"How long will you be journeying with us Inudai?" I ask.
"Ah eager to get rid of me, are you Sesshomaru? Want to keep this treasure all to yourself, I assume?" He said, looking at Rin with bright eyes.
I do not like his playful banter. I do not have time for such foolishness.
"Oh no, don't you worry about that Dai. I am in no danger from Sesshomaru. You know he prefers female demons. Oh and please stay for as long as you like, you will be welcome company!"
"Uh Rin, I thought you said that it was only female demons who fawn over their males." I said.
"I am not fawning, take that back! Dai, am I fawning over you?"
"I do hope so, my lovely friend. That would be a dream come true."
"Oh Dai! Can't you ever be serious." She slaps his arm playfully.
I have had enough. I feel old - for the first time.
"It's too bad Dai had to go so soon." Rin crosses her arms with a sulk on her face.
"Perhaps you would prefer to journey with Inudai next time?"
She looks at me with an obvious expression on her face - "you know that would not be considered proper."
"Then perhaps you would like to make it proper? Become his mate?"
"Would you like that? To be free of me at last?"
"I said no such thing. Might I add that your behaviour only provided proof of your attachment to him. I was perhaps only voicing what was already in your heart."
"Do not be so presumptuous, Sesshomaru. You will never know what is in my heart. You are as clueless as your 'simpleton' brother."
"There is no need for such language, Rin. Why must you be as uncivil as a child? I do not even recall you being uncivil as a child."
"And you wonder why I am so uncivil. You are as thoughtless as ever. I really do hope you will find a mate who gives it back to you tenfold!"
"You are already doing a fine job of that; or so it seems."
And for once, it is I who leave Rin with her fists clenched.
Victory is mine.