Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 15

Trouble

-Wow! This place is huge, Rin-chan! How come you never get lost?

Rin giggled. After her lessons she thought that it would be appropriate to show the palace to Kohaku. The faces he made and his voice filled with admiration were so amusing.

She remembered that she wasn't very different when she first walked around. The palace was beautiful and well decorated. While outside appeared to be a mighty war fortress, inside it was art itself. Truly, only her lord could have a home as special as this.

While Rin was lost in her thoughts, Kohaku quickly forgot about the palace and focused on the lovely maiden by his side. He was wondering the best way to confess his feelings and finally make her his. Oh, he could see it now. It would be perfect…

-Kohaku-kun?

His eyes were still hazy but he tried to assure Rin he was listening. They had stopped in front of a large painting. He gasped as he examined it and saw Rin smile almost lovingly at the object.

-This is my favorite.

He felt his heart clench unknowingly since the painting was of no other than Lord Sesshomaru standing in what appeared a relaxed pose with Tenseiga and Bakusaiga firmly secured at his hip and wearing his usual battle attire. He admired enviously how he still looked regal and unworldly beautiful even in a painting. He laughed nervously.

I'm glad he isn't my enemy in any way.

Still, his beloved sighed almost dreamingly and her eyes were like raping the painting. He was confused. He always had wanted Rin to look at him like that. He had been always there for her and both of them shared happy and sad but nonetheless unique moments together. They were closer these ten years than the single year she had been in Lord Sesshomaru's care. He had protected her fervently. That Kohaku knew. But…after leaving her in Kaede's village it was like she never had existed. He had forgotten her, left her to her fate and never bothered to spend even if a few minutes of his precious time with her. Many times he had to endure the silent crying and longing of Rin's. How he had hated Sesshomaru at those moments. It was simple. He had been there and Sesshomaru hadn't. So…why did she look at Sesshomaru in that wonderful and loving way? Why that sparkle in her eyes wasn't there whenever she looked at him?

He was getting worked up and he knew it. Rin's lips were moving but he didn't hear whatever praise she was giving at the painting and the demon within. It infuriated him. Sesshomaru was a demon, a beast, a monster. He was everything Rin should despise and fear. He had protected her and still did it that was true. But she had to know that whatever affection she had for her lord could never be mutual.

Narrowing his eyes in determination he nodded to himself.

He would show Rin who her beloved lord truly was.

Isamu watched hidden in the shadows the petite woman known as Rin. She was showing the palace to another human. He frowned. It was so strange Lord Sesshomaru allowing another human in his palace. Years ago not even a half demon could touch a finger in his territory without being chased and killed mercilessly. Now two humans were in his palace. His ward was a human. Isamu thought he should be happy but it only made things harder. How it would change his lord back to the nightmare he was without that lovely girl everyone seemed to want. He needed to rescue his family but he didn't want to harm the poor human either. It was so cruel how fate had tricked him.

He was risking his life but he didn't care. He needed his family first. With a determined nod he turned around and walked towards his room to plot a way to capture the heavily guarded ward without meeting Lord Sesshomaru's wrath. Luckily, he would find a way so that both the human and his family could be rescued.

He was reaching for the door when he felt Sesshomaru's powerful and intimidating aura. He grimaced and tried to think of a way to hide his distress from him.

-Isamu.

He took a deep breath and turned around. He couldn't meet those eyes he just couldn't!

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. His councilman was acting so strange. He cleared his throat.

-This Sesshomaru needs to speak with you regarding the next attack on the eastern palace's strategy.

Isamu bowed still not meeting his lord's eyes.

-As you wish.

Sesshomaru's lips turned down in a displeased frown and gripped Isamu's chin. He raised it a little forcibly when met with resistance. He looked into his councilman's troubled hazel eyes.

-Is something wrong, Isamu?

The councilman laughed nervously and looked away from his eyes.

-No, my lord. Why do you assume so?

Sesshomaru grunted and released his chin. He could feel the distress and guilt in Isamu's aura. It was upsetting. Isamu was the only person he considering close to a friend in this suspicious world.

-Look at this Sesshomaru in the eyes and say it.

Isamu reluctantly did what he asked but when he opened his mouth he couldn't say anything. It would be so wonderful to voice his worries to Sesshomaru but he knew he already betrayed him and would not go unpunished. It's not like he was afraid or thought he didn't deserve it. He deserved every last bit of torture Sesshomaru would give him. But as soon as those words left his mouth he would know. And if he knew his family was forfeit.

Sesshomaru was becoming impatient. He now knew something was wrong. He couldn't afford anything happening with his most trusted advisor at this time. He snarled baring his fangs in warning, calling out Isamu's submissive nature towards him and received only a pitiful whimper that meant 'leave me alone'.

It was childish and he knew it but he couldn't say it to him!

Sesshomaru was in what he could call a good mood so he let it pass but he would undoubtedly question his councilman later.

With a grunt he beckoned Isamu to follow him so they could discuss more important matters and the other sighed in relief.

After dinner and once more trying not to shiver at the way her lord ate, Rin prepared to go to sleep. It had been a tiring day with Lady Mother's lessons, Sesshomaru's temper and Kohaku's arrival.

She put on her sleeping yukata and yawned. Definitely a tiring day. She laid down on the enormous and comfortable bed and moaned in delight at how fresh and smooth the silk covers were. She snuggled and hugged her pillow easily drifting off to her dreams where she knew he would be.

*Dream*

-Where are you?

She heard an amused growl and instantly turned in its direction. Her breath hitched in her throat as she once again met his glowing red eyes. Quicker than a heartbeat he was at her side scraping gently his fangs through her neck sending delicious shivers down Rin's spine. His deep voice sounded more demonic than in her other dreams. It scared her and aroused her at the same time.

-You were waiting for me.

It was not a question but she nodded. She gasped when she felt the yukata's material slide down her body leaving her undressed for his hungry eyes. She blushed when his gaze remained in her breasts and yelped when suddenly his mouth was on one of her nipples sucking and nipping. She moaned and rubbed her legs in a desperate attempt to sooth her embarrassing ache. His other hand caressed her other breast switching randomly from rough to tender. She moaned louder when the ache between her legs turned into an incontrollable throb and she unconsciously jerked her hips towards his. That's when she realized something.

He was naked.

She blushed fiercely and felt really naughty when she shamelessly admired his impressive length. She knew enough about coupling to know what that was supposed to do.

His mouth released her nipple pulling it between his teeth. She released a mixture between a moan and a sob. It was unbearable. He chuckled darkly and whispered sensually in her ear.

-So innocent…so pure…Rrrin.

She buried her face in his neck and inhaled trying to discover his scent but found nothing. It was as unknown as his identity still covered in darkness. She whimpered pathetically. She wanted so badly to see the face that brought her peacefulness and pleasure in her dreams.

Soon she felt the pulls of wakefulness stealing her away from his arms and she sobbed quietly. The night passed so quickly that it was cruel. Just when everything was blurring she gasped as she saw a glimpse of silky silver hair and jagged magenta stripes on her lover's cheek.

*End Dream*

She opened her eyes and sat up. She groaned still feeling the heaviness of sleep on her eyes. She rubbed them and forced them open once again. The sun was already up but it didn't matter since Lady Mother said today she could take a break from her lessons.

She felt so confused. She blushed remembering how livid her dream had been and the pleasure she felt. She could still feel that unbearable throb as well as wetness between her legs and she didn't know if that was good or bad.

Then that little slip on the darkness covering her mysterious lover gave her an important hint on his identity. But…she refused that it was him.

She loved him but…

She gripped her head and groaned. She was so confused!

Inuyasha's group stopped when they saw the huge western fortress and they all turned to Sango. She swallowed feeling a bit intimidated but she had gone this far already. She couldn't back up. With a nod to them they walked towards the front gates.

As expected, they were stopped by the guard.

-Halt! What is your business here?

Kagome chose to speak since neither of her companions seemed to know their reason here except Sango and the slayer was busy glaring at the palace.

-We only wish to speak with Lord Sesshomaru.

The guard snorted and smirked.

-What makes you so sure that my lord would receive you, weaklings, into his home and speak with you?

Inuyasha snarled.

-Who do ya think you're calling a weakling?

The guard snapped his eyes towards the hanyou like it was just now that he noticed him. He took in his appearance and his eyes widened.

-You…you're the half breed.

Inuyasha pointed to his ears in frustration.

-Duh!

The guard bared his fangs at the insolent hanyou. If he weren't Lord Sesshomaru's brother he would be already laying on the floor covered in his blood!

-I will not allow you to pass without my lord's consent which I highly doubt will be given.

Miroku chose to interfere and said in a calm voice.

-Go ask him then.

He curved his lip in disgust.

-I shouldn't leave my post. What assures me you won't try anything funny in my absence?

Sango had enough and yelled at the top of her lungs making the others cringe.

-Sesshomaru! Come out, inu!

The guard and all the others felt the lord's massive and currently annoyed aura and he looked at her like she was crazy. She possibly was.

-You will refer to this Sesshomaru with the proper respect, slayer.

She watched with unease as he elegantly walked towards her and soon was towering her. She swallowed her fear away and glared defiantly at him. He raised an eyebrow.

-What is that you and your friends want?

-It is more I that has a reason to be here.

-Your brother is here.

She took a deep breath.

-May I speak with you…

She glanced at the guard and her friends.

-…in private?

He frowned but nodded. By the look on her face it seemed serious.

-Lord Sesshomaru!

Rin ran towards her lord and gasped when she saw her friends. She squealed and hugged Kagome. The miko giggled and hugged her back just as tightly. She then hugged Inuyasha who accepted with an awkward pat on her back and Miroku whose hand was wandering towards forbidden territory but stopped when everyone's glare burned him. She then went to hug Sango but stopped with her arms raised and saddened at the look the slayer was giving to her. Her arms fell at her sides.

-Sango-chan? I-is something wrong?

Sango glared at Rin. She couldn't believe this sweet girl was in love with someone like Sesshomaru. She sighed and simple patted her head.

Rin frowned and glanced questionably at her friends and then at her lord. They too seemed confused except Kagome. The miko looked angry at the slayer. Rin opted to shrug and greeted Shippo and Kirara.

She then turned to her lord and clasped her palms together. She looked up at him through her lashes and Sesshomaru thought that that was innocently attractive. Then…

Kami, she's doing it again.

She made her puppy look that he just couldn't resist.

-Please, my lord. May they stay here for a while? They'll leave whenever you deem fit. Just let me be with them for a little.

He grunted and crossed his arms. He could hear Inuyasha straining to contain his laughter. He gritted his teeth. Did Rin really have to do that?

-Please…Lord Sesshomaru?

He growled in frustration, turned around mumbling about his palace turning into an inn…but not before nodding his approval to Rin.

She squealed and grabbed Kagome's hand.

-Come on, guys! It's time for lunch!

-Mmmmm!

Sesshomaru's eye twitched. That was the fifth moan so far.

-Damnnnn!

It twitched again. Sixth.

Apparently, Inuyasha never had such good food and had no qualms in showing it. The miko nudged his side with her elbow but he ignored her. He brought his chopsticks to his mouth savoring another delectable delicacy.

-Forget Kagome. I'm gonna mate with your cook, Sesshomaru!

The miko sent a deathly glare at Inuyasha. The hanyou chuckled nervously.

-Gee, relax, Kagome! I was only jokin'.

She continued to eat grumbling about puppy eared fools.

Taking another bite Inuyasha threw his arms in the air and fell backwards.

-Fuuuuuuuuuuuck!

Sesshomaru had enough and stood up.

-Inuyasha! Cease this foolishness!

Inuyasha smirked happy to have once more successfully annoyed his brother.

Sango suddenly stood up.

-Lord Sesshomaru…if you don't mind I would like to speak with you now.

He nodded and cast a worried glance towards Rin. Whatever the slayer had to say to him he knew it was about Rin with the way Sango had looked at her.

Rin returned the look and quickly averted her eyes.

Author's Note: Oh Inuyasha… xD Oh no! What will happen now?