"Sesshomaru, you stare too long." Finished with her brushing, Rin slid towards his sitting body, sliding closer, with her black hair falling over the collar of his kimono. Over her smooth knees, which had since paled now that the days had grown shorter. "I haven't brushed your hair before."

Staring intently still: "Never," he said low.

"It would be intimate, wouldn't it?" Rin asked—while she caressed the fall of his hair. It was cool to the touch as she lifted the heavy silk away from his neck. "Yes?"

"Nothing," he murmured. "Go on."

"In a minute."

Climbing onto her knees, lingering beside him by degrees.

Sesshomaru leaned into her, his face against her chest. The soft sweet touch of her hand was on his cheek then, her fingertips at the shell of his ear.

"These are my favorite." Rin sighed dreamily. "And on your wrists. Your markings are so beautiful to me."

He tilted his head so she could fondle him better. "I have others," he said.

Rin stilled her hand.

The tone in his voice was a tantalizing invitation to wonder just where those others were.


You guys are too much. And now I'm starting to get a little nervous, because this story is getting more attention than I ever thought it would. Thank you so much for reading, and your feedback.