"Granny Kaede, why is it not common for humans and demons to get married?"

Kaede inwardly groaned. These late teen years with Rin were not fun.

"What a question, child!"

Kaede and Rin looked up to see Jinenji's mom.

"I suspect it is because humans and demons live apart from one another," said Jinenji's mom.

"Is that all?" said Rin.

"That makes all the difference! If a human and demon have a child together, that child will be a half-demon. They won't belong with humans or with demons. Who could love them? Look at poor Jinenji."

"But Lord Inuyasha found Lady Kagome. Jinenji is just shy," said Rin.

"True, child, but that silly dog demon is the exception, not the rule."

"It is also said to be cursed. Look at Inuyasha's father – died protecting his newborn son. Inuyasha's mother – dead. And Inuyasha – pinned to a tree for 50 years and my sister dead, rest her soul. All because a human fell in love with a demon," said Kaede.

"Even my beloved was taken too soon from this world," said Jinenji's mom wistfully.

"But do you regret loving him?" said Rin.

Jinenji's mom smiled fondly, "Of course not. He is always with me, in here." She pointed to her heart.

Rin nodded, "And maybe if enough humans and demons have half-demon children, there will be so many of them that they will be accepted!"

Jinenji's mom giggled girlishly, "Rin, you sure are a funny girl. Say, is there a demon you're smitten with?"

Rin blushed dully. Luckily, Jinenji arrived at that moment.

"Ma, let's go. It's almost the new moon," grumbled the giant demon.

"Ugh, alright," said his mother, exasperated, "Jinenji, you coward… Rin is right. This is why you're still single."

~END SCENE~

"Is Rin okay?" asked Sango one afternoon when Kagome came over to play with the kids in the backyard.

"I'm not sure," Kagome confessed, "I think it's because a certain someone hasn't shown up in a while."

Miroku nodded, "Yes, but didn't Sesshomaru visit her sometimes without you guys knowing?"

Kagome laughed, "Yes, he didn't always visit us when he visited Rin. But Inuyasha could always smell him when he was nearby. Inuyasha says Sesshomaru hasn't been around for two seasons now. And he stopped sending her gifts."

"Do you think he's in trouble?" said Miroku.

"I don't know. I don't sense anything amiss. And Inuyasha doesn't want to look for him. He said it was only a matter of time before Sesshomaru forgot all about Rin. Something about how he's always hated humans, blah blah," Kagome shook her head.

Sango chuckled, "You don't seem to think so."

"I've never seen anyone care for Rin the way Sesshomaru does. There's no way he forgot her. Something else must be going on."

Kagome winced as she remembered who else cared for Rin. After Miroku had taken the kids to the village on some errands, Kagome asked, "How's Kohaku?"

"I think he'll be fine," said Sango. "At least he's still demon slaying. Rin, on the other hand, has stopped smiling. Kaede says all she does is hum the same tune over and over. Kohaku's worried about her too. I wish there was something we could do."

Kagome sighed, "Me too. But Inuyasha won't let me meddle."

"Maybe we can set her up with Shippou?" said Sango, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"I don't think so. Shippou is not ready to settle down yet," Kagome winked at her.

"Oh no, he's taken after Miroku!" Both women laughed.

~END SCENE~

"Rin, have you grown accustomed to life in the village? No one is bullying you or anything? Did you make a kimono out of the cloth I gave you the other day? When you are troubled, or anxious, or sad, or any other time, feel free to call on me. I will come to you immediately. Even if we are far apart, if you call my name, I will absolutely come flying to you. If you cannot speak, you can whistle. Whistle through your fingers, if you like. Distance is no object. Our hearts are tied together. With the power of trust, there is nothing to fear. Simply having that feeling should be enough to fill your heart. That is why it is fine for things to remain as they are for now. We have plenty of time. You can examine your heart at your own pace. Until then, take care of yourself."

Those were still the most beautiful words anyone had ever said to her, and Rin loved that they had come from him. Several moons had passed since then. She was eighteen now. She had had enough time to explore her feelings. At first, they had been whimsical girlish fantasies. After all, he was still the most handsome person she had ever laid eyes on. But it was more than that now. Over the years, she had met many humans, demons, and half demons but her heart always went back to him. She would drop everything as soon as she knew Lord Sesshomaru was nearby or on his way.

As cold and indifferent as he tried his best to be, she had always known his true nature – he was noble, wise, cared in his own way, and did good deeds that he never wanted credit for. This wasn't to say he was perfect. He was very proud. She knew how ruthless he could be in attaining what he wanted. And he would not hesitate to kill if someone threatened her.

Nevertheless, she loved him, and she was determined to learn his heart. His words and actions, the looks he gave her – she was certain he felt the same way. He was right. Their souls were intertwined and every time they reunited, their bond seemed to grow stronger. Even when they were miles apart, she always knew he would come back for her.

Lately though, she could feel him slipping away, almost as though the tie that joined them was becoming undone. She had thought many times of packing her things and going to find him, but she knew putting herself in harm's way would not make him happy. She had no intention of creating trouble for him. Or for Granny Kaede, Lord Inuyasha, and the rest of them who would certainly go looking for her. She just had to have faith that Lord Sesshomaru would find his way back to her.

Please come back for me soon, Lord Sesshomaru.

I will wait for you

On my own

Please return to me

Waiting all alone

~END SCENE~

"Lord Sesshomaru!"

Sesshomaru recognized him, the demon slayer who loved Rin.

A beam of light emerged from the trees and the dog demon landed on the ground in front Kohaku.

The two stared each other down, both refusing to be the one to blink first.

"I thought you should know… that Rin turned down my proposal."

"I'm sorry, Kohaku. I can't."

"It's Lord Sesshomaru, isn't it? He's the one your heart belongs to."

Kohaku gave a deferential nod and then took off on Kirara.

Jaken scrambled out from the bushes. "Lord Sesshomaru, what will you do now?"

Sesshomaru turned and started walking away.

"Lord Sesshomaru! Wait for me!"

~END SCENE~

Sesshomaru went down on one knee and bowed his head.

"Forgive me, Mother, for forsaking you, my father, and our great name."

He had braced himself for her snide remarks, or worse, an uncharacteristic outburst. Now would be the time for his mother to lose composure, which is why he was surprised when he felt her cold hand gently cradle his face.

"Sesshomaru, I thought you hated humans, but I see you have changed your mind."

He looked away, "It was more a change of heart."

She sighed, "I don't think I will ever understand, but I forgive you, my son. There."

She held something out in front of him. He was surprised to see the comb Rin had given him that night they had slept together in his true form.

"The little demon that follows you found this. What will you do now?"

~END SCENE~

"Hello, I'm home!"

"Rin, we have guests," said Kaede.

"Lord Inuyasha! Lady Kagome!"

"I'm glad you're in good spirits, Rin. We have lots of food. Come," said Kagome.

Winter was Rin's favorite time of the year. She loved the snow and crisp air. It was like magic.

"Coming! Oh." Rin had gone into her room to drop off her shawl when she noticed a familiar comb on her pillow. Her heart leaped to her throat.

She bolted out of the bedroom, looking like she had seen a ghost.

"Did any of you see who put this on my bed?"

"I don't think anyone else has come by," said Kagome, truthfully.

Rin simply would not accept that.

"Lord Sesshomaru, was he here?"

Kaede and Kagome exchanged uncertain looks.

"I'm going to go look for him!"

"Rin, no! It's still storming out there!"

It was a full moon. She clutched the shawl to her as the snow swirled around her.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" she called out into the night, her voice drowned by the howling wind.

She marched on, even as the wind pushed her back, calling for her lord and tears streaming down her face. He had come to see her, she knew it. Why had he left?

Finally, she reached the edge of the woods and here the wind was less turbulent. She stared in awe as he stepped out the shadows. The moonlight flooded his presence and he looked absolutely divine, like from one of her dreams. He was impervious to the snow as it bounced off his body.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" she stumbled forward and tripped over her sandals.

She never hit the ground. He appeared by her side instantaneously and caught her.

"Lord Sesshomaru, it's you," she sighed blissfully into his arms.

"Rin, you'll freeze out here," he admonished, even as he held her even tighter to him.

"I've missed you so. I knew you would come for me," she looked into his amber eyes, but they betrayed nothing.

"Are you happy, Rin?" he said softly.

She grinned ear to ear and buried her face in his chest.

"Now I am!" she said, her voice muffled.

She could feel his chuckle reverberating from his chest. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. She wasn't sure what compelled her to do what she did next. Maybe it was because she hadn't seen him in so long. Maybe it was the adrenaline. Maybe she had lost her mind. Before he returned to his full height, she grabbed the collar of his kimono and brought her lips to his. Her actions shocked them both.

She pulled back when he remained frozen. She searched his face. Again, nothing.

"What's wrong?" she said tremulously, fighting back tears, "I-is it because I'm a human?"

"No, Rin. You will be an outcast. You and our children…" he said, unable to meet her gaze anymore.

He had thought of their children? Rin's heart swelled. Finally, she understood. She placed a hand on his cheek and said tenderly, "My lord, with the power of trust, there is nothing to fear." She smiled when she saw his eyes widen.

"I don't know what our future will be like," she continued, "But I know that my life wouldn't be complete without you."

And then, he sighed, as if the last of his willpower had left him. He grabbed her wrist to pull her closer and his other hand found the hair on the back of her neck. His eyes said everything then. She could see the longing in them, the hope her words had produced. She closed her eyes as he kissed her deeply. His kiss was warm and tender, soft lips against hers. She responded timidly at first. His tongue found hers, gently exploring her mouth. Shivers went down her spine as she fervently kissed him back, wanting more of him. The blood was pounding in her ears. If this is a dream, please don't wake me up, she thought.

His kisses moved to her cheek, down her neck, and stopped when he reached her collar bone.

"Are you sure, Rin?" he asked.

She jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck, her heart fuller than she had ever known. His arms lifted her up to him.

"Yes!"

~END SCENE~