Author's Notes: That's right, my friends. Double update (technically, triple update). Love me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Sadly.
Office Romance
Section V
Thursday, August 07 – 3:01PM
You know when you're watching a really, really bad horror movie and that stupid yet scary music starts playing right before something hideous pops up or someone gets killed in the most gruesome way?Well, that was all Kagome could hear at the moment, especially after reading her first email of the day. (Her shift started at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. How wonderful.)
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Taisho Inuyasha [ inuyasha (at) taisho . com ]
To: Higurashi Kagome [ khigurashi (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: My Office. Now.
Miss Higurashi,
Please see me in my office right when you get this email. Bring Miroku and Sango with you.
Inuyasha
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
That was it. Kagome was going to get fired. Fired. Excellent.
Trailing behind Miroku and Sango, her hands nervously twisted together in a tangled heap, they finally arrived at the fiftieth floor of the building. Damn, she knew that the guy was high up in the food chain, but did he literally have to be? Seriously, this guy must have some enormous ego. The walk to his office was the longest walk of Kagome's life. What would she say when she saw him? If she told him it was an accident, would he spare her the fate of being jobless then fund-less and ultimately homeless? Okay, perhaps it wouldn't escalate that far...
"Here we are, Kagome." Miroku breathed, knowing what was lying ahead. Inuyasha would give this girl an earful, if he decided not to fire her. Or he'd do both. However, he found it difficult to believe that Kagome would intentionally deliver all of those emails knowing it could be traced back to her. She had been working here for a total of two short months, and she had only been given a personal email account a few weeks ago. Kagome didn't look like the type of person to abuse such privileges. Then again, he didn't know her all too well.
"Don't worry, Kagome. I'm sure it will be fine. I'll put in some good words for you," Sango whispered, taking the younger girl's hand. "You're trembling, calm down." With that, they pulled her into Inuyasha's office. It seemed harmless enough, the air was still and she couldn't feel any of the anger or hatred she was expecting. In fact, she was expecting him to be sitting there with a rope to strangle her with.
Instead, what she saw was rather breathtaking.
There sat the most gorgeous man she'd ever seen. (Or maybe that was just the lighting.) Inuyasha had long silver locks that cascaded further down his back, piercing golden eyes that he was hiding behind a pair of classy thick-framed glasses, and a muscular body that could be easily admired even through his expensive Armani suit. Kagome trembled, but this time not from fear. Her boss looked up, took off his glasses and offered them a smile.
"Why don't you have a seat?" His voice was as smooth as silk. Kagome complied with his wishes immediately. Miroku and Sango exchanged nervous glances as they did the same. "Now, there are just a few things that I'd like to speak to you about, Miss Higurashi." Her face reddened and she was expecting him to hand her a termination letter. Breathing deep, she mentally prepared herself. However, she did not prepare herself for what happened next. "What part of that stupid, insipid brain of yours thinks that it's okay to read someone's personal emails and then send it to everyone you know? Do you not have any manners, Miss Higurashi? Didn't your mother teach you the concept of integrity, respect, and responsibility? How did you manage to get into this company anyway, Kagome? I know; you slept with that mangy wolf Kouga, didn't you? That's probably exactly what you did. What? Did you think―"
He stopped abruptly.
Ever since this Kagome had walked into his office, she had looked at him once and then hung her head low for the entire duration of his rant. However, he now noticed that her shoulders were trembling as she gripped the hem of her skirt so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
"Mr. Taisho," her soft, shaky voice―somehow―made him want to take all of what he said back. "It was not my intention to forward that email. I promise you it wasn't. I'm new here, as you probably know. I'm not familiar with the system and it was all an accident. I never meant to hurt anybody, I really didn't."
Inuyasha stared at the crying girl as Sango leaned over to comfort her. Miroku shook his head, silently telling Inuyasha that he had taken it too far. Truth be told, Inuyasha was expecting some short old woman with warts growing down her flesh, but he should have known better. Kouga would never hire someone like that, being the fickle person he was. When she came in, the first thing he thought was how much she looked like Kikyou and almost asked Miroku and Sango if they brought the wrong person. The second thing that came to mind was how gentle she looked...
"But, Mr. Taisho," her abrupt voice snapped him back to reality and Sango froze in her spot―nobody ever spoke back to Inuyasha. "As much as I do apologize for this enormous inconvenience, I don't think it is appropriate of you to insult me in such a manner. I do not deserve such behaviour; you were trying to speak to me of professionalism and respect, yet you displayed none of that towards me. Also, you are not to disrespect my mother. And I absolutely did not sleep with Saito Kouga."
After opening and closing his mouth a few times like a fish, Inuyasha cleared his throat and recomposed himself. "And what do you propose of it?"
"I demand an apology." His eyes widened, along with those of Sango's and Miroku's.
"You what? You're the one who did something wrong here!"
"You got your apology, and now I want mine."
"I could fire you."
"Go ahead, but I will not leave until you say you're sorry."
"I'll call security."
"I will call a lawyer and sue you for verbal abuse and slander."
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at her. He took it back; this girl was nothing like Kikyou.
When he heard Miroku bite back a laugh, he shot him a glare. Miroku found all of this rather amusing. Inuyasha had called Kagome in hoping to give her the yelling of a lifetime and it ended up smacking him back in the face. He had to hand it to her, Kagome was witty.
Inuyasha never tore his eyes from hers as he reached over on his desk and grabbed a pen. Kagome let out a dry laugh; Inuyasha quickly scribbled an apology onto a small sheet of paper. He threw it at her, making her flinch slightly. "Are you kidding? You're kidding." Kagome glanced over at Sango, who was trying her hardest not to giggle. "This is who you work for?"
"What is that supposed to mean, bitch?" Was this girl serious? He was her boss, he could have her job taken away in less than three seconds. After all, anyone else would kill for a chance to work at his company. He paid well; he thought he was too generous, even. Kagome's eyes widened as she turned her head to look at him.
"What did you just call me, dog ears?" This was it; Kagome was a goner. Sango felt disappointed, she wanted to spend more time with Kagome. They had bonded during her short time here at the company, and it was nice having a friend closer to her age. Although it still wasn't saying much since Kagome was about five years younger. Miroku was also disappointed, Kagome was a hard worker and didn't complain like his other receptionists didn't. Now he would have to go through the trouble of finding a new one.
"Get out of my office," came the gruff reply. "And do not let this happen again."
"I do believe that it was your fault for not paying attention to who the email was sent to in the first place. And I'm still waiting for my verbal apology." And then it happened. Miroku watched as his best friend stepped down and grumpily mumbled an apology.
Taisho Inuyasha surrendered.
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Nakamura Rin [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
To: Higurashi Kagome [ khigurashi (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: You are my hero.
Dear Kagome,
I would like to inform you that you have, officially, become my greatest hero. Would you autograph my mug and work t-shirt? I think it would be an honour; it would sell millions on Ebay.
I cannot believe you managed to get the Inuyasha to say sorry to you! I hear he's got a bigger ego than Miroku is a pervert! You are simply amazing, my friend. We are all truly blessed to be in your presence. Let's go out and celebrate tonight! Invite Sango and Miroku too, I'm sure they were thrilled!
Love you,
Rin
P.S. I've read the email over and over, but I just can't seem to get it. Are Inuyasha and Kikyou still together if it means that he sent you that email by accident and thus causing Kikyou not to go to that dinner?
P.P.S. I bet you drooled over Inuyasha when you first saw him. All the girls do. Even I did!
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Higurashi Kagome [ khigurashi (at) taisho . com ]
To: Nakamura Rin [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: Not you too!
Rin,
Please tell me that you're joking. Please tell me that what you were previously typing was entirely of a non-true manner. Everyone's been saying those things to me but I don't feel proud at all. I mean, am I supposed to? I just greatly offended the man who's handing me my paycheques every week. I should be frightened. I should be locking myself up in my room fearing for my safety, not going out to celebrate with my friends over Shirley Temples and Pina Coladas!
He could have easily fired my ass. Why didn't he do it? I'm beginning to seriously regret what I did. (Not that it was okay for him to insult me and my mother.)
He's planning revenge. I can smell it.
Cremate me when I'm dead,
Kagome
P.S. Fuck you. Yes. I said it. Kagome Higurashi just swore, at the innocent little Rin no less. Print screen this shit. Otherwise nobody will believe you if you live to tell this story.
P.P.S. Inuyasha is an ass. Gorgeous or not. He's an assface. A very handsome assface.
P.P.P.S. No, you probably didn't drool over Inuyasha. You were probably looking at his older brother instead. Uh huh. I went there.
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Fukazawa Sango [ sfukazawa (at) taisho . com ]
To: Higurashi Kagome [ khigurashi (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: Dinner
Before you go crazy on me like you did on Rin―and going on about how you think Inuyasha's plotting to kill you―I just wanted to propose going out for a normal, relaxed dinner. You could use a little unwinding, no? I mean, that little scene in Inuyasha's office was pretty terrifying, even for me. And you know me, I'm fearless. Heck, even Miroku was trembling with sheer joy when we left―and he's Inuyasha's best friend! Where should we go, my dear friend?
Oh! I know!
How about the Shikon Bistro?!
It's so much fun to piss you off,
Sango
P.S. That was a low blow, what you said to Rin. Leave her dear Sesshomaru out of this.
P.P.S. Ha! Low blow. You'd know all about low blows, wouldn't you Kagome? Oh, I'm so clever.
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Nakamura Rin [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
To: Fukazawa Sango [ sfukazawa (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: Girls just wanna have fun!
Gee, I never knew that it would be this much fun to see Kagome practically steaming from the roots of her hair. Do you think she'll come at us with her stapler? I think that's a pretty logical thing to expect, you know. After all, we have been adding fuel to the fire since you guys got back.
But seriously, I need details. Details, details, details.
Gossip mongrels like me need them, crave for them. It's like mother's milk. And I'm not talking details about Inuyasha and Kikyou; I'm talking details about why Inuyasha didn't fire Kagome and throw her out on her ass when he would have done that to anyone else. Without a second thought.
Do you think it has anything to do with her uncanny resemblance to Kikyou? I didn't want to say anything, but damn those girls could be twins!
Got to go, I think Kagome knows exactly what I'm typing. I think she's psychic. I think she's―
Shit. She's coming at me.
Fare thee well, for now,
Rin
P.S. Kagome told me about your low blow joke. I liked it. I enjoyed it, immensely.
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
From: Higurashi Kagome [ khigurashi (at) taisho . com ]
To: Nakamura Rin [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ] ; Fukazawa Sango [ sfukazawa (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: You are dead to me.
Nothing but scum. ...Did you guys ever watch that skit on Whose Line? It was fantastic. I highly recommend it. It was found on Youtube.
Anyway, you're both immature. You've upset me. I'm never speaking to you again. Do you hear me? This is the last time that this Higurashi Kagome will speak to the likes of you ever again!
...
...
Okay, so I lied. Sue me.
Btw, I'm in desperate need of a Bloody Mary. Desperate with a capital 'D' so large, it's bigger than that pasta stain on Hojo's neatly pressed dress shirt! Speaking of Hojo, he's kind of cute, isn't he? Don't you dare judge me! You know you agree with me!
Get me some hard liquor,
Kagome
P.S. It's time for me to clock out. Hopefully my next paycheque doesn't say "$0.0000001". Call me, you bitches.
X x X x X x
X x X x X x
"I never said that at all."
"Yes you did, Dad."
"No, I did not. Do not put words in my mouth, young man."
"I don't want to put anything in your mouth."
"That's vulgar, son. Just vulgar. What would your mother say?"
"Mom deals with it just fine, but you did. You said it."
"I never said you were ugly."
"Yes, you did."
"Why does it matter anyway? Do you need your Papa to tell you constantly what a handsome young man you are?"
"That's―No. Just no."
"And I didn't say you were ugly. I just said your girlfriend is better looking than you."
"That's practically the same thing, Dad."
"No. Not at all. I'm saying that standing next to her, you look ugly."
Inuyasha sighed, wondering what possessed him to call his father in the first place.
Knowing Sesshomaru, he probably jumped at the chance to tell his father about what happened between the younger Taisho son and a certain pencil-skirt clad receptionist. InuTaisho was probably just trying to make his youngest son feel better by not bringing it up. It was already embarrassing that the entire company was talking about it, he did not need it at home, either.
"What was her name again, son?"
"Kikyou, Pops. Her name is Kikyou."
"Right, that's right. Kikyou." Silence. "Did she dump you yet?"
"What―Dad!"
"Just asking. I mean, you aren't exactly a romantic."
"And I don't fucking need to be!"
"Hey―"
"Yeah, language, I got it."
"Son?"
"Yeah?"
"If I were Kikyou, I'd dump you."
"Thanks. Real encouraging."
"It's what I do."
"Sure."
"Hey, if it bugs you so much. Why don't you try being nicer to her? Oh wait. Isn't that what got you into this mess in the first place?"
"You know, I'd punch you if you weren't my father."
"I know! And that's part of the thrill." Unknowingly, Inuyasha smiled. His father was always good at picking up his spirits. "I'm kidding, son. I always am. Now, come on home. Your mother misses you."
"You aren't going to make fun of me?"
"Oh, we will. For sure. Your brother especially."
"Should've known."