AN: Enter Inu-Family :)
Japanese Translation:
Arigatō: Thank you
Hajimemashite: Nice to meet you
Kanpeki: Perfect
Unsure if I will have to up the rating on this...
Enjoy :)
Rin peered over at herself in the mirror after painting the last layer of gloss over her lips, preoccupied with the thoughts of how she would go about the events of tonight. Sesshomaru had reassured her that all was well and that his family would not leave space for her to feel uncomfortable. His mother however, she was greatly unsure of. Although they would simply have a conversation on the phone, the thought of even speaking to her, let alone regarding her rather odd visions of her only son, she was inwardly overcome with the misgivings of it all. She was swiftly taken out of her reverie once a knock was heard at the door. "I wonder who that is."
"It's Kagome." She heard Sesshomaru say. He was seated again at her desk, waiting patiently for her to finish preparing herself.
"Kagome?" she questioned, walking over towards the front door. "I wasn't expecting her today."
"Indeed. She will be joining us tonight."
She turned to him with a beaming smile presented on her face. "She is?" This was certainly a surprise. Kagome's presence there would easily abate her already steadily rising anxiety.
"It was brought to my attention recently, that Toga requested we conduct a dinner with you both this week," he informed, eyes shifting over to the small space of her kitchen. "Considering Inuyasha's deep interest in your friend."
"Ah," she mused, reaching over to open the door. "I see."
"Rin!" Kagome nearly screeched. Behind her was none other than Inuyasha himself. "Are you all ready to go?"
"Yes, yes I am. Let me just grab my purse." She motioned over to pick up her phone and said purse. Sesshomaru had already stood to his feet.
"I will drive." Sesshomaru declared, exiting the small apartment.
The girls chatted about as they walked ahead of them. Inuyasha looked to her older brother, "What do ya' think your mom will say about her recent dreams? I really want to know myself. Somethings' definitely odd about it and the fact that she is able to describe your demonic state." He whispered.
Sesshomaru looked forward pensively, "Something more is present. More than what we have discovered so far regarding the snake demons."
"You're right," Inuyasha admitted. "And I don't have a good feeling about it."
Rin gazed back at the brothers as they walked down the hall, then back to Kagome as she chatted mindlessly away. Her thoughts were on everything that had occurred that day. She had worn a long fitted black dress and a black long-sleeved polyester jacket, careful to cover up the newly developed mark Sesshomaru had placed on the right side of her neck. How in the world could she even come close to explaining that to Kagome. Even though she, of course, trusted Sesshomaru's reasoning, it was all still quite strange to say the least.
"Inuyasha also told me of how grand their house is. Ya' know, I figured they were pretty well off," Kagome expressed gaily. Her brows narrowed, viewing Rin's distant countenance. "Rin? What's on your mind?"
Rin blinked and flashed her eyes toward her, attempting to wash away the suspicion from them. "No, why do you ask that?"
"Are you nervous?"
Rin sighed in relief. "Is it that obvious?"
"Plainly," Kagome moved to drape her arm around Rin's shoulder. "No worries though, okay. I can tell he really cares about you. Maybe even loves you," she, ignoring her nerved friend's widened eyes. "And I'm sure his family will love us too. I'm confident in that."
Rin placed her head between the crook of her neck. "Thank you, Kagome."
Kagome gave her a tight squeeze before reaching for the button of the elevator. "I'm glad we are doing this together! Hopefully this will be one of many family dinners."
Miles before arriving to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha's family home, it had not gone unnoticed to Rin of the shift in Sesshomaru's demeanor. He was more quiet than usual, although that was not uncommon, and rather withdrawn and seemingly more focused. She figured that perhaps it was his own way of dissolving his own inner turmoil and she decided against asking him about it.
"We're almost there." She heard Inuyasha say.
She noticed that they had already passed Lombard street many blocks back. She realized that this part of the city was largely secluded and was not anywhere that anyone she knew of mentioned. "Where are the rest of the houses?"
"There are none." Sesshomaru answered matter of factly.
"The old man brought out most of the lands of this estate." Inuyasha informed proudly.
"How many acres is this?" Kagome pondered, gazing around at the spacious area.
"Approximately fifty." Sesshomaru answered.
There was nothing but open land and trees. Not another living person in site for miles. Certainly this was not apart of the city itself. The area held an appearance of it's own, almost as if they had ventured to an entirely different set of lands than the ones of California.
Down the long road up ahead were tall gold-plated gates and what appeared to be two men standing on each side of the entrance.
Once they arrived, Rin marveled at them as they opened. Their polished appearance seemed to glisten even in the cloud-filled early evening sky. The apparent guards greeted them all with a slight nod as they entered. Rin was sure that they each held handgun holsters at the waist. 'But why would they need that?'
"Securitys' pretty tight around here, huh?" Kagome quipped.
Inuyasha chuckled, "Something like that."
As they circled around the front yard, there was in the center, a large cast stone water fountain with the faces of canines surrounding it. It too, was surrounded by a majestic garden bed with clusters of purple and white allium flowers. The canines appeared intricately carved, spewing water streams out of their mouths. It was quite the site to see.
Rin looked over to Sesshomaru again with a raised inquisitive brow, "Dogs?"
"Canines. Yes." He said, eyes fixed forward.
"It's beautiful!" She admired, seeing a small smirk grace the side of his lips.
There stood an expansive mansion with towering columns and tall glass windows. It was surrounded by green manicured lawns and flowering bushes. Numerous balconies set on the outside of the upper floors, draped with hanging plants.
It was palatial and grandeur in appearance, exuding the essence of luxury, class, and elegance.
A man, dressed in an all-black tuxedo and white bow-tie, quickly walked over and around to the driver's seat, opening the door. Before she could even notice, another man identical in appearance to the first one had already opened Rin's door for her.
"Lord Sesshomaru," the first one bowed. He then stepped to open Inuyasha's. "Lord Inuyasha."
Rin, completely taken aback by his introduction, heard the other clear his throat. "Uhm, madam." He had his hand out for her to take.
"Oh, my apologies. Thank you." She took his hand as he assisted her out of the car and turned to do the very same for Kagome.
"Well this is certainly an immaculate home," Kagome complimented. "Wouldn't you agree Rin?"
"It's outstanding! Like nothing i've ever seen before." She admitted. She then turned to see Sesshomaru already at her side with his hand presented to her. That same small upward bend on the side of his lips. She could tell he was pleased to hear and see of her reaction.
"Come, Rin." She took his large hand in hers and he gently led her up the staircase leading towards the front door, followed by Inuyasha and Kagome.
Another gentleman bowed lowly at the front door before opening it and immediately they were greeted by the site of a large foyer. Marbled floors, spiral staircases topped with long ornate hand-carved woodwork and gold gilded accents. High up above them, hung a beautifully sparkling chandelier that seemed to have an aura of its own. Dazzling brightly in the center of the room. The ceiling was high, very high, and Rin was sure that once she spoke her voice would echo off the walls. Perhaps, in fact, also due to the spacious area, if they were to have a small symphony play here, certainly the room would have the perfect acoustics.
"This is quite the home Sesshomaru," She admitted, eyes fixed on all the details of their surroundings. "I'd imagine it's rather daunting to clean."
"We have servants for that." Inuyasha added.
"Who we are very thankful for." Countered a woman's voice with honeyed resonance. Rin turned to see her dressed in a lavishly dark purple kimono. Her hair was jet black and fell down to her arms that were presently locked with that of... Toga's.
"It is certainly a delightful pleasure to have you both accompany us this evening," Voiced Toga. He too, was wearing a darkened purple kimono similar to the woman standing beside him. His smile was truly one of a kind and flashed brighter than that twinkling chandelier above his head. "This is my wife, Izayoi."
Rin, totally forgetting her lost familial customs, reached her hand out to greet her but was met with a deepened bow. She quickly withdrew her hand and bowed the same, along with Kagome. "My name is Rin. Thank you for allowing us into your home. It's simply beyond words."
"Wait until you see the garden," Izayoi remarked. "The harvest season is coming to a close but there is still quite much to see. And you must be Kagome," she acknowledged thoughtfully. "Such lovely young woman. Aren't they my love?"
"Thank you! It is a pleasure." Kagome voiced cheerfully after seeing Toga nod in agreement.
A woman dressed in a light pink kimono briskly walked to the right of Izayoi and bowed, "My Lady, you are needed in the kitchen."
"Alright," she smiled and turned back to the group. "Come girls, I'm sure these two can let you alone for a few minutes while we ladies chat."
Rin gazed up at Sesshomaru who characteristically held his face unreadable. His eyes were already on her before he spoke-letting her hand go, "I will meet you in the dining room."
Toga walked over to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru in their own private conversation. "How are the states treating you all?" She heard Kagome ask as they began walking through an adjacent hall. Kagome was already at Izayoi's side, appearing eager to know more of Inuyasha's mother. She was a rarity. As Rin had noticed, as she walked her back was perfectly straight. Her steps were slow and delicate. Her hands were overlapped strategically at her waist. She was like a princess, with the refinement and elegance she'd only seen on television.
"It has been a change, but a necessary one." She replied gracefully.
"Do you all miss being back at home, in Japan?" Rin asked.
"We do, of course. But a change in scenery allows one to appreciate other cultures. It is not our first time being here."
"Inuyasha had mentioned something about one of your relatives being sick or unwell. How are they managing?" Kagome inquired.
Izayoi seemed to have paused for a moment, mulling over her response with lowered brows. "Oh that, right. She has responded well to treatment."
"That's wonderful news!" Kagome commented.
Rin nodded, "Yes it is."
"I heard you both are nursing students. Graduation is around the corner, is it not?"
"Yes! We are almost there," Kagome squealed. "Sorry, it's been a rough journey, hasn't it Rin?"
"It sure has."
"No need to apologize regarding your excitement. You both should be incredibly proud of yourselves," Izayoi turned right at the end of the hall to an opened room full of servants preparing for the evening. "How is everything coming along here?"
"My Lady," another servant wearing a light pink kimono similar to the first bowed. "We wanted to obtain your thoughts on the dressing."
"Pardon me ladies," Izayoi walked over to a spoon presented for her.
Rin and Kagome marveled over the room. The kitchen held nothing but high-end appliances. There was a black and white color scheme that fit the high-polished marble of the quartzite of the countertops. Stainless steel pots and pans were being cooked in and before Rin could take her eyes off of their surroundings she was presented with a tray with tall glasses full of what looked of bubbly champagne. "Madam," she heard someone say. There, bowed before her was another servant and before she could motion to reach for a glass, Kagome had already grabbed a cup of her own.
"Thank you, this is quite lovely."
Rin looked over to Kagome who was already shamelessly sipping at her drink. "Thank you so much." Rin too bowed, not at all use to such hospitality.
"It's perfect! Arigatō." Rin heard Izayoi say before being offered a glass of the sparkling champagne herself. "Ladies, follow me out to the gardens."
As they walked through tall double glass doors, Rin was again, taken aback by the large water garden pond neatly surrounded by rocks and gravel. A water fall descended into the pond and took up a large area of space there. Before that was rows and rows of beautifully petaled flowers and to the left were raised garden beds of large vegetables, fruits, and herbs, currently being tended to by the gardeners. There were numerous tall trees full of colorful blossomed flowers. It was picture perfect in scenery.
Izayoi pointed over to the row of flowers being watered, "Chrysanthemum, my favorite."
"I've heard of them. They signify longevity." Kagome shared, admiring the bright yellow petals.
"That they do," Izayoi smiled and nodded. "And here are the Kaneshon and Kosumosu flowers."
"They are beautiful," Rin too admired, brushing her thumb over each of the petals, inhaling their light fragrances. "I've always wanted a garden for myself."
"I can see that for you." Izayoi admitted, studying Rin's eyes for a bit.
Kagome chuckled. "Rin loves flowers. She's literally in heaven right now out here."
"Come and see the raining Wisteria," she motioned toward the nearby trees.
As they walked over, Rin completely lost herself in the light purple showering blooms. "Oh my," she jogged ahead, finding herself turning in circles underneath them, seeing many of its petals covering the yard's floors. It was blissful. All of it. She did not fail to notice all the various fish swimming eagerly in the nearby pond. She could already see herself in love with the place. Sesshomaru's family home. "How do you keep them blooming so well?"
"Gardener's secret." Izayoi winked.
A servant interjected then, "My Lady, Lord Toga has requested for you and the guests."
"Alright then. On our way."
Rin looked over to Kagome again and saw the same puzzled look on her face as hers. "Why do you think they call them lords?" She whispered, sipping more champagne.
"I was fixing to ask Inuyasha that soon enough, quite strange don't you think?"
"Right, lord of what exactly?" Rin pondered.
Kagome shrugged her shoulders and left the thought be for later. Rin took one more look back at the garden, hoping to return to it sooner or later.
Once they entered the spacious dining room, Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, and Toga were already seated and presently in their own debate. Sesshomaru sat with his arms crossed, silently gazing over at Inuyasha as he rambled about animatedly with Toga. An all white versailles styled table and chairs sat at the center of the room and there was a smaller crystal clear chandelier hovering over the center. The table was prepared for the guest and another servant came to take their empty glasses.
In walked a familiar cheery face and smile. "Hi girls. It's good to see you again," Shiori greeted. She was followed by a tall man with hair color similar to hers. He had his high up in a ponytail like Toga. "This is my father, Tsukuyomaru. Father, this is Kagome and Rin."
Rin and Kagome bowed and greeted him.
"Hajimemashite, Kagome and Rin." Tsukuyomaru replied.
Rin walked over to the table and saw Sesshomaru stand and pull out a seat next to the right of him. She smiled up at him and before she could reply she heard the voice of another servant, "Madam, would you like for me to put your jacket up for you?" Rin froze, pondering over her still obvious mark on her neck. Her jacket was literally her saving grace right now and she was not quite sure yet how to explain it to anyone. Knowing how shameless Sesshomaru was about anything, she was sure he would do the explaining for her but to have to actually explain the origins of it... was not exactly the kind of conversation she wanted to have at the dinner table or even during that evening at all.
"Oh, no, it's okay. It's actually quite chilly right now."
"My, certainly we can warm it up here for you mad-..."
"She's fine!" Sesshomaru boomed.
Rin quickly took her seat, hoping to avoid anymore unnecessary attention. She heard Toga clear his throat at the head of the table.
"Rin? How did you like the garden? Izayoi tells me you are quite fond of plants."
Rin looked over to him, seeing Izayoi smiling brightly, seated to the right of her husband. She nodded and smiled, "I am! Everything is so beautiful. I could find myself lost in the flower beds, reading a good book for hours."
"You are quite fond of books as well," Sesshomaru added. "The covers and spine of 'Jane Erye' was worn thin."
"That one is definitely a favorite!" She chuckled, feeling a bit more relaxed since arriving. Perhaps is was the champagne? Nevertheless, everyone and everything around at his home was incredibly inviting.
Speaking of champagne, she had already had another placed glass currently being filled. Sesshomaru took a sip of his own glass yet, the contents were different.
"What's that?" She asked curiously, as she had yet to see him drink anything.
"Sake," he replied, taking another sip then turning to meet her eyes. "How are you faring, Rin?"
"Very well, Sesshomaru," she said, taking another sip of hers. Feeling a bit more bold, she asked, "So why do they call you all, um, lord around here?"
His brows lifted a fraction and he turned his eyes back toward his glass. "It is a former title."
"So I must be dating a relation to some former General." She quipped.
That lovely familiar smirk graced the corner of his lips. 'Finally', she thought, seeing the less stoic side of him lightly bleed through for the evening. "Something like that."
"That I can believe with how you all live. This home exudes that kind of opulence," she admitted thoughtfully. "You are very fortunate."
"I am even more fortunate to have you, Rin." She heard him say, eyes now back gazing into hers. There was a seriousness to them. And from that statement alone she just knew she was in the right place at the right time with the right set of people. She was never one to rush into anything. Her timidity also aided her to be more observant of things and people, never to eager to join in anywhere she didn't feel comfortable. But every day, every single one, she felt more and more like the luckiest girl in the world at his side. More and more like she could be there forever with him. Even after sharing the details of him with her own mother recently, the excitement in her voice as she shared was telling. Her mother knew she was falling for this near 'perfect' man who was quickly stealing her heart away. From what she had told of him, her mother sounded pleased and eager to meet him one day soon.
"You make my heart race but I don't ever want it to stop." She admitted enchantedly.
"I will ensure that it never will." He promised, eyes even more serious than before as he searched them.
It had not gone unnoticed by Toga as he silently eavesdropped amongst the chattering of the others around with his keen yokai hearing. Even as he discreetly observed Inuyasha and Kagome. Apparently anything he said to her made her laugh heavily and there was an obvious redden blush adorned on her cheeks. He was right to arrange this evening. Everything was falling into place just as he had hoped. "So, graduation is right around the corner for you four."
"I'll be right behind you!" Shiori added excitedly.
"Yes you will." Tsukuyomaru encouraged, seated to the left of her, across from Sesshomaru, Rin, Kagome, and Inuyasha.
Several servants had began placing covered plates down in front of everyone seated. Rin had already finished her second glass of champagne, already feeling the warming effects of it. "Madam, would you like more?"
She looked to see the same servant from earlier waiting patiently for her response. "What is your name?" She asked.
The servant, taken aback, gave her a bemused look. "Oh, um, it's Hina."
"Hina. Thank you, Hina. Yes, I would."
She quickly nodded, poured her a third glass, and departed.
"Hina seems so young to be working here." She inquired, looking back over to Sesshomaru.
"She, as well as others, faithful to the family, traveled over to the states with us."
"Hm. You all must treat them very well than."
"Where do you both plan to go starting your practice?" Izayoi asked, diverting her attention back to the table.
"William Memorial. Right in the heart of San Francisco," Kagome responded. "I like to think we are being well prepared for such a hospital. It is a level one trauma facility."
"So you will more than likely see all kinds of trauma cases." Toga added.
"Yes, all along the lines of gun-shot wounds, motor vehicle accidents, stabbings, etcetera."
"Hm." Toga pondered.
"Does that not make you feel nervous?" Shiori inquired.
Kagome looked to Rin, knowingly. Rin replied, "I believe it definitely takes a certain kind of person to withstand all the blood and gore that comes with the practice," she gazed back at Shiori. "But I'm sure we can handle it, right Kagome."
"Exactly! It's an honor to even be in the position."
"The idea of being in the center of it all, using every ounce of resources and skill to save a patient, to save anyone, it's a calling. It's my calling," she, looking back over to Kagome, "It's our calling."
"Well I'm sure that hospital will learn that they have two of the most compassionate nurses on board," Tsukuyomaru commented thoughtfully. "But in such a field, it is easy to become burnt out. But always remember why you both started this. That way each patient you encounter will always see the best side of you."
"Sound advice Tsukuyomaru!" Toga acknowledged.
Izayoi nodded. "Certainly is. Now, let us partake of this lovely dinner. I can already see my son sniffing over the food."
"Hey!" Inuyasha retorted. "It's already passed dinner time."
Several servants quickly walked and lifted the cover over the plates. Immediately Rin's nostrils filled with the aroma of the entrée. There was a side of bedded rice, pickled vegetables, and an entire grilled fish on the large plate. Rin felt her mouth salivate and her stomach rumbled at the site.
"This looks heavenly. Arigatō Izayoi and Toga," Kagome thanked and turned, placing her palm over Inuyasha's shoulder. "And of course, thank you lover."
"Yeah, the grilled fish was my idea." Claimed Inuyasha.
"Thank you again, Sesshomaru. For everything. This is... kanpeki."
"Hmm, so the Japanese is coming along then?" Sesshomaru asked, brows slightly lifted.
"Something like that." She mused, chuckling.
Conversations continued as they ate. Everyone equally enjoying, drinks quickly being refilled. Rin was obviously aware that she was now tipsy. Now almost at the end of her fourth glass. It was so light and refreshing she hadn't even noticed that that glass was almost gone. She also hadn't noticed the distant aura Sesshomaru receded into.
"And what is it that you do for a living?" Kagome's question directed to Toga.
Inuyasha darted his eyes at his father knowingly. "Right now my partners and I are conducting research on advancing weapons. As you know, in this city, there have been many crimes that have gone unsolved. We have also been at works with the local law enforcement to assist them."
"That's amazing. We've recently had two students who have unfortunately went missing. There are still no updates of their whereabouts."
"Fret not," Tsukuyomaru added. "We are doing our best to assist. Stick with these two and Shiori. They kinda know their way around a good fight.
"Oh, really now?" Kagome looked over at Inuyasha who shrugged his shoulders, revealing an expressive frown.
Rin pondered over the possibilities of the night before. Had Sesshomaru gotten himself into a fight looking for them? What exactly happened?
Rin, startled, completely taken out of her reverie, heard the screeching sound of Sesshomaru's chair skeet against the floor abruptly. When she turned to look, he was standing, eyes glued at the double doors of the dining room. She was sure she had heard two chairs actually, looking over, Toga too, was standing.
"What is it, my love?" Izayoi asked, looking up at her husband.
"Kuso!" Rin heard Inuyasha utter.
Rin looked over to her right at Kagome, bewildered.
Suddenly, the double doors cracked open. But there was presently not a soul there. For a moment everyone simply stared at the opened doors.
"A simple invitation for the Lady Mother would have sufficed." In came a tall regal woman. As she walked in, even more polished than anyone that Rin had ever seen in her life, her presence completely engulfed the atmosphere. She had long whitish-silver hair similar to Sesshomaru, that was neatly tied up in two high pigtails. Her bangs were parted at the front of her spotless pale skin. Her eyes were that of dazzling gold and lips stained with a glowing vibrant red. She wore a long purple kimono, a fluffy appendage draped over her arms. Rin's eyes landed on the obvious large yellow colored stoned necklace that was wrapped around her neck by pearls. It held an eerie purple surface at the center of it. Everything about her screamed rather... strange. Yet, she was unbelievably breathtaking. Otherworldly even. Somehow very similar to Sesshomaru and Rin pondered over where she had seen that interesting looking fluffy thing around her arms.
"InuKimi. What a pleasant surprise!" Toga announced.
Immediately two servants pulled out the chair at the other end of the table for her, facing Toga, poured her a glass of sake, and presented her with the entrée for the evening before bowing to leave. "I wager you had not expected my presence on this side of the planet for some time, have you not?"
Rin and Kagome stared blankly at her. 'Who is she?' Rin thought, apprehensive of what exactly was about to happen next.
"What is the meaning of this, mother?" Sesshomaru asserted.
Rin nearly choked on the small piece of food that was still sitting half chewed in her mouth.
"Is that anyway to greet your mother, my dear son?" She asked nonchalantly, totally unbothered by all the eyes piercing at her seated.
Sesshomaru simply narrowed his eyes at her.
"You know exactly why I am here, Sesshomaru." She said, completely composed, slowly taking a sip from her glass. "Oh, sit down boys. This is well overdue."
"InuKimi, I have had every reason to call you," Toga went on. "You see we have guest this evening. Special guest for Sesshomaru and Inuyasha."
Rin observed Tsukuyomaru and Shiori whisper to each other in apparent Japanese.
"That is obvious," She yawned, appearing bored with his statement. "Do these girls know?"
"Mother!" Sesshomaru boomed threateningly.
She, completely ignoring her son's obvious frustration of her blunt frankness. "Izayoi, I bid my apologies for such an intrusion on your humbled home. Nonetheless, I have a score to settle with my dear Sesshomaru."
"If this is about-..."
"Oh please, you think me naïve son? I know exactly why you did it. I just wanted to see the girl for myself."
Rin stiffened, heart rate steadily rising in her ear. All of a sudden the entire night had shifted uncomfortably. And she was suddenly regretful of how inebriated she had become, totally comfortable within the atmosphere around her. But now, oh now, she felt like she was in the hot seat. And all she wanted to do was get the hell up and out.
"Little one," she spoke, eyeing Rin skeptically. She then placed her chin over her overlapped hands, elbows propped high on the table. "What is the mystery of you?"
"Ma'am," Rin stood and bowed low, so low her face was near the floor. Slightly dizzy from all that champagne. "I am Rin. It is an honor to meet you."
"Tsk. Tsk. Well quite frankly the honor is mine," she said then tilted her head a bit. "It seems that my son has taken you as his own. You must know that this comes as a shock to me as my son tells me absolutely nothing," she placed the back of her hand over her forehead, sighing dramatically. "Uh, men. Oh so secretive."
Sesshomaru stood again to his feet, right along with Rin. "She is the one I have chosen."
Rin stared up at him proudly, gaping shock and admiration all over her countenance. She had some sort of idea that their relationship was quite restrained but was not at all expecting it at this level of intensity.
"I see that," she said, standing to her feet. "And there is something the girl wants from me, isn't it?"
"My Lady," Rin feeling a rush of boldness, perhaps from Sesshomaru's direct declaration or maybe even the four glasses of Champagne, or perhaps both, continued. "I care deeply about your son. I know he can be indifferent towards others, cold even, but he has always treated me with respect. He has been the perfect gentleman. He is kind, thoughtful, and considerate. I am entirely grateful to have been the one for him."
Sesshomaru already had his eyes on her, face however unreadable, but still and observant of all the things she had just said about him. He had no heart before the day he first saw her, but now, as he knew, there was one there, beating frantically, wildly for her.
"And yes, Sesshomaru has shared that you may be able to help me interpret these dreams I have been having."
InuKimi stepped from her chair, walking over to her. Her elegant glide unaltered. Her features softened a bit. Everyone else in the room were in anticipation of what would happen next. Once she approached, she lifted her hand and slowly brushed the back of it against the side of Rin's hair. "A pretty little thing you are. And sure of yourself I presume. You must be in love with my son then?"
Rin, feeling her eyes fill with unshed tears, filled with a roller coaster of emotions, blinked nervously at his mother's close proximity. "Yes, I do. Without a doubt."
"Rin." She heard Sesshomaru utter. His voice, almost fragile as if he was trying desperately to hold back any emotion.
InuKimi lifted the stone necklace off of her shoulders and placed it over Rin's head. "Sit still, little one. And let me ascertain what I may decipher of this mess."
Rin stood still as a stone while everyone around waited patiently for what felt like hours. The stone began to glow in a bright purple light, flashing images in InuKimi's eyes. At first her expression was unreadable but suddenly her brows were lowered and then her golden eyes widened and her lips parted as she looked over the images. And then they stopped. Toga stood to his feet again, "InuKimi, what did you see?"
She said nothing for a moment, eyes fixed at the stone although it had ceased with its display.
"Mother!" Sesshomaru boomed again.
Inukimi slowly gazed up, meeting Rin's eyes and then she smiled at her contemplatively. "You... you do have a gift. A special gift. Do not neglect it. Write everything that you see down."
Rin looked over to Sesshomaru who had his eyes on his mother questionably.
"But beware, Rin. There is much more than what meets the eye. You are in a delicate state. Stay very close to my son. Due to your proximity with him, your gift has awaken. Do you understand?"
Rin nodded hesitantly, "If I have a gift, then what does it all mean?"
"Everything is not explicit. Meaning many things have an alternative meaning."
"That's exactly what I said Rin." Kagome reminded.
"Take every vision with a significant level of discernment. Soon enough the pieces will fall into place."
Rin nodded again, feeling a bit of relief that she perhaps had not gone crazy. But why was it that it all seemed connected to Sesshomaru.
"I know what you are thinking little one. And by the gods I was deeply confounded by knowing that it was you he had chosen, but... now I know why," she stepped back and turned, walking towards her vacant seat. "And the other human girl."
"InuKimi!" Toga asserted.
InuKimi rolled her eyes, sighing dramatically again. "You too have a purpose here."
Kagome blinked her eyes clear, dumbfounded.
"Now may we continue our meal. Another round of sake." She demanded, glass in hand. Of course servants flocked toward her feet. Fulfilling each and every one of her requests.
Rin turned to hear the voice of Kagome. "Are you okay, Rin?"
Rin nodded and smiled, "Yes, are you?"
"For sure. It's been one hell of a night."
"You can say that again." Inuyasha reflected.
Sesshomaru, still standing, reached for Rin's hand. "Come Rin."
She obeyed, following him quickly out of the room.
Toga motioned to follow, in hopes to ensure that they both were balancing the weight of the news of tonight, but was interrupted by a grasp on his wrist from Izayoi. "No, my love. Let them talk first."
He obliged and sat back down. She was right. Sesshomaru and Rin indeed needed to brush things over.
Inuyasha watched Kagome as she started back at her food, contemplating deeply if this was the right time to finally tell her. Tell her the truth of who they really were. He had every plan to do the very same as his older brother. Marking her, for he was sure of it as well. She was also his to protect, to love. His mark would beam a signal to others around that she was his and that they would pay the ultimate price if anything were to befall her.
Rin had followed Sesshomaru up several flights of stairs, passed portraits of the long silver haired family. So much still left unknown. So much about him and is interesting set of people. She was confounded by it all but at the very same time she had never felt more at home. She was even more proud of herself for not melting away at his mother's intimidating presence.
They had finally reached a door and Sesshomaru who was completely silent on there way here, finally spoke after closing the door behind them. "Rin, this night was not what I had planned for you."
"It's okay, I think this was better than calling her on the phone anyway. I'm actually glad to have met your mom."
He said nothing, just watched her as she responded. He then guided her fully into the room. It was something like a stand-alone apartment. Simple coverings draped over a large bed. A dark colored couch set to the left of it. There were four large bookshelves behind the couch, full of books and an adjacent bathroom. It was quite spacious and along the walls behind the bed stood tall windows and a balcony. "Come, sit." He demanded, gesturing towards the bed.
"Is this your bedroom?" She asked, taking a seat. He sat next to her, his eyes softened, solely focused on hers.
"Yes."
"Do not worry about me Sesshomaru. I feel fine, as long as I'm with you."
"How long are you planning to stay in that apartment?"
Rin, taken aback again, unsure why he would ask her that. "I'm not sure. I suppose until graduation. Then I'll be back at my mom's but that's in St. Louis."
Sesshomaru shifted closer to her, an obvious seriousness in his eyes. "I cannot have you so far away from me."
Rin bit her bottom lip, eyes shifting back and forth through his piercing ones. "I don't want to be far away from you either."
"Tonight, you said you loved me in front of my mother. In front of everyone. Is this true Rin?"
She felt her breath hitch, totally forgetting her confident declaration. "Yes! Yes, it is true. I do love you. I can't escape that truth. You are in my thoughts, in my dreams. You are my paradise."
His entire face, as she could see, lit up and he was smiling. Smiling in a way she had never seen of him. It was quite the site indeed. She was floored. Over and over again she could not believe this. Even throughout all of the confusion surrounding them, she felt unbelievably fortunate to know him, and he always seemed to reassure her, in every way. "Forgive me, for I do not understand the customs of... Americans. But, I want, I need you to be by my side, from now on until forever."
Rin simply stared at him, heart racing, lips parted, eyes close to tears. She was speechless at his words.
"Live with me. We may wait until graduation, if that's more comfortable for you."
"I would want nothing more, Sesshomaru." She said, voice barely a whisper.
"You are mine, Rin." He reached to wrap his hand around the side of her neck, brushing over-near her trachea with his thumb softly. He then removed the sleeve of her jacket, revealing the mark he placed there on her neck. He leaned over, kissing there lightly.
Suddenly she realized how tipsy she still was, finding that her body had already responded to his touch. She breathed heavily as he ascended up her neck, passed her cheek in kisses, and then to her lips. She took him hungrily, immediately placing her tongue in his open mouth. She removed her jacket, tossing it to the floor and climbed over his lap. Her tightened dress rising at the hem, passed her purple laced panties.
In an instant he had her on her back, his tongue easily finding dominance over hers. He was ravenous. His hands had found their way up her dress, caressing her flatten abdomen and up toward her covered breast. He slowly felt himself losing control, deeply lost in the world of Rin. She could have him on his knees, begging for more of her. That scent, her scent, it was everywhere. Consuming him entirely. If he had not already marked her, he would have done so now. Claiming her over and over again. In a split second he had tore through the straps of her bra and finally, her beautifully rounded breast were in his grasp. As soon as he grazed the tips of her erected buds, she let out the most pleasing sound his hears had ever heard.
He continued there and she had no choice but to leave his lips, moans bellowing out her, increasing in volume. He opened his eyes, gazing down at her flushed warm skin. And he heard her, she uttered his name and at the very same time brushed her delicate hand over his obvious enlarged erection. "Sesshomaru, I want you." And he lost it.
Picking her up, he held her soft cheeks in his hands and began gliding her warm, dampen slit over his thick protruding member. She was the most incredible being. Perfectly alluring and everything he desired in a woman.
Her cries were increasing as she felt his hardness stroke at her most delicate place. It was him, all him. So close to where he belonged. Right at her center. And he was toying with her. Toying with her sweet bud against that deliciously large bulge. It was utterly mind numbing. All of her scents were involved. His scent, filling her up. His eyes, now baring madly into hers. His touch, roughly gripping her bottom, moving her however he pleased, the taste of his sweat of her skin intertwined with hers, his lowly grunts as he moved her up and down. She was about to explode. All for him, but she wanted even more, more for him to explode in her. All of her sense was gone and she uttered right before she tipped over the edge, "Inside me, just like this."
Soon she felt her entire body, overwhelmed with unrelenting ecstasy. He had pulled her toward him tightly, gripping her cheeks so hard she was sure they'd bruise later. She heard him cry out her name as his breath hitched and he stood there, panting heavily. She could feel what now belonged to her pulsate between her legs. Their pants were equal in nature as their bodies slowly fell from the highest height. She was crushed to him. Her legs completely weak, body totally numb.
She felt as his breathing slowed, the leaked wetness at the junction of his body mixed with hers. It was hers.
And hers was his.
He slowly laid her back down on the bed, resting over her. He kissed her neck, right where that mark had been. It was slightly warmer there than usual. He kissed up to her cheek again, back to her plumped lips.
Finally catching his breath, through kisses, he said, "I will have you Rin. I know exactly what you want."
She brushed his damped fallen hair back from his face, kissing his cheek. "I know you will. My Sesshomaru."
"My Rin."
"I love you, so much." She said giving him a long lingered kiss.
Sesshomaru sat up, standing to his feet. His countenance immediately shifting back into its stoic nature.
"What is it?" He heard her ask.
A voice carried over through the door. "Careful now. You will pup her."
Rin immediately set up. "Is that your mom?"
"She is at the peak of ovulation, my son. Much to be done before such a time." InuKimi's chuckle fading after she spoke.
"What does she mean by ...pup her?"
"She is right. Perhaps now would not be ideal," he said, assisting her to stand. "Because I would have certainly placed my seed in you."
An: Woo! Told you it would be quite the read. Teehee!
So much happened here.
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