InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A new beginning, a new hope ❯ To have the Cake or Eat it ( Part 1) ( Chapter 38 )

James: In case you are reading, that dumb founded thing was a genuine error

;P I've corrected it *blush deeply*

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Taking his seemingly relaxing position on the bed, Sesshoumaru rested his back against the bedroom wall as he stretched his long legs out lazily, intermittently running his toes and indulging in the simple pleasures of the smoothness of the silken covers beneath him. His musings, though, did not stray far. His sole concentration fell upon that slight lithe form of Rin as she stood not far away, putting down her violin momentarily to make some corrections to her score clipped on the chromic stand before continuing with the runs on the Mendelssohn concerto.

 

She was about to set the instrument on her chin when the prevailing noon lights penetrated its compelling rays through the semi-transparent day curtains and pierced into her eyes, causing her to shun away from its glare reflexively.

 

“Let me…” The demon leapt on his feet short of an instant while waving a finger as a signal asking the girl not to advance toward the windows. Coolly, he yanked on the threaded cords, sliding a second layer of opaque screen over as the superfluous radiance gradually departed.

 

Rin offered in return a breath-taking smile during which the demon lord hid a defenseless sigh. This lovely mental picture of her would be hopelessly stuck in his mind for at the minimum, the next two hours that followed.

 

A few days had passed since the night of their transitory dispute and indeed, some things the miko had said was proven to be spot on. Like what she had overtly predicted, Rin's conditions did alleviate, her inexplicable fluctuating fever now pegged closely back to normal---well, most of the time. And that little variant was what worried the demon the most. Through each passing day, his inner turmoil added stress as more and more questions invaded his mind at will, most he had no answers to. Is Rin truly better? If so, why does she still experience abrupt mounts in temperature? Even after the three dosages? Is it really because of his unadulterated demon birth while Inuyasha only contains half of youkai blood? Is that the only reason why Rin is taking a longer time to recover, if it would ever happen, that is? If what the miko say is true that the unborn pup is still drawing strength from Rin's life force, is she in any immediate danger? Should he just drag her home this very instant where the hanyou physician had already been summoned and in waiting?

 

Still, the girl would neither learn about it nor be bothered by any of this as of yet. Sesshoumaru made a solemn vow to himself. After the recent knowledge of the underlying significance of this concert to the Rin, he took it upon his every bit of tolerance to help her fulfill whatever that's left of this aspiration. That was the least he could do in return for the sacrifices she had made so selflessly and not showing the faintest signs of compunction.

 

Offhandedly, a random number of pressing anxieties flooded his mind, ripping him breathless.

 

But… Can Rin afford to wait till she finishes her performance before seeing Jinenji? Does her ongoing failing health allow her to have such luxuries in time? By letting her have her way, is he indirectly sentencing her to a death penalty by just sitting there and doing nothing?

 

Sesshoumaru took a moment to inspect the girl's form, from the enthusiasm filled fine features of her beautiful face, to her re-colored pink lips and on to those nimble fingers now racing fiercely against the rhythmic ticks of the metronome through a virtuositic passage.

 

If merely taking visuals as evidential, Rin seemed more than fine to every other member in the Higurashi Shrine. Yet, nothing escaped the demon lord's intricate senses as he lay with the girl embraced close to his heart every night. The almost unexposed changes in her pulse, that bazaar rush of blood under her skin and sudden soar and dip in her body heat were fully identified and unveiled under his meticulous surveillance.

 

No matter, what's done is done. The concert was scheduled this afternoon and the multitude of Sesshoumaru's patience could only strain to accommodate him that far. Straight after, he swore to take her back home, sit her down and have the hanyou do a thorough examination.

 

The gust of cool conditioned breeze ruffled his silvery hair but the demon paid it no mind as he stare blankly at one pillow, apparently still too engrossed in his own musing. But the moment Rin's slight shiver stirred the surrounding air, Sesshoumaru was forced back as he sensed the girl's discomfort.

 

“Are you cold?” The demon asked as he got up once again to rummage through the closet for something warmer. His fingers landed on his preferred choice, a dark woolen cardigan and he pulled it off the hanger.

 

“Just a little. Maybe I'll adjust the air-conditioner.” She answered modestly, accepting the extra clothing anyway as Sesshoumaru placed it over her gently. She attempted to stretch for the remote on the table but staggered a few faltering steps as a wave of dizziness swept through her, making it too airy to keep balance.

 

“Sessho…” Rin held onto the stand for support but the demon was too quick to catch all that was happening. In a willowy gesture, he cradled her into his chest by her shoulder from behind and at the same time, taking over her violin.

 

“Are you alright?” he implored, a flash of renewed exasperation surfaced between his furrowed brows. He aided her to sit at the edge of the bed, setting down the instrument charily on his other side.

 

“I'm fine, I think. Don't worry, I can still perform, really.” Rin assured wistfully, her throat tight with emotion. She wouldn't let anything talk her out of this recital, ever! She gritted her teeth determinedly as she blinked frantically to clear her vision.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, something tore in his heart as he silently took in the all-too observable apprehension from Rin.

 

“Come, it's time for you to get prepared or you'll be late.” The demon spoke plainly even when his mouth was almost too dry to form words. He reached forward to draw one playful finger across her jaw line, feigning an implausible smile.

 

“I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru.” Rin was contrite as her pulse doubled at his telling expression. She sighed and leaned weakly in the firm planes of his chest. “But I promise, this will be the last. After this, I'll rest and take good care…”

 

She was silenced in the best possible way as he stole a kiss from her icy lips, one which she reciprocated by catching his again keenly after he broke off.

 

“Play well…” He whispered, forcing up his flat tone, while rendering a few assuring strokes down to straighten some of her fraying ebony strands. He brought her in for a brief hug, causing her to miss his mistrustful golden eyes and his wavering confidence successfully.

 

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The rhythmic clang caused by the mist of rising steam forcing its way out from the metallic lid alerted Kagome that her miso soup was bubbling dangerously at the pot brim and about to over-boil. Instinctively, she clasped the handle only to fight an immediate scalding sensation numbing her index and thumb. Well taught by her home maker mom, she touched the cool lobes of her right ear to relieve some of the throbbing heat a little after letting out a soft shriek.

 

The hanyou's questioning eyes shot toward her direction, genuinely concerned but Kagome just shook her head sheepishly.

 

“It's okay, Inuyasha. I'm fine.” Tossing her long hair over her shoulders, she forced a chuckle, fanning her fingers in the air casually to show him that the redden patch had subsided substantially within that short few seconds.

 

She scrunched her nose in renewed annoyance when her gaze fell on another subject at the table, a miniature version of a possible monster whom she calls daughter. Alright, perhaps she really shouldn't have given her own kid such awful sounding names but judging from what Keiko is doing now, it wasn't that difficult for anyone to think that way.

 

In her boredom, the little hanyou was challenging Sota in a game of tug-of-war--- with the table napkin. Well, to be fair, the young man wasn't at all keen on this nonsensical tussle. He'd let go of the damn cloth if it pleased the miko. However, the impediment in question here was that Keiko was gritting and all toothy smiles, leaning the full of her weight to gain a presumably added edge over her opponent. If he were to loosen his grip, the little hanyou would no doubt be sent flying and tumbling to the other extreme end of the room.

 

Not giving any chances to the occurrence of a possible disastrous accident, the miko moved swiftly toward the two, immediately receiving an unspoken glance of gratitude from her brother. She jerked on the twisted bundle a few violent times coupled with an extra stern glare at her own kid before Keiko finally surrendered her end, though not without yelping a loud scowl of discontent.

 

“One more time and you'll go stand at the wall, young lady!” Kagome retorted and on second thoughts, she decided to increase the intensity of her threats, grasping fully well the kid's wants and weaknesses. “And you will not go for Rin-chan and Sota's concert. You will be grounded!”

 

The miko grinned victorious when she heard another louder, more booming snarl from her back. Schemingly, she cast a peek at the little girl now sitting with both legs petulantly flung on the table, her tiny arms folded as she huffed and pursed her lips pretentiously.

 

Whatever, Kagome mused. She had won this round. The next tougher, more challenging task was to see the little hanyou through her lunch. She heaved an exasperated breath. Inuyasha will take charge of that.

 

Just then, the two last residents of the household emerged from the doorway, instantly drawing a smile off the miko's frustrated face.

 

“Rin-chan, Sesshoumaru, come on in. Lunch's ready.” Kagome pulled out two chairs, one with each hand as an invitation. “You look bright and ready for your recital. I'm glad.”

 

“Arigato, yes, I feel much better.” Rin took her seat, momentarily distracted by Inuyasha's strange flurried actions. Apparently, the hanyou was inelegantly swapping positions with Keiko, creating an obvious distance between her and his half brother, while not forgetting to hurl Sesshoumaru with the snooty green eye.

 

She couldn't help but to stifle a giggle. Looks like what Keiko said the other day is still affecting Inuyasha-sama. He's still jealous of Sesshoumaru. I hope he gets over this soon.

 

“Keiko, why don't you sit beside me?” The moment the girl spoke, the kid sprinted like a sweep of wind to Rin's side, simultaneously making a face of mischief at her father.

 

“Gal, your favorite.” Sota was about to hand the girl her share of grilled salmon when he suddenly remembered his place. Instead, with slightly tensed awkwardness clung on his cheeks, he switched to intelligently pass it to the demon lord instead. Even then, he would very much prefer that he could also take back his overly intimate address which he so carelessly blurted. “Erm… we better hurry though. We need to be back stage by two.” He spoke, his tone still flustered.

 

“Hai.” Rin chimed, her unrestrained exhilaration sighted by all at the table. She started on her meal, choosing a faster pace than Sesshoumaru would have fancied.

 

“Slowly.” He beckoned, his palm touching the top of her hand, which the girl responded with a buoyant smile, slowing down significantly at his command.

 

“Ne, Rin-chan, you'll be returning home after the concert?” Kagome implored, at the same time, stretching out one hand under the table to Inuyasha, pushing to his lap Keiko's plate.

 

“Kah… Kei… come to papa..” The hanyou opened his mouth with an audible grudging mope before complying with his wife's unvoiced demand. He sulked even further when the kid merely hissed and escaped to hide behind the sunken couch. “Hey…” He scrambled off after her.

 

“Yes. We've packed already. Sesshoumaru wishes that we proceed home straight after the performance.” Rin's irises sparkled as a marvelous idea struck her. “Kagome-san, why don't you, Inuyasha and Keiko come with us? Treat it as a holiday.”

 

Though looking his usually stoic self, Sesshoumaru traced his younger brother as he disappeared unceremoniously into the adjoining hall. Would he one day have to do likewise since he's about to father his own pup? He pondered, shaking his head sub-consciously to ward off some unwanted images of himself, totally pale and powerless to stop the screeching cries of the infant in his arms.

 

Rin caught her husband frozen with one hot cup of tea in mid air, the strange expression on his face could rival that of Inuyasha's just before he departed from the kitchen.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” She asked, reaching out to guide his hand down to the table top.

 

Being startled by her call to reality and giving her a reassuring nod, the demon lord beheld before him the lovely gentle face of Rin, sighing rather contentedly.

 

Yes, he had almost forgotten. The difficulty in raising a child had partly to do with heredity. No doubt, that mutt's kid had most of her dad's irritating hyper-active traits. He then did a brief analysis of his and Rin's persona. If strictly following only either of them, their pup should be one which is calm, introverted and shy, if it were a girl.

 

“We'd love to…” The miko was all for the idea of a visit to the west though she withheld some apprehension as to whether they are truly welcomed by the demon lord himself. But since there weren't any clear signs of objection from Sesshoumaru, she took that as an unspoken consent.

 

Good, Kagome thought to herself. The next most persuasive reason for her accepting this invitation was that she wished to continue to offer her assistance to take care of the girl, deeply believing that the demon lord wouldn't know how to prepare a nutritiously balanced meal for Rin.

 

Fervently, she prayed that perhaps, this trip would help to further bridge a potential reconciliation between the two brothers. These Inu boys ought to be shamed by how well Rin and her get along.

 

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The shimmering spot lights in the concert hall dimmed as all the dissonant chattering ceased. There were splashes of scattered sounds of a few rushing footsteps as the last of the lot of students scurried to their seats. At one corner of his despising golden eyes, Sesshoumaru exhaled a half mocking smirk when Inuyasha was now trying to press Keiko down to her seat without the kid using it as a make shift trampoline bouncing up and down.

 

For the next twenty minutes or so, the demon lord became too saturated with several of his own concerns to really take notice of what was happening on stage. His mind was hurtled back to their journey in the Higurashi home vehicle.

 

Rin was trying distraughtly to force open her eyes as she hid an unsuccessful yawn. Sesshoumaru was just too quick for feeble human attempts like that.

 

“Are you tired?” The demon asked as he wrapped her in his arms. “You didn't sleep much last night. Why don't you take a short nap?” He recollected how Rin barely had a shut eye, being overwhelmed by pure performance jitters.

 

Obligingly, the girl rested her head and snuggled closer into him as he draped a warm shawl over her. Kagome, who was sitting beside the girl, gave Inuyasha a hint-filled nudge as an indication for him to lower the fan mode to minimum as well as switching the radio off.

 

And Sesshoumaru felt it, Rin's pulse was showing signs of irregularity again and she was definitely running a slight fever. Gosh! How he cursed and hated himself for letting her stay this far despite her failing health. Was he making a decision he would regret for the rest of his youkai life? Or perhaps, he was just being too paranoid? He balled his fists till his knuckles turned white.

 

Suddenly, something cream and green flashed in front of him, bringing him back to where he was in the music school concert hall. It was a bunch of flowers--- snow white lilies colorfully ornamented with a selection of glossy wrappers and frilly ribbons . Kagome had shoved it into his chest while flashing him a wink.

 

“For Rin-chan… YOU will go up the stage and present it to her when she finishes.” She chirped with immense self satisfaction that she was the director of such a brilliant and romantic idea.

 

Instantly, Sesshoumaru was dumb founded, his crimson marked cheeks darken to the deeper maroon. Well, it wasn't that he detested the notion of pleasing her with flowers but… on stage? In full view of every human in this huge confine space? Even now as his fingers tightened round the bouquet, he had detected an assortment of muffled girlish giggles sprouting from different positions behind him.

 

“Rin will love this. She adores lilies and this could be her last performance for a long time.” Kagome urged, ignoring Inuyasha's stifled grin.

 

The miko's last statement worked wonders to stir up the demon lord's courage to attempt this too explicit display of love. He placed the sweet smelling bouquet on the ground just as Rin strode on stage with the orchestra backing her.

 

Inspite of this present predicament, Rin looked fabulously beautiful as the stage lights haloed round her form. As the applause ended, she turned calmly to the orchestra, tuning her violin as the oboe played an `A'. Signaling her readiness with a slight nod to the conductor, the maestro waved his baton and the orchestra began the two short introductory bars before the girl's solo entrance into the first movement of the Mendelssohn concerto in E.

 

Sesshoumaru watched as the girl went about all the tricky passages with an equal portion of rhythmic accuracy as well as melodic musicality. Indeed, she was keeping her usual standards and even out doing some parts in terms of speed. He felt an instant swell of pride, all his pent up fretfulness hurled to the farthest ends of the earth.

 

When Rin drew the final note, there was the uprising of ovation from below the stage as everyone cheered and clapped. The girl heaved a rather relief sigh that it was all over as she bowed in appreciation. Just as she lifted her eyes, a familiar silhouette stood looming beside her and it was… Sesshoumaru.

 

The girl blushed deeply when her vision landed on the blossoming bunch clasped in his hand. Her brows twisted shyly as she accepted it, simultaneously hearing several gasps, shrieks and a hushed cheeky whistle she suspected to be from none other than the naughty kid. Just as she thought her face couldn't feel more heated, Sesshoumaru cupped her chin gently, sealing her lips in a soft kiss. It was all too mind-numbing and Rin felt she almost couldn't steady herself.

 

Bashfully, she gestured him down the platform of steps as she retreated backstage. For every step she took, she felt an intensity building in her. Something was happening and it wasn't good. First and foremost, she was beginning to see doubles of everything in the surrounding and a mad rush of blood was swamping from her throat right up to her temple. Through careful dodging of obstacles in her way, she staggered toward her dressing room, placing her violin into its case safely.

 

But that was all she could manage. Rin pressed both her sweating palms on a table as her knees gave way and all that was in front of her blacken like a curtain being drawn swiftly, cutting out all the lights in an instant. With a rumbling growl, Sesshoumaru shot toward her, hoisting her into his arms.

 

“Rin-chan…” Kagome and the rest followed hot on their trails as the demon lord transformed into a fiery white ball of light cometing purposefully toward the bone eater's well.

 

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Just a quick note,

 

Brace yourselves, Leila-chan, Christal, sadsoul and James….

 

Bad stuffs all the way hence forth…

 

And why do these things happen?

 

Because I'm EVIL…. ha ha ha Ha Ha Ha HA HA HA HA…. BUNNY