Sesshomaru studied the crisp piece of paper once again. A few moments passed before he peeked over it to meet his father's gaze.

"What do you say, son?" Lord Toga asked with eagerness.

For one, he wasn't impressed but the pace at which his teenage son, Shouichiru, was going through music instructors, he supposed they had few options left. Shouichiru had gone through four instructors in only two weeks and his skills on the piano were nothing short of miserable. Some teachers even offered to continue training him only if paid well enough; their price now conveniently ranged anywhere from two hundred to five hundred dollars an hour. Remuneration wasn't an issue. The Taishos were rich they could afford the best of the best. The issue remained in his son's short temper and rude attitude.

Sesshomaru's vision dropped to the picture of the girl's youthful face and her date of birth.

Human. Surely his father wouldn't be so blockheaded as to think he'd accept a human into his house. Then again, his father never did do anything without a reason and they were running out of options...

"The girl is young, father. Don't you suppose we should get someone with more experience?" He said wryly, briefly reviewing her application. At the age of twenty three, she had a university degree in language and arts with a minor in music. She also co-owned a music store called "Strings and Such" and had previous experience giving music lessons to demon adolescents.

HIs father pointed to reference letters provided by the families she'd tutored for. Though the families weren't in his social clique, Sesshomaru knew them as honest, hardworking folk.

"I've already cross checked her references personally. I visited the Kichidas and the Yamadas; they had nothing ill to speak of her. Not only are her skills remarkable but she trained both their teens in under a year."

Sesshomaru gathered the papers spread out on his desk and put them in a file under the girl's name and closed it. Even with her background in music, Sesshomaru had his doubts. Shouichiru was only sixteen in human years and a toddler by demon standards but he had trouble transforming. There was no fluctuation in his demonic aura but yet he was unable to transform into his demon self. During bouts of anger or frustration at his tutors, he would lose control and instantly transform. Sesshomaru was often around to stop him from attacking one of his tutors but even then he had responsibilities outside the mansion, which is why he put so much pressure on hiring mature, older demons or demonesses.

"Plus, she's the only one who agreed to fifty dollars an hour. Mrs. Suzumiya's price increased to five hundred dollars an hour and Chiru still can't hold a tune much less play an entire song." Toga pressed.

Sesshomaru entwined his hands.

"Despite her age, father, you do realize she's human. With Shouichiru's anger issues, she will only be a target for him."

His lord father put his hands behind his head and leaned back into the expensive leather chair. All smug though why he didn't know.

"I knew you would say that." With a wolfish grin, he continued.

"A former member of the Demon Hunters Association and a protege of Sango Tajiya, she did remarkably well during her tour of duty. I took the liberty to check her file at the DHA's office. I think our Chiru will be a piece of cake for her."

Sesshomaru had no qualms with the DHA or their members - current or former. After all, the organization had been created by noble lords like himself to help keep rogue demons under control. His main concern, which had shifted from a human's well being to the human itself. Save for Izayoi who was currently assisting with the upkeep of the manor and Inuyasha's mate who visited the mansion during social gatherings, a human had not stepped in his mansion in over five hundred years.

Could he trust his father? Better yet, could he trust the stranger in his home?

The warmth of a strong but gentle touch had him facing his father. Squeezing his forearm, his father smiled weakly.

"She's not like Dokumi. I promise."

Sesshomaru inclined his head. Humans like Dokumi and the memories they brought to surface were better kept hidden.

"I should hope not, for her sake." He did not control the anger in his voice and turned his attention to his laptop.

"I'll draft out the appropriate paper work." Sesshomaru began typing and heard his father's sigh of relief.

"With your signature at the bottom." Sesshomaru cast a side long glance to his father and the quizzical look on his face.

"My signature, but-" With a dry laugh, his father walked to a window and faced the expanse of Taisho Gardens. "You don't trust my judgement."

"Just playing safe, father." Sesshomaru continued typing. Both he and his father held equal amounts of wealth and power in the current Demondom, with his father holding a handful more assets because of his stature as an honorary Demon Council member. Listing his father as the primary employer would give Sesshomaru the satisfaction of saying 'I told you so' if anything was to blow up in his face.

As Sesshomaru typed, he considered how times had changed. Humans now worked alongside demons on many facets of life. Many were his business partners, some even in his allies and rivals. As for personally employing a human... well he wouldn't have considered it if he wasn't out of options. As long as his father took the blame for her, Sesshomaru could rest easily. He would have to monitor her of course. Much of his hired help were trained assassins themselves so there was precious little she could pull especially if a maid or a butler was constantly supervising her.

"Tomorrow afternoon, then?" Sesshomaru looked up to see his father was once again seated on the chair across his desk.

"Izayoi is keeping me busy with Kagome and Inuyasha these days. I hardly have time to myself." Toga blinked. Sesshomaru felt his eye twitch.

"Do you mind..."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. His father maybe the employer on the contract but it seemed he wasn't going to cut Sesshomaru any slack.

"Consider it done." Sesshomaru clipped. He was about to turn his attention to the laptop when his father put two envelopes on his desk. Sesshomaru didn't need to touch them to know they were invitations to two soirees. Soirees he had been trying to evade for the past few weeks. Tapping on the invitations, his father smiled.

"Izayoi wants to know if you're attending. She's eager to introduce you to some of her friends."

Izayoi. The damned woman had been the source of his misery ever since his divorce papers had been finalized. If she wasn't busy filling his agenda with parties, she was setting him up with blind date nights or double dates with her single friends.

"Does it elude her that I'm already involved?"

"Meh, you're just dating Abi. It's not like you're marrying her." The look on his father's face became serious and he furrowed his brows. "Are you?"

"Don't be ridiculous."

After slapping him on his shoulder blade and laughing merrily, his father head for the door. "There's hope for you yet, son."

Swallowing a groan, he rescheduled his agenda and emailed it to his secretary. Not really keen on wanting to meet the instructor but keen to find a proper mentor for his son.

THE NEXT DAY, 4:25PM

Sesshomaru sat in the living room of his lavishly furnished Taisho estate, with his head buried in his laptop reviewing company reports and waiting to meet with his son's new music instructor. The fifty page contract was placed neatly on the coffee table with a shiny pen resting on the side.

At the sounds of a car approaching the gates of his estate, he put his laptop away and head for the main door. With his demonic senses, very little could surprise him. Wanting to meet her personally, he waved the maid away so he could open the door himself.

Sesshomaru parted the drapes and looked out the window. Ken - the gate keeper - opened the gates after briefly speaking with the driver. A baby blue Audi R8 coupe rolled into the driveway. The driver unhooked the belt and opened the car door. Two beautifully toned legs stepped out onto the driveway followed by full, shapely hips. The woman pushed herself out of the car with the help of her toned arms and flat stomach. Her long brown hair was tied loosely at the neck with a black clip and she wore a pair of classic dark framed sunglasses with coffee burnt lenses. With a swift gesture, she closed the driver seat door and walked to the other side of the car.

Opening the passenger door, she bent over the seat to take out her red purse. This view was every bit as enticing as the front view - the curves of her bottom framed the skirt to perfection. The well dressed instructor walked towards the mansion and Sesshomaru's nose twitched. A unique feminine scent hit his nostrils and he smirked while his demon growled in response.

It soon fell away when he realized he was staring! He hadn't stared at a female since the first time a courtesan at his father's mansion had bared herself to him. What was wrong with him? It was curiosity. Yes. Curiosity because perhaps he never bothered looking at human females. This one was clearly not ugly. Anything but. And her scent was intoxicating...

The bell chimed. Sesshomaru blinked and reached for the doorknob. The woman took off her sunglasses to reveal beautiful chocolate brown eyes; a fair complexion and pink lips begging to be kissed. She smiled warmly at him.

"Mr. Taisho?"

A melodic voice. Well, she did teach music. It must be a requirement.

"Good afternoon. Are you Rin Yamamoto?" Sesshomaru kept his features unflappable.

"Yes. It's such a pleasure to finally meet you." She smiled and shook his hand. "I feel like I hit the jackpot with this interview!"

The soft, supple skin of her hands had him wondering how she taught music if she had no calluses.

"Come in, Ms. Yamamoto. There is much we need to discuss." Sesshomaru stepped aside so she could enter.

"Of course." She replied and followed behind him. When they found themselves in the living room, Ms. Yamamoto took a seat on the love seat and Sesshomaru sat on the bigger sofa.

"As you know, Ms. Yamamoto, my son has been enrolled in music lessons for over a year but we haven't been successful in finding a proper instructor for him." The instructor's brows were knitted together in serious concentration. No doubt she was focusing on his every word.

His voice sounds completely different from when he was on the phone. Rin wondered. Nodding in response, she raised her head and met his amber eyes.

"Yes, I understand what you explained to me over the phone. Mr. Taisho. Music is my life's passion. I find no greater joy in helping my students tap into their true potential. I look forward to working with Shouichiru."

Leaning forward, Mr. Taisho rested his elbows on his knees and entwined his fingers.

"Can I ask what interested you in teaching adolescent demons?"

Rin stared into his narrowed eyes. She'd worked alongside and even befriended demons with cat-like pupils but his held a depth, a fire that made her shift nervously in her seat.

"It didn't really start off like that... I've been a student of musical arts for as long as I can remember. It was about a year ago that I was offered an assignment with a fox cub whose her parents had enrolled her for music lessons. It was a new experience for me but certainly not something I would back away from. So I accepted the challenge."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. Curious. He was curious now more than ever as to why this human would find working with demon children challenging. Then again, she was a former DHA agent. It would be part of her training to handle demons of all ages and sizes. That made him consider her size. She was quite small. Shorter than him in height and with far too many curves. Curves that would make any male - demon or not - want to engage in other sorts of activities with her. Activities that he knew better than to think of right now. How could she possibly take down a demon? Matured demons were not only strong in physical strength but also in power and magic.

"But why demon adolescents in particular?"

The intimidation in his eyes did not go unnoticed.

'Oh man, how am I supposed to explain that the only reason I took up assignments with demon adolescents was because of the money?'

With a smiling demeanor, Rin replied, "It's not as though I choose to work with demon adolescents. If you review my credentials, you'll see I have worked with a variety of students. I don't discriminate when it comes to my students and their love of music."

Sesshomaru continued to stare at her and took a deep breath, trying to sniff any form of deception or lie. There was none. He pressed on.

"Exactly how do you work with demon adolescents?"

"The same way I would with my human students, of course: with patience and understanding. However, if I am hired, all I ask is that you trust my methods and techniques and do not interfere when I'm assisting your son."

No deception. No lie. Sesshomaru couldn't detect any emotion that would put him on the defensive. Yet, something about her stirred his beast. Made him restless. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes further.

"What kind of methods and techniques do you have, Ms. Yamamoto?"

"Well, I know firsthand that there comes a point in a teenager's life when they feel they can take on anybody and accomplish anything. Basically, they think they're invincible. Especially demon adolescents. When they realize there are limits to your punishments and what you do to punish them, they get overconfident in their demonic abilities. My biggest challenge with my demon students was to find a healthy understanding with them and I did that by being as encouraging and helpful as possible - but I don't mind showing them a bit of tough love. You can't be a complete pushover, otherwise the student will take advantage of you."

Despite his surprise at her response, Sesshomaru wore an indifferent facade. The instructor gave him all the right answers but he still couldn't help feel she may be hiding something. It didn't matter if she chose not to reveal all her secrets. He would keep watch over her like a hawk just in case she pulled something funny out of her hat.

Ms. Yamamoto continued, "I know this is only the introduction; however, should you choose me, I'd like to meet with Shouichiru before I give my first lesson. That way we can get a better idea of what we expect of each other."

Sesshomaru was... distracted. Distracted by her honesty, her smile, her curves. His beast was stirring. Why? He didn't know. Desire, perhaps? There was a possibility. In his lifestyle, there was never a need to desire females. Since so many threw themselves at his feet. In less than ten minutes, Ms. Yamamoto had managed to stir him unlike any female ever could and he blamed in purely on curiosity.

His presence alone was enough to intimidate but Ms. Yamamoto was sitting next to him with such calm and peace as though it was the most natural thing in the world. He knew he had little choice but to hire her since there was no one else left to tutor his son.

"I've already gone through your file and your credentials are adequate. You're welcome to start tomorrow, if possible."

Jackpot! Rin was doing cartwheels in her head. Her expression grew bright.

"Oh, thank you very much, Mr. Taisho. You won't be disappointed, I promise! If possible, could I meet with your son for a few moments?"

Sesshomaru saw no harm in that. He called on a butler to bring Shouichiru to the living room. The butler bowed and scurried off upstairs.

While waiting for Shouichiru, Rin noticed two intense gold orbs staring right at her and while she was trying her best to keep a professional profile, it was becoming increasingly harder. She felt her cheeks heat and pretended to look around at random things in the hall.

Rin had never felt so giddy in front of a demon before. In her past experience she managed to keep a firm and aloof profile, but this demon and his intense stare was making her uneasy at the same time sending warmth right down to her belly.

When she spoke with Mr. Taisho over the phone, concerning Shouichiru, she had no idea she'd be meeting the epitome of an elegant gentleman. He wasn't ruggedly handsome - no - but he was deadly gorgeous.

How could she ignore the strength of his features? He was clear-cut; his forehead, nose and cheeks aligned perfectly with finely shaped brows and narrow eyes to match. His distinct demon features - a crescent moon on his forehead and magenta stripes on his cheeks - only added to his beauty. No doubt, his long lean body - underneath his clothes - also belonged to that of a god.

She wondered if he had a girlfriend. He's married Rin. Hence, the son!

Damn, was he ever distracting her. Rin reminded herself why she was there every few seconds.

You're here because business is slow and this is the next best thing you can get apart from your baby parked outside.

With grave effort on her part, she managed to evade his gaze till the patter of footsteps had her turn to the landing. Rin saw a young demon coming down the stairs wearing an indifferent expression on his face. He was wearing a school uniform which meant he attended an expensive private school.

"What do you want, father?"

Out of courtesy, she stood up and studied his demonic attributes. He had long black hair and a black stripe across each cheek, which meant he was bred of noble blood. The full moon on his forehead indicated when his demonic aura would be most powerful. A glint of untamed wildness and anger reflected in his silver eyes.

Mr. Taisho waved a hand in her direction.

"Shouichiru, this is Ms. Yamamoto. She will be your new music instructor from now on."

Shouichiru Taisho was the first born of the Taisho clan. Heir apparent to the Taisho kingdom and lord of everything his family ever owned. More than he hated his title, he hated teachers! Especially older ones; just because they had been teaching for a long time, they felt they had all the right answers. They weren't really teaching; it was as though they were on auto pilot because it was something they had to do and didn't really care about the students. They failed to see students as unique individuals. However, just because this instructor was younger didn't mean she wasn't exactly like the rest of them.

Stopping a few feet in front of the instructor, he grinned, revealing one of his fangs. He pointedly swept his gaze over her body; starting from her hair on her head, to the pumps on her feet.

"Aren't you a bit too young to be a music instructor?" He sassed.

"I can assure you, Shouichiru, that age will not be an issue. I've been teaching music for over three years and have been an avid music student for most of my life. I promise you will be in good hands." Rin smiled despite herself. Her new student was clearly a spoiled brat because he failed to greet her when she was introduced but she chose to let that fly for now. The previous two families she worked for had the same impression of her because of her age.

Shouichiru did not like the way she smiled at him or the way she spoke. His eyes narrowed to slits.

"What makes you think you can teach me how to play the piano? Has father not told you of the other incompetents who tried to accomplish the task and failed terribly?"

"I cannot teach you anything you do not wish to learn. The desire to learn has to come from you. I'm here simply as a guide. As for your other instructors, they have chosen their own paths. Today is a new day and a new path awaits us."

Shouichiru's blood was boiling. Even though the instructor was young, she spoke wisely, unlike his previous music instructors. He hated to admit that she spoke with more grace and humility than even his school teachers. Even so, he was simply not willing to accept another music instructor so easily.

"Well, I have no desire to learn anything, much less stupid piano lessons from a stupid woman like you. So why don't you do us all a favour and leave."

It was Mr. Taisho who spoke this time with a firm voice. "Shouichiru! You will mind your manners in front of Ms. Yamamoto. She is your new music instructor and whether you like it or not, you will accept her. Apologize now!"

"I'm not apologizing for anything! Why do you care anyway? I thought it was grandfather's idea for me to take music lessons, not you!"

A red vein became visible on Mr. Taisho's temple as he tried to control his anger, "Shouichiru, you will mind your manners at once or-"

"Or else what? Are you going to beat me in front of this human? With the way she talks, she'll probably pass out at the sight of a few drops of blood." Shouichiru scoffed.

Sesshomaru's temper was hanging on by a thread. He and his son never saw eye to eye but that gave him no reason speak so insolently to him. The instructor's gentle voice broke through the wall of tension building up in the room.

"Mr. Taisho, Shouichiru is right. Maybe he just doesn't like playing the piano. I'm sure with time, he can find his inner musician and possibly an instrument he enjoys playing."

Ms. Yamamoto's tact surprised Sesshomaru. She smiled in response and faced Shouichiru next.

"As for the sight of blood, I hate to disappoint you, Shouichiru, but a few drops of blood will not scare me. At the same time, I can understand that switching instructors frequently is disruptive for a student, especially for one learning creative arts like music. If I am accepted, I'll try my very best to assist you and guide you but only if you truly wish to have me as your instructor. I cannot and will not force it on you."

The woman's reply caught Shouichiru off guard and put him on the spot. Never before had an instructor given him the power to choose. This was brand new territory for him and he wasn't entirely sure how to react. With a loss for words, he turned around and walked up the stairs.

"Whatever." Was the only reply he could think of.

Sesshomaru was thoroughly disappointed in Shouichiru's behaviour. While Sesshomaru wasn't fond of humans, he was never purposely rude with them. For the most part, he remained civil with them and really wished his son had used some sort of civility today. After all, demons had to prove they were a level higher than humans.

Rin noticed the troubled look in Mr. Taisho's eyes and called his name. When he didn't respond, she put her hand on his arm and gave it a small shake.

"Mr. Taisho? Are you alright?" Suddenly cold, amber eyes were staring at her and she felt a chill run down her spine; she cleared her throat.

"I'm not sure what to make of Shouichiru's answer." Her eyebrows scrunched together.

Sesshomaru wasn't sure what to make of it either. Ms. Yamamoto was certainly different than Shouichiru's other teachers, and that was reason enough for him to pick her even though Shouichiru may not see it himself.

"Would you still like to give my son music lessons?"

"Of course but I don't want Shouichiru to feel that he's forced to play the piano."

"He doesn't have a choice." Sesshomaru replied simply and took a seat on the couch. Only when Rin sat did he slide the contract towards her.

"But he must if he is to find his inner musician."

Sesshomaru sneered. Inner musician? Such foolishness. The whole purpose of enrolling Shouichiru in piano lessons was to give him a creative outlet for his rage; he didn't have to enjoy playing it. Just use it as a channel to balance his energy.

"Ms. Yamamoto," Sesshomaru placed the pen on the heap of papers. "My son isn't exactly an amicable person. He has issues controlling his tongue and his temper. You wouldn't be the first one to reject this job offer."

"I very much wish to help Shouichiru but I think he's unsure as to what he wants. Forcing him into piano lessons may only stress him out and I can't work with students who simply don't want to be there."

"Shouichiru needs maturing on his part before he is able to make such decisions for himself. . You said it gives you pleasure helping your students find their inner musician. The question now remains. After having witnessed Shouichiru first hand, are you still willing to take the challenge of being his music teacher?"

Rin saw the blatant challenge in his eyes. The arrogant lift of his brow, the narrowing of his amber eyes were all indicators that he was used to having his way. Rin considered her choices. Her principles stood in the way of her needs so what would she choose?

Business was slow at her music shop and if she didn't pay next month's rent, they would get an eviction notice. If she accepted the job, she could work with Shouichiru to help him find his inner musician. The boy clearly had some issues with his father and maybe he had agreed to these lessons simply to appease him; it seemed believable given the way Mr. Taisho was forcing her hand on the topic.

The spurt of wild energy had hit her like a brick when she first met Shouichiru. All she had to do was help him channel that energy into his music and even if she managed to accomplish that bit, she would consider it victory in itself. After all 'Music is the shorthand of emotion' and Shouichiru was a ball of emotions just waiting to explode.

This would mean that her teaching skills would be put to the ultimate test and that was yet another challenge she wasn't ready to back out of

"Well?" Sesshomaru quirked a brow.

Rin met his eyes. If Shouichiru was a ball of emotion, Mr. Taisho was a raving tornado. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end and she reached for the pen on the coffee table.

"Where do I sign?"

It took her almost an hour to read through the detailed contract that had outlined everything from what pieces she was to teach Shouichiru to what would happen if she brought any 'undue' harm to anyone in the Taisho clan or at the Taisho mansion. Rin didn't think this to be unusual; the Taishos were rich and she was just a simple music teacher they picked off the street. They had every right to protect themselves but this also meant Rin had to be on her guard and protect herself.

When she reached the end of the contract, she noticed a small scribbled signature under the name 'Toga Taisho'. She found it hard to relate him with such a name.

"Is something the matter?" Mr. Taisho's deep, smooth voice sent an electric shock through her.

"Oh no. Everything's fine Mr. Taisho."

Sesshomaru watched her sign her name on the contract with a nervous smile.

"His lessons will be one hour a day. From Monday to Friday. Be here for six thirty tomorrow."

"Of course." Ms. Yamamoto agreed and passed him the contract.

On the way out, they walked in silence but Sesshomaru felt a tension between them. It only heightened when they both reached for the doorknob and he cupped the small frame of her soft hand. She instantly jerked her hand away.

"I'm sorry." She murmured with a blush. She was no virgin, he could smell that much. So why had she blushed so often the past few hours? More importantly, why had his beast enjoyed it? Such reactions unnerved him and he mentally shook his head wiping them away.

"I look forward to your first lesson, Ms. Yamamoto." Sesshomaru called, standing in the doorway.

"As do I. Enjoy your evening." Ms. Yamamoto replied looking over her shoulder.

Sesshomaru gave her a small nod as he watched her walk to her car. Watched her curvaceous hips as she slightly bent over to open the car door. She was certainly not what he expected but she was in his employ now and he was looking forward to her music lessons.

EDITED: 23.11.2011