To Clip a Roses Thorns

by Pastel Kitkat

To touch a roses beauty, one must first get past its thorns. Can Kagome clip away the layer of thorns surrounding the sad, bitter and broken Kikyo's heart? Or will she end up getting pricked? AU KikKag Side: MirSan, SesRin, InuOC. I wrote this story when I was 15, it is horrible. Please don't read it...

11. Realization Blooms

Chapter Eleven:

There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea,

You became the light on the dark side of me.

Love remains a drug that's the high and not the pill.

But did you know,

That when it snows,

My eyes become large and,

The light that you shine can be seen…

"How many times do I have to say it?" Frankie groaned as she sat back in her seat on the bus. "Nothing happened!"

"Suuuure." Sango smirked and shook her head. "Honestly Frankie, I never thought you were the type to take advantage of a drunken girl." She teased as Rin giggled at her side. Frankie glared and Kagome, who sat beside her, hung her head and held it in her hands.

"Whatever." Frankie grumbled. She was obviously not getting through to her friends and was sick of trying. "I can't believe you got that drunk and have this bad of a hangover after just three Smirnoff's, it's a good thing school starts a few hours late today." She said, turning her attention to Kagome.

"It wasn't purposely." Kagome whined, her voice muffled by her hands over her face. "Last night was the first time I ever drank."

"Well, glad I could help pop your alcohol cherry." Frankie laughed as she reached behind Kagome and patted her back.

"I think you popped more then just her alcohol cherry." Sango commented smartly, causing Rin to burst out in a fit of giggles.

"Would you shut the fuck up?!" Frankie snapped at Sango, but Sango only snickered. Luckily the attention was brought away from Frankie as Sango looked up and spotted Koga and Hojo climbing onto the bus. Frankie and Rin looked up as well, but Kagome just kept her head hung, the aspirin Frankie had given her had yet to kick in.

"Well hello there girls." Koga said casually as he approached them, purposely standing right in front of Kagome who finally looked up at the sound of his voice.

"What the fuck do you want, Koga?" Frankie questioned, looking none to happy to see him. Kagome had told the other girls what he had done and naturally they were all quite pissed off at him, each glaring with hateful eyes though Kagome just ignored him, looking elsewhere.

"Now, now, Frankie, don't be so rude." Koga said in a mockingly offended tone. "Me and Hojo just wanted to say hi to our old friends, right Hojo?" Hojo didn't reply. The boy did not look well but then again he never did in the morning. He was currently pounding down his Red Bull and it was obviously not his first judging by the way his hands shook, but still, there was obviously something bothering him. But none of the girls cared to ask, he had assisted Koga in his assault on Kagome after all.

"Old and previous." Sango corrected coldly, crossing her arms beneath her chest.

"That's right." Rin nodded in agreement. "We don't want anything to do with you, either of you." She added.

"Yeah, so why don't you two do us and the world a favor and go dig a whole and bury your worthless asses in it." Frankie spat as she glared up at Koga. Koga seemed unfazed by the insults or the girls' blatant detest toward him.

"Fine, fine, have it your way." He said carelessly with a shrug before turning slightly. "See you at the dance." He directed his attention at Kagome there and when he caught her eye he winked at her before heading off to find a seat at the back of the bus.

"Thanks you guys." Kagome smiled, but not too much, her head was still killing her.

"No problem." Frankie smiled back as did Rin and Sango.

"Yeah." Sango nodded and paused briefly. "After all, no one messes with Frankie's fuck-buddy." Kagome blushed deeply and Frankie turned angrily on her friend.

"Shut the fuck up already!" She yelled, only causing Sango and Rin to laugh hysterically and the bus driver and a few other people on the bus to 'Shh' at Frankie.

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"Look at her, she has no idea." Koga snickered and sneered as he sat down in the back of the bus, his eyes on Kagome.

"I don't like it, Koga." Hojo replied as he sat next to his friend looking rather distressed and hyperactive as always. "You really think Kagome deserves this?"

"I've said it once and I'll say it again, Hojo;" Koga growled as he looked at Hojo. He did not like the fact that Hojo was having doubts and voicing them. "No one refuses me. Plus, what the hell do you care?"

"She's our friend." Hojo stated as he too turned his attention to Kagome just as he heard Frankie scream "Shut the fuck up already!" Koga chuckled and shook his head, leaning back casually in his seat.

"She's a dike, Hojo and girls like her need to be set straight. I'm just trying to help her." He said with a shrug and a little chuckle. Hojo shook his head and sighed, there was no reasoning with Koga. Hojo didn't like this, not one little bit, but Koga was his friend and you never left a friend hanging; even when he was wrong and Koga was most definitely wrong.

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"What the hell is taking him so long?" Miroku groaned as he sat back in his seat in the back of Sesshoumaru's jeep.

"What do you care, in a hurry for something?" Sesshoumaru asked, his attention never leaving the newspaper he held in front of his eyes as he sat in the drivers seat.

"He's just in a hurry to go see Sango." Ginta stated with a smirk as he sat beside Miroku in the back seat.

"Yeah, it's been so long since he's groped her that the perve is having withdrawals." Hakkaku added with a snicker. The brothers had been spending quite a bit of time with the group and even joked that they had replaced Hojo and Koga. In a way they had, but no one in the group was complaining.

"Exactly!" Miroku confirmed, causing Ginta and Hakkaku to laugh and Sesshoumaru to just roll his eyes.

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"What the fuck is that suppose to mean?" Inuyasha shouted from the chair he was seated at in front of a little round table. ""I'm blinding myself to the truth" that's not advice, Myoga!" He continued shouting at a short round and pudgy old man that sat across from him.

The room they sat in was dark, dimly lit by a single lamp that sat in the middle of the round table. There was no other furniture besides the table and four chairs, two currently occupied by the old man and Inuyasha. There was a single window in the small room but very few would realize it was even there because it was covered by thick red curtains that didn't let a speck of light through.

The old man was significantly short, almost dwarf-like and was very round in both his face and his body, giving him a rather bloated look. He had a shiny bald head and a long thin mustached that pointed out from his upper lip right under his small, pointed nose. He looked a bit nervous and considering the angry look he was receiving from Inuyasha it was not hard to see why.

"I can not tell you what to do, Inuyasha only help you help yourself by giving you a nudge in the right direction." Myoga explained nervously. "You must figure this out on your own."

"Well a lot of help you are!" Inuyasha raved as he shot up from his seat, knocking the chair over and causing Myoga to flinch.

"Nice to see you have your father's temper." Myoga mumbled sarcastically, earning a growl from Inuyasha. Myoga cleared his throat nervously and quickly looked away.

Oh yes, Inuyasha was a lot like his father and Myoga should know, they had known each other for years and were dear friends. In fact it had been Myoga himself who had helped Inuyasha's father out of his slump after Izayoi died. Myoga had always been a sort of mentor, someone who could give advice and set people on the right track. He had information about everything and everyone too so he was a valuable business partner as well.

Inuyasha stood there for a moment, fists clenched at his sides, his eyes distant as they stared over the old man's head. Myoga felt bad for the boy, but it was not his place to tell him what to do. It had always been a rule of Myoga's; people had to make their own decisions in the end, all Myoga could do was give them nudges and hints. He was not one to mess with destiny.

"At least tell me what it means, Myoga." Inuyasha requested in a calmer and much softer tone.

"That much I can do." Myoga said softly, sighing in relief as he clasped his hands over his round stomach and closed his eyes. "You are seeing only what you want to see." Myoga began his voice deep and wise. "Your eyes are open and only staring down one path of destiny, a path you subconsciously know you can never have and don't really want but you keep denying that. You must open your eyes and see the path that is staring you in the face, waiting for you to start your journey down it."

"You're talking nonsense, old man." Inuyasha growled causing Myoga to sigh and open his eyes, looking up at Inuyasha. Unfortunately, he had developed his father's thick-head as well.

"Just think about it Inuyasha and eventually you will understand. Think about what and who is really most important to you, not who you think should be most important." Myoga further explained before slowly, and with great effort, rising from his chair. "That is all the advice I can give you." He said dismissively.

"Whatever, I gotta go anyway." Inuyasha growled. He was very agitated and quite obviously so. He had no idea what Myoga was talking about and it was really pissing him off that the old man would not further explain himself.

"Just think about it, Inuyasha!" Myoga called as Inuyasha stepped out of the room and headed out of the apartment.

"Just think about it…" He was thinking about it, but he still had no God damn idea what it meant. Inuyasha sighed and grumbled angrily as he climbed into Sesshoumaru's jeep and sulked slightly. He was lost in his thoughts, trying to figure out what Myoga had been going on about.

"So what he say?" Miroku asked as he leaned forward. Inuyasha received the attention of all four boys, even Sesshoumaru who folded his paper and placed it on his lap.

"I am seeing only what I want to see." Inuyasha started, speaking slowly as he tried to remember what Myoga had said word for word. "My eyes are open and only staring down one path of destiny, a path I subconsciously know I can never have and don't really want but I keep denying that. I must open my eyes and see the path that is staring me in the face, waiting for me to start my journey down it." He paused once he was finished. "What the hell kind of bullshit is that?" Inuyasha questioned, looking to his friends for help.

"Sounds like something a Wiseman would say, that's so like Myoga." Sesshoumaru said with a roll of his eyes.

"It's deep." Hakkaku said, his brother nodding in agreement. Meanwhile, Miroku had sat back in his seat, seemingly deep in thought.

"Yeah, but what the fuck's it mean?" Inuyasha questioned as he looked back to the twins.

"You need glasses?" Ginta said with a shrug, causing Hakkaku to snicker but Inuyasha did not seem amused. In fact he turned around in his seat and lunged forward, attacking the twins who shouted and flailed, trying to get away. There might have been two against one, but Ginta and Hakkaku were no match for Inuyasha's rage even when teamed up and they both knew that.

"Morons." Sesshoumaru grumbled as he started the jeep and took off down the street and through it all, Miroku sat there silently, lost in his thoughts.

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When extremely bored florescent lights can be very entertaining; watching the electricity pump through them, blinking and seeing all the colorful dots. When there was nothing to do besides hear your health teacher go on and on about the different chambers of the heart, watching florescent lights can be like playing videogames; addictive and mind-numbing. At least those were the thoughts of Kagome and Sango as they stared up at the ceiling in the classroom located beside the gym. Today was a health class day, every other day they would switch from gym to health, and both Kagome and Sango had to admit that they'd rather be pumbled by rubber balls then sit in a classroom and listen to the gym teacher talk about human anatomy.

Kagome sighed and fluttered her eyelashes, blinking repeatedly as her head fell straight and those pretty sapphire eyes looked around her. Today might have been the night of the dance and all the students might have been anxious for the night to come, but no one would ever guess such a thing by looking around this classroom. Half the class appeared to be sleeping and the other half was either staring up at the ceiling like Sango, who seemed hypnotized by the lights, or staring ahead and daydreaming. It was a rather funny sight, like something out of an eighties movie where Ben Stein is the teacher.

But luckily, the sound of the bell saved the class from having to listen about the functions of the colon. That was when the classroom seemed to come to life, everyone jumping out of their seats almost simultaneously and practically lunging at the door. Kagome however took her dear sweet time getting up, as did Sango. Though her headache had gone away Kagome was still feeling a little sluggish and it seemed Sango was as well. Frankie would have definitely had some smartass remark if she could have seen the two girls now.

"You know, I think health class is a government conspiracy attempting to bore the creativity out of students." Sango said with a soft yawn as she and Kagome exited the classroom and entered a sea of students just trying to get out of school as soon as possible.

"Probably." Kagome said with a little smile as she and Sango headed up the stairs, out of the basement where the gym was located, and up to the first floor where their lockers were.

Now Kagome wasn't denying that her little night-in with the girls had helped to lift her spirits, but she would be lying if she said her troubles were completely forgotten. She tried to keep her mind focused because every time it began to wander she would find herself thinking about Kikyo. Like now; where in the world was Kikyo? Though Kagome had not talked to the other girl in the last week and a half she had at least seen her in the hallways everyday, but not today. Was she even in school? It didn't appear so. Was she sick? Kagome honestly didn't know but she was worried.

"Hey…" Sango's voice broke Kagome from her thoughts. "I know that look, stop it already." Sango said in a soft and caring tone. She was referring to the forlorn look upon Kagome's face, the look she always got when thinking about Kikyo.

"I can't help it." Kagome sighed as she stopped in front of her locker, having to weave her way through the crowd of people trying to get to their own.

"I know." Sango said in an understanding tone as she nodded and patted her friend's shoulder. "I'll meet you in the gym." She said before she disappeared into the crowd, heading off to her own locker.

Sango was right; Kagome really did need to stop this, this path of self-pity. Not only was it destructive but it was not a very appealing or admirable path. People who pitied themselves were the kind of people Kagome had always swore never to be like. The whole 'woe is me' attitude was just so obnoxious and Kagome didn't want to be seen as one of those people. But she couldn't help it; no matter how much she tried she just couldn't shake this feeling of depression.

With a sigh, Kagome slammed her locker door shut and slung her yellow backpack over her shoulder before heading back into the crowd and back down to the basement. She had to do this, she could do this, she just needed to stay strong and optimistic. So what if the girl she loved didn't love her back, there were plenty of other girls out there. Girls who could actually laugh without any restraint, girls that could smile without Kagome having to work harder then she should have to, to make them do so. It hurt now but Kagome would get over it, she'd force herself to if she had to.

"You stupid son of a bitch!" Kagome heard a very familiar voice shout as she headed down the hall that lead to the gym. It was Frankie and she did not sound happy, not at all.

Eyebrows would rise in curiosity before Kagome's steps would quicken as she approached the gym doors. Walking through them Kagome's eyes would widen as they fell upon the sight unfolding in the gym. Miroku currently had Frankie by the waist who was kicking and flailing as she spat threats of murder in the direction of the DJ table which another boy stood behind. It was the boy who had been with Frankie's brother Ashley last night, Danny. He had a smug little smirk on his face and appeared to be quite satisfied with himself for something; what Kagome could only assume would be pissing Frankie off.

Sesshoumaru and Rin were also in the gym but they sat on the bleachers which were now pulled out to serve as a place to sit at the dance. Sesshoumaru was perched at the top as was Rin who sat between his spread knees. Rin had a worried look on her face, but Sesshoumaru's arms around her waist and chin on her shoulder kept her from going to Frankie. Sesshoumaru looked bored as always and completely uninterested in what was going on in front of him.

"Let me go Miroku." Frankie growled as she struggled against the boys hold who seemed to be having quite a difficult time holding her back.

"C'mon Frankie, calm down." Miroku pleaded. "Don't kill him; we need him to DJ the dance." He reasoned and that seemed to be good enough for Frankie because she stilled her movements and appeared to calm down a bit. "You can kill him later." Miroku added once he released Frankie, shooting the other boy a rather hard look indicating that whatever he had said had gotten to Miroku too.

"Uh, what did I miss?" Kagome asked as she approached her friends, going to Frankie's side who seemed busy inspecting the decorations overhead. She was obviously still very angry; it was all over her face.

"Just a few ignorant comments from the pot-head over there who thinks he's funny." Frankie said flatly as she gestured toward Danny who rolled his eyes and continued examining the DJ table and its equipment.

"Uh…" Kagome didn't know what to say, she still didn't get what the hell was going on. But she knew better then to ask, she didn't want the confrontation to start up again.

"I'll tell you one thing…" Sesshoumaru suddenly said with a smirk as he closed his eyes and leaned his head against Rin's who smiled and shift to lean back against his chest. "The boy's damn lucky Inuyasha wasn't here to hear what he said."

"What who said?" All attention turned to the gym door where Inuyasha stood with Sango, all attention except Frankie's of course. She was busy examining the decorations, or so she seemed to want everyone to think.

"Speak of the devil." Sesshoumaru smirked. "Danny-boy here-"

"Sesshoumaru don't." Rin cut him off, Miroku nodding in agreement. Frankie's attention was still on inspecting the decorations overhead. She seemed completely oblivious to the fact that the current conversation was centered on her. Kagome assumed it was Inuyasha's presence that had Frankie directing her attention anywhere but on the group.

"What? The boy deserves an ass whooping after the dance and Inuyasha's the perfect one to deliver one to him." Sesshoumaru argued.

"I'm shaking." Danny stated sarcastically under his breath with a roll of his eyes. Inuyasha glared at the boy and Sango looked to Miroku with question in her eyes as she came to his side.

"Called who what?" Inuyasha asked as he looked to his brother, his interest had obviously been sparked.

"As I was saying, Danny-boy here and Frankie got into a little spat because someone set up the DJ equipment wrong." Sesshoumaru paused, making it clear that that had been a direct stab at Inuyasha who had in fact been the one to set up the DJ table. "Danny blamed it on Frankie and basically called her an incompetent bitch though not in those exact words because lord knows the boy is incapable of such intelligent speech." Danny grumbled from the sidelines but said nothing, only went on fixing whatever problem there was at the DJ table. "Frankie responded with an oh-so-original 'Fuck you' and this is where things really got interesting-"

"Get on with it!" Inuyasha growled impatiently causing Sesshoumaru to smirk.

"Patience, little brother." Inuyasha growled but Sesshoumaru was quick to continue before he could say anything else. "Danny said, and I quote; "If you're anything like your mother then you'd be the one to go to for that kind of service." And our darling little Frankie of course went off on him, and rightfully so."

Kagome's eyes widened as did Sango's, both girls turning their attention to the boy who stood behind the DJ table. He wore a very smug little smirk giving the impression that he was proud of himself for what he had said. The bastard had insulted Frankie's mother, there was just no excuse for that. All eyes turned expectantly toward Inuyasha who wore a blank expression and simply stared forward, not looking at anything in particular.

"What is everyone looking at?" Inuyasha questioned, his eyes scanning the faces of his friends.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" Sango asked. She was astonished that Inuyasha had not charged at the boy and attempted to rip his throat out. No one insulted Frankie, not as long as Inuyasha had something to say or do about it and he always did, he always had.

"What am I suppose to say? The kid didn't say anything that wasn't true." He stated with an indifferent shrug of his shoulders.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome gasped. Her eyes were wide and the expression on her face could only be described as shock, and that shock was shared by the others in the gym.

Sango looked dumbfounded, as if she expected Ashton Kutcher to jump out at any moment and tell them they'd been Punk'd. Rin looked very uncomfortable, biting hard at her lower lip and shifting around on Sesshoumaru's lap who also, surprisingly, looked shocked. This obviously wasn't what he had pictured happening when he told Inuyasha what had happened. Miroku did not appear to be shocked; instead he looked disappointed and ashamed, as if he had been the one to say what had come from Inuyasha's mouth. Only Danny seemed to be happy over Inuyasha's commentary.

Strangely enough though, Frankie showed no emotion what-so-ever in regards to Inuyasha's comment. Her eyes were still upon the decorations overhead, her hands in her pockets and a rather peaceful, almost solemn look upon her face. It appeared as if she wasn't even listening, but Kagome had saw her flinch and watched her body tense up, fists clenching in her pockets when Inuyasha spoke. But she appeared so calm, actually, she reminded Kagome of Sesshoumaru in that moment.

"It's alright Kagome." Frankie said calmly as she turned her attention to the younger girl, but Kagome kept her eyes on Inuyasha as did everyone else. "It's not Inuyasha's fault he's an insensitive bastard, he never had a mother to teach him any better." Again a wave of shock hit the room, though this time it was more like a tsunami.

Kagome, Rin and Sango all audibly gasped in unison as their eyes turned to Frankie, astonished that she had said something so cruel. Miroku looked as if he was about to pass out from the shock, his mouth was hanging open and his face was very pale. Sesshoumaru did not look all that shocked, in stead he looked quite pissed off, much like Frankie had when Kagome had first entered the gym; it was his mother as well who had been insulted. But Sesshoumaru said nothing nor made any sort of move to get to Frankie, he didn't have to; Inuyasha was way ahead of him.

Inuyasha practically charged across the gym at Frankie, moving with such a sudden burst of speed that no one, especially Frankie, had any time to react. On his way over Inuyasha had shoved Kagome right out of his path, sending her into Miroku's arms with an 'oomph' sound. When he actually got to Frankie he got right up in her face, so close that their noses touched, Inuyasha having to lean down slightly to accomplish this thanks to the height difference between he and Frankie. Frankie looked surprised at Inuyasha's advance and sudden closeness for about half a second before she returned his icy glare, standing firmly in place, unwilling to back down even with Inuyasha growling in her face.

"If you ever talk about my mother again I'll-"

"You'll what?" Frankie challenged, shouting right in Inuyasha's face before suddenly shoving him away from her with surprising force. Inuyasha stumbled a bit but regained his footing quickly. "What are you gonna do, Inuyasha?" Frankie continued as she stepped toward him. This time it was Frankie who got in Inuyasha's face, leaning up slightly on her toes to accomplish that. "You gonna hurt me?" The question was sarcastic, biting. "You can't hurt me anymore then you already have, not even if you knocked me around. So go right ahead, defend your mother and take a swing, you know you want to." It was almost as if she was daring him to, but Inuyasha would never hit Frankie… right?

It was uncomfortable to watch, unbearably uncomfortable; two people who were once good friends were at each others throats and their friends could do nothing but watch. Everyone wanted to come between them, to break it up and make them stop but no one made a move to do so. It was as if they knew, as if they all realized that this was Inuyasha and Frankie's problem and this was the only way they were going to work it out.

"Oh God, stop being a melodramatic bitch." Was Inuyasha's reply, his tone just as venomous as Frankie's.

"Melodramatic?" Frankie snorted and laughed. "Well at least I'm not obsessed with some girl that hates my guts."

"I'm warning you Frankie." Inuyasha growled, obviously growing angrier with each passing moment whereas Frankie looked more hurt then angry.

"What are you gonna do, Inuyasha?" Frankie challenged daringly.

Inuyasha's fists clenched at his sides and Kagome was beginning to worry that he would actually hit Frankie. But Inuyasha would never hit Frankie, would he? Kagome didn't think so, but then why did Miroku look on edge as if ready to sprint forward and go to Frankie's rescue? Even Danny was beginning to look a bit uneasy and he had been the one to start this whole mess.

But thankfully, Inuyasha did not strike Frankie; instead he stood there and just matched the glare she offered him, staring as if looking right through those pretty tear filled hazel eyes. He looked so numb, as if unaffected by the hurt in Frankie's eyes.

"Why don't you go play 'find the marble' with your cousin Frankie, you like that don't you?" Was how Inuyasha replied in a voice just a numb and as cold as his expression.

He did not hit Frankie, but he might as well have; Frankie flinched and became tense as if stunned by the impact of his words. Sango looked stunned at Inuyasha's words but everyone else just looked confused, obviously only Frankie, Sango and Inuyasha knew what Inuyasha was talking about. It was then and only then that Frankie actually allowed the tears in her eyes to roll down her cheeks, little rivers spilling from her eyelids and running down her cheeks and off her jaw.

She looked so hurt, crushed; Inuyasha had betrayed her trust and had used the one thing that hurt her the most against her. 'How could he?' The question repeated over and over in Frankie's mind and with each time it was repeated Frankie grew more and more infuriated until she just could no longer hold it in. Without thinking, though Frankie wasn't sure she'd have stopped herself if she had thought about it; she slapped Inuyasha across the face. Inuyasha's head snapped to the side but came forward again quickly, his expression just as numb and uncaring as he stared blankly at Frankie's tear streaked face.

"Go to hell you backstabbing prick." Frankie choked out before she brushed past him. She walked at a slow pace, but no one dared go to her, not yet, not here. Frankie made it to the door just as Hakkaku and Ginta were coming through.

"Hey Frankie." Ginta said cheerfully only to be shoved out of Frankie's way as she past him.

"What the hell was that about?" Hakkaku questioned in a confused tone, looking to Ginta who was rubbing his shoulder and wincing. Frankie had shoved him right into the doorframe. But the abuse did not stop there; both Kagome and Rin came rushing past them, shoving both boys out of their way as they hurried past.

"Damn, what's everyone's problem?" Ginta questioned in an annoyed tone as both boys entered the gym, looking to Sango for answers. But Sango would not give them any, her attention was solely focused on Inuyasha; she stared at him with eyes that gleamed with a mixture of sadness and fury, as if she couldn't figure out whether to comfort him or sock him.

But in the end, Sango did neither; instead she turned her attention to Miroku who stood at her side. Miroku looked just as confused as Sango, emotions of sorrow, anger and disappointment clear upon his boyish face.

"What's happening to our friends, Miroku?" She mumbled sadly to him, much to the confusion of Ginta and Hakkaku who had no idea what was going on. But Miroku was left no room to answer because just as his lips parted to speak, he was interrupted by a loud smashing sound. Clang, bam, clang!

"Frankie stop it, please!" Kagome could be heard shouting. Quickly Sango exited the gym, rushing past Hakkaku and Ginta, each of who jumped to the side and out of the way, not wanting to be shoved again.

"What'd we miss?" Hakkaku asked, both he and Ginta looking to Sesshoumaru who had climbed down from the bleachers and come to stand beside them. Sesshoumaru just shook his head and looked to Miroku who was now walking over to Inuyasha.

Inuyasha looked so numb as he stood there in the middle of the gym, as if he didn't feel a thing. No remorse for what he had said to Frankie, no more anger for what Frankie had said to him, no pain from his now reddened cheek. He appeared to feel nothing, his face blank and his eyes dazed as he stared off at nothing in particular.

"Pushing her away isn't the answer and you know it." Miroku said wisely as he came to stand beside Inuyasha.

"Oh God!" Inuyasha groaned in frustration. "Look, I don't need your psychology bullshit, Miroku. This is my problem and I'll deal with it any way I see fit." He paused and sighed. "We're both better off this way anyway."

Miroku could see that there could be no reasoning with Inuyasha. He sighed and shook his head. There was nothing else he could do, if Inuyasha wasn't willing to listen to the truth then how was he suppose to realize what he was doing wrong? There was only one thing Miroku could think of, and that was to decipher what it was Myoga meant and explain it in simplest terms to Inuyasha.

"Look, Inuyasha-" Miroku began but was cut off as Danny approached them and interrupted.

"Hey man, thanks for that." He said casually, a small lazy grin upon his face. "You know how woman are; so touchy."

It was there that Inuyasha showed some emotion. His entire face seemed to flush and twist into an infuriated look. His eyes burned with anger and seemed to cry for bloodshed as they looked to the boy who had initially started this entire thing. In a flash Inuyasha had the boy by the collar of his shirt and spun him around, slamming him into a wall, knocking all the air from Danny's lungs.

"If you ever, ever talk to Frankie like that again I'll rip your fucking throat out. You hear me?" Inuyasha growled in the boy's face as he gasped for air, Inuyasha's hand having wrapped tightly around his throat.

Ginta and Hakkaku both had wide eyes and confused looks on their faces, what the hell was going on? Sesshoumaru was snickering under his breath and Miroku looked quite pleased as he watched the scene unfold. Inuyasha held Danny like that up against the wall for a few brief moments more before finally releasing him and turning his back. As Danny slumped to the floor, Inuyasha stalked out of the gym, heading right past Ginta, Hakkaku and Sesshoumaru, each of who backed out of the way to let him pass without interference.

"What the fuck!" Danny gasped as he finally was able to draw air into his lungs. He rose from his feet and brushed himself off, fixing the collar of his shirt as he looked to Miroku. "Is that kid bipolar or what?"

"No…" Miroku said softly, a soft grin on his face as he watched Inuyasha retreat out of the gym. "He's in love."

"And in denial." Sesshoumaru added as he crossed his arms over his chest.

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Once Sango had exited the gym she had hurried to the girls locker room which seemed to be the source of all the noise. She rushed through the door and into the changing area just in time to see Kagome holding Frankie around her waist while Rin did her best to comfort her friend, but to no avail. Once Sango saw the dented locker door off to the side and the bleeding knuckles on Frankie's right hand she put two and two together and quickly went to the older girl.

Everything was so messed up; Frankie and Inuyasha, who perhaps had the greatest friendship Sango or anyone else in the group had ever seen, were now at each others throats. In trying to save Kikyo from herself by pushing her and Kagome together the girls had only managed to push Kikyo further into darkness. What had they done? In trying to make everything better had they really just managed to make everything worse? It seemed that way and that was a reality that offered more guilt then Rin, Sango or Frankie could bear.

Seconds past and steadily but surely, Frankie seemed to calm down before all her struggles stopped and she grew still. Kagome released her and with a sigh Frankie slumped to the bench that lay in the middle of the row of lockers on either side of the rooms walls. Her posture showed the defeat that she and the other girls all felt as Frankie leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees and her face resting in her hands.

"It's my own fault." Frankie suddenly mumbled as her hands fell from her face. "All of it, it's all my fault."

"No it's not Frankie." Rin said softly in a comforting tone.

"We all played a role." Sango added as she leaned against a nearby locker, her arms crossed beneath her chest and her head bowed, eyes on the ground in front of her feet. "We all share the blame."

"No." Frankie shook her head before looking up to Rin and then Sango. "I drew you two into this, it was my idea." She reasoned, causing Sango and Rin to look upon her in a sympathetic manner. "All I wanted to do was help and all I managed to do is make everything worse; Kikyo's worse-off then before, I hurt her, I hurt Inuyasha and…" She paused and turned her head to look up at Kagome who stood off to the side, currently staring at the floor as if deep in thought. "I hurt you too." At that Kagome looked up from the floor and toward Frankie. "I'm sorry Kagome." Frankie continued, sighing softly as she bowed her head. "I'm sorry."

It was true, undoubtedly so. All of this could have been avoided if Frankie, Rin and Sango had just minded their own business and left it all alone. But still, Kagome couldn't find it in herself to be angry with any of them, especially Frankie; after all, she had been hurt as well. They all felt guilty and that was very obvious and that was enough for Kagome. Besides, there was already enough hatred going around in this little group of friends and Kagome was not about to add to it.

After a few moments Kagome cracked a sad smile and moved toward Frankie. She took a seat beside her friend on the bench and sighed before laying her head upon Frankie's shoulder. She didn't have to say it, the gesture was enough; despite how Frankie and the other girls' actions had hurt her, she would hold no grudges. No one said a word, no one could find any words to say, the silence said it all.

It was like that for a few long moments; complete and utter silence that spoke volumes about what each girl felt. Guilt, hurt, forgiveness, it was all in the air around them and each girl could feel it. But there was only so much silence a person could take and as the minuets ticked by each girl began to grow antsy.

"Okay, enough of this touching moment bullshit." Frankie suddenly said, causing Kagome to raise her head from her shoulder. "I feel like I'm in some cheesy soap opera." She continued and she rose to her feet. Same old Frankie, nothing could keep her down for long, at least not outwardly so. Kagome and Rin smiled and Sango just rolled her eyes but even she couldn't help but crack a little smile.

"Frankie's right." Sango confirmed with a nod as she pushed off the locker she had been leaning against. "Forget all this drama bullshit; I have a better solution to deal with this problem."

"Oh God." Frankie groaned. "Not another sleepover."

"No…" Sango rolled her eyes at the assumption before smirking darkly. "If you can't join them then beat them." The others looked confused.

"I thought it was 'if you can't beat them join them'." Kagome questioned and Rin nodded as if to confirm that.

"Not when they are too stubborn to let you join them without first being beaten into submission." The other girls were still very confused and starting to grow worried at the almost sinister smirk on Sango's lips; it was just so out-of-character.

"What are you getting at Sango?" Frankie finally asked, her curiosity peaked.

"We are gonna make you and Kagome look so hot that those two will be sorry they ever turned their backs on you." Kagome noticeably blushed while Rin began to giggle and nod in agreement.

"Makeovers!" Rin exclaimed excitedly, Kagome seemed to perk up at that and moved to Rin's side, both girls clasping hands and squealing, beginning to ramble about make-up and how they'd do their hair. All of this caused Frankie to grimace. Despite being female such overly feminine things were not Frankie's style.

"God…" Frankie groaned as Rin and Kagome rambled on and on about hair and make-up. She slumped back down to the bench and leaned her face into her hands, looking defeated and hopeless. "Why me?" Her voice was muffled by her hands but Sango heard her clearly, whereas Kagome and Rin were too lost in their conversation about how to do their nails to notice Frankie's distress.

"I'll go tell the boys to take over so we can get out of here." Sango stated, but no one was listening; Kagome and Rin were too busy squealing and Frankie was too lost in her misery.

With a roll of her eyes and a shake of her head, Sango exited the changing area of the girls locker room and headed back out into the hallway. 'Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay… ' She had to keep saying it over and over in her head; had to try to convince herself it was true. Everything would be okay, wouldn't it? Sango didn't know, all she could do was hope, pray that everything would somehow be resolved, that fate would make everything right again.

"Sango." A voice snapped Sango out of her thoughts and her head would turn, eyes looking down the hallway toward the doorway that led to the side stairs. Inuyasha was leaning on the wall next to the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and his eyes locked on the floor in front of his feet. "She okay?" He would ask almost awkwardly as his eyes rose and turned to meet Sango's.

Sango just stared at him for a long moment; what was she suppose to say to him. He was the one who had caused all this; it was his hurtful and heartless words that sent Frankie over the edge. He hadn't cared about her feelings before; he had just stepped all over them without a hint of remorse. Yet here he was, wanting to make sure that Frankie was alright; it was so ironic. Why did everything have to be this complicated? Why couldn't Inuyasha just admit what everyone already knew; he loved Frankie? Why couldn't Kikyo just admit what everyone had seen from the beginning; she needed Kagome? What were these two running from, who were they trying to fool with these stupid games?

"Physically; she's probably gonna have some bruises on her knuckles tonight, but she'll live." Came Sango's reply as she stared at her friend with eyes that seemed to question his sincerity. Her eyes pointed all the blame at him and Inuyasha couldn't help but look away guiltily. "Emotionally; I don't think either of you are alright."

"Feh." Was Inuyasha's only reply as he pushed off the wall and headed for the other doors that led to the other hall. He was so distant, so dismissive, how could he be like that after all this. Didn't he get it yet?

"Inuyasha!" Sango called her tone sad, almost desperate. He would stop in his tracks, his head turning slightly to look back at her. Sango was silent for a long moment, her teeth biting softly at her lower lip as she tried to think of something, anything that would make him understand. "She only ever tried to help you. All she ever wanted was for you to be happy, for you to have no regrets, that's mostly why she did what she did. She'd do anything to make you happy… even if that meant she couldn't have you."

Sango stood there and stared at Inuyasha who stared right back, but seemed to look right through her. She could see the conflict burning in his eyes, could see the hurt and the confusion that lay behind them. She waited for him to say something; anything but in the end he gave no reply. He simply turned and headed on his way leaving Sango to stand there in the middle of the hallway. She sighed deeply and turned to head back into the gym; in the end she could do nothing, nothing but wait for everything to fix itself, wait for Inuyasha and Kikyo to face what was right there in front of them.

(Later)

"God damn it Frankie!" Sango grumbled as she rummaged through the draws of Frankie's dresser, tossing clothes to the pile that had begun to build up on the floor. "Do you not own a skirt?" Frankie just rolled her eyes and sat back nonchalantly on her bed.

"Skirts and dresses just aint my style Sango, you know that." Frankie said with a shrug of her shoulders, looking to Kagome and Rin who were currently trying to choose from the assortment of skirts and shirts they had both brought from their houses.

"Well what do you plan on wearing on your wedding day?" Rin asked with a smile as she looked to Frankie, holding a short jean skirt she had apparently decided on. Sango groaned and Frankie smirked, lips parting to speak but she was cut off.

"Oh God, don't even ask her that." Sango groaned with a shake of her head. She had given up on Frankie's clothes and in stead was now looking through the pile of clothes she, Rin and Kagome had made with clothes they had brought from their houses.

"I'm glad you asked, Rin." Frankie said smugly as she rose from the bed, causing Sango to roll her eyes while Kagome and Rin looked up curiously. "What I'm going to wear on my wedding day is a nice pair of beige slacks with a light blue vest that will have a low dipping neckline to show off my beautiful breasts." She grabbed her chest as she said that and Kagome and Rin blushed and giggled, Sango once again just rolling her eyes. "And to top off the ensemble there will be a long cape, beige on the outside and light blue on the inside, that'll drape to the floor and a beige top hat with a light blue ribbon tied around the rim, slightly tilted to give a nice casual effect." She finished, using her hands to imitate the flow of the cape and the position of the top hat.

"So you're basically gonna be the female Tuxedo Mask?" Kagome snickered before her and Rin both burst into laughter.

"Just call me Mamo-chan." Frankie said with a shrug of her shoulders causing Rin and Kagome to laugh more.

"So does that mean your husband will be wearing the gown?" Sango commented sarcastically, causing Frankie to smirk as Rin and Kagome were practically falling over each other in fits of laughter.

"Who says I'm marrying a man? I figure by the time I get married people will stop being ignorant and politicians will stop being assholes and gay marriage will be legalized." Frankie shrugged. "And when that happens I'm just gonna go ahead and marry Kagome." She looked to the younger girl who had stopped laughing but was now blushing as Rin snickered.

"I'm glad you all think marriage is such a big joke." Sango said, her tone laced with annoyance. Frankie and Rin rolled their eyes while Kagome just stared at her friend in a confused manner.

"We're just playing around Sango." Kagome explained, biting her lip softly. She didn't understand why Sango was getting all worked up.

"You'll have to excuse Sango, Kagome." Rin commented with a smile.

"Yeah," Frankie agreed with a nod as she sat back down on her bed. "Sango takes marriage very seriously, she's been planning her wedding day since she was like five. She's got everything planned out and memorized perfectly from the dress all the way down to the napkin color." Sango glared at Frankie who just grinned and turned her attention elsewhere.

"Oh?" Kagome smiled and looked to Sango. "Well who's gonna be the lucky guy to stand at the alter?"

"Miroku of course." Rin answered for her, causing Sango to blush deeply and look back down to the pile of clothes she sat in front of.

"Would you guys just shut up and get ready." She grumbled as she pushed up onto her feet, holding an outfit draped over her arm. The other girls just laughed at Sango's obvious embarrassment and went about trying to find their own outfits for the dance that night.

----------------------------------------------------

It had taken the boys about an hour or so to make sure everything was all set in the gym for the dance and with that behind them they had headed out to get ready, each heading to their own houses to get dressed. Sesshoumaru had to of course car pool and had of course not been very happy about it, but even he couldn't find it in himself to complain. After what happened in the gym between Frankie and Inuyasha things had been a bit awkward and though each boy was none to happy about being left yet again to handle the decorating in the gym none of them could complain. It just didn't seem right, not after what had happened.

Each of them seemed to understand Frankie's need to get away and the need of the girls' to be there for their friend, the boys would have done the same for Inuyasha. There was only one problem, he had completely disappeared. Sesshoumaru had expected to see him at home, but to his surprise Inuyasha wasn't there. Where had he gone?

Not one to stress over any situation, especially one that involved his brother; Sesshoumaru had simply shrugged it off and dressed himself, though it had always lingered in the back of his mind. What was that moron doing? Though Sesshoumaru made it a point never to concern himself with his brother's affairs, Inuyasha was still his brother and as such he didn't really like watching him ruin his life over something as stupid as an elementary school crush. But what could he do? He could try beating some sense into him, but Inuyasha had a very hard head. So in the end Sesshoumaru could only do what he had wanted to do in the first place, absolutely nothing.

It hadn't taken him long to shower and decide on an outfit, a clean white button up shirt over a black wife-beater tank top and a simple pair of baggy faded blue jeans. After drying his girlishly long black hair, which he refused to cut despite the strange looks he got from the old people around him, and spraying on some cologne, Sesshoumaru had gotten dressed and headed out the door.

That had been about an hour ago and to Sesshoumaru's surprise and annoyance, Miroku still wasn't ready. The other boy had still been in the shower when Sesshoumaru had arrived and let himself in and had just gotten out about twenty minuets ago. Now Sesshoumaru prided himself on having good hygiene, but this was ridiculous.

"Okay how about this; hello Miss, I was just wondering if maybe you wanted to dance?" Ginta said as he stood in front of Hakkaku. The two had been practicing how to ask girls to dance since they had arrived forty minuets ago.

"No way, loser!" Hakkaku shouted in a huffy tone, his voice high-pitched to imitate a females'. Ginta looked both hurt and annoyed as he punched his brother's upper arm.

"I'm surrounded by idiots." Sesshoumaru groaned as her rubbed his temples. Ginta and Hakkaku both looked to him before shrugging and continuing.

"Okay, okay I got it!" Ginta exclaimed before a cool and casual composure seemed to sweep across him. "Hey babe, dance, wanna?" At that Hakkaku mockingly slapped him and both boys burst out in laughter, seeming quite amused. Sesshoumaru on the other hand seemed just annoyed and a bit disgusted at the brothers' behavior.

"Miroku, are you almost done or what?" Sesshoumaru called almost desperately. All he wanted was to get out of there and get the night over with already. He hated school dances, actually he hated anything that involved large group of idiotic people, and to Sesshoumaru almost everyone that wasn't him was an idiot. But Rin had begged and insisted he go and had used her feminine wits to persuade him so now he was stuck.

"I'm ready, I'm ready; Jesus you guys are impatient." Miroku scoffed as he stepped into the living room.

He was wearing an indigo colored button up collared shirt, left open to reveal a black wife beater beneath it and a pair of baggy blue jeans. Upon seeing this, Sesshoumaru looked down at his own outfit then to Ginta and Hakkaku who were just standing their casually. Both wore baggy faded blue jeans and brown button up collared shirts, Ginta's left open to reveal the black wife-beater tank top he wore while Hakkaku's was buttoned halfway revealing only the top of the black wife-beater he wore. Both boys as well as Miroku looked to Sesshoumaru as if to ask what his problem was.

"If Inuyasha shows up wearing jeans and a black wife beater I'm leaving." Sesshoumaru stated disgustedly before rising to his feet and heading for the door.

At that, Miroku, Ginta and Hakkaku finally noticed the similarities and began to laugh. Miroku shook his head as he followed the other boys out, closing and locking his door behind him. Tonight was definitely going to be an interesting night that went without saying.

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Finally it was the night that almost every student in their junior and senior years at East Boston high school had been waiting for since its announcement a few months back; the night of the annual fall school dance. Sure to a lot of kids their age it was silly to get so worked up over a school dance, but this was like their prom only better because they didn't have to buy dresses or rent tuxes. There were more then two hundred Juniors and Seniors at Eastie high and a little more then half of them had shown up, so to say the gym was packed would be an understatement, but the girls' weren't complaining. After all, they had helped set up this little shindig so they were happy that so many people decided to show up.

It had taken the girls a little over an hour to get ready; what with Rin needing to change her outfit about five times trying to find just the right one and Kagome needing to get her hair "just right" and Sango needing to fix her make-up over and over until it was perfect. Even Frankie, who was never one to dottle on such feminine activities, had taken much longer then her usual twenty minuets to get ready. But eventually they had all fit their and each other's definitions of perfect and had headed out and all would agree that the hour and umpteen minuets they had spent getting ready was more then worth it because each looked quite good.

Rin wore an orange and white horizontally striped long sleeved shirt that was made of some sort of tight but stretchy fabric that made the top fit her upper body quite nicely. The shirt was cut at the shoulders, leaving two open wholes to reveal the pale flesh there while the neckline curved roundly over her upper chest, showing off some flesh there as well. A black schoolgirl-like shirt flowed out from her hips and reached down to about the middle of her thighs. Thickly healed high-healed black boots rested upon her feet, reaching to just a few inches below her knees. Her hair was done in a half-up half-down fashion and was left untouched to show off its naturally wavy texture. It was true that Rin was only a sophomore, but since she had helped out with the dance she was allowed to attend, that mixed with the fact that she was friends with the group and was Sesshoumaru's date was why she was there.

Sango was wearing a pair of dark black straight legged pants that hugged the curves of her hips and thighs quite nicely, Miroku would surely appreciate them for that little fact. For a shirt she wore a matching black shirt with a light pink heart on the chest. The short sleeves of the shirt hung off her shoulders, leaving them bare, and the neckline of the shirt ran straight across her chest to show off just a little bit of cleavage. Black high-healed boots could be seen beneath the hem of her pant legs, the skinny heals clicking softly upon the floor as she walked with the rest of the girls'. Her long raven colored hair was done up in a high pony-tail as it usually was, showing off the gold hoop earrings that dangled from her ears.

Frankie was dressed in a simple white wife-beater tank top that was tight around her sizeable chest but seemed to fit her nicely. She wore a pair of faded blue jeans that looked fashionably worn-out and beat up, holes in both legs of the pants to show off her kneecaps. The pants legs were baggy and ill-fitting but the waist of the pants fit perfectly around her hips which they hung low upon. Perhaps the only really elaborate thing about her outfit was the pair of black leather fingerless gloves that Frankie wore on her hands, matching the thick black leather combat boots that thudded on the ground as she walked. Her vibrant red hair was pulled out of her face and done in a low pony-tail allowing her long hair to trail down her upper back showing off the three small silver balls in each piercing in each of her ears except of course the piercing in the cartilage of her right ear which stuck out where a small silver hoop dangled.

Kagome wore a mainly green plaid skirt that had mixtures of white, red and black running through it to form a checkered pattern. Much like Rin's skirt, Kagome's was cut in a school-girl fashion and flowed out from her hips down to the middle of her thighs. For a top she wore a plain white tank top under a fitting black vest. The vest was made in such a fashion that it buttoned along her stomach to just under her breasts, which were covered by the tight fabric of her low-cut tank top, showing off a bit more cleavage then she would have liked. White stockings reached from her feet, which black leather shoes with thick rubber heels graced, up to her knees and clung snuggly to her slim tibias. Her naturally wavy black hair was left loose to hang around her shoulders and around her pretty face. Oh yes, each girl was certainly dressed to impress… in their own little ways.

"Jeez…" Frankie yelled over the booming music as she looked around the packed gym. "I didn't think this many people would show."

"Yeah I know." Sango agreed, also having to shout due to the loud pulsing music that had almost everyone in the gym dancing and swaying to the beat.

"Sango!" The girls' heard someone shout and turned to see Miroku heading their way weaving through the crowd of bodies, Sesshoumaru, Ginta and Hakkaku close behind him.

"Hey Miroku." Sango shouted back as he came to her side and wrapped his arm around waist in a somewhat possessive manner. Almost as if silently trying to tell everyone "this is mine so back off".

It made Kagome and the other girls' smile while Sango's cheeks turned a bright red. But she didn't pull away and apparently in Miroku's mind that was enough for him to become more daring and slide his hand down over her rear end appreciatively. Sango's eyes widened and instantly she smacked him across the face, causing his own cheek to go a bright red. With a soft almost satisfied sigh, Miroku held his cheek, a stupid little grin on his face as if he were proud while Sango was left to fume at his side. All this caused the little group to laugh, all of course except for Sesshoumaru who rolled his eyes and absentmindedly draped his arm over Rin's shoulder who leaned against his side.

"What's so funny?" A voice shouted, causing everyone to turn their heads, all except Frankie who seemed to be working very hard to focus her attention anywhere besides where the voice had come from.

Soon everyone realized why as they saw Inuyasha approaching, his hands in the pockets of baggy black pants. He was dressed much like the rest of the boys; a nice button up short sleeved red shirt with a collar, the shirt left unbuttoned and hanging open. Unlike the rest of the boys though, Inuyasha's wife beater was white, not black, much to the disappointment of Sesshoumaru who wanted an excuse, any excuse, to leave.

"Miroku's just being a pervert." Kagome said with an awkward laugh before clearing her throat and looking to Rin who looked like she felt just as awkward as Kagome did.

In fact, everyone looked very awkward standing there silently on the borderline of a dancing crowd; everyone that is except Inuyasha and Frankie who looked like nothing was out of the ordinary as they looked around casually. But of course it was all an act and it was painfully obvious, but neither one of them seemed to notice or to care. They seemed to be quite happy lost in their delusional world where everything was peachy-keen. Well if they wanted to live in denial that was there choice, besides, both Inuyasha and Frankie were very stubborn individuals so the whole group knew there was no use in trying to shove them toward the light, figuratively speaking.

"When isn't he?" Inuyasha finally commented after a long moment, his shoulders rising in a shrug.

"When Sango's knocked him unconscious." Frankie commented with a smirk as she crossed her arms beneath her chest. The group laughed and even Inuyasha chuckled as he absentmindedly looked toward Frankie. Their eyes locked briefly before both quickly found something more interesting to look at and diverted their attention elsewhere.

"Aw c'mon guys!" Rin chirped cheerfully, that was so like her, trying to cheer everyone up with that bright smile and that sweet little giggle. "This is a dance, a dance that we set up-"

"Actually we set it up." Miroku cut in, gesturing to himself and the other boys. "You girls just bossed us around then headed on your merry little ways." Rin rolled her eyes and the other girls gave Miroku glaring looks.

"We supervised." Kagome said smartly with a shrug, causing the girls' to laugh while the boys scoffed.

"Anyway, the point is we're supposed to be having fun." Rin continued. "So lets get out there and have us some fun!" The group seemed to agree and, as boys and girls usually did, they separated; the girls headed for the dance floor while the boys hung out on the sides, making jokes, checking out girls and occasionally 'busting a move' to the music. Though that was mostly Ginta and Hakkaku, both of who were heavily into break-dancing.

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An hour or so past rather quickly, what with the girls working up a sweat dancing, mostly with each other since the boys would only cut in during the slow songs; Miroku of course grabbing Sango while Sesshoumaru went for Rin. Even Kagome and Frankie got in on the slow-dancing action, Hakkaku going for Kagome while Ginta took Frankie. Inuyasha had apparently occupied his time with an attractive senior named Yura who obsessively ran her fingers through his long hair as they danced, much to the disdain of Frankie. She danced with Ginta, but her eyes were always on Inuyasha, staring bluntly or just from the corner of her eyes, they were always on him, as where his on her. It was both sad and funny all at the same time. The two were just so damn stubborn.

"Fucking tramp." Frankie grumbled softly as she moved her body to the hard-rock beat of Animals by Nickleback.

Sango, who was standing close enough to catch what Frankie said, looked toward Yura with a shake of her head. It was no lie that the girl was dressed rather provocatively; in an almost skintight black dress that barely covered her butt with a slit that ran between her breasts to show off quite a bit of her cleavage, but Frankie's words were a bit overly harsh. Then again, Yura was hanging all over Inuyasha, giggling at anything and everything he said and constantly whispering things into his ear as she ran her fingers through loose locks of his hair that seemed to affect Inuyasha in a very positive way.

"I mean look at her!" Frankie ranted, seeming to forget she was in the middle of a crowded dance floor or that music was playing all together. "This is a school function for Christ sakes, who the fuck let her in." Frankie was going red in the face due to a mixture of jealousy and anger and it seemed to Sango that Inuyasha knew this all too well and was enjoying it.

"Calm down Frankie." Sango said in a worried tone, the last thing they needed was for Frankie to attack the poor girl, which she seemed quite ready to do.

"Yeah, just ignore her." Kagome agreed with a nod as she looked back to spot the sight that had Frankie all worked out. Oh yes, Yura certainly was laying it on thick and Inuyasha was definitely milking it for all it was worth.

It was true that the tension in the air between Inuyasha and Frankie was very annoying; the fact that the two just couldn't get over their stubbornness and admit what everyone already knew was beginning to get on everyone's last good nerve. But in a way, it was a comfort, at least for Kagome. All the issues between Frankie and Inuyasha made her forget, if only for the time being, the problems she was having with Kikyo. It was a distraction from the pain and the confusion and for that Kagome could not deny that she was grateful, even if it only lasted a short time. From time to time Kagome's mind would stray to thoughts of Kikyo, but then something would happen to pull her back into the Frankie and Inuyasha situation, like what was currently unfolding.

Without much reason or warning, Yura and Inuyasha began to kiss, oh but it wasn't just a sweet little tap kiss or a sexual tension filled tongue kiss, no this one was hot and heavy. All of a sudden they were all over each other and Frankie looked ready to tear a particular "fucking tramp's" head off. Hands roamed, tongues lashed and bodies rubbed against one another's causing Miroku, Sesshoumaru, Ginta and Hakkaku, all of who stood closely off to the side, to look very uncomfortable and slightly afraid as each one's attention turned to a read-faced Frankie.

Surprisingly though, Frankie did not run across the gym screaming and dive for Yura, no she simply stood there and stared with and angry glare, and when Inuyasha's eyes opened through the kiss and looked toward Frankie, looking quite satisfied with his actions, Frankie did snap, but not in the way everyone expected her to. Instead of attempting to murder Yura, Frankie went for the closest girl to her, which happened to be Kagome at that moment. Frankie grabbed Kagome, who seemed quite surprised at the gesture as she was pulled against Frankie and before she knew what was going on, Frankie was kissing her.

Though Kagome's eyes remained open and quite wide throughout the kiss, she responded on instinct and returned it, wrapping her arms around Frankie's neck and allowing her tongue to play with her friend's as their bodies pressed together. Now Kagome was shocked, but nothing could compare to everyone else's shock.

Rin and Sango had both stopped dancing and simply stood there in the middle of the dance floor, wide-eyed and confused. Both Ginta and Hakkaku's faces went completely red as their mouths hung open and their eyes practically bulged from their heads. Miroku looked on the verge of tears and ready to drop to his knees and thank God for allowing him to see girl on girl action without having to rent it from the video store. Sesshoumaru spit what he had sipped from the cup he had gotten at the beverage stand all over poor Yura who pulled out of Inuyasha's arms with a shriek and went running out of the gym, presumably for the bathroom. The only one who didn't seem very shocked was Inuyasha, he looked more pissed off then anything, much like Frankie had when watching him and Yura.

The kiss continued even after it had served its purpose of shocking and angering Inuyasha, long enough to gain the attention of other boys on the dance floor, all of whom applauded as they hooted and hollered. But eventually Frankie released her hold on Kagome and just stared down at her friend, her cheeks red with anger, the heat of the moment and possible embarrassment for what she had just done. Kagome just looked shocked and a little light-headed after the kiss and with her eyes still wide, she pulled away slowly and straightened her skirt as she stared off in a confused daze.

No one knew what to say, what could be said? That what Inuyasha and Frankie had just done to each other was both childish and completely idiotic. Well both seemed to know that perfectly well, but neither seemed to give a damn that they were dragging people into their problems. They were acting like children; they both knew that, everyone knew that. But somehow they couldn't help themselves and no one could really blame them; love was a weird thing, something that made people do strange, funny and very stupid things.

"Well… that was… interesting." Sango finally shouted over the music as she looked to Rin who nodded. Neither Kagome nor Frankie said anything; they just went back to their dancing. Apparently the topic was not open for discussion and that was fine with Rin and Sango, they just went right on dancing like nothing had happened.

----------------------------------------------------

"I can't believe her." Inuyasha fumed as he crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Frankie, watching her as she danced. "Causing a scene like that, what the fuck was the point of all that?"

"To piss you off." Sesshoumaru answered with a smirk. "Apparently it worked."

"Fuck off." Inuyasha growled as he looked away from Frankie and focused his attention on Miroku who was still staring as if in a daze, his eyes wide and his mouth dangling open. "Close your mouth, dumb ass, you're starting to drool." Inuyasha said as he shoved his friend.

"Huh, what?" Miroku stammered as he seemed to come out of some sort of trance. "Wow… that was seriously hot." Miroku sighed, causing Ginta and Hakkaku to nod in unison, both of which seemed to also be coming out of a trance slowly but surely.

"It wasn't that hot." Inuyasha commented stubbornly. "Fuck this, I'm out of here." And with that he turned and began to head out of the gym.

"Inuyasha, wait!" Miroku called, heading for his friend and stopping him by placing his hand on his shoulder. "I need to talk to you." Miroku shouted, nudging Inuyasha toward the doors of the gym and leading him out into the hallway where the music was a low booming rumble.

"Look Miroku, I don't need any more advice." Inuyasha said with a roll of his eyes causing Miroku to sigh.

"You remember what Myoga said; remember how you couldn't figure it out?"

"Yeah." Inuyasha said in an annoyed tone. "The old man was spewing nonsense like he always does, so what?" Miroku shook his head.

"I've been thinking about it all day and I think I figured out what he meant." Miroku paused there. "Or are you not interested in knowing?"

"Just tell me!" Inuyasha barked, causing Miroku to smirk.

"It means that you're blind and stupid."

"Go fuck yourself man." Inuyasha spat as he began to walk away, only to be stopped once again by Miroku's hand on his shoulder and pulled back.

"No I'm serious." Miroku reasoned with a sigh. "Kikyo was your first love, the first girl who broke your heart and the first girl whose heart you supposedly broke. She thinks you did something to hurt her and hates you for it so you blame yourself for her pain and in doing that try to ease her pain and yours by gaining her forgiveness. The thing is; you're so fucking dumb that you can't see that love and forgiveness are two different things. You want her to forgive you not love you." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and glared at Miroku, not much liking the insults Miroku was throwing into this explanation.

"Okay, let's pretend I don't think your explanation is total bullshit;" Inuyasha began in a very sarcastic and very agitated tone. "What does me supposedly confusing forgiveness with love have to do with Frankie?"

"I'm getting their, jeez, be patient." Miroku said causing Inuyasha to growl. "You think you love Kikyo-"

"I know I do." Inuyasha corrected.

"Bullshit!" Miroku shouted. "Tell me something Inuyasha; who's the one person who can make you laugh when you're in one of your pissy little moods?" He paused briefly but continued before Inuyasha had time to cut in. "Who's the one who's always there to comfort you when you've had a bad day or the one you're ready to comfort when she's had a bad day? Who's the one you call first when something great or something shitty happens to you? Who's the one you think of when you get up in the morning, wondering what their doing that day or before you go to bed wondering if they can't sleep either?

"Think about it man!" Miroku continued, growing frustrated as Inuyasha stared at him blankly. "Who's the one girl that can tie your tongue when you look into her eyes? The one that you'd do anything for just to make her happy. You think it's Kikyo, but is Kikyo the one that makes everything seem okay when your world is going to hell?" Miroku sighed and gripped Inuyasha's shoulder as Inuyasha stared at the floor of the hallway. "You're looking down the wrong path when the right one is right there in front of you and has always been right there waiting for you to see it."

At that, Inuyasha's eyes rose to meet Miroku's and though they were still blank, something seemed to spark behind them. Did he finally see? After all this time did he finally realize what everyone thought was so painfully obvious?

"You think the path has closed yet?" Inuyasha asked and Miroku smiled widely.

"If it has, I'm sure you'll find a way to get on it." Miroku said in a rather comforting tone as he released his hold on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Go get her… before you two catch oral herpes making out with everyone trying to make each other jealous." Miroku laughed and Inuyasha smirked as they both headed back into the gym.

As they headed for the doors, Ginta and Hakkaku were coming out, both seeming to still be lost in memories of what had just happened a few minuets earlier. But could anyone really blame them? Both had just gotten their first taste of girl on girl action, and what a sweet taste it had been, and they didn't even have to pay for it.

"I thought you were leaving." Ginta commented at the sight of Inuyasha heading toward the doors instead of away from them.

"So did I." Inuyasha commented simply as he and Miroku brushed past the twins who looked to one another with a shrug before heading into the bathroom.

----------------------------------------------------

Yet another slow song had been announced by the DJ, this one instead leaving Kagome on the sidelines. Apparently Ginta and Hakkaku had headed to the bathroom so both Kagome and Frankie were left without a partner. But Frankie had headed off to get a drink, so Kagome was left alone on the borderlines of the dance floor, staring aimlessly into the crowd as people found partners to dance with.

Ba da ba da da da ah ya ya,
Ba da da da ba ba ee ah.
Ba ya ya ba ba de ba da da da ah ya ya.

Ba da ba da da da ah ya ya,
Ba da da da ba ba ee ah.
Ba ya ya ba ba de ba da da da ah ya ya,
Ba ya ha ya ah ah ah ah ah ba ba ya ya.
Ha ah ah ah ah ah ah.

Without the distraction of Frankie and Inuyasha's tension and the company of her other friends Kagome was left to be lost in her thoughts and of course, those thought consisted of one particular onyx haired girl who was no where in sight on that night; Kikyo.

Ba da ba da da da ah ya ya,
Ba da da da ba ba ee ah.
Ba ya ya ba ba de ba da da da ah ya ya.

It wasn't fair, it just wasn't fair! All Kagome had ever tried to do was help Kikyo, to love and comfort her and look where it had gotten her; alone and heartbroken. Why had she even bothered? She wished she had never met her! But that wasn't true and Kagome knew it. Even if it hurt to think about her and what they had lost, Kagome couldn't help but be glad she had met Kikyo. After all, it was better to have loved and lost then to never have loved at all, right?

That's what they say, but whoever had said that must have never loved. Was all this pain really worth the brief joy Kagome had experienced? Maybe it was, but Kagome just wasn't sure. Maybe years from now she would be grateful, but at the moment Kagome was just plain miserable.

There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea,
You became the light on the dark side of me.
Love remains a drug that's the high and not the pill.

"You wanna dance?" A voice asked off to Kagome's side causing her heart to flutter. It couldn't be, she was imagining things.

But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and,
The light that you shine can be seen.

She didn't want to look; she was afraid of the disappointment that would follow when she did and realized she was wrong. But she had to look, she just had to. Slowly her head turned and Kagome nearly burst into tears when she saw the beautiful face and the stunning brown eyes of the girl she had longed to see so close to her for days; Kikyo was standing there at her side, holding her hand out to her, a soft little smile on her red lips.

The way she was dressed one would think she thought it was just another school day; a simple pair of dark blue jeans and a tight white t-shirt under a dark blue jean jacket. Her hair was pulled out of her face in a low pony-tail, as it usually was, with two strands hanging on either side of her head in a loop-like fashion. She looked so simple, so causal, but to Kagome she was the most beautiful person in the entire gym.

Baby,
I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.

Kagome could feel her hand as well as her entire body trembling as she reached out and took Kikyo's. Was she dreaming? Oh God please let this be real, please let Kikyo's smiling face and her hand inside Kagome's be real. Kagome was sure she'd wake up in her bed any minuet, the warmth of Kikyo's hand nothing but a part of her vivid imagination and her memory. But she did not awaken in bed, this was real.

Ooh,
The more I get of you the stranger it feels, yeah.

"What took you so long?" Kagome choked out, trying to hold back her tears. Kikyo gave no reply, just smiled as she led Kagome to a more secluded side of the dance floor.

And now that your rose is in bloom.
A light hits the gloom on the grave.

Ba da ba da da da da ba da ah ya ya, Ba da ba da da da da ba da ah ya ya.

There they were, beside the bleachers hidden slightly by the shadows, locked in each others arms. The presence of the students around them, the laughter and the joking went completely unnoticed by the two beauties that were lost in each others eyes. All that existed was them and the music.

There is so much a man can tell you,

So much he can say.

You remain,

My power, my pleasure, my pain! Baby.

She was so beautiful it astounded Kagome. How could one girl hold so much beauty? She was so fair, so elegant and so fragile looking that Kagome was afraid to hold her too tight, afraid she would break like a porcelain doll. Kikyo's own mind raced with such thoughts about the younger girl that swayed to the music locked in her embrace. Those beautiful sapphire eyes took her breath away as they clashed with her own soft brown irises.

To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny…yeah.

Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby?

Kikyo's body pressed more firmly against Kagome's, screaming for more contact and begging for the younger girl's feathery caress. It had been so long since they had last been so close, too long. Kikyo couldn't understand how she had managed to keep away for so long. Kagome's back was against the side of the bleachers but she did not seem to notice, she was lost in those passionate brown eyes that Kikyo held so intently with her burning sapphires.

But did you know,

That when it snows,

My eyes become large and,

The light that you shine can be seen.

The moment was perfect, it just felt so right. Locked in Kikyo's arms, lost in her beautiful brown eyes, Kagome felt content and Kikyo felt whole. There was just one thing that could make the moment better and as if reading Kagome's mind, Kikyo smiled. Not her usual sexy and flirtatious half grin or cocky smirk, no. A genuine smile spread across her full red lips before her face came down and those plump lips that Kagome had so longed to taste for the last week and a half were pressed against Kagome's pale pink ones.

Baby,

I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.

It was beautiful, wonderful and strange all at the same time. It was all Kagome had ever wanted since all the drama between them had ensued, yet she felt herself craving more. Kikyo's own desire for more took control, for her tongue slipped out and lashed in a gentle begging way against Kagome's soft lips. After so long without each other, a sweet little kiss just wasn't enough for either of them.

Ooh,

The more I get of you the stranger it feels, yeah.

Kagome needed no further encouragement and instantly her lips parted and her own tongue came out to meet Kikyo's. She tasted so sweet, just like Kagome remembered, but how could she forget this taste? Her hold around Kikyo's neck tightened slightly and became more firm and Kikyo's embrace upon Kagome's waist followed example and tightened possessively.

And now that your rose is in bloom,

A light hits the gloom on the grave.

Slowly their lips parted, both of their breaths far heavier and much hoarser with the passionate lust that had formed between them and the love that had always been there. Eyes locked once again, faces staying close as they gazed into the depths of each others eyes with love and admiration. Kagome had longed for Kikyo to look at her like this and finally her wish was granted. All the hurt, all the drama, Kagome knew it had all been worth it as she stared into Kikyo's eyes.

I've been kissed by a rose on the grave,

…I've been...I've...

How could this girl have such an affect on her? Kikyo wondered this to herself. Every time she looked into the younger girl's eyes she could feel her walls crumbling, feel the thorns that lined her heart fall away. How could this girl touch her so, and how could she have ignored it for so long? How could she have denied it? Why had she even wanted to? Kikyo couldn't even remember.

I've been kissed by a rose

…been kissed by a rose on the grave.

Why did Kikyo have such an odd affect on her? Kagome pondered this question to herself. Every time she came around Kagome just wanted to reach out and touch her. Every time she saw the sadness in the older girl's soft brown eyes Kagome wanted to take Kikyo into her arms and weep with the older girl. She wanted to comfort Kikyo, Kagome wanted to mend Kikyo's soul and put the pieces of her broken heart back together. It was all she had ever wanted to do for the older girl; love her and help heal her wounds with her love, and now it seemed that Kikyo was ready to give Kagome that chance. She was ready to let Kagome in.

I've been kissed by a rose on the grave,

…I've been...I've...

A small yet bright smile crept across Kagome's sweet pink lips as her body leaned more fully into Kikyo's who gratefully welcomed the closeness. Lips pressed gently to Kikyo's for a brief moment before Kagome's head moved to bury itself in the crook of Kikyo's neck. Kikyo sighed in contentment, this was perfect.

…And if I should fall, at all

I've been kissed by a rose

…Been kissed by a rose on the grave.

To think that after trying so hard to keep Kagome out, Kikyo had finally allowed her in, had finally let herself become vulnerable. After so long of being a hard shell, of being tough-as-nails, Kikyo's icy walls were finally melting. To think that all it took was the smile and closeness of a girl. It was ironic, but Kikyo wasn't complaining, she loved Kagome and though it had taken her a while to realize it, she finally did.

There is so much a man can tell you,
So much he can say.
You remain
My power, my pleasure, my pain.
To me you're like a growing addiction that I can't deny, yeah
Won't you tell me is that healthy, baby.

The moment was beautiful; it was perfect, just how Kagome had envisioned it. The scenery didn't matter, nothing mattered, all that was important was the fact that Kagome was finally in the welcoming embrace of the girl she loved. She never wanted it to end, never wanted Kikyo's warmth to leave her and it never would, she'd never let it, not again.

But did you know,
That when it snows,
My eyes become large and,
the light that you shine can be seen.

But then the moment was gone. The contact was broken roughly and before Kagome knew what was going on, a strong arm was around her waist lifting her from her feet as a thick hand came over her mouth. Where was Kikyo? Kagome didn't even have time to look as she was being carried out the side door of the gymnasium into the cool night air.

Baby,

I compare you to a kiss from a rose on the grave.

Ooh,

The more I get of you the stranger it feels, yeah.

And now that your rose is in bloom,

A light hits the gloom on the grave…

Ba da ba da da da da ba da ah ya ya,

Ba da ba da da da da ba da ah ya ya.

---

Otachii: Dun, dun, DUUUUUN! What's going on? What just happened? Stay tuned and find out! Ha, I'm so mean. Making you guys wait all this time for this chapter then leaving you with a cliffhanger. But hey, I gotta keep the suspense up don't I? –Ducks and covers.-

Okay, I know some of you are not only gonna be mad at me for making you wait so long, but you're also going to be mad at me for all the song lyrics in this chapter because I know they annoy some of you. But hey, I think they're a nice touch and since I'm the author what I say goes. xP

Tried to mix it up in this chapter with lots of drama but also lots of humor, and for those of you who wanted KagomexFrankie action… ya got it, surprise! And no Kagome does not like Frankie in that way nor does Frankie like Kagome in that way, but after such a hot and heated kiss of course the girls will be a little flustered. I know I was just imagining it.

Yeah I know some of you are gonna complain that Yura (who is Yura of the Demon Hair, introduced in the third episode of Inuyasha killed in the fourth, for those of you who didn't pick that up) is OOC but most of the characters in this story are. Besides, am I the only one who thought there was a little bit of sexual tension going on between Inuyasha and Yura in that episode where she's trying to scalp him? xP

Okay so anyway, y'all know the drill. REVIEW!!! Pleeeeeease.