Wooty-toot too! I finally saw Swords of an Honorable Ruler!-squeals like a crazed fan girl- (and thankfully it gave me a few good ideas to rid me of my brainfart) I’m so in love with Sesshoumaru-samma now. -sighs- And it was a great movie, although I have to say some parts of it were rather bland. You know, a little spice here and a dash of this there and it would have been perfect. Alas, perfection is only something we can dream of. And hey, Takemaru saying both Kagome and Rin were the same as Izaiyoi...well, that speaks for itself. : )

Gah, it’s such a pain in the butt to try and keep up with Rin’s speech. I went over the last chapters and about had a heart attack when I realized how much I let her use the words ‘you’ and ‘me.’ Please forgive me! I have fixed it. And thank you oh so much to EVERYONE for your encouraging reviews...so don’t stop! I just want to make ya’ll happy, and I can’t do that if you don’t tell me what you like.

And I must apologize...I have realized that my story has no real plot! -which may also explain the lack of extremely high amounts of reviews-that or I’m just a cruddy author. Oh, well(I’ll try to come up with something -hehe- my mind is already conjuring up ideas)...hopefully the fluff makes up for lack thereof. Besides, I’m not very good w/ plot lines-I’m all about the luuuvvv. -Hehe- Call me Love Doctor Mahi!

‘Blackout/Ruled by Secrecy’ by The Muse ‘No one needs to know’ by Shania Twain

--

Chapter 5: A day in the life and times of a girl-A day in the life and times of a man

--

Don't kid yourself
And don't fool yourself
This love's too good to last
And I’m too old to dream

Don't grow up too fast
And don't embrace the past
This life's too good to last
And I’m too young to care

Don't kid yourself
And don't fool yourself
This life could be the last
And we're too young to see

--

The engine of a black, chrome-trimmed town car hummed as Sesshoumaru drove down the empty streets. It was two in the morning-few signs of life were present on the shadowed walkways.

‘Biff’s’ He saw the red flashing sign. On. Off. Back on again, the dying bulb flickering for a few moments to repeat the process. Only a few cars parked in the lot. He immediately recognized Inuyasha’s flashy sports car. Bright red, shined until it could blind anyone who dared to look at it. Decals, rims bigger than phenomenally necessary for a vehicle. Sesshoumaru snorted-disgusted in his siblings love of insolent, ugly materials. And all their fathers money he spent on things-money and credit he had no right to even look at, that he had not earned like Sesshoumaru had. No matter how rich their father had been, regardless of whether or not it was all pocket change-Inuyasha had no claim to a penny of it. At least, that was his opinion. Taisho seemed to think otherwise.

Sesshoumaru parked the car and killed the engine. He contemplated the situation for a moment.

His father had just died a month ago. He had made the promise to watch over the idiot. And here he was-and there Inuyasha was. Inside, most likely too drunk to remember how he got to the bar or why he was there. Sesshoumaru couldn’t blame him for drinking-with the death of their father, his mother, the supposed broken engagement, the stress the media had been putting on him for his constant reckless behavior...it was to be expected-anyone would want to drown those problems in alcohol. But, only morons in his situation got shit faced, wasted in public.

He heard bar music filtering through the doors-the red, neon light illuminating the front seats of his expensive car. Flash, flash, flicker, flash-he didn’t realize bars this old and run down were still getting business inside the technologically advanced city-the only thing Tokyo seemed to be lacking were little flying cars buzzing around like the annoying bugs the people in this city were.

And he cursed himself for what he was about to do. He should just let the bastard rot in there. He was wasting his time.

Stupid-he was stupid for bothering to come out here, at this hour, for this reason, to this place, for that bastard.

And still-he thought, continued to think. Of his father, of the duty he had taken it upon himself to appoint to Sesshoumaru on his death bed-to watch over someone he knew was hated in his eyes. To put him on the spot like that, it was impossible and dishonorable to deny the death wish of his father. And he thought of the conversation that had take place before the fatal accident, the words that continued to haunt him like a plague...

“Why are you marrying this woman, father? This...Izaiyoi. Do you truly believe you have grieved long enough for my mother?” Sesshoumaru’s voice was clear in his disgust-his face, however, a bland slate.

“I have grieved.” Was Taisho’s only response. His voice was wise and understanding-but, to Sesshoumaru, he just sounded haughty and self-righteous.

“You have gone mad.”

“Your mother and I divorced before she passed away.” He explained for the millionth time.

“It was only eleven years ago.” Somehow, Sesshoumaru knew that was truly more than enough time to mourn-but, not for his father-he should be suffering.

“It was a lifetime, my son.” He turned his back. “A lifetime filled with Izaiyoi and Inuyasha and you.”

“No, you shipped me off to a college.” His eyes narrowed. “It was those two nobodies who you dawdled over.”

“Your mother has been missed, Sesshoumaru. You were only five when we separated and nine when she passed.” He offered and Sesshoumaru snickered. ‘And Inuyasha was turning three when you divorced her.’ Sesshoumaru added in his mind-disturbing and solidifying proof of his unfaithful fathers actions-he was seeing Izaiyoi when he has still been married. “Your mother and I were never in love, you didn’t understand. You didn’t want to listen to reason-and you still will not listen.”

“You wanted to be alone with your new family.” His lip curled into a snarl. “Either way, it doesn’t matter to me anymore. It never did. But, that little brat of yours doesn’t deserve a dime. The company will be mine.”

“He is no longer ‘little,’ Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha is almost nineteen-he is your brother, and you should–”

“He is not my brother,” He quickly replaced his calm facade. “He is an idiot.”

They were silent for a few strangled moments.

“Why do you despise him so? Inuyasha has a taste for life-you...you only have a taste for power-to possess influence and authority.”

“He does not think things through-one as such does not deserve–”

“Inuyasha is still young! As are you.”

“It makes no difference, he is pathetic. And I will be the one to inherit the company when you die.”

“Getting ahead of yourself, Sesshoumaru?” His voice was darkening. “You order your own father around like a slave.” Such a bitter tone.

“I only wish for what is best.”

“You only wish for your inheritance-you lust for a title that should be earned. Not longed for or sought after at your age-not handed to you on a silver platter. You are nothing but a greedy fool.”

“I have already earned my right. He is a leech-he is the one who has been spoiled.” Silently, Sesshoumaru reminded himself the age of twenty is more than adequate to run a business-especially with his experience.

“My son has something you have never possessed. Something that should be treasured above all else.”

Sesshoumaru remained silent. This bickering was endless, continuing in a sphere on the same topics over and over. Perhaps, on some level, they were both correct on assessing and judging one another.

“Inuyasha is full of life, he yearns for it and cherishes it and enjoys what he has-and he is satisfied with that. Nothing more, nothing less. But, mostly...love. He has the love of me and Izaiyoi and his fiancé.”

He still chose silence.

“Do you feel that kind of power, Sesshoumaru? Do you have someone to cherish? To love?”

And he gave a sick little laugh, and silently declared, “Ridiculous.”

His father died two weeks later from burn abrasions received in a car accident-Izaiyoi was gone upon impact. Drunk driver by the name of Takemaru. Inuyasha grieved with his fiancé, friends and remaining family-and kept the maiden name of his mother in memory. Sesshoumaru went to his dark, dungeony solitary excuse of an apartment across town and started preparing all the business arrangements in need of attending-and kept his deep, brooding bitterness.

‘Curse them all to hell.’ He thought as he got out of his car and walked into the bar.

And there was Inuyasha, his face planted in his arms on the counter unit. Limp. If Sesshoumaru were lucky, then the bastard would be passed out.

“Inuyasha.” He walked up to the drunk, watching as he stirred and began to sit up...

...damn.

--

Repress and restrain
Still the pressure and the pain
Wash the blood off your hands
This time she won't understand

Change in the air
And they'll hide everywhere
And no one knows who's in control

You're working so hard
And you're never in charge
Your death creates success
And you'll build and suppress

--

Sesshoumaru pounded his fist onto the sleep button of his alarm-wrapping his fingers around the loud devise and reminding himself that if he broke it again he’d just have to buy another one.

Damn memories. They never came back until he was asleep and took him off guard. Cheap shots. Damn sleep...

Perhaps he was due a visit to the cemetery. Then maybe he could sleep in peace. He tossed aside the thought, deciding to worry over it later.

It was seven. And it was quiet. Too quiet. Rin was already gone. Hadn’t woke him up, hadn’t tortured him until he got out of bed, didn’t wollar his sheets into a ridiculous mess...she hadn’t said goodbye.

He liked the silence. He was alone and he was at peace. And, of course, most of all he didn’t miss waking up to her angelic face every morning. Her cheerful voice that, somehow, turned his day from rain to shine. Eyes that managed to match his in intensity every time he looked at her, unlike so many who simply shrank away from him in fear at the wink of an eye.

Sesshoumaru remembered the talk they had the day before-when she came home with that...that punk. He had been confused when he came back from the New Zealand flight to an empty apartment-a ‘Rin-less’ apartment. She was always there to welcome him all other days, all other times he returned-and then suddenly she wasn’t. He remained calm, and waited. The girl was capable enough of taking care of herself and he knew there was a reasonable explanation. She always was reasonable...ish.

He was patient and unaffected. Until over two hours had passed without a word. He called the school...she was not there. He called the flower shop...she was not present there either. Perhaps, he should go for a walk...

And, as soon as he decided to go look for her, as soon as the elevator doors opened into the lobby, as soon as he stepped out and looked out of the building-he saw her pull up on the back of that bike. Sesshoumaru had his hands in his pockets as he watched her-standing outside the shiny elevator doors. Relief was instantaneous. She was safe. She had come home. When had he become worried enough to feel relief when he saw she was in no danger?-he had remained lax through the entire ordeal. At least, he thought he had.

Then he saw a boy whom he was unfamiliar with-and he bristled like a goddamned porcupine. Cursing himself upon the action-he was not one to ‘bristle’ over a boy. He was no threat, only a mere nuisance-a fly you simply had to swat away to keep it off your plate of food. A bug on his nice, clean window. And then he began wondering why he had glared at the kid, with all that malice. Rin was unharmed, she seemed completely happy-as usual-and no damage was done. Sesshoumaru watched them talk, the boy blush like a damned beat, and he had come to the conclusion that his own reaction was simply a reflex. A protective reflex. That it was the boy’s fault for keeping Rin out so late and making him...worry? No, no...wonder over where she had been. It was the kid’s fault that she hadn’t called yet. Blame the boy...some real practical thinking, genius.

And then Rin kissed the brat. And Sesshoumaru forgot what he had been thinking about.

He called out to her-sickened by the sight-and she came to him. Happy, chipper, bright little Rin. Little? Was she really still little? Physically, compared to him, or most other girls her age, yes. She barely registered one hundred on the scales. Rin was small in build-but she was not a little girl anymore.

And he wasn’t seething under his calm facade. He wasn’t boiling with anger or grinding his teeth to a pulp-no, Sesshoumaru didn’t do those things. He didn’t feel those reactions for no apparent reason. Getting defensive against a small fry-Sesshoumaru only played with the big fish. So, it was...illogical.

What would Rin say to that?

She’d call him Mr. Spock and laugh her head off until he left the room.

He sat up and uncovered himself. Staring at the wall. Only the shadows stared back.

It seemed was so dark without Rin. So? Was there a problem with that? His life had been spent in darkness...that is, until eight years ago.

‘Are you happy here?’ He had asked her. And she began to cry. Was it really that shocking of a question? No, he simply scared her. Made her think he wasn’t pleased with her-made her feel unwanted. How had he accomplished that?

He contemplated-what if it were someone else to hurt her or make her cry like that? What would he have done? They would’ve been in the hospital for a year, recuperating. And once they were finally released-he’d send them back for twice as long. He very nearly boiled at the thought of someone harming her in any way. Then he calmed...it was only a thought and it was pointless to gnaw on the subject.

‘Aren’t you?’ She turned the tables.

Was he happy? Did he even understand what it was, what it took, to be happy? What did it feel like? Happiness. Never in his...only when he was with his parents, so long ago-all those years-when he was so young and unaware of life-like an idiot. He could not recall those times well, nor did he care to. Every child was a happy, carefree child. At least, he assumed he had been.

He truly had not a answer for her. So, he weighed his options. Tell her no-which was not the truth. Tell her yes-which was not the truth, either. Or tell her he had no idea.-which was the truth. But, he never wavered over any choices-he was never unsure. It was not in his persona. Sesshoumaru was firm and certain and never hesitated.

But, if he was honest-then he would have hurt her. Which was exactly what he wanted to avoid. And something told himself that he would not be able to stand causing her pain. Any pain. So, he said yes, called her sweety and wiped away her tears. And her light was alive again and brighter than ever-smothering him with her hugs and declarations of love. A love he had never thought to doubt, and yet, had never attempted to bind her by. To pressure or persuade her into feeling respect for him. Sesshoumaru had never asked for anything in return for his hospitality he had shown for her, the lengths that had been taken at her expense. And although he never asked, she gave everything she could possibly give. All to him, for him.

Thinking back on it-choosing a lie wasn’t so bad after all. He was pleased. Satisfied. Benign. But, happy? What was happy?

...He’d look it up in the dictionary later.

--

Rin looked at the clock on the wall and sighed. Two. Blah. She glanced at the poster tacked beneath it that read: ‘Time will pass...will you?’ Hmph, arrogant sign.

Blah, blah! Take that, stupid clock. You just got double blahed.

The class had just begun and already she found herself tuning out the voice of the teacher. They had a temp today-a scrawny lookn’ woman. Their regular instructor was an old dude that was currently taking time off for a kidney transplant...and he smelt like cheese. Yummy.

She usually adored calculus, but this woman had no idea what she was talking about-and she had red lipstick on her teeth to boot. Best not to look at her, it’s not kind to laugh in the face of other people’s misfortunes. So, she turned her head. -giggle, giggle- Bah, giggling wasn’t really laughing.

“Pst...” What was that? Rin batted her hand around a few times. Darn flies.

“Pst...PSSSTT! Rin!” She glanced to the right at Shippou’s desk and gave him a look.

“Hm?” She tried to be as quiet as possible, they were only in the middle of the class-not the back. She had no desire to be caught chit chatting in the middle of a lecture.

“This sub is loony.” He gestured by tilting his head in her direction. “I can’t understand a word she’s saying.” Rin shrugged at him. What could she do about it? Jump up and tell Red Tooth to get lost so she could start teaching the class herself? Unlikely. Not unless she enjoyed detention-which she didn’t, at least she didn’t suspect she would. Not that she’s had the honor of suffering through detention hall yet. Rin had always, just like in ballet, been a interested and studious learner. Not a slacker.

Rin sighed again and at least tried to make it look like she was paying attention-quite difficult given the situation and her mind kept wandering away from her control. All she wanted to do was get out of here and go to the animal shelter with Kohaku and Sango. She wanted to see that old dog again and find her owner. Ever since she had saw the loneliness in her beady, black, droopy eyes-Rin had become overwhelmed with a sense to help the canine. Sesshoumaru would never have let her own an animal, no matter how much she thought she could get what she wanted from him-his money had always bought her into and out of situations and given her anything and everything she wished. But still, he always played the part of harsh master, and she always played the eager, bright-eyed ward. And if he said no dog-then she would whole heartedly obey with no protest. So, if she couldn’t adopt one of the creatures she had misjudged and feared most of her life-then she would help as many as she could through Kohaku’s animal shelter. Easy enough-she had found that she enjoyed spending time with all the neglected variety of animal-and spending time with Kohaku and his older sister.

Rin-who had lacked any dominant female role in her life-saw Sango as someone to look up to. In the small amount of time she had spent with the woman yesterday, Rin had learned Kohaku’s sister was smart, beautiful, willful and strong. She had to be strong to make it through the death of her parents and live by herself supporting her brother for so long. Again, just like Kohaku, Rin could relate to the dark haired lady on the level of post-murder shock.

And Kohaku. He was handsome, and kind, unbelievably nice to her since the moment they met, and he blushed more than anyone she had ever met. Rin noted to herself that she had never seen Sesshoumaru blush, and knew she never would. With all those adorable freckles and his bike that he loved to ride so much. Who wouldn’t enjoy being around him? All in all, in truth, he reminded her of the brother she lost so long ago. She liked him. And she was sure he liked her. Her hopes were high and she couldn’t wait until their friendship grew-perhaps they would become closer than her and Shippou had been.

It was apparent, however, that Sesshoumaru didn’t think as highly of him. It would be more difficult to convince him to let her spend time with her new friends. He usually didn’t mind allowing her to meet new people, or explore new places-as long as it was safe and secure-and being social with boys and girls alike definitely wasn’t frowned upon by him. He never had tied her down with heavy chains of burden of obedience-she simply adored him to the point of infatuation. Rin could never have turned him down. But, why was he so sour with her yesterday after he saw Kohaku?

She had left Sesshoumaru-samma a note this morning, telling him she was sorry for leaving without a goodbye-which she truly was. And that she would be late again today-praying he wouldn’t mind...she wrote that she’d call him as soon as school was out, tell him how her day went and make sure it was okay to go to the shelter. Just to make sure...and to hear his voice.

She remembered her dance lesson this morning-basic exercises and stretches-simple enough. Ms. Hanoi was so patient, so precise. And that’s how Rin wanted to be with her dance-all elegant, poised, delicate and yet wholly sure of herself.

Rin briefly began daydreaming of the future. An image of herself in her life to come. She was older, but still young. Her body was thin and curved in all the right places. Her hair long and thick. On a large stage in the most famous of theaters in Japan. The floor was wood, all shiny and waxed like a glassy lake of lights-reflecting off the stage like stars twinkling in the night with the composed, classical music guiding her steps with the tempo. And her dance routine was perfect. Nothing...nothing or no one would compare to her style, her grace. Long arms swirling around her like water-as if she had merged with the air surrounding her. Her legs completely sure of each move they made and her feet never missing their mark. And in the crowd of faces staring at her in awe and amazement...the women in envy of her beauty, the men in lust of her captivating eyes...but, somewhere in a secluded, reserved booth for one-where only the most important of guests sat, in the far corners of the audience was him. Watching her with his intense eyes, watching the girl whom he had raised to blossom into the exotic woman she had become. Wondering how much longer he would be able to his feelings to himself...

Someone dropped a pen in the room and snapped her to attention. Where had that thought processing come from? She put a hand to her cheek only to find it was warm and glanced around her in embarrassment to make sure none of her classmates had bothered to notice.

Sarah had said Rin was very accomplished for being a student transferring from her previous school-a school that was undoubtedly less equipped for fully educating a aspiring a serious, young dancer. Rin had smiled at that-feeling genuinely proud of herself.

She had informed Sarah that Sesshoumaru would most likely take her into class tomorrow morning just to have a chance to meet her. What she didn’t tell Ms. Hanoi was that she had actually told Sesshoumaru it was a requirement to come meet the instructors-thus, he had no choice in the matter. It was all reverse psychology-simple enough. Besides, her teacher seemed to enjoy mingling with her students-she was kind and gentle and utterly gorgeous and could play the flute like heaven’s gate. She had told Sesshoumaru-samma as much-though, he didn’t particularly seem to care.

“All right, class,” The temp’s sudden change in tone made Rin shrivel up like a snail getting salt tossed on its back. “Take out the worksheet equations and notes your teacher left-from yesterday.” Her old, puckered face examined the room. ‘Looks like somebody had too many prunes this morning...’ She thought as the aged woman smacked her toothless gums together like she had cottonmouth.

The class grumbled in unison as the sound of papers being shuffled filled the room. Rin bent over her desk and grabbed her bag-unzipping the top and skimming through its contents to look for said papers. Her expression grew desperate when she failed to come across her worksheets.

She frowned and rummaged through her bag once again a little more frantically. Where was it? It was unlikely she had left it at home-she remembered replacing them in her bag when she was done solving the assigned problems last night. She remembered grabbing the bag this morning, and she remembered taking it to ballet class...taking it out and placing it aside on floor to look for her slippers...and not putting the folder back in her bag.

‘Oh, pooh...’ She must have left it at the dance academy. What else could have happened to it?

“You’ll be solving the problems your instructor left for you for the remainder of the class and turn them in first thing in the morning. Understood?” Her flaky voice had Rin biting her tongue. At least the papers weren’t due at the end of the hour-then she would have really been in trouble.

Quickly thinking, Rin grabbed the first folder she found in her bag and placed it on her desk- and began doodling. Pretending to ‘solve equations.’ It would have to suffice until she could go back and get her papers. And that would mean delaying her and Kohaku’s appointment if she wanted the papers before the academy closed.

--

happy adjective (happier, happiest): 1. feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. 2. willing to do something. 3. fortunate and convenient: a happy coincidence. 4. in combination informal inclined to use a specified thing excessively or at random: trigger-happy.

Hn...trigger-happy...?

“Mr. Tensaiga!” Loud, high-pitched, annoying. He heard the click as the door unhinged from its hold and saw the knob being turned across the room.

Dammit.

“You have a woman that wishes to see you!” Jaken slammed open the door of his office and Sesshoumaru closed his dictionary before placing it on his desk-his eyes closing and brows narrowing at the high level of his tone. He was going to have to start throwing paper weights at the idiot again if he couldn’t learn to knock.

“Jaken, is it not my secretary’s job to inform me of clients?” He asked in a dull voice.

“Well, yes, sir...but,” His stubby, little fingers brushed over the front of his ugly, brown suit-Rin called it poop brown. If he had the capacity to laugh, he would have. “You’ve gone through three secretary’s in the past month-and have yet to find a replacement for the last one you fired.” Jaken lowered his head and added on as a last word. “Or rather, that quit...sir.”

Sesshoumaru took a moment to rewind his memory and thought back to the blonde that had just resigned. She was a good worker, plain and easy to order around without much argument. Then she had actually left because he wouldn’t sleep with her-the broad was cross eyed. He couldn’t look at her without thinking of the circus, let alone become intimate with her. And, there were surgeries available to cure that condition-and his company offered full insurance coverage of medical purposes of the sort. God only knew why the woman didn’t get that particular-and very obvious-problem fixed. People these days...they only seemed to get stranger and stranger.

“Who is she?” He inquired and just as his assistants mouth opened to reply, Sesshoumaru cut him off once again. “Never mind-if it’s not important, tell her to go away.” He looked back down to his dictionary and motioned his hand dismissively-fully intending to pick up where he left off on expanding his vocabulary of the common words he so rarely used.

“But, the woman says she knows Rin.” Jaken announced, and his attention had been caught. “Something about a folder and papers the girl left behind in her class this morning.” The bald man explained. “I swear, that girl of yours can be so–”

“Hn... Show her in.”

“Yes, sir!” The short one scurried out of the office, ready to obey and tripping over his own feet as he went to retrieve the woman. If Sesshoumaru had a penny for every time the words ‘yes, sir’ left that man’s mouth...well, he was already rich.

Sesshoumaru watched as Jaken ushered in the woman who had come to see him. Classy looking thing. Mid to late twenties. Long, dark braid. Dainty glasses perched on her nose. And she seemed to be fully aware of his blatant inspection.

“Have a seat.” He offered, gesturing to one of the chairs planted at the other side of his desk.

“Thank you.” She did a curt little bow and took her place in a chair opposite of him. Her back stood ram-rod straight with her hands in her lap. This woman definitely held a confident air about herself. “So, you are the famous Tensaiga, Sesshoumaru...” She smiled and removed her glasses in a eased motion, snapping her wrist as rims unlatched themselves from behind her ears.

“Yes.”

She was quiet for a few more moments, waiting for him to possibly say more and launch the conversation into something interesting.

“Hm, just as Rin said.” She raised her hand to cover her mouth and let out a well practiced, quiet chuckle. Everything about her seemed to be a practiced art, pre-determined and thought out. As if she had spent her entire life studying the ins and outs of conversation, and how to react to any and all turns the talk may thus far lead-or in his case, lack.

“...”

“You’re quite the talkative one.” The woman cleared her throat and replaced her hand on her lap-and he sensed the distinct trace of teasing in her tone. “I apologize,” Her face found its composure. “I am Hanoi, Sarah-Rin’s current teacher at the dance academy.” He had figured as much, by the way Rin had described her. Sarah matched Rin’s description perfectly. It would have been hard to forget, considering Rin talked nonstop about the woman since she had met her. Ballet this, Ms. Hanoi that...etcetera, etcetera.

“And, what is it that you require, Ms. Hanoi?” He raised a naturally elegant eyebrow as he looked into her face-was she blushing at him? Interesting. “It must be important to take time away from your busy work schedule. How did you ever find a chance to get away from that terribly full agenda of yours?” If she wanted to blush at him, then the hell with it-he could care less about what her thoughts on him were or what direction they had turned to. They were adults, not school children flirting on a playground. This was his work department and she was intruding.

“It was no problem, really...it is my break hour.” Sarah blinked a few times and lowered her head to stare at the floor in aghast and astonishment. He was Rin’s guardian? But, Rin was so...kind. And although she had just met Sesshoumaru he was being rather crude at the moment-no matter how placid his face may appear, his voice seemed full of venom. And those eyes, goodness. Dark amber and staring at her...no, the proper term would be glaring at her-looking past her exterior with ease and almost seemingly reading her thoughts. Eyes like that would normally give any mans emotions away-but, not him. He was quite the opposite-his eyes kept his secrets hidden behind ice the color of the setting sun. That was quite obvious from the beginning-the moment she laid eyes on him and her heart started beating irregularly fast, almost radically. A woman could get lost eyes like that.

But, no matter how cold he seemed, Rin held him in the upmost and highest opinion-and Rin was her student-so, then Sarah must honor him as well.

“Rin is excelling quite fast at our school. Her talent is amazing for someone of her age.” She raised her eyes back to his-and she couldn’t help but be mesmerized by their amber hues. “She reminds me so much of myself at her age.” Sarah quickly caught her breath and remembered her place-trying not t stare at him.

Sesshoumaru raised his brow-is this all she came to see him about? To talk about how Rin was progressing and gawk at him? Well, there was a phone for the talking half of that...

“But, that is not the reason I am here.” The woman reached down into her designer bag and pulled out a folder. “Rin left this in my studio this morning. I believe it is her calculus homework-and, by the looks of it, it’s important. I thought she might need them back soon. So, I took it upon myself to bring them–”

“Place them on the secretary’s desk outside of the office door-I’ll pick them up on the way out.” He interrupted her and leaned forward, preparing to resume with his work. Literally dismissing her with that single sentence.

“But–” Her jaw threatened to drop at his most unorthodox attitude.

He gave her one look and it was enough to silence her for a moment. However, it was not enough to make her leave. “Honestly, don’t you think we should talk?” She tilted her head towards his direction, attempting to draw his attention away from his desk. “Rin has been desperate for us to meet,” Sarah smiled. “You know, she has been making up all these cute little fibs to get us to see each other-thinking that I don’t notice, of course. Sometimes I think–”

“We will leave Rin out of this conversation.”

“Oh. Well, if that’s the way you desire it.” She said in her perfect little way.

Sesshoumaru kept his voice to himself as he watched her, waiting for more of a reply.

“You know, I don’t think I have ever been in a building that was this tall or as large.” Her charm failed to impress him.

He nodded solemnly.

“It’s a lovely business. I hear you have several establishments across the globe.”

He gave her another, even less enthusiastic nod. “Is this all we have to discuss, Ms. Hanoi?”

“Definitely not,” She said sweetly. “We could find many things to chat about.”

“Humor me.”

Sarah would have bit her lip-but, that would have been rather ilcomposed. She tried to think of something to say-she didn’t want their short conversation to end so abruptly. She enjoyed looking at him-all dark mysteriousness and masculinity behind his desk. It would have been nice to date a man like him-to become more familiar. And with that thought, Sarah had already decided she had become rather smitten with the man in their brief engagement. But, even if he would have accepted an offer for dinner, she could not take the relationship far-Sarah could never take any relationship beyond a short acquaintance. Her current situation would not allow her to feel the bonds of love-and so she could only dream...

Sarah suddenly cleared her throat and fought back a stinging sensation behind her eyes. She cursed herself for thinking of that particular problem at this moment and tried to distract herself by looking around the room.

Then she noticed something that completely caught her off guard and intrigued her more than she could ever have imagined-a welcome distraction from her previous thoughts. And it suddenly occurred to her what it was she was looking at.

“Rin had never told me you had a false arm.” She said in earnest as she stared at the small section between the black glove of his left hand and the sleeve of his jacket-revealing a certain amount of the twinkle of the titanium replacement arm.

“Excuse me?” He asked, her blunt statement taking him almost off guard.

“How fascinating.” Sarah stood and walked closer to the desk to study him. “I’ve always heard about it-about people losing body parts only to have them replaced by something like this.” Her eyes pointed to his left arm. “I’ve never seen one-I hear the surgery and process is terribly expensive and painful.”

“It’s not agonizing if you are under anaesthetics.” He said dryly, very nearly rolling his eyes drably-who did she think she was. Inquiring him like was a witness on the stand at a murder trial.

“May I?” She asked him. “I mean, do you mind if I...” She reached out.

“Yes.” He said, warning her off and telling her that he did mind-and yet, not moving out from her reach in retreat. Not even budging. “I wouldn’t recommend putting one on your wish list-despite your fixation and fascination with the process of the matter.”

“Oh! No, I didn’t mean...”

“Ms. Hanoi,” He said. “I understand that you try to keep an active relationship with your students and their benefactors. But, this is neither the time nor place. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to attend.”

Sarah blushed and swallowed her embarrassment. “Of course,” She gave another short bow before looking back up at him with her stomach in her throat-fully intending to leave this terribly humiliating situation. “I hadn’t meant to offend you...” She tried a peace offering one last time.

“You couldn’t have offended me if you had tried.” His eyes narrowed on her and she quickly turned to leave.

“Ms. Hanoi,” His voice halted her as she opened the door. Sarah hesitantly glanced back at him and found those entrancing amber eyes following the lines of her figure-and where on most men there would have been a smug, lecherous smirk, was only blankness. And she got the strong vibe that she was being scrutinized like prized cattle. But, as he said the next words that left of his mouth-his expression still did not venture to change in the least. “If you wish to see me outside of my office, leave your card along with Rin’s papers.” And that was all that was said as her eyes widened before she quickly stepped out of the room like a frightened rabbit-shocked beyond belief at the bold suggestion. However, she herself, had been rather bold in approaching him-considering the both of them being previously unintroduced.

As she stood outside the doors of his office, beside the empty secretary’s desk-she placed her pupil’s folder on the waxed, wooden surface. She bit her lip as she put her glasses back on and glanced at the doors of the cruel looking business man’s office. He was a handsome one-no doubt, and no wonder Rin wouldn’t stop talking about him. Not much of a warm personality though. But, she couldn’t help but think about what he had told her before she left. Had it meant he was interested in her? Of course it did, he was a grown man and obviously wasn’t the kind to beat around the bush. And from the second she saw him-she had been undeniably attracted to him-but, could she afford to indulge in a little romance under the duress of her present situation? What if she became attached to someone between now and then. It would be harder to let go when the time came...

But, sometimes...it would be nice to take a chance. To live on the wild side. No matter how her situation obligated her to remain alone. No matter how dangerous of a man he seemed. No matter what the doctors had said...

Sarah smiled as she placed something on top of the thin folder for him to find and left the building.

--

Rin waddled out of the front doors of her school. She had almost came within an inch of her life in that calculus class when the wirey old sub started walking around the room like some vulture and examining the progress everyone was making on their homework. The only problem was that Rin was still lacking that particular object: her homework.

She had used her whits and feigned sickness, raising her hand and asking to be excused to go to the nurse. And the old croon had fell for it.

But, then she had felt bad and ashamed when nearly everyone in the classroom began to worry over her-asking if she were alright or if she needed help walking to the infirmary. She hated feeling guilty...

Rin stood at attention when she felt a buzzing sensation coming from her bag. Quickly reaching around and plunging her hand past the zipper, she grabbed her vibrating cellular and looked at the caller ID...it was Shippou.

“Hello?” She answered with a kind voice.

“Rin! Hey, are you okay? How are you feeling-do you need me to bring you anything? What did the nurse say?” Rin blinked several times and smiled-truly touched by his concern.

“It’s okay, Shippou-san. Rin is well.” She soothed him as she stepped out of the way as a older boy walked past her and back into the school. “Rin wasn’t really sick. She had to...act ill for a few moments.” She explained.

“Oh?” He asked. “You, Shimorai, Rin, actually faked a sickness?” He tsked. Why did he sound so surprised? Everyone else in the school did it on a regular basis to escape work and boring classes-even Shippou did it on occasion.

“Yes, she left her calculus papers in Ms. Hanoi’s studio this morning.”

“I guess that would have been a problem...”

“Rin feels terrible about lying, though. She does not do it often, but she did not wish to go to detention after school-she already has plans.”

“Plans? Where are you at anyways, you didn’t come out of the east doors-I’ve been waiting here for ten minutes just looking for you.”

“Rin is on the north side of the school. It was closer to the nurse’s office that she left-and Rin is meeting a friend here today, so–”

“Friend, eh? Do you have a date!”

“No, not really.” She said honestly. “Rin is going to the animal shelter with a new friend she met yesterday.” Her reply was nonplused.

“Who?...is it a boy, do I know him?”

“Uh, his name is Kohaku.”

“Who!” He asked in disbelief.

“Noraiga, Kohaku. He is very nice.” She nodded her head as if it would help to convince him-even over the phone.

“Rin, that’s the guy I was telling you about yesterday-I warned you about him and then you go behind my back and make friends with that fruitcake!”

“Shippou-san!” Her tone was scandalized. “...fruit? Really...that’s uncalled for.” She sighed. “Shippou hasn’t even met him yet.”

“And that’s how I intend to keep things...” He puffed like a blowfish. “That guy is trouble. He’s my competition.”

“The only trouble Kohaku has is a boy called Shippou...perhaps if Shippou actually tried talking to Kohaku reasonably-then they would become friends, ne?” She shook her head knowing it was all a helpless cause. “Rin has to call Sesshoumaru-samma now.” Easily sidestepping any further arguing over the elusive Kohaku.

“Sesshoumaru again? How come I’ve never met this guy yet?”

“Well...Rin doesn’t think Sesshoumaru would like it if Rin brought very many friends home...no matter if they’re boys or girls.”

“Really? Sounds kinda controlling...”

“No, Sesshoumaru-samma isn’t like that at all. He doesn’t consider it appropriate for where we live to have many visitors...” She rolled her eyes, wishing she could just hang up and call him right now. “Rin is the only ‘child’ that lives in our building. It’s a very private and quiet residence and the people who live there like things to remain that way.” How many times had she already explained this to him? She had a hankering that he was just trying to get a peek at the ritzy complex she lived in by pestering her until she caved in and gave him a tour. “Rin must go now, Shippou-san...” She sighed.

“Rin...what did I say about calling me ‘Shippou?’”

She laughed and shook her head again. “Goodbye, ‘Zorro-sempai.’”

“Thatta girl...bye, Rin.” He said before he hung up-she following suite.

Then, wasting no time, Rin hit the speed dial to Sesshoumaru’s office and listened to the ringing-waiting for him to pick up. One ring...two...three...he should pick up on the fourth-he always answered on the fourth ring.

Bingo.

“Hello?” Rin heard his voice on the end of the line and she nearly melted with joy.

“Sesshoumaru-samma!” She squealed and Sesshoumaru had to pull the phone away from his ear to prevent permanent damage.

“What is it, Rin?” He asked. She loved that same tone he always used-the tone most people always thought was bland, boring and annoyed-but what she viewed as smooth and perfect. That voice could lull her to sleep with a single syllable that rolled from his tongue.

“How was Sesshoumaru-samma’s day?” She said brightly-rocking back and forth on her heels where she stood on the sidewalk-suddenly feeling chipper and flirty.

“Tolerable.”

She let out a sound of pity. “Rin is sorry,” She sympathized, knowing ‘tolerable’ meant terrible. “Rin had a bad day too...” She heard the clicking of the keys on his computer being pressed as he typed. “Is Sesshoumaru-samma multitasking?” Rin teased.

“Hn...” Translation: yes. And if he was already engaged with other work while talking to her-that meant he would probably only pay half the attention to her than he normally would while on the phone-most likely speaker phone. Maybe if she mentioned it discreetly enough then he wouldn’t even notice what she had said.

“Rin wanted Sesshoumaru-samma to know she will be home late from school today. She and Kohaku are going by the Humane Society again today!” She tried to sound happy and optimistic-doing her best to seem even sweeter than usual.

“...”

“Rin will not be out late without calling like she did yesterday, she promises.” He was still quiet...maybe he wasn’t listening. Or maybe he didn’t trust Kohaku, after all-Sesshoumaru had never even met him-let alone spoken to the boy. “If Sesshoumaru-samma wishes to meet Kohaku so he can get to know him better–” Rin stopped, did she just hear him snarl? What an odd sound coming from him. “Um, Rin also has to get some papers back from the dance academy. She left her calculus homework in Ms. Hanoi’s room.”

“There is no need. The woman already returned them to me this evening.” He heard her gasp.

“Really? So Sesshoumaru-samma got to meet Rin’s teacher? What did he think of her?”

“Rin...”

“What? It was just a question.” She hoped he had the same awed attitude toward the woman like she had. Rin had been impressed with Sarah the instant she heard her flute. “Has Rin told Sesshoumaru-samma how wonderful Sarah plays the flute?”

“Only a million times. What do you expect me to say?”

She paused. “Rin doesn’t know, she just wants Sesshoumaru-samma to like her teacher. Rin enjoys her company very much.” She shrugged and heard the typing in the background halt.

“On second thought...I think she’d make a lovely mother for you. Maybe I should take her out for dinner. After all, she left her card for me...”

“No!” Rin blushed as a few pedestrians glanced at her enthused objection. She immediately lowered her voice. “That is not what Rin meant...she doesn’t think...well, uhm...Ms. Hanoi isn’t Sesshoumaru-samma’s type...she just thought...ooh,” Sesshoumaru smirked at her panicked tone. He heard her make a cute little ‘hmph’ after a long pause of attempting to collect herself. “Rin doesn’t think Sesshoumaru-samma and Sarah would be a good match.” Oh, what happened to the reference of the respectable ‘Ms. Hanoi?’ Was his sweet tempered Rin getting upset? Perhaps, by the sound of her distressed voice. He leaned back in his chair and stared around the room dejectedly-picturing a little pout on her lips and her scrunched up nose, biting her tongue to remain quiet. Maybe fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

“What time will you be back?”

“So, Rin can go with Kohaku!” She heard him grumble something inaudible away from the speaker phone and she smiled in triumph. “Rin will be home before six!” She would have jumped up and down if she weren’t in public. She had been so afraid he was going to forbid her from seeing her new friend ever again-but, she knew Sesshoumaru was not that cruel. He would not lock her up in the tower like some chaste maiden-he the evil lord of the castle. She very nearly laughed out loud at the word-picture that had suddenly been created within the creative crevices of her mind.

“When will Sesshoumaru-samma be home tonight?” Rin quickly asked. He made a dismissive sound that she interpreted to ‘I don’t know.’ Which was fine with her-if he was home late, then she could have plenty of time to make dinner-maybe even stop by her flower shop and pick up flora for the table. “Rin will have supper ready when Sesshoumaru-samma gets home, okay?” He made another noise. “Goodbye, Sesshoumaru-samma.”

“Rin.”

“Yes?”

“I always have my cell phone with me...if this kid starts any trouble–”

“It’s okay, Sesshoumaru-samma!” She giggled. “Kohaku is very kind-he will take good care of Rin! She will be just fine. Goodbye, Sesshoumaru-samma. Rin will be home at six...she loves you.” The girl mentally gave him hugs and kisses as they hung up, and she coddled the phone to her chest-he had given her this phone when she turned fourteen. Actually, not this exact phone-he had her cellular upgraded every year. So, technically this was her second phone. But, it was still the thought that counted.

“Rin!” She blinked and looked around upon hearing her name. “Hey, over here!” Kohaku called to her as she turned around-the sun beaming off the metal contraption he sat upon. His freckled facade smiling and blocking his eyes from the heavy sunlight falling on them. And the word-picture of Sesshoumaru being the evil lord popped back into her head, this time with Kohaku as the ‘knight in shining armor’ upon his gallant steed desperately trying to save her-the maiden. Oh, she could have rolled onto the ground in saturated humor.

“Kohaku-san!” Rin smiled as she walked up to the boy-sitting on his bike and waving at her like he hadn’t seen her face in over a year.

“Are you ready to go?” He asked, leaning on the handle bars of his bike and flashing her his most handsome ‘lady-killer’ smile. Freckles and all.

“Yes, Rin has been very excited about going back to the shelter and seeing Sango again.”

“And...this is okay with that guard dog of yours?” He quirked a brow-the entire maneuver appeared a practiced gesture. It was charming none the less.

“Guard dog?” Rin tilted her head questionably-her face taking on the distinct attributes of deep thought processing.

“Yeah, you know-tall, dark and scary...” This only got Rin more confused. “The guy you live with...Sesshoumaru?” And she gasped.

“Kohaku!” She placed a hand over her mouth and straightened-seriously taken aback. “Rin will ask Kohaku not to talk about Sesshoumaru-samma in such a manner!” He couldn’t believe it-she actually looked offended. Albeit a blushing kind of sweetly cute offended.

“Woah, okay...chill out!” He scratched the back of his head and chuckled. “I was just...uh...joking–” He bit his tongue...that was a lie.

Rin jutted out her lower lip, narrowed her eyes, looked down to the ground-and he was afraid that for a moment he had hurt her feelings. She didn’t seem the type to get angry often, but she did seem the type to viciously defend her guardians name. Until she looked up at him and smiled to announce rather suddenly, “Lets go see that old dog!” She jumped on the back of the bike and put her hands on his shoulders-waiting for him to take off. Rin would avoid the subject of her ‘evil lord’ around the boy. Kohaku and Sesshoumaru were decidedly two subjects not to be mixed in the same sentence around the other. Much like oil and water. And she hadn’t the slightest clue as to why.

“Kohaku?” She asked when he glanced back at her-not yet putting the tires in motion.

“You’re really crazy over that guy, aren’t you?” He smirked-watching as her eyes grew big like a mouse cornered by a hungry cat.

“Well, Sesshoumaru-samma has taken care of Rin for a very long time-she owes him everything,” She stared at the concrete, unable to look him in the eye lest he something she was shy of releasing to the public. “Of course-Rin cares for him very, very much.” Was she scolding Kohaku for questioning her? It sounded like it. Like she was daring him to impose on their relationship one more time with his seemingly innocent insults on the man she cared for.

He shook his head, chuckled and put both feet on the peddles of his bike-all he could do was smile and pretend he wasn’t jealous. After all, he had just met her yesterday-this Sesshoumaru guy had known her all her life-and she guarded the ties she held with him like her life stream. If he was going to win her over-it would take more time than just a day. And it would be difficult. How was a boy going to compete with a man? In his opinion-Rin didn’t need to be crushing on a man his age at her age-at least he thought she had a crush on the man. By the way she always blushed when she talked about him, smiled and seemed just that much more blessed the be near him-he could testify to this by his witnessing of such attitudes taking place last evening. Maybe she just really, really admired him-like a father, uncle, brother? Or, perhaps, it was all just part of a phase teenage girls go through. Rin needed somebody to attach herself to in these parts of her life. Preferably, Kohaku thought, he’d like it to be himself whom she bonded to like glue. But, either way, all he could say was ‘bring it on.’ He wasn’t afraid to go in head over heels. Rin was one in a million, and she was worth it. He had nothing to loose...except Rin’s affections.

--

Rin shut the door behind her as she entered the obesely large penthouse suite-a large basket filled to the brim with flowers hooked under one arm and a stack full of papers that remained of the ‘Wanted: Owner of one missing dog’ flyers spilling out of the other.

She and Kohaku and searched up and down fifth street and nearly every block within the two mile radius of the pick-up location from whence Sango had previously found the dog. They had taken the mutt with them as they searched-stopping by to chat with Sango for a few moments before leaving-hoping against odds that someone would notice and recognize the scraggly dog as it walked along side of them. One of their first stops had been the library. Rin had used plenty of money printing out flyers with phone numbers and informational contacts-asking for any leads the community could offer on the origins of the canine. Kohaku had posted over half of what was printed with a staple gun on trees and light posts-Rin following close behind and asking nearly every person she happened to bump into for clues about the dog that had been found in that particular area.

When the hour was five and steadily growing later by the minute along with their hopes of finding the dogs home-they had finally gotten a lead. A car that had been driving by spotted one of their flyers. The call came at five thirty by a woman who hadn’t given her name.

“Hello?” Kohaku had answered his cellular.

‘Yeah, are you the ones with the pictures of the dog all over town?’ The woman had asked, her voice rough and raged sounding like she had smoked one too many cigarettes.

She helped by informing them that the dog looked familiar-but, it was on the wrong side of town. It had possibly come from a junk yard across the city. And when they asked for the name of the owner of the junk yard-or if the dog could in any way belong to said junk keeper, the gruff woman said,

‘I don’t know! All I know is the land lord of that heaping existence of a junk yard’s first name is Jen. And that’s it. Well...except I’m sure I’ve seen that bitch dog sniff’n around on the inside of them there gates. So, I figure it belongs to that fellow.’

They quickly wrote down the address of the yard and thanked the woman for her help and support.

‘Ain’t there a reward?’ She asked before the hang up.

They had politely told the woman no to the odd request...

Rin and Kohaku had been ecstatic that their work was paying off. Even ol’ Bessy’s spirits seemed to lift as she began happily wagging her mangy tail-something Rin had never seen the dog do before.

But, as much as they desired to pursue the lead and head to the junk yard that veery moment-it was undeniably late and Rin had swore to be home by six. And her time was running out.

So, after putting in a request to have Kohaku stop by her flower shop(and brushing off his blatant show of aghast that she had partial ownership of a floral shop-she was used to those reactions by now)he drove by the flourishing cottage and let her quickly acquire the foliage she sought after. She enjoyed explaining to him how she came to name the shop and how it was given to her. And even how well the small business thrived. Sesshoumaru had made certain all profits made were put under her name-he had no need for the money and neither did she with her welfare still in his capable hands. But, it was something she worked for and earned by herself. And that made her proud.

“Rin wishes she could offer Kohaku tea upstairs.” She said as they began their departing words. “But, she is not sure if Sesshoumaru is home-nor that he would like that.” She stated honestly.

“It’s all right.” He shrugged carelessly-truly wishing that it was otherwise. That she could offer to spend more time with him. “It’s getting late anyways and Sango will be expecting me home soon.”

Rin nodded in understanding before leaning down to pat the old dog affectionately on her scraggly head. “Rin will see ol’ Bessy later.” She scratched behind her dark brown ears. They had tied her leash to the bike handle and let the mutt drag herself along side of them. Needless to say-she had slowed them down quite a bit with her huffing and panting of old age.

It had been a well accomplished and progressive day for the both of them, and when Rin leaned forward to kiss Kohaku on the cheek again-he flushed just as deeply red as he had the last time she had given him a smooch. And she giggled just watching him fluster.

“Same time tomorrow?” He asked, shuffling one of his feet on ground below the bicycle seat he straddled. Averting his gaze nervously.

“Yes.” She nodded enthusiastically-pleased that he wished to see her again. “Will Kohaku say goodnight to Sango for Rin?”

“Sure.” He finally looked back into her eyes to find her staring back. He was at a loss for words under her precious smile-perturbed and anxious. “Uh...um, I guess I’ll see you later then.” It was the only thing he could get out of his mouth fast enough before he made an utter fool of himself.

“Okay.” Was all she said, still looking at ease. “Rin will be waiting for Kohaku at the same place tomorrow.” She waved heartily as the wheels on his bike took off under the command of his feet like his rump was on fire-the old dog barely able to keep up with his suddenly abrupt departure. He was disinclined to leave her presence-but, he had felt awkward and stumbling on wondering what to say to her.

Rin, on the other hand, hadn’t noticed a thing. She had carried her basket, papers and backpack upstairs and into the spacious apartment. Wasting no time-she took quick liberties to trim her tulips and put the flowers in a crystal vase before setting them on the glass table in the dining room. Taking great pains to arrange the various breeds of flora into a beautiful design under her well practiced hand.

Her first impulse was to make dinner. But, she glanced down at her wrinkled school uniform covered with dog fur and numerous other stains acquired throughout the day. It was certainly time for a shower.

She smirked when she thought about Sesshoumaru’s lacking presence. And his free bathroom and tub. He wouldn’t know any different...if she were sneaky. But, she didn’t want to be discreet.

It didn’t matter that she had her own private bathroom, she wanted to take a bath in his domain. It would feel special. Just because that’s where he had been-and it would be a little fun to not get caught. Even if she would be exposed-he wouldn’t punish her. He never did.

Rin quickly-with anew energy and enthusiasm-began stripping where she stood. Throwing her green tie over the chair, shimmied out of her skirt and undergarments as they fell on the couch, shrugging off her shirt and bra to throw them on the hallway floor. And lastly kicking off her socks as she bounded into his bedroom stark naked as a jaybird. Then she paused, grabbed her bra and hung it on Sesshoumaru’s door knob with a self satisfied smile.

The water ran hot in no time as she turned the faucet and filled the tub-essentially wrecking havoc on his bathroom in the short amount of time it took the water to go from cold to hot. Smelling his cologne, running her fingernails over the rims and bristles of his toothbrush and examining his hair comb-noting the fact that everything was meticulously clean.

When the expansive bathing room was filled with a thick smog of steam and the tub nearly overflowing with next to boiling water-Rin tested it with a toe before plunging into the warmth. Water spilling over the sides and onto the floor with a splash.

She sighed and grabbed his shampoos and conditioners-using each of them in her mass of hair. Saturating her body in his bar of soap and wash rags-shaving with his razor that had been sitting on the sink.

Then she simply sat and soaked. Letting the water and scents of his personal hygiene products sink into her senses and long tresses of her dark locks.

Rin looked to the door and made sure she had locked it-just in case-before she stood and dried off with his towels. When she saw a long, dark robe hanging on the back of the door she smiled big and wide. Instantly grabbing the garment to mold it to her flesh-squirming and rubbing her skin against its smooth texture.

Leaving her mark on his bathroom, she didn’t decide to clean it just yet. She’d let him see her spoilings-then she would take care of her mess...or at least she’d have the maid do it.

But, for now, she sauntered back out into the living area where all the entertainment appliances where kept. Holding a completely relaxed and enjoyable aura about herself. Rin tightened the knot of his silk robe around her body and strolled over to the radio that sat beside their plasma screen. She glanced at the remote controller to their satellite network that was calling her name on the coffee table...and contemplated-another idea popping into her little head. Nobody was home...and she was bored. It would keep her amused for the moment until she felt the returning compulsion to fix dinner again.

She smiled to herself. Flipped the ‘on’ switch to the stereo and turned the volume up as loud as it would go. Tuning into a station playing clear music. Literally feeling the vibrations of the speakers in her rib cage when the song began to echo in the room. The words seemingly pouring from her mind into the stereo.

-Am I dreaming-or stupid? I think I've been hit by Cupid. But no one needs to know right now-

Rin quickly snatched the remote that she had been eyeballing from the table and brought it to her lips as she mouthed the words into the ‘microphone.’ The music filled the apartment and reverberated off the walls-and she was certain there would complaints for Sesshoumaru the next time he passed the people on the floor below them.

-I met a tall, dark and handsome man. And I've been busy making big plans. But no one needs to know right now-

She snapped her fingers and tapped her toes, moving her shoulders, arms and legs to the beat-enjoying the slide of the silk robe on her skin. Finally catching onto the beat.

-I got my heart set, my feet wet. And he don't even know it yet. But no one needs to know right now-

Rin raised her hands and twisted her hips, shaking her booty-certain that this was as sensual as she could get without anyone looking. She was a ballerina, not a dirty night club pole-dancer and the best she could to was imitate the exotic dancers she had seen on TV. She laughed out loud, listening to the lyrics and did a little spin on her heel as her wet hair fanned her face and the black robe twirled around her. The objects and walls of the apartment moving by in a blur of her hazed state of mind. And somewhere in all that fuzz of spinning, she caught a glimpse of a placid man staring at her.

-I'll tell him someday, some way, somehow. But I'm gonna keep it a secret for now-

‘Oh, dear...’ She stomped her foot and halted her fun-blushing as he stared at her intently. “Hello, Sesshoumaru-samma.” She smiled cheekily and gave him a little wave. Rin had been certain he would not be home so early.

He stood there, his arms crossed-leaning against the wall giving her that ‘what the hell are you doing’ look. And frowned. Why was she wearing his robe?

And as the music continued to play, Rin looked up at him with a little secret smile and a spark in her eyes-another of her ideas running through her head as her smile only grew wider. He wasn’t sure if he liked the way she was looking at him.

-I want bells to ring, a choir to sing. The white dress, the guests, the cake, the car-the whole darn thing. But no one needs to know right now-

He watched as she put the controller back to its rightful place. Then she started moving with the music again-giving way for her hips to use a little more sway to them than what she had before. The rhythm was catchy and slightly upbeat, but she was slow and steady as she added a few more twitches here and there. Her bare feet on the hard wood floor almost hidden behind the long length the sleek garment-the small gap in the clothing allowing him an occasional high peek at a well shaped thigh.

-I'll tell him someday, some way, somehow. But I'm gonna keep it a secret for now-

She placed her arm out before her with an easy, motioned curve-her delicate hands tempting in the most obvious of ways. Adding the second and raising them above her head-playing the fingers of one hand down her forearm. And he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her hips...back and forth, left and right, slow and sensual. A little rounding off here...a bit of turning there. And she knew exactly where his eyes were focused-centered exactly where she wanted them to be.

-We'll have a little girl, a little boy, a little Benji we call Leroy. But no one needs to know right now-

Her back turned to him as she let her shoulder slant down a slight fraction-the black silk sliding off the flesh like water and exposing her pale upper arm and an inch or two of her smooth back.

-And I'm not lonely anymore at night. And he don't know-only he can make it right-

Rin brought the hem of the oversized sleeve up to cover her face, only allowing him to see her mischievous eyes smiling at him. Slowly drawing the material away from her face and stopping when her hand reached her mouth-bitting down on her tiny, well manicured pinky nail. Performing her version of a sexy little, rather innocent, dance over to him until she stood only a few inches away.

He could smell her, strong and familiar. She smelt like him-his soaps and such. Every inch of her covered with all things him. Like she had been personally marked by yours truly.

-I'm not dreaming or stupid. But boy have I been hit by Cupid. But no one needs to know right now, no, no, no-

She bent over, slowly shook her head side to side and gave him the ‘no, no-bad boy’ look-pouting her lips and wagging her finger at him like he was being a bad dog.

His head tilted a whole centimeter to the left-why did he enjoy that?

Fifteen year old girls shouldn’t be prancing around in a grown mans robe-acting as if she were taunting him where he stood...Thirty year old men shouldn’t allow young women under their guidance to dance the way she was now-and watching.

-No, no one needs to know right now-

She placed her index and middle finger on his abdomen and walked them up the center of his chest playfully-her eyes staring up at him as her fingers tickled his chin before reaching his lips. And as the last beat of the song boomed out of the speakers, Rin jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck.

His arms immediately uncrossed and his brows furrowed as she giggled and gave him a quick, unsuspecting peck on the lips. Sesshoumaru quickly jerked away and growled at the soft, unpredicted contact of her mouth. Something in his body reacting a way he didn’t want it to against his will.

His frown grew grim and he quickly tried to remove her from his body-and, damn her, she was still smiling at him.

...he never did like music...or dancing...

“Get dressed,” He ordered.

“But, Rin’s comfy.” Her big eyes searched his as her head craned to look up at him. But, when he didn’t answer she sighed helplessly. “Rin could be dying of love for Sesshoumaru-samma and he wouldn’t even notice or care-suffering from a broken heart without his second glance.” She pouted and extended a innocent smile that begged for his attention-her delicate voice brimming with the edge of teasing.

“Not true,” His fingers enclosed around her arms and was finally able to detach her from his neck. “I’m very attentive.” His face was as nearly drab as his tone. “Now get dressed-I have something I’d like to show you.” And then he turned to walk out of the room. Declining her any clues as to what he was talking about.

Rin’s smile nearly turned smug as she watched him leave. To anyone else, he would have seemed almost frightening after that little stunt-but, she saw something more. She saw that look in his eye-that extra spark that wasn’t there when he first came in the room-unbeknownst to her was the origin and cause of that spark. An effect that would have gone unnoticed by so many others-they would have called him callous and cold. But not to Rin. She caught the hint of something. For her eyes were trained to capture those small moments and hold them in her heart. Keeping a record of all events and running them over and over in her brain until every little part had been nit picked.

She laughed, did another twirl, replaying the song and repeating it in her head as she got changed into her clothes.

--

“What is this place, Sesshoumaru-samma?” She asked as they stood outside the iron gates of a graveyard. She was surprised when they had traveled a whole hour, going through the country side of Japan-seeing places and things she had never seen before-and ended up at this place. Nearly dark outside at the late hour it had become.

“The Sounga Cemetery.” He replied as he walked ahead of her. Leaving his car by the road.

Well, that was a obvious answer.

“Who does Sesshoumaru-samma know that’s buried here?” She asked, struggling to keep up with his long strides in her flip-flops on the grassy plains of the graveyard. For the longest of moments he didn’t reply. So, taking this time to her advantage, Rin inhaled deeply the fresh country scents of grass and enormous trees. A smell that would have been out of place in the city where they lived. But, when he abruptly stopped to stare down at a large, heavy marker-the chiseled words just beginning to fade and hide under the cover of creeper moss-he simply said,

“My parents.”

Rin was deathly silent. He had never mentioned his family to her before. Ever. The soft breeze that floated in on the late evening air wafted her hair into her eyes as she stared blindly at his back. Broad and lean and self assured. She studied the grave stones set around it-there were two others. And, although the words had been erased under the duress of time-she couldn’t help feeling the three graves were somehow connected. She wanted to ask...but, it wouldn’t have been the right time. That question could wait for another day.

Her high-water pants and light green, knit sweater kept her comfortable in the approaching night as the untrimmed grass tickled at her ankles. Him-changed out of his business clothes into nothing more than jeans and a white long sleeved shirt, casual shoes and the usual tightly sleeked back hair.

Rin suddenly felt pulled to him by some unknown gravitational force.

She took a cautious, hesitant step forward and pressed her palm to his back. She felt him stiffen for only a mere second. He was warm and hard and felt strong beneath her hand-the material of his shirt smoothing under the pads of her small fingers. His breathing was steady to the point it nearly sent her being to embrace him or to be embraced.

He said nothing more. And she understood a hundred percent.

Sesshoumaru had trusted her enough to bring her here to this place of mourning with him-a place and action he had never taken with another.

A privilege? -no

A liberty?-maybe

A honor?-quite possibly

A man sharing a quiet moment of emotion with another, an act never taken by him before that was like taking a giant leap into a canyon. Something that took a great amount of trust and respect?-yes

Rin was deeply, deeply touched.

She had no clue what was running through his mind at that moment, or why he chose this particular day to bring her here. Perhaps this was the day they had passed away, or he simply felt some pull of the mind to visit them-she did not know. But, she did know that this quiet time spent alone with him was cherished far greater than any evening spent with her friends.

Rin glanced up at the stars forming one by one in the sky, spots of clouds slowly drifting by here and there-and watched as it all blurred as she felt tears coming to her eyes. Why was she crying? Shouldn’t she should be happy? She was. But, for some reason, the love she felt for him in this moment grew to such heights it compelled her to shed a tear or two. She was a affectionate creature and at times found it more difficult to contain her emotions than to experience the embarrassment of showing them to the world.

Taking another step forward, Rin let that tear fall for him as it slid down her cheek-unseen and not to be wiped away. These tears were where they belonged-freely running from her eyes and down her cheeks. She rested her forehead against the flat of his shoulder blade, letting the rise and fall of his breathing ease her into what she could only describe as sleep. Or perhaps it was that long, leisurely drive to this place that had made her senses drowsy.

“Rin loves Sesshoumaru-samma.” She sagged heavily against his body. It was late and she had endured a very long eventful day, waking terribly early from the confines of her bed to simply make it into classes on time.

It barely registered in her brain when he turned and wrapped his arms around her-her sigh as she melted into the embrace with welcome enthusiasm. His fingers drying the moisture on her face from fallen tears drops as he watched her calm features in the light of the steadily brightening moon. Her slitted eyes staring up at him, but not really seeing in her dazed state of mind before finally closing her eyes and entrusting herself to him.

Nor did she notice when he had lifted her and carried her sleeping form back to the car, driven her home, and took her back to bed-heading to her pleads to stay with him so she wouldn’t have to worry about saying goodbye in the morning. Snuggling deep into the endless coves of his bedding and instantly falling prey to the predator of sleep when she had felt his body sink next to hers...

--

I'm not dreaming or stupid.

But boy have I been hit by Cupid.

But no one needs to know right now

No, no one needs to know right now...

--

Geepers, I sure liked writing that chapter. I think I liked that one better than the bonus chapter(which even pulled on my own heart strings)

I tried to make up for the suckyness of chapter four. And I apologize to those of you hoping for more interaction between Kohaku and Rin in this chap...but, it was long enough as it stood-and I didn’t want to extend it any further.

P.S. Check out Sesshoumaru: The 4, 000 Year Old Virgin. I swear you’ll like it : )

Peace

Next Chapter: ...so, what is this problem that Sarah has that keeps her from getting close to people? Who is Jen?-the owner of the abandoned dog, perhaps? And Sesshoumaru doesn’t seem to want to wake up.