InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bad Influences ❯ Bad Influence # Ten: Laughing at People ( Chapter 10 )

I am in LOVE with Tales of the Abyss! AWESOME RPG! I highly recommend it for any role-playing fanatic! Luke is so CUTE! Like a red headed baby! Anyway, I REALLY hope you enjoy this chapter. Please enjoy it! ^_^;

 

 

 

Bad Influence # Ten: Laughing at People

 

“Let go of me.” Kagome swatted his hands away, angrily. Sorry she may be for not telling him why she was treating like a plague for the past week but she was not going to let him manhandle her. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves while closing her eyes, she turned back to look at him, before her eyes rested on the clean bandages on his forehead.

 

Already the guilt was intensifying as she remembered the way those wounds got there in the first place. Inuyasha must've noticed her staring at his forehead because he next said, “If this is some shit about feeling guilty for the cut on my head-”

 

“No. That's not it at all.” Kagome replied automatically.

 

“Then what is it!” She could tell he was losing his patience.

 

Not knowing how to explain the situation without completely embarrassing herself, Kagome stared at her shoes, realizing that she was wearing the running shoes he had given her. “Well…” She began, but didn't know what she was going to say. “I…uh…” She heard Inuyasha give a deep sigh of annoyance, her head snapping to watch him as he ran his fingers through his bangs, pushing the hair back, only to have it tumble back to its original place when he pulled his hand away.

 

“This had been the most annoying week.” He mumbled.

 

Kagome said nothing. She owed him the truth, but how could she tell him that she was avoiding him in fear of people making up more crazy stories about their “affair.” The last thing she needed was him getting the wrong idea.

 

“Okay,” she cleared her throat, “I've been avoiding you because, the day I came back to school after playing hooky…” She saw that he staring somewhere at the ground, his attention focused on something other than what she was saying.

 

Temper rising, Kagome yelled, “Do you EVER pay attention to what I'm saying! Here I am, trying to explain what you want to know and you, with your stupid, short attention span! It's like that time I was showing you around the school, even back then you would nod off when I start talk-”

 

Inuyasha's hand had swiftly covered her mouth and Kagome gave him an angry look, watching as he rubbed his forehead with his index and middle finger tiredly.

 

“Shut up! I heard you, damn it.” He said, giving her an annoyed look and taking his hand away.

 

“ `SHUT UP!' Why you-”

 

“What happened to your leg?” He said as he removed his hand just as Kagome raised her own hands to swat his away.

 

“Y-what?”

 

“My…leg?” Kagome looked down, seeing the bandages on her lower right calf, remembering the rage of the students that caused it.

 

“I fell during track practice.” She replied, her anger fading away.

 

“Is that why you haven't been practicing?” Kagome looked at him in question.

 

“Sango told me. Plus I noticed that you kept looking out at the field with a sad look on your face.”

 

“I'm not practicing, because I've been given temporary suspension.” She said truthfully, mentally making a note to tell Sango not to explain her mood changes to everyone. She noticed the mildly surprised look on his face.

 

“You're on probation? How come?”

 

“Because the other members are mad at me and the coach noticed.”

 

She could see him working through the information. “Why would your teammates be so pissed with you? Unless you nagged them to death with your place as captain or something.”

 

“I don't nag!” Kagome defended.

 

“Riiiiiiiight.”

 

“They're treating me different because of the rumors floating around about you and me!” Kagome yelled.

 

“Rumors? What rumors?” Kagome's jaw dropped.

 

“Y-you mean you really didn't know?”

 

“I could care less about what bullshit school kids make up about other kids.” He huffed.

 

“Well, ever since I came back to school, there's been rumors flying around about…” Kagome blushed, looking away and twisting her hands together nervously. “…how I ditched school just to be with you, how the two of us are having an affair, how I'm supposedly cheating on my `boyfriend' with you, how you and I are in some kind of love triangle, how I'm full of myself because I think I've lured two boys into my deceitful trap of lies…”

 

She looked back up at him, red-faced, to see his jaw had dropped and he was staring at her wide-eyed. He scratched his forehead with his thumb and forefinger, before covering his mouth with the palm of his hand. For a moment, she thought he was immersed in worry, or that he was ready to yell at her, but why were his shoulders shaking?

 

Was he laughing? It wasn't long before the soft chuckles behind his hand, became hysterical bits laughter as he bent forward, hands on his knees.

 

“W-what! What's so funny, why are you laughing!”

 

“You! Oh my god…” He rose, scratching the bridge of his nose with his forefinger, sill chuckling slightly underneath his speech, “…you…you're such…you're such a girl.”

 

Raising her brows, Kagome said in exasperation, “It took you this long to notice?”

 

Smirking and standing up straight, Inuyasha answered, “No, I pretty much knew you were female when I saw you run downstairs in nothing but a towel that time I stayed at your place.”

 

Kagome face turned so red that someone would have thought she had a covered it with crimson paint. She pretended to find the clouds fascinating, looking up while trying not to think about that little incident that rainy morning.

 

“I meant,” Inuyasha began, becoming somewhat serious, but still smiling slightly at Kagome's distress, “that I should've known it was something so typical.”

 

“Typical?”

 

“Why should you care about what other people think? I didn't think you were the type to worry about some bullshit people decide to make up about you.”

 

“I'm not. I don't care what the student think about me.”

 

“Oh really?” He said smugly.

 

“NO! I really don't! I'm serious-WILL YOU STOP LAUGHING! THIS IS NOT FUNNY!”

 

Inuyasha was now holding his stomach and Kagome, becoming increasingly frustrated, fisted the collar of his shirt, shaking him.

 

“STOP!”

 

“All right, all right. I'm done.” Inuyasha said, waving his hands, though he was still chuckling a little. “Do you mind?” He asked, indicating that fists that were still clutching his shirt. Kagome pulled her hands away, giving him a grumpy stare.

 

“So if it wasn't the students that you cared about, what was bothering you?” He looked at her irritated face with a smirk.

 

“It's the teachers I worry about.”

Inuyasha suddenly became completely serious. “Teachers?”

 

“If word gets to the administrators about my `illicit' behavior, I might get kicked off student council and track.”

 

“How so?”

 

“Teachers want students in the Council who are responsible and serve as a role models for the rest of the school. If the rumors reached them, I might get removed because they might think I'm not fit for the role. In fact, the treatment from the other students in track got me temporary suspension until I can sort out this problem.”

 

Inuyasha blinked, “You mean your leg?”

 

“Someone threw a stone on the field and it got stuck in my spikes, so I fell.”

 

“Was that why you were avoiding me? Because the rest those assholes were picking on you?”

 

“No…” Kagome said guiltily. “I was avoiding you because I didn't want the rumors to get worse. Every time you were near or I was talking to you, the people around us would come up with more crazy stories. I thought I would be fine so long as I ignored their garbage, at least, that was until they became physical. When you got hold of me earlier, I couldn't take everyone staring at me and talking, and I wanted to get away so…” Kagome looked away, feeling guilty, “…I'm sorry.”

 

Inuyasha folded his hands. “Why didn't you just tell me?”

 

“I'm sorry.”

 

“Man, what a pain.” Inuyasha said as he lit a cigarette he had just pulled from the box in his pocket. Kagome saw him take a long exhale before saying, “You know this problem's not going to go away now that we are on talking terms again.”

 

“I know.”

 

He placed his hands back in his pockets, “So what are you going to do, start pretending I don't exist again?”

 

“No, that method seems to do the opposite effect, actually. People think I'm avoiding you because we had a fight or something.”

 

“Then just ignore them.”

 

“Easier said then done. I can't exactly get my duties in student council done if every jealous girl is avoiding me or flirtatious guy is bothering me.”

 

“What?” Inuyasha stated angrily.

 

“People have been saying that I'm easy since they think I'm dating you.”

 

“Who do they think I am, some kind of sex fiend?” He glowered, crossing his arms, Miroku's smug face coming to mind. “Well, whatever, that's not important. I guess the best thing to do is to wait it out.”

 

“I wish there was a way to make the rumors stop.” Kagome grumbled with a big sigh.

 

Inuyasha exhaled a bit of smoke before throwing the used cigarette on the ground and stepping on it. “Maybe I should tell the whole school I'm gay.” He said grumpily, rubbing his foot on the over the cigarette. “No, that won't work; I'd have some weirdoes come after me instead. Then I'd have another whole set of problems, Satoshi would be a prick and tease me until the end of time and Maki will definitely not be happy. Sorry, Kagome, that plans a no-go.” He gave a shudder, and Kagome couldn't help smiling before a small giggle escaped her.

 

“Thanks,” she said, “I needed that.”

 

“Don't worry about what those jackasses say.” He said, walking over and patting Kagome on the head, making her shoulders jump up and her face burn. “Don't worry about the teachers either. Sango's still behind you, right?”

 

“Yeah, you're right. I just hope I can work around their treatment.” Kagome said.

 

“Plus, it's not like what they say is true anyway.” Inuyasha leaned in to her face so that his nose was touching hers, while his hand moved from her crown to her shoulder. “Unless…you and I decide to make it real.”

 

Kagome's heart did a back flip. Here eyes widened as more blood rushed to her head. She squeaked and jumped back a good three feet away from him, pointing her finger when Inuyasha stared laughing. “That's not funny!” She yelled.

 

“It's too much fun to make fun of you.”

 

“Well, I wish you would stop, I've got enough problems as it is, I don't need you to laugh at me every chance you get.”

 

He smiled, pulling his left hand from his pocket and checking the time on his watch. “Aw, fuck. I've only got half an hour before work. I'd better go.” He made a move to leave.

 

“Wait, what were you going to tell me?” Kagome called, her face still a bit flushed, suddenly remembering that he had wanted to inform her of something, but that whole week she hadn't given him the chance. Now that the problem was cleared, she was quite interested to know what he wanted to say.

 

“Tell you what?” He turned back to face her.

 

“You said you had something important to tell me? That day I started avoiding you, remember.”

 

The unwanted thought came to him so quickly he frowned with such a nasty look, that Kagome called out his name in worry. “Oh, yeah, that.” Inuyasha stated, all traces of anger and annoyance he had felt for being ignored by the girl in front of him, faded as he remembered the reason that he felt sick earlier that week.

 

“Listen, it's about September.”

 

“What about it?”

 

“I'm not going to be here for a week. I know that the deal says I have to come to school three days a week, but I can't be here at a certain time.”

 

“Why?” Kagome asked, both in confusion in curiosity.

 

“That's my business. It's important.” He stated.

 

“Okay, I guess. Just this once though.” She shrugged. He could clearly see the interest and confusion in her frowned faced, but knew he wasn't going to expand his statement. All he needed was her approval. He didn't want to break his deal, but he didn't want to break his promise to Satoshi either.

 

 

“I'd better go.” Inuyasha turned to leave after a quick look at his watch.

 

Yoko saw Inuyasha head for his car as she watched from behind the bleachers. Angrily, she snapped her cell phone in half. Just as she was about to go home and enjoy the sweet scent of an upcoming victory, she noticed the pair and having them solve their little predicament was not good for what she was planning. She would have to find another way to get Kagome to look the part.

 

()()()()()()()

 

“You called?” Inuyasha said tiredly as he came into the room, twirling his keys around his index finger before pocketing them. He gave Satoshi and Miroku a reproachful look, as if blaming his fatigue on them before sitting himself at the table.

 

“You realize that it's eleven o' clock and I have school tomorrow. What's so important?”

 

It was rather annoying to get out of work and then be asked to rush over to Satoshi's place, when he wanted nothing more than to get to his bed. However, the half exited tone of voice Miroku had when he called him over, made Inuyasha a bit intrigued as to what so urgent.

 

“We got a letter from Maki.” Satoshi stated, smiling at the sealed envelope in his hands.

 

“Why didn't you read it?” Inuyasha asked, though he couldn't deny, despite being rather annoyed that he was being kept from a good night's sleep, that he was interested in what Maki's letter contained.

 

“It's written in English.” Satoshi said, sliding the letter across the table to Inuyasha, who looked at him wearily.

 

“Then why didn't you ask Miroku to read it?” He gave his other friend a scolding look as if calling him lazy.

 

“Sorry, my friend, but the letter is addressed to you, and I don't want to risk dear Maki's rage should she find out that I opened it without her permission.” Miroku shrugged, an amused look on his face.

 

“Yeah, right. The two of you were just too exited to wait till tomorrow to read it.”

 

“ You have to admit, Inuyasha that you're interested to know what she wrote too. Besides, you would've been pissed that we waited until tomorrow to tell you.”

 

“S-shut up!” Inuyasha growled while Miroku and Satoshi exchanged knowing looks. “You know, Satoshi, you should really retake that foreign language class.” He said as he opened the letter.

 

“I agree; you shouldn't have spent more time paying attention rather than sleeping. It would do you more good if you were bilingual.” Miroku stated.

 

“Just shut up and read the letter!” Satoshi shouted.

 

Smiling, Inuyasha pulled the contents from the envelope. It was funny, he fond himself thinking, now he was sleeping in his foreign language class, but he was not going to tell Satoshi that.

 

“Dear Inuyasha,” He began translating, “How are you doing? I hope the three of you are getting along without me there. So what's going on over there? Is Miroku still keeping his girlfriend away from you two?”

 

Inuyasha and Satoshi snickered, giving Miroku a pair of grins that made him so exasperated, he yelled, “Just get on with it!”

 

“I miss you three. London is certainly…big. It took a while to get used to the time change as well as the city itself. Sorry I didn't write sooner, I'm just so busy, but I'm doing well, going to school and working. I wish I had your tongue Inuyasha; you pick up languages so fast. I hate your photographic memory! Half the time I was wondering if you were some weird kind of genius and it turns out you have a storage system in your brain. And I had wasted a good year figuring out how you do it!”

 

Satoshi couldn't help laughing and Inuyasha yelled at him to be quiet before continuing. “It's just so boring studying aboard without you guys. There's no one here to entertain me. I do have some good news though. I have a two-week vacation coming soon, and I'm planning on flying back to Japan to see you! I'll send another letter to tell you when I'm coming. Until then, Satoshi shouldn't bet anything he can't lose. Inuyasha, you better not eat yourself into a coma. And tell Miroku to learn to glue his eyes to his head and keep his hands to himself.”

 

“She knows us to well.” Satoshi stated, shaking his head.

 

“That's Maki for you. The beauty doesn't miss a beat.” Miroku sighed deeply.

 

“I'm not consuming more than is healthy!” Inuyasha growled when he read the next sentence. “In fact, I should say I'm consuming LESS than is healthy!”

 

“Just read the rest of the letter.” Satoshi ordered.

 

Grudgingly, Inuyasha continued reading as Maki's letter suddenly went from uplifting to cheerless.

 

“I'm sorry I can't be there this time. I know the fifteenth is coming around, and I can't make it. Could you apologize to Satoshi for me? So this is five years now. I can't believe it's been that long since that day. I hope you're feeling all right. I'll send my respects form here, so I'll be with you guys in spirit.”

Inuyasha paused, using the last part of Maki's letter as an excuse not to read the next two paragraphs aloud. It was a good thing that Satoshi couldn't read English and that Miroku had enough respect not to read a letter that was not directed to him. It was clear now why Maki had chosen to write the letter in another language. There was clearly a portion of the letter she wanted only Inuyasha to see and from her worried and fearful tone, it was a good thing that he had caught it and not read it aloud.

 

Looking back up to see that Satoshi wanted him to continue, he skipped the two paragraphs that were directed to him. “I'm sorry for bringing up such gloomy topics in my letter. I just had to let you know. Anyway, I'll let you know as soon as I can when I'm coming over and I can't wait to see you guys. Best wishes, and I hope everything goes well on the fifteenth. With love, Maki.”

 

“So, Maki will be visiting soon.” Miroku stated, trying to keep the conversation from averting to the last topic in Maki's letter.

 

“In London or in Tokyo, she's still the same.” Inuyasha stated, folding the letter back into its envelope and placing it inside his jacket. “I'll write back as soon as I can. Hey, Satoshi. Don't let it get to you.”

 

“I'm fine.” He stated tiredly, knowing what Inuyasha meant.

 

“Next time, wait until morning to tell me that Maki sent a letter.” He said tiredly before heading to the door.

 

“You're welcome, Inuyasha.” Miroku called back.

 

“Keh!”

 

Inuyasha walked out into the cool night breeze, thinking about that portion in Maki's letter that only he was meant to read. Coming to stand next to his car, he unlocked the door, sitting in the driver's seat and pulling the letter from his pocket.

 

“Maki…”

 

()()()()()()()

 

“You know, you could at least TRY to make an effort.” Kagome said angrily as she had just shaken Inuyasha awake. Being back on speaking terms with him made things a lot easier. For the most part, the rumors seemed to be in an uproar ever since the students noticed that the pair of them was talking again. Although the girls sent her dirty looks every now and then, it was easier to cope with now that Sango and Inuyasha were on her side. She took his advise, ignoring whatever snide remarks she got from the students, and it seemed to infuriate the girls that Kagome was unaffected by their sneers.

 

Now that she was talking to Inuyasha again, it seemed the girls were too threatened to try and attack her, in fear of losing Inuyasha's respect. When one her classmates had tripped her, Inuyasha had noticed and said, “You know it's bad enough that you believe some bullshit rumor, it's worse when you use it as an excuse to pick on other people.” He had given her a nasty look, before pushing past and helping Kagome to stand.

 

Most of the students were still unconvinced that the rumors weren't true, but, grudgingly, most of them had stopped ignoring Kagome in student council, and she could run in track again, now that the girls on the team were too afraid of Inuyasha to do anything.

 

Inuyasha looked at Kagome groggily while rubbing his eyes, saying “Why should I try to make an effort in a class where I know all the answers?” He placed his head back on the desk. “I should've ditched school today.”

 

“You know,” Sango said as she looked up from her work on the desk behind Inuyasha, “You do seem more tired today than usual.”

 

“Blame that damn Satoshi.” Inuyasha grumbled, his head still on the desk.

 

“Who?” Sango asked.

 

“His best friend.” Kagome answered. “What did he do?”

 

Inuyasha took a rather large yawn, and Kagome couldn't help noticing the almost fang-like canines in his teeth. “We got a letter from one of our friends who's studying aboard in England. He couldn't wait till today to tell me about it.”

 

“Wow, England. That's amazing. What's he studying?” Kagome couldn't help asking.

 

“She's learning about literature and the usual stuff.” Inuyasha said with another yawn.

 

“She?” An odd sensation came up in Kagome's stomach.

 

“Yeah. Maki.” Inuyasha said rather tiredly, startled when the bell rang. Rubbing his eyes, he rose from his seat, following Kagome and Sango out of the room.

 

“Oh, Kagome, do you mind waiting a moment.” The teacher called just as Kagome was walking out. “Could you take these to the office.” She gestured to a few papers on the desk.

 

“Sure.” Kagome said politely, picking them up.

 

“And you!” The teacher called to Inuyasha, who was wobbling behind Kagome, his eyes threatening to completely shut.

 

“Huh?” He said, rubbing his eyes.

 

“Since, you have nothing better to do than sleep, why don't you take these to the office as well.” She said, shoving a few books into his arms.

 

“Fine, whatever.” Inuyasha said wearily, rolling his eyes before turning to follow Kagome as she told Sango to head for class, while she led a sleepy Inuyasha through the halls toward the office.

 

Tiredly, he walked across the halls, looking at his shoes and thinking about the night before. Wishing that he was still in bed, Inuyasha didn't notice that Kagome was suddenly a few space ahead of him.

 

“Slow down!” He called after her as she quickly walked through the halls, walking faster to catch up.

 

“I don't want to be late for class.” She said quickly, “Don't tell me you're having a tough time keeping up.” She mocked, throwing him a challenging look.

 

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows. “Yeah right!” He began walking faster to meet her dare. “You're having trouble!” Kagome teased as she began walking faster.

 

“Oh, we'll see about that!” He said as he began lengthening his steps as well.

 

Kagome began half-skipping, half walking. Just as Inuyasha began catching up to her, she jumped into a light jog. “Hey!” She heard him yell from behind, before he rushed to meet her speed.

 

“You're too slow!” She yelled as she started sprinting through the halls. Giggling, Kagome didn't see who was standing in front of her before she rammed into the person, falling to her bottom on the floor, the papers she had been holding floating down around her.

 

“Oww.” She said, picking up the papers before looking up to see Tatsuya regain his balance. Inuyasha came to a halt at her side saying, “Oh shit.”

 

“Kagome, you know the rules, you're not supposed to run in the hallways!” Tatsuya gave her a scornful look before passing to stand between her and Inuyasha. Sighing, Kagome gathered the papers from the floor and got to her feet.

 

“Sorry, I didn't want to be late for class.” She grinned nervously.

 

“I don't know what's gotten into you!” Tatsuya began angrily and Kagome inwardly cringed, knowing he was waiting for the chance to lecture her about her lack of good behavior for the past week.

 

“First, those annoying rumors and now this!” Tatsuya began. “What's wrong with you? Are you paying attention!”

 

Kagome's eyes had wondered to Inuyasha. The moment Tatsuya began ranting he had rolled his eyes and mouthed, “Shut up!”

 

Tatsuya turned to see what had captured Kagome's attention, but Inuyasha just blinked at him.

 

“Anyway…” he turned back to Kagome. “Don't you think that your actions are very inappropriate!”

 

Inuyasha gave Tatsuya a wide-eyed look as if annoyed that he was still talking. Kagome covered her mouth to hide her chuckles when Inuyasha began opening and closing his mouth, as Tatsuya continued talking. She couldn't help but gasp out a loud hiccup when Inuyasha began rolling his eyes and sticking his tongue out at Tatsuya, who obliviously continued his scolding, unaware that Inuyasha was now making faces at him from behind.

 

“I don't like these rumors floating around the school! You're making student council look like it's filled with delinquents! And-what!” He turned again, and Inuyasha quickly pretended that he was looking at the back of his nails.

 

Turning back, he began again while Inuyasha mimed pulling a remote from his pocket to continuously press the “mute” button just to hush Tatsuya. Kagome's shoulders were now shaking as she tried to keep her laughs quiet while trying to pretend she was listening to Tatsuya at the same time.

 

“And now you're running in the halls as if you have no respect for the rules. Honestly-”

 

Kagome was now biting her tongue to keep herself from screaming in laughter as Inuyasha gave Tatsuya a half annoyed and tired look when he continued talking. He crossed his arms before, glaring at Tatsuya before pretending to unsheathe a sword from his hip.

 

“-you'd think a vice president for student council would behave herself-”

 

Kagome let out a small shriek as Inuyasha stabbed Tatsuya with his imaginary sword, mouthing, “Die, die, die!” He then stopped and pretended to pray for Tatsuya's “death.”

 

“-and try to set an example for the rest of the students-just what is so FUNNY!”

 

He turned, but Inuyasha was just stood there with his arms crossed. “What?” He growled at Tatsuya. “Why the hell do you keep looking at me?”

 

“I'm sorry Tatsuya.” Kagome gasped, trying her hardest not to laugh. “I'll try to do better.” She said with as much as a straight face as she could manage.

 

“I suggest,” Tatsuya threw a rather spiteful look at Inuyasha, “that you stay away from this delinquent before his stupidity rubs off on you!” With that, he angrily stormed away.

 

Just as Tatsuya rounded a corner, Kagome burst into laughter with Inuyasha. “W-what…what were you praying for?” She asked between laughs.

 

“For him to shut up.” Inuyasha snickered.

 

Kagome let out a scream of mirth as she crouched, holding her stomach, releasing all the laughter she had kept inside. “That…that was too funny!” She said, straightening up, but still giggling softly.

 

“I don't think I've ever had this much fun laughing at someone else!” She gave Inuyasha light punch on the arm. “But that was still a little mean, you know.” She reprimanded, but she was still smiling.

 

“Really, I think it's a lot of fun.” Inuyasha stated, still chuckling softly. “Shit, does he talk to much. He nags more than you do! Now I see where you get it from.”

 

“Oh be quiet you!” Kagome huffed, but she was too proud to say that he was right.

 

“This has been a weird way to end a hectic week.” Kagome said.

 

“Tell me about it.” Inuyasha said tiredly.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Yoko growled as she watched the pair of them head for the office. This was not good! She needed something to step in the way again. Slowly, an idea formed in her mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It was laughing the whole time I wrote it! I couldn't help it! Also, I wanted to finally introduce Maki, because she DOES play an important role in the story. You'll see *wink.*

 

With love, JIAN OUT! Hope you liked it! ^_^