Deadly Beauty

~At Last~

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, but use them because they are fantastic.

Kikyo opened her eyes Monday morning. She blinked a few times before all of her feelings from the weekend came back. She took a pillow next to her in her huge pink bed and screamed into it as loud as she could. Footsteps quickly approached outside her door.

“Miss Kikyo, are you okay?” asked one of her maids.

“No, I’m not fucking okay! Go get me breakfast!” Kikyo screamed back. She was frustrated. Homecoming didn’t work out the way she wanted at all. Of course she knew she would win Queen, just like she would Prom Queen, but that was suppose to be the good event that triggered the rest of the night. Her plan was to have InuYasha dance with her, totally taken with her by this time, and then lead him back to her house where they would have sex and he would be forever hers. Safe to say that didn’t happen at all. When she met up with InuYasha again after her dance with Kouga, he was depressed but tried to put on a good face. At first she thought he was sad that he wasn’t the one dancing with her, but as the night went on he stayed the same. He didn’t even seem to be concentrating on anything. When the car dropped her off at home and she was going to ask for him to stay over, he just dropped her off at her door before leaving and going back in the car. She didn’t even get to ask.

‘What is with him?!’ Kikyo screamed in her head. ‘How the hell does that bitch Rin capture Sesshomaru’s heart so easily and I can’t get his little brother with the same amount of ease?!’ Kikyo was extremely jealous that Rin, another senior at the school, was able to get with Sesshomaru, the most eligible teenager, when she was a freshman and he was a senior. Kikyo was banking on the fact that Sesshomaru would notice her as a freshman but he looked right past her to Rin. Kikyo decided she would settle on InuYasha instead, but now not even that plan was working out right. She screamed into her pillow again.

~With Kagome~

She had been thinking about what she wanted to do all day. Was she going to give him a chance to feed her more excuses? Or did he really have a sincere reason for what happened? She was so confused and had no idea what to do. She could barely concentrate on anything in her classes.

“Hey Kagome,” Shippo whispered quietly while nudging her with his arm, “are you okay? You seem distracted.”

“I’m okay. Just tired.”

“I can tell, you haven’t taken any notes, asked any questions at all today, or have been your usual goody two shoe self.” Kagome bopped him on the head with her notebook. “Ouch,” he said while rubbing the spot. “Well, I see you haven’t lost everything.”

“Damn straight,” Kagome responded with a quiet laugh. The teacher looked their way for a minute, but turned her head after she made sure there were no distractions. Kagome was glad Shippo could make her laugh, but it was only so long before her mind wandered back to her decision.

~Later That Day~

Where the day went, Kagome could not remember but all of a sudden, she was in front of the Studio, ten minutes before class. More than anything, she was here out of habit and not because she wanted to talk to InuYasha, but after making her way home she realized that five minutes was not that long and maybe he would have something interesting to say. Still, she could not make her legs move to enter through the doors when she knew InuYasha would be in there. Kagome stood there for a few minutes longer until she felt a presence behind her. She didn’t even hear the footsteps approach but could feel the heat from the stranger’s body, which stood out compared to the cold fall air that was flowing through the city.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you going to go in?” a familiar voice asked.

Kagome cursed herself for standing here stupidly. But seriously, of all people that had to find her this way, did it have to be InuYasha? She turned around a little sheepishly to be met with his inquisitive gold eyes.

“Hmm?” he said waiting for an answer.

“Sorry,” Kagome stammered out before heading in. He followed behind her.

‘Jeez. That sounded stupid.’ Kagome berated herself. ‘If only he didn’t surprise me like that, I could have acted better.’ She gave out a sigh and prepared mentally for the next hour.

Luckily for Kagome, Mr. Hara wanted her to work with the lower belts on their techniques while InuYasha went to work with the more advanced belts. Kagome put all her energy into helping her peers. She made sure that by the end of class they were all able to do their respective forms and then also had time set aside for Hara to help her with her form, Choong Moo. It was only thirty movements but there were so many parts to it and intricate details that she had to master, her mind was fully occupied. But all good things must come to an end. She was soon next to InuYasha in line bowing to Mr. Hara before the class was dismissed. She turned to give InuYasha a quick glance. He gave her a small nod before heading to the door that led to the back of the Studio. She watched him slip out the door. Although she already resolved to talk to him, she couldn’t help but try to stall. She took an excruciating amount of time walking to the door. She stood in front of it and took a deep breath.

‘It’s now or never.’

She pushed opened the door but was met with resistance from the wind. When she was finally able to get out, she tried to close it quietly and turned to find InuYasha leaning against the wall, his eyes staring out into space. He took off the top of his uniform so he was only in pair of dark tae kwon do pants and a sleeveless white t-shirt that outlined his well chiseled abdominal muscles. He let his hair free from the ponytail so it was flowing around him and although it covered most of his face, once he turned towards Kagome his golden eyes pierced through the impending darkness so it almost felt like he was penetrating her soul.

“You came,” he said with obvious relief.

“Five minutes,” Kagome reminded him, copying his pose by leaning against the wall a few feet away from him.

“It’s all I need,” he responded with a small smile. “So where to begin?”

“Try starting with Kikyo,” Kagome suggested coldly, even saying Kikyo’s name left a bad taste in her mouth. InuYasha let out a breath.

“Well you remember that day when you got the notice from your bank.” Kagome felt a blush, remembering her actions that day, but nodded. “It hurt to watch you like that. You really have no idea. So I wanted to do something, anything to help you. I went to your bank but like an idiot didn’t think it through, and it didn’t get me anywhere. So my next idea was to go to Kikyo because you know she is the daughter of the people that own the bank you go to.” InuYasha looked up to Kagome. She reassured him with a nod and he continued. “So I made the deal with Kikyo to pretend to date her so that her Dad would be happy, it’s what both of our parents had been pushing for, for years. I had to make fun of you that day so people would believe I was with Kikyo, on her side you know. In return, Kikyo talked to her dad and he took away the debt. I didn’t mean to hurt you, Kagome. I am so sorry. I just wanted to help you. I know I should have come to you first but that is what I came up with at the spur of the moment. I didn’t mean to hurt you, seriously. I tried to explain before, but that didn’t go so well. Wait, sorry, I’m rambling.” He stopped and watched her try to absorb all of the new information. She didn’t look angry, but he couldn’t tell because she was looking down. A minute later Kagome raised her eyes. She looked confused.

“So you are pretending to date Kikyo to protect me?” She asked skeptically. He nodded. “And you are the one who made my family’s debt go away?” she asked, even more unbelieving.

“Technically it was Kikyo, but I asked her to do it as a favor to me.”

“Kikyo? Right.” Kagome couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“She may be a bitch sometimes, but she can be a good person too.” InuYasha stated.

“But you did all of it for me?” Kagome asked trying to make sense of everything. InuYasha nodded again. It took Kagome a minute, turning over all of the facts in her mind. “But… why?” she locked her brown eyes with his golden ones.

“Like I told you Friday night, it’s because I love you. Just wait Kagome,” he got out right before she was about to respond. Kagome closed her mouth. “I know you think I am just out to get in girls’ pants and that may have been me before, but, damn this sounds so fucking corny, but you make me want to be better than that. I’ve never met anyone like you. I mean you are cute but you can hold your own. You don’t act like a damsel in distress and you aren’t afraid to fight with me, physically or otherwise.” He couldn’t help but grin. “It just makes you really attractive to me, amongst other things. Kagome, I’m really serious. I really am in love with you.” He took a tentative step towards her.

“Don’t you think ‘love’ is a pretty strong word?” Kagome asked while watching him take another step towards her.

“Well ‘like’ is not strong enough. If you can find some other word to use, feel free to use it.” He stopped again to take a minute to look her in the eyes. “Now that you know the truth, corniness and all, how do you feel about me?” She felt embarrassed and put her head back down. He waited patiently for a minute until he called her name again.

“Just give me a minute, I’m gathering my thoughts,” she told him. She took a deep breath. “Well it is safe to say that I’m a little overwhelmed right now and even though I know I am probably the stupidest person in the world for saying this, I think I might…,” she took another breath and quietly whispered out, “…love you too…”

He walked up to her so that he was standing in front of her. She was leaning against the wall, her hands behind her back and her hair glowing in the fading twilight. He took his finger and gently lifted her chin so that they were looking into each other’s eyes.

‘It’s not so bad, to be lost in his eyes,” Kagome thought, feeling the effect of his stare in the pits of her stomach. His gaze was mesmerizing and she couldn’t break away even if she wanted to. He grinned at her and Kagome let a small smile grace her face.

“Kagome,” he began as he took his hand and caressed the side of her cheek, “you are anything but stupid.” He then dipped his head and connected his lips with hers. It was completely different from the last time. It was a soft and tender kiss, one that she was more than willing to return. Their lips molded together so well that the shock of the simple touch sent shivers down her entire frame. InuYasha smiled into the kiss when he felt her shudder. He ran his hand lightly through her hair and pushed his lips a little more forcefully on hers. She didn’t mind. He decided to test the limit by taking his tongue and out lining her lips. Kagome sighed and parted hers a bit, her sweet breath filling his mouth. Both thought the taste of each other was ever so intoxicating. After a few more seconds, he pulled back. She leaned her forehead on his, a little out of breath.

“That should have been our first kiss,” InuYasha confided with her, in a voice laced with regret.

“Better late than never,” she told him after regaining some composure. He chuckled.

“There’s that spirit that I have missed so much.” His hand dropped from her face to find her hand and then interlocked fingers.

“So,” Kagome started, “what now? I mean what do we do about Kikyo and everything?” she asked bluntly as he lifted his forehead off hers. She wanted to resolve everything now and not leave it hanging to bother her later.

“Yes, what now?” he repeated pensively, looking into her eyes. “Well I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be away from you for any longer.” He took his free hand and caressed her cheek again. “You have no idea how much torture these last few weeks have been.” She closed her eyes against the warmth of his touch and unconsciously leaned into it.

“If I were dating Kikyo, I would call it more of a hell than torture,” she responded. He laughed and dropped his hand. She instantly missed the warmth.

“Just couldn’t help yourself. I meant it was torture not to talk to you or see you. I have grown sort of attached to you, if you haven’t noticed.”

“The feeling might be mutual. We will just have to see now won’t we, Mr. Takahashi.”

“Look who’s playing with whose feelings now.”

“Just practicing.” She responded. “I mean you are still going to be an ass to me when you are around Kikyo, so I might as well start to warm up my responses for you.”

“But I mean you understand, why I have to pretend to stay with her, and treat you like my enemy, right?” he asked hesitantly. She squeezed his hand in response.

“Don’t worry. I haven’t even properly thanked you for what you have done. So, thank you InuYasha really. I wish you would have told me what you decided to do before hand so you wouldn’t be in this mess and I wouldn’t have treated you like shit these past few weeks. Oh and sorry about hitting you on Friday, it must have hurt. My hand still hurts a little.”

“Feh,” he waved off. “A girl can’t hurt me.”

“Still a cocky ass I see,” she said in a matter of fact voice.

“And I am still a higher belt and can give you push ups for that remark.”

“Now why should I receive push ups for telling the truth,” she shrugged. He stopped holding her hand and stood up tall in front of her trying to act like a high and mighty black belt. She stood up as tall as she was able to, which was not that tall, and returned his gaze with her own.

“Why I ought to…” he began before the door to the Studio opened.

“InuYasha what are you doing to Kagome!?” came Monique’s shrill voice in what was the quiet fall air.

“Uhh…” his voice faltered, failing to come up with an excuse.

“Kagome, dear, are you okay? Was he bullying you?” she said over his hesitancy.

“Nothing, I couldn’t handle. Only a boy after all,” she responded while heading to the door. Monique gave out a breath of relief.

“Well, come in now both of you, it’s getting cold out here.” She held open the door as Kagome took it and then headed in. Kagome turned around and winked at InuYasha before following her. He laughed as the door closed.

‘I wonder if I know what I am getting myself into. Whatever it is, I think I’m going to like it.’ He then went inside.

They both got their things together and left the Studio.

“You want a ride home,” he asked.

“It’s a five minute walk.”

“Yeah, I know that, but I want to spend more time with you.”

“So it takes only one confession of love to turn you into a sap,” she laughed.

“Hey, it’s just because I haven’t spent time with you in a while,” he held up his hands in defense.

“Sure, sure,” she said in a sarcastic tone.

“Well since you won’t let me drive you home, how about a goodnight kiss?” He leaned in to give her one and was met with her finger.

“Hold it, Romeo. Leave ‘em wanting more, that’s the key.” She winked at him. “Goodnight InuYasha.” She said as she turned and started on the sidewalk that led to the shrine.

“Goodnight Kagome.” She returned it by raising her hand in the air and waving without looking at him. He chuckled to himself. She was definitely different, but in the best way possible.

~The Next Morning~

Kagome was in the kitchen, ready to go to school. She was searching for some food to eat when her phone started ringing. She flipped it open and answered.

“Hello.”

“Would you like a ride to school?”

“I don’t accept rides from perverts.” She smiled as she gathered her things and went out the door.

“Now I’m offended. What makes you think I am a pervert? And I also find you hypocritical. You will not accept a ride from me because I’m a pervert, but you will accept one from Kouga, who has done every girl I can think of.”

“To answer your first question, I can tell you are a pervert because I have this perv-radar and right now your dot is red and blinking. Second, Kouga is an exception because he saved my life in the first grade.” She walked up to the shrine steps and saw him waiting down at the bottom, leaning against the passenger door of his midnight back Porsche. They both smiled.

“Well I could save you too if you give me a chance.”

“Very ironic coming from someone who constantly beats me up in sparring.” Kagome was half way down the shrine steps.

“So you admit it, I beat you!” he retorted more than asked, a triumphant look on his face.

“In your dreams, I was merely saying that you fight with me more than save me.” At this point, she shut the phone close and he did the same.

“I could do both and much better than that Wolfe,” he answered with disgust as she approached him.

“A little jealous?”

“There is nothing to be jealous of,” he lied while turning his head away indifferently.

“Denial, denial,” she giggled while kissing him on the cheek.

“If I am jealous, will you do more of that,” he asked with his eyebrows raised in a comical way.

“Just open the door.” He did as he was told and once she was settled in, he went to the driver’s seat. “So how is this suppose to work?” Kagome questioned.

“How is what suppose to work?” he said as the car smoothly left the curve and raced on the empty street.

“You taking me to school?”

“Well I was thinking about just dropping you a block away from the school. It lets us spend time together and it beats having to walk, right?”

“Wow, so there is a brain somewhere in your mind.” Kagome responded. InuYasha took a second to glare at her before returning his eyes to the road. His expression softened as she interlocked fingers with his free hand.

“I’ll let that one slide,” he told her. They continued the rest of the way to school in silence. Kagome let her mind drift off. She enjoyed the feeling of InuYasha’s strong, rough hand wrapped around her own. Sure she could protect herself, but it still wasn’t as reassuring to know someone else was there to protect her too. Since she now knew the truth, it seemed her feelings had grown stronger for InuYasha. As much as she rags on everyone else about denial, she couldn’t help but feel she was the one in the biggest denial when it came to InuYasha. Although she knew she should just enjoy this, finally being together, it bothered her to be unsure of what their relationship was or turning out to be. In society’s eyes, InuYasha was dating Kikyo and what would that make Kagome? A mistress? If so that would not settle well with her. She was going to have to ask InuYasha about it, but was too afraid of his answer to ask now.

He pulled up next to a flower shop that was out of sight from the school but close enough that it was a five minute walk for Kagome.

“Thanks InuYasha, for the ride,” Kagome absentmindedly said.

“No problem. You okay?” he questioned. Kagome’s expression instantly changed to a more content one.

“All good, just thinking.”

“Well don’t hurt yourself too much now,” he smirked at her.

“If I had something to throw at you, I would throw it.” She responded, crossing her arms over her chest.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you would.” That made Kagome genuinely smile.

“See you at school, InuYasha.”

“You too, Kagome.” He waited until she walked around the corner, so that she would be in the school vicinity, and then left to park in the student parking lot.

The cold October air made Kagome shiver even during that short walk. She didn’t realize how warm InuYasha’s car was until he drove off.

‘I should seriously think of getting a car of my own,” Kagome thought trying to rub up and down her arms and make the goose bumps go away. But all of her wages from the Studio were going into a college fund. She figured once she made her way into college, she would deal with car situation.

She made it to school without freezing and tried to gather her books from her locker quickly, motivated by the fact that a nice warm classroom was waiting for her. She didn’t notice Kikyo with InuYasha and the rest of her gang approach.

“Hey book worm, why don’t you go find a hole to hibernate in for the winter. Save us all the trouble of looking at your face.” Kikyo’s group laughed and InuYasha made an attempt to.

“Kikyo, if it weren’t for the fact that I had to study for school, believe me I would be the first one to dive in the hole so I wouldn’t have to look at your face.” Kikyo was outraged. She tried to have InuYasha wrap his arms around her, so she could hide her face in his chest like she was hurt and needed his protection. InuYasha reluctantly complied, though his body looked as rigid as stone, and if she could see his pained expression, she might have thought twice about making him do it. But wrapped up in her own world, Kikyo didn’t notice a thing although she saw Kagome’s face waver a bit when InuYasha touched her.

“Jealous of something I have and you don’t?”

“Are you asking if I am jealous over the fact that the bitch in heat now has another dog to drool over? I believe the correct answer would be, hell no. But then again you wouldn’t know a correct answer if it bit you on your fake, plastic surgery fixed, lopsided boob.” Kikyo’s face was livid. She nudged InuYasha hard in the ribs.

“Ouch… oh… I mean… don’t talk to my girl like that,” InuYasha said half-heartedly.

“And what are you going to do about it dog boy?” InuYasha raised his eye at the nickname.

“You don’t want to find out,” he tried to say menacingly. Kagome almost laughed. He was a horrible actor. They were going to need to work on his skills, but Kikyo didn’t seem to notice his lack of enthusiasm. She actually seemed excited.

‘Since when did InuYasha fight back and threaten Kagome?! Maybe he is forgetting about her and falling for me! It is about time!’ Kikyo thought arrogantly.

“Why don’t you just go to class and let us be.” She told Kagome while leaning back into InuYasha.

“Sorry to remind you, but you guys approached me.” Kikyo acted like she didn’t hear her and just hung on to InuYasha until she walked away.

Kagome thought as she walked to class. Knowing that InuYasha wasn’t really with her made it easier to stomach but still she could help but feel that she wanted to punch Kikyo for touching InuYasha. She brushed off the thought and sat down in her seat.

“Okay because you guys are seniors you already know about tomorrow, but I have to tell you the rules anyway.” The teacher began by explaining dress code and such.

“Hey Sango, what is she talking about?” Kagome whispered to her friend.

“Senior breakfast, Kagome. Don’t you remember? We have been talking about this for a long time.” Kagome’s mouth formed a little O in understand and listened to the teacher.

“Breakfast will be pancakes and there will be the contest judging before and after you eat, so make sure to stay appropriate during the entire time. You will return to class around 3rd or 4th period. You don’t need to check in to your first period class. At the bell you will all report to the gym for the breakfast. Any questions?” There were none and so class began as usual. The teacher lectured for the first fifteen minutes and then let the class work on their own.

“So everything is planned and I will drop off the costumes at your house tonight, you guy,” Sango told Shippo and Kagome. Kagome thought it was a weird tradition but was excited. Every year the seniors receive a senior breakfast of some type of easily made food but the best part was that the students broke into groups and would come up with a theme to dress in. This was the high school version of Halloween, since most of them thought themselves too old to dress up and go trick-or-treating. It was decided long ago that Kagome’s group would be doing a comic book theme and they had spent the last few weeks getting outfits together.

School came and went. By the time Kagome got home, Sango had already dropped off her costume.

“Kagome, dear, Sango left you a bag and it is hanging on the staircase. Take it upstairs when you go to your room. I am off with Souta to the doctors. Have fun at class.”

“Okay Mom. Thanks. I will.”

She grabbed the bag and went upstairs to see how the outfit looked. Kagome was coerced into being Wonder Woman with the excuse that she was the only one with the body, but the costume had a few changes so that it would comply with school rules. She slipped into the tight strapless red bodice covered in a gold eagle, then stepped into a mid thigh navy blue skirt covered in stars. Because the school would not allow strapless outfits, she had a matching blue cape that would cover her shoulders and stopped around her feet. She also put on her red boots. There was a headband somewhere around in the bag but Kagome didn’t feel like putting it on now. She twirled once. It wasn’t as bad as she thought it was going to be. She actually liked the look. Her cell rang in the middle of her inspection.

“Hello.”

“Are you feeling guilty?”

“Is a hi back, too hard for you to do? And why would I feel guilty?”

“Because you left me at school. I thought you were going to come home with me today.”

“Well you never officially asked.” She heard him grunt into the phone.

“Nevertheless, the least you could do to make it up to me, is not leave me standing outside your house alone.” Kagome looked at her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t want InuYasha to really see her like this now.

“Could you give me a few minutes to change?”

“Nope.” She couldn’t see him, but knew he was smirking.

“And what will you do if I don’t let you in now?”

“I will just have to throw a rock at your window until you let me in.”

“You don’t even know what window is mine.”

“Ah, that’s the beauty of it. I will just have to throw rocks at all the windows, maybe even breaking them until you come out to get me.”

“God InuYasha, could you be any more of a jerk?” She said stomping out of her room and down the stairs, the cape twirling around her ankles.

“I’m not sure. You will just have to tell me.” Kagome threw open the door, and saw InuYasha on his phone. He gave her the once over and nodded his head in approval.

“Please don’t say anything. Just come in. Shut up and give me a minute to change my clothes.”

“Okay Wonder Kagome.” She gave him the coldest stare she could summon. “Just couldn’t help it,” he shrugged. InuYasha took a seat on the couch and yelled up to Kagome as she went up to her room. “Where is your family?”

“Mom and Souta just left to the doctors and Gramps is at a friend’s place.” She pelted off the clothes and laid them on the bed so they would not wrinkle. She pulled on a pair of sweats and a tank top. She was walking back down the stairs when he responded.

“So you mean we have the house all to ourselves?” he asked in inquisitive voice.

“You remember that perv-radar, well your dot is going crazy right now.”

“I wasn’t even suggesting anything, I was just confirming a fact,” he explained innocently.

“Mmhmm. Anyway, why are you here?” She took a seat next to InuYasha on the couch and turned on the TV.

“Because I feel hurt after you called me a dog and left me at school. Also, it is always a plus to get away from Kikyo. She can be pretty annoying sometimes, even if this whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing is a ruse. We also have class tonight and hanging around with you definitely beats going home.”

“I’m flattered,” Kagome exaggerated with a hand movement over her chest.

“As you should be,” he responded while draping an arm behind her body to pull her closer.

“Ever hear of personal space?” Kagome teased while lightly pushing herself away from him.

“Yes. It is something that should not exist between us,” he gave her a forceful push until there was no space left between them. Kagome laughed but finally gave in and rested her head against the junction between his shoulder and arm. They watched TV for a while before Kagome found herself thinking about the same things she thought of in the car this morning.

“InuYasha, can I ask you a serious question?” She pulled her head up to look him properly in the face. “What are we?”

“What do you mean?”

“What is our relationship status? Like if I were to refer to you in my diary what would I consider you?”

“You keep a diary?” he asked a little off subject. Kagome could already see the insults running through his mind.

“It was a hypothetical situation. InuYasha, focus please.” He fixed his face accordingly, so Kagome knew he was taking her request seriously. He grabbed her hand with his left hand.

“I’m sorry Kagome. I guess I was the stupid one last night and forgot to make it official.” He took his right hand and held it up to her cheek tenderly. “Would you like to be my girlfriend? My real girlfriend. No tricks or disguises. No strings attached. Just you and me?” His liquid gold orbs melted away any doubt Kagome had at that time. She nodded her head because she wasn’t too trusting of her voice at the moment. He smiled genuinely and when he went in for a kiss, she did not push away. Like last night, he took her breath away. It was a soft feathery kiss with a tint of passion as he licked her luscious lips, asking permission for entrance. A little shyly, a definite out of character trait for Kagome, she opened to him. It wasn’t that she had never kissed any one before, she had had her fair share of guys in the past, it was just that she never met anyone who was as good of a kisser as InuYasha or someone she cared for as much as she did for him. InuYasha sensed the hesitation as her lips opened a little. Not wanting to take advantage of her, he dipped his tongue in, tasting the sweet nectar that he knew he would become hopelessly addicted to, and then reluctantly ended the kiss. They both drew away for a minute to catch their breaths.

“You’re pretty good at that,” Kagome got out, still trying to calm her heart.

“I’ve had plenty of practice.”

“Oh really, just how much practice? Hmm?” Kagome cast a stern gaze and pouted.

“That’s a conversation for a different time and it doesn’t matter now because I love you Kagome Higurashi and no one else.”

“You sure? Kikyo does seem to be a close second,” she laughed out loud.

“Kikyo is no where near you,” he said truthfully.

“Good.” She nodded her head with satisfaction. “And you know what?”

“Hmm?” he responded raising his eyebrow inquisitively.

“I love you too, InuYasha Takahashi.” She pecked him on the cheek and settled back against his arm, this time leaning her head a little closer to his chest. He chuckled and kissed the top of her head in a loving and protective gesture. She listened as the laugh sent vibrations through his body and then all that was left was the low buzz of the television set and two hearts beating as one.

~The Next Morning~

Kagome woke up early to get ready for the senior breakfast. She didn’t want to take a shower, but washed her body and shaved her legs. She toweled off and then slipped into the outfit. Everything fit as well as it did yesterday and this time she put on the headband. Kagome twirled once in the mirror.

‘If Wonder Woman was Asian, she would definitely look like that.’ Kagome giggled. She grabbed her bag and went downstairs. It was decided yesterday that she would get a ride with Sango because having InuYasha drop her off and walk to school dressed like she was, would cause endless stares and she didn’t want to draw attention. Plus, Sango was also dressed up so Kagome would not be the only one dressed unusually.

Kagome heard a knock at the door and opened it.

“Diana, or should I say Wonder Woman, you are definitely one hot piece of ass,” Sango yelled out. Kagome hushed her.

“You are not too bad yourself, Hawk Girl. Shiera would be proud.” Sango had on a golden top that was usually strapless, but had straps so it would fit with the school code. She also had a belt that held up a pair of dark green leather pants with red boots to match the belt. They both decided that the usual Hawkgirl mask was a bit too much so she used a simpler one to just cover her eyes. “But where are your wings?” Kagome questioned.

“They are in the back of my car. You would be surprised to find how hard it is drive with them on.”

“You mean you actually tried?”

“Yeah and it didn’t work out so well.” Kagome laughed at her.

“Well lets get going. We should make sure that everyone in the group got into their outfits okay.” Sango agreed and they both left to school.

The gym was not dressed up in any way but had a huge buffet table of pancakes, syrup, and butter. The best part was all of the costumes everyone had on. It was a pretty amazing sight. On one side of the gym was a group dressed in togas and trying to get in position to recreate the image of the Last Supper. There was a group dressed up as vampires and another as the Ninja Turtles. Then there were some individuals who did a Transformer theme or villain theme. You could tell some people put in a lot of time to their costumes and it paid off. Kagome and Sango took a minute longer to look at everyone before finding their group. It was a pretty easy task because Shippo waved to them once they turned their heads his way. After making it through the crowd, Kagome and Sango found their group. Shippo was dressed as Flash and was standing next to a Batman, Superman, and Green Lantern. The only person they were missing was their Martian Man Hunter. He came up behind Kagome and Sango placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

“You guys ready to beat all of these other losers with our costumes?” came a deep voice from under the suit.

“You bet!” Sango shouted. “Our Justice League is the shit. I can’t believe how well all of the costumes fit you guys, and believe me it wasn’t easy to find your size.” The guys murmured their appreciation and then started comparing outfits. Naturally, that conversation drifted to who was the better super hero, a conversation that was not limited to just their group. Other people from different groups came to debate throwing around names such as the Hulk or Spiderman. It was a heated debate and it was going along well until a group came in and all the guys couldn’t help but ogle with mouths agape.

Kikyo and her group came in. It was about three separate groups each with one male and three girls. The guys were dressed in a red satin robe, matching red pants, and blue loafers. The girls were all dressed in Playboy bunny outfits, violating almost every school rule. It was a strapless one-piece bodice, fish net stockings, stilettos, and a pair of bunny ears on their heads. It was a recreation of the group from the show The Girls Next Door. The guys were Hugh Hefner and the girls were either Bridget, Kendra, or Holly. All of the men in the gym could not stop staring and this was the exact reaction Kikyo was trying to gage from them, the smirk on her face telling all as she clung to InuYasha’s arm. Even the teachers seemed speechless, but one of them headed over to Kikyo. Kagome watched as the teacher whispered angrily in Kikyo’s ear. Kikyo didn’t even look disturbed. She whispered a few words back and the teacher’s face changed completely, nodded, and then left.

‘Figures. Kikyo gets away with everything.’ Kagome rolled her eyes.

“Makes you sorta want to puke.” Sango told Kagome. “I mean we all know they are whores in private, but I thought they had a little more class than to display it for all the world to see.” The people around who heard them sniggered. “Alright boys, keep your johnnies in your pants. Lets go eat.” Everyone’s eyes seemed to snap back in their heads and decided to follow Sango’s instructions. Kagome followed Sango to the buffet table but along the way, met with InuYasha’s eyes. She gave him the once over, robe and all, and then raised her eyebrow in a mocking gesture. He rolled his eyes and gave her a look that said he would explain later. She looked at him one more time, gave him a pitiful grin, and turned away.

He watched her athletic toned body turn. Her legs were smooth and elongated by the boots and the rest of body, shapely in all the right ways. Her hair shined and twirled as she made small movements and he could see the light in her eyes even from far away. He felt a primeval stir in the pits of his stomach.

‘Damn, she is beautiful.’ Kagome seemed so much more appealing than Kikyo. Kikyo was one of those girls that laid out all of her goods on the table in the beginning so once you got over the initial shock, there just wasn’t that much more to wonder about. So even though she was dressed seductively, and hanging all over him, every guy’s dream in the gym, it just didn’t hold his attention like it held others. On the other hand, Kagome left a lot up to the imagination, tempting him physically; emotionally, she already captured him.

Breakfast was as enjoyable as it was going to get with Kikyo around. Everybody seemed to be having fun and the judges made constant rounds with their clipboards, making notes of all the costumes. It turned out that everyone got a kick out of the Justice League costumes. The students kept asking to take pictures with the whole group or just individual shots of certain people. The guys particularly liked having Kagome pose as Wonder Woman on one side and Sango as Hawkgirl on the other. Kagome inwardly wondered how many of these pictures were going to end up on myspace or facebook, but she really didn’t care. She was having too much fun. InuYasha did not like the fact that the guys were constantly asking to take pictures with Kagome. If anyone knew the workings of a teenage boy’s mind, it was him, and he was sure whatever thoughts going through their heads was not pure. But he couldn’t exactly be too criticizing. He was the one with scantily clad girls around him acting like they were his girlfriends. Still, he didn’t like it.

“Aww, honey, what’s wrong?” Kikyo asked InuYasha, taking a seat in his lap.

“Kikyo, get off of me. I am in no mood.”

“InuYasha,” she whispered into his ear, “remember why we are doing this.”

“I know why we are doing this, but we don’t need to be this convincing. Seriously, get off.” Kikyo tried to make a cute pout, but InuYasha didn’t waver in his resolve. “Come on Kikyo.” She gave him one more pleading look, but still no change. She got off and stormed away to a bunch of her girl friends. Someone pulled up a chair next to InuYasha. There was a flash of a black cape and then a grunt as a man sat down. “And what are you suppose to be, Miroku.”

“Dude, don’t tell me you can’t figure it out. Black hat, cape, mask, sword? Come on. I’m Zorro!”

“I just thought you were some poor copy of Batman.”

“OUCH InuYasha. Our Ugly Comments Hurt.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“You think I’m the idiot when you just made your girlfriend, the hottest girl in the school, next to Sango of course, mad and walk away.”

“I can’t help it. She was being annoying. And you’re also wrong. She isn’t the hottest girl in the school.” His eyes instantly searched to find Kagome’s figure.

“I’m just kidding man. We all know how Kikyo can get. Hang in there and the fight will blow over.”

“I hope not,” InuYasha said too low for Miroku to hear.

“Did you say something? Ah, well you can tell me later. I must go find my lovely Hawkgirl.”

“You really like Sango, huh?”

“What’s not to like? She’s beautiful, strong, speaks her mind, and is not afraid to slap me around when I try to cop a feel. I think I’m in love.” Miroku held his chest and bent back dramatically. He laughed then said a quick good bye to InuYasha.

“Alright students, listen up!” boomed a voice through the gym. “Our judges have come up with the winners for the costume contest. The winner for the individual costume contest is Jonathon Smith, our Transformer. The group winner was a tough call and so it resulted in a tie between the Justice League group and the Last Supper group. Can we have all winners report to the side of the gym to take pictures for the yearbook. Thanks and you all have about ten minutes before heading to 4th period.”

Kikyo’s face was extremely annoyed. She went to go yell at the teachers for not choosing her group. Kagome heard the teacher saying she could get away with dressing like that for today but she wasn’t going to win after violating so many dress codes. Kagome smiled. At least something went right.

The yearbook students organized the Last Supper group behind the buffet table so that it replicated the painting. It took just a minute to finish with them. They asked Jonathon to act like he was eating a whole plate of pancakes, so he looked as indestructible as a Transformer. Last, Kagome’s group was organized into the triangular formation with Superman in the front, Wonder Woman and Batman next to him, Green Lantern and Flash next in the lines, and ending with the Martian Manhunter and Hawkgirl. They were all asked to create a heroic dramatic pose and the image was snapped with a digital camera. Everyone broke out into laughter after it was done, poking fun at who had the weirdest pose. That was how the breakfast ended. By the time Kagome finished with school, she decided that she had enough fun in the morning that it made up for the teases she received throughout the day from other students and teachers. Kagome’s phone rang as she made her way out of the school.

“Hey InuYasha.”

“H-e-l-l-o Kagome,” he annunciated so she wouldn’t pick oh him for not saying hi when they were on the phone. She laughed at him.

“The dog finally learned a new trick.”

“Did I tell you that I didn’t like that nickname?”

“Do you know that I don’t really care? I think it happens to suit you well.”

“Keep insulting me and I may not give you a ride home. Wouldn’t you look nice walking home in that outfit?” Kagome grimaced.

“You win this time. Where are you?”

“By the flower shop.”

“Okay, I’m just turning the corner.” She snapped the phone shut and saw his car parked on the side of the street. She got into the passenger side and then closed the door quickly. She had enough jesting for the day and wanted to get home. She turned to him in the seat. “Don’t you look like… a perverted eighty-two year old man, in a bath robe.”

“Not my idea, at all. Kikyo just came over this morning with the costume. I didn’t even know we were going to dress up.”

“Sure,” Kagome responded with skepticism.

The car was traveling at a high speed on the street, barely encountering any red lights. Kagome took off her headband and ran her hands through her hair. She undid the cape as well and let it fall off behind her back. Her bare shoulders were smooth and untouched, as was the rest of her body that was showing. InuYasha had a hard time concentrating on the road.

“And you thought I was the eager one. Look at you. Can’t even keep your clothes on till we get to your house.” InuYasha bantered, trying to break his hold on her.

“For your information, the costume was just becoming a little too confining. I might need to put the cape back on once we get out, it’s pretty cold outside.” InuYasha pulled to the side of the street in front of the shrine.

“Just wait in here,” he instructed. He pressed a button that popped open the trunk. InuYasha stepped out around the car to the back and pulled something out. He then appeared at her door and opened it up. The wind made it’s way through the open crack and Kagome immediately try to shield her body from the offending cold. InuYasha offered his unoccupied hand to her, and she took it. After standing up, InuYasha wrapped around her one of his jackets. Although it was a couple sizes too big, Kagome was grateful for the warmth, the good smell that came with it, InuYasha’s smell, was just an added bonus. She nestled into the jacket and InuYasha couldn’t help but notice how cute she looked in it. InuYasha picked up her stuff and grabbed her hand to walk her to her house. Kagome’s hair was whipping wildly around her, so she tucked her head into the jacket a little bit deeper.

“Thanks InuYasha,” came a muffled voice from the inside of the jacket.

“No problem.” They reached her door and Kagome turned around and ended up in InuYasha’s waiting arms.

“You will need to let go of me if you want your jacket back.” But Kagome took advantage of the moment and nuzzled into his chest.

“Keep it for now. I like the thought that there is going to be a part of me in your bedroom.” Kagome half laughed and half shivered. InuYasha held her body closer. Kagome looked up into his eyes, with a kind of twinkle. She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him. It should have felt awkward, since it had only been a day since they got together, but somehow they fit like two pieces of a whole. How did this happen? Being InuYasha’s girlfriend? She had known him since she was a little kid, training together, and never in a million years did she dream that they would end up like this. She enjoyed the tenderness of their kiss for a little longer before the cold got to both of them. Kagome pulled away. She smiled.

“Thanks again. I love you, InuYasha.”

“Love you too Kagome. Stay warm.” He gave her one more tight squeeze and departed. Kagome watched his figure grow small and disappear down the steps of the shrine.

Never did she fantasize she would see herself yearning for InuYasha as he walked away. Never did she think, she would replay their warm, passionate kisses over and over in her mind. Never did she imagine her heart would beat faster at the sight of him and go crazy at his touch. Never did she envision herself wanting one person so much in her entire life. Never in a million years. Yet, here she was, more hopelessly in love than she ever thought possible.

A/N: I am sorry to say that this will be my last update for a while. I have just started school and my extra time will be limited. I will try to get to it whenever I can but sometimes I may not be able to. I hope you have enjoyed what I put out this summer. It has been my baby, so to speak.

I am not one to hound readers for reviews, but I’m not sure what kind of reception this story is getting. Even just a few words such as ‘good job’ or ‘needs work’ would help. Please consider spending the extra minute to tell me how I am doing.

As a side note, the Wonder Woman outfit is basically the same as the TV shows except for the skirt and the long cape, which are my ideas. If I can find a picture to show, I will include it in the next update otherwise you are just going to have to use your imagination. The same goes with the Hawkgirl costume.

So to end my tirade, I want to give sincere thanks for sticking with me so far and I hope you will all continue to do so even if my updates are few and far between.

Ms. S. Hisake