InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love In A Library ❯ Of Mice and Men ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

I walked along the sidewalk with empty thoughts as I cuddled up in the coat that book boy had so graciously offered me. Though he was quite an ass about it, I thought it was very sweet of him to hand it over with such ease, and not worry about it as he walked out of the library. Now that I thought of it, I hadn't seen book boy since that day. You see, last Tuesday, when I went back to the library, book boy wasn't there. And, honestly, it did frighten me.

I now stumbled on a piece of litter that had lost its way from the trashcan. Damn people these days, can't manage to put something in a wastebasket.

Ah, yes, getting back to my troubled love life. Book boy wasn't there and I automatically assumed that I had driven him away just by asking his name. I had panicked for a while, though I managed to hide it well, until that gay man had found me earlier from story time. He had told me his name, which was Jakotsu, and he explained to me that book boy was going to be at a meeting that would take up all of Tuesday night. We talked a bit after he had shared this bit of information, for I wanted to see if I could possibly find someone else to befriend at this library. However, before we could go really in detail, he had to leave for a job. So, I was left alone to the normal ritual that I had adopted in previous years to find a new book that would last me through the week. Though it was quite different…it was lonelier than I had originally remembered.

But now, I was walking down the street to meet him this Thursday. I had amazingly avoided my older brother with a quick easy lie of meeting Sango for dinner. But now I was hungry, cold, and a bit nervous of stepping into the safe, warm place I love. That was…unusual. I usually love that library to death, but now I was apprehensive of it. I couldn't help but think something would happen…all because of last Sunday.

“Hey good lookin'.” I stopped for a moment as I came within sight of the library as this bit of `flattery' floated to my ears. Was that directed at me? Honestly, who would say that?

“Oh, its you!” I smiled as I recognized the face that wove in between the people that were walking. It was Jakotsu, the man I had met earlier. “You scared me for a second.” He smiled as he approached and gave me a soft quick kiss on each cheek in greeting. I returned the favor with a giggle as he hooked his arm around mine.

“How are you doing this fine evening?” He asked with a grin, bringing out his features. I could see a scarce, but noticeable, amount of eye makeup on his eyes. Perhaps, since I was female, I had noticed the slight touches, but I could be wrong.

“Quite well. And what about you?” He gave me an adorable smile that twinkled to his eyes. He was a very sweet man, I had found out from our talk. Even if he didn't stay long, he all ready counted me as a friend, and for that, I was glad.

“Absolutely wonderful! You are looking simply outstanding tonight, Kagome. Off to see book boy, ne?” He asked slyly as he nudged me slightly in the ribs. I had bounced him back with my hip as we walked side by side.

“Well, yes. And you? Here to read to the kids again, I suppose?” That assumption of mine was proved correct for he nodded happily at me.

“I love reading to those little munchkins! Especially that little girl of S-” I watched Jakotsu stop, his sentence ending in a incoherent mumble of words.

“It's all right.” I commented, as I looked straight at the library doors. Though he didn't say his exact name, I knew whom he was talking about. Call it a well educated guess, if you will. “Don't mention to him that I know his name starts with an S. If he doesn't want me to know, there must be a good reason.” I patted his arm comfortingly, seeing that he was still a bit jittered that he had fumbled so easily on me. “It's fine.”

“I can't believe I said that so…so easily!” He cried, sticking his hands into his lavender coat, lowering his gaze to the cement with a scowl/pout on his face. I had to guide him into the heated building for he was that ashamed of himself, and I was afraid that he was going to walk right into a door. “I'm such an idiot!”

“Everyone makes mistakes. Don't let it worry you that much. There are so many names that might start with S. Don't worry `bout it.” This only seemed to unnerve him more as I saw book boy up ahead with that cute little girl of his.

“He's going to murder me!” He whispered fiercely as we approached. I sighed.

“He won't murder you. Trust me. Book boy wouldn't do that.” He eyed me warily, his eyes stirred slightly in fear, before he had let go of my arm that was hooked around his.

“You're right.” He then smiled, though rather forcefully, as we had finally met up with the two. I was surprised, at first, when I felt a little body connecting with my legs nearly knocked me completely over. I soon realized seconds later it was Rin, and she was trying to give me a proper kindergarten hello.

“Kagome!” She squealed, making me beam a smile at her. She was just too darling.

“Oh, Rin, its so nice to see you again!” The girl gasped in joy at me that I had remembered her name, allowing me to see a large gap toothed smile. “It looks like you lost a tooth, didn't you?” She nodded vigorously at me as she took my hand.

“Yep! I did! And I got money too! Right, daddy?” Book boy nodded with an affectionate smile at the girl as she dragged me over to him.

“You look beautiful.” He commented, as he looked my attire over, a simple pair of jeans and a white long sleeved top with black sleeves. “Much better than last Sunday, I believe.” This caused my cheeks to adorn that reddish hue I knew was coming. Somehow, I couldn't help but blush around book boy.

“All thanks to your donation. Here, let me take it off. It is yours, by the way.” I smiled sweetly at the child that stood next to me. It was impossible to take off a coat when a little child was holding tightly onto your hand. “Rin, sweetie, I need to take off my coat. Why don't you go with Jakotsu to pick out a book for story time?” She gave me one last big hug with a loud “Bye-bye!” before skipping off with Jakotsu, leaving book boy without any hesitation.

“She sometimes forgets to say good bye to me when she gets too excited. It's nothing you should worry about.” He said softly, noticing that I had been watching her leave, waiting for her to say good-bye to her father as well.

“Oh…you don't mind?” He shook his head, that annoying silver eyebrow shooting to its normal place when talking to me. And yes—he did raise the eyebrow that often.

“Not at all. And besides, she usually forgets one thing or another when she gets excited. One time she forgot to put on socks when her friends came over and she walked out in the snow with bare feet.” I laughed as I stripped from my coat. He watched me for a moment before I handed it to him with a smile.

“Thank you for letting me borrow this. It really came in handy…I didn't get as many stares.” I licked my lips nervously as I gazed to the floor. “I can't believe you saw me in that, truthfully. What were you doing here Sunday?” He smiled a bit as he nudged my chin up with his index finger slightly bent. He then swooped down gracefully upon me and placed his warm, soft lips over my own.

“Come. We'll talk as we search the shelves, no?” I nodded in a daze as he took my hand gently, not taking the coat that was in my outstretched arms.

“D-Don't you want it?” I mumbled as I looked down at the coat. He shook his head simply.

“You may keep it. You see, if I took it then my reputation as a gentlemen would be tarnished.” He forever amazes me. How can you take a simple gesture of returning a coat and turn it into a reputation on the rocks?

“Excuse me?” He placed a hand on my lower back, for apparently my feet were out of order, and started to guide me along the path he intended on taking.

“What would someone think if I, a young man, took a coat from a young woman when I was all ready wearing a coat myself? It's useless and embarrassing. For one, I would have two coats when I originally only need one.” He smirked. “And I would be leaving you without any protection from the cold winds outside. Now what kind of gentleman would I be if I took this coat from you?”

“I'm sorry.” I managed to say, though my mind had made its way into traffic, stopping everything in its path. Why would I apologize for that? He was just fooling around with me, once I honestly thought about it. If I knew this, why in God's name would I try to apologize??

“Don't worry, my dear. I managed to save it and still keep my title for you now still have the coat, and I have my own. Simple logic.” I smiled through my embarrassment and held the coat tighter to me.

“Thank you. It…it makes me really feel special that you gave this to me.” I admitted softly as I tugged the coat back on me. “I'm glad you allow me to watch over your things.”

“I gave it to you freely.” He reminded as I pulled my arm through the loose arms of the coat.

“Yes, but it's the fact that you gave it to me so easily. I'm just happy that you trust me with it, that's all.” He stopped walking, staring at me with a smile on his lips.

“How are you pleased by me giving you a coat? I could give you so many other things…?” I gazed into molten amber as I teetered on my heels with a content smile filling my lips as I prepared my truthful answer.

“I don't care for other things. I honestly think that the action itself was noble and admiring. How many men give a girl a coat when they make a fool of themselves?” He remained silent for a moment causing me to shake my head. “I guess you don't understand. I don't really care for that many possessions one has to offer. I prefer their company more than all the jewels and money in the world.” I beamed a comforting smile at him as I took his hand. “I enjoy your company most of all. So, I'll treat this coat as if it was the most expensive diamond in the world.” I was startled as his arms suddenly grabbed me from where I stood. In a few quick seconds, I thudded into a soft chest and had silver hair cascading in front of my nose.

We stood there for a few moments in a tight embrace, almost like Sunday nights' had been. But this one was filled with more understanding, more…dare I say it, more love than Sunday's had been. I could tell he was moved by what I had said to him, and I was secretly pleased that it had pleased him. I loved getting reactions like this from him. It made my heart soar in delight.

Throughout this public display of affection he managed to show me, my stomach had to bring us (mainly me) back to the real world. I still had not eaten and I was starving. I cursed Naraku mentally over and over as he drew away from me, only enough to let me see his face.

“Usually you eat before you come meet me. Why did you not say that you haven't eaten?” I blushed deeply.

“My brother…I…he would ask me questions where I would go and…” The red that stained my cheeks would make the reddest cherry tomato look bad. “I wanted to avoid stupid questioning.”

“I can't have a starving woman at my side all night. Let me buy you something.” I giggled as the perfect scheme entered my mind, making me mentally congratulate myself for thinking of such a perfect dinner (It had also managed to tone down the rosy color of my face).

“Come on then, if you want to treat me!” I yanked his arm ahead of him, causing him to aimlessly follow me in confusion. Now I had made him the confused one for once. It was amazing how good it felt just then.

“A vending machine?” He asked me minutes later as I stood proudly in front of the machine that had fed me on so many occasions. “Certainly you cannot be serious.”

“But I am.” I said determinedly, stepping in front of him. “You see, no matter how bad this diet may seem, it still has its perks!”

“And what is that?” He asked sarcastically, his eyebrow lifting. “How can junk food have perks?”

“It takes good.” I concluded as I proceeded in modeling for my book boy, placing my hand next to each junk food snack like I was one of those women on game shows that would show what you could and would win. “And it also is quick and easy to get a hold of. You see, if we followed your plan that would mean leaving our dear, dear library.” He seemed amused throughout my explanation, as I had then smacked the glass with my hand. “We would also have to leave Rin here, which we both don't want to do. So what do you say? Give a girl a little slack and let her pick what she wants?” He sighed as he tilted his head back to look at the ceiling.

“What would you like? A Twix bar or perhaps a Hershey's?” I giggled in glee, the thought of junk food putting me into a very good mood. I hadn't had it in such a long time…a bag of potato chips will be so delicious now. How I love those Americans with their ingenious, fatty minds.

“A bag of Lays will be good. And, if you would be a dear, I'd like a small bag of cookies too.” He pulled out his wallet with a smirk as he shook his head in disbelief.

“I can't believe I'm allowing this.” He handed me the money, which I so gladly took from him. I then turned around and gazed at my choices before picking what I exactly wanted. I then bought two cans of canned coffee and handed one of them to him.

“I'll feel so lonely if you wouldn't have something either. Besides, it is your money that bought me my dinner.” He took the can with a small `thank you' before slinging his arm around my shoulders, allowing me to walk closer beside him as we made our way to find some seats.

“When you get home, you better eat something that does not consists of anything disgustingly sweet or salty.” I pouted as I placed myself in a plastic chair at a round table that sat in the lounge we occupied. He sat across from me silently. He did, however, seemed to have a small grin on his face as he opened his can. It must have been triggered from my pout, which it probably was because he had always said he had fancied my pout and thought it cute on me.

“You should have let me taken you to a near by sushi place. This clearly is not healthy nor appetizing.”

“I have a little food critic on my hands. Whatever should I do?” I joked as I placed a chip in my mouth, the salty taste stunning my taste buds.

“Food critic I may be, but that stuff that you are eating is proven to be unhealthy.” He then paused with a small chuckle. “This is all going in one ear and out the other for you, isn't it?” I nodded with a laugh.

“I guess so. But I do see your point and it is a good point. But, honestly, let me enjoy it in peace. It's not like I get it everyday, you know?” I watched as he took a sip of the coffee I had bought him with his money as I ate another yummy chip.

“Of course.” He paused for a moment. “Now tell me, you said you had an older brother, correct?” I sighed as I thought of Naraku. Why did I have to be gifted with such horrible family relations?

“I love my brother. Truly, I do, but he is the most annoying bastard I've ever met in my life. You see, I'm the only one that can handle him. My sister gives up too easily, and my mom tends to get angry with him since he's the biggest slacker the world has ever seen. I'm the one who gets him out of trouble when it comes…he's actually going to be living with me for a while.” I sighed as I dropped my forehead to the cool plastic the table was made of.

“I see…he is not very reliable?” I giggled.

“Oh no. Not at all reliable! And I gave him the duty to get groceries tonight.” I smiled as I rubbed my head, lifting it off the surface it once rested on. “I truly am an idiot. I guess I'll be going lunch-less tomorrow as well. That's just dandy.”

“I believe you'll manage something. Perhaps dine at the most classy and local vending machine?” I nodded with a smirk.

“Oh, yes. We do have some good ones at the place I work, but I'm not sure I'm up for it again so soon. I'll just order something.” We were silent for a minute in comfortable silence that not many could have and enjoy. I had always enjoyed silence in my life, not matter how rare the occasions were when I found it. But this was exactly what I wanted and needed. I was with someone that I deeply felt affections for, and he wasn't the least bit phased that we weren't talking to each other. It was…perfect.

“How are you and your father getting along?” I asked out of pure curiosity, although breaking the moment that would forever be within my memory. I watched him take in a deep breath as he sipped his coffee in hand.

“Horrible.” He smiled bitterly. “We've always had a…less than pleasant relationship, my father and I. It hasn't improved. To say the least, its probably took a turn downwards.”

“That's too bad.” I said softly. “I always had cherished the time I had with my father when I was young. He died when I was fourteen. But, honestly, I can't say I remember too much about him…my life has been too busy to think about things like that.” I glanced to the floor. “That's about the age when I started to read so many books.” He remained silent, and for that, I was glad. He had not said he was sorry that my father had died, or that he was concerned in any way…for the first time I felt like someone understood me. I hate being pitied in any way possible. It made me feel…inadequate. It made me feel uncomfortable.

“As I had with memories of my mother. She passed away when I was four.” I watched his eyes harden for a moment. I couldn't pull away from his golden stare, though it wasn't directed towards me at all. His eyes filled with pain and suffering as sudden memories flashed through him. I said nothing as I let the moment passed, realizing that I do the same when I think of my sister and the horrible things she had done to me in the past.

“I guess we really understand each other, right?” I asked quietly as I finished my food. “I know I'm not like you at all…and I like that, but we share some of the same pain.”

“I do not believe it is a pain.” He answered as he grabbed my hand from under the table gently. I stood up with him at my side, the soft hum of the vent in the corner the only noise in the room. “Think of it more as…a blessing.”

“Loneliness isn't a blessing…more like a curse.” I mumbled as I felt his lips on my cheek. He embraced me from behind and I could feel the sad smile on his lips.

“But we're here right now. And how do you feel? Do you feel alone?” I waited for a moment in deep thought before shaking my head. No, I never do feel truly alone when I was with him. I felt like a part of me wasn't completely gone…I felt like a different person. Perhaps, in some twisted way, he could be my soul mate? I never really truly believe in `soul mates' from the romantic novels I had read when I was younger. It was clearly…clearly illogical. No one could have a certain soul mate. You go through a stage of young love until you find someone you can rely on and find a stable ground. Maybe I was wrong? Maybe there was such a thing? Is this why hopeless romantics find this concept so…thrilling? To be clashed with another person, falling to the play of fate's hands?

I think that now I will believe just that. It gives me a new kind of light to things…or, perhaps, I'm just falling into the hopeless romantics hands?

“I don't feel alone.” I whispered as I stood within his warm, love filled embrace. “At all.”

“Me either.” He said softly, placing his chin on the crown of my head. I grinned happily to myself, overjoyed that book boy had felt the same way I felt. Perhaps he was my so-called soul mate?

“We've stayed here long enough.” He murmured as he withdrew his arms from my body. My inward grin fell down a few notches, for I had really liked the warmth that emanated off of his being, but I didn't let that get me down. Book boy had just confessed that he felt something special with me, and that put me in a super good mood.

I then threw my trash away in its designated place before we walked silently out of the lounge hand in hand; intent on keeping the same ritual we had started to become accustom to. Each and every week we would find a good seat (usually the beaten purple and burgundy chairs where we had first met), talk about books and occasionally he would check one out. It seemed that he didn't like renting any literature out…he would only do it if he had to. I recently found that he really did enjoy just sitting with me reading. We had done that once when we couldn't find anything to talk about, and we certainly didn't want to do story time again. I liked my time alone with my book boy, and I cherished the time we had together.

I assumed that today would be one of those days since he did seem to be in a bit mellower mood. Perhaps I was the only one to notice, but he had different facial expressions for each mood he was feeling. When he was down, his lips held a small downward twist to them. If he was feeling nervous, his eyes usually glanced about a bit. I had only noticed this a few times, but each time I had been proven right. But my favorite emotion that he lets me see is when he is having a pleasant time. He usually smiles a bit more, and occasionally laughs. The real giveaway of his mood is the twinkle that I can find in his eyes, and I simply adore it. If I could keep him in a pleasant mood all the time, I would.

“Would you mind if we read?” He asked, his golden gaze searching the titles of shelves. I shook my head with a thoughtful expression donning my face.

“That would be perfect, book boy. I would really enjoy that.” I slipped a known novel off the shelves where many books lay. It was a novella—Of Mice and Men by John Steinback, a famous American writer. I remembered exactly that I didn't exactly fancy this novella all too much…it wasn't because of the writing, but of the memory that laid behind it. It had been a lovely day and I had been reading underneath a tree in the school gardens. I was around the young age of sixteen, and I had just read two pages of it before Kikyo had come and kicked it in the mud. It was a rather childish act, but it affected me all the same. The memory, along with many others, still haunts my mind to this day.

“I think I'll read this one.” I decided with a smile. “But you have to let me read it with you.” He nodded with a calm, content smile as he slipped a random book from the section as well.

“I have found one as well.” He led me to a different area of the library's walls. It was a part I had never been too, but a small black couch sat in the corner. He pulled me to the cushions with him, planting me in his lap comfortably. I giggled at the action as I stretched comfortably on the couch, allowing my head to rest at ease in his lap. I could see the smile on his lips as he began to run his fingers through my hair as he opened the beginning of his novel. I followed in his fashion, opening the beginning pages of the novella.

His fingers ran soothingly throughout my long locks, completely calming me. I closed my eyes for a moment before opening them to read the pages of literature that sat before me.

“Book boy?” I asked ten minutes later as I came to a certain page that caught my eye. The two characters had sat down at a clearing to eat their dinner…

“Yes?” He asked, glancing down at me simply.

“Would…would you and Rin like to come to my house for dinner sometime?” I blushed slightly. “I can kick my brother out for one night. I'd like to have you over.” He smiled gently.

“I believe we can arrange that.” I grinned back up at him before turning my eyes back on my book. Finally I had gathered up the courage to ask him to my house for dinner.

So now…I will add to my list of exactly what I know about my book boy:

1. He finds Romeo and Juliet a novel that women adore.

2. He's intelligent.

3. He had a daughter and likes young children.

4. He's charming.

5. He detests any type of junk food, sweet and salty.

6. He and his father don't get along.

And probably the most important one of all: He's lonely, just like me.

Oh my God! That was one frickin' hard chapter to write and finish! It was rather short--I apologize! I really am trying to get more, but this week was just very hectic. Deadline for the school newspaper and what not...once again, I'm sorry! Next time I'm going to make it extra long, like fifteen or seventeen pages...

I might have to push back my next update. As everyone knows Thanksgiving is next week and this just makes my life utterly hectic. My family is coming to our house for this joyous holiday, which in itself is sad (because I have evil second cousins), but I guess I'll make it through. Wish me luck.

I have gotten questions of how long this story will be: I have the layout of ten chapters so far. I'm not sure if that will change, but for now you know exactly what's down. It could change, I'm just saying.

Ah, also, my family ahem has heard of my work and wants to see it...if you are reading this, then there it is (TT) I'm a hopless romantic at heart. There! I have said it! But truly, if any of you are related to me and see this then...then...dear lord, this is embarrassing.

I think that I will be updating next week on SUNDAY. Yes, S u n d a y. I believe that is what I'll do. And please, excuse any grammatical errors you find in this. If you point any out to me, that will be greatly appreciated and I will repost some changes perhaps. If its nothing too big, I'll leave it be. I just don't feel like editing the whole thing (--)

Thank you so much for your reviews! Lilith-dono