"Attention students. Remember that this Friday evening is the Halloween dance! Be sure to dress up because we're handing out prizes for the best dressed, and the best couple costumes!" the principal said over the intercom.

"Awh, man. I totally forgot about my costume," Inuyasha said as he and Kagome walked into their Bio class.

"Don't you have that killer clown mask?" Kagome reminded.

"No," Inuyasha replied weakly. "Dad torn that thing apart when I scared mom last week."

"Serves you right," Kagome snorted her laugh as the bell rung and class had started.

After Bio, Kagome walked into History. No words were exchanged between Bankotsu and her since he and Sesshoumaru talked for the most part of class. Thankfully, Kouga was there to keep her company.

"You're doing it again," Kouga said once their teacher stepped out of a moment. He dragged his chair over to her desk and sat down.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly with her head down.

"It's like there's a rain cloud over your head," he joked. "Listen, you don't have to tell me about it, but at least tell that mutt. It's bad to bottle things up."

Before she could think of something to say, Kaede sensei walked in. "Kouga, get back to your seat."

"But I am in my seat," he replied.

"Then get your seat back to your desk."

"Awh, come on, Kaede sensei. I forgot my textbook at home."

"Fine, but the two of your behave."

"Scouts honor," Kagome and Kouga said in union. They both looked at each other in slight shock for a moment before laughing with one another.

Her slight happiness disappeared once class ended. As she walked into religion, she saw Bankotsu on his phone playing a game of some sort.

"Hey," she greeted as she walked past him and took her seat.

"What do you want?" he asked roughly without even looking at her.

Kagome felt her heart clenched again. "Nothing," she said quietly and sadly. She took out her noise cancelling headphones and hooked it up to her new MP3, zoning out and looking out the window. About 15 minutes into class, she couldn't stand it, being around him made her feel so depressed and vulnerable. Grabbing her bag, she stood up and walked out, ignoring the yelling and screaming of the teacher.

Inuyasha found her up on the rooftop during lunch eating a plate piled high with fries. She turned off her music as he walked towards her.

"How was class?" he asked as he stole some of her fried potatoes.

"It was pretty good."

"Bullshit, I know you walked out on it."

"That's why it was pretty good," Kagome laughed.

The two sat in silence for a moment before Inuyasha cleared his throat.

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

"For what?" Kagome asked with a raised brow.

"For not noticing you were gone at your own party," he said with his head hanging low. "I was too busy talking with Kikyou, trying to get her to know me, that I totally forgot about you."

"Dude, don't worry. I'm alive. No big de-"

"Yes, it is a big deal!" Inuyasha raised his voice along with his head. "You're my best friend! The first person who ever accepted me as my own person out in public. The first person that isn't ashamed of being my friend. The first person that actually cares. And I totally ignored you…"

"Yash, don't be sorry. We may be best friends, but I know that we won't always be there for eachother. Especially when it comes down to the person you like. If you and Kikyou ever get together, I know for a fact that you'll be spending a lot more time with her, and I won't blame you for it. It's natural to want to spend more time with the person you care about."

"But I care about you," Inuyasha tried to argue.

"I know you do, but not in the same way as you do Kikyou," Kagome said with a smile. "So don't worry about it, ok?"

Inuyasha said nothing because he knew he wouldn't win the conversation. Moments passed as the two ate with quietness between them. As the small amount of time passed, Kagome began to think of Bankotsu, which in turn, made her feel uneasy.

"Everything ok?" Inuyasha asked after he picked up the silent change in her mood. "You don't seem like your annoying self."

Kagome made a quick move to smack him, but hissed at her pain instead.

"I'm alright, my ribs and side are killing me, though. I can't move as much as I would like to," she said. Inuyasha didn't say anything, he knew it wasn't the whole truth, but he wasn't going to push it. "Are you going to ask her to the dance?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Oh, come on! It's Halloween! People won't know it's you with her."

"I don't want to take that risk. It'll be bad if people found out. 'Sides, it's not like she'll ever say yes," he said. "What about you?"

"I don't know if I want to go or not. I know that Kouga will ask me for sure, though."

"We could always go together."

"We could. Let's see how I heal first."

The two didn't speak for the rest of lunch. They just sat, ate, and watched the clouds blow by.

"Hey," Kagome said the next day after she finished up at her locker.

"Hey," Bankotsu replied as he looked through his locker for his books.

"Everything ok?" she asked and he suddenly slammed the locker door shut, causing her to jump.

"Never better," he said then walked off, leaving her alone. Kagome sighed and walked to her class, pretending everything was fine and normal.

As Inuyasha and Kagome walked from their first class to their second, Kouga was beside them arguing with the hanyou the entire time. By the time they sat down in their seats, a headache was beginning to form for Kagome.

"Ahem," someone cleared their throat and Kagome looked up to see a guy standing in front of her, holding onto a small box. "H-hi, Kagashi."

"Umm, hi.." she greeted uncertainly.

"My name is Hojo," he introduced. "I-I'm in some of your c-classes."

"Right… What can I do for you?"

"W-well, someone told me t-that you were hurt over the weekend, s-so I brought you some herbs and medicine. I h-hope it'll help," Hojo stuttered and held out the box towards her.

"Thanks, I guess," Kagome said and took the box from his hands.

"Y-you're welcome!" Hojo bowed and quickly walked off to his seat. After he sat down, he looked back slightly at Kagome, but turned around swiftly to hide his blushing face.

"What was that about?" Kagome asked as Inuyasha took the box from her and opened it.

"I dunno. Hey, Kouga! I found your girlfriend!" Inuyasha said as he pulled out a dried up newt by the tail. "Give her a kiss," Inuyasha puckered his lips and made kissing noises as he threw the newt at the wolf's face.

"That's it, you fucking mutt!" Kouga yelled and tackled Inuyasha off his seat and onto the ground, trying to stuff dried reptile down the hanyou's throat.

Kagome sighed as the two wrestled each other, making her headache worse. Maybe there was something in the box that will help her out, or maybe she should just leave. Liking the later idea, she picked up her stuff and left, texting Inuyasha's phone telling him that she's going home since he was currently busy with Kouga.

"Hey, Jak," Bankotsu greeted his brother as he entered into the back of the cafe.

"Hello, little brother," Jakotsu replied as he frosted some cookies. Bankotsu went to put his things away when he noticed Kagome in her own enclosed space with her music playing.

"When did she get here?" Bankotsu asked while he changed.

"Sometime this morning. She cut school, saying something about canines wrestling giving her a headache," Jakotsu said then stopped what he was doing. He waited until Bankotsu was near him before speaking in a low voice. "Do you know what's wrong with her?"

"What do you mean?"

"She has been quiet since she got here," Jakotsu explained. "It's weird."

"She got hurt over the weekend. That could be it."

"Really? Hmm, maybe that's it. But that doesn't explain why she looks so depressed," Jakotsu said before continuing his work.

'Depressed?' Bankotsu thought and looked over to her. His brother was right, she seems sad and lonely. Her music sounded depressing too. 'Maybe she got into a fight with Inuyasha,' he thought bitterly as he began his work.

Time went by quickly as everyone worked. Kagome was just finishing up the last bit of decorating on a cake when her brother burst through the swinging doors, yelling at the top of his lungs.

"Kags, Kags! I got you a client!" Souta said excitedly as he ran up to her.

"What?" she asked as she started cleaning up her station.

"I got you a client!" her little brother repeated. "A girl from my class wants a cake for her birthday, so I told her you could make one for her. She's waiting outside right now!"

"Kagome looked from her brother to Jakotsu, who smiled and nodded his head. She sighed and nodded her head. After placing the cake into the fridge, Kagome took off her apron and grabbed a notebook along with a pencil before walking to the front of the cafe. Souta then walked towards Jakotsu and Bankotsu with a grin on his face.

"What's that look for?" Jakotsu asked.

"Because we're in for a show. Once she comes back through those doors, she's going to flip her lid! So, please protect me," Souta begged.

"And why will she 'flip her lid'?" Jakotsu asked as he used his fingers as quotation marks.

"Because the girl in my class wants a pink cake featuring Hello Kitty and strawberries. Told her that my sister would love to make her cake because Kags absolutely loves pink, adores Hello Kitty and is completely addicted to strawberries."

"So, isn't that a good thing?"

"Not at all," Souta's grin grew bigger. "Kag despises pink, hates Hello Kitty so much that she'll rip its head off, and she'll gag at the mention of strawberries."

"Oh, that's down right mean, Souji."

"I know, it's awesome! Oh, here she comes! Hide me," Souta hid behind Bankotsu's back.

When he didn't hear any yelling or complaining, Souta peeked around his human shield to see his sister talking with one of the bakers. The baker nodded her head and Kagome went back to her station, grabbing multiple colors of gum paste along the way and got to sculpting.

"Isn't she suppose to be mad or something?" Bankotsu asked.

"Yeah, something's wrong. She's upset or depressed about something," Souta said.

"Aha, I knew it!" Jakotsu said and snapped his fingers together.

"Are you sure it's not from her broken ribs or flesh wound on her side?" Bankotsu asked and Souta 'keh'd' at his question.

"Positive. Besides, she's already healed up," Souta said, missing the questioning looks that Bankotsu was giving. "Not to mention that she's been through a hell of a lot worse than that."

"A lot worse? From what?" Bankotsu asked, suddenly wanting to know who or what would hurt her in such a way.

"From that stupid -" Souta cut himself off as he realized what he was about to say. "I mean, from us being stupid. You know, being young and stupid," Souta laughed nervously at the end. "I should start working," he said quickly.

Bankotsu looked at the girl as her brother ran off, avoiding the topic of conversation. He watched as she sculpted a Hello Kitty with nothing but sadness in her eyes.

"That's it! I can't take it anymore!" Inuyasha yelled during lunch. "What the hell is the matter with you!?"

"What do you mean?" Kagome asked as she slurped up her instant ramen.

"I mean all of… of this!" he said as he waved his hand up and down her body.

"You just gestured to all of me."

"Exactly! You haven't been yourself. You don't laugh, you don't smile. Hell, you don't even yell at Kouga anymore!"

"I've laughed and smi-"

"You're faking, I can tell! It's Thursday, you've been down and depressed since Sunday! Now you're going to tell me what the hell is wrong, or so help me god, I will tickle the shit outta you!"

"Dude, it's nothing," she said and slurped up more noodles. "My body is still hurt-"

"Bull fucking shit! With dad's ointment and your holy powers, I know you're all healed up! You have been for a few days," Inuyasha said, causing Kagome to sigh as she set her cup of noodles down.

"It's Bankotsu," Kagome said softly, looking at her lap.

"What did he do now?"

"He's hardly talked to me since the party."

"What do you mean? He was all over you on Saturday."

"I know, he was normal up until we opened our presents. Since then, he hasn't talked to me unless I say something first. Even still, he'll only say a few words then blows me off. He doesn't flirt with me anymore, he doesn't look at me anymore, he doesn't care about me anymore."

"You like him, don't you?" Inuyasha stated more than asked after a few moments of silence.

"I don't know. A little, I guess? What does it matter, anyway? I was right about him when I first met him. He's a bipolar, flirtatious jerk that I don't need around me."

"Come on, let's sort this shit out," Inuyasha said and then grunted a bit as he stood up.

"What do you - Hey, my noodles!" Kagome yelled as her best friend grabbed her noodles from the ground and finished everything in one gulp. "Yash, what the hell! I'm starving."

"Let's go find him," he said, ignoring the words that was coming out of her mouth. He grabbed his bag, along with her arm and dragged her into the school, despite her protesting.

They went into the building and Inuyasha followed his ears and nose. He turned around to his friend and placed a finger up to his lips, telling her to keep quiet. Kagome nodded and the two friends peeked around the corner to see Bankotsu with his arm propped up against the lockers, talking to some blonde student.

"Oh, Bankotsu, you're so funny," the girl giggled as she touched his arm. "So, umm. Are you, like, taking anyone to the dance tomorrow?"

"Not at the moment. Why do you ask?" Bankotsu asked with a flirtatious smirk.

"Well, umm. I was, like, wondering. If you would, like. I mean if you wouldn't, like, mind. Umm," the blonde stuttered and played with her hair.

"I think I'm going to be sick," Inuyasha whispered and turned to his friend whose eyes were empty, yet wet with tears at the same time.

"This is stupid," Kagome said and quickly wiped her eyes before the tears fell. "I'm going home. Later, Inuyasha," she said and then ran out the door before Inuyasha could say anything or stop her. Said friend turned to look at the human male that has caused his friend sadness, still flirting with the stuttering bimbo. He glared and marched right up to them.

"Leave," Inuyasha said to the girl, who just stood there, not knowing what to do. "Now!" he snarled and the girl 'eeped' and quickly left.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, hanyou?" Bankotsu crossed his arms and glared and the half demon that came up to him.

"You made her cry," Inuyasha said. "Fix it."

"What are you talking about? You're the one that just scared her off, and now you want me to go after her?"

"Not that blonde bimbo, you idiot! I'm talking about Kagashi! Why the fuck are you treating her like shit?"

"I'm not treating her like anything."

"Exactly! You're acting like she's not even there! Like she doesn't exist!"

"So what? That's what you're there for," Bankotsu said bitterly.

"There's only so much I can do. And right now, I'm trying to find out what's wrong between the both of you. She's been so fucking depressed since the weekend and it's all because of you!" Inuyasha yelled and slammed his fist against a locker door, causing a huge dent.

"Who the fuck cares? You're the one that she loves, so you're the one that has to make her happy, not me. Very happy for the both of you, by the way," Bankotsu said sarcastically.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me, mutt face. Everyone heard you two confess your love for one another."

Inuyasha blinked a couple of times and didn't say anything. Then he suddenly burst out laughing, his angry depleting.

"Seriously, this is what it's about? You're jealous?"

"Shut up, hanyou. That's not it at all."

"Riight. Well, let me tell you something, ningen. There's nothing going on between us. That 'confession' you heard, yeah, ok, we said it. But we didn't mean it in that way."

"Oh, bull shit."

"Believe my words or not, that's up to you. But I see her as my best friend and as a sister. I know she feels the same way." Bankotsu didn't say anything so Inuyasha spoke again, but in a quiet tone. "Listen, I know you like her and don't even try to deny it. It's your fault that she's like this, so you better goddamn fix it before you lose her to that hobo kid or even Kouga."

"Ha, Kouga? Yeah right."

"Haven't you noticed how she hasn't yelled at him lately?" Inuyasha asked as he turned to leave. "Fix it before it's too late."

Bankotsu stood there and thought as he watched Inuyasha take his leave. What should he do? Believe the hanyou and fix everything? Or ignore the guy and pretend the conversation never took place?

"Is he gone?" the blonde bimbo asked as she walked back to Bankotsu, who nodded his head. "Thank god. So, about the dance. Would you, like -"

"Listen, you're a nice chick and all, but I gotta go," Bankotsu said and took off to look for Kagome.

He didn't find her before the bell rung for class, so he decided to wait until after. Bankotsu waited outside her math class that he knew she had with Sango, hoping he could walk and talk with her on the way to work.

"Hey, buddy," Sango greeted once she saw her friend. "Miroku sent you to say sorry for him again?"

"Actually, I'm waiting for Kagashi," Bankotsu admitted.

"Kagashi? She's not here," Sango informed him as she walked on.

"What? Are you sure?" he asked as he quickly followed her.

"Yeah, I'm sure. She's the one I always ask for help, and she never showed up."

"Well, do you know where she went?"

"Bankotsu, we're not that close. Ask Sesshoumaru's brother if you want to know, I'm sure he'll have an answer."

"You mean, Inuyasha?"

"Yeah, him."

"Really, you can't even say his name? You know, he's not that bad of a guy," Bankotsu said and walked off to find said person. Not being able to locate Inuyasha, he quickly went to his locker to drop off his books and ran to work.

"Thank god you're here!" Jakotsu sighed in relief once his little brother ran into the bakery, panting. "You alright there?"

"Where. Is. Kagashi?" Bankotsu asked in between breathes as he looked around the bakery for the girl.

"Kagashi? She just left 20 minutes ago. Said she wasn't feeling well," Jakotsu answered. "Go get changed and help me frost these cupcakes. The customer is coming in first thing in the morning to pick them up. So if we don't finish tonight, we'll have to go in early tomorrow morning before school starts for you, little brother."

Bankotsu looked on the counter to see about 150 black and orange cupcakes waiting to be frosted, and more that was going into and coming out of the oven. He let out a sigh and wished that he had cut class to see her.

"Bankotsu, Bankotsu. Hurry up and get ready!" Jakotsu barged into his little brother's room. "We gotta leave in 15 minutes."

Bankotsu groaned and rolled over to look at his alarm clock.

5:45 am.

"10 more minutes, Jak," the sleepy boy grumbled.

"No, get up now," Jakotsu went over to the bedside and swiped the blankets off Bankotsu. "Come on, up, up - whoa! Put that thing away!"

"Give me a break, it's morning," Bankotsu said and stretched out his body, showing off all his glory that was hidden underneath his boxers. "Don't forget, you have one too."

"Yeah, yeah, hurry up and get ready," Jakotsu said and left the room.

Bankotsu got out of bed and proceed to get ready. He got changed, brushed his teeth, washed his face, braided his hair, and gathered his back pack. After he left his room, he went downstairs to grab an apple to eat along the way, and met up with his brother at the front door.

"Come on, you're driving," Jakotsu said and threw Bankotsu's keys at him.

After a 15 minute drive towards the cafe, Bankotsu parked his car and the two brothers got out and looked at one another.

"Did you forget to turn the lights off?" Bankotsu asked as he saw a small amount of light illuminating from the bakery.

"I guess so. I swear I turned everything off, though," Jakotsu said as he unlocked the front door.

Once they walked in, music was heard and they both gave each other another look. Someone was here. Quietly, they moved towards the swinging doors and peeked through the small window. All they saw was a giant sheet of plastic that was taped up and a blurry figure moving behind it.

All these things I hate revolve around me! Yeah! Just back off before I snap!

As the music was playing, red was suddenly splattered across the plastic and the brothers gasped.

"Oh my god, Bankotsu!" Jakotsu whispered to his little brother. "Someone is using my bakery as a killing station, just like Dexter! Quick, call the cops!"

"You watch that show too much, you know that?" Bankotsu said and grabbed a nearby chair. "Let's see what's going on first," he prepared himself and started to slowly push the door open.

"Bankotsu, stop! Don't go- god damnit!" Jakotsu tried to stop his brother but failed and followed him into the kitchen.

Torn apart at the seams and my dreams turn to tears, I'm not feeling this situation.

More splatter of red bled over the plastic and Jakotsu grabbed a pot for protection.

"I'm going in," Bankotsu whispered.

"No! Call the police first!"

"Jak, if there is a person being killed, then we might have a chance to save 'em!"

More red.

"On my count, then," Jakotsu said and held up his hands. "One, two, three!"

The brothers stood up and pulled the plastic down, belting out a battle cry.

"Ah!" three voices screamed out.

What the brothers saw was not what they were expecting. Instead of a body, there was a cake. Instead of a knife, there was a paint brush. Instead of a killer, there was Kagome.

"What the hell do you guys think you're doing? Trying to kill me with a chair and a pot?" Kagome asked as she pushed herself off the floor and tried to wipe off the red gel icing that had spilled on her shirt. "Oh, just great."

"What are we doing? What are you doing? How did you even get in here?" Jakotsu asked as he lowered his pot and Bankotsu set down his chair.

"Seriously, Jak? You gave me a key yesterday because I told you I needed to finish off a couple of cakes. I told you I was going to be here this morning."

"Jeez, I was so busy yesterday that I totally forgot about that. Sorry, love," Jakotsu apologized. "And sorry about the mess."

"Yeah, whatever," Kagome said and taped up the plastic once again. After that, she grabbed another color of gel icing to proceed splattering more colors onto the white cake.

It's just one of those days when you don't wanna wake up. Everything is fucked, everybody sucks.

Her music changed and blared out loudly. Kagome apologized and went to turn it down a bit.

Bankotsu was about to go and talk to her when he was pulled back by Jakotsu. With the shaking of his head, silently telling him not to go, Jakotsu dragged Bankotsu over to the cupcakes so they can get started.

While Bankotsu frosted the cupcakes alongside with his brother, he lifted his head up a few times to watch Kagome work. He watched as she whipped the icing covered paint brush violently across the cake. Her music was angry, her actions were angry, she herself was angry, and Bankotsu couldn't help but wonder why.

I feel like shit. My suggestion is to keep your distance cuz' right now I'm dangerous.

Something wasn't right, but he couldn't figure out what.

Time had passed a bit and Kagome finished her work. She tore down the plastic and cleaned up her station after placing the cake into the fridge. Kagome looked at the two once she was done and saw that they had about another 85 cupcakes to frost. Instead of leaving like she had planned on, Kagome dragged her stool and sat down right next to Jakotsu. Grabbing some of the black and orange cupcakes, and a couple piping bags of frosting, Kagome started helping them out.

"Finally!" Jakotsu sighed with happiness after all the cupcakes were finished. "Thanks for your help, Kags."

Kagome nodded her head as acknowledgment and typed something on her phone.

"Hey, we better take off or else we'll be late," Bankotsu said. "Come on, Kagashi. I'll give you a rid-"

"Oh wow, you said more than three words to me," Kagome cut him off with a sarcastic tone and went to grab her stuff. "No thanks."

"Don't be like that, Kagashi."

"Don't be like what? Like you?" Kagome asked coldly. Then the sound of a vehicle's horn honked three times. " My brother is here. See you, Jak," she said and left the cafe with haste.

"Damn, what did you do to her?" Jakotsu asked and his little brother let out a sigh.

"I was a total dick to her," Bankotsu said while he quickly grabbed his belongings. "I gotta go to school and apologize to her. Bye Jakotsu."

Once Bankotsu arrived to school, he made his way towards Kagome's locker in haste. She was walking towards her locker alone, smoothing out the gym shirt she was currently wearing. This was his chance.

"Kagashi, Kagashi!" Inuyasha yelled from down the hallway and rushed towards her, picking her body up and spun her around.

Fuck damnit!

"Yasha, you're making me dizzy!" Kagome said but that didn't stop her friend from spinning around.

"I did it, Kagashi! I did it! I can't believe I did it!" Inuyasha chanted happily and placed her down.

"What did you do?" Kagome asked as she held onto her friend for support.

"I asked her out to the dance! And she said yes!"

"No way! Seriously!? And you didn't call me last night!?" Kagome asked as she smacked him across the head.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I went out to look for a costume right after, but everything is gone. So I was wondering…"

"Don't worry, dude. I'll work my magic on you," Kagome offered.

"Thank god, I was hoping you would! Thanks, Kagashi!" Inuyasha high fived and pulled her in.

"No problem, Inuyasha. It's my job, as your best friend and your wing woman, to make sure you look good," Kagome said with a laugh as she went back into her locker, trying to find a textbook.

"You know what? She thought that me and you were a thing," Inuyasha said causing Kagome to snort out a laugh.

"She thought we were what?" Kagome asked trying not to laugh.

"Yeah, she thought we were together. What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry, Yash. But us, together?" Kagome snorted once again. "No offense, dude, but can you seriously see us together?"

"Hell no," Inuyasha laughed along. "That would be so wrong."

"Hey, what would be so wrong about me?"

"Nothing's wrong about you. It's all wrong about us. So, so, so wrong."

Bankotsu listened in on their conversation, feeling lower than dirt more and more. Inuyasha was right, there was nothing going on between them, and Bankotsu let his jealousy get in the way. He nodded to apologize and explain himself and he needs to do it fast.

"What about you? Anyone asked you to the dance?" Inuyasha inquired.

"No, and I don't think I'm going," Kagome answered as she pulled out the book she was looking for and locked her locker.

"Come on, you gotta go!" Inuyasha looked up and saw Bankotsu. He gave the human male a look that says, 'talk to her now!'.

"Hey, Kag-" Bankotsu started but was cut off by a loud voice.

"Kagashi, my love!" Kouga ran up to her with a red rose in his hand. "This is for you."

"Awh, Kouga. How sweet of you," Kagome accepted the flower from the wolf. "Thank you."

"Anything to see you smile," Kouga said with a sexy smirk. "And it would be an honour if you were to be my date to the dance this evening," he said being polite as he can be.

"Oh, Kouga, I wasn't planning on going."

"Listen, you aura is still the same from weekend. You need to stop thinking about whatever it is and have a good time. What better way to get your mind off things than to spend time with your man?"

"Kouga, you're not my man and I'm not your woman," Kagome sighed. "But, I'll think about the dance and let you know later, alright?"

The bell rung and Kagome started walking to class with Kouga at her side, leaving Inuyasha and Bankotsu behind.

"I can't believe she actually took that flower," Inuyasha said. "She hates roses."

"Well, it worked out for Kouga," Bankotsu said, sounding a bit broken hearted.

"Now you know how she felt when you were flirting with that air head blonde the other day," Inuyasha said and walked off to his first class.

Bankotsu let out a frustrated sigh and said one word, "fuck."

There he was, waiting outside his history class, hoping that he could have a chance to talk to Kagome before class started. He saw her and Inuyasha walking from down the hall and he started to get nervous. Was she still angry like this morning? If so, should he say what he wanted to say? Wait, what was he going to say? That he was a jealous douche bag? That he couldn't accept the fact that she wasn't his? No words from his mind was making their way towards his mouth. His mind was stuttering before she was even close to him.

"Kaga-"

"Oh my god!" Kagome yelled as she was suddenly picked up bridal style.

"I believe it's my time with her," Kouga said to Inuyasha. "Don't worry, she's in good hands." Kouga walked towards the classroom as Kagome tried to say her goodbyes with her friend. "Move it, Bankotsu. I got precious cargo here."

Bankotsu glared at the wolf, but stepped aside nonetheless with his arms crossed. His blood boiled as he watched Kouga smirked and walked inside.

"I hate him," both Bankotsu and Inuyasha said. They both looked at each other and chuckled a bit.

"At least we can agree on something," Bankotsu said.

"Yeah. Tried talking to her yet?"

"Tried, and failed. She either won't listen, or I keep getting interrupted."

"You better get on it before Kouga beats you to it."

"There's no way that she'd go for him."

"I don't know, dude. She has a thing for blue eyes," Inuyasha said and Bankotsu stayed silent. "If you need help with anything, text me," Inuyasha gave him a slip of paper then walked off. Bankotsu sighed and walked into class with Inuyasha's number shoved into his pocket.

"Kouga, come on. Class is starting soon," Kagome said from her spot on Kouga's lap. "Kaede sensei will get mad."

"Oh, she'll be fine with it," Kouga said. He tightened his arm around her waist when he noticed Bankotsu walking by.

"Ka-Kagashi," Hojo greeted as he walked up to her stiffly with a red face. "H-hey!"

"Hello, Hojo," Kagome greeted back politely.

"What do you want? She's kinda busy here," Kouga said as he pulled her body in closer to his and shoved his nose into her hair.

"I w-was just wonder if y-you would like t-to be my d-date for the dance tonight," Hojo blurted out quickly.

"Uh, that's sweet of you to ask, Hojo. But I already promised Kouga that I'd go with him," Kagome said. "Sorry."

"Alright, no p-problem! Another time then!" Hojo stiff walked back to his seat where his friends were patting his back and consoling him.

"Jeez, why can't I be tougher on him like I am with you? What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Kagome asked.

"Does that mean you'll go with me tonight?" Kouga asked.

"Oh, I guess it does, doesn't it?"

Kouga's lips were suddenly upon her cheek. "Thank you," he said afterwards while he nuzzled her neck.

"Alright, alright. Kouga, set Kagashi free this instant," Kaede sensei ordered when she entered the room. Kouga did as he was told and Kagome went to her seat.

Inuyasha was at her door, as always, after class ended. He saw that Kouga was pretty close to his friend as she walked out and he was about to yell at the wolf when he was caught by surprise.

"Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up tonight?" Kouga asked. "It wouldn't be a problem, I swear."

"Yes, I'm sure. I'll just meet you here," Kagome replied.

"Fine, you win. I'll see you later," Kouga quickly kissed her cheek and left.

"What the hell was that!?" Inuyasha blew up in her face.

"What was what?" Kagome asked innocently as she walked to her next class.

"Don't play stupid with me! You're going to the dance with the wolf!?"

"Yeah, so what?"

"But, what about the other guys who asked you? Shouldn't you think this over?"

"Yash, the only other person that asked me was Hojo, so I'm sure as hell that going with Kouga is the better choice," she said and stopped by her class, turning her body to face her friend. "Listen, I know you two don't like each other, but he's basically all I got here other than you. You guys were the only ones who took care of me, who notices I'm alive. So please, just play nice for one night, alright? I'll see you at lunch."

Kagome walked into her class, leaving her friend behind before he could say anything.

"What the fuck?" Inuyasha whispered to himself. He turned around to find Bankotsu looking upset and angry. "Dude, what the fuck!?"

"I don't know," Bankotsu replied and ran his fingers through his bangs.

"Is she seriously going with that douche bag? Please tell me this is a joke, or that I'm still asleep and this is all a dream."

"Yeah, I wish," Bankotsu said and he walked into the room.

He kept his eyes on the girl as he walked to his seat, watching her as she started at the thornless red rose in her hand. For a girl that was just asked out, there was no blush on her face, no smile gracing her lips, no shiny gleam in her eyes. Just an empty void staring at a flower. Suddenly the red rose burst into a small purple flame, but it quickly went out as soon as it came.

Was he seeing things?

Bankotsu shook his head and rubbed his eyes as he sat down. He looked to his left, intending to speak to the girl, only to find an empty seat, an open window, and a bright green steam with a small pile of ashes beside it.

"What the fuck?"