Chapter 15: Matches, and First game part I
It was December and the weather was colder than usual, however some shops and the school itself was starting to get decorated more and more every day. Right now Inuyasha was training Kazuki as he ordered his room-mate to run track seven times. "Okay come on shorty! You only have three seconds left! aaaaaand stop!"
Kagome managed to cross the finish line and threw herself on the floor as she laid on her back panting. Inuyasha walked over to his friend and smile "You did it just on time shorty, now you need to-"
Kagome put her finger up in the air in a signal for a minute "Please...let me...relax...for just...a minute...phew..."
Inuyasha laughed and sat down next to him. "Alright take all the time you need."
Kagome raised an eyebrow and sat up before placing her hand on his forehead. Inuyasha was taken aback by this but smirked and tapped his hand away. "What are you doing shorty?"
Kagome blinked once, twice "Do you have a fever. You just allowed me to take a break. Are you feeling okay?"
Inuyasha rolled his eyes as he smiled gently "Yeah, just happy."
Kagome smiled "Oh? Why is that?"
Inuyasha smiled as he looked down. "Well, I'm meeting Kagome on Saturday and we've been kinda getting closer." Inuyasha scratched the back of his head a little embarrassed by showing his soft side.
Kagome blushed knowing that he wasn't looking. It was true that Inuyasha and her had gotten much closer, they saw each other practically every week-end. She and Inuyasha had gotten a lot closer, they started to spend more time with each other. They would play basketball every now and then, she even started to go to the dorm and they watched films, went to the cinema, nice cheap restaurants, the park. Kagome loved every moment of it, she loved it when they hugged, when they laughed and played in the park, laughed with friends in restaurants and even cuddled up a few times while watching movies. However she knew, that this was dangerous, Sango would always tell her to be careful. But Kagome couldn't help but say yes to him whenever he invited to meet. It was almost instinctual to just get up and meet him as herself and not Kazuki. Whenever they went to hang out, Inuyasha would always talk about Kazuki, always said things like he was a type of friend he never had, that if it wasn't for him he wouldn't have had the courage to talk to her. Kagome silently cried, scared of the outcome that was going to come from this, yet willing to enjoy every moment she could. She didn't want to carry this on for so long, but it seemed that every time he asked her to meet, she just couldn't say no.
Kagome nodded "Oh well that's good. It's nice that your friends with her." Kagome smiled. However when she didn't get a response she turned her head to find Inuyasha blushing as he looked at the ground. Kagome was confused "What's wrong?"
Inuyasha smiled as he turned to her "Nothing." Kagome just nodded and saw him stand up before he gave her a hand. Kagome smiled and accepted the gesture. Soon both started to walk of towards the dorms and got ready for P.E first lesson.
"Okay boys! DO 40 PUSHUPS NO EXCEPTIONS. LET'S GO GO GO."
Kagome bent down and up at least 20 times without groaning with out getting tired. She smiled as she turned her head to look at Inuyasha who was already finished and he winked at her as he gave hear a thumbs up. Kagome smiled as she carried on she was now on 30. It was amazing how a little practice every morning, some muscle work in the gym, and some good rest and a lot of water, could build up her muscles in her biceps and in her ankles. Kagome smiled as she bent down then up, she saw her arms flex and she smirked, she was doing it, she was finally able to do it, she was finally able to do something and not fail. She was on 37 as she kept getting slower and slower, but for once she didn't fall on ehr chest panting for breath, for once she didn't cry out from bruises and muscle pain, she was happy and as she turned to see Koga she smirked. 'I'm weak? your nothing but a bastard. I'll show you who's weak, my revenge is not over yet.'
Kagome finished her 40 push ups and when she looked up she saw the teacher there smiling down at her, before outstretching his hand. Kagome took it and was confused. Then he spoke "Your getting better and better each week. You signing up for track?"
Kagome looked down for a moment, should she? Maybe running is a good source of exercise...right? Kagome smiled and shrugged "I'll think about it" The teacher smiled and nodded before turning back around.
"Okay boys! Time for some basketball! Since the weather is pretty chilly, we will break teams using coloured vests instead. So everyone on the right will be red everyone on the left will be green. GET MOVING!"
Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand unexpectedly and instructed her to follow him. Kagome did and couldn't wait till she was Kagome again in order to do this. 'His hand is so warm...so soft-' "Hey Kazuki, ready?"
Kagome snapped out of her day dream and simply looked away with a blush "Y-Yes"
Inuyasha was a little worried, ever since he had met Kagome, Kazuki had started to be, well, distant so to speak. He would always look away every now and then, he would be day dreaming every day. However Inuyasha didn't ask why. Soon the small game started with Inuyasha in the centre and Koga on the opposite side of him. Koga smirked "So I see you've been seeing someone during the week-end eh." Koga teased him.
Inuyasha chuckled "What makes you say that?"
Koga smiled "Because I hardly see you on the week-ends now, so who;s the lucky girl?" Koga said wiggling his eyebrows.
The whistle blew and the teacher threw the ball in the air. Both Inuyasha and Koga jumped up for the ball, and Inuyasha managed to smack it hard, causing it to fall on poor Kagome's section. Kagome had the ball and dribbled it trying to find someone to throw it to, however she was too slow as Koga ran past her and snatched the ball from her. Kagome cursed quietly and stayed in her section as she saw Inuyasha running towards the hoop where Koga was about to score, and when she saw Koga jump up, Inuyasha fast as lightning jumped even higher and grabbed the ball before throwing it far on the other side. Miroku had the ball this time and dribbled it easily and quick before seeing Kazuki who was the closest to their hoop and threw it over to once again poor Kagome.
However Kagome would not back down, she would not be so easily defeated as beforehand. And with as much strength as she could she jumped up high and to her shock she caught the ball, she started to dribble the ball as she ran to the hoop and surrounded by many people, TALL people, she closed her eyes and threw it as high as she could to the basket. However she saw the ball roll around the hoop, and as it was about to fall off the hoop and miss its target, players from the other team ready to grab it, she saw a flash of silver and smiled as Inuyasha saved the ball and with his super speed and high jump he dunked the ball scoring red's a point. Kagome smiled and ran up to him. "Nice work Mr. arrogant."
Inuyasha smirked and ruffled her hair. Kagome melted as she saw his sexy lips tilt in a awfully provocative style. "Good work yourself shorty."
The teacher rang the whistle and the game had come to a stop "Okay guys everybody grab some water, and then I want you all to jog around to brush of the tension then hit the showers."
Kagome groaned when she she heard the word 'shower' she used to always welcome showers, and now she hated it because she could never enjoy one other than during the week-end. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see a smiling Inuyasha "Come on shorty stop day dreaming."
Kagome blushed a little at being caught and walked over to the bleachers where she hung out wiht Koga and Miroku. Miorku was drinking his water before talking "So first match for the championships is this Saturday, the whole school will see it. Think we're ready?" Miroku asked smirking.
Inuyasha laughed and punched a fist in the air "More than ready Roku."
Koga grinned "Off course man."
Kagome saw them shake hands and felt a pang of guilt overwhelm her heart. She didn't know why thought. Was it because she felt bad about her living a double life? Inuyasha was so good to her and treated her with respect and honour, and for god sakes he was even a sweetheart to her male visage! Yet she went and practically confused his life. She sighed and then heard the bell ring for the showers. She quickly found an excuse and showered in the dorms, thinking about how her life was at that very moment.
Soon it was the end of the day, and Kagome was getting ready as she was about to head to the dorms. She had hardly seen Inuyasha as he was busy running and preparing for the basketball match on Saturday. She then felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped a little as she turned and smiled sadly at the face hoping it was Inuyasha but no luck. "Hey Hojo." Kagome said glumly.
Hojo smiled but then frowned "Kagome what's wrong?" He said cupping one of her cheeks gently and then walking with her towards a bench to sit down on. Kagome sighed and fiddled with her fingers "Hojo, am I a bad person?"
Hojo was confused at the question "No why would you say that?"
Kagome sighed "Because, I thought...god damnit I thought I could live a double life, and after this morning...after the fight and the blood and the words...and-"
Hojo shushed her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders "Calm down Kagome, just relax and tell me slowly what's wrong."
Kagome sighed and calmly told Hojo all about that morning and Hojo smiled a little as he leaned forward, seeing Kagome with both hands supporting her head as she leaned into them. Her eyes closed and about to shed tears. Hojo looked to the ground "You know, centuries ago, my grandmother at the time fell in love with an American, she fell in love with someone other than her race, which at the time was seen as shameful. However she didn't care, I remember my mother told me over and over again this story, a remedy of a sort and I think the first person I should tell is you."
Kagome was intrigued but confused, however she simply nodded for him to proceed.
Hojo smiled as he looked at the sky "Back 300 years ago, when people had arranged marriages for beneficial reasons, there were only a select few that were lucky enough to marry someone they loved. My grandmother then was one of them. However she fought for her love with the American boy who had travelled to Japan, and met her. Eventually my great great great however more great grandmother smiled and eloped with the man. She fought for the love she wanted, no matter if it was found to be shameful or illegal or whatever, she didn't care. She didn't care about what society would think of her, because as long as she was happy and had him, it was all she ever needed."
Hojo looked at her "My mother told me about how my great great great etc grandmother invented a remedy for a broken heart and star crossed love. It was called the recipe of matches. She would always tell me, that in us we have the ability to light a match out of a box that was engraved within our hearts whenever we found passion or love or happiness. Our body created enough oxygen to light up every match whenever the person felt longing and desire. However when some people find a person they loved and cared for, for over years and thought that no matter what happened that person was to be their life mate, they would take it to the extreme, as the amount of passion they felt, would light up every match in the box quickly, and we eventually get blinded by such passion and such desire that we don't see past that. You are so enamoured with your fantasy of what you wish was real and what you believe is, rather than thinking realistically beyond. Eventually all the matches die down and turn damp from the quick use before lighting out and fading away, breaking the person in two. But if you slowly light up a match one at a time, you would see through rather than pass all the difficulties and obstacles that would come your way by the decision you make. You would fight for that love and when you do have it, you have no unsuspecting surprises and no guilt, you would have no problems because you had that person's single match, bond with yours creating a love so pure and strong that can overcome anything. And only when you slowly take time into lighting every match, will you truly feel happiness."
Kagome looked down at the ground listenign to the beautiful story Hojo had just told her. Kagome then turned to him slowly "So, you think...that maybe I lit up all my matches to fast...with Koga?"
Hojo nodded "I know you did Kagome. But it's not your fault, no matter if you lit up all of those matches, no matter if they are damp, doesn't rain dry away eventually because of the sun. I believe that if you find that person that could cure and dry away all those tears and sadness that are ruining those matches inside of you, then you will truly be happy."
Kagome bit her bottom lip "What should I do then?"
"You have to figure that out on your own Kagome." Hojo smiled gently and wrapped an arm around her before gently rubbing her shoulder whit his thumb. "Think about it." Hojo said softly before leaning and bumping his forehead with hers quickly then bounded of to his dorm room, his bag on his shoulder.
Kagome couldn't help but smile. She knew he was right, she knew that she had to rekindle those damp matches inside of her. And knew that she might have to do the same to Inuyasha's.
Once Kagome got to the dorm she saw Inuyasha laying on his bunk asleep. Kagome smiled gently and put her bag down on her bed before slowly walking up the stairs of the two beds and saw him face up with one arm on his chest and the other behind his head, his head was tilted to one side a little causing his fringe to no doubt tickle his eyelashes. Kagome smiled and walked a little further up so she could get a closer look. She saw how peaceful his face seemed to be, when he was away from all the commotion and all the stress. He looked so innocent, so young and free and wild.
The man that only showed himself around Kagome and her male visage. Slowly however she saw him turn his head as he swivelled his ears, most likely sensing a presence near by. Inuyasha slowly opened his eyes and saw Kazuki in front of him. He sighed and sat up slowly "Hey your back."
Kagome smiled and nodded as she climbed up a bit more before sitting and letting her legs dangle over the edge, her eyes looking at his tired sexy glistening ones. "Yeah sorry, I thought you were getting ready for your basketball practice?"
Inuyasha nodded "Yeah but decided to rest before I went. Hey shorty can I ask you a question?"
Kagome nodded and smiled "Yeah sure."
Inuyasha blushed a little "Do you think I should ask Kagome to come and see me this Saturday?"
Kagome was startled. What! She hadn't planned this far! How was she and the..Kazuki person meant to be there ont he same day. Kagome was stuttering for a moment before knowing that she had to say something and quick. "Uh, well uh...I...I don't...s-sure go ahead" 'Fuck what have I done'
Inuyasha smiled and nodded "I'll ask her to come over then, but how should I say it, I don't want to sound as if I'm begging you know."
Kagome nodded and smiled "Yeah I do...Um...j-just say something on the lines of...Hey you remember I told you I played basketball...and then just invite her from there." Kagome said as she walked down the ladder.
Inuyasha nodded and jumped down smiling as he ruffled her hair, whilst grabbing her in a head lock "Your the best shorty you know that." Inuyasha complemented.
Kagome blushed and when he let her go she saw him prepare for practice for the big event on Saturday. 'Oh boy I need to talk to Sango!'
It was Saturday and Kagome was freaking out as she had received the message from Inuyasha, and she obviously said yes wanting the real her to also be supportive. However she was practically biting her nails of right now, as she was scared and lost about what to do.
"Look Kagome relax, everything will be alright okay, we just need to come up with some sort of strategy." Sango said.
"Yeah sugar just relax" Jakotsu also said sitting with his legs crossed on the chair by the desk.
Kagome stuffed her hands in her hair "You don't understand guys, I need to be Kazuki! But I also need to be Kagome! What am I going to do I can't just swap genders whenever I feel like it, plus there is a massive crowd the whole school Sango, how can I camouflage in that And what if he wants to see both Kagome and Kazuki next to each other to meet or something, then I am screwed!" Kagome cried out.
Kohaku then walked into the room "Hey sis why all the yelling."
Sango rolled her eyes "Kagome;s stuck on how to change during the basketball match this afternoon."
Kohaku sighed but then his eyes twinkled "I have an idea, Jay think you can help me with it you too Sango"
Kagome was confused yet a little hopeful that unfortunately her younger brother by a good couple of years had managed to come up with a plan. Man intelligence does not change by age.
Sango and Jakotsu smiled. Kohaku nodded "Okay Sango I need you to be in charge of picking out Kagome's normal clothes, and Jay you pack her male clothes. We need to make sure that the clothes are easy to change from in at least a minute or two maximum."
Kagome was confused as were the others but they got up and prepared the items. Sango came out with a flowy black chiffon knee length skirt with a T-shirt and a cardigan, along with black pumps. Whilst Jakotsu cam out with a pair of black gym trousers a short sleeved blue shirt and a black zip up cardigan.
Kohaku smiled and nodded "Nice, Sango why choose a skirt."
Sango smiled "Well you did say something she could change quickly out of. Skirts are so easy, you can put trousers underneath and take of the skirt, or you can simply tuck the skirt into the trousers automatically changing, much more shorter time."
Kohaku nodded but the shook his head "Sango grab a pair of converses"
"What but you don't wear converses with skirts!"
Kohaku groaned "Sango trust me on this"
Sango growled "Alright alright!"
Kagome was even more confused now.
Kohaku then inspected Jay's clothes and gave a thumbs up. Soon Sango came back with a pair of black converses, then spoke. "Okay what is this plan of yours Kohaku tell us now before Kagome has a panic attack"
Kagome groaned and hit her head on her pillow as she flopped on her bed not caring.
Kohaku sighed "Basically, the only thing Kagome can do is to change at least every 10 minutes or so, from a boy to a girl. There is a half hour game on the first half, then there is a 10 minutes break before starting the next half which will also be half hour, then if it is a draw, they will do penalty shootings to see who can win. Kagome has to change at least 3 times throughout that, so every 10 minutes she would change from a boy to a girl. It has to be 10 minutes because Inuyasha had really good reflexes he could easily remember where Kagome was standing and where she is, he would look out for both Kazuki and Kagome no doubt in order to gain some encouragement. You Kagome, need to be able to change at least in 2 minutes. I will be there to help you, I'll be at the back of the bleachers and guarding the changing rooms. No-one goes into the changing room throughout the whole game, meaning that you can easily put on your jeans and tuck in your skirt as Sango suggested then I'll stand guard to make sure nothing wrong happens. And Sango and Jakotsu could entertain Inuyasha for a bit when you get changed."
Everyone looked at one another then to the little boy in front of them. They were both with their mouths open, and shell shocked at the idea. It was so simple...and the only thing they could possibly do.
Kagome ran up to her adopted brother and embraced the living day lights out of him "Thank you Kohaku, thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Kohaku smiled and patted her back "Any time sis. Now let's get going it's 3:00 game starts at 5:00, we need to be there early to cheer them on. Kagome you'll go as Kazuki for now, Sango and Jakotsu and me will be wandering around until the game starts, then you say good luck quickly come back get changed and instantly Inuyasha thinks you have arrived right on time. So it's a busy night but for everything you've done for me sis, it's the least I can do."
Kagome felt like crying and Sango and Jay both awwed. Kohaku wrinkled his nose at the cheesiness of it all. "Okay let's get to work."
Kagome was soon prepared as Jakotsu helped with all the preparations. Soon they all jumped into Jakotsu's car, their parents at work knowing that they were going to the match. Kagome was nervous, tonight was going to be very hard, but she had to. She had to do this for Inuyasha. She knew it made him happy. And if it made him happy she'd do it gladly.
They were soon at the school and you could already see swarms of people hanging around in the entrance of the gym. Everybody from Fukuoka High and Shiko High, the first school the lynx's were up against. There were cheerleaders from the school as it was a mix. All the car parks were full and Jakotsuhad to park a street down from the school. Once he found a parking space, they all got out. And Kagome who embraced every one started running towards Inuyasha. He needed her and she would be there, as Kazuki as Kagome, she didn't care, she knew that he wanted to see her before the game started. She squeezed past the crowd however kept getting thrown on the floor. Then she turned her head and found the long way which was around the school. She groaned and as she ran around the whole school before entering through the back entrance, she was amazed to see so many people here to, however it wasn't as crowded, she crawled in between people and finally managed to enter. She then quickly ran towards the changing room. God she sincerely hoped that they were all changed. She walked in with her eyes closed, and when she opened them she was thankful that they were ALL dressed and ready, all laughing and joking around.
She spotted Inuyasha with Koga and Miroku, and smiled as she ran to him. She thought he looked amazing in their full black and white uniform. He had the sleeveless black shirt with the number 1 on the front and the back, the sides were in white and the bottom was also trimmed with white. She saw his head whip to see her, and she waved as she saw him stand up. He was also wearing black knee length shorts, which also had white on trims on the edge of the materials. His silver hair in a high ponytail. "Hey shorty you made it!"
Kagome smiled and he grabbed her hand before giving her a manly hug. Kagome smiled and nodded "Yeah, damn there are so many people. I don't remember there being so many."
Miroku smiled "That is because, this year is not just a trophy we win."
Kagome was confused "Oh?"
Inuyasha smiled "We win a grand tour around Europe competing around the world, and maybe even becoming famous, we'd earn good money doing that."
Kagome was impressed. Yet sad that Inuyasha would have to travel around, meaning she would hardly see him. If she ever did again. Kagome just nodded "I'm sure we'd win, come on guys."
Inuyasha smiled and ruffled his hair "Thanks for being here shorty." Inuyasha said blushing a little. God was Kazuki becoming a really important part of his friendship now. It was almost as if he hoped they could me good friends for years to come, and probably even till they both have their own families. Inuyasha laughed at that notion. He jumped up and hopped on one leg then the other. Soon the coach came in and shouted "Okay! Lynx's ready up, the audience are seated and the cheerleaders are about to start. The other team are getting ready, let's win this boys!" Everybody put their fist up in the air cheering. Kagome did the same and smiled as Inuayasha nudged her playfully. Kagome nudged back and soon everyone was starting to leave. This was her cue to meet Kohaku and get changed.
Inuyasha was a little worried, and Kagome knew why. She put a hand on his shoulder as they walked out "Don't worry, she'll be here."
Inuyasha smiled a little and nodded before standing in the formation him leading the team, they were situated right in the corner ready to run into the court when the cheerleaders on the other team were done. Kagome smiled proudly and quickly ran back to find Kohaku. She ran to the back of the bleachers and saw Kohaku there,she quickly took of her trousers revealing the skirt she bunched up, she then took of her hoodie then her shirt to reveal a T at the bottom. Kohaku passed her, her cardigan and Kagome took of the wig allowing her hair to roam wild. She then kisse dhis cheek as she ran to stand on top of the bleachers.
Inuyasha was afraid. What if she didn't come? What if she couldn't make it? However before he coudl think any more the whistle rang and his eyes turned from worried to determination as the whole gym holding two different schools cheered and booed as they ran out. "PRESENTING THE LYNX'S!" The narrators said on the sidelines. He then ran first leading the rest and once they entered everybody cheered and screamed. Inuyasha ran around the gym once putting his arms in the air along with the other players, before situating themselves on one side of the gym. "Woooo go Inuyasha man!"
"GO LYNX'S" Another randomer said from Fukuoka. Inuyasha turned around and when he did his eyes scanned the crowd and his frown turned into a grin as he spotted Kagome.
Kagome smiled as his eyes made contact with hers. She was standing in the middle making sure Inuyasha could see her and she could see him. She waved happily as she spoke knowing he could hear. "You can do it Inuyasha, be careful okay" Inuyasha said smiling gently as she winked.
Inuyasha heard her words and blushed but smirked as he nodded and mouthed "I will." Kagome smiled and blushed. Inuyasha grinned and suddenly the narrators spoke again.
"WELCOMIN TO FUKUOKA HIGH, SHIKO HIGH!" Inuyasha then saw Shiko high basketball players running into the gym. The next championships were always held in the school of the previous winners. And so Inuyasha knew this gym like the back of his hand. Eveyr slippery part on the floor, and every secret of the hoop. He smirked as he saw how skinny they all were. 'Not much competition. But i'll do this, for Kazuki, and for Kagome.'
The referee blew his whistle and soon Inuyasha walked up to the middle, as he saw the tallest one in the bunch walk up. He saw the referee with a ball and the gym suddenly went quiet. The referee spoke out the fouls "Okay there is not allowed to be hitting, pushing, slapping, holding, Illegal pic/screen meaning no tripping the other on purpose. You can't walk or travel with the ball, no double dribbling, and passes need to be quick no time consuming, and no back court violation. If anyone breaks any of these rules, then the team will have a warning. Three warnings throughout this whole journey and you are disqualified." The referee put the ball in the air.
Inuyasha looked into the eyes of his opponent, and smirked as he was ready to jump. Then he blew the whistle.
And the game started.
Hello everyone! ^^ So sorry for the delay! I hate waiting five or six days to update, its just because I've had an exam and another one on Friday. I also have homework and coursework and applying and its just a nightmare. However this is part I of the chapter, part II is mostly written up so hopefully by Saturday it is uploaded. Thank you so much everybody for reviewing and being patient with me. I had a good Halloween, even though I didn't do anything much. Hope everyone carries on reading this story, because there will be a unexpected surprise character in the next one ;) Until the next chapter. I am so happy with all my reviewers who carry on reading and reviewing me their opinions. A little note, tricks on Koga are not over, however things will change a little with Koga in future chapters. ^^
P.S: The match theory between Hojo and Kagome, is an idea I got from the book called 'like water for chocolate' originally a Spanish novel which I read and currently studying called 'como agua para chocolate.' However I have written a completely different outlook of it, but if any body has read it by any chance, then know that it is not the same I did not copy and paste anything. I wrote my own understanding of it, and re-wrote my own version completely. So just in case any body asks ^^
Remember more reviews faster update :)