Consequences

‘Jaken.’

The little green imp immediately froze. 

‘Sesshomaru-sama?’ Jaken eagerly ran to his side, ‘What is it?’

Without removing his gaze from Rin, he said in his usual flat, emotionless voice, ‘I want you to disappear for the night.’

Jaken’s chin dropped even as his big yellow eyes began to grow wet with tears, ‘Is Sesshomaru-sama exiling me?  Have I done something to offend thee--?  If that is so Jaken will punish himself until you are satisfied!'

‘Go.  You may return tomorrow evening.' His eyes glinted with rare emotion,   'And stay away, no matter what you may hear.’

This seemed to catch the imp off guard.  Unused to such a command, particularly when it involved only himself, 'Shall I take Rin?'

Still not turning his gaze to him, he listlessly continued, 'No.'

As was his way, he offered no explanation. 

Jaken followed his lord’s gaze, and in a moment everything made sense.

‘B-but my lord, she is, she is—‘ Jaken could not express his thoughts out loud because his lord would surely cut him two.

He wanted to say:

She is a lowly mortal, not worthy of your attention!  Let Jaken find you a worthy mate!

Yet he new his lord deeply valued the child, even more than himself.  Nervously, he nodded his head, returning for both his staff.  And A-Un.  Surely he wanted all eyes away for this momentous occassion.

Rin was still trying to catch the glowing insects, and for a moment Jaken hesitated.  He did not doubt that this evening would bring many shocks to the girl.  He hoped, for his sake, that the girl embraced her lucky fate.  If not...

He shivered.  He did not want to consider the negative consequences.  Lord Sesshomaru's patience was certainly greater with her, but he would be angry if she were to reject him.  Jaken knew that Rin was just foolish enough to do such a thing.

'Com, A-Un, let us depart.'

For once, the flying creature obeyed.