THANK YOU MINNA-SAN for your reviews. I dedicate this to everyone who laughed at Ayame's antics. It was fun to write such a light character especially since everything is so heavy -- anyway, special thanks to Reiycheru, InuGoddess715, and RayGirl91. You guys are awesome! Oh and check out my other fic, Iniquitous Black. Ch. 2 is up!
vitreous adj. 1. Pertaining to, resembling, or having the nature of glass; glassy. 2. Obtained or made from glass. 3. Of or pertaining to the vitreous humor. Latin vitreus, from vitrum, glass
Inu Yasha and all characters within are property of Rumiko Takahashi.
Vitreous
chapter XIV: night
June- She'll
change her tune. In restless walks she'll prowl the night.
July- She
will fly. And give no warning to her flight.
August- Die
she must. The autumn winds blow chilly and cold
- Simon & Garfunkel
Dear Ayame,
I arrived yesterday and can already tell that this summer is going to be the epitome of awkwardness…
The curse of having braces is that no matter what you eat, it's going to get stuck. The worst part is everyone likes to pretend that they are polite, and therefore not tell you that you have a piece of lettuce glaring straight through the first and second upper bracket, but rather try to ignore it. However, even the most dignified of person cannot help but blindly stare at the foreign color screaming against your white teeth.
Now, if being a teenager with braces and glasses wasn't bad enough, Rin had to blow her entire cover by eating a salad on the plane. She was half way through tears and hugs when the ever-graceful Inu Yasha blurted:
"What's that crap between your teeth?"
No, this summer was going to blow.
…
"You will be staying in the lilac room," Jaken croaked.
Rin shifted her weight and blew at her bangs, which were stuck to her forehead due to the intense heat. The mansion was air-conditioned, which she was eternally grateful for.
"But Jaken, Izumi-kaasan, Grandpa, and even Shippou are on the other side of the mansion!"
Jaken rolled his eyes.
"Then learn to walk you lazy human!"
Rin narrowed her eyes before deciding the better of it.
"Good night!" she stated and slammed her down for effect.
Jaken jumped and griped, "Teenagers!"
Rin stared at the plain but delicate room spread out before her. The walls were of a pale lilac with a western-style four post queen-sized bed done in painted white wood jutting out from the left side. Across the bed was a real fireplace complete with a mantle. There was a white dresser to one side of the fireplace complete with a vanity mirror and bookshelf against the other side. A huge bay window stood in the far most corner with a built in seat. Poking her head into the closet she gasped at the space. Cleary she was not at the dorms any longer. Sighing with content as she lay against the bed's goose feathered comforter, she realized that she could get use to solitude…
…
Rin blinked and sat up, stretching as she did so. Did she fall asleep? Judging from the darkness outside, she must have slept quite a while. A loud rumble came from her stomach and she inwardly blushed. She must have skipped all her meals in her effort to rid herself of jet lag. Hopping off the bed, she slid into her slippers and made her way to the kitchen using a candle so as not to wake anyone else. Setting the candle on the counter, she opened the fridge to see what looked appetizing. Deciding a sandwich would suffice given the numerous cold cuts, she pulled out a few desirous items and set them on the counter.
"Hand me an apple while you're at it."
Rin jumped what felt like a million miles as she hit her head on one of the refrigerator shelves.
"OW!" She winced and her hands went to rub the sore spot. Whirling around, she saw Sesshoumaru calmly seeping a tea bag into a mug filled with hot water. "Sesshoumaru!"
"Welcome back Rin," he replied, his voice slightly elevated in concealed amusement.
"Are you…you're laughing at me!" Rin accused.
Sesshoumaru's eyebrows arched slightly, and though the lighting was dim, Rin could still see it.
"Don't you arch your eyebrows at me! I cannot believe you think my pain is funny you sadist."
Sesshoumaru glided past her and grabbed an apple, closing the door as he did so.
"You're not going to even deny it?"
"No."
"Kinky," Rin muttered in English, forgetting Sesshoumaru's excellent hearing and higher education. Suddenly she clamped her mouth shut in horror, the influence of Ayame apparent.
Sesshoumaru stared at Rin for a minute, flabbergasted that the innocent girl he sent to college was picking up the most peculiar vernacular while away. Rin meanwhile was freaking out. The romantic reunion she had envisioned was quickly going down the toilet. After a rather awkward pause, Sesshoumaru decided to do the noble thing and save the girl from death.
"What are you doing up?"
Relieved, she blurted, "Jetlag, plus I'm starving. Why are you still awake?"
"Insomnia."
"Oh." Think of something more intelligent to say! Her brain screamed.
"Goodnight Rin. I believe your mother mentioned an early day tomorrow, involving wedding plans?"
Rin let out a groan at being reminded. She hadn't been back for more than a day and already she knew that this wedding was going to be torture.
"Thanks for reminding me of my impending doom."
Sesshoumaru gave a half smirk and left the room, leaving Rin to just stare at his retreating figure.
What just happened?
…
I ran into Sesshoumaru in the kitchen on my first night and he scared me to death! Oh Ayame, I can't believe what happened. We were talking and he practically admitted to being a sadist and I made the idiotic comment of "kinky". I swear I am going to kill you for using that word all year.
Ah, and you should see what I'm to wear in the wedding. I have to say that I must respectfully decline your request for photographic proof that I am going to be a flower girl…
"No…no…no…NO…NO!" Rin screamed as Sango completely ignored her and handed her a pair of matching gloves. Rin stared at herself in horror in the threefold mirror in the bridal shop and wanted to disappear.
"You look adorable!" Sango purred, with Kagome and Shippou trying to contain their laughter. It was time to get Rin and Shippou measured for the wedding next week and the creation Sango picked out was a nightmare.
A big, frothy, Barbie™ pink, puffed sleeved nightmare. Which now included white gloves.
"Here's a matching basket," a helpful sales lady said, handing said basket to Sango.
"Ooooo, it even has pink ribbon already woven in!"
Shippou couldn't take it anymore and fell over, exploding with laughter.
Rin whirled around. "Oh, laugh now buddy, but I'm sure your pillow will be worse!"
That got Shippou's attention. "Wait- pillow?"
Sango nodded. "That's right, how else would you carry the rings? Oh, and I found this darling top hat too…"
Rin began to laugh as Shippou started turning a shade of green similar to Jaken.
…
Rin held the candle close to her as she wandered the halls. It was two days after the fitting and she still hadn't adjusted to the time difference. Deciding that a story might help lull her to sleep, she headed for the annex library. Unlike the grand library, which could be compared to Tokyo's public library system, the annex was more of a reading room. Opening the door, she was surprised to see the room was already occupied.
"Come in."
"S-Sesshoumaru…gomen, I didn't realize that you were here. You must be busy so I'll just go-"
"Stop your chattering and close the door before the cold seeps in."
"H-hai." Rin quickly closed the door behind her.
Sesshoumaru returned to his project and Rin plopped down on a chair across from him and stared.
"Do you always play chess by yourself?"
"It's just something to relax me."
"Really? I usually read a book…"
"A bedtime story?"
"A novel…until my eyes get heavy, but perhaps you want an opponent?"
Sesshoumaru merely looked up at her before he began to place the pieces back in their proper positions, a silent consent to her offer. Apparently he claimed white, though Rin would have guessed as much. Setting her pieces back in place, she waited for him to make the first move.
"How long have you had insomnia?"
Sesshoumaru looked up to gauge the expression on Rin's face. Women, and people in general, had a tendency to ask empty questions in an attempt to wiggle their way into his good graces. He never knew Rin to be that way. As he suspected, she had a look on concentration on her face as she made her move. Suddenly she looked up and locked eyes with him. Holding her gaze for a minute, she broke contact and murmured, her cheeks slightly flushed, "You don't have to answer."
"Since my mother left."
His immediate and straightforward answer brought Rin's eyes back to his. She didn't say anything, but her eyes urged him forward in his tale. Sesshoumaru cleared his throat.
"I woke up late one night because I heard a noise. My mother was leaving with a suitcase. I asked her where she was going, and she said that felt like taking a walk in the snow. I waited for her all night but she never came back. It was Christmas Eve. "
"Oh Sesshoumaru…you couldn't have stopped her."
It was a first to admit such an intimate detail of his life. His own father never even knew that Sesshoumaru saw his mother leave. In truth, he blamed himself for his mother's disappearance. It was his fault that he didn't stop her. He could remember the rage that his father went into.
But how could Rin sense this lost weakness? Did she pity him? Her expression clearly said otherwise. While she did look sad, she did not offer him false comforts like others had in the past when he expressed any type of frustration. Now, when he admitted such a raw wound, she did not coo and try to make it better, nor did she awkwardly try to laugh it off. Instead, she just held his gaze.
This time Sesshoumaru broke away and looked down. He did not have time to ponder what the depths of her eyes held, the kinship she felt. He was NOT like her, he was not weak. He was a taiyoukai, not a ningen.
"It's your move," came the soft whisper of her voice and Sesshoumaru could feel the power of her emotions within it, her honey and jasmine scent practically coating his nerves. So much feeling over an experience that was not her own. He supposed she would weep like the time last summer when he rescued her from the Goshinboku tree, but he knew better. His eyes flicked up and he saw the same smile from years before.
Moving a piece defy across the board, he leaned back as Rin took her eyes off him to study the board. There they would play for half of the night, an unspoken bond forming between them.
…
…I wish you were here to make me laugh. Everyone else is so busy planning the wedding. Shippou has abandoned me for Souta and Kohaku, though Kohaku invited me to come along. Every time I try to hang out with my sister, she's either with Sango or Inu Yasha. I feel like I don't belong anywhere and already miss school. The only good thing is that the last few nights I've been playing chess with Sesshoumaru. He keeps beating me. I'm finding myself planning methods of attack during the day. Yes I know I'm a dork, thank you Ayame. I'm just glad that Sesshoumaru isn't attending the wedding. He was invited because of Inu Yasha, but he said he had to work. Thank Kami. Write me back –Rin
"Alright, places please! Places!" came the voice of the wedding planner as she clapped her hands.
Rin shook her head into the present and walked over to Shippou, who was currently trying to stop Kohaku and Souta from teasing him dearly.
"Oh, just shut up already, we already know that we look stupid, I don't need you boys rubbing it in!" Rin cried, placing her hands on her hips.
Souta took one look at her determined face in the midst of pink frill and burst out laughing. Kohaku's cheeks colored slightly, though his eyes danced with laughter and soon joined Souta.
"What's with the bonnet?"
"Sango decided that since Shippou had the top hat, I should join him."
Shippou's look of relief spoke volumes as the wedding coordinator shoved Kohaku and Souta into the main hall.
"Alright you too, the music is about to start. Rin, remember to toss the petals gently, Shippou, make sure the rings don't fall off that pillow!" She spoke sternly as she readjusted Shippou's bowtie.
The music started and Rin and Shippou took their places at opposite ends of the double doors. Walking toward each other, Rin's skirt flouncing due to last minute petticoats, Shippou offered her his hand, which she accepted, making sure her basket rested properly at the crook of her arm. So far it was going perfect. Plastering smiles on their faces, they walked forward into the crowd and down the aisle. Tossing petals as she walked, Rin prayed that she wouldn't fall in her stupid new shoes that contain a sharp heel, though it was only half an inch. Her ankle warbled and Shippou made sure that she was stable.
However, Rin should have realized that being a teenager was suppose to be the most awkward years of her life, a life that everyone in the world was constantly reminding her was not made to be easy. So, being that it had been Sango who picked out the outfits in extreme taste (perhaps, Rin mused, to get in touch with her feminine side?) no one in the audience, or more importantly Miroku, had been informed of their ridiculous get-ups. And Miroku, when he looked down the aisle, in anticipation, felt the corners of his mouth twitch dangerously and his eyes well up in tears.
Of pain.
Tears of great pain.
Oh, and mirth. Darn anyone if he wasn't trying to ruin this day with a comment of poor taste, but sheesh, Sango was just asking for it.
Rin and Shippou witnessed the reaction of the crowd, and when they sought reassurance from Miroku, he let them down. Then came the photographers that obstructed their view of anything. This proved to be fatal. For while Rin was trying to smile and pretend that everything was normal, the cameras and all the studio lighting blinded her for a moment, causing her to trip. Shippou too was distracted as his demonic eyes dilated, allowing Rin dragged him down, the rings flying off into the crowd.
"I smell a blackmail photo…" whispered Inu Yasha from the wings to Kagome.
…
Dear Rin,
I think it sucks that Sesshoumaru isn't there to sweep you into his arms for a romantic waltz. Damn girl, how do you expect to snag a man? Anyway, things are pretty boring over here. I miss you SO much! I wish I got to party in a mansion with hot guys…
"CANNONBALL!" Shippou screamed as he ran towards the pool, his tail twitching with excitement before he jumped up and into the pool, creating a splash just big enough to get a sunbathing Rin thoroughly soaked. Squealing as the cold water hit her heated legs; she jumped up in terror.
"SHIPPOU!!!"
"Hey Rin, watch me jump off the high dive!"
Rin shielded her eyes to the sun and watched as Kohaku made an elegant dive into the water.
"Hey Show-off! I can so beat you!" shouted Souta.
"I'd like to see you try!" Kohaku goaded as he treaded to the side of the spacious pool.
Rin just rolled her eyes as they started up again. Honestly, why were they even here? They were in college and it was summer vacation, didn't they have anything better to do?
"Souta, why don't you call Hitomi and flirt, instead of with Kohaku?" Shippou cried out, the shouting beginning to get on his nerves.
Souta opened his mouth to reply but found nothing but a blush came. Kohaku snickered.
"Hey, she's on a family weekend vacation!"
Rin smiled at her older brother's apparent flustered and decide to join in the fun.
…
Sesshoumaru rubbed his temples as he could hear the sound of laughter and shouting coming from his backyard. Getting up, he walked over to the window and peered outside just in time to see Rin being shoved into the pool by Kohaku. Eyes narrowing slightly as Rin let out a shriek and came up sputtering. His line of vision shifted as he saw his half-brother and his girlfriend -Rin's sister- walk out in bathing suits.
Kami, was he hosting a party now?
Jaken burst into his mansion office and croaked, out of breath, "Sesshoumaru-sama, that insolent whelp and his miko are here!"
"I am quite aware of that Jaken, now if that rather obvious piece of information is your only excuse to interrupt me…"
Jaken swallow hard and fidgeted under his Lord's intense gaze when a thumping could be heard approaching. Rin bounced into the room, dripping wet and clutching a towel around her developing figure.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! Want to join us?"
Sesshoumaru looked at the teen that was panting lightly from her obvious running and flushed. Arching an eyebrow, he made no motion to speak.
"Please! It's so much fun out there and even Izumi-kaasan and Jii-san are out there! It's like a party."
"Jaken, you're excused," came his short reply to dismiss his retainer. Jaken waddled out of the room as fast as his little legs could carry him and Rin giggled. Turning back to Rin, Sesshoumaru began again,
"Rin, I'm very busy right now."
Rin pouted cutely.
"Now I owe Inu Yasha five bucks…"
Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed for a moment as if to ask Rin to elaborate.
"He said that you were a stuck up prick who wouldn't dare descend to earth to grace inferior beings with your presence."
Sesshoumaru growled slightly.
"I'll be down in 15 minutes."
Rin clapped her hands and ran back outside to the pool area. Sure enough, Sesshoumaru appeared 15 minutes later with Armani sunglasses and blue swim trunks, his hair gleaming in the sunlight and his chiseled physique revealed. Tossing his towel into a lounge chair, he set himself up for sunbathing.
Inu Yasha's mouth dropped open and he reached for his wallet.
Rin's mouth just dropped.
…
…anyway, enough of my ramblings about my stupid job. Miss you a ton and at least try to do something I would do. Love, Ayame
Rin had been in a daze ever since what she liked to refer to as the "incident". She had always grown up around her family and had very little interaction with boys her age, for she was always picked on in grade school for getting perfect scores. Her outlet had been her adoration for her Angel and her fantasies that he would rescue her like he had before, but this time from her mundane existence. He had in a way, sending her to that gifted school, then to Oxford.
She didn't know when her platonic feelings had turned into a full-on crush but every time she stared at Sesshoumaru, her heart began to beat a little bit faster and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She never dreamed that someone of her age and shape would ever be in a position to attract a man, much less someone of his caliber. She was intelligent, though truth be told not very street smart, and understood that they would never enter into that kind of relationship.
Sometimes her over processing brain gave her a headache. Why couldn't she be a fun and carefree as Ayame, a girl who exuded self-confidence and charisma? Still, Rin was here, in Japan, living with whom she considered to be the most handsome guy on the planet and dare she use such slang as "hot"? His icy façade turned others off, but Rin only saw the man who sat his chair by the fireplace and made small talk as he moved a chess piece.
But the summer was rapidly proceeding and Rin now stood in what she now considered to be "her" room, standing patiently as Mrs. Higurashi helped her tie her obi over her yukata. It was Tanabata, the Star festival and Rin planned to go with the usual crew. Fingering the locket that she always kept hidden under her clothes, she smiled at her reflection as Izumi stood up and patted her hair.
"Have a good time sweetie, make sure Shippou doesn't eat too much sugar. Oh, and try to be home at a decent hour."
"Hai. Arigatou Izumi-kaasan."
Rin moved slowly out of the room, trying to get use to the custom sandals. Walking down the flights of stairs, she saw the Shippou, Souta, Hitomi, and Kohaku waiting.
"Wow Rin, you look really cute!" Hitomi cried. She was a really nice girl with short wavy brown hair and an easy laugh.
"Yeah Rin," nodded Kohaku in agreement, causing both Shippou and Souta to roll their eyes. As if their sister could ever be cute!
Rin laughed and followed them outside.
…
Dear Ayame,
We had a pool party not too long ago and I swear, I nearly died. Sesshoumaru came out after Inu Yasha egged him on and I swear, he was Michelangelo's David in the flesh…
"I can't catch any fish!" Rin whined to no one in particular as the third one slipped through the small paper scoop.
Souta and Hitomi had ditched the group as soon as they arrived, and Shippou and Kohaku were currently trying to beat each other in stupid arcade games leaving Rin alone as usual.
"You need to twist your wrist more and move faster," came the smooth voice from behind her. Rin gasped lightly as she turned and saw Sesshoumaru in a regal hakama and geikogi, his hair loosely tied back.
"Sesshoumaru-sama! What are you doing here?"
"An important client had his daughter for the weekend and she wanted to come here."
"Oh, business? Does that mean Inu Yasha came here as well?"
"Hai, he brought Kagome along and apparently the man's daughter, Eri, had gone to school with her. After that revelation, it didn't take much persuasion for the man to see things my way."
Rin giggled. As if any man had a change standing up to Sesshoumaru. Turning back to her task, Rin grabbed a new scoop and tried to "flick her wrist" as he put it, and broke the scoop again. Rin growled lowly, causing Sesshoumaru to inwardly smirk.
Crouching down behind her, Sesshoumaru picked up a scoop and whispered into her ear.
"You have to remember, you are the predator, and the fish is your prey. You stalk him slowly, follow his movements…until –SPLASH- "you go for the kill."
Rin felt her skin prick as his breath tickled her senses until she let out a shuddered breath as two fish suddenly appeared in her bag.
"Ah! We have a winner! Congratulations Miss! Now let me just tie the bag for you…there! Now just don't let them stay in that bag for more than four hours."
Rin just nodded her head dumbly and clutched her fish as Sesshoumaru stood waiting behind her.
"A-arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama…"
"Hey Rin! The fireworks are about start!" came the voice of Shippou behind her. Kohaku was standing next to her with a huge teddy bear.
"I see that you won Kohaku," Rin giggled. Kohaku blushed and looked away.
"Here, you can have it. I don't want the stupid thing anyway."
Rin blinked as Kohaku gave her the stuffed toy before she broke out into a sincere grin. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at the boy for a moment, before he shook the unfamiliar feeling off.
"Thank you Kohaku!"
Kohaku just turned and grabbed Shippou.
"Come on, let's find the others."
Rin watched as they moved to go before she turned back to Sesshoumaru.
"Anou…Sesshoumaru-sama? Would you like to join us?"
Though she was polite in speech, her eyes were just begging him to say yes. Sesshoumaru just nodded, his face guarded. Rin let out a whoop and grabbed Sesshoumaru's hand, blushing.
"I uhm, don't want to get separated…" she mumbled as she started sprinting towards the open field. The place was packed and Rin kept getting jostled until Sesshoumaru, using his height to full advantage, saw a less crowded area higher above. He pointed this out to Rin in hopes of escaping the noise and commotion. Rin quickly agreed.
Standing now against a fence, Rin looked down at the mob of people, trying to find anyone she knew when the firework show began.
Gasping at the amazing sight, she couldn't help but shiver that she was alone with Sesshoumaru in an area that seemed to be filled with couples. Suddenly she felt a warm presence and realized it to be Sesshoumaru's outer jacket.
"You seemed cold" was his response, as if he had read her mind.
"Domo Arigatou…"
Sesshoumaru leaned against the railing amused that she was affected so easily by such a small gesture. As if he could get cold.
"Do you know the story of Tanabata?"
She did, but she still shook her head no. Sesshoumaru continued,
"Once there was a weaver princess named Orihime and a cow herder prince named Hikoboshi living in space. After they got together, they were playing all the time and forgot their jobs. The king was angry with them and separated them on opposite sides of the Amanogawa River (Milky Way). The king allowed them to meet only once a year on July 7th. This is why Tanabata is also called the Star Festival."
Rin just stared out into space as his words washed over her. This had to be one of those life moments that Ayame was always talking about. She didn't notice when he stopped talking, or when the firework show stopped, she was already in dreamland. It wasn't until Sesshoumaru's finger jabbed against her side did she wake up.
"Girl, snap out of it. It is time to go."
Rin's eyes widened to a horrifyingly new measure as she picked up her forgotten bear and fish and followed him down the hill to where the rest of the gang was waiting for them.
"Oi Sesshoumaru, where were you? Oh hey Rin…-Inu Yasha suddenly broke into a sly smile- …I see…"
Rin blushed horribly as Kagome smiled at her sister with knowing eyes. Shippou started to make kissing noises.
"Oh shut up Shippou it wasn't like that!" Rin shouted, her romantic bubble finally bursting.
"Indeed little brother. Perhaps you're jealous we managed to escape the mob while you suffered?"
"Feh," came the unintelligent response.
"Let's just get home guys," Kagome said patiently, dragging Inu Yasha off to where the car was parked. Sesshoumaru also left, leaving Kohaku and Shippou behind. Souta had left to drop off his girl.
"I'm tired," Rin stated, "Let's just go. Besides, I think my fish are dying…"
…
Okay Ayame, if that scandal wasn't enough, you're not going to believe what just happened to me…
After than, Rin tried to avoid Sesshoumaru like the plague, thinking that he might be on to her crush and that was the last thing she wanted. When she finally decided that she was being an idiot, Sesshoumaru decided to go out of town on business for a month.
Rin hung out with Kanna during that time and basically chilled around the mansion, reading books and spending her days secluded unless someone fished her out. Soon it was the coming of Bon festival and the return of Sesshoumaru. As much as Rin wanted to welcome him back, she decided that she should spend the few days with her parents and honor their memory. She visited their gravesite a few times, bringing various offerings. Shippou came with her, as his parents were in the same cemetery. They didn't speak much, lost in their own memories. The Higurashis didn't stop them, for they were lost in their own memories of love ones past. Kagome, Souta, and Izumi paid respects to Mr. Higurashi and Inu Yasha mourned his mother. Even the wedding bliss of Sango and Miroku turned somber as Kohaku joined them in mourning. It was indeed a sad holiday, for even as time heals wounded, it cannot erase the memories of the past.
Rin returned to the mansion on the 17th, and instantly sought Sesshoumaru out. He had been back for a few days and was working day and night it seemed. Everyone just attributed this to his natural ways, but when Rin heard this, she immediately knew that he was hurting in his own way.
Knocking on his home office door, she heard a grunt. Taking that as a sign of approval, she entered. Sesshoumaru was currently hunched over his desk flipping through files as the fax machine churned out various documents.
"Anou, Sesshoumaru-sama? I thought you might be hungry so I made you some lunch…I know it's not much but…" Rin blushed as she looked down at her bento. It was adorable with its apple bunnies and octopus hotdogs but looked like it was meant for a five-year-old.
Sesshoumaru looked up to see her standing there, holding the box, looking rather timid. He waved his hand as if to show her that he was busy and asked her to just set it on the nearby table that supported a water pitcher. Nodding, Rin did as she was told and escaped.
When he knew she was gone, he got up and walked over to see what she made. Looking down, his eyes widened at the professional looking box. What really got to him was the message spelled out with carrot peels over the rice that read, "GANBATTE!" (HANG IN THERE!)
She knows…he thought, as the corners of him mouth went up slightly. Though he knew his mother was alive, she might as well be dead to him. He had already accepted his father's death as it was, but his mother was something he could never get over subconsciously.
Taking the provided chopsticks, he consumed the food greedily as if to erase both the pain that traitorous woman invoked, and the strange girl who was slowly trying to heal that pain. Rin really was a bothersome child.
It tastes good…
…
Anyway, this will be my last letter, as school will be starting soon. Can't wait to see you again. –Love Rin.
"Izumi-kaasan, I have too much stuff! It'll never fit in my suitcase. I'll just have to leave it here."
"Nonsense, I'll just ship it to you," Izumi Higurashi chided.
"Thanks," Rin sighed as she began to pull stuff back out.
"Almost done?"
"Just about."
"What time's your flight?"
"8:40 pm"
"Got the credit card I gave you?"
"Are you kidding me? It was the best birthday present ever!"
"Anou, I mean for it to teach you responsibility. You're 15 now."
"Oops? Of course…oh, the fish are on the dresser. Thanks again for taking care of them."
"Of course. Now, got a ride to the airport?"
"Hai, the limo is taking me."
"Alright sweetie. I'm going to go prepare dinner now, and a snack for you to take on the plane."
"Okay!"
Rin sat on her trunk and tried to close it but to no avail. Getting off, she opened it and pulled out the massive teddy bear.
"Sorry kid, guess you stay here for now."
She tossed it on her bed. With that she closed her trunk and suitcase and took one last sweep across the room before she gasped. Running to the bay window seat, she picked up Mr. Fluffy.
"Can't leave you behind!" she smiled, giving the doll a hug.
Of course, it was at this time that Sesshoumaru decided to walk into the room, seeing his person being snuggled by a teenager.
"…"
"It's Inu Yasha!" Rin blurted out, horrified. She tossed the doll quickly from her grasp. "Kagome made it!"
The doll is Inu Yasha? Since when did he get stripes? This Sesshoumaru is not fooled.
"She's good," was his cool response, making no motion to contest her lie. Rin sighed, thinking she was off the hook.
"Happy birthday Rin," He said, handing her a gift wrapped delicately. Rin accepted it, though surprised at its weight and smiled prettily.
"Thank you. For this, and everything. I had a lot of fun this summer."
"It was no problem, I was sorry to hear of the shrine infestation predicament."
"Uhm…I…I…want to keep in touch. You know, just to uh…see how the market is going," Rin finished off lamely.
Sesshoumaru quirked his eyebrow at the girl.
"I see you still wear the necklace I gave you."
"It's my favorite treasure…" Rin whispered back, pulling the charm out from under her shirt.
"I see. Perhaps I can inform you of the market…from time to time." He finished. Rin smiled as she realized he was just playing with her.
"Thank you, I am very serious about Japanese economy you know."
"You're a Miyahara. It's in your blood…You can open your gift on the plane."
Rin nodded, still wondering about his comment about her family line. Perhaps she should ask Izumi-kaasan about her parents? Rin looked up and realized that Sesshoumaru had left as quickly as he came.
"Ja ne…"
…
Rin fastened her seatbelt and waited until the plane reached proper altitude before she pulled the package from under the seat in front of her and ripped off the wrapping paper. A white box with the word Tiffany and Co. in silver script adorned the top.
Too big for jewelry…Did he get me a plate?
It was a elaborate chessboard etched with extensively carved marble and hand-blown glass figures on a black and white marbled board. It was the perfect with built in drawers, and very very expensive looking. Taped to the bottom of the board was a envelope. Opening it, she gasped.
Dear Rin,
I thoroughly enjoyed our late night matches and hope that with this board, we can still continue them. In that spirit, C2 to C4.
-SHe wanted to keep in touch too!
tankbbg: sorry that Rin blew the wedding to shreds. But I promise you…I will make it up to you.
archangle3000: It was meant to imply the first chapter, but you're right. I'm changing it to drama.
Sesshoumaru's explanation of Tanabata is from gojapan dot com I was too lazy to write it.
In regards to the letters, I assume that Rin told Ayame a bit about her connection with Sesshoumaru, and Ayami told her sob story in return.
I had huge writer's block. Especially after I read a fiction where Rin was a whiny little snot. I was like…"Uh deflation." Anyway, I just sat down and forced myself to finish it for you guys for the American Holiday. This is by far the longest, and most extensive development to their relationship. Please review and let me know what you think of the major fluff I threw in there for you loyal patrons of my humble fic! –bow–