Sesshomaru almost thought to argue with her. Dissent rose up in his throat, crowding at the back of his fangs. She didn't have to hesitate so much. But seldom did he need to learn the same lesson twice, so rather get in the way of his own intimacy with her, he decided to keep his mouth shut.

She reached for him with nervous hands, and slowly, the sash at his waist was pulled on.

Sesshomaru in aching silence, Rin with her soft, quick breaths.

He could hear her heart beating louder than his. The movement of her hands was magnified in his eyes—dream-slow, as in watching himself being undressed through a trance. But also sharply vigilant as she avoided his steady gaze, as she spread his hanjuban far apart, exposing his bare chest to the crisp, autumn air.