Heart of Tensaiga

Enter Hojo

Hojo walked around the sidewalk towards Kagome's house to once again leave a gift for the latest illness that she needed to get over. His uniform was crisp as always and his brown hair done just right in case there was the slightest chance that he might run into her at her home. He was confident that today would be the day that he would finally get to ask her out on a date and that she would accept. Of course if she was well that is.

On his way towards her house he stopped by a therapeutic shop full of nice goodies to add to the basket he was already carrying. Hey, there's a nice humidifier. That would make a perfect addition to the homemade remedies. Picking it up, he walked over to the counter and placed it down for it to be scanned.

"Welcome back, Hojo," the cashier greeted. She always smiled for her most loyal and frequent customer. She wondered if perhaps the boy was going a little overboard with all the health gifts he was getting his love interest; but, who was she to complain? "Here you go and have a nice day."

He thanked her and heard her say a 'good luck' as he exited the door. He walked with confidence for he just had a feeling that he was going to run into Kagome. Today is the day.

Kagome had ended the conversation quickly by saying that she needed to get back to her probably worried mother as she was out longer than expected. Grabbing Sesshomaru's hand she pulled him out of the food diner, after paying her end of course, and dragged him out of there. She glanced over at him as she got out of the mall doors and seethed, "I can't believe you said that to them! Do you know what they are going to think now?" Her face turned an even brighter red at the questions she was most certainly going to be asked later.

Sesshomaru almost questioned whether or not he had gone too far but quickly dismissed it. After some time of heading back towards the girl's home he heard someone calling to her and waving a hand in the air. If he was in his dog form, his hackles would have risen at the sight.

"Kagome," Hojo exclaimed as he ran over to her with such a boyish demeanor that made Sesshomaru inwardly smirk. There was most certainly no way Kagome was going to have anything to do with the boy. He acted far younger so far than even she did.

"Aheh, Hojo…what a pleasant surprise," Kagome squeaked out, feeling quite the opposite of her statement. She could see his eyes light up and knew what was coming before he even had the chance to say anything.

"Here Kagome, I got you a few things to help with your illness; though, I must say I am quite pleased that you are well enough to be traveling," he smiled that big smile he always had around her.

Sesshomaru was displeased at this, she was his pack and the boy was toeing the line of inappropriateness.

Hojo, feeling coldness directed at him, looked over at the man traveling with Kagome and wondered who it could be. Could she be dating someone else? No, she is far too young for someone of his age. Surely she would never date someone like him. He seems…cold. Trying not to feel a twinge of fear he asked politely, "And who might you be traveling with Kagome?" He prayed that he was not her boyfriend. Though, the fact that Kagome was holding his hand was not a comforting thought.

Seeing his eyes go downward, Kagome glanced as well and noticed she had never let go of Sesshomaru's hand. Releasing it instantly, she turned a bright red and looked at the ground and tried to think of anything besides that fact.

She had to think of how to answer Hojo; yes she would concentrate on that. "Uh…" she paused. She knew Sesshomaru would not tolerate a lie but she didn't want to hurt Hojo's feelings. After a few seconds she stated, "This is Sesshomaru a um…friend of the family." She smiled at her mostly truth. Sesshomaru was a friend to her and he was now a friend to her mother and brother. Thankfully he had yet to run into her grandfather.

He sighed inwardly and let out a small laugh. He held out his hand and said, "My name's Hojo, I'm a friend of Kagome's."

Sesshomaru looked down at the hand and due to recent observations knew he was supposed to take the hand into his own and shake as a sign of acceptance and friendship. He felt anything but and so simply stared coolly at him.

Nervously, Hojo took his hand back and rubbed the back of his head, "Ok, so Kagome, I was wondering if perhaps you would like to go to the movies with me tomorrow?"

Kagome sighed for he looked oh so hopeful with those puppy dog eyes he was sending her way. How do I turn him down without hurting him? You would think he'd get the idea by now that I'm not interested.

"Her time tomorrow is already spoken for," Sesshomaru stated before Kagome could even think of her own response. He stared the boy down, daring him to challenge his word.

Kagome, having experienced things like this with both Inuyasha and Kouga, knew what was coming. If Hojo didn't back down there was a good chance he was going to get hurt and it wouldn't be emotionally.

Interrupting the stare down, Kagome smiled, "Sesshomaru's right Hojo. I'm rather busy with catching up on my studies and all the missed exams. Perhaps Ayumi would like to go? Anyway, gotta go, bye!"

She was already down the road before he could even blink. With a sigh, he walked down the street thinking perhaps the next time he would be luckier.

(A/N) Yes, yes I know...poor Hojo once again left in the dust. As always, I am glad for all the reviews I've received and thank all those who continue to read this story. For those new to the story that just read 60 chapters in one sitting...a special thanks to you!