Holy mother of mercy! I am on a roll! It's been less than a month! I am just that good! ^_^

Well, I am so, so happy that so many people like this story. You are my favorite people in the world, you know that? When you deliver, you really deliver. I just hope you know what you are in for.

I am back and happy to tell you that you will, indeed, enjoy this lovely monstrosity!

IT'S ALIVE!

On with the show!

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

I lie here, still as a painting; motionless as a sculpture, yet as aware as a hyperactive cat to my surroundings, unsure of what is going on. Relaxed, I reside in a comfortable position, my arm framing my face over my head, the other dangling to the floor, exposing the features of my face, showing my mask of makeup with a sort of exuberance... curious... I lie on a dark, red-velvet couch looking into the darkness as the illumination of lit candles light up the tiniest hue, almost giving off an illusion in the perfect darkness as to what comes my way as the folds of my black dress fall glamorously to the ground. I am completely vulnerable; stuck... Almost scared as to whatever comes closer. Nothing but music blares through the room almost like a bizarre, dark, and twisted music video as I hear the words overbear my ears... I feel him approach...

He comes nearer, I feel his strong presence fill the room instantly, as if he just appeared like magic. I gasp in complete surprise as I suddenly feel his gentle touch caress my skin. I feel a strange sensation that I have never felt before, such a strong, soothing... fiery sensation within my core as his hands move on the outer shell of my dress.

He comes closer and closer to me, pressing against me. I eventually hear the rugged breaths of his calm, yet uneasy breathing. He barely makes a sound as I suddenly feel a kiss within my hair, and he holds me close to him.

He caresses me in such a sensual manor, taking great care and protection of what he suddenly and rightfully calls his own. He pulls me, binds me, mentally moves me like a lifeless doll... Treating me like a marionette, holding my strings in limbo and manipulating me for his own desires; I not having a care in the world... Completely at his mercy, almost wanting; thriving. A simple kiss grows into such a sensual fire that flairs between us, melting us alive... I am not able to control myself. I am completely care free and lustful to his rage and total control over me.

I am paralyzed; motionless... completely still. I use every fiber of my being to do so much as lift a finger, but all else fails as the numbness is permanently cursed in my body... Yet, I am still alive inside. My stillness is only cured with his touch... his hold on me and my body; his power over me. I feel something.

I open my eyes; he pursues me... It feels good; it feels right... But is it? The rebel in me knows this is wrong, and it thrives for it. It's wrong!

I. Don't. Care.

I don't need it, but I want it; I desire it; I crave it; I yearn for it;

I deserve it.

He caresses me and holds me tenderly with excessive care as I refuse to let go. I burn in my core within the heat of the moment... All I can say is "Take Me Away,".

...

He stay silent as the wind as one last kiss escapes from his being to mine. A gentle smile presses against my shoulder as I grasp onto him for dear life... I relieve my tension, I relieve every emotion...

Amazing...

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Rin leisurely awakens from her slumber. her mind slowly dissolves from its sleepy haze as it becomes more and more aware that it is time to wake up. Her eyes open to the bright and inviting sun that illuminates through her thin blinds. Her, rather... detailed dream lingered far from her mind, completely forgotten as her body and soul just wanted to wake up. Taking a deep breath, she stretches her limbs as far as she can and slowly sits up in her bed noticing that she slept in the outfit that she wore yesterday. With no shoes on her feet, she sees her black pumps standing perfectly on the ground next to her window and then suddenly wonders... where the hell she is...

Suddenly, and ungodly noise of frustration came from her vocal chords.

"Oh, God," she groggily spoke to herself. "I did it again..." her head lands in the palm of her right hand in shame. "I'm such a loser..." she says before remembering. "No... I didn't have anything thing to drink. I wasn't "Allowed". I just fell asleep at the airport." she smiles in pride actually remembering something for once! "Yeah. Yeah! Sesshomaru got our luggage! I remember now-" her pride slowly faded. "But how did I... get... in..." she plops back down in her pillows. "He carried me in! Man!" her face turned red as she dug it under her covers.

After a moment, she decided to just leave it in the past and get on up. She was in London, England. There is(unfortunately) plenty of time to be embarrassed later! She stood up, stretched back, and headed for the large window. Opening the curtains, there it was, in it's lavish beauty. It was an amazing view to behold. Her smile was as big as her face as she saw what all of the online images and postcards show finally come to life. It was like a dream come true! She instantly saves the memory in her head, seeing everything, buildings, landmarks, roads, signs, and its people.

She couldn't wait to explore!

She took a quick look at the alarm clock to catch the time before making her rounds...

1:30 p.m.

Jeez.

Knowing that she is in an extended room to Sesshomaru's, there are two doors, one for his room that will lead to the front door, and one that will lead to the wash room. Taking a guess in which one's which, she picks the door closest to her and walks right into his room expecting to see his majesty...

Somewhere?

No?

What? He's gone?

"Where did he go?"

She scans the room a little more, being a little nosy, and hoping to find a clue as to where he could be. With nothing, she heads to the wash room and doesn't see anything in there, either.

She huffs in a frown. Making her way back to her room, she suddenly double-takes a piece of furniture that is stylishly placed in the corner of his room.

It was a-a...

'I lie on a dark, red-velvet couch looking into the darkness as the illumination of lit candles light up the tiniest hue,'

Rin completely falls on her backside as if she were smacked with a metal image of the dream she had the night before...

'He comes nearer, I feel his strong presence fill the room instantly, as if he just appeared like magic.'

"Wait... I had a dream last night!?"

He caresses me in such a sensual manor,

"Omigawd!"

'He pulls me, binds me, mentally moves me like a lifeless doll...'

Make it stoooooop!" she says slowly remembering more and more. "Music!" she said standing and running away to her room of solace. "Must...have... music..." she practically slammed on the radio button of her alarm clock and blasted the music. A popular song came on and she listened intently to the foreign words that she could sort of make out. Calming down from her over-reaction to a down right dirty dream about her boss- she exhales as she suddenly eyeballs a note on top of her luggage bag.

Tilting her head to the side, she crawled on her knees to see the, said note. Opening the envelope she opens to read something from Sesshomaru. "Well, at least he's considerate."

Ms. Tamiko,

There is much to do in order to prepare for the ceremony tomorrow. You will not see me. However, this hotel is on a populated tourist street with plenty to keep you busy. Go and buy a dress to make you look presentable for tomorrow night. I want you back in this room by 8 p.m. sharp.

- Sesshomaru

"Huh," she scratched her head in surprise. "Well alright then. Go shop like a tourist, boss' orders." she said standing with the letter at hand. "Don't have to tell me twice," she said as she felt something else within the envelope. Quirking an eyebrow, she digs in it and pulls out whatever is in it. Looking down she sees a credit card-

What the-

"Seriously?" she wanted to sound sarcastic, but seeing HER name on it didn't call for it. "He's freaking serious. I never signed for this!" she says in a grunt of frustration. "When is he going to learn that enough is enough!" she threw the letter and it's guts on her bed.

Forgetting about that, she took her time getting ready. She took a loooong shower, and picked out her cutest outfit. Slipping on her flats, and grabbing her purse with her wallet(without the credit card), and key for the room, she headed for Sesshomaru's room, evading any sight of a certain red velvet couch in that certain corner of his room, and headed for the front door only for there to be another letter taped to it.

"God, am I on big brother or something?" she says opening to read.

Ms. Tamiko,

P.S.

That credit card is co-signed in my name. If I don't see a purchase on it at the end of the evening, you're fired.

"WHAT?!"

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

It seems that all those English classes in high school really pays off when one goes to an English country, and Rin is so, very thankful. She was so proud of how much of her own money she was able to save for this trip. She felt as if she had more than enough to do everything there was to do. Sure Izayoi shoved money in Rin's purse while she wasn't looking, but Rin purposely left that money back in her hotel room, and kept her new credit card in the very back of her wallet. Rin didn't need help. Why can't they understand that?

She made it to a money station to change her yen into euros. She was way too excited for this experience, getting to see foreign money for the first time, and being able to use it, she feels so grown up! How awesome will this be?!

So... Rin learned a little lesson in currency between different cultures, and learned that she had a lot less money then she planned on having. Apparently the euro weighs A LOT more than yen does... That's nice. Now she is not as prepared as the once thought. Before the transfer, she thought that she had more than enough for a shopping spree and two meals. But, she will just have to eat one meal, and get a really cute dress for a really cheap price... She also wanted to get all of her friends a little something of a memento so they know that she thought of them. Now she's screwed.

'Wait. I have a credit card!'

'NO! No you don't. You are not using it!'

'What's the harm in it? He said to use it anyway.'

'Oh, so now you are just going to dump your morals and just take money like some charity bank just so you could buy all the dresses and stupid knick knack's that mean absolutely nothing?'

'But I-'

'No.'

She nodded her head in agreement. "I will figure it out myself!" she says to herself walking away with her head held high.

Rin was happily able to communicate, somewhat, to people who worked in the shoppes that resided on the tourist street that seemed to go on forever. There were so many places to walk in and just look. She saw that new and unique culture and soaked herself in it. London was gorgeous! She would get so caught up with seeing everything, hearing music being played, she wouldn't even know what time it was if it weren't for good 'ol Big Ben to help her out every hour on the hour.

With all this wonderful sight seeing, she was so incredibly grateful for this whole experience, but... She starts to become a little saddened.

She doesn't have anyone to share this experience with.

Rin wishes that Sesshomaru wasn't so busy with work so he could share this experience with her. This is her first real trip on a plane to another country, and she has no one to say. "Hey remember when we saw that in London...?" she doesn't get to share this. Being in such a large city with no one to talk to is kind of scary. It's a new language, she can barely read the signs, and she is just thankful for her great sense of direction. This place is amazing, but big, and overwhelming, and it makes her even more lonely.

But before she stared to become too sad, she washed that thought behind her mind as she found a clothing store.

DRESSES!

The day ended beautifully. She got her new dress that went down to the knee for tomorrow night at a department store, very cute for very, very cheap, and she was absolutely in love with it. She even had enough left over for a jewelry set to wear with it, and she was able to do it all by herself. Since she didn't have enough to get something for everyone, she decided to get couple gifts for her friends instead, one for Miroku and Sango, and one for Inuyasha and Kagome. After that, she still had a little left over.

She was an expert thrifter!

She did it all by herself without the help of Sesshomaru. That sure showed him!

For the sake of enjoyment, she did end up using the credit card to buy herself a starbucks coffee. She had never had one before, and what better place than on an outdoor park bench in London?So, she did what he said and now has a purchase on her credit card. Hey, he didn't specify what she had to buy...

She sat there, enjoying the scene in front of her with busy people walking up and down while nursing her drink, and completely forgetting the time.

Big Ben then struck 8 on the dot.

'Oh no!'

Rin's eyes grew in horror.

She's LATE!

Quickly she tossed the remnants of her drink in the trashcan next to the bench, picked up her bags and practically ran back towards her hotel. It was only about two blocks away and around a corner. But damn it!

With all things considered, it was a good day. Standing at her door, in exhaustion, she shoves the flat room key in the slot and opens the door expecting to see him with that look on his face.

But he wasn't there.

...

"Ooookay," she said closing the door and running to her room in success. She practically danced to her bed and checked the time on her alarm clock. "It's 8:04 and he's not even here. Ha ha ha! You can't punish me for being late if you're later than me! Na na-na na n-" she dropped her bags on the floor as she suddenly saw what was on her bed.

It was a beautiful, full length, lavish black satin strapless dress laid out perfectly for the world to see.

...

She blinked in surprise.

She sure wasn't expecting this.

Slowly walking to the astonishing dress, she leaned over to feel the soft fabric between her fingers. 'now why would he tell me to buy a dress if he was already gonna buy one... He makes no sense.'

"Wow," she whispered taking an eye-full.

"I don't know why I thought you would listen to me," his voice bled through the room like a symphonic melody. She slightly jumped at the sudden sound of his voice, with the whole hotel room being extremely quiet not a moment before.

She stands completely straight as if she were being evaluated.

"So I took the liberty of getting you a proper dress for tomorrow, myself." he says referring to the lovely dress.

"B-But I already-"

"You're late," he cuts her off in the most gentle stern voice, almost as if he were being, God forbid, playful. He knew she wouldn't get here on time.

She sees her boss in a tucked in white button up, sleeves gently rolled up the arms and slightly unbuttoned at the top. He wears his black slacks and expensive shoes to match. 'Stop it with this handsome stuff! I swear, this guy doesn't know the concept of color.'

"Whattha- You're late! I got here before you did-"

"I was in the washroom." he crossed his arms as he leaned in the door frame.

"So what, do I have a bed time, or something now?" her mouth started up again. "I'm not that late." she crosses her arms like a child. "I heard Big friggin Ben yell get your ass home and practically ran here from 4 blocks away."

He continues to study her as she refused to look at him. He contemplates her excuse, observing her and her new stuff that crowds the floor in front of your bed.

"I see you had a busy day." he said seeing the various logos on her shopping bags.

"Uhh... Yeah..." she keeps to herself. "It was a nice day." she said with a small yet disappointed grin.

"Get dressed." he suddenly said as he turned around.

She looks down at her perfectly good outfit. "Umm?"

"In something decent." does he have no manners what so ever? "We are going to dinner." he says giving her no room for rebuttal.

She tilts her head in attitude, at his rude comment, then closes her door to change, because, hell, she's hungry!

She decides to do her hair a little, putting it in a side pony-tail as it lavishly drapes over her her right shoulder. Huffing in disappointment, she looks down at the perfectly good dress. She would have rocked it tomorrow night if he'd let her.

Well... If he wants her in something nice, she'll give him something nice.

It was a simple black Halter top dress, snug at the bust and waste and flaired from the waste down, much like an American 50's dress. Her earrings and her bracelet matched her headband perfectly and complemented the dress tastefully. She matched her black open-toed heels, and put on a little mascara and lipstick. Like that, she was ready for a night on the town.

She felt so pretty.

With a large smile, she looked at herself in the mirror, if this doesn't make his jaw drop, she will drop some normal men's jaws at... wherever the hell they're going tonight. She grabbed her simple black clutch and made her way into Sesshomaru's room. She was ready for anything he was about to throw at her. He said get dressed, and by golly did she get dressed.

...

Damn.

Sesshomaru... just... Damn.

He waits for her patiently by the door as he sees her walk in. He was dressed in much of the same thing but with a black blazer. He watched her appear right before his eyes, and she waited for something... anything. But, his facial expression never changed, his eyes didn't widen, he didn't stand up straight, it's against his mortal being to smile, he just... didn't do anything when he saw her.

He just stood there like a statue.

"You look presentable," he says with a slow nod, voice stoic, careless.

'Damn it! NO! Sesshomaru, you tell me I'm pretty, Damn it!' she looked away from him, smiling a weak smile, not really wanting to look at his face. And she really tied to look good, too!

"I'm impressed." he suddenly adds, as he holds out an arm for her to take. Her head shoot's up in an instant as she heard his words.

She didn't just hear that.

Did he compliment her?

"Thank you," she whispered as she looked into his eyes.

Then she saw it.

His eyes held a completely different meaning. They told her she was lovely. They looked as if they had a voice of their own. She couldn't help but smile a big and bright smile as she heard their silent words.

"You over did it, Ms. Tamiko. People will think that we are on a date," he says as they exit the lobby.

"Give me a tall glass of wine, and we'll talk." she adds as they enter their limo.

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Man, that was fun!

You're welcome!

So, some of you may have noticed that I have officially changed my name. It is now xxiixiii. I know that it is a rather strange name, but it has a meaning, I promise. And if you are trying to pronounce it, it's roman numerals for 22:13... If you wanna use a nickname for me, call me "xi" (pounced like "Zee") and now I am going to stop confusing you.

So, did you like my little morning wake up call for Ms. Tamiko? I really wanted it to be subtle, but keep the promise that I made to you guys, and I think I succeeded. Don't worry, my little perverted-I-I mean "polish" chickens, there is more to come!

Give me your opinions. You know you are just DYING to tell me what you think!

~xi