Chapter 6
After school, Inuyasha and Koga made their way to their history teacher's class for detention.
While walking the halls, they noticed Sesshomaru. Inuyasha smirked at Koga.
"Looks like you'll be doing detention solo today, loser!-Inuyasha made a mocking face at Koga, who watched Inuyasha approach his older brother.-Hey! Sesshomaru! I guess you wanna get home quickly? It looks like I'll just do detention another day." Inuyasha grinned back at his friend.
"No. You are staying. Take a bus or call a cab. I could care less which you choose." Sesshomaru walked away.
"But! Hey! Wait! Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha groaned angrily.
"Yeah. You are a total dumbass for thinking that was gonna work?-Koga looked at his friend/rival.-Now? Who were you callin a loser, you little punk?" Koga asked threateningly.
"Boys. Right, this way. I decided to give a little history lesson while you stayed in detention." Myoga smiled at the two boys arguing in the halls.
Inuyasha and Koga sighed, annoyed. This was gonna be one annoying hour and a half.
/
"I'll catch a ride with Kohaku. I'll see you tonight." Sango blushed as she leaned in to kiss Miroku.
"I'll see you tonight, my sweet Sango." Miroku flashed his beautifully charming smile, which deepened the blush on Sango's face.
Rin adored it. She had always known Sango for being a tomboy. Sango never blushed when guys came and talked to her, and she never allowed guys to flirt with her or treat her like she was a girl. This boy had obviously meant a great deal to the teenage girl.
As perverted as Rin gathered, he treated Sango like a queen. He was always complimenting her, constantly showering her with affection, always being there to support her.
Rin noticed this in the gym when Miroku cheered on Sango, who out ran him, Inuyasha, and Koga.
Later he was mocked by all the other boys who told him he was 'whipped,' which Rin didn't exactly understand. She found it incredibly sweet, though, when Miroku had answered all his male friends back with-"There is nothing wrong with supporting your woman. Sango is very strong and very determined. If she needs me to be a househusband, then I am happy to be just that."-Rin found this to be incredibly romantic.
She continued scribbling down randomly in her notebook once more.
"Rin? Do you need a ride home?" Kohaku offered.
"No, thank you! I'd like to take the bus today and start learning my way around!" Rin smiled up at her friend sweetly as she held her notebook close to her body.
"Ok. Well, if you get lost or need anything, just call me." Kohaku smiled back shyly and waved goodbye as he backed away with his sister.
"Kohaku? Be careful of the-Rin was too late in her warning as her young friend rolled backward down the stone steps he seemed to have forgotten about.-Stairs... You ok?" Rin asked, seating herself at the top stair her friend just tumbled from.
"Ow, yeah..I'll be fine." Kohaku waved and grinned.
"Come on you. Your so clumsy, Kohaku." Sango lifted her brother with kindness. She decided to be the one to drive home after her brother's tumble.
"It wasn't my fault..not entirely anyway?" Kohaku tried to defend himself.
Sango only rolled her eyes and began giggling softly. She and Kohaku got into the car and were off.
"Hey! You waiting for someone?" Kagome exited the school and looked to Rin.
"Nope. Or maybe? I'm taking the bus home today!" Rin smiled.
Kagome grinned back and sat beside the young girl, who quickly became her friend.
"Brave of you. Bus routes are weird and hard to figure out. That's why I prefer walking. But I don't live very far." Kagome mentioned.
"I'm not entirely sure how far I am? I know it would be quite the walk, though!" Rin and Kagome began laughing.
"What are you waiting for?" Rin asked curiously.
"Inuyasha. He has detention. I don't want him to be all alone when he gets out." Kagome smiled softly.
"That's so sweet of you. You must care about him a lot! Just like Sango does for Miroku!" Rin mentioned.
"I do. Inuyasha has been the best thing to happen to me. He's sweet, caring, loyal, super handsome, and very smart! I trust him with my heart entirely." Kagome said, touching her fingers to where her heartbeat quickened for the teen boy she loved.
"That's amazing," Rin observed and took in the sight of complete delight that touched the young girl's face as she spoke of her boyfriend.
Perhaps one day, she'd know love as true as that. Rin looked up and noticed a bus approaching. The numbers looked familiar enough. Maybe this was hers?
"Well! Guess I gotta go! See you tomorrow, Kagome!" Rin waved as she ran off to catch the bus.
"Bye! See you tomorrow!" Kagome waved. "I guess she must live close to Sesshomaru?" Kagome said to no one, noticing the bus the young girl boarded.
/
Sesshomaru knew trying to get home would be pointless. His younger brother would end up calling to pick him up.
Sesshomaru decided to stop and eat as the cafeteria food wasn't worth his second bite.
Sesshomaru pulled into the cafe he had skipped earlier since he had to jog to work this morning. He could sit in, wait for Inuyasha and stop at the store on his way home.
"Afternoon, welcome to-Familiar eyes locked onto Sesshomaru's handsome features..-Hello there! I missed you this morning." The young woman pulled out a menu and motioned for Sesshomaru to follow her.
"Outside if possible." Was all Sesshomaru replied.
"So? You didn't want your salad this morning?" The young girl guided him to the gated outdoor seating area.
"I had to jog to work today. Stopping here to pick up food that I could easily acquire after seemed pointless. Similar to this conversation." Sesshomaru took a seat and looked over the menu.
"Glad you came in anyway, handsome. Someone will be right with you." The girl smiled and winked at Sesshomaru.
Sesshomaru contemplated what to order. He wasn't in the mood for his usual, something more, but nothing too heavy?
Sesshomaru also thought about ordering something Inuyasha would eat. His younger brother had mentioned his lunch was unsatisfactory as well.
Sesshomaru settled on a French-dipped beef sandwich. Depending on how it is, Sesshomaru decided he might get that for his younger brother as well.
/
As Sara and Kikyo continued in small talk, Sara's phone rang. She tried to still her laughing before answering.
"Hello?-Sara answered, still covering a giggle.-Oh! Hello! I'm so happy to hear from you! You are!? That's great! I can be there in twenty minutes! Great I'll see you soon!-Sara hung up and quickly rushed to gather her things.-I'm so sorry, sis! I gotta go! This is a really huge deal for me! I'll be back later, though, ok? Love you!" Sara hugged her best friend and walked out.
"It's ok! Go! I'll let Rin know you had to leave and that you'll be back. Love you! Drive safely!" Kikyo waved out her friend.
Even though it was only for an hour, Kikyo enjoyed the time she had spent with Sara and looked forward to their plan of Chinese food and romantic comedy movies that they could enjoy with Kikyo's young daughter Rin.
/
"Thank you!" Rin waved off the bus driver as she exited.
This didn't seem familiar? Maybe if she just kept walking? She was positive this was her exit after all.
"Hmm? Maybe I can ask someone? I don't exactly remember my address, though?" Rin giggled and began looking for the few familiar landmarks she had kept in mind to find her home.
As she skipped along the sidewalk, Rin began singing one of her favorite Hilary Duff songs.
/
Sesshomaru lifted his to-go order and paid his check. He took one last sip of his iced tea and walked away, not caring to wait for change.
"See you tomorrow, handsome!" The perky hostess waved.
Sesshomaru didn't acknowledge her as he continued his walk to his car.
Sesshomaru set his food to the side as he got in and fastened his seatbelt to pull out of the bistro parking lot.
His drive back to the school was short since traffic had died down—Sesshomaru parked in front of the stairs to see his brother and Kagome talking at the top.
"Mama called and asked I pick up and bring home Sota. So we'll spend time together tomorrow night, alright?" Kagome asked, cupping Inuyasha's saddened face.
"Yeah, alright. Want me to walk with you? I'll ask my dad if I can just stay home." Inuyasha held Kagome closely.
"No puppy! That's very dangerous with your allergies!" Kagome kissed his cheek.
Inuyasha sighed sadly; he hated lying to Kagome. It was better than revealing his family as arguing lunatics, though. He didn't want her to run off with another guy who had a typical family.
"Yeah. Get home safely. Call me!" Inuyasha kept his eyes locked on the girl he loved as he got into his brother's car.
"I will! I love you!" Kagome called back as she began walking.
"I love you, Mia!" Inuyasha shouted from the car window.
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and shifted his car in drive. "Hey, lover boy. I got you food." Sesshomaru held the togo bag in front of Inuyasha's face.
"Sweet! Food!" Inuyasha opened up the bag and began eating.
Sesshomaru smiled at his younger brother. It didn't take much to please him. Inuyasha was a very simple kid. All he wanted in life was good company and good food.
"We have to stop at the store. If you are staying with me, we need to stock up on food as well." Sesshomaru mentioned.
"Alright, cool. Hey! Since my friends are all busy. Let's get guy food! Total man's night tonight!" Inuyasha said with a mouth full of food.
"I worry what this implies? Please refrain from speaking with your mouth full. I do not enjoy watching you swallow and chew your food." Sesshomaru said as he focused on the road ahead.
"Blah, blah, blah. So whattaya say? You game?" Inuyasha asked while he wiped the drippings from his sandwich off his face.
"Depends. One, what counts as 'guy' food to you? Two, are you suggesting I have to spend time with you outside of feeding you? If so, what is the activity? It would have to wait until after you've finished homework and I've finished work." Sesshomaru said as he switched lanes.
"You know! Like steaks! Or burgers! And I don't know we'll figure it out. That was good, thanks." Inuyasha packed away all his mess in the bag his food was in.
"We'll see. I really don't want to use the grill right now." Sesshomaru said, looking for a parking space.
"Come on! We can't make man food on a stove! Using a stove is for women! We are men!" Inuyasha exclaimed.
Sesshomaru laughed at his brother's statement and excitement as they exited the now parked vehicle.
"I worry about you. You know that?" Sesshomaru playfully shoved his brother.
Inuyasha shoved Sesshomaru back as they entered the small grocery store.
/
"Oh no. I'm lost? I don't even know if that bus will come back or not?" Rin checked her cell phone, still dead since the last time she checked it.
Rin sighed and blew her bangs up her head exasperatedly.
Her eyes landed on a small grocery store across the street. Rin smiled and looked both ways before running across the street. She wasn't sure how long it would stay empty for after all.
"I guess I'll have to call my mother?" Rin said to herself, walking into the store.
Upon entering the store, the aroma of multiple foods hit her swiftly. Rotisserie chickens, cupcakes, fresh bread, amazingly fresh fruit!
Rin walked up to the fruit aisle and lifted an apple to smell it.
"Wow! It smells so amazing!" Rin picked out a few fruits that looked incredibly delicious.
As she continued through the store, she could vaguely hear a very familiar voice.
"Look, all I'm sayin is that we need big cuts of meat because we are men! Two guys livin it up in the wild!" Inuyasha rode the cart his older brother pushed.
"What are you talking about! You make less sense each time you speak.-Sesshomaru said, laughing.-We are literally in a grocery store where the meat and produce of been procured for us. And the wolf you so speak of has indoor plumbing and a/c." Sesshomaru threw a variety pack of different oatmeal flavors into his cart.
"Hey! Your place is barely livable. Can we agree on that much! Your indoor plumbing needs serious work, and half your house is like a sauna!" Inuyasha laughed.
He eyed a bag of sweet chili Doritos and opened them up as he continued walking the store with his brother.
"Alright, I'll give you living in the wild for those reasons alone." Sesshomaru yawned as he pushed the grocery cart towards produce.
"If you're tired, I can always drive back?" Inuyasha tossed another chip into his mouth.
"That's ok. I prefer living, thank you very much.-Sesshomaru covered his mouth as he yawned once more.-Grab us some good apples and pears, oh great survivalist." Sesshomaru mocked as he began examining prepackaged cut melons.
"I am a great survivalist! Fearless and the very best at-Aghhh!" Inuyasha fell over startled.
"Hi, Inuyasha! I didn't mean to scare you." Rin offered her hand to help the teen boy up.
Inuyasha huffed as he could hear Sesshomaru laughing uncontrollably at Inuyasha's yelp.
"I wasn't scared! You just caught me off guard, that's all. What are ya doin here?" Inuyasha declined her offer, not sure she'd be able to handle his weight.
Rin was like crazy tiny; when Inuyasha had first seen her, he assumed her to be much, MUCH younger than she was.
"I got lost. I am gonna ask to call my mom when I go pay for these!" Rin showed her basket of fruit.
"Damn, alright. Sorry, you got lost? Wanna hang with Sesshomaru and me until your mom gets here?" Inuyasha offered.
"So, oh fearless survival expert. Did you get what we need, or was your scare by this little girl too much a distraction?" Sesshomaru mocked.
He hadn't paid much attention to whom the young girl was or what she was wearing.
"Bleh, meh, meh. You're so funny! No, I forgot all about your dumb apples. Hey, can we hang out here until Rin's mom gets here?" Inuyasha pointed to the young girl.
"What? Who the fuck is Rin, and why would I? Ah, Miss Miko. I hadn't noticed you." Sesshomaru looked over the young girl.
She was pretty cute; her body was small but still had shape, her hair was long and full, and she had large brown eyes.
"Hello, Mr.Taisho. These apples and pears smell delicious! Here!" Rin offered her teacher an apple.
"No, thank you. I, unlike my brother, do not consume food while shopping.-Sesshomaru readjusted his glasses.-Why does Inuyasha believe you need a guardian?" Sesshomaru asked as he picked fruit.
"I got lost. And I mentioned that I have to call my mom to come and get me, and then Inuyasha offered for me to stay with you both until she gets here. Why he offered could be one of two reasons! One, he thinks I'm a lot younger than I am. Two, he just has a super kind heart!" Rin beamed.
"Come on; we aren't in school. Don't be an ass. Let her hang with us. Maybe we can take her home?" Inuyasha suggested.
"You make Miss Miko sound like a lost puppy. You have noticed that she is human correct?" Sesshomaru mocked.
Rin giggled and pushed her teacher's hand away from a lousy pear. "No, that one is yucky. Get this one!" Rin placed Sesshomaru's hand on the pear she chose.
Sesshomaru looked at her questioningly. There was no point in arguing, and after all, she was correct.
"Thank you." Sesshomaru placed the pear in a small bag and into his cart.
"I wasn't listening to what you said. So I'm just gonna assume that we are taking her home. Where do ya live?" Inuyasha asked after taking a sip from a Mountain Dew.
"I don't know," Rin said honestly.
"C'mon, you can tell me. I ain't some crazy person?" Inuyasha said, slightly offended.
"Oh no! I didn't mean I didn't want to tell you. I literally meant I do not know my address. I just moved here. Kohaku brought me home once last night, and I never thought to get the address. I was too focused on completing my extra credit report for Mr.Taisho." Rin smiled.
"Great job Sesshomaru, go figure this is all your fault!" Inuyasha shoved his brother.
Sesshomaru smacked his brother behind his head and gave him a look. "How exactly do you plan on getting her home when she does not have an address to give?" Sesshomaru looked at his younger brother smugly.
"Well, I don't know! You figure it out, asshole! It's your fault anyway!" Inuyasha shouted back.
"That's not true..." Rin smiled as she watched the interaction between brothers.
Sesshomaru looked at Rin. She was probably like every other young person of this generation who didn't have a single phone number memorized.
"You know your mother's phone number? Without having to check your phone?" Sesshomaru asked.
It was apparent her cellphone had died. Otherwise, she would have called her mother long ago.
"Don't be such a hardass. She could check her phone for the number!" Inuyasha defended, not genuinely paying much attention to what he said.
"Yes.-Rin giggled.-I know her work number also in case she's gone back to work. I might be able to call my auntie as well? But she's usually working at this time." Rin answered.
Sesshomaru was impressed. He had not come across a young person with the mind to memorize a single thing. As long as they had their cell phones, they had all the answers they needed.
"What is her number." Sesshomaru pulled out his cell.
Rin gave the number and expected to be handed the phone after. Sesshomaru seemed to have other plans, however.
~oOo~
A few rings caught Kikyo's attention as she just folded up the last box for her kitchen. The caller is read unknown. Kikyo hesitated a moment and decided no harm would come from answering.
"Hello?" Kikyo answered.
"Mrs. Miko, My name is Sesshomaru Taisho. I am your daughter's English teacher at Hakurei High." Sesshomaru said to the confused woman on the other end.
"Oh, is Rin alright?" Kikyo asked, worried. She'd never had a teacher call her about Rin before?
"Yes. She seems to have taken the wrong bus home, however. I ran into her at a local grocery store on the corner of Benton and Kagewaki." Sesshomaru said while walking the two young teens to the front of the packed grocery store.
"Oh my! We live nowhere near there! How did she end up there!?" Kikyo asked, now worried.
"I thought as much. If you would be so kind as to send me your address, I'll make sure she returns home promptly. As for how she wound up here, I'd assume it has something g to do with taking the wrong bus." Sesshomaru rolled his eyes as he answered the woman's question.
"Yes. Right away! Thank you so much for the call. Is Rin near you? May I speak with her?" Kikyo asked with the sound of worry in her voice.
"Yes. Just a moment." Sesshomaru handed Rin his phone.
"Hi, mama! Sorry I got lost! Mr. Taisho and his brother Inuyasha are bringing me home, though! See you soon love you bye!" Rin hung up before her mother could say anything.
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha looked at the girl with confusion. Why's she rush her mother off the phone? Was her mom crazy abusive or something?
"Here you are! Thank you so much for calling!" Rin smiled.
Sesshomaru hummed and took back his phone. He eyed the young girl once more and proceeded forward in line.
Rin and Inuyasha made small nonsensical talk as Sesshomaru paid for Rin's groceries. Rin hadn't noticed as Inuyasha explained how he and his girlfriend met.
"Let's go." Sesshomaru stated. He held three bags of fresh fruit separate from his cart.
"Oh? But I have to pay for my..? Oh no, I've lost my fruit." Rin said sadly.
"It's ok, we'll find it. You musta set it down somewhere without realizing." Inuyasha attempted to comfort the young girl.
"Well, whoever has it. I hope they enjoy it! I picked the very best pieces!" Rin smiled brightly, ready to walk out.
Sesshomaru found it oddly pleasing how upset she became over misplacing fruit. It fascinated him how she wished the best for any who would be her so thought misplaced fruit.
"Your groceries are here.-Sesshomaru lifted the three separate bags.-I paid for them, so we can go now." Sesshomaru held her bags.
Rin gasped widely. She then ran up and hugged Sesshomaru as tightly as she possibly could have!
Sesshomaru was caught off guard from this. He was not accustomed to people touching him without his permission, let alone embracing him.
"Thank you, Mr.Taisho! That's so sweet of you! I'm so happy!" Rin beamed happily.
Inuyasha began laughing and quickly earned a slap to the back of his head. "Ow! What the hell, man!" Inuyasha yelled and punched his brother in the arm.
"Miss Miko, remove yourself from my person. Let's get going." Sesshomaru said, walking the girl to his car.
Rin got in the back seat and thanked Sesshomaru when he handed her the bags of fruit.
"Sorry, it's so messy? And sorry if it smells too. But you know how it is. Mean and all." Inuyasha looked at Sesshomaru to agree with him.
Rin giggled as Sesshomaru shook his head and mentioned how disgusting he found his younger brother to be.
Rin and Inuyasha spoke the entire car ride about nothing important. They were simply getting to know the other. Inuyasha felt awkward at times since Kagome wasn't there, but Rin somehow always sensed that and made him feel more comfortable talking about Kagome or asking about her.
Sesshomaru occasionally joined the conversation when it pertained to how often Rin moved around, or when her father passed away, conversations that pertained to other students Sesshomaru stood out of.
"This house looks familiar to you?" Sesshomaru asked as he pulled to the side of the curb.
"Nope! But that car does! It's mamas! Would you like to come inside? I'll make a fruit salad!" Rin said happily.
"No. Come. I'll walk you to your door." Sesshomaru said plainly.
"See ya, Rin! Hey! It was cool getting to know you!" Inuyasha said through the window.
"You to Inuyasha! See you tomorrow!" Rin waved kindly.
She looked up at her teacher, who not just walked her to her door but held her groceries as well. He was a gentleman, not like boys in school seemed to be.
"Thank you again, Mr. Taisho. For everything, this was very kind of you." Rin smiled.
Sesshomaru knocked on the door and felt unusual? Why was being around this particular student so different from any other student?
"Of course. It would have been irresponsible of me otherwise," Sesshomaru said, not looking at the young girl who seemed to be staring.
"I'm sorry I didn't go over my extra credit report. It won't happen again." Rin said just as her mother opened the door.
"Rin! Thank goodness! I was so worried when your teacher called!" Kikyo immediately wrapped her arms around her little girl.
"Mama, this is Mr.Taisho. Mr. Taisho, this is my mother, Kikyo Miko." Rin introduced.
"Pleasure Mrs. Miko." Sesshomaru shook Kikyo's hand.
"Thank you. I was so thankful you found her. Would you like to come in?" Kikyo offered.
"No, I have raw meat in the car. I should get going. These belong to your daughter.-Sesshomaru handed the bags to Kikyo, which Rin immediately grabbed.-This is the bus that would pick up and drop off your daughter. If you should have any questions, please call the school. They'll be able to provide you with further information. Good day." Sesshomaru said, backing away.
"Yes, um, thank you again!" Kikyo waved.
"Thank you, Mr.Taisho!-Rin waved and bit into her apple.-I'll see you in class tomorrow! I promise to have all three books finished! And I'll go over my work twice this time!" Rin smiled as she took another bite.
Sesshomaru barely grinned. "Very well. Good evening to you both." Sesshomaru walked back to his car.
"What's with you?" Inuyasha asked.
"Hm?" Sesshomaru looked at his brother as he started his car again.
"What with the goofy grin? Her mom hot or something?" Inuyasha looked to his brother, confused.
"I have no clue what nonsense you are referring to." Sesshomaru pulled out and began driving home.
"Whatever. I know that look. It means you are into someone and wanna fuck them. I've seen it enough times before with Sara." Inuyasha went back to playing a mobile game on his cell.
"That's ridiculous. I do not have a look." Sesshomaru defended himself.
Kikyo was nothing extraordinary. Her body was nothing different from any other woman's, and I did not find her attractive in any way.
"Whatever. You were smiling about something." Inuyasha said casually.
Sesshomaru thought back. He was amused for a mere moment. "It was something that Rin said. That's all." Sesshomaru said unknowingly out loud.
"Did you just call her Rin?" Inuyasha laughed as he asked.
Sesshomaru said nothing as his mind began to replay all the foolish moments he encountered with her.
Rin, she's different?