Y-ICEY Hey hun, I'm so sorry that the whole time-stop thing with Naera was confusing, I'll be clearing that up within the next few chapters, but unfortunately it wouldn't be until after paperwork gets situated! ;)
Guest THANK YOU!
Therecei3ver Oh hun, you are fine! I totally understand, I've lost touch with some other lovely fics and forgot to review a few because of school as well. Thank you so much for following each chapter. I also got backed up with this fic because of school and some other personal things as well.
Guest Orifice Thank you so much for rereading sweetie! I'm so happy that you like the little details!
Enjoy guys!
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Naera looked at Dion, and Dion grinned back.
"He looks...menacing." Totosai whispered as he looked at the pre-made migrant visa Naera made.
"Menacing is an understatement, Gramps - He looks like he needs to be on an FBI watchlist." Dion stated, almost proudly.
"Damn, maybe we should tone it. They might question why...Rin wanted to marry the guy." Naera stated doubtfully.
"-Mmm, Nahhh." Both Totosai and Dion agreed.
"Well, we did it Gramps! We finished nearly everything-save if he asks for anything extra." Naera continued.
"Kami, I hope he doesn't! I'm too old to be doing these." Totosai groaned while rubbing his back.
"Well, how are old are you anyways gramps?" Dion asked.
"Hmm, lemme see…" Totosai began grumbling and counting under his breath.
"I'm unsure, but according to what I remember, I'm about 2 million years old."
"HOLY! I wish I could grow to be that old!" Naera cried.
"Way to rub it in, Naera!" Dion sighed.
"Why in heaven would you want to be that old?" Totosai cried, genuinely surprised.
"Beca-" Dion cut Naera before she could finish, "I," he started by beating his chest, "WANT TO BE ABLE TO RETELL THE SECRETS OF HUMANITY AND RECITE THE EARTH'S HISTORY! I WANT TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THE PROGRESSION OF TIME!"
"Ahh, youngins. Well I could tell you what I'm familiar with another day."
Naera cocked her head, "Gramps, are you sure they'll be another time-you know, with your age and all?"
Totosai rolled some documents and bopped Naera in the head, "OUCH!"
"That didn't even hurt, and I'm more than sure I still have some time left! I'm just sad to know that I wouldn't be able to see the end of time as we know it." He declared.
"-Why would you want to see the end of the earth? I mean, like wouldn't you be killed?" Dion wondered aloud.
"That's what I want to know!" Totosai continued, "Maybe the earth would cease to exist and we end up living on another planet. I'm unsure, but very curious!"
Dion's phone began to ring, and he picked up.
"Yeah, uh huh, see you then." Dion looked up at Naera before the line ended, "That was Matthew, he wants us to meet him and Amani for dinner. I think we should go."
Naera smiled before shaking Totosai's hand, "Thank you Gramps, you made me very happy by allowing me to get back at Shigeto!"
"No problem kids, you just be safe out there. Oh child wait, before you go, let me give you a sheath for that sword, as well as a holding sash."
Totosai got up and began rummaging through a wardrobe before producing a deep mahogany sheathe and a teal sash.
"Here, tie it to your waist and tie the sheath's cord to your sash, that way, you may carry the sword."
"Okay, thank you!" Naera nodded before taking the items from him.
Dion eyed the sword with disgust as Naera tied the items to her waist.
"Goodnight children, be safe."
Totosai followed them to the stairwell, and opened the door for them to exit, while the chimes went off.
"Night Gramps!" Both greeted and waived on their way out.
00000
Rin bit her lip as the car ride remained awkwardly silent. Neither said a word, and seemingly, he had no intention of speaking, either.
Rin silently prayed to God that the ride wouldn't continue in the same manner.
After some time they arrived, and with embarrassment fresh on her mind, Rin excused herself immediately to her room.
00000
"Goodmorning, Sunshine!" Aka cooed.
Rin jumped up violently, still dazed "Bom dia! Wait, Good Morning!"
"Wow child, you're still half asleep! It's already 9!"
Rin rolled out of the bed respectfully, before promptly beginning to make it up. "I'm so sorry!"
"Sorry for what? Child, this place is pristine! I hope you aren't cleaning it all day!"
Rin laughed then, "No ma'am, we were away for most of the weekend. We arrived late last night."
Aka nodded, but didn't respond to Rin as she watched her intently.
"Well, judging by your bloodshot eyes you were insanely busy. I should just let you get some rest." Her voice held an edge of worry that Rin couldn't exactly place.
Rin silently cursed the situation before rubbing her eyes, a half-truth should suffice, no? Still, I hate lying.
"Aka-san, apologies! I need to finish putting away these things I bought. We'd purchased them all on Friday, and Saturday we left early to meet with Shigeto's friend from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The good news is, my birth certificate and so on can be reinstated. Bad news is, could take upwards of a few weeks to get them since they aren't US documentation. I wish i'd protected my vital information better.."
"Child, the most important thing is your life. Everything else can always be replaced. May I ask, do you have any family or friends who are worried about your well being? I'm deeply concerned that as of yet I haven't heard a thing about your family."
Rin blanched, "Aka-san, I-I have no family."
The woman froze while picking up a box, "What?"
"I-I don't have any family. I lost them years ago in a fire. I-I'm sorry I shouldn't be weighing you down like this so early in the morning."
Aka continued, "No one? No aunts, uncles, cousins? Not even some extended family?"
Rin shook her head, before her throat began to knot, "I do have some family on my dad's side, but they want nothing to do with me."
The older woman sat on the foot of the bed besides Rin, "I am so sorry. A lovely person like yourself shouldn't be alone in this world."
"Oh, it's fine really! Please put that box down ma'am, I could get this cleared up myself!"
Aka sighed, "With this much sweetie, I don't think so. Let's tackle this together."
Rin gave a thumbs up before running off to brush her teeth.
00000
Aka finally placed the last of the shoes in the walk-in-wardrobe, before standing up and calling Rin in the bathroom.
"Hey Rin, I know we've finished up here, but I don't feel comfortable leaving you all home alone. Would you like to run some errands with me?"
Rin giggled, "But Aka-san, I would've loved to create my own rendition of Home Alone 2!"
Aka scoffed before returning Rin's giggle, "Please stop calling me Aka-san. You can just call me Aka, or even aunty would suffice."
"Oh no! I couldn't ma'am, I don't feel comfortable doing so. I truly don't feel it's proper for me to overstep my bounds, especially since I'm just a guest."
Aka sighed, "Girl, just what am I going to do with you?"
Rin just smiled with a shrug.
00000
Aka and Rin sped through the quaint little city in an old 1977 Lincoln Continental.
The two pulled up to Costco, and Rin grinned with all teeth on display.
"I love Costco! We have it in Japan, too! Their bread is awesome!"
Aka laughed, "I guess that's a constant, huh? I must say, I do fancy their bread myself. Have you tried the cranberry walnut bread?"
"Mmm, not that I recall?"
"Well, young lady we need to do some groceries, and that's just another item on our list for today."
Rin huffed before dropping her shoulders, "You should've told me! I could've saved you some time and made the list myself, Aka-san!"
Aka unbuckled her seatbelt while shuffling for her purse, "Well young lady, you were out of town! I think that would be the last thing on your mind."
Rin unbuckled her seatbelt as well, "You're right, considering the insane weekend I had! Also, that reminds me, I don't think we should do all of the groceries here at Costco! I don't want to buy too many things in bulk and they go to waste!"
Aka looked at Rin incredulously, "You're both young, so obviously you're going to be very hungry."
"Ma'am you have a large family from what I recall! I don't think Shigeto-san and I are going to manage to clear 5 pounds of apples unless you're willing to split it up!"
"I couldn't!"
"I will force you to take them!"
Aka waved her hand and exited the vehicle.
Rin followed behind her, and Aka handed Rin both the Costco and credit card. Rin flashed the card to the greeter and handed it back to Aka.
"Young lady, those are not my cards! Shigeto-san handed it to me earlier, so I'd suggest you put it away."
Rin blinked before registering the comment, and placed it in her purse.
Mesmo que não tenhamos falado, ele não deixa uma pedra solta.
[Even though we haven't been on speaking terms, he doesn't leave a single stone unturned.]
Rin shrugged as they passed the produce aisle, and debated on what to pick up.
"Spinach is always a constant." Aka mumbled.
Rin overheard and joined in, "I'm not picky! So since I'm here I'll pick up some bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, rice, potatoes, the usuals."
Aka met Rin's eyes, "Are you sure?"
"Yeah! I mean, why not?"
Aka grimaced, "I wish my children were like you. Somehow each and every one of them have some self-imposed dietary restriction."
At that, Rin chuckled lightly behind her hand.
00000
"Oh, Aka-san, I cannot possibly finish all of this up, please allow me to split with you!" Rin groaned as she exited Costco, pushing the cart with a 50 pound bag of rice, as well as all sorts of vegetables, meats, snacks, and non-perishable seasonings.
Aka sighed, "I don't think it's that much."
Rin knew exactly why she was saying it, and didn't want to raise any red flags.
"Shigeto-san really isn't a big eater, and he's picky too. My heart would break if this went bad."
Aka sighed, "Alright. Just because I know he isn't a big eater, really, what does he even eat?"
The receipt checker extended her hand for the receipt, and Rin handed it to her.
The lady reviewed the receipt and the groceries, before handing back the signed receipt with a, "Thank you!"
As soon as the two stepped outside Rin's teeth began to chatter, "This cold burns my face!"
Aka laughed, "Well, it is that season. I'll tell you what, slathering come shea butter or cocoa butter really stops the windburn. I think I have some in the car."
Rin nodded while pushing the cart, "I'd appreciate it!"
The duo reached the beat up continental, and proceeded to load the trunk and backseat.
After they were done, Aka climbed into the driver's seat and proceeded to fight with the ignition.
"Uh-oh."
"Oh, it's fine! She does this all the time."
After a little fight, the car finally revved to life, and allowed them to pull off.
When they exited the parking lot, Aka looked over her shoulder to the left before merging.
"Forgive me Rin, I don't mean to be intrusive but do you have enough undergarments?"
Rin turned red, "I do!"
"Are they just basic pack underwear?"
"...They are?"
Aka sighed, "You're a young lady! Not a child! You're entitled to having some more luxurious lingerie."
Rin forced an exhale, "Excuse me?"
"I'm not saying it's for anyone else! That's for you! When I was your age I was excited to order lovely sets from catalogues."
Rin covered her face, "I'm fine, I can assure you Aka-san!"
"I'll have none of that! We, my dear, are heading to the mall."
"God please, not Victoria's secret! Their crotches are too long!"
"Oh heavens no, we're heading to Soma!"
Rin could only groan.
00000
The duo walked into Soma and the female sales floor assistant approached them.
"Hello ladies! Do any of you need a professional fitting today."
"Oh yes, my daughter here does." Aka informed the assistant.
Rin turned a violent shade of red, before mumbling "I'm not stripping myself bare to get measured today!"
Aka turned, disregarding the associate momentarily, "Pray tell, young lady what kind of bra are you wearing today?"
"Racerback bralette?"
"You need something with properly sized bands and cups! Those things are just one size fit all, with no real support!"
The associate watched uncomfortably as they went back and forth in Japanese.
Rin turned to the associate with a nervous smile, before returning her gaze back to Aka, "I don't have much in that department, I don't need any additional support! There's-There's nothing to support"
Aka disregarded Rin entirely, before starting in English "Size her."
Rin squealed with embarrassment as the associate led her to a fitting room.
"It's not that bad! Trust me, when I came for my first fitting I was so nervous, but I was allowed to keep on a thin spaghetti strap tank during mine. I think the fitter wouldn't mind."
Rin looked at the busty associate, "I hope so."
The associate relayed some instructions from the fitter, then notified her that the fitter would be with her momentarily, before taking off.
Rin sat bare from the top up and seethed on the inside.
Oh deus, e está frio, meus mamilos estão ... Jeez! Isso é terrível!
[Oh god, and it's cold, my nipples are-Jeez! This is terrible!]
The fitter entered the curtained fitting room and gave Rin a warm smile.
"Hello young lady, how do you do today?"
Rin smiled as if she weren't half naked.
"Hello, fine, thank you. Yourself?"
"Dandy, young lady. Can I ask you to stand here and lift your arms?"
Rin tried to overcome her embarrassment and died a bit on the inside as she raised her arms.
The lady was quick, but paused before redoing the measurements.
"Don't be ashamed young lady, we all have them."
Rin grimaced over her shoulder towards the woman.
The lady sighed as Rin put her sweater back on, "We have a tad bit of a problem."
Rin cringed, Há algo errado com meu peito
[There's something wrong with my boobs, isn't there?!]
"It's nothing bad. You just happen to fall between cup sizes A and B. I think B would be a bit of a better fit, but I couldn't even give you bras to try today."
Rin's eyes flew open, "Come again?"
"Oh! Your band size is a 26, and we don't carry anything smaller than 30 in store! Usually, I would recommend going with a larger cup size and a smaller band for a snug fit. I would have to specialty order them for you and have you come back in, if you would like."
"Um, okay, I guess we can do that."
"Alrighty then, I'll make some orders and get your contact information for when they arrive. In the meantime, my associate can show you to our panty selection. We have a 6 for 36$ sale, as well as a buy 3 get 2 free sale on thongs. Although, I don't think the alternative would interest you."
"Thank you." Rin died on the inside, Deus, se você está me ouvindo apenas me ferir agora! Ataque-me agora Senhor! Eu não posso fazer isso!
[God, if you're hearing me just smite me now! Strike me now Lord! I can't do this!]
Between the pressuring of Aka and the floor associate, she ended up picking some lacy boyshorts and retro-looking high waisted briefs.
"Well, at least when I'm done here, I'll look like a vintage star!"
The associate nodded, "But if I had your body, I'd want to look like a bombshell."
Aka laughed, "To each their own, I guess!"
00000
"See that wasn't so bad, was it?" Aka smiled.
"Forgive my bluntness, but it was pretty bad! I can't fathom returning for the bra fitting session."
"Ah, don't sweat it! You can model in your bathroom after it's said and done!"
Rin laughed as she readjusted the bag over her coat.
The two left the strip mall and slid into the '77 Continental, but the vehicle had other plans.
Aka kept revving the engine, and the car would. not. start.
"Oh no for real this time." Aka sighed.
Rin looked at the groceries in the car, and the incriminating soma bag.
"I can order a lyft!" Rin supplied.
"No, no! It's fine, my niece wouldn't mind!"
Rin relaxed considerably.
"Are you truly nervous about just a little bag?" Aka teased while dialing her niece.
Rin's retort was cut as Aka spoke to her niece.
"My niece said 20 minutes."
"Are you sure?"
"Sweetie," she admonished, "I've already made the call. It's fine."
00000
"Hey aunty!" A jovial voice cheered while pulling up to the lincoln.
"Saera!" Aka greeted, "This is Rin! The girl I was telling you about."
"Hi Rin! I've heard so much about you! Come on in, I know you guys are cold. I can move the groceries."
Rin refused, "Oh no! Your aunty should get in, but I've got this."
Saera shook her head and opened up the driver's door of the red subaru outback.
Rin couldn't contain her shock as Saera climbed out the car with her very pregnant stomach.
The two quickly moved the groceries from the car and into the truck before climbing back in.
"Oh! You guys went Soma?"
Rin nodded while Aka enthusiastically ranted about the experience.
"Aunty, you need to stop scaring girls!"
"But bras are important! They stop your breast from falling!"
"Aunty, that's not true."
"Well, I guess I'm a traditionalist."
"Sorry Rin-chan, my aunty did the same thing to me when I was younger. She really believes in good underwear. Hell, she still does it."
Rin giggled, "It's alright. My mom would've done the same."
Saera smiled, "Well aunty, when my husband comes home I'll have him tow the car."
00000
"Over the weekend I met a girl named Naera! It's so funny how your names are almost the same."
"If the lottery were letters, I would've told you to definitely play 'a-e-r-a'"
"Just watch, i'm gonna meet someone named Aera!"
Aka watched with gratitude that Rin and Saera were getting along, her niece was a sweet girl who unfortunately didn't have very many friends. Someone outside of their family of absolute kooks needed to befriend the poor child.
The three were in the kitchen preparing a light snack, before a greedy figure entered the kitchen.
"Yoshida! Why are you here?"
The guy wearing a ramen tracksuit shrugged, "Was hungry?"
Rin blinked at the seemingly materializing figure.
"Oh yeah I forgot to tell you aunty, Yoshida came this morning."
"You're hungry?" Aka admonished before knocking his head with her knuckle, "like we don't have food at home! You make me seem like such a terrible mother!"
Yoshida ducked to avoid the next incoming hit, "But you never have anything instant!" he whined.
Rin blinked while trying to make sense of his half red, half green hair. Maybe the christmas spirit?
Saera sighed while taking a bite of cucumber salad.
"Oh! Who's that?" Yoshida smiled while checking Rin out.
"Hey! Looking at women like that in my house is off limits, Yoshi!" Saera admonished.
Aka looked near to having a stroke, and Rin quickly poured some chilled water in a glass with squeezed lime to lower her anger-induced blood pressure spike.
She then helped Aka take a seat in the dining area and encouraged her to calm down.
Yoshida, on the other hand, decided snapchatting his surroundings would be great idea.
"This is my pad, you know, we out here living large."
Saera cut him a nasty glare and snatched his phone.
She decided to make a quick snap, "This isn't Yoshida's house guys! It's mine, his cousin's! He's a struggling soundcloud artist that lives in his mom's basement, so ladies, he's not worth it."
Yoshida snatched his phone back, "Hey!"
Aka glared over her glass, "Yoshida, if you think you could fool Rin here, you're the fool."
Yoshida laughed nervously while scratching his twisted hair, "Oh ma, it's not like that! You know, in order to make some deals I've gotta speak things into existence."
Aka picked up the remainder of the lemon water before sprinkling her son.
"Like I'm really going to fall for that, Yoshida!"
Rin cringed and pretended to not hear any of that.
"Oh Saera, could you help me divide the groceries?" Rin asked sweetly, to give Yoshida some privacy during his scolding.
The pregnant girl nodded, and met Rin by the door to divide out the bulk sized produce. Rin generously gave Saera some fruits, vegetables, and even split the beef and chicken between them.
Rin squatted when Saera dropped some of the limes she gave her, and Yoshida was quick to stare her down from the kitchen while his mother sung her soul.
"Oh, damn, she got a fatty." he muttered.
Aka was livid, "ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO ME?" between pants, she followed her son's line of sight.
"I did not raise you like this, Yoshida! I brought you into this world and will not hesitate to take you out!"
Her son, unfortunately, had a one track mind and continued to stare, unheeding of his mother's warnings.
Aka angrily refilled her glass at the fridge before dumping it on Yoshida.
"Here's a drink since you've been so thirsty!"
Saera and Rin walked in at the tail end, unsure of what transpired.
Yoshida gasped and smacked his lips as he became thoroughly drenched.
"Aunty! What's going on here?"
Rin grabbed a kitchen towel and flung it over Yoshida's hair to try to try him off.
Wrong move, kid.
Rin rubbed at his hair, and Yoshida, being the creep he was, enjoyed the contact a little too much.
Saera took her aunt outside for some fresh air, afraid that her son would really land her in the hospital.
Rin, back in the house, tried to warn Yoshida.
"Ah, Yoshida-san, your mother is such a genteel woman, but she's getting up there in age. I think you should be more mindful of your behavior so that you can take better care of her."
Yoshida blinked, "I don't speak Japanese."
"Ah" Rin sighed, before switching to English, "Yoshida-san, your mother is getting older. Be more mindful of her health by minding your behavior."
He either didn't hear what she said, or didn't care.
"Damn, your accent is hot. Where are you from? I mean, you speak Japanese but your voice is so distinct."
Rin was getting upset, "My accent is not 'hot' Yoshida-san. I am simply speaking."
Yoshida nodded, "Sorry."
Rin huffed before turning her back, "I'm going to check on your mother. In the meantime, you should apologize for whatever it was you did."
Yoshida, on the other hand filled his eyes with the seat of her jeans.
Rin joined Saera and Aka outside on the porch, "Oh Aunty, It's about time you get rid of that old lincoln."
"I know, but my husband brought it for me when we were still dating. Plus, I've been saving up for Yoshida to go back to school."
"Aunty, that's a lost cause."
"I know, I mean I have more than enough saved for him to go to school, get an apartment, and even another NORMAL little car if he chose, but i've been reluctant to dip into my savings because a part of me still has hope for him, while another just gave up."
Saera shook her head as Rin approached, and the girl backtracked.
Unsure, Rin decided to avoid Yoshida in the kitchen and sat on the livingroom sofa.
Yoshida seemed to have catch the hint, and placed the rest of the groceries away for his cousin.
After a while Aka didn't return, and Rin got worried.
She stood to go check on them, only to be met by Yoshida approaching her from the side.
"Hey, I didn't catch your name?"
Rin struggled, "Rin?"
"Rin, that's a cute name. Are you available?"
"Oh, oh no, I'm engaged!"
He looked at her for a long moment, "Dude must be trash, I don't see a ring on your finger."
"Oh, my fiance is-very kind man. We discussed the arrangement on amicable terms. He wanted my consent before surprising me."
Saera entered with Aka behind her, "He's got money, not like you, who leeches!"
Yoshida sucked his teeth, "Damn rich dudes." he mumbled.
After sulking for a moment, he turned to Rin, "You don't seem materialistic, or maintained for that matter."
Saera saw exactly why her aunt got angry, "Dude! You don't say stuff like that to people!"
Aka pushed Saera down to the couch, afraid that she'd over exert herself and pop, quite literally.
Suddenly feeling more naked than she did at the store, Rin pulled the pillow from the sofa to her chest.
Yoshida inched closer before his mother's glare sent him scuttling away.
"God, he scattered away like a roach on the kitchen floor when the light turns on." Saera mumbled.
Aka was livid, "Rin, sweetheart, I am so sorry you had to meet my son like this. I can assure you young lady, I didn't raise him to be like that." The woman leaned her elbow on the armrest and balanced her fingers on her temple, "I do apologize from the bottom of my heart, I should've listened to you earlier."
Rin waved her off, "No Aka-san, it wasn't your fault. You know your vehicle better than I do, so it's not something we saw coming."
Aka sighed, "You're such a sweet girl, I dragged you along today against your will. This wouldn't have happened if I respected your wishes."
Tears brimmed in the old woman's eyes, and Rin felt so sorry for her.
"Aunty it's not your fault, like Rin-chan said, you didn't see this coming."
"Agreed, Okaasan, we didn't know. Don't worry, I'm not offended, and I certainly don't think any less of you! Let's set the table for dinner to get our mind off of things."
Aka smiled despite her tears, and joined a very pregnant Saera and Rin to set the table.
Although, Saera fell victim to snacking again.
"Sorry guys, usually I help but these cravings have been so intense!"
Rin laughed, "You've done so much already! I'm surprised you're able to do such a thing in that state! I couldn't do it!"
Then Rin rubbed Saera's back and returned to setting the table.
"I can't wait till Himori gets home, I'm starved!" Saera groaned.
"Tell Himori to get the car whenever, Yoshida is going to let me use that stupid anime Mustang! Especially since he does nothing around the house."
"Ah aunty, don't you have anything important in there? At least just to pick them up and have it in the garage?"
"Oh no, it's too late. I hate doing anything after the sun sets."
"But he already has the truck."
"The truck? Why? Wasn't he at work?"
"No ma'am, today was his day off. He went hunting."
Rin gaped, "Hunting?"
Saera shifted in her seat, "Mmm hmm, it's deer season. So he loves to hunt."
Rin blinked, "Is he a country boy?"
"Oh, yeah!" Saera responded, "He grew up in Pennsylvania. Still freaks me out. But hey, I get delicious deer jerky out of it."
Rin heard keys jingling at the door and snapped her head up, "I think you might be saved by the bell! Or, keys for that matter!"
Saera smiled, "Oh, thank god! I can eat my aunty's food!
Rin glanced up as three men came shuffling in. The apparent youngest, wore all camouflage with a buck emblem on the back. The other two, seemed to be older and both wore dark hunter green canvas pants, and dark grey and brown jackets.
"Taidama!" the youngest yelled as he kicked off his boots.
Yoshida looked up from the couch, "Sup, Himori!".
Himori gave him a pointed glare, before purposefully ignoring him and greeting his wife, Saera.
The older men removed their own boots with a silent, "Konnichiwa."
Aka-beamed after greeting her husband, "This is my husband, Kanata, and my brother, Taichi."
Rin greeted them both, before Saera skipped over from the doorway, "Hi Dad! How was the hunt?"
"Ah, it was good. We caught several deers."
Almost childlike, Himori joined in, "Yeah, and they were huge."
Rin felt saddened that such lovely creatures were killed, but also understood the ramifications of overpopulation.
Aka chatted quitely with her husband about something, and Rin shifted her awareness from the father and daughter duo, to eavesdrop on Aka and Kanata.
God, I'm so nosy!
Rin eventually gave up when she realized she couldn't make out their conversation.
With a sigh, she pulled out her phone and checked the time. 7:33.
Eu nem sei mais, não é como Sesshoumaru-sama para não me mandar uma mensagem.
[I don't even know anymore, this isn't like Sesshomaru-sama to not text me.]
She chuckled under her breath at the absurdity of the thought, An ancient demon sitting round' to text me.
No entanto, ainda estou preocupado. Oh, Sesshoumaru-sama, o que eu vou fazer?
Como vou descrever esse fenômeno? Estou quebrando meu cérebro aqui.
[Nevertheless, I'm still concerned. Oh, Sesshomaru-sama, what am I even going to do?
How AM I going to describe this phenomenon? I'm breaking my brain here.]
Steeling her resolve, Rin decided to call Sesshomaru.
"He didn't pick up?"
Rin jumped, "Oh, Aka-san please don't scare me like that!"
Aka made a face, "That's concerning, you've been texting him all day, no?"
Rin nodded, "Yeah, I'm getting concerned about him. I guess I should give him a breather."
The elder woman's brows furrowed, "Did something happen?"
Too quickly for belief, Rin shot back, "No! Nothing!?"
Aka placed her hand on her chin, "Child, not even you believe that! It's getting late, would you like us to drop you home?"
"Heavens! No! I'm not in a rush."
Aka sighed, but accepted her response.
00000
"Dinner was great, Aunty!" Himori sighed contentedly.
"Well, I'm flattered."
"Yeah mom! Tastes great!" Yoshida beamed.
Aka balled up a cloth napkin before throwing it at him. "You're in isolation! Be silent!"
Kanata leaned over the table and rubbed his temples tiredly, "Listen to your mother, Yoshida."
"But-" "Stop whining!" Kanata scolded.
Himori and Taichi gave Yoshida a mean glare that sent him sliding into his seat.
"Really, I don't know how my sister have given birth to a child like you, Yoshida."
Rin squinted, "Apologies for my interruption but, that's a little mean, Taichi-san."
The man laughed, "It's fine, he bounces right back!"
"Thanks, Rin! I only caught some of what you said, but I appreciate you standing up for me." Yoshida beamed.
Rin's eyes flew open before mouthing to Aka, "I thought he couldn't speak Japanese?"
Aka sighed, "He's a selective listener, and don't stand up for him! He's going to become fixated on you!"
Yoshida scratched his head, "I didn't quite catch that."
Kanata leaned in, before starting in English, "That's because you aren't supposed to. Can't you take a hint?"
Taichi placed a hand on Kanata's shoulder, before continuing with mock concern "You expect too much of him considering his impediment! Be more mindful, Kanata-san."
Kanata gave Taichi a nasty glare, while the other smiled a shit-eating grin.
With a grumble, Kanata shook him off. "Bastard, he gets it from you!"
Aka shot her husband a stern look, and Rin stifled the urge to giggle.
"How'd about we clean this place up, drop Rin home, and go haul Aunty's car?" Saera interjected, "It is getting late, you know."
"How many times have I told you to give up the old Lincoln?" Kanata groaned.
"But I like that car! I'll have you know-"
"It's old! Just drop it!" both Yoshida and Himori groaned in unison exasperatedly, before looking at each other, blushing, and turning away.
"Nerds!" Saera huffed.
"Definite Nerds!" Taichi agreed in heavily accented English.
00000
Rin stood outside with Yoshida, who continued to try to spit game while Kanata and Himori moved some outdoor gear out of the truck.
"Hey, wanna hear my music?"
Rin grimaced internally, "Sure?"
"Ugh, alright, gimme a sec."
Rin looked up into the dark sky and pleaded for help.
A nice beat popped up, and her eyebrows furrowed, but when he started rapping, her heart dropped, and her soul began to ascend.
"Oh, no."
"We out here mixing codiene, promethazine, xans in a fifty ounce. Drinking lean, fucking spleens, damn and I hit the couch. My haters lookin' on me, my bitches riding on me. Them haters looking drained, as I drain another fifty ounce."
Rin pursed her lips as his rapping and ad-libs became increasingly worse. He was rhythmically panting, while yelling 'Skrrt" every twenty seconds or so.
"-I brought this beat from a guy I know, and he's really talented. It's a work in progress, but I can't wait till I drop my album next month."
"Ah, maybe you should, uh, finish the track and edit it before the release, heh? Um, what's it named?"
"'Poppin' Xans, Bustin' 50' by Trio of Three-oh!"
Rin fought to control her expression, "Oh. That's, cool."
"Yeah, cause it's me; DJ Yoshi, and my gang, Air Force Juans, and Reaper Da Kidd! We've been on our grind all year to push this tape out for the new year."
"Well that's neat, I hope everything works out for you! Here's a pointer, use less ad-libs, and try incorporate them, uh, rhythmically. The panting is okay before you rap, but tone-tone it down during the actual verse. Takes away from the beat."
His eyes shone as he pushes a tuft of green hair under his purple hat.
Rin tried her best to remain cordial as she looked at his black and red getup for a coat, with ramen pants sticking out from the Naruto-esque Akatsuki cloak. His neon green and yellow sneakers and sushi socks didn't help, either.
"Good Lord, Yoshida! That's terrible! Turn it off, you're just embarrassing yourself!" Himori scoffed.
Rin smiled nervously and waved Himori off, "it's fine, really!"
Himori shot her an incredulous stare, before switching to Japanese, "You know, you don't have to give him the time of day, right?"
Rin responded back in Japanese, "I don't want to be mean, he's proud of his craft. Whether we think it's good or not, he's trying, and it makes him happy. We should leave him be."
He scratched his cheek, "If you say so, if you say so."
Rin gave a crooked smile, and Himori shook his head, "You're gonna regret that. Kid's gonna act stupid and googly-eyed with ya."
Rin looked back at Yoshida, and gave him a nervous smile, "Yeah, Himori-san, I don't think we'll be crossing paths again, I think it's fine if I give him," she pinched her fingers, "a little encouragement."
Kanata crawled out of the Tahoe with a toolbox, "My son has a knack for appearing everywhere and anywhere, Rin-san. If he tried, he could be a stalker."
Himori laughed at Rin's horrified expression.
Kanata gave Rin a friendly pat on the shoulder, before warning her to sit in the third row of the Tahoe.
Himori gave Yoshida a sharp look, "Dumbass, sit in front with me! I don't trust you with Rin."
The boy was too far gone staring at Rin all googly-eyed, as he'd warned.
"Bro, that's sick!" Himori shoved Yoshida, and the boy lost his footing with an, "oof."
"Ah, just get in the damn car, idiot." The driver's door slammed.
00000
Saera sat behind her husband, Himori, who was driving the truck.
"Shouldn't we detach the carry-on trailer before we go?"
"Ahh, it'll take too long, Saera. We can do it in the morning."
The pregnant girl huffed before folding her arms. "Daddy? What do you say?"
Taichi rubbed his jaw, "I agree with Himori, it might get nasty later, so we should make this a quick trip."
Kanata sighed in relief beside Taichi, "Thank God, we aren't gonna haul that old junk!"
"It's not junk!" Aka huffed while pinching her husband's ear from behind.
"BRO! Orient Dragon Asian Market has the bix box of pocky 4 for 5! Can we swing by, Himori?"
"Bro, what the fuck?"
"Hey!" Taichi admonished, "Defer respect to your elders, young man."
Himori covered his mouth, "Oh, obaasan, I am so sorry."
Taichi sighed, "Don't do it again."
Yoshida stuck his tongue out and began to tease Himori.
"Well, I think we should go there! I want some Kohakutou!" Saera groaned while rubbing her belly.
"You shouldn't be eating so much sugar, Saera." Taichi lectured.
"Yeah, I agree. We aren't going to Dragon mart for some damn sugar candies!"
Aka sighed, "You know, if you deny a pregnant woman her cravings her children would have birthmarks in the shape of the food?"
Rin groaned, pulled from her thoughts; "It's true. My mom wanted a salad, and now I have a terrible birthmark. Don't take your chances."
"Hehe, tossed salad." Yoshida giggled.
Himori slammed the breaks at the light.
"Disgusting!" He murmured under his breath, "Okay, we're at the intersection! If another person agrees, we go! Speak now, or forever hold your peace."
"I should've spoken at your wedding, but you know..." Taichi commented offhandedly to Aka.
Kanata grumbled, while Aka stared at her brother incredulously, "Taichi!"
0000
Rin sat in the last of the Tahoe alongside Aka, and allowed her nerves to take the best of her.
She bit at her knuckles while worrying about Sesshomaru.
A nagging sensation at the end of her conscious kept bringing her back to her worries.
How can I even explain this phenomenon? These memories keep assaulting me left and right. But, I think I should be subtle about this.
Rin groaned as her headache began to throb.
Coisas que pareciam contornar a borda da minha consciência são tão claras agora. Coisas que pensei ter imaginado quando criança. Esses sonhos, devaneios mesmo. Eles são reais.
[Things that seemed to skirt at the edge of my conscious are so clear now. Things I thought I'd imagined as a child. These dreams, daydreams even. They're real.]
Rin tried hard to remember everything at once, but it made her head hurt more.
She tried desperately to phase herself back into reality by listening to the other's conversations.
"It's true. My mom wanted a salad, and now I have a terrible birthmark. Don't take your chances." she warned.
Rin jerked forward when the breaks slammed.
"-or forever hold your peace!"
"ME!" Rin raised her hand up fast, and banged her wrist against the ceiling of the tahoe.
"OWH!" she seethed, while shaking her wrist out.
Saera seemed overjoyed, "YAY, KOHAKUTOU!"
00000
I need to prove this to myself. I need to know if this is real. I'm tired of doubting my sanity, and it's time to put these concerns to rest.
She watched as Saera and Himori were trapaising around the store for the sour kohakutou his wife so desperately craved.
Yoshida was crouched by the pocky display near the front, garnering some weird stares from the old man manning the register.
If my memory serves me correctly,
"Sir, where are the sal-no, umeboshi?"
The old man gave her a wry smile, "Towards the back."
Rin could feel him watching her, provavelmente me suspeita de furtos, como de costume.
Bem, não é como se não fosse verdade.
[probably suspects me of shoplifting, as usual. Well, it's not like it isn't true.]
She kept guilting herself, and justifying the man's suspicions.
Without turning, she asked, "Sir, the Chan Pui Mui (Chinese plum candy) is too high. Could you get one down for me please?"
The man was shocked by her request, he barely recognized that she knew he was watching her from the aisle.
"U-Uh, sure, young miss. I-I can do that."
He picked up a grabber from the glass display, and prepared to knock down one of the plastic bags of plum candy.
"While you're there, could you please get a bag of the Li Hing Mui (Vietnamese dried prunes)?"
"Eating all that candy is going to get you sick, young ma'am."
Rin laughed, "It's not for me, I can assure you! Just the Li Hing Mui, other two are for someone else."
He blinked, before furrowing his brows and ruffling a hand through his salt and pepper gray hair.
"Did the recipient get married?"
Rin giggled, "No, but they are about to."
"Well, it would only be appropriate to wait until after the wedding." He stated dryly.
She hung her head off to the side, "I know, but I'll give the person a pass. They really like them."
He nodded, "Well, I guess I can't go against that. Here you are."
Rin nodded her thanks, and the man kept tilting his head.
"Where are you from?" the store owner blurted.
Yoshida popped up from the display with 10 boxes of pocky. "SIR, THAT IS RUDE!"
Saera nodded, "Yeah, usually I don't agree with this fool, but he's right."
Himori nudged Saera, "It's only natural! He's just curious."
Saera looked near to tears, "It's offensive!"
Rin shook her head, "I'm Brazilian-Japanese, sir."
The man nodded sheepishly, "Sorry, I-"
Rin shook it off with a smile, while Saera gave the man a withering stare.
Himori took Saera's items, as well as Yoshida's and prepared to pay for it.
Rin pushed his card away with her hand, and placed her items on the counter to pay for them all.
The man's eyes widened at the black and gold credit card, and his jaw hung slack as she paid.
"Oh-oh, yes, your total is 23.48"
Rin hit yes on the card machine, and the man, still awestruck, bid them a goodnight.
Muito diferente da música que ele estava cantando ou retratando antes.
[So much more different than the tune he was singing, or portraying, earlier.]
She felt uncomfortable about the whole card situation, but also felt relieved that for once, that she could actually pay.
As soon as they stepped out, Saera began ranting, "Rin, you don't have to answer to anyone about your heritage! Especially when they ask so rudely!"
Rin shrugged half-heartedly, "It's fine, I'm used to it. At least he wasn't as rude as some others."
"No! You don't owe anyone an explanation! Regardless, he was still rude! Even if it wasn't exactly egregious!"
Rin sighed, "Really, it's fine Saera!"
"They will not be getting my business anymore!"
"Really, it wasn't even that bad!" Himori argued.
Saera shot him a sharp look and Yoshida stuck his tongue out, once more.
"Says you! Who isn't even of mixed race, Himori! You can't speak for her when you don't walk in her shoes!"
"But she said it was FINE!"
"Even worse, did you see how his eyes opened when she pulled out her card! I guess he figured she couldn't pay, or that she came to steal, or some other foolishness!"
Yoshida was quick to agree, hoping to earn some kudo points, "Yeah, I mean, he did act way different when she pulled out that card. Man struck gold tonight. He's probably gonna be a kiss-ass the next time too, hoping to earn her business."
Saera nodded, "Yeah! And people like that kiss-ass, but speak terribly behind your back!"
"Guys, stop!" Rin yelled, "It may be true, but one instance of profiling isn't enough to stop the man from putting food on his family's table!"
Her comment only fueled Saera more, "But if he does it to you, Rin, then he does it to many others!"
Himori was exasperated, "It's not like black people are going into an Asian mart, anyways!"
Saera threw her bag at Himori, "HOW DARE YOU!"
Rin covered her gasp.
Yoshida scoffed, before mumbling "Holy shit, man! That's fucked, I'm stupid, but not even that stupid! People of all ethnic categories go into the asian mart for all kinds of shit."
Saera was stomping off, "You better not come home tonight, Himori! I can't believe you said something like that! I-I can't believe I married you!"
Rin ran behind Saera, and watched as the Tahoe's door opened up to reveal Aka and Taichi stumbling out of the truck.
"Saera, it's alright! He didn't mean it like that!"
"Don't make excuses for him! I can't believe I didn't pick up this attitude earlier."
"Saera, Saera?" Taichi chanted.
Aka looked horrified, "Did my son say something stupid?"
"For once, mom, it wasn't me! I swear!"
Himori hung his head down in shame.
Aka looked between the two. "What's wrong?"
Saera was sobbing and blubbering incoherently.
Rin tried to brush it off, "Ah, just a misunderstanding"
"They didn't have the Kohakutou?" Taichi asked, unconvinced.
"No" Himori admitted, "I said something really offensive. Rin, I want to extend my apologies to you, I know it isn't...enough…but I didn't realize the errors of my thinking. I-I thought…."
Yoshida sighed while adjusting his purple hat, "You better mean that apology! I hope you aren't trying to patch the situation."
Saera pulled herself together to get out a single sentence, "Oh, Yoshida, that's the most sense I've ever seen you demonstrate."
Aka blinked, torn between two things in the freezing cold.
Maybe the girl does have a positive effect on him, for him to say anything with some sense in it.
"Rin, what did Himori say?" Taichi asked.
Kanata sat astride on the passenger seat, watching the whole situation before reiterating. "What happened, Rin?"
"It's nothing, really, just a poor lapse in judgement."
"No," Yoshida seemed older and more mature, despite his ridiculous get up, "He didn't just say that about you, Rin. He mentioned that about a whole race of people. That's messed up to have an exclusionist, segregated mindset." He stopped, before appearing ridiculous again, "My friend Reaper is always in there with me. The old man knows Reaper, but still follows him when we go in because of that negative mindset."
"Can't you use his name like a normal person, Yoshida?" Kanata sighed.
"-Negasi, maybe you'll meet him some day." he finished, hoping to placate his father.
Kanata knew which friend Yoshida was referring to, and caught the gist of the situation.
"Himori, really?"
Taichi was lost, unsure of Yoshida's reference.
"I'm lost here."
Aka sighed, "Really, Himori, I would've thought you better than that."
Himori bowed to Rin, and the girl skipped back, "Oh, No. Really, it's fine."
"Rin-san, I truly do apologize for my out of turn behavior. I ask that you'd forgive me, and also teach me to be more culturally sensitive. I recognize my statement indicates a larger problem with my perception of others, and I want to change that for the better."
Taichi caught on, and he was fuming, "It's not her job to teach you to be 'culturally sensitive', moron! Himori, you're met with discrimination on a daily basis, and yet you can't discern that you wouldn't want to be referred to in such a way?"
Yoshida nodded, "Yeah, that's like saying that people like "us" can't go to a car dealership, because "we" can't drive."
Rin waved them off, "Himori, I understand. Your apology is heartfelt. You have a bit to learn, but just be more aware. Sometimes, we all have to rid ourselves of negative stereotypes and perceptions. Just put yourself in my shoes before speaking out, it'll help you discern whether the statement is sound."
"Thank you, Rin-san."
Needless to say, the car ride was AWKWARDLY silent.
Rin felt terrible about the whole situation, and prayed Himori didn't begin hating her.
Plus she was torn, half of her knew he didn't mean anything, but another part of her, admittedly, was truly offended.
Aka gave Himori directions curtly, while Saera still kept dabbing at her eyes. Candy, long forgotten.
Rin sat in the backseat, honestly just praying to get home faster to avoid the awkwardness.
00000
"This is the estate! Don't pass it!" Aka yelled.
Himori passed the gates by accident, and sighed heavily. He couldn't really do a u-turn, because of the attached wagon, and couldn't reverse safely.
"I'm sorry, Aka-san, I'll have to drive around and come back."
Aka sighed, "Well, don't miss it again."
The gang drove around the estate and reached the gate.
Rin fumbled with her keys and the estate opened up, allowing them access.
"Wow, I suddenly feel terrible for dragging this hideous trailer in here." Taichi sighed, "Such a lovely estate."
Yoshida's jaw hung on the dashboard, amazed. "God, you're really living it up!"
Saera was breaking her neck to catch a glimpse, "Oh! This is a dream home! I didn't know aunty worked here."
Kanata laughed, "Where did you think she worked?"
"God, I don't know. A little home with a white picket fence and a tiny lil dog, but not this!"
Rin chuckled to herself, despite her exhaustion, Quero dizer, tecnicamente, tem um cachorro aqui! [I mean technically, there is a dog here!]
Suddenly it felt as though the atmosphere lifted, and that light suddenly poured in.
Saera opened the passenger door, while Aka's husband joined.
Taichi stood up, but lowered the seat to allow the two women to climb out the truck.
Rin smiled, "Thank you so much for today, I had a really good day."
Yoshida was breaking his neck to turn around, and Himori gave him a sharp glare to keep him in the seat. "Don't you dare open that door!"
"You're one to talk, racist!"
"Am not, asshole!"
Rin, Aka, and Saera grabbed the cloth tote bags filled with groceries, while Taichi and Kanata exited on the opposite side.
"Thank God it's so cold! If not, these bad boys would've defrosted!" Saera commented nervously, hoping Rin wasn't too angry with her.
Aka nodded while watching Rin's expressions.
Honestly, you look doggone exhausted.
Rin smiled, "Yeah, that's why I want y'all to get home safely. It's gonna be deep freeze tonight, and hauling that trailer through sleet and icey conditions is a foolhardy choice!"
Saera held a breath she didn't realize she was holding, "Rin, I'm really sorry about tonight. I can't-"
Aka cut in, "Rin, we apologize. We put you through so much today, and we ended up holding you up, and then this just added the cherry on top."
Rin shook her head, "Please stop beating yourselves up so much. One person's views doesn't reflect an entire family's. Plus, Himori didn't mean it, and I didn't take it personally. Just a reflection of poor socialization. He'll learn eventually. Plus, I enjoyed my time today with you guys. It was nice to feel like part of a family again."
Saera hugged Rin, "Thank you. I was really worried you'd hate us!"
Rin returned the girl's hug.
Aka smiled, "Saera, thank you for your help. You get back in, while I help Rin unload these groceries really quickly."
"Aka-san, no ma'am! I will not allow you to do that, when I can do it perfectly fine myself."
"It's the very least I can do! Girl, you keep this house so pristine I've gotta find something to do! I might be jobless!"
"Don't say that!"
Saera gawked, "You keep this place clean by yourself? I can barely handle Himori's dishes! I have to get backup!"
Aka dropped her voice to a whisper, "My employer is a bit of a," she looked around, "neat freak. Really pristine guy, doesn't make much mess. If anything, place accumulates dust because he really only utilizes his home office."
Rin giggled, "It's true."
"God, I wish Himori were like that. Can we trade?"
Rin laughed outright, "You'll have to ask him!"
Saera giggled once more, and waved to them as they walked up the cobblestone stairway.
00000
Rin opened the door, and called out. When no response was heard, she truly began to feel afraid for once.
All alone, in a brand new city, large home, can't drive, with no true individual transportation.
She almost launched herself into an anxiety attack. She barely managed to keep her state under control as they both packed away the groceries.
"Rin-chan, you have my number right?"
Rin shook her head in the negative.
The elder woman looked around, "Will you be alright by yourself?"
Rin laughed it off, "Oh, yeah."
The woman entered her number into the girl's phone "If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, you give us a call. I'm really concerned. You can stay with us, you know. Yoshida can sleep in the snow."
Rin gasped, "That's awful! He could freeze!"
"His brain is already frozen."
Rin shook her head, "That's terrible Aka-san, but seriously, I'll be alright."
Aka sighed, "Sometimes I don't know where that man wanders off too, but I'm worried he went M.I.A with a guest."
Rin shrugged, "Maybe something happened at work."
"At a technology firm?" she scoffed, "No ma'am, nothing is serious enough for this behavior."
Rin shrugged again, "Seriously, it could've been a security breach. I'm not too worried about it, he'll be alright."
Aka could see that the girl was very obviously lying, but didn't want to scare her with her own morbid thoughts.
What if it was a car accident?
Aka simply smiled and accepted the girl's farce. "Well if anything occurs, you know exactly where I am at, okay."
Rin walked to the door to wave Aka off, but jumped back when she saw Himori and Taichi hauling a WHOLE dead deer up the stairway.
Kanata was standing on the trailer attachment, and hopping onto the latch to secure it in the frozen weather.
"Rin-san, we are very sorry for our transgressions today. It isn't much, but each deer can yield about 2,000. Take this as an offering."
Rin's eyebrows twitched, "Oh, no, Taichi-san, I have no use for a whole deer! I couldn't take away from your income. It's too much, your apologies have been more than enough. All I could ask is for some jerky when it's said and done."
Himori shook his head dejectedly, "No, Rin what I said wasn't right. I-I foolishly accepted you as our own, and completely disregarded your heritage. I was foolish enough to exclude an entire part of what makes you, you. Plus, I realized I have some unsorted prejudism to resolve. Ain't much, but I figured you can at least enjoy some fine veal when the chef comes."
"Thank you, Himori-san. Please stop holding this over your head, and instead focus on unlearning those negative perceptions. I can see you're genuine about it, so please, no more."
Himori gave a lopsided nervous grin. Taichi sighed, "We truly cannot express our gratitude, Rin."
Rin refused to allow herself to get misty eyed, "Ah, Taichi-san, I am incredibly grateful to all of your family. This is something I wished my father would've done."
Taichi's brows furrowed, uncomprehending.
"Well, Rin-san, thank you for tonight. We hope to be in your good graces and see you again."
Himori joined in, "Thank you, we hope to see you again."
Rin looked at the deer by the doorway, and felt so sorry that such a magnificent creature had to suffer such a cruel fate.
I understand overgrazing is a thing, but it doesn't mean I didn't wish there was a better method to handling overpopulation.
She waved them off as they drove off the estate, and immediately set to her task. Somehow, she could feel Sesshomaru's presence, but it was faint and almost...dull.
Rin slammed open the doors to the dining room, and saw nothing.
She ran across into the living room, and saw that the pillows were scattered on the floor.
Something felt eerie.
Her socked feet slid across to her bedroom, "Shigeto-san!"
Nothing.
Leaving the doors open, she ran to his bedroom.
"Shigeto-san!"
Nothing.
She flung open the bathroom doors, and didn't see anything.
Losing her footing, she slipped on the fine quartz by the tub's steps.
She landed, HARD.
With a grimace of determination, she rolled over managed to hobble towards the hallway.
That's right! The study!
Heavy footfalls resounded throughout the mansion, and Rin finally managed to find the study.
Memorizing directions is a pain!
Both hands descended upon the polished knobs of the double doors, before yanking them opened.
The sight she last wished to visit was lain, quite literally, before her.
"Shigeto, oh God! What happened to you?"
The girl knelt beside him, sweating profusely and unresponsive.
"Lord, how long have you been out? Oh God."
She spun on her heel, thinking of whether she should grab supplies.
Suddenly the mansion felt very cold, and when she laid her hand on his forehead, she snatched it back quickly. Just like reflexes from a burn.
"Cristo! Você está queimando." [Christ! You're burning up!"]
He was absolutely roasting with fever. Rin feared even leaving him for one second to grab supplies. But she couldn't just leave him tangled in such an uncomfortable position, demon or not.
Her clothes were damp from the melted ice on her. But, getting out of the clothing was the last thing on her mind.
Rin lifted his arm, or at least tried.
His solid frame didn't even budge.
With brute strength, she lifted his arm again, and managed to lay prostrate and get his arm draped over her shoulder.
The issue remained now, to get his torso up into a sitting position.
Using the strength of her elbow, she pushed her own torso upwards.
God! He's so heavy!
She barely managed a few inches up from the ground when his arm began to slide off her shoulder.
Panicked, she wrapped her own hand behind her neck, stabilizing his arm.
With a savage grunt and strength pulled from reserves she didn't realize existed, she managed to sit up far enough to get his own torso off the ground.
Rin sat on the floor, one arm around his waist and the other on his arm, panting and heaving from strain.
The girl looked around the room, hoping for a blanket of some sort to roll him onto and drag him with.
Sim, espertinho! Deveria ter pensado nisso antes. [Yeah, smartass! Should've thought of that earlier.]
She didn't think of it earlier, instead forgoing thought and jumping into survival mode.
Wait, if I scooch backwards, maybe I can bring him along with me!
He was so heavy, but she managed to pull backwards.
Pleased with herself, she placed her feet onto the floor with bent knees on either side of him, and propelled herself backwards..
With a grunt that was not quite her own, she felt Sesshomaru's head loll onto her shoulder, and she was practically breathing onto his neck.
[Minhas coxas devem ficar fortes depois disso]
My thighs better be ripped after this!
Her butt was hurting from scooching across the long hall, but finally, she leaned her head onto the doorframe of his bedroom.
She gave herself a slight moment of reprieve, before continuing across to the actual bed.
She felt herself near to tears, What I wouldn't give for this to be a futon rather than a tall bed.
With a set jaw and determination once again blazing, she stood up with all her might. Bringing him to lean alongside her.
With a strain she laid herself onto the bed, pulling his torso onto it.
She stood back up and admired the fact that his legs were so long that they were still touching the ground.
Using her knee, she pushed it under his own before lifting her thigh up and balancing it onto the box spring. She pushed his leg straight onto the bed, and performed the same maneuver with the other.
Once both legs were on the bed, she checked again on his temperature.
He was too hot, and not in a good way.
Rin ran back into the kitchen with burning legs, and filled up a ceramic mixing bowl with water and ice.
She brought the bowl along side a glass of water, and rummaged through his restroom's linen closet for some white washcloths. Pleased, she also found some alcohol and mixed into the ceramic bowl.
She saturated the cloth, wrung it, and folded it before placing it onto his forehead.
Rin balanced the bowl onto the nightstand again before dragging the comforters off her own bed and throwing it over him.
He's gotta sweat out that fever.
She touched him again, and some color returned to his blanched palette.
Once he stopped trembling, Rin entered the kitchen.
Demons may not like human food, but they can eat it! Nothing should be toxic to him, considering his capabilities.
Rin opened the fridge and looked at the ginger in the produce bin. Hastily she grabbed it, before opening the cabinets and grabbing cloves, cinnamon, allspice, as well as some honey.
She grated a section of the ginger's rhizome, and grinded the cloves finely.
Bringing the water to a boil, she added the ingredients before turning it to a simmer.
She found a small strainer, and an 8 ounce measuring glass with a spout.
How exactly does one funnel liquid down an unconscious demon's throat?
She strained the tea into the glass and added the honey, before grabbing a ceramic saucer and placing the said glass onto it.
She returned to the bedroom to see him tossing violently, and she climbed onto the bed and cradled his head onto her lap.
To help calm his violent thrashing, she leaned her chest into his forehead while one had still cradled his jaw.
When he calmed somewhat, and reduced to mostly tremors, she slowly poured the spicy tea into his mouth.
He rasped albeit unconscious.
Good, he wasn't choking.
Rin poured more and he began to cough until his eyes watered.
One eye fluttered before his thin brows creased.
A constricting burst of aura sent goosebumps on Rin's skin, and suppressed the air within the room. Suddenly, both of their hair and clothes were fluttering from the supernatural winds.
He rasped again, and suddenly what was once lovely umber locks turned white from root to end. Thin brows lost their color, and long lashes suddenly resembled snowflakes.
Color returned him, both literally and figuratively.
Pale skin lightened to an even more unearthly shade, and a rightful navy moon and burgundy markings prevailed.
He was suppressing his youki so hard.
Seeing some benefit, she funneled more of the tea into his throat.
His coughed violently before rolling off her lap.
"Unpallatable!" was the first thought out of his mouth.
Rin smiled before taking a big sip of the very peppered tea, just to gloat.
"Rin?"
She placed the nearly empty measuring cup on the nightstand before wiping his forehead with the cool cloth.
"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama?"
He looked at her as if she grew a third head, and looked beside himself to see fine white gossamer bundled between himself and Rin's lap, some of which was draped across her and onto the edge of the bed.
He turned to see her fully, and several questions ran through his mind.
"W-Why are you damp? How do you know my name? What happened?"
"Mmm, sleet started coming and when I came in, it melted. As for what happened, Sesshomaru-sama, I could not tell. You were on the floor in the study convulsing in a cold sweat, from what seemed to be the suppression of your jyaki. That isn't healthy, and dropping your human concealment wouldn't have bothered me in the slightest."
He wanted to move, but couldn't. He fought to simply make his hand glow green.
His sense were still frayed, and he didn't trust the woman beside him.
Was that even the girl? She knew a lot more than he'd expected.
Something wasn't adding up.
"Unhand me from your spell, witch."
Rin blinked, "I'm not a witch, unless that tea was REALLY nasty. In that case, I truly apologize."
Was the witch beside him simply playing coy, or was she really that dense to not realize the imminent danger she faced.
"-I mean, It tastes great to me. The spicier, the better! I just feel really bad I had to go there. You were convulsing and it felt like the spiritual equivalent of sitting with a half frozen and shaken coke can bound to explode. I didn't know what to do, but I know for humans sometimes we use tactile sensory stimulation to bring people back from mild seizures. You didn't feel my presence, so I knew you were far out!"
-oh that definitely seemed like Rin, and not a shapeshifter.
"How did you move me from the office?" he asked to gauge her trustworthiness.
The girl blushed, "Mmm, don't wanna-"
"Now."
"I scooched um, the both of us from the office."
He gave her an incredulous stare that said what his exhausted mouth could not, 'continue.'
"Okay! I scooched on my butt while dragging you, 'cause I didn't have the ingenious idea to roll you on a blanket until after!"
He scented no lie on her, but had so many questions.
"Rin, how do you know my name."
"I heard it, Saturday, at the training. It stuck with me, and I kept chanting it. It sounded so familiar, yet so distant. After the run in with the sword, everything came back. I-it's still coming back though, because different objects, colors, sensations, and weird unclear feelings of deja vu trigger new memories."
He watched her intently as she furrowed her brows, "It's like a puzzle with fractionated memories, some of them brush at the feather of my consciousness, while others are so vivid that I've drawn them; dismissing them as simple daydreams. There's a block, and I can't remember everything-but it's coming to fruition. I just-I'm so frustrated, there's this familiar emptiness I've had for so long, and these memories are the key to resolving that. From the first time I met you, again, it was this odd sense of familiarity I couldn't place, Sesshomaru-sama."
He regarded her for a long moment, "You are damp, go change before you catch ill."
Rin smiled, "Sick like you?"
"Demons, do not get sick." He stated matter of factly.
A grin split Rin's face, "But they get spiritually constipated, huh?"
"Drop it." Kami-sama, that nightmare child is rubbing off on her.
The girl giggled, "Sure, Sesshomaru-sama! Would you like anything for your headache?"
An inelegant noise grumbled from his deceptively delicate throat, "a stiff drink."
"That's a horrible idea, please say sike."
"What?"
"Sike-it's the single word equivalent for 'just joking.'"
He narrowed his eyes, "This one does not, 'joke.'"
She met him with a silly smile.
He covered his eyes with his forearm, and sensed that Rin approached him instead of exiting the room.
"Would you settle for water? Or Tea? Also, are you chilly? You're still trembling."
He refused to admit to weakness, and simply stayed put with shut lips. Unsure of how to process the new information. Was he relieved? Saddened?
No, he was nervous as hell. Nothing, ever made him nervous...
With clenched eyes, he decided upon a very selfish ultimatum.
Everything in my power shall be done to make sure she doesn't remember.
He sensed the girl's exit, and guilt assuaged his baser feelings that danced on the fine line of wickedness. At the very least, guilt was distracting.
Afterall, he'd been excessively rude, dry, and dismissive of her since yesterday. Better yet, he'd ignored her for half the day.
He just...didn't know how to feel regarding the girl. Happy, that there was some familiarity in this time? Angry, that such an evil fate of relieving harrowing memories hung above her head?
With a huff he admitted to himself that he wanted her next to him, despite his obnoxious behavior.
Some time later, she returned with yuja tea and placed it on the nightstand, before moving the ceramic bowl, alcohol, saucer and glass measuring cup.
When he looked over at the tea, sat one single Chan Pui Mui.
Woe is he, for he is a terrible person.
00000
Sesshomaru managed to sit up and drink some of the tea when he heard the shower go off in the next room.
Not too long after Rin came in trotting in.
"Why are you back here?"
"To stay on call! You looked horrible earlier, Sesshomaru-sama." She stated matter-of-factly.
She sat at the edge of the bed, and sighed while wringing out her long hair into a towel.
"Otherwise, how was your day?"
He looked between the prune candy and Rin, determined to stave off devouring the treat. "Fine, slow."
She grunted, "You know, it wouldn't hurt to explain what you remembered last before passing out. Otherwise, can we switch days?"
"No."
"Why not? I got fitted for a bra and ended up sitting-wait, nevermind."
He arched a brow.
"Yeah, nevermind, totally embarrassing. Anyways, I met even more wild people today."
"You seem to have a knack for it."
"Knack is an understatement, I have a gravitational pull that just...sucks them in. I met Aka-san's family."
He gave a nod indicating he was listening, and for her to continue.
"Long version or short version?"
"No preference."
"Well, oh, boy, do I have a lot to tell you!"
Rin recounted her whole day, minus the whole sitting half-naked thing, as well as editing the Himori incident, and omitting the fact that Yoshida had become smitten with her, and opted talked about Aka's family, and how they seemed quite nice.
"-and thats how I ended up with an entire deer outside!"
"...Interesting. Although, you're withholding information."
"Ah, yeah, about that, Himori didn't mean anything bad, so I didn't take it to heart. Yoshida, on the other hand, really is...odd like Aka-san confirmed."
"Mhm."
"Sesshomaru-sama, I've been meaning to ask, where is your mom?"
He rolled his eyes, and his lashes fluttered.
"Manhattan, Lower East Side, why?"
"Not to be rude, but I really underestimated both of your life-spans. How is she?"
"Overdramatic as usual."
"...Speaking of drama, I really don't want to take some years off the woman's life. This is a pretty bad idea...you know. Especially since, um, you don't mess with humans like that."
"She could care less."
Rin cringed, I'm great at putting my foot in my mouth.
"Ah, I don't think so, you are her son, afterall"
His eyes narrowed, "As long as it isn't her, she would be pleased."
"Oh." Wow, not only do I shove my foot in my mouth, but I can't hints! Great going, Rin!
"Change of subject, Sesshomaru-sama, how did you learn English? Was it recent, or?"
"Recent. Took classes."
"Online?"
His face tightened as he remembered living with his mother and traveling to night class, "Traditional."
Rin was staring in outright disbelief, "Huh?"
"I don't like to think about it either."
Rin shuddered, Sesshomaru-sama would get write-ups on the daily, or probably have poor attendance and still somehow pass with flying colors. It's obvious he doesn't care for speaking in English, although he has mastered it quite finely.
She twiddled with her thumbs for a moment, before looking away.
"I don't know how to say this, it might come-off the wrong way, Sesshomaru-sama."
"There's no need to add an honorific, Rin."
"That's the thing, Sesshomaru-sama! I can't not do that, I can't disregard who you are. I can't just not pretend that you're just a regular person, living a regular life. To me, you'll always carry that regal status. It just hurts to see how times have changed, and that your reign no longer exists. I don't know what has occurred to the other dimensions, or the Shiro of the sky, but this isn't you, my lord. This isn't your habitat, and for God's sake, you're killing perfection, and much killing hasn't been going on! This must be so unsatisfying, so boring. So...restricting."
He sighed heavily, "It is supremely unsatisfying, I don't understand how you...humans...do it."
Rin laughed, "Oh, God, it's really bad. We don't know how we do it either. I guess survival is a great motivator, huh?"
He gave a soft sound of agreement, "Regardless, Rin, Times have changed, and there's no use dwelling on the past. Progression must occur, even if I detest it."
"-How did humans take over, Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Missionaries from the west."
Rin sucked in her breath.
"Yes, your religion was the beginning of the demise of my people." The statement was simply a fact, stated without any real ire.
"Sorry cannot even begin to express my regret, Sessho-."
"It isn't any fault of your own." he paused, "New toxins and weapons of destruction began devastating weaker and foolhardy youkai. Those who refused to hide, or take on concealments, brought demise upon themselves. Only the wisest have survived until today."
She looked absolutely devastated, "Sesshomaru, why couldn't it be stopped? Why weren't the missionaries just, I don't know, murdered?"
"It wasn't that simple, Rin. Many youkai saw it fit to terrorize humans for sport. I cannot place the blame squarely upon humanity's shoulders. Some youkai felt threatened by humans' exponentially increasing populations, and felt that 'extermination' was in order. Many refused to coexist."
Rin's eyes widened, and he continued, "Atrocities against humans were brutal, even according to my standards. I am impervious to death, but I am not a monster. Many deserved what occurred to them. Unfortunately, many innocent were caught within the crossfire. But, those few merely created a bad impression for all."
"When did it end?"
"I lost touch with reality, so therefore I am not suited towards providing an exact date. If I recall correctly, the 1940s would've marked the end of the persecution."
"What happened? What caused you to isolate yourself? How long were you-"
"1683 until 2005, about 322 years. I didn't reintegrate into society until 2013. Although, I started working increasing my awareness between those few short years. I am unable to answer the 'what happened' aspect at this very moment."
Rin nodded her head, respecting his privacy regarding the situation. She stood from the edge of the bed, before wrapping her arms around him.
Sesshomaru sought to fight it, but simply gave in to the girl's embrace.
He could smell tears on her, and hated the salty scent that invaded his nostrils.
In this form, unfortunately sensory overload occurred. With his human concealment, there was the added benefit of dulling his senses. Plus, her tears triggered trauma he truly didn't wish to relive.
"Rin, stop crying."
Rin simply tightened her embrace, refusing to let go.
"Rin, how much do you remember?"
"I think 15 or 16," she whispered, "I don't seem past that age in my memories. But even so, some of it is fuzzy."
Internally, he let out a sigh of relief.
Gently, he guided Rin off of him, before beckoning her with his hand.
She wiped her tears with one hand while reaching the other one out for him.
He walked slowly, and purposefully towards the house's back entrance. With a flare of youki, the doors flew open, allowing the double doors of the back yard to burst open.
Rin stood back as the deep chill froze her feet, and sent her nightgown billowing.
He released another larger flare of youki that caused the dimmed lighting fixtures in the kitchen to flicker. He stepped out of the mansion with a growl, and he began to morph into the creature he truly was.
His face morphed into a muzzle as his body expanded into the size of the home. Swirls of energy obscured his transformation, and bright purple light flared before dying down to reveal his mythical form.
Rin watched in awe as he released his self-imposed inhibitions, and smiled as glowering red eyes met hers.
He was a ferocious creature, a true force of nature to be reckoned with.
Rin stepped outside, and brushed her hand against his lowered head. She pressed her head against his own much larger one, before stepping back and waving.
He growled deeply, before shaking his body in one smooth undulation.
He turned his entire frame towards the forest that lined the estate, and took off flying into the night.
Rin had never felt so proud.
Her eyes gleamed in the starlight of the frigid night, and watched diligently for her protector.
00000
Nearing twilight, Rin heard a creak and clatter by the front door. Carefully, and not to disturb the mysticism of the moment, she crept near the front door and peeked through the glass before opening the engraved double doors.
"Good morning Sesshomaru-sama." She whispered silently.
He turned towards her in his humanoid form, drenched from head to toe in blood, his mouth smeared with it as well, before incinerating the deer's bones.
His eyes met hers, slightly disturbed to be caught in such an unsightly form.
"I thought you were asleep."
She opened the door, allowing him entrance, "No, I simply wanted to be here to greet you when you return. How was the hunt?"
He regarded her coolly, before another flare of jyaki incinerated the blood and innards off of his clothing and hands into a fine green mist.
"Successful."
Rin nodded and dropped the subject. He probably doesn't want to disclose exactly how much he ate, considering the deer from earlier is gone. Along with countless others….
Before stepping inside, he picked up the deer's antlers in preparation of discarding them.
"No! I want those!"
"Why?"
"I want to mount it on the wall, to commemorate this moment, Sesshomaru-sama."
He nodded, and left the clean antlers on the porch. "Very well."
She smiled warmly, before hugging him.
00000
Sunrise came all too quickly, drenching the two forms on the bed in bright sunlight.
Sesshomaru's eyes opened before hers,
Gold meeting Gold.
Quite ironic, as the sunlight reflected the clarity that had been shed the evening prior.
Fin: The Grande Expose