Chapter 7: Tension
There was something repulsive about the smile that spread across her face as the hanyou leopard demon asked her out. She was genuinely giddy and inside Sesshomaru was roiling. That smile should have been for him, the look of adoration, and surprise that splayed across her face was meant for him, and the one thing he wanted to do more than anything in that moment was flay the damn leopard-hanyou alive! He had to get out of there before he killed someone.
He turned himself into a white ball and shot to the graduate dormitories. As soon as he was inside, he slammed the door shut. "GOD FUCKING DAMMIT. WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH ME? WHY AM I FEELING LIKE THIS?" He shouted so loudly that the whole building could hear him. He flopped down onto the bed and threw a pillow to his face
He would be in for it. His father would come find him at any moment for abandoning his class and not properly shutting down the dojo before the next teacher took over. His phone vibrated in the back of his pants, it was his brother. "What?" he snarled into the phone.
"I got the wire-taps and the financials. Care to spend a late night helping me go through this shit?"
"I'll be there at midnight," he glowered, turning his phone off. "GOD DAMMIT!" He shouted, feeling like he was going to transform. She was his, not some spotted leopard hanyou. He had to figure out a way to calm himself down.
Breathing through his nose helped a bit until a knock came at the door. He would recognize his father's scent of mango anywhere. "Sesshomaru we need to talk. Open the door now please."
Flashing over to the door he opened it.
"What is wrong now?" he asked with his hand on his son's back, closing the door and walking back over to the bed.
Running his fingers through his messy silver hair, "that sophomore, Dai Hiro, asked her out in my class. It pissed me off for some reason. So I had to get away before I killed someone."
Sesshomaru's room was rather plain. He had never decorated it despite the years he had attended college. The walls were painted gray and the panels white. His bed had the standard sheets, although they were soft and had a high thread count.
"I had a feeling something like this was going to happen. You're going to have to face the fact that your heart is calling for her. When you talked to me the other day about Rin acting strange, didn't you feel your heart wanting to help her?" They both eyed each with concerning looks. "It's going to get worse every day until your heart is satisfied that she belongs to you. It's imploring to know what she's hiding isn't it?"
He nodded his head. "Yes, but I've told you before, she is not meant to be my mate. I won't sell myself so low as to be with a human girl," although his actions spoke differently, there was something he had to know, "did you act the same way with Izayoi?"
Toga laughed so hard at the question, he had to hold his belly. "Oh yes! I did. Before Izayoi and I made things official she was seeing a man by the name of Takemaru. He was a human. I hated him. I actually wanted to rip his lungs out. Well in a way I wanted to ruin his life, but he tragically died in a house fire caused by a cigarette he forgot to put out. I was there for her through the loss. A few weeks after the funeral Izayoi and I started dating. Then she became pregnant with Inuyasha. So, things might not work out between Rin and Dai. Just give it time."
"What makes you think that?" Sesshomaru demanded.
"One, Dai's heart didn't call for her. Two, he isn't at the age for that to happen. So he doesn't know her scent yet. Three, by the time he turns twenty he'll find out the hard way," Toga was enjoying his superiority over his son.
"Inuyasha is of age and his heart didn't call for Kagome!" Sesshomaru remembered that well, he had dated someone seriously before, but then he met Kagome and that was it.
"That's because your brother doesn't care about one's scent. But for you, that's a whole different story. For now, let Rin enjoy her time with Dai," he patted his son's back, still smirking like a school boy. "Tell me how did your first day of class go?"
"Fine as ever. Inuyasha managed to get knocked off his feet, compliments of her," he sat on the bed and took a brush out. He combed through his hair trying to calm down the mess she had made of it.
Toga was laughing hysterically, "by her, you mean Rin? So that's why your brother had to get a bandage on his nose. I bet Inuyasha is still shocked he got his ass kicked in judo."
"Yes, I already had a feeling Rin was going to outmaneuver Inuyasha quite well," he smiled at the memory from earlier. "Plus it is Inuyasha's time of the month."
"So you're finally saying Rin's name? And you're smiling?" he nudged his shoulder against Sesshomaru's.
"Yeah. What of it?" Sesshomaru asked.
"You love her."
"I don't love her. I've told you so many times I will never fall for a human," the thought disgusted him, but then why did she have to call for him so badly? He set the brush down and braided his hair tightly to keep it from frizzing again.
"That's not true. I can see it in your eyes, Sesshomaru. I also can hear your heart beating faster every time her name is mentioned. Face it, you're in love with Rin. I can see it. You two will be together within the next few weeks."
His eyes closed and he breathed through his nose. "I need to go for a walk and clear my thoughts. I'll be back later."
He rushed out of his dorm and left his father behind. "She'll be yours before you know it, my son. I just wish you could see what I see."
Rin dressed herself in a short black skirt and a thin maroon long sleeve shirt. She paired it with some black slip-ons. She figured it would be best to dress casually rather than wearing her expensive designer clothes.
After she was dressed, she did her hair in a side ponytail with large curls at the end. She put on her deodorant and body spray last. "Perfect..." a flash from two years ago crossed her mind again. It hit her like lightning, making her headache. The memory of everything happening that night was haunting her. "I'm going to be fine. Everything's going to be fine. Dai is not going to harm me," she tried to reassure herself.
She tried to get control of her emotions. "It's just a date. It's just a date and nothing else," she repeated those words over and over to her reflection in the mirror. "I'm going to enjoy myself and have a fun time." Looking at herself in the mirror one last time she said, "I'm ready." Walking back out into the room she grabbed her bag and placed it on her back, then she left the dorm, and locked the door.
Arriving at the gate a short while later Dai was already there. "Hey Rin, wow you look amazing." Dai was in a simple pair of light denim jeans and a white button up quarter sleeve cotton shirt, along with a pair of white sneakers. He was grateful that she was dressed casually just like him.
Blushing to the half-demon boy she said softly, "thank you. So do you." The young half-demon who was red as a tomato held his hand out towards the girl. "So where are we going for our date?" She placed her hand within his.
"It's a surprise. But I thought it would be nice to walk around the city."
"That sounds lovely. I haven't seen most of the city yet. I've only seen up to where you work and all the way down to the other end where the park is."
"If you'd like a grand tour of the city I'd be glad to give you one."
"That would be lovely." They exited the campus grounds and headed left down into the city. "So what are you majoring in Dai?" she asked.
"I'm majoring in business and accounting. So is Roku. We want to learn how to handle business and money. We both want to keep our father's restaurant up and going," his fingers danced along hers.
"That's awesome. How long has he been running the restaurant?" She was so excited to finally be going on a date with a demon, well half-demon. Dai was adorable. He had slight fangs on the side of his mouth and spikey hair in two tones and the way he spoke with the slightest accent was adorable.
"Since Roku and I were ten I believe. Oh! I'm also studying for my culinary degree. Can't run a restaurant without knowing how to cook," he laughed nervously.
"True," she laughed with him. Deep down, she was also nervous. She had only ever been on one date before and… she pushed it out of her head again, "I don't know if I told you but my father runs a car dealership back in Florida."
"You didn't. What types of cars does he sell?" Their fingers intertwined as they walked.
"He sells Lamborghinis." She was so proud of her father. He and her mother met while he was just getting started. She had already established her career as a film actress and he had just purchased a few new cars to sell. He and a friend started their own lot from scratch and not only did their business grow from there but so did the love between her parents.
His eyes were about to bulge out of his head. "Wait! Really?" he asked, shocked.
"Yes, I haven't told anyone this but I own one," it was a birthday present and she was so excited when she got it. It was just before, she shook her head again. Those thoughts had no place in her mind.
"That's freakin' sweet Rin. Oh! Before we go eat, how about we visit a history museum?" he asked.
"A museum would be nice. It will be nice to learn about the history of Japan," she said, ecstatic.
After the pair spent a good hour at the museum they headed back out into the city. "Now to go have dinner. I was thinking we could go to my father's restaurant. Hope you don't mind?"
"I don't mind. The food there is really good and I really enjoyed the sukiyaki," she said cheerfully.
"That's actually the house special this evening. I'll call my father to have him prepare it for us. It should be done by the time we get there."
"Sounds good to me." Holding hands, they headed toward the river. It was a nice evening for them to have a date. Not too hot or too cold. The sky was almost a succulent pinkish purple with the sun slowly setting. It was good that they were walking because the traffic along the streets was a nightmare. Horns were honking and people were shouting out of their car windows. "Being out here reminds me of visiting New York. A lot of traffic and shouting people."
"I've been to New York so I agree with you on that. That was just a few years ago." Dai announced.
"That's neat. The smells are different. It's cleaner here though," she said cheerfully.
"That I agree on." The two continued their journey down towards the river.
Venturing around the city, Sesshomaru had to do whatever it took to calm his anger down. He still couldn't get the picture of Dai asking Rin out of his mind. "That half-demon had no right to do that. She's only been here what, three days? They don't even know each other that well. How can she accept a date that quickly?"
Back before he started dating Kagura, it took him several weeks to ask her out. That was before he caught her scent of mulberry and before she cheated on him. He erased that memory pretty quickly when he caught Rin's scent not too far off. His blood was boiling again. He could smell Dai's scent of oakmoss mixing along her delicate skin. He was going to hate himself for this but he decided to follow them. Flying off in the general direction they were in, he could see them sitting on the second floor of a restaurant. Acid dripped from the side of his lips as he watched them holding hands with their fingers intertwined! It made him want to rip the half-demon's hand off the girl. Sesshomaru knew he couldn't go against his father's words. But part of him wanted to though. All he could think of was to fly down, scoop up Rin, and fly off.
He decided to make the toughest decision for himself and land outside the seating area of the restaurant. "Good evening sir, will you be dining alone tonight?" a fox demon asked him.
"Yes, and I would like a table under the balcony," Sesshomaru demanded.
"Of course that will be no problem. If you could follow me please," the fox demon gestured.
He was led to a two seater table just under where Rin and Dai were sitting. Hearing her light giggling made his heart twitch. It was a warm feeling and he hated it. He shouldn't feel warmth for a human. Hatred, he needed to feel hatred and that was it.
Taking a seat with the menu placed in front of him the fox demon said, "your waiter will be with you soon." Then the demon left right after.
Sesshomaru didn't even bother picking up the menu. While he waited for his server he still listened to their conversation, "I can't believe how easy it was for me to take down Inuyasha. He's a half-demon, I thought I would have more of a challenge," Rin explained.
The dog demon would always remember that memory. He was actually smiling at her words. "Though he is a half-demon, it's probably his time of the month when he becomes human," Dai explained. "So that's why it was very easy for you. Oh man! I bet he's going to want you to go against him again, just to prove it's not so easy."
"I'm not afraid of a challenge. I'll go up against him again on Wednesday if I can. I wouldn't be surprised if sensei puts us up against each other," Rin said.
It never came to his mind to put them against each other again. He knew one thing for sure, that wasn't going to happen. He had other ideas in store in the next few days.
Before too long he was brought out of thought when he heard his waiter coming his way. "Good evening sir… oh! Sensei," Roku was clearly shocked to see his teacher here. Sesshomaru wasn't too pleased that his student was going to serve him. "Can I start you with anything to drink?"
"Saki that is all," he ordered. With the last few days he's had, a hard drink is what he needed right now. Something to relieve the stress from finding out his mate was human and the ridiculous behavior she brought out of him.
"Of course," Roku left without another word.
Light wind blew around the area they were in. Out of all the scents that surrounded him, he could pick Rin's up very clearly. Japanese cherry blossoms were making his mouth drool like crazy. Not a few minutes later he was brought out of thought when his drink was placed before him.
"Could I get you anything to eat?" Roku asked.
"No," was all he said.
Roku didn't even reply. He just walked off again.
Taking a sip of his saki sent a burning sensation down his throat. Just what he needed. The only thing missing was someone to share the evening with. Someone he could wrap his jacket in as they walked around the city together, holding hands, and keeping them close to him. What is she doing to me? He buried his eyes in his palms. I hate walking with other people. Rin started coming into his mind all of a sudden. In his mind he saw himself holding her close to him. A black leather jacket he owned was wrapped around her slender shoulders. He realized he was picturing them flying on A-Un. As they flew he would tell her about each area that surrounded Tokyo while pulling back her long black tresses and kissing the burn scar of her neck. He wanted so badly to heal it with his tongue. But he knew damn well that would be a big mistake. His thoughts ceased when he heard them leaving the deck. Scarfing down the rest of his drink, Roku came back with the bill. Sesshomaru placed ¥500 yen down and left.
Catching their scents heading north along the river, he turned into a white ball and flew off. He was intent on eavesdropping on them. Seeing their hands intertwining again made him want to pry them apart.
Cool air blew around and he noticed Dai didn't have a jacket with him. "How can you take a girl on a date and not have a jacket with you? This boy is clearly clueless when it comes to dating." He knew if he was taking her out, he would wrap his leather jacket around her. Eyeing Rin heavily, he noticed the outfit she was in. Even that made him want to scoop her up. If he didn't stop looking at her, he was going to start drooling again.
Bright lights lit up the sky indicating the night ending festival was going on. Fireworks in neon colors caught everyone's eyes, even the couple below him. "Wow, so beautiful," Rin said. Seeing her deep brown doe eyes looking up to the sky sent a new feeling in his stomach. This butterfly feeling was all new to him. It actually brought a smile to his lips. His fingers itched to trace her plump pink lips.
He continued observing, when Dai stood in front of her, grabbing her chin and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Not as beautiful as you are."
"He wouldn't dare try and..." his eyes went red watching the half-demon plant his lips upon hers. His lips seethed in anger.
Her eyes were bulging with shock. Hearing Rin's heart racing made his heart race. Then more anger ran through his body, he noticed Rin close her eyes and wrap her arms around the half-demon. She was enjoying it and returning the affection!
Watching them pull back from each other, he saw the sparkle in Rin's eyes. His own eyes widened in shock again when she fully planted her lips right back on the half-demon. Her hands ran through Dai's hair, sending his scent into the air. Feeling like he was going to be sick to his stomach, Sesshomaru flew off back towards campus.
On the outside she was enjoying this. But on the inside, she was shocked for Dai to kiss her so soon after just meeting him on Saturday. A gentle finger rubbed her flushed cheek. "Rin, I have something to ask you," Dai said softly.
She slowly unfurled her eyes to see the calm expression on the half-demon. "What is it?" So much was going through her mind. She didn't know if Dai was already going to ask for her to be his girlfriend. She did just meet him over the weekend, but he gave her butterflies and his lips felt so warm against his.
"The campus usually hosts a masquerade party at the end of August each year. So I was wondering if you'd be my date?"
This was the first time she was ever asked to attend any type of party, let alone being someone's date. With a soft smile on her face she answered excitedly, "of course. I would be proud to be your date."
The night went by quickly. The beeping of the phone alarm woke Rin up at five in the morning. The other day when she went to the gym early felt amazing, she was excited to do it again. She dressed herself in black leggings and a bright pink shirt. She wanted to wear something different that was more relaxing while she went to the gym. She left her dorm while the sun was still just rising and jogged from there to the dojo. After placing her stuff inside the locker and walking out into the room, Rin noticed she was alone. Proceeding back over to the mats, she went into the splits. She bent backwards until she found her ankle. With each breath she took her mind calmed. Deep breathing was an integral part of her routine.
She smiled thinking about the memory of kissing Dai. His lips were so warm, soft, and inviting. Before they parted for the evening he had walked her back to her dorm and placed another bold kiss upon her lips. She was excited and nervous at the same time to go to the masquerade. This called for a shopping trip, a new dress, shoes, plus finding a mask to go with the dress. She knew she was going to have to ask the girls the best place to go shopping later.
A little while later more students started to show up. Rin changed to a sitting lotus position. She was so focused on her yoga pose that a certain familiar voice startled her out of her concentration. "So how did your date go?"
She jumped holding her heart, feeling it race in an all too familiar way. Her eyes shot open to see her sensei's reflection in the mirror. "That is none of your business," she exclaimed, annoyed that the golden eyed dog demon was leaning so close to her. The feel of his breath on her skin gave her goosebumps and not in a way that made her feel good. Her stomach was cramping. It had been a long time since she had a panic attack and she could feel it coming on.
"I wasn't making it my business. So are you going out with that half-demon again?" His tone was low and gruff as he stood behind her dressed in his traditional black attire with his hair tied back in a tight ponytail.
"That's still none of your business!" Her legs came out in front of her. She tried to force herself to calm down, but her nervous system had other ideas. She couldn't catch her breath.
"Are you okay?" he asked, clearly sensing the changes in her heart-rate and breathing.
"I'm fine," she lied, getting off the floor and moving away from him, "I just woke up. Wouldn't you act the same way after waking up before the sun is up?" she demanded with hands on her hips.
"You are not fine, something is off with you!" He pointed a finger at her that landed squarely on her chest too close to her breasts for comfort. "Your heart is pounding so loud I would hear it miles away."
"Mind your own fucking business!" She shook her head to force the images forming out of her mind. "There is nothing wrong with me. Just leave me alone for fuck's sake!" Her voice rose so loud it silenced the entire room. She covered her mouth in shock just as tears began to form on the corner of her eyes. The whole room became quiet as they all turned their heads toward them. "Good job sensei! You caused a scene!" She shouted at him. "Please," her voice broke, "please," she leaned against the mirror.
"Hey," Dai ran over to her and rubbed her back, "are you okay?"
She shook her head trying to stop the tears coming to her eyes, "I… I can't breathe," she whispered.
"Just breathe," Sesshomaru took a step forward.
"Um… I know this is your dojo sensei, but she's my girlfriend, let me handle this," he came close to her, pressing his side into hers. "It's okay Rin. What's wrong?"
Her hands balled into fist, "do you really want to know what's wrong with me you damn dog?" She rocked against the mirror trying to use anger to give her strength. "It's because I'm over 7,000 miles from home, asshole," she shouted. "Do you know how hard it is to be away from your family in a different country? And you!" She stood upright.
Dai took a step back, giving her space to give Sesshomaru a piece of her mind.
Sesshomaru eyed her heavily, "watch your tongue girl. I can tell there is something else bothering you."
"It's none of your business. I don't need to tell you my whole life's story. Why can't you just leave me alone! I am so tired of this. I didn't ask for all this attention from you. I just want to come here and workout without you bothering me and following me around!"
"He's fluffy?" Dai choked, covering his mouth regretting the words.
"You will pay for that in class," he said to the hanyou. "Your aroma is releasing tension and is indicating something is troubling you. Tell me what is bothering you?"
"FUCK OFF!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, "I'm dropping your class. I'm also reporting this!" She stormed off back towards the locker room. Dai followed her and blocked the door from Sesshomaru entering.
All eyes were now on Sesshomaru. Seeing everyone around him, he growled very loudly and they all turned a blind eye away from him. He stormed out of the building and started running at a fast pace. The tension between them was really getting to him. Sooner or later he was going to have to face his father to figure out a solution. For now he continued running in the direction of the woods.
Splashing cool water on her face to help relieve the stress that was building up in her head, Rin grabbed her stuff, and headed back out. Keeping her eyes to the floor so she couldn't see the faces of everyone watching her. It was scaring her that he was trying to get her to explain what was wrong. The best thing was to report him and drop his class immediately. "You okay?" Dai asked her when she finally exited the girls locker room.
"I will be," she said confidently as she left the dojo.
"Do you want me to go with you?" He pulled her to his chest and lifted her chin. "I can come if you want."
"No, it's okay. Don't be mad, I just need to be alone for a little while. Will you walk me back to my dorm and make sure he isn't following me? Please?" She didn't mean to sound so pathetic. Her whole body was shaking by the time they got back to her dorm.
Dai helped her in, poured her some water, and then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "I'll leave my cell phone number on the table. Call me okay? Can I bring you lunch from the restaurant?"
"That'd be nice, thanks Dai." She said quietly sitting down on her bed. Her heart was still racing, her body covered in sweat. She drank some water and accepted the hug from the leopard demon. "Thanks Dai," she whispered.
"No problem," he smiled at her and then left, locking the door behind them.
A few hours later Rin made her way over to the main office. Walking inside she not only saw the headmaster Toga, but also her creative teacher Izayoi. "Good morning, Rin. What brings you here this morning? Everything okay?" Toga asked, concerned.
"I need to report Sesshomaru. He won't stop pestering me and it's really making me feel uncomfortable," she announced while wringing her hands. It had taken hours for her to calm her heart and her breathing.
"What is he doing to make you feel uncomfortable?" Toga asked.
"He keeps following me around and touching me, he licked me the other day when I was attacked. He keeps asking what's wrong with me, like I owe him an explanation. He thinks I'm lying and that there is something else wrong with me, and there isn't. I need him to stay clear of me for the rest of the school year. I need to drop his class, this isn't fair to me," Rin said timidly. "Sorry I know he's your son, but this is too much. I… I don't want this. Please? Make it stop?"
"Here me out on a few things. I'll have a serious talk with him about your personal space and boundaries, just because I am his father doesn't mean he won't face consequences. But I do recommend you keep the class. Sesshomaru told me how strong you are. It's rare we get someone who can hold their own against both my sons," Toga said proudly. "Your personal space will be respected. Come sit down."
"I don't know. It just makes me uncomfortable just being around him now," she said as she sat in a chair. Izayoi leaned against her husband's desk.
"Give it a few days. I promise his attitude will change," Toga encouraged her.
"Honestly, I feel like he's stalking me and I considered it close to sexual harassment. I really don't feel comfortable being around him now." Rin felt like her heart was going to race again. She knew she needed to keep that from happening.
"I'll give you the paperwork to fill out, but I promise Sesshomaru is not that type of demon," Toga exclaimed. He walked over and grabbed the same paper from days before, including a pen. "Fill this out and bring it to the office when you're ready."
"Okay," Rin said. She took the paper and pen from him.
"I'll stay with Rin to keep her company. I think it would be great to get to know one of my students," Izayoi said, cheerfully. "Rin let's sit here," she gestured a hand to the leather brown lounge chairs.
"I'll see you both in a few," Toga said and turned on his heels back to his office.
They sat in the large leather chairs in the main office together. "So Rin, how are you enjoying your stay in Japan?" Izayoi asked.
"It's going good and I'm enjoying my stay so far," other than being stalked by a dog demon in her mind.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it. So tell me, what do you like to write about?" Izayoi asked.
Filling out the paperwork she said, "many different things. Mostly personal stuff that's on my mind. Though I'm still trying to write my story, I want to publish it in the future."
"That's good, I encourage my students to write what's on their minds. I don't ask you to share it, just only if you're okay with me reading it," Izayoi said.
"Umm, sure." Placing the papers down, Rin pulled out her notepad and opened it up the poem she wrote days before.
Fire burns beneath my skin
I can't breathe
I'm trapped a prisoner in my own body
I can't escape
I've lost my way, the world spins out of control
Pain sears the space between
I can't move
There are no helpers in the dark
Only hands that reach out to me
The fire burns
It rages
Lost
Rin watched Izayoi's eyes unfold reading the poem. Concern covered the older woman's face. "Dear Rin, may I ask what this is about. Is this what's been bothering you the past few days?" Izayoi asked.
"Umm, yes. It's about the car accident I was in at a young age. The anniversary of the accident is coming up and it's just all too much to be stalked by a crazy dog demon," she said.
"Rin, if you don't mind, could I make a copy of this?" Izayoi asked.
"How come?" She wondered.
"I like to keep copies of my students' work," Izayoi explained.
"Okay," was all she said.
"You finish filling out the paperwork and I'll go make a quick copy of this." Izayoi walked down the hall as she went back to writing the complaint.
It was a lie and Rin knew it. The poem wasn't about the car accident although she had written many about that. Those memories were still clear in her mind. This was something else, something that made her heart race, and black spots form in her vision.
Not even a few minutes later she was done writing her complaint just as Izayoi came back. "Here you go Miss Rin," she handed back the notepad.
"Just in time. I just finished writing my complaint," she said.
"Why don't you give it to me and I'll bring it to my husband. Go and get yourself some breakfast and I'll see you later this afternoon in my class," Izayoi said smiling at her.
"Thank you, Izayoi. I'll see you later," she waved goodbye and walked out the front door of the main office, finally feeling like she would be free of the ridiculous dog demon that wouldn't leave her alone. She headed to the mess hall to eat and was met with Dai waiting for her.
"I brought you something from the restaurant? Want to go eat it under a pavilion?" They hugged as they met and walked away holding hands.
Watching Rin walk out the door, Izayoi made her way over to her husband's office. She didn't bother to knock and walked in to find not only Toga but Sesshomaru too. Her husband sat behind his big mahogany desk that was decorated with items from ancient Japan. Above it were three katanas in their sheathes against a brown wall. The floor was a pale blue and Sesshomaru sat by the long windows in the big leather couch.
"Ah, Izayoi. Everything okay? Is Rin finished writing her complaint?" Toga asked.
Before she could respond, Sesshomaru exchanged his own words. "What complaint? What did she say?"
"Just as I told you my son, you need to give Rin some space. She considered it sexual harassment," Toga said seriously, "you can't keep following her around like a lost puppy."
"I have not been following her around like a lost puppy!" he shouted at his father.
"You know who her parents are. Do you have any idea how negative this would look for the school if this hit the headlines, you licked her neck? You threw her on the ground twice? Sesshomaru, what the hell have you been doing?" His father yelled at him, rising out of his leather chair, and coming around the desk. "I cannot allow you to treat a student like this, mate or not."
"Toga," Izayoi touched his shoulder. "I think you need to see this dear." She handed over the copy of Rin's poem. "She wrote this. Rin told me it's about the car accident she was in. But I feel like it's something more than that," Izayoi exchanged.
"What did she write?" Sesshomaru tried to stand.
"Sit, now!" His father bellowed at him. "I can't believe I am having to do this to my own son," his eyes scanned the paper. "She wrote this?"
Izayoi nodded.
"Rin is new here so I just say give her time."
"Toga-" Izayoi argued.
"Not now Izayoi. Sesshomaru, you, and I need to go meet with the board. We have some matters to discuss with you," Toga said, getting to his feet, leading the way to the door.
"What for?" Sesshomaru asked stubbornly.
"This complaint for one. You've been accused of sexual misconduct and she is your mate. The school has a reputation to maintain, this is serious. You could be expelled and fired," Toga exclaimed.
"We need to make this quick," Sesshomaru said angrily. "I did not sexually harass her," he fumed as he left the room.
"Izayoi, I'll see you later today," he kissed her lips before walking out the door.
"Yes dear, I'll see you later today," she said, passing the paper quietly into Sesshomaru's hand as he left the office.
Sesshomaru folded it up into quarters and stuffed it into his back pocket.
A short while later Toga and Sesshomaru arrived at the board meeting. Inside the huge room sat five board members Lady Kaede, Lady Kikyo, Master Jaken, Lady Midoriko, and Master Myoga. The room was large with high vaulted walls that were painted in a bright green. The table was set in a U-shape with a single chair waiting for Sesshomaru in the middle to face down the board.
"Headmaster Toga, welcome. And to you Mr. Sesshomaru," the eldest member Lady Kaede greeted.
"Thank you, Lady Kaede," Toga said bowing in respect.
Sesshomaru just nodded his head. He was none too thrilled to be there. He took his place in the chair in front of the board.
"We've heard the news that you saw the girl that's meant to be your mate?" Kaede asked. "We also were informed that she's human, is that correct?"
"Hmm, yes. I'm not too thrilled about it," he exclaimed.
Toga passed the papers to Lady Kikyo from Rin. She flipped through them, "and that she believes you are a 'crazy stalker' who won't leave her alone?"
"I have not been stalking her," he argued vehemently.
"These are serious allegations Sesshomaru," Lady Kikyo finished reading the complaint. "She views your behavior in an inappropriate sexual manner."
"I did not sexually harass her!" He folded his arms over his chest defensively.
"In light of this information we have come to inform you that this behavior cannot continue. You are a grad student and the son of the headmaster," Lady Kaede continued, her voice rough with age, "this behavior reflects poorly on the school and on your parents. Therefore, you will be given a few choices that will end this matter once and for all. One, accept her as your mate. So that means treating her kindly and in a way, she does not feel like she is being sexually harassed. Two, we'll perform a ritual that will unbind you from Rin… permanently."
"I'll take option two," he said quickly, relieved that he would be able to get out of taking a human as a mate and that something would quiet the storm inside of him.
"I haven't finished, Mr. Sesshomaru. If we perform this ritual, you won't be able to find your mate ever again. It would also make you sterile. That means no children whatsoever," Lady Kaede said sternly.
That caught his attention. He wasn't sure how he felt about children, but he was unsure if he was ready to give up his ability to make children. "Hmm, is there anything else that can be done that doesn't make me sterile?" If he did have children, he wanted them pure-blooded, not pathetic hanyous like his brother. Rin would not be able to give him that.
Lady Kikyo was the one to respond, "I'm afraid not, Mr. Sesshomaru. We are giving you until the end of the month to make your decision. Make sure it's the right choice because there will be no turning back. You'll give us your answer the night of the masquerade ball. For now, avoid any confrontation that will cause more issues between you and Rin. You will maintain a professional distance from her as any other member of the faculty would. No more following her around and no more licking her without consent," she cringed at the comment while the room erupted in tense laughter.
"My son, you have a lot of thinking to do over the next two weeks. Make sure it's the right decision and I'll be here to help you through it," Toga said.
Closing his eyes and thinking about what he was told, "I have two weeks, I'll see you then with my answer," he said as he turned on heels and left.
He found himself near the dragon farm when his feet stopped moving. Classes would be starting soon, but he had a good half hour before then. He opened the paper that Izayoi gave him and read over it once, then again and again. Something bloomed in his chest for the girl at that moment. He could see deep within the words was a pain that hadn't been addressed. He wasn't proud of it but he had seen that in some of the students who came from abusive homes. They were eager to learn, but when the sparring became intense some would fall into a fit of panic. He crumpled the paper angrily, then read it again. "What are you hiding?" He muttered to himself, for once feeling remorseful for his behavior.
He caught her scent as he flew over the college. It wasn't that he was completely remorseful for his behavior, but he had made her so uncomfortable he thought she would drop his class and the complaint landed him in the hot-seat with the board. He stopped first by the coffee shop and purchased a pumpkin spice latte. He sauntered to one of the pavilions to find her with Dai. Their lips broke apart just as he approached them with the damned coffee in hand. "I would like to speak with you."
"I think you're overstepping, sensei," Dai said, holding onto Rin's hand.
"I…" he rolled his eyes and clenched his teeth together, "I am sorry for my behavior. It will not happen again." He set the coffee down, "I would like to apologize in private." His eyes shot in Dai's direction.
"You okay?" He asked Rin.
"I think so," she tapped the coffee nervously.
"I'll see you in class," Dai leaned over and kissed her lips then left.
"May I sit?" Sesshomaru asked her. She responded with a nod. He sat down next to her, but gave her space, "my behavior has been immature at best. I have made you uncomfortable and obviously something," he half wanted to pull out the copy of the poem from his pocket, but didn't want to betray the confidence she had shown in Izayoi, "is eating away at you. I have seen it before," he shook his head sadly. "Sometimes when demons lurk in the past, it can stop a fighter from reaching their true potential. I would hate to see that be the case with you."
"Okay," she whispered, picking up the latte and drinking it. "Pumpkin spice again?"
"I am not that bad of a demon," he whispered softly. "I am not good with emotions, or making connections. I am sorry and I hope you will remain in my class. I will keep my distance and allow you your privacy from here on out. You have my word."
"I'll think about it," she said quietly getting up, "I don't really feel comfortable coming to class today," she said.
He rose with her and said just as softly, "go to the library and write a one page paper on," he paused with a smirk on his lips, "Japanese dog demons and their fighting habits."
"Write a paper about you?"
"What is that American ideology? The more you know about someone the easier they are to understand? I will make a deal with you, you write a one page paper about my species and I will write a one page paper about yours."
"I don't get to grade you," she laughed to herself.
"No… you don't, but I believe it will make this between us easier," he said and turned away from her. His decision was made. He knew what needed to happen between them.
"What between us?" She asked herself as he left, feeling somewhat more at ease than she had earlier.