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 7

Sesshoumaru glanced at the clock. The last week moved quickly. The pain in his shoulder was non-existent and he'd healed better than he expected. He'd been reluctant when Rin offered up a job but she'd explained her recent lack of a bodyguard after an incident at a concert not long ago. Jaken pridefully chimed in that Rin was not necessarily easy to work for but he'd lasted for years at her side only to be met with Rin grabbing Jaken into a rather forceful hug and clamping his mouth shut. Sesshoumaru figured Rin had to know that he didn't have any training in being a bodyguard and wasn't even sure where the boundaries were for a demon to attempt to protect a human. It was a tricky spot to be in. Sure, he'd instinctively protected her, or at the least gotten Rin out of harm's way when it came to a life-and-death situation. In this case, though, Rin was just trying to make her way through crowds of people who seemed to adore her and trying to keep her belongings with her.

What was the final decision maker was that, unlike Jaken, he wasn't required to be linked to the system. It might have been easy for demons like Jaken to boast about being registered even telling him he should do so. It was the way of society to even the playing field between humans and demons. The bands contained information about a demon's background, who they worked for, where they worked, and tracking to keep tabs on their whereabouts. If a demon utilized their power too often, the band would send the information back to law enforcement and they could be arrested if they didn't have good reason for it. It was hard to believe that most demons settled for this lifestyle but it did make it easier to fit in and find jobs rather than be jobless and homeless. It was a double-edged sword to spend an eternity being watched versus struggling every moment of your life on the streets

Rin exited her room holding up a set of keys in each hand. Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail. Her rose vest, yoga top, and shoes contrasted with the white cargo pants.

"I need your help. Which are we riding in today?"

Rin took pleasure in watching Sesshoumaru decide as she admired his inherent obliviousness to how good he could make something as simple as a white sweater look. Something about pushing the sleeves up on his forearms added intrigue. The black jeans and white casual sneakers seemed an appropriate finish to this outfit. It'd taken some coaxing to get information out of him and she'd learned that with Sesshoumaru everything was patience. Eventually, he'd determine whether it was safe or not to make any admissions. Though she still wasn't sure exactly who Sesshoumaru was running from she trusted him enough to let her know if that threat was close. He didn't reveal his family or much from his past despite her asking. What she did know was that Sesshoumaru had been on his own for the last six years since he was sixteen and whatever had happened to cause the separation from his family would take more than a week of trust.

Sesshoumaru eyed both sets of keys but he wasn't sure what kind of vehicle to which either belonged.

"Which one is the off-road?"

"..." While Rin wanted help deciding on the vehicle she'd been interested in gaining more insight on Sesshoumaru. Rin figured out that even though Sesshoumaru was living in an unpredictable state before meeting her, he thrived in the comfort of familiarity. This decision, however, just wasn't that deep. Rin tossed both keys on the counter and exited only to reappear a moment later from her bedroom with a white and gold key fob.

"There must be something about the open space and you being a dog demon. No offense."

"None taken."

"Can you drive?"

"The short answer is yes. The long answer is no."

"You know how, but you're just not licensed?"

"Correct. But who needs a license when you can fly?"

Jaken's mouth dropped upon hearing Sesshoumaru's question as Rin verified what they'd both heard.

"You can fly?"

"Yes."

"That's not legal you rogue!"

"I was born with the ability to fly. Just because it's illegal doesn't mean it should be."

"He has a point Jaken." Rin smiled, beside herself at the revelation of another one of Sesshoumaru's abilities. What was more comforting was his willingness to volunteer the information without her having to ask and behind it, she was sure that she'd caught a quick smile across his features.

"Oh, you always take his side."

"It's only been a week."

"Despite my years of service, you didn't even let me choose the car this time! I can't understand it...!" Jaken soon found himself pouting alone as Rin and Sesshoumaru left. "Hey! Don't leave me!"

...

Sesshoumaru tried not to make eye contact but simply by smell and stature, he could tell that the valet was a demon. The doorman welcomed them, initially surprised, but there was little fuss made. The last few days were observation figuring out Rin's packed schedule, and where she needed him most. Scanning his surroundings was never a problem but he'd learned to shift his focus away from how the world perceived him and instead to how it perceived Rin. Only a few days ago, Sesshoumaru was sure that entering this building would cause an uproar. Instead, the questioning eyes were kept to closed mouths and Rin's presence was surrounded by an aura that dominated the room. People greeted her or got out of the way. Her response was always casual, never shying away, and never unsure.

"This building is the Tiger Lily. It's only ten floors. Each one has a purpose from my designs, and gym, to my recording studio, and dance studio, where we're headed now. It's my work home. You'll get used to where everything is. The more everyone sees you around the more comfortable they'll get and the more freedom you'll have to move without me or Jaken. You have a cell phone. My number is already listed. If anyone ever stops you, just skip Jaken and call me."

"Got it."

Sesshoumaru found the large dance studio space freeing. As he claimed a spot on a far window seat, Rin spoke with her choreographer as she changed to heels and the dancers trickled into the room. It was easy to watch the city from here. The street below was busy with midday traffic and humans and demons alike hustling about their day. One woman stood out as she exited a building across the street. She was dressed in a traditional kimono. Her hair was blonde and pulled up neatly. She nodded and seemed to smile at the gentleman who held the door to a limousine open for her to get in. Her wrist was covered by the sleeves of the kimono but he was sure from the markings on her face that she was a demon. The way the woman was dressed reminded him of his mother. Rin had asked about his family a few days ago but he couldn't bring himself to talk about them. He'd stopped believing that his mother might still be alive. It was easier to think that she'd passed away and was at peace. As a child, he hadn't understood how Takemaru was using her. She was always beautifully dressed, her face made up when she would leave for these trips at Takemaru's side. But when he looked at his father, there was a mix of worry and anger in his face. Sesshoumaru only saw this resolved when his mother returned to them. His father would hold her close for what seemed like hours as his mother sat silently. As he'd grown older, he'd understood his mother's purpose. She was smart, gifted in speech, and beautiful. She could work rooms persuading betters to move their money to Takemaru's benefit, be a distraction in many ways, or be showcased to demonstrate the unique abilities of Takemaru's team. The danger of these encounters was still very real despite not fighting. Sesshoumaru allowed the thoughts to dissipate as the slow build of music entered his ears.

Rin glanced Sesshoumaru, noticing his more relaxed status sitting toward the back of the studio. The window had his attention before he met her gaze. She nodded reassuring him as her dancers moved into place to practice the routine.

Rin's movements seemed fluid and easy despite the heels. She was focused, the dance floor was hers, and the mirror loved her. Sesshoumaru felt himself drawn to the perfection that was Luna. The choreographer called the counts but it was obvious that Rin already knew the moves and wasn't heavily relying on it to hit the next one. She practiced the song finding her breaths as the recording played, her energy never faltered among the body rolls and hip movements to the beat pretending to control the dancers' around her.

"She's amazing. The reigning Queen of Pop."

Sesshoumaru noticed a man approaching. It wasn't often that humans were able to get close to him without his noticing. Sesshoumaru quickly sized him up and his scent seemed familiar but hard to place. The man seemed relaxed enough, tucking one hand into the pocket of a dark blue blazer, the other picking a piece of lint from grey trousers before flicking it away without much care.

"The name's Miroku. What's yours?"

"Sesshoumaru."

"You're Luna's new bodyguard?"

"Something like that."

Miroku's brows raised as he eyed Sesshomaru's wrist.

"Hm, Luna must be truly fond of you to hire a demon. She doesn't do that often. How did you meet?"

"..." Sesshoumaru hesitated to respond. Rin had versed him on being suspicious of anyone who approached him when she or Jaken wasn't by his side. Her celebrity status made him a target for gathering information about her personal life and he was never to speak about it. Despite her calm demeanor during this conversation, he understood that this was not a request. It was the one rule he couldn't break if he wanted to keep the job.

Miroku sighed, as he shook his head waiting for a response.

"Not but a week into the job and she's already taught you the confidentiality rule. You did okay but you're rough around the edges with the response. I assumed as much."

"Who are you and what do you want?"

"Very good. You're catching on fast. Let's just say maintaining Luna's image to the public means everything to me. I need you not to make my job any harder than it needs to be. That means you must be strong in your convictions about who you are to Luna and where you stand with her. There is no gray area. Otherwise, every publicist in town will jump to conclusions and your head will suddenly be on the chopping block."

"You're a fixer."

"Exactly."

Sesshoumaru glanced back at Rin as the music changed and she and the dancers switched their routine.

"Those moves are mesmerizing and she's a beauty to watch, no?"

"..." Sesshoumaru hesitated to respond again, unsure if this question was a test too or was meant to gain something else.

"I know she may seem to have the beauty, voice, and moves of a goddess but be careful. I would implore you not to get too close or too involved. Try to keep your distance if you can and just do your job. Your world will never be hers and hers will never be yours. But, if you play your cards right, you could be comfortable working at her side for a long time. Luna's star is only going to continue to rise and she needs everyone on her team to be on the same page."

"I have no plans of doing otherwise."

Miroku laughed. "Good. I'm glad that you say that now because it's only going to get more difficult down the road."

"What do you mean?"

"It's hard to explain but I think you'll understand soon. Before I go, I need you to know something. I have no score against you and I could care less that you're a demon but I care about your reputation as well."

"I can't imagine why. There's not much of one to go by." Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if Miroku would take the self-deprecating bait, but it was worth a try to find out how much he knew.

"Oh, but there is, and it affects Luna."

Sesshoumaru was grateful for the music in the background as Miroku continued.

"It is my job to know your history. Despite your rogue status, I have my way of getting information about your background. I will tell you that if you jeopardize Luna or put her in a situation that I have to step in to handle, let's just say all bets are off for you and the outcome may not be satisfactory. Am I clear?"

"Understood."

"Good. Keep her safe. I hope to see you around."

Sesshoumaru nodded. His attention fell back on Rin as he was able to place Miroku's scent. It was no surprise that the elite know-it-all was making his wagers at the pier but more importantly, Miroku was making assumptions and knew nothing of his debt to Takemaru. If Miroku knew that information under dire circumstances, he would choose to give him up, but would Rin?

A/N: My thanks as always for reading and reviewing!