Chapter 2

"I was worried when I couldn't get you on the phone last night. Well, at least your mother told me where you were," said Sango.

Kikyo and Miroku were eating lunch contentedly.

"So, exactly what were you up to?" Sango pried.

Kagome blushed slightly at her friend's suggestive tone. "Nothing at all. We just watched a movie until mom got home."

Inuyasha sat down next to Kikyo. "You and who?" he asked nonchalantly as he began eating lunch.

"Oh, just me and Mr. Ishigaki."

Inuyasha jumped up, spilling food everywhere. "You and who! What were you doing with him!"

"Calm down Inuyasha." Kikyo and Miroku were now paying attention, but so was half of everyone at lunch. Inuyasha sat down.

"What were you doing with him?" He repeated the question.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Just answer the question."

"No."

"Stop being difficult!"

"You! I already explained what I was doing and I feel no need to restate it. You heard."

Inuyasha stood up.

"Inuyasha, sit down," said Kagome calmly.

"No! Tell me!"

"I already did! Now sit!"

"No!"

"SIT!"

Somehow, caused by forces unknown, someone spilled their milk at that moment. With a yelp Inuyasha slipped and fell face first. Kikyo gave Inuyasha a pitying glance, and then continued eating. After everyone's laughter died down, Miroku did some prying of his own.

"So, what movie did you watch?"

"We watched The Sound of Music."

Inuyasha snorted, a big grin on his face. "My brother watched The Sound of Music?"

"Yes," answered Kagome, not really understanding why everyone seemed so shocked. "It was his movie."

"My brother actually owns The Sound of Music? This is rich."

Kagome looked around, taking in everyone's reaction. "Well, he is supposed to be mean, so I guess that's why they seem so surprised," she thought. She said, "Well, it was fun. So what movie will we be watching tomorrow?"

"How can anything with Mr. Ishigaki be fun?" Miroku mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?" asked Sango.

"Oh, I was just thinking over possible movies, that's all."

"Well? Tell us which ones you were thinking of." Miroku stared blankly at Sango, unable to come up with a single movie title.

­

"Mr. Ishigaki, do I have to?"

"Yes." He answered without looking up at the girl in front of him.

"I did so much already. Please let me take a break."

"Kagome, you will be going with me to this show."

"Why do I have to listen to people recite their poetry? How is that supposed to help my writing in that area?"

"Written poetry is just words on paper. Spoken, it takes on new meaning, and writers can get their points across more effectively. Besides, I thought you would like something like this. You often do these things, and I'm sure you could learn something."

Kagome sighed. He was right. Whether or not her grade was on the line, she would love to go. The only problem was tomorrow was Friday.

"Guys, I'm gonna have to cancel on you."

"What!" Kikyo and Sango screamed into their telephones simultaneously.

"Darn three-way. Making my ears hurt even more with two people screaming," thought Kagome.

"Kagome, this is our first group outing of November!" You can't miss it," whined Kikyo.

"I'm sorry," said Kagome.

"Well, what are you canceling on us for?" asked Sango, genuinely surprised at Kikyo's outburst.

"Mr. Ishigaki wants me to go to a poetry reading tonight." Kagome was met with silence.

"Is he coming with you?" asked Kikyo, breaking the silence.

"Yes," answered Kagome, wondering where her friend was going wit this.

"Oh. Well, since he's coming, I can see why you'd ditch us."

Kagome felt her face heat up. "I'm not ditching, it's for school, and I don't see him coming has anything to do with it!"

"Calm down Kagome. Kikyo does have a point though."

Kagome glared at the phone.

"It's no secret that to us that you harbor feelings for him. Who knows? At this rate he's probably diggin' you too."

"Whatever." Kagome huffed.

"You didn't deny it!" said Kikyo and an annoying singsong voice.

"Anyway, what are you wearing?" asked Sango.

Kagome stared at her ceiling. "I don't know."

Kikyo screeched in terror. "Kagome, we'll be right there! Sango, come on!" Kikyo hung up.

"See you soon Kagome." Sango hung up.

Kagome groaned. "Mom! I'll be having visitors soon!"

"That'll never work," said Sango as she surveyed Kagome's third outfit.

Kikyo grimaced. "Put that fashion disaster waitin' to happen back in the closet."

Kagome looked down at her ruffled hot pink shirt, lavender skirt, and brown boots. "I rather like th--"

"Into the closet!"

Kagome was shoved forcefully into her closet and ordered to strip and come out with something better. Kagome exited her closet clad in a black ¾ sleeve shirt that showed just enough cleavage, a blue jean skirt, and low strap sandals.

"Conservative. Very nice. It shows off your assets without going over the top," said Sango.

"It'll do." Said Kikyo. She took off her black chandelier earrings and handed them to Kagome. "These should go nicely with your outfit."

Sango checked the time. "We should get going now."

"Good luck," said Kikyo.

They left, and Kagome waited nervously for her English teacher to show up.

Kagome felt her stomach do a flip when the doorbell rang. She heard her mother open the door, and soon the smooth, even tones of Sesshoumaru's voice floated up to her ears.

"Kagome! Your boyfriend's here!"

Kagome turned as white as a sheet. "Mom, he's my English teacher!" she screeched.

"Oh," she heard her mother say quietly. "Sorry about that. I guess you're Mr. Ishigaki, then. Have a seat."

Kagome straightened her skirt and slowly made her way down the stairs. She walked into her living room and vaguely noticed that Sesshoumaru stood when she entered.

"Hello Mr. Ishigaki."

"Hello Kagome. Your attire is very suitable." Kagome and her mother raised an eyebrow at that.

"Was that supposed to be a compliment on her choice of clothing? It sucked!"

Sesshoumaru must have been able to read Ms. Higurashi's thoughts, because he tried again. "You look nice."

Kagome smiled sweetly. "Thanks. You don't look half bad yourself."

This time Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at Kagome's half compliment. "Hn. Yes, well we should get going."

Ms. Higurashi jumped up. "Right! You don't want to be late! You two behave yourselves."

Sesshoumaru felt like a highschooler on his way to the prom, with the way Kagome's mother kept cutting sly looks at him, nudging him while winking. It was annoying. "Have fun!" Sesshoumaru breathed a sigh of relief as he and Kagome stepped out the house and the door closed behind them.

"You too, huh?" Kagome smiled up at him. "Sorry about my mom." "She seems convinced that we're dating. You should fear for her mental health." Kagome chuckled softly. "I do fear for her mental health. She never really cared much about the age difference in my relationships." Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow in question, silently asking Kagome to explain her comment. "She kinda wants me to be sure that whoever I marry is financially stable, so as long as the guy isn't more than a couple of years older than me she doesn't mind. Now that I'm almost eighteen she won't care how old the guy is, as long he has a steady job. My father wasn't the most dependable person on earth, so she wants me to be with someone who's proven himself." Sesshoumaru nodded. "Strange, but understandable. I can see she wants a different life for you." "Still, I wish she'd realize that I can support myself with a good education. She's so old fashioned with the idea that I'll need a man to support me." Sesshoumaru wisely kept quiet.

Kagome stared up at the stage starry eyed, a dreamy expression on her face. Glancing at her, Sesshoumaru smiled inwardly. He didn't know Kagome was such a huge fan of poetry. It was something they had in common.

"Thank you again, Mr. Ishigaki. I had a great time tonight," said Kagome as Sesshoumaru pulled up to her house. "The pleasure was all mine. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, but don't forget I want an essay, your choice of topic, on anything that you experienced tonight." Almost as an afterthought, Sesshoumaru added. "You know, if you want, you can call me Sesshoumaru when we're not in school."

Kagome's eyes widened. "Really?" she asked.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "I don't see any reason why we need to be so formal all of the time."

"I guess that's true," said Kagome. She put her hand on the door on the door handle.

"I'll walk you to your door." Kagome turned to see that Sesshoumaru had already gotten out of the car and was making his way around to open her door. He opened it for her and she got out, smiling up at him. "Thanks." Kagome walked up to her door. She stopped searching for her keys when her eyes caught the note on the door.

Kag, I took an extra shift at work tonight. They called me in and you know I can't afford to pass an offer like this. I'll be home by 3:00, 3:30 at the latest. I hope I didn't ruin any surprises you might've had planned for me. I know how much you love your mumsy.

Mom

Kagome glanced at her watch. It was 11:30. She groaned and began looking for her keys again. Sesshoumaru watched amusedly as Kagome began frantically digging through her purse. He had read the note over her shoulder and maintained the idea that Kagome had a very strange mother. Kagome glared at her purse, stopping short of tearing it to shreds. "Where the hell are my keys!" she exclaimed. She gasped, her eyes widening as she remembered.

Flashback

"Kagome I can't find my keys! Lend me yours real quick and I'll stick them back in your purse!" Kagome leaned over the banister. "Sure thing, Mom," she said as she dropped her keys. She laughed as they landed right in the middle of her upturned face.

End Flashback

Kagome fumed, the humor in the later part of her memory of the incident completely lost at the moment. Sesshoumaru chose that moment to speak.

"Is something wrong, or do you just like standing on front porches keeping English teachers waiting."

Kagome turned her angry stare to Sesshoumaru. Her shoulders slumped and she sighed as she realized that taking out her anger on Sesshoumaru wouldn't male anything better. "I, uh, don't have my keys."

Kagome again found herself stretched out on Sesshoumaru's couch. She looked around and noticed a notebook lying on the table. After leafing through a few pages she was able to gather that someone was writing a novel in it. She flipped back to the first page and began reading.

As soon as he locked his door, Sesshoumaru's thoughts of having Kagome returned. This time they stayed. No one would know, and it was obvious the girl's mother wouldn't care if she did know. Sesshoumaru made his way back to his living room and froze. There lay Kagome on his couch, reading the novel he had been working on. Immediately he became angry. Just as he was about to storm in and snatch the book out of her hands, Kagome let out a soft chuckle. Sesshoumaru stopped, surprised by the action. Was Kagome mature enough to understand his humor? Amazing. She chuckled again and arranged herself more comfortably. Sesshoumaru watched as various expressions of enjoyment flitted across her face. Apparently she didn't even know he was there. He cleared his throat to announce his presence. Kagome continued reading. He cleared his throat again, and even knocked on the wall. Kagome read on. "No way," she said quietly, gasping in horror. She said nothing else as she read. Sesshoumaru walked in and gently plucked the book out of Kagome's grasp. Looking down, he watched her face redden.

"Mr. Ishigaki, I swear I didn't do anything! I only meant to peek at it! I was gonna put it back before you came but it was really interesting and I couldn't help myself!" Kagome had her hands raised in front of her, her eyes wide. "Sorry." she added meekly.

Sesshoumaru smiled. "It's alright. You seemed to be enjoying yourself. I won't hold it against you this time, but be sure to ask before you pick up any other books. By the way, I told you that you could call me Sesshoumaru outside of school."

"Sesshoumaru." Kagome sounded the name out, instantly deciding she liked it, and liked it coming from her mouth. So did Sesshoumaru. He sat down next to her and watched as she pulled out a Snickers candy bar and began nibbling on it. Sesshoumaru leaned forward a bit. Something had caught his attention, and he was bent on fixing it.

"Closer, closer, just a little bit further." Kagome, munching happily, was oblivious to Sesshoumaru's intentions. Gently, he held her chin in his hand and turned her face to his. Leaning forward, he licked some chocolate off of the side of her mouth, and then released her. Kagome had been too stunned to say anything, but she recovered quickly enough. "Was that supposed to be a kiss?" she asked as she moved to straddle his hips. "Come closer and I'll show you," answered Sesshoumaru. "Gladly." Kagome leaned forward, ignoring the alarm bells going off in her head. Their lips met and Kagome felt as if she was on fire. His hands roamed her body as moaned in pleasure. She began rocking her hips and soon felt his arousal against her. Sesshoumaru suddenly flipped Kagome over. He began undressing her, kissing the skin he exposed. He was causing things she never thought she'd feel. She grabbled a fistful of hair, urging him to continue h is journey downward. He as so close, yet so far, and Kagome spread her legs in anticipation.

"You really should get up now, Kagome." Kagome frowned in confusion. "What?" she asked. "It's time to get up." Kagome opened her eyes to see a calm Sesshoumaru looking at her, definitely not giving her any lovin', and looked down to find herself fully clothed, definitely not receiving any lovin'. A quick glance in her purse, which still contained her Snickers bar, confirmed Kagome's suspicion that she had been dreaming a very wonderful dream. "What time is it?" she asked groggily, attempting to hide her blush. "It's 3:30. Your mother called." Kagome nodded, now fully sitting up. "I trust you slept well," said Sesshoumaru. He smirked inwardly as Kagome blushed. If the 'Oh, Sesshoumaru!'s were any indication, Kagome had slept very well indeed. "I didn't talk in my sleep or anything, did I?" asked Kagome, not really sure she wanted to hear the answer. "Yes." Kagome puffed up in embarrassment, her face now beet red. "Why couldn't you just lie to me or something! Crap! This is so embarrassing!" "It's only embarrassing if you make it. Personally, I don't see what's so bad about having an erotic dream about your teacher while sleeping on his couch." Kagome hit him on the arm.

"Jerk."

Sesshoumaru commenced to dance, and Kagome couldn't help but laugh. "What the hell are you doing?" she managed to get out. "Well, you said jerk, so I'm jerking." Kagome fell off of he couch and started pounding the floor. "You look ridiculous, and I was calling you a jerk, not telling you to dance the jerk!" Sesshoumaru made a comical face of astonishment. "Really?" he asked. He helped Kagome up, his face now serious. " We should go now."

"Thanks for putting up with me. I really appreciate it. See you Monday, Sesshoumaru." Kagome got out of the car. Sesshoumaru waited until he entered her house before he drove off.

"No way!"

"Way."

"He heard you?" asked Sango, her eyes bulging from her effort to hold back her laughter,

"Yes," answered Kagome miserably. " I have no idea how I'm going to face him Monday."

"The same way you always do," said Kikyo as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

"I can't!" wailed Kagome.

"Yes, you can," said Sango, her voice firm. "You will go through all of your classes as if everything is peachy keen, and when you stay after school with Mr. Ishigaki it will be as it always has been."