Kagome looked over the part of a new song she had created and recalled her inspiration with a smile—the occurrence between her friends earlier that day.
- - - - - - - - - -
Kagome was in a generally good mood when she left the house for school that morning. The way her father had described making her appearance human had been somewhat difficult to interpret, but once she understood, she found it to be similar to what she had tried the previous day, only easier.
So Kagome was able to wear cooler clothes, though she had to keep the arm warmers to hide the still plainly visible scars. Based on some of what she had read the other night, however, the scars would soon disappear.
She did notice that her senses were duller than they had been the day before. Making her appearance human apparently made her senses human as well. At least she knew why most demons did not mask themselves as human.
After one day as a demon, she already missed the heightened abilities. Kagome resolved to use her father's journals to teach herself to survive as demon when she had time to herself at the safety of her own home. She was, after all, a demon now, and would not—could not—hide as a human all of her life.
School had been uneventful until lunch. Kagome and Sango were waiting for Miroku to join them. Meanwhile, Kagome was pressuring Sango to acknowledge her feelings for Miroku, an almost daily event.
Much to Kagome's surprise, Sango sighed and murmured, "Okay, I admit it. I like him."
"So you should tell him. He probably feels the same way," Kagome encouraged her best friend.
"But he can't keep his hands to himself," Sango protested. For the first time, Sango confessed that she was hurt by Miroku's actions. "I guess I'm afraid he'll cheat on me." She sighed again. "I don't know. Maybe I should tell him…"
Before Kagome could offer another word of advice or counsel, a female's cry of "Hentai!" was heard, accompanied by a resounding slap. Miroku soon appeared, a pink mark forming on one cheek.
He gave a dramatic sigh. "I don't see why they have to hit so hard."
Sango stood without a word and walked away. She was upset with herself. How could she fall for such a… hentai?
Miroku appeared utterly confused. Kagome sent him a look that told him to stay put before she went after Sango.
Sango had taken a seat on the lawn, making sure her back was to Miroku, as she struggled not to cry. She had never shed tears at school before.
Kagome sat next to her friend, and they remained in silence for several long minutes. Sango finally broke the quiet. "I can't believe I like him. The way he treats women…"
Kagome was silent a moment longer, as if wording her answer as best as she possibly could. "That's Miroku. That's just the way he his. That's who you fell in love with… right?" she questioned softly. "If he changed so drastically, he wouldn't be the guy you want to be with right now, would he?"
Sango remained silent but looked somewhat comforted at Kagome's words.
Kagome continued, her voice gaining a hint of amusement, "Besides, if you two started dating, I'm sure he wouldn't do it as often. And you'd have a better excuse for hitting him when he does."
Seeing the barest of smiles on Sango's face, Kagome gave her friend a hug before standing. "I'll be right back."
Kagome then approached Miroku, who still had a stunned look on his face. "You should go talk to her."
Miroku came out of his stupor and, with a nod, left to do as she suggested.
Kagome watched as Miroku approached Sango, who stiffened at his arrival but allowed him to sit beside her. After a moment, Kagome saw Miroku gently place his hand over Sango's, and Kagome smiled when Sango did not pull away.
- - - - - - - - - -
With a barely surprised grimace, Kagome recollected the events that followed.
- - - - - - - - - -
The voice of her cousin sang out Kagome's name. Kagome turned her focus from her friends to face Kikyo.
"Kagome," Kikyo's voice sounded almost pleading, "I need your help. You know about me being nominated as student body vice president?" Kagome nodded. The announcement of nominees had been broadcasted over the speakers during their first class. "Could you please help me prepare for the debate tomorrow?"
- - - - - - - - - -
In other words, Kikyo wanted Kagome to prepare for her. Kagome would have tried to argue that the election was just a popularity contest, but Kagura was Kikyo's competition, so the winner would need something besides popularity on her side.
Kagome pulled out a stack of blank note cards and began writing on the issues likely to be brought up during the debate. At least she could subtly insert her opinion while writing what she knew would appeal to the majority of their schoolmates.
Luckily, Kagome had finished her homework earlier.
- - - - - - - - - -
The next day everyone was called to the auditorium for the debates.
Sesshoumaru argued persuasively with his opponent on what he thought was best for the school, silently wondering why he even bothered. Sesshoumaru would be elected president simply because he was who he was.
As his opponent contended to his views, Sesshoumaru idly scanned the crowd with emotionless gold eyes, finding nothing but admirers and bored students—until his eyes found familiar raven hair and insightful brown eyes.
Kagome sat slightly forward in her seat in attention, her eyes for the speaker and her ears for his words. Surely she knew that what was said made no difference in the outcome of the election? She must know… and yet she listened anyway.
As he took his seat, his attention was brought to Kikyo, who had begun a speech that, in its brilliantly convincing simplicity, could not have been written by the one who spoke it. His belief in the thought only grew as she answered well all questions posed to her with the use of note cards. Yet when Sesshoumaru eyed the writing, it matched that on the music sheets they had at band practice.
- - - - - - - - - -
After school, Kagome went straight to the theater to help ready for the opening and sole public performance of the school play that night. Kagome was relieved the production was almost over with. Watching Sesshoumaru in his role as a medieval monarch was a magnificent sight, for he seemed to fit the part perfectly. But when Sesshoumaru's character professed devotion to another character, Kagome caught herself more than once wishing to be in the other actor's place.
When she did realize where her thoughts were going, she stopped her wishful thinking with the knowledge that she was too far below Sesshoumaru for him to ever notice her. She repeated to herself that she held only a schoolgirl's fleeting crush, refusing to acknowledge that she had felt something for Sesshoumaru for years. But the years of little direct contact were what had enabled Kagome to hide her feelings, perhaps too well.
A break came in the activity of working backstage, and Kagome took the moment to watch the actors. She saw Sesshoumaru standing tall and proud, his manner ever stoic and confident. His silver hair gained a golden glow from the well-placed lights, and his markings stood out regally against his flawless skin. Kagome knew she would never forget the image.
Kagome turned away before her mind could turn to impossible dreams, and she suddenly had the ideal opening verse to her most recent song.
Sesshomaru-sama mate: I hope this was soon enough for you. I am glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for the review!
MadMood: I'm glad you do! Thank you for reviewing!
MidniteTimberWolf: Thank you for the compliments! To be honest, I can't wait until I get to write that part, but the time is not quite right yet. Maybe the next chapter… We'll see. Anyway, thanks so much for reviewing!
Sesshie's Black Dominatrix: Yes, things are busy, though most of the time I would much rather be writing, especially for this story at the moment. Thanks for understanding, though. I am just glad you are enjoying it. Thank you again for reviewing!
sataness-ov-desire: My friend introduced me to Bad Religion and I fell in love with their music. No songs in this chapter, but more to come! I am glad you like the story so far. Thank you for the review!