The visual of Rin's dress and jewelry are posted on my blog. Have a look if you so choose.

Stronger

Chapter Nine – Drama Be Thy Name

"Back through the ages of barbarism and civilization, in all tongues, we find this instinctive pleasure in the imitative action that is the very essence of all drama." – George P. Baker

It's been about a month already since the courtship started and so far no one outside of me, Kirara, Shippo, Sesshomaru, and his immediate friends know about it. Mouths are kept shut under my strict orders to do so. I don't want the secret getting out just yet. I want to keep it under the table for as long as possible. I already know what would happen if word was to get out about this. I don't need the extra stress put on my shoulders at the moment. I just want serene peace, is that too much to ask for?

Lying back on my couch, I looked up at the ceiling, arms folded over my stomach counting the dots. I've been like this for the last hour trying to figure out how in the FUCK I'm going to make it through tonight; one of the biggest nights of the year…Homecoming. Fuck. My. Life, to infinity.

I promised Kagome and Sango that I would go so I can't back out now, but you see the problem is that Sesshomaru is going to be there and I don't need him going over protective guard dog mode on me again. The last time he did that, Jiro almost lost his neck because his eyes lingered on me for a little bit too long. That had caused some suspensions but it was easy to falter those. But tonight; yeah no not so easy. If he has another outburst like that, our cover is blown and the ENTIRE FUCKING SCHOOL WILL KNOW! I can't live with that on my conscience. Let alone go to school and show my face again.

I slumped down in my seat again. Kirara is supposed to come over at any moment now to help me with my hair and make-up; she's going to lend me some jewelry as well since I don't really keep any. And that is strictly by choice.

A sudden knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. It's Kirara, right on schedule.

Getting up from the couch, I walked over to the door and pulled it opened.

"Hey Rin," Kirara chirped, "you ready to get started?"

"Yes so that I can get this over with as quickly as possible." I said moving to the side to let her into the apartment.

…

Kirara walked over the threshold and I shut the door behind her. She looked around for a moment like she was assessing the living room. The hell? Is there something in here we're going to need?

"This will do perfectly," Kirara said happily.

"What will do what perfectly," I asked walking into the living room and sitting on the couch again.

"The living room, I can set up in here," she said sitting down the large duffle bag I had not noticed she was carrying before just now. What the hell is in there? "That way we have more room so I can get you ready."

"You're overly excited about this aren't you?" I asked raising a brow.

"Ecstatic," Kirara said unzipping the bag and pulling out a shit load of stuff. I didn't know you needed so much to do hair and make-up but okay…

"Kirara, what the hell is all that?" I asked when I saw what looked like a fucking rolling pin. W.T.F dude; W.T.F?

"Oh these are all my hair products," Kirara said moving back a bit so I can see all that was lined up on the floor. Maybe I should have just gone to Kagome's house to get ready with her and Sango instead of calling Kirara. Oh well, can't back out now; let's just get this over and done with.

"Alright then let's get this over with," I said as I rose from my seat on the couch.

"To the kitchen you go," she said picking up two very large bottles. This girl is a hair care FREAK! No wonder her hair is so shinny and what not. Well, let's get this show on the road so that it's over sooner than later.

I followed Kirara into the kitchen and stood to the side as she started the water. I didn't say to wash my hair! I did that earlier!

"C'mon, pull that ponytail out and get under the water," she said waving me over with a flick of her wrists.

I growled – which was creepy – as I jerked the hair tie out of my hair then walked over to the sink and stuck my head under the water. I could feel Kirara's hands instantly running through my hair then cold gooey crap hitting my head. Suddenly my head started jerking back and forth. Kami is she trying to snap my head off?

"Uh Kir," I said spitting out some water, "could you not do that, you're rattling my brain."

"Oh, sorry," she said; I instantly felt her slow down and take it slower than before. Now this is relaxing.

Five minutes later, the water stopped hitting my head and Kirara's hands untangled themselves from within the raven coloured tresses; ringing out all the access water.

"Where do you keep your towels?" Kirara asked.

"First closet on the left," I said without lifting my head. I'm not trying to be soaked with water.

…

A few seconds later I felt something being dropped on top of my head and my wet hair being wrapped up. I sat up straight, my back now sore from having to bend over that damn sink. Thank Kami she didn't decide to use the bathtub; I'd really be in trouble then.

"Let's get you dried off then into your dress." Kirara said leading me out of the kitchen to the living room. I was pushed down into the living room chair before I could blink. I looked up at Kirara as she picked through her things then found what she was looking for; a blow dryer. She plugged the thing up then unwrapped my hair from the towel.

"I was at work earlier and Sesshomaru stopped by," Kirara said as she ran a comb through my hair as it was being blown dry by the dryer in her other hand.

"What'd he say," I asked raising a brow.

"He asked if you were still going to Homecoming," Kirara said. She sounds way too happy about this. There's something going on that she's not telling me and I demand to know right fucking now, dammit! "I assured him that I would have you there without a doubt. Have you received gift two yet?"

"Yes, it's the dress I'm wearing tonight," I said tilting my head to the side to give her access to the strands by my ear. "I just don't know how he could have possibly known my size. It fits like a glove."

"That's the thing about youkai men who are courting," Kirara said wisely. "They somehow know everything about the woman they're in courtship with; shoe size, pants size, dress size, bra size, the works."

"Hold on there, you did NOT just say bra did you," I asked looking up at her through my peripheral vision. If he knows my bra size, I hate to see what gift three might possibly be…bad thoughts, bad thoughts, bad thoughts, lingerie will make me deny, deny, DENY in a heartbeat. Uh-uh, not happening.

"Yes, I did," Kirara said clicking off the blow dryer. Then she saw the look on my face and laughed. "Don't worry, that is saved for AFTER you're mated. It won't be so embarrassing then."

"I am officially creeped out now," I said shuttering.

"Don't worry about it," Kirara said patting me on the shoulder, "you'll be fine when you get used to it. It takes a while but you'll be comfortable in the long run."

"You speak for yourself," I said rolling my eyes as she made me stand up.

"I mean it," Kirara said. "You're going to be fine; especially since you're mating Sesshomaru Takahashi."

"Don't remind me," I said stretching out.

"Oh don't be a sour puss, Rin" Kirara laughed then grabbed my shoulders then turned me towards my bedroom. "Go get dressed and bring your ass back here so we can get your hair and make-up done."

I scowled at her then walked down the hall to my bedroom. Closing the door behind me, I shed my cami and shorts to be replaced with the white floor-length one shouldered dress that was lying on my bed. Careful not to let it snag on anything, I pulled the dress on then smoothed it out.

It's long and flowing at the bottom and tight at the bust. On the left side there are jewels embroided into it showing off part of my side. It's sexy but I look like I'm going to the fucking Oscars or something of that nature. But then again the theme of Homecoming this year is 'Night at the Grammy's' and I have to give Sesshomaru credit. He has amazing taste; if he was even the one who picked out the dress in the first place.

…

Well, guess I had better get back out to Kirara so that she can do my hair. I really hope that she knows what she wants to do with it already and not have me sitting there for the next two hours playing with my hair.

I walked back into the living room to see Kirara on the phone. When she heard me come in, she dropped it on the floor and stared at me like a gapping fish. I could hear who I figured was Shippo on the phone yelling trying to get her attention. It's not working bud.

"Er Kir, are you alright?" I asked; she just kept staring at me like a damn gapping fish. Is there something wrong? Does the dress really look that horrible on me?

"Rin, you look…" she started then stopped. I look what? Horrible? Ugly? Spit it out woman.

"Kir," I said cocking my head to the side.

"AMAZING!" she shouted throwing her arms up in the air. "I had no idea you had all those curves on you. You never show them that much!"

"Well," I said scratching the back of my head, "I was never really concerned about it."

"You should be," she said grabbing my arm and making me sit down in the chair again. Then I felt the towel being wrapped around my shoulders. "Sit back and relax Rin, you're in good hands. I already know what I want to do with your hair."

"I was hoping that you would say that," I said leaning back in my seat as she started running a comb through my hair.

I had to sit completely still while she was doing my hair. I felt her pulling like she was putting it into a ponytail and something being slid over the tail. I tried to look up and see what she was doing but there were pieces of loose hair in my face which made it extremely hard to see. I really wanna know what she's going.

It was a couple seconds later that the loose hair was pulled out of my face and braided into a rope. I felt her wrapping around whatever she was putting into my hair and I peeked back to see. But I couldn't see anything. Dammit.

"There, your hair is all done," she said after putting a jeweled hair tie on my hair. Then she put a mirror in my face. "Take a look."

I looked in the mirror and saw the mega large bun that was sitting on the middle of my head, the braids circling it. "Wow, it looks great!"

"I'm glad that you like it," Kirara said picking up a bag that I figured held the make-up. "Now put that mirror down and sit back so I can do your make-up." I was right.

…

Putting the mirror down, I leaned back in the chair again and closed my eyes. I felt the brush she had been holding brushing across my cheeks lightly. It kind of tickled.

I could swear she took forever when she announced that she was finally finished. Opening my eyes, I had to blink to get readjusted to the lighting in the room from having my eyes closed for only Kami knows how long.

"Take a look," Kirara said putting a mirror in my face. Oh my Kami. What the hell did this cat do? I don't look like me anymore!

"Kirara, who the hell is this staring back at me in the mirror," I asked looking up at her. She just started laughing. Hmmm, well I can kind of see the joke in it. But I'm serious, what the fuck has she done to me?

"That's what you look like when you actually dress up, Rin," she said as she packed her things back in the bag she had with her then grabbing a box. "Here, the jewelry I said I'd lend to you is in here. Hurry, put it on, and I'll give you a ride to your school. It's fifteen to eight. And you wouldn't want to walk in heels now would you?"

"Um, hell no," I said shaking my head.

"Then get that on and your shoes then we'll head out of here," she said taking her bag to the door. "Do you have your ID with you?"

"In my purse," I said putting on the earrings that were in the box. Not only do I look like I'm some celebrities wife in this dress – no I'm not I know what you're thinking – but with all this added jewelry, it's making me look richer. I'm starting to rethink going to homecoming tonight but I did promise Sango and Kagome that I would go so I can't back out. On top of that, Sesshomaru will be looking for me. Damn me and making all these damn promises!

"Alright, let's get you to your school," Kirara said lifting her bag over her shoulder.

"No better time to get this over with than the present," I said picking up the silver sling shot heels that were sitting by the door and pulling them on.

Kirara passed me my purse then we both left the apartment, me locking the door behind us. When we walked into the hallway, I was greeted by Miroku leaving his apartment as well. When he saw me he whistled.

"Wow Rin, you look great," he said pressing the button to the elevator.

"Well thank you," I said smiling a little. Miroku's a nice guy. A bit of a flirt but a nice guy nonetheless. "You clean up well yourself."

He smiled as the elevator opened and stepped in. Kirara and I followed shortly after. Once all three of us were inside, the doors closed and we started the slow descend to the first floor.

"So Miroku," Kirara said – yes they know who each other are, "how are you getting to the dance?"

"Well I was actually going to walk since the school isn't that far away," Miroku said shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Nonsense, why don't you ride with Rin and I?" Kirara said shifting the bag on her shoulder. Oh yes, this so will raise suspicions. Just what I need right now…not! "I'm dropping her off at the school and Sesshomaru is taking her home afterwards."

"It beats walking," Miroku said as the doors to the elevator opened.

"Well then let's get a move on," I said as we walked through the lobby. Every single guy that was in the lobby was staring at me! And so were the females. "I don't want to be ogled at all night."

Kirara took notice of everyone staring directly at me then nodded her head grabbing my arm and speeding up her pace. Quickly we exited the apartment building and walked over to her car. Thankfully she parked close by the doors.

I quickly ducked into the front seat and shut the door behind me. Miroku climbed into the back and Kirara got into the driver's seat after putting her bag in the back with Miroku. Within a twenty second window, Kirara had the car started then took off driving down the road towards the school.

…

I think I'm gonna pass out. I didn't know that there were this many kids at Hibiya high this year. The fucking gym is packed. There's barely any room to breathe let alone move. I kind of regret agreeing to go this year; I should have just stayed home and watched movies.

"Rin!"

I can just barely hear it but someone is calling my name. Turning, I looked to see Sango and Kagome rushing to my side. Well don't they look pretty?

"Wow, I love your dress," Sango screeched beaming at me. "Where did you get it?"

"Internet," I lied. I can't exactly tell her that Sesshomaru bought it as a courting gift. That will just open the door for the drama to walk through, smile at me, and say 'Hi, how ya doin'?'

"I love it, it's beautiful," Kagome said loud enough for us to hear, smiling. "Very Oscars, ya know?"

"You have no idea," I said raising the tempo of my voice laughing a little. "And your dresses are beautiful too!"

Kagome twirled around, the skirt of her short dress spiraling out around her. "I know, mom helped me pick it out. It's great right?"

"I'll say," Sango said loudly as she began laughing; her hand resting on her exposed hip. "I dig it."

I was going to say something else before shouting was heard all throughout the gym as Like A G6 started playing.

"Oh Kami," Sango snapped rolling her eyes. "I really hate this song."

"Tell me about it," Kagome yelled placing her hands over her ears. "It's annoying as hell."

"You can say that again," I yelled over the music folding my arms over my chest. "And by them moving like that is just making it hotter and hotter in here. They do know that this is a pretty crowded place right?"

"Obviously not," Sango shouted.

"You can say that again," Kagome yelled stomping her foot on the floor.

It's going to be a long fucking night.

I've been here for only an hour and already guys are pulling at me to come dance with them. I'm trying to be nice and turn them down without hurting their feelings but if they keep pushing it I'm going to snap.

"Hey Rin," another male voice called.

I know that voice. Fuck my life it's Bankotsu. He's been trying to get me for the last month now! Can't he take a hint? I DON'T LIKE YOU! Do I have to spell that out in fucking fireworks or something? Because I will if I must.

"Yes Bankotsu," I said with an exasperated sigh when he was standing right next to me, "is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually I was wondering if you would like to dance now," Bankotsu said rubbing the back of his neck.

Did he not get it the first twenty times he asked me? You know what, I'll just humour him. "Sure why not?"

…

Before I could even think about blinking, he grabbed my hand and pulled me out onto the dance floor. Careful there buddy, you leave a bruise and you'll be hearing from my intended stupid. It's not a very wise idea for you to do something like that. Big dummy.

He stopped in the middle of the dance floor where there was enough space for the both of us and placed his arms around me. He tried to pull me in close to him but I kept him a good arms length away. I do NOT want to hear anything from anyone about me and Bankotsu being together. He's already going around the school saying that we were supposed to go out sometime soon. As if that is ever going to happen; you can keep dreaming Bankotsu.

"You look pretty," he said smiling at me. Do you brush bud? Because I swear your breath will kill me if you do that again. It smells like a rotting corpse; gross! "I like your dress."

"Thanks," I said scrunching my nose up in disgust.

I felt his hand tighten on my back and yelped a little. Are you trying to bruise me?

"My suggestion would be that you get your hands off her."

Oh fuck my life. Why? Why? WHY? Sesshomaru I told you not to get all over protective on me again! The last time you did that it almost blew the secret!

"My intended is not to be touched."

Then the music stopped. Fuck my life. The… hmmm in this case would this be a dog? Yup, it would definitely be a dog. The dog is out of the fucking bag. Everyone is going to know about this. Way to go jackass.

"Your what," Bankotsu said letting go of me then turning to face Sesshomaru. To say that he was scared would be an understatement. Bankotsu was completely mortified at the sight of Sesshomaru standing there.

"You heard what I said now back away from her slowly or I'll gut you where you stand," he said coolly. How he can just stand there and make that kind of promise – yes it's a promise I've learned not to call them threats over the last month – to Bankotsu is astounding. Does he not realize what he has done?

It was then that everyone started to surround us. I suddenly felt hands on my shoulders and turned to see that it was Kagome and Sango standing on either side of me. FUCK!

"Your intended as in demon mating," Bankotsu said. Kami kill me now! Just strike me dead where I stand! "You and Rin? Nuh uh, no way in hell is that true…is it?"

It was then that everyone turned to look at me. I can feel the lump forming in my throat. Do I lie? Or do I just let the truth be known since I know for a fact that it's going to come out sooner or later. This is going to be hard and I am definitely going to regret this later.

"Rin is what they're saying true?" It was Kagome that asked. I could tell that she sounded confused and hurt at the same time.

"It's true," I said with a sigh.

That's when I was thrown off my feet. If it hadn't been for Sesshomaru catching me, I swear I would have met the ground. Looking up, I saw both Sango's arms stretched out in my direction. I knew it would come to this.

"You're the intended mate of a youkai," Sango shouted. "You know I don't accept that."

"It's not my fucking fault Sango," I said as Sesshomaru helped me back to my feet. I could feel my face flushing red with anger. "You act like I planned for this to happen."

"It's not your fault but you couldn't tell us? How do we know you didn't plan this from the start?" Kagome asked folding her arms over her chest.

"Are you fucking serious?" I asked cocking a brow. "I didn't tell you because I knew that this was how you bitches were going to act. And do you honestly think that I would do something like this on purpose? Are you out of your damn minds?"

"We're not, but obviously you are," Sango said rolling her eyes. "And from now on, I don't want to speak to you ever again. Don't even think about attempting to talk to me or you'll meet my knuckles, got it?"

"Same goes for me," Kagome added.

"If you're going to act that way then so be it," I said turning my back. "This just goes to show how true of friends you two really were. C'mon Sesshomaru, take me home."

"Gladly, Ayame, InuYasha, Kouga, Miroku, let's go," he said as we all made our way out of the gym.

…

I can't believe those two. They really just turned their backs on me like this? I mean I knew they would be upset but for them to turn their backs on me? Exactly how much of a fucking ingrate can you be? As many times as I was there for them throughout their hardships, their struggles and they do this to me? I have really got to start picking out better friends.

"Don't worry about them," Sesshomaru whispered looking down at me, his arm secured around my waist. "If they cannot accept what fate has intended then you do not need people like them in your life."

I nodded but I couldn't help the tear that started rolling down my cheeks. They were my best friends but they turned their backs on me just like that.

Anonymous Acknowledgments

jinulover: Well thank you love!

18: I thought it was sweet too lol, thanks love! Here's that update.

For the Love: Here you go!

17: Drama is here. And this is only the start!

Son Goku: Thank you! Here's another update!

Luna: The drama has been released from its cage!

Serenity: Lol, well thank you! Here's another for ya!

Anna Sakura: Here's that update for ya! Hope you enjoy!

Son Gohan: Well thank you hon! I appreciate it!

Sessh x Rin: Well thank you!

Moon Princess: Yup, gift one accepted as well as gift two and the drama has been unleashed!

NeoQueenSerenity: Awww thank you honey!

Drizzy Baby: Me either, it would suck big time!

Mary J: I think that everyone was happy she went through with it but I don't think Rin is too happy anymore! Thank you love!

Kikyou-sama: Haha, I said the same thing!

Annalise: Yes it sure does have meaning lol.

Sesshomaru-sama: Yeah but I think Rin would disagree after this chapter! LOL, thank you!

Jolie: You've gotten just a little taste of the drama in this chapter. It gets worse as the story goes on. Thanks love.

Kaneko: The drama came! LOL, thanks hon. I appreciate the review.

Roxxy: Here's an update for you.

Sesshy Baby: I'm glad I could give you something to do lol. Thanks love.

(): I continued! Enjoy!

Trunks: The drama came faster than a speeding bullet!

Random Reviewer: I agree with you. I wouldn't wanna give up my basically immortal life but that all depends. I guess I would have to live the situation – and we know that will never happen – for me to honestly make that decision. Thank you for the review! Greatly appreciated.

Well we're about a fourth of the way through this story. It's going to be quite long. I thought it was only gonna reach thirty chapters at first but now it looks like it's gonna go into the forties so I'll be writing this one for a while. Anyways, all the reviews you guys give are greatly appreciated. I love you all!