I'm back with the sequel as I promised! New readers, I suggest, Plzzz read the predecessor story "Friendship and Love" and then come here, for better understanding.

Plzzzz read and review

Hint" Rin + giggling = ringling; Rin + giggled = ringled.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inu Yasha

Chapter 1

The morning sun was lazily showing up, unsure whether to rise or wait for a while. Rin was the first to wake up. She opened her eyes to find her mate peacefully sleeping by her side. She took a moment to clear her vision. She gently rested her chin on her hand and began studying him.

Sesshomaru was sleeping serenely. Only after their wedding Rin had ever known Sesshomaru can even sleep; and for a reasonable number of hours continuously. He never seemed to have slept during those times they were travelling together. His face - No scowl. No hardness. No stoic mask! Now his face is so….. so placid. Never had she seen him so relaxed. Aw! He's sleeping like a baby! Rin fought hard from ringling, else he'll wake up.

He was undoubtedly happy with her and only with her. She was sure of that. She studied his striking facial features; his long silky silver mane; his long strong arms; those poisonous claws; his wide chest. All these belong to me? Rin was amazed at her own fortune. This proud, arrogant dog demon lord of the West belongs wholly to this frail human woman! How come? Rin couldn't help questioning herself. He belongs to me! Only ME! I OWN HIM! A big ringle threatened to explode before she controlled it with a gentle whimper. She shut her eyes and mouth tightly to avoid noises. She reopened her eyes only to be met with golden eyes piercing her questioningly.

"Gasp! You're awake!" Rin blushed red.

"You seemed amused" was all he said.

Rin couldn't help blushing even more. She settled herself against his bare chest to hide her face from him. She began tracing her finger on his chest as if writing something. She always does this while thinking of something seriously. Sesshomaru's curiosity got stronger.

"Rin"

That was enough for Rin to understand.

"I'm happy, Milord" Rin said with a blush.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened a little. She's happy…. She's happy with ME. He mentally smiled at the thought. "Hn"

Sesshomaru became alert as familiar scents filled the palace. He was waiting for the company of the bearers of the scent. Rin was in the garden. So he wanted to be somewhere far from her. His study will fit. He silently settled there.

Slight knock at the door.

"Come in"

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken broke in followed by Inuyasha.

"I have disclosed only to Inuyasha and have brought him as you have told me, Milord"

*BONK*

"You didn't 'bring' me as how you put it, you toad! I 'came' with you" Inuyasha would never let anyone dominate him (except Kagome, of course), especially that toad demon.

Sesshomaru sighed impatiently, FOOLS!

"You ungrateful dog! How dare you-"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

"SILENCE!" Sesshomaru lost his patience.

"Look, Sesshomaru! Don't think you can push me around like this worthless slave of yours-"

"Inuyasha, you fool! Have you forgotten why you have come for?" Sesshomaru had to reason with his little brother. God! Why me?

Both the imp and the half-breed became silent after that.

And this is just the beginning. Sesshomaru began to worry what was to become of him by the time their quest was finally accomplished, if at all it will.

"Jaken. Leave"

"Wha-Uh-Yes, Milord" Jaken scrambled outside.

"Inuyasha. Jaken must have told you everything you need to know about this Quest to obtain Nectar of Immortality"

Inuyasha became more serious with the conversation. "Yes"

"Are you in?"

"Absolutely"

"Hn. I have planned to commence our journey to our destination, Gangotri Glacier, Himalayas in the ensuing month. I propose to leave Rin by your village so that the others will take care of her. Ah-Un will be left with her for protection"

Inuyasha was having his arms crossed, fully covered by his sleeves. He nodded his agreement.

"Whatever commitment you may be having, better get it over with by this month so that we may start next month"

"Okay" was all Inuyasha managed to say.

"Any questions?"

"….yes"

Sesshomaru didn't really expect a 'yes' for that question, as he was sure that his explanation was clear enough.

"What is it?"

"What's with all this concern, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru only raised an eyebrow slightly in confusion.

"You have asked me to join your quest, when you had no requirement to"

Sesshomaru knew that answering this question would expose the softer side of him to Inuyasha and he was not comfortable with it. He let out a sigh and said, "you need to ask? …..The quest is indeed a challenge. I may use your assistance"

"And what makes you think that I'll 'assist' you?" Inuyasha retorted.

"I have given you a possibility of making your mate an immortal"

Inuyasha couldn't argue upon that point.

"f-fine" Inuyasha surrendered in a calm tone.

However that was not the answer he expected of Sesshomaru. Even Sesshomaru hadn't intended to give such a self-interested answer. But Sesshomaru's pride made him give such reply.

Awkward silence.

Then the words slipped Sesshomaru's mouth before he could prevent it, "Just like Rin, your miko will need the nectar to become an immortal"

Inuyasha's head snapped up and faced Sesshomaru in surprise.

"…..She is Rin's companion. She deserves it"

Even Inuyasha was touched at his words.

For the first time ever, Inuyasha was feeling grateful towards his brother. His ever-scowling face softened at his brother, of all other demons.

"…Thank you, Sesshomaru" Inuyasha managed to express his gratitude.

Sesshomaru was taken aback at his words but little did he show on his face. He glanced at his half-brother.

"This quest is only for our mates. Never harbor hopes of brotherly affections from my side EVER!" Sesshomaru said icily.

Although he never meant it to sound that harsh, thanks to his pride, his words were worse than poisoned arrows.

Inuyasha only "Grrrrr"ed. Many cursed words were at the tip of his tongue, ready to hit Sesshomaru. But surprisingly, Inuyasha swallowed them all from exposing. That arrogant bastard! As if I'd ever thought he's capable of such!

Then the brothers detected a known scent.

The door to study was opened.

"Master Inuyasha! What a surprise! It's so great to see you!" Rin greeted him in her usual cheery mood.

She rushed to him and took him in a hug. "I missed you!"

Sesshomaru mentally rolled his eyes.

"Rin. Waddiya know! I missed you too!"

"Really?"

"yeah…. Without you, I have to babysit both Janaa and Astha, while Kagome's away!" Inuyasha complained grumpily.

Sesshomaru wanted hit his head against some wall.

Rin ringled at that. "Alright! Jaken told me only you have come. What about others? What's up, anyway?"

"Er…." Inuyasha was unsure as to tell the truth or not; in fact he was unsure whether he should say anything or not.

Sesshomaru came to the rescue, "Inuyasha had some errand to do in the nearby regions. He dropped by to visit you" That was what Sesshomaru was able to cook up at the nick of the moment.

"uh… yeah! So how're you doing, kid?" Inuyasha managed.

'Lady' Rin to you, you insolent fool! Sesshomaru scolded inwardly.

Rin couldn't help blushing before answering, "I'm doing great! Lord Sesshomaru is taking good care of me. I'm very happy here!"

"Glad to hear that" Inuyasha said, as he glanced at the proud self-satisfied Sesshomaru. At least he's not so rude to her Inuyasha thought to himself.

I'm so glad you thought of visiting me, Master Inuyasha! Thank you so much!".

Inuyasha smiled and nodded.

The hospitable girl went on, "I know you'll be hungry, Master Inuyasha! Come and have supper"

"I sure am! By the way, do you have Ramen?" Inuyasha began while following after the ringling Rin to the dining wing of the Palace.

"Hmph!" was all Sesshomaru could say at the moment.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Jaken reentered the next moment.

Sesshomaru's gaze fell on Jaken.

"What have you planned, Milord?"

Sesshomaru remained silent. His mind was racing in anticipation of future.

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were standing face-to-face. Jaken was trying to read the expressions of the Inu brothers.

"So, What about the others?"

"They won't have to know"

"Why not?"

"Will they let you on this task without them accompanying you, had they known?"

"….No, I guess not" Inuyasha said.

"Their life will be in great danger, if they accompany you" Sesshomaru added.

My mate will not even let me go, if she knows… Sesshomaru pondered.

"So our next meet?" Inuyasha asked.

"Next week at Village Edo"

"Fine. I'll be going"

Inuyasha left.

Sesshomaru returned to his bedchambers that night. Rin was sitting combing her hair. Sesshomaru studied the beauty of the beauty's long think black tresses, cascading down her back. Rin caught his eyes at the mirror's reflection and smiled. He slightly nodded at her reflection in acknowledgement. Although her hands were combing, her full attention was with her mate. He calmly came and stood by her side.

His hands gently began researching her shiny locks, his gaze not leaving hers even once. She blushed both at his gaze and at his actions. He knew he'll make her blush so. Suddenly, his hand caught hers. Rin's hand got weakened instantly that she dropped the comb.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, placing her other hand on her mouth and blushed even more at her accident.

Sesshomaru slightly smirked; momentarily though.

"Do you not plan to sleep?" Sesshomaru asked softly.

"without you?" prompt!

"why not?" Sesshomaru asked innocently. Ahem…. Pretending to be innocent, actually.

A surprised Rin snapped aroung to face him. She blushed even more if that was ever possible. "Oh-uh-um…Yes, Milord. I shall sleep now!" Rin bowed quickly and rushed to her bed while Sesshomaru tugged at her hand he was still holding.

"Without me?" Sesshomaru asked even more innocently.

Now Rin was more than surprised. Then she understood that he was teasing her all along.

She pouted and wore a smug face, "yes! Without you!". With that she writhed her hand out of his and went straight to bed, trying hard to hide her smile.

She ran right into him, "Gasp!". Yes. The agile demon lord was in front of her the next moment.

"As if I would ever let you to."

She smiled shyly and placed her hands on his chest.

While she was taking steps forward, he was moving backwards, till he was blocked by their bed.

She pushed him so that he laid on bed; his eyes still fixed on hers. Then Rin curled up on his chest and gently planted a kiss on it. He felt himself shiver at the gesture. His eyes were shut.

"Rin" he said, which meant, What do you plan to do to me?

Rin chuckled.

So? did you like the sequel's first chapter?

Should I do anything to improve it?

Plzzzz review!