Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha & co.
Important Note: Though it wasn't originally planned to be this way, all of these drabbles are set in the same universe - same setting - and are related to one another. Just so you know.
Kagome & Inuyasha
Rated: K+
AU
Drabble
Prompt: Fireplace
Length: 661 words
Fixing the backpack on his shoulder, Inuyasha waited impatiently for the microwave to beep, signaling that his cup of instant ramen was ready. He was in one of the lounges on campus, planning to work on his never-ending homework. Earlier in the morning, Kagome had told him she was studying with a group of classmates on campus tonight and going home to an empty apartment had become suddenly unappealing. So he decided he'd work in one of the lounges, off on his own.
The microwave beeped. Inuyasha removed his food, sticking in the plastic spork he had grabbed earlier and slurping down the contents, careful not to burn himself like he did last time. That had ended horribly. He had accidentally spilled the rest of the cup all over one of his homework assignments and the professor hadn't been too pleased about that. Since then, he ate before or after his homework—never during. Tossing the cup in the garbage, Inuyasha headed towards a different area of the lounge, intent on getting some work done.
Recently, the air outside had begun to chill, indicating that it was that much closer to winter. With the constant flux of students coming in and out of the place, he hoped to ward off the chill in the only spot that gave warmth—the fireplace. If he was lucky, the seating area by the fireplace would be open, but his hopes were not high. That was always the first spot that was taken. He would look anyway.
As he headed that way, he saw the spot was taken by a gaggle of students. Figures. He was about to pass by, intent on finding another place to sit, when he heard his name called out. Stopping and looking over, Inuyasha caught sight of Kagome, sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace, part of the circle of students spread out on the couches and chairs.
He waved, calling over a "Hey," unsure of whether she wanted him to come over or if he should just keep on his way.
Kagome must have noticed his uncertainty as she waved him over, smiling brightly. As he walked around the group to reach her, she introduced him. They greeted him nicely enough and then stopped paying attention to him as they continued discussing amongst themselves. He was grateful for that.
Shoving his hands in his pockets, he stood in front of Kagome, looking down as she continued sitting on the floor. "How's it going?"
"Sit down, silly!" She patted the spot on the floor next to her, "Stay for a bit."
"Aren't you supposed to be studying?" He raised a brow at her, but complied anyway.
"We did," Kagome shook her head lightly, "I mean we are." She leaned closer to him, her voice quieter, "To be honest, they seem to get distracted way more than we do when studying together. I feel like we really haven't covered what we need to yet."
"Does that mean you miss me?" he teased.
But he wasn't expecting her to respond earnestly with a soft smile, "I always miss you."
"Keh," he ducked his head, running a hand through his hair and glancing up at the rest of the group to see if they were paying attention. They weren't, thankfully.
Kagome tugged on his shirt sleeve, pulling his attention back, "Would it be okay if I finished studying at your apartment? You still have stuff to do too, right?"
"Yeah, I guess so," he sighed before playfully ruffling her hair.
"Hey!" she pouted at him, hurriedly trying to fix her hair.
He chuckled as he stood up, scooping up his backpack and waiting for her to gather he book and notes as she bid the group a good night.
As they walked the short distance from campus to his apartment with Kagome chattering animatedly about her day, Inuyasha tried not to figure out why he felt so much more at ease.
Review, yeah? Keep me motivated and don't let me forget about updating! I'm supposed to be getting into the habit of writing everyday and I have already fallen behind! -_-