Chapter 14: Is this Love?

"Rin...Rin! Wake up!"

I felt myself being shaken awake.

When I came into consciousness, I gasped at the unexpected face leaning over me... Sesshomaru.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, calming my nerves down.

"You were crying in your sleep. Calling for help." Sesshomaru said.

I sighed miserably as the dream came back to me, I had another dream about how I lost my dad.

"I'm sorry." I said, running my hand across my eyes, where of course my lashes were wet from tears.

"Do not be. Are you ok?" Sesshomaru asked, sitting down on the edge of my bed.

"Yeah. This happens all the time. It's no big deal." I said as I sat up.

"It is too. I do not like to see you in pain. What can I do to stop your nightmares?" Sesshomaru asked.

I had gotten out of bed, and went into my bathroom, to wash my face.

"There's nothing you can do."

"What exactly do you dream about?" Sesshomaru asked, standing behind me, and I looked in his eyes in the mirro.

"I...I dream about the exact same thing that happened. Three men broke in our house, one of them killed dad, and...Well the police arrived before they reached us, but, in my dream, the police don't come, after dad's death everything else goes in slow motion, and the men surround mom and I." I explained, feeling more fear than sadness.

"Rin, I want you to know that you will be safe. I will always protect you and your mother. No mortal or demon is going to dare harm you." Sesshomaru said, taking a couple steps closer to me.

I continued to stare at him in the mirror.

"Is my mom home? How long have I been asleep?" I asked.

"She is still worked, and it is almost four." Sesshomaru said.

"Hmm. A two hour nap." I said, and rubbed my eyes again.

"I stayed the whole time. You started mumbling in your sleep, so I came to check on you, and you started moving, and then crying. Are you ok now?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Yeah. I'm fine." I said.

Sesshomaru closed the distance between us, and his arms wrapped around my middle.

I sighed, lowering my gaze from the mirror, down to his arms.

"Are you positive?" He asked.

His nose nuzzled against my neck, almost in a tickling sensation, but was soon replaced by comfort.

I sighed again, my eyes fluttering shut at the calm feeling.

"Do you trust me, Rin?" Sesshomaru asked, his lips brushing across the side of my neck.

"Yes." I barely whispered, feeling my body grow weak, and thanks to his hold, I stayed up.

I felt my stomach get fluttery again when his lips pressed against the side of my neck, and explored the little skin that showed on the juncture between my neck and shoulder.

This must have been where my pulse point was, because I could feel my heartbeat fasten.

Soon, Sesshomaru turned me to face him, and I slowly opened my eyes to meet his.

Without warning, he kissed me, deeply, hungrily.

Me, being in my weakened state, I only kissed him back.

Sesshomaru began to do the same thing he had done when he kissed me after finding out about Kouga, I felt his hands on my bare skin which made me shiver again, and all too soon, reality kicked back into me as I realized what we were starting.

"Wait wait wait." I pulled away from him, having to lean back against the sink for support.

He stared at me almost questioningly.

"We can't do that, I-I'm not ready. I mean, I just..."

"I understand... I did not mean to take it this far." Sesshomaru said, although the way he sounded, I wasn't sure if he meant it.

I took a deep breath, calming my shaking body, and pounding heart.

"Um..." I paused, trying to think of something to change subject, "I need to go fix dinner."

I walked past him and out of my room, and didn't have to look back to know that Sesshomaru was right behind me.

"You're upset." Sesshomaru said, as I stopped in the kitchen.

"No. I'm not." I said, opening the fridge and began searching for an idea for dinner.

"I can sense your emotions, Rin." Sesshomaru said.

I remained silent, hoping he would drop the subject, I wasn't upset, I was confused.

My emotions towards him were so confusing, I feel drawn to him, but I also feel a hidden fear for him. Then there was my top emotion, the emotion that made me scared above anythin...Love.

Why was I scared? Because I had never been in a relationship, especially with a demon that anyone ever dared to confront.

I shook myself out of my reverie, and pulled out a block of cheese from the fridge, and closed the door, going to the cabinets, my eyes catching Sesshomaru, who was standing patiently in the doorway to the kitchen.

"If you want to leave, you can, I'll be fine." I said.

"Now why would I want to do that?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Because... I don't always want you around." I said, and my gut clenched and I felt ashamed about what I said, but I didn't try to take it back.

It was too late anyway, I felt a gust of wind, and soon, I felt empty, and I didn't look at the doorway to know he was gone.

'What the heck did you do that for!'My conscious scolded me.

I- I don't know.

I sighed, and put some things together for dinner, and about two hours passed before mom came home.

"Oh. You're home." Mom said.

"Yeah. I got home this afternoon." I said.

"You ok?" Mom asked.

"I'm fine. Just tired." I said, trying not to become annoyed that she almost sounded like Sesshomaru.

"Oh, well, you can go to bed after we eat." Mom said.

We ate silently, and for a moment, I remembered dad.

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Do you...Do you ever plan to get remarried?" I asked.

She was silent for a minute, and she looked surprised.

"Well, it depends. If I find someone, I'll clear it with you first. Do you want me to?" Mom asked.

"I don't know. I was just wondering." I said, and dropped the subject, finishing the last of my dinner, then cleaned the kitchen before heading upstairs, and I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

I could see my thirteen year old self.

I was in the park, sitting on the swings.

"Rinny Penny! Rinny Penny!" A couple boys chanted.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes at my annoying nick name the two boys liked to use on me.

I continued to swing back and forth carelessly.

"now now, boys. My little girl is worth a lot more than a penny."

My head snapped up, seeing my dad walking into the park grounds.

The two boys backed away from the adult, and ran off.

I giggled quietly, looking down to hide it.

"What are you doing out here all alone?" Dad asked, sitting beside me on another swing.

"Nothing." I said.

He sighed, "You know why those boys are mean to you?"

"Because they're bullies?" I asked.

"No, actually. It's because they like you." Dad said.

I looked at him, "What? No they don't. Someone who likes someone would be giving you flowers."

Dad laughed, "Well, some boys just don't know how to show their emotions. So."

"oh." I said.

"Come on, let's go home. Pick up pizza on the way?" Dad asked.

"Yeah!" I said, happiness back in me.

I sighed as I awoke, it was still dark outside, and I looked at my clock, 1:43.

I felt my chest hurt as tears threatened to fall.

This was my first good dream I had since that accident.

Lots of boys picked on me in my previous school, but dad was always there to save me.

I heard a rustle of wind, and a light thump.

Snapping my attention to my window, a figure was standing calmly at the side of my window, in the room.

"Sesshomaru?" I asked.

"Are you ok?" He asked.

I felt a knot in my throat, "yeah."

"No you're not. You don't have to hide from me, Rin." Sesshomaru said, takin a couple steps towards me.

"You don't have to be here right now." I said, burying my face into the sheets.

I always hated to cry in front of people.

It made me look like a wimp.

I felt my bed shift, and a hand rested on my shoulder.

"I just want to be alone." I said, as my tears fell.

It remained silent after that.

The bed shifted again, and Sesshomaru's hand carefully grabbed the sheets, uncovering my face, revealing my tear-stained face.

"Rin. What good would I be if I left knowing you were in pain?" He asked.

His hand moved onto my cheek, pulling my face upwards.

I looked into his calm golden eyes.

"Seriously, you should get out of here. Mom might come check on me." I said.

"She is still sleeping. My hearing is better than yours." Sesshomaru said.

I took a deep breath, and let my cheek relax into his hand, letting his comfort calm me down.

"Thanks for coming." I said.

"Anytime." He said.

"How do you do this and not fall asleep in school?" I asked.

"I am a demon, I don't need as much sleep. One days worth can last me a week or so." He said.

"Wow." I said surprised. "I wish I could stay awake like that."

"You should get some rest, I will be here. Nothing is going to happen." Sesshomaru said.

I nodded, although I felt awake, and wanted talk to him.

I yawned and laid my head back on the pillow, and curled into the blankets.

As my eyes closed, I felt Sesshomaru's hand run through my hair, sending a chill, but pure comfort.

"That feels so nice." I whispered tiredly.

"Shhh." Sesshomaru soothed, and in moments, I was back in my dreaming world.

I awoke again, at the sound of my alarm clock beeping.

"Mmm." I groaned, rolling over, hitting my alarm clock.

'Monday all over again.' I thought.

As I sat up, I looked over at the window, noticing that Sesshomaru had left.

I went over to my closet, picking out my clothes for the day.

Once I was dressed, I went downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning." Mom said.

"Morning." I said, still sounding a bit tired.

We sat down, and ate.

Mom looked at the clock, noticing it was 7:30.

"So, is that boy coming today or what" Mom asked.

"I don't know. And his name is Sesshomaru." I said, almost sounding defensive.

"Well, my apologies... Didn't know you two were on first name basis. He just shows up and you leave. I always get a little nervous..." Mom paused.

"Nervous about what?" I asked.

"Well. I know you two aren't... You know... But then I get worried that he would kidnap you." Mom said.

I hesitated before speaking, knowing how she felt about these kind of things. "Well... If you want, I can tell him to stop giving me rides... I mean, it won't be any problem, I'm getting my own car to anyway, right?"

"Yes. But I am trying to find the right store. And you need to take driving lessons." Mom looked deep in thought. "I remember how joyful you were when you steered the steering wheel while sitting in your dad's lap."

I smiled, remembering the moments.

"If he were here today, he could teach me."

"yeah. Oh, well looks like he's arrived. Go ahead if you want. You said you trusted him. I'm taking your word for it. I just kind of wish I could meet him just to know who you're with." Mom said the last part as if talking to herself.

"Ok." I said. 'Careful what you wish for mom. I think it's better off you don't know.' I kept to myself as I walked out.

I checked my pocket for my phone, before entering Sesshomaru's car.

The ride was silent, and we soon found ourselves in the school parking lot.

"You're not very talkative today." Sesshomaru said, of course observing me.

"Neither are you. besides, what's there to say?" I asked.

"Are you ready for this new week?" He asked.

I blinked, apparently he was trying to get me to talk if I wouldn't, "I guess. I just...Face what comes."

"Ok, perhaps after of school, you can come to my place, rather than be at your house alone." He said.

"Well... What's the difference, either way, we'll be...Alone." I blushed, realizing what I was saying.

"Uh, we should get to class." I said, and got out of his car before anymore embarassement was caused.

I went to my locker to get my supplies ready, and headed to English.

"Hey Rin. Why so late?" InuYasha asked.

"Uh, I was just talking to Sesshomaru." I said.

"I swear. You've gotten obsessed with him." InuYasha sihed.

My blush returned, "I have not! It's kind of hard to stay away from him when he is always there for me!" I said.

"Well then tell him to leave. He'll understand." InuYasha said.

"I did. I mean. I have. I mean...I don't."

"You stuttering like that, proves something else." InuYasha said.

"Ugh! I don't want him around but I do, it's hard to explain ok?!" I said.

"Ok, sorry Rin." InuYasha said.

I sighed, I didn't mean to burst out like that, but I can't tell him the truth if I don't even know it myself.

I felt the same way I did Saturday evening.

I was so confused about my emotions.

"Hello. I hope you guys had a good weekend. Today we are going to start on a new section of the book. Please turn to page 546.." Mr. Leslie came in, sitting at his desk.

I shook my head out of my emotional problems, and focused on school. 'Ok Rin. Get a grip. Learn.'

Time flew by and soon, it was time for second period.

"See ya later Rin." InuYasha said, going down a different hallway from me.

I headed to science, and took my seat just as the teacher began.

"Ok, let's see if we can remember what we learned last Friday. Rin..." Miss Holder called on me.

"yes?"

"What is an atom made of?" Miss Holder asked.

"Molecules and other particles." I said.

"Correct. Well done. Are we all ready for a small quiz?" Miss Holder asked.

Some people nodded, others complained.

"Ok. After the quiz, we are going to finish the video, and learn about molecules and get into genetics." Miss Holder said, passing out papers.

It was silent for the next 30 minutes of the class. Takin the quiz and finishing the video.

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket a couple minutes before the bell rang.

When it did ring, I didn't pull out my phone until I got in the hallway.

Reading the name and number that the message came from.

Sesshomaru.

Since I had put his number and name to my contacts, his messages no longer shocked me.

Are you ok?

I sighed as I flipped on the keypad, and texted back before entering Algebra 2.

Yeah, fine.

"Rin!" Sango and Kagome were always glad to see me come through the door at this time.

"Hi." I said.

"How about you come over tomorrow. We're taking a little ride on Kilala." Sango said.

"Um. For how long?" I asked.

"A couple hours. What'd ya say?" Sango asked.

"Sure. I'll ask tonight." I said.

"Ok. We were planning on today, but, what you just said was why we said tomorrow. We'll pick you up from school tomorrow." Sango said.

"Ok." I said.

'Oh boy. What's Sesshomaru going to say about this? Why should I care? It's not like he controls my life!'

"Hello. Today we will be learning about lengths of circles. What is the length around the circle called?" Miss Kimi asked, coming into the room.

"Circumference." The class said in unison.

I sighed as the class went on, and we ended up having a page of homework over what we had learned.

When the bell rang, Sango, Kagome and I headed to sports.

As Sango and I were getting ready at the tennis field, Miss Laura came up to us. "Ok you guys are going to need some good practice. This week is your week to shine against the Red Oaks team on Friday night, will all of you be attending?"

"Yes." We all answered.

'My first game.' I thought.

The day wore on the same way, and I was kind of glad that I wasn't going over to Sango's today, because I had tons of homework. What a way to come back to school.

'Well it's Junior year, get over it.' I thought to myself.

Sesshomaru drove me home again, and when I got home, I saw that my mom had probably gone to work.

"You going to be ok alone?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Yeah. I have tons of homework to do. I'm sure you do too." I said.

"No. I've told you, our grade only has 6 periods. I have free time on my hands." Sesshomaru said.

"Lucky." I said, before getting out of the car and going in the house to avoid anymore conversation.

I headed upstairs, and pulled out my phone to text mom and tell her I was home, and sat at the head of my bed, pulling out the easiest part of homework.

Hours seemed to pass, and I was feeling a major headache coming on.

I sighed as I dropped my pencil, and laid my head back against the head board.

I heard the familiar gust of wind, and didn't even bother to look before I heard, "Need some help?"

I sighed again as I sat up, "Well, if you could get this load off of me. I'd really appreciate it."

"Well, you know I can't do that, but I can narrow things down for you." Sesshomaru said, and I slightly tensed as he took a seat next to me.

"Ok. When did World War I start?" I asked.

"July 28, 1914, ended November 11, 1918." Sesshomaru answered.

I stared at him with my mouth agape.

"Uh...World War II?" I decided to test him.

"1939 through 1945." Sesshomaru answered simply.

I went on and went on until my history work was done, surprised that he didn't hesitate, or think about it, his words were always valid.

Once I set my pencil down, and pushed my work aside, I looked at him, "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" He asked.

"Know all that? I mean, it would take me centuries to et all that in my head so quickly." I said.

"What do you think I have been doing these past few centuries?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Good point." I said and moved off of my bed.

"I'm going to Sango's tomorrow. So you don't have to give me a ride home." I said.

"And what are you going to do?" He asked, moving off the bed.

"Just playing with her cat demon." I said.

"You know how I feel about you going around other demons." He said, standing in front of me, to make me focus on him.

I stared at him, a sudden defense taking over, "Excuse me. You are not my dad!"

Sesshomaru remained silent, as if he wasn't going to go back on what he said, but I did, I immediately regretted bringing up my dad...Especially saying it to someone like Sesshomaru.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." I said, trying to focus on anything other than him.

No words were spoken, only actions.

Sesshomaru forced me to look at him again, and I felt ashamed that he saw the tears in my eyes that I tried to clear.

"Rin. I am not trying to act as a father. I am trying to protect you. As my mate." Sesshomaru said.

My heart clenched, he sounded so caring, but there was still a part of me that didn't like his over-protective self.

"Well." I sighed as I dropped my gaze, considering Sesshomaru had his hand on the side of my face, keeping me there. "Kilala is not dangerous. She's just a normal cat demon, and well tamed. I rode her once already. She's perfectly safe and gently." I said.

"That's all I need to hear. Now, look at me. Something else is bothering you." Sesshomaru said.

I continued to avoid his eyes.

His hand moved from my cheek to my chin, finding a better way to force me to look at him, "Don't look away from me. I cannot see the truth unless I see your eyes."

I blushed...Crap! I'm blushing! Now he will never let this subject go. Just tell him Rin.

"Rin, what is bothering you?" Sesshomaru asked again.

"I..." I didn't even need his force now, I looked at his soft golden eyes, "Even though I am still scared about this whole demon think...I..." I whispered the last part weakly.

"I did not hear you." Sesshomaru said, and he sounded honest, for a Dog Demon with good hearing.

I sighed, still feeling my cheeks getting warmer and warmer.

"I love you."

A/N: Well, I know I just made a sharp curve and made them totally change subjects. But trust me, I tried typing this TWICE and I think I like how this turned out than my first try. Anyway, sorry for the long wait, I've had this strange urge in me to start completing other stories around this one, cause then I'll feel like I'll have more free time with this one.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. And a little shout out to "Guest." (Since I know who you are) Here's the next chapter. Ya happy?!

Anyway, thanks all of you others who have reviewed, and keep reviewing, keeps me encouraged. On top off all this other load of work at school. Geez, I could use a Wiz like Sesshomaru! Anyway, just tell me what you think... And I'll stop talking now...

~Wolflover235