InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Waiting at a Coffee Shop ❯ At Sesshoumaru's Place ( Chapter 6 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter:  Rin spends the night and learns a valuable ceremony

Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns Inuyasha and Inuyasha the Final act, I and bulmathebabe do not.  We make no money for the writing of this fanfiction.

Nervously Rin strode out of the starewell of her apartment building, holding hands with Sesshoumaru. Still wearing the barista uniform, she felt out of place next to the tall elegant demon wearing the maroon suit. His long trench coat swathed him like a cape, swirling around his legs. He released her hand long enough to tug it through the crook of his bent elbow.

“Where are we going?” Rin asked quietly.

“You’ve been to the building once before. Remember the cocktail party last month?” he asked.

“The one at the Sakura ballroom?” she asked. Indeed, she did recall showing up there, bringing Kohaku as a date because she was nervous about arriving alone. Kagome had helped her sew black sequins on a knee length black dress, to jazz it up a bit. Then Kohaku had arrived wearing a borrowed suit, announcing he was her date for the evening.

To her surprise, someone had sent a limousine to fetch both of them. For the rest of the evening she and Kohaku suddenly
went their separate ways when Sesshoumaru had found Rin and insisted he needed to introduce her to some of his other clients.

“My apartment is located in the same building,” Sesshoumaru explained, leading Rin towards the parking garage in the hotel up the street. As she glanced around the street, she suddenly felt his protective aura wrapping around her. Nevertheless, nobody spared them a second glance. A quick glance to the side confirmed her suspicion. He wore a concealment charm, yet she could see the marking on his cheeks and forehead clearly, as if it was not there. To other patrons he appeared to be a well-dressed black haired man with pale skin and dark brown eyes.  

Rin did not question this, although she felt a slight bit of hurt that he resorted to such measures. In the apartment, he had touched his lapel pin, murmuring a spell. Once they exited, he had touched it once more. The hexagonal badge with his company logo was the talisman that housed the spell. She had seen it numerous times, for he rarely left without it.

Only occasionally, had he pulled her close or nudged her physically. Such actions were far and above what a taiyokai would even think of doing around a human. In the pit of her stomach, she felt butterflies fluttering, reeling at the possibilities that Sesshoumaru wanted a more intimate relationship, resembling the one that Kagome and Inuyasha shared.

“You need not fear me, Rin,” he murmured, leading her into the elevator. She stared at their reflections in the mirror, catching sight of him in his concealed form. Though if she looked down she saw the purple stripes on the back of his right hand.

“I know, I’m not afraid of you now,” she said truthfully when the doors dinged open.

He said nothing in answer, walking in the direction of the reserved parking spaces. Worried she had insulted him Rin simply maintained the silence, keeping her arm linked with his. He reached into his pocket with his left hand, stiffly pulling out the remote control. A quick touch to the button caused the lights of a black jaguar parked nearby to chirp in response. Relief again filled her that he was not drawing attention to himself by using a limousine like some of the youkai nobility she had seen at the party.

“Nice ride,” Rin commented, admiring the sleek lines of the perfectly polished black paint.  

“Hold this for a moment,” he requested, pushing the key ring into her hand.

He let her to the passenger side, bending down to open the door for her with his left hand. Rin reluctantly let go of his arm so she could climb in. The plush leather seats felt good and contoured on her tired thighs and back. She smelled the pervasive scent of new car and leather, wondering how he could stand such a strong odor with his sensitive nose. Grabbing the seatbelt end, she heard him shut the door and clicked the metal tab into place. The entire car shifted with his weight as he climbed in, reminding Rin how small the luxury car was.

In Tokyo, most people used public transportation. To even use a private car meant you had to be able to afford the exorbitant parking fees. It was no surprise Sesshoumaru used the hotel garages whenever possible. Also surprising was that his hand rested on the ball of a gearshift car instead of an automatic. A booted foot depressed the clutch at the same time he placed his foot on the break, and turned the key in the ignition.

A powerful engine rumbled into life, humming through Rin sensually. Power vibrated through the engine and machine around them along with the tingling of his strong youki. It was not her imagination feeling a slight green tingling sensation at the touch of his skin against hers. He was a poison youkai, capable of killing with lethal precision with the precise strike of those claws.

Yet here she rode in his car as he backed out, after throwing the car into reverse. His right hand rested on the wheel while his left shifted the gears effortlessly. It did not take fine motor control to move the arm she knew was artificial. Such things were easy to tell from her second sight. Cursed or blessed with it Rin was not sure. She had seen through him on the first day.

“I have no intentions of harming you, Rin,” he repeated, breaking the silence.

“I know that, Sesshoumaru, but I was frightened in the office. I know you didn’t mean to scare me but…”

“This one would never cause you to come to harm. You have his word on it,” he said, slipping into formal speech.

“And this Rin knows that to be true,” she murmured, falling into the formal mode as well. “Yet she knows hiding the truth from you is futile.”

“This one will protect Rin,” he added, voice dropping lower. She tingled from head to toe at the implications of his words.

“I trust you milord…”

“You will call me by my proper name, Rin,” he said firmly. “Also, you will not fear that this one will lose his control in your presence again. His anger was not directed towards you but towards those that sought to do you harm.”

“I know that now,” she reassured him.

“Why did you run away?” he rumbled, voice almost blending in with the hum of the powerful engine.

“Because I was scared. I had to think about what I wanted to do. I was causing you so much trouble, and your office was damaged…”

“Kagura caused the damage. You did not. You should have informed me then and there of the actions of the guilty parties,” Sesshoumaru murmured.

“I am grateful, but I thought I could defend myself well enough to leave. I learned long ago how to push them away with the force of my fear. I learned to use it instead of letting it rule me… and I can fight…”

“This is not the streets, Rin. These youkai will not hesitate to attack what is not their concern. From henceforth they will sense my youki upon your person and would dare not assault you upon pain of severe reprisal.”

“It would be easier if I simply resigned,” Rin sighed.

“That is not acceptable. I require your services. You are one of the few I trust implicitly. I insist that it will be sufficient for you to be marked by my youki. However to achieve it you must allow me to complete the necessary preparations.”

“What preparations?” Rin asked.

“Those that any youkai would employ to mingle their energies with those of their pack and clan. Such a process is utilized if a youkai adopts another into their clan, or at birth.”

“Marking your territory?” Rin asked, mildly insulted, and yet thrilled with the possibilities. She hoped that it would be enough to deter the youkai if they sensed his energies on her. Yet she knew it was too simple.

“You are not convinced?” he asked, pulling into the parking garage of the multistory building she recognized. Darkness folded around them as they meandered through the maze of available spots, past the signs that said permanent resident.

“I don’t wish to insult you, Sesshoumaru-sama, but some of them are so aggressive not even your youki may deter them,” Rin said quietly, looking him directly in the eyes.

“There is another level of protection I can extend,” Sesshoumaru said with a slight cough. “Yet here is not the proper place to discuss such matters.”

Just what that protection entailed caused Rin’s imagination to flicker with myriad possibilities. She had read many books about youkai customs when she took this job, but a strange realization came over her. Poison youkai could transfer some of their essence to the one they wished to protect but it involved considerable physical contact.

She followed him as he led the way into the lobby of Tokijin Towers. Over a highly polished marble floor she stepped, hearing her shoes reverberate in the large vaulted space. Bamboo plants and sakura trees soared from indoor planters, around which were seats. A small indoor koi pond burbled, lending a soft noise to the tranquil music playing through the sound system. Before he entered, he had deactivated his concealment charm.

Tokijin towers was where he was rumored to have his private apartments. The hexagonal logo was embossed in the hotel’s stationary, and the residential communiqués. His corporate logo for Tenseiga consisted of three interlocked hexagons each with a sakura blossom inside. Sesshoumaru favored the sakura blossoms everywhere in his décor, citing that the flowers had a scent that he could tolerate.

Past a concierge’s desk they strode, the youkai behind it giving Sesshoumaru a glance and wave. His eyes dared not focus on Rin for more than a split second before he turned his attention to the computer screen in front of him.  

“One message for you Sesshoumaru-sama,” he murmured, reaching for a white envelope.

“Have it sent up to my suite,” he said firmly. “Also route all calls to my personal answering service. I shall be occupied till tomorrow.”

“Yes milord,” the concierge said, averting his gaze. Rin had seen many youkai do this in Sesshoumaru’s presence, for it was
a term of deference. She did the same, peering at the floor instead of looking at him as he stood near her.

“Come along Rin,” he said, striding forwards. She fell into step behind him, as she often did at the office, willing to follow and trusting that he would keep his promise. Brass elevator doors slid open with a ding, opening onto a red-carpeted floor. Ceiling to floor mirrors with gold tone sheathed every wall, surrounding them with their own reflections.\

Rin somehow felt out of place standing there in her barista uniform, which she had not bothered to change out of. She did not want to bother Kagome or Inuyasha, and she did carry a change of clothes in the bag over her shoulder that held her purse as well. Over his shoulder Sesshoumaru carried his black briefcase, his hand twitching as it clenched and unclenched. Since they walked in, he had kept his distance from her. Rin did not question this at all. She was a mere human after all. Most of the tenants in this building were youkai.

He turned the key to the left, causing the doors to open into a small lobby. Then he strode forwards, waiting for Rin to follow. She guessed from the smell of the air that no human had ever set foot here before. The entire atmosphere tingled with powerful energies, identical to those that permeated her being. In front of a door he stopped, opening the locks and pushing it open before stepping to the side.

“Enter,” he instructed.  Out of the door drifted a stronger presence of youki, almost stunning. Every piece of furniture and surface vibrated with Sesshoumaru’s personal energies. As she entered, the lights flickered on, revealing rich mahogany and red everywhere. Traditional screens paneled the walls, and underfoot she saw a tatami. Removing her shoes, she trod upon
the surface, smelling lacquer and other smells she thought were only present in the mountains.

To the left a floor to ceiling bank of windows overlooked a balcony with table and chairs. They gleamed a soft orange in the lights of the city. She could glimpse multiple spires and blocks of light amidst flickering neon signs. In the distance along the horizon, the complex mess of Tokyo itself sprawled at the foot of the mountain itself.

Traditional wall scrolls decorated the shitagi rice paper and wood panels. Sliding shoji doors were visible off the main chamber, surprising Rin. He had transplanted a traditional part of Japanese architecture on this top floor, giving the place a timeless felt.

“You may wish to change into a kimono. I had the liberty of ordering something suitable. It is in the guestroom,” he explained.  

Rin opened her mouth to question, and then thought better of it. To refuse his hospitality was a grave insult, and she knew he had an already abysmal day thanks to her. “Thank you Sesshoumaru sama,” she said instead.

“This way,” he indicated, removing his shoes as well. “Please join me here when you’ve refreshed yourself. There will be suitable food if you are hungry.”

“Thank you,” she answered, inclining her head. She followed him towards a set of sliding doors he moved open, peering past them to the carpeted area beyond. Instead of the traditional futons she saw a western style bedroom complete with queen sized bed. Furnishings were mahogany, the carpet soft maroon. Entering she slid the door behind her and noticed that fresh towels were folded at the foot of the bed along with a pink and yellow silk bundle.  

Near the bed, she saw another set of sliding doors and pushed them open. A small bathroom complete with western style stand up shower was decorated in white and gold marble. She noticed there sweet smelled soaps and shampoo, to her surprise and delight. When he said freshen up, she was certain he meant that included a shower?

Not questioning this Rin quickly set about preparing for a nice long shower. She removed her uniform and folded it carefully before putting it on the bed. On a hook to the left, she took the terrycloth bathrobe and changed into it, walking over to open the shower door and turn on the water to a temperature she liked.

A half hour later Rin finished blow-drying her hair. While she did not mind walking around with wet hair at home, she felt strange about appearing before him in such familiar manner. The long white strips of cloth temporarily confused her before she realized they were part of the outfit he had provided. She carefully attired herself then reached for the yukata. It was a simple house robe, belted with a wider obi she tied behind her. She pulled on the clean white tabi and then turned around to see the effect in the mirror. Not since festivals did she wear something so nice, and the wrapping encasing her bosom felt odd compared to the usual undergarments.

Sliding the door open, she stepped into the main room. Already she saw him kneeling in front of a low table, his laptop opened. However, he wore a white silk robe with long sleeves tipped in red, his personal triple hexagon logo festooning the shoulders and sleeves. His long hair hung freely and unbound around his shoulders, giving him a far different appearance to the French braid or ponytail he often wore at the office. A blue and gold obi belted his waist, tied in a very continental fashion. Rin could see why he attired himself so, for it provided a tranquil setting. She could forget they were in the midst of a busy city and imagine they were in a more traditional village.

Sesshoumaru liked edo period, period, it seemed.  In a shrine down one hallway, she saw a set of swords on stands. One of them had a wrapped cloth tang, and red hilt. It sat under another straight bladed sword with no sheath, its pommel round with a tassel hanging off it. Both weapons were behind a glass case, the katana on the lesser stand then the other.
Rin read the words Tenseiga and Tokijin. It did not surprise her that he had such relics. They were probably family heirlooms. So his company was named after one family sword, Tenseiga, and his private residence and hotel after the other. A while back, she remembered Kagome mentioning that Inuyasha owned a set of traditional weapons, including what appeared to be a rusty battered katana. The name of the sword was Tesseiga, the very name of his touring company.

“Are the accommodations suitable?” asked Sesshoumaru, not looking up from his computer. It was strange to see a modern piece of equipment in such a traditional setting.

“They are very nice indeed, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she answered, giving him a reassuring smile. He had been most generous, and she felt more at ease here than in all the time she worked for him. Nevertheless, she felt her heart skipping a beat as he turned his gold-eyed gaze to her.

“You are at liberty to help yourself to tea and whatever refreshments you wish in the kitchen. I must continue my work,” he said, nodding towards it. At first, she thought he would have some sort of a servant, but then it dawned on her that these were his most private rooms. Sesshoumaru was a solitary daiyokai, preferring to keep to himself or the presence of Jaken when he was not ready to pummel the manservant.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Make yourself whatever you wish to eat,” he added. Rin nodded, wandering into the kitchen. Sure enough, she found the granite countertops neatly arranged with various cooking equipment and a huge refrigerator. She opened it, glancing at many plastic containers of food that seemed previously prepared. A silver kettle sat on the gas stove, and there were canisters of tea neatly lined up nearby on the counter closest. His silence indicated she probably had to fend for herself so Rin pulled out several containers and hunted for a steamer to make herself some rice.  

“Do you want anything?” she asked.

“I have no need of nourishment at this time, Rin,” he called back.  

“All right, just thought I’d ask,” she said, poking her head out of the doorway of the kitchen area. Rin placed the chicken dish she heated up with some rice on a lacquer tray, and then carried it with a cup of coffee into the main area. She set the items on the traditional table, kneeling on the cushion. She was sure to tuck her knees under the cloth skirt and feel the warmth from the electric heater seep up her kimono.

Sesshoumaru’s ears twitched, yet he focused on his laptop, occasionally manipulating the mouse or using his right hand to press keys on the board. His other hand rested mostly unused on his lap, further confirming that her suspicions were correct. As Rin ate, she felt the heat of his gaze upon her. Then one moment she glanced up to see him kneeling directly in front of her. She gasped a bit, blinking at him.

“I am finished with work for the day,” he announced, picking up a cup of tea that steamed to his right.  

“There’s still plenty for two,” she said, pointing with her chopsticks. “I thought you may be hungry so I made extra.”

“Unnecessary, but appreciated,” Sesshoumaru mumbled. “I am capable of preparing my own food. You need not trouble yourself. However since you went to the trouble it would be rude to refuse.”

He glanced down at the extra set of chopsticks she had left out, realizing that she had cleverly prepared ahead. Rin smiled at him, trying to quell her own nervousness mainly. He reached for the chopsticks and glanced down at the food tray she pushed towards him. Easily he served himself one handed before she could reach, realizing it was silly to act so formal. He prepared his own food.

“I didn’t realize you cooked for yourself,” she said.

“I prefer limiting the contact of my food with the hands of others. Not everyone sufficiently duplicates my rigorous standards,” Sesshoumaru answered, reaching for the chopsticks. “I accept what you have prepared humbly.”

“Welcome,” she answered, smiling. Sesshoumaru easily picked up the chopsticks in his right hand, maneuvering them to start eating. He moved the food to his mouth, holding the bowl in his left hand though she guessed he could probably eat just as well one handed if he wished.

“It is an acceptable temperature,” he murmured between mouthfuls. Rin nodded, happy she had pleased him. Though she had reheated one of the chicken dishes, she guessed by now he must have made himself. They ate in silence until both had finished the meal.

“Sesshoumaru-sama, may I ask just what you meant when you said something about… taking extra measures to protect me?” she asked.

He set his chopsticks and bowl down. “You are unnerved by that?”

“From what I read about such customs, it involved… either exchanging blood, or touching…”

“Ah,” Sesshoumaru answered. “Rin, as you know I am a poison youkai. The ritual I spoke of involves placing a portion of my poison inside of your body. So if you are attacked it will protect you.”

“Your poison inside of me?” Rin whispered, her eyes growing wide. “Then that means blood would be exchanged.”

“There are many ways to perform the ritual. Some more pleasurable than others. I have not enacted this on anyone else however,” he said. “I understand your hesitation.”

“Just how?” Rin asked.

“After I clear the dishes I will explain,” he said. Rin helped him to pile and stack the dishes so they could return them to the kitchen. Together they washed them, their hands only occasionally brushing.

“Does it hurt?” Rin asked, plunging her hands into the soapy water.

“It depends,” Sesshoumaru, answered, wiping the bowls dry that she handed him. He set them on a rack.

“Do you feed me your blood, or do you make an incision into my arm and transfuse it?” she asked.

“You have read a great deal. It is not that elaborate,” Sesshoumaru answered. “For a human it must be modified.”

“So no lancing?” she asked.

“Depending on circumstances blood need not be exchanged,” he said.  

“Oh… then how…” she trailed off.

“Come with me,” Sesshoumaru said, extending his hand to her. She placed hers in it, feeling the tips of his claws briefly.

He led her into the sitting area, and then knelt down opposite her. She knelt so there was a foot of space between them, and nervously glanced up at him. “So… just what are you talking about?”

“It involves an intimate act,” Sesshoumaru coughed. “The one way. The other which involves blood doesn’t.”

“What… sort of an intimate act?” Rin asked, blushing brightly.

“A kiss,” Sesshoumaru murmured, averting his gaze.

“Is that all?” Rin asked, feeling a sense of relief and disappointment.  

“What do you mean ‘is that all”?” Sesshoumaru frowned. “Such an act is intimate. I was under the impression that you had not performed…”

“A kiss to the cheeks or a kiss to the lips?” Rin asked.

“The latter,” Sesshoumaru confessed, his gaze not quite meeting hers.

“It makes you uncomfortable to kiss a human is that it?” Rin asked.

“I had wished that your first kiss would be pleasurable,” Sesshoumaru answered. “Not a mere exchange between casual acquaintances.”

“My first kiss,” she trailed off, suddenly understanding. “I’m sorry to disappoint you Sesshoumaru-sama, but this wouldn’t be my first kiss. However I haven’t…”

“Your first kiss with a taiyokai,” Sesshoumaru corrected her. “It is not a matter to be taken lightly. If you wish to utilize the other method…”

“No, I’d rather… have it this way,” Rin answered, moving close enough so their knees touched. She felt the tensing of his muscles as he reached his right hand out and brushed her hair from her cheek. His clawed hand then caressed it lightly, taking hold of her chin. Just the prospect of kissing him caused her heart to skip enough without considering what she thought he had meant by an intimate act.

Rin leaned up at the same time his head angled to the side, and his eyes closed. He seemed so stiff and formal, that she wanted to help him relax. Lifting both hands, she cupped the sides of his face, feeling how warm his cheeks were. He did not flinch away, leaning over so his lips lightly brushed hers. At that moment, Rin inhaled from the tingling along her skin.
His mouth lingered, lips opening slightly, but his head did not move. Rin soothingly rubbed his cheeks, opening her mouth to tease the crease of his lips with her tongue. He let out a slight grunt, stiffly opening his mouth enough to let her deepen the kiss. To her surprise and delight, his own tongue ventured forth, sweeping across her lips as he moved his from under and aligned his mouth with hers. At once Rin felt the firm pressure increase, along with his other arm curling around her waist.

His hot breath hissed into her mouth, his left hand tugging her forwards so their chests collided. Rin parted her legs finding herself straddling his bent knees. She almost passed out needed air as she surfaced. Gold eyes peered down at her from a close distance, his nostrils wide, and pupils dilated. His breath rasped through partly clenched teeth, echoing her own deep breaths.

“Again,” he whispered, dipping his head down. Rin gasped at the pressure of his mouth sealing hers off, his tongue sweeping across her palate in soothing strokes. This time she wrapped her arms around his neck, finally twisting her fingers into his locks of silver hair.

“Mmm,” she murmured into his lips, sighing at how good his arms felt around her. It felt overwhelmingly good to Rin to sit on his knees with his mouth burying into her own. She could feel the transfer of his breath surging into her lungs, something searing warm moving between them. At first she wanted to cough but Sesshoumaru’s hand rubbing on her back relaxed her. Again, they parted for breath, resting their foreheads together.

“I was correct when I informed you this method was pleasurable,” Sesshoumaru half growled.

“You’re not kidding. If I’d known this was what you planned, I wouldn’t have questioned it,” Rin whispered, shifting on his lap.

“For the process to be effective it must be repeated numerous times,” Sesshoumaru said with a slight smirk.  

“I felt something in my lungs. Is that your poison getting into my system then?” Rin asked.

“Correct. Your body is becoming accustomed to mine, as is your energy. It is not unlike tasting small portions of a poison to gain immunity,” Sesshoumaru said.

“Mmm, do tell? But how does it protect me?”

“If any youkai get close enough and you breathe on them, it will be enough of a deterrent for you to get away. In addition, if you scratch their skin with your fingernails it will sting them. It won’t be as potent as my scratches but it will give you something of a weapon.”

“I don’t want to hurt my friends by sneezing on them.”

“You misunderstand. The poison is something activated by your desire to defend yourself. You can control it. However it is merely for defense,” Sesshoumaru explained, bending down to kiss her gently.

“What else does it mean?”

“If someone tries to poison you, it will be ineffective. It grants you immunity to any youkai poisons,” Sesshoumaru reassured her. Again, he covered her mouth in a kiss, rendering further speech impossible. Rin forgot what she was going to say anyhow, falling into the delicious kiss as their tongues danced against one another.  Breaths grew more intense between them, hands more adventurous. Rin removed her hand from his neck, gliding it down his back until she gripped his ass through the robe. Likewise Sesshoumaru’s right hand found itself curling around her backside to hold her body closer to his. Automatically she twined her legs around his waist so she could continue to rub her aroused body against the hardness she felt.

They parted, panting heavily. Sesshoumaru sat with crossed legs, putting Rin to sit in the triangle of them. His gold eyes bored into her soul, intense, probing. Her scent drove him to the brink of wanting more, yet he knew it was dangerous territory. Rin caressed his cheek, whispering, “Sesshoumaru sama…”

“Just Sesshoumaru,” he mumbled, catching his breath. He felt her hesitation, smelled her doubt.

“Is there… more to the process?” she asked. Tempted to push things further by telling her no, Sesshoumaru hesitated. She could easily become his without any objections, yet his sense of honor screamed no. If he even considered taking things to their natural conclusion, he had to follow the right protocol.

“It is completed,” Sesshoumaru answered.

“How long do you want me to stay here?” Rin asked. “Just overnight.”

“Till I know you are safe,” he began.  

“As much as I’m tempted to stay, I have to work, and I’ve got obligations,” Rin reminded him.

“You have the choice of remaining here as long as you wish. Though I require your services, and you could perform your job from here just as easily.”

“I like working for you, but I can’t hide here forever,” Rin said quietly. Then she shifted on his lap, moving up to kiss him again. Sesshoumaru deepened it for a time, and then parted.

“I wish to continue seeing you, Rin,” Sesshoumaru said through deep breaths. “Though if you object I will understand.”

“You mean as in dating?” Rin asked.

Sesshoumaru nodded. “There is considerable risk in undertaking such a relationship. However, you intrigue me. I am finding it increasingly difficult to function without spending some time in your presence.”

“That’s sweet of you. So you want to be my boyfriend?” Rin asked quietly.

“That is your word for it,” Sesshoumaru confessed.

“I would really like that, Sesshoumaru. I did have the feeling you liked me, but I was afraid that since I was a human…”

“I would not make this exception for anyone else,” Sesshoumaru murmured. “I am unaccustomed to human culture. Yet you have made the effort to comprehend yokai culture. After what you have experienced I am surprised you are willing.”

Still holding her on his lap, he breathed a bit easier. Rin smiled warmly at him, caressing his ears. He growled deeply at the touch, his hardness increasing underneath her. Rin reached for his robe, nervously touching the sides of it. To her surprise, Sesshoumaru did not reach to undress her. Instead he whispered, “Rin, I have no intentions of forcing you into accepting intimacy so quickly. You are worth taking time with.”

Disappointed, Rin felt him move her hands from his robe. She sighed, all set to climb off his lap but Sesshoumaru still held her tightly. “I want you,” she murmured.

“You’ve been through a great deal of stress. To take advantage of that would be incorrect. We are not accustomed to one another physically beyond mere brief contact. I would prefer to take our time becoming used to that side of us…”

“So there is a you and me,” she said softly.  

“Why do you think I gave you your own room?” Sesshoumaru asked, cocking a brow.

“I’m… going crazy though,” Rin murmured. “And I hate to think of you…”

“I wish to wait,” Sesshoumaru insisted. “Though that does not exclude touching through clothing.”

“There isn’t some magic formula to this,” Rin sighed in frustration. “I’m confused. What are you talking about?”

“Keeping the clothing on, but spending time in one another’s proximity. If you wish to share my bed, as you seem intent upon, it will be with both of us fully clothed. I respect your space, and you respect mine. Touching through clothing…”

“You sound like a damn sexual education book, Sesshoumaru. I’m not some child who doesn’t know what sex is!” she snapped. “Are you disgusted at the thought of sleeping with a human?”

“You are incorrect,” Sesshoumaru cut her off, putting a finger on her lips. “My intention is that you are worth taking time for. Intimacy should not be forced. It should develop at its own pace. My instinct is to take you and rut with you here and now but that is out of the question.  You yourself can feel the evidence of what you do to me.”

“Then why not let me help you take care of it?” Rin whispered.

“You said you had not done this before,” Sesshoumaru answered. “I will not take your virginity till you are ready.”

“Oh,” Rin answered, realizing what he meant. “You’re afraid if we take things too far you can’t stop?”

“I am capable of controlling myself Rin, but I have no knowledge of what your preferences are. I wish to spend time becoming used to them and you used to me. I wish to share my bed, but it is on my terms,” he whispered. “I sense that you are not ready even if your urges tell you differently.”

“What if I want more? If we’re going to be boyfriend and girlfriend it is a two way street,” Rin said softly.

“What are you suggesting?” asked the full blooded youkai.

“I want to sleep in your bed tonight, but we can keep our clothes on. Just cuddle,” Rin said softly. “And I want to help you since I left you like that…”

“At any time if I sense you are uncomfortable, I will insist we sleep in separate rooms,” Sesshoumaru said gently. “I will not have something happen that would cause you to fear me, or regret…”

“I get that,’ Rin cut him off, giving him a soft kiss. “ If you want to take a cold shower, that’s fine. If you don’t want to be with me that’s okay too. But I really would like to just… wake up in your arms?”

“That is acceptable,” Sesshoumaru rumbled. Rin climbed off his lap, and Sesshoumaru rose to his feet. Reaching down he helped her to stand.

“What time DO you go to bed?” she asked.

“It varies,” he answered. “I have a routine…”

“Why am I not surprised?” she asked as he walked into the kitchen.

“I drink herbal tea before I retire, and read,” Sesshoumaru admitted, uncomfortable about confessing his secrets to a human. Yet he was pleased she was open to his old-fashioned ways.

“I like to eat chocolate sometimes, and watch a movie,” Rin said with a smile.

“Then I will sleep in your bed tonight,” Sesshoumaru said as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “Though I have no idea what you would wear to bed.”

“Well what do you wear to bed?” she asked. “I wear comfortable sweats or a long T shirt.”
Sesshoumaru wandered over to his bedroom. “Wait here…”

“Okay,” Rin said, obliging him. He emerged a few seconds later carrying two bundles. He tossed her a white cloth one, and kept the green silk one for himself.

She unfolded a long white undershirt, along with a pair of sweatpants that said Sakura along one leg. They were workout clothes, she realized. Smiling fondly she pointed to what he held. “Pajama or nightshirt?”

“Pajamas,” Sesshoumaru murmured, looking as if he wanted to hide in a corner. “Excuse me for a bit. Make yourself comfortable and I shall join you. Or if you wish to join me…”

“Relax,’ Rin sighed. “ Just let’s get ready for bed, and then we’ll decide.”

After she changed into the white t shirt and sweatpants he had given her she fixed herself a cup of hot chocolate.  Sesshoumaru had a television in her bedroom hanging on the wall, its remote control sitting beside the digital clock on the bedside table. She flipped through several channels, surprised to hear a soft knock at the sliding door.

“Yes?”

“May I enter?” Sesshoumaru asked.

“Sure,” Rin called. “I’m decent.”

The door slid open with a rasp, revealing Sesshoumaru wearing a set of dark green silk pajamas. What surprised her was that the left sleeve hung loose and empty, indicating he had removed his arm.  Nevertheless, she guessed that unbuttoning the silk was out of the question. She remembered how Inuyasha wore that bandanna, figuring that Sesshoumaru had no desire to show anyone what he looked like without it or some covering on his body.

“Are you comfortable?” he asked, carrying a book under his right arm.

“Yes, want to join me then? Guess it’s my place huh?” Rin teased, pulling back the covers.

“I prefer the right side of the bed,” Sesshoumaru said simply. Shifting over Rin left the covers pulled back and watched him turn around to sit down.  Once the bed shifted, she moved over so he could lie down, stretching his long legs out in front of him. He sat up, propping his back on a pillow and opened his book to a dog-eared page.

“TV doesn’t bother you does it?” Rin asked.

“I can ignore it,” Sesshoumaru answered, noticing she had a cup of tea on his side of the bed. He passed the hot cocoa next to it over so she could set it by the other bedside table.

For a time Rin watched TV while Sesshoumaru read. Then she pillowed her head on his left side, turning on her side so she could curl up. Without any arm to get in the way, Sesshoumaru could not push her away nor could he wrap an arm around her. He let out a satisfied grunt repositioning him so she could lay on him at an optimum angle. Still to keep close to him she had to move over to the right side of the bed. It was as if an invisible line existed down the middle that he did not cross.