Azure by Sereia

Lapis Lazuli

Kagome sighed as she tapped her desk. It wasn't Hojo's fault that he'd suddenly come down with strep throat, but the fact remained the school's archery team had their final match next month, and they were currently without an instructor.

She could call in a substitute, as he was also the art teacher, but the likelihood of getting someone to cover both subjects was slim, and she'd rather just supervise the students herself. Her grandfather could do it, but his arthritis had gotten so bad in the last year that he could barely hold a pencil, let alone a bow.

And she hadn't touched hers since high school.

Sighing again, she got to her feet. Maybe she could get them to run drills while she called around to neighbouring schools looking for a volunteer. At least they'd be able to get some more practice in.

Steeling herself for the impending disappointment, and skipping dinner to find someone to at least cover the classes tomorrow, she headed toward the kyudo club's room, each strand of her pin-straight hair locked in place with a lapis lazuli clip at the base of her neck.

Kagome prided herself on her appearance, keeping every relationship professional within the workplace. She was on friendly terms with everyone, though there were some colleagues she was closer with than others, but it was much easier to be a respectable role model for the students when she abided by the same rules.

It also helped deter said students from trying to set her up with every male teacher in the school.

The archery team were the worst culprits. They were a wonderful group of students, ones she'd seen flourish in talent and confidence since their first year, but even Hojo was getting tired of the comments, making it a rule that Kagome didn't come up in conversation unless she was present.

She even made a point of sequestering herself inside her office on Valentine's Day after some of them had sent her on a wild goose chase that ended up with a romantic, candlelight meal set up in the choir room. She'd tried being patient with them, but it had been the final straw, Kagome threatening them with permanent detention if they kept it up.

A pair of students skidded by her, their feet barely touching the floor as they hurried in the same direction. A frown puckered Kagome's brow as she followed. They weren't part of the archery team, and there weren't any other clubs at that end of the school today.

Her heels clicked against the floor with purpose as she increased her speed. If Shippou and Kirara had started using their arrows as swords again, she wouldn't even think twice about suspending them. They'd been lucky enough to only walk away with a few stitches last time, but another student had come close to losing an eye.

There was nothing but soft murmurings as she entered the room, eyes widening as half the team bombarded her when she shut the door.

"Higurashi-sensei, have you seen him shoot?"

"It's like magic!"

"He said he's Hojo-sensei's replacement! So now we don't have to cancel practice!"

She tried to quiet their questions, unable to answer most of them, confusion deepening her frown. She hadn't been able to get a hold of anyone, so who were they—

"You were told to collect your bow and practice your positions." A deep voice cut through the chatter, and the group shot her guilty looks before retreating to their equipment. Kagome was met with a firm bow and striking amber eyes.

"I am Sesshoumaru Taisho. I am Zannen Hojo's replacement." Well, this was certainly a change of events that she hadn't anticipated.

"Sensei, you're still single, right?"

Kagome groaned.