Rin's Choice (Sesshomaru x Rin)

Choice

"Please," I say the word carefully, aware that this moment, right now, is the only time I've ever disagreed with him.

"It's not forever, Rin."

"Maybe not to you—you're immortal."

A look crosses his face then, so briefly anyone other than myself or Jaken would have missed it, but I know all of Lord Sesshomaru's looks. My words made him sad.

"You need to have a choice, Rin."

"And I choose you!" I say automatically.

"Only because you have no other choice. If, when you are a grown human, you still wish to follow me, you may, but until then you will live here with the other humans."

"I don't like humans," I mutter, kicking a rock with my new boots; I hate those too—they pinch my toes.

"I don't like them either," he says, a minute grin tilting his lips for the barest hint of a second.

I grin at him, my heart warming at his words; if he doesn't like humans but he likes me, then he doesn't see me as one of them... just like I don't see me as one of them.

I'm not human. I'm not yokai. I'm something... other.

"And this human I'm leaving you with, she's different from the others. She carries herself like a yokai. You'll like her."

"I resent that," a growly voice says. I turn to see old lady Kaede, her face grim and watchful as she eyes my lord.

Surely he can see that this will not go well. Turning imploring eyes on him, a declare, "I don't want her. I want you!"

Something gentles in his face. I've never understood exactly what it is, that look, something around the eyes maybe, but the effect is one that makes my heart melt. It's such a look of... tenderness. "I know you do. I will return."

"You will?"

"Of course."

Some of my anxiety fades.

"Rin."

"Yes, my lord?" I answer automatically, heart thundering; I love it when he says my name.

"Wait for me here."

Tears of relief well in my eyes. When he tells me to wait, it means he's planning to return soon. "Yes, my lord."

He stares at me for another long second, seeming almost to hesitate, before he turns and becomes one of the shadows of the forest. He doesn't look back, but I know he hears me sniffle.

***

I'm eating with Kaede, Kagome, and Inuyasha when I hear Inuyasha groan.

"What?" Kagome asks, pausing with her chopsticks halfway to her mouth.

"Why'd he leave her here if he's not going to go away?" Inuyasha mutters.

My heart quickens. "He's back?"

"I'm starting to wonder if he ever left," Kaede says, exasperated.

"Right?" Inuyasha agrees. "He's here more than he's not."

"I'm going to need a second house for all the kimonos," Kaede mutters.

"I'll take some, if you're looking to get rid of any," Kagome offers.

I'm already rising to my feet, excitement thrumming through my blood. He's back. My lord is back!

He's kept his promise. The end of my childhood and most of my teen years have passed in Kaede's village, but it's never been more than a few days in between Lord Sesshomaru's visits. Often he will leave Jaken or A-Un to watch over me, especially if Inuyasha is planning to go away. I know my lord won't admit it, but he does trust his brother to protect me... or Kagome to make him.