All Grown Up Crunch Time, an inuyasha fanfic

**A/N please note. I am redoing this story. So please understand for the others who have already read the other/old story. it is the same basic outline and plot. I'm just adding in more detail going into the characters in depth. Thanks.**

Chapter Eight – Crunch Time

It was finally the day, and Rin was on the verge of tears. The guests were about to show up any minute and Kaede was finishing making the final ties and knots on Rin's kimono.

Rin's new kimono was all white with small embroidered cherry blossoms around the hem. The sash around her waist was a light pink silk that complemented the cherry blossoms perfectly. Kaede tied it into a shapely bow in the back.

"Is he here yet?" Rin asked. Kaede only shook her head. Rin's hair was done up in a loss bun with a few ringlets in the back. The only color in her thick black hair was a few cherry blossom flowers.

"No worries child… Lord Sesshomaru shall come when he is ready… Have faith," Kaede said in hopes to cheer Rin up. Kagome knocked gently on the hut door.

"Kagome, I'm so happy you came," Rin called. They hugged warmly.

"Look at you Rin, you're beautiful," Kagome said with a smile.

"Did you see Sesshomaru out there at all?" Rin asked.

"Oh, no I didn't. I figured he'd be in here with you," Kagome replied. The misery filled Rin's face once again. "But there is still quite a bit of time, he'll be here, just late," Kagome blurted out. Rin only nodded.

The sun began to coast down the sky and the thunderous sound of carriages and horses echoed the waiting streets.

'It's almost time,' Rin thought, her nerves reaching the almost breaking point. 'And, he's not here.' She wanted to call the party off, or run away. But what was the use for an action like that? It would only cement her loneness for the rest of her life.

The music started, people began to chatter and the smell of food being served filled her senses. She knew the run down, when to make her appearance then what was to follow; but she was having a hard time smiling, even a fake smile. She was choking back tears that burned behind her eyes.

"You never see events like this," Rin heard a male voice say from outside the hut.

"I agree, they should have these more often, my father met my mother at something like this. I always dreamed about meeting my own wife like they did." A different man replied. Rin smirked at the romantic gestured the stranger said but it past as quickly as it came. She didn't care, she wanted Sesshomaru.

Many minutes passed, and there were many men still arriving, just not the man she wanted.

'You have got to stop thinking about him,' she commanded herself. Every time she closed her eyes, his face lingered. Every time she thought his name she thought how much she dreamed of moaning it this night. 'Stop it Rin!' she thought again

Her mind was hurtled back when heard gentle knock coming from the back of the hut.

"Is the lady of the hour residing in this hut?" a man asked suddenly. "I know I'm not suppose to see you until the revile, I just wanted you to know that I'm thrilled to be here. And I plan on winning your hand." Rin recognized his voice. It was the lord from the previous town; the one who asked her to stay with him. She didn't reply.

After several more moments there was another gentle knock, this time coming from the front door.

"It's me," called Kagome. She stepped in quickly. "It's almost time Rin," She said smiling, "There are so many handsome men here."

"Who's going to choose for me?" Rin asked. "Sesshomaru isn't here."

"Well, what would happen if you didn't have a father and mother in your village?" Kagome questioned.

"Then my oldest brother or my oldest sister's husband would decide," Rin answered sobbing slightly.

Kagome stood there thinking. "Well, what am I to you?" she asked.

"You're practically my sister," Rin said, seeing where Kagome was going with this.

"Then InuYasha and I will decide," Kagome stated, "no one really knows the old ways except you and sometimes you gotta improvise in a crunch."

Rin yelped with excitement.

"Thank you so much," Rin said hugging her, "you're amazing."

"I'll go tell Kaede and wait for you by the drum," Kagome sang and left the hut quickly. Rin was finally feeling happy about her party again; but it wasn't what she wanted.

"You gotta improvise when you're in a crunch," Rin repeated to herself.

Rin heard the big drums. There was the sound of rustling feet and hushed voices.

"Welcome," Kaede announced, "We are here to honor the growth of our dear Rin. She is represented by Kagome and InuYasha." Kaede gestured to the two of them sitting at the head of the town center. "It is my deep privilege to present Rin."

Rin took a deep breath and stepped out of the small hut. Several men gasped at her beauty, then after a slight pause there was a surge of applause. Rin smiled and took her seat next to Kagome.

'This is it,' Rin thought looking at the buffet of men in front of her. In the front the line stood the Lord from Brigand smiling smugly. Rin quickly looked to Kagome to start whatever she was going to start.

***And there is chapter eight and the start of the long awaited party. I hope everyone is liking it so far and please review :D***

-Counting Down the Days