Chapter 10:
"… and after I dropped Ayame off, she invited me and Miroku in and oh my God, her mom is so nice and so pretty! She has wavy, long, red hair, and freckles on her nose, and this thick southern accent. Oh! And her cooking, Mmm, Mm; I never knew fried chicken and collared greens could taste so good."
As Sango ranted off about yesterday, Kagome walked with her down the hall; physically she was there, but her mind was other events, mainly about the one that happened after Inuyasha drove her home.
The car ride was eerily silent, only the motor of the Lexus running could be heard as Inuyasha drove towards her home. Kagome was too wrapped in her own world to tell him that she wasn't staying there at the moment. Every time her thoughts went back to the hour when they shared that kiss, her lips burned as if his were still on hers, her gut twisted and turned and did all sorts of summersaults and flips while the familiar sensation between her thighs grew more intense every second. She pressed her forehead against the window, trying to focus on scenery instead for the man next to her.
Inuyasha took his eyes off the road momentarily, noticing the way she squirmed in her seat, discreetly rubbing her thighs together, crossing and uncrossing them repeatedly.
Well at least I'm not the only one feeling this way. He thought as he pulled to the side of the curb. Already anticipating her moves, he hit the lock button before she had a chance to bolt.
"Stop fucking around Taisho. Let me out!" Kagome demanded hotly. Inuyasha pretended like he didn't hear her, calmly turning off the engine. Leaning back against the headrest, he closed his eyes; sighing.
"We need to talk."
"I really don't feel like talking." Trying again, she released the lock, only to have it flip down again. "God damn it!" She whirled around in her seat, giving him a death glare; he was unmoved.
"We can't hide our feelings." He turned to face her.
"Why! You've been hiding all your life, keeping secret after secret, telling lie after lie. Why do you want to show and tell the world all of a sudden?"
Inuyasha huffed, "Because it's time for a change."
Why is she making this so hard? Doesn't she want to be with me?
"That's some bullshit excuse!" Kagome shouted, her dark eyes flashing with anger. "I swear if Sinclair hadn't come along you would've kept things the way they were." She spat vehemently, shocking the other. "Once you saw that there was someone else interested, you wanna jump up and take claims like I'm YOUR property. Well guess what?" She jabbed her finger hard into his upper arm. "I'm not yours! I've never have been and I won't be if you keep acting like a macho jackass." Inuyasha looked down at the offensive appendage as it kept digging into his flesh with every word. He swiftly grabbed her by the wrist, squeezing it lightly.
"I don't mind you touching me, but poking is out of the question." He growled, staring fiercely at her. Demanding her attention, he tugged, not to hurt her, but to make sure that she got the point. Giving equal intensity, Kagome yanked back her arm, but Inuyasha held firm. Pulling back her arm hard again, he finally let go, resulting in making her captured hand slap her across her cheek. Inuyasha snorted a small laugh.
"See? This is the shit I'm talking about!" she yelled as she cupped her face, glaring at him, agitated that he was making her lose her cool; "You and every other man are all alike!; Miroku getting beat up and you getting salty cause Sinclair told you we had sex. You just can't handle a little bit of fucking competition!" She accused, breathing heavily, not realizing that she was screaming at him. Feeling her face flushed, she turned back in her seat.
Calmly, she pressed the button to unlock her door, only to be snatched again by her arm. Whipping her head back around, obscenities were ready to spew out from her lips. Seeing his jaw clenched and the rage growing gradually behind his golden eyes had them caught in throat.
"How the hell do you know about that?" His voice was low when he demanded the question. Though her face didn't show it, her heart was pounding so hard in her chest she was afraid he could hear it.
What did I just say! I was so angry I just said anything! Oh man, I think I blew it! Think… quick!
It only took her thoughts milliseconds to process before see opened her mouth.
"What a stupid question." She snide, rolling her brown eyes. "You know Sango tells me everything AND I'm editor of the newspaper. The whole school knows about that." She winced when his grip tighten.
"I'm talking about you knowing that Sinclair told me that ya'll had sex." She gulped silently
"I…"
"The only people who were there was that bastard, me the guys and that new kid."
"His name's Mat, get it straight!" she shouted. God they fought like a thousand times, at least he could do was remember her…err his name.
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. "How do you know it was him?"
Shit Higurashi, just shut the hell up!
"Well, you did say new kid… I… I just assumed…" she stammered under his piercing gaze
"There're a lot of new kids this year. How did you know it was him?" Kagome nibbled on her lip nervously. "You weren't even in school. Matter of fact, you're never at school when he is and he's never at school when you are."
"I have a community service assignment to do that requires three days out of the week. It's just a coincidence." She tried hard to back up what she had said earlier, but Inuyasha wasn't buying it.
"That still doesn't answer how you knew he was there and what happened in that room." Kagome's face grew redder; she wasn't sure whether it was out of frustration or nerves or maybe both.
"What is this? Twenty-one questions?" she tugged her arm, trying to break free again. "I don't have to answer you. Now let me go!" she commanded. Inuyasha ignored her, holding her tightly; he was sure he was going to give her a bruise but right now, he didn't care. Something was up and he wanted to find out what.
"Tell me what's going on and I will."
"You son of a bitch, you can't hold me against my will." she thrashed violently, making the car shake.
"Would you cut it out! What are you, on your period or something?" a terror filled gasp came out of her open mouth. Anger filled in her eyes as she swung at him with her free hand. Though he blocked it, he hissed when the force of the impact branch out through his shoulder.
"You're hiding something and I want to know what!" To cease her aggressive movements, he leaned over quickly, grabbing her other shoulder, trying to keep her still.
"You can go to hell Taisho!" she barked, bucking against his hold. Forcefully, despite his injury, Inuyasha jerked her out of her seat, towards him; their upper bodies just inches from touching. Their breaths melting together as panted lightly, their fierce gazes locking in a heated battle
"Whatever you're hiding," Inuyasha began more calmly, "it involves me so I deserve the right to know what that is." He tried to reason with her. She tilted back her head a little, letting out a small laugh, before snapping it forward, making her forehead purposely colliding with his.
"AHHHHHHH! DAMN IT KAGOME!" Inuyasha screamed, instinctively pushing the subject that did him bodily harm away from him. Kagome huffed when her back hit the car door, as Inuyasha held his abused forehead, inspecting it to see if there was any blood.
"That's what you deserve." She retorted, blowing her bangs from her eyes. Finally the opportunity came; unlocking her side, she quickly made her escape. But instead of going inside the house, she trotted down the street, far, far, far away from Inuyasha Taisho.
Kagome let out a sigh, she totally lost it. She was so pissed off that Inuyasha was talking and grabbing her like he owned her that she really didn't think before she spoke. Now Inuyasha would catch on and her cover would be blown!
AARRRGG! Why did he have to be smart? Why couldn't he just be dumb like he pretended to be? She thought in despair, tugging at her hair at the roots. All of her hard work and would be going down the drain in seconds.
"Hello, Earth to Kagome." Sango walked backwards, waving her hand in front of Kagome's face to get her attention.
"Huh?" She blinked several times, making an effort to switch her thoughts. Sango blew air into her cheeks.
"You weren't even listening to me." She accused, plucking her on the forehead.
"Ow! I was too." She yelped, her head was still kinda sore from assaulting Inuyasha.
"Oh yeah? Then what did I just say?"
"You said after stuffing your face, you drove Miroku home and you found out he lives right across the street from your apartment. And now you're afraid that he may turn into your stalker, which I might add, you're about four years too late." Both girls stopped in front of their lockers, turned the dial of their locks.
"Ok. So you were listening." She looked over at her friend, her eyes shadowed by her thick bangs as she stacked her books on the shelf. "But what's up with you?"
Signing inwardly she laid her forehead against the edge of the metal shelf; she mumbled her answer.
"What? I can't hear you. Get your head outa the locker." Sango ordered, puzzled at Kagome's behavior. Slowly Kagome emerged from the locker, closing it softly.
"I said Inuyasha kissed me." Her cheeks turned pink when Sango eyes grew wide, her mouth fell open.
"He kissed you! When? Where the hell was I!"
"Ssshhh. You're being loud." Kagome blushed more, turning to see other students giving them weird looks before going about their business.
"Yesterday after the game." She answered her. They began to walk again, towards the cafeteria to meet with Ayame.
"So did you kiss back?"
"Sango!" she screeched, mortified that she would ask such a question.
"What? I gota know these things. I missed the action, so you gota fill in the details."
"This is so embarrassing." She whispered. "Yeah, I kissed back."
"Good. So was it…"
"What do you mean 'good'? I thought you didn't like Inuyasha." Kagome knitted her brows together in confusion. Sango shrugged.
"I never said I didn't like him as a person, I just didn't like what he did to you." Sango justified. "So like I was saying… was it a 'why is he kissing me' kiss, a 'oh my God his kissing me' kiss, or a 'shit, what's my name again' kiss?"
That had Kagome bubbling with laughter.
"Where do you come up with this stuff?"
Sango smiled, "I don't know. I just made it up. Now answer." Kagome giggled again.
"I think it was a 'shit what's my name again' kiss."
"Hot damn! That's what I'm talking about. You need to get laid anyhow." (A/n: my best friend tells me that every other day.) Kagome punched her in the arm as a response. "Well any girl would be happy to get a mind blowing kiss, so why are you so down?"
Her eyes sadden as she told her what happened afterwards.
"Do you think he's figured it out?"
"I don't know. I think he's caught on but I don't know what he caught on to." She raked her fingers through her locks. Anymore digging in her hair and people will start to think she just had sex in the janitor's closet. "I just…"
"Don't work yourself over this." Sango cut her off. "The more you worry about it the more frustrated you'll get and you might say something stupid… again." They both stopped at the entrance of the cafe when Sango put a hand on shoulder. "Let him think what he wants to; he's not that smart to connect you two." Kagome gave her a look but didn't say anything as they went through the doors.
"You know, these seats were reserved for someone else." Ayame said while dodging Kouga's arm that was about to go around her shoulders. They had been talking a few weeks after she enrolled into the school, but the more she got to know him, the more she realized that he was use to having girls drop to their knees, waiting to cater to his every whim. Well, he was definitely in for a rude awakening when he found out that she wasn't one of them. Kouga smirked, looking around at the empty rectangular table.
"There's more than enough space for whoever you're waiting for." Kouga said smoothly, this time succeeding in wrapping his arm around her, pulling her seat closer to his. His deep brown eyes gazed into her emerald ones, as if he were trying to hypnotize her. She shook her head slightly and sighed.
Between that devilish face and eyes, that suave personality and lots of experience, it's no wonder how he can get a girl to fall, or at least drop her panties, for him.
"Yeah but I want them to seat next to me." Kouga just put a smile on his handsome face.
"What? You wouldn't rather sit next to me instead?" He flirtatiously twirled the end of one of her pigtails. "Besides, I wanted to talk to you about that history project due in a few weeks and everyone knows you're a wiz in it so I was wondering if you wouldn't mind doing mine."
She wanted to cuss him out for that, what was she, his maid? But instead she remained quiet as he took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles, "And in return, I'll take you out to dinner and afterwards maybe relieve some stress." His arm that was around her shoulder moved down, stopping at her waist.
Her response was laughing. She laughed so loud that a few students from surrounding tables stopped their own conversations and stared at her. Her face became red and her breathing was labored when she finally stopped.
"What type of girls are you used to? Do you honestly believe that I would just do your five page project when I have one to do myself?" she removed his arm from around her and took back her hand. "Now I'll help you, but my mama didn't raise no fool." She turned away from a perplexed Kouga to wave at Sango and Kagome to come her way. Kouga sat where he was, totally confused. Everything that he just did would have any girl putty in his hands; so what when wrong?
"Ooh, burn man." He turned to the familiar voice. He glared at Bankotsu who wore a cheesy grin.
"Shut up." He spat.
"Better luck next time playa." Miroku was next to chime in. Kouga flipped them both off before sulking, resting a cheek on his closed fist. Inuyasha appeared behind them at the same time the girls reached the table.
"Mind if we sit with you?" he asked the question to Ayame but was staring at Kagome.
"No you can't." Everyone looked at Kouga; Ayame quirked an eyebrow at him.
"Don't mind him. He's just mad because I won't give it up to him." She rolled her eyes when he huffed, muttering something under his breath. "Now move over to the other side. I want Sango and Kagome to sit next to me."
Was she trying to add insult to injury? She already denied him sex, which was a first in his life and now she was dismissing him like he was a nobody. Ayame gave him a look as if to say "why haven't you moved yet?" Huffing again, and not feeling like walking all the way around, he hoisted himself on the tabletop, sliding across it.
"Ahhhhh! What the hell man!" Miroku exclaimed
"Why did ya have to wipe your ass on the table?" Inuyasha shouted, looking at his friend in bewilderment.
"Ah, why do ya'll kiss my ass?" Kouga said bitterly, sitting in between Miroku and Bankotsu.
"I think we're about to eat on it." Bankotsu stated. Inuyasha sighed before sitting down next to Miroku. Everyone was in silence for a moment as they started to unpack their lunches. Kagome observed as the boys shared, well more like snatched, each others sandwiches, chips and swapping drinks. She took out her notebook, placing it on her lap to jot things down.
"What are you writing Kagome?" Inuyasha asked, none to friendly either. She gave him a cold look.
"It's none of your business." She retorted, jamming her notebook back in her bag. The teens looked between the two; Kagome reached over Ayame's mini veggie plate; nibbled on a baby carrot while Inuyasha bit aggressively into his club sandwich, which was originally Miroku's but he swapped that for Bankotsu's Ruben on rye.
"Ouch, Inuyasha, what happened to you?" Ayame asked noticing the golf sized knot on his forehead along with a purple bruise. Even though his thick silver bangs were covering it, from where she was sitting, she saw it perfectly. In embarrassment, Inuyasha gingerly touched the bruised area, smoothing out his hair to cover it more.
"It's nothing." He answered finally, returning to his meal.
"He claims that he and Sesshomaru got into it yesterday." Bankotsu relayed the message, receiving a defiant stare. "But we all know that's a lie."
"How do you know?" Sango asked, getting into the conversation. "From the rumors and media gossip, you two have tried to kill each other."
"That's not true." Inuyasha said indifferently, "Sure we fight, but we don't try to kill each other." He paused, thought about it, "Almost. Yeah, that's the word they should use. We almost kill each other." He shrugged when Sango and Ayame sat there in shock. He just talked about it like it was a normal thing. Kagome let out a short laugh before snacking again.
"Ok, but you guys didn't answer the question." Kouga brushed the crumbs from his fingers.
"When Sesshomaru beats you up, it's usually in places that you don't see; on your body and legs and stuff, not on the face. And he would have had nicks and cuts in his knuckles if they did go at it."
Miroku's smirked "Hm, when you don't get any you think logically. Interesting… Ow!" he barked when he got punched in the arm. In retaliation, Miroku hit him upside his head. Before they knew it, they went into one of their many mini brawls/ arguments.
"So are you girls coming to the party tonight?" Bankotsu shouted over top the two "kids." All three girls looked at each other.
"What party?" they said together.
"Inuyasha's having… WOULD YOU TWO CUT IT OUT AND STOP ACTING LIKE DAMN KIDS!" he scolded the boys.
"He started it." They whined. Bankotsu shook his head, and then looked in Inuyasha's direction.
"You didn't tell them?"
"It must have slipped my mind." He said coldly. All three boys looked at him bemused. Wasn't he crushing on Kagome just a few weeks ago? What happened? They were sure she would have been the first to know.
"Are we invited?" said crushee asked. Inuyasha shrugged
"Whoever wants to come." He answered distantly.
"What's the party for?" she questioned, not really expecting Inuyasha to answer.
"To celebrate that we kicked some Blazers ass!" Miroku shouted, rousing others to cheer as well.
"Well I'm in." Ayame announced excitedly, wiping her hands on a napkin.
"Me too." Sango said with just as much zeal. All the teens, except for Inuyasha, looked at Kagome, waiting for her answer.
She shrugged; "I guess I'll…" her words were disturbed by a high pitched calling of what sounded like 'Inuyasha'. Seconds later, Kikyo flopped down next to him, wearing colors of nylon blue and orange. Her long hair pulled up in a high ponytail away from her pale face that had way too much makeup on it and too much Chanel perfume that had Kagome gagging for air.
Kikyo shot her a look before staring affectionately at "her man."
"Inuyasha sweetie, I just wanted to let you know that I will definitely be at your party tonight." She took her slim hand, rubbing it gently across his jaw line. Kagome forced herself to stop grinding her teeth as she watched the flirtatious acts continue. Just for the hell of it, Inuyasha took her hand, kissed the back of hand.
"I can't wait. I'm sure you'll be the life of the party." Kikyo wasn't the only one shocked by his comment. She could have sworn he would have told her to get lost, or ignored her. She smiled; finally one of the star jocks of the school was paying her attention. She leaned over placing her cherry red lips to his ear.
"I'll wear something nice, just for you." She purred, but everyone at the table heard her.
"I'm looking forward to it." She smiled before getting back up, switching her hips as she walked away. Inuyasha could feel everyone's stares and he couldn't blame them. Swiveling back in his chair, he finished off his drink.
Kagome's body shook in anger as she balled her hands on the table; she abruptly jumped up, knocking her chair on the tiled floor.
"Kagome." Sango reached for her; grabbed her hand.
"Just leave me alone." She whispered, taking her hand back while trying to keep her cool.
She stared at the man that she thought cared for her.
Inuyasha refused to make eye contact; she stormed out of the cafeteria.
But apparently he didn't.
Kagome waited until she was out of sight before covering her face with her hands, trying hard not to cry because Kagome Higurashi did not cry for any man. She cursed when the first tear fell.
Maybe just this once
She made a mistake by keeping her head down as she bounded the corner of the hallway, running into something solid and warm.
"Whoa, where's the fire?" a familiar voice said jokingly. Looking up, she stared into the laughter in Sinclair's eyes before concerned filled them. "What's the matter?" Kagome's own began to fill with more tears.
"Oh, Sinclair, I've been such a fool!"(A/n: dramatic much?) She wailed, burying her face into his chest. Sinclair looked puzzled as he stroked her hair in comfort.
"Kagome, you are never a fool." He soothed her. "Now tell me, who made you cry." She sniffled, brushing her tears with the heel of her palms.
"That bastard Inuyasha." She spat his name in disgust. "Flirting with that bitch Kikyo in front of me like I didn't exist."
Now the fog around his brain had clear. He hadn't expect her plan to work so fast and so smoothly at that. He smirked. She had done her part well, now it was his turn.
"Looks like he's hurt you again huh?" she nodded her head.
"I was stupid to think that he would change. All those things he said to me. I…I believed him." Sinclair brushed away another tear that streamed down her cheek.
"You shouldn't waste tears on someone like him Kagome." He slipped his arms around her waist. "You deserve better." She sniffed again, nodding in agreement. He smiled, happy that he had convinced her so easily. "How about I take you home then?"
"No." she stepped back, smoothed out her red blouse. "But I'd appreciate it if you take me out for a huge hunk of chocolate cake." Sinclair held out his arm for her. She took it gracefully as the headed for the exit. She didn't need Inuyasha.
"Ok what's the matter?" Rose asked, fed up with her boyfriend, soon to be ex-boyfriend if he didn't change his attitude and stop ignoring her. Sesshomaru looked away from the view of the lit city to face her. The dim glow of the light played on his features, his golden eyes turned into a dark bronze. Rose eyes soften, sighing inwardly.
He's such a…
"Did you say something?" he asked dryly.
Rose growled … an asshole! "You weren't even listening to me!" She accused, in reaction she threw her napkin at him. It pissed her off when he caught.
"Being a little childish aren't we?" He folded the linen, placing it by her wine glass. She blew out air, calming herself down.
"You're the one who decided to go on a date and you're not even listening to me."
"I was listening." He sipped his wine; half-ass listening but hey, what did you expect? Narrowing her orange eyes, she folded her arms not believing him.
"Then what did I say?" He sighed. Raising his hand, he signaled the waiter over for the check.
"You're upset because Dress to Impress Inc., the same fashion company that you've worked for the past 3 years, has been using all of your designs and you have yet to be recognized or promoted. But your male co-worker, whom in your words, don't do a damn thing, are being awarded for their incompetence." The waiter appeared beside him just as he reached into his wallet. He placed the small black rectangle on the tray and the waiter left silently.
"Yes, and I asked you what I should do about it." She stressed to him. She was dead set on quitting, already written her resignation letter but she still wanted to hear what Sesshomaru had to say.
"You already know what you want to do. Why do you need my opinion?" His comment had her gritting her teeth. Her nails bit into the palms of her hands, trying not to lash out on him.
"Because…" she hissed between her teeth. Hastily she grabbed her clutch bag and black leather coat. She scooted out of the booth, "it would have nice to hear that you care about my career." She jammed her arms into her coat. "No not my career," she corrected, "my life!" Sesshomaru hunched his shoulders as when she spun around, pushing the innocent waiter out of her way as made her way to the exit. He shook his head as he was handed back his card.
This is why he asked for the check early, knowing that as soon as he opened his mouth, the date would be over. Grabbing his coat as well, he walked quickly to catch up with her. By the time he made it to the front door, his limo was already outside, the driver stood patiently in the brisk weather by the passenger's side.
The old man bowed, opening the door for him, revealing a pissed off Rose, her foot tapping harshly against the carpet floor.
"Where to sir?" the man asked politely.
"Home." Both he and Rose said together. Rose shot both men deadly looks.
"My home." She said making it clear to them. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, not paying attention to his girlfriend.
"Home." He commanded. The man nodded, waited until slid in, opposite of Rose, before closing the door.
They were both quiet for a while; Rose stared outside the tinted window trying to ignore his stares. She shifted over more when Sesshomaru decided to sit next to her.
"I do care." Rose snorted a laughed
"I can tell." She said sarcastically. She avoided his touch, moving closer to the window, if that was possible. Smirking, he snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her into his form. He leaned forward, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I don't understand why you need my answer on something you've already decided on."
"Because I would like to hear you say I'm making the biggest mistake of my life." She sighed heavily.
"Believe me, if I thought you were making a mistake I would be the first to tell you." He confessed in a monotone voice. She closed her eyes and let out small laugh.
"You know exactly what to say." Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, kissing him lightly on the other. A knock on the small window came soon after before winding down.
"Excuse me sir, there seems to be a traffic jam up ahead. The detour is going to take about thirty minutes out of our way." The driver informed.
"Very well." The man nodded, rolling back the window. Not passing up the opportunity, Sesshomaru skillfully undid the belt of her coat. Rose didn't realize what he was doing until she felt his hand on her bare leg.
"Excuse you?" she gave him a playful look.
"Well since it's going to be an extra thirty, we could…" he whispered in her ear; she moaned, her eyes rolled in the back of her head.
"Do you think we'll be able to do that in here?" she looked around the limo; there was space but not enough to maneuver around like that.
"We're about to find out." Sesshomaru nipped her ear lobe, making her shiver. He quickly disposed of her coat, then his.
"And beside…" he turned her sideways, half of her body was on the floor; her heels scraped the ceiling and the leather of the seats "… you're very flexible." He smiled devilishly with lust filled eyes. Rose was about to laugh if it hadn't been for her mouth being captured by his. She moaned loudly, tangling his silver hair between her fingers as he took her for a ride.
The family room, decorated in white and blue, was filled with a crowd, mostly seniors, dancing to the beat blasting out of the stereo. Separated between dancing, socializing, going back and forth between the food table and flirting with the opposite sex, everyone was having a good time, well, except for one.
"Ok. What's the deal between Kagome and Inuyasha?" Ayame asked, looking at Inuyasha from across the room. His face was expressionless, slouching on the sofa. Sango swiveled in the chair in front of the black makeshift bar.
"Well I only came into this soap opera drama in the 8th grade, but according to Kags, they were childhood friends. When she went away to France, Miroku stepped in and sorta took her place. The rest goes down hill from there." Sango took a sip of her topical smoothie, "And since he's a jock and she's a "geek" he ignored her. They haven't spoken for five years, till now." She turned to look at him, still unmoved as he watched his peers enjoy the festivities.
"So… is it like an unrequited love thing cause you can definitely tell that Kagome is feeling him."
"More like they're two thick headed fools who are too stubborn to admit that they love each other and get on with their lives." Sango said half- jokingly. She unzipped her blazer of her track suit, slipping her arms out of it. Ayame brushed her loose hair behind her ears.
"Ok, that makes sense. Now what's up with him and Kagome's look alike?" Sango laughed softly.
"Kagome would put you in a headlock if she heard you say that. The Whore of Freeman High…meaning Kikyo is his ex-girlfriend."
"Really." Ayame's green eyes widen. Looking behind he,r she searched the faces of the crowd; finally her eyes landed on Kikyo, or at least the side of her face as the rest of it was smashed up against an unknown guy as they shared a sloppy kiss in the corner. "It's too cold for that." She said, referring to Kikyo's skin tight halter top and booty shorts. "She doesn't seem to be his type." She turned back to face the other.
"Yeah, that's what we said, but we figured it was because of the close resemblance; can't have the real thing so settle for sloppy seconds." She shrugged. "They lasted for a year though."
"Why'd they split up?" she bite into a soft pretzel.
"Because she gave him gonorrhea." Sango answered casually; shock and disgust was written all over Ayame's face.
"NO WAY!"
"Uh-huh, the one day they didn't use a condom; him and damn near the whole baseball team."
"Even Miroku!"
"Actually him, Kouji and Richie are the only ones who didn't. I don't know if it was the loyalty they have for Inuyasha or guys just have a sixth sense about those things but all three of them said "Hell No!"
"Eeewwww!" Ayame shook her arms as if there was something crawling on them. "That's so icky!" She turned back around, only Kikyo was still there, applying more gloss on her lips. "How'd the team find out, if Inuyasha didn't know she was screwing them too?"
Sango pointed to the dance floor.
"See that girl, the one dancing with Shaggy over there?" Ayame hit her arm playfully,
"That's not nice." She smiled as she followed her finger.
"That's Megan, one of Kagome's crew on the newspaper. She found out, somehow and wanted to write it in the paper for everyone to know, but Kagome told her no."
"To protect him."
"Yeah; instead she made an announcement over the PA system, saying that all male athletes needed to go to the nurses' office for a mandatory checkup. She told the nurse to give them all STD test as well."
"The nurse didn't ask any questions?" the redhead asked.
"I don't know what went on, but everyone was lined up at the door." Sango leaned over, taking a piece of her pretzel before Ayame shoved the whole thing her way, losing her appetite. She turned her head in Inuyasha's direction, now surrounded by his friends.
"She protected him, after all of that." She shook her head in amazement. "I hope I never get that crazy for a guy." She looked at Kouga, who laughed as he put Bankotsu in a friendly strong hold.
"Yeah, well now she has Sinclair. Lucky girl and I'm stuck with a womanizer as a stalker." She said absently, sighing heavily.
"I don't like him." She heard Ayame say.
"What? He's tall, gorgeous, smart, suave, gorgeous and crazy about Kagome." Sango laughed. "What's not to like?"
"It's his eyes." She simply said. Sango raised an eyebrow.
"His eyes?"
"Yeah, they're dead. When he smiles, and that's only when he's around Kags, it never reaches them. There's just something about him I don't like." Sango held on to her words, storing them away. She turned her attention away from Ayame and towards the boys.
"I wonder what they're talking about."
"Damn Bankotsu, the way you were grinding on that girl, you would think you didn't have a girlfriend." Kouga teased him, punching him lightly in the arm.
"We were just dancing." He defended himself. He and Kida had made up, but she was still mad at him.
"Ok, why are up sitting here and not enjoying your own party?" Miroku asked his sullen friend, squeezing his arm slightly for comfort.
"Just got a lot on my mind right now, that's all."
"Care to share?"
Inuyasha became silent again, trying to collect his thoughts so he didn't sound paranoid.
"I think Kagome and the new kid Mat are connected somehow." It was silent for a second then his ears exploded with the sound of their laughter.
"Dude that kid has got your mind twisted!" Kouga said in between laughs.
"What made you come up with that?" Miroku asked.
"Yesterday when I took her home, she told me, by accident, what went on in homeroom that day I was ready to sock Bacster in his face." The boys nodded their heads, remembering that day. "And I've realized they're never at school on the same day."
"So what, you think the two of them are doing some kind of undercover thing?" Bankotsu was still skeptical about the whole thing.
"It wouldn't be the first time she's done it."
"But for what?" Miroku sat down next to Inuyasha, trying to put the pieces together.
"Don't know but…"
"Inuyasha!" he cringed, hating how his name sounded when it came out of her mouth. He watched as Kikyo muscled her way pass his friends.
"The word's 'excuse me'!" Both Bankotsu and Kouga hollered angrily. Queen Bitch turned, giving them the once over in a cold glare before turning back to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha," she said sweetly. While wrapping her arms around his neck, she forced herself in between his legs. "You've been here all alone. Why don't you come and dance with me?" She gave him a seductive smile.
He tried not to gag as her perfume clogged his nose and mouth. Kagome never wore perfume; she always had that natural scent that he loved. He turned his head discreetly when the girl, who really wasn't wanted, started to play in his hair.
"Inuyasha."
Now what? He thought as he looked away from her to the two approaching women.
"Mmm, only my woman can where a track suit and still look sexy." Miroku said, blowing a kiss at Sango.
"I am not your woman." She said rolling her dark brown eyes, "Just your date." She looked at silver haired boy. "We need to talk."
"Well, well, if it isn't Higurashi's little pets. Where's your master?" She fisted both hands on her hips as she turned, shielding Inuyasha.
"None of your business; Inuyasha, can I talk to you privately?"
"I really don't feel like talking."
"But…"
"You heard him." Kikyo stepped in Sango's face, "Don't you know how to take a hint?"
"Don't you know how to use a breath mint?" She retorted, receiving laughs from her friends. Kikyo gritted her teeth, arching her fingers like claws by her sides.
"Kikyo." Inuyasha sounded bored, but he could see that she was ready to attack the other and didn't want to have to break it up. "I really don't need a fight right now, so could you leave." The girl in question turned around; first shock masked her face, then composed herself.
"But, Inu baby," She reclaimed her position between his legs, rubbing the lapels of his blue and white shirt between her fingers, "What about our dance?" she whined.
"Later." He winced inwardly, feeling like Sesshomaru right now with all the coldness lately. Huffing, she walked away, furious that she'd been humiliated… again.
"Mind if we go someplace else?" Sango gestured with her hand.
"Whatever you gota say, say it here." Sango folded her arms over her chest, not liking his attitude.
"I didn't want to embarrass you in front of your friends but fine! Whatever's going on between you and Kagome that caused her to bash you in the head, either you fix it or leave her alone!" she scorned him like a mother would a child. Cheeks burning, Inuyasha instinctively touched the spot on his forehead
"It's none of your business…"
"See? That's where your wrong," She cut him off, pointing to herself, "It is my business because you're hurting my best friend… again! You see she's not here. She didn't want to see you parade that look-alike in her face." She stepped to him, so they were eye to eye; both flashing with intensity "So let me make this clear so you get it, if you want Kagome, then go get her; but if you just want her cause there's someone else in her life, then don't bother. Sinclair's good for her and I won't have you screwing that up and make her life miserable."
Inuyasha clenched his jaw; adverting from her gaze. Feeling like she got her point across, Sango, with Ayame behind her, left the boy to simmer in his own thoughts.
Slowly he looked at the expression on his friends' faces, all sharing the same uncertainty in their eyes. Furious, with not only Sango but himself, he jumped off the couch.
"Where the fuck does she get off telling me what to do?" Infuriated, he kicked the couch hard enough that it scooted an inch away from them.
"Well… she does have a point." Bankotsu stepped to the side when he kicked at nearby chair his way.
"Who's side are you on?"
"What's the fuck's your problem?" they both shouted at the same time; both clenching their fist, both about to jump at each other.
"Now, now children," Miroku, being brave, stepped in between them. He held his hands up, palms facing his friends to keep them from advancing. "How about we not fight, huh?" he laughed nervously when he received death glares from both sides.
"She's right Inuyasha and you know it! You can't keep treating Kagome like this!" Shutting his eyes, he sighed, calming down. "One minute you can't stop talking about her and then the next you're ready to give up and go to the next girl." Miroku moved from between them when Inuyasha hard face soften, finally cooling down.
Teasing her was apart of their "relationship" and usually she'd let it roll of her shoulders and not think twice about it, but she wasn't here. He was hurting Kagome.
Feeling distraught over his stupid childish behavior, he pressed his open palm on his forehead, pushing aside the twinge of pain. He promised himself that he would make this right. He looked up when he felt a hand gently grip his arm.
"You ok?" Bankotsu watched him with concern, already forgetting about their little snit.
"Yeah, just thinking that I've hit rock bottom and my life can't get any worst."
"INUYASHA!" his eyes widen when the booming voice bounced off the walls, ringing louder than the music itself.
"Shit." He whispered when the crowd of teens parted like the Red Sea as an annoyed and, to the boys' observation, disheveled Sesshomaru walked towards him, Rose trotting twice as fast behind him to keep up. "I think it just got worst."
"What the hell are all these kids doing here! Shut up!" he commanded when Inuyasha opened his mouth. "There're cars jamming up the driveway that it us forever to get to the fucking house! I said shut up!" he repeated. "Have you even left this room? There're kids practically fornicating on the walls. There's vomit on the floors and God knows what else and… Arggghh!"
"Owww!"
Rose's face lit up when she witnessed her boyfriend take out his frustration on his younger brother by slapping him hard on the side of his head. This was a side she'd never seen before.
"Are you even listening to me!"
"No. Because the stench of I-just-had-sex-in-the-car-with-my-girlfriend is filling my senses and knocking out everything but the images of you having sex that I'm so desperately trying to block out." Rose was the only one who had the guts to laugh and even she kept it lightly.
Fingers twitching, jaw taut, and the infamous vein bulging from his right temple; a fire burned behind his amber eyes.
"Five…" Inuyasha's eyes turned into saucers, "…four…"
"Shit! What happened to counting to ten!" he panicked.
"Three…" he had the satisfaction of watching Inuyasha trying run as the rug picked up from under his feet. His eyes followed him as he pushed the crowd out of his way. Slowly he eyed Miroku, then Kouga, and finally Bankotsu.
"What! Us too!" Miroku exclaimed.
"We didn't even do anything!" Kouga yelled next, frantic that they were also chosen for one of Sesshomaru's torture methods
"Two…" he simply said, shedding off his coat.
"Damn! Death by association! Move!" Bankotsu pushed Kouga into Miroku, knocking them on the floor as he made his escape.
"You bastard!" They bawled together, scattering to their feet.
"Every man for himself!"
"One…" panic filled their hearts as they followed their path, not daring to look at their executioner. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at their retreating backs.
"Don't they know by now that I never run after them?" A wicked smile formed on his face; laying his coat on the back of couch he leaned down, kissed Rose on the lips.
"If you'll excuse me, I have to go kill four teenage boys." His presence always commanding attention, the frightened teens scattered away from him, giving him a clear pathway to his victims.
"I'll visit you in jail." Rose called out to him. He raised his hand in acknowledgment as he bounded the corner. Shaking her head, Rose walked over the DJ to request a song that she could dance to.
"Kagome when I'm done with you, no one will be able to take their eyes off you." Kida proclaimed as she selected a few of her many eye brushes and makeup.
"I don't understand why I have to have so much makeup on. I mean, I'll be wearing a mask so no one will see it anyhow. I…" she trailed off when "I don't care" was written on Kida's face. She huffed in defeat, "Fine, paint me." Kida showed a winning smile as dabbed her brush in the dark powder.
"So… has Bankotsu said anything?" Kagome opened the eye that wasn't being colored.
"You were talking to me?"
"Who else would I be talking too? You spend time with them don't you?"
"Sometimes." She fell silent. "If you're talking about the whole not-telling-your-mother-that-he-exist, he says you're the one who's still harboring anger."
"That son of a bitch!" both Kagome and Sango watched as the blonde's face turn red, pacing back and forth. "I still want to fight! He's the one who's all calm and collected and says 'it doesn't matter. I'm fine with it.' He makes me so mad sometimes!" Unintentionally, she flexed her hand, cracking the wooden brush. "Damn it!" forcefully throwing the object down, watching it ricochet of the coffee table.
Kagome and Sango exchange looks as their disgruntled friend search for a new brush.
"Umm… may I give my opinion?" Kagome hesitated.
"Yeah, sure."
Brace yourself, Kags
"Bankotsu has every right to be mad."
"What!" Kida screamed whirling around, holding a makeup utensil in her hand like a dagger. "Who's side are you on?"
"Hey, I'm living in both worlds at the moment and after hearing both sides; Bankotsu has the right to be angry with you. Hold up," she raised her hand to stop her from speaking. "If he didn't tell his parents about you, you would've slit his throat and castrated him. Bankotsu feels as though you don't care about him enough to even mention his name to your mom."
"That's ridiculous." Kida crossed her arms over her robe, putting herself in her boyfriend's situation. "I hate it when you're right." She finally said. "What do I do now?"
"Well, for starters, you could apologize." Kida scoffed at her remark.
"I never apologize."
"And then both families could have dinner together, to get to know each other better."
"Oh God! That's a nightmare; his conservative parents and my wild out mother. That'll be a night to remember."
Laughing at the mental image of her mother telling all of her crazy sex story, those were her favorite; she went back to painting Kagome's face.
"You know we're missing a girl." Sango noted, "Where's Ayame?"
"She's coming." Kagome answered.
"What's her costume?"
"A clown." Kida spoke.
"A what!" Kagome shrieked rising up from her chair.
"Whoa Kags, you almost made me mess up."
"A clown!" She stared between the two girls, fear stricken on her features. "I HATE clowns! Why a clown?"
"I don't know girl, now sit down." Kida commanded, pointing to the small chair in front of her. Shaky, she complied, leaning her head back as the blonde continued.
"I hope she doesn't come with that scary white paint all over her face and that big red smile," she shivered.
"Stop moving!"
"Ever since that movie "It" I can't, I just can't…I" she started to breath heavy.
"Listen, we have no time to for you to be having a panic attack, now breathe!" Kida demanded in a motherly tone. Slowly, Kagome took gulps of air a few times before her breathing returned to normal.
"Sorry."
"So'k." the knock on the door came just as she was almost done.
"I'll get it." Sango announced, crossing the room. "Hey Ayame."
"Hey." She greeted cheerfully.
"Stop hyperventilating!" they heard Kida shout.
"Who's hyperventilating?"
"Kagome." Sango answered. "Don't worry; she doesn't look like a clown. Well, not a normal one." Ayame laughed. Slowly, Kagome opened her squinted eyes. No, Ayame didn't look like a normal clown. Her red hair, pulled up in her usual pigtails was decorated with ribbons of dark turquoise, a mini top hat, cocked to the side was pinned near the left one. A magenta star outlined in black covered her right eye; dark red circles colored her cheeks, the same color were on her lips. Her dress reminded Kagome of a French Maid's outfit with small puffy sleeves off her shoulders, the color matching her ribbons, with magenta stars covering it. The black ruffles underneath stopped at mid thigh. Her legs were bare except for the turquoise bridal garter on her left thigh, with magenta 2-inch pumps.
"You do not look like a clown in the least." Kagome commented on her outfit.
"What?" she spun around, showing off her bare back, "I do too. I don't match at all. I even did my nails." She held up ten colored coordinated fingernails. "I feel like a clown."
"A sexy clown." Kida smiled as she put away her kit.
"Yeah, well of course but still." She looked down at herself, as if second guessing her choice of clothing. "This is probably the only time I'm ever gonna dress like this so I'm going all out." She smiled. "It's like Halloween for big kids."
"Pretty much." Kida picked up her stuff. "I'ma put this away and get dressed." She called out as she went into her room.
"Sango you look extra cute." Ayame exclaimed making the other blush.
Kida had also had done her. Starting with her hair, a waterfall of loose glossy brown curls; gold glitter woven around each curl, fell down, stopping just above her waist. Her eye makeup was over the top exaggerated; gold and silver embellished around and under her eyes, spreading at her temples, insinuating wings. Her cheeks and lips were dusted with a light pink to complement her fair skin. Her pure white sleeveless top was draped loosely, showing off the valley of her breast, cutting off just above her abs. Unique gold tattoos traveled from her elbows down to her wrist in a 'S' like chain pattern. Her A-line dress ended at her ankles, splitting up both sides all the way up to her waist; though she was wearing nude tights so she wasn't completely naked. Several gold chains circled around her waist, dangling at her thighs and simple strappy sandals completed her costume.
"No heels?" Ayame asked.
"I'm too tall for them." Ayame nodded in agreement.
"You're an angel right?"
"She'd go to hell if she was." Kagome said from behind them. Sango rolled her eyes playfully.
"No darling, I am above the angels," she said in a "queenly" manor "I am a goddess."
"That's so cool!" She proclaimed. "You're her counterpart, right?"
"Yup." Kagome smiled, walking over to them to stand next to Sango. Her face was almost the same; the "wings" around her eyes were red, black and orange, making Ayame think of fire. Her cheeks left bare and her lips were cherry red, which matched her manicured nails. Her ebony hair was shaped from her usual natural curls into straight sleek spikes, all pinned to the left side, falling over her shoulder. Her eyes were, surprisingly, a stunning red rather than chocolate brown. The collar of her black halter dress was pulled up around her neck; the bodice formed the shape of a "T" covering her breast, exposing her flat stomach and back. The skirt stopped at mid thigh in the front, a train was connected to the back, dragging on the floor behind her; red, brunt orange and gold leaves covered it beautifully; along with nude sheer stockings and black 2 inch ankle slouched boots.
"Well, well aren't we looking sexy tonight?" Ayame teased as she finished admiring her.
"This is probably the only time I'll dress like this." She laughed, her hands smoothing out her skirt. "I look more like a vampire…minus the fangs." She said, running her tongue over her normal canines.
"Whatever." Ayame dismissed her comment. "You both look great."
"Thanks!" they said together. Ayame smiled; then reached inside her cleavage, pulling out her cell phone.
"Kida better get a move on. They party started almost two hours ago." She announced, putting the device back home. "What?" she looked between the two girls who gave her funny looks. "Where else am I gonna put it?" they shock their heads in amazement.
"Kida! You're holding us up!" Kagome yelled over her shoulder.
"I'm coming!" the muffled voice came through the closed door.
"So do you know what Sinclair is coming as?" Sango wanted to know. Kagome shrugged.
"He wouldn't tell me. He just said to come as his princess so I'm assuming he's coming as Prince Charming or something."
"That suits him, don't you think?" she directed the question Ayame. She frowned.
"I guess." She said indifferently, playing with the ruffles of her dress. The sound of the closing door and rushing feet had the girls turn their attention to Kida.
"Ok, I'm ready."
"Wow!" Sango exclaimed.
"Marilyn Monroe meets Playboy bunny." Kagome noted, making Kida laugh.
"That's what I was going for." She said truthfully. Her blonde hair was curled and pinned up in the style of Ms. Monroe. Her makeup was flawless and made her face look fresh and natural. Around her neck was the black bowtie with pink rhinestones around the band. Wearing nothing else but a pink velvet leotard, a white fluffy cottontail just above her bottom, black fishnet stockings and pink pumps with bows tied at her ankles, she looked like every teenage boy's fantasies.
"Ok, let's take a picture before we go." She said rushing over the kitchen counter, digital camera in hand.
"Wait, how come you're the only one out of all of us that is dressed less extravagant?" Kagome was puzzled at how the three of them were all decked out and she was dressed in a leotard and pumps.
"There's a three parts answer to that question." Kida aimed the camera before setting the timer. "One, it's not my school and I don't need to dress up for people I'm never gonna see again." She posed behind Ayame; the flash capturing their image. "Two…" she began as she walked back to retrieve her camera, "with these," she cupped her breast, "and this," her hands traveled down her curves, "and all of this," she arched her back to showcase her butt and shapely legs. "I don't need to look extravagant, I already am."
"Shank." Ayame joked, making the others laugh. The girls moved towards the exit, taking their coats of the rack.
"What's the third answer?" Sango asked, buttoning up her coat.
"Three..." she smiled, belting her pink jacket at the waist, checking her pockets for her keys, "I have a man; you three are trying to get yours."
Kida laughed harder as the girls pushed her out the door.
Inuyasha studied his reflection, trying to figure out if he was missing anything else for his costume. Slowly he racked his fingers though his jet black hair, fixing it one last time. He watched as hair became tangled around his nail, which Rose had filed and shaped to look like claws. According to Rose he wasn't really dressed up, nagging that wearing a blood red silk shirt, black leather pants and boots did not make a vampire. He rolled his eyes, remembering her words.
Whatever. He thought, he had his outfit planned out for over two months. He wanted it simple but still obvious. He smirked, allowing his fangs to appear, carefully rubbing his tongue over them. He had them fitted a few days ago, so he was almost used to them. However he drew the line with eyeliner. There was no way in hell he was wearing any makeup! He raised his arms above his head and stretched; it didn't matter what he wore, he was hot regardless and that was the main idea. He looked at the alarm clock stationed on his night stand. Miroku said they would be at his house by nine and it was almost ten, meaning they would be pulling up any minute now. Grabbing his black eye mask from off the table and an ankle length leather jacket from out his closet he closed the door behind him and headed down the hall.
"Inuyasha?" he stopped at the front door when he heard Rose's voice. He turned so she could get a good look at him. She sighed "Not what I had in mind…" she trailed off, nodding her head in approval. "You look good." Inuyasha smiled.
"I know."
"Egotistical bastard." She smiled back. Their ears perked up when they heard the faint sound of the car honking and getting louder.
"That's them. Gota go." He waved as he turned, locking the door behind him. "Guys, you know the party started an hour ago. Why…" he trailed off when he his eyes landed on the person in the passenger seat and busted into laughter. They had all chosen to keep their choice of costumes a secret until tonight, but never in his wild imagination did he think one of his closest friends would dress like this.
"Oh…my … God! Bankotsu!" he said in between laughs. "Get out the car." Even though he asked only him to get out, the others did as well.
"What?" Bankotsu asked, holding his arms out to the side, "You don't like it?" Inuyasha almost doubled over, he couldn't breathe; he was laughing so hard. Bankotsu, decked out in a purple suede suit, purple alligator shoes, a white furry cape draped over his shoulders that touched the back of his calves, and a huge blue hat, which covered whole head and most of his face; the brim stopping at the purple turtle framed sunglasses. His long black hair was unbound and wavy, tucked underneath his cape. Several silver chains dangled around his neck, rings adorned his fingers and a wooden cane, the head shaped into a diamond, was gripped in his hand. There was no mistaking who he was imitating.
"Hahahahahahaha….you're a PIMP! AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" Inuyasha fell on the steps, holding his stomach as he continued to howl. "And you…" tears formed in the corner of his eyes, he pointed at Kouga, "Did you forget to shave in the last three days?"
"Shut up Taisho!" Kouga fumed behind his mask but then laughed softly as he looked at his hands, which was covered in black hair, seriously. His entire body, for the exception of his face, was covered in hair extensions and cut to look like fur. It looked like he had grown it himself for you were able to see every bulge, curve, and muscle on his toned body.
"How the hell is that on you?" Kouga push the black face mask, also covered in hair, up onto his head.
"It's a two piece body suit." He explained. "The extensions are glued to it and cut short or else I would have looked like Cousin It."
"Even the mask?"
"Yup."
"What about your hands and feet?"
"Gloves and boots." To demonstrate, he pulled on off, revealing a sun kissed hairless hand.
"That's fucking awesome man." Inuyasha praised him. He turned to Miroku; his eyebrows shot up. "Wow, interesting choice. And here I thought you were gonna come as something perverted." Miroku folded his arm over his chest.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"You know, I thought you'd be dress like a person who's allowed to touch girls, and not get slapped like a doctor, or…a monk, but this is good." Miroku sighed, shaking his head underneath his black top hat.
"Shit, I wasn't thinking." He half-joked; instead he chose to play the part of a circus ring leader. Clothed in a red long sleeved coat, decorated in a gold design, his gloved hands matched white tuxedo shirt, also edged in gold with black pants the puffed out at his sides and black boots that covered the legs of his pants, the one thing that was probably his style was the whip attached to his hip.
"Didn't feel like going all out?" Miroku's brow furrowed then shrugged
"No, I just thought if I decided to get laid, I wouldn't have to take so much stuff off." He stated truthfully. The others busted out laughing.
"That's our Miroku." Kouga choked out as Bankotsu shook his head and smiled
"Ok… are we just gonna stand here and laugh our asses off or are we gonna get our party on!" Inuyasha asked enthusiastically. They cheered like drunken men as they got back into the car, heading towards the party.
The annual Masquerade was held in one of the swank hotels, just a few blocks away from the Taisho Mansion.
"Wow."
Was all Ayame could say as she step through the revolving door and into the hotel's lobby. Gold and ivory painted the walls and high arched ceiling. French vintage furniture filled the large waiting area; beautiful artwork littered the walls. Customers walked in and out of the elevators, passing the girls as they came in and out of the hotel. The staff, dressed in traditional black and white, went through the numerous doors, helping other guest.
Anxious, the girls moved to the main desk. The brunette sat behind the desk tapping away on her keyboard. Her nimble fingers stopped when she felt their presence. Automatically, she put a friendly smile and faced the girls.
"Good evening ladies." Her voice was high pitched and chipper, "You're here for the Ball." She acknowledged, noticing their eye masks. "If you just take the door to the right and up the steps," She pointed to her right to the open doorway. "Enjoy your dance!"
"Thanks!" they all said together, walking away towards the entrance. They could hear the music muffled behind the walls. The hallway was well lit and the floors were carpeted in red. To their right was a coat check; a little ways down was a wide staircase leading to the second double doors.
"May I take your coats ladies?" the young man, who couldn't have been any more then their age, asked. Obliging, they took off the garments, one by one setting them on the counter. The guy's mouth practically dropped to the floor at the four beauties in front of him.
"Damn!" was all he could say at the moment. "A lot of hotties have come through but they ain't got nothing on you." The girls giggled.
"Thanks." Kida spoke for all of them. "Uh…can you tag our coats now?"
"Oh…yeah." He stuttered, knocking things from underneath the desk. Finally he produced four numbered colored tags, sticking them to their coats, giving the girls its partner. Kagome declined taking hers, already memorizing her number. Walking in rows of two, they climbed the stairs to the wooden glossy doors.
The Ball Room was just as extravagant and gorgeous as the lobby. Standing at the threshold, they could see everything; the white tiled ceramic gleamed, reflecting the blurred images of the people on the floor. Bronze curtains framed the tall windows; the glass glistened with the rain beating again it, the lightening flashing, the thunder booming, but it couldn't be heard over the loud, up-beat music, supplied by the live DJ.
The two hundred plus seniors were scattered around the room, most of which could not be identified. Fairies, nurses, Superman, maids, Zorro, dragons, monkeys, dogs, frogs, Batman, life guards, 'Where's Waldo', clowns (Kagome was going to make sure that she avoided them), princesses, princes, Spiderman, lions, exotic dancers were among to few of the many costumes worn. Most had kept the tradition of wear masks throughout the night, but several had taken them off or didn't wear one at all, but that didn't stop everyone from having fun.
The girls' eyes roamed the floors, looking for their "partner" however that proved to be impossible from where they were standing.
"Well, shall we make our presence known?" Kagome asked, walking in front of them, the nodded and followed her down the grand staircase.
Inuyasha, Miroku, Kouga, and Bankotsu were all hot and tired only after an hour of partying, between eighteen dances between them, every girl and some guys trying to grope and grab them, trying to get away from the flirting and come-sleep-with-me girls, they finally managed to get a break.
"We need bodyguards." Kouga murmured, sipping his drink.
"Who you telling." Inuyasha replied. "We weren't in the door five minutes before we were attacked." He wiped his brow with the back of his hand. He searched the floors, hoping to recognize Kagome. So far, he search was useless. Sighing mentally, he brushed back his long hair before drinking more of his punch.
"Kikyo alert." Bankotsu said out of the blue, making Inuyasha dread that he ever slept with the girl.
"Inuyasha!" he closed his eyes as he heard the rapid clacking of Kikyo's heels hitting the tiles. He groaned when she jumped into his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. She was dressed as, he assumed a fairy, but not a very decent on. Her black hair was down with pink and purple streaks tied in braids. A chocker with a huge flower was around her neck and her 'wings' was strapped to back. A pink bikini top could be seen through her purple spaghetti strapped tank top along with a dark green micro skirt. Wearing several gold bracelets, anklets and 3 inch heels, she definitely wasn't a fairy to his mind.
"Kikyo, get off." He said as he pushed her out of his lap, "you're heavy and I'm hot." Insulted, she pouted but didn't say what was really on her mind.
"Don't you wanna dance with me?" she asked sweetly, grabbing his hand. He pulled away.
"No."
"But you promised." She whined like a child, stamping her feet, irritating all of them. Inuyasha groaned again and turned away, completely ignoring her. Fuming, her face turned red from embarrassment. She reached out to grab his shoulder to turn him back around to face her.
"Inuyasha, listen to…"
"Kikyo!" the teens turned to see a flushed Margaret, dressed in a simple nurse's outfit. She huffed as if she were running, holding her hand over her chest. Kikyo narrowed her eyes, not liking the fact that Margaret looked cuter than she did and that she interrupted her planning.
"What is it now?" she demanded. Margaret straighten up, trying hard to catch her breath; Kikyo hated it when she breathed heavily, especially on her.
"I got…" she looked at the boy with suspicion, "the stuff that you wanted." It took Kikyo a moment to process what she meant.
"Can't that wait till later?"
"I think you'll want to see this." She insisted. Gritting her teeth she moved passed Margaret.
"This had better be good." She warned as she walked away, Margaret in tow. Inuyasha sighed in relief.
"Thank God!" he exasperated. He tilted his head to the ceiling. "I didn't think she'd ever leave."
He waited for one of the boy's many smart remarks, but it never came. Puzzled, he looked at them. All three looked as if they were in a trance; their eyes wide and dilated, their jaws slacked. He arched a brow, positioning himself to see what they saw.
"What are you guy's looking…" his lips couldn't form the words to complete the sentence but he figured out why they were dazed, and he couldn't blame them.
Coming down the stairs first was Kagome. Though her black mask was covering her eyes, he knew it was her. She reminded him of a dark queen as she scaled the steps, her colored train sliding down behind her.
Sango was to her right, looking like the goddess that she was; Miroku couldn't wait to get a hold of her.
Ayame was to the left, a few steps behind them. Her skirt bounced was every step; Kouga had to stop himself from drooling.
Bankotsu was the only one who could compose himself long enough to smile as he watched his girlfriend nearly hop down the steps in her bunny suit.
The fellas only had a few seconds longer to lust over the women before they disappeared out of sight, blending in with the rest of the seniors.
"Did you see them?" Ayame jumped in excitement, "They were drooling all over us!"
"As they should be." Kida chimed in. "Ok, now they've seen us, we can split up and do our thing." They nodded, all walking off in different direction.
Though most couldn't recognize her, Kagome was bombarded by all the compliments about how she looked, half were sincere and the others were made with jealousy muddled behind it. She took them all with a smile as she searched for her date, which she thought would be impossible to find him with the entire senior class here. On top of that, she didn't even know what he was dressed as. She stopped in the middle of the room rubbing her left temple, this was a disaster. For all she knew, he could be anything from a dog to that giant penis! Kagome laughed out loud at the mental image of Sinclair dressed as a male's anatomy.
Ok, maybe not that but still.
"Sounds like you're having fun." She jumped when she heard the voice coming from behind her. She took her full of the dark haired "vampire" before her. If he hadn't opened his mouth, she wouldn't have recognized him.
"Inuyasha… you look…(Sexy, dangerous)…good." She relished the fact that his face showed his disappointment momentarily.
"You look good too." He tilted his head to the side. "You're dressed like you're my counterpart." Kagome frowned as she looked down at herself; didn't she just say that before they left Kida's apartment? Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought.
"What did you say?" she asked when she heard the last part of Inuyasha's sentence
"I asked where's your prince charming at?" he said, loading it was sarcasm and distain. She rolled her eyes at his jealously.
"I don't know." She stated truthfully looking over her shoulders to find him, "I don't even know what he's dressed as." She turned back to face him. "Where's your shank, oh excuse me, I mean your date?" He shoved his hands in the pockets of his coat.
"If you mean Kikyo…"
"Yes, I do."
"She's not my date. I didn't come with anyone but the guys."
"Aww, that's so sad." She placed her hand over her chest, giving him a sympathetic look. "Well, I'm sure there are girls around here that are just dying to dance with you." She turned to get away from him; the situation was getting too awkward for her. The pressure of his hand on her wrist stopped her from moving.
"Kagome…" her chest tightened when she heard that sound in his voice; the sounds of sadness and regret. She hated that sound. "I'm…"
"No." she turned back around to see the emotions in his voice play on his features behind his mask. "I don't want an apology. I don't want you to say 'I'm sorry' because it will mean nothing. Actions speak louder than words and you've prove that to me enough already." She shook her head when he opened his mouth to speak. "I love you so much…" she stopped; took a deep breath. "I have so much love for you in my heart that I don't think I'll ever be able to forget about you. You'll always be in my life, but I love you as a friend and I've decided that friend is all we will ever be."
Fortunately, or unfortunately, the mask prevented her from seeing the emotion his eyes, if he really cared what she was saying. Sighing, she put her mask up on her forehead as she put up a fake smile,
"You don't have to apologize for what happened the other day; I'm so over that. I don't care if you and Kikyo are together, or any girl for that matter because it's none of my business." She looked down at the hand still wrapped around her wrist; she put her hand over it. "I want things to be like they were. I want us to go back to being friends, where we told each other everything, where we could joke and laugh at anything and didn't care what others thought. I want to go back to that, but I think there's too much in front of us that we can be anything more." Though her hand was still on his, she felt his grip loosen. Still smiling she laid her vacant hand on his cheek, kissing him lightly on the other.
"Kagome?" she didn't turn immediately; staring at Inuyasha a moment longer before pulling her mask back down.
"See ya later." She whispered, before turning to be greeted by Sinclair, who was literally her prince charming. His vibrant red hair was tied back in a sleek tail; his green eyes were masked by a black mask, matching his "Prince" uniform, lined in sterling silver; a sheathed sword was at his side.
"Wow, I didn't think you would go for black." She said, taking his offered arm.
"Well, I figured you would, so I wanted to at least match." She rested her head on his shoulder as he led her to the dance floor, refusing to look back.
After three more hours of eating, mingling, dancing, having the best time of her life, Kagome was hot from all the heavy dancing, because her and Sango had a pop, lock, and drop it match; she won and now her feet officially hurting, what the hell made her put these on anyways? She was worn and almost burnt out. Content with having Sinclair in her arms, they swayed slowly to K-Ci and JoJo's "Tell me it's real" she contemplated on whether if she really did make the right decision by telling Inuyasha that they should just be friends.
Even though he did confess that he likes, maybe even love me, there's a possibility that it was only because Sinclair showed up again; God knows he's competitive. And what about that Kikyo thing? What if he gets bored and just dumps me for the next piece of ass? With Sinclair, at least I know that's he'll stick around, I mean, he came back after all these years. He hadn't forgotten about me.
She groaned softly.
Stop thinking about it Higurashi! It's not like I gonna marrying one of them, so there is no 'what ifs' there's just 'right now'.
She shifted her head, looking around at the young couples embrace as they moved with the rhythm of the song. Her eyes fell upon Sango, whose face was towards her, blocking her view of Miroku. But she did see his hands and how skillfully they trailed down her back, resting on her rear end. She laughed to herself when Sango turned her head, supposedly whispering something to him, and watched his hands quickly rise up to her back.
Her smile brighten when Bankotsu twirl Kida before bringing her down in a stylish low dip.
Looks like they made up.
She eyed Ayame, whose back was towards Kouga. She wouldn't have known it was him if he didn't have his mask on. Her arm was around his neck and his around her waist as they moved their hips into a slow grind.
They make a cute couple. Kagome noted, moving her head again. From their position, she couldn't see Inuyasha, but maybe that was best.
"Kagome." She felt Sinclair's breath on neck. "Are you getting tired?" she moaned softly, considering his question.
"A little." Actually she was a lot tired. She felt as though she would fall asleep on her feet; she wasn't much of a party girl.
"I ordered us a room; if you'd like to go up now." Her tiredness completely fogged up the underlying of his words. Smiling gently, she nodded her head. She felt as though she was gliding as Sinclair smoothly led her pass all the other dancers and up the grand staircase.
Sorrowful eyes watched as the couple walk up the stairs, but instead of going to the left, where the exit was, they shifted towards the right door, which was a shortcut to the elevators that led to the hotel rooms.
"Inuyasha." His eyes perked to the whisper, turning the best he could, because of the random girl he chose to dance with was holding him so tightly, he faced Miroku, who gave him a look while jutting discreetly his head to the staircase. Inuyasha shook his head.
"I know." He mouthed before returning back to his dance partner.
And it's none of my business.