CHAPTER 4
Kagome prepared a simple fish casserole for Inuyasha while I prepared a pot of rabbit stew for Sesshomaru. We decided to cook for our two dog demons separately, since Sesshomaru will not eat by anyone else's hand. We laid the results of our two hours in the kitchen by an open fire outside.
Kagome's pup, Inuharah was asleep in Kaede's care which is why I could not see him earlier. But now he was wide awake and smiling, his wispy silver strands of hair scattered about his tiny face; golden eyes taking in the scene before him curiously. I held him for awhile, allowing him to coo and finger strands of my partially wet hair. Kagome nudges me in the arm and I turn to the direction she is hinting at.
I see Sesshomaru in a sort of daze, taking in the sight of me holding Inuharah - an inu pup. He notices me watching him and abruptly turns his head away. I smirk, having caught him. I hand baby Inuharah to Kagome, who gives me a small smile. I go up to him.
"Sesshomaru, I apologize for my outburst earlier. Please join us for dinner. I have made you my best rabbit stew and would like your opinion on it."
He looks at me with a curious expression on his face. I place my hands over his, encouraging him to forgive me.
"There is nothing to forgive - you have done no wrong. I should have given you your privacy." He admitted softly.
"It's alright, Sesshomaru" I said, giving him a small smile and taking him by the arm to the camp fire.
Inuharah gurgles at Sesshomaru, causing me to giggle. Sesshomaru surprises me by placing a hand over Inuharah's head, earning a curious look from Inuyasha as well.
I ladle hot, steaming rabbit stew into Sesshomaru's bowl and sit by him. I have a serving of Kagome's fish casserole as well as my rabbit stew with Kaede's homemade bread. I lean on to Sesshomaru's arm and sigh contentedly.
Kagome kindly prepared a spare room for our stay, placing two futons side by side. Sesshomaru does not usually sleep, so I knew the second futon will be unused. I was preparing for bed by combing my loose hair, when I felt a striped hand grip my wrist gently, stopping me from combing my hair. I turn my head to look behind me and I see Sesshomaru.
I smile, allowing him to take over for me. When Sesshomaru is in a tolerable mood, he likes to comb my long tresses for me. I do not mind, my weak hands do get tired after a few strokes. Sesshomaru's strong claws sift out the knots in my hair and the motion soothes me as well as him. After he is done, I turn to his silver mane, hoping to pay him back the favour. He allows me, as he usually does on days he can be bothered to let me pamper him.
Finally, we are both ready for bed. I lean on to my futon and Sesshomaru tucks me into the blanket. He has never tucked me in before - perhaps he favoured my rabbit stew more than I thought!
"Sesshomaru, are you alright?" I ask, worried at his unexpected behaviour.
"Perfectly alright. Why do you ask?" He replies, kneeling by me on one hand resting against his head.
"Well, you have never tucked me in before and you are looking at me in a way you have never done before." I say, hesitantly.
He touches one of my hands and stares into my eyes. His golden ones against my brown ones. Both of our eyes warm.
"We have to start from somewhere." He replies coolly.
"I don't understand." I confess.
He gives me a small chuckle.
"I know."
He brushes some strands of hair off my face.
"It is time Rin, for us to be as Inuyasha and Kagome are." He declares, watching me carefully.
"What ever do you mean, Sesshomaru?" I ask slowly.
He strokes my cheek. I blush.
"You are Rin, my intended mate and I am Sesshomaru, your intended mate. It is time for us to acknowledge each other as such, my love."
I am stunned. I get up quickly.
"But Sesshomaru, are you sure? In doing this, you realize I would be Izayoi and you, your father."
He places a hand over my lips.
"You are Rin and I am Sesshomaru and that is enough."
I smile. He smiles as well.
He keeps watch over me while I sleep.
The next morning, Sesshomaru and I prepare to depart to the Western Palace. There are a lot of preparations to be made, before the mating ceremony.
I sense myself becoming teary-eyed at the prospect of everything that has happened so far. Sesshomaru turns to me, smelling the salt in my tears. He places a reassuring hand over my shoulder and looks at me with a calm expression on his face. I smile at him and his golden eyes look lighter than before.
"Alright you two, snap out of it." - interrupts Inuyasha.
"Yes, you have a mating ceremony to plan." - winks Kagome.
Kagome is overjoyed that I have given in to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha looks smugly at Sesshomaru. Inuharah is content in his mother's arms.
Sesshomaru and I look at each other and he gently lifts me on to Ah-Un. I smile in thanks, not breaking eye contact with him. He takes the seat behind me, possessively encircling one of his long striped arms around my waist, while the other holds Ah-Un's reins.
I turn back to Kagome and Inuyasha, reminding them to attend the ceremony; and then we are off into the air.
Sesshomaru rests his chin on top of my hair and I sigh in contentment, leaning into his embrace. Perhaps we are Inutaisho and Izayoi after all, but we will have a much better chance at a happier ending, for this is our chance to go where they did not venture before.