Chapter Text
Original author's note: I feel like it's been so long since I wrote a Sesshomaru and Rin story… Well, I hope you guys will like this one! ^_^
"I have had it up to here, with my father," A brunette ran her petite fingers through her dark, silky locks of onyx hair – which cascaded down her back in soft and glossy waves.
"I know, sweetheart, but he just wants what is best for you," Her mother consoled her, as she placed one of her tender hands unto her daughter's back, caressing it gently.
"He always wants to involve me in his ridiculous schemes; doesn't he care at all?" She cried, hiding her peachy complexion within the palm of her hands.
"Rin, your father does care for you. He is looking out for your best interests."
Rin snorted, raising a skeptical expression of belief from her mother; fortunately, she did not note on the un-lady like behaviour that Rin had just performed.
Rin was about the most opposite of a lady that any mother could ever wish for; ever since she was a child, Rin did not care about associating with potential husbands or friends her own age that loved to play tea parties, she did not particularly care to dress up like a young woman of society and she did not take kindly for her father to arrange a marriage for her. Rin used to be such a happy child, but once puberty struck at the age of twelve, Rin turned from a delightful little girl to a rebellious teenager. And this was four years ago.
Now, Rin was sixteen and it was her first introduction into society: basically saying that she was now going to be available for young men to start courting.
Rin did not want to get married: she only wanted to stay single, carefree and laidback. To her, boys were just a waste of time. To her, there were more important things in her life to worry about.
"If he actually wanted me to be happy, he'd let me go to school like any other girl. He'd let me make my own friends, he'd let me experience normal things that a girl like me should be doing. Instead, he has me cooped up in my room, forces me to attend these incredibly dull parties and to say hello to older men that are probably twice my age." It was hard not to take her rant to the next level – especially since her mother had been letting Rin vent. It was hard to stay even remotely calm; but if you were in the same situation as Rin, you'd feel just as trapped and hopeless.
Rin didn't care that she was the daughter of the Emperor; she just wanted a normal life… Unfortunately, karma had not been kind to her (as she had been told that she had been a naughty little thing throughout her life), therefore, it was not possible.
"I'm sorry, Rin. I cannot help that your father is protective of you."
Protective seemed like it's the understatement of the year. Even if Rin had asked something of her father, the fact that he sometimes gave into all of her demands was saying something: he must have cared more about himself and the fate of his country rather than his family.
But considering that there were _**some**_ times when he would let her do something with the accompaniment of an adult figure… and the fact that they did not see each other as often as he would have liked, Rin knew she was safe for the time being. Safe, because, it meant there were no boys that Rin's daddy wanted her to meet.
"Well, what does he want of me this time?" Rin pouted, her bow-shaped, pink lips pressed together in a frown.
"There is a nice boy that he would like you to meet."
In Rin's opinion, men were like pests – they just would not leave her alone! Sometimes, Rin wished that she was born ugly: then she wouldn't have to be attracting the attention of all of these guys… However, her family had superb genes that just had to be passed down to her so there was always a chance she'd come out good-looking.
"Nice boy?" Rin asked, reluctant to believe it.
"If you wish, I will let you choose your outfit."
Rin's mother gave her only daughter a grin, before she left the room. Before she left Rin alone…
Rin sighed heavily, knowing that she could not get herself out of this predicament… If she could run away, she could… but she didn't want her family to worry: especially her mother.
It would be simpler if she could just be the obedient daughter; she could always see the disappointment shining through her mother's eyes. She could never be that girl…
**:3 :3 :3**
"Father?" Rin asked, her tone filled with shyness and a little bit of discomfort. She was being forced to meet another boy against her will, so how would anyone else feel in that situation? How could anyone like being trapped in a life where you were only good for certain things? Marriage consisted of cooking, cleaning and making babies for the domestic housewife. It was something that Rin hated to consider…
Kiyotu Sunata turned to see his precious offspring enter the room; who was dressed in a dark kimono-inspired dress, which cut off to the knees. A flicker of warmth hit his heart; Rin looked much like her mother.
Though if there was one thing that Rin had inherited from him, it was her alluring eye colour, which was the same shade of cocoa.
Rin pursed her lips as her father looked up and down, as though he were searching for any flaws. Rin tensed, as she walked forward, with her hands by her side; to be honest, she was even more uncomfortable. Wearing such a tight crimson dress nearly cut off her air supply, her raven hair was put up into a bun and her complexion was applied with foundation and some make-up. She had been told this was all done to enhance her features, but really, Rin did not feel like she was herself.
She felt like she was a doll, for someone else to manipulate at a particular time. She never felt like she had the freedom she so desperately desired to do what she wanted with her life. Heck, she was getting to the point of wanting to choose her own boyfriend!
"Rin," Kiyotu greeted in return.
It was at that moment when Rin had noticed another person in the room, more specifically, it was a man. At first, she didn't know what to make of him.
At first, it appeared that he did not want to be here: Rin could see how bored he was, just by gazing into his dark brown eyes.
Rin thought he was handsome… in a way. This man had long, auburn hair tied into a ponytail – which floated down his back. His complexion was slightly tanned, but it did not mean that he was an albino. His cheeks were chiseled, like he was meant to be a gift for the gods. Then Rin had to note his lips, which were twisted into a small frown. But the moment his eyes met hers… it was like he was tremendously pleased to see her.
"You must be the lovely Rin; you are much prettier than what I have been told," He stated, as his lips turned into a smile…albeit quickly.
Rin forced a smile, revealing her pearly white teeth. "How do you do?"
Of course she didn't even flush when he told her how beautiful she was. Then again… she didn't feel anything remotely romantic to the guy, of course.
"I am very well, Miss Rin. I take it that your father has told you about the upcoming arrangement?"
"I don't believe so…" Rin blinked; she could feel her skin turn clammy and grey and she was pretty sure that the make-up she had on couldn't cover it. She was vulnerable to anyone looking at her… who could just tell that she was nervous about the whole thing.
But in truth she had a bad feeling…
"Allow me to introduce you to your future husband, Rin. This is Lord Hakashi's son – Ryusei."
Rin felt like she was going to faint… She should have seen this engagement happening.
Maybe she should have run away.
**:3 :3 :3**
"Mama! How could you!" Rin screamed, as tears ran down her cheeks; a plethora of emotions ran through her… she was angry, she was nervous, and she was upset. But of course she was angry more than anything else; she was betrothed. "You told me that I was only supposed to meet a boy! I didn't think I'd be engaged! This isn't the feudal era!"
Her mother, Ryou, sat back, allowing her daughter to vent. In truth, she supposed she felt guilt because of the customs they had been accustomed to follow since the start of their bloodline, to pass down to her daughter.
Rin fell silent, noting that her mother didn't appear to be affected by her outburst.
She sat down across from her mother, looking expectedly in her direction. "You knew… you knew all along. I'm supposed to be a trade, aren't I?" Rin's heart still beat against her chest in a violent motion.
"No you are not, Rin. You are our daughter and we will always love you."
Rin felt reluctant (extremely reluctant) to believe her mother's words. She had trusted her, but then Rin realized that she shouldn't be angry at anyone. She should only be angry at herself…
"I don't know what to think." It was like Rin's mind was scattered and it was hopeless to put together all of the pieces that were lost.
"In time, you will understand. I do not blame you for you being upset about this, Rin. But just know that your father has a purpose to everything he does."
Ryou's hazel eyes sparkled with love and adoration for her child. She would always love her, no matter what would happen. Even if there were times when she looked as though she were ashamed of Rin, which was not the truth.
But Rin could not see it…
"But I can't marry a man I don't love, Mama. I just don't know him, I don't know…" Rin moaned, as she took in deep breaths of air.
"You will learn to love him, Rin." For some reason, Ryou had looked hesitant before she had answered; it was like she was hiding something from her daughter. "In the meantime, get some rest."
She kissed her daughter on the top of her head, before she left.
Rin was alone. In all sense of the word, she felt more abandoned than ever.
_Maybe the marriage won't be so bad,_ one part of Rin told her, like it was supposed to comfort her. _Who knows, maybe he's really nice._ Rin couldn't help but scoff.
This Ryusei guy was nice, but… she knew he wasn't the one for her. There was no way she could grow to love him.
She was sixteen and engaged. That thought had to run possibly a thousand times in her mind, before Rin could acknowledge that she had to give up on fighting this.
What was the point… right? When Rin knew she would never be allowed to make her own decisions…
But maybe she could escape it for a night. Just one night without any worries; just one night to be herself…
What was the worst that could happen?
Original author's note: So what do you guys think about the pilot chapter?
Please review – I'd LOVE to know what you guys think!