Author's Rant: Thanks very much for reading. Please excuse any mistakes. Enjoy!

Phase Three

Text Messages:

Hiten

Tsukuyomaru

Man, I don't know what your dad said to mine, but he drove home heated. The aura was so potent, I thought Satan manifested in the backseat. =0

I figured something went down. My dad wasn't talking at all. The only time he came outta his shell was when my mom called last night and man oh man. . . The way those two go at it, I sometimes wonder how I was conceived. I just know someone got hurt in the process and I don't think it was my mom.

Lol you clown! Anyway, thanks to this lil' roadblock, my mind's a blank. Whatever happened, my ole man doesn't wanna test fate and meet your dad again. I have no idea where to go from here.

I say we give them a couple of days to cool off before we set up another rendezvous.

Where? I doubt you wanna wait until the next game. We're goin' outta town for that one.

That's a no-go then. I doubt my dad will let me breach my punishment a second time. But I have something in mind. When is Mr. Shawl's next off day?

He was off this whole weekend so, Wednesday and Thursday, I think.

Thursday is perfect! That gives them almost a whole week to calm down.

I keep forgetting you don't know my father; the one and only Sesshomaru Tomalin Shawl, who is legendary in holding coveted grudges. He's still pissed at the ice cream man for jibbing him out of a quarter.

So? I would be too. You know how much you can buy for twenty-five cents? That's a pickle.

But it happened three years ago!

Dude shit, why does your ole man gotta be such a case?!

Ask Satan. He had a hand in makin' 'im.

OK, well, I say we still give it a go anyway. My dad owns a restaurant on the edge of town. Ask Mr. Shawl if you can go there after school. I'll be there. If my dad sees you, it'll play on his heart to let us spend time together. We can work on getting them to speak to one another from there.

I'll try. What's the place called?

The Tessaiga.

Stop lyin'. Your dad owns Tessaiga? Bro, that place is slammin'. The team's always talkin' about how good the food is!

Really?

Hell yeah! I'm down for this. But I think we may need to bring in a third party. My dad will only stretch his limits on my punishment so far. One of our classmate's father is on my dad's team. I think we can, ya know, finesse this with his help.

This'll be interesting. Who's the extra wheel?

Lol you'll see.

"I know you didn't just ask me this."

"C'mon babe, ya know I'm good on fulfillin' favors."

"Honey, have you taken leave of your senses? What makes you think you have anything I could possibly want?"

Hiten takes a deep breath and forces himself to spend a couple of minutes thinking of something other than strangling his archrival with a crowbar and stares at the rows of plants clustered before him. Something told him not to trust Tsukuyomaru's idea. Hiten was just fine with it being the two of them. Now they're bringing in another accomplish. He would've be cool with anyone, anyone else getting involved, but why did it have to be her? The one student in this entire school who matched him grade for grade, contest per contest. It's why he kept his distance from the pair. Being near her made his skin itch.

Besides, they didn't need his input anyway. He has his assignment to focus on. Hiten bent over the emerald green brew boiling, wafting up the fumes to his nose. The smell wasn't quite on point. Balling his mouth in thought, Hiten pops his lips when he remembers to add Wolfsbane and ground green mint to the concoction. He lowers a little more to study the transparent color, smiling when the coloration achromatizes to a lime green to signify it stabilizing. All the changes are recorded in his notebook, then he moves to check on the other three tonics to study their reactions after receiving a similar oddities.

Hiten knew his assignment was shimmering properly, but it had to be approved by his group leader. That was where his preppy rival comes into play. Hiten learned the hard way that it's better to be silent and humble, then blunt and honest against her critical eye. Even when he knew he was right, she'd find some way to discredit his opinions with an easily overlooked flaw. So he stepped to the side when he felt a tight tap to his shoulder and averted his gaze to the side when Ayame Spartan stepped forward to examine his work.

When she bumps her hip against his side to add more space, Hiten clenches his jaw hard to stifle the growl before it began. He's gotten better at controlling his reactions to her antics and gives himself a mental pat on the back for it.

"What say you to this, Aya?" Tsukuyomaru moves into her personal space, voice low and tempting near her ear. "You scratch my back, and ya know, I wouldn't mind scratchin' somethin' of yours."

"Honey, please," she flicks her wrist at him. "Step off, I'm working here." Then returns to scrutinizing Hiten's project.

Tsukuyomaru raises his hands, chuckling. "Fine, multitask, but hear me out. This is important. We really need your cooperation on this."

Ayame's sigh leaves her lips like a punctured balloon. "So, why do you think I would want to associate myself with a couple of juvenile delinquents?" She glimpse him through long lashes, green eyes sparkling mischievously. "Trust me, the whole school knows about you and that thing's," she turns her thumb in Hiten's direction, ignoring his light smack to her finger, "marathon of mayhem. I dare you to deny it. You thought Jakotsu had the four-one-one around this campus? Not like me. I have the eight-two-two."

"I imagine you would have ears to the ground," Hiten grumbles. "Since your backside never seems to leave it."

"Watch yourself you fat forehead-ed hoodlum. Just remember between the two of us," she gestures between them, "who's been placed on probation. I mean, ouch, how embarrassed do you think the Science Honor Society is of their Vice President's behavior? I've already recommended your impeachment."

Hiten gawks. "I swear you lowdown, dirty skank, if I lose my seat 'cause of your mouth, so help me I'll mount your head on my wall!"

"No need. If I wanted to die bad enough I'd climb your ego and jump down to your IQ."

Tsukuyomaru maneuvers himself between them, latching onto Hiten's elbow. "Excuse us a sec, sweetie." He offers a charming smile and a wink in a manner he hopes adequately settles her down as he escorts his best friend to the back of the class.

Ayame and Hiten stared poisonous daggers at each other the whole time as he was practically dragged away. She sticks out her tongue and turns her back, to which he promptly flips her off, hissing a threatening sibilate through clenched teeth. The noise drew the disapproving glances from several of their classmates. Tsukuyomaru's glad their teacher had stepped out to miss this.

"Let go of me," Hiten snatches his arm away, striding over to sulk in a corner. "Damn I hate that tramp. Everyone's allowed bitchy quotas, but she abuses the privilege!"

Tsukuyomaru locks his bottom lip between his teeth because he was an inch from doubling over. Laughing at his best friend with the mood he was in wouldn't help their cause at all and the last thing he needed was to have Hiten thinking he was against him. So he sucks in a deep breath and goes to softly clap his hand on Hiten's shoulder, cocking his head to the side to see his face.

"I know she's the last person you wanna work with," Tsukuyomaru tries gently rubbing Hiten's shoulder, "but this'll help us in the long run. If we get her and her father to help us pull this off, it'll look less staged."

Hiten continues scowling, but says, "Ya know she's gonna want something in return. That's the kind of scandalous hoe she is. I'd know. The stupid trick had the nerve to report me when I objected her remarks on my last project. I could've had a hundred average in my Gemology class last semester, but she botched that up all because I wouldn't hook her up with you and Jura. Like she needs any more trains running through that gapping tunnel!" He purposely raises his voice knowing very well how excellent her hearing is and is gratified to see her react accordingly; she illustrates a death threat across her throat.

Tsukuyomaru awkwardly rubs the back of his neck, eyes skating between his best friend and Ayame. "I already got our deal worked out. I know what she wants and believe me, I don't have a problem helping."

Hiten's mouth twists in disgust. "You're sick." He makes to leave, only to be yanked back. "I guess I should expect this. She's your type; less than standard quality and foul."

"Don't even go there. Me and Ayame got history, but not in that sense."

Hiten stubbornly angles his face away, ashamed to show the relief that he knew was etched on all over his features, as he continued to get a grip on the bountiful emotions filling inside him that he couldn't understand. So what if they knew one another before Hiten came around. Someone like Ayame doesn't deserve a good guy like Tsukuyomaru. He has his faults, but a crooked wiseass like her did as well.

Tsukuyomaru's sigh blows over the tip of Hiten's ear when he moves close behind him, peering over his shoulder to see his face. "Don't be a brat. Just work with me on this. Please? Pretty please?" He adds, amused. "You know you can't stay mad at me. Not at this face. I'll be damned if that's possible."

A little smile tilts the ends of Hiten's lips.

"See, there's that sunshine."

"Whatever," Hiten's voice huffs between a sneer and a laugh, waving his hand. "Get away already. Your breath's hotter than brimstone."

"You lie!" Tsukuyomaru tests the insult by breathing into his hand and sniffing. "Oh damn, my shit is tart. I almost knocked myself out." He gives a strange, devilish look in Hiten's direction.

Hiten grabs a nearby beaker and holds it up like a sword. "Breathe that in my face and see what happens."

"Still damaging school property, Hiten? Apparently being put on the Wall of Shame isn't enough."

Hiten rolls his eyes, lowering the glass back on the table. Ayame strolls up to him, slamming his graded checklist on his chest.

"Congratulations, Mr. Saotome. I guess you are smarter than the average bear." She smacks her ponytail in his face and walks over to Tsukuyomaru. "I've given your proposition some thought. I'll help you organize this, but on one condition."

"Figures," Hiten slides into the conversation, swatting at her pigtail. "What do you want, Wicked Witch?"

"We're meeting at the Tessaiga right? There's a new cook there. I want you to give them my number."

"What? Not a chance!" Hiten immediately rejects. "Everybody who works there is above eighteen. You're not gonna set my dad up on rape charges!"

Ayame flips a bit of hair off her face. "Fine, that'll be a bit forward anyway. Just invite my crush over to our table and we'll call it even. I'm fine enough to get their attention."

"Hell. No."

"Then I won't lean my help."

"Fine with me. I didn't want your whorish fumes stankin' up my personal space anyway!"

Tsukuyomaru rolls his eyes as he's forced to referee again. "Deal." He holds up his hand to silence Hiten's protest. "We'll get whoever it is to come to the table, but no more than that. No point in fucking up Mr. Saotome's rep over a misunderstanding. You do this and it works, you ride that train solo, got it? We aren't gonna let you get him blamed for statutory rape."

Ayame winks and wiggles her chest. "It's hardly illegal when we're both consenting adults." She upturns her nose and sashays back to her workstation to finish grading the rest of the class's assignments.

Hiten sneers. "I told you."

"Yeah," Tsukuyomaru scratches behind his head. "This is gonna require some extra effort. . . Any idea who she's got the hots for?"

"There's no telling. Ayame's hot for anything as long as it has two legs and a heartbeat, the bitch."

Every second Thursday of the month, Inuyasha finds himself reassessing the idea of hosting the Tessaiga's Hell Pepper Ramen Challenge because this always seems to be the day he's the most understaffed. The restaurant is packed from front to rear with customers eagerly awaiting when the lids would slide off the steaming pots. He had over twenty sixteen-quart size pots taking up half his stoves, while the remainder of his kitchen kept to preparing meals for his regular customers. The contest wasn't scheduled to begin until 4:30 p.m.; when most of his loyal contestants were off work or dismissed from school. They've yet to gain a victor, but that hardly deterred the stubborn few who refused to let themselves walk away without giving it their all.

The number of participates have more than tripled since the last quarter and keeping up with the demand was becoming tedious. Inuyasha made it mandatory that all hands be on deck for Thursday unless an unavoidable emergency came up. Which was the case for two of his junior cooks and three waiters. The workload for the missing cooks wasn't a huge deal. He and Koga could cover the loss. But the waiters were his direct line to the customers and sacrificing his cooks to wait tables wasn't an option. He'd either have to request those here double their usual areas or put himself out there.

To take his mind off the plaguing stress of accommodating for the missing help, Inuyasha concentrated on neatly plucking pinches of spices, herbs and sauces from the colorful array on the cart on his right and splashing them inside every pot. The aromas immediately pluming from the pots relaxed him, shooed away the meager concerns of dissatisfied customers and wrought the relief that no matter how helpless it may seem, things always turn out fine. Funny how simply cooking worked better than any medicine ever could.

"One of these days you'll come in here smilin' like that because of good sex."

Inuyasha made sure to keep his face slightly bent so as to pass off he wasn't the least bit effected by Koga's comment, but not even the curtain of his side-locks could disguise the flush in his cheeks. His mouth twists to the side as he leans away and shoots a lethal glare at his Sous Chef.

"Food and sex have nothing in common," he lamely counters. "You'd know that if you bothered to savor them separately."

Koga pauses, then shakes his head. "You poor thing. If you honestly think there's a difference, then I haven't done my job as a friend. When we get off, I say me and you go hit up the first bar and find you some ass. Good quality ass."

"No thanks."

"Why not? Scouring the underbelly for booty is no different than shopping for prime cut beef. Good texture and taste is what we're after," laughs Koga. "Come on, bud. It'll be fun."

Inuyasha blinks and frowns. "We aren't friends."

"Sure we are. You just don't know it."

"I think I'd be able to notice if I had one," Inuyasha grumbles, stirring a ladle through the noodles. He leans back a little, partially to relieve the tension in his lower back and waves his hand. "Shouldn't you be over there making sure my pots aren't overflowing?"

Koga looks up strangely studying Inuyasha's profile. Then he rolls his eyes. "Yeah, I'm on it," he mumbles, walking away.

Inuyasha hated how fast his mouth moved before his brain. Not even he's immune to his own harshness. Keeping a strict manager-employee relationship is how things get done. Boundaries need to be set and he didn't feel comfortable with establishing friendships or more with people who worked for him. It could easily lead to compromise and how many times has he heard stories of companies suffering internally due to a boss being unable to maintain a profession demeanor? He didn't like to be cold, but well, at least it kept him from having to try and be friends. And ensured his restaurant came first.

Inuyasha's mouth opened on a slow exhale, then closed. And then he collected his inner thoughts and shut down the guilt and self-consciousness to focus on the task at hand. Providing exquisite service for the hundreds of waiting mouths.

Text Messages

Hiten

Tsukuyomaru

Ayame

Jesus man, what's goin' on? It's packed out. I can't find a parking spot!

What in the Sam Hell is this? There's a damn line at the door!

Crap, I forgot today was Hell Pepper Ramen Thursday.

Where do you expect us to sit dumbass? The floor?

Why not? You oughta feel right at home there.

You wanna get acquainted with it when I knock you out?

I'm praying you're stupid enough to try, bitch!

Ya'll damn, let's not do this. But she's right, Hiten. How do you expect us to get inside?

There's a section of the restaurant reserved for employees only. I always eat there whenever I come by.

So?

So, you and the red haired skankateer can come in the back entrance with me. My dad will set us up there.

Fuck you, Hiten.

Not a chance, witch. Unlike you, I know STD doesn't stand for Suck That Dick.

Enough! Damn, ya'll are worse than a pack of kindergartners. Hiten where do I park? I'm not gonna risk my ride getting scratched.

Come to the back of the building. I'll guide you in.

I hope this works. I can't believe I let myself get dragged into your mess. . .

We promised Lucifer to bring you back by the stroke of midnight, Pumpkin Head.

Fuck you, Billboard Hoe!

Shut up and go park! Damn, you got one job outside of sucking dick, so do it. Call your ole man and tell him we're here!

. . . SMDH. I'm gonna remove ya'll from this chat. I dunno what the hell I was thinking.

Inuyasha raised his eyebrows. "Hiten?"

His son emerged from the backway of the kitchen, sporting an overwhelmingly bright smile as he moved up to wrap his father in a bear hug. "Hiya Dad, what's good?"

"Uh, everything's everything, son." Inuyasha returns the embrace with as much as is given. Then he grabs the base of Hiten's pigtail and gives it a reprimanding tug. "But you know you're on house arrest. What the Hell are you doing here?"

Hiten's face flushed scarlet along the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, about that. Um, Dad, can we talk? Not in the kitchen. I'm not prepped to help out today."

"You good?" Inuyasha asks inflexibly. "Everything OK?"

"Everything's fine, Dad. Just come." Hiten grabs his hand and moves through the thong of line cooks and servants, tossing the occasional greet and smile to those who recognized him. Once they reached Inuyasha's office, the teenager closed and locked the door. He braced his back against the entrance, glancing somewhat awkwardly at the floor. "So, I know it's a stretch to bother you with favors considering I've pretty much burned that bridge after my last stunt at the school—"

"You're stallin' something awful kid." Inuyasha goes to the small refrigerator tucked in a corner behind his desk and retrieves two chilled canisters of homemade smoothies, with pureed strawberry, mangos, kiwi, mint leaves and coaxed in chilled milk. He passes one to his son and waits until he's taken a healthy gulp before urging him to continue.

Hiten wipes mouth with the back of his hand, inhaling and exhaling. "I need your help with something. I may have gone and ran my mouth a bit at school . . . I heard some of the older kids talkin' about how much they loved the Tessaiga and sort of blurted out that my father owns the place."

"I do," Inuyasha bluntly affirms, eyebrows up again. "So?"

"So, I kind of," Hiten scratches behind his head, "implied that I have the hook-up. And . . . Tsukuyomaru overheard and I invited him and a friend here. Today. In fact, they're outside right now."

Inuyasha's face pinches into his signature scowl. "Hiten—" he starts.

"I know, I know." Hiten regretfully holds up his free hand, looking remorseful for his actions. "I should've done the sensible thing and kept my mouth shut. I couldn't help it, Dad. It isn't new news that I have a thing for Tsukuyomaru and I said it in front of a bunch of people. I couldn't back out on my word. If I don't prove something, then I'll go back to school a chump . . . it's already hard enough for me being surrounded by demons and humans who already see me as an abomination." His face grimaces as he turns to stare through the viewing window facing the kitchen. "I could really use your help, Dad. Please?"

Inuyasha applies pressure to the space between his eyes, thinking how he wished he could maintain his sternness. But damn if this brat couldn't pull heartstrings with the expertise of a harpist. Of course Inuyasha knew about the hardships his son faced for merely existing. He'd hoped that those kids would grow out of their bullying and adjust to his presence. If there were problems, Hiten never said anything. That worried him now. Inuyasha prayed his son wasn't suffering social abuse. . .

"Just this once." Inuyasha inwardly feels elated to be the reason behind his son's sudden delight, but masks the emotion by keeping up his hard expression. He shifts from his position and fakes a hard glare. "But we're gonna negotiate. I'm adding another week on your sentence and you're gonna come here to serve it washing dishes."

Hiten blanches, and pouts. "I guess that's fair." He shrugs. "Cool, deal. Can I pick the table?"

"Yeah, just keep the rope up so no one else walks in."

"Thanks a ton, Dad!" Hiten throws his arms around Inuyasha's waist. "You're the coolest!" Then he sprints out of the office for the backdoor.

Inuyasha chuckles, while straightening the wrinkles his son accidentally pressed into his uniform. He liked to think he was the coolest dad there is. Not a lot of children can proudly say their parents owed a famous restaurant. He wondered what sort of friends his son was inviting. He knew about Tsukuyomaru, but Hiten mentioned a friend . . .

"Can I sleep with my eyes closed tonight?"

Sesshomaru glanced next to him, but Naraku kept his eyes trained on securing a parking spot outside the restaurant his daughter blatantly insisted joining her at. The demand to bring a friend was one thing, but requesting Sesshomaru specifically made him slightly suspicious, but just a bit. He would've invited Sesshomaru anyway before anyone else on the team. They'd lucked up and stayed to a routine street patrol, which meant their team was allowed to leave at regular office hours.

Naraku had no plans other than picking up his daughter and taking her to visit her aunt, but then Ayame called asking if he would come to this joint to meet her friends. Friends being a very loose term because she kept an extremely busy social schedule. There were so many young girls running though his house on a weekly basis, his neighbors suspected him of operating a trafficking ring.

When his black Challenger's fitted between a Tahoe and a Suburban, Naraku cuts the engine, hesitating to make a move. Sesshomaru hadn't uttered a word since somehow allowing himself to be tricked into coming here. At least he believes he was tricked. Naraku had told him that they would be going out, but he may have omitted certain details. Like this being a joyous outing as friends.

He drummed his fingers over the steering wheel before sighing and turning to face his superior. "Look man, if you aren't comfortable, I can drive ya back to your car." Though he hoped his dampened tone would play on Sesshomaru's nonexistent conscience and convince him to stick around. "Nothing's keepin' you here."

Sesshomaru continued his unreadable stare until Naraku squirmed uncomfortably. The minuet action seemed to trigger something satisfactory because the corners of Sesshomaru's lips tilted into an evil smirk. Then he got out of the car, silently beckoning for Naraku to follow. But the officer had to catch his breath. When people smile, it's often a contagious gesture. Sesshomaru's the absolute exception to that rule. He makes a person scared for their life.

The only reason Sesshomaru had taken Naraku up on his offer was for the fact that he planned to knock his son's head clean off his shoulders. No one gave the boy permission to skip punishment just because he felt like chilling with his friends. Where did he get the audacity to be so damn disobedient? Sesshomaru didn't care if Tsukuyomaru believed his social status and popularity were important. Getting his education and getting the Hell out of Sesshomaru's house is what the father cared about. Popularity be damned.

He hated disobedience, but not as much as lines. He hated lines and hated crowds even more. Facing more than one of his long list of annoyances usually brought out his inner asshole. This is the first time he's been to this part of town. He'd only heard about the swank restaurant through the grapevine and the few times it flashed up on the media. Sesshomaru hadn't anticipated it being this well-known though.

People from every manners of life were waiting their turn to be served. Demons, humans, hanyous, children, adults and teenagers eagerly stood in line, chattering about whatever. Sesshomaru moved to the end of the line, left eye twitching. He was in line a hot minute when five more people filed in behind him. Just what in the world was going on today?

"Sesshomaru, what'cha doin' man?"

Sesshomaru angled his head around to see Naraku waving from the front. Sesshomaru lifted his hand, confused.

Naraku pointed inside. "We already got our seats reserved!"

Blessed be, fate was good. Sesshomaru didn't have the impatience nor the nose to deal with so many sweaty people at once. Entering the establishment, he found the inside wasn't any better. Folks were stuffed in from wall to wall, seating four or more at a table; some of whom didn't even look like they knew one another. He turned on his heel prepared to leave Naraku alone to figure out later that he dipped, but the sound of a familiar man's husky tone put a halt in his stride and a certain pitch in his stomach. . .

Fate is some kind of sadistic bitch. Here Inuyasha kind of thought he wouldn't be granted another chance at redeeming himself before Shawl, but there the man was, tall as redwood, swallowing up the entrance to his restaurant and looking every bit the intimidating cop. The words Inuyasha had started to speak out before his customers held up in his throat as he locked eyes with Shawl's hazel gold glare.

He looked ready to leave. Perhaps he still will. If he did, Inuyasha didn't know whether he'd stop him. There could be other times that they'd meet, but how coincidental was it that he'd show up the same day his son was here with Inuyasha's? The restaurant owner swallowed, then stiffened his back, keeping his gaze steadily focused forward.

People were giving him strange looks. He chuckles uneasily, scratching behind his head.

"As I was saying, we're about to kick off our weekly Hell Pepper Ramen Contest. For the far few of you who're new to this, I am Inuyasha Saotome, the owner of the Tessaiga and creator of the Hell Pepper Ramen Bowl. Let me go ahead and warn you now that for those of you who are participating in the contest, these noodles come with a discretion label. As I so often must share with our hardheaded regulars," that earns him amused laughs from the audience, "you're eating this at your own risk. Don't come crying to me about suffering heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, headaches, stomachaches, none of that. Proceed with caution. These noodles are not for the faint of heart. They're hot as Hell. Maybe hotter. Am I gonna tell you what's in them? Nope, because the consent forms being passed out to you by my Sous Chef, Koga Wolfe, all contain the full list of ingredients used to make it. I'm not trying to be sued. It'd behoove all of you to read the list carefully. As soon as you've signed, hold up your paper and be prepared to experience a hell like no other!" The crowd clapped enthusiastically when Inuyasha disappeared in the kitchen and returned with three others pushing large carts stacked with porcelain bowls and enormous bowls of the steaming out ramen.

The whole while Inuyasha went about passing out bowls, his eyes kept straying over to where Shawl stood near the doorway, watching with lazy eyes. It was a little disconcerting. Inuyasha felt like he was being examined on a petri dish with how intense that stare was. He ignored it for the most part, but having Shawl remain by the door was creating a mild stir. Some humans couldn't stop casting wary glances behind them at the tall, white haired demon officer. Inuyasha sighed. Shawl is either oblivious to the stares, or just doesn't care. Inuyasha wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter.

By the time he reached his tenth table, Inuyasha was annoyed. Maybe for some folks it isn't a big deal to be stared at, but he couldn't stand the feeling. It made his skin crawl. And what's with how incredibly direct he is with it? Not once had he turned away, sneezed or even scratched his nose.

"Excuse me, may I pass?"

Inuyasha glances up in time to see a timid older woman tapping Shawl on the shoulder. At least Shawl has the decency to shed that glowering expression of his when he faces the small woman and steps aside to let her through. Inuyasha hands over another ramen bowl just as he's distantly aligned with Shawl, and having dealt with the staring long enough, decides to put an end to it with brute kindness.

Inuyasha spins on one heel and lets a smile stretch his lips. "Welcome to the Tessaiga, Mr. Shawl, will you be dining a table for one or two?" He thought better of plainly looking to see if he entered with another person. Shawl didn't need to assume Inuyasha was out to invade in his personal business.

Shawl stayed standing still for so long, Inuyasha wondered if he'd gone deaf. Then a sly smirk creeps upon Shawl's thin lips and it's strange how solaced Inuyasha is to see it there. He doubts a brooding man would smile at anyone if they still carried a grudge. Right?

"I think a table's already been set for me and my company." Shawl unfolds his arms, opting to cup his hands behind his back, still wearing that odd smirk. "Why don't you provide the exquisite service expected of you and take me there, Inu-ya-sha."

A vein suddenly pulsates in Inuyasha's temple, but he maintains his calm. "Of course, sir. Give me a moment to find you a waiter—"

"No, I'd prefer to have the head of the joint as my escort, thank you."

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but that request isn't procurable—"

"The customer's satisfaction is priority above all else," Shawl coolly interrupts, marring an innocent frown on his brow. "I mean," he shrugs, "isn't that what the fine print says at the bottom of your restaurant's menu?" Then a dangerous shine glints in Shawl's eyes. "Or is the foundation of your business built upon false advertisement in order to secure a quick buck from your customers?"

Bottom lip draw between teeth, Inuyasha was certain he'd broken the skin from how hard he'd been gnawing on it the whole while Shawl spoke. He wanted so much to drive his fist through the arrogant man's throat for insinuating such harsh accusations. Inuyasha slowly counted backwards from twenty to zero to alleviate his accumulating anger and settled himself down. He offers a professional smile, cupping his hands in front of him.

"Yes sir, you're correct. My restaurant's well known for providing the best service. If what you prefer is my personal courtesy, who am I do to deny you?" Inuyasha hoped the sound of grinding stones was evident in his tone and would put off Shawl from trying to further test Inuyasha's temper. But judging by that incurably evil smile, Shawl wasn't the least bit fazed. "Will your company be joining you later?" Perhaps to avoid being seen in public with a repulsive jackass like you?

"He's over there in that roped off section of the restaurant. With your son, my son and his daughter, I think. I'm afraid I'll faint gettin' there, I'm so hungry. Can we get on with it, Inu-ya-sha?"

Inuyasha's jaw set in a tightening motion when he angled his head straight to the roped off portion of his business and saw his son looking directly at him. Next to Hiten's table, there sat another demon gentleman with cascading black hair and inhuman red eyes, reading through the menu.

Upon catching Hiten staring, he ducks behind his menu. Too late. Inuyasha's mouth twists to the side. He'll kill the brat later.

Inuyasha sighs. "This way," he flicks his index finger for Shawl to follow him through the thong of tables and bustling waiters. On his way there, Inuyasha signals Koga over with a short wave of his hand.

His Sous Chef notices, excuses himself from the family table he'd been assisting and makes a beeline over. "What's up?"

Inuyasha cups his hand over his mouth to hide his lips. "I gotta personally serve this bastard demon following behind me—what's wrong?" Inuyasha questions at Koga's visibly grimace. Koga looks over their shoulder and his expression changes from curious to pained.

"What?" Inuyasha demands again.

"Ya know he can hear everything you're 'bout to say, right?"

"What, how?"

Koga rolls his eyes. "You should've paid attention in your demonology classes." He sighs, jerking his thumb back at the officer. "Those markings on his face? They hail from a strong line of dog demons. Their hearing is about as acute as my race."

Inuyasha slaps his own forehead. "Jesus, there's no end to this guy's torture on me!"

Shawl's throaty laugh slams him like the aftermath of atomic bomb. Inuyasha felt his insides warming with contempt, both at being the butt end of some stupid demon joke and for inwardly admiring how good a laugh sounds coming from the man. He shakes his head at Koga beckons for him to come closer anyway.

"Just take over things for me until I get rid of him."

Koga gives the thumbs up. "Got'cha, Chef." Then he melts into the busy crowds.

Inuyasha unhooks the red rope and gives a small bow, sweeping his free hand to permit Shawl's entrance. As he passes, the trailing scent of earthy Axe fills Inuyasha's sensitive nostrils like the coming whiffs of freshly brewed produce; so strong and addictive. Someone like Shawl doesn't deserve to smell that nice.

All eyes fall on them, except for Hiten, as Inuyasha leads Shawl over to be seated with the other man. "Here you are, Mr. Shawl and here's your menu. Can I start you gentlemen with a drink?"

"I'll have this uh," the dark haired fellow scratches his brow without glancing up from his menu. "Whatcha call this drink? A what?"

"Chattanooga Splash, compliments of Tennessee."

"Oh, cool. Lemme get that, your appetizer sample—make the wings extra hot, extra crunchy—and the pineapple double monster."

Inuyasha jotted down the order. "Very good. Any dessert?"

"Nah, gotta watch my figure."

That brings a small smirk to Inuyasha's lips. "OK." Then he turns dull, bored eyes to the other adult. "And you? What would you like, sir?"

"Hmmm," Sesshomaru loudly smacks his lips, making show of reading through the menu and then shakes his head. "I dunno anything about your place." He snaps the menu shut and hands it out. "Bring me something that'll make me come a second time."

Inuyasha blinked with honest to goodness innocent confusion at the request. "There's . . . well, that'll be a challenge—"

"You're not up to it?"

"Of course! You can't even call this a challenge."

Sesshomaru's saucy smirk shoots a chill up Inuyasha's spine. "Well then, hop to it Inu-ya-sha." He holds out the menu, bouncing his eyebrows.

Inuyasha growls, snatching the folded menu from Sesshomaru's hand and gently taking the others from the other guests. However, when he reaches his son's table, he lowers his hand on the back of his neck, discreetly squeezing until his nails dug through the skin. Hiten wisely didn't flinch, shooting an uneasy smile up at his father.

That expression quickly melted into a terrified when noticing the knot throbbing on his father's temple. "Oh crap," he murmured.

"Hiten, son," Inuyasha started, pleasantly polite as can be, "since we unexpectedly received some priority customers in the privacy section, I'll be taking care of these two's order. But you," here, he lightly slaps Hiten's neck, "you're gonna cook whatever meal your two friends here desire. Free of charge of course."

Hiten's entire face washes free of color. "Dad—"

"No exceptions, brat." Then Inuyasha turns a kind smile to the other teenagers. "You two enjoy yourselves and don't hesitate to tell Hiten here if you need anything. He's your slave until further notice."

"Mmmm, with pleasure with Mr. Saotome," Ayame purrs, bouncing her eyebrows sadistically in Hiten's direction. "I fully intend to take advantage of this privilege."

Hiten sneers. "Don't think I won't spit in your food." With a heavy sigh, he climbs to his feet and leaves to change out of his school clothes to wear one of the spare uniforms in his father's office.

This wasn't at all how he wanted this to go. He can only hope something good comes out of this.

If that's the game Shawl wants to play, fine. Inuyasha's more than ready to meet this challenge head on and blow this jerks expectations out of the water. Who did he think he is to come here and dare question the quality of Inuyasha's restaurant? Why, he's broken sweat, leaked blood and burned himself for this place; all for the sake of its current prosperity and success.

Inuyasha breezed through his cooks, aiming for the storage for is dry ingredients, mind already spinning with probable ideas. His thoughts were teeming with recipes and presentation. He found a good many of his menu items to be top of the line, but he wasn't sure they were enough to knock that smile off Shawl's face. No, Inuyasha needed something truly spectacular . . .

Tapping his chin in thought, the head chef's dark eyes scoured the kitchen for inspiration. Nothing sweet. Desserts were a cope out dish for this particular task. He didn't want to put effort into creating a basic appetizer either. He saw a series of meals being prepared, but couldn't think of anything new and awe-inspiring for the life of him.

This wasn't like him. It usually took nothing for him to develop a new dish and put it out. Then he realized why he was so stomped. He hated to admit, but he felt almost compelled to impress Shawl into seeing him for his skills. The bastard was already being an ass about Inuyasha's name. Hell, for years the human wondered why his parents thought it was cool to bestow him a demon name.

"Hey Boss, what's gotcha all tight faced?"

Inuyasha's hand fell where it was propped under his chin and let it fold across his chest. "I'm trying to think of a recipe," he says to Koga, then looks at his Sous Chef curiously. "What do you know about a dog demon's diet? I doubt they taught that in demonology 101."

"No," Koga smirks, "That's actually taught in 103. And I'm surprised you asked, considering we aren't buddies and all. Anyway," Koga starks before Inuyasha has a chance to chastise him, "can we not use the word diet, please? That makes it sound like you're prepping food for an animal."

Inuyasha held his tongue to dispute that comment and allows Koga to continue.

"A dog demon's preferences aren't that much different from a wolf's. We're just an older race than them, so their pallets are used to a, um, I guess modern food choices. Premium meats, rice, veggies high in vitamins, every fish oil you can think of and—"

Inuyasha held up his hand, eyes wide. "That's no different from a normal dog."

"Well, yeah. Dog demons are just humanized dogs." Slowly, Inuyasha's mind began to work into overdrive. He'd made homemade dog food before for Kagome's dog before. The ingredients were stupidly simple and edible for humans and dogs. However, that particular meal was more customized for her dog's taste. So . . . could he possibly make a similar combination, but add a different twist to it? Perhaps, create the flavors of both worlds.

"Wow, I do not like that look," Koga murmured, lifting a worried eyebrow at his employer.

Inuyasha's smirk turns positively devious. His imagination should be labeled a weapon. He knew exactly how to satisfy that dick's appetite and render him a too speechless to ever insult his chef skills again. This was going to be very interesting. All he needed was about forty-five minutes of pure determination, a full table to experiment on and a whole ton of humble pie that asshole was going to have shoved down his throat.

Sesshomaru kept a steady eye on Inuyasha throughout his movements in the kitchen. Even during the short moments he'd disappeared, Sesshomaru eventually found the shorter male rummaging through a drawer for a utensil or barking orders at his employees about the welfare of a dish. Sesshomaru will give credit where it's due and he could say that whether he came to like the food or not, at least Inuyasha knew his business.

Though assuming the food wasn't up to par would probably be presumptuous of him too. There wasn't a bad scent in this place. Everything smelled probably cooked, thoroughly cleaned, well prepared and the atmosphere's pleasant enough. He propped his fist against his cheek, eyes narrowing upon seeing an oddly sharp grin split Inuyasha's face. That could be for any reason, but why did Sesshomaru feel that expression was meant for him?

"So, you know him?"

Right, Sesshomaru forgot he had company. He made note to bear that in mind next time he's invited out again and turned to face Naraku, who was staring very openly in the kitchen area as well. That's peculiar.

"Know who?" Sesshomaru eventually responds.

Naraku's red eyes crinkle with delight. "Wow, ya actually spoke back. That's two great successes in a single day." He chuckles, gathering a couple of napkins and folding them along the corners. "I mean the human with the black hair. I saw how you were lookin' at 'im. Something's there."

"Yes, annoyance," Sesshomaru says, bored. "This isn't the time to put your observation skills to use. Same that for work."

"I'm a cop. It's embedded in me to be nosey. So, Inu-Ya-sha, huh? What a name. Makes you wonder who his mom's been hanging around with to give her child a demon name, yeah?"

Sesshomaru's thoughts exactly, but why let Naraku know that? He doesn't say anything else and returns to looking in the kitchen. Out of the corner of his eye though, he sees Naraku mirror his gesture and a small frown pinches Sesshomaru's brow.

"What are you looking at?" he says with a hint of steel that surprises even him.

Naraku cocks his eyebrow. "Don't even trip. I'm not after your human. Too squishy," he grumbles and jerks his chin in a different direction. "I'm ganderin' that piece right there."

"Who?" Sesshomaru questions, surprising himself yet again because within the same minute he's say more words to Naraku then he has in the several years they've known each other.

Naraku plucks his fork and aims it towards the kitchen, all sharp smiles and devilment. "That sexy baby right there. Jesus, what a body. . . Whew lemme stop starin' before I wind up married and settled with another expensive child I can't afford." He returns to studying his menu.

Meanwhile, Sesshomaru had drowned out his company's words after the first sentence because the object of his attention was currently wrecking some kind of havoc in his own kitchen.

Inuyasha had grabbed two medium size stainless steel bowls, and poured numerous ingredients into each, stirring furiously then combining the two into a single container. Then he took said container and gave it a hefty shake.

Sesshomaru rested his chin on the back of his knuckles, frowning. Is that dish supposed to be his meal? Seems like a lot of effort to prove he can cook. Narrowing his eyes, Sesshomaru worked up a small dose of his aura into his sclera and pupils to magnify his eyesight. What he could make out at this angle wasn't all that impressive. It looked like nothing more than smashed ground beef, gravy and vegetables.

What was so special about that? He could make that shit at home.

"Look, could you two just pick something already?"

Sesshomaru's ear perks towards the other table.

Tsukuyomaru cackles. "Your dad says you're our slave so behave yourself. I'm gonna make this worth my while."

"Exactly," says Ayame. "I fully intend to make this chump work. And you promised to help me hook-up with my beloved—"

Hiten groans, slapping his hand size notepad against his brow. "Just. Freakin'. Pick. Something!"

Sesshomaru smirks a bit. Seems his son has inherited his insatiable need to bring out the worse in people. That half-breed child isn't that far from his father. Inuyasha's just as easy to provoke. Seeing him get worked up is the first funny thing Sesshomaru's done in a good while.

It's another thirty or so minutes before Inuyasha approaches Sesshomaru's able carrying a large platter overhead with one arm and a kickstand tucked under his armpit.

"I apologize for the wait gentlemen," he grunts, lowering the platter on the stand. "But as the sayin' goes, you can't rush perfection." Clapping his hands together, Inuyasha first grabs the first plate holding Naraku's Pineapple Double Monster, and his appetizer sampler. "By the way, since you're just now receiving this, it's on the house." Inuyasha offers with a wink.

Naraku perks up. "You're alright in my book." He settles in, prepared to dig in. Inuyasha's smile drops like a bad habit upon falling on Sesshomaru.

The demon's taken to wearing his signature evil grin as Inuyasha went to retrieve his large plate and with it, a small gravy bowl.

"And for you sir, here's something nowhere on the menu. Consider it our house special." It's Inuyasha giving the cocky smirk now and it doesn't sit well with Sesshomaru in the slightest. "I'm calling it The Dog Eat Dog World Sampler. Compliments to the chef, who's me." He chuckles, taking the gravy bowl to pour over the meal as he explained the ingredients used to bring out the flavor. "You'll thank me after your taste buds corrode from this overwhelming combination of seasoned ground lamb, pork, and turkey necks. I took the liberty of pulverizing an entire chicken from stem to skull to a fine mush, rolled and patted to the shapes before you.

The gravy's a hearty blend of the animal fats, fish oils, flax seed oil and finely ground egg shells to compliment the dish like a fine wine. And let's not forget the impeccably seasoned spinach, bell pepper, beans, finely rolled in liver strips and stuffed with ground chicken hearts and brown rice. And the biscuits, well, what dog doesn't appreciate a good biscuit?"

The long silence to follow Inuyasha's presentation isn't what he expected. He'd gone into one of his long winded rants without realizing no one was paying him any attention. Inuyasha sighed and shrugged. It happens. Cupping a hand on his hip, he tilts his head expectantly in anticipation as he watched Sesshomaru scoop up a spoonful of his food and bring it to his lips. Inuyasha found himself a little too transfixed on either the spoon entering the demon's mouth or how his lips suckled the tip a little too lovingly. Clearing his throat, he shifts his weight to the other foot, and folds his arms, tapping his finger in the crook of his elbow.

"So? Ya gonna admit defeat or just sit there and pout because you know my cooking's top of the line?" Inuyasha asks, taunting him.

Sesshomaru brought up two more mouthfuls, taking agonizingly slow chews. "I never said you were a bad cook," he says after finishing another bite. "You got skills. This is pretty good."

Inuyasha blinks, stunned. "Uh, well, thanks?" Because how else could he respond except shocked.

"But—"

Inuyasha rolls his eyes heavenward. Never mind, should've known.

"—I think I should come again for another sample of your special cooking."

"OK, that's understandable."

"As a regular. Every day, for lunch, maybe dinner too." Sesshomaru upturns sly eyes at Inuyasha. "I kind of like knowing I got you cooking me meals. Makes me feel all special."

Inuyasha fumes. "You're special alright. Right here in the head. This was a one-time deal, pal. Don't come here expecting different treatment from my other customers!"

"But I am a customer, aren't I? And as such a customer should be satisfied per visit. I'm happy now, but it doesn't mean I will be next time. Don't make me tarnish this place's rep all because you can't keep up with to the standards you've set in place."

Inuyasha went slack in the jaw. "You low down dirty dog," he sneered. "I hate you!"

Sesshomaru winks. "So long as you keep these meals comin' you're free to hate me as much as you want, Inu-Ya-Sha."

The color in his face morphed to solid red. Inuyasha knew the heat building up in his cheeks was plain for everyone to see. He wouldn't get angry. He won't get angry. Taking several deep, long breaths, he calms down and gives a professional smile. "Yes sir, we pride ourselves in customer satisfaction. Feel free to come here anytime you want. I promise you'll leave satisfied or. . ." Inuyasha swallows. "Or I'll refund your money."

"Splendid, good to know. Thank you. . ." Inuyasha turns on his heel to walk away. "Inu-Ya-Sha."

The chef halts briefly, fists clenched, and wisely keeps walking. He inwardly congratulates himself on maintaining his composure somewhat. But just wait until he sees this jerk outside of work. Two can play that game.

"Dude, why's your dad such a jerk?"

Tsukuyomaru throws his head back, laughing. "Dog demon remember?"

"So what? You're half dog and only half jerk."

"Could you be any louder? Shut up before he hears you."

"Screw that, he deserves to know. That's his problem. Everybody's too scared to tell him the truth. And the truth is, he's a freakin' butthole."

The dark skin teen twists his lips. "Well, your dad shouldn't be so uptight and easy to tease. It's no wonder my ole man's always gettin' 'im worked up. Just like you. Ya know the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree does it, Hi-ten."

"Whatever."

"Hey!" Ayame snaps in his face. "Are you going to take my order or not Billboard?"

"Sure you want what I had last night? I can squat it out on your plate if you want."

"Don't be disgusting. Now be a good slave and fetch the goods."

"Bite me, witch!"

Tsukuyomaru snatches Hiten by the arm and propels him towards the direction of the kitchen with a slap to his rear. "Bye Hi-ten! That food isn't gonna fix itself."

"Ugh!" Sometimes he hated his life.

TBC: Wow, I'm surprised this took so long to get out. My apologies everyone. Please stay tuned for the next chapter.