LunaP: I like Inuyasha better in his hanyou form, too, but it didn't work with my storyline for this fanfic. You can check out my other long fanfic if you want :) In that one (the Dangerous State of Bliss), Yasha has his silver hair and gold eyes. It's still in progress though.

sam: Hi, and for the song (ch. 7), it's Bimbo by Lambretta… lol it was written in the chapter, but anyway :P

Inuyasha: Professor at Shikon High

Chapter Twenty: Sakura Blossoms of Change

Disclaimer: NOPE

Silence has always made Ayame and Rin uncomfortable. But even though this was true, Ayame didn't try to start conversations that morning. Rin knew she didn't want to talk, so she didn't say anything to her either. Kagome chatted idly with Rin here and there, and made some weather comments to Sango but Sango replied straightforwardly. When Kagome tried asking Ayame what she wanted for breakfast, Ayame had simply shrugged. "I don't know. An apple, I guess."

By the time they had got to the bus, Kagome was on the verge of screaming. When was the last time they were fighting (silently) like this? It nearly drove her crazy. "Ugh, this island is a bad influence on me after all," she muttered. Ayame actually cracked a smile at that.

But the sun was shining brightly, and that always did good things to Kagome's mood. She was laughing in no time and Rin joined her. On the bus, they started singing to So Good from the Bratz show they used to watch as children. Then, just for song, they also added in Bimbo, just for the old time's sake. Kikyo seemed to remember, and hissed, flicking her hair over her shoulder, not noticing how it smacked into Yura's face.

Meanwhile, Sango was looking out the window. "Do you think Koharu'll be there? At Kameyama Koen Park?"

"Probably," Ayame said. "Why?"

"I don't know… but I was just thinking… everything started to change for the worse since Koharu entered the picture. Not that I don't like her or anything."

Ayame seemed surprised. "What do you mean? Didn't Inuyasha and Kagome just get together? That's not a bad thing, right?"

"Actually, it wasn't official. I think they're afraid of commitment. Anyway, besides that. Haven't you noticed?"

"Look," she sighed. "I love Kags and Rin, but it just seems to me that they don't really want to give Koharu a chance because first, she's older than us and more experienced, and two, because she shared a connection with the guys that we don't have because she's known them longer and grew up with them. I think we should get to know her because who knows? Maybe she'll end up being one of our close friends later on."

Sango nodded slowly. "I get what you're saying, Ayame. But Kagome's one of the friendliest people I know. She wouldn't hold a grudge against Koharu because she felt insecure, would she? Maybe we should hear her side of the story."

"Why-"

The bus skid to a stop, and everyone fell forward in their seats, their heads bumping into the seats in front of them.

"We're here," Koga announced.

&&&

"Oh," Kagome breathed. "It's beautiful!"

Inuyasha walked alongside her, grinning. "They're just trees, Kagome."

"Trees that are in bloom," she corrected. "Inuyasha, aren't they gorgeous? I really wish I had remembered to bring a camera."

His smirk grew as he reached into the pocket of his leather jacket and brought out a silver Sony camera. "Ooh, look what I've got- a camera! I wonder what I should do with it?"

Kagome went up on her tippy toes and tried to grab it away from him. But Inuyasha was still a lot taller as he held it up high so she couldn't reach it. "Inuyasha, c'mon, I want to take some pictures!"

"Shorty," he taunted.

She pouted. "I am not! You're just taller. Inuyasha, if you don't give it here, I'm going to have to force it away from you."

Inuyasha laughed. "And how, exactly, are you going to do that, Miss Higurashi?"

Kagome grinned and threw him to the ground, tickling him. Inuyasha was caught completely off guard as he tried to defend himself.

"Kagome *laugh* I'm going to *laugh* get you *laugh* for this! *laugh* Kagome! *laugh* Stop it! *laugh*" He hissed with laughter and finally managed to roll from under her and sat on Kagome's back, forcing her to kiss the ground. "Okay, now that you're at my mercy, I'm not going to get up unless you apologize."

"No," her muffled voice let out.

"No? Then I suggest you make yourself comfortable down there."

"Here's the deal-"

Inuyasha chuckled at her antics. "I'm not going to make a deal with the devil. Forget it."

Kagome paused. "I think you're going to like it."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Okay fine, continue."

"If you get off me, I'll become your sex slave for a whole day."

This shocked Inuyasha and he flew off her in utter surprise. Kagome snickered and got up. "Haha, you fell for it!"

Inuyasha growled, then composed himself and let a smile grace his lips. "But a deal's a deal. Till tomorrow, you are officially my little sex toy."

Now it was Kagome's time to be in shock. "What? It was just a joke!" she protested weakly.

"Ah, but since I held up my end to the bargain, you hold up yours."

"If you touch me, I'll yell RAPE and then you'll get arrested for sexual abuse."

He snorted. "Yeah, right." Inuyasha pushed her back against a tree and wrapped his arms around her waist so she couldn't escape. Kagome blinked when she felt his breath against her shoulders and immediately flushed tomato red. "I don't think you'll be able to make out one clear word because you seem way too hypnotized by me. Isn't that right?"

She mumbled something out. Inuyasha lifted his head.

"What?"

"I said, shut up and kiss me."

Inuyasha laughed. "Kagome, Kagome. So impatient. What makes you think I'm going to kiss you at all?"

Kagome yipped in annoyance and pulled him down so that their lips could meet. And as both their eyes drifted closed in bliss, Inuyasha knew it would be a lie if he said he wasn't hypnotized by her, too. When he subconsciously felt her put her arms around his neck, Inuyasha wondered whether it was alright to be kissing her like this… she was so young, after all, and so innocent, so pure. Whereas he was an adult, she was still only a teenager.

But even so, she was beautiful, smart, quick, and just everything. How could he have fallen in love with someone like her?

Kagome pulled away and cocked her head to the side. "What are you thinking about?" she asked, sounding breathless.

He smiled gently at her. "Just trying to remember when it was exactly I realized I loved you. Hmm. Probably since the moment you tried to convince me there was glass in your hand."

"That soon?"

"Actually, I don't know. I guess it was a gradual thing."

"I like that."

"What do you mean?"

"I think it's sweet that you grew to love me. But wait- where are the others again?"

&&&

"But Rin-"

"Yes, Sesshy?"

"Isn't it rude to spy on two people who are on a date?"

Rin made puppy eyes at him. "But Sesshomaru, what if they suddenly drown in the Sakura petals?" Then she crept forward to get a better look at them from behind the cluster of trunks.

Sesshomaru stared, confused. "That doesn't make sense," he said to himself. Shaking his head, he followed her, and winced when his forehead bumped into a branch. He was too tall.

Rin looked back and giggled. "You're so cute, Sesshy!" she bounced, placing a light kiss on his nose before turning back to Sango and Miroku, who were oblivious to their spectators.

He froze at the contact and remained still for a few seconds. Then he thawed and walked to her side, being careful to duck this time.

&&&

"Miroku…" she gaped.

"What is it, my lovely Sango?"

"You… you're wearing a tux."

Miroku looked puzzled. "Do you not like it?"

Sango laughed. "Miroku, that's ridiculous! It's almost Christmas and you're wearing a tuxedo? I mean, if this was a dinner, I would understand, but we're taking a walk in the park!" Even as she says this in a reprimanding manner, Sango's eyes twinkle with amusement.

"Well, Koga and Inuyasha did tell me it was stupid… but I just figured they were jealous. And then Sesshomaru told them not to me cruel to me, that I couldn't help being born this way. I thought they were joking around," he sniffled.

She raised her eyebrows at his ranting. "Anyhow, take it off."

He grinned. "Sango, I understand your eagerness, but we are not ready… maybe when you're a bit older-"

"I didn't mean it like that, moron!"

He frowned. "I am your professor!"

"Not outside of school, remember?"

"Ah, yes. That's right." He took off the jacket of his tux and tied it around his waist, revealing his white button down with two buttons undone. Sango looked away, slightly embarrassed but trying to seem nonchalant. "Say, Sango… do you have any chocolate on you?"

&&&

"UGH, those IDIOTS!" Koga roared. "They went off with their little sweethearts leaving me with all the students! Damnit!"

Koga tried to organize all the students, directing them to different parts of the Park, and then trying to supervise all of them. For the most part, Ayame helped as much as she could.

"I can't believe they all ran away," Ayame sighed. "Even Sesshomaru. Rin must be too convincing for her own good."

"How come I get the dirty work? It's not like I wouldn't like to enjoy this beautiful day with a girl. Seriously! I mean, I already knew that Miroku was having his date with Sango, but the rest don't have an excuse. What if that maniac who almost hurt Kagome is lurking around in these trees? We can't risk for anyone to be in danger because this is a class trip! Parents could sue us and then I'd lose my job, and-"

"Koga-"

"-my brothers would be so disappointed. Not only that, but Kaedae is a really good boss, too. I once had this coach who was so dead mean and bitchy that it wasn't even funny. Her name was Yukie or something, and then there was this one boss when I worked at WacDonalds as a teenager named Nabiki who literally worshipped money and would rip me off every day and not pay the agreed amount on my paydays. But if I get fired, it wouldn't really be her fault because the board would probably make sure I go somewhere else and Kaedae wouldn't be able to do anything-"

"Koga!" she tried again.

"-and what if a get a snobby boss? Someone like Kikyo who has a killer attitude-"

"KOGA!!"

He stopped talking. "What?" he asked, as if it were the first time he heard her.

"You were rambling like a dying man," Ayame explained. "It was kind of getting on my nerves."

"Oh. Sorry."

She smiled. "It's okay. I've been pretty stressed lately, too. Kagome, Rin, Sango, and I aren't exactly on the best of terms."

"Really? Why?"

"Koharu, apparently. They don't seem too fond of her."

Koga sucked in a breath. "Ayame, actually, about her… there's something I think I should tell you-"

"AHH! A snake!! Someone, help me- I'm going to die! Somebody! WAHHH!!!! I'm too young and important to pass away already!"

He exhaled heavily.

"Kikyo," he and Ayame said in unison. "Time to get back to work."

&&&

"Inuyasha, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, shoot."

They were both lying on their backs in a grassy meadow surrounded by Sakura trees, arms behind their heads, looking up at the blue sky.

"You remember that day you were in an extremely unpleasant mood and, well, slapped me?"

He winced. "I try not to, and thanks for making me remember again, but technically yes. What about it?"

Kagome chose her words carefully. "I'm not mad at you or anything like that, but I want to know what got you so worked up like that?"

Silence…

Finally, he answered, "I found a letter in my house from my parents… something they wrote before the 'accident.' You see, they used to own this huge business before Sesshomaru decided he wouldn't be able to handle it and shut it down. But in the letter, my father wrote that there was this man who has always been dangerous and to look out for him in case anything happened to them. His name is Naraku."

Kagome's blood chilled and she was only able to stare at him. That name… he knows it.

"Sesshomaru looked him up, of course," he continued. "I was upset because he was alive and in Tokyo. Don't tell anyone this… but I think he's responsible for my parents' death. So I tried to find a way to contact him but I couldn't find anything. But I was able to discover that the last place he had been seen was at Shikon High's track meet last year as a hot dog seller. He knows where Sesshomaru and I are and he might be after us, too."

Kagome wanted to tell him so bad, but Naraku's threat left her quiet. That's when she realized… she knew Naraku knew where Inuyasha was, probably at this exact moment even! And she didn't want him to get hurt! She didn't want him to die. "Inuyasha. We have to go back to Tokyo."

He blinked. "What?"

"Right now! We have to leave now and go back to Shikon!"

"Kagome, what's this about? Just because he was at the track meet doesn't necessarily mean he's actually out to get me."

"Inuyasha. Trust me, we have to go back as soon as possible."

He didn't budge. He wasn't going to unless he had an explanation. Kagome thought up an excuse. She had to lie.

"I'm… scared, Inuyasha. I didn't want to make you worry, and I may just be paranoid, but... I'm really scared," she whispered.

He blinked. "Of what? I'll protect you."

"That man. Who kidnapped me. He hasn't been able to leave me mind and I can't get any sleep. I think I'll feel better once I'm back in my house."

Inuyasha sat up and hugged her. "Oh, Kagome," he whispered. "It's okay. I'll make sure he doesn't touch you."

But what about you, Inuyasha? How will I make sure you're safe? she thought.

&&&

"Sango, there's a-"

"Oomph!"

"-tree root," Miroku finished dryly. He didn't have quick reflexes like the others did and wasn't able to catch her in time. He did, though, help her up. But he pulled too hard and she collided with his chest. Slowly, Miroku put his hands around her waist and steadied her. Sango looked up, bewildered. Maybe this 'date' was getting romantic after all?

But then she heard a rustle and screamed.

&&&

"Sesshomaru, be quiet!" Rin whispered. "Oh no! They're heading this way! Run for it-!"

"Ugh! Rin! Sesshomaru !" Sango hollered. "You scared me half to death! What are you doing here?!"

Rin gulped. "Erm… Sesshy lost his contacts?"

&&&

"Koga!"

He turned at the sound of Inuyasha's voice and opened his mouth to tell him how pissed he was.

"INUYASHA, you are so dead! Why the hell did you leave me here? I was-"

"We're going back home. Now."

AN: Yay :) Hope you liked!

(PS: To my lovely reviewers: since you all deserve a special thank you for your constant support, I will be writing a THANK YOU PAGE at the very end of this story just for you guys. It's the least I could do ^^ You know who u r ;])

Love,

Nyony's Echo