Chapter 6

sorry for the long wait folks, it took time but inspiration has finally struck!

because she haunts his dreams

Sesshomaru tugged on his tie absentmindedly as he walked around the shop, his amber gaze moving over the display cases. It had been nearly a month since he and Rin had kissed, and since then, there had been an underlying tension whenever they were together. They had not spoken of that incident since, he not bringing it up because he wanted to go at her pace. He didn't dare to push her into something she wasn't ready for. Despite the constant urge to touch her, to hold her, he restrained himself. As much as it was killing him to go slow, he did. For her sake.

He groaned as he remembered that moment, cursing his lack of control. It was meant to be quick, a brush of his lips against hers but the feel of her against him had caused his self-restraint to slip. That damned kiss had opened the doors he had managed to keep shut for 17 years, the desire he had once managed to reign in now released into his system. It was undeniable now, his Rin was growing up into a beautiful young woman.

He dreamt of her every night since, her soft lips, her porcelain skin. His amber eyes darkened with lust, her taste, her smell. He rubbed his temples as he chided himself. She was still in junior high. She was three years younger than him. Kami, she was still so goddamn young.

Now it was the week of her fifteenth birthday, and Friday evening he and his family would be attending dinner with Rin and her family at The Garden.

"Fuck," he cursed low as he struggled to push her out of his mind. He looked intently at the gold bracelets in the case, but all he could think about was her and that goddamn kiss.

"What do you think Sesshomaru?" Izayoi asked, her small hand pointing to a delicate bracelet.

"Hn," he gave a noncommittal sound, moving from the case to the next. His eyes narrowed as he placed his hands on the glass, amber orbs studying the diamonds, imagining how they would look on a certain girl.

"A ring?" Izayoi murmured in amusement, glancing over at her son, "You're both a bit too young, don't you think?"

Sesshomaru scowled as he pushed himself away from the jewelry, "Obviously there is nothing in this shop that would fit her, so I suggest we leave." Everything in this shop was ostentatious and gaudy, ill fitting for a girl who found the beauty in simple things like flowers and sunrises.

Izayoi hid her smile at Sesshomaru's frustration, "Of course," she replied softly, leading him to the next shop she had in mind. "Perhaps Rin would care for a bag?" She asked, lifting a red leather satchel from the shelves.

Sesshomaru scrunched his nose in distaste, "No. Rin's not..." He sighed, pinching his nose, the nauseating smell of perfume permeating his senses. "Forget it." He had a headache, "We have to meet father soon."

"Of course darling," Izayoi thanked the shop attendants as they left the mall, "You seem quite concerned about purchasing the perfect gift for Rin," she mused as they walked through the underground parking garage.

"She puts so much thought into her gifts," he murmured absently, stuffing his hands into his pockets, "It's the least I can do to not just buy her another useless trinket."

"Hmm," Izayoi stepped into her sleek Mercedes, "I see." She leant back in her seat and turned to him, "She's good for you, isn't she?" She noted as she shifted into drive, "She makes you more... human."

Sesshomaru was silent, his long fingers curling around the hand rest. He couldn't argue with that, for Rin did make him better. She made him happy. She was the one who could pull him out of his dark moods, the one who balanced him, reminded him to breathe. He glanced up at the sunroof, watching the clouds move with the car.

That was why he needed to give her the perfect gift.

On Friday evening, Rin sat on the edge of the pond, her toes dangling in the lukewarm water. Ever since that kiss her relationship with Sesshomaru had been different. She had become hyperaware of his presence, his touch. She was constantly flustered, the comfortable playfulness gone and replaced with heart aching awkwardness as she fumbled with her words and blushed at the mere sight of him.

She groaned as her hands covered her face, reliving that perfect moment for the millionth time. She remembered his smell, that cologne that made her swoon, his warm, solid chest against hers, his hands on her waist. All she wanted was for him to kiss her again, and again, and again...

"Hey, birthday girl!"

Rin jumped at the greeting, her cheeks red, embarrassed by her thoughts. "Miroku," she held a hand to her chest as she stood up from the rock, "You scared me you jerk," she playfully swatted his arm as he moved to give her a hug.

"Yeah, yeah. Come on, give your big brother a hug," he cooed, grinning as they embraced. He patted her head, "So how does it feel Rinny, one year older? Any grey hairs yet?"

Rin scoffed, tempted to push him into the pond, "Grey hairs! You're two years older than me! If anyone is getting old, it's you." She leaned in and touched the sides of his eyes, "Yeah, look, you're getting wrinkles."

"What?" Miroku's smile fell, "You're lying. I'm impeccable." He swung his arm around his sister as he led her back into the private dining room their family had reserved for the night. "The perfect male specimen."

Rin giggled, "Yeah right. So how was practice?" She asked, tugging his baseball cap off his shaggy locks.

"You're looking at the star pitcher." He shrugged, unabashed. "You can't stop talent like mine from shining."

"He gets it from me," their father interjected as he pressed a kiss on Rin's head. "I led my team to a two-time National Championship in high school. If I hadn't have loved drawing so much I could have made it into the professional leagues."

"You mean as the water boy?" Their mother joked, wrapping her arm around her husband's waist.

Rin struggled not to laugh at the look of horror on her father's face, "Come on, truce guys! We still have so much to do before they get here." She exclaimed, taking her dads hand to the ladder where the fairy lights dangled from the ceiling. "You still have to finish putting those up!" She exclaimed, "And Miroku, you remembered to bring my dress right? And mom-"

"Decorating the cake dear," she replied happily, placing a white bag into Rin's hands. "Go change, your darling Sesshomaru will be here soon."

Rin blushed at the mention of a certain young man, "Oh." She scurried out of the room to change in the bathroom.

"Geez, she sure got bossy," Miroku grumbled, holding onto the ladder for his father.

"That son," he spoke low, hoping to bypass his darling wife's ears, "She gets from her mother."

Rin looked at herself in the mirror, brushing her ebony locks with her brush for the umpteenth time. She knew she was just trying to prolong returning to the dining room, but she was so nervous. A soft sigh escaped her as she placed her brush and her clothes in the white bag, adjusting her dress before stepping out of the bathroom. "It's just dinner," she reasoned with herself, "You've known these people for a decade Rin, get over it. Buck up. You can do this," she murmured to herself before stepping meekly into the room.

"There's the birthday girl!" Her mom called out as she stepped in, taking the bag from Rin's hand as she guided her towards the centre of the room where Sesshomaru and his family had arrived.

"Oh, you look beautiful Rin," Izayoi cooed, bringing her in for a hug, "Doesn't she?"

Inutaisho smiled, his large hand squeezing Rin's shoulder, "You're growing up to be quite the heartbreaker."

Rin blushed at his comment. Inutaisho still made her so skittish, reverting her back to that clumsy five year old with a crush. Perhaps it was because he reminded her so much of the husband she wished to have someday. "T-Thank you," she returned, flashing him a quick smile.

"Happy birthday Rin," Inuyasha exclaimed, "So can we eat now right? I'm starving!"

The group laughed, moving to take their seats at the large, circular table in the centre of the room, leaving Rin and Sesshomaru by the door.

He cleared his throat, amber eyes studying the girl in front of him. She wore a lace trimmed baby doll, the silk flowing exquisitely as she fidgeted with her feet. Her hair was loose today, soft curls bouncing ever so slightly as she moved towards him. "Happy birthday," he greeted her once he found his voice. She looked exquisite.

Her cheeks turned red, "Thank you," she bit her lip, looking up into his gaze. "Uh, can I... have a hug?"

He laughed, running his hand through his hair, "Yeah, of course." They moved into each other's embrace, him taking the moment to inhale her scent.

"Come on," she grinned once they parted, taking his hand and led him to the dining table, "They can't start without us."

After dinner and cake they had moved the party to outside the dining room, where the pond held centre stage. The group, save for Sesshomaru, gathered around Rin as she began to open her presents. She took her time, graciously thanking whomever for their gifts. He couldn't help but smile as he heard her squeal, holding up a orange dog collar, "Does this mean we're getting a dog?" She exclaimed to her parents, her eyes jubilant.

He sighed as he moved to lean against the wall, watching as she jumped up and hugged her parents. She looked so tempting tonight, so goddamn innocent in her white dress. Surely he would dream of her in that dress tonight. Kami, did she even realize how high her skirt had ridden as she knelt on the ground to open her presents?

And yet she was entirely ignorant to how beguiling she was.

Rin turned briefly to find Sesshomaru looking back intently at her. She beamed, hoping to see that heartachingly gorgeous smile on his face, but his mouth remained tight, his amber eyes dark. She pouted as she returned to opening her gifts, watching Sesshomaru from the corner of her eye. She tried to remain enthusiastic but her energy was dampened by that look in his eyes. What's wrong with him?

By the end of the night the parents had gathered around the table, drinking and talking merrily to each other while Miroku and Inuyasha played catch together outside the restaurant, leaving Rin and Sesshomaru alone in the garden.

"Ano, Sesshomaru," she asked, shuffling towards him, "You don't look happy today," she noted. "Did I do something?"

Sesshomaru dared to look into her brilliant brown eyes, losing himself in her gaze. "No," he managed, his throat tightening. He recognized that look of hurt, cursing himself for his curt response. "Don't be foolish Rin," his voice was husky as his hand lifted to touch her cheek.

Rin frowned, "Sesshomaru. Then what's going on with you?" She questioned, "Why are you so, so..." she couldn't name it. Angry? Brooding? Cold? "Heathcliff-y?"

He couldn't help but laugh, "You're insane," he muttered, rubbing his face with his hand. Kami, she smelt so good. He felt his defenses crumbling, "Clinically insane."

She pouted, "Sesshomaru," she called out and it drove him nuts. Because all he could do was picture her in his bed, naked, and shouting his name as he brought her pleasure.

"Fuck," he cursed as his eyes widened at the thought and pushed himself away. He took several steps back. "Let's take a walk," he suggested, needing to cool down his thoughts. Honestly, her father was only a step away. If he knew what he was thinking of, picturing his daughter doing entirely naughty things, he'd be shot. He moved swiftly, struggling to calm himself.

Rin huffed as Sesshomaru jogged away, having to run up to catch up with him. "Hey, wait up," she murmured, slipping her much smaller hand through his when she caught up with him.

He glanced down, squeezing her hand in a pathetic attempt to apologize. He licked his lips as they walked around the pond in the moonlight, his eyes set on the young woman beside him. She looked like a fay tonight, her big, brown eyes sparkling with the stars.

When his thoughts had calmed he began to speak, "I have a gift for you," he told her, bringing her to the dock that overlooked the water.

She grinned, "Yeah? I thought you guys already got me that really cute purse?"

"That was from them," he replied, reaching into his blazer to bring out a white pouch. "This is from me." He placed it into her outstretched hands, "Happy birthday Rin."

"Oh," she cooed at she untied the bag, "It's heavy," she noted, her small fingers pulling up a delicate white gold chain. She gasped as she revealed the pendant, it was double-sided and hammered, etched with a floral symbol on both sides.

He stepped closer, his fingers taking the necklace from Rin's and turned her to place it on her. He lifted her hair to one side and reached around to clasp the necklace in place.

Rin felt her eyes water as she turned to face him, her fingers grasping the pendant, "Is this?"

He nodded, "The Takahashi kamon," his arms wrapped around her, "Fitting, don't you think, for a future Takahashi?"

She giggled, "Yes, it's perfect." She leaned up onto her toes and kissed his cheek, "Thank you Maru," she murmured, leaning her forehead against his strong chest.

He chuckled, his hand lifting to cup her chin, "I think you can do better than that?"

She grinned, biting her peach-stained lips as she placed her hands on his shoulders, "Can I-"

"Yes," he interrupted, because he needed to taste her again. He placed his lips on hers, kami, he thought, this felt so right. Their kiss was light and playful, leaving them breathless when they parted.

"Sesshomaru," she swallowed her fears, her hands shaking, "I really, really like kissing you." She noted, trying to maintain her casual tone, "And... if it's ok with you, I'd like to again sometime."

He smirked, kissing. Just kissing. He could handle that. "Anytime Rin." He murmured, toying with the pendant that rested below her collar bone. Because she was his.

"And," she cleared her throat, "I'm sorry if I've been really awkward recently," she added, "I just... you make me so nervous sometimes."

He sighed, "If we're apologizing then I apologize for being... an asshole," he returned, losing himself in her sparkling gaze.

"I think I know the problem," she replied, her thumb brushing over his lips, "You went through Rin withdrawal. Without me, you turn into a jerk, so..." she squealed as he placed her up onto the railings of the dock, her legs wrapping around his waist as he placed himself between her limbs, "I recommend a minimum of five kisses per week to cure you."

"I think I can manage that," he took her lips once more, this time slow and passionate. Kami, would he ever get tired of this? He was losing himself in her, her eyes, her lips, the feel of her nubile body against his. She was so goddamn soft.

"Ahem." Inutaisho clear his throat as he spotted the two teenagers caught up in their embrace.

Rin squeaked as she spotted Sesshomaru's father, pushing him away so she could stand on the dock. Her legs were wobbly, her hands clutching Sesshomaru's arm as she looked warily at her elder. Was he angry with them? She wondered, her hold on Sesshomaru tightening.

Inutaisho's face was stern as he spoke, "I see you two have enjoyed Rin's birthday celebrations."

"Father-" Sesshomaru interjected.

Inutaisho waved his hand, "I don't want to hear it." He then smiled, "Or did you forget, that I too was young once upon a time? Come Sesshomaru, it's time we leave."

Rin felt her shoulders relax, relieved she was still in his good graces. Sesshomaru nodded his head, turning to Rin to place a chaste kiss on her forehead, "Happy birthday." He murmured before he walked towards his father.

Rin simply smiled as she watched them leave, her hand curled around his present. Her body still tingled from his touch. It's like I'm still dreaming.

"You should consider yourself lucky that it was I and not her father that came to retrieve you." Inutaisho observed his son, taking in the soft smile that appeared on his usual stoic face.

Sesshomaru shrugged, glancing back at Rin who was now dancing on the dock. Perhaps his father would understand, he thought, "Excuse me a moment." He jogged back to Rin and caught her waist, bringing her into his embrace as he took her lips for the third time that night.

Inutaisho laughed as he watched them kiss once more, the only thought that came to his mind was wondering who exactly was going to foot the bill for their wedding.

For those wondering, a kamon is basically the japanese version of a crest!

xoxo

paizley