Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters.
"It's getting warm again, Sesshomaru-sama!"
Dark winter days gave way to sunny spring, chirping birds and blossoming trees. It was Rin's favorite time of the year. The grass was a lush green, wildlife was in abundance, and flowers were budding in the meadows. It always delighted Rin to be in nature, surrounded by the natural beauty of the land around her. She was 17 years of age, and a wonder to behold. She had the curves of a vixen, skin of a moon flower, and face of an angel. Her chocolate brown hair was past her waist and as smooth as the silk garments her lord adorned her with. She stooped to pluck a pink flower from the ground at her feet.
"Sesshomaru-sama, will we be going back to the castle now?" Jaken bopped her on the head with his staff. "Don't whine! You're the one who insisted you come along!" Rin had accompanied Jaken and her lord on a patrol of the western territory, despite the dangers it possessed. Sesshomaru glanced her way and took off in the direction of his home. She smiled to herself, never expecting an answer directly. She ran to catch up to him, followed closely by a flustered toad.
"Rin, begin your lessons." Sesshomaru never wasted words and seldom repeated himself. Rin didn't hesitate a moment before running inside to find her literature instructor. The castle was ancient and beautiful with large sloping eves, oak floors and towering woodlands all around. Sesshomaru and Jaken followed slowly behind her, greeted by the lord's servants with reverent bows. He acknowledged none of them as he made his way to his chambers. "Make your rounds and ensure her comfort," was all Sesshomaru said before leaving his green vassal in the hall.
Jaken knew exactly what his lord had meant, however vague his statement had been. Sesshomaru disappeared into his room. Jaken immediately set out to make sure all was proper in the castle, especially with Rin and her instructor. For reasons the imp didn't understand, Rin's comfort and happiness were most important to his lord. In the study Jaken found the human perched atop cushions, practicing her calligraphy. Her slim fingers were wrapped around the delicate brush, poised above the slip of rice paper ready to drink the ink contained in the fine hairs. She was apparently working hard and didn't notice him. He removed himself and set about the castle.
After grueling lessons in writing and reading, Rin was dismissed by her teacher. She wasn't averse to learning, but nothing compared to being in the gardens at twilight which was quickly approaching. She slipped outside and sat amidst the wildflowers that carpeted parts of the floor. 'Perhaps Sesshomaru-sama will allow me to go out again tomorrow,' she thought. She amused herself by making flower necklaces and crowns as she waited for sunset.
Sesshomaru shed his armor immediately upon entering his quarters. Though not the most comfortable, it did provide him with extra- if unneeded- security. He'd been poring over papers since his return, the contents of which he'd been raised to handle. After finishing his fourth document, he finally looked up from his table. He stretched his back by flexing his muscles, his face as stoic as ever. It was indeed getting warmer, just as Rin had said. He stood and opened the wooden windows, a welcome breeze entering the stuffy space immediately. His hair ruffled a bit, and he began to turn back to his duties when he caught Rin's scent on the wind. She was below in the field of wildflowers she'd enjoyed so much since childhood. His keen eyes fell to the crown of flowers that adorned her head. Another memory of Rin's childhood flooded into his mind.
His silent chambers suddenly grew cold, and he knew exactly why. The human girl that had been with him for over 10 years- she provided the most warmth. He longed to be in her company, and before he realized his own actions, he was beside her. Rin looked up at him with curious chocolate eyes. Her lord didn't spare a word, but she still welcomed him with a radiant smile. She plucked a brilliant purple flower from the ground and tucked it in his hair. 'In all these years, she's still the same' he thought. "Will you watch the sunset with me, Sesshomaru-sama?" Her question went unanswered, but he sat nevertheless. She giggled and plopped onto the ground beside him.
Rin innocently tugged on his sleeve, and his amber eyes drifted to her own brown ones. "I finished my lessons, and the sensei told me I had pretty calligraphy. He said it was like Sesshomaru-sama's own mother. Is that true?" He looked away from her toward where the sun was slowly dipping past the mountains. "I wouldn't know about such things," was all he said. She frowned, but did not ask him again. "Rin, why do you always give me flowers?" She looked a bit stunned by the question, but nevertheless furrowed her brow in serious consideration. "I suppose it's because I have nothing else to give my lord in appreciation for all he has done."
He glanced at her sideways with a look that seemed to say 'and?' She blushed under the orange glow of twilight and her lord's gazed. She said nothing more, and Sesshomaru didn't ask. When the light faded from the sky, Rin stood abruptly. "You know, I like this time of day the most when I am with Sesshomaru-sama." She smiled down at him, and he stood with her. He pulled the flower from his hair and replaced it in hers. She took his sash in her hands and thought back to the times she'd use his belt as a dance partner. She'd since grown too tall to do such childish things, but standing like that made her miss it. "Go inside for dinner, Rin."
Conclusion! I tried not to make Sesshy too OOC, yet I'm sure I was not as successful as I hoped. My biggest problem: the fool doesn't talk! Reviews and Criticism are welcome and appreciated! Thanks!