...OOO...
Saturday evening...
...OOO...
"Well, I'm gonna get going, Abi. You should do the same- the dance is in three hours."
Looking over to the gym entrance to watch her friend leave, Abi gave her a little wave.
"Yeah, I know," she replied. "I'm just going to run these extra balloons back to the supply closet."
"Ok. See ya tonight."
Abi gathered up the remainder of the supplies she and the rest of the dance committee had used to decorate and prepare the large open gym for that night. She glanced down at her wristwatch to confirm the time- just minutes past five. Switching off the lights, she closed the doors behind her, locking them securely, and headed towards the girls' locker room where the equipment and supplies were housed.
I better get going, she thought distractedly to herself as she stowed them away before leaving. There really isn't much time to... Abi's thoughts trailed, her eyes widening at the unwelcome sight waiting for her in the deserted hallway.
"Leaving for the afternoon?" Naraku asked pleasantly, strolling over to her. "I assume everything is ready for tonight, then?"
"I told you I'd take care of it," Abi replied tensely, lowering her voice though there was no one around to hear them anyway, "Just remember to keep your end of the bargain."
A smirk appeared on Naraku's lips as he eyed her with some amusement.
"You, my dear, really have no power to demand anything from me," he declared mildly. "But don't worry. I'll keep your dirty little secret so long as everything goes by without a hitch. If not... we'll, you'll really only have yourself to blame for any indiscretion that might slip on my part." He smiled as he walked past her for the exit, "Have a wonderful time tonight."
Naraku could feel the force of her stare boring into his back as he pushed through the doors, but it only made his sneer grow wider. Abi Mimori: top honor student, top athlete, top officer in several clubs. Your classic over-achiever. It was funny how those with the best reputations were always the ones with the worst little secrets, the ones with the greatest fears of being uncovered, the ones that were most fun to mess with.
...ooo...
Inuyasha gulped, trying to swallow the anxiety that had been building up inside of him all afternoon as the car slowed to a stop in front of a now familiar white picket fenced house. The driver opened the car door for him and he got out, fidgeting nervously with his black bowtie. Here we go...
Shuffling up the short front walk, Inuyasha rang the doorbell then stepped back to wait for an answer. He didn't wait long. Within seconds the door cracked open to reveal a sliver of Kikyo's figure. Her eyes met his and she smiled.
"Good evening, Inuyasha."
"Uh, yeah," he replied. "Are you, uh, ready to go?"
"Yes." Swinging the door wider, she stepped out to meet him. Inuyasha sucked in his breath. She stood in front of him in the black dress with the lace overlay and the ribbon just beneath her breast, unadorned by anything except the little crystal hairclips that restrained her long loose tresses. The only makeup she wore was a faint dab of nude rose lipstick, nail polish in translucent pearl, and a stroke or two of mascara that really didn't add much to her already voluminous lashes. Her only accessories were a cashmere shawl draped over one arm and a beaded clutch- both in black as well. With the contrast of the black against her white skin in the red light of the sinking sun, she was something completely unreal, no living, breathing creature but more like a doll crafted from some rare porcelain.
He stammered, "You... you look..."
"You look wonderful," she told him, reaching a hand to straighten his tie. For the occasion, Inuyasha had also decided to stay with black- a black tuxedo over a black vest and a white shirt. No frills, no fuss, but she meant what she said.
"Um, uh..." Inuyasha felt his face grow warmer and he had to look away tp keep from going beet red. "I brought you something," he stated in an attempt to distract his embarrassment. Lifting up the clear plastic box he had been holding, he opened it to take out the white rose wristlet inside. He explained, "I figure white would go with anything, and girls like roses, right?"
"Oh, Inuyasha," she breathed. "It's beautiful."
"Hold out your arm," he instructed, and when she complied, he slipped the corsage on to her wrist. "Wow," he commented. "You have the tiniest-"
Before he could finish the sentence, Kikyo quickly withdrew her hand.
"I have something for you as well," she said hurriedly. Handing him her clutch to hold, she brought out a boutonniere of a single large but unopened white rosebud. "I suppose," she smiled as she pinned it above his heart, "we must have reasoned the same."
He grinned and caught her hand, "So, um, ready to go?"
Kikyo nodded. Still holding on to her hand, Inuyasha led her to the car, and she gasped a little when she saw it with the driver holding the door open for them.
Taking if to be a rental, she stated, "Oh, Inuyasha... you didn't have to..."
"Well," he responded with a shrug, "it's not like we can just walk there. And anyway, it's really no big deal." Inside, however, he had to wonder why she seemed so surprised. It really wasn't a big deal- after all, there were a dozen more cars parked idly in his family's garage. Then again, he thought, with the way he always rode the bus or walked... Was it possible she didn't even know his last name? He couldn't remember ever telling her... Inuyasha had to smile to himself. In a way, it made him glad to think that she didn't.
"So why is it you wished to come for me so early?" Kikyo suddenly asked, breaking into his speculations. "The dance is not scheduled to start for another hour."
"Well, uh, I thought we could have dinner first," he answered. "Kagome saved a table at this restaurant, and Miroku and Sango are going, so I thought we could go too. That is, if you don't mind," he added a little anxiously.
"No, I don't mind at all," she answered. In her head she tried to calculate how much money she could spare for the meal. Not much...
When they arrived at the restaurant, Kagome was already there along with her date Kouga and Sango and Miroku. She waved them over.
"Hey, you guys," she called. "So glad you could make it. Kikyo, you remember Kouga, right?"
"Yes," she answered. "Nice to see you again."
Kouga smirked a little as his eyes darted from her to Kagome and then to Inuyasha, but he didn't say anything.
"Anyway, you guys totally missed it," Kagome went on. "We totally rocked today- beat the other team by a ton of points. Everyone's gonna be so psyched tonight, and it's all thanks to Kouga. He totally carried the game."
"Aw, shucks, Kagome," Kouga chuckled, throwing an arm over her shoulders. "I dedicated that win just for you."
Giggling in response, Kagome slapped him lightly but did nothing to escape his hold.
Inuyasha hid a scowl at the scene. God, how he hated Kouga... He didn't say anything however and kept his manners civil for the sake of the warning glances Kagome threw his way occasionally and the fact that Kikyo was present. He really didn't want to a pick a fight in front of her and ruin what was otherwise a pleasant meal. Kouga too kept on relatively good behavior towards Inuyasha after several small kicks under the table from Kagome, and the dinner went by without insult or injury.
Afterwards the guys split the bill between them, and they once again separated into pairs- Kouga was driving Kagome, and Miroku (who had recently gotten his license only earlier that week) was riding with Sango, which left Inuyasha and Kikyo by themselves again.
As they were pulling away from the parking lot on their way to the school, Kikyo glanced over at Inuyasha with a wry little smile.
"You dislike him, don't you?"
"Huh?" he asked.
"Kagome's date- Kouga."
"Oh, yeah, him," he sighed in exasperation. "I don't know what she sees in that guy. He's such an ass-" Inuyasha's face crimsoned. "S-sorry," he mumbled in apology. "I didn't mean to say that..."
"It's... alright," Kikyo tried to assure, but it came out hesitant, so she added, "It's only a word."
"Yeah, but you never curse, do you?"
Thinking about it for a moment, she replied slowly, "No... I suppose not."
"That's so amazing," he remarked.
"Why is that?"
"Because.. Well, everyone else does. I mean, I guess it's a natural thing teens do, but you... You talk funny, you know that?"
"Do I?" she asked, a little surprised with the observation.
"Well, not funny," he corrected immediately. "Just... different I guess. You always say things the right way and use big words a lot. Actually," he laughed. "You kinda talk like my brother- only even worse... or better, I guess."
"You have a brother?" she asked.
"Well, half-brother. Same dad, different moms."
"Oh, I see. And how old is he?"
"He's... older than me," Inuyasha replied without wish to elaborate. He really, really didn't want her to know about that situation, and he prayed she wouldn't compel him to.
All she answered, however, was, "I see... So, then... Is it a bad thing?"
"Huh?" Startled, Inuyasha glanced over in fear of what she might have guessed.
"That I speak differently than most," Kikyo clarified.
With an inward sigh of relief, Inuyasha relaxed back in his seat.
"Well, when it's my brother, it's just annoying, but with you..." He smiled at her, "I kinda like that you're different."
Kikyo could only smile back, but she couldn't be sure if it was a happy smile or a sad one.
...ooo...
"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting," Sara apologized cheerfully opening the door to the passenger side of Sesshomaru's car. "Do you want to come in and take pictures or anything before we leave?"
"No," he answered keeping a hand firmly on the steering wheel.
Breaking out into a dismissive grin, Sara slid into her seat and buckled her safety belt, "Yeah, you're right. We can do that when we get to the dance."
Sesshomaru's eyes flickered over to her, and he wondered what made her think he was interested at all in pictures.
Instead of asking, he said, "Here," and dropped the boxed corsage into her lap.
"Oh, Sesshomaru!" she exclaimed, taking out the yellow flowers that matched her cream colored gown with the beaded top and pinning it on herself. "It's perfect."
He didn't answer and spoke very little throughout the drive, but she kept up a steady stream of chatter of everything from school politics, the status of the winter trip, to world economics which concerned both of their business families.
When they arrived, he followed Sara through the crowded dance floor, managing smoothly to avoid the grind of bodies until one collided into him.
"Oof, sorry," Kagome apologized whirling around to see who it was she had just crashed into. "Oh, hey, Sesshomaru. Have you seen Inuyasha around?"
With a disinterested glance, Sesshomaru studied her wearing a short red slip of a dress, an annoyed looking boy beside her.
"No," he replied, a little surprised she was asking. He had thought Inuyasha would be with her the way he always was.
"Huh... that's weird," she said more to herself than anyone else. "They left the restaurant at the same time, so they should be here... Oh well, we probably just haven't found them."
Tugging at her hand impatiently, Kouga cut in, "Aw, come on, Kagome. Forget about that loser for a sec, will you? They're playing our song- let's dance."
She laughed as he dragged her back to the dance floor, saying, "We don't have a song."
But she danced anyway, linking her arms behind his neck as he drew her closer, their feet sliding along the wooden floors while the speakers blared above them.
"'The strands in your eyes, that color them wonderful/ Stop me and steal my breath...'"
"Let's dance too," Sara suggested, and before Sesshomaru could reply, she pulled him to the dance floor, draping an arm over his shoulder as they swayed to the music.
"'Tell me that we belong together/ Dress it up with the trappings of love/ I'll be captivated/ I'll hang from your lips/ Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above...'"
Lost across the room, Kikyo gazed into Inuyasha's eyes, unable to help but smile at his nervousness. His hand cupped the small of her back, his whole body tense, and his eyes kept darting anxiously at the people around them.
She let out a soft chuckle, "I'm having a wonderful time, Inuyasha."
"Really?" His face lit up, and she nodded.
"Yes, really." The reassurance put him at ease and he relaxed a little. For a moment he forgot about everyone else around them and they cautious glances they were throwing their way, and he pulled her a little closer.
"'And I'll be your cryin' shoulder/ I'll be love suicide/ And I'll be better when I'm older/ I'll be the greatest fan of your life... The greatest fan of your life...'"
When the song ended, he reluctantly released her, blushing a little.
"My throat is a bit parched," she claimed.
"You want some punch?" he offered.
"Yes, that would be nice. Let's go upstairs and rest for a while," she suggested.
Holding her hand, Inuyasha led her past the crowd and up the white stairwell to the second level wrap around balcony which was once the indoor track but had been transformed into an intimate sitting area by streams of crepe paper, fairy lights, balloons, and white linen tables adorned with flowers and candles. They stopped by the refreshment table for some punch then made their way to the farthest corner away from the crowd and the loud music.
"Have you always attended this school, Inuyasha?" Kikyo started with a sip from the crystal stemmed glass in hand.
He nodded, "Since freshman year. But before that I went to a junior high clear across town."
"Have you always lived in this city?"
"No, not always," he answered. "I was born in another city near the ocean to the south. That's where my mom and I lived until I was five-" Inuyasha paused in horror at the slip, but Kikyo didn't seem to have noticed.
"Oh, I see. How odd- I myself grew up in the mountains of the north..." They spent most of the rest of the evening talking about their childhood and laughing, though both were careful to gloss over some of the more unpleasant details of their circumstance. Inuyasha only made references to his mother, but none of his father or brother, and Kikyo didn't mention anything before her fifth birthday, but neither pointed out the obvious omits to the other or questioned it. Time flew by in a rush and at last they noticed the lull of music and activity from below. Glancing over the railing, they saw a couple of the faculty sponsors walk on to the stage.
"Oh," Kikyo spoke. "It must be time for the crowning ceremony." She and Inuyasha went back downstairs where they saw Sango and Miroku back behind the rest of the crowd of students, and Kikyo left Inuyasha with them to make her way to the dias to join the rest of the nominees off to the side while the traditional speech was given about the custom of homecoming and school pride and spirit.
"Hey, Kikyo," Kagura greeted her.
"Oh, hello, Kagura," she answered walking up. "I have not seen you all evening- I thought you had changed your mind."
With a snort Kagura replied, "I wish that was an option, but I actually just got here. I feel like an idiot."
"Why?" Kikyo asked. "That dress is stunning." It was true. Kagura was wearing a sleeveless matte jersey dress with a knotted red top giving way to a black body which hugged her toned physique until it flared out into a fishtail hem. She wore long black gloves, her hair done in a simple knot, and a collection of thin golden bands graced her neck.
"You think so?" she questioned then shook her head. Naraku had picked it out.
Kikyo was about to respond, but she was interrupted by the appearance of Sesshomaru.
Offering his arm to Kagura, they took their proper places as the masters of ceremonies finally announced, "And now, this year's Homecoming Court..."
Abi was rushing to the stage, cursing herself. She had been in charge of counting the votes for king and queen, and in her hand she held the two envelopes with the results. They were to have been delivered minutes earlier, but she had forgotten the replacement envelopes in her locker and had been delayed by one of the security officers patrolling the off limits hallways. Now in addition to being flustered and feeling guilty for her actions, she was also running late. The sponsors were already naming the nominees who walked two by two up to the stage, waving to the throng of students or blowing little kisses to their groups of friends. She got there just as the last freshmen couple mounted the short steps and hurriedly handed the envelopes over.
Standing back, she looked nervously up at Naraku, but he didn't so much as bat her an eye, too preoccupied with whispering something to the girl in his arm and making her laugh. Bastard... he wasn't even the least bit fazed about what he was doing.
From where she stood, Kagura also kept stealing glances at Naraku and frowning to herself. She knew he was up to something, she just couldn't figure out what. Damn him. He was so cool and collected, giving nothing of his intentions away...
"Calm down," Sesshomaru told her almost harshly. Snapping out from her thoughts, she glanced over to him and followed his eyes to her hand clutching his arm in a death grip. She hid her sheepishness and loosened her grasp.
"Sorry," she apologized detachedly. "I just can't wait to get out of here."
"Hn," he agreed.
"And now," the female teacher was saying, "this year's Homecoming King is..."
The whole room fell silent in anticipation as she opened her envelope.
"Well, no surprise here," she remarked. "Sesshomaru InuTaisho."
At the announcement, all the color fled from Abi's face as she gaped in horror at the stage. How? What had happened? she was screaming at herself. Had she... had she mistaken the envelopes? No, no, no! Fearfully she turned her attention to Naraku. He was clapping with everyone else and smiling to hide the irritated twitch tugging at his lips.
Abi- how could she screw up such a simple plan? People were completely worthless...
He shot her one icy glare and if Abi hadn't been Abi, she might have fainted then and there. Rather, she spun around and fled, desperately searching for a way to save herself from the inevitable destruction of her near future, but finding no solution.
Unaware of the drama that had just passed by silently, the male mc took up his cue to announce, "And your Queen is..."
Sara inhaled sharply, mentally practicing her surprised expression. She smiled brightly as the envelope was opened.
"Kikyo Higurashi."
Her jaw dropped in disbelief as Kikyo's eyes grew wide as saucers, like a deer caught in the headlights. Every pair of eyes fell on her in stunned amazement and then the whole room exploded in cheers. Bewildered, she looked over to her left, not at Sesshomaru, but at Kagura who had released his arm to applaud. Meeting her questioning glance, Kagura simply shrugged. She was just as confused.
Still unnoticed, Naraku's smile grew completely ironic. So Abi had managed to do it half-right after all, though he would have rather preferred she didn't.
A student attendant came up to drape the long theatrical cape on Sesshomaru, and he gave Kagura a small bow as instructed before going to Kikyo who had also been caped and handed an overwhelming bouquet of red roses. They were crowned and he led her to her throne as the others took their spots to both sides for the pictures.
"Well," Miroku commented dryly from where was standing with Sango and Inuyasha. "This is... interesting."
Inuyasha just snorted. He found it annoying to see Kikyo arm in arm with Sesshomaru, but it wasn't as if they had planned it or anything. It was just a coincidence, and nothing more, so he didn't say anything.
"And now," one of the announcers went on, "the King and Queen will have their first dance."
Sesshomaru guided Kikyo down the short flight of steps to the circular clearing the crowd had made for them, lit by a soft blue spotlight.
"Well," she remarked, resetting her crown to keep it from falling, "this was unlooked for..."
"Quite," he agreed and took her hand in position. The music started and they began to dance.
"'What day is it/ And in what month/ This clock never seemed so alive/ I can't keep up/ And I can't back down/ I've been losing so much time ...'"
"I read the paper," he told her.
"Oh?" she inquired. "Was it to your liking?"
"It will do."
"'And it's you and me and all of the people/ And I don't know why/ I can't keep my eyes off of you...'"
"Kikyo?"
"Hm?"
Sesshomaru wanted to tell her about the incident at the restaurant, but he hesitated, "...Never mind."
"'All of the things that I want to say/ Just aren't coming out right/ I'm tripping inwards/ You got my head spinning/ I don't know where to go from here...'"
Unnoticed, Inuyasha watched them dance and let out a sigh. It was funny how much that song described the way he felt towards her...
What the hell was he thinking? he wondered. Seeing her with him just reminded him of the painful reality. Kikyo deserved someone better than he could ever hope to be.
Standing beside him, Sango caught the sigh and glanced over to see the lost melancholy expression planted on his face. She touched him gently on the shoulder and immediately Inuyasha turned to her.
"Where's Miroku?" he questioned suddenly aware that they were by themselves.
Sango shrugged, "He disappeared with some girl."
"Oh."
"You want to dance?" she asked.
"Huh?" he asked still a little dazed, but then added, "Oh, yeah, sure." She took his hands and they joined the rest of the couples on the floor, just swaying slowly to the song. They didn't talk- they never had to.
"'Cause it's you and me and all of the people/ And I don't know why/ I can't keep my eyes off of you...'"
...OOO...
...OOO...
"'All of the things that I want to say/ Just aren't coming out right/ I'm tripping inwards/ You've got my head spinning/ I don't know where to go from here/ 'Cause it's you and me and all of the people/ With nothing to do/ Nothing to prove/ And it's you and me and all of the people/ And I don't know why/ I can't keep my eyes off of you...'"
One by one other couples joined Kikyo and Sesshomaru on the dance floor, waving gently to the music, sweethearts pressed closed together, their heads leaning against one another's. The reigning king and queen, however, stood inches apart, their feet tracing the familiar steps smoothly on the wooden floor without much emotion. It was an awkward situation for the both of them.
"So..." Kikyo began after what seemed like a decade of silence. She was trying to find something to talk about until the song ended, but her mind only settled on one topic that didn't seem inappropriate for the occasion, "Have you come with anyone?" As she said it, she swept her eyes across the throng of dancers about them, searching for her own date.
All Sesshomaru answered was, "Yes."
"Oh?" she asked, still distracted. "May I enquire who?"
"Sara Namura."
At the name, Kikyo finally returned her attention to him and smiled, "You must be fortunate to have such a girlfriend. I have not yet made her acquaintance personally, but I have been told she is very admirable and quite beautiful too, as I see."
"She's not my girlfriend," he told her bluntly. "She merely asked me to accompany her and I merely agreed. Nothing more."
"Oh..." she paused. "Then I am sorry for the assumption."
Once again they fell into silence, and Kikyo returned to scanning for Inuyasha. As the crowd grew tighter around them, she unconsciously stepped closer to Sesshomaru to avoid any collisions. Their bodies were now brushing lightly against each other, and Sesshomaru had to fight hard not to pull away rudely while keeping his breathing steady. A keen sense of smell was one of his many attributes and from such a close range even her subtle scent was enough to overwhelm him. She smelled like orange blossoms.
"And you?" he finally asked, retaking their conversation to distract himself and his nose. "Did you come with anyone?"
"Yes."
"Who?"
She was still not facing him, but the sudden softness that settled in her eyes and smile did not escape his notice as she answered simply, "A friend."
A vague answer, but he didn't really care to know who, anyway, so he dropped the topic to stare blankly above her head at their surroundings instead, searching for nothing in particular. It wasn't a hard thing to do. He had been surprised when he had first taken her hand and stood beside her, to notice how petite she really was compared to him. The top of her head only reached to his chest. It was odd. From a distance she seemed much taller somehow.
When the song ended, they finally pulled away.
"Thank you for the dance," she curtsied, her hand reaching up to her tiara to keep it from falling.
He returned the gesture with a formal bow but didn't get to say anything as Sara rushed over to him, planting a hand possessively on his shoulder.
Flashing Kikyo her patented smile she glanced at the tiara and said, "Congratulations on winning that crown. I must admit I'm very surprised that someone so new to our school accomplished such a feat."
Kikyo thought it was amazing that although the other girl was soft spoken, her tone of voice still managed to be assertive, but she just answered, "Yes, well, I'm quite surprised myself."
"I'm sure everyone is," Sara beamed innocently.
Not knowing how to respond to such a statement, Kikyo held her tongue, but Sara continued with an apologetic air, "Oh, I'm sorry. I'm afraid I haven't introduced myself, have I? I'm Sara Namura. Nice to meet you."
"Kikyo Higurashi," Kikyo answered wryly. "It's a pleasure, I'm sure." She had only met the girl, but inside Kikyo was already wishing she could take back her earlier statement to Sesshomaru. There was something about her she didn't like, and in a way she was a little relieved she and Sesshomaru were not romantically involved otherwise Kikyo might have been embarrassed for what she said and how she felt now.
"Higurashi?" Sara repeated. "You wouldn't by any chance be related to Kagome, would you?"
"She is my cousin," Kikyo answered. "Are you acquainted with her?"
"Only her reputation- a very nice girl, but it's tragic what they say about her family though."
"And what of her family?" Despite herself, Kikyo became a little defensive.
"Oh, you know- of her mother never marrying..." Sara's voice trailed away as her eyes shifted to a figure that had appeared behind Kikyo and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
Turning around, Kikyo was pleasantly surprised to see Naraku.
"Sorry to interrupt," he smiled. "I just came to congratulate you on becoming queen. It's very refreshing to see a rare pearl crowned above the rest of these gaudy stones."
"Oh?" Kikyo had to laugh at the overly flattering analogy as well as the sly devious glance he had thrown Sara while making it. "To be honest, I never expected such an honor."
"Well, my dear," he smirked, "you deserve it."
Just then another song began to play.
"Are you in a hurry?" Naraku wanted to know.
"Why do you ask?" she inquired back.
"Because if you're not," he answered offering her his arm, "perhaps you'd care to honor me with a dance?" Even if Abi had botched up his original plan, Naraku could still salvage the evening.
Seizing the opportunity to leave Sara's company, Kikyo gladly accepted.
"If you'll excuse us," Naraku smirked. With a nod to Sara and Sesshomaru, he spun Kikyo away.
"You are Naraku, correct?" Kikyo asked, raising her voice to be heard above the music.
"Ah, so you've been paying attention to the announcers," he joked.
Laughing, she replied, "Actually, Sesshomaru informed me of your name that day you came in to my grandmother's florist."
"InuTaisho?" he queried.
"Yes, and I would like to thank you, by the way."
"What for?"
"For allowing me an escape from a rather unpleasant situation."
Naraku laughed, "You don't like him?"
"No, no," she corrected quickly. "Not Sesshomaru. His date. She... unsettles me."
"Ah yes, Sara Namura," he chuckled as he dipped her low. "It's not an unknown fact that she's deeply infatuated with him. She must have thought you to be competition."
"That is a ridiculous postulation," Kikyo asserted firmly, a bit annoyed. "I am barely familiar with him."
"Oh? You don't know him very well?"
Shaking her head, Kikyo replied, "We share several classes, nothing more."
With a smile Naraku whirled her away to arms length and twirled her back. He was greatly pleased that she had next to no interest in Sesshomaru. A very special girl, indeed, considering he just about had his own fan club consisting of every girl within a fifty-block radius.
...ooo...
Meanwhile, some distance away, Kagome was gossiping with some of her friends by the entrance. Beside her, Kouga tapped his foot impatiently waiting to move on. They had been on their way out to 'get some air' as he put it, when Kagome had been stopped for the third time in their short journey by a group of her girlfriends.
Aggravated by the constant delays, he was about to interrupt and insist they get going when he was stopped by a raspy male voice calling, "Hey, Kouga!"
"Kouga!" a second voice echoed.
Ginta and Hakaku- two other members from the football team and his own personal posse- stumbled their way to him.
"Man," Ginta declared, "we've been lookin' everywhere for you."
"Yeah, yeah," Hakaku joined in excitedly. "We wanted to share something with you."
"Not now, you guys," he muttered a little irritably. "Can't you see I'm busy?"
"Busy with what?" Ginta asked, glancing at the group of girls in confusion.
And pleadingly, Hakaku urged, "Come on, Kouga. You gotta celebrate our win with us."
"Our win?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You're right, you're right," his friend quickly conceded. "Your win."
Rolling his eyes, Kouga looked back to Kagome still chatting away with her friends.
With a sigh, he finally gave in, "Fine, fine... Hey Kagome," he interjected. "I'm gonna go check something out with the guys. I'll be right back."
"Huh?" Kagome asked absently. "Oh, yeah. Sure." And she went back to talking with her friends.
...ooo...
After their dance ended, Kikyo and Naraku went their separate ways- him to 'take care of a little business', and her to find Inuyasha. He was all the way to the other side of the room near where she had left him earlier. Miroku had taken Sango away and now he was by himself, sitting propped up on one of the lower bleachers.
"Hey," he greeted quietly as she took a seat beside him.
"Hello," she replied. "I apologize for my delay in returning. I was held back by some... unforeseen company."
"Nah, that's ok," Inuyasha told her. "Just glad you came back, that's all."
Smiling, Kikyo scooted in a little closer.
"Did you think I would not?"
"Heh..." A rueful smile cracked his lips for a nanosecond before he looked away to stare at the rotating disco ball in the middle of the ceiling. Without answering her question he said, "Congratulations on winning that thing by the way, but be careful with it," he warned, attempting to lighten the mood by poking one of the bejeweled points of her crown. "It could put an eye out."
Matching his smile, it was her turn now to fix her eyes on the shimmering ball of mirrors.
"To tell you the truth," she replied softly, "I would not be any less happy if my head was bereft of this cheap ornament. I am simply happy to enjoy this moment with you..."
"Really?" he asked.
"Really," she affirmed.
"Me too..."
Timidly Kikyo leaned back to rest her head lightly on his arm outstretched on the seats behind them. Their bodies were just inches away from each other, but neither one dared to move any nearer than they already were, and for a long time they simply stayed like that lost in a quiet serenity despite the constant flow of conversing voices and the heavy beats emanating from the speakers.
It was only several minutes later that Kikyo finally broke it with a stifled yawn.
"Tired?" Inuyasha asked concernedly.
"A bit," she admitted.
"Well, we can go now if you want," he suggested. "It's past 10:30 anyway."
"But there is still half an hour of the dance left," she pointed out. "It would be a shame to cut such a lovely evening short. Perhaps... one more dance?"
Inuyasha grinned.
"Sounds good," he agreed. Helping her to her feet, they went down the few bleacher steps. They were threading their way past several masses of idle students to get closer to the music when Kikyo noticed Kagura standing nearby with her back to them and tapped her gently on the shoulder.
Startled, Kagura nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Kikyo!" she cried. "God, don't scare me like that!"
"Is something wrong, Kagura?" Kikyo asked.
"Huh? Oh, no," Kagura replied distractedly glancing about her as if in fear of some invisible assailant. "No, nothing. I was just about to go, actually."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Ah, hey," she suddenly requested. "Walk with me outside, will you?"
Glancing at Inuyasha, Kikyo hesitated, "Ah, well..."
"You don't mind if I borrow her for five minutes, do you?" Kagura asked him.
"Ah, no, that's no problem," Inuyasha replied amicably. He let go of Kikyo's hand. "I'll be over there when you come back, ok?"
"Alright," Kikyo answered as Kagura dragged her away. "I'll return shortly."
When they had cleared most of the crowd, Kagura asked, "So was that your date?"
Kikyo nodded.
"Inuyasha, right?"
"Yes... You know him?"
With a small shrug, Kagura answered, "A little. Our parents run in the same circles, so I've seen him a couple of times at social functions and stuff. You know he's-"
She was about to say 'Sesshomaru's brother', but a chorus of, "Miss Orihara!" interrupted her.
Whirling around, they found themselves face to face with a small group of bright- eyed boys.
"Miss Orihara, please dance with us!" they were pleading in eerie unison.
"GAH! I told you guys," Kagura exploded as Kikyo hid an amused laugh. "I'm flattered, but I'm not interested, ok?"
"Just one dance!" they insisted.
Slapping her forehead in frustration, Kagura sighed defeated, "Alright, fine. But I have to talk with Kikyo first, so, uh... go wait over there," she told them pointing straight across the room.
"Yes!" they cheered and hurriedly obeyed her instructions. "We'll be waiting!"
Kikyo waited for them to get out of earshot before letting out a laugh, "Who were they?"
"Some stupid freshmen with some stupid crush," Kagura explained as they resumed their departure. "One of them's my neighbor from downstairs. They've been stalking me all night."
Once again Kikyo couldn't help but laugh, "That is adorable..."
"Oh, sure," Kagura huffed, rolling her eyes. "It might sound cute with someone else, but it's plain annoying if you happen to be the victim."
Together they left the gymnasium and went to the parking lot and Kagura's car.
"Did you come on your own?" Kikyo inquired.
"Yeah, well, I just showed up to make... my parents happy," she answered quickly remembering her last lie. "Anyway, glad that's all over with. Thanks for walking with me."
"No trouble," Kikyo assured her.
Ducking into the driver's seat, Kagura turned on the engine and rolled her window down to yell, "See you Monday!" as she sped out of the campus.
When the car was out of sight, Kikyo turned to go back to the dance but paused when she recognized another person approaching.
"Oh, hello," she smiled at Sesshomaru. "Leaving already?"
"Yes," he answered. "I've already stayed more than I cared to tonight."
"Oh... where is your date?" she inquired, only now noticing he was alone.
"On her way."
"I see... Well, I only came to see Kagura off, and now I must return... So I suppose I shall see you Monday."
"..."
Kikyo waited for a few seconds for him to speak, but when he didn't she turned awkwardly to leave, and it was only after she had taken several steps that he finally said, "Have a good night."
Glancing back with another smile, she replied, "Thank you. I hope you do the same." With a final wave, she went back to the gym, passing Sara on her way, but neither said anything to the other.
...ooo...
While Kikyo was walking with Kagura, Inuyasha went to wait for her in a corner where he ran into Kagome.
"Hey, Inuyasha," she called. "I haven't seen you all night long. Where's Kikyo?"
"She went to walk a friend out," he explained. "What about you? Where's Kouga?"
With a shrug Kagome replied, "I dunno. He went off with a couple of his football buddies like, twenty minutes ago. Haven't seen him since."
Inuyasha just snorted.
"Oh, hey," she spoke as a new song began playing. "I love this song! Come dance with me."
Taking him by both hands, she pulled him away from the walls and back into the thick of the crowd bouncing along to the beat.
"'She says she's no good with words but I'm worse/ Barely stuttered out/ A joke of a romantic stuck to my tongue/ And weighed down with words too over dramatic/ Tonight it's "it can't get much worse"/ Vs. "No one should ever feel like..."...'"
Everyone was clapping and jumping along, belting out the lyrics.
"'I'm two quarters and a heart down/ And I don't want to forget how your voice sounds/ These words are all I have so I write them/ I need them just to get by...'"
"Have you seen the music video to this?" Kagome yelled over the noise. "It's hilarious!"
"Yeah," Inuyasha laughed. "Especially when that guy starts dancing like this." To demonstrate, he began flailing out his arms and wiggling his body with complete lack of coordination.
"'Dance, dance/ We're falling apart to half-time/ Dance, dance/ And these are the lives you love to lead/ Dance, this is the way they'd look/ If they knew/ How misery loves me...'"
Kagome busted out laughing at his antics and by the time the last 'Dance, dance' faded, everyone was doing the same.
When the song ended, everyone cheered and clapped uproariously, pumped with adrenaline by the upbeat song only to be completely derailed by the next one.
Lilting notes followed the faded furious clamor of drums and electric guitar as the soulful voice of the female singer overflowed the room.
"'When you're feeling lost in the night/ When you feel your world just ain't right/ Call on me, I will be waiting/ Count on me, I will be there...'"
Several puzzled looks were exchanged, but shrugging along, couples rejoined and went along with the 180 degree turnaround.
"Aw," Kagome commented. "I love this song too..." Looking around she saw that neither Kikyo nor Kouga had returned yet, so she clasped his hands again. "Just one slow dance, ok?"
Slowly they rotated around the floor, confined by the bodies of surrounding couples.
"So?" she asked him. "How's your night going so far? Having fun?"
Breaking a smile, he nodded, "Yeah. Actually, I am."
"Good," she declared. She latched her hands together behind his back and laid her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad," she told him. "See? I knew you two would get along..."
"Heh..." he responded, hugging her back. "Thanks, Kagome."
"No problem."
"'I will cross the ocean for you/ I will go and bring you the moon/ I will be your hero, your strength/ Anything you need...'"
"HEY!" The music and the mood was interrupted by the angry shout, and heads turned to see the cause, bodies parting like the Red Sea to reveal the source. An angry looking Kouga stood glaring directly at Inuyasha and Kagome.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he demanded.
...OOO...
...OOO...
"K-Kouga," Kagome stuttered at the sight of him, quickly letting go of Inuyasha.
Striding up to them, Kouga grabbed her roughly by the wrist and pulled her away.
"Ow! Hey," Kagome cried, flinching. "That hurts."
"Hey, let her go." Inuyasha tried to reach over Kouga for Kagome, but Kouga shoved him back forcefully.
"You," he stated disdainfully. "You're so damn pathetic, you know that?"
"Kouga, what the hell is wrong with you? We were only dancing." Kagome tried to intervene but was pushed back into the crowd, several onlookers having to catch her from falling. The strong smell of alcohol in his breath, however, told her all she needed to know.
"Have you- have you been drinking?" she demanded.
"Stay out of this, Kagome," Kouga replied, cracking his knuckles threateningly. "I need a little chat with our boy Inuyasha here about keeping his filthy hands off where it doesn't belong."
At the insinuation, Inuyasha's temper flared, "What the hell are you talking about?"
"You just couldn't leave her alone could ya?" Kouga sneered. "It wasn't enough to go after a bad copy of her- you had to get your hands on the real deal."
"What?" Inuyasha's voice came out a low growl, daring him to continue, but he was interrupted before he could.
"Inuyasha?" Kikyo had pushed her way past the mob of students that had formed between the two boys and now was staring quizzically at them.
"Ah, speak of the devil," Kouga grinned humorlessly. Then addressing Inuyasha, he went on, "Completely pathetic. But then again, what can one expect from the son of a whore?"
"What?" The question had come out an edged whisper, but it was audible enough as the whole room fell deathly silent. "What did you say?"
"You heard me," Kouga answered, slurring his words a little now. "Your mother was a goddamn gold diggin' whore."
"Kouga!" Kagome exclaimed, horrified at the statement.
Without further retort Inuyasha's fist found itself driving into Kouga's face.
"You take that back, you son of a bitch."
Reeling back a little, Kouga stopped himself to wipe a sleeve across his bloodied nose, "Make me, you bastard." He lunged for Inuyasha and the two scuffled, exchanging blow after blow, everyone else too afraid to get caught in the crossfire to get in between until the principal showed up.
"What's going on here?" she demanded sternly even as Inuyasha planted another punch on Kouga's face. The two were pulled apart- Hakaku and Ginta holding on to Kouga as Sango and Miroku showed up to restrain Inuyasha.
"Well?" the headmistress pressed. "Either one of you care to explain what this is about?" Neither one said a word.
"Fine, that's fine," she replied to the silence. "It doesn't matter. Consider both of yourselves suspended for the whole of next week- perhaps worse after I have a little chat with your parents. Now both of you, go home," she ordered.
"Feh," Kouga spat scowling at Inuyasha. "You're not worth the bother. C'mon, Kagome," he beckoned, staggering a little as he walked away. "I'm out of here."
"What?" she replied. "Wait, Kouga!" He wasn't listening however, retrieving his keys from his pockets and jingling them in the air. Kagome glanced uncertainly form Inuyasha to the retreating Kouga trying to figure out which one to stay with, but at last she took after her date. She knew how hurt Inuyasha must have been feeling, but at the same time she couldn't just allow Kouga to drive off in the intoxicated condition he was in. Inuyasha would just have to wait.
Shrugging off Sango and Miroku, Inuyasha glared silently after them before turning himself to leave.
As he passed Kikyo, Inuyasha gave her a long hard look but didn't say anything.
"Inu...yasha?" she whispered, reaching out a tentative hand to him. He just brushed it off, however, and walked out the door.
"Inuyasha, wait!" Sango called after him, ready to follow had not Miroku held her back.
"Let him go, Sango," he told her gently. "Inuyasha just needs some time to himself."
Slowly the crowd of students dispersed around them, and Kikyo sought Sango and Miroku out for an explanation.
"What happened?" she asked.
Shaking his head, Miroku tried to dismiss the event lightly, "It seems Kouga just had one too many, if you know what I mean. He caught Kagome dancing with Inuyasha and got jealous. It'll wear off by tomorrow."
"No," Sango disagreed quietly, her eyes fixed on the route her friend had taken to exit. "It's not just that... Inuyasha's really hurt- about what Kouga said about his mother."
The observation quieted Miroku into introspection.
"What is it?" Kikyo pressed. "What of his mother?"
Casting a glance at her, Miroku explained, "You're still new to this school, so it's understandable you haven't heard the rumors, though god knows you're bound to in time. Inuyasha..." he paused to find the right words, and continued, "...was born out of wedlock. His father had an affair with his mother while he was still married to his first wife."
"Miroku." Sango's hand on his shoulder stopped him from revealing anymore.
Turning to Kikyo, Sango said, "If you really want to know, you'll have to ask Inuyasha. It's not our place to tell these things."
Kikyo nodded. It all made sense now- their earlier conversation upstairs- why Inuyasha didn't bring up his family. She understood though. Probably more than anyone, she knew what it was to have a shameful past that she would rather have kept hidden from the rest of the world. Without another word, Kikyo spun on her heels and ran after him.
By the time she got outside, Inuyasha was already gone from sight. Dashing down the concrete path, Kikyo's thin heels got caught between two slabs causing her to trip and crash on to her knees, her loose crown falling off and rolling away. She didn't look twice. Quickly picking herself back up, she dislodged her shoe and continued her search, ignoring the pain from her scraped and bruised knees.
Eventually she found him sitting with his back to her on one of the wrought iron benches in an isolated part of the grounds surrounded on all sides by leafy trees.
"Inuyasha?"
He didn't turn, and she took another small step forward, unsure of herself.
"Well," he finally commented, throwing his head back to gaze at the moon and keep the hot, angry tears that were stinging at his eyes from falling. "Now you know what everyone thinks of me. You probably shouldn't be out here. Someone might see you talking to me, and there'd go your reputation."
Kikyo stood frozen. She heard what he was saying, but at the same time they didn't make sense, drowned out by the conflicting voices inside of her. Her mind was screaming, 'Don't get too close. Don't get too close.' But it was no use. Her heart screamed louder.
Impulsively Kikyo threw her arms around him from behind and brought her head to his.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. Just this once, she thought. Just this once it was ok to let her guard down. Just this once it was ok to take a risk.
Inuyasha's eyes went wide with surprise. Her actions had totally surprised him and left him speechless for several minutes. Finally he took hold of her elbow, pressing his forehead against her cheek.
"It doesn't matter," he sighed warily. "Let's just go, ok?"
Nodding, Kikyo let go of him so he could get up.
"What happened to your crown?" he asked, noticing her bare head.
"Oh." Her hand flew to the top of her head, as if realizing for the first time that it was missing. "It must have fallen... but it matters not. It is much too dark to search for it now."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied certainly, shivering at a gust of cold wind. "Let us just go."
A small smile appeared on Inuyasha's lips. Removing his coat, he placed it gently on her shoulders and took her hand. Then together they made their way to the parking lot beside the gym.
"You know," he suddenly spoke, "I'm just sorry I couldn't give you that last dance you asked for."
Holding him back, Kikyo strained her ears and answered, "Listen."
From the gym, music flowed to serenade them, the last slow song of the night.
"'And I would give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't wanna go home right now...'"
"We can still have our dance," she suggested, smiling up at him.
Wordlessly Inuyasha drew her into his arms and they swayed quietly on the blacktop.
"'And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight...'"
Slowly Kikyo laid her head on his shoulder as he rested his cheek on hers. She closed her eyes, and they embraced.
"'And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am...'"
...ooo...
Sesshomaru's car rolled to a gentle stop in Sara's circular driveway.
"I had a really good time tonight," she told him, her hand on the door latch but not quite opening it.
He didn't answer, and she asked, "Did you... want to come in for a drink perhaps?"
"No," he replied indifferently but firmly, keeping his hands on the steering wheel and not switching to park.
"Oh... ok." Disappointed, Sara was about to push the door open, but stopped.
"Can I... tell you something?" she asked almost tentatively.
Sesshomaru shifted his gaze to her, signaling her to continue.
"Well, perhaps you didn't realize it, but I like you Sesshomaru," Sara declared getting right to the point. "Actually, if you really want to know, I've liked you ever since we first met so many years ago. Do you remember?"
"No." To Sesshomaru's knowledge, he had only come to know Sara this year when they were both elected into their class offices. Before he had been vaguely familiar of her- their parents being business acquaintances- but he couldn't remember having actually met her.
Sara however, just smiled, "We were both eight years old. It was at a garden party for some benefit- the first party my parents allowed me to accompany them to. That was where I first saw you. You were dressed in a cream colored suit with a black lapel, and you were standing off to yourself. I couldn't keep my eyes off you that entire night. Finally our fathers introduced us. I was so shy back then- I didn't have the nerve to approach you alone. And you gave me a small bow, and then you left. I've been in love with you ever since."
The confession greatly irritated Sesshomaru, and he didn't answer. What was he supposed to say to such an admission? How did she expect him to respond? He had no regards for such infatuations.
"Anyway," Sara continued, brightening suddenly. "I know you don't have that much interest in people, but I'm going to work hard to win you over," she proclaimed confidently. "Good night, Sesshomaru."
Finally she got out of the car, and as soon as she was far enough away, Sesshomaru's foot instantly hit the gas pedal. If nothing else, he decided as he cruised home, Sara Namura had a lot of gut and determination. He might have been amused by the situation if it didn't annoy him so much.
Love... And what did she know about love anyway? What did she know about him that she should use that word in connection with him?
By the time he got home, he was still greatly aggravated. People were such fools...
In his room he threw off his jacket and a faint scent caught his nose and drew his attention. Holding it to his face, Sesshomaru inhaled deeply. The fragrance of faded orange blossoms.
...ooo...
Inuyasha walked Kikyo up to her door.
"I enjoyed myself tonight," she told him before entering, "despite the infractions."
"Yeah, he he," he chuckled softly. "You know, I did too." They were quiet for a minute and Kikyo was about to go in when Inuyasha stopped her.
"Listen," he said, "I'll probably be grounded for getting into a fight, and since I'm suspended for a week, I guess I won't see you for a while, but..." he paused to muster up his courage, "Well, after that, maybe if you're not busy or anything, maybe we could... I dunno, see a movie or something, or just go out. You know, whatever you wanna do..."
Understanding that he had just asked her on a date, Kikyo blushed faintly and replied, "I would like that... Good night, Inuyasha." She stood on her tiptoes and gave him a soft peck on the cheek and a small smile before disappearing quietly inside.
Dumbfounded, Inuyasha stared blindly at the door, his face first draining of color and then flushing red at the feel of her soft lips against his skin.
"G-good-night, Kikyo," he stammered after her.
...OOO...