InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Self Deception ❯ Believers ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter Two:

Believers

"What?!" Kagome yelled, loud enough to pierce anyone's eardrums, but fortunately the music in the club was too overbearing to let in Kagome's shrieks. Sango giggled, which was something that she hardly ever did. Rin tried again. "I said that my car was stolen last night." Kagome still yelled. "What?!" Rin shook her head. Oh forget this! Rin came toward Kagome, who was still swaying her hips to the music. She looked quite attractive in her black sleeveless dress, her hair flowing around her. Rin gathered all the voice she could muster over the crowd, and said what she had to say directly in Kagome's ear. "I said that my car was stolen last night!" Kagome jumped. She turned on Rin, her eyes wide. She pushed her way through the crowd, to make her way toward the entrance. This time, Sango didn't giggle. Instead, Rin and Sango took that as the signal to follow Kagome out where they would hear the Mother of all lectures.

Once outside, Rin spotted Kagome leaning against Sango's car. Her arms were crossed and her lips were puckered, which meant that she was saving her breath for Rin to make her way toward her. Sango was right behind, pausing at intervals, to check if something was supposedly missing in her purse. Rin came to a halt. Kagome sucked in a breath.

"So someone stole your car?" she asked, her voice cool and unruffled. Rin chewed on her lip. "Yes. But I can explain."

"Oh, you had better!" she demanded.

"Okay, last night, on my way home, a guy stole my car. I came away with a few scratches and that was it. I filed a police report and now, hopefully, they'll find my car and the guy who stole it." There, she had said it. Kagome pushed away from the car, her hands bunching into fists. Rin winced. "Kagome, really, I'm fine." But she noticed that Kagome wasn't even listening to her. Her eyes were turned on Sango, who at the moment was still fiddling with her purse. Sango met Kagome's gaze. Okay, now, I'm going to get it! But she decided to say something before she did.

"I'm sorry that I didn't tell you. I was just as upset when I found out." Sango said, her hands held up in defeat. Kagome's eyes seemed to glow with anger, but they seemed to soften. "Okay." She said. Rin gawked at her. What?! No lecture! Kagome turned to Rin. "Okay, I understand that you didn't want me to worry. I understand that you didn't tell me because you knew that I would have been so upset. I understand why you kept it from me. I understand." Kagome came around, and latched her arms around Rin giving her a hug. Sango gawked as well. What the hell is the matter with her?! She thought as she watched Kagome take the news rather lightly.

It was Rin who spoke first after exchanging glances with Sango. "Kagome, are you all right?" Kagome released Rin.

"Yes, of course, I'm fine. I completely understand your intentions, Rin. I'm glad that you're all right. You don't have to keep things like this from us. We love you and we worry about you." She gave Rin and Rin returned the hug with as much affection. Sango straightened up as Kagome turned her attentions to her. "Sango, I understand you too. I'm glad that you guys did all this so I didn't have to worry. I can be such a mother." Kagome laughed. Rin and Sango exchanged another glance before joining Kagome in an awkward laugh. "So Rin, what's this big news that you wanted to tell us?" Rin stopped laughing. Oh, that's right! She had called Kagome and Sango after meeting Sesshomaru to tell them that she had some wonderful news.

"Well…" she began, "A man came into my shop, and I was commissioned for another dress." Sango and Kagome gawked at her. "Wow!" they said in unison. Sango came around and hugged Rin. "That's great!" she exclaimed.

"Well, that's not all. The guy who came into my shop was Sesshomaru Hayama." Kagome gasped. Her breath caught at the mention of the name. She opened her mouth as if to speak but shut it and tried again. "Sesshomaru Hayama came into your shop?!"

"Yes. I have a meeting with him tomorrow at 2. It's his sister's birthday and he wants me to design a dress for her. It seems that he knows Sara." Kagome jumped up and down. "Oh my god, Rin. He has more money than god, and it was his foundation that sponsored me in my college scholarship."

"That's right. I believe that I have only seen him once on the front page of a newspaper." Rin and Kagome turned to Sango. Sango raised an eyebrow. "I've only heard rumors and one of the rumors is that he rarely makes public appearances."

"Well, he did at the time and let me tell you, Sango. In person, he's gorgeous!" Kagome chimed. Sango rolled her eyes. Her interest in men was limited and trivial. Kagome was the boy crazy girl of the group. "Really?!" But Kagome ignored her and went right back to Rin.

"So his sister, huh?! I didn't know that Sesshomaru Hayama had a sister. Then again, he is a very private man. Oh well, I'm glad for you."

"Well, that's not all." Rin contined. "He is sending a car over to the shop to pick me up as well."

"What?! Oh my god, Rin. That's amazing." Kagome exclaimed. She could barely contain her excitement. "You're being commissioned for another dress, your second one, I might add, and it's for Sesshomaru Hayama."

"I'm glad for the opportunity, Kagome, but I'm not interested in Mr. Hayama." Rin said, making her voice appear as professional as possible. Kagome raised an eyebrow. "So you didn't think he was handsome?"

I didn't say that. I just said that this meeting is professional. It has nothing to do with my attraction to him." Oops! Sango and Kagome turned to her. It was a rare moment to hear Rin speak of men, especially to comment on them.

"Whoa, an attraction, Rin?!" Sango smirked. "So now our Rin is starting to notice men?! Wow, I need a drink."

"Shut up, Sango. Any way, I have to get home. I don't want to look like a mess for my appointment." Kagome and Sango both giggled.

"All right, let's go." Sango took out her keys and unlocked the doors. Rin jumped into the backseat, with Kagome settling in the front. They drove, talking about Rin's meeting with Sesshomaru Hayama. Well, it was Kagome who did most of the talking, with Sango nodding her head every so often.

Sango pulled up to Rin's apartment. They said their goodbyes, when Kagome spoke. "Oh, Rin, tomorrow night. I'll cook you dinner." What?! Kagome wasn't exactly the best cook. In fact, she was terrible. The stories that Rin could tell about Kagome's cooking catastrophes could make a person gag. Rin stopped, before reaching the stairs. She turned. "Kagome, you don't have to do that." Rin said, her voice a little unsteady. Rin could see Sango suppressing a laugh.

"I want to. It'll be a celebration for you. I don't have to study and Sango is free as well." That made Sango straighten up, her laughter ceasing at the mention of her name. "Uhh…well, Kagome…I…" Rin smiled.

"Oh come on, Sango. I want you to be there." Sango looked at her. She wasn't too thrilled about Kagome's cooking as well. She just smiled, well, what passed for a smile.

"Okay, it's set. I'll call you later. Bye." Sango mumbled a good bye as she drove off.

Rin was left standing there. She continued to stare out at the street. "This is my punishment, isn't it?" She mumbled. A night of Kagome's cooking; someone hates me up there. She shook away her thoughts and headed inside. Tomorrow will be a better day.

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"Uhhhhh…" KiKyo moaned. "Oh lover, come back to bed." Kikyo stared at Sesshomaru's back. He stood facing the window, ignoring Kikyo's moans. Today, he had met Rin Mitsu and a torrent of memories overwhelmed his thoughts. He tried to ignore these memories but he knew that somewhere deep in his mind, he couldn't. Tomorrow, he would see her again, and for the first time since he was a young man, he was afraid.

Kikyo continued to watch Sesshomaru stare out the window, annoyed at the fact that he chose a window view over her supple body. Tonight, she just wanted to be with him. She crawled out of bed, naked, and padded across the room to wrap her arms around his waist. She kissed his back. "Come back to bed." Sesshomaru turned to her, encircling his arms around her. He kissed her, and she opened up to him. He pushed her back on the bed. Kikyo smirked as he took her over and over again.

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Rin was up and out of bed before her alarm clock went off. She made herself some tea and combed through her closet for an outfit for today. She fingered through various skirts and blouses, finally settling on a knee length black skirt with a right slit, and beige V-neck blouse. She would wear her favorite black pumps. She looked at herself in the mirror. She looked casual yet professional and serious. She pulled her silver rose locket so that it was tucked beneath her blouse. She never left the house without it. She tied back her hair, revealing a smooth face. She stared back at her reflection. This was the woman whose dream came true. This was the woman who worked hard and remained strong. Her eyes settled on a portrait that was settled on her bureau. She touched the frame. She was eight in the picture. The picture was taken at a picnic that her mother had set up. Her father was holding her while her mother gave here a big kiss on her cheek. She was so happy.

"Don't think about it." She mumbled to herself. She set the frame down, grabbed her bag and headed into the kitchen for a light breakfast. She ate her morning muffin, drank her tea, and headed out the door. She stopped by Mrs. Dillard's apartment to hand her back her keys and headed for the train station. She arrived at work about a quarter to nine. She opened her shop, and settled in. After about ten, the customers started pouring in, which kept Rin busy for most of the morning.

At noon, she was in the middle of a conversation with a customer when the phone rang. "Daydreams. Can I help you?" Rin stiffened at the sound of the voice. "Hello, Mr…Sesshomaru." She smiled; she couldn't help it. "Yes, I'm fine. No, I haven't forgotten." She laughed. His voice was so sultry and sexy. "Yes, I will be waiting. Thank you, Sesshomaru. See you then!" she hung up. She was now grinning.

"New boyfriend?!" Rin looked up at her customer. "Huh?!"

"You have a new boyfriend?! The last time, I saw a smile like that was when I met my husband."

"Uhh…well, he's an associate." The customer smiled. "Well then, all the better." She came up to the cashier to pay for a blouse. Rin rang up the blouse. The woman left. "Have a nice day!" Rin saw her leave and checked her clock. In two hours, she would be meeting Sesshomaru Hayama.

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Sesshomaru hung up the phone after speaking with Rin when he heard a knock on the door. "Come in." Miroku walked in, closing the door behind him. He had just walked out of another heated discussion with Kagura over their "relationship". She had decided to call him a pig and other things that he never knew could come out of a woman's mouth. Thankfully, his scheduled visit with Sesshomaru saved him from hearing anymore of her rants. His mind was focused elsewhere and he did not want to spend it thinking about Kagura. His thoughts were cut short when Sesshomaru peered at him over one of his files.

"I have the Jameson file you wanted. The meeting is set for next week to discuss the new prototype. I have checked some of its progress and I believe that we will be ready by next week. I will oversee the completion of the XD5000." Miroku said as he handed the file to Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru reviewed the file, turning each page, and nodding in satisfaction. Miroku turned toward the door, when he turned back to Sesshomaru. "Is there anything else?"

"How is everything going with Rin Mitsu?" Sesshomaru pushed aside the file.

"Everything is going as expected. Were you hoping that I just send someone to raid her home for the disk?" Sesshomaru asked.

"The thought crossed my mind."

"Miroku. I will get the disk back, my way." Miroku nodded, and made his way toward the door. "Miroku." Sesshomaru called out. Miroku stopped, without turning his back. "I do not like being questioned by my staff." Miroku simply nodded and proceeded out the door. Sesshomaru stood up and faced his office window. His office window looked over the city, over the bustling people as they headed to work, to lunch, to wherever, over the people who owned businesses, over the men and women, who struggled for parking, over the children riding their bicycles, over the innocence that flooded the streets. Innocence, Sesshomaru thought. How doubtful.

Just then, he heard the door to this office open and close. He turned around, setting himself into his chair as Kikyo strode in. Today, she was stylishly dressed in one of her short black skirts and a pink camisole. She was wearing the diamond he gave her. She fingered the necklace as she made her way toward him, a sly smile on her face. "So what does the great Sesshomaru wish from this maiden today?" She asked as she slid onto the desk, crossing her knees, exposing her creamy thighs for his view. "I need a favor." She slid over the desk until she settled herself on his desk. Facing him, her legs opened to capture and encircle his body. "Anything." She purred as she laid kisses along his jaw line. At this, Sesshomaru smiled to himself.

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Rin was in her office working on Suzie Janssom's wedding dress. Already, she had laid the foundation of the dress. She was in the middle of adding some shape to the contour of the shoulder line when the thought that she would be meeting with Sesshomaru Hayama popped into her mind. For the last two hours, all she could think of was what she would say to him. But that was ridiculous since their discussion would be about his sister's dress. But the memory of that kiss that he had placed on her hand was seared into her brain. She had never experienced something as erotic as having those amber eyes locked onto hers while performing the oldest form of courtesy. The heat of his lips on her hand sent shivers through her body. How silly it was for her to react to something as innocent as that kiss. Her thoughts remained on his lips, on his eyes, on his body, which had her, all of sudden, fantasizing what he might look like underneath those clothes of his. Rin shook her head at the thought. She set aside her pencil and sketchpad and checked the time. It was 1:28. In half and hour, she would meet Sesshomaru.

Just then, she heard the bell to her shop. She stood up to greet the new customer, but stopped when she noticed a man in a dark suit, checking out the shop. He turned to her. Dark sunglasses obscured his face, and all she could take notice of was his short, blunt nose and his mouth, which was visibly set in a straight line. His hair was black and cut short so that it curled around his ears. "Are you Rin Mitsu?" The stranger asked.

"Yes, I am. Can I help you?" Rin asked as she stepped away from the door to her office.

"I have been by Mr. Hayama to escort you to your meeting. Are you ready?"

"Oh…uhh…yes, I am." Rin stepped back into her office to retrieve her bag. The dark man was standing by the door when Rin grabbed her shop keys from the counter and made her way toward the door. She set her Out to Lunch sign and locked the door to her shop. She turned around to notice a black stretch Limousine parked right in front of her shop. Rin stood there dumbfounded. Never in her life had she been in a limo, especially a limo taking her to meet a gorgeous man. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden cough. She noticed that the man held the door open for her. Rin came back to Earth, and walked to the limo. But before she got in, she asked the dark haired man his name. "Manten" he had said, and closed the door after she was settled in.

Rin sat there amazed by the room and space of the limo. The seats were black and made of leather. She noticed a small bar in the corner along with glasses and flutes. There were small lights that encircling the top of the limo, giving the black room an illumination. Rin felt like a princess, a princess about to meet her prince. What seemed like a long ride came to an end when she felt the limo pull up to the curve. The door opened and Rin stepped out. She eyed the large building, and it was Manten who escorted her into the building. As they stepped through the automatic door, Rin took in the sight of corporate businessman with their dark suits and briefcases. Some were conversing with others. Others were talking on their cell phones and others rushed to catch an elevator that would surely have left them.

Rin also took notice of the mere sight of the interior of the building. The floors sparkled clear and there, in the middle of the lobby, sat a huge security desk wit numerous security guards. The windows reached high, almost touching the ceiling, which allowed the sun to shine through, only emphasizing the sparkle. As Rin took in her surroundings, another man, dressed in the same dark uniform as Manten, greeted her. His hair was black much like her own and long. "I will take Ms. Mitsu from here." He said to Manten. Manten simply nodded. He turned to Rin. "Have a nice day."

"Thank you Manten." Rin said, and watched as Maten made his way toward the entrance to the building.

"My name is Hiten. I will be escorting you to Mr. Hayama's office." Rin nodded and followed Hiten to an elevator separate from the rest. The elevator was located around the corner of the main elevators, and from what Rin could see, a passkey was required. Hiten entered the passkey and the elevator opened. Hiten stepped aside to allow Rin to walk in. He stepped into the elevator.

"Floor one-oh-six." Hiten stated and Rin's eyes widened as she felt the elevator begin to rise. This must be some kind of new technology, Rin thought, cool! They rode the elevator in silence when she heard a ding and the elevator came to halt. The door opened to reveal a wide office, or so she thought. She stepped off the elevator to find herself in, what had to be the largest waiting area that she had ever seen. As soon as Rin stepped off of the elevator, her feet met with a lush blue carpet. The room was gray, from the large sofas covering one side of the room to the walls, containing numerous paintings. The sofa was wide and curved along the far wall, facing a beautiful window, with the blue sky full in view. On the opposite side of the room, stood a desk with an attractive woman typing away at her computer, talking on her headset. Hiten led her to the desk when the woman looked up. She was very attractive. Her black hair was cut short, curving around her shoulders. Her skin was flawless and pale her eyes were her best feature. They were almond shaped and hazel. Her red lips curved into a smile as she saw Rin and Hiten approach her desk.

Rin could see that her outfit consisted of a red business suit. She wore a string of pearls to match and she noticed that her nails were the same color as her suit. "Hello, Hiten." She said, a seductive smile playing around her lips. "Hello Kagura" Hiten said in return. The secretary, Kagura, tried to engage Hiten in some light conversation but he managed to explain why he was there. Just then, Kagura turned those slender eyes on her. Rin stared into those hazel eyes, but noticed that the suit brought out more color into her eyes, so Rin found herself staring into what seemed like red eyes. "Hello, Ms. Mitsu." Rin managed a greeting when Kagura turned to her phone, pressing a button.

"Mr. Hayama, Rin Mitsu is here to see you." She said into the headset. "Yes, I will." She looked up at Rin. "Mr. Hayama is ready to see you now." She said, regarding Hiten with a warm and flirtatious smile. Hiten simply nodded and led Rin through the double doors that led into Mr. Hayama's office. The doors opened to reveal an even bigger room than the waiting area. The doors opened to reveal a large mahogany desk, with a large window with a handsome view of the city's skyscrapers. Rin looked around to find a comfortable sofa in the corner of the office. The walls were of the same elaborate blue as the waiting room, only lighter, almost silver in a way. There were dozens of frames on the walls, encasing various paintings, some of which, she could recognize, but all that didn't matter. What mattered was the incredibly gorgeous guy, stepping away from his desk and walking toward her to take her hand once more to press a kiss onto her hand.

"Hello, Rin." He said, her eyes staring into his amber eyes. Rin could hardly catch her breath, and managed a smile instead. She stared into his face as he stared into hers. It was only Hiten's throaty cough that interrupted them. Rin was starting to become loss in his eyes when she heard a sound. She turned to Hiten at the same moment that Sesshomaru did. "That will be all, Hiten." Hiten simply nodded and left, closing the doors behind him.

"Please, come in, Rin." Sesshomaru said as he led her to the sofa. Her hand was still encased in his hand and she took notice that his hand was warm and strong. His heat seemed to radiate from her hand all the way down to her toes. Get a grip, Rin! "Please sit down." He released her hand and she took a seat in the firm sofa. She set her bag on the seat next to her and Sesshomaru took his seat next to her. She looked at Sesshomaru taking in the sight that his black suit only made his white blonde hair paler, which she noticed was tied at the nape, and it only enhanced the pale smoothness of his skin. From he being so near to her, their thighs almost touching, Rin noticed how lean and firm his legs were. His black suit coat was unbuttoned, exposing a blue collared shirt. He had broad shoulders, she noticed, and he was wearing a black tie to match. In all, he looked like the sexiest man that Rin had ever seen. His eyes blazed gold, and Rin couldn't seem to pry her eyes from his. They burned into her skin, turning her bones into water. She was so entrapped by his gaze that she thought that she must have been drooling so she was the first to speak up.

"So does your sister have any kind of design in mind?" Rin asked, prying herself away from his gaze to look into her bag for her sketchpad and a pencil.

"I know that her favorite color is Black." He answered in that strong, deep voice that almost made Rin's knees quiver. It was a good thing that she was already sitting down otherwise, she might have made a even bigger fool of herself. Her hand came in contact with her sketchpad and she set it on her lap, making note of the color. "Is there anything else your sister might like, such as pattern, or material?" Just then, the door opened, almost slammed against the wall, as a woman with black hair walked in. "That will be my sister right now. You can ask her yourself." Sesshomaru said as Kikyo strolled in and sat in the seat opposite of Sesshomaru.

"Rin, allow me to introduce my sister Kikyo." Sesshomaru stated. Rin reached out a hand and Kikyo returned the handshake. "It's nice to meet you Ms. Hayama." Rin looked at Kikyo from her neatly trimmed hair to her long legs. Her pink camisole brought out the depth of her brown eyes. Her skin was flawless just as Sesshomaru's and her body was lithe and firm. Rin knew that she had a nice body but she would never consider her body to be sexy. She knew her body was curvaceous enough with her lushly hips and waist, with breasts that were full and ripe like oranges. She looked at Kikyo's mini-skirt and knew that that was something that she wouldn't wear. Her attention was brought to Kikyo's face and just then, she noticed that Kikyo had been eyeing her figure just as she had done.

"Please, call me Kikyo. It's nice to meet you as well, Rin. Sesshomaru has told me quite a few things about you. About your shop, and your designs. I am quite excited about the dress that you will be making for me." Kikyo said, with a saccharine smile. It was all she could do not to throw the little wench out on her behind. Earlier when she and Sesshomaru were in this exact same office, he had been doing things to her, making her cry out at whatever he wished. Who knew that the jerk wanted her to pose as his sister? And for what? For who? For this little girl. It was ridiculous. She had wanted to strangle him for even suggesting it but he said that it would be best. She wanted to question him, yell at him, hit him, but he just looked at her and she said no more. Now, here she was, pretending to be his sister instead of his lover. Who the hell was she anyway? Kikyo continued to put on her most pleasant face when Rin started to speak.

"Well, Kikyo. Yes, Sesshomaru has told me about this being a birthday present and I'm here take into account any specific requests or patterns that you prefer." Rin said as she gathered her pad into her lap, ready to take notes. Kikyo smiled and began a litany of material, patterns, and colors that she loved. Rin took down every single note from her wanting the dress to be sleeveless to a slit in her skirt.

Throughout the meeting, Sesshomaru watched and listened to Kikyo's rants. He watched Rin as she took down notes, made suggestions, and made sketches. She was a professional throughout the whole meeting. By the time that they were finished, it was 4:00. And so far, Rin had laid down the foundation of the dress. Every so often, she would ask Sesshomaru, his opinion, and he would reply. Rin also took note of those as well. All the dress needed was the color, but Kikyo wanted to save that for another meeting. She claimed that she wanted the perfect color, something that would accentuate her curves. She already had in mind what the perfect color might be for her. After, she discussed the fees, the cost of the materials, and patterns. Sesshomaru declared that he wanted this dress for Kikyo and that it didn't matter how much it was. They set up their next meeting, which was to be on Monday, and Rin prepared her things to get back to her shop.

"It was nice to meet you, Kikyo." Rin said as her hand closed around Kikyo's. "Likewise. See you Monday." Kikyo replied, trying her best not to grit her teeth and slap the girl. Throughout the whole meeting, she noticed the way Sesshomaru looked at her and she didn't like it one bit.

"Rin, allow me to walk you to the door." Sesshomaru stated as he took her arm and led her through the door. "Oh, uhmm…okay." Rin thought he meant his office door and was surprised when he took her arm and escorted her to the elevator and then, got into the elevator as well. Rin was silent for a brief moment as Sesshomaru declared the floor number.

"Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?" The question caught Rin by surprise that she almost dropped her bag. She turned to look at him and saw that he was staring straight into her eyes. "Well…" She was speechless. "I know that we have just only met…" Okay, say something, she ordered herself and she did. "Yes." Oh my god! Sesshomaru stopped mid sentence and smiled. " I would like to have dinner with you."

"That's great. I'll send someone to pick you up. Around 8:30."

"That's fine. I should give you my address then" And she rummaged through her bag to find her pencil. But a hand stopped her, and she turned to stare at a strong, firm hand.

"It's okay, Rin. I know where you live." It took Rin a moment before she started to question his knowledge of where she lived. Strangely, she was curious but unafraid. She opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by his finger pressed against her lips. "It's okay." And that was all he said as he continued to stare at her while turning his hand to cup her chin. Just then, the elevator door opened. This jerked Rin out of his hand. "Well, we're here." Sesshomaru escorted her through the lobby doors, to a limo that was waiting to take her back to her shop. "Thank you Sesshomaru."

"There's no need to thank me." He said and bent his head to plant a chaste kiss on her cheek. Rin flushed red as all the heat flowed from her body into her chek. His lips were soft and warm. He stepped back to open the door for her. "I will see you tonight, Rin."

Rin said goodbye and nearly jumped out of her seat when the limo was on its way. I'm having dinner with Sesshomaru Hayama. Sango and Kagome will freak out! Oh no, Kagome! Rin winced. She completely forgot about Kagome's promise to cook her dinner tonight. Rin shuddered at the thought. It's all right. I'll just call her when I get back and tell her that I can't make it. She'll probably be happy with me than mad, Rin thought. Or at least, she hoped.

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Sango was walking toward Daydreams when she noticed a red sign on the door. She must still be at the meeting, Sango remembered. Sesshomaru Hayama. Sango couldn't believe it. Last night, she had heard about Rin's attraction to him and she was surprised and thrilled. It was about time that Rin noticed the opposite sex. "Well, I'll just call her later on, then." She muttered and turned to walk back to her car when she collided with something solid.

"Whoa, are you okay?" came a male voice. Sango noticed that she dropped her book bag and picked it up before she responded to the voice. "I'm fine." She said as she gathered her bag. She looked up to find a rather handsome and familiar face staring back at her. "Thank you." She said before she headed off toward her car but not before feeling a hand slide up her backside.

Her eyes widened at the sensation and she whirled around, bringing her fist to connect with someone's jaw. "Pervert!" She yelled. She was about to swing another fist when her hand was caught mid air. "Whoa there." Sango glared at her attacker. Her blazing eyes were enough to kill. "What the hell do you think you were doing? How dare you!" She yelled, trying to take back her hand, but the hold on her wouldn't let go. "It's not what you think. There was something on your back so I just wanted to…" He began.

"Oh please, like I would believe that. I should call the police on you. You know what you just did. You publicly fondled me and that is punishable by arrest and that would earn you 6 months in jail, you jerk!" Sango almost shouted. She was mad! But the man still did not release her.

"Boy, you're still as feisty as ever! Would it help to say that I'm sorry?" he asked in an airy voice. Sango glared at him,outraged, that he would laugh at her, and finally pulled her hand free from his grip. She noticed that his jaw was somewhat swollen. Good, she thought, that will teach him to be such a pervert.

"Oh, go to hell." She finally said, and stomped off toward her car, never giving the jerk a second look back.

Miroku stood on the pavement, clutching a hand to his hurt and bruised jaw. He had been on the receiving end of many punches and knew that that punch would leave a mark. He was still smiling when he saw the woman's car pitch forward and speed away. Sango, he thought. How he wanted to see her again. It seemed that she didn't remember him but he would soon change that. He had been waiting there for Rin to return from her meeting with Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru had called him earlier to say that she would be returning to the shop soon and for him to keep an eye on her. His thoughts were still on Sango and that amazing punch she dealt him when he walked back his car to wait for Rin.

Just then, a recognizable limo pulled up to the curve and Rin stepped out of it. Miroku watched as she said good-bye to the driver, Manten, and walked into the shop. Now, all he had to wait for were more of Sesshomaru's instructions.

Rin opened the door and removed the red sign from the windowpane. She made her way to the register where she set her bag down and picked up the phone. She had to call Kagome to tell her that tonight was off, and she was almost afraid. "Here goes." She muttered as she pressed the number to Kagome's cell phone. It was 4:35 so Kagome should be on her break before her 5:00 class. The phone rang and rang. Rin was almost thankful that the phone would go to her voice mail but alas, no such luck. Kagome picked up on the sixth ring.

"Kagome, hey…yeah, the meeting went fine. His sister liked my design…No, wait…I'll tell you all about it later, but listen, I have to tell you something. I won't be able to make it tonight. I have a date with Sesshomaru Hayama … hello?!" Rin stared at the phone. "Hello?! Kagome?!" Just then, she heard Kagome come back. "Kagome, yes, I have a date with him. No, I haven't told Sango. I was going to call her. Yes. Yes. Yes. Okay, I will tell you everything tomorrow…okay, I will. I will. Bye Kagome." And Rin hung up, a smile pasted to her face. And to think that she was afraid of what Kagome might say. Now, all she needed to do was call Sango. " Oh my god, what am I going to wear?!" she muttered and quickly punched in Sango's number and waited until she picked up.

*************************************

Sango almost had a heart attack when Rin told her the news. She had been in Starbucks before receiving Rin's news about her date with Sesshomaru. She couldn't believe it but she was ecstatic about it. And when Rin said that her date was tonight, she was even more excited. Rin had already told Kagome and now, all that was left of Kagome's dinner for three was now Kagome's dinner for two. Sango almost shuddered. Kagome wasn't that bad of a cook but then she thought back to when Kagome had made roasted chicken and made the mistake of putting sugar instead of seasoned salt over the chicken. Sango didn't want to even remember that incident. After she got her Ice Tea, she walked to her car, but not before bumping into something hard.

"Hello again." Sango looked up to find a familiar smug expression looking right back her. Sango glared at him and made her way around him to get to her car, but he moved in front of her path. "Didn't anyone teach you that it's a common courtesy to say hello?!"

" You again?! Didn't anyone teach you not to be a jerk?" She growled.

"Well, I still see that you still have quite a tongue on you." This made Sango frown. "Excuse me!" And shoved past him to her car where she saw him still smirking at her as she put her car into drive and drove off.

Again, here Miroku stood, watching for the second time as she drove off. It was just a coincidence that he had seen her at Starbucks or maybe it was divine intervention for him to be there at that moment, watching again, how beautiful she looked when she was angry. Today, he noticed, that she looked gorgeous with blue denim jeans and a tight black shirt. Her hair was again tied into a ponytail and it was as a black as dark silk. He knew that he would see her again.

*********************************

For the rest of the day, Rin dealt with customers, took inventory, and busied herself so that she distracted herself from being nervous about tonight. She worked on some more sketches of Suzie Jansomm's wedding dress and made some refining touches on Kikyo's dress. She was sitting behind the counter when the door burst open. She looked up only to see an angry Sango rushing in, thrusting her book bag onto the counter and almost making Rin's papers fly away. She gathered them before that would happen. "Sango, is anything wrong?" Sango eyed with a scowling glare. "Oh nothing…uh…the traffic was a mess." Rin eyed Sango suspiciously as she set her papers aside. "Okay." She replied. "Anyway, that's not important. What's important is tonight." She said with a gleam in her eyes. Rin simply rolled her eyes and continued working on her sketch. "So whose dress is this?!" Rin looked up. "Kikyo Hayama's."

"Oh, so what is she like?" Sango sounded interested.

"Well, she's very attractive and she knows what she wants. Almost everything you see in this sketch is her doing." Sango looked at the sketch.

"Well, it's beautiful. I'm sure that she'll love it."

"Thanks."

"So anyway, what are you going to wear tonight?" Sango asked.

"Well, I thought that I'd wear my blue sleeveless dress."

"Nice choice. It would do well if you want to seduce him." Sango retorted with a wiggle to her eyebrows. Rin only made a face.

"Now, you're starting to sound like Kagome. I'm not seducing anyone or anything. It's just dinner."

"Oh really?! Then why are you blushing? Just admit that you like him."

"I am not and he's a client. Oh, shut up Sango." Rin saw that Sango was looking at her with unbelieving look. "Okay, so I find him attractive. You would too if you saw him.

"I might, when I see him at the wedding." Rin raised an eyebrow. "Aren't those thoughts a little premature?"

"Ah-hah…so you were thinking about it?" Sango let out. Rin simply sighed.

" You know what, you're are in fact worse than Kagome."

"Okay, putting all silliness aside, you are excited about tonight, right?" Sango asked, finally calming down from her fits of giggles. Rin turned to Sango.

"Well, yes, I am. Sesshomaru's just so provocative and nice."

"Provocative? What a word! You might as well just say that you want to do him." Rin frowned at Sango's assertiveness. "Anyway, shouldn't you be picking up your brother from his classes?!" Sango checked her watch and yes, Kohaku would be out of class by now.

"Oh, you're right." Sango said after a quick look at her watch. "We'll just have to finish this tomorrow." Sango smirked as she grabbed her bag and headed out the door. Rin waved Sango off as she rushed into the street. I think she is worse than Kagome, Rin thought. She checked the clock above the counter and saw that is was already five. In just three and a half more hours, she had a date. Just then, the door opened and someone walked in.

"Hello Rin." Said the familiar voice. Rin looked up and stopped in her tracks from moving from behind the counter.

"Oh my god!"