Rin gently kicked her legs and hummed to herself as the car passed by numerous skyscrapers, bustling people, and other cars. She looked out the window to see the city whizzing past her. It was a blur of sounds, smells, and colors. The sun was so bright it almost made her eyes water. This was a new road; she'd never traveled this far into the city before. Rin wondered just where her Daddy was taking her. Not that it mattered, she was just happy spending any time with him. She was surprised that Sesshomaru was taking her at all. Usually, he left her in the hands of Grandma and Grandpa, sometimes Jaken if he was desperate. Lately, she was left in the care of Miss Hana, but Rin hadn't seen her since the night of that party at Grandpa's house almost a month ago. So when the car stopped at a giant hill in the city surrounded by oak and maple trees and a set of stairs leading up to the sky, Rin couldn't help but stare for a moment.

"Come along, Rin," said Sesshomaru.

Rin broke out of her daze and took his hand. Sesshomaru grasped it as gently as he could, all the while remembering that Rin was just a human and could break if he held her tighter. Then, holding her hand, Sesshomaru began the steep climb. Rin didn't let her exhaustion get the better of her by the time they reached the top, though Sesshomaru could hear her faint hard breathing. Rin wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and smiled.

The inn was still in a state of disarray. There were now twice as many people working on repairs and refurbishing. Hanzo showed them to the second floor, where the household residents stayed at the end of the hall. He left them outside a screen door painted with a purple and green peacock outside the other plain walls and shoji doors.

"Tatsuhana, are you ready?" He asked.

"Give me a minute!" Tatsuhana replied, but she didn't seem all that excited.

"Miss Hana, is that you?"

Before Sesshomaru could stop her, Rin slid her fingers into the door and pushed it open. Tatsuhana stood in the middle of the room, her shirt not even entirely pulled over her head. Rin ran to her without thought or a sense of propriety. Tatsuhana's shirt fell around her shoulders because she hadn't pulled her arms through the short sleeves yet. Nevertheless, Rin wasn't paying attention to Tatsuhana's state of partial undress. The little girl ran to her and wrapped her tiny arms around Tatsuhana's waist, and hugged.

For once in his life, Sesshomaru froze. Tatsuhana had been working out. He could see a faint change in the plane of her stomach where defined abs were taking shape. Sesshomaru cleared his throat.

"Rin, get over here. Now. You can't barge into someone's room like that. Leave Miss Hana alone so she can finish getting dressed," said he.

Rin, recognizing the sharp tone in his voice, immediately let go. She ran back to the hall and closed the door shortly after. Tatsuhana could hear Sesshomaru further chastise Rin through the screen door. Tatsuhana quickly got ready and grabbed a pair of shoes on the way out. Rin bowed from her waist.

"I'm very sorry for intruding on you, Miss Hana. I was just so happy to see you again." Rin apologized again.

"It's alright." Tatsuhana patted the girl's head. "Just promise me you won't do that again. A person's privacy is very important. You wouldn't want anyone walking in on you like that either, would you?"

Rin rose from her bow and shook her head.

"Good girl." Tatsuhana smiled, then turned to Sesshomaru. "So, where are you dragging me today?"

"Just to some department stores." He answered.

"Oh, no, you don't, buddy. I'm not going to let you buy me a whole wardrobe like some Cinderella. I don't want you to take me to any fancy department stores, I don't want any designer clothing, and I just want to get some basics. Maybe, maybe, I'll let you splurge on me because I know what kind of person you are. But I don't need to you buy me anything high-end, got it?"

"You're awfully demanding to the person who's buying you new clothes." Sesshomaru resisted smirking.

Tatsuhana was a head shorter than him, so he couldn't help but look down at her. Her energy was wafting around her like a cloud. She folded her arms across her chest and planted her feet.

"If not for the fact that everything I owned in that apartment was burned to cinders, I wouldn't be eating my self-respect and pride with a fork. I'm humoring you for the time being, but don't get cocky."

She grabbed a pair of shoes from her room, slammed the door closed, and brushed past him. Sesshomaru followed behind and pinned his eyes on her shoulders. If he looked anywhere else, he might have gotten distracted. Her shoulders were the least…attractive part of her body right now, but even then, Sesshomaru liked the way the defined muscles rippled beneath her skin-tight t-shirt. He made a note to himself to get her baggier clothes. All three climbed into the car and drove off after Tatsuhana finished giving instructions to Hanzo.

If Tatsuhana insisted on not getting quality clothing, Sesshomaru would deal with mingling with the peasantry for an afternoon. He and Tatsuhana had a hard enough time keeping an eye on Rin in the populated mall. The little girl pranced around the mall without a care in the world. Her eyes were wide and bright at seeing all the people, colors, and lights.

"You'd think this was the first time she'd ever been to the mall," said Tatsuhana.

"It is," said Sesshomaru.

"What?" Her brows furrowed. "No."

"Yes."

"How has she gone eight years without going to the mall?" Asked Tatsuhana.

"I've either bought her clothes online, or her grandparents bought them. I've never taken Rin anywhere near the mall, nor has anyone else."

Tatsuhana furrowed her brows, both confused and annoyed. Rin's quick movement caught her eye. She glanced over to see Rin running into the crowd. By pure instinct, Tatsuhana ran after her. She was able to catch up to the little girl thanks to her strong legs.

"Here, Rin," Tatsuhana held out her hand towards the girl. "Take my hand, please. I don't want you running off like that."

"Oh. Okay!" Rin took her hand.

Tatsuhana sighed with relief. She glanced over her shoulder to see Sesshomaru walking not far behind them. When he caught up to them, Sesshomaru walked at Tatsuhana's side.

"You could have shown a little more concern about your kid walking off like that," Tatsuhana chided.

"I'm a demon. Who is going to try anything for my child? More importantly," he leaned over to Tatsuhana's ear. "I'd be able to smell her within several miles. I'd like to see someone try anything, but your motherly instincts are appreciated."

Tatsuhana moved an arm's length away from her. The tip of her ear was turning red; Sesshomaru could see it from the corner of his eye. He hid his smirk behind a stoic mask and moved behind them. Tatsuhana proved to be easy to shop for. A couple of department stores later, and she had about half of her wardrobe back, plus a few other things. Her cheeks turned red when she told him to make himself busy elsewhere while she looked for intimates. Rin tailed not too far behind her.

"Miss Hana, where is your face so red?"

Tatsuhana looked over a couple of bra and panty sets before grabbing a couple of more short styles and plain bras.

"I'm…overheated. That's why."

The answer didn't seem to satisfy Rin.

"Is it because you didn't want Daddy to see what you picked out?"

"My, aren't you perceptive?" Tatsuhana gritted her teeth.

She bundled her goods under a pair of pajamas then went to look for Sesshomaru, maybe ask him not to look when the cashier rang up her choices. Rin followed shortly behind until they were stopped by a familiar voice.

"Mrs. Hamasaki? Is that you?"

Tatsuhana turned on her heel to find that man from Toga's party. She couldn't quite place a name to his face for a moment before the memory came back to her.

"Ah! Mr. Kazaana. I didn't expect to see you here." Tatsuhana put on her best 'customer service' smile.

The romance author Miroku Kazaana carried a couple of shopping bags in his hand, including a small pink striped one that looked out of place against his black jacket and dark slacks. He was polite enough to keep a healthy distance. Tatsuhana tucked her soon-to-be purchases closer to her body, tightening her hand into a fist around the polyester satin, and held Rin's hand in her other.

"I was wondering if and when we'll ever meet. I wanted to discuss with you some proposals. I could really use an artist's eye for my upcoming projects. I think you made some really good points about my cover art."

Tatsuhana didn't think about anything else but her inn. Some people had now worked for almost ten hours a day. There were still repairs and restocking to be done. The roof needed retiling. There was the cost of her tuition, and how was she going to pay back her college education with just her own money? The inn made a bit, but Tatsuhana would be paying for college until she was an old woman. She put on her best customer service voice again.

"Yes, I remember that. It's just that I've been…busy," she said.
"I've heard. If I may ask, how is your inn? I heard on the grapevine it was attacked."

"We're in the middle of refurbishing. I hope to reopen next month." Tatsuhana answered.

"Oh." Miroku suddenly looked downcast. "You would probably be too busy to discuss this over dinner, correct?"

Tatsuhana thought about the bathroom addition she wanted to make upstairs, so she didn't have to walk across the hall to take a shower.

"I'm sure we could work something out. Tell you what, I need to finish this up, and I will meet you over at the food court to make arrangements."

"That sounds like a plan. I'll wait patiently, Mrs. Hamasaki," said Miroku.

He brushed past her. Tatsuhana held her breath until he walked on and looked briefly down at Rin.

"Let's go find your dad so we can pay for this." She squeezed the girl's hand and began looking.

Which, by the way, wasn't difficult. It shouldn't be when you're garnering the attention of any try-hard female who took a good look at Sesshomaru's face. He was half-surrounded by grown women pressuring him into buying things for the girlfriend that didn't exist. At least in their minds, they were potential girlfriends. Sadly, Sesshomaru was too busy scrolling through his phone to care what they were trying to sell him, literally or figuratively. He only looked up when
Tatsuhana and Rin were approaching.

"There you are. Are we done here?" He asked.

"Just this stuff. I think I've got everything I needed today."

"Let's finish up. I'm getting hungry," said Sesshomaru.

He brushed past the gaggle of women. Their faces turned sour as soon as they saw her with him. Sesshomaru hadn't touched her, not even on the shoulder, yet Tatsuhana could still feel their stares glued to the back of her head. She didn't try to look over her shoulder to see them glared at her.

Tatsuhana successfully blocked most of Sesshomaru's view of her purchases before the cashier placed them in the bag. He paid for them without asking questions. Tatsuhana was handed the bag and added it to the three others she had already. They were making their way out of the department store when she mentioned the food court. Sesshomaru scrunched his nose in disgust.

"I smelled the potential grease fires before we even entered the mall. Don't tell me you actually want to eat there?" He asked with his lip curling.

"Ugh, fine, Your Highness. We won't eat there, but I do have someone I need to see before we leave. Is that alright by you?"

Tatsuhana was already walking in the direction of the food court when Sesshomaru asked, "Who?"

"Mr. Kazaana."

"The author?"

"The one and the same," said Tatsuhana with a smile. She didn't even have to look at him to know that Sesshomaru tense. "Is there a problem?"

"I didn't realize that you were going to have a rendezvous with him. If I'd known that, I wouldn't have made my offer to replace your wardrobe. I'm sure Mr. Kazaana would have enjoyed himself more than I did," said Sesshomaru.

"We happened to be in the same store. It was, by chance, okay. Don't get your britches in a twist over it. He wants to discuss book cover ideas."

"I'm sure it's just book covers he's interested in," snarled Sesshomaru.

Tatsuhana ignored him the rest of the walk and left Rin in his care while she went to find Miroku. She found him under the shade of a fake palm tree, signing books. Tatsuhana stood aside until the last of his fangirls skipped away with their freshly signed copies clutched to their chests.

"There you are, my dear. I was wondering if you were going to abandon me here and fend for myself," said Miroku with a smirk.

"I'm sure you would have been able to handle yourself just fine among the swarms of fangirls fawning over you."

"But none so pretty as you."

"I have classes Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be your best bet for a business dinner," said Tatsuhana, hoping that he would get the hint. She avoided placing too much emphasis on business, lest Miroku got the wrong impression and think she was overly sarcastic.

"I'll make reservations for Sunday then. Shall I pick you up?"

"No!" Tatsuhana jumped to the quick. She cleared her throat once she realized that she had answered too loudly, but the idea of Miroku, who was already treading on thin ice, knowing where she lived was too much for her. "I mean, no. That won't be necessary. I'll…give you my number so you can tell me where to meet you. I don't want to be trouble for you."

Miroku rubbed his chin in thought. "Yes. That would be a better idea. I wouldn't want the press getting wind of this. Very well."

Sesshomaru glared at the other man from across the expansive food court. Even from here, he could tell that the romance author was laying it on thick. Thank goodness Tatsuhana was smart enough to recognize it and avoid his supposed charms. Sesshomaru's hand clenched at his side when he saw them exchange phone numbers. He ridiculed himself for letting something so stupid make him jealous. Jealousy was a pathetic human emotion, one that such as himself purged long ago.

"Daddy?" Rin tugged at his shirt sleeve.

Sesshomaru turned to her. Rin's large brown eyes looked up at him in a curious fashion.

"What is it, Rin?"

"Are you feeling okay? You look kinda mad. Did Miss Hana say something mean to you?"

Sesshomaru inhaled sharply through his nose and exhaled. "No. What makes you think that?"

"You look kinda angry. You don't like that man Miss Hana is talking to, is that right?"

Sesshomaru's jaw clenched. His gaze narrowed on Miroku and Tatsuhana merely talking with each other. Tatsuhana stood out of Miroku's reach, a respectful distance, and it wasn't like they were touching each other. Miroku stood up, and they shook hands. Sesshomaru watched him walk away. He stopped watching the other man until he was out of Sesshomaru's sight. His shoulders stiffened as Tatsuhana rejoined them.

"Is there anything else?" Sesshomaru asked.

"No. I think that's everything," said Tatsuhana.

"Let's go. I'm hungry."

Tatsuhana paced her bedroom. She had been doing so for the past twenty minutes. As soon as she put away her new clothes, Tatsuhana started to pace the length of her room. Finally, she picked up her phone and called the only person who could help her.

"Oh my god, Hana! How are you?"

"Listen, I need your help," Tatsuhana said suddenly.

"What's up?"

"I have a business dinner with a writer who wants me to design his book covers, but I don't have anything to wear. All I have are jeans and shirts. What do I do?"

"You don't have a cocktail dress or something?"

"We've known each other since middle school. Do you think I've ever had to wear a cocktail dress or any dress for that matter?"

Maiko sighed. "You're right. Nothing I own would be able to fit you. Do you want to go dress shopping then?"

"We'll have to. I got a few necessary items today, but I didn't look at dresses. Even if I did, I don't think I would have told Sesshomaru what it was for."

There was a pregnant pause.

"Sesshomaru?" Said Maiko.

Tatsuhana could see Maiko's brow shoot up, and a smirk play on her lips.

"Yes," answered Tatsuhana.

"Sesshomaru Taisho?" Said Maiko.

"Yes." Tatsuhana inwardly groaned.

"Well, it must be important if you don't want Sesshomaru to see you in a sexy little cocktail dress. He'd probably jump you if he saw you in a dress." Maiko laughed.

Blood rushed to Tatsuhana's face. She felt the tips of her ears burn. Grinding her teeth, Tatsuhana spoke again.

"It doesn't have to be a cocktail dress! It just has to look nice and professional. Are you going to help me or not?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'll help you only because I love you."

Sesshomaru pinched the bridge of his nose. His mother was staring down at him once again. Laying across his desk was a manila folder. It was loaded with dossiers of potential wives his mother gathered not only without his knowledge but without his consent as well. Mrs. Taisho, for she never changed her surname after the divorce, folded her arms on her chest. Her Christian Louboutin heel clicked with each tap of her foot.

"Mother…" Sesshomaru growled.

"You can't continue to live like a bachelor. It's been five years. It's time to remarry."

"According to whom?"

"Your only child is human. Do you plan to outlive your only daughter and leave all your goods and revenue to Jaken?" His mother sniped.

"Mother—"

"Are you too good for these women?"

Sesshomaru humored her and flipped through the contents of the folder. The dossiers were only a couple of pages long, not torturous biographies, and yet it still seemed too much. The beauty of being a wealthy ex-wife with a monthly allowance and alimony payments Mrs. Taisho had a lot of time on her hands. She could spend countless hours researching for wives for her only son. Sesshomaru looked at the photos provided. They were all demons who had either earned themselves money and businesses or inherited them. One among the lot was another dog demon with black hair and silver eyes. She owned a multi-million yen tech company she started from the ground up. She was open to relationships with men and women but was looking for a man to start a family of her own. The demon was pretty enough, though she wasn't quite what Sesshomaru wanted. He immediately began finding flaws.

The demon's hair was too short. Sesshomaru didn't like shoulder-length hair. She looked too pristine, too put together. In the picture, the demon wore an expensive pinstripe suit. He could tell by the cut that it was designer. Sesshomaru contained himself enough to not make a face.

"That one is Miwa Utagawa. She has her own money, is good-looking, and is open to starting a family as soon as possible. You'd be able to spend just enough time together to get a family started and live independently of each other if that is what you seek. She is a dog demon as well, so you are very compatible."

"I don't need you to fish for my future wife even if I decide to remarry." Sesshomaru closed the folder. "You will stop meddling in my affairs, Mother. I'm starting to think you require a new hobby."

"Your half-brother is on the verge of getting married. Do you know how embarrassing it would be to have your younger half-human brother get married before you?" Mrs. Taisho scowled at the idea.

"I care not what Inuyasha does," said Sesshomaru.

"Just pick someone. I already have a reservation set up for this Friday, and it's not going to go to waste."

Sesshomaru flipped through the folder again. Miwa Utagawa's profile was left at the top of the stack. It was easier to pick the first one than even bothering to flip through and pick a random profile. He plucked Miwa's file and showed his mother.

"Excellent choice!"