Candy Fit for a Demon Lord

Disastrous Dinner Date-

An: / Wow… We are finally getting into the fundamentals of Sesshomaru and Rin's relationship now, and they will actually be speaking more than five words to each other! This is so exciting for me, it gives me goose bumps. By the way, I officially fail at describing dresses, so don't comment on that please! Major thanks to my betas The Snickerdoodle Alchemist, and Stop Reading My Pen Name, and Maddie as always. They all more than inspired me for this chapter. Please, I beg of you all, read my stories Strawberry Kisses, and Youkai Check Mate! They are both really good! I don't own Strawberry Kisses, as it was a gift, but it is really good. And, Youkai Check Mate won't get much trafic becuase it is a family InuTaisho/Sesshomaru fic. It's really good though. Anyways, I don't have much to say now, other than go read Vitreous by: hateshi and lets get on with the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha! All rights go to Rumiko Takahashi. Any other brand name I mention, i.e. Hershey's, I don't own either. Don't sue me please!

When I got to the other side of the door, I was surprised to see that the restaurant had a fair amount of people already there. It was funny that I had completely forgotten that this was one of the most popular restaurants in Tokyo. The waitress at the booth glanced at my attire reproachfully, jeans and a tee shirt that said "Angel food" with an angel eating angel food cake.

"Welcome to the Youkai's Requiem. Do you have a reservation," she said so cheerfully that I thought she was an animatronic robot briefly.

"Umm… no. I was hoping I could get an audience with Takahashi-san this evening," I mumbled blushing. When I really got down to it, I hadn't thought through this plan at all.



"Hmm… well I'll go see if he is busy. You do mean InuTaisho Takahashi-san, right? I can't help you otherwise."

I gasped, "Yes of course. I would never want to see that jerk Sesshomaru!" Then I realized my outcry and blushed stuttering.

The waitress gave me an odd look, and then scurried off in the direction of Tai's office. Inwardly, I cursed myself for being so stupid. Why the hell was I doing this? I should just leave now…

Right as I turned to leave, Tai's office door was thrown open and he came galloping out with the waitress in tow. He had such a huge grin on his face; I was worried that he had been smoking something.

When he reached me, I was squashed by his huge hug. His voice was like a giant boom, "Rin! You're alive! We were so worried when we didn't hear anything." The whole restaurant stared at us, and I did have to admit we made an odd couple. Then he shoved us in the direction of his office. As soon as we were both seated he went off.

"Oh, Rin, I'm so glad you're alright! When I saw Sesshomaru drag you in the other day, I thought you… I thought the worst. Then we didn't hear anything from you, and it just cemented everything in my head. Kagome had been an absolute wreck, and we haven't heard a thing out of Kohaku. How are you?" The rush of questions startled me.

"I… I'm fine, I just," I blushed madly," I wanted to come and thank Sesshomaru-san for saving me the other day. He made a great sacrifice, and I respect him for that."

He raised his eyebrow," Oh… Well I'll go get him so you can talk to him personally."



"NO! Please just give him the message, and tell him I am indebted to him. If he ever needs a favor I'm right around the corner. No need to call him," I rushed out, as my face flooded a cherry red and I waved my hands franticly.

He grinned manically," No, no. I insist that you tell him face to face." He rushed out the door before I could stop him.

I rushed around the kitchen as orders spilled in from the evening guests. It seemed that every night was this busy now a day, and sometimes it became tiresome, but food is my passion, and I wouldn't give it up for the world. I barked orders out to the frightened chefs around me, and I felt a sense of pride at being able to make them cower in fear. As I was working on a large dish of Tamari rice balls, I heard the booming voice of my father that stopped all the rushing around me.

"It's good to see such hard workers here tonight. I'm honored to be in this kitchen again knowing it is running so smoothly. Sesshomaru, I'm afraid, will need to leave you for a while now, though," he thundered across the silent kitchen. I gave him a blank stare, asking why he would be disturbing me from my work environment. He only gave me a smirk as he pushed open the swinging doors and ushered me towards his office. As we were just about to go in, he stopped me from entering.

"Sesshomaru," he whispered," Rin Omeiya is inside, and has come to thank you for your generosity in saving her life. I think that is the most ridiculous thing ever that she took time out of her busy day just to say thank you to someone who has been so rude to her."



I growled," You took time out of my even busier day just for this? Then again you never really have had a concept of good timing, father. What is the real reason you brought me here and stopped me from just taking the compliment and leaving?"

He fidgeted slightly," Well, I was thinking that since she had gone to all that trouble, nearly killing herself in the process, that we could invite her over here for a private dinner?"

"And, this would involve me how?"

"Well, I was planning on having you ask her."

The answer came to me before I could even think about it," No, never in a million years would I take a human on a date."

He, embarrassingly enough, got down on his knees," Please Sesshomaru! All I'm asking is one night for a couple hours, nothing else! It would make both me and you feel better for all the trouble she went through."

I sighed," Why can't you do it, or InuYasha and his mate? There is absolutely no reason for me to be the one to thank her."

"Well, I was planning on having you do it day after tomorrow on Friday, and that night I have plans with Izayoi, InuYasha and Kagome are babysitting, and Sango and Miroku are going out on a double date with Kouga and Ayame. Everyone's booked except you," he muttered ticking off the options on his fingers.

"And if I'm out here entertaining the human, who will run the kitchen?"

My father smiled, sensing I was giving in despite my wishes," we would do just like right now. Your second in command takes over, and an extra person is called in to fill the absence. You won't even think 

about how fast the time will fly by, Sess. Before you know it you will be back in the kitchen with the… get together far behind you. Say you will do it please?"

"Fine, but if I have one complaint after this ridiculous thing, you will never hear the end of it," I snarled and shoved the door open. Inside the Omeiya girl was twiddling her thumbs nervously.

Right as she was about to blurt out some meaningless garbage, I interrupted and decided to get the stupid set up over with, without even bothering to sit down," You will accompany me Friday night for dinner. Wear something decent, and be here by seven. Good bye." I flew back to the kitchen before she could even gather her thoughts, much less her jaw. Thank god that was over.

'What in the world just happened?' was the only thing that was running through my head for the next five minutes. Nothing seemed to make any sense anymore.

"Well, I think that went fantastic! Normally you can't get three words out the stiff, and you got a get together and two whole sentences! I commend you on your greatness," InuTaisho said as he swept into a bow.

I blushed and shook my head," No, that certainly wasn't anything to commend me on! What even began to inspire him to ask me out, much less not wait for my answer? How does he even know if I'm not already busy that night?"

"Are you busy?"

I sighed," Well… no, but-"



"What's the problem then," InuTaisho chuckled," there's no harm in a little get together between our families, right? Just make the best of it between the two of you and this little rendezvous will be done before you even know it."

I sighed knowing there was no way I was going to get out of it now. The best I could do is just grin and bare it, like Tai said. I would have to keep this from Shilulu at all costs, though. With that thought I started to make idol conversation with Tai for the rest of the evening. That is until Shilulu called and demanded I come home, or else she would skin me, and make a throw rug for her floor with it…

"You what!" Shilulu screamed at five thirty Friday evening. I sighed, wishing that everything wouldn't have come down to this. In extreme stealth ninja mode, I was able to keep my little secret to myself all week, but when I realized this morning that I didn't have anything at all semi formal to wear tonight, I was reduced to asking Shilulu for help. Sadly, it was almost time for my date by the time I was able to get the courage up to ask her.

"Rin, what, in the name of the giant cookie of Ashambala, possessed you to go out on a date with the snowman from hell? That man is evil incarnate, and you agreed to go on a date with him!"

"Look, it's not a date, and I need your help so bad. And for another thing, what in the hell is the giant cookie of Ashambala?"

"Never mind that, I'm very disappointed in you Rin. I'll see what I can do for you though, 'cause I think backing out is not an option at this point. If that fucker does one thing though, one thing, I want you to get the hell out of there, and get to me, or someone else immediately. I also want your cell phone on at all times," Shilulu ranted like an over protective father. Luckily, while she was ranting, she was also leading me to the back room of the studio.



The studio did offer acting classes, though neither Shilulu nor Shippo taught them and they were only once a month, and because of that there were tons of costumes. Many of them were fantasy, or old fashioned clothes, but there was an area of up to date dresses and formal clothes. Of course, Shilulu wouldn't own a dress to save her life, and she owns very little formal men's clothes in general.

After about half an hour of shifting, and some rather creative curses featuring the cookie of Ashambala, Shilulu found five acceptable choices. One of them was what looked like a lime green bride's maid dress where the bride was feeling pretty spiteful. The second choice was something close to a black hooker dress that was very pretty, but showed off way more than I ever planned on showing. The third was a pink frothy concoction that was probably used as a princess' dress, and was too girly and formal for me. The forth was a deep blue Kimono, that had silver trimming and an obi, complete with instructions for a very elaborate hair style. Last, but not least, was a ball room dancing dress that, despite the fact it was probably a little out of style, was best suited to me. The whole dress was a cream shade, and had thin spaghetti straps at the top. I thanked the kamis that there were no ruffles, and the skirt was loose, but somewhat form-fitting. That means that I wouldn't have to worry about embarrassing myself, by knocking everything over with my skirt. I would probably find some other way to embarrass myself though…

"Alright, so you shot down three of the five choices, so now we have to make the goddamn decision between these two dresses," Shilulu spat. I sighed knowing she usually was a lot more lax with her cursing.

"Shi-Chan," I whispered, and sat down next to her on the prop trunk," You know I'm not that eager to do this either. I haven't been around a man since… Anyways, you know this isn't really going to be a walk in the park for me either. This man hates my guts, and decides that we have to spend several hours together. Really, I'd much prefer to be here, and to take off my leg brace and relax."



She gave me a suspicious look," Why would you want to take off your leg brace if you're not sleeping? Is it acting up again, and you're not telling me? Rin, you know you have to go to the doctor if it does anything a regular leg doesn't do!"

"You mean like, I don't know, move," I whispered," The thing hasn't worked right since it got butchered Shi, and you know that. Let's just get me in the white frock so I can get this over with." She obviously felt guilty for bringing up my leg, knowing how sore of a spot it was with me. I would get the damn thing amputated, but that would almost cost more than if I just got the surgery to restore it, and neither of those were an option for me right now.

Getting into the dress was a slow, painful process. The leg brace decided that the opening was too small of a hole, so I had to get Shi in there to help me get through with out ripping it to shreds.

Once we finally got me into the damn thing, we encountered another problem that made Shilulu laugh so hard it brought tears to her eyes and she fell to the floor. I kicked her because she really deserved it for being a hypocrite. It turns out that I was no where near busty enough to fill out the top, so the front hung down, despite the straps, and showed off what little cleavage I had from top to bottom. According to a laughing Shilulu, I had the equivalent chest size of a budding 13 year old. My only retort was that she was so flat she could go into a men's sauna, and never be figured out, and probably complimented on the nice six packs she had. It didn't shut her up, but it made me feel a little better.

Five minutes, and a two times larger, bubble wrap induced, chest size, latter, I was finally ready to finish my hair, and get a cab down to the Youkai's Requiem. Shilulu looked up from my hair which was almost complete," Rin, be careful in that dress, I don't want you to fall on your face and have people think gun shots are going off." I couldn't help but snort at the comment because it was pretty funny.



"Well, I have to say, this is one of the most uncomfortable things I have ever done. Remind me next time that anywhere I go formally, I will wear men's clothes, because I don't care if I embarrass who I go with, at least I can be comfortable," I huffed. The bubble wrap rubbed my nipples in a very wrong way, and I swore I would get a rash by tomorrow. If I moved around enough, you could hear the plastic shifting with my body.

I sighed knowing that this was as good as it was going to get. Looking in the mirror for a last minute inspection, I found myself blushing prettily, like I was going on my first date with my high school crush or something. There was a desperate moment of trying to wipe it off my face, for fear of ridicule, when I realized that there was no way to get rid of it because I was so nervous. Forgoing a lecture from Shilulu, I went outside, and hailed a cab to take me to hell.

Looking up at the Youkai's Requiem, I realized it looked ten times as powerful and intimidating in complete darkness. Maybe if I turned around right now and claimed that I was sick, I could get away from this mess. I bet right now, if I really wanted to, I could barf. Though, the queasiness of my stomach might have had something to do with that ability. In the back of my mind, I realized there was no way to get away, because, one way or another, Sesshomaru Takahashi was going to drag me to this dinner eventually.

Walking through the doors, I saw at least five couples waiting in line for a table. After getting through the line just to get to the podium, I realized it was the same waitress from my last visit. The look she gave me was complete and udder shock. Inside, I was highly insulted that she doubted I could clean up well, but I just gritted my teeth and got what I needed to done.



"I have a reservation for this evening. My… acquaintance should already be here," I gritted out, though it pained me to be so polite.

Shocking her out of her stupor, she was able to stutter out," Name?"

I knew this was going to be oodles of fun," Takahashi, Sesshomaru." Her eyes nearly fell out of her sockets, but she scanned her seating chart either way. If I thought she couldn't be anymore shocked tonight, I was wrong. All the color drained from her face when she realized that she was being terribly rude to her boss' guest, that the woman in front of her wasn't some crazy lunatic, and that I actually had a reservation for a table with her boss.

Somehow, she was able to step down from the desk and squeak out," Right this way. Mr. Takahashi will be very pleased to see you."

Walking through the restaurant, I realized that this place was perpetually packed. Every single table I looked at had people sitting, enjoying their meals, and talking amongst themselves. Apparently, the restaurant ran fine with or without Sesshomaru in the kitchen.



When I finally reached the table with the waitress I was stunned into shock. Sesshomaru looked even more intimidating when he was in dress clothes. He had on simple black dress slacks, a deep maroon long sleeved dress shirt, a black jacket, and his trademark scowl, that made me all the less enthusiastic about our rendezvous. As soon as I was seated, the waitress left me to my demise.

He looked me up and down, like looking for the best place to strike his prey, and I felt like I had come to the restaurant naked. It was more than a little intimidating, and a little voice in the back of my mind was screaming for me to get out of this situation before something awful happened.

I shoved that voice back and decided to start the torture," Good evening, Takahashi-san. Thank you for inviting me to dinner, it was too kind of you, and I should be the one doing this to thank you."

"Hnn…," was his intellectual reply, as he glanced down at the menu, for lack of better things. How rude! I just thanked him, and he can't even rustle up enough energy to say, at the very least, You're Welcome! What was with this prick I had to deal with?

The waitress returned a moment latter for our drink orders. Before I could even respond, he dictated like a drill sergeant," I would like one bottle of our best imported red wine, preferably the 1993, if at all possible. Also, I would like some unagi rolls and fugu. "



As the waitress nodded, and scurried off, I exploded," Excuse me! Would you let me put a say in next time! For all you know, I could be allergic to red wine and seafood, or not be able to drink liquor at all."

He raised an eyebrow," Can you drink alcohol? Next time you should speak up if you have something to say. It's not my fault at all."

"I can, but I really don't like to. Drinking with people I don't know very well makes me nervous," I stuttered. Realizing what I said, I nearly banged my head on the table. Admitting something like that might have inspired him to try it out. I would probably just have to watch very carefully how much I drank, and how it tasted. I may trust Sesshomaru's family, but that sure as hell didn't mean I trusted him.

We looked over the menu in silence, not knowing what to say to each other now that we had stopped arguing. I decided I would just get some Tonkatsu and call it a night. I didn't feel very adventurous tonight, and trying something that wasn't traditionally from Japan was a little more risky than I felt like. I also knew that this was probably the last time I would ever eat in such a high class, and expensive, restaurant as this, so I should try one of my favorite dishes while I was here.

Once I put my menu down, I felt like the most awkward person in the world. What was there to say, now that we had exhausted arguments and embarrassing details? This was going to be such a nightmare, because I knew he wasn't going to say anything, so that meant I would have to initiate the conversation.

"So, what got you so interested in cooking? I doubt that you are the type of person who just follows in the footsteps of family business," I said as I swished my red wine around the crystal glass. Utter silence followed.

Then, surprisingly, he spoke," I was taught by my father at a very young age. Shortly after all my lessons with him progressed, my mother got a divorce from him. After that, all I did was cook." He seemed very displeased with himself for saying that. I guess whatever wound I caused him, ran deeper than most.

I hesitantly whispered," Shouldn't you have gone with your mother? Most courts usually grant custody to the female."

He glared at me," Of course my father got custody of me. He is InuTaisho Takahashi, owner of the Youkai's Requiem, one of the most well known restaurants in Japan for its culinary expertise. There would be no question of who would take me on, the famous chef with lots of money and need for and heir, or the high bred demoness who he married as a business match? Though my mother is formidable beyond what a human like you could comprehend, she doesn't have the same money my father inherited, then quadrupled." I understood now. His parents divorced, and he cooked out of misery. It just became a norm for him to show his emotions through the art of his food.



Silence reined again as we stopped talking. It was then that the waitress returned a second time, bringing the fugu and unagi. Suddenly, I remembered something I had forgotten in our earlier argument. As I scooted away, the waitress placed the platters on the table and took both our orders. He decided to go for Fukagawa-meshi.

"You ordered fugu? Are you nuts? That stuff is poisonous," I squeaked. I'd heard tales on how people had died of fugu poisoning from ill prepared plates.

He smirked and picked up a piece," I prepared this myself only this afternoon. Fugu is a delicacy when prepared correctly, and is meant as a warning to others that you are fearless. You can not just buy and serve fugu, you know. You must learn under a licensed fugu chef, like my father, for two years, and then go through several examinations. Frequent inspections for quality and safety are done by the health department, and it is thoroughly monitored for who is buying. I was tested by Muraki Keizo-san, one of the big name Public Health Bureau workers, himself. I didn't expect you to try it anyway."

He continued smirking as he ate the thin strip. It infuriated me he would be so cocky. With careless abandon, I picked up a piece, and without looking, chewed and swallowed. It was actually fantastic. I had expected something akin to the lutefisk (An: pronounced lud-a-fisck. A Scandinavian dish of dried cod, preserved in potash lye, then skinned, boned, and boiled. It's the nastiest thing on earth!) that Shilulu had once forced me to eat unknowingly, but the flavor was some of the finest that I had ever tasted.



However, I was much more satisfied with the look on Sesshomaru's face when I ate it. He resembled a fish out of water with his eyes wide, and mouth slightly open. The look was only there for a second before he composed himself, but I still saw it, and I was still satisfied. I helped myself to another piece of the fugu, and then sampled the unagi rolls. Unagi certainly wasn't my favorite for sushi, but with a little wasabi and soy sauce, I was one happy camper. Surprisingly, now that we were both eating, it wasn't as awkward, and I had a slight hope that I would be able to get out of this get together relatively unscarred.

"Why do you work as a pastry chef?"

The question was so sudden; I nearly fell out of my chair. Did Sesshomaru, just actually ask me a personal question? I was tempted to ask him if he was delusional or sick, or look around to see if hells minions were swooping around outside with the coming of the apocalypse. Despite all odds, my mouth disobeyed me, and I answered.

"It's the only memory of my parents that I have left. My mother was the one who taught me how to cook, and I have tons of fond memories of getting dirty in the kitchen with her. She would be happy to see that I carried on doing what she loved best," I said quietly. I didn't look up from my unagi because I didn't want to see whatever his reaction was. It didn't matter anyways.

We were in silence the rest of our time, until Sesshomaru started doing some pretty scary growling. All the people around us were looking at us funnily, and I was blushing an amazing shade of red. I looked 

around franticly to see what he was growling at, and was more than a little surprised to see him looking murderously at InuTaisho, who was brining out our order.

"Good evening both of you. How's everything been so far on such a lovely night? No arguments or homicidal missions I hope," he chuckled, and set Sesshomaru's plate down. As soon as he did so, Sesshomaru's hand shot up and grabbed Tai's neck, his claws dangerously close to a vein. No one seemed to notice the commotion.

Sess hissed, "How dare you lie to me father. I hope you have some good explanations for this slight to my honor and your own."

I was amazed to see the humor and warmth drain from Tai's eyes and face for the first time. He looked as cold as Sesshomaru regularly, and I suddenly knew where he had gotten that trade mark stone statue look from. Tai's hand discretely snatched Sess' hand and twisted it back unnaturally, while cuffing Sess across the head.

"You know better than to talk to your alpha that way, you ungrateful whelp," Tai's eyes then turned to me, and the warmth returned, yet I couldn't shake my own fears, and silent shivers, "I hope you both enjoy your dinners. I cooked each especially the way I hoped you would like them. You made a fantastic choice, Rin. The Tonkatsu is one of the best dishes we serve here. And, by the way Sesshomaru, your mother canceled on me and is spending the night at the Higurashi shrine. Enjoy your dinner." He left, and I 

shivered again in his wake. I understood now why some people feared that man. The look on his face and lack of compassion was a startling opposite to the cheery, over zealous, family man that I had come to know as something of a father figure. He was not a person to toy around with.

Dinner became another silent affair, and I was led to believe that Sesshomaru was too busy contemplating being reprimanded by his father to notice I was still here. Once I was done, I needed to go to the bathroom, because I could feel the dress slipping slightly, and I was terrified that the bubble wrap wasn't going to hold, as well as the need to go causing me to fidget and making a lot of noise with the wrap. Just as I was about to slip away, InuTaisho showed up all smiles, and came to ask us how dinner was. Of all the awful times…

"So how was the dinner? I wasn't sure if this was your first time her, Rin, so the staff made extra lengths to make sure everything was perfect," he smiled. I returned the gesture, but when I fidgeted again, I was terrified to feel some of the bubbles snag on the zipper. If I made any move, I was sure the bubbles would pop, and with two demons right next to me with more than adequate hearing, that would be the most embarrassing moment of my life.

I would have to make a run for it, "Excuse me gentlemen, but I really need to visit the lady's room, and…" It was too late. The bubbles snagged, and then a loud sickening series of pops was heard. I could feel the dress trying to fall, so I grabbed my purse and ran. What I didn't notice was the sheet that had had all the bubbles on it fell to the floor, and right at InuTaisho's feet. I did notice, however, when I came back that 

Tai was laughing hysterically, and saying something about not all women being graced with curves before leaving.

My face was flaming, and I decided, enough was enough for the night. I had already had my share of fun, adventure, and embarrassment for the night.

"Thank you for the excellent meal tonight, Sesshomaru. I'm afraid it's getting late though, and I really need to get home. I'll just pay for my portion and-" He cut me off before I could finish.

"There is no need for you to pay, we own this restaurant, and it won't hurt for us to have one meal. Consider this a thank you for the breakfast's."

I felt bad, but then again, this was the jerk who had constantly insulted me for being human. Maybe just this once, I would indulge, and not be a nice person. Don't nice guys finish last anyway?

I smiled, "Thank you then. I was glad I came this evening. I had a wonderful time, and I hope to see you and your family again soon. I'll walk myself out."



Before I could get two steps, he grabbed my arm and sighed, "Next Saturday morning at seven, I am going to be preparing for a large and important group of dignitaries dinners. I am understaffed that evening, and I don't have anyone to do the desert. Could I… ask your assistance in the matter of having it arranged that morning? It will only be you in the kitchen, and I will be in my office."

For what felt like the thousandth time that night, I was stunned. I answered before I even really thought, "Sure. I'll be here around six forty five. Good evening Sesshomaru and thank you." I left before I could change my mind. I decided to just go home, take a bath, and get to bed. The thought of going back to Shilulu's just seemed to weigh my mind down, and depress me.

Later that night when I was lying in bed, I wondered if Sesshomaru was lonely. Knowing now, what I didn't know then made me respect him a bit more. Maybe he really wasn't a bad guy, just like I had thought at first. He was still one of the biggest assholes on the face of the planet, but one that may just be tolerable, and worth being around. With that I fell asleep, unaware of the call coming to change my life.

Just as a note here are some explinations on the dinners they ordered:

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a deep-fried pork cutlet rolled in breadcrumbs

Fukagawa-meshi (Tokyo)

Fukagawa-meshi is a popular dish in downtown Tokyo. Shelled clams and leeks are cooked in miso and then served on a bowl of rice together with the soup. In fukagawa-meshi cooked with fat clams in season (spring), the flavor of the stock from the clams mixed with miso creates a distinct, delicious taste. It is hard to imagine now, but the Fukagawa area once flourished as a fishing town and clams were abundant at the mouth of the Sumida-gawa River. Some restaurants in this area still offer fukagawa-meshi, so if you notice a sign for one while walking around downtown, share the experience enjoyed by those in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

Fugu- Puffer fish

These all were from a website called JNTO website. The Japan National Tourist Organization. You really should check it out sometime if you want true facts on things that happen in Japan. I should have the link on my homepage if you want to visit it. Check it out!

Also, Muraki Keizo is a real person. He is head of the department I mentioned, and does test students for fugu chef licences. All the stuff I said was reaserched and is acurate and up to date. I really want to try fugu...