Learn It by Heart

by fr0stedFLAKES

There are some things that can be taught and others you can only learn through experience. Some subjects you can master and others you can completely fail at. No one ever said love was easy, but damn, no one ever told Inuyasha it was THIS difficult. Love in his 30's is harder than he thought. Can he get an A in the subject of love? (Rated M for language)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, but I own this story/concept...and your heart. ;)

Rated for profanity.

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Summary:

There are some things that can be taught and others you can only learn through experience. Some subjects you can master and others you can completely fail at. No one ever said love was easy, but damn, no one ever told Inuyasha it was THIS difficult. Love in his 30's is harder than he thought. Can he get an A+ in the subject of love?

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Learn It by Heart

Love 101

A lesson in how to talk to your crush

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1 cloud

2 clouds clumped together

These were cumulus clouds, right? He hadn't thought about the different types of clouds since he had first learned about them in grade school. To this day, he could say it wasn't so important to know.

Another cloud that was in the shape of a hand holding an apple if he squinted hard enough floated by without a single care. Had it always been this damn bright outside?

When was the last time he had laid in the grass and cloud gazed? Never.

"That's exactly why I said-"

Golden orbs scanned the sky as he desperately searched for more ways to busy himself as the incessant ringing in his ears grew.

He didn't care much for this conversation which he had bluntly stated just 5 minutes ago before the person next to him continued on with their endless rambling. If they didn't care to stop talking to him then he simply wouldn't care about listening.

Maybe when I retire I can start cloud gazing. It wasn't something he could find much enjoyment in now, aside from using it to forcefully pass time, but he could picture those that were retired and with time on their hands enjoying such an activity.

"So what do you think I should do, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha heaved a heavy sigh, still not interested in the topic of conversation. "I don't know, buy her flowers?"

Damnit. He cursed internally. Despite his desperate attempts to tune out his dearest friend's voice, he had heard every annoying word said.

As if disgusted with the advice, his friend's face twisted in a deep scowl. "What are you? A 12-year-old boy that hasn't hit puberty yet? Flowers? That's elementary, my dear." He slung his arm over Inuyasha's shoulder. "I get this girl flowers every other week as a thank you gift for being so amazing. As a natural romantic at heart, it's in my character." Inuyasha rolled his eyes, more than ready to tune his friend out again. "I was hoping you could provide a new perspective, something different I hadn't thought about since we're so different in the love department."

"Get your arm off me before I break it, Miroku." He pinched the tight skin on the back of his friend's hand as he tossed it off of him. "And why are you trying so hard? You know she'll like anything you do."

Miroku literally did everything for his current girlfriend. Flowers, clothes, dates out of a movie, being a somewhat decent gentleman (minus his wandering eyes), words of affirmation, and the list went on. It was honestly beyond Inuyasha that Miroku was doing so much for one person, mainly because he knew the girl in question and she was one of the most low-key, simplistic, down-to-earth girls he knew. That being said, Inuyasha felt Miroku went above and beyond with his gestures when it wasn't even necessary.

Miroku rubbed the back of his now sore hand as he eyed his friend. "I make sure to fill her up on all 5 love languages because she deserves all of them. Besides, a proposal is different from an everyday date."

This type of sappy romantic shit was enough to make Inuyasha gag two times over. Miroku, someone he would consider one of his closest friends, if not his best friend, had been like this since the day they had first met. Romantic, always thinking about others, kind, talkative, and annoying. He stood at a fine 6'0 feet exactly with a body that was oddly proportionate in Inuyasha's eyes. Most people didn't have proportionate bodies, so it was odd that everything just seemed to fit perfectly on the irritating man. Sleek black hair, toned physique, and a sickeningly flirty personality was the only way Inuyasha could think to describe Miroku. When Miroku wasn't working, he could be caught with earrings, casual formal wear, and a girl on each arm. Or at least that was until he got a girlfriend last year.

"I'm done with this conversation." As Inuyasha began to walk out of the room, Miroku latched on to his arm.

"Come on, we still have 5 minutes of break before we have to go back to those heathens," Miroku joked, though his face held strong desperation for not wanting to go back to his job.

"Exactly, only 5 minutes. I'd like to enjoy what little time I have left."

"Enjoy it with me."

Inuyasha shrugged Miroku off of him. This touchy-feely behavior would have to stop at some point, Miroku knew Inuyasha hated it. "I think I've had more than enough of my fill of you."

Miroku offered his friend gentle pats to the shoulder as if hoping to comfort his friend he pitied. "Take lessons from me my friend and you'll finally land yourself a girlfriend."

Inuyasha's eyes drifted down to the hand that had somehow ended up touching him again. What was this situation? Inuyasha felt like that was his catchphrase in life because he had been asking that question frequently since working at this school. The eyes full of deep pity. The consoling hand. The feeling of his friend honestly thinking he couldn't get a girl if he wanted to.

Inuyasha all but shoved Miroku's hand off of him as he jutted a pointed finger out at him. "Get your hand off of me!" Of all the people to look down on him, Miroku certainly wasn't the one to do it. It was like the poor looking down on someone else because he had 2 more cents than the other, it just didn't make sense. "I'm not interested in taking lessons from someone that was single for most of his life up until now."

Inuyasha could hear the women on the other side of the room giggling about the two, no doubt listening in on their conversation. This, this is exactly why Inuyasha hated coming to this room. Nothing but nosy, gossiping women in here. Not that he was one to say all women gossiped, but it was typically only women that stayed in this room during lunchtime. Out of the three times he had eaten here, they had done nothing but gossip about the most irrelevant things.

Anytime Miroku and Inuyasha met for lunch, they would meet on the school's rooftop where Inuyasha didn't have to bother being around people. Miroku knew how Inuyasha felt about being in this room when it wasn't absolutely necessary. 95% of the time when he had free time to relax during their break, someone always tried to talk to him or ask him for a favor. Inuyasha was just grateful that no one had asked him today seeing as he had made sure not to make direct eye contact with anyone since entering this room.

Miroku winked at Inuyasha. "I was just waiting for the right one to come along is all." Not necessarily a lie. There was no point in specifically asking a girl to be his one and only unless he was sure they were a good fit. Sure, it may have taken him 30 years to find the right woman, but better late than never, right?

Inuyasha leaned his back against the window seal as he turned to face the door. In about 1 minute, he would be free, he was just waiting for the damned bell to ring, then there would be no more talk about love, or flowers, or proposals, or whatever the hell else Miroku was on about.

The room was filled with people enjoying the lunch break and carrying on conversations with one another. From his position, he could see people already walking outside, hurrying back to where they were needed before the bell even chimed.

His eyes lingered on a couple of people as they crossed the door he was currently staring at.

"Earth to Inuyasha?" Miroku shoved his hand in front of Inuyasha's face as he began to wave it back and forth, effectively disturbing him from watching everyone pass by the opened door. "This is-"

Miroku started to ramble on about something else as the bells finally rang, signaling that it was time to go, but Inuyasha was officially listening to one of the conversations that had started as a name he knew was spoken. It wasn't even a conversation that had started, but one that had suddenly switched to gossip about some of the teachers passing by. The two women all but cackled to themselves from their positions at their desks as they talked amongst each other.

Inuyasha turned to the women with mild disgust. At suddenly having his attention, both women flushed, their talking becoming hurried whispers of excitement. As he looked the women over, he realized he had never had a real conversation with them. Just simple exchanges of good morning, do you have a pen, and thank you for your hard work- the most common forms of exchange to be had.

Miroku watched with piqued interest as Inuyasha walked away from him in the middle of talking and approached the young women. Inuyasha placed a gentle hand on their desk as he leaned down to speak with them, mindful of all the documents and papers scattered around messily.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Takahashi -"

Inuyasha cut the loudest of the two off, not keen on fake formalities. "Ya' know, the things one says behind someone's back is a clear reflection of themselves." Inuyasha flashed a smirk their way before going about his business and exiting the room. He could have died from laughter as the women seemed not only embarrassed but baffled by his coarse words.

Miroku was quick to utter a few apologies before chasing after Inuyasha. "Come on, please be nice to the people here." Miroku was practically sweating his ass off. "You choose to keep quiet half the time and when you finally open your mouth, that's what you choose to say?"

Inuyasha had made it his goal to be as unproblematic as possible with his 'new job', but even he had his limits.

Inuyasha put on the purest look he could muster. Wide-eyed and with feigned innocence, he asked, "What do you mean?"

"I really went out on a limb getting you this job, don't make me regret it."

Yea, he had gotten Inuyasha the job. Didn't mean Inuyasha planned to keep his mouth shut when people were being ridiculous around him.

It had been about five months since Inuyasha had started this job. While it wasn't his first career choice, he was in need of a job and his friend had been kind enough to help him get the position, so why not take it? Minus the occasional annoying person, the job was pretty alright. He wasn't in need of much money so the shitty paycheck didn't bother him much. Everyone here was either really nice to him or didn't typically bother him which he was also more than fine with. In fact, people at his job seemed to really like him for one reason or another without him needing to do much. Inuyasha had to admit he produced some of the best results despite only working there for a short amount of time compared to his work colleagues.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "You should be talking to them, what right do they have to call someone else a pig when they cake on make-up as if they're ugly like one."

What was said wasn't necessarily true. Everyone in his department was oddly attractive, with or without makeup, so it felt odd to make the analogy.

Miroku sighed, "Please-"

"Yea, yea, be nice. Be good. Don't make me look bad, I've heard it all before." Miroku was like a broken record playing the same damn tune. Inuyasha was tired of it.

Why did Miroku feel like a parent asking their child not to embarrass them in public? He knew if he pestered Inuyasha anymore than he already did, he would just get tuned out again. Miroku gave one more sigh before he remembered something he had meant to ask Inuyasha. " Oh, are you going drinking with everyone tonight?" Miroku had nearly forgotten to ask since he was in charge of checking who would be coming tonight.

"I would literally rather burn in hell," Inuyasha said with a curt wave as he tried to beat the second bell before officially being late.

As much as he complained about this job, it was strange how close everyone was. They typically went out drinking every couple of weeks to unwind and catch up. Inuyasha hadn't bothered attending the events, but he was always invited each and every time as if his answer would suddenly change.

Once close enough to his room, Inuyasha paused to stare outside the windows. He could see some of the prettiest scenery around the area at the front of the building where the trees stood tall and the sun shined its brightest; Inuyasha found his eyes lingering outside the wide windows as a sense of bliss overtook him. His classroom was in the perfect location to just stare and admire all that nature had to offer around the school.

With it being spring, the cherry blossoms were just at the end of the blooming season as they scattered about. The weather was warmer, signaling that the scenery was soon to become something beautiful and that meant he would have to stop bundling up in thick clothing, much to his relief.

I guess I like Spring. Out of all of his time on this god-forsaken Earth, it was his first time to ever think of Spring as his favorite season. Then again, it was his first time experiencing spring in this area of Japan. Despite growing up fairly close to here, he never had a reason to come to this city outside of visiting friends here from time to time.

This area was just naturally beautiful with deep green grass, trees around the entrance of the building, and a nice garden located towards the back near the extracurricular activities hall. It was fair to say that he worked in an inherently beautiful place.

" Mr. Takahashi." He was pulled from his thoughts as his name was called.

Rather than grunt as he typically did when his name was spoken, he turned from the beautiful scenery before him to gaze into deep brown eyes, instantly caught off guard by how close they had gotten without him noticing. One of the teachers in his department stood peering up at him as she waited for him to acknowledge her.

She just passed by the office earlier, what is she doing back here? He clearly remembered the pattern of her tan pencil skirt as she walked by, it reminded him of a caramel cow and was quite hard to miss.

" Ms. Higurashi." He replied with a terse nod.

She offered a nod in a similar fashion with a light smile before scurrying off to her destination. Inuyasha's eyes trailed after her as it dawned on him.

She said hi to me.

Not necessarily a hi, but she had actually addressed him. For the first time. He didn't even know she knew his name. Not once in his five months of teaching had she acknowledged him and now she was speaking to him? They hadn't had too many opportunities to interact with each other, but now that the opportunity presented itself Inuyasha couldn't help the smirk that was gradually making its way to his face.

She said hi to me. So what if it wasn't a hi, he would take it as one.

He could feel his cheeks flush with the thought.

Inuyasha Takahashi.

A 30-year-old grown man.

Was feeling flustered about his crush addressing him in the hallway.

Maybe Miroku was onto something about me being a 12-year-old boy. It sure as hell felt like he was one. Even in high school, he didn't feel as flustered about a girl saying hi to him. Then again, he never really got the chance with how his "high school" experience was. Was this late puberty for high school experiences?

Having a crush as a grown adult was one of the weirdest experiences Inuyasha had ever felt. First came meeting her and thinking she was truly an attractive person. Next came the oddly weird sensation of being highly aware of when she was near and of her every movement. Then came on the odd flutters in his chest when she just so happened to graze his skin accidentally as she passed by. And then the sudden crushing realization that all of these symptoms combined meant that he had a crush...as a grown man…Having to make sense of all of his bizarre symptoms and feelings about her was strange, especially when he realized what it meant.

It hit him like a ton of bricks a couple of months ago and he hadn't been able to shake the feeling since. When he actually took the time to sort out what he was feeling and thinking, he decided he couldn't quite say he liked her but more that he was interested in everything she had presented in front of him.

In saying that he had a crush, he felt a crush was a term that could be coined to having an interest or light feelings to numerous people at once, but liking was solely for one person at a time. He didn't know enough about her to like her, but he would be lying if he said he would turn down an opportunity to spend more time with her. Despite coming to the revelation months ago, it still felt odd to think about.

Inuyasha Takahashi had a crush on blah blah Higurashi...He had yet to learn her first name.

Ring Ring

"Shit." Inuyasha quickly walked to his destination. He was gonna get hell and another lecture if he was late again.

Sure enough, the room was in an uproar as 16 of the craziest bunch Inuyasha had ever worked with talked and laughed amongst each other.

"He's late."

"He's always late!"

"If that was me, I would've gotten written up." Another mumbled under their breath.

"He can be as late as he wants when he looks like that."

Inuyasha glared at each of them as he took his position in front of the classroom. "Alright class, quiet down."

Inuyasha looked out at the noisy lot as they slowly worked their way back to their seats.

Here he was, a 12th-grade math teacher, standing in front of his class and effectively working towards getting them to quiet down. Again, never in a thousand years did he think he would be a teacher. But it would be the biggest lie if he said he wasn't good at it. By far, he was the best damn math teacher this school had ever seen. Even stranger, he was good at getting the students to understand difficult math. With Miroku knowing how good Inuyasha was with numbers, he had begged him to take the job at his small high school.

Inuyasha was impatient, had the mouth of a sailor half the time, and didn't like to follow strict rules. However, here he was working in a job where he needed patience, to use appropriate language, and to set an example as a role model for his students. As many terrible qualities that he had as a teacher, he had just as many that made him the perfect candidate. Not only the perfect candidate but one of the best with classes that produced the highest of grade results in the whole damn school. Least to say, he was damn right good at his job and the school couldn't afford to lose him.

"Look at his face!" One girl squealed in delight. "It's bloodshot red."

"Maybe he just got done meeting his wife for lunch."

"No, no. He probably just ran to class because he was late again."

"It's not his wife, it's his fiancee!" Another corrected.

The girls screamed in pure excitement as the boys laughed. Inuyasha could feel a twitch coming on as the students continued on talking about what could have caused him to be late for the hundredth time. These damned kids with their damned imaginations.

Is my face really that red? Inuyasha thought to himself. He wouldn't dare look in a mirror. He wasn't too sure of how he would react if what was being said was true.

"You know I just saw Ms. Higurashi walk by."

It was as if the whole classroom went quiet with that single statement. All eyes were officially on him as they waited to see if he would either confirm or deny that the hue of his face was due to a certain beautiful young woman strutting by. Unfortunately for him, he didn't get the chance to outright lie and say that it wasn't true.

"Oh my god, his face is getting redder!" One of the students laughed.

This was the price he had to pay for being the laid-back teacher. Now he was being laughed at and ridiculed by his students with no one to come to his defense. Not so much laughed at, but more so the students cooing about how cute it was with giggles and chuckles.

Inuyasha took a deep breath as he took a stack of papers out from his desk. "Oh, that's a mighty big laugh, Akihito. That's exactly how I laughed when I graded your last test. I'm sure that's how I'll laugh again when I give out the pop quizzes I have over here."

The class instantly went silent, you could hear a pin drop with how deafeningly quiet the students had gotten when it came to their grades. Said student went as pale as a sheet of paper, Inuyasha had a good mind to ask the kid if he was okay. Truth be told, said jokester got a B on the last test, but Inuyasha would let him suffer for a while. In fact, he'd call this particular student's name last to let him really suffer.

Inuyasha took his position in front of the class as he looked down at his students. "Alright, as I call your names, come up and get your papers, we'll review the answers briefly before going on to new material."

As he drawled out the names and the students began comparing their grades, he had to think about how odd life was for him to end up here, with a bunch of loud-ass kids teaching them the wonders of math. More oddly, he loved his job and every second of it. He was in need of a job, which was one of a couple of reasons Inuyasha had accepted the offer here, but to actually think he would enjoy it was something he had never expected.

Maybe if he were someone else it would be a different story. If he were a little less handsome or even a little less smart, he wouldn't have as much respect that he was given as not only an attractive young man but as a class with the highest grades. The school simply couldn't afford to let him go after seeing his performance over the last five months. With it going into his sixth month of teaching, he was really seeing how lucky he was to be here.

After calling out each students' name, he returned to his desk to find the answer sheet for the test. "Remember what I said about if the class average was above an 88." He smiled at the class as he returned to his podium and leaned on it.

The class talked in hurried whispers as they happily spoke about the deal they had made with their teacher. Inuyasha felt it was good to be realistic with students and had always offered them life advice. One being that at times with work, good results were rewarded. While it may not be the case for all jobs, anytime Inuyasha was in a place of higher position in work, he wanted to make sure that each employee felt appreciated and that it was a joy for them to come to work. That being said, rewarding team effort and good work was a must to keep his employees happy to work for him and go above and beyond for him.

One of the girls clapped, happy to see their teacher with a smile on his face. "You said you'd pay for the whole class to go to karaoke. A smile must mean we did it, right?" She asked, matching his smile.

Inuyasha pointed at his smirk as it grew. "You think this smile is for you guys?" He laughed as he gripped his sides. "This smile is for the money being saved in my wallet. The average was 84%."

The students groaned in response to their teacher's torture. He seemed a bit too happy at their high, but low score.

One of the students that had nearly gotten 100 frowned. "You're too harsh on us, teach'."

Inuyasha hit the back of his hand against the test answers a few times. "Should've studied a bit more, eh? And that's Mr. Takahashi, Yamaguchi. Everyone go to question 7, everyone got 1-6 correct so we'll start from here unless there are any other questions."

As the students continued their groans of protest, Inuyasha had to admit he was proud of them. The test he had given was fairly difficult, which was another reason as to why he had offered an incentive. He was sweating as he graded back-to-back high scores. Even if he could manage to afford to pay for the students to go to karaoke, that was on a list of things he didn't want to waste his money on. He had really expected an average of around 80% with how difficult the test was, but to see them get 84 made him feel satisfied.

He really did enjoy teaching this lot of degenerates as they managed to make his life interesting, and dare he say, give it more purpose than it already had. Teaching wasn't a walk in the park and he certainly had his days where it was difficult, but for nearly six straight months in a row, he could honestly say his students were all great and made his job enjoyable. Even when they gave him a hard time, they all seemed to truly enjoy his class which made him enjoy teaching them.

Dai Ito, a student Inuyasha clearly remembered as getting one of the lowest grades, raised his hand.

"Yes?" Inuyasha asked as his eyes roamed over the answer sheet. He was hoping they could finish everything on his schedule so that he could sit down and relax before the next class.

"So was it Ms. Higurashi that caused your face to get red?"

Inuyasha calmly put down his paper as he leaned on the podium with clasped hands. He was more than happy to give them a charming smile as he said, "Alright class, pop quiz!"

More moans and glares of death were thrown at Ito. Regardless of the students' complaints, Inuyasha had but one thought.

I love my job.

---

I hate my life.

He had said it each step of the way as he seriously contemplated just going home.

For the second time today, Inuyasha had to ask himself.

What is this situation? He cussed to himself as he looked at the giddy man next to him. "Because of this idiot." He mumbled under his breath.

"What was that my dearest best friend?"

You're about to lose your so-called dearest best friend. Inuyasha stopped walking as he glared at Miroku. "This is the last time I'm letting you blackmail and/or extort me with that stupid ass excuse." Not only had this man called him and begged him to go out after he was already home, but he had used the same exact words that had plagued Inuyasha for the last five months.

"But it's true, I really did-"

"Yes, I know you, idiot. You did me one favor by getting me a job. One favor equals one other favor in return. It's called equivalent exchange. Why the hell have you been using it against me for the last 5 months!?"

For food, for a place to stay when he was kicked out of the apartment, to borrow his car, to help him surprise his girlfriend, for money, to help him climb a fence- why was Inuyasha paying back this one favor a million times over? Miroku called on him for the most mundane and stupidest of things with the reasoning that he

A. Never asks for anything. (Aka: The biggest lie Miroku has repeatedly told)

B. Inuyasha owed him for getting him the job (A sad but true fact at this point)

"Well, I wouldn't have pushed you to come if I didn't want you to make up with the teachers you called out earlier today."

Inuyasha knew he asked for a job, but if he knew it would be thrown back in his face as often as Miroku used it to ask him for favors or to make ridiculous requests, he just might have denied the offer to work as a teacher. Hell, he had initially planned on rejecting it.

"I didn't need to apologize and I sure as hell didn't need you to apologize for me." Inuyasha reminded him.

Not that Inuyasha was one to let power get to his head, but he wouldn't be fired because he was such a great teacher and he had a little less than two fucks to give about what anyone, minus a few select people, at this school had to say or think about him. There was no other way for Inuyasha to spell it out for Miroku to get him to understand considering that Miroku just naturally got along with all types of people, mostly women, and typically favored keeping the peace among his coworkers.

As they stood in front of the izakaya bar, Miroku had to make sure Inuyasha would be on his best behavior tonight. "Just do it for me." Miroku clasped his hands to beg his friend. "Your dearest and only best friend is asking this one thing of you"

Inuyasha eyed Miroku with a heavy sigh. "You're going to stop using that one against me as well."

"Thank you," Miroku said as he held the door open for Inuyasha to walk through.

Inuyasha's face twisted in slight discomfort as the smell of booze and overly boisterous laughter instantly slapped him in the face. He stole a glance at his watch.

19:42.

It would only be one hour with these people. Both Inuyasha and Miroku had shown up late seeing as Miroku had to spend a good 40 minutes begging Inuyasha to come after work had finally finished. Inuyasha was only glad he only had to show face to apologize, stay for at least an hour, and then go home to enjoy the rest of his night in pure solitude. The teachers had planned to stay until at least 10 seeing as it was officially the weekend, Inuyasha felt he would die if he stayed any longer than an hour.

If he ran now, could he escape the hell he was soon to enter? Inuyasha turned to his right and looked out at the expansive street before him. It would only take one mad dash and a quick search for a taxi to really get out of this situation. He forced himself to look at Miroku from his peripheral vision. The indigo-eyed man's eyes gleamed with hope at his best friend finally mingling with other teachers outside of school. Even if he ran now, Miroku would make him feel like shit and ask for a million more favors while using this as ammunition to fuel the guilt gun. It just wasn't worth it.

Inuyasha's feet trudged against the carpet as Miroku led him to where everyone was seated. They were in a pretty tight area as if cementing the idea of unity and closeness as everyone sat closely together between two long tables. Despite there being seats with chairs, their specific group was sat in an area with low tables and pillows for seats. Inuyasha looked at each and every option he had to sit with the least amount of chatty people.

A group of about 12 other teachers from the department that he said hi to almost every day but never actually spoke to smiled and waved at him. As he smiled back, he scanned to see where the perfect place to sit was.

Aha!

There it was, his dream seat. Near the edge, near another teacher that didn't talk so much, and where there was just enough food to get him through the next hour.

As he went to take to the seat, Miroku all but choked him to death by pulling on his collar to stop him from walking. Was he a dog on a leash? Inuyasha glared at Miroku as he coughed. A simple smile was given as Miroku pointed at the two young women from earlier.

"Let's go apologize first."

I swear to God if that seat is gone….

Miroku really would be losing a best friend tonight.

As if leading a delinquent child to an apology, Inuyasha grumbled the whole way as Miroku pushed on his back. The women stood from their seats and smiled at the two. Inuyasha didn't see a reason to apologize seeing as they were clearly greeting him as happily as they had the day before. If they didn't have a problem with him, why even bring it up?

"My friend here has something he'd like to say." Miroku forcefully nudged Inuyasha with his shoulder.

Why you… Inuyasha could remember a very brief point of time in their friendship when Miroku wasn't as forward with him back when they were only just friends. It lasted only one day. One day of being acquaintances before Miroku had started calling him his best friend on the second day. Inuyasha had never met such a person in his life. What Inuyasha once thought to be desperation for friends seeing as Miroku always had good blood with people was clearly wrong. Inuyasha assumed the only reason Miroku had chosen him as his best friend was because no one else could handle Miroku. He was always so over the top with how he did things, it was a hassle and burden honestly. With such a forceful attitude, most people would steer clear of such behavior. Despite all of the shitty qualities about the guy, Inuyasha (unfortunately?) saw the good qualities about him, which was why the friendship had continued for the last three years.

Inuyasha bowed his head in an attempt to convey how sorry he was. He was inwardly praising himself for being able to be this fake with people, it was a skill.

"I'm so-"

Before Inuyasha could even start his apology, he was silenced with a single manicured finger to the lips. "No reason to apologize, Mr. Takahashi. Miroku told us all about how your cat died earlier and how you've been in a bad mood all day since." As if they were the ones saddened by the news, they sported frowns that only women could look good wearing.

Inuyasha could only look at Miroku through his peripheral vision as the woman had yet to remove her finger from his lip.

"We're so very sorry about the news. Miroku told us how much your cat meant to you. It may sound a bit selfish but we're so glad that you'll have more time to come to these events now that you don't have to rush home to feed your cat." The other woman giggled lightly. Even if he did have a cat, which he didn't, was that honestly something one should say to someone with a dead animal?

Both women offered Inuyasha gentle hugs and condolences.

Of all the things Inuyasha expected when he agreed to go drinking tonight, this kind of thing wasn't it. Not only had Miroku lied about his cat dying, and him having a cat at that, but now these women think that he's about to join them on their every-two-week drinking sessions? Hell no.

It was sickening to see how these women really felt bad about his dead cat and not about their constant shit-talking and gossiping about the other teachers. Inuyasha really wanted to be the one to put them in their place. He had to listen to their incessant gossip almost every weekday for the last 5 months. Hell, he even avoided going into the teacher lounge at times if he knew they would be there just to avoid their squeaks of gossip.

"Even if I had a dead cat, I still wouldn't come t-"

Miroku was quick to slap his hand over Inuyasha's mouth with a loud laugh. Inuyasha practically saw stars with how hard Miroku had covered his mouth. "To even think about missing another event, is what he was going to say. He's going to need a bit more time to heal ladies. Let's get a drink or two in him to help him forget." Miroku quickly replied.

The women laughed at the two friends. Before they could offer them a seat, Miroku quickly whisked Inuyasha away. Again, Miroku was sweating. Had it been a mistake to invite Inuyasha? Would he be able to hold his tongue for the next hour? Miroku would pray to kamisama that Inuyasha would behave himself for once in his god-forsaken life.

Inuyasha swiftly turned to the seat he had eyed down before.

There is a God.

The seat was completely empty and practically had his name written on it. Inuyasha all but started to run to the seat but was forced back as Miroku held a strong grip on his tie. Inuyasha began to cough as he glared at Miroku. Was this some kind of sick punishment? Why was Miroku doing this to him?

"Let's go sit near my girlfriend!" Miroku all but yelled it as he pointed at his now blushing girlfriend. Ever since he and his girlfriend announced their relationship, Miroku had yet to stop announcing that she was his girlfriend, clearly proud of who he was with. Inuyasha looked at the one seat his girlfriend had no doubt saved specifically for him.

Inuyasha took Miroku's hand off of his tie as he pointed at his dream seat. "There's only one seat there, buddy. I'll go sit over there and-"

"Nonsense. Scoot down one everybody, Mr. Takahashi needs a drink after his cat died!"

And just like that, Inuyasha's throne was taken from him as everyone maneuvered to make a seat for Inuyasha to sit near his 'best friend', which was a status that would be officially revoked after tonight. Inuyasha could have cried at how he now had a seat sandwiched between Miroku and one of the loudest people in a different department. He had to wonder if people would have made room for him if he wasn't known as Miroku's best friend around the school.

As he took his seat next to Miroku, he could feel a tear coming to his eye. There was no other way to say that Inuyasha didn't want to sit here aside from outright crying. Even this seating arrangement was odd as Miroku sat next to Inuyasha and across from his girlfriend. The seating layout did not sit well with him. Inuyasha had to completely tune everyone out as they offered their condolences.

"Inuyasha doesn't have a cat." Ms. Kuwashima whispered with a smile.

Like an angel descending from the clouds, she appeared with a harp in Inuyasha's mind. The brown-haired beauty in front of him may just make the seating arrangement worth it. There were a total of two teachers that Inuyasha genuinely liked in the school and considered friends. One friend being Miroku, debatable at this point, the other being Sango Kuwashima, one of the most down-to-earth and loveliest of people to be around. He thanked God that Miroku introduced them when they started going out. Right from the start, they hit it off and have been best friends since. Unlike with Miroku, it was a gradual friendship that naturally blossomed into something more as they spent more time around each other platonically.

In a lot of ways, Inuyasha saw a lot of himself in her, or a lot of her in him if he thought about it clearly. She was a pretty tough chick, enjoying partaking in sports activities and really getting down and rough, much like himself. Sango also wasn't one to take shit from any of the other teachers around her as he had seen her call out other teachers in the department for their treatment of others or for downright asking the most ridiculous of requests or tasks. She knew her time was valuable and refused to let anyone waste her time.

Least to say, some of the other teachers that sucked up to their boss didn't like her. It was a fact she honestly didn't care about, which made them not like her even more. It didn't help that she was by far one of the more very attractive teachers he worked with. Inuyasha could honestly say that he worked with very attractive people, all of which could have gotten a job modeling if he thought about it. However, there were those that were above average in that field and Sango was the lead model in that area.

She had these deep brown eyes that naturally drew people in and caused you to look a bit longer than usual with how brown they were, you could get lost in them and willingly want to stay there. Not that Inuyasha had been one to eye his best friend's girlfriend, but they had all taken a beach trip together last year, and more than a few eyes were on her during that trip. Even Inuyasha had to fight a few guys off of her when Miroku had gone to the bathroom while they were at the beach. Long hair, pretty eyes, great body- Even without all of those features, her personality would have easily drawn people to her as she was just an overall great person.

It made it all the more interesting that she settled for Miroku. Inuyasha just wasn't sure how the two were able to have a relationship for the last year, but they had managed to make it work. Inuyasha felt that some things could be solved with math, but this particular thing just didn't seem to add up. He would probably never get an answer as to how those two ended up together.

"I know." Inuyasha gave a sigh of relief. Sango was here to surely save the night and make it a little more tolerable.

He could practically feel the two women glaring at Sango as Miroku and Inuyasha sat around her. Sure enough, they weren't happy that Sango was surrounded by two of the most handsome (Miroku's words, not Inuyasha's) teachers in the school.

As if feeding off of their negative energy, Sango offered him a small pout as she took Inuyasha's hands in hers. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Inuyasha. You know you can call me if you need anything, right? I'm always here for you." She proclaimed loudly.

Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh at her obvious attempt to make the women jealous. It was more so funny because it was quite clear it was working with how they immediately started gossiping about her. "You're too much."

"They're talking shit about me, right?" She asked with a smile. God did he love this carefree attitude of hers.

With how far they were and with how loud the bar was, it would be difficult for her to hear the womens' gossip, but Inuyasha could hear them fairly clearly.

Inuyasha could only imagine how they would try to get back at her next week with a load of paperwork that she would have no intention of doing. "You better stop before they get jealous."

"You better stop before I get jealous," Miroku said as he took Sango's hand out of Inuyasha's.

Inuyasha uttered a small thank you as a plate of karaage and grilled fish was placed in front of him by an employee. If anyone cared to ask, Inuyasha would just say he came for the food. He didn't typically go to bars or eat out for that matter, but he had to admit izakaya food was always delicious.

Sango passed Inuyasha her half-finished beer. "Drink up, you're sad," she said with a wink before flagging down another employee to order three more beers.

Maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad? At least if he only talked to Sango and Miroku that was.

As Inuyasha went to take a sip of the beer she had given him, his very core was shaken as three large pats to the back were given. Why should he have expected anything to go his way? Life had disappointed him so many times, this was just another disappointment to add to the ever-growing list. Inuyasha looked at some of the beer that had been shaken from the glass with each pat he received.

"Cheer up, man! I'll be here to keep a smile on your face all night."

Ugh, the loud guy.

Inuyasha didn't even know why this guy was being so friendly with him, they had never talked outside of basic exchanges. This man was so irrelevant to Inuyasha that he hadn't even bothered learning his name. In fact, Inuyasha had made it a goal to not learn his name. Inuyasha had a thing about befriending people that might annoy him, the only exception being Miroku. In the case of their friendship, he was fooled into thinking Miroku was a decent person until he got to know him.

Inuyasha didn't even know how to reply to the man as he used the napkin placed in front of him to wipe up the beer. He eyed the man up and down, realizing that he had never properly looked at him despite passing him in the hall numerous times. The man had his hair tied up in a high ponytail and seemed to dress for comfort as he was now in a pair of sweats and a light tank top The only thing Inuyasha knew about him was that he was always laughing and that he wasn't in their department. No matter where Inuyasha passed him, he was always laughing about something- loudly.

"Listen, I once had a cat that died. And-"

"Jakotsu, he doesn't want to hear about your cat that died." Sango was quick to cut him off with a roll of her eyes. It was a story she had heard three times over and she knew exactly where he was headed with such a tale.

Inuyasha couldn't help but smirk. It was evident from her tone that she was annoyed with the story. This could be a fun way to get under her skin a bit.

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders before taking a swig of his beer. "Maybe I'm interested." If he could keep this guy talking, it would be less talking that he would have to do throughout the night. A story was the perfect way to make sure he could just keep eating and drinking without needing to speak.

"See, he's interested! I'm sure he'll love to hear about my cat's reincarnation story." Jakotsu hastily swallowed the rest of his beer, more than just a little excited to tell his story.

With as much fake interest as Inuyasha could muster, he asked, "Reincarnation? Oh, please tell." Inuyasha wasn't even sure if he even believed in reincarnation, let alone if a cat could be reincarnated into anything else.

Sango eyed Inuyasha wearily. She knew damn well he wasn't interested in a story anyone had to tell, especially about a cat.

"So when I was 7, I had this beautiful tabby cat." Jakotsu began.

---

Inuyasha was thrown for a loop for numerous times this night. The story lasted about an hour, which was perfect for Inuyasha not to talk though he had to admit he was drawn in by the story being told. Did he really care about how this man's cat was reincarnated into a ladybug that he eventually ended up accidentally killing? Of course not. However, he had to admit he was pulled in by the way Jakotsu told his story. Hell, Inuyasha had even asked questions throughout the story.

Inuyasha could see why Jakotsu was a language arts teacher at the school, something he had mentioned at some point when going off on a slight tangent. Inuyasha couldn't figure out how he was invited to this seeing as he was a language arts teacher for the 10th-grade students and everyone here was from the 12th-grade department from Inuyasha's division. He would have asked Miroku since he was in charge of planning and choosing tonight's event, but he seemed to be in a very engaging conversation with Sango.

"But what about the 8th time your cat almost died, you didn't think anything of it at the time?" Again, Inuyasha did not give a damn about this man's cat, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in how Jakotsu had made sense of his cat's 8 times of almost dying, dying on the 9th, and then reincarnation only to die very soon after.

Jakotsu chuckled as he swirled his drink. "That's what's so strange about it. Life and death and all that stuff. I really thought I had lost my cat on the 8th time. It was waterworks and everything, but then he woke up and I realized I should have cared more about him. That 9th and final death didn't come for another 7 years."

The whole story was wild from the get-go. Starting from how Jakotsu almost lost his life rescuing the cat, to his relationship with the cat, each and every near-death experience surrounding the cat, and even the reincarnation after its death. Who would have thought? Inuyasha had never considered himself a religious person, but to actually have an engaging conversation with someone on the concept of it was something he, dare he think it, enjoyed?

Inuyasha finished off his beer as he chewed on Jakotsu's words. The cat should have been dead after the first near-death experience when Jakotsu rescued him. The fact that the cat lived to be older than typical tabby cats was a miracle in itself before its inevitable death.

When Jakotsu wasn't laughing hysterically or being obnoxiously loud, he wasn't so difficult to talk to. This was the first time Inuyasha had ever heard him talk quietly minus a bit of laughter he had for the fond memories of his old cat. He was more tolerable than Inuyasha ever could have predicted.

Jakotsu raised his hand to wave a waiter down. "Another beer over here!"

Seeing that Jakotsu was available, one of the other teachers sitting a bit further down flagged Jakotsu over. "Jakotsu come tell that one story about when you got lost in the desert. Ms. Ariki doesn't believe it happened."

This guy has stories for days, doesn't he? Inuyasha thought as Jakotsu broke out in hearty laughter. Seeing as how everyone referred to Jakotsu by his first name and easily spoke with him made Inuyasha really see how Jakotsu had good relationships with all teachers in his department. He was probably always invited to events regardless of if he was in the department or not just because of his personality. Inuyasha certainly couldn't relate.

Jakotsu patted Inuyasha's arm once more, pleased that he had listened and asked questions during his story. "Drink to your heart's content, your cat will appreciate seeing you happy." With his piece said, he stood to sandwich himself between two other teachers to tell yet another story at the other table.

"Thanks." The words had flown out of his mouth before he could even stop them. He was thankful Jakotsu didn't hear him. Nope, I won't let this happen. Not that he was above using his manners, but he didn't want to get too comfortable with someone he had no intention of getting chummy with.

He did not come here to make friends and he had more than just completed his favor by staying for his hour. In fact…Inuyasha glanced down at his watch.

20:57

He had stayed an additional 15 minutes. Inuyasha had more than just paid Miroku back. As if the shackles were released, Inuyasha lightly nudged Miroku under the table, letting him know that he had served his sentence and was ready to be released from prison.

Miroku frowned. "Seemed like you were enjoying yourself, you really want to leave?"

Inuyasha didn't hesitate to nod his head. As interesting as the night had gone, he was more than happy to just go to sleep and get an early start to his weekend. Inuyasha began putting on his coat. "As they say, all good things must come to an end."

"You good to get home?" Like the mother bird Sango was, she wanted to make sure Inuyasha could safely get home after seeing him drink more than a few beers.

Inuyasha gave her a thumbs-up as he gestured to stand up. He had only had about 3 and a half drinks, while a bit tipsy, it would take more than that to make it difficult for him to get home. He had drunk just enough to actually get him to enjoy the night and stop complaining, not nearly enough for him to need any assistance.

"Then, I guess you've served your purpose. You can leave." Inuyasha watched as Miroku shifted uncomfortably next to him.

Inuyasha smirked as he knew the sudden change in leg position could only mean one thing. "Thanks so much for the invite, can't wait for the next time," Inuyasha said he shook Miroku's leg repeatedly.

It took everything in Miroku not to scream out as the once small tingling running up and down his leg became outright painful buzzing that soared through his sleeping leg. As Inuyasha's devilish smirk shined, Miroku could tell that this was his sick way of getting back at him for forcing him to come.

"Anytime bud," he choked out as he rubbed his leg.

Sango laughed as she watched the two play around. She had always found it odd that Inuyasha had settled for being friends with Miroku seeing as their personalities were so different. Moments like these reminded her that they were both pretty childish despite being in their 30's.

"You two are so immature." She giggled. Her eyes were drawn upwards as the jingling of the door bell rang. "Ah, she came!" Sango raised her hand to flag down the new arrival.

"So sorry I'm late."

Inuyasha was frozen in his spot as his eyes landed on the very woman he had been thinking about earlier rushed in. She seemed flustered as if she had run to make it on time despite being over 2 hours late.

"You invited her?" Inuyasha heard Miroku ask Sango.

"Nope, but I heard Jakotsu inviting her in the hall and I lightly encouraged her to come," Sango said as she smiled at the woman. Lightly was somewhat of an overstatement. Sango had never spoken a single word to this girl in her life. However, as she was walking by to get to the cafeteria, Jakotsu had all but grabbed her and forced her to speak about how fun these events were. Seeing as the girl seemed a bit uncomfortable with the thought of going, Sango could only offer a, "It's really fun" before dashing off to her destination. With the way she seemed so uncomfortable, Sango doubted she would come, but here she was, out of breath and with a flushed face.

Inuyasha plopped himself right down in his seat as he eyed the empty seat next to him. There was only one vacant seat and that was right next to him since Jakotsu had left to tell his story.

"Hey, weren't you leaving?" Miroku asked as he adjusted himself.

Inuyasha didn't think he'd ever glared this hard in his whole life, his eyes were damn well ready to boreholes in the man. "You must have misheard me, Miroku."

Miroku tilted his head in mild confusion before shaking his head. "...No, I'm pretty sure y-Ahhh!" Inuyasha dug his knuckles into Miroku's leg. Why does it hurt even more the second time around? Mirou wanted to cry with how badly his leg was burning.

"No, Miroku. I said I don't want this to end."

"Then why'd you put on your jacket?" Miroku lightly questioned.

If looks could kill, Miroku would be 6 feet under. Inuyasha was downright ready to choke Miroku. Was he this stupid? Of all the times to push him away and ask him about leaving, now was not the time.

"I was cold." He gave Miroku one last punch as he watched her eyes scan the room for a seat. She walked to Jakotsu with a smile and visibly relaxed as his eyes landed on her. As she hugged Jakotsu and easily chatted with him, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. When did they get so close?

As if heaven's angels had played a tune on their harp, he watched as Jakotsu pointed to where he had been originally seated as he pushed her in that direction. Inuyasha prayed that the gesture meant exactly what he thought it meant. He began to straighten his collar and check to make sure he hadn't accidentally spilled any food or alcohol on himself.

Perfect.

They always say when presented with a chance, take hold of it. That was exactly what Inuyasha planned to do tonight. He wasn't exactly sure of how he would take hold of it, but he sure as hell planned to.

Miroku watched his friend with much interest as he watched Inuyasha straighten himself up. Since when did Inuyasha care about how messy or neat he looked? His eyes drifted to the woman that just walked into the bar and then it all hit.

The sudden desire to stay. The need to fix himself up a bit. The very subtle panic in his eyes.

Miroku couldn't keep the gleam out of his eyes as a sweet grin grew on his face. This could be fun.

As the woman in question made her way to their table, Miroku stood and squished himself in between Sango and the teacher next to her.

"Hey! What are you doing?" Sango asked in agitation as he struggled to squeeze himself on her side. All seats were taken on her row, making it near to impossible for him to sit next to her without being elbow to elbow.

"I just want to sit next to you babe." With the seating arrangement of him in front of Sango and Inuyasha to his right, he was bound to miss the conversation that Inuyasha and Ms. Higurashi would have. He needed to be right next to Sango so that they were all sitting in a square in order for him to really see his friend make a fool of himself. With a pout and slight discomfort, he turned to his girlfriend with pleading in his eyes, "Or you can sit on my lap, sweetness."

As if that were the worst offer she ever heard, Sango gave him the most straight look she could muster. "I would literally rather die." She leaned around her boyfriend, and said, "Scoot down everyone."

Everyone maneuvered so that the school's love birds could sit next to each other while still keeping in mind that he would need his best friend near him as well.

Inuyasha watched as the woman's already flushed face grew to a deeper shade of red. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I didn't mean to make everyone move on my account."

Sango shook her head as she pointed at the man beside her. "Not your fault, blame this one."

"Just wanted to make sure I could have a beautiful woman to my right and one directly in front of me." Miroku smiled at his girlfriend before turning back to the doe-eyed woman. "This seems like the perfect setup, don't you think?"

Ms. Higurashi removed her sweater as she joined them. Could she call this the perfect setup? She had come specifically because Jakotsu had asked her and now she was sitting with people she barely even knew. "Mhm…" She wasn't even sure if she meant the simple confirmation she just uttered.

Inuyasha was trying not to stare but this was by far the closest he had ever been next to her. He could fully look at her now and boy was she even more beautiful up close. Long messy black hair cascaded down her back before being tied back in a low ponytail with a ribbon. Surely if she leaned over, her hair would tickle his arm. Her skin looked as smooth as porcelain, and Inuyasha couldn't help but notice how light her makeup was. There was just enough to highlight her features without being too noticeable, almost as if she woke up like that every day.

She was in the same clothes she had worn earlier, but without the oversized cardigan covering her body, he was able to really see how well she filled out her clothes. The skirt hugged her every curve, he had to wonder if she would have trouble sitting for the next hour. The white short-sleeved shirt she wore revealed just the slightest bit of cleavage, if she leaned down even slightly, would people be able to see down her shirt?

Inuyasha could feel his face fuming. Oh God, am I a pervert? While he had imagined what talking to her would be like, he had never thought of being hyper hyper-sensitive to her being near him. How was he going to have a decent conversation with her if he was overly aware of her very being? It's not like she was a celebrity.

"Here, you can have this one." Sango passed Kagome the beer Jakotsu had just ordered for Inuyasha. The girl clearly looked like she needed one with how disheveled she looked from what could only be assumed as her running here.

"Thanks." She undid her ponytail to fix her hair.

Inuyasha was all but mesmerized by the simple action of her sweeping her hair into a high ponytail. As she adjusted herself, her hair swung back and forth, hitting Inuyasha's exposed forearm.

It's just as soft as I thought it'd be.

He could have shot himself dead with the thoughts he had had over the last 30 seconds.

This was certainly something new to him. It was one thing to think and on the rare occasion, daydream, about your crush. But actually having them right next to you to see if they really fit your imagination of what you pictured them as was a very different ball game.

Miroku tried his best not to laugh as his best friend had practically forgotten to breathe.

Miroku leaned forward in clasped hands as he gazed down at Ms. Higurashi. As his eyes lingered on her, she took a sip of the beer, obviously uncomfortable as he watched her like a hawk eyeing its prey. He wasn't trying to hide that he was staring at her and it was fairly unnerving seeing as he had yet to say something else to her since she sat down.

With her looking as nervous as she did, Miroku was more curious about her. With each second that her unease grew, he watched as her short sips turned to long gulps as she squirmed under his gaze. Both Inuyasha and Sango watched the exchange with slight pity for the girl, but more so curiosity for what would happen next.

As she set the empty glass down, she let out a small sigh of content at the bitter alcohol's taste. She was startled as Miroku broke out in laughter.

"No need to feel so anxious, Ms. Higurashi. You're amongst friends here. I'd go as far as to say you've been placed with the perfect group of people tonight."

Sango nodded her head with a gentle smile, Inuyasha could barely even move with how nervous he was.

"So," Sango started hoping to lighten the mode. "You've been working with us for about three semesters now, but we haven't exactly talked." Sango passed her the last bit of Karaage they had ordered when the last call was given.

"Thank you. I guess that would seem so," she responded. "Maybe we only briefly talk when there are department meetings?"

Sango wouldn't be the one to correct her, but she felt that wasn't necessarily the truth. Other teachers talked, but she never really said much or offered her opinion when it came to the meetings or work. Sango wasn't one to talk much herself during the meetings since it was mostly just for an update and she wasn't in charge of those, but she felt that she talked much more than the woman before her did.

Sango shrugged her shoulders. "Yea, you seem so quiet during the meetings though."

Kagome giggled. "I just don't have much to say. I find that when I talk other teachers have a way of cutting me off." Realizing she had just said something negative about the teachers around her, she quickly waved her hands in her defense. "Bu-But I mean, I never really have anything to say. I only really talk in breakout sessions when I need to work or plan with other history teachers."

She teaches history?

Inuyasha had never known that small fact. For some reason, he had assumed she taught language arts. Based on barely hearing her talk and seeing her stumble over her words now, it made him think she wasn't so articulate and that he had slightly misjudged her.

"But I talk when I have something to say or around the right people." She continued with a smile as she looked at the group.

Inuyasha could feel his heart flutter as her eyes locked with his for two full seconds. For some reason, he felt a bit of encouragement with her words. Maybe they were the right group she was talking about.

As the girls carried on a conversation, Inuyasha tried to think of how he could finesse his way into their conversation without looking like he was butting in. What words could he use to make it a powerful and memorable first real interaction with her? As she laughed at a joke Sango told, he had to factor in how to get her to laugh at him the same way. How could he charm her to the point of making her interested in talking with him?

Inuyasha could feel himself breaking a sweat thinking about what to do. He had never been one to hesitate when it came to women and he had never had a problem with dating overall. This was a whole new game that he didn't know how to play though. He couldn't just ask her out considering that they had never even talked before. Hell, he didn't even know her interests or what she liked. Or her first name for that matter.

While going through the mental torment of how to approach the beauty next to him, Inuyasha could feel a pair of wide eyes on him.

Gah! Why was Miroku looking at him with the biggest Cheshire grin? It was eerie and creepy and Inuyasha hated the way it made his skin crawl. It was like Miroku was plotting something, scheming something that would no doubt piss Inuyasha off. Inuyasha glared back at him as if to tell him to stop the look he was giving him.

He was drawn from his thoughts as the young woman let out a squeak next to him. Inuyasha could feel a deep set of agitation as the man Inuyasha had only ever referred to as the science teacher had an arm slung around Kagome as he laughed hysterically, no doubt feeling the effects of the alcohol.

Sango laughed along with him as she threw back the rest of her beer. "Come on, Mr. Canna, let her go."

"Call me Hiten tonight." He said as he gave Kagome a hearty pat on the back before releasing her.

Inuyasha hadn't even noticed the loud man had been sitting next to Jakotsu considering that the guy was carrying on his own loud conversation with the other people next to him. Of course, as Ms. Higurashi had filled the empty seat he'd take advantage of it and try to start a conversation with her.

Inuyasha had only talked to the science teacher a handful of times and that was more than enough for him. There was but so much space for two hotheads, not that he had gotten into any altercation with Mr. Canna, but he could feel that they would surely have a problem if they were to talk any longer than two seconds. The only two things that Inuyasha knew about him was that one, he really likes 'science and lightning and shit' (his exact words when Inuyasha was forced to talk with him at one point), and two, that he thought he was a big shot with the number of women he could land as Inuyasha had heard him brag about it numerous times with other men in their department. Any other inference made was a deduction Inuyasha had made after seeing how the guy dressed and talked, so he wasn't sure if half the things he actually thought about him were true.

"But you know I'm right, Mr. Canna," Sango said with a point of her french-tipped nail.

During all of the time Inuyasha had wasted thinking about how to approach Ms. Higurashi, they had somehow gotten into a conversation about the role of women and men in society. Inuyasha didn't need to listen for him to know that Hiten had already lost this battle and that he should give up talking about it with Sango. Not only was Sango educated on this topic, but she was very refined in how she went about addressing this topic, especially with pigheaded men that Mr. Canna so well resembled.

"I'm just saying when a girl like this walks into a room, your first thought isn't about how strong she is or how smart she is, it's about how you could get a girl like her to go home with you." He said as he motioned towards Ms. Higurashi.

Inuyasha had a good mind to hop across Ms. Higurashi and teach him a thing or two. Before Sango could tear everything Hiten said to shreds, Ms. Higurashi began to giggle.

Inuyasha couldn't believe she was flattered by such a compliment. It was backhanded and rude if anything.

As her soft laughs died down, she offered him the sweetest of smiles." Mr. Canna, for you to think that I couldn't kick your ass based on my appearance and that I would consider going home with any man with thoughts like this upon initial meeting is absolutely hilarious."

Inuyasha clapped for her in his head. So she's a bit more articulate than he thought.

Hiten rolled his eyes, clearly not swayed by her words. "Don't be like that, dollface."

"My name is Kagome, but for you, it's Ms. Higurashi." She replied a bit too sweetly.

Kagome? So that was her first name. She had said Ms. Higurashi was reserved only for Hiten, so did that mean he could call her by her first name? Why was he thinking so much about this?

For some reason, Inuyasha never imagined that her first name was Kagome, which was odd because he was sure that at some point, someone must have said her first name at school around him. Almost everyone called Miroku and Sango by their first name, but then again, they were very well known with every teacher on school grounds and were known as somewhat of a dream team, a dysfunctional dream team in Inuyasha's eyes.

"Alright, alright, I don't want to offend you," Hiten replied honestly. "But I mean, look around you." He motioned to all of the teachers carrying on their own conversations around them. "We all work the same job and yet we all have different roles. Look at you two as the school's power couple, the ones over there that stick to the rules, the one that is only here to date, the crazy one, and so on. We're all pretty different but we all came together for this one job because of one reason." He listed off.

Sango could feel herself losing a few brain cells with this conversation. Whatever point he was trying to make at the beginning of the conversation was completely lost and wasn't coming back. "What are you on about?"

"I'm just saying that we're all here for a reason. Do you think we weren't hired because we're all attractive?" Sango waited for the next part of what he had to say considering that she didn't necessarily disagree with the main point about all of her coworkers being relatively okay looking. "I bet you everyone here is hooking up with someone else. I know Ms. Li is, it's like it's her role here as a woman."

Was this what drunk rambling looked like? This guy was completely talking out of his ass and it was annoying to listen to.

"The hottest and only couple in our department is you two." His fingers danced between Miroku and Sango.

Miroku rubbed his head sheepishly at hearing the compliment. He momentarily stopped a conversation he was having with another teacher to listen in on what they were talking about. "Guilty as charged." What could he say? He wasn't so sure about being the hottest couple, but he sure as hell snagged the hottest young woman at their job.

Sango jabbed him with her elbow. "Don't encourage him." She snarled under her breath.

"And you know who's next?" Hiten asked as he leaned forward. "These two kids right here if she doesn't end up going home with me tonight." As if there was a spotlight, he pointed at Kagome and Inuyasha.

Kagome all but spit out her drink at the sudden statement. "I'm not in this conversation." She said as she backed out.

"You know it's true. The second most attractive people at the school deserve each other." Both Inuyasha and Kagome flushed as other teachers around them that had heard the statement nodded their head in agreement.

Inuyasha was trying to control himself as he could feel his face heating up. While this was hardly the time to feel prideful, especially when it was just shit coming out of the mouth of a drunken fool, it felt good to think that others felt they matched together based on physical attractiveness.

"You know you guys would be great together. You guys just really match each other-I mean outside of Kagome dating me or course." He joked to himself. " I wouldn't be surprised if you guys were already secretly dating." He said with a wink.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome through his peripheral and could see that her face was just as red as his was sure to be.

"Really though," Hiten continued. "You guys would be hot together. All the women here are already envious of Kagome, and all the men wish they had your teaching skills, Mr. Takahashi."

Only my teaching skills are my redeeming quality now? As much as he loved to hear how great they would be together, he just didn't like the way the conversation was being handled, and it was evident that Kagome didn't either. Had he actually been paying attention to the conversation rather than trying to figure out how to talk to Ms. Higurashi, he would have been shut it down as everything stated was a backhanded compliment to both Kagome and Sango.

" Mr. Canna-" Inuyasha went to interject but he was cut off.

"Think about it. You guys would be one of the best power couples at school. Everyone agrees with me. So Kagome why don't you-"

"Enough!"

It was like the whole room had gone mute as she shouted. Even she seemed surprised at the roar of her voice as her face flushed even more. Everyone at their tables had fully stopped their conversation to listen to what the ruckus was about.

Inuyasha could only watch as she worked herself up, ears completely red and body visibly shaking. Her breaths came out uneven as she tried to regain her composure.

"I don't appreciate you saying these things Mr. Canna, just as I'm sure Mr. Takahashi does not appreciate it. This kind of talking is very inappropriate." She didn't dare look at Inuyasha's face as she was embarrassed by the whole situation. " Mr. Takahashi and I have never even had a real conversation and to talk as if there could possibly be something between us is very unprofessional and very disrespectful, have you no shame?"

Ahhh, so this is what she meant about how she would talk when there was something to be said. Like a ton of bricks being dropped on him, Inuyasha felt the crushing weight of reality when it came to having a crush. It was all fun and dandy until the other person involved forced you to come crashing down to reality.

Not only had she managed to completely crush his dreams but she had even taken out the idea of something possibly happening between them.

Hiten looked embarrassed oddly enough, but almost every person in this room knew that an apology was far to come. Before Hiten could even think of some snarky retort, Jakotsu grabbed onto his arm forcefully.

"Now, now. I'll get this guy home, I think he's had a bit too much to drink." Jakotsu said as he made Hiten stand up.

"Do you even know where he lives?" Miroku asked as he went to stand to help him handle the drunk man.

Obvious agitation was written on the normally bubbly man's face at having a sudden hitch in his fun night. Jakotsu held out a hand for Miroku to stay in place. "Nope, nor do I care. The taximan will get him home just fine. I'll see you all on Monday."

It was clear that Jakotsu had only come to remove the trouble at their table, which Sango was more than appreciative of. She wasn't sure why Hiten was always invited out when he caused a drunken problem more times than not. She was praying for the day that they would stop inviting him, maybe this day would bring them closer to it. She turned a nervous look to the two in front of her, wondering if it was possible for them to finish off the last thirty minutes of drinking with a smile.

Inuyasha looked like he honestly wanted to rot six feet under as his eyes had shifted to only staring at the table. Kagome had yet to lose the flush to her face as she still seemed very worked up. Sango nearly pitied them as it was the first time they had gone out drinking with the teachers since working at their high school and it ended with both being embarrassed.

"Uh, guys…" Sango wasn't even sure of what to say as she nervously nudged her boyfriend.

"Let's get a couple of more drinks over here!" Miroku was quick to order another set of beers.

The couple locked eyes as the same thought was quite clear between the two of them.

They're never going to want to drink with us again.

---

Even with the thought of the night not going much better, was Sango asking for much when she asked the Gods to just let it end on a semi-normal note. Did things really have to get worse? The last 30 minutes were spent so awkwardly for Sango, she wasn't even sure of what the hell had happened.

Inuyasha and Kagome just refused to talk to each other, let alone look in the same direction despite sitting next to each other. Kagome had become a damned mute the whole night and wouldn't contribute much to the numerous conversations that Sango had tried to start. Inuyasha had decided he would drink his sorrows away and would not stop drinking after the little incident. For one reason or another, the man she was officially contemplating killing once they got home had also partaken in the drinking festivities and had suddenly started drinking his weight in alcohol. Miroku had never done something so absurd and Sango was now upset that she had to take care of two drunken idiots.

All of the teachers had paid and were carrying on their own conversations as they filed out of the bar.

Inuyasha was fairly quiet despite his drunken stupor, so Sango propped him up against a wall, trying to think of how to get both drunk men home.

"You okay, Yash'?" Sango asked as she struggled to hold Miroku up.

"I'm fine," Miroku answered for him.

"I didn't ask you." She said as she shook him by his collar. She was going to let him have it when they got home.

"Is Mr. Takahashi, okay?" A flock of the women that had sat at the other table came to check on him.

"He's fine, he's fine." Sango waved them off, annoyed by their interest in the now drunk teacher.

"We can make sure he gets home safely," One said as she moved a strand of hair out of Inuyasha's face.

"Yea, he doesn't look too good. Go ahead and take Mr. Tsujitani home"

Sango could see how this would go and she did not want to have a kidnapping case on her hands. The vultures just wouldn't quit until they've had enough.

"Don't worry about it," Sango said as she hoisted Miroku up. " Ms. Higurashi said she would take care of it.

"What?" The women groaned.

"What!?" Kagome's response was a little delayed as she registered what was just said. At nowhere throughout the night did she offer to take that man home. In fact, she was just searching the directions for how to get home from this bar….alone.

"But-" One of the women started.

"She already offered and I said it's okay." Sango snarled at the girls.

There was a certain hierarchy that these women wouldn't be able to break in Sango's eyes. Miroku Tsujitani was her boyfriend, meaning she had absolute jurisdiction over what happened to him. Inuyasha Takahashi was her best friend and her boyfriend's best friend, meaning that she had just as much rule as anyone else over him in these types of situations. She would be damned if she would let any of these women lay even a finger on him when he was in this state. If these women thought that would suddenly change because she was juggling her now drunk boyfriend or that they could move out of their status with her, they had another thing coming.

The women mumbled amongst themselves, very off-put by Sango's protection.

One woman rolled her eyes, not caring about how rude it came across. "Fine, hope he gets home safely." The women began to walk away, not offering to pay Sango nor Kagome any more attention.

As some of the male teachers filed after the women to either make sure they got home safely or to make their move, it became quiet. Sango watched as they left. "Bunch of harlots," she mumbled under her breath. God, she couldn't stand them.

"Ummm," Kagome spoke up. "I never offered to take him home."

Kagome stood a bit away from them as she really just wanted to put distance between them and herself. Sango sighed, she knew how girls like Kagome worked. They were easy, at least in the department of doing what was morally right. She had at least picked up on that much after the little bit of observing she had done of Kagome since she joined their school. Sango was sure that if it weren't for how embarrassed Kagome had gotten tonight, she would have already offered her services to help get Inuyasha home. If she really didn't want to help, she would have already left along with all the other teachers.

Sango glared down at her boyfriend. "Can you just help me out? We live about 30 minutes from here and it's going to be a struggle getting him home." She swatted Miroku's hands away as he went to fondle her. "Inuyasha lives about 20 minutes in the Shinjuku district, can you get him there?" Sango wasn't too sure of the exact address since she knew the way by heart, but she was sure Inuyasha could direct her once they were there.

Kagome slightly hesitated as she thought about her answer. It's not like she was in a position to say no, there was no way Sango could handle both of them on her own. Plus it seemed that Sango and Miroku lived in the opposite direction. It would just seem mean to say anything other than yes. "...Yea, I guess I live pretty close by."

Sango offered her a warm smile. "Great, tell me how much the cab fare is later and I'll make sure you get your money back for this. Do you think you can handle him?"

Kagome carefully wrapped Inuyasha's arm around her shoulder as she attempted to stand with him without dropping her purse. It's not that he was so much taller than her, but with the height and weight difference, it surely didn't make it easy hoisting him up. After properly adjusting him, she gave Sango a thumbs up.

Sango looked at the girl for a few seconds, it was going to be quite the struggle for her, she couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks, Kagome." Sango jerked her head back to the street as cars zoomed by. With it being a bar and it being late, a taxi was sure to come at some point. "I'll let you guys take the taxi first."

Kagome quickly shook her head. "Like you said, the taxis come by pretty often, right? It's getting late and you guys live pretty far from here, so you can take it first."

"Thggsss."

Sango was quick to punch Miroku's arm. "You better thank her when you're sober." She would spend the rest of the weekend torturing him for ruining her night.

Kagome laughed as she flagged down an oncoming taxi. "It was really nice to talk with you today, Ms. Kuwashima."

Sango returned her smile with a genuine one of her own. "It really was, wasn't it? Let's talk more at school."

"I'd really like that." Was it wrong to be a bit sad that the taxi had pulled up before she could really get to know Ms. Kuwashima?

At seeing the girls with drunken men, the cab driver quickly scurried to help. After Sango had managed to toss Miroku in the car and adjust herself, she rolled down the window. Surprise etched itself onto Kagome's face as Sango handed her a card. "This is my business card, call that number if anything happens, k?"

Kagome nodded her head. "See you on Monday."

Once the car started pulling off, Sango gave Kagome one more wave before rolling up her window. Kagome continued to wave until she could no longer see the taxi. Once out of sight, she turned to the man that currently needed her support to stand.

Of all the situations to be in….

She was just happy he was quiet. It took another ten minutes before the next taxi came to her rescue. The cab driver helped her with getting Inuyasha into the seat safely before Kagome scooted in next to him. Unfortunately for her, Inuyasha was nearly asleep and was practically delirious at this point. Kagome frowned as her now scuffed white shoes rubbed together in slight nervousness. She could sigh in relief now that he was safely in the car, right?

"Are you okay, Mr. Takahashi?" She asked as she checked him over. He seemed relatively okay for the most part, just drunk. She reached across him to pull the seat belt over his chest before relaxing in her own seat. The night was finally almost over and she could-

She let out a squeak of surprise at the sudden shift of weight next to her. Here she was with her coworker asleep on her shoulder, this was not the situation she wanted nor asked for.

" Mr. Takahashi," She whispered gently with a small nudge of her shoulder. "Inuyasha." She tried once more. Kagome went to wake him a third time but found that it would be a sin. She had never seen him look so peaceful, especially since she had arrived tonight. No scowl, no look of unease, just a gentle face that she really didn't want to disturb.

He was officially down for the count, it would be a fruitless attempt to wake him at this point.

The taxicab driver turned in his seat. "Where to miss?"

---

Inuyasha had only been drunk twice in his life.

Once on the night he quit his last job.

And tonight after being completely embarrassed in front of his crush.

That being said, this was definitely the odder of the two times he realized as his eyes fluttered open. This was a subtle reminder to never get drunk again as he now had one of the worst headaches he had ever experienced. It was almost similar to last time. The aching thumps in his head, he clearly remembered that from the first time he was drunk. The crazed sensation to go back to sleep, that was certainly the same, but….No, this was different.

Why was the light directly hitting his eyes? He always kept the curtains in his bedroom closed.

Amber eyes opened and focused on the light fixture above. He would never buy such an ugly light fixture. Matter of fact, he never did buy one, so why was he looking at one now?

Inuyasha sat up a bit too quickly as the room began to spin around him. "Agh!" From what he could see through the blur, he could see interior that he was very unfamiliar with. Why were the blinds open? Who's couch was this? Why were there pictures scattered on the table near him of people he didn't know? Why was it a picture of the very woman that wanted nothing to do with him smiling up at him? He hardly had time to focus as he struggled to recall what happened last night. Realization dawned on him as he looked closely at the picture. It was a graduation picture of the woman he liked in the most beautiful floral hakama he had ever seen looking as radiant as ever.

I'm in Ms. Higurashi's apartment.

And now, for the first time of the day, he would ask.

What the hell is this situation?

---

I would like to wish a very merry happy birthday to Ms. Regi !

I'm sending so much love and positivity your way. I truly hope this year is one that brings much growth and happiness your way. Hopefully many fun and happy things happen to you and you're able to really enjoy this year, love. Now just picture me singing happy birthday (very off-key) and dancing around the room haha. You have so much potential to do many great things and I'm rooting for you every step of the way! Have a lovely day and I hope all of your birthday wishes come true. I also hope this writing was to your satisfaction (:

Love you lots girl!

Give this year your all and make many birthday wishes ^^

Tangent: This is actually my third attempt at writing a story for you due to the first being destroyed when my computer broke and the second time because I just wasn't fully interested in tackling the idea I had written out.(Though I hope to either make a book of those other two ideas, because I would be lying if I said those ideas weren't good as hell LOL) But as they say, 3rd times the charm and let me tell you, this chapter was written so smoothly.(At the time I wrote it) I currently work at a gaming company and there was nothing to do on my last two days of work because we were finishing up this bomb game that will come out soon, so I spent the remaining time I had writing. It only took two days to write this at work and it just flowed like tears during a sad movie haha.

That being said, I'm a bit out of the writing game. I kept picturing this as a webtoon, so it was hard for me to switch back to writing out all of the small details when I kept literally picturing how some parts would look as a webtoon, make sense? I'll work on it though and get back into the writing flow!

Annddddd you see how I didn't use the complete button and how it's left on a cliffy….It's going to be a story (:. Really never thought I'd write another Inu fanfic since I really want to just write books, but here we are again.

I start teaching at a high school pretty soon as I wait the year out to start my master's degree. (Long story short, life never goes as planned so I had to take a gap year to find a job in Japan in the meantime). Anyways, that's part of the inspiration for this. Or I guess by the time you guys read this, I will have already started….fun fact: I won't start until May 28th. Life REALLY doesn't go as planned lol

Anyways the main points to take away:

1. Happy Birthday, Regiiiiiiii

2. I'm a high school teacher. I've taught plenty of times before, but never taught at a Japanese high school. These kids are going to really have fun haha

3. I started a new story, sooooo expect updates to be irregular. LOL

---

Let's have fun everyone

Arc 1

Chapter 1/7

Posted: May 20, 2020

Words: About 16,300

Pages: 35