Author's Notes: Ok, I know all of you are probably pretty upset with me now, but hey at least I finally put up a new chapter. I had a lot of finals, and I think I might have failed two of them. Please forgive me! I made this one extra long, so enjoy!

WARNING: Mild language in the second to last section.


Title: Fragile Heart

Chapter 7: Getting Rid of a Few Problems


Okaasan = Mother Kawaii = Cute Ooi = Hey Oi = Nephew Konbanha = Good evening


Sesshoumaru was driving his black BMW convertible, concentrating on the road ahead… or so it seemed. Thinking back to the scene inside Rin's office, Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes. Brian… Brian Kanata… So you desire Rin for your mate? His grip on the steering wheel tightened. Not happening.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" a soft, sweet voice asked.

Sesshoumaru glanced over to his right to see Rin looking at him with concern shinning from her beautiful eyes. Sesshoumaru set his gaze back on the road before answering. "It's nothing."

When he was just about to leave for lunch, Sesshoumaru heard muffled voices coming from a room that Sango had just left. The closed door didn't hinder his ability to hear the conversation going on inside. Apparently, Rin was undergoing an interrogation set by Brian. Sesshoumaru had some people look into Rin's background for him. He knew of her relationship with Brian; he also knew that she has been neglecting to see the boy. When Rin tried giving him subtle hints, it seemed the poor boy can be amazing thick. When he tried to propose to her, Sesshoumaru decided to intervene. He wasn't about to let Rin say "yes" to Brian… not that it was very likely, but…

He lost her once before; he wasn't going to lose her again.

He glanced at his right again. Rin was looking out the window, but her mind seemed to be focused elsewhere. The gentle breeze was softly playing with her hair, and her lips were ruby red. Her skin looked almost porcelain, and her dark eyes seemed to sparkle slightly, as she sank deeper into her dream world. Sesshoumaru had a distinct feeling that she wasn't wearing any lipstick or makeup. It was her natural beauty that he saw. Sesshoumaru shifted his gaze back to the road. The thought of someone taking Rin away from him irked him; it irked him more so when he wasn't exactly sure about her feelings on the matter.

Breaking the silence and Rin's train of thought, Sesshoumaru asked, "Will you say 'yes' to him?"

Rin quickly turned back to look at Sesshoumaru. His voice was soft when he questioned her, but she heard him all the same. Rin had been debating over what to do ever since they left the office. Her mind screamed, No, of course I'm not going to marry him! But then again…

"I don't know. I never expected Brian to propose to me. I feel… so confused," Rin said softly, not looking at Sesshoumaru anymore.

Sesshoumaru looked at Rin through the corners of his eyes. "Are you happy with him?"

"Brian can be a bit boring, but he has his moments. He is a good friend, and I'm sure he'll make a good husband as well, but I'm not sure if he's the right one for me." Trying to explain, Rin continued, "You probably don't believe in soul mates, but I think there's someone out there for everyone. I just don't think Brian is my soul mate."

"Then, there's your answer," Sesshoumaru said calmly. "And I do believe in soul mates."

Mouth slightly parted and with wide eyes, Rin stared at Sesshoumaru in shock. Sesshoumaru doesn't seem to be the type that would believe in anything. He looks like a cold, emotionless type and definitely not a romantic type. It seems there is more to him than I thought, Rin contemplated with a smile.

"We're here."


Rin put her hands against the glass of the elevator and gazed at the beautiful view of Tokyo with childlike wonder. As they went higher, the people and buildings became smaller. However, she could still make out the small dots of cars driving on the roads, and the windows from the buildings were gleaming in the afternoon sun.

It feels like I'm on top of the world! Rin thought, smiling.

Sesshoumaru looked at the young woman next to him. She was smiling like a child when presented with sweets. It was amusing to watch her, and it brought back old memories.

The elevator reached the top floor with a dull "ding."

They got out and went down an elaborate hallway. The floor was made out of smooth marble, while the ceiling was decorated with chandeliers. Beautiful, ornate banquets of flowers were put on small tables, scattered here and there. Heavy red curtains closed the sun from shinning into the room, making it appear dark and elegant.

This is probably the kind of place where people can only come in evening gowns or tuxes. Rin looked down at her clothing. She was wearing a white sleeveless shirt that went as high as her collarbone. Her black skirt was at her knees, and she had on a pair of one inch boots. She had on her wrist the Calvin Klein watch that Kagome bought for her birthday. I hope this will do, Rin thought, nervously.

A man in his mid-fifties was standing at the counter, looking through the list of reservations. He gave the impression of being an arrogant man with a mustache that gave a snotty twitch every once in a while. He was wearing the usual uniforms that the other waiters were required to wear only his was a bit fancier.

Not intimidated by anything, Sesshoumaru went up to the waiter. "We'd like a table for two."

Annoyed, the maître d' looked up and was about to give the person, that dared disturb him, a haughty remark, but then realized who it actually was. Smiling, the maître d' said, "Sesshoumaru-sama! It is a pleasure to see you again. I will lead you to your usual table."

The table they were led to had a blood red table cloth covering it. Flowers, put in small vases, and fragrant candles were placed in the middle of the table. Sesshoumaru and Rin took their seats, as the waiter handed them their menus. Not even looking at the menu, Sesshoumaru ordered his food and looked over at Rin. She was staring so hard at her menu, he was half afraid that she would burn a hole through it.

"Try the salmon," Sesshoumaru suggested.

Nodding, Rin gave the maître d' her order, and he left them at their table. Rin looked around the restaurant as they waited. This place is so romantic. I wonder if Sessshoumaru took all his other "acquaints" here. Rin couldn't help but get a bit jealous. Then again, she never heard much about Sesshoumaru getting involved with any woman before. Didn't he say that he believed in soul mates? Is he waiting for her?

"Rin?"

"Huh? What?" I can't believe I spaced out like that. How rude I'm being! Not to mention how embarrassing! Blushing at bit, Rin said, "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

"I asked you if you have anything to wear to the business party tomorrow night. It's a formal occasion."

The party! I forgot all about it! "Ano… Honestly, the closest thing I have to a fancy dress was something my okaasan gave to me on my twelfth birthday," Rin said, growing even redder.

"There's a mall below this restaurant, so you can probably find your dress here. We can go after we finish eating if you want," Sesshoumaru offered.

Although she didn't think she could afford anything here, Rin nodded. "Ano… Sesshoumaru-sama…"

Sesshoumaru interrupted quietly. "You can call me Sesshoumaru when we're not in the office, Rin," he said in almost a whisper.

Unsure, Rin voiced tentatively, "Ano… Sesshoumaru… this is kind of a personal question, so you don't have to answer if you don't want to." Rin waited to see if Sesshoumaru wanted her to stop. When he didn't, Rin inhaled and asked, "Are you waiting for your soul mate?"

Sesshoumaru stayed quiet, looking at the woman in front of her.

When Rin thought he wasn't going to answer her, he said softly, "No… I'm not waiting for my soul mate. I already found her."

Then, their orders came.


Rin shifted through the mountain of clothing just about ready to collapse. She never saw so many dresses in her life! She already tried on over thirty dresses, but her official judge, namely Sesshoumaru, didn't deem any one of them worthy for her.

If he doesn't pick one soon, I'll KILL him!!! Rin thought. Usually one would find the men waiting for their women to pick out clothes. They would then be the bell-boy of the month for a day, carrying shopping bags instead of luggage. Rin found herself in a similar position, only she wasn't carry anything but wearing a lot. I swear he's doing this just to torture me. I know it. Almost despairingly, Rin went into the dressing rooms with another armful of dresses.

Sesshoumaru was standing near the dressing rooms when Rin came out shyly. He assessed her thoroughly. The strapped dress was white, made out of the finest silk. It clung to her curves, making her almost look seductive but with a strange aura of innocence only Rin could convey. The frail strap on each shoulder was the only thing holding the dress in place to cover her body. It made her neck and arms look slender and long. The dress covered her legs, as it flowed down to the floor. As she walked, one can see every movement of her legs under the dress. The dress also gave hints to certain parts of her body that men would long to touch. She looked breathtaking… and dressed to kill.

"Well?" Rin asked hesitantly.

"You look beautiful, Rin," Sesshoumaru said. But something seems to be missing…

Blushing a bit, her anger slowly dissipating, Rin said timidly, "Thank-you, Sesshoumaru."

The salesperson that had been assisting them exclaimed, "You look great, Rin-sama! I'm sure your girlfriend will be the envy of everyone at that party tonight, Sesshoumaru-sama! Will that be cash or credit card?"

Rin turned into a different shade of red with every passing sentence, becoming almost scarlet. First, I feel like a wreck, so I probably don't look that great. Second, I am NOT Sesshoumaru's girlfriend! And finally third, HE IS SO NOT PAYING FOR ME!!!

Ignoring Rin's obvious disapproval, Sesshoumaru said, "Credit card." As he went to pay for Rin's dress, he turned his head slightly and said, "Consider this a several months' advancement on your paycheck."

WHAT?! Rin fumed as she watched his silently retreating back.


Still fuming, Rin blatantly tried to ignore Sesshoumaru. She was still paying for the dress… in a way, and she didn't care much about money, but…

I do have loans to pay!

You had a full scholarship to TokyoUniversity.

I do have to support myself!

What do you mean support yourself?! You're still living with your family!

Mom and Souta are away on vacation, and Kagome has her own family to take care of!

They don't mind, besides you've been eating everything that Kagome has been putting on the table for years, you parasite!

UGH!!! Talking to myself is so frustrating! Not to mention creepy…

You bet!

UGH!!!

Something caught her eye in a jewelry store. Getting closer, Rin noticed a beautiful necklace. It was simple yet elegant. There was a single, or what seemed to be, diamond heart on a thin silver chain. It sparked from the lights shinning on it. A rainbow of colors greeted Rin's eyes as she looked at it… then she looked at the price tag…

"What are you staring at?" Sesshoumaru asked, trying to get a glimpse over her shoulder.

"None of your business! Now, let's go! It's almost time to get back!" Rin said, shoving Sesshoumaru to the parking garage. I don't need a couple of years' money taken away from me too!

When they were almost at the garage, Sesshoumaru said, "Rin, I forgot I had to get something. Wait for me by the car."

"Ok. Hurry back," called Rin, as Sesshoumaru walked away. Rin went ahead to the garage, not knowing that a dark figure was trailing behind her.


She waited… and waited… and waited…

I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!!! WHERE IS HE?!?!?!?! Just when she was about to march back to the store, find him, then strangle him, she saw…

"Brian!"

…emerging from the shadows. "What are you doing here?!"

"I came to see you…" Rin backed away from Brian, sensing something was wrong. "But, I didn't expect to see this."

Confused, Rin inquired softly, "See what?"

"After you and Sesshoumaru left the office, I followed you," Brian said softly, stepping closer to Rin. "I saw the two of you enter the restaurant and the store. Since when did you start being Sesshoumaru's slut?!"

Rin backed into the railing, as Brian kept coming closer. I have to find a way out of here! However, there was no way out. Rin was trapped between two cars, and she had reached a dead end. Unless, that is, she would prefer to jump, other than that there was no chance of escape. Rin looked down. The garage was at least five floors high. I won't be able to make it!

Grabbing Rin's wrist, Brian said furiously, "Answer me, you bitch! Was it when you saw how much you can get out of Sesshoumaru? His money, is that it?!"

"Brian, let go! You're hurting me!" Rin had dropped her shopping bag when Brian had her in his death grip; she was sure that she was going to get a bruise from it. I have to get out of here!

Disregarding her protests, Brian tightened his grip. "YOU BELONG TO NO ONE BUT ME!!!"

Raising his hand to strike her, Rin closed her eyes and used her other free hand to block him. But when nothing came, Rin slowly opened her eyes and saw…

Sesshoumaru! He's here! Sesshoumaru was holding Brian's arm with one hand, while the other one was in his pocket. He looks… almost bored.

"What are you doing here, Brian?" demanded Sesshoumaru, annoyance evident in his voice.

Narrowing his eyes at him, Brian put his hand into his pocket and smiled maliciously. "Oh, nothing much. Just trying to get better acquainted with little Rin here."

Rin saw something shinning as the light caught it from Brian's pocket. "Sesshoumaru, look out! He's got a knife!"

But Rin didn't even have to yell out a warning. Sesshoumaru had punched Brian in the abdomen and thrown him over his shoulder using the hand that held him. Brian lay in a sprawled heap on the cement floor before he even knew what hit him.

"Shall we go?" Sesshoumaru asked, opening the car door for Rin.


Rin was clutching the shopping bag as if her life depended on it. She was still in shock, and it was a quiet drive back to the company. I can't believe Brian tried to assault me… Glancing to her left, Rin looked at Sesshoumaru while he was driving. But I'm glad he's here for me… Rin thought with a small smile on her face.

The car stopped, and they got out. Thinking that she would see the tall building again, Rin was surprised to see that they were near the shrine. Sesshoumaru took me home?

"You should get some rest for today. I'll just make sure you get inside your house safely, and I'll leave," explained Sesshoumaru.

Rin nodded, grateful for his consideration. They didn't have to walk far, and they were on the front steps of her house in no time. "Would you like to come in?" Rin offered, opening the door.

Sesshoumaru was about to decline, but then he caught a scent in the air. This smell… I know this scent… Why is it so familiar?

"Rin-chan!"

Sesshoumaru looked down to see small boy jumping up and down energetically. He had messy black hair and large innocent eyes. If Sesshoumaru wasn't so impassive, he might even say that the boy was kawaii.

"Ooi? Who is this, Rin-chan?" the boy asked, gazing up at the tall figure.

Ooi? Then, Sesshoumaru recognized the scent. He hadn't smelled it for centuries, but he would never forget it. …Inuyasha… Looking down, Sesshoumaru added, …and this is his brat.

"Keichi, this is Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru, this is Keichi, my oi."

"Konbanha, Sesshoumaru-san!"

Sesshoumaru eyed the smiling boy quietly. Oi? So, Rin is living with that hanyou and his mate, and apparently they're family. This should be interesting. Sesshoumaru thought, smirking.

"Konbanha, Keichi. Where are your parents?" Sesshoumaru crouched down so he could be at eye level with the boy.

"They went out, but Keichi can take care of himself! Look, Keichi made ramen!" Keichi took Sesshoumaru by his hand and led him inside the kitchen. There was a steaming bowl of ramen on the table, but pots and pans were dumped in the sink and water was everywhere. The kitchen was a mess.

"You might be able to cook squirt, but you definitely can't clean," Rin said, shaking her head and sighing.

Keichi did what he did best in situations such as these… he used his deadly "no-one-can-resist-me" puppy dog eyes. "But I'm just a kid…" Keichi said innocently.

Rin looked at those big, round, innocent eyes of his and melted like she did every time he used it. That kid can really manipulate you. Rin thought. "Alright, go watch TV or something." Rin watched Keichi as he zoomed into the living room.

Getting up from his position, Sesshoumaru looked at Rin again. "It seems you have your work cut out for you. I'll pick you up at seven tomorrow night," Sesshoumaru said, heading out the house. When he was half way to his car, Sesshoumaru inwardly sighed lost in his thoughts. It seems I should get a refund. Those idiots Jaken hired didn't even get all of Rin's basic background information.

Sesshoumaru had his back to Rin, so he didn't notice the shocked look on her face. He just left me here to clean the dishes… alone?! That… that… THAT JERK!!! Stomping her foot on the cement floor, Rin grabbed a pan from the kitchen and threw it at him. She didn't even look to see if it hit him, as she slammed the door shut. But she had a feeling that she did…

"OUCH!!!"


6 PAGES! 6 PAGES PEOPLE!!! God, I'm so tired. I'll never write such a long chapter again! Well, hopefully not anyway. Ok, the next chapter will be…

Chapter 8: The Business Engagement aka "Date"

Be prepared for some fluff ahead! I'll give you another spoiler… there is going to be a kiss! Yes, finally Sess and Rin are going to kiss! Yay! Sadly for me, it might be as long as this chapter. Oh my God, I'm going to die!!!

Just in case I don't update in a month or something, which is very likely (Hey! I have lots to do over the summer! Just read my bio if you want to know more.), here are some stories you can read:

Captive Soul by Rasberries

Story ID #: 1308711

Summary: This is a slave fic. Yes a slave fic, staring none other than our two most favorite couple Sess and Rin! It's a great fanfic, and I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

Underneath It All by prettywithapistol

Story ID #: 1049399

Summary: Let me tell you something. You have not read a true Sess/Rin fanfic without reading this one. It is the best there is! You have to read this! I just wish the authoress would update sooner. Then again, who am I to talk… I haven't updated for a whole month!

If you guys like the idea of me recommending Sess/Rin stories, then I'll post them. Just tell me what you think in your reviews. I'm also thinking about answering some of your reviews, since I have been neglecting to do that. So if you have any questions, put it in your reviews and I'll answer them. But if I do this, I might not be able to work on Chapter 8 and it'll come out late. It's your choice. I wanted to ask someone this random question and please answer (it has been plaguing me for weeks): How many human years are in one dog year?