Disclaimer: This story is fiction, based upon the manga Inuyasha written by Rumiko Takahashi. This is intended for non-profit entertainment purposes only, and all rights to all characters are retained by the aforementioned author.

****This story has been sitting in my mind for several years. It's not exactly original, I know, but I can never get enough Sesshomaru-Rin fanfiction. A few things to mention: yes, Rin is 17 in this fic, but it's hardly Lolicon. Back in the feudal era, an unmarried 17 year old would actually be considered an old maid. Also, I do fully intend to include at least one (tasteful) lemon in an undetermined future chapter, so if that's not your thing, you'll probably want to stop here. And finally - I welcome constructive criticism. If you just want to be impolite, go elsewhere. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy. I probably won't keep working on this one unless I get at least some people who want me to continue, so let me know if you like it.****

It was a clear, late summer day. The sun shone brightly, illuminating a beautiful and ancient maple tree that grew in the middle of a small valley. There wasn't much else growing around it, and the land was not particularly fertile, or easy to irrigate. Therefore, the farmers in the nearby village had no reason to plant there and ignored the site completely, though it was flat and level. All these things made it perfect for the young woman who was quietly focused on her martial arts training.

She was tall - very tall compared to the other women in her village. Like them, she possessed dark hair, though it was longer and thicker than most, and also like them she possessed a resoluteness that people of this age rarely have. And unlike many of them, she possessed beautiful eyes the color of hazelnuts, and an indomitable sense of humor and cheerfulness. Until recently, she had been thin as a bean-pole - but over the past three years, she had filled out into a far more womanly shape. And her name was Rin.

Rin concentrated, clearing her mind. She held her staff at a lateral position in front of her, then practiced her movements. She still wasn't perfect, but she was far better than when she had begun. Sango, her friend and mentor, even told her that she had talent as a demon-slayer and would be useful to the village. Rin hoped it was true - she was tired of feeling like she didn't do enough.

Since Kaede died the past fall, she had been treated differently by those in the village. They knew that she had lived and traveled with an extremely powerful youkai, and it made them nervous in two ways: they were afraid to treat her badly, because they feared his retribution; yet they were also afraid to welcome her too much, since they trusted no human who so clearly loved a youkai. Consequently, few of them wanted her as a midwife or a healer (though her skills were second only to Kagome's), and though they treated her well to her face, she knew that talk traveled behind her back. Once, she overheard a woman say, "Rin? Yes, she is beautiful and kind indeed, but I don't know of any young man that would want goods that were so obviously soiled by a youkai." Young though she was, she knew exactly what that meant.

Concentrate! She berated herself. Don't think about him! But she knew it was useless. Anytime her mind brushed against a thought of her Sesshoumaru-sama, it was as though a dam broke and thoughts of him, Ah-Un, and even Jakken flooded her mind. She decided she was done for the day, and wiped down her staff. Just as she finished, she saw a small shape come barreling toward her. Smiling, she opened her arms.

"Kikou!" she yelled happily, as a small brown Shiba dog jumped into her arms. "It's been a week! I thought for sure you were finally gone for good!" He politely licked her face, and she set him down. She had found Kikou in the woods, with his foot stuck under a log. She had freed him, and his companionship had helped her greatly. He didn't judge her, and he loved her completely. What she liked about him the most was that though he was faithful, he was also independent, coming and going as he pleased. And he was very, very quiet and prideful. She never needed to worry about him.

Setting him down, she told him, "Let's go eat something. But first, we definitely have to pick our flowers for the day." Kikou, as though in silent accord, went to her heel and followed her into the next meadow.

It was a sea of blue, yellow, and white flowers. Some small, some larger, but all incredibly fragrant and beautiful. Of all the things in the world, Rin never, ever tired of flowers. And she never tired of picking them. With a smile on her face, she gathered a large bouquet and walked back toward the maple tree. She left them underneath it, and said to them, "You may not have come back for me yet, but as long as I live I won't stop leaving them for you." She felt her heart quiver at these words. Normally she said nothing, but something about the day seemed significant. She felt for certain that her heart was about to break. Why had he been gone for these seven long years? Why hadn't she seen him in two? And why hadn't he taken her on his journeys, as he'd promised?

...

Five years ago, when Rin was twelve, she and Kaede had a long conversation over many days, before she began her work as an assistant midwife. Kaede had told her about the facts of life very nonchalantly - how babies grew, what they needed to grow well, how birth occurred, and - the most surprising to Rin - how they were made. Rin had never thought to ask, because it wasn't something she found important. Once Kaede told her the details, however, she was both intrigued and disgusted.

"Who on earth would want to do that?" She asked Kaede. "It seems strange! And painful, too - and at the end, we women get even more pain out of it! Why do so many allow such a thing to happen to them, simply because a man wants to pleasure himself?"

"Ah, ye are young, child. Ye haven't felt the stirrings that many women feel when they are with the man they love. It isn't just for the pleasure of a man that women get themselves in such a position." Rin was positive she saw a twinkle in Kaede's eyes.

"Well, thankfully when I'm grown up I'll have my Sesshomaru-sama to keep me away from such silliness. I know he would never allow me to do such a thing, and he'd certainly never allow any man to do it to me."

"Another male? No, he wouldn't suffer that, for certain," said Kaede, with a meaningful look at Rin. "But part of the reason I am talking to ye about these things is because I don't believe ye understand his true intentions, either."

Rin looked confused. "What?"

"Sesshomaru has his ideas for ye, though even I am unsure as to what they are. Let me ask ye this, Rin: How did Mimeko feel last week when Minoru gave her a kimono?"

"She was so excited! She told me that when a boy gives a girl a kimono, he intends to marry her. She can't wait to get out of her mother's house and finally have one of her own, since Minoru's mother died last year."

"Well, look down at thy own kimono, child," Kaede said, with meaning in her eyes.

As Rin did so, her heart skipped a beat. She looked at the sea-blue fabric, embroidered all over with beautiful stags, all being chased by a large, white dog youkai. It was tied with a red and brown obi. Unusually elaborate for a village girl, it should have been worn by a young woman of the youkai nobility. But Sesshomaru would allow her to wear nothing less.

Then it hit her. Sesshomaru gave her this kimono. Kimono were regarded as engagement presents. Could he possibly intend...

Then she laughed.

"Kaede, you almost had me for a moment there!" She couldn't stop her chuckling. "Of course that may be true for humans, but it certainly isn't true for youkai."

"Perhaps not for youkai, child, but for the great court of the Daiyoukai, the etiquette is entirely different. Their customs are much like those of the Emperor's court. I have no doubt in my mind that he intends something for ye. Though he certainly is hard to read," she said, looking sideways. "However, I want ye to understand that if Sesshomaru comes back for ye, he may intend ye as his mate. And if he does... well, ye need to know what to expect of that situation."

Rin left the conversation completely nerve-wracked. She had learned the truth of romance that day, as well as the fact that her Sesshomaru-sama may intend to do such a thing to her someday. She tried to be disgusted, but the more she thought about it... the more heat she felt between her thighs, and the more her cheeks began to blush.

...

As Rin was walking home, she saw Sango running down the road with her brood of three dark-haired, mischievous, smiling children running behind. "Hello Rin!" She called. "How did your training go today? I'm sorry I didn't make it down to the meadow to help. Kiremaru's sick and Kagome needed my help."

"Oh Sango, I'm so sorry. I didn't know he was taken ill," said Rin, concern flooding her voice.

"Well, it certainly isn't anyone's fault but his own. He decided to play with a bees' nest and got stung all over, right after you left. I would have gone to get you, but there wasn't time."

Rin felt worry clutch at her heart. She adored Inuyasha and Kagome's son - to her, he was like a mischievous little brother. "I'm so sorry that I left so early, Sango! I wish I hadn't. Is there anything I can do now?"

"Well, there's not much to do at this point. We put him in an herb poultice, since he swelled up so much. Miroku and I are going to gather herbs, even though we have more than enough. And of course, InuYasha is out destroying the wasp nest with Tetsusaiga, as if that will help somehow," said Sango, giving an exasperated sigh. She gave Rin a pointed look. "Besides, you seem distracted lately. Are you sure you're okay? We worry about you, what with..." Sango decided not to finish her sentence. She didn't want to mention the subject of Sesshomaru. Of course, Rin was never angry when anyone spoke of him, but every time he was mentioned, her face fell. It was more than Sango could bear, for she had come to love Rin as a little sister. At first, she didn't trust a girl who so willingly gave her heart to a dangerous, cruel youkai. But it became clear to her after a time that it was Rin's trust and love that was able to overcome the ocean of apparent indifference that was Sesshomaru.

When he would visit the village to see Rin, Sango would notice something almost melt off of his persona when he entered her presence. His eyes would soften, though his aura still felt guarded and tense - and Sango was pretty sure she knew why. The demon was afraid of hurting the only thing he loved. The very last time he visited, Sango was positive that she could feel that tension hit a breaking point. She was sure that he avoided this place for that very reason.

It was evident over this past year that Rin had changed. Sango saw it when she trained Rin in demon-slaying - a natural at the art, Rin had taken up the staff, or Bo and had been incredibly competent with it. Sango had never met many women who had the combination of height and speed necessary to weild it properly, but Rin was perfect for it. Her focus was normally rigid and perfect, but over the past six months in particular, Sango had noticed her intensity and strength of spirit fading. And she was sure she knew why.

Then, an idea hit her.

"Rin, since we have things under control, why don't you go to the hot spring? It's been a while since we've been able to make it all together, but it is a great place to go for personal reflection, on your own. I go there all the time."

Rin was somewhat uneasy. "Are you sure? I really don't need to be running off by myself when everyone is so worried about Kiremaru." Besides, she thought to herself, I think that maybe I've been thinking too much lately, anyway.

Sango looked decisive. "Oh, don't be worried about Kiremaru. He's a hanyou - and certainly one of the strongest I know. He'll pull through fine, and hopefully he'll learn his lesson this time. I can tell that you need it - and I won't take no for an answer," she said, smiling sweetly. "Go on - most of the villagers don't even like to go there, and no one goes during the night. Just make sure that you pay attention and notice if you feel any strange auras about. I'm sure you can do it - you've improved so much."

Rin smiled genuinely. "Thank you, Sango - I will. Will you take Kikou back with you, children? I believe he's wanting to play with someone," she smiled at their delighted giggles as Kikou ran off with them, barking in circles.

"Bye Auntie Rin!" they called, chasing Kikou with their mother following behind. Sango called back to Rin, "Don't be too long, or I'll worry!"

"I won't!" Rin yelled back, for they were now far in the distance.

Why had she agreed to this? She wasn't sure she wanted more time alone... then again, after smelling herself, maybe Sango's advice had more to do with hygiene than anything else. It had been a while since Rin had bathed properly, and the warm water did sound like heaven.

Not as heavenly as his arms... STOP IT! She shook her head, trying to clear it of such thoughts, then settled back to walking toward the spring. It's no use. After all, I'm human, and no matter what Kaede said, there's no way Sesshomaru would wish to have a human for a mate.

...

The sun was beginning its descent into the western sky, and it was unusually clear. The sun gently settled itself behind the distant hills, and a cool breeze blew. Upon it, the daiyoukai flew.

His expression was severe, as always, and his elaborate garments and graceful hair flew behind him. His piercing eyes scanned the lands, looking for and sensing what he sought. His face, cold and unsmiling as ever, seemed hard as iron. But finally, he was beginning to draw closer in, and he began to notice the scent he had been waiting to inhale. His face softened just for a moment.

Rin, he thought, unconsciously allowing himself to smile inside. He couldn't help it when she was near. And he was thankful that no one else was there to notice the change in his composure. He had left Jakken and Ah-Un behind at the Western Palace. He detested that place, though it was his birthright. So full of a past that he didn't want to remember...

Stop. Don't think of it.

Jakken was excellent at running a palace - his arrogant and logical nature made him perfect for setting important dates and running a household. Ah-Un had wished to accompany Sesshomaru, due to his great love for Rin, but Sesshomaru decided that he needed to make this trip alone.

As he moved further forward, her scent began to assault his nostrils. Her fragrance never ceased to amaze him. All other humans smelled like dung-heaps, but Rin was delicate, subtle, and seemingly made of sunlight, and... different. He immediately noticed some changes. She now possessed the smell of a grown woman - it was stronger, fuller, and very, very seductive. In fact, he could tell that she was at the point in her cycle where she would most readily accept a male. All the more reason for him to be vigilant, and avoid allowing harm to come to her. From others, or from him.

When he had last visited, Rin had just reached her fifteenth birthday, and she had changed enormously since the last time he was there. She was essentially a youthful woman - in fact, many of the other girls her age already were married - but she had eyes only for him. He could sense her attraction to him, with her piercing eyes, delicate speech, and most tellingly, in the way her scent changed when he was near her. That was the reason he had not visited in such a long time. He could not trust himself around her - he ruined everything he touched...

NO!Don't think of it.

But then he found out, belatedly, through Jakken that Kaede had passed the previous year. The toad had regretted letting his surveillance slip - that was for certain - but he also blamed himself. He should have been paying better attention.

After this discovery, he had warred with his own desires, versus Rin's best interests. Did she wish to remain with other humans? He didn't think so, but much could change for these fickle creatures in only two years. Even if she didn't follow him, he knew he wouldn't be able to leave her without protection of some sort. Unfortunately, it had gone around many youkai circles that the great Sesshomaru had a human "pet" that he would be willing to protect at any cost. That alone always put her in danger, and it was the reason that he insisted on keeping Rin near his fool of a brother. Half-witted though Inuyasha was, he was certainly able to protect her better than any useless human male would be.

He instantly wiped that thought from his head before his demon could come out in full rage. The thought of Rin lying in a village hut, barefoot, with screaming brats running round her, with a common peasant male lying with her night after night, was enough to make him wish to raze the land to the ground. But, if it was what she wanted... he would allow it.

He had to steel his resolve, curb his instincts, and ask her what her wishes were. He simply hoped that the answer wouldn't break him. He had only been broken once before, long ago, by one other...

Stop thinking about it! He chastised his mind. I long ago promised that I would never again let that name pass my lips.

But the autumn sky, the desperate flying through the air, the scent of someone that he loved... these three things kept bringing the memories back to him, so that even his steeled will couldn't keep his mind from thinking her name.

Inuyuki...