A/N: Fast update number 2! Hope you all enjoy the read!

As a side note, I've changed the name of the student harassing Rin. His name was Hachi before, but now it'll be Kasai. I liked the sound of the name better, and it means fire in Japanese, which seemed fitting. I've already made the change in previous chapters. Sorry for the random switch!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Rin apologized silently as she tip toed past a sleeping Inuyasha, who was slumped on the couch. Rin had let the details of Inuyasha's actions against Kohaku slip to Kagome before she had gone to sleep, and her friend hadn't been happy.

Rin hadn't meant to get Inuyasha in trouble. In fact, the topic had come up because Rin wanted Kagome to thank him for her. When she asked her the reason why, Rin had to tell her what happened. It was only a matter of time before her friend saw past his kind act and focused on the physical attack. She wasn't pleased that her boyfriend had acted impulsively, as usual. As punishment, she had banished him to the couch for the night.

Rin withheld a sigh at the memory of the glare she got from Inuyasha for spilling to Kagome. His golden gaze had practically screamed "traitor," at her from the couch, and all Rin could do was hide in her room.

The floor squeaked underneath Rin's feet as she moved past Inuyasha, and she froze immediately. The man barely twitched, and Rin relaxed slightly before she continued to the kitchen. Once there, she grabbed an apple and froze on her way out.

Inuyasha was sitting straight up on the couch, and turned to look at her when she appeared again. She held the apple defensively against her chest as she waited for him to say something.

"Are you getting ready to go?" Inuyasha asked her quietly. Rin nodded as she surveyed him warily. Rin had never heard the man speak so lowly before, and she felt a nervous chill run up her spine. Had he really been that upset about what she did?

"I'm coming with you," he said it in the same quiet voice, but Rin could hear the command hidden within it. He wasn't going to let her object, but she wanted to ask him why. Why did he want to follow a mute girl around? Revenge? She couldn't think of a good enough reason.

"I know what I did to your friend last night was wrong. I should have gotten my facts right before I went and assumed he was the same guy who attacked you. That's why I'm coming with you, so you can point the guy out to me," Inuyasha explained. Rin hurriedly shook her head at his offer. It was kind of him to want to look out for her, but she couldn't have Inuyasha find out who Kasai was. She wouldn't doubt that he'd attack the guy the moment Rin identified him.

While she wasn't against Inuyasha scaring Kasai a bit, just enough to keep him away from her, she knew she wasn't worth all the trouble. Kasai hadn't really done all that much to her. Not enough to warrant a beat down by Inuyasha. Nothing compared to what the men ten years ago had done to her...and her family.

Rin withheld the tears as the flashback nearly blinded her with its vividness. She didn't need to think about that now.

"Rin? Are you OK?" Inuyasha asked worriedly, and finally sounded more like himself. Rin wiped her eyes quickly before she nodded her head with what she hoped looked like a confident smile. By the look on Inuyasha's face, it wasn't very convincing.

"Come here and sit down," he said kindly as he waved her over to the couch. Rin came without a fight, and sat on a chair near the couch. Inuyasha didn't look pleased with her choice, but he didn't pressure her to come any closer.

"I know you're a very private person," Inuyasha began as he fidgeted somewhat awkwardly on the couch, "and you probably weren't too happy when you found out that Kagome told me about what happened to you. I get that. What I don't get is why you don't want anyone's help," he added. Rin only shrugged in response, and Inuyasha let out an agitated sound.

"This is what I'm talking about! You act like something doesn't bother you, when it obviously does, and close yourself off to everyone but Kagome. She's a great person, don't get me wrong, but you must want to reach out to other people every once in awhile, right?" Rin rubbed her arm with her free hand self-consciously as she tried to look at everything but Inuyasha. She didn't like his questions, or the fact that he was practically cornering her. Her body tensed as her other hand tightened around the apple in her grasp.

"Damn, I'm no good at this," Inuyasha groaned as he grimaced and ran a hand through his hair, "I'm trying to tell you that I'm here for you – as a friend. So, if you need to talk about anything, my ears are always open," he offered before he crossed his arms over his chest and looked terribly embarrassed.

Rin stared at her friend for a moment before a smile curled her lips and she hurriedly covered her mouth when her body began to shake. Inuyasha looked at her suspiciously before a look a horror crossed his face.

"Your – You're laughing at me!" he exclaimed in disbelief as a soft sound began to leave Rin's lips. She was having a hard time controlling her laughter, and before long her hand fell away. She gave Inuyasha a helpless look before her giggles resurfaced. She seemed to be stuck in a giggling fit. She grabbed her sides as she tried to stop it, but it only made her laugh harder.

"This is exactly what I get for trying to help you!" Inuyasha huffed with a glare, "you end up laughing at me – laughing – wait, you're...laughing?" he suddenly asked in amazement. He seemed to finally notice that the mute girl wasn't acting entirely quiet anymore.

Rin managed a shaky smile in between giggles before she nodded. Her smile turned into a grin when Inuyasha looked even more confused. She shouldn't be laughing at him. He really was trying, but how he went about it...she couldn't help herself! It was just so funny to see Inuyasha, the tough guy, showing her his softer side.

"I've never...heard you make a sound before," Inuyasha stated in wonder before a crooked smile curled his lips, "maybe I'm better at this pep talk stuff then I thought!" he announced proudly. Rin could only smile as her laughter died down.

"But seriously, Rin, I want you to show me the guy that attacked you," Inuyasha said suddenly as his expression grew more grim, "this guy won't leave you alone if he knows he can get away with it," he added. Rin bit her lower lip as she gazed at the floor, finding herself receding into her mind once more.

"Let me help you," Inuyasha pressed, "I won't start a fight with him, I promise. I just want to know who I have to scare if I see him lurking around,"

Rin eyes met Inuyasha's as she studied his face. He looked sincere, but Rin couldn't help but feel like he was going out of his way for her. She didn't deserve it.

"Rin, I – "

"Mmph...Inuyasha? Rin? What's going on out here?" a tired Kagome asked as she came out of her room rubbing her eyes. Inuyasha turned from Rin to glance at his girlfriend, and Rin took the opportunity as her chance to escape. She scooted out of her chair and whirled around before she briskly headed towards her room.

"Morning, beautiful," she heard Inuyasha flirt to her friend, "Hey Rin, wait! I still want to – "

"Let her go. She has to get ready for class," Kagome muttered before Rin heard her collapse on the couch, and probably into her boyfriend's arms. She silently thanked her best friend for inadvertently covering for her before she disappeared into her room.

It didn't take her long to get ready, and she taped a brief 'thank you' note intended for Inuyasha on Kagome's door before she left.

Sesshomaru was not amused. At all. Not only had a student come to speak with him about matters he had already lectured on, but she acted like she didn't understand the material at all. He used the term 'act' because that was exactly what she was doing.

"Dr. Taisho," the girl whined with what he assumed she thought was a flirty smile, "I really don't get it. Tell me again how the Feudal Era divided up parts of Japan," she added as she twirled a strand of raven hair around her index finger. So he told her, again. And she only stared at his mouth, again.

As if her intentions weren't apparent enough, she scooted her chair closer to his before she dipped her body to jot down notes in her journal. He didn't miss that she had angled herself perfectly so he could get a glimpse of her cleavage as she continued to write. He withheld the need to roll his eyes. Humans. He could see why their species overpopulated the planet, especially if they were as sexually driven as this student.

"I think I finally get it!" the girl said while she clapped her hands together happily. It seemed the third explanation was the charm.

"Thank you, Dr. Taisho," she smiled before she moved to place her hand over his, "I don't think I'd ever understand this material without your help," she added as she rolled her shoulders back and jotted her chest forward.

Sesshomaru withdrew his hand from beneath hers and nodded, "Of course. You're welcome to come back anytime for more help. Have a good day," he told her politely, the words rehearsed like one of his lectures in his mind. He dealt with girls like her on many occasions, and learned through experience the best way of handling them. The more distant and polite he acted, the less interested they became.

As he predicted, his student pouted slightly at his generic response before she collected her things and left his office. He didn't miss the sound of excited chatter as her friends met her at the door and stole a couple of glances at him. His student ushered them away quickly before she lowered her voice and they left in a fury of whispers. Sesshomaru held in another sigh.

Sesshomaru was about to get out of his chair to get started on another artifact when a knock sounded at the door. A young man stood in the doorway with red hair and matching colored eyes. Sesshomaru's gaze narrowed as he took in the sight of the lanky boy. He appeared human, but his red eyes resembled that of a demon's.

He also thought the boy looked a lot like the student Kagura had described to him the night before. He couldn't be sure if they were the same person, because this boy didn't exude any demonic aura. Except for his eye color, Sesshomaru would conclude that he was human.

"Dr. Taisho?" the boy began before he gave him a crooked smile when Sesshomaru nodded in reply, "Great. I was worried I had the wrong office. My name is Kasai, and I'm a student in your Feudal Era history class," he explained.

"And?" Sesshomaru questioned with a raised brow.

"Oh, wow. You don't waste any time," Kasai laughed while he squared his shoulders, "I just wanted to let you know that I have to go out of town in about a month. I'll be gone for...awhile, and I wanted to let you know in person. Just in case I'd miss an important exam or lecture that you'd like me to make up," he explained.

"The course syllabus has all the topics I'll cover," Sesshomaru informed him coolly, "As for exams...those cannot be made up. You need to be present to get the credit," he added.

"There has to be some way I can make up an exam! This trip is out of my control!" he exclaimed exasperatedly.

"Then you should have waited until after the semester to take it," Sesshomaru suggested levelly.

"I didn't choose the dates on purpose, Sir," Kasai replied venomously, and instantly captured Sesshomaru's attention. As did the demonic energy that flared to life around the student.

"What's the trip for?" Sesshomaru asked, and kept his curiosity hidden behind his neutral mask.

"It's...personal," Kasai replied, his demonic energy still swirling dangerously around him. While the power in itself was strong, Sesshomaru believed the boy was unaware of it. He really was just a young demon who hadn't learned how to control the beast within him.

"If it's really unavoidable, then I can make an exception," Sesshomaru stated, and watched in interest as the energy began to fade around Kasai. Perhaps he had spoken too soon. Perhaps the boy was in more control than he let on.

"Thank you – "

"But you still need to tell me what the trip is for," Sesshomaru interrupted, "and I'll decide if it deserves an exception,"

"I told you, it's personal!" Kasai retorted, his energy flaring back to life, "This isn't fair! You shouldn't have the right to blackmail me into telling you personal information,"

"It isn't blackmail, I can assure you," Sesshomaru replied calmly, "I have to give you the exam on my own time, outside of class, and I need to make sure it's for a good reason," he added, and Kasai clenched his jaw before he let out a low sigh.

"Fine," he muttered as he glowered at Sesshomaru, "I'm leaving for a funeral overseas. There was a...death in the family. Is that reason enough for you?"

"That's fine," Sesshomaru answered without hesitation, "I have a busy schedule, so make sure to remind me to give you the exam before you leave," he added dismissively. Kasai's nostrils flared before he shut his eyes briefly and nodded.

"Thank you, Professor," he said coolly before he turned and left his office. Sesshomaru watched him leave with narrowed eyes, knowing full well that the young demon was the one Kagura had mentioned. He fit her description perfectly, and had the raw power that he couldn't control to match.

While he'd like to challenge him as soon as possible, he also had to take the time to prepare. His inner beast began to claw and snap its teeth in excited aggression at the thought. He struggled to keep his human facade from fading, and possibly reveal the demon markings underneath.

He shuddered slightly when the beast nearly overthrew his willpower, and his demonic markings flashed for a moment before his human cover reappeared. It seemed his beast was ready and willing to challenge the younger demon, but Sesshomaru knew it was unwise to release such a powerful force on the boy, and expect him to live.

Once night fell, he'd find a secluded place to let his beast run free. Only then could he trust that willpower alone would be enough to control it in a fight.

Rin took in an encouraging breath before she entered the museum. She knew she'd be seeing him there, and there would be no escape. She only hoped her red haired harasser would leave her alone, if only for a day.

She also knew that Kohaku would be there, too. How would he act when he saw her? Would he smile and act like nothing happened, or ignore her completely? She silently prayed that he would do the previous, so she'd be able to keep the friendship they had made.

The entrance calmed Rin's nerves slightly as she took in the exhibits, and noted a familiar tea cup sitting in it's own showcase. It looked even more beautiful than it had the day before, and she smiled before she gently caressed the glass enclosure it was surrounded by.

"Rin!" she glanced up in surprise before she spotted Kohaku running towards her. A forced friendly smile was plastered on his face, and Rin inwardly flinched at the realization that he had to fake his sincerity. It was all because of her. Because she had started to let him into her life.

"I was worried I wouldn't catch you before class started," Kohaku stated between gulps of air as he bent down to catch his breath, "I wanted to apologize for leaving so abruptly yesterday. I wasn't sure what I should have done, and I didn't want to make you any more uncomfortable," he added as his fake smile faded away to a slight grimace.

Rin could only shake her head, signaling that he didn't need to apologize. He's so nice, she thought, and marveled at the fact. So why was she still afraid to speak? Because they had been nice too, she reminded herself, and shut her eyes painfully at the memory of the group of smiling men who had treated her kindly on that fateful day. Their smiles turned into malicious grins, their innocent act easily seen through by everyone but the eight year old version of herself. That ever trusting, ever naive, eight year old girl.

"Rin, are you alright?" Kohaku asked as he grabbed hold of her arm. She knew he had done it to comfort her. He only had good intentions, but she pulled her arm away from him violently anyway. His hold had been firm, like Kasai's had been...like those men had been when they held her down and made her watch.

"I'm sorry. God, I'm really messing this up with you," Kohaku groaned as he ran his hand over his mouth, "I didn't mean to upset you. It was wrong of me to grab you like that," he apologized, his voice instantly pulling Rin out of her flashback.

Rin hurriedly shook her head at his apology before she pointed to herself and bowed her head.

"Please, don't do that," Kohaku pleaded weakly as he moved to grab her again, but withdrew his hand at the last second, "you're the last person that needs to apologize," he stated with a grim smile.

Rin looked into her friend's eyes, and was surprised to see the warmth within his dark eyes. He didn't judge her for her reaction. He didn't get cross with her for being mute. He didn't even want an apology from her.

He really is a nice guy, Rin thought fondly before a shaky smile spread across her lips. She wanted to thank him for being so understanding, but her body refused to cooperate. She took hold of his hand instead, and gave it a friendly squeeze.

Kohaku gazed at their joined hands for a moment before he returned her squeeze with a smile, "I know you didn't want me to find out what I did last night, but I swear I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe. Even if that means walking you home every night, or being around whenever you need a friend," he told her, and Rin's eyes watered with unshed tears at the kindness of his words. She gave him a kurt nod of agreement before she tugged him alongside her.

Thank you, she mouthed to him, and watched as Kohaku read her lips and a genuine smile appeared on his face. "Any time," he replied, and they walked to class hand in hand. As they came upon the lecture hall, Kohaku opened the large door for them.

Rin's cheeks heated as a collection of eyes turned to gaze at them as they entered. Among them were a pair of golden eyes that studied them for a moment before they turned away in disinterest. The other eyes weren't as polite, and openly stared at the pair as they walked to the back of the lecture hall.

Kohaku gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before they found desks next to one other and sat down. Rin was about to let go of his hand when she spotted a head of red hair a few rows away from them. It's him, she thought fearfully as she squeezed Kohaku's hand harder.

Kohaku glanced at her before he followed her gaze, "Is that him?" he whispered and Rin nodded, "he won't hurt you, Rin. I promise," he assured her in a whisper. Rin could only trust his word as their hands fell away and they focused their attention on their professor at the front of the classroom.

His student had surprised him, again. Not only had she come to his class late, but she brought a boy trying to pass off as a bodyguard with her. He stood tall and carried himself confidently, but he was far too lanky and gentle-looking to intimidate anyone.

Sesshomaru commended him on giving his student, Rin, a sense of security. He saw it in her eyes when their gazes met. She still blushed in embarrassment, but he saw how she held herself taller than before. She looked comfortable next to her makeshift bodyguard.

He politely turned his attention away as they passed before he caught sight of the red haired student, Kasai. He watched the young demon as he stared at Rin intently, as if begging her to look up and meet his gaze. He would have thought Kasai was merely looking in mild interest like the other students, but the intensity of his gaze raised doubts in Sesshomaru's mind.

Kasai had a significant interest in Rin, and Sesshomaru wanted to know why. He already knew the young demon was capable of making unfavorable decisions. It wouldn't surprise him if the demon continued down the same path.

Once Rin and her companion passed Kasai, the demon turned his gaze away from her and continued the conversation he was having with the girl beside him. Sesshomaru ignored the need to challenge the boy right then and there, and instead chose to open the class textbook and begin the lecture.

He'd have his chance to fight the demon eventually. He just needed to be patient.

Rin was thankful when Sesshomaru brought the class to a close. It hadn't been a long class, but she was relieved nothing horrible had happened. She was also thankful that Kasai hadn't once turned around in his seat to look at her.

She had glanced at the back of his head every once in awhile during the lecture, and noted that his focus was primarily on the girl beside him. She was a pretty blonde with blue eyes and a toned figure. Rin was surprised when the girl leaned against Kasai and whispered into his ear before the two shared a smile. She appeared to be flirting with him, and he looked just as interested in her.

She could only hope that Kasai wasn't harassing the girl, but she looked far too happy around him for that to be happening. She wouldn't be happy if he was harassing her, right?

She wondered for the briefest moment if she had misjudged Kasai, but pushed the thought to the back of her mind. There was a reason she was avoiding him, and that wouldn't change anytime soon. No matter how personable or kind he pretended to be.

"Ready to go?" Kohaku asked her quietly. Rin merely nodded before she stood and walked beside Kohaku towards the exit. She glanced over to Sesshomaru to see him speaking to another student before he caught her staring. She blushed slightly as she sent him a weak smile and awkwardly waved.

It had been an impulse. She wasn't even sure why she did it. He had reached out to her before, so it only seemed polite to return the gesture. Rin felt even more awkward about it after she let her arm fall to her side without receiving any kind of reaction from him. She looked away, embarrassed, and glanced back at him right before she and Kohaku left the room.

She caught the slightest of smirks curl her professor's lips as they passed.

"Rin," she heard his low voice call to her, and Rin froze in surprise. She shared a quick look with Kohaku before she turned back to Sesshomaru.

"I need to talk to you," he stated, "wait by my desk. I'll meet you there when I'm done here," he added before returning to the conversation with his other student. Rin blinked twice before she slowly turned back around and glanced up at Kohaku. Her friend shrugged before they left the classroom together.

"I wonder what's up with that," Kohaku murmured before he looked down at Rin, "do you want me to wait for you? I'd be more than happy to," he added kindly. Rin smiled back at him before she shook her head. She didn't want to burden him.

"Alright," Kohaku replied hesitantly before his eyes widened slightly and he began to search his pockets for something. Before long he found a scrap piece of paper and grabbed a pen from his backpack. "If you want me to walk with you to class or home, here's my number. You can get a hold of me anytime," he stated and handed over the slip of paper when he was finished writing on it.

Rin smiled and nodded before her friend said goodbye and went on his way. When he disappeared from sight, she made her way to the desk Sesshomaru had mentioned. The sight of it instantly reminded her of the night before, and she smiled. Something about the space felt...safe. As if just being there would keep away anything that would want to hurt her.

It had been a long time since Rin had ever felt that way, and she wondered why Sesshomaru was the one who ignited that feeling within her. As if summoned by her thoughts, her professor's voice caught Rin's attention.

"Thank you for waiting," he said before he came into her line of vision. More specifically, his lower chest, which was at her eye level. The top of her head barely made it to the center of his chest. She was never aware of their height difference until that very moment. She blushed when she realized she was still staring at his chest, and hurriedly looked away so not to give him the wrong impression.

"Let's go to my office. It's more private there," he added, and Rin's cheeks heated even more. More...private? Just what did her professor want to talk to her about? She didn't have much time to dwell on the thought, because her professor was already a couple of strides ahead of her.

She hurried after him, and followed him around a few hallway turns before an office at the end of the hall came into view. He walked into it first, and Rin followed close behind.

It was a simple office, with little decorative items scattered around the room. All the furniture, except for the two white chairs in front of his desk, were black. Black dressers, filing cabinets, desk, and even the big chair behind the desk was black.

Rin realized that there wasn't anything personal in his office at all. No friend or family photos, kid drawings, or gifts from friends were anywhere in the room. Everything felt cold and distant. It was almost like the room had been staged, and Sesshomaru had never made it his own.

Despite the lack of personal items, Rin had to admit that it felt like his office. She barely knew her professor, but she remembered how focused he had been on his work the night before. He seemed the type to put his all into being the best at what he did, and his office reflected that necessity. He didn't want to be distracted by anything that wasn't work. She admired his work ethic, and secretly wished she could be as devoted to something in her life.

"Have a seat," Sesshomaru offered as he gently shut his office door. Rin sat in one of the white chairs opposite of his, and waited for him to sit as well. Sesshomaru made his way around the desk before he sat and looked right at her. Rin's eyes widened slightly at having his full attention before she shielded them with her glasses and gazed self-consciously at the floor.

"I apologize in advance for asking about your personal life, Rin," he began, and Rin felt her heart flutter at the way he said her name, "but I am only looking out for your welfare," he added, and Rin looked up at him in alarm. Suddenly, this "private" chat had turned in a completely new direction.

"You don't need to give me details if it makes you uncomfortable," he assured her levelly, "but I have been warned about an aggressive student's behavior by another professor at this University. She mentioned that this student has already attacked another student, and may target more students in the future," he explained. Rin gulped nervously at the news. Another student had been attacked? Was Sesshomaru talking about when she was attacked? How had that gotten out to the school and the faculty so fast?

"I want to know if you've been harassed or attacked by a student in my class," he stated, and she felt cornered by his focused gaze. She glanced to the floor before she shifted her attention to one of his decorative pieces in his office.

"This building is open until midnight. We can wait here until you give me an answer," he informed her. Rin squirmed in her seat as she tried to think of a way out of the situation. It wasn't that she didn't trust Sesshomaru, he had made it clear that other professors were worried about this attacker as well, but she didn't want to admit that she was a victim. Especially to someone who barely knew her. It made the situation all the more real to her, and all she wanted to do was deny that she was ever harassed.

She remembered how shaken she had been the night Kasai first came up to her, and how hard it was to tell Kagome about it. Kagome, her best friend who she trusted more than anyone else, and she had still feared what her reaction would be to the news.

Maybe I'm looking at this the wrong way, Rin suddenly thought as her eyes were drawn back to Sesshomaru's. I'm afraid to tell anyone because I don't want it to be real, but it WAS real. Maybe if he knew that I was attacked, he'd help me. Like Kohaku offered to do when he found out, Rin wondered. Sesshomaru stared back at her intently, his eyes traveling over her face for clues on what she was thinking.

Rin wrung her hands together before her shoulders sagged and she hesitantly nodded. A silver brow rose slightly before Sesshomaru sat up straighter. "Was your attacker a red headed male? Tall? Sitting beside a blonde girl in today's class?" he asked, and Rin nodded to every question. She gave him a quizzical look when he mentioned the blonde girl, since that would mean Kasai was the student Sesshomaru was talking about.

Then she wondered just how dangerous Kasai was, if he was the attacker Sesshomaru and the other professors were concerned about. It would also mean that Kasai has attacked another student before her. Rin could only shudder at the thought.

"Have you filed a report about the attack with the University?" Sesshomaru asked, and Rin shook her head, "Police report?" again, Rin only shook her head in response. "Have you told anyone about the harassment?" Rin nodded.

"Do you want to make this student's harassment public knowledge?" Sesshomaru asked, and Rin hurriedly shook her head in horror. The last thing she wanted was to get questioned by police and treated differently by fellow classmates. To her surprise, Sesshomaru seemed pleased by this information.

"Then we'll keep it discrete," he promised her, "but you must report to me immediately if it happens again. Do you understand?" he asked, and Rin nodded.

"Good," he said before he turned his golden gaze away from her, "how's your shoulder?" he asked suddenly. Rin glanced at him in surprise before she lowered her gaze and rubbed her shoulder absentmindedly.

She hadn't even realized Sesshomaru had been aware of her injured shoulder from the day before. It would explain why he'd pull her aside for questioning when he heard complaints about student harassment from other professors.

Her shoulder felt better, but when had that happened? Had the pain really vanished without her noticing?

"Does it hurt?" he asked, and Rin shook her head, "Let me have a look at it," he offered, but it came out as more of a command. Rin's cheeks burned as she hastily stood from the chair and shook her head. But he had already made his way around the desk, and was at her side before she could protest further.

His hand came up to rest against her shoulder, and his longer fingers applied light pressure to the joint. His other hand lightly took hold of her wrist as he lifted her arm and kept her from moving.

She waited for something to happen. A horrible memory or fear to flood her mind at his touch, like it had when Inuyasha reminded her of the night or when Kohaku grabbed her by accident, but nothing happened. Tears didn't appear in her eyes and she didn't flinch away, instead her body relaxed in his hold as he continued to inspect her.

His golden gaze remained focused, never wavering from her shoulder. Even when Rin's cheeks heated further and her heart raced within her chest. But it wasn't fear that brought on her blush or rapid heartbeat. It was him. His closeness, his scent, the way that his height towered over her own.

She already knew he was an attractive, exotic looking man, but having him this close to her let her really see just how attractive he was. His golden eyes were sharp and calculating, and thoroughly enticed her. His chin protruded forward, signaling possible arrogance behind his polite mask. His square jaw and straight nose were strong features that exuded strength and power.

The most striking feature about him was how protective he was towards her. Everything about him was intimidating, and yet Rin felt safe with him. Something she hadn't felt before with a stranger, especially a male stranger. It had taken her nearly a year to get used to Inuyasha touching her in any way. It had taken Sesshomaru two days.

"It appears to be fine," he said, his face mere inches from hers, "any bruising?" he asked. It took a moment for Rin's brain to process his question before she shook her head. Her attention had been on how good his voice sounded, and the warmth of his breath against her cheek. She was still amazed at how she felt around him, and how his closeness didn't send her running in fear. It sparked a whole other feeling entirely.

"You refuse to speak," Sesshomaru observed as he let her go and pulled away slightly to survey her, "are you afraid?" he asked levelly. Rin could only stare back at him in silence, wishing she could voice why she was afraid to speak. Her voice refused to cooperate, as usual, and she could only look away defeatedly.

"It's unhealthy to keep everything inside," Sesshomaru remarked, "if you have something to say, fear shouldn't hold you back," he added, and Rin mutely nodded.

"You nod, but are you listening?" he asked, and Rin looked up at him in surprise, "Speak, Rin," he commanded when he had her full attention. Rin opened her mouth to comply to his demands, but again her voice failed her. Despite his words, her fears, her doubts, and the lesson she learned on that fateful day kept her mute.

His golden eyes suddenly glossed over with something akin to disappointment before he put more space between them. "If you won't speak, then there's nothing left for us to discuss. You may go," he said, effectively dismissing her. Rin felt her chest constrict painfully at his cold words, and for feeling like she failed him somehow.

"When you are willing to speak, my door is always open," he suddenly offered, and for the briefest of moments gold met cinnamon. Rin's eyes widened slightly at the determined look in his eyes, and found herself smiling. He was disappointed that she hadn't spoken, but the look in his eyes proved that he also wasn't giving up on her. In his own way, he was supporting her like Kohaku.

His own lips slid up into a faint smile before he moved to open the door for her. Rin nodded her thanks as she waved goodbye to her professor. His smile stayed in place, but he didn't wave back. Rin didn't take offense, and she even preferred his lack of a send off. He wasn't saying goodbye because he wasn't going anywhere. He promised to keep his door open for her, and she believed him.

A/N: So, probably not exactly what everyone wanted for a Sessh/ Rin moment, but I promise it'll get better! I also don't want it to turn into straight romance, since their relationship is supposed to be "complex." Still trying to wrap my brain around this plot idea, so please bear with me! Thanks for reading!