Inuyasha's hostel

The basketball captain's mood that night was like a pit of dark devastation. He had met up with Rin that afternoon and the girl's words still rang fresh in his mind. Listlessly, he typed away on his laptop to the only person who could give him some solace, a friend whom he did not know her face. Still, they have spoken about everything under the sun, sharing their deepest secrets. To him, SHE was special, well, at least he thinks she's a girl. They had never exchanged personal information of that sort.

SilentAngel: What's up with you today?

Skystriker: Nothing's up.

SilentAngel: You sound bad. How're you with that girl you're talking about?

Kagome did that on purpose. Her best friend had already related her decision. Rin had broken up with Inuyasha.

Skystriker: "…"

SilentAngel: Something happened?

The truth was, some time ago, Kagome had come to find out through some friends in the school the mysterious identity of her chat mate. Since then, she had been secretly watching him from a distance, not possessing the courage to do anything further.

Perhaps… he's not ready to meet his SilentAngel. Or perhaps, he'll never be ready.

She had come to learn that many who chat on the net are not keen to ever meet up. It would be a certain bleach of their privacy or some parts which they preferred to keep to themselves. Perhaps then, she was simply too naïve to think they could be real friends. Still, deep in her heart, fervently, she prayed one day to be more than just a name to Skystriker. She had never once lied to him even when she could, she had never once pretended to be anything she wasn't. She was herself, plain and simple.

But who was she to Skystriker? Perhaps, she was just another chat mate, someone who could be easily replaced. Kagome heaved a sigh. She guessed she'll never know.

Skystriker: We broke up… Nah… SHE dumped me.

SilentAngel: She did? Why?

Well, this was the only lie, the one that she's pretending not to know what he was going through.

Skystriker: She said she was sorry but toward me, it was merely an infatuation on her part.

She had found the one she really loved.

SilentAngel: Oh. I'm sorry to hear that. Who's the other guy? You know him?

Skystriker: smirk Some irritating bastard. Do all gals go for bad boys?

SilentAngel: smile Frankly, I dunno.

Skystriker: Aren't you one?

Kagome gasped. He was testing her out. Should she tell him?

SilentAngel: Have you ever met a guy who calls himself Angel?

Skystriker: lol. So, you haven't answered my question.

SilentAngel: No, at least not all I know.

Inuyasha was caught in a spur of a moment. He didn't know why he asked. Bored. Perhaps, he was just bored… and broody.

Skystriker: You're from the school right?

SilentAngel: wink this is a school chat line isn't it? So, my Skystriker isn't that smart

after all.

Skystriker: Do you want to meet up for a drink for something?

Kagome couldn't believe what she was seeing. Inuyasha wants to meet her? At long last? He's ready? Her lips curved an elated smile. Now that Rin had decided to be with Sesshoumaru, there's nothing stopping them from being together, or rather, there's nothing stopping her from letting him know how he felt about her.

Skystriker: pouts You're quiet. If you do not wanna meet, it's perfectly okay.

At that, the girl instantly made a decision.

SilentAngel: Hey Why not? Tomorrow… lunch at the school café? Don't be too alarmed.

I could be a phycho.

Skystriker: jumps for joy rofl. What a coincidence. I'm one too.

SilentAngel: -

At the school café

Kagome spotted the captain right away even she pushed open the glass door. He was appearing a little nervous, she noticed, adjusting his clothes and hair intermittently. As she closed in, Inuyasha's eyes met hers and he was obviously quite taken aback.

"Kagome, you're here to have lunch with err… Rin?" He blurted in a slight frenzy. No way, he couldn't be that unlucky. He's here meeting SilentAngel for the first time and Rin, of all people, had to come too?

"Erm… no." She pulled a chair and sat down, to the captain's utmost surprise.

Both were still for a moment and then the girl spoke, finally.

"I-I'm SilentAngel." There, she confessed.

She did not dare to look him straight in the eye but still, she could feel how intensely shocked he was, the heat of his stare was almost like an inferno.

"You knew it was me long ago, didn't you?" His tone had turned dull, lifeless. He had come to his own conclusion. "You were having fun with me, treating me like a clown." He thought about all the things he had shared so openly with his SilentAngel, even about Rin. He was indeed the greatest fool in this whole wide world.

Kagome was instantly tormented with an overflow of guilt.

"No, I didn't know initially too. I didn't mean to keep it from you, just that, I didn't know how to tell you. I've never treated you like a clown. NEVER!" She stood up, agitated. "After all that we've shared, is this how you see SilentAngel?"

Inuyasha softened at that, realizing that perhaps, he had been too harsh. He had vented his frustrations on her so naturally. He was simply too mean.

"No." He admitted. "I do not think that SilentAngel would lie to me if she has the choice."

The girl sat down, significantly more relieved and calmer.

Lunch was quietly spooky at first but soon, things caught on and as they chatted, Kagome was glad that Inuyasha's mood was lightening up.

"Yash, are you still mad with Rin?"

The captain was caught off guard. He paused.

"No." He affirmed with a flash of a smirk. "I guess I scared her off. I've a part to blame for this. Perhaps, I'm someone no girls would feel safe with." He laughed as if it was a crude joke.

Kagome frowned in indecision. He had seemed so crestfallen she wanted more than anything to tell him the truth about her feelings toward him. But is this the right time? When he's on a rebound? But something was taking over control inside her, something much stronger than pure logic…her heart.

"That's not true. I-I like you."

That immediately drew the attention of the captain. He stared up at her, not knowing what to say.

"Y-You must be kidding me." That was all he could manage, turning away rather embarrassed with the situation.

"No, I'm absolutely serious. I like you, Yash." It took every bit of summoned courage to mouth that again but the girl persisted. "I know you've not gotten over Rin and you're still upset…but … can't we have a go anyway?"

It didn't take long for Inuyasha to show his disapproval. He shook his head.

"It's not fair to you, Kagome. I'm not hot on rebounds." He was very honest. He didn't want to hurt his SilentAngel. He was a nice guy after all. "How could you go out with someone when you still have the shadows of another in your heart?"

But the girl was not going to give up so easily. She had always yearned for a relationship and with Yash, she felt so at ease. They had shared so much together and well, to her, it seemed they'd known each other for ages. Doesn't she deserve a at least a chance?

"All I ask is a chance, Yash." She noted that it had been pouring for some time now and everywhere was getting wetter as students come and go from the café. "Why don't we let fate decide? Let's have a gamble. If the next person who goes through the door wears a red coat, then we'll go for one date."

Not wishing to wait for his response, Kagome turned anxiously at the door, her eyes glued to every possibility of anyone coming in or going out. Well, the basketball captain was slightly out of sorts but this game, it sounded quite entertaining. He waited with her.

A boy rushed into café, desperately trying to close his umbrella against the strong winds and Kagome's eyes became sullen. He was dressed in a rich brownish coat.

Being with you thus far

Yet here is my stop

There'll always be that line we can't cross

Beyond friendship but not yet love

From afar, the sky is overcast

Kagome lowered her head with a hint of shame and disappointment, getting ready to leave. Great! Today, she had made a total ridicule out of herself.

I don't know if I should shed a tear?

Am I the only one thinking too much?

Even God was not on her side. Perhaps then, it was not meant to be. Tears were starting to form and Kagome wanted to get away before she cried in front of Yash but her gentleness had touched the captain.

I just can't swallow it

And I want so much to know

Standing before me like this

Which is the real you?

He stopped her.

"If it's a gamble, then, to be fair, I should have a go at it too." He flashed her a slight smile. "Keep the rules. If the next person who comes through that door wears a red coat, we'll go on one date."

Moved by his words, Kagome put down her bag and both kept their eyes on the door, one heart eagerly hoping for a chance while the other, well, just waiting for a way out.

Love can be a torture

If you can't find the evidence of possessing

When should I move forward?

When should I give up?

Can't find even the courage to hug you

They watched holding their breaths as a girl bade her friends goodbye, picked up her file and started toward the exit.

NO! She was in a yellow dress. Kagome's fingers crossed till it hurt, praying that it wouldn't be that one….No, no, NO! It can't be! Oh God, please!

But… she was. As the girl pulled open the glass door, even Inuyasha had shown a hint of disappointment.

So, that was it.

Love makes a person too greedy

Till it loses its meaning

Powerless we are to write a perfect ending

Perhaps just possessing this brief moment is already in itself bliss

"Setsuko-chan, you forgot your coat." The girl's friend raced toward the door, her hand holding up….

Kagome's eyes lit up!

A bright red coat!

Love can be a torture

If you can't find the evidence of possessing

When should I move forward?

When should I give up?

Can't find even the courage to hug you

Light-hearted and with strange relief, Inuyasha chuckled as the girl briefly slipped the coat on and made her exit. Kagome's cheeks felt instantly in a blaze and she knew she was blushing as the captain was gazing at her now. She got up, gave him one quick smile and left the café.

Love makes a person too greedy

Till it loses its meaning

Powerless we are to write a perfect ending

Perhaps just possessing this brief moment is already in itself bliss

Rin's room in Sesshoumaru's house

"Ne-san…"

"Ahhhhh!" The girl jumped with a start. She was just about to unbutton her blouse for a bath. Even without turning round, she had already correctly guessed the owner of that familiar husky voice. "SESSHOUMARU! What are you doing in my room?" Her voice softened as their eyes met for the first time after last night. She was instantly shy.

"Looking for you of course. Why else?" He pushed in close, backing her to the corner of the bed.

"Well, you could AT LEAST knock." She rolled her eyes in slight frustration. Sigh! Why has he got to be like this all the time, not having the slightest sensitivity of courtesy? The girl gulped as she felt his skin against hers. He had moved in too close for comfort. "Erm… Sessh… what do you want?"

"What do you think I want?" With that ever smug smile and to her unexpected shock, he weighted her onto the bed.

By now, Rin could no longer control her own breathing, every rise of her chest was upon his taut muscled ones. It was completely erratic as the splash of red rushed up her cheeks. "W-What are you talking about? I-I don't understand."

The boy let off a seemingly heinous laugh.

"Surely, you're not that innocent." He let one finger brush against her fringe, tickling her till she shivered. "I want you…."

Rin swallowed hard, her eyes shut tightly. NO WAY! Well, even when she had affirmed her feelings toward him, still, she couldn't accept such enormous leaps in just one night! People who are in love, don't they have to go on dates, get to know each other and stuff like that before…. before….

Suddenly, the girl realized that Sesshoumaru had gotten up from the bed, turning his back on her and adjusting his hair in the mirror.

What the….

She scurried up just in time to hear him finish that last statement.

"I was saying…. I want you to get changed quickly." He said coolly, not even looking at her. "Your mom has returned and dad has booked a table for dinner at the nearby restaurant. This is our first family dinner together."

What?

"I-I thought… I thought you wanted… wanted…" Rin babbled on reflectively only to herself.

"Wanted what?" He poked her forehead with his finger, chuckling. "What are you thinking I meant?"

He was merely teasing her! That… that no good… The girl pouted as she gave him an unforgiving stare. He did that on purpose. He made her think that!

Once a demon, always a demon, Rin was even more agitated when she noticed that the boy was not even the least affected. H-He… He looked so nonchalant… so inscrutable as always. Damn him!

"How can I change when you're here?" She pushed him forcefully out of the room. "Get out… you…"

Rin sulked all the way as she took her bath, picked a dainty black dress, did her hair and put on some light make-up. When she eventually opened the door, she thought seriously that the boy had probably left without her. Well, he's so… you know…

But that was not so.

The girl tried to conceal a gasp. He had changed too, no longer in his usual leather jacket and her heavy metal rock tees. He was all in clean white, his hair combed neatly behind his nape. For once, Rin had a good look at his fine features. He was … one word… handsome.

Sesshoumaru held out one hand in invitation as he too inspected with pleasure the lovely girl before him.

"My ne-san…" He offered a charming smile. "Let's go."

Bashfully, the girl circled her arm round his as he guided her to his car.

At the Restaurant

Rin's face contorted as she noted that goldfish eyes of Inu-no-Taisho as he focused on the woman next to him. Izayoi hit him on the lap, her face instantly blushed.

"Sho?… Not in front of the kids…" She picked out some vegetables from the hot pot, offering it to him, nudging and urging him to continue eating.

"You… have such mesmerizing eyes, Yoi…" He blinked amorously, not caring that everyone else was totally repulsed. He lifted his cup of sake. "Let's propose a toast to that pair of ever sparkling eyes."

"Sho…" She was obviously embarrassed by being in the spotlight.

"Okay then, a toast to my most beloved, most treasured children." He corrected as he turned to Rin with that ever dramatic accent.

Sesshoumaru instantly choked on his food, coughing.

"Oh please, spare me, old man!" He slammed his chopsticks on the table. "You're already over forty. Stop pretending to be some cool forlorn teen."

Inu-no-Taisho instantly flashed a hurt look, hanging his head in shame.

"Uncle is being romantic." Rin jumped to his defense and that successfully brought a smile to the face of the middle aged man.

"Ah, it's so blissful to have a daughter. Daughters are so sensible, so sweet."

Rin raised her own cup. "Let's propose a toast to… uncle and mom. I wish that you're live happily ever after." Everyone cheered and seconded that, well, all except Sesshoumaru.

The girl frowned as he caught the attention of both parents. He was merely eating away. Rin gave him a soft tug, closing in to whisper into his ears.

"Can't you just play along for just one night?"

"Hypocritical!" He spat, though rather mutedly.

"Hurry up, you!" Rin repeated, this time, with more threat giving him the eye.

The boy gave her a stare back, then, with great reluctance, he held up his cup and completed the toast.

"Sesshy…" Inu-no-Taisho's eyes narrowed on his boy, now resuming his eating. "Are you jealous?"

Sesshoumaru almost choked on that overly mushy comment. "Will you just eat your food and shut up?"

"Though I love Yoi and Rin, I will still love you with all my heart. There's nothing to be worried about. You will not be without my love."

This time, the boy did choke. He held his chopstick in the air, speechless as he gave a blazing stare at his father. Damn that old man! Can't he just talk normally for once?

"Oh look at you… I feel so touched seeing you like this, that look, all mixed up with rebellion and hurt…" Inu-no-Taisho had obviously not realize that the boy was about to explode.

Rin's heart rate sped as she kept pulling at Sesshoumaru's sleeves, wishing he would calm down. The boy's chopsticks were shaking in the air. It was as if he was squeezing it to smithereens.

When Sesshoumaru finally turned to face her, Rin signaled a smiley on her own lips, fervently hoping to cheer him up and when she knew she failed, she slowly extended her own fingers towards his lips, wanting to force the corner of his lips up.

Just as she was about to succeed, she paused.

That strange feeling of being watched, what was that?

She turned her head. "AHHHH…"

Both the parents had moved in on the two of them, gazing at them in great awe.

Instantly, Rin pulled up a napkin with trembling hands. "Erm… Sesshy… erm… y-you have wasabi on your mouth."

Of course the boy knew it was just an excuse but he took the opportunity to play with her.

"Why don't you wipe it off for me, ne-san? I can't see it anyway." He was grinning so irritatingly Rin was even more self-conscious.

"Wow…" Izayoi covered her mouth. "You two have become so close in such a short time."

Rin closed her eyes in fear. Did mom notice something was wrong? Will they discover her feelings towards Sesshoumaru?

"Oh, I'm so glad you two got along so well. I'm relieved." Izayoi hadn't the slightest idea, Rin heaved a sigh of relief too on her end. Thank God that she had a simple minded mom.

Looking at the greatly shaken girl, Sesshoumaru went along with the act. "Aunty, we'll get along really well… I promise." Then turning to Rin, he spoke softly, secretly into her ears. "We'll get along so well that it scares the hell out of you, doesn't it, my little ne-san?"

Rin's lips pursed fretfully. I cannot imagine that a picture of one happy family… is in our sort of queer combination…

From a dark corner of the room, without the knowledge of all who are there, pictures were secretly taken of Rin, of Sess, of the Inu-family…

Who is this uninvited intruder?