CHAPTER 8
Groups and a Threat
The house was colder than usual. She felt out of place. Her mind screamed that this was a bad idea. But she loved him. She really did. She knew it deep down inside of her. But why? This feeling. This feeling screaming that something was horribly wrong.
She was a few steps away from his bedroom door. She stopped suddenly as she heard two very familiar voices. She could hear material rubbing against material. Then, she heard soft moans and kissing.
Kagome shot up in bed. She pulled her knees up to her chin, sighing heavily.
"Mom?" Shippou was at the door, she smiled and motioned for him to come in.
"Sweety, its 2 am, why are you up?" she felt his forehead for a fever,
"I heard you crying. I got worried," he hugged her tightly.
"My science teacher, Inuyasha," she winched at his name, "he is the boy from that photo isn't he?" Shippou studied her face. Tears slightly welled in her eyes.
"Yes Shippou. He is," she looked at him, facing the truth was hard, but it was needed.
"The boy who hurt you so much," he touched his mother's cheek, the heat on her cheeks made him sad and angry, "why do you allow him to still hurt you?" she started crying again.
Shippou moved her head to his shoulder. She has done it a lot for him in the past few years. Now it was his turn.
Sango walked in carrying a tray. There were three glasses on it.
"Kagome, please drink this. It will help you sleep," Sango held out a glass towards her, the smell of herbs was strong, but she couldn't make out exactly what it was.
"Thanks," she sniffed, taking a big sip. Shippou and Sango both drank their glasses of warm milk with honey.
After Kagome drifted back to sleep, Sango and Shippou both returned to their own rooms. Shippou took his small cell phone of the nightstand. He texted his only friend. He needed someone to speak to. Someone who made him happy, he typed in Rin's name.
"Kagome? Why aren't you up yet?" Sango entered the room, Kagome didn't stir.
Sango pressed her hand against her friends head. She was burning up. Dammit Kagome! You never tell me when you feel sick Sango sighed. She fixed Kagome's blankets before leaving for the kitchen.
"Hi, yes. It's Sango," she spoke into the phone while getting medicine ready,
"Ms. Kagome Higurashi is unwell today. She will not be coming in," she uh-huh'ed a few times, "Yes, I will fill out the form today when I get there. Thank you." She hung up.
Shippou walked around the corner, rubbing his eyes. He seemed to have been awake the whole night. Sango handed him a bowl with cereal, while finishing up the medicine,
"Sweet Sango, bare me a child? You will be an excellent mother," Miroku whispered through her head.
Turning red in the face, she tried – but failed – to slap the memory from her brain.
"Shippou, Kagome isn't feeling well, think we can manage without her today?" Sango tried a smile, hoping her blush faded.
"Sure?" Shippou tried a smile. Sango seem to accept it. She left the room, taking Kagome some medicine.
"Sango, where is Kagome?" Kouga asked in the staff room, as Sango and Kagura entered,
"Oh, She is not feeling very well today," Kagura waved an uninterested hand in his direction,
"She is sick?" Kouga was shocked, she seemed so healthy yesterday.
"She must be embarrassed beyond belief," InuYasha mumbled from his favourite sofa.
He was feeling more annoyed than usual. How dare she! How dare HE!
"InuYash-, what the hell?" Miroku stepped back, "It looks like you are about to explode!"
InuYasha jumped up, "Because I AM!" He stormed out of the room, bumping into Sesshomaru in the doorway. The air grew thick with tension, the two stepbrothers locking a deadly gaze. InuYasha shoved Sesshomaru out of the way, and walked to his class. Sesshomaru just glared a few moments longer before turning to the group of staring teachers.
"InuYasha is such a jerk!" Kagura clenched her fists, "How dare he shove Sesshomaru like that!"
Sesshomaru paid her no mind,
"Sango," he turned his honey eyes on her, making her flinch, his voice didn't show his anger,
"Where is Kagome?" his eyes narrowed as he turned back to the doorway,
"She- She is at home. She isn't felling very well," Sango watched his eyes closely for any softness, but there was none.
"Ah. I see," he cleared his throat, "Well then, the meeting must be moved till she gets back,"
He returned to his lone table and chair. He sat swiftly, taking out his laptop and continuing with his preparation for the day.
Sick? But she was very much healthy the previous day, he thought to himself, Must be InuYasha's brat-attack, he felt his fists clench tightly. InuYasha...
The day was uneventful without the happy chatter coming from his mother's classroom. He heard screaming and yelling coming from it the whole day. Luckily it is almost break time, Shippou thought. He was excited for the first time that day. He left himself to his thoughts as Kagura droned on about Pythagoras. A few minutes later, the bell rang sharply through the silence.
"Yes!" he gathered his books and pens, shoving everything carelessly into his bag, and rushing out the door.
Just outside, he heard laughter. A group of girls where huddling outside Kagome's classroom. He went closer to investigate. A short, attractive young girl with platinum blonde hair was laughing the hardest. Her eyes where pale gray, and showed no emotion.
"Oh Rin! You're always good for a laugh," she chimed above the crowd.
The small black haired girl just sat against the wall, looking at the floor. Shippou felt infuriated. What a bitch, was the last thought before a sinister one crossed his mind. Smiling, he started digging in his bag.
Kanna's grey eyes caught sight of the new boy. He wore black jeans and a blue buttoned shirt. His unruly brown hair pulled into a messy, high ponytail. She turned slightly towards him. Her white blouse was slightly undone, showing her forming breasts. She smiled brightly at him. He smiled back.
"Excuse me," the boy asked, blushing slightly, "I am new here, and I couldn't help noticing you,"
"No one can help it," she giggled, making Rin look up, her eyes seemed to glisten with forming tears,
"I know it's not much, but do you mind accepting this small gift?" he handed her a can of soda.
"Oh thank you, my name is Ka-" she opened the can, and it practically exploded in her face.
Everyone gasped, then burst out into laughter. It rang clear throughout the hall, drawing in more viewers.
"How dare you!" Kanna shrieked, "You, YOU!"
"Oh, my name is Shippou, by the way," he smiled widely, moving passed her and towards Rin.
"Come on, you ok?" he helped Rin to her feet, Rin picked up her bag.
Kanna stared in utter disbelief. Rin stood beside Shippou. Rin was smiling up at the tall boy.
The brown haired girl helped Kanna through the crowd and to the bathroom.
"Thank you," Rin whispered as Shippou led her away and to the cafeteria,
"You are more than welcome," his hand brushed her, making her blush.
Sango was just finishing her biology lesson as the bell rang.
"Now remember guys," she started, everyone turning their attention towards her,
"Tomorrow you have library time to prepare for our practical next week. So only come to my class if you have questions. AND they WILL be taking register so don't even think about skipping the library," she smiled at some familiar upset faces. Silly kids, she smiled.
"See you next week, or maybe tomorrow," she laughed, and some joined in.
When her class emptied out, a tall boy walked in.
"Sup," he smiled, his eyes shone bright,
"Shippou, hi, ready to leave?" she gathered her things, and packing them away.
She blushed at the new pink rose that appeared on her desk during the day. She tucked it in quickly.
"Let's go home,"
Kagome was feeling miserable beyond believe. She has not felt like this for almost 8 years. She felt broken. During her day at home, she had moved to the sofa in front of the television. There she stayed until she drifted back to sleep. She did not hear Shippou and Sango return home.
Shippou kissed her on the cheek and continued his homework at the breakfast nook. Sango was humming as she started with the laundry. She didn't have to worry about preparing for the next day's lesson. A knock at the door startled both Sango and Shippou. Kagome stirred slightly.
"I am not expecting anyone, are you?" Sango lifted an eyebrow at Shippou,
"Nope," he shrugged his shoulders.
"I'm coming!" Sango yelled, dropping everything into the basket, and head towards the door.
She opened the door to an unexpected visitor. His tall figure towered over her. He smirked, which made her gasp.
"Really Sango, don't look so frightened," Sesshomaru's voice washed over her, making her nod,
"Come in?" she motioned with her hands. He nodded, stepping inside.
Shippou almost fell off his chair when he saw his feared teacher walking around the corner. He rose quickly,
"Mr. Sesshomaru," he greeted, not knowing what else to do. Again, Sesshomaru just nodded,
Sango appeared behind him, moving around him slowly and heading towards the kettle.
"Please, Sango. I cannot stay too long," he held up a hand. Sango frowned and nodded.
"I just wanted to check in on Kagome," he started, making the others frown deeply.
Sesshomaru seemed cool as he said this, but Sango felt a hint of care behind his words.
"Well, she moved from her room to the sofa," she pointed towards her friend, who was still fast asleep. Her raven hair fanned over the side of the sofa. Sesshomaru walked closer, kneeling on one knee next to her. The room was silent. Sesshomaru's hand pressed softly against her forehead. "Hmm," his voice was soft, Sango just studied him,
"No fever. Be sure she is at school tomorrow," he turned his eyes on the spectators,
"S-sure," the both stuttered.
He returned his gaze to Kagome. Her skin was slightly darker than his milk skin. She sighed as he moved a stray hair from face. She leaned into his touch. He wanted to kiss her. He wanted to taste her, feel her lips against his. He wanted to find out if she shared the static he felt as well. But he could not. He did not want to take advantage of her. He ran the back of his hand against her cheek again, and got up.
"I will take my leave now," he started towards the door. He didn't make eye contact with either Sango or Shippou. Sango followed, but no words were exchanged. He just left.
** The Next Day **
"I am glad that you are all here," Naraku spoke in his usual cold voice, everyone took their seats, "This year we will be doing things a little bit differently, I will be assigning the pairs for the planning of the spring ball," a soft murmur spread through the room.
Naraku cleared his voice, and the murmur died down.
"I feel it is better if I choose them, and if there are issue, please come and see me with a legitimate argument," he looked sternly at everyone, who just nodded, "the pairs are listed on page 5, chaperones are on page 6," Naraku continued, Kagome sighed, paging through the agenda. She wasn't making notes like she always did. She just kept her eyes on the pages and read. She slowly skipped ahead. She ran her finger down the page.
Attire – InuYasha, Ayame
Decorations – Sango, Miroku
Food and Drink – Kouga, Kagura
...
Her eyes grew wide, and her heart skipped a beat,
Music and Dance - Kagome, Sesshomaru
Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru. He looked up in unison. Their eyes locked for a brief moment, before Sesshomaru looked away, narrowing his eyes at someone else. InuYasha's golden eyes had hints of red in them. The two didn't break eye contact until Miroku nudged InuYasha in the ribs. Kagome sighed, turning her gaze to her friends. Kagura seemed distressed, and Sango's face was bright red.
"That will be all for now, see you Friday morning with some ideas," Naraku closed the meeting.
** The Cafeteria **
"So guys," Kouga sat down, "looks like we have major responsibilities this time,"
"You don't say," Kagura looked disappointed; she took a small bite from her plate.
"We need to set up meeting times and everything," Miroku whipped his mouth with a napkin,
The group's discussion faded into the background as Kagome's thoughts took over.
I can't do this. I need to go speak to Naraku. Maybe he will reconsider and team me up with someo-
"Kagome, move over!" Kagura practically yelled at her from across the table. Kagome snapped back,
"Wait, what?" she still felt the daze in her mind,
"He would like to take a seat," Kagura pointed next to Kagome, and she turned slowly,
"If I may?" his honey eyes showed no emotion, neither did his voice,
"Sorry Sesshomaru, yes, sit," she scooted over. He slipped in next to her. One of his long legs brushing hers. She felt the tingle of a slight blush on her cheeks. Her eyes dropped to the table, catching the sight of his jeans? I did not know he even owned jeans, she mused to herself, taking in the sight of the muscles the jeans could not hide.
"Are you even listening to me?" Sango waved her hand in front of Kagome's face.
"What?" she looked up, meeting angry golden eyes. InuYasha stood behind Sango. Ayame was next to him.
"I don't see her complaining," he scoffed, giving Kagome a deadly stare.
"I do not see how it IS or WILL BE a problem," Sesshomaru added hatred to each word,
"Now, now boys, do not fight," Kagura tried lighten the mood,
"She is a big girl and she can make her own decisions," Miroku tried,
"What was the question?" Kagome felt lost,
"You two will be able to do this as a pair right?" Sango asked again, "You are one of the best dancers I know," Sango smiled, making every eyebrow raise,
"It's the only thing she can do right," InuYasha interrupted,
"I think you should stop your petty insults," Sesshomaru warned, a soft growl escaping both brothers' throats.
"I haven't danced in a while," Kagome tried to explain,
"You will be fine," Sango took her hand, "as long as it's not with him again" she smiled,
"InuYasha! Let's go work at another table. This one is too full!" Ayame pulled on his sleeve.
"Fine, better than being here," he sighed, following the petite teacher to another table.
** The End of the Day **
He fixed his long hair into another neat ponytail. The last students have left, and Rin was late. He felt annoyed and excited all at the same time. The door flew open with a loud slam, and Sesshomaru looked up. InuYasha was walking towards his desk, fists clenched.
"Why the ruckus InuYasha?" he sighed, "I cannot think with your-"
"You cannot THINK!" InuYasha pointed a long finger at Sesshomaru,
"Excuse me?" "YOU HEARD ME!"
"InuYasha, please stop your tantrum," Sesshomaru locked eyes with him, his eyes hardened,
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" InuYasha spat between his teeth,
"With what exactly?" Sesshomaru folded his hands on top of the desk, trying to keep his composure.
"Don't play dumb with me! With Kagome!" InuYasha stepped forward again,
"Kagome, huh? She is not your property InuYasha. So stop acting lik-"
"SHE IS MINE!"
"No, she WAS yours, but you couldn't keep your fly up. So it is no one's fault accept your own-"
"She still loves me! That is why YOU are her rebound,"
"A rebound, you say?" Sesshomaru smirked, "I think not,"
"She still wants me," InuYasha pointed at himself, "I will prove it!" he turned around and stormed out,
Oh will you? Dear, simple minded fool. She hasn't loved you in 8 years, why should she now? She wants to take my lips not yours, he traced his lips with the tips of his fingers, imagining what their first connection would feel like.
"Sesshomaru?" Rin's soft voice came from the door, she looked frightened,
"Yes Rin, you know you don't need permission to come in," and she entered.
"I wanted to ask you something?" she was blushing slightly,
"What is it Rin?"
xXx