A/N: Just a one shot I have been sitting on that o finally finished today. I was thinking about friends I've made online over the years and at times were more supportive and present than anyone else in my life.
Enjoy!
He had found her in the forest or rather she had found him. It had been after a particularly devastating battle that resulted in him being considerably wounded and drained of energy.
It wasn't uncommon for people to take on all different forms within the open world gameplay that was the feudal Japan server but not many decided to be children.
At first he had thought the character was a bot, those were around, but clicking on this characters stats showed it was an actual person behind the avatar.
'She' was playing as a little girl with no abilities and no real power to speak of. When he spoke to her she didn't respond, which wasn't too uncommon. What was odd was that she was bringing him items to boost his health and demonic energy back up.
He wondered why and told her not to bother but she didn't listen. In the game two days passed that she came and went helping him out. On the third day he saw her energy had been significantly drained, the result of a fight probably.
"Where did you get those bruises?" He questioned waiting for her reply doubting he would get one. When she smiled at him he was somewhat curious but as it was in game he had a reputation to uphold.
He was the dog demon of the west, Sesshomaru, rightful heir of the Tessaiga, which is what had led to his current state. When he had agreed to play online with the person that went by Inuyasha and they created their role play he didn't think the other would become such a pain.
Inuyasha had been the one to recover the Tessaiga, the sword that was meant to be his seeing as how he created the underworld server and made the stupid weapon for himself.
He did wonder if Inuyasha had figured out a way to hack that particular server or maybe it was the one who called herself Kagome, he suspected her of cheating seeing as how she had crazy powers and never seemed to suffer any real damage in game.
Staring at the little girl he sighed. "What are you smiling at? I don't care, I was only curious." He replied into his headset.
She stood, waved, and left. "How strange." He said to himself. Quickly going through his stats he saw he was able to move again with his levels nearly restored.
Leaving the forest he came upon the one that called himself Jaken who had pled his allegiance to him and followed him everywhere in game. Not that he minded. It was boring to play by yourself granted he wondered when Jaken ate or slept in real life as he always seemed to be on.
Not that he himself was much better. Unable to leave his house anymore due to his failing health he stayed indoors more often than not.
He had no girlfriend or wife. His mother came and did his laundry, cleaned for him when he needed help. She shopped for him and supported him. That was what made the game so appealing. He was a demon character; strong, handsome, and sure of himself.
"Lord Sesshomaru, before I continue on in your service I must protest…" Jaken said.
"And here I thought you would be happy to see me." He replied amused.
"I am my lord. I thought you were dead." Throwing a rock at him that knocked the imp demon down he smirked to himself.
The game screen entered the red haze it did when there was a battle nearby and there were casualties. Walking back towards the forest he came close to where he had rested.
Along the path was the little girl avatar. She had been killed. She didn't have anything on her to revive herself or enough stats to pay to bring her character back to life.
"Did you know this human Lord Sesshomaru?" Jaken questioned. Clicking on the sword he had, the Tensaiga, he wondered if it would work. He had had no need to use it yet but it was rumored to be a sword of healing that could bring back the dead.
"I will test it." He said.
"Wait, sire, what are you doing?" Jaken asked as he swiped the sword down at the demons who surrounded her. Kneeling down he lifted her up and waited watching as she came back to life.
Leaving her be and walking off he heard Jaken in his headset but ignored him. When he looked back they were both following him.
They both continued to follow him. She always was where he left her. He did notice the character was on at certain times guessing it was the players schedule.
It was a week in the real world before she spoke.
"What do I call you?" He asked.
"You can call me Rin, Lord Sesshomaru." The voice said sounding young.
"Alright Rin." He said walking off with her following him. They didn't talk about anything that was not in game and soon they met with others along with Inuyasha's group creating an entire narrative to follow.
Inuyasha, Kagome, and their friends were after the sacred jewel shards. Naraku was the villain who had created Kagura and Kanna to do his bidding.
As they played they filled in the blanks and soon it was fully immersive. It was difficult to tear himself away from the computer but it was becoming more difficult for him to stay up for longer periods of time.
His mother began staying with him. His prognosis was not good. He had received bad news that his lungs were failing, he needed a transplant. He had been started on oxygen since he was a young teenager, now in his early twenties he was on it all day every day.
Deciding to tell the others he called for a group chat. Inuyasha and Kagome were on as well as Kagura and Rin with Jaken apologizing for not being able to join.
"So, what's up Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked.
"I don't know how much longer I'll be able to play this game anymore." He said.
"Why? You finally get a job or somethin'?" Inuyasha quipped.
"I wish." Sesshomaru said. "No. I'm sick and it's getting worse. I'll probably be hospitalized soon and I wanted to let all of you know, so you don't think I just disappeared."
"But, you'll get better…right? I mean, if you're going to the hospital…" Kagura said quickly.
"I don't know. It depends on a lot of things." He stated.
"Shit." Inuyasha said. "Dude, I'm sorry man. That…that sucks."
"Yeah but it was only a matter of time. With my condition people don't make it to be my age, most of the time. So, there's that."
"Hey Rin. You're quiet. Are you still there?" Kagome asked.
"Yeah, I am." She said softly. Her voice sounded thick as if she were crying.
"Rin…"
"Lord Sesshomaru, I…I don't know what to say. I want to be able to help but I don't even know where you are or who you really are…"
"I don't want any of you to know the real me. This is better. I didn't mean to upset anyone I just…wanted to let everyone know."
"Can I…can I call you?" Rin asked. "Or..video chat?" Taking a shallow breath he was quiet.
"Rin…"
"Please. Just once." She interjected.
"Alright." He sighed out.
"I'll let Naraku and Jaken know what's going on." Kagura said. "If anything happens is there someone you know who can let us know what's going on?"
"Yeah. I'll make sure of it."
"Stay strong and think positive." Kagome said. "Know that you're in our thoughts and prayers."
"Thank you Kagome."
"Sesshomaru, you get better or else I'm gonna hunt your ass down and annoy the crap out of you." Inuyasha said.
"Hm. I will keep it in mind." With the others leaving it was only Rin and Sesshomaru left. "I'll give you my cell and you can call if you want."
"I hope your phone's next to you because I'm calling right away." She replied. Sure enough a number came on screen as soon as he told her his number.
Taking his headset off he answered keeping the phone angled at the ceiling where he could see her. Rin was an adult, thankfully, but still young.
She was pretty and he suddenly felt incredibly insecure.
"I can't see you Lord Sesshomaru." She said with a giggle in her voice. Closing his eyes he took his phone in hand painfully aware of the oxygen cannula he had to wear as well as his usual gaunt appearance.
"Hi." She said with a broad warm smile.
"Hello." Sesshomaru replied meeting her brown eyes with his lighter ones.
"How are you feeling?" She asked with concern etched across her features.
"Tired but that's normal for me. It doesn't take much lately." Taking a breath he looked away somewhat from her. "I know that this probably isn't what you were expecting."
"What do you mean Lord Sesshomaru?"
"The way I look. I look sick, awful."
"I didn't think that at all. Even before you said anything about being sick I wanted to talk to you but I was too shy to ask." Rin sighed.
"Why did you choose to be a child in the game with no abilities or powers?" He questioned curiously looking at her again.
"Because everyone likes a kid." She answered with a shrug. "No one cares about you when you're a grown up."
"That isn't true. As embarrassing as it is to say, my mother helps me out. She is forever telling me how much she cares for me."
"You are very lucky my lord to have such a wonderful mother in your life." She said sadly. "My family, we are not on speaking terms."
"You have friends though, a job?" Je ventured.
"A job, yes. I keep to myself mostly."
"What do you do for work?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"Alright. What is your name? Your real name?"
"Raina."
"That's pretty."
"What's yours?"
"Micah."
"I like your name. It suits you but is it okay if I still call you lord Sesshomaru?"
"If you wish. May I still call you Rin?"
"Yes, absolutely." Her smile made him almost forget his troubles as he felt her sincere warmth spread throughout his body.
After that day they talked on the phone more often. Before long Sesshomaru wasn't able to sit up in his chair any longer and was bed bound practically.
Their conversations consisted of Rin mostly talking with him listening loving the way her voice soothed him with her soft tones, small giggles, and melodious laughter.
"I'm going to the hospital in two days. I can't stay home anymore, my mother just can't care for me the way I need. I feel so pathetic." He managed out taking long draws of breath.
"You're not. You need help. There is nothing wrong with that my lord." She assured. "I have to go. I will talk with you tomorrow."
"Okay. Talk to you tomorrow." He said softly. Hanging up the phone he settled against the pillows he had to have propped up in to a sitting position.
He felt as if the only thing keeping him going at that point was Rin. She was so kind to spend her time with him and listen to him complain. She seemed to be generally interested in him but maybe she was just being nice.
Being sickly he hadn't really had much experience with other people, he hadn't been able to attend high school and had missed out on dating. Closing his eyes he thought about asking her tomorrow.
Being woken suddenly Sesshomaru was beyond confused.
"Hello lord Sesshomaru." Rin stood beside his bed with her hand against his cheek.
"Rin?" He whispered out. Sitting beside him on the bed she nodded. "How?"
"A couple weeks ago now you fell asleep when we were on the phone. Your mom and I started talking and we both decided for me to come out here to surprise you." She said.
"You came to see me." His sleep addled mind tried to catch up to what was happening.
"I did. I had to see you. You're the only person who has cared about me in a long time. I care about you and I want to be here for you. If it's alright with you I can help your mom take care of you to keep you out of the hospital."
"Thank you." Taking her hand he squeezed it weakly. "I like you Rin. I don't have a thing to offer you but I want to be your boyfriend."
"You need to know something, the reason why my family doesn't talk to me." Rin said. "I'm a stripper and an escort." Closing her eyes she took a steadying breath.
"I don't care about that." Sesshomaru said quickly. "As long as you're okay with it then I am."
"It's only for the money. I worked as a waitress in high school but found out how much I could make dancing and then going on dates with guys…I don't sleep around. I will not do that. Mostly guys hire me to show me off as their 'girlfriend' at family weddings or reunions."
"So your family thinks that means you're a prostitute."
"Big time." Shaking her head before biting her lower lip she placed her other hand over the top of his. "You are really okay with it?"
"Yeah. It changes nothing between us Rin." He smirked at her as she relaxed.
"Then I would be honored to be your girlfriend my lord." She said bowing her head slightly to him. Bringing her hands up to his lips he kissed her knuckles happier than he had been in his entire life.
