A/N: I wanted to have an explanation for the reason as to why Sesshomaru stated he was poisoned instead of it just being a generic trope. This chapter just flowed and will lead into another.

Enjoy!

Awaking to the feeling of a gentle caress to her arm Rin yawned and stretched blinking to find herself in darkness.

The events from the night before came to her sleep addled brain and she smiled.

"Is it morning already?" She asked feeing her throat dry.

"It is." Sesshomaru replied softly.

"Are you sure? It's still so dark." Rin replied.

"We are very deep in the cave. I can assure you, it is morning. Early morning to ensure you are returned before anyone can worry over you."

"Oh." Sitting up she pushed her messy, knotted hair back and sighed. "You're right. We should go early."

Feeing her robe placed over her shoulders she reached for the tie standing to fix it in place. "Thank you my lord."

"You're welcome. Take my hand Rin and I will lead you out." Feeling his larger hand envelop hers she wrapped her fingers around his and allowed him to assist her through the corridors.

The morning dew of the forest floor hit her nose as they came closer to the cave entrance. Finally able to see him in the morning light Rin felt her cheeks begin to burn.

Taking herself in she saw the dirt that marred her feet, hands, and probably everywhere else. "Lord Sesshomaru, before we go back to the village could we stop at the stream so I can wash up?"

Glancing back at her before facing forward again she stopped beside him as he did. Watching as he seemingly stared at nothing she knew he was assessing the area, possibly searching out for any threats.

Once he had been satisfied that there was nothing to hinder their travel they advanced forward into the forest.

Taking a deep breath Rin took in their surroundings feeling at peace along with an immense happiness that only being with Sesshomaru had ever brought her.

While the night had been chilly the morning was humid and would only become more unbearable as the day crept on making Rin ever more grateful now to be bathing so early.

Coming upon the stream she felt the grime from the cave and their coupling start to feel uncomfortable and she more than welcomed the hazing mist that rose from the water.

On the embankments edge Rin unabashedly removed her garments and let them fall to the ground.

"Will you join me my lord?" She asked adjusting her gaze to meet his as he watched her unblinking. "You don't have too however it is somewhat unfair that you have seen me already in such a state but I was not able to see you as of yet."

A soft smirk ghosted his lips knowing full well that she was trying to bait him. Rin had always had a way about her that if she had tried she most certainly could manipulate people and turn their actions or words around.

Except she never would to anyone other than him. While she played innocent she had always known just what to say and do to get him to oblige to her requests.

"Very well." He replied making motion to undo the ties that bound his armor together.

"May I?" Rin asked reaching out with nimble fingers already clasping at the gaps to remove the heavy equipment from him. Giving a slight nod she made quick work of it all laying it down on the ground neatly.

Sesshomaru placed his swords down in front of the armor. Loosening his sash it opened up his top so he was able to remove it and simultaneously his hakamas fell to the ground.

Using one foot and then the other he removed his boots and pants kicking them aside.

He stood to his full height towering over Rin. Taking a step back Rin stared up at him moving her eyes slowly down his frame.

Her gaze lingered on his lithe, toned chest that gave way to a muscular abdomen. Feeling her cheeks heat up she trembled as she focused on his groin and further down to his manhood.

Swallowing down the lump in her throat she managed to drag her eyes back up to his as she remembered well what that part of him felt like against her own sex and in her body.

"Does this form please you Rin?" He questioned in all seriousness.

"Oh yes, my lord." She replied quickly. "But I would accept you anyway, it doesn't matter to me how you look as long as you are still you."

"Is that so?" He looked on at her in amusement. Only for her would he ever allow himself to be so relaxed and open. "If I were to decide one day to return to my natural form or I was unable to retain this one; you would still wish to be by my side?"

"Of course I would Lord Sesshomaru." Rin defended. With a sigh she crossed her arms over her front and pouted slightly. "Why must you tease me so?"

"You are mine to tease." He replied closing the gap between them. Taking a strand of her hair he tucked it behind her ear. Smiling Rin took his hand to lead him to the water.

He let her pull him with her before lifting her up into his arms to carry her in. Rin let out a squeal at the chill in the water before giggling and wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.

Her sweet laughter was always a melody that seized his heart making it beat only for her. Placing her down to sit on a rock that jutted out he rubbed at her arms and legs to scrub the dirt off.

While he certainly didn't mind the scent of their first coupling lingering on her skin he knew how humans enjoyed being clean, well at least the females seemed too enjoy it.

Now that they were mated he felt his need and want to make sure she was comfortable become near maddening, he had been at her beck and call before for years but now…he was her servant.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin said clearly enjoying the attention he was giving her, "How were you poisoned? You have always said that poison doesn't affect you in any way so I'm curious…what happened that put you in such a frenzied state?"

Stilling for a moment made her aware of his hesitation. "Not that I am complaining my lord but it would be good to know going forward. That way perhaps if it happens again then I can help you to alleviate the symptoms."

"You did." A mischievous smirk crossed his lips as his eyes seemed to spark as he caught hers.

"I meant an herbal remedy but yes, I suppose, that I did." Rin laughed dropping her head down onto her chest before tossing it back again.

Sitting beside her Sesshomaru sighed. That was a first. Rin leaned against his arm cuddling against him. "It is a rather long story."

"Tell me." Rin encouraged.

It was an oddity that his mother summoned him. She had never done so in the past making him wonder if maybe she were dying. However much to his dismay she still sat as regally as ever upon her throne.

"Son." She greeted with no emotion behind the word.

"Mother." He matched her equal in tone.

"I have great news Sesshomaru." The lady of the west declared. "There is to be a new heir to the western lands and the celestial palace."

"You have mated and bred?" The disgust was evident in his voice at the thought of his mother lying with a male.

"Oh no. There is no male worthy of this one." She laughed out. "You will."

"No."

"Come now Sesshomaru; you are old enough to breed and it is high time you begin to take on the responsibility of a lord since you insist on retaining your fathers title and lands." She countered. "If you are not interested in ruling that is fine but at least procreate to give to someone who will."

"This Sesshomaru has no interest in such things." He replied masking his rage.

"'Such things?' Oh, my poor pup, where did I ever go wrong with you to make you such a miserable creature that takes no joy in anything." Standing she approached him coming to just under his chin. "There are many eligible lady's of breeding age and you have an advantage being one of only a few males born to your generation with considerable status."

"No." He repeated. "Good-bye mother." Moving to turn he heard her giggle.

"Your little human could be present if that would help." Narrowing his eyes at her words he felt his chest tighten.

"What?" Glaring daggers at her for the audacity of her to say such a thing about Rin or to entertain the idea that he would use her in such a way.

"You've kept her as a pet for years, at least tell me it's been for carnal desires. Some sort of perverted curiosity." His mother said.

"I am leaving." Suddenly she gripped his face and brought her tongue out to lick his cheek just aside his nose.

It was a simple parting gesture but his mother had never been one to indulge him in such affections that their kind partook in.

Taking more than a few steps back he bared his fangs to her and snarled in distrust. Reaching a hand out to him she grabbed his chin and dug her claws into his cheeks.

"Know your place pup. You have forced my hand in the matter. Neglectful of your position and duties, you will produce an heir." She snapped at him growling.

Knees buckling he growled low in his chest as he fell to the hard ground of her throne room. "Do not fret my son. The eastern lords daughter, Lady Izumi, will be whom you breed."

"I don't want this." Placing his hands down on the ground he struggled to stay awake. "You…poisoned me."

"It is not poison Sesshomaru. If it makes you feel any better your father rather enjoyed the particular stimulation the herbs provide when inhaled or smoothed onto the skin." Kneeling in front of him she took his face back into her hands. "You will be escorted to your old chambers. Lady Izumi is waiting for you."

His body felt as if it were on fire. His strength was crumbling as his eyelids grew heavy. His thoughts came slowly and his vision was hazy. "No." He mumbled out.

Hearing his mother stand he gathered his remaining resolve and energy to transport himself away hearing his mother yell out in frustration.

"Oh." Rin was wide eyed and her mouth was slightly agape. "That is terrible my lord. Why would she do something like that to you?"

"She is used to getting what she wants and I have never been any of those things."

"What do you mean?" Turning his gaze to Rin he took in her concern and worry over him glad that his mothers meddling had actually worked to his advantage.

"Another time dearest." He said softly smirking at the soft dusting of her cheeks at his words. Taking his hand in hers she entwined their fingers and squeezed, her smaller hand nearly being swallowed by his own.

"We should be going." Rin said. "I can't wait to tell everyone."

"Does it make you happy, to share this with the others?"

"Yes. Yes, it does." Suddenly taking on a thoughtful look she smirked. "How do you think Jaken will react?"

Smiling deviously Sesshomaru leveled his gaze with hers. "Want to play a trick on him?"

"Always." Rin giggled out wondering what he had in mind.