Chapter 9

It's hard to believe this is really happening. I am going to be officially moving into the new apartment I worked so hard for tomorrow morning or afternoon. A brand-new home that I know will bring brand new beginnings into my life. A home that will make me smile every time I walk through the doors, instead of bringing sorrow. A home that I can call my forever home.

Sesshomaru stopped at a local place that sold cardboard boxes and even bought the amount I needed. It was nice of him to do that, but they weren't that expensive, and I could have bought them myself, but since he is taking my case for free, I'll let him help me out with that. When we left there, "I'm going to rent a moving truck here soon. Do you know what size truck would fit your stuff?"

"Umm… a medium sized one should do. I don't have that much furniture wise. Some of it can go to the dump because I had to fix it a few times after…" I don't want to think or say his name. But every time he threw me across the room, my body always landed on the same furniture.

We were at a stop light when he turned to me, "what do you need furniture wise?"

"A coffee table," the one I was thrown on. "A couch soon… basically I'll need to start from scratch." I'll eventually find better furniture in the future. My old furniture that I don't want to keep can stay in that apartment and get demolished when they tear down the place and replace it with whatever they plan to put in its place.

"I may have some furniture you may have. No charge. It's collecting dust in rooms that no one goes in, including outdoor furniture." What!

"Are you sure? It doesn't seem right." It really doesn't.

"Yes, I am sure. I feel you'll have more use for it than I will." That's so thoughtful of him.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru." I think once I'm settled in, I'll make him and his daughters a wonderful dinner for all the help they are doing for me. A meal they'll all appreciate. It will feel like a family meal that I've always wanted to have, even though I'm not family to them.

After we got back to Sesshomaru's home, we left the various sizes of boxes in his car, and he led me to the room of the belongings he wanted me to have. I was in awe. Everything I was seeing before me matched my aesthetic. "What do you think, Aya?"

"I love it!" Paintings, sculptures, rugs, and more. "Thank you again, Sesshomaru." I couldn't wait to decorate tomorrow or through the week.

Sesshomaru went and retrieved the truck we would rent for the day and soon we all arrived at my old apartment thirty minutes later. Other families were starting the process of moving out as we all walked up the steps. Some could be heard arguing in and outside their apartments about who watches the kids when they take their belongings to their other apartment or parents house, while others were arguing where they were going to move because they couldn't afford the rent of other places. I'm so grateful that I found the apartment of my dreams and will be living in tomorrow afternoon.

Sesshomaru carried up the boxes I would be using to pack all my belongings. I knew my clothes would go into my suitcase that I had. The ones hanging in my closet I would use trash bags to cover them. I had old newspapers that would be used to wrap anything glass wise.

When we all walked inside, I reassured them to not worry about the damages caused by my ex-boyfriend. All they needed to do was think positively for me and be happy that I was rebuilding myself and starting the next chapter in my life. The life I deserve. My planned future. A happy future.

Once I was changed into comfy moving clothes, I made my way back into my small living room, and found everyone packing up my kitchen. "Is there anything here you would like to keep, Suzuki-senpi?"

"Yes, my keurig," I'll eventually buy a new one soon, "also my dining ware and utensils." Another thing I'll eventually buy at a later date. The girls had the newspapers to wrap my glassware in. "The pots and pans can stay too." There's a sale going on this week at the home supply store for a decent price for better cooking ware. I'll go there tomorrow after I get settled in.

"Aya, do you want assistants with the living room?" Sesshomaru was beside me, between what was my kitchen and living room.

"Sure." We left the girls to the kitchen as we began to pack what I wanted to go with me from my living room. "My flower vase can be packed." Osamu never bought me flowers, ever. I always bought them to bring life into this small apartment. I know for sure that I'll be buying flowers every few weeks to keep that going. My open living space and bedroom will definitely have them.

"Do you want any of the furniture that isn't broken?"

"No, I had to fix them all so many times that moving them might cause them to fall apart if we picked them up." I'm not that handy with tools, but I tried. "My lights can go." They were the only things that weren't damaged. I will eventually buy new ones too.

"Anything else you would like packed up?" He brought the small amount of vases I had over to my console table and helped wrap them in old newspaper and bubble wrap.

I had to look around the room to see what else caught my eyes. Everything I looked at told me to leave it behind, but I would bring this console table since I technically just bought it after the christmas holiday. "This table can be packed too." The color actually matched my new apartment. I know I would place it by my entrance door with a vase of flowers. I did one more double look of this apartment in the short amount of years I lived here, "it still feels unreal that I am leaving this place." It feels like a dream. "I don't know where I would have ended up if it wasn't for your help." I possibly could have found a bit better decent place, but nowhere near what I'll be moving into tomorrow.

"It's no trouble, Aya." It feels so unreal to have met someone as kind as Sesshomaru. Every guy I have met wasn't the nicest of people. He's one of those one in a million. "Girls, how is the kitchen coming along?"

"Good, we're wrapping the china up as we speak." The girls are amazing. "Suzuki-senpi, do you want the serving spoons and the measuring cups too?"

"Yes, please. There's also a wok on top of the fridge." I can't leave without that. "I also have two rolling coolers that can house the stuff from my fridge and freezer in the hall closet." I just need to stop at the local convenience store and get two bags of ice when we leave here.

"I'll have the girls go and get some ice." That scared me. This is not a great neighborhood for the girls to go walking along in. It may be day time, but there are crooks out at this hour. Even though he trained them to defend themselves they could still get hurt.

"This neighborhood is not a very safe place to go walking in." I hope I don't offend them for that. I care for my students' safety.

"It's okay, Suzuki-senpi. We don't mind going to get the ice. Will two small bags be enough?" They both walked out of my kitchen fast and were by the front door in seconds.

"Are you sure? That convenience store gets robbed a lot." About three times a week. Sometimes more depending on the season and weather.

"We'll be fine. Will two bags be enough?" I would be so upset with myself if they got hurt.

"Yes, let me give you cash for…" I went to grab my purse.

"Aya, don't worry about it," Sesshomaru stopped me before I could grab my wallet. "Girls, grab some bottled water for all four of us. Aya is there anything that you need at the store?" I wasn't going to win this battle.

"Umm, no and thank you." I couldn't help but smile. Please be safe girls.

"Okay, we'll be back shortly."

When they closed the door behind them, "the girls will be fine, Aya. They are the bravest individuals I know."

"I'm sorry if I got a bit worried about the girls." I can see that nothing scares them.

"It's alright. Their mother was the same way when they began crawling." Them being twins must have been a handful when they were younger.

"She must have been an amazing mother."

"She was…" I hope I didn't upset him. "She wouldn't be pleased with how Towa has been causing havoc in the city when she attacks groups of boy bully's, but… she would be happy with how the girls helped to protect you the other day."

We both were looking at each other. The years he had to go through raising such amazing girls he has now. I know it's too soon to ask how she passed, but I do want to ask, "what was her name? If you don't need me asking."

"Her name was Rin." Such a beautiful name. Kind of ironic, it's the same name from the girl in my dreams. But it's very impossible to be her. The girl Rin from my dreams is from a different era and his Rin has to have passed away a few years ago when his daughters were young. "It's been so long since she passed… ten years to be exact." So long to go on without the one you loved and care for.

"What was she like?" I hope he doesn't mind telling me.

"She was one of a kind and did not allow anyone to make her feel down. She too was from a background like yourself, but lost her family at a young age, and was placed with others who treated her terribly till she found safety with her grandmother." How awful for all she had to go through with losing her family, being tossed around from one place to another like nothing, and finally finding that happiness with some she called her family.

"How did you both meet?" Even though he has a sad story, the way he speaks of his late wife tells me they had cherished memories. I could see he was softly smiling at my question.

"We met when I was a senior in university and she was a freshman. We had one class together, but never spoke to each other. Though I did notice her sitting with our peers in our math class, I thought she was the most exquisite person I've seen, and I couldn't help but wonder who she was.

"Though every time I tried to say a word to her at the end of class, she would leave fast, and I would lose sight of her when I walked out the same door she did. She eluded me a lot until… until one evening in the fall I had come back from the bar after celebrating my younger half-brother's twenty-first birthday. I was heading back to my dorm and I heard her voice in distress asking for anyone's help at about one in the morning. Rin was being ganged upon by a group of frat boys I noticed were from our same math class. They were trying to persuade her to attend a late night frat party where more than just alcohol was being involved.

"They had her basically backed up against the cafeteria building, saying disgusted words that no girl should ever be told, and how they wanted to make her first time pleasurable. I was so irritated with how they were acting towards her that I basically walked up to them, pushed them aside, got up to her, whispered in her ear, and told her to act as my girlfriend and what my name was. She agreed fast and held me tightly, crying my name, how scared she was, and how I came to her aid and saved her from possible sexual harm." I'm happy to hear he found her in time before anything worse could have happened to her.

"After those guys ran off scared after I threatened them all, Rin calmed down after a moment to herself, thanked me for rescuing her, and tried to walk back to her dorm by herself on the dim campus. Being who I was back then, I wouldn't allow her to go on her own, and I caught up to her and explained that I would walk her to her dormitory. Rin was a bit confused, but I told her I wasn't anywhere near how those guys were, and she gratefully accepted for me to escort her back. From there is where our relationship grew until her passing four years after the girls were born."

When I tried to say something, my front door opened, and the girls had returned. "We got the ice!" They both each held a bag in front of them.

"Thank you! Let me grab the coolers for you."

Two people, who look nothing alike, sat in front a plated glass wall, with a phone connected to the side. They each picked up the receiver and gave each other a scary look.

"Hello, Zero. It's good to see you finally." Osamu, though was a half-demon, he looked more human than the woman before him. He was after all a detachment from the late Lord Kirinmaru. His outfit was still the same green prison uniform. His wild curly dark auburn hair was pulled back in a braided ponytail. Frizz poked out in certain spots.

"Hello, Osamu. It's good to see you as well." Zero was dressed as a human in disguise, a typical everyday yukata, but she was really a qilin daiyoukai. Her straight white hair was too pulled back but in a normal ponytail. She was the oldest sister to the late Lord Kirinmaru. The same Lord Kirinmaru that was killed by Lord Sesshomaru. "How are you holding up?" She placed her slim hand against the plated glass.

"I'm holding out till my trial in the coming weeks." Osamu knew he couldn't ask too much as he knew the guards could hear his conversation. He knew he didn't want more charges added on to his future sentence. His one good hand was also placed against the same plated glass.

"Do you want me there for moral support?" Zero has been Osamu right wingmen for over four hundred years, though she is over a thousand years old herself.

"Yes, not unless he knows who you are." Zero knew what he meant by that.

"I've met Lord Sesshomaru a few times through the years, but there is no way he'll know we have a connection, Osamu." By connection, she was also responsible for helping kill Lady Rin with the herbs for tea. She was the one who hunted for the leaves to be brewed. "He probably doesn't even remember me."

"True. He didn't even remember me until I told him who I actually was all those years ago. Boy, you should have seen his face when I told him everything. He was ready to jump over that table and kill me, haha." Osamu, in a way, wished that Lord Sesshomaru did kill him, but was also grateful that he didn't.

"Hmm, I can already see it. Seeing someone like himself break down for a weak human like she was." Zero loves to see pain and suffering and doesn't care to break one's hearts. "Do you think you can handle prison for the amount of years you'll be facing?" Prison will feel like a nap to him.

"I'll handle it like it's nothing. I've been in worse places." Waiting for Lady Rin's reincarnation was what felt like a lifetime in prison to him. "There is one thing I need you to do for me, Zero!"

"What is that, Osamu?" She raised a very thin eyebrow his way.

He looked at her with a crooked smile. "Watch to see if things develop between Aya and Sesshomaru."

After my apartment was packed up with the belongings I would be taking with me, keys dropped off at the main office, where the apartment manager was dealing with tenants screaming at him, while he was on the phone with whoever, and we went ahead and brought the cooler filled with my refrigerated food, plus the dry foods from the cabinets to my new apartment. I wasn't worried about the furniture at this time.

When I stepped into my new apartment, I could feel that new chapter starting to write itself; one step over the threshold and your days will start to grow brighter and stronger with a purpose to show the strength that you have that no one can ever break you down. You will accomplish more in your life now that you are not in a relationship. You can take spontaneous trips anywhere you want, hangout with your friends… take some time for yourself in town, and possibly… find that right person your heart belongs to.

When I look towards Sesshomaru with the corner of my eye, who was storing my spices in the cabinet, I see myself with someone who acts exactly like him. Same height and build too. A person who could protect me and provide the love I've been seeking for the way a relationship is supposed to be. A relationship where we can speak about our day and not be demanded to hand over your hard earnings so they can spend it on something that you detest very much. But I can wait till that day comes.

Later that evening, Sesshomaru and I went to a fancy restaurant that was very exclusive in the upscale section of Tokyo. A restaurant that takes reservations months in advance, but somehow Sesshomaru managed to get us all a seat. He must have connections with the owner. His daughters, Towa and Setsuna, decided to stay home since they both were tired from the long day.

I wore the same outfit I wore this morning from apartment hunting and I do feel a bit underdressed. Sesshomaru was dressed for a place like this, to where I feel like I just came off the streets. "Don't let the others here think you are not dressed for their standards," Sesshomaru whispered into my ear. "You look absolutely beautiful this evening." Butterflies fluttered into my stomach when he said those thoughtful words to me. No one, I mean no one has ever said such words to me, ever.

Without looking at him, "thank you." It's too soon to feel emotions for someone else, but Sesshomaru is exquisitely handsome. So much more than Osamu and that's not a lie. I have never in my life met such a beautiful man like Sesshomaru.

I suddenly found my arm linked with his, walked inside the restaurant, and I was beyond amazed how beautiful it was inside. It was dimly lit from the high ceiling ironed chandeliers. High class diners, mostly adults, dined with their dates, spouses, or just hanging out, at all the tables on the open floor. Soft piano music played in the background, along with people communicating with others.

Sesshomaru led me to where a podium with a maître d stood behind let him know it was just us two dining, picked up what looked like several menus, one I could tell was a liquor menu. "We will not need any alcohol this evening," Sesshomaru let the man know. I'm happy he said something. I feel as if this place loves to sell fine liquor which I'll never appreciate.

"As you wish sir," and the man placed the liquor menus back down. "If you both follow me," and led us through the full sized room that looked so filled I thought all the seats were taken. "Will the back patio be fine for you both?"

We stopped and Sesshomaru looked to me for my answer first. "I don't mind." I actually don't mind at all. Eating under a moonlit sky has been a dream of mine. I wonder if other people are sitting out here? Or are we the only ones so that we could speak in private? I know we'll speak of the upcoming court date.

Being led outside, I noticed there were in fact others and that didn't bother me. At our table, Sesshomaru pulled out my chair, still forgetting how much of a gentleman he is, and took that seat. "Thank you," and he took his seat on the other side of me.

"You're welcome," I could get used to this until it's time we part ways after the trial in the coming weeks or months. Then I'll go on with my life and write each new chapter when I wake up and go to bed everyday.

The menus were placed down, "your server will be with you two shortly, but as you wait, is there anything I can start you off to drink?" his arms were held behind his back, waiting for our answer.

I looked towards Sesshomaru first, "order whatever you want."

"Water and your house tea please," it was a bit chilly out this evening and I'm glad I brought this light sweater with me.

"And you sir?"

"The same. Will also have an appetizer of pot stickers." That sounds actually good.

"Of course, sir."

When he was gone, "thank you once again for all that you did for me today, Sesshomaru, and the girls. I never thought I would be waking up with finding the apartment of my dreams and moving out on the same day." It does feel like I will wake up back in my rundown apartment.

"You're quite welcome. It's been a long eventful day and I was glad to help you get into a new place that will be your home. Also, if there is anywhere you need to go or need help with, you may call me, and I'll be glad to help." How thoughtful.

"Thank you, Sesshomaru." I know I won't need his help once the trial is over. I can handle everything from there. To change the subject, "such a lovely evening it is tonight. I don't even remember the last time I ate outside on a night like this." I looked up to the moon, though there were no stars in the sky. What I would give to be out at a camp ground right now and look up towards the sky filled with stars, by a fire pit, and with others.

I can see her dreams are to see the stars right now. I want to fulfill her wishes this summer. That's only if she accepts the invite, but I won't ask at this time. After the trial it will be better to ask.

During our dinner I discussed more about what to expect from the upcoming trial. Aya understood the possible amount of years her ex-boyfriend could face and the possibility of good behavior he could get. That's only serving about a certain percentage of his sentence. If and when he is released, I'll make sure that bastard hanyo doesn't get near her at all. Her safety is my biggest priority now. No harm will come to you ever again. Your life will go on. You will find a new meaning in life. A life to be with someone you can be happy to be in a relationship with. A relationship with…

I had turned in the direction of a scent of a familiar demon from over four hundred years ago. The scent of papaya that had been under a hot sun for several days. Who are you? "Is everything okay, Sesshomaru?"

To answer her question, I turned back around, "I thought I heard someone call my name." She'll believe that. "Sorry about that." I can feel and sense whoever is nearby is either planning something or just a random demon from my past that I had once crossed paths with, and going about their evening. But something about whoever this is doesn't sit right with me. They stood behind me… watching not just myself, but Aya too for a brief minute. Is there more danger coming for her? If that is so, then I'll be doing patrol watch to make sure she stays safe.

Aya smiled so softly that I felt my heart flutter just how hers reacted this morning. "It's okay."

Dinner came and went when we arrived back at my home. The girls were in their rooms; Towa was sound asleep and Setsuna quietly practiced her violin on the other side to not wake her sister. "Did you have a good evening out, Aya?" Part of me wants to hold her delicate hand, but I don't want to overstep things at this time.

"I did and dinner was wonderful. Thank you again." Good. When we arrived at her room for the night, "I guess I should turn in for the night since tomorrow is technically my big day for me."

"When you have rested, we'll bring everything to your new apartment. Goodnight, Aya. If there is anything that you need, my night staff will take care of that."

"Thank you, but I should be good for the evening. I'll see you in the morning, Sesshomaru. Please rest well."

"You too, Aya."

Ahhh! I can't believe that I haven't updated this story since January and it's already the end of September. Well things have been super busy for me. I just had a birthday earlier this month, had a week vacation and I did absolutely nothing, haha.

JennyCrum: Here's another update for you. Shippo was adorable within that chapter. What are your thoughts on this chapter?