Hi readers! Thank u for all your reviews and PMs! I hope you all have read my replies….

I'm very sorry, I should have updated 4 days ago; but got busy with professional work….. as a compensation, I have made this chapter very BIG!

Enjoy cute fluffy moments, humor, thought-provokers….

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha


Sesshomaru was carrying Rin back to the village.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Rin wanted to ask him what she wanted to from morning.

"Hn?"

"I have a request…." Rin dragged.

"What is it?" Sesshomaru was puzzled as to what it might be.

"Well… um….. I'll make sure you wouldn't get mad at me, but in case you get mad… will you…. Will you please reprimand me to your heart's content?... Just don't be silent, PLEASE!" Rin pleaded with all her being.

"Gah!..." Sesshomaru was indeed surprised, his mask slipped again. Mates argue not to reprimand them. But this one is requesting for it! Sesshomaru actually pitied her for the irony. And it is all because of you! His inner being charged at him again. He composed himself and for once spoke to his heart's content, "Rin. I shall never be angry at you again. I cannot, in fact. So do not bother about my reprimanding you. Nor should you worry about my silence for it shall never happen again!" he vowed to her. Something she truly deserved. Sesshomaru's inner being finally ceased lashing out on him and began appreciating him for his thoughts and for speaking out his thoughts.

Rin's face lit up; brighter than sun! Sesshomaru inwardly enjoyed the sight. She trapped his neck with her arms and held him tightly. Thud! Thud! Thud! Sesshomaru's heart began pounding against his chest. She nuzzled into his neck, all-smiling. Sesshomaru gulped. His head slightly spinned..…. strength went down…. vision blurred….. Thank goodness! AND No thanks to goodness! The village came to view.

Rin stopped her ministrations and she laid her head on his shoulder. She instantly dozed off.

Sesshomaru entered Rin's hut, gently placed her on the futon without waking her up and draped her with a blanket. Before he turned to leave, she heard her mumbling in sleep, "Lord… Ses….shomaru…."

His eyes softened at the sight of the only being that thinks of him, day and night, during wake and sleep. And I have hurt you, Rin. How imprudent have I been! He let out a sigh left the hut, only to be surrounded by spectators with expectant expressions. He sighed again and announced, "I will return by sunrise". Then he took off. Kagome was relieved Inuyasha didn't start his fuming with Sesshomaru and spoil Rin's toil.


The wedding day came. It was like a fairy tale to Rin and Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru proved Kaede and Sango right. He did shower his wards with wedding gifts. Indeed their wedding was the grandest event in the Village. All villagers were invited. The event proved to be a blessing in disguise. The villagers gained more trust in good-natured demons and in human-demon relationship. Seiko didn't come for the wedding. He knew he can't fake a happy face which would hurt Rin more than his absence. But he sent her, her favourite flowers and a letter conveying his happiness for her and his best wishes. He also returned the Necklace to her which she gave back through Inu Yasha, as she rejected his proposal. He justified in his letter that the necklace was a wedding gift to his best friend.

"Master Inu Yasha! Kagome!" Rin grinned when they came to her room in private. It was the morning of her wedding.

"Keh! Good 'WEDDING' morning Rin!" Inu yasha teased her.

Rin blushed hard and managed to say, "Good Morning, Master Inu Yasha! Good Morning, Kagome!"

"Good Morning, Rin" Kagome greeted back.

"I….. may never have told you Rin, but I do care for you…. and I love you…. You are like a sister I never had" Inu Yasha began. The half-breed was wearing a softer expression on his blushing face. It is not often that someone like Inuyasha conveying love and affection to somebody.

"I love you so much Rin! (sniff…..) ….. it's really hard to part with you" a sobbing Kagome took her in a tight hug.

"Oh! I Love you guys like…. like anything!" Rin began to cry herself.

"STOP IT! NOW! Or else that jerk of a demon would come to whack my head and challenge me for a duel!" Inu yasha complained with an annoyed face.

Both the girls burst into fits of giggles. Then Rin began to tease him, her eyes closed, face smug, right hand's forefinger pointing upwards, "Now, now, Master Inu Yasha, You better learn to respect your brother, now that he is to become my mate".

"HALF-brother!" Inu Yasha corrected.

The girls giggled again.

"Rin, we need you to know that you have a family here; if you need anything or for any reason, you can always come to us…." said Kagome.

"Yes! Thank you very much!" Rin eyes sparkled with gratitude.

"No need to thank silly! Oh yeah! I gotta feed Astha now… bye"

Kagome rushed out while Inu Yasha stayed behind.

"Hey…."

Rin noticed the seriousness in his tone and facial expressions."Yes?"

"I had initially thought I shouldn't bring this up, but then…. after yesterday, I think it would be better if I do…."

Rin blinked in confusion.

"We…. we both had a miserable childhood; I was a detested half-breed pup; you were an ill-treated orphan girl….. our mates gave us a new lease of life… Kagome broke the spell that was binding me to a tree for fifty years…. a fate as bad as death, while yours…. Well Sesshomaru revived you from the death itself…."

Rin understood his words; she was feeling more grateful than ever towards her lord.

"my mate gave me all I needed in life…. And yours…. He gave all except certain things, being a stuck-up demon that he is…. If she had not broken that spell, I would not have enjoyed anything I have till now; I would not even have been here now, standing before you…. And I guess the same goes for you as well, if you were not revived on that day, Rin….. We…. we OWE our mates our LIVES….. always keep that in mind"

Rin smiled and nodded.

"You may wonder why I had to bring this up….. well…. Sesshomaru is not the kindest demon…. In fact, he is a ruthless one…. More like, he was…. He has killed countless demons and humans, having not the least guilt or sympathy….. Years ago when I found out that a bastard like him, within very short time has grown to possess compassion, care and even love towards a HUMAN girl, of all beings on earth, I thought the Earth was going to split!"

Rin ringled at that.

"then he slowly grew compassionate over other beings- demons, humans and half-breeds as well…. All thanks to you…. You have transformed him Rin…. You have made the impossible, possible…. He….. he might be cranky and…. Snobby at times… MOST of the times... you have managed it well, as a ward… good! But…. as you know, being a mate is a whole lot different from being a ward…. You really may not enjoy his attitude sometimes…. His words and actions may even hurt you, but you know too well he LOVES you more than his own life… If you feel bad or hurt, just… just remember… HE gave you this life… and you OWE him. Your gratitude will melt your anger and soothe your wound." Inu yasha was blushing while complimenting about Sesshomaru. HE amongst all creations in the Universe, had to compliment his despised half-brother. He self-pitied again, at the irony.

Rin said softly, "how true!". Also Rin was amazed that Inu Yasha was actually complimenting his brother. 'HALF'-brother. But she chose not to query it and cause more embarrassment to an already embarrassed Inu yasha.

"Just don't lose your heart…. You can change him, in due course of time…. Kagome was patient, she managed to change me….." Inu yasha blushed even more at the last sentence.

"all you have to do is to wait" Inu yasha concluded his rarest lecture.

"Yes, Master Inu Yasha! I completely understand… I'll do just as you told me to… thank you so much! I'm very glad you brought this up!" she said cheerily and took him in a hug.

He returned the hug and proudly said "you have been like a sister to me till yesterday. From today, you really ARE one."

Rin ringled and said "and you really are my BROTHER, now, 'Oni-san'!"

Inu yasha smiled.

Once the half-breed left, Rin merrily trotted out of her hut, towards the groom of a dog demon. She was stunned the very moment she beheld him. He was wearing his wedding attire; fully white; made of finest silk; no armor; His physique was magnificent as always. But his stoic face showed a unique satisfaction and joy, which Rin never had seen before. It was the rarest sight for Rin. The usual red (the design in red) that used to be in his dress was all over Rin's face (blushing). She couldn't control her blush.

Sesshomaru could deduce what she was thinking and how she was feeling about his new costume, from the look on her face. He was more than pleased and his twinkling golden eyes expressed it. Then his eyes slightly narrowed at his observation.

"you are not ready yet" he stated in his usual cold unfeeling tone. But Rin did not miss the mixture of complaining tone as well.

Rin ringled. "But it's just sunrise, Milord. Wedding's in the noon!"

Sesshomaru's cold silence only told, huh! As if this Sesshomaru doesn't know!

Rin was amused that he was ready much earlier than required. This must only show how eager he is for the wedding. Rin wanted to cry in joy.

She took him in her embrace. He was thrilled. He held her gently in return.

"What is with this display of affection of yours?" Sesshomaru was curious.

"You have answered your own question, Milord" Rin said.

Sesshomaru was puzzled. It took him a moment to grasp, 'display of affection'. An answer from within the question by itself. Display of affection needs no reason. Sesshomaru's eyes smiled. Smart girl!

"you're adorable, Milord!" Rin was red from head to toe. Her eyes were squeezed shut at her excitement. In that state she couldn't possibly meet his eyes; it would only make her faint out of high blood pressure; more like blood 'pleasure'.

Sesshomaru enjoyed the compliment, but how would he really admit it without admitting it? "hmph! Males cannot be adorable… They can be 'charming' "

Yes! He has managed to really admit it by not admitting it.

Rin ringled again. "My Prince Charming! You finally CAME!"

Sesshomaru lips turned a centimeter upward.

They stood there for a long while, God Knew for how long. He withdrew his hold; but Rin didn't.

"you do not plan to hold me till noon, do you Rin?" Sesshomaru has learned the art of teasing! Not only that but he was also impatient. He just wanted to get the wedding over with and take her as his mate.

The girl instantly snapped her eyes open and released him the next second. She was ringling to control her blush, but in vain.

"I'll go and get ready, Milord!"

Rin fled without turning back.

Sesshomaru was more than amused.


Wedding was over and the young wives managed to share private moments in Sango's hut. They were all chit-chatting about the wedding, its fineries, grandeur, food, people, their children pulling Inu yasha's ears, the half-demon yelling in pain, the ridiculing look Sesshomaru shot at the half-breed's state etc.

Kagome and Sango suddenly became serious.

Sango began, "Rin. You need to know that pride and ego are two essential traits of a male. Those traits set the male different from us. Both are too precious to them"

"So whatever you do, NEVER EVER TAMPER with those traits. 'Cause if you do, your relationship is bound to fail, someday or the other" Kagome continued.

Rin nodded sincerely.

"Always ease his pride and ego. Don't meddle with those or test their strength. Else, there'll be disaster!" Sango warned again.

"We know you're not the kind of girl who would specially require this advice but it's our duty to share with you the vital truths of marital life" Kagome reasoned.

Rin said in her sweet voice, "Yes Kagome, Sango! Thank you very much for telling me". The other women smiled at her. What they had said wouldn't be hard for Rin to do, for that was what she has been doing from her initial days with her lord till date. Almost during nine to ten years of her life, she had been trained to handle the pride and ego of her Lord. She knew she can manage the same for eternity, if only time permitted her to.

The elder women decided to lighten up the mood.

"And Rin, if you have any trouble managing an ill-tempered, rude, insensible demon mate, just come over to me…." Kagome assured with pride.

"I know, Kagome! You have that Rosary around his neck to 'sit' him, whenever he loses it" Rin ringled.

"Nah! There are better ways you can have him under your control" Kagome said with a blush. Sango knew what was coming so even she blushed with a giggle.

"Lord Sesshomaru can never be controlled!" Rin said innocently, partly proud, partly anxious.

"It was true until you entered his life, Rin… now your statement is only a myth" Sango affirmed with a teasing smile.

Rin blushed and nodded, "but still-"

"Listen Rin… husbands can be really aggressive and insensitive during the day" Sango interrupted.

"but they will be submissive as a kitten, in the night" Kagome finished with a *WINK*

"they will?" Rin questioned. Rin couldn't imagine Sesshomaru as a "Meow"ing kitten while he was actually a "Bark"ing dog demon.

"you just don't get it, do you?" Kagome asked and both the elder girls began giggling.

"um….. do you mind explaining?" a confused Rin asked.

Kagome controlled her giggles and began "mmph…. Now Rin… our husbands need us wives during the nights… I mean they really really need us-"

"desperately!" Sango finished.

"They do?"

"husbands get best comfort, joy, pleasure and love from their wives… most particularly when they interact during the nights…"

" 'interact' ?"

"surely you do know we're talking of love-making Rin!" Sango said.

"Love-making?" only then Rin was able to decipher the true meaning. She blushed redder than the other girls.

"I have educated you of it to a limited extent, few years ago, when you came of age" Kagome reminded her.

"yeah! At that age, I thought…. It was gross!" Rin complained, but quickly added, "but I can understand now!"

"yes! Cuz, it's the most natural thing to happen between a wedded couple. So take it easy… don't be nervous, if at all you are" Kagome adviced her.

"yes!" Rin said with a smile, although she was feeling nervous.

"learn what pleases him…. Do that…. that is the key to gain control over him" Sango gave her advice.

"it is?"

"we will not educate you furthermore, Rin. Certain things cannot be and better not be educated in detail before even experiencing them…. You have to learn by yourself… of course, Sesshomaru will be helping you, if at all HE knows anything." Kagome teased.

All girls giggled in unison.

"besides, Sesshomaru will not be very happy with us, if he comes to know, we have spoiled your innocent mind. That is one of your traits he adores" Sango reasoned.

The girls giggled and exited the hut. The husbands and Kaede who were outside at a distance turned their attention to the young women.

"what're ya wives scheming against us?" Inu Yasha began with a scowling face.

Freeze….. The girls instantly stopped their giggles, stunned and serious. Silence. They worriedly looked at each other. Embarrassment ate them all. Three women with tomato heads. We've gotten caught!

"Why're ya girls looking like ya've been plagued? Did I say something wrong?" Inu Yasha couldn't help his blush and embarrassment.

The girls "whew"ed in unison. A sigh of relief. "Nothing" "really nothing" "no no… actually…." The nervous girls blurted out simultaneously. The men were confused. Kaede could reasonably decode the girls' words and actions. She smiled.

Poor ol' Sesshomaru hadn't the least bit idea that he was being plotted to be 'controlled'. He was standing as proud and dominating as always. Rin slightly chuckled at him and got caught when he looked at her. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. Rin gulped nervously.

"where're the children?" Sango managed to change the topic.

"they're left with the toad and the fox" Inu yasha answered.

The girls giggled again. "Poor Master Jaken and poor Shippou! They always end up baby-sitting" Rin expressed her sympathy in ringles. They all laughed together. Except Sesshomaru, of course. After few moments, the laughter subsided. Silence again. Jaken, Shippou and Ah-Un arrived with the children.

"It is time, Rin" Sesshomaru said.

"huh?... yes, Mi-lord" Rin tried to brace herself, as pain of parting took over.

The happy faces turned melancholy.

Kagome, Sango and Kaede were shedding tears, making Rin cry with them; then they all braced themselves quickly, because they didn't want Rin to cry. Rin hugged all; kissed the children; expressed her gratitude to all; especially to the elder girls; a very special thanks to Kaede… Rin made promise of frequent visits. When they were about to take off,

"You all have taken good care of Rin….. particularly you, Lady Kaede. I….. must thank you" all Sesshomaru declared his gratitude! The word "all" was presumed to be suffixed, by the audience.

All gasped; gaped. All felt touched… particularly Kagome. Sesshomaru was not feeling very comfortable. Rin, although surprised, was very happy and proud at her lord's words.

"That… that was not necessary Lord Sesshomaru. Rin is just as good as my daughter. We all are a family" Kaede managed to break the awkward silence.

"Yeah! and Rin is like a sister to US!" Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Shippou chorused.

"Aunty Rin! Aunty Rin!" the children sang. "oti win!" even little Astha attempted.

Rin was indeed touched. She began to shed fresh tears.

"Keh! Yeah, Sesshomaru! In case you haven't noticed, we love her too, y'know!" Inu yasha said grumpily.

That insolent half-breed! He never changes… Sesshomaru was annoyed, but chose not even to scoff at him, as the subject was 'Rin being loved by all'.

"Inu Yasha!" Kagome retorted and she turned to Sesshomaru and said apologetically, "sorry, big brother!" Gasp! Kagome and all others gasped harmoniously, and she immediately shut her mouth with her hands. To everyone's surprise, Sesshomaru only nodded!

How can he disrespect the priestess by throwing her his 'dirty' look, when she had been Rin's pillar during her stay at the village? She was her best friend.

All smiled. Sesshomaru and his crew took off.


Sesshomaru knew that he won't be able to travel much, having taken a mate. Rin was a human; a young maiden; his mate; It would be too dangerous to have her travel in the forest as before, even though he'll be with her. She needed a permanent home; she deserved one. She turned down a Queen's life for him. His male ego will not be satiated if he does not provide the comfort and luxury which Seiko could have provided her. And…. Her life is too short for Sesshomaru; he reminded himself bitterly. He shall cease his endless patrolling, in order to spend the short time available with her.

He decided take Rin to stay at his palace where his mother was and take care of the state's affairs. That palace, was secure enough from even the sight of outside demons. So he need not worry about the attack of demons. His mate will be safe. He was undoubtedly the most powerful demon after the vanquish of Naraku. It might take at least a thousand years to set up his dream empire. But that 'dream' can wait. The only empire he cares about building now, is a happy life with Rin.

Sesshomaru's mother was indeed surprised, not at her son's mating with the human girl, but at how soon he had mated with her. Then she reminded herself of the fleeting time when it came to human life. "Sesshomaru! Indeed you have taken after your father!" she said in tone mixed with mockery, amusement and accusation. Sesshomaru didn't scoffed at it, as he always does to his mother's mocking statements. Instead, he said, "and I'm proud of it". Yes! That will silence her on that topic forever!

His mother was undoubtedly shocked at his statement. He is always full of surprises. Despite being his mother, even I could not decipher him… not that I care…


Did u like it?

The next chapter will be the last one, with fluffiest moments and thought-provokers….

We are to bid adieu soon :-( (sniff…sniff….)

So plzzzz review, including those who have only been reading…..