AN: And we're back! Can't wait to see what happens next ... This is my longest chapter so far. YIPPIE!

I do not own Inuyasha.

Japanese Translation:

Ototo: Little brother.

Baka: Fool.

Ani: Big brother.

Chinmoku: Silence.

Nani: What?

Wakatta: Okay.

Dekimasu: I can.

Koko: Here.

XOXO

The gusty wind whirled and whistled through the cool late fall air. The leaves had already began fading into autumn colors and the atmosphere around grew dim as the days began to shorten. The wind whipped and tossed about as did the tall figure's long, silver, and perfectly straight mane. He stood with eyes closed across from his opponent several yards away. His presence on the large field of soft blowing grass was collected and calm yet large and domineering. The scenic meadow held a sharp edge to it now that he conspicuously graced it with his aura. All he did was stand as still as a stone and quietly delight in the rustling zephyr that brushed his hair lightly to his side. This was his playing field. Where he could fearlessly strike down his enemy and relish in the triumph of watching their once haughty expression quickly shift into one of pure disbelief and anguish. Even though he rarely showed his pleasure in diminishing his opponent on his face he inwardly fed off the rapture and rush it would bring him. How he could show off his power to anyone or anything that would dare to test him in anyway.

Sesshomaru opened his eyes to see his younger brother Inuyasha's face glinting in the late fall air presenting a slight smirk on his lips. This fight became a weekly escapade they grew to relish in testing their centuries old abilities as a way to demonstrate to themselves that they 'still had it'.

Sesshomaru and Inuyasha wore their traditional clothing that was anachronistic to their normal everyday surroundings. Inuyasha sported his red Suikan and Hakama that covered his all white Hadajuban and was tightly wrapped by his red Obi. His sword, Tessaiga, sat to the left of his hip resting in his Obi. His feet were bare to the cool soft grass beneath him.

Sesshomaru wore his red and white hakama over his white kimono that displayed a red flower like pattern on his clavicles and a Heko-Obi colored in a dark yellow with a purple swirl like pattern at the trim. His grey and black battle armory clung to his chest with sharp spikes protruding out away from his shoulders and chest. He wore his classic black boots he regretfully missed adorning his feet. His sword, Bakusaiga, also rested at his left hip in his Obi. Tenseiga, his other sword, was currently safely propped up on a wall in his room.

Their abilities to defend themselves was indubitably their greatest aspect. They were intrepid in their fighting. Sesshomaru grew to learn that his brother became a worthy enough opponent. Inuyasha's eagerness and irascible mind was simple enough to persuade into combat. Even if it was for practice. All Sesshomaru ever had to say to his younger brother were things along the line of his human blood that coursed through him and Inuyasha was more than willing to prove his position as a half-demon. He was just as strong and able to defend himself, at least to him.

Sesshomaru slowly unsheathed his sword. Taking in the familiar sound of it gliding out of its sheath with a sharp hiss and released it to his side. "This day Ototo, you shall meet your end. This Sesshomaru savors in the moment when your half-breed blood tastes the length of my sword."

"Feh, come off it Sesshomaru. I don't even need to use Tessaiga on you. I can fight you with my bare hands." Inuyasha spat upon seeing his older brother's uncharacteristic smirk. Inuyasha quickly lifted his feet off the ground in a furious sprint towards his opponent. Mid-air he drew his right arm back and extended his claws as the wind gusted his long white hair over his shoulders. "Take THIS!" He reached to claw at Sesshomaru but quickly fell at the spot his brother once stood. He abruptly turned to his left to see Sesshomaru at the same spot Inuyasha once stood.

"You are imperceptive as before Ototo." Sesshomaru proclaimed whilst his lengthen hair tossed towards his back from his millisecond of a sprint across the field. "Try that again, if you dare."

"You bastard!" Inuyasha leaped into the air once more with claws extended but found his right arm caught in between Sesshomaru's grasp. He gasped.

"I would scorch this." Darting his eyes toward his tighten grip on Inuyasha's wrist. He then gazed back at his brother's disgruntled fiery eyes. "But, how dissatisfying would that be battling a one armed half-breed."

Inuyasha took his brother paused statement for his chance to quickly, with his left fist and a surge of annoyance, smash Sesshomaru in his chin with a forceful uppercut. Sesshomaru released Inuyasha's wrist and quickly leaped into the cool air and landed on his feet with a graceful flip. He felt warm liquid slowly ooze from his mouth onto his chin. "As I said, I could take ya' with these alone."

Sesshomaru lightly chuckled and Inuyasha's eyes gaped open and immediately felt an uneasy sensation creep up his spine.

"BAKA." Sesshomaru spat and leaped into the air slicing right with all of his prodigious strength towards Inuyasha. He felt the powerful energy of Bakusaiga pulsate through his grip toward the tip of the sword.

Seeing a green brightening light with a force so imminent and unrelenting ripple through the air, Inuyasha quickly withdrew the sheath of Tessaiga and placed it in front of him as a barrier of protection against the attack. Once the smoke had cleared leaving behind a broken and cracked terrain in it's path, Inuyasha looked up at the expressionless face of his older brother. "What the hell ya' do that for?" He protest brushing off fallen debris and scraps of dirt and grass from his Suikan. "You always have to show your ass. Kuso!" Inuyasha then stiffened at the sight of his brother rushing head first toward him sword in hand. Inuyasha swiftly withdrew Tessaiga and braced himself against the sword of his brothers.

"You are simply pathetic. Now die!" Sesshomaru hissed baring much of his weight against Inuyasha's sword. Inuyasha felt his feet shift back at the weight of his brother's strength. Inuyasha gritted his teeth.

"Now boys!" They stiffened and looked towards the sound of Toga's voice. He walked over to them gracefully making his presence known on the field. He had waited patiently nearby but now was his opportunity to intrude. "I think that's enough for today. We need to see a good clean fight, alright."

Inuyasha scoffed. "He tried to kill me with Bakusaiga. He doesn't fight fair. Ever!"

Sesshomaru smirked drawing back his sword. "If I truly wanted to kill you, you would have perished decades ago Ototo. I was simply testing your patience."

"Right, sure." Inuyasha asserted whilst sheathing Tessaiga. He then chuckled. "It just proves you need to fight armed against me."

Toga smiled. "Alright, alright enough now. I believe Izayoi has dinner waiting for us at home. Come, let us leave here before there are any passersby. This area has been fairly secluded but you never know who's watching." As they walked toward Toga's car he was eager to here more from them. "So tell me, how has your classes been this week?" Toga practically knew the answer to that question from either of his sons but he always wished for more conversation with them. He knew they were quite capable of maintaining their grades but desired to ensure that they were actually taking it serious.

"Feh. It's fine. Right now I'm already struggling with Applied Statistics. We can use this thing called a TI-83 calculator but my instructor wants us to do it the 'hard way.'" Inuyasha rolled his eyes and closed the back door of his father's all white GMC Hummer.

"Of course you of all people would desire to take the 'easy way out'" Sesshomaru mocked.

"Look who's talking.'" Inuyasha spat.

"I'm sure you will figure it out Inuyasha." Toga reassured.

Inuyasha smiled mischievously in the back seat while Sesshomaru sat in the passenger seat and Toga drove backing out of the area and proceeded to the route of their new home in America. "So, Sesshomaru has asked this human girl on a date. Isn't that right, Ani?"

Sesshomaru quickly darted his piercing gaze at Inuyasha. "Chinmoku!"

"Nani?" Toga beamed with a tilt of his head and smile so wide it made Sesshomaru's stomach form into a tight knot in utter annoyance. "Is this true son?" Sesshomaru shifted his focus toward the road ahead without saying another word.

"It is. I overheard it all." Inuyasha laughed wickedly. "Ya' know, he was all over the idea in a haste."

"She must be a looker then, son?" Toga inquired and reached to pat his son on the left shoulder but immediately retreated his hand once he felt a burning heat radiate off of his son in pure rage. "It's okay son. I'm here if you want to talk about ... human women."

Sesshomaru darted his vexed piercing eyes towards his father and flared his nostrils. "Don't."

"Wakatta, okay son. I will not pry." Toga protested with his palms up in defense and landed them back to the rubber of his steering wheel. He sighed shifting his focus back to the road and after a short pause he spoke again. "What about you, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha's cheeks brightened in embarrassment. "I... I uh... kinda like someone." He admitted scratching the back of his head. "She's actually good friends with Sesshomaru's girl."

Sesshoumaru scoffed. "Watch your words half-breed."

"Interesting." Toga exclaimed. "This is all very ... interesting. Maybe you both may perhaps... invite them over for dinner one day?"

"Woah, wait. We barely know them Father." Inuyasha explained.

Sesshomaru chuckled. "He would certainly run her away with his scent alone. But Kagome is it? She is rather garrulous. I would have to put her away."

"Be nice Sesshomaru. I'm sure she is as delightful, right Inuyasha?"

"Psh. We will see about that." Inuyasha stated crossing his arms to his chest. He as well as his brother would have to see. Including the fact that they both needed to continue to hide their very nature whilst engaging in any activities alike to ... dating.

XOXO

Rin sat at her desk in her bedroom apartment zipping up her rolling backpack filled with large textbooks for the day. She was up earlier than usual and was well prepared for another day at Scottman. It had been a couple days since she last saw Sesshomaru in Sango's apartment and completely forgot to maybe ask him for his cellphone number. She face palmed for the millionth time thinking about how he asked for them to meet up for lunch this week. She had rushed out so fast she never asked when or where. That was Monday and today was Thursday and she had yet to see him or his brother Inuyasha.

Rin stood from her seat and proceeded towards the front door. After locking her door she contemplated on perhaps asking Miroku if he had seen the brothers recently. After taking a couple steps towards the elevators on her floor she turned to hear the singing voice of Kagome.

"Rin! Hey there. You're out early today." She said running to catch up with her friend. They were both heading in the same direction no less.

"Kagome." After giving her friend a gentle hug and stepping into the elevator she spoke. "I couldn't sleep much. I suppose with all the studying from this week, I kinda feel like it's never enough."

"Oh, don't worry Rin. You shouldn't lose sleep over it. Besides, we can always study together more if that helps."

"Thanks, Kagome." She smiled and gently rubbed her eyes careful not to ruin her freshly painted mascara. They both stepped out of the elevator into the lobby of their dorm apartment. "Are you ready for another day of lectures?"

"We have a simulation today. I finally get to show off my IV skills. I'm so excited." Kagome exclaimed fist pumping enthusiastically.

"Me too! Not only that but we get the chance to show Mrs. Brown that we are competent enough to run a code. I overheard that it entails a laboring pregnant patient hemorrhaging who may be a risk for Sepsis. Let's focus on all the interventions around that. That way we'll know exactly what questions they may throw at us."

"Wow, okay. Great!" Kagome fidgeted nervously as she pondered over the given hands-on assessment. This simulation as she knew was a large part of their overall grade and failing it would be detrimental to their progress in nursing school so far. "Did you bring your scrubs?"

Rin smiled and patted her right hand on top of her backpack. "Right in here."

Kagome nodded and smiled as they both reached the doors of the nursing department ready to demonstrate all the efforts they assiduously made throughout the semesters together.

XOXO

The elevators of the nursing department cracked open and Rin stepped out on the first floor in her all white scrubs for a small break in between classes. There was a small eatery present on the first floor for students with many types of snacks and beverages for purchase. Their simulation was a complete success and surprisingly Rin was in charge of the entire code whereas Kagome was the primary nurse. Rin gave the orders and Kagome followed them with the assistance of her peers in attempts to save the simulated patient, a laboring mother who was in desperate need of blood and fluids after giving birth. A sense of euphoria washed over her throughout it all and once the patient was saved everything became so clear in that moment. Rin realized that she desired to become a laboring nurse. She knew she loved children and she had already had the chance to witness the process of labor and delivery during her Obstetrics clinical her class was currently in. She also had the opportunity to hold newborns and assist with taking their vitals, cleaning, and feeding them. It was an innate desire as she already knew she wanted children of her own one day. She would be even more prepared now that she could potentially save their lives in the presence of any danger. She smiled with a sense of peace now that she felt her calling, an awaited pinnacle of her long journey ahead.

As Rin waited in line for a cup of her favorite coffee she began to scroll through her social media page looking back at photos of her and Kagome when they first started nursing school. They were so close to graduating and it all felt surreal to finally be near the end of such a long strenuous journey. She smiled and zoomed into a photo of Kagome slumped over a desk in class after missing precious hours of sleep the night before.

A figure with a distinctive alluring energy cleared his throat behind her and she sharply gasped upon hearing the deepest melodious sound and her ears nearly rumbled in satisfaction. "I need a nurse."

Rin quickly turned to face the stranger and was met with contented honey golden eyes gazing down at her. His gaze swept from the bottom of her black nursing clogs to the top of her hair pinned up in a large white clip. She was so small compared to him as she gazed up from her darken bangs that perfectly contrasted her all white scrubs. She stuttered. "I... I haven't seen you for days, Sesshomaru." She smiled and immediately blushed a light pink hue and stroked her fingers together nervously upon seeing a small smirk appear at the right side of his lips.

"I am to blame. I attempted to seek you out the next day but I found myself troubled with various... affairs."

Rin nodded and reassured him. "No, no. It's okay. My schedule this week has been rather hectic anyway."

"Rin?" He asked studying her eyes as if searching for something deep within them for what seemed like a long pause in time.

"Y-yes?" His eyes shifted back and forth through hers and she hitched a breath of air slowly melting internally at his dominating and intimidating gaze.

"Meet with me this evening." He stated rather than asking if she was available or not.

"Y-yes. Okay. I can do that." She stuttered and blinked her eyes to quickly clear her vision. She took in a deep breath. "What time are you available then?"

"Meet me at the student lawn around 9pm. I have observed that the area is rather quiet and serene at that time." He spoke without shifting his gaze from her eyes although she had done so nervously staring at her hands.

"Yes, you're right. I have been out there myself some nights. The campus lights give the field a nice view at night. It can be very peaceful at times, especially after a long day of classes." She smiled reminiscing her own ventures of quiet little moments on the field.

"So it shall be. Until then, may the rest of your day be filled with the radiance your smile has given me." He stated turning his back to walk away.

She paused for a bit and blushed clasping her right hand to her face covering her mouth. 'Did he just say that? And how did he know where I was?' She thought.

"Ms? Are you ready to order?"

Rin quickly turned around with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry, Yes." She ordered her forgotten request earnestly waiting for the rest of the day to end.

XOXO

Rin and Kagome stepped out of the elevator of their apartment to the top floor. More than ready to retire from the day's events. At least Kagome was.

"Guess who I saw today Rin!" Kagome exclaimed.

Rin's eyes widened once she remembered her encounter with Sesshomaru earlier on the first floor of the nursing department. "And who might that be?"

"Inuyasha! He was walking with Koga leaving the cafeteria during our lunch break. When he saw me it was like the first time. I don't know if it's the nursing scrubs or what but he couldn't keep his eyes off of me... unfortunately as well as Koga." Kagome pondered tapping a finger on her chin. "Anyways, we talked for a bit and he asked me if I was seeing anyone."

"Oh, really now!" Rin exclaimed turning to completely face her friend.

"Yes, and of course I said hells no! And he asked me if I wanted to go and attend his coming out ceremony as a Etas frat member as well as a dinner date at Planos, you know the restaurant in downtown that's like really expensive."

"Are you serious? I'm super excited for you Kagome. That's literally insane!" Rin shrieked. "Wow, I mean those brothers are certainly peculiar and full of surprises." She paused then, realizing she never explained to Kagome of her little date with the older brother.

"Uh... Rin what ever do you mean?" Kagome asked raising an eyebrow.

Rin paused and placed her right hand in her pocket to retrieve her keys. "Just... come in for a bit, I'll explain." She stated and reached to unlock her door. Once entering the room Rin tossed her rolling backpack to the side. There was only 2 hours left for her to leave to meet with Sesshomaru and she had to explain to Kagome quickly before resting a bit before leaving back out to meet him at the student lawn. "I saw Sesshomaru on the first floor near that small café of the nursing building. He asked me to meet him tonight at the students lawn, you know near the library." Rin inquired.

"AH, no way! What a coincidence."

"Right." Rin chuckled lightly blushing from ear to ear. "I don't know how he found me or how he knew where I'd be but he did and he wants to meet there tonight at 9."

Kagome covered her mouth with both hands to hide her reddened blush. "That's kinda romantic. See I told you they were into us, these men go head over heels when they see a nurse in uniform." Kagome giggled placing her hands to her chest.

Rin too blushed profusely. "I really like him Kagome. There's something very distinctive about him that I feel very drawn too him. He's different. I can feel it."

"I feel the very same way for Inuyasha. It's kinda scary though, because he seems so untouchable and I don't feel good enough for him."

"Stop it! You are more than worthy for someone like Inuyasha. You are amazing, clever, and ambitious. Only the best kind of man could capture your attention." Rin reassured. "Besides, if he's anything like his brother I'm sure he's worthy enough for my dear friend. I would not have it any other way."

"Thank you, Rin. Now go get ready for your ... date." Kagome exclaimed. "I'm going to rest here for a bit and i'll be here when you get back. Just let me know if you need anything or need me to come out there."

Rin scoffed. "I appreciate you. But, I'm sure I'll be fine." Rin giggled along with her best friend.

XOXO

Rin stepped outside of her dorm apartment. The cool gentle night air glided against her bare face reminding her of the late hour. She wasn't sure if he would actually show up and she completely forgot to ask him for his cellphone number. It was so odd for her to not have a way to contact him. As she walked the grounds of Scottman's campus she reminisced on the way Sesshomaru looked at her earlier that day. His gaze was so intense and captivating that she felt submerged in his ability to hold her at a stand still. He was so beautifully alluring that she didn't have the chance to even take it all in at that moment. She would have her chance tonight. She was utterly flabbergasted at the fact that he would even give her the time of day. Why was she even an interest to him. Although she knew she was physically appealing and internally nurturing she did not think for a moment that someone like him would acquiesce her time and attention.

She finally arrived gracing her presence at the student's lawn. Her fear was then exacerbated once she saw him gazing at her there standing stoically in wait. How he could be so collected and calm baffled her to no end. He waited patiently with what appeared to be a basket of some sort. She gingerly walked towards him and smiled brightly. "It's gotten a little chilly but, I like the cold. Have you been waiting long?"

He smiled at her and his expression seemed rather odd for his normal expression conveyed something she could not yet comprehend. Something more dark and condescending ...perhaps was his usual façade?

"I have not." Was all he said before reaching out a hand to her. "Come and sit. I have gathered some refreshments for us."

Rin was delightfully puzzled at his gesture and vernacular. 'Why does he talk as if he's- as if he's...' She couldn't pin it all together yet in that moment. 'Maybe it's an eastern thing.' She thought before taking his hand in hers. He gently guided her down to sit on the grass beneath them.

"How did the rest of your day play out for you?" He asked once they sat side by side. He then placed the basket before them and opened the top. "My step-mother made Chicken Yakitori and Ikayaki. The Ikayaki is squid. She made it with rice wine and soy sauce. Are you acquainted with chop sticks?"

Rin paused relishing in the warming and delicious smells emanating from the basket. She seldom used chop sticks but was familiar enough with them that she would not make a fool of herself using them in front of Sesshomaru. "Yes, I am actually. I have a relative on my father's side from Japan. My 3rd great-father originated from there. My grandfather taught me a few traditions of his great parent's past life before moving to America. And for the rest of my day it was... repetitive. We basically went over the simulation Kagome and I completed. My instructors nagged at every little thing they assumed we missed. I thought we did a pretty good job. We passed and that's all I care about."

"Interesting." He gazed at her scrutinizing her explanation. He watched as the silent wind ruffled her hair about. Her scent was even more evident to him now from their close proximity. It was stifling in his nostrils. He then quickly shifted his focus. "Do you know any Japanese perhaps?" He asked inquisitively.

"I don't actually." She chuckled. "Maybe you can teach me then perhaps?"

He placed his eyes on her again then looking into her eyes before retracting to grab the Ikayaki from the basket and placing it into a white glass plate. "Dekimasu." He stated.

Rin blushed and shyly hid her face with her hands. "What does that mean?"

"I can." He replied. "I can teach you. I can show you, if you like."

Rin smiled. "It sounds very pleasing to the ear." She then reached for the chopsticks to reacquaint herself with their use. "What else can you tell me, Sesshomaru?"

"Hmm..." His gazed found her eyes again and he looked on deeply holding them in place. "Anata wa totem utsukushidesu."

Rin stiffened upon hearing his dialect flow out of him so effortlessly. It was exceptionally inviting and extremely pleasant to her ears. Her cheeks reddened as bright as a ripe tomato. "And what exactly does that mean?"

"You are very beautiful." He admitted without a hint of shame or doubt. His confident proclamation was almost too much for her to take.

She bit her lip and hid her widened smile under her hand again whilst her chuckle muffled itself under her hand. "T-thank you, Sesshomaru."

"Don't hide from me, Rin." He stated and gently reached out to remove her hand from her face. She was even more blushing and shy then before. She bit her bottom lip gazing at his unwavering fixation at her eyes. She felt her heart began to race with embarrassment and excitement. She mustered up the encouragement to speak.

"Y-you make me n-nervous though."

"I do not mean to make you feel nervous. I only mean to be honest with you." He stated absorbing in all the tenderness of this moment. He did not understand why she made him feel so... intrigued. Her innocent blushes and gentle smile formed in him a deep yearning. One he had never felt before. He needed, even craved to feel and known more of what made her melt in front of him like this.

"I appreciate that. Thank you." She giggled deeply feeling as if she was on a cloud gracefully floating into a peaceful pleasant oasis, one she could have never imagined with anyone else. She had to focus then. Anyone could tell her she was beautiful. That was fleeting words and she would not fall victim to a handsome face that spoke the words that she longed to hear. "So, let's eat then. I'm dying to try this now."

"Certainly." He stated finally releasing his pensive gaze from her. "Here, try the Chicken Yakitori first. It perhaps may be more acquainted with your palate."

Rin reached for the white glass plate before her. After grabbing her chopsticks she clasped the chicken and went in for a bite. "Wow, this is ... delicious. Wow, thank you Sesshomaru." She noticed then that he had not started eating. She presumed he was allowing her to take her share first.

"Now try the Ikayaki." He gestured with another glass plate of the other entree. "Everyone in my home loves this one made from my step-mother."

"Okay!" She exclaimed reaching for the second plate. Once she took a bite she hummed deeply in delight. "Oh, my... oh, this is ... this is so good. Wow Sesshomaru, I'm really impressed."

He chuckled lightly. "Izayoi lives to make an impression."

"Is that your step-mother's name then?"

"Yes." He admitted looking off into the distance of the campus night lights. Rin continued eating from both dishes, totally raptured in the moment of the pleasures in her palate and site of Sesshomaru before her. He was unmistakably handsome and charming. He was a light in her life she began to grow acclimated to. He was so thoughtful and gentle. She felt so fortunate to be sitting next to him sharing this moment.

After some time of peaceful quiet she finished her meal she again noticed that he did not take one single bite of the food.

"Did you not want to eat as well?" She asked rather perplexed at his disinterest in the tasty meal.

"I already ate Rin." He stated shifting his gaze back at her. "But please enjoy. I brought these here for you."

"Oh, okay." She giggled and placed the plates back into the basket. "Well, I'm quite full. So... tell me more about yourself then."

"I'd rather hear more about you." He insisted eyes steadily fixed on hers. He then shifted his eyes to her mouth. They were glistening from the moisture of the delicious meal she recently partook in. He then ramaged through the basket for a napkin Izayoi conveniently placed inside. He then extended his hand to wipe at her lips. "Koko, let me." He cleaned the edges of her lips from left to right. She gasped with widened eyes at his sudden gesture. He inwardly smirked.

"Y-you didn't have to do that for me, Sesshomaru."

"I insist." He asserted whilst finishing his action. His eyes were fixed on her lips and he could here the exaggerated breaths that came in and out of them. He leaned in closer to her nearly needing to inhale her scent that was almost suffocating to his senses. He was so close to her lips that they were now mere inches apart. His eyes shifted to hers with a level of intensity she had not seen in him before.

"S-sesshomaru? W-what is it?" She stuttered.

He immediately snapped out of his intrusion of her delicate space and stoically rested himself back into his prior position. "I wanted to hear more about you. Where are you originally from?"

"Oh, I see." She stated with a small hint of disappointment in her expression. "I'm originally from another state here in America. St. Louis, Illinois. Kagome and I have travelled a bit away from home to come here but not as far as you and Inuyasha have traveled I'm sure. As I said I do have family from Japan. My mother was an orphan and unfortunately she never found her biological parents. Far as I know I'm completely Japanese considering my lineage."

"Hn. Interesting."

"My father was born here as well so a lot of the traditions and customs have been forgotten over the years. But, I love the US. It's been my home for me for as long as I can remember. I do like the fact that you are from there. I like a lot about you actually. Sitting here with you kinda feels like a home away from home. I can't really explain it." She pondered feeling the welcoming blush adorn her face. She immediately threw away the feeling of being embarrassed at her admission. "I'm sure you and your family have a lot to share about the traditions.

The vicissitude of this encounter dawned on him for a moment and he then realized so much of what his father preached about regarding the matters of his heart. He knew then even after centuries that a woman, a human one no less, could evade his heart in ways he had never before understood. Even if she would not have him, he would have her. It burned in him, rustling through his veins all throughout his core even to the deepest parts of his being. It was loud, thumping, and extremely difficult to ignore. He would swoon her with every fiber of his yokai being. Every thing about him regarding slaying any indecent being that dared to test his obvious agility gave him reason to exude his strength.

But at this moment he knew then that that he perhaps needed her in his life, for whatever reason her presence was essential to complete the very thing he was missing for so long. He gazed at her relishing in her admissions. He inwardly had to admit to himself that he too felt that her presence was more like a home away from home. It was unmistakable and incredibly unique and inviting. "I wish to share more moments like this with you, if you allow it."

"Sure. Of course!" She admitted proudly. "Tell me more about your family."

Sesshomaru quickly stood to his feet gazing upward toward the sky. "The hour has gotten late Rin. It is perhaps time I walk you back to your dorms."

She stiffened but quickly stood on her feet. "Oh, yes. You are right. It's already 10. I should get going then."

He reached to grab the forgotten basket and placed his hand to the back of her waist. "Lead the way Rin."

She crimsoned at his gentle touch and close proximity. His voice was so tender and warming. That warmth coursed through her feet all the way to the very top of her head. She bit her bottom lip again, completely neglecting the fact that he barely shared any of himself with her. "Okay, sure."

As they walked towards her apartment she instantly felt like the luckiest girl in the world standing beside him. Once arriving to the doors of her campus home he released his arm from back and lightly placed his left hand into hers encircling his long fingers around hers. She looked down at their interlocked hands realizing how big his hand was compared to hers. It nearly engulfed her entire hand. It was so warm and tantalizing. She could feel the closeness of his skin on hers almost engulfing her entire being. It was so sweet and sensual. He had the hands of a man that had seen many things she was not able to scrutinize in that moment. That hand was coarse yet soft while holding hers. She gazed back at him smiling from ear to ear. "Will I see you again, Sesshomaru?"

"It would be my earnest desire Rin, too see you again. If you will have me."

She smiled and he painfully let her hand go. She gave him a gentle wave and proceeded towards the entrance of her apartment. This night was special to her and she knew then that she was rapturously enamored with the mysterious captivating Sesshomaru.

XOXO

AN: I Live for the fluffiness. Hahaha! There is so much to unravel in this fic I feel like my brain will explode with all the content. This is just the beginning. I'm so excited to see how all this plays out and happy to hear from everyone and your thoughts on this fic. I'm really wondering how the Inu-family will assist in unraveling these mysteries in California and ….

Sesshomaru is so unapologetic about how he feels about anything or anyone. If he wants something, he will take it. And here is the first time he has ever felt anything for a woman, a human one no less. It's very exciting and enticing for him. And Rin is completely unaware of who or what he really is... Sesshomaru plans to keep it that way... if he can... :).

Until next time ...

Thank you, thank you for the kudos of last chapter. You guys ROCK! *90's baby*

Review! Comment!