Like a wrapping bow, a big one."
"You can buy one over there." Said a voice from behind them. They turned to say thanks, and were face-to-face with a confused Houjo.
"Oh, hi Houjo!" Kagome smiled nervously. "We were just going to get food for Christmas!" Kagome said, and tugged on InuYasha's sleeve. InuYasha was studying Kagome, then Houjo, then Kagome. He now looked at Houjo as if he remembered him from somewhere, but couldn't quite place where, Kagome realized with horror.
"Aren't you going to introduce me?" Houjo questioned, also trying to recognize InuYasha.
"Uh… sure!" Kagome said with a forced smile. "Houjo, this is my… cousin! Yeah, my cousin. Cousin, this is Houjo. Alright, we must be going!" Houjo and InuYasha shook hands, both trying to remember the other. When Kagome achieved splitting up the small group, Houjo watched her leave happily; if it was her cousin, he still had a chance, because Kagome couldn't go out with her cousin. InuYasha kept looking back over his shoulder, almost growling, a slight rumbling coming from his chest. Kagome hurriedly put her arm through his and pulled him away faster, sighing relief.
Man, those guys are good at sneaking up behind her, aren't they? I suppose it's for the best… or maybe not, but what do I know, I'm just the author! Houjo means well, but he is fighting a hopeless battle… poor guy. Well, anyway, on with the chapters!