Summary: It's deep story that's all I can say.

Collide

By animechick262003

Chapter One

Making the Cut

Same as most everyone else, Kagome Higurashi couldn't wait until Doctor Ginta Takuro's lecture ended. Doctor Takuro's class usually never lasted more than two hours, but not today. The good doctor seemed exceptionally long winded today, and purposely so, since most of what he jabbered on about had little relevance to the actual course. He was deliberately tormenting the class, Kagome concluded. For two months the architectural students of Rukia University had competed against one another for the coveted position of intern for Akira Designs, one of the fastest growing and innovative architectural firms to date.

The hours had been grueling, and the pressure high, but Kagome had been determined to claim the internship as her own. Now nearly eight weeks into the competition, Doctor Takuro would finally announce the five finalists. The positive was his decision would be based on the submitted drawings. The negative was that his decision would be based on the submitted drawings.

Kagome gnawed her pencil. She was good at what she knew. Art was her life. Still, she had to admit to herself, although she was quite talented, she could look around the class room and easily pick out ten students who were just as if not more so talented. It was going to be a stiff competition. Kagome had expected no less from an elite University like Rukia. The environment was what she had sought to push herself to the limits, and the last three years at Rukia University had done just that forcing a rather awkward and shy teen to become aggressive and very, very competitive.

She'd studied hard, and poured her all into her work. There was no point in doubting herself. She continued on when many of her classmates had fallen to the side. This was her dream. A chance to work under the tutorship of a gifted designer like Kouga Akira was a once in a life time deal. Kagome frowned thinking back to the research she'd done on the designer.

Getting information on Mister Akira had proven harder than she'd first imagined it would be. It seemed Kouga Akira was a rather aloof man. Beyond the projects he'd headed, there was little information available on him. No photos, no mention of his age, and no information on what he did before becoming a rising star in the architectural world. He was probably some old fart, she resolved. But old fart or not, she really didn't care. Kagome's only concern at that moment was getting her foot into the door of a renowned firm like Akira Designs. If she could do this much, she was guaranteed first pick of all the top notch firms when she finally graduated from college the following year.

"I know you all are eager to know the results of the contest after months of hard work," Kagome heard doctor Takuro say, and immediately directed all of her attention to him. "Well, I will tell you, narrowing it down to five students out of a class of two-hundred proved a daunting task, but we somehow pulled through. Now, before I proceed, I would like to say that you are all very talented artist in this class. Some of the most talented I've seen in awhile, but it takes more than talent to make it in this business.

An architect is an innovator, free thinker, always willing to test the boundaries of the imagination, ensuring we never run out of the wonderful masterpieces that cover our landscapes today. Everything I have said today is what we based our final selections on. Now for what you all have waited so patiently for. The list of the five finalists has been placed on the boards outside of the classroom. Those chosen, once you have read your names, please return to the class room for further instructions. Class, dismissed."

Same as everyone else who'd been waiting for the results, Kagome bolted to her feet and made for the exit. By the time she reached the corridor, it was jam packed with students jockeying for a spot near the bulletin board where the list had been posted.

"So, you think you made the cut?" A woman's voice resonated from behind Kagome just as an arm was tossed over her shoulder.

Kagome glanced at the brunette that had strolled up, and then back at the group of students. "Psyche class out already, Sango?"

"Yes, finally. I was bored to tears by Doctor Uma's lecture." Sango yawned. "I could barely keep my eyes open."

"You know, I don't understand why you're taking up psychology when you're not all that interested."

"I am so interested in psychology," Sango quipped. "When it's all said and done, I'm going to be the best damned sex therapist ever. And you, my dear, are going to be the best damned architect ever."

"I'm not so sure of that." Kagome replied, watching as one student after the next walked away from the boards their shoulder slumped with defeat.

"You didn't make the cut, Kagome?"

"I' don't know. I haven't read the list yet."

"Well, you can't read it from over here. What are you waiting for?" Sango grabbed Kagome by the hand, and attempted to root her from her spot, but Kagome wasn't budging. "What the hell, Kagome?"

"I'm afraid to look." Kagome took a sub conscious step backwards, as she watched yet another one of her classmates walk away with the unmistakable look of having failed on his face. That could very well be her in a matter of seconds. Only she didn't think she could be as composed as those who'd read the results before her. "Oh, god. What if I failed? What if I didn't make it, Sango?"

"Why wouldn't you make it?"

"Well, for one, there are at least ten others I can name off the top of my head that are far better designers than I'll ever hope to be. And two, there are at least ten others I can name off the top of my head that are far better designers than I'll ever hope to be." Kagome sighed. Slowly the crowd that had gathered had begun to disperse. From her observation of the group, Kagome determined that three of her classmates had made the list, which meant there were only two slots left. Her heart beat quickened. "Doctor Takuro is an expert in his field. If he says my work isn't good enough, then it's over. I will have little chance of getting on with a good firm after graduation."

"Horses butt!" Sango blurted , taking Kagome by the hand and dragging her over to the dwindling line. "No one deserves this chance more than you. You're dedicated and hard working and you're gifted. If Doctor Takuro can't see your promise, then to hell with him. What he thinks doesn't mean your dream of becoming an architect dies. It means that you will continue to work your ass off and get picked up by a leading firm. Now get your butt up there and read your name on that list, Kagome."

Kagome squared her shoulders and took a step forward. Her head was spinning and her palms were wet with perspiration. To say she was nervous would be putting it lightly. Everything she'd busted her backside for over the years was coming to a head. Being accepted to a school as elite as Rukia had proven to her she had the drive to excel, and meet her goals. Kagome had confirmed she had no fear of hard work, but would hard work be enough to put her in the running for the job she wanted more than anything?

Did she have enough talent to turn her dreams of designing building as magnificent as the works of those who'd created Artemis or the ancient pyramids into reality? Or would her dreams remain just that, a dream? It was finally her turn to look at the list and her legs were like jelly beneath her at this point. Kagome closed her eyes, took a deep breath, opened her eyes and exhaled.

"You can do this," She muttered, placing a finger to the eight in a half by eleven inch slip of white copy paper. Kagome trailed her finger across the first name. Tomiko Ochikawa, and then the next Rui Hanza. Kagome was ready to read the third name listed when Sango blurted.

"Oh for Pete's sake, there's your name right there second from the bottom, Higurashi Kagome. See." Sango finished placing her blue polished nail against the paper.

"It is…it is," Kagome gasped, placing a hand over her mouth. "I made it! I made it!" She mumbled against her hand.

"Of course you did. I never doubted you once. I think this calls for celebration. How about you?"

"Yeah, I think so, I just need to go and see doctor Takuro for the instruction on what I will need to do next."

"Alright." Sango glanced at her watch. "It's 4:30 now. Let's meet at Tokyo Pub around 8 o'clock. I have to pick Miroku up at the airport. He's returning home tonight and his cars in the shop."

"That sounds like a good idea to me. It will give me enough time to get a shower and call InuYasha."

"Call InuYasha?" Sango snorted. "Please tell me you're not going to invite him to the celebration."

"Of course I am. He's my boyfriend."

"Oh, is that what we're calling it these days?" Sango muttered.

"That's not fair, Sango. All of us were friends once."

"Yeah, you're right. We were all friends, but friends don't do the things he did to you. I'm amazed you're still holding on after all he's put you through, Kagome."

"It's not like he had a choice," Kagome snapped then turned on her heals headed for the classroom.

"Hey!" Sango gave chase and quickly caught up to Kagome to block her path. "I'm sorry, alright. It's your special day and here I am ruining it with things of the past."

"I don't care what anyone thinks of him and the choice he made. InuYasha did what he had to do to ensure the integrity of his family. All that matters now is he loves me, and I love him." Kagome's lower lip quivered despite her best effort to put forth a brave front. A lot of things in her life had not turned out the way she had planned. Marrying the love of her life had been one of those things. It would be another woman that would hold the honor of being Mrs. InuYasha Takahashi. And although it hurt like hell at times, what was done was done and couldn't be changed.

"You're right, I'm wrong." Sango Shrugged.

"You're not wrong, I'm just too damned stupid to know when to let go." Kagome smiled. "That's the bad part of having a competitive personality. I've never been good at accepting defeat."

Both women giggled lightly, erasing the less than pleasant atmosphere that had come about suddenly.

"Truce?" Sango extended her had to Kagome.

"Truce." Kagome parroted accepting the gesture of peace. "Well, I'll see you three hour from now." Kagome headed for the classroom. It was true that she and InuYasha shared a rather unconventional romance. InuYasha was the love of her life, but he was also a very married man. By societies they were wrong for too many reasons to recite them all at that moment. But she neither cared about being wrong or society and its views. All that mattered was that they were together and nothing would ever come between them.

Kouga stared out of his office suite towards the setting sun. From his position on the 22and floor, he could see the nine to fivers who'd called it a day making their trek home. He lifted his mug and took a deep gulp of the warm tea inside. No matter how many times he stood there in front of that window, he couldn't shake the feeling of surreal ness that surrounded him.

Nothing more than a common street thug, he'd managed to climb out of the pits of despair, and take hold of his dream. Kouga had gone from a no body, to somebody, at least according to the rules that governed society. But nothing comes without a price. And he'd paid a hefty fee to transcend from a teenage kid unsure of where his next meal would come, to a millionaire with three homes, five cars, and a bounty of women to meet his every wanton desire. He could have and often did have whatever he wanted with the exception of one thing.

Kouga walked over to his chair and took a seat. He stared at the picture of the red head that sat on his desk near the in and out baskets. His heart constricted whenever he looked at her photo. After nearly five years, she still had this sort of affect over him. Kouga wasn't surprised. Ayame was the love of his life, his angel of mercy. The one woman that had seen beyond the raggedy, fowled mouthed street brawler, to the hurt little boy he was inside.

She took him in. Taught him how to read, and write, but most importantly, she taught him that there was life beyond his fists, and it started with his brain, and would end where ever he wanted it to.

Before he'd realized it a lump had formed in his throat. Kouga climbed to his feet and walked back to the window. He was being foolish again, he silently scolded. The life he had with Ayame was lost to him years earlier. Nothing would change this fact. He had to move on. No matter how difficult it was to do so.

"It's just you and me now, Yoko," Kouga glanced to the potted plant in the corner of his office. A feeling of nostalgia swept over him whenever he looked at that plant, but his minute of reminiscing would have to wait. The telephone suddenly rang, pulling him out of his thoughts. Kouga stared at his watch then made for his desk. He had a pretty good idea who was on the other end.

"Kouga Akira."

"I was hoping I'd catch you." The familiar male voice said, followed by laughter.

"You're lucky you called when you did. I was just about to call it a night, Ginta." Kouga replied, sitting down. "So what's the deal? You're not going to send me another group of rejects are you?"

"They're not rejects as you like to call them. Actually, I think they're a rather impressive group."

"Impressive group or not, I only agreed to take on one of your brats."

"That's what the interview process is for. You choose who stays."

"Simple enough. Any suggestions, Ginta?"

"Not in particular. Although, there is one outstanding student this year."

"Oh yeah? What's his name?"

"It's a her. And her name is Kagome Higurashi."

"Kagome?" Kouga snorted. "What in the hells so interesting about a chick named Kagome? Her name alone bores me."

"Her name may not be all that interesting, but she's gifted. And I'm certain you're going to be amazed when you see her work. She reminds me of you…always so driven."

"That's what you said about that blonde girl you sent to me last year. I gave her my honest opinion of her work, and she locks herself in my goddamned bathroom and refused to come out for four hours. Four hours, Ginta. I don't want any sniveling, babies. I need people who understand we're here to work and are ready and willing to do just that."

"I recall that incident." Ginta laughed, "Futokoi Mai, was her name. That girl never did recover from your scathing review of her designs. She actually dropped out of the program a week after her internship with you ended."

"Her quitting wasn't my fault," Kouga defended. "Criticism is a part of this business. If she couldn't cope with someone telling her-her faults, then she did the right thing by quitting."

'Someone's grouchy."

"I'm not grouchy. I'm just tired of kids who are afraid of work. You can't get anywhere by standing still."

"No truer statement was ever spoken." Ginta laughed. "Well, Kouga-kun. I must go. I have another class coming in. Just remember to take it easy. And for heavens sake, try not to wound my precious student's egos too badly. "

"I aint making any promises."

Kagome strolled into the entrance of the Tokyo Pub. She quickly scoured the crowded bar looking for signs of Sango and Miroku. It didn't take her long to find the pair nuzzled in a corner booth in the rear of the place. And it looked like Sango's little brother would be joining them as well, Kagome thought as a lanky Youngman with dark brown hair thrust a hand in the air, waving them over.

"Come on," Kagome gave a slight tug, pulling the man that stood behind her forward.

"Keh-Do we really have to come here tonight, Kagome?" he grumbled as they darted through the dense crowd.

"Yes. Sango wanted to celebrate my making the list. I couldn't just stand her up, InuYasha."

"Finally," Sango quipped as Kagome and InuYasha reached the table. "I'd almost given up hope you were going to show."

"I told you we'd make it." Kagome chimed, taking a seat.

"Hey, InuYasha long time no see." Miroku grinned, slapping the other male a high-five.

"How goes it, letch?" InuYasha grinned.

"You're one to talk," Sango muttered.

"Hello to you to, Sango." InuYasha replied with unmistakable sarcasm as his eyes landed on the brunette.

"Whatever." Sango rolled her eyes, and faced Kagome who wasn't looking at all pleased at that moment with her outburst. "I'm sorry."

"It's ok." Kagome replied leaning into InuYasha.

Just like that the atmosphere had become incredibly heavy no thanks to Sango. Kagome understood why Sango held animosity towards InuYasha, but this was not the time or place for this. Furthermore, she'd hardly been able to get a free moment with him in recent months. She didn't want it ruined.

"So, changing the subject," Miroku chimed. "How's the political world InuYasha. Is being an attorney all you imagined?"

"Truthfully, its boring as hell, but it's what my mother and father wanted for me."

"And you are a momma's boy, aren't you?" Sango quipped.

"Sango!" Kagome hurriedly intervened. She could tell where this conversation was headed and she wouldn't tolerate it. "Enough Already!"

"No, it's not enough. I am really trying Kagome, but I just can't sit at the same table with this guy." Sango got to her feet and bounded from the table.

"I'm so sorry, InuYasha." Miroku apologized, giving chase. "Sango wait up."

The remaining three quietly sat a moment. Kagome watched InuYasha as he sipped on his drink. He didn't say much, but neither did he have to for Kagome to know that Sango's comments had actually gotten under his skin. In high school they'd all been inseparable, but fate would change all of that with a simple announcement from InuYasha mother on his eighteenth birthday. Fate was cruel sometimes.

"Shit," InuYasha grabbed the cell phone from his pocket, staring at it.

"What's wrong?" Kagome almost felt stupid asking him what was wrong when she had a pretty good idea who the caller would be.

"I've got to take this."

"Kikyou?"

"Yeah," InuYasha answered climbing to his feet. "I'm going to go out for a minute. I'll be back shortly."

Kagome watched as he made his way through the thicket of bodies in the tightly packed pub. It would be awhile before he returned.

"So, Sango says you're going to be vying for the internship at Akira Designs." Kohaku said.

Kagome looked at the handsome Youngman who she'd all but forgotten was sitting there.

"Yes, I am. I'm really excited to be given a chance to work under someone like Mister Akira."

"I'm glad you have that kind of enthusiasm, because you're going to need it." Kohaku said chugging down a beer.

"You make it sound as if I should be weary."

"That's because I heard some stories from a girl in my art class I was interested in. The girl told me that she'd dropped out of the Architectural program after a run in with that Mister Akira."

"Really? Why?" Kagome probed further. The conversation was definitely getting interesting. Any and all information on the mysterious Mister Akira was welcomed since it would give her the upper hand over her competitors.

'Because he's a complete ass. She said that it was nearly impossible to please him. That she felt as if he wanted her to fail. The poor thing said by the time her tour was over as his apprentice, she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown."

"That's serious."

"Tell me about it. This guys sounds like a first class jerk." Kohaku grunted.

"Is there anything more you can tell me, Kohaku?" Kagome asked, hoping to get a little more information out of him.

"Yeah, there's a lot more. Let me get another beer, and I'll fill you in on everything I know."

A half hour had gone by and Kohaku had told Kagome everything he could about the mysterious Mister Akira. Kagome had to admit that the stories he'd shared. Left a rather bitter taste in her mouth. It was frankly hard to believe someone as gifted as Mister Akira could be as heartless and cruel as the man Kohaku described. But then Kohaku had no reason to fabricate the tale, and people in power were known to get beside themselves.

Kagome supposed she may have held Mister Akira in too high of esteem. Still, jerk or not, she wanted to be touched by his magnificence. If any of the talent that came from him could rub off on her, she would feel extremely blessed. Knowing how badly she wanted this, there was no way she could walk away when she was so close to achieving a part of her dream.

"Hey, Kagome," Kohaku gave her a gentle shake, pulling her from her thoughts.

"I'm sorry, I guess I must have zoned out."

"No problem; I wouldn't have disturbed you, except it looks as if InuYasha's about ready to call it a night." Kohaku replied, motioning towards the door.

Kagome looked across the crowd to find InuYasha waving her towards the door.

"Yeah, it looks as if he is." Kagome said getting to her feet. "It doesn't seem your sister intends on coming back, so just tell her I'll give her a call on tomorrow."

"Will do." Kohaku replied.

Kagome started towards the exit. The night had turned out positively awful. What was supposed to be a celebration of her hard work had turned into an argument between her best friend and her lover. This night was definitely on the bottom of the list for most memorable.

"So we're already leaving?" Kagome asked, unable to meet InuYasha's gaze.

"Yeah, I have no choice on the matter." InuYasha replied taking her hand and escorting her from the pub.

"Are you at least driving me home?"

"I can't tonight. You'll have to take a cab." InuYasha said walking to the curb and attempting to flag down a taxi.

"A cab huh?" Kagome leaned into the wall, and watched him as he attempted to flag down a taxi. It was always the same. The minute they came together something always managed to come up, and he rushed away. She had no right to be angry. Their relationship was a complex one, with many obstacles. Obstacles she'd known about when she agreed to keep seeing him. Still, Kagome couldn't ignore how watching him leave her time and time again to go and be at another woman's side was slowly taking its toll on her. "Why is it always like this, InuYasha? She calls for you and you run to her."

"What would you have me do, Kagome? She's my wife for crying out loud."

"And what am I to you?" Kagome barked. She was so angry and so tired, and tonight was not supposed to be like this. Kagome Felt his arms go around her as he pulled her into an embrace. It was now time for the consoling phase, where he would tell her everything she wanted to hear. "I'm sorry, InuYasha. I know it's not your fault, it's just I'm so tired of us being like this." She pressed her face against his shoulder.

"I know you are, and I'm sorry you have had to endure this, but things will get better for us. I promise."

Kagome closed her eyes and slipped deeper into his embrace. These moments were so few, which made them all the more precious to her. InuYasha was not hers. Kagome had made a promise to herself years earlier to accept this, and she was trying her best to do so. But accepting this reality didn't make her pain any less.

"The cabs waiting." InuYasha said as he pulled out of her arms. Kagome felt so helpless watching him as he opened the rear passenger door for her. Like a good girl, Kagome walked over and got into the car. InuYasha closed the door , then proceeded to give instructions to the cabby, before turning around and addressing her.

"I'll make this up to you later." InuYasha said reaching through the window and stroking her face.

"You'd better." Kagome tried to smile, but she just couldn't. She didn't feel very cheerful at that moment and she was certain InuYasha knew this. They stared at one another a few minutes more, and then he simply walked away.

The cab pulled away from the corner and started towards her apartment. She was truly and enigma to herself. It would have been a hell of a lot simpler to just walk away from the madness loving this man had brought into her life, but she couldn't. Even when it hurt like hell, and she felt she couldn't go on, she couldn't get enough. When it came to InuYasha Takahashi, Kagome was inexplicably weak. But it was just the way it had always been, and always would be. For Kagome, InuYasha was the only man she had ever loved, and the only one she ever would.