FIFTEEN

They enjoyed a lively dinner. Ren had fun teaching them about the modern era and told them a lot of random funny stories.

They also learned more about their red-eyed friend and her brother. The siblings have always been diligent, juggling work and studies when they were younger. Ren took up filmmaking, which led to him having to explain computers, cameras, and movies to their guests while Kurenai on the other hand, took up architecture and some interior designing courses and much to their amazement, it was her who came up with the concept and aesthetic of the house.

He also told them that while it may seem like they've been leading a life of luxury, they've actually just moved into the house over a year ago after sharing a modest apartment for years. They also do all of the housework on their own, however, they have enlisted a cleaning company to thoroughly clean the gigantic house once a week as the siblings can only maintain certain parts of it due to their busy schedule.

Of course, the day will not end without their guests asking about Ren's tattoos, which has been an item of great interest for them especially the prominent half sleeve tattoo on his right bicep and the cross with wings on his left forearm.

The Moretti brother has six tattoos in total: the half sleeve koi fish tattoo representing his and Kurenai's journey through life, the cross wrapped in angel wings tattoo with silhouettes of small sparrows on his forearm, their band's logo which is the Roman numeral number two on the base of his neck, a running Chinese script on his right torso with the quote: Rise and rise again until lambs become lions; a quote which he dedicates to his strong-willed sister, and lastly, a small compass tattoo on his ankle representing his love for travel and his strong conviction for his judgments in life.

Everybody wondered if it hurt when he explained how they were applied and he admitted that it is painful and the levels of pain differs depending on the location of the tattoo but after a while, you just get used to it. He added that aside from Kurenai's wrist and foot tattoos; the latter is yet to be seen by Sesshoumaru and Rin, she has two more.

Olive green eyes flew to the window, "Guys, look outside. It's one of the best things in this house."

They all peeked outside and they held their breath. The horizon is painted in orange and yellow hues bleeding out to purple and navy blue in the vast skies and the Los Angeles city skyline sparkled from the illuminated buildings and homes, streetlights and cruising cars, just like a lavish sheet of black velvet scattered with precious gems.

"Wow!" everybody except Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru gasped in awe as they soak in the view.

"Kurenai loves this view so much, she loves the city lights at night." Ren told them.

"What's not to love." Miroku smiled.

"Everything here is beautiful!" Rin gushed towards Ren.

"Yeah." he smiled at the girl before his eyes landed on Sango and Miroku, "So Sango, Miroku, are you two an item or you're just really close?"

"Item?" Sango prodded.

"Are you a couple?" Ren rephrased and the two people gawked at him with bulging eyes.

"What makes you think that?" the demon slayer said as she blushed furiously, "Didn't you remember how I just slapped him earlier?"

Green eyes gleamed in amusement, "I do but the vibe or aura you two give off together suggests otherwise. Besides, there's a belief that a boy and a girl that bickers all the time actually like each other."

"Inuyasha and lady Kurenai bicker all the time, does it mean they like each other?" Rin asked suddenly.

Ren and the rest of Inuyasha's group chuckled at the question.

"No. No way. Inuyasha is still very much hung up on Kikyo and Kurenai will not agree on being a stand-in." Miroku waved his hand side to side as he spoke.

"Exactly. Besides Rin, their aura is different from Sango and Miroku. Inuyasha and sis are more like brother and sister." Ren added.

"That's right Rin. Mama won't be a stand in for a clay pot." Shippo declared.

"Ohh..." Rin said before wolfing down a spoonful of ice cream.

"What did you just say you kitsune brat?!" Inuyasha barked and slammed a hand on the table.

"Inuyasha! Stop your insolence during meals!" Sesshoumaru, who was silent during most of the conversation scolded from his seat and the hanyou stared daggers at him.

"Inuyasha, it will be to your best interest if you don't ruin the dining set and tableware. Kurenai will sit you 'till next year if you do." Ren warned set his sights on Sango.

"Well Sango, if you're not with Miroku, how about me?" he winked and Sango flushed red once more.

Miroku was stunned, his friend's brother really is a womanizer! Miroku immediately went into contemplation on how he can stop him from making a move Sango, he may be mischievous with her all the time but he really does love her. But can he possibly win over a guy who has the charisma of the modern times?

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, no wonder his miko friend can deal with Miroku, she's had a lifetime of practice, "Aren't you popular with womanizers Sango." he sneered.

Sango glared at Inuyasha before looking at Ren, "What the? Did you really think that I'll agree to that?!" she sputtered.

Seeing the look on Sango's face, Ren can't keep a straight face anymore and broke into a chuckle, "My, my, aren't you guys fun. I'm just kidding, my sister would kill me if I drag you to my antics. But your reactions are rather amusing."

They stared at Ren, stunned for a moment but eventually, Miroku and Sango both sighed in relief.

After dinner, Ren invited them out into the backyard to further enjoy the view and the evening breeze. Rin, Shippo and Sango sat on the edge of the illuminated pool, dipping their feet into the cold water, Ren and Miroku sat on the sunbeds while the dog demons had the same idea of settling on the branches of the oak tree towering over the house. Inuyasha in his competitive nature, sat on the branch higher than where his brother is.

They decided to retire for the night as the wind got chilly. Well most of them…

Rin skipped past Inuyasha who is headed into the house with the others, "Lord Sesshoumaru! Don't you want to sleep yet?" she called from the foot of the tree.

Sesshoumaru looked down at his ward, "Go and rest for the night Rin. I'll retire to the sleeping chamber later." he told the young girl.

Very much used to this behavior, Rin chirped, "Okay!" before turning to run towards the house.

Ren stood by the folding doors that separate the backyard from the indoors and watched the daiyoukai comfortably leaning on the trunk of the oak tree and looking up the night sky. He figured the dog demon is experiencing homesickness and culture shock, based on Kurenai's stories, Feudal Japan is rich with natural landscapes which has dramatically diminished in this day and age especially here in the city. Sitting on the oak tree might be helping him feel at home.

He decided to leave the great demon alone, leaving one panel of the folding doors open when he decides to come inside.

While Sesshoumaru basked in the sound of the rustling leaves around him and the familiar roughness of the tree bark pressing on his back, he is irritated by the hint of smog in the air he's breathing. It's not as strong as when they were downhill but it's still unpleasant. He stayed a little longer before finally jumping off the tree and going back into the house to retire for the night.