I love you guys x5000! (that's how many words this chapter is lol) I was asked a few times for longer chapters, so here you are! One chapter that's equivalent to like 3 1/2 of the others.

Please give feedback! I really do love it.

xoxo

-VQ

12 days later

Rin and Sesshomaru had spent a lot of time doing things Rin considered "normal". They went to the movies, went shopping and went out to eat every other night. She didn't even feel like she was working.

Of course, people would stare, run out of the door the moment they entered or whisper things under their breath. Everyone heard the stories, and they read the papers. They didn't understand why such a monster was free, or why he wasn't behaving monstrously.

"Was he framed?"
"Was that really the same guy?"

No one was sure. Even Sesshomaru was unsure if he was the same guy. If things were different, he would never spend time with a human girl. Back then; there was nothing on earth that could put him in the same company as a human.

12:35 AM

Rin groaned as she the urge to use the bathroom had woken her up. She had fallen asleep on the couch with an empty bottle of iced tea in hand.

She sat up and looked to her left, seeing Sesshomaru at the other end. She grinned as she slid her feet into her slippers and hurried to the bathroom.

On her way back to the living room, she grabbed a blanket for Sesshomaru and gently draped it over him. She lowered the TV and looked back at him once more.

Rin wondered what was on his mind. She hoped he hadn't dreamt about killing or any other volatile thoughts.

He appeared to be at peace, according to the look on his face.

Rin blushed, seeing the way he slightly wrinkled his nose as he turned his head in his sleep.

She went back to the closet to get a blanket for herself and went back to her spot on the couch.

Rin stared at Sesshomaru again. She gently slid over just a few inches closer to him and put up her feet before falling asleep on the couch once again.

5 AM

Sesshomaru had slowly shifted, irritated by the stiff feeling in his back. The day before was exhausting, so falling asleep on the couch didn't surprise him.

What stunned him was the fact that Rin was still there, her head only inches from his lap.

She slept like an angel, cocooned in her blanket, possibly dreaming of happier times and tranquility. What else would cause one to sleep with a smile on their face?

Sesshomaru stood and softly picked up Rin in his arms. She was so light, like a box of feathers.

He carried her slowly to the room like a sheet of glass that would easily shatter.

He gently set her down on her bed, when she threw her arms around his neck and gripped tightly, bringing his nose toward her cheek.

He could smell the scent of roses on her, the fragrance of berries in her hair and the sweet, exotic smell of the blood in her veins. It was wonderfully intoxicating, but dangerously enticing.

Rin slowly opened her eyes. She didn't panic or try to jump away... because she was paralyzed by the feeling of his gentle breathing against her cheekbone.

"I was just bringing you to your bed." He said to her gently, releasing the hands he just realized were still under her lower back.

Rin, still too sleepy to comprehend, simply let out a slow "mmhmm." Under the impression she was probably dreaming.

Her arms slipped off his neck like a silk sweater in the wind.

That same wind again. Blowing away his evil intentions and pushing the two of them together.

But like any wind, you can't be too careful or you'll get carried away.

Maybe Rin was more like a tornado than the sun. The way she had blown him away before she even truly made impact.

Sesshomaru had only been blown away once, but it was more like a gentle breeze. One you could dance in, one that was playful and would disappear once the song was over.

Rin was a like natural disaster pulling him in and throwing him about. But the most dangerous part of this storm was the center, the eye. Once you're pulled into the center of this storm, you're powerless. You don't know when you'll reach the ground again and if you'll be safe once you fall.

Sesshomaru wasn't fond of the weather, but he couldn't help but chase the storm.

He wanted to know what kind of damage Rin could do once she truly made impact.

9AM, 9 hours before the gala...

Rin was in the kitchen making a huge breakfast for Sesshomaru.

She knew attending the gala wasn't a date, and he was probably going to introduce her as his doctor, but she was excited to go and she wanted to show appreciation.

Sesshomaru came strolling out of his room, following the scent and noise in the kitchen.

'Such a noisy woman.' He thought as he stood over her, wondering how long it would take her to notice his presence.

"Good morning!" Rin said sweetly without turning around. "I assumed you'd sleep in."

"You were making too much noise."

"I'm sorry." She said as she turned to him with a frown. "I was trying to have breakfast ready for you."

"I see. I will be waiting." He said as he left Rin to continue cooking.

It wasn't long before Rin brought a plate out for him, then one for herself.

"There's plenty left." She told him as she sat across from him at the table.

There was silence at the table. It was peaceful and pleasant.

"Rin, do you trust me?" Sesshomaru asked suddenly as he looked over at the flowers by the window. They had slowly begun to wither since the first day he sat there.

"Yes. Why do you ask?"

"I need to go somewhere with Jaken. I would prefer if you stayed here."

"B-but—"

"I will be back in time for us to leave together."

Rin hesitated before nodding. "As long as you promise you'll be back."

The silence had returned. Rin took a look at him as he continued to eat. He acted like he was ignoring her.

'I know he'll be back.'

7 Hours before the gala...

Sesshomaru had already gone wherever he was going with Jaken. Rin cleaned up and began putting her outfit together.

She laid out the dress across her bed ever so gently, stroking the diamond accents. She stared at it like she was seeing it for the first time.

Next, she set out the lavender clutch and ponytail holder with a silver rose attached.

She opened her closet door and a pile of shoes flowed out around her legs.

She whined and bent down to put back the shoes she didn't want to wear.

As she was organizing her shoe collection, the doorbell rang.

'Who could that be?' She wondered as she ran to get the door.

There stood Inuyasha.

"Oh, hi! I wasn't expecting you." She said cheerfully as she let him in.

"Yeah. Sorry about showing up like this. I got this letter in the mail for Sesshomaru." He told her as he handed her the letter.

"No, it's fine. But he isn't here. He went somewhere with Jaken."

"You let him go out alone?!" Inuyasha shouted in a panicked tone.

"No! I told you, he's with Jaken." She attempted to reassure.

"What's Jaken gonna do if Sesshomaru decides to bite someone's head off? Punch him in the foot?!"

Rin giggled. "It's alright, Inuyasha. Sesshomaru just went out for a little while. He's coming back so we can go to the annual gala together."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "Uh Rin..."

Rin ran back into her room and came back holding a selection of earrings.

"Which ones?"

"Uh...I guess the first ones? Listen Rin—"

She ran back into the room again and returned with two pairs of shoes.

"These or these?" She asked, lifting up each hand.

"Uh..."

"Or..." She ran back again, returning with a pair of 2 inch heels that matched the dress perfectly. "These?"

"Yeah. Those are nice. Hey, Rin we should talk about—"

"I'm so excited. I've gone out but nothing so fancy before. I need to do my hair, makeup; oh I can't forget my nails. Maybe I should go to—"

"Rin!" Inuyasha shouted her name, interrupting her. "Why are you being so serious about this?"

"W-well I just think I'm going to have a great time." She said with a shrug, wondering herself why she was so caught up in the event. It was only business anyway.

"At one of those boring parties with stuffy demons and bland food?" Inuyasha asked, seeming suspicious of Rin's actions. "You like him. You like him don't you?!"

"Like who?!" She asked nervously.

"My brother! You like him! I knew this would happen." Inuyasha groaned and palmed his face. "Aww, Rin. Damn it. Have you two...you know..." He said, making incomprehensible hand gestures.

"What?!" She shrieked. "No, no, no! It isn't like that at all! I don't like him! I mean he's a nice guy. I like him as a friend but not as a boyfriend! He's just a friend who happens to be a boy...well...man." She rambled on nervously.

Inuyasha gave her a disapproving glare. "Liar. You're a terrible liar. I've seen you in a tizzy like this before. And it wasn't over a friend. So spill it. What's going on between you two?"

"Nothing!"

"Rin I need to know! If he's been trying anything funny…"

"No!"

"Listen to me Rin!" He grasped her shoulders. "I have watched my brother build women up and use them to his advantage. He was in love once—with Kagura. After that ended badly, don't expect him to fall for you. He will put on a phenomenal show just so you'll do what he wants. One day he'll pull shit like this and not come back! Tonight could be that night!"

"No. He'll be back. I believe him." She said certainly.

"You can't be that naïve!"

"I'm not. But I've seen his worst side. He's not pretending with me. He's like a block of ice on its way to completely melting. It's a slow process but it's going well."

Inuyasha sat on the couch in disbelief of what he was hearing. "So...in other words, you don'tlike him, right?"

"No, I don't like him."

"And he hasn't touched you in any way, right?"

Rin thought about the incident in the shower. 'It didn't mean anything, so it doesn't count.'

"No." She said calmly.

Inuyasha, still skeptical and not convinced that things were as Rin said, simply went along with her. "Alright." He stood. "Have fun tonight. I'll be staying at my father's. You know...until the whole slayers thing dies down."

"Of course. Hopefully I'll hear something informative about them tonight."

"Yeah, maybe. See ya later." And he let himself out.
Rin let out an exhausted sigh. She hated lying to Inuyasha. He was the only older brother she really had since hers was murdered.

She decided to let it go. It wasn't a huge deal. Besides, she needed to make a last minute appointment for a manicure.

1 hour before the gala

Rin had just finished adding some stick on diamonds to her side ponytail. She wanted to look as beautiful as she was feeling that night. She put on eyeshadow and lipstick and studied herself in the mirror.

She was beginning to wonder who she was. She even flattered herself with her beauty.

"I can't remember the last time I felt this good about myself!"

She put concealer on the scar on her chest, from one of many past incidents. She had to cover it since the dress was strapless.

There was a quick, but rough knock on the door. She threw her silk robe on and rushed to the door.

She was positive it was Sesshomaru. She recognized the knock. How could she forget it?

She stood behind the door and held it open for him. She was feeling bashful about him seeing her before she was fully ready.

Especially since he was ready.

'He looks amazing.' She thought to herself as she studied him. He had on a tuxedo along with a lavender handkerchief in his pocket. Her eyes widened upon seeing that small detail.

Sesshomaru studied her as well. He lifted her chin up so he could see her face better. He stared at Rin lustfully before removing his hand from her face.

"You should finish getting ready. Jaken is going to drive us there."

"Alright. I just need a few minutes." She told him as she scurried back to her room.

Rin placed her keys, phone and wallet into her clutch. She put her earrings on and slipped on her dress, which she zipped up as far as she could before sitting down and putting her shoes on.

"Uh, Sesshomaru?" She called out timidly.

He came into the room and looked at her knowingly before going behind her to zip the dress.

"So…how do I look?" She asked the second he released the zipper.

When she didn't hear a response, she looked up at his face in the reflection of her mirror. He was just staring at her, like he was in awe.

Sesshomaru leaned into her ear. "Everyone's eyes will be on you tonight." He said softly as he suddenly put a diamond choker necklace on her.

She gasped and placed her hand on the necklace. "It's beautiful, but…" She turned to face him. "Why?"

"Why what?"

"The dress was one thing but this necklace it's…the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!"

"It belonged to my mother."

Rin paused and stared at him in shock. "W-what…?"

He gave a simple nod. "She told me to give it to the woman who changed my mind."

Rin, still in a state of shock, failed to understand. "What does that—"

"We should be going."

"O-oh. Right. Sorry." She grabbed her clutch and they headed out the door.

30 Minutes Before The Gala

As Jaken drove, Rin sat rigid beside Sesshomaru in the back seat. He could sense her nerves and discomfort.

"Is something the matter, Rin?" He asked.

Rin was thinking about what Inuyasha said. Was he really using her? Was he being so kind to her so she would do what he wanted? Did she have feelings for him after all?

And for the first time, she was about to lie to him too. Oh, the sinful things you do to protect your own feelings. "I'm just nervous about tonight. A-am I going to be the only human there?"

"No. There will be others." He said as he glanced over at her oddly and she turned away pointedly. "It isn't like you to wonder about trivial things such as that, Rin. Is that all that was troubling you?"

She pushed all her thoughts to the side. She wanted to focus on finding out who killed Sesshomaru's mother and who was after her dear friends. She cleared her head and let her bright smile shine.

"I'm certain."

They arrived at the gala just in time. Rin looked out the window and watched as elegantly dressed men and women made their way into the banquet hall.

Sesshomaru had told her about the place in a previous conversation they had. It was just as he described.

The hall was called Midori Castle. It was an enormous and lavish place, shaped like the green royal castle it was named for. She hoped it was as beautiful on the inside as it was outside.

Jaken parked the car and went around to open the door for them.

"Rin, listen carefully. I do not want people to know that we are merely here for information. You must do less asking and more listening. You will find out the most valuable information that way."

Rin nodded in understanding. "Alright."

Sesshomaru got out of the car and extended his hand for her. "Now, shall we head inside and begin our evening?"

She smiled sheepishly as she gently placed her fingertips in his palm. "Yes. We shall."

They walked through the banquet hall, her fingers still in his palm. Rin was so fascinated by the chandeliers, decorations and table settings that she almost didn't hear people murmuring about Sesshomaru's arrival.

"He's really here?"

"Who is the human woman with him?"

"Did he do it? Did he not do it?"

"Sesshomaru it is so wonderful to see you after so long." A woman in a blue gown said to him.

"It is nice to see you as well. This is Dr. Asano. She—"

"Oh, I'm aware who she is." The woman said in a charming voice. "My name is Sara. It's a pleasure to meet you Dr. Asano."

"Please. Call me Rin." She said with a bow. "I am pleased to meet you."

She smiled at Rin. "Well, I must go greet the other guests. Once again, nice seeing you."

Rin watched the woman walk away. "What a beautiful woman. Who exactly is she?"

"A woman who fell in love with me and sold her soul to demons in exchange for eternal life to fulfill all my wishes." He said nonchalantly.

Rin's eyes almost flew out of her head. "A-are you serious?!"

He nodded. "Women are insane. No offense to you."

"Oh, None taken."

The two proceeded further into the hall and stopped for drinks. The server handed Sesshomaru two wine glasses and he handed one to Rin.

She stared at it cautiously. "I've never had a glass of wine before."

"You won't be able to say that again once you finish that glass. It isn't hard liquor. No harm will come to you."

She decided to trust Sesshomaru and take a sip. Pleased with the taste, she continued to drink it until the glass was empty.

"Um…sir?" Jaken walked up to Sesshomaru suddenly.

"What is it?"

"See that human woman directly behind me?"

Sesshomaru looked up slickly and noticed the woman in the black dress Jaken was referring to.

"That is Dr. Ono. She is Kagome's obstetrician."

"Hmm…It is possible she is the one who revealed information about the child."

Things were starting to slowly piece together. The slayers were either prying information out of her forcibly, or she was surrendering it willingly. The mystery was far from solved.

"Jaken. Continue to learn what you can for the rest of the evening."

"Of course, sir." He said compliantly as he scurried off.

"Well, well. What a surprise!" A voice said from behind them.

Sesshomaru and Rin turned to see a tall, pale demon with black hair wearing a gaudy blue outfit.

"Rin, this is Byakuya."

"Oh, allow me to introduce myself, Sesshomaru." He said as he grasped Rin's hand. "My, my! What a lovely and profound specimen you are. I am Byakuya Akamatsu, owner of The Illusionary Dreams and a master of prestidigitation."

"So…you're a magician?"

"Ahh, when you say it like that it sounds so bo-ring!" He said melodramatically.

"Oh, no I didn't mean it that way!" She said apologetically.

"Well, no harm done." He said as he handed her a card. "Stop by the club anytime to watch me perform. Oh, and Sesshomaru. I hope you don't mind, but I'll be telling my sister you're here. Ciao." He said as he smoothly walked off.

"His sister?" Rin asked curiously. The name sounded familiar but…

"Kagura."

"I had a feeling." Rin felt a knot tying up in her stomach. Were they about to rekindle their relationship? She knew Kagura had lingering feelings for Sesshomaru but… 'Wait, why am I concerned about this? I-I don't love him!' She thought to herself.

Not even two minutes had passed before Kagura was walking towards them in her pink and white gown.

Rin felt intimidated by Kagura. She was a brazen and relentless woman. She assumed Kagura would say something harsh and sarcastic to her like she did when they first met.

The moment Kagura saw Sesshomaru's face, her smug and arrogant self from their first meeting wasn't there. Before them, stood a delicate lady with the softest face.

'I knew it. She still loves him.'

"Nice to see you again, doctor." She said to Rin in a kind voice.

"Nice seeing you as well, detective." Rin said with her bright smile. She knew Kagura's greeting was insincere, but she still wanted to show her kindness. Especially since she was Sesshomaru's one true love.

"May I speak with you? Alone?" She asked Sesshomaru as she cut her eyes at Rin.

Sesshomaru looked over at Rin, who was apparently shell-shocked by Kagura's cold glare.

"Do you mind, Rin?"

"Oh! Not at all. Please, go right ahead." She said, sending him off with a cheery smile.

She watched as they walked away arm in arm. 'They make a fine match.' She thought to herself, feeling defeated inside.

"Dance with me, Kagura, like we used to." He said, extending his hand for her.

"Oh? Someone's feeling rather nostalgic today." She said, accepting his hand.

He placed one hand on her lower back. "Watch where you put your hands, Sesshomaru." She warned.

"Of course. Forgive me."

"Tch. Such a hollow apology."

"What is it you want, Kagura?"

"I want to know why you're here."

"I am here representing my family. Dr. Asano has been persuading me to restore normalcy into my life.

"What would she know about normal? That loony doctor." She said callously. "And on top of that what would she know about you? Letting you out was a mistake."

"A mistake, you say."

Rin looked on, seeing the smile on Kagura's face as Sesshomaru would occasionally lean into her ear and tell her something privately.

They had incomparable chemistry together. They danced in perfect sync. Her wind blew around the partially melted ice. Together, they were snow.

"Hah. Maybe next time they'll lock the two of you up together."

"Now that, I would not mind."

Rin could feel the cold breeze flying her way as she watched them, sickening her and dropping her temperature.

They danced and twirled, causing the snow to fall harder.

"So, you've got a thing for that doctor, do you?"

Sesshomaru said nothing in response. That made Kagura angry. It showed on her face.

"What are your intentions with that doctor? She's just a kid after all. An amateur in her field."

"I have plans for her. None of which concern you."

"Listen to me. You may have others fooled by your new found 'normalcy', but I'm not buying it. If I have to kill you this time, I won't hesitate."

"And if you were the one who had to die, I would step over your body."

It was nighttime, so the radiant sun she was had already set, and all that surrounded him was Kagura's evening air. Why would he ever notice Rin now?

'Maybe I do have feelings for him.'

"May I have this dance?"

Rin turned around to see Byakuya extending his hand for her.

She accepted and they waltzed on the dance floor.

"You should take it as a compliment. My sister sees a new side of him. We all do. He has a certain softness to him. It has you written all over it."

"Oh d-does it?" She faltered, seemingly flattered.

"Geez. You're pretty scary. Any doctor that can tame him is an effective one. You really know your way around a person's mind."

'But I can't tell what's on his mind now. He's never been further away from me than he is now.'

Byakuya was disappointed that even though Rin was dancing with him, her eyes were on Sesshomaru. "Ahh? How dreary. You're always watching him. You seem possessive of him. Have you, by any chance fallen in love with Sesshomaru?"

"W-what?!"

"Oh don't worry I won't tell. I don't want to be killed." He glanced up at Sesshomaru, who was glaring at him. "Hmm. It seems he is possessive of you as well. Pardon me, doctor, but I must cut this dance short for my own safety. Please enjoy your evening." He gently released her hands and disappeared into the crowd.

Rin looked over at Sesshomaru, who was still dancing with Kagura. Her chest began to hurt and she desperately needed some air.

She stepped onto the patio and no one was outside except her; probably because it was so chilly.

Rin was fascinated by the flowers outside. She needed to see them, even if she had gotten sick.

As she held the bud of a white rose in her hand, a jacket was draped over her shoulders.

She looked up to see Sesshomaru looking at her, trying to meet her eyes.

They had only made eye contact three other times. It made Rin scared. She felt like he could see straight through her, all the way to the memories behind her.

"I also know the feeling of going out of your way for a delicate flower."

"I-I..."

"You have not danced with me yet. Come inside."

Rin followed Sesshomaru inside and the two began to dance.

He noticed a less confident and dispirited look on her face.

"I don't want you to worry. You are the only woman I can trust at this time. I would overcomplicate things if I get involved with someone."

"O-oh I...wasn't worried. You two seemed to have great chemistry."

"That is a dance between two people who would prefer if the other were dead. That is how we feel about one another."

"It didn't seem that way." She replied, unconvinced by his answer.

"In order for two people to dance well without any mistakes, they have to connect. I wonder what it is that connects us right now."

"P-perhaps the fact that we trust one another?"

"That would have been a feasible answer if you did not doubt me."

"I-I-I don't—"

"For such an articulate woman, you've been stuttering frequently. Speak clearly."

"I'm sorry. I'm going to be completely honest. Inuyasha came by earlier and said something that has me concerned."

"I'm assuming he told you how I used to treat women when I was younger and warned you not to have feelings for me."

"How did you..."

"Inuyasha is as transparent as a glass window. I've always known his character. He has not changed a bit."

"Well. He has been the same for as long as I've known him."

"Those two things, are nothing you should be concerned about."

'Well how can I not concern myself about the second thing...'

"You should warn Kagome to see a different doctor. Everyone here has suspicions of her. The only reason she was invited is because she specializes in demon and half demon pediatrics."

"I see. I had a feeling." Rin took a look around. "I have been meaning to ask you. Why isn't your father here?"

"He might have needed time to recover from being struck by me."

"You hit your father?!"

"Of course I did. Why does this Surprise you? You should be relieved I did not kill him."

Rin sighed disappointedly. Of course, he was right. At least no one was killed. "Did you find out anything else?"

"Yes. There has been a rumor that the Slayers will be regrouping somewhere in Tokyo sometime this week."

"What will we do?"

"Wewill do nothing. You will stay home and I will retrieve my mother's belongings."

Rin leaned close to him and rested her head on his chest. "Please don't kill anyone." She pleaded.

Sesshomaru continued to hold her, even though the song had stopped.

"Ever since I met you, I realized there is a thin line between killers and people who are capable of killing. You're not a ruthless killer. You don't kill everyone over every little thing and you're a lot gentler than you let on. It's gotten to a point where people see you and they honestly believe you were framed."

"What are you saying, Rin?"

"It's just...I don't feel as lonely when you're around. I don't want to lose you now that we've become so close."

"I see. So those are your true feelings."

"You're not upset? You said human emotions like mine were a burden."

"I don't feel burdened by you."

Rin looked up at him, her eyes sparkling in the light of the hall.

"There is somewhere else I would like to take you. The atmosphere of this place seems to have upset you."

He looked around to see Jaken standing conveniently nearby. "Jaken. Get the car."

"Sesshomaru, where are you taking me?"

"Don't worry. You will enjoy it. Let's go." He said as he grabbed her hand.

"Okay!"

Before they had even reached the door, their fingers were intertwined and the connection they had became clear to the both of them.

Jaken had quickly begun driving to the address he was told.

"It will take us approximately 40 minutes to get there." Jaken told them.

Rin and Sesshomaru sat closer to each other than they did in the previous car ride. They were incredibly close to one another, thigh touching thigh. She wondered if it would be alright if they held hands again. She felt something sensational from his touch.

Too nervous to ask, she simply pretended to fall asleep on his shoulder and he held her hand in turn.

Little did they know, another car was following theirs. Inside, there was a masked driver, the young boy who spied on them before, and a fuming, bloodthirsty man wielding two swords.