Damned If You Do

I’m glad someone liked it. I know it isn’t great, I’m just not the best writer. This story was originally going to be two parts. Sessh and Rin was part one, Hi’Iki and Hana part two. The battle was going to be the bridge between the two. But I’m not that good of a writer.


Chapter 7 The Prophesy


Rin woke to the early morning sun shining in her face. She sat up and stretched. Looking around, she realized Sesshoumaru wasn’t there. Ah-un and Jaken were still asleep. She looked over to where Hi’Iki had slept. He was also gone.
“Mew?” Rin looked down to see the little black cat was still with her.
“Hungry?” she asked the cat, scratching him under the chin. The cat began to purr. “I am too.” She stood up, feeling slightly dizzy. She braced herself against the tree until the feeling passed. She realized she felt slightly odd. Touching her forehead as Kagome had taught her, she felt slightly warm. ‘Maybe I’m getting sick,’ she thought. ‘I better go see Kagome.’ She made her way over to Kagome’s house and knocked. “Hello, anyone up?”
“Hi Rin.” Kagome called out. “Come in. Everyone went out, so I’m just getting breakfast ready.” Rin went in, followed by the cat.
“I am hungry. So is my friend here,” she pointed to the cat.
“He seems to like you. Are you keeping him?”
“I think that’s up to him.”
“You should give him a name,” Kagome said, stirring the food.
“I was thinking of Hirameki. I think it suits him.”
Kagome smiled, “Yeah that does suit him.”
“Um, Kagome, I think I may be getting sick.”
Kagome looked at Rin. “What makes you think so?” She looked closely at Rin’s face, and noted she did seem to be slightly flushed.
“I felt slightly dizzy when I first got up, but that passed. Now I feel, I don’t know, it’s hard to describe.”
“Just try.” Kagome suspected a fever.
“Sort of warm and tingly.” Rin shook her head.
Kagome felt Rin’s forehead. “You do feel slightly warm. Let me see your scratches.” Kagome thought maybe they were getting infected.
Rin held her arm out for Kagome to inspect. Kagome frowned. The gash on Rin’s forearm was almost completely healed.
“How can this be?” She looked at her own. They were barely scabbed over.
“What? What’s wrong?” Kagome’s reaction worried her.
“I don’t know. Do you usually heal this fast?”
Rin frowned and looked at the gash. “No.”
Kagome sat back and thought. What would make Rin heal so fast? ‘No one heals that fast, except InuYasha and….could that be it?’
“Rin, do you remember if Sesshoumaru checked you over? After the battle?”
Rin nodded. “Yes, before he let you look at me. Why?”
“Was he bleeding?”
“He may have been. Everyone had injuries. Why? What’s wrong Kagome?”
“I think it’s possible that some of Sesshoumaru’s blood got into your gash.”
“But what would that have to do with…?” Rin’s eyes got big as it occurred to her what that meant. “What will this do to me?” she asked in a quiet voice.
“I don’t know. As far as I know, this has never happened before.”

The meadow looked peaceful as the early morning sun peeked above the trees, sparkling on the lake.
“You’d never know anything happened here,” Miroku observed of their handy work.
The guys had gone to clean up the dead bodies left from the battle. Hi’Iki had said it would be a good idea to burn everything. They wanted no evidence of the battle left. Hi’Iki was pretty sure they got all but a few of the dragons, but he didn’t want to take any chances.
“Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I could use something to eat,” InuYasha said.
“I second that,” Miroku agreed. He was still sore from the battle. His own injuries still bothered him. He knew InuYasha, Sesshoumaru and Hi’Iki would all be healed by now.

Sesshoumaru stood a little ways away from the others. He was still thinking of what he discovered about himself. He would never admit to what he leaned to anyone except maybe Rin. His hatred of humans, and InuYasha in particular was gone. He found that some humans, and a certain hanyou, he could tolerate, and were even worthy of his respect. Not that he’d ever tell InuYasha that. Rin was a big influence in this change, but he suspected Hi’Iki’s return was the catalyst to complete the change. Not only had he learned to care, he had also learned compassion. The biggest surprise was that he accepted these changes. Rin, and Kagura to some degree, had taught him he was capable of compassion and caring. As Rin had once said to Jaken, Sesshoumaru’s heart was “strong and kind”. He’d never really understood what she meant until now. It wasn’t a change that was obvious to anyone, as Sesshoumaru wasn’t one to show his emotions or express them. However, his actions spoke loudly. He realized that the others knew he had changed and trusted him because of that change. He knew it would take time, but he was determined to understand and deal with all of these new emotions.


They headed back to the village for some much needed food. Hana and Sango and Shippou joined them for breakfast. The kids were out playing, happy that the adults were no longer tense and worried about some danger.
Everyone sat outside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As Kagome served the food, she nonchalantly asked if any knew what happens when youkai blood mixes with human blood.
“What do you mean? You’re not talking about hanyou are you?” InuYasha looked at her, frowning.
Sesshoumaru was also frowning. He guessed there was something more to this question and suspected it had to do with Rin. He had not joined the group, but was close enough to join any conversation should he feel the need.
“Rin, show them your injuries.”
Rin held her arm out for the others to inspect.
“In my village, we were taught to clean off the youkai blood as soon as possible, to avoid contamination.” Hana had always believed youkai were evil, until she met this bunch of humans and youkai.
“How do you feel, Rin?” Hi’Iki asked.
“Fine now. I was dizzy and felt kind of warm and tingly earlier.”
“I guess my uncle was right,” Hi’Iki said. “Apparently youkai blood, especially a really powerful one, has healing properties that works on humans as well.”
“So what does that mean for Rin?” Kagome asked.
“My uncle had explained to me that when a youkai’s blood mixes with a human, the human heals faster, and ages slower. I would imagine that how slow they age or how well they heal depends on the human and youkai, and the amount of blood mixed.”
Sesshoumaru looked at Rin’s injuries. His frown was replaced by his usual blank mask. He was relieved to hear what Hi’Iki had to say. He didn’t want Rin to change; he liked her just the way she was. Fortunately, his blank mask did not reveal the startling admission that just went through his mind.
“So nothing will happen to me?” Rin asked quietly.
“No. You probably won’t get sick, and any injuries will heal like this did.” He pointed to her arm. “As for the aging part, I don’t know for sure.”
Rin was relieved as well. She didn’t want to change because of the changes it would have meant for her life.
“Mew?” The little black cat looked at Rin imploringly. Rin smiled and gave him some food.
Everyone’s attention was now on the black cat.
“Where did that cat come from?” InuYasha asked.
“He showed up in the middle of the battle yesterday,” Hana said.
“Has anyone ever seen him before?” Sango asked. She noticed Kirara liked him, and he seemed to like Kirara.
A chorus of “No’s” followed.
“Well, he really seems to like Rin,” Miroku observed. “Are you going to keep him?”
“I’d like to.” Rin looked at Sesshoumaru. He gave a slight nod. “If he wants to stay.” The little cat snuggled against Rin.
“Do you remember Kuroro?” Shippou asked. That was an incident he’d never forget. He really liked Koume, the little girl who took care of Kuroro.
“Yes, I remember. I wonder if he’s the father of her kits.” Sango said thoughtfully. “I wonder if Kirara would mate with him. They seem to like each other.”
The two cats had started playing with a ball, batting it around and pouncing on it.

“Rin.” Sesshoumaru was restless and decided it was time to go home.
“Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama.” Rin looked up at Sesshoumaru.
“It’s time to go.” He looked at Hi’Iki. “You coming?”
Hi’Iki nodded. He grabbed Rin’s hand and pulled her up with him.
Sesshoumaru turned and walked away.
“Thank you Kagome,” Rin said. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome, Rin.” Kagome gave her a hug. “Better get going.”
Rin, followed by the black cat, hurried after Sesshoumaru.
“Thank you for a wonderful meal, Kagome,” Hi’Iki said graciously, as everyone else stood up to say good-bye.
“We should be thanking you,” Kagome replied, somewhat embarrassed by his praise.
“Why? I didn’t do anything.”
“You saved us from the dragons.”
“Oh, that. All in a day’s work.” He shrugged. “Now I guess I should go back to my search,” he said, looking at Hana. “I hope we meet again,” he took Hana’s hands in his. “It was a pleasure working with you.”
“It was an experience,” Hana agreed, pulling her hands away. She felt somewhat flustered by Hi’Iki’s attention.
With a flourishing bow and a bright smile, he turned and walked after Sesshoumaru.
“Quite a character, isn’t he?” Miroku said.
“Yes.” Hana agreed.
“So Hana, what are your plans?” Sango asked.
“I don’t know. Go home I suppose.” There wasn’t much there for her, as most of the village had been destroyed by the dragons. Most of her family had been killed.
“Stay with us for awhile,” Sango suggested.
Hana nodded after some thought. “I’d like that.” It had been some time since she had been able to just relax and visit with other people. She could use the rest.

Hi’Iki trotted to catch up with Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru had decided to walk back. It would be dark when they got home, but Sesshoumaru needed time to think.
Rin was riding Ah-un and Jaken was mumbling to himself and looking around.
Hi’Iki looked around as well, realizing Kodo and Podo were nowhere to be seen. Off to one side, the grass was waving around, as though something were slinking through it. Hi’Iki guessed Kodo and Podo had reverted to their ferret form. Which meant trouble for Jaken.
“What are your plans?” Sesshoumaru asked when Hi’Iki caught up with him.
“Well, there’s still the mate issue. I need to find one soon. My uncle isn’t doing well, and I’m supposed to take over the clan.”
Sesshoumaru glanced at Hi’Iki. “What about the youkai slayer, Hana?” Hi’Iki had seemed interested in Hana, which pleased Sesshoumaru, as it took Hi’Iki’s attention away from Rin.
“Oh, I don’t know,” Hi’Iki said slowly, thinking. “She didn’t seem interested.” Hi’Iki knew why Sesshoumaru had mentioned it. The fact that he said anything at all was a clear sign Sesshoumaru had feelings for Rin, whether he knew it or not. ‘Getting him to admit isn’t going to be easy. But should be fun.’ Hi’Iki silently formulated a plan to make Sesshoumaru realize he had feelings for Rin.
The long walk back to the castle was uneventful. Everyone basically kept to their own thoughts. Kodo and Podo did liven things up a bit, teasing Jaken.
“Get away, you pesky beasts!” Jaken yelled as the two ferrets would sneak up on him and try to grab his staff. They once tried to get his hat off his head. Jaken waved the staff around, threatening to blast them with fire.
Rin and Hi’Iki had a hard time keeping straight faces. They both finally had to laugh at Jaken. Jaken glared at Hi’Iki. “This is your fault! You let them do it!”
Still laughing, Hi’Iki called the two ferrets. “Come on you two. Stop pestering Jaken.” The two changed into the dragonettes forms and sat on Hi’Iki’s shoulders.
Sesshoumaru ignored the whole episode, but he wasn’t too happy about Rin laughing with Hi’Iki.

It was dark when they finally reached the castle. Rin had once again fallen asleep on Ah-un. She woke when Ah-un stopped.
“Are we home?” she asked in a sleepy voice. She wasn’t feeling too good either, her back hurt and she was starting to get cramps. ‘Oh great.’ She thought, realizing that she was getting her “period”. She had forgotten all about it being that time of the month with everything that had happened. All she wanted was to get into her room and sleep.
“Yes,” Hi’Iki said, helping her down. He caught the scent of her monthly cycle. From the way Sesshoumaru was glaring at him, Hi’Iki figured Sesshoumaru also smelled it.
“Thank you,” Rin said as she steadied herself, using Hi’Iki for support. She then made her way inside. The little black cat followed. She missed the look Sesshoumaru gave Hi’Iki. She got herself ready for bed and prepared for the bleeding that was sure to start soon. The black cat curled up with her.
Sesshoumaru settled himself in the main room. He could see Rin’s room from where he sat.
Hi’Iki came in, yawning. He settled himself across from Sesshoumaru without a word and went to sleep.
Sesshoumaru watched him for a moment, thinking. In the past 24 hours, he’d learned more about himself than he would have thought possible. It was because of Hi’Iki that he started thinking about things; things that he had avoided or ignored for the last year or so. He needed to sort out his feelings, like why it bothered him so much when Hi’Iki paid attention to Rin. So for the second time, he sorted through his feelings. And came up with the same conclusions as before; he had changed.
Rin was exhausted. But she couldn’t sleep. The cramps kept her awake. Her mind decided to focus on her feelings. Sesshoumaru and Hi’Iki were main reasons for the feelings. She liked Hi’Iki. He was fun, made her laugh, and was thoughtful and nice. Not at all like Sesshoumaru. She wondered what it would be like to leave Sesshoumaru and travel with Hi’Iki. But the thought of leaving Sesshoumaru made her stomach clench up in knots. She finally fell asleep wondering what her chances were of Sesshoumaru ever loving her.
Rin woke early. She really needed to go wash herself in the hot spring. The bleeding had started and she felt unclean. Getting her stuff, she went into the main room.
“Daira, you’re back!” Daira was serving tea. She gave the gentle youkai a hug.
“Would you like me to make you something?” Daira asked.
“Yes please. I need a bath first.”
Daira nodded. “I’ll have something ready for you when you get back.”
“Morning.” Hi’Iki greeted her as she went past.
“Morning.” Rin smiled and made her way out to the hot spring. Sesshoumaru was no where to be seen. She wondered where he went. Then she remembered he always left on patrol when she had her period. Rin wasn’t sure why he left, but figured it was because of the mood swings and smell. She had no idea that male youkai found her scent intriguing.
The hot spring made her feel much better. She took her time as the hot water was relaxing and took the cramps. It also made her hungry.

Hi’Iki considered the new development with Rin. This was going to be more interesting than he thought. He’d have to be careful though. He didn’t want to get Sesshoumaru too mad. Sesshoumaru had a habit of lashing out when he was angry and Hi’Iki didn’t want to be on the lashing end of that anger. Any interaction with Rin would have to be carefully considered. Showing too much interest might have the wrong effect; on both Rin and Sesshoumaru. Hi’Iki knew that Rin was also going through emotional upheaval concerning Sesshoumaru. He didn’t want to give Rin the wrong idea either.

Rin made her way back to the castle, thinking about Sesshoumaru and Hi’Iki. Hi’Iki was the complete opposite of Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru was reserved, quiet, didn’t really pay much attention to others feelings, and had no sense of humor. For over a year, she had had thoughts of doing things with Sesshoumaru. At first she had no real idea what she’d do other than kissing. The romance novel Kagome had given her gave her more ideas. So she fantasized about Sesshoumaru. Hi’Iki was outgoing, friendly, talkative, sensitive to others, and funny. She wondered what it would be like to be with someone who was as outgoing as Hi’Iki. Her thoughts and feelings had her very confused.
She was still trying to figure out her feelings when she got back. Sesshoumaru and Hi’Iki were on the porch, talking. Rin was surprised to see Sesshoumaru still there. She had thought he had left, as she hadn’t seen him anywhere.
“I have a couple of prospects,” Hi’Iki was saying. He smiled at Rin as she came up on the porch. She smiled back, but kept going. Daira had fixed something for her and she was hungry. She had noticed Sesshoumaru seemed a little tense. She guessed it was because of her monthly cycle and he hadn’t left because Hi’Iki was still visiting.

“There’s always the youkai slayer.” Sesshoumaru was feeling edgy. It bothered him that Hi’Iki was the cause of his feelings. He liked Hi’Iki and completely trusted him. Yet the thought of Rin leaving with Hi’Iki made Sesshoumaru want to lash out at something. ‘Why does Hi’Iki’s interest in Rin bother me?’ ‘Because I don’t want Rin to leave. I like having her here.’ The thought startled him. This was the second time such a thought caught him off guard.
“She’s not very fond of youkai,” Hi’Iki remarked.

Rin finished the warm breakfast Daira had fixed for her and decided to enjoy the morning sun. She still felt tired but thought the warm sun would brighten her up. She decided on working in her garden. Hi’Iki was still on the porch. He smiled at her as she went by and she smiled back. ‘Sesshoumaru-sama never smiles at me like that,’ she thought. ‘It would be nice if he did though.’ She liked the attention, but wondered what Sesshoumaru thought of it.
Hi’Iki stayed on the porch. He didn’t want to antagonize Sesshoumaru by following Rin around.
This was how the day went. Hi’Iki and Sesshoumaru on the porch, keeping an eye on each other and Rin going about her daily routine, completely unaware of the silent contest between the two men. Every time Rin passed by Hi’Iki he would either smile or make a complimentary comment about her. Rin would smile back or blush and thank Hi’Iki. Sesshoumaru got tenser. Not once did it occur to Sesshoumaru to smile at or compliment Rin.
As evening approached, Rin helped Daira fix dinner.
“Dinner is ready,” Rin let the two men know. She noticed Sesshoumaru was tense and wondered why.
“I’m not hungry.” Sesshoumaru’s response was short and terse.
Rin was surprised by Sesshoumaru’s response.
“Thank you,” Hi’Iki said. “I’ll have a bite to eat.” He went in to get the food, but came back out to eat. He didn’t want to go too far in his scheme to get Sesshoumaru to realize he had feelings for Rin.
The rest of the evening was a quiet one. Sesshoumaru kept an eye on Hi’Iki, Hi’Iki stayed away from Rin and Rin tried to figure out why the two men seemed at odds with each other. Jaken, feeling the tenseness between the two, went out, not wanting to get in between any confrontation that might happen.
Rin sat and combed her hair. It was getting late and she was tired. She thought if she went to bed, Sesshoumaru might feel less bothered. The only answer she could come with up for Sesshoumaru being bothered was her monthly cycle.
Sesshoumaru and Hi’Iki sat for a while after Rin went to bed, without talking. Then Hi’Iki said, “She really is a nice woman.” He studied Sesshoumaru’s reaction. Nothing. “What do you think of Rin?” Sesshoumaru tensed up. “She’d make a nice mate.”
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and growled.
Hi’Iki knew now was the time to leave. Hopefully, Sesshoumaru would accept his feelings. Right now, Hi’Iki knew if he stayed, Sesshoumaru would end up losing control and lashing out at someone.
Sesshoumaru wanted to lash out at something. He decided it would be best if he got away from everyone so he could think clearly. He needed time to clear his head and calm down. Without a word, Sesshoumaru got up and left.
Hi’Iki watched him leave, called to Kodo and Podo, and headed back to the village.

When Rin came out for breakfast she was disappointed to find everyone but Jaken gone.
“Where is everyone?” she asked, feeling lonely.
“I don’t know! No one tells me anything!” Jaken complained.
“Will Hi’Iki-sama be back?”
“How should I know!? They were gone when I woke up!” Jaken didn’t like being left out.
Rin sighed. She had hoped Hi’Iki would stay longer. “I wish Sesshoumaru-sama was more like Hi’Iki,” she voiced her thoughts without thinking.
“Why would you think that?” Jaken was shocked at such a thought. “Silly girl, Sesshoumaru-sama will never be like Hi’Iki-sama! Sesshoumaru-sama doesn’t consider humans worth his attention. He will never like humans as Hi’Iki-sama does!”
“But he…” she started to say but Jaken interrupted her.
“Sesshoumaru-sama only tolerates you, you silly girl!” With that parting statement, Jaken stomped off. He had no idea what hurt his words just caused.
Rin ran into her room, crying. Even though Jaken’s words hurt, she thought Jaken was right. She was only tolerated by everyone here. She thought about Hi’Iki. Hi’Iki actually liked her. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to be with people who liked her. She couldn’t stand to be here anymore. To love someone who barely tolerated her caused more pain than she could handle. Looking around her room, she saw nothing she wanted to take. She couldn’t just leave though. She felt she owed it to Sesshoumaru to at least tell him she couldn’t stay anymore. So she wrote a quick note:
“Sesshoumaru-sama,
I am sorry, I cannot stay anymore. It is too painful for me to live with people who barely tolerate me.
Thank you for taking care of me.
I will always remember you.
Rin”
With tears in her eyes, Rin left. She practically ran out. Stopping in the woods, she thought about what she should do. ‘Find Hi’Iki-sama. He’ll help me.’ she thought. Although it took a while, Rin managed to find Hi’Iki. She guessed he would head for the village, so that’s the way she went. She knew some short cuts, so she was able to catch up with him.

Hi’Iki was taking his time, in no hurry to get to the village. Kodo and Podo started getting excited and Hi’Iki looked for the cause. He was surprised to see Rin heading in his direction. He waited for her to catch up with him.
“Rin, what are you doing here? Where’s Sesshoumaru?” He realized she was crying. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t take it anymore,” she said through her tears.
“What do you mean?” Hi’Iki suspected he knew.
“I can’t live with Sesshoumaru-sama anymore. I can’t live with someone who doesn’t like me.” ‘Damn! My ploy may have worked too well,’ Hi’Iki thought. ‘If Rin really wishes to leave, that’s really going to mess things up.’
“Calm down, Rin.” Hi’Iki took her hands. “Sesshoumaru didn’t do anything to you did he?”
Rin shook her head. “He wasn’t there.”
“What makes you think he doesn’t like you?”
“He doesn’t like humans. And I’m human.” She cried harder.
“Give Sesshoumaru a chance. He’s changed. You never know, he might like you.” Hi’Iki didn’t want to reveal what he knew. Sesshoumaru had to do that himself.


Sesshoumaru came back after he had finally calmed down. He knew the anger he felt was caused by the thought that Rin would leave with Hi’Iki. He didn’t want Rin to leave. He like her and wanted her to stay.
The castle appeared empty when he got back. Worried, he looked inside and found no one. Concerned, he checked Rin’s room. His concern was well founded. Rin was gone. He noticed a piece of paper on the small table and looked at it. It was a note from Rin. Sesshoumaru read the note.
With a growl, he slammed the note down, breaking the table.
‘Why Rin? I don’t understand why you left.’ He looked at the damage he had caused.
Her leaving caused a pain he’d experienced once before. His mother had been the cause of the pain. But she had been able to fix it. This was a pain of his own doing and only he could fix it. He realized he has gotten so used to her being there; his life was empty without her.
Jaken came in when he heard the noise. He saw Sesshoumaru standing in Rin’s room, looking at the mess.
“Sesshoumaru-sama, what happened?”
“Where’s Rin?”
“I didn’t know she was gone. She did say something about Hi’Iki liking her and how she wished you would. Silly girl.”
Sesshoumaru continued to stare at the mess, thinking. He remembered something that happened a long time ago. The prophesy of the oracle, told to him so long ago, came back to him. “This battle will not be won with sword or claw or strength of arm. Your opponent will be unlike any you have ever faced before or will ever face again. Your prize for victory will be great indeed. In truth, it will be the greatest treasure you will ever possess. The great sword Tenseiga that you find so worthless will be the beginning and the end to this battle and whoa to thee if you do not heed it's council. Just when you think that all is lost and you are defeated, look again, for you will have won.”. This then was the battle, his opponent was himself. He understood the riddle now. The battle was with his heart and mind. This was a battle he’d been fighting for over a year and never knew it. Only now, after discovering things about himself, could he understand. For over a year, he had been avoiding the feelings he had; feelings for Rin. So now he understood. If his mind won, he would lose Rin. If his heart won, he would get Rin back. This was his dilemma. He had vowed never to be like his father, falling in love with a human. So what was more important? His vow? Or Rin? He thought about Tenseiga’s role in this. Not only had Tenseiga brought Rin back from the dead, but had actually put him in a place where she would find him when he had been injured by InuYasha. And Rin had been the key that unlocked his heart, allowed him to find compassion. But how will Tenseiga help him now? As he was “fighting” this battle, Tenseiga pulsed. Softly at first, then more urgently. Listening to Tenseiga’s council, he admitted to defeat. Tenseiga stopped pulsing.
“Sesshoumaru-sama?” Jaken didn’t understand what was going on.
Without a word, Sesshoumaru took off after Rin. The trail was easy to follow. It didn’t take long before he came upon Rin and Hi’Iki talking. He stopped, anger surging through him when he saw Rin and Hi’Iki together. He had to calm himself down. It wouldn’t do any good to be angry when talking to Rin. He saw Hi’Iki turn and look at him.
Hi’Iki sensed Sesshoumaru’s presence and looked around. He saw Sesshoumaru standing a little ways away, looking angry and a little unsure of himself.
“Ah, Sesshoumaru.” Hi’Iki backed away from Rin. He saw the look of determination on Sesshoumaru’s face. “I’d best be on my way,” he said, wanting to give Sesshoumaru and Rin time together. He was pleased to see that Sesshoumaru had finally accepted his feelings for Rin.
Rin turned, frowning. The last person she wanted to see was Sesshoumaru. She had no idea why he was there and wished he would leave. She was still upset and angry.
Hi’Iki very quietly slipped away, as Rin and Sesshoumaru stared at each other.
A little white owl perched in a tree above Rin and Sessoumaru, unnoticed.
“Rin. Come back with me.” He walked over to her.
“No! I can’t live with you anymore!” Rin refused to budge.
Her words hurt more than anything.
“Is that what you truly wish?”
“Yes! I love you and can’t live with you knowing you’ll never love me back,” Rin started crying again.
Sesshoumaru was surprised by her confession. She didn’t know how he felt. And until now, he hadn’t thought about how she felt.
“Rin.”
“No!” Rin stopped crying and was now mad. “I said no!” she yelled at him. She attempted to slap him. He grabbed her hand, holding it gently. He now understood why she left.
“I don’t want you to leave,” he told her softly.
Rin wasn’t exactly listening she was, trying to get her hand back.
Softly, Sesshoumaru continued, “I’ve never loved before. It’s a new experience for me and I don’t know how to show it. You’ll have to teach me, if you’re willing to stay.”
Still crying, it took a minute for Rin to realize what Sesshoumaru just said. When it dawned on her what he said she stared at him in surprise.
“What? You, you’re…?” She was unable to finish.
He nodded, still holding her hand. Realizing he was still holding it, he let go of her hand.
Suddenly Rin started crying again. She wrapped her arms around him.
“Are you willing,” he asked, “no matter how long it takes?”
“Yes, no matter how long.”
The white owl flew out of the tree, still unnoticed.

Hi’Iki was pleased with himself when Podo told him what happened. His plan worked and he was delighted for the couple. He circled around, going back to the castle and waited for them to come back. He wanted to give Sesshoumaru some advice to help him with Rin. Then hopefully use that advice on himself with Hana.


Notes:

Hirameki, according to my dictionary means flash of lightning.

Hi’Iki is just a wealth of knowledge isn’t he?

Jaken is completely clueless.

As for male youkai finding the human menstrual smell intriguing, I am basing it on animal behavior.

I do know where Hirameki comes from, but not sure if I should add it to the story. If you ask, I will tell you.

I tried keeping Sesshoumaru in character. Since love is a new emotion to him, he will have to learn how to deal with it. Since they both are inexperienced in love, I decided to help Rin out a bit by giving her a romance novel.