A special place

Rin beamed with excitement seeing her tutors and friends and of course her Lord Sesshomaru.

She hadn't expected them to attend but was very pleased they had.

Rin ran to set up something special she had planned for her lord. Kagome had told her that on Valentine's Day couples go the extra little mile for each other to make the other feel special.

And Rin had it all planned out. She however never got to setting it up upon the rejections she received and the fact she never had the opportunity to even invite her lord.

Rashini and Hebi were commanded by the lady Inukimi to quickly assist.

As Rin ran her kimono became muddied and her hair as wild as ever along with the mud that gathered around her feet.

Inukimi looked in disgust as did the others except for Buru and Rashini. They were accustomed to mud and didn't see it as a problem.

Sesshomaru's reaction to the filthy looking Rin is what intrigued Inukimi however.

"Sesshomaru? Do you not find the human girl's scent despicable? Normally she hasn't an odor this horrific." Inukimi said plainly as she sat.

Rin had set up a large tarp to cover the ground. She painted many flowers and butterflies all over so her lord would walk upon something beautiful.

She had set beautifully decorated cushions for her lord and his mother to sit. She then brought a large variety of perfectly cut fruit, meats, and sweets she herself had prepared.

Sesshomaru gave his mother no answer as he sat respectfully where Rin had guided. He was annoyed as approached by the many demons that attended.

"Pardon me? Maybe we should get you cleaned up lady Rin?" Rashini offered a kind smile.

"Oh no! I must look terrible!" Rin teared up in embarrassment. "That must be the reason lord Sesshomaru looks to me with such disgust!" Rin sadly ran off hiding her shamed face.

Sesshomaru did nothing as Rashini bowed to him letting him know she'd take care of the young girl.

Kagome ran after Rin and began trying to calm the rushing girl down to help her get cleaned up again.

She looked over her shoulder and seen Rashini asking with only her eyes if friend or foe.

"Pardon. I am here to assist the lady Rin?" Rashini awaited permission.

"Sure. How do yous?" Kagome didn't have to finish.

Rin explained how Rashini was her fried. She always spoke to Kagome about.

Both women assisted Rin in redoing her make up, cleaning up her kimono, and unfortunately putting on her sandals that hurt her toes.

The two women stepped back looking at how beautiful they made Rin appear. Her hair was brushed and pinned so beautifully once again.

"Thank you! Thank you both so much!" Rin ran out to get back to Sesshomaru and Inukimi.

When she bowed offering both something different to drink. She watched for her lord's reaction to her now more decent appearance.

"So much better child! You no longer wreak of filth and mud." Inukimi mocked.

Sesshomaru ignored his mother and watched Rin's every move. She didn't seem happy any longer, her scent had changed from when he was approaching from and excited happiness that she normally carried to an uncomfortable irritation.

He wondered if it could be that he attended. After all, she had requested the appearance of everyone excluding him. He only found his loophole by Rashini confessing her desire to go and not being able to.

Once Sesshomaru stated that they'd all be going Rashini was overly thrilled.

Several minutes had passed before Sesshomaru stood and approached Rin.

"Rin," Sesshomaru called out grabbing her attention.

Koga, Totosai, Toran, and his mother all looked at him curiously. They more keen on what was happening between Sesshomaru and the human girl waited to see what action Sesshomaru may take.

"Y-yes Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin straightened her stance. Not that she ever had bad posture but it was hard to stand so perfectly still in these god awful shoes.

Sesshomaru analyzed the human girl and discovered what had changed. He pulled the pins from her hair and tore a small piece of fabric from his yellow sash handing it to the young girl. He tore the sleeves from her kimono to mimic the look she had when he had first arrived. He then used his sleeve to his haori and wiped the makeup from her face. His last action made Rin smile a great deal filling her with soft playful giggles. He held out his hand waiting for her to hand over the sandals the left marks upon her feet.

"I'm sorry lord Sesshomaru, I really do try and dress more proper and behave more mannerly." Rin almost stumbled while standing on one foot. She caught her balance as Sesshomaru quickly steadied her with his right arm.

Rin smiled and blushed at her lord's touch. She removed both sandals and handed them to him. What she did next she regretted deeply.

She winced as she rubbed her left foot. The sandals had already caused her skin to peel from an open blister.

Sesshomaru crushed the wooden sandals within his one hand effortlessly. "You should have informed me of the discomfort they brought you. Now I know to never purchase such a style again." Sesshomaru spoke angrily.

"I would never complain about any of my gifts you've given me. Even these," Rin said with a pouty lip.

Her scent however was returned to the happy and excited energy she usually wore. "Your pouting lip lies." Sesshomaru looked to Rin with a calm expression.

He was happy to know she was happy yet again. It pained him devastatingly to think for even a moment that Rin was hurt or uncomfortable.

Rin giggled again. "Perceptive as always my lord!" Rin bowed. "I'm sorry that I did t like them lord Sesshomaru," Rin said honestly.

Sesshomaru gave her a small smirk. "The ensemble in which these cursed sandals belong." Sesshomaru leaned in close to her ear and whispered. "We're chosen by Jaken." Sesshomaru stood tall and looked to Rin.

Rin began laughing and nodded her head in understanding.

Rin began speaking to Sesshomaru happily. She was no longer embarrassed or nervous or shy. She was herself yet again.