InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Stronger ❯ Un Beso ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
DISCLAIMER: Nope, not mine.
To Fate, or YoukaiFate as some of ya'll know her, for getting me off of my lazy ass and threatening me into posting this fic.
NONSENSE: Yes, this is a Rin/Sess fiction, for those of you who were maybe wondering. If you haven't figured ut by now that there's adult content in this story....yeah, never mind. We'll speak later. However, if you're here, and you've figured out how to work mediaminer's jacked-up orginization system, power to you! Let me tell you, it really sucks when you can't find your own fic... Anyway, on with the show!...story...
and this story is also posted on Adult Fan Fiction .net (aff) and Enlightened Hearts under the pen name Nascha or "owl" in Native American. http:// www. freewebs. com/ enlightenedhearts/ main/ main. html Just take out the spaces... If you're under 18 or not a fan of "anything goes" I'd recommend Enlightened Hearts. The girl who runs it, Kawaiiaiamai, is a sweetheart. (It's not me. For one, I'm technoligically inept. For two, I'm a bitch. *snicker*)
Chapter Two: Un Beso
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A sweet breeze on her face and the twittering of a bird woke Rin just as the sun started to peek over the horizon. Smiling a bit, she opened her eyes and, yawning a bit, rolled off of her futon and ambled outside and to her balcony.
Funny, she could've sworn that she had fallen asleep outside, listening to the crickets and watching the stars...
The landscape was blanketed in a dense white fog, the rising sun just beginning to pierce the shadows cast by the forest. Rin shivered a bit at the cool dampness of the early morning air. Stretching, she went back into her room to find a pair of the loose, comfortable pants she liked to wear.
Even though it was unseemly for a young lady to go around dressed as a boy, she had purposefully had the pants made with the legs wide enough that when she was walking, sitting, or standing it appeared as if she were wearing a wide, eastern-style skirt or perhaps an altered hakama, but still allowed her to pursue activities that a traditional kimono would've inhibited. Such as riding. She grinned. Ah Un would be pleased to get out of the stables for a while.
Dressing quickly in an off-white haori and dark, forest green pants, she quickly made her way down to the kitchen, intent on procuring a roll and a quick cup of tea before leaving, only to find the kitchen a bustle of early-morning activity.
'What's going on...?'
Soldiers were sitting or standing around, drinking tea and munching rolls or eating stew, chatting amiably amongst themselves. A few called greetings as she made her way to the large pot of tea hanging over the fire and filled a clay cup with it, adding a little sugar in for good measure. She was about to turn when a clawed hand descended on her shoulder, starling her. Whirling, she saw Atoki standing behind her with a small frown on his face.
"What are you doing about so early Rin?" He asked.
"I was going to take Ah Un for a ride..." she said uncertainly.
Atoki shook his head regretfully. "Do not, Rin-chan. There have been reports of disturbances early this morning and, knowing you," he tweaked her nose affectionately, "you would manage to make your way to the middle of it."
"Atoki-kun!" She protested. "If there are indeed disturbances, then it is my place to be in it!"
"They are only minor disturbances Rin, and I am taking a regiment out to deal with them in a few minutes. I cannot forbid you to go, but I cannot agree to condone it either." He rubbed the bridge of his nose thoughtfully. "But if you insisted on going...and Lord Sesshomaru was not about to officially deny you..." He let the sentence hang.
Rin grinned widely. "I'll grab my armor and sword and be right back."
When she would've turned to leave, Atoki caught her shoulder once more. "And if Lord Sesshomaru is mad, it's your backside, not mine."
Rin grinned again - Sesshomaru-sama had not once in twelve years struck her. He had glared once or twice, maybe offered a harsh word if he had been truly upset, but he had never punished her beyond that extent She shuddered. Of course, his glares were usually more than enough...
Shrugging off the feeling of unease, Rin nodded acknowledgement to Atoki's warning and ran out the back door towards the weaponry.
Back in the kitchen, Atoki sighed as Hakashi sidled up next to him, having overheard the exchange between Lord Sesshomaru's general and his ward. "I thought you were going to send her back to bed."
"She'd never gone back peaceably."
"I thought you wanted to keep her away from the trouble then." Hakashi amended.
"I do. But...she is a good fighter. Good enough that I would gladly accept her into my guard, were she not already the Lord's ward. And," He paused thoughtfully, trying to find the words, "she is obstinate. As soon as she would've heard about the border troubles, she would've come. So," he sighed again, "it is better to keep her where I can see her and worry, than worry about her when I cannot."
"Ahhh," Hakashi said. "Well, as long as you have your reasons. Personally, I would have a fit if Sakura suddenly decided to join the royal guard and go fight."
Atoki raised and eyebrow just a bit, deciding it was best not to mention right then that Sakura had indeed expressed an interest in joining the Royal Guard when she came of age.
"However," Hakashi continued, "I am equally sure that if Lord Sesshomaru knew his ward's plans, he would be extremely upset. Especially with the High Court gathering in less than a month."
Atoki grimaced. "That's right, they are coming her this year, aren't they?"
Hakashi was about to respond with a comment about the troubles that the High Court put on the fortress's occupants when Rin strode back up to them.
Her armor was modest, the exact same as every other soldier was outfitted with; a light chest plate, arm and shin guards, and a helmet. The armor was well taken care of bearing only the insignia of the Taisho house upon the upper left-hand corner. She looked the same as any of the other six women in Lord Sesshomaru's guard, but her aura...was different. Atoki wasn't sure if it was because she was human, or what the reason was, but dressed as she was, her katana strapped to her side and her shuriken at the opposite hip, she radiated an aura of almost serene calm, an air of confidence that was only held by those with utter, unparalleled confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Immediately, Hakashi could understand why Atoki was so willing to take this human woman into battle with him. She exuded all the power and confidence of a goddess of war. Turning, he could see a sort of grim understanding in Atoki's face, as well as the respect that the other soliders held for her, even if she was a human woman.
'Hmmm...'
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Ses shomaru stared down at the correspondence he was currently studying, finding himself repeatedly reading and rereading the same few lines over and over, unable to focus. Lady Alina had been in to see him first thing in the morning, nearly knocking down his study door when he wasn't quick enough to answer. She had attempted small talk, but quickly abandoned the idea when she saw how distracted he was, and instead had asked him to join her for lunch. He had agreed, mostly to get her to leave, making a few well-chosen statements about how much work he had left to do. After a few uncomfortable moments where she had once again tried for casual conversation, she had given up and left.
Where was Rin? He hadn't seen hide nor hair of her this morning, which was unusual, because she seemed to have a sixth sense where he was concerned, and would often bring him a light snack and cheerful conversation when he was upset or unfocused. And unlike Lady Alina's almost painful twittering about what Lord Whoever had said/done to Lady Whatever, Rin would tell him about things going on around the fortress that may need brought to his attention, or would offer some small piece of practical advice. Rin didn't gossip much, and certainly not about anything that would be considered demeaning to anybody.
Silently, Sesshomaru cursed himself for allowing Rin into his thoughts - again. Deciding that he obviously wouldn't be able to resume working while worrying about the girl's safety, he abandoned his perusal of Lord Raidon's business and headed for the dojo.
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Twenty minute later he was starting to get upset. Only a smattering of his soldiers had been in the dojo, the rest having gone off to quell a minor disturbance a few miles away, and Rin was not among them. Next he had checked the stables, thinking she had taken Ah Un out. Though the dragon had looked ecstatic to see him, perhaps hoping Sesshomaru would free him from his two giggling companions wielding armloads of daisy chains, Rin had not been amongst the group.
So here he was, in the kitchens, gathering a snack before mid day meal.
"Hakashi," He said, as if just now thinking about it, "have you seen Rin today?"
Hakashi wasn't fooled by his Lord's indifferent attitude, but decided to play along. "Hmmm..." He considered thoughtfully, wiping a dish dry with a clean rag. "Why, yes, I saw her early this morning."
"Ah," Sesshomaru said, affecting a slightly bored tone. "Did she mention her plans for today? I was hoping to catch her, and perhaps engage in a light sparring match."
Hakashi thought on it for a second, watching as Lord Sesshomaru casually sipped his tea. 'Oh, what the hell, he needs the shock.'
"Now that I think about it, she did indeed. She came down very early, she was planning to take Ah Un out for the day but," He paused, suppressed his grin, then dropped his bombshell on the unsuspecting Lord. "when she heard of the disturbance a few towns over, decided to go help quell the trouble." This was going to be interesting...
And the reaction was nothing less than what Hakashi could have hoped for. Lord Sesshomaru nearly chocked on his tea, his heart unexpectedly leaping into his throat as fear and anger warred for dominance within him. The thought of sweet, loving Rin battling youkai who fully intended to kill her did something almost painful to his insides, twisting them and bunching them in knots of anger and fear and worry.
No one messed with his ward...
Hakashi watched as the Lord's indifferent and icy façade abruptly shattered, at least momentarily, as he considered all the possibilities of what could be happening to Rin at that moment. Shock, surprise, anger, momentary fear and....'Oh ho, what was that ?' Hakashi thought as something indefinable chased itself across his Lord's face, and his eyes bled red before the mask abruptly fell back into place. He rose, and said as if nothing had happened, "Thank you Hakashi, that was very informative." as he strode out the door.
Hakashi stood there, speculatively watching the door the Lord had exited.
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Rin sat in the armory, quietly polishing her armor, watching the sun drop behind the horizon. The battle had been long and bloody, the small rebellion they had been expecting larger than first thought. She had received a shallow cut across her arm and another slice along her thigh. The one across her forearm had very nearly been a fatal blow, and it was only thanks to Rin's quick reflexes that it was not.
So now Rin sat with a pile of armor which needed cleaning before it could be put away. Any soldier who had been grievously wounded weren't able to clean their own, so the task had been divided up amongst a few of the intact soldiers, who had quickly cleaned their gear and went home to their families.
'Family...'
The thought was almost painful in it's intensity, this desire for a mate and children of her own. She had always adored children, their frailty and the way they always saw the world through eyes wide with wonder at the magic in it. Sakura, her little brother Lei and their friend Ino were the closest she ever expected to get to having any children of her own. She had seen too much, done too much to ever be satisfied with a human male who would expect her to stay at their hut and be exclusively domestic...who would be appalled at her weaponry skills and her outgoing ways. No, she would never be happy with that. Sesshomaru had spoiled her to anything ordinary and socially acceptable to humans when he had brought her fully into his world, had let her ride on a dragon, had flown with her through the night sky on a cloud and shown her where the faeries played with the selkies deep in the hidden pools of the forests. Truly, she had lived so long without human companionship that by this time, going back could very well mean a death sentence.
The creaking of the door across the room snapped Rin out of her reverie and she turned as Atoki entered the room and wearily smiled at her, taking a seat on a bench across from her.
"How are the wounded?" She asked as she continued cleaning. Absently, Atoki picked up a breastplate and rag and began cleaning too.
"Two are badly wounded, but expected to recover. One is being monitored, and one is dead. Three were released home, and four are being watched overnight just to be safe."
Rin sighed. The invading youkai had fought fiercely, with all of the desperation of a person who knows that they're going to die and refuses to die in vain. The battle had been far worse then expected, long and gory. Atoki had managed to keep her near him, but not all were as lucky as she was to have such a warrior at their back. Nor, he reflected soberly, were all as lucky as he to have such a warrior at their back. Rin had fought well, never faltering even when wounded, helping to keep both of them safe while also watching out for others as well, never hesitating to lend aid where she could, even at risk to herself.
Atoki watched the emotions and memories chase themselves through Rin's large, cinnamon-hued eyes. Gently, he reached forward to cup the side of her face in one of his palms, his thumb caressing her cheek.
"Rin..."
However, whatever he had been about to say was interrupting by the door being thrust violently open. Startled, two sets of eyes flew towards the door, taking in the sight of Sesshomaru standing there, perfectly still, completely expressionless, molten amber eyes calmly taking in the whole scene.
Too calmly. There was a palpable air of tension surrounding the demon lord, and a dangerous increase in jaki as he watched his general caress his ward. Rin shuddered in trepidation. Having only seen her Lord angry a rare handful of times, it was however something she was unlikely to ever forget. Unlike his hanyou brother Inuyasha, who would immediately launch into a tirade of insults and curses, clenching and unclenching his fists and swinging violently at anything within range, Sesshomaru froze into utter stillness, for all the world like a leopard right before the fatal lunge. Only his eyes would betray him, fully revealing the violent emotions that churned within him, completely uncovering the battle with his demon side as he fought for control.
However, not once in all her eighteen years of life, twelve of them spent under his watchful eye, had she ever seen that look directed at her.
"Atoki," Sesshomaru addressed his general, his burning gaze never once leaving Rin's frightened face.
"My Lord?" Atoki questioned, knowing he would not like what he was about to hear.
"Leave us."
Atoki frowned. Surely Lord Sesshomaru was not this upset because of Rin going on a mission with them. He had of course reasoned that the Lord would be less than pleased, but this amount of anger was unreasonable. "My Lord..."
"I said out. " Sesshomaru growled through clenched teeth.
Lips thinned, Atoki marched past Sesshomaru and out the door, determined to stay within audio range should he be needed.
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The door closed with an ominous shhhk and Rin was left alone with the fuming demon Lord. Rin gulped as he paced towards her, his eyes never leaving her face. Gently, he reached out and took the breastplate she was shining out of her hands, setting it aside and kneeling next to her, he gently examined her arm. He dared not examine her thigh - though he wanted to ascertain for himself that she was indeed whole and relatively unharmed, it would not do to embarrass her thus. Still...how dare she place herself in such danger? Rage shimmered anew in his eyes.
Once he had reassured himself that she was intact, he looked up from his kneeling position beside her.
"What were you thinking?"
The words were deceptively calm, almost emotionless, but Rin heard the censure in them. 'What were you thinking, a human girl squaring off against a desperate youkai army?' the words mocked her in her own mind. Rin set her jaw. She refused to be berated for attempting to help.
"I wanted to help. I have skills, I wanted to use them."
Sesshomaru couldn't believe her. "Rin, you were taught those skills to defend yourself, not go haring off with my army to fight youkai rebels." He growled, the anger simmering within him rising a bit closer to the surface. Didn't she know how worried he had been?
Rin's jaw lifted, and angry eyes turned to study the far wall indifferently, all her pent up resentment and sadness bubbling unexpectedly to the surface. "What does is matter? I am always within the fortress wall or in the nearby village, the only use my skills have been put to these last few years is trouncing new recruits. It's not like you'll take me on patrols with you, or anywhere remotely dangerous with you, or even anywhere at all with you! I have no place here, I'm not a maid or a cook or a stable hand or a warrior. I'm tired of not having a place. I..." she trailed off, unsure how to finish. 'Kami, I don't even know what I want, how can I expect him to understand?' Noting the way Sesshomaru's eyes darkened more with each word she spoke, she came to the hasty conclusion that retreat was probably the better part of valor in this case. Standing, she strode towards the door, anxious to go and be alone till she could regain control of herself.
She was brought up short by a clawed hand curling around her bicep. "You will not do such a thing again." Sesshomaru said in a low voice, barely-leashed anger arcing through each syllable.
Rin's eyes narrowed. "As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama." She attempted to jerk her arm away, but the claws curled tighter, preventing her escape.
"Rin," Sesshomaru warned, "do not try my patience. You will not pull a stunt like that ever again, are we clear?"
Something inside Rin snapped. Outrage replaced the sorrow, and indignation overtook resentment as her eyes flared wide in anger. "Try your patience?" She echoed incredulously. "Stunt?!" Forcibly pulling her arm out of his grasp, not caring when claws sliced through delicate flesh, she whirled to face him. "That was no stunt my Lord. I did, fight in your army, at your General's back no less, and I did a damn good job of it! I took out my fair share of rebels and managed to help guard others as well. I survived with only minor injuries where other, stronger youkai under your command faltered and fell. And yet here I am, being berated for trying your patience with my stunt? I don't believe you!" By this time she was up on her tip toes, nose-to-nose and toe-to-toe with the feared demon lord, hurling her angry words in his face.
Quicker than thought, Sesshomaru's hand shot up to grip her chin. "Insolent whelp." He snarled, eyes bleeding faintly red as he pulled her closer. Her lips were a breath away from his own, her eyes bright and the color in her cheeks high with her anger. Abruptly shoving her away, he picked up a nearby sword and tossed it to her. Snatching another up as Rin caught hers and brought it to bear, he lunged forward.
Blocking, Rin leapt back. What was his agenda? Deciding that she didn't much care - if he was offering them an outlet for their frustrations then so be it - she dashed forward with a shot to his right temple, which was promptly blocked.
A roaring was slowly filling Sesshomaru's ears as Rin continued her merciless attacks. The Inu in him, already having been roused by the thought of it's chosen one in danger, then spurned to anger by her willfulness and blatant disregard for how he felt, was now once again demanding the female before him submit. Didn't she know how worried he had been at the thought of her being hurt? How angry he had been that she would willingly place herself in such a situation? Her blood was slowly dripping onto the floor where her flesh had been torn, the metallic tang of it filling his nostrils, causing the Inu to almost literally howl for completion.
Controversially, as Sesshomaru's thoughts grew more and more clouded, Rin's grew clearer. What had upset him so greatly about her fighting? She had gone on small forays before, as well as hunting expeditions and he hadn't particularly cared. He hadn't been particularly pleased either, but it had never upset him this much.
As their swords clashed once more, she shouted over the din, "Why did my fighting upset you so much?"
Sesshomaru growled in response as he blocked her thrust and parried around "You would willingly place yourself in such danger!" He lunged again, aiming for the throat as Rin dodged. "You would deliberately disobey this Sesshomaru's wishes for you to remain safe!"
Their swords clashed above Rin's head, his catching hers in a bind as he pressed her back against the wall of the armory. Rin expected him to back off and declare himself the winner, but he came unexpectedly closer, till he was almost flush against her. Eyes that were completely crimson, with no hint of pupil or iris glared into her own, his hair swirling about them both in a jaki so powerful it was almost tangible. Growling low, so low she almost didn't hear it, so low it was almost no more than a vibration of his chest against hers, he closed the distance between them, lowering his head and slanting his lips across hers as his eyes closed.
Rin stood impossibly still, shocked to the core. Her sword dropped from numb and nerveless fingers, taking his with it as his arms came to rest on the wall on either side of her head. His lips pushed against her own in a fierce, aggressive kiss.
He pulled back slightly, just far enough that his tongue could snake out and trace her bottom lip. Planting a kiss at each corner of her mouth, he once again slanted his mouth firmly against hers, nibbling softly, begging entrance.
Something unprecedented and unexpected welled up within Rin, a twining, curling tendril of heat that snaked it's way down her body to curl tightly in the pit of her stomach, sinking lower into her abdomen as Sesshomaru continued the firm pressure of his lips against hers, small growls coming from the back of his throat.
Rin closed her eyes, thoroughly exploring and enjoying these new, tingling sensations that he brought. Slowly, gaining courage, she parted her lips the tiniest bit, her small pink tongue darting out to flick tentatively against his lower lip, her arms unconsciously falling down till her forearms were over his shoulders, her fingers twining behind his neck.
Immediately, Sesshomaru's tongue delved into her mouth, flicking teasingly against the soft tissue walls before curling deftly about her own. The Inu in him roared it's satisfaction with her response, the scent of her arousal pleasing and exciting him immensely as her fingers twined behind his head, drawing him closer. Pressing against her, pinning her to him, he delved into her mouth, nearly drunk on the exotic flavor of her. Lust clouded his thoughts, casting a red haze over them and pounding furiously through him, setting his veins afire.
Rin tensed as something hard brushed her thigh. Sesshomaru growled, continuing to pull her closer, teasing her with tongue and fang until she was weak and watery, heat pooling low and sapping the energy from her limbs. Realizing fully what was about to happen, she started to struggle. 'No.' She thought wildly, 'I don't want this. Not if the Inu is in control!'
"Sess-" she was cut off by his mouth as she tried to pull away. Untangling her limbs, she pushed against his chest. "Lord Sesshomaru!" she cried a little louder, hoping the use of his title would bring some semblance of him back to himself.
The claws grasping her to him tensed, and a shiver seemed to run through him at the words. His eyes, already closed, squeezed shut as his face tensed.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She tried again. And it worked. Eyes still closed, still shuddering, he released her and backed away.
"Rin." He said, his voice sounding strained and guttural, not at all like his usual self. "Leave."
Hesitantly, Rin took a step towards him, hoping to, in some small way, sooth him. To let him know that she cared.
"Rin, leave now. " Sesshomaru warned, desperately needing her gone so he could bring his raging blood under control, could attempt to forget the feel of her body pressed to his. The Inu in him still raged, demanding that he take the female before him, that this was his mate and he had every right to her sweet young body. If Rin continued towards him, such a sweetly concerned look on her face, no condemnation in her actions or tone, he may very well find himself unable to resist her...
"Sesshomaru-sama?" She queried, concern and care etching itself through her features, worry for his well-being lacing itself through the lingering scent of her arousal.
Sesshomaru felt his control slip another notch as she slowly advanced towards him. "I said out! " He roared, baring his teeth at her in a display meant solely to intimidate the young woman.
It worked. Rin flinched, tears filling her eyes. Never turning her back on the unpredictable demon, she crept slowly backwards, his crimson stained eyes never leaving her face. Feeling behind her for the door, she quietly slid it open and fled into the night.
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Stunned beyond belief, Atoki watched the proceedings inside the armory. He had been determined to be nearby in case Rin had needed him, so he had retreated to the edge of the clearing and perched himself in a nearby tree, hidden in the shadows yet able to see the whole room through the window .
He snapped out of his stunned stupor when Rin had fled the armory, the slight breeze bringing the salty scent of her tears to him as she ran towards the fortress. A slight thump brought his attention back to his Lord, who was no longer baring his fangs at his ward, but had collapsed to his knees. Rocking back, Sesshomaru sat on his heels as if he were meditating, but Atoki could easily see how badly he was shaking, and how tense his muscles were as he tried to suppress the Inu.
Deciding he had seen enough, Atoki leapt to the ground and headed off to the kitchens.
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Hakashi was putting away the last of the now-clean dishes when Atoki burst through the door and marched tersely towards him. 'Hmmm, I wonder what this is about?' Hakashi thought to himself as he dismissed the aide. Undoubtedly Atoki would want to talk. Reaching up for two earthenware cups and pouring some hot tea into both of them, he handed one to the distraught general just as Atoki started to open his mouth.
"You want to talk, no?"
Atoki's mouth snapped shut. Mutely, he nodded.
Hakashi smiled benignly. "If you had to seek me out in this state, then it must be important. Let's find somewhere a bit more private, shall we?"
Bringing a small pot of honey with them, Hakashi chose a table in the far corner of the solarium. After the two had settled in, Hakashi turned his emerald-hued eyes to his friends icy blue ones.
"Now then, what happened?"
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A few minutes later, Hakashi sat, stunned, as Atoki relayed exactly what had transpired in the armory. This news was indeed disturbing. Not the fact that Sesshomaru had kissed Rin, that he had completely expected to happen sooner or later. No, the Lord's lack of control over the Inu was what disturbed him.
Atoki's claws drummed nervously against the table top, his tea forgotten as he recalled the way Rin had fled. The silence stretched between the two, until Hakashi finally broke it by setting his cup down with an audible thump.
"The Lord losing control over his Inu like that..." He muttered half to himself. "He has been sitting on his feeling for far too long."
Atoki's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'sitting on his feelings?'"
"Lord Sesshomaru has been in love with Rin for quite some time." Hakashi said. He opened his mouth to continue, but instead chuckled when he saw the look on Atoki's face. 'Like a fish out of water.' He thought uncharitably. "What, do you mean to say that the General Uuchia Atoki, so renowned for all-seeing, all-knowing powers, did not notice?" He teased gently.
Atoki shot him a look that plainly said he was not amused, and Hakashi continued. "Well, it's true. He has been. Why do you think he would no longer take her on patrols, or spend time with her in the library in the evenings, or refused to even spar with her as often as he used to?"
"I had wondered about that..." Atoki slowly said, "but love was not the conclusion I had drawn."
"I had suspected, but wasn't sure until this morning when he found that Rin had gone out with the army to take care of the rebels." Hakashi said slowly. "For a spilt second his façade dropped, and you could plainly see everything he felt. He looked suspiciously how Ino's father looked when we found the girls on the roof of the fortress that year. Like his whole world had come crashing down around his ears."
"You didn't look much better, my friend." Atoki said, recalling the way his own heart had leapt into his throat at the sight of the two small girls waving gaily from the highest corner of the tower spires...
"Well, that's almost the exact same look Lord Sesshomaru had on his face."
"Hnn...so he loves her? How long do you think this has been going on?" Atoki asked, more to himself than to his companion.
Hakashi sat back thoughtfully. "Long enough that he's having a hard time hiding it. Off hand, I'd probably say years...My question would be why hasn't he done something about it?"
"He's always hated humans." Atoki mused. "Maybe he doesn't want hanyou offspring? Like his younger brother?"
"No, his problem with Inuyasha was the Tetsagia, not the fact that he was a hanyou. Of course, he never was fond of hanyou either." Hakashi muttered. "And he does hate humans, but Rin hardly counts anymore, for all she's been essentially raised as a demon. And even her lifespan isn't a factor - if Lord Sesshomaru were to mate with her, they would share powers. That would certainly increase her lifespan, and do who-knows-what-else besides."
"I think Inuyasha's mother had increased strength as well - one would certainly need it to birth a demon...even a half-demon." Atoki mused thoughtfully. "Okay, so there's no real reason for him to not take Rin as a mate. Her age, species, probable offspring and lifespan aren't factors, so...what's his problem?"
Hakashi shrugged. "I don't know. Stupidity?"
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Rin sat at a table in the dining room, her hunger having finally drawn her out of her quarters. Staring unseeingly at a spot on the table, she absently brought another chopstick full of rice and vegetables to her lips. So absorbed was she in her trouble thoughts that she never even heard the figure pacing towards her until they were upon her.
"What are you doing eating so late Rin?" Asked Lady Alina as she stopped before the young human girl. "Are you snatching a midnight snack? That's not very healthy dear, you'll lose that wonderful figure you have."
"Mmmm?" Rin said absently, looking up into the Lady's ruby-hued eyes. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Lady Alina was slightly perturbed that the ningen did not even catch her barb, but sailed on regardless. "I was wondering why you were eating so late."
"Oh! Well, I was in the armory cleaning and got distracted." Rin said, pleased with herself for not quite having told a lie. Indeed, she had gotten distracted, but not in the way Lady Alina would assume. Rin resisted the unladylike urge to snort softly. She doubted that Lady Alina knew the difference between a katana and a kodachi, and would of course have no idea how long it would take to clean and repair armor.
Alina studied the ningen before her, trying to decide what it was about her that made her so desirable to the people of this household. She was physically attractive for a ningen; her hair was long - as long as her own - and shiny, the color was the shade of darkest chocolate, just a shade lighter than black. Her eyes often seemed over-large in her small heart-shaped face, with thick black lashes fringing the cinnamon-colored orbs. She had a small, upturned nose and full lips that were often upturned in a smile. Her frame was long and willowy, with full breasts a narrow rib cage and waist which flared gently into full hips. Yes, she was pretty for a ningen, but that was half the problem, she was a ningen. The other half was her lack of respect and controversial attitudes. She was lean and muscular because she was often parading around pretending to be a warrior, and those full lips, so often turned into smiled, just as often directed those smiles towards servants, stable hands, smelly beasts and mud-covered children rather than her superiors or their associates!
Then again, maybe it was this very perversity that made her so loved - in her experience, men, be they demon or ningen, always adored what they couldn't understand, and always desired what they couldn't have.
Rin sat steady under the demoness' perusal. Did she suspect something? Rin had been very careful to bathe thoroughly before approaching the kitchen, knowing how fast gossip spread through the fortress, and also knowing that the kitchens were the hotbed for it. There should no longer have been the salty scent of tears clinging to her person, nor Sesshomaru's own spicy/musky scent. Deciding that the demoness could examine her for the rest of the night if she so desired, Rin continued on with her meal, judiciously rolling the small fried peas off to the side so she wouldn't inadvertently swallow one of the damned things.
Rin abruptly dropping her gaze and returning to her meal was enough to snap the Lady out of her thoughts. Glaring down at the woman-child who, in her opinion, wasn't worth any more of her time, she turned and strode out of the room, only to nearly collide with Lord Sesshomaru as she neared the door.
"My Lord!" She cried, startled, as the door abruptly slid to the side, revealing Sesshomaru. Wiping the look of surprise off of her features, she quickly replaced it with a sweet little smile. "How are you this evening?"
Sesshomaru faltered for a bare second. He did not want to talk to the Lady right now. He had come to speak to Rin. "I am fine my Lady. If you will excuse me, I would like a word with Rin."
"Oh! Oh, of course." Lady Alina said, looking slightly flustered. "Of course. I will...leave you two alone then." And with that, she swept past him and out the door.
Closing the shoji door behind him, he softly approached the table that Rin, having heard their conversation, was now standing behind, food abandoned, looking like a frightened puppy. "My Lord?" She asked, mentally berating herself for her inability to keep the wavering note out of her voice.
"Rin, sit down and eat. I'm not here to attack you." Sesshomaru sighed, knowing he should have expected this reaction. After all, how often was it that your...here he faltered. What was he to Rin? He was hardly a parental figure, she was not merely some ward, he was not her superior - or at least he had never considered himself superior to her in the traditional sense of the word. He may have been her friend, or her protector, but he hadn't performed either duty adequately as of late. Leaning over slightly, he stared into her dish, noting that the peas were rolled off to the side, just as they had been for the past eleven or so years. "And eat your peas."
Still slightly apprehensive, but relieved to see that her Lord apparently was in full control of himself, she shot him a belligerent look. He started to level a steely glare at her, but, with a small sigh, sat down across from her instead. If she didn't eat her peas by now, then she probably never would. And frankly, that was the very least of his worries.
Obediently, Rin shoveled another mouthful of rice in, waiting for Sesshomaru to begin the conversation. Patiently, she waited for him to compose himself - for that was exactly what he was doing. Rin was not and never had been fooled by the expressionless mask he often wore, she knew him inside and out and often knew how he was feeling before he himself did. Though she never let on, she often felt as if there were a mental link connecting them, allowing her to sense his presence and state of mind. Of course, the notion was ridiculous - she had never heard of such a thing at any rate.
"I apologize," Sesshomaru began. "I was wrong to confront you in that state, and it was even more wrong of me to let myself get out of control like that."
His remorse was apparent to her, even though aside from a downshifting of his eyes, his expression never altered. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again as he continued.
"Also, what you said was entirely correct; it is wrong to leave you at loose ends, especially now that you are a woman grown. You know as much if not more about this household and it's operations than I do." Sighing a little, he rose. "I have no mate and as such you are the Lady of the house. Keeping this household running smoothly will now be your job. You have command of my servants and staff, and the right to demand my attention at any time if you have a concern. The High Courtesans will be here in one week's time for the annual council meeting, make sure all is prepared." As he turned to leave, Rin caught the faint flicker in his eyes and realized his unspoken words; "I have no mate...and probably never will." She also sensed his unbearable sadness at the thought, and it tugged at her soul as the proud Taiyoukai strode towards the door.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She said, not sure quite what had possessed her to call out to the Taiyoukai, but equally sure that the thought of his pain pained her, and his sorrow dimmed her days as well.
Sesshomaru halted at the sound of her voice, and turned his head ever so slightly, just far enough to see her out of the corner of one eye. "My Lord," Rin said, "back in the dojo..." She faltered and blushed a bit, but with a deep breath to bolster herself, forged on. "I was not rejecting you my Lord, I was rejecting the fact that the Inu was in control."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened fractionally, but other than that, his expression didn't alter. Even so, Rin felt the jolt of shock that ran through him. Nodding slightly, he continued out of the door.
: Please note: reviews and comments are welcome, constructive critisism is welcome, but flames are not. If you have a problem, please let me know, but if you're going to tell me what I did wrong , also tell me how I can make it right. Theft is not tolerated, and flames will be used to light a fire under your ass. You can contact me at Fairia13@hotmail.com or as Fairia11 on AIM. I also have MSN messenger, so you can talk to me there too.
To Fate, or YoukaiFate as some of ya'll know her, for getting me off of my lazy ass and threatening me into posting this fic.
NONSENSE: Yes, this is a Rin/Sess fiction, for those of you who were maybe wondering. If you haven't figured ut by now that there's adult content in this story....yeah, never mind. We'll speak later. However, if you're here, and you've figured out how to work mediaminer's jacked-up orginization system, power to you! Let me tell you, it really sucks when you can't find your own fic... Anyway, on with the show!...story...
and this story is also posted on Adult Fan Fiction .net (aff) and Enlightened Hearts under the pen name Nascha or "owl" in Native American. http:// www. freewebs. com/ enlightenedhearts/ main/ main. html Just take out the spaces... If you're under 18 or not a fan of "anything goes" I'd recommend Enlightened Hearts. The girl who runs it, Kawaiiaiamai, is a sweetheart. (It's not me. For one, I'm technoligically inept. For two, I'm a bitch. *snicker*)
Chapter Two: Un Beso
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A sweet breeze on her face and the twittering of a bird woke Rin just as the sun started to peek over the horizon. Smiling a bit, she opened her eyes and, yawning a bit, rolled off of her futon and ambled outside and to her balcony.
Funny, she could've sworn that she had fallen asleep outside, listening to the crickets and watching the stars...
The landscape was blanketed in a dense white fog, the rising sun just beginning to pierce the shadows cast by the forest. Rin shivered a bit at the cool dampness of the early morning air. Stretching, she went back into her room to find a pair of the loose, comfortable pants she liked to wear.
Even though it was unseemly for a young lady to go around dressed as a boy, she had purposefully had the pants made with the legs wide enough that when she was walking, sitting, or standing it appeared as if she were wearing a wide, eastern-style skirt or perhaps an altered hakama, but still allowed her to pursue activities that a traditional kimono would've inhibited. Such as riding. She grinned. Ah Un would be pleased to get out of the stables for a while.
Dressing quickly in an off-white haori and dark, forest green pants, she quickly made her way down to the kitchen, intent on procuring a roll and a quick cup of tea before leaving, only to find the kitchen a bustle of early-morning activity.
'What's going on...?'
Soldiers were sitting or standing around, drinking tea and munching rolls or eating stew, chatting amiably amongst themselves. A few called greetings as she made her way to the large pot of tea hanging over the fire and filled a clay cup with it, adding a little sugar in for good measure. She was about to turn when a clawed hand descended on her shoulder, starling her. Whirling, she saw Atoki standing behind her with a small frown on his face.
"What are you doing about so early Rin?" He asked.
"I was going to take Ah Un for a ride..." she said uncertainly.
Atoki shook his head regretfully. "Do not, Rin-chan. There have been reports of disturbances early this morning and, knowing you," he tweaked her nose affectionately, "you would manage to make your way to the middle of it."
"Atoki-kun!" She protested. "If there are indeed disturbances, then it is my place to be in it!"
"They are only minor disturbances Rin, and I am taking a regiment out to deal with them in a few minutes. I cannot forbid you to go, but I cannot agree to condone it either." He rubbed the bridge of his nose thoughtfully. "But if you insisted on going...and Lord Sesshomaru was not about to officially deny you..." He let the sentence hang.
Rin grinned widely. "I'll grab my armor and sword and be right back."
When she would've turned to leave, Atoki caught her shoulder once more. "And if Lord Sesshomaru is mad, it's your backside, not mine."
Rin grinned again - Sesshomaru-sama had not once in twelve years struck her. He had glared once or twice, maybe offered a harsh word if he had been truly upset, but he had never punished her beyond that extent She shuddered. Of course, his glares were usually more than enough...
Shrugging off the feeling of unease, Rin nodded acknowledgement to Atoki's warning and ran out the back door towards the weaponry.
Back in the kitchen, Atoki sighed as Hakashi sidled up next to him, having overheard the exchange between Lord Sesshomaru's general and his ward. "I thought you were going to send her back to bed."
"She'd never gone back peaceably."
"I thought you wanted to keep her away from the trouble then." Hakashi amended.
"I do. But...she is a good fighter. Good enough that I would gladly accept her into my guard, were she not already the Lord's ward. And," He paused thoughtfully, trying to find the words, "she is obstinate. As soon as she would've heard about the border troubles, she would've come. So," he sighed again, "it is better to keep her where I can see her and worry, than worry about her when I cannot."
"Ahhh," Hakashi said. "Well, as long as you have your reasons. Personally, I would have a fit if Sakura suddenly decided to join the royal guard and go fight."
Atoki raised and eyebrow just a bit, deciding it was best not to mention right then that Sakura had indeed expressed an interest in joining the Royal Guard when she came of age.
"However," Hakashi continued, "I am equally sure that if Lord Sesshomaru knew his ward's plans, he would be extremely upset. Especially with the High Court gathering in less than a month."
Atoki grimaced. "That's right, they are coming her this year, aren't they?"
Hakashi was about to respond with a comment about the troubles that the High Court put on the fortress's occupants when Rin strode back up to them.
Her armor was modest, the exact same as every other soldier was outfitted with; a light chest plate, arm and shin guards, and a helmet. The armor was well taken care of bearing only the insignia of the Taisho house upon the upper left-hand corner. She looked the same as any of the other six women in Lord Sesshomaru's guard, but her aura...was different. Atoki wasn't sure if it was because she was human, or what the reason was, but dressed as she was, her katana strapped to her side and her shuriken at the opposite hip, she radiated an aura of almost serene calm, an air of confidence that was only held by those with utter, unparalleled confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Immediately, Hakashi could understand why Atoki was so willing to take this human woman into battle with him. She exuded all the power and confidence of a goddess of war. Turning, he could see a sort of grim understanding in Atoki's face, as well as the respect that the other soliders held for her, even if she was a human woman.
'Hmmm...'
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Ses shomaru stared down at the correspondence he was currently studying, finding himself repeatedly reading and rereading the same few lines over and over, unable to focus. Lady Alina had been in to see him first thing in the morning, nearly knocking down his study door when he wasn't quick enough to answer. She had attempted small talk, but quickly abandoned the idea when she saw how distracted he was, and instead had asked him to join her for lunch. He had agreed, mostly to get her to leave, making a few well-chosen statements about how much work he had left to do. After a few uncomfortable moments where she had once again tried for casual conversation, she had given up and left.
Where was Rin? He hadn't seen hide nor hair of her this morning, which was unusual, because she seemed to have a sixth sense where he was concerned, and would often bring him a light snack and cheerful conversation when he was upset or unfocused. And unlike Lady Alina's almost painful twittering about what Lord Whoever had said/done to Lady Whatever, Rin would tell him about things going on around the fortress that may need brought to his attention, or would offer some small piece of practical advice. Rin didn't gossip much, and certainly not about anything that would be considered demeaning to anybody.
Silently, Sesshomaru cursed himself for allowing Rin into his thoughts - again. Deciding that he obviously wouldn't be able to resume working while worrying about the girl's safety, he abandoned his perusal of Lord Raidon's business and headed for the dojo.
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Twenty minute later he was starting to get upset. Only a smattering of his soldiers had been in the dojo, the rest having gone off to quell a minor disturbance a few miles away, and Rin was not among them. Next he had checked the stables, thinking she had taken Ah Un out. Though the dragon had looked ecstatic to see him, perhaps hoping Sesshomaru would free him from his two giggling companions wielding armloads of daisy chains, Rin had not been amongst the group.
So here he was, in the kitchens, gathering a snack before mid day meal.
"Hakashi," He said, as if just now thinking about it, "have you seen Rin today?"
Hakashi wasn't fooled by his Lord's indifferent attitude, but decided to play along. "Hmmm..." He considered thoughtfully, wiping a dish dry with a clean rag. "Why, yes, I saw her early this morning."
"Ah," Sesshomaru said, affecting a slightly bored tone. "Did she mention her plans for today? I was hoping to catch her, and perhaps engage in a light sparring match."
Hakashi thought on it for a second, watching as Lord Sesshomaru casually sipped his tea. 'Oh, what the hell, he needs the shock.'
"Now that I think about it, she did indeed. She came down very early, she was planning to take Ah Un out for the day but," He paused, suppressed his grin, then dropped his bombshell on the unsuspecting Lord. "when she heard of the disturbance a few towns over, decided to go help quell the trouble." This was going to be interesting...
And the reaction was nothing less than what Hakashi could have hoped for. Lord Sesshomaru nearly chocked on his tea, his heart unexpectedly leaping into his throat as fear and anger warred for dominance within him. The thought of sweet, loving Rin battling youkai who fully intended to kill her did something almost painful to his insides, twisting them and bunching them in knots of anger and fear and worry.
No one messed with his ward...
Hakashi watched as the Lord's indifferent and icy façade abruptly shattered, at least momentarily, as he considered all the possibilities of what could be happening to Rin at that moment. Shock, surprise, anger, momentary fear and....'Oh ho, what was that ?' Hakashi thought as something indefinable chased itself across his Lord's face, and his eyes bled red before the mask abruptly fell back into place. He rose, and said as if nothing had happened, "Thank you Hakashi, that was very informative." as he strode out the door.
Hakashi stood there, speculatively watching the door the Lord had exited.
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Rin sat in the armory, quietly polishing her armor, watching the sun drop behind the horizon. The battle had been long and bloody, the small rebellion they had been expecting larger than first thought. She had received a shallow cut across her arm and another slice along her thigh. The one across her forearm had very nearly been a fatal blow, and it was only thanks to Rin's quick reflexes that it was not.
So now Rin sat with a pile of armor which needed cleaning before it could be put away. Any soldier who had been grievously wounded weren't able to clean their own, so the task had been divided up amongst a few of the intact soldiers, who had quickly cleaned their gear and went home to their families.
'Family...'
The thought was almost painful in it's intensity, this desire for a mate and children of her own. She had always adored children, their frailty and the way they always saw the world through eyes wide with wonder at the magic in it. Sakura, her little brother Lei and their friend Ino were the closest she ever expected to get to having any children of her own. She had seen too much, done too much to ever be satisfied with a human male who would expect her to stay at their hut and be exclusively domestic...who would be appalled at her weaponry skills and her outgoing ways. No, she would never be happy with that. Sesshomaru had spoiled her to anything ordinary and socially acceptable to humans when he had brought her fully into his world, had let her ride on a dragon, had flown with her through the night sky on a cloud and shown her where the faeries played with the selkies deep in the hidden pools of the forests. Truly, she had lived so long without human companionship that by this time, going back could very well mean a death sentence.
The creaking of the door across the room snapped Rin out of her reverie and she turned as Atoki entered the room and wearily smiled at her, taking a seat on a bench across from her.
"How are the wounded?" She asked as she continued cleaning. Absently, Atoki picked up a breastplate and rag and began cleaning too.
"Two are badly wounded, but expected to recover. One is being monitored, and one is dead. Three were released home, and four are being watched overnight just to be safe."
Rin sighed. The invading youkai had fought fiercely, with all of the desperation of a person who knows that they're going to die and refuses to die in vain. The battle had been far worse then expected, long and gory. Atoki had managed to keep her near him, but not all were as lucky as she was to have such a warrior at their back. Nor, he reflected soberly, were all as lucky as he to have such a warrior at their back. Rin had fought well, never faltering even when wounded, helping to keep both of them safe while also watching out for others as well, never hesitating to lend aid where she could, even at risk to herself.
Atoki watched the emotions and memories chase themselves through Rin's large, cinnamon-hued eyes. Gently, he reached forward to cup the side of her face in one of his palms, his thumb caressing her cheek.
"Rin..."
However, whatever he had been about to say was interrupting by the door being thrust violently open. Startled, two sets of eyes flew towards the door, taking in the sight of Sesshomaru standing there, perfectly still, completely expressionless, molten amber eyes calmly taking in the whole scene.
Too calmly. There was a palpable air of tension surrounding the demon lord, and a dangerous increase in jaki as he watched his general caress his ward. Rin shuddered in trepidation. Having only seen her Lord angry a rare handful of times, it was however something she was unlikely to ever forget. Unlike his hanyou brother Inuyasha, who would immediately launch into a tirade of insults and curses, clenching and unclenching his fists and swinging violently at anything within range, Sesshomaru froze into utter stillness, for all the world like a leopard right before the fatal lunge. Only his eyes would betray him, fully revealing the violent emotions that churned within him, completely uncovering the battle with his demon side as he fought for control.
However, not once in all her eighteen years of life, twelve of them spent under his watchful eye, had she ever seen that look directed at her.
"Atoki," Sesshomaru addressed his general, his burning gaze never once leaving Rin's frightened face.
"My Lord?" Atoki questioned, knowing he would not like what he was about to hear.
"Leave us."
Atoki frowned. Surely Lord Sesshomaru was not this upset because of Rin going on a mission with them. He had of course reasoned that the Lord would be less than pleased, but this amount of anger was unreasonable. "My Lord..."
"I said out. " Sesshomaru growled through clenched teeth.
Lips thinned, Atoki marched past Sesshomaru and out the door, determined to stay within audio range should he be needed.
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The door closed with an ominous shhhk and Rin was left alone with the fuming demon Lord. Rin gulped as he paced towards her, his eyes never leaving her face. Gently, he reached out and took the breastplate she was shining out of her hands, setting it aside and kneeling next to her, he gently examined her arm. He dared not examine her thigh - though he wanted to ascertain for himself that she was indeed whole and relatively unharmed, it would not do to embarrass her thus. Still...how dare she place herself in such danger? Rage shimmered anew in his eyes.
Once he had reassured himself that she was intact, he looked up from his kneeling position beside her.
"What were you thinking?"
The words were deceptively calm, almost emotionless, but Rin heard the censure in them. 'What were you thinking, a human girl squaring off against a desperate youkai army?' the words mocked her in her own mind. Rin set her jaw. She refused to be berated for attempting to help.
"I wanted to help. I have skills, I wanted to use them."
Sesshomaru couldn't believe her. "Rin, you were taught those skills to defend yourself, not go haring off with my army to fight youkai rebels." He growled, the anger simmering within him rising a bit closer to the surface. Didn't she know how worried he had been?
Rin's jaw lifted, and angry eyes turned to study the far wall indifferently, all her pent up resentment and sadness bubbling unexpectedly to the surface. "What does is matter? I am always within the fortress wall or in the nearby village, the only use my skills have been put to these last few years is trouncing new recruits. It's not like you'll take me on patrols with you, or anywhere remotely dangerous with you, or even anywhere at all with you! I have no place here, I'm not a maid or a cook or a stable hand or a warrior. I'm tired of not having a place. I..." she trailed off, unsure how to finish. 'Kami, I don't even know what I want, how can I expect him to understand?' Noting the way Sesshomaru's eyes darkened more with each word she spoke, she came to the hasty conclusion that retreat was probably the better part of valor in this case. Standing, she strode towards the door, anxious to go and be alone till she could regain control of herself.
She was brought up short by a clawed hand curling around her bicep. "You will not do such a thing again." Sesshomaru said in a low voice, barely-leashed anger arcing through each syllable.
Rin's eyes narrowed. "As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama." She attempted to jerk her arm away, but the claws curled tighter, preventing her escape.
"Rin," Sesshomaru warned, "do not try my patience. You will not pull a stunt like that ever again, are we clear?"
Something inside Rin snapped. Outrage replaced the sorrow, and indignation overtook resentment as her eyes flared wide in anger. "Try your patience?" She echoed incredulously. "Stunt?!" Forcibly pulling her arm out of his grasp, not caring when claws sliced through delicate flesh, she whirled to face him. "That was no stunt my Lord. I did, fight in your army, at your General's back no less, and I did a damn good job of it! I took out my fair share of rebels and managed to help guard others as well. I survived with only minor injuries where other, stronger youkai under your command faltered and fell. And yet here I am, being berated for trying your patience with my stunt? I don't believe you!" By this time she was up on her tip toes, nose-to-nose and toe-to-toe with the feared demon lord, hurling her angry words in his face.
Quicker than thought, Sesshomaru's hand shot up to grip her chin. "Insolent whelp." He snarled, eyes bleeding faintly red as he pulled her closer. Her lips were a breath away from his own, her eyes bright and the color in her cheeks high with her anger. Abruptly shoving her away, he picked up a nearby sword and tossed it to her. Snatching another up as Rin caught hers and brought it to bear, he lunged forward.
Blocking, Rin leapt back. What was his agenda? Deciding that she didn't much care - if he was offering them an outlet for their frustrations then so be it - she dashed forward with a shot to his right temple, which was promptly blocked.
A roaring was slowly filling Sesshomaru's ears as Rin continued her merciless attacks. The Inu in him, already having been roused by the thought of it's chosen one in danger, then spurned to anger by her willfulness and blatant disregard for how he felt, was now once again demanding the female before him submit. Didn't she know how worried he had been at the thought of her being hurt? How angry he had been that she would willingly place herself in such a situation? Her blood was slowly dripping onto the floor where her flesh had been torn, the metallic tang of it filling his nostrils, causing the Inu to almost literally howl for completion.
Controversially, as Sesshomaru's thoughts grew more and more clouded, Rin's grew clearer. What had upset him so greatly about her fighting? She had gone on small forays before, as well as hunting expeditions and he hadn't particularly cared. He hadn't been particularly pleased either, but it had never upset him this much.
As their swords clashed once more, she shouted over the din, "Why did my fighting upset you so much?"
Sesshomaru growled in response as he blocked her thrust and parried around "You would willingly place yourself in such danger!" He lunged again, aiming for the throat as Rin dodged. "You would deliberately disobey this Sesshomaru's wishes for you to remain safe!"
Their swords clashed above Rin's head, his catching hers in a bind as he pressed her back against the wall of the armory. Rin expected him to back off and declare himself the winner, but he came unexpectedly closer, till he was almost flush against her. Eyes that were completely crimson, with no hint of pupil or iris glared into her own, his hair swirling about them both in a jaki so powerful it was almost tangible. Growling low, so low she almost didn't hear it, so low it was almost no more than a vibration of his chest against hers, he closed the distance between them, lowering his head and slanting his lips across hers as his eyes closed.
Rin stood impossibly still, shocked to the core. Her sword dropped from numb and nerveless fingers, taking his with it as his arms came to rest on the wall on either side of her head. His lips pushed against her own in a fierce, aggressive kiss.
He pulled back slightly, just far enough that his tongue could snake out and trace her bottom lip. Planting a kiss at each corner of her mouth, he once again slanted his mouth firmly against hers, nibbling softly, begging entrance.
Something unprecedented and unexpected welled up within Rin, a twining, curling tendril of heat that snaked it's way down her body to curl tightly in the pit of her stomach, sinking lower into her abdomen as Sesshomaru continued the firm pressure of his lips against hers, small growls coming from the back of his throat.
Rin closed her eyes, thoroughly exploring and enjoying these new, tingling sensations that he brought. Slowly, gaining courage, she parted her lips the tiniest bit, her small pink tongue darting out to flick tentatively against his lower lip, her arms unconsciously falling down till her forearms were over his shoulders, her fingers twining behind his neck.
Immediately, Sesshomaru's tongue delved into her mouth, flicking teasingly against the soft tissue walls before curling deftly about her own. The Inu in him roared it's satisfaction with her response, the scent of her arousal pleasing and exciting him immensely as her fingers twined behind his head, drawing him closer. Pressing against her, pinning her to him, he delved into her mouth, nearly drunk on the exotic flavor of her. Lust clouded his thoughts, casting a red haze over them and pounding furiously through him, setting his veins afire.
Rin tensed as something hard brushed her thigh. Sesshomaru growled, continuing to pull her closer, teasing her with tongue and fang until she was weak and watery, heat pooling low and sapping the energy from her limbs. Realizing fully what was about to happen, she started to struggle. 'No.' She thought wildly, 'I don't want this. Not if the Inu is in control!'
"Sess-" she was cut off by his mouth as she tried to pull away. Untangling her limbs, she pushed against his chest. "Lord Sesshomaru!" she cried a little louder, hoping the use of his title would bring some semblance of him back to himself.
The claws grasping her to him tensed, and a shiver seemed to run through him at the words. His eyes, already closed, squeezed shut as his face tensed.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She tried again. And it worked. Eyes still closed, still shuddering, he released her and backed away.
"Rin." He said, his voice sounding strained and guttural, not at all like his usual self. "Leave."
Hesitantly, Rin took a step towards him, hoping to, in some small way, sooth him. To let him know that she cared.
"Rin, leave now. " Sesshomaru warned, desperately needing her gone so he could bring his raging blood under control, could attempt to forget the feel of her body pressed to his. The Inu in him still raged, demanding that he take the female before him, that this was his mate and he had every right to her sweet young body. If Rin continued towards him, such a sweetly concerned look on her face, no condemnation in her actions or tone, he may very well find himself unable to resist her...
"Sesshomaru-sama?" She queried, concern and care etching itself through her features, worry for his well-being lacing itself through the lingering scent of her arousal.
Sesshomaru felt his control slip another notch as she slowly advanced towards him. "I said out! " He roared, baring his teeth at her in a display meant solely to intimidate the young woman.
It worked. Rin flinched, tears filling her eyes. Never turning her back on the unpredictable demon, she crept slowly backwards, his crimson stained eyes never leaving her face. Feeling behind her for the door, she quietly slid it open and fled into the night.
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Stunned beyond belief, Atoki watched the proceedings inside the armory. He had been determined to be nearby in case Rin had needed him, so he had retreated to the edge of the clearing and perched himself in a nearby tree, hidden in the shadows yet able to see the whole room through the window .
He snapped out of his stunned stupor when Rin had fled the armory, the slight breeze bringing the salty scent of her tears to him as she ran towards the fortress. A slight thump brought his attention back to his Lord, who was no longer baring his fangs at his ward, but had collapsed to his knees. Rocking back, Sesshomaru sat on his heels as if he were meditating, but Atoki could easily see how badly he was shaking, and how tense his muscles were as he tried to suppress the Inu.
Deciding he had seen enough, Atoki leapt to the ground and headed off to the kitchens.
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Hakashi was putting away the last of the now-clean dishes when Atoki burst through the door and marched tersely towards him. 'Hmmm, I wonder what this is about?' Hakashi thought to himself as he dismissed the aide. Undoubtedly Atoki would want to talk. Reaching up for two earthenware cups and pouring some hot tea into both of them, he handed one to the distraught general just as Atoki started to open his mouth.
"You want to talk, no?"
Atoki's mouth snapped shut. Mutely, he nodded.
Hakashi smiled benignly. "If you had to seek me out in this state, then it must be important. Let's find somewhere a bit more private, shall we?"
Bringing a small pot of honey with them, Hakashi chose a table in the far corner of the solarium. After the two had settled in, Hakashi turned his emerald-hued eyes to his friends icy blue ones.
"Now then, what happened?"
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A few minutes later, Hakashi sat, stunned, as Atoki relayed exactly what had transpired in the armory. This news was indeed disturbing. Not the fact that Sesshomaru had kissed Rin, that he had completely expected to happen sooner or later. No, the Lord's lack of control over the Inu was what disturbed him.
Atoki's claws drummed nervously against the table top, his tea forgotten as he recalled the way Rin had fled. The silence stretched between the two, until Hakashi finally broke it by setting his cup down with an audible thump.
"The Lord losing control over his Inu like that..." He muttered half to himself. "He has been sitting on his feeling for far too long."
Atoki's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'sitting on his feelings?'"
"Lord Sesshomaru has been in love with Rin for quite some time." Hakashi said. He opened his mouth to continue, but instead chuckled when he saw the look on Atoki's face. 'Like a fish out of water.' He thought uncharitably. "What, do you mean to say that the General Uuchia Atoki, so renowned for all-seeing, all-knowing powers, did not notice?" He teased gently.
Atoki shot him a look that plainly said he was not amused, and Hakashi continued. "Well, it's true. He has been. Why do you think he would no longer take her on patrols, or spend time with her in the library in the evenings, or refused to even spar with her as often as he used to?"
"I had wondered about that..." Atoki slowly said, "but love was not the conclusion I had drawn."
"I had suspected, but wasn't sure until this morning when he found that Rin had gone out with the army to take care of the rebels." Hakashi said slowly. "For a spilt second his façade dropped, and you could plainly see everything he felt. He looked suspiciously how Ino's father looked when we found the girls on the roof of the fortress that year. Like his whole world had come crashing down around his ears."
"You didn't look much better, my friend." Atoki said, recalling the way his own heart had leapt into his throat at the sight of the two small girls waving gaily from the highest corner of the tower spires...
"Well, that's almost the exact same look Lord Sesshomaru had on his face."
"Hnn...so he loves her? How long do you think this has been going on?" Atoki asked, more to himself than to his companion.
Hakashi sat back thoughtfully. "Long enough that he's having a hard time hiding it. Off hand, I'd probably say years...My question would be why hasn't he done something about it?"
"He's always hated humans." Atoki mused. "Maybe he doesn't want hanyou offspring? Like his younger brother?"
"No, his problem with Inuyasha was the Tetsagia, not the fact that he was a hanyou. Of course, he never was fond of hanyou either." Hakashi muttered. "And he does hate humans, but Rin hardly counts anymore, for all she's been essentially raised as a demon. And even her lifespan isn't a factor - if Lord Sesshomaru were to mate with her, they would share powers. That would certainly increase her lifespan, and do who-knows-what-else besides."
"I think Inuyasha's mother had increased strength as well - one would certainly need it to birth a demon...even a half-demon." Atoki mused thoughtfully. "Okay, so there's no real reason for him to not take Rin as a mate. Her age, species, probable offspring and lifespan aren't factors, so...what's his problem?"
Hakashi shrugged. "I don't know. Stupidity?"
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Rin sat at a table in the dining room, her hunger having finally drawn her out of her quarters. Staring unseeingly at a spot on the table, she absently brought another chopstick full of rice and vegetables to her lips. So absorbed was she in her trouble thoughts that she never even heard the figure pacing towards her until they were upon her.
"What are you doing eating so late Rin?" Asked Lady Alina as she stopped before the young human girl. "Are you snatching a midnight snack? That's not very healthy dear, you'll lose that wonderful figure you have."
"Mmmm?" Rin said absently, looking up into the Lady's ruby-hued eyes. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"
Lady Alina was slightly perturbed that the ningen did not even catch her barb, but sailed on regardless. "I was wondering why you were eating so late."
"Oh! Well, I was in the armory cleaning and got distracted." Rin said, pleased with herself for not quite having told a lie. Indeed, she had gotten distracted, but not in the way Lady Alina would assume. Rin resisted the unladylike urge to snort softly. She doubted that Lady Alina knew the difference between a katana and a kodachi, and would of course have no idea how long it would take to clean and repair armor.
Alina studied the ningen before her, trying to decide what it was about her that made her so desirable to the people of this household. She was physically attractive for a ningen; her hair was long - as long as her own - and shiny, the color was the shade of darkest chocolate, just a shade lighter than black. Her eyes often seemed over-large in her small heart-shaped face, with thick black lashes fringing the cinnamon-colored orbs. She had a small, upturned nose and full lips that were often upturned in a smile. Her frame was long and willowy, with full breasts a narrow rib cage and waist which flared gently into full hips. Yes, she was pretty for a ningen, but that was half the problem, she was a ningen. The other half was her lack of respect and controversial attitudes. She was lean and muscular because she was often parading around pretending to be a warrior, and those full lips, so often turned into smiled, just as often directed those smiles towards servants, stable hands, smelly beasts and mud-covered children rather than her superiors or their associates!
Then again, maybe it was this very perversity that made her so loved - in her experience, men, be they demon or ningen, always adored what they couldn't understand, and always desired what they couldn't have.
Rin sat steady under the demoness' perusal. Did she suspect something? Rin had been very careful to bathe thoroughly before approaching the kitchen, knowing how fast gossip spread through the fortress, and also knowing that the kitchens were the hotbed for it. There should no longer have been the salty scent of tears clinging to her person, nor Sesshomaru's own spicy/musky scent. Deciding that the demoness could examine her for the rest of the night if she so desired, Rin continued on with her meal, judiciously rolling the small fried peas off to the side so she wouldn't inadvertently swallow one of the damned things.
Rin abruptly dropping her gaze and returning to her meal was enough to snap the Lady out of her thoughts. Glaring down at the woman-child who, in her opinion, wasn't worth any more of her time, she turned and strode out of the room, only to nearly collide with Lord Sesshomaru as she neared the door.
"My Lord!" She cried, startled, as the door abruptly slid to the side, revealing Sesshomaru. Wiping the look of surprise off of her features, she quickly replaced it with a sweet little smile. "How are you this evening?"
Sesshomaru faltered for a bare second. He did not want to talk to the Lady right now. He had come to speak to Rin. "I am fine my Lady. If you will excuse me, I would like a word with Rin."
"Oh! Oh, of course." Lady Alina said, looking slightly flustered. "Of course. I will...leave you two alone then." And with that, she swept past him and out the door.
Closing the shoji door behind him, he softly approached the table that Rin, having heard their conversation, was now standing behind, food abandoned, looking like a frightened puppy. "My Lord?" She asked, mentally berating herself for her inability to keep the wavering note out of her voice.
"Rin, sit down and eat. I'm not here to attack you." Sesshomaru sighed, knowing he should have expected this reaction. After all, how often was it that your...here he faltered. What was he to Rin? He was hardly a parental figure, she was not merely some ward, he was not her superior - or at least he had never considered himself superior to her in the traditional sense of the word. He may have been her friend, or her protector, but he hadn't performed either duty adequately as of late. Leaning over slightly, he stared into her dish, noting that the peas were rolled off to the side, just as they had been for the past eleven or so years. "And eat your peas."
Still slightly apprehensive, but relieved to see that her Lord apparently was in full control of himself, she shot him a belligerent look. He started to level a steely glare at her, but, with a small sigh, sat down across from her instead. If she didn't eat her peas by now, then she probably never would. And frankly, that was the very least of his worries.
Obediently, Rin shoveled another mouthful of rice in, waiting for Sesshomaru to begin the conversation. Patiently, she waited for him to compose himself - for that was exactly what he was doing. Rin was not and never had been fooled by the expressionless mask he often wore, she knew him inside and out and often knew how he was feeling before he himself did. Though she never let on, she often felt as if there were a mental link connecting them, allowing her to sense his presence and state of mind. Of course, the notion was ridiculous - she had never heard of such a thing at any rate.
"I apologize," Sesshomaru began. "I was wrong to confront you in that state, and it was even more wrong of me to let myself get out of control like that."
His remorse was apparent to her, even though aside from a downshifting of his eyes, his expression never altered. She opened her mouth to say something, but closed it again as he continued.
"Also, what you said was entirely correct; it is wrong to leave you at loose ends, especially now that you are a woman grown. You know as much if not more about this household and it's operations than I do." Sighing a little, he rose. "I have no mate and as such you are the Lady of the house. Keeping this household running smoothly will now be your job. You have command of my servants and staff, and the right to demand my attention at any time if you have a concern. The High Courtesans will be here in one week's time for the annual council meeting, make sure all is prepared." As he turned to leave, Rin caught the faint flicker in his eyes and realized his unspoken words; "I have no mate...and probably never will." She also sensed his unbearable sadness at the thought, and it tugged at her soul as the proud Taiyoukai strode towards the door.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" She said, not sure quite what had possessed her to call out to the Taiyoukai, but equally sure that the thought of his pain pained her, and his sorrow dimmed her days as well.
Sesshomaru halted at the sound of her voice, and turned his head ever so slightly, just far enough to see her out of the corner of one eye. "My Lord," Rin said, "back in the dojo..." She faltered and blushed a bit, but with a deep breath to bolster herself, forged on. "I was not rejecting you my Lord, I was rejecting the fact that the Inu was in control."
Sesshomaru's eyes widened fractionally, but other than that, his expression didn't alter. Even so, Rin felt the jolt of shock that ran through him. Nodding slightly, he continued out of the door.
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