InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gods' Opinion ❯ Fire and Ice ( Chapter 19 )

The Gods' Opinion

 

Disclaimer: Almost all characters belong to Takahashi Rumiko.

 

Warning: This is a mature story and I mean that in more than this story only containing sexual situations and bad language. It contains adult themes.

 

Summary: Kagome is trying hard to have a baby. But when things don't work out, she visits the best fertility doctor in the world. She finds her feelings and beliefs challenged as she struggles to hold onto her dreams.

 

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Chapter Nineteen Fire and Ice

 

Tomorrow was today. Kagome was in the kitchen, going over the dinner special with the dinner shift chefs. They were to prepare a ginger-garlic soy sauce for a filet mignon stir-fry that Kagome was releasing to an unsuspecting crowd. She was a perfectionist when it came to the meals. The specials were not menu items, so the chefs had little practice with them. Inuyasha would be arriving soon for lunch and everyone needed to be on top of their kitchen duties.

 

“Is this the sauce?” Kagome asked as she dipped her finger into the syrupy substance cooling in a bottle. She stuck her tongue out, tasting the sticky sauce.

 

Shippo bounced over, taking on saucier duties this month. “Yeah, I made it this morning to give it time to get the right consistency.”

 

“It's good. You might want to make some extra. Not only to use it as the stir fry sauce, but as a topping to the crispy rice cakes. Rice cakes can get sorta dry and bland tasting. The sauce will add a little `oomph' to it. You see what I'm saying?”

 

All the chefs nodded as they went through the rest of the list of things they needed to address. The vegetables for the special were stocked up, as well as extra filet mignons were set aside for easy access. Kagome had Polaroid pictures available to them so that the chefs had an idea about how to present the food as well.

 

“Kagome.”

 

Kagome spun around, momentarily losing her bearings inside the kitchen as she searched out for the voice that called her name. “Oh, Rin, there you are. What is it?”

 

“Inuyasha is here. Want me to send him upstairs?”

 

“Yes. Tell him I'll be up there in a minute or two. Maybe three.”

 

Rin left with a devilishly large grin on her face. Everyone was doing a good job so far at keeping Kagome in the dark about the little betting pool on when her and this mysterious and handsome Inuyasha-fellow were going to finally hook up. A calendar was hidden away in the employee room marked the names of those who had placed bets and the day they betted on. Rin had her fingers crossed, hoping she would win the large amount of money in the pool so she could spend it on something special.

 

Kagome finished with the cooks, trying not to rush too much. Now that Inuyasha was here, they could do a trial run of the dinner. Running into her office, Kagome fixed her outfit, tugging down the legs of her form-fitting trousers and checking over her black cotton blouse for any food stains. She fluffed her hair up to make it look like it had some volume to it. The water at the gym wasn't the best for daily showering. Grabbing her papers, she hurried up the stairs and into the bar to find Inuyasha sitting at their usual table.

 

“Hey,” she said, smiling at him as she dropped her work onto the table before sitting down.

 

“Hey,” he replied back, grinning back at her as she took her seat. “Busy?”

 

“Uh, a little. It's Friday, so it'll be a busy night tonight. Can't have anything less than perfect.”

 

“Keh, not possible.”

 

“We try here. But, that's why you're here.” Kagome giggled at the hanyou she had teased. They were at a point in their friendship where they could comfortably tease each other.

 

“It's free, isn't it?”

 

“For you…For me, it's work.” She picked up a computer printout of last week's expenditures and earnings.

 

“Is it always about work with you?”

 

“Sometimes, not all of the time. However, I remember a certain doctor of mine saying about the same thing.”

 

“Feh,” he quickly said, brushing off her comment. He said that six months ago when he had no life. But he was working on changing that, trying to find a hobby he might enjoy.

 

Rin served them the stir-fried filet mignon with crispy rice cake pieces in the sauce Shippo had prepared earlier. Jakotsu paired the dish with a cabernet sauvignon figuring its oaky flavor would bring out the flavor of the mignon. Kagome agreed with his decision but was worried that it wouldn't match the stir-fry sauce. There was only one way to find out.

 

Lunch was quiet, as usual, for the two of them too the time to comfortably eat and work on what they had brought with them. Jakotsu and Rin had fun watching the two look at the other, blush, and then quickly glance back down at their food not wanting to be caught.

 

Inuyasha figured the best time to ask was now, as their lunch was starting to wind down.

 

“Hey, Kagome…”he began so he could get her attention.

 

“Yeah,” she answered not looking up from her paperwork.

 

“Do you…” Nerves. Where were his damn nerves? “Do you ever take time off?”

 

“I do have Sunday and Mondays off, but I usually have meetings on Mondays. And my mom called dibs on Sundays.” Kagome laughed at the idea of having her mother scheduled into her week.

 

“And I thought I was bad.” Now. He had to do it now. “I…I was thinking-“

 

“Kagome.” Rin hollered out from her place by the bar.

 

Goddamn…

 

“Uh, yeah, what is it?” Kagome called back. It seemed that Inuyasha had something to say to her.

 

“You have a phone call.”

 

She was being interrupted because of that. “Take a message.” Kagome sighed. “Wait, did they say who they were?”

 

“Someone by the name of Sakai-san.”

 

“Sakai-san?!” Kagome jumped out of her chair, her eyes wide in panic. “Why didn't you say so sooner?” Kagome started to run toward the stairs, stopped and then skidded back to Inuyasha. “I'll be right back. Please wait here until I return, okay?”

 

“Whatever.”

 

Kagome ran off with Rin right behind her, both girls heading into Kagome's office. “Hello, this is Kagome,” she answered calmly into the phone. “Uh-huh. Oh, are they? Okay. Send the syllabus either by fax or email. Oh, that's fine too. I won't be able to do anything about it until Monday. Is that okay? Great. Yeah, Shippo prepared a batch this morning and will make another one before dinner. We'll let you know. Okay. You have a good day.”

 

Kagome hung up the phone. Standing up, Kagome readjusted her trousers before heading back up to the bar, Rin still following behind her. “Rin, Chef Sakai's assistant will be dropping off a file for me.”

 

“Okay.” Rin reached out and stopped Kagome. “Eh, Kagome…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“When are you going to ask Inuyasha out? It's been like three weeks or something and…It's like…well, he's begging like a dog.”

 

“Rin, that's not nice. He's my friend.”

 

“And…what? You can't date friends? You can't be friends to date?”

 

“Not that, but…You listen to some music from the US, right?” Rin nodded her head not sure where Kagome was going with this, but she'd follow. “There's a line in this song by Alanis Morisette that goes `it's like meeting the man of your dreams, then meeting his beautiful wife'. It's odd how that song was on the radio in the kitchen the other day when I was thinking about him.”

 

“That can't be true.”

 

Kagome shrugged her shoulders. “Well, what can you do, huh?” Kagome give Rin a reassuring smile. “Don't worry about me so much, okay? Ah, I better get back to him before he really makes Jakotsu into a girl.” Rin was too stunned to say anything and could only watch as Kagome hurried away up the stairs, giggling at her own joke.

 

“Sorry.”

 

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders at her appearance. “Keh.”

 

“You were starting to say something…”Kagome sat back down in her chair.

 

“It was nothing.”

 

“Oh, well, my boss called. He's so surreal, and scary.”

 

“Sakai…wait, that Chef Sakai?”

 

“Yeah. He's so….he's really nice, but…he's a master.”

 

Inuyasha was worried there for a moment, quickly jumping to the conclusion that this Sakai-person was of some other relation to Kagome. Now that he knew, he could go through with it. Now. It had to be now.

 

“Kag-“

 

“Kagome!” Rin yelled out again.

 

Inuyasha was at the point where he was going to rip that girl's throat out for all of her dam interruptions. He was ready now, he could do this. Hell, he wanted to do this.

 

“What Rin?”

 

“Delivery truck needs your signature.”

 

“What…” Kagome stood up, wondering what this was all about. “This is…” Kagome stopped as Inuyasha was now standing next to her, his clawed hand wrapped tightly around her upper arm. Kagome glanced down at his hand and then back up to his eyes. “Inu…”

 

“Go out with me. Tomorrow night.”

 

Kagome's eyes went wide only when the words registered correctly in her brain. Was he…no…but…was this real? She turned to face him head on. “But…”

 

Inuyasha pulled his hand away from her feeling utterly defeated. “Fine.” It was stupid of him to think she'd say yes to him in the first place.

 

“But…”she repeated before gulping.

 

“But what?” he snapped at her, angry at himself for…for being stupid, mostly.

 

Kagome relaxed, a smile growing on her delicate face. “Time?”

 

“Huh? The time?” He started to reach into his pocket to fish out his cell phone. Kagome stopped him, her hand lingering on his arm.

 

“Not now. I meant, what time, tomorrow night?”

 

“Oh, uh…six, I guess.”

 

“Six?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“'Kay, six then. You remember how to get to the Shrine?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“I'll be waiting then. Are you…are you heading out now?”

“Yeah, I got some late afternoon appointments.”

“Then I'll see you tomorrow.”

 

“Trying to get rid of me already?”

 

“What? No. Why?”

 

“I”ll walk ya down.”

 

“O-okay,” she said, chuckling at the sudden turn of events in her life. How did this happen? Her mind was overwhelmed with so much stuff, too much. She couldn't even think straight. Inuyasha said his goodbyes and then Rin dragged a dazed Kagome into the kitchen to sign for the delivery. Was this for real?

Somehow, she made it her way back up to the bar to collect her paperwork and head back down to her office, sitting at her desk, but not working. For sure she thought he was involved in a relationship. Something must've happened. If she knew that…well, it was too late now, but not really. He asked her out.

 

He asked her out…on a date.

 

A real date.

 

`Oh my god!' she screamed in her head. That meant clothing, hair, makeup, and…and…She also needed someone to be on duty as an assistant manager tomorrow night. There was so much to do. First things first, she needed to find someone to cover for her tomorrow night or she'd have to cancel.

 

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“Mama!”

 

“Kagome-dear, what is it?”

 

“Skirt, pants or dress?”

 

“I'm not sure, but I may remind you that it's freezing temperatures out there. However you decide to dress, wear a warm coat, and scar, and a hat too.”

 

“Thanks mama, that didn't help me out at all. Ugh! I don't know what to wear. He didn't say anything about where we are going. I mean, what if I over dress, or under dress? And I can't do my hair or pick out my shoes until I know what to wear. Mama.”

 

Kagome, relax. Here, have some tea. I doubt Inuyasha is going to care if you over dress or even under dress. Let's see what you have stuffed in this closet of yours. I would suggest a nice warm color, like purple or burgundy. Or even black with a splash of color.”

 

“Have you been reading my magazines again?”

 

“As hard as it is to imagine, I was fashion-saavy once upon a time.”

 

“Only because the things you wore as a child are back in style.”

 

“Kagome, when did you get this dress?”

“Oh, that. Uh, for the opening of the restaurant. All of the investors, media, chefs, guests, they all came for that.”

 

“Did you wear that plum-colored dress for that?”

 

“Yeah. Ayame suggested it since it matched the décor of the restaurant without blending in. Her and her color coding.”

 

“Then you can war this. And I'm sure I can safely assume you already have the shoes to match.”

“I do, but… I don't know.”

 

“What's wrong?”

 

“It's so…sparkly. It might be too much.”

 

“Nonsense. You put this one now. It's almost 5:30.”

 

“I'm supposed to be late. It's a rule or something.”

“Somehow I get the impression that Inuyasha isn't too keen on tardiness. I'll be downstairs if you need me.”

 

“Thanks mama.”

 

Kagome held up the teal colored dress, admiring it for a moment before laying it out on the bed. She had to do the rest of her makeup and hair. Time was running out and without her female entourage to fuss over her hair, she did the simple task of just putting it up in rollers as she dabbed on some teal eye shadow and mascara. Digging through her jewelry box, she pulled out the earrings and bracelet she purchased to go along with the dress. She quickly yanked the rollers out, ran her fingers through the soft curls and finished it with a quick spritz of hairspray.

 

Mama Higurashi hummed quietly to herself as she tossed a few logs onto the fire to keep the living room toasty warm for an evening alone while Kagome went out on her date. She was glad, and even relieved, that Kagome was re-entering the dating scene. It wouldn't be fair to Kagome to be all-consumed by that restaurant and not get a chance at other aspects of life. And with Inuyasha.

 

She would admit that she liked Inuyasha right away. He had this way with Kagome that no other male had. And though he was dominate and a bit rude, he cared too, as she remembered how he somehow got her into his vehicle without too much of a hassle. But there was something else about him, though she just couldn't figure out exactly what that was.

 

Knock knock

 

“Coming,” she sang out, quickly making her way to the door as she didn't want him to wait too long in the frigid air. She popped open the door and moved aside to let her guest inside. “Hurry,” she uttered, not wanting the icy draft inside the home. “How are you Inuyasha?”

 

“Fine,” he said as he shook off the bit of cold he had.

 

“It's been a while, but you look just wonderful. Kagome will be down in a minute. I think she intends to make this date official by being late.”

 

“Better not. I'll march up there and drag her ass down.”

 

Mama Higurashi chuckled. “I know and I told her that. How is work?”

“Good. We're adding a nutrition wing to the clinic because of some reports that've come out in some journals connecting weight with conception.”

 

“Sounds like something you and Kagome can talk about during dinner. She still keeps up with that, wanting the food at the restaurant to be as healthy as it can be.”

 

“Thanks.”

“Do you have reservations somewhere?”

 

“Kinda.”

 

“Well, let's get her down here then. She's probably just up there pacing.” Mama Higurashi hurried over to the bottom of the stairs, looking up. “Kagome, your date is here.”

 

“Give…me…a second. Could you find my coat?”

 

“The wool one?”

 

“Yeah, the warm one.”

 

Mama Higurashi made her way over to the closet by the door, searching for Kagome's nice wool jacket and slipping it carefully off of the hanger. Closing the closet door, Mama Higurashi made her way over to Inuyasha, handing him the coat. “I'll be in the kitchen. Have a good time tonight.” She quickly left alone a slightly stunned Inuyasha as he waited for Kagome.

 

His nose caught her coming down the stairs before he could even see her. Closing his eyes, he deeply inhaled her scent, trying to find a name for it. It was really the essence of Kagome, but the scent held promises, and dreams. That's what it….that's what he'd call her distinct smell…his garden of dreams. He could picture a meadow of flowing bergamot trees, lilies and rose with Kagome sitting in the middle in the soft green grass.

 

Opening his eyes allowed him his first glimpse at her. Wow, his human side whispered out. His demon side whistled. Her tiny feet were cradled in teal heels that laced up her smooth, muscular ankles. On the back of the heels were tiny bows bouncing with each step down the stairs. And then her dress…he was stunned.

 

The skirt had what looked like to be feathers, no, not feathers, but more like petals, or strips of leaves. With every step, the petals would part, exposing more leg. Oh…her legs…The fantasies he had about those legs. As she descended further down the stairs, the rest of the dress was revealed to him. A v-neck halter hugged her breasts in a silky teal top spotted with tiny reflective black beads. Lastly, he could see that she left her hair down.

 

Good, he thought, because if it was up, I'd make her take it down.

 

Taking her final step off the bottom stair, Kagome fluffed out the bottom of the dress before looking up to find a gawking hanyou standing near the door.

 

Blushing, she looked away, pretending to fix something else with her dress. Turning her head ever so slightly, she peeked at him to check out his clothing. It wasn't much of a change from his work attire, black loafers with loose fitting black slacks. But really grabbed her attention was his shirt. It was this rich, deep eggplant color that made his amber eyes ferociously glow like two tiny suns. She was completely enchanted by them.

 

“Hey,” he croaked out when he finally made it back to reality.

 

“Hi,” she replied, blushing as her eyes glanced down to the floor.

 

“You look…” There was no word.

 

“Is it too much?” She quickly questioned as her mind was already thinking she was overdressed. “I-I-I can go and change…”

 

“No,” he said sternly as he took a couple of steps towards her. “No,” he softly repeated. “It's perfect. You look perfect.”

 

“Really?” she breathed out, smiling. She examined her dress over once again, just in case.

 

“Keh,” he mumbled as he walked over to her. “Ready?”

 

“I think so.” She lifted up her hand, checking the contents of the teal clutch for all necessary items: ID card, money, keys, cell phone, lip gloss and mints. Yep, all there. “Yeah, I am.”

 

He held up her coat and helped her slip into it. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him, causing him to blush and to release a whispered `keh' to hide that blush. Kagome buttoned up the thick material all the way up to her neck. Reaching into her pockets, she pulled out the black leather gloves and slipped them on.

 

“Okay mama, we're leaving,” she yelled to wherever her mother decided to hide.

 

“All right. I'll leave the porch light on. You two go out and have fun.”

 

“Okay.” Kagome yelled back. She turned to Inuyasha and said, “Let's go.”

 

Inuyasha nodded. He placed his hand on the small of her back, adding a small amount of pressure to get her to walk forward. As soon as they got to the door, he did the gentleman-like act and opened it up for her, quickly rushing her out so he could close it right behind him. Mama Higurashi worked hard to keep that place warm.

 

Outside, he wrapped an arm around her petite waist to steady her as she walked on the cobbled ground in high heels. Normally he would rag on her about choosing to wear useless heels, but how could he complain when he was able to hold her like this, so close.

 

They headed toward the steps quietly as they huffed visible puffs of clouds into the night. Inuyasha stopped, halting Kagome's progress forward. She looked up at him, confused as to why he stopped.

 

“Inu-“ she started to say, but was immediately silenced as his lips brushed along hers. Her eyes went wide at the sudden and shocking act. Inuyasha pulled her up flush against his body, wrapping an arm around her waist locking her against him and his other hand snaking up her back, his clawed hand digging in the curly mass of her hair.

 

Kagome sucked in the cool air that existed between the tiny gap of their lips. She closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath panting onto her lips, sending shivers of warmth coursing along her skin. She hugged her arms around him, seeking more warmth, more contact with his body. He froze her and warmed her at the same time.

 

Inuyasha wanted a better taste as the brushing of his lips across her soft ones was nothing more than a teasing appetizer. He leaned in again, quickly filling in the gap and pressing his lips against hers. They were soft, moist and tasted so sweet. More, he wanted to taste more. He timidly slipped his tongue out, running it over her lips, tasting more of her and her fruity lip gloss, begging for another taste, another tease.

 

Kagome didn't know what to do. She didn't know exactly…but she did. She'd seen kisses like this in the movies all of the time. She was scared though, or nervous. Nope, she was both. What if she wasn't good enough? It didn't help that her heart was racing and that her stomach decided to try out for gymnastics. Just do it, she commanded herself. She liked him, so, this was something she could do.

 

She slowly parted her lips, granting him access to her first open-mouth kiss. He dipped his tongue into her mouth, almost moaning at this taste of her. There was no battle for dominance, just more of a gentle exploration of her mouth. It was good, and just so soft. His mind and his sense imprinted her taste, her scent as he gently kissed her moist lips. The kiss ignited something in Kagome she had never felt before. It was new and exciting and it made her curious. She wanted to explore it, to see where this fire would lead her.

 

The feel of his hands in her hair, the way he took control gave her some comfort that she was maybe doing something right. Her hands clutched tightly onto his leather jacket as the fire burned away her ability to stand up straight and think coherently. It wasn't a vigorous kiss, but it held the same amount of intensity as well as promise. That perhaps maybe, maybe this was what it was supposed to be like after all.

 

Reluctantly, he pulled away before opening his eyes to look at her. Her kiss was dangerous and he was afraid of losing control. An intoxicated hanyou would not make for a good dinner date, not right now.

 

Did she accept my kiss?

 

Kagome opened her eyes, the stormy eyes fogged over from the experience, to look at him, her mouth still parted from the kiss as she panted to regain the breath he stole from her. Her eyes searched his, searched for a reason. But did he really need one?

 

“I wanted to do that the moment I first saw you,” he confessed. It was so out of character for him to be so open with anyone, but Kagome wasn't just anyone. She was different. “But, if I totally fuck up this date, at least I get something out of it.” He pulled away some more, releasing his hand from her curly net of hair and brushed his hand gently across her blushing cheek.

 

Her lips turned upward in a smile. “Really?” The first part was kinda sweet, the second part, well, that was just Inuyasha. And though she didn't know him as well as Sango or Miroku, she was comforted by the fact that he wasn't going to change anything about him for her.

 

“Keh, we better go.” He rushed her along to avoid confirming what he accidentally confessed. They went slowly and carefully down the steps as ice clung to the tiny imperfections of the smooth stone. Though he wouldn't mind catching her if she did slip.

 

Kagome froze in her tracks as they made it to the bottom of the stone steps. “Is that…”

 

“You don't like cars,” he casually replied back to her unfinished question.

 

“But that's…” She forced herself to blink a couple of times, wondering if the could create mirages like the heat could. “That's a…”and when she found the right words, she blurted them out. “That's a carriage with a horse.”

 

“Yeah, now get in before his balls freeze off.”

 

The driver of the carriage turned slightly to acknowledge the couple. “It's a mare.”

 

“What?”

 

“I said it's a mare sir. A female.”

 

Inuyasha just smirked. “I wasn't talking about the horse.”

 

“Right sir.”

 

“Get your ass in there so we can eat.” He took a hold of Kagome's arm and helped her up inside the plush red velvet interior of the carriage. He joined her on the thick seat, pulling the blanket so that it covered both of them up. Once they were comfortably seated, the driver snapped the reins and the horse took off in a smooth trot.

 

“There is warm coffee and tea if you wish,” the elderly male driver calmly spoke as the Clydesdale horse snorted as she headed down the frozen and empty streets.

 

“Want anything?”

 

“Tea would be nice.”

 

Inuyasha nodded at her request, reaching over across from where they sat. There were two thermoses, one labeled `ocha' and the other labeled `koohii'. Plucking up two cups, he filled them up and brought both of them to the seat before handing one to Kagome.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“Keh.”

 

She chuckled at his dismissal of her gratitude. “Inuyasha,” she began, cradling the cup of warm liquid in both her hands, “this is so…thoughtful.”

 

“Thoughtful? Is that all you have to say?”

 

“I didn't think you'd remember my little fear of cars. I've gotten a lot better at handling it. My friend Eri dated this guy who was some motorhead. It was all about fast cars. Nice looking and very expensive fast cars. He let Eri drive one of his masterpieces and insisted on driving me around in it. I convinced myself that if I kept my eyes closed, it would feel like an amusement ride.”

 

“Is this the same Eri who fucks around with a different male every month?”

 

“I see Sango told you about her. Apparently, she had an interest in you at my graduation party.” Inuyasha stuck his tongue out at that disgusting idea. Some guys liked easy, well-used women. Inuyasha's nose couldn't handle it. “Sango protected you from her. Anyhoo…this is really nice.”

 

“Don't think it'll happen again.”

 

“I don't expect it. I'm okay with taxis, or…even you driving.”

 

“You'll stay on the far side. You've got claws.”

 

“I'm sorry.” She rolled her eyes at him as she chuckled. “So, where are we going?”

 

“Surprise.”

 

“A surprise? Can you give me a hint at least?”

 

“No.”

 

“Please?” she pouted, batting her eyelashes at him.

 

“No. Knock it off. You'll see when we get there.”

 

Kagome leaned back into her seat, crossing her arms across her chest. “You're no fun.”

 

“No, it's just that I'm sure you know the name of every single restaurant in the city. Wouldn't be fair for me.”

 

“Eh, maybe you're right. But really, I don't know all of them. I've still got some time left to visit each and every one. I guess there is a chance that you found a restaurant I haven't eaten at yet.” Kagome took a sip of her tea and shivered from the now slushy drink.

 

Inuyasha felt her shiver and instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, puller her closer to him. “Better?”

 

“Y-yeah, much.” Now she had another reason to shiver. She wiggled up against him, seeking out more of his warmth. He really had all of this planned out.

 

The rest of the ride was carried out in a comfortable silence with Kagome snuggled up against him when the carriage finally came to a gentle halt.

 

“We've arrived Doctor Takahashi.”

 

He didn't want to be there yet. “Let's go. I'm hungry.” Inuyasha pulled the blanket away and took her hand, pulling her up out of the seat and helping her out of the carriage, down the single step and onto the sidewalk.

 

“What about the…”

 

“Don't worry so much about it.” He tugged on her arm, pulling her away from the horse and into the restaurant.

 

The restaurant was a tiny, `blink-and-you'll-miss-it' building sandwiched between two shops that were closed at this time of night. Two red lanterns hanging from the corners of the awning lit the entrance into the miniscule place. Kagome searched around for a name to this place, but Inuyasha was eager to get inside, tugging her along so she was unable to learn anything about this place from the outside.

 

Inside was warm and cozy and simple, with handmade wooden tables and chairs stained and worn from decades of use. Immediately, Kagome felt extremely self-conscious in her over-priced, designer label dress.

 

“Inuyasha…”she whispered, feeling like she needed to leave immediately.

 

“Ah, Inuyasha, right on time,” an elderly man said, grinning as he hobbled from the back of the restaurant. “This way, this way. I have the best table reserved just for you.”

 

Inuyasha nudged Kagome forward, following the old man towards the back of the restaurant where a table was prepared from them. The old man pulled out a chair for Kagome. “For you, beautiful lady.”

 

“Oi, hands off you old pervert.”

 

The old man chuckled. “I didn't mean anything by it.” He wandered off to the back of the restaurant, disappearing underneath dark blue panels of material.

 

“He's just trying to be polite,” Kagome said as she unbuttoned her jacket.

 

Inuyasha walked over to her and slid the jacket off of her shoulders and down her arms, her bare back completely exposed by the cut of the dress. Now there was a part of her he'd never seen before. He draped her jacket over the back of her chair and grunted at her to get her to sit down. Once she was seated, he sat down in the chair across from her.

 

“Can I ask?” Kagome started, leaning towards the hanyou.

 

“Ask what?”

 

“About this place?”

 

“I `spose so…”he grumbled slightly embarrassed. He really didn't know why he was embarrassed. “But the old man will just answer it for you.”

 

“Okay, then we can talk about something else. Uh…let's see…you left lunch earlier than usual yesterday, everything okay at work?”

 

Guess he didn't have to start that conversation. “Keh, it's fine. Had a special board meeting to go to about hiring some nutritionists and dietitians at our clinic.”

 

“Eh, really?”

 

“Yeah, a series of studies concluded that fat people have a harder time conceiving…blah, blah, blah. And fat pregnant women have a difficult pregnancy which can cause stress on the fetus and some other junk. Miroku babbled on about that for forty-five mintues….”

 

“That's a great idea,” Kagome beamed, ideas already swirling around in her brain. “You could provide menus that could help them lose weight while making sure they are obtaining the proper nutrients.”

 

Inuyasha watched as she became more alive and animated as she talked. He couldn't help but closely watch her as she chatted on and on about minerals and vitamins. Where was that old fart at?

 

“Here, some chrysanthemum tea to keep you toasty warm.” The old man set down two tea cups with a chrysanthemum bud planted at the bottom of each cup. Picking up the ceramic kettle, he poured the scalding water into Kagome's cup first, grinning as he watched Kagome's go wide from the bud blooming in the water. Kagome picked up the cup, examining its contents as the old man took care of Inuyasha.

 

“I've heard about this, but I've never seen it before. It's beautiful.”

 

The old man chuckled. “Why thank you pretty lady. However, I can't take all of the credit for it.” The old man peeked at a blushing Inuyasha. The hanyou picked up the tea and took a sip to avoid saying anything about it. “Anything you see listed on the wall is available for you to feast upon.”

 

“Just surprise us with something. I'm hungry.”

 

“Right,” the old man replied, scowling at Inuyasha before hurrying back into the kitchen.

 

Kagome took another sip of the blossomed tea as if she were drinking its nectar herself. “And exercise.”

 

“What?”

“Exercise. You need to recommend exercise as well. It's simple. We gain weight because we don't burn off the extra calories we consume.”

 

“No.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“I'm not opening my gym to my fuckin' patients. I was forced to open it to my shitty employees.”

 

Kagome sighed, shaking her head. One good thing about spending those lunches with Inuyasha was that she grew accustomed to his speech mannerisms. She didn't have any problems with his cussing as sometimes her friends' language was much cruder and they were girls. Ayame and Eri were lingual forces to be reckoned with.

 

“I'm not asking you to open up your precious gym to them. Any local gym would jump at a chance for some sponsorship. It's how we're able to afford all of the nice dinner and flatware at the restaurant.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“We're able to purchase our goods at a discount rate and then we advertise for them. They're on the website, listed on the back of the menu and then when they do things with their products, they can say things like `as seen at KenSen' and so on. You could do the same with a chain of gyms, something modern and easily accessible to your patients.

 

“You thought this all up now?”

 

“I've learned to think more like a business person these last few months. It's what a restaurant is after all. It's somewhat personal and important to me, but then there are those aspects to it.”

 

“Like the clinic.”

 

“Yeah. You know what I mean. And exercising has more benefits for pregnant women than just slimming down, but it makes it easier for them to carry the child, makes labor easier and-“

 

“Kagome.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“We…you don't have to keep talking about this.” He never really thought about that, about how much talking about his job could be hurting her.

 

“It's okay. I…I've…I just figure it's the gods' way of telling me that Hojo and I…well, we weren't meant to be. I loved him, but…it wasn't the love I was searching for, the kind I think I need. I've just traded one dream for another.”

 

“Did Sango help you figure that out?”

 

“Yes and no. She was the one that had a better idea of my situation. It took a lot of dinners and drinks to get my friends to see where I was coming from. None of them could believe it at first. So we talked, ate, cried, drank and in the end, we all understood each other.”

 

“This isn't some she-woman male haters club now, is it?”

 

“No, no. Not all men are evil. It's just that I have no regrets about what happened and what I did. There's the here and now to worry about and not the past.”

 

“The here and now, eh?” He liked the sound of that. Dwelling on the past for too long and you could get stuck. Kagome, single and sexy was his here and now. “Oi, old man, how about some beer?”

 

“He's cooking Inuyasha. This food you're so desperately hungry for.”

 

“Keh, you're right. Wait here.” Kagome watched as Inuyasha stood up and strolled into the kitchen. It was becoming very obvious that this `old man' and Inuyasha were very close. Entering the kitchen of a stranger to serve yourself was a carnal sin in the restaurant business. “Here,” he mumbled plopping down a chilled glass and a bottle of domestic beer.

 

“Thanks.” She poured some of the amber ale into her glass. “How long have you been coming here?”

 

“Dunno. Since I was little. The old man was a friend of my pop's. He always made sure I was fed.”

 

“Ever thought about asking him to run your cafeteria?”

 

“That's a great idea. Oi, you hear that old man? Leave this dump and work at my place for me.”

 

“Can he hear you?”

 

“Old man's hearing is fuckin' sharp even thought he's older than dirt.”

 

“He's a youkai…right?”

 

“Fed my pop too.”

 

“Does he know about all of the pretty girls that visit your clinic?”

 

“I do now,” the old man said, grinning with an almost toothy smile carrying an assortment of plates with food on a chunk of wood he used as a tray.

 

“It's about fuckin' time. What were you doing there old man, re-inventing fire?”

The old man smacked Inuyasha on the top of his head, missing his ears. “Quiet ya whelp. Or do you not want to eat?” Inuyasha grumbled as he rubbed the part of his head where he was struck. “All my best for you pretty lady.”

 

“You didn't…” And she froze as he laid out plates with samples of all different types of food, like a buffet instead of a single, coherent meal. Some of the dishes she recognized and others were new to her. Looking up, a giant bowl of something that appeared to be a soup was set down in front of Inuyasha.

 

“Enjoy.” The old man bowed, took a few steps away from the table and then quickly disappeared, leaving Inuyasha and Kagome alone to eat.

 

“What do you have?” Kagome inquired, leaning over as far as she could to get a peek inside the deep black pot, her chopsticks clicking in anticipation.

 

“Oi, stay away. You've got your own damn food to eat.”

 

“I just want to know what you're eating. Sheesh. I'm not going to eat it and I know you wouldn't let me. I'm quite aware of how hungry you claim to be.”

 

“Keh. It's Chanko Nabe.”

 

“Really? You can eat that?”

 

“Youkai metabolism.”

 

“Right.” Sometimes she forgot that he was hanyou. Sure, he had those ears, the ones she so desperately wanted to fondle, but she was so comfortable around him that exactly what he was just slipped her mind. “Itadakimasu,” she sang out ready to eat.

 

Kagome greedily eyed the succulent pieces in front of her. It was so hard to choose which one to start with. That. She would start with the tiny pile of dark pink cubes with the brown liquid sauce coating it. Closing her eyes, she dropped the squishy cube into her mouth and tasted it before actually eating it. “Oh…”she squealed at its taste. “Mmmm.” She popped the two remaining chunks of what she guessed to be maguro butsu into her mouth.

 

Inuyasha quietly ate his hodgepodge of food, watching Kagome as she delightfully ate her food. He'd warned the old man earlier about Kagome and her love of good food. Sure, he could've taken her to some fancy-schmancy restaurant, but the old man's food was just as good, maybe even better. Plus, he wanted her to experience something that was important to him.

 

Kagome didn't say much, only some squeals and moans as she ate the variety of food the old man prepared for her. The old man knew his Japanese cuisine inside out. She feasted upon sabatatsuta-agge to nigiri-zushi and even furo fuku daikon. After eating the furo fuki daikon she was struck with some creative inspiration and decided that tomorrow, she'd try making a variety of this dish.

 

Before the food was completely finished, Inuyasha found some random pieces of Kagome's food to snatch away before the old man returned to clear away the dishes and refill their tea cups. Also placed in front of them was a small plate with a scoop of green ice cream and a bright orange cube-shaped piece of cake.

 

Kagome looked up at the old man, her eyes asking him about the dessert. He smiled at her eagerness to understand food. “Matcha ice cream, secret family recipe and kabocha squash cake.”

 

“It was excellent. All of it.”

 

“At least someone here knows how to make a compliment,” the old man grumbled. Inuyasha remained unphased by the old man's attempt to make a big deal out of nothing. “I'm glad you enjoyed yourself pretty lady. Remember to come and visit again.”

 

“We can trade recipes.” The old man just chuckled as he took away the mess into the kitchen.

 

Once dessert was finished, they said their goodbyes to the old man before bundling up in their coats so they could tackle the frigid temperatures. Kagome was surprised to see the horse carriage, the same horse carriage waiting for them. Inuyasha didn't give her a chance to make any comments about it as he hurried her into the carriage so they could make the trip back to the Shrine.

 

Immediately, he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close so he could keep her warm throughout the entire ride. Nor did she say anything to the contrary, instead snuggling closer, and both releasing a very content sigh. Due to the warmth of the carriage, the driver took and different and longer route back to the Shrine. He couldn't help himself, this couple looked like they weren't ready for the date to end just yet.

 

Inuyasha had a lot of questions to ask her regarding the pregnancy, why she left Hojo or who was the man that helped her move out. That one had rotted his brain for months, parading around images and ideas that ruined a lot of pillows and walls. The contractor hired to repair those walls didn't complain.

 

Kagome didn't let her mind idle either. She wondered about Inuyasha and when he and that mysterious babe broke up. That girl was beautiful. Like any curious girl, she speculated about their relationship, their breakup and how long ago that breakup was. Kagome didn't want to be the rebound girl. Eri was a rebound girl and she was good at it because she didn't form emotional attachments. Kagome didn't want to be used like that, she couldn't make it out whole.

 

It was easier to ignore those plaguing doubts for now so she could try to enjoy her time with Inuyasha. So far it was great. Nothing to complain about. She didn't know if he had anything else planned for the evening. The horse carriage was beyond anything she had expected from the hanyou. It was so sweet. It could've been the whole date itself. And dinner…she was definitely going to go to that place again.

 

The carriage came to a slow stop abruptly letting the riders know that they had arrived at their destination: the Shrine. Both let out disappointed sighs as the end of the night was right before them. Inuyasha was the one that reluctantly moved first, pulling the blanket away from their bodies. Even Inuyasha shivered from the lack of warmth as he stood up, bringing Kagome up with him.

 

He helped her down the single step and then with an arm wrapped around her, they made their way up the steps to the Shrine. Kagome was regretting wearing such a skimpy dress. If she'd know that he wasn't taking her with a specific dress code, she'd have dressed more sensible, like in nice slacks and a pretty sweater. It was too late now as they finally made it up the steps and were making their way toward the main house.

 

Inuyasha stopped, pulling himself away as Kagome took a step toward the door, away from him, before turning around to face him. “Thank you,” she began, smiling softly at the handsome hanyou, “I had such a great time.”

 

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, it was…wow. I could go on and on about it, but-“

 

“But, it's fuckin' cold out here.”

 

“I guess you're right.” Kagome smiled at him before looking up at him with a examining look. “Uh…you have something stuck in your hair.”

 

“What?”

 

“Here, I'll get it for you.” Kagome took that step forward, closing up whatever distance there was between them, reaching up towards his bangs. Inuyasha closed his eyes, relishing her scent and trying to keep his youkai at bay. Instincts didn't always like dating. Kagome took the change to lightly pinch his ear, rubbing the appendage between her fingers. Her lips touch his and a new warmth spread through her body from the contact. This kiss was soft and sweet, nothing like what he had given her earlier. She pulled away, smiling at him as she stepped up the door. “Goodnight, Inuyasha.”

 

Inuyasha opened his eyes, blushing from the gentle kiss and the gentle touch. “Night.” He watched as she slipped inside, trying to keep the door closed as much as possible to keep the warmth inside. Once he'd heard the click of the locks, he turned and bounded down the stairs with a renewed energy.

 

The horse carriage was already gone, leaving as soon as the couple had disappeared up the stairs. Rounding the corner, he found his truck right where he had parked it. Starting it up, he let the engine grumble some as it heated up before taking off and heading home. She was sneaky with the way she kissed him, or more precisely, the way she fondled his ear. He was going to have to ask her how long she had felt the urge to touch them. He'd have fun teasing her about that.

 

xxxxx-----xxx-----xxxxx

roshully's note: So, so, so sorry about the delay. I was extremely tired that when I got home both Thursday and Friday night, I fell asleep right away. Also, after I got this typed out, there was some stuff that I felt I needed to add to make it better, so I did that. I'd rather give you something good then something rushed just to make my self-imposed deadline.

 

Even though the medical stuff is kinda over with, there are still some things to explain, the food they ate at the restaurant.

 

Chanko Nabe - a hot pot called Sumo wrestler's hot pot that is normally eaten after their morning exercise. It has fish and chicken and tofu in it as well as other things.

 

Furo fuki daikon - Daikon is a type of radish that is extremely popular in Japan. In this dish, the daikon is cooked slowly and served with a tangy miso sauce.

 

Maguro butsu - cubed and marinated raw tuna. The marinate is made from a mixture of soy sauce and wasabi.

 

Nigiri zushi - hand-molded fingers of vinegared rice with slices of raw fish on top. One of several types of sushi.

 

Matcha ice cream - matcha is the powdered form of green tea. So, basically this is green tea ice cream. It is made by mixing the matcha powder with vanilla ice cream.

 

Kabocha squash cake - a cake made with the kabocha variety of squash.

 

I was asked about the food Kagome eats in her restaurant. Here is this chapter's recipe:

 

Garlic-Ginger-Soy Syrup

3 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons minced ginger

1 bunch scallions, sliced

1 cup naturally brewed soy sauce

1 cup honey

Juice of 2 large limes

Grapeseed or canola oil for cooking

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

In a saucepan over medium heat coated lightly with oil, combine garlic, ginger and scallions and season very lightly with salt and pepper. Sweat until softened, about 3 minutes. Deglaze with naturally brewed soy sauce and add honey and lime juice. Bring to a simmer and let mixture reduce about 30% to 40% to a syrup consistency, about 10 to 15 minutes. To check consistency, use a cool dish, draw a line of syrup on dish, and hold vertically. If line holds with a few drips, that's a syrup consistency. Allow to cool. You can then transfer to a sterile, wide-mouth jar, and store in the refrigerator.

 

Stir-Fried Filet Mignon with Rice Cakes

1 pound filet mignon, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Garlic-Ginger-Soy Syrup, divided

1 package sizzling rice cakes

5 stalks of green asparagus, bias-cut into 1-inch lengths

1 small red or green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch dice

1 small white onion, cut into 1-inch dice

Grapeseed or canola oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Prepare a fryer or stockpot filled 1/3 full with oil and heat to 400°F.

In a large bowl, combine beef and 2 tablespoons Garlic-Ginger-Soy Syrup. Stir to coat thoroughly and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Meanwhile, when oil is hot, gently place rice cakes into oil and fry until puffed, about 30 seconds, turning halfway through cooking. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.

Heat a large sauté pan lightly coated with oil over high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry briefly, just until meat is seared on all sides, about 2 minutes. (You will be cooking the meat a second time.) Remove beef to a dish.

Lightly coat the same pan with oil over high heat. Add asparagus and cook for about 30 seconds, then add remaining Garlic-Ginger-Soy Syrup, pepper and onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute, coating vegetables with syrup. Check flavor and season, if necessary. Add beef and stir-fry for about 2 minutes more, until vegetables are tender-crisp and beef is cooked but still medium-rare in center.

To serve, arrange sizzling rice cakes on platter and top with filet mignon stir-fry.

I won't guarantee a Friday update since I don't know how awake or tired I will be this week. But that doesn't mean I won't try. If you want to be kept somewhat up to date about what's going on with this fic, check out my livejournal account. I try to update that when possible.

And now for the replies:

sweetkijo - The Fates work in mysterious ways. Yeah, they are back in each other's lives, as friends. I am disappointed with the way I wrote their first kiss. But I didn't want it to be super explosive just because both were so unsure about it. Yeah, the spark is there, but, when everything is right, I think it'll be the explosive one you want. Guys get blue balls all of the time. They can take care of themselves. I will try to take care of myself better now that I think I have a set schedule from now on. Also, I will be home this weekend and not going out of town, so after doing some chores I'll be able to concentrate on the story.

Sassa - Yeah, it was a bit of a stalemate. They didn't want to ruin what was there afraid of losing it all together. Oh, The Girl's are still around. They'll be making an appearance shortly. Next chapter I think. I haven't looked at it since I've been working on this chapter. But yeah, they will be summoned. I think everyone has a misconception of reality. I think a little misconception helps us to deal with reality, because to be honest, reality is really messed up. The thought of children is ever presence in Kagome's mind. That is the premise of the story. But, sometimes we have to take a break from it. Hard to plant a seed without dirt and water and sunshine. I think before Kagome can really start thinking about children again, she needs to make sure her fears are addressed and she's fully comfortable with the one she ends up with. Still, there is that little infertility problem of hers. We all want to wish the best for someone as much as you want to wish the best for your friend. More pregnancy info in this chapter as well. Yet, we'll blur the lines of reality a little to make things appear to be okay. Kagome says that she's accepted the fact that maybe children aren't what the gods' had planned for her, but she can still dream.

Inusbabe - Yeah, days turned to weeks. I didn't really want to go into mindless chatter between the two. Not that Inuyasha actually talks much. Basically, it was a lot of talking on Kagome's part, especially about the restaurant. That's a neutral topic she can talk about. The whole pregnancy/engagement thing is still off limits, for now. Plus, they are both friends with Miroku and Sango, and they can talk about them. She will find out that the whole idea of Inuyasha having a girlfriend was just her reading the situation wrong in due time. Right now, she's busy. And yes, I know I promised you a human night. It'll be coming up. I kinda have an idea of where I want it within the context of the story, so, please just hang tight. I haven't forgotten about it. Yeah, more little chapters before getting into the good stuff. All important, just not as filling I guess.

 

InusGurl4 - You vibrate, eh? Someone could take advantage of that. I won't apologize for my dirty mind, but…whatever. I hope this calmed your `vibrations' or perhaps revved it up.

Autumn_the_Reviewer - I will get you a copy of the recipe of the lamb rolls next chapter. I'll have to dig it back out again. Which reminds me, I've got to clean my recipe drawer out and organize it. Since writing this story, I've made a mess of that thing. As per your request, I've added the recipe for this chapter's dinner for you above. I'm not sure if people just scroll down to their names after the chapter is finished. Though I did have to explain some things. If you are interested in recipes for the Japanese food mentioned as well, I can do that. I was thinking of doing something different for a date as well. I think that this first one was good, plus Inu did a something a little different to let Kagome know that he was really paying attention to her, even if she doesn't think so. I love putt-putt and go-karting and bowling. Fun dates. Thanks.

adara205 - There are plenty of good stories out there. But you're right. You kinda have to sift through a bunch of bad ones to find them. I'm glad that you don't consider this story one of those bad ones. I should knock on wood for that comment. Thanks for your review.

cwillia - I love doing the happy dance. I like doing the Hokey Pokey too. Sesshoumaru is weird. Sometimes I can't figure the taiyoukai out. Oh well. That's just him. I like the animal planet too when I get to watch it. I don't have cable in my apartment, so I have to bum channels off from work. They have a TV in the breakroom, though we end up watching either VH1, the news or the Discovery channel. I love the Discovery channel. Rin presents herself as a challenge to Sesshoumaru just because she's so different. She doesn't say what she thinks directly to the person, but she voices it and he hears it. Sesshoumaru is used to women being either completely passive or they try to be dominate and with Rin, he can't tell which she is. Oh, what's in the fridge? I'm thinking of getting a fudgsicle to eat on my way to the bus stop.

violet blossom - I think I forgot to thank you for seconding my story so I'm doing it now before I forget again. Thank you so much. I never expected it. Really. I'm not sorry I left you hanging, it just happened that way. A real set up for this chapter which I hope satiated your need to know. But it's not over with yet…

Togu - There, he asked her out. Am I a Rin/Sess fan? Yes and no. They do have a certain connection and the manga really makes a point out of it. Whether they end up as a couple or as just friends or whatever I don't know. And I'm not really going to focus on it too much because I have other things to focus on, like Inuyasha and Kagome. What type of fan are you?

December Love 05 - I have a degree in mathematics. Yeah, girlie geek. I love science as I have mentioned before. And I love cooking. I was almost going to enroll into culinary school before getting hired at the plasma center. Doesn't mean I don't stop cooking. I'm actually going to prepare a peanut butter cheesecake this week with a fudgy, rice crisp crust. I can't wait. I hear that pastry chef is hard. Good luck to you. It'll be fun though. Do you have a KitchenAid? I think that's some kind of requirement for cooks. I see that those on the Food Network have one. I let my boytoy handle all of the meat cooking. His family used to be butchers so he knows his meat inside and out. Uh, that totally came out all weird. Ha ha ha.

u ignorant fools - To quote Annie “the sun'll come out, tomorrow' or to quote Scarlet O'Hara `afterall, tomorrow is another day.' There's just something to be said about tomorrow. Tomorrow holds promise and junk like that. I think I have to go in depth for the characters because I'm creating an AR/AU story, so I need to explain how the characters are different than their anime/manga portrayals. I'm tying to make everything as consistent as I can, including the out of characterness of the characters. I think that makes sense. Yeah, Sango and Miroku kinda moved in together. I haven't worked it all out. I'm actually going to explain more about it in another chapter, so, just wait until then.

axel720 - I can update so fast because I'm incredibly awesome and have super powers. Well, not really. Actually I think that this Friday will be the last two posts a week thing. Real life totally gets in the way of things, but I need the money. I kinda want the money to. The job interferes a lot with the extra research I do for the story and I can only research when I have the time. So I'm doing what I can. But I make no promises. Some of those gaps you mention will actually be addressed in later chapters. Kagome will learn one day that Inuyasha has always been available and since the day he saw her bent over that water fountain, totally willing.

Have a great week.

roshully