Here's another one. It's a bit of a beast.

"Come back," -Inuyasha

Ken was able to catch Riu before he collapsed. Yuki's complexion paled and she immediately went to grab him. Rin was completely shocked by the incident, but reached for him as well. So there they were, all three, holding on to a grown man, who fainted over a demon's powers.

Yuki laughed nervously. "Uh... I wasn't expecting that."

Ken sent her a sharp, toothy grin. "Few can handle such a unique ability. Especially when one holds an attraction to your female counterpart."

Yuki was left agape. While the others let go of the man, she held him with a steady grip. As a male, she was able to support him with ease, while placing him on the ground gently, so as not to wake him. She knelt, reverting back to her female form immediately. When he finally came to, she was hovering above the man, worry painted on her face.

He opened his eyes slowly, dark lashes fanning his cheeks. When he saw Yuki, he froze, holding his gaze for what seemed like forever.

"I dreamed," he muttered, "that you were a man."

Ken barked out a laugh, startling Riu into a jump. He realized his position and immediately sat up. He cleared his throat, and his skin turned crimson. "I, uh... I didn't mean to do that. Was just shocked."

Yuki smiled and Riu swore his heart threatened to pop out of his chest. He thought he despised demons, since they despised him just as much as he, but this woman was honestly the most beautiful creature he had ever met. He found himself quickly moving away from certain prejudices. One could not hold such a foul opinion of a person who was as sweet and angelic as she.

It took two days for him to feel the layers of disgust melt away. In the process, he found that he could not muster up a sentence for the life of him.

Yuki blinked. "Are you okay, Riu?"

No, he was not. He felt out of place and completely foreign to himself. His body was not his own, and if anyone thought to peer below his waist, they'd see the tent threatening to snap. He cleared his throat again and said, "I have no idea what happened just now."

She gave him an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you."

Hell, the woman was friggin' perfect. He'd gone most of his life despising creatures like her, and even killed a number of them. She had no idea the violence he was capable of, the revenge he was proficient at enacting toward an enemy, yet she was able to look at him with such gentleness, it made him want to hug her.

It was those damned eyes; yellow and green orbs, the color of spring's inception. They were doing things to his soul, causing him to lose sense of who he was and how to even speak, until all he could say to her was:

"You're beautiful."

Sesshomaru did not understand what was happening. One moment, Riu was caught fainting like a damned woman. The next, he was telling the creature she was beautiful. She transformed into a male, yet the man still thought she was something to extol.

The creature seemed to have liked the comment, since she beamed at him with a rather becoming smile that practically made her skin glow.

What an anomalous event. The two did not know each-other, but they held an obvious attraction for one-another even he could detect.

How could a person feel such a thing for one they met merely hours before?

This was a stupid question. When Rin returned to Sesshomaru after being attacked by vermin when she was eight, he felt an affection for the girl immediately. Not in a carnal sense, for he was not so monstrous as that, but in a paternal manner. He thought to take in the girl as his ward, since humans clearly could not competently handle the care of the child. Obviously, this sentiment changed throughout the years, and he could no longer see her merely as a ward, but as someone he could imagine himself coupling with. He had no idea how this would occur, but never thought to rush the event when it did. It should simply happen.

He wondered now if Rin would bestow upon him that kind of response if he told her she was beautiful. He had never done so before, since he thought it was unnecessary. Rin should have known of her beauty since all she had to do was look at her reflection. Perhaps she would appreciate such a complement, coming from one most claimed she loved.

The human emotion was something he could not fully comprehend, as he never felt such a thing for another at any point of his life. One would think he knew it through his relationship with father, but the demon lord had never been the type to show sentiments of value toward Sesshomaru, or even his mother. Neither had he seen his father show love to Inuyasha's mother because he failed to meet the woman before his demise. Only after Inuyasha had been born did he meet her, and all he could feel was ire. Not love. Never that.

Kaede was the one who informed Sesshomaru that the girl loved him first. Since Rin used to live with the priestess, she knew much about her, and sometimes would divulge a few tidbits. When he would ask how Rin was fairing, the woman often replied that she was doing well, getting along with everyone. She took to human life easily enough, and appeared to enjoy her time.

"But she misses ye," she would say. "And she tells me that she longs for the day when ye shall ask her to follow ye away from here. She loves ye, you know."

Another instance, he wanted to give her a surprise visit as he had been away for about a month, conferring with demons about his mother's estate and the necessitation for protection of her property. It took longer than expected to compile a listing of warrior defenders for his land, but mother was captious, and found fault with most of the options he brought forward. Once that was completed, he rushed over to Rin, eager to see her. Humans aged terribly fast, and he never wanted to miss a moment of change in her life, hoping to see every stage, until she was ready to spend the rest of it with him.

When he arrived in front of Kaede's home, he heard women laughing gaily, conversing about nothing he cared for, until he heard mention of his name. He honed in on this, and recognized Kagome's voice. She was speaking to Rin, asking when was the last time she saw Sesshomaru.

"It's been a while," the seventeen year old had muttered. At the sound of her voice, his breath caught and his eyes widened. He continued to listen to the melodious cadence of it. "A month, if my math is correct."

Kagome laughed. "Look who's counting."

"I count every moment I'm away from him."

Sango's daughter, Izuka aww'd and said, "When will you tell him how you feel?"

"W-what do you mean?" Rin stammered.

"You're clearly in love with the demon. You should tell him."

Rin did not respond to such a comment, even though the women continued to heckle the girl. She remained unfazed, and kept her feelings to herself, until Kagome finally said, "I think it could work, you know. You're of age now, so it could happen."

There was a moment of silence before a word was uttered, as if Rin was contemplating what she wanted to say next. Finally, she said, "Even if it does not happen, I will love him just the same."

Such a thing elicited a feeling of warmth. It suffused itself into his chest and the heat spread like a web, toward his mouth, threatening to invoke a smile. But he would hold this in, and keep the pleasure he felt from the comment close instead to his heart.

He knew that love was something human's treasured and desired for themselves, but what it meant exactly, was foreign to him. It entailed that her respect and devotion was to him and none else. But this could not be love alone, because if that were the case, then Jaken felt the sentiment as well.

Repulsed suddenly, he looked away from the group and stared into the fire. The blaze cackled and popped. His thoughts felt fragmented and he could sense a headache developing at the sides of his temples. He massaged the area in an attempt to quell the pain, but it would not go away. He frowned, noticing that his skin was hot, almost feverish. Whatever ailed him at this time was sure to pass, but it still concerned him since he could not recall any prior instance of this occurring.

Even so, once it passed, he intended to inquire after Rin and ask her if she still held any love for him. If so, then he would insist that she follow through with her devotion and remain at his side forever.

He hoped she did not lose it.

Ken wanted to have some alone time with Rin, but he doubted that he could ever get the chance. The demon lord was an ever present shadow, looming behind the group like an indomitable tree that could not be swayed. Ken could compel the creature to leave the lot, but he knew this would only cause the demon to hate him further. Also, if the woman truly cared for Sesshomaru, she would not take kindly to having her lover treated so wrongly.

He waited until they slept. Yuki and Riu rested close to the fire, basking in its warmth. The night had cooled since clouds hovered above them, teasing a deluge, but he knew no rain would come.

Rin sat away from all, close to a tree. She did not sleep. Instead, she picked away at the petals of a flower. Her hair was let loose, cascading over her breast. Her skin was like alabaster within the sliver of moonlight that escaped through the cracks of clouds. She looked healthy and fit; slim, yet curvaceous in all the right places.

But she did not look happy, nor was she at peace. Something was plaguing her, and none dared to ask what was wrong. Perhaps her friends knew, but Ken was new to the group, so he was ignorant of the female. Maybe she was traumatized by the attack days before. It was a good thing nothing untoward happened, as not a scar graced her skin. Perfect as she was, her frame beckoned his approach. In fact, since he met the girl, he could feel a pull, latching onto his soul. For some reason, he felt compelled to be close to the girl. It was damned inconvenient, of course, because she was promised to another. Or was she? The supposed couple did not even speak to one-another. Rin all but ignored the demon lord. It could be that they were going through a lover's quarrel. Ken should not intrude if this was so, but he couldn't seem to help himself.

He caught Rin sighing, and decided this would be the most opportune time to converse with the woman. To hell with decorum. Sesshomaru was not even paying attention to Rin. Instead, his gaze remained fixed on the fire. There was a gleam of sweat on the demon's brow and Ken thought the fellow should move away from the flame. He did not look well.

Even so, he decided to go to Rin.

Sesshomaru noticed the demon approaching his woman. He had no desire to see that being come near her, nor did he wish for them to have any kind of conversation. He had yet to speak to her, so why should anyone else be given privy to her thoughts? It was time he settle this. Despite his weakened state, he morphed into a yellow orb and flew to Rin. He latched onto her frame, holding her close. Doing this allowed for her body to transform into the same shape as well, and he was able to transport them far and away from everyone.

When he felt that they were a good distance, he settled on an open enclosure, surrounded by trees. The sky suddenly cleared from all clouds, and the moon was able to shine down on them, placing a white halo upon the top of Rin's head once they reverted to their natural state. When she realized what transpired, she jumped away from Sesshomaru's arms with a shove. Her breathing was heavy and her hair had gone askew, but he had never seen a more beautiful creature in all of his existence. He felt a queer sense of joy, seeing her ruffled as she was.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" she cried, breathless, while finally looking at him. He held her dark, brown gaze, making sure that he never misplace it. Her eyes were large and somewhat frightened, but he was content to simply have them set on his.

"Rin," he said. "We must talk."

She quickly averted her eyes and he fought a scowl. She moved it down, peering at the grass. Her breathing was still labored, as the morph tired her somewhat. Still, the rise and fall of her breast appeased Sesshomaru and he could not feel any kind of annoyance toward her for long.

She shook her head quickly and said, "Why did you that, Lord Sesshomaru?"

It was odd hearing her use the honorific suddenly. He wanted Rin to speak to him of her own volition; not because he was her master, and she some kind of slave; but because they were close companions, who spent years together.

"We must converse. You fail to tell me what is ailing you. Clearly, something is wrong and I must know what can be done to erase the shuttered look in your eyes."

She closed them, as if to stop him from witnessing her emotions. Rin's eyes had always been filled with expression. He had always been fond of them, as it did not require that he be bothered with unnecessary inquisitions.

"I-I do not wish to speak," she whispered.

Sesshomaru approached, but Rin jumped back. Startled by this reaction, Sesshomaru froze. Rin had never acted like this with him before, and he could feel a small sense of panic begin to surface. What if he could not help her? What if this change in her was permanent?

No. He could not accept such a thing. He fought thousands of demons varying in all levels of stamina and strength. Rin was a mere human; he could tackle this challenge with ease, if he simply set his mind to it. He decided then to pry further. Asking people why they held back information always left a sense of distaste on his tongue, but this was no stranger- this was Rin.

"Why do you retreat as if you are afraid of me?"

"I am not afraid of you, milord."

Blessed relief swept through him. It did not last long, because she continued to look away; not only that, she also held a distance, which to him felt miles long. She had always been close, strapped to his side. No matter what she said, she looked like she feared him. But why?

He lowered his voice, almost to a whisper, relaxing his tone. "Then explain yourself."

She failed to respond, and Sesshomaru was beginning to grow impatient. He had next to no tolerance for people who did not comply, and Rin was being damned stubborn; a position he never encountered. He wanted to move closer, but he held back out of fear that she would withdraw from him. He was beginning to realize that he could not contend with her when she was in this state.

"Rin," he said with a hint of impatience lacing his lips. "Speak."

All he could see now was her head bowed, the white halo upon her head, aimed at him. Cicada and avian melodies danced in the wind, and it moved through them, causing Rin's hair to swirl. From her, silence was all that greeted him. Until he noticed that her shoulders were shaking with some added restraint. He could hold himself back no more. He stepped toward Rin, and when she moved away, he simply latched onto her arm and held her there. He touched the soft flesh of her throat, and moved higher. Rin tried to push away, but he would not let her go. He could never let her go. He used a modicum of strength against her, and forced her chin up to better view her face.

His heart broke in two.

Rin could not stop herself from weeping. Once Lord Sesshomaru saw her crying, he let go of her, gently. She moved away and crossed her arms over her chest. Tremors wracked her body and she found that she could not stop the downpour that swamped her. Bitterness and misery filled her to the brim and would not leave, marked on her skin like an indelible tattoo.

All of this was physically exhausting, so she dropped to her knees. Lord Sesshomaru instantly met her there, kneeling as well. Horrified, she gasped, and told him, "D-don't kneel." He was regal, and imposing, a force to be reckoned with, never to fall on his knees.

She did not dare to look into his golden eyes, afraid of what she might see. Lord Sesshomaru was such a prideful demon, who despised the weak. He pitied her at this moment; obviously, he did, because she could not hold any control of herself, nor could she stop the onslaught that wracked her body.

He went to touch her arms, but she slapped them away. She did not want him to touch her, filthy as she was. He deserved better than her, someone untarnished by life's injustices. Still, he remained, situated on his knees. She could hardly stand it, and finally looked up, not to see his face, but to tell him to stand.

"Please get up, Lord Sesshomaru."

He kept his arms on his thighs. She noticed that his hands were clenched, gripping his white pants. Clearly, she angered him, for he would never display this reaction without fury permeating his core.

"I'm sorry," she rushed out. "I-"

"You will cease this at once," Lord Sesshomaru snapped. His eyes were a strange color, mixed with red and gold, a hue witnessed by none. She winced at his tone, and recoiled somewhat.

Sesshomaru's breath came heavy while he attempted to gain some kind of control. He continued to feel ill throughout this ordeal, but he could not decipher whether it was because the wound was turning into an infection, or because Rin was acting so strange. He was brimming with worry over the woman, and for the first time in his life felt completely helpless.

During moments like this, where no assurance was apparent, he would depart from all, venturing to distant lands, in hopes of regaining a semblance of his past equilibrium. He could not leave Rin now though, because she needed him. Or maybe she needed another. Kaede perhaps, or even Kagome. They were very close, and Rin had not seen them since she went away. A human could probably handle this situation better than Sesshomaru, because he was completely at a loss for how to fix her.

Her tears stopped when he knelt, thankfully, so that was definitely in the positive. But she continued to look away from him, averting her gaze to his cheek or eye brows. He could not countenance this for another second, so he spoke, telling her what he felt, holding nothing back. After all, doing otherwise made him into a hypocrite, and he definitely would never fall into that category. Not willingly.

"Ever since that debacle, you've held yourself back from looking at me. I fail to understand why this is so, considering that I have done nothing to warrant such behavior. Tell me otherwise if this not the case."

Rin shook her head.

"Then what is the matter? I have never seen you act like this, Rin, and it is worrisome."

"I'm sorry."

"Refrain from apologizing. You have done nothing wrong. I only wish to express my concern over you. We have spent years together, and the only time I've ever seen you weep like this, is when I left you with Kaede." An event which tore him to pieces when it occurred, since he enjoyed her company throughout their travels. "I understood why you were upset at the time, because you were afraid of humans. But I don't understand why you are like this now. Help me understand, for I am at a loss."

Rin was left speechless at the entreaty in his voice, since he was not one to show concern for any throughout her time with him. Yet how was she to respond? The demon had no idea how turbulent the inner turmoil inside her was brewing, and she did not wish to speak of it at all, perhaps even never. It brought too much heartache and she could hardly stand it any more. She wanted to be able to feel as she used to, carefree and happy, but how was this to occur when the person who made her feel soiled and squalid refused to leave her alone? What could she do except leave him to find herself once again? Because she could not find it with him. Not now. Not when all she wanted to do was weep on his lap for the loss of her innocence, and this worst, the assurance she once had of being good enough for him.

"I cannot speak of it," she whispered. "I simply can't. I want only to be rid of the thought."

"Then tell me how I can help you. What can be done to rid you of this pain that so conflicts you?"

She knew exactly what she had to do, so she moved her gaze to meet his.

"I have to go."

His brow creased into a frown. "Where?"

"Away. Once I tell Riu who I am-"

"So you know that he is your brother, yet you've made no mention of it."

"I-I-" she flustered, caught by her deceit. "I hadn't the time to-"

"You've had more than enough time to tell him. You've had more than enough time to speak to us all. Especially me. But you remain quiet, sheathed by whatever ailment that plagues you."

"I want to tell Riu now, so that I may venture elsewhere with him."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"I do not feel well."

"Then we may go to Kaede or Kagome. They can heal you."

Rin immediately shook her head, panicked by the thought. No, she definitely could not go to them, since they too would pry. She simply wanted a reprieve from these thoughts; a respite from all stressors. "No. I can't."

"Why not?" was his clipped reply.

"You can never understand, Lord Sesshomaru. We are different, you and I."

"You will not even attempt to explain yourself to me over something as trivial as that? I only need an explanation so that I may better grasp the concept. Do you truly think demons do not experience grief or sadness? I can see that this is what you feel, but I don't understand why you feel it against me. You let those strangers converse with you, Rin, but you refuse to stand by my side. What have I done?"

Her heart was breaking with every word he spoke, but she didn't have the courage to tell him what she felt. She loved Lord Sesshomaru more than she loved even herself. The demon saved her from the hole of loneliness she was trapped in when she was younger, and remained an abiding force throughout her life. She had always been able to count on him. He made it clear early on that he would be there for her through any trial, and he kept his promise, without fail. She loved his courage, and sense of honor, which could not be wavered. She loved his eyes, and the sharpness of his gaze; how every goal he set for himself was invariably accomplished. She loved him even more now because his concern for her was palpable, something he chose not to hide, which was the norm.

"You have done nothing, milord."

Sesshomaru's frustration knew no bounds. His head was also starting to hurt again, and the wound was beginning to throb with undulating rolls of fire. He ground his teeth. Kneeling was exacerbating his present ordeal and he moved somewhat, to allow himself to float. This took the pressure away from his ankle. "Then what is it?" he ground out.

Suddenly, a new thought planted itself, with a foundation of truth behind it. He wondered then if Rin blamed him for what happened. At one point, even he blamed himself, but Rin was not one to hold a grudge. Besides, he was able to avenge his woman, so all was well. Could it be that this instance changed her, causing her to feel resentment toward Sesshomaru? Such a thought could not be tolerated, whether it came from him or her.

"Do you blame me for what transpired?"

She gave him a startled look. "Of course not," she adamantly insisted. "I could never blame you. I simply-" she paused to swallow. "I-I just need some time, milord. I do not feel like myself anymore."

His gaze was leveled and penetrating. "And if I say that I do not wish to have you leave, will that change anything?"

Rin paused to consider this. The great Demon Lord of the West truly appreciated her presence. It was as if all of her dreams came true. She vowed when she was younger to stand by him, forever and a day.

He was the love of her life. The only love of her soul. But he deserved better. And until Rin could find even a minutia of self worth, for she felt none, she could not permit herself to stay. So she shook her head and said, "My departure will not last forever."

He understood and felt no small sense of relief. Still, he wanted to know how long this whole thing would last. Rin aged quickly. Every time he went away, only to return, she was different. Her hair lengthened. Her breasts grew. Her legs extended. Her smile turned from innocent and pure, to a voluptuously enticing curve.

Such thoughts reminded him of his new desire for the woman, and he could feel his shaft growing, blood rushing toward his groin. Rin was such a becoming creature, one who would make strong and erudite children with him. They could create a legacy that would change the world, uniting both man and demon to one empire for the first time in all of history. There was so much potential to be had with the girl, especially because of her body. She was a slim woman, but her waist was sufficient for birthing. And her legs were long enough to wrap around his waist for easy penetration.

Sesshomaru had never copulated with a female before. The desire to do so failed to show up at any point of his existence, yet it suddenly came now with a force few could tolerate. He knew advancing toward her would frighten her, but he imagined for a moment an image of her naked. The last time he viewed her body, it was bruised and battered. But he erased those marks, and could see her figure now, pale and unblemished. He wanted another opportunity to lick her again, but this time to elicit pleasure instead of healing. He wanted to take her into his arms and whisper sweet nothings to her ear. He wanted to tell her she was beautiful and perfect in all ways.

Perhaps he should have led the conversation with that. Maybe it would have changed her mind, or brought her some joy.

He missed her joy and he missed her smiles, but he didn't know how to bring such a thing back. What if he told her she was beautiful right now? Would she still want to leave?

What if he told her he wanted to have sex with her? What if he simply tried to kiss her?

He found suddenly that he wanted to do just that above all else. But he needed to know whether Rin desired him as well. She was a complete innocent, having never experienced passion, just like him. A union between the two would be a shared moment of their first time together, and he wanted it to happen with a hidden passion as hot as hell.

"Rin," he managed to croak. "Close your eyes."

She gave him a strange look. "Why, milord?"

Curse the woman and her insolence. "Please," he added. Humans usually gave in when this word was used.

Finally, she did. He took this moment to move closer to her. Since his body hovered above the ground, she did not hear his approach. He leaned in to the curve of her neck and smelled her delectable scent. Such an aroma made him go firmly erect. His phallus strained beneath his pants and he held back a hiss. Rin swallowed thickly. He knew she could feel him near, but she said nothing. Thankfully. Blessedly. She remained quiet.

Finally, he used his abilities to elevate the girl. Then he moved her legs. She opened her eyes immediately and stuttered, "L-Lord Sesshomaru, what are you doing?"

He did not reply. Instead, he unwound her crossed legs, and stretched them so he could move himself between them. Rin was high enough that he could sit her on his lap, so he did just that. She was so light, it caused no harm to his wound. She went to push him away again, but Sesshomaru moved his head and rested it upon her forehead. He then whispered, "Let me hold you."

Rin froze in his embrace. She did not understand what was happening, but she found that she could not complain. Here she sat atop Lord Sesshomaru's lap, something she had not done since she was a child. Except there was no sense of innocence during this event. Instead, she could feel heat engulf her body. Whether it came from the suspicious temperature of Lord Sesshomaru's skin, or her own, she hadn't a clue. For now, she could do nothing but let him hold her.

She felt on the verge of tears. She wanted so much to take part in this moment, but she couldn't muster up the courage to lay so much as a finger on him. His arms went around her back and moved her into his chest. Rin could hardly stand it, yet it was all she craved.

She wanted his nearness, the very essence of all he was inside of her. When she was sixteen, her body began to blossom with new sensations and forms of pleasure. Never had she enacted her desires with another, since she wanted none but Lord Sesshomaru. But in the soft whisper of night, she sometimes took it upon herself to dream of things; wondrous moments of bodily pleasure between Rin and him.

She knew what a man and woman were capable of when they were alone. She'd seen Inuyasha and Kagome once in the woods. It was an accident, and very brief, but she knew that what she saw from them was what she desired from Lord Sesshomaru and none else.

She thought it could never happen, because everyone said he despised humans. To make matters worst, his father died because of a human, so she knew he would never give in to her. But she enjoyed her musings. And she later hoped that she could change his mind one day. She did not know how to please him, but she knew she could learn somehow, if only he gave her the chance.

That was a different time though. A time when she was worthy of his warmth and embrace. This was not that time. Mixed in with her desire, love and affection, were feelings of inadequacy and they wanted to vent through her, like a geyser waiting to burst.

At war now with her thoughts, she could hardly process what occurred next, when Lord Sesshomaru moved his lips along her forehead. He left a cool trail of moisture there when he moved down to her cheeks.

Rin's breath stopped. He continued his passage from one cheek to the other. She found herself yearning for him to lay one upon her lips. Finally, when he did, their lips crashed, emotions falling away, only to push forward a reignited passion she thought she lost.

She made a mewling sound against his breath, and he took that as a positive to continue his perusal. His tongue peeked out, and entered her mouth. Rin suddenly wrapped her arms around him, reaching in for the kiss.

Their tongues danced and sucked. Sesshomaru grabbed onto the end of Rin's kimono and began to lift it up. She gasped when she felt him touch her thigh, but he whispered, "Do not worry."

She listened, or rather, she let him—because she was too much in a daze to say no—remove the silk clothing from her body.

His breath caught at the sight of her form. His Rin was gorgeous. He ran his finger down her porcelain chest and encircled the dark pearls of her breasts. She threw her head back to moan, and Sesshomaru leaned in on her. He opened his mouth to her right nipple and sucked. She tasted so good and felt so damned perfect, he knew this was what nirvana felt like. He found peace in her arms. In fact, for the first time in his existence, he completely forgot his surroundings, and focused his attention on the woman before him and her body.

He licked and lathered. She moaned and gasped throughout it all, causing a strange sensation to build in his groin. He was pleased that he was able to pleasure her. Euphoric, really. He placed his other hand onto her thigh and moved his fingers up and down, reveling in the velvet texture of her. Then he moved higher up her milky skin and stopped. He focused his attention on the next nipple, repeating what he performed on the other one.

Rin grabbed Sesshomaru's hair and placed her fingers through his silky strands. She closed her eyes and bit her lips in an attempt to stifle the noises that wanted to burst from her mouth. He began to move his hands again and caressed her stomach and inner thighs. Then, when he felt the thick patch of curly hair between her legs, he began to bring two fingers into the shadows of her core, and—

"Nooo!"

Rin scrambled off of him and cried out. She fell onto the ground and grabbed her kimono to cover herself. Her breath came heavy, yet her skin remained flushed.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at her. "What do you mean 'no'?"

He could smell her passion, and held the evidence of it on his fingers, where her slick wetness glimmered in the moonlight.

She looked away and stood. He watched as she placed her kimono over her head, back onto her body.

He did not like that. In fact, he hated it. He preferred her naked. Why did she stop? What the hell happened? She was just moaning because of his touch.

"Rin?"

She continued to ignore him, tidying her hair and running her hands through it.

Sesshomaru clenched his teeth and saw red. At the moment, he had a large stick pointing up between his legs and the woman he wanted to put it into, was ignoring him as if nothing just happened. As if she were ashamed.

He could not get up without groaning. He knew any movement would cause him to do so. Instead, he placed his mokomoko on top of his erection and breathed in. And out.

"Rin," he said again. "What happened?"

She shook her head. "Nothing."

He scowled. Of course something happened. He obviously did something wrong.

He reached out his hands to her legs, but she jumped away from him and screamed, "Don't touch me!"

Just like that, his erection deflated.

He jumped with a quickness, advancing toward her. His eyes were red and he looked infuriated. Rin backed away from him, now anxious. She continued doing so while he marched forward, as if he were a predator and she was his prey.

He was too aggravated to play cat and mouse, so he grabbed her right arm to bring her back, but Rin pushed herself off and cried again, "Don't touch me!"

She backed away and moisture began to fill her eyes.

Sesshomaru clenched and unclenched his fists. He ground his teeth so hard together, he thought they'd pop off. He watched as she leaned against a tree and covered her face with her hands as she wept.

He was furious with her for not letting him finish what they started, but he also felt dejected and aggrieved. Why didn't she want him to touch her? She'd wanted it—very much so—before.

More so than that though, he was suddenly worried. He frowned at her. What did he do to make her cry out like that? Did he hurt her? His touch didn't disgust her, he knew that much, but when he was about to enter the aroused and wet opening of her body, she squirmed as if his fingers were ugly insects.

And screamed as if she were being tortured.

Rin could hardly breathe. Everything felt so tight. She was sweating profusely and her kimono felt as if it were closing in around her body and cutting away her circulation. Her body was hot and wet inside; her lower area throbbed like a heartbeat.

The picture that formed in her mind the moment Lord Sesshomaru touched her there continued to haunt her. She saw one of the bandits from two days past, trying to force his fingers through her clamped legs, attempting to reach her core and make her wet.

Sesshomaru tried to do the same thing to her. He tried to put his fingers there. He was going to hurt her—whether he knew that or not—and Rin was going to be in pain.

She couldn't let that happen. She wouldn't.

What they were doing together had felt incredible and amazing. It was a miracle Rin had wished for many times before. But when he put his fingers there, her mind went blank and then she saw the vision of her fall.

She dropped herself on the ground, wrapped her arms around her body and began to shake.

Apparently, she had been awake when that degenerate moment occurred. Her brain must have placed the memory in the back of her mind because of how traumatic it was. Or was it real? Could it have been conjured from her imagination? God, she was so confused.

"Rin," Sesshomaru said softly, looking down at her.

She looked so small and fragile, he wanted to kneel down and console her—or do something! But he was afraid she'd scream and reject him. He was beginning to understand that a rejection from Rin was the worst thing he could ever experience.

"Rin," he said quietly, his expression softening.

She didn't look at him, but she did stop crying.

"What happened?"

A tremor wracked her body. "Everything."

"What do you mean?" He didn't understand her. He didn't understand anything. She was hurting inside and she wouldn't let him in.

She stood as if she were a drunk and pinched the bridge of her nose as she exhaled and inhaled. He waited patiently for her answer, but took in her appearance as he did so. Her face was pallid. Her eyes were red and blotchy and she was breathing laboriously. Her clothes were wrinkled, torn at the sides.

"Look, Lord Sesshomaru," she continued, "I can't do this."

Not again, he wanted to roar. They just experienced an intense moment of passion—their first, for that matter—and she still wanted to leave?

She raked her fingers through her locks. "I need to go. You and I..." She gulped. "We need some separation."

"How long?"

"I don't know," she whispered. "I really don't know."

"I need specifics." If she waited too long, she would look older than him when he claimed her. Not that he cared, he'd have her anyway. But he knew she would.

She sniffed. "I don't know. A few months. Years."

Years? Had she gone mad?

"Why?" he said for the millionth time. He didn't want her to go. "I-"

She swallowed thickly. "It doesn't matter. I just need some time away..."

"From you," were the unspoken words she failed to utter.

"Maybe I need to try out a regular life."

What the hell did she mean by "regular life?" He voiced the first thought that came to mind.

"Do you wish to get married to a human?" he gritted out and a wave of jealousy swept over him. Quash it!

Rin blinked. "What? No, I don't want that." Like she'd get married to anyone but Lord Sesshomaru. If she did. She didn't think she could now. She was too afraid to make love to him—or anyone, really. She couldn't do it. Not now, at least. Maybe later, when the dreams and visions left her, and all she saw was the person she made love to, and not old perverted men.

She sighed. "I don't know how long, Lord Sesshomaru." If ever. "But I'll find you if I want to go back."

He wanted nothing more than to retort, "What makes you think I'll wait for you?" But he kept his mouth shut. Of course, he would wait. There was no point in saying something that would stop her from coming back to him. He couldn't let her leave him forever, but he could be away from her for a while. A short while.

Still, he had grown accustomed to her presence and he found that he was uninterested in a life without her. Years ago, he set his mind to the fact that Rin would be his mate. He chose her, and he thought that she chose him, too. But now he did not know what was true.

A strong pounding erupted above his right brow, and the wound suddenly throbbed. He moved back with a hiss.

Rin went to him worried suddenly, but his pride got the best of him, and he snapped his arm out to stop her from approaching.

Fury, confusion, and this worst, hurt, encompassed his mind. The hurt was two-fold, stemming from the infected wound and Rin's rejection. Since he could not take it out on Rin without wounding himself, he decided then that it would be he who left first. So he breathed in and out, in attempt to regain his composure. It did not work, but he was able to hide it behind a mask of detachment and stone.

"Since there is no further use in remaining, I shall return you to the group."

"Lord Sesshomaru, you look unwell."

"That is none of your concern now," he practically growled.

She went into herself and said nothing more. He then grabbed her and morphed them both into orbs of yellow. He went quickly to the group, while nausea began to build in his throat. Once there, he placed Rin beside the tree. Jaken, thankfully, had returned, so he went to the toad.

Jaken screeched from fright, since Sesshomaru came from behind.

"M-m-milord, what's the matter?"

Sesshomaru's skin was ashen and he felt on the verge of collapse. His eyes as well were red since his body wanted to change into his full demonic state. Such a thing would allow him to feel somewhat better, but he could not do so here.

He glared at Jaken, and fairly growled, "You will watch over Rin with your life, and if anything should happen to her, I will kill you."

Jaken's eyes filled with water, but Sesshomaru gave him no chance to speak. Instead, he flew away, never once looking back. Finally, he morphed into his true demon form.

Those who were asleep woke suddenly to the sound of a great and powerful roar.

And here ends one of the longest chapters I've ever written...