Chapter 11: Exposed
Sesshomaru's gaze was glued to the front entrance as the clock struck twelve midnight. 'The graduation should have ended hours ago, or does Rin intend to spend another night out. Wait... why do I even care!?' The question echoed in Sesshomaru's mind continuously for what seemed like an eternity, although in reality it was mere minutes. Determined to erase all his thoughts about Rin, Sesshomaru ordered the butler to retrieve his vodka from the wine cellar. Drinking away one's problems wasn't what Sesshomaru believed to be a practical solution but he was beyond reason at the moment, because his stress levels were already sky rocketing in addition to Rin's little surprise which was less than tolerable.
"Your vodka, sir." Matsushita, the butler, placed a glass bottle of vodka, an expensive drinking glass, and a corkscrew on the table in front of Sesshomaru but retreated before Sesshomaru even raised a finger to dismiss him. All the years that he had served Sesshomaru he had never before witnessed his master in such a state of discomposure and aggravation.
Immediately, Sesshomaru grasped the bottle in one hand and the corkscrew in the other, removing the cork with extreme force, sending the cork sailing across the room. Sesshomaru ignored the cork and poured himself a full glass of vodka, downing the heavy liquor in one gulp, despite the burning sensation that singed his throat afterwards. By the time Sesshomaru had finished his third consecutive glass of vodka his sensed were dulled considerably but his mood had not improved in the least. His mind was still thinking about Rin and her partner, Kohaku, whom she seemed to think was better than her own husband.
'It doesn't make much sense, in fact, it defies logic. What do women desire the most? Wealth, fame or social status, and above all, a celebrity husband to showcase as their conquest..' Sesshomaru laughed bitterly. "I've never been viewed as inferior to someone else in comparison." 'If Rin were a regular woman like the ones I'm familiar with, then she wouldn't have picked a different person to attend that graduation with her, but since when has Rin been classified as ordinary? Is Rin special to me? Maybe, but Rin just seems different than the rest.'
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Rin and Kohaku had circulated the main hall of the building and said some brief but meaningful goodbyes to their friends. Half an hour later Rin and Kohaku emerged from the building feeling drained of energy and ready to call it a night. In the distance and clock tower chimed once and Rin was reminded that she was supposed to be responsible enough to return home by a decent time. Quickly, Rin glanced at her wrist but she had forgotten her wrist watch when she had rushed out of the mansion earlier.
"Kohaku, what time is it?" Asked Rin urgently. Kohaku's face filled with concern as he noticed Rin's desperately frantic expression.
"It's around one in the morning, why?" Kohaku's face lit up with understanding. "Does you husband set a curfew for you?"
"N-no." Rin sighed. 'Regular husbands would probably worry about when their wives return home, but the kind of relationship I have with Sesshomaru is purely professional, like a employer and employee. He has no reason to worry about my well being, but that's to be expected anyway.
Kohaku sighed with relief, "Well, it is getting late now so I'll take you home first." Rin nodded and prayed that Sesshomaru would be occupied with some emergency business engagement or even better yet, already asleep. It would definitely save her from his wrath.
By one thirty, Rin and Kohaku had arrived at the gates of Sesshomaru's mansion.
"This is it then."
"Yeah," Rin turned to enter the gates but faced Kohaku again as if she had forgotten something.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Rin gave Kohaku a quick embrace, "thanks for everything tonight, I had a great time." Kohaku smiled, "See you around." For several minutes Kohaku hovered by the gate and watched Rin's retreating form disappear into the vast mansion.
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From Sesshomaru's vantage point at one of the second floor windows it was possible to survey the entire courtyard, including the area by the gate, meaning he'd seen all of it. Sesshomaru found that he was oddly irritated with himself for watching the entire scene like some clandestine spy, and he'd even tried to convince himself to move away from the window or turn a blind eye on what he had just seen. Unfortunately, Sesshomaru's mind refused to obey and the images of Rin locked in a snug embrace with that boy remained permanently imprinted there like an annoying mosquito that refused to leave him in peace until it drew blood. After he had watched Rin enter the house Sesshomaru went down to the foyer just as Rin was slipping her strapped sandals off her feet.
Rin shifted her eyes upward at the sound of footsteps clicking against the marble floor. Her eyes widened in genuine surprise at the sight of Sesshomaru. "W-what are you doing here?"
"That's a very good question," commented Sesshomaru sarcastically, "I happen to live here."
"No, that's not exactly what I meant." Rin fumbled for the correct words but her mind was in a disarray from the initial shock. "Shouldn't you be asleep?"
"I could ask you the same. Where have you been?" Demanded Sesshomaru, his gaze hardening into a glare.
"I was at my graduation."
"You came back immediately afterwards?" Pressed Sesshomaru. Rin bristled and straightened herself up to her full height, in a valiant attempt to meet Sesshomaru's gaze.
"What if I did and what if I didn't? You're acting like some detective that's trying to interrogate a suspect for murder. I thought you didn't care about my personal life."
"I don't."
"Then stop demanding answers from me."
"What exactly is so terrifying about telling my the truth? Or perhaps you're hiding something."
"I haven't done anything that goes against my ethics, nor have I done anything that calls for a guilty conscience, but I'd like to know if you're hiding something from me." Rin brushed past Sesshomaru and marched up the steps angrily, making a beeline for the guest room farthest from the master bedroom.
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Koga sat on his leather couch in his penthouse suite and flicked the television on to the morning news, settling himself comfortably with a glass of freshly squeezed orange concentrate.
A young reporter was reporting interesting headlines of entertainment news. "Good morning, this is Amiya Fuyuzuki from Tokyo TV, with today's breaking news. Taisho corporation's CEO, Sesshomaru Taisho, was seen downtown two nights ago with an international model by the name of Kagura." Koga choked violently and leaned forward to listen more intently, but he was also hoping it was a misunderstanding. "The two, were seen acting quite intimately with each other outside Alfredo's in Sesshomaru Taisho's car. This piece of breaking news has piqued the interest of many of Taisho corporation's associates and business partners as well as many people of the public. They're questioning their decisions because they don't know if it's wise to entrust their investments to a newly married man that lacks responsibility towards his spouse."
"This can't be happening..." Koga covered his face with his hands and sighed. It was going to be a long day. He'd have to call the public relations executive of the company and prepare a reasonable plan of action to counter the scandal, but before he did that he'd have to call Sesshomaru first. Koga grabbed his cell phone from the coffee table and pressed Sesshomaru on the speed dial, his fingers drumming rapidly along the arm of the couch as the phone rang. "Please pick up..."
"Koga, what is it?"
"Sesshomaru, have you seen the morning news?"
"No, why do you ask?"
"I thought you would know the most about it, since you're practically involved in a secret scandal."
"Secret scandal?"
"Well it's not a secret anymore."
"Wait..." Sesshomaru left his cup of coffee on the dining room table and walked into the living room. The magazine lying on the table proved that what Koga had been telling the truth. Sesshomaru cursed as he stared at the glossy cover of Tokyo Walker's weekly edition. The front cover featured a picture of Kagura kissing Sesshomaru in his Porsche.
"Are you still there?"
"The pictures must be circulating around the whole media."
"Care to explain what happened exactly. I mean... you were forced into doing this right?"
"I had to secure the contract with Rising Star Construction and Kagura knows the CEO apparently."
"Well, you've secured the contract with Rising Star, but the shareholders don't seem like they're in the mood for rejoicing. The company stock must be at an all time high too."
"Keep your sarcastic remarks to yourself, I have enough to deal with as it is." Sesshomaru returned to his cup to black coffee and took a long sip. "Well, you are the company's attorney, give me all the legal advice you have to offer."
Koga scratched his head thoughtfully, "avoid the media for now, and be sure you don't have any contact with Kagura again."
"That ought to be manageable enough. Anything else."
"What about Rin and your father?"
"Rin doesn't seem to have noticed, but I'm not eliminating the possibility that her friends or family will be asking questions. My father... will have to wait."
Matsushita appeared in the dining room to collect the remnants of Sesshomaru's breakfast.
"Where's Rin?"
"Miss Rin has left for the seniors' home with a friend and won't be returning until after dinner."
"A friend? Which one?"
"I believe his name is Kohaku, sir." Sesshomaru's hand clenched into a fist. 'Kohaku again. Doesn't she ever grow tired of that insolent...'
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Rin stared out the window of the bus and immersed herself in the natural beauty of the countryside. The pale blue sky with billowing clouds, the emerald green grass that whistled in the wind, and the open space without the cluttered office edifices or apartment complexes.
"Have you been to the seniors' home before?" Kohaku traced her gaze and peered out the window over her shoulder.
"I used to come here constantly and volunteer when I was in high school. Three of us: Kagome, Ayame, and myself. I met granny Kaede there, and we grew close. She's like the grandmother I never had, since my grandparents were deceased before I was born."
"I came to visit my grandmother every weekend after my sister and I moved to the city."
"Will we be able to visit her when we arrive?" A pained expression crossed Kohaku's face and for the briefest moment Rin noticed his eyes deepen into a darker shade of blue which gave her a melancholic vibe.
"Actually... she passed away last summer."
"Oh... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked." Rin squeezed Kohaku's hand gently.
"It's not your fault. My grandmother lived a very satisfying life and she died without regret, but sometimes I still miss her comforting presence."
For the remainder of the journey Rin slept, indulging in the comfort of Kohaku's warm shoulder, her eyelashes grazing the curve of her cheeks. 'A sleeping angel, innocent and caring.' Thought Kohaku. Gently, Kohaku brushed Rin's chocolate coloured bangs away from her forehead and pressed his lips to her forehead. Although Kohaku couldn't justify the reason for his impulsive actions he knew that it felt right and that fact alone, was enough for him.
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"Kagome!!!" Ayame knocked on the front door of Kagome's two storey home where she lived with her mother, grandfather and younger brother. Kagome opened the window of her room and peered down at Ayame who was standing on the front doorstep.
"What's wrong?"
"Come down first." Kagome dashed down the stairs in mere seconds and threw open the front door with violent force.
"What is it?"
Ayame produced her copy of Tokyo Walker and indicated the front cover. Kagome nodded and gestured for Ayame to enter.
"I know, I saw it this morning. It was all over the news too."
"I didn't think it would actually be on the news when I saw it a while back, but should we talk to Rin about it?"
"Not yet, I think she'll want some space." Kagome placed a steaming cup of green tea in front of Ayame. "You know, I've been wondering about something lately."
"What?"
"There's something strange about Rin and Sesshomaru. For example, they couldn't have dated much before they married since Rin was swamped with homework from her university courses and Sesshomaru himself seems even more of a workaholic."
"Now that you mentioned it, if Rin fell in love we would have noticed something wouldn't we, but nothing special happened until several weeks before her marriage."
"Rin seemed strange then... almost distant, but we can be certain that she was anything but happy. Something must be wrong."
"We can't do anything though."
"Yes we can, I'm going to pay Sesshomaru and Rin a little surprise house visit."
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Rin and Kohaku arrived at the seniors' home at two in the afternoon to help the seniors on their daily walk outside. Rin led granny Kaede to a weathered wooden bench under a tree when Kaede steps began to falter with fatigue.
"Thank you, Rin."
"It's nothing, but I haven't visited in a long time. How's your health?" Kaede coughed abruptly, her jagged breaths coming in laboured rasps.
"I'm fine," replied Kaede with as much confidence as she could utter, "but enough about me, what about you? I see a diamond engagement ring on your finger that wasn't there the last time I saw you, or perhaps I've gone senile with age."
"No... I got married only recently."
"Do you love him?" Rin remained silent and closed her eyes, revelling in the tranquillity that engulfed her in the form of a cool breeze. It took a while before Rin could gather up the confidence to answer a question that she had asked herself but was unable to answer.
"I... yes." 'I do love him... but it's only a one sided love that will never amount to anything.'
"Tell me something then," Kaede paused for breathe and continued gravely, "are you happy?"
"Yes." Rin forced a bright smile onto her face.
"However, it is obvious to me that your eyes do not reflect the happiness which you speak so fondly of, and it worries me." Kaede pulled Rin into a warm embrace. "Sometimes it's necessary to build barriers around oneself by showing a strong visage, but there is only so much battering a wall can take before it is reduced to rubble. It's not a sign of weakness to lower your defences once in a while." Clear, salty tears rolled down Rin's cheeks and onto Kaede's faded kimono, moistening the fabric.
"Nothing's wrong..." Whispered Rin, her voice faint.
"You don't need to tell me now, or ever, but... I hope that you'll find someone to confide in, because concealing your emotions in your heart is not a solution to your problems. Words must be spoken and feelings both happy or morose must be expressed." Rin nodded and buried her head in the fabric of Kaede's kimono. The smell always made her reminisce about the past and how much she used to confide in Kaede, especially when her parents were preoccupied with work or when her best friends were nowhere to be found. Although her situation was different it felt the same since she couldn't tell everyone anything.
Rin sat with Kaede under the shade of the tree and waited until the swollen redness from her eyes had subsided and her tears were blown dry from the wind.
"Rin." Kohaku tapped her shoulder gently. "It's getting late, we should leave before nightfall when commute to the city becomes difficult."
"Oh..."
Rin led Kaede into the main building where she collected her jacket and satchel. Kaede watched vigilantly from the window as Rin and Kohaku boarded a bus headed for Tokyo.
"That child...," Kaede shook her head slowly, "it pains me to see her in such a state, but it's not my place to intrude."
In the bus Rin remained quiet and fixed her gaze on the landscape seen through the window of the bus as it rumbled over the unevenly bumpy country roads.
"Rin."
"Hm."
"You're awfully quiet, is something the matter." Rin shook her head and gave him what she assumed was considered a reassuring smile.
"Nothing's wrong, but can I ask you a favour?"
"Sure."
"I'm going to my parents' house for dinner, but will you come with me, I don't want to face them alone after what happened."
"What do you mean?"
"The newspaper," murmured Rin, pointing discretely at a middle aged man sitting adjacent from them. The man had unfolded the piece of newspaper and was holding it like a large book, obscuring most of his face. Kohaku's craned his neck forward and studied the front page of the newspaper when he caught a glimpse of Sesshomaru's picture. Rin decided to ask again when Kohaku did not respond for what seemed like an eon.
"I... understand," Kohaku's hand reached back to massage his neck in a nervous gesture, "it's never happened to me before but... I have an idea of what you're going through. I'll stay with you."
The bus rolled to a halt about half a street away from Rin's former home on Chizu Street and as they walked along the mismatched pavement Kohaku had an epiphany. In a subtle move, he threaded his fingers though Rin's and gave her hand a comforting squeeze because he'd realized something important. If there was ever a time to hold Rin's hand, it would be when she needed the reassurance that proved she wasn't alone in the world. That time would be now, the present.
"Coming." Mr. Nakamoto strode briskly down the hall towards the front door when he heard the loud chime of the doorbell.
"Dad."
"Oh, Rin, you're here." Rin nodded and moved aside to allow Kohaku to enter the threshold. "Who might this be?"
"This is Kohaku," Rin could practically predict what her father was about to ask and decided to save him the unnecessary trouble, "he's a close friend. Is it okay for him to stay for dinner?"
"Sure, no problem, your mother always enjoys the company of guests."
"Do I have time to wash up before we start dinner?"
"Of course, you must be fatigued, but while you're at it, why don't you give Kohaku a little complementary tour around our humble abode." Rin laughed.
"Alright, then we'll be down for dinner in a moment."
Rin led Kohaku up the staircase to the second landing where the bedrooms were located, along with the bathroom. Although it was a small house, the warm vibe radiating from it's walls was both welcoming and comforting in a domestic way. They stopped before a brown door, except that this brown door was differentiated from the rest with the sign hung on it, stating it was Rin's domain. Rin pushed the door open and entered.
"Welcome to my room."
"Nice." Kohaku muttered absently, gazing at a very practical room. The walls were white, the bed and matching furniture were made of unvarnished oak wood, but what set this room apart from the typical ordinary white bedroom were the small but subtle personal touches. Things such as photographs with colourful frames which were arrayed along the tops of shelves or furniture and the comfort area consisting of a simplistic beanbag chair on a furry rug.
"Take your time and browse," gestured Rin openly, waving her arms vaguely about the room.
"Anything off bounds?"
"No limitations. After all, I barged into your room uninvited and inspected your personal belongings which gives you the right to do the same to me."
"Any embarrassing photo albums that can't be seen by the public?"
"No, but there are some awfully tacky snapshots of me in every album. You may think I'm crazy, but I am proud of those moments and they were worth cherishing even if they were quite odd."
"Then, I'll gladly take you up on your kind offer since I have your guarantee that I'll be able to live with a clean conscience afterwards."
"Feel free. I need a shower, but I'll be back soon." Rin extracted a set of clothes from her dresser drawer and slipped out of the room to the bathroom down the hall.
Kohaku spent the first few minutes admiring the sheer number of picture frames lining the tops of the dressers, desks, and shelves. After browsing the contents of the various photographs Kohaku decided to open some of the drawers of the desk to search for the photo albums Rin had mentioned but what he happened upon was even more compelling. In the first drawer there wasn't anything of extreme value but merely some essential items needed for studying. The second drawer contained an assortment of miscellaneous items such as sea shells or necklaces and earrings. As Kohaku rummaged through the last drawer he pulled an ancient looking album out, but as he opened the book a sheet of paper slipped onto the floor, landing blank side up.
Gently, Kohaku turned over the page cautiously, careful not to crease the page accidentally. As he scanned the heading his eyes grew wide.
Marriage contract
1. The marriage is to last exactly one year, no more and no less. After the marriage time elapses, both recipients will accept the regulations stated here.
2. A prenuptial agreement will be signed, formally stating that the divorcees will receive nothing of the assets that their counterparts own.
3. Both recipients will continue to live their respective lives separately excluding special events which will require both their presences. However, for the two individuals that this contract concerns, they are not permitted to, at any time, inform an outsider or another person about the contents of this document or severe consequences will be involved.
Signature: Sesshomaru Taisho
Signature: Rin Nakamoto
The door creaked open as Rin entered the room and Kohaku's head whipped around.
"Rin..." Kohaku lowered his head. It was a habit that had followed him through the years and he would always lower his head when he was forced to do something he didn't want to.
"What's up Kohaku?" Rin studied her friend with curious eyes.
"What is this contract for?" Rin looked over Kohaku's shoulder and opened her mouth to speak but found that she had trouble forming coherent sentences while her heart was beating away in her rib cage erratically.
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Sesshomaru, Koga and Shippo, the new public relations executive sat at a circular table and discussed their options carefully.
"Well," Sesshomaru drummed his fingers along the surface of the table, "I pay you a reasonable wage, and in return I expect you to perform some amazing feats, which does include finding a solution for this particular issue. Or perhaps it's out of your ability."
Shippo winced at the crude but blunt criticism and gulped slowly. "Well... it's not as if there aren't solutions, but none of them look distinctly appealing for... a number of reasons," faltered Shippo.
"Elaborate."
"For example, we could suppress the media by offering some tributes to the magazine executives and et cetera and it would end the scandal, but in the long run there will be devastating carnage. Trust is easy to lose yet hard to regain, which is the main reason companies fear scandals, because a company's stock price rides heavily on the support or confidence investors have in the company itself. If we put a cork on the media which is focussing on this article, then we might as well admit we are guilty as charged, because we're making such an effort to conceal our sinister secrets."
"Technically speaking, the media has no right to manifest stories about anyone, unless..."
"They have proof of their accusations." Finished Shippo.
"Correct," Koga replied.
"We have another option though," Shippo annouced, "and this option may be a better choice, but the company will have to endure a severe battering until everything blows over."
"How long do you assume it will take?"
Shippo inhaled sharply, "it's really hard to predict these things, but it's safe to infer that since this scandal isn't egregious it should only take a month. The media has a short memory span and once the news has become old or lost it's popularity then they'll move onto the next victims. However, in the meantime you have to be the impeccably attentive husband and hopefully our conglomerates will ignore the media's claims."
Sesshomaru nodded. "It will be done."
Koga remained with Sesshomaru after Shippo was dismissed.
"Does Rin know?"
"If she does know then she must have an affinity for not showing aggravation."
"She'll be affected as well."
"I know, but what do you want me to do about it? As far as she's concerned, I'm the antagonist of her romance novel life, where she inevitably falls in love with the amiable boy scout of good reputation."
"Boy scout? Rin chose a boy scout over you, one of the richest, most famous, most handsome, not to mention most acclaimed bachelors of Japan?"
Sesshomaru shrugged nonchalantly, "it's her life to live, I have absolutely no control over her unfathomably foolish decisions."
"If so... then why did you bring the subject up for discussion in the first place?"
"You're a millennium to early if you want to interrogate me," cautioned Sesshomaru in a lethal tone. Koga relented, but it wasn't the threat that encouraged him to do so, instead it was the tormented emotion clouding Sesshomaru's amber eyes.
"It thought I warned you not to fall in love." Koga commented wryly.
"I'm not in love."
"Really? Well I can notice an extreme contrast with your former self. Changes which could have only taken place because of one reason, love."
"I haven't changed at all." Barked Sesshomaru defiantly.
"There's a change right there. Since when did you respond in impulsive outbursts or even get so emotional over something?" Sesshomaru looked away. "Avoiding the fact will not help you, but it will only prolong your suffering." Koga waited patiently for Sesshomaru to cast a retort in his direction but I was at least several minutes later before Koga realized that Sesshomaru was half way down the hall.
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Silence hung heavily in the room as Rin and Kohaku's gazes were entranced in deep stares. Rin was the first to break the stare and look away.
"I know this situation doesn't work in your favour, but wouldn't you feel better after sharing your burdens with others?"
"I can't tell you."
"You don't need to, this documentation is self-explanatory. I'm only interested in your reasons."
"There was no other way..." murmured Rin hesitantly as she sank into a sitting position on her bed.
"No other way for what?" Persisted Kohaku.
"You don't understand!"
"It's obvious I don't," agreed Kohaku, "but I have to understand you more in order to help you." Kohaku strolled over to the bed and planted himself next to Rin.
"Promise me you won't be angry."
"I promise," replied Kohaku solemnly as he reached instinctively to grasp Rin's hand. For once, Rin felt a sense of reassurance and acceptance, but most of all, she felt secure with her hand ensconced in the warmth of Kohaku's.
"You've met my dad just now, haven't you."
"Yeah. He's got a congenial personality and I can already gauge that he's generally a jovial person. You must be proud to have him for a father."
"Of course, and that's my motivation behind everything I've done, I want him to continue to view the world through a optimistic perspective. My mother would fret everyday after the day she found that my father was suffering a serious debt, but she never even thought of mentioning it too me since she knew that it would distract me from my studies."
"Then how did you find out?"
"My mother finally confessed when the problem became too serious to be ignored, but my father consistently denied being in debt. They're my parents, they've raised me with the utmost care over these past years, and it's time to return the favour regardless of the consequences."
"Now that you've explained the reason for your forced commitment I'm wondering about your intentions after the contract expires. Will you start with your career, or would you prefer to wait for your life to stabilize before you considered some alternatives?"
"Now that you've mentioned it... I do want to start my career soon, I mean, my parents will need financial support in a few years and I ought to be prepared."
"Then I have a preposition for you."
"I'm done with pseudo marriage offers." Kohaku grinned knowingly at the statement.
"Don't worry, I was about to mention a lucrative job offer, but if you're not very interested then maybe I should let another desperately lucky individual benefit from this."
"It a job offer?" Rin gave Kohaku her full attention, "What type of job offer? This is crucial, I must know, because I'm in dire need of that money and you understand that better than anyone don't you?"
"Well... I thought you weren't interested." Rin tackled Kohaku and pinned him onto the bed.
"Tell me or it will cost your life."
Kohaku chuckled heartily. "You definitely stole that line from some wild west movie, I'm positive."
"What if I did?" Countered Rin, "I might have a queer personality that involves imitating cowboys with thickly curved mustaches." Kohaku convulsed with laughter and held his stomach which was feeling strained from all the laughter.
"Alright," Kohaku held up his hands in mock surrender, "I'm raising the white flag, but let me out from your vice grip first." Rin relinquished Kohaku from her grasp and they both sat up. "My sister has some reliable sources at an American law firm and apparently they're currently hiring new graduates as assistants for their more prominent lawyers, but it's a decent place to start. You'll have the opportunity to observe some of New York's most talented lawyers while gaining some experience, not to mention that the payment is divine in comparison to anything you'll find here."
"It sounds amazing, but New York is literally an ocean apart from Japan, and I won't be able to see my parents often."
"Think about it then. They won't begin interviewing until three weeks from now, but I hope you'll be seated next to me on my flight to New York."
Outside the closed door Rin's mother's hands trembled as salient teardrops flowed from the corners of her eyes continuously. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop but when she had been about to call them for dinner she had coincidentally overheard some of their heated argument. The information wasn't plentiful, but it was shocking beyond comparison. A false marriage based upon deceptions and the conditions of a contract.
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"Inuyasha, come into the study, I have something to discuss with you. " Inutaisho ordered.
"Wait, I'm about to break a record, old man." declared Inuyasha irritably.
"Now." Demanded Inutaisho, adding an intimidating edge to his voice. "Also, if you call me old one more time I swear, I'll find something to torment you with."
"Do your worst."
"Are you throwing down the gauntlet for a challenge."
"What if I am?"
"Then pull out your tuxedo son, your mother and I will be thrilled to escort you to the charity ball we're attending next week, you'll be introduced to many prospective bachelorettes." Inuyasha groaned his discontent.
"Spare me."
"Certainly, if there's a will there's a way. If you run a little errand for me then I'll dredge up an excuse which will satisfy your mother."
"What errand?" Inutaisho grabbed Inuyasha's shoulders and steered him forcefully into the study despite the defiant protests. "What's with all the secrecy?"
"Pay attention, I'm only giving you this spiel once." Inuyasha grunted but paid attention albeit very grudgingly. Inutaisho continued, "you can discover a variety of things about an individual by inspecting their living accommodations. For example, your brother is orderly and detests clutter which reflects his organized and controlled personality."
"You mean manipulative and cynical, right?" Muttered Inuyasha.
"Better than slovenly and ambitionless." Insisted Inutaisho, nailing his son with a stern gaze.
"Fine, but what's your point?"
"I need you to find out some things about your brother's living arrangements."
"Why don't you just ask him." Inutaisho sighed.
"Everyone has secrets, your brother is no exception."
"In other words, you're forcing me to spy on him and do your dirty work for you."
Inutaisho shrugged, "if you want to refer to it in such a manner, then yes, but you have no options left. Unless... you want to join in the joyous matchmaking activities." Inuyasha shuddered violently. "I'll take that as a no, which means you'll be running an important errand for me tomorrow."
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"What!? You're not coming!?" Shrieked Kagome into her cell phone.
"I swear, I was called in for an emergency shift at the restaurant," reasoned Ayame.
"Fine. I'll handle it myself."
"Keep me updated via text messages."
"Got it." Kagome sighed and flipped her phone shut.
Kagome glanced around and scouted out the front entrance where the foreboding gate stood. Surprisingly there were no guards which was one less obstacle, but it was strangely deserted. Kagome scaled the gate nimbly and with ease, jumping down on the other side. 'Boy... I'm glad I had some much climbing practice in high school. This is a cinch.'
Kagome spotted a tall tree that appeared to reach to on of the second floor rooms which had a large window left open. 'Alright, this is my lucky day.' Without wasting another moment, Kagome scampered up the thick trunk of the tree and perched herself precariously on the branch which extended towards the open window. 'Just a few more inches...' Unfortunately Kagome slipped ungracefully, leaving her hanging from the branch with only the grip of her hands preventing her from falling to the ground. ' Oh... this is not good. I've got to think of a plan, since I don't think I have enough grip to keep me sustained here for long. Wait, the window ledge doesn't seem to far off, so if I can swing myself enough, then maybe I can manoeuver myself to leap in through the open window, or I would become a failure of a trapeze artist and splatter onto the ground like some flattened road kill.' Suddenly, Kagome's fingers slid down slightly. ' Looks like I've got no choice, so I might as well give it a shot.'
Kagome swung her legs to gain some momentum before she shot for the ledge, but as she sailed in through the window a silver hairedmale appeared in front of her. "Ahhhhhhh!"
"What the hell!?" Inuyasha froze as Kagome flew into him and tackled him to the ground. Groaning, Inuyasha massaged his sore neck and his gaze landed on the girl that had given him an unexpected aerial tackle. "Who are you?"
"T-that's what I'd like to know," retorted Kagome.
"Well, whoever you are, you shouldn't be here."
Kagome's anger flared viciously like a piece of paper being ignited, it grew and grew until it consumed her completely. "Look, mister, I have just as much right as you do to be here whether you like it or not!"
Inuyasha returned Kagome's angry outburst with one of his own. "Oh yeah!? I'm the half brother of the owner of this mansion and I'm commanding you to leave immediately."
"Never!"
"Leave!"
"Never!!" Screamed Kagome at the top of her lungs. Inuyasha covered his eyes sensitively and clapped a hand over her mouth.
"Are you crazy, woman! You'll get us caught!" Hissed Inuyasha.
"My name isn't woman, it's Kagome, and what did you mean by getting us caught?"
"Nothing." Lied Inuyasha, but it was dead obvious to Kagome the moment his eyes darted to the side guiltily.
"Really? If I'm not mistaken and you have every right to be here, then shouldn't I be the only one concerned about being caught, but you look pretty nervous right about now."
"Am not!"
"Okay... then I'll just scream again and find out."
"No! I mean..."
"I knew it," declared Kagome triumphantly, "you're trespassing just as much as I am, admit it."
"Fine! I've wasted enough time arguing with you anyway, stupid wench."
"How dare you refer to me like that. For the last time, my name is Kagome. Besides, I think you're here for the exact same reason I am, which means we should collaborate to make things faster."
"Whatever." Grumbled Inuyasha rolling his eyes.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Inuyasha sat parallel to Inutaisho with only a table separating them, and apart from their own breathing, nothing made a sound in the absolutely silent room.
"Well..." Inutaisho folded his arms across his chest and fixed Inuyasha with a stare that caused it victims to feel vulnerability, "what did you find out in your investigation?"
"Not much."
"Ah... but for your own sake, you'd better hope it's enough to satisfy my curiosity, or you'll be on the guest list for the next social event... quite close in the near future I might add."
"Alright already! Would you just tell me what you wanted to know, then I'll provide you with an answer, if I have one."
"Fair enough. I only need you to answer two of my questions. The first one is: Are Rin and your brother sharing the same sleeping arrangements?"
"Probably not, since Rin seems to be using the room down the hall that's farthest from the master bedroom."
"On what grounds are you making this assumption?"
"All of Rin's clothes and stuff is laid out in another room."
"Alright, then for my second question, what did you notice about the mansion that was different since Rin moved in."
Inuyasha shrugged, "nothing's changed much, unless you count the new flower arrangements outside and in the conservatory, though I doubt Sesshomaru was responsible for those."
"It's just as I predicted."
"Can I leave now, old man?" Inutaisho waved a hand in dismissal subconsciously as the gears in his head began to turn in full motion, shifting the pieces of a puzzle together. It all made perfect sense now. The reason Sesshomaru was married so abruptly and the reason Rin's father was suddenly magnanimously relieved from his enormous debt of ten million.
Inutaisho reached for his phone and dialled Sesshomaru's cell phone.
"What is it, father?"
"There's something important I wish to discuss with you, Sesshomaru."
"If it's about the company stock price then I can explain."
"No... it's something else, but it's equally important if not more. Come to my place for dinner tomorrow with Rin, dinner starts at six, we'll talk after."
"Very well."
Inutaisho sighed. ' I never thought that Sesshomaru would attempt such a ribald stunt, but I suppose there's a first time for everything.'
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Author's note: Here's the update, albeit extremely overdue, but after this I can't promise a date for the next update for various reasons. Firstly, my school work is beginning to pile up and I can no longer neglect it. Secondly, my computer privileges may become limited in the near future. As usual, previews will be posted on the profile page as soon as possible and the next chapter will be titled: Regret. Please do not hesitate to tell me if you think the chapters are becoming to long. See you next time.