SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. IT'S BEEN A CRAZY SUMMER! Um... INUYASHA BELONGS TO RUMIKO TAKAHASHI. LATERZ!
Through a blurring haze of tears Rin stared blankly at the area Sesshomaru had disappeared into. It was dark and shady, with very little sunlight seeping into it from above. Little streams of yellow and pink kissed it, but only very small amounts.
He had been gone for more than half an hour now, and left her with nothing but a broken heart and shattered eyes. Her breathing came out hard and heavy; laborious, even. She covered the place where her heart was buried and distantly felt it beat slowly.
He truly left her. Alone. In a forest where anything could happen to her. A demon could attack her. A human could pounce on her and have his way with her. She would fight him off, of course. All of them. Demon and human alike. But her strength wouldn't be enough. Especially not in her present, pitiful condition.
He was gone.
She could hardly believe it. But then...
Rin smiled bitterly. This whole week she had dreaded what was to come, yet readied herself for it. Why was it so hard to believe? She knew it was coming. But this was worst. Far more terrible than she had ever imagined.
How could he do this to her? To them. Yes, he was mad, but—damn it! She was his wife. He was honor bound to protect and cherish her! There was no reason for him to leave her alone. There was no reason whatsoever for him to be angry with her. To give her a look of such potent rage and revulsion combined into one.
He wasn't even willing to argue with her! She'd told him no and he uncharacteristically listened to her, as if he didn't care whether she followed him or stood behind.
What about you? What did you do to stop him?
Enough.
Rin's hands curled into fists, grabbing leaves and dirt, breaking them to shattered pieces. Rage fell over her vision, and her tears froze on her eyelids as she held them back. No, she would not cry. She would do no such thing. She'd wept enough this week. No more tears.
No more, Rin!
She had had enough.
Sesshomaru didn't want her anymore? Fine. She could live with that. Shewould.There was a time not too long ago when she lived for herself, and by herself. She'd survived well enough without him for some time. She didn't need him. She didn't!
So...why was it so hard for her to turn her eyes away from where he once had been? And why was it so impossible for her to say this out loud?
Do it, Rin. Say it. You can be independent.
"I..." Her throat convulsed. She swallowed thickly and tried again. "I..." But it was to no avail. She couldn't say those words aloud. Because they were nothing but lies. She needed Sesshomaru like she needed air. He was a part of her; the only being to become one with her, body and soul.
Her body jerked with suppressed sobs, and after holding them back for so long, she finally let them go. They fell in torrents, with anguish at the forefront of each drop, spilling over her pale cheeks. By now her legs were sore from kneeling on the dirt for so long, so she could not get up to stand. She knelt there, with her nails now biting into her skin. Her knuckles paled with the amount of exertion she used to clench her fists.
After some time the tears began to subside, and an empty, hollow feeling soon began to take over her battered heart. Finally, she looked away and turned her head around to see if there was a stick around. A large one to help her lift herself up and start moving. Where? Rin didn't know. She just had to move. She had to leave this place.
Unfortunately, she could find nothing that supported her enough to allow her to stand upright. Her leg was almost as stiff and unmoving as the trees surrounding her.
Sighing, she looked up to the sky. Her eyes widened when she caught a glimpse of Ah-Un. Strangely, she had believed Sesshomaru would fly away with the beast. It was his, after all. But thankfully, he did not, as she saw the demon floating up there, with one head looking down at her with large, black, beady eyes.
Using it, Rin decided, she would head out to Inuyasha's village and maybe start anew there. She would never marry again. Sesshomaru may be forever gone from her—or at least she thought he would be (she was feeling rather melodramatic at this moment)—but that didn't mean her vows no longer meant anything to her. They may have meant little to him, but she would keep them. Till death parted her from this world and into the next, she would keep them.
And if he did plan to return—which she hoped with everything in her would happen—she would be there for him, and she would take him back.
After he apologized. On his knees.
Positioning her lips for one loud, juicy whistle, Rin took in a deep breath...
And froze.
A tiny, almost imperceptible sound came to her right ear. Slowly she inclined her head to hear it a little better, and realized that it sounded as if someone were approaching her. Gulping with a sick panic rising from within her, she slowly turned her head around to face whoever was watching her.
And met the cold, shrewd, red eyes of a very angry demon.
Catching sight of his future beloved standing beside her twin brother by their hut, Ikuto crept surreptitiously toward them. The sun was nearly above her head causing her white hair to shine like that of an angel of light. She was wearing a blue kimono wrapped up by a belt covered with white swirls. When he stood behind Nagisa, he lifted his hand and gently tapped her soft shoulder.
The girl immediately whirled around and gave Ikuto a round house kick in his stomach.
He fell on the ground with a loud oomph, crushing the grass beneath him.
Realizing what she had done, Nagisa gasped and kneeled before him. "Oh my goodness. Are you alright, Ikuto?"
He lifted his head and grinned. "Oh, I'm fine."
She stared at him for some time, trying to make him out. He must've seemed strange to her. The kick should have knocked the very breath out of him.
He was breathless alright... Just not because of that.
"Hello, Nagisa."
She nodded her head. "Ikuto."
He frowned. "So formal. What's wrong?"
"What are you doing here?" She looked in back of him to where the village gate stood. "Where are my aunt and Sesshy?"
Ikuto waved his hand and made a move to stand. "Talking, I guess."
"You guess?"
He stood before her. "Yes. I don't really know. I mean, I'm not there to know what they are doing. I'mguessingthat they're talking. They could be arguing." He shrugged and said again, "I don't know."
She cocked her head to the side giving him an inquisitive look. "Why would they be arguing?"
He sent her a devilish grin. "Sessh is a bad boy."
"He is not!"
"No," Tomoya cut in. The boy had been laughing for quite some time now, but Ikuto had ignored him. He was now sober and very serious. "He's nice. I mean..." He paused for a moment looking as if he were searching for the right words. "He can look mean. And sound mean... But he's not bad. I kind of liked him."
"Me too!" Nagisa chimed. "And father is fond of him, as well."
Ikuto quirked a green brow at that. "Fond? I have been gone for no more than an hour. What has he said while we've been absent?"
Nagisa's eyes sparkled and she covered her mouth after she let out a girlish giggle. "You should see him. He's inside."
"Doing what?"
"Whining like a baby 'cause Sesshy forgot his gift."
"What gift?"
She bit her lip. "I think it was a dagger of some kind."
Ah. Ikuto understood. It was the dagger he had won the day they went hunting and played that stupid game. The one he should have one simply for being awesome.
"Who is he with?"
"Mother, Uncle Miroku and Sango," Tomoya replied. "They just came a few minutes ago. Maybe papa calmed down."
Nagisa shrugged.
They stood there, the three, in silence for a while, looking above, beyond or at one another. Ikuto, particularly, was ogling Nagisa, while Tomoya looked up at the morning sky. Nagisa kept her vision beyond Ikuto. She refused to have eye contact with him. Ikuto was sure of this because he continued to will her to look at him, but she did not, and his will power was quite strong, if he didn't say so himself.
He sighed a sigh of a forlorn lover. Why he acted as such went beyond his logic. He knew very little about love or romance...orlike.But he did know that he longed to have Nagisa look at him the same way he looked at her—with whatever emotion it was he felt for her.
Of course, it would take time, though. How much time, he knew not, but he would wait forever. Well...maybe not forever, he amended. A century would do. But that was it! Unless she decided to—
"Ikuto," Nagisa whispered.
He blinked out of his reverie. "Hmmm?"
"What are you doing?"
"Er... What does it look like I'm doing?"
"Being creepy."
"Oh." His cheeks enflamed. "Sorry."
"Why do you keep looking at me?"
"I told you once. Should I say it again?"
She wriggled her hands together looking almost bashful. What was this? Was his strong cloud feeling shy? "Y-yes."
"Your hair reminds me of a cloud and your eyes are like—"
"Uuuuuugh!" Tomoya groaned, giving them both a pained expression. "This is gross!"
Nagisa punched his arm. "It's not gross." Her gaze fell to the floor. "I think it's nice."
She likes it!And so he continued...
"Your eyes are gold, yes, but they shine as bright as the sun!"
Nagisa swayed her hips from side to side. "Wow. Really?"
Ikuto smiled cheekily. "You have no idea."
With one last groan, Tomoya ran into the hut.
"Woman you're supposed to be making me feel good."
Kagome let out a nervous chuckle in front of her friends. She had been brushing back Inuyasha's hair while he rested on her lap for some time now. But Miroku and Sango were there and they were being ignored, and that was just rude. Kagome could not stand for it so she had pushed Inuyasha up, and met his rather steely gaze.
While he continued to glare at her she said, "Now's not the time, Inuyasha."
He turned to Miroku and sent him a look that resembled fire. "I don't recall ever invitingyouover, bud."
Miroku smiled lopsidedly. "You didn't. We wanted to send off a proper farewell to Sesshomaru, but he's gone."
Inuyasha threw his head back, shut his eyes and groaned.
Kagome gave them a contrite smile. "He's not in the mood, guys. Sesshomaru left a gift behind. A gift Inuyasha gave him." They turned to Inuyasha with arched brows. Kagome added, "He also left the memory of his chubby white cheeks, so we're all going to miss him. And his cheeks."
Inuyasha looked at her through one open eye. "Kagome."
"Sorry, husband. I forgot. I'm yours, and blah, blah, blah."
"Exactly. Blah. So don't you forget it."
She rolled her eyes. "You have to admit it, though; his cheeks were pinch-able. They were just screaming for it."
"I don't remember you ever touchin' 'em."
Kagome snorted. "Like I want to be added to his hit list."
Inuyasha grumbled something rather inappropriate so Kagome decided to ignore him. No matter that it was just as rude as what he had been doing. He was being an idiot. Albeit an adorable one that was too proud to admit that he was going to miss his older half brother.
The band of them was sitting in Inuyasha's main sitting room before an unlit fire pit. Sunlight streamed in through the window, blanketing everyone with warmth.
"How long has he been gone?" Sango asked Kagome. She sat at the opposite side of the pit with her husband.
"A little over an hour," Kagome replied.
"Were you able to see him off?"
"No." She turned to Inuyasha and gave him a dark look. "Apparently they had planned to leave early in the morning days ago, and I had not been informed of this."
"Ah. So only Inuyasha got to say his goodbyes?"
"Yes."
Miroku pursed his lips. "How unfair."
"Oh yeah..."
Inuyasha decided to join in on the conversation. "I did it so he wouldn't grow suspicious. He thought he was coming back."
"Will he?"
He gave them a direct look. "No."
"How do you know?"
"Would you?"
"I... Well, I don't know. I'm not Sesshomaru," Miroku supplied.
"Yeah, well, neither am I, but I've known my brother for decades and he hasn't changed much since then. He's still an arrogant bas- I mean, demon."
They noticed his correction and made note of it in the back of their heads.
Kagome rested her hand on his thigh and rubbed it. He covered her hand with his own and circled it with his index finger, as if she, too, needed to be consoled. She smiled softly staring at their hands, then turned hers and entangled her fingers with his.
He looked at her through the sides of his eyes, and for one fleeting moment she saw them soften and grow warm. He knew she was trying to comfort him and to a point it worked. But just as quick as that look sprang forth, it fell away and revealed a sadness in her husband she did not like.
Maybe, she thought, I should tell them to leave, referring to Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha was acting different. He had been that way since this morning and she had a feeling he wouldn't change for a while.
But just when she was about to find a way to tell her friends what she wanted to do for her husband, Inuyasha sat up sharply, and lifted his nose to the air. He sniffed once... Then twice, and his eyes narrowed.
"Something's wrong," he muttered.
Kagome clutched his hand. "What is it?"
"He's here."
"Who?"
"Ikuto."
"What? Where?"
Inuyasha jumped up and took long strides. He went past the sitting room door, sliding it open, and walked toward the front entrance to his hut, passing Tomoya.
He found Ikuto standing beside his daughter. "Ikuto," he barked. "What the hell are you doing here?"
The boy stared at him wide eyed. "I've come to greet Nagisa." His brow creased. "You said I was welcome here."
"I meant in the future."
"An hour and a half has passed. This is the future."
Inuyasha growled. "Where's Rin?"
"With Sesshomaru."
Inuyasha froze. "Is he..." He lost his voice.
Ikuto nodded. "Yes, he has returned."
"How-how is he?"
"I left before he could think coherently. He was in pain for some time, so I took the chance to leave before he recognized me and did something... Well, stupid."
"What do you mean?"
"The adult Sesshomaru doesn't like me."
"Why?"
Ikuto waved his hand. "Insignificant. From what I know he doesn't like much people."
"True." Inuyasha covered his hands with his sleeves and leaned against his entry way. "How was Rin?"
"Afraid for him. The transformation was hurting him."
Inuyasha felt as if his stomach dropped. "How bad?"
"He's fine now," he reassured him. "It just took him some time to grow. I heard bones snap and..." He paused after he saw the look on Inuyasha's face. The half-breed had turned ashen. "I'll stop now."
Inuyasha laughed. It sounded hysterical. "I-I think I should go now."
"No-o-o," Kagome chided from behind him. She placed her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "They need to talk.Alone," she emphasized.
"But-"
She shook her head. "Inuyasha, he's an adult again. He can control himself."
"How do you know?" he cried. "How the hell can you know that? Kagome, love, I don't like this. I never approved of this in the first place. We should go and check on them—make sure they're alright."
"Are you trying to use this as an excuse to go see him?"
He gritted his teeth and gave her an annoyed look. "This has nothing to do with that," he snapped. Then he lowered his tone and leaned into her. "This is about Rin and her safety. And it's about Sesshomaru. He's going to hate himself if he does something to her. I mean, I would if I ever hurt you."
Kagome bit her lip. "Do you really think he'll forget himself and hurt her?"
He threw his hands up. "Yes! That's what I've been trying to tell everyone. He's only been married to her for a year. That isn't enough time to change a man, let alone a demon that's been independent for years."
"But he loves Rin."
"Don't you dare put words into his mouth. That kind of talk brings false hope, and I don't need that. I don't want to hear it unless Rin says it to my face. And he hasn't, Kagome." His look was almost pleading. "I think we should go."
"But we don't know where they are."
"I do!" Ikuto chimed in.
Inuyasha turned to him. "Lead the way."
And he did.
Sesshomaru stared at his wife. His beautiful, rebellious wife that didn't know what an order meant. He'd left her alone for some time to get over her anger. He knew not why she was angry, of course. It didn't make sense to him. He had returned to his natural form and instead of being happy and understanding, she looked almost disappointed.
After he'd left her he took a long walk around the woods, trying to calm down. All of his memories had come to him swiftly during the change, and they felt as if they'd crashed into his brain. He had been in pain- so much pain, and he didn't want anything or anyone touching him. Ikuto's damned spell made every bone in his body feel like shattered glass.
With bitter recollection he recalled the past week. Unfortunately none of it had left him with the return of his older memories. His wife saw him as such a puny, pathetic creature. And took care of him—as if that wereherjob.
She looked rather pale, with dark circles under her wide, brown eyes. He remembered how little she slept this week and worry gnawed at his stomach.
"Are you finished?" he said much harsher than he'd intended.
Rin blinked repeatedly before she replied. "W-what?"
He tried to regain his composure. "Are you ready now?"
She stared at him without expression. "For what?" she replied.
"You have been by yourself for over an hour now," he bit off. "I believe that is enough time for you to come to terms with your present predicament."
Confusion lit her gaze. "My...predicament? What- that you're leaving me?"
He couldn't help himself. He blinked at her, then said, "What?" Leaving her? She thought he had left her? What rot! She was his property, and her place was by his side.
"Why have you returned?"
Although Rin's voice was as gentle as always, there was a cool note in it that raised Sesshomaru's hackles. He looked at her sharply. She had never spoken to him that way before. Yes, they had had their arguments one time or another in the past. She would raise her voice only slightly, and he would raise his to remind her who was the authoritative voice in this relationship. This usually rankled her, and caused her to enflame into a passionate rage that Sesshomaru used to his advantage to make love to her.
But this time there was no passion in her voice, just a cool detachment. As if she was displeased because he was back.
His expression turned to ice.
"For you, of course."
She stiffened then told him in a slow, careful tone. "I told you, I'm not going."
Rather than remaining nonchalant, his eyes narrowed in on her, spitting fire. "What?"
She swallowed thickly. "I'm not going, Sesshomaru," she said in a scratchy voice.
"Excuse me?"
She made a move to stand, and Sesshomaru noticed the suspicious sheen that accumulated above her brow. Her leg, he realized. It was hurting her. He took a step forward to give her aid, reaching out with his hand- but she snapped her arm out to him. "I can do it myself."
He reeled back as if he'd been slapped by the one person he thought would never betray him. He stood stiffly, feeling empty and cold. "Very well, then."
He watched her crawl toward a nearby tree and support herself with it, so she would be enabled to stand. She did so slowly with pain creasing her brow.
His hands curled into fists, his nails biting into his skin. She was in pain and she didn't want his help. Damn her. Why was she denying him the right to help her? Had she grown accustomed to the power she held over him while he was nothing but a child? Well, he wasn't one any longer. He was her husband now. And he was the head of their relationship. Not her.
It would do her some good to remember her place.
"Come, Rin. Let's go."
She stood before him, strong and resolute. "I'm not following after you."
He gave her a bland look. "Then where do you plan to go?"
"Your brother—"
Before she knew what happened, Sesshomaru flashed before her, grabbed her body up and forced her against a tree. It shook, rattling its branches. The sound of birds flapping their wings and flying away met her ears, along with Sesshomaru's harsh breathing against her cheeks.
She let out a cry. "Sesshomaru!"
"Silence!" he snarled. "You will speak when given my say so."
"You cannot force me to go with you."
"On the contrary, love, I can."
Rin's eyes welled with tears, but she willed them to stop. How dare he use that word now. She tried to wriggle herself off of his unrelenting hold, but could not. "Let me go."
He placed his bare leg between hers and stretched them apart. Rin winced but Sesshomaru was too angry to notice. He was far too close to her wound. She feared he would touch the sensitive flesh and make her bleed.
"Sessh—"
"Be quiet!"
She trembled beneath his hold.
"Now listen to me, wife," he commanded. "You will never return to that village again. Do you understand me?"
Rin choked back a sob. Her heart broke hearing his words. Everything she had feared was coming to pass.
She gave no reply so he shook her. "Rin!"
"S-stop it!" she cried.
"You would do well to adhere to my wishes." The icy, carefully measured words sent chills down her spine.
God, she knew he would be angry, but not enough to despise her so! "Sesshomaru,please!Listen to me. There is no reason for you to act this way."
"The time merits it."
He tightened his grip on her and forced her hands above her head. He leaned into her neck and smelled her. Instinctively, Rin shivered, and a pool of heat began to form at the pit of her stomach. She felt his knee rub against her entrance, through her clothes.
"You are my wife," he muttered hoarsely. "And your place is by my side."
"Yes," she gasped. "Yes."
"My wife..." he continued, moving his hand gently down her right arm, which was at odds with his demeanor. "My property."
Rin immediately shook her head. "No.No.I am no man's property."
He looked sharply into her eyes. "I beg to differ." He ground himself against her. "You aremine."
His, yes—but not his property. She had neither been purchased nor traded. He was hers because she agreed to it. And because she loved him, despite his actions.
His fingers continued to trail down the length of her arm, and then stopped when they met the skin above her collar bone. He rubbed it softly with the crook of his index finger, circling the area. He stared at Rin's neck, watching as she gulped, noticing how heavy her breathing became. At least his wife was not immune to his touch as she was to his feelings, he mused. He moved lower, circling her breast before running his fingers down her sides. When he met the end of her kimono he lengthened his nails, and then ripped a line down the middle of it, allowing him easier access toward her opening.
Rin choked back a gasp. "S-Sesshomaru—no."
"Yes," he hissed. He leaned down to bite the soft nub of flesh behind her ear.
"Wait. Please," she rasped. He was trying to assert his authority over her and she knew it. "Not now."
"Always."
She swallowed. "But my-"
His fingers met her knee. He closed his hand around it and began to lift it up slowly. Rin shut her eyes as she felt him reign kisses along her neck. The tingling sensations evoked by his lips sent electrical currents down to her spine, heating her to the core.
As usual her body was attuned to his every touch, but not her mind. Or heart. Not at this moment. He was using her body to prove something to himself and for that she almost began to despise him. She half wanted to. But another part of her thought that if he finished with this maybe he'd get what he needed out of it and return to her husband. And not this monster.
She liked neither thought. She wasn't a doll; no toy to be played with as if she were some thing, and not his wife.
"Sesshomaru, stop this," she begged. "This isn't the time to be doing this."
But he ignored her and he reached for her other leg. The leg that was now throbbing with heat and being stretched with every move she made. To her horror he began to lift it up, as if he'd forgotten that it was injured. She bit back her lip to stop herself from crying out, but currents of pain quickly swam through her, circulating throughout her body, and she let out a piercing scream, filled with pain.
Sesshomaru immediately froze and blinked back the red haze that had once covered his vision. He could hear his wife's whimpers as she tightened her hold against his arms.
You promised you would never hurt her! he heard a small voice cry from deep within him, and, finally, he let his wife go. He threw his head back in a mask of tortured anguish.
Rin crumpled down to the floor in a heap, sweating profusely. Tears ran down her cheeks in a violent downpour. But her eyes... Sesshomaru held back a roar. He had put that empty expression on her face. Those beautifully brown eyes were wide and pale, with spikes of wet eye lashes shadowing her cheeks.
Sesshomaru quickly knelt before her, ashen and dry-mouthed. He searched her kimono till he found her bandage, and noticed that Rin made no move to stop him. In fact, she did nothing but breathe and stare at something beyond him. When he found the bandage he cursed aloud. The cut had been opened again. Her cloth was already reddening with blood.
His mouth went dry and he left his hands hovering above it, as if he feared touching her again.
Rin wiped her eyes. Shaking, she reached down to rip off a piece of her kimono, but Sesshomaru grabbed her hand and pushed it away. Realizing what he had done he bowed his head, shamefaced.
"I am sorry," he rushed out. "I-I just..." But he could not speak over the lump in his throat.
He better explained himself with his next actions, grabbing a hold of his own kimono.
Rin gasped and extended her arm to meet his. "No, Sesshomaru—"
But he stopped her with a shake of his head. Then he ripped a large strip of his kimono off. He didn't care that it was already exposing enough of himself. If a storm would come and endanger his wife he would rather be naked with her having his clothes, than have her shivering—as she was doing now.
With trembling hands, he made a move to touch her leg, but this time Rin recoiled away from him. She was afraid of him, he knew. She thought he would hurt her again. Had he been younger he would have wept. As if he would ever allow himself to do such a thing again without cutting out his own heart first.
God, but he was a monster.
Swallowing thickly he whispered, "Let me..." And with tender hands he switched the old, red bandage with his beautifully sewn piece of cloth, and gently wrapped it around her leg. He tied it into a knot, securing the thin blood flow.
Once he finished, he sat back, with his hands on his thighs and humbly bowed his head. "Forgive me," he rasped. "I never meant to cause you any harm."
Rin's eyes welled up. "I..." But she couldn't speak.
"What I have done to you is unforgivable. You may stay with Inuyasha if it pleases you. I..." His fists clenched. He spoke as if his words were bringing him much anguish. They were stiff, but harsh, as if he had to force them out from the depths of his soul. "I do not wish to force you to do anything against your will."
"Sesshomaru," she said, "I don't want to leave you."
He slowly looked up at her, and what she saw in his eyes brought on another onslaught of tears. He didn't believe her.
She saw his jaw clench and wondered why, then found out the reason, and it broke her heart.
He groaned her name. "Stop crying, my love.Please. I've long lost the ability to do so, and I cannot stand the sight of you doing something I no longer have the power to do. I cannot share in it."
His voice was soft with entreaty. He had never used this tone before, toward anyone. So much of himself that had been hidden prior to this week was being revealed right before her eyes. And they showed his grief and torment.
"Sesshomaru," she said, lips trembling. She couldn't stay mad at him. Not as he was right then.
"You may live with my half brother," he continued as if he hadn't heard her. "And I know I do not deserve the right to touch you ever again, but I ask you only this. Do not send me away when I visit you, for surely I shall. Will you agree to this?"
She nodded slowly, and his relief was a palpable force. So much so that it was hurting Rin. It was as if a sword had pierced her soul.
"Sesshomaru," she rasped. "I told you, I don't want to leave you."
He didn't dare hope. He didn't deserve this woman. All she'd ever done was love him, and he spurned her by doing this. "But you said—"
"Not any longer. Sesshomaru, I will go wherever you go. My place is by your side. I am your wife, after all. And...and I love you."
A myriad of emotions came across his face before he groaned, took her into his arms and lifted her up onto his lap. He buried his head in her neck. "How can you still love me?" he whispered raggedly. He knew he was still trembling. He couldn't help himself. He was holding his wife when a few seconds before he thought he was going to have to watch her leave him. "I hurt you." And he attempted to exert his power over her with his strength as if she were some common doxy.
Rin smiled gently, brushing his hair with her hand. "It doesn't hurt anymore. You made it all better."
"It shouldn't have happened in the first place," he gritted out, tightening his hold. "How could I hurt you?"
Rin winced and alarm flew back in his gaze. He softened his hold, but held her still. "Are you alright? Does it still hurt?"
"I'm fine, Sesshomaru."
He didn't believe her. "You are sure? I do not think Kagome did a good enough job. The cut... It is still red."
"Well, I did hurt myself a very short time ago."
He looked crestfallen. "I should have been there."
She should've known he would be upset with her for leaving him behind. "I know. I'm sorry."
He looked at her with soft, sad eyes. "Why did you tell me to stay behind?" he asked very quietly. "You knew how I felt about that."
"I was trying to act distant," she told him. "I was codling you far too much and knew you would dislike it. I didn't want to fuel your anger."
He held her hand and circled it gently with his nails. He remembered that day. He had thought Rin stopped loving him, and it broke him inside. "I am not, nor was I ever angry at you for that."
"Then why—"
He buried his head again, as if he were ashamed to say, "Because you were going to leave me and you promised you would never do so."
Her eyes widened. "But earlier, you were mad at me. You told me not to touch you."
He looked away from her recalling the pain. "It hurt," was all he was willing to say.
"You said you didn't need me." She closed her eyes remembering how she'd felt after he said that. She never really knew how words could inflict so much hurt until then.
He rested his chin on her shoulder. "Foolish words from a demon in pain. I never meant them." He smelled her scent. Delicious.
Her eyes brightened for the first time since he'd returned and it melted his heart. "Really?"
He nodded, while thinking she was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on. It was no matter that she was human. She was his everything.
She lifted his hand and kissed it. "And I will always need you."
She felt him shake his head. "No you don't. This week has proved that. I wasn't there to protect you, and other than that accident, you were well enough without me."
She turned around to meet his golden orbs. "Do you remember everything that happened?"
Unfortunately. "Yes."
"Don't you recall how I was? My emotions were all over the place. I could not cease crying out of worry that you would hate me—"
"I could never hate you."
"Or leave me..."
"I only walked away to leave you to yourself. Foolishly I had thought that you were disappointed in my return."
She looked shocked. "I wished for this day since Ikuto placed the spell on you."
He knew this and he could hardly believe that he had forgotten. She kept telling him, and the others, how much she missed her husband. At the time he hadn't known who that demon was, and was jealous toward the being. But it was he she missed.He she longed for, with eyes constantly glistening with unshed tears.
Damn. If he hadn't been so damned arrogant none of this would have happened. He knew Ikuto was different, yet his pride pushed him onward—and he'd become Sesshy again. And later hurt his beloved.
"This is my fault," he said and his voice was laced with self-contempt.
Rin stared at him and surprise flickered in her gaze. She never thought he would audibly admit his folly in front of her. Had Ikuto's plan worked out? Had Sesshomaru learned his lesson?
"I don't blame you," she said. "You had no idea this would happen."
"I still blame myself. If I had been wise instead of a pompous ass, this never would have happened, and you wouldn't have had to have taken care of me."
"I didn't mind that," she whispered.
"It isn't your place," he snapped.
She turned away from him and he wondered if he upset her somehow. He told her in a gentle tone, "I am the one who should watch over and protect you. You are my bride, Rin. My woman. But because of my actions, you had to run to my half breed of a brother."
"He didn't seem to mind."
"You misunderstand me. You seem to think I care about that," he replied sardonically.
Rin looked up at him sharply. "Sesshomaru."
He lifted his chin andhumphed.
Then he narrowed his eyes and looked around the area as if he'd just heard something, or realized something was off. "Where is that brat?"
She knew he meant Ikuto. "Running for his life, I suppose."
Sesshomaru grunted, which, in translation, meant: He better be.
Rin grinned. "I am glad you are home."
He lifted a brow. "Home?"
"In my arms."
He slightly tightened his grip, conscious of her leg this time. "I have been in your arms all week." He nibbled her ear. "Now it's time for you to remain in my own."
Inuyasha followed behind Ikuto, running past trees and other greenery in a blur. Anxiety gnawed at his stomach as he continued, in fear that something would happen to his relatives. God, he hoped Sesshomaru did not harm Rin. He would beat the crap out of him if he laid a finger on her.
"A little further," Ikuto gasped, pointing ahead.
Seconds later, they stopped in the middle of an area shadowed by large trees. There was no one in sight, though. Inuyasha frowned. "Er... Ikuto. Where are they?"
"Close by."
"Then why don't we go?"
"Hold on. I'm going to cover our scents."
Inuyasha's jaw dropped. "You're going to what? You can do that?" At Ikuto's nod, Inuyasha took a closer look at the boy. "What the hell are you?"
"Something different."
"When we get back you're going to explain that to me."
Ikuto smirked. "Yes sir."
He lifted his hand and waved it around in circular motions. A pink light with greenish lines formed at the tip of his fingers and spread around his head. Ikuto brought up his other arm, grabbed the translucent beams and threw one at Inuyasha. It engulfed him instantly with a protective shield that smelled like rain and thunderstorms.
Throughout all this Inuyasha stood in awe. Ikuto was a powerful demon. He would have to keep an eye on him more often.
"Alright, let's go."
Inuyasha took tentative steps behind him. His long legs carried him across the land. But as he looked at the ground, he realized that he made no noise whatsoever. There were no crunching sounds, or snaps.
How weird.
He continued on...
And just when he was about to snap at Ikuto for losing them, the boy stopped, turned around and told Inuyasha to be quiet. "Shhh. They're right in front of us."
Inuyasha froze. He listened in on what was being said, and found that there were voices talking quietly to one another.
No one was yelling. No one was crying. And best of all, no one sounded angry. In fact, from what he was hearing, there was much cajoling going on.
Well, well, well, he thought while grinning unabashedly. Apparently, he had been wrong. Sesshomaru did love Rin. How much? Well, from what he could see from behind a tree, Sesshomaru had his arms wrapped around his wife, with his head resting on her shoulder. His eyes were closed but there was a content smile on his lips, as if he'd missed that spot, and was glad he had it for himself again.
It was enough.
Inuyasha shook his head, grinning. He had been so wrong. The demon before him was not the same demon he'd known for years. Because he was now in love. And he knew how much that could change a man. Why, he was an example of that love, himself...
"Ikuto," he said softly to the boy who was also listening intently to their conversation with a grimace.
"Hmmm."
"Let's go." The couple deserved some alone time, without any spectators.
He let out a breath of relief. "Thank god."
Inuyasha chuckled. They turned around together, with the picture of Rin resting her head against her husband's chest, and left the two lovers behind.
Sesshomaru opened his legs and Rin slipped easily through it. "What are you going to do with Inuyasha?" she asked him as she rubbed his thighs. "He'd grown rather attached to you this week."
"I can easily detach him."
She gave him a chiding look. "You cannot fool me any longer, Sesshy."
He glared at her. "Don't call me that."
She pouted. "Why not?"
"It's degrading."
"I think it's sweet."
"I despise it."
"You didn't before."
"I am no longer a child, am I?" he said, sounding arrogant, like the old Sesshomaru.
She almost anticipated a pout. "No."
"And that answers that."
"Can't I call you that?"
"Not unless you want to feel my wrath." He was teasing her, of course. He would never harm this woman again. Not only because it hurt her, but because it tore him into three. He never wanted what happened today to happen again. And he would make sure of it.
She looked at him with large, begging eyes. "Please?"
He stared at her. "What are you doing?"
"Begging."
"Why?" He sounded incredulous.
"Because you won't let me have my way unless I do so."
"That is a lie."
She gave him a pointed look. "You're telling me there is a way to coerce you into giving me what I want?"
"You should already know what that is."
A suspicious light shone in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm going to play naive right now and ask what you mean."
"Wife," he muttered, "it has been a week since we've last made love."
She sighed, "I know."
He noticed the longing in her voice and his lips twitched. He rubbed his nose against her neck, tickling her. Rin laughed. "Stop!" she choked, giggling.
"No."
A second later he threw her on her back and straddled her; not hard enough to hurt her again, but rough enough to leave her breathless.
"Sesshomaru, my wound."
He rubbed her back side. "Is that better?"
She gulped. "Sesshomaru, what are you doing?"
"Touching my wife."
"Why?"
"Because I am Sesshomaru." Translation: I do as I please. "Do not worry. I'll be gentle."
"It still hurts."
He gave her a strange look. Rin's mouth stood open for a few seconds. She may have salivated, but she wasn't sure. "Why don't I heal it with my tongue?"
She gulped. Those words implied very wicked things indeed. "That-that is unsanitary."
"Rin." He growled at her. "Why do you hesitate?"
"I already explained."
"There is more." He could tell by the new blush flooding her cheeks. "Explain yourself."
"Must I?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Alright. Fine. The reason I don't want to do it—just yet," she added, "is because I still see Sesshy." And it was the truth. Every little change to his face, every expression, and every emotion reminded her of what he once had been. After all, he'd been that way for a while now, and just returned to normal. It would take her some time to lose the image of him as a watery-eyed, lonely child.
Sesshomaru's brow creased and confusion lit his gaze. "What?"
She cleared her throat. "You were just a child and—"
He sat straight on his knees, holding her still with his legs. He shook his head, mystified. "No.No.You are not denying me your touch because of that. There is another reason." When she shook her head he groaned. "There has to be another reason. Make it up, damn it."
"Watch your tongue."
He arched a brow at her as if to say, You dare give me an order?
She replied to that with a strong "Yes."
"This is nonsense. I have not made love to my own for a week and she says it is because she still sees the child in me. I am still cursed."
Now he was pouting.
Rin let out a throaty laugh and it sounded so beautiful he could not remain moody. His expression softened and he smiled faintly. "You mock me with your laughter and this Sesshomaru does not approve."
"Forgive me, my lord. But this Rin is too pleased to remain as serious as you always appear to be."
"I am very serious." He tried to look utterly serious, and failed, miserably. There was too much humor swimming in his eyes.
Rin laughed again and Sesshomaru could not help himself. He leaned down and kissed his wife's cheek. She squealed his name, but he continued on. It was hard to stop doing something one loved with a passion as hot as the sun, and since there was no plausible reason to end his kissing fest, he brushed kisses upon every part of Rin's body, giving them the pleasure they both knew she wanted and deserved. And he did as he said before, healing her with his tongue, which caused Rin to go ablaze.
But before long, she was doing the same things to him...
And more.
Once they were finished Sesshomaru rested his body against a tree, depleted and content. Rin sat beside him, beautifully naked, and earthy. Twigs and leaves were entangled in her hair. She appeared to him the embodiment of all that was beautiful in the world: the sky, the sun, the moon, grassy fields filled with dandelions.
Their clothes were heaped before them, tattered and wrinkled. Her short legs brushed against his lengthy ones as she placed her head onto his shoulder.
No words were spoken during this time. All that could be heard were the songs of birds, or the wind blowing softly against the branches and its leaves. It was a time for them to think about everything. Rin thought about what they'd just done, and all they had gone through this past week, as did Sesshomaru. But while she thought solely on these things he couldn't get over the fact that he had been outwitted by a child, albeit a uniquely strong one from another world.
Rin must've read his thoughts—though he could hardly believe it; he'd always been rather emotionless. She gave him an inquisitive look. A very sexy one, too, with her lips looking red and utterly delicious. "You look rather disgruntled."
That was because he was. "The spell must be wearing off slower than we thought it would." That was the only reason he could think of for forgetting to keep a blank expression. That or he felt comfortable with Rin. And after everything they'd been through, that didn't seem so far off from the truth.
Rin's brow wrinkled. "What do you mean?"
"That is why you see so much of my emotions."
She bit her lip and turned away. He shook her softly.
"Rin?"
"May—may I ask why you are so...annoyed all of a sudden?"
"Why else?" He grimaced. "Ikuto."
To Rin, that explained everything. "I see. Well," she patted his thigh, "worry not, my love. I don't think any less of you for what happened. In fact, I'm almost grateful that it did." He arched a brow at that. "Of course it's minuscule. I'm only a tiny bit grateful."
"I remember a very sad woman."
She narrowed her eyes at him. "You sound rather pleased by that."
He said nothing, but his eyes spoke volumes.
"You already know that I missed you very much." Still nothing from him. "Nobody thinks any less of you because of this week. You're still annoyingly perfect in Inuyasha's eyes. And wonderful in my own."
She was doing a phenomenal job at stoking his bruised pride, he mused. Praiseworthy, almost. But he was still a bit irked by the fact that she had been slightly all right with this week. How could she? If she had been the one changed into a child again he would've gone mad! It took her long enough to grow into this beautiful gem of a woman. He would protect and stay with her, but it would be the strangest thing to stand next to her knowing that he'd done so many things with her before and would not be able to do so for days. It would be the epitome of Hell.
Rin had not gone mad, of course. He was slightly shocked that she hadn't killed Ikuto. He would have. But then again, Rin was a docile creature. Strong when needed, but kind and loving almost always. Especially toward him.
He decided then that his wife deserved something—a gift. Something that would make her eyes glow with love. Something...different. Like—
"Sesshomaru!"
He blinked down at her. "Yes?"
"You went to space."
"I was thinking."
"Of what?"
"A gift. I want to reward you with something special."
"That's alright. I'm fine with you—" She paused. Recalling her conversations with Inuyasha and Kohaku, Rin decided that now would be the time to figure out whether Sessomaru loved her. She believed he proved it with his actions today, by choosing to stay by her side rather than leaving her for shame. But she wanted him to say it aloud. She needed those words.
"Rin?"
But she didn't know how to go about this. How was she to ask him if he loved her? She felt so unsure of herself and awkward. "Sesshomaru..."
He waited patiently for her to continue.
"Sesshomaru, what am I to you?"
"My wife."
"And?"
"My mate."
"And?"
"My...friend."
Well, that was unexpected, but definitely desired. "Thank you," she croaked. "You are mine, too."
His lips curved. "The best?"
She smiled through her tears. "The bestest."
"Good. Now what did you mean by that question?"
"Do you..." She shook her head. She couldn't do it out of fear that he would say no, he didn't love her. "Forget it."
He pulled back for a moment, his eyes searching her face. "Love?"
She stared at him. He called her that word again. "Sesshomaru, why did you call me that?"
"What? 'My love'?" he asked as if he were talking about killing a weak demon, rather than about his name calling. After Rin's nod, he gave her a look that told her he thought it was rather obvious why he said it. She understood that. Truly, she did. And for that alone, she was almost euphoric, but then he spoke again, buoying her spirits. "That is who you are."
Sesshomaru hardly knew what happened next. One moment his wife was looking up at him with misty eyes, the next she was on top of him, while he was on the floor, lying on his back. For a demon known to have cat-like reflexes, her ability to tackle him without his knowing came to him as a complete shock. But it died down after she began to feather his neck and face with kisses. Her body molded perfectly with his. She cupped his member, rubbing against him. Her breasts squeezed together, blanketed his chest. Her lips were sensuous, wet and full. And her eyes... How he loved those eyes. Especially when they were filled with lust and love and passion combined.
He half wondered why this happened, but very quickly understood that it was because he had finally expressed his feelings toward her. He had done so as a child, which had not been a lie, but he had failed to do so in the past as an adult. He had an excuse, though. Prior to this week he'd known very little about the concept of love, but Rin's actions and the relationship between Inuyasha and his wife opened up his eyes to see its true meaning. And his Rin was its image. She was his love. And even though he didn't deserve her affection, by the grace of the gods, he was hers, too.
And just like that, he knew exactly what to give her as a gift for her patience, endurance and love…
His heart.
THERE'LL BE MORE. I'M NOT DONE...