A/N: I'm putting the author's note at the end so you all can get on with
the story without strangling me:)
Disclaimer: The violent Jaken-bashing belongs to me. The 'Voice' belongs to me. Other than that, the only claims being made in the story are from Sesshoumaru-sama to Rin-chan. And we've all seen where -that's- been getting them...
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Walking back home is never as harmless as it sounds, now is it? That was another rhetorical question. Rin's nerves needed soothing so she did something that was actually quite a frequent occurrence. She decided to take the road that went through the village on her trek home. Seeing other peoples' problems would no doubt take her mind off of her own and she would be back to being her chipper self in no time.
Sesshoumaru, walking at a steady pace, was quite a distance behind her. She had stomped off and he honestly couldn't be bothered to exert himself so unnecessarily. That is, until he caught the direction of her scent. She was headed for that damn human village again. Oh my...
Rin strolled along slowly, trying not to pay attention to the gasping and whispering villagers who cringed away from her. She hated when they did that. You'd think they'd be used to it by now.
Random Villager 1: "Oh no...'Tis her! Rin-Sama...This can only mean..."
Random Villager 2: "That it's that time again...here we go. But we just finished repairing the damages from the last time THEY passed through."
Villager 1: "Everyone! Gather every tool in sight and be ready!"
"Hey! I heard that!" *Idiots. It was only about eight houses. As if -I- had anything to do with it. Can I help it if Fluffy-sama goes on a rampage every now and then?*
ENTER: THE VOICE. DUM DUM DUM.
*Need I remind you that you provoked him last time?
Oh what do you want now? I'm busy getting on his nerves at the moment.
I rest my case.
Yup. Any minute now he should be showing up trying to get me out of the village.
And you are proud of this?
Hehe...Quite.
Have you no shame?
Listen you, I'm way past that point so spare me the 'everything's-your- fault-and-you-know-it' speeches. I'm angry and he's going to suffer through every minute of it until I'm happy again.
Hmph. I'm not saying a thing. Not one single word. In fact, I'll be leaving now but I'll be sure to deal with you later when all this is over.
You're leaving me without any insults? You're losing your touch!
On the contrary my dear. No insult could do you justice at this moment. But if you insist...
What gave you that idea? Ok, if you leave now I promise to let you deal with me later
As if you had a choice you simpleton
Right. As I was saying, BYE!
Sigh. What did I do to deserve this task? The fates are cruel indeed. But I am crueler hehehe...until next time you little baka gone bad.*
*What did she mean by 'but I am crueler'? Oh well...* And she turned her attention back to the quivering villager.
"Ehehehe...no offense to you Rin-sama. It is always a pleasure to see you in the village. It's just that...well...Oh goodness, here comes Sesshoumaru- sama! Everyone! Man your tools! This is going to be a nasty one by the looks of it."
Rin squinted. Who in their right mind would be afraid of that puppy? She was getting more peeved by the minute. And this, my confused readers, only meant one thing: they were gonna have another go at it. Sadly enough, this village has a long history of abuse and it doesn't take the brightest crayon in the box to figure out which two people the abuse can be attributed to.
Rin stopped in her tracks. She was in the right mood to deal with him, after that little "leave or stay" spiel, that is. She could *feel* him coming closer ands closer. She turned around and sure enough, there he was, standing, looking utterly pissed/ disgusted at having set foot here-again. All fell silent. Tumbleweed rolled by. You figure it out.
"Rin. We are taking the other road." *And if you dare to disobey me -* Too late.
"No!" *Why must you test my patience so? Do you gain something by it?*
"No?" *Is she disagreeing with me? I, Sesshoumaru, do not understand this. She dares to defy me in front of these low creatures?*
Random Villager winces: "Here it comes..."
"No! Sesshoumaru-sama, why do you always start a fight whenever I want to pass through the village? I like coming here and seeing people once in a while! You act like you're scared or something!" *Scaredy cat*
"Idiot child. How dare you suggest that I, the great Sesshoumaru, should fear anything, especially such a small gathering of incompetent filth!"
*Did he just call me an idiot? Hmm...perceptive, aren't we.* "Are you calling me an idiot? Well it takes one to know one!" And just to add to that display of maturity, she stuck her tongue out at him. You go girl.
"You are far more trouble than you are worth. CHILD."
*Dude...sticks and stones may break my bones but your words, are gonna make me hurt you.* "Stop calling me that! I know you're only doing it to provoke me and I won't let you!" *So there.*
*You challenge me? I accept.* "I call you that because you refuse to stop being one- CHILD. Do you still wish to disobey me?"
He was snarling at this point. In fact, so was she. "If you call me child ONE MORE TIME-"
He was ever so calm about it, which made it all the more satisfying. "Child. Pup. Young one. Little girl. Infant." *I believe I have won.*
*Fine...if that's how you want to play it.* "Humph. Weakling! Feminine! Cat youkai! Half-breed! HUMAN!" *Well...that was easy. Correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe I've won!*
The village population was holding onto one another for dear life, bracing for the impact. Couldn't they take their little war somewhere else? Apparently not.
It was time to use a different strategy as this one was about to get violent. Well, faking indifference always seemed to work.
"Enough of this. You are not enough to frustrate me. We are leaving." He turned away...but not for long.
"You leave if you want to! I'm...I'm..ah" *Quick...what am I doing?* "I'm STAYING!" *Ooooh good one. What- I'm staying?! Where the heck did that come from?*
More than half the village population could be heard whimpering. Rin chose to ignore this as well. But Sesshoumaru was in her face before you could say "what the-" and he looked displeased. Surprise surprise. Funny, for a moment Rin thought she could actually hear the grinding of teeth.
"You are coming with me, out of this human stench before I begin to display the bloodier differences between humans and youkai."
"You wouldn't dare!"
He merely smirked. Holy fluffies! He was serious... bloody serious (A/N: Pun. Deal with it:) The same amount of aforementioned villagers gulped.
This situation was not going as planned. Rin was tired, frustrated and angry. Thus, she chose the only option left to her. That's right, she's goin all Kagome on us now. She cast her head down and sniffed...and sniffed... and then sniffed some more. Sesshoumaru was on alert. She wouldn't dare pull such a stunt! Would she? You're damn skippy she would...
"Stop."
Sniff. Sniff.
"Rin. Stop that."
And the sniffs just keep on comin. It was definitely time to panic.
Sesshoumaru the Great sighed inwardly, repeatedly. He felt like every sniff was being hammered into his head (think Staff of Heads connecting with Jaken's head). But let's throw Sesshy a bone and have him do the right thing for once:) What to do, what to do?! He slowly wiped away a tear with his thumb and before he knew it she was clinging to him. *Gets him every time.*
Would Sesshoumaru blush? Or is this author barking up the wrong tree? Well, he didn't blush and showing affection in front of all those damn villagers was not something he relished. Nevertheless he hugged her back. (A/N: audience goes: Aaaawwww/ Kawaiiiiiiiiii). And ladies and gentlemen, that's why there's nuthin but love in the Western Lands.
The villagers gave up on understanding at this point and several of them waved little white flags in the air.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...let's go home. We don't have to go through the village." She looked up at him from her huggy position and smiled sweetly. This seemed to please him. They parted, already missing each other but damned if they'd let one another know and started to head out of the village. They were almost out when all the villagers simultaneously exhaled in what came out as a triumphant "PHEW!"
Sesshoumaru stopped and slowly turned around. In an instant, a glowing, yellow whip-like substance collided with a few of the closest establishments...just for good measure:) Hey, everyone has their own way of saying goodbye so I don't wanna hear it. Rin just sweatdropped and quickened her pace.
************************
Once at home, we find that Sesshoumaru has revived Jaken for the sole purpose of having him annoy Rin. What can I say, some youkai are just born this way.
***********************
Pacing just isn't quite what it used to be. For one thing, it's impossible to wear out the stone floor and form a little trench in which one can hardly maneuver... so where's the fun in that? Such was the question on Rin's mind as she determinedly tried to wear out the carpeting instead. But the laws of writing, not to mention the universe, only permit solitude for so long, hence the knock on the door. Or maybe it was pounding. Whatever it was, the door flew open and there stood a very alive Jaken facing a very wide-eyed Rin... think old western-type showdown with the cheesy music in the background. Fur was getting ready to fly. Tumbleweed was getting ready to roll.
"Roach."
"Runt."
"This room ain't big enough for the both of us."
"So why don't you be a good human and leave...?"
"This is my territory! It's my room partner, you leave..."
"How dare you, you no good piece of human- AAACK!"
And Rin was off. In one quick motion she had stolen the staff and was now aiming it at a gawking gherkin. She couldn't help the small smirk that made its way to her face as she said:
"Do you feel lucky?"
Jaken could only gawk some more.
"Well, do ya?" A moment of silence. "I didn't think so.hehe."
But perhaps Rin forgot another law of the universe.or maybe it was the fact that she had forgotten to question the author's sanity. One can never be too sure. Yet the fact remains that even little green men have good reflexes and Jaken was able to dodge the flames that burst through the head on his staff aimed at him. Unfortunately for Rin, she should have made sure that no one was about to enter through the door at that moment. Poo on you, Rin... Poor Sesshoumaru-sama... There's just something very wrong about the smell of cooked dog mingled with fillet of fur.
"Eep...?" She tried as her face went sour and something told her that this evening was just destined to get worse. Now where on earth would she get that idea?:)
His "I'm-going-to-hurt-you" expression never faltered (does it ever?) and his gaze didn't leave her face as he dusted himself off very slowly and proudly.
"We have much to discuss." *And you had better follow me downstairs if you know what's good for you* was the unspoken yet still existent command he worded ever so nicely before turning to walk off.
Rin simply gulped. *Oh boy...why me? Why can't I do anything right? All I wanted to do was hurt Jaken.just a little.is that really so wrong?* There there, Rin. It happens to the best of us...
But speaking of Jaken...
"Where do you think you are going Jaken?"
"Downstairs Sesshoumaru-sama...?"
"Remain here."
"But- but- Sesshoumaru-samaaa! Who knows what that stupid human could do to yo-AACK!"
"Now get lost toad! Sesshoumaru-sama and I need to talk," she said as she kicked him back up the stairs. But, of course, she had managed to mutter a small warning before she did so and it was in the form of: "Jaken if I so much as *sense* your leechy presence downstairs I'm going to use *you* as a shield when Sesshoumaru-sama decides to use me for target practice. *Sigh* Got it? Good. Now-"etc. hence the kick.
Had His Almightiness heard that? If he did he made no indication. He just kept on walking. *Why do I have a bad feeling about this?* Because nothing good can ever come of the author placing this much emphasis on the two main characters being alone together. That's why.
DOWNSTAIRS***************
They sat facing each other. When has that ever been a good thing? Anyways...that is not the point. Rin was on edge. She hadn't done, or said, for that matter, much to be proud of these last few days. She really had tried not to lose her cool with him...but man, he just made it so simple. Besides, he had been trying to get rid of her! Right? RIGHT? Right! *Be calm, Rin. Get mad only when necessary and no matter what, don't let him get the upper hand.* A little self-motivation, even if it is a tad misguided, goes a damn long way. You guys just have no idea.
"So...Sesshoumaru-sama..."
"Sesshoumaru-sama? Is it not a bit late to attempt respect?" And thus began the next round. He was being playful but it really wasn't bringing them any closer to anything...author sighs.
*Humph. Quite the pretty-boy tonight, aren't we now? I won't let you get to me...I won't be the one to initiate an argument... for once, you'll have nothing to blame me for.* "I'm sure I don't know what you mean Sesshoumaru- sama," she said tight-lipped. *Jerk.*
"Indeed."
*Hey, are you actually going to try to get somewhere with this conversation or are you purposely trying to piss me off?* "Was there anything in particular you wished to discuss?" *Like maybe the fact that I'm claimed and you have yet to profess your love or ANYTHING to me?*
"No."
*Damn you.* Rin's face darkened and her eyes squinted in annoyance. He was doing it on purpose just to get her riled up. And he was doing a damn good job. *Must. Remain. Calm. Must. Keep. The. Peace.*
"You look rather..."
*Oh goodness, here it comes! Beautiful, charming, sweet, pleasant, anything!! Patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue!*
"Tense."
*I hate you. Tense? That's the best you could come up with? That's it. My patience can only go so far, dog-boy. I'll show you tense.* "Tense? You think I look tense? Sesshoumaru-sama, are you purposely trying to aggravate me? I am not tense! And if I am tense it's because you're making me tense! So stop it!" She pouted. She looked very childishly sweet when she pouted. Simmer down child, simmer down...
"Rin, why do you feel it necessary to quarrel with me every moment?" *Especially when you should have no hope of winning the argument.*
*Wow. Good question. You got me there... Maybe it's because you disappoint me sometimes... I never hear what I want to hear from you... but then again I can't really blame you for things you don't feel or say, now can I...* "Sesshoumaru-sama you have your own way of arguing with me too so don't pin this on me alone."
*The human has a point.* (Not to mention two horns on her head and a pitchfork). "What is it that you want, Rin?"
*Well where do I start?* "That's a very loaded question Sesshoumaru-sama. What do I want in what respect?"
"Do you wish to be un-claimed?"
"No. I didn't even think it was possible to be un-claimed. Why would I want to do a stupid thing like that?"
*Well this Sesshoumaru is baffled. Females are not to be under-estimated.* "Continue."
*Here goes nothing.* "I just want to know why you claimed me and...and...well, um...does this mean that we're...ah...you know..."
*I do?* "..."
A pause...and the volume gets louder. "Damnit does this mean that we're mates?!" *Phew. There, I said it. Oh well, can't take it back now.*
"Perhaps."
*Perhaps? Are you serious? For heavens' sake can I just get a yes or no answer for once in my life please?* "Perhaps?" *Who the hell answers 'perhaps'?!!!*
"I have been having my doubts." *For once this Sesshoumaru has the upper hand.*
That did the trick. Except it was the wrong trick. "Doubts? Is that so...well then, do you know what this Rin has to say to that, Sesshoumaru- sama?" she asked as sweetly as possible. She pointed a finger straight into his chest. No, not that finger. "WHO THE HELL WOULD WANT TO BE MATES WITH YOU!!!!"
Sesshoumaru 'yipped' as he quickly gripped his poor youkai ears, nearly falling over backwards from the sheer force of the scream. Rin was gone, probably halfway to Hokkaido by now. The upper hand had gone as quickly as it had come. Poor Sesshoumaru-sama. All he could think was: *What did I, Sesshoumaru, say?* How the hell should I know? I'm just the author. Nobody tells -me- anything.
Meanwhile, Rin was on the roll of her life upstairs. She wanted, no, NEEDED to hurt something. I ask you, my faithful audience, what you think it was that our little Rin-chan did next. Let me give you a clue:
"JAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!"
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A/N: Hey guys! Well that took me forever and a day now didn't it?:) Rhetorical question! But I must admit I'm rather proud of this chapter. It went well. I hope it was enjoyable. Anyways, the votes have been tallied up and the winner is: LONG. The story will be long. God help us all. Concerning this chapter: using some ideas that were suggested I decided to have our little friends "duke it out" (as bigwooshin called it;) in front of a terrified group of villagers (kira, hope you liked that;). An immense THANK YOU to everyone who read and reviewed and to those of us who just read and still refuse to review:) What would I do without you guys? Probably carry on elsewhere with my insanity. I have so much to say yet such little energy. Stay tuned! Anyways, I better quit before I start punning you all to death. I must save that for the poor defenseless characters. Maybe I should also put up a violence warning for the next chapter. Kukuku:)
Disclaimer: The violent Jaken-bashing belongs to me. The 'Voice' belongs to me. Other than that, the only claims being made in the story are from Sesshoumaru-sama to Rin-chan. And we've all seen where -that's- been getting them...
**********************
Walking back home is never as harmless as it sounds, now is it? That was another rhetorical question. Rin's nerves needed soothing so she did something that was actually quite a frequent occurrence. She decided to take the road that went through the village on her trek home. Seeing other peoples' problems would no doubt take her mind off of her own and she would be back to being her chipper self in no time.
Sesshoumaru, walking at a steady pace, was quite a distance behind her. She had stomped off and he honestly couldn't be bothered to exert himself so unnecessarily. That is, until he caught the direction of her scent. She was headed for that damn human village again. Oh my...
Rin strolled along slowly, trying not to pay attention to the gasping and whispering villagers who cringed away from her. She hated when they did that. You'd think they'd be used to it by now.
Random Villager 1: "Oh no...'Tis her! Rin-Sama...This can only mean..."
Random Villager 2: "That it's that time again...here we go. But we just finished repairing the damages from the last time THEY passed through."
Villager 1: "Everyone! Gather every tool in sight and be ready!"
"Hey! I heard that!" *Idiots. It was only about eight houses. As if -I- had anything to do with it. Can I help it if Fluffy-sama goes on a rampage every now and then?*
ENTER: THE VOICE. DUM DUM DUM.
*Need I remind you that you provoked him last time?
Oh what do you want now? I'm busy getting on his nerves at the moment.
I rest my case.
Yup. Any minute now he should be showing up trying to get me out of the village.
And you are proud of this?
Hehe...Quite.
Have you no shame?
Listen you, I'm way past that point so spare me the 'everything's-your- fault-and-you-know-it' speeches. I'm angry and he's going to suffer through every minute of it until I'm happy again.
Hmph. I'm not saying a thing. Not one single word. In fact, I'll be leaving now but I'll be sure to deal with you later when all this is over.
You're leaving me without any insults? You're losing your touch!
On the contrary my dear. No insult could do you justice at this moment. But if you insist...
What gave you that idea? Ok, if you leave now I promise to let you deal with me later
As if you had a choice you simpleton
Right. As I was saying, BYE!
Sigh. What did I do to deserve this task? The fates are cruel indeed. But I am crueler hehehe...until next time you little baka gone bad.*
*What did she mean by 'but I am crueler'? Oh well...* And she turned her attention back to the quivering villager.
"Ehehehe...no offense to you Rin-sama. It is always a pleasure to see you in the village. It's just that...well...Oh goodness, here comes Sesshoumaru- sama! Everyone! Man your tools! This is going to be a nasty one by the looks of it."
Rin squinted. Who in their right mind would be afraid of that puppy? She was getting more peeved by the minute. And this, my confused readers, only meant one thing: they were gonna have another go at it. Sadly enough, this village has a long history of abuse and it doesn't take the brightest crayon in the box to figure out which two people the abuse can be attributed to.
Rin stopped in her tracks. She was in the right mood to deal with him, after that little "leave or stay" spiel, that is. She could *feel* him coming closer ands closer. She turned around and sure enough, there he was, standing, looking utterly pissed/ disgusted at having set foot here-again. All fell silent. Tumbleweed rolled by. You figure it out.
"Rin. We are taking the other road." *And if you dare to disobey me -* Too late.
"No!" *Why must you test my patience so? Do you gain something by it?*
"No?" *Is she disagreeing with me? I, Sesshoumaru, do not understand this. She dares to defy me in front of these low creatures?*
Random Villager winces: "Here it comes..."
"No! Sesshoumaru-sama, why do you always start a fight whenever I want to pass through the village? I like coming here and seeing people once in a while! You act like you're scared or something!" *Scaredy cat*
"Idiot child. How dare you suggest that I, the great Sesshoumaru, should fear anything, especially such a small gathering of incompetent filth!"
*Did he just call me an idiot? Hmm...perceptive, aren't we.* "Are you calling me an idiot? Well it takes one to know one!" And just to add to that display of maturity, she stuck her tongue out at him. You go girl.
"You are far more trouble than you are worth. CHILD."
*Dude...sticks and stones may break my bones but your words, are gonna make me hurt you.* "Stop calling me that! I know you're only doing it to provoke me and I won't let you!" *So there.*
*You challenge me? I accept.* "I call you that because you refuse to stop being one- CHILD. Do you still wish to disobey me?"
He was snarling at this point. In fact, so was she. "If you call me child ONE MORE TIME-"
He was ever so calm about it, which made it all the more satisfying. "Child. Pup. Young one. Little girl. Infant." *I believe I have won.*
*Fine...if that's how you want to play it.* "Humph. Weakling! Feminine! Cat youkai! Half-breed! HUMAN!" *Well...that was easy. Correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe I've won!*
The village population was holding onto one another for dear life, bracing for the impact. Couldn't they take their little war somewhere else? Apparently not.
It was time to use a different strategy as this one was about to get violent. Well, faking indifference always seemed to work.
"Enough of this. You are not enough to frustrate me. We are leaving." He turned away...but not for long.
"You leave if you want to! I'm...I'm..ah" *Quick...what am I doing?* "I'm STAYING!" *Ooooh good one. What- I'm staying?! Where the heck did that come from?*
More than half the village population could be heard whimpering. Rin chose to ignore this as well. But Sesshoumaru was in her face before you could say "what the-" and he looked displeased. Surprise surprise. Funny, for a moment Rin thought she could actually hear the grinding of teeth.
"You are coming with me, out of this human stench before I begin to display the bloodier differences between humans and youkai."
"You wouldn't dare!"
He merely smirked. Holy fluffies! He was serious... bloody serious (A/N: Pun. Deal with it:) The same amount of aforementioned villagers gulped.
This situation was not going as planned. Rin was tired, frustrated and angry. Thus, she chose the only option left to her. That's right, she's goin all Kagome on us now. She cast her head down and sniffed...and sniffed... and then sniffed some more. Sesshoumaru was on alert. She wouldn't dare pull such a stunt! Would she? You're damn skippy she would...
"Stop."
Sniff. Sniff.
"Rin. Stop that."
And the sniffs just keep on comin. It was definitely time to panic.
Sesshoumaru the Great sighed inwardly, repeatedly. He felt like every sniff was being hammered into his head (think Staff of Heads connecting with Jaken's head). But let's throw Sesshy a bone and have him do the right thing for once:) What to do, what to do?! He slowly wiped away a tear with his thumb and before he knew it she was clinging to him. *Gets him every time.*
Would Sesshoumaru blush? Or is this author barking up the wrong tree? Well, he didn't blush and showing affection in front of all those damn villagers was not something he relished. Nevertheless he hugged her back. (A/N: audience goes: Aaaawwww/ Kawaiiiiiiiiii). And ladies and gentlemen, that's why there's nuthin but love in the Western Lands.
The villagers gave up on understanding at this point and several of them waved little white flags in the air.
"Sesshoumaru-sama...let's go home. We don't have to go through the village." She looked up at him from her huggy position and smiled sweetly. This seemed to please him. They parted, already missing each other but damned if they'd let one another know and started to head out of the village. They were almost out when all the villagers simultaneously exhaled in what came out as a triumphant "PHEW!"
Sesshoumaru stopped and slowly turned around. In an instant, a glowing, yellow whip-like substance collided with a few of the closest establishments...just for good measure:) Hey, everyone has their own way of saying goodbye so I don't wanna hear it. Rin just sweatdropped and quickened her pace.
************************
Once at home, we find that Sesshoumaru has revived Jaken for the sole purpose of having him annoy Rin. What can I say, some youkai are just born this way.
***********************
Pacing just isn't quite what it used to be. For one thing, it's impossible to wear out the stone floor and form a little trench in which one can hardly maneuver... so where's the fun in that? Such was the question on Rin's mind as she determinedly tried to wear out the carpeting instead. But the laws of writing, not to mention the universe, only permit solitude for so long, hence the knock on the door. Or maybe it was pounding. Whatever it was, the door flew open and there stood a very alive Jaken facing a very wide-eyed Rin... think old western-type showdown with the cheesy music in the background. Fur was getting ready to fly. Tumbleweed was getting ready to roll.
"Roach."
"Runt."
"This room ain't big enough for the both of us."
"So why don't you be a good human and leave...?"
"This is my territory! It's my room partner, you leave..."
"How dare you, you no good piece of human- AAACK!"
And Rin was off. In one quick motion she had stolen the staff and was now aiming it at a gawking gherkin. She couldn't help the small smirk that made its way to her face as she said:
"Do you feel lucky?"
Jaken could only gawk some more.
"Well, do ya?" A moment of silence. "I didn't think so.hehe."
But perhaps Rin forgot another law of the universe.or maybe it was the fact that she had forgotten to question the author's sanity. One can never be too sure. Yet the fact remains that even little green men have good reflexes and Jaken was able to dodge the flames that burst through the head on his staff aimed at him. Unfortunately for Rin, she should have made sure that no one was about to enter through the door at that moment. Poo on you, Rin... Poor Sesshoumaru-sama... There's just something very wrong about the smell of cooked dog mingled with fillet of fur.
"Eep...?" She tried as her face went sour and something told her that this evening was just destined to get worse. Now where on earth would she get that idea?:)
His "I'm-going-to-hurt-you" expression never faltered (does it ever?) and his gaze didn't leave her face as he dusted himself off very slowly and proudly.
"We have much to discuss." *And you had better follow me downstairs if you know what's good for you* was the unspoken yet still existent command he worded ever so nicely before turning to walk off.
Rin simply gulped. *Oh boy...why me? Why can't I do anything right? All I wanted to do was hurt Jaken.just a little.is that really so wrong?* There there, Rin. It happens to the best of us...
But speaking of Jaken...
"Where do you think you are going Jaken?"
"Downstairs Sesshoumaru-sama...?"
"Remain here."
"But- but- Sesshoumaru-samaaa! Who knows what that stupid human could do to yo-AACK!"
"Now get lost toad! Sesshoumaru-sama and I need to talk," she said as she kicked him back up the stairs. But, of course, she had managed to mutter a small warning before she did so and it was in the form of: "Jaken if I so much as *sense* your leechy presence downstairs I'm going to use *you* as a shield when Sesshoumaru-sama decides to use me for target practice. *Sigh* Got it? Good. Now-"etc. hence the kick.
Had His Almightiness heard that? If he did he made no indication. He just kept on walking. *Why do I have a bad feeling about this?* Because nothing good can ever come of the author placing this much emphasis on the two main characters being alone together. That's why.
DOWNSTAIRS***************
They sat facing each other. When has that ever been a good thing? Anyways...that is not the point. Rin was on edge. She hadn't done, or said, for that matter, much to be proud of these last few days. She really had tried not to lose her cool with him...but man, he just made it so simple. Besides, he had been trying to get rid of her! Right? RIGHT? Right! *Be calm, Rin. Get mad only when necessary and no matter what, don't let him get the upper hand.* A little self-motivation, even if it is a tad misguided, goes a damn long way. You guys just have no idea.
"So...Sesshoumaru-sama..."
"Sesshoumaru-sama? Is it not a bit late to attempt respect?" And thus began the next round. He was being playful but it really wasn't bringing them any closer to anything...author sighs.
*Humph. Quite the pretty-boy tonight, aren't we now? I won't let you get to me...I won't be the one to initiate an argument... for once, you'll have nothing to blame me for.* "I'm sure I don't know what you mean Sesshoumaru- sama," she said tight-lipped. *Jerk.*
"Indeed."
*Hey, are you actually going to try to get somewhere with this conversation or are you purposely trying to piss me off?* "Was there anything in particular you wished to discuss?" *Like maybe the fact that I'm claimed and you have yet to profess your love or ANYTHING to me?*
"No."
*Damn you.* Rin's face darkened and her eyes squinted in annoyance. He was doing it on purpose just to get her riled up. And he was doing a damn good job. *Must. Remain. Calm. Must. Keep. The. Peace.*
"You look rather..."
*Oh goodness, here it comes! Beautiful, charming, sweet, pleasant, anything!! Patience is a virtue, patience is a virtue!*
"Tense."
*I hate you. Tense? That's the best you could come up with? That's it. My patience can only go so far, dog-boy. I'll show you tense.* "Tense? You think I look tense? Sesshoumaru-sama, are you purposely trying to aggravate me? I am not tense! And if I am tense it's because you're making me tense! So stop it!" She pouted. She looked very childishly sweet when she pouted. Simmer down child, simmer down...
"Rin, why do you feel it necessary to quarrel with me every moment?" *Especially when you should have no hope of winning the argument.*
*Wow. Good question. You got me there... Maybe it's because you disappoint me sometimes... I never hear what I want to hear from you... but then again I can't really blame you for things you don't feel or say, now can I...* "Sesshoumaru-sama you have your own way of arguing with me too so don't pin this on me alone."
*The human has a point.* (Not to mention two horns on her head and a pitchfork). "What is it that you want, Rin?"
*Well where do I start?* "That's a very loaded question Sesshoumaru-sama. What do I want in what respect?"
"Do you wish to be un-claimed?"
"No. I didn't even think it was possible to be un-claimed. Why would I want to do a stupid thing like that?"
*Well this Sesshoumaru is baffled. Females are not to be under-estimated.* "Continue."
*Here goes nothing.* "I just want to know why you claimed me and...and...well, um...does this mean that we're...ah...you know..."
*I do?* "..."
A pause...and the volume gets louder. "Damnit does this mean that we're mates?!" *Phew. There, I said it. Oh well, can't take it back now.*
"Perhaps."
*Perhaps? Are you serious? For heavens' sake can I just get a yes or no answer for once in my life please?* "Perhaps?" *Who the hell answers 'perhaps'?!!!*
"I have been having my doubts." *For once this Sesshoumaru has the upper hand.*
That did the trick. Except it was the wrong trick. "Doubts? Is that so...well then, do you know what this Rin has to say to that, Sesshoumaru- sama?" she asked as sweetly as possible. She pointed a finger straight into his chest. No, not that finger. "WHO THE HELL WOULD WANT TO BE MATES WITH YOU!!!!"
Sesshoumaru 'yipped' as he quickly gripped his poor youkai ears, nearly falling over backwards from the sheer force of the scream. Rin was gone, probably halfway to Hokkaido by now. The upper hand had gone as quickly as it had come. Poor Sesshoumaru-sama. All he could think was: *What did I, Sesshoumaru, say?* How the hell should I know? I'm just the author. Nobody tells -me- anything.
Meanwhile, Rin was on the roll of her life upstairs. She wanted, no, NEEDED to hurt something. I ask you, my faithful audience, what you think it was that our little Rin-chan did next. Let me give you a clue:
"JAKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN!!!!!!!!!!"
***********************************
A/N: Hey guys! Well that took me forever and a day now didn't it?:) Rhetorical question! But I must admit I'm rather proud of this chapter. It went well. I hope it was enjoyable. Anyways, the votes have been tallied up and the winner is: LONG. The story will be long. God help us all. Concerning this chapter: using some ideas that were suggested I decided to have our little friends "duke it out" (as bigwooshin called it;) in front of a terrified group of villagers (kira, hope you liked that;). An immense THANK YOU to everyone who read and reviewed and to those of us who just read and still refuse to review:) What would I do without you guys? Probably carry on elsewhere with my insanity. I have so much to say yet such little energy. Stay tuned! Anyways, I better quit before I start punning you all to death. I must save that for the poor defenseless characters. Maybe I should also put up a violence warning for the next chapter. Kukuku:)