InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Paradox: The Power of Letting Go ❯ Anything For Love ( Chapter 7 )

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

If you love someone - truly, madly, and deeply love someone - and you felt that you did them a great wrong, you would do anything in your power to alleviate the pain you have caused - even if it meant sacrificing your own happiness.

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 01.20.2008 | Updated On: 12.23.2008 | Pages: 9 | Words: 19.1K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Completed

Disclaimer: InuYasha is owned by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan Inc. and Viz Media.

Story and all original characters created are owned by me.

Anything for Love

-x-x-x-x-

Kagome looked back at him, her eyes dark and unreadable. “No, you're wrong. I don't deserve him.”

Kagome entered the bathroom, quietly closing the door behind her.

-x-x-x-x-

Yash walked into his office early the next morning to the same scene as the morning before with his brother sitting casually at his desk.

“Are you going to be here to greet me every morning?” he growled as he set down his briefcase.

“Yash, we need to talk.”

Yash slouched into a chair and kicked up his feet onto the desk, staring sulkingly. “Keh, about what?”

“Dr. Matsumoto came to see me yesterday afternoon.”

“What did that bastard want?”

“InuYasha…” growled Sesshomaru warningly, effectively shutting the hanyou up. “He was worried about Kagome. After the meeting, she was not herself.”

“Well, who the hell was she then?” Yash scorned. He was in no way making this easier for his brother. He had one hell of a night, and he wasn't in the mood to be cooperative.

Sesshomaru pierced Yash with an icy glare. “Yash, you are a baka, but you are not as stupid as you appear. Her breakdown yesterday had everything to do with you. Fix it.”

“Look, Sesshomaru.” Yash was getting angry. “It's none of your business. You have no right —”

“Kagome is a powerful miko. She's a spiritual scientist who understands the inner workings of youkai and is an ally in youkai causes. Do you realize how rare that is?” demanded Sesshomaru.

“Keh —”

“Do you realize how valuable an asset she truly is? The Hatanaka Group would love to have her on their payroll.” Sesshomaru sighed. He had to make his baka brother understand. “I've looked over the research Kagome has done for the Matsumoto Corporation. Her track record is impeccable. The projects she has contributed to speak for themselves. We can not afford to lose her and,” he emphasized with a glare, “we can not afford to have her mentally break down on us. We need her.”

Yash shot at his brother a dirty look and didn't bother to reply. Inwardly, he cringed when Sesshomaru mentioned her breakdown.

“Look at the work she's done. Her research is currently being implemented in the youkai world.” Sesshomaru looked thoughtfully at his brother. “The area in which she concentrates her efforts may surprise you. Talk to her.” Sesshomaru got up and headed towards the door. “I have asked Kagome and Kazuki to come back this morning for a tour of the facilities. We also need to discuss a few things that were overlooked yesterday for obvious reasons.”

He gave Yash a pointed look. “I am sure the opportunity will present itself for you to talk to her.” His tone made no room for argument.

At Yash's continued silence, Sesshomaru held up his hand threateningly; ready to beat some sense into his baka brother. “InuYasha…”

“All right, all right,” muttered the hanyou, giving in ungraciously.

Sesshomaru left his office with explicit instructions to `fix it'. Damn bastard brother of mine.

He sat at his desk pondering Sesshomaru's words. It made him uneasy to hear that Kagome had a breakdown and that he was the cause of it. Damn, just hearing about her in such a fragile state drove daggers through his heart.

It was just too much, seeing her again. He knew he was tormenting her at the meeting — that each sarcastic and derogatory remark he had made was hitting its mark with the way she would flinch and flounder. He was, in fact, surprised that she didn't snap his head off. There was a time she wouldn't have put up with his demeaning behavior, a time she would have “sat” him to the ground. In fact, throughout the whole meeting, he saw only one spark of anger in her eyes. Then as fast as it appeared, it dissipated. Yash couldn't help but to wonder what had happened to the girl he loved so much that she would meekly accept his antagonistic behaviour.

He turned on his laptop and logged into the company's secured personnel files. He accessed the Matsumoto Corporation data, found Kagome's personal files, and started rifling through the information. There were numerous scientific articles that praised the work she and Kazuki had completed. It was research that helped hanyou children who, over the years, had diluted youkai blood that didn't enable accelerated healing.

The more Yash read through all the accolades and scientific awards, the more he felt pride well up within him. Kagome always had a generous nature and a big heart. She was always the first to help someone in need. The work she had accomplished over the years helping hanyou — especially hanyou children — could not be denied. Even now, she was relentlessly trying to perfect a transformation charm to benefit all hanyou, including himself.

Yash felt the beginnings of guilt creep into his heart at the way he had treated her. He berated, embarrassed, and shamed her all because of the way he felt she treated him: choosing a job over him, choosing someone else to love. All of a sudden, he felt small, very small. All this time she had selflessly done great things for the youkai world, and he criticized her for it?

He continued reading through her projects. All of them met with success and acclamations in the scientific youkai world. There was research helping hanyou children with nerve ending transfers; assisting children who were crippled by accidents; helping children born of hanyou and human parents fight against immune deficiencies… This last one gave Yash pause.

He pulled up the research files and quickly scanned the information. It was a project that Kagome had completed three years ago. That would mean it was one of her first projects at the Matsumoto Corporation. A fleeting memory played at the edges of his mind as her voice floated up from his consciousness… This will ensure our future, InuYasha. Please understand. Is this what she meant, long ago, when she tried to explain that she was doing this for them? Children born to hanyou and human parents… immune deficiencies… high infant death rates… securing their future...

Securing a future for the children that they would one day have.

Yash sat there in shock, the breath knocked out of him. All this time, he had thought she had left him for a job and that she had chosen her work over him. And all the while, she was doing it all for them, for their future. Why didn't you tell me, Kagome?

He closed his eyes and exhaled. She was working towards a future for the both of us. Why didn't I trust her? How could I have ever doubted her? She must have hated me for leaving her. His sharp claws dug into the flesh of his hands. Yash ignored the seeping blood as he tried to quench the feelings of guilt that flooded his body. No wonder I lost her. No wonder she turned to Kazuki.

Jealousy gnawed at him and he swallowed hard. Even as his mind tried to reason with him, his envious emotions barged their way in. Is this how she felt when he always went off with Kikyo? The jealously, the resentment? And yet, she never threw it back in his face. She never begrudged his happiness. Never… never acted the way he was acting.

Yash stilled as realization splashed him like cold water. Kagome had always loved and believed in him, and all he did was scorn and humiliate her. The way he treated her yesterday! Shame flooded him as he recalled her shocked face at his harsh words.

He was just hurt, so damn hurt, when he saw her with Kazuki - the way she touched him and looked at him. She had an easy camaraderie with Kazuki; one that she used to have with him. He fought against the stranglehold threatening to bind his chest.

His thoughts were interrupted by a brief knocking at his door. He grunted a reply and his secretary walked briskly in, coffee in hand. He nodded his thanks and waited until she closed the door before he expelled a shaky breath.

Ignoring the coffee, he closed the articles on his desktop and opened up a folder labeled `photos'. A barrage of images popped up on his screen. They were obviously taken at corporate events and functions. There were photos of Kagome standing among her peers in a laboratory; Kagome surrounded by hanyou children laughing as they piled on top of her; Kagome wearing a cowboy hat, holding a stack of pancakes, in front of a sign that read `Matsumoto Stampede Breakfast'; Kagome with a group of hanyou children standing in front of a picturesque mountain; Kagome laughing as champagne sprayed all around her as she celebrated some obvious success; Kagome cradling two inu-hanyou babies…

Yash closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat. The last photo made his heart ache. Kagome was holding two hanyou babies, her expression soft and tender, with Kazuki's arm around her shoulders…

The expression on her face in this photo didn't match the others. In previous photos, while she was smiling, the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. There was a perpetual sadness lingering in their depths, but this one… this one she actually radiated joy. She looked so happy, so… so content.

What caused the brightening of her eyes in this photo that was missing in all the other ones? Was it the babies? Was it Kazuki…?

Yash's shoulders slumped and with a heavy heart, he tried to be objective. Did Kazuki make her happy? Did he protect her? The answer was yes from what he saw in the meeting. Kazuki came to her defense against him. The thought of someone protecting Kagome from him, as if he was the threat, made him laugh bitterly. The role of Kagome's protector, one that he had always cherished and that had always been his, was now another hanyou's. It made Yash Takahashi, the strongest hanyou around, want to weep.

She had obviously made a life for herself; a life that no long included him, and could he blame her for it? He was the one who gave her the ultimatum and left. Why didn't she explain the reason she was taking the job in the first place? He would have understood. Hell, he would have encouraged her to go, as long as she came back to him. But no, she didn't explain, and he jumped to the wrong conclusions and left her. Granted, he was on his way back to apologize, but hell, she didn't know that. In her eyes, he left her with no choice. Staring at the babies, he could understand her reasoning. The death rates of infants from hanyou and human parents were alarmingly high… Why didn't you tell me, Kagome?

Trying to compose his emotions, he tiredly rubbed his eyes. How could he have fucked things up so badly, and how the hell would he fix it? So many damn years were lost because of miscommunication.

He had pushed her away. Granted, he did that enough during their time in the Feudal era, but Kagome — Yash smiled wryly — ever the forgiving wench that she was, always came back. Why did I think that time wouldn't be any different? You stupid bastard, you just assumed Kagome would come back to you. There are only so many times you can push her away, he berated himself mentally.

He stared at the screen. Photos of Kagome and Kazuki burned into his mind. What could he offer her now that she didn't already have? Did she run immediately into Kazuki's arms when he left her? Did she find comfort there? She had been working with Kazuki for five years, the same amount of time that she had been with him. Did she compare Kazuki to him? Did she compare how they both treated her? Yash laughed harshly. Well, I know who won that contest.

He couldn't help but to feel bitter. He lost Kagome because of communication problems. Now, if yesterday's meeting was any indication, now it was too late. He knew what was to come. After all, he lived it, didn't he? She was going back through the well soon, and then she'll declare her love for another man. Kazuki… He could still hear Kagome's voice… I'm marrying the man of my dreams…

The thought made Yash blanch. How the hell would he stand it? How could he stand by and watch her marry someone else? To be with someone else? Have a family with someone else? He thought his heart could not break any further, but just thinking these thoughts made the pain so unbearable that he physically wanted to retch.

On the heels of these thoughts came the feelings of rejection. It was a feeling buried so deep into his heart that it permanently scarred the fragile beat. Would he ever win? Kikyo wanted him in human form. Kagome loved him as a hanyou, but even that wasn't enough. She obviously wanted a better hanyou, and could he really blame her for it? She deserved someone who trusted her, someone who treated her better. Someone like that bastard… Damn, if he was going to have to work with that hanyou, he had to stop referring to Kazuki as a bastard. But, he smirked inwardly, he is one — a self-righteous bastard.

Yash knew his kind. They had everything handed to them on a silver platter with no hardships in life, no heartache, and no struggles. They always got everything in the end, including the girl… His thoughts turned to Kagome again.

Yash sighed wearily. Could he deny her happiness? What kind of selfish bastard was he if he did that? If he truly loved her, shouldn't he wish the best for her? If that meant she was happy with that bas - with Kazuki - shouldn't he allow her that? Just as she allowed him his happiness with Kikyo, so many years ago, before the priestess fell to Naraku? Kagome was always sacrificing her own feelings. Should he reciprocate that for her? Should he tamper down his jealousy and spite for the sake of her happiness?

Yes, he still loved her. He couldn't lie to himself anymore. There was never anyone else, nor would there be anyone else. He sat there feeling the desolation seep through his bones. His youki was crying to him, not wanting him to let go of his pain. His human heart was crying too, but crying for the fact that it knew what he had to do. He had to do what she had asked him all those long years ago. He had to let her go.

-x-x-x-x-

Silence stretched throughout the limousine as it zoomed through the streets of Tokyo. The mood in the vehicle reflected the somber bearings of the two occupants in the back seats.

Kazuki felt bad about berating Kagome's decision, but hell, she was practically asking for that bastard to walk all over her. Did love make her blind? She was intelligent, sharp, witty, yet she was willing to roll over and play submissive to Yash. He just didn't understand her decision.

Kagome, lost in her own thoughts, was thinking about how to apologize to InuYasha. No, Yash, she silently reminded herself. He goes by Yash now. I have to remember that. She smiled wistfully. In her mind — in her heart — he would always be InuYasha.

In the heart of the night, Kagome had promised herself that she would go and apologize. She was to blame, and she would do everything in her power to diminish his pain and anger. She would get down on her knees if she had to and beg for his forgiveness. If he still despised her and she still loved him, well, that was her cross to bear, wasn't it? She could do this. She could because she still loved him. All she wanted was his happiness. He deserved to be happy.

“I went back and had a little chat with Sesshomaru yesterday afternoon.” Kazuki broke into Kagome's thoughts.

Kagome turned and looked at her colleague. “Oh, what did you talk about?”

“I refuse to have Dr. Watanabe on the research team. His insolent attitude would be detrimental to our work and I told Sesshomaru that.”

Kagome noticed that he was on a first name basis with Sesshomaru, but did not remark on it. What else did they talk about? “That's good.” Kagome was secretly relieved. She didn't like Dr. Watanabe and was glad that they wouldn't have to work with him. There was enough tension as it was without the pompous attitude of the doctor.

“Sesshomaru agreed and is replacing him with an aspiring, young doctor named Dr. Riku Fujita.”

Kagome nodded. “I'm sure we'll meet him today. Did Sesshomaru say when he wants us to start?”

“Yeah, he wants us to come in for the rest of the week to get a feel for things. We officially start on Monday.”

Panic crossed Kagome's face. “Monday? But, we didn't even bring enough clothes to last two weeks, much less two months! What about the lab in Canada? What about our files, all our information —?”

Kazuki gently patted Kagome's knee. “Calm down, Kags. I spoke with Father yesterday. Apparently, he was already aware of what was happening. Sesshomaru had called and briefed him about the meeting.” One corner of his mouth quirked up in a smile. “Father is couriering everything over to us. He's sending my clothes and he's asked Amaya and Mura to pack some of your things as well. All of our research files will be uploaded onto the Takahashi's mainframe by the end of today.”

“But —”

Kazuki smiled ruefully at her. “It's all taken care of. Father is sending our things as we speak, and he'll have someone take care of your place until you return.”

Kagome kept silent, a heavy confession lingering in her heart.

Kazuki felt the unsaid words. “Kagome…?”

At her continued silence, he voiced what his heart did not want to hear. “You're not coming back to Canada, are you?” he asked quietly.

“No,” was her soft reply.

-x-x-x-x-

The car pulled into the complex and Mitsuru quickly opened the door for them, noticing discreetly that the two doctors were studiously avoiding eye contact with one another.

Rini was waiting for the couple as they entered the main lobby. She smiled brightly at Kagome, her eyes asking the woman if she was all right. Kagome noticed the unasked question and smiled back at the weasel youkai.

Rini politely bowed. “Good morning, Dr. Higurashi, Dr. Matsumoto.”

“Please, Miss. Youshida, call us by our first names. We're not so formal in our own laboratory. If we're working here, we would like to be as casual and as comfortable as we were there.” Kazuki smiled at her and Kagome nodded her agreement.

The youkai smiled as she reciprocated the favour. “All right… Kagome, Kazuki. Then please call me Rini. I will give you a tour of the facilities this morning and then we'll meet up with your science team later this afternoon. Mr. Takahashi also requests your presence in his office before you leave. He would like to go over the living arrangements with you.”

Kazuki raised an eyebrow. “Someone of Mr. Takahashi's stature wants to talk to us about living arrangements? Isn't that something he would delegate to someone?”

Rini looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. Perceptive, wasn't he? “Normally he would delegate something so trivial like that to me, but he specifically requested to see you. That was the reason he gave me.” She shrugged and smiled, obviously used to doing as she was told by her boss without question.

“Now, if you have no more questions…?” Rini extended her arm towards one of doors in the lobby. “Please follow me and we can begin the tour”.

“Is Mr. Yash Takahashi in his office?” Kagome hesitantly asked as they followed Rini.

Rini looked at Kagome from the corner of her eye. “He is. Did you wish to speak to him?”

Kagome gulped and nodded. “Yes, if I could…. I would like to see him.”

Giving Kagome a half smile, Kazuki said, “Perhaps Kagome could meet with him once our tour is over.”

Kagome returned a grateful smile, silently thanking him for his support. The slight strain each felt in their friendship dissolved with one look.

Rini smiled approvingly. “I will see if he's available this afternoon.”

Kagome nodded, relieved that she would have the opportunity to see InuYasha before she left. Some of the tension drained from her shoulders as she tried to push the hanyou from her thoughts and concentrated on their tour.

They found themselves in a long corridor with several large picture windows. Rini stopped at one of the windows and explained that this was the historical area of their facilities. Glancing through the window, Kagome noticed several youkai and humans standing around a table studiously studying an object. “What are they looking at?” she asked.

“This group specializes in ancient artifacts that are youkai related. Occasionally, humans will find these artifacts, not realizing their power or potential. An ox youkai ax just came in. It was quite intact and was still humming with youki aura. We were lucky that it ended up here for us to study.”

Hmmm… fascinating, Kagome thought. This facility dabbled in much more than she had first realized.

The rest of the tour consisted of seeing other branches of the establishment, ranging from spiritual departments — where their miko residents were experimenting with barriers — to youkai weaponry, which raised Kazuki's eyebrow as he recalled Mitsuru's hesitant admittance of having military contracts.

Walking through the complex, Kagome noticed that it was artfully decorated with historical paintings. The walls were coloured in hues of caramel and gold. It looked more like a five star hotel than a research facility, Kagome thought.

She peered closely at one of the paintings depicting a Roman Empire scene and noticed the signature at the bottom: S. Takahashi. Her heartbeat quickened as she studied the painting. Could it be? Her thoughts were pulled away as Rini and Kazuki continued down the hall without her. Hurrying after them, she tucked that last thought away to bring out and contemplate when she had the chance.

After two hours of touring the establishment they made their way outside. The adjoining woods were beautiful and lush. Rini explained that part of their employee program was to provide a safe environment for all of their staff. Since their work was often quite strenuous and stressful, the Takahashi Group provided the employees with various means of relaxation.

The extensive pathway system throughout the outside grounds, combined with the flourishing shrubbery and flowers, made for leisurely strolls. They walked past an archery range, which Kagome showed considerable interest in. There was an arena and court area that Rini explained was open for anyone's use, whether for youkai activities such as sword practice or more mundane human activities such as basketball or tennis. Full-length indoor and outdoor pools also graced the grounds.

Kagome amended her original opinion of the place. It wasn't a hotel — it was a private recreation club.

When asked about how many employees the Takahashi Group had, Rini replied that they currently had 642 employees, with over three quarters of them living at the Takahashi apartments. She pointed to the tall glass tower shimmering at the edge of the compound. She further explained that there were many benefits for staff members who opted to reside at the apartments, one being that the complex was only a short walking distance to work. Another reason, and perhaps the most important of all, was that the apartments were under the concealment barrier. Living in the high rise was a precious luxury for those who valued their youkai freedom.

After the trio stopped for a quick lunch in the cafeteria, they headed down to the hanyou science department.

As they walked through the doors, Dr. Nishi approached them with a big smile. “Dr. Matsumoto, Dr. Higurashi, how nice to see you again.” Her pink hoop earrings jingled slightly as she bowed. “And may I present Dr. Riku Fujita. He will be joining our team.”

A young, pleasant faced inu-hanyou joined their group. Bowing, he gave them a shy smile and held out his hand. “Welcome Dr. Matsumoto, Dr. Higurashi. I am delighted to be joining your research project. I have followed all of your past works, and I am so happy to finally meet you.”

Kazuki firmly shook Dr. Fujita's hand. “Since we will be working closely together for the next couple of months, let's dispense with the formalities. I'm Kaz, she's Kagome.”

“Then please call me Fuji,” said Dr. Fujita. “No one ever calls me Riku. Fuji is more fitting, like Mt. Fuji.” He laughed as he patted his slightly rounded belly.

Kagome and Kazuki joined him in his laughter. Kagome liked him immediately. Quick to laugh with an endearing shyness, Fuji was a welcome addition to the team.

The rest of the afternoon passed in relative ease as Rini left Kagome and Kazuki to get acquainted with Sakura and Fuji. The research chairs gave their new team members a brief summary of their work to date. They would wait until all their files were on hand before they got too in depth.

Rini showed up at 4:30 with a request for Kagome to meet with Yash in his office.

“Kagome, would you like me to go with you?” Kazuki offered, a slight frown crossing his face.

“No, Kaz.” Kagome swallowed the lump in her throat. “This is between me and InuYasha.”

Kazuki made as if he was going to argue, but kept silent when he saw the determined glint in Kagome's eyes.

“It'll be okay,” Kagome murmured, not sure if she was reassuring Kazuki or herself as she pivoted and entered the elevator. She gave Kazuki a small smile as the elevator doors closed.

-x-x-x-x-

Yash paced the floor, trying to control his fluctuating emotions. He had just asked Rini to escort Kagome to his office. He kept putting it off all day until finally he decided he'd better just get it over with, for both their sakes. If he didn't, he knew damn well who he would find sitting in his office chair tomorrow morning.

He wanted to wipe the slate clean and start anew. He was resolved and determined to act cordially around Kagome and to keep his emotions in check. He didn't want to embarrass both of them by declaring his undying love for her, and he sure as hell didn't want her to feel any obligation to him.

He strode towards the door and opened it when he heard the tentative knock.

The two stood there staring at each other, Kagome desperately trying to keep the pleading out of her eyes, and Yash praying for strength not to beg for her love. He cleared his throat. “Thank for you meeting with me, Dr. Higurashi,” he said politely. “Please come in.”

He had noticed the interested look his secretary gave them. That was all they needed — more office gossip. Yesterday was bad enough with Sesshomaru having his secretary put out brush fires and squashing rumors all day. Sesshomaru had upbraided him for it and, not so subtlety, reminded him not to let it happen again.

Opening the door wider, Yash silently stepped back as Kagome entered his office.

She stood silently fidgeting as Yash closed the door and stood facing her.

The two looked at each other, conveying with their hearts what they couldn't voice out loud… I'm sorry, forgive me, I still love you … Anyone witnessing the two silently staring at each other could see the hunger and longing lingering in their eyes. Anyone but the two involved. Luckily there were no witnesses; it would have definitely been more fuel for the rumor mill.

“Kag —”

“Inu —”

Both began, both stopped. Both smiled shyly at each other. Yash extended an olive branch, and Kagome gladly accepted it.

Clearing his throat, Yash began again, “Kagome, I'm glad you're here. I wanted to apologize for my behaviour yesterday at the meeting. It was uncalled for and unnecessary.”

Kagome's eyes shone at the sincerely in Yash's voice. “In…. ah… Yash, ah…um, Mr. Takahashi,” Kagome stammered, not quite sure what to call him.

“It's okay, Kagome. I didn't mean what I said yesterday,” about anything, Yash said softly. “InuYasha's fine.” He knew he should have asked her to call him by his modern name, but hearing anything but InuYasha from her lips would have just felt wrong.

“InuYasha,” Kagome gave him a bright smile that melted his heart, “I wanted to apologize too. The last time we saw each other, when I moved away. I never fully explained why I took the job —”

Yash didn't want to re-hash past events. He didn't want to re-open the wounds in his heart. Better stick to neutral territory. “It's okay, Kagome. I saw the reports. You don't need to explain or apologize.” Right, Yash thought, the last time she saw me was before she moved away. She hasn't gone back to the Feudal era yet… His eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to him.

He looked up at Kagome smiling shyly at him, his latest thought flew out of his head as he stared at her clear, brown eyes.

Kagome looked earnestly up at him, her words coming out in a rush, “But I need to tell you how sorry I am, I —”

“I said it's okay. It's in the past. I really don't want to re-live that right now. I don't need to re-live it.” Yash didn't mean for his tone to sound so curt.

Kagome flinched. She didn't mean to bring up the past, but she wanted to explain. She needed to apologize for hurting him; to tell him that it was all her fault and that she was sorry. I have to tell him everything. The first chance I get, I will. He deserves to know the truth. But he doesn't want to talk about it, and they were talking so cordially up to this point. That was a good thing, wasn't it? She didn't want to say or do the wrong thing to upset the unspoken truce between them. Kagome's thoughts were interrupted by Yash delicately clearing his throat.

He winced when he saw her flinch. Damn, he didn't want to screw this up. “I'm sorry, Kagome. I just don't want to talk about that right now, okay?”

Kagome nodded and clasped her hands in front of her, gnawing at her lower lip. “I- I'm so happy to see you here. How…? I- I never thought… I never thought that I would see you again.”

Kagome stared up at the familiar golden eyes that she saw every night in her dreams. She unconsciously flicked out her tongue to wet her lips.

Yash stared mesmerized by the little pink appendage. Taking a deep breath, he forced his eyes away from her mouth. He hardened his resolve and quirked a smile. “Long story short, I survived after 500 years. Sess and I buried the hatchet, so to speak. Got together and built this empire. Not much to tell…” He trailed off as he stared at the way her lips parted. Mentally shaking his head, he walked back to his desk and leaned against it, crossing his arms and ankles as if to ward off the feelings he could feel trying to push their way up to the surface.

“I'm so glad,” Kagome said softly. “You… you look good.” And boy did he ever, with his white cotton sport shirt tucked into a pair of slightly form fitting black pants. Kagome had to mentally remind herself not to ogle him. Her heart constricted at the sight of him. She was so proud of what he had accomplished, her hanyou… No, she scolded herself, he wasn't hers anymore, and that thought made her want to weep. Get a hold of yourself. Don't mess this up. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves as she continued to stare at him. She peered closer at his neck. What was he wearing…was that the …?

Yash noticed the direction of her stare and self-consciously adjusted the rosary peeking out from beneath his shirt. At her surprised look and the questioning raise of her brow, he sheepishly grinned and tried to explain, “I've been wearing this for so long, it just feels natural with it on.” He would not dare tell her the real reason, that it was something he treasured beyond anything else he possessed, simply for the fact that it was hers. It was the only reminder he had of her, and he would forever wear it, but he wasn't going to tell her that.

“Oh.” Kagome couldn't keep the grin off her face. After 500 years, he was still wearing the subjugation necklace. Of course, she had taken the spell off years ago, but the fact that he still wore it… It tugged at her heartstrings. Oh, InuYasha …

She wanted badly, so badly, to cross the chasm between them and wrap her arms around him - to feel his strong arms around her. She wanted to run her hands through his silver mane to see if it was still as soft as she remembered. She wanted, oh so badly, to touch him…

Yash cleared his throat. Damn, he was doing that a lot. He just remembered what he wanted to say. Now, how to say it…

“Umm, how's the research going?”

Kagome smiled. “Well, we haven't exactly started yet. Monday is our first official day.” As she noticed a blush creeping up Yash's face, she quickly continued, “But we did meet Fuji —”

“Fuji?”

“Dr. Fujita, the newest member of our team.” At Yash's blank stare, she couldn't help but grin and tease him, “Dr. Riku Fujita? For the research project? You know, the one that you're supposed to be overseeing?”

Yash mockingly growled as Kagome tried stifling the giggles bubbling up her throat.

“Nice to see you on top of things, InuYasha.” Kagome smiled widely at Yash, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Yash opened his mouth to reply, but the words caught in his throat. He felt a jerk on his heart, a twinge so painful that it took his breath away, as he stared at her smiling up at him. The yearning he felt was so strong, it took all of his will power not to pull her into his arms.

A gentle sigh escaped Kagome's lips and she whispered shakily, “InuYasha? Are you okay?”

His trance broke, and he blinked a couple of times. Smiling apologetically, he straightened up and walked behind his desk. The more distance he could put between them, the better. “Keh, I'm fine. I should let you get back to work, Kagome.” He smiled at her to hide the turmoil he still felt. Thank the kami she wasn't a youkai. She would have heard the rapid thumping of his heart. In fact, it was thundering so loudly in his own ears, he missed the fact that hers was pounding just as strong.

Kagome smiled at him wistfully. “Yes, I'd better go. We still have to meet with Sesshomaru.” She paused. “I still can't believe how he's mellowed.”

Yash smirked. “Who would have thought that stoic bastard had a heart?”

Kagome laughed lightly, the slight tension broken.

It wasn't until she left the room and quietly closed the door that Yash let out the breath he was holding. How the fuck do I keep myself from grabbing her?Yash growled, frustrated as he raked his hand through his hair. Shit, this was going to be harder than I thought.

-x-x-x-x-

Rini escorted them up to Sesshomaru's office at 5:30 for their meeting.

The meeting progressed rather smoothly as Sesshomaru explained that Kazuki and Kagome would room with their science team; Kagome with Sakura and Kazuki with Fuji. This was standard company practice since they would all be working so closely together. It would allow them to get to know one another outside of the office.

Mitsuru already had been informed to move their luggage from their hotel rooms to their respective apartments.

The real reason Sesshomaru wanted to see Kagome was to make sure that she was all right, and he breathed a sigh of relief as she left the meeting. She didn't seem at all tense. She was quick to laugh and was relatively at ease. He knew that she had gone to see Yash earlier. At least the baka did something right, he thought as he watched the young woman enter the elevator.