The Change-Up

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please pay attention- When anyone who doesn't know of the body-swap calls Inuyasha and Kagome, those two's names will be written in italic. It's going to be especially confusing in this chapter so do remember this.

Thanks to:

Talawolfgirl and Cyrus559 for reviewing.

JustAlisse for following and favouriting the story.

Thanks to everyone who reads the story!

Disclaimer: The anime Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. The plot is mine!

Inuyasha and Kagome, always whining that the other person's life and duties are much easier. At least, they think so. But what happens when they get to know how is it, to live each other's lives?

17. Fishy

"Oh, my god! Oh my god! He's waving! Who's he waving at?!"

Everyone's head flipped towards the direction of the attractive man's wave and their eyes landed on Inuyasha.

One thought raced through everyone's minds. 'He's waving at... Higurashi?'

Undeterred by the attention and oblivious to their thoughts, Inuyasha waved back at Kagome.

Kagome's friends were just as horrifyingly shocked. Who was this hottie and why hadn't Kagome told them about him?

Yuka gasped as she glanced at her friend who was still waving, "K-KAGOME?! You?! What is the meaning of this?!"

"It means saying hello to someone without speaking. You just wave the hand and it means you acknowledge them." Inuyasha innocently explained as he again moved his hand to demonstrate.

"That's not what I-"

The group froze as they heard a husky laugh. Kagome was approaching them in long and natural strides like a stud. "Funny as always. That's my Kagome." She smiled and stood by Inuyasha.

'MY Kagome?!' Her friends mentally fangirled hard.

Kagome extended her hand to all three of them as the onlookers kept witnessing the event. "I am Inuyasha. Kagome's relative."

Everyone on the school ground gave out relieved sighs (The teachers checked from the window to see what the strong blow of wind was) and Kagome's dog ears twitched as she heard murmurs.

"It's a relative. I thought it was her boyfriend."

"Same. Ah, it's Higurashi after all. A guy like him won't be her boyfriend."

"Well, she is undoubtedly pretty as well. They would have made a cute couple."

"She may be pretty, but she is weird as hell. Something because of her shrine."

"Whoa, I thought Higurashi was off the market for a moment. He's just a relative."

"Lol. Look at your face, she'll never say yes to you. No way you deserve that full-fledged chest."

"I like her, she's nice."

Kagome heard all of those remarks and was surprised. There were people badmouthing her but many were also speaking well of her. Girls saying she and Inuyasha could make a cute couple, guys worrying about she being available or not... 'Whoa.'

She never knew people thought about her like this as well. 'Not everyone thinks I am weird.'

Giddily, she shifted her attention to her friends and resumed her introduction, "I am visiting the Higurashis. And her mum asked if I could pick Kagome up. She's still recovering, you see." Kagome took off her shades gracefully and folded them on her shirt's placket.

Ayumi took out her handkerchief to wipe the drool of her face but the other two didn't bother.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. This was being such a waste of time.

"Yes, of course," Eri, now recovered of Kagome's mouth-watering actions, replied while oozing grace. 'Well, since Kagome's out of the question, we should see if we have a shot.'

She smiled brightly. "I am Eri."

"Pleasure." Kagome returned the smile. "That's a cute headband. Yellow, I like it."

"..." Eri just stood there, stupefied, and then turned to Inuyasha before throwing herself at him. "Kagome, thank you for bringing him into our lives. Looks like my virgin days are about to be left behind." She whispered the last statement in his ear.

As annoying as it was, Inuyasha giggled at her joke.

Kagome, who had heard Eri's remark, tried her best not to burst out laughing and winked at Inuyasha, who stuck out his tongue at her.

Ayumi jumped in, as if it was her moment to be petted, and spoke, "Please excuse my friend's behaviour." She referred to Eri's earlier comment. "My name is Ayumi, nice-"

"Oye," Eri interrupted in a chibi version. "I wasn't done you know."

Ayumi placed her hands on her waist, "How was I supposed to know? You just went on and thanked Kagome for-"

"La la la la la!" Eri impeded with threatening eyes. "Don't say it."

"He already heard it, he's not deaf," Ayumi replied while rolling her eyes.

Eri, obviously knowing this, shyly looked at Kagome for a response. Kagome, with so much swag, smiled and placed her index finger on her lips, "I'm more than willing to keep a lady's secret intact."

Both the girls squealed together at this, and Yuka laughed, "What a mess, right?" She said as she stood by Kagome. "I am Yuka, I watch them when they're acting like drug addicts."

Kagome laughed and nodded at her, "If that doesn't speak friendship, what does?"

As the other two girls again took the stage, Yuka folded her hands and the corners of her mouth curved slightly upwards as she eyed Kagome skeptically. 'I smell something fishy.'

Unfortunately, her obsevration was intruded upon with a boyish voice, "Higurashi!"

The group turned- everyone, except for Inuyasha, knowing who it was even before turning.

A tall boy with coffee hair walked towards them cheerfully.

Eri nudged Inuyasha, "Here comes your sweetheart."

'Wait, my wha-'

"Hojo's here!" Ayumi exclaimed as she threw teasing glances towards Inuyasha. "How was the test?"

'H-Hojo? Hojo, from the history book?' Inuyasha recalled the prominent Hojo clan in Japanese history. 'Whoa. Is he from that family?' He eyed Hojo. 'But why do I feel like I've heard the name even before.'

Inuyasha's mind went through the awfully small list of names in his mind and he saw the name Hobo. 'Huh? Hobo? Who do I know with the name Hobo?'

As his mind boggled, he soon remembered the conversation with Sango and realised that the name must've been saved under a wrong one. 'Oh.' Inuyasha scowled now. 'So this is Hojo, one of Kagome's many love puppets.' Inuyasha thought spitefully and assesed every corner of the boy.

Hojo was glancing at Inuyasha dreamily, "Good, actually. I think I'm safe at literature." He hadn't noticed Inuyasha's grimace nor the dapper-looking Kagome.

'Aww, he's so busy in Kagome that he doesn't even see this handsome hunk here. I should introduce them.' Ayumi thought.

"Hojo, this is Inuyasha. He's here to pick up Kagome." She informed.

The boy's chestnut eyes noticed Kagome for the first time and his face lost its joy. "P-Pick up?" There was panic in his voice.

Ayumi laughed, "He's a relative. She hasn't been well so her mother sent him for her."

"Oh, a relative!" The middle-schooler boy laughed. "Nice to meet you." He bowed and Kagome did the same.

Hojo fumbled in his bag and took out a bento box, "Higurashi, these are the herbal medicines I've got for you. For the fish infection."

'Fish infection?' Kagome and Inuyasha wondered but both nodded.

He handed it to Inuyasha, "The medications are in there. I hope you get better soon. School will be more fun with you."

As Kagome's friends softly cooed, Inuyasha frowned more but saw Kagome glaring at him and changed his expressions, "Yeah, okay." Inuyasha replied.

Hojo beamed, "Okay then. Good to see you back, Higurashi. Bye everyone. All the best for tommorow."

The girls waved back while Inuyasha didn't bother at all.

"Shall we go then?" Eri asked excitedly. With Kagome's nod, they left the grounds.

*ababab*

Eri and Ayumi were chatting cheerfully with Kagome, while the remaining two trailed them.

"Kagome, so this hottie is your relative?" Yuka inquired as she stared at the tall figure in front of her that towered Eri and Ayumi.

"Hottie?"

Yuka moved her gaze to Inuyasha, "Oh, I get it." She shook her hand in the air. "I mean, I know he is your relative so you don't look at him like that but come on. You can't deny how sexy he looks."

"What!" At the word 'sexy', Inuyasha yelped and his face turned red. Kagome glanced back to check on them but turned ahead soon.

Yuka continued after Kagome looked forth, "Duh. Look at him. What a specimen... So tall, toned body, broad chest-"

Inuyasha gripped her palm as he begged, "Stop! Stop it!"

Yuka laughed as she side-hugged him and bumped their heads, "Sorry. Must be embarrassing to hear about your cousin like that." Inuyasha nodded as he shyly stared at his feet. He liked this cuddling, it felt warm. "You've never mentioned him before though."

Inuyasha gulped and smiled uneasily while Yuka's eyes subtly narrowed as her hands remained around him, "Uh... yeah. He's, we're not that close. He lives far away."

"Really? Where?"

'Dear lord, this girl asks too many questions for her own good.' "T-Tokyo." Who said studying geography is impractical?

Yuka nodded, "But Tokyo's not that far for him not to visi-"

"Ugh! Yuka, come on! He's some distant relative who happened to drop by since he was here. Aren't you glad he's here?" The girl nodded with giggles, "Yeah, then don't complain."

The girl put a palm on her mouth, "Okay, okay! I was just wondering but no more questions about his origin alright?" Inuyasha nodded in agreement. "Well then, tell me, does he have a girlfriend?" She asked eagerly.

'Since that's not related to the wherabouts, I suppose it's fine.' Inuyasha held his chin in thought. 'Girlfriend. This one's easy. Hmm, do I have a girlfriend? I guess Kagome, Sango, Kirara do count... Kikyo might be my girlfriend as well. But since she only asked about girlfriend, maybe she wants only one person... I don't wanna choose though.' "Uh, I am not sure. He is friendly with many girls though."

Yuka sighed, "Just as I thought. Can't blame him though. With his looks, who wouldn't wanna wing girls all the time?"

Inuyasha tilted his head cluelessly, but nodded.

"Do you think I can ask for his number?"

Inuyasha grew more nervous. This intimate conversation with Yuka was giving him anxiety because he didn't know exactly what to say. "Uh, number?"

"Yeah, his phone number." 'Oh, phone. I know phone. I KNOW WHAT A PHONE IS! I CAN UNDERSTAND HER NOW!' Inuyasha revelled mentally as Yuka continued, "But maybe he'll think I'm interested in him and not give it then. I mean, who wants to mislead a middle-schooler?"

Inuyasha blinked, "Wha- So, wait. If you ask for someone's phone number, it means you're interested in them?"

Yuka nodded, "Sometimes, depending on the context."

"And everyone knows this?"

"Yeah. I mean, if your auntie asks for your number, obviously it's to talk with you." Inuyasha nodded. "But when it's some boy... actually, not always with boys also. It's just.. you know, in that moment you understand if it's being asked for dating or just for some work."

"I see," Inuyasha spoke. 'Well, if that wasn't a completely useless piece of information. But I am glad I feigned interest and went along with the phone thing, otherwise, it's hard to keep up with her.'

'Feigning interest in a conversation about phone numbers as if she doesn't know about it already, only to shift the attention from Inuyasha. Does she take me for a retard or something?' Yuka observed Inuyasha through her peripheral vision, 'Something's definitely going on here.'

Still, she knew that an iron must be struck only when it's hot and this was definitely not that moment. She decided to continue taking it causal for now,

"Ugh, I can't even believe his timing. Out of all the times, he had to come here during the exams, huh. Now we can't even hang out with him for fun." She spoke dejectedly.

'Haha, forget it, girl. I'll never spend my time with you. You and your friends' thoughts are so corrupted, who knows, you'll make me like yourselves, or even worse... like Miroku.' Inuyasha smirked inwardly.

Hearing Yuka's words, Ayumi looked back and informed, "Oh! Actually, Inuyasha says he'll be staying here for a few days. He also said he'll come with us to the festival.

'Oh, for fuck's sakes.' Inuyasha wailed internally. 'Why can't anything go as I wish FOR ONCE!? There's a festival now?!' My whole life's become a joke.' The boy's heart screamed but he kept his face clear of any tension and coughed before speaking, "Ahem, festival?"

Eri nodded and walked backwards as she faced Inuyasha and Yuka, "The summer festival! The one we always go to. Kagome, you missed last year's, so you better come." Inuyasha smiled fakely at this as Eri continued, "Oh, we'll have so much fun!!" She chirped and Kagome laughed.

"So, we're going to the festival?" He asked Kagome and she looked behind. "You sure you can manage?"

Kagome smiled, "Sure. Nothing to worry about."

Inuyasha pursed his lips. 'Oh great, as if all this wasn't enough, the plot now needs a festival as well.'

*ababab*

"BYE!!" Eri, too excitedly, bid a goodbye to Kagome and Inuyasha. While she wasn't happy that they were separating, there was the silver lining of meeting that good-looking man at the festival. She was very taken with him.

Inuyasha found a laugh escaping him as he noted the girl's enthusiasm. 'Everyone's so hyped here.' The two waved back at the girls and then resumed walking.

"Seriously..." Inuyasha finally spoke and Kagome's head turned towards him. "Did you really have to make such a scene? You only had to pick me up, and you couldn't even do that." Inuyasha complained, eyeing Kagome, who walked at his right. He guessed it was because the road was on that side.

'Huh, Kagome knows how to nail being a man as well.'

She chuckled, "Oh, come on! It was so fun, don't ruin it, okay?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes, and obliged when she took the backpack from him and carried it on her left shoulder.

The ladies on the street swooned over the hot boy who was picking up his middle-schooler sister and carrying her bag.

Chivalry is a rare thing, you know.

Inuyasha noticed the women eyeing Kagome and he cringed, 'Girls, aunties, old women... everybody here is horny as hell.'

He shifted his attention to Kagome's palm that held the bag straps, "Did you cut my nails?"

Kagome nodded, "Yeah, I was running errands for mom in the supermarket so I thought trimming them would be good." Inuyasha clasped his hands behind him as they walked, "They'll grow to their normal size in a day anyways."

"My hair won't, though." He spoke. "I may look calm right now, but I am seriously freaking out. You didn't cut them, did you?"

She laughed as she pointed at the short silver hair peeking from under the cap, "Oh, no! I've just pinned them up. It's a trick to make it look as if you've short hair." He sighed with relief. "Come on, I could never cut your hair. You look so good with them."

Inuyasha blushed and pouted. "Yeah, yeah. I know." Kagome chuckled and he reddened more. He quickly changed the topic. "So, what are these clothes? I look... different."

"You look handsome." She stated as a matter-of-factly. "Handsome as hell. Everyone was giving me an eye at school." She laughed heartily.

Inuyasha blushed, and looked down as he walked. But he couldn't resist taking glimpses of his new self. He had to admit, he did look good there.

"You're so lucky, you look good in your robe and even in modern clothes." Kagome spoke and his heart swelled.

He fiddled with his fingers nervously as his eyes remained fixated on the pavement, "Well... uh, you also look prett-"

"Umm..."

Inuyasha raised his chocolate eyes to see who had interrupted.

It was a girl with long raven hair that subtly turned deep brown at the ends, her almond-shaped face had delicate makeup and pink colour tinted her lips. She wore a beautiful turquoise camisole dress that reached her mid-thighs (Inuyasha could have been surprised at the length but it seemed harmless as he was used to Kagome's uniform now), showcasing her slender and long legs.

She was gorgeous.

"Yes?" Kagome asked, putting her other hand in the pocket.

The girl's silver dangle earrings danced when she took a glimpse at Inuyasha before turning to Kagome, "Um... My name is Saginomiya Haruka." She bit her lip before continuing, "If you're single... I'd love to have your number."

Inuyasha's mind ran back to the very fresh conversation with Yuka. 'Holy shit, straight to business! Does she like Kagome?! Well actually...' He understood what it meant. 'Man, my ego is really being nourished here.'

At the same time, he marvelled at her bravery because damn, he was such a hardcore tsundere that it would take him forever to show any interest in any woman.

He recalled how openly Kagome's friends talked and behaved. 'That explains why Kagome is always so direct.'

Outside Inuyasha's observations, Kagome examined the girl. 'Boy, she's hot. Looking at her, she's probably a freshman at college.' Even though Inuyasha was only 17, with his admirable built and mature but youthful face, one could easily put Inuyasha in the same category. No wonder the girl found him as a potential catch.

'Poor Inuyasha, really born into the wrong era.' Kagome thought as she replied to the girl, "Ah, I am so flattered." Kagome smiled and the girl's cheeks burned at that. "I am sorry though, I am not looking for anything."

Haruka looked disappointed but smiled as she held the strip of her sling bag. "That's fine. It was nice to meet you." She bowed at both of them and they reciprocated. "Your sister looks very pretty."

"Oh..." Kagome looked over at Inuyasha and smiled, "Well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Haruka smiled and gracefully tucked her hair behind her ear. "Thanks, Haruka-san. Have a good day."

The two painfully suppressed their laughter and as soon as Haruka was out of earshot, burst out laughing. "Oh my god, she thought I was your sister!" Inuyasha cackled.

"I know! We don't look anything alike!" Kagome snickered. "But see, how girls are drooling over you. This is the second time it's happened today."

Inuyasha's eyes widened, "Really?"

"Yeah, girls are getting really straightforward these days. Not that it's bad." She shrugged.

Inuyasha pursed his lips before speaking, "Honestly, it does feel cool to see that I fare well as per the standards of women." Kagome swatted his arm playfully. "...I never knew that."

Obviously, in the feudal era, there was no possibility of such open affection. Even then, he was never even given a second look by humans (for being a demon) or demons due to being a half-demon.

Kagome realized this. She smiled, "Well, now you do know. Flattery is not always bad." He smiled as well. "Let me tell you this Inuyasha, if you were born in this era- girls would be swarming around you and boys would die to be in the company of someone like you. You might as well be an adolescent prince."

He blushed profoundly, "S-Shut up!" Kagome laughed as they marched on the sidewalk. But the idea of being popularised and being liked by people fascinated him. 'How would things be if people did like me?'

Kagome noted him thinking about it. "Okay, enough boosting your ego. Now tell me, how was the test?"

He smirked confidently as he closed his fists, "Easy. I ticked many of the circles, I knew their answers." He punched the air as they waited near the signal.

"Awesome! I had a hunch from your mood." They crossed the road and Kagome held her cap as a sudden blow of wind appeared.

He nodded cheerfully, his ebony hair dancing along the wind. "Yeah. Nothing that hard." He recalled the day's events to tell her more stuff. "Oh, and your friends are nice people as well." He pouted now, "Awfully perverted though."

Kagome laughed loudly and Inuyasha did the same. "Oh, god! Did they talk about my tangerines?'' She asked playfully.

"Melons, actually. Congratulations, you've outdone yourself." Inuyasha stated and they laughed more.

"That's how the most noteworthy people are: They only compete with themselves." Inuyasha rolled his eyes with a giggle. "I hope it wasn't too uncomfortable. Maybe being with Miroku all the time must've prepared you for this."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, "With the way they talked, nothing could have prepared me for their lecherous behaviour." The pair gave way to a boy walking his dog and Inuyasha stared at the shops on his side. "And how was your day?"

Kagome shrugged as her gaze followed his, "Definitely less challenging than yours. I went to the supermarket first, and then to Souta's school."

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows at this and Kagome explained, "Well, remember... that kissing thing I brought up? With the TV show, and Souta heard it?"

"As clear as day." He smirked.

Kagome scowled, "Haha, very funny. Well anyways, I wanted him to keep his mouth shut so he offered me a deal. He said to pick him up after school while wearing modern clothes and to be the 'cool older brother figure' in front of his friends." She didn't mention the fact that Souta had introduced her as his sister's boyfriend.

'That memory's for my eyes and ears only.

She continued, "So that's when I thought it would be a good way to kill two birds with one stone." Inuyasha slowly nodded. "Hence my appearance at the school."

"Oh, so that's what happened."

Kagome nodded before sighing, "Still, that wasn't cool of Souta. Taking advantage of my tail being caught between legs. Such an opportunist he is."

'You're one to talk.' "Like brother, like sister." Kagome seemed surprised at this. "Didn't you come to pick me up with the same intentions? To show off?"

She smiled sheepishly as she realised the irony, "A little fun never hurts! Don't be a party pooper." He stuck out his tongue and her amber gaze turned to him, "But I am so glad everything went well. The first day was really nerve-wracking." She smiled, "I knew I could trust you."

She said as the peaks of the shrine's red torii (gate) became visible.

"But not enough to tell me that you are bullied at school."

[DAY 13]

A little long but I hope it was enjoyable. Also, if any of you have any suggestions that I can work on to improve my writing, I'll be grateful. Would love if the story raises the bar. Bye!