Chapter 1

Listening to the laughter of children, Rin smiled as she continued sewing her special kosode. Yumi and Yoko, Miroku and Sango's seven-year-old twins, ran around as their little six-year-old brother, Komori, and Inuyasha and Kagome's two-year-old son, Hisashi, tried to catch them.

I can't believe it's been five years after Lady Kagome's return, Rin thought to herself while looking up to see Hisashi run after Yumi with all his toddler might.

With his black hair and golden eyes, he looked like the perfect mix between his cherished parents. Sensing that someone was watching him, he stopped and turned back to meet Rin's cinnamon eyes before she playfully stuck her tongue out at him. He giggled and ran over to where Komori and the twins had sat down to take a respite.

Their parents had decided to have supper together to celebrate the village's successful harvest. In reality, the harvest wasn't more successful than the years before, but the adults wanted to an excuse to cook an abundance of food and be merry. Supper had been served and eaten hours ago, and no one wanted to leave just yet.

Miroku and Inuyasha were sitting on the tatami mats, quietly discussing a safe way to approach a troublesome demon they had been inquired about in a nearby village. Kagome and Sango were also engrossed in their own conversation about the fine silk their husbands had acquired at the last exorcism they performed.

Examining the blue silk, Sango sighed. "If only I wasn't so round with child this time. I could have made a beautiful kosode for myself!"

Kagome, cradling her new infant daughter, carefully strapped the sleeping baby to her back and leaned over to take a better look. "Wow, the guys really outdid themselves this time. Hmm, let's make it into some kosodes for our daughters. I'm sure the men won't mind."

Sango nodded while folding the silk into a small square. "Any day now, this little one will pop out. How great is it that our youngest children will be so close in age?" giggled Sango as Kagome's eyes twinkled.

They continued their conversation over the silk, how to cut it, how to sew it, how to add special embroidery to it, when a sparkle caught Kagome's eyes, and she became silent.

Sitting in Inuyasha and Kagome's large hut, Rin glanced over at the priestess who was whispering something into Sango's ear. Her special kosode was catching the fire's light and reflecting it across the main room. Sango looked up at Rin, and when their eyes met, Sango signaled Rin to join the two women.

This was the first time Rin was ever invited to talk to the women, even if it was informal. Her eyes glistened with happiness as she quickly gathered her sewing material and walked over to the women.

"My, my Rin, you look so beautiful tonight," said the demon slayer as Rin sat next to Kagome.

Rin blushed crimson red as she fidgeted in her golden kimono.

It was the finest golden silk anyone had ever seen, with beautiful patterns of creamy flowers hugging her curves in all the right places. There were small adamants embroidered down the neckline, and a few across her fine light pink obi. Everyone in the village had marveled when she ran errands with Kaede earlier that day.

Although Rin had been living in the village for eight years now, the villagers never got used to her extravagant kimonos and accessories. At least two times a month, Jaken arrived on Ah-Un's back carrying clothing no one within the village had ever seen. Or even outside.

There were delicate silks, and sturdy cottons, gem encrusted obis, hairpins of all colors and pots of eye makeup and lip color. Girls stared with envy as Rin walked down the dusty paths in the village, donned in the newest kimono she had received, while they looked down at their simple farmer's attire and sighed. And even though she made everyone in town look like peasants, no one dared to speak poorly of Rin. Rin still had the same heart of gold and bright personality regardless of her regal appearance.

This in mind, the townsfolk considered her the unofficial princess of the village, and not only because of her attire, but also because of her unimaginable beauty.

Rin had grown from a runty human child, into a dazzling, graceful young lady. With her waist long raven hair, large cinnamon eyes, sun-kissed skin, rosy cheeks and toned body, Rin really did look like royalty. Of course, while there were beauties in the village, none came close to Rin.

Needless to say, lords and warriors alike heard of her bewitching beauty, and many sought her.

Some traveled large distances to get a peek of the gorgeous girl who was widely known as "unattainable" because she accepted no offer, and all returned home with no new wife, less dignity, but blissful to have met such a beauty in their lifetime.

Word had spread around the country about the time a young lord had visited the village six months ago. He came looking for Kagome, knowing she could restore his father's failing health, when he ran into Rin. She had been walking Yoko to Inuyasha and Kagome's home, where Sango was waiting for them outside. The young lord had stopped dead in his tracks when his gaze met the younger woman.

Bowing so low to the ground that his lips could kiss it, the young lord asked Rin where he could find the priestess. Sango hid a giggle behind her hand, and walked her daughter back home to leave the newcomer and Rin alone.

Rin had been puzzled at first, as he was clearly a lord bowing down to a peasant. But she did not appear as one at all to those around her.

In her usual attire, Rin wore a magnificent purple kimono with sliver embroidery in the shape of a fearsome dragon. Her pout was colored her favorite red, and ears were covered in small pearls that Jaken had delivered that morning.

She knew he had mistaken her for an aristocrat, but anyone would have done the same.

Breaking his spell, Rin spoke. "Lady Kagome shall be returning in a few hours. She left to heal a sick child here in the village, but you are more than welcome to wait for her here in her home… unless you want to stay here frozen by the winter winds," she stated as she looked down his bent form.

The young lord straightened his back, blushing as he met Rin's warm eyes and smile, and followed her into the hut. She had served him tea, and while they waited for Kagome, he spent the time trying to get to know her.

He quickly found out that although she was of marrying age, she had no intention to become betrothed.

"But why, my lady? Certainly you've seen all the women your age get married and begin happy lives," the young lord questioned, placing down his cup so that Rin could refill it.

Pouring, Rin steadied her eyes on the cup and answered, "I must first take into consideration what my lord says. I make little decisions alone. Whatever he says, I do."

Rin finished filling his cup, and passed it to him, who graciously accepted it again. Pressing his lips on the rim, he closed his eyes as the warm liquid filled him. The young lord looked like he was pondering about something.

Opening his eyes, he placed the cup down quickly and reached to gather Rin's small hands into his larger ones, starling her. "Where is your lord, Rin? I must speak to him, man to man. Surely your father will not deny you such a strong pursuer. I have lands, soldiers, and wealth. I wish to share this all with you, my fair maiden," he declared intensely.

Rin still trying to recover from his boldness, averted her eyes to the floor. "My lord is not my father. He is traveling the country and should not return until later this year."

"Not your father? Not your husband-to-be? So do pray, tell me, what is he to you other than your lord?"

"Simple. He is my protector."

"I wish to speak to him as soon as he arrives. I must confess princess; I have never met such a marvelous woman such as yourself before."

Rin smiled, brushing his "princess" comment to the side, and met his eyes. "Lord Sesshomaru will be very surprised to meet you, young lord. Although you are not the first to make such declarations!" laughed Rin.

The young lord had immediately dropped her hands and began shaking with fear.

"L-lord S-Sesshomaru, you say?"

Rin nodded.

The young lord had stood up, his fearful expression quickly turning into anger.

"Are you out of your mind!? What are you doing with such a vile and dangerous demon?! He will kill you, Rin! He slaughtered my uncle's army years ago! He will murder you like he has with every other human that crosses his path!" he yelled.

Rin becoming more and more angry, stood up and smoothed the lines on her kimono. "What I do with my lord is none of your business. You came here asking for Lady Kagome's aid, and instead took the opportunity to interrogate me and insult me. Yes, Lord Sesshomaru is a powerful demon, but he has never hurt me. I shall not continue to entertain your foolishness," she spat.

The young lord realized he had hurt her feelings, but before he had a chance to apologize, Kagome entered the hut, and Rin excused herself.

The young lord couldn't get Rin out of his mind since that day, and even after Kagome had left his father in better health, he still came to the village to seek Rin. She would not cross paths with him. She would not speak to him.

Six months later after the incident, she was still waiting for Lord Sesshomaru. He had promised her on her fourteenth birthday to return to the village once summer had arrived in two years. It was summer. It was two years later. It was time.

"Are you excited to see Sesshomaru tonight, Rin?" Sango asked while patting her swollen belly.

Sewing, Rin replied. "I haven't been this excited since the day Komori was born."

The older women laughed. Kagome took notice at the kosode Rin was sewing. "Is this for him?"

Rin nodded. "It's a small way to express my gratitude." A small blush formed on her face and Kagome smiled.

"Lord Sesshomaru might not recognize you tonight, since you are dressed as a true princess!" Sango exclaimed.

Rin settled the kosode down and pressed a small hand to her face. "Oh my, I hope he does! He was the one who brought this kimono to me two years ago before his departure. I've been waiting to wear this outfit for so long!"

Finally finished discussing their plans, Miroku and Inuyasha went to sit next to their wives.

"That is a splendid outfit, Rin. I'm glad you held it off until a special occasion," Miroku said, as he sat next to his wife and pressed his lips on her forehead. Sango blushed as he wrapped an arm around her.

"Keh. You've seen him a hundred times over the years. Nothing special this time around," Inuyasha grunted. He began undoing the straps that held his daughter on his wife's back, and took the baby into his arms.

Kagome sighed, both at Inuyasha's indifference to Rin's excitement, and at the loving expression that he gave his daughter. "It's been two years, Inuyasha. I recall a certain someone being all types of excited when I got out the well five years ago," Kagome teased.

Inuyasha blushed. "Well yeah. I guess. What time are you seeing him anyway? It's getting pretty late."

"He told me when the full moon is its brightest. So maybe in a few more hours?" she said placing a finger to her lips.

Inuyasha nodded, and the group began talking about village life. Rin listened while finishing her kosode.

Almost done, just a few more stitches, she thought. She was sewing tiny rubies into his kosode, which were reflecting beautifully by the fire.

When she had finished, she held it up in front of her, and searched for any flaws. It was perfectly done, and she silently congratulated herself before folding it and calling Komori to bring forth her basket, placing it in it. She joined the conversation with the adults and the rest of the night went well.

Finally, it was time to leave. Miroku picked up sleeping Komori and Yumi into his arms, and Sango held a sleepy Yoko's hand. Hisashi was dead asleep in his room as Inuyasha walked the couple to the door.

"Come see us tomorrow, Rin. We'll be waiting on your update of Sesshomaru!" called out Miroku, as Rin and Kagome waved him and his family goodbye.

Sliding the door closed, Inuyasha turned and looked around the hut. Some vases were scattered around the main room, and a rice sac had been punctured, spilling some of the contents onto the floor. Taking a closer look, the slashes were clearly made by little claws. He sighed, knowing the exactly who was the culprit.

Rin watched Inuyasha walk over and sit beside Kagome, who was now breastfeeding their hungry baby girl. He leaned over and kiss her lips, before leaning down and kissing the infant's head.

Rin averted her eyes at the small family's intimacy. How lucky is Lady Kagome to be so loved…

"So, um," she cleared her throat while the parents glanced up, "have you two decided a name for her? I don't think I've asked since assisting the birth."

Kagome smiled at Rin, detaching the baby to pat her back. The infant burped, and quickly fell asleep back into her mother's arms.

"Yes, we decided to name her Aiko," Kagome said lovingly.

"Aiko is so pretty! Suits her well!" Rin clapped happily as the love child's little white puppy ears twitched while she slept.

Inuyasha, who couldn't get enough of Aiko, pleaded Kagome to have his daughter back into his arms. Satisfied once Aiko was secured, he excused himself and took her into the sleeping room across from his son's. Kagome turned to Rin and took the opportunity to ask her questions now that they were alone.

"So Rin, what do you think you'll talk about this time around? It's been too long for a banal conversation."

"Hmm, I think the same topics we usually cover. My health, his travels, and some village life. But it's been two years and I want to ask him and tell him about everything!"

"Do you know where he went for all this time?"

"Master Jaken mentioned he was seeking powerful demons to defeat still. He tries to keep me as updated as he can whenever he brings me milord's presents. A few weeks ago, Master Jaken told me Lord Sesshomaru had found a worthy opponent. A fire demon. Lord Sesshomaru himself had told me before his departure that it was possible he would seek a strong fire demon as well."

"Hmm, I see. I'm sure Sesshomaru has defeated the demon then."

Rin agreed enthusiastically as Inuyasha walked back out of Aiko's sleeping room.

"Moon's pretty bright now, Rin. Do you want me to walk you to the sakura tree, or will you be okay?" he asked.

Rin stood up to smooth her silky kimono. "No, it's okay Lord Inuyasha. I'm certain there's no danger in these parts after years of having you as the village's guard!" she giggled.

Inuyasha "keh"ed in response.

Kagome stood up as well, and joined Rin as she made her way to the exit with basket in hand. Rin bowed at the couple, thanking them for their hospitality, slid the door open to encounter the fresh summer breeze.

She was ready to be reunited with Lord Sesshomaru.

.oOo.

Author's note: Hey guys! This is my first fanfic, hope it's worth your while. I'll be posting as often as I can, hoping you guys can support me! There's a bunch of inukag out there, but I was wanted a fic that explored what happens to Sesshomaru and Rin's relationship once she grows up. So ta-da!