Happy?

Chapter 8

Back at the manor, I sat silently on the bed in the guest room I've taken over. Watching the Lord of the West pace across the room, well more like glide.
"So, now that I promised not to run off again, tell me your side of the story." I urged.
"I was a young boy at the time of your supposed death, I was already aware of my role and your role to play. It was when my father was still alive." Sesshomaru started, staring out of the window and pausing in his story.
"You were born to be my bride, demons live such a long time...I would've waited forever. I was much more optimistic as a child." He glanced in my direction.
"My father told me that we would marry when you became of age, to unite our clans and lands. It would benefit us with your numbers and it would've benefited you with our strength." He sighed and sat down beside me.
"I grew attached to the idea over time. Imagining what you'd look like, how you'd act, the future." He frowned.
"Then...everything was ripped away." He stared off, becoming distant.
"I didn't open up to the aspect of love again. I stayed shit off and emotionally distant to everyone that tried to become close. I think the first person I showed kindness to was Rin." He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"When I found her she was dead, I brought her back and took her in...she was just a child." He added softly.
I squeezed his arm like how his words squeezed my heart.
"Well, I'm glad you showed her kindness. I like Rin, she helped save me." I gave him a small smile.
He ruffled my hair gently,
"Well now you know the story, and everyone involved with the marriage is dead...so looks like we're free." He rose to his feet.
"You can stay here until you're ready to return to your compound." He added before swiftly exiting the room.
I slid off the bed and went to find Rin, hopefully she can keep me company for a while. I didn't want to be alone.
I tapped gently on her door, it creaking open by itself. Peeking inside, she wasn't there.
I sighed and turned away, catching her scent going towards the garden. I walked that way before hearing her shriek. My eyes widened, I didn't sense any foreign demonic energies, I sprinted out to the garden and slid to a stop. My heart pounding so loud I could hear it in my ears, I calmed myself at the sight before me.
Sesshomaru was playing with the child, throwing a ball and watching her chase after it happily.
I smiled warmly at the sight and watched them for a while, keeping my presence suppressed, so I wouldn't interrupt the moment. I watched for another moment and turned around to leave, I would let them have their moment.
As I was walking away, I heard Rin running in my direction. I smiled and grabbed her with one of my tails and lifted her about. I giggled and tossed her up and spun around with my inhuman speed and caught her, bridal style.
"Well hello little flower." I smiled and poked her nose, setting her down.
"I'll glad you're all better!" She grinned up at me, hugging me around my legs.
"All thanks to you." I ruffled her hair.
"Now how about we play a game?" I mused and turned back to the yard.
"Actually it's Rins bedtime." Sesshomaru stepped forward.
"But I wanna play with Ai!" She pouted and stamped her feet.
"Don't argue Rin, you can play tomorrow." He promised and shot her a look. Followed by one in my direction. She frowned and opened her mouth to argue more,
"Come on how about I read you a bedtime story." I offered and grabbed her hand to lead her to her room.
"Okay! I want to hear one about a pretty princess!" She spouted excitedly.
"Alright." I giggled and put her to bed once in her room. I sighed and settled down on my knees on a cushion by her bed.
"Once upon a time," I started and sensed a presence by the door. I ignored it assuming it was the dog demon. I was still learning, don't judge me.
"Lived a pretty princess in a far away land. Let's call her Akiko. Well Akiko was to marry a prince of a neighboring land, but the problem was she didn't want to. Our princess wanted adventure in life, not to settle down. So, Akiko put herself before her kingdom and ran away." I continued as I strained my ears hearing rapid footsteps downstairs.
"Why did she run away? Couldn't she have said no?" Rin asked, rubbing her eyes as sleep tried to take her over.
"No, her father was strict and didn't want her to follow her heart." I said sadly.
"So, Akiko ran far, far away. Along the way she fought monsters and demons, and even other people who wanted to bring her back to her cruel father." I paused as I saw Rin drop off to sleep.
"And she lived a free life...happily ever after." I added and kissed her forehead.
I sighed as I clicked her door shut and tried to scream out in shock as a hand wrapped over my mouth. I felt a sharp pain shoot up on the back of my head, before darkness overtook me and I slumped forward.