Chapter 1: Coming to Terms. A new friend.

Inuyasha finally has come to terms with losing them. One to a gruesome death by the hands of a trecherous hanyou and the other to time itself. Sighing he shakes his head. When losing Kikyo to the hands of Naraku he was saddened as soon as it happened. Then when he found out the truth he was angered that Naraku killed her because of jealousy and wanting power. Once Kikyo was put to rest, he realized he didn't really love her that way anymore. He loved Kagome because she was everything Inuyasha would have wanted as a mate. She loved him for HIM, not wanting him to change for her. But it wasn't meant to be.

For almost four years he mourned what could have been. What he wished would have been but, he was pulled out of that mourning by a sweet and kind voice, one that did remind him of Kagome's but also was different. A thirteen year old girl, his brother's ward, almost more like his daughter: Rin.

Rin. Rin was... well… Rin. She was sweet and kind like Kagome, strong and fierce like Kikyo, but she held her own distinct characteristics too. Like she was more understanding than Kagome which made her sweeter and wiser, strong and fearless which made her shine in her own light.

It started with little things. Rin coming to bring him food where he slept in the woods protecting their village because Kaede asked her to. When it rained she would drag him to her and Kaede's hut and Inuyasha couldn't believe she was physically stronger than a normal little girl. When dragging didn't work on the hanyou Rin would trick him. She'd dance in the rain and Inuyasha caring about her, would then take her home back to Kaede's where he'd get suckered into staying with them.

Then Rin would want to go with Inuyasha to get things for Kaede at the market. They'd go fishing together and he found out she was a great fishermen or in her case fisherwoman. Three years sped by and Rin developed into a beautiful sixteen year old. Like drop dead gorgeous beautiful to the point where even Inuyasha was having trouble keeping his hands to himself. But also in those three years Rin became Inuyasha's best friend. His best friend who has the most beautiful eyes, softest hair, gentlest touch. Beautiful body. He couldn't believe he was falling for her. Though he was, he kept his trap shut for a few reasons. He didn't know if Rin cared the same as he and Sesshomaru may kill him otherwise. So he said nothing.

They still spent time together, the same as always, though Inuyasha was more protective of her. When any male came near her, he would stomp over and tell them to buzz off, or he'd just pick her up saying he wanted to show her something and take her to a hot spring or to a field of flowers, her favorite. He did this in spite of the possibility of getting scolded since she couldn't use the necklace of subjugation. Still he expected anger, disappointment, something other than her blinding smile and a giggle. She would kiss his cheek then sit in the grass and make flower crowns, putting one on his head. The first time she made him one, he left it on his head the whole time he was with her till he lead her home later that evening. He noticed she would touch him more, his arms, his cheek, his head. She'd also rest her head on his shoulder and his lap when she'd lie down in the grass. But he just figured he shouldn't push his luck, that it's just his imagination.

After three more years passed they kept getting closer. Rin was nineteen now. Inuyasha finally had it thrown into his face of what she was trying to tell him. Kaede was sick. Rin had to go to the market and Inuyasha escorted her. Inuyasha had no problem doing this, he had a problem with the fact the human males, hell even the half and full demons that used this market would be sniffing around her. His demon had already believed Rin to be his four years earlier calling him a fool for not marking her yet. But Inuyasha refuses to force Rin into something she may not want or be ready for.

They made it to the market early enough to beat the rush. Rin had coin from Kaede and coin from Sesshomaru who always sent her some when he visited every month. Inuyasha grabbed what he needed and looked for stuff that Miroku and Sango may need since they couldn't come because of their kids and Sango wanted peace and quiet since she is pregnant with their fourth kid. So here they were walking around.

Rin used up Kaede's coin to get the old miko new sandals and clothes and the herbs she asked for. Rin then proceeded to use her money for the other villagers instead of herself not being one to be greedy or selfish. Inuyasha finally catching up to her watched as she went through what was left of her coin and look longingly at a necklace with a beautiful butterfly pendant. He smiles and steps over to the vendor which happened to be a half-deer demon and half human. The female demoness smiled at Inuyasha and giggled. "No worries miss, your boyfriend here seems to have everything well in hand. You are very lucky. Not many men here that are willing to buy little trinkets on a girl's whim."

Rin had blushed, and started to shake her head but Inuyasha cut in, "I'm the lucky one. She spent all her coin her caretaker gave her as well as her father gave her. But none went to herself. All of it for everyone else. I am lucky to have a selfless girl, who cares for everyone more than herself."

Rin didn't think she could blush anymore, but she did. Inuyasha took the necklace and stepped behind her and put it on Rin. He then stepped in front of her, and gave that toothy smile Rin so adored, "It suits you."

Rin knew that he meant she looked beautiful and hugs him and they soon leave the market. When they get back to their home in the village Rin is surprised to see Sesshomaru there. She puts her stuff down at Kaede's door and Inuyasha nods before Rin runs up to her 'father' figure.

Sesshomaru doesn't smile or change his appearance in facial features but she can see that he is happy to see her. "Rin you are well?"

Rin giggles and nods, "Yes of course, Kaede-sama teaches me a lot still. But I am nineteen now and I feel like I am stagnant."

Sesshomaru nods. "Well I wish to know what you wish to do? Do you wish to stay here or follow me? To join me and my future bride in the world of demons, or do you wish to stay here and live your life with the village?"

Rin smiles. "I can go with you?! Really?"

Sesshomaru nods slightly. "Yes, hurry and we will leave."

Rin ran back into Kaede's hut and told her what was going on. The old miko knew this day would come and though she was sad to see the girl who was like her daughter leave she knew that Rin wanted to go. So she nodded and gave her blessing.

Rin then sees Inuyasha under a tree and goes to tell him her news. She is smiling so brightly that he can't be mad at her. He gives her a slight smile and pulls her into a hug. He whispers, "Be careful. Also remember you always have a home here with us; with me. You're always going to be my best friend Rin."

Rin smiles and agrees with him. She stands up and rushes off. She packs her bags not realizing she has left a heartbroken hanyou in her wake. When she is done packing, she is standing beside Sesshomaru, both Kaede and Inuyasha are waving goodbye. Inuyasha steps forward and using the old Inu language, speaks to Sesshomaru. "You hurt her, or she is crying because of you, or someone in your court, I will be coming for you."

All Rin and Kaede hear are growls, snarls and some barking. Rin tries to keep a straight face, but she giggles. Inuyasha smiles at Rin's laughter. But soon his smile is gone. Gone with the girl who left with his brother.

Kaede sees the sadness looking in his eyes. "You loved her Inuyasha, we all did. Sesshomaru will protect her. Have faith."

Inuyasha whispers, "I didn't just love her. I was in love with her."

He then soon bounds away into the woods to be left alone the same way he was when Kagome was taken from him. But to him the feeling was a thousand times worse.