Chapter Nine – The Decision and The Reveal

It felt like the hours were floating by. Rin didn't even realize what was going on. She was introduced to countless faces but not one sunk in. Kagome had been watching her carefully. She was hoping to see a spark or a glimmer of interest for any of these men. There was nothing.

The Lord from Brigand walked up to the platform.

"Hello, there," he began. Rin looked up but kept her face blank. She had been hoping to use him to get under Sesshomaru's skin.

"Your name," Kagome questioned. He continued on answering her questions. But Rin was far off in her mind. She was thinking about him, about Sesshomaru.

Eleven o'clock came suddenly. It was time for Kagome and InuYasha to deliberate between one another. Rin went back into her original hut.

Once alone, she let herself cry. She couldn't stop. The tears flooded her eyes, washed over her cheeks.

"I can't do this," Rin decided. She kicked off her shoes and went to the door. Right before she was about to open the door Kagome knocked.

"We're ready… we've decided," She called through the door. She opened the door slightly and poked her head in and quietly called "Rin?"

She saw Rin, her face streaked with tears, her eyes red. Her jaw was quivering and she began to shake her head slowly.

"Will I always feel like this?" Rin asked, "Will I always feel miserable and empty?"

Kagome looked down at the poor broken girl.

"No, but one step to get over the pain is by trying," Kagome answered, "What you're feeling now is going to last only as long as you let it."

Kagome wiped off Rin's cheeks and fanned her face.

"How about we pick the guy and you guys don't get married until 5 dates?" Kagome suggested. Rin could only smile, "that's a girl." They walked out of the hut. The crisp night air helped rejuvenate Rin.

"Gentlemen, InuYasha and I have decided who we want to take Rin's hand." Kagome began. Rin stood slightly behind her and InuYasha. Again her face was blank.

"We have decided," InuYasha began reluctantly. "Lord,"

"Sesshomaru." Kagome injected.

Rin's head snapped up in disbelief. Her eyes focused on a tall figure in the back of the crowd walking forward. It was Sesshomaru.

Rin almost jumped out of her skin in excitement.

InuYasha stood there in his own disbelief.

Rin stepped down from the platform and walked towards him. Sesshomaru walked towards her as well; meeting in the middle.

"You look beautiful," Sesshomaru said once they met.

"You're here," was all Rin could muster to say.

***ok there it is. We're getting to the end woot. I'm excited to finish this one. And just FYI to the kiddo's there is LOTS of citrus in the next chapter. **

-Counting Down the Days-