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In Inu-no-Taisho's car
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"Sho, I had a wonderful time today. Thanks." Izayoi's fingers grazed down her chauffeur's arm, a corner of her irises falling on the two asleep at the back seat. She smiled; an overwhelming of comfort surrounded her. "Look at them. They look so tired."
"Yeh, they must be tired after a long day like this. I think Sesshy never had so much fun and I'm glad Rin was there for him." He channeled his attention to the one beside him, the expressions on his face conveyed that he was about to say something of a more solemn nature. "Yoi, I've had a failed marriage once. I haven't been a good husband, a good Oto-san. Is it really alright… that you want to be with me?"
Her buoyant smile disappeared, changing into one that was gentler, adorned with much tenderness. "Then Sho, let us both try our best to make this a happy family… one happy family." Her gaze traveled to the kids behind them again, her lithe fingers giving his palm a squeeze, her head dipping slightly into a self grin. "Together, we will provide our children with the best of our love."
Nodding his head, Inu-no-Taisho's lips curved a faint smile as her words reached into the deepest ends of his heart. He couldn't agree more. All the hurt in the past, all the mistakes, they will all come to pass with this new beginning. He would be able to provide his son with a caring mother and a sweet, understanding ne-san. Everything would be different from now forth.
Opening only an unseen slit in his eyes, Sesshoumaru studied them, listening in to every detail of the conversation. His gaze passed over to the one next to him. Rin was now dozing off, her head resting on his shoulder, little loose strains of her hair falling out of place shielding from him part of her visage. The assurance he had given her on their first Ferris wheel ride was chanting religiously at him.
If Myoga-ji-san can wait forty years for a miracle, so can we…
What sort of a miracle was he seeking, he did not know. But as for Rin, he could almost speak on her behalf. For Rin, a miracle would probably mean the happiness of her mom more than of herself. And if in that whole entirety, there could still be a possibility of fulfilling her own wish to be with him, it'll be more than perfect. If not, then, would Rin give him up one day, when she could no longer withstand the pressure of this dark secret they beheld, a relationship that could perhaps never be brought into light?
To himself, Sesshoumaru admitted he was a selfish one, his only wish was to have Rin by his side always. She was the one for him, no other, he was sure.
With more than care, he draped his jacket over her lithe form, seeing that she was folding her arms for warm. Underneath the cover hidden from public view, he held her hand with unshaken firmness. He will not let go of her. He won't. She was the bit of heaven finally blossoming itself in his world, his heart. So neither will he allow her to do so, to back out in timidity, to retreat away under prolonged pressure or perhaps …because of too much love.
"Yoi." Once Sesshoumaru heard his father spoke again, he lay very still, not wanting to be discovered to be rousing. "Why don't you and Rin move in with us?"
Izayoi's eyes shot open. Sesshoumaru too flashed a gleam at the suggestive prospects. "Move in?" She repeated, rather unbelievingly.
"I mean, since we're going to be a family soon anyway, what's stopping us from doing it now? The kids can get to know each other better that way."
Get to know each other better, eh? One edge of his lips lifted a smirk, Sesshoumaru couldn't be more pleased.
"What?" Someone was finally rousing, Rin woke up rubbing her eyes as she overheard a fraction of that last statement. "Sessh…"
"Rin, you're awake! I was just suggesting that you and your mom can move in with us. What do you think about that?" Inu-no-Taisho offered a wink to her then to Izayoi, who immediately nodded in approval.
The girl sat up so straight her head almost banged the ceiling. She wanted to make a reply but… no words came. What? I'm going to live together with Sessh? Isn't that cohabitating? That particularly sensitive word blinked like a glittery neon sign in her mind.
"Yes, ne-san. We're going to live together." His voice was husky against her ears in a whisper that was only heard between them. He was teasing her again. He simply couldn't resist. Her agitations, her nervous trembles, her looks of bewilderment were too cute, too alluring when provoked. "In your heart, you're jumping for joy, aren't you?"
Rin swallowed audibly. Is it really alright for us to live like this? Sessh and I… She threw him a peek, trying to conceal her secretly growing elation.
Rin's narration
I know I'm drowning in sin… that I can no longer find a way out…
But I just can't stop this feeling that is overflowing…
In my eyes, there can be no other…
There is only Sesshoumaru… forever
I love him.
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Profile of Inu-no-Taisho's house
Type: Four storey mansion
Room of Inu-no-Taisho and Izayoi fourth storey
Room of Sesshoumaru and Rin Second storey (next to each other)
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Rin rolled drowsily in her bed, her hand extended attempting to wake some of those lazy muscles, lifting to shun off some of the early morning glares. It'd been almost a week since Izayoi and she had moved into Sesshoumaru's house and still, she couldn't get used to it, missing her own bed, the one which she had slept on since a kid, the one that dad had brought her to choose on her twelfth birthday.
"Ohayo, ne-san." She gasped at that too-familiar voice, her head turned toward its source in a fast flick. And it was him, Sesshoumaru and his always feral grin, always surprising, giving her little heart attacks.
"Sessh! What are you trying to do?" She could only shout but he leaned his whole weight on her, his mouth had zoomed in for a kiss. "Rin, let's become a pair of dangerous siblings…" She broke free. "Mom and uncle will hear us." She was silenced again with yet another compelling kiss. She pushed him away. "Ahhh…" By accident, she had rolled off her bed, landing with a hard thud on the carpeted floor.
Instantly, she woke up with a jump start, realizing all that happened a while back was nothing but her own dream. Massaging the bump on her head, a result of the fall, she sat up pursing her lips.
A dream? Why am I having such amorous dreams involving Sesshoumaru? It's soooo embarrassing! She pondered in a daze grabbing her cheeks, wanting to just slap herself out of it. And she did, sighing. She must be some closet pervert by instinct.
She took slow agonizing steps, practically crawling on her knees to the bathroom. Turning the knob, she entered her eyes half closed, reflectively selecting her toothbrush from the shelf and her mug, proceeding to filling it up.
Suddenly the shower curtain swiped open and Rin dropped all in her hands. Sesshoumaru stuck his head out from the cubicle. "Hey ne-san, get me my towel."
"SESSH! Why are you in here? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO LOCK THE DOOR IF YOU'RE IN THE BATH!" She yelled out, both her hands crushed into a ball and swinging in the air.
Apparently, Sesshoumaru was not the least embarrassed by his nudity in her presence. He was himself, like always, calm and non-chalant. He dropped the rest of the shower curtain, revealing his entire naked body fully in the face of the girl, speaking coolly. "What are you kicking such a big fuss about? I just need a little help!"
"AHHHH…." Rin's eyes blew up till they almost exploded when she saw what she shouldn't, dashing out of the bathroom and slamming the door behind her. Leaning against the door, her chest heaved, still finding it impossible to catch her breath. Ahhh… I've seen Sesshoumaru naked! She fretted in only the next second later, switching her thoughts. Damn! I should have gotten a closer look. She giggled to herself.
The door opened behind her and Rin found herself falling back right into the arms of Sesshoumaru. Thankfully, or rather, disappointingly, he had circled a towel round himself.
"You girl…" He spoke in a low whisper as he pressed her into a wall and flung the door shut. "are so lusty…"
"Sessh, let me go… mom and uncle…" She was stopped with a morning kiss, her hands pushed flat against the tiles behind her by his powerful arms.
"If you're quiet enough, we can take a shower together." He laughed, his breath whistling and tickling her neck. "You know, you need to get new pajamas. These are so childish, not sexy at all." But he started unbuttoning them nonetheless.
"Sessh…" Rin struggled and struggled in vain for whatever she didn't know. She was actually quite turned on by that kinky idea herself.
"Rin! Sesshoumaru! Breakfast time! Are you kids up yet? You're going to be late for school!" Izayoi's chimes effectively interrupted them. With an exasperated sigh, Sesshoumaru let the girl go, but not without one last peck on her nose.
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At the breakfast table
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Rin picked up a piece of fleshly done toast, spreading cream cheese on it. "Sessh… you know. Maybe next time you should…" She didn't finish.
"What?" His nonchalant disposition made her think twice if chiding him off would ever help. She sighed, deciding to let it go and start on her food instead.
But something else attracted her attention. Inu-no-Taisho was dancing down the stairs, halting a few steps to the ground and making a pose which probably he had thought was sexy. "Darling! Am I looking good today or what?" He was purposefully flashing his new suit to Izayoi.
The single mom's eyes twinkled in dreamy delight. "Oh, Anata! You're soooo handsome!"
Upon hearing that, the taisho was extremely pleased and nodding. "Now, do you find yourself falling in love with me all over again this morning?" His brows flickered up and down in a tease but Izayoi slapped his arm shyly.
"Sho, the kids are here…"
"Can you stop being so disgusting in the morning? You're making me nauseous even at breakfast!" Sesshoumaru spat out, intercepting them.
Inu-no-Taisho settled down contritely at his chair after being rebuked by his son, his tone turning a little less of a drama. "Yoi, Rin, how are you girls? You've been here for a week now. Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?"
Rin flashed a perfectly curved smile, shaking her head and the Taisho continued.
"Oh, don't forget, Sesshy. This Sunday we're having lunch with your ba-ba (grandma)."
"I'm not going. I hate to see her. Grandma's such a nag." Sesshoumaru slammed down his cup of tea so forcefully that some of it spilt wetting the table napkin.
"Sesshy, she's your grandma after all and she wants to meet Yoi and Rin." Inu-no-Taisho spoke ever so patiently, then turned to Izayoi, holding her hand lovingly. "My mom wishes to discuss the details of our wedding."
Izayoi nodded with equal elation and Rin watched from the other corner of the dining table the happiness, blissfulness surrounding her mom. A sudden welling of sadness pooled up unknowingly within her.
Rin's narration
Mom is going to get married to uncle soon.
Just a week back, we left the home that we've been staying like forever, the castle that dad had built with all his love for us. We've left everything behind, every piece of furniture, every cup and saucer… for something wonderful, mom's new found happiness.
But no matter what, the memories of dad, his warmth hands, his hugs, all his love that was showered upon us, will never be forgotten. It's just that for a better future for mom, I'll keep them in the deepest part of my heart… and there it will stay forever… my beloved daddy…
A deep velvety voice channeled the girl back from her musing. "Rin?" It was Sesshoumaru. He had noticed that she had gone all quiet. "Are you alright?" He was searching into her eyes deeply, as if wishing to figure out what was bothering her.
"It's nothing." Rin shook her head immediately, flashing a quick smile. "I-I'm alright."
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At the restaurant, Grandma's lunch
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The elegant elderly lady sat down in her chair, being assisted by Inu-no-Taisho. Sesshoumaru slipped into a seat furthest away, directing most of his gaze outside the glass window and pretending to focus anywhere but at his ba-san. If it wasn't that Rin's here, he wouldn't be that stupid enough to turn up EVER!
"Sesshoumaru, where are your manners?" Kaede-ban-san offered an apologetic nod to her guests. "How can you behave like this in front of your future ka-san and ne-san?"
Sesshoumaru made no attempt to answer but instead, picked up his green tea, sipping it silently.
Rin gulped. What a serious, no-funny-business granny Sessh has.
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Kaede's Profile
Seventy year's old
Head of the Inu-household
Traditional, firm, serious
Takes great pride to uphold the Inu name
In short, a real hard ass :)
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Ignoring her insolent grand son, Kaede began to give her formal opening speech.
"Welcome, Izayoi and Rin. On behalf of the Inu family, we welcome you. I do hope that in the future, the four of you will be able to live in harmony and treasure this special bondage you are about to share as a new family. I sincerely hope that our next Inu heir will not pose too much trouble to you." The last statement was purposefully directed at the boy and politely to the middle aged mom.
Izayoi gave a respectful bow and a nod before giving her reply. "No, I'm honored to become Sesshy's mom. He's a wonderful boy and I'll take good care of him, I promise.' She winked at her daughter opposite the table, speaking also on her behalf. "And so will my daughter, Rin, now that she's his ne-san."
Rin hadn't a choice but nodded, something poked accusingly at her heart… guilt… she decided. She'll never ever become a good ne-san to Sessh. She dared only to heave a silent sigh. This is going to be a long, painful lunch.
True enough, they only went about their food for like half an hour but to the girl, it felt like a month long. She tried looking her best, putting up her best manners, for the sake of her mom, occasionally hiding little yawns so as not to seem rude. But none of the conversation was getting into her head. They were all history of the Inu family and how honorable, charitable they are, and so on and so on and so on.
She threw a bored glance at Sesshoumaru, discovering that he was in no better mood, foul right from the beginning. Rolling his eyes and giving frequent audible sighs and smacking his lips in impatience, he certainly did not try to keep his frustration to himself. Kaede had obviously noticed every of the boy's gestures.
"You know, Sho, after you're done with your wedding, we should get on with letting Sesshoumaru take over your position in office."
That managed to wake Rin up like a snap of finger. What? Sesshoumaru has to take over his father's position? As the chairman of the school?
It was so natural but yet, it had never occured or seemed so real to her till it came out of Kaede's mouth. Then, her relationship with Sessh if found out, wouldn't that become the biggest, most awful scandal ever? Not only will it affect the name of the Inu-family, it'll also affect Sesshoumaru himself, her own mother aside. Instant pictures of Sesshoumaru and herself on the headlines of tabloids splashed in her mind.
If Kaede-ba-san knows about us, will I be assassinated? Rin forced a laugh to herself, noting that she was getting a bit too extreme with that overblown imagination but nonetheless, she wouldn't doubt the horrendous impact it would cause.
Sesshoumaru himself wasn't at all pleased with that suggestion. He stood up folding his arms. "I've said numerous times. I DO NOT WISH TO TAKE OVER THE POSITION!"
Kaede started again, attempting to talk some sense into the boy calmly. "You know, Sesshoumaru, you don't have a choice. You're the family's only heir."
"I DON'T CARE THE FUCK!"
"SHO!" This time, the elderly lady's face turned blue with rage, coughing vigorously, mostly at the profanity chosen. "Look at your son! He's getting out of hand! You've spoilt him too much!"
Inu-no-Taisho frowned, standing up and moving toward his mother, soothing her back in gentle strokes to ease her. "Mother, Sesshoumaru's still young. He's only first year in college. Give him some time."
"I DON'T NEED TIME! I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THE FAMILY BUSINESS!" With that, the boy stood up, his chair crashing onto the floor but he didn't care. Yanking the door with all his might, he stormed out.
"Look at him, how rude! I told you, Sho. You have to discipline him. One day, he's going to do something that'll ruin the name of our family." Kaede shouted on top of her voice.
Rin felt completely uneasy staying behind. Ruin the name of the family… I guess we're already starting on that part now… She thought about herself and Sessh and mom and tension began to build in her, drowning her out of breath. Finally, she stood up, everyone at the table slightly taken aback by this sudden response.
"Erm… mom, uncle…" She tried to maintain composed. "Kaede-ba-san, I think I'll go after Sessh… to see if he's okay…" And without waiting for a reply of go-ahead, she dashed out of the door, not even wishing to look back as her mom spoke.
"Rin, we won't be back till after dinner… so find Sesshy and prepare something for the two of you, okay dear?"
Rin searched all the usual spots Sesshoumaru would visit to no avail. She was at a lost herself, her mind clouded with too many of Kaede's words at lunch.
Is it really alright for us to continue like this, Sessh and I? The fear of being uncovered, exposed, of coming into light, was getting too suffocating, choking her till the point of tears. So, instead of locating the boy, she took a long walk by herself at her favorite spot… the seaside. Perhaps she really needed time to think about this blossoming relationship, about her mom, about Sesshoumaru, about her new family and perhaps, also to weigh the importance of each.
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