Disclaimer: Nope, do not own Inuyasha and characters

Chapter summary: An unexpected incident pushed Rin to discover how importantly she viewed the lord of the west in her life.

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First Touch

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"Report!" Seated regally at his throne, the demon lord pointed one clawed finger at one of his generals who had just entered the main hall. A little away, through the window where a full moon hung, symphonies of howling winds carried with them particularly strong stench of gore with every ghostly gust.

Though his armor was tattered and blood smeared, the demon messenger under questioning had probably only suffered minor injuries. Quietly observing the situation from beside the Taiyoukai, Rin dared only to poke her head out slightly, her nervous fingers gripping the wooden corners of the enormous chair a little more tightly than she normally would. And as if able to sense her anxiety, even when his vision was fixed on his wounded soldier bowing before him, Sesshoumaru's hand glided to settle on one of the girl's, patting on it twice to reassure her.

It seemed that for the past few days, rebels had emerged from various remote regions and Sesshoumaru had ordered the most elite of his troops to quell them.

"My lord, we have successful rooted their hideouts in the northern forests. But we heard news that on general Nazu's side, they were experiencing tougher retaliation and greater casualties. At the deep intertwining tunnels of the caverns, it had been harder to capture those wretched insurgents. "

Sesshoumaru's ambers shifted to the girl, who a while back, had been by his side. Now, she had disappeared through the exit and his youkai senses had allowed him to hear her clearly from where he was.

"Rei! Rei!" The girl dashed out after her demoness friend, noting that she was heading relentlessly towards the barracks.

Entering one of the weaponry tents, Rin watched as her friend desperately tried to put on an armor meant for smaller built females. "Rei, you can't go. It's too dangerous out there."

The demoness shook her head violently while she continued her task. "Rin, I have to go. I am Nazu's mate. I-I can't let him fight alone out there."

"B-But, Rei…" The girl placed her hand on her friend's, attempting to stop her from tying the finishing battle sash.

"You're too young to understand but one day, you will. Rin, I love him." The demoness' eyes glistened with frantic tears.

Rin had never seen Rei so determined to have her way. Her friend was right. She did not know love. How could she? She was only fourteen. She had not been wooed by any male as yet. But in her heart, she didn't care much about such matters. She had her lord and that was all she needed. Her Sesshoumaru-sama…

Then again, she also understood this, that if the person out there Sesshoumaru, she'd have done the same. Swiftly, she marched toward the armor shelf, picking up another set. "I'll go with you, Rei."

This time, it was the demoness who turned pale. "No Rin. You can't. Sesshoumaru-sama would never let you go." This was a fact every demon in the western court knew though it was never mouthed as an order from the Taiyoukai himself. The girl was viewed as the most protected person in the entire western lands.

"I don't care. If you're going, I'm going too." The girl clicked the last iron buckle, fastening her metal breast plate, then, started to plait her hair into a long braid. With a practiced hand, she twined it round into a low bun, fixing it in place with her silver pin.

After a brief moment of consideration, the demoness finally nodded as she picked up a spear. She threw it to the girl and took another for herself. "The reinforcement will be sent out to Nazu's camp right about now. We could disguise ourselves as one of them. R-Rin, are you sure you wish to come?"

The girl nodded in agreement. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. Sesshoumaru-sama did train me in self defense himself, didn't he?" She flashed a smile of confidence.

"Arigato, Rin. Let's set off then."

The two females, Rin first exited the tent, the demoness closely behind.

"Ouch!" The girl bumped straight into really hard metal just standing on the other side of the curtain door screen. She rubbed on the slight redness on her temple and gasped as she noted a pair of very familiar white hakama tugged into black embroided boots. Tracing up long legs to the golden sash to the spiked metal plate juxtaposing rich long fur beside it, she finally met with glowering golden hues. "S-Sesshoumaru-sama…"

The demoness instantly fell on her knees, her head deeply bowed and not daring even to look up at her sire.

"Where are you going?" Even when spoken in his normal tones, the girl could feel the stern tension in his voice.

"I'm going with Rei to help general Nazu." Rin stood boldly before her lord; she knew she didn't have a choice.

"You know I cannot allow this, Rin." He spoke calmly, though the girl had already realized that she had raised his ire by the hint of redness that flashed in his eyes the moment he heard her request.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, I-I have to… help Rei. I have to go." Trying to look as determined as she could, she lifted her chin, meeting his now fully widened blood shot eyes in her full height, which was a little lower than his pointed ears. She'd never disobey him… but this time… it was different. "I-I'm sorry." With that, she began to march off but only managed two steps before a strong hand caught her elbow in a grip of pure steel.

"Leave us." The demon lord pointed to the trembling demoness on the ground and she scrambled out of the room almost all her fours. His hand glided down from her elbow to her hand, taking over the weapon she was holding onto.

Watching quietly as her friend left the room, the girl knew she had lost to his dominance. She did not give a fight when he took her spear, just merely shunning his gaze.

Sensing that Rin had calmed down significantly, Sesshoumaru put both hands on her shoulder, bringing her right in front of him, breast plate to breast plate. He noticed too that she was purposefully looking down on the ground. He didn't force her, but started to unbuckle her armor, flinging it to the corner of tent as it crashed there with a loud thud.

Then as gentle as he could, he tried to lift her chin. She fought it at first but he was insistent. Finally, she relented, her eyes meeting his. Though the demon lord was aware that this was a time to be firm with the girl, he still could not help but admire how perfectly her incredibly long lashes had complemented her deep set hazels.

His Rin was so perfect… She will stay this way, happy, healthy and safe.

"I will never risk your safety, Rin, and you know that." His hand reflectively moved to touch the healing sword at his waist. "Tenseiga… cannot revive you the second time."

At the moment, the girl saw in his eyes her lord's true emotions. He had never seemed so worried and tense. Well, she had never defied him like she did just now either. "I-I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama." She had somehow responded naturally. It was as if her heart was led to mouth that. "I-I shouldn't have…" She gasped as she felt his touch again, this time at her nape and moving up.

In one swift motion, the demon lord removed the silver pin from Rin's hair, then his skilled claws released her bun, loosening her braid, his youkai senses picking up appreciatively the floral scents of her cascading waist long tresses. He flashed her a cool smile as she looked at him with slight shock, then picking up one of her hands and turning her palm up, he placed the silver pin in it.

"S-Sesshoumaru-sama…"

"Rin, come." He gestured her to the direction of the entryway, taking the lead in walking toward it. Seeing the puzzled look on the girl's face, he smiled. "To you room, Rin. I've ordered our supper to be sent there. News from Nazu's side would reach right about when we finish."

"Hai." Along the stony path through the dimly lit garden, the girl followed along and re-tying half her hair into the usual style she wore. There was always such a contented sense of security whenever her lord was by her side. He'd shield her from every possible aspects of danger all the time and his presence had always brought to her immense calmness.

But recently, somehow, it had become different. She, had changed. At times when Sesshoumaru was so close, she would feel the rapid jump in her heart beat. He'd make her feel nervous but yet safe, uncomfortable but yet not quite so. She yearned to see him but when she did, it wasn't all joyous like when she was a child. The bottom line is … she felt strangely heated up and not knowing what actually caused all of these … stirring emotions. She'd always tell him everything but somehow, she really didn't wish to share with him as yet about this new change in her.

Even when he was taking the lead, unable to quite have a clear view of the one behind her, he could sense that she was unusually quiet, seemingly deep in her own thoughts. For the past few months, Rin had begun to keep to herself more. He had enquired about her from the chamber maid and even Rika commented that the girl had often requested to be left on her own.

He was also well aware of Rin's growing emotions for him. That part, he couldn't be more pleased. However, he'd have thought that she'd be…well… more like some other females in the past who had confessed their love for him, though unrequited. They were much more forthcoming, bold and loud. Desperate… for his attention, which they were greatly disappointed.

Rin was very different. It was true that she had paid more attention to his needs and requests but on the whole, she had been much more reserved in expressing herself. There were even times he thought she felt tense and uneasy around him.

Perhaps, she needed more time to sort things out. And the demon lord did not detest that idea one bit Truly, a decision to love someone and to see them as one to spend a lifetime with... would not be easy, something made out of a pure whim. Plus, she was so young, even younger than most of the demon toddlers in the court, who averaged to be between twenty to thirty years as compared to the girl's human fourteen.

The Taiyoukai breathed a long sigh to himself. There was no way he could deny that he loved her…and to the extent that the wait was getting to tedious to bear. His patience was indeed slowly running out.

Arriving at her chamber with neither speaking to the other, they soon settled down, each on one side of the dinner table and Rin initiated the pouring of tea into their cups, Sesshoumaru first then her own. Rika laid the table with a light but delightful assortment of dishes, then bowed and excused herself.

As the supper commenced, the demon lord got more concerned how Rin had remained silently in her thoughts, hardly touching her food. He guessed that her mind was still dwelling upon the situation of Nazu and his mate.

Well, he was actually mostly correct. But the fact was… the girl was also tormented by Rei's last words.

I am Nazu's mate. I can't let him fight alone out there… You're too young to understand but one day you will…

She was actually beginning to understand all these talks of a subject she had yet to experience, especially when she witnessed tears that shimmered in Rei's eyes as she spoke those words to her and how undaunted she was of death.

So… this is… love? And if there is someone who can make me feel like this, does that mean … I …?

On the opposite side of the table, the Taiyoukai was completely aware of every change in her pulse and worse, how pale she had turned.

"Rin…"

Shocked into returning from her internal musings, Rin almost dropped the pair of chopsticks in her hands. With half trembling fingers, she scrambled to pick them up. Looking up a little embarrassed, she was met with deeply furrowed brows.

"Are you alright?"

His rich voice set a strange shiver up her spine. "I-I'm alright, Sesshoumaru-sama… really." She added with a forced smile.

"Tell me what's on your mind." He was becoming too curious not to ask. He did understand that she needed time to sort things out but this… this had become too unnerving. Perhaps… if he could coax her into sharing with him a little of how she felt…

His question stumped the girl. She wasn't exactly ready to share this new discovery of her inner most self to him.

Why is that? A little voice inside her enquired and all of a sudden, the answer dawned on her.

She swallowed a lump in her throat. "I'm alright. I guess I'm worried about Nazu-sama and Rei." That was not entirely the truth and she knew… and she knew he knew.

But I-I can't ….love him… I… He…I'm…human…I'm not good enough… He'll never see me in that way… He won't…

The torment within her grew as she waited for him to speak but he did not, merely regarding her intently. Soon, it became too much for her and hints of tears slowly began to form in her eyes.

As if he had correctly guessed it, quickly, Sesshoumaru went over to her side, putting his arm round her shoulder, stroking and soothing her. "Do not be afraid, Rin … however you are feeling." He brought her into his embrace, holding her firmly in his arms as his fingers combed down her hair in a slow calming motion.

Her head leaning against her lord's and surrounded by his scent, the girl gradually calmed down. Her eyes drifted close, enjoying his warmth and this moment they shared, his last words ringing in her ears. "Rei said that I do not understand love… but I do."

Taken aback by her sudden comment, Sesshoumaru positioned her a little away till he could see her face. He noted how agitated she was; her fingers tightly scrunched into a white ball under the sleeves of her yukata.

"Rin…"

"I'll never…" She shut her eyes tightly, squeezing all the tears as they flowed down her cheeks. "I'll never let the one I love fight alone. If he has to die, I'd die with him." She looked up at him earnestly for some sort of approval. "That was why I had to go with Rei. Sesshoumaru-sama, you'd have done the same, ne?"

The demon lord's eyes widened, disconcerted red flashed across his ambers. He firmly held her close till he could feel her breath on his. "I will never… let her die, even if it means I have to go into hell to get her back."

Now Rin was shocked to silence for a while, then a smile slowly curved upon her lips as if a burden had been lifted from her heart. Seeing that, the demon lord's own tension faded, his grip on her softened. "Like the time Sesshoumaru-sama came to get Rin?" She half winked up at him, her eyes glittering.

So she remembers…He nodded, his own lips hinted a smile as he heard a soft calming sigh from her.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"What is it?"

"Will you… stay with me…tonight?"

Ever since he reinstated himself at the western fortress, there were nights whereby he had stayed over at her chamber, especially nights when she had been haunted by nightmares… memories of her close-death encounters. His presence had always seemed to calm her but he, too, had enjoyed these stays.

Secretly elated at the girl's request, the Taiyoukai merely nodded coolly. Actually, it was his intention as well to remain by her side this night. On one hand, he was guarding against the possibility of Rin running off after Rei; On the other, he was more concerned about how she had seemed so vexed over the issue of their relationship. Till now, he couldn't figure out what was troubling her.

If he had the chance, he'd make her tell him.

Through the night, Sesshoumaru lay awake, pondering over the matters at hand while he let his fingers casually run through some loose strains of Rin's hair as she slumbered in his arms. It was times like these that made him feel so completely relaxed.

After Rin had fallen asleep, messengers had brought news of Nazu's triumphant return. The youkai general had sustained some nasty wounds, but none that he would recover from under the care of his mate.

Rin, she'd be so happy to learn of this in the morning….

The feel of her soft warmth, her steady inhalations, her occasional movements to snuggle even closer, how she'd circle her arms round his waist in her dreams, her sweet scent of soap and fresh flowers… All these … were so uniquely and irreplaceably her…

The demon lord sighed, pulling the covers on both of them. He had felt her shiver and guessed it was due to the night chills. But it was not so. He soon sensed her erratic pulse as her fingers grasped onto his sleeve. She pushed at him, then pulled, tossed and thrashed, her lips quivering as if mouthing words… one word in particular…

His name. She was calling out for him.

"Rin… wake up…" He cupped her cheeks, shaking her gently at first but it did not work. Soon, he smelt her tears, feeling its dampness on his yukata.

"Sess…shou…maru…sama…" He heard his name….again, feeling how tightly now she was grabbing onto him. Worriedly, he shook her again.

"Rin… it's just a nightmare… wake up…. Please…"

He stopped when he saw her eyes half opened and bleary. She seemed so dazed as though still in a state of disorientation. "Sesshou…maru-sama… please…." Tears flowed steadily down her cheeks as she seemed to be looking up at him. "P-Please…. Don't …die…. Please…"

"It's just a dream, Rin… just a dream…" He continued crooning calming words into her ears, bringing her into a hug, dismayed that she was still crying.

"I-I… love…you…"

What was that? What did Rin just say?

Sesshoumaru pulled the girl up to his level, staring at her open-mouthed in a contradicting mixture of pure shock and pleasant surprise.Rin was looking so dazed that he wondered the authenticity of her confession.

"I love you…Sesshoumaru-sama… please… don't die…"

There was it again and this time, the demon lord couldn't find it in him to deny what he had waited for so long. He tilted her chin upward, lowered his mouth till it touched hers. He felt her gasp, then she accepted his kiss.

Gods he had dreamt of this so many times before and but still, it was nothing like this. Her lips felt so soft and she tasted so very pure and…sweet…. somewhat different from that time when he had kissed her.

Yes… she was already his mate then… but now, she's… untainted….virgin.

Perhaps, this was the night he'd change that. Even though Rin was still young, it was not uncommon for human girls to already be mothers at her present age. Then, she would be truly his. Even as the thought occurred to him, he had already felt his reactions to her… his readiness to take her.

A fierce internal battle waged within the taiyoukai as he madly kissed the girl he was pinning beneath him, feeling every soft sensuous curves of her body heatedly rubbing against his.

All of a sudden, he felt something strange that made him stop. He broke his kiss, panting and catching his breath as he examined Rin.

She…. was asleep… again?

He swallowed hard, willing himself to calm down, both physically and emotionally. He frowned, amused and disappointed at the same time. After a short moment as he thought things through, he shook his head, smirking mostly at himself.

Well, it wasn't all for nothing. Rin did say she loved him.

And also, he kissed her.

He sighed.

How much would Rin remember of this the next day? Somehow, he wouldn't place his hopes too high, seeing how deeply she was now slumbering. Would this become just a dream for her?

As the signs of early dawn penetrated the bamboo screens, the demon lord picked up the girl's gradual increase in pulse. The entire night, he had remained awake; not that he wished to though. He had a particularly serious attack of insomnia. Also to aid in restraining himself, he had lay a little away from Rin, instead of having her sleep in his arms.

Soon, the girl began to rouse. Rubbing her eyes, she blinked a few times as she felt around her. She peered around, spotting her lord looking down at her. Her brows furrowed at the complicated expression on his face, then smiling up at him. "Good morning…"

She thought she saw him force a smile as he nodded in response. "Did you sleep well?"

Rin thought about the answer for a moment. She recalled dreams but yet, could not really remember the details. "I guess so." she rolled her face on her pillows, enjoying its silken comforts. "Any news from Nazu-sama?"

So, she has indeed forgotten….

"He has returned and is under care for his injuries." He replied coolly. "Would you like to visit?"

Rin rolled over to her side, letting one elbow support her weight, seeming to be considering his suggestion.

She seems relieved. The demon lord observed.

"So?"

The girl shook her head as she smiled back. "I think Rei will like to have some private time with him. I guess it is best not to intrude."

Sesshoumaru's brows rose. He'd have agreed with her on that, though he was still trying to musk the fact that he was disheartened that she had not retained that important piece of memory from the night before.

"Sesshoumaru-sama?" The sweet sound of her voice broke his thoughts.

"What is it?"

"Can we… perhaps… sleep a little longer?" She didn't wait for his reply before lurching forward to initiate a hug. On her own, she found her favorite spot in his arms, her eyes closing as she sighed with contentment. She hid her slight blush from him purposefully. "I… I like some private time with Sesshoumaru-sama too."

That last comment did somewhat appease the demon lord. He held her closer, pulling the blankets over them. He let his eyes close, feeling finally he was relaxed enough to rest a bit. Rin still needed time but her feeling for him was definite. It wouldn't be long before he could finally claim her.

Perhaps, he should just enjoy these last bits of his time as an unmated youkai. He began planning for time… trips on his own as he drifted off to sleep, his hands continuously caress the one snuggling in his warmth.

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Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for taking time to review on the fic. I'm truly touched and really greatly encouraged to do updating fast.

Well, as you see, Rin's growing up pretty fast and somewhere down the line, this fic will no longer hold the rating of PG13. It'll go into NC17.

I was just wondering if there're some who have to skip the citrus sections later on. I think I'd put up some clear warnings. Also, I'll clearly sectioned off the parts related to the lemon so if you need to skip it, you can.

Would that be good? Or do you have a better idea?

Do review and let me know…

Lovin' ya all…

evilbunny