Hi xD

As promised, here I am to update the 2nd chapter of Mating Policies: To confuse a demon!

I am quite thankful for the favorites, followers and reviews for the first chapter (PAMILA DE CASTRO, guest, inlovewithademon, guest, FG, azraelknight, latafmodginkianp37, ILoveSxS, Sytara Kyss, guest, Queen Hady, guest, inu demon, guest, lady of the west, AnonGuest0), you are the best, guys!

I wouldn't update today, but Brazil went on strike and everything and everyone (mostly, at least in my city) stopped here. The bus, subway and trains were not working and I also decided I wouldn't go to work, even if my employer said I should… As some of you already know, I do like Politics and getting involved in any way I can… Sadly I could not go protesting for I have no car and could not arrive to meeting point. Locked at home… I decided that instead of looking at the local news (they mostly lie about everything they disagree), I should do something more useful of my time… So here you have it, the next installment of Mating Policies xD

Again, this chapter is NOT betaed, so you know…

Disclaimer: Takahashi owns InuYasha, I own this plot.

Warnings: Light smut and possibly OOCness.

Enjoy!

Mating Policies

II – To confuse a Demon

"And may I know who is best to teach her besides me?" InuKimi asked, almost bored to death; she had never been a fan of politics, but old men involved in politics bored her to the afterlife.

There was silence in the meeting room for a moment, even the Lord himself seemed wary of his mother. He looked at her out of the corner of his eyes and closed his own as she smirked evilly. He was still to meet someone as full of mischief as his own mother.

"Lady Mother!" the elders cried out in unison. They were barely able to hide their displeasure; the idea of having a woman as the counselor to another woman — the new Lady of the West — was rather disquieting, after all, if they could not manipulate the new Lady who else would?

InuKimi's smirk broadened. Not today, old hags, not today!

"Still..." Hideki spoke for the first time, clashing eyes with the Lady, he was one of the few unafraid of her. So be it. Tsk! "The royal physician should be the one to visit Lady Rin and see if she is in need of anything."

"You mean to check if she lost her virginity to my son."

The entire room gasped. Sesshomaru drew in a deep breath. He hated court politics. He hated how his mother loved to tease the so called old hags. Didn't she notice that he needed their support? He would not go far if he was to provoke the Elders so much. He remained in silence though, he would take no part — even though his silence meant he was on his mother's side.

The idea of having the Royal Physician paying Rin a visit and touching her to check if they had lain together pretty much pissed him off — not because they did not, but for he hated the idea of any man touching what was his.

How he hated that old fashioned custom.

"My Lady!" Hideki made his voice known in the sea of gossips and gasps. The Lady would soon drive the bunch of old men crazy. If only her late mate were there to see... "The Royal Physician visit is already a tradition. It would be a shame if the Western La—

"Traditions are meant to be broken when they became obsolete," InuKimi stated calmly. "I can guarantee you all, Lady Rin has been properly taken by my son."

All heads turned to face Sesshomaru. Some of the Elders seemed rather surprised, others not so convinced.

"Is that true, Sesshomaru-sama?"

It took him a moment to nod, but when he did, silence wrapped around the meeting room. No being dared to break it, it is till Hideki himself smirked and asked in a cunning tone, "Then there would be no problem if the Royal Physician visited her."

There was low snarl as Sesshomaru glared at the Elders menacingly.

"You dare to doubt this Sesshomaru's words?" he asked rhetorically. Silence fell in the room once again as the Elders bowed in the common saikeirei — and he hated when they did that, it only showed how weak and useless they were. "To doubt your Lady's words?"

Their posture changed, the cold wrath contained in their Lord's voice, nearing icy indifference had them shivering. Sesshomaru was known as the demon who surpassed the great InuTaisho after all, if there was a being they should be afraid of it certainly was him, it did not mean, however they would go down without a fight. Their rules were sacred and should be followed without unnecessary questions.

"Traditions are meant to be kept, our rules should be protected," Michiko, Hideki's mate, spoke for the first time, causing a few to nod in agreement and whisper words of approval.

She barely spoke in the council meetings and when she did she put everyone on their toes. Known as the alliance between the West and the South, she was a force to be reckoned with. Someone not meant to be messed with.

"I am the head," Sesshomaru stated, ceasing the murmur, "It falls on my hands which traditions are meant to be kept and which are to be discarded."

Without waiting for any response, he got to his feet and headed towards the shōji doors. He had a lot of documents to read that were far more important than losing his time with that bunch of fools.

"Sesshomaru-sama!" An older elder, trusted by both his father and mother, spoke for the first time. "Regarding the—

"This meeting is over, Hiraku." His words were final, he had no time to lose with them. The faster he solved the mystery concerning the Southern Lady, the better for both him and Rin. "If it is related to my Empire and not my personal life, you are invited to join me later."

"Of course, Sesshomaru-sama." Hiraku bowed his head low. "Forgive me for my inappropriate behavior."

"As for the rest of you, do not come looking for me unless you have an important matter that does not involve my wife."

#

A sigh left her lips as she sat on the zabuton close to the gardens and served herself a bit more of tea. Her Lord was probably right now in the meeting room, a bit far from the hanare area — while it was known as hanare room, it comprehended more than merely the bedroom in which she should be mated to her Sesshomaru-sama —, discussing about their marriage and the position she should have now as his wife.

She was grateful there was that stupid rule in which the female should not leave the hanare area for the first two weeks — for they believed it was the best time to conceive; if only they knew her Lord was not very much keen to bed her let alone pup her —, for she would not really know how to behave in front of the Elders.

They scared the hell out of her. Not that the Lady Mother was much better, but she… Well… She saved her life once. It probably meant at least some part of her did not hate Rin thoroughly, right?

She shivered as she recalled the words Lady InuKimi used to address her last afternoon.

What would you do to make that mark permanent?

A shake of head followed the thought. Even if… She swallowed, even if she loved her Lord — because she did, she did love him so very much —, she could not do anything to make the temporary mark permanent.

But you love him.

As if loving him were enough to do something that would certainly displease him the most. Would he hate her? Would he cast her out? Would he kill her? Could her Sesshomaru-sama ever hurt her?

She doubted.

He had been the most caring being she had ever met. Not even her own kind cared for her that much. And he did… He may not care her to the point of mating her — what was she if not but a child in his eyes? —, but he did care for her.

And part of him…

She blushed at the thought.

Part of him… Well… Desired her at least a little. She did not know the extension of it yet, but even if he was good at controlling everything about himself, she saw it… she felt it and she tasted it.

And she could not forget the sensation of losing herself in his arms.

The ningen girl was very much aware she should not harbor these sorts of feelings for her Lord. It was thoroughly disrespectful, but truth be told it was not something easily controllable.

The mere remembrance of his lips upon hers, of his hands caressing her body… sent shivers up her spine. The marvelous recollection of his fangs deep buried into her skin… She thought it would hurt… Only hurt, she never thought it would bring her pleasure…

A sigh left Rin's lips as she moved her fingers to touch the small punctures on the junction of her shoulder and neck, but retreated at the same time as if burned by her own touch.

Ouch!

She stared at her tips worriedly, but there was nothing besides a burning sensation. The fingers were not tinted in the characteristic color of a burn, not even pinkish. They were merely hot and stinging.

Curious, she lifted her hand back to the same place, the other though, but stopped as she heard a low growl at the entrance of the room. Her head snapped back to the shōji doors and she found herself trapped by the intense and icy stare of her Lord.

"Sesshomaru-sama!"

"Do not touch my mark," he said in a low voice, almost like a silent growl, as he walked to her.

Rin's hand immediately fell to her lap as she stared at her Lord. She blinked furiously when, in no more the two steps he was upon her, invading her personal space and lifting her to her feet effortlessly.

On their own accord, her fingers buried into his white haori; her breath completely cut as he lifted her chin and inspected her face.

Without noticing, Rin bit her bottom lip fiercely, causing his golden eyes to flick to her crimson tinted mouth. For a moment, she could swear she saw the golden irises narrowing and a sparkle of red reach them, but it was so quick she could very well be imagining it.

Next thing she knew, his hands were working on the obi of her kimono quicker than she ever thought possible. The nagajuban was left slightly open as well and the upper half of her clothing were undone; her skin bare to his appreciation.

In a last attempt of covering her modesty, Rin crossed her arms around her torso; a pinkish hue coloring her cheeks. If not for having him holding her in place, she would sure have lost balance; his body was so close to hers it would be impossible to fall though.

"S-Sesshomaru-sama?"

His eyes then shifted to hers and she could see, even if for a brief moment, something akin to coldness touching his orbs. Was it… Desire?

More like raw lust.

Before she could reach any conclusion, he buried his head in the crook of her shoulder and neck and lapped at her mark, causing her to stiffen in his arms and let out a throaty moan.

His clawed hand pressed her against him, till there was no more space between their bodies.

Sesshomaru continued to lap at her skin, till the punctures closed again and no trail of blood was left on her skin. Then, without noticing, he nuzzled it slowly and passionately.

He had forgotten it was bound to happen to her… to have the mark opened again at a mere touch. If it was a mark placed upon a demoness, the skin would heal in a matter of minutes, but Rin was human and the fact it was a temporary mark did not help the tiniest bit.

When he broke apart, after sniffing the air around them and purr at the heady scent she left of, she could not help but sigh.

It took her a moment to open her eyes; all the time she tried her best to control her breath and avoid touching the mark that tingled now after his affectionate caress. She was still wrapped in his powerful arms; it took no genius to know that the thing pressing against her belly and twitching a few times was his erection.

She bit her bottom lip and moved her hips against his, her hands leaving her own torso to hold onto his shoulders. Sesshomaru's eyes immediately fell to her exposed cleavage; he could practically see the round form of her breasts as he worshiped them with both his hands and lips.

Without his consent, his hand traveled from her slim waist upwards, fully intending on kneading her soft mounds exactly like afternoon. A growl emerged from his throat as he thought of pleasing her and having her trembling in his arms in the bliss of another sweet and magical orgasm.

His mouth returned to the mark, lapping at it and causing her to moan as she shamelessly rubbed her core against his erection.

He should stop.

He had to stop.

It was not only wrong as it was also shameful for him, a Demon Lord, to desire a human.

And not only any human, but Rin.

The one who trusted him so much and absolutely acted because he drove her to this point.

Before it was too late, he broke suddenly apart.

"Rin," he all but purred. He kissed the corner of her lips, completely lost in the sensations her body pressed against his evoked. "We should not."

Rin's chocolate eyes snapped open at his words. For a brief moment, he thought he saw a hurt shadow pass over her eyes, but then… It was gone.

"Do not touch the mark again," he said, stepping slightly back, she was still wrapped in his arms though. Rin was still breathing slowly, and the spicy scent of her arousal was driving him nearly insane.

"Why?"

"Because you are going to hurt yourself," he replied in a smooth tone; his eyes as full of concern as she had never seen. "It is still fresh and sensible. It is going to take a few days for it to heal fully."

She nodded and bit her bottom lip. He had to control himself before he kissed her as he so wanted and ended up doing something he absolutely should not.

Her fingers moved to her skin in their own accord. He intercepted her though.

"Rin." His tone had a warning in it. She was absolutely not to touch the mark, his mark.

"Sorry…" She smiled sheepishly. "But, Sesshomaru-sama…"

Silence fell upon them. No one dared to break it. When he realized she would not continue before he expressly said so, he added.

"Speak."

"Is that all?" she asked, looking down, afraid of facing him, her cheeks very much hot and reddened.

She saw it… The way he reacted when she touched the mark. The way his deep voice sounded possessive in her own eyes… So predatory.

"Of course not."

The voice had both shifting their attention to the shōji doors. There, a gorgeous female figure stood; a small fan waving her face and covering part of her mischievous smirk.

"Am I interrupting you?"

"Mother." Sesshomaru's tone was icy and had a hint of warning in it. He was up to no games. In fact, he was tired of them. Tired of her behavior.

"Lady Mother!" Rin said, looking down. She did not dare to face Lady InuKimi.

She even tried to break apart, completely ashamed, but Sesshomaru did not allow. He kept her in place and held her clothes, so no further nudity would be displayed to his mother. Her face grew red and hot.

Oh heavens!

"What do you want, mother?" he asked as he towered over his wife, his tall form keeping her from InuKimi's prying eyes.

"I wonder…" She scoffed. "Won't you tell her about the side effects?"

"Mother!"

"Such as dreams…"

"Dreams of which nature?"

InuKimi's golden eyes shone with mischief for a brief second. It was getting more and more interesting. How refreshing the naivete of his daughter-in-law was proving to be. She was loving every second of it!

And loving it even more as her son hated it.

"Erotic, of course, sweetie."

Rin's eyes grew unbelievably wide at the word. The pinkish color also spread to her neck and shoulders. She choked and had a little trouble breathing.

Erotic dreams caused because of the mark?

At the same time, as InuKimi tried to get a better look at Rin, Sesshomaru did his best to hide her. It was absolutely too much information. Unnecessary really.

"Leave."

"But I just arrived." InuKimi feigned innocence. It was a trait she lacked since her mother's womb, Sesshomaru thought.

The demon Lord narrowed his golden eyes. If he was a lesser man, he would have growled at her presence, but he knew, he knew, it would only make her renew her teasing and he could have everything at the moment, but it.

"Son," she replied the non spoke mother of his in a very annoyed and tired tone — he was such a cute pup —, the smirk growing wider by the second. How she loved teasing him.

There was another reason why she was there, of course. She came to talk to her daughter-in-law, tell her she should be ready by the next day to their first lesson, but it was no surprise to find her half-dressed in her son's arms.

And he dared to deny he desire her; such a fool.

"Very well…" She straightened her back and cleared her voice. "I came to tell Lady Rin I am to teach her in the inu ways as from tomorrow."

"Teach me?" Rin looked at her mother-in-law from the minimal space between Sesshoumaru's arms, her eyes round with curiosity.

"Yes… Teach you, darling. Of course."

InuKimi sighed. She simply hated people who repeated her lines, but she would have to make do with the girl. With a bit of luck, she would get rid of that annoying trait and improve her best traits.

Yes…

From now on, Rin was the project of her life.

"I shall teach you the court policies, how to fight— She lifted her eyebrows defiantly at her son and raised her hand, indicating his opinion was not welcomed. "And no, Sesshomaru, you are not allowed to speak or to disagree." A sigh left her lips. "Continuing, there is still the inu language, the proper etiquette and... If you are a good student, I can also introduce you to the bed policies."

All the while as she explained the lessons she would go through with Rin, the ningen grew more and more interested. Sango and InuYasha had taught her the basics of self-defense, but truth is they had never gone too far, for Sango was quite soon round with twins and later busy taking care of them and InuYasha, as their protector, had little time to lose teaching a girl. He could protect her without the real need to teach her.

And that was the exact thought she hated the most. It was her inability to protect herself that put her in danger most of times. Although, to be fair, it was not her fault she could not protect herself at the tender age of eight. She doubted that even if she could, there would not be much she could do.

She would enjoy those lessons the most. Now, as for bedroom policies… Did that even exist?

Before she could control herself, the question took a form and the words slipped past her lips. It was received with a smirk from InuKimi and a narrowing of eyes from the Lord.

"Of course, sweetie… and I shall be mostly pleased to teach you that."

As Rin realized she had said that out loud, she thought her face could not get redder. If it would not render more teasing, she would have covered her face — that and how narrowed her Lord's eyes were.

Well…

She tried to reason with that and think about Kagome's reaction — the first model of a strong woman who did not need exactly physical strength to put people on their toes — at knowing about those bedroom policies thing and came to the realization that perhaps it was not really something that empowering.

On top of that, the mark as well her status were both temporary. She would not have them forever, so why learn so much? It was useless. No matter how much she tried, truth is, one day or another, her Lord would announce their break-up and would marry and mate a demoness worthy of him.

Jaken was right.

Do you ever think he will be able to harbor any feelings for a weak human such as yourself?

No matter how much his words hurt her, Rin could not bring herself to judge the imp too harshly. He was right. He was right!

That he would want worthless half-breed children?

That her Lord would ever consider marrying her to mislead his Council was already such an honor. It was more than she ever deserved. To have him coming for her after so many years, to have him wanting her by his side and now as his Lady wife and… the Lady of his Castle…

No.

Rin shook her head profusely. It was no thought to be having now. No matter the situation, or the outcome of this situation she found herself into, she would not back down now or do something that would put her Lord in a troubling situation later.

"Leave," Sesshomaru said once again as he sensed the shift in Rin. From subtle curiosity to sudden uneasiness… Or was it sadness? He could not say for sure.

He tightened his hold onto her, but broke apart as soon as she shivered in his embrace, but not out of cold… It was something else entirely. The way she placed her hands on his chest and slightly moved away was enough indication she did not want him close.

"I think you should be the one to leave, my son."

To that, he did not have an answer.

He looked at Rin, in search of a confirmation, anything that indicated he was not welcomed anymore, that his touch was not welcomed and what he found was more than enough to make him step away, putting a distance of at least one arm between them.

A nod was all he could muster as he left the room. The smirk upon his mother's lips made him turn back and look at her through narrowed eyes as he said in a very, very low tone.

"Remember what I said earlier in the meeting, mother."

As the words came back to her, InuKimi could not help but smile, a genuine smile that too soon became a full smirk that could rival the most mischievous creature in the world.

"Of course."

You worry too much, pup.

#

"My Lady…" Rin bowed her head in a very polite gesture, indicating how much she still respected the Lady Mother as the Lady of the West, as if she herself did not hold that position now.

InuKimi rolled her eyes and took a few steps towards the girl, outstretching her hand to touch Rin's chin, so she could look at the mark more closely. It was no surprise when the ningen stepped backwards — her son did a good job at telling her to protect the mark after all. That or it was totally instinctive.

"I am not going to hurt you."

"I know…" she quickly said, lips quivering. "I just…"

"Acted on instinct?"

Rin nodded.

She did not even known why she acted as she did. She just… acted. No apparent reasoning behind her reaction. If she herself could not touch the mark, his mark, what indicated that his mother could?

"I apologize, Lady Mother."

"InuKimi."

There was silence for a moment. Rin pursed her lips together and furrowed her brows. Did she really want to—

"Yes," the Lady said, as if reading her mind. "Call me by my name only, Rin. You are my daughter-in-law after all."

"B-But, my Lady! I couldn't possibl—"

"You are boring, Rin," InuKimi said, approaching at once and lifting her chin. She studied the mark and sniffed the air. "It is still fresh and will probably hurt if you or anyone else touches it. Ask of your lady's maid to be careful."

She could only nod slowly, mindful of the sharp claws holding her chin. She expected that such a fierce lady would have a firm grasp, but InuKimi's fingers upon her skin were softer and more careful than she thought at first. The Lady really knew who she was treading with.

And she did not want to awake the fury of her son — what would happen if she so drew a scratch upon that perfect human skin.

"Demon marks are not made for humans. Usually, our venom is so powerful it kills the human instantly."

Her golden eyes were completely fixated on Rin's chocolate orbs. The girl gulped, bit her bottom lip and let out before she could even get a hold of herself.

"That's why it's temporary."

Her response that should have aroused fury if it came from any other person, had Inukimi smirking and then chuckling loudly.

"Oh you do know how speak back."

Rin's face was suddenly so red, one would have thought she was sick; dying of fever. She could have said that to anyone, but the Lady Mother. What did she have in mind?

"I am sorry, my Lady. I do really apologize for my reckless behavior. I should have never spoke to you in—

"Boring!" InuKimi interjected, letting go of her chin and stepping back to get a better look at the hanare room more attentively.

She still held onto the memory of her days as the new mate of the late InuTaisho. They had not mated out of love, but she grew to respect him, love him, then hate him and now hold onto the fondly memories.

Even if she would never admit it aloud, she missed those days. She missed the very beginning of the marriage, or at last the days before InuYasha's mother arrived untimely in their lives. Yet, she knew she could not blame the woman… It was not her fault to fall in love with someone as charming as her late mate.

Up to this day, she still found herself enchanted with him.

Enchanted and in love with a dead man.

Careful not to lose herself to old memories — they would bring nothing but pain and more pain to her heart —, she faced the young girl in front of her and asked once again.

"What would you do to make that mark permanent?"

Rin was quick in her answer.

"Nothing."

InuKimi scoffed.

"You are stubborn, girl. I would have admired that."

"Thank you."

"That was not really meant as praise. I find your stubbornness completely unnecessary and annoying."

There was silence between them for a moment. Rin lowered her head, ashamed of her behavior, but at the same time, she knew she could not back down on her word.

"There is nothing I can do."

"Are you sure of that?"

A nod. That was the only answer she could give. Why was the Lady confusing her so much? Insisting on it so much? She was nothing but a lowly human. Rin was sure any other mother would have only the best for their son, so why did she keep on asking if she wanted to have a permanent mark placed upon her skin? It would be such a shame. A great Lord and a human…

A human!

The creature he despised the most in the world!

"You are going to regret that decision deeply in the near future, girl."

Rin drew in a sharp breath.

It made really no sense.

"I don't understand…"

"What you don't understand? I thought I made it obvious." Her harsh words had the ningen shivering and then biting her bottom lip. To Rin, she was such a mystery. As her own Lord was. They were very confusing people.

"Why me? Why a…" She chose the best words carefully. "A human… I know you do hate humans and so do my Lord, so I cannot understand why—

Even if she tried to finish her sentence, she knew she could not for the long, loud chuckle the Lady let out was enough to shut her immediately. It only drove her more confused. Why did the Lady laugh so much? Did she take pleasure in torturing her?

"I thought his affections were as obvious to you as they are to me, but now I know you are as blind as he is."

InuKimi shook her head. Deep inside, she knew she should be angry at their stupid behavior but she was merely amused. It was going to be real funny to teach them both a lesson. If she thought that Rin would help her teaching Sesshomaru a good lesson, she realized now she could not be more wrong. The girl herself was as stupid as his son.

"Well…" She turned towards the door and let out a silent sigh. "Come looking for me when you have understood the meaning of my words. If you haven't already."

Rin bowed her head slowly, felling suddenly tired. The conversation with both her Lord and his mother left her completely drained.

"Our first lesson starts tomorrow morning. Be ready by seven."

"Yes?"

"I do not tolerate tardiness. So you better be ready."

#

Sesshomaru looked at documents between his hands and then at the shadowed form of the full moon up in the sky. Even the almost completely absence of the satellite in the sky distracted him.

He was usually a man very much concentrated, barely anything could divert him from his work, but that very afternoon and night the Lord found himself unable to focus on his paperwork.

If he was to be honest, he would say he was unable to since the day he married Rin, but Sesshomaru was an expert when it came to lie to himself.

What transpired between them was… Unbelievable. He could not find enough words to describe — not that he was very good with them either, he was terrible actually — what he felt when he held Rin in his arms that afternoon.

He had to admit at least to himself that however fleeting, he desired her. His body welcomed the idea of joining hers very much and he would die to have her beneath him in utter pleasure.

However…

However, Sesshomaru knew that no relationship could be built upon only physical intimacy — and no relationship between Rin and himself should be ever considered —, but he could not help but wonder how beautiful she would look completely flushed and ravished.

And he knew he was more than capable of ravishing her thoroughly.

His brows furrowed slightly as he caught himself considering that. Closing his eyes for a moment, he let go of the paperwork. A minute went by as he tried to calm down his inner turmoil. Of course it was to no avail, all he could see with his closed eyes were the lust filled eyes of his wife.

Soon, he walked to the opened windows of his study. From there, he observed the night sky and then looked down to the gardens. There, in the middle of uncountable flowers, Rin was looking at the sky, her face lost in the night scenery.

She was beautiful.

Probably one of the most gorgeous women he had ever laid his eyes upon. Expressive brown orbs, porcelain skin and a bright raven hair that looked even more beautiful under the moon. Enchanting and tempting — even if she had no clue on that, she was a temptation to him.

Sesshomaru find difficult to reason with the battle inside himself. He wanted to go to her and do exactly his mother said he did: take his wife as any other husband would. But his other half, the protector within himself, demanded that he held himself.

Rin was precious to him.

A treasure.

She deserved much more than he himself. To fall in love with someone — even if the idea of her married to a human disgusted him and filled him with anger — and have a family. A healthy family, which was more than he could ever give her.

And to think all he offered her as of now was a temporary mark — one he intended on removing as soon as possible, for he knew it was that that was messing with him and with her — and a position as the Lady of the West that would be questioned by everyone, including his own mother.

It was a shame that a demon such as himself had to hide behind a frail woman to figure out what his own clan had in store for him. At least, it was what Sesshomaru preferred to believe. It was better than to dwell on thoughts of harboring any desire to her as a woman… Not only that, but as a life mate.

He shook such thoughts away and blinked as he realized that she was no longer there in the gardens. Then, he looked back at the paperwork that still awaited for him and let out a heavy sigh.

No.

He could not focus on that. Not again. His mind would be filled with thoughts of her and soon he would be envisioning her smile, her soft forms under his. Her delicious moans leaving her luscious mouth as he gave her the utmost pleasure…

The idea of having half-breed pups with her never seemed so appealing.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes.

No.

He should not be harboring such crazy opinions. The mere contemplation was an absurd. How could he, a great Demon Lord, greater than his father, think of having a half breed sitting on his throne.

It was not merely because of his legacy… It was for him… and for her.

She would be thankful at the end of that of their fling… or whatever it was that they had.

He was sure of one thing. He did not desire her. It was merely the mark clouding his judgment and making him want things he would never want.

Yes…

Perhaps, all he needed was some sleep.

Yes…

With the new day he would be more prone to deal with the paperwork and the court policies. And with some lucky, more prone to deal with Rin and the newfound confusion she arouse within him.

#

The rich floral scent that came out of the long silvery hair had the Elder sniffing the air and closing his eyes in contempt. He closed the shōji doors behind himself and walked towards his mate. Michiko was sitting at the dressing table, running the comb along her silvery locks slowly.

"What did you think today's meeting?"

He stayed silent for a moment, thinking carefully of the answer. Truth is, she already knew the answer; both of them hated the Elders meeting every now and then, even more if the Lady of the West was present.

Hideki almost smirked at the word. Elder… It made someone think they were a bunch of old fools as InuKimi labeled them, but they looked as young as the Lady herself, if not younger. At least, they did not go through the suffering she did in their lives.

He placed his hands on her shoulders and ran his long fingers on her locks, caressing her scalp slowly till he pulled her head backwards, baring her neck to him in a submissive manner. She growled in both surprise and warning.

Soon, the growl became a gasp as he ran his fangs upon her skin and bit into his mark playfully. She had her eyes golden closed in utter delight.

"It was so boring it is not worthy a word," Hideki said between more nips and kisses.

His sexual life with Michiko was not as enthusiastic as it seemed, but truth is, politic games and alliances made both of them… too much hungry for each other. Or how powerful they could get if they managed to put their hands on the imaginary crown the head of their pack wore.

"We should not underestimate him," she said, moving away from his embrace and standing to her full height. "And remember, he married a human and we lost."

Hideki smirked and approached his mate for a kiss, to which she intercepted him, placing a hand on his lips. He rolled his eyes and broke apart completely.

"He is married, not mated."

"It does not mean he will not mate her as soon as possible. Now that his mother is here, it's far easier."

"Now, dear… You underestimate him."

She arched her perfect eyebrows at him and looked at him with curiosity. To her, it was much obvious he cared for the girl and if the married her, it for two reasons mainly: one, he had to escape marriage and mating to the Southern Princess and two, he cared for the girl. Loved her, perhaps.

"A proud creature such as our dear Sesshomaru will not mate a human that easily." He approached her again and started showering her neck with kisses and nibbles. "He will postpone it for sure."

His hand had also slithered inside her night yukata, caressing her shoulders and freeing her from the bothersome clothing.

"Now, dear… Come." He outstretched her hand for her to take. "Let's not lose much time with those fools." A soft kiss was placed upon her lips. "Sesshomaru will face his downfall soon… Be it by our hands or the hands of that ningen girl."

Michiko had to chuckle at her mate naiveté.

"The girl would never hurt him. She would kill herself first."

Hideki smirked.

"You overestimate their bound. Now, dear… What did I say about not losing time with those fools?"

Maybe you are right, Hideki… But mostly you are wrong.

#

It was late when Sesshomaru approached his chambers. He looked through the shōji doors, watching for any movement inside the room, but he found none. It was mostly dark and completely silent. If not for a candle casting an eerie light, there would be complete darkness.

Quietly, he entered the room and closed the door behind himself. Rin was lying on her side in the futon, under a richly embroidered blanket, eyes completely shut and serene expression. He sniffed the air and his ears picket at any sound, but all he could find was the indication that she was fast asleep.

He removed his haori and walked to the dressing room, where he changed his formal kimono for a navy-blue night yukata. When he entered the bedroom again, he noticed Rin had moved, but was still sleeping.

For a brief moment, he considered joining her, but then he gave up. Yet… He knew he would have to. He said so himself last afternoon.

We are to sleep together from now on.

Before he could have second thoughts, he slithered under the blankets and brought her to his arms. A soft sound of protest left her lips as she moved against his chest and then the acceptance as she slid her own hands over his.

Fingers entwined, Sesshomaru could not help but think how pleasant it was to have her skin against his in a much more innocent fashion. Her breath was even and utterly calm. A sigh of delight left her lips as he ran his nose on her neck and inhaled the sweet scent that her raven hair gave off.

He sighed as well.

And tightened his hold onto her as he closed his eyes.

Different from what he thought, sleep did not come easily for him. Having Rin in his arms only made it all the more difficult. He stayed up thinking and thinking… Counting imaginary stars in the darkened sky he could not see and pondering on what his Clan had in store for him.

What his mother had in store for him what that story of teaching him in the ways of the inu yokais.

And mainly what fate had in store for him.

He had never been a prone to believe in fate, but even he could acknowledge that some things one cannot control. Such as the pull he felt when he had to save Rin — it was so much more than curiosity, he could admit it now — or when he let her follow her or when he came to fetch her after years without proper contact.

Soon, he was dizzy and his eyes were heavy with sleep. He thought and thought till he could think no more and sleep started to overcome him.

However, before sleep set a claim upon him, he felt Rin shifting in his arms, her even breath caressing the opening of his yukata and sending shiver up his spine. For a moment, he thought she was wide awake, but her eyes remained closed.

Next thing he knew, her low, faint voice, completely drenched with sleep, startled him.

If I… court you…

It was no more than a few grumbles that made absolutely no sense to him. At first at least. As he tried to place them together, they remained senseless… What did she mean by courting him?

…I decided…

…Sesshomaru-sama…

…To court…

…You do…

It took him a moment to link it to his mother suggesting she could and would instruct Rin in the bed policies… And then the same mischievous Lady he called mother saying she, along with his wife, would teach him a lesson.

As he finally managed to understand what she meant, all sleep had left his body.

What would you do if I decided to court you, Sesshomaru-sama?

Without his knowledge, his arms tightened around her, causing Rin to snort and place her hands upon her his chest to prevent him from crushing her against him. Soon, her chocolate eyes fluttered open, revealing a shocked expression.

"Sesshomaru-sama?"

"Rin," he replied, letting go of her. He watched as she sat on the futon and looked at him through widened eyes. He sat as well and shifted his attention to the opposite wall.

He could sense her uneasiness, he could sense her… fear? Was she afraid of him? With a purse of lips, he rose to his feet and spoke in his icy tone.

"Go back to sleep."

Rin gulped at his emotionless voice.

"Did I do something inappropriate?"

He took a moment to reply, considering his words very carefully.

She did. She did something she should have never done.

"No."

A sigh of relief left her lips as she let herself rest her head on the makura and looked at him through half-lidded eyes. She was so tired…

"Good night, Rin."

"Won't you join me?"

He shook his head, but chided himself as soon as he realized she had her eyes probably closed already. "No. I do not need sleep as much as you do."

"I know…" she said softly. "I should not have asked. Good night, Sesshomaru-sama."

Without another word or even a glance, he left the bedroom, closing the shōji doors behind him. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm down his most intimate desires… Her words did not leave his mind, plagued him like a curse.

Did I do something inappropriate?

He said no, because what else he could have said?

But the truth is… She did.

Rin did something so very wrong by saying that… So very wrong.

What would you do if I decided to court you, Sesshomaru-sama?

What would he do? What could he do?

Should he deny her or accept her?

What he should do seemed very clear to him, but during his life there were many times in which he did not acted as he should, marrying his ward was only one of those occasions.

What would you do if I decided to court you, Sesshomaru-sama?

But the question evoked another feeling inside of him that had nothing to do with his reaction to her boldness… More like raw curiosity and deep desire to see her trying. He was… Expectant.

What would you do if I decided to court you, Sesshomaru-sama?

Will you, Rin?

For real?

A/N – Well, that was the second chapter, guys! xD

I hope you have enjoyed it. My favorite scene was definitely the first one, between Sesshomaru, InuKimi and the clan. Don't hate Michiko and Hideki too much, they are not evil, they are… well, they have their own interests, but we are no different than them, are we?

There is not much of development in this chapter and we will only see it in next chapters. At least, Sesshomaru admitted he desires Rin… And that he is no less than a proud demon because of that, right?

As for Rin, she is at loss at what to do as ever xD Poor her! And InuKimi makes her life not easy, so… Well, let's see how I develop them. I have a faint idea how to carry this story, it's going to be short, but not as short as Mirrored Pleasure, have no idea what will happen exactly though.

Probably, I'll only be able to return by the end of May — as I still have to finish my final paper, almost there, folks — but I'd love to read your thoughts and suggestions. I'm open as for the continuation of this story. So do leave me a review and tell me what you think. Like it? Hate it?

Take care,

Velvetsins.