Chapter Four: A Game And A Visit

Disclaimer: Still not mine.

Two months had passed since Sesshomaru had left Inuyasha's group, and his newfound friend, Kagome. He sat in the library at his castle, catching up on the business of his lands. Golden eyes scanned the scrolls before him, reading off every line and committing it to memory.

"Hmmm...the annual Lord's Ball is to be held in my home this year I see...I've got some planning to do..."

The demon lord rubbed the bridge of his nose and stood up before going out onto his balcony to gaze over his precious and beautiful lands. The sun struck the field of flowers outside his castle and he smirked as he saw Rin frolicking through them, a happy smile on her face.

"That girl smiles so easily."

There was a sudden knock on the library door before it opened enough to reveal the toad demon Jaken poking his head in. The little green demon scurried over to Sesshomaru and bowed deeply.

"Milord...do you wish for me to begin preparations for the ball milord?"

Sesshomaru regarded the little toad with a sharp nod, causing him to bow again and run out, shouting out tasks to the servants as he went. Sesshomaru then sat himself down at the desk again, reading the scroll about the ball some more.

"Lord Sesshomaru,

As you are well aware, the Lord's Ball circulates between the four lands each year as to where it is held. This year, it is your turn to hold the ball, Lord Sesshomaru. We are sure that you will be well prepared. We hope to meet your chosen mate this year, Lord Sesshomaru. IF you have found someone to BE your mate yet, that is. We wish you luck in your preparation and mate-hunting in the event you have not taken one yet.

Sincerely,

The Lords and Ladies of the South, East, and North"

Sesshomaru groaned inwardly at the other lords way of trying to force a mate on him every time they met. He rolled the scroll back up, and put it in it's place on his book-shelf. He then left the library and went outside, sitting down under a tree in his flower field. With nothing to occupy it, his mind began to wander.

"I wonder how Kagome is doing..."

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he thought of his newest friend. He sighed and opened the leather-bound book he'd brought outside with him and began to read from the marked spot. As his eyes flitted over the kanji writing, he didn't notice the small human girl sneak up behind him and attach herself to his neck.

"LORD SESSHOMARU!"

Sesshomaru dropped his book in mild shock and then patted the little hands that rested on the side of his neck. Rin grinned her huge, childish grin.

"Hello Rin." he said picking up the book and closing it before laying it in his lap.

"Play hide and seek with me lord Sesshomaru!"

"Rin...you know I don't like playing..."

"PLEASE!"

The demon lord sighed, knowing he couldn't resist the huge begging eyes that were currently peering at him from his left shoulder. Rin stuck out her bottom lip and pouted at him. He sighed again and let his eyes close.

"One...two...three..."

Rin smiled and dashed off to hide. She knew Sesshomaru had a good nose, so she simply laid down in a bunch of very tall, very fragrant flowers. She giggled and watched her father figure finish counting and stand to look for her. Sesshomaru stood and sniffed, a bit surprised she'd hidden somewhere that she could escape from his sence of smell.

"Smart girl."

He smirked as Rin let out a giggle and headed right for her hiding place. She clapped a hand over her mouth and pressed herself closer to the ground, hoping to avoid his gaze. She failed, however, and Sesshomaru parted the flowers and gazed down at her.

"Boo."

Rin squealed in happiness and latched onto Sesshomaru's leg, smiling up at him. He plucked the little girl off his leg and held her in one arm, picked up his book, and went back into his castle. Rin snuggled into his arm and was soon sleeping. Sesshomaru took her to her bedroom and placed her in bed.

"Sleep well, little Rin."

With that, he left her room and shut the door silently so he would not wake her. He placed the book back in the library and went to his front doors when a knock sounded. Once it was open, his golden eyes widened and a smile bloomed on his lips.

A.N: I COULDN"T STOP WRITING! THE FLUFF IS INVADING MY MIND! Lol, anyways. Thanks so much to all of you who have reviewed and said that it's a good story, it's people like you that keep me writing, so keep leaving feedback!