Dinner that night was awkward, Shippo served up a fresh batter of honey along with some freshly baked buns as the entree, the sight of the Kitsune dressed in the dull beige colour of Kitchen servants, sporting numerous bee stings on his face had Tsukimaru cackling on the floor holding his stomach while Sesshomaru glared at his currently very un-Noble-like cousin. Rin wasn't faring much batter after spraying her tea all over him her guard, a kunoichi called Hana, had to hold her upright as the Lady laughed…That gave Sesshomaru and idea, the perfect punishment for Rin, a training session, if she can last 10minutes against himself he'll dismiss the earlier offence and answer one of her questions Prior to Dinner Sesshomaru had a "chat" with his cousin. Apparently that Baka had told Rin that only a select few deemed worthy, could touch the Mokomoko, that it was a symbol of power and status to keep it out. Tsukimaru went even further to tell her that he had fought using the Mokomoko a few times rather that his swords or whip, that it was "the highest honour, in Inu culture to face the opponent's mokomoko." The poor girl probably fell asleep wondering about her own worth thanks to those comments! He felt like he should do something to remove any notion of being inadequate from her mind, and sparring with her was the fastest way to do it. Of course if she can't last the full ten minutes, he gets to do whatever he likes with her. He was still angered that she had had the audacity to pull on his mokomoko when it was attached to his shoulder. A proper Lady should never pull her mates mokomoko when he was wearing it! Sesshomaru was going to have a "chat" with her etiquette teacher first thing in the morning. Right now he had bigger problems to worry about, like how should he punish Tsukimaru?

After Dinner

Rin was full, she didn't now what but pranking takes a lot out of a girl, and she had some major plans to sort out. First was a visit to Edo the next day Sesshomaru promised she can travel on her own, the excuse was that she wanted a few recipes for meat. The day after tomorrow was what people in Kagome's time call "Pranks-giving" sorry "Thanksgiving" and it was sort of like a festival for families…Rin had loved the idea and insisted on it being part of the Wests own traditions. Inu-youkai around this time go on one last big hunt, before most animals go into hibernation and farmers haul in their final harvest for the season. This fit perfectly because with all the food going around, families could get together and celebrate a great season before the biting winter! She was broken out of her thoughts by her mates voice.

"Rin" immediately she looked up and smiled, something about him calling her just did that to her. "This one will meet you in the dojo in 15minutes, dress in your training gear, and bring some water" That mystified her…maybe Morning Court really did leave a number on him…and he wished to let of some steam sparring…but won't Tsuki-san be a better choice for that? Maybe she would just be present, because he wanted her near? That thought made her giddy, maybe Inuyasha-sama was wrong and she didn't have to worry about breaking trust?

15mins later

Rin waltzed into the Dojo dressed in her training clothes, her shiny black hair tied in a long high pony-tail as opposed to its usual knot at the base of her neck. She didn't know why but whenever she trained she felt the urge to show her neck…maybe it was her mates many lectures of using everything at her disposal when fighting? Either way it has never incapacitated her opponents before…exact opposite in fact…it seemed to make the sparring session longer and harder… it definitely didn't help that she often lost herself in her mate's eyes. Watching the golden orbs change shades depending on his mood was always fascinating, and Sesshomaru sparred with her, his eyes had a unique shade, that wasn't a warm amber (meaning he was happy, or aroused depending on situation) wasn't frozen gold (a colour that Rin has long learnt was very dangerous)…or his usual honey gold (neutral, and in Rin's opinion the worst shade Sesshomaru's eyes could ever be). The colour of his eyes during their sparring sessions was a colour that artists can spend their lives studying but never achieve, it was a perfect blend of colour. Rin was pretty sure she won't be involved in any action tonight, but that didn't mean she can't admire her mate from the side. As she settled on a bench to the right wall of the Dojo, Rin was giddy, she'd seen her mate fight many times, but the thrill never faded, she was almost jealous of Tsuki-san for being his sparring-partner… So when the door opened again, and her mate walked in by himself, she had a double take but before she can say anything her beloved mate said something that made her wish to join Shippo in the kitchen.

"Rin, this one has a preposition for you" He started his rich baritone echoed in the room, and made Rin shiver all she could manage was a weak

"Hai,Watashi wa kii te iru (I'm listening)"

"If you can last 10minutes against this Sesshomaru. This one will answer one of your questions about the mokomoko. If you cannot, this one gets to punish you as he sees fit. Wakarimasuka?"

That immediately got Rin's attention, she had zillions of questions about the fur on his shoulder. If sparring him will get her answers she's all for it. 'All girl, you can do this, just don't look him in the eyes and you'll be find…' Out loud she said "Wakarimashita"

Not looking him in the eyes will make sparring easier if that was all that could distract her. The smirk on Sesshomaru's face told her that he knew what she was planning and he was going to make sure this session was hard. Rin's thoughts proved right, when her mate went to the bench where he…TOOK OF HIS HAORI AND KIMONO! Leaving his upper body in only his Juban kimono, which in Rin's opinion he might as well take off as well…He was definitely doing this on purpose! How was she supposed to fight with him when she can see him like that how is she supposed to focus on sparring and lasting ten minutes when her mind can only think of that activity! Rin felt like crying…the young Lord with a perfect body knew that Rin won't be able to function properly. 'Sesshomaru-sama you aren't fighting fair~!' She wailed internally. Was this her punishment for pranking him this morning? If it was she was more than sorry now...wanting to simply beg her Lord to PLEASE NOT tease her visually. She can't last ten minutes with that in front of her, hell she doubted she can even lift her training sword against all that.

Sesshomaru was trying his best to not smirk, of course he knew how much he affected Rin…"Rin let us begin" He was looking forward to having her…host visiting dignitaries in his stead for a year.

about 10 minutes later.

Rin wanted to cry, avoiding his eyes was one thing, but as the sparring went on, Sesshomaru "magically" lost his juban Kimono too! Leaving her free to stare at his perfectly sculpted upper body, while handling a wooden training sword of her own and dodging his blows! Aside from losing her sword very quickly after his under kimono vanished, she had…kind of survived? She now had a problem between her legs, that he needed to take care off, but that was ok…she also had a few red marks from where his training sword had made contact with hers….but aside from that she was fine…that is if fine meant being wrapped up in his mokomoko. "Only a few had been fortunate enough to have Mokomoko be used as a weapon against them. These ones had be Lord-Cousin's father, the Lady Mother, and our Master" Recalling Tsukimaru's words, Rin supposed she should feel honoured that Sesshomaru had used the mokomoko on her…but still being wrapped up meant she lost, her questions won't be answered and she would be doing whatever her mate ordered her. That part sucked…being mated to a Lord usually meant having to bend to his will, Sesshomaru never ordered her before…but this time she knew he would be using that cold imperial tone, order her to do something…

"Rin. Ask your Question" If a head could snap up any faster…Rin's definitely would have, as it is, her neck simply made a very unpleasant snapping sound as it jerked up.

"Sesshomaru-sama…Rin lost the challenge…Rin awaits your order" Bowing down

A smirk appeared again "This one is not letting you off, he is merely curious about his mate's question"

"Why did you use Mokomoko to wrap up Rin and force her down?" That question blurted out before Rin can even think. Startling herself and the Western Lord, who as usual didn't show much expression

"Because Rin is worthy…" Now that was a loaded answer that explained…absolutely nothing…"Mokomoko is unique to Inu-youkai, it is not to be used as a weapon unless against special people" Rin smiled brightly, she was special, he didn't say he loved her, but he said she was special to him, said it in more ways than one too. To him she held the same value as his father did, as his Master, and his mother. Rin was so happy she almost didn't hear what he said next, "You will spend the next year hosting any visiting dignitary in my stead. Aishiteru, Rin" Then he went to put his kimono and haori back on.

Rin's mind mean time was blanked by the last few words "Love you, Rin"….

Sesshomaru waited patiently until…

'NANI!?" He can't hold the chuckle that escaped him.

Same note as last time: Feel free to murder me...this was 100% spur of the moment I had to get this out. Please review, I take any type of comments seriously. But I won't be editing much of anything until AFTER Calculus stops abusing my brain...I swear mathematicians don't come from the same world as us...

Happy "Pranks"giving...er sorry, Thanksgiving.