WOW~ This little story has 4,335 views! :O Most people actually moved on from the first chapter, and stuck around till this one. which I really find surprising. I guess I managed to make you all laugh since you stayed. To everyone who talked to me, thank you so much, especially to SessRinFan, Go to Bed, and FanficUsername1 for sticking with this silly project. If any viewers are students like me (especially those in HS, or Uni) or are full time workers がんばて as we enter a busy time! Now onto story いきますよう!
WARNING: purposeful OOCness their drunk. (One really is drunk...the other pretending.)
"Kon…BUURP-ira…s-suumima-sen. konpira ishidan sakura no massaURRRP karikirararara~" Two pairs of amber eyes stared at the current Lady of the West completely dumbfounded, at what alcohol could do.
Sesshomaru was the first to react. "Rin where are your manners, this one will not tolerate you behaving like some base born oaf."
His harsh cold tone seemed to have struck a chord in Rin because, the instant he finished talking Rin put down her Shamisen and ran to Sesshomaru, giving him a big bear hug.
"Sesshomaru, that is no way to talk to your mate…" The lady mother reprimanded her son before turning to Rin "Child, you are the Lady of the West now. What you do reflects on all of us. You know this correct"
Rin nodded her face hidden in Sesshomaru's fur. "Now, what do you say after you make such a disgraceful sound?" Rin pulled herself together. With perfect poise and as much elegance as a drunk woman can muster, she bowed to her Lord-mate and Mother-in Law. "Sumimasen. Please forgive this Lady for her rude behavior. This one meant no offense"
The Lady Mother sighed…her daughter in Law was salvageable after all. She was going to have to thank the Etiquette teacher tremendously for turning a country bumpkin into a well mannered Lady of Court. Now if only she could find a teacher to show her son, how to properly treat his mate. 'Toga…you left quite a troublesome boy…'
…5 minutes later….
"konpira miyama noaoba nokage kara kirararara-kin no gohei no hikari ga choi sasha miyama Kumogiri harewataru omiyawa konpira funagamisamada yoikirararara" Rin sang in her slurred voice, surprisingly there were no hiccup interruptions this time. Sesshomaru and his mother played the rest of the song both of them deep in thought about what to do next. It was the Lady Mother who during the game asked Rin,
"Rin-chan, what was it you wanted to ask Sesshomaru, or this old Lady?" The game continued alternating between knuckle and palm as the box was removed and put back. But both had their amber eyes focused on Rin. Simply playing on instinct as Rin's fingers had not stopped on the Shamisen. Girl appeared to have not heard until, she stopped playing her instrument and spoke up.
"Rin wanted to know about Mokomoko! Shoko san said something about puppies….Maru-sama can Rin have puppies someday!?…Lady Mother why is the Mokomoko so important to Inuyoukai?! Rin remembers sleeping with Mokomoko around her…it soft…Rin wants to do that again….Can she….Why are you looking at Rin funny?!" The thing was…Rin was talking so fast and so loudly, that the two Inuyoukai were having a hard time resisting the urge to cover their ears. Rin didn't know but she was practically shouting everything she says.
Now talking about babies was nothing to be discrete about in Inuyoukai culture. Their noses were so sensitive that trying to hide the smell of mating was next to impossible. One pair could be mating behind a shoji door and one unfortunate person down the hall could smell their passion. It was inevitable. So Inuyoukai had long ago decided make the physical act of mating itself wasn't something to accidentally smell and run to the hills screaming. It just was, something glorious and celebrated. The sound of it, was never a problem, by the time the sounds started, the youkai down the hall would have already smelled the passion and fled. When the smell hit their nose, Inuyoukai normally just smiled and respectfully stayed away. If the tales of gossiping women were to be believed it spared them the disgrace that both men and women suffered should someone foolishly walked in. There was zero shame in the act itself nor talking about it…the only shame related to passion that existed in Inuyoukai culture was, not being able to please. Which rarely happened so there was no shame…the reason why Sesshomaru and the Lady Mother were both looking funny was simple. Rin was a human women raised with the opposite teaching…she had adapted really well, but now she was loudly asking if she can have puppies, and loudly asking what the mokomoko was for. Both parties had ringing ears thanks to Rin's shouting, and sluggish minds from Rin's behavior. Lady Kiyomi had to admit, she didn't expect her Daughter in Law to assimilate so well into Inuyoukai culture. She expected Rin to find it odd, because many things rooted were connected to their sensitive noses and ears. Rin's hearing ability was fantastic for a human, as were her tracking skills. Both of which were honed by a life of foraging and hunting for survival…Even after she was put into the care of that elderly Miko. However compared to a youkai's Rin's impressive skills, were nothing, especially when compared to an Inuyoukai. Their race was famous for having the keenest senses of hearing and smell. It made them great allies, and even better enemies. Lady Kiyomi from her years of regent knew that much of Youkai kind were secretly glad Inuyoukai were rare, because of just that. Lady Kiyomi had to give it to Rin, the girl had proven herself time and again. She had learned their ways, and their language in the short span of two years, were it not for her distinctly human scent, she would have passed as an Inuyoukai.
Sesshomaru, was wondering if he heard right. In his mind Rin was always an innocent girl. He wanted to give her pups of her own to raise…but he loved Rin, and didn't want to push her. He knew that much of his court thought he married Rin simply because of her looks, and that she was just a mother cow. Someone he can sire a few children with before finding a proper mate to produce some full-blooded Inuyoukai heirs with. But that just wasn't the case. He can't bother trying to explain his feelings to those at court. Most of which had so many wives it caused feuds that gave him a headache! He only had Rin, and only wanted Rin, he wasn't going to be his father and get a mistress. Or be one of those obnoxious officials, who somehow convinced themselves their familial issues, were far more important than the many issues concerning thousands of subjects that he had to take care of. Sesshomaru had courted a few of the so called "proper ladies" before Rin…many were only concerned about their own welfare and the welfare of their families, others didn't even read Kanji. During his travels the women he'd encountered were no better, the most striking being Kagura, while pitiful and deserving sympathy, she had attempted to use him for his power. She was no better than the gold digging servants, or the self-righteous daughters of ministers. Rin had proven herself different time and again. That was why he chose her, and why he maintained a perfect demeanor around her. He only broke it during the haunted house…to see if she was like the others…he knew she was different, he just needed to see if she had guts, 'Mother shared the opinion….but Mother did mention, Rin might be ready for pups…this one will think about it…'
After a few minutes Rin started singing again "yama no naka, mori no naka, kaze no naka, yume no naka" Two silver heads jerked up….That wasn't the Konpira song…and as far as they knew they were still playing…either has decided to retire for the night…
"Rin, wrong song dear" The Lady Mother gently reminded.
"Gomenasai….Konpirafunefuneoikazenihokakete Shurashushushu mawareba ShikokuwaSanshūnaka nogōriZōzusankonpiradaigongen…" Rin's singing was more slurred that before, but that didn't affect the tempo of the song at all. But for this round there was a big difference from previous rounds. Sesshomaru wasn't playing at his best, his thoughts completely on what his mother had said. 'Was Rin ready for a pup? Or was she simply curious about his Mokomoko? Perhaps both?'
"Sesshomaru….You just knocked the box with your knuckle" His mother said with a smug, almost mocking tone in her voice as she placed the box back in place.
"Gomen…" He accepted the extra shot of Sake.
"Rin wants to wear Mokomoko! " A completely random, totally excited sentence came from Rin whose eyes were again on his shoulder. A long suffering sigh escaped the Lord of the West as his mokomoko slithered off him to wrap itself around Rin. Under his breath he said to his mother "This one doesn't think Rin knows what she is doing…"
"Sesshomaru, do you really think so ill off women? Oh how you wound me!"
"Mother this one is being serious!"
"From this Old Lady's observations, Rin has learnt our ways remarkably well…she seems to know we take no shame in mating, and understands the logic. Her strokes on your mokomoko, are also how your old textbooks depicted females of our kind showing they are ready, no?" She looked her son's blank face…then looked at his eyes where she found he didn't follow. A sigh escaped her…her son for all is strength and intelligence had a very little attention span for everything he deemed useless…mating was evidentially one of them. A sad thing given that their kind was rare, and thus procreation was a must…luckily he had a lovely mate, and if her recent judgements are correct a smart one. 'Kami-sama, how did I raise this boy for so long?'
…1 hour later…
Lady Kiyomi was helping her son move his drunk mate from the tea-room to their private chamber. The Lady Mother had high hopes for the rest of the night. This time the next morning, she might get the delightful news she was finally going to be a grandmother.
As she was being carried by her mate…Rin's alcohol-hazed mind wandered from her hard life as an orphan, to the happiness she has felt since being taken in by the Lord of the West, to finally the bliss of now as the mate of her beloved Lord. Humming the tune she had made up years ago Rin thought of some stuff she had never voiced, and likely never will. But in her alcohol haze, Rin's tongue was extremely free and she had no inhibitions about talking, it all came flooding out of her mouth.
"Sesshomaru-sama…Did you kn-ick, Rin had always felt so small here…li-ike Rin might not really belong. Everyone in the West seem better than Rin. Hick…Rin doesn't know if she can do anyth-ick anymore…Rin feels like everything about Rin is connected to Sesshomaru-sama's status as Lord of the West. Rin pranks people…because Rin wants people to see Rin…for Rin…not because Rin is Sesshomaru-sama's mate. Rin kn-knows she has noth-ick to give Sesshomaru-sama… Rin can only give love, and herself. But…hick…Sesshomaru-sama can't give Rin the same! Sesshomaru is so distant, never really ack-ick-nowledging Rin besides the typical morning routine. Rin w-hick-wishes she can help Sesshomaru-sama, and not be a burden. Rin feels totally useless, like all the studying she does is pointless…And not just Rin, many people say that. Sesshomaru-sama do you love your paperwork more than Rin? Is Rin really just a mother cow?" Rin had been feeling inferior, and stressed since she mated Sesshomaru, that was no secret to the Lady Mother. The poor girl had come crying to her many times about how everyone was better than her, and how she felt she was always in the shadows. Rin had reported that she feels like everyone sees her as just a toy Sesshomaru took a liking to…She was forever tied to the Lord of the West. She had no strengths of her own and no skills that set her apart. But she desperately wished she could fit the shows the Lady Mother was leaving her. How Sesshomaru knew none of this confused Lady Kiyomi but in a way she understood. Sesshomaru would not have taken Rin's feelings of inferiority well. Rin was definitely strong, and very smart to have hidden it so well. But Lady Kiyomi can't help breathing in relief that the girl had finally told her mate everything that has been weighing down on her. It wasn't healthy to keep it bottled inside, and she can't come running to the Castle in the Sky every time. A Lady had her duties to do. It was better if he knew and could support her. The former Lady can't quite relate to the girl, having never felt powerless and inferior in her life, but she did understand where Rin was coming from.
"Rin studied the Inuyoukai culture and language so hard-hick, becaUUURP…s-sumimasen…because she wanted to help….but no matter what she does she can't compete with the other ladies at court….Rin is just so stupid, so useless. Sesshomaru-sama that must be why you never told Rin about Mokomoko's significance right? Sesshomaru-sama only mated Rin out of obligation right?"
After talking Rin promptly started singing again continuing the song she started to sing before being told to continue the Konpira game and then spent the majority of the trip down the hall humming.
"Watashi ha hitori de machimashou, Sesshomaru-sama omodori wo"
The song never sounded so sad… "I will wait for you, until you come, Sesshomaru-sama please return to me"
"Mother…is this the first time you're hearing all this too?"
"Iie…This one has known for quite a while, that your little Rin has been feeling like her Title is an empty one. That everything is because of who you are, that nobody really respects her, likes her for her."
"This one had no idea that she was worried. Rin has always been so happy everyday. Visiting officials have even commented on her wit. This one fails to see how Rin could feel the way she does"
"To hold the title Lady of the West is an honor, but it is also a tremendous burden. If one isn't careful the pressure is able to crush them. The same can be said for being a Lord. Go get an official title they say, you'll be fine then they say…but anyone who is in the position can tell you that it is a lot of work, and the pay off isn't always guaranteed. Surely you know this, son?"
"But mother, This one is handling most of the hard tasks of managing the West…." The current Lord cocked his head to the side, amber eyes slightly widened in his confusion.
"So you think with the Lord handling most of the tasks the Lady's job is just to sit pretty is it? My son, I thought I raised you better than that."
"This one just means…This Sesshomaru is alive and active in the daily politics, Rin should not have be feeling the burden of ruling…"
"This Kiyomi must have erred somewhere to have raised such a dimwit…you have a brain Sesshomaru…why not try using it before you ask Rin why she may feel the way she does." After saying this Lady Kiyomi turned around to leave, before deciding so say something more. Turning her head over her shoulder she told her son "This Kiyomi knows from experience, that it is not easy to be in Rin's position. This one pushed through, because she was determined to raise you as best she can. Rin doesn't have a little Koinu depending on her right now, she should at least have her mate…." With that advise The former Lady went to her own chambers situated far enough that the sounds and smells the couple, hopefully makes, won't disturb her too much.
…In Sesshomaru and Rin's Chambers…
Rin having poured her feelings of pressure and inferiority a bit earlier was now dancing about the room singing a happy tune. A stark contrast to her dark speech, that left Sesshomaru stunned and upset. He wanted to know more about why she was feeling the way she felt, but felt like breaching that topic was not something he should do. Not directly at least…so how to do it?
'Rin likes to sing…This one could sing for his mate…This one has his Koto here somewhere…perhaps singing for a song for her will somehow trigger her into talking' Getting of his mat Sesshomaru went to a closet situated near the window, from inside he retrieved an instrument: Made of Kiri wood that had been seasoned for a year before being forged into the base of the instrument. The ivory bridges where custom designed to match his true form. The string was yellow silk, and finely threaded. The wood itself was carved in the Mokume fashion. Despite his nobility Sesshomaru had decided to include the Makura ito due to finding the sound richer.
Returning to his cushion Sesshomaru tuned his instrument. Rin had settled beside him when she saw him get it, so she was now on her belly legs in the air, looking very much like the little girl she no longer was.
"Anything Rin would like to hear?" He asked softly as he strummed his Koto.
Rin replied completely off topic "Sesshomaru sama loves three things: Mokomoko, Koto and the West….Where does Rin fit?"
Instead of answering her Sesshomaru played a song called "舟の夢: Boat of Dreams" from book of instrumental songs that Kagome had brought back with her from her world. It had quickly become Rin's favorites, and she had somehow copied the musical script and lyrics, bringing them to the West. Sesshomaru was sure that if Kagome knew of this she would worry about time-line issues. But so far the two songs have stayed in his study and not been touched, by anyone save himself.
"Jōnetsu-tekina akogare de, watashi wa watashi no bōto o michibiku gūzen no deai wa atarashī itami o motarasu. Yorokobi no naka de, naze sono yōna kanashimi?" (With passionate yearning, I guide my boat though chance encounters bring new pain; In the midst of pleasure why such sorrow?)
Again he was interrupted but this time it was welcome because it offered an answer. He normally didn't sing, Rin had said once he should sing along when he played the Koto, but he had always left that to her. She liked to sing after all. This time was an exception. 'Mother had said this one used to sing when drunk…if it gets Rin to talk about why she feels unwanted, this one's humiliation will not have been in vain' He reasoned to himself.
Rin's head shot up, eyes going from his mokomoko to his face, her jaw slightly open as he continued singing. Being mated to him for two years, Rin had never heard him sing…Operation get Sesshomaru drunk was a success…but she was also drunk…that was a bummer because it wasn't part of her grand Konpira plan: Get make drunk and fire endless questions at him. His tongue would be loosened by all the alcohol and his brain gone somewhere. So she'd finally get all her answer…instead they were both being drunk together. Which she didn't mind, because they got to spend time together and relax like Kagome had said. The entire song told a story of love and sorrow, pain and joy, through a boating analogy it was one of her favorite songs for that very reason. Her alcohol fogged brain had long abandoned etiquette and manners. So without any guilt she again interrupt an artist while he played his instrument, to answer his question.
"Rin is sorrowful in the midst of pleasure because she feels out of place, Sesshomaru-sama. Rin feels she's an easily replaced person, easily overlooked. Rin plays pranks because Rin wants to be noticed. Rin doesn't want to lose her mate." The sound of the Koto stopped as Sesshomaru turned to her with an incredulous look on his face. "Playing pranks makes people laugh and notice Rin, or get angry at Rin. Either way Rin gets some attention from your court that is keen on ignoring Rin because she isn't a Youkai, nor is she like Princess Izayoi, or the Lady Mother! One is docile and delicate, demure almost to a fault. The other is strong and elegant. Both carry themselves with such grace. Sometimes Rin really hates the fact that Sesshomaru-sama is really a LORD that it's not just an honorary title, but your ACTUAL TITLE. Sesshomaru-sama, do you KNOW how much PRESSURE THAT TITLE PUTS ON ME? Rin feels like everything she does and everything she can do is BECAUSE I MARRIED THE FUCKING LORD OF THE WEST! It's not seen as RIN is able to do things, but as LORD INDULGING MATE!" The current Lord had never heard his mate actually swear before, or sound so upset. She was a happy girl, that was just how it was. She was the girl who sang to the stars happily while alone, who skipped through streams and climbed trees with a smile on her face. Even in the village when she had to learn medical skills, in the palace just a year ago learning to write Kanji she smiled and laughed…He'd always assumed she was happy doing what she did and where she was, that the pressures normally associated with status didn't affect her.
"This one didn't know…" was all he could say…before going back to his Koto and finishing the song, this time he didn't sing the lyrics. He just allowed the strings to calm his mate. He had a lot more questions, but those can wait. He didn't memorize all the lyrics after all, so he'll sing again with the song repeats. Or he'd just keep playing until she falls asleep.
"Sesshomaru-sama…why did you never tellick Rin about the Mokomoko…it's import-ick-ant to you isn'tick?"
Feeling like he ought to answer after all Rin had spilled to him he explained "Because it's one part of this one, that isn't human. This one knows Rin isn't afraid of him, or of his true form. But this one felt that Rin, being a human woman, will not be able to understand."
"ARE YOU SAYING I'M STUPID JUST BECAUSE I'M HUMAN?!" Rin shouted completely forgetting about her mate's sensitive years. 'YOU SOUND JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE AT COURT. RIN IS HUMAN, SO RIN HAS TO BE A FOOT, IS THAT IT!?" If this were anime Sesshomaru's hair would have flown to the side and he'd be leaning away from Rin with dishes for eyes. As it is, he is simply left with a very unpleasant ringing in his ears, his face set in a scowl.
"BAKA YA ROU! I AM SAYING THAT RIN HAS A LOT TO LEARN ABOUT INUYOUKAI! the Alcohol had definitely affected him, Sesshomaru had dropped his formal speech and openly shouted at Rin, uncaring about being proper at the minute, he simply can't stop his sarcastic nature from showing through the mask of a proud indifferent Lord. "YOU'RE SO SMART, RIN, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE TAUGHT OUR CULTURE! "
"STUDIES! Rin doesn't even see the point of it anymore if everyone is just going to assume everything Rin is able to do is because she's the Lord's mate! If even her MATE thinks that Rin can't possibly fill the Lady Mother's shoes! Doesn't TRUST her enough to inform her about something obviously very important!"
"Mokomoko is something that can be used in a variety of ways, but the symbolism of it is very important. We are born with it, it grows as an Inuyoukai's power grows. It is a part of me Rin! IF YOU HAD JUST STOPPED FEELING OH SO SORRY FOR YOURSELF AND PAID ATTENTION TO YOUR STUDIES, YOU'D KNOW!" Sesshomaru had no experience dealing with someone with high stress levels. Partially to do with himself having grown accustomed to the pressure and stress that his title came with. He also had no idea how to deal with people feeling out of place, and inferior, both of which he'd never seen since he took the Western throne. After collecting himself for a few minutes Sesshomaru spoke again in the mocking tone he used when talking to his opponents. "This one is impressed that his mate would think being the Lady of the West is sitting pretty, and drinking tea. Please enlighten this one on just how you managed to survive these last two years. "
Rin humphed and turned away her back at him. Sesshomaru just sighed…he'd talked enough for the night. Alcohol was definitely affecting them both, now he just wanted to peacefully play his Koto now…maybe one of these days he'd get Rin to play her Shamisen along side him. 'So much for not regretting what you said...' He can picture his mother down the hall, face palming right now, shaking her head probably muttering something along the lines of "open mouth, insert foot."
Deciding that the best way to get across to Rin was probably through music Sesshomaru started strumming the stings of his Koto again. Deciding on a different song, he played Tsuki no sabaku, a song that told a fairy tale story. He didn't really know why he chose play a song that had lyrics, instead of an instrumental score like he normally played but it didn't really matter. In a was a good song, and the lyrics told the story a prince and a princess were traveling through the harsh desert on camels with only the light of the moon guiding them. " Tsuki no sabaku o harubaru to tabi no rakuda ga ikimashita…Futatsunarande ikimashita"
"One silver one gold, walking side by side…Sesshomaru-sama is that really what you think" came Rin's sleepy, slurred voice. The Lord of the West can't help but smile at her. Rin had moved to his lap now…apparently over her hate of him…or was it hate of his title? Seemed the same in his mind.
"Hai…this one thinks we're side by side all the time. Aishiteru, Rin" He whispered, before giving her a chaste kiss that, slowly became more passionate. Rin, drunk and uncaring about chastity, deepened the kiss pressing herself against him. Somehow to her, he always tasted like the mint-leaves Kaede had her chew whenever a suitor came. At that time, mint was a very repulsive taste, but now it wasn't. Maybe it was because the suitors Kaede set up for her made her feel nothing, while her mate made her feel like a treasure to be kept, and loved...she could do without the extra burdens of his damned title though. Deciding that she wanted more, she slipped her tongue into his mouth, as he sought to do the same. Rin's alcohol filled mind stopped thinking at that moment. Meanwhile Sesshomaru was thinking the alcohol must have affected him more than he thought…or he was a better actor than he ever gave himself credit for, because he was saying many things, that normally he'd never say, and now sharing a passionate kiss with his mate...who just a few minutes ago he was angry at. Hands roamed and felt each other as they continued kissing only parting briefly for air before resuming their kiss. Rin again taking the first action and slipping her hands underneath Sesshomaru's silk robes. He very quickly found a drunk Rin was a bold Rin.
With as much strength as he could muster, Sesshomaru pulled away from Rin just as she was starting to fiddle with his obi, much to her disappointment. Reasoning to himself and her that it just won't do to couple while completely drunk. But secretly he had to admit it might not be a bad idea if it meant Rin getting over her…what did Kagome say these attacks were called…Anxiety. A sigh escaped as he watched Rin settle in his lap again as he retrieved his Koto, which she had set aside to avoid breaking it. Strumming the strings, he thought about what Rin had said after getting drunk. Rin likely had what Kagome would call an "Im-po-su-ta" "Sen-do-ro-me" whatever that was, and her speeches showed that behind her happy playfulness, his young mate had a keen sense of inferiority due to to her humanity that he never knew of. 'Arigato, whomever came up with Konpira, this one owes you' Making a mental note to play Konpira with Rin more often, he resumed singing her to sleep. Thinking to himself that Konpira was a wonderful game to play, especially with sake, he got to hold Rin close, have a real heart to heart with her, and sing to her. 'This one should make it a tradition…maybe once a week he and his mate will play Konpira…or we can try Tosenkyo,…demo this one needs to fist cure Rin of her sen-do-ro-me' As he thought his fingers continued strumming his Koto gently singing Tsuki no sabaku lulling Rin into a peaceful sleep.
In the chamber a ways down…
Lady Kiyomi of the West smiled…she had not raised a cruel, coarse son. Sure he shouted as his mate, but it was for her own good, and now he sings for his mate to cheer her up. Now that the sorriness was lessened…the night was still young…maybe they get down to making that grandchild for her… regardless, Konpira was now one of her favorite games, for bringing her son closer to his mate, if it didn't happen tonight at least she was one step closer to getting her grandchild.
A/N: This turned out a lot darker than what I originally wanted, I guess my own feelings accidentally got projected a into Rin. Stress and anxiety are funny things, especially mixed with an inferiority complex you got a recipe for...very unpleasant stuff. Mokomoko actually started during a very bad time for me so I guess I should be glad that the unpleasant and dark feelings didn't show up earlier? Anyways, hopefully it won't continue, this is meant to be a funny, light hearted story after all. Ja ne!