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Sesshomaru awoke angrily from his mere two hours of peace to stare at the clock in the kitchen. 4:35am, the marble and brass wall clock read, and he reluctantly pulled himself for a shower, change of clothing, and packed his leather satchel quickly. Technically, he was running late, but he couldn't quite muster the ability to give a flying fuck about it.
At 5:06, he wrote a quick note with his phone number, hoping that by the time she awoke she would see the letter, as well as the phone and computer set on the nightstand.
A ghost of a smile played on his serene face, and he pushed her hair out of her face. Hopefully, she would enjoy the items and simply take some time to relax.
He grabbed his coat, exited, and closed the door behind himself to walk to the already autostarted vehicle.
Rin jumped out of her bed when she heard a slight click at the front door, slipped and fell on a burberry box from the night before, before hopping back up and running past the living room into the foyer. She didn't see anyone, but felt the cold air that still lingered. She opened the door, and hollered out to Shigeto to catch his attention. He stood at the bottom of the stairwell, and Kami-sama help the girl, she ran barefoot down the slate stairwell to catch him.
"Shigeto-san! You were leaving?"
"Rin, it's cold. You shouldn't be out here, " he took a moment to stare at her feet, "barefooted."
"You're evading my question!"
"If I answer, will you get back inside?"
She blinked.
"I have to attend a mandatory employer relations training."
"Can you wait ten minutes? Can I come? I promise I'll be qu-"
"It is boring, are you sure that you wish to subject yourself to that?"
"Mm-hmm! Better than being bored all day by myself! I can be bored with you!"
He removed the house keys from the car keys before handing them to her.
The girl smiled before running back inside. She quickly brushed her teeth, cracked open an oil hair serum she'd purchased and it ran it through her hair. She slapped on some deodorant before putting brown tights, a pink high collared shirt, with a calf length pencil skirt. She threw on the violet coat she liked with the matching pink scarf, before picking up the new gray frye ankle boots and dooney purse onto a box by the door. She shuffled around for the Sephora bags, and pulled out a powder compact, brushes, an eyebrow pencil, concealer, a lipstick, and an eyeliner. She left the mascara, knowing she couldn't apply it in a moving vehicle. Gracelessly, she dumped the items into her purse, threw a brand new wallet into it as well as a small sketchbook and mechanical pencils she'd purchased. She then opened another box to see pink gloves and a matching hat in it. She smiled, slipped on the pink gloves and hat, and turned to grab some earrings. While searching the small bag with parchment wrapped accessories she looked up to see two boxes sitting on the nightstand. She disregarded them momentarily while putting on the pearl earrings. After fussing and securing them, she passed her gloved hands over her hair and picked up the two boxes.
Her eyebrows furrowed at the new computer and phone set on the nightstand.
A lavender Galaxy Note 9 and a Silver Windows Surface Pro with oxblood accessories. She placed the computer on the bed before throwing the phone box into her purse.
She spun around and grimaced at the mess, before slipping into her shoes at the genkan. Rin locked the door, ran into the driveway, and hopped into the car.
"Goodmorning!" She all but chirped.
Sesshomaru cocked his head slightly at the action, and found himself mildly irritated by her happiness against the still-dark sky.
Pre-dawn hasn't even made itself known yet!
It was also slightly odd, since he's never really had to return greetings or pleasantries with others, especially after such a long time. It was something that required...practice to regain, to say the least.
"Good Morning, Rinako." He mentally cringed at how dry it sounded.
She smiled so brightly, he could've sworn the sun actually rose.
She yawned softly, and covered her mouth
"Sorry about that! But, Shigeto, I cannot take the computer from you, and I'll pay you back for the phone!"
He sighed before running a hand down his face.
"Why?" he asked somewhat rudely, and backpedaled, "Nevermind." It's too early for this.
The girl shrugged before commenting offhandedly, "I was just taught to give more than I take."
They dropped the subject, and Rin started up elsewhere.
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to Manhattan. That's why such an early departure."
"You should've said something! I feel terrible that we came in so late, and you had to get back up so early! I promise, when we return you're getting a good dinner, and some sleep!"
She eyed him warily, before opening the box and plugging in her new phone to charge. In the meantime she fished out the new wallet case and spent time setting it up. After the phone was set up and charged a bit, she started logging into some of her accounts while enjoying the pre-dawn scenery.
She smiled softly, "The bridges and underpasses are so beautiful, and the frozen waters make me so happy. I hope when we return I could record just how beautiful this scenery truly is."
He never really considered the scenery, and didn't think it was so beautiful as she stated. But, he nodded anyways.
Rin decided to play some jazz and worked on putting on some makeup to look semi-decent. She kept distracted by the water under the bridge, and subsequently drew one eyebrow higher than the other.
He, on the other hand, had so many questions.
"Rin, why do you...fill in your eyebrows...if they are already full?"
"Well they are full but have no shape! So, I like to arch them and cover stray hairs with concealer! Eventually, I'll clean them up, but they grow so fast."
Sesshomaru shrugged at the oddness, but mentally sighed from relief when the concealer did the trick of fixing that one too-high eyebrow.
The sun began to rise over the horizon as the two pulled in from the tunnel into the heart of Manhattan.
Rin plastered herself against the window and smiled at the other cars passing. She frowned before asking, "Goodness, where do you even live? I haven't asked!"
"That is my fault, it's Schenectady, NY. I apologize I haven't acquainted you with the area."
"There's no need! I've been up a whole total of three whole days! Plus," she blushed, "you really don't have to."
"I've already offered, I just hope you accept." He smiled lightly.
Rin covered her face and blushed to the tips of her ears. He really was too handsome.
She turned away from him, and watched as they pulled into NYU's parking lot.
"NYU? My God, that's a school that many dream to get into, and many fail trying! This place is so busy, how'd you get a parking?"
"Reserved in advanced online."
"How much did it cost to reserve?" She asked with a slight furrow in her brow.
"Enough to avoid frustration."
"Yikes, you've ever been towed out here?"
"...Yes."
"Oh, that face screams 'Never again.'"
He placed the transmission in park before pressing the car's off button.
"Those who think they can evade New York Parking Authorities are fools, those who can avoid them are geniuses, but those who consider trying after failing, are dumbasses."
Rin snorted, "Sorry, I haven't heard you curse before. But gosh, what happened?"
"I was unaware that one must refill the parking meter every two hours. My vehicle was already halfway down the street for being only 15 minutes overdue."
"Jeeze! They were watching like hawks. I'm sorry to hear that"
"More like vultures. Worst 5 hours spent at the Impound lot."
"FIVE? LIKE," she raised her left hand before splaying out her fingers, "5 FINGERS FIVE? Or 15 minutes?"
"Exactly" he bristled.
"Kami-sama, that genuinely sucks. I can imagine you probably wanted to claw their eyes out."
He sucked in a breath by her choice of wording that hinted too closely at his true nature.
The two exited the vehicle, and walked down the bleak street. Although the sun rose, it was still foggy and the sun peeked out before becoming obscured with dark clouds.
The scent of rain filled the air and Sesshomaru sighed, getting back was going to be a nightmare if it rained heavily. If anything, we'll check into a hotel.
They walked into the revolving glass door, and Rin pulled off her hat upon entering the building.
His eyes widened at her messy hair, and he smoothly pulled her over towards the waiting area and began braiding her hair into a fishtail.
Rin blushed hotly as his hands moved quickly, she was all but tempted to purr like a cat into his hands massaging her scalp. When his knuckled brushed her back, it took everything not to rub into his hands and scream, "TOUCH ME, I'M STARVED FOR AFFECTION AND HUMAN CONTACT."
She wanted to reprimand herself for her foolish behavior, but also realized she probably needed more hugs. Yes, she needed physical demonstrations of affection. Nothing more, nothing less.
She felt his finger on her tailbone twirling the end of the plait into a ringlet, and she sighed at the innocent touch. Lord God in heaven, I'm a hentai! Furthermore, I'm like some kind of a kid! I can't even present myself as an adult properly.
Finding her voice, she blushed politely, "Thank you."
He only nodded before pulling out his ID, and presenting it to the woman sitting at the reception desk. She smiled, and asked him to sign electronically for his attendance, and pointed the way towards the elevators for them.
Rin followed him in the mostly empty lobby before shoving her hat in her purse. When the elevator dinged it's arrival she stepped into it and caught her reflection in the mirror.
The braid was really pretty and she couldn't stop fingering it, and looking at it from all angles in the mirrors as he stood stationery.
He's either a real casanova, or braids his own hair in elaborate styles! She chuckled at the thought, and imagined his own black-brown hair braided like a milkmaid.
Despite herself, she laughed aloud. He would make a pretty male milkmaid! Or, Milkman.
After the milkman term popped up in her brain, she imagined him dressed as a milkman and had to stop herself from absolutely losing it on their way up to the twelfth floor.
She managed to pull herself together before she absolutely did look like a nutcase.
"What's so funny over there?"
"Oh, nothing Shigeto-san, just thinking!" She stated a little too airily.
"Mhm, very unconvincing."
She giggled again, before turning around to face the elevator's mirrors one last time. "Thank you so much for fixing my hair, I really enjoy it!" she then punctuated by flipping it over her shoulder.
He underlooked her, once more unconvinced, but stepped forward as the elevator doors opened.
Rin followed behind him and gasped at the view of New York. The entire wall was made of glass and she could see the skyline and the empire state building.
With the threatening rain clouds off in the distance, it was all the more beautiful.
She fumbled quickly before snapping a photo of the skyline and turning back to him.
He beckoned her over to where a large buffet of breakfast goods were assorted, catered by Panera. Most of which, shockingly, remained untouched.
Abashedly, she lied and said she was fine, but Shigeto still grabbed something for her anyways. Tea, a cheese bagel, orange and cranberry muffin, and napkins were placed in her hand faster than she could refute.
Her head spun at how quickly he moved.
They entered another partitioned area that served as a greeting hall where around twenty or so very good looking people lingered, chatting amongst themselves.
She stared unabashedly, amazed at how people could be as good looking as Shigeto. Feels more like a modeling agency than anything!
She wiggled happily, "Now, I have more fodder for character design." She whispered to herself, unaware that Shigeto heard her, and the others did too.
A few of the people turned to her, and she waved the hand with the tea in it. "Good morning?"
They nodded back, only a few returning her greeting before chattering amongst themselves once more.
"Awkward…" She whispered a little lower this time.
Then, Shigeto truly did laugh. She looked up at him in awe as they entered the large double doors that led to the auditorium style classroom. Easily, 1,000 could be seated, and surprised that, less than a quarter of the room was filled. But besides that, Rin was in disbelief that the classroom was so warmly lit, Wouldn't it just lull students to sleep?.
The lights overhead were a warm golden color and accentuated the brown carpeting. The podium at the front was surrounded by two large ivory columns bearing the New York State seal carved into them. Even the seats matched the tanned wooden flooring of the podium!
"We must be here early."
"I, myself, am surprised we made such good timing. Within the hour more will arrive."
She shrugged before grabbing a seat towards the top of the auditorium so she could look down at the presenter. They chatted lightly about some things as she ate everything.
"Oh my gosh, I really didn't think I was going to eat all of that." She stated as she rubbed some crumbs from her fingers onto the plate.
His eyebrow went up, clearing conveying an, "oh, really?"
She scrunched her face as though she sucked on a lemon, "I think you know me more than I know myself, and for that, I'm afraid."
He only nodded as more people began to fill the room.
She stood up and trashed the paper plate, cups, and napkins, as well as some additional makeup wrappers from her purse.
Quickly she rejoined Shigeto, and a particularly young girl bounced two rows down right ahead of them. She gasped and wondered why someone so young would be at a place like that by herself. Briefly, she wondered if she came with her parents.
Rin shrugged it off before pulling out her sketchbook and while Shigeto pulled out a leather organizer and refilled the weekly planner pages. Then, he pulled his own surface pro from the bag.
He placed the trash wrapping into a front compartment of the leather satchel and slid it under his feet.
Rin began to write something and he turned over her shoulder, shocked by her atrocious handwriting.
She felt him looking at her, and wanted to sink into the ground at his widened eyes.
She grimaced as another person sat in the second seat next to her.
"I promise, my Japanese handwriting is better!" She then wrote her name in Japanese as if to prove a point, and he deduced that her Japanese handwriting was just as bad, if not worse than her Portuguese handwriting.
Embarrassed, she wrote her name in English much slower, and it wasn't as bad, considering she took her time, but it was still...bad.
"But! My artist signature isn't that bad!" She pushed with final conviction in an attempt to save face.
She then neatly, in English, scripted her signature BreezyGarden onto the portable sketchbook. After flaring the B, Y, and N in the signature, she drew winds behind it and a flower next to the Garden and leaves flying in the wind away from the B.
He must admit, it was very neat, and pretty.
"It took me years to perfect it!" She stated lowly but proudly.
"But why BreezyGarden?"
"It's my username for all of my art accounts, and my signature as well. I came up with it oddly when I was like...I think 8 or 9 in my science class. Breezy from how windy it was that day, and Garden from the greenhouse lab we had a school field trip to. I don't know, it just kind of stuck." She stated in heavily accented English.
The teenager from earlier all but whipped her head around and narrowed her eyes, "DID YOU SAY BREEZYGARDEN?"
"Um, Yes?" Rin stated mildly horrified that the girl heard her from down there. Were these people X-Men? Was this an X-Men convention?"
The girl hopped out of her seat and balanced her hand on the back of the wooden swivel chair, before propeling herself forward into a backflip neatly into the empty seat next to Rin.
The person next to the girl scowled at how loud she was.
"BREEZYGARDEN? YOU MEAN AS IN THE GIRL ON PIXIV? THE WEBTOONS ANIMATOR THAT ABANDONED US FOR TWO YEARS? GOOD GOD, WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD"
"You're familiar with my accounts?" Rin stated, genuinely curious but confused.
"UM, YEA! Girl, you abandoned over 350,000 readers on "Fallen Kingdom!"
Now it was Rin's turn to be loud, "HWAT?"
"Excuse me, but are you not aware that you were on the top ten webcomics of Webtoons for almost an entire year? You were updating religiously before suddenly, nada, zero, zilch!"
"Wait, huh? What? I didn't have any reviews on Fallen Kingdom what are you even-?"
Rin was cut off when the ruddy haired girl all but shoved the webtoon app into her face, showing her stats.
"I-I haven't check my account email in years. What-What happened?"
"You were posting so fast that no one was reviewing it, or truly seeing them. It probably caught a larger fanbase after your absence. Everyone has been waiting on pins and needles since that cliffhanger you gave us?"
Rin scoffed. "No, I think something is wrong here."
"You mean to truly tell me, you didn't even google your name. Not once, not ever?!" The girl retorted genuinely baffled.
"I-I...I was so busy, so many things happened-"
The girl, apparently very nosy, stuck her head out and stared at Shigeto.
"Who's that?" She motioned with a jut of her chin.
Rin seemingly began to choke on her own words, apparently still starstruck from the revelation that her webcomic went viral.
Sesshomaru cut his eyes at the girl before interjecting smoothly, "Fiance."
The girl smirked while Rin was still reeling. She continued staring at Shigeto, seemingly assessing him.
"Well God Damn! If that were my fiance, I'd be very...very...busy too! Busy gettin' busy, ha!"
Rin began to cough violently before someone in front of her handed her a water bottle. Sesshomaru even stayed stunned at the girl's bold crudeness, and clenched his teeth before cracking his knuckles.
"Insolent Kitsune Half-Breed"
The girl smirked devilishly as Rin covered her face with her hands.
"I mean, my fingers would be so worked, I wouldn't want to draw either." She drawled, obviously enjoying Sesshomaru's discomfort and Rin's heartwrenching reaction.
Was that, was that a masturbation reference...or...a...Oh my god, I don't want to know! This is what I get for this morning!
"OH MY GOD, PLEASE STOP!" Rin bellowed a little too loudly as the room began to darken and the girl started with another crude comment.
"So, what's your name, Breezy?" She asked between a bite of a danish she finessed from someone else in the crowd.
"I can't talk to you normally after that. Please, I've gotta go lay down and disappear somewhere." She punctuated with slapping her sketchbook to her forehead.
"Yeah, Yeah, but I want to get to know the artist! And also, please give me your signature, I'm honestly so glad to meet you! I spent so many hours reading it! Hell, I started my own fanfiction for Fallen!" The younger girl said earnestly.
Rin grimaced, "It's Rinako, but please call me Rin!...I'm sorry, I hadn't mean to abandon my readers, I was going through a rough patch! But-Awesome!"
"Rinako, why? It's a pretty name! Mine's is Naera!"
"Please, that's my government name, eugh! It was the name my dad gave me, and the only one that was used when I was in trouble. Otherwise, I'm Rin or Riniah."
"Riniah?" Both Naera and Sesshomaru repeated.
"Oh! I didn't tell you guys! My mom wanted to name me Riniah, and my dad wouldn't have it, but everyone in my neighborhood knew me by Riniah and it was the only name my grandmother and mom really ever called me by. So hence, the Rin-Riniah thing."
"Oh," Naera savored, before narrowing her eyes at Shigeto "You're a trash fiance for not knowing that, huh?"
Shigeto clenched his teeth a little too harshly, causing his jaw to throb.
"Um," Rin lied, "We haven't been engaged too long."
"One night stand, gotta finesse that d-"
Rin slapped her hand on Naera's mouth. "If you don't hush yourself I will stuff your face with a bagel and tape it shut so it'll turn into glue in your mouth!"
Naera licked Rin's hand and the darker haired girl snatched it back quickly, "Eugh!"
"That's exactly my thoughts! Gross man, why bagel glue?"
Rin prayed silently for the earth to swallow her whole under her breath.
"Trust me girl, I hear ya, the only swallowing you'll be-"
"I will kill you with my bare hands!" Sesshomaru couldn't help but to agree, whose heathen child was this? But, Kami-sama, Rin couldn't appear threatening for her life.
"Sorry, sorry," Naera started sheepishly, "I promise I will stop. Truce?"
Rin eyed her hand warily before shaking it, Naera pulled her close and hugged her.
She leaned over the desk of her seat aghast, and Naera smiled, "So BreezyGarden, tell me, how did you get started in art?"
"It's a long story, but it was actually my dad who taught me to draw. He wasn't the greatest but he gave me the basics and I ran from there. I was a girl with my head in the clouds 24/7, so I honed my art skills."
"That's amazing! How did the whole idea for Fallen begin?"
"Um, first, I wanna ask, do you speak Portuguese? It is easier for me to…"
"UM NO!"
"Then-How did you read Fallen Kingdom?"
"Easy, I translated each and every single line with google."
"WHAT? That's insane?"
"For that beautiful artwork it sure wasn't! Some readers have been kind enough to translate entire chapters in the comments, too! When I saw the cover, it instantly caught my attention. You're a truly talented artist, I have never seen something so beautiful in my life."
"No, you're flattering."
"I'm serious! And the amount of research that went into the story and the beautiful, diverse characters truly just ensnared me."
Rin eyed her critically, "Aren't you too young to read Fallen? It's a mature comic!"
"I'm seventeen, but honestly, you're way too strict on the rating. It's not like there's any titties getting fondled or anything."
Rin's jaw went slack.
"Sorry, what I meant to say was,-"
"I understand! No! No need to clarify! But there's violence that someone your age shouldn't be exposed to!" Rin punctuated with a playful slap to her arm.
"Ow! It's not even that bad! But seriously, how?"
"Okay, Okay! But before I begin, anyone ever told you-you look like Merida from Brave?"
"Oh! Thanks! I get that a lot!"
"No problem! Well, Fallen came along because I grew up in a super diverse neighborhood, and I saw the Indian folks were portrayed so negatively in the media, and even presented as one large monoculture with the pre-islamic middle east. Women are exotified in western media with little belly dancing outfits that are inherently offensive and degrading. I also wanted to incorporate the mix of cultures while exploring monarchy in a time where racial tensions ran high. I was also very, very, very bored at work while it came along!"
"That's cool! So, are you Southeast Asian yourself?"
"Oh! Oh, no! I'm Brasileno." Rin noted how she continued to stare, "But more specifically Japanese-Black."
"OH, I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE!"
Rin tightened her face.
"I don't mean it in a rude way, I'm sorry! I was just so shocked, I had assumed you were Northeast Indian, or even Nepali! didn't mean-"
"It's fine, I fall into the very interesting category of tanned racially ambiguous asian, so the heritage guesses I get are wild, and people very rarely ever hit the mark."
"Oh, that's pretty neat. So what is your first language?"
"Portuguese, then Japanese, Sign Language, and English. I can also struggle around some Spanish."
"That's super cool! All I know is two and that's it."
"Two? What are they!?"
"English and Spanish."
"That's so cool! Sometimes it's hard for me to express things in English, so I may switch up at times. Where are you, or your family from?"
"Thanks! Chile! It's pretty cool, should check it out sometime! Maybe if uptight over there allows it, you could come with me when I visit my family!"
Sesshomaru refused to acknowledge her.
"Hey! Stop it, he's very kind!"
"He's only kind because he's," Rin shot her a warning glare, "-he's very, very fond of you."
Rin sighed in relief.
"Fond enough to fondle you." Naera continued smoothly.
Rin's eyebrows shot up before she began flusteredly shaking Naera, "GOOD GOD!" she whispered, "YOU'RE A CHILD; YOU SHOULDN'T EVEN BE THINKING OF THOSE THINGS!"
"I'm seventeen, duh!"
"Doesn't matter! Too young! W-why are you even here?" Rin asked genuinely.
"Oh, got into a fight at school," Naera shrugged, "they said I needed empathy and problem-resolution skills. Well, FUCK YA EMPATHY."
Rin understood the reference to the chicken-strips vine and grimaced, "Such a pretty young girl as yourself doesn't need to be here. Or cursing, for that matter…." She thought about Naera's situation momentarily before questioning Shigeto's reason for being there.
Did he get into a fight? Curse an employee? Good Lord! Was this a sociopath convention?
Naera caught Rin's train of thoughts before cutting her off mid-panic.
"Don't worry, uptight is over there since he's too cold and callous and all. He didn't hurt nobody, just his sheathe shoved too far up his ass."
Rin gaped, "HEY!"
"Your face said it all though."
Sesshomaru died a little on the inside, albeit whispering, everyone around them could clearly hear their conversation. And some, resorted to snickering. Were all hanyou crude? Was this something that was passed down?
His mind briefly ran on Inuyasha's children, some of which supported the hypothesis.
He was sorely tempted to manhandle the rude girl, but decided against it as it reflect badly on him.
Phasing back into reality, he overheard more of the duo's conversation.
"Oh! My god, I'm so angry that you left us on a cliffhanger! I cannot believe prince Vihaan-Kabir left intended princess Aathira to the evil clutches of Rajesh! Honestly, I cannot stand your main character. He's such a coward! You're probably not going to want to hear this, but I ship Rajesh and Aathira."
Rin scoffed, her face the epitome of disbelief "HWAT?"
"You heard me! Do you know how many fanfictions are out there for Rajesh and Aathira? Even if Vihaan didn't love her, Aathira is the kindest soul who should've been protected! There's like 5,000 fics out there ya kno."
"B-but, b-but, RAJESH IS A KILLER! HE'S EVIL! HE MANIPULATES VIHAAN'S ALZHEIMER RIDDEN FATHER! AND, HE'S FREAKING ENACTING A GENOCIDE. GENOCIDE. G-E-N-O-C-I-D-E OF THE NORTHERN NOMADS! PLUS, HE'S THREATENED TO KILL AATHIRA'S COUSIN IF SHE DOESN'T MARRY HIM. WHAT I WITH YOU?"
Naera leaned into Rin with conviction, "UM, YOU'RE THE AUTHOR, AATHIRA COULD CHANGE HIS HEART! ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HIS BACKSTORY!"
"NO! RAJESH IS EVIL AND HE'S MEANT TO BE DEFEATED! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO HATE HIM!"
"NO, Rayahan and Vihaan are shit characters! Honestly, if you wanted us as your readers to hate him you should've made him ugly! Point, blank, period!"
"EXCUSE? GOOD LOOKS SHOULD NEVER BE A REDEEMING QUALITY!"
Naera rolled her eyes before going through her screenshots, and carelessly tapped a very annoyed demoness in front of them. "Hey ma'am, which one of these characters is sexier? This one," she swiped, "Or this one?"
The demoness snatched the phone from the girl before carefully assessing both images, "Oh, obviously the one in the green velvet. More handsome and masculine." The demoness in her human concealment giggled then, "I'd love a boyfriend who looked like that!"
Rin was appalled.
"Which one looks evil?" Naera continued engaging, before some other folks perked up to nosy as well. They were obviously bored with the opening presentation.
Another man perked up, "Well, the guy in the green suede does, but he's a more relatable character. Other dude just looks too uptight. I haven't read that story ya'll are talking about, but the vibes he's giving wouldn't make me doubt the other guy's hatred."
The demoness agreed with them, before they both inquired about the story. Pleased to have something else to entertain themselves with during the awful function.
Neither wasted any time, and began reading instantly.
"See I told you! Prince Vihaan is trash!"
The demoness below them interjected, "DON'T SPOIL IT FOR ME!"
Rin short circuited before slapping her head with her sketchbook.
"Hey! Don't forget my autograph!" Naera admonished.
The demoness from before turned to Rin, "Hey, this is awesome! I hope to speak to you and perhaps get an autograph myself!"
"Thank you! And Sure!" she beamed.
Rin sighed before another speaker was introduced and invited to the podium, while Sesshomaru busied himself with reading over the said demoness' shoulder. The artwork was breathtaking.
"Wow!" Naera perked, "That lady is-"
"Beautiful!" Rin interjected pointedly.
"-NO! She's shaped like a goddamn pocky stick!"
Rin slapped her forearm.
"Goddamn, I mean, she's a pocky stick with, like, balloons for breasts! I mean look at her! Her titties are jittering as she titters across the stage! She's like a moving mountain of boob!"
"SHUT UP! That's awfully mean!" Rin admonished desperately to keep her silent.
Someone in the back row snorted.
The lady at the podium began to speak in a drawl, "-It's important that while working with others, whether it be at school, in the workplace, or even in a place of business, that we consider their behavior as a byproduct of circumstances rather than it being personally directed towards us. I'd like to introduce Mr. David Oshun and Mr. Dale Radley to the stage to demonstrate a quick skit for us."
Naera burst into a laugh as the man presented as Mr. Radley stepped up, "YEE-YEE HAW! What a long way from West Texas to NYC! Look at him! Goddamn Wranglers? And dude, those buck teeth! Yee-haw? More like HEE HAW"
"DUDE STOP CLOWNING!" Rin sputtered before she turned to Shigeto with a pleading look in her eyes. Obviously, he willed himself out of the realm and was peacefully meditating aside from the crease in his dark umber brows.
Someone four rows down burst out laughing, and excused themselves.
"NAERA! YOU NEED THIS CLASS SO DESPERATELY! I THINK YOU SHOULD LISTEN AND LEARN SOME THINGS!"
The girl held in her snickers until after the skit was done. Someone else entered the stage and began speaking about the importance and sensitivity of diction.
"When speaking to others, it's important to note that they may not have the tools to properly express themselves, whether it be from a speech impediment, nervousness, or a multitude of other things. If you don't understand them, don't ever jump to conclusions. Always ask clarifying questions!"
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and prayed to whatever being out there that existed to heed his prayer.
Maybe, he'd give Rin's God a chance.
He all but itched to read Rin's webcomic, but didn't want to embarrass the girl. He'd take his time and ask her to introduce it to him. It would invade her privacy to do otherwise.
He laughed bitterly in his head and remembered her voice all those years ago, "In my next life, i'm going to be an accomplished artist! You'll see, Sesshomaru-Sama!"
"Dude if that man doesn't shut up, I swear I'm going to walk right out of this room." Naera mumbled.
Several enthusiastic nods reverberated across the left side of the room.
Even Sesshomaru couldn't refute how tempting it sounded.
The girl next to Rin seemed oddly quiet for far too long, and he smelled Rin's discomfort.
He looked down beside him to see she was watching Naera with pending anxiety, and that the said girl began to lean more forward.
"Why the fuck her eyebrows look like two tildes across her forehead?"
Someone else burst out a laugh that silenced the entire room. Even the podium went silent before the haggard old man asked everyone to remain on track with a pointed look towards the upper left side of the auditorium-style classroom.
Rin muffled Naera before warning menacingly, "SHUT UP BEFORE I MAKE YOU! THAT'S HORRIBLY MEAN! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!"
Naera arched a brow before meeting Shigeto's briefly, their eyes both relaying what couldn't be said, This girl couldn't be intimidating even as she tried!
Sesshomaru watched Rin briefly as she struggled to pay attention while keeping one eye trained on Naera. As he continued watching her, he realized she couldn't see the projection or very far around her as she squinted and strained her eyes.
The girl probably spent so much time working on the computer it damaged her eyesight.
He was sure before the week was out, she would see an optometrist. No excuses.
The auditorium was finally released for first break, where freshly stocked breakfast goods awaited.
Naera all but shoved past everyone and started grabbing freshly baked goods and shoving them inside of her self-purchased ziplock bags.
Rin slapped her shoulder and tried yanking her arm away from the catering table.
"Naera! You cannot do that! Other people might want them! Plus, it's very unbecoming to help yourself to catered goods like that! Have you no shame?"
"I lived down south for a bit; and we look after our own! Folks down there have no shame in taking plates for the family and friends! My cousins are back at the hotel, and I'm gonna bring for em'! Plus, If I could, I would live in the back of Panera like the heathen that I am to usurp such tasty goodies!"
Rin started to feel self conscious as people kept watching them.
One of the catering employees stepped forward, "It's alright, please help yourselves! We employees get stuck with the leftovers and they go to waste! We give them away if we can, but mostly everyone here doesn't really eat these!"
Rin nodded and stepped back while Naera began grabbing them like Mario coins.
The employee offered Rin some more, and she took another tea hesitantly.
Naera and the young looking male hit it off instantly, and began talking about everything under the sun. Feeling a tad awkward but happy for her, she decided to look for Shigeto and give them a little privacy.
People were minding their business, and some left to walk to their car. Rin waved at Shigeto when she saw him standing by the window, but immediately backed off when she saw him talking to another black haired, blue eyed male. For some reason, the man intimidated her.
Feeling awkward, she watched the falling rain below that mixed into the snow-turned-ice. It essentially turned into one big nasty street slushie.
The thought of drinking it made her shiver in disgust.
Kouga turned to look at Rin and asked Sesshomaru, "Holy shit, is that who I think it is? That human girl that followed you?"
Sesshomaru didn't answer him but instead redirected the conversation. "Kouga, this is not why I summoned you."
"Yeah-yeah Imperial-Sama. So what is it?"
"Regarding the girl, I know your previous...plaything...had an affiliation with the Japanese Embassy here in the US. I need you to convince her to get Rin's information." As an afterthought he added so lowly Kouga swore he misheard, "As well as a K-1 Visa."
"Holy shit! So it is the kid! I haven't spoken to Ayame in some time, but I'll let her know what's up." Kouga smiled and slapped a rough hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder, which was met with a scathing glare. Just because someone was the last remaining few of your species, doesn't mean that they're friends.
"I do not appreciate your informal behavior with me, Ookami."
"Man, things have changed for the worst. Might as well enjoy what limited time we have with our own kind." He shrugged, "But I'm glad you're doing things the right way this time. Everyone didn't take too kindly when things went awry the first time around."
Sesshomaru gave him a hateful glare before continuing, "I will pay you whatever it takes."
"No man, don't worry, I will do it at no cost. We're genuinely happy for you, no one thought you'd recover from that blow..."
"You know I hate being indebted to another, Ookami." Sesshomaru noted with narrowed eyes and a clipped tone. Perhaps he'd been harsher than intended, but any reference to that dark period in his life was off-limits.
"Yeah, Yeah. Look at it this way, payback for when my wolves crossed your girl's life. Never got to truly make things right after that incident."
Sesshomaru didn't comment, but instead waved Rin over from where she stood.
She walked towards him and waved at the other gentleman with lowered eyes, mildly uncomfortable.
"Hey, Rin? Rin right?" Kouga commented smoothly, his years of working with humans and previous affections for Kagome softened him to a genteel man.
"Yes, hello!" She finally met his gaze.
"Kouga Honshu." He stuck his hand out and Rin shook it back with gusto. If Shigeto trusted him, why couldn't she?
"So I heard about how your documents were lost in your house fire," He winked at Sesshomaru, "I'm so sorry to hear about that. How have you been since then?"
"Much better! But, a little uncertain." She admitted honestly.
"That's fine, now I wanted to ask, do you remember your Japanese ID? If so, I'll have to ask you to write them down here in my notes." He opened up his notes, "and for your date of birth, full name, height, weight, and other identification markers so we can run you in the system and reinstate your documentation."
Rin nodded shakily before meeting eyes with Shigeto, then taking the phone from Kouga's hands and typing down all of her information.
Sesshomaru nodded firmly to Kouga when she returned the phone. "Alright, so I'll be giving you guys a call when I hear anything."
Naera called Rin over and the girl excused herself, giving Kouga precious time to quickly ask what he had in mind. After some time, Kouga perked up, "Sesshomaru, I texted Ayame this information and she responded too quickly. T-the girl doesn't have a Japanese citizenship."
"What?"
"Wait, I have incoming texts from A-"
Sesshomaru snatched the phone from his hand and read it, as Kouga read over it beside him.
"(⅓) Kouga, I came into the office earlier for something I'd left and you caught me perfectly. I looked up the information given, and as insane as it sounds; Rin isn't a Japanese Citizen. Although she has the equivalent of a Social Security, she came as a child to Japan as a temporary visitor, and instead of the institution where she resided applying for a permanent resident visa, they just continued to extend and extend it."
"(⅔) Rin's Visa for the country has been expired for nearly 4 years, and no one has noticed. It wouldn't shock me if she didn't know it was expired either. She just has a city ID, and from what I presume no permanent resident card. I searched for her residences between age 15 and 18, and several large gaps are present with no alternative addresses, so she may have never even received it. She probably knows she not a citizen, because the girl was kicked out of a boarding home at 15, not even an entire year after entering the country."
"(3/3) There's so much I've got to relay! Give me a call asap, I'm not supposed to be doing this, so I can't type much more. Jesus, we've got a can of worms on our hands. If she has no residence from either country, we cannot apply for a K-1 visa. Also, besides the point, but Rin's dad is a resident of the country, and he has surviving family. I-I think that her surviving family...is who denied her citizenship… Furthermore, the girl could face jail time in Japan from the U.S. for violating Japanese policies for having these expired IDs, much less being employed while residing illegally in the country."
Sesshomaru growled lowly and threateningly.
Kouga's eyebrows furrowed. "We've got to go back in. But Sesshomaru, can you do me a favor and stay in the city? Tomorrow, let's meet up and get this sorted. I'll ask Ayame to come down."
He acquiesced.
A shrill comment cut through both of their senses, and the duo turned their heads to the hanyou and human trio that stood by the window.
"Who the fuck rides a Lambo in this weather!?" Both Naera and the Panera boy gasped.
Sesshomaru's face darkened considerably and Kouga sighed. Kouga groaned, I pray it's not who I think it is.
The group watched as a sleek chrome Lamborghini pulled up by the entrance, and a wavy haired slender woman hopped out.
Kouga's nightmare had been confirmed. The sight had gathered a crowd by the window.
"Oh, crap, what does she want? She's notorious for never arriving." Ginta sighed.
Sesshomaru's youki flared.
"There's only one thing she ever wants, and that's me." Oh! How he hated the insufferable wretch! Maybe, bringing Rin was a very, very bad idea.
"Ookami, if anything happens, you will take Rin with you as you leave."
He hated shifting responsibility of her to anyone else, seeing as it made him appear inept, but this woman was not to be trifled with and Rin was too precious to lose once more.
"You got it, chief!" Hakkaku affirmed, As Kouga stepped towards the window.
Before the group could even disperse, a tall slender woman stepped through the corridor, flaunting her furs and jewels, and wearing a gray skin tight fit and flare mini dress with ruffles down the neck. Her silver pointed shoes perfectly matched her clamshell clutch bag. She wore cateye shades that framed her platinum waist length hair with blunt bangs, and her eyebrows were drawn a little too bold to bring attention to them.
Who wears that in the winter anyways? Even though we're impervious to cold, doesn't mean we are stupid. Kouga rolled his eyes. It's truly foul how low this woman would go. If she had a bit of integrity, she could've won Sesshomaru over all those years ago.
All of the demons bemoaned her arrival, some, quite openly. The affair was miserable enough as it was, and her overtly sexual nature made it all the more disgusting.
Rin watched in awe as she announced her entrance in a low, seductive voice, before she sauntered right over to Shigeto and began fingering his cashmere burgundy turtleneck.
She didn't know whether to cover her eyes at the very, very provocative sight, or watch in terse anticipation.
"Always the one for the grand entrance" Shigeto sneered.
However, Naera was not down for any of that.
"SO YOU'RE JUST GONNA LET HER GROPE YOUR HUSBAND?"
Shit.
Jin-hae, the Korean dog demoness eyed Naera over her shades before shifting her weight all onto one leg.
"Who is this blonde bimbo anyways?" The kitsune demanded again with an outstretched hand.
Rin wanted to die, oh, how much worse could this day get?
Furthermore, he's handsome, he's rich, how could I ever get a chance with someone on that level! I've been deluding myself! He surely must've had exes, and she was probably the one of many who vied for his attention! Rin shrank back and cowered down, she'd let her have him anyday! She wouldn't even fight, he was so far out of her league anyways.
The crowd began murmuring in disbelief, THE Sesshomaru had taken a human wife?
They were already calf deep up shits creek, might as well go upstream.
Sesshomaru snatched her hand off his person before adding a bone-cracking squeeze for emphasis.
He walked over to Rin, and all but pulled her into him for show. But, admittedly, he enjoyed the feel of her near him.
Jin-hae pulled off her glasses before shaking out her hair.
"Oh, Sesshomaru!," She sneered, emphasizing his demonic heritage by name, "Once you tire of her, you know you'll be back in my futon looking for," she cut her eyes at Rin, "some experienced talents." Kouga frowned, they weren't supposed to use their real names if they were violent in nature. Most likely, Rin didn't know he was a demon at all.
Oh, but Rin knew differently!
Sesshomaru! I...I haven't heard that name outside of my dreams. This can't be a coincidence. There's no way this could...can...be a mistake. It would explain so much, from the damn near teleporting...To Mei's revival!
Her mind wandered frantically to some childhood fantasies and recent artwork. These people...aren't human...Shigeto isn't...The middle name isn't even a middle name. Sesshomaru! ...How can I prove this? I know I didn't imagine it, and I hope I'm not off the deep end! Good Lord, he didn't tell me...Maybe it's illegal? For protection, how...how can I play pretend?
The breath of the room was absolutely sucked out.
Naera twitched, "Experience is all you've got honey! Nothing else to offer!. Honestly, if Shigeto went to your futon, I wouldn't feel too bad, because he'd return to me after the act is said and done."
Long pink nails swiped at Naera, and she effortlessly jumped back.
"Angry Sweetheart? Angry that a little human girl got what you've wanted for so long? Also, just a pointer, nothing can hide that big ass forehead! Those blunt bangs can't hide that five-no, eighthead! 'Cause that's two whole foreheads stacked on each other. Question, are you a prodigy?"
"No! You wretched little slut! What's that even supposed to-"
"Well dayum," She rolled her neck with widened eyes, "cause I could've sworn you were Megamind's cousin!"
Involuntarily, Ginta lost it.
He crouched over and began laughing so hard that tears came out, and Jin-Hae lost her cool. Within the blink of an eye, she was aiming for his neck while he jumped mid yelp.
Naera twirled effortlessly through the air before pulling Ginta onto his ass, barely missing Jin-Hae's claws.
The woman huffed before throwing down her purse, ready throw a full tantrum. Rin stepped back from her monumental revelations, pulling herself from the safety of Sesshomaru's arm's involuntarily. Jin Hae didn't miss a beat, and seemingly re-appeared before Rin's face. Rin skipped backwards to avoid her and as Sesshomaru threw his energy whip, the girl lifted her arms up defensively. With clenched eyes, Rin missed as his energy whip flittered out and made contact with some unseen source of golden light and burst to a blinding explosion. Jin-Hae gasped and suddenly spun on her heel, before effortlessly escaping the confines of the reception hall, several demons passed her as they returned from break. Rin lowered her arms, panting, as something warm overtook her. Everyone in the room took a step back, including Sesshomaru-Shigeto?, Rin mused, himself.
Rays of warmth dispersed across the room, and the girl blinked as the warmth slowly faded away. But, she missed the light show entirely.
"What the hell was that!" Panera boy gasped.
Rin looked up at him blankly, and didn't know what to say, but she shrugged before questioning, "Heater too high?-But, why'd she run away?"
Naera and the server made eyes at each other, before simultaneously throwing their hands up with questioning splayed fingers.
Shigeto's eyes remained widened, and other demons simply revered the girl with unabashed shock. In an effort to get all eyes off of herself, Rin shrugged at the crowd before returning to the auditorium.
After awkwardly returning to her seat, Rin prayed the day would just go by quickly. Silently, as others returned, still avoiding her like the plague, she questioned how what was supposed to be a 15 minute break turned into 30, and the instructors even let it slide!
Weird!
She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as everyone just continued to look over their shoulders at her, even the two in the row before her seemed tense. She sighed, and flashbacks of terrible alienation hit her from each side.
A particularly vivid flashback of her father's sister turning her back on her as she kneeled in a traditional dogeza, courtesy to the social worker who promptly handled her case after the girl's home deemed her a bad influence after she stood up to some bullies.
There wasn't enough air in the world, she kept breathing faster but air wasn't going in. She felt nauseated and her stomach churned violently as she broke out into a cold sweat.'
Fear of Abandonment. Isolation. The sore thumb.
The girl's mind began to chant, "There's something wrong with you! Why do you ever show your face anywhere? People like you cause nothing but trouble! You're always doing something wrong! You're so stupid! You chase everyone away! Look at how pathetic you are!"
The presenter's speech droned on in her ears, buzzing violently. She stood up under the guise of going to the restroom before Naera quickly snatched her back down.
Rin felt something pulling her back down to earth as her mind raced, but she didn't quite recognize who, or what it was.
Naera groaned before standing and shuffling over to Sesshomaru. "Hey dude, I don't really know you or whatever, but she's lookin' kinda pale. I think you should take her and go. I'll cover for you."
Sesshomaru glanced at Naera, and back at Rin, before giving a curt nod and packing up his stuff, as well as hers.
Hesitant, he refused to touch the girl, disturbed by the immense power she possessed. He began to second guess himself, as well as the girl. Was she a threat? An identity thief? A malicious spirit intended to harm him.
One look at the girl's sullen face told him no, and a resounding rebuttal of his behavior was mirrored by the shaking of younger girl who had instantaneously taken to her. Perhaps the Kitsune was wiser than he'd perceived?
While the speakers introduced one another, Sesshomaru easily took the girl by her arm, and she, being too dazed, simply staggered behind him like a newborn colt.
As he was about to enter the elevator, the kitsune, Naera, reappeared. "Please take care of her! And can-can I give her my phone number?" She asked nervously, appearing less confident and boisterous than before. He sighed, before handing the girl Rin's phone. Naera put in her number before looking over her shoulders to assure the coast was clear. Promptly, she frowned before continuing lowly, "My mom had that problem, too. Nerves, anxiety, panic attacks-whatever you'd like to call it. Just, watch over her. People like that need therapy and sometimes medication, or in lesser cases just someone to understand them. I think instead of fearing...whatever the hell that was-you need to embrace her. I don't think she'd want to hurt you, maybe she hid it out of fear of rejection. But, she seems to truly not know what happened."
The girl waved simply before turning on her heel and returning to the classroom with a solemn smile.
Sesshomaru stood in the hallway as rain began to hit the windows, and mused over her well-intended but misread analysis. If the girl knew she had those...abilities...she wouldn't have needed him, or anyone for that matter. Furthermore, why should he shirk away from her, when all of those years ago she herself did not?
Kami-sama, there was too many things going on today!
He was pulled out of his reverie when he felt two hands tighten around his bicep, and he looked down at Rin staring at her toes. Then, the distinctive scent of salt caught his nose.
He frowned and guided her through the elevator doors, hoping to quell her pain.
0000
Sesshomaru pulled Rin onto a park bench outside to give her some air. She slowly began to stop hyperventilating, before grounding herself by staring at the moving buses, noting the rain on her skin, and people shuffling about.
"Thank you" she whispered silently.
He remained silent before inquiring, "Are you alright?"
Rin nodded, before giving a watery smile.
The two remained in the light drizzle before Shigeto stood up.
Rin stood behind him and simply began to follow.
They reached the car, and Rin finally perked up, "Aren't we returning back to the meeting?"
He shook his head elegantly before opening the door for her.
"I'm sorry I ruined your day, it's barely twelve and I made you miss an important meeting."
He settled himself into the seat before a regarding her fully, "No matter. I simply did not wish to prolong attendance."
"Are you sure you wouldn't get in trouble? Are you sure that's-well, that?"
He shrugged before rolling his eyes, "Me?" he scoffed, "in trouble?"
Rin blushed hotly, Sua atitude pobre e natureza arrogante é de alguma forma atraente? Como isso é possível?
[his poor attitude and arrogant nature is somehow attractive? How is that possible?]
She was concerned at how sauve his movement was, as well as disturbed by the fact that he had an ATTITUDE PROBLEM.
He finally pulled off and focused on the road, before driving through traffic for around twenty minutes. The two pulled up to a grand building, and a valet stood at the entrance to attend to his vehicle.
Shigeto simply dropped the keys in the valet's hand without acknowledging him, and Rin awkwardly thanked the valet.
"It is not necessary to thank him, Rin. I've already thanked him with the tip on the dash."
Rin's eye's widened before a resounding "Holy Shit" caused her head to snap back.
The valet was eying a bill in the vehicle, and she blinked before meeting eyes with a very smug Shigeto. Or Sesshomaru, her mind supplied.
They entered the foyer, and Rin simply eyed the Four Season's Hotel cards as he checked into a room.
Rin could feel the male checking clerk's eyes on her, but she simply refused to make eye contact with the guy. He probably simply sees me as undeserving.
Shigeto cut the man a nasty glare, before redirecting his attention. "You are speaking to me. If you enjoy your position of employment," he continued with a rude examination of his fingers, "you'd realize that."
The clerk jumped before nodding, and spewing some bullshit about how any rooms weren't available.
Shigeto turned his nose upwards before raising his hand to garner the attention of another employee that passed.
Speaking as if the man didn't exist, he continued, "I want his supervisor."
The woman nodded almost eagerly before a sly smirk caused the clerk's face to go cold.
Within moments, another employee beckoned them to follow her. The three stood awkwardly in the elevator while the woman led the way.
Rin so desperately wanted to tell him to drop it, and that they could just get another hotel, but didn't want to add fuel to the flame. Furthermore, it wasn't her place to negate him. Not yet, at least.
The woman perked up as they rode up to the 8th floor. "I am sorry on behalf of Four Seasons, he's been a bit of a problem employee. I understand it's unprofessional of me to interject," Shigeto eyed her warily, "but no one here likes him, and he's known for his rude behavior. He simply has a position because his family is in upper management-He has made several female patrons uncomfortable with his behavior."
Rin nodded awkwardly, before starting up with heavily accented English "It's fine, really! There's no need to take it this far, I didn't take it personally or anything."
"No, it is not." If it were myself, all it would have required was simple ignorance. But, such disrespect would not be overlooked with the girl in tow.
The woman agreed without being unprofessional, "I agree with you Sir., and also appreciate your time to file a complaint. I will lead you there momentarily."
The door dinged open, and with that Shigeto had plans for a scathing complaint.
00000
After a very dry, yet succinct report filed, the duo went to the Park Hyatt Hotel to book a room.
"Shigeto-san, that wasn't necessary, you didn't need to make an example out of him." Rin countered as they carded into their room in the next, more opulent hotel, "Plus, you ended up having to pay two valets!"
He simply shrugged before seating himself on the low couch.
"I am an employer, and I do not tolerate incompetent employees."
Prince firstly, and an employer secondly.
Rin sighed, "I understand but-"
"But?"
"Nevermind."
"Rin," he started pointedly as he uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, "he made other coworkers uncomfortable and created a terse workplace environment in addition to his disrespect."
"-You have a point, it's just that-"
He cut her foolishness, "Not every instance of disrespect needs to be tolerated, It is acceptable to have complaints about the services you are paying for."
He appeared more gentle then, and Rin smiled solemnly. It was lesson for her, she realized.
More than just for paid services, for anything, really.
Rin nodded her head solemnly before staring out towards the skyline.
"Rin, we may be staying overnight Sunday as well, would you like to step out and purchase any necessities."
She shook her head, "No, I can't, especially after how much you've already spent. Both time and money. You need some rest yourself, you barely slept last night."
"Neither did you."
"I know, but I have no right to complain."
"Well, I myself need to pick up some things, but you may not like what my choices in sleepwear."
Rin's eyes widened in terror before a shrill squeal pierced his ears.
Now it was his time to be flustered.
His face darkened considerably, "No! I merely meant that it may not be to your tastes!" he pointed sharply.
She couldn't make eyes with him, and stayed frozen by the window where she stood.
A particularly sharp clap of thunder caused her to jump back from the window, before both phones went off for a flash flood advisory.
Shigeto sighed, "Let's wait this out."
"Mmhmm, agreed." She stated with some conviction before standing in the living room while swaying on the balls of her feet, then awkwardly shuffling off to explore the modern apartment styled room.
It's so painfully obvious that she wants nothing to do with me!
Sesshomaru inwardly cursed his line of thought before a slight yelp caught him off guard.
He closed his eyes to ground himself before meeting her by the hallway.
"Um, this is a one," she punctuated with her index finger, "bedroom-room, and there's only one room."
Shit! He'd requested a two bedroom!
Rin blushed hotly, "It's been a long day and it isn't even two o'clock yet. Um, let's just work it out for the night. I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you there. I was taken aback?"
He exhaled forcefully through his nose.
"Well, as long as you aren't being charged for a two bedroom! Let's head out now to blow off some steam."
His aura sent the hairs on the back of her neck standing and goosebumps to raise.
Definitely not human! Oh, my gosh, I need to prove it but with my eyes!
He nodded before Rin grabbed his hand with a bright smile.
00000
Sesshomaru held several bags as the rain lightened
The sun began to set over the horizon as the rain as the two walked back from their quick shopping trip, and Rin mused aloud, "Wow, the sun sets early here!"
Sesshomaru nodded, "The winter months here have very limited daylight. Some days, the sun will set as early as 3:30."
Her eyes widened at the surprising morsel of information, "People must be very sad here in the winter."
A slight 'hmph' of acknowledgment rose from the back of his throat before he began to walk ahead of her, allowing Rin to fall into his lead.
"Where are we going?" She asked between the crowd.
He slowed down, and when she power-walked towards him, he pulled her waist into his free arm.
Rin followed, curious, until her eyes widened at the beautiful arrangement of lights before her.
"This is Rockefeller Center."
Her eyes gleamed from the lights from the angels and grand Christmas tree.
"It's beautiful!" she cried.
He smiled smugly as she began to fumble around to take photos of him, the warmly lit scenery, and the crowd.
"Can we take a photo together?"
He stood frozen momentarily as she began to lean forward.
She smiled brightly as he remained stationary.
"Let's do it again! The first photo caught you off guard!"
She raised the phone to their faces before tilting it slightly, and catching a slightly better image.
Laughing, she continued, "Such a handsome person like you! I can't believe you aren't photogenic! You're more suited to an aristocratic portrait!"
He pursed his lips before she caught another photo. "At least here's some expression!"
Shigeto looked down at Rin, and she stopped giggling only to meet his gaze.
They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity.
He broke his gaze with her, and Rin oddly felt empty. Shunned, even. She tried to taper down her heartbreak, until his suave baritone brought her back to reality.
He'd gotten someone to take photos of them!
The woman holding her two young children giggled and motioned for them to stand closer together.
"Miss, could you place your arm around him?"
Rin nodded before smiling and wrapping her arm around him.
"Cheese!"
The woman took a few photos, before motioning for the stiff couple to hug each other.
Rin paled when she wrapped both arms around his shoulders and lifted herself on her tiptoes to push the crown of her head to his jawline.
"Awesome guys! Do you want to take a kissing photo?"
Rin shook her head, only for soft lips to meet her jawline as she tilted away from him.
"No need to be so shy! That was super cute! I hope y'all enjoy your stay here!"
The woman handed Rin back her phone before waving to the couple, "Enjoy your stay!"
"Thank you so much!" Rin shouted back in heavily accented English.
"-and Thank you too Shigeto-san!"
He nodded before resuming his walk, and Rin began to swipe the photos the lady took.
"They came out really nice" she whispered in awe.
He nodded as they re-entered the building.
"Are you hungry?"
She nodded enthusiastically, and the couple re-entered the elevator.
With a sigh, Rin started, "Is it bad that I don't want to see anyone else? My social meter has run dry." She narrowed her eyes at the floor display, "Really, all I want is a shower."
Shigeto leaned his head back against the elevator wall, and closed his eyes, "You're self-conscious because you don't have anything to wear."
Rin's eyes widened before snapping her head at him.
"We'll order room service. You look exhausted."
Rin bit her lip, "It's not really that, I just...saw the sign outside. I mean, It's not like I'm not dressed in a 'smart casual' style or anyth-"
"If you are dressed according to code, then what is there to fear?"
"...I saw how the other women were dressed, and I was far underdressed." She admitted, resigned.
"Proving my observation." He opened one eye, "Rin, you are fine as you are. No longer will you ever be treated as less than, under my watch no less."
Her eyes shone with unshed tears, "Regardless, you look drained. Preposterous to dine in a setting where one cannot even keep their head up."
She laughed, and the tears rolled down, creating a brilliant cascade of light.
"I don't think I'd like to face plant into a plate, either."
Shigeto tilted his head forward, and Rin stepped out of the elevator. He followed behind her, but took the lead once he realized she didn't know which way she was going.
Rin walked behind him, still wiping some drying tears and smiled at his form ahead of her.
Eu me sinto como um idiota sorrindo tanto!
[I feel like an idiot smiling so much!]
Shigeto carded them in, and Rin took off her shoes as he set down the bags.
"Bathe, I'll order something. Do you have any preferences?"
"Are you sure?"
He looked at her as if to say, "Really?"
She sighed, "I just wanted to be sure! Um, I really don't have any preferences. I'll eat anything."
He punctuated his disbelief with reiterating 'the look.'
"Okay! Okay! Something light I guess? So I wouldn't fall asleep on anything too heavy?"
"Nevermind, go ahead."
Before an apology could tumble out of her mouth, he silenced it with an arched brow.
Rin spun on her heel, snatched the decorated box that contained her sage toned nightgown and robe, and took a shower for herself.
00000
Room service arrived within the half hour with the ordered Wagyu NY strip steak, Crispy Skin Skuna Bay salmon, and Daiginjo Sake.
Eating out of the hotel would've been better, but for both their sakes, it was best this way!
Rin stepped out of the restroom while drying her hair. It was mostly dry, but the humidity left the crown of her scalp still slightly damp.
She looked up as room service rolled the cart in towards the dining room table, and she stepped back into the restroom albeit fully clothed.
After she heard the door closed, she finally stepped back out.
"Mind explaining what that was?"
"I feel so weird having anyone see me in pajamas! I feel so naked, especially since I left without having the robe on at first!"
Shigeto shook his head as he poured himself a glass of sake, only to have Rin snatch the bottle from his hands to serve it for him.
"I've heard too many times pouring your own sake is bad-luck ya' know!"
"It is untrue, as I have always preferred to serve myself. I'm still alive as far as I can recall."
"Well, that was the last you recalled! You began to evaporate before my very eyes!" She admonished with mock terror.
He leaned back and watched her as she finished her task with ardour.
Rin sat across from him as they prepared to dine, and Rin thanked him quietly before bowing slightly. He didn't join her, but acknowledged her appreciation with a simple nod as she whispered "itadakimasu."
Shigeto barely touched his food as he opted for sake, and Rin chewed her food thoughtfully. It was good, but she had very refined taste buds as a cook.
"They should hire me as a chef here." she whispered under her breath subconsciously.
"Pompous, are we?"
Rin sucked in her breath, "Oh God! That sounded ungrateful!"
Between a sip he continued, "There was no malice intended, I assume you have refined tastes."
Rin grimached, "Not really, it's just that the salmon is missing some spice and the asparagus is slightly overdone. I just like to cook, so sometimes I'm overly critical without noticing. I do apo-"
An arched brow cut her off once more, "It is merely an expression of talent. A master craftsman cannot be misled, but can appreciate one's efforts."
She pushed her hair back, "Is that why you aren't eating?"
"Partly so." He swirled the sake in his hand as he watched her expression.
"I promise I'll make it up with a dinner worthy of michelin stars! I'll get this cleaned up.
"Michelin stars you say? I'll have to hold you to that." he commented before excusing himself.
Rin heard the water start, and began methodically moving the dishes so that room service wouldn't have much to clean. She picked up the sake bottle, and realized it was nearly finished.
Just how much did he drink?
She stood, tempted to drink the last of the wine. She was curious and wanted to know how it tasted! But, exhaustion led her to simply leave the bottle on the cart and place them into the hallway.
She returned and washed her hands before grabbing her phone and laying across the bed. She tilted her head at realizing she received some texts.
Rin turned on her data and allowed the image to load, and laughed when she realized it was Naera standing outside of Panera.
"Hey kid! Good to see you're living your dream! Finally found your dream home?"
She rolled over before placing the phone on the nightstand to charge, and stood up before he got out of the shower.
It was only right that she took the couch!
She walked into the living room, and sat on the couch. Determined to feign occupation, she turned on the television lowly before she began to nod off.
00000
Sesshomaru stepped out of the restroom, determined to make camp in the livingroom to give her privacy, only to be greeted by her nodding form.
He scoffed, turned off the television and hefted her up. She jolted awake in his arms, before having a miniature heart attack.
"Wha-I was watching some TV!"
"I highly doubt you were so drawn towards hotel advertisements."
She blushed, "I can walk, plus, I'm going to stay on the couch!"
"No."
Before she could protest, she was already hitting the soft mattress.
"Well! If I stay here, you have to as well!"
He turned from the bed without acknowledging her, and Rin narrowed her eyes before reaching up and pulling his shoulder with such a force that he fell onto the bed.
"Whoa! I'm either stronger than I think, or I caught you off guard."
For once, Sesshomaru wasn't sure.
How could someone so small even-?
She stared at her hands, and grimaced as she sat cross-legged on the bed.
He didn't understand the motion, but dismissed it as more pressing matters came to mind.
I've been in this human facade for too long.
Rin laid on her side as he sat with one leg on the bed and the other one propped on the sideboard.
"You have such pretty hair!" She sighed as she twirled the dark brown locks around her fingers.
"And, you have such prettily arched feet! So deceptively delicate, like a dancer! I'm envious, I could draw them all day!"
-Very obviously unhinged.
"Rin, what?"
"Your feet, Shigeto-san! I mean, look at them," She punctuated by sticking her own feet out, "mine are so flat! They sound like wet cardboard slapping hardwood when I walk!"
"-How unattractive, that could be trained. But, I've never heard what you speak of nor once."
"I mean, you haven't known me long enough."
"No, I'd've heard that; Immediately."
"Not really, you can't say that! I could be some gremlin-troll trapped in a girl's body and happen to burst somewhere along the line!-Like Fiona!"
He rolled his eyes before standing to leave.
"Please don't go! I'll follow you around like a lost puppy all night just to annoy you!"
"You can't...annoy me."
She arched her brows, "Oh, sure you REALLY wanna test that?"
He doubted his judgement, and decided he'd give her the benefit of the doubt.
"I'll only stay until once you're asleep."
"I'll stay up all night! All night vigils aren't past me!"
"Do not."
"Why not?"
His left brow twitched as the curve of his mouth jerked simultaneously.
"Told you!"
He sighed before pushing her legs out of the way and sitting upright against the headboard with his legs stretched and folded.
He closed his eyes before he felt hands in his hair again.
"You have such dazzling hair. Can I style it?"
A rude retort bubbled on his throat, but instantly died down at her genuinely enlightened face.
"Do as you wish."
With inhumane speed, she jumped over the footboard and ran to her purse in the living room. She returned with a comb, pins, and a scrunchie.
Pulling on the scrunchie, she motioned for him to sit up away from the headboard.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Rin crawled from the next side to sit on her knees behind him.
He furrowed his brows as he felt soft, tiny hands gently work their way through his scalp.
Still didn't mean he appreciated being played with like a doll though.
Rin detangled his hair from root to end, and placed the top half of his hair in a bun at the base of his neck, and smoothed the bottom half of his hair down to his waist.
She motioned for him to turn to her, and she pulled out two locks of hair from the bun and smoothed them by his jaw so it framed his face.
She took time to comb his bangs and smooth them into the pulled up hair, so that it placed his prominent widow's peak on display.
She handed him a compact mirror, and he eyed the item with distaste before taking it from her.
Somehow, it suited him without appearing too feminine.
She smiled as she continued to run her hands through silken locks, before placing her hands on her shoulders and leaning over his shoulder.
"How do you like it?"
"It is fine."
She tilted her head playfully before breaking out into a full toothy grin.
Pleased with herself, she hung her purse at the end of the footboard and turned off her lamp.
"I'm sorry," she yawned with her hand covering her mouth, "I can't fight the sleep anymore. Before I knock out, I want to thank you so much for showing me such a lovely day, despite me ruining it earlier."
He looked down at her with swirling emotions as she snuggled down into the comforter.
"You did not ruin the day, you spared me a miserable affair."
She was out already, and he turned off the lamp on his side.
He watched her for a moment longer, before taking a tendril of her own off-black hair.
Taking the liberty of touching her was so odd, he'd reasoned.
But he hadn't felt so content in nearly 400 years.
He smelled her hair, before rubbing it between his fingers. He needed to assure himself that she was real.
She wasn't the same Rin, no. She was an entirely different person who had the same likeness.
The neglected realization hurt, but he needed to respect her as an entirely different person.
He shifted to stand, but she curled in closer to him.
With that, and his conflicting feeling, he simply patted his own hair before stroking her own.
His hand slowly drifted from her hair, to her green clad arm.
He didn't like how frail she felt under him, and he promised to himself that before the month was out, she'd definitely fill out more.
Even if she wasn't the Rin he knew, he still owed her the very least of his protection.
For now, her presence alone was enough to keep him sane.
Sesshomaru continued to stroke her hair as he watched over her.
His heart ached at the thought of such an innocent soul,
Facing loneliness and uncertainty once more.
Whatever it took, he would do to give the girl some stability.
Whatever tomorrow may bring, he'd overcome it.
He'd respect her as her own person,
And stop living in the past.
Hopefully,
That alone, would give him peace to move on from the past.
Fin: Humanities Training and Issues 'Round the Corner