Chapter 17

That night continued almost normal. Sesshomaru took to drinking more than he would normally. With his mind still frazzled from his and Renjis odd shared illusion Sesshomaru remained quiet most of the evening.

After dinner and cake all the kids were put to bed as the adults sat up and spoke. Somehow the long time family friend Hoshi-Omi managed to bring up how extravagant he'd believe Sesshomarus eventual wedding to be if he ever decided on tying the knot anytime soon.

"I know Sesshomaru way to well. This party was obviously planned by kids and I'm assuming young Kagome." Hoshi-Omi drunkenly chuckled. "Had Sesshomaru planned this there would have been something super crazy and extravagant and the theme would have consisted on something oddly linked to the number 40 and there woulda been like a firework light show! Or something like that. Sesshomaru has always been extra, that's how I know his wedding would be something like a mix between a national holiday, a crowning coronation and a fairytale all tied into one." Hoshi-Omi took another swing of his drink finishing it.

Sesshomaru said nothing as he stared at the cubes of ice dancing in his glass of whiskey.

"I don't presume to know him any better than you, however I'd think it'd be a more secluded and secretive event. He wouldn't even announce his marriage until maybe a week after. And I can see him throwing a more socially acceptable corporate event for that." Byakuya said sitting with his leg crossed over the other as he leaned back with his wife Hisana in his arms.

Sesshomaru still said nothing, but lifted an eyebrow to the intrigue of that not being to bad an idea.

"Well I think your both wrong. I think he'd make a small wedding for only family. Not a lot of friends. And I think he'd make it more special for the kids than himself. But his ceremony will be special and meaningful to just he and her. Whoever she might be." Rin said as she was curled up under Kohakus embrace staring at the eyes of the man that puzzled her heart.

"My son may appear to be all these things. So Sesshomaru!? Which is it?" Toga asked looking over at his son.

Sesshomaru looked up and smiled. "Yous are all correct. I'd announce my engagement and that'd be a more socially acceptable corporate party for my whole company and partners to attend and meet her. And than the wedding would be done in two parts. One would just be a massive reception. Where many people can attend and it will be over the top in every way possible. But my real ceremony would be extremely small. I'd only invite my family hers and that's immediate family not uncles and cousins and all that nuisance. I'd also invite Mr.Omi only cause he's been to every major event in the family to begin with. And I'd invite Mr.Kuchiki only because I have a great deal of respect for him and to have someone who values and treasures the idea and bond of marriage the way he does would just remind me prior to the whole vow thing to take it seriously and not take it for granted and that it actually does mean something. I'd make it in my backyard under this tree that's huge. I waited years to purchase my neighbors properties just so I'd have the landscape and that tree to use as I please. I'd set up a carousel and carnival games and have a stable made so that the kids can ride miniature horses and than there'd be larger ones for everyone else. And everything would be in white and gold. And I'd have flowers everywhere. I'll probably do all this for Inuyasha and Kagomes anniversary though. Let them renew their vows and invite who they want. I honestly don't believe I'm getting married anytime soon to anyone. So I'd like to do all that just not for myself." Sesshomaru never lifted his eyes from the glass as he spoke. His words hit everyone so deeply. He lifted his glass to his lips and downed the remainder of his drink. Finally looking up to see everyone focused on him.

"I'm sure you'll be able to do all of that my darling. I know you'll find your true love very soon." Inukimi said walking to her son to press a soft kiss to his head.

"Even if you don't find her right away. Setting that up for Inuyasha and Kagome sounds like an amazing idea. Their 5 year anniversary is coming up this spring. I think they'd just love it?" Toga said as he was completely oblivious to his elder sons pain.

"Toga? How could you say something like that.?" Izayoi whispered her concerns to him.

"I didn't say anything wrong. Sesshomaru offered it in the first place." Toga said out loud informing Sesshomaru what they had been speaking about which made him smile at his own embarrassment in front of Byakuya and Hosi-Omi.

"Yeah it's fine mom honestly. I am however very exhausted. It's just been a very long day.." Sesshomaru didn't have to finish.

"Understandable. We should all retire to bed. It was a most trying day." Byakuya bowed his respects to the Taisho family and was lead to his room by Kanna.

The Omi family doing the same as they were lead into the room by Jaken.

Inuyasha stood by Sesshomaru expecting to help him up the stairs. "Hey. Don't be so stupid. Just let me help you. You can't keep putting pressure on your leg." Inuyasha tried to hold his arm.

"What? My leg? Oh yeah. My leg. Ughh? No it's alright. Jaken and Kanna are joining me anyway. They can help me up easily. Goodnight." Sesshomaru leaned against the rail and fell backwards laughing.

"Oh shit! Sesshomaru are you alright!? No more drinking for you!." Inuyasha tried to help his laughing brother.

"I'm fine! Honestly don't worry. I just thought there was more railing than there was. Honestly I'm fine." Sesshomaru finished chuckling out.

In truth he was laughing at himself, just not from the fall. Sesshomaru found it funny how miserable he was. And how he was actually upset being back after all that time he'd been away. Or perhaps it was just because he had Renji all to himself. He enjoyed the fact that Renji never had to leave his side and was always dependent on him. Now he had his mother and father back. So what good would he even be anymore. He laughed at how truly useless he is in the lives of his family.

"You sure? That must've hurt your leg pretty bad?" Inuyasha asked still holding his brother up.

Sesshomaru allowed Inuyasha to believe he was helping. Now that his self loathing laughter had ended he just waited for Kanna and Jaken to return. "Yeah, your probably right. I guess I should be more mindful." Sesshomaru sighed out.

He crossed his arms as Inuyasha finally agreed to let him stand alone. "You know..Renji is a really really smart kid." Sesshomaru said looking at the floor.

"Wha? Yeah he is. Thanks. I think he gets it from his mom to be honest. He's a lot like Kagome." Inuyasha said looking up the stairs with his hands cradling the back of his head.

"Yeah, your probably right. I can't imagine him getting anything from you." Sesshomaru joked tauntingly. His smile slowly receding.

"Boss!" Kanna ran up to him.

Master Sesshomaru! Jaken ran to his master.

"Well I guess that's my que. you go ahead first we might be awhile. Goodnight again." Sesshomaru said to Inuyasha standing perfectly fine.

"Yeah ok. Stop acting like your not hurt. It's ok to be in pain. You got hurt Sesshomaru. Just let us take care of you. Goodnight." Inuyasha walked up the stairs.

Sesshomaru waited until he heard the door closed and ran up the stairs with ease like he'd do normally while Jaken and Kanna watched in shock.

Once in Sesshomarus room with the door closed and locked Jaken and Kannas questions became non stop.

"Both of you keep quiet. All yous need to know is that I am fine. And yous will leave me be. As far as the medical staff of the Kuchiki family I will no longer be needing their assistance. Kanna I want an update on everything happening in the company. Jaken I need something for this headache." Sesshomaru collapsed on his bed.

Wow? This bed really is super soft..

Sesshomaru sighed and braced himself to listen to Kanna.

That morning after an extremely large and extravagant breakfast was made by Jaken everyone readied themselves in dressing for the day ahead.

Byakuya had a few people come out and clear the fallen snow and remove the large hanging icicles from the gutters in fear of it hitting someone when walking out.

Rin looked uneasy all morning. And barely spoke. She hoped not to be noticed as she stepped out of the door.

"Hey Rin?! Where you going?" Kohaku asked running up to her.

"Oh I ugh just need to head into town for something. I'll be fine." Rin said through nervous laughter.

"Oh ok. Want me take you?" Kohaku offered.

"No, I'll be-" Rin was cut off as Kohaku and Kagome awaited an answer.

"Be with me. I have to go into town and order a new phone. So I'll take her." Sesshomaru said looking just as uneasy.

"Sesshomaru that's crazy. You can't drive." Kagome said jesting to his leg.

"I am very capable of driving. I was able to get by yesterday just fine. So don't worry about it. You ready Rin?" Sesshomaru asked.

Rin nodded after a large gulp. She sat into the passenger side of the car and allowed herself to be driven away by Sesshomaru.

Kagome stood and pondered for a moment. Did he just call her Rin? Kagome was brought out of her trance as she watched all the kids jump into large piles of snow laughing and playing together.

The awkward silence between Sesshomaru and Rin in the car ride to town brought forth many heavy sighs from Rin. Sesshomaru finally gave her notice and figured it to be better to speak to her now while it was just them.

"You ok? Not just from you know all that but from whatever happen with us and this..? I can't seem to speak clearly for once?" Sesshomaru said puzzled at himself as to how he can be at such a loss for words.

"Yeah. I know what you mean though. Are you actually going to talk to me though or screen me like bitch?" Rin decided being her teasing and joking self would be better than her awkward quiet self.

Sesshomaru smile and let out a HA before speaking. "No you and her are in very different classes. I actually would like to talk to you. If your ok with that." Sesshomaru kept his eyes on the road and occasionally glanced at Rin from the side.

"Yeah. I would like that. Umm? Can we wait till after I finish up at the drugstore?" Rin asked embarrassingly.

"Yeah no problem. We can hang out in town for a little while." Sesshomaru said as they pulled in and parked on the street.

Toga, Hoshi-Omi and Byakuya all sat outside on the porch enjoying some warm tea as they were on babysitting duty.

All the while Inukimi, Izayoi, Tsuki-Omi and Hisana prepared a light lunch on the inside.

Sango, Kagome and Tsubaki sat upstairs as Sango needed to put her feet up from over swelling. So Kagome and Tsubaki stood with her to keep her company.

Inuyasha and Miroku were busy sorting out all the presents in a locked room for toys from Santa. And wrapped their gifts to their family to put under the ugly tree.

Jaken assisted the women in cooking and setting a pleasant table knowing very well that Sesshomaru would want Byakuya served on like a king.

And Kanna and Kohaku were able to steal away another moment to speak about whatever they had.

"Kanna look I'm sorry...I like you I really do. Your the most amazing woman I've ever met. I just can't hurt her. Not after what's she's been through..." Kohaku said holding Kannas hands.

"So it's true than? You really do plan on asking her to marry you? Why!! You don't like her let alone love her!? She's been telling everyone that you guys aren't even together. And if you really cared about her you wouldn't have been doing all this with me! Why can't you just grow some balls and end things with her.?" Kanna said with an angry sadness.

Kohaku stared at her defeatedly. He wanted so badly to claim her lips and take her right than and there in a heat of passion and confess his true feelings for her! But he couldn't. He could not hurt his long time best friend.

"Kanna. I do love her. Just not like this..I still made a decision though. I promised to always take care of her after her father passed away. And she almost died because I ran to you...when I see Rin again I'm gonna propose to her and get it over with... I'm sorry.." Kohaku tried to hold her but was met with a slap to his face instead.

"Leave me alone!" Kanna walked out in tears. She slammed the door to her own room and began crying to herself.

Aghh man what have I done...

Kohaku slid down the wall and curled into a ball of self pity.

Now inside the drugstore Rin had hoped Sesshomaru would heed her request and wait for her outside. However Sesshomaru had a pretty good idea what she was going in for, so he decided to tag along laying back to see if he was right.

"Next." Called a pharmacist woman form behind the counter.

"Ugh, hi. Umm do yous by chance know if I need a prescription for the plan b medicine..?" Rin asked nervously. She already knew the answer she was just ashamed of asking.

The uninterested pharmacist had no desire to give Rin her way and play dumb. "That'll be 51.25" the woman said with a look of irritated boredom.

"What! 50 dollars geesh!" Rin rummaged threw her change purse to see how much cash she had on her when she was suddenly embarrassed beyond belief upon seeing a tall figure lean over her and pay for her item.

"Here you go. Keep the change." Sesshomaru grabbed the bag and handed it to Rin. A slight hurt in his eyes knowing it was his weakness that brought her to need such a medication.

"Thanks...you didn't have to though. I really wasn't gonna ask you-" Rin was cut off by Sesshomaru.

"I would never have allowed it. I'm sorry honestly. Can we talk now? We can grab something to eat at the diner next door?" Sesshomaru asked.

"Ugh yeah sure. I'll meet you there in a little. I just gotta Umm use the ladies room..?" Rin smiled embarrassingly.

"Ok. I'll get us a table than." Sesshomaru walked outside assuming she wanted to take it in privacy perhaps.

Rin turned her attention to the pharmacist one last time. And put a small hidden item that she was holding onto as she dug for her money. "I'd like to buy these to please." Rin placed down a small pack of large sized condoms.

The pharmacist rolled her eyes and charged the item and handed it to her. Rin placed the condoms on the inside of her jacket and froze for a moment.

Are these gonna be big enough?

Rin decided that if the moment did come up again than it'd be better to be safe than sorry. She than grabbed a xl pack of condoms and paid for them up front tucking them inside her jacket as well.

Once she finished she met up with Sesshomaru who could be seen through the window sitting down in the lonely booth. She smiled at the site and ran in happily. Her joy quickly fleeting as a very busty waitress kept flirting with him.

"Hey sorry for making you wait." Rin quickly stepped in between the two and sat down across from Sesshomaru.

"Oh your daughter is joining you?" The waitress asked immediately regretting as she could see the extreme anger and disgust in Sesshomarus face.

"Two warm green teas. I don't believe we are ready to order and it's very rude of you to have suggested that my date is my father. So with our teas we'd also like a different server please." Rin took control and ordered in the same demanding tone as Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru was kept speechless by her actions and gave a small grin to her demanding side. Much like the other day when they was together as she begged and demanded him, moving his body to her liking. He had never been a compliant or submissive partner before. However the way she took control and commanded him only aroused him even more.

"Sorry if you was ready to order. And I'm also sorry for what I said I just seen how angry you got with what she said. Sooo? Whatcha wanna talk about?" Rin tried to act like herself again.

Come on he isn't any different. I've spoke with him before and it was just he and I in many compromising situations once or twice so get it together girl!

Rin had slipped into thought about her and Sesshomarus raw and intense sex session. The thought and sight and feel of him came rushing back to memory. She instantly squeezed her thighs together tightly hoping Sesshomaru wouldn't notice her nervous movements of trying to run out her satisfaction to the breath taking memory.

Sesshomaru took a deep breath and ignored her obvious jittering movements. "About you having to buy this." Sesshomaru shook her bag on the table.

Rin blushed and grabbed it not realizing she left it there mistaking the plastic bag for her small purse.

"I'm sorry that happened. Rin I.. We seriously can't ever again.." Sesshomaru couldn't speak the words. Or was it that he simply did not want to speak them.

"Why? We are both adults it's not like we did anything wrong? Aside from it almost killing you that is." Rin lightly joked out of frustration to his stubbornness.

"Rin you work for my brother! Your with my family more than I am, and I am twice your age. I am not interested in becoming the stereotypical billionaire who sleeps with the nanny. Not saying that's all I see you as if anything, I just mean that what life can you possibly have with someone that much older than you honestly." Sesshomaru looked to the waiter who set down their tea. He thanked them quietly and told the waiter they needed more time.

"I don't see your age as a problem. And why would you even care about what other people think of you? That doesn't make any sense. Why would it even matter?" Rin tried to explain but became to annoyed by how childish he was acting. She decided instead to look over the menu and avoid looking at his stupid handsome face.

"It matters a great deal. Do you even understand what comes with being with someone like me? The danger you'd put yourself in, the obligations you'd have to attend certain events. Aren't there things you wish to accomplish? Places you wish to go? What good would I be to you for that? My idea of traveling and yours would be completely opposite." Sesshomaru said with determination to get through her head how bad an idea "they" were.

"You don't even know what my ideas or goals are! Your not even willing to give it a chance because you think your dangerous or something!?" Rin sighed and rolled her eyes. "Excuse me!? We're ready to order sir." Rin called for the young male waiter not wanting to hear Sesshomaru say anything else.

"I don't think, I know. You have no idea what it is to be with me in the first place. I'll just end up hurting you because we will never want the same thing." Sesshomaru said in a quick whisper as the waiter jogged over.

"What can I getcha?" He took out his pen and pad.

"Umm? I'll have a club sandwich, with some fries and a cola when the food comes out." Rin said folding the menu away.

"Cheeseburger deluxe, cooked medium, fries, water in a to go cup with two wedges of lime and whatever desert you recommend." Sesshomaru quickly spoke his order never taking his gaze off Rin.

"Alrighty! I'll get that out quickly!" The waiter made his way to the back.

"I want a secure home, a trusting and loyal partner and a successful career and maybe a few kids. Does that sound so extremely far off from what you want?" Rin teased angrily.

Sesshomaru sighed. He gave up on trying to argue that he wasn't to be trusted and decided to just tell her out right.

"I hit my ex.. so hard she couldn't open her mouth the next morning. I let her stay in my house for a week or so, avoiding her at all cost. When she was healed I ended things with her without saying anything else. She insisted everything was fine and that it didn't bother her. I however realized that I have some kind of eternal aggression that I obviously have to work on before getting into anything again. That's why I quit the one night stands and that's why I avoid her calls. She was annoying, and boring as hell yes, She had other amazing qualities but regardless whatever she is, she never deserved to get hurt like that. And that wasn't even the first time I hurt her. That was just the worst time I hurt her." Sesshomaru said completely honest and open hoping that Rin would just understand and move on and most importantly keep QUIET!

"Well I'm sorry that you had such a hard time with her, she sounded like a sweet person, a handful type person but nice. And if your willing to admit it and work on it than your not hopeless. I'm not interested in fighting to be with you though. I'm not like infatuated with you?" Rin began to giggle. "I'm deciding to officially end my relationship with Kohaku for my own reasons. And I might just use the cute guy from the resort as a rebound. What happen with us was a moment of adrenaline and both desperately seeking comfort and needing to feel safe after what happened. That's all. I didn't picture our wedding?" Rin laughed as the waiter set down their food.

Her true feelings kept hidden.

Sesshomaru sighed relieved. He noticed Rin look at her food in disgust and slump back in her chair. "Something wrong?" Sesshomaru asked before even acknowledging his own meal.

"Pickle. I hate pickles. And it's in the middle of my sandwich so it'll taste like pickles." Rin sighed lifting the nasty pickle to the side and filing it into a napkin away from her.

Sesshomaru smiled and switched their plates. "You can eat my food. I ordered this because it is the most highly recommended. Supposedly the cook desires to be a gourmet burger chef one day so his burgers are very good. Kanna researched every restaurant in the area so don't give me that look." Sesshomaru said slightly embarrassed. He than began picking at the fries in Rins plate that was now his.

"But than you get stuck with yucky pickle food?" Rin blushed by his sweet gesture.

"I don't mind pickles." Sesshomaru smiled as he bit into her sandwich.

"Ok, well thank you. That was very sweet." Rin smiled and cut the burger in half than in quarters. She than set some ketchup to the side and dipped her burger lightly in it. And bit into it. "Oh wow! This is delicious! Like seriously you were sooooooo right! Oh my god it's so juicy and delicious!" Rin said as she chewed and quickly shoved the rest of the quarter into her mouth. "Wow it didn't even need the ketchup it's so good." Rin said with a mouth full.

Sesshomaru smiled at her. He hated that he found her so cute. He hated that he was oddly attracted to her by every silly thing she did. "Well I'm glad you like it." Sesshomaru said wiping his mouth.

Rin happily finished everything on her plate rubbing every fry into the juices left behind from the burger, while Sesshomaru only ate a few fries and took a few bites of the first sandwich. Once his desert came Rin pouted wishing she had ordered one as well.

Sesshomaru slowly pulled the fork from his mouth teasing Rin. When her pout turned into angry irritation Sesshomaru began to giggle. He than slid the plate in the middle.

"Your not gonna seriously let me eat this myself are you?" Sesshomaru said with that sexy grin that made Rins heart melt.

"You sure? You didn't really eat anything?" Rin felt bad about eating his desert but couldn't help it. It looked so creamy and delicious.

Sesshomaru only smiled and forked another piece into his mouth. He made the creamy chocolate silk pie look sinfully delicious! Rin smiled and began eating it with him.

"Wow that's so good! Did Kanna tell you about this to?" Rin asked while savoring each chocolatey taste.

Sesshomaru laughed lightly and shook his head no. "The sticker outside before you walk in. Says ask for our deserts there the best in town." Sesshomaru smiled as he spoke. Eyeing her as if she was the only person that mattered.

"Oh...I need to learn to pay closer attention." Rin smiled and laugh at herself.

They both began small talk as they would normally. Sesshomaru was happy to have someone to talk to again. He had to admit to himself she was extremely different.

"Well don't mention it. We loved having yous over. It was great fun! Let's catch up again soon!" Toga said as he and his wives walked Byakuya and Hisana back to the main resort.

"Yes. I believe we shall. Please give my farewell to Mr.Taisho. It was regrettable we weren't able to speak more today." Byakuya said while something caught his attention in the distance.

He looked towards the front of the building resort and was shocked to see so many squat cars all over the place.

There was a large group of people wondering just as he was what was going on. The Taisho family also curious walked down with them to inquire as to what happen. Hoping that no guest was seriously injured.

"Excuse me? Would you happen to know what is happening?" Hisana asked a woman standing at the police blockade.

"Supposedly there was a woman being attacked in her room. The family in the joint room near them called the front desk when they heard her screams." The woman continued to look at the officers bringing the woman out to sit in the back of the ambulance.

"Oh my! That's awful!" Hisana grabbed onto Byakuyas arm.

"Yes truly. How fortunate for the woman someone was in their room on such a nice day." Byakuya said with his arms crossed upon his chest.

"I hope she is ok?" Toga said holding his wives tightly.

"Oh how truly terrible my love!" Izayoi curled into her husbands safe embrace.

"How terribly distasteful of that bastard? Taking advantage of someone like that. Disgusting nature." Inukimi said with anger in her voice toward the horrible act she just heard about.

Sesshomaru and Rin were caught up in laughter and listening to some of Sesshomarus playlist when he lowered the radio down and pulled up to the commotion happening at the main resort.

"What do you suppose happen?" Rin asked with worry and concern.

"Only one way to find out. Come on." Sesshomaru got outta the car and approached the large group of people.

"Excuse me officer? What's going on?" Sesshomaru asked making his way through the crowd holding Rins hand.

"Sorry sir. This area is closed for now. And we can't be speaking about the incident so openly. If you would please back away, you can return to your rooms in about an hour.

"I own this resort. I'd like to know what's going on." Sesshomaru demanded giving the officer a more serious glare.

"Oh my apologies? I had no idea. Right this way sir." He escorted Rin and Sesshomaru to the main officer.

The officer told them what had happened and why there is a large crowd of people. Since the man had a weapon on him and the police stormed in hearing a gun shot. They had cleared all occupants from the building and set up an investigation to see if the deceased assailant was working with anyone or just decided at random to take advantage of the woman in the back of the ambulance who was luckily able to shoot the man dead with what she said was his own weapon.

Sesshomaru looked stunned to see the woman who sat in the back of the car. His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. He wasn't sure why but immediate worry over came him upon hearing how she had probably been violated prior to the police rescuing her.

Why are you here? I know this is terrifying for you, you were so shy and always very tense when we was together... And this bastard just took advantage of you!

Sesshomaru was brought out of his thoughts by his name being called by a familiar voice.

"Sesshomaru!?" The woman called out and tried to get up to come to him but was stopped by the officer who insisted she need to sit down.

Sesshomaru walked up to her, Rins hand a ghost feeling as he let go and walked away. He stopped before her and looked to her with regret and pain. He hated what she had gone through. He knew first hand this would be the worst thing to ever happen to a woman who was so scared and so uninterested in sex with someone she loved let alone a complete stranger.

"Sara."