A/N: A slice of lemon in this one – so as always if you're uncomfortable, just skip it. But the plot is worth reading!
/
Rin wasn't surprised when she woke up to find her bed cold and empty; the sheets a twisted mess around her as evidence of their love making.
Feeling slightly sulky at being abandoned once again, she threw the covers aside and headed towards her window to pull back the curtains. Rin had no idea what time it was, but by the growl of her stomach, she'd say it was time for breakfast.
As the morning sunlight bathed her room in its welcoming glow, Rin caught sight of a breakfast tray placed neatly on a table near her dresser; a single Rin placed in a jar by the side. Thinking that Nahia had prepared it, she picked up the glass of juice and saw a piece of paper stuck to the bottom.
Eat up. Meet me at the cherry tree at noon.
Rin laughed as she tucked the scrap of love letter in her drawer. Even in his attempt at being romantic, Sesshoumaru couldn't help being imperious in his demands.
Still, she appreciated the gesture, lifting a fork of eggs to her lips. If this was what being in love with the Lord of the West was like, then she would savour it while it lasted. By the end of the moon cycle, he would belong to someone else.
Those were the thoughts occupying her when she dressed to meet him. She had chosen a midnight blue furisode; allowing the court Youkais to dress her for the multiple layers were often too difficult for her to do so by herself.
Unlike the simple yukata, Rin was hoping to keep this kimono on for as long as possible – a feat seeing how hot her skin burned just by being beside him.
Satisfied with her reflection, Rin then tied Wind Eternal to the side of her obi and headed to the cherry tree.
Lord Sesshoumaru stood under the grand blooms, his head up into the cloud of pink. Dressed in complete white, Rin thought he looked like an angel with the silvery white of his hair flowing effortlessly in the wind.
"Someday this magnificent tree will die." He made no move to look at her, keeping his eyes up as the cherry blossoms swayed with the wind.
Rin didn't know what to say. Was that a silent reminder of her mortality?
"Then I suppose… it's the time you spend before that matter." Although for them, the days were growing increasingly limited.
As though hearing her thoughts, he finally turned to look down at her, the deep red gash on his cheek made prominent by the complete whiteness of his attire. "What would Rin like to do today with Lord Sesshoumaru?"
Her first response was to blush. It was a strange habit of his – using the third person –but when he did so, he was granting her a concession: a day to do whatever she wanted, with no objections.
That was how he often had flowers weaved into his hair when she was a child or become an involuntary chaperone to satisfy her silly antics in the markets.
"There is a spring market at Cove Viridian on the weekend. I would like to go there again."
He raised an eyebrow at her. Rin was expecting a rejection but to her surprise, he simply slipped a hand in hers and nodded.
Rin had suggested taking horses and without complaint, he mounted one even when she knew he preferred A-Un or walking. So when he got off and started to walk alongside his horse halfway through, Rin had to know.
"Have I made a choice that displeases you my Lord?" she asked, coming to a trot beside him.
Sesshoumaru grunted. Fine, she would find out the answer herself! She didn't have much time to mull over the mystery for they were soon at the entrance of the town. Dismounting, she then patted the horses and let them roam freely. Loyal to their master, the horses only required a whistle to return.
Slipping her hand into his, Rin could not be happier as she felt his fingers tightened slightly over hers. They stopped by a few shops on the periphery, smelling herbs and tasting peaches.
"I was thinking that maybe I could start growing flowers and selling them here," said Rin. "What do you think?"
His eyes bore down on hers lazily. To an outsider, his impassive face might suggest annoyance but Rin had memorised every line and every crease on his face to know that he was giving her a look that she could only described as –happy.
"My gardens are yours to do as you please."
Rin didn't have the heart to tell him she planned to grow them here. There wouldn't be a place for her in his castle once he claimed the throne with his bride. Instead, she smiled, hoping he wouldn't see the sadness behind them.
"Come," he said after a while. "There is something in the market centre that you like."
Trusting his sense of smell, she followed his lead into the heart of the bustling town. She caught sight of the cart immediately.
"Pastries!"
Rin paid Sesshoumaru no attention as she carefully selected the ones she would like to eat then and take home. Nahia still had a bit of trouble making this treat in particular. Perhaps it had something to do with the unique way humans kneaded the dough –more patience and less strength than a Youkai.
When she was satisfied with her selection, Rin took a few coins and was about to give it to the shop owner when she realised the stunned look on his face. He didn't even look when she dropped the money onto his palm.
"Where to next?" asked Sesshoumaru, clutching her hand once more. Rin stood on tiptoes trying to find a sausage cart – that was when she realised the many pair of eyes focused on her.
Though he held his chin up in his usual manner of arrogance, Rin could see that Sesshoumaru paid no heed to the amount of attention being thrown her way. She didn't understand. Why were they only looking at her and not at him? It wasn't like they've never seen her around before.
Miria and Drake had roamed these same streets with her –not a single weird look or whisper then; but now, every corner they turned, people made a path for them; eyes curious as they glossed over her.
"You carry my scent. It confuses them," said Sesshoumaru, not bothering to lower his voice. Rin was sure that now, the humans who had not noticed were currently looking at her with renewed interest.
Feeling her cheeks burning, Rin pulled her hands away and walked quickly in front of him. Making sure that it was a human vendor, she finally stopped in front of a stall selling honey.
"Ah, Lady Rin! I was wondering when I'd see you again."
Rin didn't remember his name, but she smiled, having seen him many times in the market running errands with his family.
"How are the children?"
"Couldn't be better. My eldest helped to pot that honey you're holding. His first trip down the hive."
Rin vaguely remembered Drake pointing out a nest of bee Youkais living close to the woods at the edge of the town.
"Then I suppose I have to try it," said Rin beaming at the proud father as she passed him a few coins. Dropping the pot into the small pouch she had slung over her shoulders, Rin continued walking, only to feel the familiar bristle of touch and the scent of her keeper.
"I see you've bought more wicked things to consume in bed." To a stranger, the tone of his voice would have made it sound like a reprimand but Rin knew better.
"Honey is good medicine. We are not wasting it."
The Daiyoukai simply bent his head into her tresses, nipping at the lobe of her ear. "Of course. I would never waste a drop."
Rin had to squeeze her thighs together to stop the impending arousal. Ever since sharing skin privileges, Sesshoumaru had been ravenous; just being beside her sparked a wild need to claim her. Following the line of his eyes, she saw the dark alley way and knew he thought of taking her again.
"Stop it! Everybody is looking," she pleaded.
Still, he ignored her; pressing a kiss to the sensitive spot just behind her ear. "They're not complaining." Another kiss. "If they dare, I'll kill them."
Rin had to roll her eyes at his show of prowess. "Enough. If you cannot behave yourself then you shall go home now."
As the words roll out, Rin had no idea where she had the courage to say them. She had, for the first time in her life, given a direct order to the Daiyoukai. If she was any normal human, it would have been a death wish.
But the Youkai standing before her smiled –yes, a broad awkward grin –and shrugged. "As my Lady wishes."
"You are going?" Rin felt him loosen his grip on her; his hands reaching for her purchases.
"Yes." Another smile as he took a step away from her. "Unless you want to indulge me against that tree over there."
He didn't even make an effort to whisper his intent!
"No, let's leave together."
A wicked glint flashed across his eyes when she approached him. "We'll find another tree then."
Rin had to hide her face under her sleeves as they walked out of the market.
/
Rin had offered him a croissant but he had declined, choosing instead to sprawl on the grass with his head on her lap. Even though he regularly attended mealtimes with her, Sesshoumaru still found it amusing how much a human could eat. Where did it all go to?
He had always been satisfied with a few nibbles, to accompany Rin, but nothing more. However, now judging from the slight change in her scent, he might have to taste everything before it was served to her.
"So tell me about this horse thing," she teased between mouthful of pastry.
"There is nothing to say."
"Was it a woman?" she asked, suddenly excited. "Tell me!"
He really didn't want to but Rin had her nose inches from his; her brown eyes wide and curious.
"It happened many years ago –before I found you. So it doesn't matter." He closed his eyes and turned away from her. Rin just had to deal with it.
But then he felt it – salted drops on his forehead.
"Rin?" his eyes flared open, sitting up quickly to check her body for injuries. "Are you hurt?"
She rubbed her eyes and sniffed; big tears streaking the side of her face. "Why won't you tell me?"
Sesshoumaru crossed his arms over his chest. Why did he always fall for this trick? Rin was not the crying type, he kept forgetting that.
"I was probably your age," he started, watching how her crying stopped immediately; face breaking out into a grin. "I had a horse riding challenge. I lost. The end."
"What! Where is the girl? The drama?" She launched at him; palms on his chest demanding for more.
Sesshoumaru gave her a piercing stare from behind slanted eyes. This was abuse. He was about to chide her – or seduce her into obedience when the scent of hyenas caught his attention.
Holding Rin close, he stilled; eyes going golden and ears perking to hear the direction of their approach. A quick visual sweep of their surrounding came back with nothing – the scent was gone too and the clearing was as quiet as it had been just seconds before.
"We should return home," he said, finally certain that there was no threat. "Night is fast approaching."
Rin got up slowly, reaching for his hand. "There is one last stop I wish to make – a quick one, I promise."
/
The cabin was set close to the wharf; the tang of salt and fish rife in the air. Still, underneath it all, he had identified the scent of something familiar yet totally unrecognisable.
But then –
Tenseiga? The sword was throbbing; the blade giving off a soft glow.
"What is this place Rin?" he demanded.
Rin, oblivious to his discomfort, gave him a wide smile as she knocked. "He's a friend. I think you'll like him."
Sesshoumaru didn't think so –
Neither did the half breed standing by the opened door; long black hair in a ponytail and uncharacteristically golden eyes looking back at him.
But for the sake of the gentle human between them, the two simply stared at each other in equal curiousness and suspicion.
"How are you my lovely?" asked the stranger.
Rin's reply was a generous hug. "Oh how I've missed you!"
If not for the laughter in her eyes, Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if he would have stayed obediently in place without killing the stranger.
"My Lord, this is Anzer. He's been most kind to me during my stay here."
The half Youkai bowed slightly but made no move to come closer.
"We still have some leftover pastries," said Rin; one hand tugging him inside. "Shall I help to make tea?" Though the question was for their host, her eyes were on him, as though asking for permission.
He should say no but he had promised her a day with no objections. If she only knew the sacrifices he was making… "If it pleases you Rin. But we leave by nightfall."
"Oh thank you!" she cried, squeezing his fingers in happiness before disappearing into the kitchen.
Once she was out of sight, Sesshoumaru took a step forward, chin up as he looked down at the half breed. Unlike Inuyasha, he looked almost human sans the eyes –so uncharacteristically like an Inu Youkai.
Anzer lifted his gaze, those golden eyes looking back at him.
"I am glad you came to take her home," he said softly, flicking his eyes sideways at the lighthearted singing coming from his kitchen. Sesshoumaru didn't care for his approval but he followed the Youkai towards the dining area in silence. Sitting down, he stared across the table, unsure for the first time, for the right words. This man radiated strength and power so unlike the half-breed of his brother and yet, there was no mistaking the scent of human blood in him.
Had his father seen this half Youkai and assured himself that the child Izayoi carried would prosper and ever live to surpass InuTaisho's legacy? Pathetic!
"Here it is!" Rin floated in, a tray in hand. Setting it on the table, she looked at the two of them; biting her lips slightly. "Have you two been good to each other?"
Sesshoumaru didn't think Rin knew what Anzer was; her nervousness likely a result of forcing him into this place with a stranger. He should bite her as punishment.
"So what brings you two here today?" asked Anzer, though his eyes were focused solely on him. Sesshoumaru was not particularly fond of Cove Viridian – for obvious reasons.
"I wanted to see the spring market," said Rin, pouring tea for each of them. "Lord Sesshoumaru was kind enough to take me."
Sesshoumaru almost scowled when the half breed smiled at her. Rin really needed to stop associating words like 'kind' anywhere near his name.
"Indeed," Anzer replied looking up at him. "And thank you for the gift of wool. I believe my sons are busy weaving them into nets."
Rin nearly scalded him in a gasp of surprise. "Oh! I didn't… well, that was very nice of you my Lord. Thank you."
Sesshoumaru took the teapot from her before she poured anymore tea on his lap. "It is simply repayment for providing lodging for Rin, nothing more." Turning to Rin, he gave her a stern look, a gentle warning in his voice. "Should Rin wish to return for whatever reason, I will see to it that a house is built for her convenience."
There was no way she would at the mercy of strangers –especially not of a half breed. He would forbid that.
/
He made no mention of their little detour, choosing instead to focus on the soft skin of her fingers absently stroking his hand. Meeting Anzer had unsettled him, he had to admit. There was much he wanted to ask; to understand. There was no doubt that he knew Inu no Taisho. Was his father truly happy? Did he ever regret choosing to live a mortal life?
"You shouldn't hurt so much Sesshoumaru," whispered Rin, linking her fingers with his.
Looking down at the beautiful human, he wondered at which point did he cross that line to care for her this deeply. His one true fear was that someday, he would be the one hurting her so badly she would never forgive him.
But till then…
"You still have until midnight to demand whatever you wish from me," he replied curling her into an embrace.
As she wrapped her hands around his waist, Rin rested her head on his chest and whispered, "If… you are ever sad or hurt or need someone to talk to – know that I will never push you away." She tilted her head up; brown eyes a cloud of emotion, he couldn't really comprehend. What was she not saying? That she would never take a mate all her life?
He ought to deny her this cruel life… and yet, deep inside he selfishly wanted things to be the way they were.
"Rin…" His knuckles grazed her cheek lightly. "I –"
"It seems we have company," said Rin cutting him off before he could speak.
Sesshoumaru had hoped to spend more time with Rin but the sight of Chiyoko waiting by the gates upon their return, reminded him of the reality of his duties.
"Welcome home," said Chiyoko, her smile genuine and kind towards Rin. "I know this might not be the perfect time, but we must talk Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru was almost annoyed that he had to speak to his cousin but he knew it was necessary. Caressing her cheeks gently, he turned to Rin.
"I will see you at dinner."
Rin obediently bowed and left without a complaint. When she was gone, Sesshoumaru turned his attention back to Chiyoko, striding ahead past the main gates.
"Walk with me," he instructed.
Chiyoko kept in step; silent as they continued walking towards his favourite cherry tree. He didn't know why he brought her there – but from the throbbing he could sense from Tenseiga, he knew it was the right thing to do.
"Your father was buried not far from here," said Chiyoko, picking up the scent immediately. "Does it make you sad to be here Sesshoumaru?"
"I do not have the need for sadness." He turned to face her, silvery eyes glowing in the growing darkness. "You wanted to talk, so talk."
"I've received news that my mother visited yours."
His eyes snapped golden.
"She's still alive – if that's what you're worried about," said Chiyoko. "But I think she might have plans to make sure the throne doesn't get passed across to my family."
That would never happen. "Explain."
"It seems your uncle, Ealdwin spends a lot of time in her castle. "
For the first time in his life, Sesshoumaru was surprised. He had not seen this coming. So, all those prospective brides were for naught?
"My parents love these lands; love what your father has done for them. But Ealdwin…"
He understood what she was implying. Their marriage would, for the sake of convenience be the best solution.
"And what if I do not wish to fulfil this plan of yours?"
"I am not doing this for you!" she snapped; a low growl in her voice. "Think about the future you'd put Rin through! Of constant war and famine and sadness. Is that what you want?"
"I can protect her."
"Till her human years are up? Then what Sesshoumaru? Die a mortal as your father had done?"
Chiyoko was lucky that she was kind and bore no malice for he would not have hesitated to kill her for daring to speak out of line. Instead, he reared in the beast within him, staring hard at his cousin.
"I'm not saying it has to be me Sesshoumaru… but it has to be someone that is not Rin. You understand right?"
He was about to retort when he saw the falcon.
"We will continue this later."
Allowing the bird to dig its talons deep into his flesh, Sesshoumaru untied the message on its legs and unfurled the tiny parchment.
Every nerve in his body stilled.
"Chiyoko, summon Miria and Jaken to my office at once. I will speak to the three of you simultaneously."
Not waiting for her reply, he leaped off; spreading his wings to fly up to Rin's room. Titus had sent word that his men had crossed the border into the Southern Lands, only to arrive at the village of An; a human settlement that had been burnt and destroyed by passing hyenas. But it was his other news that was unsettling.
Lord Adam of the South had been injured trying to evacuate his people.
Adam was not young anymore – just what was he thinking going out into the field where a simple scratch no longer healed as quickly as it used to?
As his foot touched the edge of her window sill, Sesshoumaru jumped inside, heading towards the only human who scented of him.
"My Lord? I wasn't expecting… is everything alright?"
"There is something I need to tell you."
Perhaps it was the tone of his voice, or the intensity in his eyes for he scented her embarrassment before noticing the physical flush on her cheeks. Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if he too displayed such a change from his usual pallor –but the words he was about to say were important.
"From now on, I would like you to know where and for how long I go, each time I leave you." He did not wish for a repeat of the last time –he had gone almost crazy with bloodlust at the thought of losing her then.
Brown eyes looked up at him shyly. "And you promise to always return?"
"Yes." Though this time, he had to make sure another five years had not passed before he returned for her.
/
Rin wasn't surprised to see Miria and Jaken entering the Lord Sesshoumaru's study but the sight of Chiyoko sent a slight pinch of jealousy in her heart. She knew she shouldn't feel that way for Chiyoko was kind but after a whole day of having Sesshoumaru to herself, she only wished that it could stay as such.
Drifting her gaze towards him, Rin almost jumped back in surprise when he turned to look at her, as though hearing her thoughts.
"During my last absence, Jaken and I visited Lord Adam Tsara of the Southern Lands. Hyena packs are moving southwards, attacking the human villages."
Though his words were meant for everyone, she understood that he was speaking to her. This was where he went the last time.
"Are they requesting for reinforcements?" asked Miria.
"No but we should prepare nonetheless. The Southern Lord does not have the resources for another attack." He turned once more to Rin. "The last attack has left him in a critical state. Rin, Miria, you will both head straight down to the Southern Castle to watch over him. Jaken and I will lead the soldiers via the southwest route. We leave at dawn."
Rin had never met Lord Adam. Surely the human Lord would not want strangers while he recuperated? Just what did Sesshoumaru plan for her to do there anyway?
But before she could ask, Chiyoko stepped forward, confusion evident on her face. Rin had wondered as well why he had called for her.
"And what duties do you wish of me my Lord?" she asked finally.
But instead of replying, he turned to Miria. "Before you go, brief the soldiers. I do not wish to repeat myself tomorrow. Take Jaken with you."
Rin was inching out together with them when his low growl halted her midstep.
"Rin, stay," he ordered; eyes glowing gold as they rested on hers. Rin didn't want to be there. Didn't he understand how difficult it was for her?
Chiyoko wasn't faring any better. Looking first at Rin then at Sesshoumaru, she smiled. "Would you like me to leave as well, Sesshoumaru?
"No, I have more important things for you," he replied, moving closer towards both of them. "You will stay here and hold the fort in my absence –my mother needs to be pacified. She will no doubt make her presence known closer to the 60th day."
Neither of the women expected him to say that, especially not Chiyoko. "You do understand what that means don't you?"
Rin did. No longer was a steward needed to fill the shoes of the Lord of the West. His future mate would – or at least that was what Sesshoumaru hoped to portray to his mother.
"It is merely temporary. You will assume the role tomorrow." A dismissal.
"As you wish my Lord," she whispered before leaving Rin finally alone with him once more.
Rin maintained her position by the door, eyes on him as he moved closer towards her.
"Will you come back for me?" was her first question. "And don't lie to me."
He held her face in his palm, his thumb caressing her cheek gently. "It is too dangerous for you to remain here without me."
"Sesshoumaru…" she growled, as best as a human could. She had asked a question!
"As promised." She wanted to believe him and yet…
Turning her face into his palm, she kissed his hand, covering his wrist with her own fingers.
"Be with me tonight," she whispered. It may after all be the last night she had with him.
/
He would have given her the world if she had only asked. Lifting her in his arms, Sesshoumaru carried her past his study and into his chambers. He needed her to understand this. No one had ever shared his bed until now, until her.
"Perhaps… when we return," he whispered, letting her down on her feet. "You may wish to sleep here with me."
Her response was to press her lips gently on his but Sesshoumaru found himself deepening the kiss, holding her in his arms just a while longer –a gentle promise for the long night he planned ahead for them.
"Say yes," he murmured against her lips. Sesshoumaru didn't know how he was going to fulfil this promise but she had to know, had to understand what he was trying to tell her.
"As you wish my Lord," she whispered back. He would accept that for now.
Moving his hands along her shoulders and down her back, Sesshoumaru tried working his fingers on getting her kimono off. The impenetrable layers frustrated him. Pulling away, he admitted defeat. "Remind me to burn these kimonos of yours. Why would anyone make clothes this difficult to remove?"
Tiptoeing to capture his lips once more, Rin smiled against his kiss; her teeth nipping lightly at his lips. "It's a punishment for all those nights you made me touch myself to sleep."
That did it.
Releasing a claw, he ripped the material down the front, parting her nakedness to his greedy hands.
"My Lord! That was a beautiful –"
He would buy ten more for every one he'd rip.
Baring his teeth, he bit down the tender muscle near her neck, drawing the taste he was starting to be obsessed with. Maybe tonight would be the night he'd allow her to mark him back…
"What did you think of when you… touched yourself?" he growled, pulling away to look at her.
Rin had her eyes cast down; eyelashes sweeping the top of her cheeks as she pressed her palm on his abdomen.
"Lord Sesshoumaru has given Rin much more than what she always imagine…" she whispered, almost in embarrassment, shrugging out of the tatters of her kimono.
Sesshoumaru felt himself smiling, the awkward tug at the corner of his mouth, a recurrent habit these days. "And, has Lord Sesshoumaru failed to deliver anything that Rin desires?"
He wasn't expecting a nod but then she took his hand in hers; wrapping her fingers over his.
"I love the way you touch me… but I think you should do it like this." Her body arched as she guided his thumb and forefinger to pinch the sensitive nub between her legs; whispering his name as the contact sent shivers down her body.
"And I think you should… bite me down there too."
Sesshoumaru growled at the invitation. Does Rin even know what she was asking for? Such utter surrender…
"On the bed – now."
Rin barely made it to the sheets when he pounced on her, going straight for his prize. Pushing her thighs apart, he began to lick at the delectable sweetness between her legs. Why did she have to taste so good?
Moving his lips up to the sensitive nub, he brought it to a gentle suck, delighting in her sharp breaths.
"I'm going to bite you now," he murmured. Gently of course. In response, she arched her back, offering all of her to his demanding mouth. Rin was making things too easy for him.
Her scream was music to his senses – this was his woman, in throes of pleasure because of him. When he bit harder, Sesshoumaru was rewarded with a sudden gush of liquid, sweet and purely Rin.
Not a drop should be wasted. Holding down her quivering legs, he lapped at the wetness, ignoring her pleas for pause. Not tonight.
"No more please!" she whimpered, propping herself up with her elbows, looking down at him.
Lifting his eyes to hers, he smiled. "This is not the best part Rin."
The pink blush on her cheeks meant she understood. Since he had claimed her that stormy night, all he could think about was being inside her. It took all his strength to resist taking her up the wall at every opportunity. But before he could torture her a bit longer, Rin clamped her thighs together.
"My turn," she announced, pushing against his shoulders in an effort to get up. "On your back my Lord."
Sesshoumaru didn't want to relinquish control but just for tonight…
He watched as her hands trailed curiously along his body; a contemplative look on her face. True, he had never allowed her to undress him before – tonight seems like a momentous many firsts for them.
"Do the sash first, and I will help you remove this," he said, tapping on his metal breastplate. "And from there, it shouldn't be too hard."
Her soft naked body pressed against his. And even though the thin silk of his haori, he could tell that her nipples were hardening just from the contact with the cold air and it made him itch to suck them into his mouth.
As the ceremonial sash was loosened and flung onto the floor, Sesshoumaru felt her dainty fingers slipping into the waistband of his hakama pants, causing him to draw a sharp breath. His raging hard on might not survive the slowness of her undressing.
Pushing her gently off his body, he rolled her aside as he expertly removed the offending metal protecting his upper body – all the while keeping his eyes on the naked beauty on his bed.
As the last of his clothes lay strewn across the floor, he crawled back into bed, onto his back as his beautiful torturer had demanded.
Rin had her fingers around his shaft as soon as he laid down; her eager lips working their way over the tip then down the side in slow sensuous kisses, her brown eyes on him. At that moment, Sesshoumaru was willing to be condemned to a life of blissful monogamy if she could offer another glimpse of that sultriness… right before she took him into her sweet mouth.
"Rin!"
Her fingers were tight around the base of his erection, fisting what she couldn't fit in her mouth with an excruciating up and down movement. Sesshoumaru had to reign in his claws, keeping his hands above his head to stop himself from scratching her. She was too delicate to be marked that way, though he was more than happy to have a few scratches on his back if she wished.
From the look of her face, he could tell she enjoyed pleasuring him like this – he was literally at her mercy – that shift of power an aphrodisiac in itself. As she continued bobbing up and down, Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth, closing his eyes as the pleasure began building up. As his muscles grew taut, he moved his hand down to her head, holding her down as the pressure inside of him exploded in jets of white, hot release inside her mouth.
Rin took every involuntary spasm, simply bringing her lips down tighter before pulling back with a satisfied smile.
"It seems… I'm all yours tonight." It was a humbling admission. There he was, lying on his bed, contented and satiated but more importantly – vulnerable to the human woman who was now rubbing her body over him.
"As I am yours," she whispered, a second before she lowered herself onto him; her body leaning forward to accommodate his girth. Sesshoumaru gave a loud moan and pressed his face against her neck, taking in her sweet scent. She was unbelievably tight, squeezing her muscles around him.
When she moved –with excruciating slowness –Sesshoumaru had to hold himself back; simply lying still as Rin shifted her hips up and down, almost shyly against him. Any other woman would have gloated at the idea of control over the Lord of the West but Rin…
Such innocence and beauty –she wanted him, for him.
"Rin…" he whispered, reaching out with one hand to cup her cheek. "Put your lips here."
Using an elongated claw, he gently pricked the side of his neck, feeling the flow of blood trickle onto his alabaster skin. Turning his head away, he offered the vulnerable column of his neck –for the first time in his life –to his mate.
Her baby browns flickered shyly; her eyes flashing with understanding as her lips pressed down on the exposed flesh, drawing his blood and essence into her own being.
As he felt the first wave of her pleasure hitting him, Sesshoumaru turned slightly to sink his own teeth into the curve of her neck; his release caught him momentarily breathless -their combined pleasures robbing him of his consciousness.
/
Rin may not have been taught the full mating rituals of the Inu Daiyoukais but she understood the significance of what her Lord Sesshoumaru had bequeathed on her.
Where before, he had marked her - a privilege he had always had –now, he was the one who bore her mark, her scent. Though human, she knew that the exchange of markings was not done recklessly. It was symbolic of something deeper than skin, than blood...
Was he regretting it now?
He had gotten up in the middle of the night, sitting at the edge of his bed for a long time –rocking back and forth slightly as though calming himself from his thoughts.
After what felt like hours, he finally stood up and she had closed her eyes once more, pretending to sleep even as she took in every heavy step, every deep breath and every clank of his armour as he moved about the room.
Just hours after making love to her, he was about to leave her again.
Daring a peek, Rin saw that he had his back towards her –she had never seen him in that full regalia before – sharp metal spikes on his shoulder brace extending down his arm and full-bodied armour protecting him from chest down. And instead of hanging his swords by the side of his belt as he normally did, this time, he sheathed them both behind his back; a royal gold sash tied around his waist extending down between his legs.
Sesshoumaru looked like he was going to war.
And she was about to let him go.
"I know you're awake." He didn't turn to face her, but she knew he could sense her every move.
Rin remained under the covers, unsure of how to approach what just happened between them.
"Sesshoumaru…" she whispered, coming up slowly to a sitting position, her fingers lightly touching the mark he had left on her for the third time. "About this…"
"Do not touch it." His voice came out almost growl-like. "We will… speak about it when I return."
"Why can't I come with you?" she asked, eyes glistening. "I've been through more dangerous situations with you before. Why is this different?"
Sesshoumaru walked towards the bed, kneeling down until they were eye to eye.
"Why do you have to question everything Rin? Is it not enough that I want you safe?"
Rin looked up into his golden eyes. Did he not understand that she wanted him safe too?
When he reached out to caress her cheek, Rin turned into his palm, taking in the deep scent of her Youkai.
"Take this with you," he whispered, picking up the discarded gold and blue sash he always wore around his waist.
Rin accepted the gift, bringing the silk close to her face for comfort. His scent lingered on between her fingers even after he had left the room, no doubt to make preparations for their trip.
/
Sesshoumaru watched as A-Un carried Rin and Miria for the long journey south. She had held his hand for one last time before parting; few belongings in tow and the small silver comb tucked in her hair.
"You carry her scent and yet you send her away," said Chiyoko quietly, from behind him. "If I may be so bold Sesshoumaru, I think you're genuinely in love with her."
Sesshoumaru gave his cousin a sideward glance; eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I am still the Lord of the West –be watchful of what you say Chiyoko."
"I'm not telling you this as your subject," she replied crisply. "I care for you Sesshoumaru. And I know you are not the evil incarnate as you make out to be."
He snarled at her; eyes going bright golden. "Just take care of these lands while I'm gone."
She caught him by the arm before he could escape. "Are you even planning to return Sesshoumaru?"
He honestly didn't have an answer to that. Sesshoumaru knew his roaming bachelor days were over but he wished he had that freedom again. Maybe then he wouldn't have to part with Rin so frequently nor put her in this constant state of heartbreak.
"Send my regards to Lady Elisa. I expect you to stand your ground around her." There was nothing more to say. Leaving her, he marched down to the stables, hoping that the promise of a good fight might revitalise his sour mood.
"My Lord! I have assembled a hundred soldiers as requested," reported Jaken, coming to attention at his presence.
Sesshoumaru did a quick glance of their faces –some he recognised as loyal soldiers from the time of his father but most were much younger, inexperienced soldiers. Just as well.
"We ride swiftly but if you sense something out of the ordinary –stop," he instructed, just before mounting his own horse. The journey to the Western tip would require at least three days, before they headed down the coastal path towards the south –enough time for A-Un to catch up with him.
An stood right at the juncture separating the two territories, at the end of a steep pass. Though the mountains provided ample protection, it also isolated the town, making it almost impossible to escape –the pass was the only way in and out of An.
It was a suicide mission for Adam to have gone in to rescue the villagers. Why hadn't he called for help as he was supposed to? Titus and his soldiers were just at the border!
Following the scent of hyenas and blood, the squadron rode continuously for another two days before Jaken demanded that they stop to allow the horses to rest and for the lesser Youkais to eat. At sunrise, they continued, journeying for another three days until they passed the Western tip, into the southern coast towards the mountains.
"I can smell the stench of blood from here," said Sesshoumaru when Jaken came for the departure briefing.
"Is it fresh my Lord?"
Sesshoumaru raised his face to the wind, closing his eyes as his mind followed what his nose was trying to tell him.
"No. The hyenas did not return this way. The damage was done at least a week ago." Opening his eyes, Sesshoumaru looked down at Jaken and nodded. "Rest and eat while you can. We move at nightfall."
With the cover of darkness, whatever it was the lurked at the foot of the mountains would not see them coming.
/
A/N: This chapter is one of the more poignant one for me. There were cute moments and then there were sad and hopeful moments. So, what do you think?