A/N: Title owed to a popular brand of canned tuna. Oh yeah, and the Bard.

Starkist, Star-crossed

The brisk pace Sesshomaru set since he placed Mount Kaena at his back dwindled as the days stretched on. He would have to collect Jaken and Ah-Un soon – he hadn't forgotten. This evening, however, as he passed the familiar sights and scents, the dog-demon was acutely aware he neared Rin's village instead.

But Sesshomaru stopped short of the human settlement, remaining on the hillock that overlooked it. What difference does the color of a fish make, huh? As far as Sesshomaru was concerned, a world of difference. He wasn't simply going to tell Rin she could do as she pleased. Not on this matter. This required some sort of discussion.

But full moon was high in the night sky. Typically, Rin was asleep by this hour. And Sesshomaru knew if he gave any hint of willingness to reconsider, she would not fall asleep for the rest of night. But the prospect of Rin's smile came to mind. How overjoyed she would be. Because she valued his approval as well.

The grass whispered softly underfoot. It's too late for this. But Sesshomaru knew Rin wouldn't mind losing sleep this once.

oOo

There was a time not too long ago that Rin went to sleep early and woke just as the last stars faded into dawn. But her life had been flipped on its head since then and now she stood up late into the night staring at the stars. She reasoned that the full moon made it far too bright to actually fall asleep. And the spring nights were a little too chilly for comfort.

No, she didn't believe it either.

Sesshomaru hadn't returned since their last sparring session in a fortnight now. While Rin didn't want to press him, she grew more impatient to at least hear from him. Sesshomaru might have been speaking to her again, but she still felt alone.

But most importantly, when would she see Kichiruka again? Tomorrow? Never? Rin got up and paced. It was late, but she didn't feel a bit tired. She stepped outside. There was a small bench on one side, beside it was the half-filled water bucket Rin kept near for everyday utility. The sight of the water reminded Rin of how Kichiruka would pop out of the oddest places – invariably finding his way to her. The tears welled up in Rin's eyes. The simplicity of happiness somehow seemed like all the splendor in the world. It was such a simple wish.

"Kichiruka…I wish you were here."

Suddenly, the little bucket beside the bench began to shudder. The water inside bubbled. Then the water swirled in a small column, before tightening into a definitive form. In a single pulse, the water dispersed. And eyes that danced like sapphire sparkled back.

"Yes? Rin d—Whoa!" Realizing just how small the bucket was, Kichiruka lost his balance and crashed to the ground in one soggy heap. "Hi, Rin."

Rin laughed at Kichiruka's abrupt and characteristically comic entrance. "You came back!" She sprang into his arms, kissing him full and deeply.

Gently pulling away before he forgot himself, Kichiruka held Rin's gaze. "No," he corrected. "I am fulfilling a long overdue promise." When Rin blinked blankly at him, Kichiruka combed his fingers through her hair. "Day one: You, me, a net, and one over-the-top offer I made to grant your wish."

"Yeah, I remember." Rin smiled sadly. "I don't care about that anymore."

"Well, you kinda used it right now…"

She buried her face into his shoulder. "I want you to stay."

"I know." Kichiruka was afraid she'd say that. And he would have been past repair if she hadn't. "You've also been dreaming about me lately." He grinned clownishly.

Rin arched a brow. "Have you been spying on me?"

Blue eyes fluttered in mock innocence. "I don't think it qualifies as spying if you love the person."

"Kichiruka, that's what stalkers say!" she said, playfully socking him in the arm.

"Haven't you missed me?" he teased.

Rin folded her arms and feigned loftiness. "Not a bit." With a little huff, she plopped beside him on the bench. Still keeping her nose in the air, of course.

"Well, I've missed everything about you!" Kichiruka scooted closer. "I've missed your toes, I've missed your ankles, I've missed your calves, I've missed your thighs, I've missed your…intellect."

Rin laughed, gently shoving him off her lap.

"I guess I've missed you a little," she conceded.

Kichiruka grinned broadly. "I knew it!" Placing his hands flatly on the bench, Kichiruka pushed himself up to kiss Rin quickly.

"I think, Lord Sesshomaru, might let me keep you."

"Really?" Kichiruka tried to curb his enthusiasm.

"Well…" Rin's expression spoke a million words at once. And Kichiruka felt their hopes crumble immediately.

"Will you still come for me? I'll stay right here."

Kichiruka fumbled for the right words. What if it just kept straining her relationship with Sesshomaru? He remembered when they first met, Rin's priorities rested on Sesshomaru's discretion and her closest confidant, her source of support, was him. Lately, Kichiruka believed that he was getting a little better at understanding what it meant to have someone looking out for you. How invaluable it was. "Rin, don't put your life on hold. I'm not worth…"

"Will you or not?" she demanded, standing up now.

Kichiruka didn't know if he had the right answer. But he was sure of what Rin wanted. Slowly getting to his feet, he tipped her head back and kissed her. Kichiruka took his time. When his hands began to wander, Rin didn't protest. He hoped that she wanted to savor his touch as much as he wanted to memorize every curve and tweak in her body. Just in case they never had this chance again. All they needed was for Sesshomaru to come out of nowhere and…

A low growl rumbled just behind Kichiruka.

Ah, jinxed it…

A ripple went down Sesshomaru's mane. "I was considering a reevaluation based on character, but I can see that would be a vain pursuit."

"Lord Sesshomaru, I asked for him to come here!" Rin tried, but Sesshomaru ignored her, effectively pealing her off the other yokai.

Kichiruka knew what was coming next. He tried to duck, but the deadly claws swung out faster. And bright blood splattered on Rin.

"Kichiruka!"

Skidding backward from his last-second dodge, Kichiruka felt as if he had been scorched by hellfire. Three deep gashes burned across one cheek. Could've been worse, though. He was pretty sure Sesshomaru meant to take out his head.

Sparing a glance at Rin, Sesshomaru mustered some consideration for her predicament. "Rin, go inside."

"No." She folded her arms and planted her feet in a defiant stance. "I'm staying here."

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed, but he made no comment. He was done with courtesy. If Rin wanted to watch, she could – there was the choice she so dearly desired.

Cupping her hands around her mouth, Rin called out, "Kich', get going now!"

Kichiruka hesitated. If he left now would he ever see Rin again? And what about her relationship with Sesshomaru? If he kept returning, he would no doubt ruin it. Damn, this was a mistake.

Claws that glowed a bright green were outlined in the dark. Sesshomaru sped forward.

Uselessly, Kichiruka backpedaled on the dry earth. There wasn't any water in the immediate vicinity. He cursed under his breath. Last year, Tensai had told him not to do this, that it shaved years off his life. But there's nothing for it… Calling up the water of his own constitution, Kichiruka spun the conch staff and created an ice wall, buying precious seconds as Sesshomaru struck at the barrier instead.

"What are you waiting for?" Rin shouted. He should've teleported with that water!

In one mad dash, Kichiruka slid toward the original puddle he had created upon arrival. "Will you be happy just knowing I'm alive?"

"You think I want to see you dead?"

Kichiruka decided it was a good enough answer.

Sesshomaru's whip cracked…but it disturbed only the space where Kichiruka had been a heartbeat before.

Please, Rin dear, please take care of yourself.

oOo

"Why do you hate him so much?" The bloodstain on her yukata was still wet. But Rin didn't feel like cleaning it out. Not right now.

"That scum isn't worthy," Sesshomaru spat. "He vows to leave and I return to see him…taking liberties with you." Sesshomaru wished he could rid his nose of the sea-salt smell. "His word is dirt. He is entirely unfit."

"That's the only time he's been here since."

"Don't lie to me, Rin," Sesshomaru hissed.

"I'm not!" Rin knew trust could take years to build and seconds to destroy. This one incident was enough for the daiyokai. If Sesshomaru's was in shambles, then Rin's faith in him was in worse condition. In her mind's eye, Sesshomaru had grown only increasingly stubborn. Any consideration he may have shown was only pretext. He never meant anything by it. Rin had known adults who made promises and broke them all the time. Sesshomaru wasn't any different. Reconsideration indeed!

"And you didn't have to try and kill him in front of me," she added.

"I told you to go inside." Sesshomaru spoke coolly.

"No! I'm not taking orders from you anymore!"

Sesshomaru ground his teeth. She was trying him again. Where Rin was concerned, the daiyokai's patience was vast. But it is not boundless.

Stepping closer, but limiting his voice to smooth, icy tones, Sesshomaru issued his final warning. "If he returns, I will not hesitate to kill him. Whether or not you are present."

"I'm not leaving this spot," Rin declared.

Last year, the disapproval in Sesshomaru's glare would have drawn a prompt apology from Rin. She would have changed her opinion straightaway to match his approbation. But it wasn't last year anymore. She held his gaze.

Sesshomaru had to remind himself that Rin wasn't a canine. She was still too young and foolish to understand. Suppressing a sigh, Sesshomaru shook his head once. Then took his leave.

Eventually, dawn peeked over the horizon. And Rin was still outside. If something was certain, she could be patient. When Kichiruka returned to her side again, she would be waiting.

.

A/N: Thank you for reading! As per a reader's suggestion, a sketch of Sesshomaru's grandfather may be found here: feral-instinct. deviantart. com/art/Old-Dogs-Hooked-214964718