Chapter 3
I give her a soft smile and hand her the package, eager to change the subject. I am not accustomed to placing myself in such a vulnerable position. I do not mind doing so with Rin however, but that does not mean that it is not awkward for me to do so.
She gives me a smile in return and takes the package from me, not breaking eye contact.
"The fabric is from the Northern Lands." I said, to ease the shift in conversation.
"And no doubt it is precious and rare?" She asks, teasingly.
I am astounded. My Rin is teasing me?
"Nothing but the best." I reply, slightly smirking.
Although I am not one to boast, I should admit that aristocracy only affords the best.
She leans in and gives me a kiss on the cheek. My eyes widen in pleasant surprise. My Rin has become bold...
"I do not need such extravagance from you. To see you is enough." She admits humbly.
My eyes soften at her modesty.
"Even so, you should know by now that they are not merely kimonos." I said, testing her.
She blushes and I smirk satisfactorily. So she is aware of my secret messages to her...
"When did you come to realize?" I asked, curiously.
She knots her hands nervously.
"Well Kagome and Sango were speculating on why you personally insist on buying me so many kimonos. Lady Kaede had a manuscript of colours and their meanings. We got it out and..." She stopped, blushing.
I was even more curious.
"And?" I encouraged her to go on.
"Well, I...got out all my kimonos and referred to the chart. It all started to make sense then..." She said, still knotting her hands nervously.
Satisfaction washed over me. Not only was Rin aware of my intentions but those two meddlesome women did not learn of my secret messages to her, since it was only Rin who did the referring...
"Indeed. And what does this kimono say, my sweet Rin?" I questioned further, eager to see her fumble and fidget over me.
She blushed again, taking out the latest kimono from the wrapper. It was mainly white with hints of red designs over it.
"It is similar to your own, Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin exclaimed, astonished.
My eyes soften satisfactorily.
"Hn" I said, while turning my gaze to the distance.
"Would you tell me what it means, Sesshomaru-sama?" She asked, tentatively testing the grounds.
I raised my eyebrows. If Rin wanted me to explain to her my intentions, then I will not shirk from my duty...
"It means you are designated for me. You are nineteen now. Next year, you will choose your path. Should you choose me, you will be returning to me as my intended mate. The future Lady of the West." I said, proudly.
She raised her eyebrows.
"Is that why you did not want me to fight." She questioned, cleverly.
"Correct. I have always protected you, you have never needed to soil your own hands. I have pampered you, as I saw fit. So that when people look at you, they should see you as my treasured one - forever to be kept safe and respected - but at the same time, above them and only equal to myself." I explained.
She had tears in her eyes, finally understanding the entire picture.
"You are doing all this because you need me and I need you." She finished, wisely.
"Exactly. " I said, wrapping it up.
THE END