Sorry it's taken so long to write this, the final chapter. It's a long one. I had a hard time with certain parts. And as the warning below says, there are lemons in this chapter. I posted a warning before the sections that have it. I have never written about lemons before, so I apologize if they aren't great. However, I did want to leave some things to the imagination.
Beware of lemons!
Chapter 10 It Takes Two
Rin and Jaken were arguing about whether or not Sesshoumaru planned to build an empire. The summer sun shown brightly down on the garden where Rin and Jaken argued.
"Yes! And I'm to have an important role in it!"
"I really don't think he's interested in an empire." Rin insisted. She was sitting on the stone bench in the garden with Jaken. The bench was kept cool in the summer by the shade of the sakura tree.
"What empire?"
They both looked up at Sesshoumaru.
"The empire you plan on building," Jaken said hopefully. The look on Sesshoumaru's face said it all. "You don't plan on building an empire?" Jaken asked slowly.
"What would I want with an empire?"
Jaken lowered his head and sighed. His great plans were dashed.
"It's okay Jaken. You have us." Rin gave him a hug.
"Ack!" He waved his arms around and wiggled out of the hug. Jaken quickly got away, so he didn't have to endure another hug.
Sesshoumaru took the place Jaken just vacated. "I don't know where he got that idea from." He looked around him. Then at Rin. "This is all the empire I need." Rin had been right about one thing Sesshoumaru realized. He knew little about the people he lived with.
"You need to interact with those you live with to get to know them," she had said at the beginning of summer.
During the rest of summer and through the fall, Sesshoumaru learned a lot about Rin. The same held true for Rin. They learned what each other liked; what they didn't like. They learned what made them happy; what made them sad, or mad.
One thing about Sesshoumaru Rin knew would not change much: expressing his feelings. He had a hard time with that. She had been surprised to learn that he felt comfortable enough with her to be more candid when they were alone.
'Now if he could just learn to smile and have fun.' Rin's biggest goal was for Sesshoumaru to learn to have fun.
Winter was cold and snowy up in the little valley. Rin spent most of her days inside, trying to keep busy with reading; Daira teaching her about medicinal herbs and how to use them. But one morning, Rin was in the mood for some fun. She wanted to play in the snow. She put on all her warmest clothes and the soft fur lined boots and gloves Kagome had given her.
She went outside. The air was cold but the sun sparkled brightly off the glistening white snow. The steps were covered in the white stuff, so Rin walked carefully down them. She plowed her way over to the side by the garden. Her real aim this morning was to try and teach Sesshoumaru how to have fun. She knew he was capable of it. He found things amusing, though he never laughed or smiled.
Rin flopped down in the snow, spreading her legs and arms. 'Now what did Kagome say?' she thought to herself. 'Oh yes.' She moved her arms in an up and down motion and legs back and forth. She did this several times then carefully stood up. She giggled at what she had made. Kagome had called it a "Snow Angel". It did look like a person.
Hirameki joined her as she played. She threw snowballs and he chased them. She laughed at his antics. He would try and pounce on them when they landed in the snow, only to be covered by the deep snow drifts. He leapt up in the air trying to knock them down, only to be showered by snow. He would shake himself off and look confused.
Sesshoumaru heard Rin's laugh and went to see what she found so funny. He liked hearing her laugh. It was one of those things he liked about her. It was a soft musical laugh. Following the sound of her laughter, he found her by the garden, playing with Hirameki.
Rin saw Sesshoumaru watching her. She had a snowball and threw it. It hit Sesshoumaru squarely in the chest. Rin put her hand over her mouth, covering her laugh.
"What are you doing?" Sesshoumaru could see from her face she was trying not to laugh.
"It's a snowball fight." She was grinning.
"You can't fight someone with snow." 'What is she up to?' he thought to himself.
"It's for fun."
"Fun?"
"Yes, fun. You try to hit your opponent while trying to avoid being hit by him." Rin saw the blank look on Sesshoumaru's face. 'He didn't get it' she thought. She sighed. "Never mind." Rin turned to play with Hirameki again. She made another snowball and as she got ready to throw it, she was surprised to feel a snowball hit her in the back. She turned and looked at Sesshoumaru.
Sesshoumaru stared back, eyebrows raised. He did in fact "get it". He understood the concept of fun; doing something for the sole purpose of enjoyment. Everything he did, he had a goal or purpose in mind for it. He didn't do anything for the sole enjoyment of it. In this case, he had a goal; Rin's happiness. He liked hearing her laugh. So if a snowball fight would make her happy, a snowball fight she would get. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly at the surprised look on her face.
The snowball fight that ensued lasted nearly an hour. Sesshoumaru's aim was accurate, but Rin was agile and often avoided getting hit. Sesshoumaru's speed allowed him to avoid getting hit most of the time. Rin's laughter assured Sesshoumaru he had reached his goal.
Jaken came out to see what all the ruckus was about and was rewarded with two perfectly timed and aimed snowballs to the face. He fell over backward in the snow, screeching. Jumping up, he ran back into the castle, laughter following him. He went to sulk in his room. It was the last straw. Between the way Sesshoumaru and Rin were acting, it was enough to give Jaken nightmares. He decided to visit his family.
"We should go in and get you warmed up," Sesshoumaru finally said, noticing Rin was shivering slightly.
Daira came out just as they walked up the steps. "What have you two been…" the evidence was all over their clothes, in the melting bits of snow. Daira could tell from Rin's face she had had a great time. And Sesshoumaru looked amused? Daira looked again. Yes, for the first time, Sesshoumaru had actually enjoyed himself. Daira was pleased. Sesshoumaru had changed since she first met him. It was all due to Rin's influence. She followed them inside and went to get the hot tea she had ready for them.
Rin went to the firepit and took off her wet outer clothing and sat by the fire. Sesshoumaru had been right. She was cold. She looked up as a blanket was wrapped around her. It was Sesshoumaru.
"Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama."
He sat next to her as Daira served the tea. They sipped their tea for a moment then Rin spoke. "Did you have fun?"
"I enjoyed myself." He said slowly. This was a new feeling for him. He looked at Rin. "Is it important to you that I learn to have fun?"
Rin nodded. She reached out and took his hand, gently holding it. "I care about you and want you to be happy."
Her statement touched his heart. It never occurred to him that someone might care about him. No one had ever openly said they cared about him. Hi'Iki was the only other person he knew that cared. He wasn't sure if his own mother cared that much. "You make me happy, Rin." Rin snuggled against him, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the company beside her. Feeling all warm and cozy, Rin fell asleep.
Sesshoumaru gently picked Rin up and carried her to her room. He put her on her sleeping mat and covered her with the blanket she had been wrapped in. He was going to leave but instead sat down next to Rin. He didn't want to leave her just yet. He picked up one of the books Kagome had given Rin. It was called "World History". He paged through it. Some of the things he read gave him insights into human behavior and some disturbing things to contemplate about the future.
Warning: BEWARE OF LEMONS
The day started out innocently enough. It was late in spring, a warm sunny day; Rin went out for a hike. The snow was all gone, there were new leaves on the trees, flowers were blooming and birds were busy with building their nests.
Rin wanted to find some more of the herbs that Daira had mentioned grew higher up on the mountain. She saw the little meadow and headed for it. She forgot Daira's warning of the crevasse and didn't see it. She fell in.
"Baka!" she told herself. She looked herself over. She had some scrapes that would heal in a few minutes, thanks to Sesshoumaru's blood. She looked up. The crevasse was narrow and just deep enough. She could stand sideways and easily touch both sides. The sides were smooth, with nothing for her to grab onto to climb up. The top was out of her reach. She jumped. She still couldn't reach. She tried several more times. It was still just out of reach.
'I could call for Sesshoumaru-sama' she thought. But she didn't want to have to count on Sesshoumaru to always rescue her. She doubled her efforts but to no avail. She simply couldn't reach the top and there was nothing for her to hold on to.
"Rin!"
Rin looked up. Sesshoumaru was peering down at her, a worried look on his face.
"I'm okay. I just can't reach." She was embarrassed by her predicament. She should have known to watch her step. And now Sesshoumaru had to rescue her once again.
Sesshoumaru reached down with his hand. "Grab my hand." He was laying prone on the ground for better leverage. Rin jumped and grabbed hold of his hand and he pulled her up, rising to his knees as he did so. She wasn't heavy and came up faster than he anticipated. They tumbled backwards, Rin ending up on top of him.
They stared at each other for a few minutes.
Rin's thoughts made her blush as she stared at the face so close to hers. She moved to get off, but Sesshoumaru held her.
"What are you thinking about?"
Rin's blush got brighter. "I, um, ah I'm," she stammered. Instead of answering, Rin dared to kiss him, a quick sweet kiss on the lips. She pulled back, surprised at her boldness.
Her boldness had surprised Sesshoumaru as well. The kiss had surprised him more though. He hadn't expected the reaction to it that he had. He reached up and pulled her head back down for another kiss. This time it was longer, deeper. Rin's lips were soft and tasted like berries and spices. He enjoyed the taste.
When Rin pulled back, her face was flushed. Kissing Sesshoumaru had been a fantasy of hers for a few years. The real thing was better than any fantasy she could come up with.
Sesshoumaru felt the first stirrings of desire and was about to squash them. But stopped himself. Perhaps this is what Rin wanted. He understood the mating process, and could smell Rin's desire. It encouraged his own desire, so he let it grow.
Rin felt the hardness beneath her. It pressed up against her invitingly. She rubbed against the hardness, moving her hips back and forth. It felt good; to both of them. Sesshoumaru watched her as she moved. Her eyes were closed and she started moaning a little as she moved faster against him. She let out a gasp and collapsed on top of him, breathing hard. Once she got her breathing under control, she rolled off Sesshoumaru. This time he let her go. She lay on the ground next to him, wondering what she had started.
Rin's rubbing had caused a slight problem. Sesshoumaru now had a need of his own to take care of. He turned on his side, reached over and gently stroked Rin's hair. He touched her cheek and face. At first he wasn't sure of how to proceed; his stroking was a bit awkward. Rin helped him by putting his hands where she wanted to be touched. His hands slipped under her kimono. He paused, looking at Rin. She encouraged him. His hands explored her entire body. Rin moaned as his hands drifted gently over her skin. His touch sent shivers through her entire body.
Rin's hands found their way under Sesshoumaru's clothes. She ran her hands across his chest, arms, back and down his stomach. She gently grabbed the hardness she felt and gave it a gentle rub.
Sesshoumaru gasped at the feel. His hips thrust forward of their own accord. The feel of his penis rubbing against her hand was an amazing sensation, making him moan with pleasure.
"Rin."
Rin head the desire in his voice. It matched her own desire. She had often wondered what it would be like to have Sesshoumaru make love to her. She was about to find out. "I need you Sesshoumaru-sama."
They undressed each other, touching as they went. They were a bit clumsy and awkward at first. They spent more time exploring each others' bodies, until their touches became more confident.
Sesshoumaru moved so he was now on top of her. Rin moaned as his erection pressed against her, between her legs. Sesshoumaru immediately backed up. "Am I too heavy?"
Rin shook her head. "You feel good." She pulled him back down.
Gently, slowly, Sesshoumaru eased himself forward, pushing against her.
Rin gasped when she felt him enter. She whimpered a little at the uncomfortable feel. Sesshoumaru stopped and pulled back. "Am I hurting you?"
"No. It's just a little uncomfortable." Rin smiled at him when he hesitated. "It's okay. It's supposed to be uncomfortable at first."
Sesshoumaru looked doubtful. As needful as he was, he wasn't about to hurt her in any way. Carefully he started again. Rin gasped again when he entered, but didn't whimper this time. Encouraged, Sesshoumaru pushed himself in deeper, until he could go no further. He pulled out and pushed in, a little faster this time. Rin encouraged him to go faster. Sesshoumaru went faster until Rin started thrusting her hips up to match his thrusts. They soon had a perfect rhythm going that pleased them both. Soft growls of pleasure were mingled with soft moans.
Rin held tightly onto Sesshoumaru as a wave of pleasure washed through her. She thrust her hips up, legs wrapping tightly around Sesshoumaru's waist. She called out his name as he thrust one last time, waves of pleasure bursting through both of them. Sesshoumaru softly called Rin's name as his seed flowed into her. They both collapsed, exhausted, panting and feeling wonderful. They rested for several minutes without saying anything.
Sesshoumaru was surprised. The experience was like nothing he'd ever had before. Nothing had ever felt so good. He looked over at Rin.
"You're crying. Did I hurt you?" Sesshoumaru was concerned as he gently wiped away her tears. He had hoped she felt the same way.
"No. I'm crying because I've never felt so good before." She reached up and gently touched his face. "I love you Sesshoumaru-sama."
Sesshoumaru pulled Rin closer and held her tightly. "My Little Rin," he whispered softly in her ear.
They stayed that way for a while. Rin's leg holding Sesshoumaru so he couldn't pull himself out. Rin liked the feel of him inside her, and wanted to stay that way for a while longer. Sesshoumaru willingly obliged her. They lay there, enjoying this special moment together.
"We'd better get back before Jaken comes looking for us." Sesshoumaru pulled away from Rin. The thought of Jaken finding them in such a position made Rin get up in a hurry. She quickly got dressed.
"Why the hurry?" Sesshoumaru paused to watch Rin.
"The thought of Jaken seeing us…" she couldn't finish the thought, she started to giggle. Sesshoumaru finished dressing.
As they headed home, Rin found walking was somewhat painful. She walked slowly and gingerly.
"I did hurt you."
"It's not that. My muscles just aren't used to being used in that fashion."
Sesshoumaru picked Rin up, looking doubtful.
"You didn't hurt me." Rin smiled at him. "We'll just have to work those muscles more."
Sesshoumaru's eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Did you enjoy it then?"
"Very much. Did you?"
The corners of Sesshoumaru's mouth turned up. "Yes, it was very pleasurable."
"So you'll help me work those muscles?" She grinned.
"It will be," he paused, "my pleasure."
Rin looked at him in surprise. His face had his usual stoic look, except for the amusement dancing in his eyes. Surprise turned to delight. She couldn't help herself, Rin kissed him, a soft gentle kiss. "I love you Sesshoumaru-sama." She wrapped her arms around his neck and put her head on his shoulder.
End of lemon
"I'm capable of walking." Rin didn't want Sesshoumaru to have to carry her all the way back. "I'm not a little girl anymore."
"I noticed." He looked at her and she blushed.
"I don't want to be a burden or a bother to you."
Sesshoumaru stopped walking and put her down. He lifted her chin up and looked her squarely in the eyes. "You will never ever be a burden or a bother to me. You are my mate. I love you," he said very softly. He picked her back up and headed into the valley.
Daira saw them coming and ran to meet them. "Rin?"
"She can't walk." Sesshoumaru had stopped when he saw Daira.
"What happened?"
"It's nothing, really Daira. Just some sore muscles." Rin couldn't help the giggle that escaped.
"Put her down, let me see."
Sesshoumaru gently put Rin down. Rin walked somewhat gingerly still, but not as bad as before.
Daira recognized that walk. She looked from Rin to Sesshoumaru. Taking charge, she took Rin by the arm and said to Sesshoumaru, "You go home and take care of yourself. I'll see to Rin."
When Sesshoumaru paused, she waved her arms at him. "Shoo, shoo. Come Rin. I know just what you need." She stopped long enough to get a few things; then took Rin to the hot spring. She didn't say anything until Rin had eased herself into the shallow end of the pool.
"Did he hurt you?"
"No. We…" she saw that Daira knew what they did. "He was very gentle and careful." Rin was smiling and blushing at the memory.
Daira nodded. She thought as much. She went and got some herbs. She returned and put them in the cup she had brought with her. She added water from the hot spring and let it steep. Then she handed it to Rin. "Here, drink this. It will help relax those muscles."
Rin gratefully drank the tea. "I had always hoped he fall in love with me but I never really expected it to happen. Sometimes I think this is all a dream and I'll wake up to find he's not in love with me. How did I get so lucky Daira?"
"You helped him when he needed it most. You sent him on the right path to his full potential."
"What do mean?"
"When I first saw him, he was full of anger and hate; on a quest for power. I saw past that, to a kind heart."
Rin nodded. She had also seen the kindness there.
"To achieve his full potential, his full power, he needed to be compassionate, to care. You taught him that. You also taught him how to love. That is your greatest gift to him. I believe you claimed his heart from the moment you met him." Daira smiled at Rin.
"But I was just a child!"
"Yes. And he a stubborn hate filled youkai. Because of you, he has grown into a remarkable adult."
"You care about him too, don't you?"
Daira nodded. "These last few years he's become like the son I never had." She smiled at Rin. "I'm happy for both of you."
Sesshoumaru sat on the porch. He knew Daira would take care of Rin. He thought about the morning. It had unexpected results. He thought about what Rin had said, and how she felt. He had liked the feeling, it was almost intoxicating. But even more, he had made Rin feel good. That was important to him. But what touched him most was her reaction to his showing a little sense of humor. She had been delighted.
He didn't know how long he sat there when he saw them come back from the hot spring. Rin was walking normally now, much to his relief.
Rin saw the look on his face and smiled as she sat next to him. Daira continued on into the castle. She touched Sesshoumaru on the shoulder as she passed and said quietly, "I'm proud of you Sesshoumaru."
Startled, Sesshoumaru turned to look at her but she was already going in the door. He turned and looked at Rin. "What did she mean by that?"
Rin smiled. "She's proud of how you turned out. You're like a son to her."
'This day is just full of surprises.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself. He didn't quite understand why, the more he became like his father, the more this odd little group of people cared about him. It had an odd effect on him; it made him feel good about himself.
The next couple of days Rin got pampered. She didn't want to be pampered. She wanted Sesshoumaru. Sometimes when he looked at her she saw the hunger and desire in his eyes, but he refused to touch her.
"He won't touch me anymore," she complained to Daira. It was late; Rin was in her room, drinking tea Daira had given her to help her relax.
"He has more sense than you. He's letting you heal."
"But he didn't hurt me!"
"No. But when a girl has her first experience, it does do damage, no matter how careful you are."
Rin sighed. "Oh." She gave the cup back to Daira, empty. She lay down, covering herself with the blanket. Daira left.
Rin woke early the next morning. She stretched, only to bump into something. Startled, she turned to see what was there. Sesshoumaru was looking back at her.
"What…"
"You needed me, so I stayed with you." At her puzzled look he added "You called out my name in your sleep."
Sesshoumaru got up, pulling her up with him. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine! I wish everyone would stop pampering me! I just want you." She wrapped her arms around him and held him.
Sesshoumaru pulled her closer and held her tightly. Then he gently pushed her back. Lifting up her chin, he said, "There's no hurry. We can take it slow and careful."
She nodded.
Spring had just turned to summer. The early morning sun shown down on Rin as she tended her garden. She had spent more time with Sesshoumaru lately and had neglected her garden. Daira had done some tending to the garden, so it wasn't a complete mess.
The sound of flapping wings made her look up. The morning sun was in her eyes and she could only just make out the shape of a large dragon doing aerial maneuvers. It could only be Hi'Iki. The dragon swooped low, chased by two, no three, smaller dragons. Rin ducked as the dragon flew over her. She thought she heard laughter. The dragon turned and then landed in the grass. Rin could make out a small figure sitting on the neck of the dragon. She went to greet them.
Hana slid off the neck, dropping to the ground.
"I'm glad to see you're with Hi'Iki," Rin said as they gave each other hugs.
"Yes, certain critters," she looked at the three dragonets as they flew about, "were determined to bring us together."
"It wasn't my idea," Hi'Iki said, shaking the riding straps off. He joined the two women. "It was their idea. I'm glad they did though." He smiled at Hana. "So Rin how's Sesshoumaru?"
Rin blushed. "He went out somewhere but he wouldn't say where he was going."
"While you all wait for him, come in and have some tea." Daira was standing on the porch. She had also heard the wings and came out to see who had arrived.
Daira served the tea, which everyone took outside to enjoy the sunshine. While waiting for Sesshoumaru to get back, Rin and Hana talked about the garden. Hi'Iki listened to them talk, wondering about Sesshoumaru. He was curious to see just how much Sesshoumaru had changed.
When Sesshoumaru finally arrived, Hi'Iki noticed a difference. It wasn't something easy to see; just a subtle difference in attitude. Hi'Iki had been expecting such a difference and was able to see it: Sesshoumaru's acceptance of himself, his power and abilities, of Rin and most importantly, his love for Rin. Without realizing it, he was now the most powerful youkai in Japan.
Sesshoumaru joined them on the porch. He went to stand by Rin, giving her back a gentle caress. He nodded to Daira as she gave him a cup of tea.
Hana asked Rin to show her the garden, and they left the men standing on the porch.
"I have a message for you," Sesshoumaru told Hi'Iki. "The Dragon King wants you to visit before you leave."
Hi'Iki grinned. "I made a promise to visit, and I'll keep it." He had been surprised at Sesshoumaru's open display of affection. It was more proof of Sesshoumaru's acceptance of the changes in his life.
Hana had also seen Sesshoumaru's show of affection and wanted to ask Rin about it. Rin was showing Hana the herb section of the garden.
"Are you and Sesshoumaru mated?"
Rin blushed. "Yes. Didn't Hi'Iki-sama say anything?"
Hana shook her head. "No. And he knew about it?"
Rin nodded and told Hana what had happened.
"It doesn't surprise me that Hi'Iki didn't tell me." She turned and looked at the men on the porch. They were talking about something. "He respects Sesshoumaru a great deal."
"I think Hi'Iki-sama is the only person Sesshoumaru-sama trusts enough to call friend."
"I'm glad for both of you," Hana told Rin. "Here, let me help you pick some of those herbs." The two women picked enough for the evening meal.
"So has Rin taught you to have fun yet?" Hi'Iki looked at Sesshoumaru out of the corner of his eye.
"Fun?" Sesshoumaru's tone sounded bored.
Hi'Iki grinned. 'Good for you Rin!' he thought. "Yeah, fun. You know just do something because you enjoy it."
"I know what fun is. It's important to Rin."
"You know being in love and having fun doesn't make you weak. It makes you stronger." Hi'Iki looked out at Hana.
"So I've learned."
"Hana wants to go see Sango." Hi'Iki thought a change of subject was a good idea. As much as Sesshoumaru had changed, he still wasn't the most talkative person and getting him to talk about his feelings was almost as hard as pulling a tooth out of mad dragon.
"I'd like to go with Hana to see Kagome." Rin and Hana had finished picking herbs and came back. "Hana told me they were going."
Sesshoumaru nodded at Rin. He couldn't say no to Rin unless it risked her safety.
It was settled, they would leave the next morning.
They spent the rest of the day finding out how they had spent the last year. Hana and Rin did most of the talking. Hi'Iki and Sesshoumaru preferred to listen, adding comments only when they felt it necessary.
Daira made dinner, humming to herself. Using the herbs Rin and Hana had picked, Daira created a meal that sent mouth watering smells drifting outdoors to the two couples. Dinner tasted as good as it smelled. Rin and Hana went to bed early as they planned on leaving early. Sesshoumaru and Hi'Iki stayed up a little longer.
"Any regrets?" Hi'Iki asked.
"No."
Hi'Iki smiled to himself.
Originally they were going to walk to the village, until Hi'Iki asked Rin if she'd like to ride a dragon. So, leaving later than they had planned, they flew.
Hi'Iki landed among a group of children playing, which sent the children scattering. After seeing the riders slide off, they came back to get a closer look at the big white dragon. They'd never seen one up close. Laughing, the children dared each other to pet the dragon. Hi'Iki waited a moment, then lowered his head and blew smoke at them. The children laughed and ran back a little. They went back, daring someone else to pet the dragon. It became a game. Hana and Rin laughed, watching the children have fun with Hi'Iki.
Sesshoumaru watched Rin. He could see she enjoyed the antics of the children. He watched the children play for a moment. Four were human, Miroku and Sango's offspring. The youngest, a toddler with white hair and puppy ears was InuYasha and Kagome's. Sesshoumaru knew that Rin loved children and eventually wanted some.
Hi'Iki finally changed form. It was difficult holding his tail up so he didn't burn anything. The children chatted with Hi'Iki for a few minutes before running off. Except the youngest. He stood in front of Sesshoumaru and looked at up at him. "Oji-san, up". He reached up with his arms.
Sesshoumaru looked at the youngster for a moment. He picked the toddler up. They stared at each other for a moment and then the toddler smiled at Sesshoumaru. Without a word, Sesshoumaru carried the toddler back to the village. He glanced at Rin as they walked. The way she was smiling told him more than any words could.
"Down, down." The toddler wriggled in Sesshoumaru's arms. Sesshoumaru put the toddler down. He ran into the village, having seen his father.
"Come on Oji-san." Hi'Iki grinned as he walked past Sesshoumaru.
"….." was the response.
InuYasha saw the group and called Kagome. Kagome was with Sango and they both came from Sango's where they had been washing clothes. Miroku was hanging the clean clothes up to dry and followed them.
"Hi'Iki, Hana, what a welcome surprise!" The two women gave Hana a hug. "I see you two did get together," Sango said approvingly.
"You'd be surprised how he managed it too." Hana laughed, looking at her mate.
"Hey, it wasn't all my idea!"
"Do tell." Miroku said interested in what Hi'Iki had done. He noticed the closeness between Rin and Sesshoumaru and wondered about them.
"Over lunch, the children are hungry," Sango said.
After everyone was sitting, and served a light lunch, Sango asked, "So how did you two get together?"
Between Hi'Iki and Hana, they told how it happened.
"You let yourself be held captive?" InuYasha was amazed. He would never have done such a thing. "What if they didn't accept what you told them?"
"I would have left."
InuYasha just shook his head.
Miroku wanted to satisfy his curiosity about Rin and Sesshoumaru so asked Rin "Are you ever planning on finding a husband and settling down?".
"Miroku!" Sango scolded him for asking such a question.
Rin blushed and said "I have a mate already," looking at Sesshoumaru, who was not sitting with the group.
Kagome and Sango look at Rin, surprised. "You and Sesshoumaru?"
Rin smiled and nodded.
InuYasha griped, "Keh! Sesshoumaru isn't capable of such an emotion!" Sesshoumaru, who appeared to be ignoring the conversation, was in fact listening carefully. As the debate continued, a quiet voice spoke up.
"Rin is my mate." Sesshoumaru stood behind her. He was watching InuYasha.
Everyone got quiet.
InuYasha was dumbfounded. He stared at Sesshoumaru, speechless.
Kagome and Sango looked at Sesshoumaru, surprised. The only one not surprised was Miroku. It was as he suspected.
Sesshoumaru sat down by Rin, staring at InuYasha as if daring him to deny what he just heard.
It was a tense moment as the brothers stared at each other. Everyone wondered if they'd end up fighting.
InuYasha stared hard at Sesshoumaru. There was a flicker of emotion in Sesshoumaru's eyes that InuYasha could have sworn was amusement. InuYasha sat back and relaxed. They had reached a silent understanding. Acceptance. Neither would ever admit to liking the other, yet if they ever needed the other's help for anything, they would get it.
"They do make a nice couple, don't they?" Hi'Iki said to break the tension. He grinned at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru glared back.
"See?" Miroku said to Sango. "Anything's possible."
With the tension gone, Rin and Sesshoumaru were congratulated. It was obvious to everyone that Rin was quite happy with Sesshoumaru, although no one could quite understand why.
After everyone was done eating, they sat and relaxed, enjoying the sunny afternoon. They watched the children play with the three dragonets. They played 'catch the dragonet'. The dragonets would sit on the ground, ignoring the children. The children would sneak up and try to catch one. The dragonets would all squawk and fly up out of reach. When the dragonets got tired of the game, they flew off.
While the children played, the adults played "catch-up", discussing what they had done in the last year. The women did most of the talking. The men added comments only when necessary.
After a few more minutes of talking, Hi'Iki said they had to go.
"We have a friend to visit before we go home."
Sango and Kagome gave Hana hugs. "Don't be a stranger."
Hana smiled. "We won't."
"Rin, you and Sesshoumaru are welcome anytime. Don't stay away so long."
Hi'Iki and Sesshoumaru had moved away from the group. Rin and Hana joined them. 'We will come by more often," Rin said.
The group decided to walk back. Hi'Iki and Sesshoumaru in front, the women in back. Hana and Rin chatted about different things.
Sesshoumaru mentioned to Hi'Iki what he learned from the book Kagome brought back from the future and what possibilities the future holds for youkai. They discussed possibilities on how to deal with the changes of the future.
"So we are no more than legend in the future?"
"From what I read, yes. Which means youkai are either completely exterminated or have adapted to pass as human."
"So those that weren't exterminated adapted and learned to live among humans." Rin said thoughtfully. She thought a moment. "In order to protect youkai from such extermination, maybe a powerful youkai should keep humans safe from youkai?"
Sesshoumaru and Hi'Iki stopped to look at Rin. They looked at each other.
"So you're saying to protect ourselves, we should protect humans?" Hi'Iki asked.
"Makes sense." Hana said. "If humans don't see youkai as a threat…"
"They'll forget about us and leave us alone," Sesshoumaru finished. He was already protecting Rin by chasing off or exterminating any youkai in his territory who didn't abide by his rules.
"It would take some talking and convincing, but it might work." Hi'Iki looked at Sesshoumaru. "We should mention it to those we know first and see how they react."
The others agreed that would be a good idea.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. When they reached the valley, Hi'Iki and Hana said their good-byes and headed off to see the Dragon King.
Sesshoumaru and Rin headed for the castle.
Daira was just leaving. "Oh good you're back. I'm going to the village to get some supplies and ideas from Kagome. I told everyone to take a few days off and Jaken hasn't come back yet from his visit." She walked past them. "Enjoy yourselves."
Sesshoumaru and Rin stared at her retreating back. They looked at each other. They had the place all to themselves.
Beware of lemons
Sesshoumaru suddenly knew exactly what he wanted. "Rin?" He looked at her with desire in his eyes.
Rin looked up at him and smiled. The desire in her eyes matched his.
Sesshoumaru gently lifted up Rin's face and kissed her. Rin wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. When they pulled apart, gold eyes locked with brown.
"Yes." Rin said softly.
Sesshoumaru took her hand and led her inside to their room. He took his armor off and put it aside. Rin lay down and stretched out on the matt. She turned over on her side and watched him. He walked over to her lay down next to her. They held each other for a while, simply enjoying the closeness.
Rin pulled back a little and gently touched Sesshoumaru's face. She traced the stripes on his cheeks, the crescent moon on his forehead and ran her fingers through his soft silky hair.
Sesshoumaru stroked Rin's hair. He liked the feel and smell of her silky strands. They smelled like flowers and berries. He ran his fingers through her hair, along the curve of her face, along the jaw line and gently over her lips. He gently brushed her lips with his fingers, then with his lips. They kissed, gently at fist, but it soon became more demanding. The kisses began to explore, finding other exposed areas of skin to taste.
Gently, with more confidence than the first time, touching and stroking was added to the kissing. Sesshoumaru's hands drifted gently over Rin's exposed skin, causing her to moan with pleasure. He slowly opened her kimono, exposing more skin to his gentle ministrations. Rin moaned. She reached under his yukata, running her hands across his chest, shoulders and arms. Soft growls of pleasure emanated from his throat as her hands explored him.
They took their time, slowly exposing more skin. Sesshoumaru was attuned to Rin's responses to his touches. Even the slightest show of discomfort stopped him immediately. He discovered Rin's breasts were sensitive pleasure centers and spent several minutes making Rin moan and squirm under his caressing.
The kissing and caressing continued as the clothes slowly came off. The only sounds were Rin's soft moans as she responded to Sesshoumaru's explorations.
Sesshoumaru kneeled between Rin's legs and stroked her now exposed thighs, going higher until he was gently rubbing the sensitive spot. Rin gasped as he rubbed harder, and she thrust her hips up for more. She softly spoke his name, encouraging him. He continued to rub until she couldn't take it any more.
"Sesshoumaru, I need," she managed to gasp out.
Sesshoumaru's own needs were as great as hers. He gently kissed his way from below her belly button back up to her breasts, until he was lying on top of her. His erection was pressing against her sensitive spot.
Rin opened her legs wider, wrapping them around Sesshoumaru's waist. She lifted her hips, whispering, "Sesshoumaru, I need you."
Sesshoumaru complied, gently thrusting in, going slowly at first, then faster until they found their perfect rhythm.
Rin grabbed Sesshoumaru's back, digging in with her fingers as she lifted her hips to meet his thrusts. Gasping and moaning, she managed to call out his name as a wave pleasure burst through her.
Sesshoumaru thrust a few more times, his soft growls mixing with Rin's moans. His last thrust sent waves of pleasure exploding through both of them. He growled her name as his seed flowed into her.
They both collapsed, exhausted. Sesshoumaru rolled off Rin, turning on his side. He pulled himself out of Rin and held her close. "My Little Rin," he whispered softly, nuzzling her hair.
"I love you Sesshoumaru," Rin whispered. They were both content to just lie there, enjoying each other.
"Sesshoumaru-sama?" Rin asked quietly as they lay together.
"Hmm?"
"What did you think of your nephew?"
Sesshoumaru thought about the toddler. "He seemed to like me." He pulled Rin closer to him. He understood why she was asking. He hadn't been bothered by the toddler or InuYasha for that matter. "We will have our own offspring."
Rin looked up at him. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. In a few years. Right now I want you to myself."
Rin put her head on his chest, wrapped one arm around him, snuggling as close as she could get. "Thank you," she whispered softly. She fell asleep thinking he'd make a good father.
Sesshoumaru lay quietly holding Rin and thinking. He thought of what the oracle had said concerning his greatest treasure. Rin. She was his greatest treasure. Without her, he would never have found his true self. His anger and hatred would have taken him down the path of destruction, becoming like Naraku. He shuddered at the thought. It was not in his nature to be evil. The oracle had been right about Tenseiga as well. Tenseiga had been the beginning and the end. It had put him where Rin would find him, when he needed her most, and had helped him make the right choice a year ago. By "losing" the battle, he won the treasure. He thought about his father. He could now understand why his father made the choices he had. He was getting drowsy and as his eyes drifted shut; his last thought was that being like his father wasn't so bad after all.
Notes:
I suspect both InuYasha and Sesshoumaru have a sense of humor, but have never had the reason to develop it. I also think everyone has come to the conclusion that Sesshoumaru has abandoned his quest to kill InuYasha, and view him as the unsocial member of the family.
I'm basing Sesshoumaru's power on what Kaede said about InuYasha. Having someone to protect makes them more powerful.
Baka means fool, idiot, stupid, along those lines.
Oji is uncle.
Legends usually have some sort of truth to them. In our current time, science has claimed such legends don't exist. Some legends have turned out to be true. The Mountain Gorilla, the Okapi. If you were a youkai in our present time, would you want your presence known to humans?