"I do not want to be Izayoi."
She had the audacity to say those words to my face – and why? Because I happen to caress her cheek casually.
"And I don't want to be my father," I spat back.
"Glad we understand each other, Sesshomaru."
Humph.
I had caressed her cheek because she had a nightmare. It was to sooth her. She should be grateful – comforting does not come naturally to me. Instead she threw it right back into my face.
"Is there any reason you're staring so vengefully at me?" asked Rin.
"I want to know why you brought Izayoi into this."
"It's quite simple really. I do not want to be your mate."
My eyes narrowed. What did she have to lose by being my mate? If anything, she had everything to gain because it is I who would have everything to lose. But that is besides the point, why is she apprehensive about this, when I should be? It is my place to refrain from my father's mistake, not hers!
"It is not as if that was ever an option, Rin. But out of curiosity, why would you reject me?"
"Well let's see, Sesshomaru. You hate humans – I am human. You hate half breeds and yet, that is all you would get from me. You would want a demon to be your mate and I am a human. These, I believe, are my main reasons."
"And what of your minor ones?"
She squirmed. I could sense her uneasiness. There was a smell about her – nervousness.
"You don't have any, do you?" I challenge her.
"I doubt you're very good with pups," she retorted, with a smug look on her face.
"And you gather this from…?
"I know you well enough Sesshomaru."
"And if that were true you would know that I would not have taken you in, Rin."
"I was not a "pup" – I was a child."
"Correct and may I say, a human child?"
"You only took me in because I cared for you"
"And smiled. The smile was more important than you think."
She looked away, embarrassed. I smirk.
"Anyway, if I wanted to just repay you and nothing more, I would have only revived you and stopped there. However I didn't stop there, did I my dearest?"
She blushes at her faulty reasoning. I smirk out of satisfaction.
"I was an exception."
"Indeed."
We came to a resting spot by the trees. Rin had a dinner of fried fish and was now making herself comfortable in a tent of blankets. She sat outside her tent and gazed at me.
"Is there any reason you're staring at me, beloved?"
"Please do not call me that."
I smirk. "Why?"
"Because it hurts."
My head snaps to her immediately. I feel guilt gathering at the pit of my stomach.
"I don't understand. You said you did not want to be my mate. Why should my use of endearments bother you? They were only meant to tease."
"Were they only meant to tease, Sesshomaru? You know that this topic of mating is sensitive to the both of us. Please steer clear from it!"
I am shocked. She is truly hurt and it is because of me.
"I…"
"I don't expect you to say anything and I apologize for the outburst. It's best I go to bed now. Good night."
I can only look after her retreating back, since for the second time, Rin has left me with no words in my mouth.