Disclaimer Notice : Again, Hanoushi is mine but everybody else isn't. – sob –
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Kagome groaned as the sound of a bell rang through her ears. She fumbled to shut her alarm clock off, but fell out of bed instead.
" Oomph ! " Kagome grunted as pain shot up her rear end. She could tell right away it was going to be a bad day.
Kagome reluctantly got up and went inside the bathroom to freshen up. As she walked past her desk, a piece of paper caught her eye. She stopped by it and picked it up.
Stupid girl,
You have my belt chain somewhere. I must've dropped it when you pushed me out. I couldn't find it, so you must've hidden it. Better give it back, or I'll have to come back. You'd like that wouldn't you.
Hanoushi
Kagome winced at the familiar tinge in her stomach as she read it. Kagome sighed and dropped the letter. Better start looking for his stupid chain ..
Kagome was about to start under her bed, when a thought occurred her. But I'm not suppose to see him anymore ..
Kagome groaned as she dropped herself down onto the floor. How am I not gonna see him if I have to return his stupid chain ? Kagome rubbed her temples as her body became tired all of a sudden. I'll just drop it off at his desk ..
Kagome got up and got herself ready for school. After she was ready, she rushed downstairs, realizing she forgot to look for Hanoushi's belt chain. She quickly searched around her room, but it was nowhere to be found.
" Darn .. " she muttered as she glanced at her alarm clock.
Quickly, Kagome rushed downstairs and stopped when she saw something shiny. She reached under her stairs and found Hanoushi's chain. She quickly snatched it up, stuffed it inside her backpack and rushed out of her house.
Great, I'm late. Sensei Tatako will kill me. Why do you have to have her FIRST PERIOD today ? Oh no, and yesterday I left without telling her too ! Argh ..
Kagome quickly bolted through her school doors. The halls were almost empty except for the scurrying of late classmates. Kagome sighed as she rushed upstairs to her first class. I am SO dead ..
Kagome broke through her classroom and held her breath. The class all looked up at her, and Sensei Tatako gave her a deadly glare. Kagome gave a timid smile and quickly trudged to her desk. She dropped her things onto her desk as Sensei Tatako continued her lecture.
" As I was saying, before Miss Kagome rudely interrupted, was that you can spell Pangea either P-A-N-G-E-A or P-A-N-G-A-E-A. You all should know this by now. " Sensei Tatako rolled her eyes at the boy that asked her.
The boys snickered and Kagome sighed and slumped in her seat. Sensei Tatako then continued her lesson about prepositional phrases, and Kagome closed her eyes. The moment she sat down, she heard a faint tapping near her. Choosing to ignore it, Kagome tried to get some sleep.
But soon, she heard the tapping again, this time more louder and more impatient. Kagome cracked an eye open and glanced beside her. She could see Yuka gazing at Kagome strangely. Kagome quickly shifted her gaze at the boy in front of her. Hanoushi was giving her a dry stare and put out his right hand to her. Kagome peered at it, confused. She opened her mouth to say something but a voice interrupted her.
" Miss Kagome, and Mister Hanoushi, " Sensei Tatako's voice shot out at them like daggers. Kagome and Hanoushi groaned and turned to her. " You two already left without telling me yesterday, without finishing your assignment. If you interrupt again, you will have to stay afterschool, with a much, much more than what you got yesterday. " With that, the class 'ooh'-ed and 'Oh'-ed.
Kagome blushed profusely, but Hanoushi just rolled his eyes. Then the two turned to Sensei Tatako to listen to her babble on.
A few minutes past, and Kagome heard the tapping again. Kagome clenched her teeth as she peered at Hanoushi at the corner of her eye. Yuka was still looking at the two, but tried her best to look away. She looked at Hanoushi, then at Kagome, her eyes confused. Hanoushi ignored Yuka, and looked at Kagome urgently, sticking out his right hand. Kagome shook her fast and motioned to give his chain back to him later. Hanoushi's brows furrowed and leaned forward, " What ? " he whispered.
" I'll give it to you later ! " Kagome mouthed, but Hanoushi squinted at her.
Kagome emitted a growl and leaned close to Hanoushi, " I said, I'LL GIVE IT TO YOU .. "
" MISS KAGOME AND MISTER HANOUSHI ! " a angered teacher boomed out at the two.
Quickly, they jerked away from each other and sat up stiffly. All the students turned to look at them, their gazes questioning. Kagome blushed and closed her eyes as Sensei Tatako walked up to the two. She stood between them and tapped her toe. Kagome groaned as Hanoushi looked up at Sensei Tatako innocently. But that only made Sensei glare.
" Mister Hanoushi. It is obvious you and Miss Kagome have a problem containing your behavior in class. I believe a seat change will do it. Up, Kagome. " Sensei Tatako motioned Kagome to stand up. " You will sit in the empty seat behind Mister Houjou. "
Gasps and giggles quickly erupted in the classroom. Everybody in the school knew the Houjou had a huge crush on Kagome, and now Kagome has to sit right behindhim. With her best blank expression, Kagome picked up her stuff and walked to the seat behind Houjou, while trying her best to ignore the blush and grin on Houjou's face.
Kagome plopped down in her seat, sighing. She glanced at Hanoushi, whose nostrils were flaring. He looked pissed off and Kagome just stuck her tongue out at him. She then turned back to the front and was surprised to see Houjou's facing her. He gave her a confused look then quickly smiled. Kagome smiled weakly back then looked at her lap. Great, now people think there's something going on between me and Hanoushi. I knew this was going to be a bad day ..
The period wore on, as Kagome ignored Hanoushi's glances at her. The bell finally rang for lunch, and Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. She could not stand another moment sitting behind Houjou, who kept throwing her cutey-pie smiles. Yuck ..
Kagome quickly got up before Houjou could strike a conversation with her. " Bye Houjou. " She said politely, before rushing out of the classroom.
When Kagome reached the cafeteria, Kagome scanned for her friends. Suddenly, she heard a loud burst of laughter in the line, and Kagome smiled. There they are ..
Kagome went up to them with her tray, as Ayumi quickly let her cut in. Kagome could hear the grumbles and protests behind her but she chose to ignore it. " So, anything new happening ? "
Kagome was surprised when her friends stared at her like she was crazy. Eri finally blurted it out, " WHAT ? ANYTHING NEW ? We should be the ones asking YOU ! "
Kagome raised her eyebrows and pointed at herself, " M-me ? "
" Yeah, yeah ! " Eri rolled her eyes. Yuka nodded, " That's right Kagome. Don't think I didn't catch the looks you and Hanoushi kept throwing at each other. I KNOW there must be something going on .. "
Kagome opened her mouth to protest but Ayumi cut in, " Oh, that poor boy ! Houjou must be heartbroken ! His Kagome, is now, officially, hooked on to another man ! "
Her three friends laughed, and Kagome couldn't help her blush. " I d-don't know what you guys are talking about. " Kagome stammered pathetically.
" Then what was it with you and that cute boy, Hanoushi then ? " Ayumi teased, as Yuka and Eri wiggled their eyebrows.
Kagome blushed as they laughed at her expression, " Nothing ! He just wanted his belt chain back. H-he left it in my house yesterday and I just .. "
" WHAT ?! " Her three friends exploded, and people in the line turned to stare.
" He .. he went to your HOUSE ? " Eri whispered frantically, which wasn't a whisper at all.
Kagome groaned when she realized what she had just said. Oops ..
" Don't try to escape, Kagome. We heard you loud and clear. So WHAT was he doing at your HOUSE ? You won't even let HOUJOU come to your house ! What's up with .. "
" NEXT ! " The lunchlady bellowed and Kagome quickly slid her tray up. Squishy mash potatoes dropped onto her plate messily, but Kagome didn't care. She just HAD to get out of here ..
Quickly, she ran to her lunch table she normally sat with her friends. Her friends were close behind her, and dropped their plates down at the same time. Kagome groaned as she bowed her head low onto her plate, pretending to eat.
After a few moments of waiting, Ayumi spoke, " Kagome, you can't hide it from us, we know you're up to something ! "
Kagome sighed as she sat up, " Honestly, Ayumi. There isn'tIf there was, I'd tell you guys, wouldn't I ? "
Her three friends suddenly looked guilty, and Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as they shrugged and sat down. After a few minutes of eating, the lunch doors swung open. A mob of people walked in, giggling and laughing. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi looked up but Kagome kept on eating. She had a feeling she knew who the center of attention was. The crowd bustled in, sitting down at the end of the girls' table. The three stared in curiosity, as the mixture of boys and girls, sat down.
In the middle, was a dark haired boy, with deep brown eyes. His face was scrunched up in annoyance, as he tried to get comfortable with at least three people hovering over his shoulder. It seemed that they were teasing him about something. And Kagome blushed. It was about the thing in class that happened between them. BUT THERE WAS NOTHING GOING ON !
Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi quickly scooted over to the group, trying to pick up their conversation.
" Hey man, there was DEFINITLY something going on between you and Kagome ! But I don't blame you man, she's hot ! " one of the guys said, as the rest burst into laughter.
Kagome snuck a glance at the crowd, and groaned when she saw Houjou was one of them.
Hanoushi clenched his teeth as he trained his eyes on his plate. " I'm telling you, there is nothing going on. "
Eri's loud mouth suddenly took over her, " That's what Kagome said. But if that was true, how come you were at her house yesterday ? "
The crowd gasped, as Kagome and Hanoushi both blushed. Kagome closed her eyes when she saw Houjou pale up and Hanoushi glare at her. The crowd ' ooh ' ed and ' ahh ' ed as they noticed the two's reaction. Finally Hanoushi stood up. The crowd quieted down, and watched him curiously. " You guys are impossible. " Then, throwing a venomous glare at the group, he stomped out of the cafeteria.
Great, now they're gonna pester ME. Quickly, Kagome got up before they could advance on her. Without saying a word, she left her tray and ran out of the cafeteria.
" Hey Houjou, do something! Your girl's running off with another man! " a voice shouted, as the others went into hysterics. Houjou just blushed and smiled weakly.
When Kagome was out and safe from the evil mob, she leaned against the wall and sighed. " This was getting nerve racking. "
" You're telling me. And I just came. " A voice interrupted her.
Kagome opened her eyes and jerked towards the voice. Planting her hands on her hips, she glared at the owner, " It's all your fault you know ! "
Hanoushi stepped up to her from behind the wall and pointed at himself, " ME ?! How is it MY fault ?! "
Kagome rolled her eyes. " If you waited till lunch I could've given you then chain, since you got me in so much trouble, I'll be keeping that chain ! " Kagome stuck her tongue out, turned around and stomped away.
" H-hey .. Hey ! You can't do that ! Come back here woman ! " Hanoushi's cries were drowned out as Kagome trudged out the school doors.
When Kagome was far enough from the school, Kagome walked behind a tree and sat down at its trunk. Sighing, Kagome rubbed her eyes. " Stupid school. They just don't get it, do they ? Hanoushi and I have NOTHING in common .. "
Or do you ?
That stupid question popped into her head again as Kagome whacked herself. Sighing, Kagome closed her eyes and placed her head back against the tree. " He's just not .. Inuyasha. " Kagome whispered, as she felt her tears form.
" Whose Inuyasha ? " Kagome jumped at the voice and quickly scrambled up.
Hanoushi was right behind the tree but Kagome could see he wasn't playing when he asked that question. His eyes were questioning, and his face was confused. Kagome blushed as she backed away from him. " Don't DO that Hanoushi ! I TOLD YOU BEFORE ! "
" Who is Inuyasha ? " Hanoushi ignored her, askng the question more forcefully.
" Why ?! " Kagome spat as she backed away more.
" I .. just WANNAKNOW ! " Hanoushi said all in a rush.
" No ! " Kagome yelled, and Hanoushi looked up at her with angry eyes.
" Why can't you tell me who he is ?! What's the big deal ? " Hanoushi demanded suspiciously, as he stepped towards her.
" I have to go, Hanoushi. See you in class. " Kagome quickly said and bolted past him. Before Hanoushi could respond, Kagome was already rushing through the school doors.
For once .. can't you be someone else ? Not .. him ? Kagome wondered, as her eyes stung with her tears. Rushing into her next class, Kagome dared not to think of Hanoushi again.
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Kagome stuffed her head into her pillow, a sigh escaping her throat. It was a long time before she could really feel the softness of her pillow. Those past days, her mind was flooded with disturbing thoughts, and she never had the time to enjoy the comfy ness of her bed. She burrowed her head and sighed again. She was about to drift off to sleep when ..
" Where is it ? " A voice gruffly called out to her.
Kagome jumped up, her eyes widened. Her heart pounded when she saw the shadow on her window ledge.
Just like before ..
But instead of the long silver hair standing out from the silhouette, Kagome saw the short black hair of the arrogant boy sitting next to her in the next row.
" H-Hanoushi .. what are you doing here ? " Kagome stuttered, as she quickly regained her posture.
" Getting my chain back, what you think ? It's my best one and YOU have to have it. " Hanoushi jumped in, ignoring the tinge of pain in Kagome's eyes. " Okay, where is it ? "
Kagome couldn't take it. She snapped. " You break into my house, through my window just to get your STUPID chain back?! What if I was changing and you came in huh?! " Kagome demanded, as she advanced on a surprised Hanoushi.
" HEY ! " Hanoushi yelled back, stepping towards her. By that time, their faces were inches apart. " You should learn NOT go open your windows at night anyways! "
Kagome bit her tongue and scrunched her face up at him. " You disgust me. "
Hanoushi backed away, his face awed. " Me .. disgust YOU ? " Then his face shifted to a smirk as he crossed his arms. " I think you got it wrong. It's the other way around. "
" AUGH ! HERE, TAKE YOUR STUPID CHAIN ! " Kagome picked up her backpack next to her bed, and recklessly poured all the contents out. She noticed a shiny silver chain and picked it up. Throwing it carelessly at Hanoushi, Kagome threw her arms in the air. " HAPPY NOW ? "
Kagome's breath was heavy, as she waited to Hanoushi to smirk and insult her. Strangely, he did none of them. Instead, his eyes were lost on an object on the floor. Kagome stared at him, lowering her arms. " What ? "
Hanoushi didn't answer but continued to stare. Kagome rolled her eyes and followed his gaze. Then she gasped.
Quickly, Kagome picked up the torn photo on the floor. It just had to be lying upwards, didn't it ? Kagome quickly fumbled to put it somewhere, but was stopped short by Hanoushi's arm.
" That photo. Let me see that photo. " Kagome's eyes widened at the seriousness in his voice.
" Why ? " Kagome bit her lip as she tried to step away, " Y-you can't have it. "
" I don't want it ! " Hanoushi barked, his eyes flashing with frustration, " I just want to see it ! "
" NO ! " Kagome shouted back, as she backed away.
" WHY ?! Because it's the picture of Inuyasha !? " Hanoushi yelled. Kagome stiffened immediately.
That name .. Kagome's expression openly expressed itself. Shock, confusion and sadness overwhelmed her pretty features. How did you know, Hanoushi ?
Hanoushi was breathing hard as Kagome held her own breath. Silence sounded in Kagome's room, strange awkwardness filling the atmosphere.
Kagome took a shaky breath, " H-how did .. you know, H-Hanoushi ? " Kagome whispered, her voice betraying her emotions.
Hanoushi stood there, his face almost in a shock. Hanoushi slowly squinted, swallowing. " I-I don't know .. "
For the first time in the past week, Kagome felt the hope inside of her fade away. Hanoushi, was truly Inuyasha's reincarnation. There was no doubt. The words, the facial expressions, the hidden knowledge of things .. everything just led to that answer. But Kagome couldn't believe in it. She just couldn't. Stepping forward, Kagome grabbed Hanoushi by the collar. " Tell me, how did you know ?! How the hell did you know ?! "
Hanoushi opened his mouth to say something, but he bit back. He shrugged Kagome off, his face frustrated. " I don't know ! I'm telling you ! It just slipped out ! "
" It can't just slip out, Hanoushi! You have to think ! There's something deep inside your soul that I need to know about ! I have to know ! " Kagome shrieked, as she balled her hands into fists.
" I don't know ! I swear I don't know where it came from ! " Hanoushi's eyes were widened, his composure completely out of place. The frustrated tone in his voice betrayed him, his body lost of all control.
No matter how hard Kagome tried, she knew Hanoushi was telling the truth. But she didn't have the heart to take it in. She just .. didn't want to.
" No .. no .. " Kagome whispered as she dropped helplessly onto the floor. " No .. "
So it is true. Hanoushi is the reincarnation of Inuyasha. So that means Inuyasha .. Kagome whimpered as tears fell from her face. " No .. "
Kagome suddenly felt her whole world falling apart. For a moment, Kagome didn't understand why she was living. She had no life, without Inuyasha. Her love. Her life.
Hanoushi, helplessly standing in front of Kagome, could only stare at the ground. His face was twisted into frustration and anger. Anger at himself. How did I know that ? How did I know it was Inuyasha ? Who the HELL is Inuyasha ?!
Finally, Hanoushi looked at Kagome. Her shoulders were shaking uncontrollably, tears staining her pretty face. Strangely, Hanoushi felt the urge to take her into his arms, and tell her everything was alright. But he couldn't. I barely know her .. but I have these weird feelings towards her. She .. entices me .. ?
Slowly and fearfully, Hanoushi walked towards Kagome. He bent down next to her trembling body and hesitantly put his arm around her. Immediately, Kagome fell into his arms, crying her heart out onto his shirt.
Hanoushi's eyes widened, but gradually wrapped his arms around her. It felt so weird to hug her, even though it wasn't. Hanoushi couldn't explain his feelings, but he knew this was the thing to do.
For the next few moments, Hanoushi just held Kagome silently in his arms. Kagome's crying slowly came down to a whimper as she laid her head on Hanoushi's defined chest. Kagome felt the same warmth she felt when she was with Inuyasha, and it pained her incredibly that this was his reincarnation.
So this is how it feels to be Inuyasha. To be with your love's reincarnation. Me.Kagome's urge to burst into tears rose in her gut, but she forced it down. Reluctantly, she spoke, " So you don't know who you are, Hanoushi ? "
Hanoushi jolted by her strange question, answered shakily, " No, actually. "
Kagome couldn't help but smile, " You don't know who Inuyasha is, Hanoushi ? "
" No, actually. " he repeated.
" Do you know why you're holding me ? "
Automatically he said, " No, actually. "
Kagome grinned, and sniffed away her tears. Reluctantly, she pulled away from Hanoushi. She kept her head low, but she didn't move away from him. Hanoushi sat there in front of her, unsure of what to do. That's when something took over him. Bending to Kagome, his lips made contact with hers. Kagome's eyes widened at the touch of another's lips, but something told her to stay.
So for the next few seconds, the two who didn't even know each other, kissed.
Suddenly, Hanoushi realized what he was doing, and quickly pulled away. His eyes were wide, and his expression was bewildered. " Kagome .. I'm .. I'm .. "
Kagome sighed and placed a finger on his lips. " Don't say it. I don't even know why I let you. " Then, Kagome looked into his eyes.
For a moment, she was lost in them. They were deep brown, so deep that it seemed to mesmerize her. Exactly how Inuyasha did it. Kagome absentmindly let her hand run through his thick black hair, and Hanoushi didn't flinch. " Hanoushi, " Kagome whispered, her lips curling into a smile.
Smiling, Hanoushi pulled a surprise Kagome into his arms and embraced her. Kagome let out a squeak but slowly wrapped her arms around him. This may not be Inuyasha, but it's close enough. The thought of Inuyasha gone pained Kagome, but she knew she had to move on. No matter how long it takes. Ignoring the screaming of her heart, Kagome buried her head into Hanoushi's shoulder.
" Thank you, Hanoushi. "
" Um, you're .. welcome ? "
Kagome grinned as she placed her cheek on his shoulder. I wonder what the kids at school would say ..
Suddenly, a loud thump outside caused the two to jerk apart. Kagome's eyes narrowed as the wind began to howl outside. Hanoushi furrowed his brow and stood up, with Kagome standing up after him. " What was that ? "
" I don't know. " Kagome murmured, as she reached under her desk to pick up her bow and arrows. She smiled slightly. They were still with her. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Kagome quickly swung the case over her shoulder and tightened her grip on the bow. Hanoushi looked at her, his face filled with alarm. " W-what are THOSE for ?! "
Kagome grinned, " Protection. " That only caused Hanoushi to widen his eyes more.
Kagome placed a reassuring hand on his arm, " Don't worry. This is not for you. Besides, the Inuyasha I know, would not be afraid of a little sound outside. " Hanoushi just looked at her like she was crazy.
" What does Inuyasha have to do with this ? "
Kagome's opened her mouth to reply, but grabbed him by the arm instead. " I'll explain everything later. Lets go ! "
Kagome pulled Hanoushi outside and tried to follow the sound that made the noise. But all she could hear, was the howling of the wind. The wind blew furiously around them, causing it difficult to see properly. Hanoushi squinted and tried to brush his hair out of the way. " I think it came from there ! " Hanoushi squinted as he pointed towards the shrine.
Kagome's stomach did a flip flop and grabbed onto Hanoushi's hand. " Shall we ? "
" Huh ? " Hanoushi squinted at her and leaned forward. Kagome shook her head and ran inside the shrine with him.
Inside, there was nothing but silence. Hanoushi closed the doors behind them, letting them hear better without the wind. Darkness filled the empty shrine, as Kagome notched an arrow into her bow. She cautiously looked around, trying to sense any evil auras. Stepping carefully to the well, Kagome bit her lip.
Then she tripped.
Kagome let out a cry as she tripped over something big and soft. " B-Buyo ? " she called as she felt flat on her face. " Oomph ! "
" Kagome ! " Hanoushi cried as he stepped towards her.
Kagome groaned and tried to get up. She placed her hand onto the ground to push herself up, but her hand felt something soft. Squinting to see, Kagome saw something that made her heart stop. It's impossible. It couldn't be ..
Kagome gasped as she quickly scrambled up. Hanoushi froze in his tracks as he followed Kagome's gaze. Even in the dark, they could see there was a figure lying on the floor. Hanoushi stepped forward, but stepped into something warm. Something wet. Quickly, he jerked his foot back, then peered at his shoe.
" Blood. " he whispered. Kagome's eyes widened as she bent next to the figure.
Confusion took over Kagome, as she eyed the figure. This can't be. There was no way. Kagome's mind raced as she touched the soft figure. She swept her hand quickly over it, and felt a familiar material. Kagome gasped. The same material, she felt when she traveled on his back. The same material that she felt, when they embraced. The same material, Kagome touched to remove when she had to tend his wounds. His haori's material.
But everything became clear, when something shiny caught Kagome's eye.
A piece of silver hair.
" Inuyasha. " she whispered.