Author's note: This chapter is a bit of a filler chapter and very short, but I things are going to start picking up in the next couple of chapters. Thanks for all the reviews so far, and, though this chapter is kind of pointless,I hope that you all continue to read and review as well.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Bread Crumbs

Chapter 6: A Grain of Salt

It was only noon, but he could have sworn it was later. The clouds were so dark. Having momentarily run out of things to do, Inuyasha stood at the back of the store, flipping through a book that he thought looked interesting. There were no customer's in the store and Kagome sat at the counter, looking as bored as he felt.

Suddenly thunder cracked directly overhead. The noise made both of them jump, Inuyasha dropped his book and Kagome gasped. Then the rain came down, huge, wet drops that began to pelt the windows and the road outside. Inuyasha wandered to the front of the store, glancing out the window.

Concern for Kikyo momentarily crossed his mind. She hadn't been feel that great this morning before he left, and that cabin didn't look like it could stand up to much. He bit his lip. Should he go to her?

"It doesn't look like we'll be getting to many customers in this weather." Kagome stated, coming up beside him.

He nodded his head in agreement. "I wouldn't want to be outside in this weather."

"No. Hey, did you end up seeing Shippo last night?" she asked.

"Yes. He came in quite lat, but left again after breakfast. I hope he didn't get caught in the rain." As soon as the food was gone, so was Shippo. Inuyasha smirked; he should have known that the kid wouldn't stick around.

"That's good. I thought there was a change he might not go. You want a cup of coffee?"

Inuyasha didn't answer. He was conflicted inside about whether or not to check on Kikyo, or look around for the little brat.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome's voice and hand on his shoulder jolted him back to his surroundings.

"What?" He jerked his shoulder and her hand fell off.

"I asked if you want a cup of coffee." Kagome was frowning, genuinely worried about her employee. "You seem a little preoccupied."

Inuyasha was a little surprised that he hadn't heard her. He turned away from the window. "Sure I'll have a cup of coffee, if your offering." He ran a hand through his hair. Who was he kidding? Shippo wasn't his problem and Kikyo had been through a hundred thunder storms. She knew how to take care of herself.

Kagome smiled. "Ok, I'll be right back, take a seat at the counter if you want." She disappeared up the stairs that lead to her apartment and Inuyasha took a seat. She returned with a pot of coffee and two plain white mugs. The pot of coffee was set down on a cloth on the counter. Inuyasha looked at it warily. The pot was full, how much coffee did Kagome think he was going to drink?

She poured a cup for him and a cup for herself. He took his cup and immediately raised it to his lips, taking a deep gulp. He hadn't taken into account however, that coffee, when it is first made, is hot. The searing liquid travelled down his throat, burning his taste buds, causing him to choke and spew the dark drink.

His insides were sufficiently set aflame when he heard Kagome laughing. He was dying and she was laughing at him!

"I guess it was a little to warm." She said, seeing his struggling.

"No shit!" he yelled. "Are you trying to kill me or something?"

"No. I just assumed that one waits for their coffee to cool down before trying to chug it!" To prove her point, she blew a little bit on her coffee before taking a sip herself.

"Well, sorry if it's been awhile since I had coffee. Jeez." He muttered, head sinking down to rest in his hands on the counter.

"I'm sorry. I should have warned you." She genuinely felt bad.

"Ya, whatever."

Silence ensued. The rain was still coming down heavily, prohibiting anyone from leaving the warmth of their houses. Kagome opened and closed her mouth several times, as if she was trying to say something but then changing her mind. They continued to sip their coffees.

"Inuyasha, I've been thinking." Kagome finally said suddenly. "We don't really know each other very well."

He rolled his eyes. "We have only been working together for three days. You can't expect us to be all buddy-buddy already."

"I guess." Kagome said quietly. "However I think that it would be better for our working relationship if we knew a little more about each other."

Inuyasha paused and than reluctantly compiled. "If I must, what do you want to know?"

Kagome thought for a moment. "Why are you homeless?" she ventured.

He choked. Way to start with the easy stuff! "You certainly don't beat around the bush, do you?" She simply stared at him with an innocent smile. "It's a long story, one I'm not so sure I feel comfortable enough to tell you." The smile dropped a bit.

"Please? I'm curious to find out how one becomes homeless. You'd be enriching my knowledge of the world around me." There was a pinch of sarcasm in her voice. She wasn't quiet begging, but definitely worming her way into a conversation that was none of her business.

"This isn't some game. We don't just decide one day that we don't feel like living in a house anymore, so we're going to try life outside for a change." He scolded. "People become homeless for a variety of different reasons, most of which are extremely complicated and serious."

"I know it's not a game Inuyasha. I just fail to see how someone like you, who is clearly an intelligent and hardworking man, resigns himself to the kind of life you have. I know it's not a decision that you can make on the spur of a moment. Is it wrong for me to be a tiny bit worried about an employee?" She was fighting back now, trying to show him that she did have some shred of compassion; that she really cared about his situation.

He took a sip of coffee, contemplating about what to say. She stared at him, not the way she had been on his first full day of work, but differently. It was kind of creepy, like she was trying to peer into his soul, to see what he was thinking or feeling. Finally he relented. He couldn't tell her the whole story; that would just be irresponsible.

"Ok, I'll tell you, but not all of it." Before he could continue however, the door banged open with a loud smack. Kagome and Inuyasha turned to the door with surprise. Who wouldbe outside in this weather?

Shippo stood there, back hunched over, breathing heavily from having run all the way from far end Poplar Road to the store.

"Shippo…" they both said as one. "What are you doing here?" Kagome asked.

He gulped for air before speaking. "Inuyasha, you have to come back. It's Kikyo." Inuyasha jumped up. Something had happened! He knew he shouldn't have left her alone! Kagome stood back in confusion. Who was Kikyo?

"What about Kikyo?" he asked, shaking Shippo slightly. "Did something happen to her?"

It was impossible to tell if it was tears or rain streaming down his cheeks.

"I-I-I think, I think she's dying." He whispered.