Disclaimer and notes: I do not own Inuyasha, for the record. And this was this idea that came to me while reading countless cute Rin and Sessy fanifcs. Not the couple, of course, but of that cute little father/daughter relationship they have. Every time Sesshomaru would embrace her, or pick her up, I pictured that one arm and…well, you'll see. This is what I see. Enjoy.

Sesshomaru usually had his eyes totally unfeeling when they were open. When they were closed, they could look however they wished, but today…today…

Rin had had a nightmare the night before. He remembered her face; widened eyes spilling tears, her tiny frame trembling. In a meek whisper she said that she was afraid to go back to sleep alone; asked if she could sleep next to 'her Sesshomaru-sama.' Sesshomaru did not hesitate to comply and drew her close to him with one clawed hand…he paused a moment and his grip on her tightened as he tried to raise the other arm, to hold her more securely, to rub her comfortingly…but couldn't. He couldn't…hold…his Rin. Never before had something like this bothered him, but now, because of this child, he was very troubled.

For a moment, he found himself angry at Rin, but he felt too guilty to blame her. No matter what he appeared to feel, Rin was very special to him. How could he be upset at her because of something that was his problem, and his feelings entirely?

His anger swiftly turned and new hatred began to burn for his brother. He was the one who had cut off his own brother's arm. He was the reason Sesshomaru could not curl his entire embrace around the child he loved so much. Sesshomaru's arm was gone, and he could never embrace Rin the way he wanted to. For that instant, he wanted to kill Inuyasha more than ever.

But what would that do? His arm was gone for good. But…he could find another one…couldn't he? A gentle one, a soft one…human perhaps. One that would wrap firmly around the little girl and hold her tight, but that was so, so gentle…gentle enough to wipe away the tears of nightmares and rub her back soothingly. For another moment, that was all Sesshomaru could think of. But how long would it take to find such a perfect arm? Would he still need to hold Rin in that time? Or would she be unafraid and not need her Lord Sesshomaru-sama to protect her?

His eyes closed so he could release the emotion that he felt. Fear. Fear of not being needed. When had he allowed himself to become so weak?

"Lord Sesshomaru?" His golden eyes opened to the girl's curious face. His fear was hidden.

"What is it, Rin?"

Rin smiled. "Will you hug me, Sesshomaru-sama?"

Sesshomaru wanted to, he did, but he couldn't…he turned his face away. "Such a silly request, child. This Sesshomaru cannot show such affection."

"But you can, Lord Sesshomaru! You do…every time I'm afraid." Rin smiled and hugged her lord. "Please, Sesshomaru-sama?"

Sesshomaru did nothing for a moment. Then his one arm wrapped around her and held her close. He tried his best to wrap his whole arm around the child. He wanted her to have that feeling of security…he wanted her to feel protected.

But then he felt Rin's small arms wrap around him. Her arms were so tiny, and she could not get them around the inuyoukai's entire body. And as Sesshomaru realized that whether or not she could hug him fully didn't matter to him, he thought…maybe it didn't matter to Rin either.

Maybe he didn't need two arms to hold her. Maybe…all she needed to know…was that her Lord Sesshomaru would hug her anyway.

And maybe that was all he needed, too.

The end! Wasn't it so cheesy? Oh well! Everyone needs some cheesy stories here and there, so the other ones can look good compared! Haha, sorry. I just really wanted to write this. It's cheesy, but…eh. What'd you all think? Please review!