InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dancing with Scissors ❯ Rin's Special Day and Things Fall Apart ( Chapter 26 )

The Taisho's property had been transformed. Hours earlier, the lawn, a vast, uninterrupted expanse of green bordered by tall trees crowned in autumn glory, now was overrun with young children astride pretend horses in anticipation of a pony ride. Mrs. Taisho's rose bushes were obscured by a canopy draped with lavender and silver streamers and ribbon, under which were three tables, also covered in matching crepe streamers and Mylar balloons. On one table coordinating Magical Unicorn party favors, plates, cups, and napkins sat in front of twelve chairs. On another were several chafing dishes and a large white and lavender cake. The third was piled high with presents of all sizes and shapes, challenging laws of gravity. In the driveway next to the bumper sticker-covered minivan was parked a pick-up and horse trailer.

 

Kagome didn't know what to think about the whole extravaganza.

 

Rin's fourth birthday party consisted of four children cavorting at Memorial Park playground, followed by pizza delivery and cupcakes. Her presents were a set of Flower Fairies books and a kid-sized Ramones t-shirt from her parents, a homemade rag doll from Kagome, finger paints from Sango and Miroku, a set of blocks and a puzzle from the downstairs neighbors and Shippou. The only large animal present was Oberon, who never had to suffer the indignity of children on his back—he's a dog, not a horse was Kagome's typical reply when asked if he could be ridden. The two scenes couldn't be more different. And this was just the party—her real birthday was still days away.

 

“Kagome,” Sango said, “I recognize that `we're not in Kansas anymore' look on your face. It's okay.” The two women were in the guest house, heating up apple cider to serve with the luncheon.

 

“I know. It's just…I can't help but wonder what Inuyasha and Kikyou would make of this. Like how many families could be pulled out of poverty by the amount of money spent today.”

 

Sango gave her a little hug. “Under the circumstances, Rin's first birthday without her parents and her first with her formerly unknown grandparents, Inuyasha and Kikyou would approve.”

 

Kagome looked through the huge kitchen window at Rin as she ran and laughed with her guests. “You're right. Birthdays are for pampering. It's the other three hundred sixty four that I need to make sure don't go out of control.” Having lost their own parents far before they were ready, Kikyou and Kagome knew too well the importance of placing value on people and not possessions. Of course, they were both packrats with a love of books and clothes and an appreciation of the finer things in life, but they wanted to pass on to Rin the concept of being content with less and that it was friends and family, not things, that mattered. And she acknowledged that a part of her wanted to preserve the child exactly as she was when her parents were killed, when their influence on her had been highest. She knew it was unrealistic—change was part of growing—but she firmly promised herself that Inuyasha and Kikyou would live on in their daughter. “I won't say anything today, but I'll have to tamp down the consumerism before Christmas approaches. They're coming around though.” She looked at Sango with a twinkle in her eye, cheering up considerably. “I got all three Taishos to go trick-or-treating with me and Rin.”

 

Sango was impressed and tickled at the way her friend could still get people out their comfort zones to try new things and take chances. It began in college with Kagome's roommate Kanna's dysfunctional quiet and continued with finally, after two years of alternating between sexual tension and outright hostility, getting her and Miroku together. “Oh, really? Do tell.”

 

“Yep. Rin and I dressed up as non-sparkly vampires; great candy haul. I found out that when Sesshoumaru and Yasha were kids, the nanny took them trick-or-treating on the few years they went. Can you believe that?” Kagome had teased that she was going out with a group of trick-or-treat virgins, but then was somewhat shocked to hear that Mr. Taisho was always too busy and his wife was too sick on that oh-so-important night in the year of a kid.

 

Sango nodded. “That maybe explains a lot of Inuyasha's loving Halloween so hard. Trying to capture what he never had growing up.”

 

“Yeah. I already knew he hardly had a normal childhood, but didn't really appreciate what it meant. I couldn't imagine sending a surrogate out on Halloween.” She sighed. “You should have seen Mr. Taisho though. He totally ate it up.”

 

“Realized the fun he had missed?”

 

They looked on as Mrs. Taisho and her friend from the stables where she rode led two ponies, one black and one white, from the trailer. Both animals had colorful ribbons tied in their manes and tails, and the white one had a false, though fairly convincing, unicorn horn attached to its head. The kids saw the ponies and simmered with excitement, but they kept their enthusiasm tightly under control. Mrs. Taisho had given them strict instructions in advance about acting calm around the ponies. They were used to children, she assured them, but they were in an unfamiliar place and no one wanted to take any chances of scaring them. Kagome suspected that was perhaps as much for the adults' benefit. A dozen screeching kids was a frightening thing to behold.

 

She shook her head, but smiled softly. The two male Taisho were standing together near the big house, neither trying quite as hard as they may have a few months ago to hide their amusement. “The best was Sesshoumaru and Mrs. Taisho watching Ken with Rin on the floor afterward, organizing her loot while she explained the hierarchy. Candy bars at the top, peanut butter kisses and Tootsie Rolls underneath, lollipops and Pixy Stix under that, then jaw breakers and gumballs. Toothbrushes and money have no place. They're in purgatory. But yeah…seeing Sesshoumaru standing in the kitchen watching the display on the living room floor; it was witnessing his discovery of another part of his father. An unguarded, youthful part. I think Ken became more complete in his son's eyes.”

 

“You seem to have had a positive effect on this family, Kagome.” She gave her a playful elbow jab. “So nice to see you use your power for good instead of evil.”

 

Kagome laughed. “Eh. They just needed a nudge in the right direction. Someone to gently kick the collective Taisho repressed ass.” She turned the heat off the stove and poured the cider into pitchers. “Sango, I want to tell you something, but you need to promise not to act like a moron.”

 

Sango's brow creased with concern—Kagome had lost the lightness in her voice. “Of course, honey.”

 

“Sesshoumaru and I are going on a date tonight.”

 

Sango held in her urge to scream and fist pump triumphantly. “You are ready, you know. You'll be fine.”

 

“I know. I am.” She had been ignoring the looming dinner date all week, concentrating on sewing Rin's gift and making her towering cake. Now, mere hours away, she had to face it. “I may need to call you afterward and share though. I have a feeling I'll need some unwinding. Will you be around?”

 

“Miroku and I are going to see a play and then dinner, but we'll be home around midnight. He had a trial all week and is preparing for a deposition today and tomorrow. We've seen each other for about one waking hour a day, so tonight is just for us. We even agreed to leave the CrackBerries at home.”

 

“You two are the cutest. Theater, cuisine…procreation.” She winked at her. “I'll try to wait for morning before I ask you to listen to my incoherent ramblings.”

 

“Kagome,” Sango said, “you can do this. Reclaim this last, important part of you.” The women embraced—a long, intimate hug, loaded with unspoken words of love and friendship. “Besides, it's just dinner. You don't have to sleep with him.”

 

Kagome got an ill-timed vision of Sesshoumaru shirtless, and her heart rate sped up. “Thank god. I think I'd spontaneously combust.” She couldn't stop the blush that bloomed on her face. A goodnight kiss, one that involved two mouths, not simply her lips and his cheek, was a distinct possibility. “We should join the party.” She handed Sango one of the pitchers, and they walked from the guest house into the outdoor revelry. “The lawn company was out this morning. At Mr. Taisho's request, they left a giant pile of leaves for the kids to jump in after they have cake.”

 

“You're totally jumping too, aren't you?”

 

She laughed. It was good to have friends who knew her so well.

 

XxXxX

 

The Welsh ponies were a huge success. For an hour and a half, the children took turns riding the unicorn, Dilly, while Mrs. Taisho showed those waiting how to groom Toby, the black pony. The adults were amazed with how well the children listened to instructions, all talking in calm voices, whispering to Toby about how pretty his big, dark eyes were as they offered him handfuls of hay and Mrs. Taisho taught them proper brushing of an equine.

 

She slid a nubby rubber brush on her hand and used circular motions on the pony's back and flanks, explaining in a patient, friendly manner how important this part would be if he were really muddy. Then, starting at the top of the neck and working down, she used a stiff brush to flick off the dust and muck. Finally she picked up a soft brush and let the children have their turn, showing them the strokes to use and how to be extra gentle in the sensitive places. “He isn't head shy at all, but stay away from his eyes.” When they were done, Toby's coat was glossy black, and the children, most possessing little to no horse experience, gained a new connection to an animal.

 

After each kid had a ride atop Dilly, they were seated and lunch was served, a medley of Pigs-in-a Blanket, Tater Tots, and Cheese Quesadillas. Kagome felt like a drug pusher, darting among the children with her tray of sugar snap peas and red pepper slices, encouraging them to just try it…you know you want to. Rin adored both vegetables, and thankfully it took no arm twisting or threats of a cakeless party for the kids to add some color to their plates. Once she had done her nutritional duty, Kagome sat with the other adults and felt a swell of pride at Rin's behavior.

 

Of the eleven friends she had been allowed to invite, two were new at her school. Rin welcomed them into the fold, paying attention to everyone, not just Shippou and Jordan and Jericho. She asked the new kids to go first during the little I Spy and tongue twister games they played while they ate and made certain they weren't uncomfortable because they didn't know the others as well. When it came time to open presents, Rin asked the shyer of the two new kids to sit next to her. It was a large group of young children to manage, and Kagome was impressed by the way Rin gave her friends equal time and didn't care if two or three were playing without her. So mature, Kagome thought. She and Kikyou, of course, shared a birthday, and extreme drama had been the defining factor of that special day all their years growing up, from accusations of attention hogging to alleged parental favoritism to tears over a perceived inequality of gifts. Fortunately as adults, less competitive and more secure with themselves as individuals, things improved greatly, and the annual event was looked forward to with excitement for weeks before.

 

Kagome, seated between Sango and Sesshoumaru, was content to observe and let Mrs. Taisho continue to run the show. She was a natural with the kids, and it made Kagome a little sad to know she spent her own sons' childhoods stuck in the spiral of depression and missed so much. She stole glance at Sesshoumaru, wondering if he noticed and how it affected him, but his face wore its usual inscrutable mask. She hoped that someday soon he would trust her enough to confide about lingering sadness and regrets about his youth. He had made subtle references, but she doubted that he had ever really talked to anyone. She hoped…but also respected his need for privacy; Sesshoumaru Taisho was the most introspective, reserved person she'd ever met. Again, the fact that they had become friends surprised her—their rocky beginning and stark differences in personality weren't insurmountable obstacles.

 

She was pulled from her musing. It was time for presents.

 

Those from the school friends were all the same thing—Webkinz. Apparently the in gift to give this year, Kagome thought, because instead of being disappointed in the lack of variety, Rin squealed with delight at each plush animal she opened. Cow, Bear, Grey and White Cat, Panda, Koala. Kagome noted the lack of redundancy and decided the children must have been plotting behind her back; there was no way a four or five year old would choose to give a female peer a Gorilla unless the other, cuter options had already been taken. Her conviction that Less is More was flying out into the ether, and she began her own plot of teaching Rin to regift. The girl already had the Elephant and the Lion. No one needed thirteen stuffed animals and accompanying virtual pets.

 

Once the Webkinz giddiness passed, Mrs. Taisho handed Rin the gift from Sango. Rin's enthusiasm hadn't waned—she ripped the paper off in record time. It was another Webkinz, the Reindeer.

 

Kagome shot Sango a dark look. “What. The fuck.” She kept her voice low, so the kids and elder Taishos couldn't hear.

 

Sango refused a label of guilty enabler. “It's cute. And you said Barbie was banned.” Kikyou had a well-known hatred of Barbie and Bratz dolls, one that Kagome shared with a diminished intensity, but had every intention of respecting.

 

Kagome didn't respond; her present was currently being opened. The idea came to her on a random, unseasonably cold night a few weeks before, when they discovered that all Rin's warm flannel pajamas, which hadn't been worn in seven months, no longer fit. Kagome kicked herself for failing to foresee this need, clothed the girl in sweatpants, and went the next day to a fabric store to purchase yards of several fun and cute prints, ones Rin would like. She also happened upon a major find. Serendipity, she thought, as she bought the whole bolt of rereleased limited edition flannel print, not caring about the price.

 

Rin giggled as she pulled out the first set of pajamas, which were festooned with chubby polar bears sledding and building snowmen. A set with enchanting green fairies followed, then a dark blue nightgown with fluffy white sheep jumping over a fence rail. Kagome held her breath as Rin pulled the last item from the box—a bathrobe. The fabric was a scene of dogs playing poker and dogs playing pool.

 

Sango laughed; she and Miroku each had robes made of the same fabric. They were seldom worn, saved for cold and lazy Sunday mornings and serving mainly as loved relics of their friend's sense of humor. Sesshoumaru scowled. Though his opinion of Kagome had changed considerably since he had first seen her ugly robe, the object in question had not become any less loathsome. Rin hugged her new robe tightly. The one that she had outgrown had teddy bears wearing diapers on it. Now she had a grown-up one, just like her aunt's.

 

“If I can bear to throw the old one away, I might make myself a replacement.” Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru with a playful expression. “And I've got plenty of fabric left…for at least some pajama pants.”

 

Sesshoumaru's scowl deepened. “I will stand by my original assessment. Most tasteless, least attractive fabric ever.”

 

Kagome stared at him a moment. “In the kingdom of kitsch you would be a monster.”

 

A smile played at the edge of his mouth. “Quoting Milan Kundera won't make your robe any less ugly.”

 

She thrilled inwardly that the reference wasn't lost; he didn't disappoint. “No,” she laughed. “It's fun. Embrace your inner dork.”

 

“Kagome, I have no inner dork.” The smile didn't quite disappear. “Yours is sufficiently developed for both of us.”

 

Sango noticed the flirty rapport between the two, naughty and familiar, with an undeniable current of sensuality sparking between them. If Kagome was deprived of a reason to run away, if she could let go of her fears, there could be something long lasting in their future.

 

Present opening continued with the gift from the Taishos. Rin unwrapped a large box and, with Mr. Taisho's assistance, pulled out a pink set of junior golf clubs, the initials RHT prominently emblazoned on the side of the bag. Kagome's face twitched as Ken helped Rin take a club out and showed her how to position her hands.

 

Sango said, “Kagome, I know what you're thinking. Just stop. You should be happy they are bonding.”

 

Kagome nodded, brows furrowed. She was pleased that Rin and her grandparents took to each other so well and the girl had a fuller experience of family. But she also knew that Inuyasha hated the elitist country club lifestyle in which he had grown up and had consciously rejected it. What would he think of pink golf clubs?

 

Sesshoumaru looked at a profoundly confused Kagome. “What is it?” he asked.

 

“Kagome is afraid Rin will end up a spoiled country club snob,” Sango said.

 

“My sister sang her protest songs as lullabies. Inuyasha taught her how to bang her head when she was three,” Kagome said. “Last year he taught her the first verse of Braineaters by the Misfits.” She laughed lightly at the memory of Rin's childish voice singing OI! OI! OI! Brains for dinner, Brains for lunch. “I'm worried she will turn into someone her parents wouldn't recognize.”

 

“Kagome,” Sesshoumaru said gently, “I think you are underestimating the role you have in Rin's life and the strength of your personality.”

 

His words gave her a great deal of comfort. She needed only a reminder of what she already knew—that Rin would be a product of her upbringing, and she was, and would always be, an integral part. “Thanks,” she said. “Both of you.”

 

“And now the last present,” Mrs. Taisho announced. “From your uncle.”

 

Rin craned her neck and beamed at Sesshoumaru, then turned her attention to a large, oddly shaped box. She looked at her grandfather. “What is it?”

 

“I don't know. He hasn't said a word.”

 

She tore into the wrapping paper with vigor, gasped a smile, then reverently lifted a small guitar from the box.

 

Kagome's breath caught in her throat. She had been to the storage shed a few days before to find the cake decorating tips and saw her sister's favorite acoustic guitar lying on a pile of boxes. The battered old case was decorated with a spray of blue bellflowers that Kagome had painted on a bored rainy day when they were freshmen in the dorms. It called to her, and she grabbed it on her way out, promising that she would start playing regularly again and wondering when Rin would be old enough to learn.

 

Rin smiled wide and set it back down. She ran to Sesshoumaru and threw herself into his arms, sure with the belief that he would catch her. “I love it!”

 

“You'll have to ask your aunt to teach you.”

 

“Will you, Kagome?”

 

Kagome kept her emotions in check. “Of course, sweetheart.”

 

Rin kissed her thanks to the three adults, then returned to her friends. It was time for cake.

 

Kagome rose and inspected the abandoned gift. She stroked the shiny wood and fingered the nylon strings of the quarter-sized guitar, noting the quality of the craftsmanship. Rin's tiny hand may not quite fit around the neck, but she could teach the girl a few easy chords and strumming patterns. Kagome quickly tuned it and played a few test chords, hands slightly awkward at the much smaller size. The sound wasn't bad. It was a good instrument; one Rin could grow into.

 

“I hope I didn't presume too much,” Sesshoumaru said. He had followed her, eager to hear her opinion. “I should have asked if you were willing to provide lessons.”

 

“A task I wouldn't entrust to anyone else,” Kagome said softly. “Are you a mind reader? This gift is perfect.” The ambiguity of whether it was perfect for her or for Rin hung in the air.

 

“Merely perceptive.” Sesshoumaru, though he had said nothing, shared Kagome's concern that Rin would change. There was a part of her personality that was directly inherited from Inuyasha, a part that at first discovery had him remembering an intense desire to throttle his brother, but later gave him an odd feeling of acceptance. He would do his best to defend it. Ken Taisho, Sesshoumaru knew, couldn't wait to get his granddaughter onto a golf course to establish the fundamentals before winter and snow arrived. His mother had recently started Rin on piano. He wanted to be certain all aspects of Rin's varied background were represented and, lacking any knowledge of zombies, decided a guitar was a reasonable starting point.

 

“Where did you find it?” she asked. “The construction is excellent. Usually a kid's instrument is treated like a toy and pretty cheap.”

 

“I had it custom made. Some things are worth the extra cost.”

 

She nodded. “Like a little girl's happiness on her fifth birthday?”

 

“Exactly.”

 

Kagome laid the guitar back in the box. “Shall we join the others? I think it's time to sing Happy Birthday.”

 

Song sung, candles blown out, and cake consumed, Rin and her birthday guests played with her new Webkinz until the parents came to retrieve their offspring. They said goodbye to Sango and let out the dog, who chased the new scents around the lawn, intrigued, until he settled on Rin; she, having groomed and ridden, smelled the most strongly of pony. His big black nose nudged and explored, knocking her to the ground and tickling her. Rin giggled and shrieked until the adults had had their laugh and Kagome called Off.

 

Rin got up, panting for breath, then her face fell. “We forgot about the leaves.” She looked at Mr. Taisho. “Can I still jump in?”

 

“Go ahead.” He avoided the glances of his wife and son—this level of indulgence was without precedence. It was common knowledge that Ken Taisho preferred an immaculate yard.

 

Rin had played in the yard with the dog that morning as the lawn company raked and blew leaves, watching as the pile grew larger and larger, matching her rising anticipation of future unbridled fun. The idea of jumping into it by herself however seemed lonely. “Kagome, will you go with me?”

 

“Wanna race?”

 

Rin's eyes narrowed. “You have to give me a head start. Count to ten.” She started running across the yard.

 

Kagome grinned wickedly. “Onetwothreefourfivesixseveneightnineten!” she blurted. She set off in hot pursuit, slowing her pace as she overtook Rin, who protested the unfairness. Suddenly Sesshoumaru ran up and gathered Rin in his arms, easily passing Kagome. They reached the pile first, and he carefully tossed his niece into the huge mass of red and gold.

 

“Cheaters!” Kagome followed Rin a moment later, sailing into the heap. They laughed and threw leaves at each other, then set their sights on Sesshoumaru standing just out of arm's reach. He stepped back to dodge autumn's detritus, clearly amused at the antics of the two black-haired females buried in the pile of leaves.

 

Leaves scattered and pile destroyed, Sesshoumaru lifted Rin out and sent her scampering to her grandparents and her presents. He gave Kagome a hand and pulled her up. “You are ridiculous,” he said, picking leaves from her hair.

 

“I nurture my inner dork regularly.” Her knowing smile suggested he was guilty of the same. “Though you claim not to have one, I know better. It may be languishing, but swooping down and throwing Rin into the leaves is proof of existence.”

 

“Nonsense.” He took care not to protest too much.

 

They walked back toward the mansion and the guest house as the bright sun began its descent behind the trees at the edge of the yard, lengthening shadows as the air cooled. “Soooo…your parents are taking Rin to the pool and out for pizza,” Kagome said self-consciously. Sesshoumaru hadn't mentioned their date since the Halloween party, and she suddenly felt awkward next to him.

 

He recognized an unasked question. “Our dinner reservation is at seven. It will be pleasant tonight, and I thought we could go downtown early and walk around. There's an old storefront I acquired this week that you may find interesting. It has some architectural features unlike anything else in the city.”

 

“Sounds great,” she said, forcing her voice to stay casual. “I'll need at least an hour. I obviously need a shower,” she said brushing off her sweater and creating a dust cloud. “And I have no idea what to wear.” She made a note to choose somewhat sensible shoes.

 

Sesshoumaru looked at his watch. Four o' clock. “I'll come for you at five thirty.”

 

Kagome helped carry in the gaggle of Webkinz and changed her mind about the regifting. Rin had already given her new toys names and was introducing Ella and Leo to her latest acquisitions. They said goodbye with hugs and kisses and a promise of breakfast together the next morning.

 

On her way back to the guest house, Kagome was stopped by the Taishos. After chatting for a few minutes about the success of the party, Rose said, “Kagome, Ken and I were talking about the Christmas holidays. We thought that instead of showering the child with gifts, we could take her with us to vacation at our condo in Florida for several days.” She saw Kagome's immediate hurt reaction. “We, of course, wouldn't leave until the twenty-seventh,” she added quickly. “We wouldn't dream of separating you two on Christmas Day.”

 

“I assure you she will be perfectly safe with us,” Mr. Taisho said, “but we wanted to ask your permission first.”

 

Kagome nodded, thoughtful. She knew Rin was fascinated with beaches—the ocean's salty water and sand as far as the eye could see—and the idea of flying in an airplane. This would also take care of the dreaded conversation about putting the brakes on gift-giving. “Rin would love that. I'll make sure she still has summer clothes that fit her.” She sighed, missing her niece already. “And thank you for asking me.” She hugged them both, noting the near absence of awkwardness.

 

She walked back to the guest house and, followed by Oberon, entered. It was time to get ready for her first real date in nearly two years. I can do this. She wandered into her room, looked inside her closet, and, deciding that she needed a few minutes before facing the question of how sexy she wanted to dress, wandered back out.

 

There was a stack of accumulated mail that she had picked up from her post office box lying on the dining room table—a perfect distraction and way to delay the inevitable. The majority of Kagome's correspondence and bill paying was done online, and so typically her mail consisted of junk, but occasionally there was a magazine, a real letter, or a check from a gallery. She shuffled through the stack. Ads, political mailings, pre-approved credit card applications. Among the garbage that was destined for the recycling bin was a letter that didn't look like junk. The return address had the state crest and the words Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Parole Board, Victim Notification Section. Her heart skipped a beat. She opened it slowly to steady herself, to stay in control. It was a form letter, giving notice of an upcoming parole hearing. The receiver was advised to dial the provided toll-free number or go to the website listed below, in order to stay up-to-date on prisoner status, Victim ID and PIN required to access the system.

 

Kagome stumbled to her laptop on the kitchen counter. The minute that it took to power up seemed to stretch on for a torturous hour. For the first two years after the trial, she checked the website of the state Attorney General every day. Seeing the word incarcerated was a security blanket during a time in her life when she needed a constant reminder that she wasn't in immediate physical danger. Eventually she felt stronger and safe enough that the crutch wasn't necessary. It had been almost a year since she had last looked at the site. With shaking fingers she logged in, ID and PIN still committed to memory.

 

Mason Harrison, Parole Granted, Release Date: October 29, 2007

 

She sank to the floor and put her head between her knees in an effort to not get sick. The date was almost week ago. He was already out.

 

&&&

 

I do not own Inuyasha, Mylar, Flower Fairies, the Ramones, Tootsie Roll, Pixie Stix, BlackBerry, Tater Tots, I Spy, Webkinz, Barbie, Bratz, lines from The Unbearable Lightness of Being, or Misfits lyrics. Thank you for reading and special thanks to Wiccan for her value as equine consultant.