OXOXOXO

Sesshomar walked tiredly into the living area, shucked his shoes, tossed his jacket, loosened his tie, undid three buttons, and plopped down in front of the food. He grabbed a soda and dished himself out a helping.

"Sesshomaru?"

"I'm sorry you've been treated like a prisoner. We're doing our best to track them down."

"How's it going?" He threw his fork back down on his plate.

"They've made no demands as of yet, they have a scrambler so we can't trace their phone, they have a voice changer which they re-set every time they call, and they've bought up 37% of our stock. Much more and they'll own the business." He sat glaring at his food. Rin walked around and sat opposite him, dishing herself some food.

"You'd better eat," she said biting down. "Even Superman has to eat." He watched her enjoy her lasagna until they crease between his eyebrows disappeared. Finally, he picked his fork back up.

Oxoxoxo

Inuyasha opened the door to the Protection Suite and covered his eyes dramatically. "Should I start knocking before I enter?"

"It's too late for idiocy," Sesshomaru said and threw a pen at his little brother. "Besides, your audience has gone to bed."

"What? Already?" he asked opening his eyes.

"If by 'already' you mean 2:30 am, then yes."

"Oh. Right. I keep losing track of time in here. No windows and all." He walked over and flopped down on the couch, having grabbed the remote on his way over. Sesshomaru knew he liked to relax with the news for an hour or two before bed. He also knew Inuyahsa hated watching the news. He was always complaining about how they exaggerate everything. But, for some reason, that's how he chose to wind down.

"Hey Fluffy," dodge another pen, "how long you gonna keep her locked up?"

"She's not locked up. She's free to leave at any time."

"Yeah, but does she know that and does she really have a choice?"

"It won't be long. I swear I'll catch the bastards."

"I've given this some thought," Inuyasha said standing up and turning off the tv, "and I think you're so determined this time because of a certain female being involved this go-'round."

"Let me know when you decide to start speaking English again."

"You understand me just fine." Inuyasha leveled a gaze at his older brother before retiring behind the second door on the left. Darn insightful brother.

He really had to admit, however, she was already wreaking havoc on him. She'd chattered on happily while he'd eaten, been agreeable and quiet while he'd finished a few pages of normal procedure forms and garbage. And then, on her way to get just before midnight, she'd stopped behind him to whisper an happy birthday to him. He'd been surprised at first, then somewhat pleased. On top of it all, though, was a sprinkling of guilt. He'd gone out of his way to keep her at arm's length, to build a wall between him and their past. And even though he knew why he had to, it was getting harder to convince himself of it. Especially now that she was in the middle of it.

Oxoxoxo

"Just some basic clothes, guys." Rin was having an uncommonly hard time convincing those three she called best friends that all she needed was some jeans and tees. They were determined to send her pretty, frilly things to attract who-doesn't-know-who. Even Ayame seemed to think she should use this chance to seduce Sesshomaru. "No dresses, no slacks, no tank tops, and nothing lacey, sheer, or sequined. And just bring me some sweats to sleep in. No, no, Kagome, no - Ayame! Don't even go there. Why would I-? Of course not! Just jeans, tees, and sweats!" Rin hung up before they could start arguing again.

"Trying to bring you a Guci store?" Inuyasha asked from where he sat at the table working.

"Something like that," she answered, choosing not to mention her shock at him knowing what Guci was.

"Care to tell me why?" Rin leveled a glare at his smug, knowing face. He laughed. "Thought so. Miroku's rooting for you, too. Well, you two, too, I guess."

"Why can't you nosey people just mind your own business?" Inuyasha threw his hands up defensively.

"I have done nothing to encourage you guys. I am simply enjoying the drama you're making."

"I am NOT making! I am trying to avoid. They are making."

"Yeah, but you know why."

"Nope," she said and tried to walk off.

"Maybe because you two go ga-ga when the other is around."

"So you're making, too," she more stated than asked. "And you're wrong. He only dated me to keep busy."

"Are you kidding? The depression he hit when you guys broke up in college was one for the book."

"That was a lifetime ago, Inuyasha. And it certainly has no bearing on now."

"Rin," Inuyasha said and grabbed her shoulder to turn her to face him. "He's never dated, wouldn't settle for anyone else. He avoided Jersey and people from Jersey. He's just too damned proud and stubborn to admit he still loves you, which he does." Rin tried to roll her eyes and shrug him off, but he held firm. "Ask him why he broke up with you, and don't take his usual bull." He finally let go to gather his papers and leave. When he was gone a full minute Rin gave in to the tears.

Oxoxoxo

Inuyasha wasn't at dinner with the other two that night. A woman in tweed showed up and related that Inuyasha had sent her. Sango had sent some clothes with Miroku, who had popped in a little later for a sandwich and a soda, who had given them to Inuyasha who had given them to his secretary. Rin ordered pizza for dinner, choosing not to cook. She had so much on her mind, she'd probably burn it anyway.

Sesshomaru came in and made himself comfortable as he had the last two days. They both grabbed some pizza and sat back. At first Sesshomaru didn't notice her silence. He was used to eating alone, but it only took a moment to realize the happy banter he'd enjoyed lately was missing.

"Is something the matter?" Rin jumped and put down the pieces of sausage she was absently picking off.

"Why do you ask?"

"Don't insult me." She flinched.

"Okay, so I'm a little lethargic," she lied smoothly. "I've been trapped in here for days with nothing to do. At least you get to work." He seemed to be thoughtful for a moment.

"You'd like to help with the work?"

"As opposed to sitting in here all day, yes."

"Alright." He began eating again, the problem being resolved. Rin still just picked. He noticed. "Is that all?" She stood and put her dishes in the sink. "Rin?"

"It's nothing," she said turning around and smiling brightly. He saw through it without effort. He stood, but she was already running to her room. Once inside, she ran into the bathroom to splash her face with water. She hoped the cool water would take some of the redness out of her eyes and disguise the tears clinging to her cheeks. "Rin." Sesshomaru stood in the doorway. She lowered her gaze and turned her back to him.

"It's nothing, just something Inuyasha said earlier today about…" she trailed off.

"About what?" He grabbed her elbows from behind. She froze for a second before leaning into him. He wrapped his arms around her before he thought better of it. "What did he say, Rin?"

"…I can't…" she whispered and closed her eyes. She wanted the moment to last forever, to just feel his arms around her and nothing else ever again.

"Why can't you?"

"You'll hate me for caring so much. I don't mean to make a big deal out of it, it's just that-"

"Rin," he cut her off, whispering in her ear, "I could never hate you." There was a softness, a lilt to his voice that had her turning her head to look at him. When she did he captured her lips. "I never meant to hurt you."

"It was so hard, Sesshomaru. It hurt so bad. I was going to tell you, but you broke up with me before I could."

"Could tell me what?" He turned her around and wiped at her tears.

"I was…pregnant. Six weeks. I miscarried three weeks after we broke up." She held her arms to herself, waiting for his reaction.

"Oh my God," he finally breathed. "Rin, I am so sorry. I would never have left you if I'd known. It's no wonder you hate me." She smiled sarcastically.

"I could never hate you," she said repeating his words. She did wrap her arms around him then. He kissed the top of her head and patted her hair. Even if she didn't hate him, he'd never forgive himself. He knew that was a possibility, he should have made sure. And it was probably tension and stress from their breakup that caused her to lose the child. His child.

"Rin, how can I ever make it up to you?" She just shook her head where her face was pressed into his shirt. He thought to himself that he should tell her; tell her his heart died the day he walked away from her, but that he had to protect her. "I will use all my authority, Rin, to make sure you're never hurt again. I swear it."

Oxoxoxo

In the haze of sleep Rin reached beside her where Sesshomaru had fallen asleep with his arms protectively around her. Through the dark she reached out a hand to touch his face. She cupped his cheek, lightly brushed her thumb over his eyelid, traced the edge of his ear, reacquainting herself with the older version of a face that had haunted her for years. His arms tightened, pulling her closer.

"Are you awake?" she whispered into his collar bone.

"Oh yes. More than I have been in years." She smiled and kissed his neck.

"Good. I'd hate to be the only one." He hesitated at first, but having the body he'd dreamt of pressed against his threw his cares out the window.

"I missed this," he confided as he ran his hands down her waist and over her hips. Her breath caught before she could respond.

"Mmmm…" she moaned while he nuzzled her neck. Rin moved her hand up his shirt and over his till rock-hard chest and abs. he always had had the sexiest body. It had continually blown her mind that he had chosen to share it with her.

"Are you sure?" His hands hovered at the bottom of her shirt.

"Positive." Even if nothing came of this, she swore to herself that there would be no regrets.

Sesshomaru pulled her shirt up and over her head. She returned the favor. It didn't take long for the rest of their clothes to follow. Everyone knows what had to have happened next, and then repeatedly till morning.

OXOXOXO