InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fleeting ❯ Decision ( Chapter 19 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

un_love_you prompt:  #21 – “You’ll do.”

Kagome straightened in her seat, demurely perching herself on the edge of the chair and crossing her ankles at an angle behind her.  She kept her eyes lowered, focused on her notepad, resisting the very tempting urge to glance up at the wall clock.  God, but these meetings are boring, she despaired internally, tucking her hands into her lap.  Mercifully, it was the last day of board meetings and panel interviews, and in her opinion, it couldn’t end a moment too soon.

The only thing worse than the prospect of sacrificing her summer vacation for a grunt job at her family’s company was spending the three weeks prior sitting in interviews – all day, every day.  As a member of the board of directors, she – along with her mother and younger brother – was required to be at all final interviews for all positions, from senior executive management all the way down to mail room intern.  

Holding a vote of power and being part of the final decision making process wasn’t always what it was cracked up to be.

And – after three weeks of the sitting in the same interview (over and over again), with the same placid, eager, hopeful fresh grads and/or desperate, impatient, cynical middle manager wannabes – she was at the end of her rope.  Time seemed to stand still as she listened to the same questions and answers, repeated until infinity; hell, she probably recited them in her sleep, so ingratiated were they in her brain.  Only one thing kept her from going insane, one tiny little detail that kept a spark of interest aflame under the waves of mind-numbing boredom –

– it was Sesshoumaru’s day to interview.

She bit back a tiny smile as she sneaked an irresistible peek at the clock, her eyes lingering as the second hand ticked away.  He was due at half-past three, which meant…he was already there, sitting in the waiting room on the other side of that door, calmly and rationally collecting himself in preparation for what was to be his last interview as well.  Her heart skipped a beat as the image formed in her mind’s eye; only the sudden, rather loud clearing of a throat broke her from her reverie.

“Mr. Malliard, you were saying?” one of her fellow board members prompted gently, bringing Kagome’s attention back to the matter at hand.  She reached for her pen, scribbling across her page as if she’d just remembered something important, a warm flush rising up the back of her neck as she felt Inuyasha’s eyes boring into her.  She pointedly kept her gaze directed elsewhere, unwilling to look up and acknowledge his lingering stares.  It was completely inappropriate, and no doubt her fellow board members had noticed his behavior.  Not to mention, she hated being the object of such intense scrutiny, singled out from the panel of seven.  

He was only making the already tenuous interview worse, and he didn’t even realize it.

She winced as a wave of guilt surged through her.  It was obvious to anyone with eyes that he was completely intimidated with the style of interviewing taking place.  The Japanese were notorious for tough questions, followed by long silences, as well as an overall air of formality most foreigners found unnerving.  He was doing his best to take it in stride, but his constant fidgeting, verbal stalling, and silent pleas for help in her direction were swiftly undoing any good impression his resume and application had made on the committee.  He had risen to angry bait several times, especially when it came to his family life; Kagome’s gut had clenched when he’d indignantly spun the tale of his mother’s death and his subsequent arrival into the country under his father’s parentage.  He dodged all questions about his father, no doubt thinking it the best course of action, unaware that he was rousing more suspicion than he was quelling.  Things had calmed a bit upon moving towards the ‘team player’ aspects of the job, but ultimately, the damage had been done.

“Thank you, Mr. Malliard, that will be all,” the senior vice president said, interrupting Inuyasha’s rambling speech.  He bestowed a small smile on the young man as he stood.

Inuyasha’s jaw snapped shut and he quickly rose to his feet, bowing to each of them in turn.  “Thank you, Mr. Takahashi, Mr. Takeda, Ms. Sugiyama, Ms. Morigami, Ms. Higurashi,” he said hastily.  His hands curled into fists at his sides as he finally caught Kagome’s gaze.  “It was a pleasure to speak with you today.”

“Indeed,” Takahashi said blandly, gathering up his meishi and tucking it into his notes.  “If you would be as so kind as to wait outside, we will be announcing our slate of offers later this afternoon.”

“Hai,” Inuyasha assented, bowing one more time, before being led out of the room by Souta.

Kagome sank back into her seat with a stifled groan, all too aware that all eyes in the room were on her.  How was she ever going to explain this?  Inuyasha’s application had been the weakest on the table to start with, and now…ugh.  Everyone was under the impression that she had pulled strings to get him this far in the process, when, in fact, she had done no such thing.  Great, just great, she thought, pinching the bridge of her nose between her fingers.  Nothing like having Takahashi and Takeda breathing down my neck as well.

“Poor dear,” came the soothing lilt her mother’s voice, accompanied by the soft tap of her hand on Kagome’s arm.  “He reminds me of your father.”

Kagome furrowed her brow, surprised at such a sympathetic reaction.  “He does?”

Her mother gave her a soft smile in response.  “Your father hated interviews as well.  For years he’d come home, sick as a dog after facing these panels.  He was far too modest for his own good.”

Before Kagome could reply, Takeda turned to them with a sharp eye.  “Ladies,” he intoned, indicating for them to rise from their seats again.

Kagome’s mother squeezed her hand as they stood, but Kagome couldn’t resist shooting a glare in Takeda’s direction.  He was a junior vice president and head of the finance department, second only to Takahashi in terms of power and status in the room, and he reveled in it as much as possible.  He was also one of the failed few, unable to snatch up a larger piece of the company pie in the wake of her father’s death.  He made no secret of his opposition to the family trust’s position on the board, so being stuck on interview panels with him was – trying, at best.

“Only one more to go, sweetie,” her mother assured her, “and this will all be over.”

“Indeed,” Takahashi agreed, narrowing his eyes as their final candidate approached.

Before she could contemplate what that meant, Sesshoumaru appeared in the doorway, striking a first impression that left Kagome’s mouth dry.  He was wearing a slim fit, single-breasted Armani woven pinstripe suit in dark grey, complete with a stark white shirt and monochrome tie.  His long silver hair was pulled back at the nape, giving him a clean-cut, professional look, while at the same time complementing his choice of suit colors.  As expected, his expression was calm and confident, his golden eyes betraying nothing as he assessed his surroundings.

“Welcome, Mr. Taisho,” Takahashi greeted him, breaking the tension that had filled the room.  He gave a curt bow before extending his hand, his expression carefully blank.

“Thank you, Mr. Takahashi,” Sesshoumaru replied, returning the gestures.  He greeted the other three managers in quick succession, as well as Kagome’s mother, nodding acknowledgement to Souta and Kagome before engaging in the ritualistic meishi exchange.  

It was just as well that Kagome didn’t have to move, or speak, or otherwise pay attention, because all she could do was stare.  She’d seen him in interview attire before, but nothing like this – he had obviously taken it up a notch, well aware of the fact that he was stepping into hostile territory.  She allowed her eyes to follow the movements of his body as he dipped into bows and received the business cards, her heart steadily gaining traction in her chest as a wave of heat washed over her.  Any irritation or boredom she had been suffering was gone now; she couldn’t help but feel hyper-aware of herself, and his nearness, his absolute beauty and confident demeanor.

The man is absolute sex on a stick, she thought, absently licking her lips.

“Let us begin,” Takahashi intoned, indicating for Sesshoumaru to sit.  Everyone followed his directive, settling into their chairs and arranging papers and meishi in front of themselves.  Sesshoumaru released the button of his jacket, a movement Kagome couldn’t help but catch from the corner of her eye, a simple gesture that made her shift in her seat.

“Tell us about yourself, Mr. Taisho,” Ms. Morigami began pleasantly, poising her pen over her notebook in anticipation.

“Hai,” Sesshoumaru nodded.  “I’m twenty-five years old, currently single, career-oriented.  I graduated first in my class from high school, earned my bachelor’s degree in economics in three years with highest honors, and have just successfully completed my thesis defense for a master’s in business administration, also conferred with highest honors.  My father is the head of Taisho Enterprises, and my mother is the chairperson of the Taisho Foundation.”

“Why did you pursue your post-graduate education?” Takeda jumped in.

Sesshoumaru turned his attention to him before glancing down at the table.  “I am to be my father’s heir, so it seemed pertinent to direct my education along this path from the start.”

“Why do you wish to work for SHK?  What do you know about our company?” Takahashi questioned.

Kagome watched carefully as Sesshoumaru acknowledged the senior vice president, allowing his eyes to drift to the middle distance before explaining.  Her heart was pounding in her chest, adrenaline coursing along her nerves as she listened to the rapid-fire back and forth.  The questioning, though polite, was on the edge of terse, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit nervous.  She shouldn’t have been surprised, really, that the air of formality had taken a decidedly cold turn in the last few minutes.  All of her fellow board members were well aware of Sesshoumaru’s background, and of the rivalry between their fathers.  From the way Takahashi and Takeda were acting, she suspected they might have also heard the rumblings of rumors that Taisho was out to make a bid on SHK – a hostile one, if necessary.

But Sesshoumaru was holding up beautifully under their questioning.  He sat straight in his chair, leaning forward slightly, his eyes intense on the speaking interviewer before drifting away, a clear sign of respect and deference to their authority.  He didn’t blink or wince or rise to any leading bait, merely answering with a customary “hai” before elaborating, where necessary.

“How well do you work under pressure, towards deadlines?” Takahashi asked, glancing over Sesshoumaru’s application.

“Very well,” he replied.  “I am quite capable of managing time and resources in order to complete projects in a timely manner.”

“Then why did it take you almost two years to finish your master’s degree?” Takahashi shot back.

Sesshoumaru was quiet for a moment.  “My project was very extensive, and required an extra round of research.”

Takeda raised an eyebrow, his mouth twisting into a skeptical sneer.  “This thesis, though complicated, is not one that would require two solid years of research,” he argued.  “Were you having personal issues during that timeframe as well?”

Sesshoumaru’s eyes narrowed slightly, steady on Takeda’s.  “No.”

The two men stared at each other for a long moment, the tension ratcheting higher and higher as they squared off.  The room fell into complete silence, with all eyes on their candidate, but he didn’t blink.

“You’re aware,” Ms. Sugiyama cut in, “that the position you are applying for can be very stressful?  Long hours, long discussions, long negotiations – it can be very frustrating; a lot of work for minimal results.”

Kagome’s heart was in her throat as her eyes darted back and forth between interviewer and interviewee.  

“Yes,” Sesshoumaru answered.

Another patch of silence stretched out between them, as the four managers conferred quietly.  For the first time since the interview began, Sesshoumaru glanced at Kagome, his expression impassive as his golden gaze lingered on hers for a fleeting moment.  She tensed and melted all at once, her breath catching in her lungs, the muscles across her abdomen constricting.

“How long would it take you to make a meaningful contribution to our firm?” Ms. Morigami finally asked, breaking the silence once more.

“I would require but a brief period of adjustment and orientation,” Sesshoumaru allowed, his eyes drifting down once again.  “Once I set my mind on a path, I pursue my goals relentlessly.”

“Hmm,” Takahashi mused, scratching something into his notes.  The pace of the questioning had slowed considerably, though it did not alleviate any of the nervous tension of the room.

“How long do you wish to stay with us?” Kagome’s mother spoke up, offering her token question of the session.

“As long as I am welcome,” Sesshoumaru replied.  “I am very interested in this position, precisely because it is such a rarity in this industry.”

“How would you describe your own personality?” Ms. Morigami cut in.

“Hai,” Sesshoumaru acknowledged.  “I believe I am balanced – skeptical but accepting; open-minded but fair; patient but decisive.  I’m reliable, honest, principled, and loyal.”

“What would you say are your strong points?” she continued.

“I’m a very goal-oriented person,” Sesshoumaru contended.  “Thus, I have cultivated a strong ability to gather evidence quickly and make decisions in a timely manner.  I enjoy working on complicated projects, puzzling my way to a solution – using creative means, if necessary.”  After a beat, he added, “I can be diplomatic, as the situation calls.”

“Mm-hmm,” Takahashi mumbled, studying Sesshoumaru for a long moment before turning back to his notes.  

Kagome stifled a laugh.  Talk about having no sense of humor, she thought.  Her heart swelled a little with pride and love at this idea of Sesshoumaru being able to match Takahashi and Takeda snark for snark.

Speaking of Takeda…  “How about your weaknesses?” he asked, raising an imperious eyebrow.

Kagome was surprised when Sesshoumaru glanced at her before answering.  “I can be stubborn,” he conceded, “willful and proud.  I have a very good sense of sticking to my convictions, only willing to change my mind when provided with sufficient evidence.  This is something that could come in very handy during a difficult negotiation, as you are no doubt aware.”

“How much do you take after your father?” Takahashi mused aloud.

If the question startled Sesshoumaru, he didn’t react.  “I share his sense of ambition,” he replied carefully, “and his quest for success.  I find some of his tactics questionable, and wish to learn the ways other powerful companies seek the same achievements.”

The line and pace of questioning was deliberate, intending to unnerve Sesshoumaru.  Takahashi and Takeda was masters of silence and drawing out information in the negative spaces; moving from personal, to professional, to specific, to vague questions was an effort to break Sesshoumaru’s rhythm, put him on edge and push, to see how he’d react when faced with an unknown and unreliable situation.

However, it was the poorly-disguised abhorrence and provoking nature of their tones that set Kagome’s teeth on edge.  It felt like they were all dancing around the real question, one which loomed larger and larger, like an elephant in the room.  None of them seemed intent on addressing it, not even Sesshoumaru, but she couldn’t stand the veiled hints and threats in the questions that were being asked.  He was more than qualified for the position, and he deserved a fair chance at it.  She didn’t want to see uninformed suspicions and familial prejudice keeping him from it.

“Why are you coming here to seek a job, instead of sticking to your father’s company?” she asked suddenly, slicing through the silence of the room.  “I can’t imagine he’s pleased with the idea of you looking outside your own inheritance for gainful employment.”

Sesshoumaru turned to her, his eyes widening imperceptibly as he studied her thoughtfully.  Her heart pumped furiously in her chest as she stared back, full of pride and love and possessiveness – in him, for her family’s company, of her position and right to join the questioning fray.

“You can offer me something no one else can,” he replied, his eyes gleaming, before his gaze was swept back to the managerial side of the board.  

“My father is indeed unhappy with my decision to pursue opportunities outside of Taisho Enterprises,” he continued, “but I believe working in your mergers and acquisitions department will give me invaluable knowledge and experience.  If I am hired, I will work solely for the best interests of SHK.”

“How do we know you can be a team player?” Takeda sputtered.

Sesshoumaru inclined his head.  “I believe my record speaks for itself,” he replied, reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket and producing a newspaper clipping.  He placed it on the table and slid it across, the corners of his lips pulling up into a smile as Takeda gaped, Ms. Sugiyama and Ms. Morigami looking over his shoulders, only to come away with similar reactions.

“I believe that will be all,” Takahashi said, standing abruptly.  “Thank you for coming in, Mr. Taisho.”

Sesshoumaru stood, rebuttoning his jacket before falling into a bow in one smooth gesture.  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Takahashi, Mr. Takeda, Ms. Sugiyama, Ms. Morigami, Ms. Higurashi,” he addressed each of them, bowing in turn.  He nodded in acknowledgement to Souta and Kagome, allowing his eyes to linger on her for an extra beat before turning his attention to the meishi in front of him.

“If you would be as so kind as to wait outside, we will be announcing our slate of offers later this afternoon,” Takahashi continued.

“Of course,” Sesshoumaru murmured, carefully picking up each meishi and storing it with the rest of his notes.  He waited for Souta to come around again, leaving the room at a respectful distance from his guide.

When the teen returned, Takahashi sat once more, bringing out his notes for all of the candidates.  “Let’s discuss this, ladies and gentlemen,” he announced.  “I believe we have enough information on each of our possible candidates to make a decision for an offer.”

“I don’t like that Taisho,” Takeda replied, his disgust clear in his tone.  “I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him.”

“Personal opinions aside,” Takahashi continued, sending a withering glance in his junior executive’s direction, “what are our impressions of the candidates’ qualifications?”

“Mr. Taisho certainly has the experience and education,” Ms. Sugiyama spoke up, fingering the newspaper clipping.  “It would be a boon to gain someone with his curiosity and drive.”

“Not to mention, his sense of honor,” Ms. Morigami contended.  “Did you see this, Takahashi?”  She passed the clipping down to his end.

TAISHO ENTERPRISES TO STAY WHOLE FLEET, read the headline.  SON AND HEIR TURNS DOWN DEAL TO BECOME SECOND-YOUNGEST CEO IN COMPANY’S HISTORY.

“So Taisho’s up to his old tricks again, eh,” Takahashi mumbled, sending the clipping down to the family trust end of the table.

“All the more reason to be wary of letting his son set foot in the door here,” Takeda argued.  “Who’s to say he isn’t a spy on his father’s behalf?”

“Let’s look at our other choices,” Kagome’s mother suggested.  “Mr. Malliard seems quite personable.”

“He’s awfully young, though,” Ms. Sugiyama said.  “Generally I prefer a higher level of maturity in my employees.”

“I’m not sure how well our colleagues would react to a gaijin anyway,” Ms. Morigami added.  “We’re not looking to expand outside of Japan right now.”

“That is, indeed, a consideration,” Takahashi mused.  He shot a glance down the length of the table.  “I’m wondering how he made it this far into the process anyway,” he added pointedly.

“You read his resume,” Ms. Morigami cut in.  “It was beautiful!”

“We’re not the ones who consented to passing him along for a final interview,” Kagome’s mother said.  She was something of a representative for their group, as they, collectively, held only one vote on the board.

“What about Mr. Hatanaka?” Takeda cut in, mentioning the third and final candidate, the first of their interviews that morning.

“He won’t be intimidating anybody anytime soon,” Kagome muttered, drawing to her mind’s eye the man’s visage – short, shy, balding, and overly fond of his thick glasses.  He had been unassuming in his interview, saying all the right things, but leaving no strong impression at all.  In her mind, he wasn’t even in the running.

Takeda spared her a sharp glance.  “He has excellent credentials,” he huffed, “and he’s a proven team player.  He’s worked for me for five years already, and knows his place very well.”

Kagome’s mother furrowed her brow.  “Five years?” she questioned gently.  “Isn’t that a rather slow career trajectory?”

They continued to argue in the same vein for some time, tearing through each candidate’s application, resume, and their notes from the interviews.  It became obvious Takeda was stubbornly against hiring “that Taisho boy,” while the others struggled over who brought more to the table, and who would have the most to gain from the position.  Ms. Sugiyama, the division manager, was especially insistent on wanting someone with the potential of staying on beyond the internship time limit.

As the managers argued, so did the family.  Kagome was torn; on the one hand, she had told Sesshoumaru she wouldn’t help him in any way – she’d made it perfectly clear he was on his own to get this position, based on his own merits.  On the other hand, given the intense hatred he’d sparked in Takeda, and the skepticism growing within Takahashi about the cost-risk ratio of hiring the son of their biggest business rival in any capacity, it was looking more and more likely to come down to the family’s vote, whether she liked it or not.

“I liked Inuyasha,” Souta said with a shrug.  “He seemed cool, and willing to learn and stuff.”

His mother gave him a patient look.  “Well, personal impressions can’t make the total decision for us,” she chided.  “What did you think of his background?”

“It was cool,” he reiterated.  “I mean – dude’s from France!  That’s got to count for something!”

Kagome’s mother turned to her with a defeated smile.  “Kagome, what do you think?”

“Well,” she started, twisting her hands together, “Sess – I mean, Mr. Taisho is beyond qualified for the position, and has the education to go along with his experience, but there is that whole family angle to consider, I guess…and Mr. Malliard certainly has potential – ”

“Kagome,” her mother interrupted, “Just remember, personal feelings shouldn’t guide this decision.”

Kagome furrowed her brow.  “I know,” she replied, rather irritated that her mother would think she didn’t understand the value of the actual job criteria in evaluating potential candidates.

“All I’m saying is – don’t pick your boyfriend, just because he’s your boyfriend, okay?” her mother reiterated.  

Kagome didn’t know whether to cry or laugh; as it was, she could only stare at her mother incredulously.

“I know you and Inuyasha became close around Christmas,” her mother continued, “and he is a very charming young man, but to be considered for a position of this magnitude?  Just think carefully, dear.”

“I – ” Kagome sputtered.  “You think – that – Inuyasha and I – ?”  How could she think that? she thought wildly, digging back into her memories…only to realize, she’d never really gotten around to telling them that she had, in fact, been involved with a very different candidate indeed.

Are you even aware that I’m living with Sesshoumaru? she wondered silently as she eyed her mother.

Before she could give her question voice, Takahashi tapped the table, signaling for conversations to come to a halt.  “Let’s take a vote, people,” he said.  “We can’t keep them waiting out there forever.”

When all eyes fell upon him once more, he voiced his opinion.  “I choose Malliard.”

“I vote for Hatanaka,” Takeda said, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Mr. Taisho,” Ms. Sugiyama said.

“Mr. Taisho,” Ms. Morigami agreed.

“And the family vote goes to?” Takahashi prodded.

Kagome’s mother looked at her children expectantly.  “I like Mr. Taisho,” she said.  

“Nah – let’s go with Mr. Malliard,” Souta argued.

All eyes turned to Kagome.

“Well, Kagome?  Your vote decides the family vote, which might help decide the main vote,” her mother prompted.

Kagome looked up at the expectant faces surrounding her.  Well, damn, she thought.  It was never supposed to come down to me.

I promised I wouldn’t help him…

Exactly two hours after the final interview, Kagome emerged from the conference room, smoothing her hands over her grey sheath skirt and tugging the ends of her blazer into place over her waist.  It was her turn to make the final offer to the candidate, a duty she shared with her mother.  She straightened her shoulders as the main reception area came into view, doing her best to appear confident yet demure.

It was an act she hadn’t quite refined, in spite of years of practice.

“Gentlemen,” she announced, brushing her hair from her shoulder as she glided into the room.  “We apologize for keeping you.”

The three men stood as she approached, straightening shirt sleeves and smoothing ties.  She smiled at each of them in turn – Hatanaka on the left, Inuyasha on the right, and Sesshoumaru in the middle – and greeted them with a small bow.

“It was, understandably, a tough decision,” she continued, fighting to keep her breath even and her heart from racing, “but in the end, we’ve decided to make the first offer” – she reached for his hand – “to Mr. Taisho.”

His hand was warm and firm in hers, causing a curl of heat to rise in her abdomen.  “Congratulations,” she said, unable to hide her smile.

His eyes sparkled as his gaze met hers.  “Thank you,” he replied.  “I accept.”

Kagome froze, her eyes widening.  “Are you sure?” she replied, her voice not much above a whisper.  “You have a full week to consider it, so you don’t have to give us an answer right now – ”

“I accept,” he repeated, covering her hand with both of his for emphasis, an answering smile gracing his lips.

Kagome grinned, suppressing a squeal of delight, settling instead for a gentle squeeze of his fingers.  She swayed forward, half a beat away from throwing her arms around his neck, before checking herself, remembering the presence of the other candidates, not to mention the receptionist…

“…I’ll go inform the board of your decision, then,” she choked out, fighting the flush of heat rising up the back of her neck.

Reluctantly, she withdrew her hand from his and took a step back.  “Congratulations again, and thanks to everyone for applying,” she said, granting each of them a small, parting bow.

She turned on her heel and left, hoping that she was displaying the same quiet air of confidence with which she arrived, but had to stop herself outside the conference room, letting the full sense of giddiness and glee wash through her before facing the board again.  We’re going to be working together, she thought.  And he smiled at me...talk about it all being worth it in the end!

It took almost another hour to finalize the rest of the day’s business.  Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as she finally exited the building, happy to be able to take off her jacket and unpin her hair.  The early evening was still bright, owing to the long days of summer, and she was actually content to walk for a bit, savoring the light breeze and working off some of her excited energy.  Maybe walking all the way home was a bit of an ask, especially in those heels, but a few bus stops wouldn’t be –

“Want a ride?” a voice called out, breaking into her thoughts halfway down the sidewalk.

She glanced up, momentarily forgetting how to breathe as she realized that it was Sesshoumaru who had called out to her.  He was leaning against the hood of his car, jacket open, tie loosened, collar unbuttoned, flipping his keys in his hand.

He waited for me?! she thought, twisting her jacket over her arm as she contemplated his offer.  Her movements ceased as he straightened and began walking towards her, a thoughtful look on his face and a tiny smile playing on his lips.  His expression turned amused as he drew closer, but she found all she could do was stare at him.

“Are you okay?” he asked, quirking a brow as he came to a halt in front of her.

“Yeah,” she breathed, losing herself in his golden gaze for a moment before shaking herself back to reality.  “Yeah – yeah, sorry, I guess I just blanked out there for a moment.”

“Then let me take you home,” he said.  “No one this beautiful should have to ride the bus.”

She blushed.  “Is that a standing offer, then, seeing as how we’ll be working together this summer?”

He shrugged.  “If I decide to drive…then, yeah.”  

He flipped his keys again and headed back for his car, Kagome trailing behind him, doing everything she could to resist reaching out for his hair, longing to feel the silky soft strands cascading between her fingers once more.

We’re not there yet, she reminded herself as she slipped into the passenger’s side and buckled herself in.  She eyed him as he did the same, turning the key in the ignition and reaching for the gearshift.

But maybe…

“I’m glad you accepted the job,” she said impulsively, laying her hand over his as he switched gears.

He looked down at their joined hands, before looking up at her.  “Me, too,” he agreed, turning his hand over so that their palms touched.

…we will be soon.