Hey all,

Okay, lemon alert. There is a lemon in this chapter (well of course, in celebration of their relationship coming to light, right?) So, you've been warned.

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In Inu-no-Taisho's car

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Inu-no-Taisho peered through the rear view mirror at the two seated behind him in the family vehicle. Sesshoumaru and Rin, each seemingly just admiring the passing scenery on their side of the car; They were relaxed and so subtle on the surface that the Taisho realized why he had never got to even coming close to discovering their relationship. But now that he knew, he just had to laugh at his own obliviousness. They were merely enjoying a sort of comfortable silence, moments where they had preferred to stay quiet in each other's company.

Most young couples at their age would have purposefully demanded the other's full attention, some of the time coming dangerously to being overly possessive till they finally managed to choke the other to a breakup. Taking a peek downward, he grinned as he caught sight of Sesshoumaru's hand gently stroking on Rin's fingers on her lap and yet, there was no obvious hint of passion in the action itself.

This simple scene itself had surprised the Taisho himself to the core. The two were behaving almost like a regular married couple, so entirely different from young squabbling lovers of similar ages. Surely, his son was not joking when he had confessed earlier that he and Rin were in love. They really were, he was sure of it now. It was not just a moment of folly, of infatuation or even of curiosity of sex. They had decided on each other, for life. It was no wonder that they had put their relationship to light. It was no longer a choice but a necessity. Staying secret would be too painful and eventually, it would kill them both.

Yes, the Taisho took in a deep breath when he arrived upon the issue on the level of intimacy the two had chosen. They had already crossed the final boundary and there was no turning back. Even though during the long talk with his son, Sesshoumaru himself had kept his silence on this overly private topic, not wishing to reveal any further than what Izayoi had already known, he was now more confident than ever of what Izayoi had related back at the hospital ward. The hotel was definitely NOT their first, though he did not wish to start guessing exactly how many times and how frequent or even picturing the degree of passion they must have had underneath this seemingly innocent front.

He only fervently prayed that Sesshoumaru had not lied to him and that his son did not the least force his will on the girl, like he had always since a child, having his way all the time. Well, he wouldn't mind asking for the details if Sesshoumaru hadn't bestowed him with the deadly "I can't believe we're having this talk" stare. Rin was like a daughter to him and no father, I repeat no father, could tolerate that their little angels were taken to a man's bed, lest his own son's bed. He felt responsible to protect her on behalf of Izayoi, even from his very own heir.

He heaved a sigh. Well, he had said all he needed to say, done all he could. The rest was up to Sesshoumaru himself. He raised an eyebrow to the rear view mirror once again. "Rin.." The girl turned, her hazels flew open, obviously alerted by his call. "Can you tell me…when did you and Sesshy start dating?"

Rin blinked at the question; Sesshoumaru's fingers had laced with hers to give her support. "Hmm… I think it was about two weeks after Sessh and I first met in the school."

Nodding thoughtfully, the Taisho released a light chuckle. "I see. It has been that long. I'm surprised." He was. This only meant that they had stayed hidden for coming to eight months now.

A sudden surge of guilt filled the girl as she pondered over the implications of her reply. "I'm sorry uncle. Sessh and I wanted so much to tell you and mom but the words just can't come out. We really didn't mean to hide it for so long. I'm really sorry."

Shaking his head as he noticed how stressed Rin was looking under his simple question, the Taisho merely laughed louder and more light-heartedly, also wishing that might calm her a little. "I'm not blaming you, Rin. On the contrary, I should really thank you. Remember way back then, I told you that if the person is you… you would be able to understand Sesshoumaru better than anyone else. This shows that my initial instincts were right. You're really the right match for my boy."

Wishing to address a more solemn issue, the middle age dad's tone mellowed. "However, I hope that the two of you are ready for the new life you'd be leading from now onward. Being siblings in name and lovers at the same time would certainly come with a lot of pressure from the outside world. People will talk and sometimes, their words will hurt. You must learn to focus and hang on. In time, these tabloids would cease when the news become stale and uninteresting. But no matter what happens, I still wish to stay a family with the two of you. I will do my utmost to protect my children."

Swallowing a lump that was forming in her throat, the girl smiled as she fought back a tear. "Arigato uncle, for your understanding."

The Taisho instantly flashed a cheery wink through the rear view mirror. "So, Sesshy my boy, what do you say? Are we still staying under one roof as a happy family of four?"

Sesshoumaru's ambers moved to peer at his father then to the girl by his side. His expressions were unreadable as ever, composed and bland but Rin was smiling broadly at him nonetheless. "As long as Rin's happy, that's all that matters to me."

And that was adequate an answer for the Taisho as even. He slapped his hand happily on the steering wheel and cheered. "Great then! That's settled! From this day onward, let's live an all-new life in the Inu-residence. There's not much difference actually, Rin, you still eventually have to address me as dad."

The girl flushed to a deepen red at that and Sesshoumaru gently gave her a squeeze on her hand, making blush even more.

Upon reaching their destination, the Taisho let the two alight and waved them goodbye. "I'm going back to the hospital to keep Yoi company. So, I'm leaving the two of you in charged of the house. Sesshy, take good care of Rin. I'm holding you responsible for her from this moment on. I'm sure you do not mind." The young lovers peered at each other affectionately at that comment and as Sesshoumaru paced ahead to unlock the gate, the Taisho beckoned the girl back to his side as he exited the car himself.

Looking into her eyes earnestly, he held both Rin's hands tightly. "Rin, you know that Sesshy is someone who had a scaring childhood. Beneath his cold stubborn front, he had kept his wounds hidden. I know that only you are able to reach out to him and that's probably why he had fallen for you. That's why he's so determined that you're his choice. I hope that you'll take care of him on my behalf. I'm leaving him in your hands."

Silently and smiling, the girl nodded, then giving him a wave, she half skipped to the side of the one she loved. At the front door, Sesshoumaru had taken in the entire scene from the corner of his ambers and when the girl reached his side, he couldn't suppress his anxiety. "What did dad say to you?"

Rin merely grinned smugly as she eyed him, testing his patience for the wait. When she saw his eyes narrowed in slight annoyance, she gave in. "He said the same thing that my mom had said to you. He's leaving you in my care." She sucked in her lips in her uncontained excitement. "So now, you're my property, Sessh."

Sesshoumaru listened coolly and as he turned the knob, he gestured the girl to enter before him. Smiling, Rin accepted his gentlemanly move but had only managed a few steps before she heard the door slam shut, her hand being pulled and in the next moment, she was pinned tightly to the door under his weight. Sesshoumaru held both her hands down on each side of her waist as he pressed his chest flush against hers, stopping all possibilities of movement. Escape was impossible.

"Sesshoumaru! Let me go!" She struggled, her breathing hard and laden, to no avail.

Flashing a smug grin of his own, Sesshoumaru merely took his time, reveling the feel of his catch. "You mentioned that I'm your property. So, is it right that one should take good care of what is theirs?"

Rin's eyes widened, confused by his question. He smiled wryly.

"My love, how do you intend to take good care of me, my …needs?" He nibbled at her ears as he breathed huskily into them.

Rin swallowed as a shiver ran tingled down her spine. She knew exactly what he meant, she wasn't dumb. "Sesshoumaru…W-We just got home…"

Suddenly, he chuckled and Rin felt his hands leaving her and when she re-opened her hazels, Sesshoumaru had already made it half way up the stairs. Realizing that he was teasing, she pouted as he turned to flash her a grin. "You, my girl will go and take a nice hot bath. Then, you will come to my room wearing that…" He rubbed his chin as if he was pondering for a while. "…that cream silk yukata that I got you a few weeks back."

The scanty cream yakata? The girl recalled instantly. That see-through bit of silk? She had been so shocked the day she received it as a gift from him, swearing not to wear it EVER! She knew what was on his mind when he picked that up.

"And why should I do that?" Rin folded her arms, trotting up the stairs past him, pretending not to care the least of his request. Alas, that was not to be. Caught unawares again, she gasped aloud as she was pulled back by both shoulders into his embrace, her back against his chest as he placed his chin on her shoulder.

"That's because…I wish for your company in my bed tonight." He kissed her shoulder. "This is a special occasion for us, this day, don't you agree?" He persuaded and it was succeeding, apparently. Rin's heart had softened significantly. Sesshoumaru made good sense. This was a special day, a memorable one that had marked the beginning of their new life together, in the open.

Seeing that the girl was not responding to him as quickly as he had hoped, Sesshoumaru let his hands slide to her waist, circling it and hugging her into him. "You don't really have a choice you know… You are mine now. Whenever I ask for you, you will come to my bed and…offer yourself…" He breathed a slight chuckle at his own brilliance.

Right! Rin's lips pursed. Just when I was about to give in, he was back to his dictator style again.

Pushing his hands off, she turned to face him with a pointed finger. "In case you did not realize, Sesshoumaru-SAMA, this happens to be only a half-way victory for us. There's still your granny Kaede!" At that, Rin's finger slid down to her side, being reminded of the toughest barrier between them they'd yet to cross. She fell silent, heaving a little sigh and Sesshoumaru took in all of it.

He rubbed his hands on the length of her arms, trying to sooth her of her unease. "Shh…" He brought her softly into his arms, holding her tightly in his warmth. "Don't worry. Leave that part to me. Now that dad and aunty had given us their approval, they'll be on our side."

Rin's arms swung around him as she snuggled into his chest. "Uncle will help us persuade Kaede-be-san… I know he will…"

With feathery touches, Sesshoumaru let his fingers comb down Rin's waist long hair in gentle strokes. "Now go, take a nice hot bath, relax…"

Touched, the girl nodded, pacing to open her room door.

"Don't forget… the cream yukata…my room…after your shower…pronto…"

Rin heaved a resigned sigh, grinning as she flicked her door closed.

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After her shower, the girl had a towel over her long damp hair, rubbing it furiously with both her hands as she re-entered her room. She strolled leisurely to her wardrobe, sliding it open and flipping through the hangars, searching for the silk yukata that Sesshoumaru had specifically indicated her to put on.

Spotting it, she pulled it out, gently placing it on her bed as she flung her towel over her dressing chair. She let her bathrobe drop to the ground, then slipping into the soft translucent night silk, fumbling a little on the ties. After drying most of her hair with the dryer, she casually paced to the room next door, instantly realizing that it was slightly ajar, as if the boy had purposefully left it to be so.

Rin blinked at something new swinging on his door knob. It was a sign that read, Do not disturb".

Now when did Sessh get this? The girl mused rather curiously as she played with the tag with her slender fingers. She had not seen him purchasing it. And why would he need a thing like this?

Deciding not to think too deeply over an insignificant issue and really feeling rather exhausted from a long eventful day, Rin pushed open the door, her hazels briefly swept through the huge chamber. Though just situated next to each other, her own room was nothing compared to the boy's. For one, Sesshoumaru's room was at least three times the size of hers, mainly segregated into three different sections, his study including his mini library and piano, his TV corner containing his state-of-the-art home theatre system and his sleeping area. The furniture was posh, chic and tastefully picked out.

Passing by the study, Rin had noticed that Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen. He must have gone into the bath, she concluded as she reached his huge soft bed. A slight smile broadened across her face. Though they had been together for such a long time, the girl could finish counting with one hand the number of times she had actually been to his room. It wasn't that he had disallowed it, Rin knew, Sesshoumaru wouldn't have minded if she were to drop by more often. However, the girl herself had preferred not to, for the pure reason of feminine pride or perhaps, how she was brought up. To her, it was never proper for a girl to voluntarily enter a man's room, especially when she knew what sort of temptation she was inviting him into by doing so.

And even when she did visit his room on one or two occasions, they had somehow managed to stay clear of his bed, and instead, had enjoyed a simple movie together.

But today, Rin just felt in the mood to testing out those incredibly soft looking quilts and pillows. Moreover if she had known the boy well enough, Sesshoumaru would be in the shower for quite a while. She only took another second before her mind was made up. With a soft squeal, she hopped onto his bed, flipping the heavily feathered covers and settling into it. She snuggled, twisted and adjusted herself till she had found the perfect position and with a contented smile on her face, she let her eyes drift shut.

Totally unawares that someone had turned over the other end of the covers and had sunk into the pillows, Rin's eyes flew open as a pair of muscled hand circled round her waist from under the thick quilt.

"Sessh! You scared me!" She drowsily pushed at him but was denied of any form of escape. Sesshoumaru gently turned her around, pulling her into his embrace.

"I think you've mistaken. You're the one in MY bed, you know." He chuckled deeply, placing light kisses on her temple down to her cheek. Rin giggled dazedly at the slight tickle, reflexively turning to face him, welcoming his tender gestures.

"You took so long in the shower I fell asleep." She gave a little yawn, blinking her eyes to orient herself. When eventually she did, the first thing she noticed was how the boy's eyes were fixed at an angle on her yukata. She followed his line of vision downward to the level of her chest, instantly noting how her nipples were clearly visible through the thin layers of cloth.

"Hey!" Hurriedly, Rin tried to pull up her covers as she sunk deeper into the bed. She didn't manage to get far.

Sesshoumaru's grip on her was strong, holding her to him as he laughed. "Didn't you wear that to offer yourself to me?" He lightly moved his fingers along the silken folds of the yukata, dangerously slipping in to her bare skin at any moment.

"You're the one who told me to wear it." The girl fought back her own chuckle as she pretended to fend him off. Well, a girl has to play hard to get once in a while.

"Yes…" He tilted her chin, bringing her gaze to him as he displayed his most charming smile. "Still, you did not object." He reached out to trace the seams of her lips with his finger.

The moment the girl met his eyes, she found herself lost in their dark golden warmth. As if by instinct, she let her own finger do the same to his thin lips, feeling it, wanting it. And once his mouth sank hotly into hers, she just melted into his skin, their kiss deepening passionately with every passing second.

Rin gasped into his mouth when she felt his hand sliding into her thin silk to her breast, fondling it. She broke the kiss, taking in a few short breaths. "Sessh… we…" Before another word was said, Sesshoumaru's other hand had wandered to the knot at her waist, pulling on it. "Sessh… we can't do this….not now…"

"Mmm…" His nonchalant reply indicated that he had no intentions of stopping. Spreading the folds on the silk, he gilded down, letting his mouth cover the softness of her breasts, suckling and nibbling it. He chuckled, feeling Rin arched up in response to him, bringing herself even closer to his reach.

"Wait…" Rin finally managed to wriggle a little away from him, pulling herself to a sitting position as she heard the boy growled. "Sessh… erm… maybe we shouldn't. Uncle … he may come home anytime..."

"He's going to keep your mom company the whole night at the hospital." He argued with slight annoyance, getting up to her side.

"B-But… now that uncle and mom had accepted us… I mean…they trust us to be alone at home and…." She was interrupted abruptly as a bag was flung before her, dropping on top of the soft covers with a thud. Her eyes widened. "W-What's this?"

"What you just said… dad's so-called trust…" He gestured with his hand, as if asking her to look into it.

Suspiciously, Rin pulled open the bag, peeking into it, not quite able to make out what was inside. They were just tiny little boxes, lots of lots of them. Not having the patience to wait for her agonizingly long self investigation, Sesshoumaru flipped the bag over, letting all of the items fall out onto the sheets.

Rin let out a loud gasp as she picked them up one at a time, realizing what they were. Long durance, strawberry flavored, ripped…Condoms! Lots of lots of them, different colored boxes, brands, types, full assortment of the entire range available in the market.

"What?" She struggled to speak in her astonishment. "Sessh, where did you…"

"Dad bought them…for us…" He raised an eyebrow at her, indicating that he was caught as off guard as her. "He spoke to me about … this…us… He knows about the hotel."

"HE KNOWS?" Rin's voice had blown out of control without her own knowledge but the boy simply chuckled. Suddenly, she recalled vaguely that she had noticed Sesshoumaru carrying a bag similar to this one on their way home. And right, the two men had a private talk on their own at the hospital. So this was what was transpired? Their topic the entire long session was about nothing but…. sex? And it was about her having it with Sesshoumaru… Ahhhh….

"So what if he does? He didn't object." The boy elegantly swept the little boxes aside sending them dropping onto the carpeted floor beneath, then reaching out to lightly rub across Rin's redden cheeks.

"He didn't?" Rin's eyes blew up wider in disbelief.

"Nope." The boy laughed genuinely as he pulled on her hand with a force enough for Rin to tip over into his chest. "He merely insisted that we…take proper precautions…" He breathed into her ears and Rin could almost feel his smug smile.

"How could he? Uncle… he's… just as terrible as you!" Greatly embarrassed, the girl felt half flustered and confused. "I would think that all parents… I mean…"

"Did you see the sign on the door when you came in?" Sesshoumaru lightly pushed the silk away with his mouth, then placing a kiss on her bare shoulder, nibbling it at the same time. "Dad bought it. He said to put it up whenever we …do not wish to be disturbed…"

"B-But…that's so …" embarrassing… Are they really going to so openly show their intimacy in front of their parents in the future? She could only finish the last words in her mind as his lips dropped firmly on hers, kissing her and sealing her ability for further speech.

"On the contrary, I think the old man is rather wise for once." A deep chuckled in his throat, Sesshoumaru broke a little away from her lips as he spoke. "Moreover, even if we stop now, you're not going to be virgin again."

"That's such… an insensitive thing to say… you're impossible, Sesshoumaru…" Rin punched at him weakly as her blush deepened.

"You knew I was… right from the beginning…" He forced kissed her forehead, not able to stop his chuckles at his own tease. "But you've let me be impossible… And now… it's too late. You already mine. There's no turning back."

"I've let you because…." She pushed at him, her prideful hazels glaring up at his and then like a mystery, she softened almost instantly, finding that she just couldn't fight on. No matter how many times before, Rin never understood how she could melt into submission by just gazing into those beautiful amber eyes.

"Because?" Meeting her eyes with equal intensity, he breathed, urging her to go on.

"Because I love you…" She smiled finally, relaxing a bit and pulling him down to kiss him.

Taking that as a downright invitation, Sesshoumaru returned the kiss fully as his hands continued undressing her. A reluctant groan of complaint escaped the girl's lips as she felt him breaking away from her mouth but she squealed instantly as she felt his hands cruising rapidly pass her belly to her sex.

"Cum for me, baby…." His skilled fingers parted her folds and started fondling her pearl, sliding up and down in gentle motions.

Caught off guarded, Rin felt the intensity growing within her, a thin sheen of sweat formed covering her skin. It only took a few more seconds before she was bucking and thrashing wildly, her hands wildly grabbing and pulling a bunch of sheets as she was thrown into oblivion.

"Cum for me…I wish to see you cum… feel you…" Sesshoumaru persisted, increasing in speed and pressure as he pushed a finger into her core, dipping it in and out in an urgent thrusting motion.

With a force she had never experienced, Rin cried out his name as she shook and convulsed into him, heaving and catching her breath. A victorious grin dressing his fine features, Sesshoumaru stilled his finger, enjoying silently how her inner muscles were lightly squeezing intermittently onto it.

Still dazed and unfocused, Rin blinked after several moments only to vaguely noticing that her legs were being parted and anchored onto Sesshoumaru's shoulders. He had positioned himself in between her.

"Sesshoumaru…" She managed a hushed mumble before she felt his first full thrust into her. Tightly, Rin held onto the corners of her covers as he pounded into her again and again, his thrusts turning more powerful as he gained momentum.

"Oh baby…you feel so good…so good…" He hissed, his voice hoarse and almost unrecognizable. And suddenly, something hit the girl.

"Sessh…ahh…aren't you… Mmm… using the ….Ooo… condom?"

He didn't respond, holding her steadfast on her ankles and continued till he stiffened and shuddered violently, then collapsed his full weight onto her body. Rin felt his breath hot and rapid against her neck. She waited till he calmed down significantly, turned over bringing her with him to rest on his shoulder. He wrapped his hand round her, then pulled the blankets over them.

After a long moment of silence, Rin lifted her head, feeling instantly that Sesshoumaru had dropped a kiss on her temple. She smiled contently at first, then was reminded of her last question to him, half asked in a blurry of passion. "Hey, you said uncle told us to take precautions!" She punched him on is chest teasingly.

"Huh?" Obviously still settling himself, Sesshoumaru needed a while longer before he regained his composure. "Oh… aren't you on pills?"

"Yeah…but since uncle got them for you…erm…us… you can start using them so that I can get OFF the pills?" She answered wittily, poking her finger at his chest.

Sesshoumaru let off a deep throated chuckle, his hand trailing to the girl's smooth back, making little circles on it. "But I prefer to feel you…" He dipped down to offer her a soft kiss, then his brows arched. "Still, there is something…we could try out."

Turning swiftly, he rummaged through the unruly pile on the floor and then singling out a particular box. Flinging it to the girl, he simply waited for her response. Rin squinted at the tiny words on the package. "What do you mean by strawberry flavored'?"

"You'll know shortly…"

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The next morning

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Looking down at the beautiful form lying warmly beside him in his bed, Sesshoumaru sat himself up till he leant his back against the cushioned headboard as he pondered over several urgent matters he needed to attend to. Amongst them, Kaede was the top priority. He let his fingers run lightly down Rin's sleep tousled hair, his mind fully upon his task for the day, a task he would be dealing with on his own.

No matter what he would do, how he would persuade his own grandmother, Rin would be out of it. She had suffered enough. It was one thing to be slapped by her own mother, but it would be entirely another to be humiliated and chided with sarcasm by someone else. Sesshoumaru knew he couldn't let the one he loved go through such an ordeal. It was time he stood up, protect and shield her from anymore of such pain. Rin deserved better…much better.

His decision was made.

A slight wriggle from the girl alerted Sesshoumaru of her rousing. Rin flipped her hair backward as she peeled open her eyes, squinted at the morning lights entering through the windows. She turned, offering him a dazed smile. "Ohayo…"

"Ohayo, did you sleep well?" He welcomed her into his embrace as the girl moved under his arm. She nodded, enjoying how he made her feel, ever so safe and loved.

"Hey Sessh… you know… this is actually our first time waking up together…" The thought struck her as she pushed up to his level and casually made the comment, feeling his hands gliding back and forth the length of her waist in acknowledgement.

"You could sleep in more often if you wish…" He whispered, his breath hot against the skin of her neck. "There are …several advantages in that…"

Rin grinned, pretending not to understand what he meant. "Oh really? And what would that be?"

She giggled as she was instantly lifted up and flipped on top of his body, her legs straddling him.

"Need you…. inside down on me baby…" Sesshoumaru lifted his hips, his erection making its presence fully felt.

Rin looked down, seeing nothing but pure lust radiating from those deep set ambers. Smiling, she gently lowered herself onto him, feeling his own thrust upward to meet her. It didn't take long before they found a common rhythm, an ability that they've developed so naturally through time.

Holding her firmly to him as they tried to steady the spike in their heart beat from their morning love making, Sesshoumaru exhaled a final long slow breath. "I could get used to this…" He chuckled. "Maybe, I should talk to dad… let you move in with me…"

Weak and exhausted after being freshly taken, Rin merely giggled as she shook her head. "Sessh…you're really…impossible…"

Her eyes slowly drifted shut again, her lips mumbling slightly. "I love you."

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At Kaede's residence

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The elderly lady was blearily alerted from her afternoon nap on the living room couch by the piercing chime of the doorbell. She rubbed her eyes briefly, her hands moved to grope around for her glasses as the butler paced to the main entrance.

"Master Sesshoumaru." The butler offered his most respectful bow when the sight of the young heir of the Inu-family greeted him.

With a clipped nod, the boy entered, a slight flick of his hand indicated the butler to retreat to the inner quarters. Then, he started moving straight where he had spotted his grandmother. Kaede was eyeing him as though she was greatly surprised by the sudden visit. Their vision met briefly, then the elderly lady chuckled.

"Oh dear," she coughed a little. "It must have been almost three years since I had the honor of your presence in this ancestral residence. As the saying goes, the unexpected visitor seldom brings good news." She tried to get up from her seat, failing which Sesshoumaru offered her a hand.

Covering her mouth, she half coughed and chuckled some more. "It worries me more now that you're suddenly too sweet." She took in a deep breath. "So… Sesshoumaru, what bomb shell are you going to drop on me this day?"

The boy backed into the adjacent couch, sitting himself there. "I…" He was about to begin but was interrupted.

"Wait…" Kaede reached for a tiny plastic bottle at the side table, opening it and pouring out two white pills. "I think I'd better take my pills first… in case I suffer from a heart attack later."

Silent and composed, Sesshoumaru passed her a glass of water, watching as his grandmother popped the tablets into her mouth and swallowing them.

"Right then, let's begin, my boy. Don't keep your old ba-ba waiting." Kaede's eyes pierced into the boy's as if already in her heart trying to make her own guesses of his visit.

Knowing fully well that his grandmother had already begun her suspicions, Sesshoumaru cleared his throat.

"I was fully aware that I've not exactly been the best of grandsons. Throughout the years, I have always defied you and always demanded my own ways with things." He started rather calmly, stating the obvious. "I know that you've always been the one putting up with me because basically, I don't budge."

Kaede's laughter instantly filled the room. She only stopped when she started coughing again, patting on her own chest to sooth it. "I wouldn't the least argue about that. It is the truth. Since you were born, you've been treated nothing less than a prince. I had to tend to your every need and fuss. If I said that all those years weren't tough, you would have gotten off too easily."

"But that was not the thing that made you most mad with me." The boy offered his bit of wit and Kaede nodded almost immediately. "You were most displeased that I have always turned a deaf ear to you and everything you demand of me."

"Why of course… Why should I not?" The elderly lady adjusted her glasses upward so that she could scrutinize her grandson more clearly. "Whenever there was an important social or family gathering, I would hire the best tailors in town, make you the nicest suit but what would you turn up in? You worn-out and torn jeans. And when I sought around for the best violin teacher for you, hoping that you would be inculcated in classical music, you went purposefully on your own and got into a jazz band playing the electric piano." She shook her head continuously as she recounted.

"But you still endured with me all these years." Sesshoumaru argued, knowing that he needed to get to the main topic fast. It was about time. But before he could, Kaede had already taken the lead.

"So, after entertaining this set of old fragile bones and beating round the bush for a fair couple of minutes there, let's get to the main topic, Sesshoumaru." She eyed him, distinctly more serious in her stance. "Why have you come to me today? What have you got to tell me that might light my fury like an exploding volcano?"

The boy knew that he could not hold this any longer, that it would be now or never. For his and Rin's sake, this has to be done and he knew also, he had to be the one doing it. "I have someone I like, someone I see myself a match with and like all the years before, I know you will not approve of it. However, I will never change my mind about her. Never."

At that, Kaede's brows lifted, her slitted eyes instantly wide and glowing.

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At the hospital

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"Don't worry, dear, everything will be fine in the end."

Still, Izayoi leant herself in the embrace of her beloved, her hands wandered round his waist seeking for comfort. The Taisho placed his chin gently on her head feeling her breath upon his neck while lightly stroking her hair.

"But Sho, I'm still so worried about our darlings. What would become of them if their relationship comes out in the open? They are perfect together, so deeply in love I doubt they'll ever consider another match even if they are met with serious oppositions in the future." She wriggled, snuggling even closer to him. "Even if we're okay with them, there're always the people outside, our neighbors, friends, relatives and especially your mom. What will she say about this if she ever finds out?"

All of a sudden, she felt him shudder. Izayoi looked up in the direction the Taisho's line of vision and gasped at the visitor at the door.

It was Kaede, herself.

"Mother." The words slipped from her mouth with unease.

"How are my future daughter-in-law and my unborn grandchild?" As calm as water, the two watched as the elderly lady glided most elegantly to sit on the bed. "Sho, how could you be so careless and not know? Izayoi is already in her twelfth week."

The Taisho scratched his head sheepishly, Izayoi's unrest worsened. Her heart was beating so erratically that she thought it was definitely audible to Kaede. She fidgeted nervously and the more she thought about it, she knew she couldn't just wait for things to happen. She had to do something to help her daughter.

"Mother, I'm so sorry…." She grabbed onto Kaede's sleeves as she hopped out of bed and collapsed on her knees. "I don't want to hide this from you. My daughter Rin and Sho's son Sesshoumaru… they're in love. I beg of you, please…do not disapprove of them. They're both such kind children and perhaps, that's why they are attracted to each other. That's why they fell in love."

Looking down at the frail looking Izayoi now weakly on her knees before her, Kaede shook her head. "If you wish to speak to me in the name of the lady of the Inu-household, then, stand to your feet and raise your head. The ladies of the Inu-family bow to no one."

Quickly, Inu-no-Taisho helped Izayoi up and to her bed once again, Kaede now moving to sit at a chair next to them. The two waited with their hearts in their mouths as the elderly lady seemed to ponder.

"So you two are telling me that you see absolutely nothing wrong with your individual children falling in love and even getting married?" Her tone sounded harsh enough to raise negative vibes in the atmosphere, making Izayoi's heart jump.

"Mother…" The Taisho put forth his debate instantly, knowing that Izayoi would be too afraid to say more. "I know that in your eyes, our style of handling this situation is too selfish, too self-centred. I agree that we have only thought of ourselves, the happiness of our children. But that's only because we do not wish to affect their lives just because we want ours perfect."

Together with him, Izayoi immediately pleaded, her hands tugged on Kaede's again. "Mother, I plead of you. Please accept us. We can disregard the views of everyone, but yours.. we really…"

Kaede laughed. "Is that right? Are my opinions really so important?"

"Of course. You're my mother." The Taisho joined in, his own ambers just as beseeching.

Kaede's laughter turned louder (or was that a smirk?) She shook her head, amused, patting the Taisho on his shoulder. "My dear, as the father and present heir of the Inu-family, you are nowhere near match for your own son." She coughed, her laughter slowly turning into a soft chuckle as she calmed down. "Sesshoumaru has already paid me a visit this afternoon. Do you think that our spoilt prince would ever take no' as an answer?"

Both the Taisho and Izayoi's eyes lit up.

Flashback

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In Kaede's residence

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"I have someone I like, someone I see myself a match with and like all the years before, I know you will not approve of it. However, I will never change my mind about her. Never."

At that, Kaede's brows lifted, her slit eyes instantly wide and glowing.

Sesshoumaru took in a lengthened breath. "And that person is…."

"Rin…" Kaede's tone was so definite and sure, though her expressions were most composed. The boy shuddered.

"How did you find out?" He couldn't help to ask but the elderly lady simply snorted.

"It's not that I've found out anything. I simply guessed it." She shook her head as she sat up straight, appearing even more regal as ever. "Now if this mysterious girl is someone of lesser degree of damage, would you have come personally to me?"

Closing his ambers only for a moment to regain his composure, Sesshoumaru's chin lifted meeting Kaede's eyes boldly. "Like I've said, I did not come to seek your approval. I'm merely informing you of my decision."

"Oh? And dare you seek my approval?" She adjusted her glasses, meeting the boy's stare with a slight hint of malice at the lack of respect. "Should I ever consider approving this sort of complication, scandal? You two are about to be siblings in name! Rin is about follow her mother, taking the Inu-name as your elder sister, as Sho's daughter. Did you even consider the damage this is going to have on our entire clan?"

Even when he had observed that Kaede's face had turned red with exasperation, Sesshoumaru kept his cool. "Rin is not yet a part of the Inu-family and she may not have to become my sister… if I wed her before dad and Izayoi-san."

The elderly lady's brows arched in slight amusement. "Wed her? Oh dear, you are that serious about her?" She closed her eyes in deep thought, running in her mind all the occasions she had spoken to Rin, refreshing her assessment of the girl seriously.

"Still, people will talk." Kaede insisted, even when she had significantly calmed down, given ample time. Internally, she had to agree that the boy had indeed come up with a rather effective solution, that is, if she were to approve of it at all.

"I remembered that when I was young, I really hated the violin lessons that you pushed onto me. But there was one thing that made a deep impression for me back then." When Sesshoumaru noticed that Kaede was beginning to listen to his views, he swiftly continued. "I remembered you brought me to a concert where my violin teacher was performance as the soloist. Just before he went on stage, he discovered that someone had misplaced his famous Stradivarius which was worth millions. In its place in the box, there was only a common student's practice violin."

Kaede nodded. "I do recall that incident. I've asked you to send flowers to the back stage and we happened to chance upon this scene."

"But in the end, he still went on stage and he finished his entire performance brilliantly with that cheap and worthless instrument. When I asked him, he said that it didn't matter if the violin was the most famous one in the world or one in the lowest grade because… the music has already been carved in his soul." The boy finished and a slight smirk appeared on the elderly lady's face.

"So, my young heir, what exactly is your point in this recollection?"

"Just as what he had said, it doesn't matter how others view my relationship with Rin. They can see us as lovers or even as siblings. It is of no significance to me because no matter what they think,… Rin…" He elegantly placed a hand on his chest. "She is already carved into my heart and soul."

End of flashback

Izayoi's hands grabbed the Taisho ecstatically, elated tears welling in her eyes. She raised an eyebrow at him as he passed a glance back at her, nodding, extremely pleased and proud.

"What more can an old woman like me say when your precious son had made that degree of declaration?" Kaede shook head, looking completely resigned and defeated. "I can't possibly tear his heart out, can I?"

"Arigato, mother." The two rushed forward, each holding one of the elderly lady's hands tightly, embracing her together till she could hardly breathe. "Thank you for your approval."

It took a very long while for Kaede to finally shake off the overly passionate hug. She adjusted her cardigan slightly. "Sho, Izayoi. I'm going to put forth my stand first. They are still to portray a formal and proper image to the public. I do not ever wish to see their intimate shots on the tabloids."

The Taisho and Izayoi nodded violently, pretending to be totally obedient to her demands. Suddenly, Kaede seemed to have remembered something.

Kaede then coughed rather sarcastically. "I've made it clear to Sesshoumaru but somehow I do not believe that he would just obediently abide by my rules."

"Also, they are still but young children and I find it extremely unsettling that their rooms are just next to each other's." She pointed a regal finger at the Taisho. "Sho, you will see to it that these two remain chaste and within good moral standards befitting of our family before they are officially wedded."

The Taisho's eyes widened as he gulped, feeling a tug of nervousness from the one beside him.

"Or am I already too late?" Kaede's brows arched suspiciously as she smirked. "With Sesshoumaru, somehow, I wouldn't be surprised."

With Izayoi not being the best of liars, the Taisho quickly swung his hands wildly. "No, no, of course not mother. I've erm…spoken to Sesshoumaru about this issue and he has fully comprehended what I require of him. Be…erm… assured that he will abide by this rule…I will see to it."

Nodding but only half convinced, Kaede finally heaved a long sigh, then, kept her consent silent.

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Hey all,

Phew… finally got this chapter up! Hope you like it!

Thanks for all the lovely well wishes, reviews…

Coming up soon… Kagome's secret and yet another challenge for our young lovers… can they pass this final test?

Next chapter: The test of time

Evilbuny