This is the last one, guys. Are you READY? I think I am going to cry tears of joy! This will have a bit of angst in this one, cause why the hell not? But no worries. Just read till the end and you'll be fine.
Okay my little turtle doves. Get ready to sit for a while.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o
The Great Demon Lord Sesshomaru would be called to meet among his own kind, and time would be ticking. A summons would be a call to duty to all who cater to the demon chain of command. This would be something that he would be required to do; this would be expected of him. It's too bad for those in charge that Sesshomaru stopped caring about what anyone expected of him long ago. His beliefs would be his own, as would his decisions. He would not be making that trip, and he would be damned if he wouldn't get to do whatever he damn well pleased in the process.
Sesshomaru would not be his father.
He'd be better.
He would not make the same mistakes, but would instead start a journey to healing some very old wounds. He would be known as The Great Sesshomaru No Tashio, and doing whatever he wanted, in spite of those above him, would run in his veins. He is Sesshomaru, and he would answer to no one- Well... even he would know by now that this would not entirely be the case. He would answer to one. Just one. (Sorry, big guy, you're gonna be wrong about this, too.)
It would take very little time for Sesshomaru to respond to Rin's gift; it would take him no time at all, but he would have to make a very careful plan if he were going to be able to do this. He would have a very long talk with Jaken before making his next trip to see Rin. Consequences would be brought up, and decisions would be made. Throughout all of his time with Jaken, there would, no doubt, be a sort of kinsman-ship between the lord and his servant. Jaken would (and has already tried to) walk into hell for Lord Sesshomaru. Surely what his Lord would plan to do next wouldn't be as bad as that.
Turns out Sesshomaru's father wouldn't be the only one to shift the balance of power.
It would only be a single month later, and Sesshomaru would feel the breeze of the fresh spring morning wrap around his being as he sets out to see Rin. He would feel the familiar presence of the wind, much as he always would. There would be times here and there where the wind would ride along with the Dog Demon, and these would be the times where he would feel the least alone. He would remember the wind sorceress and how she would speak of her desire to be free, for she was controlled by one that would end up controlling many. That force would be long dead now, as would the sorceress, but her spirit would never leave. Sesshomaru would often be alone on his travels, but she would rarely be lonely.
This visit would be the day of the spring solstice. A spring solstice on a crescent moon could likely bring interesting weather, and this lesson would be learned. Sesshomaru would be unaware of just how unstable the conditions would be in the village as he'd make his way. He would have a gift for her, as per usual, but his gift would look eerily similar to the gift that was given to him on his previous visit in the snow. Her gift to him would have been unlike any gift that had ever been given to him before, and... something would have him repay her in kind.
He... might have gotten a little carried away in doing so. It would seem as though he had more to say than he initially thought. His instructors had always praised him on what a wonderful little prodigy he was, but he would also assume that they got paid to say those things to him. After the letter he had written as Rin's gift, he would wonder if there was any merit in those instructors' words after all.
He would be eager to hand it to her.
It would seem as though Rin would be very happy around her own kind, as other humans would naturally take a notice to her. There would be the occasional suiter that would unknowingly try to impress Rin on days that Sesshomaru would be around, but they'd usually get too scared to do anything, for the lovely lady in their vision would always seem to be followed by the sneer of a terrifying demon.
None of them ever seemed to matter to her- well... that is what she would keep trying to tell her loved ones. She would try to say that she would not be interested in anybody, but in their own loving way, some of the women in her life would still persist and urge her to be with someone like Kohaku, unknowing as to how this would make her feel. Even so, Rin would always try to go easy on Kohaku.
He would be one of her older comrades that would have been deeply affected by the whole Naraku fiasco. The last thing she would want to do is play with his emotions. He'd have been through enough. She would want the remainder of his life to be as peaceful as possible, and everything would have been just fine if Rin wasn't urged so harshly to give him a gift. Regardless, she would do as she was guided to do, but would strictly say it was from one friend to another. Nothing more.
Of course, he would be ecstatic. He would have gotten his gift quite late due to the heavy snow that had come and gone, but to receive something so lovely from Rin would cause him to become a little too expeditious in his actions. It would not have been Rin's intention for this to happen, but she would be unaware of his next move as he would end up going straight to Sango to tell her of his plan to ask Rin to marry him. This conversation would happen in front of Kagome, and she would try to reason with Kohaku while trying to cover her panic. Even Sango would agree with Kagome, thinking that his plan was too hasty, for he wouldn't really know of Rin's feelings unless he talked to her about them.
He would not listen, but would be so sure about her, for he would be very smitten with Rin. They had been through a lot together, after all. Unfortunately, Rin would never have noticed all of the times that he would lovingly stare in her direction, since she would be too busy imagining spending her time with... someone else. Perhaps, Rin should have been using that lesson of "communication" that Kagome had tried so hard to teach her, because among all of Kohaku's excitement, he would do something absolutely ridiculous.
The young man would be a very brave soul as he would seek out Sesshomaru's attention before the Demon Lord could even have a chance to reach the village. Sesshomaru would see the human, but pass him without a glance; it would seem that he'd be seeing this human a lot more, lately. "Lord Sesshomaru," the human would call. The Demon Lord would continue to ignore and walk, causing Kohaku to continue shouting. "Please! I have an important question for you." He would run to catch up to a Sesshomaru that would come to a halt. He would listen to the question, but there would be no promises that he would answer. "Please," Kohaku would continue, "I wanted to... a-ask your permission for something."
'Permission?' The Demon Lord would think as he would narrow his eyes at the lad.
"I-I care," Kohaku would struggle, "very deeply, for Rin, and I-" 'Rin?' Kohaku would continue to stumble, "can I please marry her?" He would seem to blurt out.
Sesshomaru would immediately look away from him. 'Marry-'
Sesshomaru would take a...
Very.
Long.
Pause.
It would be as if the wires in his mind would go completely haywire. He... he would have no idea how to respond to a question such as this, and unfortunately Kohaku would take this the wrong way. "I swear that I will do right by her. I will provide her with food and shelter, I will make sure she is well loved, and I will always protect her-"
'Have you someone to protect?' Those words would echo in Sesshomaru's mind with a bloodied flashback.
Sesshomaru would slowly turn his entire body towards the human, and although the human would hide it well, his fear would radiate from his pores. Sesshomaru would know the smell of human fear as he would draw closer to the boy. He would ask very slowly. "Why ask me?" He would admire the audacity of this...human boy.
Such a lackluster answer would surprise the kid. It would cause him to pick up his mind and continue speaking. "B-because, she is your ward, you hold responsibility over her." He would then bow in the Lord's direction.
"She was left in the care of the old woman." Sesshomaru would desire to end this lowly discussion to continue on to his destination.
"Y-yes I know, but... It is only respectful that I ask you, sir." Kohaku would not move from his bowing position. "Your blessing would be the one that would matter, and I hope to get it." Kohaku would stand tall with a purpose in him. Poor clueless Kohaku. His emotions would be genuine, but that wouldn't matter to Sesshomaru in the slightest.
"I am a demon. I do not bless people."
"Y-yes I know, but I-"
"Find a priestess if you want blessings."
"L-lord Sesshomaru-"
"Rin makes choices for Rin, not Sesshomaru." He would march on, containing his frustration. It would be a waste of energy taking out his new found anger on the boy, regardless of if he'd be the one to cause such turmoil inside of the Demon Lord in the first place. Kohaku would try again, but this would be enough of an action to drive the Demon Lord away into the skies for the remainder of his trip to the village.
'Marry...' His eyes would remain in the direction of Rin as he would sense a sudden storm approach- well... he would think. His senses would mesh together with such a mix of emotions stirring inside of him. The air would be unusual on this spring day. 'So this is her choice.'
His thoughts would get the better of him. His rushed conclusions would cause the grip of her gift to tighten. Holding his eyes to the scene of the village up above, he would suddenly decide to hide her letter in the safety of his person. It would look like he might not give her the gift, after all.
He would not be able to hear her reject him.
He would understand her reasonings.
He would be happy for her.
He would always want her to be happy.
If this is what would make her happy...
Rin would always be so happy to see Sesshomaru, but this would be the first time that her happiness would have the opposite effect on him. She would give her usual wave as she would run to meet him, just as she had always done. Seeing this would usually send a sensation of pride through him, but today it would bring a feeling of distraught. He would always be cold natured, but even Rin would be able to notice that he'd be a little... off this time around. Before Rin would be able to say anything about the matter, Kagome would come running to the girl.
"Rin! Rin I need to speak with you-"
"Hey Kagome," Rin would be happy to see her friend.
Kagome would then grab her arm. "Rin I really need to talk to you before you go."
"Kagome..." Rin's face would switch to a completely new emotion as she would look to the friend that keeps her darkest secrets. "Can't it wait?"
"Rin wait!" Sango would show up shortly behind, after being completely caught up with the situation by Kagome (including Rin's true feelings). Sesshomaru's sneer would darken among seeing the demon slayer for understandable reasons, and Sango would see the darkness in his eyes. "Please let us speak to you before-"
"It will be a quick trip." Sesshomaru would interject. "Come, Rin." He would turn his heel to start making his way towards the East, eager to leave the crowd. He would be unsure of what everyone would already know, and the quicker he would be able to tell Rin what he needed to say, the sooner this would all be behind them.
Kagome would choose to step back, deciding to let everything fall where they stood. She would sense Sesshomaru's desire to be alone, and it would be for the best. The clouds overhead would get a little more darker upon arrival and Kagome would hope that they would be alright in the on-coming storm before starting to help a panicking Sango look for where her brother had gone off to.
Rin and Sesshomaru would start to travel while the dark clouds would greet them in abundance. This would be an odd day, indeed. Sesshomaru's aura would be quite dark, and both Kagome and Sango would've acted extremely out of their character. Rin would look back towards their usual path in the West that would be worn with the tracks of time gone by. That would be the usual path that they'd go, but Sesshomaru would guide them to the East this time.
There would be a subtle chill in the air that would almost seem to bite the tip of Rin's nose. The wind would be restless and uneasy as the site of the village would become smaller and smaller. It wouldn't matter what mood the wind would be in, Rin would always love to walk with her. Sometimes they'd even share a dance or two in their personal solitude, but the wind would be shrill on this day, as would Sesshomaru's temperament.
Rin would happily tell Sesshomaru of her new job in hopes of getting him to concentrate on something other than what would be bothering him. She would speak of taking care of her hut, as well as providing medicinal needs for the village whilst the Old Lady Priestess would be away on a two day mission. Even with her very interesting news, Rin would still be able to feel the unease from the demon before her. 'Remember, Rin: Communication.'
He would stay silent as the wind would howl in restlessness among the trees. "Lord Sesshomaru," she would pace herself, "you seem a bit... darker than usual today. Is everything alright?"
Of course she would recognize his disposition, why would this surprise him, so? What would he say to her? Everything in the letter? Why? What's the point? What good would it do? The only thing that would come of this would be an ultimatum, and Sesshomaru would have no time for such nonsense.
'I swear that I will do right by her.' The boy's words would invade Sesshomaru's mind. So she would really prefer to reside in human life? 'I will provide her with food and shelter,' A human life would suit a human best, after all.
'I will make sure she is well loved,' Love...
~Rin loves Sesshomaru.~
'and I will always protect her-'
'Have you someone to protect?'
Sesshomaru would stop in his tracks, but he would not turn to look at her. He would not be able to see her face after what he'd be about to tell her. "I'll be taking... a trip," he would finally speak among the clouds that brood around them, "a long trip."
Her heart would skip a beat. She would remember the story Jaken told her. She would only be able to whisper. "A... trip?" Her eyes would barely be able to catch up to her internal shock. "B-but-"
"I will be gone for an extended period of time." He would smell the tears that already threaten to fall. Of course this would be a difficult thing for a mere human girl to keep her composure over. She would be so used to the routine of seeing him, as would he. But if this is the path that she would choose to take, then this would be the path that he would choose to take, as well.
Rin would be completely speechless. What does he mean he's leaving? 'He's leaving?! But-" "I-" Rin... she would try to speak; she would try to say something! "I thought you said that trip didn't matter."
"It didn't, at the time. Things have changed." He would curse himself for saying so much. He would hear a silent gasp from her.
'He is. He's actually leaving.' The scent of her tears would start to overwhelm him. She would do everything in her power to keep the tears minimal. She would want to tell him no. She would want to tell him that she wants to go. So desperately would she want to go with him. 'Please...' "When am I going to see you again?"
He would not answer, and his deafening silence would cause her eyes to grow in terror. Her heart would hang heavily inside of her as it would skip a beat. *Thump-thump* He, too, would freeze in the distance. 'Her heart.'
He wouldn't be able to do this. He would be asking too much of the human to leave everything she knew just to be with him. She would have a life, family, friends- things that matter to humans. (Only humans, bud?) Would he really be at peace knowing of what she would have to sacrifice to do what he would desire of her? He wouldn't be able. His sorrowful thoughts would soon blow away with the gust of an angry wind. The clouds would darken even more, and none would know of such weather coming.
Sesshomaru would have to leave soon, if he were to beat this storm. This would even be a little sudden for him, but he would just as well rather be done with this, anyway- this... something... Gods' above, this... Something... It would almost start to physically hurt. Lightning could just barely be seen in the distance as the violent light would threaten to interrupt their moment. It would take him time, but he would walk onward. She would watch him closely to see if he would do anything else, say anything else. Would he even notice that she'd stopped walking with him?
She would whisper. "Wait..." unable to really speak. Her heart would become heavier as he would continue to walk onward towards the East. His footsteps would be slow, and she would find the will to speak a little louder. "Are... are you leaving right now?"
"I must take my leave if I am to beat the storm." He would continue to leave. "If I return-"
'If?-' "Stop!" She would suddenly shout as she would burst into a run. The thunder would continue to rumble, and the trees would swirl around them, but her plea would stop him dead in his tracks. His being would be forced to obey her command, but would still be unable to look at her. "Please... don't-." Rin's eyes would squeeze tightly trying to stop a river that'd be trying to flow from her eyes.
This would be a sadness that would not have been experienced before, and they have been through some very sad times together. He would have to turn around, not that he would necessarily want to. As Rin would see his face, Kagome's voice would chime back into her memory. 'Rin. the only thing you can control is you. You won't get what you want unless you take a chance.'
"Please..." Rin would deeply inhale. She wouldn't want to go back. Not without him. "I-" She would still struggle to say anything. Sesshomaru would be at his wits end waiting for her words to come out. Would she not be happy living here? Would she not be happy building a family here? What does she want? Rin would continue to plead. "I-I'm not ready to say goodbye- not yet. You just got here." There would be a saddened hitch in her voice. This would have him long for the comfort of her touch.
In retrospect, kissing would never have occurred to Sesshomaru as a form of touch. Truth be told, he wouldn't have seen a whole lot of action with an absent father and a cold tempered mother. Yes, he would know the basics of reproduction. One does not just release some feral dog to roam the land without learning the basic etiquette of control. The act of... "Physical Affection" would not (always) be on the agenda for demons, unless it served a diplomatic purpose for them in some way, such as lineage. Apparently, there is another form of the act involving a human emotion called love, and it would be a very human experience, not that any demon would know that unless they'd experience it for themselves. However, there was no time for affection, there was always battle-
Battle.
All his father ever talked about was winning the battle.
Sesshomaru would grow up through many decades that would be devoted to strength and the utmost respect for the battle. His mother's side (not necessarily his mother) would be all about the fight. His father was about winning the fight, so naturally Sesshomaru would always want to win. After everything Sesshomaru had been through, he would wonder what part of the battle his father was actually trying to win. Sesshoamru would be trained by the best that status could buy, but his father was always insistent on winning. Sesshomaru always assumed that his father always meant winning everything.
Well... that is what his father was trying to fight for- Everything! But the definition of "Everything" would be just as lucrative as the definition of "Time". For, what was thos "everything" that his father had died trying to defend? His father was the strongest in the land, and it's only natural for a boy to desire to walk in his father's footsteps. But then to be carelessly slaughtered…. because of a human, no less… One of the world's strongest demons to ever roam was killed because of a human.
A human woman.
And a human woman is who Sesshomaru would be looking at now with thundering clouds rolling in. It would threaten to drench them in a downpour with the smell of moisture in the air. "I must surpass the storm." He would use this as an excuse, for he would not be able to stay around and prolong the heartbreak. Wouldn't it be better to get this over and done with?
Rin would try to think of something- anything! "L-lady Kaede would not be home for another day." Her words would blurt out of her. "There would be enough room for you to hold out." Maybe add some reasoning? "I-it would be unsafe to travel."
He would not accept her offer as he would turn to walk away for a final time. "I must go."
"Sesshomaru!" Her eyes immediately shrink in fear. This would definitely keep him from moving any farther.
'Did... did she...?'
She did. This human girl would be even more bold than the boy from earlier. No one- no one would ever speak so informally towards him (other than Inuyasha). Her heart would sink. Don't lose the nerve, now. 'Remember: communication.'
"Your gifts..." she would find the will to continue, "they have always been so wonderful and beyond any beauty I could ever witness," Her words would cause him to remember her secret gift tucked away at his side. They'd both stand still in a valley of roses that would be threatened to be uprooted by the jagged wind. "But..." Rin would continue with a smile. This would be the first smile among her tears. "The only thing I would ever want is... your time."
'What...?'
His time?
Why would they have to go at the pace of his time?
He would have all the time in the world.
It would be she who would be losing time. It would be she who would age. It would be she that would have to grow old and die incredibly young-
He wouldn't be able to think of things like that.
He would push that thought as far from his mind as it would go. It would be she who would lose a battle with time-
A battle-
Sesshomaru would understand battle.
"Time." Sesshomaru would struggle to understand. "You have little time. Your life is fragile. Your life hangs by a thread every day. You-" He would come to a sudden stop. He would have her full attention, but would still struggle. "You are safe here." His disposition would lower, but his face would stay hidden with his back.
Rin would not believe what she'd be hearing. "W-what?"
Stern in his stance, he would look onward with the darkest eyes he'd have in a long time. Walking on, he would finish. "You may do as you please, but tell the boy that he still does not have my blessing."
"Blessing?" This would come out of nowhere. "Blessing for what?" Rin's confusion would ring in his ear.
He would turn back around, and his eyes would be very serious. "You're... getting married."
"Married?!" Rin would exclaim.
Sesshomaru's eyes would widen at her response. "Are you not?"
"No! Who said I was getting m-" It would then dawn on her. She would slowly look away from him with eyes that'd be frightened to learn the truth. "Did..." She would shake her head. She would have an idea of what's happened, and she would really, really hope it weren't true. "did Kohaku come to you?"
Silence is what would come.
Sesshoamru would then turn his eyes away from her.
This would cause her to release a heavy sigh as the realization would finally sink in. "Is this why you're so unhappy?"
Both would be befuddled as to what to say. His silence would be deafening for her, but he wouldn't move. He wouldn't speak. He wouldn't do anything. He wouldn't know what to do. Of all the people in this world, Rin would have to be the one to vocally speak what he would be feeling, and it would be difficult for him to hear. He wouldn't have Jaken as a shield to keep his emotions in check, and Rin's eyes would be too much for him. This would be a time where he would finally have to face a dark side of himself, and actually have to... experience his emotions.
She would suddenly feel the urge to walk closer. Kagome's voice would chime in again. 'Sometimes it can be hard to find words to describe how you are feeling. When this happens, do what you can to show it, instead.' So...show him, she would. The storm would officially arrive, and it would be she that'd make the next move against the game of chess that is time.
He would watch with such intensity as her scent would grow closer and closer. She would take her time, for any sudden movement might cause him to back away, but she would be unaware of the fact that her closeness towards him would be what would make him stand as still as he does. Centimeters away from his face, she would stare into him with intent. His eyes would be searching for answers inside of hers. With a silent gulp in her throat, she would use great care as she would do the unthinkable, and slowly, yet delicately work her hand up towards the sharp looking markings upon his warm cheeks-
He would then quickly grab her wrist in shock.
Her eyes would bulge with a gasp at his sudden grip of her. His senses would be heightened, and he would be able to read her every move. Her stomach would flip in nervousness at his knee jerk reaction, but both of their nerves would fall as he would start to move her hand. Before she knows it, he would guide her hand to…. hold his face, as he would lay his sensitive markings in the warmth of her hands.
'Sesshomaru...' She would exhale at his touch. Her breath would seem to flow through him.
Feeling her touch would instantly cause him to calm as her heartbeat would envelope his mind. 'Rin. You're alive. You're okay. You are safe.' She would watch with wide eyes as his gaze would soften before closing in a gentle inhale. She could swear that she would hear his silent thoughts as a rumble would slip from deep within him, rather than from the clouds. He would lean his face deeper into her touch, enjoying such a new sensation. The warmth of his presence would fill the space around them and-
-BOOM!- would go the thunder.
Their first kiss would be in the rain, for it would come crashing down right as she would lay a chaste kiss upon his lips. Her eyes would flutter to a close as she would gently lean into his strong stature. The echo of his heartbeat would then suddenly thump through him. Such intensity from this new sensation would cause him to become statuesque. His flesh would ripple with goosebumps, and the chill of the rapid wind would not help, for this… this something would be about to burst out of his soul, and it is all because of her.
At last, he would finally begin to understand that this...something inside of him would be the emotion of human love.
Love.
Love would also be what killed his father.
Rin would part from him, keeping her eyes closed, slightly afraid of what kind of repercussion this would bring. Her heart would start to race, but her eyes would open to find a frozen Demon Lord in his stance. His gaze would be rather intense among the soft amber color of his eyes. The rain would be heavy, as would the roll of the never ending thunder.
"What was that?" He would suddenly ask her, regarding her action.
Her eyes would blink profusely, shocked by his response. 'Huh?' She would not expect this. Her reply would be mixed with confusion and trepidation. "You've… never experienced a kiss?"
"A kiss...?" He would seem to recall seeing something similar to that now and again throughout his life, though he wouldn't be able to exactly pinpoint where or when. He would respond fully as he would kiss her back, but his sudden action would cause her to gasp, and the gasp would scare him away.
"Wait-" Luckily she would grab a hold of him before he could go too far.
He would ask innocently. "Was that... not correct?"
Rin would be so perplexed, but her heart would fill with joy. "You… meant to do that?"
"Is that not what you wanted?" The rain would turn into a downpour as he would watch her blink in more hurried confusion.
She would shortly respond with her own question. "You keep asking me what I want, but..." Rin's eyes would yearn for her own kind of understanding, "is that what… you want?" She would start to feel her clothing stick to her body as they'd stand in the soaking rain.
"I want…." That would be quite the vague question. What would Sesshomaru want? Unfortunately, he would not yet be adept to being able to correctly express his emotions so vocally. He would want for Rin to stop crying. He would want to... Kiss her again. He, too, would start to feel the discomfort of the thunderstorm above their heads. "I want to be dry."
The surprise of his response would cause an even more confused chuckle to slip from her lips. That would be a very... Sesshomaru-like response. "Me too," she would say in a defeated sigh and a dwindling smile. "Looks like you aren't going to beat the storm, after all."
His eyes would never leave her. "I suppose not." She would let go of him.
"Can I... make you some tea?" She'd let go of him as she'd start to head back towards the village. "I... understand if you don't-"
He would have to stop her; he would just have to, as he would grasp her swaying hand to stop her in her tracks. Such a new feeling would cause her whiplash. She would then be spun around and pulled close to him, having little time to react. She would gasp as she would feel his gentle touch on the small of her back. Her breath would be completely taken away as she would suddenly feel his claws gently tracing the shape of her cheek. "I want you." He would finally admit.
She wouldn't believe it. Every word would run from her mind as another clash of thunder would overcome the world around them. She would want to say something- anything. Why would words escape her now? 'Keep it simple, silly.' "I love you." She would finally admit, both to herself and the world. "And I want to be with you."
He would mirror her actions as he would remember how she held him. He would slowly bring himself closer to her and his eyes would soften. He would lay his own kiss upon her lips as she would meet his touch with hers. Such a moment would overwhelm the human as she would find her snaking her hands around his neck. This kiss would linger within the little valley filled with raindrops on roses. He would hope that this is what she wanted, and he would be lucky enough to succeed. Her lips would be so soft, and her entire being would feel so fragile. Her touch on his skin would send him over the moon as his hands would collectively thread through the tresses of her dampened hair.
The storm would last well into the evening, causing everyone to shut in their homes for the remainder of the day. Sesshomaru would also stay and accept the invitation of tea, at least until his clothing would be at a decently dampened state. Rin would start to finally communicate and open a much needed conversation. Everything would come out in the open. There would be a lot of truth spilled, and a lot of tea digested, and even a meal shared. It would take time, but the conversation would get good. There would be a lot of discussion, and a lot more embarrassment. Kagome really would be right on the concept of communication, especially when it comes to the affairs of the heart.
Night would eventually fall, yet the storm would still rage. She would finally admit to wanting to be with him, for good this time. "Are you sure that this is what you want?" He would ask, hoping that she would take this question to heart. "Life will prove to be extremely uneasy from here on out."
"Hey, no cheating. Only one question at a time." Her smile would linger as she'd pull out a spare blanket. "I told you what I wanted. It's your turn to tell me what you want." She'd say as she'd open the blanket to spread.
"You." He'd immediately pull her down to him and hold her close. "You will always be my answer." She'd hum in satisfaction as she would sink into his being and wrap them up in warmth for the night.
Rin would feel so bad about what's happened with everyone, and wished that none of it ever happened at all. She would hope to resolve this issue with Kohaku one day, and she'd hope that nothing too severe would become of all of this madness. But Sesshomaru would comfort her, knowing her desire to want to fix everyone and everything. She would just want everyone to be okay. He would sooth her thoughts as he would pull her closer among the chilled evening. It would be late by now, they would both yearn to enjoy the warmth of the firelight. He would be as peaceful as he had ever been as he would hold her close.
They would be in a corner, nested and warm. Rin would muse to herself that the embers of the firelight would match the color of Sesshomaru's eyes as she'd be completely entranced by the dance of the flames. He'd sit comfortably in the corner of the hut and he would meditate. Rin would reside comfortably in his lap, comforted by all of him around her. She could leisurely lay up top him and any position would be a comfortable one. Her head would lean up against his shoulder as she'd watch the firelight. Her fingers would play with the fur of his moko-moko, and his hands would rest on her as he would absorb the sound of her heartbeat.
Rin would grin as she would wonder what Kagome would think if she saw this sight. She would also feel sorry for Sango with all of the people that she would be stuck indoors with, and she would also hope that Lady Kaede would be safe on her travels home. But these events would lead her to remember that a human and a demon had just admitted their love for one another, and that they'd be amongst themselves on a dark and stormy night, all alone, in her hut.
The thunder would be brutally loud, as would the gusts of wind that would seem to crash against the sturdy walls of her home. Her heart would pace at the thought of staying under the same roof as Sesshomaru. Just thinking about using his name so informally would force a blush to grow, but he would insist that she'd speak to him at her equal, at least whilst they'd be alone, if no other way possible.
She would... want more.
She would want to... explore.
But... This would only happen in her dreams that night.
The next morning would be the first morning where Rin would actually get to wake up next to the one she had fallen into a deep, deep sleep next to. Sesshomaru would already be awake, laying at his side as he would gaze into the creature that had fallen into slumber next to him. He would decide on a whim to not be so stingy with his touch, as he would gently move a strand of her hair to the side, just so he would be able to feel her silk-like tresses. His mind would be empty and aloof, and he would be smiling.
The morning would be slow, yet nice. He would want to lay for a long while, not wanting to rush about the day. He would have to leave again, but it would be for a far different reason. Unfortunately, this would have to be a trip without her, regardless of his destination, but it would be his last. He would have gotten to sit and think for a very long time overnight, holding someone very near and very dear to him. He would have come to a lot of self conclusions, and these conclusions would have to involve some careful actions. He would want to enjoy this blissful moment before the inevitable sadness. He would rarely get to enjoy moments like these in his life, and he has decided that now he should.
Rin would slowly shift into an awakened state, and he would take this moment to interlock his hand with hers. This action would cause her eyes to flutter open, and her heart would be filled with happiness to see him actually there, next to her, staring back at her. He would muse about the ability to be able to be the one to hold her hand for once. She would be ecstatic that he would remember that night filled with fireworks.
"So that night wasn't a dream?" She would ask.
He would eventually pull her up, helping her on her feet for the day. "All of this feels like a dream." He would softly speak in her ear. (They are so in love, don't even look at me like that.)
When it would be mentioned that the sun had been up for quite a while, she would rush to get herself ready. He would not be so hasty, though perhaps maybe he should've been. Who knows what would happen if anyone were to walk in. Upon getting ready, Sesshomaru would finally admit that he would have to leave. She would respond, saying that it would be short notice, but she wouldn't mind leaving that very day. Out of nowhere, from behind, he would envelop his arms around her to calm her frantic response before he has a chance to tell her the negative part."You cannot accompany me on this next trip."
Her eyes would lower at his words. He would have been smart to hold her first before telling her this. "What?! Why not?!"
He would pull her even closer to him, his arms fully wrapping around her front to lay his head on her shoulder. "This will be my last." She would be able to feel the movement of his vocal chords as he'd speak. She would latch onto the fabric of his kimono in a hug, enjoying the way he would smother her in his warmth. "I promise."
"Come back soon." She would say with trust. He would always come back to her. She would know this.
It would be very difficult for him to part from her now. But his mind would ease as he'd finally decide to give her his special gift. Spinning her around, his sudden movements would be so fast that he would create a small gust of swift wind. He would hold up a piece of paper, folded in the design of a flower. It would be worn and weathered, but it would still be intact. "You said you were learning to read. Hopefully this will sustain until my return."
She would lightly gasp as he would lay it in her hands. He would steal one more kiss from her right before the door of the hut would fly open with Kagome standing on the other side.
"Good morning starshine- oh!" Kagome's blush would be seen among her hands. "I'm so sorry." She would run away to give them privacy.
Sesshomaru would take this time to make his leave, with a speechless Kagome waiting on the side of the hut, and an even more speechless Lady Kaede that would see the Demon Lord leaving her hut as she would return from her trip in the North. Rin would wave her goodbyes as she would gently straighten out her clothing, thankful that so much of her body would be covered in the chilled morning air.
"You and I need to take a walk." Kagome would say as she'd pull her friend out with just barely enough time for Rin to grab something for her feet.
The entire morning would be spent with two sister-like friends walking along a worn road and freshly wet grass. Rin would catch her up on everything that had happened, and would end the story at the same spot- the letter. "I haven't read it yet. I'm..." Rin would look away. "I... still can't-"
"Would..." Kagome would begin, "would you like me to... help?"
Rin's eyes would light up. "Would you?!" She would immediately hand her the note to read.
With pride, Kagome would open the note, but she would surely be surprised by the length. It would say:
Rin,
Have you grown accustomed to the village? Have you enjoyed the gifts that you have gotten? Are you okay?
Whenever you are troubled or anxious, or sad or lonely, feel free to call one me. I will come to you immediately.
Even if we are apart, if you call my name, I will absolutely come flying to you. Distance is no object, for our hearts are tied together. That is why things can stay as they are, if you so desired.
We have plenty of time.
You examine your heart at your own pace.
Until then, take care of yourself.
~Sesshomaru
Kagome would practically be in tears as Sango would approach the girls in their little hideaway. She would sheepishly come along with a note from Lady Kaede stating that she'd be insistent on being caught up with everything that has happened while she was gone. Boy would she be in for a surprise!
She would not be surprised.
One time. That woman would leave the village ONE time and she comes back with news that Rin would be leaving with Sesshomaru. Rin would be sheepish in telling this to Lady Kaede, but out of everyone in Rin's life, Lady Kaede would be among the most important people in her young life. Lady Kaede basically adopted this child at a young age and helped her flourish into the wonderfully kind and sweet woman that she is today. Rin would not have been able to achieve so much without her motherly figure. The old woman would sigh (with a smile) while hearing the news. "It's about time."
Sango would apologize, both to Rin and her little brother. He would've chosen to leave for the time being, understandably so, and his would sadden Rin. Lady Kaede would not apologize for her meddling, but she needn't, for she would stand in her belief that she'd only been trying to help out some kids that she had come to care for. The road they would all choose to take would be a rocky one, and Lady Kaede would know that better than everyone in the village. She would see her sister lost to such a chaotic choice of being in love with (and loved by) demons. She would see such ugliness, and it would be far worse than she had ever encountered before. She would fear the same for these young souls as they would bask in their blissful joys of young-adult love as they unknowingly tame such power in their delicate human hands.
She would pity them, but she would also be happy for their current bliss. Life sure would be useless without this kind of nonsense. Everyone is deserving of love, even demons, she'd suppose. She will wonder how long the bliss would last, for she knew that she would not enjoy the day that it would all change forever. Until then, she would try to keep her hopes up.
Well... this is the story that the Old Lady Priestess told me, anyway. One could only wonder what could have happened after that.
O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o
Well, there you have it!
I can't believe it. I did it. I actually FINISHED it! Yes! That was his proposal from the "special episode" in the end. The way they had him propose to her in the silly little episode was a little too silly for me, so I explored ways that he would be able tell her how he felt through words in ways that would have fit his character a little bit more.
I love this couple, and I wanted to do them justice. I have shipped them for SO LONG, and it is absolutely wild to think that they have become a reality in pop culture today. Thank you SO MUCH for joining me on this journey. It has been a really fun ride, and I am thrilled to see it come to a good end. I really hope you like it, and who knows... you might see me again soon. I have stories that I need to finish, and Rin did have an interesting dream while all cuddly and cozy with her boo-thang... hmm... It sure would be a shame to ignore my more mature audiences, and leave out the saucy stuff, wouldn't it?
I might have to fix that.
I am also thinking of adding some art, and if I do, I will be sure to keep you up with updates.
