Chapter Four: Staying Positive
I brought both my knees to my chest, wrapped my arms around, and rested my chin upon them. Taking a quick breath, "Naraku's father, Onigumo, burnt my foot at one point when I accidentally broke a flowerpot as a child. It was almost three months after my family was murdered. I was walking down the back patio stairs of their backyard to go play and my foot knocked it over. It was one of those cheap pots you could get for like a hundred yen." I was visibly shaking from that memory.
"It had no designs on it, but they acted like it was expensive. The pain I suffered from that was hell. They used one of those long stick lighters and held my body down to the kitchen floor. My mouth was muffled by a cloth, pressed down by a firm hand, to prevent their neighbors from hearing me. Their family gathered around and watched me get treated horribly and laughed at my pain. So did the kids that were there." At that time, it was just Hakudoshi and Kana. Hakudoshi's brother was so young that he probably doesn't even remember that day.
"Rin, how is it you don't have a burn scar on your foot?" Sesshomaru asked, concerned. I know why he's asking. He sometimes gives me foot massages quite often.
"The reason I don't have a scar is because of Onigumo's wife, Urasue. She's a witch, Sesshomaru. She used her powers to remove it, but in a painful way," I held everything back and tried not to cry. The scar back then was about the same size as the length of my thumb. "She used a sewing needle dipped in whatever herbs she had on hand to get rid of my burn scar." That was before I went back to school.
"I'm guessing their whole family treated you the same way?" He asked worriedly. I only nodded my head along my knees. Though some of them threatened me and thankfully never used their powers on me. "My little lavender, remember they cannot get near you, and I will protect you."
"Thank you, Sesshomaru," I whispered tiredly. I wanted to change the subject now. Anything to get my mind off from seeing Naraku's parents earlier. "I really enjoyed the surprise party." I lowered my legs, brought his clawed hand to my lips, and nibbled along his palm.
"I'm glad you did. Tonight, will even be better with you next to me asleep cradled in my arms," his voice was calm again. But I knew deep down he was still hurt with anger about finding out I was abused by others.
I still wanted to get my mind off of seeing Naraku's parents. I remembered the gift from Toga and Izayoi, "I'm happy we are going to Hawaii, Sesshomaru. Are we staying at a hotel? Renting a home?" I had to ask. Anything to help me forget about earlier.
"Actually, my father and Izayoi bought a home recently in Honolulu, Hawaii," he announced as we're nearing the academy. "A limo will pick us up and bring us to the house."
"Wow! Really?" It is amazing that they bought a home there. I wonder when they bought it. I know of other places they have homes, but this is my first-time hearing about them owning one in Hawaii.
"Yes, our room has an amazing view of the ocean. We'll have the house all to ourselves for one week, then everyone else will be coming that Friday night."
So, one full week together with just Sesshomaru alone? I love it! We'll be able to have a few special nights together. Even on my birthday! Possibly.
"I wish it was tomorrow night right now. I want to relax on the beach at night, under the stars just with you," I brought his hand to my lips, nibbling his skin again.
"Soon… soon, my little lavender. Do you have anything that you want to bring back with you from school?" I actually did. My kimono dress from Lady Kaede.
"Yes, I do. Just a few things." I don't want him to see what she gave me. Ahh, I wished I had packed it away earlier, but I was in a hurry to get out to the city.
"Take your time and pack what you need."
"I will." To change the subject, "how's school going for you?"
"Good, I have an exam coming up in the next few days. Thankfully I can take it online. You?"
"It's going great. Shiori and I are still working on the grave robbing case. Still can't find any clues that have been discovered." This will be a lot harder now since this is a newer case, and it won't be like how I gathered my own evidence on my family's murder since I was young.
"You'll have to speak with my father later. He got a clue the other week." What!
"What clue?" I was curious to know now.
"A photo I believe. He didn't go much into detail about the case."
"I'll ask him later." I wonder what the photo will show.
We finally arrived at the school, walked inside my dorm, and there on my bed was Lady Kaede's gift, still in its box. Crap! "What's this?" He was about to pull the lid off, but I wouldn't allow him to see.
I stopped his hands and told him, "It's a surprise for a later date. It's a gift from Lady Kaede."
"Mmh, she didn't get you lingerie, did she?" He smirked, holding my waist, chin, and kissing my lips.
I shook my head and gave him my loving smile he loves. "You'll find out," pressing my lips to his again. "Maybe tomorrow night." I might save it for a dinner date night out in Hawaii.
"Which tomorrow night? Japan or Hawaii?" I knew he would ask that.
"Hawaii. No doubt, you'll want to go out for dinner. It has been a while since we had an evening out together."
"Damn you," his soft, warm lips met mine again. "Whatever Lady Kaede gifted you, will look amazing on you." He's right! I can't wait to see how the dress looks on me.
It didn't take me long to pack what I needed, and we were out of the dormitory within a matter of minutes. Before we headed for home, we stopped in the village so I could get a coffee. I wanted to be awake for the long drive we had ahead of us. "Do you have any plans while Izayoi takes me away for part of the day tomorrow?"
"Not really. I may just study while you are out. Are you sure you don't want tea?" We were in line when he asked me that.
"I'm positive. Every time we go back home at night, I always fall asleep." I wanted to talk with him the whole ride home. "Maybe if it's not too late we could watch a movie?" We could sleep in the basement and be curled up on the big couch.
His arms were around me and holding me tight against him. "Yes, my little lavender. What will be, old classic, something new, or romance?" he nibbled my ear.
Mmh, "we'll see when we get home." I already know I'll be asleep within ten minutes of the movie. But I'll watch whatever he puts on.
There were several people ahead of us in line when I heard a deep grungy growl coming from Sesshomaru. I knew that growl all too well. Someone he recognized was nearby and approaching us fast. I feared that it was Kyoya. Fear ran through my blood as I didn't want to face him. I know Sesshomaru could sense my fears. "It's not who you think it is, Rin. It's my cousin, Koto." At least I can handle her without issue. She must have caught our scents outside.
When the door opened by the ding of the bell, "so, Sesshomaru. I see you are with your human pet yet again. Disgusting I must say. My father was right! You're just like your damn father! Horney for human affection." Sesshomaru let me go and turned in a fury. "What? Oh! Did I upset you?" I turned to see her throw her head back and laugh. "Do our pure-blooded family a favor and dump that bitch," she pointed towards me. "Plus, throw that awful ring that you gave her into the river where she also belongs."
I grabbed my left hand and hid my hammy down ring from my mother's side of the family. I won't let anyone take it from me. It has so much sentimental value. "Koto, if you have something more to say, then we'll take it outside, and you will not treat my mate with foul insults." I looked at Sesshomaru's hands. I could smell the poison seeping from them. I had to cover my mouth. I still remember that day he got into a fight with Kyoya three years ago. He used his poison claws that day and sliced at the coyote demon. The smell was still strong from what I remembered.
All around us, everyone who was here for their drinks, including the working baristas, all looked our way. Because of what just happened, I wanted to leave now and head home. Coffee didn't matter at this point. "Oh! I'll take it outside, I have so much more to say." She turned on her heels and walked out the door.
Before Sesshomaru walked out, he turned back to me, "stay here and order your drink," his voice was calm, but with a hint that he was in a pissed off mood. "We'll leave here shortly."
I shook my head no, "I don't want one anymore. I... let's go home!" I whispered for only him to hear. I still could feel everyone's eyes on me. I wanted to get out of here, including the village. "Get me out of here! Please!"
Sesshomaru pulled me and held me close to him. He knew my emotions were at its highest peak after Koto's insults. "I'll take you somewhere different on the way home. I have you, Rin. Whatever she said or says to you in the future, just forget about it. You are my one and only. Don't ever take your ring off of your hand!" He took the exact same hand and kissed my ringer finger. "Koto is just jealous that I have found my mate and she hasn't. I bet you it will bite her in the ass if her mate is destined to be human." I wanted to laugh at what he said, but I just returned his hug. "Let's get this over with and we'll head home."
I wiped any tears that fell, "okay," and we both walked out, hand in hand.
Koto was just outside, by the newly built fountain, taking a seat. Legs overlapped one another and her hands held the edge of the fountain. "You didn't leave her behind?"
"You know our kind does not leave our mates behind with danger around!"
Koto threw her hand at her upper chest like she was flabbergasted at what Sesshomaru had said. "Danger? Are you referring to me? Haha!" It's like she thrives for this. "I heard from a little birdy that you and this whore bag are going away on a little vacation."
I'm not a… "don't you dare call Rin that filth of a word, Koto." His hands seeped of the same poison again and I covered my mouth and nose once more.
"Oh! I heard she is. I bet she'll be pregnant by the time you get back and she will have to drop out." That won't happen! I'm not ready for motherhood. I'm about to be nineteen.
"Koto…"
"...I don't have any more time for you both. Tata for now," she cut Sesshomaru off before he could get another word out. She turned into a ball of light and jetted out of here and looked like back towards school.
My emotions were building up fast. I felt sick to my stomach, and I wanted to throw up. All I could do now was breathe through my nose. Sesshomaru had his arms around me in seconds. "Let me get you some ice-cold water, my lavender. Then we'll head home. But please forget what she had said."
"Okay," it will take a bit to forget what she had said.
Sesshomaru got me a water bottle at the local pharmacy and a muscle relaxer. I'll be out within an hour after I take those. "Ready to go?"
"Mmh. Sesshomaru, where would we stop for coffee?" I didn't know of any other places along the way.
"I know a place where we can get you one down the highway. But if you still want a coffee right now, I'll go get you one at the shop. The onlookers don't bother me."
I think it's best that he can get me one now. I don't want to fall asleep during the ride "Sure." He knows how I like my coffee.
Morning came much faster than I thought. I don't even remember the car ride home either. I looked towards the clock on the nightstand that read seven in the morning. I didn't even want to leave the bed just yet. I turned back on my side, facing away from the clock, and curled up into Sesshomaru's bare chest. He was so warm that I actually could fall back to sleep from his body heat.
His arms were around me in seconds, "Rin, you should be getting ready to leave here soon." He must have just woken up or he's been awake for some time.
I didn't look his way, I just curled more into his body and mumbled, "five more minutes."
He chuckled, "I'll give you all the time you want, but Izayoi is pacing so much downstairs that she's putting a hole into the new kitchen floor."
"She can wait five minutes."
"I would rethink that."
A quick rap at the door caused me to jump up straight in bed. I had to shield myself, just in case she came into the room. I was nude from the waist up. "Rin, it's time to get up. You and Sesshomaru have all the time to be alone later when you fly out tonight. Plus, you have your annual check-up..." It's the day I get my birth control shot.
"I'll be down in a few," I called out to her, grabbing my sleep top, and throwing it on. "I guess I should get ready." I had to go down the hall, where my room was, and get a pair of casual day clothes. But I know Izayoi wants me to dress somewhat nicely. "I guess I'll see you around one."
Sesshomaru was out of bed with me as we both walked out into the hallway. "You should be back by then. Just enjoy your morning and I'll see you later this afternoon."
"I will." I know I will have a good day out. Izayoi and I always have fun. It always ended with us going to a small upscale restaurant for lunch.
Sesshomaru kissed me quickly and left for his room again and I left to go get dressed.
Izayoi drove through another part downtown, in a very familiar upscale neighborhood, after we had gotten our hair, and nails done. "Rin, we're going to my studio now. I have so many outfits for you to try on for your trip." More outfits! I thought I was done packing.
"Izayoi, Haha. I've already packed, and we just went shopping too!" I guess I'll have to pull another suitcase out of the closet.
"I still have a few things I wanted you to bring. An evening dress for whenever you and Sesshomaru decide to go out and eat." I already have one outfit picked out for that. She pulled into a familiar garage of her studio warehouse. It was secured by guards she and Toga hired. They were muscular ocelot demons. The one at the main gate tipped his hat to us and waved us through. "I've also got an extra surprise for you inside."
"What surprise?" I was curious to know now.
"You'll see!" She pulled into her personal parking space. "You won't be getting any clues this time." She was so giddy that I really couldn't wait to see what the surprise was. I already had a feeling it was an outfit. One so special that stayed all night creating it. "I'm glad you decided to wear a strapless dress today, because this special outfit requires a strapless bra."
I was getting ideas at what she may have designed. "Izayoi, is it my wedding dress?" We were still a long way away from that. We haven't chosen a date and location yet. Plus, I just picked out everything for my dress a month ago.
"Haha, you'll see." She jumped out of the car, and I followed suit. "I pre-ordered our lunch and had it brought here for us to eat." I know why she did that. We were going to be here for a couple of hours. "I promise to have you back in time before you and Sesshomaru need to leave for the airport."
"Okay." At least Sesshomaru and I will have a week to ourselves starting tonight when we fly out to Hawaii.
Izayoi's studio was absolutely amazing inside. She really loves old French style designs. Brick walls, white sheer fabric draped throughout the large room, string fairy lights, a tall lit up Eiffel Tower, and most importantly, furniture personally shipped from France. When I looked towards the corner where the front building faced the main road, there was a sheer white sheet, hovering over what I believe is my wedding dress. "Izayoi?" She saw what I was eyeing in the corner.
Izayoi took my hand, "close your eyes and do not open till I tell you too!" she ordered me. I did as she told me, and still held my hand and led me towards my surprise. After a few steps and coming to a halt, "keep them closed. Arisa, come help me please!" I knew what she was about to do next. At least the windows had vinyl covered over the glass, so no one could see what was going on up here.
"Of course, Izayoi." They both stripped me from my dress, and I felt naked without it.
"Rin, I know you will love what you're about to put on."
"I already know what it is!" They had me step through the fabric, which felt like what I asked for, and slithered both my arms through the small arm sleeves. I already could tell they were off the shoulder, which was what I wanted. The back of the dress I knew had several buttons going up my back.
They both took my hand and led me towards the large three-way mirror. "Rin, you look absolutely breathtaking!" Izayoi sounded like she was going to cry.
"I agree, Izayoi. Rin, you look so beautiful."
"Are you ready to see your surprise?" I was!
"Yes!"
"Okay, open your eyes!"
I did, and when I saw myself, I threw my left hand to my mouth. It was the dress I saw myself wearing. The fabric color was so pretty! "Izayoi, I love it! Thank you!" I spun myself without taking my eyes off the mirror.
"You're welcome, my dear." Her arms held my shoulders. "Have you and Sesshomaru spoken about where you want your wedding yet?"
"No, not yet." Maybe he and I can discuss that while we are in Hawaii. But I feel that it's still to soon.
"You have plenty of time to figure that out." About five years at most.
"Sesshomaru is going to find you stunning, Rin."
"Yes, he will, Arisa! But he won't see Rin in her dress until Toga walks her down the aisle." I kind of wanted him to see me now, but I also wanted to see his reaction when I'm led down the aisle. "For now, we must have you try on the other outfits I have for you."
We made it back to the house an hour later than we had planned. I brought all the clothes Izayoi bought or gifted me from her studio to my room. My largest suitcase was in there, already packed with other clothes I was bringing. I knew I was going to spend a good amount of time here, before we leave today.
As I sat here on the floor, I sorted out all the clothes in proper piles. I wouldn't need to pack any hygiene products since we could get those in Hawaii, but I had a strong feeling Izayoi already stocked the bathrooms there with everything. So, the only thing I needed was my clothes. I already have an outfit picked out to wear on the plane, which rested on my bed behind me.
I was so focused on finishing my packing that I almost didn't catch Sesshomaru heading towards my room. I missed him all day. He didn't have to knock as he came inside and closed the door behind him. I didn't even have a chance to get up off of the floor before he joined me and pulled me against him. "Rin," he kissed my neck at his mating mark. "Did you enjoy your day out?"
"Mmh, I did. But I'm glad to be back." How badly I wanted to tell him about my dress. "How was your afternoon?" I turned in his lap, straddling him.
"I study for most of it and last-minute packing." His teeth nibbled on my skin. "Do you need help with packing?"
"I'm actually almost done. But I appreciate the offer." I only had to pack just a few more things. "I was hoping to get a nap in, but I'll sleep when we get to Hawaii." Will I be able to stay awake that long? I can only hope.
"It's an eight-and-a-half-hour flight, Rin. You can sleep on the plane. My father made sure we got accommodating seats so we can be comfortable on the flight." That's awesome!
"I can't wait." I kissed his lips quickly and turned back to finish packing. "Is there anything that you think we would need for the flight over?"
He remained behind me and arms around my waist. "Not that I can think of. The flight will provide us with a meal and if anything, we can buy some snacks at the airport. But knowing you my little lavender, you are going to want a hot drink."
I threw my head back against his shoulder and laughed, "yes!"
It was late Friday afternoon when we made it to our gate in the airport. We had two flights ahead of us before ours was to leave. So, we decided to have dinner at one of the many restaurants in our terminal, and just take our time. "Are you going to want another cup of coffee before we take off?"
"Possibly, but I'll see how I feel before that time comes." I did want to sleep, but part of me wanted to be awake the whole flight.
"It's your choice, Rin."
"I'll make a decision here before too long." I had something I've been meaning to ask him. "Will you tell me what you have planned for my birthday?" I really wanted to know.
"No! You'll find out on Sunday." Damn! "I know that you'll enjoy it very much."
"I'm excited to see what you have planned for me! So, you really have stuff planned every day?"
"Yes! But I'm saying no more." I know he's trying very hard to not tell me anything and I'll leave it at that.
After we finished and paid for our dinner, we still had plenty of time before our flight was to arrive. So, we took that time and walked up and down the terminal, bought a few snacks, including my coffee. I even bought a book to read on the flight. I can sometimes stay awake for a bit longer if the book is really good. I read the description in the book, and it intrigued me.
"Ready to head to the gate, Rin?"
"Is it time already?" I looked at my phone and it was already after eight at night.
"Yes! Come my lavender." Our boarding passes were on our phones and our passports in hand. "We have the very first row." I love that. We would be the first ones off the plane.
When we stepped onto the plane, "Rin, you can take the window if you like?"
"Sure," I sat down, handed Sesshomaru my carryon bag so he could place it in the overhead compartment above us. My medium sized purse would stay with me. It had snacks, water, and everything we needed for this long flight. Sesshomaru then took his seat next to me, we buckled ourselves in, and placed our hands within one another.
More and more humans and demons boarded the plane and walked back to wherever their seats were. "Any minute now and we'll be on our way to Hawaii."
"Yes, do we need to do any food shopping once we get there?" Sesshomaru never said if the house was stalked with food at all.
"Yes, but we will get a few hours rest before we do that." Good. I know I won't get that great of sleep on the plane, but a few extra hours of rest will be great. "Is there anything in mind that you would like to have?"
"I'm not sure. We could make a meal plan for the week."
"We could, but don't plan a dinner for your birthday," I already know he's planning to take me out that night.
.
.
.
.
I don't remember much after we took off because of how tired I felt being on the cool jet. I do remember talking with Sesshomaru, resting my head along his shoulder, and after that… "Rin?" I heard his angelic voice.
When I began to open my eyes, I found myself resting along his shoulder still, and his finger rubbing against my upper cheek. I looked up more to see him looking back at me. I don't think I want to ask what time it was. I just know it's very early in the morning. Too early for both of us to be awake. "Are we close?" The plane bouncing on the ground let me know we were here.
"I think that answers your question," he chuckled. He brushed his fingers through the strands of my hair. Even ran his thumb under my eye, "you look as if you could sleep a few more hours."
I smiled at his comment. "You, too!" I rubbed my thumb under his eye. "Did you sleep?"
"Not much. When we get to the house I'll rest for a few hours." He closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep inhale, and released. He needs more than a few hours of rest. Almost the normal eight hours of sleep.
"Why don't we save the food shopping for another day, Sesshomaru?" It won't bother me to wait.
"I'll be fine, Rin," he kissed the side of face. "I'd rather get it done later today." I'll take his word. I just hope he doesn't have a hard time resting once we get to the house.
When we disembarked from the plane, went through customs, granted access into America, gathered our luggage, and made our way out into the lobby of the airport, we had to walk down the long open room to find a man with Sesshomaru's last name on the card. The human driver tipped his hat and led us to the vehicle that we would take to our destination.
It was a quiet drive with no sound but cars passing by on both sides. I mostly rested my eyes and leaned up against Sesshomaru's shoulder. He too I believe rested his eyes, holding my waist, and rested his head on top of mine. His breathing even matched with mine. We were both tired, even though I slept for the whole flight, I still could get a few more hours of sleep.
The driver began to slow down in speed, stopped after a few seconds, and then turned left of what I believe to be our destination. "Rin?" I felt Sesshomaru rub the side of my waist up and down. "We're here!"
I opened my eyes just as the driver opened my door. Before I stepped out, I rubbed my eyes and upper cheek in a massaging motion, feeling the drowsiness coming on again. I stepped out finally, with Sesshomaru tagging behind. When our luggage was retrieved from the back, we both made our way inside the lit-up house.
Inside I was awes. The high ceilings had an amazing texture and so did the crown moldings. So many tall windows wrapped around the house.
Before long we were upstairs in our room. It was beautiful with the light blue denim walls, gray hardwood floors, and pewter furniture, but the bed was calling to me. I don't even know what time it was. I just know it's in the early morning hours.
Sesshomaru came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my front side, "come to bed with me?" I could tell he was ready to get some sleep.
"Mmh, hold me as we sleep?" We both changed our clothes, got into the California king sized bed, and cuddled under the covers.
"I'll always hold you, Rin," he yawned so big that it was contagious. "Rest my little lavender. We'll get a few hours of sleep, then we'll go out and get some breakfast or an early lunch," he whispered softly as he held me till our worlds both went dark.
A gentle breeze awoke me from my slumber. Warmth from the sun heated the visible skin along my back. I knew that Sesshomaru had awoken a bit ago and allowed the sea air to come through our bedroom. Not only could I hear the waves crashing against the sand, but also seagulls wailing. Stretching my arms, I found the bed empty, and I figured he was outside taking in some morning sun.
When I sat up from the comfiest bed, I found the outer doors of the room opened. Throwing the covers off, I made my way outside, and found Sesshomaru lounging on a lounge chair, with a book in his hand. From what the title read on the cover, it looked to be world history for school.
Sesshomaru looked up the moment I stepped over the threshold. No words left his lips, but he placed his book down, held his hand out for mine, and I didn't even hesitate and went to place my hand in his. I joined him on the lounge chair and sat between his legs. When I rested my back against his chest, "good morning or afternoon, Sesshomaru. Did you sleep well?" I hope he did.
"Good afternoon, Rin. I only slept for a few hours." Bummer. "And you?"
"I did. Do you want to get some more sleep?" I don't mind if he wanted to sleep in more. I can read the book I got in Japan.
"No, I'll be okay," he kissed the crook of my neck. "Would you like to get some lunch?" When he asked me that question my stomach growled. He chuckled, "I guess that answers my question. "Go get yourself dressed and we'll go and get something to eat."
I know I could use a shower right now, but I can hold off for now. "Okay," a dress would be perfect to wear right now.
Not long after we ate lunch, we arrived at a grocery store called Foodland Farms Ala Moana. "How about grilled chicken and pineapple? We can let the food cook on the grill while we swim in the pool?"
"That sounds really good and fun. Maybe get some corn on the cob? For dessert…" I didn't know what would be good.
"Will find something decent. If anything, we'll get some mango ice cream." Yummy.
"That sounds really good." I love mangos and they are safe for Sesshomaru to eat. Since he's a dog demon, we have to be careful of what we get. We got a couple packs of whole chickens, multiple different seasonings, a fresh pineapple, and many other things for our meals this week.
Back at the house after everything was put away and several hours later, I decided to go for a dip in the pool. I changed into Izayoi's latest bathing suit designs that she made for me. The design was a bikini in the color coral. It was strapless and had little ruffles under the breast cups. The bottoms were normal slip-ons in the same color of coral. There were no design patterns on the fabric. It's the only one out there and she won't release the swimsuit until next year.
I was putting my hair into a high braided ponytail when Sesshomaru came into the bathroom. I could tell he was turned on. "Mmh," his arms wrapped around my frame. I could actually feel his manhood trying to pop out of his pants.
"Impressed?" I knew he was. But I love asking him.
"Yes, but." His lips kissed my bare shoulder, almost sucking my skin where his mark resides. "I have to wait till I take you tonight. I'm going to go prepare the grill and then I'll join you." I should help him prepare dinner.
"Let me help you with preparing dinner. Then you and I can…" I wrapped my arms around his neck, "have some fun in the pool," I sucked on his lips.
"Mmh, why don't you go down and I'll be right behind you." I knew what he was going to do. It will only take him like two seconds to change into his swim trunks.
"Okay, don't take too long," I slithered my finger down his neck, towards his bulging erection, which made his hiss.
The whole chicken, which was cut up into several pieces earlier by Sesshomaru, had been marinating since we got home. We put the typical salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and paprika. The aroma from two of the spices smells amazing. I pulled the white round platter out of the fridge and placed it on the counter by the back door.
I looked out to the backyard, and it was all lit up. Fairy lights were hung out all over the place making it look very romantic. The patio was decked out with lavish pool furniture. Lounge chairs rested several feet from the edge of the very large pool. It's bigger than the one back home. This pool had a rockslide with water jetting down the plastic. A diving board rested on top of the rocks, high above the slide.
I was getting ready to walk outside when I felt Sesshomaru's presence right behind me. I once again turned around before he could play his usual tricks on me. His tricks are usually to tickle me along my side and neck area. "You once again catch on too quickly, Rin," he said as he pulled me into an embrace.
I couldn't help but to laugh, "Haha, yep." I noticed his swim trunks were a dark maroon color. The color suited him well. I gently took his hand in mine and placed it against my cheek. "I can't wait to spend the next seven days alone with you this week."
His long arms wrapped around my frame, pulling me closer, and lips locked onto mine. When he pulled back "I hope these next seven days go by slowly. I want to enjoy each day with you and make these memories last."
When our lips were close to each other again, I had to whisper, "I want to enjoy each and every day with you and make these memories last a lifetime." Our lips met in a sweet slow kiss.
Jenny Crum: It took me a good bit of time to write that scene until I got it where it is now. Yes, it is unfortunate that Rin ran into Naraku's parents. What was your reaction to finding out how harmful they were to her? The Taisho's are amazing! Well, you were right about them running into Koto again. Do you think she'll show her face again?