InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Favorite Mistake ❯ Aftershock ( Chapter 8 )

Chapter 8: Aftershock

Kagome found herself waiting in the hallway for the elevator, getting inside, and arriving at the lobby. But nothing felt very real to her at the moment. It was as though her feet didn't touch the ground, and she was floating in mid-air. She still couldn't get over the shock of discovery that the stranger she had spent the night with has got to be one of the most prominent figures in the business - and social - world. Couldn't she even have a one night stand without major incident?! A lot of people do it, and nothing remotely interesting happens afterward. But the first time Kagome did it, the incident haunted her back with a vengeance.

“I'm so sorry.” Kagome turned to the voice and saw the receptionist addressing her.

“Come again?” she clarified, not quite sure what to make of the other woman's statement.

“I'm sorry you didn't make it,” Kikyo said, trying hard to hide her smirk. The applicant looked so bewildered that there could only be one possible explanation to such an expression. Of course the director turned her down, like all the other applicants who came before her. Now it would only be a matter of time before Inuyasha figured out that the most deserving applicant for the position was Kikyo all along.

“Oh no,” Kagome replied, giving the woman behind the desk a small smile. “I got offered the job.” She gave a friendly wave before sauntering to the doors leading outside, leaving Kikyo frozen like a statue.

Kagome was already at the train station when the impact of what actually happened hit her with a full force. Her legs momentarily failed to support her, and she grabbed the man beside her to keep her balance. “I got the job,” she stated, her hand resting on the arm of the surprised looking passenger.

“What?”

“I got the job,” she repeated, speaking a little bit louder. She didn't know what to make of it; she wasn't even certain she will accept the post. But Kagome was on such an adrenaline high after her unexpected meeting with Inuyasha that by then she was grinning from ear to ear. “I can't believe I was actually offered the position! Just like that!”

“Er, congratulations?” the man offered tentatively. He was middle-aged, wearing a corporate suit and holding a briefcase - a typical salary man making use of the subway to get himself around.

The other commuters overheard the exchange between Kagome and the man, and they started cheering for her. “Congratulations!” a woman who was about Kagome's age said enthusiastically. Another girl grabbed Kagome's hand and shook it, and before long most people in the cable car was clapping their hands, and shouting congratulations.

`I'm really losing it,' Kagome mentally mused. But she let go of her shock and embarrassment for a minute; instead, she smiled and waved to her co-passengers, looking for all the world like a political candidate in a campaign.

*****

After Mystery Girl left, after the applicant walked out of the door, Inuyasha collapsed in his chair and stared into the windows. He didn't know how long he looked at the scene of other high rise buildings without actually seeing them. He wasn't aware how much time had passed, or even if he had other interviews to do. All he was aware of was that he saw her again, and that was more than enough reason to offer her the job. The act was fucking spontaneous and even he had to be aware of that. He was always impulsive and outgoing, but those two traits didn't describe him where work was concerned. But he must have those qualities, after all, because how the hell will he be able to explain what just happened if he didn't. All she had to do was walk in on him, and he was reduced to being a reckless idiot.

“Kagome,” he whispered, testing the name on his lips. For all he knew, she may even be more unqualified for the job than any other candidate he turned down. Hell, her degree may be something leaning towards horticulture, or perhaps her work experience had more to do with animals than people. With a start, he remembered what she told him about her pet chicken, and he cursed. What the fuck had he gotten himself into?

A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and Inuyasha looked up to see Miroku at his door. “Ready for lunch, Inu?” Miroku worked as the legal manager of Takahashi Corporation, and his office was just three floors down Inuyasha's. Closing the door, he turned towards his best friend who didn't even so much as smile in greeting, and plopped on the leather chair across from him.

“Bad day?” he asked sympathetically. He knew about Inuyasha's problems finding himself a secretary, and he could only hope today went a little better than the last few weeks had been. From Inuyasha's look, though, it didn't appear like he had much luck.

“Miroku,” Inuyasha finally said, tearing his gaze from the windows and fixing his friend with a level stare. “I already know who she is. The Mystery Girl.”

“What?” Unconsciously, Miroku sat up straighter and leaned towards the desk, absorbing the words.

“I said, I already know who the Mystery Girl is.”

At that Miroku gave a slightly sardonic look tinged with humor. He was actually being considerate, lending his sympathy to Inuyasha, and he was gallivanting outdoors to much more, ah, lush pastures? No wonder he was having trouble hiring a secretary! “Inu, I thought you were in the office?”

Inuyasha sighed loudly. Sometimes he really had to wonder why he called the man sitting across from him his best friend. “This is where I found her.”

“She's in the office?!” Wow, he had never thought the office would actually be a venue for interesting scenes starring Inuyasha. Bars, yes. Hotel rooms, definitely. But office? Miroku didn't even think about it until now. It was quite obvious he had underestimated his friend's appeal. “Well, who is she?” he asked, not bothering to hide his curiosity. Of course he was curious. Inuyasha looked like a lost puppy when he told him that the girl walked out on him without a word. He was dying to see just what Inu saw in her.

Inuyasha slanted a wry smile. “My new secretary.”

*****

“Hurry up and dial the number, Kags!” Sango said exasperatedly, thrusting the phone into Kagome's hand. When Kagome showed up at her apartment a few days ago with the news regarding the handsome stranger, she had been almost beside herself with excitement. Her best friend may be one hell of an unassuming and modest creature, but she had a feeling fate has more in store for her than she thought. If it involved having the gorgeous guy for a boss, she was all the more for it! But first Kags to make a call and accept the post.

Sango rolled her eyes. If she waited until Kagome worked up the nerve to dial a set of measly numbers, she would be waiting forever. Grabbing the piece of paper from her best friend, she dialed the number of Takahashi Corporation herself. “I'd like to speak to Director Inuyasha Takahashi, please.” After several seconds, she gave the receiver to Kagome, who still looked like she was about to be struck by lightning. “This is your chance, Kags,” she whispered. “Don't blow it.”

“H-Hello, Director Inuyasha,” Kagome said, obviously attempting to get over being nervous enough to speak clearly. “Y-yes, this is Kagome.” Inwardly, Kagome winced. Now he probably thought she was suffering from some sort of speech defect. Great, just what she needed to make a good first - well actually, second - impression to her boss.

Clearing her throat, she tried again. “If your offer for the executive position is still open, I'd be happy to accept it.” Minutes later, Kagome put down the phone.

The next chapter of her life had just begun.