A/n: Hello, this is chapter 2 for Strange Occurrences. Thanks for the reviews! I enjoyed them! Sorry for the long ass wait, but here it is!
Disclaimer: I don't Own Inuyasha and Co.
Rating: Rated R. I may put a lemon in here, but there are definitely limes.
Chapter Two: Meeting again for the First time.
It was 4:30am when Kagome finally got to the apartment she had only saw once, and that was in a catalog. The place was worse than the city dump. She could here rats squirming around the room, sewage water from the faucet dripping, and from the moonlight, it looked and smelled like she was standing in the middle of a landfill of trash. Windows were shattered, and her so called "skylight" view was broken.
'Oh Jesus, give me strength.' She prayed.
Kagome searched the wall, finding a light switch that actually worked. Once the light shined on the situation, the rats scattered back into the wholes, and the roaches disappeared into the darkness. She almost past out at the actual sight of it. The place was a complete joke. There was no way she was going to be able to sleep here!
"I can hear daddy's mouth now." She sighed. Since she was already up, she might as well get to work. She started to pick up trash, dumping it into left over boxes, all the while, her mind on Bert. The man who had saved her life. 'Wonder if I'll ever see him again…Nah, probably not. But I wouldn't mind the pleasure. He had the most beautiful eyes…'
Knock, Knock The tapping of wood made her jump out of her own thoughts. She turned around to see a man in her doorway. He was tall, lean with a slight build, shiny jet black hair, shady glasses, and by his facial features, a great smile. He was one of those café type of guys. Either way, he looked like he got laid more than once a week.
"Hey, I'm your Hojo Dazai, your neighbor." He smiled.
Kagome put on a weak smile, some what relieved for the company. "Kagome Higurashi. Pleasure."
"So you've moved into the ole' Jackson place huh? They've been looking for an idiot from a reject state like Ohio to rent it for years. So where you from?"
Kagome looked down at the floor and picked up a piece of trash. "It must be their lucky day, because I'm from Cleveland Ohio."
"Oh." Hojo sounded a little embarrassed for her. "Sorry. I didn't mean to imply that.."
"No it's okay," She cut in, "I get that all the time." Kagome didn't say more as she continued to pick up trash.
Hojo didn't want to leave the meeting off on a bad note, so he decided to stick around. By Kagome's appearance, she was the all American geek. And not one of the new century geeks of today who pretend to be cool, but the classic ones with the wire rimmed glasses, dorky sweaters and played out shoes, and NO posture what so ever. But despite all that, there was something about her. She had a sense of character. 'I can work with character.'
He started to help her pick up trash, which must have taken her by surprise because she glanced at him with a slightly impressed expression on her face. "What?" he asked.
Kagome shrugged. "I didn't expect you to stay that's all. Usually about this time, guys are running out of here trying to find me a beautician."
The way she kind of put herself down made him feel the slightest bit of guilt. Because if he had seen her on the street, he would have done thing any other guy would have done and escorted her to the hair salon and mall. "Why would someone do something like that?" he asked nervously.
Kagome glared at him skeptically. "You and I both know why. I don't meet the standards of Vogue Fashion or have the body of a Victoria Secret model. Like I know you wanted to crack a joke when you saw my out of control curly hair. And it's okay. I've come to accept that not everyone was made to be beautiful. If they were, there wouldn't be much need of the word now would there?"
When Hojo was about to answer, Kagome shook her head and smirked. "It was a rhetorical question."
Hojo nodded a full smile on his face. What this girl lacked in looks made up for in personality. If anyone had spent two minutes around her, they would have found her addictive, the same way he had.
"Look, you're place isn't going to be done for a while. You can stay at my place till we fix this dump." He suggested.
Kagome was in shock. 'Did he just offer me a place to stay?' "We? You're going to help me fix this place up?"
Hojo lifted a shoulder. "Why not? I've taken some interior decorating classes, and still managed to be perfectly comfortable with my sexuality."
For some reason, Kagome was suspicious. Guys don't just help unless they want something. Well, except for Bert, but he had been divine intervention. Was Hojo one too, or was he conning her?
"Look Hojo, I don't have any money, and I don't want to fuck you, so whatever.."
"HOLD UP! TIME OUT!" Hojo put up a T with his hands. "Calm down. I just want to help."
"But that's asking too much from you. I couldn't possibly…"
"Would you rather sleep on a rat infested floor?" he countered. Kagome didn't give it another thought before she whispered a low and very shy, "Thanks."
Morning
Kagome yawned, waking up in a room she didn't recognize, and then it hit her. Hojo. They had spent hours talking about everything from movies to politics, and then played a nice competitive game of TABOO. She couldn't believe she had stayed up till 7:00AM. Now it was time to start another day in hell.
Before she made any attempts to start off her day, she grabbed her diary she was so intent on finding and started her entry.
Dear Diary,
When I moved to Chicago, I was expecting the best. My dreams rocketed, and my spirits soared. A life away from Ohio was just what I needed to get the attention I so desired. Then I met Bert. Granted his name wasn't Bert, but a nickname. I'm assuming his full name was Robert.
Robert saved me from an untimely demise, despite my somewhat rude exterior. My knight and shining armor had saved me from a heinous crime that could only be committed by the male species.
Now, it is my wish to seek him out, and express my true gratitude. But where to find such an epic hero? I have only his name. I guess I shouldn't be so negative. Prince Charming worked with a glass slipper, Prince Eric dealt with a voice, and Aladdin only had a wish.
Such are my thoughts.
December 2, 2005.
Kagome
Closing her diary, she got to her feet, looking around for Hojo. Since his apartment only had two rooms, it wasn't as big as hers, so there were only so many places he could be.
"Hojo?" she called out.
Kagome stopped when she heard music coming from down the hall. She slipped on her house slippers and a robe, walking the short distance to her apartment.
And there he was, with two other people helping him pick up trash and closing up all the rat wholes. One was a girl, fairly pretty beyond the average female. She sported overalls and a tank top well, hair blonde hair up in a loose blond, and her blazing blue eyes lit up her face.
"Hey girl, how ya doin? I'm Tai." She extended her hand.
Kagome took her hand and shook it. "Hello. I'm Kagome. Thanks for the help. You have no idea how much this means to me."
Tai waved her off. "Don't worry about it. I was just like you once. Lost, alone, tacky."
Kagome tried not to look offended at the backhanded compliment. "Well thanks again."
"No problem." She smiled.
The other guy took off his head phones and waved. "Names Milo. Grew up here, like it. I do pluming. I owe Hojo the favor, that's' why I'm here on my God given much needed day of rest this Saturday." Kagome nodded, deciding she liked Milo. "Hi Milo. Thanks for the help."
Milo shrugged it off and continued cleaning. Hojo walked over to Kagome, leading her out the door back to his apartment. "Wait, aren't we going to help?"
Hojo nodded. "Yes, but we're going to need some supplies, so we're going to the flea market." Kagome rolled her eyes. She hated shopping. 'Oh goody.'
Inuyasha sat in agony as he waited on Kikyou to pick an outfit. The only reason he agreed to come, was because she said she was trying on lingerie. "Any day now!" he called out.
He hated shopping. It was near two and he had to go study for a test he had to take at three. 'Damn, school is a goddamn drag.'
He didn't like going, except for all the chicks, but he promised his mom once he got out of jail, he'd straighten up. And this was HER idea of straighten up. School and a job. But he had a job before he went in. Hustling was an art. When selling weed crack, whatever was on the market, he was making triple his salary. There was no reason he couldn't do that now. 'Maybe I'll give Naraku a call.'
Kikyou stepped out of the dressing room, breaking his thoughts. "Ready to go?" she asked cutely.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and walked out the store.
"Inuyasha!" she called, running after him. When she caught up to him, he slipped him arm over her shoulder like the everyday routine.
It seemed every time he met up with Kikyou, fucked her, kissed her; he was getting just a little bit more bored with her. The only reason he had even bothered to give her ass a chance, was because she had the body of a goddess. Miroku suggested he drop her like the bad habit she is, but the service was too good. He got head whenever, wherever he wanted, and as a trade off, he put up with her constant bitching. It was a fair.
Walking down Michigan Ave wasn't a bad place. The sun was shining, and the wind blew extra hard, just the way he liked Chicago weather, and the city looked alive. So why wasn't he having fun? He glanced down at Kikyou who winked at him in return. 'Oh, almost forgot.'
Inuyasha was about to walk into another boring shop, until a girl came tumbling to her feet, tripping over herself. He sighed and helped the girl to her feet. Surprisingly, that girl was Velma from Scooby Doo in the flesh. It was Kagome. "Ohhhhhh shit.'
Since she and Hojo had split up to get more shopping done, Kagome was down Michigan Ave. with a map in one hand, and trying to keep grip on her hat with the other. Chicago was extremely windy today. She was headed towards the library to find out some interior decorating tips off the internet, since her computer wasn't out of the box yet.
Unlike last night's events, she had on a new face of ambition and the optimism of Dorothy. Chicago streets boasted with life and she could hardly wait to find her savoir. What would she say? As if to answer her question she turned around and spotted the last person she thought she'd ever see again.
Kagome couldn't stop herself from looking like a complete idiot when she had spotted Bert in the street. Her heart hammered against her chest and he brain went into melt down as she saw his perfect figure in the flesh. Before she knew it her feet were in motion and she had been running to him, screaming "BERT!" to the top of her lungs. She found it somewhat strange that he didn't respond to his own name, but she let it pass.
'Maybe he couldn't hear me'
Bert helped her to her feet and picked up one of her bags, handing it to her.
Kagome couldn't stop smiling. "Bert! Hi! It's me Kagome!" Bert looked at her like she had just escape from a psychiatric ward. A very beautiful woman appeared by his side.
"Hello. I saw the fall are you alright?" she asked in a manner that clearly stated she didn't care.
Kagome smiled. "Yes thank you. I'm fine."
She turned her attention back to Bert. "I just wanted to say thanks again. Bert. I mean what you..."
"Bert?" the beauty interrupted. She glanced at Bert who lifted a shoulder and smirked. Beauty burst into fits of laughter. Kagome looked bewildered for a second.
'Surely I couldn't have confused him for someone else. I mean those eyes…I…' And just like the cruel joke that it was, it hit her like a ton of bricks. Her savior's name wasn't Bert, and she had just yet AGAIN made a complete jackass out of herself. Kagome's hurt gaze met Inuyasha's amused ones.
"I'm sorry. It was my mistake." She said somberly.
Kagome gave Inuyasha the most threatening glare she could before slowly walking back around the three blocks to the Flea Market. If her bad luck wasn't bad enough, she bumped into someone. That someone was carrying water. That water landed all over her.
"Holy shit lady, you just walked right into me! Are you okay?" A voice called. Kagome opened her eyes to find herself on the floor. "Ouch." She moaned.
A hand came down towards her. She looked up to see one fine man, black hair in a small pony tail, great smile, three earring in his right ear, two in his left, and in hoodlum clothes.
"Here, let me help you up." He pulled her back to her feet without even trying.
Kagome dusted herself off. "Well, I think you and your water bottle have accomplished quite enough, I'm fine." Looking around for her hat, it lay lethargically in the trash can. With a sigh, she picked it out.
The man next to her looked back with a weird expression. "Lady, you bumped into me!"
Kagome ignored him, suddenly getting cold from the crisp air because she was now wet. "Fine. Whatever. If you'll excuse me…"
She walked around him, continuing down the street. Hearing mumbling in the background, she glanced back to see the assailant leaving his friends, trying to catch up to her. On instinct, she walked faster, making a right turn. Half way down the block, she heard someone call, "HEY! WAIT UP!" Upon hearing his request, she walked a little faster.
Unfortunately, he did catch up with her. "Hey, where's the fire? I didn't introduce myself. I'm Miroku." He exclaimed, half out of breath.
Kagome rolled her eyes. "That's wonderful Miroku. I'm glad you accomplished at least one goal in life. If nothing else, you'll at least got that name problem checked off."
Miroku's eyes furrowed together. "Some manners you have. For one, you bump into me, don't excuse yourself, two, if you're heading to the library, it's six blocks, in the OTHER direction."
Kagome halted. She knew she hadn't remembered this street. Turning around, she came face to face with Miroku. He didn't look mad, or irritated. Just concerned. It sort of made Kagome feel bad. 'No one's ever shown me genuine concern before.'
Sticking out her hand, she smiled. "I'm Kagome Higurashi, new to the city as you can tell." Miroku gave her a bewildered look, and then smiled, relaxing. "Nice to meet you. You dropped your map when you fell back there."
Kagome blushed, embarrassed when he handed it to her. "Thank you. I start work there tomorrow, but I was going today to do some research. I'm sorry about my attitude earlier. I don't have many friends."
Miroku smirked. "I can see why. What, did you come up here thinking you had to be tough?" He rolled his eyes heaven ward when she nodded yes in response. "You have to hold your own, but not necessarily be a tyrant."
Kagome shrugged. "I'm from Cleveland Ohio. My father said I wouldn't make it far by being nice. It's not an excuse, but I had a bad accident last night." "Oh? What happened?" Miroku questioned with interest.
"Three men attacked me in an alley after I had gotten lost. One robbed me; the other held me down while the last one attempted to rape me. I was saved by some mystery man named Bert." She explained quietly, sounding foolish, leaving out the most recent event.
Miroku's eyes flashed anger. It made no sense how women were treated now days. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Why don't we go somewhere and talk. The library is closed on Sundays anyway. No need in walking another 20 minutes."
"I'd like that." Kagome smiled. Miroku returned the gesture, noticing how beautiful her smile was.
o
The popular café called "Mugz" was crowded. Luckily, Miroku had good connections with the owner.
A lovely brown haired maiden came up to Kagome, giving the mandatory light smile. "Welcome to Mugz, I'm Sango and I'll be your waitress."
Miroku winked at the beautiful lady, making her frown slightly. "Hi Sango." He said smoothly. Sango bit the inside of her jaw, but smiled none the less. "Miroku. Come, I'll lead you to your table."
She led them to a oval table on the second floor, right above the entrance by the fireplace, giving the best view of the stage. Kagome took a seat, admiring the restaurants magnificence.
It had warm and inviting colors, like forest green, maroon, ruby read and chestnut brown. The stage floor was black, with ivy colored curtains surrounding it. For the first time since she had arrived, Kagome felt at home.
"Where did you find this place?" She asked in awe. Miroku looked around in admiration. "My grandmother owns it. I helped her build it from the ground up. It used to be an old crack building, till my grandmother bought the land."
"Oh. That's cool. And the stage?" she pointed to the enormous stage below. Miroku sighed. "She loved entertainment. So, we built it. Me and a few friends."
Kagome noticed their waitress was giving her a nasty look. "Do you and Sango have anything going on?" Miroku glanced down at the table, and then laughed it off with a fake laugh. "What makes you think that?"
"Because she's giving me a nasty look." When Miroku turned to see Sango staring, she quickly averted her gaze.
"Yeah well. Once upon a time, long ago, I was…I was…I was in love with her. She didn't return my feelings because I never got an answer back. Then I was determined to win her over. When that didn't work. I gave up. Started dating other women, and she's been a lemon ever since."
Kagome understood the feelings part. "It's like you're waiting for the shoe to drop and their hanging onto it by a thread, testing you." Miroku nodded, looking out the window. "Yeah…Plus, she's dating some guy. I don't even bother to ask anymore."
At that moment, both of them knew they were going to get along great. Miroku didn't like speaking about him and Sango. But to open up to a complete stranger so quickly was amazing.
The two were sitting peacefully, enjoying the music and each other's company. Time flew by, and before long it was 6pm. Kagome was laughing at a joke Miroku told, when someone came over to the table.
Miroku's face lit up as he spoke. "Was sup Yash. Where the hell have you been all day?" "I've been out with this little vixen right here." Indicating to Kikyou who was holding his waist.
Kagome heard the voice and her stomach leaped out of her chest, quickly facing him, she watched his face go pale. Miroku noticed Kagome's embarrassed expression, and looked between the two. "Do you two know each other?" Kagome shook her head no. "I thought his name was Bert."
Miroku started to ask as he glared at Inuyasha. "Man, you didn't…"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't give my real name to strangers. I don't even know this chick."
Kikyou snickered at how dumb the tacky creature stood with embarrassment in front of them. "She's the clumsy thing that we were laughing about on the phone. She practically fell flat into the curb. Can we go now?" she mock whined, looking back at Inuyasha.
Miroku just shook his head. "Unbelievable."
Inuyasha looked down at Kikyou, lifting her face to his, pecking her on the lips. "Yeah. Let's get the hell out of here. Later Miroku." Inuyasha threw up the peace sign, trying to control a hysterical Kikyou.
Kagome sat in shame, looking down at her plate. Miroku looked back at her with a worried expression. Sitting back down, he tried to look her in the eyes. "Kagome..?" he said slowly.
Kagome turned her attention to the window, quickly wiping away a tear hoping Miroku didn't see. "I'm fine." Grabbing her hat, purse, and map Kagome slip out of the seat, and stood up.
"I should get going. Thank for the coffee Miroku. It was nice meeting you." She rushed down the stairs and out the door in three seconds. Miroku didn't have time to catch up with her, because she was half way gone.
Kagome stomped into her empty, clean loft on the far side of Marshville and 3rd. The neighborhood was a little rough, but it was all she could afford at the time. The loft matched her personality perfectly. Hideous on the outside, but beautiful on the inside. And that's all that counted.
She spotted the note on her door.
Went out to a place called "Rocks". We tried to wait on you, but you never came back. Tell you all about it, when I come back. Tai left her number down at the bottom and demanded you call her. Milo said, "love peace, and onion rings." I'll talk see you later.
3
Hojo.
Kagome smiled slightly at hearing the that Tai wanted to talk to her. Then she frowned. Maybe Tai wanted to change her into another Kikyou. Someone who walked around with a fake smile on her face getting by on only her looks. She had nothing to prove to these people. People she just met.
"Not proving anything to anyone." She said in a whisper. She knew why Inuyasha disowned any knowledge of saving her. It was because of her appearance. She thought he was different. She thought he would see what she saw. That clothes didn't matter.
"I guess I was wrong." Kagome muttered, running her bath. On the window seal, she heard meowing. A cat stood outside, it's breath fogging up the window. Surely it was cold. Having a heart of gold, she walked over to the window and let the cat in.
The cat jumped in, and onto the plush white rug she had put down. The cat was beautiful. Golden eyes, and black and grey tiger strips. "You're the famous Egyptian." Kagome mumbled, noting the cat's heritage.
Picking it up, she saw that it was a boy. "So, what shall we call you?" The cat purred as Kagome stroked him. "How about Midnight. Would you like that name?" Midnight meowed as if knowing that's what she would be calling him.
Kagome put that cat down and ran her bath water. Slipping down in it, she drifted off to a world where she could be happy.
A/n: Okay-So now we gather that Inuyasha is an ass. I just wanted to get the preliminaries of Kagome's life out of the way. Next chapter is going to be about Inuyasha's life, college and Kagome's job. Once again, Kagome will be humiliated, but it won't be at the expense of Inuyasha this time. I introduce his mother, Myouga, and some more people. Hope everyone liked the chapter! Please Review!
Lazydoll06