A/N: Wow, my first stab at a fanfic. Please take a couple of minutes to review and let me know what you think! Constructive critcisms are also welcomed, but please go gentle on me, its my first time. P
Disclaimer: I owe nothing (…of real importance, at least.) All characters belong to Ms. Rumiko Takahashi. )
Rin looked out the window and smiled softly, taking note of the morning rain failing gently on the damp ground. Eyes sparkling, her smile widened as her gaze fell upon a tiny spot of pink, nearly hidden in the shades of grey and browns that seemingly spanned on and on. Rin skipped out her room, down the stairs and outside into the brisk morning air. She knew that it was quite unbecoming for a girl – no, a woman - of 18 to act so foolishly over a tiny little flower. Unexpectedly she thought of what her Lord Sesshomaru would think had he seen her little display of silliness; her heart began fluttering anew with the thought of her stoic and remote protector. A pearl, she thought, Lord Sesshomaru was just like a pearl – strong, tough exterior, but still extremely beautiful. And just like a pearl, Lord Sesshomaru was one of a kind. Rin has spent the better part of her life getting to know him, and though the seasons have changed her from a bumbling child to a blossoming young woman, her Lord and protector remained ever the same, and Rin felt that she was no closer to solving the mystery of the inuyoukai.
No matter, she thought, the world was full of opportunities, and now with the dawning of spring, the annual patrol around the Western Lands was bound to follow. Traveling with her Lord Sesshomaru and Jaken and Ah-un has been a routine she had come to love and look forward to. She couldn't stop the excitement and glee from rising, as she thought of the prospect of spending more time with her Lord. And this year, now that she's finally entered into adulthood…maybe…just maybe… Rin let out a little sigh as she bent down and lovingly touched the petals on the small, pink flower. She chided herself for running away with her imagination again, and didn't notice a dark shadow loom over her, or a pair of golden eyes that peered at her with an odd intensity. Rin noticed with a start that the main character of her recent thoughts was staring down at her, one delicate eyebrow arched ever so slightly.
"Rin." The sound of his silky baritone stole her breath away, and it took everything in her to not simply sigh at the sound of his voice. "Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?" She offered, hoping to all the deities above that her voice didn't betray the myriad of emotions within her. "We will leave tomorrow morning at sunrise. I trust that you are all packed?" "Yes, my Lord." Rin answered, glad that her voice was under her control again. "Very well." Lord Sesshomaru replied before turning to leave again. He was never one for chitchat, but Rin was still slightly disappointed as he turned to leave. No matter, she consoled herself, 3 whole months of traveling with Lord Sesshomaru! Think of all the possibilities! She smiled to herself, and looked up expecting to see the retreating figure of her Lord. Instead, she saw him stop abruptly, and walk back to kneel down before her. Confused at this very unSesshomaru-like behavior, she watched as her Lord bent down to pick the tiny pink flower, and tenderly placed it behind her ear. Rin watched as his normally cool demeanor soften for just a second, as he quietly murmured "beautiful."
Before Rin had the chance to process what just happened, Sesshomaru got up and walked away, the whole interaction ending as quickly as it began. Nonetheless, Rin could not wipe the smile from her face. She touched the tiny flower behind her ear. Yes, think of all the possibilities!