A/N: wow I feel like I haven't written in forever. I decided it was best to
write nice, long chapters that are actually worthwhile to read^^ lol
(starting next chapter-.-;;;;) and also I thought my phase of busyness was
just that, a phase, turns out it's decidedly the rest of my life --; T.T
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, keeps me motivated (which is a wonder to behold) enough to drag my overrun, lazy self to the computer and write smore and everyone's who's still following this story^^.
A/N: " " = speech and ' ' still = KAGOME'S thoughts.
Only Normal on the Average
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
So I summed it up, generalized it and slapped a friendly G rating on the whole scenario. It didn't sound so bad after I did that. I did it more for my own sake than Sango's, if I made fake dating Inuyasha seem as approachable as possible it did wonders for my trepidation. Sango was less convinced than me, which is saying a lot.
"So why do those two want you specifically to do it?"
"I wouldn't say specifically, it's more like last chance extreme really."
"What a compliment." Sango remarked dryly. "There's probably a good reason why no one else would date the guy."
"Probably." I agreed despairingly.
There was a short and heavy silence where Sango quickly realized the impact of her observation.
"Hey Sango," I spoke earnestly, "If they find my body in the back alley of some dumpster, Kikyo did it."
"That's pessimism for you." But she looked at me with something akin to pity.
Ach, what could I say, it's all over for you when not-so-easily-moved Sango, feels truly sorry for you. Sure it wasn't written in stone or signed in blood, I could back out at any given time; -could- but -would- was a different question, my word was my obligation.... right? Damn my charitable ways, what was I thinking?
My pointless, whiny musings finally impressed upon me, 'really', I chided myself 'the task isn't brain surgery and the absolute worst that could happen is having to obtain a restraining order for Kikyo in the end, which I wouldn't mind in the least.'
Sango had remained quiet, glancing over my shoulder, I instantly felt what little warmth the sun had to offer being blocked by a tall shadow. A tall shadow practically breathing down my neck. I tilted my head, glimpsing silver.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Obediently waiting for you to find me and drag me by my hair to your cave." I replied irritably.
Inuyasha was glowering. Miroku became the moderator. "Now play nice you two."
"With this nauseating shrew?" Inuyasha scoffed. "This is pulling teeth Miroku, I'd rather have done this with that blonde moron friend of Kikyo's."
'Oh my god. -HITOMI-?'
"Well beggars can't be choosers." I sharply countered before Miroku could respond. Darn, and just when I was readying myself to accept the circumstances and simply -do- this dumb plan.
Inuyasha didn't have very much to say to that brutal fact. He was mad as hell but helpless all the same. My satisfaction ran deep. Miroku gracefully sidled next to Sango who had yet to speak. "Don't they say that little girls who have secret little crushes on boys pick on them?"
I had no idea what he was talking about, but obviously Sango did when she pointedly regarded his feet. I had to ask her about that later. Miroku slowly tucked his feet safely away from her harmful glance. What was up with them?
"No," Sango said slowly. "little girls only pick on dirty minded little boys who have nothing better to do with their frivolous, imbecilic lives than waste it chasing tail and being a lowbred lecher."
"Ouch." Miroku made a small grimace, mockingly placing a hand over his heart. "Said like a true bra burner."
Turning to me Miroku jauntingly asked, "Is she always this charming or is it my exclusive pleasure?"
Sango abruptly stood, slamming her palms on the table, not acknowledging Miroku "I don't have time to agitated by the school idiot, I'll see to you later Kagome." She excused her self with thinly veiled undertones of rage, swiftly weaving through the growing crowd and disappearing.
"Che, What's her problem?" Inuyasha asked without much concern.
"She is such a tease." Miroku asserted warmly.
I looked blankly at the both of them then alternated to sulking unhappily; they drove Sango away. I was left alone, where's the justice in that?
"I never did catch the name of your delightful friend."
I raised my eyebrow uncertainly, "Sango." I continued dubiously, "and to have the wrath of Sango befall you ... is to live out the rest of your days in a body cast."
Miroku repeated her name, seeming satisfied with the sound, ignoring the rest of my warning. He appeared to be in deep thought as his smile widened.
"Could we get down to business?" Inuyasha demanded. Not happy about being ignored.
"Now that you've brought up the topic so delicately I guess we can." I returned snappishly.
Inuyasha crossed his arms. "You're still not mad about the whole morning thing are you, if we're going to make this relationship work, Kagome," he stressed my name nastily, "then you'll have to be a lot more of a forgiving and tolerant girlfriend."
Like he was doing me some huge favor and not the other way around. I bit my tongue against another cutting remark, this could go on forever; I swear Inuyasha brings out the worst in me. Okay Kagome, the sooner you be the adult of the situation and draw a truce the sooner this can finally be done with.
With a tight smile I agreed. As we made a stop to my locker, a brief, but far from content cease-fire ensued, which was almost more uncomfortable than our constant disagreements, this way, there was just long lapses of embarrassed silence and forced civility. 'great way to spend senior year, this is so unhealthy, I'll probably have to see a psychiatrist about it in 10 years, confessing about the traumatic effects of my last year in high school.' I thought gloomily. 'might as well make friends...' was my uneasy resolve.
"So...."
'let's see, common ground, common ground. What do I know about Inuyasha? Eh.. I searched for anything, it didn't help that I had lived under a rock throughout the last three years, and now I was expected to be on the highest level of intimacy with him? I colored slightly at the unwanted notion. I was groping in the dark; I didn't know a thing, well except, that he has a brother.'
"Um.. So your brother is new to the school?" 'well that's a strange conversation starter, if I ever heard one.'
His reaction was momentous, he frozen in mid-stride, veering toward me with eyes narrowed.
"Half-brother," he snarled "that bastard, I never want to hear Sesshoumaru's name, or any mention of him Kagome."
I frowned, "Hey, you said it, not me."
Inuyasha continued to eye me warily "Then mind your own business."
This guy was insufferable, "I was just trying to make sociable small talk, I don't know the first thing about you, if I'm willing to put in some form of effort, so should you." I defended.
"Well you knew about my damn brother, that doesn't speak well for you."
"What do you mean?" I asked angrily, "I know your name is Inuyasha and that you have a brother, yeah that should be grounds for labeling me and being excessively obnoxious."
I whirled the other direction, briskly leaving the crabby Inuyasha. I groaned silently, I -hated- being angry. And getting all worked up. All at once, I just wanted a nice, unobtrusive year more than anything; but noo, I had to wonder about what a little change would be like, and here and now I'm stuck with this melodrama.
"Kagome, dammit!, will you wait up?" was the frustrated shout. Inuyasha had probably remembered that we were a happy couple when people were around, and we were in fact among many, many people. Summoning his good boyfriend sketch he caught up with me.
"Kagome," he had softened his voice into something low and intimate placing a hand on my shoulder, for prying eyes and ears.
I stiffened. "Yes?" my voice revealing neither if I was upset or not.
He removed his hand, stepping closer. Curiosity replacing some angry, I looked up at him impassively. Oh, he was definitely anxious to put on a good show for our audience. His smile implored me to go along. Again, I neither affirmed if I would or spoil his scheme. I was pretty ticked.
"Kagome," he murmured again, well was he going to get on with it or not. It was sort of fun seeing him undecided.
"I'm sorry for.. overreacting, of course I support you in your decision in working. there." 'wow was that bad, see I -told- him we didn't know anything about one another, and now he's subjected to terrible sounding lies.' I thought triumphantly. 'Oh don't you remember, honey, I already -have- a job.' I wanted to tell him snottily.
"I was just surprised, and disappointed in the time it would demand from you, away from me," he added charmingly.
I hampered a sigh, and berated myself for what I was about to do. I smiled mercifully. "It's okay, Inuyasha, I hate the thought of being apart as much as you," I spoke quietly (Which was 100% true), looking up at him with what I hoped were big, sad eyes. "I was silly in thinking you would be anything but understanding." Faultier words were never spoken. But, still I had to commend my impersonation, I'd better be receiving an Oscar for this.
"Let's talk about this later, after school, I'll treat you to some ice cream," he amended with a darling little smile.
I tried to mirror the adoration on his face, when what I really wanted to do was say that I had work dammit. I made a shy, agreeable sound, God were we a pair, he could be my best supporting actor.
He had grasped my hand and we were making our way through the multitude of students. I doubt that I've been gawked at so much in my entire life, and highly suspect I wouldn't have been so noticed if I didn't have anything to do with Inuyasha, but instead streaked throughout the school with wild animals. I decided I'd rather have been the crazy, naked girl, than the crazy, soon to have her eyes gouged out by Kikyo girl.
Away from enamored busybodies Inuyasha couldn't release my hand fast enough, and I couldn't pull it away fast enough. We stood a good distance apart glaring daggers at each other. The incident kind of sealed our 'relationship' with a dizzying permanence.
"At least we're able to pull it off with some conviction." My statement was virtually written on a white flag. But .. I guess he didn't want another 'truce' considering how the last one went.
"Feh," he muttered gruffly, "We wouldn't have been in such a tight spot if you hadn't been so fucking nosy."
Well, that's gratitude, I was itching to put him in his place. My exasperation flared back to life.
"Don't you dare turn the tables around, -I'm- mad at -you-. I tried to break the ice and address the implications of not knowing about each other, but then you," I jabbed a finger in his direction accusingly, "jump down my throat for whatever grudge you hold over your brother's head, which by the way I couldn't care less about, and insult me for the umpteenth time and -that- is why we were in a tight spot." I finished with a flourish.
After that was said and done, I felt really harsh.
He regarded me darkly. "You know, you're very undignified, it flatters your fire-breathing dragon self image."
"Yeah well, you're no prince yourself." I said with no enthusiasm.
The bell rang, not a moment more to ponder our bleak footings and resentment. Without another word we headed our separate ways, ah, well another day, another missed lunch, and the soap opera that has become my life.
In Home Ec. I dropped in the seat next to Sango.
"Good lunch?" Sango asked with easy sarcasm, trying to lighten the cheerless mood that had formed into an evident black cloud hovering over me.
"The best," I offered half-heartedly thinking inanely about the field day my future shrink would have and the enormous bills it would rack up.
A/N: Heh. No Sesshoumaru T.T I promise to have all of the next LONG chapter dedicated to him. I miss him as much as the next adoring fangirl. --;;; NEXT CHAPTER! Suggestions? comments? Feedback! Always a good thing =] Leave a nice long review and I'll be thankful and indebted forever! ^^
Thanks to everyone who's reviewed, keeps me motivated (which is a wonder to behold) enough to drag my overrun, lazy self to the computer and write smore and everyone's who's still following this story^^.
A/N: " " = speech and ' ' still = KAGOME'S thoughts.
Only Normal on the Average
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
So I summed it up, generalized it and slapped a friendly G rating on the whole scenario. It didn't sound so bad after I did that. I did it more for my own sake than Sango's, if I made fake dating Inuyasha seem as approachable as possible it did wonders for my trepidation. Sango was less convinced than me, which is saying a lot.
"So why do those two want you specifically to do it?"
"I wouldn't say specifically, it's more like last chance extreme really."
"What a compliment." Sango remarked dryly. "There's probably a good reason why no one else would date the guy."
"Probably." I agreed despairingly.
There was a short and heavy silence where Sango quickly realized the impact of her observation.
"Hey Sango," I spoke earnestly, "If they find my body in the back alley of some dumpster, Kikyo did it."
"That's pessimism for you." But she looked at me with something akin to pity.
Ach, what could I say, it's all over for you when not-so-easily-moved Sango, feels truly sorry for you. Sure it wasn't written in stone or signed in blood, I could back out at any given time; -could- but -would- was a different question, my word was my obligation.... right? Damn my charitable ways, what was I thinking?
My pointless, whiny musings finally impressed upon me, 'really', I chided myself 'the task isn't brain surgery and the absolute worst that could happen is having to obtain a restraining order for Kikyo in the end, which I wouldn't mind in the least.'
Sango had remained quiet, glancing over my shoulder, I instantly felt what little warmth the sun had to offer being blocked by a tall shadow. A tall shadow practically breathing down my neck. I tilted my head, glimpsing silver.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Obediently waiting for you to find me and drag me by my hair to your cave." I replied irritably.
Inuyasha was glowering. Miroku became the moderator. "Now play nice you two."
"With this nauseating shrew?" Inuyasha scoffed. "This is pulling teeth Miroku, I'd rather have done this with that blonde moron friend of Kikyo's."
'Oh my god. -HITOMI-?'
"Well beggars can't be choosers." I sharply countered before Miroku could respond. Darn, and just when I was readying myself to accept the circumstances and simply -do- this dumb plan.
Inuyasha didn't have very much to say to that brutal fact. He was mad as hell but helpless all the same. My satisfaction ran deep. Miroku gracefully sidled next to Sango who had yet to speak. "Don't they say that little girls who have secret little crushes on boys pick on them?"
I had no idea what he was talking about, but obviously Sango did when she pointedly regarded his feet. I had to ask her about that later. Miroku slowly tucked his feet safely away from her harmful glance. What was up with them?
"No," Sango said slowly. "little girls only pick on dirty minded little boys who have nothing better to do with their frivolous, imbecilic lives than waste it chasing tail and being a lowbred lecher."
"Ouch." Miroku made a small grimace, mockingly placing a hand over his heart. "Said like a true bra burner."
Turning to me Miroku jauntingly asked, "Is she always this charming or is it my exclusive pleasure?"
Sango abruptly stood, slamming her palms on the table, not acknowledging Miroku "I don't have time to agitated by the school idiot, I'll see to you later Kagome." She excused her self with thinly veiled undertones of rage, swiftly weaving through the growing crowd and disappearing.
"Che, What's her problem?" Inuyasha asked without much concern.
"She is such a tease." Miroku asserted warmly.
I looked blankly at the both of them then alternated to sulking unhappily; they drove Sango away. I was left alone, where's the justice in that?
"I never did catch the name of your delightful friend."
I raised my eyebrow uncertainly, "Sango." I continued dubiously, "and to have the wrath of Sango befall you ... is to live out the rest of your days in a body cast."
Miroku repeated her name, seeming satisfied with the sound, ignoring the rest of my warning. He appeared to be in deep thought as his smile widened.
"Could we get down to business?" Inuyasha demanded. Not happy about being ignored.
"Now that you've brought up the topic so delicately I guess we can." I returned snappishly.
Inuyasha crossed his arms. "You're still not mad about the whole morning thing are you, if we're going to make this relationship work, Kagome," he stressed my name nastily, "then you'll have to be a lot more of a forgiving and tolerant girlfriend."
Like he was doing me some huge favor and not the other way around. I bit my tongue against another cutting remark, this could go on forever; I swear Inuyasha brings out the worst in me. Okay Kagome, the sooner you be the adult of the situation and draw a truce the sooner this can finally be done with.
With a tight smile I agreed. As we made a stop to my locker, a brief, but far from content cease-fire ensued, which was almost more uncomfortable than our constant disagreements, this way, there was just long lapses of embarrassed silence and forced civility. 'great way to spend senior year, this is so unhealthy, I'll probably have to see a psychiatrist about it in 10 years, confessing about the traumatic effects of my last year in high school.' I thought gloomily. 'might as well make friends...' was my uneasy resolve.
"So...."
'let's see, common ground, common ground. What do I know about Inuyasha? Eh.. I searched for anything, it didn't help that I had lived under a rock throughout the last three years, and now I was expected to be on the highest level of intimacy with him? I colored slightly at the unwanted notion. I was groping in the dark; I didn't know a thing, well except, that he has a brother.'
"Um.. So your brother is new to the school?" 'well that's a strange conversation starter, if I ever heard one.'
His reaction was momentous, he frozen in mid-stride, veering toward me with eyes narrowed.
"Half-brother," he snarled "that bastard, I never want to hear Sesshoumaru's name, or any mention of him Kagome."
I frowned, "Hey, you said it, not me."
Inuyasha continued to eye me warily "Then mind your own business."
This guy was insufferable, "I was just trying to make sociable small talk, I don't know the first thing about you, if I'm willing to put in some form of effort, so should you." I defended.
"Well you knew about my damn brother, that doesn't speak well for you."
"What do you mean?" I asked angrily, "I know your name is Inuyasha and that you have a brother, yeah that should be grounds for labeling me and being excessively obnoxious."
I whirled the other direction, briskly leaving the crabby Inuyasha. I groaned silently, I -hated- being angry. And getting all worked up. All at once, I just wanted a nice, unobtrusive year more than anything; but noo, I had to wonder about what a little change would be like, and here and now I'm stuck with this melodrama.
"Kagome, dammit!, will you wait up?" was the frustrated shout. Inuyasha had probably remembered that we were a happy couple when people were around, and we were in fact among many, many people. Summoning his good boyfriend sketch he caught up with me.
"Kagome," he had softened his voice into something low and intimate placing a hand on my shoulder, for prying eyes and ears.
I stiffened. "Yes?" my voice revealing neither if I was upset or not.
He removed his hand, stepping closer. Curiosity replacing some angry, I looked up at him impassively. Oh, he was definitely anxious to put on a good show for our audience. His smile implored me to go along. Again, I neither affirmed if I would or spoil his scheme. I was pretty ticked.
"Kagome," he murmured again, well was he going to get on with it or not. It was sort of fun seeing him undecided.
"I'm sorry for.. overreacting, of course I support you in your decision in working. there." 'wow was that bad, see I -told- him we didn't know anything about one another, and now he's subjected to terrible sounding lies.' I thought triumphantly. 'Oh don't you remember, honey, I already -have- a job.' I wanted to tell him snottily.
"I was just surprised, and disappointed in the time it would demand from you, away from me," he added charmingly.
I hampered a sigh, and berated myself for what I was about to do. I smiled mercifully. "It's okay, Inuyasha, I hate the thought of being apart as much as you," I spoke quietly (Which was 100% true), looking up at him with what I hoped were big, sad eyes. "I was silly in thinking you would be anything but understanding." Faultier words were never spoken. But, still I had to commend my impersonation, I'd better be receiving an Oscar for this.
"Let's talk about this later, after school, I'll treat you to some ice cream," he amended with a darling little smile.
I tried to mirror the adoration on his face, when what I really wanted to do was say that I had work dammit. I made a shy, agreeable sound, God were we a pair, he could be my best supporting actor.
He had grasped my hand and we were making our way through the multitude of students. I doubt that I've been gawked at so much in my entire life, and highly suspect I wouldn't have been so noticed if I didn't have anything to do with Inuyasha, but instead streaked throughout the school with wild animals. I decided I'd rather have been the crazy, naked girl, than the crazy, soon to have her eyes gouged out by Kikyo girl.
Away from enamored busybodies Inuyasha couldn't release my hand fast enough, and I couldn't pull it away fast enough. We stood a good distance apart glaring daggers at each other. The incident kind of sealed our 'relationship' with a dizzying permanence.
"At least we're able to pull it off with some conviction." My statement was virtually written on a white flag. But .. I guess he didn't want another 'truce' considering how the last one went.
"Feh," he muttered gruffly, "We wouldn't have been in such a tight spot if you hadn't been so fucking nosy."
Well, that's gratitude, I was itching to put him in his place. My exasperation flared back to life.
"Don't you dare turn the tables around, -I'm- mad at -you-. I tried to break the ice and address the implications of not knowing about each other, but then you," I jabbed a finger in his direction accusingly, "jump down my throat for whatever grudge you hold over your brother's head, which by the way I couldn't care less about, and insult me for the umpteenth time and -that- is why we were in a tight spot." I finished with a flourish.
After that was said and done, I felt really harsh.
He regarded me darkly. "You know, you're very undignified, it flatters your fire-breathing dragon self image."
"Yeah well, you're no prince yourself." I said with no enthusiasm.
The bell rang, not a moment more to ponder our bleak footings and resentment. Without another word we headed our separate ways, ah, well another day, another missed lunch, and the soap opera that has become my life.
In Home Ec. I dropped in the seat next to Sango.
"Good lunch?" Sango asked with easy sarcasm, trying to lighten the cheerless mood that had formed into an evident black cloud hovering over me.
"The best," I offered half-heartedly thinking inanely about the field day my future shrink would have and the enormous bills it would rack up.
A/N: Heh. No Sesshoumaru T.T I promise to have all of the next LONG chapter dedicated to him. I miss him as much as the next adoring fangirl. --;;; NEXT CHAPTER! Suggestions? comments? Feedback! Always a good thing =] Leave a nice long review and I'll be thankful and indebted forever! ^^