Chapter Three: Ramen?
After that night Inuyasha couldn't get that damn girl out of his head. It had been three weeks since the New Years party and it pissed him off to no end that he didn't get a chance to talk to Kagome.
She was too busy with that bastard Bankotsu, but it obviously didn't go well since she went home and left him there. What was Hojo's problem anyways?
His index claw tapped against his phone impatiently as he weighed the pros and cons for the decision he was about to make. Finally, he texted Hojo.
'Hey.'
'Hello, Inu!'
'Don't call me that.'
'You're no fun! What's up?'
'That party this weekend, will the girl be there too?'
'Who Kagome? I haven't invited her yet, she won't know many people there, but if want I can ask her to come?'
Inuyasha growled the damned idiot was batting him! He wanted him to beg for that stupid girl to show.
'Keh, do what you want.'
'Consider it done ;)'
Inuyasha dropped his phone on the couch and sighed. What if she wouldn't come…she didn't really have a reason to, after all, they barely spoke to each other…but he hoped she would show.
—
"Another party?" Kagome laughed as she left Valarium and started heading home "Don't you ever get tired of always having people around?"
"Of course not!" Hojo said over the phone, his voice could be heard from a mile away even without her cell. "Parties is a good way to meet people, besides they are just too much fun! Anyways you're coming this weekend right?"
Kagome pondered the thought for a moment "Well…will Inuyasha be there?"
If only she could see the massive smirk on Hojo's face in that moment. 'God he was good.'
"Inuyasha? Probably, I'm not really sure. Do you want me to invite him?"
Kagome nervous laughed as she opened her car door a through her bag into the passenger seat "Well if he doesn't already have plans. I mean don't tell him I want him there or anything like that!"
"But you would like it if he were there, right?"
Kagome dodged the question by stating "He's your friend, invite him if you'd like. Anyways I'll see you then, bye."
"Bye Ka-go-me!" Hojo responded tauntingly
Kagome felt like she had just been played, but wouldn't complain if Inuyasha did show up. She started her car with a smile, not knowing what to expect.
—
Friday came sooner than expected, Kagome had taken another trip to Scott Co and made it to Hojo's apartment. This time she was trying to seem as casual as possible. 'The only real thing I know about him is that he doesn't like dancing, weirdo. So he probably doesn't like high-strung girls. But I'm not high strung at all…I should have asked Hojo before all this.'
She was just exiting the elevator when she heard a very angry voice call out from down the hall "Hojo you bastard! Open this door before I break it down!"
Kagome had to hold in her laughter as she saw the Half-Demon she desired banging against Hojo's door. 'He's pretty funny when he's mad' she thought.
The sound of her giggles finally broke out, at the sound, his ears perked up and whipped his head in her direction. A blush formed of his cheeks and he jumped back into a normal standing position.
Coughing lightly into his hand he growled "Keh, enjoy the show?" Kagome nodded, still smiling ear to ear.
"What happened, did he lock you out?" She asked, but Inuyasha only bit back "Well I'm not sitting out here cause I want to. I've been out here for fifteen minutes knocking on this damn door!"
Kagome quickly pulled out her phone and noticed she had a missed message, she paled and nearly fell flat on her back. "Oh Dear God."
"What?" Inuyasha asked, not liking intensely she was staring at her phone. Abruptly she lifted it to his view, hiding her face into her shoulder as she did so. Confused, Inuyasha leaned forward and read the small writing:
'Hey, Kags! Sorry but the party has been canceled, I have other arrangements and won't be home this evening. You're probably there with Inu now, hope you two have fun! ;)'
Inuyasha could feel his eye twitching, that little freak set them up! When his eyes lifted he could see Kagome's embarrassed face, she figured Hojo would try something but wasn't expecting this.
Sighing, he stood back up, giving off a cool expression, he began walking back to the elevator. Kagome's heart dropped to the floor at the sight of his retreating form. Little did she know that Inuyasha's scenes of smell were beyond amazing. He grinned at the sudden panic that overtook her scent.
Without turning his head he said "Well, aren't you coming?"
Kagome jumped at his voice as he addressed her as she nervously asked "…where?"
"To get something to eat. I'm not sitting here like a fucking puppy waiting for Hojo to show his ugly mug." Inuyasha growled as he pressed the elevator button. Kagome hesitated for a moment, as though attempting to decipher those words into 'I was thinking about getting some food, would you like to come?'
'I wish!' Kagome almost laughed before bolting it down the hallway to join him in the now open elevator.
They stood in silence as they began defending to the first floor. Kagome was eager to start a conversation, yet not sure how to. She thought of finding a similar interest, whether it be movies, books or even food, anything to spark his interest.
On the other side of the elevator, Inuyasha had a more focused agenda. Mentally he was screaming at the figure of Hojo, imagining the perfect way to mascara the little punk! 'When I do see that pip-squeak I'm gonna make him pay for this.'
"So…" Kagome began "How's it going?"
'I hate myself!' She practically growled 'Could you sound any more stupid?!'
As though hearing her thoughts Inuyasha snickered and replied "Fine. Where do you wanna eat?"
"Oh, how about Seafood? I could definitely go for lobster right about now."
Inuyasha gave her a side way glance, obviously disproving the idea. Kagome's smile faded as she asked feeling on the spot "What?"
Inuyasha only shrugged "I ain't goin to a fricken seafood place. And lobster is nasty." Kagome gawked at him before nearly shrieking "Are you out of your mind?! How can you not like lobster?"
"Keh, if it ain't meat or noodles then it ain't real food." Inuyasha barked as he rolled his beautiful eyes which made a vain pop out of Kagome's forehead.
"Fine, where do you want to go then?"
Inuyasha suddenly gave a sinister grin that made Kagome shrink at least three sizes, with the look of determination he stated "I know where we're going."
—
The couple sat across from one another at a small table for two in the best Ramen place in town. Inuyasha frequented this establishment for its exceptional Ramen, having tried every flavor of Ramen on the menu, he was fast to put in his order.
Kagome was nearly impressed by how fancy of restaurant they were in, for a dish that usually came from a microwavable instant-cup, it looked rather high-end and was very busy.
Inuyasha was leaned back comfortably as he studied Kagome from across the table. He had to admit that she was nice to look at. Her midnight hair seemed to glide down her shoulders and her eyes were always so lively like something amazing was about to happen.
But when those eyes flicked over to him, he realized that he was caught staring and quickly darted away with a light blush. Kagome smiles warmly at him before asking "So…I guess Ramen beats Lobster?"
"Is that even a question?" He asked smugly, noticing how impressed she seemed to be.
Kagome laughed and said "That's fair, got to admit this is a nice change of pass, I usually just eat at home or at Valarium."
His right ear twitched at the name of the club where they met. An image of her revealing outfit came to mind, as well as the sea of men who were waiting to grab at her. The thought alone made him want to growl.
Out of the blue, he asked "Why do you work there?"
Kagome was stunned for half a second, he sounded so serious all of a sudden. She simply shrugged "Well, it's a good paycheck and the hour's work for me…"
"Keh, you can find a job that doesn't make you undress." The words slipped so fast out of his mouth that he couldn't stop them. Kagome stared at him with an odd expression that he couldn't read, was she offended or amused?
"So what? You think I'm a slut?"
Inuyasha nearly fell out of his chair before shouting "Hell No! That's not what I said!" Kagome crossed her arms before smirking "But you were thinking it."
Inuyasha's ears were tilted back as he opened his mouth to say something but quickly shut it, as though afraid to make another mistake.
Kagome lifted her glass of water and took a gentle sip before she explained "There's nothing wrong with my job because I'm not a stripper or a prostitute, there is no touching, and if I'm ever harassed, they get thrown out."
Inuyasha clenched his jaw "It doesn't bother you that they look at you like your something to eat?"
Kagome shrugged "even if the guys stare at me like a piece of meat, they'd still be doing it when I'm fully clothed."
The waitress finally appeared with two bowls of beef ramen, as soon as they were served they both went straight to eating. Inuyasha had half a mind to continue, but on what grounds? It's not like it bothered him she was flaunting herself in front of other men…not really.
Kagome was always asked why she worked at the club, the truth was that she just needed a job and that was one that paid better than minimum wage, so it didn't really matter, besides she could take care of herself.
"Still…" Inuyasha said between bites "You can find something better."
Kagome repressed the desire to roll her eyes, but as Inuyasha began downing his water, she turned the tables on him. Smiling she asked "Jealous are we?"
The content of liquid flew from his mouth in a glorious spit-take, that made Kagome burst out into laughter while Inuyasha had a coughing fit. "Like (cough)…hell! (cough, cough)"
Kagome tried to hold in her laughter as the waitress came back to clean up his mess, he gave a low sorry as she stared daggers at him, in return Inuyasha glared at Kagome who was already cracking up again.
"Anyways…" Inuyasha growled, wanting to change the topic as fast as possible. Catching his drift Kagome collected herself, actually whipping away a tear of laughter.
"I've been meaning to ask, where did you meet Hojo?"
Inuyasha had taken another large slurp of Ramen before replying "Well, I was just walking one night when I saw two demons pulling this scrawny guy into the alley. They started pounding on this weak little human, so I intervened, sent those pansies running and…I don't know, we've been hanging since."
"That's brave of you" Kagome stated, amazed at his action, but her praise only made him blush again and he barked "Keh, it was nothing. That wimp needs to learn how to take a hit…same question."
"Oh I've known him since high school, we've been friends for ages." She said waving her hand dismissively "He always comes to the club to keep me company, and has tried setting me up more than once."
Inuyasha half smiled, at both the fact that Hojo had presented three different girls to him before Kagome, and he was very displeased with the idea of Hojo handing another man to Kagome.
"You too huh?" He replied cooly "Any of them keepers?"
Kagome was able to see right through him, she would have loved to continue toying with him like before, but instead, she only smiled "Nope, none of them were my type."
Inuyasha snickered "Course they weren't, and what is you're type princess?"
Now was the time to put her moves on him. Kagome sighed, she placed her elbows on the table as she rested her chin on her one palm. She gave him a soft smile as she stared with half lidded eyes
Her voice came out smooth, not sensual but alluring "Well he definitely needs to be strong, smart cause most guys around her as about as dumb as a bunch of bricks." Inuyasha laughed at that one, but he was definitely interested in the way she spoke.
"He has to have a nice smile and make me laugh. I just want someone to be there really."
"Be there?" He asked, now intrigued
"Well yeah, there are so many flaky people out there and so many friendships end cause they were never really your friends to begin with. I'd like to find someone who really cares and wants to be there with me."
Inuyasha was surprised at her sincerity but more surprised at how right she was. The list of people he actually trusted was short at best, made sense that the person you're actually with would be on it.
Kagome patiently waited for his reaction, enjoying how deep in thought he seemed to be, yet his eyes never left hers. The faintest of smiles grazed his lips and her heart sped three times as fast.
The dog demon across from her finally found his words and replied "You have pretty good taste wench." He took in another long slurp of his Ramen while Kagome playfully gasped "Was that a compliment? The first compliment I've ever heard from the mega-hunk Inuyasha! I think I need a moment to appreciate this!"
Inuyasha couldn't contain his smirk as Kagome fake swooned "Alright, alright, I get the picture."
Kagome took a sip of her drink before asking with a pointed finger "Alright your turn, what's your type?"
Inuyasha's expression was soft at first but then his eyes flickered to a smoldering look that Kagome wasn't ready for, nor was she ready when his hand stretched across the table and gently grasped her own.
Her heart stilled as his thumb gently rubbed against her skin, his golden eyes seemed to envelop her entirely. His voice came to her like velvet as he whispered "Wouldn't you like to know."
It was then that they both turned to a laughing fit. It was probably the first time Kagome heard his genuine laugh, but she loved the sound of it and he couldn't remember the last time anyone made him actually laugh.
But their moment was short lived. Just as a sudden stench hit Inuyasha sensitive nose, a hand was placed on Kagome's shoulder which made her jump, effectively removing her hand from Inuyasha's.
"Well isn't this a surprise" the familiar voice chimed, causing Kagome's head to whip around only for her to see her regular outside of work.
"Kouga?" She asked in complete shock "What are you doing here?"
Kouga gave her a genuine smile as he asked "I could ask you the same question Ka-go-me." The hand that was resting on her shoulder began gently stroking against her exposed skin causing her to shudder. She tried to pull away but there simply wasn't room.
"You look beautiful Kagome, but then again you always look amazing." She only gave him a half smile as she laughed uncomfortably "Thank you…"
Across the table, a fuming Inuyasha sat watching the two interact, 'Who the fuck is this guy? And why is he so touchy?!'
As though his thoughts had been said aloud, Kouga's eyes turned to him and in a drastic change, he went from charming to sinister. "Oye Kagome, who's the mutt?"
Inuyasha was hardly fazed by the remark, he only bit back "The guy who's going to pummel you into the ground if you don't take your hand off of her."
Kouga laughed brutishly before barking "As if you could take me on." Inuyasha growled as he quickly stood from his chair "You want to bet on that?" With his fangs barred and his claws out, he was ready to take down any smart mouth bastard that crossed his path.
But before he could make a move forward, Kagome's leaped onto her feet and came between the two men.
She placed herself directly at his side and held onto the dog demon's arm tightly before begging "Inuyasha don't! It's not worth it."
Inuyasha glanced down, at first he was ready to bark something along the lines of 'Butt out!', but the look on her face was serious as it was sincere, she really didn't want him to fight. Her eyes shined with such concern…for him?
Kagome knew that Kouga was all talk and if they were to get in a fight Inuyasha would definitely win, the only thing was she didn't want them making a scene and getting either kicked out or thrown in jail for the night. So she held onto Inuyasha's arm for dear life, hoping that he'd listen to reason.
She was shocked as the fuming demon slowly subsided and leaned into her hold as though he were seeking her comfort. Kagome had the urge to smile at him, but his intense stare kept her still.
But the moment was gone once Kouga angrily barked "Hey! Get your filthy hands off my woman!"
The three seconds of Inuyasha's calm demeanor shattered as he snapped his head back to the Wolf and shouted "you're what?!"
Kouga held a cocky grin as he stated proudly "That's right, I've claimed her as mine! So back off half-breed!"
*SMACK*
The entire restaurant fell silent, all eyes were turned to the dark-haired girl who's hand had just roughly slapped the now stunned Wolf Demon's cheek. In disbelief, Inuyasha stood gawking at Kagome who was holding a truly furious expression.
Said woman had had enough with Kouga. She had been passive with him for months, hearing his slime covered words every night, having to dance and allow his grabby hands to take possession of her, she was even foolish enough to go out with him, only to find out he was a pathetic two-timer!
But none of that mattered, what she would not, could not stand for was the way he spoke to Inuyasha.
The room was still deadly quiet, but Kagome was now standing directly in front of Kouga, his eyes wide and he nearly began trembling at how menacing a look the small girl mustered.
"Kouga…" She finally spat, the ice in her voice making the two men beside her shiver "I am not your woman. We went on one date and then I find out that you have a girlfriend!"
With that, she turned her heel and walked back to the table, but not before looking over she shoulder and spitting "You have no claim on me and you never will!"
Kagome took her seat, her stern expression softened as she took hold of her chopsticks and continued eating her ramen. Kouga looked like he was about to fall to pieces, but when he looked over to Inuyasha he felt a hot wave of anger at the sight of Inuyasha's shimmering eyes.
He was more than impressed, a little frightened by her intensity, but he couldn't hold back the feeling of immense pride. She not only stood up for herself but put that damn Wolf in his place faster then any 'Dancer' would ever be able to.
When Inuyasha saw Kouga's glare he only gave him a large, cocky smirk. A look that screamed arrogance and it drove Kouga to the brink of insanity.
With an angry huff, the Wolf Demon stormed out of the restaurant, calling out words of vengeance against his beloved and her dog toy.
Inuyasha took his seat, but unlike Kagome didn't continue eating. He stared at the woman across from him, trying to decipher what just happened. Kagome finally looked up from her bowl of ramen and saw Inuyasha's concentrated expression.
A drip of sweat fell from her brow, she seemed calm but was crumbling inside.
'Oh god, oh god, oh god! He must think I'm some hot-headed psycho! And everything was going so well…'
Kagome bit her lip nervously, the feeling of his gold eyes watching her made her squirm in her seat.
Inuyasha smiled as he chimed "Keh, guess your taste isn't that good after all." Her head snapped up at his comment "What?!"
Inuyasha placed his fist underneath his chin as he grinned, his playful gaze brought her a deep blush. She could tell there was no real anger or disgust behind his words, but only a type of teasing someone close to you would be able to do.
Kagome's eyes darted to the side as she mumbled "Well who knows what your type is anyways, probably way worse than mine."
Again Inuyasha chuckled and replied "You ain't far off wench." The truth was Inuyasha didn't need to tell her his type, she only needed to look in the mirror.
