Chapter 2
As the summer breeze continued to blow, Rin walked toward the bridge quietly, not wanting to disturb any villagers. She noticed her hands were trembling a bit.
Why do I feel…nervous?
"Keh. You've seen him a hundred times over the years. Nothing special this time around." Inuyasha's words suddenly rang in her ears.
That's right, I have. She took a deep breath and stopped to look at the river, catching her reflection. She was not the same girl Sesshomaru had met last time.
Looking past her reflection and up to the full moon, she recalled the last time Sesshomaru visited.
— — —
Coincidentally, the last time he stopped by was also Rin's birthday. The village women had woken her up extra early that day, made her take the coldest bath she'd ever had, and dressed her up in her finest clothing.
This was all so strange for her. On all her prior birthdays, no one had batted an eye at her, yet now, on her fourteenth, it seemed as if the village finally noticed her.
Rin sat by the firewood in the hut she and Kaede shared, sleepy. She frowned as Sango entered the hut smiling mischievously with a pair of scissors and comb in her hands.
Sango, catching Rin's frown, made an angry face at her, pouting and placing a hand on her hip. "Oh Rin! Don't give me that! Your hair is so long now, you could step on it! I'm doing you a favor!"
"No, Lady Sango, it's not that at all. I just don't understand what's going on to be honest…It's just my birthday. The women of the village didn't give me much attention prior to this."
Sango made a small sigh as she kneeled behind Rin and started combing her hair.
"Your fourteenth birthday is special because it signifies a new stage in your life. You are now officially marrying age, sweetheart."
Rin was glad Sango was behind her so she could hide her sulking face without getting reprimanded.
"But I don't want to get married yet, Lady Sango. I don't even have any suitors or anyone interested in me, as a matter of fact."
"That may be true, but have you seen yourself lately? You are the most beautiful girl in the village, Rin. Some of the villagers refer to you as their 'princess.' Soon, you'll blossom into a beautiful young woman, and it won't take long after that for young men to take a liken in you."
Rin blushed. "Did the women of your village do the same on your fourteenth as well, my lady? Did you have any suitors?"
"No, Rin. I decided to take the path of a demon slayer from a very young age, domestic life didn't interest me back then. However, I did have some pursuers, but once our battle with Naraku began, I let go of the thoughts of marriage."
"Until the honorable monk showed up," Rin teased, turning her head to catch Sango's blush.
"Don't move so I can cut straight! But yes, after the battle, we got married, and you know the rest."
Rin sat still for a few more minutes, listening to the soft snips the scissors made. "Did Lady Kagome's villagers do anything for her on her fourteenth?"
"I don't think so, Rin. She's from a different time, and she told me a while back that women in her time don't marry at the age we do here."
Rin nodded, and looked up as Kaede walked into the hut.
"Child, the village women will reunite here shortly. I expect you to be ready soon."
Rin told her yes, and the old priestess gave her a small pat on the shoulder before leaving again.
An hour later, after her hair and makeup were done, many women, including Sango, Kagome, and Kaede, walked in.
Kagome was the first to kneel next to Rin. She gave the birthday girl a happy smile.
She looks a bit fatigued, probably due to the fact that she has just become a mother, Rin thought.
Kagome had given birth to her first child a few weeks prior to this, and Inuyasha still couldn't get over the fact that he finally had a heir.
Snapping her out of her thoughts, Kagome placed her hand on Rin's shoulder, and many of the women came closer to touch a part of Rin's body.
"Let us pray for our beloved Rin," Kagome said in a serious voice. The women nodded and all closed their eyes as the priestess lead them in prayer.
Some hours had gone by, and they were still praying. Rin shifted uncomfortably in her kimono for the umpteenth time.
Will this end soon? I want to give my knees a break!
Hearing the bamboo mats flapping against some metal, Rin opened her eyes and flashed a happy smile to her lord as he walked in.
"Milord! What an auspicious day to receive your company!" she exclaimed happily, interrupting the prayers.
The women around her opened their eyes, all frowning in unison.
"My lady, could you please ask your lord to wait outside for a few minutes more? We're almost done with the prayers," an older woman said, looking down because she didn't want to meet the demon's glare.
Sesshomaru gave the women a cold expression before walking back outside. Rin tried to hide her disappointment, unhappy that the prayer was retaining her from her lord's visits.
Kaede began the last prayer, and twenty minutes later, Rin was outside instantly, making her way towards an annoyed Sesshomaru.
"Milord, please forgive me for making you wait so long," Rin bowed as he turned around and faced her.
He nodded, and complimented her on her outfit.
Rin was donned in one of the usual extravagant kimono's he had bought her over the years. She was dressed in an ocean blue kimono, encrusted with colorless pearls that formed fierce waves. Her seafoam green obi was tied tightly, showing off the womanly figure she was growing. Her face was also delicately covered with makeup, and her hair done up in an elaborate hairdo, which was all tucked into place by an emerald comb.
She looked beautiful. Not that she needed more praises. The women and men that passed the two stole glances at the young lady.
"Follow me if you so choose," he said, already making way to their usual meeting spot.
Silently, they walked across the bridge that connected the village to the forest. Sesshomaru and Rin had been meeting under the sakura tree for six years. It was a lonely tree, but its branches stretched long and high, taking advantage of its solitude by the gentle river. It's my favorite tree in the entire world! An eight year old Rin yelled as she jumped with glee when they found it during a walk around the outskirts of town.
Since that day, they met once a month under its branches. Two apple trees signaled the entrance of the clearance and stood at opposite sides of the trail, before they came into the field where the sakura tree stood. They walked under its shadows and promptly sat down. Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow at her, waiting for her to start speaking.
Rin cleared her throat and fiddled with her obi.
"Today is my fourteenth birthday, Lord Sesshomaru. The women of the village were praying because I am starting a new stage in my life, milord."
His golden eyes met cinnamon. "What stage?"
"I am officially marrying age, my lord. Apparently they've begun to call me 'princess,' some women hoping it catches on so that I marry a powerful lord, or warrior," she giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. What silly women.
"And you wish to marry soon?"
"No, my lord. Unless of course, it is your wish for me to do so."
"Very well. I will make the decision for you once the time arrives."
She nodded, and he began asking her the usual questions he made during his visits.
"How are you feeling?" "Healthy as a horse."
"Has anyone mistreated you?" "No, my lord."
"Are you eating enough? Are you drinking clean water? Do you need anything? Say so and I will summon it for you immediately," he ended with a serious note.
"Milord, you worry too much! I'm alright, you see! Fourteen today!" she said laughing.
Sesshomaru nodded, but frowned. She had caught the desperation in his voice, and it was evident by the look in his face that it caused him discomfort.
"But how are you, milord? What have you been doing since last time we met? You told me last time about a fearsome dragon demon that tried to kill you. Did you seek it again?"
"I did. He's part of my armor now," he said, pointing to the dragon scales on the front of the armor.
"There is no demon or human alive that matches the strength of Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin clapped gleefully.
Sesshomaru nodded again, looking as if he was trying to fight a smile.
"Well Rin, seeing as how you are doing fine in the human village, I shall make my departure."
Rin's happy expression quickly disappeared. "But Lord Sesshomaru, we haven't even been here for an hour. Please stay longer."
"I have duties to perform, Rin."
She sighed unhappily. "But it's my birthday, Lord Sesshomaru. My greatest wish is for you to stay and spend time with me until the moon brightens the night sky."
Sesshomaru looked around the clearance. It was still midday. He began to explain to her that Ah-Un and Jaken were waiting for him in a valley near the demon wolf tribe. Boldly, she cut him off, telling him she just wanted him to be with her for a few more hours. His eyes met her pout, which was colored cherry red, and she gave him such a sad look that her lower lip began to quiver.
"Alright. I'll stay," he sighed. His servants could manage just fine, he added.
Rin clapped happily and leaned over to hug him. "You are so wonderful to me my lord!" she said, nuzzling her face against his fur.
Sesshomaru rested his arm against her back. These gestures had become more and more common over the years. In the past, Sesshomaru would have never hugged, nor given a human a time of his day. But after Naraku's defeat, he decided to treat her with the most affection he could muster.
Even though it mostly came in the form of hugs and gifts.
Still embracing him, Rin could feel his free hand to searching for a little pouch he had in the folds of his furisode. He pulled it out and placed it in Rin's hands as she straightened up and held her hands open.
"What is this, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"Open it." Slowly opening the small pouch, she gasped as she took a closer look into it.
Her eyes shot up to meet the pride filled in his. "Lord Sesshomaru, how? Why? Oh my," she whispered in awe.
She took out the tiny rubies from the pouch. Rin counted them, one by one. Twenty rubies in total.
She held them up, so taken back from their beauty as they shined against the bright sun.
"The dragon demon had these in his lair. I figured you could make a use of them if I brought them to you," he said softly.
Recovering from her shock, Rin flashed him a toothy grin. "I've never asked for such luxuries from you my lord, because as poor orphan, I didn't even have the basics. I only imagined these things in my dreams, but Lord Sesshomaru, you've given me such a blessed life, I think even the most prosperous princess would be envious. Thank you."
A small blush spread on his face. A rare sight. "You're welcome, Rin."
Sliding the rubies back into the pouch, they began talking about the village life, his travels, and anything that popped up in her head. Rin wanted to take advantage of the rare request he granted her, so she kneeled comfortably, knowing she'll be there for hours.
Around suppertime, an anxious Inuyasha appeared in the clearance. He had a tense yet relieved expression when he spotted the two, who sat on a blanket, closer to the river. Rin smiled happily at Inuyasha, cleaning her lips with a handkerchief.
"Hello Lord Inuyasha! Would you like to join us? Lord Sesshomaru caught some fish for me, but I'm afraid I can't eat them all."
"Thanks, but no thanks. Kaede started worrying about you and made me come out here to check on you."
Sesshomaru scowled. "She's fine. Leave."
Placing his hands in his sleeves, Inuyasha turned his head the other way. "I didn't even wanna fucking come in the first place. Make sure she gets home safely." And with that, he ran back into the forest.
Rin quickly walked to the river and washed her hands before returning back onto the blanket. "It's pretty late, huh, Lord Sesshomaru?" she said, kneeling down in front of him.
"Yes. We've been out here all day. It's best I walk you back to the old priestess' hut."
"No! You have yet to answer my last question first!" she whined.
"Repeat it," he sighed. It seemed to her that he was starting to become bored.
"What's your favorite color, milord?" It was a trivial question yes, but something she had been dying to know.
Sesshomaru took a moment to think before flickering his eyes to her.
His eyes met her pearl encrusted kimono, her ivory, yet sun-kissed hands, and her raven hair that still sat up on her head. He then moved his stare to her face, which now had a beautiful rosy blush resting on her cheeks, and to her cherry lips that parted just a bit. He seemed in conflict, until his eyes met hers.
Cinnamon brown. He continued to hold her stare.
"I don't have one," he finally responded, a faint blush creeping up on his cheeks.
Rin cupped her hand to her chin. "How strange, everyone has a favorite color."
"Then what's yours?" he asked, looking back at the glistening river.
"Gold."
Rin heard him gasped softly. He knew exactly why she had said gold. She had said it without hesitation as well, indicating that it was something she had made her mind about a long time ago. But she wanted to be honest to him. She loved his golden stare, and couldn't get enough of it.
Sesshomaru shrugged, seeming to finally recover from shock.
"Again, it's late Rin. I'll walk you back to the hut."
Sesshomaru stood first to help her up. She was still blushing, a deep red now, and was unsteady on her feet. Clearly confessing to him had her feeling dizzy.
Sesshomaru turned around to lead the path, but suddenly Rin miscalculated her first step, and Sesshomaru caught her in his arms before she kissed the floor.
"I'm such a fool, my lord!" she laughed without lifting her face.
Sesshomaru laughed with her as she clung onto his furisode for support. "Nonsense."
She had never heard his laugh before, and instantly loved it.
Such a happy sound from such a powerful demon.
Rin still trying to shake off the laughter, lifted her head to meet his face. Sesshomaru was smiling at her, his golden eyes locking themselves with her happy ones.
"You are so handsome, milord," she blurted out.
Sesshomaru chuckled as another blush overcame her face again. Wrapping his arms tighter around her waist, he helped her become steady on her feet.
"Are you all right, Rin?" he asked, giving her a puzzled look. He had noticed her breathing had become a bit ragged, and he could hear her rapid heartbeats.
Rin nodded her head quickly, and placed a small hand on his face. "I'm just a little embarrassed is all."
They didn't see it before, but now they noticed just how close their faces were to each other. She gave him a dreamy look as he loosened his grip on her, and gestured her to start following him back to the hut.
Unlike the hours they had just shared, Rin was now extremely quiet. They crossed the bridge and passed a dozen huts before arriving at their destination.
"When are you returning, my lord?" She asked looking down to play with the pouch in her hands.
"Tomorrow."
Her face shot up to look at him. He never visited back to back. "Really?"
"Yes. But afterwards, I'm afraid I won't be returning for a while, Rin."
"B-But why?" she knitted her brows in confusion as he walked closer to her.
"I'm seeking powerful demons to defeat, and our meetings are delaying my conquest for supreme power."
Rin's eyes began to water, and Sesshomaru placed his hands on her face to wipe away the tears.
"I'll be back tomorrow. Try not to be busy this time," he said, before turning and elevating.
She watched him disappear into the night sky, and wiping her eyes, she walked into the hut. Kaede was cleaning some herbs, humming a happy tune that contrasted Rin's feelings.
"Child, what's the matter?"
"Milord told me tomorrow will be the last time he visits. At least until he seeks all the powerful demons."
Rin made her way behind the changing screen, and undid her obi to take off her clothing. Kaede stood up and handed her a sleeping kosode.
"Sesshomaru will be fine, child. Worry not. Once he finishes with his mission, he shall return," Kaede said, and pulled the sad girl into her arms.
They hugged it out, and Rin was relieved to have such a kind and wise woman as her mother figure. After having a quick conversation about the day, Rin excused herself and headed to bed. She wanted tomorrow to come quickly.
She needed to see him again.
Around noon the next day, Rin made her way to the sakura tree, where Sesshomaru was already waiting. After they greeted each other, Sesshomaru handed a large box to her.
"For you."
"Another present? But my lord, you already gave me one yesterday," nevertheless, she accepted it, and lifted the box's top.
There, folded perfectly, was a glorious golden kimono with large creamy flowers, and a light pink, adamant encrusted obi. The silky kimono also had tiny adamants, shining heavenly light, along the neckline. She couldn't get her eyes off of it.
She'd never seen anything like it in her life.
But it wasn't just because the kimono was extraordinary beautiful. No. It was the fact that Sesshomaru had paid attention to what she said last night.
In the midst of the conversation they had last night, they asked each other questions over their affinities. She had told him cream colored flowers were her favorite, because they reminded her off his fur (which he snorted at), and that she loved the way adamants shined since they gave off beautiful rainbows against the sun, and when the sunset came, she mentioned the light pink in the sky was gorgeous. He had also paid attention to her favorite color. Gold.
Rin didn't know how to feel, and placed her hand on her hot cheek, still looking at the kimono.
All this time I thought he didn't care about what I had to say…
She folded the kimono back into the box, and looked up at Sesshomaru. His face had such a soft expression, and it made her wonder if it was really him in front of her.
"I-I don't know w-what to say, Lord Sesshomaru," she stuttered. She closed the gap between them, and they embraced.
"It's okay, Rin."
They held each other for a moment, before Rin pulled back, and walked back to the box.
"Should I try it on for you, milord?" she asked cheerfully and he shrugged.
Taking it as a yes, she ran into the forest, and undid her obi and her first layer of clothing to replace it with the golden kimono. It felt a little big in the chest and hips area, but she tied her obi anyways, and made her way back towards Sesshomaru.
"Suits you well, Rin," he approved.
Thanking him, they spent a few more minutes talking about his plans. His mission was to search for a strong fire demon and kill it with his Bakusaiga. Once he defeated it, he'd return to the village and resume their meetings.
"I hope you find it and kill it tomorrow then," Rin mumbled.
Sesshomaru chuckled. "Don't be so impatient."
He gestured her to come forth, and when she did, he pulled her into a tight hug. "I promise to return once the battle is done. Don't do anything stupid or make any rash decisions while I'm gone. Jaken will visit you twice a month to keep you updated, so be prepared to receive him here every new and full moon. Understood?" he whispered into her ear.
Rin nodded against his chest, and he loosened his arms around her. "Please be safe, my lord."
Sesshomaru scoffed, and took a step back. They held each other's gaze for a moment before he turned around and ascended into the midday sky.
— — —
That was the last time she had seen him.
Rin looked at the forest in front of her, and began walking again, quicker than before.
Last time he visited, Jaken said that Sesshomaru was to return on the night of the full moon. She giggled, remembering Jaken's frightened face when she had woken up from her fainting spell. She had scared the life out of him.
Stopping, Rin looked up the apple trees that stood before her. This is it!
She took a bold step into the clearance.
There, under the branches of the sakura tree, Sesshomaru stood, waiting for her.
At last.
.o0o.
AN: If you didn't know this, Sesshomaru wears a furisode, which is something women wear. Takahashi said in an interview that his theme is gorgeous, so ditto.
Anyways, yay, they've finally met up! Now the real action awaits.
