InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I'm Sorry ❯ Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own, didn't create, but I sure do love it.

Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. I hope to update regularly, but I can't promise a firm schedule.

Chapter 7

 

Exiting the subway station 20 minutes later, Kagome and Inuyasha walked down the block and across the street, until they reached the entrance to a very large, downtown mall.

 

As they entered the busy mall, Kagome lead him over to a mall directory, which she explained was used to help people find where the different shops were located. As she was finding the first 3 stores she wanted to visit, she said, “Inuyasha, the first place we need to go to, has luggage and bags and stuff like that. I think we can get something better to carry Tetsusaiga in, than a shipping tube. After that, I want to go to the bookstore and try to pick up some books to take back to…I mean, back with us.” Looking around at all of the people bustling nearby, she thought to herself `I need to watch what I say. It wouldn't do for anyone else to figure out what we do.'

 

Walking down the wide, central passage of the mall, Inuyasha stayed next to Kagome, slightly behind her and to the right, so he could keep a close eye on her, and still watch for any threats. Stopping in front of one of the shops, Kagome said, “Let's start here and see if we can find a good bag, okay?” Inuyasha wrinkled his nose as he smelled a strong scent of leather goods coming from inside the store. Following Kagome inside, he was amazed at the number and variety of leather bags and other items. Some were bags similar to Kagome's backpack, but smaller; there were belts, hats, sandals, pouches and some items that he couldn't really tell what they were for. While he followed Kagome around the store, she searched until she found a long narrow bag that was pretty solid and had a carrying strap that could be worn over the shoulder.

 

At her urging, Inuyasha placed Tetsusaiga into the bag, closed the zipper, and slung it over his shoulder. Adjusting and tightening the strap until it was hanging comfortably, he finally smiled at Kagome and said, “I like this one, it'll be fine. Do we need anything else?”

 

“Yeah, I want to pick up a couple more things here, okay?”

 

“Feh,” was his only response, as he continued following her around the shop. She kept showing him different items and asking him if he thought they looked good, but even though his responses were limited to bored sounding grunts, she kept smiling and seemed to be happy. At last, she had picked out four large pouches on leather belts, a similar, though much smaller pouch, two flat leather folders with pads of paper inside, a zippered pouch filled with small shiny tools, and a wallet with a dog's head carved into the front. Taking out one of the envelopes from her purse, Kagome handed over a large portion of the money inside to pay for her selections.

 

As she went up to pay the person running the store, the `clerk?' at least that's what he thought she had called him, Inuyasha decided to pay close attention to how she used these pieces of paper to pay for things; he wanted to be able to do it himself, and he hated it when other people could do things that he couldn't.

 

`I don't know why these pieces of paper seem to worth anything, but if that's what they use instead of gold or silver, I guess I can use `em too.”

 

Leaving the store, they walked on until they found an open bench to sit down on. Kagome opened the bag, pulled out the wallet and placed Inuyasha's ATM card and cash inside, before she put it into one of the belt pouches, which she then handed to Inuyasha and said, “Here, please put this on around your waist, that way your money and stuff will be safe and readily available for you. I think we should head over to the bookstore next, I want to look for some books to help deal with Shippo as well as some for my own use, okay?”

 

Looking down at her, he finished buckling the belt around his waist and replied, “Keh. Let's go.” Holding out his hand to her, he helped her up and asked, “Which way, now?”

 

“This way,” she said, pointing across the open area, “we have to go up to the second level. The stairs are inside the food court.”

 

Inuyasha lifted his nose and sniffed a couple of times and said, “It smells pretty good, but I can't tell what they're cooking,” he said, puzzled by the confusing mixture of scents.

 

Kagome giggled and said, “That's probably because they're not just cooking a couple of types of food up there. There are probably fifteen or twenty restaurants selling food. Maybe even more, and each of them is preparing a different type of food. That has got to be a pretty confusing mix.”

 

Entering the crowded food court, Inuyasha was amazed at the number of people sitting, standing and moving around with their food. The confusion was incredible as they worked their way over to the stairs in the center of the food court, and climbed up to the second level of the mall. Moving away from the food area, they entered a large, well lit, bookstore. Kagome picked up a basket on her way through the doors, and looking around for a few seconds, went directly to a section in the back.

 

Amazed at the sight of all the different types of books, especially with the bright covers and vivid pictures, Inuyasha finally picked up a book at random and opened it up. With a great deal of concentration, he finally managed to figure out the strange shapes of the characters. It didn't look at all like the brush work that he had learned as a pup, but he managed to figure out the meaning of most of first page, and decided that he really didn't need to learn any more about `Sibling Rivalry,' whatever that was. He didn't think that he would ever have any problems with something that sounded as stupid as that.

 

Leaning over Kagome's shoulder to see what she was reading, he found that this book was a bit easier to understand, it was talking about raising children and doing something called `home schooling', what ever that might be. Looking into her basket, he saw that she had already put two other books in it.

 

“Hey, Kagome, what other kinds of books do you plan on getting here? Do you want me to look for anything while you are checking out that book?” Inuyasha asked sounding bored.

 

“Hm, sure, if you don't mind, you could pick out some workbooks or art books for him in the children's section, over there in the corner.” She pointed over to an area decorated with bright colors and small animals.

 

Inuyasha looked at the spot she had pointed out, carefully scanned the store for any possible danger, and then nodded and said, “Okay, I'll see what I can find. When you finish here, come over there, alright?” She nodded at him with a smile, and went back to the book in her hands.

 

Inuyasha turned back to watch Kagome once he had reached the children's section, observing her for several minutes before he started looking through the huge selection of books on the shelves. Eventually, he found a section of workbooks that he thought might be what Kagome was looking for. He picked out four different books, one on simple reading and writing, one on basic adding and subtracting, one that had some simple stories, and the lady who worked for the store suggested the last, it was called `Everything Your Pre-Schooler Needs to Know'. Stacking them together and placing them under his arm, he went back to where Kagome was reading. Unfortunately, she wasn't there.

 

`Damn it, Kagome! Where the hell are you? I told you to…ARGGGH!! I don't need this!'

 

Looking around, he couldn't see her anywhere, so he decided to follow her scent, as it was quite fresh. Tracking her to the back of the store, he found the basket of books that she had been carrying on a little table outside two doors. Her scent seemed to be behind the one on the left, so he started to push the door open, when it pulled away from him, leaving him standing there with his hand out. Kagome squeaked in surprise at seeing him there, and asked, “Inuyasha, are you alright? Is something wrong?”

 

Growling, he said, “Yes, something is wrong! You were supposed to come to the children's section when you were done! Do you remember this!? I couldn't see you anywhere!!”

 

“But—but, I just had to go to the bathroom, I didn't leave or anything! What are you so upset about!?” She answered, starting to get angry at being yelled at. “What is your…”

 

Dropping the books he had been carrying into her basket, he picked it up and grabbed her arm and pulled her back to the end of the hallway, out of sight of the rest of the store.

 

“Baka! How can I protect you when I can't even see you! This is no place to just wander off! There's way too many people around here, and I don't trust any of them to be smart enough not bother you!” As he continued to yell at her, although in a much quieter voice, Kagome realized that it wasn't that he was mad at her, he was worried about her! He was actually worried about her, and she didn't think it had anything to do with her being his `shard detector'. No, this was something else, something new. As he paused to draw another breath before continuing his tirade, Kagome broke in, “I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I didn't think. It's just, well, I'm used to being alone when I'm on this side of the well. It's kinda hard to get used to not being alone anymore. I'll try to do better, okay?”

 

Inuyasha sighed and dropped his head down until their foreheads touched. “I'm sorry, too. I'm sorry I shouted at you. It's just that I couldn't find you, and…” he stopped, unable say anymore, he just closed his eyes. Kagome, touched by the feelings he clearly couldn't speak out loud, wrapped her arms around him, and said, “It's okay, I understand.”

 

The two of them stood like that for several minutes, before they finally stepped back from each other. Kagome smiled and said, “Let's take a look at what you picked out, Inuyasha.” Picking up the basket, she headed back into the main part of the bookstore, looking for a place to sit and check out their choices.

 

Eventually, she found a small, unoccupied sofa in the computer section of the store. Sitting down with Inuyasha, she started checking the books he had selected for Shippo. As she did, she was telling him about the books that she had picked out that she hoped would give her some ideas for dealing with the little boy. When she had finished, she said, “All we need now are some coloring books, crayons, and if I can find any, some good medical books.” With that, she bounced up, took his hand and headed back to the children's section and picked out a dozen coloring books, and a large box of crayons.

 

The last items she picked out were two medical books, one on herbal treatments for a wide variety of problems, which included a full-color encyclopedia of the various plants used in the book; the second was a copy of the military's field manual for Special Forces medics. Her hope was that she could learn enough to at least follow the directions if she needed to treat any major injuries.

 

Taking their selections to the cashier, Kagome used the last of her cash to pay for the books. As they walked out, Kagome bit her lip and asked, “Um, Inuyasha, I need to restock the first aid kit, and…well, I just spent the last of my money, could you…um…”

 

Smirking a little, Inuyasha said, “Heh, that's why I asked your mother to sell that stuff. Of course you can use it, use as much as you need. And if you need more, well, I think that's what that ATM card thingy is for. Right?”

 

Collecting her bags into one hand, she hooked her other arm around Inuyasha's and walked back out into the mall with a contented smile on her face. After another twenty minutes in the pharmacy superstore, and about 15,000 yen poorer, Kagome had not only restocked her first aid kit, she had picked up a good supply of burn creams and antibiotic ointments to give to Kaede. As good as her herbal remedies were, some of the modern medicines were far better than anything she could make. As they left the store, Inuyasha asked if there were any more places that they needed to go to, before they could go back to the shrine. By this time, Inuyasha was carrying most of the packages in one hand, with his other hand occupied with holding Kagome's small hand.

 

“Well, I did want to pick up some clothes for you, that way you could have a better selection to things to wear while you are here. So, if you don't…” she started to say, when she was interrupted.

 

“Feh. The things you picked out for me are fine. I don't need any more.”

 

“Are you sure, Inuyasha? It would only take 15 or 20 minutes,” she said, trying to convince him to do just a little bit more shopping, since she was having such as nice time just being with Inuyasha, doing normal things. It was a nice break from searching for shards and fighting demons.

 

“No. We've got enough stuff, already. Let's go back to the shrine.”

 

“Okay, then. If you change your mind later, just let me know.” With that, she turned around and headed to the mall exit.

 

Leaving the mall, Inuyasha thought he caught a whiff of demon scent, but he couldn't be sure if it was inside or outside. As they walked down the street to the subway station, he kept testing the breeze to see if he could catch the scent again, but he didn't have any luck.

 

After they boarded the train, just as it was starting to pull out, both Inuyasha and Kagome saw a woman standing on the platform, looking right at Inuyasha, with a look of horror and disbelief on her face.

 

“What in the world was wrong with that woman, Inuyasha? She was staring at you as if she were looking at, well, a demon or something,” Kagome started to giggle and leaning close, she whispered “If only she knew, right?”

 

Inuyasha smiled at her, but didn't answer. Unconcerned, Kagome just leaned up against her friend and let him hold her until it was time for them to get off at their stop.

 

Walking back beside Inuyasha, in the warm afternoon sunshine, Kagome was idly daydreaming about what she and Inuyasha could do for the rest of the afternoon, when she was abruptly brought back to reality by the sound of her friends' loud voices, “Kagome!” “Kagome, who is…!” coming from right behind her.

 

Grabbing a hold of Inuyasha's arm, she slowly turned her head to see that, yes, it really was Yuka, Ayumi, and Eri standing behind them, their faces showing expressions that ranged from amusement to shocked surprise at seeing their so-often ill friend, walking down the street with a hot-looking boy, whom they had never seen before.

 

“Well,” said Yuka, “it looks like you finished those errands you told us about. So, why don't you introduce your friend?”

 

“Uh huh,” echoed Ayumi, “I would love to know the name of the boy who stole you from Hojo,” a hint of anger or upset, in her tone.

 

“Um, I think his name is Inuyasha,” Eri spoke up, trying to fill in some of the awkwardness.

 

“Inuyasha?” Yuka and Ayumi said, in unison. “And how come you know his name?” Yuka added.

 

Gripping Inuyasha's arm tightly, Kagome finally spoke, “Probably, because I told her.”

 

“Really!? Why didn't you tell us his name, Kagome?” Yuka asked, feeling a little hurt that Kagome had not only kept this really hot looking boy a secret, but had told only Eri about him.

 

Sighing, Kagome realized that no matter what she said or did, her friends were going to feel hurt. All she could do was try to set everything out in the open and hope for the best. “Girls, I would like to introduce you to my very dear friend, Inuyasha. I know I haven't been completely open with you, but, well,” she looked up at Inuyasha with a shy smile, “I really didn't want to have to try and explain how we met and everything.” Looking back at her friends, she went on, “I met him on my 15th birthday and I would have to say that nothing has been the same since then.”

 

Inuyasha barked out a short laugh and said, “Keh, we've got better things to do then try to explain, wench.” Looking at her friends, and then back at Kagome, he tried to patient and offered, “Oi, give me that bag,” pointing to the bag containing the belt pouches and other leather items, which was the only bag she was still carrying, “I'll take them up to your room. That way you can do that `girl-thing' with them.”

 

“'Girl thing'?” Kagome asked as she handed him the shopping bag. “Just what is that `girl thing' Inuyasha?” She raised her eyebrow, but tried to restrain any smile, knowing that it would probably just embarrass him, and she had been far too happy with him today to want to do anything to ruin it.

 

“You know, like when you and Sango go off and…” He waved his hands, which were full of the results of their trip to the mall, around in the air, trying to describe something that he didn't have words for. Frustrated, he finally just turned and headed up the steps, letting out one last, “Feh!” as he went.

 

Kagome's friends stood at the bottom of the steps and watched Inuyasha reach the top and go out of sight before turning back to start their interrogation of Kagome. Kagome, on the other hand was watching her friends, nibbling on her lip, trying to decide what to tell her friends; somehow, she didn't think that they would believe the truth. Finally, she decided to just answer their questions as honestly as she could, without mentioning the well, or the Shikon No Tama.

 

With one concerted sigh, her three friends turned back to face her, but before any of them could speak, Kagome said, “Alright, let's go. I'll tell you all about him, but I need to tell my mom that I'm home first.” With that, she started up the steps, her friends right behind her.