Repairs by Jin

A Better Tomorrow

I couldn’t stop thinking about what Sesshomaru had said to me. That I needed to let go of his brother. So he had been paying attention last night. Was he planning to tell Inuyasha? Or was he going to blackmail me with that information? No. None of those things sounded like things Sesshomaru would do. Then again, I didn't know Sesshomaru well enough to say that. Why would he tell me to let him go anyway? It's not like he cared or anything. Did he think that I wasn't good enough for his brother? Or did I look pathetic and he couldn't stand seeing me act like that? I looked over at the clock. I would have to leave for school soon. That meant I would have to see Inuyasha and his girlfriend. I hated how bitter I sounded, but I couldn't help myself. I groaned rolling out of bed. I grabbed my bag and headed out the door. Hopefully, this will be a good day. I managed to perk myself up. So long as I had coffee and some good music. Nothing could get in my way. Or so I thought. I pulled into the parking lot and saw them there. They were pressed up against Inuyasha's car, kissing each other. Right next to my parking lot. That wasn’t what I wanted to see first thing in the morning. I parked my car and got out.

"Morning," I mumbled while walking by them.

How long could I keep this up? 

I rushed to class not waiting to hear if they said anything back. I had to make it to this class. The new professor was starting today and I couldn't make a bad first impression. I heard he had taught a few courses before. As well as how tough they were. I had barely made it. I quickly went to the front, putting the paper he had assigned. I had never met a professor who assigned an essay; especially before meeting the class.

Just who was this tight ass?

 Of course, I did it, I wasn't taking any chances. I sat down and tied my hair up. I was ready to take whatever this professor threw at me. I’d heard that he was very strict and that this course was difficult, but I needed it to graduate. So, I had to stomach it. I set out my books and laptop like the good little student I was. I could hear the chalk on the board. I looked up and my shoulders sank and my mouth fell open.

"Sesshomaru?"

"It is Mr. Taisho, Ms. Higurashi." he corrected quietly.

I snapped my mouth shut. "Yes, sir," I said quietly

I paid attention and took notes. Sesshomaru would glance over at me now and then. He must have known that I was going to be in this class. He's seen the roster I'm sure of it. Why didn’t he say anything? Eventually, the bell rang. I started packing up my things, but he stopped me.

"Ms. Higurashi."

"Yes, Sess- sir."

"Stay for a while. There are a few things I wish to speak to you about."

I nodded. I didn't mind. This was my last class of the semester. It wasn't like I had somewhere else to be. Honesty, I was curious as to what he wanted to talk about.  He stood by the table, while we waited for everyone to clear out. Eventually, we were the last two left.

"What did you want to say to me, sir?"

"You applied for the TA position."

“Yes, I did. That was before I realized you would be the professor.”

“Does my being your professor bother you?”

I shook my head. 

“No,” I said quickly. “I was just surprised. That’s all.”

“Hn.”

“Wait, did I get the job?” I asked, perking up.

"You were the only one who applied."

I bit the inside of my cheek. I was trying my hardest not to smile.

“Does that mean I got it?”

"We can start you on a trial basis. To see if you fit the position. If you prove to be good at your job. Then I will keep you on for the rest of the semester."

I tried to hide my excitement. "Okay great. When do I start?"

"Sometime next week. I will let you know the specific day, and then we can set up your schedule. However, I do have some questions."

I smiled. "Sure, ask whatever you'd like."

"Why do you need this position?"

“Well If I’m being honest. I need the money. It would make the most sense to work here, than anywhere else. It would be a lot easier too. Working off campus means having to drive somewhere else. Meaning I’ll have to spend money on gas. Money that I do not have right now.”

He pulled up a chair and sat down.

 "My father offered to pay for your college, no?"

"Of course he did, but I don't want his hand out. I’ve said no multiple times. Even though it makes me feel bad, he still offers to help. You know how your father is. Besides I've made it on my own this far. I'm capable of working hard to take care of myself. This is the only class I have left. I've almost cleared my balance. Once I do that, I'll be finished."

"Hn, and Inuyasha?"

I tensed up, and I’m sure he noticed. 

"What about Inuyasha?"

"Is he going to affect your job in any way?"

"No. I don't see how he would."

"Will you abandon your work when he calls for you?"

"Abandon my work? Why would I do that?"

"Because you have feelings for him. From what I have seen and heard. When he calls you often come running."

Just what has he seen and heard?

“I understand that you may be my professor. That doesn’t excuse you from being offensive.”

"I need to know I can count on you to do your part, Ms. Higurashi. I will not hire someone who is inadequate."

"You can count on me. I am more than adequate for this position. I promise. I am not at his beck and call. This is work. It is important. He is not."

I could see him searching my face. What was he looking for?

"Good. Be here early tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? I thought you said I would start next week."

"I have changed my mind."

"There isn't even any school tomorrow."

"That does not mean there is no work to be done," he said walking away.