InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Story Continues ❯ Sorting Feelings ( Chapter 8 )

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

Kagome had been studying diligently without interruption for two and a half months. She had settled comfortably into her apartment and had gotten a job in a bookstore near the campus. She enjoyed working in the bookstore as she had persuaded the owner that if they had a story hour for children a couple times a week, it could attract business. Her suggestion was a success and she enjoyed spending time reading to children that came in to listen. Within the first month of working there, she was already assistant manager, which made her a few extra yen to line her pockets.

She found her studies quite easy, even math, which she had dreaded with a passion. In her spare time, she had joined a few clubs and even the cross country team so she could keep in shape. Her travels through the feudal era had proved beneficial as she placed first in most competitions, earning her a few raving articles in the sports section of the newspapers all over Tokyo. She was often approached by guys and asked on dates even guys from the other universities, yet she refused. None seemed to be what she wanted.

'What I want has silver hair, fangs, claws, and gorgeous golden eyes,' she sighed to herself trekking back to her apartment from her work.

She felt kind of lonely. There was no Sango or Miroku or Shippou to talk to anymore, or even argue with Inu Yasha. She really missed it. She sometimes hopped in her car at night when she could not sleep and drove to the shrine to visit the Goshinkbu. Despite the Shikon no Tama being in her body once again, she was unable to communicate with Inu Yasha through it like she had when Menomaru had upset the balance of the Tree of Ages, almost sealing off the well. She even visited the well, staring into its depths, wishing it would open up for her so she could say goodbye properly. She had regretted leaving without saying goodbye, but then quickly reminded herself that it was best because she knew she probably would have stayed instead because the thought of leaving the people that came to be like a second family was traumatic.

She approached her apartment and as soon as she has opened her door, she heard her phone ring. She hurriedly over, and answered, "Hello?"

"Yes, is Miss Kagome Higurashi there?" a very pleasing male voice said over the phone, his voice like satin.

"Speaking," she replied.

"This is Seitsu. I had contacted your mother in hopes of contacting you and she gave me this number to call," he said.

"Hai, I moved so I could be closer to the university," she explained.

"Practical. I called because I hear there is a Winter ball coming soon. Do you have a date?" he asked.

"Mmmm, no. No date. I've been busy and none of the guys here really interest me," she replied, wondering where the call was leading to and hoping it was leading to him asking her to it.

‘I am such a nerd,’ she sighed to herself.

"I am an alumni of the university and I am in dire need of an escort. Would you do me the honour of accompanying me to this event?" he asked further.

"That would be great! It's this Saturday. I hope to find a dress suitable to wear... and some shoes… and… oh crud, sorry if I am starting to babble," she half giggled, but was thuroughly embarrassed.

‘Probably a busy man. My babbling is becoming a habit.’

"No worries, my lady. If it will make less trouble, I will send you something," he replied with a chuckle.

"I'd hate to be a bother. You were kind enough to provide my attire for the boat party and even allowed me to keep it. I'm not sure if I should accept such an expensive item again," she said nervously.

"A beautiful woman deserves pampering. Think nothing of it. Saturday morning, you will be dragged out of bed for a day of pampering and then to the salon you go. You will be dressed there too, and I shall pick you up from there," he said, his baritone voice filled with warmth.

"A-arigatou, Seitsu," she stammered.

"Until then, my tenshi," he said, then hung up.

She cradled the phone for a few seconds more before hanging up. Once out of shock, she smiled and then sunk into her couch with a contented sigh.

‘He said ‘my tenshi’,’ she swooned. ‘Why do I feel this way? I have always loved Inu Yasha and most recently, Sesshoumaru, but Seitsu has his own charm as well as a few emotions that the Ice Prince had lacked. I am not sure if I should feel bad knowing that he looks like Sesshoumaru and could mostly likely be his reincarnation. Am I being disloyal? What if they are alive? I don’t think I could betray them by going on the date. Yes, I will go on the date and if anything gets hot and heavy, I will just have to tell him the truth. He’s a business guy and also an adult. He should be able to understand,’ she thought, sorting through her confusion.

She felt kind of like if indeed that both Seitsu and Yoshimi were the reincarnations of the ones she loved, that perhaps it was like when Inu Yasha had problems between her and Kikyo. She did not want anyone to get hurt in the process. However, she was also concerned because she sensed that both the Taisho brothers were youkai and did not openly tell her. She hoped that if she was to see them more that they would tell her.

She rose from her couch after hearing her stomach rumble and threw together some vegetables and ramen in a pot of water for a quick fix before hunkering down to study for her finals which were scheduled the week after the Winter Ball. She thought how cruel it was that the university set the finals after such a event instead of the other way around.

Although she had her dilema, her studies came first, so she was just going to take her relationship matters one step at a time.