NOTES

Hella!

Thanks for the reviews so far :D

And for the people who are scared about Akane or Kasu, don't worry, they are needed and have a purpose. But they are no danger to our couple. You may see in this chapter, that Rin and Sesshy are not so comfortable with their "suitors". :)


Sesshoumaru ignored the suggestive remark.

"I didn't expect to see you. Aren't you mated to the Lord Kaname of the East?" he stated plainly.

"I was. My dear Lord became gravely ill after a fight with some lesser demon. He is no longer able to fulfill his duties as my mate, so he relieved me of mine." she eyed him through her lashes.

"How very kind of him."

He looked at her without emotion an awkward silence soon stretching in the room.

Until Lord Masashi cleared his throat.

"Well, I was hoping that now that my daughter is free again, we could come to another kind of agreement. Knowing that you two were close in the past. We would all benefit from such an union. The two oldest Inu Yokai Clans finally united. No one would dare to cross us!"

Sesshoumaru looked at father and daughter, who where looking at him expectantly, thinking about the offer he had just recieved.

He should have known, he had been stalled so this meeting could happen. But it mattered not.

Akane had never been close to him. They had spent some time together in their youth. She always had been quite infatuated with him and he had taken advantage of that. It was a conquest, fun while it lasted, but not more.

But the offer wasn't something he could just put down. Masashi was right in this regard. It was a good match.

He hadn't planned to take a mate this soon, but he knew that he needed an heir for his line. So why not Akane? She was an Inu Youkai from high birth, she was pleasing to the eye and he was already aquainted with her, which made things easier.

He took a deep breath, hoping not to regret this decision later.

"I accept."

"Oh perfect, you will not regret your decision!" Masashi said happily clapping his hands.

Sesshoumaru huffed when the old Lord repeated his thoughts.

"I am very happy, Sesshoumaru. This is a good match. I will be ready soon to accompany you to your lands." Akane said while moving to the door.

"No."

Father and daughter froze at that.

Akane turned to face him.

"No? What do you mean?"

She was pouting now.

"You will not accompany me. I will send for you when I am ready. There is currently no room which is suited for you."

"The chambers of the Lady of the West will suit me just fine."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at her. She sounded like a spoiled child which annoyed him greatly.

"These rooms are already occupied. I didn't plan on having a mate in the near future, so the rooms were prepared for my ward." he said simply, hating that he had to explain himself.

"A ward? How unlike you." she gave him an once over, acting like she knew him.

He wanted to wipe that look out of her face.

"What's like me and what's not, is not for you to decide. I will leave alone and send for you when the time comes. We will sign the treaty in my lands then. There is nothing more to say."

He turned to leave.

Akane rushed after him an grabbed the sleeve of his kimono.

Sesshoumaru froze and stiffened. Fighting against the urge to lash out.

"You are leaving now? I was hoping... after all this years..."

He freed himself from her clutches and glared at her. She was silenced and took a step back. With that he left the room and the southern lands.

Back in the room, Lord Masashi adressed his daughter.

"He is very difficult and cold. Are you sure you want this?" he looked concerned at her.

"Yes father. He is all I have ever wanted."


"Lady Rin! May I speak with you?"

Rin almost dropped the can of water she was carrying. It was Lord Kasu, again.

For a week they were already in the village, waiting until Lady Yuki was able to travel.

He had the talent to appear suddenly and scare Rin almost to death, which he did a lot. He was actually following her all the time and she didn't know what to think of it.

"Lord Kasu, I am begging you. Please announce your appearance. Otherwise I will not live to see you off." she said while smiling at him in good humor.

It was much easier to talk to him now. She got used to the flirting and got the blushing under control. She was even teasing back sometimes.

"I am very sorry, I just can't help myself."

"It is quite alright. So what do you need of me my lord?"

He cleared his throat and stood a little bit straighter to appear more manly.

"Lady Rin, there is something I wish to ask you...

You became very dear to me and I want to ask for the honor to court you properly."

Rin was stunned to silence, staring at him with an open mouth.

She knew that he liked her, but never expected anything like that.

Courting her? A nobody? What would that mean for him? What would it mean for her?

"My Lord, I don't know what to say. Why would you want to court me?"

His eyes softend at that and he took the water can away so that he could grab her hands.

"Isn't it obvious? My dear Rin, I wish to gain your hand in marriage."

When her eyes widend in shock he added,

"But I don't want to hurry things. Just let me court you. I won't put pressure on you. I just wish to show you my affection openly." he squeezed her hands and looked deep into her eyes.

How could she refuse him? He had been very kind to her. There was no harm in courting, was there? It didn't mean any commitment, she was just being polite. So she told herself.

"I accept." she gave him a reassuring smile.

He just pulled her close and hugged her happily.

Rin just padded his back, unsure how to respond.

After a few moments he released her, smiling.

"You won't regret it. I promise."

And with that he left her to her chores.


So, Sesshoumaru and Rin put themselfs in a possibly uncomfortable situation.

What will happen next? When will they meet again?

See ya soon :)