Innocent Beginnings

Innocent Beginnings

By: Maggz

Disclaimer: InuYasha and Co. © Rumiko Takahashi


Author Note: Hey, it's me, Maggz. Remember me? Yeah, I'm alive. Whoa! I finally got done and have chapter 43 up, and oh it gave me hell… but I suppose it'll worth the wait, I promise you will enjoy it *wink* Also we have a special appearance of two of my IY fav bishies in this chapter *wiggles eyebrows* Rin is such a lucky girl, ne?


By the way, I have some news (good or bad, that's up to you): This is the second to last update of Innocent Beginnings *sigh* I just wanted to get to this point to let you know about it… Next will be a double update and there's a super mega hot lemon on the way *wink* So please, don't forget to review and mae ane and muse happy ^_^


Enough rambling! `Til the next update.


Maggz


Chapter 43: My Inner Bad Girl

So here we find ourselves, FINALLY to the part of my story where I first began with you quite awhile ago… at the very beginning, if you'll remember. You know - the part where Sesshomaru pulled me from The Met for the fourth time with a little help from my "boyfriend" Kohaku - in the form of a p cal call and took me with him as he cursed all the way back to his apartment before I seduced him into making love to me for the very first time? Are you with me?


The part of my story that is really THE BEGINNING of Sesshomaru and I.


It started out as a pretty normal Friday. I met up with a few friends and went mall hopping for several hours, buying two new outfits when I couldn't decide between them. As was usual with me now, I had plans- BIG PLANS- and nobody was going to stop me this time, I felt confident enough that I'd have laid odds on it.


Since some months previous when Sesshomaru had essentially shot down any hopes I'd had of the two of us falling in love and being together forever - I'd been through every emotion possible to humankind. I'd been hurt, angry, upset, afraid and a combination of all the above with even more thrown in that I couldn't really put a label on. It didn't help matters any that Kohaku still wasn't in my good graces because of his obvious support of Sesshomaru. I had a chip on my shoulder the size of Mt. Everest and I was determined to "get even" with the two major male forces in my life if it was the last thing I did!


Faded denim hipsters that rode down nearly below my pelvic bones were part of my outfit of choice for this night of all nights. A cute yellow sunflower adorned one hip pocket, a fashionably ripped knee the opposite leg. I'd gotten a fair amount of sun over the past few weeks and the tan I had to show for it pleased me very much. Choosing a very tight yellow tube top, I paired a white shirt over it that was left to float opened around me, I knew I looked older than my sixteen - nearly SEVENTEEN years! Excitement tumbled through my belly in waves as I tucked my clothing for the club into a bag along with some brilliant new sparkly makeup I'd bought. Two days earlier, I'd had my hair cut into a layered bob that fell right to my shoulders and had decided on honey blond highlights streaked throughout the naturally dark tresses to finish out my appearance.


I reckoned I'd learnt my lesson the last time I'd been at The Met! No drinking with strange guys! I was going to remain in control at all times and enjoy myself to the fullest this time! I found I was nearly shaking in my excitement to get there.


I followed the same routine I always did, walking down the few blocks to duck into a store and call myself a cab. It helped that my family pretty much loved to spend weekend evenings away from home and had no problem leaving me to entertain myself, even after all I'd put them through. Either way I'd have slipped out my bedroom window if I'd HAD to. By that point, NOTHING was going to stop me!


Kohaku was becoming a control freak, reminding me more and more of Sesshomaru - something I just could NOT abide. ONE Sesshomaru was more than enough as far as I was concerned and something about the fact that the two of them seemed to be in cahoots against me just rubbed me the wrong way. I don't know, maybe I thrived on the friction between them, but whatever it was I didn't like them "working together for the greater good of Rin Matsumoto" and I didn't need Kohaku to tell me when to see Sesshomaru NOR how I should behave!


As far as my problem(S) with Sesshomaru… well, need I remind you?


His apparent need to blind himself to the deeper feelings he carried for me just set me off! I mean, I could well SEE those feelings mirrored in his eyes, could feel them in his touch but he absolutely refused to accept it, denied it with everything in his power and laughed it off as if he couldn't tell he had crushed me as just so much trash underneath his heel!


Yet he still felt he owed it to me to "watch out" for me - my self appointed protector! I didn't WANT that from him! I wanted his love but not in the way he seemed most comfortable giving it to me. I craved far more from him and the desire was growing stronger with every passing day that I couldn't claim him as my very own.


I wanted his hands all over my body, exploring every sensitive inch of my skin. I wanted to strip him of every stitch of his clothing so that I could trace patterns along his belly, kiss the insides of his gorgeous muscular thighs, tickle his amazing ankles with my tongue and kiss him into never-never land until he was crying my name into the skies above! THAT was what I wanted for starters, and after that… well, we'd just cross that bridge once we came to it because I KNEW once he jumped that particular hurdle- the one he'd put up between us from the start- that THEN he'd be putty in my hands! I'd have him RIGHT where I wanted him and nothing would pry us apart! EVER!


But until that time…


I arrived at THE MET a bit later than normal and got inside as easily as ever before. My eyes roamed the place as I checked in my belongings and I looked over the interesting prospects for my self designated evening alone! I don't know what it was about older guys… they just DID it for me, you know? The way they flashed their confident grins your way, walked up and spoke to you without any fear of rejection, held you and spoke to you as if you were a LADY and not a mere child to be tolerated.


I was on the prowl. Oh GOD! I knew it with every bone in my body and I couldn't have stopped it if I'd wanted to. Maybe I wanted to prove to myself as well as to Kohaku and homahomaru that I didn't have to depend on the two of them to "get me through life". I could fare quite well all by myself!


Being alone in THE MET didn't bother me one bit! It seemed as if I was transformed into a confident, flirtatious young woman once I donned my party clothes and makeup before stepping into that world and I LIKED it… I wasn't going to lie. It was as if I were a totally different girl from the one that jogged the park every day, or called her girlfriends each afternoon or studied hard to make good grades in school.


It wasn't long before rgeorgeous hunk sought me out and with a cute grin, came strolling my way. I stood leant over the brass railing that separated the dance floor from the tables surrounding it and watched from the corner of my eye as he approached me.


Dark hair - nearly jet black with piercing blue eyes, sensual lips and two cute dimples that appeared when his grin widened ever so slightly. Oh my goodness! He was beautiful!! And if I'd learned nothing else about myself since I'd been thrust into puberty, it was the fact that beautiful looking men did it for me every single time.


"Hi", he smiled as he leaned his bum against the railing at my immediate right.


"Hello.", I answered, looking at him directly and flashing a return smile.


"I'm Kouga", he offered, his blue eyes dancing in the light reflected from the mirrored spheres overhead.


"I'm Rin.", I returned.


"You just got here?", he asked. "I mean, I didn't notice you when I first came in and that was about… ummmm… an hour ago, I guess.", he said.


"Yeah. I just walked in, actually. Would you like to dance?", I asked, straightening from my position over the railing.


I warned you when I started this particular chapter, didn't I? I was on the prowl.


"Sure.", he answered and walked around to meet me the few steps it took to get to the dance floor.


His hands were soft and warm as he grabbed my own and pulled me forward to dance. The song was slow and I found he was excellent on his feet and seemed to be very sweet. He told me he'd just finished college and was going to work in his family's law firm beginning the very next week for his clerkship. We had no shortage of conversation as we danced from one song te nee next and I realized quite soon that I was really enjoying myself with him.


When a girl about his age stopped by to speak to him, I took the moment to move away and go to the ladies room. Even though I was flattered by the attention I'd received from Kouga, I didn't want to limit myself to just one guy that night. I wanted to have as much fun as was possible and I'd sighted more than a few promising guys even as the beautiful Kouga and I had danced and chatted.


Leaving the restroom, I walked to the bar and ordered myself a bottle of sparkling water, hopping up onto a stool to watch the action out on the floor as I sipped at it. When my eyes suddenly connected with Kohaku's I gasped ned nearly dropped my water before recovering and taking a huge sip. I saw his frown clearly from across the room and heaved a sigh.


I shouldn't have been surprised he was THERE. He did go to THE MET every chance he got but why- just this once- I couldn't be here without either he or Sesshomaru to watch out for me? I just didn't understand!


"Rin.", he said as he approached my side. "What's up?"


"Not much. Just taking a break.", I said as I tipped the water bottle toward my mouth once again. Kohaku's hand shot forward to catch my wrist, taking the bottle away from me and pulling it toward his mouth instead. Angry, I narrowed my eyes, watching as he "tested" it for alcohol. Jerking it from his hand, I spun aroun the the stool and turned my back to him, afraid of what might escape my mouth in my frustrated state of mind.


I felt him there at my back, his hand on my shoulder - and jerking my shoulder up, tried to fling him off.


"Stop, Rin. Don't start acting like a little brat. If you're old enough to sneak your way in here, you're old enough to put up with a little concern from a friend, aren't you?", he asked.


"Fuck off.", I said lowly.


I could feel him stiffen behind me, hear his quick intake of breath… And then he was gone.


I didn't turn to see where he'd disappeared to. I hoped he'd just gone home. There was no way I wanted to hurt or anger Kohaku but I'd just about had my fill of he Ses Sesshomaru. This was just simply the last straw in a huge bale of hay for me!


A sudden movement behind me had me praying that Kohaku hadn't decided on a second line of reproach or worse still that Sesshomaru hadn't decided to pay me a visit. I kept myself shielded from whomever was there for as long as I could but the intriguing sound of a softly accented American male voice had me very curious, so I turned slowly to get a peek…


And OH!


He was lovely!


If Kouga had been beautiful - then this guy was just… I couldn't even THINK of a proper adjective! Besides being so stunningly attractive as to be a danger to himself as well as others, he had that wonderful American accent to boot! I found I was nearly swooning!


"You want another water?", he grinned invitingly as I turned more toward him to fully appreciate his beauty. I noticed at once that his remarkable eyes were a deep shade of violet and framed by the longest, curliesshesshes I think I'd ever seen in my entire life on man, woman or child! His thick dark brown hair was shot through with copper streaks and I sighed when I noticed tie tied it back in a shiny pony tail. My weakness!


"No, that's ok. I was just finishing this one up but thank you just the same.", I managed to answer.


"No problem. I think I'll order myself one.", he returned and did just that. I watched him in awed fascination as he placed his order, delighting in his unusual brogue. He turned to me and flashed a gorgeous smile.


"I've never been here before.", he shared as the gleaming bottle of water was placed before him. "A friend of mine recommended it when I complained about being bored! I've been here for three months and not met a soul other than those I work with or around!", he laughed, twisting the cap off the bottle before laying it aside.


"You're American.", I stated the obvious and he nodded, bringing the bottle to his lips to take a quick sip.


"You aren't.", he smiled, lowering it back to the bar.


"Nope. The accent gives it away every time, I suppose!", I laughed.


"That makes two of us, then!", he chuckled, twisting the bottle between his palms now. "Although I like yours much better than mine!"


"So, are you a student?", I asked. I couldn't really judge his age but I thought he was probably at least a few years older than Kohaku.


"No. Not that bookish really. I'm in a band.", he offered. "It's supposed to be the "IN" thing to make it over HERE with you guys first before going back home. What do you think about that?", he asked, turning on his stool to face me. I couldn't help but notice the way his black t-shirt stred oed over his chest. He wasn't muscular - was really quite thin but not skinny in the least. His arms were nicely shaped and his hands were quite beautiful - long fingered and tanned. A plain silver band that adorned his right thumb and a chunky silver bracelet encircling his left wrist, dangling an unusual array of charms, captured my attention as I answered him.


"I'm not sure. What kind of band are you in? What type music?", I asked. I could imagine him strumming a soulful ballad on his guitar as he sweetly sang along. The idea was really quite appealing!


"Punk. Alternative. A mix, I suppose. I sing lead", he offered and then laughed when he saw my eyes widen. "You seem shocked!"


"I guess that's because I am! I rather had you pictured as the balladeer type.", I laughed.


"You're serious!", he grinned, cocking his head to one side as if considering it for a moment, before shaking it. "Nope. Not me, I'm afraid. Do you like Punk at all?", he asked and I noticed for the first time that both his earlobes were decorated with at least five tiny silver hoops apiece. I was eaveeaven!!


"No, to be honest. But then again, I've never heard YOU sing.", I flirted.


"You got a point there, babe! SO as of right this minute I'm officially inviting you to hear us play! No excuses accepted!" he grinned, plunking the bottle down on the bar as he held his hand out to me. I slid mine into his and smiled as he closed his fingers around mine and gave it a firm shake.


"Now, you can't back out! You've pretty much given me your word as well as a handshake!", he said. "You wannnce nce with me?", he asked suddenly, changing the subject so fast my head spun. "Damn! I haven't even asked your name yet! I'm sorry!", he said, shaking his head as he chuckled to himself.


"That's OK, I never asked yours either! I think we were just too busy talking about everything else! I'm Rin and I'd LOVE to dance with you.", I smiled.


"Fantastic, Rin. I'm Miroku. Pleased to meet you! Now let's go kick major butt on the dance floor!", he grinned and pulled me to my feet, taking me along with him.


I was on CLOUD NINE!


We danced and talked and danced some more. I was fascinated by this beautiful American musician and found myself in a daze that he seemed just as taken with ME! He never asked my age, I'm sure he just assumed if I'd gotten into the club, then I was legal. Part of me felt horribly guilty, as if I'd deceived him in some way and I suppose if it came right down to it, I had.


"So, Rin. I take it you're alone here tonight! No significant other has threatened to whip me!", he smiled as he dipped his mouth seductively close to my ear.


"Mmm…", I answered. I was so glad I hadn't drank anything other than water! I'd have died if I'd missed this night for any reason.


"Hold on a sec.", Miroku whispered, slipping an inch or so away from me as he dug into his pocket, bringing forth a pager of sorts. "It's set to vibrate and I'd forgotten that. I thought I was getting my ass shocked somehow!", he grinned as he brought the lit screen to his face.


"Shit…", he mumbled, stuffing the pager back where he'd gotten it.


"Problem?", I asked, hoping against hope there wasn't.


"Sort of. Maybe. I hope not. I need to find a telephone.", he said, looking around as his hand touched mine.


"You don't have a mobile?", I asked.


"Gotlen len two days ago. Life's a bitch!", he laughed.


"There's a phone over in the corner near the bar.", I offered.


"Great. Can I buy you another water or something else?", he asked, his fingers twined through my own.


"No. That's . Go. Go make your call!", I smiled, pushing him toward the phone. Pouting playfully, he turned toward the bar and disappeared around the corner. I took that moment to make another stop by the ladies room. The bottle of water I'd downed was calling my name at last.


Finishing up, I walked out and saw him standing there, his hand thrust into the front pockets of his dark jeans as he looked around him. It made me smile to think he was probably wondering where I'd gone. I walked over and wrapped my arms about his waist, pressing my face into his back.


"Rin!", he laughed, reaching for my hands and pulling me in front of him. "I thought you'd left!", he smiled.


"No. I'm still here. Is everything ok?", I asked him.


"Yes and no.", he frowned.


"You're quite cryptic with your messages!", I laughed, tugging on his hands.


"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be. It's just that I wasn't expecting the par thr the call, not tonight anyway.", he said.


"Girlfriend?", I asked.


"Sort of.", he answered, his fingers tightening around mine for a second. "I'm sorry."


"Don't be! There's no reason for you to be!", I answered and realized that I meant it. I'd come to have a good time and take my mind off Sesshomaru for a bit. And it had worked. I was very grateful to Miroku for that and had enjoyed his company very much.


"Rin. Could I have your number?", he asked.


"Won'ur gur girlfriend mind?", I asked with a wicgringrin even as I turned to grab a napkin off the bar.


"It's not really LIKE that-", he said, his pretty eyes pleading for understanding.


"Do you have a pen on you?", I asked and laughed when he dug a blunt tipped, very short pencil out of the back pocket of his jeans. "Wow!"


"I find inspiration in the strangest places at the weirdest times, Rin! It's the songwriter in me, I guess.", he explained the pencil as he smiled.

movemoved to the wall a few steps away and pressed the napkin there as I wrote my mobile number on it.


"Thanks.", he murmured from behind me as his hand rested on my shoulders. "I really had a great time with you. I just wish it could've been longer. You'll come see the band, won't you?", he asked as I turned toward him.


"You bet I will. I yed yed myself as well, Miroku. Thanks!", I smiled and laughed delightedly as he leaned forward and pressed a kiss to my cheek.


"Bye", he whispered and witlittlittle wave, he was soon gone.


I sighed and went back to the bar to grab a handful of salted nuts. Munching on them, I surveyed the room once again. I'd been lucky twice tonight and figured I'd give it another try before going home. I wasn't planning on being out late, I just wanted to have some fun.


Prospect number 3 attracted me at once and THIS time, I decided I'd be the one doing the approaching. Dusting my hands against my jeans, I moved away from the bar and toward a table sat along the far wall.


I can't say what I noticed about this guy first. Could it have been his hair? For it was braided into short, neat cornrows and tipped with navy blue highlights that the lighting in the place really brought out. Maybe it was his eyes? I don't know, because they were the bluest blue I think I'd ever seen. But I'm sure it was probably his smile because when he grinned at me as I walked over, I nearly melted on the spot.


"This seat taken?", I asked, sliding down before he'd finished answering me with a quick shake of his head.


"Why are you alone?", he asked.


"I could ask you the same thing.", I volleyed.


"How do you KNOW I'm alone?", he shot back.


"How do you know I am?", I grinned.


He laughed and shook his head, leaning back in his chair as he eyed me. Something in that gaze of his just had me feeling dangerous and I leaned forward at once, placing my hand on the knee of his faded jeans.


"Dance with me.", I said.


He nodded, slid forward in his chair and stood, looking down at me with a smile. I got up and followed him through the maze of writhing bodies until he stopped and turned toward me, sliding an arm around my waist as he pulled me close.


"You don't waste time do you?", I gasped happily as he slid a knee in between my thighs, moving seductively to the beat.


"Why would I?" he answered, nodding to someone over my shoulder. I didn't have time to turn so that I could see who he was now smiling widely eforefore I felt two arms surround me from behind.


"My boyfriend.", he answered my questioning, startled gaze.


I turned my head and found myself looking into a pair of smiling, light brown eyes. "Oh!", I giggled.


"Hi!", Boyfriend smiled and I melted all over again! He was gorgeous as well! What an amazing night!


"You don't mind, do you?", my initial find asked after a bit.


"No. It's different but it's ok.", I answered.


"You're not into that, right?", he smirked.


"I didn't mean THAT. I meant it was different being caught between the two of you!", I giggled and he smiled, leaning down to nip at my bottom lip with his teeth.


"You're cute.", Boyfriend said from behind me.


"Thanks. So are you.", I answered and that was the last thing I got to say before Sesshomaru appeared right before my very eyes… AGAIN!