A/N: Sorry for the wait you guys, but FF was being a troll. The DocX was being a pain to me and mein beta madin456, who delivered flawlessly for me once again.

Hope you enjoy!

Human Like Me
Strut

Kagome entered the kitchen to accompany her mother, who was staring sullenly out of the window into the pre-dawn light, a piece of tomato half sliced in her hands. She smelled of rain. "Mom?" her daughter carefully implored, starting Mrs. Higurashi.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to drift off like that." There was an undercurrent in Mrs. Higurashi's voice that said she was holding something back.

"What're you looking at?" the miko bobbed her head over her mother's shoulder, taking in the expansive shrine area tiled with solid rock stones and peppered with rust coloured leaves from the Goshinboku. It took her a moment, but then she spotted Sesshoumaru avidly sparring against a practice samurai dummy stuffed with straw and amoured with weathered leather. In his hand was a blunt old katana which did little to even graze the straw in half. "Oh." She said succinctly, as if understanding her mother's gawking.

"Oh, he looks so depressed," Mrs. Higurashi sighed.

"Depressed?" Kagome's nose crinkled. "He looks like he normally does. He loves to train."

"Oh, it's okay sweetie. You just don't see it."

"See what?" Kagome made an effort to scrutinize the taiyoukai thoroughly, which only brought about a small giggle from her mother. "I don't get you, mom."

"You're too young, so it's all right," admonished Mrs. Higurashi. Kagome did not imagine the glint in her mother's brown eyes upon sighting the taiyoukai once more. It's like she knows something I don't... But she wasn't a little girl anymore, and her mother sometimes failed to realize that fact. Kagome didn't riddle her mother for more details, however.

"Maybe you should try and get him out of the house a little. I mean, all he does is sleep, and eat, and train. Mostly sleep."

Kagome studied Sesshoumaru keenly, noting how sweat glistened off of his chest and poured down his sculputed front in rivulets and disappeared down into the waistband of his pants. His raven hair clung to his neck and shoulders enticingly. Kagome licked her abruptly dry lips. Oh my... Kagome carefully swallowed. "Like what?"

Her mother continued dicing the small tomatoes at a leisure pace, smiling fondly at her daughter's curiosity. Her fingers deftly sliced, and as she lost herself in the soothing motions, when a thought struck her. "Wait here," Mrs. Higurashi abandoned her neatly prepared food and headed into the living room, catching another glimpse of Sesshoumaru through the curtained windows as she swiped the pamphlet up from the coffee table. "I think this would suit him quite well." She proffered the paper to Kagome.

"Oh, Mom!" the miko cheered. "This is perfect!"

xXx

In a neat, single file line, the candidates for Kagome's school fencing and kendo instructors stood to face their students. Said miko stood off at the sidelines, accompanied by a greater portion of her eleventh grade peers. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi flanked both of her sides, all eyes glued to Sesshoumaru as he accepted his turn and strode purposefully into the center of the gymnasium's green shiny floor.

Clad in the traditional fencing garbs, along with the face mask settled at the top of his black head, he looked characteristically out of place. The uniform clung to his form tightly, displaying his well toned form. Kagome was fighting to remain level-headed around her love-struck friends, finding it measurably difficult when he adopted the readying pose with his epee opposite of his opponent. He was the last to be fought among the twenty other candidates, and with only one position open, the air was charged with competition and anxiousness. It was almost tangible to Kagome's tongue, and it pierced her sensitive nose.

Sesshoumaru fluidly met strike for strike his opponent's blows, parrying and dodging and lunging so artfully others around her visibly swooned. Fencing hadn't been around in his era, but with the help of her little brother Souta and YouTube, the taiyoukai had been privy to all sorts of different fencing lessons to prepare himself. Just witnessing him utilize his recently absorbed information so effortlessly sent a pang of jealousy straight through the miko's heart.

Swiftly, Sesshoumaru and his opponent switched their epees in for bamboo swords called shugo. They changed hastily out of their fencing garbs into traditional kimonos, and started the intricate sequences of katas. Versed since childhood, Sesshoumaru easily overpowered and outmaneuvered his opponent with a flourish. His adversary met blow for blow, if not just as equal in strength, which served to amuse and please the demon lord. Without his youkai powers his strength was equivalent to a normal human beings, but with centuries of muscle memory it stood to serve him well.

Kagome could not hide the excitement on her face as Sesshoumaru submerged himself within his rightful art. Even when he had been seeking to kill her, she had always appreciated his gracefulness and staggering agility, given his broad size. Inuyasha thoroughly lacked the training and discipline to be a true swordsman no matter how mighty Tetsusaiga was, it pained her to admit, even to herself.

Although the hanyou proved time and time again that he was not someone to be underestimated, deeming himself a capable learner and a competent swordmaster. He had a long way to go still, many centuries to hone his skills, but what he'd already accomplished was staggering. She had to give him more credit sometimes.

Her mind focused back on the fight. If she were being true to herself, watching the demon lord was a true pleasure.

Just as Sesshoumaru prepared to sweep the floor with his opponent, a sharp intake of breath came from behind Kagome. Unbidden, her pointed ears twitched toward the sound. Kagome swiveled her head to stare at a girl who she recognized in her geometry class; perky nose which suspended large spectacles, covering her mouth with a handkerchief. Her eyes were wide with astonishment.

"Uri, what's the matter?" one of the girls beside the stricken woman asked.

As if she were mute, an accusatory finger lifted and pointed in Sesshoumaru's direction. Kagome felt a spike of anger strike her in the heart.

"Yeah, what about him?" Kagome seethed.

"He's... he's missing an arm." And it was a wonder the whole student body had heard; a chorus of gasps rippled through the crowd.

The scent of dry leaves and ripened fruit filled Kagome's nostrils. Upon further inspection she was surprised to find that the air was also scented with roses and butter. She could literally taste the disappointment in the air, literally palpable; but she couldn't ignore the fact that some were awed by his flawless executions even when handicapped.

She whirled on the horde. "So what if he's missing an arm?" she gestured behind her to the swordsmen still engaged in battle, oblivious to the murmurs surrounding them. "Don't you see he's in a class of his own? He doesn't even need two arms!" This last statement was directed towards Uri. The girl had the decency to look abashed.

Satisifed that she had rectified the issue, Kagome turned back in time to see Sesshoumaru wield the shinai expertly towards the instructor's midsection, only to feign in a large arc that swung around his head and stopped with the tip pointed directly at the instructor's jugular. "I win," she heard him breathe, winded, to his opponent. It did not contain disdain, nor haughtiness; it really sounded like he had enjoyed the battle.

Bowing respectfully to each other, Sesshoumaru returned to his orderly rank, passing Kagome as he went. Cheerily she pumped her fist into the air for a high-five, which he dubiously averted, leaving her bruised and hanging. "Jerk," she muttered. "Great job!" she called.

Sesshoumaru merely nodded, eyes focused on the triage of judges congregating and discussing. Catching wisps of their conversation with her perked ears, it was obvious who they had chosen. When the demon lord actually deigned to grace her with a glance, she offered a positive thumbs up, but no more. He refrained from rolling his eyes.

"We have discussed, and the decision was unanimous." The judge who had trialed Sesshoumaru stepped forward to represent his group, searching each of his previous combatants eagerly. She noticed his gaze settled a beat too long on the taiyoukai before he continued. "And since the voting was in consensus, we shall disclose here who we will appoint."

Kagome's clawed hands weaved through her friends'. Her teeth bit into her bottom lip when the judge stepped forward, pivoted, and stood in front of Sesshoumaru with a Cheshire smile. They deftly clasped hands and bowed respectfully.

"Congratulations, Higurashi Sesshoumaru. Welcome aboard."

With only a curt nod, he quickly shook his other instructors' hands and promptly fled from the center of attention. Kagome rushed towards him, impulsively wrapping her arms around his midsection as she squealed, "I knew it! You did it!"

For one beat she thought he was going to return her hug; his one arm wrapped around her shoulders, drawing her near for a second. Then his hand found the top of her head. And then he was slowly, awkwardly, disengaging her body from his and stepping out of her embrace. He huffed once they were apart, refusing to meet her gaze, but she could smell the pride wafting from him in waves.

"I'm proud," she said, blushing. And she was proud of him.

"It was nothing."

"Nothing? You should have heard the things the women were saying about you!" she gushed.

"I do not think that I should." Did he just shudder? Kagome blinked in rapid succession. "Something impairing your vision?" he asked smoothly.

"No," she dismissed too quickly. "At least now you'll go easy on me in class." She inserted hopefully.

"Do not count on it. If anything, I shall go harder, since you are more adept to handle the more strenuous exercises." He said this so coolly and neutrally that Kagome felt dirty for even thinking anything more of it. "Your mind is quite perverted." His small smirk did funny things to her insides that felt more intense with his insinuation.

"You didn't have to put it like that." Petulantly she stuck her tongue out at him. And then, to rectify the situation, she stuck out her clenched fist.

Wordlessly, he bumped his fist against hers. Inside she beamed.

Whispers from the crowd that had been spiteful toward Sesshoumaru carried on saying their nasty comments, but Kagome promptly ignored him. They'd come to realize that his handicap was not a hindrance, but a source of strength.

Sesshoumaru gave her one last, insightful glance, and walked off out of the gym, his chin high, steps measured, and shoulders squared. Kagome would recognize that mannerism anywhere.

Is he strutting?

xXx

Carrying himself with the ease and grace of only a true swordsman, Sesshoumaru taught with the confidence of a well seasoned fighter, which served to entice and ensnare all those who watched as he demonstrated flawlessly executed maneuvers which would soon be expectant of them. Kagome was among that gaggle of gawkers, mouth slack and eyes wide. Sure she had seen Sesshoumaru fight many times, but this was an opportunity to watch his lithe body in action. If she were being honest with herself, she found it quite sexy.

Since he had been selected for the seasonal positions of fencing and kendo instructor, Kagome had swapped out her English free period in favour of this class. Sesshoumaru wasn't aware of this switch. It was likely that he never should.

It was only day two of class, and already it was wheedled down to the most promising students. Sesshoumaru had ruthlessly tried and cut each who did not meet his specific requirements; although he had chosen her, and she wasn't too snoody to know that she needed a lot of work. As of yet, the opportunity to spar with him had not risen. Secretly she was glad, but another part of her longed to engage in battle with this oppressing male whom had once sought to slice her head off of her shoulders. He probably still did, she mused bitterly.

Kagome accepted the bamboo training sword and the light armour willingly enough from the last contender to face Sesshoumaru. That would have made ten before her, and his alabaster skin was hardly shining with sweat. Upon closer inspection as she donned the versatile armour, Kagome noticed that his chest was hardly heaving from a strenuous battle. He had just fought ten people relentlessly for half of an hour, how was he not keeling over already?

Only slightly perturbed by his formidable appearance, Kagome shrugged into her overly large armour. Sesshoumaru tossed the shugo her way, which she caught swiftly, sending him a knowing smirk that he did not return. Maybe, she thought, if I weren't part of the two girls here this wouldn't be so bad. Just peeking around her shoulder to confront the gaggle of men eagerly awaiting the battle between her and Sesshoumaru proved to be enough of an incentive to fight with everything she had. Surely he would be able to take it, and in this instant, reciprocate.

Catching a small glint in his eyes that helped to ease her anxiousness, Kagome smiled shyly back at the taiyoukai. He did not return the favour. She felt her chest visibly deflate; at least he was still himself. Sesshoumaru blotted out the rest of the world, pooling his focus only on Kagome, his rival, his enemy. Synapses of his claws seeking her throat in the past, thinking of her only as collateral damage, a nuisance, a whiny wench, staggered him momentarily. Surely the situation had shifted? Sesshoumaru looked to the miko who clenched the shugo tightly, wringing it between her hands.

Kagome bravely swallowed her fear and approached Sesshoumaru, bowing respectfully, and distancing herself a foot away with her left hand clasped over her right on the bamboo sword. Did she just see a flash of mirth behind his burnished brown eyes, or was that just her imagination? Once commencing, the taiyoukai did not spare any time in slicing straight for the miko's abdomen, who hastily managed to twist her sword sideways to block the attack, and disengage him.

She felt immensely clumsy and off-balance while trying to return his brutal blows. He did not spare her any of his strength, if anything unleashed a majority of his capabilities upon her just to advertise his prowess, making a spectacle of them. With each attack came small, whispered quips of advice on how to block that particular attack in the future. His hushed voice was only high enough for her keen youkai hearing to pick up, though she aptly sponged up all the information he was offering her and utilized it to her advantage.

Kagome rushed him, emboldened by her confidence. Her aim swung straight and true for the demon lord's abdomen, and just as the tip was about to bury itself within his tender flesh, suddenly there was an interference. His own bamboo sword swatted hers away like a tiny fly, wrenching it from her grasp, hurdling it across the gym.

"You lose," he said simply, breathing slightly haggard.

"I don't think so." Kagome declared, and, galvanizing her legs into motion, sprinted across the gym floor and retrieved her weapon. The ogles she received were an impressive amount. "Five second roll." She was now grinning like a madwoman.

Sesshoumaru regarded the miko, unable to cease the involuntarily muscle spasms in his right eye. She had lost, why was she so eager to continue their already worn out battle? Although, he admonished himself, in a real battle it wouldn't be over until she was dead. Perhaps he should play into her little game to see what else she was hiding behind that faux mask of innocence.

Perking up a little, Kagome shifted her feet as Sesshoumaru came to a definite conclusion and began to close in on her, taking no prisoners. Running scenarios through her mind, Kagome felt her breathing quicken and her pulse pound in her ears, waiting, watching, for when the taiyoukai would surely strike. And then, acting upon impulse, Kagome instigated the battle, taking him successfully by surprise as her sword whooshed by his head mere centimeters past his scarred forehead.

That's when the game morphed and became much more serious—a battle of true warriors. Kagome ducked and dodged and rebuttled, but in the end her sword was once again dispatched from her grasp, and the tip of his was settled up against her jugular. Sesshoumaru's eyes were alight with an emotion she had never seen on his face before. It caused her breathing to hitch, and for her mind to go blank. Hunger.

"I lose," she offered meekly, eager to be away from his acute stare. Visibly sagging, Sesshoumaru removed the tip of the shugo from her neck and 'sheathed' it within his obi, bowing respectfully when she snapped out of her confusion.

As Sesshoumaru retreated, the swarm of students encircled her, and she soon found herself in the epicenter of the cacophony of cheers and praise. How well she did, how much she held her own, how she knew just when to strike and dodge, were all thrusted upon her in heaps. She found her face blushing scarlet.

Eri, the only one of her friends who had agreed to take the class with her, hauled her away from the mob. "That was terrific, Kagome," her friend cajoled, smiling widely.

"Really?" the miko scrunched her nose. "I was kind of doing terrible. I mean, he is an expert."

"We all know that, Kagome." Her friend lightly tutted. "I mean, it's not like any of us seniors had a chance to win anyways, but you held your own out there well."

Kagome shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. "Others did better than I did," she lamely offered.

"Oh, Kagome," Eri drew her friend into a half-embrace. "If only he had sparred so passionately with the rest of us like that."

"That was passion?" she snorted.

"Well, yes. He was so intent on your spar; his eyes never left you."

"If he did he would have gotten cut." Kagome explained.

"It was the way he looked at you. Not the why, Kagome. I think he's smitten."

"Smitten?" the miko repeated, unable to help the guffaw that escaped through her lips at the incredulity. "I don't think Sesshoumaru is smitten over anyone."

Eri stole a quick glance at the taiyoukai himself, who was drying off his face with a soft towel, his back to them. "I think he is." And then she stalked off, leaving Kagome reeling and rendered speechless.

xXx

"Oh my gosh, did you see the way Higurashi-sensei fought against you?" Yuka chirped excitedly, elbowing Kagome sportingly. "His eyes never left you for a second!"

Kagome grimly smirked. "Because he'd get his head chopped off if he didn't," she replied.

"No, not like that," Eri interjected, consoling her friend. "He was very concentrated on you. What is his availability as of now?"

"Ack! What do you mean?"

"I mean, is he single, or not?"

"No, he's single. I think he'd prefer it to stay that way,"

Yuka cast a sharp look at her friend Eri behind Kagome. Unfortunately for them, she had caught that. "What's the problem?" she pressed.

"Nothing," Ayumi quipped. Her brows waggled, and that worried Kagome.

"So, have you asked him to the festival yet?" Pestered Yuka on the way to class, boxing Kagome in between her two other friends. They weren't sparing any expense.

"Um, no," she said, "I hadn't really thought of it since you mentioned it."

"But Kagome!" gasped Ayumi. "It's next Friday! You only have another week. You've got to ask him!"

"Ask who?"

"Sesshoumaru-san!" the three girls chorused together. Kagome flushed scarlet.

"I mean, you guys are only second-cousins, right?" quizzed Ayumi eagerly.

"No," cut in Eri, "she said they were third-cousins."

"Well, I heard that she and him were only really distant relatives." Chimed in Yuka.

"Let me straighten this out here." Kagome interjected hotly. "He is my third-cousin, through marriage, and once removed. There, happy?" she prayed they would not remember her previous association with the taiyoukai, when she introduced them as second-cousins only. Thankfully, none of them were too worried about the details.

"See? You're not even related! You guys should totally hook up."

"Um, I don't know..."

"C'mon, Kagome! Live a little. I mean, just look at him!"

Kagome turned in the direction that smelled of apple cider and caramel, spotting Sesshoumaru languorously lounging against the stucco wall, chatting with one of the fencing instructors animatedly. Er, as animated as Sesshoumaru could be, anyways. In that split second, it was as if they shared an invisible link, for as she brushed by him, his eyes slanted her way just in time to catch a glimpse of her anxious profile staring back at him.

"Oh my god! Did you see the way he looked at you!" Gushed Ayumi, swooning.

"Just ask him. He might just say yes," amended Eri, trying to be an anchor to her flustered friend.

"Girls, I'm not going," Kagome said in consternation. Her mind was frazzled by the banter surrounding her, and she felt herself losing her control slowly and steadily. Shaking her head, as if it could clear the evil intentions swirling within, she faced her friends with more calm and reason. "I'm not interested in him, so I don't care if you girls take him, okay?"

There was a silence that unsettled Kagome slightly. She stopped walking and peered over her shoulder. The girls were staring at her with an expression of shock. Did they just notice my hair?

"Kagome," Yuka began unsteadily. "Um, we don't want to take him to the dance."

"Okay…?"

"Because," Eri piped up at the last second.

"Because…?"

"Because of the way he was looking at you," Ayumi finished.

Her heart thumped crazily in her chest. They had to be kidding her, right? Sesshoumaru would have never looked at her the way she thought they meant. He hated humans! And what was worse, he hated the very fact that she was what he used to be. "You girls are funny," she joked lightly, scampering away before they could bombard her with more nonsense.

He never looks at me if he can help it. But then, when he was competing, and when we were done fighting…No! It's just not possible!

Her golden eyes caught the form of the taiyoukai's tall form from across the hall. She thought that maybe he hadn't been aware that she was near, that their brief connection hadn't happened at all, but his eyes briefly flickered in her general direction and held her gaze for a breath, and then returned to the fencing instructor once more.

"Okay," Kagome agreed, sighing heavily. "I'll ask him." And then she stole a glance over her shoulder at the demon lord, willing for the butterflies that pooled within her stomach to disappear.