Author's Notes: SORRY! I am soooooo sorry for waiting this long to update, but I do have some very good reasons. First, I was at my grandmother's, and I had to look after her. Second, my homework and projects were killing me. I had to do a ton of research for them, and I still need to do my poster. Third, I had to go to this Kaplan thing to help me with the SAT exam that I'm taking in May. My life has just very plainly gone hectic. Please, please, forgive me! Here is a nice LONG chapter to make it up to you guys. I might write another long chapter later, but that's not a promise. By the way, to the reviewer tenshineko, THANK-YOU soooooo much for the Japanese names!

Hope you like this chapter, and don't forget to review!

Disclaimer: Roses are red. Violets are blue. Inuyasha doesn't belong to me, and neither to you!


Title: Fragile Heart

Chapter 4: A Few Surprises


The phone was ringing. "I'll get it!" Rin said and ran to the phone on the counter. "Hello?"

"Hi, Rin! It's me, Brian. I know that today's your first day at work, so I'll come around and pick you up. I'll be there in fifteen minutes. Bye," Brian said and hung up. He put his cell phone away, while he was driving the car. He and Rin have been dating for a little over a month now, and he was having the time of his life. Although they have only been dating for a short time, he felt that he was already in love with Rin. He couldn't imagine a day without seeing her. That was one of the reasons why he recommended her to work at the Inu of the West Corps – he worked there as well. Now I'll get to see her more! Brian was so happy. Lately, Rin seemed to be avoiding him. Maybe I did something wrong. Well, whatever it is, I'll make it up to her. Once I find out what has been bugging her, I'll finally propose, and we'll get married and have a happy family, Brian thought with a smile as he drove towards the shrine.

Rin hung up the phone and sighed. Couldn't he take a hint? Rin wanted to tell him that it was over between them that day when he gave her the roses. She was getting a bit tired of their relationship, and he was getting – how did Inuyasha put it again? – boring. Rin actually considered quitting, but the Inu of the West Corps is a multibillion dollar corporation, and she will be able to gain more experience. They only wanted one intern, and Rin was lucky that she got accepted. Her work description included an opportunity to work with the founder of the corporation himself. She will also get a chance to partake on some of his meetings. To put it simply: It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Rin sighed again and got her purse and briefcase. I'll just take the subway. Maybe, then, he'll take the hint and won't bother me anymore.

"Rin, are you leaving now?" Kagome asked. Kagome had asked Rin what was bothering her when she got back from the museum. As always, Rin told Kagome everything. She was glad that Rin decided to "dump" Brain. It wasn't that he was mean or ugly. Like Inuyasha said, he seemed too much like Hojo. Kagome cringed at the thought.

"Yeah, I think I'll just take the subway. Ja ne," said Rin and gave Kagome a kiss on the cheek.

When she went outside, Rin saw her nephew, Keichi, sitting beside his father, who was sprawled on the ground with his hands and feet apart. Keichi was shaking his father, looking worried. Rin came over and asked Keichi what was wrong. "I… I… poked Dad with a stick when he wasn't looking, and he…he fell down, and…and now I can't wake him up," Keichi said on the verge of tears. "…Did …did …did I just…just…kill…Dad?" Keichi asked in a whisper looking at Rin. Before Rin could answer, Keichi felt a tap on his shoulder, and he turned around.

"Boo!"

"Ahhhhhh!" Keichi screamed, and he ran towards Rin to hide behind her legs. Looking at his son, Inuyasha pointed at him and laughed uproariously. He was laughing so hard that tears began to form in his eyes. Keichi, however, was not amused. "Hey! You tricked me!" Keichi said, while fuming with rising anger. He was usually the one who tricked his Dad.

"Serves you right for sneaking up on me and poking me with that stick! I just might get a bruise!" Inuyasha said grinning at his son. "Now, come here!" Inuyasha went up to his son and wrapped him in a big bear hug. Keichi was laughing now, as Inuyasha tousled his son's hair. He then noticed that Rin was giggling, and he lifted Keichi onto his shoulder so he could sit there. "So are you going to work now, Rin?" Inuyasha asked.

"Yeah, I'm planning to take the subway. I'll see you guys after work!" Rin kissed Keichi on the cheek and waved good-bye to Inuyasha.

The walk to the subway didn't take more than five minutes, but Rin had to wait twenty minutes for the train. Maybe, I should have taken that ride with Brain. At least, then, I wouldn't be late on my first day. When the train finally came, she noticed that it was really crowded. Rin accidentally bumped into someone, while trying to squeeze in. "Gomen (Sorry)…" Rin started, but she immediately stopped when she looked up. It's that guy… AGAIN!

Sesshoumaru looked at the person that bumped into him. He was a bit surprised to see Rin again so soon. "Are you alright, Rin?" Sesshoumaru asked seeing the shocked look on her face.

Snapping out of her trance, Rin replied, "Ano… ye… yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that." Wait a second. He remembered my name! Maybe, he feels that there is something between us also… Realizing what she just thought, Rin fought the becoming blush that was tinting her cheeks into a beautiful pink color.

Sesshoumaru watched her trying to hide her blush, but she was failing miserably. In reaction, Sesshoumaru inwardly smiled. "That's alright. Where are you going?"

"I'm trying to get to work, but the train was late. I just hope that I'll make it on time."

"Don't worry about it. We'll both make it." Seeing Rin's confused expression, Sesshoumaru asked, "You're going to work at the Inu of the West Corps, right?" Rin nodded, and Sesshoumaru continued to explain, "I work there, too, and sometimes I take the train to work. I usually arrive about an hour early, and the train was only delayed for forty minutes. The walk from the subway to the building takes about five minutes. If all goes well, we might even arrive early."

Rin smiled at him. She was so happy! This is too good to be true! Not only am I not late for work, but I might also get to work on the same floor as… Hey, I don't even know his name yet! "I just realized that this is the third time I've seen you, and I don't even your name yet."

"My name is Sesshoumaru."

Rin pondered over his name, and as a habit when she was thinking about something, Rin mumbled, "Sess… hou… maru… The first two words together mean 'kill' or 'destroy'…" Realizing what she just said, Rin quickly apologized, "Sorry about that. I didn't mean that you are a cruel person."

Sesshoumaru said nothing for long time. Afraid that she had upset him, Rin started to say another apology, but stopped when Sesshoumaru said, "That's alright. What does your name mean?"

"Hmmm… Rin… I think it means 'companion'." Rin said.

…I think it suits you, Sesshoumaru thought, thinking about old times. Perhaps, I can get her to be my "companion" again… Seizing his opportunity, Sesshoumaru asked, "Rin, would you do me the honor of being my 'companion' during a business engagement that I must attend?"

Is he asking me out on a date?! Trying to still her wildly beating heart, Rin shakily smiled and said, "Of course, Sesshoumaru. I would love to. Besides I must live up to my name."

Then, Sesshoumaru did something that, in turn, made Rin do something that she could't do just moments before. Sesshoumaru smiled…at her! And Rin's heart just stopped beating. He looks even more handsome, when he smiles! His eyes look like its sparkling with warmth, and I could almost feel the tenderness and joy radiating from him. I could stay like this forever… Rin thought, mesmerized by him.

"Arigatou (Thank-you), Rin." Sesshoumaru said, still smiling.

Then, the train arrived at their stop.

Sesshoumaru and Rin didn't talk to each other as they walked to a huge building two blocks from the subway station. Rin gasped in awe at the building in front of her. The building was forty stories high at least, and at first sight the building was very impressive. They entered through the revolving doors, and the building was just as impressive inside. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, which was painted with a variety of pictures. These pictures ranged from war scenes to the pictures of angels. In the lobby, there were two escalators and about four elevators on each side of the wall. There was also a large, grand staircase in the middle of the room. The reception desk was in front of the staircase and underneath the chandelier. People were everywhere, either talking on a cell phone or to each other. Others were holding files or briefcases, and they all looked like they were supposed to be somewhere ten minutes ago.

Rin felt a bit intimidated by all this, and she was fidgeting with her briefcase. Sesshoumaru looked at Rin for the first time since they got there. He noticed that she was nervous. "Do you know where you're supposed to go?" asked Sesshoumaru.

"Ano… I think I'm supposed to go to the top floor."

"Then, come with me," said Sesshoumaru, leading her to one of the elevators. When they reached the top floor, Sesshoumaru and Rin walked down a long aisle. They passed by around ten people, and they all bowed their head in respect to Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru just continued walking, not giving them any notice.

He must be pretty important here… Rin thought. Then, Sesshoumaru used a card to open the double doors in front of them. When they walked in, Sesshoumaru was bombarded with people from all sides.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, you have a meeting in fifteen minutes."

"Sesshoumaru-sama, you need to sign some of these papers."

"Sesshoumaru-sama, here are some phone calls for you today."

Somehow Rin managed to get out of the group surrounding Sesshoumaru in one piece. OK… he must be VERY important here… Rin thought.

Once the crowd around Sesshoumaru thinned, Sesshoumaru turned to Rin. "You should go check-in at the reception desk here with Jaken. Just take a right. Like I said before, don't worry about it. Your first day will be perfect, and I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven for the business engagement we're going to," Sesshoumaru said.

Rin smiled and said, "That's great! See you then." After that Sesshoumaru turned and left.

Rin looked around and saw that everyone was looking at her with a shocked expression. Why are they looking at me like that? Rin thought, feeling uneasy again.

Then, a woman about five years older than Rin walked up to her smiling. "Hi, my name's Sango."

"I'm Rin," Rin said, shaking Sango's hand.

Without wasting any time, Sango said, "I can't believe that you and Sesshoumaru-sama have a date together! This was only your first day, too, and you already caught the boss' eye! I have never heard him say more than one sentence to someone before! He must really like you!"

Rin just stared at Sango stupidly, as if not comprehending what she told her – and she really didn't. "Wait! Back up! You just said that Sesshoumaru is WHAT?!"

Sango looked at Rin confused. "I said that Sesshoumaru-sama is our boss, and you two have a date together. Why? Didn't you know that he's the sole founder of the Inu of the West Corps?" Sango asked.

Rin stared at Sango blankly. I HAVE A DATE WITH MY BOSS?!


This chapter took me forever! I might have put this up sooner if my annoying little brother wasn't hogging the computer, so blame it on him!

OK, just so you guys can have a good idea of what to expect next, here's a little riddle:

What do you get when you mix two guys, who are in love with the same woman and working in the same building, together?

Answer: trouble!

P.S. Ja ne means good-bye…or something like that…I think.

P.S.S Tomorrow (March 4th) is my birthday! So, could you guys give me a nice birthday present by reviewing? Is 40 reviews too much? It is my birthday you know!