DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING BELONGING TO INUYASHA. I ONLY OWN MY LAPTOP AND THE CLOTHES ON MY BACK.
Re-Cap:
The next couple of months were going to be a little hectic with the holidays turning around the corner, and Kenji hovering whenever Rin had a minute to breath. At least Inuyasha kept his distance for now, and Sesshomaru kept himself locked away in the study.
Chapter 4:
As the months past Rin grew accustom to having Kenji hanging around her. When Rin wasn't planning parties for Izayoi or dragged into a shopping trip, Kenji was teaching her how to horseback ride. It felt nice being around people that care about you. Christmas was just around the corner and Rin wanted to decorate the house. She wanted it to be perfect for Izayoi. One morning Rin woke up and was in the kitchen before cookie walked in. Before cookie could comment on why Rin was up already, Rin asked her on the whereabouts of the Christmas decorations. Rin found out that Izayoi hadn't decorated for Christmas since the boys were little. Inutashi use to have to threaten the boys with their inheritance to get them to come over. Now they just exchange a few gifts, and have dinner party.
"Well this year is going to be a Christmas to remember. I need to know where all of the decorations are. This is kagome's first Christmas with them, and Izayoi has done so much for me." Rin said determined.
"I think the lady will like that. She has everything you could possibly think of when decorating for Christmas. It is kept in the attic." Cookie said sipping her coffee.
"I'll have Kenji help me after everyone goes to bed. Right now I have to get ready to go shopping with kagome and Izayoi. For a woman who has just about everything, she sure loves shopping." Rin sighed.
"Yes…she loves shopping, and throwing parties…you should be use to it by now." Cookie chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah…I know. Well wish me luck."
"Good luck dear." Cookie said as Rin left the kitchen.
Rin spent all day shopping with Izayoi and Kagome. They got everything they needed to pick up for presents for the family. Rin picked up presents for Sango, Kohaku, Inutashi, Inuyasha, Kagome, and Cookie. She didn't know what to get Sesshomaru, for Izayoi she had a new family Christmas album with a professional quality digital camera. This camera was dumby proof, no matter how inexperience the photographer was; the pictures came out like a professional took them. She got Kenji the whole prankster pranks collection books. Each book contained 300 different pranks and corny pick up lines. Everything a nifty fox could ever ask for.
It was dinner time when they got back from shopping. Kenji didn't join them for dinner, due to the secret project Rin sent him on. No one paid any mind to his absence either. Rin figured he covered his tracks by giving them a reason he wasn't staying for dinner. After dinner everyone went their separate ways. Rin snuck up to the attic to get a look at the decorations. Cookie was right, they had everything Rin could imagined having. As soon as everyone was in bed, Rin called Kenji to bring in the tree. They worked diligently through the night. Kenji decorated the railing and the living room as Rin decorated the tree. The tree was glittered with twinkling lights, red, and green garland, decorations that Inuyasha & Sesshomaru made when they were kids, including plaster hand print ornaments. Rin added the crystal angel tree topper her mother gave her, along with some crystal ornaments that lit up with the twinkling lights.
*Flash back*
"Mommy can I put up the angel this year?" little Rin asked her mother.
"Of course Rinny…" her mother smiled, helping Rin reach the tree top.
They looked up at the tree watching the lights making the crystal angel glow. Little Rin was in awe. Her mother held her tightly whispering, "Remember that precious angel up there is your guardian angel. I got that the night after you were born. When I die my spirit will be in that angel watching over you, and your children. Be sure you promise to bring it out every Christmas."
"I promise, when I get older…..you'll be with me until I am grown right mommy?"
"I'm not going anywhere darling…not until after you are grown and mated." Rin's mother said kissing her daughter's cheek.
*End of Flash back*
Rin wiped away a few tears, before finishing the living room and dining room. In the kitchen Cookie woke really early making Kenji string kix. Everything looked perfect. The last thing hung was the mistle toe. Rin tried to protest the mistle toe, but Kenji said the mistle toe was a Christmas tradition. So how could one argue with that. The smell of breakfast began to stir the house. Rin managed to use Izayoi's Christmas present to get pictures of all the decorated areas before they all came down for breakfast. Izayoi was the first one down. Rin heard a gasp and turned to see the shock on Izayoi's face. " Oh Rin….did you do this…" Izayoi asked.
"Me and Kenji…Do you like it?" Rin asked shyly.
"It's beautiful dear…It must have taken you all night." Izayoi said walking up to the tree, "where did you get that crystal angel…it must of cost you a fortune."
"I added some of my own decorations…my mother gave me that angel. It is very precious to me…I made a promise to put it up every Christmas. I hope you didn't mind."
"Mind…Rin I am honored to have your mother watching over this family. This was the most wonderful thing you could have ever done. Thank you soo much dear." Izayoi smiled pulling Rin into a hug.
After everyone was over the shock of the Christmas decorations; they could see the difference in Izayoi's attitude. She was just glowing, Inutashi couldn't stop thanking Rin, for what she done. She brought the joy of Christmas back to their house.
Sesshomaru sat in his office thinking about how much joy Rin brought to the family. He regretted not being able to get her beautiful smile to flash his way. Christmas was three weeks away and Sesshomaru hadn't shopped for anyone yet. He buzzed his secretary to get Rin Juno on the phone, and gave her the number. Half an hour later Sesshomaru looked at the clock and growled. He was going to maim his secretary if she was incompetent of calling one person.
"What the hell could you possibly want, pain in the ass." Rin growled bursting into Sesshomaru's office.
"Rin…I need your help…could you help me shop for gifts. I normally send my secretary out…but you worked hard at setting Christmas up this year. Izayoi is so happy…so can you help me?" Sesshomaru politely asked.
"Ok…shopping with you shouldn't be so bad…can we go now…I still have shopping to do as well." Rin said glancing down at her watch.
Sesshomaru agreed calling his secretary in to inform her of his plans. They went to the avenue, which is like having an outside mall. Rin showed Sesshomaru several things Izayoi and Kagome loved but were discouraged in getting due to it being Christmas time. Rin's attention was caught by a silver locket glittered in rhinestone. It was beautiful, but very expensive. The locket reminded her of the one her mother had before she died. After seeing the necklace's price, Rin discouraged herself from ever being able to afford it. Sesshomaru caught her whole facial expressions, which went from awe to glum to solemn of no emotions. He knew exactly what he was getting Rin.
"Hey Sesshomaru…I know your rich ass probably has everything you could ever want, but could someone get you for Christmas that you would actually appreciate." Rin asked walking slowly away from the jeweler store.
Before even thinking he accidently said "a bottle of whiskey and a massage." He quickly bit his tongue, chastising himself for not thinking.
"I guess for someone who runs his own company, and has Kenji for a friend. I would think that was a reasonable thing." Rin said weighing the words.
"Yeah…Can you go back to that one store and get Izayoi that one thing she wanted, and the blue shawl I think Cookie would like. I have one other thing to get. Tell the store manager to put it on my tab." Sesshomaru said quickly.
"Fine…I have to head that way for the last thing I have to get." Rin sighed going back to the first store they went to. Once out of sight Sesshomaru picked up the last three things he had to get.
*Christmas Eve*
Rin waited for everyone to go to bed, before placing all the gifts under the tree. She then brought in two cookies and a glass of milk. Raising her glass to the crystal angel she said, "Merry Christmas mom…I miss you."
After spending an hour talking to the crystal angel, eating her cookies and milk, Rin walked pass the study on her way to bed. The light was on in the study, so Rin walked in to find Sesshomaru sleeping at his desk. Rin sighed walking over trying to wake him up gently. It wasn't easy waking him up, she gave up and ran her fingers through his hair after taking out the ponytail. Surprisingly, that woke him up.
"What the hell are you doing?" he growled sleepily.
"Trying to wake you up, so you don't get a cramp in your neck." Rin said gently.
"Ooo….too late." Sesshomaru said sitting up in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck.
Rin swatted his hands away from his neck and began massaging his neck and shoulders. He leaned back into her hands relaxing. To Sesshomaru her touch was pure magic. No spa could ever compare to the gentle touch of this woman. When Rin felt all the tension gone from his muscles she patted his shoulders suggesting they retire for the night. Even though Sesshomaru wanted her not to stop, but he nodded his head agreeing to go to bed.
About 10:30 Christmas morning everyone was dragged from bed by an excited Izayoi. She reminded Rin of a five year old child. One by one everyone filed down the stairs, except for Inuyasha. It was decided not to wait for Inuyasha. Kagome was the first to open her gifts. She got all the things she wanted, like a few outfits, a new purse, and bracelets. Inutashi received slippers from Rin, a bottle of brandy from Inuyasha & Kagome, handkerchiefs from Sesshomaru, and a new sword for his collection from Izayoi. Cookie received a wooden rolling pin with steel rods in it, so it last longer, from Rin, a blue shawl from Sesshomaru, and gift cards from the rest of the family. Kenji waltzed in with gifts, when Izayoi had opened all of her gifts except Rin's. She was in awe when she seen the album with pictures of the direction Rin set up, and the camera.
"Awwwwwww…thank you Rin…It's perfect." Izayoi teared up happily.
" You're welcome..Whose turn is it?" Rin smiled.
"It's your turn Rinny." Kenji said dropping his gift in her lap.
Rin opened the gift revealing a sexy Santa suit. Kenji received growls from both Rin & Sesshomaru. She received outfits from both Kagome & Izayoi. An empty journal from cookie so Rin can write her recipes in it. The last gift was from Sesshomaru, it was an expensive looking box which held the locket, matching earrings and bracelet she seen in the window. " Oh Sesshomaru… this was really expensive….thank you soo much." Rin said sincere.
"You're welcome Rin." Sesshomaru nodded.
Rin smiled handing both Kenji and Sesshomaru their gift. Kenji tore his open revealing the prank collection, which he loved. Sesshomaru smirked at the bottle of whiskey and a little booklet of coupons for a free massage. Everyone seemed happy, and Izayoi was taking pictures like crazy. Rin suggested in going to bring in hot cocoa for everyone. Sesshomaru said he'd give her a hand. Before they went into the dining room Izayoi yelled for them to stop. They were under the mistletoe.
"You know the tradition…kiss under the mistletoe." Izayoi chirped.
Rin & Sesshomaru both growled in annoyance. Sesshomaru grabbed Rin pulling her into a fierce kiss. After a few flashes from the camera they broke away rushing into the kitchen to get the drinks. Before anyone knew it, a disaster in the living room occurred. Rin heard a loud crash in the living room and rushed in to find Inuyasha on the floor in a daze and Kenji was steadying the tree. On the floor broken in half was her crystal angel. Rin's world came crashing down, it was as if the wind was knocked out of her. Everyone stared at Rin watching her struggle to control her emotions in front of everyone. She gathered the angel in her hands and quietly walked up to her room. No one knew what to say or do. Inuyasha made the mistake of saying, " what the hell is wrong with her…it was just a stupid ornament for the tree…we can get a new one."
"No Inuyasha…she can't. Her mother gave her that…and her mother is no longer living." Izayoi said sadly.
Sesshomaru went up to Rin's room, he could hear her sobbing through the door. Never had he imagined to ever hear anyone cry so hard as if the life was just ripped out of them. It was heartbreaking hearing her cry like that. Quietly he slipped into her room, she didn't even make it to her bed before she had collapsed. The pieces lay cradled in her arms as she wept. Sesshomaru took the two pieces from her arms, placing them on the bed. He then kneeled down pulling Rin into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and cried herself to sleep.
After placing Rin on her bed, Sesshomaru took the two pieces and left her room. He called in a favor, from a demon that specializes in fixing crystal and glass figurines. Before Sesshomaru made it to the front door, Izayoi stopped him asking, " Sesshomaru…how is Rin?"
"She isn't going to be the cheery Rin anymore…I never thought her spirit could be broken…I was wrong. I felt her exhaust herself…now if you excuse me…this angel and I have an appointment. I should be back before Rin gets up." Sesshomaru said looking down at the angel as if he had a precious life to save.
*3 Hours Later*
Rin woke up a little disoriented. She sat up in her bed trying to figure out how she got on the bed. All she remembered was being numb and sobbing uncontrollably. There was no sign of the angel pieces, and she vaguely remembered Sesshomaru coming in. ' I probably ruined Christmas for everyone.' Rin sighed thinking to herself.
She sat in her room a little while longer, she needed to clear her puffy eyes. Rin headed downstairs to the kitchen for some food. Izayoi and Cookie were in the kitchen sipping their coffee. They stared at Rin not sure what to say to her. She looked like an empty vessel. Cookie was the first one to compose themselves, " have a seat dear…you need something in your stomach."
Rin nodded obediently sitting across from Izayoi. Two minutes of silence past before Rin spoke, her voice sounding hoarse and lifeless, "I am sorry if I ruined Christmas for you and your family Lady Izayoi."
"No Rin…don't say that…you brought Christmas back to this family. In a little while we will go up and get ready for the Christmas party. Kenji is putting the last touches on the ballroom." Izayoi said patting Rin's hands.
"Ok no more talk…Eat Rin…you need your strength." Cookie said sternly.
Izayoi and Cookie left Rin alone to eat in peace. They could see how hard Rin was trying to hold herself together. As soon as Rin was finished her meal, she was instructed to get ready for the party. Rin put on a silver knee length halter dress, with silver stilettos. It matched the earrings Sesshomaru got her. Before Rin placed the necklace around her neck, there was a knock on her door. "Come in." Rin replied. Sesshomaru walked in with a box in his hand, "Here Rin…this is for you."
"Sesshomaru…you already gave me a Christmas present." Rin said a little confused.
" Yea…point is…just open it…please." Sesshomaru stated.
Rin gave Sesshomaru an uncertain look. He was acting a little too nice. She pulled the ribbon and lid off revealing a crystal angel…it looked exactly like the one that broke. "Sesshomaru…" Rin started to say before being cut off.
" Rin, before you say anything…it's yours…I couldn't find a replica…I know someone who can fix anything. It looks as good as new." Sesshomaru explained.
" You…you had him fix my angel…" Rin said astonished.
"Yes." Sesshomaru replied right before Rin threw herself in his arms hugging him.
"Thank you soo much Sesshomaru." Rin whispered as tears streamed down her face, " how could I ever repay you?"
" Your welcome…just smile for me….your smile is the most precious thing." Sesshomaru said looking at Rin.
Rin let go of Sesshomaru wiping her tears away, and gave him her best smile. Her eyes were still a little red, but her face was flushed with excitement. She simply looked breathtaking. She was once again the Rin he loved. Sesshomaru took the necklace from her vanity table and placed it around her neck. He kissed the side of her neck before whispering, "I'll see you down stairs."
He left Rin to finish the final touches, not missing the light blush that tinted her face. Lightly brushing her fingers to the side of her neck where Sesshomaru left a kiss. After all the shit she gave him, he stilled went out of his way and his nature to show kindness towards her. Maybe she should be giving him the benefit of the doubt, since he did have the most precious thing to her fixed.
The ballroom guest had already started filing in. Izayoi spotted Rin, glad to see the life was once again returned to the young woman. Rin smiled brightly walking over to Izayoi, "Kenji did a good job."
"Yes he did…Since you are in a better mood…there is a tradition for Christmas parties. Single girls aren't allowed to decline a dance from a male…Only taken women can decline. So have fun." Izayoi said before walking away.
"She's got to be kidding…" Rin mumbled.
"Nope she's not vixen…I get the first dance." Kenji said while pulling Rin on the dance floor.
Six dances with snobby rich boys later, Rin ran to Sesshomaru. " Please ask me to dance…I can't take being groped while dancing." Rin begged a little agitated. Sesshomaru excused himself from the gentleman he was talking to, and led Rin to the dance floor. They glided along the dance floor, as if they were dancing on a cloud. Izayoi was taking pictures like crazy during the whole party, especially when Rin and Sesshomaru danced. When the dance was over Sesshomaru escorted Rin out of the ballroom, before any male could ask her to dance. They walked through the mansion as if they were just touring it for the first time. "Thank you again for not only saving me from killing all the males…but for the angel. She is my life." Rin said breaking the silence.
"I know…I could see your life slipping away as you wept for the angel. I know what it is like to have something dear from a loved one. My mother had a music box, which helped me sleep…it still does." Sesshomaru said lowly.
Rin smiled linking her arms with Sesshomaru as they returned to the ballroom. This time when a guy tried asking Rin to dance, Sesshomaru growled declining for her. All of the males didn't think to challenge him, and kept their distance. Sesshomaru's arm stayed around Rin's waist holding her close. A few times Rin would remove his arm, muttering how he is taking advantage of her situation.
The party ended around midnight, and Rin was exhausted. She spent the last hour hiding from any male who wanted to dance with her, since Sesshomaru decided to let her fend for herself. Rin walked into the nearest room hoping it was her own. In the moonlight it looked like her room, except the bed looked bigger. Rin didn't notice the difference, she stripped out of her clothes and climbed under the silky covers falling asleep instantly.
Sesshomaru emerged from his private bathroom after an extremely long relaxing soak. He walked over to his closet to hang the towel on the knob. When he turned towards his bed he caught her scent. She looked so peaceful hogging his whole bed. Her clothes were draped across the chair five feet from his bed. It then dawned on him that she was nude between his sheets. Thinking quickly on whether to wake her up or not, he decided he was going to inform her of whose bed she was in. Rin stirred a little after a few stern shakes. She growled opening her eyes to see Sesshomaru standing next to the bed, " what do you want?"
"You're in my bed…taking up the whole bed." Sesshomaru stated.
"So…go sleep on the couch…your bed is comfortable." Rin said turning over freeing his side of the bed.
"Like hell I will…" Sesshomaru muttered lying down on his side of the bed.
About 11:30 the next morning Izayoi burst through Sesshomaru's bedroom doors to find Sesshomaru curled up next to Rin, his arm on top of the covers wrapped around her waist. His face tucked against her neck & shoulder. Izayoi analyzed the picture seeing Rin's bare shoulder, coming to the conclusion that they "slept together". Before she could quietly slip out, Sesshomaru woke up catching Izayoi.
"Izayoi…what did you want?" Sesshomaru growled sleepily.
"I couldn't find Rin…but I found her…night." Izayoi smiled rushing out of his room.
Sesshomaru growled knowing that woman is up to no good. He had no choice but to wake Rin up and fill her in. Rin looked beautiful as she slept wrapped up in his black silk covers. Gently, Sesshomaru kissed along her shoulder and her neck raking his fangs gently in the crook of her neck. It sent chills down her spine, it was such a pleasant way to wake up. Realization set in and Rin jolted up holding the covers against her…she was pissed to find Sesshomaru shirtless in bed.
"Sesshomaru you PERV!!!!!!" Rin growled.
" Rin, I am no such thing…now listen…" Sesshomaru said sternly, taking Rin's hand gently.
Sesshomaru told Rin everything from last night up to him waking up. Rin knew with Izayoi's mouth running to everyone, they would be questioned. Nothing happened between them other than sleeping. Rin pulled her hand from Sesshomaru's running it through her hair. " Well, it's not going to get better with us just sitting here…you mind letting me borrow a tee shirt so I can go to my room for clothes." Rin asked.
"You know that won't help matters." Sesshomaru sighed getting her a long shirt.
"who gives a shit…I am just going next door to my room… it's not like I am going to waltz around the house in it." Rin said taking the shirt, "mind turning around…"
" Grrrr….fine…just hurry up before anyone else decides to waltz on in." Sesshomaru said turning his back to Rin so she can change.
Rin quickly left Sesshomaru's room and into hers. About twenty minutes later she went down stairs to the kitchen. Thankfully nobody other than Cookie was there. "Busy night?" Cookie said placing a mug of coffee in front of Rin.
"Where are you going with this…" Rin growled.
"No where dear…you just look a little on edge…plus I don't believe half of what I hear unless it comes straight from the horse's mouth." Cookie stated.
"I'm glad." Rin sighed sipping her coffee.
"Well…what did happen then…so I can understand the misunderstanding."
"I figured you wouldn't let it go…nothing happened."
"Come on dear, tell me details." Cookie insisted.
"You should be ashamed of yourself cookie. Rin said nothing happened and that's that." Sesshomaru said sitting next to Rin at the breakfast bar.
"Then why was Rin in your bed wearing nothing." Cookie huffed.
"She was tired and thought she went into her room…but she came in mine. I refused to give up my bed to her so I slept alongside her. We didn't have intercourse, we just slept." Sesshomaru stated coldly.
"I was hoping she was the one." Cookie sighed.
"You never know….time will tell." Sesshomaru smirked before taking a sip of his coffee.
"One day Sesshomaru a woman will throw herself at you…it just won't be me." Rin snarled.
"Yeah…but you already threw yourself at me…so maybe you are the one…just need to stop denying it." Sesshomaru retorted.
"Ok children, kiss and make up. Then get on your way." Cookie laughed watching Rin & Sesshomaru bicker.
Before Rin could protest, Sesshomaru moved in claiming her lips. With some resistance Rin finally gave into the kiss. Sesshomaru's demon side wanted to take over and show Rin who was dominant. Not wanting it to end so quickly, Sesshomaru slowly broke away lowly muttering 'mine' against Rin's lips.
"Not yours!" Rin growled.
"We'll see…" Sesshomaru crooned.
A/N: Ok I am so sorry that I haven't updated in a very long time. I had to deal with moving back to Baltimore from Louisiana, working like mad crazy, and had to wait for a new laptop cuz old one said fudge you and blew up. So I had to try and remember my story and rewrite it . ughhhh…..it was hell!!!!!!!!!! So I hope you like it. I am ending it after next chapter. I worked on it and have a nice lil ending. I might make a number two it depends on my other stories and of course the readers.