okey okey okey i know, it seemed as if i had died. But I swear not, I have been working on the Spanish version of this since December, and then I had to translate it. All of this in the middle of my Chilean version of SAT, the IB, entering College, being a slave of the Civil Code and basically losing my life. But I swear I have tried. The last part of the chapter is the one I always had in mind since back in 2012, so I hope I did it right. Anyways, please don't hate me.

Enjoy :)

Instinct And Reason

The trip back home was pure torture. If it were for him, he would have returned all alone, escaped, killed whatever being crossed his road, just like the old times… just like the last time. How pathetic. But he could not, and it wasn't because of Rin, she was a grownup now and could take care of herself, moreover with Ah Un helping her. It wasn't because of his newly rediscovered affections either. He was not going to go over and over it again, and he was not going to play the victim neither. It wasn't worth it and it solved nothing.

It was more like if the gods themselves wanted to mock him right on his face. During the second day while returning, it started to snow. Softly at first, but then it turned into one of those storms that were not common during autumn. For him, snow storms were nothing. He was not sensitive to cold, and he could go on normally. But for the fragile human that travelled loyally with him, it wasn't quite like that.

She woke up facing upwards over Ah Un scaly back and she noticed the sun was already way up in the sky tainted by some White fluffy clouds. "Stupid Rin, you probably overslept and wasted the whole morning". She stretched and rose, so fast she even got dizzy. When she was able to see again, she felt her ankle pulse, and noticed it was bandaged with a sakura-patron fabric. Then, with that strange feeling in her foot, she strated to remember the events of the previous day: Misakoro, Taihiro, the dry patch of soil, the angry villagers, the fight, the fall and death of her ankle, and Sesshomaru coming. What happened next was turmoil of chatting between her and the demon she could not figure out. Then she had slept of passed out.

However, she had that classic heavy feeling, as if she had forgotten something that was worth remembering, or that she should remember. She really did the effort, but it was useless nontheless. She merely shrugged.

Now that she noticed, they were heading back to the palace, she suppossed. How unfortnuate, for it was the least convinient thing to do right after she and the village's leader had reached an agreement. Leaving note ven saying good bye was never polite, and no more during these type of meetings. She would have to write to Taihiro when they arrived; he was an important ally in that región and she didn't want to lose him. She needed to keep him loyal to the central government. She really hoped he'd undestand. Sesshomaru had absolutely no sense of diplomacy beyond his pretty and pompous vocabulary. She glared at him rather annoyed, but also amused. Truly, she was able to get angry with him, but she was pissed so rarely at all that, at all his flaws, she merely laughed.

- You are awake- Sesshomaru said matter-of-factly

- So it seems, doesn't it?

- How is your ankle?- he inquired nonchalantly

- Alright- she said as she sat over Ah Un and glanced at the demon that walked infront of her, or rather his just stared at his white hair. So soft and fab.- it kind of beats and hurts a but, but considering it is broken, you made a wonderful job fixing it. Thank you- she thanked him with a bright, thin smile that he was able to catch through the corner of his delighted eyes.- It seems that I have forgotten some of the stuff that happened yesterday, so it was a wonderful surprise finding this beautiful fabric around my poor foot.

Sesshomaru turned his face to face her

- I see. Do you not remember what you said to me yesterday?

- Not much, really- Rin answered, making and effort to remember- I was kind of knocked out after you came to save me, which by the way I have to thank you for, too. I am way old to have to depend on you to save me, but that's just how we seem to end. I don't like it, really.

- Would you have preferred me to leave you to those men?- he asked

- Are you kidding me? Alright, I do have pride, but I prefer to swallow it and not be raped. I think the perfect solution would have been my ankle surviving and me remembering to actually have my sword with me. But well, life's not perfect. And really, thank you, my Lord, for rescuing me yet another time- she answered truefully. "All the times you need", the taiyoukai thought.- But no, returning to the subject, I do not remember much. I'll try

- I see- he mutered, not really knowing if it was for the best if she forgot about all of what they talked or not. However, apart of how rational it could seem, he could not help himself from feeling disappointed because she did not remember something he would do so for quite a time.

And so some time passed.

- We will arrive as fast as possible. Thus, we shall not stop for the night.- Sesshomaru informed, not expecting any answer.

Rin had the time then to enjoy the landscape. In fact they were the same terracotta leaves she had seen, but the other way round, for now they were heading the opposite direction. She scratched Ah Un in each of its heads and it groaned. Then she laid back and started to inspect the clouds, imagining shapes.

And even though the sun was still high up in the sky, Rin fell into a state of sleepy daydreaming that finally put her to sleep, all under the attentive eye of her protector, always watching her from the corner of the eyes, not really wanting to, like an old man discovering a treasure hidden in his backyard. He was so into his mind that he did not notice the clouds shaded the sun and the cold that made his guard tremble in her dreams

She woke up with her face quite wet in the middle of the night. Clearly lost she moved her hand as if she were killing a mosquito or old Myoga, but as it obviously didn't work, she sato ver Ah-Un and openend her eyes and found out that snow had started falling… just a little bit.

She wasn't displeased at all. She loved the snow, the cold, and besides she had really slept alot, so she jumped off the dragon (barely, her ankle was kind of dead) and started walking around. But her shoes were an obstacle, so she discarded them and kept wandering, barefoot, over the white snow.

- You are shoeless- Sesshomaru stated without even turning around, but knowing everything that happened behind him anyways. The snow had started some hours ago but had intensified with time. And the air was specially cold.

- Yes I am- she merrily answered as she hoved back her head and openend her mouth to eat some snowflakes, just like a child would- But it doesn't matter. I like the feeling of the snow under my toes- she wiggled them as Sesshomaru observed her from the corner of his eyes. She was so full of energy.

- Do as you please, but you will get cold- he ended, for he could see her shiver as she glided like a ghost, wandering through the forest, touching the bushes' frozen leaves, looking quite misterious dragging her now wet kimono. Under his eyes, she looked like some kind of snow fairy, so pretty but so fleeting, impossible to catch, escaping even his grasp, with her dark hair tainted by white snowflakes, her brown glowing eyes looking around in awe. Nothing like the day before were she had punched a villager square in the face. He had felt so proud then. It was then, and after when he spared those vermins' lives, he realized he had changed because of her. And then he realized he wanted to see her just being her, to hear her speaking of him, helping him, always and forever. He realized, after he touched her, he loved her. But the strength seemed gone now, and the child inside her emerged yet again, laughing over the most common things. Multifaceted.

"Life is made up of details. Without them, it is dull", he had heard Keiko preach once. And now he got it, watching Rin walk even though her ankle was obviously sore. She was just so happy it was even weird. She had been and orphan, neglected and beaten and here she was smiling like she had been born a princess. Both were so alike and so different. So different… She was shivering but he had not the spirit to keep warning her. Besides, her neck was so exposed when she titled her head. He scolded himself. He could be deeply attracted to her but he could not think on her figure 24/7. He had, after all, more important things to reflect upon, didn't he?

- A bit of cold harms no one- she answered stubbornly

Of course, convincing Rin was impossible, and she would always have the last word. In fact, he liked that. He glared at her with his golden ices as she realized that snow had accumulated over her hair, and shook it to get rid of the pile, which partly ended up on Sesshomaru's back as she laughed with her deep voice. He narrowed his eyes, trying to exaggerate the little anger he felt, as she openly laughed at him. Oh, only her could.

- Silence- he ordered. She tried to hide her laugh, but she almost exploded. He could hear, in fact, some little giggles, which managed to escape her closed lips.

- Sorry- she sarcastically apologized as she swallowed her laughter. She then schemed the most stupid and fun idea ever. Not diverting her gaze from her lord's back, she grabbed a small amount of cold snow, moulded it into a ball, and kept walking as if nothing. When she saw the perfect moment, she quickly threw it with all her might towards the most deadly youkai in all those lands. Of course, every other being on the earth would have never done that in his right mind and would have been scared to death to even think of it. Of course, Rin was the exception.

- Stop- he muttered loud enough to sent chills down the woman's spine, as he grabbed the snowball before it hit him, without even turning around.

- But… but…- she pleaded- it's not fair at all!

- You should know by now that those kind of things will never work- he glanced at her from the corner of his eyes, drowning in her smile- You are being childish

- Oh, you don't say- sarcasm again- What is life without childish things?

- I have lived like that for quite some time

- And I pray to the gods to not end up like that- she said, sure that he knew she was joking. Just as she finished that sentence, a memory of her and Sesshomaru engulfing each other with their eyes under a starry sky while she laid broken on the floor, talking, shot through her head like a lightning. But as fast as it came, it faded away. She shook her head; she would need much more than that to understand everything that happened that night.

Rin kept walking on the snow, refusing to ride Ah Un back, who was snuggling her with one of its two heads, pleading for its master to get over and therefore stay warmer. Sesshomaru knew she would rather not. Yet, she was so stubborn that many times she took it too far and made the wrong choices, or at least didn't think rationally

- You are unaware of how cold it is- Sesshomaru spoke

- That's what you think. Yet with the cold and all, I am so enjoying this. It doesn't snow that much and you know I love when the air's chilly. And even more when I can spend this time with you, and tease you as I just did. Just don't kill me one day, please.- and she laughed with that laughter of hers that melted the ice around her and was music to the demon's ears and soothed his heart, which was already addicted to that sound for how long now.

But after awhile Rin's kimono was too soaked, therefore too heavy to carry around. And although Rin was having an unusually good time just walking around, glancing at the demon once in a while, and would have walked besides him to the end of the world, she had to admit she was getting tired, and her ankle was sore.

- Such a luck- she spat quietly as she climbed back to the dragon. Sesshomaru glanced at her yet again. The woman could not say it, but she had to be cold. Her feet were terribly white, almost blue, and visibly numb. Her lips, although never rosy pink, had the same colour than her feet; yet they still were curved up in a smile. Curious human, strange human. And, after awhile, there she was, again curled up trying to stay warm, sleeping. He slowed his pace so he would be beside her. She was asleep too fast. He noticed her pale face with some locks of hair stuck to it. He put his hand, removing some of them. She was ice cold, and she breathed heavily. This did not looked well at all. However, he did not feel any fever whatsoever. Still, she was shivering. He covered her with a coat he brought (for nothing, he never was cold at all). He could do nothing more.

He unconsciously let his hand rest on the soft skin of her guard. He wasn't really thinking on anything at all, it was more just like an impulse. His mind wandered from topic to topic. He meanwhile caressed her cheeks with the back if his hand. They were so cold he reacted and noticed his own moves. But he was not as worried because of them, or the fact that she could wake up at any moment (really unlikely, Rin had heavy sleep), but by the fact that she was ice cold all over her face. But his hand still trailed her features: her cheekbones, her eyebrows, and her cold lips. He could not take his own hand off, how pathetic. But moments like this were the ones that brought him solace over the last time. Of course, the forest seemed to have changed that, he had returned her to that place his right old mind thought she deserved, but she was simply irresistible. He had taken long to fall completely back to his knees, but she had always prevailed, some way or another. He had so few under control for some months now. He couldn't stop it, and some part of him loved that, and the other one hated it. He stared once more at his own thin fingers, his thumb over Rin's lips. The thought of kissing her right there while she slept crossed his mind. He so wanted to taste those lips for the first time; they were so close and yet so far that they captivated him like a mystery. But he dismissed the thought for it would be a terrible mistake, because it would be basically necrophilia but with someone sleeping, and only the gods knew where he would stop then. His pride still forbid it, and his honour would be questions. He still could not make any other move besides loving her from afar, even if she did love him back, which was also not the case. Power, politics, demanded so. He violently took off his hand from her face, and quickened his pace.

Short story, she ended up with a fever.

Rin woke up so cold she couldn't quite remember the last time she had felt so icy, despite being covered with a coat that she well knew belonged to her Lord. With a faint smile she sat slowly. Her muscles were sore, her head felt heavy and she felt her nose quite watery. Her heavy eyes perceived the snow almost immediately, but she was unable to actually feel them. Perhaps she had grown used to the cold, or maybe she had not enough sensitivity to feel them. It was kind of frightening, because she could see them, but not feel them. She got down from the dragon as fast as she could and started walking over the snow again, burying, sliding her feet over the cold snow while her frozen kimono sissed behind her, desperately trying to feel something other than tiredness… but there was nothing.

- I can't feel it, I can't feel it- she muttered heavily, glancing down towards the ground, at her kimono and her now blue feet, feeling sort of dizzy and with a headache. So she obviously didn't see her lord's back until she bumped him.

- What?- he asked, not even turning around. Rin did not answer, not so much for her pride, not wanting to admit he had been right and now she was sick, but mostly because she felt physically weak, dizzy and way too tired. Sesshomaru didn't mind the silence, until he felt the cold of her body penetrating the fabrics of their clothing and burning his skin. He turned around fully and she did not back away. He stared at her with worried eyes, like when she was a wild little kid waking up from yet another one of those nightmares. But now, those eyes looked different, had a different tint, a deeper glow that only few would take as a hint that the taiyoukai's heart was not the same now. He inspected the damp hair and a peek of the blue-ish forehead. He placed his long hand on her shivering shoulder and pushed her back in order to have a fuller view. Yet, this was not enough because she was still too close and he was unable to see her face. She was indeed tall, but not enough. So, he placed two fingers under her burning chin and roughly forced her face up, towards him, to see inspect her better. Even his fingers suffered from the cold contact. She was dangerously freezing, despite the fact she never ever got sick and that he had covered her with a cloak. He studied her pale, sickly face. He really expected to see those classic brown eyes opened, staring at him with curiosity and peace. Yet they were closed in tiredness. He moved her face, inspecting her features in various angles, and so he noticed her flushed cheeks, her slightly large mouth open, silently gasping for air, exhaling a warm, humid air that tickled his nose. He lightly touched her cheeks and forehead. She was burning hot right there, yet her whole body was ice cold. Obviously, she had a fever. Perhaps not that strong when she woke up, but wandering over the cold snow during a storm did not help at all. He touched her neck and it was burning hot too. Definitely a fever. Such luck.

But he didn't let go of her chin. He kept looking, studying her; he even brought her face closer to his own, enough to feel the coldness in her breath and notice the blue veins crossing her skin. With her eyes closed, her cheeks so hot and flushed she appeared so vulnerable, so helpless.

He wanted to kiss her; needed to kiss her

- I could not feel the snow- she muttered weakly, breaking the spell, still with her eyes closed- I cannot, still. I can feel my feet, but I don't feel the snow. My head's killing me, besides.- and with a faint smile she added deeply- You are right, yet again. I hate to admit it but I am indeed ill

- Wait here- Sesshomaru answered as he backed away, making Rin lose balance and almost fall, while he fetched the cloak she had discarded and left over Ah- Un- It is not much, but it will suffice.

- Thanks

- Go back to Ah-Un. Stepping over snow won't help- and though Rin really wanted to stay beside her lord, she could not oppose.

She barely sat over the dragon, her head really killing her while everything seemed to spin around. She touched her forehead with the back of her hand, feeling cold sweat impregnate it. Such luck, it had to be now. She laid facing upwards, watching the cloudy sky, trying to feel the cold snow falling over her, but she could not. Rin closed her eyes, feeling her eyelashes accumulate tiny snowflakes.

- I feel nothing…- and she fell asleep.

Sesshomaru kept walking, but at a slower pace in order to be at her sight and study his protégée as she slept. She still looked angel-like, but it was obvious she was having a rough sleep due to the fever. He could notice her eyes desperately trembling under the soft, cold skin of her eyelids. Besides, her face lightly contorted now and then with expression, and soft gasps escaped her lips. She wasn't having a good time at all, but he had warned her and she had paid no attention.

- Ah!- Rin yelped low and woke up. Cold sweat pearled her wide forehead, and her cheeks were even brighter than before. Sesshomaru immediately felt her forehead, which was hotter. It was absolutely not good at all that the fever kept rising, and he had no medicine nor knowledge about human fevers.- Too hot.- she muttered, and again there she was, jumping back to the snow, before Sesshomaru could grab her by the arm and stop her. But she was so weak her legs could not support her and she fell on her knees on the ground. She sighed with relief when she felt some of the cold pierce her skin, cooling her. Then, slowly, with everything around her spinning, she rose, trying to balance, and started wandering like a weak ghost, as she grabbed her head or massaged her temples.

- This is useless. We will stop for the night- informed the demon, to no one in particular, for the human was way far from him

After finding the spot and setting up the fire, Sesshomaru sat beside the half-asleep human woman covered with a fur cloak.

- It is so damn hot- Rin said with bright, feverish eyes and flushed cheeks. Sesshomaru really had to make and effort to follow the conversation. After a pause, she added, weaker and weaker- My head hurts. So does my back, my neck, my legs, my arms, everything.- and she stretched and moved her neck, looking for relief. Sesshomaru just decided to stare to the now interesting forest.- But none of those are so bothersome as the heat!

- Are you aware of the fact that is actually cold?

- Mhm- she faintly nodded with here eyes in fine slits.- I can see the snow falling and in the ground, so I guess there is a storm going on. But it is irrelevant because I cannot feel it!- she smiled faintly- That was quite ego- and she got up and walked a bit and then fell to her knees and started to grab bits of snow and rub them on her arms and neck, sometimes even on her shoulder (which required the exposal of skin). She touched her own skin trying to feel relief, but there was nothing.

She was scared. The fact of being conscious, yet unable to feel the snow over her, or at least cooling her, freaked her. It was as if she was touching nothing, when she was in fact covered in snow. And besides, the long-for wanted relief it would provide her did not come. She tried everything, and it didn't work. It was frustrating.

Sesshomaru witnessed this, and some part of him was not displeased with the spectacle his ward was providing him as she rubbed pieces of ice over that long thin neck most women wished they had, and watch her hand rub her nape, revealing part of her shoulders, barely visible in the midst of the wind and the snow but so much desirable under the veil of mystery. He had to control his mind and his eyes from going full red with renewed lust.

He wanted her. The woman was terribly ill, burning with fever, and he still wanted her. He scoffed ironically at himself.

But it was enough. Rin's movement were faster and faster each time, but turned erratic, and if she remained there in the snow she would get hypothermia. The heat she felt was just an illusion from the fever, for the truth was she was freezing. He slowly rose and walked towards her. Rin kept rubbing bits of snow over her, frantically, when she felt a long hand over her right shoulder. She slowly and tiredly turned her face towards Sesshomaru, who was not looking at her eyes, but at her extremely white and bare arms. Then, his eyes met hers

- I can't… no matter how hard I try; I still can't…- she stuttered with an exhausted yawn as she breathed in her nose's water.

- You cannot feel anything, I know- he interrupted her with a slightly hoarse voice- But you are not going to solve it by doing this- and he helped her to her feet

- It's just that my head, my muscles… everything ached- she protested- I had forgotten how being sick felt like

- Serves you well. You will obey me the next time

- Hm, as if I were such a rebel- she muttered when they were sitting again closer to the fire, and he covered her with his stole as she leaned her head on it.

- I do not have to recall to you all the times you disobeyed my orders and saved Jaken- he mentioned, to lift up her humour a bit.

- Mhm- the human just barely twitched her lips in a slight smile that seemed to shine dimly in the middle of such a dark and cold night. She moved her head backwards to cool her neck- I prefer to call it "free spirit"

"It is", the demon thought as he stared down to her hair. Rin, at the same time, lifter her face to stare at him, as he then watched towards the invisible horizon. Indeed he was handsome.

- Have other women told you that you, sir, are quite handsome?- she asked him. Normally, she would not inquire such a triviality, but she was really bored and ill. Sesshomaru's eyes widened slightly with surprise, but still he did not look at her and kept his golden ices glued towards the forest- Maybe it's the fever but you look rather good in the night, you look kind of mysterious- well, more than regular- Besides your hair shines. Ah, I would wish mine did. The woman that has the supernatural skills to shatter the rock that covers your heart will be quite lucky.- The demon lord almost laughed bitterly at this last part. Oh, little did she knew. But he could do nothing about it, nothing!

So they remained like that. Rin, in a weird doze; Sesshomaru, taking care of her by her side, so he would feel even the slightest change in her. It was, also, an excuse to have her exquisitely close. Funny how she was so ill, with a watery nose and a worn expression, and he could not stop thinking on how absolutely beautiful she was. Pathetic. He diverted his gaze and noticed the storm wasn't softening at all. After some moments he heard Rin gasping. He turned to look at her, as she was shivering with no control, trembling like a dry leaf in the beginning of autumn. The unbeatable Rin he knew was now losing against a mere fever. How bothersome. The colour she had gained back now, was gone again, and blue veins traced her forehead and even the former flushed cheeks. Her slightly opened mouth tried to capture every single drop of oxygen available, making quite a weak and rickety noise.

- Rin

- I'm marrying… Hakamaru… I'm not sure I had told you yet…-she whispered so weakly Sesshomaru was unsure if the woman had really spoken or if it was the wind.- But… I don't know if… I…

"If what?!" his mind yelled with anxiety and a tremendous, almost desperate curiosity. Just now, when he would be able to gather more information about what his ward's opinion about the subject really was, she did not answer.

- Rin- nothing- Rin- Sesshomaru stared back at her, but she had dozed off into sleep, not really peacefully though. He touched her forehead and it was burning hot again, yet her body was much colder. And he had naïvely thought the worst was over. At least she was sleeping. He covered her even more with his fur, and cuddled her closer to him so she would remain warm. Her head now rested on his shoulder, and he could fell every move of that weak human body that could fight enemies with great skill, but that bowed to a mere human fever. Yet again, she was human, and there were things her nature couldn't resist, though he tended to forget she possessed such nature: human. Well, fortunately, he had taken off his armour. He had only done this once before in his whole life, but Rin physically needed this or she would literally freeze to death.

It felt really strange. He always cared for her, they were always together, good allies, they fought together, did almost everything together, but this they had not. And she would never know. Better so. She would never see how he pulled her even closer to him, how he caressed her cheek trying to comfort her even in her sleep, how he rested his own head over hers, deeply smelling her hair, now smelling of dirt and snow. No, Rin would never know it; it would fade with the storm and the snow; it would last just but one second and the moment would fleet away in Time, only witnessed by the forest and the clouds and the never-ending snow. Rin would never know that one night, long ago, the Lord of the West himself had cuddled her in his arms as if she were again the little child she was 10 years or so ago, and that he had felt a never ending peace inside him, despite the rather dramatic situations they were in. But little did it matter after she was wed to another that did not even deserve her, who had failed proving to be worthy of her yet and yet again. This would be one of the last close pleasures he would rejoice on, before being denied forever. And Rin, Rin would never know of it.

That was the worst night. After, despite the storm did not stop after some days, erasing all trace of Jatemaru, Rin got better.

And there she was now, standing tall and straight in front the castle's doors, smiling with relief. She was still a little pale, but she walked perfectly and had no strange temperature swings.

- Finally!- she cried- I am so going to rest after writing a letter to Taihiro excusing us for disappearing so unexpectedly. Maybe if we had stayed I wouldn't have fallen ill in the middle of our way back- she said sarcastically

- I do not stay in places where my advisers are attacked- he dryly replies

- Yeah right, just because of that- Rin rolled her eyes. She knew he protected her, although he would not admit it- Well, I don't remember much of it either. Specially when we stopped in the night… because we did, right?- Sesshomaru nodded slightly.

The gate's big, finely crafted wooden doors opened when the guards distinguished the demon's figure, and as their arrival was so sudden, only Fuhisho, who was just passing by, was there at first to greet them. However, with the loud call of "The Lord of the West has arrived!" half of the palace was out there in a second.

- How's it going?- Fuhisho asked, walking aside the pair, as they would not stop.

- We've come to an agreement. There were some problems, but it is an agreement nonetheless. I have to write a lot of letters and coordinate a lot of stuff, but the agreement is worth it. Oh, and Fuhisho, tell seven of your best warriors to get ready to depart. Part of the conditions, you see. We have, also, information about Jatemaru; it was so obvious he had something to do with the whole problem!- Rin quickly informed, saving Sesshomaru the burden of having to answer himself, although the others knew he probably wouldn't either.- Later I need to discuss the arrangement of the rest of the conditions of the agreement. And I also need to meet the coordinator of the human affairs of Misakoro's region to fully coordinate the help. So much for bureaucracy.

- Awesome- Fuhisho glared at her and noticed her paleness- Are you feeling fine?

Rin looked back at him with a funny look in her brown eyes and smiled back

- I have never felt any better, why?

Sesshomaru smirked in his insides. Rin would never admit she had fallen ill because of some snowy storm. Although of course, Fuhisho kept suspecting, but would not say anything. Only Keiko, who had cared for Rin personally since she had arrived long ago, and therefore knew the aspect of her girl after some illness, and knew how she behaved and moved, was positive she had, indeed, been sick. Moreover, when she answered, Rin glared at the demoness quickly, as she smiled mischievously.

- Did the storm get you too?- asked Kagome

Rin looked at her now, with laughter in her eyes

- Yeah, there were just a few snowflakes. Now, and Akato Ayumi Makoto and the twins?- the woman inquired as if she were repeating an exam answer learned by memory.

- Sleeping. Akato's a bit sick because he went outside to play with the snow. I told him not to but he would totally ignore me! Rebellious kid, so childish!- Kagome whined, not seeing the slight curve that twisted the corners of her brother in law's mouth

- Why do I find that familiar?- Rin whispered as she sighed and looked up at the cloudy sky- Do you know where Haka…?- she started asking but was interrupted by a loud voice

- Here I am!- the demon yelled as he approached the group

Rin's face lit up as if the Sun shone directly on it, and she ran with all her might and literally jumped over her boyfriend as he hugged her. She would never show that much love to anyone else, the group thought.

- I came as soon as I heard the call. See? I promised you I would greet you even if I had to sneak out of training- he informed as he happily looked at his father, who tried to fake a smile.

Sesshomaru clenched his fists with jealous anger, enough to drain his frustration and to feel another pain other than his rejected heart (that had a disgusting ring on his head). His teeth were also clenched in ire. He didn't even look at them; he just resumed his pace towards the building. He just wanted to get away from them, to ignore them: he so wanted to escape. Yet, though his mind wanted to forget, his heart kept cruelly playing the moments both had shared during the trip. He remembered when he had held her during her worst night. But it did not matter, because she did not remember many of them and ignored the last one. What was the point? Besides, she was going to get married anyways, with a man that wasn't even faithful to her. And he even had Marei's scent on him. He took advantage of the woman's poor sense of smell. Oh, he, a honourable taiyoukai, would never dishonour Rin in such a way. This wild thought surprised him, because he had never compared Hakamaru with him so directly as rivals. It was pathetic, but it showed him he was actually willing to be with her… if he just could.

""But… I don't know if… I…"". He shook his head with an empty grief. It was pointless to fill his heart with some sort of hope when it was highly probable they wouldn't come true. He couldn't give importance to words muttered by a feverish human during the night.

- You're a bit pale- he heard Hakamaru comment, as he drowned on those brown eyes, that he well knew bewitched just a few men. He cursed his luck, as he was unable to enter the building before they started talking.

- You're delusional- she answered laughing. She would tell no one, not even him- I am perfectly fine. Come! I have to tell you how the trip went- she cried as she hugged him and walked together. She could show that much love to him in public, no more. Even in private it was hard for her to show her true feelings to him.

Sesshomaru slightly shook his head at the blind trust the soldier had on Rin's answer. So little did he truly know her, he was unable to notice she was indeed pale, and he was absolutely clueless as to how she behaved after she got sick, or her pride that would not let her admit she had been sick. He then was able to see how stupid the whole situation was. He could not keep thinking this way. He had to reflect, to stop this. Even if he could not un-love her, at least he had to return to his senses and to the path of reason. If not, he would eventually think so much on the one he could not have, it would get in the way of his activities. He watched Fuhisho through the corner of his eye. He would have to; he did not want to, yet it was necessary. How pathetic and miserable. Not really certain of his decision, he spoke:

- Fuhisho. Come. Now- he ordered so coldly the general was kind of afraid he had done something wrong. He prayed to the kamis above as he tried to keep up with Sesshomaru's pace.

- I swear on everything that is pure that I have not- the blackhaired taiyoukai argued

- Do you remember her?- Sesshomaru interrupted, ignoring him. He was quite baffled; he had not mentioned her in decades, maybe centuries.

- Her… you mean her, the one from years ago?... I mean…-

- Yes, her. I see you got my point- the taiyoukai cut him

Fuhisho closed his eyes, faking an effort to remember a scenario he would never forget.

He saw him from far away as he returned to the palace. There was nothing rare; it was a sunny, ordinary day. They had gone out to patrol the borders, as the used to do, just as his own father and mother did long ago. But, as he came closer, he was able to notice; Fuhisho caught a glimpse of something, something that wasn't quite right. He didn't know for sure, it seemed as if something was missing. There was something in Sesshomaru's features that made the air suddenly heavy. He wouldn't show that much of emotions in them normally, and though they weren't exactly constricted, there was certainly something in them. It was as if in his aristocratic pride in his walk, sadness and melancholy were softly painted. He often looked down, and then raised his head with a stoicism that hinted something else rather than pure coldness.

And then he noticed it.

- Where is she?- he inquired softly with inexplicable fear when Sesshomaru was next to him. He studied his hands, slightly tainted in dirt and blood. He then watched as the demon diverted his gaze, hiding his eyes from his own grey orbs. He answered as if he were dictating a death sentence, with a voice so husky and low he felt his heart shrink.

- Dead.

- Well, of course I remember

- Don't you find her similar to Rin?- okey well, that did took him by surprise. How had he arrived to that conclusion? Of course they were similar, he had thought about that several times, but it was unlike of Sesshomaru to do such connection. He looked back at the taiyoukai, who looked calmly at him, but a soft tension was visible in the corner of his lips, and he had his head slightly back, as if waiting for a blow. Oh yeah, maybe even Rin could not see it, but there was definitely something there, something he thought had disappeared. He had to hold back his smile.

- Now that you mention it, yes. There are obvious differences, but they indeed are. Now, there are several key points in which they differ. I guess you do not need or want any more details. Why do you ask?

- It is nothing. A mere doubt that haunted me during the journey.- he lied badly- I just wished to corroborate it.

- Yeah right, and I'm Naraku. Come on, there is something else. I know enough to know better that your lies.

For a split second he seriously considered opening up to the general; and although that had been his original plan when he called for him, he had discarded it when he remembered how gossipy the old demon was. He was worst than Rin and Keiko combined. However, it was clear that he knew. In fact, he suspected Fuhisho suspected of the whole affair even before he left for the forest, so he deduced he was almost certain right now. He did admit his failure at lying. Besides, he was tired of fighting the feeling, so he quarreled less with it and so he supposed he was a bit more obvious. Yet, he wasn't that fond of the idea of opening up. He would deny it still. Not to trick his mind into thinking he was not in love, but just as a last resource against the others. He would go through this alone. As an answer, he just stood up and slowly walked towards the small balcony and he looked outside. Ironically, Rin and Hakamaru were walking just right there. His eyes were glued to them, and as much as he wanted to divert them, they just kept staring idiotically at that pristine smile of hers. Fuhisho just watched his moves and smiled. Of course, as he had no idea how feeling actually worked, or if he had sometime ago, he had forgotten, Sesshomaru was blind to the fact that he was so obvious. Clearly he felt something; and gods, it was deep. Oh, he would extract the truth. Maybe not now, but he would eventually admit it. Perhaps that silence was even better. It was common knowledge Rin was in love with Hakamaru, and that had being going on for awhile now (even though he had jeopardized the relationship lately). So, at the time, Sesshomaru could have all the power and might he wanted, but he could not force the woman into loving him, and he stood no chance. He knew how much an unrequited love hurt, and how helpful confiding it to someone was.

- I hate her!- he yelled as he stormed in ire into the study InuTaisho had furnished sometime ago, part of the remodeling he had done in the castle in which his ancestors had lived in since China was called Xeres, and not China, by the humans. Precisely, the Lord was sitting there, doing nothing, really. When he heard his friend complaining, he just couldn't help his laughter. Fuhisho could curse her all he wanted, but they both knew nothing of that was true.

- Don't make me laugh, lad. You do not hate her.

- Oh you bet! She treats me like dirt. Worst! We have to work together almost all the time because she serves Izanei, and I, almost, you. No kind word, no chatting. She just says 'hello' and then, nothing! She's so cold I wish she would freeze. Oh, by the gods, I hate her!

- That is so not true. Look, you can say what you wish, but Keiko not treating you the way you wish she did does not mean she hates you, just that she doesn't love you as you do- he concluded with a mocking smile. Fuhisho had his eyes wide open. He knew InuTaisho was suspicious. He was so gossipy he knew he had been asking Izanei about the subject. Well, he was similar in that aspect, so he couldn't complain. And he was very perceptive, after all. Yet, it was the first time he openly faced him.

- No… That is not true… How could you even think that I would love that wild orange ball of hair?- he asked fast, crossing his arms and diverting his gaze, trying in vane to fake indifference.

- Yeah right, as if it were that hard. Keiko is by no means ugly or annoying, and she is clever. Come on, I see the way you look at her. What would you say if I invite you to stay here while we drink the expensive sake the North Lord brought last month and you tell me about the burdens of your poor, broken heart?- he proposed in open mockery as he pointed a chair next to his finely crafted one. The black-haired soldier knew he had no way out. Even if he denied the very tempting offer, InuTaisho would find a way, he was positive. Perhaps, it would be better if he actually talked to him about it; maybe he would give some decent piece of advice. With a defeated sighed, he dragged his feet towards the chair and heavily sat. After some moments in which he organized his ideas (and the lord served the sake), he slowly started.

- I am very upset by the fact that you are so perceptive on this stuff. I can't lie to you: I do love her. I love her, and I can do nothing about it…- and so he talked, he yelled, he stood up, he sat, he cursed, he praised and he let out everything that had been troubling his heart in front of his friend, who patiently smiled and nodded, occasionally giving some advice. It was a long chat, but InuTaisho smiled through all of it. Maybe if he tried hard enough, he would get what he wanted.

Because yeah, he was sure Sesshomaru liked Rin, a lot. However, the last time he thought so, the elusive boy just escaped to the woods and came back totally different… bored. Oh, that was it; that was the key. Now he understood. Yet, although the whole situation was kind of amusing, Hakamaru was still his son. But Sesshomaru loved Rin, and he was also kind of like his son too. Bad triangulation. Of all the beings that lived, served, or frequently came to the palace selling stuff, those three had to be involved. Rin could not fall in love with another random guy; Marei had to arrive, and Sesshomaru could not keep on being his usual dull self. Even more, Sesshomaru had like, all the Far East women to choose among, even more! But no, it had to be Rin. Yeah, she was special, and he, himself, liked her. But there had to be another demon/woman/whatever similar to her, she wasn't a goddess or someone that special. Yet, of course, she had to be one of a kind to make Sesshomaru love her without her loving him first. Well, anyways, he was caught in the middle of the affair. Just how awesome was that, right? However, now what mattered was to make the little iced hearted demon (or not so much, now?) admit the truth, and then observe how the whole matter developed through time. But there was still the Marei issue! God, so many problems!

Anyways, he approached Sesshomaru slowly, like a teacher who tries to make a little kid understand a complex matter. He stopped at a distance in which they weren't both in the balcony, but from where he could still watch what was happening down in the garden.

- You feel things for Rin- he slowly pronounced. If he killed him, any attempt to escape was useless. Besides, he did miss InuTaisho quite a bit.

- It depends.- Sesshomaru sternly answered, matter-of-factly, which shocked Fuhisho, who expected a fake denial at first, at least.- Of course I have feelings for her. She has been living here for over a decade, after all. She is a useful ally worth of praise and appreciation. However- and here his tone changed completely. It was not loud nor specially grave, but it did chill the general's back still, as it was colder and emptier- if by "feelings" you mean… deep affection, then no.- Okey, that was more Sesshomaru-like.

- It was not a question, but a fact.

- And I repeat, for the last time, as you should know better than to ask me this: no.

- You tried to avoid it when you ran away to wherever you went. But you could not. You thought you could, but not. You came back trying to pretend everything was fine, maybe you even believed it yourself. But I bet you found everything duller and more boring. It was still there; she was still there. You could not stop her.- he went on, completely ignoring every danger in the words the taiyoukai had previously said. He did not notice golden irises glaring at him from the corners of the eyes, mixture of anger and surprise and melancholy- You cannot stop looking at her, you can't keep your eyes off her and Hakamaru, despite how much you want to, how much it hurts. You know you can do nothing, and that's why you came straight to this room and almost locked yourself in, trying to avoid them. You want it to stop, but you know that would mean tearing up her happiness. You know you won't have her at your side for much longer- he wasn't quite sure about that, actually- that you can't keep her with you forever, but you still have to face her everyday with that pain stunk in your chest. You want to push her away, but you know you can't, because at the same time you want her with you. Sesshomaru, you are, now, powerless.

After some moments of deep thought for both of them, the taiyoukai spoke, hiding the anger and the sadness and the despair from his voice

- Assuming you were right, which you evidently are not, as you should guess, how can you be so sure that everything is the way you describe it?

- Ah, you ask me this; then I am right.

- Mere amusement.

- Yeah right. Look, you are forgetting that I have lived way more than you, and besides wrinkles and back-pain, age brings wisdom. I have seen this so many times. Normal people and demons, we don't hide our ability to actually feel.

- Enough. First, you spoke out of turn: I never asked for your advice about a matter I simply do not care about- Sesshomaru was actually surprised this sounded so real- Second, you are aware that if I were to love someone, it would be a demoness. I will not further dilute my father's blood: InuYasha suffices. Thirdly, Rin does not even attract normal human men, and you really believe I, Sesshomaru, would be one of the few?- he asked, fully looking at Fuhisho, trying to keep away any thought or truth from sparkling in his eyes. Besides, he was actually telling the truth: Rin was, first of all, human, and he had never planned to love one. What did really happen was another issue.

- Oh my God, you are so convincing- Fuhisho replied with sarcasm- First to your first: kill me if you please, but this is a matter in which I had to say what I thought. Besides, you were the one that told me to come here. Second to your second, you do not choose whom you love. I think that serves the third point, too. Rin is not incredibly attractive; even though you may think otherwise due to your affection, she is objectively normal. Her height is a little weird and flat and she tends to walk strangely. But everyone likes different stuff. And besides, what she lacks in beauty, she pays it off tenfold in intelligence and attitude. My my, I believed you were the kind of man who preferred inside over outside.

- Enough, I don't need you to believe me.- Sesshomaru ended the conversation by violently walking away from the balcony where he had been looking at Rin all this time, as he walked down towards the door that led to the garden, trying to escape the truth by just walking towards it/her. He didn't even know why he had gone there. Fuhisho just followed with a distracted smile.

"I believe that serves as a yes", he thought, pretty amused.

Meanwhile, Rin and Hakamaru were sitting in the bench under the big old tree's shade, near the pond with those dozens of colourful water lilies that she so loved. Rin laid over the rock bench quite tiredly, leaning her braided head on top of the soldier's lap, who pulled his military haori's sleeves up to cool his arms.

- And how was your life without me?- the woman asked, eyes closed

- Cool- he tried to use her sarcasm, failing

- Hm. It doesn't suit as much as it does me.- she winked a brown eye- I use it better.

- Well, I am not as cool as you are- he replies, kissing her on the lips- And that I mean it.

- Ok, so I supposed you suffered through the whole of the week or so

- I was worried, to tell the truth. Knowing nothing of Jatemaru's whereabouts, there was kind of a constant tension in the castle and around the soldiers. Knowing you and Sesshomaru were gone did not help at all. You two are really helpful. We really wished for you to come back soon, especially me as you can guess, and for Jatemaru to delay his attack.

- Keep your friends close and your enemies closer- she meditated- At least, so they say.

- Now look at you; you aren't even a soldier but you know more about strategy than me!- he joked as he undid Rin's braid so he could run his clawed fingers through her soft but rather dirty long hair.

- Living all your life with Sesshomaru has its pros- she replied staring happily at his green bamboo-like irises. Then she got a glimpse of his uncovered arm and noticed some scratches that weren't there when they said their goodbyes last time.

- What happened to your arms?- she asked as she sat straight and grabbed his arms carefully in order to inspect the wounds. Although Hakamrau's body healed way faster than hers, some purple lines were still visible in his tanned skin. They seemed to be caused by some cutting tool, like a knife or a sword. She really did not believe her boyfriend had a reason to cut his veins, so it had to be another thing.

- Oh, these?- he asked idiotically while staring at them. What he did not see was that he was been watched (and heard) by Sesshomaru and his father, who were by now standing at threshold of the corridor that lead to the gardens.- They are… hum… cuts I received during training. I was thinking on how much I missed you and I didn't pay attention and the next second I was bleeding.

- You fool! Remember you arm protectors. Genius- she scolded as she caressed the injuries softly

Rin couldn't know it, nor Hakamaru, but his father was very unpleased after hearing the dialogue.

- How stupid- Sesshomaru got Fuhisho's murmur. If the normally calm, always happy general was mad, something had to have happened. He suspected it had mostly to do with that poor excuse of a man that was sitting with Rin right now (he knew Fuhisho didn't deserve that much anger from him to his son, but it was the truth). He bet Hakamrau had done (yet) another stupidity. Probably it included Marei, but he didn't want to deepen in it because he wanted to sum up any more anger or jealousy or dissatisfaction to the already sad situation he was suffering through, and to what he was seeing right there. It was kind of interesting what jealousy could trigger in someone's mind, and he was really making an effort in just staying right where he was and not storming towards the pair and kick Hakamaru directly in the guts (sorry, Fuhisho). He really wanted to tell Rin each and every one of the lies Hakamaru had made her believe. However, he knew she didn't deserve to lose her happiness. He would not be the one to destroy it. But, is it better to live in a sweet pinkish life, or to face the cold but real truth?

- RIN!- they both heard (and probably mostly every living being within miles around) the palace kids, including Sango's twins, yelling, as they ran towards the couple. Seconds after, Rin was on the ground, being smashed by a pile of children talking at the same time, eager to play one or another game, despite the still chilly weather and a few snowy spots here an there.

- You don't mind leaving our stuff for later, don't you?- the human managed to ask Hakamaru with all her might, under the pile of children. They both knew he felt awkward surrounded by the kids she knew how to manage so well, and so she didn't try to include him. She knew he would not enjoy it.

- Absolutely not. I don't think they've missed you more than I have, but sure they have lees patience.- and he went away

- First, how have you all been?- she asked after she managed to escape the pile above her and straighten her kimono.

- Good- the all answered in different times. Makuro kept talking in his childish voice- we couldn't go out and play because of the storm, and we missed you a lot!- he finished hugging her legs

- I see you guys made friends with each other quickly, how awesome- she remarked, referring to Tengaki and Meshai.- I suppose Ayumi is with her brother, am I wrong?

- She is inside with Akato trying to keep him amused- Meshai answered

- Right. And did you kids have lunch already?- the truth was that she was very hungry herself, after eating just a rabbit, rice, and wild berries. She really wanted something tasty.

They shook their little heads.

- We're here while they make it for us. Then we have things to do- Heikaru informed sadly. If it were for her, she would play with Rin all the day long, everyday.

- Then we have to make the most of the time we have- Rin cried. And so they started playing the games they had developed throughout years of practice. All of this, of course, under the attentive glance of some very perceptive and interested taiyoukai, who had returned to his study and was now observing since some moments. Rin almost didn't notice, yet her eyes occasionally caught some golden sparkles from above. But she did not have time to think on that; one split second late and she could lose. And even though she was competing against kids, they were hanyou or youkai, and therefore much more capable of beating her, and she did not want to lose.

In one of those games, she had to stand in the centre of a circle, pretending to be a tree, very still, while the children ran around her, and after some time, she would yell a name, and that kid had to chase around all the others. Smiling, she prepared for her part in the middle, looking up to the sky. She started counting in her mind as she heard the high laughs around her wrapping her like a joyous veil, with the classical "I'll get you!" or "slow!".

- Why is Lord Sesshomaru looking so much at us?- she heard Heikaru whisper beside her, quite intimidated by him, as she tried to keep running, because despite the fact that she was just six, the girl was very competitive. Rin confirmed what she had said from the corner of her eyes, meeting his golden glance fully, just in the same position he had been half an hour ago. The same weird glow inhabited them, which made them quite more intense. It was a look that she had detected in him some time ago, but that it was so unique she could not read it yet. It made her feel lost, and yet, it was so… embracing. She smiled gaily, trying to just slightly curve her lips, yet failing miserably.

Sesshomaru just drowned in that smile and in the sparkle of those juvenile brown eyes that inspected him from the corner. It was like if only that could soften the problems now dwelling in his insides, and made it impossible for him to even move an inch from that spot. Luckily Fuhisho was somewhere else and he couldn't see the whole scenario, for he was positive he would have laughed at him. Rin could notice the spark in his intensify just for a split second. He had been watching her a lot lately, though. But under that gaze, it didn't really seem that odd. She felt separated, pierced, naked by those two ices that had some strange fire in the. It was quite a special feeling. The laughter seemed to fade away into another universe as both stared into each other's gazes. Luckily, her rather autonomous brain was still counting. She reacted and looked back at the sky. It was her turn.

- Jigura!- she shouted, relaxing her muscled and looking down to the kids and pointing at a 9 year-old youkai that started running chasing the others. So, kid after kid, game after game, they played until Keiko appeared clapping her hands yelling "lunchtime!"

- Not even a little longer?- some children dared ask

- No; and now go, before the food gets too cold- the redhair instantly replied. Then she turned to Rin- enjoy the rest of the evening- and she winked.

And not even 10 minutes had passed and Rin and Hakamaru were again in the bench next to the tree, close to the pond with the water lilies. They talked, they laughed, they stared and they shared silent moments. Rin a bit happier than the soldier, who enjoyed chatting non-stop, while was happy with silence. He understood this and tried to shut up sometimes, while she tried to have idle conversations.

Sesshomaru had joined Fuhisho in the garden again. The general informed him about serious matters, and Sesshomaru justed pretended to listen. The first soon noticed he was not really being paid attention and just smiled because he knew the cause too well. Oh, such sweet passion called "love". Ironically, the more it hurt, the more addictive it became.

- Fuhisho, I am sure you know the truth behind the wounds on your son's arms.- he just spat and watched the demon's face turn gloomy, which kind of confirmed his suspicions. –Don't make me repeat myself.

- Marei- he whispered as if he was condemning someone- Her again, it is always her. I say these words to you because I know you feel things for Rin. No, don't deny it, you would not convince me anyway, because your actions, my boy, speak for themselves. But I also do know that you won't do anything about it, meaning that you will not try to win her over: I know you well enough and you know better. As I was saying, Hakamaru is jeopardizing the relationship that he put so much work into, and everything for a demoness who is rather manipulative and who just dreams to be half as cool as Rin. Well, they went to the nearby village to buy some stuff. Okey, they bought, they strolled and did only the gods know what else, and when they were coming back, some wild thieves jumped on them and tried to assault them. They saw Marei's figure and Hakamaru's imperial emblem. So, they thought the could kill two birds with one stone; I mean, kidnap her and kill him in order to produce at least a bit of chaos; you know bandits love that. But Hakamaru managed to hold them back and come back, as they were rather close to the building. I know all of this because they did manage to wound Marei in the face, so in order for us to treat her, he had to tell us everything, or at least the important parts. Obviously he would never tell Rin of the event; even she has noticed those two spend far too much time together. It is quite clear she loves him, and I'm afraid he might be infatuated with her. Anyway, one lie leads to another, and this is a great example of that.

"Vermin" thought enraged the Lord. Hakamaru's choice was plainly stupid. Marei, over Rin? Really?! He had to be really shallow.

- What a coincidence- Fuhisho muttered as he gestured towards Marei, who was approaching the North Garden. She seemed to be looking for something, or someone. Sesshomaru knew, through Keiko, that she worked washing clothes, which was located underground, close to the southern part of the castle. So, she had no apparent need to wander through the northern side, at least not for working reasons. It had to be something personal. When she saw both demons, she tilted her head with respect, but not enough to prevent Sesshomaru's fine sight to catch a glimpse of two cuts on her cheeks. Then, when she lifted it up again, she noticed the pair of lovers sitting right across, on the bench.

From the disappointment that filled those two emerald eyes, it was obvious who she was looking for. But it was kind of unbelievable because half of the castle knew Sesshomaru and Rin had returned, and it was pretty obvious Hakamaru would greet her and spend the afternoon with her… unless she believed herself to be more important than Rin. It was highly unlikely, even far fetched, but the sadness edging betrayal painted on those big lakes incited those theories.

In spite of the pain she felt, she could not move. She remained frozen on that spot. Mei really thought Hakamaru wanted her. He had kissed her what, like 5 times in the forest? But of course, now that Rin came back, she was the second option yet again. She felt tears pool her eyes. She felt actually betrayed, almost heartbroken. She had arrived just a little time ago, but she felt a connection with him so strong that it seemed they had known each other forever, even before being born. She smiled melancholically when she thought what her mother would tell her if she saw her now. That these were just fleeting, short intense emotions. That she should not get so hopeful so soon. Now her mother was gone, and even though everyone had treated her nicely, except for Keiko and Fuhisho who were rather dry with her (she could not blame them, really) and of course, Sesshomaru, she felt alone. Hakamaru was truly the only person that made her feel accompanied, at ease, at peace, since the day he saw her half dead near the palace's walls. But now, did it really matter? She closed her hands into fists of rage, of deception when she felt herself trapped by her own feelings, which ran deeper than expected. They weren't even in a relationship, but she was so jealous. She had no right and she knew it, but it was the simple truth. However, no matter how hard she tried, she could not bring herself to hate Rin. She hadn't really talked to her, and she seemed nice. Although she was quite sarcastic sometimes…

- How were the kids?- she heard Hakamaru ask Rin while she leaned her head on his shoulder

- Fine. I got pretty tired and lost far too many times, but I had missed them a lot.

- I've missed you too- he declared as he kissed her hair

- Sure you found something to entertain yourself with while I was gone- she answered sleepily. He kissed her harder- Is something the matter?- she inquired looking up

- Nothing- he lied before Sesshomaru's anger, who heard everything from the distance- It's just that nothing ever will compensate your absence- this cheesy phrase made him win a very rare Rin hug

- Well, I'm back and in one piece

- Luckily. I was really scared that something might happen to you. You know that-

- I know, that you would die if something happened to me. I think I would die too if something happened to you- she confessed, staring straight into his deep green eyes. It felt like the truth. Hakamaru kissed her on the lips. Mei, at this point, summoned all the strength she had left and turned around and returned to her job.

- Have you thought on what I proposed?- he whispered on her ear. Rin quickly put a finger on his lips to silence him.

- Shh- she laughed- they can hear us. But yes, I have thought about it- she said a little insecure, but Hakamaru was unable to detect the subtle change in her voice- and I already told you that it is not the right time. But, when all of this ends, then yes.- she answered, using all of her accumulated security, looking again at those eyes that now stared back fully, so close.

Hakamaru brought her face closer and the kissed again. She leaned in and wrapped her arms on the back of his neck. He put his arm around her slim waist as he ran his claws through her loose hair. With an almost imperceptible move he tilted her head backwards and accessed her long exquisite neck. He even made the human sigh under her breath as she closed her eyes. Of course, if he had her like that, he, the only person that could put Rin into such state, it was kind of easy to predict she would say anything he wanted. After kissing the union between her neck and shoulder, which was the only thing she had uncovered, while she tried to kiss his cheek, his neck, something at least; she kissed his ears and his lips again. His hands travelled down her back and hers got inside his haori and she directly touched his soft skin. Clearly, Rin would never normally do this, but this was no normal Rin. They had never gone this far. They almost never stopped to catch their breath. Then Rin took control and kissed his neck, making him shut even more his eyes and lean in more. Interesting how the body responds to stimuli son simple yet so strong in emotion. Then again back to the lips.

It was then, in the middle of that show Sesshomaru wished he would not have seen but that he couldn't stop watching now, observing how the one he desired was brought to her knees by another (it was objectively uncomfortable and quite disturbing to watch, actually), as he cursed his friend's son, that he smelled it. He had never smelled it in her, but the scent had intoxicating powers, much more than the normal one.

Electrifying; magnetic. It penetrated his nostrils as if a glass of perfume had been broken right in front of him.

Arousal

It couldn't be.

It couldn't be that Hakamaru, the one who lied to her over and over again, could produce such an effect on her.

He knew he shouldn't meddle, but he couldn't stand it. Trully, he was worn out with the situation. And he couldn't stand that scent… caused not by him! It made him wan to rip Hakamaru apart and take Rin, right now, right there. She smelled so absolutely exquisite…

His eyes drifted from gold to red and back to gold intensively, showing the fight between instinct, lust and reason

This time, he could offer no strong resistance

Fuhisho watched paralyzed with anxiety how Sesshomaru walked quickly towards the pair, who couldn't see beyond each other's faces

- Enough!- he proclaimed rather loudly, causing Rin and Hakamaru to quickly separate themselves and watch the lord with surprise- Hakamaru, this relationship ends here and now. You and Rin can no longer be together, and you know it. I forbid it, and you will not question me- he ended standing erect and tall in all his height.

Giving no time for them to answer, because according to him there was nothing to be answered at all, he turned around and walked away. Hakamaru deserved this, and he was discrete enough to not tell Rin. He needed to get to his study, lock himself up, and try to forget such an intoxicating scent. He needed to get away from her.

He had done nothing wrong; he had just merely ended the chain of lies that Hakamaru himself had forged, and he had delivered a proportional punishment for lying to Rin… his Rin.

He had acted driven by jealousy, by love, but also by reason.

so how was it? I quite liked it, although one can always do better. What will Hakamaru do? Anyway, send me you cool opinion in a review (yay)! Well, I'm on vacay now so I will try working on the Spanish version of the next chapter, which will be the central one, I believe. Good luck