This Time Next Week
Steading her nerves she concentrated on the task at hand. She focused on the window behind the man questioning her. His amber orbs soft and gentle but at the same time they pierced into ones soul as if revealing to their owner ones true intentions. His very presence demanded respect from all who was in the same room as he. Chuckling softly he was amused by the human in his presence. He sensed confidence in the young woman. Just as well he could hear the nervousness in her heart beat and the shakiness in her breath. He found it quite entertaining as to how a creature can feel emotions so completely opposite of each other at the same time. Throughout the entire interview she sat there as if she was calm like the ocean all the while inside, she was a raging river. He chuckled again at his analogy, nearly burst out laughing as the woman across from him jumped slightly. Rising from behind his desk he walked around and sat on the corner end and looked Rin in the eye. Shifting her gaze to his she sharply inhaled. A clearing of the throat echoed in the room before the Inutaisho began his final questioning.
"Do you know, Ms. Tachibana, what it means to be an inu yokai's personal assistant? I assume by your background that you do." She nodded her head not taking her eyes from him. "It is a tiring job. Usually going to his or her life partner. However do to my eldest son's lack of interest in that particular field we have to keep replacing them. He's a tough nut to crack so I am warning you now if you do not think that you can fully commit to this than you can walk out my office now."
"With all due respect sir I can handle myself among demons. I have spent my entire life surrounded by them; so I am more than positive that I can keep up."
"Yes I see from your recommendation you seem to work very well with us. Do tell, how you have come to know the young kitsune."
"Oh um, Shippo and I grew up together."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, we knew each other since before daycare. We lived on the same street and when my parents passed away it was the Kenshin family that took me in. And after what happened to his family we always stuck together."
"Judging by the sound of your tone, it seems like the two of you had lots of fun together. Despite your loss."
"Yes we did, we were always in detention together, always playing pranks on everyone."
"Really like what?"
"Well, we once stole the Vice Principals underwear and put up on the flag pole. Then there was the time we rigged the school water fountain to pour out Kool-Aid."
"Very interesting tell me more."
Rin went on for what seemed like hours telling the stories of her childhood. "It was fun growing up. Other kids use to pay us to pull pranks on bullies and older siblings. Not only that the school had a fair each year and we were always asked to put on a show for people." The conversation was cut short when the Inu Taisho's phone rang.
"Give me a moment." The conversation lasted for a few seconds but sounded urgent. He hung up the phone with a sigh and grabbed a pen and a sticky note from his desk drawer. "Well Miss Tachibana," he began writing, "Rest up for the rest of the week. Because starting next week your life will be hell." He handed her the slip of paper and went to grab his bag.
"Wait, that's it?"
"Yes, that's it. Starting on Monday the future of Hasegawa Inc. is in your hands. Be there by noon and no later. Punctuality is key."
She looked at the address as she was getting ready to go and turned to look at Inutaisho. "This is a residential address."
"Yes ma'am it is. This position is a twenty-four hour job. He must have access to you at all times." He smirked at the double meaning while Rin rolled her eyes at his perverted thoughts. "Hey now don't judge me, judging by your reaction you were having similar thoughts. You know what they say, great minds think alike. Anyway starting Monday you will be living at the Western Manor of the Hasegawa estate. Until then Miss Tachibana." He then left to take care other matters.
-/-
"Another one father; how many times do I have to tell you that this Sesshomaru does not need an assistant. I am perfectly capable of running this company on my own."
"No you're not Sesshomaru. That way of thinking is exactly why you need an assistant. In order for you to successfully run this company you need to know that it is a team effort and no one person human or demon can do so on his or her own. You are not only going to inherit this company but an entire nation of people will be under your rule. And a king alone cannot rule his people. It takes advisors, priests, and people of all races, creeds and species to run a nation. It is too much for one body to take on. That is why until you can find someone on your own to aid you, whether it follows the guidelines of our ancestors and is your life mate or you hire someone of your own free will; I will provide you with an assistant until something is worked out."
Sesshomaru sighed while squeezing the bridge of his nose. "Fine whatever you wish father, but does it have to be a woman. And a human one at that."
"Now, now Sesshomaru, give this one a chance, I actually like this one. She's spunky. So be nice, she starts on Monday, don't scare her off like you did your house staff." Walking toward the exit Inutaisho felt confident in this new employee. That she may be able to do something to melt the ice around his eldest son's heart. He looked back at his brooding son and sighed as he turned the knob. "I will see you soon my son." With sigh he left as the only response from his son was a growl. He waved to the Jaken, Sesshomaru's only remaining servant as he returned to his car and left for home.
-/-
"Oh my gosh really, just like that, you got the job, congrats" Rin heard her friend congratulating her from her computer."
"Yep thanks. All that's left for me to do is pack all this stuff by Monday."
"Wait, why are you packing?"
"What Shippo didn't tell you? It's a live in job."
"Say what? Seriously? So, not only are you going to work for the world's hottest guy but you're going to live with him. Well that explains why that position is constantly being reopened; well, good luck, I'll be by tomorrow to help you pack."
"Kay thanks.
-/-
"Okay, how's this? Good evening Mr. Hasegawa." Rin practiced putting hand out to shake.
"That's fine Rin. Really, now if you don't' get some sleep you'll be late tomorrow. Those Hasegawa's are no joke punctuality is everything. Especially when it comes to Sesshomaru." Shippo told his eager friend.
"I know but, I don't' want to make myself look like a fool. I don't know if I should just shake hands, bow or both. And my greeting needs to be perfect. This is a guy who demands perfection, one screw up and I'm back to square one. Only it would worse cuz not only am I going to jobless but homeless too."
"Relax, Rin you're overreacting. You won't look like a fool. Knowing you, you'll probably make him look like a fool. Just keep calm and do what you do. Get your work done and don't let him walk all over you. Just like you do everywhere go. And as for the greeting thing. Just shake his hand this isn't Japan. If you want to do the bow do the bow, but if he doesn't require it don't worry about."
"Yeah Okay, I'm just really nervous."
"Rin the only thing you need to do is not show fear. Besides what are you afraid of. You've been putting demons in their place since our daycare days, you're the last person that needs to be scared. So get out there and show'em watcha got!"
"You're right Shippo, I never let anyone bring me down before so why start now!" She screamed getting pumped.
"Yeah. That a girl. Put your hand in, get over here Shiori. Ready all together."
"FIGHT-O OH!"