Sorry, guys. I was on vacation in Scotland for a week. Imagine Scotland being sunny!!!! And it was roasting! Anyway, on with the chapter.

Kikyo is a bit OOC in this. Sorry about that, but it was originally Kagome that Rin met outside and I changed it to fit better with what I have in mind for the Inuyasha love triangle. I've done my best.

Rin no egao – Rin's smiling face

No tears left to cry is now wondering about how Izayoi had Inuyasha. Well, (switching to A-level English Lit student mode) I've said in the first chapter how Inu no Taisho won't have any slave other than Izayoi, and that she is treated as his wife. So clearly he loves her. And all women want children, right? So they had to have Inuyasha even though he's a hanyou and born out of wedlock. Okay? Okay…

Witching hour25wants to know if Inuyasha will end up loving Rin. In a word: no. I can't stand completely uncanny pairings like that. It's like saying Sango and Sesshoumaru could go together. Or Kagome and Inu no Taisho. It's just wrong.

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Rin was walking through the gardens one evening. She was much recovered from her illness, but still slightly weak and Sesshoumaru had dismissed her for the night, allowing her to take the air. To her surprise, she met up with Kikyo who stopped to talk to her.

"How have you been, Rin-chan?"

Rin gave a bright smile.

"I'm glad. Do you come out to the gardens a lot?"

She nodded.

"They are beautiful. I ask Inuyasha-sama every day if I can take a walk in them. Do you come out every day?"

She tilted her head and shrugged.

"Kagome-chan likes walking as well, but she doesn't come out as much." Kikyo kept droning on about how Inuyasha liked her so much and didn't bother with Kagome, and how she loved his attentions. A quiet noise could be heard, but at first they paid no thought to it. Over time, as it persisted, it grew louder. It was a rustling in the bushes, as though someone was hiding in them waiting to pounce on a victim.

Rin shivered and Kikyo squealed, gripping the younger girl's arm and stepping backward.

"Did you see that?"

Rin looked at her, a shocked expression on her face.

"I saw something in the bushes, I swear I did! It was yellow; it might have been someone's eye!"

The bushes rustled again, and something the color of a bog rose out of it.

"Run!" Kikyo shrieked, grasping Rin's hand as the two of them sprinted away. Unfortunately, they did not run in the direction of the castle and by the time they realized this it was too late to turn around without the large risk of being caught by the youkai.

They kept running. Sweating and panting heavily, they ran as fast as they could through the gardens. Then…

The wall. The wall surrounding the gardens was right in front of them, and they were trapped.

"Split up!" Kikyo gasped, and her hand slipped from Rin's grip as the two of them parted and raced alongside the wall in opposite direction. The youkai, faced with a decision, chose to injure and immobalize one and then pursue the other so he could get both in the end.

Feet pounding against the hard soil, Rin silently screamed as she realized she was the target. Mama, Onii-chan, tasukete! Tasukete, onegai!

She knew it was only a matter of time until she came to the gate, and there would be guards who could help –

Scream! came the voice of her brother Daiko.

Demo –

You have a voice; use it!

Her foot got caught on a rock, sending her flying headfirst through the air. As she fell, she let out the most piercing scream she could before landing heavily on the ground and waiting for the youkai to strike her. She could hear its heavy breathing as it stood over her, debating the best way of how to kill her.

Slash!

Strange, she didn't feel any pain. Unless it had bisected her so quickly that her brain didn't know her body was now two pieces.

Th- thud.

What was… happening? Daring to peek up, to her absolute horror she saw the decapitated youkai lying beside her. Instantly pulling herself away, she looked up to see if Kikyo was alright.

The only person in sight was calmly standing about a hundred yards away, a white-clad arm slowly lowering. His silver hair lifted in the slight breeze.

Sesshoumaru-sama…

Rin had only one rational thought, and that was to get nearer to her savior. She was trembling with shock, and scrambled to her feet in a less-than graceful way before dashing over to him, limping slightly on the foot she had grazed with her fall. In a manner of seconds she was close enough to touch him, and without thinking of the consequences she threw her arms around his torso, panting heavily and pressing all of herself against him. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her weak frame.

Sesshoumaru was surprised at her impromptu embrace, and took a step backward in surprise and awkwardness. He did not hug back, but he didn't disentangle her from him either. Not until she was calm again, anyway. To his utter horror he felt her face rub against the soft silk of his haori as she took in his scent.

"Sesshoumaru-sama..."

His eyes widened in astonishment. Had she… just spoken? It was only a whisper, true, but still. So she wasn't mute? Then why did she pretend to be?

After some minutes Rin was calmer, although still shaking. Sesshoumaru raised his hand to touch her shoulder and gently pushed her away from him. She seemed loathed to part from him, but obeyed his unspoken command.

"How did the youkai get inside the grounds?" he asked in his usual stoic tone.

Rin shrugged helplessly, her legs unsteady without his support.

He dipped his head slightly and raised it again. "One of Inuyasha's bitches was with you?"

She nodded, pointing in the direction Kikyo had run with a trembling finger.

Seeing she was in no condition to remain outside, he turned to the castle and ordered, "Come inside. It is too cold for you to remain out."

She took a step and stumbled into him, catching his arm and gripping it tightly. Without another word Sesshoumaru put one arm around her shoulders and the other beneath her knees, easily lifting her as though she were a paperweight and striding toward the palace. Rin laid her head on his solid chest, feeling safe in his strong grasp. Once back in the castle he set Rin on her feet and ordered, "Go to the wash room and have a bath. Then I want to see you in my chambers."

Rin nodded shakily and obediently went to the wash room. She knew exactly what Sesshoumaru-sama wanted. He had heard her speak. She didn't think he had, but then, she didn't know how good his hearing was.

She arrived at her room after washing and nervously knocked the shoji to Sesshoumaru-sama's sleeping chamber, entering at his command. He was sitting in his futon studiously with his legs crossed and papers surrounding him. His hand was furiously writing something, frequently traveling from the page to the inkpot beside him, and he merely indicated with one finger she sit on the floor.

He set the fude down after several minutes and finally looked up at her, his cold golden eyes examining her tiny form in silence.

"Well?" Sesshoumaru said eventually.

Rin tilted her head and looked questioning.

He made an impatient noise. "Do not test my patience, girl. You spoke out in the gardens. I heard you say my name."

Ah. So he did hear.

Rin opened her mouth, but nothing came out. She closed it only to try again, but once again failed.

"Come here," Sesshoumaru beckoned, and she slid closer to him along the floor. His gaze intensified.

Her lips quivered. I never deceived you.

"Then you truly are a mute?"

Nod.

"You can't have always been so."

She shook her head, looking at the ground. Tears rose quickly to her eyes and she tried to blink them back furiously. Arms encircled her and her face expressed the shock she felt as she realized Sesshoumaru was embracing her… in comfort. Quickly recovered from the initial surprise she melted into him easily. She trusted him now. He truly was her protector and she knew he would never intentionally harm her for no reason.

Sesshoumaru felt her against him and wondered what made him comfort her. He was, by definition, not compassionate, so why had he felt so disturbed by the thought that something had traumatized her into silence? Just because he frequently knew her carnally – it was her duty, after all – didn't mean he had a special kind of bond with her like his imbecilic brother did with his slaves. But the scent of her tears… it was so wrong.

He must be tired of it. Yes, that was it. She cried too much, and he wanted to stop her.

So, if only to stop her tears, how did she end up spending the night sleeping with her head resting in the crook of his neck and her arm across his torso? How did he allow it and, more importantly, why was he in no discomfort about their position? It didn't make any sense. If it was just because he was too tired to care, then why did he stay awake all night listening to her gentle and contented breathing? Of course they had shared a bed before, but this was the first time with the two of them clothed. Maybe, as his father had said, he was sick.

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Rin silently hummed as she got dressed for breakfast. She was happy that Sesshoumaru hadn't hurt her for speaking – although she still wondered why – and she now saw him as some kind of angel rather than a beast. Her protector. So from now on, she would be happy to be his slave as long as she got to be with him. With him, she was safe.

Why he opened the door connecting his room to hers, Rin spun around and greeted him with a beaming and open smile. Sesshoumaru stared at her for several moments stone-faced before turning and walking through the corridor, silently commanding her to follow. She skipped after him happily.

Inuyasha didn't appear for breakfast, and Inu no Taisho explained to Sesshoumaru that he was worried for his slave Kikyo, who had been seriously injured by the youkai. Sesshoumaru made no indication of caring, but Rin was worried. She had been friends with Kikyo for several years, and she hoped she didn't die.

The evening, when Sesshoumaru dismissed her, he said, "I don't want you to associate with Inuyasha's slaves, understand?"

Hurt and confusion flitted across her eyes, but she quickly covered it. He was her master, and therefore she could not question his decisions. With a bright smile she nodded once.

Sesshoumaru stared. She obviously didn't want to obey, but she intended to. He didn't understand her. What made her so different from yesterday that now she seemed happy and… well, honored to be his slave? What had changed in her so drastically?

Later that night, when he went in to her, he could tell she hadn't disobeyed him because she didn't carry the scents of either girl. He… didn't understand. And this confusion was something he did not like. Why would she be so willing to obey him when, only a day ago, she was terrified by his mere presence? Even that night she gave him more pleasure than anyone – including herself – ever had, and it perplexed him even more. What was it that had changed?

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A scroll dropped onto Sesshoumaru's lap, and he cursed as it hit the inkpot and spilled over the work on his desk before glaring up at his father.

"Read it," Touga insisted.

Still scowling, he did as he was told, skimming over the letter. It was from his mother, requesting "her darling son come for a visit" and reproaching his father for not sending him in such a long time.

"You leave in three days," his father informed him.

"Is it really necessary?" Sesshoumaru asked. "I am busy here; I cannot afford to fall behind in my work."

"You and I both know you are well ahead of where you need to be, and a month isn't such a long time. I'm sure you'll survive it. And she's right; it has been a while since you last visited her."

Kuso.

Touga made to leave, having said what he needed to.

"How long will I be gone for?" Sesshoumaru suddenly asked.

His father shrugged. "It is up to you. Two days, two decades. Take all the time you need." He left the room.

Sesshoumaru sent another glare his way. "Rin."

Rin stepped forward at his summons.

Balancing the empty ink pot on the tips of his fingers, he held it up to her. "Refill this and get me some fresh paper."

She did as she was told quickly.

"Rin, as I'm sure you heard, I will be leaving here in three days."

She nodded in understanding.

"While I am gone, you are to continue to stay clear of the other slaves, as usual. Other than that, you may do as you please."

Again she nodded, this time with her beaming smile.

Sesshoumaru heard the blood pound in his ears at the sight of it, but couldn't understand why. Not only did her smile confuse him, now his body reacted to it? Maybe this visit with his mother would be a good thing; he could have a break from his work at the castle. He was starting to believe more and more that he was sick in some way, and a recess would do him good.

Pushing aside the sight of Rin's smile, he tried to continue his work. However, every time he moved his fude to dip in the ink, an image of her face flashed in his mind and he knew that, until the day he died, he would remember that pure hohoemi of adoration.

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tasukete – help

demo – but

fude – brush used for writing

kuso – darn/damn

suki ni shiro – do what you want

hohoemi – smile. Not to be confused with egao (smiling face)

*Cough*. Sorry it's so short. I would have preferred it to be longer, but this just seemed like a good place to end. I'll try and hurry and put the next chapter up asap.

I find this chapter slightly… lacking. Anyway, review, ask questions, try and contain your excitement for the next part, and I'll try and do a better job. :D Oh, and one more thing…

Niko-niko waratte! (smile a happy smile)