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Rin stood at her and Sesshomaru’s rendezvous spot on the hill overlooking Kaede’s village. The late autumn air was cool, and she was grateful for the fine thick pink and gold fabric her lord had gifted on his previous visit that kept most of the chill at bay. She scanned the sky and smiled widely when she caught sight of the familiar fur among the clouds.
“Lord Sesshomaru!” She called happily, waving to him as he descended and landed softly in front of her.
“Rin,” he said softly, stepping forward to gently cup her cheek. “Have you fared well?”
She nodded. “And you, my lord?”
Sesshomaru gave her a small nod. She felt her cheeks turn pink as his gold eyes carefully looked her over. She could tell that he was pleased to see her in the skillfully sewn kimono she had made from the fabric. Kagome had even helped her work the kinks out of her hair and put it in a flattering tie over her shoulder. She had decided that she wanted to put a bit more effort into her appearance on his visits, which were becoming more frequent now that they were officially engaged. She knew that Sesshomaru was not superficial, but Kaede had explained to her when she announced their engagement that since she would soon be a Lady – and a demon’s lady, at that – there would be certain expectations of her that she must strive to meet to the best of her ability.
“You will no longer simply be a village girl,” Kaede had said gently. “In Sesshomaru’s world, there will be many eyes on you. You must exude confidence and strength for your sake as well as his, especially as a human.”
Rin wanted to show her best friend and husband-to-be that she understood the implications of becoming his wife, his Lady, as well as show appreciation for all he did for her. The glow in his amber orbs and the small upturn of his lips assured her that he recognized her efforts and was pleased.
That knowledge made her heart dance, and the small smile on his face – the one that only she was privileged to see – showed her that he could hear it.
“What would you like to do this afternoon, Rin no kimi?” Sesshomaru asked.
Rin’s smile grew wider as he used the new honorific for her. “Can we go for a walk? The woods are so beautiful this time of year.”
He nodded, softly taking her small hand in his large one as they were alone and turning towards Inuyasha’s woods.
The two of them walked along the path, Rin filling him on her goings-on in the weeks since his previous visit. They circumvented the glade that held the Tree of Ages so that they could continue enjoying the foliage in the thicker parts of the forest.
“Oh!” Rin said suddenly, “look, Lord Sesshomaru!”
The two of them stood looking at an apple tree. The gold leaves shone in the soft autumn light, casting their glow onto the plump red orbs that hung from the branches like round jewels.
Rin marveled at the beauty of the tree when she suddenly felt a pang in her stomach, which led to an unflattering growl. It was then that she realized that she hadn’t eaten since dawn when she woke to get her chores done early so she would have time to get ready for Sesshomaru’s visit.
She began to step towards the tree to pick one of the apples when she realized Sesshomaru was no longer standing beside her.
“...Lord Sesshomaru?” she called in confusion, only to look up a moment later and see him descending through the branches of the forest canopy.
He held out a particularly fat and red apple in his clawed hand.
“I’ve heard it said that fruit that grows at the top of trees tastes the sweetest,” he said quietly. “Something about it being closest to the heavens.”
Rin smiled brightly and took the apple from him.
“Thank you, my lord. You’re always so thoughtful.”
“Hn.”
Rin took a bite and closed her eyes. It was, indeed, the best apple she had ever tasted.
“Mhmm,” she hummed softly as she savored the taste of the fruit, chewing slowly before swallowing. She opened her eyes to see Sesshomaru staring at her intently. It may have been her imagination, but she could swear she saw a glint of hunger in his gold orbs.
“You were right, my lord – it is delicious.”
She gave him a coy smile and held the fruit towards him. “Have a bite.”
“You know I don’t eat human food, Rin,” he said gently.
Rin rolled her eyes playfully. “Sesshomaru,” she said, dropping the title, “these are wild apples.”
He still looked hesitant. Rin decided to be a little bold and stepped closer to him.
“Besides, you still haven’t let me see you eat, yet.”
Sesshomaru let out a soft, almost inaudible growl. Rin felt her heartbeat speed up, and she was positive he could hear it.
“You wish to see me eat?” he whispered.
Rin nodded.
Sesshomaru glanced at the apple before looking back at her. He leaned forward ever so slightly towards her hands and took a tentative bite, never breaking eye contact with her. Rin could not help but notice the way his sharp canines pierced the ruby skin of the apple, the fresh smell of its juices filling the air as a small spray fell on her fingers.
“Well?” she asked after he had swallowed.
“Hn,” he said simply, but his gaze on her was soft. “Have the rest, Rin.”
Rin smiled and happily munched on the apple as they turned and continued their walk together. She had a feeling that she was going to enjoy the rest of their afternoon.