InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Captive Soul ❯ chapter 21 ( Chapter 21 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters. Although.... I really wished I owned a certain tall inu youkai with long silver hair, pure golden eyes, an incredible body,....uh.. uh ..*shakes head to clear thoughts* where was I?

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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?"

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"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."

"Hello, my dear, Rin."

Sesshomaru did not like Rin talking to that male. An audible rumbling escaped from his throat.

Without looking back, Rin waved her hand at him.

"What was that sound?" the male asked with apparent anxiousness. "Did you get a dog?"

This time, he growled louder.

With a quick, stern but playful look back, Rin mouthed. "Stop that."

Rin twirled the phone cord between her fingers. "Uh...no, I did not get a dog, Miroku. What did you need?"

"Oh...well...anyway...I called to see if you have finished the painting of Sango."

"I sure did. I got finished with it yesterday."

"Excellent! Can I pick it up today? Perhaps, around noon?"

"That will be fine. I will look for you then."

"I look forward to seeing you, Rin."

"Bye, Miroku."

Rin hung up the phone then turned and leaned towards him with amusement glinting in her eyes. "And why did you feel the need to growl at one of my clients?"

Sesshomaru tilted his head and smirked but did not reply.

With a raised eyebrow, she smiled. "Jealous?"

Still smirking, he blinked once.

The female who lay only inches away from his now empty arms shook her head. "Oh, playing the strong, silent type, are we?"

He nodded slightly.

Her smile grew wider. "Well, we need to get up. How about I fix some pancakes? mmm? I have syrup." She winked at him.

He smiled and nodded in spite of the fact that the only sweet thing he wanted to taste was the very thing which had been tingling his senses earlier.

Rin eased off the bed with feminine grace. He gazed in fascination at the delicate sway of her hips as she walked out of the room.

Directly , he heard the bathroom door close.

Sesshomaru buried his nose in Rin's pillow and sniffed once before getting up and going to his room.

Searching the closet, he picked out a white shirt and a pair of blue jeans.

After dressing and brushing his hair, the inu youkai bounded down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Sitting up on the counter, he waited.

A few minutes later, Rin came beaming through the kitchen door. A secret smile graced her pink lips. She did not look at him but continued to the fridge. Her blue skirt swished once. And immediately he noticed the creamy skin from ankle to calf to partially exposed thigh. Struck into a daze when Rin bent over , the dog demon had to blink to regain composure as she closed the door and placed items on the counter next to him.

Looking up to him, she gave a lighthearted grin. "Comfortable?"

He only nodded.

The young woman opened a cabinet and reached for something. With an aggravated grunt, she stretched. "I hate being short!"

He slid off the counter and moved directly behind Rin who had her fingers almost around the item she needed.

She jumped a little when he grasped her waist. "What...?"

Effortlessly, he lifted her just enough for her hands to grab the item she had been reaching for.

After lowering Rin to her feet, he backed away one step. With item in hand, she half turned with a bashful glance. "Thank you."

Leaning against the counter, Sesshomaru watched as she resumed the task of making breakfast.

After mixing several ingredients in a medium sized bowl, she began to pour the mixture into a pan on the stove.

While humming a simple tune, she stood with one hand on her hip. The other hand held a spatula.

Taking the opportunity, he silently stepped up behind and wrapped his arms around her waist.

With a giggle, she spatted his arm. "Sess, stop that. I have to keep my eye on the pan."

He released her and backed up to lean against the fridge. Crossing his arms, he sulked. "This is unfair. You know very well, I have to obey you."

The little nymph took a quick look behind and stuck her tongue out. "Yes, you certainly do."

As she directed her attention to the pan once more, he hmphed.

Looking down at the fridge, a thought hit him.

Backing up, he opened the refridgerator door.

He grabbed a large brown bottle, but not before attracting the attention of a certain female.

Rin called out first then reached out for him. "Sess?...Hey! Oh no."

Shutting the door, he held the bottle up out of Rin's reaching grasp.

She jumped up trying to grab it from his hand.He only watched, amused at her apparent shortness and inability to take the syrup bottle.

With every jump he raised and lowered it in a taunting motion.

A second later, she stopped and pouted.

Then slowly, a mischievous grin spread across her pretty features.

His smile began to fall. Uh oh.

Rin studied her fingernails. "Sit, boy."

Grumbling, Sesshomaru obeyed the command and sat on the floor and crossed his legs.

Daintily, she plucked the bottle out of his hand . "Thank you."

Sauntering back over to the stove, she quipped. "I'll just have to keep this until we eat."

Frowning, Sesshomaru propped his head up by placing his knuckles under his chin and elbow on his knee. "Aren't you going to let me up?"

Rin flipped the cakes and placed them on a plate. "Mmm?"

He sighed. "Will you allow me to rise?"

Amusement clear in her voice, she replied. "I'll think about it."

He grunted but hid a small smile. In his current position, he had an excellent view of maidenly curves as they moved back and forth from counter to table.

When Rin had set table, she grinned. "Ok, you can get up now."

Looking up to her, he teased. "Aren't you going to give me a direct order?"

Rin shook her head. "Ok, come eat with me. Please."

Half smiling, he stood then joined Rin at the breakfast table.

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While cleaning up, Rin glanced at the clock which read 11:45. Miroku should be coming soon.

Handing Sesshomaru a plate to rinse at the sink, she looked up to him. "I have to go to the shed for a minute. Could you finish this for me?"

As he accepted the wet plate from her hand, he replied. "Yes."

Rin hurried out the back screen door and to the shed.

After taking the portrait of Sango out of the small building, she walked back to the house and into the hallway through the sliding glass door.

While nearing the living room, a faint knock sounded at the front entrance.

Rin leaned the painting against the back of the sofa and walked over to the door.

She opened the door to a man dressed in a dark purple shirt, black pants, and wearing a very impish grin.

Backing up several steps clear out of his reach, Rin smiled and greeted him.

"Hello, Miroku. How are you?"

Miroku took one step forward but stopped. In a voice filled with humor, he said. "I am very well, dear Rin. And you?"

Rin backed up some more but halted before she tripped on the picture. "I am okay. Oh, the portrait, I have it right here."

Without thinking, Rin turned and bent over to pick up the picture.

Before she lifted the painting, a loud thud sounded directly behind her.

Rin turned and gasped. Sesshomaru had Miroku pinned up against the wall. The inu youkai had one hand around his throat, holding the monk up at least two feet off the floor. Miroku had both hands up in a placating gesture. His eyes were clenched shut and his face contorted in a pained expression. Obviously, he was having trouble breathing.

As his fangs glistened in the light, the dog demon snarled. "Don't. Touch. Her."

Shaking out of the stunned daze, Rin took a hesitant step forward to dissolve the situation. "Uh....Sesshomaru, you need to put him down. He is a friend of mine."

The feral light in the demon's eyes diminished somewhat but did not die.

Abruptly, he released the monk, dumping him on the floor.

With a loud thump, Miroku landed on his tail. "Ooomph! OUCH!"

Sesshomaru moved to her side but never took his eyes off of Miroku.

Rin tugged on her house mate's sleeve. "It's Okay, Sess. Miroku is just a little touchy feely sometimes."

She glared at the monk who was trying to stand. "Although some bad habits evidently need to be kicked."

Coughing, Miroku stood up. While rubbing his throat, he rasped out. "Uh..heh...I don't believe I have met your friend, Rin."

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Rin introduced Sesshomaru. "Miroku, this is Sesshomaru. Sess, this is my friend, Miroku.

Miroku stuck his hand out. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sesshomaru."

The youkai glared icily and gave no reply.

The monk drew his hand back as a low distinct rumble emanated from the demon next to her.

Deciding to end a confrontation before it started, Rin laughed nervously and pushed Sesshomaru gently away from Miroku. "I have your painting right here." Rin gestured to the picture.

The monk looked it over with a satisfied smile. "Amazing, Rin. Sango will love it. I plan on giving it to her tonight."

He pulled out his wallet. "How much?"

While tapping her chin with her finger, Rin calculated. "Let's see, I painted it within three weeks. I'd say, four hundred."

Miroku nodded then handed her the money.

After picking up the painting, Miroku headed for the door.

Rin followed him. "Hope you and Sango have a good time tonight."

Just as Miroku reached the door, he turned with a smile. "I hope so too. I have booked reservations at a new italian restaurant."

Looking over to Sesshomaru who she knew stood directly behind her, Miroku nodded. "Nice to meet you, Sesshomaru." He then looked at her with a wink. "See you next market day, Rin."

With that, he opened the door and left.

Rin turned around and raised an eyebrow at her house mate. "Letting your temper get the best of you?"

The youkai only blinked.

At that moment Rin remembered the dress. "Sess, I have to go out to the car for a minute. I will be right back. Stay here, I may need you to help me with something. Okay?"

Silently, he nodded once.

Rin turned and went out the door.

As Rin stepped down the cement walkway, she caught a glimpse of Miroku's car pulling out of the driveway and waved.

Opening the back door of her car, Rin reached in to pick up the garment bag.

Before pulling out the bag, she froze as a svelte voice sounded quite close by.

"Hello, Rin."

Holding the bag close to her body, Rin eased back and stood to face the visitor dressed in a very expensive suit. "Hello, Naraku."

Naraku moved closer. "I came by to confirm our....engagement."

Rin backed up a step. "Uh...yes...well...I meant to call you about that."

The hanyou's eye twitched slightly. "Oh..?"

While trying to quell the unwarranted anxiety, Rin squared her shoulders and raised her chin. "Yes, Naraku. I must decline your offer to escort me to the banquet."

With an almost unnoticable tilt of the head, Naraku lips curled up a touch. "Ah, I see......May I ask the reason for this change of ...... heart?"

Trying to think of a good excuse, Rin stalled. "Well....I didn't really have a change of heart. I simply do not think it is a good idea since we are not in a relationship. People may think we are.......together."

Even through the bright, sunny spring sun, a stagnant coldness began to slither and surround her as the looming male stepped closer. "Now, Rin. I did not know the idiotic whims of others bothered one such as yourself."

Rin stammered as she stepped back. "Well...I...mean as if to say....they don't really."

An unnatural smile spread across his face. "What if you need.....protecting?"

Backing up another step, Rin clutched the garment bag tighter to her body. "And why would I need protecting?"

The smile on his face evolved into an errie grin. "You never know, dear Rin. The world is a dangerous place. Things....happen."

In that precise moment, a thought occurred to her. "If you are worried for my safety, Naraku, you need not. I will be fine. I plan on taking my personal guard."

At this, Naruaku stopped in his tracks and frowned. "Personal guard?"

Rin glanced at the house once. "Yes, I have a body guard now."

A hint of confusion crossed his features before he smirked with comprehension. "Oh, you are referring to the slave you purchased in the market. You mean to tell me you intend to bring your youkai slave to a charity banquet? Do you not think it unwise for the daughter of one of the guest speakers to be seen leading a dog demon along on a leash?"

Anger began to override Rin's trepidation, she laid the garment bag on the hood of her car and crossed her arms. "I think you better leave now."

Still smirking, Naraku did not move. "Forgive me if I offended you, Rin. I am merely looking out for your father's social welfare, and yours as well."

Rin's anger mounted. "My or my father's social status is none of your concern. Now, please leave."

Naraku remained motionless, a glint of red splashed inside his irises.

The air became thick with cold and harder to breathe. Uneasiness pervaded her senses. Instinctively, Rin edged away from the hanyou.

Less than a second later, the errie shadow abated when Rin heard a very welcomed rough voice. "I do believe the lady asked you to leave."

Relieved, Rin turned to see one of her clients walking across the lawn. "Kouga! Nice to see you."

Kouga nodded to her once with a brief smile but then frowned at Naraku. "Is this guy bothering you, Rin?"

As kouga moved in between her and the hanyou, she shook her head. "No, Naraku was about to say goodbye. Weren't you, Naraku."

The hanyou bowed slightly with a small smile. "Yes....farewell, Rin. Until we meet again."

With a faint sneer of disgust, he glared at the wolf youkai. "Departing remarks would be wasted on the likes of you."

Rin shuddered as she watched Naraku walk down the drive way and to the street.

When Kouga turned to face her, she jumped up into his arms.

The wolf demon laughed. "Well, someone is sure glad to see me."

She slid down out of the friendly embrace but did not look directly up to his jovial features.

Kouga gently grasped her shoulders. His good natured tone fell to one of concern. "Rin, what is wrong. You are trembling."

Rin pulled away from him slowly. "I don't know. It's that Naraku. He gets to me. He never really says anything bad. But it's just....I don't know. I don't like him."

The wolf gave a boisterous laugh. "If it is any consolation to you, Rin. You are not alone in that department. None of my colleagues care much for his distinguished methods of business or feigned gentlemanly manners."

Looking up to her friend, Rin smiled. "I am glad you are here, Kouga. Have you come for the painting?"

He grinned roguishly. "Yep, have you finished it?"

With a brief nod, she picked up the garment bag and began walking to the house. "Sure have, Kouga."

Rin opened her front door to find Sesshomaru still standing in the same spot. He looked relieved to see her.

Glancing down, Rin caught sight of little red spots on the floor at his feet.

She looked at her housemates hands. One scarlet drop fell from his left fist.

Worried, Rin peered up to his golden gaze. "Sess?"

But his expression became guarded when Kouga entered into the foyer.

Behind her, Kouga's tone relayed faint caution. "Rin, is this a friend of yours?"

Deciding to ask Sess about the blood later, she stepped to the side. "Yes, Kouga. This is Sesshomaru, he is a friend of mine."

Gesturing to Kouga, she introduced the wolf demon. "Sess, this is Kouga. He is one of my clients as well as an old friend."

Sesshomaru nodded once but did not speak.

With a deep bow, Kouga spoke cryptically. "It is an honor to meet you, Inu Ouji."

Raising an eyebrow, Sesshomaru spoke with a flat tone. "I hold no such title. You have me confused with someone else."

The wolf demon shrugged. "It is as you wish."

Puzzled, Rin looked at Kouga. "May I ask what is going on here? Do you two already know each other?"

That puckish grin returned. "I mistook your friend for someone else is all. Now, about that painting."

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Standing just inside the front entrance, Rin waved at Kouga as he walked down the street to his black SUV.

She watched him open the hatch and place the painting in the back of his vehicle.

After closing the door, Rin felt Sesshomaru's warm hands encircle her waist as he buried his nose in the curve of her neck.

He had been quiet throughout Kouga's visit but had remained by her side.

Worried, Rin reached up with her hand and lightly touched his cheek. "Sess... is something wrong?"

His deep voice muffled in her hair. "I...I sensed the hanyou. You told me to stay here. I could not protect you."

Suddenly, Rin understood. She had offhandedly told him to stay while she went to get her dress from the car. It had prevented him from coming to her aid.

Would she have needed protection if Kouga had not showed up?

Naraku's behavior did seem strange. She knew the guy was weird, but still. Had he meant her harm? Tossing the thought out of her head, Rin summed up the freaky occurrence to paranoia. More than likely, her imagination had run away with her.

Now she needed to ease Sesshomaru's distress. "I am fine, Sess. Nothing happened. I don't believe that Naraku meant any harm. He is just one of those intense, possessive types."

The inu youkai let out a low growl and tightened the embrace.

For several minutes he held her. To Rin, it almost seemed as if he were afraid to let her go.

But she couldn't stay in his arms all evening. "Sess..."

Pulling away from him, Rin turned around and smiled. "How about we go out to eat tonight?"

The troubled light in her housemates eyes did not completely disappear but a nearly imperceptible smile provided an answer.

Beaming, Rin laughed. "Then it is a date."

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Rin went bouncing up the stairs and to her room.

After she had shut her bedroom door, he decided to get ready as well and headed for his room. Sesshomaru closed his door. As he moved over to the dresser his ears picked up the sound of running water. Rin was taking a bath.

Evening light caught his attention and he walked over to the windowed balcony door and gazed out at the wind playing in the willows. Cattails swayed near the small stream which bordered Rin's garden.

All would be well.

Maybe he should ask her tonight.

With his decision made, he set about finding more sutable attire. He changed into a pair of khaki dress pants then attached his weapons.

Sesshomaru left his room, intent on knocking on the bathroom door.

Just as he approached the bathroom, the door swung open and a very wet Rin nearly bumped into him.

Dressed only in a towel, Rin looked up with wide eyes peeking out between wet bangs. "Ooops."

Droplets of water fell from her flushed cheeks and down her neck to rest on her creamy white shoulders. He followed the trail of one lone drop of water from her temple to the tip of her nose and over her reddened lips. Sesshomaru watched the wet female before him lick the droplet away.

The slow distinct thud in his chest contrasted with the race of her heart and quickened breathing.

His senses heightened.

And his instincts called.

He leaned down slowly until his nose almost touched the vanilla scented skin in the dip between her neck and shoulder.

Rin's chest was heaving but she did not move.

Both of her hands held tight to the towel.

As his mouth watered, he licked his top lip before sliding his tongue over one sharp canine.

But his actions were unable to be carried out.

The collar would not allow him to mark Rin.

He closed his eyes and sighed. At least it had stopped him from claiming her without asking first.

Now he knew.

Without a doubt, he could not make her his mate until the curse could be broken.

If it could be broken.

Raising up, he looked into clear brown eyes full of confusion and....... passion?

He blinked. "I...am sorry."

Before the striking emotion in her eyes could effect him, he left, heading down the stairs and to the living room.

Sitting on the couch, he brooded.It still remained uncertain whether or not the collar could be removed.

If it could not be done, he would never be able to claim Rin.

Being her personal slave for the rest of her natural life did appeal to him.

But he wanted Rin to be his.

Only his.

Would she want him if he could not properly mate with her?

Would she want to keep him even if he could not bond?

Why was he so cursed?

Now, along with his freedom, another important factor had been stolen from him.

He could not bond for life.

It was not fair.

Just not fair.

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Half an hour later, Rin came down the stairs. He had waited patiently for the young woman who now halted before him wearing a lovely yellow dress.

She smiled at him. "Ready?"He gave a nod.

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The drive was not a long one.It had only taken minutes before Rin pulled the car into the parking lot of a rather small, quaint restaurant.

Sesshomaru stepped out of the car and shut the door.

Dusk enshrouded the trees and light evening wind. He breathed in, catching the smell of seared beef.

Rin moved around her car and reached a hand out to him.He took her hand and let the young woman pull him toward the dimly lighted building.

When they entered the restaurant, a waiter led them to a table then handed over two menus.

Looking over the paper in his hand carefully, he picked out the steak.Laying the menu back on the table, his attention turned to the very pretty girl sitting across from him.

She seemed to be hiding a smile as she gazed at her menu.Rin took a quick glance up at him. "Do you know what you want?"

Without even blinking, he replied. "Yes, I do know what I want."Not seeming to realize what exactly he meant, she continued. "Good. I think I will have the grilled chicken salad."

Her face lit up. After placing the menu down in front of her, Rin pointed to the dessert section. "Look. Look. They have ice cream cakes."

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After ordering, Rin sipped on her water then glanced around the darkened room. Small bottled candles centered each table, giving a soft, romantic ambiance.

She looked back at Sesshomaru who only seemed interested in staring at her.Smirking, Rin teased. "Did you not know that it was rude to stare?"

Even through the dim light, Rin could have sworn a hint of red tinted the dog demon's cheeks.

His honeyed gazed fell to the candle at the center of the table. The yellow light danced in his amber depths. "I did not mean to stare."

Shaking her head slightly, Rin giggled. "I was only kidding, Sess. If you want to stare, I do not mind."

The inu youkai looked up from the flame between them. "May I ask a question?"

With a smile, she replied. "Sure."

His expression turned serious. "Do you wish to find a life mate?"Rin started at the question but calmed her heart before it began to race. "Well.....yes...I want to marry someday. And yes I want to stay with the person I marry for the rest of my life, hopefully."

He did not blink. "If the one you chose were unable to....marry, would you remain with them?"

Rin thought for a moment. "No, I could not be with someone who would not marry me."

At this, he looked away. "I see."

Puzzled, Rin almost asked what was on his mind but the waiter bringing their food interrupted the query.

Even though the meal was peaceful and the mood, light, Sesshomaru seemed to be distracted.

He did not bring up the subject of marriage again, so she decided to avoid it as well.

What she desperately wanted to tell him still stuck on the tip of her tongue.

Her heart spoke of need but her mind balked with fear.

Courage is what she needed now.

Pushing the fear down to an endurable level, Rin looked at Sesshomaru. "Sess?"

With his attention centered on the plate in front of him, he replied in a flat tone. "Yes?"

Taking a deep breath, Rin crossed her fingers underneath the table. "I want to tell you something."

Sesshomaru did not look up from the plate. "What is it?"

Rin swallowed down the nervous lump which had formed in her stomach. "Sesshomaru.....I..."

At that exact moment, a familiar voice sounded next to her. "Rin?"

She turned toward the male voice. "Hojo?"

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The male was no physical threat. He knew that.

But his depression deepened when Rin rose up from the table and gave the human male a brief hug.

She liked him.

Rin introduced him. "Hojo, this is my friend, Sesshomaru. Sess, this is another friend of mine, Hojo."

He nodded once to the intruding male who gave a warm smile in return.

Sesshomaru inwardly grimaced. The human had a good heart.

The male turned back to Rin and smiled. "I saw you sitting here and just had to say hello."

Rin smiled. "I am glad you did, Hojo."

When the human male grabbed her hand, a feral anger sparked.

His brown eyes looked directly into hers and Sesshomaru had to bite his tongue to keep from ripping the humans throat out in that very instant.

The human male spoke with sincerity. "Rin....tell me.... how is....Kagome?"

He watched as Rin pulled her hands out of his but then squeezed the human male's arm once.

With a touch of concern in her tone, she replied with a small smile. "She is fine. I saw her the other night. I am sorry things did not work out for you two. I know how much you two cared for each other."

The brown haired man sighed. "I am glad. We are still friends but she hasn't talked to me in a while. I was worried."

He glanced at him then looked back at Rin. "Forgive me for interrupting. I need to be going."

The human male nodded to him once. "Nice to meet you, Sesshomaru."

Backing up, he gave Rin a brief wave. "See you, Rin. I may call."

Rin waved in return. "Bye, Hojo."

As Rin sat back down, she smiled. "That was Kagome's old boy friend. They almost married."

She sighed while picking up her fork. "I think Hojo took the break up harder than Kagome. He is so sensitive."

Sesshomaru became curious. "Do you like him?"

Rin shrugged. "He is a friend. That's all. I guess you could say I like him as a friend."

Looking up from her half finished meal, Rin grinned. "But I don't like him as much as I do you."

Giving a faint smile, he asked another question. "And how much do you like me?"

The young woman blushed. A hidden stammer in her tone. "I..like you...alot."

A serious wonder graced her features and her voice became soft. "I like you more than any man I have ever met."

At first, he gave in to the feeling as he became trapped in her warm gaze. But then he supressed it and looked away.

No.

He would have to wait until the collar was removed. He could not let this go any further.

Whatever may be developing between them would not see the light of day if he could not be freed.

He had to stop this before it got out of hand. If he didn't, his heart would not be the only one broken. "Your fondness is wasted on me. Perhaps you need to rethink the direction concerning your affections."

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Rin was crushed. He had blatantly disreguarded her feelings.

Despair wound it's sick way around her heart.

During the rest of the meal, she only picked at her food and did not speak another word.

After eating, they went home.

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Rin had remained quiet on the ride home but she did tell Sesshomaru good night before ascending the stairs and going to her room.

After putting on her night gown, she went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth.

Shutting the door to her room, Rin ran to her sanctuary.

The soft matress became her refuge as she sunk into the covers.

Reaching over, she turned off the lamp.The full moon light created shadows on the wall.

Rin blinked back the blurriness but it only made the salty drops slide down her cheek.

He did not want her.

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