InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Another High School Fanfic ❯ First Date ( Chapter 7 )

Chapter 7: First Date
Aoi’s POV
I looked at the time and thought it’d be a good time to call Hana. With no ride I wanted to make sure she got home okay. After a few rings, someone picked up but it wasn’t Hana.
“Yes?” answered a gruff voice. I assumed that it was her dad.
“Um yes…may I speak to Hana please?” I asked trying to sound as polite as I could.
“No you may not. She has a cell phone. Call her on that.” Click. I just stared at the phone for a moment and then shook my head. That man was something else. I then called her cell phone. After two rings she picked up. “H-hello?”
“Hey. It’s me, Aoi. I see you got home okay.” I said relieved. I admit I was kind of worried with her walking by herself and all.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” I then noticed there was something different about her voice. She sounded kind of…shocked and dismayed.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
She was quiet for a moment. I was about to say something when she finally spoke up. “He…kissed me.” She said.
I thought for a moment and gasped when I realized who she was talking about. “OMG! Really?! But…aren’t you happy?” Something was seriously wrong if she was depressed about that.
“Yeah I was. And I guess I still am it’s just…”
“Just, what?” I asked when she didn’t continue.
“I can’t even be with Sesshomaru one minute without those fucking ASF bitches breathing down my neck!” she said with anger and frustration in her voice. I gasped. Sure she had cussed before but never like that. But letting that shock subside I asked “What happened? Did they do something to you?”
“I was walking home…and when I passed the school…Sayo and her little gang jumped me…”
“They fought you?!” I asked with shock and disbelief.
“No, Worse. They tried to burn me.” I could now hear her sobbing over the phone. I could tell she was trying to suck it up, be tough, and deal with it but she was still scared. And I admit I was too. Both of us were quiet for a moment, not knowing what to say. And in that moment several emotions flared up inside me but two stood out the most. Anger…and guilt. I was angry that those girls had tried to hurt my sister whom, within that short time we had known each other, I had grown to deeply love and cherish. And I felt guilty because no matter how bad I was feeling I still should have taken her home. Taking a deep breath I said “So…what happened? How did you…?”
“Inuyasha came just in time and scared them away…”I sighed and said “This…is really unbelievable.”
“No. They’re unbelievable. I’m just mad that I couldn’t fight them off myself. I mean, I have a freakin’ black belt in Taijutsu!”
“Don’t blame yourself Hana…you couldn’t take on all those girls at once. But anyway I’m glad Inuyasha saved you…even though I’m pretty pissed with him right now.”
Slightly rising out of her own depression she asked “What did he do?”
“Nothing really he just…” I began to think about telling her at the moment what happened. I had a feeling it would only make her feel worse but I felt like I had no choice at the moment, I went on and told her. “Kagome saw him and Kikyo…and it was just when she was going to tell him how she really felt. My thing is I can’t believe that he believed what that she-devil told him! I thought that he would have enough common sense to know better! But we can never expect that much from Inuyasha now can we?”
“I thought that same thing…Man this has gone from bad to worse.” she said with a sigh. “Well…I need to finish my homework…so I’ll talk to you later.”
“Yeah…well technically if you need to talk you don’t need to call me.”
Hana slightly chuckled and said “Yeah. You’re right. Well I’ll contact you if I need ya.”
“Okay…hm…Hana?”
“Yeah?R 21;
“Are you going to be okay?”
She was quiet for a moment and said “I’ll be fine.”
“Just checking…bye!”
“Bye.”
I hung up the phone and buried my face in my pillow. I had one unstable relationship, one broken heart, and one hurt sister to deal with. If you ask me, it was all just a little bit too much drama for one day.

Hana’s POV
After hanging up the phone I heard a knock on the door. “Go away…” I said bringing my knees to my chest. The door opened anyway and I looked to see Kazuke come in. “I said go away…what, do you no longer understand Japanese?” I said turning my head away from him. He sat on my bed next to me and said “Um…I heard a bit of your conversation. Not that I was eavesdropping but I was just wondering if you were okay.”
“Oh I’m fine! I only barely survived getting killed.” I said sarcastically. At least Aoi asked was I going to be okay.
“I’m sorry…” he whispered.
My eyes began to get watery and I wiped my eyes. “Just don’t worry about it.”
I had hoped he would take that and leave but instead he wrapped his arms around me and held me close to him. I struggled to push him away but when I found that impossible I gave up. So I was forced to cry in his arms. “It’s okay. I’m here.” He whispered. I was glad he was there to comfort me but…I really hated crying in front of my brothers, or anyone for that matter…

The Next Day…
On the way to school, Aoi suggested telling someone at school about the ASF. But I said no for three reasons. 1) I highly doubted they would have handled something that happened after school hours, 2) I knew telling someone would most likely make it worse and 3) I wanted to deal with them myself. But I didn’t tell her that last one and honestly I didn’t know how I was going to do that just yet.
When we got to school there had been no sign of the ASF girls, yet. After yesterday’s encounter I was pretty sure they were lurking somewhere. When we got to our lockers we were surprised to see Bankotsu a few lockers down from ours. He smiled at us and said “S’up girls.”
“Nothing much.” We said simultaneously. There actually was a lot going on but of course we couldn’t tell him all that.
“Um…are you waiting for someone?” Aoi asked.
Yeah I am. I’m waiting for this girl who has long black hair and blue eyes.”
“There are actually two girls like that.” Aoi said.
He laughed and said “Yeah I know. But the one I’m waiting for is really smart and has a sarcastic remark for almost everything.”
“Oh? So what you tryin’ to say? I’m not smart?” I said playfully. Of course, I already knew he was talking about Aoi.
He waved his hands frantically and said “Naw! That’s not what I meant.”
I smiled and said “I know.”
Bringing the joke to a close Aoi stepped up and said “Well I believe I’m the one you’re looking for.”
“Right you are. There was something I wanted to ask you.” Bankotsu said seeming a bit nervous. He then looked at me and said “I kinda wanted to ask her in private…if that’s okay.” I stepped back, giving them their space. While they were talking I decided to go ahead and get my stuff out of my locker.

Aoi’s POV
“So…what did you want to ask me?” I asked when Hana was out of hearing range.
“Well I was wondering if you’d be free Friday night.”
“Um…why?” I asked even though I had a clue to where he was headed, though I couldn’t actually believe it…
“Because I like you and I want to take you out.” He said straight out with that breathtaking smile of his. For a person who just seemed nervous, he sure was pretty bold at the moment.
I blushed and said “R-really?
“Yeah. I kinda want to see what you’re like outside of school.”
“The same way I am in school but well…I’ve never been on a date before…” I admitted.
He took my hand and kissed it and said “Well let it be my honor to be your very first date.”
I was suddenly felt like I was melting at the feel of his warm lips against my skin. I thought I was going to faint. “So…yes or no?” he said seeming a bit anxious.
“Oh what do you think?” I said.
He smiled brightly and said “Well I’ll pick you up Friday night at 8 then.” He then winked at me and walked away. Even when he was gone I could still hear his last words and feel him kissing my hand like I was some kind of a princess. I was so wrapped up in my little fantasy I didn’t notice when Hana walked over to me.
“Yo! Earth to Aoi!” she said waving her hand in front of my face.
“Huh? Wha?” I said breaking from my trance.
She grinned at me and said “He asked you, didn’t he?”
I was quiet for a moment, my cheeks warming up again. Then when I nodded Hana screeched and said “I’m so happy for you!” She then hugged me and we began to jump around like a pair of happy little girls.

Hana’s POV

Later on at lunch…

That day Aoi and I didn’t have lunch with everybody. Only Sango had the same lunch as us on B-days. When I got out of line, I saw Sesshomaru sitting at a table by himself. I was about to walk over to him when suddenly out of nowhere the ASF filled the table, of course leaving no room for me. As I stood there I saw Sayo throw a menacing glance at me. This didn’t get to me one bit. When Aoi got out of line (getting of course only a bag of chips and a soda) she walked to where I was. “He looks kind of irritated.” She said.
“Well I’d be irritated too if I was surrounded by a bunch of giggling idiots.” I said turning away from them. “Let’s just find another table.”
I began walking away when I suddenly noticed Aoi wasn’t following me. I looked back at her to see her still looking at that table. What surprised me was when I noticed how hard she was gripping her tray (even though all she got was chips and soda they still made her get one for some odd reason). “Aoi don’t worry about them.”
“How can I not worry? Those girls almost killed you and they’re getting away with it!”
“They haven’t got away with anything. I’m going to deal with them myself.”
“But how? You’re just one person…”
“I don’t know what I’m going to do yet. But I told you I wasn’t afraid of them and I’m going to prove that. I won’t let them intimidate me.”
Aoi just sighed and I hoped she knew that she was fighting a losing battle. When she didn’t say anything else about it, I guessed she did. Suddenly when I saw Sango I got an idea. “Hey Aoi?” I said.
“Yeah?”
“Um…” I thought for a moment and suddenly accidentally dropped my tray. “Oh no! My lunch!” I said a bit overdramatically. “You klutz! How’d you drop your tray?” she asked as she bent down to help me get everything up.
“I dunno but can you please go get me another one? You know I can’t stand to go without lunch.” I said trying to look as pitiful as possible.
“Why can’t you go get it yourself?” she asked.
“Because I have to finish cleaning this mess up and the line is already long. By the time I’m done it’ll be even longer. Please?” I was now at the point of using the puppy dog face.
She looked at me with a straight face and said “That look honestly doesn’t work with me but I guess I’ll go ahead and get it.”
Sucker…
She then walked away and I began to quickly finish cleaning up. Even with the long line I still didn’t have much time to do what I needed to do. So after cleaning the mess in a few minutes flat, I grabbed Aoi’s stuff and ran over to Sango. When I saw her I wasn’t surprised to see that she still looked a bit depressed. But hopefully she would put her mood on hold for what I was about to ask her. When I sat down, I guess she judged by my lunch that I was Aoi. But I told her that I was Hana and that Aoi was getting my lunch.
“Which brings me to my point.” I said. “I need your help.”
“With what?” she asked.
“With Aoi…”
I quickly explained about Bankotsu asking her out on a date that Friday. “Well that’s nice to hear but what do you need me for?” I could tell the word date really wasn’t helping with her mood but I continued.
“Well this is her very first date and as her sister I just want everything to go perfectly. I’m going to ask Kagome to pitch in too.” I didn’t mention it, but I was going to ask Miroku for help as well.
“I see. Well I guess I don’t mind helping. It is for Aoi-chan after all.”
“Oh thank you so much!” I said happily. I was afraid that with her foul mood she wouldn’t feel like doing anything but I guess that I didn’t give Sango enough credit. Even she would do all she could for a friend.

Later on after school…
After school, Aoi had to meet with the drama club for a little bit so I went on outside and waited for her. I told her I would have been fine walking home (since she really didn’t know how long they were going to be).
And have you almost get cremated again? I don’t think so! Was how she reacted
Of course her protectiveness kicked into overdrive after yesterday and she wasn’t having that. She gave me the keys to sit in the car but I just decided to just lean against the car, stare at the sky and let my mind wander. I had talked to Kagome and I was happy that even in the midst of recent events, she agreed to help. It was on the side but I didn’t miss when she said ‘I just hope things at least go well for them.’ Also Miroku said he would help too but he didn’t know that I asked Sango for help. Neither of them knew about each other and I knew that might be trouble later but I didn’t think about that at the time.
“Hana?”
The warm, familiar voice brought me out of my thoughts and I looked to see that it was Sesshomaru.
“Oh hey. What’s up?” I said trying to be casual.
“I was just about to head home. I’m assuming that you’re waiting for your sister.”
“Yeah. She shouldn’t be too long.” I said looking at the building.
“I see. Well I guess I’ll see you tomorrow,” He said as he was walking away.
“Um wait a minute,” I said stopping him. “Can I ask you a question?”
“What is it?”
“How come…you wanted to ‘seal the deal’ that way?” I asked.
He slightly smiled and said “Well I thought that was the most proper way to do it.”
“Oh please! I’m sure your father doesn't go around ‘sealing deals’ with people like that.” I said slightly looking away.
“No he doesn’t…at least I hope he doesn’t… but why are you so curious to know?”
I stood up straight and said “Because…I wanted to know if there was something behind that kiss. Something more…”
He was quiet for a moment until he said “I’m…honestly trying to figure that out.”
I gasped, looked at him, and said “What?! So you just kissed me not even being sure if there was something really there?!”
“I guess you could say that. I think something was there…but I wasn’t certain and I’m still not. But I promise you, when I figure it out I’ll tell you.”
“….Fine.” I said looking away again.
I thought he would walk away but suddenly he walked close to me and said “Hana…” “What?” I asked a bit harshly.
“Today…it seemed like you were avoiding me and now…you won’t even look me in the eye. I want to know why.”
Other than the failed attempt to sit with him at lunch I had been avoiding him, or at least trying to. I don’t know if it was because I was still in shock from the kiss or maybe…just maybe…I was a little scared of what the ASF might do if I went near him again. But I couldn’t tell him that.
I just shrugged and said “I dunno…”
“Don’t give me that. You do know.” He said looking at me more intently.
I shrugged again and said “I just don’t know.”
He sighed, I guess realizing wasn’t going to tell him anything. “Well if you won’t tell me that then can you at least promise me something?” I just glanced at him.
“I want you to promise that if anyone ever does anything to you, that you’ll tell me.”
Suddenly, a realization dawned upon me. What if Inuyasha told Sesshomaru about the previous night? It seemed kind of unlikely since every time they talk they seem to get in an argument but there was still a possibility.
“Why would I promise something like that?”
Suddenly I felt his hands grip my shoulders and I was forced to look into his eyes. “Look, I’m not stupid. I know what’s going on. Last night those girls…”
“Look! What do you care!? You said so yourself that you’re not even sure if you feel that way.” I tried to get away from him but he wouldn’t let me move.
“No, you look…” he said gripping my shoulders harder,” No matter what my heart tells me I will protect you. So if those girls or anyone else does something to you I want you to tell me.” I realized that now he wasn’t asking me, he was telling me. Unsteadily I just nodded and said “I-I promise…”

Aoi’s POV
The drama club meeting wasn’t too long, which was good because I didn’t want to keep Hana waiting for too long. Just as I left out I saw Bankotsu on the side of the building with some boys who didn’t have on a uniform. I realized I had seen them before and figured they were probably skipping that day. I couldn’t help but wonder why he was talking to them. One of the boys saw me and nodded in my direction. Bankotsu looked at me, said something to the boys, and walked over to me.
“Hey.” He said.
“Hey…” I said with a smile. “Um…who were those guys?”
“Oh just some people I know…. Anyway what’s up with you?”
“Nothing much. Though today I’ve been wanting to ask you…you know…about that date.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Well…for one where its going to be at…and what I should wear.”
“One, I’m not telling and two, just wear something comfortable.” He said.
“Oh…but how come?”
“Because it’s a surprise.”
“Darn…”

Suddenly I saw Hana and I waved goodbye to Bankotsu. When I got close to her, I noticed she looked like she had a lot on her mind. “Hey what’s up, chica?”
She looked at me and said “Oh hey.”
“You okay?”
“Yeah I’m fine.” She said nodding.
“You sure?” I asked with my head slightly tilted to the side.
She smiled and said “I’m surely sure.”
“Alright then! Let’s go.”

That Friday…

Hana’s POV

Everything was set up and ready to go. Kagome and Sango helped me pick out something for Aoi to wear and they helped me do her make-up as well. Miroku was set up to help my brother Kyo with the oh-so-famous microphone and earphone set. Only this time Aoi wouldn’t be unaware. The set we were using was a tiny earpiece that would go into Aoi’s ear that can barely be seen along with a mini microphone (like the one I used on Kagome). I had something like that as well. Since Aoi insisted that she wouldn’t know what to say and do, using the set I’d be able to give her advice and tips without Bankotsu even having a clue. The guys would also be using Kyo’s music transmitter which would help set the essential mood music. Unknown to Aoi, I already knew where their date would be. This was so that we could set up near their “location”.
Aoi was a nervous wreck. I didn’t blame her since it was her first date but I continued to assure her that everything was going to be fine. Her sister and friends were going to make sure of that. Just as we finished giving Aoi her little ‘first-date makeover’ Bankotsu honked the horn outside. Before leaving, Kagome, Sango and I gave her a final evaluation. Since the weather was going to be pretty decent we set Aoi up with a cute white halter top, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of casual white tennis shoes (not that bulky or sporty kind you run in). We matched that up with a pair of my diamond earrings and her hair was put into a ponytail. Also, we gave her a slight tint white eye shadow to match with her outfit, a little mascara, and some clear lip gloss. Happy with the ending result (not that she was any less pretty then before) Kagome, Sango, and I smiled and gave her a thumbs up. Aoi thanked us and hugged us tightly and I swore she looked like she was about to cry. When she walked outside her face looked like it was literally about to drop to the ground. Sitting on a very reared up motorcycle was a very handsome looking Bankotsu. Aoi’s date was sporting a white t-shirt with blue jeans and a pair of white tennis shoes as well. He also had an addition of a chain hanging off his pants. Even though his outfit seemed kind of plain he still looked effing awesome. I squealed and said “Oh Aoi! That’s so cute that you two are rockin the same colors.”
Aoi didn’t say anything. I began to wonder if it was because she was just so awed by his beauty…or was still shocked that he had a motorcycle. Yeah…I’m guessing it was both. Walking up to him she smiled and “Hey…”
Bankotsu got off his bike and surprised her by hugging her. When he let go of her he smiled at her and said “You look beautiful tonight.”
She looked down and blushed. “A-arigato…You do too.”
He lifted her face up with his hand and said “Don’t be ashamed of it.”
The girls and I “awed” at this. Bankotsu then grabbed her helmet and handed it to her. She just looked at it for a moment and then looked at him. “Doesn’t anybody believe in driving cars anymore?” she said with a sigh.
He just laughed and said “What? You gotta problem with motorcycles?”
“Mmm…yeah, pretty much.”
He grabbed her hand and said “Don’t worry. I promise I’ll be gentle.”
“Really? You promise you won’t over exceed the speed limit and run us into a ditch somewhere?”
He laughed again and said “I promise. I’d never endanger your life.”
I could tell she was trying to act normal but being a person that blushed very easily, she failed miserably. “Well…that’s good to hear.”
Delaying no more time, the two put on their helmets and got on the motorcycle. I could tell how scared Aoi still was by how tight she had her arms wrapped around Bankotsu’s waist. He reared up the engine and we waved at them. “Bye guys! See you later!” Aoi said waving back at us. When the two were out of sight I just smiled and said “Yeah. See you in a few.”

Aoi’s POV
“You sure you don’t want to tell me where we’re going?” I asked after we had been driving for about ten minutes.
“Positive. Trust me. I think you’ll like it.” He said reassuringly.
Well in all honesty, as long as I’m with you it doesn’t matter where we go. I thought.
As we rode briskly through the night air, I slowly drifted to sleep. I didn’t even realize I have fallen asleep until I felt Bankotsu nudge me. “Huh?” I said sitting up.
He smiled at me and took off my helmet. “We’re here.” I looked to see that we were at a secluded beach. I gasped at the breathtaking sight of the full moon peering over the ocean waters. It was…beautiful. Noticing my reaction, Bankotsu smiled even more and said “I knew you’d like it.”
Getting off the bike, Bankotsu took my hand and we began walking. Just as we reached the sand he looked at me and said “Would you like to take your shoes off?”
I shrugged and said “Sure, why not?”
After taking our shoes off we continued to walk, barefoot in the sand. After a moment I realized that Bankotsu didn’t let go of my hand. But that was good because…I didn’t want him to. To break the silence, I decided to speak up.
“So…why exactly did you bring me here?” I asked.
“Well I wanted to take you someplace special, you know? I mean going to a restaurant or to the movies would have been okay but that sure would have been a cliché way to spend time with my favorite girl.”
I became all giddy inside after being called his “favorite girl” but I was somehow able to stay calm on the outside.
“Anyway…when my mom was alive she would bring me here all the time, especially when I was little, so this place means a lot to me. And well I wanted to show it to you…”
“That means a lot to me Bankotsu. Yeah…when my mom was alive she and I had a little special place too. It was a field a little ways from my house. A whole bunch of different flowers grew there and it was really pretty. She and I would run around and pick flowers and just have fun being with each other. It’s true I haven’t been in a while but I still remember that place so well. Maybe someday…I can show it to you.” I said looking at Bankotsu.
He looked back at me and said “I’d really like that.”
For a moment we just stopped walking and stared at each other. I’m sure there were a thousand things either of us could have said but we remained silent. Just staring at him like that…it felt like he was giving me some type of unspoken message that I just didn’t seem to get. When we started walking again, I couldn’t help but wonder if he would say that message out loud…any time soon. As we were walking I noticed we were getting closer and closer to the ocean. “Um what are you doing?” I asked. “I think its kind of late to take a swim.”
“We’re not swimming. There’s just something else I want to show you.” Suddenly he began rolling up his pants and I did the same. Then I followed him into the water. I screeched at the feel of the water and said “Ah! It’s cold!”
“Oh it’s not that bad. Now if I got you wet all over then you’d be cold.” He said with a grin.
“Boy you’d better not!” I said with a warning glare.
“Don’t worry I won’t, wouldn’t want you getting hypothermia in the middle of our date now would we?”
“Yeah and if I did it’d be entirely your fault!” I said with a pouty face.
Bankotsu just shook his head and took my hand again. We waded a little into the water until Bankotsu stopped. He pointed to the water and I looked to see what it was. When nothing appeared I squinted my eyes but still couldn’t see anything. “I don’t see anything.” I said.
“Just wait…you’ll see it.”
I waited a few minutes and suddenly when the moon cast it reflection near we where we were… the water began to glow. I gasped and said “Whoa! What is that?”
“It’s moon fish. Whenever there’s a full moon there’s a pigment in them that causes them to give off a bluish glow. But seeing them is such a rare sight because they migrate to several places during the year.” He explained.
“Wow…it’s so pretty.” I said in complete amazement and fascination.
I looked at him and said “So…that’s why you wanted to bring me here tonight.”
He nodded. I was right. This was WAY better then a movie or restaurant.

After coming out of the water, Bankotsu and I walked in the sand a little more. While we walked, we talked about several things like how things had been going on at school and with his band. I felt like I could tell him anything and I wanted to tell him about the drama that I had been centered around lately. But I decided against it. Saying all of that might have killed the happy mood. About thirty minutes later my stomach growled. Bankotsu laughed a little and said “Well dang, are you hungry?”
“Yeah…maybe a little…”
“Well I think I can handle that. Hold on a second. I’ll be right back.” He walked away for a moment, temporally leaving me by myself. When he came back, he had a neatly tied bag and a folded blanket. He also had a radio which he played while we ate. He laid the blanket out and we sat down. As he laid out the food he said “I worked really hard on all of this so I hope you like it.”
“I’m sure I will.”
And judging by the looks of it, I thought it was going to be good. Bankotsu’s home cooked meal consisted of rice balls, curry chicken, jarapenyo (jalapeno chili), hiyashiudon (though I didn’t know what it was at first), and soda. “Wow it all looks delicious!” I exclaimed.
“Don’t get excited yet. You have to try it first.” It was obvious he was a bit insecure about his cooking so not wanting make him wait in agony I grabbed a rice ball and bit it. “This is good!” I said.
“Really?”
“Yeah, really!” I took another bite of it and then finished it off. “You know…Hana’s been teaching me how to cook. Maybe I can make something for you sometime.”
“That’d be great. I’m sure your cooking is a hell of a lot better then mine.”
I laughed and we both continued to eat. When I got to the hiyashiudon I asked Bankotsu what it was. “Oh that’s just cold noodles in sweet and sour sauce. I think that’s the best thing I made. Try it.” The noodles also had chicken and egg on top of it. I tried it and it was actually pretty good, yet while we ate and afterwards we both didn’t say much. The silence was killing me.
“Alright Hana…I need your help now.” I whispered into the microphone so that Bankotsu couldn’t hear.

Hana’s POV
Shortly after Bankotsu and Aoi left, we took Kagome’s car to the beach. Of course we had to hide someplace a good distance away so we wouldn’t be seen. When I heard Aoi’s plea for help I knew it was time to get to work.
“Alright what’s the problem?” I asked into the speaker.
“Well…Bankotsu and I aren’t talking about anything right now so I was trying to start a conversation. But I don’t know what to say!”
I asked Sango and Kagome if they could think of any good topics they could talk about.
Sango suggested sports but I shook my head. Kagome suggested politics but I just looked at her.
“I’m just kidding.” She said.
“I hope so.”
Suddenly a car pulled up and I automatically knew who it was. Miroku and Kyo got out of the car.
“’Bout time you got here.” I said.
Sango saw the new arrival and gasped, “What is he doing here?”
I sighed and said “I asked him for help too.”
“Why? What use could he be?”
“I can be a lot of use Sango.” Miroku said defensibly.
“Oh yeah, when you’re not f*cking around with every other girl in the school that is…” Sango said harshly.
“Now wait just a minute!”
“Shut up ya’ll!” I interrupted, “Now is not the time!”
Everyone looked at me. “Look I know everyone is dealing with their own mess right now but can we please make sure someone in the group has a decent relationship?”
Everyone was quiet and then nodded.
“Uh, Hana you’re still there right?” I heard Aoi say.
“Yeah, why?”
“I still need help breaking this awkward silence.”

While Sango and Miroku were arguing, Bankotsu had been looking on the radio for a decent station. Just as she said that the radio completely scrambled. I could hear Bankotsu say “Ah this thing is a load of crap...” Suddenly I got an idea…
“Ask him to dance!” I said.
“Huh? But there’s no music.”
“Don’t worry about that, just ask him!”
Bankotsu sighed and said “Man…I wanted to find a nice song for us to dance to…”
“Well we can dance anyway…” Aoi said.
From where we were I could see the two standing and slowly wrap their arms around each other. Then I quickly went to Kyo and said “Alright get them a good get song on that radio now!”
“Alright! Pushy, pushy...” Kyo said as he began to work on getting a decent frequency for the radio. There were several stations with crappy songs, none that were good enough set that ‘romantic’ mood. Suddenly I heard the perfect song, “Right there! That’s it!”

Aoi’s POV
Bankotsu and I looked at the radio when we heard the music come on. “I guess we actually have something to dance to now.” He said.
“Yeah…” I said. I knew that Hana and her little troupe had something to do with it. It was one of my favorite songs too. I smiled as Bankotsu and I slowly began to dance.
The last kiss tasted like tobacco, a bitter and sad smell
Tomorrow, at this time, where will you be?
Who will you be thinking about?
“Bankotsu…” I whispered looking into his eyes.
“Yes?”
“I’ve been wondering something since you asked me on a date.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Why me? I’m…not that special. I’m not popular…or cool. I’m just an ordinary girl.” I said looking down.
I was surprised when I felt him lift up my face with his hand and I was even more surprised by the serious look on his face. “You listen to me. I don’t care if you’re not popular or cool. None of that matters to me. You’re the most extraordinary girl I’ve ever met and you are special to me.”
“But…what makes me so special? Sometimes when I see us together…I…feel so inadequate…I feel like you deserve better.”

You are always gonna be my love, even if I fall in love with someone once again
I'll remember to love
You taught me how
You are always gonna be the one
It's still a sad song, until I can sing a new song
“Listen to me Aoi…there have been plenty of times when I felt my life had no meaning. There have been times when I felt that I didn’t deserve to live but you…you’ve given me a reason…you’ve given me hope…and I know now that not only do I deserve to live but I deserve to have you.”
I suddenly felt my heart skip a beat. Could it be that he…?

The paused time is
About to start moving
There's many things that I don't want to forget about
Tomorrow, at this time
I will probably be crying, I will probably be thinking about you
“Oh Bankotsu…you don’t how much it means to me for you to say that. And…I have to say…you’ve done the same for me. For the longest time…I didn’t know what it meant to have someone special…I’ve never had a boyfriend…or just someone that would hold me and be there for me. I…always thought I would be alone…until you came along and gave me hope too. You took all the doubt and uncertainty away and by just being there…you’ve made me the happiest woman alive.”
“As you’ve done with me. And you know…ever since we first met…I’ve felt this way. I thought at first that I just liked you…that I had just made another friend…but I realize I want more then that now.”
“What…do you want?” I asked, my heart yearning for the answer.
You will always be inside my heart, you will always have your own place
I hope that I have a place in your heart too
Now and forever you are still the one
It's still a sad song
Until I can sing a new song
You are always gonna be my love, even if I fall in love with someone once again
I'll remember to love, you taught me how
You are always gonna be the one, it's still a sad song
Until I can sing a new song
“I want to be the only one to touch you, to hold you. I want to be there for you when you need me. I don’t ever want to leave your side and I want to always be able to protect you.”
“Bankotsu…” I whispered. His face suddenly drew close to mine.
“I love you Aoi.” Just as the tears I had tried so hard to hold back came, his lips captured my own. It was so amazing. My first kiss…my first love. His lips were so warm…and so gentle. Yet even while I was in the ecstasy of the moment…I could still hear cheering in my earpiece.
As I was lying in my bed that night, I thought about everything that happened just a couple of hours ago. I remembered the conversation Bankotsu and I had after he took me home:
“Thank you so much Bankotsu, I had a lot of fun!” I said.
He smiled at me, “That’s good to know…I’ll see you later alright?”
“Okay…” Bankotsu was just about to walk back to his motorcycle when I called him back, “Wait, Bankotsu…”
“What’s up?” He said turning back to me.
“So, does this mean…you’re my boyfriend now?” I asked.
He walked closer to me and wrapped his arms around me, “I guess it does, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, I guess it does…” I said. He kissed me again, it of course, wasn’t as magical as the first time but…never mind, it was just as magical as the first one. It just wasn’t as long unfortunately.
Before I went inside, I waved him off and he rode away into the night on his motorcycle…
I remembered the conversation Hana and I had as soon as I got in the house:
My cell phone rang; I knew that it was Hana so I didn’t even bother to check,
“Hana?” I said picking up the phone.
“What’s up lover girl?” she said with joy.
“Hana, I just wanna say, thank you so much for setting all of this up for me. I don’t think any of this would have been possible had it not been for you.”
“Aw, anything for my sis’…you deserved it, that’s for sure.”
“Is everyone still with you?” I asked.
“Yeah they’re here.”
“Can you tell them I said ‘thank you’?”
“Oh you can tell them yourself! I’ll put you on speakerphone. One second…”
Click
“Okay, say it now…” Hana said.
“Thanks you guys!” I yelled.
I heard clapping and whistling, I laughed when I heard Miroku say, “Get it giiiirl!”
Click
“Hey, well it’s getting late now, I’ll talk to you tomorrow okay?” Hana said.
“Sure, bu-bye.” I said.
“Bye.”
Click.
I remembered Aunt Risa’s conversation with me:
“Hi Auntie!” I said with extreme happiness.
“Hey there, how was my favorite niece’s first date?” She asked. She sounded like she was trying to sound happy for my sake but was still worried about something.
“It was wonderful! I said, “I had my first kiss!” I didn’t feel uncomfortable telling Aunt Risa this because we were so close.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I have a boyfriend now!”
“Really?” She said, still sounding worried.
“Yeah…Auntie are you okay?”
She had her head in her hands, “Yeah, I guess I’m just getting used to you growing up that’s all. I mean, it’s not like I’ve been taking care of you your whole life but still…do you understand what I’m saying?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Aoi, is it okay if, I hug you for a moment?”
“Sure, Aunt Risa…” I sat next to her on the couch and gave her a big hug. I started crying at that moment even though it was totally unprovoked. Well, in a way I guess it was provoked. When I was hugging Aunt Risa I thought of Hana and her family. I thought about her father, who pretty much didn’t give a damn about whether or not she was alive or dead. It made me grateful for the people in my life that did care about me, which caused me to shed tears of joy.
“You gonna be okay?” Aunt Risa asked me.
“Yeah I’m just tired.”
“Well you go get some sleep then, I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay, good night!”“Good night, sweetie.”
And there I was. I started thinking about Hana again. I was thinking about her and Sesshomaru, and if it was ever meant to be. Of course it is… I thought.
Hana needs someone who loves her too, besides me and her brothers. She did all of this for me tonight, and I’m gonna return the favor no matter how much it takes…
That was my last thought before I drifted off to sleep.