Disclaimer: Me no own, you no sue!

Two Halves

By Goth Chick Tiff

Summary: Kagome has had a hard life and has a secret she can never tell anyone. Then two brothers transfer to her school that seem to know a part of her past she's blocked out. Now the misfit must handle one brother vying for her attention and the other being a pain in her ass, all the while protecting herself and her brother from her corrupt father.

Chapter Two

Sesshoumaru reclined against his favorite Willow Tree in the school yard, ignoring the ever-annoying chattering teens and incessant glares he received from the tree's other occupant. "Why can't you find another tree to lounge against?" came the aggravated voice of Kagome.

Sesshoumaru smirked and looked over at Kagome before answering. "This tree just so happens to be the only one that provides the most shade, furthermore, I have this newfound desire to infuriate you."

Kagome rubbed her temples, trying to will away the oncoming headache. She looked back at Sesshoumaru and saw the smirk that still graced his face. Resisting the urge to slap him, she crossed her arm. "Out of the 2,000 plus kids in this school, why in the hell do you decide to agitate me? You've been here two weeks –"

"Three," Sesshoumaru corrected.

"-Whatever, the point is you should have already heard all the stories about me, which should've told you that I wasn't one to fuck with."

Sesshoumaru snorted, "Oh I know the stories and I know the names they've given you."

Kagome looked thoughtful for moment. "And what names do they call me?"

"Ira, Akasha, Lyssa."

Kagome quirked a brow, "Ok, Ira is Latin for anger or wrath. Akasha is the queen of vampires in Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. And Lyssa is the Greek goddess of rage." She snorted. "So there actually are smart people in this school… But that still doesn't explain why you still choose to annoy me."

Sesshoumaru once again reclined against the Willow tree, his eyes closed. "I don't perceive you as any of those. To me Melpomene and Lacrymosa are more fitting. Plus you're the only that I find intriguing."

"Melpomene, the muse of tragedy, and Lacrymosa, simply defined as mourning, derived from the Dies Irae text used in Requiem mass in which Lacrimosa is defined as tearful or mournful. You're good. But, since when does finding a person intriguing mean annoying the hell out of them?"

Sesshoumaru laughed slightly. "You know, most girls would kill for me to just glance at them. And here you are complaining about me taking an interest in you."

"I'm not like most girls." Kagome said glaring slightly at the egotistical male. "And I wouldn't lower myself to vie for the attentions of a narcissistic, apathetic male, no matter how hot he is."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "Harsh words for someone you think is hot, don't you think?"

"Honey, you're delusional." Kagome said before gathering up her books and trench coat.

"I wouldn't call it being delusional, merely... perceptive." He watched as Kagome stood up from her spot. "And being that you call me 'honey' every time we talk, I think I'm pretty much on the dot."

"Ha! I have Pet Name Syndrome; I give everyone I converse with a pet name, though I wouldn't really describe our debates and witty banter as a conversation. And believe me, you're nothing special." Kagome said before walking back inside the school.

Sesshoumaru smiled as he watched her silhouette fade inside the building. I may not be; but you, you're as special as they come, maybe even more so. He thought before once again closing his eyes. I just have to figure out a way to get you to remember.

"Lacrymosa, Melpomene! That guy is just way too smart for his own good!" Kagome mumbled while walking down the hall. "And it doesn't help that I have him in my next class!"

"It doesn't help that you have who in your next class?"

Kagome started at the sound of the voice by her ear. She looked behind her and growled slightly. "It's never good to sneak up behind me, Inuyasha." She said and resumed walking down the crowded hall toward her World History class.

"C'mon Kagome, can't we call it truce for today?" Inuyasha asked walking beside the annoyed teen.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha quizzically. "And why is today so special?"

"I talked to our World History teacher-"

"Wait a minute, OUR World History Teacher? You're not even in my class."

"They fucked up my schedule and gave me U.S. History instead of World, so my Guidance Counselor switched me to your class." Kagome moaned but signaled for Inuyasha to continue with a wave of her hand while dodging the bustling teens.

Inuyasha shook his head in amusement before continuing. "Well, I went to Mr. Banryuu to find out what we would be doing today. He said that we were going to be divided into groups of two to work on a paper on Vlad the Impaler, but since I would have been the odd man out, he decided to put me in with you and Sesshoumaru."

Kagome came to a dead stop and held out her arm, stopping Inuyasha as well. "Please tell me you're kidding,"

Inuyasha crossed his arms and leaned against a row of lockers. "No, why? Is being in our proximity that repulsive?"

Kagome rubbed her temples and walked over to the row of lockers and stood beside Inuyasha. " Look, I'm an asshole to just about everyone, don't take it so personally. It just so happens that you and your brother really know how to push my buttons. And knowing Jakotsu, he probably put me, you and Sesshoumaru in a group for a reason."

"You know our teacher outside of class?" Inuyasha asked. "Isn't that against regulations or something?"

"Ha! It's nowhere near like that! I know his brother, plus he's gay." Kagome said smiling. "Now c'mon, class will be starting soon." With a nod of her head she resumed her walk to the classroom.

Inuyasha shivered in disgust before following after Kagome. "That would explain why he was so touchy feely."

Kagome laughed and walked into the sky-blue classroom and placed her stuff down by her desk. She then walked over to the teacher's desk and reclined in the chair, placing her feet atop the desk. "That's all he'll do. He loves teaching and he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that."

Inuyasha sat in the chair next to Kagome's desk and looked at the posters that lined the room. "Oh that makes me feel SO much better!" he said laughingly.

Just then Jakotsu walked into the classroom along with Sango, Miroku and Koga. "Damn it Kagome! How in the hell do you get here so fast!?"

Kagome smiled, "Well Jak, I walk at a brisk pace and you walk at a leisurely pace. Then you also stop to gawk at any hot guy the crosses your line of sight. Oh and leave Inuyasha alone, I do believe you've traumatized him."

Jakotsu clapped with joy and turned to Sango. "See, I told you they would hit it off!"

Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other dumbfounded before Kagome interjected. "Ha ha ha…no. We've just called a truce."

Jakotsu frowned and walked over to Kagome. "Oh poo, there goes my fun. Anyway, I hear you ran into my brother again yesterday, Snake queen."

Kagome laughed. "I run into your brother just about everyday. Though I have to admit that only getting to see him when I'm speeding on my Kawasaki does suck. And I thought I told you to stop calling me that."

Jakotsu placed his hands on his hips. "Well then ask Naraku if you can sleep over! And the name is fitting, you know just about every known species of snake!"

Kagome rolled her eyes and walked over to her desk. "I've already told you, I won't leave Sota alone with him." She said taking her seat.

Sango, Miroku, Koga and Inuyasha watched silently as Kagome and Jokotsu talked. "I still don't understand why you hate your father so much." Jakotsu remarked.

Kagome's eyes flashed gold for a moment. "That's right, you don't know. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to change the subject.

Jakotsu shook his head. "Class will begin shortly anyway. And don't forget, you said that you would pick up Sebastian this Sunday.

"I know, and I will. I miss my boy." Kagome said smiling. "How's he doing?"

Jakotsu shivered slightly before going over to the whiteboard to write down the class's assignment. "Ugh, that damn snake of yours has it out for me! Always staring at me with that evil glint in his eyes!"

Kagome laughed. "He's only 6 months old, he's virtually harmless! I don't know why you're so afraid of him; he's the most well behaved ball python I've ever seen! And ball pythons are one of the most docile snake species."

"Yea, he's good around you! When I'm with him it's like he's plotting my death!" Jakotsu defended, jumping at the sound of the bell. "Ok, now get in your seats and take out your books. In three minutes you will begin working on your reports. Oh and this report is worth 1/3 of your grade."

Miroku, Sango and Koga went to their seats, groaning as they did so. Students slowly filed into the classroom taking their seats as well. Soon the last bell rang, signaling the start of class.

Kagome walked leisurely toward the parking lot, enjoying the light snowfall. All around her students were running around, playing in the ever-growing accumulation of snow; reminding her of how she and her mother used to run around when she was young.

Her mother was a small thing, only a few inches taller than Kagome now. She had a carefree personality, and a smile always graced her face. But that all changed after Sota was born. Her smiles didn't radiate warmth like they used to and she always seemed as if she were crying.

It wasn't until about six years ago that Kagome found out that her father was passing her mother around like some toy. And only a few months after that, her father had her mother killed. She never liked her father, but after that night she loathed him and avoided him at all costs, not talking to him unless absolutely necessary or when he pissed her off.

Kagome shook her head of the images that bombarded her. And only then did she hear someone calling her name. She stopped and looked behind her and saw Inuyasha jogging toward her and Sesshoumaru walking briskly behind him. "God damn you walk fast when you're in your own world!" Inuyasha said when he finally reached her, out of breath.

"Sorry, I tend to do that sometimes." Kagome said when Sesshoumaru stopped beside her. "Well, I have to pick up my brother so I'll talk to you later."

"Hold on a sec," Inuyasha called out, stopping Kagome momentarily. "Me and Sesshoumaru were wondering if you wanted to come over our place to work on the project."

Kagome looked thoughtful for a minute. "Sure, but I'll have to bring my brother," She said once again walking toward her motorcycle.

"That's fine, we'll come along." Sesshoumaru said walking around Kagome's motorcycle. "Nice ride."

Kagome smirked. "Thanks. Now make sure you boys keep up. I'm not stopping for you." She said hopping onto her bike. "Afterwards I have to make a pit stop at my house to pick my books on Vlad Dracula, they'll be really helpful."

"Sure, and don't worry about us, keeping up with you won't be a problem." Inuyasha said nodding at two motorcycles in the next parking space.

Kagome smiled and pulled on her helmet. "Just get on your bikes and follow me." She said starting it up and backing it slowly out of the parking spot.

She peeled out of the High School parking lot, shortly followed by Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. The two brothers rode on either side of Kagome, making her smile. Slipping the clutch, she held the front of her bike in the air for a few minutes, her trademark wheelie, before righting it. Now on both wheels she sped up, weaving in and out of traffic. The two brothers looked at each other before speeding after their companion, causing their bikes to kick-up in a small wheelie.

Kagome pulled to a stop in front of her brother's elementary school and waited until the dismissal bell rang. She raised the shield of her helmet and saw Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru pull to a stop in front of her. "About time you got here." Kagome said smirking.

Sesshoumaru pulled off his helmet and placed it on the handle of his Silver Kawasaki Ninja 250R. "The idiot had to stop for gas." He said before looking at the bustling children and parents. "So what does the runt look like?"

Kagome crossed her arms before answering. "He's wearing dark blue jeans and a black Linkin Park t-shirt." Kagome said and noticed the looks she was getting from brothers. "What? It's on old t-shirt of mine, he just likes the band and steals it from me every once in a while."

"Is that him?" Inuyasha asked pointing to a young boy matching Kagome's description.

Kagome looked over and nodded. "Yup." She said and grabbed an extra helmet from her bag. "Hey Sota! Over here!"

Sota ran over to Kagome and took the helmet from her before hopping on the motorcycle behind her. "Let's go" She said to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru and headed to her house, albeit at a lower speed.

Kagome sat on the windowsill of Inuyasha's bedroom staring at the full moon. She silently longed to be outside among the trees and wildlife, but didn't want to risk getting caught. Not after the years she spent successfully concealing her identity.

She looked down at the notebook in her lap, her poetry. She'd only started writing a year ago, finding it a good release for her frustration and pent up anger. It was about midnight and she'd had enough of searching through books for one night.

She looked around the room; Sota was asleep peacefully on Inuyasha's bed while Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru lay on the burgundy plush carpet looking through her books. The bedroom was very much like hers, disturbing her a bit. The walls were black with a crimson trim. There were band posters on every wall except one, which had four shelves filled with Manga and a small armoire, which housed a plasma television set. In the two drawers under the television were more books. On the opposite wall there was a built in, adjustable art desk with a magnifying lamp. Drawings of wolves, birds, wild cats and other such animal covered the desk along with sketches of various persons. On the same wall was the doorway to a huge walk-in closet and the window Kagome was currently perched. Inuyasha's black, satin, queen sized canopy bed occupied the adjacent wall with two night stand on either side, along with a dresser that held his stereo system and CD's. The last wall was occupied by the bedroom door and a desk with a chair. All in all the room was large, much larger than hers. About five times the size.

The perks of being rich, Kagome thought and stepped out of the window and onto the small balcony, gaining the attention of the two brothers. She walked over to the railing and pulled out a pack of Marlboro Lights cigarettes and popped one in her mouth and lit. She absentmindedly played with the Zippo lighter while looking out on the woods behind the mansion-like home.

"Those will kill you, ya know."

Kagome looked behind her and saw Sesshoumaru leaning on the wall opposite her. She blew out a puff of smoke and offered him a drag, to which he declined. "I'll be fine."

The moonlight illuminated Sesshoumaru's long, silver hair and golden yellow eyes; a striking semblance to a wolf she had seen years ago. She shook her head slightly, banishing the thought from her head. "You alright?" Sesshoumaru asked when he saw Kagome turn to look at the moon, a saddened look upon her face.

"Yea, I'm fine. Just tired." She answered, flicking the cigarette before taking another drag off of it.

Sesshoumaru looked at her for a moment. "C'mon inside, I'll show you to a guest room."

Kagome nodded slightly. "I'll be there in a minute." She said once again flicking the cigarette. She took a final drag off of the cigarette, held out her hand, and put it out in the palm of her hand; flinching slightly as she did so. She blew out the puff of smoke and allowed her eyes to turn gold. She watched silently as the burn mark healed itself. Her eyes turned back to their usual shade of brown as she once again looked longingly out at the woodlands before flicking her cigarette butt over the railing. As she turned to go back inside she heard a howl coming from the woods, followed by four others. "Sorry guys, I just can't risk it." She whispered and headed back inside the bedroom.

She carefully picked Sota up from Inuyasha's bed and followed Sesshoumaru down the hall to another bedroom about the same size as Inuyasha's. She walked over to the bed and placed Sota on it and pulled the covers over him. She looked up at Sesshoumaru and smiled. "Thanks, Sess."

"Don't worry about it," he said as he leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. "Follow me. Since you're spending the night here it's only polite that I give you a tour."

Kagome leaned over the bed and lightly kissed Sota on the forehead before following after Sesshoumaru. She made a map in her head as the walked down the many hallways. "So, how long have you guys lived here?" She asked, dispelling the overwhelming silence.

"A few years, Why?" Sesshoumaru answered as he walked down the winding staircase and into the family room.

"Just curious." Kagome followed Sesshoumaru into the kitchen taking a seat on a stool at the center island. "How come you've only just transferred to Tokyo High?"

Sesshoumaru walked over to the refrigerator, opened it, and pulled out a can of coke. "My parents wanted us home schooled, no matter how much we protested. They said that public schools were too dangerous and that charter schools weren't worth the money," he said pulling out another can of soda and grabbing a bag of chips from the counter. He kicked closed the refrigerator door behind him and walked over to the stool opposite Kagome and sat down.

Kagome took the can of soda from Sesshoumaru's offered hand. "Thanks," she said as she opened the can. "What made them change their mind?"

Sesshoumaru opened the bag of Cheetos and popped one into his mouth. "We refused to do our work and told them we wouldn't do it until we were enrolled in a public school. Of course we were grounded, but in the long run we proved to be victorious."

Kagome laughed and took a sip of her soda. "So how old are you guys anyway?"

"I'm 19 and Inuyasha is 18. You?"

"18. Please tell me you're a senior."

Sesshoumaru smiled. "Yes, I'm a senior, and Inuyasha is a junior."

"God Damn! How are you a senior at the age of 19?" Kagome said laughingly.

"With my dad's job we traveled a lot, so it cut back on our studies. Plus there was our little rebellion. What about you, shouldn't you have graduated last year? You're smarter than anyone at that school, I'd almost expect that you'd graduate early instead of late."

Kagome smiled slightly. "Due to…medical reasons I missed a year and had to take it over." She answered looking down at the can of soda in her hands.

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome fiddled with the can. "What kind of medical reasons?" He asked tentatively.

"Let's just say I went a little crazy." She said and finished the rest of her soda. "I better get to bed, it's getting late."

"I'll walk you to the bedroom, don't want you getting lost now," Sesshoumaru said as he closed the bag of chips and threw away the finished cans of soda.

I won't get lost," Kagome said tapping the side of her head. "I'm good at memorizing things. Although, the company would be nice."

Kagome and Sesshoumaru walked in comfortable silence throughout the house. Reaching the bedroom Kagome leaned against the door. "Witty banter aside, you're not so bad to talk to," she said, a smile gracing her face.

Sesshoumaru laughed. "You're not so bad either. And I must say you're much more beautiful with a smile than a frown."

Kagome laughed then looked at Sesshoumaru skeptically. "Does that line actually work on girls?"

"Apparently not," he said before leaning in to whisper into her ear. "But it doesn't make it any less true."

Kagome shivered slightly. "It's going to take a lot more than a few nice words to get into my pants, babe." She whispered back and opened the door behind her, slipping inside the bedroom. "Goodnight Sesshoumaru." She said and closed the door gently.

Sesshoumaru smiled. "Good night Kagome. Sweet dreams," he whispered to the closed door. His smile widened as he remembered the way she shivered when he'd whispered into her ear. You don't know how much I've missed you, Kagome. He thought before walking to his bedroom.

Kagome stood leaning against the door behind her and smiled when she heard Sesshoumaru's whispered words. Only when she heard him walk away did she leave her spot and walk over to the bed.

Pulling down the covers a bit, she sat on the bed and took off her shoes and placed them in front of the bedside table. She then turned off the lamp and walked over to the window letting the moonlight shine on her face. She heard the distant howl of wolves and her mood instantly changed to that of melancholy. "What I wouldn't give to be out there with you guys, running through the dense forests, carefree as the wind," she whispered into the cold night air, letting her words fly on the wind.

She gently shut the window and walked over to the bed and turned the lamp back on. She took her notebook from the bedside table, not caring how it got there, and opened it to a clean sheet of paper and wrote.

Two Halves

The beast in me cries for
the cold December night.
Clawing at my insides,
begging to be released.

But I'm afraid.
Afraid of what will happen.
Afraid of the havoc destined
to be wreaked on my simple-minded brothers.
Afraid of the joy that might come
at the price of terror.

So inside she stays.
Only feeling those few hours of freedom
when I'm locked and barred in my only haven,
cursing me from the depths of the hell
she is forced to reside.

And impatiently she waits
for that one day to catch me
off my guard. To control me for
however long she is able.

To show me the beauties
of the endless black sky
and pine-scented forests.
To teach me how to hunt,
how to climb, how to swim.

How to survive without the luxury of man
and still live luxuriously amidst
the teeming wildlife of predators
and prey, the brush those creatures
transform into their home, and the
Pine, Sycamore and Willow trees
that make the already beautiful woodlands
that much more invigorating and alluring.

And so I am torn,
to lead the life expected of me
or to lead the life that calls
to my soul and pumps
through my every vein.

To lead the life of a human
woman, caged for eternity.
Or the wolf. Playful and carefree
as the wind, strong as the mightiest
Bengal tiger, regal as the full-mane African lion,
and beautiful as the black night sky
illuminated by the incandescent moon.

Kagome gently closed the notebook and placed it back on the night side. She turned off the lamp and lay down on the bed, pulling the covers over her. Looking out at the moon one last time, she closed her eyes. Goodnight my friends.

A/N: Second chapter up! Hope you guys like, and sorry for the wait. I've been kinda busy. :P Until next time! And hopefully the chapter will be longer.