Chapter 10: An Awkward But Fun Day

He moved his hand away from her face. She hadn't stopped shaking and crying. It was clear she was in the midst of a full blown panic attack. "I wouldn't hurt you," he watched her completely confused. "Did someone hurt you?"

"Why did you bring me here?" Her eyes remained hidden between her knees.

"You were sleeping. Rin, please allow me to comfort you," he crouched next to her, unsure whether he should reach down and smooth her hair, but desperate to dry her eyes. She was terrified. "Whatever is causing this anxiety, I want to help you. I want you to feel safe coming to me when this happens. I don't care if it's one or two o'clock in the morning. Give me the opportunity to help you. We want to get to know each other a little at a time, at least give me the chance starting with your anxiety. If you tell me what causes it, I'll try my best to help you get through it."

All she could do was shake her head no.

He sat down next to her and tried again. "You're making this difficult for both of us. Just breathe."

"It hurts," she coughed out. Her chest was tightening.

"Breathe in," he said quietly by her ear, "and out. In, slowly. You're going to hyperventilate."

"I can't," she sobbed. Her breath was coming out so quickly she couldn't calm herself. There were too many pictures flashing through her head. She covered her hands with her head.

"Rin," he grasped her hands on top of her head and moved forward, "look at me?"

She shook her head.

He rubbed the backs of her hands with the pads of his thumbs, "look at me." Her eyes came out of their hiding place as her hands floated down to her knees, "breathe with me. In and out. Slowly, deep breaths. Fill your lungs with air. Imagine each breath you're filling a balloon and releasing the fear. You're safe."

She forced air into her lungs, breath by breath the fear slowly dissipated from her. She coughed, caught her breath, then shuddered in another breath and another.

"Just like that, good." He sidled up next to her. "You're okay." Her heart slowly went back to a normal rate. He reached out a hand again and slowly rubbed the skin between her shoulders. "Let me comfort you."

She leaned into his chest finally. It warmed her back and helped her time her breathing. It grounded her from the emotions haunting her. They sat together for a while until the after effects of the panic set in and she desperately needed to pee. Her lip started trembling, "I need the bathroom."

"Okay, let me get you some clean clothes to wear okay?" He got up and opened his dresser drawer, pulling out some comfy pajama bottoms and a black tank top. "Here."

She lifted her head and took the clothes from him.

"Go change and there's a clean washcloth under the sink you can use to wash your face with," he softly said.

"Thanks," she whispered.

Holding out his clawed hand, Rin hesitated for a few seconds till she placed her hand in his. He lifted her off the floor and led her into the bathroom. "Take your time and when you are ready come back out so we can talk."

She only nodded, walked inside the bathroom, and shut the door. She locked it, her hand still shaking and then stared at herself in the mirror. Her makeup was all smeared from sleeping with it on and crying her eyes out. Pulling out the washcloth from under the sink she turned on the hot water and soaked it until it was fully wet. She rang it out and started scrubbing the makeup off her face. The warmth helped to keep her grounded. She started with her eyes and ran circular motions over her cheeks and forehead. She found a clean hand drying towel to dry her face off and then started taking the many pins out of her hair.

Unzipping her dress, she allowed the fabric to slide down her body and hit the floor. She stared at herself in the mirror, forgetting she hadn't put a bra on. She bent over and picked up his clothes, putting them on mechanically. Picking up her dress and taking slow and even breaths, she unlocked the door and walked back out to his room. He was sitting up with his legs stretched out on his huge bed. He patted the empty space next to him, inviting her back into bed with him. She set her dress on the floor and cautiously took a seat on the edge of the bed, facing away from him, and still feeling nervous.

She didn't even hear him move until she felt his clawed fingers running through her hair. She jumped away from his hands. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. Just remember to breathe to calm yourself." He slowly ran his fingers again through the tops and bottoms of her hair until it was smoothed of knots. "Is it helping?"

Her heart was calming and there was something electric about his fingers running through her hair. "Yeah."

He tied it back in a ponytail and then straddled her hips. He pulled her back against his chest then set his lips against her ear. "Lay back with me, so I can comfort you."

She hesitated for a few minutes unsure then, turned on her side leaning against him. She could hear the thud of his heart in her ear.

"Come on," he gave her a small tug and pulled her back onto the back of the bed. He gave her several pillows. "It's okay," he pulled one of her arms around his torso. Their chests rest near each other. He slipped an arm behind her back and picked up her hand. "I wish you would tell me what triggers your anxiety." He rubbed her hand hoping that it would help keep her calm.

"A lot of things. Why did you bring me here and not my dorm?" She asked. He felt warm and home-like, easing her tension. She moved in closer, breathing in his scent. He had a masculine musk that made her heart flutter and calm all at once.

"Guilty pleasure, I wanted to hold you, and I don't think you would want to go back to your dorm. That freshman boy Kohaku is with your roommate and I think they want to be alone," he pressed his lips against her forehead, kissing her sweet cherry blossom skin.

The movement against her skin sent a shiver down her spine as her heart once again started to pick up.

"I'm guessing, kissing your skin triggers panic attacks? I'm sorry, your scent is just so inviting." Closing his eyes he laid his forehead along hers, "it's very difficult to resist you."

She was trying to keep her eyes open, but she felt warm in his embrace, and it was making her drowsy again. "I need time to get used to this." She ran her hands along his side. "I should go." Her eyes met his.

"It's late, Rin. Stay," he ran the back of his fingers over her cheek. "Sleep, tomorrow we'll talk more." He tugged his black comforter over them so he could keep her warm.

"I'm sorry, I guess I was just a bit startled waking up to somebody I hardly know. I think I might go back to my dorm. I don't want the student body to start asking questions if I leave your dorm." She started to get up, but was brought back down onto the mattress. Panic struck her once again. "Please, let me go. I need to leave and go back to my dorm." Tears released from her tired eyes.

"Are you afraid to be touched?" He asked as he ran his hands up and her arm.

She nodded her head.

"Strange? You didn't seem afraid when the hanyou demon touched you." With his clawed finger he wiped her tears away. "Why are you afraid of me touching you?"

"I don't know you that well. I'm sorry but I need to go back to my dorm." He stopped her once again just as her feet touched the floor. "Please?" She was panicking again. "Just let me go."

"You might walk in on something you don't want to see," he came up and sat with his legs on both sides of her. "If it makes you feel better I can sleep on the floor."

She paused thinking. She wasn't sure what she wanted, but she couldn't stop herself from crying. She buried her face in her hands.

He saw her shaking shoulders and tears and decided it would be better to give her space. Getting off of the bed he walked over to his closet to pull out a futon. Rin wiped her eyes and stared back at him. "I feel bad making you sleep on the floor."

"It's nothing," he turned around. "I'm sorry I scared you."

She approached him and took his hand in hers. "I've never spent the night with a man before. I'm," she hung her head. "You won't try anything?"

He shook his head. "Do you want me to sleep in bed with you?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I feel like a wreck. Can you wake me up next time so I know where I am?"

"Of course, if you really want to go back to your dorm, I'll take you."

"I don't know. How do you know what they're doing?"

He pointed at his ears. "I try to ignore it, but there are several very happy couples tonight. One of them is my brother," he shook his shoulders, shuddering. He dared to hug her, "you're tired. Why don't you take medicine for these attacks?"

"I never saw a doctor. My parents wanted me to, but I never got around to it." She returned the embrace, "why does it feel so good to be in your arms?"

"It feels good holding you, come to bed," he led her back to his bed and pulled the cover over her shoulder. "Go to sleep."

She patted the bed next to her.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"Okay," he lifted the black quilt up and slid in bed next to her, wrapping his arms around her. She rested her head against his shoulder. "You're safe with me. You don't have to be scared."

"Sesshomaru?"

"Mmh?"

"Kiss me?" She ran her hand through his hair as he complied. It felt like an inferno, like pure heat and knowledge. She pulled back, "why does it feel like this?"

"Because you're meant to be mine," he stroked her chin, smiling, "I feel it too. It's very strong," he kissed her again holding her tighter, he ran his hand up her shoulder, touching her bare skin with his fingers. "Sleep," he muttered against her lips.

She nodded and moved her lips away from his, pressing her face back into his chest. He was right. There was a safety she hadn't felt in a long time against his chest. She hugged him tightly as he ran his fingers through her hair. She fell asleep to the sound of his heart-beating, his chest rising, and falling leading her own breaths.

She felt the backside of his fingers against her cheek. Slowly opening up her eyes, she saw Sesshomaru's golden eyes looking down at her. He was already dressed with his hair tied back in a braid. She set her hand over his.

"I didn't mean to wake you," he sat down on the bed next to her. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yeah," she rubbed her eyes. "Did you?"

He nodded quietly. "You're very cuddly in your sleep."

She chuckled, throwing an arm over her eyes, "so were you."

"Well, it's part of my nature. We sleep in groups as children and by the time we grow out of the need for someone to be in bed with us, we are old enough to find our mates." He caressed her cheek. "You cried in your sleep last night."

"I did?" She rubbed her cheeks. "Sorry about last night. Are you sure you want someone who has anxiety?"

He shrugged and exhaled, "do you think that condition makes you unlovable?"

"So now you're saying you love me?"

"No, but you did warm my heart trusting me to sleep next to you last night. Thank you," he leaned over and kissed her mouth, satisfied when she returned the expression of affection. "Would you like to go for an early morning jog?"

She sat up and cuddled up into his side, allowing herself to wake up slowly. "What time is it?"

"A little after six. Do you want to go for a jog?" He asked as he reached over and passed her a cup of hot coffee.

She was shocked that he left her alone in his room just to go to the coffee shop. "When did you wake up?"

"Around five. Another fact about pure-blooded dog demons. We don't require that much sleep."

She groaned, rubbing her temples, "humans require more sleep." She stretched her feet. And sipped the latte, tasting the distinct flavor of pumpkin spice. "You're getting to know me too well when it comes to hot beverages. Did you just get back?" She only asked because the coffee was still pretty hot.

"Yes, just about five minutes ago. You're still not answering my question!" He leaned against her and nipped at her neck.

"Ow," she batted his face away, "what the hell was that?"

"A love bite. It's another sign of affection."

"Oh," she said coyly, "so you feel affection for me?"

"I have for a few weeks now," he tilted her chin with his hand and kissed her lips again. His tongue dipped lightly against her teeth. "You're very good at this," he smiled into the next kiss.

She chuckled against his lips, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Okay… you're growing on me too. Truthfully, I kissed you at the coffee shop because I was attracted to you."

"I didn't resist because I wanted to feel your lips." They both laughed together at how ridiculous they had been for the last month. "You hide yourself behind someone who is so aggressive." He leaned around her and opened the drawer to his night stand and removed a piece of paper. "This spoke to my heart." He handed her the paper, unsure of what her reaction would be. The words had changed his view of her.

She pulled away from him and sighed frustrated, "Izayoi gave this to you?"

He nodded.

"Great," she plopped backwards on the bed embarrassed. There were things she had written, dreams of an explicit nature, nightmares, hopes, and wishes. In her dreams the man she loved always supported her efforts in writing. She wouldn't want to be with someone who didn't. It was part of who she was.

"It's beautifully written. May I keep it?"

"I guess."

"You still didn't answer my question. Would you like to go for a run with me?"

"Umm… sure. I need to change though. It's going to be awkward to go in the clothes I have and I can't get back into those heels."

"Go change and I'll fly you back to your dorm. They're asleep, so you have nothing to worry about."

She set the cup on the nightstand and grabbed her dress from the floor. She threw his clothes into the corner of the bathroom and stared at herself in the mirror again as she dressed. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and her heart was fluttering. She opened the door and came out. His mouth fell open at the sight of her. "You really are a beautiful woman," he said as she exited. He pulled his phone out and turned on `` You and Me, by Lifehouse. "Dance with me?"

A smile parted her lips as she took his hand and was pulled against his chest. They swayed to the slow music. He held her around the hips, running his hands up, and down her back. His lips came down on the side of her neck, resting against her skin. Goosebumps rippled her skin from his hot breath. She held him around the neck, allowing herself to relax in his embrace. Through the thin shirt she could feel his muscles. They were hard and defined. "So this kind of touch you like?"

"Yeah."

He pulled back as the song climaxed, his lips covered hers again. Something came over her in that moment, she gripped his shoulders as the kiss became more intense. He backed her into the wall kissing, under her chin, down her neck. She gripped the sides of his head. Her breathing picked up, heat building between them. Her hands pushed his head away when his breath hit her collar bone.

He rose to his full height, taking in her eyes that held the slightest tint of fear and turned the music off. "Ready?" He asked, breathing heavily. "We should probably go." It wasn't often women rejected his advances, but he felt it best to get out of the room before he was no longer able to resist himself. She was a mystery to him, strong, and beautiful yet so vulnerable at the same time.

"Yes," she said, slipping on her heels and grabbing her coffee.

He held out his hand for hers. She hesitated for just a second. She took a deep breath and placed her small hand in his. He slowly pulled her close to him, "hold your coffee tightly." With that said, he bolted out the door, and flew till he reached her door.

"Thank you," she kindly said, handing over her coffee. Luckily her dress had pockets, where she left her dorm key. She took it out and unlocked the door. "I'll be out soon, just wait here." She quietly walked inside and shut the door leaving him in the hall. Turning on the light she found Koharu on her hands and knees with Kohaku behind her moaning quietly on the bed. She never thought she would walk on her roommate still having sex with her boyfriend! "Oh my god! I'm so sorry." She jumped in the other direction. She wanted to kick his ass for not telling her that her roommate was still being intimate. "He lied to me and said they were asleep," she whispered to herself.

"Oh crap, Rin!" Koharu flew out from beneath Kohaku grabbing the covers.

Kohaku grabbed a blanket to hide himself. "Shit!" he yelled.

She could hear them shuffling on the bed and jumping around as they dressed themselves. "Sorry about that Rin, we heard that you were with a mystery man and figured you'd be with him all night," Kohaku said. "You can turn around now."

She turned to see that they were both dressed in comfy clothes with super red cheeks. She still felt a bit awkward and had no idea what to say to them. But she did have a few choice words for the demon boy outside the door, for allowing her to walk in on them. She was going to kick his ass.

"Did you enjoy spending all night with the mysterious man, or should I say..." Koharu wasn't going to finish.

"Umm… well I guess I can say yes." She still felt a bit awkward sleeping next to him. But she knew it was great to have some comfort. He was so warm and cuddly.

She walked over to her dresser and took off her heels and pulled out her clothes to jog in.

"Are you going to the dojo?" Kohaku asked with his hands in his pockets.

She still refused to look at them, "no, I'm going to go for a jog," she said going into the bathroom and shutting the door. She changed into long black jogging pants, a black sports bra, and a long sleeve hot pink top.

"Hey Rin, me and Kohaku are going to get some breakfast, I'll catch you later," Koharu called out from the other side of the door.

"Okay, I'll see you later." She re-fixed her hair into a high ponytail and brushed her teeth. "I'm going to kill him."

As she walked back out into the room, she grabbed some black ankle socks and her hot pink jogging sneakers. After she had them both on and her dorm key in hand she walked back out to find him leaning against the wall with a smirk on his face. "You're an ass. You knew they were still going at it and allowed me to walk in on them, why?" She folded her arms under her breasts and perked them up in front of him.

"Just to brighten up your morning," he jokingly said.

"You're obnoxious. Because of that, I demand that you spar with me after we jog."

He gave her such a creepy smirk, "you'll have to catch me first." He bolted for the stairs in a flash.

"No fair you jerk!" She bolted for the stairs running after him, nearly tripping down the steps and rushing out the back door. She knew exactly where he would run towards. She made for the trail behind the school and ran through the moist muddy trail to make for the overlook where she usually did her calisthenics by herself. The area was mostly grassy with trees along the cliff and a wide berth before the path. "Okay, Fluffy, show yourself!" she called out, turning around in a circle searching for him. Looking around she didn't see him, but she knew he was close. When no response came, she said, "well I guess I'm just going to go to the dojo instead..." feeling his presence behind her, she did a backflip over him and tried to knock him off his feet, but he outmaneuvered her, flying over her head.

"Fast move, but not fast enough." He came at her kicking his foot at her stomach. She dodged his attack. "You've come a long way from only being in my class for a few weeks. I'm impressed."

"Well I do have a pretty awesome judo teacher I have to thank for helping me." She stood with her feet shoulder width and her hands at the ready, blocking her core. He ran for her again just as she did a front flip and kicked his feet from under him.

Before Sesshomaru could faceplant, he managed to do a front flip coming over her head, "your skills are outstanding, for a human." He swung around and tried to hit her with the back of his hand. She slapped the hand down. "I'm impressed, you're one of the best I've seen," he finally announced.

His words brought a smile to her face, "really?" She came to stand by him, but held her guard knowing he could knock her off of her feet if she wasn't careful. He was a beast inside and she knew it, silent, poised, and deadly.

"Yes, just how you're standing right now. I can tell you're ready for my next attack, which is now." He swung a hand towards her stomach just as she turned her body to the side to avoid his attack. "Clever move Rin, but not fast enough." His move was so fast that she didn't see till she was pinned to the ground. "Mmh, you still need to learn some more from hidden attacks." He hovered over her, his chest on top of hers, his mouth very close to hers. He could spend the entire day tasting her. His eyes traced the curve of her neck where the scar was just visible from the front. He wanted to remove the mark from her skin and put his down instead.

"You… just… caught me… off guard again." She was out of breath. She suddenly realized he was on top of her, holding her wrists down. Her heart raced of its own accord, fear rose slightly. She tried to tell herself she was safe with him, but her body wouldn't listen.

"Rin, you need to relax your breathing and your heart." He lowered himself more. Her heart picked up more in speed. "Is there anything that can help with this issue?"

"Can you get off of me?" She choked the words out.

He realized he was laying on top of her and got to his feet, holding his hand out to her. She reached her hand out to him as he tugged her to a standing position and pulled her into his chest. He didn't know if holding her this close would calm her anxiety or make it worse. He rubbed her back soothingly. Her heart-rate descended again. He backed away, taking in her face. She gazed up at him in adoration. Her lips were slightly parted and were not only calling to him, but were also inviting him to kiss her. He wrapped one arm around her waist while he took his other hand and lifted her chin more. He lowered his lips until he felt the skin of her lips against his. They were still warm from the night before. She set her hands on his shoulders, gripping them firmly. He knew that it was okay to kiss her. In his mind he still couldn't comprehend why a human girl had to be his mate, but he told himself that he would give it a chance. Her scent was floating around him, intoxicating him.

Their mouths slightly parted for just a few seconds then collapsed back on each other. Heated tension built up between them. He slowly backed her up against the bark of a large tree. He lifted her left thigh over his hip and pressed into her. A slight moan released from her lips, which was making the lower part of himself happy. Their mouths parted enough for him to lick the roof of her mouth. Her scent was so overpowering he was concerned he would start drooling while they kissed.

She felt him pressing against her, hard, and hungry. For a second, her heart skipped a beat, but his lips against hers kept her grounded. She pushed her hips against him, wrapping her other leg around his torso. He held her in place with his other hand and dry-thrusted into her pelvis. She moaned again, holding onto his neck.

His hand dipped into the hem of her shirt. Fingers found skin to dance along. As he attempted to trace her bare skin with his hand she pulled back, "no!" She pushed him back, removing his hand.

"Do you want to stop?"

With her legs still wrapped around him and him supporting she shook her head.

"I'll keep my hands over your clothes then," he smiled, kissing her again. "This is going better than I thought it would," he pressed himself into the heat of her jogging pants. Through her very thin material he could feel fire and the slightest hint of moisture. With each thrust her legs tensed around him.

She felt a fire building between her legs. She had half a mind to reach down and touch herself as their lips kept lapping against each other, but she was too enthralled by the serpentine tongue darting in and out of her mouth. When it whipped into her again, she caught it suckling the tip of his tongue, making him growl in pleasure.

As they were making out a slight rumble came from Sesshomaru's stomach. Hearing the sound caused Rin to laugh and break their kiss, "why didn't you say that you were hungry?"

"If you saw what I ate you would be disgusted," he informed her as he let her down, turning away so she wouldn't see the very large problem he had in his pants.

"What do you mean by disgusted?" She asked curiously, then flushed seeing that he was very aroused.

"Come and you'll see what I mean." He held out his hand as she placed her hand in his. Food would be a welcomed distraction to what he really wanted to do. They walked along the path to the city chatting about the weather and the trees as they did. She told him more about her stunt career and her favorite movies to work on, while he shared some of his earliest competitions he had been in as a child. He had lost a few when he was very young, but it had been years since he had a real contender and few humans could keep up with him.

They arrived at a burger joint very far into the city away from the public eye of the students from campus. "So is this a date in some way?" she had to ask. It was the first time he took her to a restaurant.

"More of an outing, this joint isn't a date worthy place," he announced. What kind of place would be a date for him? There were quite a few demons in the restaurant and not that many humans. "You're hungry, I'm hungry," he opened the door for her. "I'm enjoying spending time with you."

After they were seated at a two seater table by a sidewalk window, Rin picked up the menu to see what would appeal to her. He wasn't looking at his menu. "I'm guessing you already know what you're going to eat?"

"Yes, I hope you have a strong appetite. My stomach requires a different type of nourishment," he said arrogantly.

"I don't know if I should be surprised or scared," she laughed.

"I guess we'll find out which one it is."

Looking back at the menu Rin decided on the deluxe grilled chicken sandwich with everything on it. It came with fries and a side, but she was starving. They didn't eat breakfast before they left and it was nearly lunch time. Just as she set the menu down the waitress who was a dragon demon approached them. "Good day you two, my name is Mei. What can I start you off with to drink?"

Sesshomaru gestured a hand at Rin to start. "Umm, I'll have a glass of water and I'm going to order the grilled chicken sandwich deluxe with everything on it please, fries, salad, soup and… can I have chicken in the salad?"

"Would you like the chicken cooked all the way?" The server asked with her head tilted to the side.

"Of course," Rin replied thinking of how gross it would be to eat food raw. "Don't want to take the chance at getting salmonella."

Sesshomaru had a large smirk on his face.

"And for you sir?" the server inquired.

"Water and I'll have the steak please, no fries with a salad."

"How would you like that done?"

"Extremely raw," he said with a shrewd grin. He wasn't sure where she planned on putting all that food.

Rin was in shock.

"Excellent choice, my favorite. So two glasses of water. A fully cooked grilled chicken deluxe sandwich with fries, chicken salad and soup and a kicking cow with salad coming right up."

Her mouth was hanging slightly down at what he just ordered. "Surprised by my appetite?"

"Why not just order the whole damn cow?"

"I would, but we would be here all day. I'm not in the mood to eat a whole damn cow. Let's just agree we'll both be disgusted with what we are eating," he said. "Where do you plan on putting all the food you just ordered?"

"In my stomach duh," she said, digging around in her pockets. "Crap…"

"What?"

"I forgot my wallet," she sat back against the chair. "You don't have to pay. I can run back to the school-"

He waved her off and held his hands out on the table. "I'll pay. My treat."

She smiled relieved. "So what else do I need to know about dating you? I get the feeling you like physical contact."

"We're very erotic creatures, with very big appetites in that regard. So yes, if we were to be mated, I would rely on you to help me with my needs."

Her cheeks flushed a brilliant shade of red. "This is more intense than dating someone."

"I thought you wanted to fall in love with a demon?"

"I do… I did… I don't know," she picked up the water that was just delivered. "I'm so hungry. You forgot humans need breakfast."

"I'll note that for next time."

"You're being very compliant," she said, tapping her fingers on the ice-water.

"I want you to be comfortable with me."

"Oh great now you feel bad for me," she went to stand. "This is why I hate people knowing about my anxiety."

He took her hand and massaged her palm, "for someone so brave you tend to run when things get uncomfortable."

"I don't like people feeling pity for me."

"It's not pity, it's concerning," he patted the table. "Stay with me."

"Fine," she slumped back down, "but only because I might pass out from hunger before reaching campus. Why does it bother you so much?"

"I've seen it before, over my years instructing Judo."

"How many years is that?"

"Quite a few," he said. "I taught before I came here. I've been certified since I became of age."

She only exhaled as the food came. Whatever she felt about him eating a steak that was warm, but completely uncooked paled in comparison into what he felt watching her shovel food in her face. Somehow she managed to plow through the salad in five minutes, the soup after that then started taking giant bites out of the sandwich. "Are you going to be able to walk when you are finished?"

"Yeah," she said between bites of french fries. "You don't like these?"

He shook his head. "I don't eat potatoes."

She smiled mischievously, "try one," she held one up to his lips.

"If I do, what do I get out of this experiment? Your radiating humor. Do you intend to have a joke at my expense?"

"Mmh… I agree to date you for a month without dumping your sorry ass if we get into a fight."

"Tempting," he held the fry up. "But we need to seal this deal in some way."

"How about a kiss?" She smiled leaning over their plates of food, but having to slide her knees on the seat of the booth. She cupped his chin and tugged his mouth to hers. He tasted lightly of the raw meat he had just eaten. Her tongue flicked over his fangs, something she had wanted to do, but was unsure if they had built enough rapport to manage that. His hand slid up her neck massaging the base of her head. She pulled back, "wow. Now your turn."

He paled lightly, his mouth turning down. He put the fry in his mouth and chewed it slowly, "you like these?" He put the rest of it back on her plate. "I'll let you finish that."

They spent the rest of the lunch enjoying simple conversation and sharing more about themselves. He mostly listened to her talk while she asked him questions to get him talking. Occasionally his feet slid out from under the table and ran up the table against her ankles. She did the same and before they knew it, they were in a fierce footsie war that had her giggling so hard she nearly choked on her water.

As they walked down the streets of the city Rin pointed at a large building, "is that a bookstore?" It had a high ceiling with old carvings and architecture.

He nodded. "Would you like to see it? They have an impressive history section."

"What about fantasy?"

He scoffed at her, "is that why you want to write a story about a human and demon romance?"

She nodded, running for the store with him trailing behind her. She ran inside and started exploring.

"I'm going to the history section. It's on the eighth floor," he rose into the air over her head. The stairs ran a circle around the inside of the building.

"Suit yourself," she stuck her tongue out at him as he left her. She found the fantasy section on the second floor and found a book she wanted to look at. Once again she cursed, forgetting her money. She took it with her to find him, hoping the store owner could hold it for while she got her money. It was part of a set of eight books, but she wanted to see if she liked it first before investing in the entire series.

She found him on a loveseat deeply engrossed in a book called, "Spider Hanyous". "Interesting choice," she said as she approached him.

He simply patted the spot next to him, inviting her to sit next to him. She sat down near his side so she could lean on him. She read with her back to his shoulder and her feet hung over the side of the loveseat. Before she knew it the cold air of the shop had her shivering. Her jogging clothes were made of thin, breathable material. Wordlessly she was wrapped into something fluffy and white. It was insatiably warm. The heat made her eyes droopy. She hadn't slept enough the night before. Between that and spending the morning sparring she was exhausted. Her eyes hooded over in seconds.

His concentration was broken by the book she had brought to read dropping on the floor next to them. He leaned over to pick it up for her, when he felt her limp against his side. He laughed internally, picking the book up, and setting it on the coffee table. He made a mental note of the title and carefully leaned back, adjusting his body to hold her more closely. He kissed the top of her head and nuzzled her neck while she slept. "Mmmh," she rolled against him.

It was only then he saw the big black circles around her eyes. He touched them, running his thumb underneath her eyes. "Such weak creatures," he said to himself as she slept. He wondered if she would awaken frightened. Her heartbeat was relaxed, and she slept so soundly against him. The store would close in two hours. He decided to stay while she rested and continue his reading. He had suspicions about Naraku. There was no such thing as a hanyou-spider demon. Spider-demons didn't reproduce with humans.

As evening rolled around and the store owner began to clean up, he rubbed her cheek to wake her, "Rin?"

"Mmh?" she pushed herself off him and stretched taking in her surroundings. "Sorry, I must have been tired."

"You don't have to apologize," he kissed her tenderly as she woke up.

"How long was I sleeping for?"

"Over an hour. The store is closing, we should go."

"What time is it?" Her hair was disheveled. She wiped random drools from her chin.

"Five," he said, helping her to her feet.

"Oh no. I need to go back to my dorm! I have a paper due in the morning for history!" She grabbed his hand and bolted down the stairs running circles and jumping steps to miss a few. He followed after her, keeping her pace.

As they approached the college he reached out his hand to her, "there are too many people." He pulled her into a secluded pavilion and pressed his lips to hers.

"Thanks for today," she pulled back, then pressed her lips against his again. "I had a lot of fun."

"So did I," he said quietly, taking a step back. "You mean what you said about the month?"

"Yes," she said laughing. "I… I really liked spending time with you today. I'd like to be able to again."

He took out his phone and asked her, "I could get it from the office. May I have your number?"

She punched her number in. "Could…" she pursed her lips, "...um if I wanted could I spend the night again sometime?"

"Whenever you want," he answered her and left the pavilion for his own dorm.

She slid down the wall onto her butt holding her heart. Not out of panic, but out of excitement. I think I'm in love.