Chapter Nine

It was a week later on a sunny Saturday afternoon. I was in the process of going through my closet and finding the perfect outfit to wear tonight. I had piles and piles of clothes stacked up on my bed. Tonight, would be my first date out with Sesshomaru. I haven't told my parents yet and that I'll be riding a motorcycle. Knowing dad, he would give Sesshomaru the talk about dating his only daughter.

Time passed when I saw a figure in my peripheral vision. I found my mother leaning against the door frame. Her eyes went to the mountain of clothes on my bed. They went from shock to calm in a matter of seconds. I had a feeling she knew what was going on. "So, my darling, Rin. Do you have a date tonight? And could this date be with Sesshomaru?" Knew it.

"Yes. I don't know what I'm going to wear." It's fall, so something warm and cozy.

"Do you know where he is taking you?"

"Dinner, I know for sure and after no." I guess I should tell her, "He's picking me up on his motorcycle." I have to dig out my helmet.

What I did not expect was to hear my mother laugh, "Haha. Rin, you sure do love adrenaline. That's why I've been saving this special outfit for you to wear."

"What?" I turned to see a bag from my favorite store in her hands. When I took it from her and opened it up, I found a black leather jacket that I've been wanting for so long. It ended at my waist and the bottom had flared ruffles. With the jacket was a new pair of skinny jeans and cute loose fitting flared white shirt. "Mom, thank you." I could wear the boots she gave me last month.

"Anytime dear…"

Before mom could finish her sentence, father came in, and he had a wide grin on his face. "Did I hear my little princess has a date tonight?"

"Dad!" I'm not a little girl anymore. Nor a princess. Blah! I hate that word so much.

"Haha, it's nothing to be embarrassed about. You will always be my one and only princess. So, I heard this date you have is with Sesshomaru?" They both took a seat on my almost covered bed.

"Yes, when he gets here, don't give him the full talk. Okay?" I want to leave as soon as possible once Sesshomaru arrives.

"Haha, is my princess nervous about what I might say?" Father got up from my bed and pulled me into one of his rare bear hugs. "I won't embarrass you, my dear."

"Thank you." My phone indicated a text coming through. I found Sesshomaru's name on the screen and a short message below. My mouth dropped about what he wrote, "bring a swimsuit." Where is taking me for our date?

"All okay, dear?" Mother came up beside me and I hid my phone into my chest.

"Yes." I'm not going to tell them what Sesshomaru asked me to bring. The only swimsuit I own is the one I wear under my gym uniform for school. I sent him a quick text that I would bring it. By bringing I mean I'll wear under my clothes.

The evening came and I was dressed to go. Mom even pulled my hair into a stylish braid. It will be easier to slip my hair into a swim cap. Even though I hate wearing them. She even offered to do my make-up and I told her that I didn't want it done. Maybe another time, just not tonight.

The clock struck five and the roar of a motorcycle engine came barreling down the road. I knew it was Sesshomaru because I peeked outside the window to see him pull up to the curb. "Is that him, my little princess?"

I turned around fast and stamped my foot at my father who then began laughing, "not funny, dad!" I hope Sesshomaru didn't hear him.

"Haha," he laughed and went to the door before Sesshomaru could even knock. I didn't even hear him walk up the steps. I need to remember that he's a demon and not a slow human like me. "Good evening, Sesshomaru. Please come inside."

"Good evening, Mr. Agawa." They shook hands and he came inside. I hope father doesn't give him the talk. Please don't!

Mother came up from the back part of the apartment where our bedrooms were. Tashi had been feeling under the weather since this morning, so she was taking care of him. "Good evening, Sesshomaru."

"Good evening, Mrs. Agawa. I hope you both don't mind that I take Rin out for dinner this evening?"

"Not at all. Where are you both going to eat tonight?" My father curiously asked.

"A place called Ohkatei Restaurant. It's a nice place a little out of the way."

Mother came up beside father and smiled happily, "how lovely."

"Is there a time I should have Rin back?" I never had a curfew before.

"Nah, stay out as long as you want. She has a key." Father smiled brightly.

I watched Sesshomaru nod his head and responded by saying, "I'll have her back no later than eleven."

"That's okay, I trust you. I'm sure you both will have an amazing time out tonight." Only if they knew where we're actually going. At least father isn't giving Sesshomaru 'the talk'. I know very well that I am not ready to have sex and nor do I want to.

After we walked out, I could feel my parents watching us from the window, and I didn't look back. I didn't say a word because my father had good hearing range. Sesshomaru was generous and helped me strap my helmet on properly. "Ready?" He asked as we both got ourselves on his motorcycle.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and told him, "Yes!"

After he roared the bike to life, "hold on tightly," I did, and he sped off fast.

Thank goodness for the jacket mom got me, it was cold out and I knew I would be shivering bad. "Why did you want me to bring my swimsuit?" I had to ask.

"You'll find out later." If it evolves into him wearing a speedo I'm out.

"Okay." Sesshomaru handled the bike like it was nothing. At this speed you would think we would crash, but he handled it with care. I was also happy to feel this adrenaline rush again. It made me want to get behind the wheel of my family's golf cart again.

We arrived at our destination not long after. I could smell the aroma of food right outside and it smelled so good. Whatever it was, I wanted to have it tonight. Just as I thought we were going to walk inside, Sesshomaru came around me and laced his lips with mine without warning. My heart raced at his movement. His clawed hand cradled my cheek, and I remained frozen where I stood and closed my eyes after a few seconds. Since he first kissed me that night, we've been keeping that secret to ourselves, and keeping our distance at school. If word got out, I would be meeting the eyes of two demons, and their human pact leader, flute girl. I choose not to use her name. They spy on me every day and it's pretty annoying. They do the same with Sesshomaru. I ignore her and her minions.

The kiss broke, but our lips hovered over each other, inches apart. "Let's get to eating before it gets too late," he announced.

My stomach growled at his words that I had to laugh. I grabbed his hand and led him inside the restaurant.

The man behind the same computer was getting furious. His goons couldn't find the girl from the image. Every day he waited for his phone to ring that she had been found, but nothing. "Almost three months and not one sighting of the girl. It's like she vanished into thin air, but that is not the case. She is hiding within a certain city we are not looking at."

He took a sip of his hard liquor as a knock came at his door. "Enter," he called out. When the door opened another male entered, "what is it? Do you have any news about the girl?"

The man bowed at the waist to his boss, "I'm afraid not, Master Asano, but we won't rest till the girl is in our hands. I've come to let you know your daughter, Sara, has arrived. She is waiting just outside."

"See her in please and leave us be."

He bowed again, "yes sir," he stepped out the door, "he will see you know, Miss Sara."

Sōju Asano's only daughter, Sara, stepped into the slightly dim lit room. He shut his computer screen off so his daughter wouldn't see what he was up to. "My darling, Sara. How are you my dear?" He rose to his feet, walked around his desk to give his daughter a proper greeting by hug. "How is everything with your boyfriend?" This was the first in a long time since he has spoken to his daughter.

Sara hugged him quickly, "I'm fairing, father. Sesshomaru broke up with me though. He said I was too demanding and that he couldn't take it anymore. All I asked was for him to come see me perform at my recitals. It's been over a month now."

Sōju gestured for his daughter to take a seat on the black leather couch. He hated to see and hear his daughter being dumped. "I'm sorry, my dear. Is there anything I can do?" He knew his daughter's ex-boyfriend was a demon and ways to get back at them.

"What do you mean, father?" Sara wasn't aware who her father really is and what he was up to, but she knew he wasn't fond of demons.

Sōju caught her words quickly and responded by saying, "what I mean is my dear, can I get you anything? A new flute to get your mind off the breakup?"

Sara raised an eyebrow his way, "no. The one you gave me earlier this year is still good." She eyed the room that they were in, "why did you move into an underground home? It's way too dark I must say."

"I got tired of living in a regular home and wanted a change in scenery. What do you think?" He had these words planned out for whenever his daughter came to pay him a visit.

Sara eyed the medium sized office they sat in, "it's quaint, but I do miss the surrounding nature I had from my bedroom window."

"I know it isn't very much, my daughter. But I promise I'll have this home just like my old one." They both stood up and he brought Sara to the door, "you must be hungry."

"I am," Sōju led his daughter towards the kitchen. "I heard a crime took place here not too long ago. An elderly demon who was a sword welder was killed by Uncle Bankotsu."

Sōju stopped in his place and stared at Sara. "Do you think I ordered him to do such a crime?" His eyes were heavy hearing the words coming from his daughter.

"No, father. I saw the news and I wanted to speak to you in private about that. Tell me, did they ever say why Uncle Bankotsu killed this elder demon?"

Sōju turned his back on Sara and threw his arms behind his back, one hand holding his other wrist, "supposably from what I heard, the elder demon, Totosai, didn't return his word about a halberd he was asked to make. I had my own blacksmith, but Bankotsu didn't want to use mine." Which was a lie. Totosai was the only blacksmith anyone knew of. Bankotsu wanted a very destructive weapon. One that was more powerful than any human or demon eyes had seen. A sword that his own hands can hold and no one else.

"So, he killed an innocent demon over a simple sword?"

"Yes, from what I heard. And there was also a rumor that a human hiker caught the crime by camera, but that news is being kept hidden."

"I see."

"Anyways my darling, Sara, enough about my brother. He's getting what's coming to him when they sentence him in a few months. Let's go see what the cook has cooked up for us."

Our meal tonight was great. We both had Japanese curry, with a side of onigiri. It was mouthwatering that I'm so full right now, but I managed to squeeze in a dessert of strawberry mochi. After our meal was paid for, we left on Sesshomaru's motorcycle again. Thankfully I don't get motion sickness after I eat.

Two hours had almost passed, and it was still early in the evening. "Where are we heading now?" I think I knew where he was taking me.

"A secret location for us to swim. When I wanted to get some private diving practice in, I went to this place a friend of mine owns. I managed to reserve one of the rooms."

"Why swimming?" I pray Sesshomaru doesn't wear a speedo. Reserved? That must have cost a lot. How many swimming pools does this place have?

"I thought it would be interesting." How is a date at a pool interesting? But I'll take it.

"Okay." Just please don't wear a speedo! "I don't own a swim cap." I hate those tacky things, but I know why they are needed.

"Don't worry, I've got everything sorted out."

The drive to the place took a bit of time and I was surprised we didn't go to the sports complex. "What place is this?"

"One of the oldest sports complexes in the city. My cousin, Tsukuyomaru, attended this place quite often."

"Oh!" The owner must make a great deal of money for a business this large.

"Let's get inside. I reserved the room for two hours tonight." Two hours? Such a long amount of time to swim.

When we walked inside, I instantly caught the smell of chlorine, and it was strong. But not enough to make me gag. Sesshomaru led us down a long hallway. Instead of white walls, they were replaced with large glass windows. I noticed each side had large pools. One side looked like a competition for much older divers and the other was filled with teens goofing off and one looked like a birthday party for a kid. Seeing them I had to ask, "does anyone from school know you come here?"

"No, that's why I come here when I just want time to myself and not be distracted." That's understanding. Makes me wonder if he was heading to this place that day, he pulled me from a near fatal death from that stolen car. But that would be one hell of a walk not unless he was driving there but had to go home to get his bike.

After passing several windows with many different pools, Sesshomaru opened the door on the right, and I gazed at the pool we would be swimming at. The swimming pool was quite large, and the diving board was in the middle of the pool. Strange! I've never seen one in person before. "So, are you teaching me to perfect a dive?" I asked as we walked inside.

"No, not unless you want to learn. You said you like adrenaline, so I thought you would like to do something thrilling." Jumping off a diving board? I looked at the very board that rested in the middle again. His words were true. I do have the knack for this type of stuff, but never got around to doing that. "The girl's room is over there and you'll find a swim cap and towels along a shelf."

"Okay." It's only going to take me a few seconds to strip off my clothes. As I walked inside, my phone started ringing. I knew it was my father because of the ringtone I had set for him. "Hi daddy, is everything okay?"

"Hey, baby girl. I wanted to let you know we're taking Tashi to the hospital. He's starting to show signs of appendicitis." My heart sank into my stomach.

"What! Will he be, okay?" My voice shook at his words. This was my baby brother that I care so much for. He's probably worried that I'm not there with him.

"Rin, please don't worry. He'll be totally fine. I sensed his pain and caught it quickly as your mother was prepping dinner. If it makes you feel better, you can ask Sesshomaru to bring you here after your date. Not unless you want to go home?"

"No, after our date, I'll ask him to bring me over. Is it the same hospital I was brought to?"

"Yes. Okay, we just pulled into the parking lot. I'll keep you updated till you get here."

"Okay, thanks daddy. I'll be there after a while." He hung up and I slumped into one of the closest benches. My heart ached for Tashi. I had this hunch that something wasn't right with him since this morning. Did I make the right decision to go out tonight? I pictured my little brother right here with me. He would tell me to have an amazing time and not to worry about him. "I'll be with you soon, Tashi." Will have a full day of watching movies when it's time for you to recover and mom and dad go back to work.

After a minute, I got up and removed my clothes as I was still in my school swimsuit and slipped on a white swim cap. The difficult part was to keep my braid from falling out. I stared into the mirror, and I looked like a major doofus in this cap. "Might as well get this over with."

I grabbed an available white towel, walked out to find Sesshomaru in swim shorts. Thank goodness! When I looked at his face, he looked more concerned. "All okay, Rin?"

"What?" Did he hear my conversation with my father?

"I didn't mean to overhear your conversation."

"Oh! Umm… My father called to let me know that Tashi was showing signs he was having appendicitis. They just got to the hospital not too long ago." I guess I should ask him. "After we finish here, could you drop me off at the hospital?"

"Do you want to head over now?"

"No, it's… it's going to be a while. I told my father I would be there later." The one reason I want to be there with my family, I'm afraid to be home alone for a small amount of time. I feel like the people who are after me, will come through the door, and kidnap me. To keep my mind at ease, I walked over to the water, stuck my foot in, and the water was quite warm. I was about to leap in, when his arm looped around my waist and all too soon, he flew us up to the diving board. "I thought we were going to swim over?"

"I thought it would make it easier, so you don't slip on the ladder." We landed and he pulled me down the small platform to one of the many diving boards. "Just to let you know we are about twenty meters up."

"That's all? Haha. I used to climb up mountain walls higher than that."

"Really? Then I guess I will have to make a day trip to the mountains then."

I smirked his way again, "I guess that will be the next date?" I made him walk backwards along the diving board. I wanted to push him in.

Just as his heels hung over the edge of the hard plastic, his right hand lifted my chin, and made our eyes meet. "If you want it to be, Rin. I know of some places." I just hope it's not my old hometown.

"Cool," I placed both my hands along his front shoulder blades and then I saw give an awkward smile. Crap!

Sesshomaru looped his arm around my waist again, "you're not as clever as you think you are, Rin! I knew what you were up to when you had me walk backwards."

Before I could get a word out, he fell backwards, still held my waist, and we were now heading for the water headfirst. I shield my mouth and nose, afraid for water to find its way inside me. We hit the water so fast that it felt like we kept going farther down and into the pool. Sesshomaru pulled us into an upward position and brought us to the surface. To be able to breathe felt amazing. After a few short breaths, I felt my lips being overlapped. He was suddenly kissing me and keeping us afloat at the same time. As we kissed, I still felt that a date at the pool was kind of strange, but at least I got to have some adrenaline enjoyment again.

When our lips released, "ready to go again?"

Another two hours passed, and we made our leave. The ride to the hospital would take a bit due to heavy traffic tonight. When Sesshomaru and I were having fun diving, father had sent me a text that Tashi was taken back immediately. They said his surgery would take about an hour. I'm guessing by the time we get there he will be in recovery. I sent my father a text that I was on my way.

We were both silent for the ride. The only sound that could be heard was the engine of his bike and the crowds of people that passed by us. "Are you doing okay, Rin?" he finally spoke.

"I am. I know it's going to be a bit before I can see Tashi tonight. I have that feeling he's going to ask for me when he wakes up."

"You can message me if you need."

That could help make the time pass, "I will."

Thirty minutes later we finally arrived at the hospital. Father was outside the doors we needed to go through. "You made perfect timing. They just brought him out not long ago and he is in recovery now."

Such wonderful news. "Are we able to see him yet?"

"Soon. Thank you, Sesshomaru. Sorry you had to come all the way out here."

"It's quite alright. My home is just another three blocks from here. Anyways, I don't want to keep you both out here for too long," he explained quickly. "I'll talk to you later, Rin."

"You, too." We decided to not show affection in public.

After he left the parking lot my father awkwardly asked, "Rin, while do you smell of chlorine?"

"Umm… Sesshomaru took me swimming and I watched him dive."

He was now laughing. "I have never heard of such a date, Haha." He pulled me into a hug and led us inside.

"Me either."