Rin is where home is

Chapter 12: Tears

"Wow, what a feast!" Sesshomaru exclaimed.

Sesshomaru's ex, Kagura just finished talking with the restaurant's chef about a set of menu. Each one laid in the long table, ready for sampling.

"Thank you!" Kagura beamed.

They'd found out that Kagura was at the restaurant for a scheduled tasting of the menu set for a wedding. One look and you'll know. There were main dishes, desserts, appetizers, and wine. The utensils were all set too, in different arrangements. The tables were also clad in variation of colors.

They were so engrossed in their conversation that it seemed Rin wasn't there at all. They were introduced briefly. She of course as his girlfriend.

"Sesshomaru, I think I forgot to lock the door before we left. I really think we should get going now."

"Oh, sorry." Kagura noted the urgency in her voice.

Rin headed towards the entrance first when she met with a guy.

"Ah, that's right. I have something very important to tell you." Kagura faced Sesshomaru after throwing a glance at where Rin is. Motioning for the newcomer to come near.

"I'm glad that you're here, too, Sesshomaru."

Rin got the picture now. But she's...

She looked at Sesshomaru's direction.

"This is Byakuya." The other man bowed in greeting.

"We've decided to get married." Kagura announced giddily as she held on her fiance's arm.

Sesshomaru's reaction didn't get unnoticed by Rin.

"That's great! You finally did it, Kagura." He answered with his usual calm.

Sesshomaru went over to them and shook the couples' hands in congratulations. "And he's such a fine man." He winked teasingly at his ex's direction.

"Thanks." She blushed.

"I'm really glad that you're happy about it, too. I wanted you to be the first person I introduced him to." Sesshomaru smiled. It did reach his eyes but something else washed over it. They were rather unreadable.

A dreadful feeling washed over Rin at the sight. She suddenly felt anger welling up inside. Rin slammed her bag at the glass door. Catching everyone's attention.

"Rin?" Kagura inquired.

"...let's go home." She clenched her teeth. SHe knew she had to calm down. "I really think we should check on the house now." She set her gaze down to hide her eyes with her bangs.

"Eh?" Byakuya couldnt help but voice his confusion.

"I did forgot to lock the door." Rin downplayed, scratching the back of her neck.

"Oh, then you should go now." Kagura as she remembered Rin's explanation earlier.

"Then we'll be taking our leave." She grabbed Sesshomaru's hand and pulled him with her in a fast pace.

.

.

They stopped briefly at the parking lot. Without thinking, she took the driver's side of the car.  She fished out the car keys from his coat pocket. Sesshomaru gave her his coat earlier since it was cold outside. 

Sesshomaru followed silently and rode shotgun. They drove in silence. He would have found it amusing. Rin was basically panting. The rise and fall of her chest indicates how she's trying to control her uneven breathing.

Her eyes were glued to the street and the cars before them. Her grip on the stirring wheel was so tight that even in the dark he could see her knuckles turn white.

He sighed. He shifted in his seat and turned his gaze outside the window. This didnt turn out the way he wanted it to.

He was happy for Kagura. He was just surprised. He'd admit that. He just didnt think she'd find her happiness so easily. Why couldn't it be as easy for him?

Before he knew it, the vehicle has stoppped and Rin was already out of the car. He sprinted after her.

"Rin." He called out as he reached for her arm to stop her in het tracks.

Realizing what she's doing Rin froze. "I... I'm...God, I'm so so-rry..." She barely let the words out, as a sob broke out.

She quickly turned around trying to hide her face from him. And as she did, tears started to fall from her face.

"I'm sorry..."

"Why are you apologizing?" Sesshomaru asked from behind her.

"That was just...too cruel!" She angrily wiped at her tears.

"You have loved her." She knew that. "You always cared for her, and yet...!"

More tears came out of her. She tried to hold them off but just couldn't. Why she was mad, she doesnt even know why.

"She wanted to introduce him to you first?" Rin was appalled by the idea. Sesshomaru stood there, stoic. Looking at her impassively, but something in his gaze was different. Something always change whenever they fell on her. But she didn't see that.

"She was so insensitive..." Bigger tears flowed down her flushed cheeks.

"It's the first time we've met, and she's probably a nice person, after all, you liked her, but I really want to slap her face!" She sniffed back. Her nose is starting to be puffy.

Sesshomaru smiled and 'huh'ed.

"What a dirty way of crying."

"I'm crying because of you!" She turned to face him now. "Once I start crying, I can't stop even if I want to."

"I see." He went closer and cupped her face. She looked up to him and started to remove his hand when he grabbed hers and went to kiss her.

Rin could only close her eyes. Resistance forgotten.

Sesshomaru let her hand go to move up her neck, not breaking the kiss. He then pulled her closer, his other arm around her waist, deepening the kiss.

She opened her eyes and saw herself mirrored in his. 

He smiled. "You stopped." It took her several seconds to comprehend. He was referring to her crying.

She was still in a daze when he broke the kiss. She still couldn't react.

He bent down and hugged her tightly. "Sorry. Just for a little while..." He rested his head at the nook of her shoulders.

Rin hugged him back. "You can cry, if you want to..."

"Idiot. Little brats like you shouldn't be patronizing their elders."

She let out a small laugh.

"I'll tell you something. I've never cried in front of anybody since I was born, except you. " He smiled at that admission, but she didn't see that one too.

"As if I'd let anyone but you see me like this..."

Rin felt those warm lips on her shoulders, and shapeless emotions came welling up inside her.