Disclaimer: Oh, what the hell! Sue me! I have a nice, smelly pair of
holey Avias you can have. That about covers it. Oh, and this life-sucking
box I type this on, but if you take that I might just get something done!
Ok, I lied. I got another chapter done! I'm on a roll! Again, I'm not entirely happy with it ~ probably will revise it at least once. Let me know what you think, k?
As Kagome and Houjo entered the courtyard, they were instantly flocked by friends greeting them, gushing about how nice they looked, "Ooooooh! You make the cutest couple!" Houjo beamed, Kagome sweatdropped. She loved her friends but she didn't really like being the center of attention. Especially their matchmaking attention. Couldn't they find a more deserving candidate for their interest? Like someone who wanted it. Or someone who had done something really bad in a past life? She briefly amused herself by imagining setting her friends on Kikyo. "Ooooooh, Kikyo, you and Naraku make suuuuuch a cute couple? Or how about Sessomaru? Or better yet, Jaken?" She smirked in private enjoyment.
"Earth to Kagome, come in Kagome!" Yuri was waving her hand in front of Kagome's face. "Are you still with us?"
Kagome blushed, "Oh, yeah, sorry. I was just thinking...about, um, dancing! When is the music going to start again?"
"Kagomeeeeee! You weren't listening! We were just talking about going to the movies tomorrow! You and Houjo-kun could come! What'da think?"
"Ummm, I don't know," Kagome shifted uncomfortably. "I have so much to catch up on. I'll have to see."
Nanami admonished her, "How can you have so much to catch up on? You're home all the time in bed. You must spend at least some of that time studying! Besides, I heard about that essay you wrote in the High School entrance exams about the Feudal Era! Everyone said you blew the review board away with it. They said it was almost as if you knew it all firsthand!"
Kagome smirked and thought, for the second time that night, 'You have no idea!' but she said, "Well, I didn't do so well with math. I have to retake that one."
The first notes of music started up again, and Kagome instantly latched onto Houjo's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. She breathed a sigh of relief as she began to lose herself in the beat. It could have been any song, didn't matter. It was her escape. Soon, she was completely immersed in the ecstasy of movement.
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Inuyasha was frustrated that he couldn't hear any of the conversation going on between Kagome and her friends. He could see that whatever they were saying, she wasn't enjoying it. 'Feh! Silly cows!' He did notice a small smile cross her face once, but it seemed to be a private smile. He growled when he saw Kagome grab Hobo's hand, but decided she was only doing it to get away from that group of cackling hens.
It was at that point that Souta decided to check out a frizbee caught in one of the tree branches. Inuyasha had completely forgotten that he wasn't alone until he saw the boy out of the corner of his eye, creeping along the branch. He didn't know what the kid was up to, but he knew it wasn't a good idea this far up. He wouldn't likely survive a fall like the half demon would. And Inuyasha was pretty sure Kagome would be very upset at the loss of her only brother. 'Hmph! Unfortunately, it would take a lot more than that to get rid of Sessomaru!" Before he could play out that fantasy in his mind, though, Souta started to lose his grip, and in an instant, was falling toward hard concrete below.
The Hanyou acted quickly. He leapt down to a lower branch and caught the child by the waistband of his pants. He held the the small boy up so that their faces were level and he hissed, "Oi, kid, watch what you're doing! That's not marshmallow down there, you know!" before leaping back up to their previous spot and setting the kid firmly on the branch right next to the trunk. "Stay!" He ordered.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted that frizbee. Thanks for saving me." Souta said meekly.
"Feh" but seeing the toy the boy was after, Inuyasha reached over and tugged it away from the branches that held it, and presented it to his charge. "Now, try to stay out of trouble."
He looked over to see if the incident had attracted any attention, but no one seemed to have noticed. In fact, Kagome didn't seem to be noticing anything as she was completely immersed in the music. He tried not to stare, but couldn't help himself. Her lithe body seemed to almost be a part of the music, moving with graceful fluidity, as if the music would cease if she stopped moving, rather than the other way around. He gazed, completely captivated as she twirled, swirled her skirts, used her whole body to interpret the sounds that flowed from the speakers and into her. Tearing his attention from her briefly, he noted that what she was doing wasn't much different than anyone else ~ not from the other girls anyway. They all did the same steps and movements as she did, but...what was it. They just didn't seem to feel it the same way, and so, couldn't...what was the word he was looking for. Master it? Was that it? Yes. Master it. The way Kagome had mastered her bow and arrows when she put her heart into it. She had mastered the music. She became it, and it became her. And all the while, she wore the face of complete ecstasy. He found himself feeling envy for the music ~ for the intimacy it shared with her.
He glanced at her partner. He danced across from her, and it was apparent to the Hanyou that he, too, was appreciating Kagome's movement. It was probably best that the scents of the dancers had mixed so that they were indistinguishable from one another, or he might not have been able to control the impulse to leap down and tear the guy's throat out. Not that it would be fair in any case. Houjo wasn't the only male there who was sending admiring glances her way. Kagome would probably be very cross with him if he decimated half her classmates for committing the deadly sin of leering at her.
But for all appearances, to Kagome, her partner could have been anyone. Or no one. She didn't seem to know, or to care who was across from her. She was lost in her own world. He decided to ignore everyone else and just focus his attention on her. That would be much easier on his nerves, and probably safer for everyone.
When the music finally stopped for a short break, Houjo asked if Kagome wanted something to drink. She smiled gratefully at him and said she would, "I'm just going to sit over here for a rest," she said, indicating a bench at the edge of the courtyard.
Of course, with that one word, Inuyasha found himself imbedded about a foot and a half into the ground. Luckily, he didn't hit the concrete, but the soft grass outside the courtyard. He did cause a loud enough crash that everyone turned in his direction, but since it was dark, and he was fairly deeply imbedded in the ground, they didn't see anything, and so turned their attention back to the dance.
Kagome was squinting into the distance, thinking, "Oh, surely not! He wouldn't!" She got up and started to walk in that direction, but she heard Houjo call to her, and turned to see him standing there with a cup of lemonade for her.
"Did you want to go for a walk?" He asked.
"Oh, no! It's just...that noise! I thought it might have been a, uh, dog or something!
The music started again, this time slow and very romantic, and Houjo offered Kagome his hand. She hesitated a moment, but admonished herself, 'Why not? Why are you saving yourself for someone who has chosen someone else? Someone who's not even alive! How depressing is that? You've been passed over for a dead woman!"
So, she set her empty cup down and followed her date out onto the dance floor. He turned to her and shyly put his hands on her waist. She put her arms around his neck, but kept him at arm's length.
the room is empty
the lights are dim
and my heart wonders
if I'll ever see you again
my tears are hungry
for an open door
when your arms held me
I never felt that way before
The music took her over again. Kagome wondered momentarily if she was under the influence of some Music Demon, the way it seemed to infuse her very soul. But the melody was so soft and mesmerizing that she just let it take her away. Soon, Houjo had tightened his embrace, and she was resting her head on his shoulder, as they swayed to the enchanting strains. With a very long day behind her, Kagome began to feel very drowsy.
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a new moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
once in a blue moon
Kagome's mind drifted away. Every time the singer sang "blue moon," Kagome heard "new moon." Her sleepy mind focused on that line, and Houjo's warm embrace became Inuyasha's. She could feel his strong arms surround her, so safe and warm. She was wrapped in his red coat, warm from his body heat, smelling of earth and tree sap. When he was afraid she had been hurt, when all his protective walls were broken down, and it was just the two of them.She sighed deeply and snuggled deeper into his embrace.
do you remember
when the wind blew free
and we fit together
so naturally
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a blue moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
if the wind closes a door
it will open another
Houjo couldn't believe how close he and Kagome had become in just one evening. He had been trying for years to get her to be more than just mildly interested in him, and now...he wasn't sure why she had all of a sudden become so affectionate, but he wasn't going to question it. He gazed down at the angel in his arms and felt warmth spread throughout his body. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see couples all around the dancefloor making out with their partners, and he suddenly wanted very badly to kiss her lovely, flushed mouth.
He gently took her chin with his right hand and tipped her face to his. Her eyes closed and her lips parted, and he took that to be permission to proceed. Claiming her lips with his, he was pleasantly surprised that she responded with such eagerness. What he had meant to be a light kiss she responded to with hunger and passion. 'Mmmmmm...Inuyasha...finally...'
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a blue moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
In the distance came a bone-chilling howl of ultimate heartbreak. Kagome snapped out of her dream world and looked up at her partner. She blinked at him in horror. "Oh, oh, ohmygod! Oh, Houjo-kun!" she stammered, covering her mouth with her fingers. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...I'm not ready....Ohmygod!" She covered her face with her hands, and excused herself to the ladies room, then bolted.
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He thought he had been caught. She had looked right in his direction and was about to walk towards him. He froze and prayed to the gods that she would be distracted and he would be able to get back up into the tree without being noticed. He considered briefly just running away, but remembered Souta up in the tree, and realized he'd have to go back.
The distraction he prayed for came in the form of that idiot that Kagome had chosen to spend her evening with. He brought her something to drink, and her attention was diverted. He got what he had asked for.
He remembered hearing somewhere to be careful of what you asked for ~ that you might get it. In his experience, the gods weren't very kind to him.
When he got back up to the branch Souta was sitting on, the boy asked if he was alright. When Inuyasha said he was and started picking grass and leaves out of his hair, the boy started to laugh. "You look so funny!"
Inuyasha clapped his hand over the boy's mouth, worried that they would be overheard. Wouldn't that be just typical~ escape being discovered after crashing to the ground, only to be found by a small human's cackling!
But then the music had started again, drowning out the sound of laughter to Inuyasha's relief. But it was much different than before. It was much softer and the rhythm was much slower. He suddenly had a very bad feeling. He remembered how people danced to music like this. He saw it at the festival at the shrine. He turned to look down, and sure enough, couples were embracing.
He watched with growing agitation, as Houjo pulled Kagome, HIS Kagome, into his wimpy arms. That had to be enough, right? That gave him the right to leap down and carry her away, didn't it? After he hurt this Hobo jerk. A lot.
But she didn't seem to mind. She rested her cheek on his chest and closed her eyes! 'Ok, maybe she's sleepy. It's been a really long day, and we did have an intense battle this morning. That's it; she's asleep. I should go down and take her out of his disgusting embrace and carry her home. Can't that jerk see she's tired?'
And then the bottom fell out of his world. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. That jerk, that ass who was holding his Kagome took her chin and lifted her lovely face and KISSED her! Kissed her soft, sweet, sensuous lips! The lips that he watched, craved, hungered for but never had the nerve to claim with his own. And this weak, pathetic human just...took them! NOOOOOOOO!
Souta watched, gape-mouthed as Inuyasha reached for the hilt of Tetsiaga, perched to leap, a look of intense fury in his burning amber eyes.
But as quickly as he had reacted, he collapsed again. His entire manner changed as his ears drooped and his body sagged in defeat. His eyes never left the couple, and so he couldn't help but notice that although that guy was kissing Kagome, she was clearly kissing him back. In fact, she seemed to be intensifying the contact. And still, he couldn't tear his gaze from the couple.
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Oh, nooooo! (Dons a flameproof vest!) Please don't kill me, or you'll never find out how this story turns out. The song, BTW, is called Once I a Blue Moon by Sydney Forest. I love her music!
Ok, I lied. I got another chapter done! I'm on a roll! Again, I'm not entirely happy with it ~ probably will revise it at least once. Let me know what you think, k?
As Kagome and Houjo entered the courtyard, they were instantly flocked by friends greeting them, gushing about how nice they looked, "Ooooooh! You make the cutest couple!" Houjo beamed, Kagome sweatdropped. She loved her friends but she didn't really like being the center of attention. Especially their matchmaking attention. Couldn't they find a more deserving candidate for their interest? Like someone who wanted it. Or someone who had done something really bad in a past life? She briefly amused herself by imagining setting her friends on Kikyo. "Ooooooh, Kikyo, you and Naraku make suuuuuch a cute couple? Or how about Sessomaru? Or better yet, Jaken?" She smirked in private enjoyment.
"Earth to Kagome, come in Kagome!" Yuri was waving her hand in front of Kagome's face. "Are you still with us?"
Kagome blushed, "Oh, yeah, sorry. I was just thinking...about, um, dancing! When is the music going to start again?"
"Kagomeeeeee! You weren't listening! We were just talking about going to the movies tomorrow! You and Houjo-kun could come! What'da think?"
"Ummm, I don't know," Kagome shifted uncomfortably. "I have so much to catch up on. I'll have to see."
Nanami admonished her, "How can you have so much to catch up on? You're home all the time in bed. You must spend at least some of that time studying! Besides, I heard about that essay you wrote in the High School entrance exams about the Feudal Era! Everyone said you blew the review board away with it. They said it was almost as if you knew it all firsthand!"
Kagome smirked and thought, for the second time that night, 'You have no idea!' but she said, "Well, I didn't do so well with math. I have to retake that one."
The first notes of music started up again, and Kagome instantly latched onto Houjo's hand and dragged him onto the dance floor. She breathed a sigh of relief as she began to lose herself in the beat. It could have been any song, didn't matter. It was her escape. Soon, she was completely immersed in the ecstasy of movement.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Inuyasha was frustrated that he couldn't hear any of the conversation going on between Kagome and her friends. He could see that whatever they were saying, she wasn't enjoying it. 'Feh! Silly cows!' He did notice a small smile cross her face once, but it seemed to be a private smile. He growled when he saw Kagome grab Hobo's hand, but decided she was only doing it to get away from that group of cackling hens.
It was at that point that Souta decided to check out a frizbee caught in one of the tree branches. Inuyasha had completely forgotten that he wasn't alone until he saw the boy out of the corner of his eye, creeping along the branch. He didn't know what the kid was up to, but he knew it wasn't a good idea this far up. He wouldn't likely survive a fall like the half demon would. And Inuyasha was pretty sure Kagome would be very upset at the loss of her only brother. 'Hmph! Unfortunately, it would take a lot more than that to get rid of Sessomaru!" Before he could play out that fantasy in his mind, though, Souta started to lose his grip, and in an instant, was falling toward hard concrete below.
The Hanyou acted quickly. He leapt down to a lower branch and caught the child by the waistband of his pants. He held the the small boy up so that their faces were level and he hissed, "Oi, kid, watch what you're doing! That's not marshmallow down there, you know!" before leaping back up to their previous spot and setting the kid firmly on the branch right next to the trunk. "Stay!" He ordered.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted that frizbee. Thanks for saving me." Souta said meekly.
"Feh" but seeing the toy the boy was after, Inuyasha reached over and tugged it away from the branches that held it, and presented it to his charge. "Now, try to stay out of trouble."
He looked over to see if the incident had attracted any attention, but no one seemed to have noticed. In fact, Kagome didn't seem to be noticing anything as she was completely immersed in the music. He tried not to stare, but couldn't help himself. Her lithe body seemed to almost be a part of the music, moving with graceful fluidity, as if the music would cease if she stopped moving, rather than the other way around. He gazed, completely captivated as she twirled, swirled her skirts, used her whole body to interpret the sounds that flowed from the speakers and into her. Tearing his attention from her briefly, he noted that what she was doing wasn't much different than anyone else ~ not from the other girls anyway. They all did the same steps and movements as she did, but...what was it. They just didn't seem to feel it the same way, and so, couldn't...what was the word he was looking for. Master it? Was that it? Yes. Master it. The way Kagome had mastered her bow and arrows when she put her heart into it. She had mastered the music. She became it, and it became her. And all the while, she wore the face of complete ecstasy. He found himself feeling envy for the music ~ for the intimacy it shared with her.
He glanced at her partner. He danced across from her, and it was apparent to the Hanyou that he, too, was appreciating Kagome's movement. It was probably best that the scents of the dancers had mixed so that they were indistinguishable from one another, or he might not have been able to control the impulse to leap down and tear the guy's throat out. Not that it would be fair in any case. Houjo wasn't the only male there who was sending admiring glances her way. Kagome would probably be very cross with him if he decimated half her classmates for committing the deadly sin of leering at her.
But for all appearances, to Kagome, her partner could have been anyone. Or no one. She didn't seem to know, or to care who was across from her. She was lost in her own world. He decided to ignore everyone else and just focus his attention on her. That would be much easier on his nerves, and probably safer for everyone.
When the music finally stopped for a short break, Houjo asked if Kagome wanted something to drink. She smiled gratefully at him and said she would, "I'm just going to sit over here for a rest," she said, indicating a bench at the edge of the courtyard.
Of course, with that one word, Inuyasha found himself imbedded about a foot and a half into the ground. Luckily, he didn't hit the concrete, but the soft grass outside the courtyard. He did cause a loud enough crash that everyone turned in his direction, but since it was dark, and he was fairly deeply imbedded in the ground, they didn't see anything, and so turned their attention back to the dance.
Kagome was squinting into the distance, thinking, "Oh, surely not! He wouldn't!" She got up and started to walk in that direction, but she heard Houjo call to her, and turned to see him standing there with a cup of lemonade for her.
"Did you want to go for a walk?" He asked.
"Oh, no! It's just...that noise! I thought it might have been a, uh, dog or something!
The music started again, this time slow and very romantic, and Houjo offered Kagome his hand. She hesitated a moment, but admonished herself, 'Why not? Why are you saving yourself for someone who has chosen someone else? Someone who's not even alive! How depressing is that? You've been passed over for a dead woman!"
So, she set her empty cup down and followed her date out onto the dance floor. He turned to her and shyly put his hands on her waist. She put her arms around his neck, but kept him at arm's length.
the room is empty
the lights are dim
and my heart wonders
if I'll ever see you again
my tears are hungry
for an open door
when your arms held me
I never felt that way before
The music took her over again. Kagome wondered momentarily if she was under the influence of some Music Demon, the way it seemed to infuse her very soul. But the melody was so soft and mesmerizing that she just let it take her away. Soon, Houjo had tightened his embrace, and she was resting her head on his shoulder, as they swayed to the enchanting strains. With a very long day behind her, Kagome began to feel very drowsy.
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a new moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
once in a blue moon
Kagome's mind drifted away. Every time the singer sang "blue moon," Kagome heard "new moon." Her sleepy mind focused on that line, and Houjo's warm embrace became Inuyasha's. She could feel his strong arms surround her, so safe and warm. She was wrapped in his red coat, warm from his body heat, smelling of earth and tree sap. When he was afraid she had been hurt, when all his protective walls were broken down, and it was just the two of them.She sighed deeply and snuggled deeper into his embrace.
do you remember
when the wind blew free
and we fit together
so naturally
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a blue moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
if the wind closes a door
it will open another
Houjo couldn't believe how close he and Kagome had become in just one evening. He had been trying for years to get her to be more than just mildly interested in him, and now...he wasn't sure why she had all of a sudden become so affectionate, but he wasn't going to question it. He gazed down at the angel in his arms and felt warmth spread throughout his body. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see couples all around the dancefloor making out with their partners, and he suddenly wanted very badly to kiss her lovely, flushed mouth.
He gently took her chin with his right hand and tipped her face to his. Her eyes closed and her lips parted, and he took that to be permission to proceed. Claiming her lips with his, he was pleasantly surprised that she responded with such eagerness. What he had meant to be a light kiss she responded to with hunger and passion. 'Mmmmmm...Inuyasha...finally...'
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
under a blue moon
the taste of heaven
only happens
once in a blue moon
In the distance came a bone-chilling howl of ultimate heartbreak. Kagome snapped out of her dream world and looked up at her partner. She blinked at him in horror. "Oh, oh, ohmygod! Oh, Houjo-kun!" she stammered, covering her mouth with her fingers. "Oh, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...I'm not ready....Ohmygod!" She covered her face with her hands, and excused herself to the ladies room, then bolted.
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He thought he had been caught. She had looked right in his direction and was about to walk towards him. He froze and prayed to the gods that she would be distracted and he would be able to get back up into the tree without being noticed. He considered briefly just running away, but remembered Souta up in the tree, and realized he'd have to go back.
The distraction he prayed for came in the form of that idiot that Kagome had chosen to spend her evening with. He brought her something to drink, and her attention was diverted. He got what he had asked for.
He remembered hearing somewhere to be careful of what you asked for ~ that you might get it. In his experience, the gods weren't very kind to him.
When he got back up to the branch Souta was sitting on, the boy asked if he was alright. When Inuyasha said he was and started picking grass and leaves out of his hair, the boy started to laugh. "You look so funny!"
Inuyasha clapped his hand over the boy's mouth, worried that they would be overheard. Wouldn't that be just typical~ escape being discovered after crashing to the ground, only to be found by a small human's cackling!
But then the music had started again, drowning out the sound of laughter to Inuyasha's relief. But it was much different than before. It was much softer and the rhythm was much slower. He suddenly had a very bad feeling. He remembered how people danced to music like this. He saw it at the festival at the shrine. He turned to look down, and sure enough, couples were embracing.
He watched with growing agitation, as Houjo pulled Kagome, HIS Kagome, into his wimpy arms. That had to be enough, right? That gave him the right to leap down and carry her away, didn't it? After he hurt this Hobo jerk. A lot.
But she didn't seem to mind. She rested her cheek on his chest and closed her eyes! 'Ok, maybe she's sleepy. It's been a really long day, and we did have an intense battle this morning. That's it; she's asleep. I should go down and take her out of his disgusting embrace and carry her home. Can't that jerk see she's tired?'
And then the bottom fell out of his world. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. That jerk, that ass who was holding his Kagome took her chin and lifted her lovely face and KISSED her! Kissed her soft, sweet, sensuous lips! The lips that he watched, craved, hungered for but never had the nerve to claim with his own. And this weak, pathetic human just...took them! NOOOOOOOO!
Souta watched, gape-mouthed as Inuyasha reached for the hilt of Tetsiaga, perched to leap, a look of intense fury in his burning amber eyes.
But as quickly as he had reacted, he collapsed again. His entire manner changed as his ears drooped and his body sagged in defeat. His eyes never left the couple, and so he couldn't help but notice that although that guy was kissing Kagome, she was clearly kissing him back. In fact, she seemed to be intensifying the contact. And still, he couldn't tear his gaze from the couple.
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Oh, nooooo! (Dons a flameproof vest!) Please don't kill me, or you'll never find out how this story turns out. The song, BTW, is called Once I a Blue Moon by Sydney Forest. I love her music!