Disclaimers on everything that I don't own.

Chaptire 10,

By Winterwing3000

They just sat there, their beverages sitting in front of them untouched. Sesshomaru stared down at Rin with expressionless eyes as she clenched and unclenched her hands on her lap.

So many questions ran through her mind, yet no words came through her lips. Even though she agreed to talk and even decided that she has some things to ask him, Rin suddenly felt uncertain. She spoke out without thinking it through and made a hasty decision without knowing the possible outcomes. Then again, this has always been one of her weak points as a person, not a writer. Slowly, she analyzed this situation as one of her short stories, or rather, a series novel in the making.

She shouldn't ask directly, maybe a more indirect approach. Even if they went out once, it doesn't mean that they were together, there were feelings to expect and relations to secure. Rin didn't wish to diminish her current friendly relationship between her boss and herself. She bit her lip; she'd never get into these situations when she had InuYasha with her…

"Speak your mind, Miss Rin. It would be unwise for the both of us to leave here with doubts and questions left unanswered." Sesshomaru said blandly.

Sighing, Rin nodded. "I'd like to know… where do we stand exactly? You were previously engaged and have been distant ever since. Am I merely a replacement or am I just an employee you're interested in knowing better?"

The inuyoukai leant back in his chair. "Where do we stand is not for me to decide, Miss Rin. It is where you feel most comfortable and I shall respect your decision and explanation. And no, you're not a replacement. My fiancée was her own person, even though you both are very much alike physically speaking and you are a different person than she. Sara was Sara. You are Rin. Also, yes, perhaps I am interested in knowing you better." A small glint shone in his eye.

Taken aback by his forwardness, a tiny smile crept upon her lips. "I see. Then I'm very much interested in getting to know you as well, Mr. Sesshomaru. And thank you for answering my questions. But I was wondering, can you answer one more question for me?"

"Of course."

""How will this be explained to the public? Especially the paparazzi? I don't really mind how they see us, but it is somewhat disturbing to see myself on the paper just for idle gossip." She frowned.

"If you would like, I can arrange a meeting interview with the paparazzi so that I can introduce you nation-wide to the American population and you may most likely be asked many questions then about the rumors between us. It is your choice in how to answer them." He answered.

"Hm… I do hope that it'll clear the rumors and falsehood. Unless they misinterpret us even more and twist it into some fairytale for public earnings." She said wryly.

Silence fell again and they quietly drank from their cups. Rin continued to stare at her cup of red liquid. The ripples of tea still as she set it down, a final though in her mind. Steeling herself, the writer asked, "Can you tell me what she was like? Ms. Sara that is. But, you don't have to; I'm just being really nosy and-."

"…One would say that she was charming and beautiful on the outside, but completely the opposite within. But one must never judge a book by its cover, correct?" he said, looking out the window. She nodded mutely with understanding.

"She wrote under a pseudonym. As you've probably know by now from the paper, she was from China and her writing was also published within my company. She has written for three years before I knew her…" a distant gleam shone in his eyes. And a cell phone's ring disturbed his monologue. Rin checked her pockets and found that it wasn't her call.

Sesshomaru answered his cell and stood up. "Unfortunately, I'll have to cut this meeting short. The office requires my presence."

"Ah… well, don't let me keep you, Mr. Sesshomaru. But thank you… for talking to me and settling my worries." She said with a slight smile. She proceeded to get up from her own chair and held out a hand to shake with him.

Sesshomaru slipped his larger hand into hers. "It was my pleasure. However, I have one final request. Would you like to join me for a brief visit to the Empire State Building tomorrow night? I have a short conference in the late afternoon and I could give you a short tour around downtown afterwards, and have some dinner. Unless you have earlier plans?"

Rin's caramel eyes lit up. "Oh, if it doesn't bother you too much! Thank you so much, Mr. Sesshomaru! Um, what time would be most convenient?"

"Near 5 in the evening should be fine. Should I pick you up or are you able to come to the building yourself?"

"I'll be able to get there myself, thanks. Well, I'll see you tomorrow then. Till then, Mr. Sesshomaru! Bye!" she smiled brightly and hastened out the café's door.

Sesshomaru left a tab and went out as well. Things were indeed becoming very interesting.

"Goddamnit!" Inuyasha snarled. "What the hell do you mean that there are no available spots? This is an EMERGENCY! I'm not going on a damn vacation you bastard!" he slammed his hand on the counter top, startling the woman.

"Sir, please calm down or I'll have to call security for your disturbance. And I'm sorry, but there are no more seats open for New York or even America until later this month. People are traveling these days and they've pre-booked their flight tickets." The attendant reasoned, her knees shaking as the hanyou's face suddenly shot in front of hers.

"Give me a damn flight ticket or you won't be coming back here tomorrow once I talk this through with your boss!" he hissed, eyes turning slightly red. All of a sudden, he was pulled away from the counter. Izayoi stepped from behind her son, an apologetic expression on her face.

"I'm sorry for the way he's acting, but please, are there any spots available on any plane that would be either connected or flied directly to America?" the mother said, shooing her son away.

The attendant breathed a sigh of relief. She smiled nervously, "I'm sure that you've heard ma'am, but all flights are booked and even the second class seats are full."

"Then perhaps next week? Surely not every flight is booked. Please, check closer? There's truly an emergency." She said, a gentle smile on her lips. "And price isn't really a matter."

"Um… well, there is one flight, first class seats on triple A. But I might recommend you to wait another three weeks, when the travelers clear up. The price is ridiculous, even if I have to say so myself." The woman said to Izayoi.

"It's fine. I'll take one. Oh," Izayoi bit her lip and bent closer to the airport worker, "Could you please help me book another flight also to America on a different day, perhaps two weeks or so after?"

"Sure thing. That would be xxx yen please. Thank you for your service. The information regarding the flights is attached on the ticket." The woman handed Izayoi two packets, Izayoi thanked her and left the growing line with Inuyasha in tow, grumbling while glaring at the attendant, who gulped and turned back to her work.

The mother and son walked through the automatic doors, into the busy bus station and pick up stop of people with bags of luggage.

As they walked over to Inuyasha's parked car, Izayoi looked regretfully at the second ticket and let out a mute sigh, quickly pocketing into her handbag. She turned to her son, her wise eyes saddened. "Inuyasha." She said softly.

"Uh, yeah?" the silver-head hanyou turned to his mother. "What's it?"

"Are you sure that this is what you should be doing? Kagome should have some real explanation before you leave her so suddenly." She reminded him. "And of Rin. Don't you think that there's a reason why she left all of a sudden? You shouldn't rush head on into these kinds of things Inuyasha."

"What am I supposed to do? Sit back on my ass and wait for Rin to get hurt by that bastard? And I know Rin better than anyone else. Which is why I need an answer! Either she comes back to me or I go get her back." He said steely.

"Inuyasha… have you ever thought of what Rin thought of your relationship with Kagome?"

"What?" puzzlement was written all over his face. "Rin… she was happy when she saw Kagome with me. She's always smiling seeing us… why are you asking me these stupid questions? I'm going to get Rin back here and that's it! You know that she's important to me! She's the only one who… who…" Inuyasha was lost at words.

"Saw you for you, loved you for you and was always there when you needed her." Izayoi said comfortingly, placing her hand on his trembling arm. "She gave you the security of being who you are now, didn't she, Inuyasha? Rin touched a spot inside of you that you've kept secret and away from others."

"But you also opened up to Kagome, trusting her enough with your secrets and allowed her to hold onto your heart. And now, Rin is gone, Kagome is heartbroken. You've lost two of the most important people to you. But… you can only choose one Inuyasha. The one who loves you or the one who you love."

Inuyasha grabbed the towel off the rack, water dripping everywhere from his wet hair. Throwing on some slacks, he proceeded to dry his platinum mane, heedless of the steam trapped in the room.

Soon, he tossed that aside and stared at the fogged up mirrors. Opening one of the side mirrors, he took out a comb and closed it. The three clouded glass panes stared back at him, slowly unveiling as the steam disappeared. When they cleared up, he saw his reflection, all three of them starring back at him with muddled golden eyes.

He imagined Rin, his best friend, his only friend, the girl who always held him as her first priority, the girl who always gave him the comfort he needed, the ear to listen, the shoulder to lean on, on the right side. Kagome appeared on his left. The new girl, the one that he started to love, the one who smiled for him, the one who appreciated his person, the one who decided to have a future with.

He had hurt her with his words, neglecting her sensitivity because he was focusing too much of his time on Rin. But what had changed between them? They were fine, always laughing and hanging out, sharing jokes and secrets, insecurities and deep thoughts. She was always there when he needed her and he was always there… for her.

No, that wasn't true. When he called, she'll be there. But when she called, there were times where he would be with Kagome, he fibbed to her that he was busy and that he promised to make it up to her, which he does.

They started drifting when he met Kagome, hiding his new found relationship from everyone. They talked less, didn't met up as often, he attention was given to Kagome, slowly breaking the bond he had with Rin. Did he lose her completely after he introduced them to each other that day?

He couldn't have. She was smiling, happy, and even congratulated him and for his engagement. Her smile reassured him that nothing was wrong, she even said so herself before she left the party.

Her smiles told him everything. It always told him that she was happy and that she needn't worry about her. Closing his eyes, he tried to recall her smiles, only to feel a painful jolt in his heart as he did. It felt familiar.

Losing something important to him. Like his father or his pet dog, both which he loved so much. His eyes snapped open in realization. It couldn't be.

He can't be in love with his best friend. She doesn't love him at all! They were just… just friends since they were kids! But no other explanation came through his head. He knew that Rin loved him, as a sister, as a friend and nothing more. Heck, she doesn't even look interested in him!

"Ne, Inu? Would you think it's weird if I told you that I'm madly in love with you? You know, like in those soaps?"

"Che, of course! But I don't mind you seeing another boy. Just if I see you with another guy that's hurting you, I'll kick his ass outta this country for you. After all, I'm your best bud!"

"Haha, yeah… Best friends forever!"

A frustrated growl rumbled in the back of his throat as he remembered her smile, one that didn't quite reach her eyes. He was so sure that they were only joking at the time…

And now… You can only choose one Inuyasha. The one who loves you or the one who you love.

Letting out a cry of aggravation, he slammed his fist into the center mirror, shattering the glass and leaving cracked shards in his flesh. There was a hole in the middle of the mirror and spidery cracks ran across all the reflections, breaking them. He landed his forehead in place of his hand, watching as dribbles of blood slipped down the webs of glass.

AN: Finally, it came out! –dies- I might squeeze in one more chapter before my summer break (by the last week of June) and update more afterwards. Thanks for staying with me and for Rebecca and Rinreddot encouraging me to finish this chapter! Love all!

MindIIBody : Egh, eep! Scary Kagura! Lol, I'm sorry. I'm pretty predictable in writing, but if you met me in real life, you'll be surprise at my randomness every moment! And thanks for the encouragement sweetie! Update your own too! –pouts-

Lucinda2323 : Haha, I love them now, third best on my list. Inu and Rin rock my socks off… but Sess and Rin will always be number one. And I was really troubled and still am as to who Rin should go with. But alas, there can only be one hero in her story… or can there? –winks- Thanks!

Fluffy-lover82192 : Arigatou gozaimasu!

Icygirl2 : Thank you a lot darling! And you'll have to find out… no spoiling. I'm glad that the cast is still in-character. It'll be horrible of me to keep them out. And as much as Sess/Kag disturbs me, I can't help but feel that things could be so twisted for the both of them. Mwhahaha.

Sphinx : Thank you!

RahneSinclairDaCosta : I always figured that deep down, Inu doesn't hate Sesshy, only jealous and always wanted his approval. And it happens, when you think of it. I'm glad that I can pique your interest! Thanks.

Rinreddot : Inu/Rin? Where! –tackles- And thanks for kicking me into writing! I really don't hate any characters at all… even if they are bad. Haha, I soo weird.

Rebecca : Sweetheart, thank you thank you thank YOU! for reminding me that I have something really important to finish. And yes, a change is good for all of us, even though it draws an enemy closer.