Author's Note: Day 5 of the 12 Days of Witchyness! Thank you so much for all of the support and love. The next 7 days are going to suck but I am going to complete this thing, you mark my words.

Not Much Longer Would You Be Mine

Part II of II

Aaannnnnddddd the Doctor is out. Some sort of scene in the library. Know more about it? Tweet at me, bitches. ^V

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"What?"

"What?"

Sango narrowed her eyes. "Even if she was your girlfriend," she stated slowly, drawing out the words, "but she is your girlfriend. Right?"

Panicking, Inuyasha nodded. So stupid. "I was distracted–"

"Now it makes sense," Sango interrupted, pointing at him aggressively with a carrot from her lunch. "You and Kagome are dating for some sort of hair-brained scheme. Like what?"

"What?"

"Stop saying that," Sango scoffed. "Tell me the plan."

"There's no plan. Kagome's my girlfriend."

"Liar. What is she getting out of it? You get popularity and she gets…?"

Inuyasha sighed and told her everything.

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Something must be in the air. The Queen left mid-football game. No reason why. Cheerleaders are doomed for the rest of the evening. ^V

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Kagome rolled her eyes at him. Again. Third time in five minutes. "I need to get to class," she muttered.

Glaring at her, Inuyasha jammed his fingers into her hips, into the softness of her stomach, making her squirm. "One minute more."

"Fine." Her dark brown eyes were not amused. It made him uneasy, stomach flipping over on itself for no apparent reason. It got worse the second that Kikyo came into view.

"You can go," he said and then pulled her in to kiss her, lingering over her soft lips. So soft.

"Gee, thanks Romeo." Kagome didn't wave goodbye.

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A little PDA for Dog Boy and Princess. At first they were cute but now they're just FREAKING ADORABLE. ^V

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He knew Kikyo saw them kiss. Realistically, this was the moment that mattered. If nothing came of it then the whole plan was pointless, like Kagome had stated before.

Inuyasha almost ran back out of the classroom when he realized Kikyo was sitting at the neighbouring table he always sat at. "Uh."

"Do you mind if I sit here?" Kikyo asked.

Inuyasha shook his head. He needed to talk.

Class started. They didn't speak the entire time. At the end, Kikyo smiled at him, a tiny little thing. "Kagome has archery on Tuesdays, right? Want to study for physics then?"

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Magic M may not be so magic. He got into a heated conversation with a certain someone today. Romance troubles, M? ^V

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It worked.

"You realize that Kikyo is willing to steal another girl's man, right?" Sango asked, unimpressed. Par for the course. She was never impressed by him.

"We're not actually dating."

"She doesn't know that."

"Semantics," Inuyasha argued. "The plan's working."

Sango pretended to throw up. "You're gross. What is it with guys and bending the rules of cheating for semantics?" She was glaring but Inuyasha realized that it wasn't…at him.

Looking over his shoulder, Inuyasha saw Miroku speaking with some girl. "I feel like we're having two conversations."

"Nope," she replied.

"Talk to him."

"No thanks. I have pride."

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Hunky H is wearing a sweater vest today. People of Sakura: swooning commences now. ^V

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If Kikyo was jealous over Kagome, then he had to make her more jealous.

Sango's scoff rang in his ears.

It was that time where Kagome walked by him in the hall. Kikyo also, occasionally, walked by. Chances were small but–

Kagome smiled at him but instead of passing her, Inuyasha grabbed her hand and spun her to face him. She squealed a little, unprepared, but before she could protest he kissed her soundly. He could feel the moment she sighed into it, body swaying into his.

When he pulled back, he looked around. Sure enough, there was Kikyo.

Perfect.

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YukaH2 I don't care if you don't like them. I'm shipping Dogcess until the very end. ^V

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"What was…?" Kagome blinked up at him, hands clenching his sweater. She noticed his lack of focus and turned her head slightly, just enough to figure it out.

"She wants to study for physics," Inuyasha said, overwhelmingly pleased. He smirked down at her. "You're a genius."

There was a pause and Kagome blinked. One second she was blank and the next, all smiles. "That's great! I told you it would." Immediately she detached herself and took a few steps backwards. "So… Awesome. Bye!"

Inuyasha frowned, a little confused because that was strange. Even for her. Whatever.

The plan had worked.

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Yes, I'm aware Dogcess sounds really gross. Just... Let it be. Vines make mistakes too, you know. ^V

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Tuesday came along, too quickly and not quickly enough. Inuyasha felt like a live wire, amped up and sparking.

"You made it," Kikyo said in greeting the moment he appeared at a small table near the back. It was completely empty save for the librarian, tapping away at his computer.

Inuyasha shrugged and then promptly hated himself for it. "Uh, yeah. How are you?"

"Good. Honestly, I'm hating this latest chapter," she replied, giving that tiny smile before looking at her textbook.

"Did you…need help?" That was safe.

Shaking her head, Kikyo gestured for him to sit down. "Just company."

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BREAKING: Mr. Popular was caught making out with Spidergirl under the bleachers. WHAT EVEN IS HAPPENING? ^V

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Inuyasha should have known that the easiness of the past couple weeks wouldn't last. Life had to balance. Kagome plus Kikyo plus friends equalled to Naraku and fighting and stupidity.

"What?" Naraku sneered, shoving him hard again into the lockers. "Did you think you were too good now that you have a girlfriend to get beat? Fuck you. You're still a disgusting piece of useless shit."

Inuyasha would really like to know what he did to piss Naraku off.

"Your girlfriend isn't going to protect you now." He swings.

"Go fuck yourself," Inuyasha spits, blood in his mouth. He retaliates.

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FIGHT IN THE LOBBY. DOG BOY VS POPULAR. Who's going to win? My money's on Dog Boy. ^V

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There was video, this time.

The principal looked at him, mouth in a tight, firm line. "This can't continue happening," she said, tapping at her computer screen. Someone sent in the video but Inuyasha didn't know who.

It was almost like someone was looking out for him.

"I wish," the principal started, "that evidence of Mr. Morikawa targeting you had been brought to my attention earlier in the year. Regardless, there is a no-fighting policy here. You've had multiple strikes. Three day suspension. Now, where is your brother? He's your emergency contact but he's not responding."

Inuyasha snorted. "Good luck."

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Princess looking clearly distraught. Even started yelling at YEA. So much drama all the time. This school is literally the worst. (I LOVE IT). ^V

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There was a knock coming from his front door. At first he chose to ignore it but the knocking simply continued.

"Jeez," Kagome complained, pushing past him the second he opened the door. "Way to take a billion years."

Inuyasha frowned. It was almost ten in the morning. "You should be at school."

"So should you but Naraku's a massive dickbag."

That meant– "You're skipping?"

Kagome shrugged like it was nothing, taking off her coat and dropping her backpack to the floor. "TV? Video games? Movie? Tell me you have popcorn."

He didn't have popcorn. Kagome kindly forgave him anyways.

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Hm. A certain royal member isn't at school today. Hmmmm. I wonder where they could be? ^V

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"Why did you come here?" Inuyasha asked. He had been thinking of the question, over and over in his mind. He had flipped it this way and that, trying to determine why Kagome would want to willingly spend time together. They were… Friends would be a strong word.

Kagome looked at him as if she was trying to read him.

"We don't hang out unless we study. Unless there's something I don't know about…"

"I wanted to originally. Now, not so much," she answered, slowly, as if crafting the sentence word by word.

Inuyasha shrugged, turning back to the TV.

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You all suck. One fight and everyone is on their best behaviour? Today's report is that Mr. Myoga talked about aliens. During a civics lesson. Fascinating. ^V

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The moment he saw him, Inuyasha registered that this was something he should have expected. For a second, he wondered if he could escape unseen.

"Inuyasha!" Miroku yelled, hand in the air. As if Inuyasha hadn't already noticed. Maybe Miroku knew what he was thinking.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Did you know Sango has a heart of ice?"

Sango rolled her eyes. "Just because I'm not fawning all over–"

"You wound me! Inuyasha, come on, you've noticed."

And so it went on. It felt…right.

He didn't mean to but his eyes went to Kagome.

Nothing, he told himself, was missing.

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The Queen complimented Dog Boy on his choice of shirts in a class today. Does that make Dog Boy a King now? ^V

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It was like Kagome was overcompensating for something. Inuyasha couldn't figure it out.

"Third lesson," she said, grinning.

"No."

"Oh yes," she pressed, pushing into his space on the couch. She had invited him over to study, after days of… Well, not radio silence. But strangeness. "Up."

Inuyasha knew there was no stopping her and frankly, she seemed so happy he didn't want to. He got up and stepped into her space, letting her hands settle on his shoulders. They rocked side to side.

"Like you want me," she whispered. She was already so close.

So he kissed her, soundly.

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The Holiday Dance is coming up quick. I've heard rumours of who is going with who but please, Sakura High, tell me more. ^V

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It was like something lit a fire within him, a flame getting further and further out of control. Kagome parted her lips and just like that he was lost licking inside. Her hands gripped his shoulders, tight and tightening with every brush of their bodies.

He wanted to press her against something, against him. He wanted to tear at her clothes and see if that flush on her cheeks went all the way down.

But this was Kagome. It wasn't–

Inuyasha pushed away, watching her dark eyes flutter open. This couldn't be happening.

"I– I can't."

And he ran away.

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Spidergirl isn't as subtle as she thinks she is. That red lipstick? It gets all over whoever she kisses. And that person is NOT Mr. Popular. Romance is dead. ^V

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He said it before and he'd say it again: Kagome was quite the actress.

Nothing had changed at school. She still gave him looks; touched him when he passed. She went to his locker and smiled at him sweetly. For anyone else's eyes, they were the exact same couple. But it wasn't real. It wasn't the same.

Arguably, none of it was real.

Inuyasha knew none of it had been real.

But.

Things had changed. Shifted. Without him realizing, his actions created a reaction that didn't fit the equation he'd planned out.

He was confused, irritated. He missed her, too.

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Well, romance isn't DEAD. There's still Dogcess (I'm SORRY but what do you want me to do? Nicknames are nicknames). ^V

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Tuesdays were usually easy. But today, in the library with Kikyo, he was mad. His jaw was clenched and his hands sometimes shook. He didn't know what to do.

Kikyo was beside him, the same beautiful, graceful being she always was. When she looked up and caught his eye, she reached over to touch his shoulder. "You okay?"

She treated him like everyone else, now. Their study sessions were friendly, a slow get-to-know-you. But never intimate. Nothing like kissing Kagome. Nothing like being with–

"Yeah," he mumbled. "Tired."

A loud shuffle against the bookshelf distracted him, but Inuyasha saw nothing.

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BREAKING: The Queen was seen canoodling with Dog Boy in the stacks last night. What will our dear Princess think? DID I JINX TRUE LOVE? ^V

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The moment the tweet went out, Inuyasha felt dread. Not happiness. Not elation. Dread.

Kagome.

He hadn't actually cheated but this seemed… This wasn't right. The plan was to break-up and then start something with Kikyo. Not–

"Hey," Kagome said, breaking his thoughts as she leaned against his locker. "Last night went well?"

Inuyasha blinked, stared at her. She didn't look mad or irritated. She simply looked at him, waiting for an answer.

"This is good," she continued. "We'll break-up today – nothing public – and tomorrow we won't hang out. Easy." Kagome smiled and it was wrong. "You should be happy."

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It's official. Dog Boy and Princess K are no more. Did our Royal Highness tear them apart? We can't wait to see the Queen and Princess in the same room together… ^V

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He wasn't happy. The entire week had been hell. Kagome not being there just made everything worse. Worse than before, when he was unnoticed completely.

The following Tuesday he waited in the library. Kikyo came, frowning. "I've tried to talk to her but Kagome's avoiding me," she said, disappointed. "You told her, right? What actually happened?" Kikyo was upset. "We just hang out until archery's done and you can see her after."

I never saw her after, he wanted to say. Why did Kikyo even care? But he was too exhausted to understand it.

All he could do was shrug.

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I literally hate myself. I jinxed the only real love in this entire godforsaken place. UGH. What have I become? ^V

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The commotion in the hall was far too familiar. Before he could process why, he was rushing through the gathering crowd. There was Kagome, toe-to-toe with the worst person he knew.

"Cheated on by the most fucking pathetic loser here. What does that make you, some desperate, nagging bitch?"

"Back off, asshole," Kagome snapped but there was an expression on her face, a fear that took her away from the usual girl who would put Naraku in his place.

Inuyasha had caused that.

Then, Naraku grabbed her.

He didn't think. He didn't stop. Inuyasha attacked him until he saw red.

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BREAKING: Dog Boy and Mr. Popular at it again, this time over Princess. DETAILS PEOPLE, PLEASE! ^V

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Suspension. His last warning before expulsion. Kagome had vouched for him, had said without him stepping in Naraku was going to hurt her. More. There were bruises on her arm.

It was enough to make him want to attack Naraku all over again.

"You're lucky his family doesn't press charges," the principal continued, harsh. There was a twist to her mouth, something she wasn't sharing. "But they won't be. Mr. Morikawa has been expelled, however. Therefore, I expect this behaviour to end."

Inuyasha left the office, desperate to find Kagome. She wasn't anywhere though.

The avoidance was deserved, but damn.

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Did you see all the blood on the floor? Dog Boy lost it. Fighting is bad, my friends. Everyone needs to chill out today, don't you think? ^V

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Out of school as he was, there was nothing to do but think. Normally, Inuyasha was calculated, seeing the steps until the end goal. Recently, that had all been thrown out the window. Something about Kagome made him just act, throw out logic and leap before looking. Like the way he impulsively kissed her and pulled her close, or leapt into the fight and beat Naraku until his hand was bloody.

He sent her text messages. He called her.

Nothing.

It infuriated him, like nothing else he'd ever felt before. For the next few days, he refused to reach out.

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Sakura High has been quiet. Normally, I'd hate this sort of thing but… Maybe it's not so bad. ^V

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And then he realized he was stupid. Really stupid.

And then he realized that that realization made him do something even more stupid.

Inuyasha looked up at the darkening sky, wondering for the tenth time already why he was standing here. Her family could be home – there was a car in the driveway – but there didn't appear to be any lights on.

He knocked on the front door anyways, feeling stupid. If she wasn't answering his phone calls or text messages, she sure as hell wasn't going to answer the front door. Besides, it didn't seem like anyone was home.

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Dog Boy looks…miserable. Puppy eyes and everything. Damn. Anyone want to cheer him up? ^V

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School was worse, if anything. Kagome was nowhere.

"It's like she's disappeared completely," Inuyasha groaned, not even stabbing Miroku with a fork when he stole a fry. "I don't understand. I just want to talk to her."

Sango looked at Miroku and then rolled her eyes. "Look. You fucked up. You fell in love with Kagome without even knowing it and now, you've lost her. And how's your plan even looking? You haven't mentioned Kikyo once."

Inuyasha stared at her, shocked and a little horrified.

"That good, huh," Sango finished, unimpressed as she munched on a big leaf of lettuce.

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The Doctor is looking particularly nice today. Big date, sugar? ^V

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His friends were absolutely no help. If anything, Miroku and Sango seemed to love rubbing it in how he felt for Kagome. It was ridiculous and annoying and irritating, because Inuyasha wasn't sure if what he felt for Kagome was actually love. Maybe just infatuation.

But Sango was right on one thing, at the very least. Kikyo hadn't crossed his mind in well over a week. He didn't even try to be anything other than friendly during their study sessions at the library.

He'd been blindsided. Kagome had become his whole world while he had stubbornly thought it wasn't true.

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Do any of us actually know the real reason Super S has a massive, six foot tall boomerang? And, better yet, why she brings it to school? No? Okay then. ^V

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What shocked him most was that despite the Kagome-sized hole in his life, his social status didn't aggressively change. Sure, some people avoided him – particularly Yuka, Eri and Ayumi. However, other girls approached him now, giving him looks.

Recently, Kagome started coming back to math class, pointedly refusing to look anywhere but at her table. Inuyasha didn't want to make a scene so he sat down, hoping to catch her after. Suikotsu came to sit beside him, like he usually did. It was a strange routine.

"Hey man," Suikotsu greeted.

Inuyasha waved, trying to hide the fact he wasn't pining.

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There are two people making out in the janitor's closet by Watanabe's classroom. Do I even want to know who? Ew. ^V

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"I'm sorry."

Inuyasha looked up from his textbook. Kikyo wasn't looking at him but she clearly wasn't working through the physics problems their teacher assigned. "What?"

There was a pause. "That you couldn't fix things with Kagome," she finally said. "That you split up over, well, me." She looked horrified at that.

"We didn't break up because of you," he explained, guilty that she was taking it on herself. It was his fault, not hers.

"Still. I knew you helped Kagome with math and physics isn't my strongest mark. But Suikotsu and I haven't told anyone we're dating–"

"What?"

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Yet another appearance of a mysterious gold condom wrapper. It's casually sitting on the bleachers by the football field. Lovely. ^V

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Kikyo had been dating Suikotsu for months. Suikotsu had track the exact same time Kagome had archery. On Tuesdays. Kikyo invited him because a) he was good at physics and b) her boyfriend and Inuyasha's girlfriend had athletic extra-curricular programs at the same time.

Suikotsu noticed Kagome's increasing math marks; put two and two together. Mentioned it to Kikyo casually one day and so she thought that maybe it would be a good idea. They could hang out as friends before meeting their significant others after practice.

Which he hadn't been doing. Because of the whole fake-relationship thing.

Well then.

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Is that… Is that Mirror Mirror with bright red lipstick...on her collarbone? ^V

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Kagome practically knocked people over to get out of the classroom first. Inuyasha would have been insulted if guilt didn't outweigh everything. He had kissed her and ran. He had the entire school believing he cheated on her with Kikyo.

He may or may not have knocked someone into a table following her.

"Kagome," he called, not caring about the students already out in the hall. He watched her tense, watched her steps slow so that he could catch up. "Hey," he started, turning to face her.

"I can't," she whispered, eyes anywhere but on his face.

"Kagome–"

"Later. Please."

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Dog Boy RAN after Princess K. He looks like dog poop and she looks as beautiful as ever. But a sad beautiful. My heart hurts. ^V

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Later didn't happen. Their class had been rowdy and the teacher was angry enough to keep them after the bell, making sure they were well aware of their homework and upcoming assignment. Inuyasha was positive a pop quiz would come around in the next day or two.

It made him late going to her locker and by the time he arrived, Kagome was already gone.

"Fuck," he whispered, frustrated. He had to do something. He had to talk to her somehow.

He sent a message to Kagome: Ogata kept me late, sorry. Tomorrow?

Then, desperate, he messaged Sango: Help me.

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HOLY SHIT THE DOCTOR JUST KISSED THE QUEEN AFTER SCHOOL AND I THINK A PART OF ME HAS ASCENDED. ^V

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Popularity was two things: looking and talking. Inuyasha didn't need to be popular and yet, it was popularity that got him into this mess. His initial equation led to a result of Inuyasha with Kikyo, and popularity was necessary to achieve it. But over time, the equation changed all without him noticing.

And popularity ended up being the downfall. If no one cared about him or Kikyo, the whole cheating thing wouldn't have happened.

"Still doesn't make you a saint," Sango said pointedly. "You still had your head stuck in your ass the whole time."

Inuyasha sighed.

Miroku nodded. "Truth."

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Still not over the DoctorQueen kiss. Now all I need is a little Dogcess in my life. ^V

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Watching Kagome walk down the hall, further and further away from him, Inuyasha was torn. A part of him wanted to pull her aside, gazes be damned, and just talk to her. Yell, if he had to. Anything to get her attention. That dark-eyed focus. Some sort of reaction that wasn't tense or pleading or closed off.

But Inuyasha wasn't stupid. He knew that what got him into this mess wasn't going to help him. He needed the opposite. He needed the two of them – alone from prying eyes – in order to talk to her, explain.

He'd have to wait.

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I've got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined. I check it once, then I check it twice – oh! ^V

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The dance was in two days.

Inuyasha was irritated with everyone and everything. Math was…horrible. Kagome wouldn't look at him, no matter what he did. Often he'd stay later, trying to see if he could talk to her at her locker before archery. She was never there.

It made him feel sick, that it was that bad.

I'm sorry, he sent in a text. The same thing he'd messaged dozens of times already, over the course of a week. It had been a few days though and this… It felt right.

There was no response. Honestly, he didn't expect one.

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Word has it that the Dance Committee has epically failed on decorations. And a DJ. And, well, everything. Prove me wrong, please. ^V

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"Inuyasha," Miroku greeted, grabbing onto his shoulder to stop him. "Hey, hold on."

"What?" Inuyasha asked, a bit confused but completely exhausted. This thing with Kagome was slowly eating at him, bit by bit.

His friend pulled them both to the side of the hall, leaning against ugly green lockers while the rest of the population rushed by to make the busses. "Today is Tuesday."

"Yeah, and?"

"And any extra-curricular practices are ending early today, because the student committee needs to start setting up for the dance on Thursday."

"This early?"

Miroku shrugged. "But you know what this means, right?"

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I guess that if I tweet song lyrics at all, it should be Mariah's top fire hit: All I Want for Christmas is You. Because that's it. That's literally the only good song she has. ^V

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Inuyasha knew exactly what that meant.

What do I do? He sent the text to Sango, trying not to panic.

Seconds later, his phone rang. "Leave the hallway now."

"What?" Inuyasha asked, incredulous. "Did you not read my texts?"

"Kagome knows you go to her locker. Which means she's no idiot, and she sure as hell isn't going there."

He'd wait outside the gym but then everyone would see. The opposite of what he wanted. "So…?"

Sango sighed. "Wait somewhere less obvious. Where you can talk, or make a plan to talk."

Inuyasha blinked, thinking. "Yeah," he said. "Yeah, okay."

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Is that Dog Boy lurking around the school still? This late? Me thinks something is upeth. ^V

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It wasn't the best plan but Inuyasha's plans this year had failed at every turn. Luck was his only option. Given how the clouds were looking, Inuyasha wasn't hoping for much.

Miroku hadn't said how long practices would go. Inuyasha leaned against the brick, waiting. Eventually, students filtered out – different clubs, different outfits. So many people leaving, the school doors opening and closing; none of them ever presented Kagome.

The sky continued to darken but he waited. He didn't leave, even as the hours passed by. The rain fell down, just beyond the doors.

And then Kagome, alone, stepped out.

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My Viney senses are tingling. ^V

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She looked at the rain falling down and sighed. It was the sigh of someone exhausted. Inuyasha knew the feeling.

"Kagome," he said quietly.

For the first time in a while, she looked at him. "Hi," she murmured. She gestured towards the rain falling down, exactly like when they made the deal to 'date' those months ago. "Planned this, did you?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "Who knew if you became this desperate, you could control the weather?"

She shook her head, a tiny smile on her face. "I liked you, a lot. I didn't plan for that but I'm not sorry either."

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I really need to learn how to read lips. This is ridiculous. ^V

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He'd known but never let himself really believe. The confirmation coming from her lips was so good, it was a feeling of rightness better than any glance of Kikyo's. He'd been so stupid to not notice.

"I fucked up," he said, staying against the brick. Not taking a step forward in case it would make her run. "I…didn't believe it, at the time. You acted so well and it didn't even process that you would–" He stopped, paused. This wasn't making sense.

"You had your sights on Kikyo."

"But I didn't feel anything," he corrected. "Not like with you."

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Dog Boy and Princess are talking. DOG BOY AND PRINCESS ARE TALKING. Be still, my poor bisexual beating heart. ^V

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She laughed, but it wasn't lighthearted. Kagome shook her head and looked away, out at the rain. "Kikyo's with Suikotsu so now that you don't have a shot, you're left with me. And it felt good, and you want to keep that feeling. It's selfish and I can't– I actually really like you. It was the worst day ever when I found out, when you kissed me and I realized it had nothing to do with me at all because Kikyo was nearby."

Inuyasha shook his head but he couldn't deny it. He had done that.

"I won't be second-choice."

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I am literally thrumming with energy. What are they saying? DO NOT – I REPEAT – DO NOT INTERRUPT THEM. LET ME HAVE THIS PLEASE. ^V

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She took a step into the rain. Inuyasha had never felt more desperate than in that moment. It was the knowledge that after this, there was no going back. There would be no fixing.

"Kagome, shit, wait," Inuyasha called out, following her even though the rain was cold and wet. "I fucked up. I– There is literally nothing for me to say other than I was wrong and I messed up. And you're right. You shouldn't be a second-choice."

She stopped and looked at the sky.

"But please give me another chance to do what I should've done all along."

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IT'S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE THE NOTEBOOK. I CAN'T WITH THIS. ^V

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"It's not that easy," she replied eventually, brown eyes still on the overcast sky. The rain soaked her face and hair.

"It's not," Inuyasha admitted, taking a step closer. She didn't move, didn't tell him to stop. She finally looked back at him, an expression on her face he knew too well. "I know. I'm so sorry, Kagome."

She looked back at the sky before sighing and shaking her head. Inuyasha was about to open his mouth but then she stepped forward, closing the distance. Her lips pressed gently against his for the barest of seconds. "Let's go somewhere dry."

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SKAJTEKAGAKLJGAKLGNAEKLGJKLEGJKLEJKEAJKLENKLNAEKL A KISSSSSSSSSS! ^V

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Forgiven, but not forgotten.

Inuyasha knew he had a lot of goddamn work to do to try and make his stupidity a lot less memorable. They had gone to the coffee shop like they had when they made all the dumb plans in the first place and talked it out. Well, stared it out. Inuyasha wasn't a huge talker and Kagome was unusually quiet.

"I can't help you," Sango explained, rolling her eyes. "Kagome and I aren't best friends."

"Then become her friend," he hissed back. But this was on him. He needed a new plan. A better plan.

Crap.

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So I'm confused? Because I saw them kiss last night and leave together? But? They're not together? Why? ^V

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He passed her in the hall. It shouldn't have been revolutionary but it was, for the most part. Kagome had been avoiding him the whole time so seeing her was… It was good.

Inuyasha could feel his lips quirking upwards as he walked by her. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi glared at him but it meant nothing at all when Kagome just gave him an exasperated look. He was pretty sure it was fond though, so he'd take it.

There was no light touch. No passing kiss.

But Inuyasha was going to change that. He would.

Tomorrow. He had a plan.

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Does everyone have their dancing shoes on because I DO BITCHES. ^V

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In math class, Inuyasha purposely didn't chase after Kagome. He wanted to give her space. In many ways, it was like the beginning all over again.

It was dark outside, the air brisk for the holidays. They rarely saw snow but he needed a jacket to protect against the chill. Kagome was in her house; the dance was something she called off at the coffee shop. Too many eyes. Popularity: looking and talking. Something neither of them needed.

He gently tossed a pebble at her second-story window. Waited a moment, then tossed another. This was his chance.

The window opened.

XXX

Twenty minutes into the dance and already a girl's outfit has been ruined. Ladies, please. ^V

XXX

"Inuyasha?" Kagome sounded confused. "What are–"

"Come down," he hissed, eyeing the back door warily. "Please?"

She stared at him, lips a thin line. "It's cold."

Holding up a blanket, Inuyasha smirked. "But I'm prepared."

With a huff, Kagome closed her window. It took a few minutes, but eventually she was quietly sneaking outside, shutting the back door incredibly slowly. She walked out to where he was hiding, jacket tight around her. "What are you doing?"

He wrapped the blanket around her, then fiddled with his phone. Turned the song on. He held out his hands. "Dance with me?"

XXX

Magic M isn't at the dance which is…weird. This is usually a thing for him. Dancing with pretty much every girl. Making out with them too. ^V

XXX

"Really?" Kagome asked, standing still.

Inuyasha nodded. "Without anyone around. Just you and me." The song continued to play, a slow one that probably played at every wedding this past summer. Still. It expressed what was important and this was important.

Slowly, Kagome stepped into him, hands fisted in the blanket and wrapping around his neck. "Why dance with me?"

"Because I want to," he admitted, leaning his head to look her in the eye. "This whole time we did things for other people. I wanted to do something for you and me."

"That's sappy."

"No it's not."

Kagome grinned.

XXX

Is that Mr. Popular sneaking into the Holiday Dance? SECURITY. ^V

XXX

One song bled into another, then another. The two danced, slowly drifting closer as the night air grew colder. He'd have to let her go soon but Inuyasha was enjoying the darkness, the quiet moment of the night.

"You didn't have to do this," Kagome said eventually. "But I appreciate it."

"I wanted–" Inuyasha paused, tried again. This had to make sense for once in his life. "I care about you. I was wrong but you're important to me. I–" I really like you. I want to keep you. I'd like to kiss you. "It's not for popularity."

XXX

According to my sources, the fruit punch is spiked. Countdown begins until this whole thing is shut down. ^V

XXX

Popularity was looking and talking. This was the exact opposite. This was awful dancing in a backyard with Ed Sheeran singing out of an iPhone speaker.

"If you want, we could do what Kikyo and Suikotsu did," Inuyasha added. "Keep it quiet."

Kagome nodded a little, still watching him curiously. They danced for a chorus until she suddenly stopped moving, body tense. "No."

"No?"

"No, I want to be with you. I've never cared about the Vine. It would suck if we couldn't talk. It has sucked."

Inuyasha felt his lips turn up. "Will you be my real girlfriend, then?"

XXX

Bye bye Holiday Dance. The teachers have found out and you can bet that security feed will be checked. Well, it was good while it lasted. ^V

XXX

Inuyasha entered the school like he did every other day. There were a few hellos and a few smiles, but he didn't stop on his way to his locker. Exchanging his books, he had to stop himself from smiling when a familiar person leaned against the locker beside his.

Finished, he looked at Kagome, standing there with a soft smile. "Morning."

"Good morning," she murmured. "Do you know how tired I am? Some jerk kept me up to dance outside in the cold."

There was no good response so Inuyasha leaned forward, brushed his lips against hers. "What a dick."

XXX

Here I am, sad that holiday dances are on Thursdays so I have to go to school Friday bUT IT'S OKAY BECAUSE DOGCESS IS BACK IN ACTION. ^V

XXX

"You blew up the Vine again," Sango sighed. "It needs to chill."

Miroku nodded, face stuffed with food.

"It'll calm down." Inuyasha shrugged, leaning further back in his chair. The cafeteria was packed but if he looked over he'd see– He frowned. Where was Kagome?

"Hey." Inuyasha jerked a little, sitting up only to find Kagome right beside him. Her smile was far too fond.

"Uh."

Ignoring him, Kagome turned to his friends. "How are you guys?"

As they all started to talk, Inuyasha just sat back at watched. Because this was it. This was the feeling. This was perfection.

XXX

What do you think, Sakura High? Is Dog Boy and Princess holding hands the cutest thing we've witnessed this year? ^V

XXX

"This is awkward."

"No, it's not."

"You're lying."

"Okay, fine. It's a little uncomfortable."

Inuyasha scoffed. "A little?"

"I don't know why they're staring." Kagome frowned. "Did you check the Vine?"

"I'd rather not."

Kagome sighed and stopped a few feet away from her Geography classroom, leaning against a locker. "Maybe it's because they're shocked you're walking me to class."

"I always walked you to class."

"Not always."

Inuyasha raised a brow, a smirk playing on his lips. "Fake boyfriend Inuyasha wasn't as good as the real thing."

Rolling her eyes, Kagome couldn't help but laugh. She kissed him quiet.

XXX

Is it just me, or is Magic M losing his magic touch? Haven't seen him with a new girl in a long time. What's wrong, M? Performance issues? ^V

XXX

"Ugh," Kagome groaned. "I hate you."

"No you don't," Inuyasha replied, tapping his pencil on the notebook. "Come on, the test is tomorrow. We have a lot of catching up to do."

"We have a lot of catching up to do," she mocked, voice high-pitched. Inuyasha would've been insulted, but considering they had already been studying for an hour, he didn't blame her.

"How about a reward system?"

She narrowed her eyes. "Go on."

"You're not stupid," Inuyasha stated. "You know what that means. Now, do the next question."

"Still hate you."

"Lies."

Her eyes softened, fond. "Yeah, you're right."

XXX

I'm staring up at the ceiling, wondering to myself: is this it? Will I ever do anything more than report on the actions of teenagers? Will I ever become a real boy/girl/plant? ^V

XXX

"It's a football game," Miroku repeated. "We have to go. School spirit and all."

Inuyasha looked at him like he was crazy. "What school spirit?"

A hand grabbed his. Kagome smiled at him, tugging him gently. "It'll be fun."

"It'll be cold," he pointed out. But later, when school was over, they all watched the game. He wasn't cold at all. Kagome leaned against him, a hand on his thigh.

He turned to tell Miroku that this was, in fact, a good idea but–

Sango was… Not on Miroku's lap. But close. And they were making out. Inuyasha blinked hard.

XXX

Do I spy with my little eye, Super S and Magic M making out? Those lips were locked during the game. Sorry ladies. ^V

XXX

When the teacher asked Kagome to stay after class, Inuyasha waited outside of the door. He wasn't worried – she'd been doing better – but still.

Kagome came out a few minutes later, grinning so big that Inuyasha couldn't help but smirk back. "She wanted to discuss my test."

"We haven't gotten the marks back yet."

"Next class," Kagome answered. "But she marked mine. I got an A! My first A in math." She squealed and jumped into his arms, even as the final bell rung. They were late but Inuyasha didn't care. "Thank you," she whispered.

It was totally worth it.

XXX

Fourth period is well on its way but I spy a certain couple running out the front doors. Dogcess, you're not subtle in your escape. ^V

XXX

He waited for her outside of school. Kagome gave him a weird look as she came closer, taking in the surroundings. "Why are you out here?"

Inuyasha shrugged, going for nonchalant but probably missing by a mile. Kagome's slow spread of a smile proved it. "Waiting for you."

"Oh yeah?"

Reaching out, he grabbed her hand and pulled her close, kissing her the second she fell into him.

"Wow, the two of you really need to get a room," Sango joked, poking her head out the door.

"We didn't ask you," Inuyasha replied, never taking his eyes off of Kagome.

XXX

There are too many adorable couples now. Freckles-Squared, Super M, Dogcess and DoctorQueen… How can I keep up? ^V

XXX

"This is it," Miroku exclaimed, grinning ear-to-ear. "The holiday break is upon us! One week free of this place."

Kagome laughed. "It's not a prison."

"Might as well be," Sango sighed.

Inuyasha watched as the two of them started to walk ahead, the crowd of students closing in. Miroku was lagging, face buried in his phone. "What's up?"

"Nothing," he replied, pocketing it. "Shall we go?"

Inuyasha gave him a friendly punch before catching up with Kagome, taking her hand. The Vine claimed there was mistletoe out the front doors. He may as well check it out with his girlfriend.

XXX

As you leave me for the holidays, I have one last solved mystery for you: Magic M, I see that glinting gold condom wrapper sticking out of your backpack. Hope someone gifts you a better zipper. Happy Holidays, Sakura High. Stay golden. XOXO, The Vine.

The End

Responses to Anon Reviews:

xsachi: Thanks! I got the idea for this a while ago - honestly, I can't even remember how now - but it stuck with me. I'm glad I've finally finished it!

Tribalbutterfly: Merry Christmas to you too, darling! Hope you loved the ending.

Blessed: Why thank you! I hope I did it justice :)

Guest: OH THANKS :D

Guest: Thank you so much! Honestly, this is probably the story I planned out the most out of ANY story. Just because the 100 word count was so weird, I really had to know what I wanted to write, otherwise I was just wasting time.

You're all the best. Thank you so much for all of your kind words. I would be nothing without you all.

Feedback, as always, is love.

Witchy