Dream of Acceptance

Overcoming

Rin let her feet hit the ground the moment they arrived back at Genkai's. Kagome ran to her, hugging her close. "I'm okay, Kagome. Sorry I freaked out."

"No, he should be sorry. He should have known better than to do that."

Rin looked around and spotted Kouga leaning against her tree, not looking in her direction. She suddenly felt guilty, he hadn't hurt her in over five centuries. Yet she continued to keep her distance from him. He'd become part of her family, he came at least once a month to visit Ayame and Sesshoumaru. Not once had she tried to put aside her fear of him. No one had pushed it on her either.
It was long over due, now was the time.

She stepped away from Kagome and turned toward the wolf demon. Each step she took fear gripped her but she fought against it. Her feet carried her shaking body over to him. Just touch him, get over her fear. When she was only two feet away from him, he looked up at her finally. His blue eyes stared into hers, penetrating. "Rin."

"I'm sorry." She closed the distance between them. He stood perfectly still, not wanting to frighten her. Her hand came out lightly grabbing his left. She brought it up to her face staring at the long fingers tipped with sharp claws. Her memory brought up the image of blood tainting those fingers. "No blood."

He didn't say anything as she ran her fingers along his, as if searching for the blood she remembered. He felt the tips of his fingers glide over her cheek. He could also smell her fear, it was pouring off her in waves. His hand cupped her and she brought her mouth forward to kiss the inside of his palm. Despite the seriousness of the situation, he felt heat pool to his stomach at the slight touch.

Rin held the hand close, feeling the fear lessen. She took a steady breath, unaware of the effect her touch was having on the wolf. Her mind was filled with how happy Ayame would be, knowing her friend was no longer feared by the girl she considered her daughter. She grabbed both his hands pulling him behind her, "Lets go eat."

He trailed behind her trying to calm his senses. Between her touch and the smell of her fear, desire had sprung to life. He turned to look at Kagome who was smiling, then to the little fire youkai. The little bastard was giving him a threatening look, if he didn't know better he'd say he was jealous.

Rin automatically went to ask Yukina if she needed help fixing the plates. The blue haired girl quickly agreed to occupy the girl's mind. She went inside and Kagome followed her to make sure she'd be okay. They busied themselves grabbing silverwear and plates.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Little better now."

"That was brave of you, it must have been hard." Kagome could have only imagined.

"Not so brave as you." She handed out the compliment. "You are special, I'm just Rin." She grabbed the plates and followed her outside.

Kagome didn't know how to comment on that. Not long ago she had decided that she was just Kagome. Nothing more. Obviously Rin had come to terms being herself long ago. That took more strength than most possessed. Why some sought the sacred jewel, to make themselves better. Because they couldn't accept themselves as they were. She had more courage than she realized.

They set the table up, while everyone sat around gossiping. No one spoke of what had happened, the look Hiei had on his face dared anyone to try. Keiko went to go sit down and Yusuke promptly placed his hand down giving her a cushion.

"Yusuke!" She shoved him off the bench.

"Tada!" Botan appeared on her oar. "Really Yusuke, you need to learn to behave yourself." The blue haired girl stepped over the fallen boy. "Great, I'm just in time for some dinner."

"Who invited you?" Yusuke got off the ground.

"Genkai actually. Wow this looks delicious. Hope there's enough."

"If not you can have Yusuke's share." Keiko said.

"There's plenty," Yukina handed Botan a plate. Rin helped her get everyone their dinner. Hiei thanked her when she set his place down. She nodded at him and smiled.

"Great," Botan sat down next to the ice apparition, leaving only one spot open for Rin. Next to the fire youkai.

Everyone started eating, not much conversation was going. If you didn't include Yusuke's bitching at Keiko. Yukina decided to ask Botan a few things. "Botan, since you're so smart can you answer a few questions for me?"

"Sure, shoot Yukina."

"What does it mean to get laid? How do people do it?"

"Oh my, ummm, oh okay, yeah how to, ummm, I...., well thats a doosey." A blush crept up her cheeks. "I don't think thats a conversation to be discussed at the table. Ask me again later."

"Great!" Yukina smiled, she'd finally get her questions answered.

"Don't you dare tell her anything of the sort Botan." Kuwabara said.

"But Kuzuma she's the only one willing to answer my questions. Not unless you want to tell me."

Rin heard the slight growl coming from Hiei and looked over. He was giving the big idiot a heated look. Was he jealous? Suddenly playing match maker for those two didn't seem so good anymore. The thought disturbed her, if they loved each other then they should be together. Then why did it bother her that Hiei was jealous over the girl?

"I can't explain something like that to you. Fine let Botan do it. But you better not put anything bad in her head."

"Really Kuwabara what kind of person do you take me for?" She screamed at him. She turned to Kagome, "Oh before I forget. Kagome we've heard from Kurama. They are fine, their mission is going well. They said to inform you."

"Thank you," She felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. Knowing they were okay filled her with relief. Hopefully, they'd be returning soon.


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