'You what?' Jaken blinked myopically up at Sesshomaru as they made their way to their morning class.

Sesshomaru didn't care to re-clarify what he had told the toad, instead he was bent on watching Rin interact with her male friend just some metres ahead of them.

Jaken nervously wrung his hands together. 'You choked that girl?' He pointed to Rin ahead of them.

The Demon sighed with frustration.

'Are you that surprised? You never used to bat an eye when I wiped out entire villages'

'Th- that's because it was for a good cause'

Sesshomaru chuckled darkly.

'Well then reassure yourself that nearly killing that singular mortal was for a good cause'

Jaken narrowed his eyes, doubtful 'More like you're taking your anger out on – '

'I'm not angry!' Sesshomaru swung around to hiss at Jaken.

'No – of – of course you're not' Jaken smiled weakly.

'But milord, I must insist that you aren't pushing yourself because you were so sick yesterday – and also, it might be best to stay away from that girl'

Sesshomaru was not even listening to the poor toad, for he had kept walking toward the class room Rin and her male friend had entered a few moments before.

The Demon went and sat at his seat; his eyes glued to Rin. Her brown gaze swung round to him and drilled him with a glare so fiery that he was shocked at the effrontery of it; he held her gaze, and within some moments she decisively snapped her eyes back to whatever she was writing in her notebook, as though she had given him a non-verbal down dressing.

Sesshomaru felt such chagrin at her cheek that it took his remaining self-control to face the front when the teacher walked in. The Demon couldn't see it for himself, but he was very strangely upset in the presence of this girl – he was usually calm and collected, emotion rarely a thing that could be ascribed to his being.

'Hakai-san, are you quite well enough to be back at school?' The teacher opened informally. The rest of the class had this same question burning on the tips of their tongues, so they were glad Sensei had asked it.

'I'm fine.' Was his taciturn reply.

'Rin-san, did you keep him company?' The sensei turned his gaze to the girl next to Hakai.

Rin's mind flashed with unwelcome images from yesterday and she very much had wanted to slap Hakai across the face when he sat down next to her that morning.

'I did' she said, almost as coldly as Sesshomaru himself.

Sensei looked between the two and decided that he best not prod further; the boy did look much better than he had yesterday, and it was good that his wound was properly bandaged up.

'Well, that's all good to hear' the teacher smiled a bit unsure of the situation, but he had to go on with the lesson no matter how curious he was.

'Did any assignment pairs manage to get out last night to find some historical sites?'

Akane put up her hand 'We went to the Inari shrine'

'Great! Did you get some good notes down?'

'Yes, I think so. Rika-san said that it looked too old fashioned and I disagreed with her, I think it looks pretty – so we wrote that down'

Kohaku gave Rin a look over his shoulder and smirked.

Sensei had paused a little, waiting for more of an in-depth analysis from the girls but none came.
'Well, I suppose it's a start' he managed, trying to be encouraging.

'Thanks, Sensei' Akane straightened in her chair, proud to have contributed; she glanced back at Hakai, hoping to catch his gaze, but that person was not looking her way.

The lesson ended without much mishap, but as Rin made her way out of the room to go to her next class as that had been a singular lesson, she was accosted by Rika.

'Rin-san, can I walk with you to Math?'

'Sure' Rin didn't really care either way, as long as it was not Hakai.

The girls left the room and Kohaku watched after them with a humorous glint to his eye; he happened to glance at Hakai as he got up to leave, and saw that boy also staring after Rin and Rika.

'Hey' Kohaku went to stand in front of the new guy.

Sesshomaru didn't seem to react at all, so Kohaku repeated his greeting, until he at least got the guy's attention.

'Can I walk with you to Math?'

Sesshomaru shrugged and began walking out of the room, so Kohaku decided to follow even if it seemed he was being a pain in the ass to the tall guy.

'So – what's your deal with Rin-san?' Kohaku cut straight to the chase, seeing as Hakai didn't seem to wish for pleasantries or friendship.

Hakai looked at Kohaku with a raised brow, but that was all. He had no desire to be questioned by anyone least of all Rin's male friend.

'I keep seeing you looking at her like you know her or something. She hasn't ever mentioned you before, so do you actually know her?'

Sesshomaru paused his stride to hold up a hand to the insistent kid; 'who are you again?' Was all he said, in an insolent tone.

The Demon wanted to be left alone, first and foremost – he continued walking, but the annoying child kept after him.

'Then why did you rough house her the other day on the sport field?'

Sesshomaru was not going to respond any more to this pest, and they had reached the math room anyway – he went in and sat down as far as possible from Kohaku. Rin's friend was feeling very unfavourable toward the new guy more and more.

In another conversation, Rika had asked Rin how her trip to the hospital had gone.

'It was interesting, I've never been in ambulance before' Rin answered.

'Yes, but – what really happened with Hakai-san? How are you so close to him?'

Rin let out a singular laugh that was not from finding something funny. 'For one, I don't know what happened, he had a really high fever and a wound. And for two, I know him as well as you do'

'O – ok' Rika looked doubtful. 'Do you think he's an idol?'

Rin patted Rika on the shoulder as they walked. 'If I find out he is, I'll make sure you're the first one I tell the truth to' she said with mock closeness. Rika was not impressed by Rin's patronising tone.

'Also, why'd you leave that note in my book, Rin-san?' Rika sounded acerbic.

'Oh that! Sorry, I needed to get revenge on Kohaku – you know he is, always playing pranks'

'I guess' Rika mused 'but you shouldn't play with someone's feelings' she concluded.

Rin actually laughed at that 'Rika-san! You're the professional at manipulating men with your looks!'

Rika looked coy 'I don't know what you mean'

Rin was annoyed but couldn't help but appreciate Rika's sense of humour sometimes.

The pretty girl sighed and said 'I hope Hakai is in my sport class, I'd love to see him shirtless'

Rin coughed rather violently all of a sudden and was glad they had reached their next subject room, so she didn't have to continue along the unwelcome topic of Hakai, let alone bringing up visions of him topless. She had seen more than enough of that yesterday in the hospital. Poor Rin shuddered – and had the wry thought that if it was Rika with the same memory, she'd probably be blushing over it, not recoiling in disgust.
Rin would never tell a soul what had really happened yesterday – for one, it would cause far too much drama and attention, and for a second, she wished to subtly and silently take her revenge on the new guy with only him knowing exactly why she was doing what she was about to do.
The final lesson of the day was with Sensei of the social history; and he ended his lesson with: 'Now I expect you all to do at least one historical site with your partner over the weekend. This assignment is big, and very important – you must begin putting time in to it now if you wish for the burden to be lightened closer to the due date at the end of term'

This was not the sort of late Friday news Rin was hoping for, and she felt a sting as a paper wasp hit her on the forehead. Kohaku looked over his shoulder at her silently jeering and Rin immediately flicked the paper demon at the back of his head in retaliation – she was used to this little game. No matter what the teacher said, Rin was going to do this assignment alone – no way was she seeing Hakai any more than she needed to, especially during her hallowed time off during the weekend.

Rin was more than happy to get to her locker and pick up her bag to leave for the weekend; she definitely needed this two-day rest after the tumultuous few days of having Hakai in her personal space.

'Want to go to the arcade tomorrow?' Kohaku came up next to Rin.

'To be honest, my cheeky friend' Rin sighed 'I kind of just want to rest'

'I get that' Kohaku replied - 'What are you going to do with the ray of sunshine over there?' He pointed to where Hakai stood with the same young boy Rin had seen him with earlier that day.

'Absolutely nothing' Rin affirmed rather savagely 'he is not a part of my assignment plans'

'So – you're gonna make up a random second opinion for your notes?'

'Sure am' Rin smiled at him.

'I'm sure he'll be heart-broken' Kohaku re-joined sarcastically and they both laughed.

'Well, I'm actually going to apply for job now, so if I change my mind and want to hang out tomorrow, I'll call you or Ayami ok?'

'Ok Rin-chan. See you' Kohaku left, and Rin finished piling her books in to her bag, making sure she had a hold on the job advertisement.

Leaving the school grounds, she looked at the address for the application and realised the building she needed was almost straight across the road – this would be extremely convenient.

Straightening her hair and uniform, applying some lip gloss and pinching her cheeks, Rin went across the road and inside the apartment complex foyer. It was much nicer than her set of flats near the river; marble and chrome set off an understated elegance and she had to remind herself to be confident. Walking up to the reception desk, Rin placed the ad on the counter, saying

'Hello, my name is Rin Urihara. I am here to apply for this advertised position'

The receptionist smiled at Rin and said 'Please be seated and I will see if the landlord is available'

Rin was motioned to a seat lining the walls of the foyer. She waited for a good ten minutes before an old lady came out to her.

'Miss Urihara?'

'Yes, ma'am'

'Nice to meet you. I am Kaede. Please come through, dear'

Rin followed the old lady through a side door in to a comfortable office and was welcomed to sit down in a chair opposite a desk.

'Please make yourself comfortable' the old lady smiled 'tea?'

Rin nodded, not expecting such nicety, accepting the steaming cup of tea thankfully.

'Now, I have here printed a list of the duties you will be required to perform. I'd like you to read them and tell me why you'd be interested in working for me. You are the right age and look like a responsible young woman, so I don't see why we can't give you a chance here'

Rin smiled so brightly that the old lady's eyes sparkled in response.

'Oh thank you so much, Kaede-sama, I will do my best' Rin took the sheet of paper and read:

'This position requires the maid to do the following duties:
Sweep and mop the foyer floor.
Do housekeeping duties for the two uppermost levels.
Clean all toilets.
Water indoor plants.
Take out rubbish.
Ensure each tenants room is clean and presentable at all times.
Work from 5pm till midnight every night.'

Rin finished reading, and though she knew the hours would kill her – she was determined to do this.

'Ma'am, are all other levels taken care of?'

'Yes, dear, there are multiple other maids who look after those levels. We will just need you to care for the top two'

'I would really love to accept the offer, if you're willing admit me' Rin began 'There is a warm yet professional vibe in this place, and the hours are perfect to fit around my school hours, and I go to the school which is just across the road. I wish to help my mother with paying for our rent, and so I would work hard with such a motivation. I hope I have given you the right information'

The old lady poured her more tea, her seemingly perpetual smile deepened in her wizened kind face.

'It fits the bill! Let me just find the employment papers – ah! Here we go. If you could read over this and then sign where it asks you to, I can start training you now'

'Now? That's amazing, thank you, Kaede-sama!'

'My pleasure' she said, pushing the papers across her desk for Rin to peruse.

Once the documents had been signed, the old lady came around to Rin's side of the desk and motioned for the girl to follow her.

'First' the old lady said as Rin 'we'll find the right fit uniform for you, just through here to the store room if you please'

They went through the foyer towards a line of inconspicuous doors at the end of the room, entering the third one, where a neat wardrobe of uniforms lay. The old lady went in and selected one off the rack, handing it to Rin.

'This should fit you. You're quite small, but the chest and hip area should have enough allowance for a young woman like you. You can change in the bathrooms just to your right'

Rin bowed and took the uniform, finding her way to the toilets. As she was undressing, she pondered the clothes she was about to get in to. It was a navy dress with a white apron, a tie around the waist, and large pockets which Rin liked. It was cute for work clothes, and she was so filled with gratitude for the job that she silently thanked whatever gods might be listening for the stroke of good luck. Leaving her school stockings on as well as her shoes, Rin squeezed in to the dress. I say squeezed because it was a little tight, but as the old lady had promised the chest and hip area had a good allowance of material, so she was by no means uncomfortable. Exiting the cubicle Rin looked at herself in the mirror and actually liked how she appeared in the pretty dress; so much for drab work clothing! This was totally fine! Rin felt a surge of excitement at the thought of earning imminent money and took no time in returning to her new employer.

'Oh you look just the part, Urihara-san!'

'Please, feel free to call me Rin!'

'Alright' the old landlady said. 'If you don't mind, I will take you up to the thirteenth floor'

'Is that the uppermost one?' Rin asked as she followed Kaede.

'No, the top one is the fourteenth floor. Yes, you look surprised that we have a fourteenth floor at all, seeing as most skip that number and go straight to fifteen. We are not superstitious in this building' the landlady explained. The number four was too close in appearance to the word death, so most places left it out of their level numbers. Rin thought it good that they did not prescribe to a paranoid mindset.

They chatted in general while they were in the lift going up and Rin felt somewhat nervous, hearing Kaede explain that she would be on a trial period for six weeks before her employment could be considered for permanence; she knew she'd have to work hard and well to earn her place here.

'Now I will guide you around one room, and then will let you do the second room on your own while I watch. Don't be worried if you make some mistakes – it is expected of your first few days'

Rin nodded and they reached the destination of floor thirteen; stepping out Rin followed the lady to a room numbered 43.

'Now these tenants have been with us for a long time, so it isn't too much of a task. First, we pick up any rubbish and put it in a bin bag we have in our cleaning cupboards' the old lady pointed to a cabinet hidden away near the lift.

'All cleaning products are in there including gloves'

The landlady retrieved some toilet cleaner, window spray, polish wipes, a duster and latex gloves among some other things.

She unlocked the door with a master key, explaining that Rin would be given a copy of those same keys as well as a key card.

'After the rubbish, we make the bed – the bed is changed every five days, but this floor is on its second day before they will need washing again'

Once the bed had been straightened up, Rin watched as the land lady began dusting all surfaces.

'You must dust before spraying or polishing' the landlady explained 'and make sure when you spray, it's not over any food or drink in the kitchen'

Rin watched as the old lady cleaned with surprising efficiency and strength. She must have been doing this since she was very young, so deft was she.

'Then – the worst bit – the toilet' the landlady grinned at the young girl and they went in to the bathroom.

It wasn't too bad thank goodness, and Rin saw how Kaede used the toilet cleaner to wash away any stains, then proceeded to wipe down the seat. She put all towels and the bath mat on the right rails and explained how to turn on the rail heating system which dried out the towels; and that towels were washed every three days along with bath mats. Kaede cleaned the sink and rearranged the items on the counter so they were positioned neatly.

The old lady then began vacuuming with a vacuum that was kept in a wardrobe, and she even went over the curtains with a hand held one.

After some finishing touches Rin helped the old lady bring out the rubbish bags to a bin trolley in the hall way.

'Now, I will watch you perform these same duties in the next room – 44'

Rin smiled, feeling confident. It was time consuming but certainly not rocket science.

'These tenants are new, and they may be in there – but don't worry, a lot of times we just clean while the tenants watch tv or something'

Rin gulped, praying the room was unoccupied. Kaede knocked on the door calling out 'House-keeping!'

She motioned for Rin to stand at the door, and it was opened.
Rin looked up and met a pair of glittering hazel eyes.