Chapter 34

I am quite an outrageous guy. I woke up at my usual time in the morning, only finding out that I had probably the worst hangover of all time. It sucked. My head felt like it was going to burst any minute, and I couldn't even talk because my own voice was too loud. But you know what I did? I got out of bed, showered, got dressed, ate, and drove to school. Just so I could see Kagome. Not many guys are that crazy about a girl to go to that extent. Then again, I'm pretty much more then crazy about Kagome.

"Feeling better?"

Miroku asked me at lunchtime as I shoved my books into my locker. I just groaned in response, making him chuckle. No, in fact, I was not feeling better. I was feeling worse. My headache had gotten even more painful and Kagome avoided me all morning. So no, thank you very much, I was not feeling better.

"Listen InuYasha, you know I'm sorry about the whole Kikyo thing…right?"

Miroku asked me, sincerity glinting in his eyes. I nodded my head, not wanting to speak. I really did forgive him. All he was trying to do was help me get Kagome. Even though it all backfired on me…

"Inu-baby?"

Miroku and I both turned around to see Kikyo standing there, her lips pouting out.

"What do you want Kikyo?"

I groaned, not only because she was annoying but also because my voice sounded shrill and awful to my ears. Damn hangover.

"I want you to forgive me baby."

She cooed, stepping closer.

"How about no."

"Don't be mean Inu! You know we'll get through this…that's what couples do."

"Kikyo!"

I yelled, not even caring that it made my head scream. She needed to get this and the only way I could drill it into her thick skull was if I shouted.

"We are not a couple! It was a mistake to even suggest that to you!"

She looked puzzled so I continued.

"The only reason I 'dated' you was to make Kagome jealous. That's all."

Her puzzled expression turned to awe with a smudge of…sadness? I lowered my voice and softened my eyes.

"I'm sorry Kikyo. It was wrong to use you like that and I shouldn't have brought you into this."

She was silent for a while but then she finally spoke up, her head slowly shaking.

"I just don't understand…"

"What? What is there to not get?"

She brought her head up and faced me, her eyebrow arching up.

"Why would you choose someone like her over someone like me?"

Oh. My. God. Too bad you can't hit girls because this one seriously needs a good smack on the head.

"You're impossible Kikyo! How can you not get this? I don't feel the same way about you!"

"How do you feel about Kagome then?"

I pictured her face smiling and the way she said my name. I imagined her tinkering little laugh, the sweet smell of vanilla that floated around her, the softness of her lips…I couldn't control my smile.

"I love her."

Kikyo looked taken aback and was speechless for a bit.

"W-what? You love her?"

"Yeah…I really do."

She sneered at me, crossing her arms.

"InuYasha Kamaki does not fall in love."

My smile dropped but I didn't look away from her.

"Then obviously you don't know InuYasha Kamaki that well."

"I don't need this right now."

She turned around and began walking away, but shouted to me over her shoulder.

"Let's just hope that I'll be willing to take you back when you realize your lover girl's a disappointment!"

"Feh. She sure knows how to make someone go mad."

I chuckled, turning back around to Miroku. My mouth dropped and my eyes widened. Miroku wasn't standing there alone. Kagome was beside him.

"Uh…hi Kagome."

I shot Miroku a look but he just shrugged his shoulders and walked the other way, leaving us alone.

"What…what's up?"

Act cool, casual, calm. Do not freak out.

"You defended me."

She stated calmly, her voice not showing any emotion.

"Um...yeah. I guess I did."

"But…you defended me yesterday as well."

"Well you have a right to be defended."

I was about to say something more to fill in the awkward silence, but I couldn't. She had moved in and wrapped her arms around my waist, resting her head against my chest. It took my breath away.

"Kagome…"

I whispered, but then gave into the hug. I wrapped my arms around her small frame and dug my head into her hair. My headache was forgotten and was replaced by utter bliss.

"Thank you InuYasha."

She said quietly, pulling back but not meeting my gaze.

"Anytime Kagome."

Then she too began to walk away. I called after her.

"Kagome wait! Where are you going?"

She stopped walking and looked over her shoulder the tiniest bit, still not meeting my eyes though.

"Hojo is waiting for me."

And she walked away, taking the last piece of my heart with her.