Before the Oncoming Storm
By Zaru
Summary: The great Inutaisho has returned full force from the world of spirits. He follows the scent of his youngest son only to become mesmerized by the sweet scent of Sesshomaru's ward left behind in the village.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. It was created by Rumiko Takahashi.
A/n: Okay long time since an update. Please enjoy.
~~~~~~Chapter 6~~~~~~
After the situation between Rin and Inutaisho seemed to settle down, their topics of conversation became more common. Both of them spoke about Sesshomaru, the weather and the war that still seemed to be waged throughout the land.
He heard a familiar giggle as he made his way through the village. Finally, he was able to follow her scnet, tracking her to the stable area. But what would she be doing there? Hopefully not with one of the village boys who were always flirting with his young charge. Sesshomaru growled at the thought of them doing that. He sniffed in her general direction only picking up the scent of her flowery existence and…his father. They're together again? His amber eyes narrowed at the thought. He felt the two were spending way too much time toegheter lately. Even if it only been a few days since they met, it was still too much time spent. A heavy sigh escaped him as he made his way to Rin and Inutaisho.
Rin shook her head at Inutaisho. He was just telling Rin a very funny story about Sesshomaru when he was just a young pup when he used to get lost on his way to bed at night even though his room was right near his location.
"His sense of direction didn't come in yet at that time. I felt so bad for the pup I had to make sure to take him to bed myself every night since then."
Rin smiled. "Awe, poor Lord Sesshomaru. It must have been very embarrassing for him."
"Well, he was actually born with that stoic expression of his. Never showed any signs of blushing or naything of the sort. But, as his father, I knew what he was feeling." His own eyes averted ahead of him. "Speaking of my pup, here he comes now. Probably for his day with you."
Rin gasped and turned herself before leaping off the fence. "Lord Sesshomaru!" She called, greeting him with a smile and a wave. "There you are! I was wondering when you were going to show up! I was worried!"
Sesshomaru's golden eyes glazed over seeing his father once more near his pretty little charge. What was he doing here now? Haven't they spent enough time together? This was supposed to be his time to spend with Rin while visiting yet he barely had time with her since his father's arrival.
"Rin." He nodded and stopped in front of them. "Are you ready?"
Rin grinned that toothy smile of hers, nodding enthusiastically. "Yes, oh yes, my lord!" Turning back to Inutaisho, she bowed. "Thank you for keeping me company, Lord Inutaisho."
The older inu just smiled. "It's always a pleasure, dear, sweet Rin." He grabbed a hold of her left hand before bending on one knee and kissing the palm. "Have a good time with your Lord Sesshomaru."
Her face turned beet red with those words, only nodding and slipping her hand from his. "See you around." She waved, departing with a small smile in his direction.
Sesshomaru glared over at his father, an arm wrapping around Rin's shoulders, escorting her out of the village.
Sadness filled Inutaisho's heart. Little Rin was gone from his sights now. Now what could he do to pass the time?
Rin made her way with Sesshomaru, slow paced, through Inuyasha's forest. It seemed that her lord wished for a quiet time with her before his departure. Though she wondered what had her lord so on edge. She could tell because his arm squeezed her tightly against his own body as though she would disappear from his sight.
A few moments later, Sesshomaru stopped in front of the Goshinboku and pulled Rin to sit beside him against the tree. His face remained stoic, staring straight ahead as though not acknowledging her presence next to him. Rin could feel the strength of him decrease as his grip on her weakened, finally removing the arm from her. It seemed he felt they were safe and alone now he could relax.
Rin bit her lower lip, knees bent against her chest, arms resting on top. Her cheek rested on the arms and she watched him wondering what he was thinking.
"Lord Sesshomaru?"
There was a moment of silence before he answered. "Hhn?"
"Is something upsetting you, milord?"
His expressionless face gazed at her. "Why would you ask me that, Rin?"
Rin shrugged. "I don't know. I guess I'm just worried about you."
"Worried for what reason?"
Though he didn't show it, she knew there was something wrong. Ever since she appeared in the village with Inutaisho at her side and defended him, Sesshomaru was on edge. She thought he'd be thrilled at the idea of his father having returned to life, but apparently it was having the opposite effect she'd hoped he would have.
"Are you not happy of your father's return?" She noticed his eyes widen slightly, but face remain the same. "It doesn't seem you are."
The dog demon looked up to watch as the tree branches moved gently with the wind, sunlight barely seeping through as dusk was approaching soon.
"I am in wonder that my father was able to return, but his actions just coming back do not honor him."
Rin had a feeling she knew what he was speaking of. The lord's return raised many questions. His current actions must be serious. The young girl never met him before, so she couldn't say if this was normal behavior for him or not.
"What do you mean?"
Sesshomaru shook his head. "It is nothing for you to concern yourself about, Rin. I will deal with my father when the time comes."
The teen adjusted her legs to sit beneath her noticing the positions she and Sesshomaru were sitting in were about the same ones as her and Inutaisho earlier. Her body moved on its own accord, sliding away a couple inches from the dog demon. He heard the shuffle on the ground and faced her, confusion in his eyes.
"What are you doing?"
She blushed. "N-nothing, my lord. Just trying to get comfortable. I do not want to ruin my new kimono."
Sesshomaru couldn't help but smile at his little girl. She was growing to become such a beautiful human. Any suitor would be very lucky to have her as his wife or mate one day. That he knew. But a rumble in his chest denied it. Some reason, the thought of another touching her made cold chills run up his spine. Even to see another male brush up against her made him want to rip out their spinal column or melt them with his poison acid.
"Rin."
"Yes, Lord Sesshomaru?"
He grabbed her by surprise, yelping at the contact. Gently, the demon set her down on his lap. "So you do not ruin your kimono." He answered her even though she never asked.
"O-Oh, thank you, my lord. I appreciate the kindness." Her face became even redder.
Wow, I've been blushing a lot today, haven't I? She cupped her face in her hands feeling the heat escaping. Wow.
Sesshomaru wrapped his arms around her loosely, cheek resting on top of her soft head. He breathed in her innocence. The meadow flowers. The smell of morning dew. A rainy scent before a storm approached. How he enjoyed it all. Perhaps this is why his father came to her. He had a thing for these kinds of smells. At least no humans were able to smell this well, otherwise he would have to beat them all away with his whip or Bakusaiga.
"Rin, you smell earthly." He mumbled into her hair, nose directly in her hair.
Redness returned once more. These demons have got to stop making me do this. She smiled.
"I do?"
"Yes." He breathed in. "I cannot help but want to breathe it in more and more."
Okay, she was getting a little uncomfortable now. Sure he may be her lord and she respected him, but him doing something like this was unbelievable. This is the most he had ever shown affection for her since her return from the dead. Why was he getting so close to her now?
Then it hit her. Was this his way of saying good bye to her? Was what she and Inutaisho spoke about earlier coming true? Would this be the last time Sesshomaru and her would be together?
She closed her eyes tightly as tears welled in her eyes, drops catching on her lashes. Sesshomaru noticed the scent of salt water and pulled back.
"Rin? Are you crying?" When she didn't answer, the demon pulled her to lay back against his arm to see her better. "Rin. Answer me."
"Why are you leaving me, Lord Sesshomaru? What did I do wrong?" She sobbed, small hands gripping his haori showing over the armor. "You cannot leave me and not come back, milord!"
Now the dog lord was very bewildered. What in the world made her think he would never come to visit her again? He'd never leave her behind. She was one of the brightest things in his world. Rin would never be forgotten by him. Never, ever. He could only hold her tight against him.
"No, Rin. I won't abandon you, I promise. I will always come back to see my Rin no matter how old you get."
"Promise?"
"Oh, yes, dear Rin. I promise."
Those words made her feel safe and warm, praying that the day would never come her guardian angel would forsake her or leave her with only memories.
TBC…
A/n: Sheesh…. It's short and sweet I guess. I can't update much. Probably another chapter in a month or so. I don't have internet so….
Zaru-san