INUYASHA-BABE345433: Thank you.

fluffycrush: I actually had this chapter finished the same day as Chapter Three. (shifty eyes) I just wanted the reviews. (sniffle) I am so ashamed, leaving you all in the dark when I could simply give you the next chapter! But alas, over 200 people have either glimpsed at it or read it without reviewing, so I am not that ashamed! ...But for you, I am. (cry)

Tsuki no Otome: I made Rin's reaction to Inuyasha based off of mine the first time I saw him in the anime. I was completely convinced he was some kind of cat thing until they said his dad was a dog demon...then I was all: O.o wtf? And yes! The defensive Sesshy! I only hope I have him good enough in-character...

School Drama: Year 1

Chapter Four: Sesshoumaru's Secret

A little girl laughed as she rolled around on the ground outside, her bright sundress getting small stains, the sun burning brightly as its rays shined down on the happy child. She sat up and stretched, taking in the smells of the wonderful flowers that she called her garden. She loved her home so much! She never wanted to grow up! She stood and began to run around in circles, imagining that she was being chased by some invisible creature. She let loose another fit of giggles before stopping, taking in a deep breath, calming herself down.

She heard a door open and turned to her house, smiling happily at the sight of her mother, who only smiled back lovingly at her daughter.

"Mommy! Come play, please?" The little girl ran up to her mother, who bent down to pick her up. The little girl grinned happily. She had her mother, so she was safe. She knew this much by instinct. She snuggled into her mother's arms as they walked out into the center of the garden.

"I'm so sorry, Rin..."

The little girl's smile turned into a frown of confusion. That was her father's voice. But why did she hear papa when mommy was holding her? She looked up and saw her father's face looking down at her, tears glistening in his eyes that he would not shed. She felt a feeling of sadness overwhelm her and cupped her father's face with her small hands.

"Papa, what's wrong?" She did not want to hear it. She did not want to hear what had made her father so sad. Was it something she had done? She looked down at her dress and gasped. She was no longer wearing her sundress! It had turned into a black skirt, one that she remembered wearing to...

"Your mother is gone, Rin...she's dead...I'm so sorry..." Her father's voice choked on his words, and the little girl pushed herself away from him, shaking her head slowly, tears streaming down her face.

She didn't want this. She didn't want to say goodbye to her mother, not now, not ever. She turned and ran from her father, ignoring his calls. She didn't want this! She didn't want this!

She stopped running as a large casket loomed over her. The tears did not stop shedding as she hesitantly climbed over it, to see who was inside. When she saw her mother's peaceful face, she screamed and shut her eyes. She didn't want her to go!

She felt something start to choke her and opened her teary-filled eyes to see her mother up, hands wrapped around her neck. She coughed, trying to gain air and started feeling lightheaded. What was her mother doing?!

"Wake up!"

That voice...she didn't recognize that voice...

"Wake up, you idiot!"

Rin snapped up from her bed, her eyes wide and her breathing harsh. Her chest heaved up and down from the dream, and her hands were fisted into the cover -- shaking, but still fisted. She felt a small tear of sweat roll down her forehead and she forced herself to calm down. It was just a dream Rin...calm down...just a dream...

"About time, you moron. You need an alarm, or something."

The voice that woke me up! She turned her head to see Sarah, fully dressed in her school uniform, and waiting impatiently for Rin to wake up. That was Sarah's voice? She smiled nervously, and released the cover from her deathgrip. Sarah just rolled her eyes and sat on her bed.

"Well? What are you waiting for, an invitation? Get ready, we're supposed to go to the field." Sarah was obviously irritated, judging from the tone she used when speaking. That, or she just spoke like that all the time. Rin nodded and stood up, blushing from embarrassment at having a nightmare and quickly ran into the bathroom with her uniform.

When she finally came out, Sarah was still sitting on her bed, and still impatient. She stood as well when Rin came out and motioned to the door. Rin watched her, just noticing that Sarah was also wearing her uniform.

"I thought you didn't like the school uniform? Said something about me being a goody-two-shoes because I was wearing it..." Rin stiffled her grin when Sarah seemed to scoff. She watched her roommate walk out of the door and quickly followed after. It would be a good idea to follow her so she could figure out where the field was.

The two walked in silence. Rin noticed that many other students were also going in the direction they were headed, so she figured there must have been some announcement that she had missed while sleeping. Some, she noted, were just getting up. Guess I wasn't the only one...

A school meeting, wonder what for? If the entire school is going, does that mean I might end up running into that Inuyasha? Oh geeze, I hope not. I've had enough of him for a while...maybe I'll get to see that Sesshoumaru guy again! Her cheeks burned at her thought. What was the matter with her? Having such thoughts about a guy? Was this one of those "high school crushes" she had seen on movies? She gasped lightly. Those always came with something bad! She shook her head. No crushes!

She flinched when a bright light shone in her eyes and stood still for a moment. She assumed that someone was either shining a flashlight or something in her eyes, or they were outside. She shook her head, her eyes adjusting quickly to the light, and she looked around. It was huge!

To her immediate left, there looked to be a tennis court. A little ways away from that, there was a small building that read "Home Economics" on it. She blinked. She didn't have Home Economics...was that a class for upperclassmen? Probably. Maybe it's a class I'll take next year. She didn't let it trouble her too long, though.

She saw, in the distance, a large field with what looked like an olympic running track. She gulped. Gym was going to be scary, she could tell. And right of her looked like a soccer field. She sighed heavily. Gym was definitely going to be scary. She lacked any, if not all, physical skills. It was in that moment alone that she noticed she was getting sidetracked and quickly looked around for Sarah, only to see she was nowhere to be found. She did the only thing she knew how to do in moments like this: she panicked.

Had she kept her mind straight, she would have simply followed the other students in the direction they seemed to be going. But instead, she looked around for her escort, but still couldn't manage to find her. Only when she ended up running into someone did she finally stop.

"Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! Please forgive me..." She quickly bowed her head, not daring to look at the person who she had run into, for fear they may want to get payback. When she recieved no response, she slowly looked up, flinching slightly when she saw who it was she had run into: Sesshoumaru.

He just stared at her, as if he had not heard her apology. She bit her lower lip, worrying it slightly, before she offered her apology again.

"I'm sorry for running into you, I--"

"So you've said."

She stopped when he cut her off. So he did hear her. She frowned when he looked away from her and walked on. He's not very friendly, is he? Is it just natural among demons, or is he just...that way? She then reminded herself that she needed to find an escort. She stared at Sesshoumaru's back and made her decision before he managed to walk out of her sight among the throng of students.

She walked beside him, staring up at his face from time to time. Whether he cared or not, she couldn't tell. His face was just blank -- as if he had been born without the feeling of emotion. She frowned some and looked down at the ground, but made sure she was still next to him. He had saved her from that boy, and now it was like she didn't even exist to him!

"Why are you following me?"

She nearly jumped at the unexpected question. Her gaze drew up to him, but he did not look at her. Before she was able to answer, she noticed that they were already at the field. She frowned when he turned and started climbing the bleachers. She gulped. Had she mentioned she feared heights? She knew he was making his way towards the top bleachers, because he didn't seem like he was stopping anytime soon. She took a deep breath and quickly followed after him. When he sat down, she landed right next to him, doing her best not to let her eyes wander downwards.

"You didn't answer me."

She looked to him again; he was focused on the group of teachers that stood in front of the bleachers, slightly on the field. His face was as impassive as ever. She sighed. This guy's a little creepy. I'd hate to run into him in a haunted house...he's like one of those creepy dolls that never change their expression. Her mind immediately drifted to the movie she had heard about: Dead Silence. Those were two words, she agreed, that covered him completely.

She didn't notice that he had actually bothered to look at her when he heard no response. Her face was staring at him, but her eyes easily told her mind was elsewhere, as well as her expression. She snapped out of it when he grunted and blushed, looking away. I did it again! Quit zoning out! She realized he was still waiting for an answer.

"Because...well...I don't really know my way around...so..." Her sentence drifted. So...what? What was there to say after that? 'So I decided to stalk you out here!' As if. He'd probably move away from her. But hadn't she hoped to see him again, in a way? She didn't even think about the consequence...such as: How do you talk to someone who barely responds back?

He didn't seem to care though, that she couldn't figure out what to say next, because his gaze was once again focused on the teachers. It was then she noticed that everyone had gone quiet and had taken a seat. She quickly closed her mouth. It must be something important, and all I'm doing is distracting him! She mentally scoffed. Like he was really paying attention to her in the first place.

"Welcome students, new and old, to Hisakata High School!"

She watched the old woman on the makeshift pedestal, whom she figured must have been the principle, as she made the announcements. This must have been a greeting, judging from her words. So that was why everyone was gathering here!

"I trust that in the little time you've had here that you've made yourself at home quite nicely. As many of you know, this is a dorm high school. There are two areas for the dorm rooms. One side of the school is for the girls, while the other side is for the boys. And for those of you who are new, there is one rule that you must always abide by, for it will be the last rule you break if you do not heed it."

Rin gulped and nervously shifted, unknowingly drawing Sesshoumaru's eyes to her. Yes, the principle was an old woman, but she was frightening nontheless. Her voice, at the beginning of the speech, seemed calm and friendly. But...as she continued on, her voice became dark and rough...almost as if she was just daring some of the students to cross her.

"This most important rule is simple. Boys will stay out of the girls dorms," Rin had to stiffle a giggle as she heard one girl mutter about stupid boys, "and girls will stay out of the boys dorm." Rin nearly sweatdropped when she heard many boys start boo'ing the old woman. Still, she heard nothing from Sesshoumaru, and looked to him once again, only to find he was still focused on the teachers. She sighed. I'd hate to have him for a boyfriend or husband. She immediately blushed.

The boo'ing went on for a few minutes before the old woman took a deep breath.

"SILENCE!"

It took a few moments for the boys to calm, but they fell quiet nontheless. Rin's eyes were wide at the booming voice. The old woman had some lungs, that she did! She felt something brush her leg and looked down before paling.

Dark hair...small ponytail in the back of his head...and that girl next to him...it can't possibly... Her thoughts cut themselves as she reached forward and poked the man's back. Sesshoumaru again snuck a glance at her that she missed before looking away. The man turned around, his violet eyes blinking in surprise.

"Ah, Rin! I wasn't expecting to see you so soon--"

"Miroku, don't pester her."

Rin smiled and turned to Sango. Sango's eyes drew to the silent figure next to Rin and she immediately gasped, pulling Rin's shoulder and whispering in her ear.

"Since when did you start hanging out with Sesshoumaru, Rin?" Sango's voice was full of worry, and Rin didn't understand why. She frowned, her confusion obvious upon her face. Miroku fwapped at Sango's hands, causing her to let go.

"Sango, I'm sure that since she's new here, she doesn't know his reputation." Miroku was being sensible, which was actually quite correct. At the term "reputation", Rin started to grow worried. What was it Sesshoumaru did that made Sango and Miroku unsettled about her being near him. Sango shot a look at Miroku, before sending one to Rin.

"We'll tell you about it later. After the conference, we'll meet you at the base of the bleachers, okay?" Sango said quickly. Rin nodded and leaned away.

"Thank you for your co-operation...now then, as I was saying before you gentlemen interrupted me...should you be caught in either dorm when you are not supposed to, the consequences are banishment from Hisakata High, is that understood?"

Rin gained a puzzled look at the term she used. Banishment? Why not just use expelled?

"She's old fashioned."

She jumped this time at the unexpected response. She looked to Sesshoumaru, his arms now crossed over his chest. Rin let her eyes linger on him for a few minutes before blushing and looking away. Curse me and my feelings...he's just so handsome and alluring!

It was a half hour at least before Ms. Kaede, as Sesshoumaru kindly and unexpectedly informed her, stopped talking and allowed the students to return to their dorms. She also reminded them that it was fifteen minutes until lunch began, so many students quickly made their ways to the lunchroom instead of their dorms.

Rin met Sango and Miroku at the foot of the bleachers, as promised, and watched Sesshoumaru's back as he disappeared within the crowd of students. She felt her arm get tugged and followed after Sango and Miroku as they led her out of the stampede of hungry teenagers. She sighed and leaned against a fence, staring at the two.

"These kids...they're so impatient, it annoys me to no end..." Sango muttered under her breath, watching as some students were pushed out of the way. Miroku solemnly nodded next to her.

"Yes...such a tragedy. And to think, it's all because of food..."

Rin's eyes widened as she watched Miroku's palm slide downwards towards Sango's butt. She heard a loud slap and cringed. He didn't even get halfway before she nailed him...she must be really used to his antics to know when he was going to try and attempt to grope her. Despite her thoughts, she couldn't stop the giggle from escaping.

Miroku sighed, his cheek pulsing with a red handprint on it. Sango growled and glared at him before turning to Rin, smiling brightly, before it immediately turned into a frown.

"Rin, you shouldn't be near Sesshoumaru. He's not a good person."

She still didn't understand. How was he not a good person? He had saved her from Inuyasha, and even allowed her to follow him to the field. He didn't do anything that seemed terrible to her...

As if sensing her thoughts, Miroku slid into the conversation.

"Sesshoumaru's known for using women...both younger and older than him." He looked angered for a moment, but it quickly passed. Sango nodded in agreement, her hands fisting as she set them on her hips.

"Yes. He lures them into a relationship, and if it doesn't suit him, he does something that completely embarrasses her! It's disgusting..." Sango closed her eyes, a sad look on her face. Miroku frowned and held her shoulder.

"He dated a girl last year. She was a freshman, just like you. She ended up being "too weak" was his excuse." Miroku shook his head.

By the time the conversation got to this point, Rin's eyes were already wide and her mouth had dropped slightly. Was Sesshoumaru really that cruel? Just because he didn't like the relationship he had? He just used them...like they were his little toys...

"What...what happened to her?" She didn't want to know, but just like always, her curiosity was too much for her. She wanted to punch Sesshoumaru the moment Miroku explained what he did.

"He blackmailed her. She had to go to school for a week as his little "pet". She was forced into dressing up like a whore, and Sesshoumaru even had a collar and leash around her..." Miroku had gained a fierce look in his eyes. "She didn't last the week though."

Rin frowned. Didn't last..? Sango interrupted him and continued on.

"Her father was fired from his job by Sesshoumaru's father. Then she dropped out of school from embarrassment three days in. But even still, he hasn't stopped luring in women and destroying them. He's bad news Rin...you have to stay away from him." Sango finished, holding Rin's hands, pleading that she stay away from that...that...monster.

Rin was at a loss of words. And she had actually considered having a crush on that fiend. She could do nothing more than nod to Sango as she attempted to lower the rage that had built up inside of her. Someone needs to give him a taste of his own medicine...that bastard...oh no! I swore! Rin's eyes widened and she quickly clasped her mouth shut. Sango and Miroku gave her confused looks before she waved her hand.

"It's nothing, nothing! Oh! Come on, we should go to lunch together!" Rin exclaimed happily. Sango and Miroku smiled at the change of conversation and both nodded. Sango clasped Rin's hands and quickly turned on her heels, heading towards the lunchroom. Miroku didn't hesitate to walk behind them, his eyes never wavering from Sango's behind.

Author's Note: That was rather quick, yes? Sesshoumaru is despicable! How could someone be so cruel? Oh wells! (giggle) Now, review and make Floaty happy!

© Rumiko Takahashi