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, Yashahime, the original stories, or the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi or Takashi Shiina.
Chapter 28
The sign alerted her to their distance to the next closest city to Hakurei and a national park that was just ahead. They would arrive at their destination soon but she was glad for the time left if only trying to keep her eyes on the road as she ran the last few stops through her head. Turning off the radiance she felt to her core wouldn't be possible as she kept one hand on the wheel. A kiss they'd shared on an enchanted pathway of a theme park, the burst of giggles that erupted from her as she'd encouraged an attempt at eating ice cream in the most cliche' form as they'd looped arms and been unsuccessful as she'd tried to take a selfie at the same time. Sesshoumaru had lovingly mocked her and she would never let him live down the 'ice-cream fail' comment. Their other stops to a drive-in movie, museum, and scenic overlook had not disappointed. She was sure his being at her side accentuated every stop and experience. There wasn't a moment of him that she wanted to miss. Being wrapped in his arms, the kisses he would sneak from her cheek or forehead were everything and just as meaningful as the ones when she got to look deep into those beautiful golden eyes and know that the safety of love lived there. Sesshoumaru hadn't made it difficult to steal his heart and he'd already done the same with hers. A hint of excitement washed over as an idea popped into her head catching Sesshoumaru reach out to take up the expanse of the passenger side. The stretch likely felt good but she wondered if that did anything for his true form. Sesshoumaru's use of the form during fights was understood but she was curious to know how much he truly wanted to use that form outside of the Rings, free to move outside its confines and without worrying about the consequences.
Sesshoumaru peaked at Rin as he felt the car veer off toward an exit. He smirked at Rin's unpredictability catching the sign as they drove past. He wasn't sure exactly why Rin wanted to make this stop but she seemed perfectly joyful regarding this choice and he would certainly let her be without question. He'd listened quietly hearing Rin address the ranger as she let the window down. He was somewhat relieved that it was a demon. He'd read Royakan off of the badge as Rin addressed him sweetly and took advantage of her celebrity to get him to agree to give permission to her idea. Sesshoumaru struggled to contain the internal excitement of hearing what she was asking. Outwardly he remained calm, providing a slight nod in appreciation, although Royakan seemed to provide a more exaggerated salute to his duty to protect this national park with every fiber of his being. Still, the ranger was very willing to give leeway to a request within reason. Rin's wink brought Sesshoumaru's attention right back to her.
"So, how far do we have to go?"
As much as Sesshoumaru's calm defined him, Rin could hear the excitement in his voice breaking through it.
"It's a short hike to Lattice Point and then we get to have a little fun from there!"
"You should stay close then, there could be some wild animals out here."
"I would like to know what wild animal you think is bold enough to confront you?" She was sure the blush was showing as she rounded the car and placed her hand in his, delighting in Sesshoumaru's handsome display of fangs, laughing at the compliment.
"True."
Sesshoumaru helped Rin over the stones crossing the creek as she chatted with him. The moment reminded her of one in her childhood. Her parents were often busy working but they'd always managed to make time for the occasional hiking trip. The way that her eyes lit up when she spoke about learning the different plants, collecting a rainbow assortment of stones, and spotting the furry little woodland creatures that she'd been disappointed to learn that she could not take home and love on, left him envisioning one of those animated princesses singing along as all the animals gathered around her, falling in love with her song and bringing everything together to build her a tiny cottage in the woods. It seemed perfectly fitting for her. Rin pointed up ahead to the large rock wall where the vines of plants crossed each other to create a lattice signifying the point. There was a warning sign for no one to trespass but she knew it would not pertain to them. The area beyond opened into a wide pathway only meant to be traveled under certain circumstances and this was one of them. Rin let her hand slip from Sesshoumaru's as she nodded and stepped back a safe distance.
A roar erupted from his throat and the birds took off from the trees. Sesshoumaru stretched his arms and shook off the cramped confines of the car and his human form from his legs, his senses were enhanced feeling the comfort of the grass under his paws, the smell of the fresh air, and the sounds of the leaves rustling in the trees against the wind. Rin's beautiful scent and the sound of her footsteps brought him right back to her. Rin grasped the abundance of fur as Sesshoumaru helped her up. He waited for her to adjust before looking down the path, the excitement burst forth he could feel his heart racing ahead of him. For the first time, there were no walls, no barriers, no audience, and nothing to have to run from. He was suddenly lighter than he'd ever been and he let his legs take him forward however far this path would go.
The trees became a blur around her. The rush of the wind through her hair, the smoothness of his gait, each paw barely touching the ground, and the way that her body shifted despite the speed felt like a natural run. Her hands explored the softness of the fur, letting tufts of it slip between her fingers, it was nearly silk. She couldn't help but want to bury her face against it, nudging gently as she spread her arms out into a hug. Her first experience with him in this form and all of the preparation for the fights thereafter hadn't allowed her the luxury of truly admiring what it was for him. A representation of his true power and a form he also had complete control over. She heard the contented rumble escape as he slowed the pace.
"Your fur is really soft. You're very fluffy."
He'd shook his head with a huff escaping at the latter comment, but the rise and curl of his tail let her know that he was satisfied and its shadow shielded her from the sun. She smiled knowing he'd technically wanted to fly but they would have to follow the Ranger's rules. Sesshoumaru's ability to be in his true form out here was already pushing the limits at this stop.
A rush of water contributed to the peace and tranquility of this oasis that they'd stumbled upon. It reminded Rin of the room that she used to write her lyrics. A few birds fluttered their wings between the spaces of the cascade. The spray of the water from against the jutting rocks created a small rainbow as the sun's rays peaked through. The purity of water sparkled like diamonds as he flattened himself closer to the ground. Rin took the liberty to use his shoulder as a slide, landing easily on a flat boulder.
Rin contained a giggle watching him enjoy his true form in this way. The light jogs back and forth were playful. Stopping in front of her a few times before darting to the side to keep her attention. Despite his size, the movements were graceful. She'd decided it was the equivalent of a peacock displaying his feathers. Sesshoumaru lay on the grass, rolling to his side as his nose came into contact with Rin. Her hands landed on his muzzle, rubbing until she finally decided to place a kiss there. He'd taken to it, suddenly energized and she loved this bow that he was giving. It was hardly instrumental in letting her know that he was playing and yet it was part of his instincts to do so.
Hearing her laughter was a comfort and every bit of the goal. In this form, everything about her was heightened. He hadn't been able to experience her like this, uninhibited by the concerns of facing a new opponent. It was more deadly for her to be so close to him in this form and all the more reason for him to be more attentive and keep his movements gentle and predictable. Rin's tendency toward being the intrepid adventurer posed a greater difficulty. The thought of how to balance it came with another roll.
"You're getting a bath if you keep doing that."
Rin felt her stomach ache from her laughter as Sesshoumaru had taken the comment and ran with it purposefully throwing himself into a few more rolls before finally standing and shaking the loose dirt from his fur as she'd shielded herself from it. Even as he'd finished this display, he stood proudly with a smudge of dirt across his nose, his tail giving away the truth as it slowly dipped left and right.
Rin was delighted with the quickness with which Sesshoumaru was able to shift out of his true form. His hand tilted her chin and he flirted with the vicinity of a kiss.
"Is that bath a threat or promise?"
"Both." She rubbed her finger across the bridge of his nose.
"Then, I'll hold you to it."
"Please, do."
Her lips brushed his with her answer as she occupied the last bit of space between them, her arms wrapping his neck as he brought her to her feet. She could feel his hands starting to explore under her shirt as her hands did the same. The removal of each article of clothing felt like a deeper dive into each other. He'd carried her into the waterfall's pool, preoccupied with the taste of her lips. She'd felt the initial cool of the water cover her skin but the contact of her body against his warmed her. The feeling of the softness of her breasts pressed against his chest only made him want to search out the rest of her curves. Even with his eyes closed, enjoying her sweetness, the image of her was clear from the dip of her waist into the curve of her hips and the softness of her buttocks where his hands grasped her feeling her thighs press against him. Rin let a moan escape her feeling his tongue's way against her neck, reminding her what he was capable of. The sensation reached through her body and grabbed her with desire. The strength of him consumed her from his neck and shoulders to the arms that secured her. He was the very definition of power as she sought a deeper connection, her hands clutching at his back. Even the water itself would never be able to satisfy her thirst as she felt him hardened against her. The pulse of her femininity heightened as she felt him find the edge of her reason. Entering her, he was sure there was no greater pleasure. The sounds of her desire and her warmth made him throb. The feeling of her arching, and squeezing as she became breathless, the focus of her lips and her body communicating the swell of him as they became one with each other. His senses heightened to her satisfaction as their bodies synced. Her moans grew as he took his time, letting her feel his presence search her depth over and over again. He could feel the pulse of her body losing control under the pressure. Sesshoumaru felt his resolve starting to slip away from him at this revelation. Rin refused to contain her shock feeling the might of his energy move through her. The intensity of their arrival together felt too great for either to sustain. Her body was rattled against the tremble of his in their attempt to return to the present. Their breaths evened as the sound of the water's tranquility returned. Rin focused on the rise and fall of Sesshoumaru's chest against hers softly kissing his chin before resting her head against his shoulder. Sesshoumaru hugged her to him, refusing to part with the softness of her skin and the peace of her soul. Every intimate moment that they shared left him in a state of disbelief. As deadly as his true form was, Sesshoumaru was sure that Rin's sensuality was a form to be reckoned with and a challenge he would forever welcome and meet.
A/N: I had to take another week to come off vacation mode. I changed the rating back on Chapter 27 to M. Thanks again for reading/reviewing. I'll try to update again soon!