Kagome chuckled to herself as she restocked the cookies, the sweet fragrance of nuts and chocolate wafting through the air. A few customers rose to their feet, lured to the display in the hopes of snagging a confection while they were still warm. She thanked them all in turn, promising to refill their coffee after the next batch was out of the oven.
The door chimed, but there was no apprehension or fear, and she didn't even glance toward the front of her shop as she greeted them. Six months had passed since she'd last seen Mukotsu, and the relief had been overwhelming. She wasn't constantly glancing over her shoulder each time the door opened, forced to put on invisible armour to keep him at arm's length.
She also wasn't walking home after locking up with her keys gripped between her fingers, but that was for a more delicious reason.
She hummed as she replaced another basket of cookies, then grabbed her carafe and glided around the room, offering refills. She avoided the far corner, not wanting to disturb him, but when she glanced in his direction, he was already looking at her, an empty plate on the corner of his table.
"You know," she said, placing a fresh croissant on the plate, "you'd probably get a lot more done back at your apartment."
"Incorrect," he replied, eyes returning to his screen. She raised an eyebrow as his fingers skimmed his keyboard, a quick combination of keystrokes telling her he'd just started a new chapter. "It would be dishonourable to leave my girlfriend to face such dangers alone."
She reached over and tweaked his ear, gloating at the incredulous look on his face as he jerked back. "That line only worked the first week." She leaned closer, one hand on her hip. "It would be better if you just admitted you missed me."
"I miss you."
Her mouth dropped open a moment before her face flamed. She should've known better than to egg him on. Every time she thought she was getting under his skin, he somehow used her logic against her. Flustered, she grabbed his plate. "See if I give you any more treats!" She turned on her heel, but he was too quick, and she soon found herself sitting beside him.
The cafe used to be a fast food restaurant, so there were booths around the edges instead of chairs, but this time, she was grateful, as she'd have likely missed it entirely and caused a ruckus. Sesshoumaru leaned closer, expression smug as he retrieved his croissant. "You enjoy giving me treats."
"And you enjoy teasing me way too much," she hissed accusingly. A single shrug of his shoulder had her huffing, and half tempted to 'accidentally' knock his croissant onto the floor, but she knew it was all for naught. She was the one who'd forced him to act as her boyfriend, so she couldn't blame him for reaping the benefits.
"It is my right—"
"—as my boyfriend, I know." She let out an exasperated sigh, then rested her chin on his shoulder, glancing at his screen. "What are you working on?"
"A sequel," he replied noncommittally.
"I thought you wanted to finish that historical drama first?"
"Hnn," he agreed. "But someone complained about a certain cliffhanger in my other series, so I felt it was needed to work on that one first."
She perked up at the news, grabbing his arm. "Really? I was only joking! Well, not really, because the ending was diabolical, but you said it wasn't slotted until next year!" Her glimpse of the screen—and any possible spoilers—was thwarted when he leaned closer, brushing his lips against her cheek.
"You are welcome to look it over later." The insinuation was obvious—as were the extra toiletries in his bathroom and the spare clothes in his closet—but that didn't mean she couldn't make him work for it.
"I don't know," she hedged, "I have to bring the cheques to the bank, and there's that catering order tomorrow."
"All the more reason to stay closer to work," he replied, lowering his voice. There he went with his logic again. The café was prime real estate, but her apartment wasn't, and one of the reasons he'd offered to walk her home so often was due to all the transit she had to use to get there. His apartment was within walking distance. "I wish for you to come over," he said before she could turn it around on him again, and Kagome pursed her lips.
"You're lucky you're hot, or I wouldn't put up with half your—" A squeal had them both turning around, a flock of teenagers trembling as his name spilled out of their mouths. Some of them held autograph books, and she felt Sesshoumaru stiffen beside her. Not missing a beat, she got to her feet, blocking them from getting any closer.
"Sorry ladies, Mr. Taisho isn't available for autographs right now," she said, standing her ground. "You're welcome to check his website for his next book signing, and I've got headshots as a gift with purchase if you buy two or more items." A snort sounded from behind her, but she kept her back straight and arms open, the offer non-negotiable. The group looked at each other, then the display, some of them commenting on how hungry they were.
Kagome blew him a kiss over her shoulder, the slight twitch of his mouth letting her know he'd seen it, and she slowly ushered the girls away. One of the reasons he kept coming back, aside from seeing her, was her firm stance on patrons leaving him alone. It never bothered her, even with his growing success, as he'd been willing to do the same without them even knowing each other when it came to her stalker.
Her eyes lingered long enough for him to glance up, amber eyes soft and warm as he held her gaze. He'd rescued her without knowing what the benefits would be. The least she could do was keep the giggling fangirls away.
Besides, the more he got done in the café, the more time it freed up for later.