Title: My Sweet Angel

Author: inuyashagirl5

Rating: M

Genre: Romance/Drama

Pairing: Kagome/Ryuichi

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or Gravitation. InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and Gravitation is owned by Maki Murakami. I only borrow their characters for my own amusement and for the amusement of my readers.

Chapter Three: Their First Outing

"You cannot be serious! Please tell me you're lying!"

The high pitched yell coming out of Yuka's mouth wouldn't have bothered Kagome any, except for two reasons. One, they were in the middle of a nice, usually quite restaurant. And two, Kagome had gotten very little sleep that morning. She wouldn't complain about the lack of rest because Yume had had six healthy kittens and in her eyes it was worth missing the sleep to have seen it happen.

"Yuka-chan! Shh!" Ayumi scolded their friend, making the girl clamp a hand over her mouth and blush crimson.

"Kagome-chan, did you really give Ryuichi Sakuma your phone number?" Eri's expression said that she hadn't believed a word that had come out of Ayumi's mouth. Kagome took a long, slow sip of her lemon iced tea before nodding.

"I'm not lying. Come on you guys! You know Bad Luck's manager comes in from time to time for fish or fish food. Is it that hard to picture Ryuichi tagging along with him?" Ayumi defended herself while Eri looked skeptically at Kagome, who wasn't in the mood to discuss their current topic. Her friends wouldn't let this go though, and she knew she'd have to explain everything to them soon enough. Though only Ayumi would ever know the whole story.

"I suppose it's not hard to picture." Yuka mused silently and then slapped her hand on the table, startling her friends and a few of the other patrons, "But where did you get the guts to give him your number, Kagome?"

"He said he wanted to see me again. I figured it was probably the easiest way for him to reach me." Kagome answered and glared at Yuka, "Stop making a fuss. It's not a big deal."

"Gosh, Kagome-chan! Only you would think it's not a big deal!" Yuka huffed and crossed her arms over her chest. "This is Ryuichi Sakuma we're talking about. He wants to spend time with you. You should feel thrilled!"

"You're lucky, Kagome-chan." Eri stood slowly, her eyes on her watch. She fished around her purse and tossed some money on the table. "Yuka-chan and I have to get to work. We'll pick this subject back up the next time we're together. I still want proof."

Kagome blinked at Eri a couple times before it registered that her cell phone was ringing. She gave a tired sigh before ignoring her friend's rants in favor of answering it.

"Hello?" She spoke softly, well aware that her friends were still staring.

"Kagome-chan? Is that you? You sound so small!"

Kagome blinked a few more times before blushing madly and responding.

"Yes, it's me. I'm just tired is all." She said quickly, turning to the side to avoid the inquiring eyes of her friends. "How are you today, Ryuichi-san?"

"Ryuichi-san?" Eri and Yuka squeaked together and Ayumi muttered a soft, smug "Told ya." in their direction. Kagome ignored them as best as she could.

"Ne, Kagome-chan, what was that? Are you at work? Was that a talking parrot?"

"That was Eri-chan and Yuka-chan, a couple of my friends. They were just leaving though."

"Please, tell me that you're not busy tonight and that you want to spend some time with me! Please, Kagome-chan! You're not too tired, are you?" Ryuichi's pleading voice sounded so cute and childish. She was having a hard time believing it was actually him. If she didn't know better, she'd think she was talking to a grown up Shippo. That, of course, wasn't possible since Shippo was dead. "Kagome-chan are you still there?"

Kagome brushed aside the sad thoughts of Shippo. Now was not the time to think of such things. She was on the phone with Ryuichi Sakuma!

"Yes, I'm still here." She replied in a soft voice and she heard his soft sigh follow.

"You don't want to see me, do you?" Kagome was sure he was pouting at the phone, his big blue eyes probably shimmering with unshed tears. Hearing him sound sad didn't make her feel any better. So she mentally smacked herself a few times and answered.

"No, it's fine! I mean, um, we can do something together if you want to." Her words were rushed and her friends giggled at her. She scowled at them and continued, "Ayumi-chan and I are heading to the pet shop to check on Yume. Do you want to meet me there?"

"Yes!" He replied loudly, and Kagome was sure his head was probably bobbing up and down rapidly in his excitement.

"We'll likely be there in thirty minutes. I'll see you then?"

"Yes! Thank you, Kagome-chan!"

She stared down at her cell phone after he abruptly hung up. Ayumi grinned at her friend, whose eyes softened as she flipped her phone shut. Yuka and Eri squealed in unison.

"Oh my gosh, Kagome! You and Ryuichi Sa..."

"Don't you two have to be to be to work now?" Kagome interrupted their yelling, especially before they yelled out Ryuichi's whole name. She lifted one eyebrow at Eri when she huffed in protest.

"Don't think for one second that I won't call you later! I want to know every single detail!" Eri stormed off with Yuka scurrying behind her.

Ayumi chuckled at their friends before giving Kagome a concerned look. Eri and Yuka didn't understand a thing about their friend. They knew nothing about who Kagome really was. She knew everything though, but it was only by accident that she learned the whole truth about Kagome, the truth to why she was really absent from school so much. The truth to why she wasn't the same as she used to be.

"Are you going to be alright with this, Kagome? You know you don't have to take this step if you don't want to." Ayumi said and smiled for her friend, "If you're not ready..."

"It's been almost two years, Ayumi. They've been dead for almost two years and they can't expect me to mourn them forever."

"I doubt they wanted you to mourn them for this long." Ayumi was quick to point out. "They cared about you. They would want you to be happy in life. You were their family."

"I can't guarantee that I'll be okay with this, but I want to try." Kagome replied with a soft smile, her right hand coming to rest over her heart. "I just feel in my heart that spending time with him will make me feel a little less hollow. That feeling only goes away with a few people, and I really hope he's one of them."

"He really does seem interested in you. Tell me, Kagome, how did you meet him?"

"The other morning, I had that nightmare again and wasn't able to fall back asleep. Not that I'm ever able to after that nightmare. I got up and walked to that park that's near the shop."

"I know the one. It's pretty."

"Mm... I was there for about an hour, singing to myself like I sometimes do when I'm feeling down, when I heard someone approach. I was expecting an animal, or maybe even an attacker, but it was Ryuichi. Ayumi, he said he thought I sounded beautiful! HE complimented ME on my voice!"

"Kagome, your voice is beautiful. Anyone who has heard you sing knows that." Ayumi stood and placed some money on the table, paying for herself and Kagome. "Come on. We should get to the shop. I have to do an inventory check tonight."

"How fun." Kagome said dryly, "I'm glad it's my night off."

Things at the pet store were amusing to say the least. Apparently Ryuichi couldn't wait thirty minutes to meet her and was now asking Ayumi's father many different questions about the animals in the store. Kagome and Ayumi shared an amused glance before stepping further inside, much to Ayumi's father's delight.

"Thank goodness you girls are here!" He waved them over, gaining Ryuichi's attention as well, "I have something I need to do. I trust you can handle things?"

"Kagome-chan!" Ryuichi bounced up to her and grinned at her. His eyes quickly raked over her appearance, admiring the way the pink dress fit her. "Aw! Kagome-chan looks really pretty today and she matches Kuma-chan!"

"Everything is fine, father. Go ahead." Ayumi shooed her dad off and took her place behind the counter, giving Kagome and Ryuichi a moment alone to talk.

"Thank you for the compliment, Ryuichi-san. My mother made this dress for me." Kagome answered with a smile.

"I wasn't sure what you wanted to do, but maybe we can walk for a bit and then maybe get dinner and see a movie?" Ryuichi followed after her, but stopped at the counter instead of going behind it.

"Sure, that sounds nice. Let me just check up on Yume and her kittens first." She stepped away from him to join Ayumi behind the counter. "How are they?"

"Nursing or sleeping. They're really cute too. Have you thought about which one you might take home?" Ayumi asked as Kagome knelt down next to the box. Yume mewed softly up at her and Kagome ran her fingers over head to scratch behind her ears.

"No, not yet. I'd like to see their personalities first. I'd hate to end up with another Buyo." Kagome smiled at the thought of the fat cat at the shrine.

"Aw, but he's such a cute, fat cat!" Ayumi giggled.

"I just want something that's playful is all. Can't get Buyo to do much of anything. He only eats and sleeps." Kagome muttered.

"Then get a dog."

"No." Kagome stuck her tongue out her friends as she stood. "Alright, I'm heading out. Have a good night, Ayumi and I'll talk to you later."

"Have fun!" Ayumi called out and waved goodbye to them when Kagome joined Ryuichi's side. He smiled and nodded at her, then led Kagome out the door and into the bright afternoon sun. He slipped his sunglasses on stealthily, then flipped up the hood of the black sweatshirt he was wearing.

"Are you sure this is alright, Ryuichi-san?" Kagome asked while looking around, making sure no one was watching them. Once satisfied, she looked back up at him, only to find him staring intently at her. She blushed deeply and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, pulling her gaze away from his.

'She really is beautiful.' His lips curved into a small smirk. "Yes, we'll be fine. Come on!"

He grabbed her hand, not caring if she minded or not, but she didn't pull away. Perhaps she didn't mind? Either way, he was happy with the results.

He pulled her along down a couple side streets, ones that were empty but for a few stray people mulling about and finally came to a stop near a black limo parked just outside of a flower shop. He let his eyes wander down the streets, but only a few old women came into sight. He grinned to himself. He had picked the perfect street for the limo to stay out of sight of large groups of people. And they always thought he couldn't take care of himself in public!

"I take it this is your ride?" Kagome asked quietly and watched as the limo driver hurried to open the door.

"There's a place I want to take you for dinner, but it's too far to walk." He replied and turned to face her. He removed his sunglasses and looked down at her, "Is that alright?"

Kagome blushed again. The way his blue eyes darkened ever so slightly was overwhelming. It made it difficult for her to focus on her answer.

'He's more intimidating than Naraku right now...' Kagome swallowed and nodded at him. With a soft, nervous voice she spoke, "O-Of course."

Ryuichi blinked at her, confused at the sudden change in her voice. He didn't want her to be scared of him. He smiled kindly at her.

"You don't have to be nervous, Kagome-chan. We'll have fun!" He led her towards the open door and let her get in first. He turned to the driver, "The plans are the same so far."

"Of course, Sakuma-sama." The driver replied and closed the door once Ryuichi was safely inside.

Ryuichi settled himself into the seat next to Kagome. He watched as she looked around the inside of the vehicle and he knew this had to be her first time in a limo. His eyes fell on the small space between their hands resting on the seat. He had a strong urge to close that distance and hold her hand once again. Not wanting to move too fast, and possibly make Kagome even more nervous, Ryuichi moved his hand into his lap.

"So," He began, attempting to break the silence between them. Kagome looked his way and waited. "How long have you been working at the pet store?"

"Not too long. Almost a year now." Kagome replied.

"Do you enjoy it?"

"Sometimes. There are days when I'm there when I wish I was someplace quieter." She answered, "But, it is fun working with Ayumi."

"The two of you seem very close. I like watching the two of you interact. It's very friendly!" He grinned when she laughed. It was a soft, peaceful sound and he wanted to hear it more. A lot more.

"We've known each other for a long time, and we've been through a lot together." Kagome admitted, though she hoped he didn't ask her to elaborate. There was no way she could tell him what she had gone through and how Ayumi came to find out about it. At least, not yet.

"So, then she knows you better than anyone else?"

"Yes." Kagome answered hesitantly. "I suppose she probably does. She listens to me better than my other friends."

"What are they like? Will I get to meet them too?"

Kagome pondered over the questions for a few moments. Ryuichi certainly did want to know a lot about her and she couldn't remember a time when someone was that curious about her. It was nice, but she didn't want to bore him with her almost boring life.

"Eri-chan and Yuka-chan are a pair of rumor-filled, chatterboxes. I don't see them very often because they are in their first year of college." Kagome paused for a moment, uncertain if she should mention her other friend. Figuring he'd probably want her to be honest, she continued on. "Hojo-kun is in college too, but he calls me almost daily. He's friendly, caring and very overwhelming to be near, but he is Ayumi's fiancee, so I deal with it."

"Ayumi-chan is getting married?"

"Yes." She nodded and smiled brightly, "Hojo loves her a lot! They're very happy together!"

"And that makes you happy?"

"Yes, definitely." Kagome answered honestly. She was very happy that Hojo finally gave up on her and noticed how truly wonderful Ayumi is.

Her cheerful smile was amazing! Ryuichi felt blinded by its vibrancy and he knew this was just a small glimpse of who she was being shown to him. He wanted to know more about his angel and as long as she allowed it, he was going to learn everything about her!

"I hope I get the chance to meet them." He turned his head to the opposite side to check their location, then added, "I want you to meet my friends as well."

"That...might be a bit intimidating." She laughed, "But, it would only be fair. I mean, Eri-chan and Yuka-chan can be scary and you...they're crazy, crazy fan girls. You won't be safe."

"My friends aren't that scary, Kagome-chan. They'll like you. K already does!"

"Mm...your friends may not be scary in your eyes, but for someone like me, it's different. You and your friends are famous, I'm just...Kagome who works in a pet store."

"So?" He looked back over to her and frowned. Her smile was gone and her eyes were blank as she looked at the floor. "None of that matters to me. I want to get to know you and I want you to be comfortable with me."

"I'd...like that, really." There was a small wistful smile that appeared, a smile he wanted to remember to draw later. "And...it's not because of who you are...but more because of who you really are."

"Agreed!" He grinned and she giggled. "We'll worry about friend introductions later on. Let's just get to know each other first!"

The limo came to a stop a little while later and the driver hurried around to the door. Kagome was surprised to find themselves in a more populated location than before and people were already gathering to see who was inside the vehicle.

"Do you go through this every time you go out, Ryuichi-san?" She questioned him and he nodded a few times rapidly.

"Don't worry though, Kagome-chan! They have crowd control!" He pointed at a trio of burly men that stepped out to push the crowds to the sides of the entry way, "Of course, this method just assures those in the crowd that someone famous is inside!"

The noise from outside was loud once the door to the car was opened. Ryuichi smirked and slowly moved from his seat to step out and Kagome could see in his eyes just how much he enjoyed the attention. He grinned and waved to the crowd that was now shouting out his name and taking pictures. It was quite the spectacle to Kagome, who was used to receiving little to no attention.

Ryuichi turned back to the limo and smiled at Kagome who was watching him with a smile of her own. He leaned into the door and offered his hand to her. She accepted without hesitation and he felt his heart skip a beat on contact. He helped her from the vehicle and led her inside, away from the loud crowd outside.

"That, " she started and laughed softly, "was really different. But, you looked so happy! Being in the spotlight suits you very well!"

"It's a place I am very comfortable with."

"I can tell." Kagome replied and smiled as he released her hand to pull out a chair for her, "Thank you."

He sat down across from her and from there, they entered into quiet conversation about their lives and their typical daily routines. She listened as he spoke of his band mates and of his growing friendship and rivalry with Shuichi Shindou. She spoke about her family and of how smart her little brother was and how she was sure he'd make an awesome doctor one day.

He was enjoying every second in her company. She was opening up to him so quickly and he didn't know what had happened or what he had said to get her to be this way, but he wouldn't complain.

Kagome did her very best to avoid speaking of the past, which wasn't too difficult, choosing instead to speak of her family and her friends in this era. But, deep down, she believed one day she could tell him everything.

The meal went quickly and the pair made their way back out through the crowd and into the waiting limo. As they were settling in, his cell phone rang. He cast her a small, apologetic smile and answered it.

"Hello, Tohma-kun!" He said cheerily into the phone and Kagome quickly covered her mouth to quiet her giggling.

"Where are you?" Tohma asked calmly and Ryuichi frowned into the phone.

"Out!" He answered. He could hear Tohma release a deep sigh.

"I need you back at the studio. Did you forget about the interview?"

He had completely forgotten about it.

"No." He lied and pouted. His time with Kagome was about to be cut short. "I'm on my way now."

He clicked his phone shut before Tohma could say anything else. This was not what he wanted to do tonight.

"Work calling you?" Kagome asked quietly.

"Yeah." He nodded sadly and Kagome reached over to squeeze his hand.

"You can call me later if you'd like? I don't care about the time either. I don't have work again tomorrow, well, unless they really need me." He gave her another short nod and she pulled away from him. "We're not far from my home. You can drop me off here."

"Alright." He alerted the driver to stop and let Kagome out and told them that he needed to get back to the studio quickly. The driver did as he was asked and pulled over.

"See this?" Kagome pointed out the window at the steps leading up to her home. "This is the Sunset Shrine, where my family lives. You are more than welcome to stop by. If I'm not at work, I'm usually helping out here."

The driver opened the door and Ryuichi stepped out first, but this time he didn't turn back to help her out. Kagome shrugged it off and climbed out on her own.

"I'll call you later. The interview shouldn't take that long." He spun around quickly and faced her. "I had fun, Kagome-chan and I want to do this again!"

"Un, I'd like that."

She was swept up into his arms so quickly it took her a few seconds to register that he was hugging her, tightly too. She returned his embrace, which was rather warm and comforting.

"I'll talk to you later, Kagome-chan." He spoke against the side of her head, but he didn't move to release her.

"Ryuichi-san, you're already late, aren't you?" She asked softly.

"I don't care. They can wait." He pouted and she giggled.

"Please, don't get yourself in trouble because of me. I'd feel bad."

"Fine." He pulled back and released her, "But, you shouldn't feel bad. It's not your fault I forgot!"

He grinned at her and waved. She waved back and he admired her beautiful smile once again. He was beginning to really adore that smile. He sunk down into the seat as the limo pulled away. He lifted Kumagoro from the empty seat he had occupied all night and held the plush close.

"She really is something else, Kuma-chan. Our angel is really special."

Review please? Oh! An take the poll in my profile too! It'll make me happy! :3