Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 44's

"What makes you happy like this, Rin-chan?" kagome asked Rin who was staring at Shiro falling asleep after playing with him. They sat inside Rin's room terrace staring at the snow cover that covered the view of the winter afternoon.

"Eh?" turning his face in surprise, Rin looked at Kagome. "Why are you asking like that, Kagome-sama?'

"You're not constantly smiling from earlier. And I know, it's not because of Shiro who's playing with you" Kagome smiled. "Tell me, what makes you like that?"

Rin was silent not answering. The events of that night re-shadowed in his mind and instantly, his face immediately reddened. He did not understand what was going on with him, did not know why, every time he remembered the incident, he would feel ashamed. He remembered clearly, both firm hands that hugged him tightly, the warmth he felt, every breath he took, as well as the whisper of Sesshoumaru's plan that said he would grant his gift-forever together. However, the most embarrassing thing was, he did not remember what happened next. In the arms of Sesshoumaru-sama back then, the comfort, security and warmth felt, made her feel extremely sleepy and closed her eyes. Then, when he opened his eyes again, morning had arrived and he had been lying on top of the futon in his own room.

Rin has asked Rei and Rika, his two personal ladies-in-waiting about how he got to be in his room, and he did not know what to say as they replied that Sesshoumaru-sama was the one who was carrying him asleep to the room. He felt ashamed of having been troublesome and disrespectful towards the inuyoukai, yet, in his heart, he could not deny the overwhelming happiness because the inuyoukai was so attentive to him.

"Rin-chan." call Kagome slowly while looking at Rin. "What's wrong?"

"T-nothing," Rin stuttered as she shook her head with a face that was still crimson. "It's okay."

Kagome only smiled at Rin's behavior and also red face. So plain. She did not know what the girl was thinking, however, it seemed like she could guess it as well, definitely because of a man. "Well, Rin-chan," Kagome called again, her eyes staring at the pile of lavish gifts that were mounting in Rin's room. "Of all the gifts you get, what gifts do you like best?"

"Eh? A present?" rin asked in surprise mixed in confusion.

The morning when the sun had risen after his birthday passed, Sesshoumaru announced to everyone that Rin's birthday was to be decided. And of course there was no one who was not surprised by the day Sesshoumaru chose, even including Inukimi himself. They did not expect, that inuyoukai would give the same birthday as him to the human girl.

But, despite being confused and full of question marks, no one asked more. The existing guests, not wasting any chance, they quickly vied for a luxurious gift and presented it to the human girl. Gold, gems, kimonos, paintings, books, flowers, musical instruments and various forms of luxury gifts they give. Rin didn't know what to do, she couldn't possibly refuse, therefore, she accepted everything with gratitude.

"Whose gift do you like best, Rin-chan?" ask Kagome again.

Thinking about Kagome's question, Rin can only focus her mind on answering it. What gift does he like best? A gift from whom?

Your birthday present, this Sesshoumaru will grant it.

The word crossed his mind. Rin's face turned red instantly. Bowing his head down, he avoided Kagome's gaze. The gift he liked the most, the gift from whom he liked the most, Rin knew, that is, the gift from Sesshoumaru; forever together.

Forever with Sesshoumaru-sama.

Until now Rin still does not believe, that inuyoukai was willing to share a birthday with himself who is a lowly man. How fast his heart was beating, how claustrophobic his heart was because of happiness, he was unable to uncover it. All his possessions are those inuyoukai gifts, clothes, food and shelter, knowledge and expertise, then life and happiness. There is no other gift that he expects and likes more than that gift; forever together.

"Rin-chan, Rin—" called Kagome quietly while looking at the girl who was still bowing her face down. But the room's shoji door that suddenly opened immediately grabbed their attention.

Looking over at the open door, Rin immediately smiled as she saw Kiri and Kira walking in.

"Left-sama! Kira-sama!" call Rin happy. Returning Shiro to Kagome, the human girl immediately got up from the seat and walked up to the two inuyoukai in front of her.

"Rin-sama." Call Left quietly with a smile. Kira did not say anything, however, a smile also flashed across her face as she saw the human girl walking up to them.

When Rin arrived in front of them, raising her hand, Kira handed a small package to the human girl. "For you, Rin-sama. Sorry to be late, but, happy birthday."

Rin's eyes widened to hear what Kira said. However, instantly, that shocked expression turned into a wide smile. Receiving the parcel, he immediately opened it, and the moment he saw the contents, he immediately raised his face staring at the two inuyoukai again. The gift they gave was a small short sword with a golden alley.

"The sword was made by Totosai-sama, using both of our fangs. We do not expect you to use it. Tap- "clear Left. However, unfinished, Rin has quickly jumped into the arms of the two inuyoukai.

"Thank you, Kiri-sama, Kira-sama. Thank you very much." Rin's laughter was happy. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Sword of fangs. The gifts given by Kiri and Kira are very valuable, because the swords themselves are made of their own body parts. Giving the sword away, giving their fangs, Rin knew, the two inuyoukai thought of him as family. The fangs within the inuyoukai clan were something to protect the family.

Left raised his right hand to return Rin's embrace and smiled lightly. Since long ago until now, Rin always hugged them like this, never changed, what changed was probably just that girl was not a little girl anymore. Like a flower, the girl is now blooming— blooms very beautifully.

Kira who was hugged by Rin could not hide the feelings that filled her heart. Raising his left hand, he gently stroked the human girl's hair. Just like Kira, she has been watching, watching and looking after the human girl since childhood. Seeing him grow up in front of his own eyes. However, the incident in the party last night, for the first time, he was unable to forget about it. She remembers everything, she remembers how beautiful and pure Rin was when she sang and danced at Sesshoumaru's birthday party. She was so fascinated at the time, that girl was amazing.

"Rin!' the scream of someone's voice suddenly broke the silence that existed.

Rin automatically let go of his embrace and stared at the direction of the voice. The door of his shojinya room opened again and Jaken walked in haughtily as usual. "Rin! Where are you little girl?!"

"Rin here Jaken-sama."

"Rin, ka-aakhh!" jaken shouted in surprise as he looked at Kiri and Kira who were looking at him sharply and full of anger.

"Take your attitude you little youkai." Left snort while holding back his furious growl that wanted to slide out. From the beginning until now, he and Kira did not like Jaken, the cowardly frog youkai. Always acting super-powerful, and whenever there were none of them, Inukimi or Sesshoumaru, he would always be rude to Rin. Strangely enough, the human girl never looked angry or objected to her treatment.

Kiri, Kira and also most of the inhabitants of the western land palace, were actually eager to teach the frog youkai a lesson. However, they can't, because every time they want to do it, Rin will definitely stop. The girl would always beg, and sometimes even cry for them to forgive Jaken. It's just, Jaken never seemed to be aware and changed his attitude.

"What is Jaken-sama?" ask Rin again, and walk up to Jaken who is sculpting motionlessly.

Staring at Rin who approached him, Jaken then reached out to something from his right pocket. Taking out a red ribbon from the silk, he handed it to the girl. "The bang beside you is sometimes very disturbing. Just tie it with this."

Rin's eyes widened to hear what Jaken said. In disbelief, his hand gently touched the red ribbon that was in the small hand of the frog youkai. "It's for Rin, Jaken-sama?" tanyakanya.

"of course! Your face is jele-aaakh!" jaken's words were cut off as Rin's hands quickly knelt down to hold her body firmly and tightly. He who had a body much smaller than the human girl could do nothing but shout and rebel asking to be released. "Take me off, stupid girl!"

Rin did not let go of her embrace, instead she further tightened it. The tears stopped, they flowed back. Immersing his face on Jaken's chest, he cried as he pleased. "T-thank you, thank you, thank you, Jaken-sama. Rin, Rin is so happy."

The thanks in Rin's tears made the rebellious Jaken stop. Lowering his head looked at the human girl who was hugging him, inevitably, his face softened. From the first time Rin was present in her life and Sesshoumaru, she seemed forced to look after him. But does he hate her?

Jaken knew, all his life, he had never been seen by people. Not by Sessoumaru, Inukimi, Kiri, Kira, the workers in the Western Land Palace, and even anyone who knew him. However, only Rin always looks at him, hears his words, believes him, then smiles and always thinks of himself. Because of that, hate him? How could he possibly do that?

He never said it, never showed it because he was a cowardly creature and always hid behind arrogance and nonsense. But, deep down, he loved her very much. The little girl he used to watch every night while wandering with Sesshoumaru, the little girl he sometimes found food for, the little girl who was not a little girl anymore. Rin, how much he really loves her.

Pushing Rin's soft body that hugged her until the hug came off, she gently tapped on the girl's forehead with a nintojo stick in her hand. "It's so ugly in your face, Rin."

Rin laughed at Jaken's words. Lifting the ribbon in his hand, he quickly tied the bangs beside him. Removing the tears, he then smiled widely while closing his eyes to Jaken. "What now, Jaken-sama? Rin looks pretty now, doesn't she?"

Jaken nodded his head and smiled slightly. Rin's smile never changed. Looking at the smile before her now, although the little girl was no longer a little girl, in her eyes, the girl would forever be a little girl; the little girl who followed Sesshoumaru everywhere without the slightest hesitation.

Kagome, Kiri and Kira who saw what was happening in front of them were unable to say anything. Kagome can only smile at Rin, Jaken's gift is a gift that is nothing compared to the gifts of most people in the form of gold, gems and beautiful paintings, but, it seems, it is, in the eyes of that human girl, a precious item was not something measured by its price.

"Here! It was my mother who won! Rin-chan will be Mamoru's wife!" rin's room shoji door opened again and Mamoru ran in laughing.

"Mamoru! Stop that!" the sound of Miroku's screams sounded. However, Mamoru who did not care about her immediately ran up to Rain upon seeing the girl and hugged her tightly. "Rin-chan! Happy birthday!" his yell.

Rin chuckled at Mamoru's attitude. Raising his hand, he returned the embrace. "Thank you, Mamoru-kun."

"This is for you, Rin-chan," Mamoru laughed as he handed her a red origami flower. "Gift from Mamoru."

"Mamoru cheated! We made him know!"

"Mamoru! That's our gift to Rin-chan!"

The screams of Aya and Maya were clear and soon the two girls ran into the room with faces full of anger.

"Mamoru also helps!" mamoru replied while turning her face to look at her two brothers. "Morukan helps Kak Aya and Kak Maya look for paper!"

"Have, have been," interrupted Miroku who walked into Rin's room with Inuyasha, Sango. "You made it together."

"Dad! Nah! Not want!" aya and Maya protest together.

"Yes, Maya, give in to your sister." Sango sidestepped with a sigh. His attitude and unwilling expression gave up his two daughters now, not knowing why reminded him of himself when he was young. "Mother promised to train the Hiraikotsu technique to the two of you when you return to the village later."

"really?" aya and Maya's eyes immediately widened to stare at Sango, their cries of protest immediately coming to a halt.

Sango nodded his head with a smile. Their family's taijiya blood was indeed flowing in the bodies of the two twin daughters. They are always eager to learn their science.

"All right then! We will forgive Mamoru!" They both shouted happily while clapping their hands. The anger towards their sister disappeared instantly

The confused Rin only sees the two girls in front of him without saying anything, until Inuyasha who is there suddenly calls a name and throws something at him. "Rin! Catch her!"

Rin immediately catches what Inuyasha throws at him. Confusion again filled her face as she looked at what Inuyasha had thrown at her; a fan. Opening the fan, Rin saw the beautifully painted spring cherry blossoms filling the fan. The color is already somewhat backward because it is inedible with age, but still, the fan is a very beautiful fan.

"You gave Izayoi's fan to Rin-rin, Inuyasha?" ask someone's voice suddenly from behind and surprise hanyou and all who are there, because, they all do not feel the aura or smell of anyone who approaches the room where they are..

"Kenji-sama!" call Rin when you see the monkey youkai figure behind Inuyasha.

"Don't carelessly appear behind me in a split!" inuyasha shouted in anger and turned his face to look at Kenji. He did not like the fact that the old youkai had managed to deceive his hearing, smell and sharp taste

Kenji didn't care about Inuyasha's scream, he stared fixedly at Hanyou in front of him."You gave Rin-rin your mother's legacy fan?"

"Mother Fan?" sela Rin was surprised. "This fan belongs to your Mother, Inuyasha-sama?"

Rin's question made Inuyasha stare at the human girl. Folding his hands on his chest again, he snorted and threw away his face. "Yes. Cause take good care of it."

"No! Rin couldn't take it!" rin's shout suddenly shocked Inuyasha. Staring at Kagome, the human girl immediately thrust the fan in her hand at the miko. "You should have this fan, Kagome-sama. It's not Rin, you're Izayoi-sam's son-in-law who should be guarding this fan."

Kagome was surprised to see Rin's attitude, however, a moment later she laughed out loud. Sighing, Inuyasha immediately approached Rin who was still kneeling on the tatami and crouched down until their eyes were aligned. "He doesn't need it. Kagome who works every day as a miko and sometimes fights against youkai does not need such a fan."

"Right, Rin-chan," agreed Kagome in her laugh. "I don't need that fan. That fan is a fan for a Princess. I am definitely not a Princess, but not with you; you are a Princess Rin-chan."

"No, Rin is not a princess. Rin was just an ordinary commoner with nothing." Rin shook his head continuously. She is not a Princess, although her appearance and place of life always make who sees her feel she is a Princess, Rin knows, she is still Rin, Rin, a human girl from among the commoners who had nothing.

"Gee!" inuyasha shouted annoyed at Rin's attitude. Raising his hands, he ruffled Rin's black hair. "Enough, boy!" his golden eyes looked straight at Rin's eyes. "For me and Kagome, you're part of our family. Our sister, so a sister giving her mother's inheritance to her sister isn't something wrong, is it?"

Rin's eyes widened in shock at what Inuyasha said. "I-inuyasha-sama.."

"Inuyasha is right, Rin-chan," Kagome laughed again. "For us you are a sweet little sister, part of our family. So take our birthday present.."

"Yes, they're right. Just accept the gift, Rin-rin," Kenji interrupted suddenly and approached them. Handing over a beautiful samisen from the actual teak wood he had been holding since, he smiled gently. "And this is from me, Hime-sama from the West. Happy birthday."

"K-kenji-sama.." Rin's eyes widened again for the umpteenth time.

"Hey! Why are you all fighting with me and Sango to give Rin-chan a gift?" Miroku Laughter. Grasping Sango's hand beside him, he led his wife to Rin. His hand pulled out a small wooden bracelet. "It's not much, but it's a gift from us, Rin-chan. This tasbih was made by Sango from teak wood and holds some of my spiritual power. You can use it to protect your water."

Tears flowed down Rin's cheeks. There was happiness that filled his heart. It is not the gift of those who make them happy, but the attention of all. "T-Thank you, thank you, thank you.."

"Rin-chan don't cry." pinta Kagome and Sango quickly while wiping away Rin's tears.

"really. Sesshoumaru would behead us all if he knew we were making you cry, Rin-rin." Kenji Laughter.

"Cih," said inuyasha, throwing his face away. "As he could afford."

"Why Inuyasha, are you scared, huh?" kenji asked as he nudged Inuyasha on the shoulder with his body. "Your brother is strong. He's an opponent we're hard enough to conquer, what else if it's about Rin-rin."

"No need for us!' yell Inuyasha. "Just enough! I myself mamp—"

Inuyasha's shout came to a halt as Rin's room door opened again. All turned their heads to look at who had entered and found Rei and Rika kneeling down with gentle smiles on the faces. "Rin-sama and everyone, forgive the leniency of the two servants, but, please follow the two servants."

"Rei-nee, Rika-nee, what's up?" ryn asked confusedly.

Rei and Rika just smiled back at Rin's question. Rise up, they let everyone in the room follow them. "Come, please follow the two servants."

Despite the confusion, Rin and everyone else followed Rei and Rika. Rin's two personal servants drive them to the west istnana pavilion garden, to the place where Sesshoumaru's birthday party was held last night. Rin and all of them could see all the servants and soldiers in the western earth palace gathered there, and when they realized the human girl was entering the party venue, they all immediately smiled, laughed and shouted loudly

"Happy birthday, Rin-sama, hime-sama from the West. Sorry to be late, but happy birthday!"

Musical instruments were played immediately, food was served, and singing and dancing were performed immediately.

"Rin-sama, please sit down, " said Rei while leading a stunned Rin to sit on a pillow that had been made. "Watch all of us birthday gifts."

"R-rei-nee, i-this." said Rin stammered not knowing what to say because he was still very surprised.

"We can't all give you anything as a birthday present, Rin-sama," explained Rika suddenly. He who was trying to get Inuyasha, Kagome, Kenji, Kiri, Kira and the others to sit down paused and smiled at Rin. "Because that's all we can give. Even though it is too late, we, the entire residents of the West Land Palace asked Sesshoumaru-sama for permission to hold your birthday party."

Rin was speechless a thousand languages, she did not know what to say.

"We all love you, Rin-sama, our Hime-sama, therefore, happy birthday."

Tears flowed down from Rin's cheeks. He could not count how many times he had cried today. Kiri-sama and Kira-sama, then Jaken-sama, Mamoru, Aya and Maya, Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-sama, as well as Kenji-sama, Miroku-sama and Sango-sama and now, all residents of the Palace of the West Land, it turns out he was so cared for and loved.

"Rin-sama don't cry," Rei was quickly filled with panic. "It's a happy day, so you can't cry!"

Rin's cry instead of stopping, even his cry grew louder and louder, until, all that was, both who were dancing, singing, playing an instrument and serving food ran up to him, he said, not caring for the slightest bit about the existence of Inuyasha and the others.

"Rin-sama, don't cry."

"Rin-sama stop crying."

"Rin-sama, do you not like this party?"

The crowd that swarmed Rin, their questions and worried expressions made Rin's heart very claustrophobic because of happiness. "R-rin s-female. Rin, Rin m-crying. k-because b-happy. R-Rin.." explained Rin disela isak tanggis.

Rin's attitude and explanation make the expression of worry all that exists disappear and replaced by a smile.

"If you're happy, smile at Rin-sama."

"True, laugh at Rin-sama."

"Smile and laugh for us, Rin-sama."

Rin could not say anything more, seeing the gentle smile on the faces of all those who swarmed her, she immediately raised her hand wiping away her tears which still did not want to stop.

Smilingly.

They all want him to smile. Therefore, taking a breath, although the tears were still flowing down the cheeks, Rin immediately lifted her lips, forming an exquisite spring smile. A smile that was immediately welcomed by all the inhabitants of the palace.

"Smile! You finally smile, Rin-sama!"

"Stay smiling like this, Rin-sama!"

"We will always pray you smile like this, Rin-sama."

Inuyaha, Kagome, Kenji, Kiri, Kira, as well as the others who were at the side, could only be stunned by what was happening before their eyes.

"Rin-chan, really amazing huh?" kagome smiled without even turning her face from the view in front of her. If he didn't look at it with his own eyes, he wouldn't believe there was a human girl who was able to make so many youkai and just love him to this extent.

"Of course," Kira replied slowly. There was a tinge of pride and satisfaction in his voice. "For he is Hime-sama from the West."

Kenji laughed loudly and raised a hand hitting Inuyasha's back. "Haha! I can't wait for the future of this Western Land to come!"

"What are you doing old monkey!" inuyasha shouted with anger mixed with pain from Kenji's punch. However, Kenji did not care about it. Pulling Inuyasha's hand, he looked for a seat while laughing loudly. "Party, party! Let's party again until tomorrow morning!'

"That's right!Let's have another party!" Agreeing to Miroku while laughing followed by Sango and the others. Last night's party was Sesshoumaru's party, therefore, this afternoon's party was Rin's party. A party for the charming human girl.

Kagome who then sat beside Inuyasha while holding Shiro who was still asleep no matter the surrounding commotion, could only continue to smile. His eyes looked at Rin who was now laughing widely and sitting on a pillow around the palace residents who served food and drinks to him. How much the whole Palace loved Rin, she could see him clearly, and she was sure, too, no one in the palace would mind if they had to sacrifice their lives for the smile and laughter of the human girl.

Far away from the party crowd, from three directions, three pairs of eyes stared at everything that happened in silence, namely the eyes of Inukimi who stared at everything there full of annoyance, akiko's eyes are filled with hate, as well as Tsubasa's calculating eyes.

....xoxOx....