A/N: Hey guys! I apologize for the delay in getting you this next installment. I'm just bouncing back from having a serious case of the stomach flu (which is the absolute worst!), and one of my jobs is teaching aerial silks yoga...so yeah, that was a complete nightmare -_- Anyways, thank you for your patience and thanks for coming back to read! Hope you enjoy!
"Rin?" Sesshomaru's low voice whispered.
Rin's eyelids felt heavy as she squinted open her eyes to the demon lying beside her on the bed. Rin turned towards Sesshomaru.
"Yes?" she whispered.
"Are you happy?"
Rin's eyes dawned a look of concern; it worried her when Sesshomaru asked these sorts of questions. He wasn't the type to externally process or ask ambiguous questions.
"Of course, I am."
Sesshomaru shifted and look her straight into her eyes.
"Tell me the truth."
Rin searched his eyes with her own. He looked more concerned than usual. Why is he asking this? Why does he seem so on edge?
"What's going on, Sesshomaru?" Rin suddenly asked.
Sesshomaru eyes averted for just a second, and Rin instantly knew something was up.
"Tell me what is going on, now."
Sesshomaru slipped one of his hands into Rin's. Rin looked at their interlaced fingers in confusion as the feeling of dread crawled up her spine. Rin looked back to Sesshomaru. This is bad.
"A Baron of the East is heading for the West..."
Sesshomaru's voiced trailed off. Rin's eyes widened as she connected the dots.
"Why is he coming here?" Rin asked, her voice laced with panic.
Sesshomaru took a long pause.
"To claim my title and territory."
Rin's pupils detracted. She clenched Sesshomaru's hand in hers.
"Tell me everything."
Sesshomaru looked at his mate. He didn't want to fail her…again. He didn't want to hurt her in any way. Sesshomaru had felt completely and utterly changed by this single human. He had never thought he would ever meet something he was so drawn to; someone he felt he needed. Sesshomaru had never considered what it meant to have a mate…an equal.
"He has already taken several villages. He is on his way…we need to prepare."
Rin's look of panic turned to anger.
"Is he a serious threat?"
Sesshomaru's eyes looked away from Rin.
"Rin…"
Rin's eyebrows knit together as she stared at the strange expression on Sesshomaru's face. What hasn't he told me?
"My strength has been significantly diminished."
Rin's eyes burned at him.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Sesshomaru looked back to his mate. You are worth this. You are worth every cost, Rin. His eyes stared into hers for a long moment of silence. Rin felt uneasy with Sesshomaru's calm gaze. It felt like a gaze of someone accepting their fate, and Rin was not in the place to accept such a gesture from Sesshomaru.
"I don't care if you're no longer a Lord or powerful demon."
Rin sat up, sitting on her heels atop their bed. She brought her hands to Sesshomaru's face and cupped his face. She stared into his eyes.
"If it comes to it, give him this kingdom, give him this land, this mansion and the title…just don't give up yourself."
Sesshomaru didn't say a word.
"Sesshomaru, you are mine. You're not up for negotiation."
"Rin, I would have nothing. I could give you nothing—"
"Sesshomaru! Stop!"
Rin's hands clenched around his face, keeping his eyes facing her.
"You are not up for negotiation."
Rin dawned a smile, trying to bring her mate some comfort. She slipped her arms around him and hugged him tightly bringing her head to his chest. She could hear his heartbeat once more, the sound that reminded her he was here with her right now. You don't have to protect me. You don't have to guard yourself around me. I am with you, Sesshomaru. Nothing will change that. Sesshomaru's arms held Rin tightly as he dropped his chin towards her ear.
"I love you."
Rin felt his hands grasp tighter around her and she melted into his arms.
"I love you, Sesshomaru...nothing will change that."
Rin knew the time was drawing near. After Sesshomaru had told her that the Baron of the East was heading West she knew that her fight was close. Focus, Rin. Rin had been training endlessly. All her thoughts had been focused on finding a way to change this unavoidable curse. And Rin believed that they might just have a fighting chance. Rin stood in her room staring out the window gazing upon the majestic mountains surrounding the estate.
"Azumi…"
Rin brought a hand to the pane of glass.
"If you can hear me…please know I've found something worth living and dying for…Please know I'm giving everything I have to fight for this. I get it now...thank you for fighting for my life when I could not."
Rin heard a shuffling sound from outside and turned her head. She could hear people talking from the public quarters of the estate and wondered what was going on. She hadn't heard any news of visitors. As Rin made her way down the grand staircase she saw the familiar face of an old man walking through the front entrance. Rin's eye's widened in confusion.
"Hiroto?"
Sesshomaru stepped into view and greeted the old man. Rin was now even more confused. Sesshomaru turned back to Rin and faced his dumbfounded mate.
"Rin, I brought Hiroto here because of the agreement we made."
Rin's face was still covered with a look of bewilderment. What is he talking about? This makes no sense.
"Hiroto, it is good to see you, old friend…but I am confused as to why you're here."
Sesshomaru smirked as he watched his mate try to figure out what he was planning. Before the old man could get a word in, Sesshomaru interrupted.
"Hiroto is here to tattoo me, Rin."
Rin's eyes widened in shock.
"Tattoo you? Why?"
Sesshomaru looked to Hiroto and then extended his arm in the direction of a room. A moment later they proceeded to walk away. Rin was still stunned and standing in the middle of the staircase with her question unanswered. After a moment of shock, she quickly descended the stairs and followed after Sesshomaru. When she reached the room Sesshomaru was sitting down and taking his armor and kimono off. Rin looked to Hiroto and bowed and then shifted her focus to Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru brought his gaze up to Rin.
"Hiroto, may I have a moment with my wife?"
My wife. Hearing Sesshomaru call her that still caught her off guard, but she liked it. Even now, as he kept her guessing as to what he was doing, he could totally dismantle her with saying those words. Hiroto's wrinkled faced smiled at the Lord and the old man quietly exited the room. Rin stood there in absolute stillness until the door closed behind her.
"What's going on, Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru continued to disrobe.
"It's good you are here, since it is your mark."
Rin's eyebrows knit together. What? Give me a straight answer!
"Sesshomar—"
"Rin."
Rin's voiced halted. Sesshomaru's tone sounded so serious.
"You have taken my mark. Now I will take yours."
Sesshomaru watched as Rin processed the statement.
"That was our agreement, that night, was it not? I intend to keep my word."
Rin thought back to the night he was referencing. That night in forest…
"You don't have to do thi—"
"I want to do this, Rin", Sesshomaru interrupted.
He stood from his seat, his upper body unclothed and bare. Sesshomaru walked over to Rin and brought his hands to her torso.
"We are our own clan. You bear the Taisho mark, now I want to bear your mark. Let Hiroto give me the markings you chose for yourself, so they can become ours. Rin…I will wear it proudly."
Rin looked up to him with a gentle smile on her face and tears in her eyes.
"Sesshomaru…how is it you do this?"
Sesshomaru's eyebrows knit together as he looked down at her.
"Do what?"
Rin's fragile smile widened.
"How do you manage to turn my frustration into more love for you? How do you get to the heart of me so easily?"
Sesshomaru let a gentle smile spread across his face. Rin's happiness was his own happiness. This was something this demon Lord had never truly known…the power of your happiness being in another. Seeing Rin smile even in the midst of this dangerous time gave Sesshomaru more peace than anything else could. He drew her in close to him and held her tight for a moment. When he finally released her, he looked to the door.
"Hiroto, I am ready."
"Sesshomaru!" Rin screamed at the top of her lungs.
She was running as fast as she could, but no matter how fast her feet moved, it didn't feel quick enough. All Rin could see was Sesshomaru in the distance, facing the Baron of the East. He hadn't told her he was doing so, and had it not been for Sesshomaru's mother Rin wouldn't have known until it was too late. But Rin couldn't think about that now, she could only focus on getting to Sesshomaru.
When Rin was within fifty feet of the two demon Lords, Sesshomaru looked back over his shoulder and signaled Rin to stop. The look in his eyes sent chills rippling over Rin's body. Rin froze in her tracks. All she could see was the Baron's mouth moving, but she couldn't make out the words. Rin's heart was beating rapidly, and her breath was evading her. Rin, breathe! Focus! Finally the Baron's lips ceased movement, and Sesshomaru nodded his head in a sign of agreement. Not a moment later, Sesshomaru was suddenly by Rin's side. Before Rin could even say a word, Sesshomaru had swept her up in his arms and was gliding over the ground. When Rin's eyes opened they were in their chambers and Sesshomaru was setting her down on their bed. Rin's eyebrows knit together and her eyes flared as she looked up at Sesshomaru.
"What is—"
Sesshomaru suddenly pressed his lips against hers cutting her questioning off. Rin knew something was wrong. She kept her eyes open, staring at the demon kissing her. His eyes were softly closed and his face peacefully calm. Finally he drew his lips from hers and took a knee in front of her, holding her hands in his.
"Sesshoma—"
"Rin", he interrupted.
"I know I told you that I if you accepted me as your mate that I would accept your terms…"
Sesshomaru's eyes lifted from her hands to Rin's worried eyes.
"But I made a promise that I had no intention of keeping, and I must ask that you forgive me, now."
The blood in Rin's face began to disappear. Rin tried to pull her hands away from Sesshomaru's, but he clenched his claws tighter to hold them there.
"Rin, please listen to me…"
Rin felt tears welling in her eyes, this felt all too familiar. This felt like a goodbye.
"Rin, I failed you when I left you all those years ago…I chose my pride and kingdom at the cost of your life and well-being. I can never forgive myself for letting you pay the price. And I swore to myself that I would never let anything hurt you again if I could stop it. And so I must ask you to forgive me now for breaking my promise to you. I cannot watch harm come to you Rin, even if you welcome it. I cannot bear to see you lose anymore because me. One day I hope you can forgive me for all the hurt I brought to you. I hope that you'll be able to forgive me for leaving you one last time."
Before Rin had a chance to say a word, Sesshomaru's lips pressed against hers. Rin tried to open her mouth to speak and as she did so, Sesshomaru was suddenly gone. The warmth of his hands lingered on hers; her panicked eyes scanned the room frantically only to find she was the only one there. Rin jumped off the bed and ran out the door calling Sesshomaru's name. When she finally reached the public quarters, she could see Lady Taisho standing by the front door.
"Lady Taisho! Where is Sesshomaru?"
The Lady turned around and faced her son's mate.
"He's gone, Rin."
Rin ran towards the Lady and grabbed her by the arms.
"Tell me where he's gone! NOW!"
The Lady looked away from Rin, her face covered in grief.
"I cannot tell you, Rin…it was his last request."
Rin dug her fingers into Lady Taisho's arms. She would use force if it called for it.
"Tell me!"
"Rin! Stop that!"
Rin's head turned to the voice chastising her. Her eyes landed on the little green imp standing behind her.
"Rin, Lord Sesshomaru has chosen this, and your safety is our command. Do not threaten Lady Taisho for following Milord's wishes!"
Rin's hands released Lady Taisho. She turned towards Jaken and drew her blade. Jaken squeaked in surprise and jumped back.
"Rin! What do you think you're doing?" the little imp yelped.
Rin looked at him and Lady Taisho.
"I must be at Sesshomaru's side. He cannot fight without me!"
"Rin, you must calm dow—"
"No! You don't understand! Sesshomaru cannot leave me now!"
Rin brought the blade to her own throat.
"I will force your hand! You can fulfill your promise to Sesshomaru and break it at the same time. Tell me where he's gone or I will end my own life, here and now."
Jaken's eyes widened in shock, his mouth dropping open. His eyes quickly shifted to Lady Taisho.
"Rin, stop." Lady Taisho's voice was low and calm.
Rin looked to the Lady.
"They're in the forest several miles east from here."
"They?"
"Sesshomaru and the Baron of the East...they will end this."
Rin suddenly sheathed the Daisuke and headed towards the door.
"What will you do, Rin?" Lady Taisho asked.
Rin looked back over her shoulder.
"Protect what is mine."
A tear slipped down Lady Taisho's cheek, her head dropped low.
"God's speed, Rin."
A/N: It's. About. To. Go. Down. lol :3 Did you guys enjoy the cutesy scene with Sesshomaru/Hiroto/Rin as much as I did? I've been dreaming that up ever since I revealed that Rin had tattoos ^_^ Finally got to write it in! Well, I hope you enjoyed! And I hope you are all well! Happy reading and writing, friends ;)
Frida
p.s.
Shoutout to Marie Plant for reminding me to post! Thanks for the motivation! ;)