Chapter 12: Relationship Points
"Look Inuyasha, it's not like there's anything wrong with having it for Kagome. If it weren't for our lovely Sango I'd be on your list of competition." Miroku tried to reason Inuyasha into a confession. The half-breed was beginning to get angry as he walked, Sango and Miroku flanking him on both sides. Was making him irritated the only purpose for Miroku's existence?
"Not like it's a secret or anything." Sango added. "Everyone is well aware that you've got your eye on her. Well, everyone except for Kagome, but you know, she's a bit of a ditz sometimes."
"Would you two get off my case? I'm sick of telling you, that I-AM-NOT-HOT-FOR-KAGOME! So give it up and back the hell off!" the irate half-breed bellowed.
"I just told you there is no shame in admitting it." Miroku carried on as if Inuyasha hadn't spoken at all. "You have to be afraid of admitting it for some reason other than pride. What do you think Sango?"
"Hmmm, it could be fear of rejection." Sango suggested.
"Or fear of retribution." Miroku goaded.
"Retribution?" Inuyasha asked, confused.
"Hojo." Sango translated for him.
"Why on earth would I be scared of that pencil-necked, air-headed pretty boy? I'd give him about ten seconds in a fight, if I was in a good mood that day." Inuyasha boasted.
"Yep, definitely fear of retribution." Sango agreed with her boyfriend.
"FINE I LIKE KAGOME! SATISFIED? GOD, WHY DO YOU HAVE TO BE SO DAMN PRESISTENT?" Inuyasha yelled.
"You could've raised the dead with that one. Lucky for you there's no one else around." Miroku chuckled, cleaning his ear after Inuyasha's sonic boom.
"So, why do you really think Inuyasha was afraid to confess?" Sango inquired, wanting to know now that they had squeezed admittance out of their stubborn friend.
"That's easy. His score. Hell, if I had his score I would've denied it to the bitter end." Miroku responded matter-of-factly.
"Would you two quit talking about me like I'm not here?" Inuyasha complained.
Sango ignored him. "Score?" she asked, quirking an eyebrow at Miroku.
"You don't know about 'the score'?" Miroku rolled his eyes as he began his explanation. "You see all relationships are based off a point system. Take our very own Kagome and Hojo for example. All right, what are their good points? Kagome's a total hottie, so that's like, twenty points right there. And Hojo is practically the nicest guy in the world. That's gotta be what, a point? But you see Hojo's also smart, so there's another four points. And to top it off Hojo's got money he can get her anything she wants. There's your remaining fifteen points."
Sango gave Miroku a glare that was similar to the look he got preceding a slap at his incredibly shallow explanation. "I don't believe you! How do looks and finances score so high?"
"It's not my fault that's how most people see it. The point system is international after all. The global populace's perspective isn't my business."
"Whatever. How would you score us?" Sango asked.
"It's different for us babe. We're both good looking." Miroku said.
"Damn straight you are." said a voice behind them. They turned to see Kagome catching up to join the trio. "How's my favorite couple?" Kagome asked the two.
"Hello to you too." Inuyasha said rather loudly, sick of being ignored by his friends. Kagome turned her attention to him.
"Good morning sunshine. Have you been a good boy?" Kagome joked petting his head. Inuyasha smacked her hand away.
"Stop treating me like a damn dog! I'm a human being too, just like you! Well, partially anyway." Inuyasha shot out, momentarily forgetting his demon half.
"And the other part is my cute little puppy dog." Kagome continued to goad.
"I'm not your pet woman!" he argued.
"Sit boy." Inuyasha's beads brought him crashing to the ground at Kagome's command. "If you weren't my pet, why did you obey my command?"
"Shut up! Why do I even hang out with any of you?"