Deadly Beauty

“Good morning students and staff,” came a fuzzy voice over the loud speakers, echoing all over campus, “you have been voting for the past week and the results are in. Our Freshmen prince and princess are…” The voice rattled off the names of the princes and princesses for the freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, but people really began to listen after all of that passed. “Now for our senior court, starting with the ladies congratulations to Kikyo Oshima, Kyoko Karino, Miki Mogami, Karin Matsurra, Lilly Tsubaki, and our gentlemen Kouga Wolfe, Miroku Monk, InuYasha Takahasi, Renshu Kirya, Yuu Tsuruga. Again congratulations to all. If your name was called please meet in Room 62 after school for an informational meeting.”

Some whoops and yells came from the classrooms that housed the students from the homecoming court and the whole school seemed to be restless from the announcement. The meeting after school was just informing the court of their duties, the rules they had to adhere to, and the fact that they would all be able to ride in a limo with a date to the dance where the Queen and King would be crowned. Everyone left the meeting, charged up.

The school was relatively empty. Most of the students left as soon as the bell rang. There were only a few lingering people. InuYasha spotted Kagome at her locker. He unconsciously started to make his way over to her when Kikyo came up from behind him and looped an arm around his. She began chattering away about the dance and he tried to listen but lost all interest once he saw Kouga Wolfe approach Kagome.

“Hey Kagome,” Kouga said as Kagome closed her locker, a small pile of books in her hand.

“Hey Kouga, what are you doing here so late?” Kagome had known Kouga for years. They went through school together and had been friends ever since the first grade when Kouga stood up to a bully for her. Although they drifted apart as they went into high school, he went with the popular crowd and she didn’t, that still did not keep them from catching up with each other every once in a while.

“I should ask you the same thing, Miss Over Achiever,” he said pointing to the books and then taking them for her. “Anyway, I just came from that meeting for the homecoming court.”

“Thanks,” she said in reference to Kouga’s act. “I was here catching up on some notes for calculus.”

“Cool. Hey Kagome I have something to ask you. You know how we need dates for the dance. Well my mom is totally going to freak out because she was on the homecoming court back in the dinosaur age and she is going to make a big deal out of this and I know she wouldn’t really approve of the girls I go out with. So, as a childhood friend who saved your life in the first grade, I would love to have you accompany me to the homecoming dance,” he finished. Kagome knew Kouga’s mom was old fashion and definitely wouldn’t like the girls he dated now a days.

“What would I get out of this?” she asked with a smile.

“For one, a wonderful night with the Wolfe man, second my mother’s happiness, and third my undying gratitude. So is that a yes?” he goaded.

“I’m only doing this for your mom. By the way, I could have taken care of myself in first grade. You just beat up the kid before I could.” She actually thought that the dance would be fun and also it would help keep her mind from wandering to a certain black and white haired boy. Kouga gave a hearty laugh at her response.

“Okay,okay! Well how about I give you a ride home, my lady,” he asked, stretching out his open hand and bowing slightly. Kagome laughed.

“I think I will take you up on that offer.”

InuYasha watched the interaction between Kouga and Kagome. He began to see green when Kouga made her laugh as she took his hand and he led her away. He was almost certain Kouga just asked her to the dance but he couldn’t be sure. He watched Kouga tease Kagome about not having a car. She hit him back playfully and told him that her family didn’t have enough money, even though she did have a license. InuYasha was fuming. He remembered when they use to act like that.

“InuYasha, are you listening to me?” Kikyo demanded. He nodded. She eyed him suspiciously before continuing her one sided conversation.

~

Kagome had a good day, the first one in a long time. She talked all the way home with Kouga catching up on each other’s lives. She found out that because of football he received a lot of different letters of interest from colleges who were willing to give him full ride. She couldn’t be happier for him. She also told him about the colleges that had been noticing her because of her grades. It was all easy and familiar territory for her. Kouga dropped her off in front of the shrine while thanking her over and over for her deed before driving away.

Kagome watched his car disappear around the corner before starting up the stairs. She didn’t have any class to teach or attend today. It was going to be an unusually relaxed day. Kagome dropped off her stuff in the house and decided to grab a broom to sweep off the steps. Because fall was coming the shrine seemed to be covered in leaves and since she didn’t’ have anything better to do, she might as well get caught up on chores. Souta joined her once he got home from school.

“Hey Kag,” Souta called as he began to stuff the dead leaves into huge trash bags.

“What’s up squirt? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in a while.”

“It’s because you haven’t. You’ve been sorta locked up in your room or at the Studio constantly over the past few weeks. You okay? I can tell something must be bothering you.”

“When did you become so perceptive?”

“Well, I am twelve,” Souta retorted while puffing out his chest, to make him look older, “and I am also the man of the house, except for Gramps, we men have to look over the women folk.” She laughed.

“I can still whip you, you do realize that.” Souta looked sheepish for a minute before returning to his tough boy demeanor.

“Minor problem, it will soon be corrected. I am almost as tall as you and in a few more years I will be stronger than you.”

“In your dreams, little boy.”

“I guess my dreams are coming true then,” he shot back. Kagome glared at him before using the broom to sweep up a huge leaf storm in his direction. They landed everywhere. When the leaves finally settled, Souta was completely covered in them. Kagome couldn’t help but fall into a fit of giggles, especially when he tried to give her a cold look. She just couldn’t take him seriously with leaves sticking out of his hair.

Kagome was glad that she could mess around with him like this still. He was growing older and she would move away to college next year. She couldn’t watch out for him the whole time, but she wanted to make sure he got the right foot in the door that led out into the real world. Sometimes, she worried that she didn’t’ do enough for Souta, that she wasn’t around enough or taught him enough guy stuff, but he seemed to be doing okay. She was going to miss him when she moved.

She walked over to him, still laughing, and helped reclean the leaves.

~The Next Morning~

Sango was so excited the next morning. She found out that Kagome was asked to be the escort for Kouga and Miroku asked Sango to be his escort.

“I mean sometimes he tries to get fresh with me, like touching my butt, but most of the time he is pretty good and I am so excited that he asked me. We get to ride in the limo together! But I think there are only going to be nine couples since InuYasha and Kikyo will go together.” Kagome felt a sore spot when she mentioned InuYasha. She wasn’t sure when she would ever get over how he hurt her. She should let it go, let him go, like he did with her, but she couldn’t help but cling to those few good memories she had of him.

“Kagome! Earth to Kagome?” Sango shouted waving her hand in front of her face. “Is that a yes or no?”

“Yes or no to what?” questioned Kagome, coming out of her thoughts.

“Weren’t you listening? Yes or no to dress shopping.”

“Sure, why not? When do you want to go?”

“I’m free this weekend. What about you?”

“I might need to double check my class schedule but I think I could do it Saturday evening.” Sango squealed with delight and then started talking about Miroku again.

‘Looks like she is serious about this one,’ Kagome thought analyzing her exuberant gestures and expressions. She was genuinely happy for her friend and was actually looking forward to the dress shopping and attending the dance. It had been years since she did anything like this.

~At the Studio that Evening~

Kagome walked into class that night feeling content. She was going to go dress shopping with Sango, attend the dance with Kouga the following Friday, and in general have a good time.

Her disposition even made the other student feel like approaching her. She met a few new students and politely chatted with them as she waited for the class to start. She didn’t even notice InuYasha slip in quietly. He was listening to music, clearing his mind, too preoccupied putting his things away, so he did not notice the girl his mind tried so hard to forget, sitting a few feet away from him.

Mr. Hara called everybody to attention in the front. It was then when InuYasha took his place at the head of the line, next to Kagome that the atmosphere suddenly became tense. Kagome tried not to look at him even though she could feel his stares reflecting in the mirrors in front of her. She concentrated with all her might on Hara’s instructions.

“Today class,” the little man bellowed, “we will be working on drills to target different parts of your body. I want you to pair up to someone near both your rank and height then get a pad.”

Kagome groaned. The only person close to her rank was InuYasha, even though he was a good foot taller than her.

‘The world must be conspiring against me.’ As the lower belt, she went to go get the pad and came back, staring at the ground the whole time. She didn’t want to look into his eyes. Mr. Hara cleared his throat before telling everyone to walk up and bow before beginning drills. Kagome did as she was told without looking at him.

All InuYasha wanted was to get a glimpse of her face into her eyes, but she was not budging. She held her gaze with the ground as if it was the most interesting piece of work she ever laid her eyes upon. He began punching the pad with his left arm, his right one was still healing, as he was told, but not fully concentrating on his task. They switched pads when it was time and Kagome couldn’t punch without looking up so instead she looked directly at the pad.

‘Damn it, she is being extremely stubborn,’ he swore inwardly. When Mr. Hara had his back turned, he took the opportunity to capture Kagome’s attention.

“Kagome,” he asked softly. He was greeted with her fist connecting with the pad and no other sound. “Kagome, please, talk to me. Damn it, just let me explain.”

Kagome’s eyes snapped to his, cold and indifferent. She was just about to speak, her mouth opened taking in air, before shutting it. She took the pad from him, signaling a new drill. Her silence irked him. He was going to try again but Hara came to observe his side. It wasn’t until the pads were switched once again that he left.

“Kagome, come on. I fucked up once, can’t you give me another chance. You know we have connection, through this place, it’s one that can’t be easily broken, and don’t tell me that you haven’t thought about my charming self,” he said jokingly trying to illicit a smile from her. Instead, he was met with another harsh stare. She round kicked him with good force, making his balance rock.

“I am not interested in talking to you Takahashi,” she huffed out between kicks, her ferocity increasing with each hit. “You are full of shit, and I prefer to stay up wind from the crap. I don’t want to smell like it too.”

“Are you honestly saying, that you consider me as shit and your date Kouga not to be?” he said skeptically.

“My date is none of your concern, but just so you know Kouga is more of a gentleman than you ever were.”

“Damn it, Kagome, I didn’t mean what I said I…” InuYasha began before Mr. Hara called for partners to put away pads. Kagome left him in mid sentence, put away the pad, and resumed a spot on the opposite side of the room. For the rest of the class, Mr. Hara led them through forms, letting them break off later on to practice on their own. Kagome was too involved with getting her complicated black belt form correct to notice InuYasha trying to get her attention.

When they were dismissed Kagome left class before anyone else could. InuYasha got caught up in the other students and by the time he was free, she was long gone.

~

Kagome passed the rest of the week without incident. Sango called her up on Friday night to confirm their plans for Saturday evening. They decided to meet at six o’clock in front of the local mall.

To say the mall was packed, was an understatement. Everywhere you turned there were groups of people, mostly girls from the high school all doing shopping for homecoming. Sango swore and mentioned something about all of the good dresses being picked over.

Kagome didn’t care too much. Crowds never really bothered her and she enjoyed watching people pass by, hearing snippets of conversation. Everything was always so lively here and sometimes she just sat down and watched the shoppers hustle from one store to the next, but Sango was not patient. She immediately headed over to a store with dresses on display in the window. Kagome followed. Like Sango suspected, most of the dresses were picked over. They winded their way through the mall, looking into different stores to come up with nothing. They were on their sixth store when Sango finally sat down, exasperated.

“We are never going to find anything here!”

“Just give it time, you might find something where you least expect it,” Kagome responded while eying some burgundy cloth shoved at the very edge of a rack against the wall. Kagome walked over and pulled out the short satin piece. She decided to indulge herself and told Sango she was heading over to the dressing room. Kagome walked out, after putting it on and Sango gave out a wolf whistle. The burgundy dress was simple: small spaghetti straps leading down to a tight fitting bodice with soft material that hugged her hips and slowly fanning out a bit until the edge of the dress right above the knees. Simple, yet beautiful. Kagome knew that she found her dress. Sango complimented her on the choice and was a little sore she didn’t find anything until a red piece caught her eye. Sango tried on her dress, which was a little showier than Kagome’s. It was a short low v-cut dress with rhinestone embellishment under the bust line and on the straps, and had a more daring mid-thigh cut. The girls purchased their dresses for a reasonable price and headed home, efficiently high from their shopping experience and goods they were bringing back.

~Homecoming Friday~

Homecoming came faster than anyone had expected. The duty of the homecoming court was that they were all supposed to attend classes that day and go home to prepare themselves. They would have to make an appearance at half time during the homecoming football game and when the game was over they would all head to the dance. About half way through the dance the queen and king would be announced.

Kouga told Kagome that he would not be able to attend to her while the football game was going on since he was playing it in, but that he would be there during half time and after the game was over. Kagome didn’t mind, but she really hoped that she wouldn’t feel like the odd man out, considering everyone else would have their date with them.

Friday, homecoming day, went by in a flurry. People were excited because this was usually the biggest football game of the year and also the second biggest dance next to prom. Even the teachers seemed to be in a good mood and Kagome thought she heard a few teachers betting on the game.

Kagome got a ride home again from Kouga that day, with him thanking her constantly along the way. He also gave her plenty of warning that his mom would be there at half time to take pictures. Kagome just laughed and said she didn’t mind. Kouga reminded her that the limo would be at her house in about two hours. It took nearly an hour and half to two hours to pick up the different people on the homecoming court so they had to get started early.

Kagome took a while getting her outfit together. She liked to dress up but would never really admit it. It seemed a little too girly, but hey that’s what she was. Kagome spent time putting up her hair and putting on a little makeup. She then slipped on her dress and it fit her well. She took a minute twirling around in her mirror, liking the effect the dress had. Then as the dress fell silently into place she took one more look and then fastened her heels on. She spent another fifteen minutes rechecking her appearance before the doorbell rang. Mitsuka opened the door and made small talk with Kouga while Kagome walked down the stairs. Mitsuka was beaming with pride; her little girl was all grown up now.

“Just a minute sweety,” she pulled out an old monster size Polaroid camera. “Can you just walk up and act natural and then another one at the stairs and then at the fireplace.” Kagome and Kouga did as she wished.

“Mom we really need to go.”

“Okay kids, just one more!” She flashed the bright light in their eyes making them both see circles for a minute. “Have a nice time you two!”

“We will Ms. Higurashi. Do you mind making a second set of those pictures, my mom would want a copy?”

“No problem! I will get on that right away!” Mitsuka walked them to the door, gave Kagome one more look and watched them walk away.

Kouga laughed as Kagome’s mom closed the door.

“Thanks for putting up with that Kouga,” Kagome said a little embarrassed.

“No problem, my mom will probably be ten times worse. By the way, you look amazing.”

“Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself. Who would have thought that the dirty football played could look so debonair.”

“I didn’t think it was possible either until my mom got a hold of me. She will be angry once my hair gets all messed up after the game.”

They approached the limo and the driver was at the door and opened it. Kouga held out his hand so Kagome could slide into the vehicle and he followed suit. The inside was dark with the top of the car decked out in tiny sparkling jewels. She could make out some figures in the car but it took a minute for her eyes to get use to the dark. It was then that InuYasha’s white/black hair stood out as Kagome’s eyes adjusted. He was handsome in his tuxedo and his hair tied back into a tasteful ponytail, but she turned her head away from him. She wanted to be absorbed into Kouga’s conversation and try to convince herself that his presence didn’t affect her.

InuYasha watched as Kagome walked down the steps next to Kouga holding a small purse behind her back with both hands. She looked stunning. Her hair was up in an elegant and beautiful up-do. The burgundy dress clung to her body, hugging her shapely curves and the silver heels elongated her legs, making her look entirely breath taking. She wore a hint of makeup: some mascara and a tiny bit of eyeliner and eye shadow. It wasn’t over done making her look naturally gorgeous. The tinted windows didn’t do her justice. The minute she was in the limo, physically in front of him, he felt his heart pound slightly faster. He wanted to reach out to her, to have her next to him, but she was with Kouga. She was laughing at Kouga. She was smiling at Kouga, not him.

‘God damn it, I’m an idiot,’ he echoed in his mind while unconsciously trying to run his hand through his confined hair. He sat alone in a corner, there were some couples on the other side of the car and they were having polite conversation, but Kagome’s light laughter over powered their voices, surrounding InuYasha, torturing him.

The next few stops were to pick up Miroku and Sango and other groups. When Sango came into the car she sat next to Kagome in her red outfit, and red heels. Her hair was half up and half down. She looked great. Sango and Kagome talked about their outfits and then both couples got into conversation about the oncoming football game. Towards the end of the route, they pulled up to Kikyo’s house. InuYasha reluctantly got out and went to get Kikyo. Her guard answered the door but moved aside at Kikyo’s command. Kikyo came into view. She was wearing a black mid-thigh spaghetti strap dress with large sequins covering the entire piece and a bow wrapped around under her bust to accentuate her large chest. She was wearing her black stilettos with her hair down and her face made up heavily in makeup. InuYasha took her in and then politely complimented her. He had to agree that she looked nice but not natural, not as beautiful as Kagome.

InuYasha and Kikyo stepped into the limo and immediately the atmosphere grew tense between Kagome and Kikyo. Kagome felt idiotic. She was so busy being happy about going to the game and dance that she completely forgot she would be with Kikyo the entire night. Still, even though Kagome was sure her night wasn’t going to be as grand, she decided to take the high road.

“Evening Kikyo, you look well tonight,” she decided not to say nice because even though the dress was nice her face looked like a clown and Kagome couldn’t take lying when her expressions might so easily betray her real emotions. Kikyo eyed her with suspicion, gave Kagome the once over, before settling intimately next to InuYasha, her legs in his lap and her hand forcing his to circle her waist.

“Well, you made a good try of a sophisticated look. Maybe you might nail it one day.”

‘Figures,’ Kagome said in her mind. ‘Why would I even try with the bitchiest bitch of all bitches?’ Kagome brushed off the comment with ease before turning around to talk to her group again. She wasn’t interested in seeing Kagome whisper in InuYasha’s ear and running her hands up and down his chest.

“Kikyo,” InuYasha began in an agitated voice, “Can you tone it down a bit?” He tried to stop her from licking his ear and kissing his neck.

“InuYasha,” Kikyo whispered in his ear, “you know we need to make this believable. I’m not doing this for myself. It’s for her,” she gestured to Kagome with her eyes. InuYasha looked doubtful, extremely doubtful, but he forced his body to relax. Although Kikyo was an appealing woman, he couldn’t help but feel turned off by her antics at times. He did feel the instinctive stir in his loins. He couldn’t help that, I mean look at her, but Kagome made him feel more than desire, but love, tender and sweet, not just lust, which came and then left a hollow feeling.

Kagome stole another glance at InuYasha and Kikyo while the limo made it’s way over to the stadium for the game. It was sickening. She migrated so that she was sitting in his lap, her hands around his neck and his around her waist. She felt her stomach give a lurch.

‘How the hell did I ever think I was in love with that bastard!’ Kagome screamed in her head. She wanted to turn away, but it was like a car accident, horrible and disgusting, but mesmerizing. It wasn’t until they reached the school and the car stopped was she able to distract her attention with getting out of the car.

The leadership teacher came over and told them what was going to happen. She quickly explained the gist of things before Kouga excused himself to get dressed for the game. He whispered to Kagome that he would be back before she knew it and left to the locker rooms. The couples and the lone Kagome were sent to the back of the stadium where the convertibles were waiting. Each couple would get into the respective convertibles and at half time they would sit on top of the car on the back seat and the convertible’s owners would drive them around the track to the middle of the football field. There they would take pictures and head back the way they came to wait for the dance. The leadership teacher told the group they could watch the game from the back but they had to stay in that area.

Kagome watched through the gate as home team ran through their banner filled with balloons. Kouga was out in the front, hooting and hollering with the rest of the guys. The audience yelled and clapped but began to boo when the opposing team came on. The referees came with a big coin and flipped it. The home team had kick off first. Once the teams positioned themselves for the beginning of the game, the cheerleaders started off with their cheers and the audience went quiet. Kagome watched with interest as the ball sailed through the air after the kick off and was passed back and forth between the teams. The teams were unevenly matched. It was close to half time and the away team hadn’t even scored once while the home team scored three touchdowns, two of which were by Kouga. The audience was getting more of a kick to see what type of dance the players would do once they made a touchdown than the pathetic display of athletics by the other team. Thirty seconds before halftime, one player, Ginta, made another touchdown, sending the home crowd into a frenzy, perfect atmosphere for the half time show. The cheerleaders took that as their cue, so when the football players went to their locker rooms, they went out and started their routines.

Towards the end of the cheerleaders performance the marching band came out to do their formations while playing music. Kouga appeared at Kagome’s side right when the leadership teacher told everyone to get in their cars. Kouga held out his hand to help Kagome get in.

“Wow you change fast,” Kagome noted that he looked like he never got undressed from his suit.

“It’s pure skill,” he smiled as he jumped in next to her.

“Take it easy on the car, kid,” said the stranger who was driving.

“Sorry man.” Kagome laughed because she saw a muddy footprint on the back seat already, remnants of the football field. Kagome nudged Kouga and pointed to the mark. He shrugged indifferently.

“Not my car,” he whispered to Kagome.

“What was that?” asked the driver.

“I said ‘nice car’.”

“Oh thanks, I bought her…”the driver went on as Kouga decided to turn his attention to Kagome.

They talked about the game so far as the marching band finished up. It was announced over the speakers that the homecoming court would be coming in. Slowly their red convertible made its way behind Miroku and Sango’s car. It drove slowly along the track that rimmed the football field, so it wouldn’t stir up as much dust into the evening air. The crowd was politely clapping as each car stopped at the side, the couple’s names were announced and they made a walk to the middle of the field. The music was too loud, so all conversation stopped once Kagome and Kouga entered in. Instead, they both waved silently to the crowd. Their car approached the drop off point and Kouga helped Kagome out.

“…our fifth couple of the night is the nominated Kouga Wolfe and his date Kagome Higurashi…” a huge group of whistles went up in the air at the end of that announcement. Kagome looked around for the source of the sound and Kouga laughed as he pointed out to her the football team hollering from the side of the field. They saw the coach approach from behind them and even though they could not hear what was being said, they saw his angry face yelling at them to get back inside. It made them both break out laughing as they made their way to the middle of the field to stand next to Miroku and Sango.

The stadium lights were a little blinding as Kagome and Kouga turned around to face the crowd. There were small decorations adorning the field such as banners and an archway of balloons at the entrance Kagome failed to notice as she walked through. The seats were filled to maximum capacity and spilling out onto the track while the opposite end of the stadium for the opposing team was empty. The homecoming game was the biggest of the year and Kagome felt bad for the other team because it must be impossible to keep up morale when their rooting audience was so small.

The rest of the couples made their way up the field, including InuYasha and Kikyo, who was waving like she was Miss America. Kikyo looked so fake and overdone that Kagome had to stifle a laugh once they reached them. The only word that passed through her mind was clown. She almost felt sorry for InuYasha, but then angrily reminded herself that he probably liked it.

The nine couples stood there as the Master of Ceremonies for the night talked a little more in depth about the nominees such as school life, extracurricular activities, and hobbies. Kagome stood next to Kouga, her arm looped around his as the MC went on for another good five minutes. He ended by wishing them all luck on their nominations. Then all the parents, school officials, and the local newspaper came up to take pictures. Kagome already spotted the overly anxious Mrs. Wolfe. She had two different cameras, one in each hand.

“Oh Kouga, what did you do to your hair. I did not spend all that time for you to look like a sweaty football player,” she said as she tried to get her hands in his hair

“But Mom I am a football player,” he retorted, gently pushing her hands aside.

“But that does not mean you need to look like one and Kagome, dear, you are absolutely gorgeous. Where did you get that dress? Perfect fit on you!” The flash on her camera went off after she finished her sentence.

“Thanks Mrs. Wolfe,” Kagome got out after being blinded by the light. She fretted over them for another ten minutes before the newspaper came up to get a quote from Kouga. They were all ordered to leave soon after. Kouga’s mom was still able to snap a few more pictures as she was ushered off the field.

“She is crazy,” Kouga said shaking his head. “Did I tell you how grateful I am you were my date tonight?”

“You did, but I would not be opposed to hearing it again,” Kagome answered with a laugh.

“Well, thanks so much Kaggy. You are one of a kind.”

“No problem as long as you never call me Kaggy again. It gives me the creeps.”

“Okay Kagster.”

They all made their way, one couple at a time to their cars again. The entire time Kouga kept coming up with new names for Kagome.

“Remind me to never help you again. I don’t care if you thought you saved my life in the first grade. Nothing is worth this torture,” she teased as they got into their cars. Once the cars drove out of sight, Kouga called Kagome a few more names like the ‘Kagginator’ and ‘Kaggerella’ before taking off so Kagome could not hit him and so he could change back into his uniform.

Kagome took up her position by the gate to watch the second half of the game.

“Are you up for betting on the outcome?” asked Miroku as both him and Sango approached Kagome.

“Sure. I say twenty on a shut out game.” Kagome responded.

“Oh Kagome, don’t feed him like that. He has been betting with everyone so far. I don’t want you to lose your money to this shark,” Sango added.

“Now, now my lovely Sango, Kagome is a smart girl. If she wants to bet, then she probably has an idea of what she is doing.” Sango rolled her eyes. “But I do say that is a unusual bet. A shut out? That hasn’t happened in a few years, but who am I to judge?” he shrugged.

“Well look at that team, they have had tons of fumbles so far and every time our team comes out on the field they look like rag dolls in comparison. They all tense up and can’t throw or catch for anything.”

“Spoken like a true football fan,” Miroku said. “Then I shall put you down for twenty.” Sango sighed in exasperation and Kagome laughed. She was glad that she wasn’t alone anymore.

InuYasha watched Kagome standing alone at the gate. Someone dressed up like her didn’t deserve to be alone. Even though he wanted to go over and keep her company, first, Kikyo wouldn’t allow his arm to leave hers let alone go over to Kagome, second, Kagome still was not speaking to him. He just watched her in yearning. When was the charade with Kikyo going to stop? It was damn annoying. Her clinginess was pushing him over the edge and that fact that Kagome was not far away didn’t help matters.

To all the betters’ surprise, Kagome’s unusual assumption was right. The game was a shut out. The other team rarely got close to their opponent’s goal post much less score. After Miroku made a visit to the other people in on his pool, he came back to Kagome making her two hundred dollars richer.

“How many people did you have in on this?” Kagome asked, weighing the money in her hand.

“Enough,” Miroku smiled.

Kouga reappeared twenty minutes after the game, a little sweaty and tired, but dressed in his tuxedo. They all congratulated him on a great game and went over some of the finer highlights of the night before they were all herded back into the limo to head to the dance.

The teacher informed them that the winners would be announced half way through the dance and then they would all be taken home at midnight. Except for the announcement, they were free to roam around and partake of the activities. By the time the limo reached the gym, making a wide circle around the field to get to the front of the school, it was already filled up with students. The couples were helped out and each made their way through the crowd to be announced in the gym.

Kagome looked in wonder at the ugly gym, which was transformed, almost successfully, into a dance hall. There was crepe paper adorning the walls with lights twinkling everywhere. All of the tables and chairs were covered in white cloths and on the tables sat a candle and a lone rose. The right side of the room was littered with these tables while the left side was the dance floor already packed with bodies, a disco ball haphazardly set up in the middle with strobe lights blinking off and on. The DJ was at the very left side of the room on the stage. It wasn’t bad for high school decorations but it did leave a little something to be desired. Kouga eyed the buffet table across the way from him.

“Kag, I’m starved, lets go get something to eat,” Kagome rolled her eyes at his predictability as a teenage boy and at the nickname. She followed him to the table and while he loaded his plate to full capacity, she settled for a drink. They took a seat at a nearby table and Miroku and Sango followed suit. They all ate, drank, and talked before heading out to the dance floor for a song. Kouga whipped Kagome around like a madman at times but both were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Someone went up to the microphone and cleared their throat. “Are you guys having fun tonight?” asked the leadership teacher. The crowd cheered as a response. “Cool. So now is the time that we reveal our lucky king and queen.” A leadership student came up behind the teacher with an envelope and two crowns. “So without further ado our Queen is Miss Kikyo Oshima.” The crowd clapped while Kikyo overdid the acceptance, clutching at her heart in feigned surprise. She made her way up to the stage and was given a tiara, she held it while poking at the tips of eyes to wipe away nonexistent tears. “And our King for the night is Kouga Wolfe!” The football team immediately made the most racket, with whistles and yelling. Kouga kissed Kagome’s hand before leaving her to join Kikyo on the platform. The leadership student stood on her toes and placed the crown on his head. “Congratulations. Now our King and Queen will have their dance. Enjoy the rest of night everyone.”

The crowd thinned out to give Kikyo and Kouga enough room to dance. Kouga held Kikyo’s hand and led her to the middle of the floor. An unrecognizable song came on, but Kagome was more interested in getting out of the throng of people. Bodies were packed so close together that it made it a little hard to breathe. She struggled to find an opening when someone closed in on her hand. She looked to see who was touching her and met the eyes of InuYasha. He pointed through an opening in the crowd to an open door. Kagome scowled at him. InuYasha mouthed a please. If it wasn’t for the fact that Kagome felt like she was in a sweat box, she wouldn’t have given it another thought to walk away, but she was desperate for fresh air. She curtly nodded and InuYasha helped her to the exit.

The cool night air was a welcome change from the atmosphere inside the gym. She took a deep breath and then turned to InuYasha.

“Thank you for helping me get out, but I really don’t care to hear what you have to say. I think you have said plenty in the past.”

“Kagome, just wait a minute. You need to understand. The things that have been going on the past couple of weeks, it’s all fake. I need you to listen to me,” InuYasha said like a broken record.

“And why should I listen to you? So you can trick me again. How do I even know what you are saying is sincere? You don’t have any motive that would compel you to tell me the truth,” she huffed out, the anger apparent in every action.

“You’re wrong. I do have a reason for you to believe me. Kagome, everything that I have been doing is for you because I think… well I think I love you,” he whispered out so low that Kagome thought she misheard.

“You what?” asked Kagome incredulously.

“I said I think I love you. And it’s been torturing me like crazy these past few weeks,” he said with more force. Kagome stared at his face. Her expression was blank. Her body was motionless. All that could be heard was the quiet chirping of the crickets in the dark. The silence pressed heavily on InuYasha, it felt like a weight was stuck on his chest, trapping him, slowly suffocating him. “Say something Kagome… anything!” he finally yelled exasperated. He waited and watched as her eyes, before glazed over with nothingness, turn into dangerous slits, glaring at him with all the hatred she could muster.

“You love me?” she laughed. “Well you know what, fuck you. Fuck you InuYasha Takahashi! How dare you fucking play with my emotions like that. You are a bastard. A twisted, overly cocky, flirty bastard with a girlfriend. I hope you burn in hell for your lies, you sick fuck,” she spat out vehemently.

“God damn it Kagome, I’m not kidding around. I’m not trying to fool you. Just listen for once you stubborn ass.” Kagome glared at him again before turning around trying to get away. “Kagome!” he shouted after her. It took only a few long strides before he was behind her. He grabbed her arm and spun her around so they were face to face. Before she knew it, he was crushing his lips to hers in a desperate act to make her understand. His strong arms pinned hers to her side, so she could not break away. First rage was all she felt, her lips cold and unyielding against his, until the forcefulness of his kiss slowly ebbed away to be left with a tender and hesitant one in its stead. Kagome’s body slackened its stance in response to the pressure of the kiss. Still, her lips refused to return his sentiments. He pulled away, trying to gage her reaction. Her eyes never left contact with the ground when all of a sudden she broke her right arm away and uppercut him in the stomach. He didn’t see it coming so after the impact he was doubled over with pain. She stepped back and in a calm, almost death like manner, she whispered:

“Don’t you ever touch me again.” She turned on her heel and disappeared into the darkness leaving InuYasha to be enveloped by complete and utter devastating silence.

‘What did I do?’ he questioned inside his empty mind. ‘What did I do to deserve this? All I did was try to fucking help her. All I wanted was to see her happy again. How did I fuck up so badly? I brought this on myself. I should have went to Kagome first before seeing Kikyo and making this damn arrangement. FUCK!’ He wanted to yell, he wanted to run, to just get away. In his zombie like state, he roamed the campus until he ended up in front of his locker. It took him a minute to get the combination, but it finally opened. His hand groped inside of the darkness till he felt the smooth surface of a bottle. InuYasha still had the rest of the night ahead of him and he could not go back in and face Kagome feeling like he did. He pulled out the bottle, quickly spun off the top, and let the liquid burn it’s way down his throat. Sure the alcohol was Miroku’s and InuYasha was to keep it for him, but now he needed more than his friend did. The fiery sensation calmed his raging emotions. He took drink after drink till he felt numb, not drunk, but numb to the feelings. He placed the bottle back in his locker and in the same zombie like state made his way back to the dance.

Kagome was thoroughly confused, no doubt about that. She walked to the quad area to find a place to sit and think. What she wouldn’t give for a swing set right about now. InuYasha in love with her? She would have laughed at that if it wasn’t for the fact that she remembered the feverish way he sought her lips; the emotion, the feeling behind it, almost as if he were telling the truth. She began to feel bad and thought she should have let him explain. Immediately she berated herself. This was a constant battle for her, to let herself try to see the good in InuYasha, going against her better instinct, or to push him away to protect herself from being hurt. What was she suppose to do? Kagome let the thoughts swirl in her head for a while before deciding that the fall air was getting chilly. She walked back to the gym trying to think of the best way to make herself scarce so the time would pass quickly.

Both InuYasha and Kagome walked into the gym within five minutes of each other, but no one seem to notice their absence. After another few songs, Kouga made his way over to Kagome.

“Where did you disappear to? I tried finding you after my dance.”

“I was just around. Congratulations by the way,” she added with a forced smile.

“Thanks,” Kouga said obliviously. He asked Kagome if she would like to dance again, but she politely declined saying her shoes were hurting her feet too much and she would rather sit out for the rest of the night. Kouga danced with other girls but made sure to check on Kagome every once in a while. She was grateful he was worried, but felt bad that she seemed to be bringing down his night a little. Seconds turned into minutes, minutes into hours, and after several hours Kagome’s night was finally at an end. After an uncomfortable ride home, she was at the steps of her shrine; the old familiar place where time seem to stop, where nothing change, where she could always count on it to be there as her anchor in a world that constantly confused, surprised, and challenged her. She was comforted by that thought and tried to place InuYasha in the back of her mind as she made her way to her house.

~Later That Night~

InuYasha lie awake that night, the same routine almost every night since the start of the school year. His thoughts made revolutions in his head. After the alcohol wore off, he started to see things a little more clearly. He knew what he needed to do. He moved his body over the side of the bed and went to his desk. He pulled out a piece of paper and hastily scribbled a note on it.

~Monday Morning~

Kagome walked to her locker. She was extremely tired from a lack of sleep. She quickly spun in the combination on the lock and instead of getting her books, she instead picked up a tiny piece of paper. The writing, although the note was written quickly, was scrawled in elegant print.

‘”Kagome,

I am seriously at a loss of what to do. I need you to talk to me, to listen to me, just hear me out for once. That is all I am asking, one time. Meet me behind the Studio today, after class. Five minutes, I swear. If you don’t then I understand and this will be the last time I will contact you. Please Kagome…

InuYasha”

Kagome read and reread the note. She looked at the writing and felt ashamed that he had nicer writing than she did, a perk of growing up with etiquette lessons. But she only focused her mind on his script to distract her from making a decision. Should she go? Should she not and get rid of him once and for all? Her heart was telling her to listen to him, her mind was telling her to stand him up. What do you do when your heart and your mind are in total conflict with each other? Which side do you listen to? What are you suppose to do?