Characters

Rin Nakamura + Hiroki Nakamura

Sesshomaru/ Inuyasha Oshiro

[Sanzen-san =Mr 3000 is Rin's nickname for Sess]

Kagome Suzuki

Sango/Kohaku Yamamoto

Kagura Kazeko

Naraku Kita

Miroku Ashikaga

A/N: rating of M for lemons.

MAY

RIN

Three plates of Omurice later, Rin sat back on her sofa watching her son and his new best friend hands deep in soap suds. Even though he was standing on a stool, Hiroki was still an entire head shorter than Sanzen-san. He probably wouldn't grow to be as tall as the Sensei but judging from the intense discussions they were having, Rin had a feeling that her son wouldn't mind.

Wait. What was she thinking? Talking about the future? She shouldn't be encouraging Hiro-chan to get too close to the doctor. It would only end in heartbreak.

"Okaa-san, Kaa-san!" A happy bouncing boy crashed into the cushions next to her. "Did you know, did you know that Sensei is a kendo master? Can he teach me please? Pretty please?"

Rin looked up at their guest who came walking in with a wash cloth in his hand. Of course he had to be a kendo master. It wouldn't surprise her to know he excelled in every aspect of his life. That only proved how different their worlds were.

"You're still too young Hiro-chan. Plus, kendo is not just something you learn for fun."

"I don't mind teaching him," offered Sanzen-san taking a seat next to the boy. "I'm sure Hiroki-chan understands that kendo is used for self defence, not for fun. Right?"

At her son's determined nod, Rin knew she had been outnumbered. Since when had those two started ganging up on her like this? Unbelievable!

"Why don't Okaa-san and I demonstrate to you some moves? You'll understand better." He caught her eyes over the grinning boy. "What say you, Nakamura-san? Have any bamboo sticks or something lying around?"

"I will do not such thing," said Rin, arms over her chest.

"Come on Okaa-san! It is a special day after all," urged Hiroki -that traitor! "If not, maybe Sensei can demonstrate with me?"

"Absolutely not!" If he wanted a sparring partner then bring it on. "As it happens we have bokkens on display in the reading room."

Surprise was clearly etched on his face but she could tell he had thought them as decorations. Little did he know she used to take part in her school's interhigh championships back in her days.

"So Hiroki-chan, let's role play that Okaa-san is about to attack me. I'll hold my bokken like this-" Sanzen-san held up the wooden sword at an angle; his back to Rin. " Okay Nakamura-san, attack at will."

For her first hit, she allowed him to disarm her, twirling her petite body around until she was struck down on the ground.

Meh. That was just the warm up.

When he asked her to do so again, Rin was aware of the careless way he left his left side open – thinking she was a novice- and rammed her bokken straight up at an angle towards his underarms.

Her precise strike should have disabled him slightly but the surprise on his face made up for it. Realising he was up against an equal partner, Rin watched him change his stance; his eyes focused as he tried anticipating her attack.

At the clash of their swords, Hiroki cheered them on, hopping up and down but unable to pick a side. Not like Rin would lose to this annoying man!

But despite that, his strength and prowess was no match for hers. Rin soon found herself not only with her bokken thrown halfway across the room, but also pinned down underneath the agonising weight of a full grown male.

"Hiroki-chan, close your eyes," he whispered, mere inches from her face.

"But I want to watch you do kendo!" complained her son.

To that, Sanzen-san laughed, "I'm going to kiss your Okaa-san now." That obviously did the trick for Hiroki's went 'eww' and buried his face in the pile of cushions next to him.

Rin didn't even get a chance to say no for his lips came down swiftly on hers, robbing her of breath as he toyed and teased her lips with his kiss.

"Do you think it's time to put Hiroki to sleep?" he murmured against her lips, those eyes looking down at her with clear intents to finish off what they had started.

Like a pair of well oiled gears, the two adults went about preparing the six year old for bed. Rin forcing get him into the tub and then into his pajamas while Sanzen-san made the milk and read him his stories. By 8pm, the boy was tucked in bed hugging his pillows.

"Shower first or not?"

Sensei's answer was to scoop her up and carry her into her room; their hands desperately undressing each other. Pulling out the futon, they made it to the bed just in time for they were practically naked and hungry for each other.

"Sensei..." Rin bit into her wrist as the man started licking her nipples, twirling them round with his tongue. As much as she wanted to, Rin had to keep her voice down since Hiro-chan was a light sleeper.

But as that very tongue licked a trail down her body, Rin wondered how long it was before her moans escaped her lips, especially now that he was rubbing his length against her inner thigh so deliciously...

BOOM!

A scream and a flurry of footsteps later, her son's cries were difficult to ignore outside her door. "Kaa-san , Kaa-san Hiro-chan is scared of thunder!"

Looking up into the agony filled expression of her almost-lover, Rin scrambled to her feet, pulling on a robe before she opened the door.

"Can... can Hiro-chan sleep with you?" Rin lifted her son into her arms and shook her head. "Let's go back to your room okay? Okaa-san will keep you company until the storm passes."

By her calculations, it lasted nearly all night. Such that when she finally dragged herself back to her room, Sanzen-san was no longer there. In his place was a small note on her pillow:

We'll work it out somehow. See you next Monday!

/ / /

The next day however, Rin was surprised to receive a phone call from the clinic. At the deep baritone of his voice, she felt her cheeks flush in remembrance of their interrupted passions the previous night.

"Ohayo Nakamura-san, how's Hiro-chan?"

"I'm so sorry about last night." Rin didn't know which was worst. The fact that he was so understanding or that he didn't blame her for choosing Hiroki over him.

"Don't worry about it. I knew you'd be fretting about it that's why I called." She heard the opening of his door and the sound of crisp heels clicking in. "Hai Kazeko-Sensei, I'm coming." At the sound of the doors closing, he then resumed talking to her. "Nakamura-san, I'm heading off to Tokyo for an emergency operation now. I just wanted to tell you that in case you thought it's your fault if I don't come in on Monday."

Rin just gaped stupidly at the receiver. "Ah, ano... thank you for telling me Sensei. I wish you a safe trip then."

As it turned out, she wouldn't hear from him again until the rainy seasons of June started, nearly two weeks later...

/ / /

MAY

SESSHOUMARU

Sesshoumaru had planned for a quiet Friday, even contemplating to stop by the candy shop on his way back to apologise for leaving so abruptly the night before.

That was before his nurse aid Yamamoto-san came rushing in, telling him that one of the obstetrics patient just went into a complicated labour and that his new colleague Kazeko-Sensei needed him to do an emergency lung bypass as the baby was likely to be born with a respiratory failure.

"How did she not detect this earlier?" Even as he grumbled, Sesshoumaru was gathering all his essentials into his overnight bag. He always had one for emergencies like this. "Is the helicopter service on its way?"

He wasn't surprised when Yamamoto-san informed him that the emergency helicopter was en route from Tokyo University Hospital, with the operation theatre ready for scrubbing in an hour. That should give him enough time to whizz through the patient's file and anticipate the likely condition he would expect the newborn to be in.

Though he had never worked with Kazeko-Sensei before, he'd heard quite a bit from Kagome who was consulting her at the Inuyama medical centre before she transferred to his clinic. For a small time gynae to be able to book an operating theatre at the national hospital on such short notice, she must have some powerful connections.

Not wanting to waste time, he scanned the report as he dialled Nakamura-san's landline. Halfway through their conversation, Kazeko-Sensei came in. "Oshiro-Sensei, we need to go."

Saying his goodbyes to Nakamura-san, Sesshoumaru boarded the helicopter.

Tokyo University Hospital was just as he recalled it to be. Though he missed working there, Sesshoumaru knew his time in the big league was on a hold. Until he had a better idea of Chichi-ue's plans, Oshiro medical centre would be his current home.

After an emergency c-section was performed on the mother, Sesshoumaru turned all his attention to the barely breathing baby on his operating table. As explained to him on the helicopter, Kazeko-Sensei had not suspected any abnormalities as the baby's heart beat was strong and oxygen levels in the mother's blood was optimal. It was only during the ultrasound that morning when she noticed the defect and despite being only 34 weeks old, she had called for an immediate delivery.

It was risky which made it even more important for him to try and save this baby. This bypass would only be a temporary solution, with mother and baby likely needing to stay in the hospital for further surgeries to correct the lung failure.

It was only five hours later when he emerged from the theatre, having successfully placed the child on external corporeal support. Heading towards the staff area, Sesshoumaru slumped down on the cushions, tilting his head backwards on the headrest.

"Good work there Sesshoumaru."

He really didn't want to open his eyes but that voice was too familiar for him to ignore. Cracking one eyelid open, he caught the head of surgery looming down before him. Jerking suddenly to life, Sesshoumaru got to his feet and gave a polite bow. "Kita-Sensei!"

"Didn't think I'd see you here again. How's that tyrant of your father treating you?" His superior meant that in the most polite of manner, having been contemporaries with his father at this particular hospital during their younger days. It was a known fact that his father had turned down the position as Head of surgery before choosing to move to Inuyama.

"I didn't think we'd get an OR at such short notice. Usually my father would go to Nagoya hospital for such emergencies."

"Ah, Kazeko-Sensei pulled in a favour. She's used up her last one." At his curious stare, the Head Surgeon laughed. " No need to look so scandalised Sesshoumaru-kun! Kagura is my niece!"

Ah, that explained it. "I'm surprised she chose not to pursue her career here. She's good."

To that, the older surgeon simply smiled. "I believe that's her choice. It's not easy working in the shadow of someone. I'm sure you of all people would understand that." With that, he left Sesshoumaru to his own thoughts and the impending slumber consuming the worn out Sensei.

/ / / /

Despite informing the mother that she needed to get a paediatrician from the university hospital, she insisted on Sesshoumaru; willing even to pay whatever miscellaneous costs of taking him away from the clinic back in Inuyama.

"Gomen ne Oshiro-Sensei. She's also asking me to stay here since she's still under observation." Sesshoumaru looked up at his co-worker's bloodshot eyes. "I'll catch up with you later? I'm heading back to the hotel."

"Get some rest Kazeko-Sensei. We might not be at Oshiro Medical now but I'm still your boss. Don't neglect your health."

For a moment, the raven haired doctor blinked, as though surprised to hear his concern. But as she bowed a thank you, Sesshoumaru caught the slight blush on her cheek.

"Do you want to get dinner together? The canteen food isn't great but it'd do you some good," offered Sesshoumaru just as she turned to leave.

"Let's do that. Catch you later!"

After she was gone, Sesshoumaru dug out his phone and pressed the speed dial. It seemed, he wouldn't be seeing his sweetheart for a little bit longer.

"Moshi moshi? Nakamura-san?" The nasal tone on the other end didn't bode good news for him. "Down with a cold? I'm sorry. What about Hiroki-chan?" He hated that he was too far away to see her. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll be in Tokyo for a while more."

"It's work. Please don't apologise. How are you?" Her gentle voice made his heart ache slightly.

"I miss you -your sweets!" Was he in high school or what? Blurting something stupid like that!

"So desu ne? Well, shall I make some nerikiri when you're back?" Sesshoumaru was nodding wordlessly on the other side of the line. He only wished he could put himself through the line and kiss her.

"Nakamura-san?" If you miss me. "If you need anything please call me. Anytime. I'll pick it up or call you back as soon as I can."

He didn't need to see her to know she was blushing. And the call ended on that note.

Sesshoumaru didn't get a chance to speak to her anymore after that but his eyes were constantly on his phone for the whole week; so much so that his co-worker had to confiscate it from him just so he would look at her when she spoke.

"Kazeko-Sensei! Give that back this instant!"

"Didn't I say to drop the formalities? We're in the hotel restaurant for goodness sake Sesshoumaru. Relax a little. The surgeries are now complete and we're going home tomorrow."

He was looking forward to that so desperately. "Forgive me. It's hard to take myself off work mode sometimes."

In the few weeks that he spent in Tokyo with his co-worker, Sesshoumaru had learnt more about the head surgeon's niece and why she had chosen to stay a local doctor despite being trained overseas.

"Kagura-san, I think next time we should contact Nagoya hospital first. I know it's state of the art here but we cannot assume all our patients can afford the fees like the Tanakas."

"Hai, hai. I get it Sensei." Kagura rolled her eyes at his nagging. "I apologise for not consulting you first. But it won't happen again."

Three hours and two bottles of wine later, Sesshoumaru had a feeling that the prolonged dinner with his co-worker was a mistake. Not only was Kagura leaning heavily against him, her hands were also roaming all over his chest; her lips kissing his jawline.

"Where's your room key card Kagura-san?" Sesshoumaru was reduced to digging into a lady's purse, while fending off being harassed by said woman. To an outsider, it did look like he was trying to get lucky. "Damn it!"

Kagura had completely lost consciousness and apart from leaving her to sleep outside her door, Sesshoumaru had no other choice but to haul her to his room instead. His uncooperative colleague murmured something about sleeping together -like hell he would- before drifting off into dream land.

Sesshoumaru went as far as dumping her on the bed and covering her with a blanket but anymore, he couldn't. Taking the spare pillow, he tried to get as comfortable on the sofa, waking up only hours later to the sound of running water in his shower.

Cursing the cramp in his neck, he sauntered into the bathroom, lamenting that he forgot to switch off the water when he came face to face with Kagura, naked and screaming in the shower.

"Oh my god! This is not what it looks like!" he groaned, turning around to run back into the room. When she emerged a while later, Sesshoumaru was ready with an explanation but Kagura it seemed wasn't interested.

"Well, let's take last night as a freebie shall we? Doesn't hurt to scratch an itch once in awhile."

"Whoa. That's not what happened Kagura-san! You were drunk, I couldn't find your key -"

"And you took advantage of the situation." She shrugged, stepping closer towards him. With one finger on his chin, she tiptoed slightly to press a fleeting kiss on his lips. "I don't mind. You've always piqued my interest Sesshoumaru. My only regret is that I don't remember any of it."

Slapping a hand down his face, Sesshoumaru pushed her back. "Look. I'm not interested in you that way Kagura-san. Nothing happened last night and nothing will happen between us ever."

The humiliation creeping up her face was instantaneous. "If you insist." Kagura hurriedly picked up her clothes. "Thank you for taking care of me last night. I'll go now."

Sesshoumaru sighed. "I'll see you at the lobby after check out."

/ / / /

JUNE

RIN

Since she didn't hear from him, Rin figured that Sanzen-san was probably still in Tokyo. She contemplated calling him but each time she picked up the phone, Rin would be overwhelmed with embarrassment that she'd slam the receiver down.

"Okaa-san, I'm off to school!"

Rin looked up to see her son ready to walk for the first time to school on his own. "Remember, call me as soon as you reached -"

"Hai! And don't talk to strangers, look before I cross. I know Kaa-san."

"Okay." But she stood by the doorway, gripping the side viciously until she could no longer see her son in the distance. "Why do they grow up so fast..."

Still, her baby had accepted the little paper doll she had made as a charm against the constant rain plaguing the June season. The mother and son pair had been making the teru teru bozu dolls all weekend, hanging them at the shop front and giving them to the customers to pray for good weather.

"Maybe... I could drop some at the clinic?" She pondered to herself. Of course it had nothing to do with checking if the Sensei had returned. Nothing at all. Gathering a few dolls, Rin also scooped up some sweets and stuffed them in her bag.

As she hopped on her bicycle, Rin realised it was the first time she made the first move to seek him out. Usually it was Sanzen-san who barged into her life unannounced. She only hoped that it wouldn't be an inconvenience to him if she did.

A good twenty minutes later, Rin made it into the clinic and casually walked past the board displaying the names of the doctors consulting for the day.

.

.

.

Oshiro Sesshoumaru

Kazeko Kagura

The last named sounded familiar. Ah, it was the Sensei whom she heard him speak to over the phone once. A quick look at her qualifications, Rin noted that she was not in paediatrics. Well, all the more dolls for Sanzen-san then.

Stopping by the nurse's desk, Rin made sure it was alright for her to walk into the consulting room.

"Oh for you? I think Oshiro-Sensei will make an exception. He's got no patients yet, so go ahead," chirped the nurse.

Not thinking too much about the special treatment, Rin took a deep breath and knocked on the door before stepping in.

"Kagura-san, yamete kudasai!"

Though his face was completely blocked by the female figure on his lap, Rin knew without a doubt that it was him. Taking a step back, she closed the door as quietly as possible before making a run for it. But she hadn't been discreet enough. He'd seen her.

"Nakamura-san!" She could hear his footsteps chasing after her but it was to late. What was she going to hear? That he was sorry and that it would never happen again?

That's what they all said. Why had she been so stupid to believe in his sweet words? Were his kisses also a lie? Everything, all the times he spent with her and Hiro-chan... was it just an experiment?

Rin hated that she had allowed herself to be hurt by a man again. Cycling as fast as she could towards the elementary school, Rin did the first thing her instincts told her to.

/ / / /

SESSHOUMARU

The sweet shop remained closed everyday that week and despite his constant calls to the landline, no one picked the phone. Why hadn't he asked for her mobile number when he had the chance? Now he was left with no way to contact her, no way of even knowing where she was!

In desperation, Sesshoumaru had drooped by the school, hoping Kagome had some answers.

"Wait, you're saying Hiroki-chan is not here too?" Did she really pack up and leave for good? "I don't suppose you have his mother's contact details?"

Kagome gave him an apologetic look. "Onii-san, you know I'd help you. I really would. But our confidentiality works the same like the clinics. All I can say is that she took her son out for two weeks for family reasons."

That's a lie and they both knew it. "She saw your gynae trying to kiss me and bolted."

"What?!" Kagome looked more curious than appalled.

"I'd recommend you to find another doctor just in case. I can't have my subordinates making an unprofessional pass at me."

"You're going to fire her?"

"If I must. But right now, I want to find Nakamura-san."

/ / / /

RIN

Nagoya seemed like a lifetime ago as Rin and Hiroki stepped off the train. Six years ago she had left this city promising never to return and yet here she was, walking down the roads she knew by heart.

"Okaa-san... where are we going? I want to go home!" Rin simply carried her son and reassured him with kisses. She hadn't planned on letting the boy meet his father ever but she knew eventually he would want to know. What better time than now when she needed someone to take care of their son for a few days?

When the door swung open, Rin almost felt transported to her college days; the handsome fresh face of the man before her a constant companion during those four years.

"Rin? Wow... I can't believe it's you..."

"Kohaku..." They stood awkwardly in front of each other, unsure whether to kiss, hug or shake hands. Rin settled on neither. Bringing their son into view, she knelt beside the boy and introduced him. "This is Nakamura Hiroki."

The six year old looked cautiously at his mother than at the man before him but made no move to say hello. Even without saying a word, she knew that her son recognised his father -they were two peas in a pod; their faces an exact replica of each other's.

"Ano, well hello Hiroki-chan, I'm Yamamoto Kohaku. But I suppose... you can call me Oji-san?" Hiroki further buried his face in his mother's chest. "Why are you here Rin?"

"I need someone to look after him for a few days." The disgust on his face said it all. "Two days. I promise! There's something I really need to do."

"You're fucking crazy you know that? Don't just come here all of a sudden and dump this shit on me! I've got a life you know?"

"He's your son!" Rin heard herself shrieking. "I'm not asking you for money or anything. Just to watch him for 48hours!"

Kohaku groaned. "You willing to let him see the kind of life I live?" As if on cue, a sleepy feminine voice called out to him from inside. "New girl every night."

She couldn't believe how little Kohaku had changed. When she had gotten pregnant, he called her boring because she could no longer join him for his binge drinking. As she got heavier, he chastised her for being fat and slow and unable to satisfy him sexually. That was the start of the cheating cycle.

But Rin had forgiven him, thinking all would be back to normal once the baby was born. But it got worst.

Rin was often so tired staying up to tend to Hiroki that she didn't have the energy for the kind of activities Kohaku had in mind. Late night outings, clubbing and overnight parties were totally out for a new mother.

Those times she was left alone at home, hearing the sound of her husband tumbling into their room with his new girl for the night, made her wonder why he had married her in the first place. Was it because they were genuinely in love? Or was it just another curiosity of his?

"You're such a sad person Kohaku... I'm so sorry for you," whispered Rin as she scooped up her son in her arms. "It's was a mistake to come here. Goodbye."

Hiroki was silent as they boarded the bus heading towards a small town at the edge of the city; his small frame clinging to her almost desperately. Rin regretted ever bringing him to see Kohaku. There had been hurt and then fear in her son's eyes when he realised she was leaving him in the care of a stranger. He hadn't been wrong. Though they shared the same genes, Kohaku and Hiroki were mere strangers to each other.

When the bumpy bus ride came to an end after four hours, Rin alighted with her son snoozing over her shoulder. How long had it been since she last came here?

Ah that's right... After her parents death. Hiroki had been only two years old then so he couldn't possibly remember.

Walking up to the creaky old gate, Rin was filled with nostalgia of her younger days, having spent summer holidays here with her grandmother. She really had not wanted to inconvenience the old lady, seeing that she was nearly 90 but the scene with Kohaku earlier reminded her that as far as family went, Kaede Baasan was the only one she had left.

Knocking on the door, she waited patiently, hearing the creaks and thuds of her grandmother's walking stick against the wooden floor. "Who is it?"

"It's me... it's Rin."

The walking stick seemed to tap faster on the ground; the door opening a minute later to reveal a teary eyed old lady, her arms outstretched as she welcomed her only granddaughter home.

"Tadaima Baba."

Those same arms closed over her and her son. "Okaeri Rin-chan." When she pulled away, Rin allowed her grandmother to fuss over her, telling her the usual that she wasn't eating enough and that she should visit more.

"But I know why you're here Rin-chan. It's because of a man isn't it? And you're in love with him."

/ / / /

After countless hugs and reassuring kisses that she would come back for him, Rin boarded the morning bus back to Nagoya city; leaving her crying son in the arms of his great grandmother. The four hour journey was why Rin had wanted to leave Hiroki with his father, rather than inconvenience her frail grandmother. But fate it seemed demanded otherwise.

"There is no need to go to such extremes Rin-chan," her grandmother had advised before she left. "Running away won't solve anything ne?"

She wasn't running away...

And anyway, so what if she was? Best to have a fresh start in a completely new place.

That was the only thing on her mind when she stepped through the gates of her former university, walking down those well worn path towards the Literature department. It took her less than ten minutes to locate the professor she was looking for; his name and the lecture hall he was currently in etched clearly on the modules board.

Feeling nostalgic, she sat through his lecture on modern poetry, listening to his soft droning voice as he moved the class into a comparative analysis of the works by Yeats and Elliot. Only after the lecture was dismissed did Rin move forward, unsure if her professor would recognise her. After all, the young woman he had known all those years ago now was nothing like who she was now.

"Hi Professor," she stammered in English. The older man frowned as he looked up, peering into her face before bursting out in a shout.

"Bless me! Is it you Rin?"

"Hai, it's me Ashikaga-Sensei."

"Please, Ashikaga-Sensei is my father. Just call me Miroku as you used to. So! You finally came huh." He walked them both out and towards the cafeteria. "I must say you're just in time though. Applications are closing in a month and though you can always apply every year, I'd really rather you do your fellowship now."

"About that. You remember my son Hiroki?" At her professor's nod, Rin continued. "I have to bring him along. Will the scholarship stipend be enough?"

"Rin sweetie, you know it's going to be difficult. You might need to work a little to cover the extra expenses but I'd really rather you focus on your studies."

She had a feeling he'd say that. Nevertheless, she took the application forms from him and spent the rest of the day working on a proposed thesis that she would like to receive the scholarship for. Rin spent the entire night at the university library, rousing awake only the day after to continue writing. She had promised Hiro-chan that she'd be back in two days so regardless of whether she was ready or not, Rin would have to submit the forms by that day and head back to her family.

/ / / /

SESSHOUMARU

Sesshoumaru was lying on his bed, thinking about how best to make up to Nakamura-san when his phone rang. Knocking everything off his dresser, he dived for the vibrating mobile phone: unknown number.

But judging from the calling code, it was from the next prefecture of Gifu.

"Moshi moshi?"

The whispers on the other line was barely audible such that he had to press the receiver closer to his ears to hear the soft childish voice on the other line. "Sanzen-san Sensei? It's Hiro-chan."

"Oh my god Hiroki-chan.. where are you? I've been so worried! Are you ok? Is your mother with you?" The line crackled a little, signalling a low reception. "Hiroki-chan, where are you now? I'm coming."

"Sensei... please come and take us home! Okaa-san thinks Hiro-chan can't hear but she cries every night. I think she is sick Sensei but she won't go to the clinic!"

A wave of worry washed over him. "Do you know where you are Hiroki-chan?" The boy muttered something about taking a train to a big city and then a long bus ride but he had no idea where they were apart from the fact that they were staying with a Kaede Obaasan. That wasn't very helpful but Sesshoumaru couldn't possibly say that. The boy sounded desperate and frightened.

"Alright, listen to me Hiroki. Can you bring the phone to Kaede Obaasan? Is she sleeping too?"

A lot of shuffling and scratchy sounds of cloth over the receiver later, a clear gentle voice greeted him on the other line. "Are you the one who broke my Rin-chan's heart?"

Sesshoumaru hung his head, holding back his sigh. "That would be me. It was never my intentions to do so Obaasan."

"Save your breath for her. Not me. Now tell me, what is your name, what do you do, where do you live and have you been married before?" Obediently he answered her questions -though he really wanted her address! "Do you love children and do you want one of your own?"

Sesshoumaru felt like he was being interviewed for a job. "Hai. I work with children everyday. Its hard not to like them. And yes, someday I do hope to have a child of my own."

"Good, good. Now the most important question of all. How much do you want to be with my granddaughter?"

"I'd like to come over now and bring her and Hiroki home. Does that answer your question Obaasan?"

The old lady chuckled before rattling off the address.

/ / / /

Sesshoumaru contemplated waiting till morning to take a train or driving like a madman in the middle of the night to cross prefectures. Either way, he estimated that it would take him about the same time to arrive at her grandmother's doorstep.

But the thought of wasting time at home doing nothing didn't sit well with him. Grabbing his coat and car keys, he then dropped an email to his nurse aid and informed her of his absence for the next two days. That should give him enough time to drive to Gifu and back.

He set the GPS to the address that the Obaasan had given him and readied himself for the long drive. Once he had mother and son safely in his arms, Sesshoumaru planned on spoiling them. First, he needed to convince Nakamura-san that she had misunderstood what she had seen. Since that incident, he had clearly set boundaries with Kazeko-Sensei, even revoking her right to address him so informally by his first name. Colleagues or not, there were some lines no one was allowed to cross.

Still, he understood what Nakamura-san must have felt when she saw him that day. Though there was so much he didn't know about her, Sesshoumaru could guess that her last relationship probably ended in ways similar to the situation she had witnessed at the clinic.

Who was this man who made her so fearful of love that her first instinct was to run away and hide?

Sighing, Sesshoumaru continued his sleepless drive until daybreak, stopping only for coffee and breakfast before resuming the last two hours of his drive.

He made it just slightly before noon and caught the small Nakamura family about to eat lunch.

"Obaasan, who is it?" Ah that voice...

The old lady who opened the door looked up cautiously at him, her eyes studying him with great care. "You'll do. Come in."

Sesshoumaru barely made it to the kitchen when a tiny figure came running towards him; the boy leaping into his body and hanging like a monkey unwilling to let go. "Sensei, Sensei you came!"

From behind, he heard the slight scrape of a chair pushed back and angry footsteps coming towards them. "Hiroki Nakamura you come back this -"

Whatever she wanted to say was forgotten as her eyes landed on him, confusion -and was that relief? -visible on her face. "What... why are you here?"

"Rin-chan, I invited him. Now fetch another bowl. This fine gentleman is joining us for lunch." Her grandmother ushered her back into the kitchen and gestured for him to follow suit. "I hope you like nikujaga."

Lunch as it turned out was not as awkward as he feared, seeing that Hiroki monopolised the conversation. After the dishes were washed, Sesshoumaru waited until he was alone with Rin before speaking up. "Come home with me Nakamura-san."

The petite female refused to meet his gaze, her attention focused instead on wiping the table. "I'm sorry you had to come all this way for nothing."

That did it. Grabbing her by her arms, he shook her slightly. "Do you think I'm here for fun? As a joke? I like you a lot Nakamura-san and I hated how worried you left me. Not a call, not even a note. What do you take me for?" He hadn't meant to raise his voice but at her wide fearful eyes, Sesshoumaru regretted it instantly. "I'm sorry. Please Nakamura-san... how can I convince you that I'm serious about you? That there is no one else?"

He folded her into arms, holding her there until the stubborn woman relaxed; her eyes softening as they finally lifted to look at him. "Did you really come here to take us home?" At his resounding "Yes!", she blushed slightly. "Okay. Let's go home together then."

/ / / /

The exhaustion of their short runaway trip had taken a toll on Hiroki, sending the boy into instant slumber upon landing on his futon. As the adults crept away from his room and towards the living room, Sesshoumaru wasted no time claiming what he had missed in the last few weeks.

His kiss was possessive, not allowing the woman before him to escape from his touch. With her back pressed down on the sofa, Sesshoumaru brought her arms over her head and pinned them there; growling when she tried to struggle free.

"I'm not stopping this time, not even if a hurricane sweeps through the house," he whispered in lieu of a warning. "And you need to be punished. Leaving me like that. Unforgivable."

Tearing his lips away from hers, he kissed his way down her throat , opening the front buttons of her blouse as he went lower. At every few intervals, Sesshoumaru would bite and suck on her flesh, with every intention of marking her -just so she knew whom she belonged to.

Ridding her of her blouse, he then went to work on unhooking her bra; amused somewhat at the practicality of the plain cotton. Maybe he should take her lingerie shopping. After all, the thought of lace and satin over her ivory skin sounded very enticing indeed. With that in mind, he didn't bother being gentle with the garment, choosing to snap and toss the flimsy material away.

"Your nipples are already hard," he whispered, pinching both nubs between his forefinger and thumbs. "Is Nakamura-san horny?"

"I am not!" she protested, though her body arched upwards to feel more of his touch.

"Then you wouldn't mind if I do this." He took a nipple into his mouth, running his tongue around and around the hardened tip, hearing her muffled moan as she tried to hide her face behind a cushion. "Do you want to let it out? That sexy voice of yours?"

He turned his attention to her other nipple, lavishing it with the same attention as its twin. "Please... not here." She cupped his face and forced him to look up. "My room. Please."

Sesshoumaru didn't need to be told twice. Scooping her up, he carried her to the room, making sure to lock the door before settling onto the futon. Unbuttoning his own shirt, he then laid skin to skin on top of her, claiming her mouth once more with his.

Though his erection strained painfully against his trousers, Sesshoumaru forced himself to calm down just so he could ravage the dark haired beauty to his fill. She was clearly ready for him, judging from the slippery welcome greeting his fingers when he slipped them down her jeans front. Ignoring her pleas to stop, he inserted two fingers inside her and was surprised to feel her muscles contracting so readily. When was the last time she ever had sex?

Withdrawing his fingers, he ordered her to strip completely, doing the same for himself. As she stood naked and shy in front of him, Sesshoumaru couldn't believe how truly innocent she looked.

"Lie on the bed and spread your legs," he instructed, aware of her reddened cheeks as she did as she was told. "Can you touch yourself for me? Surely you do that once in awhile?"

Though she didn't answer, her fingers were tentative as she moved them lower; her face averted from the act as though embarrassed. "I... I don't know how," she finally succumbed.

On a normal woman, he might find it hard to believe but there was something on her face that told him that her sexual experience so far might have been one sided all this while. That was unacceptable.

"Rub your clit, yes good like that... how does it feel?" Sesshoumaru's eyes were fixated on her fingers; his own stroking his cock to painful hardness. At the sight of her tilting her head back in pleasure, he wondered who exactly he was trying to punish that night. "I can see you're all wet Nakamura-san. Can you put a finger inside for me please?"

She slid in two.

Sesshoumaru heard a sharp draw of breath. His. The scene before him was becoming too erotic; the flush on her face signalling her climax was near.

He pulled her fingers out forcefully, a second before that happened. The murderous look on her face was priceless, but that turned into another bout of embarrassment when he took her wet fingers into his lips and sucked; his eyes on hers the whole time.

"Didn't I say you were being punished?" he reminded her as he unrolled the condom he had in his wallet. "But don't worry, I'll reward you in a bit. You have been good girl so far."

Pushing her thighs apart, Sesshoumaru rubbed the engorged tip teasingly at the start of her slippery entrance.

"Sensei... please!" Her hips urged closer in silent demand, to which he obliged. Though he expected her to be tight, nothing prepared him for the vice like grip around his cock the moment he was fully sheathed inside her. Her warm wet walls made a lewd slushing sound as they contracted around him, forcing Sesshoumaru to still himself for fear of a premature ejaculation.

"Sensei..." Her eyes were wide and filled with lust as they looked into his. "You're so big... you fill me up. I can't..."

Moving his hips to pull out and plunge back in was the most gentlemanly thing to do. Her scream as she came was quickly muffled with a fist in her mouth; her body rocking uncontrollably as the wave of pleasure claimed her body. Sesshoumaru rode along with her climax, thrusting in and out in a bid to please her body even more.

Pushing her thighs upwards, he rested them on his shoulders as he filled her up even deeper than before; her screams now unbridled as she thrashed underneath him. Covering her mouth with his was the only way to keep her voice down, especially when he wasn't quite done with her just yet.

"Hold onto me," he ordered, waiting until she had wrapped her hands around his neck, before slowly getting to his feet. Her cry of surprise was just as erotic as the tightening clench of her muscles around his cock. "Just let yourself go... trust me," he murmured, wanting his lover to put all her faith in him; that he wouldn't let go, wouldn't let her fall, wouldn't ever hurt her.

"Sensei..." She was close, he could feel it.

"Cum with me." His own knees buckled slightly at the intensity of his climax, forcing him to slam her backwards against the wall in an effort to remain standing. Her nails were digging into his shoulders as she echoed his own release; his fingers gripping her thighs roughly as their bodies jerked against each other.

Much later when he had pulled himself out, the two laid down spent and satiated, side by side on the futon.

"Can I stay for the night?" he murmured into her hair, gaining a sleepy yes from her. With her head resting on his arm, Sesshoumaru let out a satisfied sigh. Now this was what he'd been waiting all his life for.

"Nakamura-san?" His hand snaked stealthily to cup her breasts. At her annoyed grumble, Sesshoumaru chuckled, turning his head to kiss her lips. "Does this mean we can do it again?"

As her eyes flared open, Sesshoumaru leaned his body against her, confirming the suspicions that were clear on her face. He couldn't help it! Nakamura-san was just too adorable.

"Dame! Go to sleep now Oshiro Sesshoumaru Sensei!"

Ah, she took out her big mummy guns.

"Hai, Hai," he laughed. "But promise you'll never run away again?"

He caught the slight blush on her cheeks before she turned her face into his chest. "I promise."

/ / / / /