Ok, people, then next few updates may be a little further apart, I have rapidly caught up to myself, but I promise to work faithfully on writing more as much as I can. Let us all cross our fingers that I don't get writer's block (I'm touching wood).

Deds:

Kagomelovessesshy5 - You sound excited about the relationship that's finally budding here, lol, hey, if I were her, I'd want the biker more too. Lucky for her it's the same guy. Lucky bitch... grumble grumble...

Photographing Poetry - I'd fall like a damn Sequoia, lol! TIMBER!!!!! Don't worry, Inu's damned he's gonna get her, and I'm a sap for happy endings!!

Valsapena - Singing at the end had no even occured to me yet... but maybe you've got something there! Lol, I have Grease 2 and the Grease soundtrack, that's it. I never listen to the soundtrack tho, lol.

lindajrjt - Yes, things have a way of straightening themselves out. Sigh. What's wrong with MY life? I need someone to straighten me out. A Hobo-dumping always cheers me up, tho!

mousymousyboing - Lazy, eh? That's my middle name! Actually, it's Caroline, but hey, we all get lazy. Nice to hear from you, though, I enjoy it, and your compliments, thanks!

Nimeway - Yes, it is, VERY LOOSELY, hehehe. Hey, I don't have the first one, and I like the second one so much better! Don't drool too much, your keyboard might fry. (Mine's full of crumbs, lol).

taintedinuyasha - Hehhee, I have most of it figured out. How he's gonna tell her it's him, though... you'll have to read about that! Answers are all forthcoming, but I just gotta write them, lol! Thanks for the compliments, I'm blushing!!

Mystical Hanyou - Thank you, thank you, I try. He's a "DREAMBOAT" alright, and she's been rocked out of her world, lol, she's practically his for the taking, but there's always more obstacles to overcome first, heheh!

Inuyasha: Grease'd

Chapter Eleven

Monday morning at school was chaos. All anyone could talk about was they mystery boy on the bike at the Duplex; the Amityville Horror was completely forgotten in all the hubbub.

Inuyasha couldn't help the small smiles that popped up every now and then as he went from one class to the next, hearing bits and pieces of gossip about himself.

In Latin, Kagome kept to herself, she was so deep in thought. Who was he? He had seemed familiar, but... something tickled the back of her mind, but refused to come out. Shrugging, she smiled politely at Inuyasha as he took his seat, and he fought to control the grin that threatened to spread his face wide.

Houjo was late, and wouldn't look at Kagome, who avoided looking at him as well. Inuyasha was fine with that.

On the weekend just past, they had been assigned a small paper on Roman Gladiators and their roles in the arena. Mr. Myouga went up and down the rows as the class neared its end, as the students were packing up in preparation for their next class, handing back papers.

Just as the bell rang, he said, "Miss Higurashi, may I speak to you please?"

Kagome, who'd been staring off into space, snapped back to reality and, his words sinking in, frowned.

Inuyasha watched her approach the teacher before he walked out, hanging around outside the door. Houjo passed him, his face to the floor and nowhere else.

Inside the classroom, Kagome asked, "What's the matter?"

Mr. Myouga pointed at her paper, on top of her binder, and the failing grade on it. "Miss Higurashi, I've noticed that your grades are slipping again. I thought you'd taken care of this long ago?"

Kagome sighed, and looked away. "I had."

"But?"

She sighed again, and turned back to him, smiling. "I'll look after it, Mr. Myouga, I promise. I'm just really distracted right now, that's all."

He nodded, uncrossing his arms from his plump chest, his moustache twitching. "See that you do, young lady. I hate to see a good student fail because she was distracted. If you re-do the assignment, I'll think about changing your mark." Smiling to make her feel better, he motioned with his hand, "Run along, now. Miss Yura will make you do ten extra laps around the track if you're late."

Nodding, Kagome took her leave of him, her frown returning as soon as he could no longer see her face. Re-do the whole paper? Who did he think she was, Frieda-Free-All-The-Time? She shook her head.

Inuyasha pushed himself off the wall as she came out of the classroom. "Myouga not like your paper?"

She scowled, but not at him. "No. He says if I re-do it he'll think about changing my grade." She looked at him more closely as he strolled down the hall with her. Today he'd let his hair fall free, and the horn-rimmed glasses were nowhere in sight. His jeans were tighter, and instead of wearing a flannel shirt or a baggy sweater, he had on a tight t-shirt and high-top sneakers. She found herself smiling, but quickly squashed it. She was off boys, permanently!

Except one, anyway, but she couldn't count on his making an appearance; she'd only met him once.

"If you want, I'm still game for helping you."

She looked at him askance, then stopped. "You'll still help me?" After what I did to you? Her mind added.

"Sure." The smile he gave her was striking, and her heart began to hammer. Narrowing her eyes to hide her reaction to him, she turned and started walking again.

"Thanks."

He followed her to the stairs, where they parted ways. "No problem."

She watched him go, thinking that he was doing something different, and that she liked it. However, the last thing she would do was tell him what she thought. She didn't want to give him any false hopes, and hurt him any more than she already knew she had.

Rin met her at the bottom, her face aglow.

Kagome smiled at her, temporarily forgetting her own problems. "Hey, Rin. You look happy."

"I am, but I'm nervous, too. Sesshoumaru's coming to my place for dinner tonight."

Kagome nodded her head. "Oh yeah? Your mom's okay with that?"

Rin hesitated. "Well, no, but my brothers are willing to give him a chance, so if all goes well mother will have no choice but to accept him. I mean, what's not to like? He's perfect."

Kagome laughed. "You sure found yourself someone special, didn't you? I like him, too. Your mom will come around."

Rin grinned. "I hope so."

Inu G'd

That night, Sesshoumaru showed up at Rin's house at exactly eight o'clock. Straightening his tie for the tenth time, he smiled at Rin when she opened the door.

Her outfit, he noticed, was perfect. Her cream-coloured skirt was fitted and came down past her knees. Her blouse, which was pink, had tight sleeves that she'd rolled up to make her dressy skirt more casual. The only thing out of place was the stained apron that covered it all.

Rin greeted him, "Good evening, sir," and then covered her mouth as she giggled.

He grinned in return, allowing her to remove his jacket, revealing a blue button-down shirt tucked neatly into tan dress-slacks. His sleeves, too, were rolled up.

"Good evening to you, madam." He pecked her lips, and then followed her through the house.

When they got to the dining room, she introduced him to her three brothers and their girlfriends, and he greeted each one respectfully in turn. The brothers were impressed; his manners were impeccable.

The only person missing was her mother, but she wasn't worried... yet.

"Sit here, Sesshoumaru," she said, pulling out a chair for him, "I made a special supper for us tonight, and it's ready to eat." Hurrying into the kitchen, Rin found her mother, dressed in an old but clean skirt-and-jacket suit in a pale lavender. She was poking at the fish on the platter.

"Rin, are you sure this fish is cooked?"

Rin sighed mentally in exasperation, and hissed, "Mother!"

Turning to look at her daughter, Mrs. Tsing narrowed her eyes at her daughter's tone, but chose not to comment on it. "Is he here?"

Rin slipped on the oven mitts and hefted the platter. "Yes. And everyone loves him. We're all waiting for you."

Raising a brow, her mother straightened her jacket and preceded Rin to the dining room, where all three of her sons were engaged it what appeared to be animated conversation with the white-haired man at the end of the long mahogany table.

When Mrs. Tsing entered the room fell quiet, but only for an instant. Gin, getting up quickly, pulled out his mother's chair and smiled to Sesshoumaru as she was seated, "Sesshoumaru, this is our mom. Mom, this nice young man is Sesshoumaru Takahashi."

Mrs. Tsing nodded in his direction, acknowledging him politely, but she refused to look directly at him. He smiled anyway, even though she didn't see it.

"I'm very pleased to meet you, Ma'am. You have a beautiful home and family."

He's tricky, Mrs. Tsing thought. Charming, too. She reserved her judgement. Let the night unfold and see what you have to show us, demon-boy. "Thank you."

Rin came in then, and set down the platter of salmon in the middle of the table with the rest of the feast, steaming and waiting to be eaten. Taking off the apron and tossing the mitts onto the counter, she sat down and said, "Dig in!"

Silently the family and Sesshoumaru passed the food around until everyone's plate was full. After that, Rin started the men talking by bringing up the car rally she and Sesshoumaru had gone to recently. Her brothers, who were all major car fanatics, eagerly took her bait and their girlfriends winked at Rin, praising her efforts at getting the conversation flowing.

Sesshoumaru eagerly added his opinions also, and when the meal was over, said to Rin, "Rin, this is the best meal I've ever eaten. Thank you for inviting me tonight to eat your fine cooking and meet your lovely family."

She blushed, and soon everyone was talking, whispering to each other about what a catch this guy was, and how Rin was lucky in having snagged him. Mrs. Tsing, however, had remained silent throughout the meal, and had observed. Her sons seemed to genuinely like the boy; she had to admit, he was well-mannered and dapper to a fault. He obviously came from good money, and Mrs. Tsing prided herself on knowing good money.

Reluctantly, she sighed. This young up-start had softened her hard edge, and she could see how her daughter would have fallen for him. Extraordinarily, he reminded her of her own late husband, as he had been a catch himself, who could play and dress the part of a gentleman because he truly was one.

Setting her fork down on her plate, she dabbed her mouth with her napkin as Rin replaced her empty plate with dessert: a tempting-looking confection called Sweet Rolls, with gooey strawberry preserves in the middle and drizzled with a sugary glaze.

The girls, tasting Rin's efforts, commented on her skills in the kitchen and she beamed; the men showed their appreciation by making the tasty treats disappear, and then going back for more.

Mrs. Tsing watched her daughter and her suitor with a most peculiar, newly-developed fondness, and as she did Sesshoumaru took Rin's hand and said, "Rin, these are simply delicious. I've never tasted anything so sweet."

Rin blushed, and squeezed his hand.

Her heart lurching as fond memories of her beloved husband came rushing back, Mrs. Tsing stood up from her seat, and said, "Mr. Takahashi is right, Rin. Dinner was wonderful." Then, she smiled at them.

Rin's brothers all grinned, and squeezed their girlfriends hands. They'd all had their fingers crossed that their mother would come around!

Sesshoumaru nodded graciously, and Rin replied, "Thanks, mom," and smiled lovingly at Sesshoumaru, who returned her gaze, his smile beautiful in the glow of hers.

Taking her leave, she bid her family and guest goodnight, and retired to her room.

Akira slapped Rin on the shoulder. "Good show, Rinny."

Rin slapped his hand away playfully and made a face at her old nickname. She was so happy. Tonight had gone better than she'd ever hoped it would. She squeezed Sesshoumaru's hand again, and he responded in kind. He'd sensed how much this meeting had meant to her, and had been on his very best behaviour. And, in doing so, had won over the approval of the hard-nosed Mrs. Tsing.

Rin couldn't have been happier.

Inu G'd

On Tuesday morning, Naraku came out of the fifth store he'd applied to, still jobless.

I guess I'm not meant for Sales, he thought, as he stood on the corner and waited for the light to turn so he could cross the street and get into his car. Sitting there at the light across the street, a truck rumbled loudly. Naraku squinted into the sunlight trying to read the name on the door. Finally, it turned, and he read Nakamura Construction and Contractors on the driver's side door. He smirked.

Well, it was worth a try...

Kikyou thought he worked in an office building downtown, and it was partly true; he had worked there, but they'd fired him two years ago for trying to scam them. He liked to think of himself as an "indoor boy", but if the shoe fits, wear it.

Later that day he walked out of the Nakamura Offices as a member of the road crew that was re-paving the streets in town. He started on Wednesday morning.

He went to the mall, to buy work clothes, and he saw Kikyou and Ayame in the food court. He frowned, and looked at his watch. Four-thirty. He decided to finish what he was doing first before he went to see her; he wasn't looking forward to telling her of his change in jobs. He considered not telling her at all, but the hours for this job were longer, so she'd ask him about it anyway. He figured he'd get it over with before she got all pissy.

When he was finished, his hands full of bags, he went toward the food court but what he saw didn't please him. At all.

Kikyou sat alone; he assumed Ayame was in the bathroom. A boy was standing next to her, and he looked like he was coming onto her. Kikyou was smiling, but not for one second did he even think about her liking the attention this boy was giving her. In his mind, that guy was touching his girl, and he saw red.

He came up behind them and dropped his bags on the floor, and said low, "Is that your hand on my girlfriend?"

The boy turned then, and, seeing the look on Naraku's face, pulled his hand off Kikyou's back quicker than he could spit. Without replying, he ran, and Kikyou turned to see who was behind her. Her smile never wavered as he sat down in Ayame's spot and glared at her, though it was the boy he was mad at.

"Shopping much?" she commented, spying all his bags.

He brought his attention back to her and, since he was still in a bad mood, he bit, "None of your business, bitch."

She shrugged, kicking the bag with his work boots in them. "Nice boots."

Ayame came back then, and he got up and left, saying only, "Meet me at Higurashi's." She nodded, then ignored him as she and Ayame picked up their conversation.

Inu G'd

Kagome was whistling to herself as she took orders. She skated from car to car, car to order window, on a puffy cloud. She hadn't felt this great in a long time.

Sango and Miroku noticed her mood, but neither commented. They were just glad that she'd finally dumped Houjo. Kagome was glad now, too. Houjo was such a drag, and she hadn't known how bogged down she was with him until she was free again.

Unfortunately, Kouga pulled in then. She saw him, but refused to let his presence put a damper on her great mood.

He got out of his car this time, and placed his own order, and took a seat at a picnic table while he waited, watching her come and go. Finally, he got his food, and returned to his table to eat it.

Kagome was glad that he'd not approached her. She was mad enough at him for what he'd tried to do to her to kill him. Her good mood was dissolving into a bad one the longer he hung around.

When he finished, he sat back to digest. Tomorrow was a major football game, and he needed his rest. Of course, if she were willing, he was too...

Kagome came by again, and this time he made eye contact with her, but she glared in return. He could feel her hate, and it turned him on. She tried to pass him, but he reached out, and smacked her ass, soundly.

Kagome froze. Of all the nerve...

On impulse she spun around and grabbed him by the ear. He winced and growled, "Ow, bitch, that hurts!"

Ignoring his pain, she dragged him behind the building and released him. Rubbing his ear, he quickly forgot his pain as soon as he realised they were alone.

"I knew you'd come around," he murmured, leaning into her, his arm reaching out to pull her body to him. In response, she slapped him - hard.

People out front heard the noise, but unable to see where it had come from, went back to their business.

"Kouga Suzumi! If you come on to me one more time, just once more, I'll kill you, you worthless son of a bitch! I hate you! Don't you get it? I don't want you, I never will! Give up, because you're not getting any from me!" Balling her fists, Kagome lifted her foot and brought it down on his sneaker with all her might, and Kouga howled in pain. She'd broken two of his toes.

Sniffing in contempt, she left him there, to finish her job in peace.

Kouga, not wanting anyone to see what a girl had done to him, sneaked away through the surrounding shrubbery until he got to his car and drove away.

Miroku had seen him, and he said to Kagome when she passed, "What happened to Kouga?"

Kagome smiled. "He got his comeuppance. It was long overdue."

Miroku chuckled, and she skated away, her good mood restored.

Inu G'd

Inuyasha wiped the windshield of the pink Bel-Air and smiled politely at the woman driving it. She smiled back provocatively, but he pretended not to see.

The pump kicked off, and he put it back in it's holder, screwing the gas-cap back on with his free hand. Leaning in the driver's-side window, he said, "That'll be two-hundred yen, ma'am."

The woman dug around in her clutch for her money. Handing him the right amount, she conspicuously peeled off an extra few bills. "That's for you, handsome," she said, winking.

Unable to respond, his brows went up instead. Finally he muttered, "Thanks," and she drove away.

Wow, that was awkward, he thought. Tonight he'd left his hair down. He was sick of the geek-look. From now on, he was going as himself. Except when he was the Lone Rider, of course. It couldn't hurt, seeing as Kagome wasn't going for him anyway... yet.

Houjo worked the other two pumps, and had spent his entire night avoiding eye-contact with anybody. He'd been quiet lately. Inuyasha had heard what had happened between he and Kagome, since she'd been glaring and not speaking to him at all the past two days. Had she finally found out that he was cheating on her? Was that why they'd broken up? She's too good for him, anyway, he thought.

When nine came he tossaed away his rag and walked to his car. He'd been careful to only ride his bike when he was playing the part of his alter-ego so as not to give himself away.

Ayame, on a blue bicycle, rode into the gas bar. Houjo saw her and smiled. Ayame smiled back, shyly. Inuyasha watched them, and Shippo came out to say his goodnight's and watched with him.

Houjo got on the bike, and, Ayame firmly perched on the handlebars, they left.

Shippo tilted his head. "That's news to me."

Inuyasha looked at him incredulously. "Haven't you heard? They broke up." He was referring to Houjo and Kagome.

Shippo grinned. "Yeah, but I didn't know about him and Ayame. Looks like you've got more than a mere chance now, my friend."

Inuyasha shook his head. "She's hurt. Not to mention distant. I think I'll have to work her over for a while before she trusts again."

Shippo smirked. "I dunno, Inuyasha," he teased, "Kagura told me about her reaction to you the other night. Sounds to me like she's willing to give the other you a chance."

He snorted, wryly. "Ironic, isn't it? She wants nothing to do with the real me, but everything to do with the other me." He shook his head. He felt good about hearing that she'd liked the Lone Rider, though.

Shippo shrugged. "I wouldn't worry about it."

Inuyasha raised a brow. "Why not?"

"Well, if she likes one side of you, do you think she'll stop liking you when she realises that you're both guys? I mean, she's getting two for one; you're the same guy. I highly doubt she'll stop liking you. In fact, she might like you more for putting in so much effort." He wiggled his eyebrows and grinned suggestively. "Think Brownie points!"

Inuyasha thought of brownies and shuddered. Then, he smiled a little, and mulled it over. He supposed Shippo had a point.

"But, she may not appreciate being tricked, although I imagine she'll get over that quick enough."

Inuyasha wondered if she would. Still, he had to try. He wanted her more than anything else; he loved her with all his being, and desired her happiness above all things. "Thanks, Shippo."

Shippo looked at him, puzzled. "For what?"

Inuyasha chuckled. "You know, for a smart guy, you can be pretty dim."

Shippo winked. "That may be, but I got you thinking, didn't I?" Laughing, he walked away. "'Night Inuyasha."

"'Night Shippo." Inuyasha got into his car, and drove home. It was time for the Lone Rider to make a second appearance. He tried to shake off the Brownie memories, and found that this time, they were easy to forget. Thinking of her had that nice effect.

Inu G'd

Kagome didn't realise it, but she kept checking the time. Would he come tonight? She just didn't know, but her body became all tingly whenever she thought about seeing him again. He was so sexy in that outfit...

Someone waved at her, and she snapped out of her reverie. Taking the order, she almost felt like a robot; her mind was somewhere else entirely. Inuyasha was supposed to come by tonight, but he had said maybe. If he didn't show he said it would be because his father was making him go to dinner with the family.

Ten o'clock came, and with it, no Inuyasha. She shrugged. One night wouldn't hurt her, though the other nights without him were really bringing her grade down. If he has a family thing, though, I'm not going to interrupt, she thought, putting her tray away and shaking out her ponytail.

Naraku had come earlier, alone, and had tried to get her alone, but she'd doggedly refused, until Kikyou had come and dragged him away, glaring at her all the while. She sighed. This was the only reason she regretted breaking up with Houjo. Everyone suddenly wanted a piece of her.

Then, she heard it.

The roar of no muffler heralded his approach, and she stood there in a trance, a small smile on her face, as he pulled up to the block and cut the engine, smiling lazily at her as he leaned on the handlebars.

Kagome felt her heart take off. She started to sweat, and the cool night air suddenly felt stifling.

Inuyasha saw the look on her face and felt a satisfaction in knowing he was causing a reaction in her. His own blood was racing with nervousness. He watched her approach.

"I'm sorry, we're closed now," she said, apologetically. He grinned, and she thought she would melt.

"Didn't come for that," he said huskily. "Came for that ride."

Kagome shivered in anticipation. She'd never ridden a motorcycle before, but she wasn't about to refuse him. Hell, once she got on, she wasn't sure she'd ever get off.

The smell of his leather outfit mixed with his cologne was enough to make her swoon, but she controlled her faculties and replied, "I'd love to."

He held out a helmet for her. "Hop on."

Kagome took it, finding it surprisingly heavy. She slipped it on, and, bending down to untie her skates, flung them under a nearby picnic table and climbed on behind him in her socks.

He chuckled, and she readily clasped her hands around his waist, holding on more tightly than she needed to. She wanted to rub her cheek against his back and beg him to kiss her, but she refrained, for now.

Starting the engine, he backed out of the spot carefully, then yelled, "Hold on!" as he hit the accelerator and they took off.

She squeezed him even tighter, and he grinned, almost giddy. Pulling out onto the road, he took her on a leisure ride through town, until they reached the highway leading out of town, where he stretched out his legs and sped along the highway as fast as he could go.

Farms and fields flew past in a blur as Kagome held on; she'd never felt so free in her life. All her cares and problems could be forgotten, and even though the wind was cool, his body heat kept her warm; she had moulded herself to him in order to absorb all he could give her.

Inuyasha felt a stirring within him at the sensation of her sticking to him so closely. She felt like a second skin, and he could feel the heat it caused spreading outward through his veins like a shot of whiskey. He decided to take her to a special place.

Turning down a side road, they kicked up a cloud of dust as he took her through rolling hills and beautiful landscapes, past deep valleys and gilded wheat fields.

The sun had almost set when they reached their destination, and as he parked the bike she let go of him to admire the view.

Inuyasha had chosen a hilltop, the highest one in the region, so she could see the sun set over the ocean. They were surprisingly close to the water, she noted; she could see gulls swooping into the waves for their dinner and whale breached in the water about a mile out, a rare sight for anyone to see.

He relaxed in his seat and concentrated on her. She leaned her cheek on his shoulder and whispered, "This is so beautiful."

He turned awkwardly to face her, and ran a gloved hand under her jaw. "At the risk of sounding, cliched, so are you."

She smiled, and he lifted the visor on her helmet to reveal her mouth, which was full and red, and shiny with moisture as she flicked her tongue over them solicitously. He found those lips irresistible, and lifted his own visor just enough to kiss them. They leaned toward each other interminably, and when their lips met they caught and clung, before parting to come together again and again.

She shivered, and he smiled, taking off his jacket and draping it over her shoulders. She wanted him to kiss her again, but he pushed her visor back down, and started the bike. It was dark now, and the roads could be treacherous if he wasn't careful. Inuyasha could see fine in the dark, almost better than he could see in the daylight, but he didn't want to risk anything happening to his precious passenger.

He took her home, more slowly, but she didn't mind; it meant more time with him. She realised that she didn't even know his name, but she was sure he would tell her in his own time. She hadn't told him hers either, but she had a feeling he already knew.

He deposited her right where he'd found her, and watched with amusement as she dug her skates out from under the table. She didn't want him to leave, but she couldn't think of a reason for him to stay, although, he, too, seemed reluctant to go.

She took off the helmet, and said, "Thanks for the ride. I had fun." He took it, and put on the hook on the back of the seat that was there for that very purpose. He nodded silently in acknowledgment.

She played with her hair nervously, then asked, "When will I see you again?"

He grinned, and she felt the heat explode within her at the sight.

"When you least expect it." Starting the bike, he backed up, and drove away, leaving her with naught but a cloud of smoke and a black streak on the pavement.

She hadn't realised she'd been holding her breath until she gasped for air. He was so... great. She sighed, and walked into the house, her mind far away. Wait till I tell Sango about this! She thought, excitedly.

When she got inside, she shrugged off the jacket and went to hang it up, and thought, Guess I will be seeing him soon. I forgot I was wearing this.

She looked around, to make sure her mother, or Souta, or Grampa, weren't watching (the latter two would never let her hear the end of what she was about to do), and she sniffed the jacket deeply. It smelled like him.

On second thought, I'm bringing this with me.

She climbed the stairs to her room, and flopped down on the bed, falling asleep in the soft, masculine-scented leather.

Inu G'd

That girl is gone! Well, another chappy done, another section covered. I promise to keep writing, and hopefully post another chap within the next couple days. After that, though... might be a bit. I may, however, find inspiration and get carpal tunnel again from writing so much, but you never know! Read ya later, gaters!