InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ When the fresh is weak ( Chapter 21 )

“Rin, turn right, turn right… ahhh… you just miss it!” Yumi's voice boomed to the magnitude that Rin cringed and stepped so hard on the brakes that the truck driver behind them gave a blaring horn. The girls shrieked and fortunately, Rin recovered just in time, flooring the accelerator. The MPV jerked forward and as they gradually settled their nerves, Rin signaled and stopped at a road shoulder. Both girls regarded each other and after a moment of complete silence, exploded in a hilarious outburst. They laughed till their jaws locked.

 

“Oh Rin,” Yumi brushed some tears off her eyes. “You have absolutely zero sense of direction. For a second there, I thought that truck was going to crash into us. Poor guy, he must have gotten a shock of his life!”

 

“Hey, I got a fright too, you know,” Rin defended herself. “You should tell me earlier if you want me to turn.”

 

“Oh come on! How many times have you been to my place? Must I say everything?” The chubby friend crossed her arms frustratingly.

 

“Right! So much for being appreciated for sending you home!” Rin was determined to win this one.

 

“Okay, okay. Thanks. Really, especially that you agreed to be Tomoko's piano accompanist for her exams.” Yumi was still stifling a giggle.

 

“Good that you remember that.” Rin's tone turned much milder. She paused and then gave a worried frown. “Yumi, I don't know about this accompanist thing. I want very much to help Tomoko but I really suck at playing the piano. I only had a couple of beginning lessons from Sota. What if I foul up? I don't wanna affect her results?”

 

“You'll be alright. At least you can play. I'm worse. Too bad Koji and Uiru are away. They're the experts.” Yumi patted on Rin's shoulder reassuringly.

 

Rin heaved a helpless sigh.

 

“And Sota had an appointment to perform at the embassy. If not, he'll be the next best choice.” She was resigning to her fate.

 

“Yes, and so you're the third best. Besides, there's no fourth and you know Tomoko's situation.” Yumi pleaded. “She can't afford to pay for a pianist.”

 

On hearing that, Rin held a deep breath and made up her mind. She was going to help this little girl do well for her exams, she promised herself. She'll try her best, though it may not be enough.

 

“I'll practise tonight and perhaps, tomorrow I'll rehearse with her? Like noonish?” Rin ran a quick check on her schedule the next day.

 

“Sure. Thanks.” Yumi felt eternally grateful for this. Opening the car door, she bided Rin farewell. “I'll get off here. It's only a short walk to my house. I'll see you tomorrow?”

 

Rin did a little finger wave and restarted the car. Just as she was checking the rear view mirror, she caught a glance of a cream colored coat at the back seat.

 

Sesshoumaru-sama's coat, Rin mused as she reached for it for held it close against her cheeks. In an instant she recognized that accustomed scent. A faint smile danced across her cheeks as her eyes drifted shut, reveling in its relating sentiments.

 

I wonder where he could be now. Rin made a brief scan of the crossroad behind her. He wasn't near.

 

**************************

 

After dinner and a hot relaxing shower, Rin felt rejuvenated and all geared up to do some meticulous polishing up of the three pieces she was playing for Yumi's third grader violin student. Giving up on rubbing her semi-dried hair, she flung her towel on her chair, grabbed the music scores and scurried next door. With a soft tap, the girl discovered that Sota's room door was ajar. He was already waiting for her at the piano.

 

“Hey gal, come on in.” Sota greeted ever so warmly and beckoned her in.

 

“Sorry to bother you. I still have some problems playing the pieces and the rehearsal with Tomoko is tomorrow.” Rin sounded extremely indebted and Sota cast her a disbelieving look.

 

“Enough of the sorrys. I think you're really sweet to volunteer yourself for this.” Sota commended and Rin blushed.

 

“Well, let's hope I don't make a mess out of it.” She forced a chuckle as she sat down, placing the music scores on the stand.

 

After two hours of exhausting finger exercise, Rin surrendered. That was it for the day, she was dead beat, no matter how unprepared she still felt. The two proceeded to the kitchen for some hot cocoa.

 

Sipping the steaming hot drink, Rin watched with childlike fascination as more and more snow flakes gathered on the window ledge. Despite numerous self reminders, her mind had again wandered off.

 

The snow, it's so pure, so fair, so beautiful… just like… Rin's heart skipped a beat. Sesshoumaru-sama, where is he sleeping tonight? It's freezing out there!

 

A tinge of remorse was still hounding her since the demon left Wacdonalds.

 

Sota observed the girl's laden brows and he could guess what she might be thinking about.

 

“How are you doing Rin?” He wanted to find that out for obvious personal reasons. “I mean, how are things with you and …?”

 

Rin shrugged her shoulders. It was the truth. She didn't have an answer still.

 

“Do you intend to return with him to the warring states?” That was Sota's main concern. Will he never see Rin again?

 

The girl shook her head. “I don't know. But…,” Rin took a while to decide whether to reveal more. “He proposed to me.”

 

“He did?” Sota's heart sank. “He gave you the ring?”

 

“Yes, how did you…?”Rin looked at Sota, baffled.

 

“I mean to say, everyone proposes with rings.” Sota stuttered and returned to finishing his cocoa. He almost spilled the beans. He must be more careful with his words in the future.

 

“So, you… agreed?” He was actually dying to find out.

 

“Well, no.” Rin's reply brought a glimmer of life back in Sota's eyes. Does he have hope? “Not yet, I told him I needed time to adjust to things.”

 

Sota's optimism vanished. Rin did not reject him. She was going to consider. But there was this one question he had to confirm.

 

“Do you.. love him still?”

 

Of course I do, more than words can say, Rin's heart cried out but she did not voice it.

 

“Sota, why do you keep asking me this?” The girl wasn't prepared to answer his question. So she merely posted him another. “Do you want me to return with Sesshoumaru-sama?”

 

Of course not! This time, it was Sota's heart screaming that but he kept his cool. “Well, your room will always be here for you. But you have to decide on that yourself. I can't comment much but… I…”

 

“What is it?” Rin turned and walked toward the young man. His fidgeting form intuited her that he was hiding something.

 

“I have something for you. But I don't know if…,” Sota reached for his pocket but hesitated.

 

“What do you have there?” Rin was getting more curious by the second, squinting her eyes to make out what it could be.

 

Sota knew that Rin would be even more confused if she were to learn of this untimely supposedly good news.

 

“I have a letter for you, from the school.” Sota drew out an envelope folded in two and handed it to Rin. “It is to inform you that you have been chosen for a three-year student exchange programme to the Royal School of Music in London.”

 

“Really?” Rin was simply overjoyed, her eyes twinkling with eagerness. She had gone for the audition three months back but because the response was so unanimous, she thought it'll take a miracle for her to be selected. But now…

 

All hints of excitement receded as quickly as it had rolled in. Her hands trembled as she read more of the details, her mind not registering any of it.

 

If I were to go, then what will become of Sessh…?

 

“Rin, I know it's a bad time for this. I'm sorry.” Sota's expression was sullen as he noted the girl shaking. Will she take this up? If she does, then she couldn't be marrying him now could she?

 

Actually, Sota wasn't gloating. He would never want to hurt Rin or to see her suffer and be tormented with such knotty perplexing decisions.

 

“No, I'm fine. I don't know what to say.” Rin struggled to sound calm. “I didn't expect this. It's really a good opportunity to become a professional soloist. Are you going too?”

 

“Yes. So is Uiru.” Sota affirmed.

 

“I'll think about it. Thanks.” Rin washed and rinsed her cup in the sink and turned to take leave. “I think I'd better sleep early. Good night.”

 

Sleep was the last thing on her mind. She was just using it as an excuse to retreat to her room. She needed time alone, DESPERATELY! Everything that had happened within the past few days was simply too overwhelming. One moment, she had nothing, not even a memory and in another, all came avalanching down upon her. She felt choked, as if sinking into the engulfing depths of the ocean, struggling to keep afloat but to no avail.

 

She wanted so much to throw herself onto the mattress, to seek some form of comfort in its softness but… when she opened her door, Kagome was sitting right there, waiting to have another energy zapping conversation.

 

*****************

Rin was on the verge of breaking down as she swiftly changed into her track pants and put on an adequately warm sweater. She inspected the outdoors and was relieved that at least one thing was going her way. It had stopped snowing.

 

I need to get out of here. I need a break. Without a second thought she slipped into her running shoes and proceeded outside.

 

A gush of passing winter breeze almost caused the poor girl's heart to cease. She tried jogging a little on the spot to warm herself up. Running at this hour and in this freaking cold weather, she must be out of her mind!

 

But she couldn't care less. Nothing can be worse than the dilemma she's facing now!

 

A mass of white mist formed as she blew into her palms while rubbing them furiously. She'll just make her usual round on the outskirts of the neighborhood. That would be quite refreshing and therapeutic. It might even give her a brain freeze. Then she wouldn't have to think anymore.

 

What is she doing out here so late in the night? Under the Goshinboko, Sesshoumaru picked up both the girl's scent as well as her silhouette even in the darkness. One thing he was certain. She definitely wasn't in the chirpiest of moods. But where was she going when she should be tugged safely and cozily in bed?

 

He reflexively trailed behind her.

 

Sesshoumaru did not take long to realize that Rin wasn't exactly going anywhere in particular. She was merely running. This wasn't the first time he'd seen her doing that. The girl would occasionally wake up early to jog round the neighborhood, sometimes with Sota. He had concluded that it was a form of exercise having seen many others doing likewise too.

 

But so late in the night? What is she thinking? The demon lord wasn't pleased but he was too concerned for the girl to be experiencing any form of real annoyance.

 

Too crowded! Rin concluded. She was simply too crowded, squeezed to the brim with views and suggestions from far too many people. These and plus her own, it's a thin line between her and complete derangement and she'll be crossing over real soon.

 

She skimmed through what Kagome said just a moment back. It was the same old story, `consider carefully, make a decision soon, we'll support you' kind of talk. It was not that she was brushing them away ungratefully. But, can anyone give her some REAL peace and quiet?

 

Faster, she pressed herself to pick up speed as she became more agitated.

 

Why is she going like this? The youkai sensed the drastic increase in Rin's pulse rate and he was worried. How much more of this kind of exertion can she withstand? He was debating furiously whether to just catch hold of the girl and prevent her from continuing with this self punishing strain on her body.

 

After exhausting most of her brute strength, Rin did feel much better. Or rather, the biting chill of the oncoming wind as she dashed numbed her from feeling anything at all. She stopped, gasping for air, inhaling deeply in a half squatting position. During the journey here, she had managed to sort out most of the underlying issues surrounding herself and Sesshoumaru. It all came down to one plain and simple point.

 

If she returned with Sesshoumaru and accepts his proposal, naturally she would have to give up furthering her studies. But she WOULD live happily ever after with him, wouldn't she? Well, perhaps it would really be so for the next couple of years. But what happens when age eventually catches up with her? She is after all human, vulnerable to sickness and death.

 

Rin pictured herself as a frail elderly lady beside her future spouse. Sesshoumaru, he wouldn't even age a single day! Would he still love her like he so promised he would now? She vaguely imagined herself having to chase away seducing young demonesses with her walking stick to prevent them from coming near the demon lord and suffered a tremendous backache after that. Would she one day be reduced to such? She knew the answer was possibly YES!

 

If she takes up the offer to go to London, she would be continuing her life in this century, probably never to set foot in the warring era again. She might even become an accomplished violinist but her master and former guardian, Sesshoumaru, will forever remain just a fragment of the past. She could only pray that the hurt will fade away with passing time, for both Sesshoumaru and herself.

 

So what will it be?

 

Rin knelt down on the snow buried pavement, totally depleted and drained. Before she could do anything, she spotted that familiar white figure advancing toward where she was.

 

Sesshoumaru-sama? What's he doing here? Rin was not expecting him at this ungodly hour. Great! Just the person I wish to see right now! She let off a small sarcasm filled snigger. Yet Rin waited for him to close the distance between with an unknown sense of yearning.

 

“Rin, what are you doing here so late in the night?” Sesshoumaru did not wait even a second before he bent down to the girl's level and encircled her with his fluffy trail. He had resumed back to his feudal clothes and apparently also let his hair down from that low pony tail which till now, she couldn't seem to get use to. She took a moment to study this old form and his wind blown silver hair still ever dancing so enchantingly around him. She realized that she was seeing him like this for the first time since she remembered everything. She then peered down at her own. They looked so different, two contrasting opposites from two ends of five centuries.

 

Rin was even more disheartened.

 

“Rin, are you alright? You look pale. It's too cold out here.” Without another word, Sesshoumaru picked the girl up into his arm and he was met with a strong retaliation he didn't expect.

 

“Let me go! Why are you here? I'm fine alone.” Rin struggled to break free but Sesshoumaru held her firmly. “I'll get back on my own later. Let me go.”

 

“What's the matter? Is something bothering you?” The demon lord lifted her chin so that he could have a better view of her. Rin's cheeks were flushed painfully probably from the fallen temperature. He examined her eyes for reasons of this bizarre behavior. The moment their eyes met, Rin couldn't stop herself from being gazing into that pair of surreal pigmented eyes and all issues that she was debating just kind of got cast aside. They never fail to appear so hypnotic, faithful and true. Even so, Rin could recall with clarity times where she had seen them filled with scorn, distaste and hate. Who then is the real Sesshoumaru?

 

She gave up her futile wrestle and instead tried to get up on her feet, in which he assisted. By now, Rin had calmed down significantly.

 

“I'm alright.” Rin spoke as gently as she possibly could in an attempt to convince her master to release her from his grip. “Let's go back.”

 

Even as Sesshoumaru had detected that Rin's heart rate had returned somewhat to normal, he insisted on giving her a lift to the Higurashi Shrine.

 

Lying in the warmth of his cuddle, Rin found the strong front she was stubbornly keeping was slowing disappearing. The softness of his fluff, the protective nature of his hold on her, Rin never felt so secure and safe. Secretly, she wished she could stop the clock.

 

After another visit to the shower, Rin entered her room immediately noting that Sesshoumaru was looking with immense curiosity at the computer screen on her study table. Instinctively, she moved to his side, wanting to find out what was it that caught his interest. A smile flashed across her cheeks when she realized that he was staring at the screen saver. She offered her knowledge readily.

 

“This is a computer, my lord.” Rin moved the mouse. “If you want it to work, you have to do this.”

 

Instantly, the screen flickered and Rin discovered she had received two emails.

 

“You can read your mail and do all sorts of things with this.” Rin thought perhaps she should just show him a little. She clicked on her inbox. “You see, Koji and Uiru sent me their pictures from Brisbane. They hate winter so during this time of the year, they'll always be down under.”

 

Sesshoumaru listened with fascination as Rin did some demonstrations, only to find himself being distracted by her slightly damp hair. He stood up, took over her towel and began drying her hair. Rin was too shocked for words. She simply watched him as he went about his task, much like how he had done it the previous time. When he finished, his eyes shifted to meet hers and at that mere contact, it took Rin's breath away.

 

She gulped audibly enough to hear it herself and embarrassed, she forced a grin and directed her gaze back at the computer instead.

 

“Did I… tell you… it can play music too?” Her voice was jerky as she inserted a CD. “This is one of my favorite songs.”

 

Fields of Hope (Gundam SEED Destiny)

 

Beneath a veil so cold

You deeply sleep, all alone

The melody of prayer, on the lonely fields

A little light shone

 

I watched as you dreamed

You laugh like a child

So near, yet so far

That is the promise of our future

 

That one day, on a green morning

One day, we will make it there

Because in this winter sky

We still believe

Fields of Hope

 

As the song played, Rin's heart softened as she dwelled in its soothing melody. She inspected the weather outside. It was snowing again.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, these couple of days, I mean, you've been for a while. Where do you rest?” The girl implored while still avoiding his eyes.

 

“Under the Goshinboko, mainly.” The youkai replied coolly but in his mind, he was flaring with anticipation.

 

She's worried about me. Maybe she might just… He did not need to finish that statement before what he predicted came true.

 

“Perhaps you would like to stay here for the night. I mean, it's snowing outside and it's freezing.” Rin suffered another guilt trip after hearing her master's last sentence. She couldn't just let him sleep in the cold under a tree?!?

 

Sesshoumaru hid his smug beam from the girl.

 

Rin clicked her table lamp to the off mode after being tugged in comfortably under her quilt by the demon lord. He settled down on the matted flooring beside her bed. An hour went past but neither could get to sleep, for obvious reasons.

 

“You are not tired?” Sesshoumaru whispered as he moved in closer to her.

 

“I don't know, just can't sleep.” Rin shifted to the side of the bed the youkai was residing so that she could speak as softly as possibly, not wanting to wake anyone in the house.

 

Sesshoumaru noticed that the girl had closed their distance. She was beginning to relax around him and that was definitely encouraging.

 

Perhaps I should start a conversation. The demon tried hard to think of light hearted topics that might arouse Rin's interest.

 

“How have you been? Are you happy here?” He truly wished to hear from the girl.

 

“Well, life's very different here.” Rin tried her best to relate her experiences to him. “There're lots of fun things to do, like shopping, going for movies, playing arcade games and once, I even went skiing with Yumi and Sota.”

 

She flipped her hair back to keep it from tickling her and Sesshoumaru was able to catch that personalized sparkle in her deep set eyes even in the darkness. The girl was sprawling languidly on her bed but yet, he was captivated by her sensuality as she moved and kicked playfully at the ends of the covers with her feet.

 

He was determined to get himself on that bed with her. It wouldn't be that hard, would it? He's already made it to her room.

 

“Then you do not miss home?” He was referring to the feudal era. Will Rin part with this century if she was having so much fun?

 

“Well, there're some nice things back home too. Life's much quieter and carefree.” Rin was now lying on her side and with her blankets half down, Sesshoumaru could make out her cleavage between the low `v' down the front of her pajamas. He found himself glued to that perfect angle.

 

“It can get pretty stressful here.” Rin continued. “Sometimes, the whole day can be easily packed with rehearsals, lessons, practices and then more rehearsals.”

 

“But you do enjoy that.” He wanted to affirm.

 

“Yes, but I get terrible migraines now and then from reading too many scores. Now come to think of it, I've never had headaches until I came here.” Rin then pointed to her drawers somewhat proudly. “That's why I have gathered a whole range of aspirins, erm.. medicine.”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned. He wasn't too thrilled upon hearing that. So, the new age does have its twist. The girl had not been well and had been constantly taking medicine? So she wasn't coping as well as he thought.

 

“You are no longer a little girl. You should know when to rest and not over exert yourself. Is practice more important than your health?” He struggled to maintain patient but Rin sensed the agitation in his tone. She knew him too well.

 

It had been such a pleasant night with Sesshoumaru and she didn't want to end with such sourness. So, she changed the subject ever so wittily.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, are you comfortable? Are you cold?” Rin's voice reflected a genuine hint of concern.

 

Finally she asks. The youkai lord swiftly devised his speech.

 

“Demons do not fall ill easily,” he started blandly. “This place is fine. I can watch over you if I can't sleep.”

 

His wryly phrased words did achieve its results. Instantly, Rin felt that it was so cruel of her to let her master sleep on the floor and without a proper blanket. But she only had one. What can she do? Well, she could… Should she invite him to share her bed? Well, it's big enough for the both of them but…

 

Scenes of their last mating refreshed in her mind and a tingle cruised down her spine.

 

Will he try to… she was in a dilemma but not for long. Rin's heart decided for her within three seconds.

 

“If you don't mind squeezing, it's much warmer up here.” She said bashfully simultaneously shifting as close to the wall as she could.

 

Sesshoumaru decided not to give a verbal reply, knowing that whatever he says would just make the girl feel more awkward. Moreover, he had already won the second round. He simply nodded, then proceeded to first remove his armour before lifting the covers and settling beside her. He was currently lying on the section where the girl had been a minute ago, sensing the warmth from her bodily heat still lingering on the mattress. Sesshoumaru gleamed in bliss as he drank in her fragrance which was especially concentrated here on the very bed she had laid for five years.

 

Of course he had also noticed that the girl was practically pressing herself against the wall so that their bodies wouldn't touch. It was after all just a super single bed.

 

Sesshoumaru was lost for ideas for a moment but heaven opened a path.

 

Rin began squeezing a couple of times, subsequently pulling her edge of the blanket up nearer to her chin. It was a sign of an emerging flu undeniably caused by the night jog.

 

Without asking, Sesshoumaru pulled the girl in for a tight hug under his shoulder despite her resilience.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, what are you doing? You're supposed to keep to your side of the bed!” Rin pushed feebly as though her own body was conspiring against her. The moment she felt his touch, her will had already weakened greatly. Something inside her was screaming for more.

 

“Rin, don't fight, not tonight, please.” Sesshoumaru further fastened and pressed her to his chest. “You'll catch a cold.” He then carefully arranged the quilt, making sure that she was well snuggled in it.

 

Rin surrendered at these tender words as her own hand wandered to circle his waist.

 

It's just a hug. That's all. Nothing more, she chanted again and again.

 

Minutes turned to hours and still, neither slept. Rin was too occupied just trying to keep her heart from beating too loudly.

 

Sesshoumaru shifted to regard the girl and she lifted her head to match his eyes reflexively. But she found that he was directing his gaze elsewhere… at her… lips?!? She swallowed hard when she saw him closing in slowly.

 

He was going to kiss her!

 

No, Rin, don't let him. Get away quickly! She was chiding but her body wasn't at all responding to that evacuation call. Then, it was too late. He brushed his lips lightly on hers as she trembled.

 

Rin let out a whimper as Sesshoumaru squeeze her tightly to him, bringing her in for a long thorough kiss. He moved to nibble at her lower lip then upper, rhythmically letting his tongue tap at her wetness in between. Rin wasn't responding to his claims. At least she wasn't resisting him. He just had to persist and eventually, he'll break her, he decided.

 

He moved away from her mouth and gave her little teasing pecks on her cheeks, forehead and down the sides of her throat.

 

Every vein in Rin's body was uncontrollably swirling up in a frenzied manner. She tried hard to fight back her body's flaming desires but her defenses were crashing about her. She let out a hushed moan as Sesshoumaru dragged his tongue across the outline of her collar bone.

 

“Do you want me to stop?” He breathed into her ears causing an immediate shiver running through her whole being.

 

Rin had even problems steadying her breathing. How can she possibly manage an answer? She merely stared at him powerlessly. But Sesshoumaru understood all the same. Her scent had changed.

 

Should he make her want him more? Perhaps then, she wouldn't be taking so long to consider his proposal.

 

He landed several more kisses at her chin and round her cheeks, deliberately leaving out her mouth. Rin's seams were apart as if inviting his entrance as she heaved occasional stifled pants. Sesshoumaru knew that the girl was ready but he forced himself to stop. He had decided to deny her of him this night, even when his own body was rebelling fiercely against the notion. He would eventually reap the harvest, he was sure. And he wouldn't have to wait too long, judging from the way she was reacting to him now.

 

Moreover, he wasn't just looking for a one night affair. He wanted her to be his forever.

 

He lurched down to land a clipped kiss on her lips, instantly hearing the girl groan for more as he broke away.

 

“Sleep. It's late.” Sesshoumaru clenched his teeth as he mouthed those words, feeling equally difficult to comply with such a ludicrous command.

 

What? Rin was taken by surprise at this sudden halt to his advances. He expects me to sleep?!? After all that?!?

 

 

********************

 

Hi,

I wanted very much to continue but I'm just too sleepy.

 

By the way, the song featured above is from Gundam Seed Destiny. I'm not sure if you guys watched it but, it's real cool too. I love this song. It kind of inspired me to write this story.

But of course, Gundam Seed is completely different from Inuyasha.

 

I have to site where you can try downloading the song

http://clynefaction.net/Lacus/Song.php