A/N: The title means: "Do you mind if I fall in love with you?"

I do not own anything except the plotline and my eternal love affair with Sesshoumaru.

/ / / /

1 April Friday

RIN

"He what? I am so sorry Saori-san. Where are you now? Please let me come and –" the line was cut unceremoniously on the other end. Putting down her own phone, Rin sighed; forehead resting on her desk in surrender.

"Let me guess. Your Triple H case? Man that guy goes through women like water!"

Rin looked up to the sympathetic face of her boss and scrunched her face. Initially Oshiro Sesshoumaru was labelled as the Handsome Heir of Oshiro Corporation, the largest architectural conglomerate in East Asia.

But after her first meeting with him, Rin could not think of him as anything else but a Hardheaded Haughty Highbrow. Everyone in her office had waved off her harsh description of him at first but after he rejected ten women in the first month, they were all now on board with his less than appealing nickname.

"Kohaku-san, why did you ever assign him to me?" she groaned. "You know my specialty is for single unmarried women…" When he rolled her eyes at her, Rin threw the pillow she had been clutching with a vengeance.

"Hey hey! Who was the one who said she wanted more challenge? As I recall, you accepted the Top Nakado of the Year award last year and promised to boost our success rates by 70%!"

The toothy-grinned photo of herself clutching the certificate stared back at her from the frame on her desk. "I take it back! You guys made me drink too much afterwards! I would never have promised to any such thing!"

A pile of files were slammed unceremoniously on her desk in response to the accusation. Looking up at the laughing face of her previous supervisor, Rin couldn't help but break out into a smile herself. "Sango-san! If it isn't the devil who doctored the confession!"

The female superior merely shrugged. "You've done all you could for our department Rin-chan. Now it's time to tackle something else. Men always find it harder to find local matches don't you agree?" Rin nodded at the sad reality. Despite the fact that women clients outweighed men at three to one; the rate of success for women was nearly double that of their male clients.

Straightening her back, Rin bobbed her head to the sibling pair and politely excused herself.

She had a call to make.

/ / / /

SESSHOUMARU

As expected, his phone rang within ten minutes of his lackluster date's exit. Picking up the call, he placed the receiver slightly away from his ear in anticipation of the nagging screams on the other end of the line.

"Where are you now? I can't believe you sent her away without even feeding her!" From her breathless voice, Sesshoumaru figured that she had to be running to catch the train.

"I'm at the usual restaurant –the same one I take all the rest," he answered lazily, swirling the wine in his glass. "But I'm bored. So if you're not here in the next ten minutes, I'm leaving. This date had been the worst." Sesshoumaru didn't even wait for her response but pressed the end call button immediately.

There was no way she could make it from her office in Shinjuku to Shibuya in ten minutes even with the multitude of metro lines connecting the two hubs. And with a cab, that was even less probable – especially not at this hour.

Still, as promised, he counted down the six hundred seconds before raising his hand and signaling for the waiter. Sesshoumaru was prepared to pay the bill when he saw the note written on his receipt.

"What is the meaning of this?"

The young waiter who served him nearly fell back with fear in his eyes. "Ano… apologies Oshiro-sama, this is your bill as requested…"

"I know what it is you fool. I'm talking about the scribbles!" He jabbed a finger at the bottom of the bill. Only one person in his life would write in complete hiragana like this. "Forget it. Cancel the bill and bring me another bottle of the white!"

As the stammering waiter retreated, Sesshoumaru slammed his fists on the table. Damn that Nakamura Rin! Buying time with such underhanded methods was cheating! Which was why when she slipped into the chair opposite him half an hour later, Sesshoumaru was still seething but his perfectly schooled face betrayed none of that.

"Nakamura-san, how lovely of you to join me." Holding back the venom in his words had been difficult.

"Alright cut to the chase Oshiro-san. What's wrong with the last girl we selected?" His matchmaker – for a lack of another word – as usual was completely business-like, albeit naggy if he might add.

"It would be impolite of me to suggest a flaw in the lady," he started, choosing his words carefully. "However, there was a discrepancy between her profile we examined and the person who turned up."

The woman before him narrowed her eyes before digging out a file with his failed date's information fleshed out, resume-style. "Saori-san was educated overseas, rich and has a gentle disposition. Wasn't that what you wanted?"

His lips curled up at the annoyance in her voice. Sesshoumaru could tell how desperately she wanted to find the right match for him. Why though? Because it was her job? Or that she found satisfaction in happy endings?

Such a naïve thought.

The only reason he was going through this omiai was to please his father and no one else. Sesshoumaru knew from the start that his marriage was meant to be political; a strategic move to ensure his succession.

However, that didn't mean that he should not be selective when choosing a potential spouse.

Letting out a nonchalant sigh, Sesshoumaru leaned back. "I was hoping for a more stimulating conversation. If not, at least someone pleasing to the eye." His gaze dropped to her chest shamelessly. "If I may add, please suggest someone close to your cup-size the next round."

Her eyes had widened considerably; her lips twitching as though she was holding back an insult. He expected her to lash at him but her eyes simply darkened with determination as she took a full swig of her wine. "So you're saying that you want more brains, boobs and beauty?"

"Well, to put it crudely yes."

He saw her making a mental note – the way her eyes would look towards the ceiling was a sight he was getting used to.

"What are your thoughts on plastic surgery then? If I do indeed find a woman who fits all three criteria but –"

"No. I despise lies above everything else. If I wanted everything perfect, I would have gotten you to correct various… imperfections to please my eye. I am after all an architect. I crave symmetry." Sesshoumaru hid his smile behind his own wine glass at her flustered expression. Riling his matchmaker up like this had become a hobby of his these past three months that he wondered if he was turning into a sadist.

"Fine!" Her brows knitted and he could almost see her scribbling in that mental book of hers.

Lifting his wine glass in salute, he leaned forward and smiled. "Well, Nakado-san, what do you say? Think you can help me find a perfect match soon?"

/ / / /

RIN

Rin wished she could wipe that smirk off his face! After three months of chatting, reviewing and selecting, Oshiro Sesshoumaru was really at the end of the day a man who thought with his loins! Perhaps she should add another 'H' to his name. It wasn't unusual for male clients to ask for their match to have massive melons but to say this only after countless sessions was unreasonable!

He had given her close to zero criteria when they first started; adding one after the other only after he had gone on various failed dates with the women she picked out. So instead of telling her what he wanted, he had always told her what he didn't want.

Until today that was. And Rin knew exactly why.

That single call to Oshiro's President had no doubt played an important role. The man, dubbed as InuTaisho by his subordinates was by all means a strict no-nonsense head of the conglomerate. His word was law and both Rin and his son abided by it simply because they were cogs in his machine.

Failure to comply was not acceptable.

"Ne, Oshiro-san. I have a proposition for you. Will you hear me out?" Her voice trembled slightly but Rin knew this was absolutely crucial for the success of her job. When he placed his wine glass neatly on his right and looked up at her, Rin forced herself not to gulp at those intense amber eyes.

"Will it lead to a successful match?" His eyes were smiling even though none of his features twitched from its resting state.

"If we work together, I believe it will. Two weeks, that's all I'm asking."

Unblinking, the man whispered, "Two weeks to… what?"

"Date me. If you can successfully maintain in contact without brushing me off, I will refund all my service fee up to date. And when a match is finally completed, the concluding fee will also be waived." Rin held his gaze, unwilling to back down. "I need to know everything about you – what ticks you off, what pleases you – because the next candidate I present will be one you cannot refuse no matter how much you try."

The man on the opposite side of the table remained silent; only his blinking eyes signaling that he was in fact still present in the room.

Did… did she make him angry by suggesting something so bold? By the looks of it, Oshiro-san was planning on how to get her fired in the worst possible way.

"And if you fail?"

"Then I will resign from my position immediately and never work in this industry again."

While the silence hung between them, Rin mentally brought up her checklist to include a line about finding a woman who was non-confrontational. Oh and also one who would not look him directly in the eyes.

"Okay."

Hmm would table etiquette also be important – wait… "What? Really?!" Her palms slammed on the table instinctively before realizing that everyone had their attention to the both of them.

Note to self: Find a woman who would not embarrass Oshiro-san in public.

"It's purely business. I am agreeable to your terms so let's do this." He broke his gaze to pick up his wine glass. His eyes looked out into the city's nightscape as he took a sip. "I believe we both have the same dateline to meet. My father wishes me to be married at the end of the month. So do your best Nakamura – iye, Rin-san."

His eyes fixed itself on hers as he called her name for the first time, sending a jolt down her spine that was completely uncalled for. As he said it, this was purely work. Rin was collecting data and he was her research material.

"Right, let's get to work then. When shall I schedule our next meeting Oshiro-san?" This time, Rin took out her mega diary and flicked through her calendar. When she looked up, Rin was surprised to see her client frowning in disapproval at her. "Gomenasai! I thought we were agreeable –"

He lifted a finger to halt her mid-sentence. "Iye. First thing's first. Effective from 8.20pm today, we are dating. As such, you will address me by my name. Second, since we are dating, I will ask you out on the date, not the other way round. So wait for my call, darling."

Snapping her diary shut, Rin tried not to react at the casual endearment. They were both adults and it was clear to her that he didn't think this arrangement of theirs would last more than a week. After all, that was the longest he had ever gone out with one of her matches.

"Well then Sesshoumaru-san, I believe we have a deal."

/ / / /

SESSHOUMARU

Of all the desperate moves he'd expect the matchmaking company to do; this certainly wasn't one of them.

Though he understood the business quality of their arrangement; for him, the woman seated opposite was not the usual type of women he went on dates with. For one, she lacked any upperclass upbringing. Just from the way she held her wine glass made him cringe.

But then again, that was just his own perception and assumption of her as a salarywoman. In reality, Sesshoumaru knew nothing about his matchmaker when she on the other hand probably had a library in her head detailing everything about him.

"Tell me about yourself Rin-san." He'd leave it at that for now. Whatever she chose to tell him – or not – he'd run a background check to confirm it anyway.

She sputtered on the bit of wine she had just sipped. "Eh? Aren't we trying to get to know you, Sesshoumaru-san?" A slight blush crept up from the base of her neck – a first between them. "Besides, there's nothing interesting to say."

"I'll be the judge of that. Isn't it normal for couples on dates to get to know each other? Already, you have the upper hand since you know so much about me." Sesshoumaru opened the menu on their table and flipped to the dessert page. "For example, I'm confident you can pick out the right dessert for me based on what you know of me so far."

Raising his hand to signal the waiter, Sesshoumaru gave her a mischievous wink. "Why don't we test it out? If you get it right, you'll have to spill your secrets Rin-san." He handed the menu over to her. "But if you get it wrong, then I believe the date is over."

The menu was snatched without further resistance; her eyes scanning the list with utmost concentration. Standing up suddenly, she fished for a pen in her jacket and pointed it at him."To be fair, you will write down five possible options and give it to the waiter. Meanwhile, I will place the order at the counter. How does that sound?"

He couldn't help a smile. "You sound confident. Alright. Let's do it."

True to her word, Rin-san marched over to the till; leaning over to whisper to the Maître D.

"So what will be your order Oshiro-sama?" the young waiter looked down at him expectantly. Sesshoumaru didn't need to look at the menu for he could only stand one type of dessert: something not too sweet, not too bitter, not too cold and not too hot. Scribbling down the order, he sent the waiter away and waited for his date to return to her seat.

"So what did you get?"

"You'll see." The grin on her face was like a child's. "If I could give it one word, it'd be called 'contradiction'"

"How so?"

His date only pressed a finger to her lips, waiting until their dessert arrived. Hers – an overflowing bowl of sweetness. And his…

An affogato.

"That is your analysis of me?" Clearly on the mark. Sesshoumaru found himself picking up his spoon in defeat.

Shrugging carelessly, she leaned on her elbows and smiled. "Eat up Date-san. After all, I will tell you about myself as long as there's still a drop of ice cream and coffee left in your cup."

Cheeky woman! The petite cup would take him less than ten minutes to polish! And knowing how he hated melted ice-cream…

"Talk fast." He scooped the entire ball of ice cream into his mouth, holding a hand to cover his lips. "Now."

Rin still had the decency to laugh. Smiling as she took a scoop of her own dessert, she told him about where she was born and what she studied in university. It surprised him afterwards to learn that she was living with her high school Senpai in one of the most recognizable shrines in the metropolis - Higurashi-jinja.

"That shrine gets pretty busy during this time of the year doesn't it. Wait, you're not a Miko are you?" Images of the white haori and red hakama outfit flashed before his eyes. What a contrast to the sharp suit she now wore on her slender frame.

"The Higurashi family were very kind to take me in as their own and yes of course I serve the shrine in whatever capacity I can."

That didn't tell him much but he honestly wouldn't have pegged her for a daughter of the shrine. From what he knew of temple families, they had the strictest discipline in everything from food to dressing and even to manners…

The woman in front of him clearly had none of the latter two.

"Are you exacting revenge on your diet by binging on sugar right now?" he eyed her suspiciously as she took a large gleeful bite of the ice-cream on top of her cake.

Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, Rin simply grinned at him and shrugged. "Who knows? If you want to find out, you might have to order another dessert. It seems you've run out of time Sesshoumaru-san."

/ / /

RIN

Two hours later…

"I feel sick." The man next to her had his head slumped back on his headrest, both hands resting on top of his belly.

She ought to feel guilty but she had seen the delight in her client's eyes at the silly stories she had concocted. He might be groaning about it but Sesshoumaru-san looked like he had enjoyed his night, despite downing five cups of affogato.

"Then there is no need to send me home," she offered, remaining on the pavement with her head poking in the car.

"No I insist." He patted the seat next to him. "It would be rude of me not to do so Rin-san. So please."

In all the time they've spent together in the past three months, this was the first time Rin had ever gotten inside her client's car – if you could call it that. The spacious limousine, complete with its own driver could fit perhaps her entire office in it.

"Are you uncomfortable?" he asked once the door had been shut.

Rin shook her head. If not for the fact that he was known as Triple H, she might have believed he was trying to be gentlemanly and considerate.

"I could have managed on my own."

"You had been drinking and besides, I always send my dates home," he paused, turning to look at her with a somewhat guilty expression. "But this is perhaps the first time that I'm in the same car as them."

If she wasn't slightly tipsy by the bottle and the sugar rush they had earlier, Rin would have rolled her eyes at him. Instead, she sighed and leaned back in her seat. "You know, sometimes it's the small acts like these than can hurt a woman more than any words. We don't need kindness when we've been rejected. It feels almost like pity."

He turned towards her with an unreadable expression; those amber eyes seeming to glow with the passing street lights. "And am I not wrong to pity them? Didn't they come to the date hoping that I would be the one; only to find out that I'm not interested?"

Then you are to be pitied as well Sesshoumaru-san, Rin thought to herself. "Disappointment always comes with expectations," she whispered instead.

Rin wanted to say more but all she could do now was to sigh and keep her eyes glued to the window. It wasn't her job to tell him how to treat women. Her current task was to find the closest match to what he wanted and hope that the two would hit it off and work it along the way.

When Kohaku had dropped her off at the restaurant earlier, he had given her permission to do 'whatever it took' to close the Oshiro assignment. As a company under the helm of Oshiro Corp, it was almost embarrassing that they were taking this long to complete the task that the President had set for them.

Amidst her deep thoughts, Rin hadn't realised that the car had stopped in the middle of the bridge just before the shrine.

"Spring is my favourite season. Nothing like the sakura trees to remind us of new beginnings."

Rin sat up and looked out to the rows of cherry trees by the river. "An astute comment Sesshoumaru-san. Perhaps it is a good omen." She turned to smile at him. "I'm sure the Higurashi shrine would be honoured to hold your engagement at the end of the month. After all, we are dedicated to the goddess of fate and time."

"Hah, as they say do not put the cart before the horse Rin-san. Everything still rests on whether or not I'm going to call you again to arrange for another date."

For a few seconds, Rin could almost hear the blood pressure hissing in her ear. Goodness, what exactly did it take to get this man to just go through with the programme!

But before Rin could say anything, her client/date turned away to look out his own window as the door on her side of the car was opened by the driver. Giving a polite nod, Rin stepped out of the limousine and waited until it was out of sight before walking towards her home.

Alone, Rin looked up at the torii gates of the shrine and whispered a small prayer.

One day down. Thirteen days to go.

/ / / /

A/N: The premise is simple and I don't think it will be a long one (or so I say but I always get drawn into the drama towards the middle!). I've also retained the family name I used in 'Sensei' since I've gotten used to them! Hope you've enjoyed this first installment!