Chapter 6
The weeks after the visit to the market had become rather cold, cool breezes warning villagers of winter's inevitable return.
And yet, the cold came, and Rin only felt warmth.
She wasn't sure what it was exactly or when it happened, but she began to see a clear difference in Sesshomaru's demeanor.
Ever since she could recall, their meetings under the sakura tree's branches were concise, but informative. Of course, there was always casual conversation about village life and Inuyasha and his wife's antics, but never something in depth.
The time she finally got stuff out of her lord was before he left to battle the fire demon, and there she had discovered things she already knew: his food preference (not human), his role model (his father, the great Inu no Taisho), his favorite weapon (Bakusaiga), and that he didn't have a favorite color… while staring deep into her cinnamon eyes. And out of all the times he visited, Sesshomaru only stayed until the nightfall about three times.
But after market day…
Rin glanced to her left shyly, where Sesshomaru sat a short distance away, bored. Nowadays, he was always close.
Currently, she sat in the small working hut, preparing a batch of medicine for Kaede. The colder weather brought more work for both of the village's priestesses, so it was up to Rin to provide a helping hand for them, especially since Kagome was still very much attached to her baby girl. The workload was sometimes so overwhelming that Rin would forget she had to meet up with Sesshomaru, but before she'd run off to him, she would see that the dog demon already made his way towards her instead.
And surprisingly, he was very understanding. If she was ever late during their previous meetings, Sesshomaru would complain and look annoyed throughout the meetings.
Something was changing in him. Something.
During one of their meetings after market day, Rin had asked Sesshomaru about the sake container. Her heart was thumping so wildly in her chest that when Sesshomaru said a simple "no", she fainted. She felt so embarrassed and stupid for thinking that perhaps, Sesshomaru had been touched by Asa's story and was hinting his feelings for her.
Nevertheless, Sesshomaru thought nothing of it, or at least didn't show interest in the sake container.
But he did begin to show considerable interest in her.
Their meetings went from being a few minutes to hours, sometimes talking about trivial topics (mostly Rin), and other times just enjoying each other's company in silence. Sesshomaru would follow her around her rounds in the village when she was very busy, and she'd giggle, reminding her of when she used to watch Inuyasha do the same to Kagome early in their marriage. The demon lord was never far from her, either choosing to keep a distance when she mingled with the villagers, or right at her side when they were alone.
And lucky for her, they were alone quite often.
Those times when Kaede and/or Kagome would dismiss her early, she'd sneak away with Sesshomaru for hours, hoping no one would find them and interrupt them. They would retrieve to her home, arranging furniture for no reason, practice their penmanship, or head to the clearing in the forest to watch the slow river, anything to prolong their meetings. Unfortunately, someone always found them, usually Kaede, and Sesshomaru would head out swiftly. It surprised the young maiden that Sesshomaru would indulge in these things, but she figured it was because he wanted to spend time with her.
Their conversations became less and less dull as Sesshomaru began to open up to her about his battles. It seemed to happen out of the blue, and almost shocked Rin to hear him speak to her so calmly about the plans he had. She felt unworthy of knowing such information, knowing that such words should be said to Asa, his comrade and political strategist, and not her. But that's when it became to clear to her.
Sesshomaru was now seeing her as his equal.
And that meant that he was letting his walls down quite fast.
After all, wasn't that the beginning of real romance? Miroku always informed Sango about his jobs, asking her advice about how to approach an opponent. And Inuyasha would ask Kagome which technique he should use in battle. These men, who were skillful fighters, had no reason to ask or tell their wives such things. But they did it out of love, wanting to hear their input, valuing their opinions.
So, Rin assumed that Sesshomaru was doing the same with her. She had no reason to know what he planned to do to the fire demon's kin, yet, he asked her one day about what she thought was the most appropriate way to slaughter them. It was mind bogging, and she replied with a soft, "Hit them with your sword?"
That night, Rin was granted another chance to hear his roaring laughter.
But not only was he becoming more open in conversation, but also in body.
And perhaps, that was the most pleasing change.
Rin recalled the many times she startled her lord when she would touch him suddenly, or jump into his arms. Of course, that was when she was a child, only did it begin to change as their meetings grew in numbers. However, she never remembered them holding hands or leaning into each other so much as they did now… when had they become so bold?
Before, she was usually the one to initial touching, but now it was all him. The hug they had that day after visiting Asa's had been the first one she noticed was quite intimate. But it seemed that now most were, by the way Sesshomaru's claws would hold the small of her back, the way his golden eyes would watch her as she said good night to him, the way he'd give her small hand a quick squeeze…
Yes. Something was changing Sesshomaru.
Rin stood up and headed to the tub to wash her hands, satisfied that the antidote was finished. "Milord," she asked without facing him, "would you like to walk me home now?" Though he didn't respond, Rin heard his armor clinking, indicating that he was now standing.
She dried her hands on her wrap skirt and adjusted her headscarf, but was stunned as she turned around to face the dog demon.
He stood right in front of her, just a small distance in between them.
"Why," he reached for her face, stroking her cheek, "would you ask such a foolish question?"
Rin looked up to him, speechless. Her cheeks flushed prettily and she suddenly felt as dizzy as she had when Sesshomaru commented her body figure so many months ago, back in their reunion.
That's right, months have passed since, no wonder we're so comfortable around each other now…
She licked her dry lips, averting her eyes to the floor. "Forgive me, milord. I-I, well I-"
Her mumbling was suddenly stopped by his claw, ever so gently brushing against her lips.
"Hmm…" Sesshomaru looked at her, seeming to ponder something. He leaned a little closer to her.
Oh my… is he going to…
"Yo, Rin, I need a fucking favor."
Ugh.
In response to his brother's voice, Sesshomaru took a step back from the young maiden and glared at the entrance as Inuyasha walked in the hut.
"Sesshomaru," he greeted, folding his hands in sleeves.
"Inuyasha." More of a threat than a greeting, but okay.
"It's quite late, Lord Inuyasha, is everything alright?" Rin said, approaching him.
"Yeah, I just need some advice." Well, this was new.
"Don't you have a wife to go bother, half-breed?" Sesshomaru growled, evidently annoyed with the sudden interruption.
"Don't you have Jaken to go yell at?" Inuyasha scoffed back, and turned to the raven haired beauty. "I wanna do something special for Kagome. Give me an idea, will ya."
Rin knitted her brows in confusion. "But your anniversary was months ago, sire."
Inuyasha nodded at this. "Yeah, but ever since fall started, she's been busy keeping everyone healthy. Kagome's always tired by the time she gets back home, and it doesn't help that I'm always out, working."
She glanced over to Sesshomaru, his signature scowl painted on his face. "Umm, w-well," she stuttered as she met with her lord's golden stare.
His eyes were burning with such a desire, perhaps to kill Inuyasha, but no matter the reason, it made her feel hot all of a sudden.
"Oh! I have a suggestion!" she chirped. The heat in her lord's eyes gave her a brilliant idea. Rin got closer to the half demon, who looked curiously at her. "Take Lady Kagome to a hot spring! There's one close to the village, she knows where! We go there once a year."
"Hot spring, eh…" Inuyasha looked lost in thought, cheeks flushing. "Wait, no. Hisashi and Aiko can't go there."
"Then leave your pups with Rin," Sesshomaru said.
Rin, a little off guard by his comment, agreed enthusiastically nevertheless. "Yes, I'd be delighted to take care of them!"
Inuyasha seemed very pleased and smirked. "Best thing you've said all year, Sesshomaru. I'll drop them off tomorrow, Rin. Later," he waved and left.
Rin looked over to her lord. Finally alone once more. She walked closer to him, a part of her hoping he would touch her lips again, but he seemed annoyed still. "Let's go, Rin, it's late," he huffed.
Rin hid her disappointment with a smile and followed him out into the cool night. Sesshomaru didn't say anything to her as they approached the grand home, and she followed him up the few steps that lead to the main door. She leaned against the door, looking up to him.
"It's unfortunate that tomorrow you won't be here, milord. I would have loved for you to spend time with the children."
Sesshomaru stroked his fur, scowl still intact. "Yes. Tell me, Rin," finally getting closer to her, but now glaring. She shivered, unsure if it was the cold or the look in his eyes.
"How well do you know this hot springs?"
"Huh?"
"I will not repeat myself again."
"Lady Kagome and Lady Sango take me there every year, milord. It's a women's thing."
Was this such a big deal to him that it put him in a bad mood?
"I had a bathing room built for you so that you would not travel to the river or springs anymore. Don't," he growled, "let me catch you there."
He spoke in the same tone he used when he told her not to accept Taro's proposal. Full of jealousy.
He's jealous?
"I promise, there have been no men in those springs, milord," Rin assured rather quickly, "it's just between us women!"
"No matter," Sesshomaru sighed, closing his eyes, tilting his head. "See you soon."
He didn't give Rin a chance to speak before he disappeared into thin air.
Well, that was something.
— — —
Early the next day, Inuyasha and Kagome stopped by to hand Rin their precious children to her. While Hisashi seemed rather pleased, Aiko was a little distraught.
"Ugh, you know, I'm unsure if Aiko should be away from me for too long," Kagome said, holding the baby in her arms.
Inuyasha frowned. "She'll be okay. That's why you filled a bunch of containers with milk for her. We won't even be gone more than a day. Let's go, my love."
Kagome blushed and handed Aiko into Rin's arms. "Lady Kagome, please, enjoy yourself! I took care of the twins and Komori many times when they were infants. Also, don't forget, the reason Hisashi is so attached to me is because I cared for him throughout your pregnancy. Aiko will be fine!" she assured the priestess.
"See?" Inuyasha beamed. He squatted down, a gave a kiss to his son. "Take care of Rin, sweet boy."
Rin watched as the couple hugged and kissed their children, and said their farewells as Kagome climbed onto her husband's back. They left in a flash, and Rin walked back inside, Hisashi in tow. The little black-haired boy sat in the middle of the main room, looking around.
Hisashi is so innocent. And Aiko is just an angel from above. How hard can this be?
She smiled at Hisashi, as he gave her a mischievous grin.
— — —
Hard. Hard as hell.
"What are you doing with that?!" Rin yelled at the little black-haired boy, his puppy ears twitching in response.
Hisashi had behaved very well for a few hours, but after supper time, he let hell break loose. He ran into every room, slashing at the anything he found laying around. Rin would run to him as soon as she heard his little voice say, "Iron Reaver, Soul Stealer!"
Why the hell would Lord Inuyasha teach him this!?
He currently stood frozen in place, holding Rin's favorite pink obi. She ran to him, snatching it out of his hands. "No, this is a no-no, Hisashi. You know better than to enter my dressing room!"
He pouted. "Lady Kaede said I could."
Rin looked up and glared at the older woman.
"Child, don't fret. Lord Sesshomaru could easily get you another one."
Rin closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "This one is more special to me than the others, my lady," she said, opened her eyes and turning to the two-year-old. "It's been a long day, Hisashi. Off to sleep we go!"
Rin picked him up and took him to her room, where already Aiko laid sound asleep in her bassinet.
"I don't wanna sleep, my lady," he whined as she made him lay beside her on the futon.
"Shh! We'll wake up Aiko. Sleep my sweet boy. I'm here beside you."
Hisashi's golden eyes shined in the darkness. After a few minutes of staring at each other, Rin watched his eyes fight against sleep, and at last! Hisashi dozed off. Rin pulled him closer to her, embracing him for bit. Though she loved him, Hisashi's golden stare always reminded her of Sesshomaru.
He left quite upset about the hot springs. As if she would ever let a man peek at her, she rolled her eyes at the thought.
Though she wanted to rest with Hisashi, she stood up, walking into the main room. Kaede had retired into her room, she noted, and took the chance to head outside. All she wanted was a bit of fresh air.
If it wasn't Hisashi running from left to right, Aiko was crying her lungs out. How does Lady Kagome do it?
The cool breeze was enough to calm her nerves, so she walked back into her home, into her room. Apparently, in the time she left him, Hisashi had woken up. His golden eyes blinked at her, surprised.
"Hisashi, I'm sorry, my love-"
"Hmm?" It was Sesshomaru. Rin took a step back, trying to make his figure in the darkness. It was him.
"Why hello, Lord Sesshomaru! What are you doing here?" she whispered.
"Does my presence bother you, Rin?"
She wondered if he was smirking by the tone he used. "Of course, not my lord."
"Very well then," his eyes were getting closer to her, and she felt his claw graze her arm. "Join me in the main room."
Luckily for them, Rin hadn't blown the candles off, so the main room was lit enough so that they could see each other in the dim light.
"Would you like some tea?" she offered, but he shook his head.
"I've been thinking about you since last night," Sesshomaru confessed.
Really? I think of you day and night, my lord, she wanted to say, but instead replied with a simple, "Oh?"
"Yes. Do you recall our conversation months ago, about choosing a spouse?"
Rin frowned at this. "Yes, milord."
"I have decided that you shall not wed."
"And what brings this, Lord Sesshomaru?"
"There is no man worthy of you."
She gave him a slow grin. "At least, no man who resides here, milord."
"As long as you are my ward, you will not marry."
"Hmm…," she looked down at her hands, hoping her disappointment wouldn't be apparent to him. Rin wanted to tell him how she felt about him, but it could cause tension between them.
But maybe, she could tease him a bit, enough for him to reveal his feelings instead.
"That's too bad," she continued to look down, not wanting to meet his eyes, "because I already met a man worthy of me."
Sesshomaru coughed. Demons didn't get sick.
"Who is this man?"
"Do not fret, my lord, he's not of this village."
Suddenly, he was standing right in front of her, eyes bleeding red. "Don't," he choked, "tell me you met him at the hot springs."
Teasing was part of the plan, getting murder was not.
"Of course not! I am not that type of woman," Rin huffed, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Why is this the first time I hear of him?"
"Because he's not in the village often."
She decided she would describe how her lord was, and as oblivious as he was when he was angry, it seemed she would enjoy this.
"I've never smelled him on you. Seen him here." That's right, he's always watching.
"Hmm, unfortunate," she replied, trying to hide a coy smile behind her sleeve.
Sesshomaru reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Why do you hide such things from me, Rin?"
By his tone, she could tell that he was hurt. "Milord, please, I'm sorry-"
She heard a tiny cry coming from her room, and breaking free from his grip, she ran to it.
Aiko had woken up, apparently from hunger, and Rin fumbled to get a glass bottle for her. She cradled the baby, feeding her, hoping it was enough to calm her.
Sesshomaru walked into the room, letting out a scoff. "Had trouble today, Rin?"
"Somewhat," she smiled as he sat next to her. Aiko was soon fast asleep, peaceful as could be. "Hisashi has learned the Iron Reaver, so he almost ripped my favorite obi."
"Hmm, unfortunate," Sesshomaru replied, repeating the words Rin had said earlier.
"I wish I had help… you see, Lady Kaede is always out and Lady Sango and Master Miroku are rather busy with their kin. There is no one here to aid me."
"Ask your lover for help." Is this not what I'm doing!?
"Are you jealous, milord?" she asked, feeling bold.
"No," he answered quickly.
Yes. He was. Very. "It's inappropriate to ask a man to spend the night while one is not married, so therefore, I won't ask him, but as you can, right milord?"
Sesshomaru's eyes shined in the moonlight. "If that's what you want."
Rin smiled brightly at him, and shifted Aiko to burp her. "She's asleep again, thank goodness."
"Not surprised the half-breed's pups are troublesome," he scoffed.
"Oh no, milord, they are quite delightful, but can be a handful, as all children are at one point."
"And don't I know it," he arched a playful brow at her.
Rin pouted, knowing he was taking aim at her. "That was different."
Much to Rin's relief, Aiko burped, and she settled the infant back into the bassinet. Glancing over at Hisashi's sleeping form, she quietly headed out of the room, and into another, gesturing at Sesshomaru to follow her.
There was a simple futon in the middle of the floor with a few blankets near it. "You can sleep here, milord."
He seemed unimpressed. "Hmph. I need no rest. Go back into your room with the pups."
"Yes, my lord."
Of course, when she laid herself next to Hisashi, she couldn't help but blush, thinking that Sesshomaru was in her home, still jealous over the non-existing man. Rin closed her eyes, hoping her giddy self would fall asleep soon.
— — —
There were no cries, no "Princess Rin!" or "My lady!" that woke her up the next morning.
Rin opened her eyes slowly, looking about, noticing that the two children weren't in her room, and she suddenly panicked, running out of the room.
"Lord Sesshomaru, have you seen the kids?!" she shouted worriedly, while he had his back to her.
Sesshomaru turned slowly, revealing the location of the pups. Hisashi clung onto his fur, seemingly trapped in it, while he cradled Aiko in his striped arm.
Rin sighed from relief. "I hope they weren't too much trouble, my lord," she held her arms open, but neither child leaned towards her.
"They're attached to me now," he said, not quite annoyed, but not thrilled.
Rin smiled as she watched the pups' golden eyes looking up to the dog demon, admiration oozing from their stares.
"Has Aiko been fed?"
"Yes."
"Did Hisashi have breakfast?"
"Yes."
She bowed at Sesshomaru and began cleaning the hut right away, so happy that he was attentive with the children.
After a while of tidying up and making food for Hisashi, Rin peeked over her shoulder, and watched as Aiko cooed at Sesshomaru, still tightly cradled in his arms.
A smile spread across Sesshomaru's face, but disappeared as soon as he discovered Rin's observance.
"Carry on!" she encouraged, and skipped into the hall, her heart heavy with love.
To catch some privacy after Inuyasha and Kagome returned to pick up their children, Rin and Sesshomaru headed to their usual spot, enjoying the peace they finally had.
"I'm so glad you looked after the children, milord. They seemed to love your company, especially Aiko!" she giggled into her sleeve.
"I guess so."
She spotted a small smile on his lips. "Maybe we'll begin to take care of them more often! Lord Inuyasha was rather pleased."
"Hmph," Sesshomaru looked over to her, gesturing her to come close. As they closed the distance between them and embraced, Sesshomaru tilted his head, lips to her ear. "I haven't forgotten about the man you spoke of."
She trembled in his arms. "I lied about him. He doesn't exist," Rin confessed quickly.
Sesshomaru suddenly let her go, but remained close. His claws reached for her bottom lip, and just like last time, he brushed them ever so gently against it. "I know."
"You do?" she choked, though in disbelief.
"Do you take me as a fool?"
"No milord!"
Sesshomaru continued to stroke her lip, leaning close enough that the young maiden couldn't hold his stare anymore. She closed her eyes, hoping their lips would meet.
"Open your eyes, Rin," he whispered. Her cinnamon eyes fluttered open, a small blush forming on her cheeks from embarrassment. "These eyes, your eyes, they belong to me."
"What are you saying, my lord?" she dared to ask him.
"Was your mission to discover if I would become jealous?"
She darted her eyes from his. "Not necessarily."
"Rin… have you grown so accustomed to village life that you dare seek a reaction from me?" Rin looked back at him, her eyes locking with his.
"It was rather desirable at the moment…"
"Jealousy is not a desirable reaction, Rin," he scolded.
"Yes, milord," Rin whimpered softly and looked down.
Sesshomaru's hand left her lip, and he again pulled her into another embrace. "I must admit however, I was taken back when you told me you bathed at the hot springs. A woman such as yourself… bathing in the open… I cannot have another man admire your beauty."
Rin's cheeks burned.
"Hmm. Feels like only yesterday we had our reunion," he whispered.
"What a glorious night that was," the beauty breathed. Her hand traced a ruby that peeked out from his furisode, and she smiled, happy to know he was still wearing what she made him. She felt his clawed hand lightly making lazy circles on the small of her back.
"I hope no one has been bullying you or anything like that… because if you ever are, speak to me."
It seemed like he was trying his best to convey his feelings in sorts of way, by touching her and speaking to her.
"Milord, should anyone do me harm, you are the first to know."
"Hmm," he held her eyes for a bit. "I'm sure you've noticed a difference between us."
"Yes, milord. And what a wonderful difference it has been," Rin felt so bold, expressing herself so openly to him.
"I worry about your wellbeing when I'm away, I wonder what you're doing at all times. Honestly Rin," he pulled her closer, "I think of you at all times. That being said, when you are troubled, or anxious, or sad, or any other time, feel free to call on me. Perhaps you think that I will not hear you, but 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."
Rin felt as if her cheeks would burn right off. "Milord…"
She traced the demonic markings on his cheeks, and he closed his eyes, leaning into her touch.
It was all or nothing now.
For months she had been waiting for a moment like this. And now, Sesshomaru had finally opened his heart to her.
"Show me," Rin whispered, "show me what you mean by 'our hearts are tied together'.''
He opened his eyes, studying her for a moment, and grabbed her chin gently. Rin's heart almost jumped out of her chest as she watched him close the gap between their faces, his lips finally meeting hers.
All that she had been dreaming about for months, now finally occurred.
She closed her eyes, savoring the moment. His lips were so gentle against her, his clawed hands holding her against him so tenderly. She rested her hands on his shoulder, loving the feel of him.
Sesshomaru pulled back slightly, his eyes in a daze, only to lean back in and kiss her more passionately. It seemed like neither of them could get enough of each other, but when he finally pulled back, he pressed his finger to her lips.
"How was that?" he asked, smirking.
She laughed nervously. "I don't know what to say, my lord."
Sesshomaru leaned in again, kissing her lips softly once, twice, three times. "Your heart is mine, and my heart is all yours. I trust you with my life, Rin," he kissed her again. "That should be enough for you to fill your heart with. We have plenty of time for ourselves, so this," he lifted her up a bit, his mouth aligning perfectly with hers, "should be enough for now."
The taste of his lips was incredible, and Rin pulled back when she felt her feet touch the ground again.
She couldn't help but smile and laugh, overjoyed.
"Return home, I shall come for you in a few days."
Rin looked up to him. "I'll be waiting, my lord."
It almost pained her to see him leave, but she sat down, her back leaning onto the sakura tree.
She watched Sesshomaru become smaller and smaller with distance, and soon, he was not in range anymore. The night sky was so brightly lit, she realized it then it was the night of the full moon. Apparently the best things happened on these nights.
Just another reason to love this moon.
.o0o.
AN: Finally. It happened! Anyways, if you recognize some of his dialogue at the end, it's from the CD-dramas. He says almost the same exact thing to Rin, proposing to her. SessRin is canon (at least to us who love the otp)! Stay tune for a new chapter soon.
