Title 07/10/2011

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Rin looked at Sesshomaru from across the table, unsure what was going on. The lord had invited her to dine with him. They both had a plate of meat before them, hers was well cooked while her dinner guests was raw. She sat and looked at him as he ate slowly. His eyes were on her but he never skipped a beat with his food. She moved her eyes freely, wishing there was something to break the suffocating silence. "My lord…" she said at last, picking each word carefully. "I wanted to ask…" she paused, taking a drink to cover her uncertainty. "I… I was just wondering… if there was a reason… why you… you've been avoiding me."

Sesshomaru's eyes moved to his food for a moment. "I have done no such thing."

"Several times in the last weeks I have called out to you and yet you always turn away, ignoring me. You hardly speak to me and the few times I have seen you, you walk away as fast as you can." She sighed. "I know you're not one for words but… if I have done something to upset you… I would appreciate you telling me."

He looked at her then back at his food. He remained silent.

Rin bit her lip and narrowed her eyes. "Then would you have me leave?"

His eyes shot to her and for a second, less than a heartbeat, she saw fear in his eyes. Then they went cold and emotionless once again. "You are free to do as you wish."

"Then you would have me leave."

He was silent and looked back at his food.

Feeling slightly bitter, Rin sighed, pushed her food away and stood up. "Thank you for the meal." She said, turning away from the table to the door.

"I wouldn't." he muttered as she reached the handle.

Rin heard him but kept on walking out the door. Sesshomaru watched as she left then sighed loudly, leant back in his chair and pushed his own food away.

Back in her room, Rin looked around, taking stock. Over two years she had been there and never gone further than the forest at the bottom of the mountain. With a nod of determination, she walked to the wardrobe and took out her travelling clothes, bow and arrows.

I wouldn't.

The words stuck in her head. He wouldn't have her leave. She sighed again and looked at her clothes then put them away. She wouldn't leave Sesshomaru.

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