Disclaimer--I don't own any of the characters.
Authors Note-- Sorry for the delay. I would like to thank everyone for the reviews. After this there's 2 or 3 more chapters left. If I don't hurry and finish it I never will. I love starting stories but never seem to finish them. Next I'm going to finish my other story then start posting a new one. This is the longest chapter I have ever written. :DIt's only about 7000 words but the longest I've done before this was 3200. My respect goes out to those writers that can write 10,000 and more words. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!
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Today is going to be a good day, Rin thought as she got dressed. And I'll kill anybody who stands in the way of me achieving that. She was going to work on her murals and not think about a certain pair of hot sexy brothers. And she certainly wouldn't think about the fact that she thought she loved one brother when it was really the other one she loved. Oh no, Rin wasn't going to remember the pain she felt when she only thought she loved Inuyasha. Nor would it cross her mind the fact that it was going to take a long time to get over Sesshomaru, if ever. Nope, Rin wasn't going to think about any of that. She was going to have a good day. And to start it off, she was going to go get a cold glass of orange juice. She walked into the kitchen and nearly had a heart attack. This is going to be a bad day, she thought. Standing by the stove cooking, looking like she owned the place, was Veronica.
"Good morning Rin." she said cheerfully.
Too cheerfully for Rin. It made her want to just scratch her eyes out. Why do I care, she wondered.
Because the bitch is cooking breakfast for Sesshomaru.
Who cares? He can eat her food and die for all I care.
Are we back to denying that you want him?
Yes...no. Damn it, I hate them both.
Veronica fixed a plate and handed to Sesshomaru. She glanced over to Rin.
"I'm sorry but I didn't make enough for you."
"That's okay." Rin said with a fake smile. "I'm sure Sess doesn't mind sharing anything with me."
With an even bigger smile, Rin pulled Sesshomaru's plate away from him and began tasting. Once Rin was satisfied that she had irritated Veronica enough, she handed the plate back to him.
"Just that small taste was awesome. You should come and cook breakfast for us more often."
Rin smirked slightly as Veronica glared at the use of the word us.
"Thanks V."
"My name is Veronica, not V."
Rin went to say something but noticed that Veronica suddenly wasn't paying attention to her anymore. She was looking at Sesshomaru, who was eating quietly. Rin grinned wickedly and Veronica wanted to scream. Most people who knew Sesshomaru knew that he had a thing about people eating off of his plate or using his utensils, yet Rin had done both and he hadn't even reacted. And now to top it off, he was using them after she had. Sesshomaru, who was very much aware of what was going on around him, chose to ignore them both. He had more important things to think about than Veroinca's jealousy and animosity towards Rin. Or her need to lay claim to him. Sesshomaru wasn't blind. He knew that Veronica's sudden need to make him breakfast was more for Rin's sake than his own. Still, he saw no reason for Veronica to see Rin as competition because there was nothing going on between him and Rin. As for Rin's reaction to Veronica, he knew that was because Rin didn't like to be pushed around. Although a small part of him, the part that he despised as weak, hoped that she acted that way toward Veronica because she was jealous. Sesshomaru instantly put that thought to the back of his mind and sighed inwardly. Now was not the time to focus on personal business. For the first time in a long time he felt the beginnings of a headache.
"I've got work to do."
He stood up, took his plate over to the sink and then left. Let them do whatever they wanted while he was gone. They could take care of themselves. Veronica glared at Rin for a second and the followed after him. Rin slumped down in her chair. This whole situation with Veronica was getting out of hand. She felt like she was back in high school with all the pettiness. What the hell am I doing anyway, she wondered.
Getting rid of the competition.
At this thought Rin had to laugh. Honestly, there really wasn't any competition. Veronica was perfect for Sesshomaru. Hell, they were the type of couple that you'd look at and know that they were meant for each other. And if that wasn't enough, they looked absolutely stunning standing next to one another.
"They both should've been drowned at birth." Rin mumbled to herself.
Veronica aside, Rin knew that it was her own fault that her chances of being with Sesshomaru was negative ten. She had spent a long time proclaiming her love for Inuyasha. Why would he believe she had suddenly changed her mind? Rin sighed deeply. This was just too much to think about so early in the morning. What she needed was something to cheer her up. A smirk spread across her face as she knew exactly what she was going to do.
That afternoon, Rin walked into Sesshomaru's office thoroughly relaxed and happier than she had been earlier. She had spent the morning shopping for clothes, ridiculously expensive art supplies, and her favorite specialty chocolates. Then she had a long leisurely brunch before getting a whole body massage from a six foot blonde haired, blue eyed, swedish god. And the best part was the fact that she hadn't had to spend a cent. She had charged it all to Sesshomaru's credit card. Technically he had given it to her for any mural related expenses but as Rin saw it her massage and shopping trip were mural related. Simply put both made her happy. If she was happy then she would be able to do more work on the mural. And the more work she did on the mural the quicker she'd be done and out of Sesshomaru's hair. So in the long run, her massage and shopping trip were for him. Rin couldn't help laughing at that thought. His face as she told him that was going to be hilarious.
"What's so amusing?"
Rin jumped slightly at the sound of Sesshomaru's voice. She hadn't noticed him sitting there. Then again, he shouldn't have been there.
"What are you doing at Marianne's desk?"
"It looks like I'm doing Marianne's job."
"Why?"
"She went home sick."
"That's what temps are for."
Sesshomaru glared at the word temps.
"All who were obviously not hired for their IQ." he snapped.
The phone rung and he answered it. Someone is having a very bad day, Rin thought and then smirked. Maybe he's the one who needs a massage. She felt sorry for the temps and anyone who hired them. Knowing Sesshomaru like she did, she gave it a week before he went and got rid of anyone not up to doing their job. Rin knew this was wrong of her but she was going to make sure she was there when he did it. She couldn't help it. Cold, efficient Sesshomaru was sexy.
"Do they even know the basics of putting things in order." she heard him say as he shifted through some papers.
Before he even noticed what she was doing, Rin pulled the papers from his hand.
"I'll take over for Marianne. You go take care of your business."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
"What do you want in return?"
"Consider this a freebie."
"Thank you."
"Anytime."
God, I'm such a pushover for him, she thought with a groan as he walked into his office.
A few hours later Rin had almost finished fixing the mess that the temps had made. Her stomach started rumbling so she picked up the phone to call for some food. She hesitated for a second and then buzzed into Sesshomaru's office.
"Sesshomaru, do you want to have dinner with me?"
Oh god, Rin thought with a groan, it sounds like I'm asking him on a date.
"That came out wrong." she said quickly with a laugh. "What I meant is that it's late and I'm hungry. I was going to order some food and we can share."
"I have plans."
"Oh. I guess it's dinner for one then."
Fate hated him, Sesshomaru decided. That was the only explanation for this. He would have liked to have dinner with Rin, but he had a plane to catch.
"Another time?"
What the hell was he doing? It sounded like he was making plans for a future date.
"Fine."
A few minutes later, Sesshomaru came out of his office. Rin was on the phone, ordering her dinner probably, so he stood by the desk and waited for her to finish.
"I'm leaving. You should too." he said once she was.
"I'll leave later. I need to do some work on the mural, otherwise you'll never get rid of me. Can you imagine being stuck with me forever?"
Yes, that annoying voice that Sesshomaru wished he could kill said. And it sounds like a good idea to me.
"It must be really bad if you have to think about it so long." she said.
Huh? Sesshomaru hadn't even noticed that he hadn't answered until he heard her voice. He was about to tell her differently when Veronica walked in the door. Could her timing be any worse, he thought. Rin, for the first and last time, was actually glad that she came. She really didn't want to think about how horrible he thought it would be to be struck with her. Although, she now knew who he had plans with. And naturally didn't like it one bit.
"Why are you here?" he asked Veronica. "We were supposed to meet at the airport."
Airport? Where are they going, Rin wondered.
"We have a problem. My photographer had to cancel."
"I thought he was reliable."
"He is but his wife went into early labor."
Sesshomaru glared at her and then looked down at his watch.
"We have to leave in an hour if we're going to make it there by morning. Do you know anyone else who can make it to the airport before we leave?"
"No. You can send him there next week."
"I need them this weekend. I'll take the pictures myself."
"Are you going to be able to do that along with everything else?"
He thought about this for a few seconds and knew that he wouldn't. Sesshomaru was going to the Caribbean to buy a hotel that he had been interested in for the two years. Out of the blue the owner decided to sell it so Sesshomaru was rushing to own it before the old owner changed his mind. His schedule was already filled with things he needed to get done in the few free hours that he had to waste before he had to get back home and attend another important meeting. So no, he really didn't have time. And he didn't know anyone who could... Sesshomaru stopped mid thought. Rin. Rin, who had been pretending to work, suddenly felt him staring holes through her. She didn't have to be a genius to figure out what he wanted. She looked up at him and smirked slightly.
"If you need to ask me something, I need to verbally hear it."
They both ignored Veronica's hissed, "you've got to be kidding me." .
"Come with us and take the pictures."
"Anyone can the take pictures."
"Yes, but you're right here. And you at least have some experience."
"For fun. I had one class and passed with a low B."
"I just need them to be good enough to be useful as reference later on when I can't get back to the hotel." he said. "Just say yes and let's go."
"Why should I help you?"
"Because I'll give you what you want. Me."
That's what I'm talking about. Get right to it, an amused yet wicked voice said.
I didn't mean it like that, he thought.
Rin nearly choked on the candy that she had just popped into her mouth. Oh, the things that one sentence made her envision. She quickly reigned in her lusty thoughts as she realized that not only was Sesshomaru looking at her but Veronica. And if looks could kill, Rin was sure she'd be six feet under. She let out a small laugh.
"How the hell do you walk upright with that ego of yours weighing you down?"
Sesshomaru wasn't deterred, either by Rin's pretended lack of interest or Veronica's Arctic glare. For some reason that he couldn't explain, he wanted Rin to come with him to see the hotel. It probably had something to do with the fact that he was now one of those lovesick fools who he used to look down on. Veronica, sick of being ignored, informed them that she'd be in the car and left.
"I mean that I'll sit and let you draw me. Whatever way you want."
Whatever way I want, Rin thought. Oh the possibilities. The extremely wicked, embarrassing possibilities. Sesshomaru saw the wicked glint in her eyes and knew that he had her. He knew she wouldn't pass up a chance to make him do whatever she wanted. Rin began shutting down the computer and then stood up.
"So when do we leave?"
"Now. We'll get there just in time to make the nine o'clock morning meeting"
"Wait. What about my clothes? I have a pair a dress suit in my trunk but that's it."
"Change into those. You can buy anything else you need once we get there."
"I'm going to hold you to letting me do the picture. But just so you know, I would've come without it."
"I know."
Sesshomaru looked at her with a weird expression for a second but walked away instead of answering. Then why offer, Rin wondered.
Rin was in love. Completely and totally in love. And not with Sesshomaru. Okay, she still loved him but now she had a second love. The hotel that Sesshomaru was buying was awesome and she understood why he was in a hurry to get. It was outdated and needed some work, but it had serious potential. It made Rin wish that she had taken more than one semester of interior decorating. She was glad that she decided to come, even if it meant she had to live through Veronica's death glares and snide put downs. She even tried to make Rin look bad by asking her questions that she didn't think Rin would know the answer to. But Rin showed her that she wasn't as stupid as Veronica thought she was. After a while Rin chose to ignore her and concentrate on taking pictures. She wandered away from the group to take pictures of the ballrooms ceiling. A few seconds later, she felt someone come stand next to her. She didn't need to look to know that it was Sesshomaru.
"What do you think?"
"It's a nice place. It'll be awesome when it's fixed up."
"Any suggestions?"
"Of course. Lighten up some of the darker colors, lose the wallpaper, make the shower in the honeymoon suite bigger. The tub is huge enough for two but the shower isn't. The china in the dining room is boring. So are the linens and table settings..."
A slight smile spread across Sesshomaru's face as he listened to Rin. He had been going to wait for later but he was curious to know her opinion about the hotel and some of the changes that should be made. Naturally, she didn't disappoint. He had already came to the same conclusions about a lot of the things he talked about.
"And the ballroom, which is my favorite room, should stay the same. Freshen up the paint but leave everything else. I love the glass ceiling."
Rin stopped talking when she noticed that Sesshomaru was staring at her.
"Sorry, I got carried away. But you did ask."
"Yes, I did. After hearing some of your ideas maybe..."
"Sesshomaru we need you over here." Veronica said interrupting them.
Grrrr... That evil viper did that on purpose, Rin thought. She wanted to hear the end of Sesshomaru's sentence. Something told her that she was going to like what he said.
"We'll finish this this later." he said.
"Okay."
Rin smiled and walked off, ignoring the glare Veronica was throwing her way. Rin ended up outside near the pool. She just stood there looking out over the property. A few minutes later, someone walked up behind her.
"I have to applaud you on the innocent act."
Rin sighed inwardly. What does she want now?
"Excuse me?" Rin asked as she turned to face Veronica.
"Just a few days ago you didn't want him. But now..." she said trailing off. "Did you just wake up and decide you're going after him?"
"I'm not going after him. I already said that I don't want him."
"Tell that to someone who hasn't seen you look at him."
"So what if I want him. That's my business not yours."
"I have no problem with you wanting him, just don't get any ideas of going after him. Sesshomaru's mine! I put in all the work and I'll be damned if I'll let some virginal goody two shoes get in my way."
"Don't underestimate what this virgin can do."
Veronica laughed.
"Not enough, trust me. Tell me, if you were Sesshomaru who would you want? You, an inexperienced virgin who he would have to guide through everything without a guarentee that it'll be pleasuable or me, a woman who already knows how to give him exactly what he wants?"
It took a few seconds for what Veronica meant to sink in and Rin gasped in shock. Sesshomaru and Veronica. Rin felt sick. She had suspected that they had had something but there was always a small part of her that could deny it. Until now that is.
"Ooh, didn't know that did you?" she asked with a vicious grin. "We were very friendly for awhile. You didn't think he was celibate did you? You've already lost. Why don't you run along and stop trailing after him like a lovesick puppy."
"Maybe you're confusing me with yourself. Last time I checked, he asked me along. You're the one chasing after him like a bitch in heat." Rin said and then smirked. "How many times does he have to push you away before you stop humping his leg?"
Veronica threw up her to slap her but Rin caught it before it connected.
"Don't even think about it. I have no problem with defending myself."
"Veronica. Rin."
Rin turned her head to the direction Sesshomaru's voice was coming from. Veronica took advantage of her distraction to yank her arm back. The only warning Rin had for what was about to happen next was a hissed "bitch" a second before she was shoved back into the pool. She tried to stop her fall but couldn't and ended up hitting the water with a small scream. To say the Rin was angry would be a understatement. Sesshomaru and the people with him made it out to the pool area just in time to see Rin haul herself out of the pool. She was glaring daggers at Veronica and her hand balled up into a fist so he went over to them as fast as he could. He got there in time to save Veronica but not himself. His head snapped back slightly and he was shocked that Rin's punch hurt as much as it did.
"Damn it Rin! What the hell is wrong with you?"
Everyone seemed to get quiet. They couldn't believe that the normally cool Sesshomaru was losing his temper.
"Oh my god Sesshomaru, are you okay?" Veronica asked.
She took a step to get closer to him but Rin shoved him out of Veronica's reach.
"Back off."
"Rin."
She glared at Veroinca before she turned her attention to him.
"Don't you say anything to me. Trust me when I say that you don't want me to get into it." she hissed. "Give me your jacket."
Sesshomaru looked at her like she lost her mind. There was no way he was going to let her ruin his brand new suit.
"Damn it Sess, I'm cold. And my shirt is transparent now that it's wet."
Sesshomaru looked at her and sure enough he could see the outline of her bra. Blue lace. Very interesting. Unfortunately he wasn't the only one who thought so. He saw Carlo and a few of the lawyers shamelessly staring at Rin. Sesshomaru glared at them and then quickly removed his jacket and handed it to her. She took pleasure in the fact that his expensive jacket was getting ruined by the water as she pulled it on. The down side to it however was the fact that it completely exposed the light gray shirt and tie he wore under it. And naturally, he looked absolutely delicious with just that on.
"I hate you." she groaned under her breath and walked away.
Sesshomaru watched her and then looked questionly at Veronica.
"I have no idea what happened. She was walking behind me andthe next thing I heard was a splash. Somehow she wants to blame me for her clumsiness."
It was a lie and Sesshomaru knew it. But at the moment he didn't want to deal with it. For now it was over and that's the way he was going to leave it.
"Continue with the walk through and make your report. Meet me in the lobby in thirty minutes."
"Aren't you coming? Or are you going after Rin?"
Sesshomaru gave her a look that clearly stated that he wasn't in the mood to be questioned.
"Stay out of her way for a while."
Veronica's eyes narrowed slightly but he walked away without paying her any more attention. Let her think whatever she wanted about hie warning but truthfully the suggestion was in her own best interest. Rin was a lot stronger than she let on and he doubted Veronica would be able to handle her. Sesshomaru touched his sore eye. There was going to be a nasty bruise there. He suddenly smirked. He should've been mad at Rin because of the bruise he was going to have tomorrow during his meetings but he wasn't. If anything, he was more interested in her than before.
After Rin walked off, she went hunting for a dryer or laundry room. She said a silent thank you when she found a dryer on site that was working that she could use. She hated the feel of the wet clothes clinging to her. Using a small closet she pulled off her wet clothes and then carried them to the dryer. Rin sat down and wrapped her arms around herself. Even though Sesshomaru's jacket was long enough to cover her down to her knees, she still felt exposed. She was still angry at Veronica but even more so with herself. She always thought that she was above getting into fights over a man. One who wasn't even hers at that. Then again she was doing lots of things she thought she would never do. Loving Sesshomaru was at the top of the list. Rin frowned. It was all his fault, she thought. Her life was so much more simpler before he wormed his way under her skin. And he shouldn't have asked her to come knowing that pit viper was also coming.
But you knew she was coming before he asked, a voice taunted. You didn't like the idea of Veronica being alone with Sesshomaru.
True but Rin wasn't going to dwell on that. As far as she was concerned everything was Sesshomaru's fault. And Rin was going to make him pay for it. A wicked grin spread across her face. A plan was already forming in her head. A plan involving body paint and a camera.
"Whatever you're planning, can it wait until after all of this is over."
Rin snapped out of her thoughts at Sesshomaru's voice.
"Huh?"
"It looks like your planning something."
"What do you want?" she asked ignoring what he said.
"Here. These should be fine until you're able to buy more clothes."
He handed her a bag and smiled when she recognized the name of a beachwear shop.
"Why didn't you wait for me? I would have loved to see the high and mighty Sesshomaru walk into the Beachwear Bungalow and buy women's clothing."
"I didn't. Carlo sent his assistant to get them."
"Well somehow that's not the story Inuyasha's going to hear."
She flashed him a sickenly sweet smile, grabbed the bag and went back into the small closet.
"Couldn't she have gotten something else?" she asked as she pulled out the clothes. "Or go to another store?"
"It's was the closest one. Stop complaining and change. We have a lunch meeting in ten minutes."
"Bastard."
A few minutes later Rin came out and Sesshomaru groaned inwardly, instantly wishing that he had gone to get the clothes. Sarah had picked out a blue sundress. He actually liked it. The problem? It was a KNEE length, STRAPLESS sundress. And the jealous part of Sesshomaru, the one that he'd deny was even there, didn't like the thought of other men liking it.
"It's not exactly my style but it'll do. Although I do look good in it." she said.
"Let's go get you something to replace your clothes."
"We can't. We have a lunch meeting in ten minutes remember?"
That's what she thought. Jealous Sesshomaru refused to let Rin walk around half naked. Especially not with the way Carlo had been looking at her all day. No, he wanted her back in the safe suit she had come in.
She's not mine, he scolded himself. She can dress however she wants. Rin's not mine.
Well, try explaining that to irrational, jealous Sesshomaru.
He did have another reason for her not to come to the meeting. He still wanted to keep her and Veronica separate for awhile. But since he needed Veronica at the lunch meeting it was practical to let Rin go off on her own.
"Actually Veronica will be going to the meeting with me. You can go shopping to replace your clothes."
"That's fine with me."
In fact she preferred it. She could spend her alone time taking more pictures of the hotel.
"Here's your jacket back." she said handing it to him. "It shouldn't be too wet."
He slipped it back on and looked at Rin.
"The dress does look nice on you." he said and walked off.
Rin stared at his back with her mouth half open. Had the sun fried her brain and she not know it? Because she couldn't have heard what she just thought she did. Sesshomaru. Cold, sarcastic Sesshomaru had just complemented her. Okay, maybe the sun fried his brain. She shook her head slightly and smiled. Even if did have scambled brains or the pod peole got him, she still liked him complenting her. I am so keeping this dress, Rin thought happily.
Sesshomaru went to the lobby where the old owner of the hotel, Carlo, his assistant, Sarah, and the lawyers were waiting.
"Sorry for the delay. We can move onto lunch now."
"Will Rin be joining us?"
"No. She has other business to attend to."
They all went to lunch and then parted ways. Sesshomaru and Veronica went to the room they were using as a make-shift office to finish up the rest of the paperwork. They worked in silence until Veroinca sat down her pen and sighed.
"Forgive me for my unprofessional behavior today."
Sesshomaru stopped working and looked at her.
"Don't let it happen again. Whatever went on today ends here." he said. "You and Rin are going to run into each other frequently since you're both working with me. Either learn to get along or completely ignore each other. I won't waste my time pulling you two apart."
"Of course." she replied. "Although there's something else we need to get cleared up."
"What?"
"I know what I'm worth and anyone would be lucky to have me. Therefore I absolutely refuse to be anyone's second choice. So I need to know right now, do you want me or her?"
Sesshomaru fought off the smile he felt coming. Veronica always did think highly of herself. And truthfully, she should. Like she said, she was a great catch, both personally and professionally. But for all that he didn't want her. No, he wanted the joke playing artist that was in love with his borther.
"Her." he answered.
Veronica stared at him in shock for a second. Somehow she wasn't surprised that he had chosen Rin. All the signs were there. But that didn't mean that it didn't hurt. At the same time, she was furious. She didn't waste her time disliking many people, especially people she saw as inferior. But she downright loathed Rin. Everytime she tried to get closer to Sesshomaru, that mousey brat was there. And she was a mouse. Dull boring hair, average face, horrible fashion sense. There was nothing remarkable about her. Compared to me she a speck of dust, Veronica thought. Easily brushed away and forgotten. Yet she somehow captured Sesshomaru's attention. He could deny it all he wanted but he wanted that annoying kid. He acted so different around her. Softer, for a lack of better word. But if that wasn't clue enough, then the way he looked at her was. God, it was sickening just thinking about it. Fine. If he wanted that... girl, then he could have her. Veroinca wasn't going to waste any more of her precious time on a lost cause and his loser. She hoped they were perfectly miserable together.
"Fine." she said. "Let's get back to work."
"Veronica."
"It's finished. You gave me an honest answer and it's over. From this point on it's strictly business. So let's never mention this conversation ever again."
With a determined look, Veronica picked up her pen and returned to her work. Sesshomaru looked at her for a few more seconds and then returned to his.
A few hours later Rin was sitting in a huge tub taking close-ups of the tile when someone walked in. She knew that it was Sesshomaru so she didn't turn to look at him.
"These are for my own personal use." she explained before he asked.
"Pack up we're leaving."
"I thought we were staying the night. What happened?"
"One of those tempts managed to severely offend one of my clients. I have to personally go and smooth things over with him. If we leave now we can be there by morning."
Rin finally looked up as she heard the angry tone in his voice. She quickly amended her earlier guess of a week before he got rid of the temps and people who hired them. They'd be gone by tomorrow.
"Will there be any temps or human resources employees left when you're done tearing through them?"
"No. If they can't do their job then they don't belong there." he answered. "Do you have enough pictures?"
"Yes. If not, I can always come back. Expenses paid by you of course."
"Or I can come back myself."
"How does that benefit me? Anyway, where's Veronica?"
"She decided to stay behind to finalize the deal and to start applying for any permits we might need. Do you want to stay and catch a commercial flight?"
"No. I don't think it's a good idea to leave me and Veronica alone."
"It isn't."
The way he said it told Rin that there was more to the story. But she knew he wouldn't tell her what so she decided to let it go. Besides she preferred not to be anywhere near Veronica. At this point, Rin was sure that she hated Veronica more than Kagome. And considering that she had wanted Kagome wiped off the face of the planet, she wondered what that meant she wanted done to Veronica.
You can be such a bitch when you want, said a snickering voice in her head.
I never said I was an angel.
Once at the airfield, they wasted no time boarding. Rin quickly got into her seat and buckled up. She loved to fly but hated taking off. As they took off, she looked over at Sesshomaru. He was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed. Rin looked at the eye she had punched. It was slightly swollen and would probably start to turn colors soon. She felt bad for that. Not because she thought he was hurt. Hell, she'd seen him taking harder hits from boxing with Inuyasha, but because he was going to have to go to work like that. The rumor mill was going to be extremely busy when they saw Sesshomaru's face. When they were in the air, Rin went to the small kitchen and made a small ice pack. She then took it over to Sesshomaru. He looked at her strangely for a second while she held it out to him.
"It's for your eye."
"Thank you." he said taking it from her.
"I didn't mean to hit you."
"I know."
"Although it's your fault for getting in the way." she said with a smirk. "I'm sorry about that whole scene at the pool. Not about trying to hit Veronica, she deserved it, but doing it front of the other people."
"The fighting has to stop or one of you will have to leave."
"Somehow I get the feeling that I'll be the one with the boot print on my back." Rin said.
"Yes." Sesshomaru answered. "I want Veronica with me."
He realized how wrong that sounded the moment it came out of his mouth.
Keep saying things like that and she'll be yours in no time, said a sarcastic voice. You Asshole!
"Rin, that..."
The minute he said it, Rin's world exploded. Her heart, hopes and dreams shattered into dust with one sentence. Was it possible to be in agony and feel numb at the same time, she wondered. She vaguely recognized that Sesshomaru was trying to talk to her. Honesty, she didn't want to hear it. He had meant what he said. There was no need to try and take it back now. Play through the pain, she thought. Rin smiled.
"No need to explain. I understand." she said interrupting him. "Veronica's...she's...well, you need her. And me, I'm just your brothers annoying friend that forced you into doing it."
"You should know by now that I don't do anything that I don't want to."
Rin looked at him but didn't comment on the fact that he in a round about way he just admitted that he wanted her there. But it really didn't matter. He just confirmed that he wanted Veronica. Correction, he needed her.
"But that's not what..." Sesshomaru trailed off.
What in the world was wrong with him? He was acting like a tongue-tied teenage boy. And he hadn't acted like that even when he was a teenager. Sesshomaru glared. He really didn't like feeling like this.
"I meant in business. Whatever her faults may be, the clients love her work." he explained. "I only want the best working with me and at the moment that's Veronica."
"I get it. Play nice or leave." she said. And speaking of play, I'm going to make use of that awesome entertainment center in the bedroom. Really, what good is spending all this money on luxury jet if you don't put it to it's full use."
Rin went to walk off but he grabbed her wrist. She looked down at his hand for a second and then pulled her hand free.
"You're still misunderstanding me." he said.
"Does it matter?"
And at the moment it didn't. At least not to Rin. She just wanted him to leave her alone. She couldn't take listening to the man she loved talk about the woman he loved. She had went through that with Inuyasha, even if she wasn't really in love with him, and it nearly killed her. Rin absolutely refused to do it with Sesshomaru.
"Yes. I don't want you to think you mean nothing to me."
Oh god, she thought. He has to stop doing this or she wouldn't survive. First he says something to rip her heart to shreds then he says something to fill her with hope.
Calm down Rin, her rational side warned. He's an emotional retard. What he means by that doesn't necessarily mean what you want it to. Try to find out what he means.
"So you're saying that you think of me as a friend?"
"Yes." he answered after a slight pause.
That wasn't what he was trying to say but for now it would do. Rin hide the overwhelming disappointment behind another fake smile. Even though she knew he wouldn't return her feelings, it still hurt to hear it. Rin laughed to herself. First Inuyasha and now Sesshomaru. It seemed like she spent most of her time heartbroken. And the frustrating part was that there was nothing she could do about it. What she needed was to go somewhere isolated where she could cry, scream and rant. Then come back and be purged of any hurt feelings.
"Well, you're not so bad either." she said widening her smile. "Now that we've gotten through that, I really am going to check out that entertainment center."
Sesshomaru watched her walk into the bedroom and frowned. For a brief second he couldn't sworn that he saw a flash of pain cross her face but he quickly passed it off as his own wishful thinking. Still, something about that whole conversation didn't sit right with him. More to the point, something about Rin was off. He couldn't help but to feel like he was missing something. Sesshomaru sighed deeply. He didn't have time for this. With the purchase of the hotel, he had a lot of work to do before he got it up and running to his specifications. And that was on top of his already packed workload. He looked at the bedroom door for a minute longer and then went to start on his work. An hour later Sesshomaru was finished most of his work. His headache hadn't gone away so he got some aspirin from the first aid kit and took them. He was just stretching out on the sofa when Rin came out of the bedroom. She smirked slightly at seeing him relax, or as relaxed as she imagined Sesshomaru would get. She noticed the aspirin and sat down next to him.
"Lay your head in my lap."
What! Sesshomaru couldn't keep the shocked expression from his face. Rin laughed to herself. His reaction to her suggestion was priceless.
"Don't look like at me like that. I'm offering to help with your headache. And don't say you don't have one because the aspirin are a dead giveaway."
"Exactly how does lying in your lap help?"
WHO CARES, a voice screamed in his head. Just put your head in her lap and enjoy the ride.
"Having someone massage my temples always helps with my headaches. I don't if it'll have any effect on you but it's worth a try."
Put your head in her lap. Put your head in her lap. Put your head in her LAP!
Ignoring the rational side of his brain that was screaming that this was a bad idea, Sesshomaru moved so that his head was in Rin's lap. Rin pushed back his bangs. God, they were so soft and silky. She stared down at his gorgeous face and groaned inwardly. What the hell was she thinking? Asking the object of her affections to lay in her lap. Then again how did she know that his head would fit perfectly in her lap. Or that his hair was absolutely gorgeous and looked outrageously sexy falling across her lap. And those eyes...
"It might be better if you closed your eyes and tried to relax."
That way I don't have to feel like I'm transparent and you can see my every feeling. I am so in love with him that it's pathetic, she thought miserably. Sesshomaru looked at her for a second and the closed his eyes. Rin cursed her stupidity once again and then slowly began to massage his temples.
"With the schedule you keep, I'm not surprised."
"What?"
"That you have a headache. " she stated. "I don't know if you realize this but it's almost been twenty-our hours since we left your office and you've barely slept."
"I've survived on less. I'll rest when I wrap up everything here."
"It's still not healthy. At this rate your going to suffer from bleeding ulcers before you turn thirty."
"That's the price for wanting it all."
"I guess. At least it'll be worth it right? The great Sesshomaru always gets what he wants."
"Not everything."
That was not the answer she was expecting. She thought he'd say something arrogant along the lines of whatever Sesshomaru wanted, Sesshomaru got. Besides, what in the hell could he want that he couldn't have?
"The thing I want the most." he said with a small laugh.
"Huh?"
"You asked the question out loud."
"Oh."
Rin didn't know how to respond to that so she didn't. She knew how it felt to want something but had no chance to get. She had no idea how to get what she wanted so she couldn't give him any advice on how to get what he did. So she smiled slightly and continued her massage. Sesshomaru cursed himself for his stupidity. Why in the hell was he admitting things like that to Rin?
Blame it on the massage, the voice he was starting to despise whispered. It feels sooooooo incredibly good. And you love the way she runs her fingers through your hair every now and then. You're putty in her hands.
Sesshomaru wanted to deny it but couldn't. The massage was great and so he couldn't help but to completely relax. He didn't know if it was the massage itself or because Rin was doing it. Either way, he didn't really care. Sesshomaru decided that he was going to take advantage of being like this with her. He was just going to lay there and let her continue until she said she was done. At the same time Rin was thinking that she wouldn't stop until he told her to. As minutes passed, neither one said anything. And neither one planned to until absolutely necessary.