A/N: Hi guys! I am here with another chapter, as you may already know. It will be slower in updates, but only by a day or two. I hope this answers some questions.

Chapter 8: Flowers

Inuyasha was sure taking long.

I glanced at my watch for what seemed the hundredth time. My shift was almost over and I had to get home. If he took too long, I'd just walk home. Since no one was near my register, I decided to take a little break and talk to Sango. We needed to come up with a good revenge plan.

I found her engrossed in one of her favorite magazines, silently chewing her gum. I tapped the little bell that was on the counter.

"Earth to Sango," I said, making her jump. She looked up and once seeing it was me, she smiled.

"Hey, Kagome. What brings you here to the photo industry?" She asked, letting her chin rest on her propped up arm. I smiled and pulled out my notebook.

"This," I showed her the little note I put for Kikyo. "We need a revenge plan pronto." She snatched the notebook and glanced at me

"Kagome! You have, like, the whole freaking school in here!" She sounded surprised. She shook the notebook in front of me. "This has more dirt than my photos!" She exclaimed, shooting me incredulous glances.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, they probably do, but that's not what I'm here for."

Sango nodded and posed to listen intently. "Well, Kikyo sent one of her follower's for some pads," Sango lifted an eyebrow, but Kagome continued. "And you know how everyone knows she takes a shot so she doesn't have her period, right?" Sango nodded.

"But how is Kikyo threatening you enough for a revenge plan?"

"Because, the boy got scared when I recognized him. He practically peed in his pants," I waved my hand. "But that doesn't matter. All I need is dirt on that girl to throw back, because I'm pretty sure she has something planned for me." I tapped my pen on my chin in thought. I turned to Sango, who was already smiling with an idea.

"Just leave it to me, Kagome. I'll have something for you tomorrow." Suddenly a horn blared outside. I glanced outside, hoping it was Inuyasha, but it only turned out to be Miroku's car. Sango gasped and glanced at the clock.

"Dammit! I forgot the time!" She hastily put everything away and rolled up her magazine. "Gotta go. See you tomorrow, Kagome!" She hugged me and ran out the door. I raised my hand in goodbye. But then I realized something else.

"Wait! You forgot to punch out!" I yelled after her, but she was already gone. I sighed. I guess I would have to do it for her. I walked to the back, entering the employee room. I walked to the punch out thingy the had. I didn't even know what they were called. Nevertheless, I punched out for Sango. Since my shift was over, I punched out as well.

I was about to walk away when I started to hear raised voices coming from Kurena's office. Thinking that maybe her ex was there to torture her, I walked closer but far away enough to not be see,

"I'll be damned if I fire her! I don't give a damn of what you say." I heard Kurena shout.

A voice, much smoother and deeper answered her. "Then you know the consequences."

"I already told you, I don't give a damn! I wouldn't fire Kagome for the world, you hear? She's probably one on my best workers. Just because your slut of a daughter has something against her, doesn't mean that I have to fire her! I'd rather get fired than fire her."

I gasped. So the reason they wanted to fire Kurena was because of me? I felt a stab of guilt mixed with happiness. I felt bad about being the cause of maybe losing her job but happy that she would defend me that way. I tiptoed closer and hid behind a stack of boxes that were conveniently my height. I heard footsteps and was relieved that I had moved.

"Heed my warning, Kurena." And with a flourish, I saw the back of the man who had been talking. He had long black hair, but that was all I saw. My brow furrowed in confusion. Who was this guy? Who's father was he?

Then it dawned on me.

This guy must be Kikyo's father! That's why Kurena yelled that bit about a slut daughter. Not that I'd disagree with her. But then again, that would make this man my uncle, but on which side? I knew my mother was an only child, so it must be on my dad's side. I sighed as the memory of my father crept into my mind. The day after tomorrow would be his anniversary and all of us were going to go to his grave, even Sango and Miroku. They had known him for a while before he had died.

I decided to put it in the back of my mind and come out of hiding. I did have to see whether or not Inuyasha was here. I could talk to Kurena first thing tomorrow.

Once outside in the chilly air, I spotted Inuyasha just making it in. I thanked the gods I wouldn't have to freeze my butt off tonight. I slid into the passenger seat, sighing from the warmth of the car.

"I'm sorry it took me so long. I got . . . held up," He explained, turning to me. I patted his shoulder.

"That's okay. I had to do something anyway," I sighed in contentment, but even with the warm car, I was still shivering. Inuyasha took notice and tore off his own jacket, handing it to me.

"Here. You seem to be cold," He said.

I shook my head. "I couldn't, Inuyasha. You can keep it." He sighed.

"Just take it please. It would make me feel better."

There it was again. The "making feel better" thing again. I took his jacket (With was leather and fur by the way) and wore it over my thinner one. It smelled just like him and I couldn't resist taking a whiff of that. The scent was heavenly.

"See? Was it that hard to accept my graciousness?" Inuyasha teased, putting the car in reverse and heading out toward the street. I nodded, not really in the mood to talk.

It was silent the whole way home, but it didn't feel uncomfortable at all. Inuyasha seemed to understand I just didn't want to talk. Even with everything swirling in my head, I still said good-night.

"You too, Kagome. Sweet dreams." He sped off as I climbed the steps toward my home. Everyone had gone to bed early, probably because of the anniversary of my father's death looming so close. I headed straight to my room and I opened the door. I closed it gently, not wanting to make too much a of a sound. I sat down at the edge of my bed, and noticed something laying on top of my pillow.

A flower.

I picked it up. How did it get here? Who left it? I stood up and raised it to examine it. It was thin and tall, and a beautiful dark blue. If I remembered correctly, it was a Monkshood. I shrugged.

It was beautiful.

I set it on my desk and left it there. I slipped into my pajamas and curled up in my bed.

Maybe it was from Inuyasha.

I laughed slightly. Yeah right. I closed my eyes and sleep overtook me.

The next day, I woke up bright and early. Tuesday was a much better day than Monday, right? I showered quickly and ran downstairs. My breakfast was ready, courtesy of my mother. It was delicious. I didn't feel the need to call Inuyasha, since I was positive he was going to come. That reminds me, we have to work on that project. I'd invite him over.

I was ready by the time Inuyasha rolled by. I took a seat in his car and smiled at him. He gave me a crooked smile.

"Hey." He greeted. Just that one word sent my heart beat through the roof. I just fidgeted with my hands again. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow but said nothing more. Getting to school went by faster than usual.

"So, Inuyasha, we need to work on that project." I said referring to the project our teacher had assigned us. He got out and opened my door.

"Yeah, I was thinking about the same thing. How about Friday at my house?" He asked, walking along side me to class.

I nodded. "Sure. I'll ask Kurena for the day off." All of a sudden, the conversation came back into my mind, making my insides churn with guilt. Inuyasha touched my arm.

"Are you ok?" he asked, sincerity and concern lacing his words. I nodded and tried to smile.

"Don't worry. Now go along before I have to take you to class." I teased. He smiled and walked off. I entered the class again, quickly sitting down. I noticed Kikyo who, were it possible, glared at me even more fiercely. She stood, and glided over too me. She jutted out her hip, placing a hand on it.

"You little bitch!" She hissed, throwing the note I had wrote in my face. I tossed it and kept a facial expression of indifference.

"What?" I asked.

She balled her fists. "You are going to pay. Big time." She turned around, and she and her posse went away. I stuck my tongue out at her back. I know, it was childish but I couldn't help myself. Later Sango came in, huffing and puffing. Her fists were balled and she was angry. I wonder what Miroku did this time.

"The nerve of that guy! I swear I don't even know why I like him!" She complained, throwing her bag on her desk, the one next to mine. I raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong?" I asked, turning fully to her now. Her hair was down and she had on her usual make up.

"Miroku is what's wrong. He can keep his damn hands to himself. I'm tired of having to hit him so many times everyday." She turned her head to look outside. I could only sympathize with her.

"C'mon Sango. You know that's his way of showing you he does like you," I tapped my pen on the desk. She threw me and incredulous look.

"Are you being serious?" She hissed.

I nodded. "Well, you are the only one he does it too. I've never seen him touching some other girl's body." I explained bluntly. Sango pouted and crossed her arms.

"Still, it doesn't give him the right."

I sighed, exasperated at her attitude. She knew she loved him, so why won't she just act on it? Maybe it would be better if we talked about something else.

"Someone left me a flower in my room last night," Sango whirled and her hair with her.

"What? Who was it? What kind of flower?" She stated in one breath. I took out the flower from my bag, handing it gently for her to examine. She held it lightly and touched it.

"It's a Monkshood. Who would give you this?" She moved her head to face me. I shrugged.

"Maybe the person doesn't know what it means," I sighed. The only way Sango and I knew about the meaning was because we sold flowers in the store. Someone always wanted to know the meaning of a flower, so we had to memorize them all.

"Probably." She agreed and then her eyes lit up. "What if it's form Inuyasha?" She whispered, smiling at me. I waved my hand in dismissal.

"I don't think so. But there is that possibility," I thought upon it. "But maybe it might be from someone else,"

"You think?" Sango cocked an eyebrow.

I sighed heavily and raked a hand through my hair. I didn't know what to think. And I didn't have more time because the teacher had come in. Miroku entered, and tried to say hi, but Sango ignored him. He looked disappointed and went to sit somewhere else.

I subtly glanced outside toward the garden to see if the gardener was there. Sure enough, he was digging already. He seemed to be planting new flowers, roses that were red and white. I'd never seen on of those.

I decided that I would find out who he was. If it was Inuyasha, it would explain some things. But then Inuyasha didn't seem like your typical gardener. But if I'd learned anything at my job, it was that what's on the outside, wasn't always reflecting what was inside. Suddenly, I saw someone come out with a bag of fertilizer. A familiar blob of silver hair.

Inuyasha.

That would explain the stain he had on his shirt the other day. He had carried the bag of dirt to this guy. But then, who was he? Were they related? My jaw dropped. Now what would I say? I turned away.

It made sense. Inuyasha was on the student council and they helped maintain the pretty little garden. And it was his first period.

Well, damn it all.

I turned around, astonished and unreasonably upset. I wanted answers, but this answer only raised more questions! That and the flower business were making my head spin on its axis.

When would things be clear?

A/N: Ok you guys, Now we know Inuyasha ISN'T the gardener. I tried to make it sound like it was him. But who is he really? Ha ha, only I know for sure. I can't give a hint, because then it would be too obvious.

The flower I mentioned, it's a real one. It has a meaning, one that will be revealed later in the story.

I would also like to mention Upside-down-boat! She was my FIFTIETH REVIWER! *Fireworks burst from nowhere* I am so happy we have gotten to 50. Now let's try for a hundred, k?

And check out "Defying Fate" By rockerchick16. I am co-writing it with her and It's very good! Really! It will have romance! And check out "His reality"! Now that's a good one! This is way long but again REVIEW!

-Daichilover

8/25/11

Edit: Hey, I'm still editing you guys! Hope you are enjoying the story, newly edited. I have gone through the first eight chapters, but there's so much more to go! Have fun reading,

~Daichi