Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of its characters and that's all I'm going to say for once because I can't think of anything else.
OtakuGirlEmi: Hello all. I'm back for round 3 of An Unlikely Pair, YAY! This chapter was originally planned to take place in ch. 2, but it got moved back. Anyway, since none of you probably care about that I'll just let you go ahead and read ch. 3! (My reviewer responses are at the end of the chapter again. You guys have once again overwhelmed me with kindness by sending me 17 whopping reviews! Rock on! I think I'll just keep them there from now on.)
Chapter 3: Unexpected Sightseeing
"Master Jaken! Master Jaken!"
The small green demon turned around from feeding Ah and Un (A/N: I hope I got their names right, I wasn't sure.Someone correct me if I'm incorrect) as Rin came running towards him, with Sesshomaru trailing behind. He couldn't help feeling slightly happy to see the silly girl smiling down at him, but he gave her the usual shrill scolding. "Honestly Rin, must you make such a racket! What is there to be so excited about?"
Rin, as always, kept smiling as if he hadn't said a word. "Master Jaken, Lord Sesshomaru and I found a perfect place to stay!" she said excitedly as she pointed toward the forest. "It's in the forest. And it has water, trees, flowers, animals, everything! And," she continued as she turned to glance at the youkai who stood next to her, "Lord Sesshomaru said we could stay there for a while!"
Jaken glanced at his master for conformation. Sesshomaru nodded slightly as Rin beamed. Is Lord Sesshomaru…-No! I surely must be imagining it- Blushing? Jaken wondered as he peered at his master, who did appear to have a soft flush spread across his pale cheeks.
Sesshomaru caught him staring and, directing his cold gaze to the small demon, asked, "Is there something wrong Jaken? Or am I just imagining you staring at me?"
Jaken instantly regretting his last thought, sometimes it felt as if Sesshomaru could read his mind! "N-no of course not master!" he stammered as he quickly tuned to finish tending to Ah and Un. Rin walked off to pack up what little belongings she had, humming as she went.
Sesshomaru walked to the edge of the cliff near the campsite. He desperately needed peace: He needed to think. His cool, amber eyes roamed over the land below him. The sun was reaching its peak in the sky and it shown down on the bright, blooming trees and animals of the forest below. Though he wasn't particularly fond of the bright, blinding sun, (he preferred the pale, cool, calm moon and the velvet black sky at night.) Sesshomaru couldn't help feeling a sense of calm as he looked over the land illuminated by the fiery orb. It showed certainty. The sun would always be in the sky, no matter what, every morning it would rise, an unending cycle. Something you could always count on.
Sesshomaru's heart and mind, however, were about as opposite as the sun. They both screamed with uncertainty and confusion. He had never felt like this before, and he wasn't sure what to do.
He knew that he had to tell Rin how he felt, but something told him not to, something held him back. For one of the only times in his life, Sesshomaru felt fear. He feared Rin's reaction. He feared getting rejected or somethingbadhappening. What if she disgusted and hated him so much that she left him forever? He couldn't bear to think of these things.
No, he silently reprimanded himself; Lord Sesshomaru does not fear anything. I am above such petty human emotions. I am one of the most powerful demon lords there is, I fear nothing.
Except a small human girl, that tiny voice cackled in the back of his mind.
"Master?"
Quickly shutting out the voice and closing the subject mentally, he turned to the petite girl standing behind him. "What is it, Rin?" He kept his back to her, not wanting to blush at the sight of her smile.
"We're ready to leave." Rin said as she walked over to stand next to the tall youkai. He saw her peer at his face out of the corner of his eye. Sesshomaru quickly placed a mask of indifference over his pale features. He didn't dare look at her. "My Lord, is something wrong? You seem troubled."
He couldn't avoid her any longer without seeming odd. Sesshomaru looked down at her and briskly replied, "No, Rin, there is nothing wrong. Why would there be?" Rin looked down at the ground, seemingly feeling stupid at her question and his cool reply. Sesshomaru felt guilty making her feel this way, but he couldn't have her suspecting something. If he ever did confess his feelings, he wanted it to be right. "Shall we take our leave?" he asked, looking down at the teenaged, trying to communicate that he wasn't mad at her.
Rin seemed to take his hint. (She really is more intelligent and mature than she appears, Sesshomaru thought) "Yes, my lord, we shall!" she said with a smile. Rin grabbed onto the sleeve of his white haori and gently led him over to a waiting Jaken and Ah/Un. Jaken was already atop the large two-headed creature, the staff of two heads lying next to him.
Rin started to climb onto Ah/Un, but a red ribbon (purchased on their last shopping trip) fell from the pouch tied to her kimono sash. As she bent down to retrieve it, Sesshomaru received a long view down the front of her kimono, making the Inu-Yokai's eyes widen and face turn bright red. He quickly averted his eyes, thankful that Rin had not noticed their wandering. Once the girl was on, Sesshomaru climbed behind her, sat down, and said, stuttering slightly. "L-let's go Jaken." As Ah/Un kicked off the ground and took to the air, Sesshomaru couldn't help thinking that perhaps hiding his feelings from Rin would be much harder than he had thought.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than an hour later, the small group was completely settled in the beautiful clearing that Sesshomaru and Rin had discovered earlier that morning. Rin had quickly made a small fire and then disappeared. Sesshomaru and Jaken assumed that she was off exploring.
It was Jaken's turn to make dinner that night, so he was busily scurrying around as Sesshomaru stared into the fire, wrapped up in his own thoughts. Most of them concerning Rin. Ah/Un lay in the grass nearby, sleeping soundly as several brave butterflies perched on their ears.
A shrill voice broke through Sesshomaru's thoughts. He looked over at the small demon that had been talking to him. "What, Jaken? I didn't hear you. Speak up."
An extremely flustered Jaken quickly repeated, "My hands are very full right now, My Lord, so I thought that you could go fetch a bucket of water for me." Sesshomaru continued to stare at the green toad, hiding his surprise. Jaken had never asked Sesshomaru to do anything before, and this almost bordered an order.
What he had just said seemed to suddenly hit Jaken. He threw himself on the ground wailing, 'Oh, My Lord, I'm so sorry! I-I didn't realize what I was saying! PLEEEEEASE FFFOORRRGIIVVE MMMEEEEEE!" Giant tears sprang forth from the demons eyes as he lay on the ground like a small child.
Normally Sesshomaru would have been angry, but he actually found the green demon amusing, and besides, he had nothing better to do than fetch a bucket of water. Maybe the short walk would help him stop thinking about Rin.
"Enough Jaken," the youkai commanded as he bent to pick up a bucket. "I shall get the water."
Jaken looked up at him, large luminous eyes bulging. "Really? Oh thank you, My Lord, you are too gracious and forgiving of this old toad!" He cried as he continued to bow at Sesshomaru's feet.
Sesshomaru ignored the praise, turned, and walked off toward the spring.
Jaken stood up and watched the tall Lord walk in the trees. He felt so confused, but thankful, about his master's new attitude. He seems...almost happy, thought Jaken as he continued to cook. He quickly shook his head, as if trying to get rid of the thought. I should not think such things, Jaken scolded himself. Lord Sesshomaru is simply different lately because something must be bothering him. Lord Sesshomaru would never allow himself to feel a silly emotion like happiness.
Assured that nothing was changing about his great lord, Jaken continued to bustle around the fire, unaware of what was about to happen at the spring.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Sesshomaru entered the trees, he breathed a small sigh. He hoped that Jaken hadn't noticed anything different about him lately.
Even though he tried his best to act like his normal cold, quiet, arrogant self, it wasn't working. All he could think about was Rin and his several problems including telling the 18-year-old human how he felt and her reaction to the confession. He also couldn't help feeling…happy, almost giddy. Every time he thought of her a small smile crossed his beautiful features and his usually empty, golden eyes filled with warmth and life. He felt as if he wanted to do everything in his power to make sure that Rin always smiled, was always laughing joyously. Though he believed that the beautiful girl deserved someone so much better than him, he couldn't help but want her to be with him forever. He wanted to hold her in his arms, he wanted to kiss her again, he wanted…
Sesshomaru shook his head vigorously, trying to clear his mind of the numerous thought crossing his mind. Water, he reminded himself, I am supposed to be fetching water, not thinking about…her.
Sesshomaru had his head bent as he walked along, trying to distract himself by looking at the beautiful flowers that dotted the path. He walked for about ten minutes, and didn't even bother to look up when he heard the trickle of water that meant he had reached the stream.
The stream came from the mountains, so the water was cool and clear and looked very inviting in the humid twilight. The stream tricked into a round pool about4 feet deep at the most, where Sesshomaru was supposed to fill the bucket. He kept his eyes fixed on the ground as he bent down to the water's edge.
"Lord S-Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru jerked up, dropping the bucket in the process. As it clattered away, he looked up to face the voice.
"Rin?"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sesshomaru stood there staring, dumbfounded, at the girl standing in the middle of the pool, waist deep in water. Correction, the girl standing in the middle of the pool without any clothes on, waste deep in water. It seemed that Rin had not wandered off to explore, she had gone to take a bath. And Sesshomaru had caught her in the middle of it.
He knew that he should avert his eyes, should blush, stammer or simply run away. But he couldn't do any of that. All he could do was stand there, eyes transfixed on Rin's mature body as tiny rivulets of water ran down it and her long hair stuck to her back.
Rin's brain seemed to have also slowed down, as she hadn't made any move to cover herself and simply stood gaping at Sesshomaru, a bright red blush glowing on her face. How did this happen, where did he come from, she frantically thought as she stood there. Rin suddenly noticed where Sesshomaru's golden eyes were: roaming up and down her vulnerable form visible above the water.
This seemed to wake her brain up, making her squeak in delayed surprise. As Rin turned to get back into the water, her foot slipped on a rock, sending her falling backwards, arms flailing.
The instant she hit the cold water, time seemed to slow down. In shock, Rin's lungs inhaled a breath that was supposed to be filled with air; instead she received a mouthful of water, making her unable to breathe. Rin felt dizzy and scared. A sharp pain erupted near the back of her head, jolting her. Besides the pain and being unable to breathe, she couldn't get the image of Sesshomaru standing on the water's edge out of her mind. The memory of him saying her name and dropping the bucket in shock played in front of her eyes repeatedly like a broken film. Her mind started to close down, all she could see was him... His beautiful, pale face frozen in shock. He seemed so close….he was….right there?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rin felt herself being lifted up and a blinding light met her eyes.
"Rin! Rin, are you okay?" came a worried voice.
Rin's eyes adjusted as she coughed up water, freeing her lungs. She took several deep breathes before squinting up at the voice.
Why is he wet, Rin wondered, her mind still rather slow. Sesshomaru was looking down at her, silver hair plastered to his face as water dripped down it, looking almost scared. His eyes softened and he looked relived as Rin gave a slight nod. "Good, you fell and hit your head on a rock. You also inhaled some water, I see." He explained as Rin looked away to cough again.
The reason she had felt herself being lifted, the reason that he was wet hit her. Sesshomaru must have dived in after her when she fell. She had probably only been underwater for seconds. Suddenly she realized why he was so close to her…Sesshomaru was holding Rin's cold body bridal-style in his arms!
Rin glanced downward. Sure enough, a clawed hand was gently wrapped around her shoulders while the other was under her knees. He was standing on the water's edge, holding her. A blush appeared on Rin's face so bright it would have put herred kimono to shame.
Sesshomaru seemed to understand what had occurred to her and he blushed even brighter. But I couldn't have let her drown! He thought. He had to save her, even if that meant holding a naked Rin in his arms.
"S-Sesshomaru?" he looked down at the girl, who averted her eyes from his. "Could you…uumm…Put me down?" she stuttered through chattering teeth. "I-I need t-to get dressed." Sesshomaru nodded and set her on the ground, then turned away to give her some privacy. (Even though she really didn't need it at that point)
Rin walked over to her clothes and pulled them on, teeth still clattering and face still red. Sesshomaru had saved her again. The thought somehow seemed to warm her and made her blush stay ever present.
Even though the Inu-Youkai standing behind her was oblivious to the fact, Rin was in love with him.
She had adored him from the moment she had met eyes with him in the forest so long ago. Even though he was the strongest demon she knew, he could be so gentle and kind. He listened to her, and smiled at her, he put up with her. And, she thought as she gently pressed her hand to her lips, he kissed me. Yes, Rin had fallen in love with a youkai lord.
When she finished tying her sash, she turned and announced "I'm done." Her eyes met a haori-less (That's not even a word...Oh well) Sesshomaru and the blush that had faded sprung forth once again. "M-my lord. What happened to your haori?" she stammered, eyes glued to his muscular, bare chest. (Oh, how the tables have turned…)
Sesshomaru's golden eyes met hers. "It was wet," he replied simply. "I didn't want to wear it, and I thought I would dry quicker this way."
Rin nodded, speechless and unable to move her feet, her eyes, much like his had only minutes before, roamed over the bare expanse of his chest. Suddenlya sharp pain erupted at the back of her head. "Ouch..." she muttered as she pressed her hand to a lump on the back of her head.
Sesshomaru was at her side immediately. "What's wrong?" he asked, his eyes furrowed in worry. Rin couldn't believe how he was acting, it was so…unSesshomaruish… (Once again, not a real word), but she was starting to enjoy it and she felt very happy that he was concerned about her.
"Oh, it's just a bump on my head, no big deal." She said, trying to brush it off as her head gave another throb. "Well, shall we head back to camp?"
She felt arms around her again and was amazed as Sesshomaru picked her up bridal-style again. "No," he said in his usual no-nonsense tone. "You are not okay. You are cold and wet and obviously in pain. I will carry you back to camp." Rin opened her mouth to protest. She was 18 after all, not a child. (Even though she was very much enjoying his embrace) But she was silenced by Sesshomaru. "No arguments Rin." He commanded in his usual authority-filled voice.
Rin shut her mouth, but continued to look into his deep eyes. Such cold eyes, she thought. But so painfully beautiful, like a flower covered in frost. A smile crossed Rin's face and she watched as his eyes warmed. Maybe all they need is melting, she thought happily as she resignedly placed her head against his bare chest. Wind whistled past her ears as Sesshomaru started running, and she felt her insides heat up happily.
Rin closed her eyes and was asleep in seconds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"My lord, what happened?" shrieked Jaken as he saw Rin's limp form being carried against a shirtless Sesshomaru's chest.
"Nothing Jaken," replied Sesshomaru in a monotone voice as he gently laid a sleeping Rin on a blanket near the fire. "And" he added as he turned to face the confused demon. "You would do well not to ask Rin any questions when she wakes up."
Jaken, noticing the protective glint in his Lord's eyes, nodded his head vigorously. "Yes, of course, my lord!" Wanting to get away from his odd-acting lord Jaken walked over to Ah/Un to give them their dinner. Later the small green demon fell asleep next to the large beast, snoring loudly.
After eating a small dinner, Sesshomaru sat down next to a still-sleeping Rin. Even though she had dried well near the fire, Sesshomaru pulled a small blanket over her. The blanket barely covered her, as it had been bought several years before.
As his eyes looked her up and down for any bruises on other harm, he remembered seeing her in the pool earlier and a soft blush crept across his face. She was so beautiful and had such a graceful figure. Any boy would have fallen for her just by looking at her. Sesshomaru leaned over Rin and brushed her brown hair out of her eyes, smiling shyly.
She looked so carefree and happy, even in sleep. Sesshomaru heard her mumble something and leaned closer to her to hear. "…Ses...Sesshomaru…"
The listening Inu-youkai felt himself turning bright red. Rin was dreaming about him? His interest skyrocketed and he wondered what she could possibly be dreaming. He listened as Rin mumbled something else. "Sesshomaru….I…" she trailed off and rolled over, still sleeping soundly.
Sesshomaru was dying from curiosity. He wanted to know what on earth Rin was trying to say. He didn't dare hope that maybe she was trying to say the very words he was pining to say to her. He leaned over her once again: this time to plant a small kiss, as light as a feather, on Rin's cheek. The sleeping girl didn't stir as the demon lord gently took her hand in his own clawed one and whispered the words he so wanted to tell her.
"I love you Rin."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OtakuGirlEmi: Hello again! I hope everyone liked chapter 3! (I say that every time, I must be getting so boring...But I really do mean it!) It is the longest chapter so far at 5 pages total, but it's pretty chopped up. Even though I had already had this chapter planned for a while, it turned out much differently than I thought it would. I like it a lot better now. Though I was a little worried that people would say Sesshomaru is ooc. Anyway, In chapter 4 you get to meet the Inuyasha gang and see how everyone had changed in the past 10 years, it's sure gonna be interesting to say the least! Once again I would like to say thank you to my supportive reviewers! You guys are so cool! Keep up the good work. Read and Review! Emi
Reviewer Responses:
LadyRinUchiha: Thank you! I'm glad you think it's a nice story. And you don't have to wait for ch. 3 any longer. Thanks for the review!
hm: Thank you for the nice compliment. Personally, I think Sesshomaru is kawaii! Thank you so much for the review!
Darkmoonfang: I'm ecstatic that you like it so much, but I'm sorry it made you cry. Thanks for the ideas and suggestions buddy! Thank you so much and I look forward to your future reviews.
Punkskater: Hello again! Of course I remember you! I'm so happy that you like both my fic.s! (I'm in the middle of writing ch. 5 for Decisions, Decisions, right now, so look for that soon.) I can't believe you liked my story that much and I am so happy! I absolutely can't wait to read you fic! Thank you so much for all the reviews!
jerseygrl246: Yes, I had no idea either! (just joking) Thank you so much for the review and compliment!
Cassie1: I have updated finally. Sorry I wasn't able to use your suggestion! Thanks for the review!
Siri: Thank you so much for your compliments! I hope you liked chapter 3 as much as ch. 2. Yes, I would love to see Sesshomaru blush…Faints in overwhelming happiness …Wakes up Oh, sorry about that, anyway thank you so much for the wonderful review!
AznAnimeFanXPI'm glad you like the story! Yes, I like the hugging part too! Thanks for the review!
Sailor MilleniumThank you for the compliment! (You guys are starting to make me blush...) And I hope you liked ch. 3, it was so fun to write. And, by the way, I love long reviews, so yours was great! Thanks for the review! P.S. GO SESSHOMARU LOVERS!
Sango: The third chapter is now done. Did you like it? It was so fun to write the awkward moment! Arigato for the review!
Itzel: I wish I had a Sesshomaru of my own too...I don't even have a plushie! (I need to go buy one) Yes the story is fluffy, but I'm so glad you like it, some people hate fluffs. Thank you!
azuhiHikura: I am delighted that you like my fic. Thank you for the compliment, I was afraid that it would be too much like other fic.s out there. I'm also happy that I don't have to die since I updated! Yay for me! Anyway, thanks for the nice review! P.S. YAY GOOD GRAMMAR!
Danica BlakeThank you so much for the compliment! (That is one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten. Now I am blushing!) I'm glad my chapters are long enough, but I hope to make them longer in the future. Sakura Blossoms is a great story; I can't wait to read more! Thank you so much!
Jedi Mistress 1990I'm glad you like it! And thank you for putting me on your favs! Thanks for the review!
Britt: They certainly are the cutest together! And I love them too! Thank you for the review and the compliment.
SessObsessedI'm so glad that you liked ch. 2 so much. Hopefully you enjoyed ch. 3 just as much! Please don't smite me though, because I updated! (Cowers in fear) Oh, you won't smite me now? YAY for me! Thanks for the review! (P.S. We're all Sess Obsessed at heart)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OtakuGirlEmi: Wow, I just realized that I used the words happy, thank, and you a lot in my RR. I need to go find new vocabulary words. pulls out a copy of Webster's Oh, you're still here? I'll see you in ch. 4! Bye!