Hi everyone. Sorry this is so late. A lot has been going on lately but enough with the excuses. Enjoy!

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Chapter 3

The sun's rays filled the bedroom with a warm shine. Rin grumbled annoyed. The sun never shined in her room, unless she wasn't in her room. That's right, it rained last night and there was a power outage and she slept in Sesshomaru's room as she always did when it stormed… Rin's eyes flew open as she recalled last night's event. Amongst the dim light of a candle, she made love with her closest friend. Rin sprung up into a seated position as a sense of joy and panic washed over her. It felt so good, why did she feel so bad? And why was she alone?! Rin looked around the large room. She was definitely alone. The assaulting smell of bacon told her that he was in the kitchen cooking.

Sesshomaru heard Rin's footsteps as she made her way down the tiny hall toward him.

"Morning," he greeted in his usual tone.

"Morning," she smiled unsure. "Smells good."

"Thanks."

"L…Let me freshen up and I'll join you." Rin spoke hesitantly before scurrying off to the bathroom.

Sesshomaru was perplexed by her behavior. I mean he wasn't expecting a parade but something more than that half-assed smile. Her footsteps alerted him of her approach. He had just finished plating their breakfast when she entered the dining nook of their home. Breakfast was exceptionally awkward. Neither looked at each other, except for a few wayward glances and the only words spoken were about the food. The not knowing was eating away at him. Had he done something wrong? Was he not good enough for her? The silence was making him stir crazy.

"Are you ok?" He finally asked.

She looked into his honey golden gaze. "Yes," she answered timidly.

"Do you wanna talk about last night?"

"If you want to."

"I will if you want to," was his response. "You seem upset."

Her words came in a rush. "I don't want things to change between us. We've known each other for a long time. Sex always complicates things. I don't wanna lose you. I love…"

His eyes widen slightly. Was she about to confess to him?

"…our friendship."

Sesshomaru felt his heart sank to the pit of his stomach. A cold empty feeling took ahold of him. He looked upon her with disappointed eyes. "Nothing could ever change us Rin," he paused. "I have to get ready for work." He rose from the table, hastily heading to the bathroom.

Upon hearing the door close, Rin dropped her head to the table. Stupid girl, she mentally cursed herself. The perfect opportunity, lost forever. Three simple words and the elephant in the room could've dissipated. Stupid girl, indeed.

It seemed like it was going to be another slow day at the store, even less patrons than last week, though it was to be expected. The current semester was coming to a close. Sesshomaru didn't mind. This was a good time to sort through the thoughts that were all centered around the woman he left at home. He wondered what was going through her head. Why had she been so…distant? Maybe she didn't feel the same way he felt for her. It seemed the alcohol had gotten the better of them, taking them on a journey that should have never been embarked.

Rin had had plenty of boyfriends, well rather plenty boys came to the door looking for her, which didn't really bother Sesshomaru. He was just her friend, not her lover, at that time. And with the topsy childhood she had, he wanted her to have a since of normalcy. She appeared to be liked, though she didn't keep them around long. Every few weeks there was a different guy at the door. And knowing the mind of a teenage boy, they were sure to make a move on her and it was naïve to believe she turned them all down. She couldn't have been so shy; her profession required the minimalist of clothing. Maybe he wasn't good enough? At his age, he certainly should have been more experienced but sex was something he didn't think should be rushed. Sesshomaru sighed deeply.

"Are you ok? You seem distracted." That familiar husky voice filled his ears.

Sesshomaru looked up at the source. "I'm fine, Kagura. Thank you for asking."

"Oh, it's no problem."

The two made small talk. Sesshomaru welcomed the company. It was a much needed distraction from his troubled thoughts. Just then, something in Kagura's babbles caught his ear him.

"You got a chance to study abroad and your lodgings were paid for by the school?"

"Yes. It's a program that the school offers. It was a really nice experience but it does get lonely. Nothing like being close to familiar faces." She smiled at him.

But he didn't really pay attention. Maybe that's what was needed. A change of scenery would be welcomed.

"Are you interested in studying aboard? I work in the administration office part-time. I could get all the paperwork ready, if you like?"

"No, I don't want to study abroad but I do have to transfer to another campus once I'm in graduate school. I'm going to need assistance with housing. I was wondering if this school offered any programs to help with that."

"Oh, that's right, you do graduate very soon. Well the school does offer programs to help with that sort of thing. I'll get right on the paperwork for you. Shame you do graduate this year," she paused letting her tongue slide across her lips. "You'll be greatly missed."

That time her actions did catch his attention.

The trees flashed by in a vertical sea of green and brown as Rin gazed out the window. The bus was unusually empty for a Saturday afternoon, but the quiet was appreciated. It gave a certain confused lady time to think. After Sesshomaru left for his job, Rin let her thoughts run wild. It wasn't until Kagome told her that she was in love with Sesshomaru, that she actually knew she was in love with Sesshomaru. Maybe that's all Sesshomaru needed too, someone to tell him that he was in love with his best friend. A smile graced her lips. Once everything was out in the open, their relationship would blossom and start a new chapter.

The driver announced the last stop and Rin skipped off the bus. She glanced around wide-eyed at the wonder before. The college campus was full of students walking around carrying various books and such. Her ordinary jeans and sneakers fit right in with the student body's attire. The shrubbery was neat and trimmed. The ground seemed to sparkle with cleanliness. The ornate buildings were nice and polished. Hard to believe she resided in the same city that could house such magnificence. Rin strolled around taking in all the wonder around her. She followed the signs leading her to the art wing of the campus. She passed a music hall, a tiny amphitheater and a dance studio. Rin was transfixed by the beauty of a future so close she could touch it. Peering through the tiny window on the door of the studio, she eyed several women on the polished wooden floor stretching in front of the mirror lined wall. The women looked to be nearly the same age as her. That could easily be her in that room chatting with girls who had the same passion as herself, a passion to express themselves through the fluid motions of dance.

"Excuse me, can I help you?"

Rin was startled by the shrill, high-pitched voice. "Oh…uh I'm looking for the campus book store."

"It's in the administration building. You know, the J building. Are you new on campus?"

"No." Rin sighed "Just visiting a friend."

"Oh ok." The girl didn't seem to take notice of the sadden look upon Rin's features. "You have a good day then." She bid farewell before entering the room.

Rin headed for her destination, pondering Sesshomaru's words. Maybe she could go to college. Maybe she could be the dancer she dreamed of being; before she realized life in the slums was a pitfall, before she came to know that her mother was a child attempting to raise a child, before her mother just uprooted and abandoned her.

Rin pushed open the large glass doors of the building marked by a large letter J. A few students sat quietly in a waiting area, waiting to be called for assistance. She was already in the administration building; maybe she could simply enroll herself. Just then, the sound of feminine laughter caught her attention. To the left of the help desk was a store front. Rin saw a beautiful dark-haired woman wearing glasses laughing with a tall man. He had a lean frame and long silver locks down his back. It was him. The man she came all this way for. And that woman, that woman was stroking his arm. And he, he was smiling at her! Rin was immobilized by the sight before her. Her breathing became labored. Her lungs struggled to intake the stale, cold air enveloping her. A bitter aching gripped her being as the blood seemed to seep from her. She was paralyzed by shock. She couldn't do anything but watch this woman pucker her lips and press them firmly against his cheek. And to make matters worse, he smiled back at her. He smiled back!

When Rin finally found her voice, he was alone in the tiny shop. "Sesshomaru," his name came out in a strangled whisper.

Sesshomaru looked toward the sound of his name to see his roommate motionless in front of the shop. He instantly knew she seen what just transpired by the distraught look in her eye. "Hello Rin, what are you doing here?" He asked calmly approaching her.

"I…I came to see you."

"That was nice of you."

"Don't mention it." Rin paused swallowing her feelings, deciding not to say what she originally planned. He wasn't pining for her like she hoped. "So this is your book store? Smaller than I thought it'd be. And empty. What, kids don't read around here?" She snidely chuckled, peering inside.

"It's not that busy on the weekends. Plus, the semester is coming to an end. It's more like I'm babysitting the books." He mused. Maybe she didn't see. "Are you ok? You seem distracted."

"I'm fine, feeling a lot better." She gave him a false smile.

"Do you want to talk about last night now?"

"There's nothing to talk about. It was just a night."

Sesshomaru felt his soul break.

"Hey, Sesshomaru Hatake." A snide male voice called.

Sesshomaru reluctantly pulled his eyes from Rin to see the black-haired jerk named Naraku approaching. He had a reputation for being a crass, lecherous and vulgar punk around campus, always accompanied by his twin goons, Juuroumaru and Kageromaru.

"Guarding those books, I see." He teased until he took a gander at the slim, petite female standing next to Sesshomaru. "My my my, who do we have here?" He purred extending his hand.

"I'm Rin Hikaru." Rin grinned, placing her hand in his.

"Pleasure to meet you." He brought her dainty hand to his lips, adding a wink and finishing with a devilish smirk. "Hatake, is this lovely creature your girlfriend?" He asked the tall man, never withdrawing his eyes from the beautiful Rin.

"Nope!" Rin chimed in. "I'm free as a bird."

"Well then, how about I show you around? No need to hang around this morgue."

Sesshomaru watched as he strolled off with the young woman, a strange feeling filling him as he growled low in his throat, his fists balled so tightly they started to turn white.

The tension blanketed the home like thick London fog. Rin made it known that she was ignoring Sesshomaru as she walked back and forth preparing for her shift tonight. She was mad that he couldn't figure out what he did wrong. He was mad that she openly flaunted herself to another man. The same silence continued during the walk to her work. And still nothing was said as they parted ways once they reached their destination. He took his place at the bar but this night wouldn't go as normal.

Sesshomaru ordered a shot of whiskey, needing something to dull his senses. The thought of that Naraku touching Rin the way he just had the night before had his blood boiling. And she was all too willing. Women played too many games. And no wonder, it worked. Sesshomaru knocked back his third shot as the entertainment for the evening started.

The night progressed accordingly. Sesshomaru was on his seventh drink of the night, when it all turned sour. Just as Kagome and Rin were preparing to start their set, some rather loud whistling and strings of vulgarities caught Sesshomaru's ear. Turning toward the source, his eyes landed to the head table directly in front of the main stage where Naraku sat. Rin noticed him too, smiling a little too friendly for Sesshomaru's liking. Rin performed as usual while Sesshomaru kept close watch of her face. Her eyes were transfixed on the dark man gawking at her. Sesshomaru finished another drink, slamming the tiny glass on the counter as the curtains closed. The club was fully staffed so that meant he and Rin would be able to call it an early night. But it seemed she had other plans.

Just as Sesshomaru was getting off his stool, he spotted his little woman in her waitress attire; a red corset with white flowers and panties accompanied by garter belts and red stilettos. Seemed she was to work the whole shift tonight. Rin stopped right at Naraku's table, making small talk with her mouth and titillating with her hips. Sesshomaru watched as the man pulled Rin down onto his lap and rubbed on her thighs. He could see that Rin was trying to move away without drawing attention. This kind of behavior wasn't allowed on the open floor, only in the private rooms. She mouthed the word stop and that was all it took. Before Sesshomaru realized, he was pushing his way through the crowded floor toward the two. His presence was likened to that of the angel of death as he ripped Rin off the man's lap, shoving her to a safe distance. He wordlessly grabbed the man by his collar, pulling him to his feet only to punch him square in the jaw, knocking him to the floor. And then everything went red.

Only after hearing Rin's screams of concern and anger, did Sesshomaru realize he was sitting in one of the dressing rooms of the club.

"Are you crazy?! I could get fired for this! They know you're with me. What if that guy presses charges?! You could go to jail for assault. We can't afford a fine! Please don't let me get fired! This kind of thing follows you. I'll never be able to work at a club in this city again. What if someone out there calls the police?! The club might receive a fine. What if they want me to pay it? What the hell were you thinking?!" Rin rambled a mile a second as she paced back and forth in front of him. "What the hell were you thinking?" She repeated.

"How did I get back here, Rin?" The confused man asked, not concerned with her interrogation. "What happened?"

"What happened?! The bouncers pulled you back here after they ripped you off that guy. That's what happened. I'm pretty sure his face is broke and your hand too." She pointed at his bandaged hand. "You shouldn't have done that! We have security for stuff like this."

"He touched you!"

"I didn't go beat down that girl that kissed you!"

"What?"

"I saw her. But I didn't go postal 'cause I'm not your girlfriend, just like you're not my boyfriend. I don't need you flipping out 'cause some idiot gropes me. It's a part of the job. What if I get fired? What am I supposed to do then? I have no money saved 'cause I'm paying for your ass to go to school."

"Look, I'm sorry." He sighed, standing up heading toward the door. The encroaching migraine was starting to get the better of him. "Let's just go home."

"No. I'm not going."

He froze in his tracks. "You're what?"

"I'm not going home with you. I can't be around you right now."

"Rin, are you fucking serious? All of this because I beat up some punk?" His rage instantly returned.

"No. Because you attacked him in some drunken jealous rage like you own me. I can take care of myself. Guys can't touch me but you can have that bimbo all over you. You can go around screwing any ole thing with big tits and I'm supposed to just sit quietly and wait for you to come back to me. I'm not going to be used by you for your enjoyment and then be put on the shelf when you're finished toying with me." She yelled back.

"Rin, are you hearing yourself right now? Where is this coming from?"

"This secret life you're leading. I didn't even know you had a job until a last night. Who knows what else you've been doing all this time."

"Is that what you think of me? You think I've been out gallivanting and living it up while you work? I've been struggling too, you know."

"Yea, it must be really hard to get your dick up." She stated snidely.

He stared incredulously at her. "Good to know how you really think of me, Rin. I've never given you a reason to think little of me, I keep one secret from you and now you think I'm scum, just like the rest of the losers around here."

"Losers?" she scoffed. "Look, I'll still pay the bills and the rent but I'm not coming back until after you're gone. As soon as the semester ends, I want you out of my house. That way you don't have to be with us losers."

Sesshomaru watched her eyes for any signs of faltering but her resolve remained unwavering. And after what felt like a lifetime, he turned his back on her and left, leaving Rin a broken woman.

Several days passed from that incident in the club. Sesshomaru continued to focus on keeping his marks in perfect standing. The semester was drawing to a close, with three weeks left, now was not the time to let recent events distract him from his goal. His late night class was finishing up when Kagura approached him.

"So, is what Naraku saying true?"

"What has he been saying, Kagura?" Sesshomaru inquired in a nonchalant tone.

"He's saying that the reason you attacked him was because he found out that your roommate works at that seedy strip club and prostitutes herself to pay for your schooling. And you brutally attacked him as a threat to keep him quiet."

"Is that what you believe, Kagura?" He asked in his typical monotone voice. Her statements left him un-phased. Why should he care what the student populace was saying about him? But he didn't like that Rin's name was being tarnished. Rumors that she was selling her body to put him through school would not be tolerated.

Sesshomaru ignored whatever answer Kagura had in response to his question as he headed toward the campus dining area, where a certainly slimy bastard would be.

"Well, well if it isn't Hatake. Coming to assault me again? But if you do it here, you'll be expelled for sure." Naraku taunted sporting a new eye patch.

Sesshomaru yoked the bruised and bandaged man up by the collar in the middle of the lightly occupied cafeteria, not caring of the outcome. "You keep her name out of your mouth or I'll make sure you never open it again." He growled.

"Sure, sure. But she sure couldn't keep me out of her mouth. The little slut couldn't get enough." Naraku finished with a slimy grin.

Upon processing his hidden meaning, Sesshomaru shoved the man before striking him again, and knocking him to the floor. "Next time I won't show restraint." He threatened before leaving to head home. One little punch wouldn't be enough to get him expelled so his thoughts weren't dwelling on that. His focus was on the woman he was missing, his best friend.

Sesshomaru returned home to a dark, empty house. The smell of savory food didn't assault his nose as it usually did when he returned home on his late nights. He crossed the floor peering in Rin's room, flicking the light switch. The room still remained untouched, everything the same from the day she came and gathered her belongings. They hadn't spoken a single word as she came and packed up her life. And since they were split, he wasn't allowed back at the club to see her or the police wouldn't definitely be involved. He didn't know if that decision came from her or the club itself, either way, he had no way of knowing where she was or if she was even ok. He sat on the small couch as he wondered if she was faring well, their last exchange still at the forefront of his mind. He sighed, grabbing his keys and coat, and headed back out the door.

"I'm surprised you came to visit. I usually don't see you unless I'm throwing a party." Inuyasha spoke.

"I just had to get out of that house." Sesshomaru said as he took a swig from his bottle. Aside from Rin, Inuyasha was his only friend. The two of them shared a sort of kinship toward one another. And their resemblance to one another was uncanny.

"So, go on and ask your question."

Sesshomaru glanced at the younger silver-haired man.

"You're going to ask if I've seen Rin. Well the answer's yes. Kagome says she's staying with some guy who works at the club."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed at the startling news, betraying his insecurities.

"No it isn't like that. They're just friends. She looks sad all the time, though." Inuyasha paused from his news report for a brief moment to take a drink himself. "You know, Kagome told me about y'all's relationship. Said Rin works to put you through school, awfully nice of her. I wonder why she would do that. I heard you grew up in the Heights. Doesn't that mean you come from money?"

"My parents died soon after I met Rin. She helped me get through it, inviting me to dinner at her place. Her mom was never really there and I didn't like going to my empty home. The government was seizing the house anyway. I was still in school and couldn't work to keep it. All the money I got from their life insurance took care of their burial. Just so happened, right as I finished high school, I lost the house and Rin's mom left. So I didn't go to college, got a job, and moved in with her. She said she wanted to pay me back for turning down that scholarship. When she finished high school, she flipped the roles, so to say, and went to work while I was in school."

"Very noble of you." Inuyasha took an investigative tone. "So she's plagued with guilt about you losing your one chance to have a good life, all so she could retain a bit of normalcy and now everything's crashing down around her."

The tall man didn't seem to be catching on, so Inuyasha took another approach. "Say, aren't you done with school? Don't you have to transfer to a university or something after that? Doesn't she know that?" He asked taking another drink.

Sesshomaru's eyes danced around the carpet as his words finally sunk in.

"She's scared, man." Inuyasha's voice interrupted. "Each day you get closer and closer to leaving her, just like her mother."

"I wasn't going to leave her behind. I want her to come with me, to enroll in school herself. I want to take care of her like she did me."

"Have you told her that?" Inuyasha asked.

"Hm." Sesshomaru stared, feeling quite foolish.

Three weeks flew by like days, bringing with them the change of the season. The warming weather was welcoming after all the rain storms that fell from the sky. And Rin was exceptionally glad she didn't have to suffer through them alone.

"Thanks so much for letting me stay with you, Kohaku. You really helped me out." Rin spoke as she sat with her legs folded on the stage at the club, several hours before curtain call, watching the young man busy himself with the preparations for tonight's events.

"It's not a problem at all. I enjoy your company." He blushed slightly while pushing the mop around. Kohaku worked as a stage hand of sorts, coming in before the doors opened to help with the cleanliness of the club and also collecting the discarded currency that was thrown about the stage after each act. His shy nature made him uneasy working around all these beautiful women but a job was a job. He was especially nervous around the attractive woman who happened to be sharing a roof with him right now. The younger boy nearly died of a massive nose bleed when he opened his door to find Rin dripping wet, clothing clinging to her frame, uttering the words "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

Rin had been crashing on Kohaku's sofa ever since she left her own home. She didn't really care where she was, as long as it wasn't with that deceitful Sesshomaru. How dare he trick her into bed and then smile all up in some other woman's face the very next day?

"Are you ok? You have your thinking face on." Kohaku asked.

"Oh, sorry. I'm fine. I just keep thinking about Sesshomaru." Rin sighed.

"Rin, if you keep thinking about Sesshomaru so much, why don't you just go home." Kohaku stopped what he was doing and took a seat beside her, his legs hanging off the stage. "It's obvious you have feelings for him."

Rin scrunched her face at his words. "I can't go back there. He hates me."

"How do you know that?" He asked bewildered.

"I said some really awful things to him. You just can't overlook that. Besides, he hasn't tried looking for me. He hasn't even shown up here. He knows I still have to work. He's not thinking of me."

"You do remember he got into a fight here with a customer here? And the whole club knows you two got into an argument that night. If he showed up here he'd probably get arrested."

"Oh. Yeah, you're right. But it doesn't matter. The semester is finish. I told him to get out of the house once it was done. He's probably already gone and he never has to come back to this place."

"All the schools just finished yesterday, Rin. I'm sure he didn't leave yet. Why don't you just go with him?"

"He doesn't want to be stuck with me. He's going on to bigger things. He doesn't need my dead weight slowing him down, some kid who barely made it through high school. Plus, without having to take care of me, he can meet women and get married and have a family." Rin sniffled a little at her own words.

"How do you know that's what he wants? Have you even asked him? Besides, I thought you were his family. He's yours, isn't he?"

That caught Rin off guard.

"Kohaku, no slacking off." The stage manager, Bankotsu, yelled across the floor.

"I have to get back to work. But it sounds like you need to talk with him."

The night crawled at a snail's pace. This certainly wasn't helping the already antsy young woman. After talking with Kohaku, Rin had one objective and that was to tell Sesshomaru how she truly felt about him and to find out how he felt about her. As soon as her set was finished she begged for the rest of the night off.

Rin's heart raced as she fumbled with the lock and key. Her hands shook with nervousness. Less than ten steps from being in the arms of the man she loved. Rin paused herself from her task. Yes, she loved him and all she wanted was to be in his strong embrace but did he want her? The last time the two of them exchanged words, it was not a very pretty sight. The broken hearted woman said so many things that were unforgivable. There was no way he forgot about that. If she had said those words to herself, she knew she wouldn't forgive, so why on earth would he forgive? But wasn't that what love was; joy, comfort and forgiveness? If he loved her, he would forgive her. And Rin, now convinced, knew he loved her.

The key finally slipped into the slot and with a turn of the wrist she twisted the knob, opening the door to her home. The home was dark. Rin gasped. "Did he move?"

A wave of panic surrounded Rin. Walking to the wall separating the dining area from the kitchen, she restored light to the area. "Everything's still in place." She sighed in relief. It was then that she noticed their unusually tidy living room. The bills and junk mail that covered the coffee table were gone. There were no drinking cups on the end tables. Heading toward the kitchen, Rin noticed the lack of dishes in the sink.

"He cleaned up?" Rin asked the clean counter space. Sesshomaru wasn't a slob of a housemate but he did have his lazy moments, leaving Rin to clean up after him. But she didn't mind. It was the least she could do to repay him.

Just then, that enclosing feeling surrounded Rin again. Her heart raced even faster than before. She grabbed a handle and ranked open a cabinet. Empty. She opened another. Empty. Her breath came in short pants now. Grabbing the refrigerator handle, she yanked it open to discover it was slightly full. Confusion flooded her person. Rin walked down the tiny hallway coming to her door first. She peered inside flipping the light switch. Everything was just the way she left it, from the strewn about sheets to the ransacked draws. But this wasn't enough to dispel the ache in her chest. Across the hall and a few inches to the left was the door to Sesshomaru's room. Placing her hand on the knob, Rin took a deep breath. She opened the door and immediately fingered the wall for the light switch. Please just be here sleep, she hoped. That fleeting thought passed as the electric current filled the filament. Rin's heart sank. The room was empty. Completely bare. He really was gone.

Earlier that same evening, Sesshomaru found himself entering the local café he rarely frequented. He glanced at his watch, noting the time. Rin's probably at the club by now, he thought to himself. Sighing, he forced himself to rid those thoughts. Another young woman needed his attention at the moment. He joined his already seated companion at the small coffee table.

"You know you surprised me when you said you wanted to have coffee." Kagura's husky melodic voice filled the new graduate's ears.

"It's the least I could do. I wanted to say thank you for helping with my relocation." Sesshomaru spoke.

"The pleasure was all mine. Your new apartment will be ready for you to move into in the morning." She smiled, sliding a manila envelope toward him. "So when are you leaving?"

"Soon. The moving van's all gassed up. I just have to go back to my house and pack up one last room. I figured I'd move the furniture and heavy things tomorrow afternoon, once I get the boxes out of the way."

"Nice. So, how about I stop by and make you a nice dinner and some dessert." She suggested, landing her hand on his knee.

"Kagura," Sesshomaru began. "Thanks for all of your help. But I don't share those feelings for you. I hope you understand. I'm bringing Rin with me."

"Oh. W...Well I just assumed when you said you needed a place with one bedroom that you'd…just leave her behind. I may be a little out of line but people like her, who work at places like that, are only after dollar signs. You're on your way to becoming a lawyer. And she's going to do what? Sit at home and spend your hard-earned money? Look, whatever sleazy things she did to help you through school, you don't owe her anything for it. She probably enjoyed it. Toss a couple bucks her way and move on with your life. You can't turn a whore into a housewife."

Sesshomaru absorbed her cruel words. Looking deep into her eyes, he gave her a charming smile. "Kagura, you don't know anything about her or me for that matter. I am indebted to her just the same. Now, if you keep saying things about her doing 'unethical' things in regards to my schooling, I will strike you just like I did that fool Naraku," he threatened before rising from his seat. Gathering his things, he left the stunned woman speechless.

Sesshomaru passed through the doorway to his home with three large boxes. He dropped his coat on the sofa, stepped out of his shoes and headed straight into Rin's rooms to pack up her belongings. He was still fuming even hours after Kagura's hateful words. "The misinformed always prove themselves to be ignorant," Sesshomaru spoke to her messy room.

The clothes that were strewn about the floor and the few articles that were left in the drawers, made their way into a box. Next, he headed over to her shelving unit. He removed all her books, magazines and trinkets from the shelves. He cleared the walls of posters and framed pictures. He took extra precautions to make sure nothing would break during travel. Bending down to maneuver her beings in the box, Sesshomaru noticed a photo in a cracked frame. It was a photograph of the two of them. It was taken at a holiday party at Inuyasha's place. In the photo, Sesshomaru was seated in a chair with Rin across his lap, dressed as a naughty elf. He was giving a small crooked smile while she smiled a big toothy grin. Rin had a smile that could light up a room. It was one of the things he loved most about her. Sesshomaru stood back up and sighed. It was then that something in the doorway caught his eye. He stood frozen. It was her. She was here. His face softened and a sense of relief washed over him. "Rin."

"Hi." She spoke in a small meek voice.

Sesshomaru crossed the room toward the woman he'd been missing all this time. Cupping her cheek in his palm, he noticed her brown eyes were red with irritation. "What are you doing here? I went to the club looking for you after your set, but Kagome said you left." He spoke softly.

She molded her cheek into his hand. "I left early, to come here. I was looking for you." She sniffed a little.

"You were here?" He questioned slightly confused.

She nodded. "When I came here, I saw that your room was empty. I thought you left. I kind of cried myself to sleep on your floor." She paused taking his hands in hers. "I'm so sorry for what I said. And the way I've been acting. I don't want you to leave. I never meant for you to move out. I was just angry and scared and confused. Please, forgive me." She sobbed.

"Of course I forgive you, Rin. I was never mad at you. I love you, Rin."

Her eyes became elated. Finally he said those words she was longing to hear. "I love you too, Sesshomaru."

Sesshomaru leaned forward, cupping her cheeks in both his hands, pressed their lips together and kissed her. Rin sighed in his mouth, melting in his hands. The two kissed passionately until their lungs were screaming for air. When they parted lips, Rin was the first to speak.

"Please don't go." She begged.

"Rin, I have to go. I got accepted into a great graduate program and got assistance with housing. I was able to get a nice apartment. I'm on my way there now. I came here to finish boxing up your things."

It was them that Rin noticed what he was doing in her room. Her eyes danced around confused. All her belongings were packed up, except for her dressers and futon. Her eyes fell upon him asking for answers.

"I want you to come with me. But not as my roommate," he paused as he reached in his pocket. "I want you to be my wife." He spoke as he opened the velvet jeweler's revealing a tiny diamond ring. "I wanted to get a bigger one but that won't be until I start making a decent salary."

Rin remained speechless as he spoke words that seemed like a fairy tale. She eyed the ring inside the box as her chest heaved.

"Rin, will you marry me?" He urged growing a little worried when she hadn't said anything. "Rin?"

"Yes." She breathed. "Yes, I'll marry you." She propelled herself into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she squeezed never wanting to let go.

Sesshomaru returned her embrace with as much vigor, if not a little more. His very best friend in this vast universe just agreed to be his wife. They both pulled back at the same time and stared in each other's eyes, honey gazing at chocolate. Sesshomaru dipped his head down to capture a taste of her lips. Rin's fingers found their way to his soft locks and deepened the heated kiss. Their lips moved together in a rhythm only meant for the two of them. Rin moaned when Sesshomaru pushed deeper against her mouth to suck her bottom lip.

The two of them panted when they finally parted. Staring in her hazy eyes, Sesshomaru moved to take her lips again but she spoke.

"Don't we have to finish packing?" She asked her rhetorical question, moving toward her boxed things. But he cut off her movement, trapping her between a nearby wall and himself, his arms aiding in the prevention of her escape.

"That can wait." He spoke in a lusty, husky voice.

Rin panted harder being so close to him. She watched as he drew closer and closer and closer to her, pressing his body against hers. She tilted her head toward the ceiling to look in his eyes. She continued to watch as he leaned downward and pressed his lips to her once again. This time he skipped the preliminaries and forced his tongue into her mouth. Rin gasped at the sudden intrusion but welcomed it all the same. She moved her tongue vigorously again his own, tasting every possible crevice of his mouth.

Sesshomaru let his hands wander and explore as much of her body as he could. He pressed himself further against her, wanting to feel her flush against his frame. And he smiled in her mouth when she lifted a leg to circle around his waist. Their height difference made the position a little awkward. But he solved that by grabbing her toned thighs and hoisting her upward. Rin instinctively wrapped her legs around him, crossing her ankles to lock her hold.

This new position gave Rin a slight height gain, which she used to her advantage. She let her hands run wild through his hair, massaging his scalp, moving to cup his cheeks, then to caress his neck and back again. This time it was she who smiled when a deep groan rumbled from within.

Sesshomaru used his hands to squeeze her thighs as he held on supporting her weight. He suddenly growled, pulling away from her hot mouth. "You have on too many clothes," he breathed, his head resting against her forehead. He squeezed her thighs again and began kissing her neck.

Rin moaned aloud at the feeling of his lips sucking on her neck. "So do you." Her words came out in a breathless rush. He growled and pushed his ever-growing member against her in response. "Undress me", she whispered.

Sesshomaru stopped his assault on her neck and returned her hooded gaze, his manhood stiffening even more at her words. Assisting the aid of the wall behind her for support, he slid his hands up under her shirt, swiftly taking the article over her head to reveal a lavender lace bra. He licked his lips at the tempting sight before him. Rin stifled a moan at his display. She parted her lips panting, her excitement starting to get the better of her. Sesshomaru captured her lips once again, their mouths dancing against each other. Rin's shaky hands found their way to the buttoned down shirt he adorned. Her fingers fumbling as she fought to undo each tiny circle. Her body shook as he growled and purred at the gentle touches of her fingers on his chest.

The two of them parted for much needed air just as Rin undid the last of his wretched buttons. She pushed open his shirt and grazed her fingers over the plains of his chest. Their eyes locked briefly as Sesshomaru dipped his head to attack her neck with kisses again. Rin couldn't help but gyrate her hips against his waist when his warm breath feathered against her neck. And she moaned when Sesshomaru began to grind his hips against hers. The friction he was creating was heating her body up. The motions were driving her crazy. Sesshomaru reveled in the harmonious sound of her pleasured moans. She sounded so beautiful. His kisses traveled upward, reaching her full lips again, drinking in the blessed sounds. He didn't know how much longer he would be able to wait.

Rin's patience was waning, just like his. Her fingers trailed down his firm stomach reaching his belt buckle. She struggled in her position to unbuckle the belt and pants he was wearing, all the while keeping the rhythm her hips fell into against his pelvis. He bucked back against her with equal fervor as her fingers kept brushing against his ever-growing manhood. Was she teasing him on purpose while trying to loosen his pants? Sesshomaru didn't know the answer nor did he care, just as long as she kept at it.

Finally, his pants were unfastened and with all her moving, Rin was able to push his pants and undergarments just pass his hips. He pressed into her center. Rin broke the kiss abruptly to gasp for air. The sudden feel of his firmness heated her core. She knew she was ready for him right now, no foreplay required. Sesshomaru released his grip on her thighs, setting her down on her delicate feet. He leaned down and captured her lips again. The taste of her on his tongue was like a drug. He couldn't get enough. He couldn't stay away. His fingers danced at the hem of her pants, teasing the skin underneath, before taking firm hold and pushing them under her hips and down her legs. He pulled away from her lips, kneeling to strip her of her pants and delicate panties. Kissing his way up her toned legs and supple thighs, he stopped at the junction between her lips. Rin's breath hitched in her chest when she felt his lips so close to hers. She looked down and gazed in his thoughtful eyes. He was contemplating something. But what? And then she received her answer as she felt his tongue slide between her nether lips. She gasped.

As Sesshomaru kissed his way up her thighs, the scent from her core seemed to beckon him. And the closer he drew up, the more he couldn't resist. Taking a brief moment to savor her fragrance, he tasted her honey. At first he gave a tentative lick, testing her taste on his pallet. And after that, he fastened his lips to her hidden mound, sucking greedily. His tongue joined in on the assault of her nerves; flicking, licking, swirling around the area that seemed to have her convulsing in ecstasy. Sesshomaru heard her fist pound the wall behind her. Her hips bucked in his mouth. Her fingers scraped the wall looking for something to grip. Her actions only fueled him. He wanted more from her. He needed more out of her. He used a hand to steady her shaking thighs and used the fingers of the other hand to send her into complete bliss.

Sesshomaru brought two fingers to the sopping wet entrance of her sex and slid into her. He heard a thud of what he could only assume was her head hitting the wall as she gave a surprised scream. His actions sped, the more she reacted to his ministrations. He savored her flavor more and more. She tasted wonderful. It was like nothing he had ever tasted before, yet it was a familiar flavor that he knew he could never tire of. The more he teased her body with his tongue, the more he yearned for her nectar, driving his actions to go faster. Her moans and pants were coming more frequent. She was close. On the very edge. And as soon as he felt her fingers lace and grip his hair, he pushed deeper inside and broke her dam. Sesshomaru felt her hand grip tighter, heard her ear-piercing scream, and was rocked by her shaking thighs as she slipped into oblivion. He would have loved to see her breathless face but he wasn't going to forsake the purpose for this endeavor. He lapped the juices seeping from her. With each pass of his tongue, he felt her shutter. He wasn't trying to tease her sensitive zone, just drink from her fountain.

Rin fought for breath as her chest heaved over and over. Reality was slowly returning to her after seeing stars. When Sesshomaru moved to stand up, was when she realized her hand was still in his hair. She let it lazily flop to her side as she looked deep in his smug eyes. He was obviously happy with the number he just did on her as she was. His lips captured hers in searing kiss. His tongue pushed into her mouth and coated her tongue with the taste of her own sex. Rin coiled her arm around his neck to deepen their lust filled exchange. Tasting herself on his tongue turned her primal. She greedily sucked his tongue, drawing out all of her flavor. Sesshomaru groaned in her mouth and pushed her more against the wall. Their bare lower halves pressed against each other.

The moment their skin touched, both reached to end of their patience. Rin broke the kiss to move pass him with the intent of lying across her futon but he had other plans. Sesshomaru placed a large hand on her stomach to halt her movement and pushed her back against the wall. He shook his head at her confused gaze. Not taking time to explain his actions, he took hold of the back of her thighs and lifted her legs around his waist. He grabbed his throbbing erection and pushed into her sacred treasure. Rin gasped when he filled her being to the point of capacity. All she could do was hold on as he drove into her repeatedly not taking to time to wait for her to adjust. But it didn't matter. All Rin wanted was to feel him move within her as her hips kept up with his motions.

Their lips found their way to each other again. Both kissed with renewed fervor as their hands wandered each other's bodies. Rin caressed his chest; Sesshomaru stroked her arms and back. But he wanted to feel more. He unhooked her bra and discarded the impeding article of clothing. The skin to skin contact took them to a new level of ecstasy. Rin fisted his shirt in her hands as she reveled in the waves of euphoria he was sending throughout her body. As she moaned louder and louder, the faster he moved inside of her. He sucked, bit, and nipped the flesh of her neck. His talented hands fondled her newly exposed breast. He squeezed her delicate mounds, teased her sensitive buds to stand at attention, all the while pounding into her chasm. The rhythm the two of them shared increased tenfold as the point of completion drew near. Their once steady movements became frantic. Both moaned in unison, keeping up with the others erratic pace. Rin let a rapturous scream pour from her throat. Sesshomaru let a growl-like sound rip through him as he bit down into the junction of her neck and shoulder, leaving an imprint of his teeth. His jellied knees gave way as he lowered them to the floor, still joined.

Rin looked at her love with heavy lids. "I love you, Sesshomaru," she breathed.

Sesshomaru responded with a small smile while looking deep into her eyes. He removed his hands from her waist and cupped her cheeks. He gently pressed his lips to her chapped ones. Rin's fingers soon made their way to his scalp, where she massaged delicately, her strength fading. The fervor they once had was replaced with tender caresses.

"And I love you too, Rin." Sesshomaru declared once they parted.

Rin smiled her ever-exuberant smile. "Perhaps we should finish packing once we've had some rest."

"Good thinking." He smirked.

In a loving embrace, two souls drifted into slumber, preparing to take on a brighter tomorrow.

I hope you all enjoyed. Please tell me what you think. And once again, sorry for such the long wait. My work is very demanding and its hard to find time to write anymore.