Kagome awoke with a bright smile on her face, remembering the tender kiss she’d received the night before. ‘He really is sweet… Nothing like Koga.’ She made a face as her ex’s face and memories of the day before passed through her mind. ‘Ugh. Definitely not like Koga.’ She sat up in bed, suddenly remembering what he told her last night, wide grin spreading on her face.
“Better get ready. He should be here soon.” She smiled, pulling back the covers and glancing to the clock.
“Hmm… I’d guess I have a good half hour before he gets here.” She walked over to her closet, rummaging around for something cute to wear. She smiled upon finding her favorite red long-sleeve and slipped it on after hooking her bra in the back.
‘Hmm… Now where is that skirt?’ After looking around a bit more, she smiled triumphantly, pulling her short jean skirt from the closet and slipped it on as well.
Finishing the look with a white over-shirt, leaving the buttons undone, and her favorite black ballet flats, she headed to the bathroom to fix her hair. ‘Hmm… What should I do with it today…?’ she pondered, looking at her waist-length hair. She shrugged after a few minutes, deciding just to leave it down in its’ natural waves, just slipping on a thick red headband. A quick brush of gloss and some mascara, and she headed downstairs, messenger bag and jean jacket in hand.
“Hey, mom can you make me a bagel?” she asked, setting her bag on the table before running back up to her room for her cell phone.
"Sure honey, but hurry up or you won’t have time to eat it,” her mother replied with a small chuckle, then fetched the bagels from the pantry and popped one in the toaster.
“I know!” she called back, pocketing her phone and checking her reflection one more time before running back down the stairs. She walked back into the kitchen just as her mom was putting cream cheese on her bagel.
“Thanks a lot mom.” She smiled, taking it from her and taking a bite as she tossed her bag back over her shoulder. ‘I think I have everything…’ Nods to herself, taking another bite of her breakfast just as her phone went off.
“Moshi moshi. Ah, Yash. Hai, I’ll be right out!” She flipped her phone shut, giving her mom a quick hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Bye, mom! I love you!" she called, finishing her bagel as she stepped into her black slip-ons and ran out the front door.
“Thanks again for breakfast!” she waved, then closed the door behind her and headed down the shrine steps.
Slightly winded after running down the stairs, Kagome paused to catch her breath a second before walking over to Inuyasha’s car. "Morning, Kags." He greeted her with a smile, making sure she was buckled in before pulling back onto the road.
"Good morning!” she answered, unaware of the cream cheese on her cheek until he chuckled and pointed it out.
“Leftover breakfast, I’m guessing.” He chuckled, running his thumb over her cheek and licking it off, making her blush.
“Hmm… Judging from the fact that that was cream cheese, I’d guess a bagel.” He laughed, enjoying seeing her face flush.
“Bingo. I was in a bit of a rush. Ehe.” She rubbed the back of her head with an embarrassed smile. Blinking, she looked at him for a few seconds before noticing something different.
“Hey, you aren’t wearing your hat today!” He laughed at that.
“One point for Kags.”
He glanced to what she was wearing before commenting. “You look nice by the way. Your hair looks pretty down.” The light staining on her cheeks darkens a bit and she mumbles a shy ‘thank you’ as they drive along. Her eyes wonder over to him, dressed in baggy jeans and grey button-up with a longsleeve black shirt underneath.
“Not too bad yourself,” she attempted at a flirt, mentally slapping herself. ‘Not bad yourself? What’s wrong with you Kagome?’ He looked at her and chuckled inwardly as he watched her have a small internal battle with herself.
“Thanks.” They rode in silence the rest of the way to school, neither one sure of what to say to the other, so Inuyasha flipped on the radio.
When the reached the school, they located Sango’s van and pulled in beside it, Inuyasha helped Kagome out of the car and took her bag for her. They walked to the others, who were seated at a bench and chatted for a bit until the bell rang, walking to class together and waving to Shippo as he headed towards the theatre.
"Man! I wish it was Friday instead of Tuesday…" whined Kagome, stretching her arms over her head as they walked. "That way, we'd have a concert to look forward to instead of homework."
"Oh, come on. It's not that bad, Kags. At least we have most of our classes together," reasoned Sango, as she poked her friend in the side.
"But since you’re so bummed, why don't we hold a study group session after school from now on whenever we have homework?"
"Hey, that's a great idea Sango. That way we can practice more as well ‘cause we’ll all be together anyways," agreed Miroku.
"I'm up for it."
“Sounds good to me.” Came the replies from Inuyasha and Kagome.
“Then it's settled," said a cheerful Sango, slipping her binder under her arm.
"Yeah, and we can hold it at my house. I don't mind having you guys over. Our instruments and stuff is already there after all," Kagome chimed, receiving nods of agreement from everyone. And so the day blew on by, classes flying by like nothing. Before they knew it, it was lunchtime. Seeing as it was nice and warm out, they all grabbed their lunch and headed for their favorite spot on the grass, right under the old willow tree.
"So... Shippo. Exactly when is your talent show being held? Like, what time?" asked a curious Sango, who was pulling the crust off of her sandwich.
"Actually, I decided to change the date from next Friday to this Thursday. They’re using it Friday for choir practice or something of the likes," responded their younger friend as he munched on his cafeteria-bought chicken burger.
"It will be right after school, so if you guys plan on performing you'd better bring an extra set of clothes with you if you want to change before you go onstage."
Everyone nodded in agreement... except for Kagome, whose attention was elsewhere. During the whole conversation, she had noticed that Koga and his 'gang' had been shooting daggers at her the whole time they'd been sitting. Not only her, she noticed that they'd been staring at Inuyasha very coldly as well. She silently observed that his broken nose was back in its’ proper place, but a lot of bruising remained.
‘Must be from his demon healing abilities…’ she mused, a chill going up her spine as his gaze met her own, lip curling in a smirk. ‘Gods, please just let me get through this year… Please let him leave me alone…’ she sighed, sipping her yellow Gatorade, and tried to focus on her groups’ conversation. After a bit, she found she just couldn’t, haunting thoughts going through her mind.
'Sure Inuyasha can handle Koga when he’s on his own... but if Koga brings friends next time…’ She shook her head of such thoughts, not wanting everyone to see her get upset. However, Inuyasha noticed, her scent alone telling him she was distressed.
"Hey, Kags... what's wrong? Are you okay?" he whispered, amber eyes concerned as he regarded her tense posture.
She looked up, forcing a smile and fought back the emotions that had formed in her oceanic orbs. "Yeah, I'm okay... My eyes are just watering, that's all. Must be allergies or something…"
He quirked an eyebrow at that, and she gave him what she hoped was a look saying she was perfectly fine, but he could tell she wasn’t. 'Something's wrong with her... she smells scared… I'm not sure what's wrong, but I'm gonna find out what it is.' thought the silver-haired youth with determination, clenching his fist at his side.
Soon the lunch bell rang and they all got up to head off to their last class. "One more class then we’re out of here,” mumbled Sango, dragging her feet a bit as they proceeded to study hall in the library.
“I really don’t see the point of this class. We don’t even have any homework yet.”
“Speak for yourself, dear Sango,” Miroku stated with a groan, telling her about the English assignment he’d already received.
“Oh well,” yawned Inuyasha, glancing from time to time at Kagome, trying to assess if she was really alright.
“Hey, Sango. Are we waiting for Shippo after school?”
“Nah. He said his dad would bring him over later. He still has to help move furniture around.” She answered with a laugh, binder at her hip.
Before too long, the final bell had rang and Inuyasha were walking to the parking lot, Sango and Miroku a ways ahead of them. "Kagome... Are you sure you're alright?" asked a persistent Inuyasha, already knowing the answer. She hesitated, worrying her healing lip a bit before forcing herself to look his way.
"Actually… no, Yash, I'm not..." she responded and Inuyasha pulled her to sit beside him on a bench for a moment.
"Can you tell me what's wrong?" he asked, voice full of concern as he lightly draped an arm around her shoulders, causing her cheeks to redden slightly. She sighed, then leaned slightly towards him, speaking softly.
“I’m worried about Koga..."
"Why’s that Kags?" he inquired softly, looking to the girl beside him.
"During lunch… The reason I was so quiet… He kept glaring at me… at us… I’m worried he’s going to do something… That he might hurt you…" she stopped and took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice from shaking as she spoke the next few words.
"And I'm worried what might happen to you if he were to get really serious about hurting you…." Her eyes watered, but she refused to let the tears fall. His own eyes widened at her concern for him, her words touching him. He merely sighed and pulled her closer, resting his head on hers.
After she calmed herself, he softly spoke. "Kagome... I’m here for you… I want you to know that. You’re an important person to me now, and I swear I’ll do what I can to keep you safe. I don’t worry about Koga. I can take care of myself." She sighed, nodding against his shoulder as she tried to hide the small blush that had made its’ way across her cheeks. She finally pulled herself to look at him, pink hue darkening as her own blue eyes were met by intense amber ones.
“I promise…” Those two words; it was amazing how much better they made her feel as they sat there, his arms around her.
‘It’s strange…’ she thought to herself with a small smile. ‘I’ve only know him a bit over two days, and yet… I’m so easily comforted by just his presence…’ She curled into him, listening to his heartbeat for a couple seconds.
“Thank you…”
“Anytime.” He smiled, then stood and put a protective arm around her as they went to join their friends in the parking lot.
“Finally! What were you two doing?" Sango asked, currently leaning against her vehicle. Miroku sported a lecherous grin.
“Yes, what indeed?” Kagome blushed and looked at her feet, suddenly finding her shoes to be very interesting. Inuyasha just slapped his forehead.
“Oh for Gods' sakes, it wasn’t anything like that. We were just talking.” Something in Miroku’s eyes told them he didn’t believe them, but he hushed when he saw Kagome give him a withered look.
“Lay off them Miroku. Anyways, are you okay Kags?” The girl in question nodded, glancing to the boy beside her, his arm still around her.
“Yeah… I am now.” Deciding now wasn’t the time to ask, they merely nodded before everyone piled into their cars and headed for the Higurashi shrine.
After arriving, the boys decided to play some basketball, leaving the girls to talk as they watched. Sango’s sigh didn’t go unnoticed by Kagome, who immediately asked what was wrong. The taller girl didn’t say anything at first, seemingly trying to calm herself before answering.
“Something happened in second period today…” Kagome moved closer to her friend, encouraging her to continue.
“Miroku doesn’t care for me… He likes someone else…” Her voice sounded almost bitter as she uttered the words. Kagome gasped, blue eyes saddening for her friend.
“What happened…? Who?”
“This girl in our math class… Her name is Koharu Tomo. She’s a year under us...” Kagome couldn’t believe her ears, almost afraid to ask what had happened, but needed to understand what went wrong.
“She asked him to help her with something in the hall… and being the ‘gentleman’ that he is, went. They were just supposed to be putting up fliers for homecoming… I know it shouldn’t have taken so long.” She paused, trying to stay calm as tears threatened to fall from her chocolate-colored eyes.
“I went to see if they need help… He was facing her, and as soon as she saw me she smirked and pulled him down to… to kiss her… As far as I know, he didn’t try to stop her… but I was back in the classroom long before they were… I just acted like nothing was wrong the rest of the day but… I had to tell someone…”
Thus, ended Sango’s story, tears brimming over her lashes and running unchecked down her cheeks. Kagome made a fist. ‘I can’t believe Miroku would do such a thing… He wouldn’t have. Would he…?’ She looked to where said boy was laughing with Inuyasha, the two sharing a joke as they passed the ball back and forth.
Unsure what to think, Kagome pulled her friend to stand, rubbing her back as she walked inside with her to help get her cleaned up. “It’ll be ok hun… I’ll find out what happened…” Sango just nodded her thanks, not trusting her voice, and Kagome mused to herself.
“I wonder what’s taking Shippo so long. School’s been out for almost two hours…” Just then, they heard a diesel truck pull up, and a car door opening and closing.
“Well speak of the devil..." said Sango with a little smile, carefully wiping her lined and slightly red eyes.
“Yeah… Are you okay to practice today Sango? It’s fine if you don’t want to…”
"Yeah, I’m alright… It’ll take my mind off it all…” Kagome nodded, understanding, then took her friend by the arm and walked with her back to the others in the garage.
The guys seemingly had finished their game as the girls walked back out. They were currently sitting with Shippo, discussing something. They broke apart as Kagome cleared her throat, then walked to her mic, Sango stepping to her keyboard without a word to anyone. “So, are we gonna practice or what? We need to be ready for Friday’s performance. I want it to be better than our last one.”
Everyone nodded their agreement, then took their places, Inuyasa on Kagome’s right and Shippo on her left. “Alright. Let’s work on the same one from yesterday. Inuyasha, you remember the notes?” At his thumbs up, she nodded for them to begin.
The week blew by fairly easy, Sango still not being able to talk to Miroku about the incident as Thursday rolled around. "So what are you going to sing for the talent show today, Kagome?" asked a cheerful Shippo during lunch.
"You’ll just have to wait and find out kiddo," she responded with a grin, ruffling his long auburn hair. She had decided not to mention that Sango would also be singing. She sort of didn’t want anyone to know til she was onstage. She saw how Sango forced her cheerfulness around Miroku since Tuesday, the others remaining oblivious to the whole situation at said girls’ request.
And she hadn’t had time to find out what had happened. Shippo continued to beg Kagome about what she would perform, and she kept telling him the same thing, laughing at his persistence. The bell finally went off, signalling just one more class. “Well we better get going to study hall," said Sango, slinging her bag over her shoulder, science binder under her arm.
"We'll see you after class in the gymnasium Shippo," said Kagome. No one said a word as Sango went to sit off by herself, head phones on as she pulled out a notebook. Kagome figured she was probably just going through her song again. She sincerely hoped Miroku understood after hearing it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'Wow! I didn't think there would be this many people here to watch...' thought Kagome nervously as she scanned the seats. Her eyes warmed as she saw that her mom had somehow managed to make it. Good feeling left as her eyes stopped on a very unwelcome and unwanted person at the very top.
'Koga... What's he doing here? Oh well… Guess it’s a good thing I picked the song I did then.' She clenched her fist, feeling more determined than ever as she touched her cheek. Her friend walked up behind her, following her gaze into the crowd.
"Oh, great! That's the last person we need here..." said Sango, putting her hand to her forehead with a groan.
"Yeah, well let’s not waste energy worrying about him right now. I’m not. We have to go get ready." Sango nodded, feeling a bit nervous as she and her best friend headed to the bathroom after scooping up their bags of clothes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Sango, you almost done in there? I want to see what you brought so I can do your hair before I put mine on." Kagome called from outside of the stall, already working her own hair into wavy curls.
"Yeah, I know. Just a second." A few seconds go by and Sango stepped out with a shy smile before twirling, sending the light pink dress whirling around her.
“Ta-dah…” Kagome smiled. She knew this was the perfect dress for her friend when she’d seen it. They’d gone shopping the day before, and Kagome had insisted she get the knee-length creation. The sleeves were long and sheer, a rhinestone glittering here and there.
“Looks great.” Kagome smiled, then pulled her friend over so she could start on her hair. Some rubber bands and a bunch of hairspray later, her curly half updo was set. Kagome gave her a thumbs up before heading into the stall with her bag, leaving Sango to do her makeup.
“Neh, Sango? You getting stage-fright yet?” her friend asked from the stall. Sango chuckled, putting some white and light pink shadow on.
“Maybe a little bit. It’s going to be different from performing at the club. We’re on our own for this event. I considered backing out a couple times… demo… he needs to know. Even if he doesn’t care for me that way… I want him to know.”
“Yeah…” Kagome answered, stepping out and closing the stall behind her. She fidgeted a bit with the red and black plaid short skirt, half-tucking in the punk schoolgirl top. Black leggings that went to her ankles were worn underneath, red tie loose around her neck as she clipped up one side of her hair.
A little lip gloss, and some smokey black shadow and she was set, pulling on her red Chucks as she turned to her friend. “Well… I’m as ready as I’m going to be. You set?” Sango nodded and finished putting away her makeup, leaning down to slip into her lace up ballet flats.
“Well, let’s do this.” They give each other a smile, taking one last look in the mirror, and then set out to rejoin the others.
Meanwhile, the boys were standing around backstage, watching the last few people in the audience take their seats. "Hey Yash? What do you think Kagome's gonna be wearing?" asked Miroku in a perverted tone, earning a hit from his friend.
“Don’t even go there, Miroku.” He glanced back towards the locker room, smiling as he saw the girls walking towards them.
“Finally. Jeez, girls take forever. I was set fifteen minutes ago,” commented the silver-haired youth, standing and dusting of his faded jeans.
“You know girls though, my friend. Everything must be perfect.” They shared a laugh, becoming quiet once the girls were beside them. Miroku looked at Sango and smiled widely.
“You look really pretty tonight Sango.”
“Thanks Miroku, but aren’t you saying that to the wrong girl?” At his confused expression she went and sat down, muttering for him to never mind.
“What’s up with her?” Miroku asked, dark blue eyes reflecting slight hurt.
“Does Koharu ring a bell?” Kagome asked, eyebrow quirked as she went to join her friend. Miroku blinked, then looked to Inuyasha for help. He just put his hands up and shrugged, not knowing the situation himself. “Don’t look at me, man.” Miroku looked over to the unknown object of his affections and sighed. ‘Koharu…?’
Realization of what Kagome was talking about hit him and he felt like ice had gone down his back. He was about to go to Kagome to confirm his thoughts, but was cut off as an announcement was made by Shippo.
"Our first contestant: Miss Kagome Higurashi, please proceed to the stage. Miss Kagome Higurashi...."
Kagome walked over to Inuyasha. "Well, that's my cue... Promise you'll cheer me on?" she asked, fidgeting with her plaid skirt yet again.
"No, I’ll be booing from backstage," he teased, laughing as she swung at him before walking up onto the stage.
"Good luck, Kagome!" he called out to her.
Once onstage, Kagome looked out to her audience, smiling at her mom who was seated in the front row with her little brother. Looking up towards the rafters, she narrowed her eyes at Koga, then smirked before heading to the school band, handing them the music sheets. After walking back to the center of the stage, she took a deep breath and nodded that she was ready. Then the music began, and she sang with more confidence than she knew she had.
*Na, na, na, na, na, na, na,
Na, na, na, na, na, na!
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na,
Na, na, na, na, na, na!
I guess I just lost my husband,
I don’t know where he went.
So I’m gonna drink my money,
I’m not gonna pay his rent.*
The audience seemed into it, clapping their hands in time with the beat as Kagome made her way around the stage, glad for the cordless mic. She smiled, curled hair shining under the lights as the lyrics poured from her mouth.
*I got a brand new attitude,
And I’m gonna wear it tonight!
I’m gonna get in trouble.
I wanna start a fight.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
I wanna start a fight.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
I wanna start a fight!*
Music boomed through the speakers, Kagome throwing her hand into the air as she sang what must have been the chorus. She glanced into the audience, and smiled as she saw her mom clapping in time with the crowd.
*So, so what?!
I’m still a rock star!
I got my rock moves!
And I don’t need… you…!
And guess what?
I’m havin’ more fun!
And now that we’re done,
I’m gonna show… you tonight!
I’m alright.
I’m just fine,
And you’re a tool…!*
Up near the rafters, Koga seethed a bit before a smirk crossed his lips. ‘That a challenge, bitch?’ His lip curled back, revealing his fangs as Kagome turned and glared, pointing in his direction from her place on stage. ‘Very well then. Just you wait. I’ll get you back for this.’ He smirked, cold blue eyes glinting in the lights that were flashing around the gymnasium.
*...What if this song’s on the radio?
Then somebody’s gonna die.
I’m gonna get in trouble;
My ex will start a fight.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
He’s gonna start a fight.
Na, na, na, na, na, na, na.
We’re all gonna get in a fight!*
Students and teachers alike were standing in their seats at this point, some trying to keep order while others gave up and just danced. Kagome almost laughed as she saw their homeroom teacher, Ms. Kaede, rocking out in the third row. ‘Guess everyone’s enjoying it. Haha.’ The crowd joined her as she threw her arm in the air once more, repeating the chorus.
*...And you’re a tool…!
So, so what?
I am a rockstar!
I got my rock moves,
And I don’t want… you… tonight!*
Kagome dropped to her knees for dramatic effect, mindful of her skirt, and belted out the next few lines with a fist over her heart. Glancing up to the rafters again, she smirked when she saw the song was getting to a certain pony-tailed wolf demon. He was glaring at her, eyes like twin chips of ice through his dark bangs. ‘Good. I hope it bothers you. Jackass.’
*You weren’t there,
You never were.
You want it all but that’s not fair.
I gave you life, I gave my all.
You weren’t there.
You let me fall….!*
Music swelled back up, once again erupting in the auditorium with loud bass. People had moved from their seats and were now jumping/dancing in the aisles. The few remaining teachers trying to keep order finally gave up with a shrug, moving to the side to give their students more room, watching to make sure no one got hurt.
*So, so what?!
I’m still a rock star!
I got my rock moves!
And I don’t need… you…!
And guess what?
I’m havin’ more fun!
And now that we’re done,
I’m gonna show you tonight..!*
Kagome got back to her feet, face shining with a bit of sweat brought on from the heat of all the lights. She closed her eyes for a moment, putting all she had left into the final verse as she danced her way back to center stage.
*No, no!
No, NO…!
I don’t want you tonight…!
You weren’t there.
I’m gonna show you tonight!
I’m alright!
I’m just fine.
And you’re a tool!
So, so what?!
I am a rock star!
I got my rock moves,
And I don’t want,
I don’t want you tonight!
Ba, da, da, da, da, da.*
She chuckled into the mic as she finished the song, surprised as she heard the entire gym erupt into applause. She smiled, taking a couple bows, then headed off stage, crowd still cheering behind her. Inuyasha greeted her, wide smile on his face as he swooped her into a hug.
“That was awesome Kags! They loved it!”
Her cheeks burned a bit at his enthusiasm, then smiled and returned his hug. “Thanks Yash. I don’t know what came over me. I just felt so… confident.” He smiled, loosening his arms around her and nudged her forehead with his own. “How about a soda?” She smiled, walking with him back to where they were sitting earlier.
“That sounds great. Thanks.”
“No prob.” He fished out his wallet, then walked off towards the vending machines by the locker rooms, waving he’d be back in a few.
Miroku decided now was the time to ask what was going on, so he walked over to Kagome and sat across from her. “I think I know what you were referring to.”
“Do you now?” she asked, looking over to where Sango was listening to her iPod.
“Yeah… And I swear to you, Kagome. It’s not what you think. I never wanted that kiss. I don’t even like the girl. How did Sango know about it anyways?” he asked, feeling guilty all the way down to his gut. Kagome sighed, looking back to Miroku and leaned slightly towards him.
“If you must know, she saw the whole thing.” Then she proceeded to tell him everything Sango had told her, expression on his face going from surprised to angry.
“So it seems Koharu did it to make Sango upset… I see. But why would it upset her unless…?” He glanced over to the young woman he’d been in love with for nearly two years, turning back to Kagome in hopes of an answer.
She merely smiled, laughing inwardly at how dense he could be when it came to her friend. “You’ll have to talk to her about that. But here's a clue oh helpless one: why do you think she always gets upset when you act like a pervert?” Miroku considered this, his friend watching as everything fell into place. Suddenly he stood.
“I need to talk to her.”
“It’ll wait. She’s up next.” Dark blue eyes blinked, and he glanced between the two girls, looking slightly puzzled.
“Sango’s performing?”
“Yeah. Haha. I thought the outfit change would’ve made that obvious. She wasn't dolling herself up for nothing. I suggest you go get a good seat.” Kagome smiled, watching him walk off just as Inuyasha returned with her drink.
"And now please put your hands together for Miss Sango Taijiya." announced Shippo over the intercom speakers. Sango removed her earbuds, setting the iPod in her guitar case, and made her way to the stage, acoustic guitar in hand.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Japanese translation:
Moshi, moshi= Hello; telephone usage only
Hai= Yes
Demo= But
Lyric pieces used in this chapter belong to:
"So What" by Pink.
