Rin sat on a log, swinging her legs in a large puddle. Stupid Master Jaken, she thought as she recalled their conversation this afternoon.

"It'll be just like old times, Master Jaken! We will be by Lord Sesshomaru's side and help him build his empire!"

Jaken scoffed, "Nonsense. Don't you know anything, Rin? Lord Sesshomaru has renounced his title as the Great Dog Demon."

"What? Why?"

"Well, I thought it was obvious. A demon can't take a human as a bride without consequences. He'll have less enemies this way, trust me."

"He's never cared how many enemies he's had before."

"Silly girl, he's doing it to protect you."

To protect me…

"Rin."

They had agreed to meet here in the woods after that snowy night when they had shared their first kiss. He had told her he had some business to attend to, but he would come back for her. Now, she understood what he had done for her. The snow had melted since, and the lush greenery had returned to the forest.

She stopped splashing and gave him a troubled look.

"You've been speaking with Jaken, I see."

"My lord, I don't want to be the reason you give up your kingdom. You've wanted that far longer than you've wanted me." Tears were starting to well up in her eyes.

"Rin, can I tell you what I have learned while on the path of supreme conquest?"

He took a few steps toward her and knelt before her on one knee.

"Lord Sesshomaru, please get up!" she stood up.

"Empires rise and fall. Great demons thrive and perish. There is no power worth possessing if the price is you, Rin. Even if our love is but a moment in eternity, this demon's heart will belong to you until the end of time. All I ask today is that you choose freely, without fear or remorse. Whatever your decision may be, I will put your happiness above all else. Know that I will always be there for you if you ever need me. All this I swear to you. I swear on my sword, on my honor, and on my life."

Rin's eyes widened, "Lord Sesshomaru..."

His eyes were so earnest, hiding nothing. Before she could answer, the heavens opened up and heavy rain poured down on them. He picked her up in his arms and fled to sanctuary.

He had taken her to a temple atop a hill. She didn't recognize this place.

"We can stay here until the storm passes."

Her kimono was soaked and the water dripped onto the floor, forming a small puddle. Lord Sesshomaru was dry, however. His demonic aura had deflected the raindrops.

"Take off your clothes, Rin."

She looked at him, "My lord?"

He took off his kimono and handed it to her. "Here."

"Thank you, my lord," she smiled and quickly changed.

When she turned to face him, he was sitting on the floor, his head turned purposefully the other way to give her privacy. It made her smile. Gods, he was so beautiful… she was startled when his eyes darted in her direction, and they locked gazes. It felt as though he was looking straight into her soul.

~END SCENE~

He could smell it again. It was hard to resist, especially now when her scent was entangled in his.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" she said, kneeling in front of him.

"Have you thought about what I said, Rin?"

She nodded and placed her hand on his cheek, "I want to be with you, my lord. I love you… So, so much." She peered down at him with a gentle smile before kissing him. She tasted as sweet as before but this time, her scent and even her words conveyed there was nothing innocent about this kiss. She opened her mouth so that his tongue could find hers. She sighed in delight as their tongues were reacquainted.

He reached forward to undo her kimono, leaving a trail of kisses down her neck. The kimono, which was already too big on her, easily slipped down her shoulders. His lips found her breasts, the hot breath from his mouth making her back arch. She began mewing as his lips roamed over each breast and his tongue coaxed each nipple until it hardened. Her arousal grew stronger and stronger. Part of him wanted to savor every moment of what was happening between them. The other part wanted to rush them to the climax. He couldn't believe the effect she was having on him. The feel and taste of her soft, creamy skin, her scent, the way she arched her back and threw back her head to give him better access, even the sweet sounds she was making. It was all too much. He paused to gain control of himself.

She took the opportunity to return his kisses, devoting her attention to his face and his neck. She surprised him by climbing on top of his lap and disrobing the last layer of his kimono. His mouth found hers again with desperation, demanding entry to which she happily obliged. His hands slowly traced every curve of her body, as if wanting to embed them in his memory. She wanted him so badly now and she could feel how badly he wanted her too.

"Please…" she said in a raspy voice that she didn't recognize as her own.

At her plea, he could hold back no longer. He heard her gasp as he entered her. He knew there was nothing he could do about her pain. He moved slowly, not wanting to hurt her. He could feel how stiff her body still was and knew she wasn't enjoying herself like earlier. He moved away and went behind her.

"Lord Sesshomaru?"

He gave her a comforting kiss on the cheek and turned her chin towards him so that their lips could meet again. She responded to his kiss without hesitation, still seeking some kind of release. His hands traveled down her body, one hand cupping a breast and the other parted her legs. He was rewarded with a moan as he parted the lips of her womanhood and found her center.

Rin's eyes snapped open when he did this. She had never felt this strong sensation before. She fought it at first but eventually relaxed and gave in, letting the exquisite pleasure wash over her. One of his hands was kneading her breasts and strumming her nipples. His other one was stroking her bud. He made slow, circular motions that sped up into fluid movements. Soon, her thoughts were no longer based on logic.

She was responding well to his touches, moaning in between his kisses. He inhaled slowly as he felt the moisture between her legs. He entered her again, closing his eyes as he felt her envelop him. He began thrusting into her, drawing out her pleasure for long as he could. At last, she cried out and her head fell back on his shoulder. His lips found her exposed neck as her whole body spasmed, and he felt her contractions around him. Once she was limp, he pulled out and kissed her mouth again as he laid her gently down on his mokomoko. Her arms reached around his neck and gripped his hair. He guided her hips under his. Her legs wrapped around his torso as he entered her again and thrusted harder. Finally, he spilled his seed into her. She watched as his eyes glowed red before he closed them. He growled as he buried his face in her neck.

Once they had regained their breath, they both got dressed so that she would stay warm. It was still raining outside. Sesshomaru pulled her towards him, wrapping his arms securely around her. She was sitting with her back to him, running her fingers through his mokomoko. She looked up and smiled when she saw the contentment on his face. He leaned down to playfully rub his nose against hers. She laughed and then they both drifted off to sleep.

~END SCENE~

It was bittersweet. Today, Rin was leaving the village. Kaede was sad to see her go but knew she would be happy with her new husband. Their wedding had been a small and dignified affair. Rin was, of course, a beautiful bride and Sesshomaru had not taken his eyes off her, except maybe once in annoyance when his vassal, Jaken, wept tears of joy.

"When the time comes, I will bring her back to the village," Sesshomaru had said to Kaede in private after the celebration.

Yes, if that prophecy was true, Rin would return one day.

Rin was saying her farewells to the rest of the gang. Shippou had even returned from his academy to see her off. The only person missing was Kohaku, but it seemed there were no hard feelings between Rin, Sesshomaru, and Kohaku. He had even come to the wedding.

Rin had finally pulled away from Sango's little ones, who were crying inconsolably.

"Granny Kaede, thank you so much for raising me! How can I ever repay you?" said Rin, her eyes glistening with tears.

"There is no debt, my child. It has been a pleasure to look after you," she said, and she meant every word. The two shared an embrace and Kaede held back her own tears.

She felt the demonic presence before she heard Rin gasp as Sesshomaru appeared with Jaken and A-Un.

"Lord Sesshomaru!"

Kaede looked on as Rin ran towards the dog demon. He caught her in his arms and lifted her up so that her head was over his.

Even Sesshomaru looks happy, thought Kaede. Well, as happy as he can anyway.

As if realizing everyone was watching, he regained his usual deadpan expression and set her on A-Un.

He turned to Kaede and said, "I will take good care of her."

"You better," scoffed Inuyasha.

Kagome gave her husband an exasperated look before turning to the newlyweds and their travel companions, "Safe travels. We will miss you all."

Kaede watched, the tears finally escaping, as Rin flew away, waving, "Goodbye, everyone! I love you! We will see each other again!"

~END SCENE~