Enjoy!

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Auburn Strands and Red Threads #15

Inuyasha heard yelling, but he must have been imagining it.

He hoped it was all in his head.

He knew Miroku was in the designated spot because he felt him, but he had sensed the presence of another being; however, Miroku wasn't in danger, and there was no way his faithful friend brought someone along with him, so Inuyasha forced himself to ignore it. He and Orihime were having a pleasant conversation, and he didn't want to lose the flow of things since his nerves were calm for the moment.

Still, he found himself guiding Orihime behind him as they came closer to their destination.

Even when he heard that childish voice call his name, and even after he saw the little fox demon perched on Miroku's shoulder, Inuyasha would have bet his life that his traitorous mind was trying to rattle him further.

He stopped to stare at the pair, not knowing what to make of the situation. Shippo was definitely there, so did Miroku bring him?

Why would he do that?

Inuyasha then considered backing up slowly because Shippo had a tendency to blab and blurt things out; having Shippo tell Kagome how the elusive Inuyasha brought a strange girl to this time was the last headache he needed, but . . . Orihime was going to meet all his friends anyway. If they heard about her before Inuyasha had a chance to introduce her, then he'd probably be more committed in letting them meet her.

No, this wasn't how he saw this night going, but maybe it was all happening for a reason. He started to believe a lot of things were happening for a reason.

"Hey." He turned to the girl behind him. She looked up at him, her insecurities showing. "You still want to do this, right?"

She hesitated, clearly not wanting to say something to upset him.

"It's okay if you don't want to," he assured.

"No," she said quickly. "I, um, I-I want to do this." She gave a weak smile. "I r-really want to."

He wasn't convinced, but her determination overpowered any doubt she did have. "Alright." He placed a hand on her back and gently moved her to his side. "They're right over there."

Shippo had no idea what was going on.

There was . . . a girl with Inuyasha.

This . . . this girl wore clothes that instantly made him think of Kagome, but she wasn't Kagome. Kagome was gone for a few days . . . and Inuyasha brought a girl with him while she was gone.

Miroku . . . Miroku knew about this, didn't he?

Miroku knew Inuyasha was bringing another girl while Kagome was gone, and that's why the two of them have been acting so strange. What did this mean? Why were they acting shady because of this? How long were they planning on doing this? Inuyasha . . . didn't have a secret lover, did he?

No, that was not possible!

Inuyasha wouldn't do something so offensive while Kagome worries over him. He wouldn't run off to be with someone else when Kagome so obviously had feelings for him.

Inuyasha wasn't like that!

So . . . why was this happening? Why didn't either of them say anything about this? About her? What was going on?

The fox demon had boiling anger waiting to erupt as he saw Inuyasha and that girl approach them, and Shippo was ready to unleash his fury on this obscene pair the closer they got. They were no more than a few yards away when it hit him: A very warm and comforting feeling, causing the child's heart to swell.

All thoughts he had drained from his body as he was caressed by . . . the presence of that girl. She walked timidly at Inuyasha's side, but she was graceful.

She was serene.

She was . . . unbelievably beautiful.

"No point in askin' why you're here." Inuyasha glared weakly at the bushy tailed demon as he looked between the two present.

"Uh . . . Uh . . . U-uh . . ." Shippo couldn't form words; he couldn't think. He couldn't look away from the girl with long flowing hair. Was she a goddess? She was glowing! She was just . . . amazing.

"Okay . . ." Inuyasha said, arching a confused brow at him. "This is Orihime. Orihime, Shippo and Miroku."

She grinned sheepishly, shoulders rising as she involuntarily sunk into herself. "Hello."

Shippo's face burst into a dark shade of crimson.

Whatever or whoever this girl was, he was sure he was in love with her.

"This is Orihime."

The monk heard no more as he openly gawked at the curvaceous young woman.

When Miroku imagined this girl, he expected dark hair, brown eyes, and . . . and, well, someone who looked a bit like Kagome. He heard Kagome looked a lot like Inuyasha's first love, so, naturally, Miroku deduced his canine friend had a type.

This girl was far from that type.

Her hair was a shiny orange, her eyes appearing silver in the moonlight, her face round and delicate.

Then there was her body.

Miroku was very aware of every curve of her body in that outfit she wore—an outfit much more skin friendly than Kagome's. He now understood how it was possible Inuyasha fell so hard for this girl.

"What the hell are you both starin' at?" Inuyasha muttered darkly.

"Inuyasha!" the girl exclaimed, her voice lovely even when surprised.

"Hello!" Miroku stepped forward and grabbed the girl's hand with both of his. "My name is Miroku, and I am Inuyasha's very, very dear friend."

She laughed softly, becoming less tense. "It's very nice to meet you, Miroku."

"So, you're the girl Inuyasha has fallen . . ." He looked behind her; Inuyasha was shaking his head and waving his arms, silently begging him not to finish that sentence.

"He's . . . fallen . . . ?" Orihime questioned when he didn't go on.

"No, no, not fallen. I meant . . . talkin'! You're the girl Inuyasha has—been . . . talkin' . . . about, uh, for a while."

She blinked. "He talks about me?" She looked back at Inuyasha, who instantly went rigid, and looked back at Miroku. "What does he say?"

"Oh, you know, how much he loves y-"

"This friendship!" Inuyasha shot next to her, frantic. "Thanks for puttin' that out there, Miroku," Inuyasha enunciated, shooting a deathly glare at the monk.

She turned to Inuyasha, pleasantly surprised. "You love our friendship?"

The half demon paled, staring back at her.

"Really?" she pushed.

"Uh," Inuyasha gulped. "It's . . . grown on me," his voice cracked. She grinned, overjoyed. This caused him to force his usual composure before she noticed his vulnerability. "This ain't about me, ya know? You're supposed ta be gettin' ta know them."

"Oh, right!" Orihime looked back at the monk still holding her hand. "Sorry for being so rude."

Combined with her innocent nature and overall alluring appearance, Miroku knew Inuyasha would never stand a chance in getting over someone like her.

"It is no trouble," Miroku assured. "But may I ask you one question?"

Inuyasha's venomous eyes snapped in his direction.

"Sure."

Miroku stepped closer, bringing his face near hers. "Would you do me the honor of bearing my-"

"CUT THE CRAP!" Inuyasha's fist collided with Miroku's face, sending him flying.

One moment Orihime is holding hands with Inuyasha's religiously dressed friend; the next moment, that very same friend is skidding across the Earth.

The moment Miroku became a projectile, the little creature on his shoulder was left in midair, seemingly unaware he was airborne, falling her way. Instinctively, she caught him, cradling him to her chest.

"Aw!" Orihime gushed at the wide eyed cross between a person and a fox (maybe a cat). "You are just adorable!"

He twitched, face becoming darker though it was hard to be sure. "U-uh!"

"Hm?" Orihime smiled softly. "Is everything alright?"

He shook, stuttering and mumbling.

Inuyasha walked next to her and peered down at his little friend. "The hell is wrong with you, Shippo?"

She turned her attention towards the half demon, frowning. "You shouldn't talk like that around a child."

"Tck. Yeah right. Stuff like this doesn't bother 'im." Inuyasha picked up the little boy by his collar. "Hey, Shippo! Snap out of it and say somethin' already!"

The child started flailing around, trying to release himself. Orihime stared in slight shock and awe. He was lively all of a sudden.

"No, lemme go, Inuyasha! Lemme go!"

"Oh, what?" The half demon grinned tauntingly. "Now ya wanna speak?"

"Let go!" the boy protested. "I wanna! I wanna!"

"Eh? You wanna what?"

The child reached out to Orihime, straining to get to her. "I wannaaaaa!"

Orihime stared at him, confused. The little boy was reaching his tiny hands out to her and was on the verge of crying.

"Pleeeeease!" he begged. "Inuyasha, I wannaaaaaa!"

"U-um." Orihime took the boy in her arms again. He instantly calmed down and looked at her with those large green eyes. Orihime smiled warmly. "Did you want me to hold you?"

"U-uh . . ."

Inuyasha openly sighed.

His friends were hopeless.

The gawking and odd behavior meant they were taken in by Orihime and her overall presence, but, damn!, they were worse than him! Inuyasha was at least able to keep himself composed and not melt when he was around her. Miroku all but attacked her, and Shippo . . . Shippo didn't make any sense.

"Inuyasha."

He looked at Orihime. For some reason, she was smiling at him.

"I think your friends don't hate me."

"You think? They're fallin' all over you."

She laughed. "No, they're just being nice. People are always like this."

Always . . . ?

Since when?

Who were these 'people'?

o0o0o

It took a while, but the group was able to get somewhere.

After Miroku walked back to them (grinning with Inuyasha's fist imprinted on his cheek), they all sat down on a nearby log and talked for a few hours. Shippo didn't talk. He calmed to the point where he huddled in Orihime's lap and blissfully let her pet him. The conversation ranged from how they all met to the other members of their team to why birds don't have teeth.

"So, there are demons around here?" Orihime awed.

"Of course," Miroku said. "Unfortunately, Inuyasha isn't the only one causing problems around here. Well, he's a half demon, so he counts to an extent."

"Easy," the silver-haired warned.

"Why, Shippo here is a fox demon," Miroku went on. "We even have a cat demon on our team."

"Oh, wow," Orihime continued to awe. "I don't suppose all demons are nice, are they?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right."

"What Inuyasha means is," Miroku said, "we know all too well that there are very malicious demons out there."

"Does this have something to do with the . . . Shi-kon Jewel you told me about?"

"Precisely. The jewel can make anyone far more powerful than they are, but bad demons have always existed."

"I see. So, you and Inuyasha ran into each other because you want to defeat them all?"

"No," Inuyasha muttered. "I was already defeating them all when I ran into this self-righteous lech."

"Oh, Inuyasha," Miroku waved sweetly, "you forgot to add 'handsome'."

Orihime laughed. "You two are very close. You remind me of my friends at home."

"What are they like?" Miroku asked.

"Well, the ones I'm thinking of are Uryuu and Ichigo. They always bicker and disagree, but they're the best of friends. Ah! Uryuu also has this power that is really cool. He can make a bow and arrows come right out of his hand!" She raised her hands like she was aiming said weapon. "There's a lot of bright lights and energy. When he lets go," she mimed the motion then swooped her arms in the air, "BOOM! Clean shot!"

"His hand, huh?" Miroku raised his right hand. "I also can make something appear with my hand."

"Really?" Orihime looked at the hand covered in cloth and beads. "What?"

"Have a look." He pointed his arm to the field and undid the beads and cloths. "Wind Tunnel!"

A tornado of air sprouted from his palm. Trees from across the field bent towards them, and other debris flew right inside of it, vacuuming into his arm. Miroku closed his palm and wrapped his barriers back on.

He smiled smugly. "How was that?"

"Show off," Inuyasha muttered.

"That was amazing!" Orihime exclaimed. "B-but doesn't that hurt? Things went . . . inside your arm."

"Mm." Miroku flexed his hand. "I don't always feel it, but some things hurt."

"How are you able to do that?"

"It's . . . actually a curse laid upon my family. Unless I can defeat the demon that has burdened this upon my bloodline, the first born male of every generation will continue to bear this mark."

"Oh," she breathed. "So . . . it transfers?"

"Yes, in a way. I still keep my tunnel even if I have my son. If I can't undo the curse, the tunnel will one day consume me."

Orihime fell silent. Her gaze softened, eyes glimmering with something that far exceed simple sympathy. It was as though she couldn't stand the thought of his fate—as if she found it personally dear to her heart that things change for his sake. She looked at the slumbering fox demon in her lap and continued to pet him soothingly. "I'm sorry to hear that," she finally said, voice strained and sorrowful. "If I could . . . If I could do anything for you, I would."

Miroku didn't know what to say. What could he say to such sincerity? There was no reason to feel sad for him. He gathered this girl must be sweet and kind (and a little odd), but to feel such a way for him . . . It was a completely new feeling.

As he muddled the thought over, his gaze fell to Orihime's side. Something was . . . Her pocket was glowing a bright pink. "Orihime . . . what is that light?"

She looked at him then followed his gaze. For a split second, she panicked, but as soon as she did, the light began to dwindle. The fact that she still didn't know how the new version of her abilities worked unnerved her. She supposed she should practice with them, but that's exactly what unnerved her.

"O-oh," she said, retrieving her hair pins. "They have a mind of their own." She laughed nervously.

"What are they?" Miroku asked.

"Ah. These are . . . hair pins my brother gave me before . . . Um, well, yes, my older brother gave these to me when I was young. I'm not sure how, but they also hold a power that helps me fight."

"You need to fight? What kind of power is it?"

Orihime explained the presence of Hollows in her time and how Soul Reapers fight these monsters to maintain balance between worlds. She noticed Inuyasha had not been very vocal throughout this whole get together, but he hung on her every word. When she finished her tale, both boys continued to stare as they let all this new information settle.

"Wow," the monk sighed. "These Hollows sound like a more advanced version of our demons."

Inuyasha huffed. "Tell me about it."

Miroku sighed again, dejected, and shut his eyes. "It makes all our previous efforts pointless."

Orihime shook her head. "Why would it all be pointless? You're protecting people, too."

"Yes, but if they never really go away, then we ultimately lose."

"Well," Orihime said thoughtfully, "if it makes you feel any better, there are hardly any Hollows in the World of the Living. There may be some here and there, but not many people can see them, and the trouble they cause aren't . . . always devastating."

Miroku cracked a smile despite his mood. "You seem to be ever the optimist."

She smiled, making a sound of delight. She looked up into the night sky and marveled at all the stars she could see. Looking at the glittering lights, she wondered why people would want to lose sight of these magnificent wonders. Technology and all the industrial inventions were helpful, but were they really needed? Was it worth losing luscious grass, towering trees, and mystical nights?

She didn't know.

Maybe she was simply longing for something she never really got to experience, but she really liked it here. It was more than she had ever thought it would be.

Miroku had been watching him all night.

It was hard not to.

Inuyasha . . . He . . .

He may have said very few words, but the looks he gave Orihime spoke volumes. He watched her intently, the girl next to him completely unaware of it all. Inuyasha's eyes softened when he looked at her, his face muscles relaxing to the point he wasn't scowling. When she smiled, the corner of his lips tugged as well. When she got passionate about what she was saying, he'd sway to all the movements she did. When she was saddened, he was conflicted; he wanted to comfort her.

When Miroku first met Orihime, he was sure what Inuyasha felt for her must all be physical and this was just an intense temporary romance, but now he suspected that was not entirely true. Miroku wasn't sure how the two spent their time together when they were alone, but somehow, someway, Inuyasha fell head over heels for this girl in a relatively short time. Inuyasha may not be willing to admit it to himself, but Miroku knew.

Miroku was sure of it.

However, Miroku could not gauge Orihime's emotions for his friend. She liked him, that was sure, but . . . maybe as just a friend? She was an incredibly welcoming girl, so noticing the more than friendly feelings of others as it related to her probably didn't happen often, if ever. Even then, maybe these two could work.

But if Inuyasha never spoke up and she never took notice . . . was it possible?

Should it be possible?

Kagome was still an issue, but . . .

Well, that could be saved for another day. If truth be told, Miroku hoped that day wouldn't come for a very long time.

o0o0o

Another few hours passed before Orihime decided it was time to go. She wasn't sure of the time, but it had to be well past midnight. Shippo stirred in her arms when everyone stood and refused to leave her comforting embrace when he was informed she was leaving.

"I'm sorry," Miroku said to Orihime. "He's usually not like this."

"It's okay." She laughed. "He's very adorable."

Inuyasha snorted. "That wouldn't have been the words I chose." He plucked the child from Orihime's arms and shoved him at Miroku. "Keep a hold on him until we're gone, got it? We don't have time for this."

"Uh, r-right." Miroku took the now fully awake and unruly child into his arms and struggled to keep him under control. "Sh-Shippo, please! This isn't like you."

"I wanna," Shippo squirmed, writhed, "be with her! Let goooooo!"

"Quiet, runt!" Inuyasha barked. "She ain't the type to babysit brats like you."

"Then why are you bothering her?!"

Inuyasha smiled irritably, fist clenching. "What'd you say?"

"Shippo, please calm down," Miroku begged.

"No! Inuyasha wants her all to himself!"

"She's his friend."

"Then why is he treating her like his mate?!"

Inuyasha paled.

Miroku nearly choked.

Miroku man knew this was just the child's frustration talking, but his choice of words were spot on. Inuyasha's actions were so obvious a child could identify it, apparently. The half demon's mouth hung open, face gaining color as the child's statement rammed around his head. The only thing that covered up the impending awkwardness was Orihime's soft laugh.

"Shippo," she cooed, leaning to meet his emerald eyes. Shippo stopped flailing, limbs hanging lamely, and stared back into her silver eyes. "I promise to be back, okay?"

"B-but . . . you make me feel safe." His lips trembled. "A-and happy."

Orihime's eyes widened. Her chest felt terribly constricted. "Shippo . . ." She smiled warmly, smoothing out his hair. "I promise promise promise to be back as soon as I can. You have my word. For now, I have to go home. You can be strong until I get back, right?"

He sniffed, nodding obediently.

"You're so tough!" She lifted his bangs and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. "I'll try not to make you wait long." She stood, looking at Miroku. "It was a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure was all mine." He bowed at the waist. "See you soon, Orihime."

Smiling brightly, she turned to Inuyasha and the two began walking away. Miroku sighed, looking at the tiny demon he was now cradling.

"That was some show," he mused.

"It wasn't all a show," Shippo muttered. "I really wanted her to stay."

"I know." The man turned so they, too, could head back. "A bit heavy on the theatrics, though."

Shippo pouted. "Inuyasha is so unfair."

Miroku chuckled. "And here I thought you'd be against her."

"I'm against Kagome getting hurt. Orihime hasn't done anything." Shippo sighed. "Why does Inuyasha get to hog up all her time anyway?"

"He met her first."

"He met Kagome first, but we get to hang around her."

"Ah . . . Things become a bit complex as you go through life." Miroku decided to change the course of things a bit. "So, the answer is obvious, but what do you think of this new girl?"

"She's going to be my wife."

Miroku looked down at the blushing boy. He cracked a smile, which soon turned to laughter.

Young love at its finest.

"Well, good luck to you. I'm sure you'll have many competitors for her hand."

Orihime and Inuyasha arrived at the apartment complex. They talked on the way over, and Orihime was relieved to hear more of his voice that night.

"Let's walk here," she requested when they entered the complex.

Inuyasha complied, setting her on her feet, and followed her.

"So," she drew out, finally deciding to ask this question, "will I be able to meet the other friends?"

"I guess . . . If you want."

She nodded. "I do. If that's okay."

"In . . . time then."

"And one day you can meet my friends." She thought things over. "Well, you already met a few."

He glanced at her, troubled by that statement. "You mean that small loud mouth?"

Orihime nodded. "Tatsuki."

"And those two society guys that got you?"

"Rangiku and Hitsugaya-san."

"And the green wearing guy?"

"Kisuke."

He sighed. "Pass."

"But they're nice!" she insisted.

He shook his head. "This is more for your sake than mine, but it's best if I don't. They don't seem like the type I get along with."

"You handled Kisuke well."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes; he didn't really remember the guy. "Yeah, well, maybe later."

"There's one in particular I think you'd like." She was talking about Ichigo, but, she reminded herself, more time would need to pass before the two properly met each other. Ichigo wasn't big on surprises, so she'd have to warm him up to the idea first. "Ah . . . about the Shikon Jewel."

"What about it?"

"You didn't say anything back there . . . but that's what's in my hair clip, right? Maybe Miroku should know about it."

Inuyasha huffed, amused. "He knows enough things. I'll tell him about it someday."

The two finally reached Orihime's floor. Overall, tonight had been a very nice experience; worrying just came so easy to her.

"I'm really glad you let me meet them," she said for the fifth time that night.

"It's no big deal. They're nothing special."

"But they are amazing. You all are very close."

"You think so?" It was true, but he didn't know how she gathered that through the squabbling.

"Uh-huh. It's nice to have friends so dear to you." As they approached her door, she noticed a piece of paper taped to it. She took the folded piece and read it. "Oh . . ."

"Somethin' wrong?"

She folded the paper and held her hands behind her back. "No. Just a friend wanting to talk to me. Are you going to be okay going back? You're not too tired, are you?"

"Nah." He looked off into the distance. "I should be gettin' back, though. I'll . . ." He looked back at her. "I'll see you soon."

She gave a small smile. "Okay."

They stood awkwardly for a moment. Both felt like some action needed to be done, but neither had a clue as to what it could be.

Finally, Inuyasha huffed, smiling, and gave his final goodbyes as he departed. She watched him go until she couldn't see him anymore.

Sighing, she entered her apartment and turned on the lights. She looked at the folded paper, her heart racing:

We need to talk. -Ichigo