Author's Note: Day 1 of the 12 Days of Witchyness. What started out as a tiny little drabble of 100-word scenes turned into a monster, and by that point I was far too stubborn to stop. OH WELL. Enjoy!

Not Much Longer Would You Be Mine

Part I of II

They called it the Vine. Back in the 70s, it was called the Grapevine, but this was the year 2017 and nobody said full words anymore if they could avoid it. Plus, it sounded cooler.

Inuyasha Taisho thought the whole thing was goddamn stupid, but he wasn't popular and therefore, his opinion was moot. High school politics being what they were, Inuyasha was a bit of an asshole and a lot of an outcast. He was known for his temper, his good grades and his bloody knuckles whenever someone spoke about his mom.

Basically, he wasn't really known at all.

XXX

Embarrassing. If you want to make out in a closet, fine. But make sure you wipe all the lipstick off your face when it's over Magic M. ^V

XXX

But there was this one girl. Her name was Kikyo Hidaka and she looked at Inuyasha the way that she looked at everyone else. It was heart-stopping because where most of his peers looked right through him, she actually saw him. They shared a class together: physics.

Sometimes, all he could think about was Newton's first law of motion: a body continues its state of rest or uniform motion unless it is acted up on by an external force.

His current state wasn't satisfactory. He wanted more than just glances and small smiles and longing.

He needed an external force.

XXX

Queen Kikyo is at it again. Looking flawless as ever in royal (get it?!) blue. ^V

XXX

Enter Kagome Higurashi.

Just as popular, just as beautiful, with big, soft brown eyes. She wasn't Kikyo but she was someone that turned heads as she walked down the school hallway, her three best friends laughing with her at something one of them said. She and Kikyo were friends but ruled different circles. Kikyo was more cheerleader. Kagome was more student body.

Inuyasha wasn't popular but he was smart. Just because he kept his head low didn't mean the gossip coming straight from the Vine was foreign to him.

Right. The Vine.

Oh, there was just so much to learn.

XXX

Did anyone else notice the gold-wrapper condom by the music room? That's right. Gold. ^V

XXX

The Vine was their school's own you know you love me, Gossip Girl. In fact, Inuyasha wouldn't be surprised if the Vine was the inspiration behind the whole thing, considering theirs originated sometime back in the 70s. It was strange that the Vine's creation was a known fact, and yet, no one had ever figured out who ruled the Vine.

Ever.

Rumour had it that every three years the person would change, a senior passing the torch down to a freshman. In recent years, the Vine strictly spread news on Twitter but nobody knew how the gossip spread before that.

XXX

Does Y-E-A ever separate? I mean, I don't even have separate names for them. They're just…YEA. ^V

XXX

But back to the matter at hand:

Inuyasha had a goal and it was to change the course of his possible interactions with Kikyo. The only way to do that was to alter his social standing. This was high school, not the real world. Shit didn't work the same.

The only way to alter his social standing was to interact with someone of a higher social standing, riding their coattails – per se – into popularity. Inuyasha wasn't an idiot: he didn't need to be extremely popular or well-liked. That was impossible.

But all he needed to just enough to get noticed.

XXX

Did you see Hunky H mooning over – you guessed it – Princess K? There's no way she hasn't noticed or is she that oblivious? ^V

XXX

Waiting until the last school bell, Inuyasha casually approached Kagome's locker, knowing she was about to go to archery and that her friends would already be gone to make the busses.

"Hey," he said, keeping his voice pretty low to not startle her.

It didn't work, though Kagome only jumped slightly before turning, confused. "Hi. Can I help you?"

"I think so." He took a deep breath. "I know the gossip is true about your coach having to maybe kick you off the team unless you stop failing math. I can help. With math. The homework and stuff."

"Excuse me?"

XXX

And the winner for the First Epic Breakdown of the Year goes to…*drumroll*… The Doctor. Way to rage out there, Doc. ^V

XXX

He had an actual speech planned but it went out the window the second her expression went from confused to wary. He kept trying anyways, repeating himself if necessary to drive the point home. They could help each other. He no longer wanted to be an outcast. She no longer wanted her athletic standing to be in limbo due to poor grades. It was perfect.

"I'm not failing math," Kagome hissed at him, her wariness shifting into anger.

And this wasn't something he prepared himself for. Denial.

He opened his mouth but Kagome was already walking away, locker firmly slammed.

XXX

Princess K looking pretty pissed at those archery targets. Girl, don't shoot the messenger. ^V

XXX

The next week and a half was spent keeping his head low but his ears open. He was down but he was not out. Surely, another plan would not be difficult to formulate. There were a few other students that could help his cause. It was just the leverage that was difficult. The Vine was only so powerful.

A part of him still held out hope that Kagome would change her mind. Another math test was coming up so surely while studying – or not studying – she would realize.

They shared the same math class but Kagome never looked his way.

XXX

Hmmm… Does anyone else see the little tinge of homicidal madness in Mr. Popular's eyes? No? Just me? Just me then. ^V

XXX

Naraku was looking at him too intently again.

Naraku: the guy who had shit grades, was a dick to everyone, somehow unbearably popular. And of course, he had a thing against Inuyasha. The reasons were unknown but no matter what Inuyasha did, it always ended in a fight.

It started with a look.

Class ended like it usually did: Inuyasha left right away. Naraku and his gang were close behind. There was some name calling that he ignored, some slurs sent his way that he pretended not to hear as he continued down the hall.

But then, someone touched him.

XXX

Mr. Popular and Boy With No Name at it again. Not even any blood this time. Bore. ^V

XXX

The principal stared him down. It was the second time this year he'd been in her office for fighting.

"You know," she said sternly. "Every time you're in here, I ask you for details. You never give any." It didn't matter. Inuyasha knew. Talking would only make it worse. "Mr. Morikawa and his friends always claim you instigated the fight."

This was a change in pattern. Normally it was straightforward: judgmental look, detention, dismissal.

"But this time, Mr. Taisho, someone came forward and told us a full recount of the altercation. You and I need to have a longer talk."

XXX

Boys will be boys. It's not their first fight but it is the first time Mr. Popular's gotten suspended over it. Trouble, N? ^V

XXX

There would be no suspension but Inuyasha had to serve detention for fighting. He didn't know who came forward. The principal never said. All he knew was that it was another student. In his head, it didn't make sense. Inuyasha wasn't friends with anyone. He didn't know anyone. Who would come to his aid?

No one would want to.

He was fine with that, really. He didn't like talking to people or interacting all that much. People annoyed him.

But it made him wonder until his mind was a whirl of thoughts that just went round and round and round.

XXX

The Doctor is back in! Whoo boy, we've missed you McDreamy! ^V

XXX

Kikyo was wearing purple today.

It was a distracting colour, enough so that Inuyasha barely paid any attention to the lesson. He was ahead of his class, further in the textbook and further in intelligence so he wasn't concerned.

It was a dark purple. Her skin was like porcelain and the colour make her look almost ethereal. Beautiful.

"Mr. Taisho, what is acid leaching?" the teacher called out irritably, disrupting his thoughts.

Inuyasha sighed. "The extraction of a solid by first dissolving it into a liquid."

His teacher looked disappointed. Kikyo turned, looked at him.

Smiled.

His answer was correct.

XXX

We love you cheerleaders but, really? That was a field goal, not a touchdown. ^V

XXX

If you thought it was going to be some kind of magical moment, you were wrong.

Inuyasha stared into his locker, a little angry and a little tired. High school was in so many ways so incredibly stupid. The hierarchy was all wrong. If this was how real life was going to be, past high school, past post-secondary, then Inuyasha wanted out of it all right now. There was no point.

At least Naraku and his gang of morons had backed off.

He'd give them another week before they came back, as stupid as ever.

High school: Hell on Earth.

XXX

Rain, rain, please don't stop. Soak that white now-see-through top. Come on girls, be a little smarter. ^V

XXX

Rain. Of fucking course.

Inuyasha leaned against the brick wall of the school, long after classes had been excused. The busses left thirty minutes ago but the storm was coming down hard. He would rather try to wait it out, see if it dissipated at all. The weather app said it should go away within the hour. Then again, the weather app was always wrong.

Suddenly, the front door of the school burst open viciously, swinging in a full arc. It startled him, big brown eyes watching as a familiar figure stomped out, frustration in every line of her body.

XXX

Rumour has it that Princess K isn't as perfect as she looks. But that's just a rumour. Don't worry honey, we believe in you. ^V

XXX

Kagome stopped the moment she noticed the rain, a strangled scream echoing even with her lips sealed shut, like she was trying to hold it in. Her hands flexed at her sides. All of a sudden, she just deflated.

Inuyasha had never seen a person look so defeated before.

He kept his mouth shut and averted his gaze. Maybe she wouldn't notice him or she'd ignore him like the rest of the student body. He hoped more than ever that the rain would stop.

"Inuyasha, right?" she asked, again.

He didn't nod. She walked closer anyways.

"You have a deal."

XXX

Sticks and stones may break your bones but I'll always know your secrets. ^V

XXX

Sitting in a café thirty minutes later, Inuyasha stared at Kagome Higurashi. She was, without a doubt, an odd one.

"It's simple then," she said, hands wrapped around a paper cup of hot chocolate. "We'll start to hang out, and then hang out more until it looks like we're dating. We don't tell people we are, but we hint at it–"

"Why–"

"You want to be mysterious. Trust me."

She was, according to the Vine, the Princess. Maybe she had a point.

"And you'll tutor me in secret. People will think we're making out rather than studying. Win-win."

XXX

Do you feel it? That strange shift in the air? Something is up at Sakura High, bitches. Keep an eye out. You know I will. ^V

XXX

Kagome was going to get kicked off the team which was why she had been so upset the day they came to a deal. Inuyasha didn't ask but he didn't need to. She wasn't hard to read; wearing her emotions on her sleeve seemed to be a thing. She was constantly smiling at him, or watching him, or nodding along while he spoke. It was…unsettling.

She wasn't mean. Inuyasha knew this. They never talked before because their social circles – her big one with friends and his non-existent one – didn't allow for it.

But it startled him. How kind she was.

XXX

Magic M is at it again, trailing you-know-who. The whole thing is insane but like a good car crash, I can't look away. ^V

XXX

The plan was to start one week after the Day of the Deal. Inuyasha didn't know how. Kagome simply told him to act as naturally as possible. It was surely a bad idea. "It won't be realistic otherwise," she had argued, licking the remnants of hot chocolate from her lips.

Now, Inuyasha slammed his locker shut, textbooks in hand as he made his way to History. There was a crowd of girls heading towards him. He stepped to the side but–

"Oh! I'm sorry!"

Kagome Higurashi, in all of her glory, touched his arm looking apologetic.

Inuyasha blinked.

She smiled.

XXX

Did the Princess… Did she just… Did Princess K and Boy With No Name just… Look at each other? ^V

XXX

The next day as he walked to class, Kagome smiled at him and waved shyly, ignoring the looks from her friends. Their mouths were open, either because they were mid-speech or because it was just that shocking. Inuyasha didn't know. He'd been trying hard to ignore her, like he would any other day.

But she wasn't ignoring him, not anymore.

It was subtle. Small changes here and there. A grin. A wink. A gaze focused on him as he walked by.

Changes were in motion. The external force had come into play.

Pretty soon, they would all know his name.

XXX

I can't believe I'm writing this but is Princess K flirting with… I can't actually type out the words. Friends, the world is ending. ^V

XXX

Physics wasn't his favourite class but in many ways, it truly was. Kikyo, looking as perfect as ever, sat in the middle seat of the middle row. Her dark gaze was on her textbook, eyes reading the words as the teachers droned on and on at the front of the class.

How long would it take for her to notice him? Would this plan work?

He wasn't wrong to broker the deal between himself and Kagome. It was a win-win scenario, one they could conclude without disaster for the other.

As long as Kikyo looked his way. Soon, she would.

XXX

I know I haven't been tweeting about much else but… Seriously. Who knew the Boy With No Name actually…had a name? ^V

XXX

The last bell had rung ten minutes ago and Inuyasha was staring angrily into his locker. Naraku was hanging around with friends, close enough that anything could set him off but far enough away that… Well, maybe not. Inuyasha didn't hold out much hope.

"Hey." Her voice was familiar now. It was strange.

Inuyasha stared at her, the way she smiled and leaned on the locker beside him, casual as can be. He didn't know what to say. "Uh, hi."

Smooth.

Her smile got even wider and she tilted her head. "Want to get a hot chocolate with me?"

"O-kay?"

XXX

BREAKING: Princess K asked Boy out! He looked at her in awe (as one does) and followed her out of school (like a puppy wagging its tail). ^V

XXX

Whistling, Kagome scrolled a bit on her phone before sliding it across the café table towards him. "News travels fast. My plan worked. See? I told you."

He hadn't ever argued but Inuyasha ignored it in favour of reading the Vine's latest tweets. They were all about him and Kagome, even without their names. By tomorrow, the entire school would be talking about it. Surely almost everyone knew.

"So I'm thinking Friday, unless you have plans?"

Inuyasha blinked, confused. "What?"

"Study date," Kagome replied, as if it was obvious.

And it was obvious. Inuyasha was just surprised. "Friday sounds good."

XXX

Dog Boy (formerly Boy With No Name) entered school. Princess K isn't with him. Is he smiling more than usual? Never tried to look before ^V

XXX

What a strange sensation.

Before he even stepped into the school, there were eyes on him. The smokers at the corner. The jocks on the field. The nerds just outside the door.

Inside the school was much worse.

It was like his entrance caused an implosion. Noise stopped. Cheerleaders, goths and average nobodies simply stared. Act natural, Kagome had said.

Inuyasha kept his head down and shouldered his way to class, ears straining as the whispers started to escalate like wildfire. It was like everywhere he went, no one would speak at a normal volume. Only whispers. Only secrets.

Strange.

XXX

Half the day has gone by and they haven't spoken yet. I'm not dying but I'm not not dying, you know? ^V

XXX

Inuyasha was pretty sure that Kagome would find him at some point. She would lean on his locker or smile at him in the hallway or do something. Something to keep it up.

But there was nothing.

He didn't like to admit it but Inuyasha was confused. Kagome supposedly had this Big Plan laid out for them and apparently it didn't include talking to him today. He hadn't even spotted her in the halls. Was that intentional? Part of the game? The Vine was tweeting endlessly about it, comments about how this news was killing their soul.

Surprisingly, his too.

XXX

They didn't talk so whatever I witnessed yesterday was wrong guys. I was hallucinating. Whatever. Princess and Dog Boy are a no go ^V

XXX

The next day was better. Or worse, depending on how one saw it. Inuyasha preferred the words annoying or irritating. It was like everything went back to normal. After the Vine's tweet last night, everyone seemed to have assumed the thing between him and Kagome was a false alarm.

He was going to strangle her.

They had no classes together yesterday but today was math. Normally she was already seated so he could glare, but today Kagome was absent.

Just before the bell, she slipped in, never looking in his direction.

Inuyasha didn't pay attention to a word in class.

XXX

Super S is, if described in one word, the most attractive, confusing girl ever. Did she just bring a massive boomerang to class? ^V

XXX

He watched as she packed up her books and then leaned against her desk. Kagome looked at him and smiled, waiting.

Not everyone saw, but by the time Inuyasha got to her it was evident students were hanging back, just to witness what would happen. He raised a brow at her, a thousand questions on hold. Kagome responded with a quiet laugh and led the way out of the classroom.

"Walk me to Geography," she said.

"What was yesterday about?" he hissed, voice low.

Kagome turned, walking backwards so she could face him when she said, "Nobody likes whirlwind romances."

XXX

RED ALERT. IT IS HAPPENING. I AM SO CONFUSED. ^V

XXX

Outside of the Geography classroom, Kagome leaned back on some lockers and stared at him, a tiny smile on her lips. "Come closer."

"What?"

The smile got bigger. "Pretend you like me," she whispered. The dumbass at the end of that sentence was implied, he knew.

They were already close. Stepping in closer would mean– Now their shoes were practically touching. She had to look up at him to meet his eyes.

"Tonight?" she asked, loudly enough just as some classmates walked by.

"Yeah," he replied.

She left with one minute until the bell. He had to run to class.

XXX

I have it on very good authority that Princess K and Dog Boy are having a secret rendezvous tonight. Is it hot in here? ^V

XXX

"So… As n goes to infinity the limit is one?"

"Here? Yes." Inuyasha tapped his pencil on her textbook. "Next."

Kagome made a face at him but moved on. Part way through, she paused. "As a heads up, we won't talk the next few days. Only waves, smiles or looks, okay?"

Inuyasha frowned. "Why?" That didn't make sense to him. Faster relationship. Faster social standing. Faster interaction with Kikyo.

"Have you ever read a love story? It needs to burn slow." Kagome shrugged. "If you want people to see you, you need to give them the opportunity to look first."

XXX

Mr. Popular isn't a jock but he tries to get the cheerleaders' attention. Or one particular cheerleader's attention, anyways. ^V

XXX

Later that night, Inuyasha went back over the conversation.

They needed the opportunity to look. Stupid. His peers had always had the opportunity but never did. Popularity wasn't by merit; it was something you had or didn't have. It was, in a lot of ways, simply communication with a vast amount of people. And why would he want to talk to anyone besides Kikyo? This was for her, no one else.

But Kagome was smart and funny, math marks aside. Every other class was straight As and her archery coach loved her.

Maybe, looking and talking was important after all.

XXX

Princess K waved at Dog Boy. Dog Boy smirked. SMIRKED. He's kind of hot when he does that. Is this weird to notice now? ^V

XXX

He was sitting in History when it happened: the spot beside him that was typically left open was suddenly very much taken. Inuyasha, confused, looked over into the narrow-eyed gaze of one Sango Houko.

It was oddly intimidating.

"I'm not sure what your angle is," she said, eyes getting narrower. "I don't know why you're doing what you're doing."

"What am I doing?"

"Attempting popularity." Sango tapped at her lips with her index finger. "Of all the girls to have a crush on, why Kagome?"

He let out a breath. She didn't actually know of the Deal.

"She's pretty hot."

XXX

There they go, walking together. Again. Seriously, does YEA ever separate? ^V

XXX

Kagome leaned against the locker beside his, waiting until he looked at her before smiling. "We just started a new chapter in math class today."

Inuyasha turned to make sure no one was listening in. There were a few eyes on them, but not much else. "I'm aware. I'm in the same class."

It seemed for a moment like she was going to roll her eyes but instead Kagome snorted, shaking her head. "That chapter terrified me."

"We'll go over it."

She took a step closer. "Oh, that won't be the only thing we discuss." Kagome winked and turned away.

XXX

Mr. Myoga went off on a rant – again – today. Apparently this time, he was visited by great demonic spirits. ^V

XXX

What she wanted to discuss was coined The Simple Art of Subtly Dating. Apparently, he was lacking. First, though, was math.

"This is awful," Kagome whined. She ran her hands through her hair. "Did you know I have nightmares about this stuff?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "It's not that hard, you just don't understand it yet."

"Why do I need math anyways? I think teachers are lying when they say we'll need this crap when we get older."

Inuyasha almost retorted with a smartass answer. Instead he glared at her and flicked at her face with a pencil. "Next question."

XXX

Super S literally glared at a senior until the boy ran away. Damn girl. With great power comes great responsibility. ^V

XXX

"Has anyone asked you if we're dating yet?" The question came out of left field, Kagome mid packing up her math textbook.

"No," he replied, eyes narrowing. Sango hadn't asked; just assumed.

"What we need is to be obvious without saying a word."But people knowing they were dating was the whole point. Inuyasha opened his mouth but Kagome laughed at him before he could speak. "I know, Inuyasha, but I've said it before: you need to be mysterious, desirable. We want people to talk about us, about you."

Inuyasha regretted his words instantly. They came out nonetheless. "How then?"

XXX

There goes Magic M, stumbling out of yet another closet. Like, he's hot but is he really *that* hot? ^V

XXX

"First lesson," Kagome said, immensely pleased that she was no longer studying math and now had the opportunity to punish him. Inuyasha never knew she was sadistic but clearly. "Talking without opening your mouth."

That shouldn't be hard. Inuyasha hardly talked in school at all.

"Come here," she said, standing still a few feet before him. Inuyasha stepped forward until they were reasonably close.

"Closer."

He sighed longsuffering, but went.

Kagome was nearly pressed against his chest, dark brown eyes soft and looking upwards. "Always be this close," she murmured. Quiet. A lullaby, almost.

Inuyasha stopped himself from swaying forwards.

XXX

Do you ever lie awake at night and think that Princess K and Dog Boy make the oddest/more adorable pair? No? Just me? ^V

XXX

Kagome told him Friday would be the perfect opportunity. They were studying together that night and so if they didn't speak on Thursday, they could make a splash. Her words. Not his.

The goal was to get people talking to him. It meant his social status would have climbed; they could start the second phase. Whatever that was.

Kagome sauntered by with her friends Yuka, Eri and Ayumi. Her dark chocolate eyes landed on his warmly.

"I don't get it."

Inuyasha didn't jump but it was a near thing.

Sango shook her head at him and strode away. "So weird."

XXX

Super S brought her boomerang again. Watch out, senior boys. She might just attack you. ^V

XXX

Sango Houko was a queen in her own right at Sakura High. The Vine referred to her as Super S though it rarely commented on her. With long hair and magenta eyes, a curvy figure and wry humour, one would think she'd be a focal point.

Somehow, Sango simply slid by. She was an athletic champion at the school, winning track competitions and making every sports team she attempted. Archery wasn't on her radar but probably only because its time was the same as basketball's.

There was no reason for her to talk to Inuyasha. None at all.

And yet.

XXX

Mr. Popular is at it again, chasing cheerleaders. I can't confirm but by the sounds of the giggles, that's – in fact – what's happening. ^V

XXX

Friday morning.

Inuyasha was nervous for reasons beyond him. This meant absolutely nothing and yet. It would mean something.

Her locker was down a separate corridor, right beside her friends'. The three of them were there, chatting. Inuyasha went anyways, stepped in close. Too close.

"Morning," he murmured quietly.

Kagome twisted so that she could face him and smiled. Soft, again. Happy. What an actress. "Hey," she replied, just as quiet. A false illusion of privacy. "I'll see you in math?"

The way she was staring at him, looking right at him. Inuyasha exhaled, breathed out, "yeah."

It was exhilarating.

XXX

Jesus. Did you see those fuck-me eyes Princess was giving Dog Boy? Ho-ly shit. That's hot. ^V

XXX

He could practically feel the looks they were giving him.

They weren't even whispering anymore. This wasn't some dirty secret. It was, in many ways, acknowledged without any proof. Were they dating? And how?

He overheard Kagome's friends, just before math class. Yuka, Eri and Ayumi must not have known he was there.

"I don't get it," Eri stated, waving her free hand around. "Like, him?"

"I think it's sweet," Ayumi said. "He seems nice."

Yuka scoffed. "He gets into fights all the time."

"Hojo doesn't fight. I really thought they'd end up dating," Eri continued.

Inuyasha disappeared into class.

XXX

What does this mean for Hunky H? Seriously. That boy's been pining since Grade 9. ^V

XXX

As planned, Kagome didn't look at him. She smiled though as he walked by her table, eyes turned down towards her notebook. He sat down at his usual spot near the back corner, getting his textbook. No one sat beside him typically so when the chair next to him scraped along the floor, he startled.

It was a guy named Suikotsu. Inuyasha was pretty sure he had medical problems, considering he was in and out of school so often.

"Hey," Suikotsu said, giving a small nod.

Inuyasha nodded and pretended like this happened to him all the time.

It didn't.

XXX

McDreamy and Dog Boy exchanged math notes. This is happening people. The Rising has begun. ^V

XXX

Strangely, it was like a switch was flipped. School felt different. Inuyasha, always calculating, couldn't decipher the equation that led to this result. His plan was working – Kagome's plan was working – and the students at Sakura High reacted differently now.

Not in big ways. No one went out of their way or anything crazy. No new declarations of friendship. But there was less avoidance. Less eyes tearing away the second contact was made. No side-steps or clear ignorance.

Even Naraku seemingly backed off. Being ignored rather than poked at.

It wouldn't last, Inuyasha knew.

But it was…nice.

It was nice.

XXX

The Queen has spoken. He's probably a great guy and all, but Mr. Popular and her will never be a thing. Can you say DRAMA? ^V

XXX

He was partway through eating his lunch when someone pulled back the chair across from him. Inuyasha didn't look up. No point in watching someone sit somewhere else.

"You frown a lot," Sango commented casually.

Inuyasha blinked down at his sandwich. Looked up. Frowned some more.

"Geez." Sango rolled her eyes. "Like it or not, I sit here now."

The statement was out of his mouth before he could stop. "Don't you have friends you'd rather be with?"

Sango raised a brow at him before taking a long drink of whatever was in her thermos. "No."

And that was that.

XXX

The Rising Continued: Super S and Dog Boy shared an intimate meal during lunch. Is she into him too? Watch out Princess. ^V

XXX

He and Kagome… Inuyasha thought about it during class, too far ahead in his studies to worry about missing the lesson. He thought about her a lot, unfazed by it. The plan was working.

It was simple. Nothing crazy. Looks across hallways, light touches as they passed each other. They didn't sit together. They didn't do anything that read like a neon sign they were dating. But the Vine drank it up like alcohol, drunk on the wild goose chase.

Kikyo hadn't talked to him. Once or twice however, he looked up only to find her turning her gaze away.

XXX

Did the Doctor just…flip his table? In the middle of Home Ec? Because his sewing machine broke? Hmmmmmm. ^V

XXX

"Second lesson," Kagome said, getting out of her chair. "The Vine's starting to slow on us. We need to shock it."

The way she looked at him had him standing up. He stared down at her, waiting. She would direct them, like always.

"Kiss me."

Inuyasha paused. No more than a moment, but enough to determine that yes, he was going to. He wanted to, just to know what it was like. To kiss someone.

She shortened the gap between them. Her eyes were dark, warm pools of chocolate. Between one breath and the next, he closed the gap completely.

XXX

GAH. Something happened. I don't know what. And I don't know why. But my Viney senses are tingling. ^V

XXX

At first, it was chaste. A tiny brush of lips, a swipe that could almost be a mistake. The barest pressure.

Then Kagome put her hand on his chest, fingers digging into the cotton of his shirt. It was like a searing brand, stirring him into action, to put his own hand on her back and get just that little bit closer.

The angle was better, somehow, and Inuyasha let his lips brush against hers with purpose. She opened up beautifully, ever the consequence to his catalyst.

Kagome stepped back, breathing hard, giving distance. "Yeah," she whispered. "Just like that."

XXX

If you tell me now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you. I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you and I will tweet about you. ^V

XXX

By some unspoken agreement he and Kagome stayed apart after that. It made him realize how close they had become, little brushes of the hand or presses against his side while she looked over a textbook question.

Said textbook was on the tabletop, forgotten.

Inuyasha didn't want to leave. Inuyasha hadn't wanted to stop.

But.

"My parents get home from work soon," Kagome explained, voice steady. "Want to watch TV? I'm sure you could stay for dinner." She looked horrified, for a moment. Like she hadn't meant to say that.

He should go. He normally did go.

But.

He agreed.

XXX

LOL I'm a disaster. Tomorrow nothing's going to happen and I'll be the laughing stock of Sakura. Praying for a miracle. ^V

XXX

The Higurashi household was incredibly, inescapably warm.

"It's so wonderful you're tutoring Kagome in math," Mama Higurashi said. Papa Higurashi just stared.

"It's not a big deal," Inuyasha replied, unsure.

Kagome's father raised an eyebrow. "And what time did you get here again?"

"Dad, seriously," Kagome muttered. "He's just a friend."

A friend who kissed her breathless not that long ago.

They ate dinner and then watched TV for an hour, sitting on opposite ends of the couch. Kagome would smile at him during the funny parts of a show, pleased.

He had missed this warmth, sitting in his chest.

XXX

Good morning to Sakura High's finest. Pls tell me someone's got a story I can blast. ^V

XXX

Today was the day. The Big Shock. Kagome's words, not his. Again.

All he had to do was go to her locker and kiss her. The day was over so everyone would see. Everyone. That was the point. That was his plan.

But Inuyasha was uneasy, tense. There were so many people and they would all see him. See this.

Kagome was in sight, getting closer and closer with every step. But in an instant, his eyes landed on Naraku in the corner, sneering in a way that Inuyasha associated only with bloody knuckles and split lips.

Inuyasha turned around.

XXX

Bless up. Y and E just started fighting in the cafeteria and poor A is in the middle. YEA is BYE. Catfight, anyone? ^V

XXX

"Want to talk about it?"

Inuyasha glared at the bleachers he was sitting on. He should have just gone home. "Not really."

Kagome hesitated a moment before sitting down, her arm pressing against his. "We don't have to."

But then Kikyo wouldn't notice him. "We do."

"We don't have to kiss," she corrected.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "That wasn't the problem." It was knowing everyone would see him when all Inuyasha was used to was invisibility. "How do you deal with everyone looking at you?"

She smiled. "I ignore them for the people I want to look back at instead."

XXX

Why is there a gold condom wrapper on the floor outside of the gym? Where did it come from? Better yet, WHO did it come from? (Seriously, tell me). ^V

XXX

He refused to hesitate a second time. The plan was for the end of the day, but looking at Kagome down the hall, surrounded by friends… It was now or never. He'd chicken out again, otherwise.

Inuyasha walked up to her, pushing through the girls. She smiled at him, eyes a warm brown as he approached.

Now.

He stepped in close, so close, and just as she breathed out a greeting he sealed his lips over hers, hands wrapping around her waist and pulling her close, closer.

The hallway could have exploded, raining fire and brimstone. It wouldn't have mattered.

XXX

GUYS OH MY GOD OH MY GOD ALSFJKJSJSKJFKES KJSEKJFKSEJFKE DID YOU SEE THEM KISS? ^V

XXX

DOG BOY AND PRINCESS KISSED. OMG. OMG, BREAKING FUCKING NEWS, BITCHES. THEY'RE DATING! ^V

XXX

Damn, Dog Boy can KISS. ^V

XXX

The Vine went insane. Its Twitter feed blew up, each 280 character message a scream of Princess K and Dog Boy and did you see that kiss and dating confirmed, they have to be and I think I may die from this, omg, what a story.

Inuyasha couldn't have prepared himself for this. He had an inkling because it terrified him, made him back away the first time.

But this.

For some bizarre reason, kissing Kagome broke some sort of barrier. Leveled him up. People said hi to him in the hallways.

High school dynamics were fucking weird as fuck.

XXX

Day 3 of Princess and Dog Boy's First Kiss: I'm still not over it. ^V

XXX

It became a thing added on to what they were already doing. They were still separate in many ways but now, every once and a while when he walked her to class or she hung out by his locker, he'd touch her and pull her close. He'd smirk down at her, at the challenge and amusement in her eyes, and he'd kiss her.

It made him too easy.

Popularity was looking and talking. But what he forgot was that no matter what, there was always a cost. Every action had an equal and opposite reaction.

Inuyasha was supposed to be smart.

XXX

Damn, Magic M. Can you find somewhere better than a closet? ^V

XXX

Kagome touched him teasingly as she walked by, the barest brush of feeling against his shirt. He was going to History, trying to make the bell when he was stopped.

Hojo, bright-eyed and jaw clenched, stood in his path. It was clearly intentional and Inuyasha was at a loss. Hojo was student president, future valedictorian and all that other boy-next-door crap. Why would he want to talk to him?

"I don't know what she sees in you."

Kagome, obviously. He should have seen this coming.

"You don't deserve her," Hojo continued, frustrated.

"I know," he answered. So much for smart.

XXX

Hunky: You don't deserve her. Dog Boy: I know. CAN YOU SAY DRAMA? ^V

XXX

The last thing he wanted to do was punch out the student president. Kagome would probably be mad. There were a few people around, all staring.

Hojo stepped closer. "I know what you're doing and it's terrible." He lifted his hand up. Inuyasha prepared for a fight.

"Hey man." A guy – Miroku was his name, Inuyasha thought – stepped between them. "Relax. Go to class."

For a second, Hojo looked mad. It quickly shifted to horrified. They had an audience.

He stormed off and Inuyasha watched him go. "Thanks."

"It's cool." Miroku held out for a fist-bump, tapped and disappeared.

Fuck.

XXX

Hunky H or Hunky Hulk? He almost raged on Dog Boy. About what? Princess K, of course. ^V

XXX

Sango wasn't impressed. "Would you have punched him?"

Inuyasha scowled. "No! I don't want to fight the guy. I rather not fight anyone."

"Why not?"

The question threw him. "Because I'm not a dick?"

Shrugging, Sango took a bite out of her grilled cheese sandwich. She shook her head, narrowing her eyes at him. She was always moving. "You seem like one though. You're literally always frowning. It's like Resting Bitch Face. It is Resting Bitch Face."

Inuyasha glared at her and chose not to answer.

"It's okay, I'll still sit here."

"Again, I have no idea why."

She grinned.

XXX

Super S just gave Hunky the dirtiest look. She and Dog Boy may not be a Thing but clearly she's protective of her favourite puppy. ^V

XXX

"Seriously, she'd talk to you if you initiate," Kagome explained, poking at him with her toe on the couch. Her parents were in the kitchen, drinking coffee. "Why don't you just say hi?"

Say hi? To Kikyo? Without a plan? Inuyasha grimaced.

"Do you really like her this much?" Kagome asked. "I mean, if you're going to wait for her to talk to you, then what's the point? Shouldn't you like someone that – I don't know – likes you for who you are?"

Inuyasha snorted. "You were forced to like me."

"I still don't like you," she countered, smiling too wide.

XXX

YEA cried today at their lockers. Apparently, they've made up. God, get a room. ^V

XXX

"It's C."

"D."

"You're lying."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. Holy crap, this woman. "No, I'm not. Work out the math again."

"No," Kagome whined, dramatically hitting her head on the table. "No, I rather curl up in a ball and die." So dramatic. "Hey! There's the Holiday Dance for charity going on in December. We're going."

"What?"

Kagome smiled at him, all pleased with herself. "We're going to the dance. Make a scene, make some people jealous. You know, the usual high school shenanigans."

Inuyasha shook his head. "I don't dance."

"I don't do math, and yet."

"I hate you."

XXX

Dog Boy was seen daydreaming in class. Whatcha thinking about? Is a certain Princess going to rub your belly soon? I'd pay to see that. ^V

XXX

Eventually, it was all going to come out. Inuyasha had really just hoped it hadn't been because of him.

"I hate her," Inuyasha droned. He was checking a text from Kagome, a request to see her after school for some cuddling. Something to appease the masses. They were also discussing the dance, which he was trying really hard to not think about.

"Who?" Sango asked.

He answered as he tried to think of a response, distracted. "Kagome."

"Why?"

"This dance."

"Going to show off your girlfriend, huh?"

"I wouldn't do that even if she was my girlfriend." Oh.

Oh crap.

Part II will be posted soon. Feedback is love.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Love, Witchy