InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Not Another High School Fanfic ❯ True Colors ( Chapter 16 )

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

Chapter 16: True Colors

Aoi's POV

As wonderful as our winter break was, it wasn't long enough. After New Year's Day we returned back to school, much to my disappointment.

That morning I woke up to my cell phone's alarm. I reached onto my night table to turn it off, when I felt a piece of paper lying next to it. I opened it up and saw that it was from Uncle Ryo. It said:

Aoi,

I had to leave early to get back to work. I didn't want to wake you up so I left this little goodbye note on your table.

It was wonderful spending time with you this past week after not seeing you for all these years. I hope that the next time I see you will be much sooner.

And also Aoi I want you to know something...

The other night when you invited your sister to come eat with us, she brought up the subject of why your birth parents would put you two up for adoption and questioned whether or not they really cared for the two of you.

Both of you looked very upset about this.

I just want you to know that neither of you should let those things upset you. Whoever your birth parents are, they really missed out on getting to raise two wonderful, beautiful girls such as you and Hana. Also, Jin and Kimi loved you, and Aunt Risa and I both love you. So don't even think for a second Aoi that you're unloved. Remember that.

Once again, I hope to see you soon...say goodbye to Risa for me.

Love, Uncle Ryo

Yes, Hana had brought that up at dinner the other night. And yes we were both kind of upset. But reading that note made me feel so much better and got me slightly more motivated to get on with my day.

Later on when I got to school, I saw Hana and Sesshomaru walking together.

“Hey!” I said walking up to them.

“Hey Aoi!” Hana said, noticing me. Sesshomaru only waved.

“Man, this whole post-winter break feeling is annoying me!” I complained, “I really don't want to be here!”

“And I don't want to be related to Inuyasha, but...life isn't fair.” Sesshomaru said pessimistically.

“Speak of the devil...” I heard Hana whisper.

We saw Inuyasha and Kikyo holding hands and walking together, luckily, they stopped right in front of us.

“Hello twins...hey Sesshomaru!” She addressed Hana and me like we were evil, but when she spoke to Sesshomaru she sounded absolutely pleasant. The only one of us who responded to her was Sesshomaru, but I figured it was only because he didn't want Inuyasha to get all bent out of shape for not saying `hello'.

“So Inuyasha,” Hana said looking directly at him, “How was your New Year's? You have fun? Any, oh I dunno, developing relationships?”

I wasn't sure exactly what Hana was getting at, but it was funny watching Kikyo's expressions as she talked.

“Inu-chan what is she talking about?” Kikyo asked in her fake innocent voice.

“I dunno,” Inuyasha said, but I had a feeling that there was something he just wasn't saying. With that he and Kikyo walked away.

“What was all that about?” I asked my sister.

She looked at me and said, “Well...”

Before she could finish, one of the teachers called Sesshomaru, asking for his assistance for something.

“I have to go...I'll see you in class.” He said to Hana.

“Okay!” She said. They shared a brief kiss and then Sesshomaru went off to do the teacher's bidding.

“Speaking of him...” I said after Sesshomaru left, “Did you ever come up with a name for that puppy he got you?”

“Yeah, I did!” Hana said smiling. “I named him Aki. The colors of his fur reminded me of autumn so....I named him Aki!”

“Ah that's cute.” I said. I noticed that we looked quite awkward just standing in the middle of the hallway so I invited her to walk.

“So, as I was saying, what was all that about with Inuyasha?” I asked.

“Oh...Aoi, you should have seen Inuyasha and Kagome! They were kissing!” She said excitedly.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing, “Are you serious?! When?!” I asked, just as excited as she was.

“It was at midnight, I think I was the only one who noticed them, and it was really quick, but still it gave me hope!”

I sighed in relief. It was good to hear that Inuyasha and Kagome were really blossoming into something. “It gives me hope too,” I said, “I wonder why I didn't notice that...”

Hana giggled and said, “Well at that moment I saw that you were...pretty much occupied with Bankotsu.”

“Oh...” I said, my face getting a little warm.

At that moment we just so happened to see Kagome walking by herself.

“Kagome!” Hana and I called to her. She saw us instantly and waved. We walked towards each other and started talking.

“So Kagome how was your New Year's Day?” Hana asked in the same manner in which she asked Inuyasha.

“Oh, um, it was okay. Nothing really interesting happened.” Kagome said with shifting eyes.

“Is that so?” Hana asked, “Nothing worth talking about, nothing special happened?”

“Nope, nothing.” Kagome said shortly. Hana's attempts to drag information out of Kagome were totally in vain.

“Well if you say so,” Hana said.

Kagome looked at her wrist, even though she wasn't wearing a watch and said, “Well I better go drop of this...homework, to my...friend, before class starts so...bye you two!” And she ran away from us as fast as she could.

I shook my head and said, “They know that we know.”

Hana nodded in agreement. “That's okay though,” she said. “The truth will be admitted sooner or later. And as the old saying goes, the truth shall set you free!”

After School...

I was so happy when school finally let out. I went straight home and once I finished my homework I had some `me time'. A time to myself when I would just think about different things (See? People put it past me, but I'm a very intellectual individual!). I was enjoying the silence, until I heard my cell phone ring next to me.

“Moshi, Moshi,” I said answering it.

“Hey!” I heard Bankotsu say to me on the other line.

“Hey sweetie! What's up?” I asked.

“You doin' anything right now?”

“No...Just sitting here...relaxing...watching Kotsu-chan hop around.” I said.

I heard him laugh and say, “Well, you wanna go somewhere with me?”

“Somewhere like where?” I asked.

“You'll see if you come with me!”

I sucked my teeth and said, “Fine, when are you gonna be here?”

“Oh I'm outside right now!”

I went downstairs and looked out the window, and surely enough saw him outside sitting on his motorcycle.

“A ten minute notice would be nice!” I said, “But I'll be out there in a minute...”

“Alright.”

Click.

I grabbed my coat and my bag and left a note for Aunt Risa telling her that I would be out, just in case she got back before I did. When I got outside I saw Bankotsu waiting for me on his motorcycle with a bouquet of lilies.

“Aww, you got some roses for me Kotsu-chan?” I asked, giving him a hug.

He laughed and said, “I'm sorry to disappoint you, but they're actually not for you...and they're not roses.”

“I know they're not roses, I was kidding! And excuse me but, who are they for exactly?” I said pretending to have an attitude.

“Like I told you before, you'll see.”

Frustrated, I sat behind Bankotsu on the motorcycle. He handed me a helmet even though he wasn't wearing one himself.

“Where's your helmet?” I asked him.

He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I lost my other one. I'll be okay though. I just have to drive slower...oh and can you hold these flowers for me?”

“Sure I can hold them, but are you even capable of driving slow?” I asked him, strapping my helmet on.

He just smiled and said, “No, not really! So hold on tight!”

Probably about fifteen minutes later, Bankotsu and I arrived at, of all the places I could've imagined, a graveyard. Graveyards always gave me a bad feeling (especially since my parents' funerals), but when the ground and grave markers were covered in a layer of snow, it made the graveyard look a lot prettier.

With the bouquet of lilies I was asked to hold in one hand and Bankotsu's hand in the other, I walked with him past all of the graves until we stopped in front of one in particular. The marker said:

Kusao Sayuri-Gone but never forgotten.

January 2, 1967-August 11, 2003

“Oh wow, this is your mom's grave Kotsu-chan?”

He extended his hand out to me, implying that he wanted the flowers. When I handed the bouquet to him he bent down and replaced the old, dried up flowers that had once decorated the grave with the fresh new lilies. After he did this, he finally answered my question.

“Yeah, it is. I come here and visit her sometimes, especially on her birthday and the anniversary of her death.”

I nodded my head in understanding, “You remember what she looks like?” I asked.

He nodded, “It's only been like, three and a half years. My memory isn't that bad. Besides, I keep her picture with me everywhere I go...”

He then pulled his wallet out of his pocket. He pulled out a picture and handed it to me.

Sayuri-san was so pretty.

She had porcelain-like skin and she had beautiful, long black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. She had blue eyes like me except her eyes were more of a grayish-blue.

In the picture she was smiling and she looked so happy, it made me feel kind of sad for her.

“She was really pretty,” I said handing the picture back to Bankotsu, “And she seems so nice. She doesn't look like someone who deserved to die, especially so young. How old was she when she died, in her thirties?”

“Thirty-six, I remember cuz I was thirteen when she died, and she had me when she was like twenty-three.”

“Oh,” I said. “And I'm just curious....why lilies? Don't people usually leave roses at people's graves?”

Bankotsu just smiled and said, “Well, lilies were Mom's favorite flowers for obvious reasons, so I always leave her lilies instead of roses.”

(AN: `Sayuri' means `lily')

“I see.”

We stood in silence for a moment until I decided to say something.

“Kotsu-chan if you had a choice of when you died and how you died, what would you choose?”

He looked at me like I was crazy. I kinda couldn't blame him though.

“Why would you ask me something like that?”

“I don't know, just something that popped into my head.”

He sighed and put both of his hands behind his head, “Well, I don't know. It doesn't really matter to me. Everyone is going to die eventually, one way or another. It's just a fact of life that everyone's gotta accept no matter how much they want to or not.”

“Wow, that's so profound!”

“But there is one thing I want though...” he said suddenly. I had a feeling it would be something deep.

“What is it?” I asked.

He gave me a really intense look and said to me, “When we die I want us to be buried next to each other. So we'll be together even in death.”

Now that was really profound.

In a way what he said was creepy and romantic at the same time. But still I couldn't help but be touched by the words. So overcome with emotion I hugged him, because that was all I could think of to do.

When we finally let go of each other Bankotsu said, “I think it's about time we left this place, ya think?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

As we were walking back to the motorcycle, I was looking up at Bankotsu when I noticed something different about him...

“Kotsu-chan, your eyes are blue!” I exclaimed, “I could've sworn they were brown but they're blue!”

“Oh, you noticed.” He said. “I got that from my mom. My eye color changes with the seasons...it's kinda weird, but hey...”

When we were about to leave, I looked back at the graveyard one more time.

It was nice meeting you, Sayuri-san...I said inside my head. Yes, it might seem weird that I was trying to mentally communicate with the deceased. But for some reason, I truly think she heard me from the other side.

Hana's POV

I knew Kagome loved Inuyasha (and that he loved her).

I knew Kikyo wanted to make her life miserable.

I knew Inuyasha had been through some stuff.

But after what I read, I felt like I really had no idea.

Now you're probably wondering what the heck I'm talking about…well let me explain.

When school had ended I was leaving the building when I saw Kagome. I ran up to go talk to her but we didn't talk long because she said she was in a hurry. After she ran off I noticed she dropped something on the ground. I tried to give it back to her but she was gone before I could give it to her. At that point, I just figured I'd just give it to her tomorrow.

Now of course I was curious as to what it was that Kagome had left behind. It appeared to be an ordinary notebook but scribbled several times on the cover was “My Journal”. At that moment, my first thought was, Why would she bring her journal to school? Then…I began to think I wonder what's inside…

Anyway I went on home (in my new car) and contemplated whether or not I should read her journal. I knew if I did I'd be invading her privacy but…well let's just say my curiosity got the best of me and any guilt was in the back of my mind. Besides…I thought. She doesn't have to know I read it.

I skipped to the most recent date, which just so happened to be New Year's Day.

Dear Journal,

I keep playing what happened tonight over and over in my head. A part of me is completely denying that it happened…but the other part well…isn't. Even if it was brief and probably not intentional (on Inuyasha's part) that kiss meant so much to me. The touch of his lips had left me in pure ecstasy. *Giggle* I sound like such a romantic…

*Sigh* But who am I kidding? I know that, honestly, that kiss wasn't supposed to happen. It was an accident, that's all. Inuyasha obviously loves Kikyo and only feels `friendly' towards me. You know, I can't help but wonder, what would things be like…if we were together? Tch as if that would happen. I'm just an ordinary girl after all and Kikyo has a lot more to offer him. But…I just don't understand! Why does Kikyo have to have everything I want? She has money, a nice house, nice clothes…but most importantly…the guy that I love. Whenever I'm close to getting something (or someone) that I want…something that will make me happy, she always steals it. I remember in middle school, when I first met Inuyasha, we were, well, close. Sure he was still his stubborn, arrogant self but…other than Sango I could tell him anything. We had fun together, doing all kinds of stuff. Then…she came and things changed. Inuyasha obviously took a liking to her and well, I guess you can say he began following her around. He began to spend less time with me…and of course things weren't the same after that. Even when we went to high school and Kikyo ended up going to another school, things still weren't the same. Inuyasha's mom had died, he was getting pressured by his dad and Sesshomaru wasn't helping. He was also dealing with crap from kids at school. Time passed and we grew further and further apart…until eventually we didn't spend time together at all. It was like I didn't know him anymore…

But man… you don't know how happy I was when we became friends again…it was like a fresh new start for us! I had hope too because after middle school I realized my crush on him had grew into something more…I thought that we would have a chance. But once again,she came and everything changed. Inuyasha started going with her and of course…we began to spend less and less time together. I was so upset of course…but I should have expected it right? It was just like before. I guess Inuyasha and I just weren't meant to be…

Well, I'm done…I'm depressed enough as it is…and for the first time, writing about it, actually doesn't help…

I sighed as I finished reading the entry. I already knew that something had to be done about Kikyo and Inuyasha but at that point…I realized something else. Something had to be done NOW. Kagome was depressed and Inuyasha was making a big mistake. And Kikyo…she was just asking for a serious ass-whooping. She was fooling Inuyasha and making Kagome miserable (not to mention getting on our nerves)…that had to be stopped.

I picked up the phone and called Aoi. We had to come up with a plan.

The phone only rang two times before she picked up.

“Moshi, moshi.”

Hana-chan!” Aoi said.

“Hey…uh what's up?”

“Nothing much. I just got in the house. I went out with Kotsu-chan for a little bit. So uh…you okay?”

“Yeah I'm fine! It's just…girl we can't waste anymore time.”

“What do you mean?”

“Kikyo and Inuyasha…that's what I mean.” I said. I then explained to her about what I read in Kagome's journal.

“Girl you are nosy...and you were talkin' about me! But seriously though, you're right. We can't waste anymore time. So, what do you propose we do?”

I thought about it for a while. Honestly I didn't know what the heck we would do. All I knew was that Kikyo needed to get hers as soon as possible.

I heard static over the phone line because of the deep silence that passed over Aoi and me as we thought up our plan. Suddenly, Aoi spoke.

“Ah! I got it!” I heard her say.

“Um...well...wanna tell me about it?” I said sarcastically.

“Alright Hana, I'ma need you to make a three-way call to Sango. Then after we get her, we need to ask her to call Miroku. I need to talk to both of them.”

“Um, okay, but not Inuyasha or Kagome?” I asked confused.

“No...Just trust me. I'm positive that what I have in mind is going to work.”

“Okay...” I called Sango. Then when we got hold of her, she called Miroku. When all four of us were on the line, Aoi spoke up.

“Alright, now you guys are probably wondering why we're on a four-person phone call...well it's because I need the help of all of you in order to take down a being so sinister...so evil...so sickening...”

“Aoi, who is it?!” Sango said growing tired of Aoi's melodrama.

“You don't know? I'm talking about the one and only Hidaka Kikyo.”

“Oh? Do tell...” Miroku said.

“Okay you guys, first question...does anyone in here own a video camera...?”

Aoi's POV

About a month later...

The time had finally come to put our plan into action.

It was Valentine's Day; the day where all of the love struck females reminded their men of their affection for one another.

What better (or more ironic) day for Inuyasha to find out the truth about Kikyo?

That was my mindset.

Well, I think it's about time I explain what the whole `plan' thing is, no?

This is it...

“Well, we all know that Inuyasha is never gonna believe that his `precious angel Kikyo' is really a Damien-in-disguise. So he's just going to have to see for himself...”

We were to catch Kikyo without her `mask'. Catch her in the act of cheating...an unintentional confession....something.

“Well how are we gonna do that? It's not like she's gonna tell us flat out...even though we already know...”

“You're right, she won't. But she might tell someone like...one of her `lovers'.”

This is where Miroku was to come in. He would seduce Kikyo into saying something that would get her in trouble.

“This is why I needed to talk to you Sango. I needed to make sure you understood what was going on had you happened to walk into all of this as it was occurring. Are you okay with this?”

“This is for my best friends' well being...do what you gotta do.”

Their whole conversation would be recorded as it was happening.

“But why do we need a video camera? Can't we just use my brother's trusty microphone? It's helped us out so far...”

“There's just one thing...if we try to let Inuyasha listen to a recording, he'll think that one of us fixed our voice to sound like Kikyo. He's just hard-headed like that. He needs to see it himself, that's the only way he'll be convinced.”

“But how are we gonna put the camera in a room with Kikyo and me, and not make it look suspicious?”

“Easy, you two sit in the room where the photography club meets. Then it won't look as suspicious!”

“You know, I think this might actually work!”

“Mm, it has to...”

So that was it. The whole discussion of the `Operation: K.I.W.B.F' (that's Kikyo and Inuyasha Wear Blown Faces, just made it up now...nice ain't it?)

Anyway, I had been so focused on our plan that I had almost forgotten about Bankotsu's gift. It was Valentine's Day after all, not just Show-Inuyasha-Kikyo-is-a-Whore-Day. I admit I was worried about how Inuyasha would take it. He'd most likely be blown (which would be why he'd be wearing a blown face). But I knew what we had to do what would be for the best...not only for him, but for Kagome.

When I got to school, Bankotsu greeted me like an eager little child (just like Aunt Risa on Christmas). I toyed with him for a bit, saying I didn't have his gift but of course he saw the box I had behind my back. The Ipod Nano I got him was wrapped in red paper with hearts on it and a black ribbon. Eventually he snatched it from my hands and opened it. After gasping in shock and then hugging and kissing me in thanks he said “Man…you really do spoil me.”

“Well that's what girlfriends do.” I said.

“Well that's what boyfriends do too, especially those who have jobs.”

I smiled but then gasped when I realized what he said. “You got a job?!”

He nodded and said “Yep for about three weeks now. I figured I needed some way to get some money since I'm not selling drugs anymore. So you know…I can spoil you too and help Jakostu out.”

“Aww that's so sweet of you.” I said kissing him on the cheek. “But how come it took you this long to get one?”

He sighed and said “Well…there's not many places that'll take a guy who's been arrested…and suspended several times.”

“Oh…” I should have figured that. I thought. “So uh…where do you work?”

“At an auto-shop about twenty minutes away from here. The work is crap but the money is actually pretty good especially since I have some experience.”

“Oh well that's good. You know…I can understand you wanting to help Jakotsu but…you didn't have to get a job just so you could spoil me too. I mean I don't expect anything in return when I buy you things.”

Bankotsu grabbed my hands and said “I know but I still want to get you nice things. I mean sure I've gotten you stuff but it doesn't compare to what you've gotten me.”

“In value maybe, but in meaning, the things I've got you really don't compare. I mean, like that painting. Sure someone may say it's only worth a certain amount of money but it meant so much to me because you painted it for me. Either way Bankotsu, the things we get each other are only material signs of our love. They don't compare to what we have right here.” I said touching my heart and then his.

Bankotsu smiled and said “Now that was profound.”

I smiled too and said “What can I say? We're just profound people.”

Later on that day…

Hana's POV

After school, the plan was put into action. I set the camera up where the photography club usually met and timed it so it would automatically start recording when the time was right. Kikyo strutted down the hall in her too-sort uniform on her way to cheerleading practice, when Miroku stopped her. Of course, even if he had turned over a new leaf, it would be easy for him to seduce her. Aoi, Sango, and I cautiously watched from around the corner.

“Hey Kikyo...” Miroku said with a seductive grin.

“Miroku…” Kikyo said licking her lips, looking him up and down. “Hey yourself...”

Sango growled and whispered “I swear if this wasn't part of the plan I'd kill her.”

“Mm-hmm, want me to pimp-slap her for you, girl?”

“Aoi!” I said, nudging her.

“My bad...”

“So…you busy?” Miroku asked, looking her up and down.

“Well I was on my way to practice but I'm sure they won't mind if I'm a bit late. What did you have in mind?”

“Uh, isn't she the cheerleading captain? She can't be late for practice...” Sango said thoughtfully.

“Sango, that's Kikyo out there. She would happily place stealing men and being a roller over great sportsmanship.” I said.

Miroku walked closer to Kikyo and said “Follow me and you can find out.”

And she did so. While the two headed to the prospective classroom, Sango, Aoi, and I went to another room where we could watch what was happening on a small TV I set up. The recording started right on time as the two entered the classroom.

Miroku sat down only to have Kikyo immediately sit on his lap.

“So…what do you want to do?” Kikyo asked wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Stuff…” Miroku said rubbing her legs.

Sango growled again and said “Alright Miroku, don't get too comfortable.”

“Sango don't worry so much. Miroku's not going to do anything, especially while we're watching. Besides, he did propose to you.” I said.

Sango looked at her ring and said “Yeah you're right and this is for Kagome so...”

Kikyo giggled and said “What kind of stuff?

“You know…stuff.” Miroku said.

“Oh I see.” Kikyo said kissing his neck. “You sure your tomboy girlfriend won't mind?”

“What she doesn't know won't hurt her. Besides I don't get none from her and well I have some needs to be fulfilled.”

“I know what you mean. I've tried to get some from Inuyasha but he's always saying this bullshit about how he wants to wait until we're married. If he were smart he'd have realized by now that I never want to marry his ass, much less be his girlfriend.”

“For real?” Miroku asked, “Why not?”

Kikyo looked like she absolutely couldn't believe what she was hearing.

“Well, isn't it obvious? Inuyasha is a loser. He's pitiful, annoying, arrogant, and he's not even all that great looking. I mean the only reason that I'm with him is because he has money and it obviously eats poor little Cousin Kagome up inside, the fact that I'm with him that is...”

“Why?”

“What? You didn't know? Kagome's liked Inuyasha since middle school. But she was always too `shy' to say anything. So I decided to step in. I mean, I've hated Kagome since I was little. She always got the most attention between the two of us...just because she's always the `good little girl',” Kikyo looked like she could spit, “Eventually I got sick of it, and I vowed to make her life miserable with every opportunity.”

“Don't you think that's kind of...low?” Miroku said.

She showed everyone her evil smile as she said, “Not at all...”

“So…you don't love or care for Inuyasha in the least bit?”

Kikyo appeared irritated at the way things were turning. This obviously wasn't what she had in mind when she decided to follow Miroku. “Didn't I make this clear already? NO! I hate him! I hate him just as much as I hate Kagome!”

Well…that was it. She had said it all.

At this point Miroku was done with his seduction-act and pushed her off of him.

“What's the big idea?” she asked.

“I changed my mind. You're really not worth my time.”

Kikyo sucked her teeth and said “Whatever. I've got a date with Neji later anyway and I'm sure he's much better than you. See ya.”

When Kikyo left the room Miroku sighed and looked in the direction of the camera. “Well you've seen it all here on Heartbreak TV. This is Miroku. I'm out.”

I shook my head and turned off the TV. Sango, Aoi, and I looked at each other and sighed.

“This is going to be hard…” Aoi whispered.

“I know. But Inuyasha needs to see this.” I said, “Otherwise he'll just keep on believing a lie…”

“Hana's right, Aoi,” Sango said. “It might hurt him a little, but that bitch will hurt him even more the longer she's with him...”

Aoi's POV

The next day after school, Hana, Sango, Miroku and I were hanging outside in the courtyard talking.

“So, when do you all think we should let Inuyasha see the tape?” Miroku asked.

We were all quiet for a moment.

“I don't know,” Hana said, “I've kept the tape with me all day- but -I just couldn't bring myself to give it to him...”

“Come on you guys,” Sango said looking at all of us, “We were just talking about this yesterday. Obviously we don't want to see Inuyasha get his feelings hurt, but we don't have a choice! We're his friends, and if we don't open his eyes to the truth, who will?”

Ironically enough, at that moment I saw a particular someone pass us by.

“H-Hey Inuyasha!” I said.

At the sound of his name, everyone jumped slightly. We pretended like we weren't just discussing him in our conversation.

Inuyasha didn't acknowledge it though. Instead, he surprisingly grabbed Miroku by his shirt collar and threw him hard face-first into the ground.

Hana and I gasped and Sango knelt next to Miroku to see if he was okay.

“What's the big idea, Inuyasha?!” Sango asked.

“Yeah Inuyasha,” Miroku said brushing the dirt off his clothes, “What's up?”

“What's up? My patience with you Miroku, that's `what's up'!” Inuyasha said, seriously looking and sounding like he was about ready to kill Miroku.

“...what...?”

“Don't play dumb, Miroku! Kikyo told me what you did!” Inuyasha shook his head in disgust, “And you're actually getting married...bastard...”

“Seriously Inuyasha, what are you talking about?!” Miroku asked finally standing up, serious about figuring out why one of his best friends just assaulted him.

“I told you, stop acting like you don't know! Kikyo told me everything...about how you tried to force yourself on her-!”

“WHOA...whoa...what..? What the hell do you mean he tried to force himself on Kikyo?!” Sango asked, outraged.

“That's what she told me,” Inuyasha said, “She said it happened yesterday, when she was going to cheerleading practice...”

I looked at Hana, who looked back at me. She then looked at Sango, who was staring at the ground.

“That bitch...” She said in a whisper.

“Nu-uh,” I said shaking my head, “This ends today...Look, Inuyasha something did happen between Miroku and Kikyo yesterday, but it definitely wasn't that. It's about time you learned the truth...Hana-?”

I pointed at Hana's bag, implying that I wanted Kikyo's `exposé'.

“That time,” I said to her, “Is definitely now.”

“What are you blabbering about Aoi? And what exactly ends today?” Inuyasha asked irritated.

“Your relationship with Kikyo!” Hana said grabbing the tape out of her bag. I expected her to give it to him but she actually grabbed his hand and began to drag him into the school. Sango, Miroku, and I just followed her.

What are you doing? I asked her telepathy.

I can't just wait for him to go home. I want him to see it now!

When we got in the building, Hana led Inuyasha to the very room the event took place. While we were walking there Inuyasha pulled away from Hana several times and asked her where they were going and why she said his relationship would end, but she ignored him and kept grabbing his hand.

When we got into the room, which was empty, Hana sat Inuyasha down and placed the tape inside the VCR. When Inuyasha tried to stand up Miroku grabbed his shoulders and sat him back down.

“What the hell is going on?!” Inuyasha asked again, really irritated.

“You're about to see.” I said as Hana turned on the TV and played the tape.

The video came on and showed Miroku and Kikyo entering the room. It went on with Miroku sitting down and Kikyo sitting on his lap and them talking about doing stuff. Inuyasha growled at this and glared at Miroku (and he looked bewildered at how Sango watched him doing that so calmly). But as the two continued to talk Inuyasha's expression changed from angry to shock and disbelief. Just as the tape ended the bell rang but we all remained still.

I sighed and said “We got Miroku to seduce Kikyo so that she would come out and say the truth. We knew that she felt that way…but we also knew that if she didn't say it from her mouth you wouldn't believe it. I'm sorry…”

Inuyasha stayed quiet for a moment but I suddenly heard him mutter “How can this be? How could she…?”

He then stood and said “I…gotta get to class.”

He then walked out and everyone sighed.

I had to keep reminding myself…this was for the best.

Kagome's POV

As I came to the stop light I sighed as I recalled the conversation from just a few minutes ago. Hana, Sango, and Aoi had called me on four way and well this is how the conversation went.

“Moshi moshi?” I said picking up the phone.

“Hey.” Aoi, Sango, and Hana said at the same time.

“Hey girls! What's up?” I asked trying to sound as happy and non-emo as possible.

“Kagome…it's about Inuyasha.” Hana said in a grieve voice.

“What about him? Did something happen to him? Is he okay?” I asked frantically, the worry evident in my voice.

“He's okay…physically but…he's not doing so great otherwise…” Aoi said.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

The three went on to explain about their plan, the tape, and Inuyasha's reaction to it all. Hana seemed hesitant but she then mentioned the page she read in my journal (which she had returned to me). Before I could say anything Hana said “I'm sorry Kagome! I really am! But I was…you know…curious. But after reading that last entry I realized that we had expose Kikyo ASAP for what she was…not just for Inuyasha…but for you too.”

“For me? What do I have to do with anything?”

“You know how much you love Inuyasha…and whether you realize it he loves you too…but the only reason he went with Kikyo was because she fooled him into thinking she loved him and that you didn't.” Sango said.

“When it's actually the other way around.” Hana said.

“Yeah…but now that Inuyasha knows the truth he's heartbroken…he's been depressed since he found out. He won't talk to anybody and he won't eat.” Aoi said.

“Yeah…Sessho-chan said he didn't eat even eat when he got home…he just went straight to his room and locked the door.”

I was quiet for a moment before I said “So…why exactly did you call me?”

“Because Kagome…you're the only one that can get through to him. (AN: just like in the second movie…) Inuyasha has always thought low of himself and he needs to know that someone other then his friends loves him for who he is. He needs you Kagome.” Sango said.

“But what can I do?”

“Comfort him…be there for him…but most importantly tell him how you feel.” Hana said.

“I dunno…I mean I guess I could call him.”

“No…you need to go see him. Soon.” Aoi said.

So that's what I did…after I got off the phone I left to go to Inuyasha's house. True I did want to help him…but I was still so unsure. What exactly would I say? Would my confession really make a difference? Did Inuyasha really need me as much as the girls said he did?

I went back and forth about going through with it but just as I thought about heading home I was already there. After I told the guard who I was he let me in and told me where to park. After I did, I turned off the car and sighed. I don't know how long I just sat there in the car but I figured I'd have to get out eventually.

When I knocked on the door one of their butlers answered. “How may I help you?” he asked.

“I'm here to see Inuyasha…” I said looking at the ground.

He let me in and said “Master Inuyasha is in his room. It's right upstairs, two doors down to the left. But I must warn you…he's been…moody since he got home.”

I can imagine why…I thought.

Since I still seemed a bit confused about where to go, the butler showed me to Inuyasha's room. When he showed me the door, he went back downstairs and I was left in the hallway. I took a deep breath and just as I was about to knock on the door I heard Inuyasha say in a monotone voice “Come in.”

I was a bit surprised that he knew I was there but then I remembered his sensitive sense of hearing and smell. I slowly opened the door to see Inuyasha laying on the bed staring at the ceiling. For a moment I just stood there, silent, observing him. His hair was sprawled across the bed, his face was blank, and he still had on his uniform. After a moment of silence Inuyasha asked “What do you want?”

I took a deep breath and said “I…was worried about you.”

“I told you before and I'll tell you again…I don't want your pity.” Inuyasha said in the same tone.

Suddenly angry I said “I don't pity you! Worry and pity are two totally different things! When you pity someone you hold contempt for that person because you consider them weak or inferior and I don't think that of you.”

“But everyone else does…” Inuyasha said, still not looking at me.

“But…I thought you didn't care about what people thought of you…”

Inuyasha sighed and said “I try not to…but it's hard when almost everyone you come up against thinks that way of you.”

“Everyone doesn't think that way about you Inuyasha…especially not your friends...”

“Tch, yeah right.” He said, sounding more like himself.

“What, you don't believe me? How could we think that way of you? You're our friend! We care about you and whether you want to believe me or not, you mean a lot to us.”

“Tch.” Inuyasha said again. “And just why would you care about someone who doesn't listen to you? Why would you even give an arrogant bastard like me the time of day?”

“Have you ever thought that maybe we look past your flaws? That we don't focus so much on what you do wrong…”

Inuyasha got quiet and I sighed. I never thought that he could be so negative.

The awkward moment of silence lasted longer then I wanted it to and I wanted to break it but I didn't know what to say. I had been staring at the floor like it was the most interesting thing in the world. I was glad when Inuyasha spoke up. But what he actually said disturbed me.

“I still don't understand why you guys even bother me. I mean, it's just like Kikyo said…”

I looked up to see that Inuyasha was now sitting at the edge of the bed looking at me. I sighed and sat down next to him. “Have you been listening to anything I said? You're our friend and we would never wrong you or think badly of you. And we want the best for you…that's why we…well they since technically I didn't know anything about it…did what they did. They didn't want you to go on believing Kikyo loved you when she didn't.”

There was another moment of silence but thankfully it was a lot shorter. “Did you know about her Kagome? Did you know the truth?”

“I…honestly wasn't sure. I know how Kikyo is but I've always tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. I mean, I didn't think it was impossible for her to love you…”

“What…do you mean by that?” Inuyasha asked.

“Well….you know…you're a great guy Inuyasha…sure you can be a bit rough around the edges…but you do have a lot of redeeming qualities. I mean, it's not impossible for someone to love you…that way.” I said, slightly blushing.

Inuyasha looked at me like he didn't believe a word I said. “Are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

I inwardly groaned and thought Jeez how much does it take to convince him?

Inuyasha's POV

I wanted with all my heart to accept the positive things Kagome was saying about me but I still had my doubts. First of all, Kagome would say or do anything to make anyone feel better. That's just the type of person she was. Second of all, even if they did hang with me and all, it was still hard to believe my friends really cared.

It was hard to believe anyone cared….especially after what Kikyo did.

I had let my guard down once and allowed myself to get hurt…I just didn't want that to happen again. I didn't know if I'd be able to trust anyone again.

I broke away from my thoughts when I noticed Kagome scooted a little closer to me. She looked at me with those big brown eyes of hers…and they were filled with such compassion and….love?

“I'm really sorry for what Kikyo did Inuyasha and if I could turn back time and change everything I would…but I…I can only do what I can. I just wanna be here with you…if you need someone to talk to or maybe even a shoulder to cry on. I…”

I gasped when I saw tears begin to leek from Kagome's eyes.

“I don't want you to get hurt again…I don't want you to feel alone Inuyasha.”

Something suddenly dawned upon me. What Kikyo had said on the tape…what the girls kept telling me…even Miroku mentioned it on some occasions. It all made sense.

I couldn't deny that I loved Kikyo but when we went together she seemed distant sometimes and as much as I wanted to deny it I really didn't feel any love from her, despite her words. But Kagome, even if our relationship was on a friendly level, her gentleness, her kindness, her very presence always seemed to give off this loving vibe. Even though it hurt her that Kikyo and I went together she still stayed by my side…She did whatever she could for me and always tried to help me.

“I see now…I really have been dense. Kikyo never took the time to actually to get to know me. She never actually appreciated me like you do…Kagome.” I said grabbing her hand. She blushed and smiled.

“That's right I do. And…” she paused for a moment. “…even when you acted like you didn't care or needed anyone…even when you tried to act tough…somehow I was always able to see through you…the real you….”

Kagome then looked intently at me, for a moment showing no shame or embarrassment. “I know you just ended things with Kikyo…and I know you may still be hurting…but I can't hide the truth from you anymore Inuyasha. I need you to know how I feel.”

I was surprised when she suddenly started singing…

I see your true colors shining through…

I see your true colors…

That's why I love you…

I see your true colors shining through…

I see your true colors…

That's why I love you baby…

Her voice sounded so beautiful but the true beauty lied in her words. They weren't fake like Kikyo's. Even though I had just been betrayed, I suddenly felt that pain melt away. I realized Kikyo and her lies didn't matter. What truly mattered was the young woman sitting in front of me.

I sang back to her:

Some might say this love wasn't meant to be

Two people from two different worlds, we wasn't meant to be

It must have been fate you were sent to me

We'll make it through these hard times eventually

“So…you…feel the same way?” Kagome asked surprised.

I nodded and said “I have for a while now…I was just blinded by my love for Kikyo…but I know that love wasn't real. But my love for you is real.”

Kagome cried some more but I kissed her tears away before kissing her on her lips.

I inwardly smiled.

So this is what a real kiss feels like.