Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 42's

Unrelenting applause filled the entire park. All of them clapped their hands while standing, shouting endless praises of the dancing and singing they witnessed.

Rin looked around him, excited by the response he got. With a smile still present, he immediately stared at the inuyoukai face that was right in front of him, looking at that expressionless face and looking for golden eyes where he knew he could see what the inuyoukai was really thinking. When their eyes met, at that very instant, the human girl knew, the inuyoukai loved the gift she presented. Sesshoumaru loved the song and the dance. Closing her eyes she chuckles little—laughs full of happiness.

Sesshoumaru did not move in the slightest as he looked at the laughing Rin in front of him. This relentless applause, how grateful he was for it, because, that way, he could hide it—his incredibly fast and unstoppable heart rate.

Floral.

A very beautiful flower, blooming in winter, in the snow that falls slowly from the sky. She already knew, Rin was beautiful, but for today, she felt the word beautiful was no longer enough to describe the human girl in her eyes. He will no longer find a beauty that can defeat his beauty.

"Little Rin is very pretty, isn't she, Sesshoumaru?" inukimi asked who was clapping slowly made Sesshoumaru aware of what he was thinking. "In my long life, I have never seen her beauty. Humans, youkai and even tennyou, I guess, wait for them to still lose to him."

Sesshoumaru turned his head to look at Inukimi in silence. However, the former lord of the western lands did not stare at his son in the slightest.

"From today, the news of her beauty will surely spread throughout Japan. Rin, Hime-sama from the west, The most beautiful girl, the most beautiful creature in the world, "Inukimi continued with a proud smile. "You'll receive a lot of suggestions for him tomorrow, Sesshoumaru. I hope you can choose your life partner wisely."

Sesshoumaru growled softly. There was anger and dislike he felt when he heard Inukimi's words. A betrothed? Choosing a life partner for Rin? Nah! He won't allow it!

"You wouldn't be so selfish as to tie little Rin by your side, would you?" inukimi asked then with a grinning smile. "Meeting the men or young men, he will surely fall in love. How beautiful she is when I'm truly in love, I won't be able to imagine that anymore."

Sesshoumaru clenched his hands tightly hearing Inukimi's words. His golden eyes turned blood red. Bind it? He didn't tie Rin up.

Forever together.

It was the request of the human girl just then. The girl will not leave him. Then, love? The girl will never fall in love with anyone, because she loves him. Only himself! He clearly remembered the girl's love confession back then—she was the girl he loved the most in her existence. There was no one else, only him; seshoumaru!

Inukimi smiled wider and wider at Sesshoumaru's reaction. Staring at Rin who was still in front, he really wanted to laugh out loud. His stupid and insensitive son. To the human girl who was so precious to him, until now, he had still not realized his true feelings. Then, the innocent human girl was like a little child, a girl who only knew to love the inuyoukai without ever expecting anything in return. They both need a boost.

"What a beautiful dance, Rin-sama."

"Your voice is beautiful, Rin-sama."

"You really do marvel Rin-sama."

Some of the youkai immediately walked towards Rin, crowding her with smiles and endless compliments. The overjoyed Rin simply returned the praise of all of them with a beautiful smile. Not one bit did he sense or understand the intentions of those who wanted to approach him, and that made Sesshoumaru even more unhappy.

"Ri."

The voice of Sesshoumaru who called out to the human girl managed to make everything speechless. They could feel how cold and displeased that inuyoukai was. Staring at Sesshoumaru, all of whom were instantly sculpted, fear filled their hearts. The Inuyoukai was angry, not knowing what the cause was, inuyoukai the Western Land Ruler was angry right now.

"Cabin."

Stepping slowly, Rin approached Sesshoumaru. His two brown eyes stared at the inuyoukai face that was timidly mixed with sadness. He knew Sesshoumaru was angry, but, why?

Was it because she disliked the only gift she could give; her singing and dancing? Yep! Definitely it! He had mistakenly thought, that inuyoukai liked his gift just now. The girl cursed herself, who did she think she was? He was just a human being, how could he even think that the Youkai Lord of the Western Lands would like his singing and dancing? He has smeared the western name! Why would a human like himself dare to sing and dance in front of youkai?

"Sit down beside me." Sesshoumaru ordered again as Rin arrived in front of him.

Nodding his head quickly, Rin moved and sat on the left side of Sesshoumaru. He desperately held back tears that seemed to want to fall. He was sad; he had failed.

Staring at Rin who was sitting on his left side with his head lowered down. Sesshoumaru could also feel the girl's sadness. Why is Rin sad? Is it because he told her to sit next to him? Was it because the human girl wanted to be in the crowd of youkai in front of her? Because there was someone among them who had managed to attract his attention? Nah! He won't let it!

Inukimi who was on the right side of Sesshoumaru could feel what Rin and Sesshoumaru felt saying nothing. However, he also could not deny the laughter that seemed to want to explode. The girl who was so innocent, too innocent to ever realize the intent and action of the inuyoukai. Then, that stupid inuyoukai. Didn't he ever realize his attitude had sometimes unintentionally hurt the feelings of a girl so precious to him?

Staring at the audience again, Sesshoumaru then opened his mouth to stretch the event that had stopped. "Continue the show."

Sesshoumaru's orders were instantly executed. Musicians and dancers returned to perform their dances, as well as food and drinks served. The tense atmosphere was rapidly melting, the attendants were quickly trying to forget the anger of the Western Land Ruler that had just occurred.

"Dad," called Mamoru all of a sudden. "Mamoru decides, Mamoru will make Rin-chan Mamoru's wife only later. You wouldn't mind, would you? Because your son-in-law will still be younger than you?"

Mamoru's plain question instantly made Inuyasaha as well as everyone there look at him. Inuyasha sneered while throwing his face away, Miroku laughed nervously, while Kagome, Sango, Kohaku shook his head.

Kenji who was there couldn't help but laugh. Laughing loudly, he patted Mamoru's head. "Forget Rin-rin, little ningen." turned his face, the monkey youkai looked at Kohaku. "So is you. You won't be able to get it. And, I won't let you get on it either."

Kohaku was stunned to hear Kenji's words. Why does Kenji know? He's not so easy to read? But most importantly, what did that monkey youkai mean just now?

"Shoppers!?" inuyasha shouted suddenly full of anger. "What did you mean just now? So, you mean, you're the one who can get it? You perverted old monkey!"

Kenji looked at Inuyasha. Both of his eyes widened to look at Hanyou as if he could not believe what he heard and saw.

"You think I'll let you!? K—"

Inuyasha's speech stopped because suddenly Kenji was standing right in front of him with a face that was only three inches away. "Do you like Rin-rin too? You have a wife and children, Inuyasha. Don't you disappoint Taisho in nature there with the intention of finding a second wife."

Inuyasha's face reddened at the words, out of embarrassment and anger. Clenching his hands, he immediately directed her to punch Kenji in the face. However, the monkey youkai easily jumped dodging.

"Bad!" inuyasha shouted furiously. "Rin is like my family?! It's my duty to protect her!"

For Inuyasha now, although Rin is a girl under the guardianship of Sesshoumaru whom he despises, Rin is part of his family. She remembers everything the girl did for herself, Kagome and Shiro. How much the girl had helped and cared for them, she would always remember

Staring at Inuyasha for a moment, Kenji suddenly raised his head up and laughed out loud. "Good! Nice work!"

Inuyasha's anger soon disappeared replaced by confusion.

Lowering his head, Kenji looked back at Inuyasha. "I'm too old for Rin-rin, Inuyasha. I always thought of her as my daughter." - Kenji's smile.

"So what did you mean just now?" inuyasha asked confusedly.

Looking over at Rin who was sitting side by side with Sesshoumaru, seeing the two of them together, a gentle smile flashed across his face. "Not humans, not just hanyou, all Rin-rin can reach is one person."

Inuyasha and the others fell silent at Kenji's reply.

"Someone who will always look after him. A person who can only soften with the existence of a human girl. Someone who desperately needs Rin-rin. Only that man can. "

Kagome who followed Kenji's gaze, immediately smiled as well. He understood what the monkey youkai meant. Staring at Kenji again, he felt, Kenji really loved Rin and wanted the best for her.

"Who is that!?" inuyasha shouted suddenly.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha with a sigh while stroking the silver hair of Shiro who was sound asleep on her lap. Why is her husband unconscious, even though Kenji has given so many clues? Looking back at the others, Kagome sighed again, besides Sango, she could see the confusion on her friends' faces. It seems that men are indeed less sensitive to something related to feelings. But, she understood him, what Kenji said just now might not be something they can accept—not for now.

"You—"

"Inuyasha, osuwari." Kagome said slowly and instantly also made Inuyasha fall down without moving a bit. Still stroking Shiro's head that did not wake up with the commotion, he smiled as if nothing had happened and turned his face to look at Kenji. "I agree with you, Kenji-sama. I think what you said is true."

Kagome's attitude and speech immediately again made Kenji laugh out loud. "You graduated, Miko. You deserve to be Taisho's son-in-law. I'm sure the dog must be laughing out loud in nature there."

Sesshoumaru who was sitting not far from Inuyasha and the others could hear their conversation clearly, and he did not like it in the least. What does Kenji mean? Reaching Rin? The most appropriate one for Rin? Happy Rin? The old monkey was actually looking to die if it dared to say all that in front of him!

Sesshoumaru did not watch the demonstration in front of him in the slightest, nor did most of the audience. The Inuyoukai could see clearly, all of the attendees even though they seemed to be enjoying the party, actually they were stealing glances at the human girl beside him. Rin's dance and singing just now must have really captured the attention of all in the party.

Staring at Rin who was still bowing his head down, Sesshoumaru could kiss and feel the sadness of the girl beside him. He did not know what made the girl sad like that. But most importantly, he couldn't let it go.

"Rin," call Sesshoumaru slowly.

Raising his head to look at Sesshoumaru, Rin immediately returned the inuyoukai call slowly. "Yes, Sesshoumaru-sama. What's up?"

Sesshoumaru turned his head back to his face staring at the show in front which was not even the slightest bit of interest to him. "This party is the party you put together. Enjoy."

Sesshoumaru's words instantly also made Rin stunned. Both of his eyes widened, yet a second later he smiled gently and nodded his head. Although he may have made a mistake, the inuyoukai still noticed him. There was happiness that immediately filled his heart. "Yes. Rin understands Sesshoumaru-sama."

Knowing Rin had returned smiling, Sesshomaru still did not say anything. However, he was satisfied. Rin smiled back. That's all that matters.

Akiko, who was sitting far enough away from Sesshoumaru, and Rin stared hatefully at the girl he hated. Hime-sama from the west. She had heard a lot of news about her intelligence, beauty, warmth and beauty, and was said to surpass her beauty as the most beautiful youkai in Japan. And seeing her for the first time at this party, her hatred grew even more. He could clearly see that all the attention of the men in the party was centered on the human girl and she seemed to be forgotten. However, the most important thing was, he could see how Sesshoumaru, the inuyoukai of the Western Land Ruler was paying attention to the girl.

Sesshoumaru's. Akiko wants her, and Rin is one of the threats she must remove, in order to achieve what she wants; to become the kisaki (queen ) of the West.

Tobi, a tiger youkai sitting not far from Inuyasha suddenly walked closer to Sesshoumaru and Rin. With a smile on his face, he stared fixedly at the human girl who was the center of attention of all there was. "Good night, Rin-sama."

"Tobi-sama!" call Rin happy.

"It was an amazing party" praised Tobi with a smile still on his face. "You managed to put together a party that everyone present would not forget."

Rin's face reddened at the compliment, her smile only widening. "You praise Rin too much, Tobi-sama."

"I'm not praising, Rin-sama," Tobi replied again, straining his voice until it was heard by everyone. Looking back, he looked at the audience. "What I'm saying isn't wrong, is it?"

The audience nodded their heads and answered Tobi's question with a smile, which made Rin who heard it even more happy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you all."

Sesshoumaru did not say anything, he remained silent and a feeling of displeasure filled his heart again. They tried it again, trying to attract Rin's attention. He should not have allowed this party to be held, because then, those who are here now, youkai, hanyou and humans will not have the chance to see Rin-meet and try to attract her attention.

"Rin-sama," call Tobi again. "May I ask? This magnificent party is Sesshoumaru-sama's birthday party, isn't it?"

Rin nodded his head answering Tobi's question and made the smile on the tiger's youkai face widen even more. "If I may know, when is your birthday, Rin-sama?"

Tobi's question instantly captured the attention of everyone, as well as Sesshoumaru. Staring at Rin, the audience waited for his answer, while the inuyoukai of the Western Land Ruler could only think and think; he did not know. When is Rin's birthday? Despite having been together all this time, she had never thought of or questioned him, nor did Rin, the girl never said it.

"Rin's birthday.." murmured Rin slowly.

Rin's murmur was very slow, although all there could hear it clearly with their keen sense of hearing. They were all waiting to hear patiently, the answer they wanted. But, Inukimi who was beside Sesshoumaru suddenly laughed out loud. "What a good question, Tobi. I never thought about it myself." looked at Rin, a big smile on his face. "When is your birthday, little Rin?"

Rin's stunned. He was trying to think about his birthday. However, no matter how he tried to think about it; he did not know. Both his parents and his entire family had died when he was a child, as well as the villagers he was born in. The entire population had died from the youkai attack, therefore, he himself did not actually know when his birthday was.

"R-rin doesn't know.." Answer Rin slowly.

"Don't know?" ask Inukimi again.

Rin nodded his head and lowered down. "Rin could not remember it, nor did anyone know. Rin's biological parents have been gone since Rin was a child. Then, people who know Rin as well... They're all gone..."

Rin's answer made silence fill the garden. All there was could clearly feel the sadness of the human girl.

"Birth is the beginning of a life, something we should be grateful for," Inukimi said suddenly breaking the silence and making Rin look at her. "A person's birth day in this world is something we should celebrate - the day we celebrate life" Inukimi smiled as she looked at Rin. "It's okay if you can't remember it, little Rin. When you are born doesn't matter, your actual birthday doesn't matter. Because what we celebrate is life, celebrating your life. You're gonna get a birthday tonight, my daughter.."

Rin's eyes widened to hear Inukimi's words, as did everything, including Sesshoumaru, though he did not show them. Smiling a grin, Inukimi then looked at Sesshoumaru who remained unmoved in the slightest, "Sesshoumaru," she called out. "You are the master and guardian of little Rin. You're the one who's gonna decide his birthday."

No one could hide their shock at Inukimi's unexpected words. Their eyes quickly looked at Sesshoumaru who remained seated quietly.

"T-no Mother!" rin shouted suddenly full of panic. "You're exaggerating. Rin's birthday, Rin's birthday, Rin's life isn't something to be celebrated! Sesshoumaru-sama does not need to do that!"

Sesshoumaru turned his face flat looking at the panicked Rin. Not something to celebrate? Does he not need to do that? Determine the day of birth of the human girl beside him? Nah! The birth of the human girl in front of him, Rin's life is something to be celebrated, more than anything else. And, his Mother was right, he was the most worthy to determine the day of his birth, for he was the one who brought him to life, guarded him, protected him, raised him and most importantly; he was the one closest to him and loved him.

"I'll think about it."

Sesshoumaru's short answer was immediately welcomed by all who were full of enthusiasm. They all laughed and would wait patiently for the announcement from the inuyoukai that it would be the birthday of the human girl. Think of the gift that will be given to Hime-sama from the West on that special day. They all intend to get his attention; get his love.

Rin simply looked at Sesshoumaru with wide eyes. He could not believe what he heard. Sesshoumaru-sama wants to determine his birthday? Want to celebrate his birth? Celebrating the life of her human self? He did not know what to say, surprised and incredulous, though undeniable; happy.

Unable to hold back her feelings anymore, Rin lowered her head down. Tears of happiness flowed down her cheeks.

He cares.

Sesshoumaru, inuyoukai the Lord of the West Land cares for him, a Rin. He who is nothing; he who is only a human being. Her happiness is now, how happy she is; Sesshoumaru-sama cares about her.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing" Inuyasha said with wide eyes. "The son of a bitch wants to determine it? Celebrating it? Rin's birthday? A human?"

"Inuyasha," cut Kagome sharply. "Shut your mouth before I propose." looked at her husband, a smile on his face. "I understand what you're saying, but that human is Rin-chan. You can understand that, right?"

Kagome's question made Inuyasha speechless. Looking at Sesshoumaru and Rin, he could not say anything. Rin's. Since long ago, he never understood—and, yes! He admitted, His half-blood brother who hated humans so much cared about the human girl. Since long ago, since Rin was a child, he and everyone had seen him, Rin's existence was not something worthless in those cold golden eyes.

"Chew," Inuyasha sneered and threw away his face. "I don't need to understand that, Kagome."

Kagome looked back at Sesshoumaru and Rin. Little smile she then laughed looking at her husband and friends who were still dumbfounded by what they had just seen. "Yes! I think we should think of a gift for Rin's birthday later."

Inukimi smiled, not caring the slightest bit of noise. Rin's birthday, her beautiful adopted daughter. Staring at Sesshoumaru, he knew, his son would definitely find the right day, perhaps in spring, by the time the flowers had bloomed. Yep! In the spring, for the human girl is indeed the eternal spring in the West. Laughing loudly, the former ruler of the western lands ordered the party that was stopped again continued. "The night is long, the sake is still there, the dance is not finished, the party is still going on. Let's continue this party!"

The party that had stopped was again lively, neither Rin nor Sesshoumaru said anything more. The human girl kept her head down, while Sesshoumaru stared at the show in front of her. Although he can also feel a pair of blue and red eyes that continue to look at Rin; the eyes of Akiko and Tsubasa, Akihiko's favorite concubine the Ruler of the Southern Land.

....xoxOx....