Shout out to InuKombat for helping choose a proper title for this story. It fits it so well.
Second Chances
"This can't be happening. This truly can't be happening to me right now." I was in the process of preparing to go on my very first actual date this Friday evening with the most popular boy of Hachioji Academy and his name is Sesshomaru. He's a senior boy, the star pitcher of the baseball team of our high school, and the guy who used to bully me to tears all throughout elementary school and middle school. He picked on me for all sorts of things: like how short I was back then, for wearing glasses, which I still do, for having braces, which I no longer have, being bad at all sports, which I still am, and other things I wanted to forget that he picked on me for. But all that came to an end when he entered high school, and his focus was on sports. Mostly baseball since it's the most popular sport in Japan high schools.
I thought Sesshomaru had all but forgotten I existed until he had asked me out just this afternoon at lunch in the courtyard. I'm a sophomore human girl, who's a massive bookworm, comic book nerd, and a gamer nerd, on a date! Not only did it shock me when he asked me out, but also it shocked everyone that day as well, including my group of close friends, who were the exact same nerdy type I was. Some of them remember how he treated me back in the day.
Part of me wanted to turn down his offer, and run home when school ended, but I also didn't want to come off rude in front of everyone else, so I stupidly said yes, knowing I shouldn't have agreed to go out with him, and let's just say the other popular boys and popular girls gasped that I would agree to go out with him. Well, actually everyone else gasped too, but mostly the popular click. His click of friends. The same type of people I avoid at all costs.
As I stood in front of my closet, I was having the hardest time choosing what I would wear this evening. I wasn't the one to dress up to go out anywhere, not unless it was to attend anime conventions, or comic cons, and I would dress up for those as my favorite comic book superhero and anime character. But tonight was the newest thing to dress up for and the only clothes I own were casual. So, casual wear will be this evening. Very dressy wear wasn't my forte. Sesshomaru, probably.
Looking through the racks of clothes that I owned, I picked out a simple tank top in the color white and paired it with a simple halfway above the knee length skirt in the color pearl pink. It holds no patterns along the fabric. I also paired it with simple white lace up sneakers. "I can't believe I agreed to go on a date with him. Doesn't he remember how he treated me back in the day?"
I started to get ready thinking of ways to not go on this date. My hair was already done as I pulled it back in just a simple high-end braided ponytail. I added a white mesh bow with the long hanging strands to add more detail into my hair. I don't care if it makes me look childish. I think it makes my outfit look all complete. Plus, I've seen girls my age do this, but not at school.
I also debated putting on makeup, but decided not to. I feel like it would be too much being that it's technically my first date ever. I love makeup, especially when I go out, and cosplay. My future goal is to be a renowned makeup artist for famous celebrities. A goal I have yet to tell anyone. Even my own family.
Sesshomaru was to be here at five this evening and I had about forty-five minutes till he would arrive. "Am I getting ready too soon?" The only one who would know that answer for sure was my older cousin Kagome. Crazy thing is, she was dating Sesshomaru's younger half-brother, Inuyasha. They are both in their junior year together. "Hey, Kagome?" We shared a jack and jill bathroom, so she would hear me easily.
"Yes? What's up?" She came through and entered my room. "Oh! You look so cute, Rin."
"How long do you wait to get ready for your dates with Inuyasha?" I never really paid attention when she went out since I was either hiding away in my room practicing with makeup, reading different types of manga, or playing my old school playstation 3 of colorful rpg games. The only types of games I played. Though I do play random games at arcades. Ones that challenge you to go against others.
"I usually get dressed thirty minutes before he's to arrive. Are you nervous about your date with Sesshomaru?" She sat on the edge of my bed as I adjusted the outfit I am going to wear this evening in front of my standing mirror. It's loose fitting, but I'm nervous as hell. Every nerve in my body is on edge.
"Yes, I'm still very nervous about it. I still don't understand why out of all the most popular and social girls attending Hachioji Academy, Sesshomaru picked me to ask out of every other person he clicks with on a date," I thought I was hallucinating or dreaming when he asked me that. "He was my elementary and middle school bully, remember?"
"There's nothing to be nervous about, Rin. Yes, Sesshomaru was a jerk back in the day, and he picked on you a lot for all sorts of things, but he has changed a lot since he got into high school. He's not that same boy that he once was and besides, he's been waiting for sometime to ask you out on a date, haha." WHAT! I looked at her in shock. "Well, since you began high school between last spring and summer break. "
"So, a year?" He's been waiting to ask me out since I started ninth grade? "What does he see in a girl like me, Kagome? I'm a nerd and he's popular and the best baseball player and pitcher of our high school!" Even though I don't go to any games, I do read the local newspaper, and the school gazette and it's always about him in the sports section.
"Rin, all Sesshomaru sees in you is a girl with a bright personality and he doesn't care that you are a nerd." I bet he lied. How does he find a girl like myself with a bright personality? Doesn't care that I am a nerd? That's bullcrap. "Everytime I go over to their house, he always asks me all sorts of questions about you. Just like this afternoon when he asked you out at lunch."
You mean the rich neighborhood. The same neighborhood where all his clicks of friends come from. I remembered when he made fun of me coming from a poor family that lived in a rundown apartment. The same apartment that caught fire for faulty wiring that was out of date and killed both my parents while I was at school when I was ten years old. Sesshomaru even made fun of me for not having parents anymore that first day I went back to school after being out for a whole week. It still hurts when that anniversary date comes up.
Trying to not think of the past so I wouldn't cry, "what did Sesshomaru ask you?" I'm scared of what he may have asked her. I sat down on the bed beside her to hear what she had to say. "Tell me everything, Kagome!" I grabbed her hands and held them together in mine. "Don't leave anything out alright."
"Oh! Things you like to do outside of school, places you like to go, things you haven't tried, and your favorite type of food and dessert." So, did Kagome just basically plan my whole date this evening? "I can't tell you where he's going to take you though, but be prepared for a fun, and exciting evening."
"Umm… should I be scared of the definition of what Sesshomaru calls fun?" Probably something that's more up his alley in ways to bully me like he did in our past.
"Haha, no, and I am saying nothing more," I let go of Kagome's hands, she got up from my bed, and walked back towards our shared bathroom. "Do you want your makeup done, Rin?" I feel like that would be too much. Plus, she knows I can do my own makeup.
"No, if he has something planned that involves the word excited," I did the air quotes with my fingers with both hands, "then I don't want to take the chance of it coming off, and my face comes out looking like a clown." He would definitely find a way to make fun of me right there. He would probably take a picture and post to social media and hashtag it with the word clown.
"Let me know if you change your mind." I should be good without any makeup. If anything I throw on some clear lip gloss. Actually scratch that. It would be best to not do that too. "Plus, your hair looks super cute. You should do it like that more often." I will make a note of that. I asked a really good friend of mine what hairstyle she did for her first date. She told me to put my hair in the way I did because it kept it out of her face the whole night when she was out with her boyfriend. A guy that she sees herself marrying.
"Thank you."
"Anytime, Rin." She left for her room, since I know she has a date with Inuyasha this evening as well, but they always went to the movies and dinner right afterward. I am not one for movies, not unless it involves a showing of my favorite anime.
I went over to my mirror, finished getting ready and twirled before the glass, "I guess I am as ready as I'll ever be."
I smoothed out any wrinkles that I saw. I also decided to wear my contacts this evening. I don't know if I should be wearing them, but I don't feel like being called four eyes this evening. But I will bring everything with me if I need to switch back to my glasses in my bag.
.
.
.
.
In the span of almost putting a hole into the living room floor, pacing back, and forth, the doorbell to my apartment finally rang. In quiet hush tones of words under my breath, "you've got this Rin. Even though he was your bully back in the day."
I picked up my purse that was a white fluffy floppy eared bunny bag, went to the door, opened it, and found him standing there, dressed more for a date than I was. His outfit was simple. He wore a white button down quarter sleeve shirt, with a little bit of his upper chest slightly exposed, and denim blue jeans. "Hello, Rin." His voice was smooth when he said my name. "Are you ready to go?"
No, "hello Sesshomaru. Yes, I am ready to go." He moved to the side and allowed me to step out and I shut the door behind me. I didn't have to lock it behind me because Kagome would soon be leaving herself in about twenty minutes. What do I say now as we walk towards the elevators? Do I ask where we're going first? How are you? Or how was your day today? Even though it's only been a few hours since we left school.
As we reached the elevators and waited for them to arrive, "Rin, do you have a preference of places you would like to have dinner later tonight?"
Does that mean he wants me to choose where we go to eat later? I have no problem with where we go to eat tonight, but what worries me right now is will he make an excuse to step away for a moment and leave me to pay the bill? "Anyplace is okay with me." I hope that it doesn't happen. I cannot afford anything that is quite expensive. I could already see myself washing dishes to pay for the bill.
The elevator finally arrived and we both walked inside together. "Okay." I feel so awkward being in here with him. I really need to keep my guard up because who knows if he has planned anything to bully me in any way. We both remained quiet when we arrived on the lobby floor and walked outside. "I hope you don't mind if I drive us to our location?"
Drive! He freaking drives! Should I trust him without knowing his driving history? How long has he been driving for? What happened to walking to places in this city? Most places are within walking distance. Is this date taking place somewhere I haven't been to in Tokyo? "That's fine. May I ask where we're headed to?" I hope he tells me. Please tell me.
"Didn't Kagome tell you?" Damn you, Kagome. "She said she would."
"No," now I'm really debating to turn down this date. I bet it's a place up his alley and something that I'm unable to do.
He led me to his car, opened the door… he's acting like a gentleman? This does scare me. Before I took my seat, I looked up at him, waiting for his answer. "The batting cages."... I knew it. Kagome will get a mouth full from me when we are both home this evening.
"Oh!" Rin, you have ten seconds to make the decision to turn down this date. You know you can't hit a ball for the life of you. You remember how he would throw many different balls at you, only to miss your face by seconds. Except for dodge balls. He would only throw them at you at the shoulder down.
Like a magnet I found myself sitting in his car and the door shutting beside me. Damn it Rin. You know better. He's basically a stranger to you. I cannot believe that I'm going on this date to the batting cages. Don't be full of yourself when hitting the balls, Rin! If you do, leave immediately! Walk home as fast as you can! And don't look back at all.
Sesshomaru took his own seat, buckled his seat up at the same time as me, and started up the car that had me jump at the roar of the engine. I didn't look his way, but from the corner of my eye, it looked as if he found that funny. I don't think it was funny at all. Because of him, and his past towards me, I get scared easily.
He pulled out onto the road when it was clear. Traffic this evening wasn't as busy as it should be on a Friday evening. Usually it would be.
Silence was heard, besides some passing cars that went around us. I'm surprised he's going the right speed limit. I thought he was the type that drove over it since he seems that type. So, is he being a safe driver while I'm in the car with him?
"Rin, are you okay with eating at The Great Burger in Shibuya City?" Kagome and I went there quite a lot when her mom would work late and wouldn't be home in time to cook dinner for us. But we would eat at the one right down the street from our apartment.
"That's fine." So, if he were to skip out on the check, at least I knew I could pay the bill… depending how much he orders then I'm screwed. I bet he'll try to walk away when we get to the batting cages and I'll be the one paying for that too.
We arrived at this large facility that looked to be partially an indoor and outdoor attraction. Most likely will be at the outdoor attraction. Since he planned for us to hit balls. I am so going to suck at this.
When he pulled into a parking spot, in the parking garage, "ready to go?"
Absolutely not, "yes."
Inside this massive building, there are so many attractions here that I lost count looking at the map on the directory that stood at the front of the building. Some were up my alley. This place is more of a mall in a way, except for the casual clothing stores, and that. "It's this way." He gestured his hand and led me towards the right.
Something tells me Sesshomaru has been here many times. Makes me wonder if he has brought other girls here for dates because there is no way in hell that I'm the first girl he's asked out on a date. Even though I don't know if he has had a dating history. Now I need to know. With his back a few feet ahead of me, I decided to send Kagome a quick text.
"What is Sesshomaru's last dating history?"
Kagome would know that answer since she goes over to his house all the time to hang with Inuyasha.
"Sesshomaru doesn't have one. Which is surprising because you would think a man of his uniqueness would have at least one or two girlfriends. But again, he could have had one girlfriend that I am not aware of. I'll ask Inuyasha and get back to you here in just a second."
"Thanks."
I know what Kagome means by his uniqueness. Sesshomaru is a dog demon, a daiyoukai. His long silver hair shined like a freshly made coin. In the past many centuries ago, his kind were the most feared. Crossing their path could result in your death if you did anything to upset them.
My phone buzzed when I saw Kagome had replied back.
"So, from what Inuyasha explained to me, he only ever dated one other girl, and her name is Kagura. She is a wind sorceress. A relationship that lasted a year when he was in ninth grade. But it ended when she was caught cheating with a spider demon named Naraku. He's from our rival school. So, when Sesshomaru ended it between them, she left our high school to attend Naraku's high school, and that was the last he spoke to her. Though the only time they ever run into each other is at games."
"Ah!"
"In a way, you can say that relationship changed him a lot, and made him the dog daiyoukai he is now, Rin. So, all I'm going to say is enjoy your evening with Sesshomaru, and to at least give him the chance that he deserves. I promise he'll be on his best behavior and treat you the way you should be treated. I'll put him in his place if he doesn't, haha."
I had to laugh in my head at that last sentence from Kagome. She would put anyone in their place if they were to treat me horribly. Kind of like how she will put her boyfriend, Inuyasha, who's a half-demon, in his place when he acts out.
"Okay, I'll give Sesshomaru a chance, Kagome. Just keep your fingers crossed for me and I'll update you on everything as the night goes on."
I'm so grateful that I really don't have a curfew, just like Kagome. As long as we keep auntie updated, we can stay out late, even on a school night if we want to go out. My goal is to be back by nine this evening. But I don't see that happening, not unless I tell him that. I'll see how the night plays out. Thank goodness for no homework for the weekend.
"Awesome, Rin. Yes! Please keep me updated on everything. I'll see you later tonight."
"See you later tonight."
When I put my phone away, I found us walking through another set of doors, and it brought us outside to a large area that held the batting cages. Not many people were here, thankfully. Sesshomaru led me to the section where the paying station was. Be prepared to pull out your wallet Rin.
"Good evening, ah! Sesshomaru, back again like always. Would you like your usual hour session?" A gentleman behind the counter asked. I was right. Sesshomaru was a regular customer here.
"Yes, and one extra will be joining me this evening," I watched as he pulled out his wallet, taking out a gold plastic card, and handed it to the human male behind the thick glass wall. Well so far, he seems to be paying for this date.
When his card was handed back, along with a receipt, Sesshomaru led me over where the helmets were. Oh! Great. I forgot about these. I'm totally going to have helmet hair after we get done playing.
Sesshomaru helped pick out a helmet that would fit my head, including a bat that I should be able to handle. He picked out ones that would be good for him and then led me over to the far end of the open area where there was hardly anyone. Is he doing this so that if I make a big full of myself, that it will be less embarrassing around him?
When we got behind the fence, "do you want to go first, Rin?" Hell no.
I shook my head no, "you can go first." Why of all places did we have to come here. There are easier things that I can do than this. For instance, go-karting. That would have been a lot more fun. I'm going to lie to him, "I'll see how you do it first, then I'll go after." I can't believe I just said that.
Sesshomaru looked at me confused, but didn't question it, and stepped up to take the first swing. I watched him get into I guess a standard position when you are up to bat, eyes focused on the machinery on the other side, waiting for a flying ball to come at him. I watched as he took a deep inhale, tightening his hands along the metal bat, releasing what he built up inside, and a baseball came flying out at rapid speed. Within seconds his arms swung, striking the ball back in the direction it came from, hitting the net, and falling to the ground.
My jaw nearly hit the floor. How in the hell does he expect me to be able to hit a ball like that? I know for sure that instead of me hitting the ball, it will hit me, leaving a bruise for sure. Now I really don't want to hit a ball.
I watched Sesshomaru go for about five minutes, when he stepped off the plate, turned to face me, "it's your turn."
Shit! I really don't want to do this. This isn't up my alley. Kagome, I wish you had told him not to do this. You know better.
"Rin?" He brought me out of thought.
"Yes, sorry." I found myself walking up to take my turn now. Rin, stop! You don't have to do this. You can tell him no. I still kept walking up to the plate. Damn it! I found myself now standing in the same position, ready to miss the ball when it came flying at me. I'm already prepared to hear his laugh and smart remarks that will not make me cry no more, but more pissed off.
Feeling his eyes on me, I kept mine on whatever this so-called object that shoots baseballs, not caring what its actual name is, and watched as one ball came aiming towards me. Fear struck me that I jumped back, hearing it hit the metal fence, but no sound from him. Should I consider that a good sign or an omen?
I decided to try again. I got back into the same position, watched for another flying ball come towards me, and swung to only miss the ball this time trying. At least I tried and still not a negative remark from Sesshomaru. Is it true that he really has changed in those years?
When I looked back towards his way, he had a gentle smile, and that scared me. Should I trust Sesshomaru's smile? He gestured his head for me to try again. I guess I should since he went a few rounds.
I returned my focus on the same object, got back into the same position, and watched for the third time as another ball came hurling towards me. When I knew it was close enough, I swung to only slightly tap it and drop back a few feet. Well at least I hit for once.
"You did very well that time, Rin." Why did his comment send butterflies into my stomach?
I didn't look back, but all I could say was, "thanks." Just hearing his compliment made me want to try again. Standing in that one position again, I kept my focus, watched for another flying ball, swung, and actually hit it this time, but not as hard as Sesshomaru. You would think a person like myself, who hasn't swung a bat in years, would catch on very quickly.
"Much better," his soothing voice still brought butterflies to my gut.
I once again said, "thanks." I still didn't want to look his way.
We each took turns every few minutes till our time was up. "Rin, is there anything in particular that caught your interest here that you would like to do next?"
Sesshomaru asked me that when we walked back inside. "I'm not sure. I've never been here before. So, I am not sure what we could try next." I can't believe what I am saying right now. "I'll look at the directory when we go back inside."
There was another one that sat in front of the doors we came through. "Take your time to look."
"Okay," So, is he going to let me choose the next thing we do? I looked at the lit-up board, seeing all the attractions they offer. The one thing I thought we should have done was on the board. I pointed at it, "maybe go-karting?"
"Which one would you like to do?" He's going to let me choose! "There are several here," he pointed at the list.
It makes me wonder if he's done all of them. I looked back at the list and all of them intrigued me. How do I choose from all these amazing options? "Which one do you recommend?" He would know. Since he's been here before.
"Personally, I think this one here you will like the best. The track starts indoors, goes outside, and ends back inside after multiple runs." Sounds good.
"Sure." I can handle that one.
"I was also thinking we could do this attraction here afterward." I watched him point at something way different. Something that was really up my alley. "Kagome said you are into arcading." She's right.
"I am." I'm considered a master pro to many others at the smaller arcades near my apartment. Here they wouldn't know who I was.
"Would you like to make it a challenge, Rin?" Huh?
"What?" I was totally confused about what he meant by challenge. I finally looked up at him. His face was several inches from mine that I gulped. My heart was beating a million miles a minute. I was finally noticing his facial features. Very handsome facial features in fact. Striking jaw line, skin as white as snow, facial markings I don't remember ever seeing of a moon and triangle, eyes… honey eyes that you would want to swim in. Not the sticky type. The type that was loose and warm that would be easy to move around in. How can a demon like himself want to ask me on a fun date like this. Do humans pique his interests? Do I pique his interest? Or is it to make up for the stuff that he pulled on me as an apology?
"I was seeing if we could make it a challenge. The one who racks up the most points chooses what we do next!" I get it now. "Do we have a deal, Rin?" His clawed handheld out my way.
It feels like a bet. The type of bets my friends and I do to each other all the time. Kagome is the only one that knows I do this with my closest friends. So, did she tell him?
I hesitated to wonder if I should take this deal he placed before me. I already know that I won't win against him, even though I can outdo most of my friends, though some games I do find hard. Before I agreed, I looked back at the directory to see that this place is sponsored by the same place I have a game card with. I already had money on my card, but I have to remember the points I have built up prior. I took out my phone, went to my app to find that I had exactly twenty thousand points. At least it will be easy to remember that exact amount.
Once I put my phone away, still hesitant I moved my hand into his, "deal." I should also tell him, "I already have an arcade card for this particular arcade."
I watched him smirk, "Kagome already informed me on that." I watched him pull out a card like the one I have, "First one to reach the most points in one hour chooses what we do next!" One hour to rack up the most points!
"Are we going to play the same games?" I have a feeling we would have to, so we know we aren't cheating.
"Yes. Though I won't go easy on you!" I didn't expect him to. Even with his past with me. "First we will do the go-kart, then our challenge."
I already see him beating me at go-karting, not unless it's not the racing one, and just the normal fun one. I hope it's a fun one. "What will we do if you win the challenge, Sesshomaru?" I hope he tells me.
The corner of his mouth turned into a smirk. That really scares me. "Follow me." Crap! What is he leading me to?
Through the huge crowd that was here this evening, Sesshomaru led me to the opposite end of the massive building to what looked like a typical outdoor playground you would find at any park. Almost like the one in my neighborhood. "A playground?" I raised an eyebrow. "Did you forget how old we both are?" I'm too old for this type of stuff.
"Rin," I looked up at his almost six-foot stature, "if I win, I will be sending you flying into that colorful ball pit." I watched him point in a direction in the middle. There sat a huge mattress where one human girl was laid out of the blue plastic, while another person, a boy that looked taller than Sesshomaru, stood at the top pier ready to jump. In seconds this person, or I should say a silver fox demon, jumped on the opposite end, sending the female victim flying through the air, and into a pool of colorful balls.
My jaw hit the floor again. Did Kagome tell him to do this? This was something I've never done before, and I don't know how I feel about it. One, it's different. Two, it kind of scares me. Three, how does this classify as a deal if he wins? Isn't he going to ask if I have a fear of heights? Even though I don't actually.
"It's safe and unharmful and I told Kagome I will bring you back in one piece and not a hair out of place."... Um… correction. A hair will be out of place. You sending me flying into a mass ball pit will surely make my hair a rat's nest. Plus, I'm wearing a skirt that will expose something that doesn't need to be exposed to anyone, including him.
"Umm… I'm wearing a skirt… so… I don't know about that." I had to tell him.
His mouth remained in the same position. "So are other girls here our age as well."
I went back to looking, knowing I shouldn't, and did see girls that were close in our age group wearing skirts shorter than mine, being sent flying, but not exposing their underwear. So, will I be okay then? "What if I win?" I went back to looking at him.
"Well, you get to choose what I can do. I'll also let you pick a prize from the prize wall and the points don't matter. Plus, you still get to pick what we will do next on our date." How many points does he have? Plus, what would I have him do? "Do you have an idea what I'll be doing if I lose?" Also, I wouldn't know what we would do next.
"I'll have to think about it. When I do, I'll let you know." If anything, something that's not here.
"Take your time to think. If it's something that is not here, we'll go where you want to go." I seriously don't know what I'll have him do.
"Okay," I faked a smile at him that I know that he can see right through.
"Let's go go-karting, then the fun stuff afterward."
.
.
.
.
The go-karts were what I expected; typical go-arounds that didn't put you in certain places against others. There were a few times it seemed like Sesshomaru and I were racing against each other. I would catch him smirking, slowing his pace down, and allow me to go on ahead for like a minute or two and then go past me until our time was up.
When we parked, Sesshomaru was out of his car before me, and was at my side in seconds holding his hand out for mine. It took me a few seconds to realize he was helping me out. Will he sike me by pulling his hand back like kids did back in the day? Or is he actually helping me out? I hesitated for a moment, reached my hand out, placed it within his, felt his own hand tighten, and helped pull me out at a slow pace. Never would I have imagined him doing this.
When I was fully out, Sesshomaru's hand still remained in mine, and it seemed like he didn't want to let go. With a head nudge, he led me back to where our battle to win a certain number of points would take place. But, I already see him winning the most.
We walked by the prize wall, and I saw the prize that I've been eyeing for over a year. A big fat pink plush pig. It was worth fifty thousand points, not enough for me to win this evening, not unless I can rack up the most points within the hour, and hopefully it will put me closer to my goal, but unless Sesshomaru wants something from the prize wall, then I'll have to use my points. I hope he doesn't want something from the prize wall.
"Do you see a prize that you want if you win?" I had a feeling he saw me looking. I guess I should tell him.
"The pink plush pig. I've actually been saving up for it for a long time." It reminds me of the one I lost in the apartment fire. I don't want to over think, or I'll make myself cry.
"How long have you been saving up for?"
"Over a year. I'm still thirty thousand points away." Please don't make me use up my points.
"Just so you know, I won't ask you to use your points on me, Rin. That's up to you." Good!
We made it to the first arcade machine; skee-ball. Pretty easy. The biggest number of points I gained on this was about fifteen hundred. So, I wonder if I'll have a better advantage than him?
"Ready?" We both swiped our card at the same time, releasing the several balls it allowed. I looked up towards him, waiting for his response.
"Ready," and we both took our balls and rolled them along the machine, sending them flying into each a five-hundred-point score. "Wouldn't it be ironic if our scores tied together within an hour?"
Never thought of that. "What will be our winning prize then?" Clearly, we both are not using our heads.
We both rolled again, and I managed for the first time to score a one thousand. Sesshomaru scored a one thousand too. "Well, I'll win you the pig plush that you've been wanting, and you can choose my winning prize." I still don't know what that prize will be. Wait what did he say?
I held onto the third ball, looked towards him, "are you sure? I don't mind waiting to save up my own points to get the pig plush."
"Yes!" He's acting more like a guy who wins big prizes for their girlfriend at the fair, which I am not to him. Nor do I want to be. "I will not take no for an answer, Rin."
Looking at Sesshomaru, I could see that he was serious. "Okay," I still don't mind waiting, but I'll allow him to get me the last pig if I win. "Is there a certain prize you are going to want if you win?"
"That's up to you. But I don't need a prize along the wall. It can be anything you think that I deserve." Anything?...
"Maybe… I will let you pick what we have for dessert, and I'll buy it." Seems fair to me.
Sesshomaru was getting to roll his next roll when what I said caught him off guard. "Rin, did you forget this is a date, and it's the guy's responsibility to pay for everything!"
So, is he really paying for everything tonight! No! I'm sticking by what we agreed upon just now. "I know, but like you said, it can be any prize, so I'll let you pick our dessert for tonight, and I'll buy it." I rolled myself and scored another one thousand. "We did have a deal."
I looked at him again, "you are correct." I watched him roll again and only got five hundred this time. That puts me ahead of him by five hundred. "Okay, if I will, I'll let you buy dessert."
"Thanks," I found myself smiling at him, which felt calming. Which also scared me.
We went back to shooting balls till we both were out and I won the first challenge. "I'll be sure to beat you at the next game, Rin!"
"Will see to that," I stuck my tongue out at him. "Which game is next?"
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By the time our time started, it came to an end, and it was time to tally up our points. "Let's go take a seat and see what we each earned."
"Okay." It's hard to tell who won after I lost count after the seventh game. We managed to play about twenty games total. Taking a seat at an empty table, I pulled out my phone, and opened up the app to see my total score. I was in shock when the points showed fifty thousand. "I managed to get thirty thousand total. How about you?" I have a feeling he got more.
I watched him smirk, that told me he won. "I managed to get… twenty nine thousand. So, that means you win, Rin."
"What!" He has to be joking. There is no way in hell that I won.
"Look here," Sesshomaru showed me his score, and holy hell. He has over one hundred and fifty thousand points.
"How long have you been playing to build up that many points?" I was curious. Since he's in high school, how does he find time to come out here and play? You would think him being a star baseball player at school, his main focus would be that, and his school academics.
"Since ninth grade." Four years! "I can see in your coffee eyes and they question how I found that amount of time to gain those points. Well, after every baseball game, and after my school lessons, I've come out here just to kill some time when I want to be alone."
"Oh!" If that were me, I would be dead tired, and ready for bed once I got home.
"Yeah," when we arrived at the prize wall, "that pink pig plush, please," Sesshomaru informed the worker behind the counter. When he was given the total of fifty thousand points it cost, his gaming card was scanned, and his points deducted. When the pig was handed to him, Sesshomaru turned to me, holding out the toy I've been wanting for so long, "here, Rin."
Forgetting about his past towards me, I smiled as big as I could, "thank you," and gently took the pig from him. It was soft to the touch and very cuddly. I'll always cherish this toy. "It's so soft."
"So, where to next?" That's right! I won the challenge and got to choose next on what we can do.
"I'm not sure. I'm going to be completely honest with you, Sesshomaru. I've never been on a date before, and don't know much about what people do on dates." I really didn't.
"Never?" I shook my head no. I always thought I wasn't pretty enough to be asked out on a date and that guys found me ugly. "So, I'm the first one to ever ask you out?" Sesshomaru's lips stayed in that same smile like he was happy to hear that he was the first one to ask me out.
"Yes," which is the truth. How badly I want to ask why he chose me out of all the girls that attend our high school on a date. "So."
"So?" His facial expression remained the same. "Where to?" We started to head back up front.
I was starting to feel hungry. "Maybe eat dinner?"
"We can." Before I realized it, I found his hand connected with mine. Something that I still am not used to. "Let's head out before the streets get too busy."
"Sure." As we left, it felt like we were being watched by multiple people. I looked back to see no one and thought nothing of it. It was probably someone who knows Sesshomaru and went about their evening.
Right now I need to think of what his losing task will be. I seriously don't know what I'll have him do. Sesshomaru is good at everything that would seem like nothing to him. Maybe? No. That wouldn't seem right. If he had just gotten eleven hundred more points, right about now he would be sending me flying through the air into a ball pit.
"I'll give you my answer to what you have to do since you lost at our game." I'll think of it during our dinner.
"Take that time. Nothing scares me." I had a feeling about that. "Do you have any fears, Rin?" Do I lie?
"No. Nothing really scares me either." There are a few things that scare me; fires, closed tight spaces, the dark, any type of bugs, and a few other things. To change the subject, "do you know what you'll be having at the restaurant?" I already knew what I was getting.
"I usually get the teriyaki egg burger. You?" He eats the same thing as me!
"The same." It's so good. I've tried to make my own at home, but it doesn't compare to what you get at the restaurant. "Do you get anything else when you eat there?" Why do I feel this calm having a conversation with Sesshomaru?
"A cobb salad. Kagome told me you like to eat the double berry mesclun greens salad."
"I do." Kagome, what else did you tell him about me? "Did my cousin say anything else?"
"Not too much. She did say you both like to walk off your meal and go to a local park." She's right. The exact park was the same location where my old apartment rested at one point. It was dedicated to those who lost their lives that day.
"We do." Will we walk off our meal after dinner? Or does he have other plans this evening? "We usually go to the one by the apartment."
"Would you like to walk off our meal afterwards?" Where would we walk to since we are on this side of the city?
"I don't mind." I wouldn't mind at all. The evening would be perfect. No clouds in the sky. Just a calm evening. "Where would we walk to?"
"Will see when that time comes." When we arrived back at his car, he did the same thing as earlier, and opened the car door for me.
"Thank you," and I sat in the passenger seat, taking the seatbelt with me, and holding the pig in my lap. When Sesshomaru shut the door, and walked around, I sent Kagome a text message that the date was going well, that I beat him in our arcade game, and he won me the pig plush I wanted for so long. I also told her that we are going to have dinner here soon. I just didn't tell her about what Sesshomaru has to do since he lost at our bet. I kind of know what I want Sesshomaru to do since he lost, but I want to ask him in a proper way. Maybe when we go on our walk afterward.
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We arrived at the restaurant a short while later and found it the typical busy it would be around this time. The room was filled with mostly teenagers enjoying their night out with friends and to start off their weekend. I recognized some of the people here. Most I knew were from the popular group of his friends. The same ones that were shocked when he asked me out earlier today. The looks on their faces that they carried now were mixed reactions. It seems like they thought I wouldn't have really gone on this date and chickened out. Well, I didn't. I was out with him and I was enjoying myself.
We were taken back to a table that was a two seater booth near where the other kids from school sat too. Sesshomaru didn't bat an eye to any of them and kept his focus on me when we took our seats. I kept my focus on him too, but my ears were picking up what the others were whispering to their group of friends. They couldn't believe I was still out on this date with him.
"Rin, are you still going to get what you spoke of earlier still?" I sure am.
"Yes," I'm sure he is too.
"So, while we wait to place our order, what are your goals when you graduate high school in a few years? Do you plan to attend university?" I'm going to lie in a way.
"I do plan to join a local university. I'm just narrowing down what goal I want to set as a future career. You?" I don't want to mention that I want to be a famous makeup artist.
"I do in fact have set a goal to study and work in the film industry." That surprised me. He doesn't seem like the type that would choose that kind of career.
Wait! What does he mean by the film industry? "Where in the film industry are you seeking to work in?"
"I want to work as a film editor, then eventually work my way to become a director." Oh! "So, what goal is that you are seeking for a future career?"
Do I tell him? Just as I was about to answer, our waiter finally appeared. "Good evening to the two of you, I am your server, Kenzo. What may I start you off with to drink?" I recognize this young boy. He's a junior at our high school.
I looked towards Sesshomaru as he gestured for me to go first. "Water," that's all I really needed. I also gave him my food order of the teriyaki egg burger that I wanted well done and double berry mesclun greens salad.
"And you sir?"
"Water as well and I'll do the same burger but with a cobb salad."
"Excellent choice, and I'm going to guess you'll want the very rare burger and not well done?" I don't think I want to see the blood on that.
"Just medium well done." That sounds better than the other.
"Okay, I will have that out shortly and I'll be back with your drinks."
Sesshomaru returned his gaze to me, "so, what goal are you seeking for a future career again?"
"A teacher," I lied. I wasn't ready to tell anyone my real career goal.
"Which grade?" Lie again, Rin.
"Elementary school kids."
"You seem like the type who would teach school kids," I saw him smirk in a good way. Would he show that same expression if he knew my real career goal choice?
"Yeah." … "So, do you plan to attend a local university?"
"Yes, I already have many offers with the scholarship that I have with my many years of baseball that want me to be a part of their school team." That's interesting. I know I have not done anything to earn one myself and that's okay. "What about you? Are you planning to attend a local university when that day comes? Or do you plan somewhere outside the city?"
"I plan to attend locally. It would be easier than traveling to another town." Which isn't a lie.
Our waiter brought our waters within a few minutes after we ordered and left us to our conversation. I took a much needed sip as I was thirsty. "So, have you planned anything for summer break?"
I have a lot of things planned. For one, Kagome and I plan to visit the beach the day after we are let out of school for summer break. Then a week or two later, I'll be attending with friends to the latest anime convention that will be held at the dome. Plus more, "I have some things planned. I'm guessing the same for you?"
"Yes, many things planned." He took a sip of water, "a lot of hiking in the mountains, a beach trip, baseball games, plus lots of exploring. What are your plans?"
"I plan to visit the beach too with my family. Probably visit the arcade and whatever else I can do." I'm not going to mention going to the anime convention. I don't want others to hear as well.
"Anything else?"
"Maybe shopping trips with Kagome," not a lie. We already planned to go shopping for swimsuits in the coming weeks. Now it's my turn to ask a question. "What beach do you plan to visit?"
"Not sure. My father and step-mother are the ones who plan that." Kind of the same for me. There is plenty to go and visit. "I guess the same for you?"
"Yeah…" I took a much needed sip of my water.
We talked about other things before and after our meal was finished and got another refill of water, when Sesshomaru asked for the bill. With every question he asked me, I replied back with an answer, and he had this genuine smile I wasn't used to.
After Sesshomaru got the bill paid and we stayed where we sat, I watched as he drifted his eyes off of me and change to something or someone else coming up behind me. Is there someone or something coming our way that he doesn't approve or like?
"Well, well. What a surprise to see you here of all places, Sesshomaru!" An unfamiliar voice came from behind me and I turned to see a girl that looked to be a demon that I did not recognize when I looked up at her. Her hair was jet black held in a tight bun on top of her head and eyes a bloody red. Her clothes didn't coordinate well. It was too mixy-matchy. Who is she, I wonder? "And with a human girl! How quaint. Didn't think you would stoop that low, Sesshomaru. But it seems to run in your family to be with humans." She stopped in front of our table that we sat at.
"Kagura, you have no room to speak that way." Is this his ex-girlfriend? The same one who cheated on him with another demon? "Who I hang out with is none of your business no matter if they are human or demon."
"Oh! Are you still jealous that I found someone much better than you? Haha, I thought you would have been over that by now since that was what… back in ninth grade." I watched as she pulled a small white fan out of her pocket, opened it, and fanned herself down.
"Jealous?" I turned to see Sesshomaru with a smirk on his face. "I was never jealous after what you did with that spider demon you left me for. Honestly, it was the best thing as you showed your true colors during that time. Colors that I needed to look out for. Colors that I can depict which are right and which are wrong. Yours… your color I say describes you is red. Red is vulgar and should not be trusted."
"How ironic as you shouldn't be trusted either! Am I right, Naraku?" We both watched her turn her head to see, to me, a much scarier demon coming our way. His black curly hair fell down his back and ended at his waist. His eyes were the same blood red. His clothes looked as if he pulled them from a dirty hamper as they had so many wrinkles. He stood close to six to seven inches taller than the female demon next to him.
"Precisely, Kagura," he wrapped his arms around her waist. What are they talking about? Though Sesshomaru hasn't come out and apologized for his past towards me, there is no way they know about him as I am meeting these two for the very first time. "Sesshomaru, I watch what you say or I'll say something about you that I know this small human girl wouldn't like to hear."
"What are you going on about? I have nothing to hide from Rin?"
"Really? That's not what I've heard." What is he going on about? What is there that I don't know about him? "Sesshomaru, there is a rumor going around school about you."
"What are you talking about?" I agree, what is he talking about? "You don't even go to our high school!"
"So, word spreads fast in our city. Do I say Kagura?"
"Oh, do tell, Naraku. I think everyone should hear what you have to say!" Her right hand gripped his forearm. The whole room went silent. Even the staff stopped to see what had to be said. Staff that were holding trays of food and water that had to be waiting to be delivered.
"Word is that you were paid by your friends from the baseball team and dared to take this human girl out as a bet that you graciously accepted!" I felt the blood in my face drain.
"What! That's a damn lie!" I felt a hard slam against the table we sat at but all the happy emotions I felt that evening had left. Old and new emotions were felt. Even the blood within my face even drained. "Rin, don't believe a word what he said. You don't even know him!"
I couldn't hold back these emotions that were burning in my heart. I knew I wouldn't release my tears here. But a new emotion would. With the glass of water in my hand I chucked it into his face, "screw you," grabbed my bag, and ran out the doors. I made a sharp right turn down the street. I didn't care where I ran too. I needed to get away. Far away as possible as my legs can take me.
"I can't believe I fell for this date," it was too good to be true. Asking me out in a large crowd of students in order to get attention. Attention they are so used to seeing on a daily basis. "I hate him!" I hate myself for believing he changed. He's still the same as when we were kids.
When I looked up ahead, I saw that I was running towards an open area to my right. There was a sign up ahead that read city park. That's where I would release everything that had built up inside. No one was here. Thankfully. I slowed down to a walk and made my way over to the swings. This was my calm that I needed. I wasn't going to swing but swayed myself back and forth using my feet.
I took a seat in the middle, looked down at my lap, and held on to the chains with both hands. Today has to be the second worst day of my life. The first being losing my parents in the apartment fire. "I'm such an idiot. I can't believe I fell for such a trick." I know I'm the laughingstock of everyone at school. "I bet they're all laughing about me back at that diner."
I felt my phone buzzing within my bag. I know it wasn't going to be Sesshomaru since he doesn't have my number, not unless Kagome gave it to him, but it will most likely be her getting ahold of me. I took my bag off my back, took out my phone to see it was her calling me. Do I answer? "Hello?" I decided to answer.
"Rin! Where are you? Sesshomaru is looking for you! He told us what happened." So, she knows I was set up as a bet?
"I'm going to walk home, Kagome. This date was all a lie," I felt my tears building up. "I was nothing but a bet."
"Rin! Please tell me where you are!" I won't. "You were never a bet! Sesshomaru would never do such a thing," that's a lie. I was totally a bet. "Rin, why would you believe someone you have never met over someone who is very genuine?" … "Rin, please just tell me where you are! Sesshomaru is trying to find you and can't get a hold of your scent because it got mixed with your emotions."
"Sesshomaru can stop searching for me. I'm going to catch a cab here soon." At least I have the money for that. "What is there to believe? He's the same as he was when we were kids."
"Rin! You are on the other side of the city from our apartment. A part you have never been to. I would rather if you were brought home by Sesshomaru, but please let him talk to you. I truly believe he has feelings for you." Feelings? Why would a demon who did what he did have feelings for me? "Rin, I've told you earlier that he has changed!"
"I really want to be alone for a while. What really makes you think he's changed?" I thought earlier I saw the change, but that was nothing but a lie.
"Rin, Sesshomaru has talked to me in the past when I would go to his home to hang with Inuyasha and asked me all sorts of questions about you." Like what?
"What questions?" I want to know because then I might give her my location.
"Places you like to eat, places you like to hang out after school, you like reading, shopping, arcading, and many other things. I even told him how wonderful you are at doing your own makeup and dressing up as characters from your favorite anime shows." That's probably why I was made into a bet once he told his group of friends what I love to do. He probably finds it funny that I like anime. "When I showed him a picture of you dressed up as one character he told me that you looked absolutely beautiful." I don't believe him.
"I am not beautiful." I have never been beautiful.
"Rin, you know that is not true. When you saw yourself, all dressed up this evening in the mirror, what did you think?" Why is she being this difficult?
"I saw someone who was nervous to go on a date with a past bully." I really should have turned down the date.
"What else?" … "Rin?"
"I don't know." I do, I did think I was pretty. But now I don't.
"Yes, you do. What else did you think about yourself?"
"I thought I looked pretty," I finally let out.
"Good! Now, please tell me where you are because I don't want to come to that part of the city to look for you too. You know I will if you don't tell me your location and I will drag you to Sesshomaru so he can talk to you!"
… I huffed; I know I won't win this argument. "I'm at the nearby park along the swings." I heard Kagome talk to Inuyasha. I'm guessing he's on the phone with his Sesshomaru to give him my location. "He's heading your way now. Please stay where you are. You and I can talk when we both get home later. Just let Sesshomaru talk to you and explain everything. It will all come to light once he explains that you were never a bet."
All I could say was, "okay."
"Alright, I'll see you here soon," and then the line went dead.
I put my phone back into my bag, placed it back onto my back, and went back to holding onto the chains of the swing. As I sat here waiting, I rocked myself back and forth, deciding if I should just leave again. Then again, I didn't want to have to deal with Kagome calling me once more and to know of my new location. Then I'll have to deal with another conversation from her that I do not need.
As I was waiting, I could hear the sound of someone coming up behind me in the direction I came from earlier. The sound of the foot falls sounded like his. I don't even know why I know that. I heard him take a seat before me on the next available swing. "Can we talk about what happened?"
I still looked down, not daring to look his way, even though I know he is looking my way. "I guess."
"Rin, I never made a bet with the baseball team to take you on a date. I was never paid either. Asking you out was my decision because I wanted to. Yes, word spread around to other schools within the city about me asking you out, and others were shocked about the news. When the news got to Kagura and Naraku, they came up with that lie to try and ruin my reputation that I uphold to make me the bad guy, which I am not and never will be. Why would you believe them when you have never even met them to begin with?"
I think I should finally let it out. He needed to hear why I believed them. I turned to him finally with the different emotions that read all across my face. "Maybe it's because of the way you treated me when we were kids." Relief finally lifted off of my chest to finally tell him what he needed to hear.
When I continued to look his way, he could see that I was telling the truth. He averted his eyes away, looking down at the sand below our feet. That told me he remembers all those years ago. He does remember how he treated me back when we were younger. "I should have apologized for my actions all those years ago, Rin. I was going through a rough time a few years after my parents' divorce, my father remarrying, including having another kid with my stepmother, and I took my anger out on you, and I shouldn't have. It wasn't right, but back then I wasn't thinking of others but myself."
"Why did you do it then?" There has to be a reason. "Can you at least tell me why you made my life a living hell?"
"When I saw you that first day at school, my instincts kicked in, and I chose you to be the one to put my frustration on because I saw you with both of your parents holding hands all together with the biggest smile on your face. It was something I always wanted, though kids back then didn't want their parents walking them to school. I just wanted to be like you and everyone else who has their parents still together and not separated." Still doesn't make it right to make me a victim of your anger. Plus, I don't have my parents anymore.
"You're not the only one who has divorced parents." A few of my friends have parents that are divorced and they all turned out just fine. "I don't even have my parents in my life anymore." I know he has to remember those words he told me after their death.
"I know, but back then I wasn't thinking about others as well. I was only thinking of myself and what I can do to make myself happy." I heard him huff, "and treating you horribly after your parents' death is another thing, I'm not happy about myself either. If I had a way to turn back time and change how I treated you and the words that I said, I would." He finally looked back my way with a look of regret and apologetic. "Rin, I'm truly sorry for my past towards you. I also hope that you do believe me when I tell you that I never took a bet from anyone I swear."
"I appreciate the apology, Sesshomaru." I was honestly happy to hear those words from him. "You really didn't place a bet on me?"
I watched him get up from the swing he sat in, walked up to me, held his claw hand out for mine, and I held back for a second and placed my hand within his and was brought up to my feet. I felt his other hand gently placed against my cheek. He lifted my chin for me to look up at him. This was something that I was not used to. "No, I didn't. This entire date was all planned by me, including some help from Kagome, and letting me know of things you like to do and eat at."
"She mentioned that earlier before you came and picked me up. She also said that you saw a photo of me?" Which picture did she show you?
"Many different ones. Why didn't you mention that you like makeup?" Because I'm embarrassed.
"I guess with our past I thought you would find it hilarious." I was wrong on that. "But I should also be completely honest with you too, Sesshomaru. I lied when I told you I want to be a schoolteacher. I actually want to be a makeup artist on movie sets."
"One, I would not find it hilarious that you have a passion for makeup. Two, I had a hunch that you didn't want to be a teacher. Why didn't you say it back at the diner?"
"I was embarrassed and also for others to hear too." I know there are others like me that have the same passion, but to me I felt like I was the only one with that future goal.
"Rin, you shouldn't be embarrassed about the goals you seek. You should feel happy that you found a passion that will put your name out in the world and be noticed by many who will seek for you to work for them. Who knows, I may be one of those who does." I felt my cheeks warm in his hand that I couldn't look his way. "You're blushing, Rin." He had a bit of cackle to his voice. "I should tell you; your true color is a remarkable one. Better than one I've seen with everyone I've been around."
I have a true color. When I looked back up at him, "what color is that?" What color does he see coming from me?
I felt his hand brush a few pieces of my hair behind my ear, "your true color is a light mauve. You have a very ambitious artistic aurora that shines brightly, Rin."
"Really?" Can he truly see that?
"Yes, I even remember seeing it that first day you started high school." I felt myself blushing again. "Even with these blushing cheeks of yours, it is making you shine more brightly than you can imagine."
Every word he says is making my cheeks flush. Flush of happiness to hear that I have a unique color vibing off of me. A color that I find pretty. "Thank you," I found myself calmly smiling his way.
"Anytime," a cool gentle breeze blew around that had me shiver. "Here," I watched Sesshomaru remove a jacket that I did not see him have on him, bring it around my back, and I slipped my arms through.
"Thank you," he is genuine like Kagome said.
"Anytime," his smile still remained the same. "I should probably get you home before Kagome decides to come and hunt you down, including me."
"Yeah," I don't know what the time is, but I know it's getting kind of late out. Later than I planned to be home.
It took about the same amount of time to get back to the apartment when we went to the other part of the city. Sesshomaru pulled up along the curve and put the car into park. "I hope you did enjoy this evening even though some things didn't go as planned."
"I did and thank you again." Though part of me believes things will go back to the way things were on Monday morning at school. I unbuckled myself, removed the jacket he let me use for the ride, and put my hand on the handle ready to open the door. Will things go back to the way they were?
"Rin?"
"Yes?" When I looked up to him, his face was inches from mine. I felt myself freeze in place and my heart in my stomach.
"Don't forget you still have to pick out what I have to do since I lost at the arcade earlier." I still have to think… "Did you think about it?" I could see the look on his face that I did. Would he do it?
"Umm… no, it's embarrassing." I don't think he would even like it. I have to think of something else.
"Rin, what were you thinking I should do?" Do I tell him?
"Umm… that you have to come to one anime convention that I plan to attend and dress up as one of the characters from my favorite anime." I cannot believe I told him.
"Kagome spoke about that. She said it's something you've done for a while." Just a year or two. "If that's what you want me to do, I'll gratefully accept."
"Really? I can think of something else!" I should have said you had to kiss me, but I'm nowhere ready for my first kiss. Plus, that would have been a stupid thing for him to do at losing at our bet.
Sesshomaru raised his hand to stop me from going on. "I'll accept it. Just let me know when that said date is."
Sesshomaru really would go with me! "It will be during summer break. Like a week or two after it starts."
"Okay." When I looked at the dashboard, I noticed the time was getting late. "I should head inside." I know Kagome has to be back by now and waiting for me to come through the doors.
"Rin, before you leave…"
"Yes?" I had just opened the door when he said those few words.
I turned around to see he was holding my pig that I forgot that I put in the backseat. "I don't think you would want to forget this!"
"Oh!" How could I possibly almost forget I won this. "Thanks," he handed it to me.
"Anytime." Why does it seem like he's not ready for this to end? "May I walk you up?"
"You may," I have a feeling why he's doing this. Am I ready for my first kiss? Is he going to? There is only one way to know for sure.
I think he was delighted to walk me up when we both exited his vehicle. Though there was a cool breeze, I didn't need a jacket because we were only a few feet away from the front doors. When we walked beside each other, our hands connected like they belonged. Fingers interlocked and a tight hold that didn't want to be broken apart. They felt like a strong magnet that even the strongest person in the world could break apart.
"Maybe next week we can do this again?" That sent a tingle of joy through me.
When we walked through the doors of my building, I looked up at him, smiled, "I would love that." I actually did.
"Good," his hand squeezed mine and I knew he was happy that we would hang out next Friday.
We kept our hands connected till we reached the doors of my apartment. "Thank you again, Sesshomaru."
"Anytime," his hand left mine, but found my cheek. I found myself overlapping my hand along his. "Rin?"
"Yes?" Is he going to ask if it's okay to kiss me?
"Have you ever been kissed?" I knew it! I shook my head no. I watched him smirk. I think he was happy to know that he'll be my first ever kiss. "May I kiss you?"
Is it too soon since it is the first date? Not wanting to have him wait, "you may." I hope I don't become a bad kisser.
"Okay," he whispered that word so softly.
We exchanged an expression of joy and slowly found ourselves leaning towards each other. An arm wrapped my lower back, pulling me closer to him. My hand left his and wrapped around his neck. Lips inches from touching. Our eyes closed and before I knew it the skin of his lips met mine.
.
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.
.
"Mom, is that really how everything happened?" My oldest son, who is only five years old, laid in his big boy bed, holding the pig I won all those years ago, looked up at me as I was trying to finish the bedtime story he asked for.
"Yes, and a week later he asked me to be his girlfriend and then for me to be his wife after I had graduated university." It was long after we got married that I became pregnant with our little Keitaro and four years later with our daughter Noa. She was asleep in her crib in her own room.
"Did you ever see those mean demons again?"
"I did, but I completely ignored them, and they left us alone when they realized their words weren't affecting me anymore." Last I heard of them they were in the midst of a nasty divorce because of infidelity.
Since the day we got married, we both found jobs at a local studio for the careers we both seeked. Sesshomaru just directed his very first movie and tonight was the big movie premiere.
Behind me came a soft knock along the door, "Rin?"
I looked behind me to find the man I married and call my husband. I smiled his way, "Sesshomaru, is our ride here?"
"Yes, are you ready?"
"I am." I returned to our son, gave him a big smile, "time for bed, Keitaro."
"Can I come?" Not this time.
"Not tonight baby. It's a school night." I kissed his little forehead, "we'll see you in the morning."
"Keitaro, I promise you can go when you get older. But right now it's time for bed," Sesshomaru came over and patted his forehead. "Like your mother said, it's a school night."
Tomorrow was Friday and we had plans to spend time all together after school. "Okay," he yawned, curdled up with his pig, closed his little eyes, and slowly fell asleep.
Quietly getting up from the bed, we both walked out his room, and closed the door to where it made no sound. "We should take him to the arcade tomorrow night."
Since that night we continued going even after we became a family. "Should we take him go-karting?"
"I think he would love that, but I won't be able to join this time." There's a reason why, "Sesshomaru, we're going to become a family of five."
I looked up to him, so handsome he was. "I guess we will need to find ourselves a bigger house." Indeed. We want our kids to each have a room to themselves.
"Yes, but for now tonight is about you and the success of directing your first movie," I fixed his tie that he wore. We both were dressed our best for tonight. I was in an elegant dress that touched the door and Sesshomaru was dressed in a stunning suit.
"What would I do without you!" I had to laugh lightly.
"Probably search high and low for me. Shall we head out?"
Sesshomaru smiled, but didn't respond. He gently lowered my back just like you would see in an old black and white movie and pressed his lips to mine.
Finally! I have been working on this story for so many months and it is finally complete.
I hope that you all enjoyed it as much as I did. This is my late birthday gift to you all. Yeah… I'm old and just turned 35.
Please let me know what you think :).
