OMG 300 reviews and more! I love you guys!

Now, for my apology: I Know it took a while to update but I had to study for a thousand tests! It was hell -_-; But now, school's out for me and I can finally update faster (I hope)!


Inuyasha: Professor at Shikon High

Chapter Twenty Nine: Sesshy's Mission and Kagome's Fallout

Disclaimer: I think you know the answer by now…

Rin's P.O.V

I stand solemnly in front of Shikon High, looking up at the building.

I remember how happy my friends and I were on the first day of the semester, how eager we were to begin this new chapter in our lives. Sango was different back then. She was afraid to love new people, was afraid to open up her heart. Miroku changed that so gradually that she didn't notice and ended up falling for the last person she would ever thought she would.

As for Ayame… well, her pride did soften up a bit which is pretty much a miracle. I suppose there were some things that not even best friend's can do.

Then there's Kagome: sweet, perseverant, quirky Kagome. I'm sad that because of our meeting Inuyasha, Sesshy, Miroku, and Koga, Kagome has had to endure more tears and hardships than the rest of us. Kagome's practically my sister and I want to tell her that frowns don't look good on her- that smiles make her eighty percent more beautiful. But how can I say all that?

How can I when she's so close to breaking down?

Kagome's always been fierce, but at the same time, she's always been frail, too. I think it's how much she loves Inuyasha that made her even more like this.

She chooses not to show her affection verbally and physically: that's something I learned about her throughout my years of being one of her best friends. But I can tell that when she looks at Inuyasha, that she's never been happier. Her eyes shine, and a steady smile takes over her face.

When I see her like that, I know that despite her anger at Koharu, despite her bitterness towards Naraku, she never has and never will regret coming here to Shikon High and meeting Inuyasha and the others.

And if we could do it all over again, I know that all of us- me, Kagome, Ayame, and Sango- would do it exactly the same.

I take one more second to memorize the beauty of this school, and move forward to enter the doors.


Ayame's P.O.V

I came to school earlier than I usually do to run around the track.

After a few laps, I step back and look at it, remembering my first time to step foot on it. It was the first day of the year, when Koga challenged me to race him and it was when I lost. It seems like forever ago.

Sighing, I stretch out my arms and then kneel on one knee, hands on either side, getting ready to take off. But just before I can sprint, a sudden hand on my shoulder jerks me back.

"Still practicing?"

I blink. "Good morning."

Koga laughs. "'Good Morning'? Why being so formal?"

I turn away from him and get into position again. "'Cause I need to practice."

Koga is silent. Finally, he says, "Hey, Ayame, want to have a race?"

I freeze. A race? Was I ready? Could I win this time?

Without thinking, I agree. "Bring it on."

He grins and then nods. We both crouch down. "Ready," he says, "Set… Go!"

I run, pushing myself to go faster and faster still.

But Koga's in front of me. Just like last time. I'm going to come second again. My hands clench into fists. Why? Why was I still losing to him despite the morning practices? This is pathetic. If Kagome was in my position, she wouldn't lose to him a second time. She's persistent like that.

I close my eyes momentarily and picture Kagome, Rin, and Sango jumping up and down, cheering for me with huge smiles. My friends… I can't let them down! If I do, then I'm just being selfish! Can't I do this one thing for them?

I push myself farther, not bothering to see if Koga's still in front of me.

But he's no longer the competition.

I realize… my only competition is myself.

Ever since I was little, I've always loved to run. I have to remember the happiness that fills my heart when I run. This is how I express myself. I can do this. I can, I can, I can. My friends are cheering for me… like they always do.

"Ayame."

I finish the lap, panting.

"Ayame."

Did I do it?

"Ayame!"

I face Koga. "WHAT?"

He smiles and pulls me into a fierce hug. "Congratulations, Ayame. You finally beat me." His breath comes short, but even so, I'm able to detect the smile in his voice. "Ayame… I know this is a little delayed, but… go out with me?"


Koga's P.O.V

(*Later that Day…*)

"You've got to be kidding me."

I scowl and thump Inuyasha on the head. "Shut up, you stinky mongrel. It's not like you're one to talk. At least I'm doing what I know is right! As for you- you're just afraid of being fired and you're completely ignoring Kagome's feelings about this whole thing. So what if I started dating Ayame? If I get fired, it's not like it's the end of the world! And although I can't believe I'm saying this, Miroku did good when he quit. Maybe I'll do the same!"

"That's ridiculous. Absolutely not."

We turn our heads in surprise at Sesshomaru's voice.

"You will do no such thing," he repeats.

"And since when did I have to listen to you?" I demand.

"I agree with the wolf on this one," Inuyasha jumps in. "Who made you the leader, huh?"

"You are both incredibly immature, regardless of your age. Anyhow, neither of you will be resigning and that's that. There's no need to. I can handle this."

I tilt my head and raise an eyebrow. "How exactly are you going to do that?"

"Unlike you, I am far more experienced. Anyways, I'm going on a little trip and might not be here for a couple days. Try not to tear the school apart before I come back, okay?"

"Wait, where are you even going anyways?" Inuyasha asks.

"That's none of your business. Well, I'm off."

Blinking, I lean back in my chair and Inuyasha puts his hands behind his head. I wonder what that was about… "Should we really be just goofing off in the teacher's lounge like this? I mean, lunch is almost over."

"Eager to see Ayame again?"

"Shut up, mutt face. And besides, what about Kago-" I immediately stop myself when I see his suddenly depressed expression. "Uh, I mean, I bet she wants to see you."

He shakes his head. "I seriously doubt that. Not after how I kept ignoring her this whole week."

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

Silence.

Then, Inuyasha lowers his head.

"You're right," he replies slowly. "That is what I wanted. I don't want her to have to move schools because of me. They're not going to fire me- I know that for certain because my Father's best friend has been the director of administration and he would never fire me or Sesshomaru. That means they would have to expel Kagome. I don't want for that to happen."

"So then… what are you going to do?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

Inuyasha puts on a solemn face.

"I'm going to break up with her."

"Then what? You're going to wait four years for her to finish high school and then ask her out again? You seriously think she'll say yes to you after four years? Besides, you say that you can't watch Kagome being expelled, right? Well, what do you think will hurt more? A stain on her school reputation, or you tearing out her heart?"

"I know what I'm doing. Besides, if I treat her coldly, she'll feel no remorse when I break up with her."

I scoff. "You think treating her coldly will save her heart?"

Inuyasha closes his eyes and gets up from his chair and makes his way over to the door. "I'm an adult, Koga. She's still just a child. Getting mixed with me was bound to give her bad luck from the start." He exits the room.

I let out a sigh. "Inuyasha… you idiot."


Kagome's P.O.V

"I'm just so happy, Kags!" Ayame gushes, a bright and happy glow to her face. Then she launches into the story about the race and how he asked her out… for the hundredth time that morning.

Sango laughs. "I'm happy for you."

Rin nods. "Yeah, you totally deserve it! But… where's Miroku today? And Sesshomaru?"

Some girl sitting across from us leans over. "You guys don't know? Professor Miroku quit his job yesterday. He no longer teaches here."

My face goes blank. "Wha…? Miroku quit?"

Sango fumbles with her hands in her lap. "About that… I was meaning to tell you guys but there was never a good opportunity. I'm sorry. The truth is, he came over to my house yesterday and told me that due to school rules, he had to either move or give me up, so… he chose to quit."

Inuyasha already talked to me about this… but he told me that it wasn't a big deal! Not unless Kaedae or her boss found out…

"That's so romantic!" Rin chirps, breaking my reverie.

"Aren't you worried, though? About you and Sesshomaru?"

"Nope. I really do believe that Sesshy will somehow get us through. What about you, Kagome?"

I smile as genuinely as I can but avoid their eyes. "To be honest with you, I'm not really sure."

"Um, Kagome, are we still doing that Christmas shopping this weekend?" Ayame asks.

"Sure," I agree. "I'm not sure if Inuyasha will be coming though."

"Can you still ask him though?" Rin insists.

I nod. "Okay, I will."

So throughout the day, I look for a good chance to ask Inuyasha about the Christmas shopping trip, but every time I manage to meet his gaze, he breaks it. When the last bell rings, I immediately run outside to the parking lot to catch Inuyasha before he can drive home. I spot him getting into his car and I sprint across the lot and park myself in front of his vehicle.

"What are you doing?"

"Um, well… about the plans we had over the weekend…"

"What plans?"

"Remember how we would all get together and-"

He shakes his head. "Sorry, but I'm busy."

"But before, you said-"

"Like I said, I'm busy this weekend. You guys will have to go without me. Again, sorry. Have fun. Now, can you please get out of the way? I don't want you getting hit by a car."

I move aside, head tilted down and hands in fists.

Inuyasha's car hums but just before he can start driving, I raise my head again. "Inuyasha, before you go, can I… can I talk to you for a bit?"

"I've got to get home-"

"Just for a bit. I'd like to have a chat with you. It won't take more than five minutes, I promise."

He sighs then kills the engine. "Fine but no longer than five minutes."

I nod.

After seven seconds of silence, he makes an agitated sound. "Look, if you have nothing to say, then I'll be going."

"I heard about Miroku," I interrupt. "Apparently he left so he could stay together with Sango. I thought you said that no one really pays attention to rules. You said that the "teachers-cannot-date-their-students" thing wasn't a big deal as long as we didn't show any PDA during school hours. If so, then why did Miroku have to quit his job? And why isn't Sesshomaru at school? Has he quit, too?"

"No, he hasn't. He said he would be on a little trip for the next few days. As for Miroku- that was his decision. But let me tell you- nothing good comes out of dropouts. I admire his devotion to Sango but quitting was unnecessary. Also-"

"Did I… do something wrong?"

My voice comes out weaker and more broken than I had planned, and as I angrily meet his dark eyes, I blink out the tears, unwilling to show weakness. "Why did you change? You're not the person that I agreed to date and you're definitely not the person I fell in love with. If it was something I did or said, I'll take it back. Just please… go back to how you were before. You may be wearing Inuyasha's face and have Inuyasha's voice, but you will never be even half the man he was."

Inuyasha pauses. "My, you do complain a lot. I don't think I've met a girl as whiny and ungrateful as you."

"I… I'm not in love with you. I don't even know who you are!"

He lets out a humorless laugh. "Come on- can't you even tell who I am? I'm Inuyasha. Always was."

"You're not… I refuse to believe you're Inuyasha. Did somebody blackmail you to do this? Were you threatened? There must be something! I… I have trust in you. I know for a fact that this isn't the real you. I know you're acting this way on purpose! Is it because… of the rule-"

"No. That has nothing to do with it."

"I… I can't possibly be in love with someone like you…"

"Are you breaking up with me, Kagome?"

I can't.

I can't break up with Inuyasha.

Because despite everything I said, I still love him.

I remember how happy his smiles made me, how his laughter brightened my day. How his warmth and arms always made me feel safe and how my heart fluttered whenever he would tell me he loved me.

I'm in love… for all the simplest things in the world.

And there's nothing I can do.

"No, I'm not."

He laughs again, the sound unfamiliar and distant. "Oh?"

"You're not the real Inuyasha. But I love him, so I'll wait for him to come back. I'll wait for him to come back into his body."

For a second, his eyes seem to soften but the second I detect it, it's gone. "Well, it's obviously been much longer than five minutes so I'm going home. Thank you dearly for your sweet little speech on true love, but I have to go now." Then he starts the car and zooms off.

Inuyasha… what's wrong with you?

That weekend, I meet up with everyone except for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha and we laugh and talk and look around for good presents to buy each other. Miroku talks about how he's already been hired at a local restaurant, but that he wants to open his own someday in the future.

I laugh along with a cheerful grin on my face, but I just can't get into the mood. But I get thinking into what Inuyasha said. Maybe I am too whiny and ungrateful. Maybe that's why he's angry with me. But no… my Inuyasha wouldn't… he wouldn't be so sadistic.

"…can't wait to see it. Kagome? Kagome!"

"Huh? Oh, um, can you repeat that?"

Sango bites into her banana crepe. "I said I can't wait to see what you got Inuyasha."

"Oh, I… I just got him a watch," I lie.

"That's nice," Miroku grins. "You should have gotten something engraved on the back! He would like that."

I force myself to nod enthusiastically. "Yeah, that's what I did."

"Kagome," Koga say suddenly. "That jerk doesn't deserve you. Dump him."

A startled silence waves over all of us. Finally, Ayame smacks him on the arm.

"Koga, stop saying ridiculous stuff," she admonishes.

"Yeah, Koga, why would she do that?" Sango wants to know.

"Koga… I know that you're trying to save me from heartache," I say steadily. "And thank you or worrying about me. But until he dumps me, I'm stuck with him. That's what I get for falling in love. Anyways, I'm going to go home now. Today was fun. Thank you, everyone… I love you all so much."

I wave and then bolt into a run, towards home, towards safety.

Towards the only place I know I'll be unharmed.


Christmas arrives.

And as planned, I get ready to head over to Ayame's place where everyone will be gathering to celebrate. Since I insisted to Rin that she leave before me, I'm the only one left to arrive.

Determined to look a bit different than usual, I curl the ends of my hair and put on a tiny amount of lipgloss. With a red satin shirt with a white bow at the collar and a dark and light green checkered skirt as well as white stockings and brown boots, I gather all the presents for my friends and begin to go out.

"Kagome? Are you leaving now?"

I turn around and smile. "Yup."

"Have a good time, dear," Mama says in her calming, light-hearted voice.

"Don't worry- I will!"

"Oh and Kagome? Remember- I want Inuyasha as my son-in-law."

I smile. "I'll remember."

So, taking the bus, I make my way to Ayame's house and when the door is opened, four little husky pups jump onto me. I laugh I pet them.

"Hey, Kagome! Come on in!"

"Kagome, guess who made it?"

I look around to see: Sango, Miroku, Ayame, Koga, Rin… and Inuyasha.

All the way from the food to the carol singing, tension is in the air.

And finally, comes the last part of the night- gift exchanges.

Normally, this would be my favorite part, but tonight, all I can think about is whether I should hand Inuyasha his present.

For Miroku I got a cookbook as well as a box of chocolates, Sango- an "Idiot's Guide to Dating" (we both laughed hard about that one) and a rose-pendant necklace, Ayame's gift is a pair of furry white slippers, mittens, and scarf (not real fur, of course), Koga was bought a watch (nothing terribly expensive), Rin got five books: one romantic comedy, one mystery/horror, one fantasy/supernatural, and two textbooks- math and science. Even though Sesshomaru isn't here, I still bought him the same box of chocolates that were given to Miroku and a big encyclopedia on the human body (I always kind of pictured him as a doctor, you know?).

Lastly, Inuyasha.

His present is definitely the least expensive, but…

My present to him is a mini photo album and a card.

That's it.

I give everyone their presents which they all love. Except for Inuyasha. Well, maybe he did like it, but he showed no emotions on his face as he flipped through the album, looking at the pictures. But when he read the card, a flicker of what looked like guilt crosses his face.

I received gifts, too.

And all of them are wonderful and heartfelt. But the only one I can't seem to unwrap is Inuyasha's.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" his voice shatters my thoughts. "Don't you know it's rude to just sit there and ignore someone's gift?"

"You… you actually got me something?" I ask carefully.

He winces, but then covers it up with a smirk. "Now that's just harsh. Anyways, open it."

So I do. But very slowly.

Inside the paper lies a small white box and when I open it, a gold bracelet is set inside. The thing chain makes most of the bracelet, but in the middle is a pendant-like, flat oval that reads Kagome H. With the period after "H" put as a heart.

It's beautiful, of course, but it doesn't exactly seem like the kind of present I would get from Inuyasha.

"Thank you," I tell him, unsurely.

He shrugs. "Just in case, for some reason, you get amnesia and need to remember your name. Being so clumsy, getting amnesia would be no problem for you."

And when he smirks, I catch a glimpse of the guy that once loved me as much as I love him.

After all the thank-you's are over with, everyone starts to make their way home.

"I can't believe Sesshy couldn't make it," Rin tells me sadly when we arrive at the shrine. "I got him an awesome present, too… I wonder what he's doing?" She sighs.

"Don't worry. If he had to miss something as important as our Christmas get-together, I bet he was doing something super important. And as for the gift- I'm sure you'll be able to give it to him when he returns from his trip."

"You're probably right," Rin agrees. "Oh yeah, Kagome, I've been meaning to ask this, but did you notice that Inuyasha was acting a bit differently today?"

I purse my lips. "No, I… I didn't notice a thing."


(*After their short winter break…*)

"Kagome, can I talk to you?"

Surprised, I blink rapidly. "What?" I ask, just as I'm about to leave the school building.

"Can I talk to you for a bit?" Inuyasha repeats with chilling patience.

"Um, sure…"

"Outside."

I frown. "Alright then. But I've got to get the groceries today so-"

"Don't worry, it'll be fast," Inuyasha promises.

With hope bursting in my chest that maybe finally Inuyasha has returned to normal, we both go outside to the back of Shikon High.

"Kagome, when you get older, do you wish to have a family?"

I raise my eyebrows at the randomness of the question. "I guess I do."

"I see. Kagome, I… I met this girl the other day, and she's amazing- beautiful, smart, quick-witted, sweet. You would love her."

Sounds like Koharu. Uh oh.

I frown. "And…?"

"She's nineteen, so that's means she's close to my age, too. Kagome, I really want to start dating her. She's very mature and… well, I think that, as fun as this has been, you just can't compete with someone like her because in truth, you're too young for me. You're sweet, too, and you're certainly not dumb or ugly, but…" he cracks a smirk. "Naivety isn't exactly an attractive trait. Don't get me wrong- there's nothing wrong with you. I don't take back any compliments of praise I've given to you. Anyways, back to the subject- I don't think this romance will last very long anyways. So…"

My face pales. "Oh my God… you're breaking up with me…" my voice cracks and my hands tremble slightly by my sides, the gold bracelet on my left wrist shaking because of my quivering.

Inuyasha nods. "Yeah, I suppose I am."

Too numb to fight back, yell, or even cry, I stumble onto the sidewalk and begin in the direction of the shrine, eyes hollow and thoughts spinning inside my head.

But when I get to the main road that I have to cross, I see the red light and walk across slowly.

Just then, the light turns green, but I don't notice and continue to walk at my snail-like pace.

It's only when the headlights of a car flash into my eyes that I realize I car is heading for me.

And then, my scream echoes through the entire town.


Inuyasha's P.O.V

I walk back into the school, heart in two thousand pieces.

The sight of Kagome falling apart right in front of me… it'll haunt me for days.

The one person I loved more than anyone else I've ever loved now hates me. And that's just as well…

"Inuyasha, stop looking like a beaten puppy and get ready for home."

Sesshomaru?

"And just so you know, I'm not working at Shikon anymore. I am now officially the head of the administration of education. Aka, Kaedae's boss. And I'll allow our relationships with the girls. See? Problem solved."

"But-"

"I'll explain it all when everyone is here. Where's Kagome?"

Kagome?

That's right! If Sesshomaru's the boss, then… then I'll be able to see her again!

Eyes shining, I run out, and make my way to Kagome's house.

I need to tell her!

I need to tell her that I was lying, that she could hate me if she wants, but that now, I'm free to love her without having to worry about her expulsion.

Then, I reach the main road, but there's a huge crowd, all gathering around what looks like an ambulance.

Frowning, I wonder who it is that's in the accident. Curious, I push my way to the front of the circle of people.

To say my world completely blew apart after I see who the victim of the accident is, is the biggest understatement of the century.


AN: I feel incredibly guilty for leaving you guys without an update for three weeks (and two days)! I'm so sorry- please forgive me~

The day I intended to update the chapter, I got a terrible cold and I currently feel like crap. -_-;

Anyways, I hope this chapter which is the longest by far so far makes up for it.

I know I left you with an evil cliffie but if you guys review (and forgive me!), I'll definitely update a whole lot sooner.

Lots of Love,

Nyony

(PS: Inuyasha really is an idiot, isn't he? *sigh*)