Chapter 10: The Games Begin

The weather was perfect- not too cold yet not too hot-, birds chirping, the soft breeze gentle and low.

Rin wrapped her right arm adoringly around Sesshomaru's right arm, the slim fingers of her left hand intertwining with his. She rested her head lightly against his forearm, smiling contently as they made their way through the crowded park.

Sesshomaru allowed Rin to clutch on to him, maneuvering skillfully around children, parents, friends, and grandparents. He looked down at the petite woman at his side, studying her- starting from her black open toed two-inch heels, to her simple indigo colored knee length skirt, up to her shoulder length white violet ribbon trim square neck top that hugged her waist neatly.

Sesshomaru nodded slightly to himself, pleased at her simple choice of clothing- even her pinned up hair.

"Your family won't be here?"

Sesshomaru jerked at the sudden question, blinking slightly to find Rin looking curiously up at him through dark bangs. He glanced around them a moment realizing they had stopped walking. Turing his gaze back on Rin, he offered her a slight shrug, amber hues slowly searching her expression. "Hm'… No."

"Oh…" She tilted her head slightly to the side, her bottom lip pushing out slightly as she considered his statement. "Alright."

"Stick to the plan, Rin."

"M'hm." She nodded, as he moved them further toward the music and games. "Do you know where she is, at least?"

Sesshomaru released a soft grunt, glimpsing down at Rin before turning back to the people ahead of them-his head shaking slightly. "No."

Rin sighed, as they stopped a good distance away from the set up stage. "Do you know this group?" She asked, turning to gaze up at Sesshomaru, whom was scanning the crowd. "Sesshomaru?"

"Hm'? - Oh sorry. What did you as-" Sesshomaru halted.

Rin turned around and followed his gaze past the games and over to the popcorn machine. She bit her lower lip, watching Kagura intently.

Sesshomaru slipped expertly out of Rin's hold, moving in the direction of Kagura.

"Let the games begin, I suppose…" Rin exhaled a soft sigh, watching as Sesshomaru made a b-line for Kagura. She wrapped her arms loosely around herself before turning around and focusing her attention on the man singing.

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Kagura smiled at the vendor, turning just in time to see Sesshomaru approaching.

"Hey." He stated, stopping in front of her.

"Hey yourself."

They stood in silence, glancing nervously around.

"So… Where's Rin?" Kagura moved slightly to the side, hopping to keep out of the way of running children.

"Over by the stage- she likes this group…" I think… He stated nodding slightly towards the stage.

"Oh, I-" Kagura was cut off as a mother rushed by, running after her child.

"I'm so sorry- Ino please darling, wait for momma!" Kagura watched in delight a moment before focusing back on Sesshomaru.

"You what?" He asked, studying her.

"I just- I don't know… I'm just surprised, that's all."

Sesshomaru blinked at the sudden confession, his body suddenly rushing with adrenaline. "Surprised about?"

"Your engagement, to Rin, Sesshomaru. I mean… honestly, I had no idea. I mean I thought- well I mean…" Kagura exhaled a shaky breath, hoping to calm her nerves as she focused her gaze on the ground. "I just thought… That house- I mean… you were so sure and then… I- I wanted to say yes- well. I still do it's just- I don't know what to say anymore…" She chuckled, her cheeks darkening.

Sesshomaru could hardly breathe. She wanted to be his. Stick to the plan. "Kagura. I know what you're trying to say."

She looked up at him, dodging around children who ran past. "Y-You do?"

He nodded. "Yes. You want a family, a house, a husband that would die for you…"

Kagura nodded, clutching onto her popcorn bag.

"Someone to love you," Sesshomaru took a tentative step towards Kagura, searching her expression "cherishes you, hold you. You want something great, something exciting,- something that makes you happy…" He stopped suddenly, turning to look back at Rin- whom he could not find- before settling his gaze on Kagura. "Something like what Rin and I have."

Kagura's heart stopped and sank to her toes. It took a lot of effort for her not to drop her bag of popcorn.

Sesshomaru watched closely as her expression changed from hope to surprise to pain and finally plain blankness. He curled his hands into fist, resisting the urge to reach out to her and hold her.

She looked so frail, so vulnerable.

"I have to get back to Rin now; I'll see you around alright." Without waiting for a reply, Sesshomaru turned around and jogged over to the place where he had left Rin.

Kagura suddenly blinked, her eyes following Sesshomaru.

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Rin giggled happily, placing another handful of oats in the young girls' hand. "Be careful sweetie." The girl nodded excitedly, offering the treats to the baby sheep. She squealed happily as the animal nibbled at her palm.

Smiling, Rin turned around in the circle that had suddenly formed, placing small batches of oats in small hands. "Careful alright."

Spotting Sesshomaru, Rin offered him a small smile before slowly slipping out of the group of children and moving over to the gate.

"Cuties huh?"

Sesshomaru nodded, glancing from the kids to Rin, who was brushing dirt off her hands. "Kagura's here."

"I saw." Her comment was stiff and blunt. She opened the gate and slipped out, standing in front of Sesshomaru. "Let's begin?"

He nodded, taking her hand in his and moving over to the games.

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Kagura glanced over at Sesshomaru and Rin, hand in hand, smiling at one another. She watched as Rin pulled Sesshomaru over to a shooting game. He shot the ducks three times in a row, winning Rin a stuffed frog.

Kagura frowned in deep dislike as she watched Rin slip her arms around Sesshomaru's torso as they moved further down the row of games. Rin talking up a storm, nuzzled gently against Sesshomaru's chest. He never did that for ME, Kagura sighed. Standing up, she found herself following them at a good distance. Each time Rin glanced behind them, Kagura suddenly found the balloons interesting, or the fishpond; or whatever she was by suddenly caught her attention.

"…Sstooop!"

Kagura turned just in time to see Rin ducking away from Sesshomaru, who had his arms wrapped around her small waist and was attempting to kiss Rin. Rin giggled flirtatiously as she batted lightly at Sesshomaru's arm. "That was not the deal!" She squealed once more pressing her face to the crock of his neck. Sesshomaru chuckled softly, his arms tightening around Rin. They stayed that way a moment, rocking gently.

Kagura continued to stare, her mind drifting…

She sighed contently as he kissed her neck. Moving away from him, swaying her hips slightly, she giggled when she heard his voice.

"Kagura…" He spoke softly, grabbing on to her sleeve. She tipped her head back some, laughing as he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, pressing against her.

"Sesshomaru sttoooop."

Kagura jumped at the sudden dinging sound. Looking around she spotted Rin clapping happily as she and Sesshomaru watched the bell ding once more. He's strong too?

She watched in despair as Rin jumped into Sesshomaru's hand. He held on to her, tipping her chin up lightly with his thumb, and gently resting his lips against her own.

Turning swiftly, moving around people, Kagura rushed to the parking lot. Pulling out her car keys, she quickly got into her car and drove off; struggling to keep her tears at bay.

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Well???? It was a long wait, I know and I'm sorry but finals were coming and I had to study and get those grades up and- well. Here's chapter ten. =33 Tell me what you think!!

Review please...

-Triz'-