Chapter 13

AN: Longest chapter so far. Heavy T-rated.

As soon as they saw her open the door to greet them, the men ran up and started explaining their motive for visiting immediately.

Rin listened carefully as they told her about traveling from the North, getting lost in the forest, and then finally reaching her "mighty castle" after a few locals pointed the way. The man in the elaborate clothing, Rin learned, was actually next in line to be the head samurai of all Japan, and he explained to her while showcasing his wealth, he was in search of Princess Rin of the West.

"Well I'm Rin, but not the royal seat of the West nor a princess at all for that matter," she confessed, leaning against the half-opened door.

The men exchanged a few glances as the handsome man frowned.

"My lady, certainly you are the wealthiest person I've encountered in this village, thus making you royalty. Your home is far too large to be for a mere peasant."

"And there hasn't been a dwelling as beautiful as yours since we left home. This is an aristocratic home," a soldier added.

Welp, it was made in Lord Sesshomaru's taste, so.

"I see your point," Rin shrugged, "Even so, I can't help you if you're looking for someone with power. In this village, the one that is sovereign is our headmaster—"

"No, no," the handsome man interrupted, "You see, it's just you I would to speak with. May we come in?"

The maiden shifted her weight around, counting five men in total. Behind them, she immediately recognized the flags they carried as some she saw at Taro's base camp.

Being our ally, I'm sure I can spare some time.

Rin gestured them to come inside her home and quickly fixed them tea. Her hospitality was greatly appreciated and while most of the men remained standing, only the handsome man and a brown-haired soldier sat down by the table. She sat across from them as both looked pleased with her presence.

Smoothing his fine silky robes, the handsome man spoke. "I am Lord Nijou of the North and this is General Sanjo," he said gesturing to the soldier beside him, "general of my troops."

The beauty bowed. "An honor, gentlemen."

Nijou gave her a soft smile while Sanjo kept his tight-lipped scowl in place. "As already explained, we've been looking for you ever since we heard of you, Lady Rin. Because our home is so war-ravaged, we're counting on you to help us."

"What can a little lady like I do?" she blinked.

"To give you some background," Sanjo spoke this time, "it started when we first entered war. You see, things were always brewing in the North, so we tried to form an alliance with the demons among us but that only angered the other clan there. Fighting began against the clan but also against the demons when they turned their backs on us," he grimaced.

"Two opponents," Rin nodded, following along. She knew bits and pieces of the Northern conflict thanks to meetings with the headmaster.

"Exactly. Kami favored our men in the beginning of the war, but some events led to us losing many men,"—Rin's mind wondered to the landslide—, "and now we've found ourselves on the losing end. Recently, we haven't had much fighting going on, but we've noticed your village men become completely ill," Sanjo said stroking his beard.

Rin leaned forward a bit, unable to hide the concern from her face.

"And yet," Nijou continued after a sip of tea, "your village men became less and less of a worry for us since we've been dealing with a very tragic loss."

"What happened?" Rin asked, her voice filled with worry.

"Our general was killed."

Ugh, I can't imagine what it did to the villagers' minds if they witnessed him die in action.

"War takes the best of us. I pray the men recover quickly after losing such a vital piece of the puzzle," she frowned sadly.

Nijou nodded. "It's been very difficult since we lost him. One moment he was happy and drinking since his friends came to visit, and then the following night, he was dead."

Rin snapped her head up in his direction. "Come again?"

"Well, after his friends made their departure, he went for a walk and ended up dead," Sanjo scoffed, his deep voice filled with anger. "We think his assassin was able to overpower him due to the fact that he was drunk."

Rin felt her heart skip a beat.

Holy shit. Taro.

A rush of pain hit her chest as she felt her heart pounding.

I really did kill him.

All this time, how I wanted to believe it was someone else…

She could feel the tears forming, but since she was in the presence of men she didn't know, Rin causally pulled out her handkerchief and patted her face gently.

"Truly," she said shakily, "that was a very tragic loss indeed."

"Yes, our men haven't been able to recover from it, but Sanjo here is trying very hard to turn this campaign into our hands," Nijou said cheerfully.

Rin turned her gaze to him, meeting Sanjo's stern face. Though he wasn't a handsome man, she could tell that in his youth he probably was. It looked like he had been in many campaigns before due to the scars on his face and neck and he looked so tired, completely the opposite from Nijou, who was young and handsome, full of life.

"And how long do you think the war will last, Lord Nijou?" she asked, looking back at him.

"About a year or so if we avoid major casualties," he shrugged.

Rin furrowed her brows at his words. "If my fellow villagers are growing ill, then prolonging the war isn't profitable at all They'll die from the cold before spring comes."

Sanjo appeared interested at her words, and he folded his arms while speaking. "Lady Rin, if you so value your men, help us send them home."

As much as she wanted to eagerly nod, she noticed the mischievous twinkle in Nijou's dark eyes.

Are they planning something else? Rin sipped some of her tea, averting her gaze to eye the standing soldiers.

Unlike Sanjo but more like Nijou, they looked young, all with dark hair in various lengths and beaming soft smiles at her. One of the men had a handsome birthmark on his face, instantly reminding her of Taro again.

How sad will it be when the men return victorious, but no young master in sight, she sighed.

Suddenly, a switch went off in her head.

"Has the general been buried already?" The least I can do is bury him after k-killing, she gulped, him.

"No, my lady," Sanjo frowned, clearly because she was still asking on the subject of the general. "Because there was only one soldier who found the body, he had to go retrieve more men at the base, which was a great distance away. By the time they returned to the wooded area, the general was gone."

Rin felt the wind knocked out of her as she stared at him blankly. "W-What do you mean, Sanjo?" she asked, trying to keep her composure.

"As if he had walked away, my lady."

Her eyes widened at words. There's just no freaking way he survived.

She pictured the scene, remembering how she forced the sword into his bicep and through the ground, how she heard him choking on his own blood, how she saw his eyes roll into the back of his head through the only visible part of the helmet while she was leaning against a tree, panting after the struggle.

I killed him. I know I did.

"If you were hoping to bury the man," Nijou began as if reading her earlier thoughts, "you're going to have to forget about it. Men die at war, it's just a reality we face. But those that remain alive, we want to keep them alive. I'm sure you agree on that," he smiled.

He's right I guess. Losing one is better than losing the forty the headmaster sent.

Rin mentally collected herself, breathing heavily through her nose. "I understand, Lord Nijou. I do pray for the men to return."

"So send them back," Sanjo suggested.

"The headmaster calls the shots," she admitted.

Nijou frowned at this. "Lady Rin, I think you know good enough to know I cannot face the headmaster so freely," he said, arching a brow. "If I wanted to negotiate with him, I wouldn't be sitting here in front of you."

Oh yeah. How could he tell him his own son is dead?

"So," he continued, "when word got to me that a fair maiden—not just any maiden—had visited my lands, I was a little interested, but as soon as I heard it was from this village, I was concerned. After all, why would you leave your home, which is so far, for the snowy mountains?"

Rin bit the inside of her cheeks, not wanting to expose herself to them.

"I came to the conclusion that you came to check the wellbeing of your men," Nijou smiled. "It impressed me so much because it meant you were a woman concerned for your men but now that I know you don't hold a title, it really impresses me."

"Ah, yes," Rin awkwardly tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, "I kinda see your point."

"So I thought to myself, 'if she worries for her people and I for mine, couldn't we just unite our men in war to end the conflict?' When men see a strong union leading them, they're bound to fight fervently or even cease fighting if directed so," he said arching his brow.

Hmm, so I was right in the beginning, Rin stared back, he's a lord seeking marriage.

"A political marriage," Sanjo confirmed her thoughts, "one that will unite the North and West under Lord Nijou. This would also assure his ascension to the throne, making the children you produce royal blood for generations to come."

"While I'm flattered, I'm going to have to decline," she said straightforwardly. She could already see the annoyed looks bursting forth but she continued anyway. "My sovereign is over my marriage decisions and he hasn't found anyone to his taste."

She wasn't lying technically, but she didn't want to bust Sesshomaru's name aloud and declare her love for him and have them cause a scene.

Nijou chuckled, obviously not liking her response. "My lady, surely you don't understand too well. Should our marriage be presented to the men, all fighting will stop. They need a union formed between our lands. Your men will," he emphasized, "come home alive."

Rin fold her hands in her sleeves, smiling in a non-condescending way. "I completely understand, Lord Nijou, but as stated, I just cannot marry unless my own lord commands—"

"Lord Nijou," Sanjo interrupted pissed, palm raised in her direction, "why must we waste time with this insolent woman? This union would have formed if we would have just talked to her sovereign head. Women don't know anything about war or politics."

The fuck, she shot him glare even though Sanjo's attention was on his lord. Looks like the general is showing his true colors.

Nijou caressed his chin a bit, thinking as he looked at Rin. Whatever pleasant attitude he had earlier was also fading away, and Rin could sense it right off the bat.

"Now that I think about it, Lady Rin," he directed his words at her, "where is your lord? You seem to be living alone."

"I live with the high priestess of the village," Rin answered without skipping a beat, "she'll be here any minute for lunch actually."

"Another woman," Sanjo scowled. "Stop wasting our damn time. I'm sure the lord you serve is not even in consideration for shogunate. Any right-minded man would offer his daughter to my lord. Fetch him immediately, and that's an order," he barked.

Rin remained unmoved, hands still in sleeves. "I fear my lord is surveying his own lands that he won in battle," she stated matter-of-factly. "You know, because he wins his own fights without compromises, or even," she smiled smugly at Sanjo, "a general."

That really pissed him off.

His hard dark eyes stared angrily at her as he gritted his teeth. Causally running her fingers over the bindings over her wrists, Rin mentally thanked Sango for arming her with discreet weapons. "So you can kick Kohaku's ass when you see him," Sango had joked.

Now she was about to kick bitchass Sanjo's ass.

"Listen here fuckin—"

"General Sanjo," Nijou said calmly, placing his hand on his shoulder, "simmer down, my good man. We must keep tension here relevantly low between the three of us," he turned his attention to Rin, and she noticed him forcing a smile this time.

"I'll stay here until your lord returns," Lord Nijou declared.

I think the fuck not.

"Actually," Rin flashed him a fake smile, "I believe that will increase the tension between the three of us," she said, using his words, "so instead of staying, I'll notify him of your arrival and have him fetch for you if he so finds your proposal acceptable."

Nijou narrowed his eyes at her as his calm mask came apart. "Are you telling me I am to return home empty-handed?" he scowled, voice raising in volume.

The soldiers behind him straightened the moment Nijou stood to look down at Rin, and not being the one to fuck with, Rin stood up as well, Sanjo shooting up behind her lead.

Okay, now I'm about to kick Lord Nijou's ass too.

She continued to hold her hands in her sleeves, waiting to activate the blades in the bindings if they lunged at her.

I am not the helpless maiden these men think I am.

She could feel Sanjo's calculating eyes on her as Nijou glared at her and she back at him, all meanwhile the soldiers in the back shot nervous glances at one another. All was there to do was wait for someone to make the first move for hell to break loose.

Instead, and much to Rin's confusion, Nijou began laughing.

"Oh, Lady Rin," he laughed, clutching his stomach, "how you jeopardize the wellbeing of your men so freely! You must think you really are royalty!" Nijou wiped a tear from his eye, turning over to Sanjo this time. "General, let's not waste anymore time in such a pathetic village. We have a war to win," he ended coldly.

Yes, begone douche lord, Rin stood there silently as Sanjo began telling the men to gather the horses and go outside. He whispered a word or two to Nijou and then headed out himself, leaving just Rin and Nijou alone.

Where she once found him good-looking, she now found a rotten, spoiled man.

No amount of gold or silk could turn you into an honorable person, she frowned while he blankly stared at her.

"I must confess Lady Rin," Nijou spoke with a mock grin, "my intention was to make you my bride. The moment I saw you, I knew I needed such a beauty to produce an heir," he walked over to her as she remained still, towering over her as if to be intimidating. "But the next time we meet, your village will be mine and your lord will be begging me to take your as my woman," he sneered.

Rin glared at him as he walked around her. "It's nice you finally cut to the chase and told me your real intentions of stopping by. I should have known you didn't care for my fellow village men at all."

"Those bastards?" Nijou spat, "I'll have them all drop dead—I'll execute them mys—!"

Rin slapped the crap out of him, making him stumble a bit before he finally caught his footing, holding his cheek.

"Get the hell out of my home," she snarled, stomping to the main door and slamming it open. "Get the hell out!"

Nijou watched her as he walked out holding his swollen cheek. Rin stood proud at the door as Sanjo helped him unto his horse, the former then mounting his horse to lead the men out.

"As a reward," Nijou shouted as his horse jogged close to the steps, "the heads of the opposing lord and general's will be delivered to you when I win this war. And when that time comes, I'll make you my whore," he threatened darkly.

"Fuck you," Rin said, flicking him off.

Nijou laughed, rubbing his cheek as his horse jogged back to his men.

Sanjo spat in her direction before leading the men out opposite of the main village and Rin slammed her door, making sure it was locked before returning to the mats on the floor.

It was there she noticed her hands shaking uncontrollably.

— — —

"I heard you were praying all afternoon at the temple," Kaede said amused between bites.

Rin nodded slowly, keeping her eyes on her salmon.

"Miroku told me you appeared to be under great distress and that you wouldn't stop crying," she continued, "and that you even shared some things with him. It's okay if you don't want to tell me, but I just want to make sure everything is alright."

There was no way in hell she was going to tell Kaede, the woman who reports to the headmaster, about what the Northerners said.

Shit, I didn't even tell the honorable monk everything.

The young maiden sighed. "It's just that some guys came to the village and wanted me to marry the lord. They were so rude," she said, picking up a piece of fish to eat.

"I guess you didn't take the offer," Kaede laugh lightly as Rin shook her head while eating. "Considering you and Lord Sesshomaru are close, it wouldn't even be ideal anyways."

"Not all. I truly love him," she confessed to the priestess, "I have no eyes for anyone else."

"And it appears as if he is the same. Perhaps Lord Sesshomaru inherited his love for a moral woman from his father too," she grinned, sipping her drink.

"Maybe so," she wanted to change the topic so she asked, "Are we going to the headmaster's tomorrow, my lady?"

"Yes. Do you have any plans afterwards?"

"I was thinking about going to a sewing circle with Sayo," Rin said, finishing her rice, "and unless Lord Sesshomaru visits, I'll be going down to the river to collect more water for us."

"The water is frozen, child," Kaede warned, pointing her chopsticks at her, "There will be very little gathered."

"I'm just trying to keep busy since I can't treat the sick anymore," she pouted.

Kaede seemed unfazed as she finished her food, stacking her plates and standing up from the table. "Just stray from trouble, Rin. I can't bear to have you ill again."

Rin bowed and gathered the remaining plates while Kaede dismissed herself for bed. Ugh, my lady is going to bed so early tonight and I have nothing else to do, she frowned, washing the dishes.

Perhaps I could go pray some more.

Rin dried her hands on a towel and walked over to knock softly on Kaede's door, and once the priestess opened up, Rin bowed deeply to her.

"I hope it's alright with you if I go to the temple right now. Won't be long," she said.

"Miroku's home, child. No one will be at the temple."

"Yes, I know," Rin straighten up, looking down at her, "It's just that I really want the gods to answer my prayers."

Kaede examined her for a few, narrowing her eyes. "Say Rin, what all occurred?"

"Just the marriage proposal my lady," she answered quickly. Lady Kaede doesn't even know all the details of what happened in the North, so telling her what those men said will set her off completely.

"Well," the priestess said sternly, "I'd rather you not. Stay home tonight. You can go there after we report to the headmaster."

"Yes ma'am," Rin replied weakly, mopping to her dressing room. She hardly asked for anything, but honestly, getting rejected sucked.

While Kaede's loud snores shook the house, Rin quietly slipped on her sandals and jumped off the open walkway.

I honestly need to make sure kami heard my pleads. The village men are in great danger.

She rarely walked around the land of the walkway, so when the horses saw her, they began panicking a little. Rin's eyes widened and she ran to them, soothing them with her voice.

"Come on now," she scolded the two, "I'll be right back." Once satisfied, Rin continued to walk the length of her home until she got to the front and headed on the path that lead to the main village. The snowfall had been constant for a few days and it gave the village a beautiful glow as the candlesticks outside the huts reflected against it.

It was late enough that she couldn't hear any families making noises, only the faint cries of babies here and there.

Lady Kagome might be out here, Rin looked about as she quickly ran up the temple steps, so I really should avoid her or else she'll tell Lady Kaede on me.

Luckily, the temple was lonely when Rin finally entered it, and she sighed as she got on her knees in front of the burning incense.

Kami, she prayed, I know you're growing tired of me, but please hear me. My mouth gets me in so much trouble when I can't make peace with my suitors. Honestly, I just don't get along with suitors that come forth, she grimaced, but please, look after the village men. Bring them home safely. Give them the victory they so desire. And wherever Taro may be, protect him even if he was turned into a demon.

She could feel her heart at ease once she prayed that, and continued.

Look after Kohaku and his new wife, Takako. And Sayo and her husband, Nakamoro. And especially after Lord Sesshomaru. Though I know he's a demon and maybe I shouldn't pray about him to a god, she grinned foolishly, help him open his heart more so that we can always be as happy as we are now. Thanks for listening, kami.

She straightened back up, feeling much better, and made her way out the temple and down the steps.

She decided, since the prayer hadn't taken that long, she would gather the water she needed tonight instead of the following day.

Rin quietly made her way back home and gathered the buckets near the horses, cautiously entering the wooded area that lead to the river.

Damnit, I should have gotten a candle, she thought, looking at the dark path. Either way, she heard the moving waters and continued in direction of it.

"Gimme a kiss," she heard beside her.

Rin stopped, tensing up.

Who the—

A giggle or two answered for her instead. "I can't. I need to get home, and so do you."

Where are those voices coming from? She looked all around her, squatting down in case someone found her. She could see beyond the trees someone dancing about, dressed in red, as if running from the other person who was dressed in white. Rin pushed a few branches down to get a better look and she gasped when she saw Kagome, topless, running from a man not her husband.

Oh my God.

The man finally got her, picking her up and pressing her against a tree. "A kiss," he demanded, all while his white sleeping kosode rode up. Kagome acted as if she was annoyed but kissed him anyway as she ran her hands through his dark hair.

"We shouldn't do this here," Rin could hear her whisper. "We might get caught and become gossip for the town."

He continued kissing her, and Rin saw him undoing the ties of her hakama. She blushed, knowing what they were up.

"I don't care at all. I need you now," he growled, pressing more against her. Kagome moaned clutching onto him while Rin covered her mouth to muffle her own scream.

Oh my God, am I really witnessing Lady Kagome have sex with another man?!

"Inuyasha," she moaned louder and Rin darted her eyes toward the absent moon in the sky.

Oh, it's the new moon.

She'd seen him as a human frequently, but to say she ever saw him black-haired in public was a lie.

He must've been impatient while Lady Kagome finished her nightly routine, she sighed in relief.

Still, she peeked over at them, wishing she hadn't when she saw what position they were in.

Oh my God, am I really witnessing Lady Kagome have sex with Lord Inuyasha?!

Rin rapidly collected her empty buckets and headed back home as quietly as she could.

This is what I get for being impatient too, she placed her hand on her hot cheek, tossing the buckets to the side of her home.

I'll just get water tomorrow.

— — —

"Princess Rin," the headmaster addressed as she snapped out of her boredom, "I was told by a few villagers you had a few guests over. Would you elaborate?"

Rin wasn't sure if it was a question or command, and she glanced over at Kaede before turning to him.

"They were suitors seeking a bride," Rin answered. Kaede nodded her head as the headmaster folded his arms.

"I was told they carried Northern flags. Why didn't you direct them to me?"

"I tried to," Rin said, "but they insisted on speaking with me about marriage. I didn't even know they were from the North until now," she lied.

The headmaster stroked his chin, turning his attention back to the priestess. "You know, Lady Kaede, I haven't received any word from my son lately or any of the men for that matter. It's beginning to worry me and makes me question if I made the right decision in sending him to foreign land."

"Headmaster," Kaede shook her head, "none of this land is foreign at all…," she continued speaking to him while Rin kept her eyes on her hands.

Holy crap, maybe Lord Nijou already got to them huh. She was worried greatly too.

"…they could be so occupied with war and barely have time to write. Perhaps even the good lord they're fighting for has joined them too and can't keep you updated," Kaede suggested.

Lord Nijou fight at their side? As if.

Nevertheless, Rin agreed eagerly at her words while the headmaster stroked his chin, glancing at her in the corner of his eye.

— — —

At the end of the report, the women left and parted ways, Rin heading to retrieve water from the river.

She whistled happily while walking down the same path she had last night, averting her gaze when she came across the trees she saw Kagome and Inuyasha at, and then running when she found the river.

"Oh no," Rin groaned, tapping on the frozen sheet, "I can't get any water from this!" She sat at the riverbed, looking defeated as hell before realizing Sayo's hut was nearby and that her friend had an ice pick.

Gathering the buckets, she walked up in direction of the hut, smoothing her silky kimono once she was at the bamboo mat.

"Hey Sayo?" she called, lifting up the mat. A blurred hand suddenly slapped the mat on her face and she stumbled back a bit in shock.

"Uhh—?" Rin stood there, unsure if she should try again. Before she stepped away, she heard some shuffling and saw Sayo poking her head out from her home.

"Sorry Lady Rin, truly I am," she said, eyes widening. "You didn't see anything, did you?"

"Um, no?"

Sayo sighed in relief. "Good. Were you looking for something?"

"Well, just wanted to borrow your ice pick," Rin said shyly. I wonder what's going on…

Sayo tilted her head to the side, saying, "It's by the horse's station, go ahead and get it."

Rin hesitated a bit, giving her a curious look. "Sayo, what are you up to?"

"Well," she gulped, "I-I'm—ugh, I'll just tell you when I see you at the sewing circle tonight!" she shooed Rin away.

Not wanting to disturb her any more than she had, Rin thanked her and hurried off to fetch what she needed.

— — —

After collecting a bunch of ice, Rin headed back home with the loaded buckets, struggling to carry them without stopping every few.

When she made a bend in the busy section of the village, three men quickly ran to her side and grabbed the buckets in order to help her. Rin thanked them while she only carried the pick and a bucket.

"Anything for our princess," one said.

"We wouldn't want your hands becoming labored like some commoner," another added.

"Oh no," Rin smiled pleasantly, "you have it all wrong, gentlemen. I'm one of y'all."

The men chuckled as they stopped in front of the steps to her home, settling the buckets down.

"With all due respect my lady," one of the men said politely, "we appreciate you wanting to fit in with us, but for a really long time now, we've never seen you as one of us. You wear different clothing then we do and live much different from us. But we highly respect you and that's why we consider you our princess."

Rin forced a smile on her face, thanking them as they left.

If even my own neighbors, who watched me grow up from nothing, think I'm royalty now, I guess I should just start accepting.

Once she put the buckets inside, Rin walked back to Sayo's with ice pick in hand.

No way in hell I'm entering her hut again.

When the hut came into view, she saw that there still wasn't a horse tied up, but coming closer, she heard Nakamoro greeting her from behind.

"Well hello, sir," she greeted back.

"Returning the pick?" he asked, as he jumped off his horse and tied him up. Rin noticed him wearing the shawl she had gifted Sayo as he smiled at her.

"Yeah, actually. Thank you," she bowed. Nakamoro bowed in return and hurriedly dismissed himself to enter his home.

I guess he knew Sayo was expecting him, she shrugged.

As she walked from the hut, she could hear Nakamoro whistle loudly, "Holy shit, that's my wife?!" and Sayo's nervous giggle.

Okay, I'm glad I'm not sticking around, she thought, walking away faster.

— — —

"Princess Rin! What an honor it is for you to join us!" a maiden shouted in delight as Rin entered the room. Sixteen other young maidens her age looked up, all staring at her in awe as she made her way through the circle to sit next to Sayo.

"Thank you for making space for me in your lovely home, Kume," Rin addressed the pretty maiden next to the one that had greeted her.

Kume only blushed and bowed deeply in her presence, returning to her sewing once Rin had turned her attention to Sayo.

"Before you start getting mad from earlier," Sayo rolled her eyes at Rin's cinnamon glare, "I'll let you know that my husband wasn't in town this week and I missed him terribly."

Rin took out the blue silk from her basket, already getting thread and needle in place. "I'm only bitter that you shooed me away like I was bothering you," she pouted.

"Well, technically you were," Sayo shrugged as Rin gasped. "Oh my God, don't be dramatic, Lady Rin!"

"Well, what were you up to?" she whispered, recalling the bamboo mat slapping her face.

"I-I-I," Sayo's face turned bright red and she covered her face with fabric she was working on.

"Tell me," Rin said, casually looking around to see if any of the girls were eavesdropping. Everyone seemed occupied in conversation, so she turned her attention back to her.

"I was getting sexy for my husband," Sayo whispered at a level that had Rin's ear straining.

The beauty smiled in approval, loving the fact that her best friend's marriage was a great one. "No wonder I could hear Nakamoro's eyes pop out," she teased, earning a shovel from Sayo.

"Leave me alone," she pouted as she began sewing her work again.

"It feels like everyone's in that mood," Rin sighed, "because you're not the only I caught." Sayo flashed her a questioning look and Rin sighed again. "Well, last night I wanted to get water, but on my way, I saw Lady Kagome and Lord Inuyasha," Rin whispered as Sayo came closer to her, "going at it."

"Blame it on the weather and long trips, Lady Rin," she whispered back, still sewing. "With all the snow we've gotten lately, I promise you we'll have at least eight babies come fall."

"Should I count you in on that number?" Rin beamed. Sayo laughed lightly, shaking her head.

"I wouldn't know yet! Check me in a few months, kay?"

Rin smiled happily and went back to sewing. They remained quiet, listening in on the other conversations around them.

"He grabbed me by the waist and devoured me in the forest…" one maiden whispered while others gasped.

"….I'm just waiting on Iekatsu to come back from war and claim me as his wife. I'm dying to feel his hands all over me…"

"…my beloved ran his hands on my breasts today and goodness was it something else…"

"…we did it in his hut today when no one was around…"

Holy shit, so everyone's in the mood? Rin frowned.

"Kami, I didn't know everyone was so… promiscuous," she said, biting her lip.

"Oh Lady Rin, I'm sure even you have some juice story with a man you've liked."

Rin stared blankly at her. "To be quite honest, the most I've ever done is kiss," she confessed.

"Not that I assumed anything, but really?" Sayo asked bewildered.

"I've always wanted to bring honor to Lady Kaede in that aspect," she blushed.

Before when she used to dream about getting married, she knew she wanted to do everything right before the eyes of the gods and the woman who raised her. So of course, she was kinda shocked listening to women around her express other things.

"Hmm, I don't doubt that at all. After all, Lord Sesshomaru is a very honorable man—er, demon, so I didn't really think he'd cross a boundary with you."

"Did you do anything before getting married?" Rin asked shyly.

Sayo laughed quietly, nodding her head. "Before our engagement, we snuck out of the village for a few hours during the harvest," she confessed, "but it was more like a 'I'll show you mine, if you show me yours' type of thing."

Whoa, even Sayo, the girl I regarded too good to stoop down to a commoner's level.

"Tell me," Rin said, keeping her eyes focused on her work, "do all couples do something before marriage?"

"Heavens no, my lady. If you go all the way though, you're regarded a whore. But honestly, it's probably only us poor folk who do anything," she giggled. "I can't ever imagine someone of your stature do anything like that. Royalty—well, very wealthy people in your case—could never bear to have their name tarnished by some tryst."

Right, Rin nodded. She wasn't like them, as the villagers had told her.

She was different.

In some ways, she was a more valuable woman than those among her.

And maybe that's why I'm so sought after.

She wasn't sure if that was good or bad.

— — —

"What are you working on, my lady?" a maiden asked Rin as passed her some tea.

"Just a kosode for little Hisashi," she smiled, graciously accepting the drink. The maiden admired the work for a bit before walking off. Kume, the daughter of the home they were in, came up to her and sat on an empty mat next to Rin.

"I just want to thank you again for joining us," she said, sweet smile in place. "We missed your presence during our last few sessions, but we know it's because you were recovering and then doing work around the village."

"Ah yes, well now I won't being doing much work around the village, so now I'll be joining you guys more often. Where's the next circle going to be held?"

"I believe it'll be at Lady Sayo's."

"Oh, my favorite," she grinned, turning to Sayo who was placing her materials in her basket and stood up.

"Kume, thanks for hosting the circle and letting me, a married woman, still come," she bowed.

"Oh," Kume waved her hand about, "we're all around the same age here! I can't imagine you trying to figure out what those old women speak of," they laughed.

"I'll be telling Lady Sango you're calling her old!" Sayo giggled. She then dismissed herself, informing them she needed to make a late supper for her husband.

Oh crap, that reminds me.

"I should also be heading out," Rin said as she folded the kosode, "I was supposed to go pray today at the temple, but since it's late, I'll just go visit the monk at his hut before he falls asleep."

"I understand," Kume nodded as Rin waved the rest of the girls goodbye. She lead her out of her small hut and to the bamboo mat. Rin was about to say her goodbyes to her too before she noticed Kume fidgeting nervously.

"Is everything alright?" Rin questioned.

"W-Well, yes, my l-lady," she nodded, lowering her eyes to ground. "I just want to ask you a question."

"Go ahead."

"Um, I know you have many suitors, some even great lords, but I wanted to know if-if-if," she sighed heavily, "if you had accepted anyone's yet, especially one from this village."

Rin shook her head, brows knitted. "No," she answered plainly. What's with her? "Is there a specific reason why you'd like to know?" She knew Kume had two older brothers fighting in the North and she was unsure if she was trying to set her up.

The pretty maiden smiled bashfully. "I heard a rumor that young master Taro was interested in you, but you see Lady Rin," she blushed, "I've been so in love with him since we were all taught how to read by Lady Kagome years ago," she confessed.

As much as Rin wanted to jump up and down for her, her heart broke knowing Taro was dead.

"I see," Rin swallowed hard, "I'm sure he'll noticed you when you return. But if he doesn't," she warned, averting her cinnamon stare, "look for other suitors. You're a sweet girl, Kume."

The maiden bowed a few times, thanking her again before finally letting Rin go.

Ugh, kami, why must you remind me of him everywhere I go?

She gritted her teeth while walking down the busy section of the village, heading to the small hill where Sango and Miroku's hut sat. She immediately noticed the absence of little Komori running to embrace her and the twins playing outside.

Maybe no one's home? Rin pondered. She knocked on the wooden door a few times, shifting about when she noticed no one was going to open the door.

Okay, maybe I'll leave—

Miroku slid the door open, happily greeting her. "Oh hi Rin," he laughed out of breath, "could I help you with something?"

She automatically noticed the only clothing he wore was a hakama with a messy knot on it and how his hair, which was usually held up, flowed down freely to his shoulders.

He looked as if he was caught in the act.

Another couple going at it, she groaned internally.

"I actually wanted some prayer guidance, but I know it's not the best time right now," she said, backing away from the door.

"Oh, haha," Miroku chuckled, "no, not really. Come visit me at the temple tomorrow, okay?"

Rin nodded, walking away.

From Kume to Miroku, everyone's wanting it.

— — —

Am I ever going to want it?

After eating dinner with Kaede, Rin took a warm bath and was now drying off in her dressing room, examining her body on her handheld looking glass.

It wasn't hard to see why men always wanted her. She was curvy with a small waist, her breast large, but not overwhelming, her booty lifted and firm. Personally, Rin loved how her body looked in a fine kimono, showcasing all those hidden curves only her eyes had seen.

And even so, would anyone else ever get to see her as she was right now?

Rin held the towel to her breasts, noticing the scar on her side.

Well, someone did get to see me, she blushed.

In order for Lord Sesshomaru to get to the stab, he had freed her from her clothing and then bathed her and had her skin smelling heavenly.

Had his eyes wondered about me like mine are? Rin pondered. Had he entered the tub with me or just washed me from outside? Either way, has he thought about me in any way?

Rin slipped on her sleeping kosode, tying it securely as picked up her comb to brush her hair.

It was true her lord had shown no outward interest in her figure, but…

Now that I think about, he doesn't like it when I use a suggestive voice. I didn't think much of it, but now…

Rin blushed.

But now, she kinda wanted to know what it was like to be like one of those girls in the sewing circle.

— — —

Sesshomaru ended up visiting the following evening, presenting a gift to her.

"Something for tonight," he said matter-of-factly.

Rin opened the box to find beautiful hair ornaments. "Oh, these are lovely!" she exclaimed. "Where are we going this late?"

Supper had already been eaten and Kaede had already fallen asleep in her room when Sesshomaru arrived.

"Somewhere for you and I," he answered softly.

Goosebumps ran up her arms, and she thanked kami she was in long-sleeves. This is the place that one note was referring to.

An evening for only you and I.

She couldn't help it when her mind raced to the night before. Would she be willing to be a little daring tonight? Something more than a kiss?

"I suggest you change," Sesshomaru said, snapping her out of her wild thoughts, "something very formal and elaborate."

Well, that got her attention.

He didn't usually pick her outfits like that.

"Um, let me go see what I have," Rin speed-walked to her dressing room, looking through all the kimonos she had.

She had many hundreds of beautiful kimonos, but for Sesshomaru to want her to look more than she usually did, it meant that he was taking her somewhere more than just Asa's or a wedding.

I need something that's going wow him. Rin scanned the kimonos, stopping when she found the one she knew he loved.

It was the same one she wore so many months ago, the one she wore when they first reunited. It fit like gloves with all the creamy flowers hugging her in all the right places as she fastened her pink, adamant-encrusted obi on. She checked to see if her makeup still looked good, and once satisfied, she slid her door to find Sesshomaru leaning on the opposite way.

He stared at her in awe as he had when he saw her that late summer day.

"How's this?" she asked, already knowing the answer.

"It's perfect," he replied. He handed her the ornaments and she quickly made an elegant updo with them intact.

"Okay, how about now?" she giggled happily.

Sesshomaru responded with a kiss.

— — —

Because Sesshomaru hadn't brought Ah-Un, Rin was cradled in his arms as they traveled in the skies. Most of the villages they past were dead asleep, and Rin felt herself knocking out too.

"Stay up, Rin," Sesshomaru said amused, "we're almost there."

She looked at him with a heavy-lidded gaze, noting the mirth his own eyes held.

— — —

When they finally landed, Rin knew for sure they weren't by human civilization.

The landscape was eerie, and the atmosphere had no odor to it, not even a hint of pine in the air.

Rin nervously walked behind Sesshomaru as he lead the way through an unmarked path in the forest, a path she figured was one he knew very well since he kept telling her to watch her step ahead of time.

"Where are we my lord?" she whispered, looking about. It was too dark to see anything and there wasn't a light nearby to signal a village.

"This is the place where west and east meet," he replied.

"Is there a particular reason why we're here?"

They hadn't traveled this far since Naraku's time.

"Just for a drink," Sesshomaru answered nonchalantly.

Rin tried her best to hide her disappointment from him. She surely thought he was taking her somewhere—Rin eyed the bones scattered through the snow—fancy.

"And I had to dress in my best for a drink?"

"If you're not thirsty, don't drink," he responded without turning to look at her. "I'll warn you, however, it's a once in a lifetime taste."

"Hmm."

Sesshomaru looked back at her, still looking amused as he had when they were in the skies, and he stopped after they took several steps down a hill.

"Beyond those trees," he spoke, "lies the place I've wanted to take you to."

Whatever annoyance Rin had disappeared quickly at his words. She pranced around on her tiptoes, trying to get a look behind his large frame.

"How about a hint?" she said as she placed her hands on his armor.

Sesshomaru gave her a soft gaze as his large hand covered hers. "It's my home."

"Oh my lord, how exciting! I didn't know you rested somewhere with walls!" she giggled, remembering how they always slept outside when they were after Naraku.

He continued to stare at her with soft honey eyes as Rin stopped her little giddy self.

Something's on his mind, she noticed.

"I don't ask for much," he said sternly, "but I would ask you to remain at my side at all times."

"Is your home dangerous?" she worried.

It took him a moment to answer, but he looked confident when he did. "No, not at all. However, there are certain people at the castle, so do not linger around them or else I'll have to kill them and replace the flooring," he frowned.

Rin frowned back. Sounds like the flooring is important.

She interlocked her fingers with his, drawing up her free hand to his face. "No worries, my lord, I'll follow your lead."

Sesshomaru appeared relieved at this as he lead the way again, hand in hand with her.

Beyond the last row of trees stood two large dogs—clearly demons—in front of the gate. Sesshomaru exchanged greetings with them as they became alert, one of them waging his tail in his presence. The gate opened by itself, and they proceeded forward, revealing a gorgeous courtyard surround by a massive castle.

Holy crap, this might be bigger than the Emperor's! Rin gasped.

Sesshomaru tugged her lightly as Rin stared in awe at the mahogany frame of the castle and the gold-finished flooring.

Oh, now I see why he cares.

There were several entries to the castle, but they walked up to where the main door was which was also guarded, this time by smaller dogs.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" one wagged his tail, "It's been so long!"

"Perhaps a whole lifetime, my lord!" another barked happily.

"Settle down children," Sesshomaru directed as the dogs quickly stood in attention, "I don't want to bring atten—"

"Lord Sesshomaru! You bastard!" a dark gray-haired man shouted, slamming the door open. The dogs began howling as Rin hid herself behind Sesshomaru.

Goodness gracious, is a fight about to go down?

She noticed her man looking unfazed as he turned to her.

"Come, let us enter."

Without acknowledging the screaming man at the door, Sesshomaru guided her through a large hall, stopping when a bird demon halted him.

"My lord," she bowed, bright blue wings closing entirely, "I'm sorry to bother you, but Master Kiso would like to speak to you in the eighth room."

"Tell Kiso to I'll speak to him in five hundred years," he scoffed. The bird demon looked startled as she took a quick glance at Rin.

"Master Kiso also advise me to tell you that room seventeen can't be entered unless it has his blessing," she chirped nervously.

Is that where we were going? Rin looked back at Sesshomaru who was now glaring at the bird demon.

"Are you a new servant here? What happened to that rat demon we had?" Sesshomaru barked, causing the bird to tremble.

"U-Uh, I-I'm actually the re-replacement since y-you killed her before y-you left, milord," she stuttered.

The dog demon closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. Rin squeezed his grip and leaned onto him for comfort.

"Perhaps it's important," she nudged.

Unpleased, Sesshomaru gave in, and they followed the bird demon down the hall where she slid a door for them to enter in.

Joyful voices drowned out the shamisen in the background as they loudly greeted the annoyed Sesshomaru. Rin took a curious peek over his shoulder, counting at least ten men and women sitting at the table, and a few servants bobbing about.

The man that had slammed the door opened had also just entered through another door, shooting an annoyed look at the couple before he sat.

"Lord Sesshomaru, how we've missed you!" the boisterous man at the head of the table laughed. His golden eyes rested gently on the couple in front of him as he ran his striped claws through his long, dark gray hair, signaling to another bird demon to fetch another mat. "I smelled you as soon as you left that human village and knew you were heading this way!"

"Glad your nose still works since your brain doesn't, Kiso," Sesshomaru said lowly. While Kiso laughed, the couple sat at the end of the table. Rin bowed slightly at the woman next to her, realizing when she stared into her golden eyes she wasn't a regular woman at all.

They're all dog demons, huh, she thought, taking in the various shades of gray hair and golden eyes among her.

I mean what was I expecting anyway, she scanned them, for milord to lead be hanging out with humans?

"Is this gorgeous present for us?" the demon next to her asked Sesshomaru, crinkling her nose in delight. She flashed a wicked smile at Rin, showcasing a few fangs.

Rin gulped, realizing it was her she was referring to.

"No," he snarled, causing the woman to flinch back into her companion. Rin discreetly scooted closer to Sesshomaru as he addressed Kiso. "Is there a reason you wanted to bother me?" he asked annoyed.

"Well, we haven't seen you in four hundred years! We've been worrying about you, but we received news you've been doing well after obtaining the entire Southern portion of the island."

"We were beginning to forget how you look like, Lord Sesshomaru," another male demon spoke. He had the same dark gray hair as Kiso, but had four red stripes running from the base of his eyes to his jaw.

He's young, Rin thought. She observed the ancient armor he wore and rephrased her thoughts. No, he just looks like it. Just like milord and Lady Asa.

"Oh dearest," the white-haired female next to him scolded, "who could ever forget the pride and joy of the dog demon clan?"

"Joy?" the demon that slammed the door sneered, crinkling his nose.

"He has far greater power than you," a female laughed, sipping sake.

"Who the hell wants to fight for land after the hell we raised in the skies?" the male scowled.

"Exactly. I came down from the skies to relax and shit. No one is moving me from here ever."

"Lazy bastards, all of you!"

"Then you start a campaign!"

"Oh my God, this is just like two hundred years ago! Go back to the skies if you want to fight then," a male spat.

Rin nervously glanced at Sesshomaru, finding his face buried in his hands. "This is why," he said in a low voice, "I didn't want to see him."

She folded her arms in her sleeves, unsure what to do. One of the servants came up to her when he noticed her anxious look, and popped a bottle of sake out of thin air.

"A drink, my lady?" he asked.

Before she could decline, Sesshomaru answered for her. "No thanks. This reminds me," he looked at her, "I need my own drink."

"Are you leaving us, Lord Sesshomaru?" Kiso called as Sesshomaru guided Rin up to her feet. "Stay with the human and enjoy some entertainment! We have a few geishas here eager to pour for you," he gestured at the lovely raccoon demons.

"What did you do to room seventeen?" he said, ignoring him before they headed out.

"I placed a barrier in it so that no one could damage it. You have many enemies, my lord," Kiso scolded.

"Undo it," Sesshomaru commanded, shutting the door behind him.

Room seventeen was no other than his bedroom.

While Sesshomaru settled in the room, Rin marveled at the stuff in there, reading ancient scrolls that hung on the walls.

"'And if in winter you fall, in summer you shall spring'," she read, clapping her hands in delight. "I really like this one."

"Hmm," Sesshomaru responded as he lit a few candles.

The beauty continued walking around the room, noting it was maybe five times the size of hers. Other than writings, the room contained a bunch of random weapons and helmets Rin could only assume were trophies.

Ruthless man, she rolled her eyes, walking past a few helmets with skulls still attached. In the corner of the room stood his closet, and Rin walked over to see if he had anything other than the usual attire he wore.

"Hey, this is beautiful," Rin praised, pulling out a beige kosode with large red flowers on it. "You should start wearing this, my lord."

"My father died the night I last wore it," he sighed. Rin placed it back awkwardly, going through the other outfits.

Nothing impressive—oh, what's this? A black kosode? Rin pulled it out a bit against the candlelight.

Oh, it's wedding attire—!

She quickly let go of it as if it was on fire.

I feel like I saw something I shouldn't have.

Sesshomaru called her then, gesturing to a mat near the table.

"Come have a drink with me, Rin," he said pleasantly as she sat.

"Of course," she replied, throwing whatever feeling was brewing in her to the back of her head.

She poured the liquid into a small sipping dish, realizing by the floral smell that it was sake. Sesshomaru was pleased by this, drinking the contents before asking for a refill. Rin poured again.

"Are you not going to join me?" he asked, glancing at her dry dish.

"I don't drink."

"Here," he passed his dish to her, "try it."

Rin shyly took it, sipping a bit of it. Unlike the one time she had tried sake behind Kaede's back (and regretted it), this tasted exactly like purest water known to man.

"It's delicious," she admitted, handing it back to him. Sesshomaru nodded, taking another sip and then passing it to her. Rin sipped a little more this time, enjoying the water, before passing it off.

"It's actually a trophy I acquired from a recent battle," he sipped. "I also don't indulge in alcohol myself, but I was told this doesn't give one the undesirable side effects we all know."

"Oh, I didn't know about this. Where was it?"

"Near the Southern border. Some pathetic demon attacked me while I walked the perimeter."

"My, were you hurt?"

"Of course not," he snorted, "the battle was over before it started. He had offered this bottle before I destroyed him."

"Well, I'm glad you get to celebrate now, my lord. Though sake wouldn't have been my first choice to indulge in," she giggled, pouring him some more when he placed the dish down.

"I must admit, this is my first drink ever," he smiled easily.

Rin gave him a sly look. "Oh, you lie!"

"Not at all."

She studied him for a bit, finding no fault in his words. "Alright, I believe you then."

She could feel her heart swelling with joy with how playful they were being.

"Have you ever tasted sake before this?" Sesshomaru questioned. He hadn't picked up the dish again after Rin had poured.

"Well, haha," she averted her gaze, "I did once when Lady Kaede brought a batch with her. Sayo and I found it, and back then she was engaged, so we exchanged vows with each other," she giggled in embarrassment, "but the sake kept burning our throats so badly that we couldn't even do two sips."

"Ah, so you would have been married to her," he said, little teasing smile forming.

"If only. Maybe then I'd stop having so many suitors!"

"Speaking of which," he folded his arms in his sleeves, "I was told you had visitors. Tell me about it," he said calmly.

"Oh you know, the usual. Just asking for my hand in marriage."

"Did you accept the offer?"

Rin frowned at him. "Of course not. No man meets my worth, remember?"

Sesshomaru nodded. "To be quite honest Rin, I wonder sometimes if the decision I made for you was fitting. You have suitors left and right, and it seems like I'm in the way."

She shook her head fervently, reaching over to place her hand on his shoulder. "You're not in the way at all! But I ask myself now, what if I'm in your way?" He looked confused as she continued.

"I saw your wedding outfit just now."

"Oh," he responded uncaringly, "that was from hundreds of years ago when Mother was searching for someone for me."

"And did she find her?"

Why am I asking this!? Still, she wanted an answered, something to ease the feeling that was returning in her thoughts again.

"My focus was on war then. Not love."

"What about now?" she asked, keeping her eyes on the brimming dish.

Sesshomaru sighed. "Is there something on your mind, Rin?"

Cinnamon met gold at once, contemplating.

Though she had rejected every single offer presented to her, she wanted to marry. Ugh, I want a husband, she clenched her jaw, fighting herself for finally admitting it.

But just not any husband.

"Tell me," he whispered, leaning closer to her, "so I can do my best to put you at ease."

This is it. Now or never. Just tell him you wanna get married to him.

"My lord, I-I," Rin stared at him as he looked curiously at her. "I love you," she blurted.

Sesshomaru nodded, handing the overflowing dish to her.

"Here, take a sip."

Rin felt defeated as hell as she drank the sake.

Not only did I not have the balls to just say it, but he also just brushed me off. Ugh, hate myself right now.

Instead of passing it back, she chugged down all the contents down, settling it empty in front of Sesshomaru.

He gave her a funny look when she looked back at him, causing her to furrow her brows. "What?" Rin asked.

"There's no more sake and we just drank three times each."

"Well, that suc—" she stopped herself, realizing Sesshomaru was right. They both had three sips each, each time doing it after one another.

Like couples do at the altar.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he grinned. Rin continued to stare at him in awe.

Is it so?! Does he know?! Does this mean we're—?

From the distance, a few howls rang through the night, and Sesshomaru snapped his attention to the door as if waiting for something.

Moments later, Kiso, with a sword through his abdomen, slid the door, begging for help.

"I'm sorry, Rin," Sesshomaru shook his head as he stood, "let me handle this quickly. You can rest on my futon tonight. We'll be leaving once sunrise appears." He pushed Kiso out the room as the latter bitched and cried loudly, shutting the door behind him.

"Grr, dogs horsing around," she gritted her teeth as she stood up and walked to the closet again. She needed to find a sleeping kosode, knowing she'd have a sword through her too if Asa found out her kimono was ruined.

In rapid fashion, Rin changed out of her clothing, made sure the bindings on her breasts were in place, and then dressed in Sesshomaru's sleeping kosode for the night.

As she laid on the futon, she could feel Kiso's loud growl shake the castle and hear Sesshomaru angrily bark at those she had met earlier in the night.

Once I had wondered about Lord Sesshomaru's home, but now I know what it's really like, she rolled on her side, what it feels like. And although his roommates are bothersome, I'm glad he lives among his own.

Stomping signaled the return of him, but Rin remained in bed, feeling a bit lightheaded. Ugh, I had so much to drink. I thought this sake didn't give you side effects?

"I was sure you would have fallen asleep," Sesshomaru said as he entered the room. He walked to her, kneeling on one knee while she continued to lie down.

"You weren't gone for long," she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, you changed?" he tilted his chin at her folded pile of clothes.

"And risk having Lady Asa's sword through my abdomen? I'll pass," they laughed. Rin lifted herself on her elbows to get a better look at him in the candlelight.

"I had planned our night to go differently since I assumed they," he tilted his head toward the door, "were going to be in the sky tonight, but alas, we drank the sake."

"I actually enjoyed our night," Rin smiled. She leaned up more to him, placing her hand behind his neck. "I got to meet other dog demons and see this beautiful castle."

"So what I'm hearing is you didn't enjoy the sake? Though you drank most of it?"

"Oh, how you tease!" she said in a mock-angry tone. "Don't forget the first batch I poured you!"

"What I remember most is you finishing that last swig like a pro," he chuckled.

"Don't laugh at me, Lord Sesshomaru!" she pinched him his neck.

Sesshomaru continued to chuckle, pushing her down with one hand. "Is that the best you got?" he taunted.

Rin tried pushing herself upwards while he held her down, fighting against him. "Oh, I'm gonna get you back for that," she said, struggling against him.

"You'll grow tired before getting to me," he said amused.

"Ow, ow! You're hurting me!" she lied dramatically, looking as if she was in pain. As soon as Sesshomaru released his palm from her shoulder, Rin pulled him down, unstabilizing his form and causing him to fall.

"Looks like I got the upper-hand," she laughed.

Sesshomaru growled at her, rolling them to where he had both of his palms beside her head. "You play dirty, Rin."

She wanted to reply with something witty, but she noticed just how pressed their bodies were with her underneath him this time. Her cheeks began burning red and daringly, she leaned in for a kiss.

Their lips hadn't met all day so Sesshomaru naturally responded back.

She enjoyed every moment of it, loving how the weight of him felt. Rin gently tugged his shoulders closer, tilting her head to get a deeper kiss. She felt a strange sensation pooling within her as Sesshomaru moved his lips faster, placing one hand on her cheek to keep her still.

Lust. Want. Feelings she was taught were wrong to feel before marriage and yet, here she was.

But if so many couples did stuff before marriage, she, who wouldn't ever marry, could have some fun, right?

Rin slowly slid her hands to his arms, feeling the muscles beneath the fabric tense up at her touch. She felt Sesshomaru backing up, but his lips only settled on top of hers as he spoke.

"Are you trying to get the taste of sake from my mouth too?" he breathed.

Rin pulled him back in, newly determined to do so.

She explored him like never before with her tongue and hands, both fascinated with everything that he was. And while she didn't know exactly where this was leading to, she didn't want it to stop.

In his love-drunk state, Sesshomaru bit down her lip, tugging it gently. Rin moaned in response—surprising herself since she'd never let a sound out like that before.

Sesshomaru immediately pulled back from her. "Forgive me, Rin, I didn't mean to cause you harm," he quickly apologized.

"No, it felt nice," she tugged on the tassels of his armor, "come back."

Sesshomaru remained unmoved, shaking his head as pulled away from her entirely. Rin, still laying down, turned to her side to give him a questioning look.

"You reject me so?" she said, hurt.

"Never, Rin. Never that. But I want you to remain…pure," he admitted. "And I won't ever let you become tainted by anything."

Purity be damned, she wanted to shout, but she sighed instead, realizing she could never be like girls at the sewing circle if she wanted to.

— — —

Rin fell asleep later that night in his futon while Sesshomaru rested all the way on the opposite wall.

— — —

She discovered, after small talk with him once they were back in the skies, that he originally planned to share the sake with her and then explore the garden outside, but he foolishly remembered the snow covered it all.

"Things don't have to go as planned for us to enjoy them, my lord. Truly, I loved every bit of it." Especially the part when you were all over me, she smiled innocently.

Sesshomaru relaxed at her words, cradling her close to his chest. "I'll make it up to you," he promised.

— — —

It was several days later when Sesshomaru came to the village, taking her away to Asa's. He seemed tensed at something for the longest, and Asa revealed to her that the demon gathering had been pushed up to only a few weeks away now.

"It's always been a summer thing, but a few attendees heard Lord Sesshomaru was finally coming, so they moved the date to make sure he came," she explained in full giggle.

"Damn bastards," he growled.

— — —

On the day of the gathering, Asa requested to dress Rin. Sesshomaru had made arrangements with Ah-Un to drop her off, leaving the two women alone during that spring evening.

Asa was completely in her zone as she laid the finished kimono on top of a cabinet, closing the bedroom door behind her.

"Tonight's a very important night for the four of us," Asa spoke softly as she replaced Rin's underkosode with one she made. "I pray you stray from trouble."

Rin kinda felt in regal in the way Asa was moving around her, dressing her in an elegant manner.

"When you say 'four,' who are you referring to?" she asked curiously.

"You, Lord Sesshomaru, me and Hiro," Asa responded matter-of-factly, layering another kosode on her.

"Hiro, my lady?" But, her husband is dead…how is it possible?

"You'll see one day," she winked as she finally dressed Rin in the final piece of the kimono. She tugged her to the looking glass, pointing at a woman Rin hardly recognized.

"You are so painfully beautiful, Rin," Asa sighed dreamily.

And there was no doubt at it. Rin stared mesmerized at her reflection, wondering how many times she would be called 'princess' tonight. The lavender kimono Asa had been working on was so much better on, showing off her curves in a dangerous way. And with all the adamants and pearls it had embedded in, she knew she was prone to make a man go blind.

Rin smiled in the looking glass, beautiful rosy cheeks lifting up in joy as she glanced over at Asa's little petite self. "I can't believe you made this, Lady Asa, honestly it makes me look like a royal," she praised, still in shock.

"Oh, on contraire Rin, it's the beauty that makes the outfit," she grinned, smoothing out a few wrinkles in her black kimono. Asa grabbed two fans nearby, tossing one to Rin and then leading her to the main room of the shabby hut.

They waited for their ride in silence, Asa poking her head out every other minute.

"Surely Lord Sesshomaru is running late," Rin laughed awkwardly. Asa frowned at her.

"And have him take you on Ah-Un so you can dirty my hard work?" she scoffed, shaking her head. "Please Rin, don't make me laugh."

Rin hung her head in embarrassment while Asa remained glued to the outside.

"Oh! Oh! They're here!" she squealed, pulling Rin outside at once. Rin struggled to keep Asa's pace as she was dragged to an oversized palanquin where Asa happily shoveled her inside. The beauty quietly settled as Asa entered too, looking overjoyed.

"We royal women must always travel in style," she said in her typical regal manner. But then, Asa whipped out her head to the demons carrying the hut. "To the gathering!" she shouted enthusiastically.

"To the gathering!" Rin joined.

As the two women exchanged a few laughs, Rin noticed just how overly jittery Asa was.

Hmm, an important night for the four of us, huh.

— — —

The two arrived before Sesshomaru, so they took the opportunity to socialize with the demons among them. Asa had a long list of clients thanking her, but she seemed more pleased when six large, scaly demons approached her.

Rin knew growing up that demons who appeared human were extremely dangerous and powerful, but still, demons who looked, well, demonic always secretly scared her more.

And those that walked up to her were no exception.

"Asa," one hissed, fangs sticking out, "thank you for the clothing."

"Yes Asa," another spoke, forked tongue peeking out, "we don't know how we ended up going to another seamstress. We'll always give you our business from now on."

"Oh," Asa waved her hand about, "I'm so flattered! I'm glad business could be restored between us," she smiled genuinely at them, touching their minty green kimonos.

Ah, these are the snakes Lord Sesshomaru spoke about, Rin watched them. Lady Asa speaks so kindly to them even though they almost got her killed.

The entourage bowed as they walked away from Asa, and she turned back to face Rin, her sweet smile still in place. "Let's go get a drink; I'm parched!"

It felt like Asa took the longest route as Rin followed closely behind, blushing when she noticed the sheer amount of eyes on her. In the distance, she realized some of the dog demons from several nights ago were present. They stood proud and serious unlike that one night, all donned in armor. Kiso and Co. walked as if they were surrounded by complete peasants, unsmiling when greeted.

"Lady Asa," Rin nudged, "do you know them?"

Asa craned her head to see them and scowled. "Oh, Kiso and gang. Yes, I do, but I wish I didn't."

"Lord Sesshomaru said the same thing. Is there a reason why?" Sure they had been loud and all, but they weren't necessarily rude.

"Kiso comes from generations of dark gray-haired dogs who slaughtered hundreds of us white-hairs when the earth was newly formed," Asa explained. "Inu no Taisho put an end to the wars in his youth, but Kiso always found a way to stir up conflict between us. He was quite troublesome when he had much power, but now, he prefers to drink his days away. Truly, your lord is most gracious for offering the ruins of his own home to them after all they've stirred in the skies."

"I could say the same to you, Lady Asa," she arched her brow, "you've also forgiven those that caused you pain."

"Ah," Asa replied hesitantly, "yes." A bird demon then came unto Asa, pulling her away in conversation.

Rin stood there prettily, unsure if she should talk to anyone too. Those that stared at her looked like they wanted to eat her, while others looked like they had more sinister things in mind. She calmly tucked an already secured ornament in her hair, looking away from the crowd.

"Hmm, so we do match," Rin turned around, finding Sesshomaru leaning against a post. She smiled happily in his presence, looking down at his lavender obi.

"Lady Asa wasn't kidding, huh?" she giggled. Yay, so happy to see him!

"Has anyone bothered you?" he asked.

"No, but I guess they're wondering why a human is here."

"Hmm."

Taking queue from the others, Sesshomaru lead her to a circular table where all the demons sat. Cats with cats, rodents with rodents, whatever some were with others unknown all sat together, continuing to drink and laugh loudly.

Only the dogs were separated into two groups: Kiso and company, and Sesshomaru and Asa, but they remained cordial with one another as they passed each other.

"What now?" Rin asked Sesshomaru as she sat between the two dog demons.

"We eat and drink. Debauchery," he scoffed.

Asa shook her head as she placed her sipping dish down. "Oh Lord Sesshomaru, you haven't changed a bit. A little sake won't do you harm."

Sesshomaru made a face at her, declining her offer. A few demons then popped from thin air, presenting food in front of all the guests. The crowd grew louder, slamming their drinks while they ate. Though she hated to be rude, Rin declined the large raw slab of steak on her plate, noting that both Sesshomaru and Asa had done the same but Kiso and Co. were currently devouring it.

"Ugh, as if I would get my fur dirty with that," Asa snickered, patting the draped fur on her shoulders. "Last year they offered a live cow."

"Just one?" Rin asked amused. She tried imagining fifty demons going after it.

"Yes. It was quite entertaining to see the fights break out, but alas, many died that night," she sighed.

Rin knew she didn't feel sad at all.

"Asa," Sesshomaru addressed, "what do they do for entertainment here now?"

"Usually dance and sex," she rolled her golden eyes. "Back when you last visited, there was real entertainment."

Rin cleared her throat after being caught off guard by the "sex." "So what's real entertainment?"

"A fight to the death," Asa smiled darkly.

Oh.

Geisha began to appear, enticing the males in little games with them. She could already see the "sex" aspect of the gathering as demons drunkily wandered off with each other, but then some began playing the drums, sending eager demons off to dance.

"Ooh! Rin let's go!" Asa jumped up, pulling her by her wrists.

"Lady Asa, I-I—" she shot Sesshomaru a pleading look, but he folded his arms as Asa dragged her away.

"Let loose with us! I thought humans were supposed to be lively!" she teased.

Rin let out a nervous laugh as they ran into the bulk of the party, Asa already jumping to the beat. Rin followed closely behind matching her every move, and other demons started dancing along with her.

She laughed the entire time, clapping her hand and moving her body to the beat.

The rhythm started to become slow, and Rin moved in a sensual motion, arms in the air.

She glanced over at Sesshomaru, finding him staring with lust in his eyes.

— — —

"That was too much fun," Rin giggled as she walked beside Sesshomaru.

The party was still raging on, but after her sandal ripped apart, she knew she needed a break.

"Who knew Lady Asa had that much energy!" she giggled again.

Sesshomaru chuckled a bit as they entered the outskirts of the forest, guiding her down a grassy field. "It's a lesson for us not to underestimate that petite demon."

"Definitely," she agreed. They walked a bit in silence, stopping at the riverbed to look up at the full moon. "Have you ever seen something more beautiful?" Rin breathed at the starry sky.

"I'm doing so now," Sesshomaru responded.

Rin blushed as he got closer to her, claw running on the fullness of her lips.

"I imagined you'd run away at the sight of so many demons, but instead, you impressed me by holding your composure. It's as if you belong with us."

"And I so desperately want to," she said all too quickly. Sesshomaru's golden stare held hers before closing in, kissing her sweetly.

After that, he was lost in his thoughts the entire night whenever he'd glance at her.

"Now that the weather's nice, would you mind going to collect herbs up in the mountains?" Kaede asked. "I fear my legs would snap if make that hike."

Rin gave a questioning look to Sesshomaru who reluctantly agreed and then packed up quickly that morning.

The beauty, much to Sesshomaru's annoyance, insisted on traveling by foot, wanting to take in the gorgeous springtime landscape around them.

By mid-afternoon (and tired as hell), they reached the herb patch Kaede liked to pick from. Rin hummed happily as she gathered a large batch in her basket, making sure she got enough to last through planting season. Sesshomaru rested in the shade lazily beside her.

"Did you know there's an abundance of lilies here?" he suddenly asked.

"No actually," Rin answered, moving to another set of herbs. "Is it far?"

"It's just beyond those trees," he pointed in the distance.

"Well," she cleaned her hands on her working skirt, "lead me, my lord!"

Sesshomaru helped her stand, and they walked arm and arm together through the field. She looked up at the sky which had suddenly become dark. Ominous clouds moved fast over the mountains, blocking all the sunlight.

"I didn't even notice when the weather had changed," she frowned.

"The god of lightning has spotted us," Sesshomaru grunted, annoyed. "She and I do not get along."

It was understood gods were superior to demons, so Rin feared for him.

"Will she do something to us?"

Sesshomaru stopped them both, holding her hand to his chest. "You have nothing to fear," he assured with a quick peck. Rin blushed happily, hugging him.

"Let's stay like this forever," she cooed.

Sesshomaru shook his head, smiling. "How easy you forget what you came here for," he pointed out. Rin followed the direction of his finger, widening her eyes at the glorious lily field a few steps away.

"Oh kami!" she held her headscarf on tightly as she ran into the field, tripping right in the middle of it. She could already sense the claws reaching for her, but she rolled on her side, avoiding Sesshomaru's grip. "I'm okay," she laughed, picking a lily from her hair, "I just love it so! Thank you for bringing me here."

They exchanged smiles as Rin went around picking flowers out, placing them gently on the herbs. Sesshomaru warned her it would start raining soon as the first sound of thunder boomed, but Rin shrugged it off.

"A little rain never hurt nobody." She felt a few droplets fall on her head, but before she knew it, more and more rain came down, soaking her headscarf.

"We need to leave," Sesshomaru said, gripping her arm.

Rin gathered her basket, bending to pick more flowers. "Just let me get a few more, I want to collect the roots too."

"Rin, let's go."

"But Lord Sesshoma—"

Lightning hit a tree in the distance, shooting it up in flames.

"Holy shit that was too close," Rin gasped, grabbing her basket.

The rain suddenly poured harder and made it hard to see anything further as they ran in direction of path they came from.

"Keep up Rin!" Sesshomaru yelled behind him.

"I truly can't see my lord! We won't be able to escape this rain for long!" she yelled back. Oh my God this downpour is horrific!

She looked back at the field where they were just in, noticing it was becoming a small pool. Is she trying to drown us?!

"Oh lightning god please have mercy on us!" Rin pleaded. Sesshomaru yanked her when lightning stroked the field.

"She blocked my sight," he growled, stopping in the area where the herbs were. "And it's too dangerous to travel back."

Oh my God, are we going to get killed?! Rin quickly scanned the land, eyeing the column of the mountain in the distance. "If we can make it over there," she shouted over the thunder, "we might be able to find a cave!"

Sesshomaru didn't even think twice as they ran through the heavy rain, sighing in relief when he spotted a small opening on the side. As they ran, lightning ripped through the air behind them several times, sending all of Rin's hair up.

"She's going to kill us!" Rin cried, firmly pulling on Sesshomaru as she made it first to the cave. Sesshomaru slid inside, panting loudly on his knees as lightning hit the spot where he just was.

Rin fell onto her butt, also trying to catch her breath. "Holy shit that was intense," she panted.

Sesshomaru braced himself on the ground with both palms down. "A moment later and we would have been killed."

They didn't say anything for bit, trying to get their breathing back to normal as they watched a series of strikes light up the dark sky. Rin shivered from all the wet clothing she wore and she scanned the cave, hoping there was something to start a fire with.

"Here," Sesshomaru said, already one step ahead of her as he took off his armor and obi, striking it with his poisonous whip.

"It's not going—" They immediately produced a flame, and Rin shot a funny look at him. "Well, would you look at that," she laughed embarrassed.

"It won't burn for long," he admitted. "And you'll grow sick in this cold cave if we wait forever."

Rin undid her headscarf and hung it on a rock. "We'll use this and this," she said, taking off her working skirt too. "When they dry we'll toss them in."

"Excellent," he smiled in the dim light. Without his armor on, Sesshomaru's kosode looked painted on with how soaked it was. It clung onto all the muscles of his chest and arms, and for the first time, Rin noticed just how broad and bulky he really was.

His hair was plastered onto him and he flipped it back annoyed, keeping his eyes on the violent rain.

Is he a demon or a god, Rin stared dreamily as Sesshomaru walked to the entrance of the cave. Another threatening strike hit the land in front of them and he growled bitterly.

"Damnit, we're not getting out of here," he slapped the wall. Rin walked up to him with the purpose of soothing him, but the basket she had been carrying caught her eye as it lain outside in the field.

It must've slipped, she cried internally.

Sesshomaru looked back at her, his eyes already scolding her. "No, you are not," he commanded.

"We came all this way for herbs, my lord," she folded her arms.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes, preparing to scold her again, but she took off into the rain with him shouting her name in the background.

Rin felt as if the god herself was over her, feeling the rain pour even more violently onto her, but she clutched the basket to her chest and ran back. Sesshomaru must have sensed something because he ran into the field to drag her, angrily bitching at her for being reckless.

As soon as Rin jumped into the cave, lightning hit Sesshomaru.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cried, tossing the basket as he fell to his knees. She stumbled back into the rainstorm and pulled him with all her strength inside, laying him down by the weak fire.

"I'm fine," he groaned, clutching his arm. When he pulled his hand back, his entire shoulder was covered in blood.

With no time to sob like she wanted to, Rin ripped off his sleeve and wrapped it around the wound, hoping to stop the bleeding.

"I'm fine, Rin," Sesshomaru repeated, trying to ease her. She ignored him as she took off her kosode, leaving her dressed in her underkosode only, and also tied that around wound.

"This is sturdier," she assured him, "'cause we need all the pressure we can get."

She was about to go over to collect herbs, but Sesshomaru reached for her arm. "Stop, I'm fine. It doesn't hurt."

"But you were brought to your knees, my lord," Rin fought, "let me take care of you."

A flash of lightning lit the dark cave, revealing Sesshomaru's soft stare as he loosened his grip.

She picked up two herbs she knew were for clotting and kneeled next to him while squeezing the herbs inside the knot of his arm. "I hope this helps," Rin smiled in relief.

Sesshomaru only stared back.

Oh God, I must look ridiculous.

She imagined her hair plastered in the same manner as his was, but knew she couldn't pull it off like he did. Her clothing felt like a layer of skin on her and she shook her head, realizing she was so poorly dressed in her short underkosode.

Rin ran a hand through her hair, curiously glancing over at him.

If before she thought she could see his muscles bulging out from his clothing, well, now his muscles were actually exposed and bulging. His whole right arm was exposed along with a portion of his chest, his hair still completely plastered on him. Droplets fell onto his chest, trailing down to his lap, and Rin shamelessly watched them with the desperate desire to become one of them. She averted her eyes when she saw his chest rising rapidly, noticing a rock that looked like a looking glass.

It revealed to her what Sesshomaru saw and she held her breath as her eyes scanned the soaked underkosode, remembering she had decided earlier not to bind her breasts because of the warmer weather. Every curve was showcased through the thin fabric and she trembled a bit, not from cold, no, from want.

Oh, how I want you to be on me like this kosode is, Rin breathed, turning back to Sesshomaru. His golden eyes were still glued on her, but his breathing was unstable as if he was fighting to contain himself. He stood up, sending Rin's heart soaring.

"Ha," Sesshomaru let out pent-up air, "I'm losing my mind."

He looked away from her for a bit only to return his gaze back. His golden stare screamed lust as they had nights ago when he watched her dance, but this time, it was only them two, alone.

He doesn't want to make a move because he still wants me pure, Rin clenched her jaw. Well you know what?

"I don't care anymore," Rin blurted as he shot her confused look, "To hell with purity if I can't have the man I love love me like I need him to, like he wants to."

"You don't know what you're saying, Rin," he started, though he walked to her. She felt a rush of power in her veins as he hovered over her. "You will be defiled and tainted, never to return to the state you are in now."

He was close enough to reach and so she did, running her palm over his hot chest. Hearing his unsteady breathing only gave her the confidence she needed as she leaned in for a kiss.

His lips were soft and careful as they've always been, and she savored every bit as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Her breasts felt bare against him and she knew he could feel it too when he shivered, wrapping an arm around her.

Rin pulled back slightly, her smoldering wanton stare meeting the awaiting gold. "I already told you I don't care. I'm so in love with you," her cheeks burned, "so take me and make me yours, my lord."

"You're already mine," he growled. It was the answer he needed and he gave in, covering her mouth in a hungry kiss.

She felt the same sensation she had when they had been in his bedroom, her body only craving more and more of him. Boldly, she wrapped a leg around him and he took it upon himself to pick her up into his arms, pressing her against the rocky surface and his chest. He moved to her jaw and neck in hotly, sliding his tongue against the coolness of her skin. Before she could gasp, he was back on her lips to devour her. Gone were the chaste kisses as his hunger finally took over, his claws gripping her thighs a little too rough while she scrambled to clutch him tighter.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she whispered, trying to shrug out of her kosode, "tell me again I'm yours."

She was unsuccessful in this, but Sesshomaru stopped her gently, his hand cupping her chin. "I love you, Rin," he said, coming in for a kiss.

She could see the heavens clearly now, hearing that for the first time.

All she wanted now was for him to show it to her womanhood.

Rin shook her shoulders again, releasing a bit of skin this time. Sesshomaru drove right in, pulling the wet skin with his teeth as Rin moaned, tugging a bit of his wet hair with her. She was desperate for him, really really desperate but she froze the minute she shifted her leg a bit, feeling him.

This is really happening, she pulled away, suddenly feeling more breathless. Rin looked into his questioning gaze while she struggled to catch her breath. I've kept myself untouched my whole life for this moment.

If you go all the way though, you're regarded a whore.

Sayo's words came to mind, stopping her senses. A whore?

Rin, you must bring honor to us. Don't do anything foolish. Kaede's voice also rang in her head, bringing a horrible wave of guilt that she didn't want to have.

"Rin?" Sesshomaru asked concerned. "What ails you?"

She looked down at him, hating herself for stopping but unable to make herself start again. The fire had long burned out, and she could only see his worried look whenever the lightning hit.

"I guess I'm just freaking out because I've never done anything like this before," she confessed, "and I was always taught that by waiting until marriage, you bring honor. Since marriage isn't in my future anymore, I'm still willing to have sex, but it's hard letting go of that," she averted her gaze.

"You wish to bring honor but are conflicted," he repeated and she reluctantly agreed. His grip loosened and he carefully placed her on her feet. Rin feared she had ruined everything, but Sesshomaru leaned in to kiss her softly for a while, all burning passion he had gone.

"I won't defile you," he declared against her lips, "I love you too much for that."

"My lord, I'm sorry," she hugged him, "please don't think I'm rejecting you."

Instead of responding, he kissed her again, leading her to an area to sit down. "We must wait for the rain to go away," he sighed, changing the subject completely, "so rest."

I screwed everything up.

Rin did as told, cuddling herself on his fur while they watched the rain together, maiden bitter.

— — —

Sesshomaru dropped her off that night outside her home, only lingering for a bit while they kissed.

"Despite the rain, I enjoyed this day so much," she said, wanting to restore that passion she knew he had for her.

Sesshomaru didn't appear to be angry with her in any way the entire time at the mountains or even now. It was only her kicking herself relentless for stopping what could have been.

He gave her a peaceful look before departing, and she lazily made her way up the steps, into her home. Kaede gasped at her appearance when she saw the blood all over the middle part.

"Oh, Lord Sesshomaru had gotten injured so I tried to help him," she assured her as she put the herb basket down.

"Goodness, I had assumed something happened, but not to him," Kaede said, shaking her head. "Go bath now, child. You smell of rain and smoke."

— — —

Rin soaked in her tub, replaying the events of the day, still wondering what would have been the outcome of it all.

I guess I'll never know, she sighed, making little bubbles.

— — —

Two days later, Rin was returning home late in the morning after praying at the temple when she noticed Ah-Un outside.

"Hello, boys," she greeted lovingly, patting them as they leaned into her. "Is Lord Sesshomaru inside?"

She knew their response and skipped up the steps, sliding the door to greet Sesshomaru.

"Oh, not here?" Rin furrowed her brows. So where?

When she walked into her room and didn't find him there either, she stopped, folding her arms. Where are you?

Down the hall, Rin heard some sniffing, so she walked to the open walkway where she found not only Sesshomaru, but also a red-eyed Kaede. The priestess appeared so sadden, her eyes completely overwhelmed with tears.

Rin had almost never seen her cry and she feared something bad had occurred if Sesshomaru was talking to her himself.

Sesshomaru turned around to face her, his face completely the opposite of the woman beside him. Kaede noticed Rin's presence for the first time, and took in the sight of the beauty, placing her hand over her heart.

"My lady," Rin asked shakily, eyes darting from Sesshomaru to her, "what's going on?"

"Oh my dearest Rin," Kaede wept, "I knew this day would come, but not so fast!"

The maiden stepped forward cautiously, silently asking the demon lord for an answer. He only continued to watch her calmly, a slight glow to his serious demeanor.

"Tell me," she pleaded at the priestess.

"Today is a joyous day in our little family of two," she smiled through tears. "Lord Sesshomaru has asked me for your hand in marriage, my sweet Rin. I'm glad he wants to do everything he can to bring honor to you," her voice broke as she started another cycle of happy tears.

Rin stared at him in awe, not realizing she was crying too until Sesshomaru picked her up and kissed her passionately.

"We're getting married?" she asked him breathlessly, searching through his eyes.

"Yes," he confirmed, kissing her again, "let's do this the correct way."

Rin laughed, bringing her hand up to his face. "This is a dream! An absolute beautiful dream!"

She kissed him over and over as he hugged her tightly, realizing she would be doing this for a whole lifetime with the man she loved with all her heart.

.oOo.

AN: Y'all, this was my favorite chapter to write so far.

I really enjoy writing Rin interact with people other than Sesshomaru since it gives us a full scope of the person she is, but damn, I love me some sessrin.

Next chapter: Wedding planning. Our girl is going to be a bride! A wife!

I'll also be posting a M-rated oneshot if I get enough interest.

Thank you all for the support!