Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; this is only a fanfic.

Authors Notes: Hi guys! New chapter up and thanks 'everyone' for the wonderful comments. Please read, enjoy and please leave a review!

Chapter 4: Two Ladies and a Gentleman

Situations like these made him uncomfortable. Walking between Rin and Ikuyo, the taijiya felt the bad vibes, although oblivious to the reason. Both women were silent as he escorted Rin to Hisa's home.

"Kohaku-san?"

The taijiya turned to that melodious voice. "Yes, Rin-san."

"Tell me about Lady Hisa," the young woman asked. "Since I am to stay with her, maybe I should know something about her."

"Hisa-san is a widow," stated Ikuyo imperiously before Kohaku could speak. "I am told that she and her husband were one of the first families to join our village." She linked arms with the taijiya as she spoke.

"Her husband was killed during the first raid," she continued. "I am surprised that Kohaku has you stay with her as she has a great fear of youkai. After all, is not your little brother a half demon?"

Rin gasped and turned to Kohaku with questioning eyes, but the taijiya remained silent and stared straight ahead. His shoulders were stiff, his brow furrowed and his lips set in a disapproving line. She wanted to question him further, but thought it best to wait until they were alone.

There was little chance of that tonight, thought Rin. Since Ikuyo had joined them for dinner, she had felt Kohaku withdraw. He was pleasant and polite; he responded when addressed, otherwise he was quiet.

The woman's presence had affected the others as well. Shippo seemed surprised that Ikuyo had accepted Kohaku's dinner invitation and the kitsune sulked the rest of the evening. Suiren was silent, but oozed animosity. Each time the woman spoke, Rin could see the young girl grind her teeth.

Awasumaru had shifted closer to Rin. Although he appeared relaxed, her little brother was on the alert. Shun'ei and Juun appeared oblivious to the change in their surroundings. They conversed with each other in low tones drawing in small comments from the others. It took Rin moment to realize this was deliberate, it appeared there were two peacemakers in their midst.

As they approached a small dwelling, a subdued Rin thought she would have to wait until tomorrow to speak with Kohaku. She was disappointed not to have spent more time with him; however, Ikuyo's next words had her feeling light hearted again.

"There was no need to escort me home first, Kohaku-san," Ikuyo said annoyed. "I would not mind walking with you to deliver Rin-san."

"Thank you, Ikuyo-san, but I respect your father too much to bring his daughter home late," the taijiya said politely "I will call upon them tomorrow."

The mask slipped, but only for a moment. "Of course, Kohaku-san, you are right. Well… until tomorrow then." The young woman's smile managed to include Rin. Bowing out gracefully, Ikuyo turned to enter her abode.

Kohaku and Rin resumed their walk in silence. Finally, the taijiya spoke.

"Ikuyo-san is right, Rin-chan," he began. "Hisa-san is afraid of youkai. She saw her husband, Naosuke, torn apart by a giant centipede. Although she still resides here, with the number of demons and hanyou's joining our village, she has become a recluse in her own home. Shippo is the only one she will allow near her."

"I don't want her to leave," Kohaku continued. "At the time of the raid, Hisa was pregnant. She has a son and with Naosuke gone, we are the only family they have left. I was hoping that you might convince her that all demons are not bad."

"I should have spoken with you before making plans, but… well… I am sorry, Rin-chan. I had planned to discuss it with you, but other matters got in the way." The taijiya apologized.

With the other woman gone, Rin could now relax. Grabbing Kohaku's hand, she flashed him a brilliant smile. "I will do what I can," she promised huskily and laced her fingers with his. "I will try to help her, Kohaku-kun."

The endearment caused that unfamiliar sensation that had his heart thumping wildly in his chest. Looking down on her upturned face, Kohaku saw the sincerity in her eyes.

"Thank you, Rin-chan," he returned her smile. Still holding hands, the taijiya pulled her close to his side and continued their walk to Hisa's cottage.

xXxXx

"Is something wrong, dear?"

Ikuyo turned from the window where she watched Kohaku and the young woman named Rin walk down the lane. Her beautiful face was marred by a frown as she turned to her mother.

"Were you aware that Kohaku had guest staying at the village?"

"Why… yes," Lady Sae said to her daughter. "I remember something about new students and a chaperone… a young woman I believe. Have you met them?"

"Unfortunately, I have," Ikuyo sneered. "A blind boy, another youkai and a girl called Rin."

"Oh, lovely," her mother beamed. "We must invite them to dinner… to welcome them."

Ikuyo rolled her eyes at her mother's enthusiasm. The woman was sickening in her quest to accommodate everyone, she was annoyingly agreeable. She and her mother were different from night and day.

Her father, Genpaku, was an exiled vassal of a high lord. About four years ago, he had been accused of stealing monies from the household. An honorable man, Ikuyo had believed her father free of guilt and had hoped to return one day to the prestigious lifestyle that she desired. During their travels to find a new home, she had held onto that hope until she had overheard a discussion between her parents one night when they had thought her asleep.

It was revealed that her father had indeed taken the money to pay off gambling debts. He had planned to return the funds before they were found missing. Soon after, Genpaku was discovered.

As a favorite of the castle lord, instead of the customary death penalty, her father had been spared. However, he and his family were banished from the estate for life. Once Ikuyo realized there was no turning back, their family had come upon the slayers village.

Considering this another temporary residence, Ikuyo had paid little attention as the kitsune called Shippo had given them a tour. It was not until she was introduced to the handsome monk and the equally handsome, but young headmaster Kohaku.

Since she and her family had been here, she had yet to secure the position as headmistress. The young taijiya was as elusive as ever to her wiles, he was always polite and respectful, but that was all.

Nothing interfered with Kohaku's duties or classes; therefore, Ikuyo had tried to use the evenings to her advantage. The taijiya's bachelor status was prominent during that time. To take him a meal or invite him to dinner with her parents, she had planned to draw him closer to her.

In three years, Ikuyo had yet to make any progress with Kohaku. He was so well loved amongst the villagers that everyone took care of him. All the women, both young and old, cooked for him or mended his torn uniform and keso's. His sister, Sango, was as evasive as her brother was. Other than a pleasant hello, she was not one big on conversation.

Sango's husband, the monk-Miroku, was the only responsive one of the lot. He always smiled and commented on her beauty earning him a viscous ear pulling from the female taijiya.

With the odds already against her, she now had to contend with this Rin character. It was said that she and Kohaku were old friends. Looking out into the night and the two retreating figures, Ikuyo would make sure that they remained just that.

xXxXx

"Who was that woman?"

Awasumaru addressed Shippo as he pulled items from his travel satchel. Before Kohaku had left to escort the women, he had instructed the children have an early night to prepare for class tomorrow.

"Oh… just a girl who likes your sensei," the kitsune snickered.

"Does he like her?" the little half demon asked. He may be a kid, but he knew that his sister liked his new sensei. She had been acting quite silly the last few days, waiting to come here.

"No way!" Suiren said, entering the room full of boys. "Haha-ue says that Ikuyo-san will never get her paws on Oji-sensei." Overhearing one of her parent's conversations, the little girl repeated her mother's words.

"Don't you like her, Suire-chan?" Shippo teased. He knew perfectly well how Sango and her daughter felt about the young woman. "After all, she may make a good wife for your uncle. She is very pretty."

"Hmph!" Suiren snorted. "So is Kirara," she said waspishly, earning a her a meow from the neko on her shoulder. "She puts on airs, she's bossy and she only pretends to be nice when she is around Oji-sensei."

"How do you know that?" Shun'ei put down the scroll he was reading and turned to his sister.

"I know these things because I'm a girl too," she announced self-importantly. "We pay attention to stuff like that, not like you guys."

Shun'ei coughed and buried his head in the scroll, Juun remained silent, but Shippo and Awasumaru exchanged glances and then burst out laughing making Suiren angry. An argument ensued between the young taijiya and the half demon with the kitsune instigating.

Kirara leaped from her mistress shoulder to the peaceful countenance of Shun'ei. The boy smiled slightly as the cat found a comfortable spot on his lap and resumed his reading. Glancing over at Juun, the boy appeared to be meditating. Both boys found their own method of drowning out the noise around them.

xXxXx

The shoji slid halfway open; Kohaku peered around it and spoke softly.

"Hisa-san… it's me, Kohaku. I… I've brought Rin with me."

The taijiya stepped back as the shoji opened completely. Still holding hands with Rin, they stepped across the entrance.

Rin looked around with interest. The single room was neat and tidy and then she turned to greet the woman called Hisa.

She was of average height, with dark brown hair pulled back in a severe bun. Kohaku had mentioned that this young woman was only two years older than he was, but she looked much older.

"Hello, Hisa-san," Rin said and bowed deeply. "Thank you for allowing me to stay with you."

Hisa returned the bow and gave a wan smile. "It is my pleasure."

"Kohaku told me that you have a son," Rin said, looking around.

"Naoichi is sleeping right now, but you will meet him tomorrow." the young mother said and turned to Kohaku. "Have you eaten, young master?"

"Ah… yes, Hisa-san," he answered and blushed profusely at her reference to him. "Rin-chan provided a meal for me and I thought I asked you not to call me that."

Suddenly, Hisa erupted into a fit of giggles making Kohaku blush even more and startling the young woman at his side.

"I only say it because I know he dislikes it," the woman whispered conspiratorially to Rin. "Kohaku-sensei is very modest for one in his position."

"Is that so?" Rin joined in on the fun. "Why it is that the 'young master' does not like his title?" The young woman tapped lightly on her chin, as she appeared to be thinking.

"Cut it out, Rin-chan," Kohaku blushed.

"But… my lord…" Hisa put in and exchanged a look with Rin; suddeny, both women simultaneously began bowing incessantly, backing Kohaku to the door.

"Enough," he laughed at the women's teasing. Turning, the taijiya practically flew from the house. Both Rin and Hisa ran to the window to watch his hasty retreat and dissolved into a fit of giggles.

xXxXx

"Houshi-sama!"

Sango yelled and then muttered under her breath. The taijiya was on her knees packing for their journey to the exterminators' village tomorrow. Her husband was supposed to help, but of course, he was probably off reading a scroll or something.

"Houshi-sama!" she yelled again, leaning forward to reach another article of clothing.

"No need to yell, my dear," Miroku's seductive voice rolled over her, "I am right behind you."

Looking over her shoulder, Sango saw her husband lounging in the doorway. Glaring at him, the taijiya lashed out.

"I thought it was agreed that you would help me pack!"

"I am sorry," the monk said, entering the room. "I was simply enjoying the magnificent view."

On her hands and knees, Sango considered the pose and realized her hentai husband would consider it provocative.

"Pervert!" she hissed, settling back on her heels. "Get your mind out of the gutter and come and assist me."

"Your wish is my command," Miroku smiled. Kneeling beside his wife, he slid close. With their shoulders, hips and thighs touching, the monk snuggled suggestively.

"Move over!" Sango nudged him with her hip. "How do you expect to work this close together?"

"Allow me to demonstrate," Miroku said, all at once sounding scholarly. "Now… let's see if I remember how this goes."

Easing an arm around her waist, the other hand moved to her shoulder and the monk turned her to face him. Coming up on his knees, he leaned forward and eased Sango down on the tatami mat.

"Miroku!" Sango protested. "We shall never get anything done at this rate."

"I beg to differ," the monk chuckled softly. Sango's protest was mild and she had said his name, not his title. His version of work and hers were completely different. Placing light kisses across her brow, Miroku decided he did not want her thinking of anything but him right now.

"Don't worry, aisai," he whispered into her hair. "I already packed while you were at temple today."

"Really?" Sango gasped. Whether it was from the knowledge that her spouse had thought ahead or the hand on her thigh, she was not quite sure. However, just knowing she had the entire night with her husband made her heart soar.

"We must make the most of our time tonight," Miroku said in her ear as he nipped a lobe with his teeth.

At his next words, Sango felt he must have read her thoughts.

"You know what seven days at the taijiya village is like, my love," the monk murmured huskily. "With Kohaku, Surien, Shun'ei, Shippo, the students and the staff, we would never have any privacy."

"There is always the lily field," Sango said seductively.

"Oh, yes." Miroku lifted his head to look into his wife's eyes. "I forgot about that," he smiled secretly.

"Liar," Sango murmured, before pulling his head down in a passionate kiss.

xXxXx

Making his last turn around the village, Kohaku approached the watchtower and climbed the stairs. He would check with the night guard and look over the valley before returning to the house.

Kohaku looked up as Heisuke's head appeared from above him.

"Yo, Kohaku-san!" The night guard hailed and stepped back as the taijiya entered the small enclosure.

"Heisuke-san," Kohaku returned the greeting. "Everything quiet?"

"I'd be ringing that bell if it wasn't," the guard stated with a smile.

The taijiya smile also. Heisuke was about three years older than Kohaku and the only child of a farmer whose wife had died in childbirth. The young man came upon the slayers village after his father had died in the battle at Azukizaka. Equipped with only the clothes on his back, a hoe and pack of plant seeds, he joined their village.

Heisuke was tall with a well-defined chest, strong arms and tapered waist. The young man looked every part the warrior; however, everyone knew that he hated fighting. He much preferred to work in his vegetable garden.

"I am a farmer, Kohaku-san, not a warrior."

The taijiya remembered his words on their first acquaintance. Once Heisuke learned fight training was involved, he had planned to move on to the next village. However, before that could happen, Miroku had intervened and made the young farmer an offer. He could stay and become the head of agriculture for the village, but he would have to train just as the others trained.

Although not enthusiastic about the training, Heisuke had agreed. It was his love of tilling the land that made the offer irresistible.

The young farmer oversaw and attended the crops during the day, which was a major source of income for the village. During the nights, he contributed to his martial duties by taking the first sentry watch.

"Well, Kohaku-san," Heisuke began. "I see you are becoming quite the ladies man. I saw you escorting two young women home tonight."

"Ah… it's not like that," the taijiya blushed and leaned over the railing. "It was only Ikuyo and the new visitor… an old friend of mine, Rin. Her two brothers have joined our class and she is chaperoning them."

"Yeah, right!" Heisuke looked dubious. "I don't remember you holding my hand to show me around the village."

The farmer burst out laughing at his own joke and Kohaku joined in, but also retaliated.

Shrugging his shoulders, he stated, "Forgive me, my friend, but her hands were so much smaller, softer and more inviting than yours. I simply could not resist."

"Are we talking about Ikuyo or the new girl?"

Kohaku was quite for a moment and the young farmer waited for an answer to his query. Suddenly, the taijiya turned to him.

"What do you know about women, Heisuke-san?"

"Absolutely nothing," he answered readily. "My father used to say that they were smarter and prettier than us, could add the perfect balance to a man's life or tear his world apart. He always told me to go for the first three and to avoid the latter. I still have yet to know what he meant."

Mulling this information over, Kohaku considered a few couples that he knew. Ane-ue and Miroku, Kagome and Inuyasha, Ayame and Kouga - different personalities, but their devotion to each other was obvious. He also thought about a shy Hisa, a boisterous Naosuke and a few of the other couples in the village.

Those were happy unions and some were acceptable. Others were tolerable and Kohaku thought of Ikuyo's parents. Nevertheless, the good seemed to outweigh the bad.

"I guess we shall have to ask the expert when he arrives." Heisuke said interrupting Kohaku's thoughts.

"Expert?" the taijiya asked with a furrowed brow. "Who might that be?"

"Houshi-sama," the farmer said. "He seems to know more about women than my father did."

"That may not be such a good idea," Kohaku laughed as he headed to the stairs. "With Miroku-sama, you may get more information than you know what to do with."

"Looking forward to it," Heisuke shot back, watching the taijiya descend the stairs. "Get some rest!"

Kohaku waved as he headed home. Maybe he could ask Miroku some questions. If he was subtle, maybe he could get by without the monk relating them to him personally or to Rin. Decision made, he would talk with his brother-in-law and if he became suspicious, Kohaku could always say it was for Heisuke.

To be continued…