Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha. Sadly.

Office Romance

Section II

Friday, July 11 – 5:12PM

From: Sesshomaru Taisho [ sesshomaru (at) taisho . com ]
To: Rin Nakamura [rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: Tonight

We need to talk.

Meet me in the break room once everyone is gone.

Sesshomaru

X x X x X x

X x X x X x

From: Rin Nakamura [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
To: Sesshomaru Taisho [ sesshomaru (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: RE: Tonight

Mr. Taisho,

I don't think that's such a good idea. If any more rumours were to surface, I don't think I'd be able to handle it. You should have seen the looks people gave me when they first heard those awful things. Everyone already thinks I'm one of those girls who sleep their way to the top.

I'm sorry, I can't see you.

Rin

X x X x X x

X x X x X x

From: Sesshomaru Taisho [ sesshomaru (at) taisho . com ]
To: Rin Nakamura [ rnakamura (at) taisho . com ]
Subject: RE: Tonight

You've never called me Mr. Taisho and don't you dare start now. My name is Sesshomaru and you will address me as so.

It will do those people some good to mind your own business. I will see you tonight, Rin, whether you like it or not. Would you rather I show up at your department right now when there are people around? This is an important matter, and you must come.

Sesshomaru

X x X x X x

X x X x X x

Rin glanced around nervously and noticed that Kagome was still sitting at her desk, fumbling through some paperwork. "Kagome, what are you still doing here? Everyone's already left." The older girl looked up and smiled back.

"Miroku's giving me hell. Not only is he a pervert, apparently he's a sadist too. I bet he gets a kick out of giving me so much crap to do." Kagome ranted, forgetting that just a few weeks ago she was practically begging for more work. However, she expected Miroku to start her off at a good, moderate pace. After all, even after a month of working at Taisho Inc., Kagome was still a newbie.

"I know Miroku well, Kagome. I don't think he'd give you anything you couldn't handle. His hands like to wander, but he's an overall good guy once you get to know him." Instead of trying to rush things through, Rin didn't want to make it obvious that she was expecting someone. Kagome was new, therefore she didn't know about the nasty rumours that had been traveling throughout the company. Rin liked Kagome very much and she didn't want to lose a friend she had just made. "Are you just about done? You look so tired. How about I take care of the rest for you?"

"Oh, no! It's perfectly fine, Rin. I'm fine. It's just a few more paragraphs to type up and I'm out of here." The room fell silent as Kagome's keyboard kept clicking away as Rin sat awkwardly at her desk. In a fit of frustrating and somewhat anger, she had turned off her computer after exchanging emails with Sesshomaru. Honestly, she was so hurt that those rumours started because of a mere misunderstand. There was no way she and Sesshomaru could be together. He was almost twice her age, for heaven's sake! After all, it was impossible because there was nothing he could possibly see in her. A mature, successful, and handsome man like him would want a mature, beautiful woman for his other half, not some twenty-year-old who didn't even know where she was headed.

Suddenly, she heard the light buzzing of Kagome's computer stop and her chair being pushed away from the desk. "Alright, Rin, I'm finally out. I'll see you tomorrow?" The younger girl nodded and smiled until her co-worker was finally out of sight. Letting out a small sigh, Rin tied her hair into a ponytail and made her way into the break room. A mug in her hands, it had been a gift from Sango, Rin poured herself a cup of tea and sat down at one of the tables.

What could Sesshomaru possibly want to talk about? Was he offended that he was being accused of an affair with a much younger woman? Did Kagura's opinion matter to him so much that he had to personally settle this matter? Of course―Kagura was the perfect match for him. They had been working side by side for years, and she'd heard that Kagura used to be a model. Her blood red eyes were exquisite, as much as Rin hated to admit.

However, before she could get any deeper into her thoughts, she felt that she wasn't alone. Looking away from her cup of tea, she saw the object of her troubles standing in the doorway.

"Mr. Ta―"

"You will call me Sesshomaru." It wasn't a comment or a question; he was demanding that she called him by his first name. The sharpness in his tone made her recoil as though he had slapped her; afraid of making another mistake, Rin kept quiet. Her mug was warm in her hands, but for some reason she felt extra cold. Sesshomaru stepped forward and took a seat in front of her, making her even more uncomfortable. She had come in contact with him before, but she had never seen him up close―like, really seen him. His amber eyes would have seemed cold to anyone else, but they held a warmth that she couldn't seem to place. His long silver hair was captivating and her fingers itched to run her fingers through the silky strands. His large, calloused hands went to smooth out his business suit as he sat down. Rin never knew a man could be so attractive―especially not at thirty-five.

Blushing, she quickly looked away and suddenly found her mug very interesting.

"Rin," his voice was low and deep, she had to resist the urge to shiver. "I assume you know why I've called you here tonight." However, the truth was, she didn't. There really was no need to see each other. The only reason those rumours started was because she had accidentally bumped into him on her way to the washroom. She had tripped clumsily over her own two feet and he had held out his arms to steady her. Who knew it would look like two lovers were embracing each other? Sesshomaru easily could have left the situation alone and let the rumours die down. Perhaps even go out on a date with Kagura to confirm that Nakamura Rin was not a part of his life at all.

"Actually, Mr. Ta―" She stopped and noticed the look he gave her. Clearing her throat, she started again, "Actually, Sesshomaru, I'm not sure why we had to meet. There really isn't a need to."

"Kagura was the one who started those rumours."

"And I think that it's best if we―yes, Kagura was the one who―wait, what?"

"I found photos in her desk of what happened that day. It was like she was expecting it to happen." He looked pensive, but didn't seem to fazed about what had happened. "Don't worry, I will see to it that she is punished for her behaviour. This won't happen again and I will make sure that she is no longer of an inconvenience to you." Rin looked away, confused as to why Kagura had started the whole thing. It didn't make any sense at all. "Kagura and I were together in the past." Sesshomaru said it so quietly she wondered if she heard it right.

"Why aren't you anymore?" She blurted before she could even think about stopping herself. "I'm sorry, that's none of my business. You don't have to answer that."

It was silent before the older man reached over and brushed her hands away from her mug to take a sip of her tea. Stunned, Rin merely watched as he placed the mug back down in front of her and stared off into space like nothing had happened. Did the Taisho Sesshomaru just drink from her cup?

"What is it?" His soft voice asked her, and she lifted her questioning eyes to him. "Your tea. What kind is it?"

"R-Red tea. Vanilla."

"You have good taste," this was strange. Rin's heart was beating abnormally fast and it took everything she had to prevent herself from hyperventilating. He was so close, he was but a stranger and he had just done something so intimate. Well, nobody had ever drank from her cup before, especially since she'd leave lipstick marks on them. Sesshomaru, however, didn't seem to care in that instant. "We aren't together anymore because we aren't."

"What?" Her head was spinning, she didn't know what was going on or where this was going. All she knew was that she wanted to spend the rest of her days in his presence. He was...soothing.

"Kagura and I aren't together anymore because I made the decision that we shouldn't be."

"It's that simple?"

"Yes," then he did something that was completely, completely, out of character. He smiled at her. "When you find someone that's right for you, you wouldn't need to make that kind of decision. Am I correct?" Rin looked back at her hands, only now comprehending what he was saying. He and Kagura were no longer together because he did not love her. Why did Rin's heart soar at the thought? Perhaps, Kagura was spreading rumours about Sesshomaru having an affair with a younger woman for revenge. Rin didn't want to know, didn't want to find out. "You know, you're right. I don't know why I wanted to meet tonight. I could have just left it alone."

The mysterious man stood up and tucked a hand into his pocket to fumble for his keys. Before he disappeared from her sight, she heard a few simple words that managed to soothe her soul. "Good night, Miss Nakamura."

The next morning, Sesshomaru walked by Kagura's now empty desk not bothering to look back. When he entered his office, a familiar scent reached his nose as he glanced over at his own desk. Sitting right by his family portrait was a steaming mug of tea. Looking at it curiously and lifting an eyebrow, he sat down in his chair and stared at it for a few good minutes. His hand automatically reached out for it and gripped the handle, bringing the pale blue porcelain to his lips. Taking a sip, he sighed softly as the hot liquid warmed his body.

"Red, vanilla." He let a very small smile grace his lips as he took another sip. "Rin."