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She opened the door to reveal a spacious lavatory with a double sized bathing tub. Potted plants lined the walls and hung from the ceiling creating a jungle effect. She walked over to the bath tub and began filling it with water and some sort of bubbling soap. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rin began to fill the tub with hot water and some of her bubble bath. "You can take a bath now..." she said while bending down and waving her hand in the water, trying to get a feel for the temperature. "......and I'll wash you clothes tonight...." She continued, while standing. She then turned to say something else when the words caught in her throat as she stared, wide eyed and mouth slightly agape. The male before her was stripping. He had already removed his outer cloak and upper shirt and was now untying his belt. "Sess.....Sesshomaru?!" she gasped. The youkai ceased his movements at once. The hands on his belt frozen in place. His golden eyes hidden by his silver bangs. In a deep and submissive tone he said, "Yes......Mistress?" "Um...Uh...." Rin stuttered as the steam rose from the hot water, misting the room. She became very aware of his chest and the water droplets forming on his skin. "Um......uh...you can...".....'man is he beautiful'... Seeing a male shirtless in public was one thing, but a male, especially one that could make a girl melt at the sight of him, undressing in her bathroom, was a totally different matter. She was not ready to see all of him...though she could not help the tingle in her tummy at the sight of his pants falling......... exposing his left hip....and.... Averting her gaze, she stammered. "Uh...you can undress when I leave..... Put your clothes outside the door. Then get in the bath." She manuvered around him, trying to look anywhere else but at the half naked male, and hurried from the room. ---------------------------------------------------Rin flew down the stairs to the bathroom to use it. She then came back a minute later to retrieve his garments. She then went back downstairs to the wash room. After putting the clothes on quick wash, she ran to the living room and grabbed the phone. She seriously hoped that her sister was not on some priestess expedition. "Hello?" said a female voice."Kagome?" "Hi, Rin. What's up?" "I went to the market today.".... silence .......... "Yes.....go on." Rin let out a breath "I bought something." "And......what did you buy?" Kagome said as one would to a confessing child. "I...uh....bought a slave." "What!....you didn't....Mom and Dad are going to freak! Whatever possessed you to buy another human being." Rin became flustered. "He was starving and chained and......well...he isn't exactly human.""Rin, you didn't..... tell me you did not buy a male hanyou." "Well... he's not exactly a hanyou........I..uh..he's a full blooded youkai." "Let me get this straight." Kagome flattened. "You went to the market today just happen to see a full blooded youkai while browsing, and decided to buy him?" 

Rin shook her head. "Thanks for the warning. I will be sure to hide my chocolate. But knowing her, it won't stay hidden long." Kagome laughed. "I know, she can smell the stuff a mile away!" "I gotta go now, Kagome. Thanks again and I'll see you tomorrow." "Ok, Rin. Bye" "Bye, Kagome." Rin sat banging the phone on her forehead. What was she going to do? She had never really lived with another male before. Maybe it won't be too awkward. She put the phone back on its stand and decided to go check on Sesshomaru. ===================================================================== Rin knocked lightly on the door to the bathroom. "Sesshomaru?" Her voice whisper soft. Getting worried, She quietly opened the door and peeked in. He was still in the bath tub. He seemed to be asleep as his head leaned over the edge and his silver hair touched the floor. Rin moved closer..... Attentively, she touched his shoulder. "Sesshomaru?"His eyes shot open as he jerked awake a little startled. He sat up slightly and appeared disoriented. Rin was thankful she had made it a bubble bath. "Hey"......Rin soothed, trying to get him to settle. "It's only me...." The youkai became still. His profile hidden by his hair as he tilted his head downward......"Yes, Mistress Rin?" "I just came to check on you and make sure you hadn't drowned." She kidded."Look here now..." she chided. "...you haven't even washed you hair yet." She cupped her hands in the water and doused his head a few times to get it wet. Taking a bottle of shampoo from the corner edge, she poured some of it into her hands and began working it into his silver hair. "I use to do this all the time when my brother Sota was little." Rin related. "So don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Rin became lost in the task as her hands delicately lathered and rinsed. The pearly strands glistened in the light as she tenderly sifted and cleansed, unaware of her ministration's occasional gentle caressing of his face and neck. "Lean back some." He inclined backward, allowing her access to the rest of his hair. While Rin finished rinsing out the last of the suds, she nudged him forward. But as he motioned to sit up, his left hand gently grasped hers. Rin could only watch, stunned, as his warm lips pressed against the sensitive flesh on the inside of her wrist. Her heart began to pound as his slow, soft and heated touches envoked a deep ache inside of her. "Sess......Sesshomaru?" she whispered..."What are you doing? Please.....stop" Sesshomaru let go of her wrist and bowed his head, his nose almost touching the bubbly surface. He clinched his eyes shut, his voice fearful and hesitant. "I.....forgive me Mistress.....you were......touching me.......and your scent.....I thought.....you wanted.......". He was shaking now as if the warm water he was in had turned to ice. "I...have acted...... perversely...and I have been disobedient.... Please punish me appropiately." Rin looked at the male before her. He was terrified. Her scent? She did have a heavy tinglely feeling while washing his hair, but she was not openly thinking about that. The young girl took in a quick breath....dog demon.....dogs can tell when a female is in heat or wants....... ....'Oh God'....... Rin assured softly. "Sesshomaru...I am not going to punish you." He stopped trembling and calmed somewhat. "It was just a misunderstanding." she soothed. His eyes opened but stared blankly forward....his expression void of any emotion. Rin rose from her kneeling postion. "I'm going to leave now....Finish bathing. There's a robe hanging on the door you can use...You clothes are almost done... come down to get them when you are finished." With that said, Rin turned and left. After shutting the door, she fell heavily against the wall, her forehead touching the cool plastered surface. Her heart hurt. What had they done to him? .

Chapter 12: Lost? Rin watched as Sesshomaru left for the kitchen. As soon as she believed the youkai was out of earshot, Rin leaned towards her sister somewhat agitated and spoke in a low, harsh whisper. "I can't believe you almost said that in front of him." Kagome raised an eyebrow in mock query. "What?" "You know what I am referring to, Kagome." "Oh, you mean the part about you being a vir..." "YES!" Rin interrupted, quite vexed. Kagome shook her head "It's not as if he doesn't already know." "What?..." Rin paled, white as a sheet. Her voice then lowered in growing apprehension. "What do you mean?" "Rin, Hello....He's a dog demon. Miko classes 101, all canine youkai can smell a female in heat or if a female has been with another male... It's a territorial thing...in a sense ...They can also detect most strong emotions... fear, pain, contentment, arousal...." Becoming rather stressed, Rin buried her face in her palms, and groaned. "I knew he could smell some things, but I didn't know he could smell emotions and if I have ever....you know... I feel like an open book to him." Kagome lightly touched Rin's shoulder. "Hey....it's no big deal. He probably doesn't think anything about it. If it makes you feel any better, I haven't gone that far with a guy either." Rin looked up at her sister. "You haven't?" Kagome shook her head. "But what about Hojo? I thought you two were in love." Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "We broke up. He wasn't the right one for me. We're still friends though." "I'm sorry, Kagome." "Don't be...I'm not... Me and Hojo were not meant for each other and I wasn't broken hearted over it. To tell the truth, I feel sort of relieved. We just didn't seem to connect on that level. He was just too.....nice. It felt artificial. We are much better off as friends." Rin gave a short laugh. "It's a wonder Kikyo hasn't tried for the sweet boy. I can see the headlines now. 'Rabid female attacks poor unsuspecting nice young man.' She has always gone after the men you dated. Like she was competing with you or something. By the way, what is with Kikyo lately? She's even more self absorbed that usual and she normally doesn't visit until mid summer." Kagome grimaced. "I don't know for sure. She mentioned taking a break from everything, something about problems with a certain relationship. My opinion is she got dumped. You know, Kikyo can be a real bit....." At that precise moment, Kagome was interrupted by a nearby ringing. Rin gave her sister a 'We'll finish this talk later' look and picked up the phone. "Hello?""Why, hello, Rin." came a familiar male voice. "Oh, hi, Naraku." Rin made a gagging gesture at Kagome who rolled her eyes and grinned. "And how are you feeling this fine day?" Naraku asked. "I'm fine." Rin replied curtly. "Rin, I recently had a conversation with your lovely mother. She seemed ecstatic with my notion of escorting you to the charity banquet Saturday night. Would you like to accompany me?" "Banquet?" Rin peered at Kagome who had slapped her forehead as if suddenly remembering something very important. 

"Yes.....the one your father's company is hosting this year for the children's hospital." "Well....I....don't...know.." Rin trailed off. "If you are unsure, Rin. It does not have to be personal. We can go as mutual acquaintances. Your father is the guest speaker." Rin held her hand over her eyes and let out a long breath. "I...guess..I could...since it is for charity and daddy's speaking." For some reason, the young woman could feel the smile slide across Naraku's face. "Excellent! I am very pleased with your decision, Rin. Your mother will be delighted as well. I will pick you up at five o'clock p.m. on Saturday. It is a formal affair so be prepared." "Yea, Okay." "Good Bye, dear Rin, see you Saturday." "Bye." Rin hung up the phone then glared at her sister. "Ooops...forgot to tell you about that." Kagome said sheepishly. Rin raised a petite eyebrow at her big sister. "What is moma trying to do? Run my life?" "She is just looking out for you, Rin. Mom and Dad both consider Naraku a gentlemen, a rich gentlemen. Moma wants to make sure you are well taken care of. They don't think you should have to struggle on the meager amount of money you make selling your paintings." Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Rin huffed. "Well, if moma thinks I'm going to marry that perfect gentlemen, she's got another thing coming. I'm quite happy with my life, Thank you very much." Rin sighed. "I can't believe I agreed to go on a date, well, maybe not an official date, with Naraku." Kagome half smirked. "Come to think of it, Rin, If you look past that dark, mysterious persona of his....he is actually not that bad looking." Rin threw a couch cushion at her sister. "Eeeewwww...Kagome!" While dodging her sister's attack, Kagome laughed and chanted. "Naraku and Rin sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G." "Oh NO, I don't think so!" Rin was about to pummel her big sis again when she froze. "Kagome, what am I going to wear?" "Don't sweat it, Rin. I have some formal dresses you can choose from." "And what about Sesshomaru? It may be too awkward to take him, even though I wouldn't mind him being there.".....Rin trailed off in thought. "Don't worry, Rin. I am going to the banquet as well. Sesshomaru can stay here alone for a few hours by himself. What could hurt a full youkai anyway?" Rin frowned in her thought. "I guess so.....but he hasn't even left my side since I bought him yesterday. "Rin?.......speaking of Sesshomaru.....". "Hmm?" Rin replied, slowly returning from her musings. "What?.....Sesshomaru?....Yea.. He should....have....been....back...by...now......" Suddenly both girls looked at each other, both reaching the same alarming conclusion. 'KIKYO' Rin got up and began limping after her sister who had already jumped off the couch and was now heading down the hallway, a rising panic welling up inside of her. 'If Kikyo has touched one hair on his head...I'll....' Her thoughts were broken as Kagome, who had now halted in front of the kitchen door, held out her arm, effectively preventing her from going any further. 

The youkai sighed, He was not foolish enough to believe that Rin would give him the honor of being the first male to touch her so intimately. She was waiting. As he had been waiting also..... before.... He was suppose to have mated for life. But that gift was no longer his to give....stolen by the miko who had captured him. His attention then turned back to the girl who was now bending over in the fridge and he was blessed with an ample view of her full, round.........he looked down... the heat spreading throughout his cheeks. Vegetables and meat seared together on the stove while Rin buttered slices of bread which she then slid into the oven. She then moved to the table and placed a carton of cream and a bowl of strawberries before him. Taking a mixer out of the cabinet, she proceeded to plug it up then whip the cream in a large bowl. Rin gave him a smile. "Do you like cake?" He nodded, recalling the last time he had tasted a sweet confection. He had been just a pup. The girl picked up a cloth covered plate next to him and unfolded the fabric to reveal a round spongy bread that smelled of browned sugar and vanilla. Taking what appeared to be the remainder of the strawberries left from breakfast, Rin dumped them on the cake. As she spooned the whipped cream over the berries and cake, she accidentally splattered some on her chin. Without a second thought, Sesshomaru reached up with his finger and lightly wiped the fluffy white cream from under her lower lip. Bringing his finger to his mouth, he then licked the sweetness from his fingertip while never taking his eyes off the girl in front of him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`` Rin blinked at the male as his tounge slowly licked the cream off his finger, the intensity in his eyes, creating a liquid heat, rippling within her belly. Her knees suddenly went weak. What was he doing? Before his straightforward gaze could affect her ability to function any more, she half smiled then turned back to the stove to finish cooking. Rin set the table and they ate in comfortable silence. After eating, The youkai helped her clean up. The last task took its toll on her ankle and she stopped to lean heavily on the chair next to the table. As she contemplated sitting down to give her throbbing ankle a rest, she was suddenly hoisted up. One strong arm slid under her knees and another braced her back as the youkai picked her up effortlessly. "Where do you wish to go....Rin?" Gathering her scattering thoughts, Rin replied. "Well...I..uh... may need to soak my ankle for awhile.. The upstairs bathroom?" The demon then carried her up the stairs and to the bathroom door which he lightly opened. After setting her down next to the tub, he stood beside her and seemed to be waiting. Rin looked up to him and spoke softly. "Thank you....you can go now...I think I can manage." She watched as the youkai bowed slightly then turned to go. When he had shut the door behind him, the young woman set about filling the tub. 

Sinking into the bubbles, Rin could not believe how much she had needed a good hot bath. It really helped to melt the tension away. As the froathy suds surrounded her body, her mind centered on her new housemate. The way he had spaced out earlier bothered her. 'Must have had something to do with Kikyo'. Rin shrugged it off. Kikyo would probably be leaving by the end of the week. She could keep her cousin away from him till then. And with luck on their side, Sesshomaru would be free soon. Then...everything would be back to normal. Rin smiled to herself. Maybe he would want to stay for awhile. She grimaced then shook her head. She was getting attached to the beautiful male. This would not do, especially considering his base nature. He had been free and probably wild at one time. Once the binds were broken, he might bolt without so much as a look back. Parting the bubbles underneath her nose with a heavy sigh, she approached the subject from a different angle. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to get to know him some, at least while he was here. Maybe she could keep her heart from entering the picture..... Maybe. Rin washed her hair then felt of her ankle. It was better and her skin was wrinkled, signaling that it was time to get out. After wrapping up in her pink robe, she dried her hair. As she opened the door and peeked out, cool air hit her heated skin. The house was quiet and Sesshomaru's door was closed. Padding down the hallway, Rin entered her bedroom and closed the door. She searched her drawer and found her long sleeve cotton night gown and slipped it on. Evening light filtered in through her bedroom window as the setting sun fell behind the trees. Rin went out on her balcony to catch the last rays of the sunset. Grasping the railing, she took a deep breath of the cooling afternoon air. A glint of silver caught her eye and she turned to see Sesshomaru sitting on the chair next to his balcony door. He was staring out at the color changing sky. Tilting her head to the side, she decided to give him some company. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The radiance of dusk glowed over the long white night dress she wore as it fluttered in her approach. He blinked once, she seemed to float in the cloud of buttered sunlight...an angel without wings. And with humble regard to such a divine enchantress, he fell to one knee and bowed before her. "Is there something you need....Mistress Rin?" She abruptly stopped and dropped to her knees in front of him, her feather light touch under his chin raising his gaze to hers. "Hey...I just came to talk.......And what happened to just plain Rin?" While rising to her feet, the ethereal beauty grasped his hand, pulling him to stand as well. Still holding his hand, she looked up at him with an impish grin..."Come on..." As her bare feet padded along the ground, she dragged him to the very end of the balcony and down some metal steps. Her faint giggle mingled with the mellow rhythm of the coming twilight. 

This hurt. This woman was not his chosen. And his body refused to react to her advances. If unable to please this female, would he be punished? Her lips came closer to his but he turned his head away. The woman leaned back, clear cut annoyance in her voice. "Why are you not responding to me? I know you have done this before. Why do you insist on not performing now?" Opening his eyes, he glared at the wall to his right. His blood ran cold at her crude snicker. "My, my...look at you. If I were to take a guess, it would be that sweet little Rin has caught your fancy." Goosebumps flooded his flesh as the female leaned in again and her steamy breath brushed against his ear. "I can make you...you know that...all I have to do is give you an order....." He sucked in a breath as a heated wetness slid over the rim of his ear. The shaking began again. Defying the urge to fall into the welcoming black void, he battled the tremors. Invading touches went further, stroking and fondling in private areas. Female arousal blistered his sense of smell. Chancing her wrath, he pleaded with desperation. "Please...don't make me do this." Fingers tangled in his hair then twisted into fists. He winced as she jerked his head back over the edge of the sofa. The female leaned over, her nose almost touching his. Eyes, half lidded and brimming with primal lust, filled his vision. Heat radiated from the young woman's body, causing the bare skin on his chest to prickle with a sickening sensation. With one, firm grind of her hips, she whispered a burning demand. "Kiss me, now." Closing his eyes, all rational thought skidded to a halt as her warm, sour tongue, licked his lips. Sesshomaru panicked. Forcing himself to respond would be futile. He knew. He could not mate with this female, unless....... Rin. Drowning in fevered touches and heated breathing, he sought to escape this defilement by shutting out reality. His world turned inward as images of his chosen lighted the darkness: her flushed features, baby soft skin, sweet, strawberry kisses, and the fragrance of vanilla scented flowers. It was Rin who was the one writhing in passionate need atop him. The female tasting him was his mate, and he returned the wet kiss by licking then sucking on her bottom lip. Falling deeper into the dream, he reached out to touch his chosen. He grasped her waist and pulled down feminine hips, grinding them hard against his own, now generated want. The female on him gasped then moaned. Sesshomaru became lost, oblivious to everything around him. So far gone was the inu youkai that he didn't even notice the turn of the lock on the office door. . .

Chapter 19: Feelings Unknown Rin stood at the bottom of the staircase and scoured over the living room carefully. Kagome, who had been following her down the stairs, now halted to her left. While trying to ignore the bad feeling that was growing stronger with each passing minute, Rin spoke an obvious truth. "Sesshomaru is gone." As Kagome took a quick glance over the living room, she answered her statement with a light tone. "I'm sure he is around here somewhere, Rin. Why don't you go ahead and put that dress in your car while I go find him." Her sister smiled and winked then headed for the door that led to the dinning room. "I'll go check the kitchen. He may be looking for more of that cheesecake." Rin gave Kagome a simple nod then hurried out the door, almost running to her car. After placing the garment bag in the back seat, she walked quickly back to the house. Upon entering the front door, she saw Kagome coming out of the dining room. Even though her anxiety seemed to be running out of control, Kagome didn't appear to be worried at all. "He wasn't in the kitchen, Rin. Maybe he went to the bathroom or decided to take a walk outside." Rin looked over to the coat rack. "I don't believe he went outside, Kagome. His coat and weapons are still here." They both set about searching the house but came up with nothing. Puzzled, Rin turned to her sister. "Kagome, did you check your office? Sesshomaru likes to read. He may have found a book and settled in there." Kagome snapped her fingers. "I sure didn't, Rin. I only took a quick peek into the library and forgot all about my office." Breathing a sigh of relief, Rin followed her sister into the library and to the office door. The door was closed. Rin watched as her sister tried to turn the knob. With a baffled look, Kagome reached over to a nearby shelf. "That's strange, I don't remember locking this door." That bad feeling was now forming in her stomach again as her sister unlocked the door to her office. Kagome entered first and switched on the lights. Blinded by the sudden brightness, Rin blinked for a moment before stepping into the room. For some reason, Kagome had frozen and was now staring at the far side of her office. Rin followed her sister's gaze. She stopped breathing. Her body refused to move. Shock hit like a tidal wave. Suddenly, the pounding in her chest forced her to take a breath. The scene seared it's way into her vision. She wanted to pinch herself and wake up from this nightmare. Before her, Sesshomaru sat on the sofa, a dazed and lost expression on his face. His shirt was open, exposing his chest. Kikyo stood next to the sofa, fixing and brushing off her skirt and top. With an aloof flip of her hair, Kikyo turned to them. "Doesn't anybody knock around here?" Forcing the animation back into her muscles, Rin walked with shaky steps until she neared the sofa. Sesshomaru slid off of the couch and kneeled before her. 

His silver hair brushed the floor as he bowed on hands and knees at her feet. Pushing the shock out of her system, Rin crouched then touched his shoulder. "Sesshomaru......are you okay?" He did not answer. Rin glared up at Kikyo, anger sparking within. "What did you do to him?" Kikyo placed a hand on her chest, irritation in her voice. "I didn't do anything to him, Rin." Rin stood up and put her hands on her hips, her anger turning to rage in slow degrees. Kagome walked over to them. "Kikyo....what is going on here?" Crossing her arms, Kikyo let out an arrogant sniff. "We were just having a little fun." Kagome's tone lowered. "Having a little...fun?" Kikyo uncrossed her arms and replied with exasperation. "Yea, me and Sesshomaru were...messing around." She then smirked and leered down at the youkai. "He didn't seem to mind though. In fact, he quite enjoyed himself." That did it! Rin snarled as her hands lunged for her cousin's throat. "You!...You!...Ahhh!...." Kagome, who had probably seen what was coming, blocked the attack by holding her back and trying to settle the confrontation with the voice of reason. "Rin! get a hold of yourself! That is enough!" Rin struggled in her sister's hold, the fire in her vision centered on her cousin who was standing there with a haughty smirk. "Let me go, Kagome!" As Kagome held her back, she replied, her voice firm. "No, Rin. Not until you calm down." Immediately, Rin ceased the attempt to cause bodily harm to her cousin. While breathing heavily with exertion, Rin stared at her cousin as Kagome let her go. Kagome then turned to Kikyo. "Okay, Kikyo, whatever possessed you to take such liberties with Sesshomaru?" With a snotty hmph, Kikyou stuck her nose up in the air. "As I said, Kagome, me and Sesshomaru were only playing a little game, together." Backing up from Kikyo, Kagome scrunched up her nose. "Kikyo...have you been drinking?" Kikyo rolled her eyes. "That's none of your business, Kagome." Putting her hands on her hips, Kagome snorted. "Alright, Kikyo, now I know something is wrong with you. You don't drink. Does this have something to do with why you decided to come for a visit? And about those relationship problems you mentioned?" Rin could tell her sister had struck a nerve because Kikyo's face turned red and she began to sputter. "That, too, is...none of ...your business, dear cousin. I don't have to stand here and listen to this." Kikyo pointed a finger in her direction...."And you, are plain pathetic, attacking me over this..this...youkai. Look at him, Rin. Look at the way he cowers at your feet. Even if you do find some way to remove that collar, he will always be this way, obeying any and every command. He's a broken ghost, Rin. He will never be anything but a slave. You are wasting your money and endangering your life over this....dog demon. He's not worth it, Rin! Why don't you do yourself and him a favor. Sell this youkai for what you can get out of him before the law changes. Sell the pitiful, groveling, sla......" 

Kikyo's words were cut short when Rin slapped her, effectively ending her cousin's cruel tirade. Holding a hand to her now reddened cheek, Kikyo glared at her. "I can't believe you just did that!" Even through her now blurring vision, Rin could see the pain she inflicted on her cousin. She felt herself smirk in satisfaction at seeing the hurt flash across Kikyo's face. Rin tasted the salty moisture that had slid over her lips. Kagome intervened. "What you said to Rin was uncalled for, Kikyo. And further more, what you said about Sesshomaru was very rude and hurtful as well. I suggest you apologize to my sister and Sesshomaru then go sober up by sleeping off whatever it was that you drank." For a second, Kikyo did not respond, the bright angry light in her eyes blazing. But she blinked and turned to Kagome, seemingly trying to compose herself. "Maybe you have a point, Kagome." Through gritted teeth, Kikyo's voice strained a forced regret. "Rin, I apologize for what I said. Perhaps, I let my anger get the best of me." Her cousin pointed to Sesshomaru. "But I refuse to lower myself concerning the dog demon." With that, Kikyo spun around and headed for the door. Kagome put an arm around her shoulders. "Are you, alright?" Wiping at her eyes, Rin gave a little sniffle. She then smiled weakly and nodded. "Yea, I'm okay." Giving a quick glance down at Sesshomaru then back to her, Kagome gave her shoulders a little squeeze. "I think I'll go have a little talk with Kikyo." Rin looked at Sesshomaru who was still kneeling at her feet. The warmth of Kagome's arm left her shoulder. She barely noticed when her sister exited the room. Rin surrendered to overwelming pain in her heart and dropped to the ungiving floor before the beautiful youkai. Because of the demons silver bangs, his expression remained hidden. Refusing to spill another tear, Rin reached out with a warranted delicacy. The second her finger touched the skin on his cheek, he began to shake. Immediately, Rin jerked her hand back. Swallowing hard to help remove the pain which now seemed to be building into an unbearable ache, She sat back on her heals. This situation may need to be handled differently. With a firm tone, she gave a whispered command. "Sesshomaru, sit up." The youkai did as ordered and sat back on his heals as well. His dark, ambered eyes held a dull distance. Cautiously, Rin reached over to his shirt. The cotton material slipped over her fingers as she began to button. She sniffed once while keeping to the task. When the last button had been fixed , she rested her hands in her lap. Rin let out a hesitant breath then made herself look up. Buried deep within his blank expression, there was.......sadness. "Sesshomaru?" A tiny light emerged in the honeyed depths which now averted away from her. "Yes...Rin?" Unable to find the right words to say, she only stared with growing despair. After a few minutes, Rin directed her attention to her hands which had been clinching tightly in her lap. "I think we need to go home now." She stood up slowly. "Come on, let's go." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sesshomaru stood and followed Rin to the front entrance in the living room. She waited as he attached his weapons and picked up the leather coat. Silently, Rin opened the door. Without looking back, she walked out to the car. He obediently trailed behind. On the ride back to Rin's house, Sesshomaru gazed out at the passing streetlights. She wouldn't want him now. She had seen him with another. The sinking grief welled up, threatening to drown his soul in dejection. No potential mate would consider one who had been unfaithful. He had lost her. Smothered by misery, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and waited for the crack in his heart to bleed enough so the pain would disappear. .

chapter 21: visitors Rin eased out of sleep slowly. The first thing her semi conscious mind realized was just how warm her body felt. As reality brought the sound of morning birds, Rin opened her eyes to the mellow light filtering in from the bedroom window. She smiled. Last night, Sesshomaru asked if he could hold her. Looking down at the strong arm draped over her waist, she sighed with happiness. Rin moved her hand to trace with a fingertip the red markings on his wrist. The arm hugged her tighter, pulling her against the firm chest at her back. Sesshomaru let out a long breath followed by a light throaty grunt. With a yawn, Rin snuggled into the protective embrace of the male she loved and closed her eyes. A nose nuzzled its way from the back of her hair to the dip of her neck. Then, a warmth whispered over her ear. Sesshomaru's voice, heavy with sleep, breathed across her cheek. "Good morning." Rin sighed lazily. "Good mornin'." A warm hand began to rub circles on her tummy as a strange noise rumbled close behind. She giggled. "What are you doing?" Something hot and wet slid up the rim of her ear. Rin gasped as the sensation kindled a pleasurable tingle beneath the gentle circling motions. The hand which had been rubbing those delicious circles began to caress the skin on her left arm. In a heated whisper he replied with an almost burning question of his own. "What do you need me to do?" For some reason, Rin was having a hard time concentrating. "I...I...I don't know." Conflict started between the body and rational mind. Her body wanted to do more than just cuddle but her rational mind knew it could not happen at this time. Sesshomaru could lose his only chance for freedom. And also, she didn't know if she was ready for that kind of intimacy While mentally willing the sensation to pass, Rin let out a calming breath . She loved him. And she needed to tell him how she felt. With heated cheeks, Rin gathered her courage. "I need to tell you something, Sess." The fingers lightly grazing the skin on her arm, slid further up and clasped her hand. Again he whispered in a warm, soft tone. "And what is it that you need to tell me?" Suddenly, a tender fluttering started in her stomach. "I...." Sesshomaru nudged his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply. "What is it? Mmmmm? Mmmmmm...You smell good." Now, she really was having a hard time focusing. "I need to tell you..." Rin licked her lips and inwardly asked for strength from her heart. "...Sesshomaru...I...lo.." At that precise second, the phone rang. Shaking her head, Rin moved out of the arms which seemed reluctant to let go and reached for the phone on the other bedside table. "Hello?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Rin?" Came a male voice. While raising up on his right elbow, Sesshomaru watched his female scoot across the bed and dangle her legs over the side. "Hey, Miroku." 

His present actions were more than likely lessons that had been beaten into him, a by-product from years of tortured slavery. He had been trained how to entice women; how to satisfy them, how to...make them feel...pleasure. And that training may have been..painful. Self loathing balled up inside. What had she done? She had consented to his behavior, accepting the caresses, the affection, that... that.....look in his eyes. With the belief that Sesshomaru's true self actually cared, she had permitted it all. She had believed that he had feelings for her. But that had not been the case. No. She had seen his true self tonight. When he....... When the coldness in his eyes pierced through the warmth of her heart. Grief replaced the self hatred. Oh yes, Sesshomaru was changing; breaking free, coming out of the fog of slavery. That true self was resurfacing. But that true self had no desire to be with her. The trees were swaying heavily now. She blinked back the wetness to watch the early summer storm sweep over the smothered light of the moon. With determination, she taunted the swelling chaos above. "Rain! Come on! Rain on me! What are you waiting for?!" She wanted it to pour, to drench her body and wash away everything; the pain, the misery.....the tears. A flash of light cracked across the sky. Thunder boomed overhead. Rin smiled weakly. "That's it.....come on...make it all disappear." She frowned and whispered to the light sprinkles falling from the angered heavens. "Drown me...please." "You should not be out here." Startled, Rin looked from the chaotic dark sky to the owner of the voice. She sat up and crossed her arms. "What do you want?" Silver hair lashed and fluttered about his shadowed form. Darkness veiled his features. "I...I could not sense your presence in the house. I...searched." Irritated, she snapped. "Well, your search is over. You found me. Anything else?" The youkai moved closer. "I....you should not be out in this...weather." Looking away, she grumbled. "That's my business." By the sound of his voice, he now stood only a foot away. "You need to go in. You could get hurt out here." She gave a harsh laugh. "What do you care?" Large wet drops began to splatter on her face and nightgown. The rush of rain signaled another spike of electric current and clap of thunder. The downpour now soaked everything, making her clothes cling to her skin. Cold, wet, brutal: It felt good. "Rin." She remained silent. His words, very close, carried a firm tone. "Look at me." She refused to acknowledge his request. "Rin...I...do care." Rin turned angrily to face the inu youkai who was now kneeling next to the hammock, water dripping from his silver bangs. "Will you stop it? Your just saying that to please me...to satisfy your master! Now I want you to leave me alone!" Lightning flashed, showing his features which revealed nothing. "No." 

She shook her head. "No, Sess!" He grimaced once again, this time, almost contorting in pain. Before she knew it, Sesshomaru had set her down. In less than a split second he had entered his room and shut the door. The lock clicked. Immediately, Rin jumped up and reached for the door knob; it wouldn't budge. As she had thought, he had locked her out. With her panic rising beyond anything she had ever known, Rin pounded on the wooden surface. "Sess! Open this door! Sess! Let me in! Sesshomaru!.....Open...This...Door!" She stopped and listened. Nothing. Silence. As if a nightmare had come to real life, all sounds of reality magnified at once: Thunder boomed outside and the rain thrashed the roof. Wind whistled through the window in her bedroom. Branches of the trees creaked in the rising gale. Terrified, her fists connected to the door as she pounded once more. "Sesshomaru...Please...let me in......." All of her energy seem to vanish and she laid her forehead against the cool, smooth wood. With exhaustion, she smacked the door once more and pleaded as her tears began to fall. "Please...Please...let me in, Sesshomaru." Rin slumped to the floor, the faintest of words breathed passed her lips. "I...love...you." Suddenly, she remembered something. Rin raised her head....the balcony door! Jumping up, she ran to her room and to the door leading to the balcony. Stepping out , she stumbled as a gust of wind and rain pushed her toward the brick wall. Regaining her balance, Rin hurried to Sessomaru's balcony door. Large drops of water splashed all around as her bare feet padded on the wet wood. She neared the windowed door and cupped her hands to look in. It was too dark to see. The only thing she could make out was the shadow of the bed and dresser. Determined, Rin reached for the handle. She thanked God and everything Holy when the handle turned. It had not been locked. The door opened and she stepped into the dark room. A flash of light lit up the surroundings for only a second. In that second, silver and white on the floor, half hidden by the bed, caught her attention. Cautiously, she eased around, her eyes locked on the faint shade of white. "Sess?" Water dripped from her hair and clothes onto the carpet. Sesshomaru's shadowed form came into view, hidden by the bed and shrouded by darkness. He appeared to be laying on his left side. His silver hair splayed all around, most of it, covering his face. As she neared him, the carpet beneath her bare feet squished between her toes. She looked down but could not discern why the floor was so wet. Kneeling next to him, she reached out to touch his face. "Sess?" Lightly, the tips of her fingers touched his cheek. It was cool. Grasping his shoulder, she gave a little shake. "Sess?" The demon below her gave no outward sign of acknowledgement. Quickly, she rose and reached over to switch on the light. She gasped. 

His heart pounded lightly and he licked his lips. He swallowed. How sweet would she taste? Hesitantly, he drew closer. She smelled so good. Just as his mouth watered to savor her fair skin and full lips, the phone rang. Rin sat up with half lidded eyes and looked around groggily. "What?" The phone rang again and she shook her head and reached for the offending, interrupting contraption. He growled with irritation. The world was not on his side. Rin picked up the receiver. "Hello?" Kagome's voice resonated clearly on the other end. "Hey Rin. You said you would call. You sound sleepy. Did I wake you?" While rubbing her eye with the back of her hand, Rin replied. "Yea, you kinda did." "Good grief, Rin. It's nearly lunch time. Were you going to sleep all day?" Rin yawned slightly. "I stayed up late." "Anyway, you said you were going to call me this morning and tell me what you decided about the banquet. Are you going with Naraku?" At the mention of the hanyou, Sesshomaru felt his demon blood heat up. He growled again. "No, Kagome. I told Naraku yesterday that I was not going with him." "Really?...How did he take it?" Rin sighed. "I don't think he took it very well. He seemed a little miffed. When Kouga showed up, he left." Kagome's voice brightened. "Kouga? I haven't seen him in ages. Maybe you should have asked him if he wanted to go. Though, come to think of it, he may show up anyway." Rin leaned back some. "No, the thought of asking Kouga didn't cross my mind. In fact, I already have someone in mind to go with me." "Well, if you don't ask Kouga, I might, if I can catch him at home that is. He is always in such a hurry. Who are you going to ask?" Rin cleared her throat then turned and looked at him. "I was thinking of asking my housemate if he would escort me." Kagome's voice rose a pitch higher. "Sesshomaru?" With a faint smile, she tilted her head. "Yea, I am hoping that he will accept my invitation." "Does he have anything to wear?" Rin flushed when her gaze lingered. "I....think he does. It will be a little dramatic but I think it will do." His patience wore thin as Rin continued to banter with her sister. He grinned and pulled back the covers. With his sights locked on his future mate, he began to slowly crawl towards her. Rin's eyes widened and she scooted backwards a little. "Rin...are you listening to me? I was asking if you needed me to come pick you and Sesshomaru up or not." Rin stuttered. "Uh...no..I think I will...drive there myself. It will be in the same place as last year.....won't it?" "Yea, I will be waiting for you at the entrance at seven p.m.. Momma sent me the tickets. You will need to get them from me or they might not let you in." Turning away, Rin replied to her sister. "Uh....yea....Ok.." He crawled closer and nuzzled his nose in her hair. "Are you okay?..You sound a little flustered." Rin shrugged her left shoulder tight when he hit a ticklish spot with his nose. "Sure...I'm okay....just need to get some coffee into my system." 

Shippoh nodded again while scanning and typing. "Right, you can count on me, Inu." With that, Inuyasha headed to a smaller side room to change into his tux. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sesshomaru blinked up at the clear navy sky. The first star of evening glittered with brilliance. Light poles passed before his line of sight. They were going down a hill. "Rin?" "Mmmmm?" Switching his gaze from the passing streetlights to the beautiful young woman next to him, he asked. "Where is this...banquet and what is it for?" Rin smiled while keeping her eyes on the road. "It's a charity banquet held once a year for the children's hospital to honor those who have given during the year. My father is being honored for his donations and volunteer work. My father will give a speech. Food will be served and some will dance after the dinner. The banquet is being held at a Five Star Hotel near the edge of the city, close to the city park. I went last year. It's an incredible place with an enormous ballroom and many ritzy rooms. The hotel also has one of the largest gardens in the state, the prettiest I have ever seen: bush mazes, fountains, every flower you could imagine and...a few...hiding places." Glancing at him with a smirk, she added. "Would you like me to show you some of those...hiding places?" He smirked a tad. "Yes, I think I would like that but...who would we be hiding from?" Her smirk became a full fledged grin. "Everyone." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rin pulled the car into a paved parking lot and parked the car near the front of the hotel. Sesshomaru noticed that not all were parking their own cars. Some had valets to do it for them. While getting out of the car, Sesshomaru surveyed the area and the building. Rin had been right, the hotel was lavish with white columns in Romanesque style which reached up three stories high. Bright lights illuminated everything, even the entire parking lot. The entrance doors were wooden and lined with gold edges. Tall hedges cut into different animal shapes along with fluttering bradford pear trees adorned each side of the front steps. Some people were milling around the steps, laughing and joking. Rin locked the car before walking over to him. With a smile she looped her arm around his. Together, they strolled toward the Grand Hotel. As they came to the white steps, Kagome's voice rang out above them. "Rin! Sesshomaru!" He looked up to see Rin's sister near the top of the steps smiling and waving. Rin waved back with a smile. They approached Rin's sister. Sesshomaru blinked at what she wore. Red. A stunning red dress that hugged every curve yet remained modest. It sparkled much the same as Rin's, dazzling the eye. Like Rin, Kagome also shined with an inner glow but..... to him, Kagome came in second to Rin's unique radiant spirit. Kagome gave Rin a brief hug. "You look wonderful Rin." 

Chapter 27: Confrontations __________________________________________________________________Inuyasha blinked several times as he stood rooted to the spot. "Kikyo?" A regretful sadness filled him. Pain twisted within his heart. Closing his eyes, he shook his head once. No. It could not be her. Listening to his own voice of reason, he opened his eyes to look at the young woman once more. This time, he noticed it: the hair, the eyes, the brighter radiance. No. This was not Kikyo. But, the resemblance brought back so much. The young woman may be related. As he watched the lovely girl walk away in the other direction, part of him wanted to talk to her. He took one step forward but stopped. No. Turning from the sight of her with a pain he could not understand, Inuyasha covered up the emotions leaking from within. This was not the time to become wrapped up in the personal past or start chasing after phantom feelings. He had a job to do. His ears twitched, sifting through sounds, voices, anything out of the ordinary. It was getting late; many people had already left but quite a few had stayed and were dancing. Using his nose, he sniffed while strolling between groups of mingling people. Not many youkai were here tonight. Actually, he could only smell one in the vast room: a wolf youkai. He also smelled the lingering scent of another. "Must be the inu youkai Shippoh was talking about." he mumbled to himself. For some odd reason the scent seemed familiar, but he could not place it. It smelled as if it had been altered from one he had already known. Inuyasha glanced about the room as he neared the stage. It still bothered him about the distressed female from earlier. What could cause that much panic? Making a final decision to check it out, Inuyasha turned and headed back to the garden exit. He halted in his tracks when another familiar scent caught his immediate attention. Naraku. The hanyou was in the room.....somewhere. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sesshomaru glared up at the miko witch standing before him. Her frown deepened. "What are you glaring at, dog?" He said nothing. Kikyo's brow creased in slight confusion before lightening with amusement. Crossing her arms, she admonished in an airy tone. "Oh, that's right. I told you to be silent. Didn't I?" She brought one finger to her bottom lip and smiled demurely with a tilt of her head. "You may speak now.....if you wish to." Still, he only glared at her, trying to control his heated demon blood: the part of him that screamed to kill. His restraint would not allow harm to one of Rin's blood kin, but he strained with the effort to hold his inner demon at bay. It howled, aching to slash this witch woman to shreds. He could easily snap from his denied desires. Kikyo's frown returned. "You have not answered my question, mutt. Why are you glaring at me? Your countenance is not acceptable for one of your status, slave. Answer me!" 

Sesshomaru snarled out a reply. "I hate you. I hate everything about you. Your very presence makes me want to rip your heart out, miko witch." Kikyo took a step back in startled astonishment. For a moment, her mouth gaped open before she shut it. Irritation replaced the shock. "What has happened to you?! What has Rin done to you?! She has ruined you!" "She has not ruined me. My future mate has brought I, Sesshomaru, back from the dead. Now release me!" The young woman's eyes narrowed. "You forget your place, Dog. You are a slave: a subjugated demon slave. It seems you need to be retaught lessons in humility." She reached out; her hand came close to his cheek. He growled while flinching away from her putrid fingertip. "Don't touch me!" She pulled her hand back and sneered. "I can touch you however I wish. Have you forgotten about your curse, Demon? Refusing to give in will only result in pain. You know this. I want you to strip. Now." Sesshomaru growled out loudly. "When I am set free, you will die for making me do this. I promise." The miko laughed snidely. "Free? You will never be free. That piddly releasing spell of my cousin's is not powerful enough to break your curse." She moved around him, halting at his left side. "Delusional Dog! You will remain a slave for eternity." Something smoothed his hair as her voice became softer. "....or until your death... whichever comes first." Sesshomaru did not miss her underlining meaning. But instead of cowering before the threat, he became angry. Jerking away from the filthy caresses, he growled out again. "I said, I do not want you to touch me!" Kikyo brutally fisted some of his hair and pulled, hissing savagely. "Stay still!" He complied with the order, staring straight ahead. Hot breath spat in his ear. "I can and will make you pay for defying me, dog. Whenever I can, I will make your life a living hell. Rin can't watch you all the time and every time she lets you out of her sight, I will be there." Sesshomaru rasped out angrily. "I will tell Rin about this." With a short bark of laughter, she released his hair and moved to stand before him again. "Whether you tell Rin or not makes no difference. I will find a way to get to you and when I do, the torture of the past will seem like a picnic compared to what I will do to you. Now be a good dog and remove those clothes!" Setting his jaw, Sesshomaru reached for his belt and slowly began to untie it as he wrenched his scarlet vision away from her sickening presence. "I swear I will kill you for this. I do not wish to mate with you, witch!" This time she let out a sordid chuckle. "Why, my dear youkai, whoever said I wanted to mate with you?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Breathing became difficult. It felt as if her chest would explode with the panic. Rin needed to get control before she hyper-ventilated. She stepped out into the garden, heading towards the left, brick path. As she ran down the well-lit pathway, Rin prayed that Kikyo hadn't done anything to Sesshomaru. 

Kagome hurried to the door, stopped and listened. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Inuyasha prowled about the banquet hall. He knew he had smelled it. That snake had to be close by. Once again, he saw a flash of glittering red flit through a crowd of people. It flew through the standing bodies so fast that Inuyasha lost it altogether. A feeling deep inside urged him to follow the red glint. But Inuyasha refrained. Tonight he was searching for a suspect; not looking for a date. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "What is taking you so long!?" Sesshomaru went slower than slow while fully removing his belt. When finished, it fell, along with his weapons, to the carpeted floor. "What do you plan to do with me, wench?" The miko huffed. "I've changed my mind. Stop undressing." Kikyo stepped up to him then laid a hand on the front of his chest. "Stand." He stood from his kneeled position. "Self centered Bi...." "Silence!" The place where her hand was began to burn. Purifying magic seared through his clothes, slicing into his skin. Clenching his eyes shut, the inu youkai grunted with the pain. Even through the distorted wave of agony, Sesshomaru felt another miko presence: Kagome's. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The world stopped moving in spasms. Rin, still in Naraku's tight hold, looked around dizzily. The grip loosened once more to become a soft embrace when the hanyou pulled her close. "I have dreamed of being with you, Rin." Her vision blurred as she whimpered. "Don't touch me." His stance went rigid as a warm breath brushed against her ear. "You know, if you die, any blood kin who is the closest gets your slave. To tell the truth, Rin, I just happened to see your cousin, Kikyo, take your slave up to one of the hotel's rooms. I wonder what they could be doing right now? I think they are.... ...getting to know one another....intimately." Rin gasped at the painful image. His voice hardened. "Does he please you as well? Does he touch you often? Does he offer his services the way he offered them to your cousin?" The hanyou paused. A tear fell from the corner of her eye. As his body heat smothered her, he continued. "I am sure he does. Perhaps he is enjoying pleasing your cousin right now....." Nothing could have prepared Rin for the pain his words were inflicting. She choked back a sob. "No....he loves me....he wants me...for life." The half demon laughed lightly. "Is that what you think? Has he said those three little words?" Naraku seemed to be waiting for an answer. When he recieved none, he sighed. "No...He has not.....Has he." Rin felt light caresses on her lower back. "He is a demon, Rin. He cannot love you. He is pure evil. But I, Rin. I am a hanyou. Half human. I love you and could care for you the way you need to be loved. I have the capacity for it."