InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Highschool Hanyous and Miko Memories ❯ Dance and Dinner ( Chapter 2 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

“Hey, Kagome?” A sleep rough voice breathed down at me, tickling my cheeks with warm air. Squeezing eyes shut, I grunted at it and nuzzled into the warmth beside me. “Stop that.” It chided at me, and I realized it was male.

Eyes wide with panic, I fought against the suddenly iron grip around me. “Kagome, it's Inuyasha. It's alright.” I fought for a few seconds longer before everything caught up with me. “Kagome?” Inuyasha sounded worried, and his beautiful gold eyes studied me closely. “You Ok?” He sighed and helped me to my feet, making sure I could stand before doing so himself. Rubbing sleep from my eyes, I watched him stretch with interest. Muscles flexed beneath the red muscle shirt and the baggy black jeans that rode low on his hips. Embarrassed, I felt the sticky reminder of tears on my cheek. Washing my face, he fished around in his bag before handing me a bottle of water. “Sorry it's not cold or anything, but you must be thirsty.”

“Thanks.” I chugged half of it before handing it back. I looked at my watch and yelped. “It's 1:47! How long have we been in here?”

“Um, forth hour ends at noon, so an hour and 47 minutes.” He ran a hand through his silver hair, watching me the whole time. “I didn't think you wanted to be alone, so I stayed.” He sounded apprehensive and fidgeted nervously.

“Thanks.” I meant it. I hadn't cried since that night, and though mom had hugged me and tried to talk about it, I never felt it safe to really let go. Smiling at him, he visibly relaxed, and seemed to lounge on the air. Leaning back, he watched me with hooded eyes. Even though he looked kind of cute, I couldn't quell the slight finger of fear that stabbed at me at being watched so closely. Alone, in a room, with a boy. Five months ago, it would have sent me into tremors. “Could you get in my backpack for my make up bag? It's green.” He continued to watch me as I fixed my make up. Several times I wanted to shake him, to make him stop. Why was he looking at me like that? I wasn't that pretty, or maybe he thought I was some sort of freak.

No, that couldn't be it either. I remembered him talking, telling me about his mother and father. He wouldn't have told me that if he thought I was a freak. “Aren't Sango or Miroku worried? And what about the teachers?”

He laughed, and grabbed our stuff. He ignored my offered hand to take my pack and went to stand by the door. Ears cocked forward, he listened carefully before nodding for me to open the door. “I don't have classes with Sango and Miroku until last block, and I skip classes often enough that the teachers don't care as long as I have a somewhat good excuse. As long as I do the work, they could care less. Actually, I think they like it better when I'm gone.” He nodded down the hallway, and I realized I was completely lost. “That way to the gym.”

“How big is this school anyway?” I could see numerous hallways and a few closed off staircases. “How do you find your way around?”

“It's big. Three floors, in this part of the school anyway. A basement, though it's off-limits to students.” The way he said that made me sure he had went down there a few times. “And the middle school connects on the west side,” he pointed to his left. “and there's a swimming pool, track field, football field, and a bunch of other sports field on the east.” He laughed at my astonishment. “Didn't you go through on your orientation?” He frowned when I shook my head no. All I got was a brochure and a phone call. And a promise that someone would show me around. That went over well. “Well, it's not hard when you get used to it. We're on the second floor now, as juniors, the seniors have the third, and freshmen and sophomores share the first. Unless you're running an errand, or your class goes to one, you've got little reason to visit the other floors. And if you remember that south is the office, and north is the parking lot, you can find most anything.” We stopped at my locker. “Grab your clothes, we can get to last hour at least.”

“What about my other books?” I looked down at my stomach when it let out an untimely growl.

“We'll grab them after school, and then we can go get something to eat. I'm starved.” He walked a few feet, and then stopped at another locker. “26-32-09” He recited, and showed me his full arms. “Grab my stuff?”

His locker door was full of pictures, of Sango, Miroku, a girl I didn't know, and a few band cut outs. The girl was older than me, and had her arm around a scowling man who looked similar to Inuyasha. A silver mane, blue and red marks on his cheek, and searing gold eyes. He looked colder than Inuyasha though, and lacked the friendly smile. “That's Rin and my older brother.” He pointed at the couple, and then moved my attention away from the pictures. “Red bag, we still have a few minutes of walking.”

He lead me to a set of double doors, and stopped. “It's only 2:00. We've got ten minutes. Sit.” He directed me, dropping to the floor himself. “So, how do you like your day so far?”

I giggled, and slid to the floor beside him. I didn't miss that he leaned closer and inhaled. He'd been doing that all day, and for some reason it didn't freak me out. I was kind of happy about it. “So-so. At least the students are friendly, and some of them aren't bad looking.”

He blinked, and than gave me a cocky smirk. “Really? And who would these students be?”

“Let's see, Miroku isn't half bad, though I think Sango likes him.” He nodded and rolled his eyes, and made an impatient gesture for me to go on. “Hmm, Kouga isn't bad looking either.” He growled, a low playful growl. Giggling, I reached up and rubbed his ears. His growl turned from playful to a rolling purr. I didn't think dogs could purr, but he was fast proving that wrong. “But he's taken, poor me. The twins aren't really hot, more like baby cute.” He growled at me warningly, but didn't stop purring. “And a certain hanyou. Very hot. And has the cutest ears.” The bell rang, and I took back my hand morosely. He sighed, and gave me a look that told me he very much wanted me to continue.

Clearing his throat, he looked away, and stood up. Giving me a hand, he pulled me up, and didn't stop pulling until I rested against his chest. He opened his mouth to say something, and then went still with anger. Ears back, he pushed me away slightly and turned around. “Inu-kun! Dearest, you're waiting for me! How sweet.” Kikyo, my cousin, threw herself around his waist. “So, did you decide to say yes? Become my prince?” She caught sight of me, and her eyes went from flirty to ice. “Kagome, cousin, why are you here?” She was trying to sound confused, and was definitely giving me a chance to deny what we had been doing.

Detangling her, he stepped away, and stood to my side. He didn't say anything, waiting for me to decide the story. “He's been showing me around Kikyo. And had the teacher let us out early so he could show me the school. He didn't say anything about waiting for you.” He coughed, hiding a smirk behind his hand. “If anything, he's been waiting on me.”

She glared at me, and then a sly grin plastered itself on her lips. “Cousin, can I talk with you for a second, alone?”

Inuyasha shook his head, violently against the idea. Knowing she'd just get me later, at home, I agreed. She took me by the arm and dragged me out of the hanyou's earshot. “Cousin, I think it's time I explained something to you. Inuyasha is mine. He's been mine for the past three years, and I'm not going to give him up to a little slut like you.” Her words struck home, and I felt tears form in the back of my eyes. I'm not going to cry. That's what she wants. “And the only reason he's being so nice to you is the fact that you look somewhat like me.” She smiled cruelly at my discomfort. “He never got over me, and the fact that he's hung up on you is proof of that. Word of advice, cousin, be honest with yourself. You're not worth his attention. And he's going to realize that you're not me, and then he's going to leave. It's in his nature, he's half youkai.”

“And why do you like him so much? If he's half youkai, then he's surely not your type. Didn't you learn anything from Naraku? He'll use you, and then he'll hurt you.” She smirked at my squeak of pain. I had never liked or trusted Naraku; that was her. She thought he had been cheating on her with me, and said I cried rape when I got found out. She blamed me for Naraku skipping town on me.

“Hey, Kikyo.” Sango was suddenly beside me, an arm around my shoulders. “Why don't you and your little cretins crawl back into whatever hole you came from and leave my friends alone.”

“Sango, I hardly think this has anything to do with you.” Kikyo started, sending telling glares in her direction.

“Wrong bitch, she's my friend and that makes it my business. Be gone,” Sango jumped at her, making Kikyo peep and scurry behind Kagura. “Stupid cheerleader.” Sango's insult made me giggle, and the pain from Kikyo's words vanished. Turning me around, I noticed Inuyasha was gone, and my stuff was stacked neatly on the table. “Alright? Don't let her get to you, she's just jealous. Come on, Inuyasha and Miroku already went inside. Hey, Eliza, over here.” She waved to a short brunette who had a hand to the door. “Eliza, this is Kagome. Kagome, this is Eliza Glenn, she's a foreign exchange student from America.”

“Hey.” Her accent was defiantly American, but her Japanese was fluent. “I was looking for you and the dog boy sixth hour, but you never showed. What, he pulled you in a closet this fast?” She winked at me to let me know I was joking. Still, a little curl of displeasure at her words snaked around my insides. Frowning, she shook her head. “Don't worry, 'Yasha isn't that big of a jerk.” She continued to look, not at me, but almost around me. “Wow, your aura is really screwed up.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I can read auras. I was born a psychic.” She was distracted by a guy who came up behind her and hugged her tightly. “Dakota! Can't you see I'm talking!” She didn't sound mad, instead leaning back and kissing his chin. That was the only part of his face she could reach, he towered over all of us by at least six inches. He was taller than both Inuyasha and Miroku, and had dark curly hair that brushed his chin.

Chuckling, Dakota kissed her forehead and said something in English. She rolled her eyes up at him and responded in the same language. “Hey, don't be talking about people in a different language, it's not polite.” Sango said. “And what do you mean her aura's screwed up?”

“I don't know, it's just” she pursed her lips, struggling for the right words. “its tangled, and bleeding everywhere.” Her green eyes studied me, and she clicked her tongue on her teeth. “You haven't had a good past two years, that much is evident. Here,” She pointed at something to my right, something no one but she could see. “this is shredded, and it healed over badly. Your inner aura is almost blood red, which means something traumatic happened to you, or several somethings. Black edges, which means you don't trust many people, and sickly green swirls in your heart, which is really bad. Green is your health, and as mind over matter says, the sickness in your aura is affecting your physical health.” As she explained all this, her eyes darted around, catching the colors that no one else could see.

“But there is something really strange.” She didn't continue, and stopped at Dakota's poke to her ribs. Snapping at him in English, she returned to her reading. “Gold, and silver, and pink. Someone else's aura is trying to fix yours. Gold, the color of trust and strength. Silver, loyalty and understanding. Pink, love and fate. They surround you, and seem to be attempting to heal you.”

“You're joking. I thought you told me someone messing around with someone else's soul was impossible. Like that anyway.” Dakota spoke up. “They can cause serious damage to themselves and to however there messing with.”

“It's not like soul control. It's like the other aura is hurting too and the only way it knows how to stop the hurt is to stop hers.” She huffed, and turned away from us. “I don't write the rules, I just read.” With that she grabbed Dakota's arm and dragged him into the gym. “Hurry up guys, the bells going to ring.”

“That was odd.” Was the only thing I could say. “You have strange friends. A psychic, a pervert, and a half youkai. Anyone else I should know about?”

“They aren't that bad. Eliza's just odd in her own right. Dakota's a werewolf, and from America too.” She followed me into the gym, and lead me to the girl's locker room on the right. Already, most of the girls were done changing and I was glad for that. I didn't like people looking at my body, seeing all the scars. Most were disgusted, and everyone pitied me. Taking my bag, I went and changed into old sweats and a t-shirt. Sango was dressed similarly, black and pink sweats and a tie-dyed shirt. Eliza wore green and black, and had her long hair piled in a messy bun on her head. Pulling my own hair into a pony tail, I followed the pair out, and up the stairs.

The stands were folded up, revealing a small area where about 14 other girls were stretching. Unfortunately, Kikyo and her friends where among them. Instead of sweats, they wore skimpy shorts and cut off wife beaters. Down below, we could see the basket ball court through the folded seats. 20 guys milled around, most shoving or talking in a group. I could see Dakota, Inuyasha, and Miroku goofing around with Kouga and another boy.

“Alright girls, stop gawking at the meat and stand in line. Sango, Eliza, help the new girl. The rest, start at the top and get to work.” A female couch growled, and began to bark orders and criticism. When she finally called a brake, I was footsore and dizzy.

“I'll never get this!” I cried, following the other two to set on the steps.

“Don't worry about that. It'll get easier. I can come over after school and help you out.” Sango said, and pointed. “Hehe, Miroku just got his butt handed to him. Ouch, that really had to hurt.” Miroku, on the `skins' team, was laying on the floor moaning with everyone else laughing at him. His guard, a senior by the looks of it, was a mountain of flesh and had just let the poor guy pounce of his front.

Inuyasha, still laughing, helped his friend off the floor. His silver hair was pulled into a low pony tail and several strands stuck to his skin from the sweat pouring off his back. As he turned around, I got a good view of the washboard stomach and hard abs that he had stretched with earlier. His bare arms were solid too, and the muscles flexed and rippled under his smooth skin. His legs, freed from the baggy clothing and now holding up a pair of basket ball shorts, were just as ripped. All in all, he was very very very hot. There weren't enough verys to convey just how hot he was. I thought about earlier, and knew that if he had wanted to hurt me, he could have done it without a moments trouble. Instead, he had used that perfect body to pick me up and carry me to a place where I could let go.

“You are as bad as Miroku. And pick your jaw off the floor before you catch flies.” My jaws snapped together with an audible click. Eliza laughed at me, watching her boyfriend, also a skin, throw the ball to Inuyasha. Inuyasha was fast, and it was a good thing that Kouga was guarding him. No one else could keep up with him, Dakota was a few steps slower and Miroku didn't stand a chance. Smirking, Inuyasha faked left and leaped straight into the air, over Kouga's head and slam dunking the ball into the hoop. The metal ring snapped under his force and Inuyasha dropped to the floor gracefully on all fours. Another testament about just how strong the dog eared boy was.

“Takashi, that's the third one this month!” His couch yelled at him, more upset about having to call practice because of the broken hoop, which was dangling by the net in two pieces, then at him. “All right, thanks to that yahoo, you get to run laps for the rest of the period. Starting now.” He blew his whistle, and amid the groans and complaints, started toward his office to call the janitor.

“Thanks a lot Inuyasha!” “Jerk!” “I just healed up from the last fifty laps!” The last was from Miroku, who was still limping from the body blow, and was praying that his friend would suffer for the pain he was inflicting on the rest of the class. The only ones not complaining were Dakota, Inuyasha, and Kouga. They looked ecstatic that they had to run, and were racing each other around the gym.

“Girls! Stop staring and get up here!” The couch barked at us and we started back to the group.

“So, what do you say? Inuyasha can drop us off and I can show you how do to all this.” She waved her arms at the flailing bodies and did a little shake.

“Uh.” I wanted to accept her offer, but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to go eat with Inuyasha. My stomach heartily agreed with me. “Inuyasha said he was going to take me to get the rest of my books and get something to eat. Since I missed lunch, and fifth and sixth.” I explained.

“What were you doing anyway? I came by at the end of fifth and you weren't there, and apparently you missed sixth too. What were you and Inuyasha up to?” She put her hands on her hips and I had the feeling she was going to drag the information out of me.

“Can I tell you about it later? I promise.” I pleaded, and thankfully the couch barked at both of us to get dancing. We kept this up for another five songs and she told us we could go change. Giggling, the girls ran down the steps to shower and tease the still running boys. Dakota showed off by doing a triple back hand spring and landing in front of Eliza. Stealing a kiss, he winked at us and ran to catch up with the grinning boys. Teasing Eliza mercilessly, we went to shower and change. I was thankful they had stall showers and finished before everyone else. Grabbing my stuff, I went back to the gym.

It was empty except the two couches. Checking behind me out of old habit, I sat down with my back to the wall and took out my sketch pad. Flipping past scenery drawings and a few profiles, I stopped on my earlier ones. I couldn't decide on wither to make it a charcoal or finish it with the color pencils that Jii-chan had given me before I came here.

The resemblance was striking, even I could say that about it. I had drawn it from memory of first and second hour, picturing the smirk and smug eyes. Chin in one hand, he had his body turned to the artist. His left arm, he didn't strike me as a left handed person but he continued to surprise me, was curled around his notebook. At a glance, the person looked focused on something in front of him, out of the field of scope. But if you studied carefully at the light shaded eyes, you could see him looking out of the corners at the artist. Light, wispy shaded hair spilled from his shoulders, curling loosely on the flat surface he leaned on. The loose clothing stopped at the shoulders, and the curves of his arms were prominent.

“That's really good. How'd you get him to sit still long enough for you to draw that?” Eliza was leaning over me, analyzing the profile of Inuyasha with interest.

Snapping the pad shut, I shoved it back into the open pack beside me. Glancing around, I was comforted to find that the guys were just coming out of the locker room, across the room from me. Only Sango and Eliza stood next to me, observing my mild panic with amusement. “Chill, we won't laugh at you. I wish I could draw like that.” Eliza slid down the wall to sit next to me. “Can I see the rest?”

“No, maybe later.” I whispered, staring at my hands in my lap. Sango sat on my other side, and the guys finished the circle in front of me. Inuyasha sat in front of me, Dakota leaning against Eliza's waist and Miroku trying desperately to feel Sango's butt without her noticing. This didn't work out as he planned, and sprawled unconscious from her blow. “Doesn't he ever learn?”

“No.” They all chorused, chortling at his misfortune. “He keeps trying convince us that it's the hand that's cursed. We aren't buying it.”

“So, what where are you two going to eat?” Sango asked innocently, fixing me with a look that promised me she wasn't dropping our earlier conversation.

Inuyasha looked from her to me in confusion, turning red at the elbow to the rib from Dakota. Deciding that glaring at Sango was safer than glaring at me, he snorted. “I was thinking ramen.”

“Cheapskate! Take her to that new restaurant on Boulevard.” Sango offered.

“I like ramen.” He protested, but gave up in defeat when he was roused by the rest. “Fine, how about a compromise? Old Ray's?” Cheers met the name, and Eliza began begging to go with us. “It's up to her, but frankly I don't want to have to deal with your whiney asses.”

“They can come.” Already I was learning the joy of picking on him. Glowering at me, he huffed and turned his head away. He wasn't mad though, a small smile was playing at the corners of his mouth. “Don't be such a spoil sport.”

“Kagome, could you draw Dakota for me? Or do us both?” Eliza ventured, turning the attention away from Inuyasha, who was sticking his tongue out at me. “The one you did of-“

“Are you buying Inuyasha? Or do I need to fork money over for my meal.” Sango cut her off, and she glared warningly to Eliza while the rest tried to figure out the rest of her sentence.

“Drawing of who?” Inuyasha asked.

“No one.” Eliza blurted.

Sensing that the girls were hiding something, he decided to press the weakest link. Mainly, me. “Who?” He leaned closer, staring at me with gold hued spheres.

“No-no one.” I returned the gaze for as long as I could, refusing to blink.

“Who?” He asked slower, and leaned closer.

“Too close.” I mumbled, scooting backward. Even though I trusted him, for whatever reason, I was still terrified with him so close.

Remorse replaced the stubborn anger, and he whipped himself backward, stung by what he had been doing. “Sorry.”

“O my God!” Eliza exclaimed, and we all stared at her. She was turning her head slowly back and forth from the two of us, understanding dawning on her face. “O, that is so cool. Sad, but cool. Romantic too.” She was talking to herself, because no one else knew that the hell she was saying.

“Oi, what are you talking about wench?' Inuyasha, glad to vent his anger on someone other than me, turned to the excited girl.

“Can't tell you. It's a girl thing.” She chirped happily, and stood as the bell rang. Dakota was watching her with suspicion, and gave me an apologetic smile. “Well meet you there in 30 minutes, come on Coda, I need to talk with James.” She spun, raising her hands in happiness. “That is like, so freaking cool.”

“Americans.” Inuyasha snorted, and helped me to my feet. “Sango, wake the letch up and we'll met you out by the car.”

“Be nice to the poor girl.” I didn't know if she was talking about me or Eliza, but dismissed it all the same.

“Keh.” Was all Inuyasha said in return, and steered me out of the room. As he told me where everything was, I thought over what Eliza had said. Why had she freaked when Inuyasha leaned in? It wasn't like we were kissing or anything. Did it have something to do with her `reading'? Inuyasha used the same excuse of showing me around to both teachers, and apologized to them about not telling them earlier. They fluttered at him, gave him the assignments and books, and waved us off. They sent curious gazes at me the whole time, wondering why the coolest guy in school was doing showing the new girl around. I was wondering the same thing.

Did it have to do with Kikyo? Did I really remind him of her? No, I couldn't think that. He's notNaraku, and he wouldn't do that to me, right? “Hey, you ok?” His soft voice called me from my thoughts, and I forced a smile on to assure him I was.

“Yeah, just thinking that maybe I should have enrolled in something easier. I'm not good at math, and this is advanced math.” I said, showing him the sheet that the teacher had given us as homework. “Chemistry's easy, the science stuff anyway, but it has way too much math for my tastes.”

“Don't sweat it. I rule in math.” He boasted, puffing his chest out. “And if you were in another class, you wouldn't be with me.”

Good point. “Anyway, after we eat, I'll help you out. If, you return the favor.” He shook his head at the look of panic on my face. “History! I meant help me in History!” He hurried, showing his palms face up in a motion of peace. “Sorry, that was stupid.” He opened the door for me, carrying my textbooks under one arm. He refused to let me carry them. `They don't bother me, I'm stronger than you.' Was his answer, before turning his back to me. Already, I could tell he didn't like to be found out when he was doing something nice.

Miroku was awake when we got out there, though Sango looked close to killing him. “We are sitting in back.” She said, pointing at me. “Don't give me that look. You left me alone with him.” She turned the finger to Inuyasha, who was scowling at her. Miroku smiled in apology and just waved his hand in explanation.

Inuyasha held the driver's seat forward so I could climb in back with Sango, glaring at Miroku over the car top the entire time. Miroku's denials were broken off when Inuyasha slammed the door on him, shoving the keys into the steering column and the car roared to life. Flipping the radio on, he fiddled with the controls until he was suited with the volume. “Stop sulking monk, get in the car.”

“Monk?” Was that a joke?

“His father was a monk, and his uncle's a priest. He's father's was as big a letch as he was, and his uncle's a drunk. We are convinced the only reason their holy is so they can get out of taxes.”

“Hey, that's not true! My family has been on the path for five hundred years! I was named after my ancestor, and he was a monk/letch too.” Miroku wailed, asking Buddha why no one understood him.

“Really? So was I.”

“We all were. Even the others. The only ones in the group not named after someone are Eliza and Dakota.” Sango said. “How far back was the ancestor?”

“Five hundred years. She was a miko, but fell in love with a boy and left her village to live with him. My cousin, Kikyo, was named after the boy's first love and the former miko of the village. She died, but was revived by a youkai. Sometimes, I think Kikyo's undead too.”

Everyone laughed, but it was an uneasy one. “I was named after a great Inu-hanyou, who fell in love with a miko. Two of them actually. They both held the Shikon no Tama and he kept trying to steal it from them. As it goes, the second one gave it to him as a token of love, and he used the wish to ask that his friends live as long as he did. Far as anyone can tell, they could be alive today.”

That sounded really familiar…”That's an old legend, Inuyasha. I was named after the youkai slayer in that story, but it doesn't mean it happened.” An old argument was revived, and soon all three were shouting at each other. It ended only because the car ride was over. Letting her out, Inuyasha stopped his yelling at Sango when I placed a hand on his arm. Huffing, he held his tongue and waved over to Dakota and Eliza.

Eliza smiled secretly at me, mouthing `tell you later' and followed us inside. Humming, she pulled a chair out for me and hugged Inuyasha before pushing him into the seat beside me. “Alright, what did you see?” He growled, causing the approaching waitress to squeak and take off. “Oops. She must be new.”

“Takashi-sama!” The manager and another waitress scurried over, only to be waved away by the owner. “Leave him and his friends be. Mariko will be your server.” She smiled and bowed slightly to the group. “Have a nice meal.” The owner bowed and shooed the over eager manager away.

“Drinks?” The waitress turned to Eliza, starting at the far end.

“Orange soda.” Eliza's chirped, still happy.

“Dr. Pepper.” Dakota's.

“Sprite.” Sango's.

“Pepsi.” Miroku's. “Wait, do you have virgin sex on the beachhh ow ow ow ow ow. Let go of my ear!” Sango didn't let go, motioning for the waitress to continue without answering his question.

“Root beer, with a splash of sprite, and some cherry pepsi.” Kagome recited her favorite drink her mother had come up with.

“In the same glass?” Poor waitress, she was very confused by the crazy people's table.

“Yes, please.”

“Ok,” she finished writing and turned to Inuyasha. “you sir?”

“The same.” His voice was confused, but he hid it with a cough. “That's all.”

“Just a minute, they'll be right out.” She tucked the notepad into her apron. “Menus?”

“Just one.” Inuyasha took the proffered menu with a thank you and passed it to me.

“Just one? Don't you guys need them?” They laughed at my question. “What?”

“We've been here so many times that we've all got favorites. The fried chicken is the best.” Sango nodded in consent to Dakota's words.

“No, the Philly Steak with extra mushrooms, onions, and no cheese. It's to die for.” Eliza broke in, playing with her napkin. Shredding it into tiny pieces to keep her hands busy, she positively beamed at the two of us.

“Barbequed baby back ribs, ear of corn, and fried okra.” Miroku groaned anticipation. Everyone nodded sagely, and I drooled at the picture he painted.

“This is all American food.” I stated, and Eliza nodded.

“Yeah, I missed home food, so they found this on my last birthday. We've been coming back ever since.”

“Bunch of moochers. They make me pay for it every time.” Inuyasha leaned over to look at the menu in my hands. “The steak's good. 32 oz, rare, with the house seasoning.”

“That's a lot of meat.” I read down the list, and noticed something else. “There's no prices.”

“Keh, get whatever you damn well please. I'm paying, and I doubt whatever you order is going to break the bank.” He snorted at me, returning to his seat when the drinks arrived. The sweet fizzing soothed my nerves, and washed me in old memories.

“Ready to order?” The waitress waited, pencil poised.

Everyone looked at me, delaying their own meals for me to be ready. Wow, first day of school and I was sitting in an expensive restaurant surrounded by the popular kids. Friends. “Yeah.”

As everyone placed orders on their favorites, I looked back over the list. Yes, that one sounded the best. “And you?” Her voice was aimed at me.

“I'll take the Samson's Hamburger. Emm, no peppers though. Extra cheese.” I passed my menu over and caught everyone staring at me. “What did I do now?”

“That's a really big meal.” Sango started, trying to ease me into it.

“Yeah, and I'm really hungry. I think I can handle it.”

“Keh, we'll see.” He caught the waitresses arm. “Two onion blossoms, jumbo mushroom basket, and one mozzarella stick. Thanks.”

“Alright, plans for this weekend, anyone?” Inuyasha did not like her question, and threw a piece of ice at her. “No, then, a party at Inuyasha's!” Eliza winked at me, dodging the ice like she knew it was coming.

“Stop doing that! Sesshomaru nearly killed me for the last one. The answer is no. And no matter how many times you ask, it will be no!” He snarled, shaking one finger at the grinning girl. “Stop smiling!”

“You are going to give in, so can we skip the temper tantrum? And anyway, Kagome has never been to one of your parties, are you going to deny her? She'd love to go.” She pleaded, hands clasped in front of her face. Puppy dog pouting, she stuck her bottom lip out. “Pwease?” She said in baby talk, just to tick the hanyou off.

“Grr. Fine, but a small party. Close friends only. No more than fifty people.” Fifty? They thought that was small?! “And you have to ask Sesshomaru.”

“Great, he likes me anyway.” She loaded a little plate full of the arrived appetizers and passed it to Dakota. Doing it again, she snagged a passing mushroom to add to the plate. “Yeah!”

“Are you always this excitable?” I accepted the plate that Inuyasha had filled for me and eyed one of the onion pieces. Biting into it carefully, my mouth smarted from the heat. I quickly forgot it, the food on my plate disappearing in record time. “That is so good!”

“And you think I'm excitable. Have a bite of this.” She cut a bite off the log of bread oozing white liquid and dipped in a dish of red sauce. Passing it over, she laughed at my look of pure joy. “So, you and Sango can help plan the party. Anyone you want to invite?”

“Don't know a lot of people here. Other than Ayame and the other wolf youkais, the only people I know here are Kikyo's friends. I ask that you not invite them.” Inuyasha was filling a plate for me again, fighting Dakota for the last bit of onion blossom. Winning, he returned them with a grin. Smiling my thanks, I ate this pile slower than the first.

“Trust me, the only way that bitch is getting into my house is if I'm dead.” He wasn't joking. “Anyone else?”

“Nope.”

“Great, then I'll expect the fur balls to be invited. You're lucky you're so well liked, that scruffy wolf is not in the top ten of my favorite people.” I blushed at his words, and went back to focusing on my food. Conversation exploded around me, old jokes brought up, and embarrassing stories told. It seemed everyone had at least two or three for Inuyasha, who could only stutter and deny them. From the wicked smirks between them, they too had realized that he liked me more than a friend. And were hell bent on giving him as much grief as possible.

“FOOD!” Dakota crowed, making room for the oncoming entrees. Talking was soon forgotten as dishes of steaming food were dished in front of us. “Food food food food!”

I instantly regretted the two plates of appetizers, as along with my own food, everyone else kept giving me bites of theirs. The chicken melted in your mouth, and I stole two more ribs from Miroku's plate before he had the smarts to move it from my reach. `Lady Kagome, leave some for the starving man before you. Unless you wish to feed me with your fingers.' That had earned him a whack, and he hastily apologized to an irate Sango. I even tried Inuyasha's steak, and the seasoning was wonderful, even if the meat itself was a little too rare for my tastes. I ended up eating only 2/3 of my hamburger, and put a good dent in the fries that went served with it before doing as everyone else did with the extra food; passing it down to either Inuyasha or Dakota.

“I'm stuffed. Maybe my eyes were too big for my stomach, but that was so good.” I played with the single burnt fry on my plate and turned red from the burp that burst out of my stomach. “excuse me.”

“That wasn't a burp, this is a burp.” Miroku placed a hand to his chest and gave a pathetic sounding rumble. Laughing at him, the others joined in before we all lost it.

“Get your filthy asses up and leave. I paid, let's go.” Inuyasha grabbed his red jacket from the back of the chair and steered us out. Shivering, I cursed myself twice for forgetting my jacket at the house. Sighing, Inuyasha shrugged out of his and wrapped it around my shoulders.

“Aren't you cold?” I chattered, and he shook his head in amusement. The wind picked up, and the temperature dropped. Growling, Inuyasha pulled me into his arms and shielded me from the cold. The movement was pure instinct, and the warmth that radiated from him was a welcome relief. Still, I couldn't help but stiffen at the contact.

He noticed immediately and released me, darting to the other side of Miroku. I felt horrible when I saw his face, drawn and guilty. More so, I missed the feel of him, and wished I hadn't reacted the way I did. If there hadn't been anyone else around, I would have felt the courage to go over and push my head under his chin, wrapping my arms around him. To tell him I loved the way he held me, it felt so natural, like I had been doing it every day of my life. But for now I contended myself with pulling his coat tighter around me and rubbing my face onto the still warm inside.

“To your house now?” Sango asked, letting me have front seat because Miroku was too lethargic to cop a feel. “We can practice the dance steps.”

“Keh, she's coming to my house to help me with History. Payment for that burger she inhaled.” He still refused to look at me, avoiding me like the plague.

“If you'd pay attention in that class, you wouldn't need help. It's one of the easiest classes. Not like those stupid Math classes you take. I can't believe Kagome is taking Trig with you.” She smacked Miroku's wondering hand way.

“Trust me, the only reason I'm doing it is because I promised my mother.” The words left my mouth before I could take them out. No one said anything, and I didn't get the `poor you' look that I had gotten ever since the accident. Instead, Sango gripped my shoulder in apology and Inuyasha patted my leg awkwardly for a second.

“Then maybe tomorrow. Drop us off, and we'll let you study in peace.” Sango kicked Miroku hard to stop the next words coming out of his mouth, and I nodded mutely. I had been hoping to be alone with him, but all of a sudden, I was now faced with it. He wouldn't hurt me, that much was evident, but it was still too different.

“Fine, I don't need Sesshomaru chasing you around the house. He did not like the last time Miroku was here. If I remember right, he ordered a couple movies that Rin found. She blamed Sesshomaru, who blamed me, who wanted very much to throttle a certain monk. Shit, he didn't let me in the main house for a month.” He groused, and sent a glare in my direction. “Stay clear of my brother, he doesn't like people.”

“I can see where you get it from.” I said, and blushed as Miroku and Sango giggled madly from the backseat.

“Keh, I'm a teddy bear compared to him. Just” He paused for words, “don't expect a warm welcome.”

“You'll be lucky if he welcomes you at all.” Inuyasha pulled up to a house, and opened the door. Sango climbed out my side, as Inuyasha took Miroku aside for a moment. “He's got a lot of bark, but he would never lower himself to hurt a human without reason.”

“Is he a hanyou like Inuyasha?” I looked over briefly at the two, who seemed to be engrossed in a deep conversation.

“No, and whatever you do, don't mention Inuyasha's `discretion' in front of him. Sesshomaru's a full blooded inu-youkai, and thinks very highly on bloodlines. Their father was the same, but Inuyasha's mother was human.” Sango said. “Inuyasha's parents died along time ago, so it was just him and his brother for a long time.”

“Yeah, he told me.”

“Really? I had to tell Miroku after three months, and he was pissed for weeks afterward. He must really like you.” She smiled, and nodded. “It'll be good for someone to ground him, and you do soften his temper. Have fun, don't let him bully you.” She hugged me, and turned to the approaching two. “And what the hell were you two talking about?”

“Nothing.” They both denied.

“Right, I believe that.” He scowled at Sango, gold eyes glinting in the sun.

“Hey Kagome, do you have an IM?” Nod. “Good, here's mine.” She scribbled it on my hand, and then another on my arm. “That's Miroku's if you want it.”

“Thanks. Youkaislayergrl? Houshisama?” Huh. “Mines Shrinemaiden.” Miroku added it to his phone, and Sango scribbled it up his arm.

“Hey, use your own!” He rubbed absently at the place where she had grabbed him, smearing the ink.

“Great, I'll talk to you later, you and I really need to talk.” I was reminded of the earlier threat and gulped. “Bye Inuyasha, don't overwork her.”

“Bah, if your through with the mushy stuff, let's go.” He slammed his door closed and pumped the engine. Too noisy to hear each other, we waved and I left. “I can take you to your house if you'd be more comfortable.” He whispered, still refusing to look at me.

“No, I want to see yours, and no ones home anyway. Well, Kikyo might be, but I'd rather be somewhere else.” The thought of Kikyo disrupted my good mood. Inuyasha caught on and snorted. “So, where do you live?”

“Not far from here. Ten minutes or so.” He flipped a hand at the radio. “What do you like to listen to?” I was distracted from the question when he stomped onto the gas, sending me back into my seat. The car roared ahead, barely avoiding on coming traffic to skate under a red light.

Scrambling for my seat belt, I felt a small amount of fear and excitement stir in my chest. “Well? Are ya going to answer wench?”

“Sorry, just trying to cough up my tongue, I nearly swallowed it.” Finally I put the stupid buckle into the lock. “So, by ten minutes, do you mean speeding or a more normal pace?”

“Speeding? You haven't seen speeding.” He chuckled darkly, and pumped the gas. His eyes went from the road to me, teasing me with waggles of the eyebrow. “Music?”

“Anything. Uh, Cheap Trick, Five for Fighting, Good Charlotte. (A/N I don't know any music from Japan, so we are just going to stick with stuff I do know. Don't like it? Tough.) Green Day, Chemical Romance…”

“I got it wench.” He huffed, stuffing a CD into the stereo. Moments later, a familiar rhythm was throbbed into my ears. Staring out the window, I blanched inwardly at the flying scenery. “Relax, I've only gotten into one wreck and that one wasn't my fault, mostly.” He did slow down minutely, allowing me to catch my breath.

“Mostly?”

“Miroku's fault. He was the one leaning over to look at the woman flashing me. Knocked the wheel and the driver beside me decided to turn towards me. He was drunk, but if I had been paying attention we wouldn't have even brushed against him. Totaled my Viper, and I never heard the end of it from Fluffy.” Drunk driver, that sounded familiar. “Here we are, Home Sweet Home.” He chuckled dryly, turning to enter the garage that was larger then half the school. Cars that I didn't even know the model crowded for space, and motorcycles that defied imagination stood in a row. He parked like he memorized the only free space and was out and opening the door for me before I could unbuckle the belt. “Come on wench, why you so slow?”

“Not all of us have the fortune of having youkai speed.” I huffed, sticking my tongue out at him. Briefly, I wondered why I felt so at ease around him. It was like I had known him for years. “If you want me to move faster, you'll have to carry me.” A shit eating grin meet my words. “Uh, I was kidding.”

“Sorry, I take everything literally.” He huffed, sliding his arms around me, one under my knees and the other behind my back. “Up ya go.” He picked me up easily, pausing to allow me to grab my stuff. Holding me to his chest, he kicked the door shut and headed for the door that I assumed connected to the house. “So, other than homework, what would you like to do?”

“You're just trying to get out of doing it.” I replied, opening the door for him. He started inside, and gave a snarl. He stumbled slightly, kicking at something at foot level.

“Damn it to hell, get out of the way you fucking toad!” He growled, and a little green thing hit the wall.

“Inuyasha-sama!” It yelped, struggling to stand. “Your brother sent me to fetch you and this is how you treat his faithful servant.”

“Shut it Jaken, you think I care?” I giggled, something about the little youkai just made me laugh. “What does he want anyway?”

“Don't take that tone with me.” He snarled, which made him even more funny. “He wants to talk to you about the dinner party.”

“Already got a date, so you tell him to take whatever little Inu bitch he's found and shove it up his-“

“Brother, how crude. I thought we talked about this.” I yelped and fell from Inuyasha's arms, who caught me before I hit the ground.

“Sesshomaru-sama!” The little toad thing threw himself at the male's feet, huddling close to the ground. “Your brother is being-“

The male kicked at him, shutting him up mid sentence. “Shut up.” As Inuyasha helped me to my feet, I finally got a good look at the owner of the cold voice. Like Inuyasha, he had gold eyes and waist length silver hair, but that was where the similarities ended. Two purple slashes adorned each cheek, and a half crescent moon on his forehead was the only color on his fair skin, unlike the toned dark skin of his brother. His features were elegant, and sharp, too cold. “Brother, your explanation is wanted.”

“This is Kagome Higurashi, Kagome, this is my older brother Sesshomaru.” Inuyasha grated from beside me. “She's here to study, she's a new student at school.”

“And you so graciously agreed to show her around?” The older youkai snarled a little, judging me. “And how did the little whore agree to pay for your services?”

A cold wash and pure self disgust settled onto my nerves, making my breathing short and painful. Right before I stopped breathing altogether and passed out, I wondered why his words bothered me more than anyone else's.