Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, however Rinku is mine.

"Spoken"

Thoughts

Her birthday at last. Kagome stood once again in front of her mirror. This time she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup. Her mother had put up her hair and she was dressed in a royal blue kimono.

As far as Kagome could tell, she was the only one going to dinner. Mama had told her it was with an old friend. However, for the life of her, Kagome could not figure out who it was. She could tell that Mama wanted to tell her. Kagome was pretty sure that Grandpa knew, but she wasn't sure if Souta did. She sighed. She finished up her makeup and glanced out her window. Even after two years, she still hoped to see Inuyasha sitting in the tree. Once again it was completely empty. She stepped over to make sure. There was no moonlight this evening, but the sky was clear and the stars twinkled brightly. With a heavy heart she turned away and made her way downstairs.

Souta stopped playing his video game and stared at his sister. "Wow," was all he could manage to say.

Mama came into the living room and looked at her daughter.

"Let me get the camera." She ran out of the room and came back a moment later. She snapped a couple of pictures.

A knock came at the door. Everyone glance in the door's direction. Kagome held her breath in anticipation. This was the moment. Mama opened the door and there stood…

… someone Kagome did not recognize. The man had red hair and was dressed in some sort of uniform. She couldn't make out the insignia on the left side of his jacket.

He gave a low bow, then glanced up at Kagome.

"Hello. My name is Rinku, and I will be your driver for the evening. I take it you are Lady Kagome?"

Kagome nodded. She stepped forward.

"Yes, but I am not deserving of such a title. Kagome is fine."

The man shrugged. She crossed to him and was about to walk out the door. Rinku stopped her.

"I'm sorry, milady, but I am under strict orders to blindfold you. My employer does not wish you to see the car."

Kagome thought this was an odd request. Then she remembered how to get down from the shrine.

"If I am blindfolded, how will I get down the steps?" she questioned.

Rinku was ready for that question. "That is why I am here," he replied smiling. Kagome noticed his elongated canines.

She took a deep breath and nodded. Rinku placed a piece of green silk around her eyes and tied it so as not to mess up her hair.

"Have a good time, dear," she heard her mother say.

There was a rustle and then Kagome felt herself being lifted. It felt like only a moment before she was placed back on her feet.

She heard a door open. His hands gently moved her to the car.

"Sit, please," he requested. She smiled at the command and did as she was told. The seat was leather. Whoever she was meeting spared no expense. Rinku lifted her legs in and arranged her kimono before shutting the door.

A moment later another door closed and the car started.

"You're not human, are you?" Kagome asked as they drove away.

"What gave you that idea?" She could hear the smile in his voice. Even though she knew she should be frightened, Kagome was at ease.

"Go ahead and take off the blindfold. I believe there is some champagne and snacks back there for you. I don't know how long it will be before you have dinner."

Kagome carefully removed the blindfold. She gasped at what was before her. Apparently money was not a concern to her date this evening. The champagne was French, there was caviar and various cheeses and fruits, some of which she didn't even recognize.

"I-I-I can't eat any of this! This is too much!"

"It's okay. My employer wants you to have it," Rinku coaxed.

Kagome cocked an eyebrow. She took a piece of fruit and poured a glass of champagne. She set back and enjoyed the refreshment.

"So, Rinku, tell me about your employer."

At some point the driver had removed his hat and she saw the ears on top of his head twitch. He smiled at her in the rear view mirror.

"Which one? I have more than one," he responded.

More than one? This is interesting news. "The one that arranged tonight."

He glanced into the mirror. "If I told you, that would ruin the fun. Besides," he grinned, "I am instructed not to talk about my employer."

Kagome frowned at that.

Rinku sighed. "Please, Miss Kagome, just sit back and enjoy yourself."

She sighed and leaned back in her seat and munched on some fruit. She found some cds and selected a movie themes one. She looked out the window as she sipped her champagne. She noticed that people turned their heads at the car. Some even pointed at it.

Kagome tried not to think about it too much. She was starting to enjoy the ride. She nibbled on some very sweet tasting grapes.

She was grooving to the music when Rinku called back to her.

"I'm sorry, Miss Kagome, but I need you to put the blindfold back on."

Kagome wanted to know why, but it probably had something to do with who had set up the evening. She took the green silk and tied it on, making sure she didn't mess up her hair.

She sat there patiently listening to the music for about another block. She felt the car stop. There was some rustling and then the car was turned off. She heard Rinku's door open and shut. A moment later her door opened. She felt him take her arm to help her out.

When she stepped out of the car, she asked, "I assume you're walking with me?"

"Of course."

They walked with arms linked. Rinku whispered when she was to step up. Kagome knew she must be an interesting site. She was dressed up with a blindfold on the arm of a chauffeur.

"People are looking at me," she whispered.

He patted her hand. "Only because you are a beautiful woman. Step."

Kagome blushed. They finally made it to their destination.

"This is Miss Kagome. I believe there is a table waiting for her."

Kagoem heard a rustle of papers. Then a male voice spoke up.

"Ah, yes. Right this way, Miss." A hand was placed on Kagome's arm.

Maybe it was because she was blindfolded, but Kagome was a bit nervous to leave Rinku's side.

"Rinku..?" she asked, squeezing his arm slightly to ask her unvoiced question.

"I think it would be easier if you lead the way and I escort her," he told the other gentleman.

"Very well. Follow me," the voice replied.

They started walking. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief. Better to stay with the demon I know than to go with one I don't.

They walked for a few minutes with Rinku steering her. When they stopped, she heard Rinku give a low whistle. She wanted to be able to see as well. She could hear soft music playing in the background.

Rinku had her sit. "Would you like something to drink," he asked.

Kagome nodded. She heard a cork pop and the fizzle as he poured it. She felt the cool glass placed in her hands.

"I am leaving you now. Your escort for the rest of the evening should be here shortly."

"Arigato," Kagome replied.

She heard him leave. She sipped on what he had given her. Champagne again. She wondered how long she was going to have to wait.

xxxxx

A/N: So that's it for this chapter. Next chapter we get to meet the date… I hope you enjoy it. Until next time!