Author's Notes:
OVER 100 REVIEWS!!! YAY!!! You guys are the best! Sorry for the delay, but if you want to know, my grandmother is going to be fine! I'm so relieved! I noticed that I forgot to put the disclaimer on the last chapter. Sorry about that. No one sued me, right? Well, the disclaimer in this chapter will be effective for both. With that said, let's go on with the story!

Disclaimer: Nope. Inuyasha is still not mine, nor will it ever be. sigh By the way, for this chapter, the song Truly, Madly, Deeply belongs to Savage Garden not me.


Title: Fragile Heart

Chapter 8: The Business Engagement aka "Date"


The shinning stars shone brightly under the shrine. The night was quiet, disturbed only by the rhythmic chirping of the crickets. A warm wind blew past, making the treetops sway slightly. From above, the full moon glowed in all of its luminous glory. All was right and calm in the world.

"KAGOME!!!" Inuyasha grumbled impatiently near the staircase.

When Keichi said that he wanted to sleep over at a friend's house nearby, Inuyasha and Kagome decided to have dinner at a restaurant, although they were tempted to stay at home. They wanted to get a glimpse of Rin's date, or as Rin had hotly dubbed him "jerk." She had briefly told them about going to a business party with someone, which immediately prompted her to mumble something about the "jerk not helping to clean the dishes." Inuyasha had cringingly thought Brain was taking Rin to this party, but he later scratched that idea. If her "jerk" had been Brain, he would have helped her clean the entire house, even without being asked to. I wonder who it could be… Curiosity ate at him.

"Inuyasha?" a timid sound voiced.

Hearing his name being whispered so softly was like a gentle caress against his ears. He looked up to see Kagome standing at the foot of the stairs. His jaw nearly dropped to the floor. She was wearing a short, black dress that went up to mid-thigh. The straps for the dress were died in a bow at the base of her slender neck. Her hair was piled on top of her head, but a few tendrils escaped curling at her face and shoulders. The dress glimmered in the soft light, making it look as if she was a glowing angel. Slowly, she descended the steps to him.

"Inuyasha, how do I look?" Kagome asked again, turning around for him. If Inuyasha's reaction was any indication, she knew that she looked great, but the temptress inside her wanted to see her squirming husband try to form coherent words.

"Uh… ano…" Finding his collar extremely tight, he gave it a yank. Kuso! This baka collar is making my throat all dry! Inuyasha swallowed, which he reasoned was to help his dry throat, and most definitely not because he was nervous. "You look… look… fine, Kagome." Inuyasha managed to say. "Shall we?" he asked, indicating his elbow with a small blush highlighting his cheeks.

Kagome grinned, took his elbow, and headed out the door. "If you think I look 'fine' as you put it, you should see Rin. She looks utterly beautiful," Kagome gushed. "But…" she giggled. "You should have seen her when she was getting ready…"

Inuyasha smiled in amusement. "Was it as bad as her first date?" he joked, opening the car door for her.

"No," Kagome replied casually. "It's worse."


The doorbell rang.

That must be him… Rin thought, looking at the time. She checked her appearance again, before going down the stairs. Her hair had been piled on top of her head, with white, thin ribbons twined about it. When she was at the front door, Rin took a deep breath and exhaled. Ok. Calm down, Rin. There's absolutely nothing to be nervous about… so what if the guy's hot, intelligent, and rich… you can handle any man that comes your way. Yeah, you can handle any man. With that thought firmly in mind and with renewed confidence, Rin opened the door…

and felt her confidence fall into near blissful oblivion…

Standing in front of her was not a man but a god… or demon. Clad in a sparkling, white suit and pants, Sesshoumaru stood at the doorway with his hands held behind his back. The suit showed off his broad shoulders, and despite the two layers of clothing, she could still make out the rippling muscles underneath.

Sesshoumaru leaned in closer to Rin…

Is he going to kiss me? Rin thought, her heart pounding against chest, her breathing shallow.

"Like something you see?" Sesshoumaru asked, giving her a fiendish smirk, mischief shinning in his eyes.

Rin blushed a rosy red and diverted her eyes from him to the ground. He's a demon… She peeked up again and saw his smirk grow wider, making her heart rate double from their already exhausting pace. Rin diverted her eyes yet again. …definitely a demon… Rin thought, still growing redder.

Sesshoumaru straightened himself and produced a small box from behind his hands. "This is for you." Before Rin could argue, he opened the box and pulled out a thin, silver chain.

Rin gasped. That's the same necklace I saw in the jewelry store! Rin stared at the beautiful, heart-shaped crystal in awe, as its rainbow colors reflected off in different directions from the faint light.

When Sesshoumaru left Rin at the mall the other day, he had "forgotten" to buy the necklace for her. It fit her like the missing piece of a puzzle – they were made for one another. As he reached to secure the necklace, his hands went around her neck, encompassing her in his warm embrace. He had to lower his head as well, taking the opportunity to inhale Rin's sweet scent of flowers mixed with sunshine.

Rin could feel his breath on her neck. She closed her eyes against the serge longing she felt. His breath continued their course leaving her neck and traveling up towards her cheek to her ear. "Do you like it?" Sesshoumaru gently whispered.

Rin wasn't even sure what he meant – the crystal or his breath being so intimately close to her. It didn't matter. There was only one answer to both cases. Slowly opening her eyes, Rin breathlessly answered, "Of course, I love it."

Sesshoumaru straightened himself again; knowing if he any stayed longer, there could be dire consequences. "There is something else I must give you as well," Sesshoumaru said. The amusement in his eyes replaced his earlier dark filled gaze. He tenderly held Rin's hand in his and led her to his car.

Despite her already fluttering heart, Rin managed to say, "You really shouldn't waste so much money on me. I don't really need anything."

"I'm not. It was yours to begin with."

Confused by his cryptic answer, Rin frowned at his back. Before she could question him, he placed the second "gift" on her hand. Rin blushed. "Oh… that," Rin laughed nervously.

Sesshoumaru had placed the pan she had thrown at him on her hand.


When they finally arrived at the mansion, it was enough time for Rin to get extremely nervous and very near hysterical. She could already see the reporters and cameras greeting them by the entrance. In all actuality, it looked more like a mob.

Sesshoumaru got out of the car, while a valet took the keys from him. Rin followed behind Sesshoumaru; the mob of reporters following her.

"Miss, are you with Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"How long have you two known each other?"

"Have you and Sesshoumaru-sama ever been intimate?"

Rin blushed profusely. Sesshoumaru held her hand tightly in his and led her through the mob, ignoring the questions thrown at him and Rin.

They entered, miraculously, in one piece.


"Well, we made it." Sesshoumaru had taken them inside the ballroom, making sure no one saw them and hiding out in a dark corner.

"Yeah, that was scary," Rin said shakily. She was still blushing, but she was grateful that Sesshoumaru had taken them away from prying eyes. She needed some time to have her blush cool down.

Sesshoumaru cupped her face with the palm of his right hand, his other holding her shoulder. He lightly ran his thumb across her cheek, curling his hand and caressing her face. His hand stopped at her chin. Gently, he took her chin in his hand and tilted her head until soft, brown eyes met his.

"You really look beautiful when you blush," Sesshoumaru said thoughtfully. "Did you know that?" Cautiously, Sesshoumaru slowly inched toward her.

"N – no… I didn't know that." Rin felt her cheeks flaring up again, if that was even possible. He's so close…

"Did you know that I wanted to kiss you… every time when I looked at you?" Sesshoumaru asked seductively. His demon blood surged through his veins like a flood. He felt as reckless as a young pup experiencing his first taste of desire. He was out of practice. Too long had he lived without Rin. Too long had he felt no desire for anyone but Rin. However, now that she's here… and very much alive… there's no stopping his demonic instincts… He didn't want to…

"N – n – no…" Rin felt Sesshoumaru's hand move from her shoulder to her waist, pulling her closer to his body until her hands rested against his chest. I can feel his breath on my face now… He's so close… she thought, languidly closing her eyes.

"Really? Let me show you then…" Sesshoumaru softly brushed his lips against hers – nothing more than a mingling of breaths. His demon blood needed more… He needed more. He closed his eyes as well, having every intention to deepen their kiss… until…

"WOULD YOU KISS HER ALREADY?!"

Rin jumped out of Sesshoumaru's embrace, fully flushed now, suddenly finding the marbled floor to be very interesting. Her plan to cool down in the darkness had backfired. Her blush was quickly turning into bonfire.

Sesshoumaru, on the other hand, glared at their perpetrator. "Miroku…" he growled.

Miroku, sensing the dangerous aura Sesshoumaru was giving off, wisely planned his escape. Scratching his head a bit for effect and laughing nervously, he said, "Hi, guys! Uh… guess you want to be left alone, don't you?"

If looks could kill, Miroku would never be reincarnated ever again. Sesshoumaru wasn't angry… He was down right furious…

Laughing even more nervously, Miroku took a step back. He was about to make a run for the exits, until Sango gave him a large whack on the head. "Of course they want to be left alone, you hentai! Now, look at what you've done! You've ruined the moment!"

Rin, who was looking at the floor the whole time, saw Miroku sprawled out on the floor. He looked like he was knocked out cold. Rin looked up to see Sango with Shippo next to her.

Sango took Rin's hand. "Gomen, Rin. Come on, I'll make it up to you with some punch." Both women stepped gracefully on Miroku, making their way to the refreshment table.

Seconds later, Miroku was up and on his feet again, rubbing the bulging bump on his head. "So, where have the all women gone?" Miroku asked, sitting on the floor with a grin plastered on his face.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Shippo pointed to the table across the ballroom. Miroku immediately headed over. Shippo stayed by Sesshoumaru's side. "Why did you ever promote him to CEO in the first place?" Shippo questioned Sesshoumaru.

"For one thing, it wasn't for his impeccable timing…"

A loud slap was heard, followed by the simultaneous yelling of: "HENTAI!!!"

"…or his way with women," Sesshoumaru sighed, echoed by Shippo.


The ballroom was exquisite, Rin later reflected. The room was bathed in candlelight, illuminating some places, hiding others in darkness. The tables held a variety of dishes from across the world. Some couples were dancing to the music. Others engaged in conversation with prospective business associates. However, Rin couldn't locate a certain tall, silver haired demon among them… her demon.

Another song started playing; it was one of her favorites.

"May I have this dance?" someone asked behind her.

Rin turned to see Sesshoumaru holding his hand out to her. She smiled. "I would love to Sesshoumaru-sama."

Rin placed her smaller hand in his. His fingers curled around her slender hand, as he placed it in the crook of his elbow and led her to the middle of the dance floor. His hands encircled her waist, as hers went around his neck. Soon they began to sway, lost in the other's eyes.

.:. I'll be your dream I'll be your wish .:.
.:. I'll be your fantasy .:.
.:. I'll be your hope I'll be your love .:.
.:. Be everything that you need .:.
.:. I'll love you more with every breath .:.
.:. Truly, madly, deeply do .:.
.:. I will be strong I will be faithful 'cause I'm counting on .:.

.:. A new beginning .:.
.:. A reason for living .:.
.:. A deeper meaning .:.

Sesshoumaru found himself captivated. Her eyes captured him… and his heart. She was his past, present, and future. The past was bleak; the present wonderful; the future hopeful. She is… my everything, Sesshoumaru thought in awe. Even after so many centuries, he still had a hard time coping with how thoroughly this young, human girl had captured his heart.

A future with Rin…? Sesshoumaru looked down at the girl in his arms. She openly smiled back at him. The soft candlelight danced across her face, making her smooth skin faintly glow. Their children will be hanyou… just like Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru frowned at the thought. Rin is human… but, I've always thought of her as… Rin. Perhaps, I will also think of our children not as hanyous… but as creations that resulted from… He was still unwilling to say it – for he feared it and what it could do to him should she or should she not refuse him. …that feeling… Rin and I share for each other. Perhaps…

Can I lose her again? The answer was simple. He didn't even have to think about it. He had lived for centuries without her by his side. Physically, nothing would change, but… No. I can not lose her again. I will not lose her again.

Instinctively, Sesshoumaru pulled Rin closer. Her eyes were wide with surprise, but she dreamily closed them as her head fell on his right shoulder, her face buried in the crook of his neck. She rubbed her face against his and sighed contentedly.

.:. I want to stand with you on a mountain .:.
.:. I want to bathe with you in the sea .:.
.:. I want to lay like this forever .:.
.:. Until the sky falls down on me .:.

Rin wanted Sesshoumaru to always be with her, to hold her, and to love her. He's with me now, and he's holding me, but… does he love me?

Rin was started out of her thoughts when she felt him shift slightly. She opened her eyes and lifted her head off Sesshoumaru's shoulder to see Asakura walking up to them. "Oh, excuse me, Rin, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to take Sesshoumaru-sama away from you." With that Asakura didn't spare Rin another glance, as she concentrated on the handsome man in front of her. "Sesshoumaru-sama, my father wishes to speak with you – It's urgent."

His face as passive as ever was in place. "Very well. Please, excuse me, Rin," Sesshoumaru said not looking at her as he removed himself from Rin's grasp. Asakura then took hold of his elbow, leading him towards her father.

Rin looked at the pair sadly, with a strange twist in her heart. I guess not everyone gets what they want in the end.

.:. And when the stars are shining brightly in the velvet sky, .:.
.:. I'll make a wish to send it to heaven .:.
.:. Then make you want to cry .:.

The stars were shinning beautifully in the dark sky. Under the celestial fireflies, a young woman was sitting on a bench not too far from the tide. Her shoes were carelessly thrown beside her feet.

Sesshoumaru walked up to her. "Why are you out here?"

Chocolate brown eyes stared up at him. "Miroku and Sango left hours ago, and I wanted to be by myself for a while," Rin said, her eyes downcast now.

"Do you want me to leave?" Sesshoumaru inquired.

"No." Rin shook her head earnestly. "Please stay with me."

Her words seemed to be asking him about something more and not merely just keeping her company for tonight; because of that, he stayed. Sesshoumaru sat beside her on the bench, taking in the blissful darkness and the quiet tranquility of the ocean. A shooting star streaked through the night sky. He noticed Rin had closed her eyes.

"What did you wish for?" Sesshoumaru softly whispered.

With her eyes still closed, Rin secretly smiled. Turning to him, she opened her eyes again. "I can't tell you. If I tell you, then my wish won't come true."

Nodding slightly, Sesshoumaru turned back to gaze at the stars.

.:. The tears of joy for all the pleasure in the certainty .:.
.:. That we're surrounded by the comfort and protection of .:.
.:. The highest powers .:.
.:. In lonely hours .:.
.:. The tears devour you .:.

Standing up from the bench, Sesshoumaru turned to face Rin. With his hand outstretched, Sesshoumaru asked, "Shall we continue what we started earlier?"

Rin smiled at him once more and took his hand. "I would love to."

This time, Rin laid her head on his shoulder without a second thought, as she swayed gently with the music once again in Sesshoumaru's warm embrace. I never want to let him go. But if he loves someone else, even someone like Asakura, I will leave him and pray that he will be happy, although I can't say that I'll ever be happy again. Rin hugged Sesshoumaru closer to her.

"Rin?"

"Yes…?" Rin asked hesitantly. Please don't ask me to let go…

Tenderly, Sesshoumaru whispered into her ear, "I'll never leave you."

Rin smiled through the tears that threatened to fall and hung onto him as if her life depended on it – and in a way, it did. "Arigatou, Sesshoumaru," Rin whispered to him. This is going so fast, but it feels like we've known each other forever and it's going too slow at the same time. It feels like so much time was wasted between us… even longer than an eternity. I feel so strange when I'm around him. Is this love?

Sesshoumaru was also facing another inner battle. He was very much aware how close Rin was to him. She might as well have been molded to him. He loved the feel of her chest was pressed tightly against his, and the way her other… parts… formed to his body was very pleasant. His demon blood surged once more. Taste her… Just one kiss, what harm can be done? Taste her… his mind screamed, but he knew that one kiss was enough to… He growled softly, so low was it that even Rin couldn't hear. While the battle waged on in his head, Sesshoumaru quickly looked for a distraction.

.:. I want to stand with you on a mountain .:.
.:. I want to bathe with you in the sea .:.
.:. I want to lay like this forever .:.
.:. Until the sky falls down on me .:.

Rin was peacefully swaying with Sesshoumaru when it happened. She never got a chance.

"AHHH!!!" Rin screamed, as she fell into the water with a loud splash. She got up, not too long afterwards, soaked to the bone. The cause of all her misery: Sesshoumaru.

"So…" Sesshoumaru smirked. "Enjoying your bath?"
I'll give HIM a bath!!! Rin thought, planning painful retribution. "Ahh… I think I sprained my ankle. Sesshoumaru, help me… please," Rin said, trying her best to sound pained.

Worried, Sesshoumaru took off his jacket, before rushing into the water. "I'm coming, Rin."

Yes, he went for the bait! When Sesshoumaru got close enough, she tripped him with her leg and pushed him into the water. With his demonic reflexes, Sesshoumaru grabbed Rin's wrist at the last second, sending both of them crashing into the waves.

The tide had carried them near the shore, and there they emerged. Sesshoumaru lay beneath Rin, her palm resting against his chest. She was laughing like a child. She could barely catch her breath between her fits of giggles. "You… should have… seen… the look… on your face… when I… tripped you… You looked so funny!" Rin said, still laughing.

.:. Oh can you see it baby? .:.
.:. You don't have to close your eyes .:.
.:. 'Cause it's standing right here before you .:.
.:. All that you need will surely come .:.

Sesshoumaru stroked her face. "Rin."

Her name and his soft touch was enough for Rin to realize the position they were in. She was on top of him, her palm on his shirt, which was soaked. She could clearly see his form now. The water made his shirt seem sheer… and undoubtedly her dress probably looked the same to him as well. Rin held in her breath, not daring to breathe.

Sesshoumaru inwardly groaned. When he had dumped Rin into the water, he was trying to distract himself from the way her body felt against him. It worked… to a degree. He was distracted… only now he wanted her even more. The dress had molded to her figure, and the pure sheerness of the dress left nothing to the imagination. He had to taste her… now…

Rin felt the world fading as Sesshoumaru pulled her closer to him. His face was merely inches away from hers. Rin's heart lounged in her throat. Is he going to kiss me this time? Rin thought. She was quickly answered with Sesshoumaru's lips gently brushing against hers in a series of butterfly kisses.

Sesshoumaru wanted to keep a slow pace, but that soon proved impossible when both their bodies demanded for more. The sweet, innocent kiss became a passionate exchange. Rin's lips parted slightly in a breathy sigh, which quickly became a moan as Sesshoumaru delved into the warmth of her mouth. Sesshoumaru placed his right hand on her head holding it in place, while his left held her waist. Sesshoumaru angled his head, simultaneously turning their bodies. I have to stop. I need to stop, before anything else happens. With Rin under him, his hands went to cup Rin's face caressing her. Reluctantly, his lips left hers.

.:. I'll be your dream I'll be your wish .:.
.:. I'll be your fantasy .:.
.:. I'll be your hope I'll be your love .:.
.:. Be everything that you need .:.
.:. I'll love you more with every breath .:.
.:. Truly, madly, deeply do .:.

With passion filled eyes, Rin looked up at Sesshoumaru. At that moment, she knew. She knew, without a doubt, that she was in love with Sesshoumaru. When she had made a wish on the shooting star, she didn't wish for his love. She wanted Sesshoumaru to willingly give her his love, even though she was sure that the wish wouldn't work anyway. But her wish did come true, she wished for a kiss, and she found her soul mate as well. He is… my everything.

.:. I want to stand with you on a mountain .:.
.:. I want to bathe with you in the sea .:.
.:. I want to lay like this forever .:.
.:. Until the sky falls down on me .:.

Still caressing her face, Sesshoumaru questioned her, "Rin? Are you ready to go back yet?"

Rin nodded, smiling contentedly.

They got up and dusted themselves off. Sesshoumaru gave Rin his white jacket to protect her from the cool breeze. It was past midnight, before they finally left. The drive back to the shrine was a quiet one.

Before Sesshoumaru left her, he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good night, Rin."

"Good night, Sesshoumaru," Rin said, softly closing the door behind her. Once the door was closed, Rin leaned against it and sighed. Lifting the collar of his jacket to her face, she smelled his musky scent on it. Rin sighed again, before finally changing and going to bed.


Unbeknownst to them, two pairs of eyes saw their whole exchange…


8 PAGES!!! I have officially hit my all record high – even my English thesis wasn't as long as this. Ugh! I'm so tired! Did you know that I stayed up the whole day and night to finish this? I really don't feel like editing this, so if I make any spelling/grammatical mistakes, please forgive me! I started writing this on Sept. 6, 2003 somewhere around 10:30 am until now, which is 6:16 am on Sept. 7, 2003. Yup, I'm crazy alright. I felt guilty that I took so long to update. See that's where those reviews count. I hate my conscious. Sorry guys, but no posting other Sess/Rin stories this time. I'm so tired! Honestly, I didn't get any sleep today, and I still have an English essay to write, history homework to do, and chemistry notes to take. Won't you guys please review? I worked WAY beyond overtime for this chapter. Pretty please?