Hello my dearies. I apologize for taking so long to get back to you with Chapter fourteen but I've been busy with other projects and I have a new story coming up very shortly. It's another co-authored fic so it will be posted under the name 'Pammisato'.
Onwards to chapter fourteen!
I hope I don't disappoint
Rin was overwhelmed by a sorrow so black that even memories of the sights and wonders of the marking ceremony would not dissipate it. She hadn't visited this place in a good long time and yet...she had never felt more alone and cold...There were no rays of light to penetrate through this sorrow. All she could do was shrivel like a crumpled piece of paper.
An unexpected sensation distracted her and gradually broke through the nightmare. Strong arms held her. Firm lips distracted her. She was no longer alone; warmth found its way back to her body and strength shot through her and reassured her like the beat of a heart not quite her own. Someone was there, keeping her warm, showering her world with light and making her nightmares disappear. The terror transformed into a wonderful dream and she returned those kisses wholeheartedly...
The warmth of early morning sun tingled her skin but she felt lazy and sated and unable to find strength to open her eyes. The duvet wrapped her body in a cushiony softness and it smelled so very good, so very unlike the strong imitation fragrance of laundry detergent, more like fresh summer rain. Yawning and languidly stretching her body across the massive king size bed, Rin snuggled further into the fluffy, but firm, softness and buried her face in it. Was it minutes or mere seconds after that her eyes shot open at a familiar but lazy drawl.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Rin froze not only because she recognized that voice but because now that her eyes were open, they trailed the hard torso that she was lying on down to her arm that was casually sprawled over a steel chest. She wiggled her leg; it, too, was lazily draped over one of his. Embarrassment was a mild term for how she felt. Their limbs were locked as though they were lovers! She recoiled to the far end of the bed.
"What are youdoing in bed with me?" Rin snapped and released a breath she just realized she was holding. Sesshomaru's eyes trailed her torso up, down and back to her face. Shrieking, Rin desperately clutched the bed sheets over her naked body.
"What did you do to me?" Rin fumed while her eyes questioningly roved his very masculine frame now only clothed in a white ribbed tee shirt.
"You can rest assured, Rin, that your virtue remains intact." Sesshomaru flung his legs over the bed and stood, giving her clear view of strong, firm thighs and what she assumed would be equally firm buttocks hidden behind the fabric of his silken boxer shorts. Taut muscles flexed as he stretched one arm across his body and then the next.
"I'm not wearing any clothes at all and you...well, you're half naked!" She distinctly remembered falling asleep on the bed, by herself, with Sesshomaru standing a good ten feet away from her. Looking over his shoulder, he replied with an eerie calm.
"If thatwas my intent, I wouldn't have waited for you to fall asleep."
There was truth in that statement; he was strong enough to take her anytime he wished. So, he was honourable; that still didn't explain what happened to her clothes!
"Your nightgown is in the hamper along with most of my clothing," He walked to the dresser and picked a dark blue piece of shimmery fabric, "Soaked in last night's caviar, " he put on the silken robe and faced her, "Among other appetizers."
Last night's caviar? Casting her eyes away from Sesshomaru's face, Rin tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The same hand came to her face so she could check her breath. Other than obvious morning breath, it didn't smell too bad.
"Um...did I...uh...you know...throw up..."
"So it appears." In slow, smooth strides, he walked towards the bed. "You're worried."
Of course she was worried! She couldn't recall throwing up. Fidgeting with the bed sheets, she continued. "I think, I shouldn't have vacuumed the appetizers the way I did. I've been a strict vegetarian for about six years now and maybe my stomach reacted to the meat." She chewed on her lower lip for a moment and met his gaze, "I'm sorry for upchucking on you."
Well at least she knew why she was naked but the temporary memory lapse had her feeling uneasy. Rin looked up, about to question him further when he offered his hand and, as though on autopilot, she accepted; warmth suffused her body. In a swift movement, she was on her feet, dragging the heavy sheets with her.
"Good morning, Rin."
Both his arms snaked around her waist, holding her, and he bumped his forehead lightly on hers. Although her arms were trapped between his, she didn't feel like a prisoner. Instead she felt safe and protected. Rin shut her eyes and desperately clung to the bed sheets that were threatening to fall off any minute. Desperately, she also clung to reason.
Come on Rin! Just four easy words: What happened last night? Say it!
Anxiety held her back. Instead she sighed and settled into his strong arms, if only just for a moment. Her voice was raspy when she spoke. "Please let me go."
His deep chuckle resonated through her body. Inching away from her face, he cupped her cheek and smoothed her brow, "After I took off your soiled nightgown and cleansed you, you refused to let me go last night. I believe they call this 'payback'." His hand guided her head to his chest and she shut her eyes as his hand soothingly stroked her hair. "You were unsettled last night."
Rin swallowed. "Unsettled?"
"A nightmare perhaps?" The gently whispered words sent a shock of realization through Rin's veins and instantly she panicked. The intense nightmare she had last night wasn't ordinary and if she in fact did hold Sesshomaru desperately last night... She had to see Kaede and fast. These night terrors weren't supposed to return and she hadn't had one since...
"I- I have to leave." Struggling and squirming, she slipped out of Sesshomaru's hold and headed for the bathroom. Abruptly she turned around and bowed.
"Thank you for your hospitality and all you've done but I needto get going." Her hand was firmly in Sesshomaru's grasp before she could reach the bathroom door.
"No."
"What?" She clipped angrily, trying to tug her hand out of his hold.
"It's not safe for you to be out on your own. You will stay here with me."
"Absolutely not!" She yelled, pulling her wrist harder and not caring for the bruise that would be left behind from her struggle. "In case it hadn't crossed your mind, no one was safe last night at your estate. So how can you possibly guarantee my safety?"
His jaw clenched and he yanked her closer to him, stealing her breath. "A slight miscalculation, which is being dealt with."
"Ican take care of myself. At the DHA, I received intense training in defence tactics, which means I can pretty much take any human or demon down. I'm fully capable of using my weapon to subdue any demon if I feel my life is threatened."
His warmth was replaced with an arctic chill. "Where is your weapon now?"
"Well...it's..." Rin looked around the room desperately searching for her clutch*... which was left on the table last night before she went for the waltz! Unlike demons who were born with supernatural powers, humans had to combine their chi with magical weapons in order to subdue demons.
In mere seconds, Sesshomaru was on her. His one hand caught both her arms behind her back grasping them tightly and his other hand gripped the hair at the nape of her neck, pushing her flush against him and tilting her head upward.
"Tell me Agent Yamamoto," He pressed his hardness into her and licked her lower lip. Rin gasped. The sheet around her chest was slowly slipping lower. "What would you do, right now, if a demon cornered you and all that was keeping him from having you was this flimsy sheet?"
Rin felt warm wet kisses across her jaw and on her neck.
Get it together Rin! This isn't the first time you've been in a hold before!
She was completely defenceless against him. If it was any other male, one kick to the gonads was all she would have needed to bring him to his knees, scratch his eyes with her nails, thump his head with the lamp behind her and make her escape but she simply couldn't... not to Sesshomaru. In some part of her mind, she enjoyed being held like this by him. In the other part of her mind, she knew he was right. If she had been in a similar situation with another demon, there would have been nothing she could have done. For no matter how hard a human trained, he or she could never be strong enough to take a demon down with bare hands. Weapons or spells must be administered to enhance the human's strength. She studied the massive ceiling before defiantly speaking back.
"First, I wouldn't be in a situation like this with any demon. Second, I always carry my weapon with me and it's in my clutch-"
"Which you don't have with you." He released the hold on her hair but instead of moving away, Rin let her head fall to the side, enjoying the shiver his wet tongue caused as it travelled down her throat and over her collarbone. He nibbled at her pulse and she gasped but was unable to summon the strength to fight back...
"Just how do you plan to stop a demon from ravishing you?"
A small part of Rin's mind knew what he was asking but the rest of her mind didn't care. She'd given in to Kohaku only because she wanted to not because she was some young teen unable to control the on spurt of raging hormones. It was different with Sesshomaru; she never expected to have any defence against him. When he released the tight grip on her hands, they immediately travelled to his arms, feeling hard muscles shift through the silk of his robes. His voice was deep and grating against the lobe of her ear.
"Given the recent change of my intentionstowards you, I want you safe and secure under my protection."
Licking her lips, she replied, "That's still no reason for me to live with you."
The hair on the back of Rin's neck stood up in response to his intense stare. "Father told me about the weapon you used to subdue Shouichiru and, for the moment, it's best if you don't use it because the hired help are already aware of it. I'll be commissioning another weapon for you which you are to keep with you at all times. Do you understand?"
Rin was about to protest when his finger just barely touched her lip to silence her.
"It is mutually beneficial to both of us if you were to stay here, Rin. Shouichiru is short tempered and crude with his other instructors but he seems to have developed a soft spot for you. You can guide him while he continues his studies in his canine form. His final exams are approaching and we'll have to sort out the curriculum for his senior year."
If he heard her sharp intake of breath when he bent low to pick up the sheet pooled around her ankle, she never knew. She didn't miss the gentle humor in his eyes when he wrapped it around her like a cloak.
"If it were music lessons, I'd be more than happy to lend my services but other than that, I wouldn't know the first thing about guiding dog demon children."
"You don't give yourself enough credit. Shouichiru has changed for the better and it's all thanks to you. The parent teacher meeting went much better than I expected and I'm sure having you around on a permanent basis will help him get back on track with his marks as well. For everything else, you'll have me."
Rin's life passion was working with children, for children and this was her chance to really make Shouichiru shine. As a teacher by profession and with her background as a demon hunter, she could really put her skills to good use training Shouichiru.
Rin stared back boldly. "Fine Sesshomaru. I'll help. But that doesn't mean I'll marry you."
Eyes dangerously narrowing into slits, he approached her but she didn't back away. His hands closed about her waist, lifting her, setting her down flush against a wall. Bracing both hands, palm flat, next to each shoulder, he spoke before she could. "What do you have against marrying me?"
Rin swallowed. "I simply don't wish to marry. You or anyone else."
"All women intend to marry."
"Not me."
His head tiled to the side. "Why?"
Rin tried not to steal a glimpse of his lips. "My music store takes up most of my time when I'm not teaching and I want to travel. You know, see the world. And I want to help children; I don't know how yet, but I'll figure something out. " Damn. She was staring at his lips! "Besides, it's not just my feelings you need to consider, think of Shouichiru-"
Rin's head bumped into the wall behind her. Sesshomaru's face was very close to hers as were his lips. "Shouichiru gets along fine with you. I overheard the conversation you had with him last night and he was heartbroken that you weren't considering my proposal. Once you are my mate and wife, we can travel anywhere your heart desires, in my private jet. I believe Shouichiru is already a handful but if you still find yourself bored, we can give him brothers and sisters. An act I would be more than happy in bringing to fruition."
The thought flitted through Rin's mind and she allowed herself to imagine if only for a moment on what might be. The house. The family. The temptation. But being his wife would mean risking...No! She reminded herself-never again.
"I'm not going to marry you."
Gripping her chin firmly, he forced her to face him. "Other than your dreams of travel and philanthropy, is there another reason why you couldn't possibly consider my proposal?"
None that she wanted to share with him! Rin searched his eyes while trying to think of something to refute his statement but she couldn't, fascinated by their remarkable clarity. They were like crystal clear pools of gold flashing with sparks of lightning. "No."
"Good." Straightening, he tied the ends of his robe together. The distance between them, although not grave, gave her time to remember Kaede.
Rin marched forward and started poking him in the chest as hard as she could.
"This - still - doesn't - change - the - fact - that -"
She punctuated every word with a poke but Sesshomaru didn't back away.
"I - need - to - see - Kaede!"
Both his brows hid beneath his bangs and his voice was annoyingly calm as though he was speaking to her about the weather. "You must mean your guardian. I will make arrangements for her to see you."
"That's RIGHT!" She fumed and stepped back folding her arms across her chest. Brows creased, his expression grew serious again.
"Do I have your permission?"
Rin groaned. "Of course you have my permission!"
In the next instant, her lips were caught in a soft but lingering kiss. The logical part of her brain became mush and the hands at his chest, that were meant to push him away, gripped the silk of his robe.
"So sweet...so addictive," his warm breath whispered against her lips only to seal them again. He gently tugged on her lower lip and it was Rin who leaned forward, aching for more of the sweet, burning contact. She kissed him with all the vigor of a starved animal! Their lips and tongues were caught in a delicious battle and the delightful heat that spread through Rin had her entwining her hands around his neck and pressing her aching body against his. She was flying. Soaring.
"Too addictive." Another whisper and Rin was lost because she wanted more of this... of whatever it was he was doing...
When the kiss ended, she didn't know. Breathless, dizzy and fevered was how she felt when his lips assaulted her cheek, then her jaw, then her neck. "You'll find what you need in the adjoining room. Hurry and get dressed, Shouichiru's waiting."
With those words, he kissed her again but gently this time. The low-pitched click of the door knob had her drifting back to earth along with her obvious nakedness. The sheet had slipped off her body. Again.
15 minutes later...
Stupid jerk! Stupid jerk! Stupid jerk!
"Of all the arrogant, hard-headed, ego-tripping-"
Even the surprised looks and hushed murmurs of various maids and butlers wouldn't stop Rin's ranting as she stomped down the twirling staircase. Gripping the railing tightly, she tried to hold onto whatever little was left of her sanity. Sometime between last night and this morning all her belongings, everythingfrom her toothbrush to her dusty trunk, had been moved to last night's adjoining bedroom. She'd only agreed to stay to help Chiru not permanently move in at the estate! Rin groaned. The nerve of the sneaky dog to assume she would consent to whatever he had planned!
A squeal and surprised gasp later, Rin landed on her behind. Thanks to a large black dog, pressing his front paws on her thighs. With a muzzle equal in length to his skull and a shiny, black nose, he sniffed over her body and sat back on his hind legs on the floor and panted, sticking out his tongue. He appeared to be smiling.
"Shouichiru?" Rin inquired. Barking loudly, the dog merrily leapt away, the pads under his paws made faint tapping sounds on the hard marble floor. After circling the main hall and passing a line of attendants, he come back to his initial spot and sat obediently on his hind legs in front of her. Whimpering, he tilted his head to the side and stuck out his tongue; his silver, oval-shaped eyes stared right through her.
"He said 'Yours truly'." Sesshomaru answered, leaning in the doorway in a white dress shirt and casual khaki slacks, looking like the epitome of perfection. Shouichiru ran to his father and barked to which Sesshomaru bent down on one knee and rubbed behind his son's pointy, triangular ear.
"Yes, she'll be staying with us."
A quick lick under Sesshomaru's chin later, Shouichiru galloped back to Rin with his tail flailing as though caught in the wind.
"Someone seems to have recovered just fine." Rin grasped his head in her hands and scratched him under the ears, on his cheek and under his chin, feeling the thick but silky coat of his fur.
Another few barks later, Shouichiru angled his head. A slick tongue slipped out and licked Rin's palm; she giggled.
"You will not be excused from your studies, Shouichiru." Sesshomaru's stern voice earned a low-key whine from Shouichiru.
Recalling the one time Rin had witnessed his transformation, she inquired. "I always thought he'd be angry or irritable in his canine form, Sesshomaru. I wonder how he's managed to adjust so well this time?"
A frown creased Sesshomaru's forehead when he bent down next to them. "My initial reaction was similar. Don't forget, he's still recovering and with his demon just awakening, he can't be left alone. It won't be easy... but at least he'll have us to guide him."
Their gazes met and locked. Rin glimpsed some emotion flash through his golden eyes till his lids hid them from view and he stood up. Straightening, he caught her hand and pulled her to standing. Fixing her skirts, Rin tried to keep up with his long strides. Shouichiru followed close behind.
"I present your future lady, Ms. Rin Yamamoto, and I expect the same honour and respect to her that you've paid me over the past several years." Sesshomaru exclaimed in a stern, authoritative voice to a band of maids and butlers uniformly dressed and lined up at the front entrance. Rin had been so busy observing Shouichiru that she barely noticed the line up of attendants.
Rin wanted to protest that she was only there to assist Shouichiru - she hadn't accepted his proposal - but she was lost for words especially in front of her audience. Since she'd been coming to the mansion for a couple of weeks, she already knew some of their names like, for instance, Ken who was smiling shyly at her. Each employee's station was explained in detail. At the very end of the line, stood a woman who wasn't wearing a uniform. Despite the slight wrinkles around her face, and the dusting of gray throughout what were once shiny black locks, she appeared warm and approachable.
"This is Kazumi. Shouichiru's nanny and from today onward, your personal attendant." Turning around, he cupped her cheek and tilted her face up to his. Rin swallowed and tried to harden her heart. Tried to remind herself that she wasn't ready for the surge of emotions rushing through her right now. Wasn't she upset at him just a few minutes back? Try as she might, she couldn't remember. Even her brief affair with Kohaku never evoked such strong feelings that Sesshomaru's simple touch caused.
Forgetting she was standing in front of a small audience, especially Shouichiru, her lips parted of their own accord. Instead of kissing her, Sesshomaru informed her that he would be leaving for most of the day. She missed the warmth of his touch when he turned to leave.
"Ms. Yamamoto is not to leave the estate under any circumstances." He announced and walked out.
Within minutes of Sesshomaru's departure, kitchen maids came to her requesting her opinion on menu items for lunch and dinner. Butlers brought her the morning newspaper and coffee. Even Kazumi discussed her input on scheduling Sesshomaru's schedule for various social events to be held at and away from the Taisho Estate. Being helpful was one thing but running a household was quite another! Sesshomaru hadn't mentioned anything about menu items or social events.
"Kazumi, where is Izayoi?" Rin had begun following Kazumi to a study area for Shouichiru's lessons.
"Lady Izayoi resides with Lord Toga at their estate, Miss."
"Oh?" Rin blinked, "I saw her here a few times and so I thought she lived here."
"Don't worry about it, Miss. With all the help she's been giving around the mansion since Lord Sesshomaru's divorce, anyone would think she lived here!" Kazumi explained and Shouichiru barked from behind them, "We're glad that Lord Sesshomaru has finally decided on a mate so there will be someone permanent we can answer to. Not that we mind Lady Izayoi's company but this isn't really her home, is it? Besides, she has plenty on her plate with her own duties."
"I see." Rin gritted her teeth and remembered what Izayoi had explained about the role of a demon's mate, starting from obedience... This wasn't all entirely Sesshomaru's fault, really. The incident last night was completely unexpected. So, there would be no harm lending her aid for Shouichiru's sake and since Izayoi didn't actually live here, she could take up some of the household duties in the meantime.
Once they reached the large study area upstairs, she was given Shouichiru's course list and homework assignments. Rin already knew that Shouichiru would understand the lectures even though he was incapable of writing in his demon form. So, she took the task of monitoring his lessons and homework in a notebook of her own.
While the first tutor was handing out lesson plans and outlines, she whispered, "Shouichiru, at the end of each lesson, I will ask if you understood the contents. Place your paw on my left foot if you mean 'No' and your paw on my right if you mean 'Yes'. Okay?"
Each tutor was a different species of demon and communicated with Shouichiru in demon speak. They stopped in-between to repeat themselves to Rin in the common tongue. By the way they imparted their knowledge of each subject, it was clear they excelled in their particular field.
Rin half-expected Shouichiru to throw a tantrum or threaten one of his tutors and so kept her weapon in a cross body bag despite Sesshomaru's warning. To her surprise, Shouichiru sat attentively on his hind legs through each lesson, alternating between sitting on the chair and floor. Rin was still concerned about Shouichiru's transformation. If he was so comfortable in his demon form, why had he hesitated so much the last time she witnessed his transformation?
During lunch time, butlers brought her the day's mail. Amidst the pile of brown envelopes, which she arranged in a nice little pile to leave in Sesshomaru's study, a large white envelope caught her attention. The dark blue and yellow emblem on the top right indicated it was from the Performing Arts Center so she took the initiative to open it instead of leaving it with the rest of Sesshomaru's mail.
Inside was Shouichiru's acceptance to participate in the music competition the following weekend. Rin was ecstatic! The eligibility details were outlined in the letter and the participant had a choice to perform an original or a rendition of an existing piece. Further down the letter was a word from the president of the center expressing his gratitude that someone as talented as Shouichiru wanted to participate in his competition. His audition tape far exceeded their expectations of a sixteen year old participant.
"I thought you weren't interested in the musical competition, Shouichiru, and here you surprise me by creating and submitting an audition tape." Rin rested her elbow on the table and her head in the palm of her hand. Shouichiru placed his paw on her left foot and barked. Rin blinked.
"So you didn't submit the tape?"
Shouichiru placed his paw on her right foot.
"Your father must have submitted it for you, then!" Again, Shouichiru's paw was on her left foot.
"I'm sure he must haveShouichiru, otherwise how else would it end up with your application?" On cue, Shouichiru started barking. Loudly. He ran haphazardly across the room, almost impatiently only to come back and bark at her, again. Rin shook her head.
"I don't understand." The following chorus of barks did nothing to help Rin. Feeling utterly useless, Rin knelt on the floor and tried to pet Shouichiru but he wouldn't hold still.
There was a possibility that Sesshomaru submitted the tape without Shouichiru's knowledge but he did not appear happy about it. He was troubled. Rin thought perhaps he may be worried about not being able to transform back into his human form in time for the music competition.
"I know. I know. You can't participate if you're in your demon form." Shouichiru stopped barking and faced her. "Although, I can picture you like Rowlf, the Muppet Theatre's resident pianist*, sitting on the piano bench, playing and humming to Beethoven." Rin joked. At once, Shouichiru placed both paws on her lap and barked loudly again. Shaking her head, she simply rubbed him behind the ears and leaned in to hug him.
"It's okay, Shouichiru. You won't stay like this forever." Rin wasn't sure how long he would stay in this form. Surviving a purification spell alone was a blessing for some lower demons; it normally took a few days before they could assume a human form but there were records of demons who had been unable to revert back... Rin hugged Shouichiru more fiercely and felt his heavy panting.
"You'll be back on two feet before the music competition, I promise." Shouichiru slipped off her lap and fell to the floor with his head on his paws. All Rin could do was pet him.
Despite her refusal to answer the phone the first few times, butlers kept bringing the shiny cordless receiver - that resembled something out of a science fiction movie - on a puffy silken pillow whenever the phone rang. So far, she had about twenty odd messages from well-spoken individuals inviting Sesshomaru to luncheons, dinners, birthdays and weddings. Most of them were quite interested to know about her and in a nervous panic, Rin blurted that she was just the cleaning lady.
At the end of Shouichiru's lessons, Rin looked out the window to the large, green expanse of Taisho Gardens. In the night they appeared magical, but during the day, they were simply magnificent. The summer breeze touched the leaves, making them waft in the air and birds flew in flocks across the clear blue sky. A handful of gardeners, all demons, were tending to the lush greenery down below.
During her missions as a field agent, she had been positioned as a guard for elite functions, so she knew that demons took the utmost care in casting appropriate spells around their property. She couldn't help but think that perhaps Sesshomaru overlooked the body of river flowing westward. To her estimation, the bullet had been shot directly from over the river bend. What if proper nautical spells weren't administered? It may have been a year since she last worked in the field but her training had been unremarkable especially under the guidance of friends like Sango, Bankotsu and his brothers. Tracing the dust free window sill, Rin thought that perhaps she could be more than a witness to the investigation; using her contacts at the DHA, she could offer assistance in the investigation.
Shouichiru was energetic and full of life after his lessons. Rin, however, was dog tired! What better way to relax than sit outside and enjoy the wonderful weather? A whimper at her feet caught her attention.
"Feeling caged?"
Shouichiru looked up at Rin and placing his paw on her right foot, barked, facing the large window.
"Sounds great! And, we can use this time to determine what piece you could play at the competition."
Rin raised an eyebrow when the cool pad of Shouichiru's paw settled on her left foot.
"Okay. How about I play my guitar and you just listen in?"
Placing his paw on Rin's right foot, Shouichiru panted, wagging his tail from side to side. The loud ring of her cell phone had her running to the table with Shouichiru at her feet. Even after checking a handful missed text messages and fifty odd missed phone calls, she purposely kept her phone on silent till Shouichiru's studies were complete. Sitting on the floor, Rin leaned against a wall and let both legs fall to the side. When her dress was adjusted, Shouichiru lay down next to her with his paws and head resting across her thighs.
"Hello?" She scratched Shouichiru's head and his eyes drooped shut. On the other side of the phone, Ayame yelled so loud that Rin had to hold the phone away from her ear.
"Oh my god, Rin! Why the hell weren't you answering the phone? Sango and the guys were ready to launch an investigation to search for you! We were all scared shitless when Shouichiru got shot and everyone went postal and then you disappeared and then-"
Cutting her off, Rin reassured her that she was fine and lodging with the Taishos for the meantime. Ayame squealed.
"You guys are getting married! I knew it!"
"No one is getting married, Ayame." Shouichiru's brows shot up and he looked at Rin briefly before shutting his eyes again.
"Liar! We all saw the way Lord Sesshomaru was looking at you throughout the ceremony, like he was undressing you with his eyes! Oh! Oh! Tell me did he talk dirty to you in the garden? I could tell he kissed you when his stepmother brought you back to the party. You were all, like, blushing and stuff! Did he give you a nasty, dirty kiss or was it a sweet, gentle one?"
"We just talked about Shouichiru and-"
"Gosh! It was so romantic how he carried you both away from the dance floor!" Rin rolled her eyes at Ayame's girlish squeals, thinking of an excuse to get her off the phone when her other line beeped. Disconnecting Ayame, she answered the other call. Sango drilled her. The woman could make even the strongest of demons break down in tears. As it turned out, her long time friend was not so easily convinced that Rin's decision to stay was mutual.
"He can't keep you there against your will, Rin."
"I want to stay here, Sango, I want to help Shouichiru and I know I can help Sesshomaru as well."
Sango sighed with all the irritability of an impatient woman. As though she already knew what Rin was planning.
"Rin, promise me, you won't do anything stupid."
"Without you? Never! Don't worry, if I party like we did that one time in New York, you'll be right there with me."
Rin didn't have to explain further. She and Sango had invented 'New York' code as a means of discreetly alerting the other that they were planning on doing something really stupid.
Sango released a heavy sigh and swore. "When you can meet me?"
She was glad that Sango remembered. "I'll message you."
From the sound of the sudden loud crash, Rin assumed Sango had broken something within reach. "Don't forget, one phone call, and I'll be there in a heartbeat and I don't just mean for partying either."
As soon as Rin disconnected the call, Shouichiru's head rose and he barked. Rin smiled.
"Let's go outside."
In the massive backyard, they sat under a tree. Shouichiru watched curiously when Rin opened her chord book and explained the piece she was going to play on her guitar. Shouichiru lay next to her unmoving and only stirred when she shifted on the grass or got up to stretch her limbs. The rest of the evening was spent outside till the sun began to hide under the horizon.
Discreetly, the DHA's agents had combed Sesshomaru's Estate for any possible data to help in the investigation. With no choice left to comply, Sesshomaru handed over the two bullets to the investigating officers and filed a report with the detective that had taken several hours of his time. Although he was certain his report would match up with every other Council Members' report, he reigned in his anger and followed protocol similar to his father.
In voice devoid of emotion, Sesshomaru recounted the events from the night before to the group of large males sitting around the lavishly furnished study in his father's mansion.
Toga's face hardened. Signing the DHA's report, he slipped it into a file folder. "Peculiar indeed."
Sesshomaru nodded and threw two small plastic ziploc bags on the table. The questioning look in Toga's eyes, when he examined the plastic bag, made Sesshomaru shrug.
"The prototype cartridges are exceptional imitations; they'll never know the difference." Sesshomaru had manipulated a spell to create duplicates of the original bullets knowing the DHA's detective would come around looking for them. The slight uplift of Toga's lips reassured him.
"But a regular bullet wouldn't do big brother any harm." Said Ichiro, the youngest of Toga and Izayoi's sons.
"I don't think the bullet was intended for Sesshomaru, Ichiro. I think he just...got in the way." Inuyasha's understanding didn't soften the blow. Sesshomaru squinted when light reflecting from the black shiny bullet caught his eye. There had been poison in the bullet; he had smelled it but it was nothing to seriously harm him. No. Perchance had the bullet penetrated Rin's flesh...Sesshomaru clenched his jaw and his fists. Rin had been correct in saying that there was no guarantee she would be safe in the mansion. It was his duty to avoid a repeat of last night's incident even though the significance of last night's marking ceremony could not be repeated. The slightest bit of guilt crept into his gut, when he inquired about Kagome, knowing how important the ceremony was not only for her but his half-brother as well.
"You saved Kags the hassle of pulling her hair planning this second wedding. We're both grateful that you arranged everything from the details on the table cloths to Kagome wedding gown." Inuyasha rubbed the gold band on his ring finger with a smile but it soon faded away. "She'll be fine, Sesshomaru. She's just as worried if not more. I took a chance coming here without telling her where I was going. You know, I risk possible purification when I get home." No one laughed at the joke.
The moment of pregnant silence that followed was thick enough to be cut with a butter knife. The almost muted thud of Toga's shiny shoes on the carpeted floor broke the ice when he paced back and forth in front of the group. He leaned next to the massive study door and rubbed his chin in deep thought.
"Sesshomaru and I personally saw to it that security was doubled - no tripled - for the night. Did you check the perimeters as Iordered? Was the protection barrier intact before the ceremony began, Inuyasha?"
"Kagome and I both confirmed that no demon or human could make it inside without your or Sessh's prior consent."
Toga nodded gravely and strode towards his chair.
"What about security or the servants?" Minoru - Toga and Izayoi's second son - asked. Sesshomaru, along with everyone else in the room, faced him curiously.
"What I mean," Minoru began as he adjusted his large vision glasses, "is that I think the shooter may have known about the magical barrier ahead of time. That could explain how the bullet penetrated it without dissolving into vapour first."
"Servants are known for idle gossip and it's possible someone's tongue may have slipped." Ichiro added but Inuyasha shook his head.
"No one else knows about these spells except for me and Kagome. We even burn the enchanted parchments afterwards." Both Ichiro and Minoru dipped their heads, intensely studying the hardwood floor. Another few minutes of silence went by. A sudden thought appeared in Sesshomaru's head.
"When is your meeting with the Director of the DHA, father?" Sesshomaru inquired.
"This afternoon in fact." Toga briefly looked at his expensive gold rimmed watch.
Inuyasha banged both his hands, hard, on Toga's desk, anger was evident in his eyes and the tone of his voice. "Weshould be focusing on finding whoever's behind Shouichiru's planned assassination, not worrying about Director Dickhead!"
"If you had let me continue, Inuyasha, you would have learned my reasons for inquiring about the Director." Sesshomaru glared at his half-brother's defiant stare.
"Unless we're barging into his office Rambo-style I don't see the connection, Sesshomaru. Why do you guys support him, anyway? All he cares about is cleansing the 'impure world of humans and half-breeds'. We all know he's nothing but a two-faced, lying sack of shit! Oh, we know he's using his 'Equal rights for all' campaign as a platform for the upcoming election but in truth, I wouldn't be surprised if he was already behind this. Starting with Lord Hanshiro's murder."
Sesshomaru lifted the end of his lips in a small grin. "Point well made, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha gaped in shock.
Taking a seat next to his father, Sesshomaru continued, "As I was saying, Inuyasha made a valid point considering how Lord Hanshiro was a half-breed; however, there are some loopholes we must consider. First, no matter how much the current director hates half-breeds, he cannot go around executing them. In doing so, he endangers himself because once a council member's life has been threatened or they have been killed, the Demon Council files a report with the DHA. Immediately investigators are sent out to collect evidence and erase their footsteps once sufficient information has been found. Not only is the perpetrator severely punished but his family is stripped of their title and their shares are dissolved.
"Second, not only is Shouichiru a pure blood but he's also an underage demon. If anything, the shooter had ample chance to target me or Father or any of the other pure blood council members at the ceremony. So, I don't think the director is directly involved."
"Then why even bring him up?" Inuyasha questioned.
"Unsolved cases." Everyone in the room eyed Sesshomaru curiously.
"Father, I need you to get on extra friendly terms with the director and find out as much as you can about cases involving pure-blood demon children from the past ten years. If possible make the same inquiry at the Department of Magic Control for Underage Demons while you're at it."
"How do you think such cases will help us?" Toga questioned.
Sesshomaru went on to explain Celina's case from Rin's service at the DHA. He had spent most of the morning researching the Demon Council's database for similar cases and while they were unusual, they weren't uncommon. In fact, there had been several cases of missing demon children belonging to lower class families but they were often left unsolved.
Reclining his chair, Toga furrowed his brows, "We have to start somewhere. I will do what I can."
Sesshomaru gave a hard look to each of his brothers."We all need to keep our guards up and our lips sealed. The Demon Council plants spies within the homes of anyone with even the slightest trace of demon blood, to ensure that the family does not recur to vengeance. So, be very careful not to let loose anything shared in this room."
"What!" The speed with which Inuyasha faced Sesshomaru had some of his hair frozen in mid air for a nanosecond. "You mean to say there might be a spy in my house, right now?"
"Not 'might be' there already is. The Demon Council protects our kind with whatever means necessary." Sesshomaru said as 'calmly' as possible.
"Fuck! I feel like I'm in a spy novel." Inuyasha ran a shaky hand through his hair and turned his head in their lord father's direction. "If we're being spied on right now then why the hell are we discussing this in your house?"
"I've cast a spell around this room so that if anyone was to listen in, all they'd hear was us discussing new business contacts. Such spells are only shared with pure bloods hence I never shared it with you or Kagome." Toga clarified.
"Be careful, it can only be used once every three days, Inuyasha, and with discretion." Toga said gravely. "The servants may file a report if all they ever hear us talk about is how horribly wrong a business contract went."
"What can we do to help, big brother?"
Ichiro's question had Sesshomaru facing his father, reading the look in his eyes. As the eldest he was expected to lead. He expected it of himself but for the moment, his half-brothers would have to keep a low profile.
Sesshomaru folded his arms, "Lay low for now and be on your guard. A slip of the tongue is all a spy would need to get the DHA on our tails."
"I can always visit my old contacts downtown." Hitoshi shrugged. Although he and Minoru were twins, they had very different personalities, not to mention Minoru didn't wear vision glasses.
"Not yet, Hitoshi. I want to keep this as discreet as possible." Sesshomaru advised and Hitoshi saluted.
Tossing the plastic bags with the original bullets into a desk drawer, Toga put on his jacket and picked up the file folder. "Alert me or Sesshomaru in personshould you come across any new information. Is that understood?"
Nodding their understanding, all the males followed Toga out the room.
"I heard Rin took care of Shouichiru last night." Inuyasha followed behind Sesshomaru and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It'll help her fit into her role." Sesshomaru shrugged.
"You mean..." The half-brothers locked eyes and a fleeting smile crossed Inuyasha's lips. "You're serious?"
"Never more so. This one comes with a ball and chain." Sesshomaru replied with an equally brief smile and lengthened his strides as they neared the front entrance. Anxious to get back home. Anxious to check on his son and his future mate. Anxious to have a family again.
"Your priestess?" Sesshomaru asked.
Patting his back, Inuyasha chuckled.
"Don't worry she'll be there this weekend with mom. Besides someone's gonna have to help Rin with the wedding preparations." Inuyasha wiggled his brows mischievously.
"Keep an eye on your hired help." Sesshomaru said before exiting his father's mansion, making a mental note to keep an eye on his.
Sorry about the longish chapter but I had loads to cover. Next chapter we meet Kaede, Sessh talks to Chiru and someone pays Chiru a visit! And... I've decided to do the review corner again. I know. I know. I should decide on something and stick with it but hey don't all authors change their mind every second?
Syao Blossoms: thank you very much and I hope you enjoyed!
ASAP: So I guess I haven't made the best impression then have I? Ah, okay! It normally doesn't take me this long to update but due to some new projects, I kept getting side tracked from ML. I swear the next chapter will be up soon! And you found out today that... YES! Rin was dreaming.
Taraah36: LOL. I'm glad you've grown a liking to Chiru. Don't worry, Sessh has already started the investigation so I'm sure they'll find the culprit soon! No, you were right, they were at the Taishos for the marking ceremony things just went crazy is all. Why shot the baby and the father? One for physical pain and one for the pain of seeing your child suffer. But Chiru's a toughie he won't give up so easily ;)
Spacer231, Junebuggz, LadyNadine, AndyBeatz, Anni, charlieboo16103189, HawkAngel XD, Daddy's Special Request: Thnx my lovelies!
Nis3: Thank you for your feedback and double review *hearts*
Jolie: I'm glad you enjoyed the convo between Rin and Chiru. It took a while to have it sorted out. Ah, a lemon? Don't worry there's one in the works very shortly.
Missing'Nin'Akiko: Thnx hon, I'm glad you enjoyed!
nox-alatus: Thank you so much, nox! I'm trying to keep the story as interesting as possible and trying hard to tie everything together.
The Only Love for Soujiro Seta: I'm glad! That particular conversation took a while to write up properly and trying to keep Chiru IC is a constant challenge. :D
stigmafan123: LOL. Oh my. Um... maybe? Kohaku will be making a comeback shortly. I'll be delving a LOT into Rin's background next chapter so stay tuned! Thank you so much for your continued enthusiasm stigmafan! YOu keep me motivated.
warriormaiden60: Thnx much! More to come in Ch 15 I promise but I do hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! =D
3monkey3: I did want to include the 'talk' in this chapter but didn't want to add to the word count but it will be covered in the next chapter promise!
Winnowill763784: Aw, I'm sure everyone would like a bit of romance for Chiru but I don't have anything like that planned for him now then again, I do tend to change my mind a lot so you never know! ;D
card digi: Thank you so much for your enthusiasm dear reader! Ah, well I am glad my story hasn't bored you despite the long chapters. Hope you enjoyed this chapter too.
Hattaru: It wasn't an actual thunderstorm but more like a storm inside of Rin. YOu'll learn more next chappy. :D
DelSan13: Sessh is definitely going to take the shooting seriously. Stay tuned! :D
Extreme-Anime: Skin is always nice though, no? ;) Fear not! Rin will fall so quickly for Sessh that she won't know what hit her!
Caraline Fisher: hope you got your answer in this chapter. More explanations to follow.
Aelise27: *munches on virtual cookie* YUM! ^_^ Loved it! *presents you with bite-size pastry* here's my gift to you for enjoying my story dear reader! 3
Orna: hope you got all your answers this chapter! =D Thanks for sticking around, hon!
..apparition: Rin is so obviously in denial *eyeroll* The demonic war is important and it will all make sense as everything comes together. You raise a very good question about Chiru's dog form: In an earlier chapter, I mentioned that Chiru was uncomfortable changing into his demon form and started to change only because of a conversation that he and Rin had? Again, there'll be more to his transformation in the next chapter so stay tuned. Yes, the footsteps were hers and I hope this chapter clarified that.
Ariell: Thank you for joining Ariell! I do hope you're enjoying yourself. Don't worry about the spelling, dear one, notice how we all use short forms when referring to Sessh. =D I'm glad you're enjoying Rin. She'll get even more fun as the story comes together.
Pammazola: It's about time you reviewed *eyeroll* Hehe. It's cool thanks Pam, it means a lot to me when you review my work.
ElheiM: Thnx dear! Ah, Abi. I thought readers would have forgotten about her. LOL. No worries, she'll be making a comeback soon!
kir y: yes, the accents really matter but I'm not sure how to keep them consistent throughout the story so I'm just sticking with Shouichiru!
Mirrorsdeath17: Have you reached the blackness that moves ppl to leave bad reviews? If not then I don't think you've gone crazy just yet. =D Thank you for your wonderful feedback and I do hope you enjoyed the latest chapter!
amaretto-kiss:Busy... *looks around then points finger to self* who me? Hahaha. Yes, I am quite busy actually. . J/J! Busy updating fics! I hope the latest chapter was to your liking dear reader!
Lovely But Lonely Rose of Life: Welcome to my story, dear one. Hope you enjoy!
PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW TODAY IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT!