Chapter notes:
"The greatest gift you and your partner can give your children is the example of a beautiful intimate, healthy family, and loving relationship."
Author notes:
Hello my dear readers, how's everyone doing? I hope everyone had an enjoyable summer (n_n)
I am sorry for another late update. I lost a friend, and it took me so long to adjust myself to my current life. Everyone told me life moves on and eventually I have to let go. I am still recovering from that painful loss and slowly I find out that by writing it could really help me to ease off a lot.
This chapter is another family chapter and should be relaxing, if by any means this turns out a bit more sad, then I apologize. I tried to make up for the delay with a long chapter and so I hope you will all enjoy reading this chapter.
Towards the end of this chapter, it is rated as 'M' with mild citrus/lemon scene. It was hard to write but I am happy with the outcome. Finally I reunite Sesshoumaru and Rin after 21 chapters of suffering.
Without delay, I hereby present to you, Chapter 22 ... Intimates...
The Lily of the Valley signifies "The Return of Happiness"
Disclaimer: The depictions of the characters in this story are completely fictitious. In no way does this represent the views or the story arcs as envisaged by the original copyright owners of this franchise and its characters. The ownership if the characters and the original concept are sole properties of Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 22 – Intimates
"It has been a while girl."
Rin's snaps up at the firm voice of a lady and she instantly recognizes it. The last thing that she wants to hear is this very same voice. She is panicking, but tries to remain calm. Swallowing hard, she turns to her back slowly to catch the sight of a vague form from afar. The girl instantly drops onto her knees with her head touching the floor begging for forgiveness.
"You have broken your promise little girl, and with that you are not going see anyone who is so dear to you. FOREVER!" Rin can hear the lady hissing infuriately which soon becomes a threatening roar.
A strong light generates around the vague figure and it hits Rin's body which sends her a thousand jolts of pain. She isn't cared about the pain on her body, for all she wishes to know now is the safety of her lord and her son. As the shining light slowly turns into a flame the girl shouts out at the top of her lungs. "LORD SESSHOUMARU!"
Her hazelnut eyes widens in horror, she is panting heavily with sweat dripping on both sides of her face. Was that a dream? Rin instantly rises to a sitting position as the first thing she wants to check on is her lord. She turns to her side and notices the demon lord isn't there. Her mouth parts in shock as she swiftly gets on her feet and runs to the bed to check on her son.
Aito is not there too and Rin is getting alarmed, is she just losing her love ones in one night? Discarding the painful thought away by shaking her head, the girl runs to the wooden door to the outside of the hut.
"Ah-Un is not here!" She has lost all her hopes at this point. If Ah-Un isn't here nibbling the grass then the dream isn't just a dream it is a real message. She drops on her knees and wails desperately until her name gets called.
"Rin." The girl immediately turns to the direction of the calm voice to find Sesshoumaru standing not far away with Aito in his arms, Ah-Un follows behind with Jaken joining them a minute later.
Rin rises on her feet, her widened astounded hazelnut eyes scans the small group before her. Are they real? She does not move and it worries the Taiyoukai. Aito slips away from his father's arms and pace to his mother's side.
"Mother, what happened? Why are you crying?" The small tuck on her kimono from the boy snaps the girl out from whatever world she was in a moment earlier. She looks down and touches her son's head and realizes she is not dreaming.
Rin shuts her eyes tightly, allowing tears to stream down her cheeks. Sesshoumaru walks closer to the girl and pulls her close for a comforting hug. She drops her face and buries it into the demon lord's broad shoulder with her arms circled around his waist.
"Thank god, you are all here. I thought, I thought everyone was vanishing." She softly echoes it with the last word untold. Puzzled Sesshoumaru frowns at her incomplete sentence but makes no attempt to clarify with his ward.
"It was only a nightmare Rin." Tightening his arms around the girl's frail body; the Taiyoukai presses his lips on her temple. Rin nods without a word as she tries to calm herself down from an appalling nightmare.
'Mother." Aito tucks at his mother's kimono again with his pouting look as he tries to catch her attention. The girl trails off from her lord and lowers her gaze to the boy to find out he has new attire on.
"Oh dear, sorry I did not notice this earlier. You look stunning, my little prince." She drops to her knees and cradles the boy into her laps to check on the beautiful clothe. Aito is wearing a white kimono with long sleeves which almost looks the same like Sesshoumaru's except it doesn't have the honey comb on it; instead it has a red flower painted on it. He looks like a mini Sesshoumaru, for which the girl chuckles at the pup's cuteness.
"Really? Father said I will travel in this new outfit and this is so soft and comfortable, Aito love it!" His arms stretch high up as the boy yells merrily. He then wraps his arms around the girl's neck and inquires something that makes her almost burst out in laughter.
"Mother, do I look better than father?" The kid's sunset eyes blinks awaiting the answer eagerly.
"Of course my son, you look better, no doubt." Aito smiles toothily with his eyes shimmering under the sunlight. He kisses his mother's cheek and jumps off from her laps and circles around the imp to boast about this new found compliment. Jaken glares boringly at the kid, for sure he knows Rin is just entertaining the boy, there is no way the kid can look better than his lord, at least he thinks so.
As Rin stands up, Sesshoumaru moves to her side and leans closer to her ear.
"Oh, so what changes do I need to impress this lady Rin?" He whispers playfully into her ear while the girl chuckles at the demon lord's statement.
"Don't be jealous of your son, my lord you look perfect enough. There's no harm to praise the boy." Sesshoumaru smirks at Rin's reply; he reaches out a hand to places it on the nape of her neck.
"All the things are on Ah-Un's saddle, we can travel to the village at anytime you desire. Unless you are unwell then we can delay for another day." Rin shakes her head with a smile.
"I feel better now so let's start the journey today." Her lips curl into a big smile as she assures her lord about travelling. Sesshoumaru presses his right hand and on the girl's and gently brushes her knuckles.
"There's a new kimono for you on the table, change into that attire." Rin looks into her lord's eyes in surprise but only nods silently. She then makes her way to the river and freshens herself up before heading back to the hut.
Rin sits at the dining table and draws the white cover package closer. Slowly she unties the string and pulls the white fabric away to reveal a light pink kimono mixed with a large phoenix bird and flowers painted on it along with a peach colored obi.
Her hazelnut eyes widen in amazement at the beautiful attire, she then runs her fingers throughout the fabric of the kimono and realizes it was made from a fine silk just like her other kimonos gifted by the demon lord.
A small blissful smile wears on Rin's face at the memories of those days when she was entrusted under Kaede's care. The Taiyoukai often visited her at the miko hut. Her lord would always brought her a new kimono along with other hair accessories when she grew up.
Walking over to her bed, she places her new kimono on the bed and undresses herself from the current outfit. She lifts the fine silk juban high up and notices the sheerness of the inner garment, but considering that her outer kimono is quite thick having a thinner juban may be a fine idea and more comfortable.
She slips the juban on and covers her naked body followed by the new kimono. Once she ties the peach kimono securely around her waist, the girl moves the wooden wardrobe to retrieve her brush and smoothens her hair with a small pony tail tied up on her right side.
Once complete, Rin turns and looks around the entire hut for the final time with a grateful smile. Goodbye my sweet little home. The girl whispers softly as she makes her way out of the hut.
Aito widens his sunset eyes as his mother appears from the hut with her new attire on. Sesshoumaru follows his son's gaze and lands on the beautiful petite girl's figure. He too widens his amber eyes with his gaze piercing through the girl's body in amazement.
Rin blinks her hazelnut eyes puzzled, as she lowers her gaze to check on her garment. There is nothing wrong with her kimono that would cause the duo to have such an expression worn on their faces. She turns back to the duo with a questioning look.
"Is there anything wrong with my attire?" Aito runs to his mother's side as the girl drops to her knees with her hands wide open to welcome the boy in her arms.
"Of course something is wrong, how can this kimono look so good on mother!" The boy giggles evilly while he half covering his mouth.
"You naughty little boy trying to tease mother huh?" Rin tickles Aito's stomach and makes the boy laugh out loud.
"Mother, I did not tease you," He leans closer to kiss his mother's forehead before continuing.
"You really are beautiful. If you don't trust me you can ask father." Aito turns to his back and waves at the demon lord to come closer.
Sesshoumaru bends closer to the duo and cradles his pup onto his laps.
"Indeed, your mother is the prettiest girl in this universe." The boy beams excitedly with his arms stretched high up to the sky. Then his eyes glimpse at the green toad resting under a tree. A brilliant idea strikes his mind.
"Father, I think Jaken needs a new outfit too, can I make him wear something brighter? His attire looks so down and it makes everything look gloomy." Jaken shoots an annoying glare at the boy pleading innocently to the Taiyoukai. Like Lord Sesshoumaru even cares about what I wear? The imp mutters in a low tone.
"Yes you can do whatever you want." The green toad's jaw drops as his large eyes widen in disbelief at the Western lord's comment. Aito instantly jumps out of his father's laps and speeds to the little kappa's side to pin him down on the grass.
"Aito don't do ..." Sesshoumaru cuts the girl's statement and reaches out his arms to circle around her waist and pull her closer to him.
"Let them be." is his only answer but Rin presses further.
Rin frowns. "You can't let Aito bully master Jaken like that, it is not fair." She states firmly.
"You are a distraction Rin." The girl narrows her eyes at her lord.
"You are not listening to m..." Before Rin able to complete her sentences the Taiyoukai crashes his lips on her with one of his hands sneaking through the back of her head for better control.
A passionate kiss in the morning is surely refreshing for the demon lord, he pulls away from the girl to notice her red flushed face. The sight of the shy girl catching her breath is definitely adorable and it pleases the dog demon.
Rin sighs heavily, shaking her head lightly at the way her lord handles the boy, it will surely spoil the pup and more importantly the green toad will be the most pitiable victim.
"You are going to spoil Aito at this rate." The girl fixes her gaze at the boy who is currently pulling the little kappa's hakama with the imp struggling to break free.
"The son of the great dog demon, Sesshouamru," The Taiyoukai slips one of his hands under the girl's knees and hoists her up with the gentleness for a newborn baby.
"...is meant to be spoiled." Rin exhales in capitulation; there is no way she can argue with her lord. The demon lord smirks victoriously as he moves to where Ah-Un is resting.
Aito senses his father leaving as he too releases the imp abruptly and follows the trails of the dog demon leaving the poor green toad to bring himself back to reality. As soon as he is able to catch his breath, he turns to scan the surroundings and notices he is once again left behind. Quickly, he gets on his feet to pick up his staff of two heads and speeds as fast as he can to the family of the dog.
"Lord Sesshouamru, wait for me!"
After a good 15 minutes of walking, the group approaches the geisha house, Ah-Un stops to allow Rin to dismount. Her jaw drops in utmost shock with her eyes widened in disbelief. The geisha house is no longer there and what they can see is only an empty field with some left over burnt wood.
Rin turns to Sesshoumaru, seeking for an answer but the demon lord's emotionless face shows no clue of what had happened. Not that he used to show emotions before but after being with her lord for so long, the girl more or less would be able to read what is on the demon lord's mind behind this aloof expression.
She walks a bit closer to the empty field with her heart despondently shrunk. No matter how bad this place was, this was the place where she earned her meals to feed her beloved son.
Sesshoumaru inches to the girl's side with an arm wrapping around her waist.
"Let's head to the village." Rin nods without a word as the duo pace back to the group. She mounts on the two headed dragon and makes a final glance at the empty field to capture the memory she once had of the geisha house's kitchen.
The entire walk to the village for Rin, is heavy hearted. She wishes to ask the demon lord whether he knows anything about the incident but fears it might lead to a misunderstanding so the girl stays silent
When the village is visible in their field of view, Rin dismounts from Ah-Un and walks to the entrance of the village. Since the geisha house no longer exists, the girl tips that Tsuyu should be at home at this time. The group stops at the front and no one is spotted outside.
Rin lifts her head up to stare at Sesshoumaru; he nods as a signal for her to move on. The girl returns the nods with a smile as she disappears into the entrance. Aito hides behind his father, still puzzled about whether to follow his mother.
The Taiyoukai bends lower to match the height of his pup and slightly push the boy close to his armored chest.
"You should follow your mother." No answer comes from the boy, he seems paranoid and no doubt he is still alarmed by what had happened before with the villager's kids.
"If the village boys fail to behave, I will come to educate them. Don't let the boys stop you from doing what you want to." Aito nods happily, he agrees with his father's statement that he should not let the villager's kids to stop him from saying goodbye to his lovely Tsuyu grandma. Aito should fear no one.
The boy kisses his father's cheek before running in the same direction the girl headed earlier.
Inside the village, Rin walks very slowly and hopes not to bump into any villager that might get upset with her appearance. She has reached a field where a large group of females are sitting together; they seem to be busy cleaning some vegetables. They look happy with their usual chatter and it makes the girl smile too.
One of the village girls spots Rin and stops talking; she taps on another girl's shoulder and points in the direction of where Rin is standing.
Rin bows to the duo nervously as she tries to steady her smile. Another girl with her back facing Rin turns and beams overjoyed. She rises from her spot, dashing to the girl's side and gives a friendly hug for her best friend.
"Oh my god, is that you Rin?" Akemi asks excitedly.
"Of course it's me, who else do you think?" Rin laughs at her friend's silly question with her hand covering her mouth slightly.
"You look so different dear, you are so beautiful! Let me guess this kimono was given to you by the furious dog?" Akemi rubs her index finger under her chin as she sends a questioning look at the girl.
"You sure know how to give my lord a nickname. Yes Lord Sesshomaru gave this to me." Akemi grasps onto Rin's hand and makes her twirl around to show off her new attire.
"Ah, look who's defending the furious dog now, it is none other than his mate." Rin gently fist on Akemi's stomach playfully as she sends her a fake death glare, as a result both giggle heartily.
'Rin!" Both Akemi and Rin turn to their backs in the direction where a voice is calling from. Tsuyu holds a basket of fruits as she seems to have just existed from one of the huts. She sets the basket on the ground and runs to the girls' side.
Tsuyu embraces Rin as soon as she approaches the duo like a long lost mother uniting with her daughter. A small bead of tear is visible at the corner of the lady's eyes.
"Thank god you look much better than the last time I saw you." Tsuyu sighs in relief. The girl smiles as she trails off a little to meet with the old lady eyeing her with joy.
Tsuyu glances at Rin and notices she has different appearance from the usual, her heart twitches a bit as she almost figures out the purpose of the girl being here at this time.
"So you have made your decision huh?" The lady inquires, Rin nods as her lips are graced by a small smile but Akemi seems to be confused.
"What decision?" Akemi questions curiously. A short silent falls before Tsuyu gathers her voice and explains to the confused girl.
Meanwhile, Aito runs as fast as he can to find his mother while hoping he will not encounter with the village boys. Unfortunately while he is searching, seemingly lost, he accidentally bumps into someone and falls on the grass.
He lifts his head up to see the same the boy who had insulted him last time. He stands up and is about to turn to another direction but another group of kids appear out of nowhere. Aito steps backward a little as the villager kids walk closer to him. As Aito reaches a dead end with his back touching the wall, one of the boys steps up and faces him.
"What are you doing here?" Aito screams inaudibly in his mind for his father.
Back to the other side in the village, Akemi looks rather dejected after listening to Tsuyu's explanation. She loves Rin and would wish her to stay on but if she is off with her family then she will bless the girl with all her heart.
"Do you really have to leave so soon?" Akemi asks sadly.
"Can you stay with us for at least one night? Tsuyu adds quickly.
Rin furrows her brow dolefully, she doesn't have a choice though, and even if she wishes to stay the villagers might not be pleased about it.
"I don't want to upset everyone with my presence." She smiles bitterly. Tsuyu and Akemi return the smile as the three hug each other for the last time. They release from each other and Rin bows to the duo before she turns to leave but stops short when another female voices calls out her name.
"Rin, hold on." A few villager girls appear and join Tsuyu's side. Rin smiles nervously at them as one of the girls steps out and walks towards her.
"Are you," The girl gulps before continuing, "Leaving?"
Rin nods with a relieved smile, ever since she was pregnant with Aito, the villagers have never spoken to her properly. Another villager walks up, she's a bit older and almost the same age like Tsuyu. The lady takes Rin's left hand and with her other free hand she pats softly on top of the girl's left hand.
"We have been rude to you and the poor boy; never tried to understand your condition. Instead we drove you both away to that abandoned hut and almost got you raped by the bandits if Ryuuki wasn't there in time." Rin shakes her head to disapprove but the lady prevents her from speaking.
"Tsuyu is right, if we can accept Ryuuki as one of us, we should not despise you for the fact that you are a demon's mate. Besides, poor Aito he is such an adorable boy. He never harmed us but the kids always insulted him. I am sorry Rin." The lady explains in shame at what she and the rest of the villagers have done.
Rin lifts another free hand to gently pat on the lady's hand with her lips curl into a huge grin.
"It is alright, I'm not mad. Besides what happen had happened, let's move on." The lady returns genuine a smile to the girl before they hug each other. The rest of the village girls circle around and group.. Tsuyu looks at Akemi as both exchange smiles of relief.
"Rin, please stay with us tonight, we want to do something for you." One of the girls begs with the rest voicing the same desire.
Rin nods happily knowing that her lord would permit her to stay. All the village girls share the same joy as some of them clap their hands and start to plan on their special meal.
The girl excuses herself from the group as she wishes to tell her lord about the great news. While on her way approaching the main entrance, Rin hears some noise from the alley in between the huts. Out of her curiosity, she makes her way close to the alley and spots her son with a group of village kids.
Aito gulps in fear at the boy's question. He tries to scream for his father's help but finds no voice. The village boy's expression softens, he turns his head slightly to another direction as if hiding something on his face.
Aito watches curiously with his head slightly lowered to catch the boy's facial expression.
"I was thinking," The boy's sudden voice makes Aito gasp as he returns back to his position.
".. if you could," He makes a fake cough before continuing "If you have time to play hide and seek with us." Aito's eyes pop wide open in shock, the kids never ever asked him to play along ever since he lived there and this invitation is a complete blow for the young pup.
"Are you sure you want me to play along?" The young pup eagerly waiting for the answer. The village boy nods still avoiding eye contact with Aito.
Aito beams cheerfully as he dashes to the villager boy and gives him a friendly hug. It shocks the boy at first but he too returns the hug with a small smile wearing on his lips. The rest of the kids share the enjoyment as they too smile happily.
"Alright so you are first to go. Count for ten!" Aito instructs, the rest of the villager boys run away from the corner to search for a place to hide with Aito following immediately but stops short when his name is being called.
"Aito," The boy's voice is filled with great guilt.
"Yes?" A shot silence falls as the boy tries to build up his courage to speak his next word.
"I-I ..." He gulps hard as he tries to make another attempt, "I- am sor-ry."
His head hangs as he apologizes. Aito can't hide his elation, but before he replies he reaches out a hand to squeeze one of his cheeks. Ouch! He feels the pain and that is proof he isn't dreaming. He chuckles on his own as the other boy watches on curiously.
"If you could find me out I may consider forgiving you." With that Aito speeds as fast as he can from the alley to find a proper place to hide without noticing his mother standing nearby with his heart filled with excitement. He has found his father and enjoys the time with him and now he has got friends, life could not be better than this. He wishes all of this isn't just a dream.
The village boy smiles as Aito's silhouette fades away; he turns to the wall and starts counting.
Rin chuckles softly and slowly moves away from the boy without being noticed. She makes a clumsy turn and collides with Sesshoumaru, who has been there watching the incident.
His arms circle around the girl's back to support her from falling.
"I don't mind to have another collision without armor." Rin partly covers her mouth and giggles.
"My lord, did you see the..." The demon lord interrupts before the girl finishes her sentence.
"Yes, the boys seem to have some sense after all and allowed our pup to associate with them." The Taiyoukai answers sarcastically. Rin laughs at the demon lord's statement.
"How long have you been here my lord?" She asks curiously.
"Long enough to witness another make-up." The girl's is astounded with her mouth parting a little.
"If you want an answer then it is a 'yes'." Rin beams excitedly as she throws her arms around the Taiyoukai's neck.
"Thank you, Lord Sesshoumaru." She whispers cheerfully.
The sun shining straight above in the sky indicates the onset of afternoon. A group of village men return with their crops and Ryuuki is tagging along. As they walk past the Taiyoukai who is resting under a tree, none of them makes an attempt to speak with him, who will anyway. But they do not show any hatred as well.
Shinobu, son of Tsuyu san leads the villagers back but Ryuuki stops in his tracks and looks over his shoulder at the dog demon. As usual he and his stoic expression and to be honest Ryuuki doesn't quite like the demon lord. Although he no longer considers himself as the Taiyoukai's love rival, he admits that his heart still holds for Rin, secretly.
Ryuuki returns to the village and heads straight to look for Rin, he is told by some villager about the girl's decision to depart from this neighborhood. He is downcast, he has not seen the girl for at least a month and soon he will not be able to find an excuse to meet her again. He knows that he is going to miss the girl so dearly.
He walks over to Tsuyu's hut and finds no one there. He then heads out from the hut and almost collides with someone but is able to stop abruptly. The leopard looks up with his heart pounding unsteadily. Rin stands before him, she bows with a sweet smile on her face and it makes the cat demon almost loose his balance at the beauty of the innocent girl.
"Good afternoon master Ryuuki." Rin greets with a heart warming smile. Ryuuki feels he is drowning into the girl's voice as he stares at her with such an unblinking adoration until he senses a hand waving in front of his eyes.
"Master Ryuuki, are you alright?" The leopard snaps back into reality as he moves one of hands to the back of his head and scratches his non-itchy head.
"Oh it is nothing," He chuckles for no reason before he continues; "You're quite a distraction." His chuckle turns into a soft laugh.
Rin freezes at the comment, this is the second time today she has been told that she is a distraction. She can't help but to burst out a low laugh.
"I was about to get Aito to lunch, why not you join us?" Ryuuki instantly agrees as Rin bows to him and makes her way past the cat demon.
Ryuuki swiftly reaches out his right hand to grasp onto the girl's right arm to stop her. Rin turns to face the leopard in bewilderment.
"Yes?" She curiously eyes the cat demon who still has his hand on her arm.
"How are your palms? Getting any better?" He asks in great concern. The girl nods with a weak smile.
"It is getting much better, the pain has reduced but it will take time to heal completely." Ryuuki inclines his head in understanding, his hand still on the girl's arm. The moment is slightly uncomfortable as Rin tries to figure out a way to release her arm from his hold until a voice brings her back to reality.
"So," He pauses. "You have decided to go." Rin looks into Ryuuki's eyes and she can see that he is taking her leaving quite hard. She takes this opportunity to step back a little to make the leopard's hand slip away from her arm before she nods with a small smile.
"I see." Both remain silent for few minutes before the cat demon tries to break the soundlessness between them.
"You have to visit us more often; I know Tsuyu san will miss you so dearly." The girl inclines her head with a rather bitter smile.
"Aito and I will miss everyone here." Both exchange smiles before Ryuuki stretches his right arm out as an invitation.
"Shall we?" Rin nods as both of them walk off to join the rest of the villagers for lunch.
Aito is extremely busy during the afternoon meal. He lungs at Tsuyu's arms and keeps telling the old lady about his powerful father, telling her about his training session with the Taiyoukai and how the dog demon bathed him several times.
Tsuyu is pleased for the overjoyed boy; she always felt pity for him and seeing him able to unite with his father now sure brings a tear of joy at the corners of her eyes. She has treated the young pup as her own grandson from the very beginning.
As Ryuuki shows up at the afternoon meal, Aito finds a new victim to tell his own sweet tale. He jumps onto the leopard demon's laps and braggs about his powerful father. Of course the cat demon has no interest to learn anything about the dog demon but seeing the poor pup telling it all excitedly he can't say 'no' but to hear the entire compliments. Rin can only laugh at her son's behavior.
As the sun dips into the horizon, evening replaces in peacefully. Aito along with the other kids are now at the river to have a group bath together with village men. While the ladies are busy serving the evening meals at the empty field right in the center of the village.
A cow and a few chickens are sacrificed for this departure event as they wish to say goodbye properly to the girl. As soon as all the food are nicely arranged, all the ladies leave to refresh themselves at another side of the river with Rin tagging along with Tsuyu and Akemi.
Once the girl changes into some new attire, she makes her way out of the hut to search for the Taiyoukai while almost all the villagers head back to the field for their dinner.
After searching for a while, Rin spots Sesshoumaru resting under a tree not far away from the village entrance. She stops in her tracks when she notices the demon lord isn't alone, there's a small girl who appears to be only 3 years old circling around the dog demon. Rin walks closer to the nearby bushes and plans to observe before she approaches the duo.
Sesshoumaru watches the small girl approaching him with a bowl of rice wrapped securely in her left arm while she uses her right hand to grab the rice and push it into her mouth. She stands quite far from him at first and slowly she seems to have the courage to walk closer to the demon lord and starts walking in a circle around the dog demon.
After what feels like 10 minutes of walking the girl bravely steps in front of the Tauyoukai and drops to her knees. She lowers her head to look into his amber eyes before she stretches out the bowl of rice to the dog demon.
Sesshoumaru narrows his eyes confused; is the girl trying to offer him food?
"No thanks." The girl blinks her dark eyes bemused. Instead of telling the girl that he does not eat human food the demon lord decides to answer in the most simplest of ways. Judging by the girl's age he is sure that she won't understand him well.
"I am not hungry." Rin almost bursts out into a laughter at her lord's remarks. She tries to stay silent as she continues observing the duo.
The small girl nods, she brings the bowl back into her arm and continues pushing rice into her mouth without moving away from the Taiyoukai. Suddenly the girl does something that jolts the demon lord as well as Rin.
She sets her bowl of rice on the grass and drops her knees on Sesshoumaru's laps with her head lifted up to see the Taiyoukai's face. She reaches out her left hand and touches the crescent moon mark on the demon lord's forehead as the girl murmurs "Moon! I like moon!"
Rin's eyes widen in astonishment while Sesshoumaru is completely blown by the girl's gesture. He closes his eyes and sighs, thinking why the girl can't just leave him alone. As he re-opens his golden orbs the girl is watching him with her mesmerizing eyes.
For some strange reason, Sesshoumaru seems to adore this cute gaze from the little girl. A thought crosses the western lord's mind, he rests one of his hands at the back of the girl and pushes her closer, he smirks at the thought of Rin and him having a daughter who is much adorable and much braver than this girl.
Rin watches this bizarre scene from afar thinking what could have make her lord smirk and what exactly he has in his mind?
Sesshoumaru pats on the girl's back and speaks slowly. "You should go back or your mother will be worried about you." The girl inclines her head as she turns to pick up her bowl of rice and leave. Out of her clumsiness, the girl's foot collides with a rock and falls flat on the dirty glass.
Rin's eyes widen in concern, but before she's about to run to the little girl's side Sesshoumaru is already at the girl's side. Gently he slips one of his hands around the little girl's chest the demon lord cradles her into his lap while his other hand brushes off the dirt from her kimono.
Rin is in awe at the scene with a blissful smile wearing on her face. She knows her lord has the softer side but in truth she has never seen such an adorable scene like this before. Seriously, when has the Taiyoukai ever shown so much tenderness for a kid?
The little girl is strong; she does not cry and only bites her lower lips. Sesshoumaru is amazed by the girl. She appears to be younger than his pup but she is really strong and it reminds him of young Rin. The demon lord brushes the dirt away from the girl's leg before he pulls her closer into his arms.
"Do you feel pain?" The Taiyoukai inquires with his hand gently rubbing on the girl's knees. She shakes her head as a 'no' and sniffs lightly.
"Good, there's no bleeding and only a small bruise. Now try to stand up." The girl obeys as the dog demon slowly helps her to land her feet on the grass. She's able to stand without support and soon Sesshoumaru releases his hands from the girl entirely.
"Now walk back slowly, remember, no running." She nods without a word. Before the girl turns to leave she slightly tip toes and wraps her arms around the demon lord's neck to presses a kiss on his magenta stripes. The little girl then turns and walks slowly back to the hut leaving the demon lord's golden eyes astonished.
Sesshoumaru watches the little girl make her way back slowly to the village but as the girl passes a tree, he sees Rin standing there with a large smile on her face. The girl waves at the kid as she passes by before making her way up to her lord's side.
"She's really strong and has not even shed a single tear." Rin comments with the smile still wearing on her face. Reaching out an arm and wrapping around the girl's waist, the Taiyoukai pulls her closer to his armored chest.
"Just like you." He whispers softly into the girl's ears which causes her to softly giggle as both of them watch the little girl disappear from their eye sights.
"She's so adorable." Rin praises with her head leaning over her lord's right shoulder while her arms are wrapped around the demon lord's waist.
"Our future daughter will be much sweeter, much adorable and much braver than this girl." The Taiyoukai states in a bit of a playful tone. Rin's face flushes in red, to think that she is going to have another kid with her lord, it is something she never thought would happen again. She lowers her head and remains silent, not knowing what to reply and it does feel a bit awkward to talk about such an intimate thing but she knows that she has to adjust to it.
Sesshoumaru tightens the hold around the timid girl's waist and kisses her forehead. He doesn't need to look down to see her shy face because he can feel the heat on his shoulder and it makes the Taiyoukai smirk contently.
"Come," The dog demon gently taps on his ward's shoulder. "You should go back inside." Rin nods lightly without looking into her lord's eyes, she then takes a step forward and walks away from his arms with Sesshoumaru following suit.
Aito and the village kids are making their way back to the hut under the guard of Ryuuki, as they approach the main entrance of the village, one of the boys in the front shouts in panic and causes everyone to stop in their tracks.
The leopard demon and the young pup make their way to the front to find out the village boy shaking in extreme fear. Ryuuki walks to his side and spots a python before them which looks like it is ready to charge at them anytime. Before he could figure out a way to make the boys escape the python is charging in his direction. Without his sword at his side, the cat demon tries to shield the boys and just at this time a green whip slashes through the snake and cuts it's body in two.
When the snake's lifeless body hits the ground, all the startled kids look at the figure before them, it is the great dog demon Sesshoumaru with Rin stepping out from her lord's back.
"Father!" Aito yells excitedly as he dashes to the Taiyoukai's side. The demon lord picks his pup up into his arms and walks closer to the group.
"Unnecessary interference." Warns the leopard demon.
"Your sluggishness almost brought disaster to my son. You should consider strengthening your skills." Ryuuki sends an annoyed glare at the Taiyoukai with his teeth bared in frustration. Before he can send another verbal retaliation a group of kids' applaud loudly and praise the dog demon's fast reactions.
"Aito, your father is awesome!" The village boys chant the sentences in union and causes the leopard to envy even more but Aito on the other hand beams ecstatically at the praise.
"Come boys we should head back for dinner." Ryuuki commands as he tries to distract the kid's attention by guiding them away.
Sesshoumaru glares in the direction of the leopard demon, Rin can only smile at the two, she thinks that the dog and cat sure don't get along well and if they are under the same roof there will for sure be no peace. The girl chuckles softly as she too heads back to the village with Aito as well as the demon lord tagging along.
The evening meal with a group of humans doesn't feel that bad at all. Sesshoumaru leans under a small tree not far away from the field where his mate to be and his pup are having their dinners.
Rin looks happy; she seems to be occupied in the conversation with the villagers and delighted about it. Sometimes the lady called Tsuyu hugs the girl and another time Akemi taps on her shoulder and they end up with a laugh.
It is definitely a huge relief to see the villagers finally accepting Rin, the girl has done nothing to be despised by her own kind. If this is due the fact she has mated with a demon then this will truly upset the Taiyoukai, for all his life he would do everything to make sure his ward stays happy, in the end he was the one who sent her to a miserable life.
Sesshoumaru shifts his golden gaze to another group where Aito is and sees the boy busy running around the villagers bragging about the incident earlier with the python and how powerful his father is. The demon lord smirks when the group of boys widen their eyes and clap their hands excitedly with what they are hearing.
On the other hand, the other villagers too are overwhelmed by Aito's story especially when the pup explains about the confrontation in the forest with the lion demon. But for sure all these compliments are against the leopard demon, he has heard enough and decides to leave the group and make his way towards Tsuyu's side.
Ryuuki fits into the group of ladies well with all his chatty mood but everyone knows this cat demon is trying to gain attention from the beautiful Rin. As long as he is able to make the girl smile he will be more than happy. Tsuyu shakes her head sadly at her adopted son, he is a great man but the girl belongs to someone else unfortunately.
An hour passes by and most of the groups start to retire, some are taking their children back for rest while a few men seem to be engaged in their night activities. Shinobu walks over to the group of kids and sits with them, 2 kids run into his arms as he embraces them with a kiss on their foreheads.
The ladies start to clean up the place, Rin is about to stand up but a few children run past her side which makes her almost lose her balance. Ryuuki instantly supports the girl's back to prevent her from falling. Sesshoumaru glares in their direction; Rin regains her balance and steps away from the leopard's arms and bows thankfully before she speeds to the group of kids.
Two golden eyes meet as both stare furiously at each other until a man taps on the cat demon's shoulder and guides him away from the field. It is at this time the demon lord feels someone is tugging on his hakama.
The Taiyoukai turns to see the same little girl he met earlier smiling at him with her arms clutching a small pillow. He reaches out one of his hands and gently strokes on the girl's head. A strange but comfortable feeling builds around them and unknowingly his lips curl into a small smile which delights the small girl.
"Moon smile!" She beams happily. As much as the girl's statement makes no sense, the western lord knows the meaning. Honestly he has never smiled to anyone and only rarely does it in front of Rin, but he has to admit that this little girl does bring some sort of blissful feeling inside him.
"Going to sleep?" He asks coolly but with a much softer voice. The little girl nods with another delightful smile.
"Good night!" She steps on the Taiyoukai's laps and tip toes to press her lips on the demon lord's cheek. She then trails off and runs away but stops short to wave at the demon lord before she returns to her parent's awaiting arms.
When the girl disappears he can hear some soft chuckles in the back and he turns to find Rin and Aito giggling at each other.
"That was so sweet right, Aito?" The boy readily agrees nodding his head as he runs to his father's side with the girl following suit.
"Is your bed time too son." Sesshoumaru states but the boy doesn't seem too pleased with the idea. His gaze drops on his father's armored chest with his lower lip pushed upwards to show his reluctance to follow the order.
Rin steps up by the boy's side and cradles him into her arms. She knows her son has something in mind and it is revealed all over his cute face.
"You don't want to sleep yet, right?" The boy bits his lower lips, head down with his sunset eyes fixed on his intertwined fingers. He then nods a little, a very faint nod, almost like he is reluctant.
"You want to play with boys a little longer?" Aito raises his eyebrows and slightly peeps at his mother's face with his lips curled into a very small smile which is almost unnoticeable but Rin never fails to spot these expressions from her son.
"But they should have headed back to bed too right?" Rin inquires perplexed. Aito cocks his head up to say something but is interrupted by a lady's voice.
"They will head to Shinobu's hut for a story telling session." Tsuyu replies as she paces closer and settles at Rin's side. Aito on the other hand is extremely delighted with the lady's answer as he finds his arms around his mother's neck sending her a pouting look. What a cute pup. Rin thinks with a smile.
"Please mother, I want to hear what story Master Ryuuki has to share. The other boys said it was a real story." The kid continues pleading with his arms tightening around the girl's neck. Tsuyu smiles at the boy's childishness with the demon lord showing no interest at what he is hearing.
Rin doesn't answer right away, by her heart's desire she wants Aito to join the villagers but she did not get a good sleep last night due to that nightmare and wishes to take an early rest but if her son is to stay awake then she has to take care of him.
Sesshoumaru notices the girl's struggle to make the decision; he rises from the sitting position and pats on his pup's shoulder.
"Let's go." The demon lord walks away but Aito doesn't follow, he eyes his father with a rather bewildered face. Tsuyu and Rin have the same expressions too.
The Taiyoukai stops upon realizing the boy hasn't followed. He looks over his shoulder at the group. "Don't you want to hear the story from the cat?"
Aito snaps up to the realization and beams excitedly. He kisses his mother's cheeks and bids her good night before dashing to the dog demon's side. Both of them disappear off into the distance leaving the two ladies behind.
Rin sighs in relief and is thankful that her lord watches over Aito even though the demon lord dislikes Ryuuki. She just hopes that nothing will happen between the two, she can't help but let out a small chuckle at the thought of the dog and the cat demons.
"He is a good man." Tsuyu's voice catches the girl's attention; she turns to face the old lady and nods with a weak smile.
Rin stares in the direction the demon lord and her son disappeared. Indeed, Lord Sesshoumaru is a good man. A bitter sweet smile graces her lips.
After parting with Tsuyu, Rin makes her way to a hut. As she reaches, she stops and glances the outside of this very memorable hut. She reaches out one of her hands, she carefully traces the shoji door and slowly parts it and makes her way into the room.
This hut was once shared between Tsuyu, Rin and Akemi while Shinobu and his family stayed in the next hut close to this one. There are 2 small rooms in this hut; Rin walks into the second one which was once her room shared with Akemi.
Memories fill her mind as the girl enters the room. She glances around and notices not many changes ever since she left this room.
Rin makes her way to the small table located at the center of the room and kneels by the side. She unties her obi and takes off her outer kimono before she folds it and sets it on top of the table.
A large futon is set at the corner of the room with 2 pillows and a blanket ready on it. Rin was told by Tsuyu that this hut will be reserved to her family for tonight as the lady and Akemi will be with the kids at another hut.
The girl sets her slippers aside and crawls on the comfortable futon. She lays flat on it and pulls the blanket up to her shoulders. Her heavy hazelnut eyes gaze at the roof of the room with her lips curling into a small blissful smile.
"Good night my lord." She whispers softly before sleep overtakes her entirely.
A few hours pass, half of the village have retired for the day but there are certain groups still active at this hour. Some men are spotted having fun with their sake enjoying their chatter, some younger women gossiping in lower tones but laughing out loud. And last but not the least a large group of kids staying out door in the empty field to listen to the leopard demon telling a story.
Sesshoumaru leaves Aito under the care of Tsuyu as the boy is still reluctant to call it a day. The demon lord has no choice but to entrust his pup under the lady's care as he wishes to check on his ward.
After passing several huts the Taiyoukai finds out the hut where Rin is resting, her scent lingers around the place and that is confirmation for him that he has reached the right hut.
As he enters the hut, an uncomfortable scent disturbs the dog demon's sensitive nose. Panic and fear slices through the atmosphere and it is coming out from one of the closed rooms inside the hut.
Sesshoumaru instantly access the room and captures an uneasy expression wearing on the girl's face. Her eyes tightly shut still and that indicates the girl is not awake and is infact having a nightmare. A few drops of sweat are visible on both sides of her face with her mouth muttering something.
The concerned Tauyoukai makes his way to the futon and kneels at the side of the girl.
"No, Lord Sesshoumaru ... Aito ... please listen to me..." These words escape from the poor girl's mouth as she constantly shakes her head from left to right with sweat continuing to drip.
Puzzled Sesshoumaru's brows drop, what can possibly be persistently haunting the girl recently? He wants to wake his ward but curiosity stops him from doing so. Perhaps by listening to her words he will be able figure out something about her dreams.
Rin rolls to her side and faces Sesshoumaru now with a rather agonizing expression wearing on her face. She looks to be in anguish struggling to reach out for some help. When a small bead of tear is visible at the corner of the mind-disturb girl, the Taiyoukai's hands clench into tight fists as he watches helplessly at the poor girl. He has vowed to never let the girl weep again but what power does he have to protect her in a dream?
Gently reaching out his hand, his claw finger brushes the tears away from the girl's pale cheek with his other free hand resting firmly at the side of her shoulder. He can't do anything now except to hope she can feel his presence and that will at least comfort her in her torturing nightmare.
After a few minutes of careful observation, Rin stops struggling; her expression returns to normal with her breathing becoming lighter and calm. The girl is once again slumbering peacefully.
Sesshoumaru moves to the table, setting his armor and swords on it before settling himself on the futon and lies next to Rin with his feet bared, carefully cradling the girl into his protective arms.
Another half an hour passes and the uneasy scent has returned, Rin reaches out one of her hands and seems to be looking to grasp onto something as she screams at the top of her lungs.
"NOOOOOOO!"
The girl shoots her eyes wide open in extreme fear, breathing heavily and sweat rolling down the sides of her face. She instantly gets into a sitting position and turns around to search for something but her hazelnut eyes lay sight on a familiar figure sitting close by her side, it is none other than her beloved Lord Sesshoumaru. The girl sighs in extreme relief but the demon lord's anxious amber eyes gaze at the girl's behavior with a questioning look.
Rin manages a smile, to ensure she is fine but her large hazelnut eyes betray that. Sesshoumaru sees agony and dejection in her eyes and it makes his usual aloof expression alter.
"Lo-rd Sess-houmaru, how long have you been here?" Her shaky voice makes her sentence come out unclear.
The western lord stretches out his left arm to circle around the girl's waist and pull her closer to his armor-less chest.
"About an hour ago" His voice soften as if he sounds tired.
Rin scans around the room and fails to spot her son. "Where's Aito?" She asks curiously.
"He will be with other kids tonight and rest in another hut. The lady promises to look after him." He cocks his head to the side to kiss the girl's forehead as she nods weakly.
"He is such an active pup." Rin chuckles softly and it amazes the Taiyoukai. It is not her sweet chuckle that impresses this great dog demon, but it is how she still manages a smile in this moment that blows the western lord.
He begins to wonder, is Rin generally strong or could it be the hardships that she has gone through in these past 4 years that made her grow stronger?
Sesshoumaru stokes the girl's back to comfort her; Rin closes her eyes to feel the comforting touch from her lord. Her bandaged palms find their way and rest on top of the demon lord's abdomen.
The Taiyoukai settles his right hand on top of the girl's and gently brushes her knuckles. The wounds on the poor girl's palm have at least shown some improvement after a week of careful tender. His saliva has managed to reduce the pain in general but unfortunately the cut flesh still needs time to heal.
Although the girl confesses the pain from the cut is nothing compared to the time she delivered his pup, for a mere human to resist such strong physical suffering is truly overwhelming for the demon lord.
"Rin,"
"Yes?" They remain in the same position.
"What is haunting you in the dream? You seem to have restless nights recently." The Taiyoukai states coolly. No answer from the girl, instead her hands slowly turn into loose fists, the demon lord is able to sense the girl's evolving uneasiness.
"Something related to what happened five years ago?" He asks seriously, emphasizing his words with the hold around her waist tightened.
"NO!" The girl trails off from her lord as the word quickly escapes from her mouth and her reaction has just confirmed the Taiyoukai's assumption.
"I mean the nightmare was mostly related to me being in danger and I was seeking for help." Her lips curl into a small smile.
For some reason, the dog demon knows his mate to be is lying. He sighs uncharacteristically.
Is growing stronger something good? Sesshoumaru ponders as the memory of young Rin flashes in his mind. Those days, she would cry when she's sad or in pain, she would laugh when she's happy and certainly would tell him when something was bothering her. Right now, Rin is hiding her emotions and often not being honest.
The Taiyoukai has never failed to read anyone but when it comes to someone that means so dearly to him, he seems to have no clue.
Rin lifts her head up at her lord. Something ails the demon lord and she is the reason behind it. Ever since she decided to travel, the strange dream keeps haunting her, with each time the vision is getting clearer. Could this be a message from...? She shuts her eyes tightly trying to discard the unwanted thought.
Do I deserve to own this happiness? The very same question has kept dwelling in her mind for the past few years.
Rin slightly trails off and allows a small room between her and the demon lord. Her hands slip away from the Taiyoukai's abdomen and presses firmly on her lap.
"Lord Sesshoumaru, can you promise me one thing?" She inquires carefully. Sesshoumaru shift his gaze to the girl's side.
"What it is?" He answers cautiously. The dog demon has learned not to agree before knowing the request since the girl may once again come up with ridiculous ideas. He wants to make sure than to brake his promise later.
"One day, I mean in case if there is one day that – that you might accidentally get to know about..." She pauses unable to find the right words to complete her sentence and before she makes another attempt Sesshoumaru interrupts.
"Do you mean to say if one day I get to know about the person who drove you away?" Emphasizing his words firmly the girl inclines without a word after a long thought.
"Whoever is involved in this should receive the punishment equally for what they have put you through." The demon lord's voice rises and he growls infuriately with his ambers shot bloodied red in fury, swearing he will end the miserable lives of those who are involved.
No! Rin screams in her heard. There is no way she would want her lord to punish this person, how could she? They both are related and slashing that person would equally kill his own blood.
The girl takes in a deep breath and exhales. She leans closer to the demon lord and slips her right arm and wraps around her lord's left arm with their fingers intertwined.
"You know, to be able to stay this close to Lord Sesshoumaru, it is truly my fortune. When you embrace me I know that am safe and I can spend my life just to live this dream." A sweet blissful smile graces her face as the girl lays her head on the Taiyoukai's shoulder.
"I feel so grateful that Aito and I are under your care, that the three of us will do everything together. To have Lord Sesshoumaru with us is enough, anything else is not important." Rin tightly crosses her fingers with her lord's as she lays her head on the demon lord's shoulder with a content smile wearing on her face.
Sesshoumaru lowers his gaze at the girl; he picks up the real message behind her statement and knows she is defending that particular person. Although he has no idea as to why the girl has to struggle to spare the life of this unknown person, the points she has highlighted are true.
They have finally reunited and that's all the matters, in-fact the Taiyoukai realizes he should be more concerned of what he has before him now than to seek vengeance.
"Tell me Rin, what will you do if you ever have a chance to meet up with this person again in the near future?" Rin is stunned by the question, she has no idea of how to face this lady in-fact this is what she has been fearing for long. Her nightmares are not just a dream, they are more like warnings about things that would happen one day.
What will I do? I don't know... The girl does not realize she is trembling until the demon lord's hand comes to her face with his fingers caressing the side of her face.
"You shouldn't be fearful of facing this person when am here." Sesshoumaru guides the girl's chin to look up at him. Rin manages a weak smile.
"Promise me Rin," The girl blinks her eyes curiously.
"Never ever leave my side. Always come to me no matter what happens and who threatens you." Sesshomaru's voice is firm yet comforting.
Even if this person is your...? Rin thinks but quickly discards the doubt away.
Sesshoumaru's amber gaze softens as he meets with the hazelnut gaze that is filled with dubiousness.
"Don't ever let me find you gone again Rin, because," The demon lord lays his forehead on the girl's before he continues, "That would bring a tear to me."
Rin's brows furrow in disconsolation, the possessiveness her lord has over her is clearly audible in his voice. She would never want to break his heart again.
The girl trails off softly, looking up at her lord and gently cup his cheek; she inclines her head with a smile dancing at her lips. "Yes, I promise you that."
Sesshoumaru returns a small relieved smile, he wonders if the girl knows just how much that simple gesture of affection touched him.
The Taiyoukai then adjusts his position to be now fully facing the girl. The dim light from the candle perfectly shines on his ward revealing the sheerness of the inner garment that Rin is wearing now.
The light from the candle maybe weak but it is good enough to reveal the sight of the girl's smooth creamy skin underneath the thin garment and the demon lord is definitely pleased by the sight before him.
His amber eyes roams from the girl's pale cheek to her inviting neck, then his gaze falls to the size of her chest as it lands on her voluptuous figure. Rin oh Rin. She looks stunning, her body has matured a lot and the view before him now tells just how much the girl has grown in the past 4 years.
To say that he has not thinking about running his claw finger on the girl's smooth bare skin would be a lie. He wants so badly to convey just how much he has missed his precious ward by his touch and to love the girl again and again to ensure her she is safe with him and no one would take her away from the dog demon's side.
But what has stopped the Western lord? Aito. The fact that the environment that the duo live in isn't set up for a convenient time for the demon lord to express his love. With the simple hut set without a room and the toad that tags along certainly not an ideal place to have privacy.
But right now, the Taiyoukai knows that he has the privacy that he longed for.
Rin observes her lord intensely; he seems to be in deep thought but when she's about to speak the Taiyoukai stretches out one of his hands and brushes at the side of her cheek.
"I was born to chase supreme power that would allow me to surpasses my father and become the greatest Taiyoukai of the Western lands." His hand trails slowly from her cheek to the nape of her neck. Rin startled at the sudden change of topic but remains silent.
"He became a legend for a mortal and that's what I call as weakness. He leaves me nothing but a sword that I once called a useless fang, Tenseiga." The girl narrows her brows despondently at the memories of the dog demon who made many attempts to wield the Tessaiga, one of his father's heirloom.
Sesshoumaru raises both of his hands and stares at them. "With these hands I vowed to seek more power and kill plenty of life. Be it a well deserved one or an innocent."
Rin places her hands on the demon lord's and squeezes them a little. "No, my lord will never kill for no reason. I am certain!" Her gloomy gaze meets with rather softened amber eyes and she rewards the Taiyoukai a convincing smile.
"I was named for killing perfection and these hands were meant to kill until our unusual encounter." The girl smiles sweetly at the beautiful memory of how she found the demon lord in the forest.
"You are the first mortal that I saved and from that day onwards you seem to have the strange power to purify my hands, I killed less and started to save life." He entwined his fingers with hers.
"You give me strength, hope and someone to hold, to love. I never thought I was capable of love nor even dream to hold my own heir with these hands. You are such a miracle Rin, sometimes; I don't feel that I'm good enough to deserve you." Rin widens her eyes in extreme shock and those words from her lord hurt her so dearly.
"No my lord, it is I who does not deserve you." Rin says softly while she lowers her gaze on her laps. "I-I ..." Sesshoumaru forbids the girl to go on as he speaks.
"Rin,"
"Yes?" She tilts her head up and looks into her lord's warm golden eyes.
"Would you mind to take these hands," The Taiyoukai raises both of his hands a little higher above the girl's lap before continuing.
"These hands that were once awash with blood of many lives, to purify it with your love and affection?" She narrows her eyes in pain. Where do I have such power? I am only his weakness.
"Take my hands Rin, touch my heart, and be sure that you will always by my side for day and night." Her brows drop in agony.
"My lord ..." A claw finger reaches to touch over Rin's lips preventing any further speech.
"Would you hold me close through whatever lies in front of us, to share the laughter and the tears together?" Sesshomaru's comforting voice warms the girl's heart.
Rin's hazelnut eyes glasses over with unshed tears.
"I will." Her voice is barely audible due to the fact that it is taking all of her concentration to remain focused. She holds the Taiyoukai's hands and brings them close to her chest.
"I will always be with you, hand in hand. I may not have forever but I will be with you for as long as my life allows me to live with Lord Sesshoumaru." She softly echoes it with a bitter sweet smile. Little tears of joy are visible on the girl's cheeks.
Sesshoumaru finds himself returning equally the same smile which he would only do in front of the girl. Rin chuckles softly.
"You look amazing with the smile my lord." She continues chuckling playfully.
This time the demon lord smirks. "This is only for my lovely mate." The girl looks away bashfully.
The demon lord presses his hands on the girl's shoulders to make her look straight at his face. Hazelnut eyes drown into the warm golden gaze.
"Rin, be my mate, be the mother of our future pups and share my life span." The girl struggles to keep herself composed by the sudden proposal. She arches her brows with her mouth slightly parted in shock mixed with excitement.
Rin always wanted a family of her own, especially with her lord. But after plenty of hardships she has encountered in the process of building this family of the dog, the girl has almost lost the dim of light of hope to have a future with her beloved Lord Sesshoumaru.
This is definitely not a dream, the proposal is so real, and she can hear Sesshoumaru's words clearly and still echoing in her ears. All the nightmares she had before have vanished for all she can feel now is extreme joy, bliss and satisfaction.
"But I am a human; I will disgrace your bloodline." Her lips trembles a little, still recovering from the previous shock.
"Never." His answer is short but content.
"I will weaken you." She presses further.
"Your tears are my strength, and your love is my honor. Protecting you leads me to become stronger. You never weaken but you strengthen my power." This is it, he is answer for all her doubts, and the girl has no reason to turn down the proposal. She loves him sincerely and here he returns her undivided love.
"Yes." Tears of happiness stream down uncontrollably. She inclines her head desperately and throws her arms around the Taiyouki's neck.
No other word can be sweeter than this 'yes', Sesshoumaru finds himself sighing in extreme relief. Tonight, Rin will be his mate and no bond would be stronger than the mating bond, which he vows to mark the girl before dawn.
Holding her securely, neither speak, merely reveling in this short moment of contentment. The demon lord strokes along the girl's back with his hands and this small gesture of affection is enough to relax her as she seemingly just melts in his arms while the dog demon lets his hand move up to gently stroke her hair.
"Rin." she trails off softly and looks up at the Taiyoukai with her mesmerizing hazelnut eyes.
Sesshoumaru gently guides her chin up and with the soft pad of his thumb, he runs it lightly across her upper lip then lower. Then, he closes the distance between them till their lips touch. He brushes her's languidly for a moment, enjoying the sound of her raised pulse and then, firmly seales it with a soft kiss.
She responds timidly at first but when the dog demon drives his tongue deep into her mouth their kiss becomes rougher and more passionate.
Rin can feel her lord smirk against her lips; he is holding her to him by the back of her head. Her lord kisses her as though he means to devour her, yet, there is no fear.
After what seems like forever, he releases her mouth allowing the girl to catch some air to breathe. Sesshoumaru's hand strays to the girl's lower back, pushing her towards him and pulling her along with him, guiding her to straddle his lap with her inner thighs pressing against his outer ones.
Slowly he lifts the skirt of her thin inner garment high up almost to her waist level. He then runs his hands deliciously up her left thigh before resting on the side of her hip. Rin's eyelids flutter close at this sudden wave of extreme teasing of her smooth skin. A small whimper escapes her mouth and it pleases the Taiyoukai.
Rin starts to weaken under Sesshoumaru gentle touch as she feels hazy. She can feel her lord's arms circling around her body, preventing her from falling because at this stage she is too weak to hold herself correctly.
Rin's head drops onto her lord's broad shoulder on top of the mokomoko, his fluff is tickling her. As the girl is so lost in her own world a soft voice brings her back to reality.
"Rin," The demon lord purrs softly into the girl's ear.
"Y-yes?" She replies absentmindedly.
"I want you…" His eyes glow molten gold, drowning in desire. Rin's face flushes red, the demon lord can feel the heat on his shoulder.
Sesshoumaru glares at the sheer inner garment which is the only thing that shields from his inviting gaze. He slips his hands all the way from her neck down to the bow of the garment. The demon lord can feel the girl hold her breath while he loosens the bow and pulls the sheer gown away, leaving her upper body exposed before the Taiyoukai.
He lays the girl down on futon with an arm at the back and the other at the back of her neck to ensure she lands safely on the pillow.
Rin's face is still flushing as red as a cherry as the demon lord begins kissing a passage down starting from her chin, then to her collarbone, slowing down every inch of her smooth fresh skin that lies bare before him. The girl's body naturally arches up to meet his needs.
Sesshoumaru pauses as he begins to part his clothed folds and sets his kimono aside. The girl watches the Taiyoakai pull on the ties of his hakama and slip it down to reveal his masculine appendage, his bulge erection exposed to her bare eyes.
The demon lord's hands glide down to the undersides of her breasts, teasing and reveling in the sensitive skin in that part of the body. The girl is so delicate, he muses, as he acquaints himself with her skin in long, slow strokes. He lets his hand drift until his fingertips ghosts over the tops of her breasts, and she moves restlessly beneath him.
He then moves to cup her full globes, exploring it, feeling their weight and the roundness with his palms. His fingers narrows at her rosy buds, rolling them till they stand up with pride.
Rin arches her back with a small moan as her lord takes her swelling breasts in his open mouth, nibbling, suckling, tasting the pink tips as she continues arching towards him as though wishing for more.
Sesshoumaru breaks away momentarily, allowing Rin to adjust herself to this sensation, not wanting her to grow tired out of exhaustion due to her weak body. Their eyes meet as the Taiyoukai stares at the girl's flushed face with a small smirk.
"My Rin, you're beautiful." He leans forward and kisses the bashful girl with his tongue diving into her mouth claiming her inner caverns, the girl's lips part with a mute moan.
Rin's slender legs part slightly as it allows him to settle in between them as one of the demon lord's hands travels down to her heat and slides one of his fingers into her wet folds. Her eyes bulge and she gives out a moan as his fingers rub her entrance.
Sesshoumaru can feels his digit being hotly wrapped and sucked in he pushes it in and out of her readily dripping folds.
Rin unknowingly spreads her legs wider and wraps around the Taiyoukai's pelvis firmly. The dog demon takes this opportunity to position himself in between her thighs and moves his tip to her ready entrance.
Steadily he pushes himself into her, feeling every bit of resistance from her tight inner walls until his bulging member gets completely buried into her warm folds. His pace is slow at first, enjoying the feeling of her tight inner walls rubbing against the entire length of his bulge as much as the soft cries from his Rin pressing securely under him.
Rin arches her back again and again as she unknowingly presses herself towards the demon lord as if to ask for more, her slender legs wrap even tighter around the Taiyoukai waist now.
She moans softly but it is encouraging the western lord to increase the pace to please his mate even more.
Sesshoumaru holds Rin's legs in place, his strokes hastening as the arousal between them heightens. The girl groans as she chants her lord's name again and again with a pleasured voice as the man above her loves her again and again. As both of them almost reach the summits of their climax, with the girl's hands gripping tightly on the futon sheet; Sesshoumaru releases a large load of his warm seeds into his mate's awaiting womb.
As the girl is still panting heavily trying to get her equilibrium back., the Taiyoukai leans forward, with arms on both sides of her head, settling his head at the side of her inviting neck, he buries his sharp teeth into the girl's flesh a little higher from her shoulder.
Another high pitched soft moan escapes from the girl's mouth as the demon lord completes his marking and claims his precious Rin as his life mate.
"I love you my lady." Sesshoumaru whispers huskily as he kisses the girl's ear lobe.
The Taiyoukai then rolls over, collapsing on the futon as he pulls his mate closer to his chest and holds her in his arms tenderly.
Rin tilts her head up a little struggling to keep her eyes open as she rewards her beloved husband with a delightful smile.
"I love you too, my lo-love..." Sesshoumaru smiles down at his exhausted mate as he waits till the girl closes her eyes before placing a loving kiss on her forehead and whispers
"Mine, forever."
Chapter end notes:
What do you think of this chapter? Does it turn out sad or relaxing? Do you like the family moment? What about the intimate scenes?
Let me know what you all think of it so far. We have almost come to the end. Few more to go to sort out with the lady and then we are done.
Thank you so much to everyone who has taken their time to review my story, to put this under their alert list and favorite list. Always remember, without your support I wouldn't make it till today. Love you guys *hugges*
On a side note, Lily of the Valley will be featured in Vietnamese and Lilyflower will translate it for me in her forum. Thank you so much dear and I really appreciate it. *hugs*
If anyone wants to read it in the Vietnamese version drop me a message and I shall share the link (n_n)
Anonymous review reply:
Dear Jolie:
Good guess about the lady dear but stay tuned to find out, she will be here with us in the next chapter :-) Thank you for the anniversary wish dear, it means a lot to me. LOL sorry to have make Aito bully Jaken too much but he loves the toad and yes you got it right! He should learn to shut his mouth sometimes LOL I am truly happy you love the Jaken/Aito moment :-) I am sorry for the delay :-( Please forgive me.
Dear Doodle Bug:
Thank you for your review dear, OH NO don't whip me, beta won't be happy LOL XD *chuckles* Thank you so much for your wonderful review and the anniversary wishes. Sorry about missing the deadline. Please forgive me :-(
Dear Sesshylover:
Thank you for your review dear and yes I always picture Sesshoumaru and Rin in a family. I think Sesshoumaru is capable of loving and he deserves to be loved. So I love to write about his softer side for Rin. LOL I am glad that you love the Jaken/Aito moment, well the pup just feel s lonely, he just feels happy to have company. Jaken should be happy to be his master's son best buddy right? hehe Thanks, there won't be much left for this story, few more to go I hope.
Awww thanks for your compliment, my English usage is bad and am nowhere close to being a good writer or writing books. Your compliments will empower me to write more. Sorry for the delay dear, please forgive me :-(