Be Mine!
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Disclaimer: If Rumiko Takahashi and I teamed up we would make a kick ass team!
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A/N: Sorry the last chapter was a little serious! Eek! But don't worry, it'll start to loosen up a little!
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4: Balls and Boy/Girls
Kagome stared blankly at her biology book. She had been reading the same three lines over and over again without realizing it. Her mind was elsewhere. When she had suggested to Sango about disguising herself to learn more about Hojo, she hadn't expected her to suggest she change her sex. It made sense of course. How else would she ever get closer to him? The idea was so preposterous that it might just work. But for some reason, Kagome was taking the inevitable transformation hard. More specifically, she was damn nervous. She had little experience, practically none, with boys in general. It seemed unlikely that she could become a boy.
Kagome drummed on her book with her #2 pencil before releasing it and finally burying her head into her book. The idea stressed her out but sometimes getting a boy required sacrifices. At this point in her obsession, she was willing to do almost anything. If only she didn't have an obsessive personality, then maybe she could approach her interest in him in a normal way. She could be like other ordinary girls and ask him out. But she loved to make things complicated.
Sango had sat her down yesterday after school and asked her if she was willing to do anything to get Hojo. Kagome smiled sheepishly and Sango took that as a pathetic yes. Sango stared at her friend and told her that she was going to keep that reply to heart. Kagome got nervous. A couple days prior, Sango had implied that she might have to disguise herself as someone in the school. But the suggestion was crazy because she was a girl and they were all boys.
Sango paced in front of her, which elevated Kagome's nervousness. Kagome wasn't sure then what Sango had in that demented mind of hers but she was certain it was not going to be good. It would also probably be embarrassing.
Sango reached towards a nearby chair and lifted something in view.
"Do you know what this is?" Sango asked, holding the hanged clothing.
Kagome stared at the familiar single button at the top and the embroidered seal at the breast of the uniform.
"Yeah it's an Ijumari uniform. So what?"
Sango smirked, "So what size are you again?"
Kagome stared at her friend in silence, trying to comprehend the situation. Her eyes momentarily grew wide from discovery. It was insane! Sango was insane! It was probably Kagome's fault. All this talk about love would drive anyone insane.
"No! No way!" Kagome screamed.
"You said you would do anything!" Sango replied, swinging the uniform to and fro like a pendulum of death.
"Yeah but I didn't know you wanted me to…"
"Kagome, its perfect! Don't you think? This is the perfect way you could finally get to know him! You would be the new kid in school!"
"But I can't. I have my own classes. How could I be in two places at once?"
"We get out for sem break one week before they do. If you can't befriend him then, then you don't have a chance. Get in good with him and you're in."
Kagome bit her lip and looked away, "I don't know if I can do this."
Sango lowered her body towards her sitting friend, "You love him don't you?"
Kagome sighed and nodded her head.
"Then you can do this."
Kagome felt so angry that Sango could even suggest such a thing. Kagome left Sango with a sense of uncertainty. She was uncertain about the plan. She was uncertain about whether she could pull it off successfully with just one week. There were so many holes in the plan. Kagome clutched the uniform Sango had given her to wear. But she was certain about one thing—her feelings for Hojo.
&&&
The week came and went like a flying bullet. It was Saturday morning, which meant the senator's ball, was that night. Inuyasha was so into doing nothing all morning that he almost forgot about the ball. Thankfully his parents were there to remind him every few seconds, in case his mind might have erased the event clean. He had begged Miroku to go with him all week. It would be so boring without him.
"Dude, I cannot go to the ball with you!" Miroku screamed.
"Why not?"
"Because I do not want to enter into a ball with another guy. People might get the wrong impression."
Inuyasha snickered, "Trust me Miroku no one would ever think you swung that way."
"Still, aren't you suppose to bring a girl with you?" he asked, diverting away from the subject.
"What girl?"
Miroku shrugged and pointed behind them, "You could pick one of those."
Inuyasha turned around to the bundled group of girls who had followed them out of their school and down the street. Inuyasha had hardly even noticed them. He realized it was noisier than usual but he assumed it was just the usual Tokyo commotion. When the group of girls realized that Miroku was actually pointing at them, they froze from shock. His fingers were actually pointing at them! They clasped their hands in hopeful anticipation. The shock of his acknowledgement and the view of their perfectly sculpted bodies were too much for one innocent hopeful to take in that she fainted. Luckily, she just fell into the crowd.
Inuyasha scanned the group for a second. Miroku stared at is friend and noticed that it almost looked like he was actually looking for someone in particular. Oh who could this person be?
"Nah, I'll pass."
Miroku shook his head, "No love for the loveless. You were always such a picky person."
Miroku stared at his group of admirers and smiled his perfect smile, "It's okay ladies, the king is a little sad today. But I will be happy to accompany you all to an afternoon snack." The girls shrieked and ran towards him. In moments he was in the center of starry-eyed love struck women.
"See ya," Inuyasha murmured, though he was sure Miroku hardly noticed he was gone.
He trudged back home in despair. He was definitely not looking forward to Saturday's events. He could picture himself now making good with all the other senator's sons and government official daughters. It was so tiring.
He opened the door to his home and raced towards the kitchen to grab something hearty to eat. But it wasn't long before he realized he wasn't alone. There sitting in the living room was his mother, father, and special guest. Inuyasha stared at the guest in bewilderment before continuing his hunger hunt towards the kitchen. Staring at her brought back memories—some good and some bad. Mostly bad.
He wasn't sure why she was here and frankly he could care less. She was the last person he wanted to see. It had been nearly a year now. He was finally over her and here she was again.
"Inuyasha! Please come back here this instance!" he heard his father screech.
Inuyasha grabbed and sandwich from the fridge and headed back into the living room, trying to play cool as if her presence wasn't a disturbance to his heart.
She stood up and headed towards him, a smile on her immaculate face. He turned away just before she reached over and hugged him. He stood there perfectly lifeless and still chewing on his turkey sandwich.
"Inuyasha, long time no see…" she whispered.
That was for a reason.
"Inuyasha, aren't you going to greet your guest?"
Inuyasha stared at her and nonchalantly raised his sandwich, "Hi." He turned his body and headed towards the stairs, "Now if you will excuse me, I have some homework to do."
"Inuyasha, aren't you going to ask her what she is wearing to the ball?" his mother said.
Inuyasha turned around slowly, "Why?"
"Because you'll be her date. Your suit needs to match her dress."
This wasn't prom! He didn't need to match anyone and he didn't need to bring a stupid date. Especially not her.
"What?" he replied exasperated.
This time the girl spoke, "I'm going to be your date." Inuyasha stared at her before dropping his head. It was so difficult to defy his parents. He had so much riding on his weary shoulders.
"The dress is blue," she said excitedly.
"Okay, see you then…Kikyo."
&&&
Kagome was having a difficult time transforming into a boy. Sango had lent her a wig to use. But her facial features were too feminine to pass off as a boy. She just looked like a girl with short hair.
"Maybe I need to roughen you up a little," Sango suggested.
"How?" Kagome asked still staring at her self in the mirror.
"Maybe I should beat you up or something."
"What? No way!"
"I know, you just need some facial hair!"
"Well you tell me how I can grow some facial hair in three hours?"
"Well you can start by not waxing your upper lip anymore!"
Kagome reached over and grabbed a comb, "Do you want me to hit you?"
"Geez it was just a joke! Okay, lets practice your walking…uh, hunch your shoulders and spread your legs a little."
Kagome did as Sango said and admired herself in the mirror, "I think I'm getting the hang of it. Is this how your brother walks?"
Sango's grin turned into a laugh, "No, but its so funny to see you walking like a gorilla."
Kagome ceased her gorilla walking and threw the comb in her hand at her best friend, "You are no use to me!"
"I was kidding. Just walk normally except don't sway your hips so much and sulk a little. You notice how guys look like they're dragging themselves from one place to another?"
"Yeah I guess."
"And mess up your hair a little. It doesn't have to sit so pretty on you."
"Sango this is the weirdest thing I've ever done."
"Kagome, you're the weirdest person I know so don't worry."
&&&
Inuyasha hadn't seen Kikyo in nearly a year and now he was going to bring her to the ball as if she never broke his heart. Every time he thought of her, nothing but tension managed to seep into his mind. Why was she here anyways? No one quite explained the situation to him and he never asked. He did as he was told and never complained. He would bring her to the ball, make nice with his future comrades and conspirators, and go home and pretend the night never happened. It was a bulletproof plan if he thought so himself.
He quickly dressed, not paying much attention to how he looked. Then again, he always looked good. He didn't even have to try. It was a god-given gift. He buttoned up the remaining buttons and slipped on his tuxedo jacket. He quickly glanced at his watch and realized it was nearly 5:30 p.m. He was supposed to pick up Kikyo right about now. But she could wait a couple more minutes. Besides he didn't want to be at the ball on time. He preferred to be fashionably late.
It was nearly 6:15 p.m. Inuyasha and Kikyo were pulling into the villa. They hardly spoke to each other in the limo. Inuyasha was intent on pretending she wasn't there. She tried to force a conversation on him. But when she realized that he wasn't going to bulge, she gave up reluctantly. His expression was lifeless and his motions were robotic. She slipped a glance at the brooding figure to her side and bit her lip from frustration. If she didn't have any self-control, she would have jumped on him right there in the limo. He looked so tempting when he was angry. But, he was never going to forgive her and who could blame him?
Kikyo's mind lapsed back into the past. It had only been a year since he last held her in his arms…since he last told her he loved her.
The limo finally made a stop and Inuyasha summoned all the courage he had left in his body to ask for her hand. They needed to seem happy and completely enthralled. He couldn't let his broken heart and butchered pride get in the way. The limo door opened and he scooted out. He looked into the limo and unenthusiastically offered his hand to his companion.
Kikyo stared at his outstretch hand and smiled. Was he finally softening up a little bit? She carefully placed her gloved hand onto his hand. The touch of his hand was nostalgic. He pulled on her and she rose from her seat in the limo, planting her delicate feet on the pavement of the villa steps.
"Let's just pretend we like each other," Inuyasha whispered. Kikyo looked down and nodded. She thought too soon.
They entered into the brilliantly lit room of the ball. Crystal encrusted chandeliers hung from every corner of the ballroom. Beautifully decorated tables were scattered at the far end of the room, leaving enough space for an extravagant dance floor. Silk banners hung from the walls and intricately assembled flowers ordained the nearly five feet gold-plated vases. Someone led them to a table, which seated five other individuals. They were the first guests seated at the table. Inuyasha assumed that the remaining seats were reserved for equally important people. He sat Kikyo down and looked around. The place was still remarkably empty. By the number of tables surrounding him though, he was certain the ballroom would be crowded.
"Who do you think is going to sit with us?" Kikyo asked, hoping the question might break some ice.
Inuyasha shrugged and didn't say a word. He was getting a little irritated of her. He hoped the ball would start soon and he could leave.
Then something, or actually someone, caught his eye at the entrance of the ballroom. She looked different from what he was accustomed to seeing her as. Her hair was up and she wore a satin deep red dress. He watched her look around, tension painted across her face.
"Do you know her?" Kikyo asked, following his fixated gaze onto the girl who had just entered into the ballroom.
Inuyasha had forgotten Kikyo was next to him. His mind was consumed by the idea that Kagome was in the same ballroom as himself. He didn't understand the circumstances and thought that it was a little humorous seeing how ridiculous she looked. But actually, she didn't look that ridiculous. She actually looked, Inuyasha thought, rather good.
She was accompanied by that friend of hers. Inuyasha could not remember her name though Miroku kept repeating it over and over again. They both smiled at each other and giggled, probably from nervousness. Finally someone led them from the entrance and into the ballroom. Inuyasha wondered where she would be sitting. His eyes followed her as she sashayed from left to right, the satin dress hugging her in all the right places. He did not know she was connected to the senate or the government. She normally hardly looked the part. But tonight she appeared different. She looked like she was glowing.
"Hey I think she's coming over here," Kikyo whispered.
Inuyasha paid closer attention to the direction of her sashaying. Indeed, she was coming towards them. Kagome had yet to realize where she was going and who was at the end of that direction. She was too busy contemplating the first few steps to the plan Sango and she had hatched.
Their escort finally stopped at Inuyasha's table and beckoned them to sit. Kagome smiled and looked down only to find herself face to face with the last person on earth she thought she would ever see at the ball.
"You!" she said, staring at Inuyasha.
Inuyasha just smiled and instinctively grabbed Kikyo closer to him. Kikyo jumped from his touch and looked at his hands, which were holding onto her bare arm.
"I guess they'll let anyone in," he said snidely.
Kagome turned to Sango with a frazzled look on her face. Sango just stood there, rather entertained by the night's unexpected events. Before Kagome could make sense of the situation and how to react to it, she felt someone else behind her. Though she knew the night was only going to get worse, she turned around and sighed.
Kouga stared in contentment, pleased with how the night's events were unraveling.
"Kagome, a pleasure to see you here. Lucky me, I'm sitting at this same table."
"No you aren't!" Kagome retorted.
Kouga smiled, "Oh yes I am."
&&&
Sango turned from one end of the table to the other, trying to keep a straight face. Only this predicament could happen to no one except Kagome. At one end of the table was Inuyasha, holding onto his date, whom she was introduce to as Kikyo. She looked a little bewildered but not uncomfortable. She looked as if she liked all the attention Inuyasha was giving her.
On the right of Sango was Kagome, completely annoyed by both the situation and Kouga's advances. Sango could not have asked for a more complicated yet entertaining setting.
"So, how do you know Kouga again?" Inuyasha inquired, a little ticked off of Kouga constantly harassing Kagome. Don't get him wrong, it wasn't like he liked her, he just thought it was a little irritating. Kouga continued to marble at his good fortune. He assumed he would be bored all night but luckily he had Kagome's company and Inuyasha's annoying questions.
"She purposely fell on me so she could get into my pants." Inuyasha was taken aback but he didn't let his guard down. He remained stoic and unfazed.
Kagome hit him on the arm. "Excuse me? I wasn't the one, you know…" she leaned over and whispered, "asking for a kiss."
"A kiss now, baby? The night is so young but okay!" Kouga leaned over and tried to force a kiss on her pretty little lips. She diverted his attack by stomping on his foot. He leaned back and smiled, "I do like my girls rough."
Inuyasha turned away but continued to hold onto Kikyo for support. Sango was enjoying the festivities but felt a little like the five wheel to their wagon of deranged unbalanced love. No one returned the other's affections. Kagome hated Kouga but Kouga was in love with Kagome. Though Sango did not know anything about Inuyasha or what he had with this Kikyo girl, it was obvious that he only saw her as arm candy. His behavior was a little strange. He seemed taken aback somehow. Taken aback from Kouga's affections for Kagome? Sango shook her head. That was preposterous. The only thing that made sense was their apparent hate for each other.
Kouga turned to Kagome and smiled handsomely. Kagome looked away. Sometimes he was getting to her. Sometimes she thought about ending her little obsession with Hojo and seeing what it was like with Kouga. But once the guy opened his mouth, she thought against it.
"Let's do some dirty dancing?" he asked her.
"Why can't you just ask me to dance? Do you always have to be a big pervert?"
Kouga's smile grew wider, "I'm getting to you. You want me to ask you to dance."
"You're unstoppable."
&&&
Inuyasha finally stood up and excused himself to the bathroom. Kikyo watched him leave longingly. She watched Kagome and Kouga continue to battle it out. A group of girls from her own high school were seated just across from her. They were giggling to themselves about how tacky it was for a couple to bicker in public. Kikyo smiled and refocused on Kagome. Inuyasha was acting a little strange tonight. The instant he saw her, he reacted by pulling Kikyo towards him. She wasn't sure if he had done that out of consideration for her own feelings or for another more desperate reason—a reason that Kikyo refused to accept. Could he be trying to make this Kagome girl jealous? Kikyo forced the ridiculous thought out of her head. In comparison, anyone could see that Kikyo was obviously the more beautiful one. But why was she perplexing him so. She could not help but notice how intensely he watched her and how irritated her engagement with Kouga made him.
Kikyo's thoughts were suddenly disturbed by a shriek at the opposite end of the table. Kagome leaped from her chair and hastily fingered through the table until her hands came in contact to a tablecloth. Kouga sat on the chair, his hands in the air.
"Kouga, I am so sorry," Kagome yelped. The commotion was drawing eyes towards them. Kagome patted Kouga's pants with the napkin.
Apparently Kagome had spilled her drink onto his lap. If it was out of spite or pure accident, Kikyo was not sure. But whatever the reason, Kouga's pants were completely covered in water. Though he should be furious, he was more excited that Kagome was patting his dry.
"A little more to the left," he beckoned.
Kagome moved her hand, which was already near his crotch, a little lower.
"No, no, a little lower." Kouga had a grin plastered on his face. Kagome did not notice the malice in his voice. She was more embarrassed that she had soaked his tux, which probably cost more than her dress and shoes together.
"That's it. Now can you do it in a circular motion? It dries faster that way."
Kagome ceased her patting and let go of the napkin. Kouga watched her stand up and fold her hands in defiance. Her face was apple red.
"You are such…" Kagome couldn't even let the words out to explain him. If she had, the scene would build up more attention. She just left it at that.
"Just go to the bathroom and get cleaned up before I hit you," she demanded, her voice quivering from the anger rising in her body.
Kouga didn't notice the annoyance in her face or if he had, he chose to ignore it, "As you wish, my love."
He left the three women in silence. Sango patted her friend on the back because there was nothing else she could do. Kikyo had thought the ball was going to be rather boring but so far, it was making for good comedy.
&&&
Inuyasha had been in the bathroom for nearly ten minutes. He wasn't sure what was happening outside and did not care. He wondered if he could possibly remain in the bathroom the remainder of the night and leave. Nothing was turning out as plan. It was suppose to be a calm and collective night.
He had to admit that he was surprised to see Kagome at the ball. But what was even more shocking was that she knew Kouga. Inuyasha had nothing really against the guy. He had known him since they were children. If he chose to, Kouga sometimes found himself hanging out with Inuyasha, Miroku, and Hojo. But most of the time, he was much too busy prying off the women from his body or studying. Though he does not look like it, Kouga is one of the top five in the class.
Did Kouga know he didn't have a chance with her? It was so obvious she was deeply in love with Hojo. Even though she continues to deny it, Inuyasha could see her affections for him so plainly. He hardly knew her but yet he could read her like an elementary book. It always surprised him how often they seemed to meet. From the first time he saw her, he never thought he would see her again. But in a matter of days, there she was again. Their chance encounters occurred primarily because she was stalking Hojo. But the thought of wanting to see her again crossed his mind a few times. He didn't know what the attraction was to her. He wasn't even sure if it was something purely sexual or if it was something real to his heart. But he could never admit these feelings to his friends, especially not Miroku. Though he liked the idea of love, he had never been in love before. Inuyasha had been in love once before and he knew what it felt. So, he knew that what he felt for Kagome had to be something else.
He splattered water onto his stressed face and stared at his chiseled features in the mirror. The serene quiet of the room was violently interrupted by the abrupt swing of the bathroom door. Inuyasha, still looking in the mirror, watched the figure stomp into the room. He had a smile on his face and his pants were completely soaked around the crotch area.
"She never ceases to amaze me," he gloated. Kouga turned to Inuyasha and grimaced. He had forgotten he was at the ball. "Inuyasha! Were you taking a crap?"
Inuyasha chose to ignore him. He looked down at the sink and splattered his face with more water, hoping the cold liquid would distract him from the anger growing deep inside him.
"I'll take that as a yes." He walked towards the white cotton towels nicely folded and arranged on the sink and held three or four of them in his hand.
"You seem a little quiet tonight Inuyasha," he said wiping his soaked pants. He looked at Inuyasha and seemed to contemplate about his next line before reciting it. "I didn't know you were back with Kikyo."
"It's none of your business," Inuyasha angrily retorted.
Kouga put up in hands in peace and stood back, "Hey I was just curious." Kouga continued to wipe himself dry. Inuyasha watched him steadily in the mirror and wondered what had happened out there. But he dared not to ask.
"So, just my curiosity being loud again, but how do you know Kagome?" Kouga asked.
Inuyasha shrugged, "By chance." He turned to Kouga and smiled, "You know, you don't have a chance with her. She's got her eye on someone else."
"Who? You? From the looks of your silent conversations, she doesn't seem too interested in you."
Inuyasha closed his eyes and tried to mentally count to ten in hopes of calming his frustration.
Kouga sensed he was picking at something sensitive, "Doesn't matter anyways. I don't care. She'll start to like me soon enough."
Inuyasha grabbed a towel from beside Kouga and turned to leave. He stopped just short of the door and asked, "Do you really like her?"
"Yeah I like her. She's a little different from the girls I normally date," Kouga paused and stared at Inuyasha, "But the question is…do you like her?"
Inuyasha froze for a second and quietly exited the bathroom door.
&&&
Kagome had quite enough and was ready to end the evening's chaos. She rose to find Sango, who had disappeared mysteriously, when she heard Kikyo call out to her. Kagome turned around and looked at the ebony haired beauty. Kagome could see why Inuyasha had chosen her for his girlfriend. She had perfect milky smooth skin, cheeky almond eyes, and sensual pink lips. Kagome felt a little plain in comparison.
"I'm sorry your night was a little…difficult. I know Kouga can get a little perverted."
"You know Kouga?" Kagome asked in surprise.
"Well, we all went to elementary school and junior high together. I've known them all for quite some time."
"I see. Was he always this mental?" Kagome inquired.
Kikyo giggled, "I guess so." Kikyo observed Kagome's uneasiness.
"Actually I wanted to know what your relationship was with Inuyasha," Kikyo's voice had shifted from a delicate politeness to stern and serious.
"Uh we don't have a relationship of any kind. You couldn't even call us friends or even acquaintances. I actually don't really talk to him…we always just kind of meet in a really weird way."
Kikyo sat back and nodded her head. It seemed to her that Kagome was unaware of the way Inuyasha looked at her. Then again only Kikyo could notice the slightest change in Inuyasha's demeanor. The gift came from years of friendship and their brief but serious relationship.
Then again, Kikyo wasn't entirely certain what was happening in that mind of his. All this insecurity could have derived from jealousy and the want of having him back in her life as more than just a friend.
"I see," as if summoned by command, her cute self came back. Her voice had shifted back to absolutely adorable. "Inuyasha, where have you been?"
Kagome turned around and saw Inuyasha standing beside the table. He looked disheveled. Kagome wondered what had happened to him. He took a quick glance at her before walking towards Kikyo and offering his hand for a dance. Kikyo looked up at him and then at his hand. She couldn't quite put two and two together so quickly. Inuyasha had been in a sour mood since he saw her two days ago. She assumed he would not be in the mood to dance.
Kikyo gladly took it and he whisked her away from the table. He glided pass Kagome as if he had never seen her. Kagome watched them curiously. She wasn't sure what had happened between them but she felt as though Inuyasha had loved her once and maybe still did.
Sango finally came back from wherever she went. With her hands full of tasty snacks, Kagome assumed she went to the dessert tray and had stayed there until the tension subsided.
"I wonder what happened to those two?" she asked, stuffing her face with tarts.
"What do you mean?" Kagome asked, snatching a tart before Sango could consume it.
"Isn't it obvious. Inuyasha looks like he's in a nightmare."
"Really?" Kagome took another peek at them. They looked quite happy to her.
"See the way he has his head turn. I mean, wouldn't you want to look at the one you love in the eye?" Kagome took another quick glance and shrugged.
"Well whatever, I don't give a crap. Let's go. I've represented my parents well enough. I was here and now I'm leaving." Sango stuffed her mouth with another tart before Kagome stood up and collected her things.
Sango smiled, tart in her mouth and teeth, "Sorry Kagome, you spoke too soon."
Kagome felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Kouga. He pulled her towards him and led her to the dance floor. She tried to resist but was too weak for him. She would have normally poked his eyes out and ran away but it felt like all eyes were on her. If she decided to act badly, her parents would hear about it in a minute. She wasn't exactly the candidate for best daughter these days.
Kagome finally succumbed to his will and followed him. She figured that as long as she was at a ball she might as well dance. If he tried anything funny, she would simply leave.
"Try anything and you'll regret it."
"If I did try something, I don't think I'd ever regret it," he said snidely.
Kagome rolled her eyes and waited for him to lead. As they began to dance, she forgot how perverse and annoying he was. He was gentle and graceful. In this state, he appeared almost handsome.
Inuyasha eyed the two in irritation. They had completely ruined his concentration. He found himself fumbling his steps. Kikyo felt the shift in tension and turned to see Kagome and Kouga gliding gracefully across the dance floor. Kagome actually looked a little contented. Kikyo glanced at Inuyasha as he tried to salvage his dance steps. He was tense again and Kikyo felt it with every move they made in unison. She watched his eyes dart towards Kagome and Kouga and then back on the floor as back again.
"Do you want to sit down?" Kikyo asked.
With his focus still on the floor, Inuyasha shook his head, "I'm fine."
Kikyo turned towards Kagome and frowned. She would make getting back with Inuyasha a little difficult.
&&&
Kohaku continued to stare blankly at the ceiling, recalling the prior night's events through his mind. Though he was completely shocked about meeting Sesshoumaru and discovering that he was also Rin's boyfriend, he couldn't help feeling a little upset that his chances for getting some had been ruined. After all, he was still a guy.
He tried to refocus his thoughts on Sesshoumaru and less on how delicious Rin looked in that robe. Sesshoumaru appeared a little domineering and authoritative, which was the very opposite of Kohaku's nature. In all honesty, Sesshoumaru and Kohaku seemed to have nothing in common. Had Rin's tastes in men shifted? Or more importantly, had she been playing Kohaku all along? Kohaku found it hard to stomach the idea. Though Rin may not have felt anything strong for Kohaku, he felt something real for her—something a lot like love. He had to admit; he had found it odd that someone so beautiful and experienced as Rin had found him attractive. But to have been dating two guys at the same time, that was pretty low. Yet, he still couldn't get his mind around her.
Just then he heard his cell phone beep, which meant he had a text message. Kohaku fingered through his bed until he made contact with his cell phone. He raised his up to his face to see it and was shocked when he saw the name Rin run across his screen.
Please meet me at the front of the library after school. –Rin
Kohaku read and reread the message over and over again, contemplating on his next move. If he did meet her, she would assume he had forgiven her. If he didn't meet her, she would think he didn't want to know the truth and maybe work it out with her. Or if he did meet her she would think that he was soft and easy to manipulate, which when it came to her, he was. But, he didn't want to be treated like a damn fool anymore. He was supposed to be the smart one. All the book smart in the world had not prepared him for what had happened yesterday. They don't necessarily teach you about safe sex and how to handle scary ex/current boyfriends. He didn't even have any condoms yesterday! If he was going to continue to see Rin, buying a box of those were going to be a priority. She was at a different level of experience compared to him and she was moving fast. Yesterday would have been a giant turning point in their sexual relationship if it not had been for Sesshoumaru. He made a mental note to run down to the corner drugstore and purchase some A.S.A.P.
He placed his cell down and decided to think about it. But before his brain could refocus, another message sounded. Kohaku assumed it was Rin again.
He excitedly checked his message but was confused when the words UNKNOWN flashed on his screen. He raised an eyebrow and curiously proceeded to check his message.
Have you forgotten about me? I still haven't forgotten about you. Call me when you've confirmed a time a place for out date. –Kanna
Kohaku jumped from his bed and flung his cell further away from him.
&&&
Kagome could hardly keep up with Kouga. She liked this side to him. He was graceful and poised. More importantly, his mouth was shut, just the way she liked him. He could pass off as a gentleman. Kagome giggled at the sight of him. She was actually beginning to have a good time. Then a girl beside them rudely interrupted them. Kagome and Kouga turned to her. She was petite and cute with adorable dimples at either side of her mouth.
"May I cut in?" she asked. Kagome was actually having a good time, she didn't want to let him go. But it wasn't like he was her boyfriend. Kagome realized she was one of the girls who were previously laughing at her for spilling water on his pants.
"Sure, go ahead."
Kouga looked at Kagome and smiled, "I shall be back momentarily."
Kagome rolled her eyes. The guy didn't even try to protest against it. He was such a playboy. She walked back to the table and met with Sango, who seemed to be bored. As soon as she saw Kagome approach her, she threw a duffel bag at her.
"Hey!"
"This is perfect. Inuyasha and Kouga are both busy. Its time for you to change."
"Now? Why here?" Kagome wined.
"Because, it's the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself. If Inuyasha and Kouga see you, you might become better acquainted with them which will lead to a better acquaintance with you-know-who!"
Kagome sighed and headed for the bathroom reluctantly. Nothing good was going to come out of this. Thank god her parents weren't here. She finally made her way to the bathroom. Taking of the dress was a little difficult in a narrow stall. Her mother was going to have a fit when she sees how wrinkled her dress was after she stuffs it in this duffel bag. Kagome breathed in deep before extracting the tux Sango had given her. Her brother and Kagome were about the same size before he had his growth spurt. Now he was considerably taller and was more built. Kagome put on the tux but was perplexed at how to put on a bow tie. She had never done it before in her life. After a couple trial and errors, she finally gave up and opened the stall door. But then closed it quickly again.
She had forgotten that she was in the woman's restroom. She touched her hair, which was now a short wig and sighed. She would simply have to exit the stall and the restroom unseen. Simple, right? Kagome slowly unlocked the stall and turned to leave. She saw a glimpse of herself in the mirror and stuck out her tongue. She could not believe she was doing this. Luckily the door out was just within reaches. Only one door lest before she was clear. She hugged the duffel bag and grabbed onto the door handle. But before she could swing it open, it opened on its own. Kagome could feel the blood rushing to her head. How would she be able to explain this?
&&&
Kouga was growing tired of dancing with the dimple cheeked girl. He turned his head and scanned the room for girl in a wine colored dress. But she was nowhere to be seen. He wondered if she was mad that he had chosen to dance with this girl. Though he was devoted to her, his old habits died hard. He used to be every woman's man. The thought of being with just one girl was hard to swallow. But he liked that she didn't stare at him starry-eyed and that she spoke her mind. It challenged him and he liked a good challenge.
Kouga stared at the girl in front of him. She was just the same as the rest of them. Same god-awful lovesick smile, same pathetic look in her eyes.
Kouga walked away and headed for the table.
"Hey! Where are you going?" she called after him. Kouga didn't turn back to see the disappointed expression on her face.
&&&
"Sango?" Kagome nearly screamed. Standing at the doorway to the bathroom was Sango. Kagome practically fell head first onto the floor. Sango grabbed her out of the bathroom and lead her to the side of the ballroom.
"What took you so long? Someone could have seen you.
"Sango I don't think this is going to work," Kagome whimpered.
"Aw suck it up. Let me fix your tie." Sango reached over and tried to make sense of the jumbled mess Kagome had created.
"Who's this?" said a voice from behind them. Sango looked over Kagome's head and smiled.
She leaned forward and whispered, "Remember, you're a guy now."
Kagome gulped and turned around. Kouga stood there with his hands in his pocket, looking a little perplexed and tired.
"This is um….er," Sango stumbled over her words. They had forgotten to give her a name. Kagome turned so that she was no longer facing Kouga.
"Odenoya Tohu," Kagome blurted out. She glanced at Sango before turning to Kouga and extending her hand.
Kouga looked at her for a moment, trying to register the guy before him. He was short and a little feminine, he said to himself.
"Odenoya Tohu?" he said out load.
"Yes, that's me." Kagome was nervous. Kouga would see right through this. She didn't belong in this new body of hers, which was beginning to irritate her. The bandages she wrapped around her bust was starting the suffocate her.
Kouga walked towards them and bent down to examine Kagome further.
"I know you…"
Kagome tried to breath but it seemed as though there was a lack of air and oxygen in the building. This was an idiotic plan. She knew it would never pull through.
"You do?" Kagome asked timidly.
Kouga grinned, "Yeah, I think I went to cram school with you two years ago. You were that little runt kid that thought he knew all the answers.
Oxygen! Oh thank God, she could breath again. Relief filtered through her body. She glanced over at Sango and saw her fanning herself.
"Yeah, you still remember me?" Kagome asked in the manliness voice she could muster in that meek little body of hers.
"I don't forget a face. What are you doing here?"
"Well I transferred to Ijumari Academy. Do you know it?" Kagome asked, trying to act dumb and coy.
"Yeah, I go there too!"
Sango sighed and pulled Kagome away from Kouga before he got his senses back. "Well Tohu and I have to get going."
"Where to? And where's Kagome?" he asked searching through the crowd.
"Oh she had to leave unexpectedly. Luckily I saw Tohu here."
Kouga cocked his head to one side, "How do you know Kagome's friend, Tohu?"
Kagome looked at Sango and gave her an alarming look. Sango sighed, she was upset that Kouga still didn't know her name.
"Well, you know…"
"Don't tell me…" Kouga said, a grin from ear to ear, "You are together."
"Together what?"
Sango elbowed Kagome and cleared her throat, "Yup, you found us out. So if you excuse us…"
"Wait a minute…you guys just can't leave. Let me call Kagome and scold her for not telling me she was leaving. She's probably upset because I danced with another girl. You know how jealous girls get, right Tohu?" he said winking at Tohu.
Kagome watched him punch in her number. If he dialed her cell number, her phone would go off. Sango jumped for the phone, knocking it out of his hands. Sango grabbed the phone leaving Kouga speechless.
"Hey! Tohu tell your girl to control herself!" he yelled.
"Sorry!" Kagome said, "She was just thinking that if you call her, she'd be even more mad at you. Give her some time. You know women…"
Yup Kouga, you know women alright.
"True." Kouga grabbed his phone from Sango, "Tohu you haven't changed a bit. You definitely haven't grown either." Kouga laughed and told them to follow him.
Kagome and Sango followed him to the table, where Inuyasha and Kikyo now sat. They looked up when they saw them, a little confused about the newcomer.
"Tohu, do you know Inuyasha?" Kouga asked.
Inuyasha glanced at her for a moment. His eyes didn't falter for what seemed like seconds. He finally looked down and sighed. Kikyo welcomed her with a smile.
"Hello, my name is Ohanu Kikyo." Kagome nodded and bowed. Kikyo did the same.
"But where is Kagome?" Kikyo asked.
"Oh she had to leave. She was sorry she couldn't say good-bye formally."
Kikyo nodded and turned to Inuyasha, who seemed to be preoccupied with the floor.
"Let's go," he muttered, getting up to leave. Kikyo didn't protest, she rose as well and collected her belongings, "It was nice meeting you. Sorry but we have to be going now."
Kagome nodded and breathed in a sigh of relief. Inuyasha didn't even wait for Kikyo to finish putting herself together. He left the party and exited out the door in a sour mood. Kikyo trailed him close behind. Kagome watched her, feeling a little sad that Inuyasha treated her so badly.
"So Tohu, I'll see you on school on Monday, right?" Kouga asked.
Kagome bit her lip and nodded. "Yup. Monday."
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A/N: PLEASE REVIEW! Thanks. So next chapter the fun will begin because she gets to go to Ijumari!
-co tsukino
