Chapter Eleven

Wants and Needs

Sleep did not come easily in the nights which followed. The dawn had broke in before the clouds could come. Jaken and Hakkido were still sound sleep awkwardly curled up together while Sesshoumaru and Rin were outside standing, waiting for the breeze to catch in. Today would be the new day for the group to set out for yet another journey. The sound of Jaken waking up, had indeed woke up Hakkido from the deep sleep that consumed him. "Rin?"

Meanwhile Sesshoumaru and Rin stood outside talking amongst one another, "are you worried Sesshoumaru?" For some reason she just had to ask even though she didn't know why.

"Why should I be?" Just that moment the breeze finally kicked up setting a prefect view. Rin shivered a little as chills ran up every inch of her body. Sesshoumaru looked over at Rin and embraced her. She blushed completely, the way he held her and how he smelled, left her in a fantasy she never wanted to leave. She closed her eyes feeling safe in his arms for a little while longer.

"Are you two ready?" Hakkido waved cheerfully at the two in an embrace. There was no time to waste, it was already late and time for them to begin setting out. Rin and Hakkido grabbed the things as Sesshoumaru and Jaken lead ahead. "Rin...do you have a relationship with Sesshoumaru?" Hakkido whispered so that Sesshoumaru wouldn't overhear.

Rin laughed, "why are you whispering? He can hear you anyway, he's part dog you know?" Rin smiled and turned facing him. Hakkido blushed and shout up before he did anything else that would embarrass him. Not to long, Rin notices a cloud of steam ahead. Mist that was moist and refreshing to the pores. She smiled and jumped stopping. "Sesshoumaru, Jaken, I want to take a break." She laughed childishly and grabbed Hakkido's hand. He looked down at her hand and blushed more.

"We just got started Rin." Sesshoumaru concluded, trying not to notice her hand against Hakkido's.

"I know, but me and Hakkido want to try out the hot springs." Hakkido jumped, startled he was included.

"We do?"

"Of course we do. Unlike Sesshoumaru, we humans need to keep are selves fresh and clean to power us up for the journey." She pointed a finger, waving it side to side. "Plus, I haven't been in a hot spring for ages."

"But Rin!" Sesshoumaru stuttered. "Together!"

"Why not?" Rin turned pulling Hakkido behind her. "He's still a kid you know, Sesshoumaru. Too young to be a lecherous pervert like an older man or demon."

"What!" Sesshoumaru grew red with fury as he walked back the other way. Him and Jaken sat at a nearby clearing, away from Rin and Hakkido.

"Why did you do that Rin?" Hakkido blushed as noticed she was being serious. Rin untied her obi and gently pealed off the layers of clothes until she was bare.

"Sesshoumaru is too uptight. And how can I talk to you in private when he's listening in. Now he won't because he knows what I will think of him for doing so will we're in the springs." She smiled and placed her kimono on a rock after folding it.

Hakkido was hesitated at first, but then removed his clothes as well. He slowly stepped in and sat nervously beside Rin. His head kept down so that he wouldn't she her. "Ahhh...this feels great." Rin laughed stretching out. "So what's with all the secrets Hakkido?" Rin slide beside him and placed her hand on his back.

"I just don't trust Sesshoumaru that much. It's easy for you, because you know him. But it will still take me time to get use to him." He sighed and closed his eyes. But he immediately opened them again the moment he felt Rin swim behind him and pull him closer. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him closer to her. He winced at the feeling of her breast press softly to his back and her legs to his. He turned red all over and tried to draw back, but Rin won't let him.

"Sesshoumaru is like this. Scary and mysterious at first glance but gentle and warm deep down, when you get closer to him." Rin smiled and laid her chin on his neck. "Hakkido...where are you parents?" Hakkido stared down and gave no reply. "Then...then your just like me." She frowned softly and brushed her cheek against his. "Your family is gone too."

"I miss them, Rin."

Rin smiled desperately, "do you want to be my little brother Hakkido?"

"What?" Hakkido jumped and turned around toward her, not caring he could see her anymore. She looked down at the water and her face was a smile filled with pain and sorrow. She contently sighed and stood up next to him.

"It sounds rather stupid doesn't it? Asking you all of a sudden to do this for me...to be my brother. I never had a real one and I never got to know the family I already had. I've always wanted one...a sibling to talk to. A young friend to experience the pain with, someone to endure my struggles with me for I wouldn't be alone." Rin blinked roughly catching the tears that escaped. She suddenly jolted into an embrace with Hakkido, his head lying on her chest and her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. "I know we just met, and its stupid to ask that of a stranger. But I feel like it's ok...like I've already known you since then. Will you Hakkido...will you do this for me? Give me someone to protect, like Sesshoumaru does for me."

He blushes trying to catch the words, still being drawn into her bosom. "Rin..." Before he could finish they were rudely interrupted by Sesshoumaru, who had had enough of their talk and decided it was time to go. He was startled by the site of Rin holding Hakkido much like she would do him, naked to add. Both quickly drew back in a blush. "It's not like that Sesshoumaru!" Hakkido cleared up as he rushed to his clothes and sword.

Rin stared down and held herself like Hakkido was still in her arms, "I'm sorry Sesshoumaru..." She rushed out of the water and to her kimono.

Sesshoumaru frowned and about faced toward the woods, "enough talk, let's go ahead and get this done with. The sooner, and the quicker we can ditch this kid." He stomped off as they got dress.

Hakkido, fully dressed, ran back over the Rin. "I thought you didn't want a letch to see you Rin."

Rin smiled, "Sesshoumaru watches me bathe all the time."

"What!"

Rin jumped back and shook her hands, "no, not like that. He isn't like that."

"I don't care! No demon will harm my big sister!" Hakkido held up a fist and stuck his tongue out, then reframed and smiled to her. She smiled back.

"Come on Hakkido-kun." She lightly grabbed his hand and followed Sesshoumaru.

"Onee-chan?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you...for being my friend."

"That's sister, ok?" Rin cheerfully kissed him on the head, followed by a pat before leaving.