Hello. Goodbye.
I OWN NOTHING.
Kohaku pulled the trigger but nothing happened.
''What are you doing?'' Juromaru hissed.
''It's not firing! It's jammed!'' Kohaku exclaimed.
''I'll kill him myself,'' Juromaru growled and pointed his gun at Sesshomaru.
Kohaku reached down when Juromaru turned away, put a bullet back into his gun and shot Juromaru.
''If someone took the key from your room you aren't to blame!'' Sayo tried to comfort Rin.
''I don't want to fight with Sesshomaru now that things are going so well between us,'' Rin whimpered.
''What if you tell him you gave me the key for safekeeping and that I lost it?'' Sayo suggested.
''No, no. I appreciate it, but I can't do that,'' Rin denied.
''Do it, ma'am. Go ahead,'' Sayo insisted.
''No,'' Rin shook her head and turned to see Sara coming in the house. ''Sara. Wait. Did you take the key to my husband's desk from my room and take all the money that was there?''
''What are you talking about?'' Sara questioned.
''Answer me, was it you or not?'' Rin asked.
''You're crazy,'' Sara smirked. ''Don't you dare try to blame me, because when Sesshomaru comes back, I'll tell him you're calling me a thief now. And we'll see who he believes, you...or me.'' Sara went to her room.
''I'm sure it was her!'' Rin exclaimed but suddenly stopped. ''Unless..Sayo, come with me.''
''Yes, ma'am,'' Sayo nodded and followed Rin down the hall to where her brother was staying.
''What happened?'' Sesshomaru questioned Kohaku. ''What happened?''
''I saw he was aiming at you-'' Kohaku stopped.
''Where's Kohaku Mai?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''I don't know,'' Kohaku lied. ''I don't know. Juromaru came alone. I think it was a trap to kill you, Sesshomaru.''
''He was going to shoot me from all the way over here? If he really wanted to kill me maybe he brought someone with him,'' Sesshomaru suggested.
''Sesshomaru, I'm going to tell you the truth. He didn't come alone. He came with me,'' Kohaku revealed. ''Juromaru offered me a lot of money to bring you here and kill you and if I didn't do what he said, he would've killed me.''
''Why didn't you tell me all of this last night?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Because I thought this was the best option,'' Kohaku answered.
''You saved my life again,'' Sesshomaru told him. ''Does anyone else know about any of this?''
''I don't know. I don't know,'' Kohaku shrugged.
''Let's go inform the authorities,'' Sesshomaru said.
''What will you tell them?'' Kohaku asked.
''That Juromaru is dead, that they should come pick up his body, and that he was murdered by the robbers from this area,'' Sesshomaru answered.
''But those guys worked for Juromaru and Tinoyo,'' Kohaku reminded him.
Sesshomaru nodded. ''Maybe this will solve the case. Let's go, Shiro. We have nothing to do here.''
''That Sango is such a wonderful cook!'' Rin's aunt complimented until she noticed her niece's discomfort. ''What's wrong, my dear?''
''Sesshomaru left to do something. Something that could be dangerous,'' Rin worried. ''He went with Kohaku.''
''What!?'' Sakura shouted.
''Shhhh! Please,'' Rin sighed.
''I thought that man left,'' Sakura said.
''He told me he had to take care of something first but he didn't tell me what exactly,'' Rin shrugged.
''Why did he go with your husband?'' Sakura asked.
''Sesshomaru has great trust in him. They're becoming friends,'' Rin grimaced.
''Friends!?'' Sakura exclaimed. ''Let Sesshomaru find out who Shiro really is and see how great of friends they are!''
''You found him dead?''
Rin heard Miroku yell from the front door and saw Sesshomaru come in. ''Who?'' Rin questioned.
''Juromaru Kaga,'' Sesshomaru answered and let Rin help him remove his rain coat. ''Call Kamakura police and inform them of what happened. Tell them they can find the body at the Snake's Crossing, and that he was killed by the robbers that have been around my lands.''
''Right away, sir,'' Miroku nodded and took Sesshomaru's gun for him to his office.
''Oh my god. Come with me and let's get you out of those wet clothes so you can take a bath. You're soaked,'' Rin took Sesshomaru to her room.
''Right. 'I hate him. I'll never stop hating him.','' Sakura mimicked her niece. ''And now she's worried about him taking a bath. Goodness.''
''I'm scared. I'm so scared,'' Kagome whimpered while she was lying naked in Inuyasha's arms. ''I'm scared that after being in your arms, I'll once again lose this happiness I'm feeling.''
''No, no, no, no. I promise that won't happen,'' Inuyasha pressed a kiss to her forehead. ''I had a very good reason to act the way I did. Your husband found out about us.''
''Naraku knows about us?'' Kagome sat up.
''Yes. He had me beaten and with a gun to my head, he forced me to make that call,'' Inuyasha revealed. ''And he forbade me to see you. He insinuated that he would kill you.''
''That man is sick. He's crazy,'' Kagome growled.
Inuyasha nodded. ''We have to be very careful now and think about what we're going to do. Naraku can't know we're together again. We have to be very discreet until we find the best way to rid you of that man.''
Kagome agreed and let him embrace her.
''You're saying he tried to bribe Shiro so he would kill you?'' Rin's eyes widened while she buttoned up Sesshomaru's new shirt for him.
''Yes. And instead of shooting me, he shot him,'' Sesshomaru explained. ''Shiro saved my life again, Rin.''
''Well, I'm sure you would have done the same in his place,'' Rin shrugged.
''Do you really think that?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Yes. I know you're a good man, kindhearted,'' Rin smiled.
''For a few days, I've noticed you're acting differently towards me. You're sweet, sometimes even affectionate,'' Sesshomaru noticed. ''Aren't you upset by being near me anymore?''
Rin bit down on her bottom lip. ''I never really was.''
''Then why would you have me believe you couldn't stand me?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''I've been so confused, Sesshomaru. There have been so many problems, so many ugly things between us that-'' Rin turned away from him.
''Rin, I love you,'' Sesshomaru confessed. ''And I'm in love with you. I always have been. The other day you told me you were falling in love with me. But I need to hear you say that you love me too. Tell me you love me, and I promise I'll do everything I can to make you happy.'' Rin smiled before taking his hand and pressing her cheek into it. ''What is it?''
''I don't deserve you,'' Rin whimpered.
''No, no. Don't say that. I know you married me when you loved another man, and that you've tried to leave me, but-now it's me asking you to forget about the past. Everyone makes mistakes. But I want us to be happy, Rin. Together,'' Sesshomaru and Rin moved closer and shared a tender kiss.
''Oh! Excuse me,'' Sayo exclaimed as she opened Rin's door and saw them embracing.
''It's fine, Sayo,'' Rin giggled. ''What's wrong?''
''Mr. Shiro wants to see Mr. Sesshomaru. He says it's important,'' Sayo explained.
''I wonder what it could be,'' Sesshomaru grabbed Rin's hand and they went out into the living room where Kohaku was waiting. ''What is it, Shiro?''
''Sesshomaru, I came to say goodbye,'' Kohaku told him.
''To say goodbye?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''Yes, I'm leaving,'' Kohaku said.
''Where are you going?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Somewhere else,'' Kohaku shrugged.
''Why?'' Sesshomaru asked him.
''Because-personal matters,'' Kohaku answered.
''Can't you fix those personal matters from here?'' Sesshomaru asked. ''I'd like you to stay with us. Right, Rin?''
''Yes, sure,'' Rin looked away from Kohaku.
''Just today I was telling my wife that I was lucky you came to work with me,'' Sesshomaru admitted. ''You're an honorable, intelligent and very brave man. Honestly, Shiro. I'd hate to see you go. It's not easy finding people like you.''
''Sesshomaru, no,'' Kohaku sighed. ''You don't have to tell me that. Now, really, I can't stay here any longer. I have to go.''
''I'm sorry for insisting, but after the loyalty you showed me today, I'd like you to-'' ''Sesshomaru, please. If Mr. Kon wants to go, he must have his reasons,'' Rin voiced.
''Exactly,'' Kohaku nodded.
''When are you leaving?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Right now. I have everything ready,'' Kohaku answered.
''Is your assistant going with you?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''Yes,'' Kohaku answered.
''Okay,'' Sesshomaru relented. ''Let's go to the office so I can pay you what's yours.'' Sesshomaru walked into his office. Kohaku made a move to follow but looked at Rin for a moment first. ''Goodbye, ma'am.''
''Goodbye,'' Rin looked up at him with unshed tears in her eyes.
''Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru!'' Miroku came into the house yelling causing Sesshomaru to come out of the office. ''The grounds are packed with policemen that came to arrest Shiro. They're accusing him of the death of police chief Juromaru.''
Rin's eyes widened with fear.
''Lock yourself in my office, Shiro,'' Sesshomaru told him but Kohaku didn't move. ''Lock yourself in, I said! Don't you dare go out or open the door. Come on, Shiro, please!'' Kohaku left and Sesshomaru turned to Miroku. ''Did you tell the police Shiro was here?'' Sesshomaru asked him.
''No,'' Miroku answered.
''Then no one-no one has seen him, understood?'' Sesshomaru looked at everyone for agreement then turned back to Miroku. ''Go get the policeman in charge. Tell him to come talk to me.''
''What will you do?'' Rin asked.
''Protect him,'' Sesshomaru answered. ''After everything he's done for me, I won't hand him over to the authorities.''
''Good afternoon,'' A police officer named, Kageromaru Kaga walked in. ''I'm here to arrest Shiro Kon. I know he's your employee.''
''What is he being accused of?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''He's a suspect in the death of my chief and brother, Juromaru Kaga,'' Officer Kageromaru answered.
''I found his body on my lands, and I'm sure he was murdered by the robbers in the area,'' Sesshomaru said.
Kageromaru chuckled. ''Well, yes. But it just so happens that my captain left to meet Mr. Kon this morning. At least I know he was the last person to see him alive. So I need to question him.''
''I'm sorry, but you won't be able to take him,'' Sesshomaru told him. ''Shiro Kon no longer works at this ranch. You'll have to look for him elsewhere.''
''Have they gone?'' Kohaku asked when Sesshomaru and Rin walked into the office.
''Yes,'' Sesshomaru answered. ''I told them you no longer work here.''
''Good. Thank you for everything. I'm going,'' Kohaku said and made a move for the door.
''What? No. No, you can't leave now,'' Sesshomaru stopped him. ''That cop didn't believe me. I'm sure he's still poking around here. If you leave, he'll catch you. I can't allow that. Listen to me, Shiro. You'll have to stay here until we can prove Juromaru was a criminal, a dirty cop that for some reason wanted to kill me.''
''No. There's nothing to prove, Sesshomaru. Tinoyo is dead too,'' Kohaku reminded him. ''The authorities won't believe what I say. Really. I-I-I have to go. Excuse me.''
''Don't you understand the moment you cross the gate they'll kill you? Let me find a way to help you,'' Sesshomaru said.
''No. I have to leave,'' Kohaku shook his head.
''Well, what do you want? To end up dead?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''I have to go!'' Kohaku shouted.
''Please, stay!'' Rin exclaimed.
Kohaku sighed. ''Really. Honestly, I-I can't stay here anymore. I have to leave.''
''Look, at least let us look for a way to avoid police surveillance. I don't know. Wait until it gets dark. Miroku can take you hidden in a truck to town. From there, it'll be easier for you to escape,'' Sesshomaru suggested.
''Okay. Okay,'' Kohaku finally agreed. ''Thank you. Excuse me.'' Kohaku walked out leaving Sesshomaru and Rin alone.
''I don't understand why he wants to leave so desperately all of a sudden,'' Sesshomaru sighed.
''Souta,'' Rin's aunt Sakura called out when she saw him walked down the hall.
''Yes, ma'am?'' Souta greeted politely.
''Someone stole from Sesshomaru's office and I'm sure it was you and my nephew,'' Sakura accused him.
''Us? I would never,'' Souta denied.
''Save it. Just shut up and listen to me. Rin still hasn't told her husband because she's afraid but I know that when she does tell him, he'll think the same thing I do and he won't hesitate to throw you and Tohru in jail for stealing!'' Sakura warned him.
''What proof do you have?'' Souta questioned.
''None. Yet. But no one around here is as shameless as the two of you so I suggest you put that money back, today!'' Sakura exclaimed and left him.
Sesshomaru walked up the stairs to the patio only to see Sara sitting there. ''Have you seen Miroku?''
''No,'' Sara replied. Sesshomaru turned to leave but Sara stopped him. ''Sesshomaru!''
''Yes?'' Sesshomaru turned towards her.
''Hasn't your wife told you anything?'' Sara asked.
''About what?'' Sesshomaru asked.
''About the money that went missing from your office,'' Sara said.
Sesshomaru gave her a surprised look. ''What did you say?''
''The money you kept in the drawer of your desk-someone took it,'' Sara informed him.
''How? When?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''I don't know,'' Sara cried. ''But your wife and Sayo are trying to blame me. Rin is blaming me for going into her room to steal the key you gave her. And it's a lie, Sesshomaru. You've known me since I was a kid. You know I've never stolen from anyone. And I would especially never steal from you. You and I know that if I needed money, I respect you enough to ask you for it. And I know you'd lend it to me. I have no reason to steal!''
''Sure, Sara. I'd never doubt that,'' Sesshomaru assured her. ''What I don't understand is why Rin hasn't told me.''
''Who knows?'' Sara shrugged. ''But she'll blame it on me. You won't let her, right?''
Sesshomaru hurried back down the stairs and to the house, missing the smirk that appeared on Sara's face. Sara turned around only to come face to face with Souta.
''What did you tell him?'' He asked.
''Were you listening?'' Sara asked.
''What did you say to him?'' Souta asked again.
''That Rin was trying to accuse me of being a thief,'' Sara answered. ''But that it wasn't me.''
''Listen to me, Sara, whatever happens, don't even think of saying one word against me because you were in on it. And if Sesshomaru finds out, he'll not only know you helped me with everything,but that you slept with me too,'' Souta threatened her.
Sara glared at him while Souta smirked and gave her body a once over in appreciation.
Rin was looking out her bedroom window when Sesshomaru suddenly came in.
''Hello, my love,'' Rin greeted him but then noticed how tense he looked. ''What's wrong?''
''Why didn't you tell me about the money stolen from my desk?'' Sesshomaru asked her.
''Because with everything that happened, I forgot! And also, I was scared you'd get angry with me,'' Rin admitted. ''Look, I was going to give Miroku the money, just as you asked me to. I opened the drawer and there was nothing. It was empty!''
''So? Weren't you ever planning on telling me? Did you think I wouldn't notice?'' Sesshomaru questioned.
''No! I was waiting for the right time so you wouldn't get so angry,'' Rin walked over to her husband. ''I swear I didn't take that money. I kept the key you gave me in my desk. I'm sure someone came in and took it, and I didn't notice.''
''Why are you so afraid?'' Sesshomaru asked her.
''I don't want you to get angry with me,'' Rin whimpered.
''I'll get angry, but with the person that stole the money from us, not with you. Come here,'' Sesshomaru grabbed her hand and took her to sit on the bed. ''Rin, what do you think of me? Do you think I'm some monster? If someone took the key to open the desk drawer, it's not your fault. It's no reason to look at me and be scared.''
Rin bit down on her bottom lip. ''You're not upset with me?''
''I'm upset, but at what happened. It angers me that someone that's close to us could be a thief. But there's no reason to be upset at you,'' Sesshomaru reassured her. ''I don't want you to me afraid of me, love. They can steal all the money they want, but not your peace of mind.''
''You're so sweet,'' Rin smiled and pressed her hand to his cheek.
''You're the most important thing to me. The person I love most in this world,'' Sesshomaru confessed.
''I love you too,'' Rin's cheeks turned a little red. Sesshomaru's eyes widened at her words before he kissed her.
TA-DA! Some stuff happened. Reviews people, reviews.
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