InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Life Falters ❯ Ads and Meetings ( Chapter 1 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Life Falters

Chapter 1

~Ads and Meetings~

Kagome Higurashi, a svelte twenty-seven year-old budding writer, stretched her lithe frame luxuriously while smoothing inky-black bangs off her heart-shaped face. Looking at the bedside alarm clock, she smiled to herself knowing that she's right on schedule. Every morning, Kagome makes it a habit to jog around the city square. So not wasting precious time, she hastily changed into her favorite pink and light gray jogging outfit and grabbed a matching pink elastic band to tie her shoulder-length hair.

“Bye house…” She said and laughed softly. You badly need a social life, Kagome. She mused as she walked briskly towards the elevators. She reached the square in record time and did a bit of stretching. She waved at the other `regulars' and increased her pace as her mp3 played one of the past tunes.

When she got back to her apartment, she took her shower and changed into clean garments before picking up her cell phone to call her best friend, Sango Takikin.

“Hey girl!” Kagome greeted over the phone and smiled hearing her friend's excited voice.

“Kags!”

“So dinner is at Boens Ramen tonight?”

“Yup. Hey, Taisho Inc. is hiring again.” Sango hinted. She had forever pleaded for Kagome to get a job at her office but Kagome was adamant in her plans to pursue her writing skills.

“And I'm not interested again.”

“Come on, what's so fun about writing fiction?” Sango groaned and Kagome laughed.

“It's called creative exhilaration.” Kagome said and Sango snorted.

“Anyway girl, I have to go…got a lot of things to do.”

“Okay, Sango…bye…”

“Bye…see you later.”

Kagome put her cell phone down, grabbed a chair and pushed it towards her laptop. She stared at the screen for the first ten minutes, then set aside her doubts and typed.

Growing weary of typing, Kagome looked around the room, her gaze landed on the hallway clock. It was past four in the afternoon. She sighed and rummaged through the pockets of her blue jean shorts.

“Oh treasures…” She smiled happily as she found an old tube of chap stick, her bank card; which had nothing on it, and two bucks. She frowned shaking her head. Nope, just trash…She thought as she stood up and walked towards the coffee table. She found the newspaper and browsed through it to pass time. She caught the ad page, and immediately saw an ad that requested someone to help around the house.

“Hm…” It didn't seem too bad and Kagome desperately wanted to move out of this trashy complex.She reached for her cell and dialed the number that was listed at the bottom of the ad. She patiently waited for the receiver to pick up the phone.

“Taisho, here.” A voice said on the other end of the phone.

“Hi, I was looking in the newspaper and I saw your ad about someone to look after your place....” Kagome said hesitantly.

“Well yeah, but I need someone `stay-in' since I'm not home much. If you're interested I have a separate room for you but you'll have to share with the bills, of course…”

“Yeah, I can do that. I'm just wondering, do you have an office at your place?” Kagome questioned.

“Yes, I think I do. I hardly use it though so it's probably full of dust. You can use it, but you need to clean it up.”

“Thank you so much, how much are you willing to pay in exchange for the services?”

“I don't know, we can schedule a meeting of some sort. You could come to the Taisho Inc. tomorrow and ask for Inuyasha, I'll pencil you in.”

“Okay, thank you. Tomorrow it is then. Bye.” Kagome replied as she wrote the words Taisho Inc. on a piece of paper.

Feeling suddenly hungry Kagome trudged to her kitchen to find something to eat and speedily lost her appetite. I feel like a live in a sty. Kagome thought looking around her kitchen - the microwave and almost everything else was covered in grime, her sink has unwashed dishes in them and her pots are too blackened with soot. Kagome Higurashi, you're a pig. Sighing, she opened the refrigerator and nearly gagged at the stench that greeted her nose. Argh, my refrigerator has turned into a nursery for bacteria.
Closing the ref's door immediately she wished she had not left the food to rot inside.

Better luck next time. She shook her head, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. I've never been this excited about moving out of here. Kagome looked forward to finally leaving the junkyard she calls an apartment and start anew. Spirits a little buoyed with the thought of fun she and Sango will have shopping for new furniture, Kagome walked towards her bedroom to try and find something suitable to wear for the meeting at Taisho Inc.

Wait a minute, Taisho Inc. Sango works there. Hold on a second, when he answered the phone, he answered it with Taisho. Could he be one of THE Taisho's? Kagome got to her feet immediately, and hit her head in the process. Fuck that hurt, Kagome rubbed her hand on her head trying to ease the pain. She rummaged through the drawers of her armoire. Happily she jumped up when she found the Advil. She took two and gulped some water that was on her bedside table. She continued searching for an outfit. Not succeeding, she grabbed a nice pair of slacks and a light purple polo. She set them on her armchair in the corner. She looked for the nicest pair of high heels that she could.

Within half an hour, she found the pair, she grabbed them and set them at the foot of the chair. She looked at the clock in the hallway and suppressed a sigh. She was supposed to meet Sango at nine, and it was getting dangerously close to that time. She pulled on a polo on top of her tank top and twisted her hair up in a ponytail.

Locking herself out, she made her way towards her Grand Prix, unlocked the driver side and slid in behind the wheel. Putting the key in the ignition, she reversed out of her spot and was on her way to Boens Ramen. She and Sango always meet there because it was on Sango's way home. Kagome parked her car and waited for her friend.

Kagome was busily singing along with the radio, when Sango pulled into the lot, she exited her car and was leaning against the hood of Kagome's car. She waited until the song was over to jolt Kagome out of her reverie. As Sango was laughing, another car pulled into the lot. Kagome looked over at the said car, and gasped as the driver stepped out. Whoa…now that's what I call a man…

“Mr. Taisho, I didn't know that you visit this place.” Sango said.

“Yeah, I love the ramen here. Sango you know you don't have to use such formalities outside of the office.” Mr. Taisho replied coolly.

“Well, Inuyasha then. Do you want to grace me and my friend with your presence with us eating dinner?” Sango questioned.

“I'm meeting Miroku, here but do you mind if he joins us?” Inuyasha asked while looking at Kagome. He saw something cross her face, like something dawned on her. When he saw what she was wearing, he admired her long legs.

Sango eyed Inuyasha warily, already knowing what went through his head when he saw Kagome. She knew that look too easily. Miroku always gave her that look, which she paid back with a glare.

“No, we don't mind. Kagome this is my boss… Inuyasha, Kagome.” Sango introduced the two.

“Pleasure, meeting you Kagome.” Inuyasha said while taking her hand.

“Same here,” was her short-handed response. Kagome couldn't help but continue to stare at the guy standing in front of her. Knowing in advance that this way the guy who wanted help, she scooped him out with questioning eyes. Flowing silver that looked invitingly silky you'd want to bury your hand in them and dog ears perched on top his head. Wait, dog ears? Kagome thought unaware how his golden eyes followed hers as they rested on top of his head.

Time passed all too quickly for Kagome to tear her eyes from the masterpiece that was standing not even three feet away. Escaping was all she thought of at that moment, when a Toyota Spura spun in. To her amusement Miroku got out from the driver side.

“Well, hell. This is a beauty, Miroku. How'd you wind up with a car like this?” Sango examined the car, its rims a dark blue to match the color of the car. Amazed she stepped back and gazed longingly. Kagome couldn't contain her laughter anymore and giggled. Trust Sango to gawk at cars instead of men. Typical of her it's just too funny. With Kagome clearing her throat, Sango and Miroku started a round of grab and slap. Typical.

“Well, Kagome. I'm getting rather famished. Do you want to accompany me in while they continue this bickering?” Inuyasha inquired while holding his hand out to her.

Miroku and Sango gaped at the way Inuyasha was behaving. Since when did he start being polite? Was the thought that went through both of their heads, Kagome unaware of their thoughts, took the offered hand. Miroku rubbed his cheek from the impact of Sango's slap and walked to the door of the restaurant followed by Sango.

Inside, they spotted Kagome laughing at probably one of Inuyasha lame jokes. They sat on the sides of their best friend, and looked over the menu. Inuyasha caught Kagome's eye and she acknowledged him by staring back. Tentatively Kagome resumed her eating and gathered enough strength to tell Inuyasha…

“So, Inuyasha, tell me what do you require in somebody to `take control' of your house?” Kagome shyly asked.

“Umm, I don't know, I'd guess that she'd have to… Uhh I don't know why?”

“Just wondering, I found an ad in the newspaper today.” Kagome prodded, trying to give Inuyasha a hint that she was the one who called.

“You don't say. Sango, didn't you say that Kagome here, wanted to move out of her place?”

“As a matter of fact, I've been trying to get her to apply for a job in the building. But she just won't budge because of her damn writing. I swear, you'd have to get a crane to budge her.” Sango joked.

“Okay, I've had enough, Inuyasha, I'm the one that called you, I forgot to give you my name. Alright. Geez, did you eavesdrop on the conversation, Sango? Were you and Inuyasha playing around or something?” Kagome bit out.

“My, god. Kagome you should have seen your face. It's hilariously priceless.” Sango tried to hold back the chuckles that wanted to escape. To Kagome's embarrassment Sango and Inuyasha burst out laughing. Cornered by Sango's shoulder she couldn't flee away from the scene that was unfolding. Miroku, being the pervert that he is saw the opening for his hand to roam. Sango's face went ashen. Habitually her hand flew across his cheek, making everyone in the restaurant look in their direction. Caressing the sore spot, Miroku grinned lecherously.

“Miroku, you really need to quit doing that, your cheek is going to go numb after the five thousandth slap. How many is that now?” Inuyasha smirked.

“One thousand, four hundred twenty five slaps so far from Sango herself. Still, I bounce back.” The grin still slapped on his face, Miroku rubbed it soothing the ache.

“Man, you really count all those slaps. How many have you gotten from me?” Kagome speculated.

“Six hundred and thirty seven slaps from you.” Of all the things he could remember, he likes to tally how many times women slap him.

“Alright, personally I think we shouldn't talk about this anymore. Look at Sango's face.” Inuyasha pointed to the subject of his line.

“You grope Kagome that many times, and yet you still grope me.” Sango's face was crimson of rage. If anybody knew her like me, I would say she's jealous. Kagome thought.

“Now, Sango darling, you know my hand wanders towards you the most. And about Kagome, what do you think I'm cheating on you? We're not even dating yet.” Miroku asked gingerly. It was Sango's turn to blush now. Suddenly she found her chopstick to be the only thing to stare at.

“Sango, I don't think that chopstick did anything to you.” Kagome amusedly commented. Abruptly Sango stood up and exited the restaurant followed by Kagome. Outside, Kagome spotted Sango by her car. Being the good friend that she is, Kagome sauntered over to her to talk.

“Kagome, I'm sorry. I swear I could wring that guy's neck. Every time I think he could be charming he goes and does that, that… Ugh!”

“Sango you have nothing to apologize for. That's the guys' purpose in life. Well that and great sex. Come on, cheer up.” Kagome added.

“Kagome, I'm about to just give up on that lecher. I'm going to go home, tell Inuyasha I'll see him at the office tomorrow. I'll see you in the morning as well.” Unlocking her car door, she slid behind the wheel and maneuvered her way out of the lot. Walking back into the restaurant, the booth was cleared of food.

“I took care of the bill,” Inuyasha said.

“Thank you, Sango left so I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck with that bruise Miroku.” Kagome replied coolly as she exited the building and into her car. The two men were left alone.

“Well that went well.”

“Now, Inuyasha don't go be doing something stupid. I know you, in your the last relationship you were nearly married. That was three years ago. Plus I know Kagome, she'll kill you if your within her three mile bubble.” Miroku said.

“Now, now. What do you think I was planning on doing?”

Author's note: Thank you yanna_enoah for editing my chapter. I appreciate it a lot. I would like to get feedback please on how well this story is doing. I'm not sure what to make of it. But I am going to continue this story until my brain is frazzled. Well got to go. Again thank you.