Hey all! An update! I just started writing and voila! Inspiration! That made me happy! Thanks so much you guys for all of the suggestions in your reviews, and too all those people who caught my mistake, a hearty thanks for warning me! I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations!!!!

Enjoy!

Kouga hadn't driven her straight home. In an effort to improve her mood, he'd taken her to some of the popular places, even driving by the club Miasma. She'd refused to get off the bike though, politely declining each of his offers. She'd attempted to make conversation throughout the ride, but even he could see through her attempts. In the end, he dropped her off at her house, not bothering to walk her to her door, sensing that she'd rather be alone.

It didn't seem to him like she'd changed much, but then he hadn't known her before. He also figured her attitude recently had more to do with her brother then anything else. He almost felt guilty letting her go in to him, but since it was what she wanted he wasn't going to stop her.

Kagome, on the other hand, was relieved to be out of his company. She wasn't in the mood to be around any one, and she'd been afraid the entire time that she'd blow whatever chances with him she had, and that would only make Inuyasha angrier. She stood outside her front door and waited until Kouga drove off before going inside.

She paused after she'd reached the top of the stairs. She had to pass Inuyasha's room before she could reach her own. She walked forward, until she was right in front of his door and hesitated. Part of her wanted to knock, even if he'd ignore her, and maybe try to tell him the truth. She could sit right outside of his room and talk to him, just like she'd done when he'd been upset about Kouga before.

But that would mean telling him that he'd been right about her, that she'd had zero experience with guys, and that she was pathetic enough to lie about it to save face. It was too humiliating. She'd just be giving him more ammunition to taunt her with. Besides, shouldn't she be happy that she'd been able to 'prove' her lie? The fact that Kouga was actually talking to her was a miracle in itself, and proving Inuyasha wrong should have been more then reward enough.

Still, her hand rose as though to knock of its own volition. She froze though, inches before it would have made contact with the door. Slowly, she forced her fist back down by her side. She couldn't do it. She couldn't tell him she'd lied about something like that. She couldn't present herself for the inexperienced loser she was. At least this way, he didn't know how alone she'd been at her home. She didn't want to be the 'poor little rich girl' not to him, or anyone.

Resolutely, she continued down the hall, not slowing until she entered her room.

He was visiting her class again.

Not that the fact that she attended that class had anything to do with why he'd chosen it. No, the reason was probably one of the many girls currently hanging on to his every word. And she could and did fault him for enjoying every second of it.

Out of habit, she kept her gaze towards the front of the classroom, not wanting to draw his attention any more then she tended to do naturally. It was embarrassing, the way he pretended to pay attention to her, only to be distracted a second later by some other girl vying for his attention. She wished he'd ignore her completely, but always took that thought back for fear it would actually come true. She did like talking to him, sometimes, when he didn't get too annoying.

Class would start in ten minutes. She was always early to her morning class, usually the first one there. Of course, if he showed up, the class would be filled with his many admirers. And all her hopes of getting a head start on homework, or catching up on some alone time, were dashed to pieces.

With as little time left as they had before class started, she wondered if this time he'd ignore her completely. But just as the thought crossed her mind, he gave a little wave to his fan club and walked over to her desk.

"How are you doing this morning Sango?" His smile was wide, as charming as ever. She knew it was fake, she recognized that every time he flashed it at someone else. But how come it seemed so sincere when he did it to her? That aggravated her.

"I'm fine." She said shortly. She'd learned long ago that showing any hint of politeness towards him resulted in being hit on with one of his cheesy pick up lines.

He looked her up and down. "As always."

Sometimes though, they just couldn't be avoided.

She groaned audibly. "You're really lame, you know that?" She made it a point to remind him every time they talked that his charms wouldn't work on her, but he never seemed to get it.

He shrugged. "Yeah, but it keeps the girls happy." He ignored her snort and grinned. "I've heard that you've made yet another boy decidedly unhappy."

She made a face. Somewhere throughout the course of her high school education, she'd developed a reputation for turning down guys. It wasn't that she hated them, or that she didn't want to get married some day, it was just that she didn't want to date any of them. Why bother getting into a relationship when she'd only be half hearted about it anyway?

That's what she told people, and it was true, to an extent. The most important reason though, the one she'd never tell any of her friends, was that she didn't really believe in love. It wasn't that she thought all relationships were doomed to die. There were a lot that worked out. But it took a lot of effort on both sides, and she wasn't sure it was worth it. That, and she knew she'd be decidedly hard to love, regardless of how many guys thought they wanted her.

And besides, everyone said that when your heart beat fast, you were in love. She refused to accept that explanation as to why she had to catch her breath when Miroku made eye contact with her.

"It was his fault." She complained, scrunching her nose. "I don't even know his name! Did he really expect me to accept?" She wasn't anticipating an answer, but Miroku supplied her with one anyway.

"Probably." He ducked his head, as if afraid she'd hurt him for his contradiction. "You just don't understand the hearts of men. We can fall in love at a glance."

She eyed him wryly. "I don't doubt that. You yourself are famous for falling in love . . . with figures, smooth skin, and soft lips. No girls on that list yet."

He clutched at his heart. "Ouch! That hurt!" His body jerked spasmodically and he didn't stop twitching until she finally gave in and laughed. He loved it when she laughed. It wasn't the flirtatious, seductive sound that most girls tried to make, it was hearty and real, drawing him to her more then he cared to admit.

"You're such a loser." She grinned down at him. He'd fallen off his chair while faking his death. "I don't know why all the girls flock to you." She never said it with any jealousy. Her voice was matter of fact, proving to him, as she always did, that she didn't care for him as more then a friend, if even that.

"It's because," He said seriously, gazing up at her with an air of solemnity. "I'm hot."

She kicked him. "You're full of yourself, that's what you are. Get up."

"No." He protested, wedging himself comfortable under her desk. "I'm enjoying the view!" Her face flushed red. He loved it when that happened. She kicked him again, hard. He didn't mind though, the look on her face was worth it. She was embarrassed so easily. And he couldn't really see anything anyway. If he could, he wouldn't have blown it by mentioning it.

"Get up!" She hissed, shoving her face in front of his. He smirked just long enough for her to realize how close they were and become embarrassed before he complied.

"Fine." He whined pitifully. "You're no fun." He pulled himself up and out from underneath her desk, grinning widely again at the way she avoided looking at him. She was so predictable. First she'd blush, usually after some comment or other, and if they made close contact, she'd refuse to look in his direction. She was probably repulsed by him, but that didn't make her antics any less amusing.

He would have said more, something to make her look at him again, with an angry glare, but he was interrupted by a female student. "Hi." The girl said shyly. She was a petite girl, with short dark hair. "I'm Eli. I can't get my binder to open. Can you help me?" She looked up at him hopefully, before blushing hotly. "I mean, my locker. My locker won't open." She met his eyes, daringly, not at all like the awkward and genuine Sango. Miroku was almost annoyed at the interruption, but knew better then to show it.

"Sure thing!" He winked at her. "Lead the way!" She smiled wide and turned to show him the way, basking in the jealous glares of her classmates. Miroku turned his attention back to Sango, who had schooled her features to an smooth, unaffected expression. "I never could resist a damsel in distress." He explained, grinning up at her mischievously. They both knew Eli was making it all up.

"How selfless of you," Sango returned dryly. "Your compassion for the fairer sex never ceases to amaze me." The sarcasm in her voice was unmistakable but there was no sting to it. She was used to his priorities.

"Don't say 'sex'." He ordered, delighting in the way her eyes widened at the word and her mouth hung slightly ajar. "You might give me a nosebleed." There it was; her face was afire.

"Go away you moron." She muttered, staring at her desk stubbornly. That was the reaction that he'd expected. Smiling to himself, he turned to catch up with Eli but then he felt a hand on his sleeve. Sango had risen from her seat and was facing him. Motioning for him to lean closer to him, she whispered in his ear. "Sex! Sex sex sex sex!"

His ears burned. She'd done it. She'd made him blush. He'd been kidding earlier, but having her whisper it to him over and over? She was just lucky they were in a crowded room.

She pulled back and looked up at him. Seeing the stain across his face she grinned, an uninhibited smile of an innocent who has no clue what she'd just done. "Sorry Miroku!" Her eyes twinkled devilishly, and he had to force himself not to stare into them. "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"Like you could," He muttered, but there was no force in his denial. He worked quickly to bring his face back to its original color and then gave her a quick wave. "See ya!"

"Have fun!" She smiled, triumph still audible in her voice. He had to leave in a hurry or else he would have been forced to find a way to embarrass her back. And she probably wouldn't have appreciated that.

She sat back in her seat, surprised at how fast he'd left. She knew, of course, that getting alone time with a girl like Eli was more important then a conversation with her, but did he have to practically run out? Oh well, it wasn't like she had any delusions about her importance to him. He was just another guy as far as she was concerned. Annoying, obnoxious, perverted, but occasionally fun to talk to. It was just her rotten luck that he didn't seem to enjoy their conversations as much as she did. But then again, maybe that was a good thing, because the last thing she wanted to do was ruin their tentative friendship by turning him down if he asked her out. And of course she'd turn him down.

Of course.

Shaking her head forcefully, Sango forced herself to stop thinking about him. He was a player, and proud of it. She wasn't even really friends with him, and she still wasn't sure she wanted to commit to that much. She didn't even like him. She just didn't like it when he walked off to talk to some other girl. Not jealousy, just . . . something else.

Just a few minutes until class started. Glancing next to her, she vaguely wondered where Kikyo was. The girl had undergone quite a transformation, amazingly thanks to the school's resident bad boy. Kouga was a good guy, but the fact that he led a gang gave him a dangerous edge. It was shocking that he'd have such a profound impact on a girls life, especially a girl like Kikyo, the younger sister of his sworn enemy.

It was then that Kagome, as Kikyo, burst into the room, cheeks red from running. "I'm not late!" She exclaimed dashing to her seat. The way she'd said it made it sound like a cross between a question and incredulity. She slid in next to Sango and let her bag drop to the floor with a loud smack. "My word Sango, you would not believe the morning I've had."

The two had started to become friends, ever since Kikyo had shown a willingness to open up. Sango was a friendly girl by nature, and she was well liked by all of the students, but usually she kept her friends at a distance. Kikyo, however, was suddenly too expressive and open to keep at an arms length. Sango was actually starting to get quite attached to her.

With no prodding from her friend, Kagome launched into a detailed account. "My brother refused to talk to me the entire ride here!" She sounded outraged. "Can you believe that? A fifteen minute drive of absolute silence! He wouldn't even let me turn on the radio!" She was gesturing wildly with her hands, and Sango couldn't help but get caught up in the story.

"And you know why?" Kagome leaned forward, determined to get someone on her side, even if she had to tell partial truths to do it. "Because I'm spending time with Kouga. We didn't even do anything!" She hastened to add, not liking the way Sango's eyes had widened. "He just gave me a ride home from school and um . . . ate lunch with me yesterday. That's nothing!" She threw her arms in the air in exasperation. "And now my stupid brother thinks I'm some kind of slut!"

Sango laughed. She couldn't help herself. At Kagome's glare she made an effort to stop. "I'm really sorry." She managed between muffled giggles. "It's just kind of funny."

Kagome tried to keep glaring but her mouth twitched and eventually she let it evolve into a full fledged smile. "Fine," She admitted. "It's a little bit funny. It's overdramatic and stupid but that's his fault." She insisted.

"Did you try telling your brother that you didn't do anything?" Sango asked. "I mean, how could he not believe you? You have a perfect record where boys are concerned. Kagome flushed. "Don't you?" Her voice wavered a little with uncertainty.

"Yes." She said fiercely. "He just doesn't know that."

"Why doesn't he?" Sango had a feeling that the answer was going to be just as dramatic and stupid as the rest of the story.

Kagome flushed. "Because I kind of, sort of, maybe told him that I had tons of experience with guys." She looked down, but peered up through her lashes at Sango as if waiting for judgment.

Sango stared. "Kind of, sort of, maybe?"

"Okay I did!" The words burst from her. "But that was because he was acting like I was some kind of loser who'd never had a boyfriend before!" She caught Sango's look and glared. "The fact that I am is irrelevant." She muttered.

Sango laughed again. "You realize that that probably wasn't the smartest thing you ever did?" The 'duh' look Kagome shot her was more then enough of an answer. "Well then, you're screwed."

"Sango!" Kagome looked shocked. "This is the part where you help me. You're supposed to think of some ingenious plot where I still get to look like I've had experience without coming across as some kind of whore!"

Sango shook her head. "Oh no. This is your own fault. You made this mess with that wonderful little mind of yours, and you're stuck with it. I emphasize 'little'." She added grinning at Kagome's nod of acknowledgement.

"Yes. I'm aware I'm an idiot." She sighed and leaned back against her seat. "It just sucks."

Sango nodded, but then her eyes lit up. "And what's this about you eating lunch and going home with Kouga?"

Kagome's face turned bright red. "It's nothing." She mumbled. The teacher walked in at that moment and she was grateful for the interruption. Inuyasha's plan was going just great. Too bad he didn't seem to be supporting her anymore. And now she was stuck with the rumors he'd made her create foundation for.

Just great.

Kikyo had found her one true love.

The swimming pool located on the fourth floor. The entire floor was made of some kind of glass, so that if it weren't for the dark blue line surrounding the water, you wouldn't be able to tell where the floor stopped and the pool began. There were two diving boards, one so high she hadn't dared to use it yet, and another one equal in height to the one at the public pool by her house.

She'd spent nearly an hour trying to find a swimsuit in all of Kagome's clothes. In the end, it had been at the very bottom of one of her drawers. Apparently she didn't swim very much. The suit itself was gorgeous, an elegant black two piece, that made her skin appear darker then it really was.

She slid out of the water and headed towards the larger of the two diving boards, summing up her courage. She was cut short, however, by the sound of someone entering the room.

"Kagome." Great. It was that annoying tutor. "Did you forget about your lessons today? It won't be as dull as last time, I promise."

Her back was to him, so she turned, giving him what she hoped was an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Hojo." Thank goodness she remembered his name. "It completely escaped my mind. Is it alright if we wait another hour or so? I wanted to go off the high dive." She would have kept talking but realized he wasn't listening. He seemed to be staring at her chest.

"Hojo!" She brought both hands up, covering herself in a vain attempt at modesty. "What are you doing?"

He didn't seem phased by her shock. "What happened to the scar?" He asked, finally looking up to meet her gaze. "Where did it go?"

She looked at him, confused. "What scar?" She asked, saying the two stupidest words possible in her situation.

"Kagome?" He asked, no longer sure that was who he was looking at. For a moment, he just stared, and then he appeared to come to a decision. "Who are you?"

Kikyo could have kicked herself.

Don't worry you guys! This is not the end of the fic, no where near (at least, not that I can see) I have plenty of problems stored up for Kagome. Hojo's reaction is NOT going to be what you expect, I can promise you that. It's so much more complicated then a simple "I'm telling" or "Okay I'll keep it secret." It'll be tons of fun to write the next chapter! And this one came out kind of fast, didn't it? Yep yep! It did! That's because I got all kinds of wonderful reviews and input and suggestions. Thanks so much you guys! I tried to implement most of it. Did I use more detail? Better grammar? Enough of the minor characters?

Sango and Miroku are so fun to write! Things are going to get confusing with them too. You don't have to switch places with your one true love's sister to have a complicated love life. Nope nope! Their relationship will prove that!

Let's see . . . did I forget anything? Hojo's gonna surprise us, Sango and Miroku are a mess, . . . Inuyasha will eventually get over his disappointment in Kagome. Not all at once, but he'll be talking to her in the next chapter. Truthfully, the fact that he didn't this chapter is partially her fault. She COULD have tried to talk to him the night before or in the car, but she didn't. Knowing her, she'd probably blurt out the truth if she started a conversation with him too soon.

Kouga didn't have much of an appearance in this chapter either. There will be more of him too, I'm not going to forget any characters. I also want to have more with Kikyo and Kagome's dad bonding or something but I just haven't had the time. It never seems to fit in anywhere, but that will come up.

School's starting for me in like 2 weeks and I just recently got a new job so I'm going to be keeping busy. I changed my major to English!! Woo hoo! How exciting! So I'm all pumped now. I'm also working my way through the classics. I'm reading The Hunchback of Notre-Dame right now. Good book. Lengthy descriptions of some of the buildings, but good book.

Okay! Now this is the part where I tell you how much I love getting input and opinions and I encourage you to review. But since you already know what I'm going to say, I just won't say it.

Rogue Pryde