The Rebound

Friday Morning

Rin was curled up in ball on the couch, in her sushi flannel pajamas, crying her eyes out in front of the TV.

A break-up was never easy, especially with your first serious boyfriend, with whom she thought she would have spent her life with. Bankotsu was her first real kiss (kissing someone in 1st grade does not count), her first boyfriend (again, holding hands with a boy in 1st grade does not make you boyfriend and girlfriend), the man she lost her virginity, her first everything!

But life threw a curveball at Rin and turns out that Bankotsu preferred men.

She knew there was nothing she could have done, but it still hurt so bad.

So, the best way to deal with a break is to sit in front of the TV, eating ice cream in pajamas.

Best cure ever.

Rin took another bite of her half melted Neapolitan ice-cream tub and continued to watch her favorite movie: A Walk to Remember.

''I'm sick.''

''I'll take you home, you'll be...''

''No, Landon! I'm sick. I have leukemia.''

''No. You're 18, you're perfect! ''

She was simultaneously reciting the lines with the actors on screen. She had seen the movie a thousand of times; of course, she could quote all the lines. However, no matter how well she knew the lines, the emotions the movie made her feel would always be the same.

''Oh why Jamie?! Why did you not tell Landon sooner! '' Rin wailed at the screen, sobbing even louder.

Behind her, Miroku and Inuyasha were standing in the kitchen with an exasperated look on their faces.

''This madness has been going on ever since she moved in 2 weeks ago!'' said Inuyasha, angrily.

''Let's not be too harsh. She is dealing with a break-up. She needs the time to heal.'' retorted Miroku.

''Like hell I'm going stand another minute of this shit! '' barked Inuyasha.

He marched towards the couch and grabbed the remote and turn off the television.

Confused at seeing a black screen instead of the two star-crossed lovers, Rin look up through her teary vision, a frustrated silver haired guy with dog ears with the said remote. She was about to ask him why he turn off her movie when he interrupted her.

''No Rin! This must stop! Bankotsu dumped you! Get over it already!'' Inuyasha yelled.

The young woman simply looked at him. After a moment, her face screwed up and started sobbing again.

Inuyasha made an threw his arm in the air in exasperation ''I give up! Miroku it's your turn!''

The other young man shook his head at his friend's behavior, and promptly made his way towards the crying woman. He took a seat beside her and took her his arm.

''Hush Rin stop your crying'' he said in a comforting voice, while patting her on her back ''What you need right now is a rebound.''

The crying stopped immediately, and Rin's head perked up to look at Miroku.

''A rebound? '' she asked in a small voice.

''A rebound? '' Inuyasha incredulously repeated.

''Yes, a rebound.'' confirmed Miroku. ''You can't lie on a couch, eating ice-cream forever while Bank-'', he stopped at the sight of her bottom lip quivering ''I mean, while He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, is out there, enjoying his life!''

Rin seemed to be considering his solution, '' You think I'm ready to go back out there?'' she asked in an unsure voice.

''Of course, you are! It's Friday and you need to go out and have fun! And besides, Inuyasha and I will be there every step of the way!'' said Miroku confidently.

''We are?'' asked Inuyasha, not believing he was being drag into all of this.

Rin didn't seem to have heard him, because she suddenly attacked Miroku with a hug.

''Thank you so much Miroku! You are a great friend!'' she said, while tightly holding him.

''My pleasure'' the young man retorted while enjoying the feeling of her small womanly body pressed closely against his. He tried to take advantage of the situation by slowly lowering his hand towards Rin's lower back, but was his wrist was grabbed by Inuyasha, glaring disapprovingly at his lecherous friend.

The exchange went unnoticed to Rin, as she let go of Miroku and sat upright on the couch. She sniffled a couple time and wiped the remaining tears off her face.

''Before we go, can I finish the rest of my movie?'' she asked.

Inuyasha and Miroku were about to protest when a door suddenly open, and a very annoyed Sesshomaru appeared in the living room. Three curious stares followed his movement as he made his way towards the television and open the Blu-ray/DVD device. He took out the CD and held it in his right hand.

Their eyes widened when they saw a green glow emitting from his hand and melted it, until nothing was left.

Satisfied with his work, Sesshomaru went back to his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Rin and Miroku had a horrified expression on their faces, while Inuyasha chuckled.

''I should've thought about that earlier!''

Friday Evening

The place where Miroku brought her to happened to be Inuyasha's workplace. The bar was mostly crowded by demons and the decor was a bit somber, but Rin did not mind. Granted, it was not the places she was used to, but she wanted to try to get out of a comfort zone.

She was presently sitting in a booth with Miroku, observing their surrounding while waiting for their drinks.

Was she even ready?

Rin was starting to feel a bit self-conscious and wondered if she was too underdressed with her flowered patterned skirt and white shirt.

Or perhaps she looked too slutty? This was not the image she wanted to portray!

Probably sensing her rising panic, Miroku gave her a reassuring pat on her back ''Don't worry, you look just fine.'' he said.

She gave him a small smile, and Inuyasha came with their drinks.

''An Old-Fashioned for Miroku and a Pink Nipple for Rin.''

As soon as the drink was in her hand, she drowned it until the cherry was the only thing left in the glass.

''Whoa Rin! Not too fast!'' exclaimed Inuyasha. '' You're tiny! You're gonna get drunk!''

She set down her glass and momentarily closed her eye as the effect of the alcohol was making her head spin a bit. Miroku was holding her arm to make sure she wouldn't pass out. The dizziness eventually dissipated and opened her eyes to see Miroku waving his hand in front of face, probably questioning her consciousness. She gave him a nod, signaling him that she was fine.

''Great!'' said Miroku, while clapping his hands ''Now that you have some liquid courage in you, are you ready to hunt?''

Rin felt a newfound bravery in her as she enthusiastically nodded at her friend. She abruptly stood up and pranced towards the sea of men on the other side of the bar. On her way, she accidently trip on her heels, but regained her composure before she could hit the ground.

She smoothed down her skirt and turned towards her roommates and gave them a thumb's up.

Let the games begin!

Later that same evening

It was a complete disaster!

The first man, who was obviously a demon, she had approached was a tall and handsome with amethyst eyes. His hair had a greyish lavender hue and were held up in a high ponytail. She immediately started a conversation with, and he was reciprocating, but she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see an angry brunette threatening her to either leave her boyfriend alone or she would throw her drink in her face.

Obviously, Rin apologized profusely for her mistake and left the couple.

After, some men she approached looked at her funny when she would speak to them in her best Marilyn Monroe impression (in her defense she was trying to sound sexy), or the others were already taken.

The lesson Rin learned tonight was that she sucks at this.

Badly.

Feeling defeated, she was sitting at the bar watching Inuyasha cleaning glasses.

''Another Pink Nipple please. '' she ordered in a gloomy way.

Her dog-eared friend set down the glasses and looked at Rin with an apologetic smile '' Look kid, you can't force this type of thing. It's gonna come when it's gonna come'' he said.

''It seems to work for Miroku'' she commented while watching their friend, who was on the other side, surrounded by a group of women, laughing at something he probably said.

''Keh! Miroku is a world class letcher!'' he scoffed '' So his advices don't mean shit! Do what's good for you.''

Rin couldn't help but feel grateful for Inuyasha, trying to lift her spirit up ''Aw thank you! I knew you were a big softy inside!'' she teased.

''Don't tell anyone.'' he said winking at her.

He gave her the drink she ordered and went to tend to another customer.

Maybe he was right, she thought, maybe I shouldn't force it.

She did not know for how long she was looking blankly at her drink, because she did not notice the stranger sitting beside her.

''Hey.''

The voice startled Rin and looked on her right to see whom it belonged to. It was a pale looking man in a silk powder blue shirt with piercing dark purple eyes and long jet-black hair held in a ponytail (she guessed that most demons liked to keep their hair long). He had pointed ears and his lips were the brightest shade of red she has ever seen.

The man was intently gazing at her, provoking a blush to appear on her cheeks. Seeing that she wasn't answering, he spoke again.

''My name is Byakuya, and yours?'' he said smoothly.

She couldn't help but look dumbly at him, not believing someone was speaking to her after this evening's fiasco.

Speak up Rin! Damn it, speak up stupid!

''I'm R…Rin.'' she finally stuttered.

Good Girl!

''Nice to meet you Rin. So, what are you drinking?'' he asked.

''A Pink Nipple.'' She replied shyly, while whishing she had a cooler drink like a dry martini, instead of the one she was drinking.

The man chuckled slightly and the two started a conversation. Rin thought he was very pleasant and enjoyed talking to him. Some time had passed, and he slid his phone in her direction.

''Put in your number, I want to see you again tomorrow evening.'' he said smiling.

Eh!?

Dumfounded, she took his phone and typed in her number and slid it back to him. When he took it from her hand, he held on and lightly kissed her knuckle. He gave her a dazzling smile and left her alone at the bar.

Oh my god! I got a date?!

She snapped out of her stupor to see Inuyasha, who probably saw the entire exchange, grinning at her.

'' Told ya it would come by itself!''

Saturday evening

Rin was applying the last touches to her make-up. She was so excited for her date with Byakuya this evening. They were meeting at this restaurant called The Jewel. She had never eaten there before but heard good reviews. She had been texting to get to know him a bit and to let him know that she was looking to this date. She noticed that he was replying in brief answer, so she probably figured he wasn't much of a texter.

Nonetheless, she wanted to impress him.

She was wearing a spaghetti strap emerald, green sun dress, with white flower designs adorning it. The length was a bit above her knees and had a v-shaped neckline that was not too modest, but not too revealing. Instead of keeping her dark hair straight, she decided to curl the tips to give her look a little flare.

I hope he's gonna like it.

She looked at herself one last time, admiring her work and left her room. On her way towards the entrance, she saw Sesshomaru walking opposite to her, looking at his phone. Sensing someone coming his way, his amber eyes looked up from the screen.

At her sight, he momentarily stopped to look at her.

Sesshomaru was a man of a few words but he was very impressed at the change of front of him. It was a very different from the crying mess that was living on the couch for the past two weeks. It was a refreshing change.

A nice change.

''Is there something wrong?''

Her question snapped him out of his thoughts, as he realized he had been staring at her for too long.

''You look…acceptable.'' He said in his usual stoic voice.

Rin simply blinked and let out a small giggle at his answer, since it was the very first time, he spoke actual words to her since she moved in.

''Thank you for the compliment!'' she said while flashing her brightest smile.

Sesshomaru did not understand why she was smiling. It was merely an acknowledgement of her appearance, but this woman acted like this was the best thing someone ever told her. Still confused at the situation, he vaguely heard her telling him to wish her luck, for whatever reason that he ignored, and exited the apartment while humming her infuriating made up songs.

What a strange woman, he thought.

Inuyasha hated working on Saturday evenings. It was only a quarter after eight and the bar was already full.

Damn, it was going to be a busy night, he thought dreadfully.

As he was serving clients their drinks, he noticed a familiar figure leaning on the counter, drinking a bottle of beer. Inuyasha approaching him and realized that it was the guy named Byakuya from yesterday evening.

'' Hey man, aren't you supposed to be on a date right now?'' he asked, confused.

Byakuya turned to face the bartender and scoffed at his question '' Nah! The girl was cute but not that cute! She was texting me non-stop, asking me silly questions. I just wanted a quick fuck since she looked desperate the other night. So, I stood her up.''

The silver-haired man froze at what he heard.

"What do you mean you stood her up? Where is Rin?" Inuyasha asked cautiously.

''She's probably still at the restaurant.'' Byakuya said, shrugging his shoulders. He then left, disappearing through the sea of people, leaving the bartender seething in anger.

Never in his life, he felt this much rage and disgust for a person. It took all his willpower to not go over the counter and go look for him and pound the bastard. He decided against it, knowing that he would end up unemployed if he did (it would've been so worth it!) and let the guy live another day.

"Yo Jinenji! Take over for me! I gotta make some calls!"

Sesshomaru was sitting on a bench waiting for the person he was meeting with. He was enjoying the evening breeze of the month of June, signaling summer would be coming soon. Those nights were always pleasant for him and he preferred the peacefulness of the park in the evening.

His moment of peace was disturbed, when he felt his pocket vibrate signaling him that he was receiving a call. He sighed as he saw the name of the person calling him.

''What do you want little brother?'' he answered.

''I need a favor.'' Inuyasha said on the other line.

The eldest brother rolled his eyes at the request ''If it's about money Inuyasha, you can forget it. Find yourself a better job.''

''It's not about money you dick! It's about Rin!'' he growled.

At Sesshomaru`s silence, he continued his explanation.

''Look she got stood up for her date. I would've gone but I can't leave the bar, and Miroku is not answering his phone. I think she at The Jewel, some restaurant downtown. Just go and get her. ''

''And why should I care Inuyasha?'' Sesshomaru questioned coldy.

''Look, I know you're a cold-hearted bastard, but Rin is a good kid! She doesn't deserve that. Just don't leave her alone. Please.'' He finally begged before hanging up.

Sesshomaru really did not understand why his brother would think that he would care about what happened to Rin. She was merely a roommate. Why should he care about her feelings? This was all nonsense.

However, against the better of him, the image of Rin flashing him a smile came to his mind.

What the hell?

What was this feeling? Did he feel sympathetic towards her?

The silver-haired man sighed and quickly texted the person he was supposed to meet to let them know he had to cancel.

He would go retrieve Rin.

The only reason why he did it was to make sure he wouldn't suffer another week of crying on the living room couch.

''Miss, I am sorry, but we are going to ask you to give up the table.''

Rin looked up dejectedly at the hostess. She knew she should give up the table, since her date didn't show up, but she wanted to keep her hope alive that maybe he would show up.

''Can I stay for another 15 minutes? I promise I will leave if the person doesn't show up.'' she pleaded.

The hostess sighed and simply nodded at Rin as she left.

The young woman looked at her phone to see if Byakuya had called or left a text. Maybe something bad happened to him. An accident or family troubles. Maybe he was sick and forgot to call. Or maybe…

Or maybe he just ditched her, and she was an idiot for believing in him.

You are so naive Rin, she berated to herself sadly.

This was so embarrassing. She kept her head down to avoid the pitiful looks the other tables were probably giving her since she had been sitting alone for past 45 minutes. She was trying so hard not to cry. This would add to her humiliation.

''Rin.'' said a deep baritone voice.

At hearing her name, the young woman looked up through her glossy vision and saw Sesshomaru standing in front of her table, like a guardian angel coming to save her.

The look he had on his face was not his typical stoic one. This expression in his eyes was so unlike him. It was almost like he felt bad for her.

''Let's go.'' He said softly, but also commanding.

Without question, she got up, carefully avoiding any stares and followed him outside to his car.

When she got in, Rin let the tears she was holding in fall freely. She knew shouldn't have expected so much out of this date, but she couldn't help being hurt at the rejection.

''How did you know I was here?'' she asked, in a broken voice.

''Inuyasha sent me.'' He replied simply, while staring ahead, clutching the steering wheel.

Rin only nodded at his answer, tears still streaming down her cheeks. She strapped on her seating belt ''Just take me home,'' she said.

Sesshomaru complied by igniting the car to life and drove away from the restaurant.

The ride was silent, Rin would have usually been bothered by the lack of conversation, but she really didn't feel like talking. Watching the scenery through the passenger window had a calming effect on her.

The car came to a stop, and Rin saw that they were in the parking lot of a random department store. Sesshomaru quietly exited the car, leaving her alone.

He probably needs something, she thought to herself.

After some time, he came back with a bag. She vaguely heard the bag shuffle, until the sound came to a stop. Within her range sight, she could see an object in his hand.

Curiosity got the best of her, decided to face Sesshomaru to see what he was holding. Rin's eyes widened at what was presented to her, not believing what she was seeing.

In his hands was her favorite movie: A Walk to Remember.

''To replace the one, I have destroyed'' Sesshomaru said.

The young woman slowly took the present, still surveying him as if he grew a second head. Overwhelmed by the kind gesture, fresh new tears started to stream down her face.

The silver-haired man was positively confused.

''Why are you crying?''

Rin sniffled a little bit, wiping her tears with the back of her hand ''I'm crying because it made me so happy! Thank you so much!'' she said as she beamed at him.

She held the DVD tightly to chest and started to sing a song that he recognized from the movie she played for two weeks non-stop.

Sesshomaru was not annoyed this time at her antics. He didn't understand why, but he felt a bizarre relief at the fact she reverted to her old self. Probably because he did not know how to handle a crying woman. He preferred that she continued to smile.

A strange woman indeed.

A/N: The song she is humming at the end is Cry by Mandy Moore. A Walk to Remember is a nice classic :)

Take care and R&R