Table For Two by Chicchai Inbi

Someone I Want You To Meet

She brought the mug up to her lips, and lightly blew. The steam rising from the glorious liquid spread off in various directions as her breathe fanned out across the top.

"Drink of the gods I swear." She whispered to no one, enjoying her moment of comfort in this one cup of coffee. She sat at a small table, in her favorite bistro, typing away. She stopped her ministrations on the electronic wonder and stretched her back. Glossy raven hair trailed down her back, accented by silver highlights. She smiled as a lock fell into her vision, recalling the conversation with her friend,

"God Kagome, you could be a hair model! I'm so jealous." Tia reclined back in the over-stuffed chair that settled nicely in the center of another favorite café of Kagome's. She laughed at her friend's antics,

"It's not that great really." Kagome said modestly, fiddling with her updo a bit.

"Oh but it is! I still don't get why you got those highlights though, they're so weird!" Tia voiced, flicking a lock off of Kagome's shoulder. Kagome just smiled, only she knew the real reason why she had gotten them.

"Just because." She gazed off for a moment, Tia's snapping fingers the only thing that brought her back to reality.

"Hey now! Don't go blanking out on me!" A minor look of concern on her friend's face, Kagome shook her head slightly and smiled brightly.

"Sorry, sorry! Now shut up so I can work." Kagome laughed out. Tia's response was to stick her tongue out and then return to the magazine she held in her lap.

Katia, also known as Tia, had been Kagome's best friend ever since she had come over to the states. The day Kagome had set foot in an American college, Katia waltzed right up, laced her arm with Kagome's and said,

"You ain't from around here are ya?" From then on they were inseparable.

Kagome shook herself from her musings, she had to get this paper written! Her efforts were all in vain though as she was once again distracted by her hair. She grasped a lock between her fingers, turning it to catch it at different light angles. The silver tips made her smile solemnly, oh she knew why she'd gotten the highlights, she knew exactly why.

"Inuyasha." She sighed, sitting back in her chair. She groaned and looked at the computer screen, "Ugh, good as it gets for now." With that she snapped the laptop shut and stuck it in her bag. She remained a bit, sipping her coffee quietly, before she stood up and padded out the door.

"See you Jenny!" The older blonde girl behind the counter lifted her eyes and waved to the younger girl. Kagome had been a costumer for years, and Jenny smiled as she left. The day Kagome walked into her shop, the woman just knew the child was an angel. She just had a wonderful aura, and calming presence. No one she had ever known had such a beautiful personality, Kagome was just a perfect girl, a mother's dream. Jenny smiled as the thoughts of her children drifted into her mind. She was a mother of three, grown children. She had started her own business after they had moved out, just so she had something to do. She was about 50 or so, but she definitely didn't look it. She had curly golden locks of hair, and smile that was bigger than Texas itself. Her big green eyes always had a warm and welcoming look to them. She was just a motherly type of person, not really the kind you'd expect to be running a bistro in Queens, that's for sure. That was one reason why Kagome continued to return, even though it was a bit far from home. Kagome smiled to herself as she thought of Jenny, 'Almost like a mother to me she is.' she thought warmly. At that moment she was suddenly reminded of her real mother, back in Japan. She had missed her so much over these years, but she just couldn't stay there. 'Too many painful memories.' She thought solemnly, 'Oh I should call mom soon!' She snapped back to reality.

"Right!" She stepped forward with determination and grabbed her bike from it's stationary position. She hopped on and rode back to her apartment, waving to various people along the way. She unlocked the door to her apartment and stepped in, setting her bag on the chair next to the door. It was a small place, she could probably afford more, but she knew she didn't need it. Kagome had graduated with a bachelor's degree in world history and now wrote historical novels. She was a rather popular author in the scientific and historical community, and she was very well-off considering how young she was. Kagome quickly shrugged off her jacket and walked into the kitchen. She looked at her answering machine, it flashed a nice big '2' and she quickly pushed the "Play" button.

"Kagi!! Oh my gosh girl we haven't done anything in weeks! Call me, love you!" Was the first message. Kagome smiled at Tia's little nickname for her. At school they were always Kagi and Kati, pronounced the same way just with a "g" and "t" difference. Kagome was brought out of her reverie as the next message started to play.

"Ms. Higurashi, we would like to congratulate you on your latest novel, it has been a real success! We would like to invite you to speak on behalf of our association. For information, please call us at this number.." Kagome's thoughts wandered away as the woman drawled out the number 'I'll copy it down later' she thought, walking away from the machine. She slipped off her shoes and walked into her room. She picked up her cell of the dresser and dialed Tia's number.

"Hello?" Kagome smiled, it really had been a while since they had last talked.

"Tia it's me, you wanna go somewhere tonight?"

"Oh man, I'm totally swamped here at work, I'm not gonna make outta here for another few hours, how bout Saturday? I found this great new club that I want to show you!" Kagome laughed softly,

"Ok ok, Saturday it is then. I let you get back to working kay?"

"Mmkay, much love!" With that Tia snapped her phone shut and Kagome did the same. She looked around her room sadly but perked up right away.

"Hey! Just because Tia won't be there doesn't mean I can't have some fun on my own!" She snapped into action and started digging through her closet. She pulled out a small jean skirt, that went about mid-thigh, slipped off her jeans, and pulled that on. She took out a black, ribbed sweater and slipped it on over her shirt. She yanked out her favorite pair of knee-high boots, black suede, and squeezed into them. She walked up to her mirror and pulled her hair into a ponytail, letting some strands fall around her face. The last thing she did was pop on a black suede pageboy cap, and tilt it to the side. 'Looks good to me!' She thought smiling. As she approached the street her arm went up and a few seconds later a cab pulled up. Kagome reached down to the handle smiling but before her fingers grasped the metal, she was hit with a feeling so intense she stopped breathing. 'It couldn't be!' Before she could turn around however, it was gone. The cab driver rolled down his window,

"Well, are ya gonna get in or just stand there? Come on lady!" He yelled rudely, but it refocused Kagome's thoughts, 'Must have been my imagination' she shrugged,

"Sorry sorry!" She sat down on the seat, "Big E's please!"

"The jazz club?" The driver turned away from the steering wheel to look at Kagome curiously,

"Um yeah?" Kagome replied unsurely, looking strangely at the driver.

"Oh sorry, you just look the type to be hangin' round a place like that is all, interesting people there are." He paused a moment to turn back to his wheel, "Big E's it is." With that he glanced in his mirrors and took off. Kagome stared out the window on the way there. She loved the lights, the city, everything. She'd loved Tokyo, and she loved New York. Something just drew her to the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, and she loved her life in it. Although Queens wasn't as classy as Manhattan, Kagome still loved it, 'There are plenty of places to go to on this side of the city too!' Kagome thought to herself smiling. Tia always insisted on going into Manhattan for clubs, restaurants, shopping, or whatever she planned to do with Kagome's time. It was definitely more expensive there, that was for sure. The driver's voice signaled that they had reached her destination,

"Twenty-two fifty." The driver turned once more to gaze at the woman. She was foreign that was for sure, but beautiful as well. He had never seen blue eyes so intense on someone with black hair, it was surreal.

"Here you go." Kagome chirped, handing him the money. She stepped out of the car and looked up at the neon sign flashing. "Big E's" Was the main display, underneath "Nightly Jazz Club" She smiled again, she loved this place, even if there were shady people hanging around in it.

"Kagome! Long time no see!" The large bouncer strolled up to her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Ack, Danny, too tight, too tight!" Kagome gasped as he let go,

"Sorry sorry!" He announced releasing her. Kagome beamed up at him. She had to tilt her head back just to look at his face. He was the scary looking type, but she knew he wouldn't hurt a fly, well, unless certain, eh, "circumstances", called for it. It had to be that way, being a bouncer and all. He was tall, dark, and built. He was serious when on the job, well, except for around Kagome. She seemed to do that to people.

"Doesn't look too busy tonight." Kagome looked around, there weren't any lines tonight, just a few stray couples and such entering in.

"It's Wednesday, what d'ya expect?" He smiled down at her, "Big E's been wantin' to talk to ya, and he's here tonight so just go in back mmkay?" Kagome smiled and nodded as she walked past him,

"Sure thing, I'll see you later!" She said as she disappeared behind the door. She entered the building and walked into the room. On the right was the bar, to the left was a walkway that hovered over the tables and curved around the club. Downstairs was the main room, various tables all around, facing the stage. She watched the musicians for moment and turned towards the bar. The whole club was set to the color scheme of red, back, and gold. Everything about it said "Jazz", which was to be expected. Kagome approached the bar and called out,

"Steve!" The ring of her voice was quickly followed by a loud thumping noise and some minor cursing. From underneath Kagome's vision popped up a slightly disgruntled Steve holding his head. This, was then followed by Kagome's fit if giggles.

"Yes?" Steve responded, hissing on the 's'. Kagome knew he wasn't really mad.

"Just wanted to see how you were." Kagome had to pause, she was still laughing, ."Seeing as I haven't been here in a while."

"Well love, my head bloody hurts and now I've got to talk to you, I'm doing just great." His sarcasm only made Kagome laugh louder.

"Sorry I'm such a bother. I'll try to remember that next time." She seemed to finally calm down a bit,

"I doubt there'll be a next time at this rate, you hardly ever come around any more." He smirked and looked her over, "But I still see you hardly look over the age of sixteen, gonna have to card you if you want anything." Kagome frowned and put her hands on her hips,

"Hey! I'm 23 now! And I look it too!" She folded her arms over her chest and started pouting, "You know that." She mumbled under breath. Steve only laughed more at her antics. It was so easy to irk the girl.

"Hey you two lovebirds, cut that out." A deep voice chuckled and Kagome quickly spun around. She grinned from cheek to cheek,

"Big E!" She chimed and jogged over to him. She gave him a quick hug and pulled away. He held onto her elbows in a loving way, and grasped her chin with one of his large hands.

"Lemme look at ya girl, been a while since you come to see me!" He laughed. Big E, as he was known, was pretty much Kagome's surrogate father in the states. He was a very wealthy businessman who pretty much owned the nightlife in New York. He was a short and large man (Fitting the "big" part of his name), but people knew not to underestimate him. He always wore beautiful, light, tailored suits, that would offset his dark skin. Along with a gold ring on each finger, he always had a cigar in his mouth. The guy's appearance just screamed 'rich'. He had grown up in New Orleans, and these roots were evident in most of his clubs. Jazz, liquor, and partying were almost always present in his establishments. Kagome had met him one evening at the very club she was standing in. She had come alone, just enjoying the music and atmosphere. Big E, happened to be there that night and hated to see such a pretty little thing sit in solitude. He introduced himself and Kagome was forever in his life after that. He loved her like a daughter and treated her as such. He helped Kagome launch her writing career after she graduated, helped publish her books and such, and not to mention, she now had all-access to all the hottest clubs in town. She knew all his people and even sat in on some business transactions. He had said it would help her learn in time.

"When'd ya get these?" He held some of her hair in his hand and let in fall out when he pulled away.

"A month ago." Kagome replied still smiling,

"Mm, looks good, different, different is good." He smiled and pulled her to stand next to him, he laced his arm with hers in an old-fashioned way and paced down the walkway. He looked down at the main floor as he walked by and then turned his head to face Kagome.

"There's someone I want you to meet, might help you in your writing." He paused a moment, looking for a response.

"What's he do?" Kagome replied looking up at him. '"Help", oh that would be awesome!' she thought.

"He's a historian just like you, but I've heard he's one of the best you see, people say it's almost as if he lived during the events he talks about." Kagome looked forward pondering her thoughts, 'Oh a big help!' She smiled, 'But wait, wouldn't I know who he is if he's that good?'

"Big E?" Kagome looked at him again,

"Hmm?"

"What's this guy's name? I mean, I would know it if he was that good, don't you think?" Big E chuckled,

"I'll save that for introductions, just be patient child." Kagome did a little "humph" and looked forward again. She was humming to the tune being played before they reached the double doors that Kagome knew led into his "private office". He had one at every club. As soon as the pair stepped in front of the doors, Kagome felt it again, the clenching in her stomach, the intense wave of emotion. She coughed as he opened the doors and led her to a chair. She collapsed into the chair, and she was almost in shock. She knew this feeling,

"Youkai." She whispered to no one, a look of panic all over her face. She hadn't felt this since she was 16 and in the feudal era, this pulling, this sensation.

"You okay?" Big E sat down in a lounge chair next her, "Here" He handed her a glass of water. Kagome gulped it down and looked up at him, feigning contentment.

"Oh oh, it's nothing." She shook her head, "Just remembering some crazy stuff is all." Suddenly the feeling intensified ten-fold. She knew this aura! She quickly stood up and turned around. Surprised was hardly the word for what she felt. There he stood, he had hidden his most obvious demon traits, the ears and the markings, but she'd know that face anywhere. Those cold golden orbs, so similar yet so different from her first love's.

"S..Se..Sesshoumaru!"