Bound by Privilege

This story is not for profit. It is purely fanfiction. I don't claim any ownership of the manga or anime Inuyasha, the original story, or the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Chapter 15

The sound of a racing heartbeat was the product of mixed thoughts and feelings. A few nights ago, the sanctioned world was yet again kind to them over another lower level fight that was taken to solidify a decent sum before returning to the doorstep of the devil. A bookbag placed on a table and its contents held a greater value than its worth that would lead to a peace unfounded by the man standing before him. The surprise was evident as Takemaru picked up a stack of cash. The look in his eyes was frantic as he searched his former fighter's son for evidence of deceit but something burned deeper when he found none. The slips handed to him proved that the money was earned from the Rings and he'd had no choice but to accept the payment. It was he who had set the rules, established the boundaries in an attempt to lure and trap. Those same rules were now backfiring. Sesshoumaru cautioned himself to exit the dwelling quickly without much of a word. Takemaru's frustration with him was hardly justified but the blame shifting to Rin was even less so. It was an attempt to rouse him to do something reckless. Sesshoumaru's thoughts were becoming intrusive and lingering as Takemaru's destruction played in again. But there was something more pressing now. Rin. Even if killing Takemaru satisfied him in the moment, the action would forever forfeit a future with her.

"Sesshoumaru..."

The sound of Rin's voice broke Sesshoumaru's thoughts and he decided it would be better to remain in the present. Tonight, he didn't want to focus on the fights or Takemaru. There was something much more important that would have his attention.

"...where are we going?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head well aware that Rin would have no idea that he was doing so.

No answer came as she heard the air around her. Her movement was steady as she felt herself climbing. Furrowing her brow, she tried to get a better understanding of what was happening. A fresh, late spring breeze of the air crossed her face. She finally felt the ground underneath her feet. Rin felt Sesshoumaru's hands steady her as she kept her eyes closed.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Not yet."

Rin didn't know where Sesshoumaru was taking her. She hadn't been able to guess anything from his attire which seemed casual enough in a dark blue knit shirt, light chinos and casual white sneakers but then again he didn't have to do much to look like he grew up with a silver spoon. Sesshoumaru wasn't just street-smart. It was clear that his parents prepared him well in advance to be on his own. They were his example and it showed in more ways than one. Just being with him was everything that she needed. It was in the way he held her, his ability to be a steady constant in her life that she could count on. Sesshoumaru's ability to make her smile when he wasn't even trying had to be a gift. The way she felt so reassured and protected and even in that he respected her ability to stand in her strength. A few additional steps and he'd instructed her to finally open her eyes. She wasn't sure what to expect as her vision focused on taking in the beauty of the entire botanical gardens from the privacy of a rooftop terrace. She was left speechless as the lights illuminated the sculptural art of flowers and plants intermingling to create their show against the dusk dark. The lights reminded her of fireflies over a grand meadow. The paths below wound like a maze until she'd recognized the common theme. The arrangements were constellations.

"I've never seen the gardens like this. It's so beautiful."

Sesshoumaru watched her revel in the art before her. The nerves built as he admired the beauty standing right next to him. The gentle breeze caressed her and everything about her seemed to dance even when she was standing completely still. The way her hair crossed her face, the way the light caught her earrings, the movement of the straps that tied over the shoulders on the magenta sundress with its purple outlined butterflies. She could have been one of the flowers herself. His feelings for her only continued to grow and he wasn't sure how he'd managed to land her heart in all of this. He'd spent so much of his life just trying to survive and falling in love used to be a distant after-thought. Maybe to some, she seemed tough. He'd smiled at his initial thoughts of her being intimidating. In a way, she still was but it was the surface level of confidence required to navigate the life that she lived and he understood it. What was deeper was her warmth, the infectiousness of her smile and laughter, and the way that she cared. Rin was so much more than he could have ever asked for.

"It's nice, but I'd like to think that I have a better view."

Rin's smile fell on him, acknowledging his words, as she felt his hand over hers. She heard the scamper of footsteps behind them again and she'd caught the top of Jaken's head disappearing down the stairs. It was Sesshoumaru's smirk that she delighted in as he shook his head, knowing that she'd caught the little demon in action. Still, he'd shrugged it off as she turned to see a bouquet of roses lying on a table set for two. She'd placed her hand in the one Sesshoumaru offered her to seat her. She'd felt him trace her fingers as if trying to remember them just by touch. Rin didn't know why her heart was beating at twice the pace as it usually was. They'd been with each other for months and suddenly she was getting butterflies.

"Please tell me I didn't forget something. It's not your birthday or a holiday, is it?"

"No." Even as Sesshoumaru answered her, he tried to keep calm. As exciting as the moment might be he wondered what she would think of it all. Was it too soon? Too much? Not enough? He cleared the questions knowing that if Rin remained who she was with him then it would turn out fine and right now, her smile told him so.

Rin was beside herself as to what was happening.

"Then, what...?"

"There was something that we never did."

Rin could feel the blush creeping across her cheeks. Thinking back on her past, there were a few others that she hadn't taken all that seriously. Sesshoumaru, however, was different. Her attraction to him was something deeper, stronger. Sesshoumaru was worthy of her on a level that she didn't want to rush.

"Oh...what was that?"

Sesshoumaru noticed Rin tuck her hair behind her ear. He was sure Rin had her share of experiences but it wouldn't have been fair on his part not to try. Still, he'd had to enlist Jaken's knowledge on the matter and he would have to count on the assistant's help to get this right.

"We never had a first date."

Rin immediately felt a sudden warmth flooding her. She attempted to search her memory of the past months they'd spent together. Every event that they attended was work-related and somehow they'd fallen into a day-to-day life that seemed natural outside of the public eye. Rin realized that Sesshoumaru's acknowledgment of it was the same reason that she suddenly felt nervous with him. It wasn't a lack of trust or fear of him. It was the anticipation of a real future with him.

"This is perfect! To a first date."

They'd toasted to it smiling as Jaken made his way back to the table and attempted an accent that neither of them could place as he sat their plates on the table. Sesshoumaru found it hard to take his eyes off of Rin through the dinner. Rin never made their conversations difficult finding delight in the simple things. They could've talked about the color of the sky or the fact that the grass was green and made it last for hours. She'd piqued his interest, bringing up fond memories of traveling to different cities, tasting the finest foods, or staying at the best accommodations but he'd noticed that what made her eyes light up was in her hope to share those experiences with him. Finishing the dinner, they found their gaze toward the night sky, the moon's crescent mirroring the one Sesshoumaru boasted.

"The Garden is ours for tonight. Do you want to take a closer look?"

Rin nodded only to catch her breath as Sesshoumaru scooped her into his arms again barely waiting for her confirmation.

"We're flying?"

"Technically, we already did. You just had your eyes closed."

Rin was somewhat shocked by the realization that that was what was happening but thinking back, the movement was too smooth for him to be walking with her.

"You ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

The excitement on her face, as she nodded, was as exhilarating as it was a reminder to always protect it.

Rin held to him. She didn't know why she'd expected something of a free fall. Instead, Sesshoumaru held her closer to him as they floated over the gardens giving her a full overhead visual tour. Rin was sure Sesshoumaru was right. There was no need to drive when you could fly. She felt like a kid again reaching out a hand as if she could grab onto the clouds. They'd landed gently in the center of the garden and she'd noticed its vacancy. Soft music played and she'd found her hand in his as they walked the path together.

Sesshoumaru kept his attention on Rin even as she'd pointed out the floral sculptures of shooting stars or the planets, some taking on the stages of the moon. Rin playfully danced across the cobblestones along the path turning it into a game to keep her hand in his while doing so. Just when their grasp was on the brink of breaking apart he would quicken the pace and draw her back into him. The path took them under a winding arched canopy as the occasional petal rained down on them. Sesshoumaru took advantage of the moment and led Rin into a turn. As unexpected as it was she still made it look flawless and still found her way back to his arms as he dipped her and brought her back into his kiss. Rin knew their day-to-day moments were special but this was more than that. This date would be etched in her memory for the rest of time.

Sesshoumaru lifted her onto the wall separating the two paths as they exited the archway. Even with its height she barely sat a head over him. He smiled at her sweetness as she plucked a flower petal from his hair. As much time as they'd spent together, a question still burned. Rin was smart and her celebrity status meant a lot to her. He had to take that into account even when planning this date. She'd made it clear long ago that her personal life was off limits to speak about. He'd ignored Miroku's suggestion never to try to blend their two worlds. Sesshoumaru didn't know where it would lead but he had to be willing to take the risk.

"Rin..."

"..."

He felt her place her head against his letting him know that she was listening, awaiting his words, which seemed harder to come by than they should. Her eyes closed and he did the same, wishing in this moment Rin could just read his mind.

"Do you want to be my girl?"

"Of course. You shouldn't say such silly things. I've always been yours."

Sesshoumaru finally felt himself relax, hearing the love and confirmation in her voice and her words. Rin looked down, feeling the coolness of a necklace gracing her skin. She smiled, running her fingers over the presence of the crescent diamond. Taking her face in both of his hands, Sesshoumaru felt the gentleness of her lips pressed against his. Rin was attentive to three words that she would never allow either of them to take back.

"I love you."

A/N: I knew I had not given Sesshoumaru and Rin an official first date and this would be a silver lining among the clouds. I hope to update again soon! Thanks for continuing to read and review!