InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Libera me ❯ Chapter 4

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Disclaimer: Rin and Sesshoumaru belong to Rumiko Takahashi, please don't sue! Hatsui is a character made by
me, but only for this fic.
--------------------------------------------------

Rin's memories of cooking had been dormant for many years now, but if she tried to she could barely remember
her mom making food, asking for her help for the easiest parts. So it felt a little weird to stand there and
help Hatsui's mom with making dinner. His mother was a short and well built, neither skinny nor fat.
She wasn't exactly beautiful, but her eyes and smile shined, speaking of a good natured soul.
"It's getting late..." Hatsui's younger sister, Ashita commented as she looked out of the door, then resumed
peeling her vegetables. The girl seemed to be 8 years oldw with slightly curly hair framing her freckled face,
a thin body but showing strength for her age, and she seemed to be pretty trained in helping her mother around
the kitchen, as Rin herself had used to...
"The men will be back soon enough," chided the mother, then turned to Rin with a smile, "could you check if
the rice is boiled, Rin-chan?"
Will do!" Rin nodded, shook out of her memories of a past long ago. When she did check, she could
confirm that the rice was indeed ready.
"It's ready!"
"Good!"
And soon, not too long after the three had finished setting the table in the small kitchen, did the
men arrive back from the fields after working for several hours.
"Mmmm, it smells good dear!" Hatsui's father smiled gently at his wife, kissing her cheek affectionately
as he passed by her and sat down at the end of the table, followed by Hatsui and his younger brother.
The father had his hair tied in the usual hair knot, and a beard on his face. He looked like he could
lift heavy loads, fit and slightly muscular, which probably was a result of working on the fields
all day, everyday. As for Hatsui's brother, he looked very much like his elder brother: both
were of middle height, dark straight hair which was cut short, grey eyes and middle built and soft
facial features.
"It's ready, so let's sit down and have a nice meal, I'm sure you're famished after...
Ashita, don't start filling your bowl before the guest! It's rude," started Hatsui's mother, giving the
young girl a pointed look, and the daughter immediately pulled back as she was about to fill her bowl with
rice.
Rin had to smile for herself. This was also something she had remembered: a family. Even though Sesshoumaru
made sure she got fed, had proper clothing and gave her an occasional smile now and then, this was different.
They ate together everyday, laughed and screamed at eachother, had quarrels and supported eachother...
She had to admit, she liked it better when Jaken was shouting at her than ignoring her... For if he ignored her,
she didn't have anybody to talk with. Sure, she could always run up next to Sesshoumaru as they walked,
but over a long time a one-way conversation like that became frustrating, to say at least.
She didn't have numbers for all the times she had wished she could talk with him about everything, and he would
respond. If only with a few words, some nods and counteropinions now and then.
But instead he always sported an emotionless mask... and she couldn't figure out why.

After filling her bowl Rin picked up her chopsticks, then waited for the others to get their bowls filled too.
"So, you helped mother with the food Rin?" Hatsui asked and looked over at her. She nodded and smiled sheepishly,
pausing in the eating.
"Yes, though I can't say I was that much of a good help..."
"Nonsense Rin-chan," smiled his mother, waving a hand, "you just need some more pratice, and then you'll
see you'll make a great cook for your future husband!"
"Speaking of husband, do you have anyone yet?" interrupted Hatsui's father, chuckling upon seeing Hatsui blush.
"Uh, no, I don't," Rin admitted, feeling shy, "I'm travelling with my caretaker, and we seldom stay long
at the same place..."
"Hm, that's sad to hear," the mother noted, "at least it's nice having you as our guest. Feel free to come and
visit if you come by these parts again."
Not failing to see the obvious suggestion, Rin felt her cheecks flush, and upon raising her gaze alittle to look
at Hatsui, she noticed that he had also understood the lying meaning. Though... it didn't sound that bad,
she thought. Not that she would have the opportunity though.

-------------------------------------------------

"I m-must apologize for my parents earlier tonight," Hatsui half stuttered forth, not daring to meet Rin's eyes
as he walked down the hallway to show Rin where she was going to stay for the night.
It was past sunset, and Sesshoumaru still hadn't shown up, so she had kindly accepted their offer of staying
there for the night.
"No, it's ok," assured Rin, watching his back as they walked. If it hadn't been for the fact that she wouldn't
stay here for long, she would have at least considered that option: staying with Hatsui. So maybe she had met
him only one day ago, but so far he seemed like a really nice guy, just a tad shy and timid.
And she liked him, she really did. And it did seem that his feelings were mutual. Also, his family was nice and
she felt at home here. But...
"If you need anything, just ask me, I'll be sleeping in the room next to yours."
Noticing that they had stopped by a door, Rin blinked and looked up at him, putting on a smile for his sake.
"Thanks Hatsui, I really appreciate it..." she said, but he shook it off, smiling shyly at her.
"It's ok Rin, think nothing of it... I... just wish you could stay here longer, or at least visit us again...
I will miss you," admitted Hatsui, his eyes moving down to the floor.
Rin's smile turned slightly sad, and she nodded.
"I feel the same... I... I've just met you, but... I like you... alot."
After the words had left her mouth Rin blushed furiously. Had she just admitted that she liked a boy?
To her relief she saw him smile back sincerely at her.
"I... really like you too, Rin," he whispered, then leaned forward and searched her eyes for a moment, and
when he found no fear nor disagreement in them, he closed the distance between them and kissed her
carefully.

They stood there for a few minutes, both paying no attention to time and space until they broke the kiss,
watching eachother, both slightly timid and giddy from the kiss.
"Sleep well Rin, I'll see you tomorrow," Hatsui finally said, giving her a smile before turning to enter his
room.
"Good night," nodded Rin and smiled, sliding the doors open and stepping into the small room.

-------------------------------------------------

T he moon was on his side tonight, Sesshoumaru thought as he silently ran through the grass towards the group of
houses in the part of the village where Rin was staying. It was light enough for his youkai eyes to make his way
through the forest, but dark enough to conceal him from the prying eyes of the guards that were placed around.
It was simple for someone with his skills to sneak into a village like this undetected.
With a quick sprint he finally reached the first hut, and he froze, his ears perked up and listening for
any sounds that did not belong with the night to begin with. When he heard none he sniffed the air carefully
before contiuning stalking towards the houses where he could smell her.

------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------