InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Waiting at a Coffee Shop ❯ Back at Kagome and Rin's Apartment ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter: At Home With Kagome

Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Inuyasha and Inuyasha the Final Act, I and Bulmathebabe do not. We make no money for the writing of this fanfiction.

Authors: Bulmathebabe and StarbearerTM

After a long day of work, Kagome unlocked the door to the small 2-bedroom apartment she shared with Rin. So far, her friend had not returned yet from her new job at Tenseiga Corporation. As she unlocked the door, she heard the TV inside. Opening the door, she saw a familiar person sitting before the TV clutching a video game console. His yellow bandanna hid his ears.

"So, you've made yourself at home, huh?" Kagome said. "I guess I'm gonna have to stock up on ramen?"

Inuyasha glanced at her briefly, barely turning his attention away from the screen. "You said you wanted to hang out. I'm here," He said distractedly. "Ramen would be good though."

"Ooops forgot," Kagome giggled remembering his call earlier that day. She closed the door with her foot and set down her briefcase with her other work items. Then she wandered into the kitchen and found the kettle and some packets of Ramen. The kitchen was just a small nook though in the one main room, beside three doors. Two led to the separate bedrooms while the third delineated the bathroom.

As she prepared the water to boil she asked, "Did Rin call?"

"Not a clue. I don't answer your phone calls," he muttered sounding exasperated, though not at her but at the video game. He looked about ready to throw the controller against the wall.

"Why didn't you pick up the key 2 levels ago? That’d get you through the hidden door," she said.
Kagome knew the video game her boyfriend was playing all too well. The water soon boiled before she poured it into two cups of ramen carefully, letting them sit. She grabbed two cans of coke from the fridge and opened them to pour them into glasses, then fished out some ice.

"Where were you two levels ago? Damn, now I gotta go all the way back," he trailed off cursing under his breath.

"Fast save," Kagome said bringing a tray with the ramen and two glasses of soda over. She placed the tray down, pressed a button on the console, and then pointed the character to a small cat sitting under the stairs. The game fast saved and she sat down next to him on the floor. Inuyasha glared at her.

"You know, I think it’s against some rule to let a girl help you on video games," he muttered. Putting the controller down he kissed her cheek quickly before taking one of the cups of Ramen. He nodded his thanks between bites.

"Mmm," she giggled. "I won't tell if you don't."

She realized she was close enough to Inuyasha so their shoulders brushed and she could feel the warmth of his body near hers. She remembered the night before with a blush. Sipping her soda she admitted, "I'm just worried about Rin. She has come home from that new job last week in tears... and well... I just have a bad feeling since she hasn't called..."

Inuyasha leaned over elbowing her jokingly. "You better not tell. I'll never live it down." He grabs his own soda, listening to Kagome talk. "I'm sure she'll be fine. It's not like she can't take care of herself."
Kagome elbowed him back, reassured but still she frowned. "It's just... well... she's mentioned that the place she works is mainly youkai... and she's one of a few humans. She said her boss likes her work but there's a woman named Ayame bothering her, and someone named Byakuya... and Hakudoshi..." she trailed off. "I don't ask much about it, but well... it's just a hunch. She's not telling me the entire story."
Inuyasha choked on his soda. Then he asked eyes narrowing, "Isn't that interesting. Any clue who her boss is?"

"Well, I thought I told you..." Kagome trailed off, slugging him on the back helpfully when she saw him coughing.

He grabbed her hand away from his back, holding her wrist but did not let go. "She's working for my brother Kagome. That's trouble right there. I really hope she knows what she's doing."
Kagome regarded him red faced. "Well... it's not as if she's totally incapable of taking care of herself like you said. Why is that such a problem? I mean she said her boss likes her work so... that would be your brother..."

Inuyasha realized he still was holding onto her and let go with his own blush. "My brother is an ass, for lack of a better way to say it. He's as cold hearted as they come when it came to running that company. If he likes her work though, that's some high praise coming from him. I'm just wondering if the reason she came home crying wasn't because of Sesshoumaru. He was acting funny earlier."

"Well, she always mentioned those other 3 names when I asked her what was wrong. She never said

"Sesshoumaru' in relation to anything bad," she trailed off. Suddenly she shivered remembering having met him a few times. He was pretty off putting and imposing.

Inuyasha shrugged, saying, "It's cause she's human. All those stuck up youkai have it in their heads that they're better than everyone is. God forbid I should step into that building. I think they have alarms there for that sort of thing."

"A hanyou detector. Now I wouldn't be surprised about that but why would he even HIRE her if he didn't think she could do the job, hmm?" asked Kagome, realizing that she was still quite close to him.

The apartment phone rang and Kagome yelped with the sudden interruption. Inuyasha jumped back,
realizing how close to Kagome he really was sitting. Had he sat that close to her or had she moved closer? Not that he minded. He frowned at the thoughts in confusion

"Maybe he really does like her,” Inuyasha said with a shudder.

She got up and answered the phone. "Hello... yes... this is where Rin lives... who..."

Frowning Inuyasha pretended to pay more attention to the television although his sensitive hearing was trained on the other side of the conversation. He had to admit he wasn’t sure he liked it when Kagome started pacing fiercely. "No she's not home yet. Why do you ca... Wait... mister WHO wants to speak to me?" Kagome froze. "Look, I don't know where she is. You mean she's not there?"

Sighing she stopped, listening to the voice on the phone further. At the sound of it, Inuyasha’s ears pricked up under his bandanna. "Mister Taisho is worried about her? But what... I don't know where..."
Getting up from the sofa, Inuyasha walked over to Kagome and grabbed the phone, "Who is this?"

"This is Rin's workplace," a female voice said on the phone. "Mr. Taisho is anxious because his assistant has gone missing since lunch..."

Inuyasha blinked at this. "Did she leave for lunch or just walk out?"

The phone clicked and there was a noise of someone talking in the background. Then a familiar voice said, "Excuse me, I am inquiring about my personal assistant. I can make things difficult if you wish so if you would simply tell me where she is we can avoid potential problems.”

"And I'm tryin to find out her last whereabouts so that I can help you find her since you've misplaced her Sessh. Next time you lose your assistant, don't call up her best friend, and worry her half to death about it."

"What is the likes of you doing at Rin's residence? Haven't I talked to you enough for one day?" Sesshoumaru asked impatiently. The voice was cold with a hint of worry present in it.

Inuyasha sighed. "Did you try her cell phone?"

"For your information, idiot, I have tried that possibility. I have left two messages already and she has not called me back."

"Maybe she doesn't want to talk to you. Ever think of that?" Inuyasha asked, temper flaring. "And next time you want to go off on someone, make sure you know who you’re talking to. Rin lives with Kagome, my girlfriend," Inuyasha said, wincing at how that sounded. He wasn't embarrassed by any means but it sounded like he was laying claim to Kagome. Besides that, they'd had an interesting 'first date' the night before and still hadn't really discussed what had happened.

"Inuyasha," Kagome said softly as she blushed.

"Fine. Then tell your woman that once Rin arrives home she is to call me to make certain she is back safely. I don't take kindly to my employees being misplaced..." Sesshoumaru said coldly.

"Then quit misplacing them genius. I'm not your messenger boy." Inuyasha snarled, slamming down the receiver. "What an idiot. That was my brother by the way."

"I see what you mean by him being an ass," Kagome huffed, folding her arms across her chest. Just then, she heard the key in the lock. The door swung open, revealing a rather upset Rin, wearing an apron and a visor from the coffee shop. Because she noticed Inuyasha, she tried to hide her worry with a smile. She held a coffee cup from Kohaku's store in one hand, and carrying a bag of work clothes in her other hand.

"You need to call my idiot brother back before he came and tries to kill me for not delivering his stupid message. Cause then you'd be charged as an accomplice," Inuyasha said to Rin, stomping over to the couch and sitting down.

Kagome rushed over. "Rin what happened, why are you dressed like that?"

She looked guilty for a moment. "At Kohaku's shop... I was working there for an hour here or there for the past week."

"How did you swing that?" Kagome asked, perplexed.

"All those times that I came home at eight I had gone from Tenseiga industries to the coffee shop, just to get away and do something else," she trailed off. "But today I told Kohaku that I'm going to work full time because I quit."

"Why?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha glanced over at Rin again, noticing she wore no earrings.  She probably already figured out she’d lost one and taken the other out. "Well next time let Sesshoumaru know because he called her all worried and everything. Apparently he's gonna keep trying to call you and if he said anything to Kagome I might end up having to go over there," he explained taking a deep breath.

Rin’s eyes widened in worry. "He called here?"

"Yes, he seemed worried about you. What's going on Rin?" Kagome demanded, taking her shoulders. "Is Sesshoumaru...?”

"It is not him," Rin insisted. "I cannot go back to work there because they think I got the job by... by... and it's better if I just leave and do something else. I don't want Mr. Taisho to be disgraced with the scandal."

"What scandal?" Kagome asked.

"They're all a bunch of stuck up, holier than thou youkai Rin. Trust me on that one. They hate me. What gossip are they runnin' their mouths about now?"

"They said that I slept with Sesshoumaru to get the job," Rin whispered.  

Kagome swallowed hard. "Why didn't you tell us?"

She sank into the couch pressing her hands to her face. "That it's the only way he'd hire a human and have her last a month working for him..."

"He does seem pretty interested in you though, Rin. Is there something you’re not telling us about you and Sessh?" He shuddered for a moment. "I can't believe I just asked that..."

"I... he... sometimes has taken me to lunch as a thank you for... putting in extra hours," she murmured, blushing. Kagome sat down next to Rin, who glanced worriedly back and forth.

"But I... there's another reason it wouldn’t be wise to work for him I..." she trailed off still blushing fiercely.

"Don't tell me you like him. HIM? Really?" Inuyasha noticed Kagome glaring at him and shut his mouth.

"Inuyasha please," Kagome snorted, glaring at him.

“Rin, you can tell us. But you really should call Sesshoumaru and explain."

"I cannot. It would be best if he simply reads the letter I sent," Rin insisted.

Inuyasha sighed. "She's right. He's not gonna leave you alone until he talks to you, whether or not you sent a letter. That's too vague for him. He likes seeing people squirm."
Rin folded her hands in her lap. Kagome then asked, "How long have you been working at the coffee shop? You mean to say all those times you came back nine at night it was working there as well as at that job? For the last week?"

"Two weeks almost," she admitted.

“Two weeks, without telling us?” Kagome repeated, shaking her head. “Rin, why didn’t you…”

However, Rin already stood up. "I... I have to report in anyway. I only stopped here because I wanted to tell you Kagome but..."

“Where are you going? Don’t just walk away without explaining what’s going on here! We’re your friends!” Kagome insisted.

She headed towards the door, not looking at Inuyasha or Kagome. "I'm sorry to cause you trouble."

Inuyasha interrupted her, "Hey. It’s no trouble. I recommend you talk to Sesshoumaru though. Tell him about the others talking about you. He might understand. He seems different around you. That’s not something to be taken lightly."

"If he wants to find me, I'll be at the coffee shop. I cannot explain over the phone," Rin said meekly before she slipped out the door, leaving her work clothes behind.

"Wait!" Kagome insisted but the door shut behind her, then ground her teeth in frustration. "Ohhh why won't she..."

"Let her go," Inuyasha said. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed a number, putting it on speakerphone.

Kagome sat down, next to Inuyasha and wondered what he was up to. She hoped he had a good idea because she was fresh out. She swirled the ice in her glass so it clinks before she sipped it. When the line opened up, Sesshomaru's secretary's voice rattled off the company name. Inuyasha then inquired,

“Is my brother in his office?"

"Why is it your concern?" asked the secretary.

“Just get him on the line!" Kagome snapped, leaning over to position her mouth near the speaker.
The secretary balked from the hesitation in her tone, "He... he's in... a meeting! He asked not to be disturbed!"

Irritated, Inuyasha demanded, “Transfer the damn line over then or your gonna have one very pissed off hanyou sitting on your desk."

"All right, but don’t yell at me if he bites your head off!" she stammered. Then the phone clicked, indicating the transfer. Though Kagome wanted to glare at Inuyasha she mouthed a thank you in gratitude, touching his shoulder.

"Sesshoumaru Taisho here," said Sesshoumaru crisply. "Is this who I think it is?"

"Depends who you’re expecting to call. Before you get all cranky I have some info for you."

"Do you?" Sesshoumaru asked levelly. "If it is in regards to Rin, you will tell me... or I will..."

"Watch it Sessh, your on speakerphone. You wouldn't want Kagome to hear you threatening me would you?" Inuyasha asked all innocent.

"Humph," Sesshoumaru answered. "I underestimated what passes for intelligence."

"Just listen to him please..." Kagome insisted.

Another grunt was heard, "Fine. You have my attention."

"Rin stopped by. Before you come charging over here, she left. She said she didn't want to talk to you, imagine that, but she left a letter or something."

"What was that?" Sesshoumaru asked sternly. "Are you QUITE certain? Why would she..."  

There seemed to be disbelief in his voice. Inuyasha sighed. "Really? You’re not exactly the easiest person to talk to. She was here a few minutes ago."

Silence ensued for a few minutes before Sesshoumaru asked, "So, where is she?"

“This whole gossiping thing is ridiculous. And I swear bad things will happen if that hag of a secretary of yours calls up Kagome again."

"I will investigate this matter personally. And the secretary will be punished for her actions," said Sesshoumaru quietly.

"I called to tell you that Rin probably where I suggested to you in the first place. Does a certain coffee shop ring a bell? Maybe you should go talk to her there or something. And try not to be threatening. Doesn't go over too well with girls."  

There was another long pause. "I see. I shall make use of this information then."

"It’s Kohaku's or something like that. Use your charm, if you have any." Inuyasha grinned hanging up the phone. "He's going to kill me." He said to Kagome.

Kagome pressed her hands together. "Inuyasha you sneak."

She beamed at him. Quickly she hugged him then pulled back. Her quick embrace and blush startled Inuyasha. Shyly he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Uh. Thanks... I think," he said as if he's not sure if he was thanking her for the comment or the hug.

"Um well... you're um welcome," she said, hands still on his shoulders.  "Well uh... I just hope that brother of yours minds his manners."

Inuyasha snorted. "Miracles do happen sometimes."

Kagome laughed a bit. He awkwardly wrapped his arm around her shoulders, asking, "Wanna watch a movie?"

"Uh sure," said she settling down next to him.

Just after he uttered those words he mentally kicked himself. Boy did that sound like a cheesy pick up line. First the girlfriend comment now this. He was batting a thousand tonight. Reaching down she picked up her glass of soda and then spilled it accidentally on both of them. "Oops!"

Inuyasha cursed and stood up. "I'll grab some paper towels."

He grabbed the roll from the kitchen, taking some for himself and handed the rest to Kagome. After getting what soda off of him that he could he sat back down on a dry section of the sofa and untied the bandana on his head, then ran his hand through his hair. Although the bandana was a must when he went out in public, it didn't mean it was comfortable all day.

"Thank you... sorry about that," Kagome said as she wiped it up. Because the sof wet except for the spot Inuyasha's sitting on she remained standing. Inuyasha realized he’d picked the only dry spot available on the couch.

"If we're gonna watch a movie, you can sit with me." he said awkwardly, blushing.  He then quickly added, "If not I'll sit on the floor.”

"I'll sit with you," she resolved.

He held up the bandana, then asked, "Um...do you mind if I leave this off for a little while? If my ears bother you I'll put it back on...its just kind of uncomfortable..."

For a moment he looked away. 'I should have just left the damn thing on' he thought to himself.  However he heard Kagome’s exasperated snort. His gold eyes widened in surprise, not expecting this reaction.

"Did I say I didn't like seeing your ears?" Kagome asked pointedly.

"Most people think they are weird ok?" he said defensively. He picked up the remote to turn the DVD player on, wondering what movie Kagome has in already. The movie Starship troopers came on the player. Kagome sighed and settled down between his legs in the only other dry part of the sofa.

“All right all right," she mumbled.

Inuyasha leaned back against the couch and smiled slightly at this. 'At least she doesn't think I'm weird.' He noticed how Kagome was seated and sighed, "You can sit more comfortably you know. I don't bite."
Kagome murmured, "Okay..."

She moved directly on his lap, diagonally so her knees were hooked over one thigh and her arm wrapped around his neck. Inuyasha fought back the blush he felt on his face. 'If she's your girlfriend you better get used to this.' he tells himself critically. He let himself relax and puts an arm around her so that she can lay her head against him more comfortably.

Kagome's scent was strong in his nostrils. She curled up into him and they watch the movie for a time.
**
By the time the film was almost over Kagome noticed the clock said seven. Glancing out the window, she noticed the orange gleam of street lamps outside in the darkness. .She heard a knock at the door. Inuyasha's grip on Kagome tightened slightly. "Expecting company or should we ignore it? I really don't want to move."

"Let's ignore it," she suggested softly, and turned on a channel they both liked. Next, they heard the sound of a key in the lock, and Kagome sighed. She guessed it's probably Rin and that if it is; she'll leave her and Inuyasha alone. Inuyasha tensed up again as if trying to decide whether to jump away from her or not.

"Stay," Kagome said firmly.

"I'm not your damn lap dog," he scowled at her but relaxed. The door opened very slowly. It sounded like someone's trying to tiptoe in, but there are two pairs of footfalls, Along with a familiar scent. Inuyasha looked down at Kagome, as if to say 'now what?' but he didn’t move. His arm tightened around her. Kagome simply tried to ignore whoever it was. However, she sensed a rather powerful presence sweeping into the area. It shut off automatically though once it sensed her miko powers probing it.

"Ooops," Rin whispered. There was an impatient snort from behind her before the individual with her stepped further into the apartment.

"You really had us worried you know," Kagome said, not thinking before she talked, arm tightening on Inuyasha's neck.

"I'm sorry," Rin began, embarrassed. Inuyasha noticed that she wore her hoop earrings again, and Sesshoumaru only wore a diamond stud in his left now.

"It seems they are otherwise occupied. I think it best we leave," said Sesshoumaru quietly.

"Rin can stay. She lives here. You can go though," Inuyasha answered back, not even looking at Sesshoumaru. He glanced at Kagome, the corner of his lip twitching, showing he wasn't angry at the intrusion.

"Humph," mumbled Sesshoumaru. Kagome turned her head to see the youkai in all his glory, standing there wearing an expensive suit and overcoat. His hand however clutched Rin's.

"I'll go elsewhere. I didn't realize I was interrupting something," Rin said softly.

"You had us worried sick you know," Kagome stated firmly, glaring at an amused Sesshoumaru.

"What is it you two think your interrupting anyway? We're just watching TV," Inuyasha grumbled. Rin tugged on Sesshoumaru's hand gently and he gave a labored sigh, following her inside.

"I care nothing for what you are or are not engaged in. I simply brought her home," Sesshoumaru said trying to look indifferent. He leaned against the wall while Rin let go of his hand and walked to the kitchen. She grabbed a glass of iced tea and walked back, looking apologetically at Kagome and Inuyasha.

"I'm sorry to worry you two," she whispered. Sesshoumaru walked past the sofa but stood with his back to Kagome and Inuyasha while Rin handed him the drink.

Inuyasha noticed that his bandana has fallen to the floor next to the couch. 'Oh great, that looked real good. Sessh knows I almost never take that off, and its just thrown to the floor.' He closed his eyes and leaned back against the couch. Aloud he said, "No harm done Rin. Except picking up strays on your way home from work."

Kagome picked up the bandanna and handed it to him, however Sesshoumaru wasn’t looking. Rather he sipped iced tea while focusing on Rin, who seemed a bit more relaxed. Still the taiyokai hovered near the kitchen, his gold eyes darting around the small apartment except for the two on the sofa.

"Strays?" mumbled Rin.

"It depends on what you consider strays," Sesshoumaru answered.

 "Oh come on you two," Kagome snorted in disgust. Sometimes the way the two brothers busted each other’s chops exasperated her.

"Ok. I'll stop,” Inuyasha muttered to Kagome. She nodded approvingly.

"For the sake of the females present," Sesshoumaru coughed.

"Truce Sessh?" he asked grinning at Sesshoumaru, the expression looking anything but sincere.
His older brother nodded. "Though after hours, we will have words about you threatening to sit on my secretary's desk. Twice even."

Rin grabbed his hand and pulled him into the room, pointing to the comfortable leather armchair sitting cattycorner to the sofa. Sesshoumaru sat down primly on the cushion, while Rin perched on the arm of the chair with a nervous smile.

"You should see that hag around me Rin. Her face goes from horror to hate pretty quickly. Its pretty funny. I'd have to say youre the only one Sessh has hired in a long time that isn't a stuck up snob, Inuyasha stated sincerely.

"Humph, that is one reason why she is still in my employ," Sesshoumaru answered. Rin blushed a bit.

"Wow, now that's news to..." Kagome began and then realized what she was saying.

"Might as well just admit you know everything Kagome. She's gonna find out sooner or later, Inuyasha said rolling his eyes.  

"Find out what?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"What...do you know?" Rin asked nervously. She had wandered over to the kitchen and poured two glasses of iced tea.

"Our whole little scheme to make everything right. Isn't that what we were getting to? he said exasperated. "That we knew Rin wasn't gonna get fired and things were gonna work out the way they're supposed to blah blah blah.  Need I go on? He grabbed the remote and started channel surfing, attempting to cover up just how uncomfortable he was at the moment.

"You are exceedingly belaboring the point, but you have merit in what you say," Sesshoumaru muttered.

"You shouldn't have to do that," Rin said, clutching the glasses of iced tea. She marched over with them and handed one to Sesshoumaru and shivered.

"What is worrying you, girl?" asked Sesshoumaru as he blinked at her.

"Honestly, is he THAT dense?" whispered Kagome to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha snorted, Do you REALLY want me to answer that question? You told me to play nice."

"I heard everything you two said," Sesshoumaru said pointedly.

"I'm worried about what I'd spoken to you in the coffee shop before, Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin admitted, sitting down on the arm of the chair. Sesshoumaru sipped his iced tea, glaring at his younger brother.

"Got a problem Sessh? We can take this outside or you can actually show that somewhere you have some sort of emotion towards what Rin is saying, Inuyasha stated arching an eyebrow. Something was obviously worrying Rin and Sesshoumaru needed to get a clue.

Sesshoumaru blinked at Inuyasha as if he'd sprouted a second head. Which wouldn't be bizarre for a hanyou but Inuyasha wasn't that sort. "Whatever do you mean?"

"What does Inuyasha mean?" asked Rin, glancing at Inuyasha thankfully.

Inuyasha's irritation was starting to rub off on Kagome. She sighed loudly. "First of all both you boys need to chill out. Second, what Inuyasha means is that it doesn't take a genius to figure out that something has you frazzled Rin. We're worried about you. That's why we called Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha is just pointing out that instead of talking it out with you; he's too busy glaring daggers at his brother."   

Inuyasha smiled at this and nodded. "Contrary to popular belief, I do think from time to time."   

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. "My brother brainpower or lack thereof notwithstanding, please elaborate, Higurashi san."

Rin raised a brow at this. Sesshoumaru seemed to have respect for Kagome's opinions.
Inuyasha muttered something under his breath at Sesshomaru's comment.             &nb sp; 

Kagome smiled at Sesshomaru's formal use of her name. "It's just Kagome. Rin's had a hard time these past few weeks. She's been acting really strange, no offense Rin-chan. Something has her worried. And today was just weird. Now, even though everything seems okay, Rin is still worried over something. It would be easy for me to give her advice and talk to her, but for some reason I think this is something that involves you. Take it or leave it."  

"Rin, explain please," said Sesshoumaru quietly, as he looked at her.

"Here?" she asked softly.

Sesshoumaru reassured her, "My brother though an idiot will not repeat what is said here. Neither will Hi... Kagome san."

"Takes an idiot to know an idiot, Inuyasha said childishly, earning an elbow from Kagome. He looked at Rin, I won't tell anyone. And Kagome is one of your closest friends right? You can trust us."   

Kagome nodded. "He's right Rin. We can't help you if you don't talk."   

"Please, tell me, Rin," Sesshoumaru urged, reaching out a hand and resting it on hers. She shivered and set down her iced tea.

"I don't want to burden you."

"Nonsense," Sesshoumaru huffed. Noticing how Kagome and Inuyasha were sitting so close he realized he had to do something to reassure her even if it was... unseemly. His brother and Kagome wouldn't tell.

Reaching over with his other hand, he patted his knee. "Sit down and tell me."

Inuyasha made a choking noise, and Kagome almost elbowed him again. "Don't ruin the moment, She whispered. Inuyasha nodded mutely, shocked by his brother's actions. Kagome sighed and muttered, "I think Im going to have an honorary degree in psychology when all this is over..."  

Rin nervously glanced down. Sesshoumaru sighed in frustration. Grabbing Rin by the waist with one hand, he pulled her to sit on his lap.

The girl blushed deeply, playing with her hands folded in her lap while pressing her knees tightly together though she wore the pants and blouse from her barista job.

"Sesshoumaru sama..." she whispered.

"Well, are you going to tell me?" he said with a frustrated huff.

"Please Rin. Please tell us. I don't want to see my friend upset anymore, Kagome pleaded. "Sesshoumaru obviously cares. Please just tell us or at least him..."  

"I... someone assaulted me with their youki," whispered Rin as she shivered.

"What?" Sesshoumaru growled.

Rin buried her face in her hand. "They have done it before... I was able to fight it off because Kagome's... a miko... and had taught me some skills but..."

"Who is it, tell me..." Sesshoumaru said his voice dropping to a menacingly cold tone of fury. Although he already knew who they were, he wanted to hear the admission from Rins own lips.

Inuyasha too tensed up, listening for a name. Most Youkai in general bothered him, but youkai that preyed on humans really made him mad. He glanced at Kagome, "Have you felt anything off lately?"    
Kagome shook her head. "No, but then again...I didn't think anything was wrong. Rin, I wish you'd had told me..."  

Rin tried not to cry. She however rolled up her sleeve and showed Sesshoumaru a nasty burn on her arm.

Who did it?" asked Sesshoumaru again, and then lifted her arm to his nose as if trying to smell the scent of the assailant. He already knew the answer yet wanted to hear the admission from her own lips.

"It wasn't just one. It was three," she admitted.

"Who?"

"Hakudoshi... Byakuya... and... and..." she stammered.  

"It wasn't that wolf youkai bitch was it? Inuyasha snarled, his temper starting to flare up. Kagome shook her head. She couldn't believe it was this bad. She laid a reassuring hand on Inuyasha's shoulder and was surprised how tense he was.
 
"Yes..." Rin sobbed.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened seeing her tears. "Cease your tears Rin... I am not angry with you, but displeased you ran away from me without explaining."

"I knew you'd be angry with me..." she stammered. Just like you were in the office!

Sesshoumaru sensed her trying to pull away but his hand gently wrapped around her shaking shoulders, holding her down. His left hand, the artificial one stiffly tries to hold her hand but his fingers are jerky and mechanical. Rin clung to that hand tightly, squeezing the robotic fingers so tightly it would have broken those of a normal human.

"This is what happens Sesshoumaru, when you have so many high powered youkai around each other. Especially ones as stuck up as those three. I've warned you about Ayami before. Tousan warned you about this sort of thing as well. Kagome blinked at this. "Isn't Ayami the girl you almost got in a fight with? Inuyasha nodded.  

Sesshoumaru let out a growl but knows Inuyasha is correct. Rin's terrified but buries her face in his neck, near the soft white scarf he has around his neck.

"Is that true, Inuyasha?" Sesshoumaru asked as he looked at his younger brother. Stiffly Sesshoumaru tried to rub Rin's back as he's seen Inuyasha do to others when giving them an embrace. This made her curl into him even more, clinging to his suit jacket.

"It was the first night you started performing right? Sango had her thrown out? Kagome asked. She'd heard about it from both Sango and Miroku, but they'd made light of the situation. Obviously, there was something more to it.   

Inuyasha snarled. "It was. She and Kouga came to the show. Ayami recognized me, and Ayami made a comment about how I was right where I belonged, with the rest of the circus freaks. Kouga tried to get her to back off but she went on to say some pretty nasty things about how only pure bloods were worth anything. She insulted my mother, Inuyasha clenched his fists. "She was lucky Sango was there. I might have snapped otherwise."   

"I will kill her for this," Sesshoumaru said in a menacingly low tone.
Still Rin clung to him, as if he were her only sense of security. "Please... don't... I'm not worth it," she murmured.

"Nonsense... you ARE..." Sesshoumaru huffed glaring at her.

"You are worth it, Rin; however, I think that there is probably a better solution out there besides killing her. Why not take her power and force her to live among humans? Kagome asked, shuddering at her own suggestion. Since when had she become so cold blooded? She wrapped a comforting arm around Inuyasha and was surprised when he not only let her but also laid his head on her shoulder. She'd had no idea how much that encounter had hurt him and her heart ached for him  

Sesshoumaru looked at Inuyasha carefully. "Not only for Rin, but for insulting the honor of the Taisho clan."

Clearly, he implied Inuyasha with that statement. His brother was taken aback but nodded. "Kagome is right though. Revenge might be better. Killing her is too easy. And if I may Sessh, maybe when you hire again, try to be a little more selective for all our sakes ok?"

"You have my word," Sesshoumaru said to Inuyasha quietly. "What you suggest has merit, Kagome san. I will look into it forthwith."

"You know...just a thought. There are other hanyou out there that don't get the chances I've gotten. That might be a safer choice, Inuyasha states, not meeting his brother's eye. That subject in the past had not been well met. Sesshoumaru might be a little more open than most Youkai...but he was still youkai.  

"I will strongly consider it," said Sesshoumaru seriously. "I will fire the three of them immediately and search among hanyou candidates for suitable replacements."

Kagome beamed at Sesshoumaru and squeezed Inuyasha's hand. "Are you feeling better Rin?"  

"Yes..." she said softly, lifting her head from Sesshoumaru's shoulder. Thank you all..."

Sesshoumaru merely grunted, unused to displaying emotions so openly around anyone.
Still his arms wrapped around the young woman, who was about Kagome's height and build as she snuggled closer into his embrace. Sesshoumaru's eyes gleamed almost red around the edges as he seethed with fury against those who have wronged Rin, and his brother.

Sessh, dont lose it again, Inuyasha cautioned.

"See what happens when everyone gets along and are able to talk? Kagome asked, trying to break the tension in the room. Sesshoumaru was seething under that calm exterior of his, and Inuyasha was in a funk. She nudged Inuyasha who graced her with a half smile. "I guess my brother can be bearable... sometimes. In very very small doses."   

"Hmm, in small doses he is tolerable. And far preferable to those that claim loyalty but show by their actions that they are not worth my attention," Sesshoumaru admitted.

Rin looked from Inuyasha to Sesshoumaru and saw that although both are quite different there was still the same sense of duty and loyalty. He was distracted when Rin ran her hands through his hair.
Kagome was surprised to see how close Rin and Sesshoumaru seemed. She could tell that there was something going on there, though she was not sure what. 'Who am I kidding she thought with a sigh. I can't even figure out my own relationship. she would have to ask Rin about it later.     

She rolled her eyes as Inuyasha ruined the moment by commenting to Sesshoumaru. "At least you know when I'm about to do something. I don't go behind your back. I just elbow drop you and get it over with," h said with a grin.   

Kagome rolled her eyes. "I thought I told you and Miroku to lay off the WWE stuff. You're wild enough without it."   

"The Undertaker," mumbled Sesshoumaru.  

"Sesshoumaru sama likes WWE?" asked Rin surprised.

"It has certain entertainment value," Sesshoumaru coughed.

Inuyasha laughed. "Your secret is out now Sessh. Edge and Shawn Michaels are way better than Undertaker though."   

 Kagome sighed and looked at Rin. "Boys."   

"This one liked Stone Cold Steve Austin for a time," Sesshoumaru muses. "Though I am intrigued with the violence as portrayed. Some of them go for the kill quite nicely."

Rin started to laugh, as Sesshoumaru seemed to be considering wrestlers seriously.

"He likes the badass tough guys, Inuyasha said to Rin and Kagome. "I like the guys with style, like me, He said with a cocky grin. "Sessh wouldn't know style if it hit him in the face."   

"Humph," said Sesshoumaru. He seemed to be less angry, was more amused by his brothers silliness, and was watching carefully how Kagome and Inuyasha were interacting. Almost as if trying to gather pointers.

Inuyasha leaned back against the couch, with his arm around Kagome. "That's why I get all the girls, he grinned, earning a glare from Kagome.

"All the girls? She asked arching an eyebrow.  

Inuyasha looked thoughtful for a second. "Well, maybe just the best one, he said, kicking himself for sounding sappy.   

Sesshoumaru snickered. "You have quite an elevated opinion of your prowess with the female species. It seems some cannot resist our finer features."
His neck muscles twitched as Rin brushed a hand over the stripes on his cheek.

Kagome laughed. "All the girls at work DO talk about Inuyasha all the time, She said to Rin. "I'll tell you about that later. I might embarrass the poor guy if I talk about it right now. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.  

"Humph," said Sesshoumaru, glancing away.  "Doubtless it's the ears they mention. It seems those interested have quite a preference for them..."

"I like yours," Rin whispered, caressing his and making his jaw twitches a bit.

Kagome almost laughed aloud watching Sesshoumaru squirm at Rin's attention. "Actually..." she said to Sesshoumaru. "This is one of the few times I've seen him without a bandana or a hat. He always wears one or the other during shows...No one has seen his ears there. Inuyasha blushed and looked away uncomfortably.

"They're so cute," Rin said with a chuckle. She continued to trace the markings on Sesshoumaru's face, making him shift uncomfortably in the armchair. However, he made no move to push her away, unaccustomed to someone being so familiar and not falling over him with fake pleasantries to get him into bed.

Kagome glanced at Inuyasha who has noticed how cozy Sesshoumaru and Rin have gotten as well. "Geez you two...Get a room," he muttered. Kagome sighed. Leave it to Inuyasha to ruin it.  

Rin feels Sesshoumaru push her off his lap. She starts to frown but then Sesshoumaru gently tugged her by the hand.  He suggested, "Perhaps we should continue this discussion elsewhere?"

Your place or mine?" she asked.

"My place," Sesshoumaru said as he clasped her hand.   He glanced meaningfully at Inuyasha, nodding towards Kagome.

Inuyasha felt his jaw drop at this turn of events and noted Kagome's similar look of surprise. "See you later then Rin? she asked weakly.  

 "Unless you don't mind if we stay... and leave you too alone?" asked Rin, nodding towards her room.
Nervously she tugged Sesshoumaru by the hand towards the door.

Kagome shrugged. "Up to you Rin, you live here too. The thought of being alone again with Inuyasha sends butterflies dancing through her stomach.  

"Do as you wish," Sesshoumaru said.

Shyly Rin hesitated, then relented as Sesshoumaru gently pulled her towards the front door.
Before long, they let Kagome and Inuyasha alone.

Kagome stared at Inuyasha, flushing as red as a tomato. She tried to steady the flutter in her stomach as well as the pounding of her heart.  

"Well who would have thought your brother had it in him?" she commented nervously.
Inuyasha chuckled, aware of how close Kagome was to him. He made a grab for the remote, flipping through the channels. "Yeah...who'd have thought?"   

She allowed Inuyasha to turn on the TV and then turned away from him. For now, she snuggled up against him, sitting on his lap once more. Thinking of how awkward Sesshoumaru seemed around Rin she's glad that she was friends with Inuyasha. It made it easier for something more to continue to develop.