Move Along

Chapter 017

Kagome stifled back a yawn as she watched Jinenji present his research to a class of medical students. It was always weird, seeing him in human form. He was still pretty tall about a head taller than Sesshomaru with a sturdy built and short, cropped salt and pepper hair. He seemed intimidating at first to strangers, which Kagome thought was hilarious.

Catching his eye, she gave him an encouraging smile. She made it a point to go to all of his lectures, even if she had heard them a million times. Five hundred years may have passed, but he still felt awkward around large groups of humans.

She patiently waited to approach him after his presentation and all the students had gotten their questions and attempts at networking out of the way.

"Another great lecture," Kagome complimented him as she helped him pick up.

He smiled fondly down at her. "Don't you ever get bored at these things?"

Kagome shrugged as she stuffed a few of his papers into his briefcase. "I like what you do, the mixture of herbology and modern medicine."

"You do spend as much time as me in the greenhouse, maybe you should start considering it for your future. Sesshomaru wouldn't mind if you start coming by the lab," he quietly offered.

Before she could reply to Jinenji, a sharply dressed man with an air of arrogance approached them. Kagome glared at him not quite liking his attitude, though he did look oddly familiar.

"Egawa-san, excellent research as always."

Jinenji nodded his head. "Ootori-san, I did not realize you would be here."

Kagome blinked at that. It certainly explained a lot.

"Your work is very impressive."

"Thank you. I have high hopes for this project," he neutrally replied.

The Ootori patriarch nodded his head. "And who is this with you?"

Jineji placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "My assistant, Higurashi Kagome. She shows great promise."

Kagome flushed at the sudden praise. She certainly wasn't expecting that.

He eyed her carefully after that, calculating her worth. "Ootori Medical is always looking for the brightest talent. Speaking of which, I was wondering if you had given any thought to my previous offer."

"I'm sorry Ootori, but my answer remains the same. I am happy with Taisho Medical," Jinenji courteously declined before turning to Kagome. "Let's get going. Sesshomaru is expecting us for lunch."

The two politely spoke their goodbyes before making a quick exit.