Chapter 7: Masquerade I
:---:
"Hold still!" The elderly woman croaked. She held a pin between her teeth, doing her best to get Rin's dress fitted. "You're worse than an infant."
Rin frowned, fidgeting despite her tries not too. The room was small, and the woman working on her dress smelled a bit like lemons, go figure. She wrinkled her nose and stared out a small window. They were at ground level in a small tailoring shop - Kagome had been kind enough to refer her to a nice cheap one – on the skirts of downtown. "Do you have the time?" She asked dully.
"Noon," the woman answered just as blandly. She placed the last pin in the dress, and stepped back to admire her work. "Not many adjustments to make. The thing practically moulds to your skin… If I'd worn anything so tight in my day I'd been shunned, but not today! Kids just walk around stark naked!"
"Thank God I wasn't alive in your day," Rin muttered under her breath. I'd be older than dirt.
"I'm not deaf, girl!" She huffed. "Now change out of that dress so I can finish."
Rin complied, waiting until the woman had turned around before shimmying out of the gown. She pulled on a pair of loose-fitting jeans and an orange T-shirt. "How long will it take? I'm in a hurry…"
The old woman gathered the garments into a bundle and settled down by a rather old looking sewing machine in the same room. "You've said so before." She nodded to a small chair, and Rin sat down. "What's the occasion, girl?"
"Takahashi's costume par- excurse me, Masquerade ball…" Rin smiled grimly and idly looked about the room. It was small, as stated before, and a bit cluttered. Though it was very light and airy, with many full-body mirrors on the walls or standing about on legs. Also, in the corner, was a small desk. She read the name engraved on it. 'Keade'. Rin smiled a bit. Maple leaf?
"You sound as if you're not really looking forward to it," Keade commented. Her hands whipped about beneath the sewing machine, somehow dodging the needle. "Most find it an honor to be invited to a Takahashi anything."
The woman sighed. "I do want to go. It's just that- um… Well, I want to go, but I don't want to see-" She paused. "A certain person that will certainly be there."
Keade nodded. "Hmmm. Did he reject you?"
Rin blushed. "N- no," she stammered. "I don't like him that way!"
"Of course you don't."
"I don't!" She snapped. "He's a pig-headed egotistical, cold-hearted jerk! How anyone can stand him I'll never know."
"Tell me, girl," Keade said, "Is he one of the young Takahashi brothers?"
Rin's mouth fell open. She snapped it shut, adverting her gaze from the wizened woman to a small black spot on the floor. Perhaps this old woman was wiser than she let on. "Yes," she admitted grudgingly.
"Takahashi Sesshoumaru then…"
"How do you know?" She demanded suspiciously.
"The youngest is engaged, girl. It is only obvious it would be the eldest." Keade finished her stitching and turned the machine off. "You seem to know him personally."
"Well, I live with him!" Rin cried. And then she frowned, mentally banging her head into a desk. "I- I- mean I don't live 'with' him. Well, I do. But we're not, together or anything. I- I- just-"
"Ay, girl. Do not get so flustered." Keade handed her the dress.
:---:
Kagome and Izayoi were bouncing off the walls in anticipation. Kagome had decided to save the gown she had bought for another day, and opted for a pure white kimono with a red obi. It had a few modern touches to it. A slit up the right side to show leg and the top cutting down quite a bit further than was traditional. Her raven locks were piled atop her head in an intricate bun.
Izayoi wore a much thicker, and finer kimono. It had many layers, each a different color and it hung easily from her frame. She wore her long hair down, with just a touch of pink eye shadow and blush. (A/n: She looks like she does in the anime, yo!)
Both women were talking animatedly as they rushed down a long hall leading to the dojou. "I can't wait for the wedding, dear!" Izayoi exclaimed.
"Hai! Just a bit longer and I'll be married to Inuyasha!" Kagome whooped for joy.
"Now we need to get Sesshoumaru a wife!"
"He'll have one soon," Kagome chirped.
"Oh, who?"
"You'll see!"
"Oh, I hate surprises!"
They pushed open two large doors and frowned. InuTaishou and Inuyasha were inches apart, their swords pressed together and feet planted firmly on the ground. With a thrust, Inutaishou pushed the hanyou back and grinned in triumph. "Almost had me that time, Inuyasha."
"Keh," Inuyasha wiped sweat from his brow, putting the blade away. He turned to Kagome, eyes widening in shock.
The women both cried out their husband's (or husband-to be's) name. "You need to get dressed!" They yelled.
Izayoi shook her head. "The Ball is in a little more than an hour."
InuTaishou smiled, hopeful. "Then we still have time for another spar?"
"No," Kagome said bluntly.
:---:
Rin arrived at the Takahashi mansion early, dress in tow. She decided she would just change there. Kagome greeted her at a side entrance, claiming she couldn't see the main entrance or ballroom until it was time. "You'll just love it!" She exclaimed. Rin nodded silently. She kept her eyes on the floor, letting her friend lead her to a changing room.
"Sango will be here soon, with Miroku and Kohaku," Kagome continued. "Why didn't you tell me you liked Sango's brother?"
Rin blushed. "Oh, no! I like him a lot as a friend, but not as anything more."
"Well, at least you have a date. Otherwise I'd just have to hook you up with Kouga. Or hook Kagura up with Kouga and let you have Sesshoumaru…"
"Kagome!"
"Sorry, sorry. I just think he would be perfect for you."
"You're hopeless."
"That's why you love me."
:---:
And Rin descended down the stairs into the ballroom later than planned. Her gown, it seemed, had been less than cooperative and her hair was a beast to tame. Without Kagome and Sango she might still be at it. Just the thought made her shudder. Kohaku was at her right. He was as tall and handsome as he'd been in highschool, though he looked awkward in a suit. "Are you all right, Rin?" he asked softly. His voice wavered. He was nervous.
"Yes. Thank you, Kohaku-kun."
He laughed. "You can just call me Kohaku. We don't need to be formal."
Rin nodded, turning to look at the room for the first time as she stepped down off the last step. It was huge. The floor was a peach marble, with passionate designs of… gold? Yes. Gold. The ceiling was high, a large chandelier hanging from its center. It seemed Izayoi and Kagome had gone all out on the decorations theme.
It really did resemble feudal Japan, sort of. The fake waterfall that had been erected in the middle was stunning. "Beautiful," she breathed. A band was set up on a stage playing their hearts out to the large room of aristocrats. (A/n: Why do I bother? I'm so picturing the ballroom from Beauty and the Beast.)
People milled about in suits, gowns, and kimonos, clustered together. Most wore simple masks, though some wore more outrageous costumes. Their voices rose in a low hum. The ball wouldn't truly start until the guests of honor had been announced. Kohaku pulled Rin smoothly to the side of the room, and struggled to make small talk. She couldn't have cared less. Her eyes combed the crowd until she spotted Sango and Miroku. "Come on, Kohaku!" She pulled him to them.
"H-hai Rin."
The music slowed not long after. The people fell quiet. All eyes turned to the main stairway, and open doors at the top. "President of Western Youkai Corp, InuTaishou Takahashi and his lovely wife, Izayoi!" A voice announced merrily. Two figures appeared at the top of the stairs, and descended with smiles as people clapped and welcomed them. Camera flashed. Rin fidgeted. 'Inuyasha next…' (A/n: Sess is last, deal with it.)
"Inuyasha Takahashi and his dazzling fiancée Kagome Higurashi!" Inuyasha and Kagome came down the stairs now, the half demon looking tired of the whole charade and scowling at the red haori and hakama he wore. Kagome smiled happily, her eyes dancing.
"Vice-president of Western Youkai Corp, Sesshoumaru Takahashi and his beautiful companion, Kagura Ito." The people clapped and carried on, as Sesshoumaru fell in step behind Inuyasha. Rin didn't even hear the rest of the introductions; her eyes were glued to the young inu youkai.
He was wearing a completely black tuxedo, no sort of costume at all. His face was blank, silver hair contrasting against the suit. Gold eyes gazed boredly ahead, and he moved gracefully. Kagura walked beside him, wearing a beautiful gown and simple mask. She was smiling. And Rin felt her stomach sink at the thought that hissed across her mind. They look perfect together. And they did.
When the announcements ended, the band began playing again. People spread the floor for the dancers, who spun and glided perfectly. "Do you want to dance Rin?" Kohaku asked nervously. Rin nodded meekly, forcing herself to tear her gaze away from Sesshoumaru and Kagura.
Kohaku placed his hand on her waist, and Rin's on his shoulder. Slowly, they moved in time to the beat. Rin mentally thanked Kagome for forcing dance lessons on her years ago. Who would have ever known they actually would come in handy?
She must have danced at least five songs with him, but they all seemed to slip together. The splendor around them was beginning to make her headache, and she kept finding herself looking around for a silver head of hair. Kohaku stumbled about on his feet, trying his best to keep dancing.
And that's when Rin became suddenly aware of the closing space between herself and Kohaku. Oh, no! Oh, Kami-sama please! She couldn't move, her body stiffened as he pressed his lips softly against hers. She panicked, not kissing back nor pulling away. She was put a bit off guard when he pulled back abruptly, eyes widening. Rin opened her mouth to ask what the problem was – surely she wasn't that bad! – When she heard a cool voice from behind her. "May I cut in?" The tone dripped with malice.
"S- sure, Sesshoumaru-san," Kohaku mumbled, stepping away with one last look at Rin.
Seshoumaru! She spun around, her eyes meeting his chest. "What do you want?" She demanded.
"Hn. Seeing as how I asked to cut in, I wish to dance with you." He nearly rolled his eyes, placing a hand around her waist and beginning to move in unison with the other couple. Rin refused to look him in the eyes. She felt suddenly hot, her arms hung loosely around his neck.
Sesshoumaru stared down at the top of her head. He was unsure what had compelled him to seek the human out, but he wasn't regretting the decision yet. Of course, that annoying wench Kagura had yet to realize he was gone… Rin looks… decent. Yes. He would give her that much, but that was it. He wouldn't acknowledge anything else.
Rin looked up at him, finally, after avoiding his gaze. Her almond hues swirled with curiosity beneath the slim mask, and her scent was covered with the smell of her nerves. "Why do you want to dance with me?" She asked, remembering how perfect he had looked beside her friend.
"I don't know," Sesshoumaru responded honestly, his voice monotone.
"O-oh…" She stammered softly.
The inu youkai thought of the kiss he had interrupted, and unconsciously pulled her closer. His eyes narrowed. I don't care what she does. He snapped at himself. Her honeysuckle scent curled in his senses, calming his nerves. He blinked, lessening the intensity of his gaze on her.
"Um, Sesshoumaru?" Rin said meekly. "Kagura's probably looking for you…"
"Hn." He responded, still in thought. "You wish to return to that boy so much?" Sesshoumaru questioned suspiciously.
"That boy, is Kohaku! And he's my date!" Rin snapped. "Not to mention if Kagura finds me dancing with hers she'll kill me." The young woman blushed. "Why are you dancing with me anyway?"
"I wanted to?" He proposed.
"Why?" She demanded.
Sesshoumaru inwardly frowned. Why? I do not know why. "Hn."
Rin rolled her eyes. "Great answer."
"Indeed."
"You're impossible…"
"Hn."
She groaned.
He smirked.
Sesshoumaru heard an oh-so-familiar voice tenderly calling his name, though he could hear the annoyance leaking into it. Kagura…He looked down at Rin again. Pulling away from her, he took her elbow and began to pull her gently through the crowd. They parted to allow him through. Rin bit her tongue, waiting for him to stop so she could chew him out.
But Sesshoumaru didn't stop until he had left the room entirely and dragged her outside to a courtyard. The air was chilly, and the sky was dark. A fountain bubbled cheerfully, surrounded by various flowers and shrubbery. In the moonlight he looked unearthly… "What are you doing?" Rin asked quietly. The music drifted outside, muffled slightly. He frowned, golden eyes studying her. "Hello? Are you there?"
"Hn…" Rin, what's wrong with me? When that human male touched you I couldn't stand it anymore…
"Look, I'm tired of this, Sesshoumaru." She pulled the mask off her face, struggling to keep her voice steady. "You're confusing. You act like you hate me and now you're dragging me out to be alone with you?" Rin looked away from him. "You can't even give me a straight answer. Just 'hn'. What's that supposed to mean?"
Sesshoumaru was filled with inner turmoil. Do I hate you, Rin? He inhaled her scent. No… I do not hate you, but do I care about you?
"This is the part where you give me an explanation," She pointed out flatly. The uncomfortable silence stretched on, pressing against them. She was about to turn and go back inside when his lips crushed against hers.
Rin's eyes shot open. His arms snaked around her waist, pulling her against him. Sesshoumaru leaned forward, Rin's back pressed against the fountain wetting some of her hair. He deepened it with a soft growl, clawed fingers running through the now-fallen ebony locks. Her hues slid closed, and she returned it.
Reluctantly, Rin pulled back, breathless. She searched his eyes, more confused now than before.
"W- wow…" She said finally. "You can kiss…"
Sesshoumaru smirked. "Hn."
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Notes: Wha-ow. That was stupid. XD I rushed right through that quick as can be. –Sighs- Don't worry! They aren't, like, suddenly in love. I just wanted them to kiss. Why? I really don't know. –Head desk- I just REALLY wanted to write a SessRin kiss! Be ready for the evil of the next chapter! Masquerade II!
Q: Is Sesshoumaru always going to be a bit OOC?
A: Well, duh. It's my story after all. And besides, any fic that's AU is going to be a bit OOC. Not to mention, again, I am the one writing him!
Q: Will there be a lemon?
A: For goodness sakes, no.
Q: Weee, a lime then?
A: Well… see the kiss in this chapter? I've only got one more kiss up my sleeve more lime-y than that.
Q: You didn't reply to my last review, that's mean.
A: Not really a question but… yea. If I don't reply to a review it's because you either wrote, 'tat was relly goode u shuld dat sune' or my stupid AOL put it in spam…
Inu: Dog
Youkai: Demon
Hai: Yes
Nani: What
Hanyou: Half demon