A/N: ... ... ... ... Happy Halloween!

Review replies:

Squishyrabbit: Thank you. Your first review put a smile on my face and helped me make sure not to quit the story... Even though I have 2 chapters written out. Thanks for your review!

kagomeLove2: Yes, I agree. I'm starting to like the chapter a little more now.

I'm glad you sort of liked the different... style for the mating. A reasoning might be brought up in the future. Since I ended up doing this in the middle of the show, it's not happy ever after just yet...

Traveler1024: Thanks! :)

Marie P: I'm glad. After the past few rough and suspenseful chapters, I have made quite a few calm and relaxing chapters. Nothing much happens in the next few chapters as far as the anime plot, but that's what I'm trying to get back into now. Glad you enjoyed!

Guest: This is what made me start to write this chapter. Thanks for your review by the way! I always love reading new ones.

Yes, sometimes it's a hassle writing a Sesshomaru with one arm, but... I think this is my first one? Sort of? Of course since I am following the anime, he does get it back so, yay. I'm glad you are able to see just about what episode I am on. That is just about right! Yes, I will continue following the anime, it's just a matter of getting back into watching it. For some reason, the band of 7 I am not too excited on writing about. I have got a few ideas, but... Eh, we'll see how the next few chapters fair first. I'm not losing complete interest in this story, I mean, I come back and read it all the time, and really want to find the will to continue.

I've had some future ideas coming to mind, it's just a matter of sitting still and start writing.

Thanks for your review, it is helping me. I don't feel as forced as when I have readers leave such reviews. It compels me to continue. I just need the writing strength back. XD.

Taraah36: Hey! Thanks! I am glad you liked this chapter! And Rin's character! I think this is the first time I've made Rin so... feisty, and I'm trying to keep her that way. Haha.

Hope you guys like this chapter, even if it's a little short.

Chapter 20:

Rin awoke the next morning, feeling more content and at peace than she'd ever felt her entire life.

The sun shone down on her bare form, slowly bringing back memories of the previous night.

She slowly sat up from her resting place, running a hand through her hair, until she began to notice something.

Beneath her hair. Where the recently changed stitches were...

Nothing.

No stitches... No cut... No pain.

Eyes widening only slightly, she turned to look at her side, which she had also noticed wasn't hurting.

'What the...'

Before she could think more on it, an arm wrapped around her from behind.

"Is everything alright, Rin?" Sesshomaru spoke.

She couldn't help the startled gasp she let out as she felt his form move closer behind her.

Last night was beyond words for her, but she still wasn't used to being as exposed as she was. Especially now in broad daylight.

"Y-yeah. I'm f-fine." She managed her answer anyway.

"You know, I don't have to mark you to tell when you are lying. You are troubled, why?" He asked, before gently nuzzling the side of her neck, which resulted in her shivering.

"I just... Feel strange. And... my injuries have healed... Completely." Rin said.

"And that is a bad thing?" Sesshomaru replied, seeming only focused on her marked neck, which was making it harder for her to think.

"No. I mean, not really, it's just... Strange. I don't heal that fast." Rin continued.

"It's the mark, Rin." He said, still calm and seemingly careless.

Rin's form tensed at the words, before turning to finally face him, which finally made him pull away from her.

"The mark?" She repeated.

Sesshomaru sighed, "The mark doesn't just claim you, Rin. It has abilities."

"Abilities? Like what?" Rin asked.

"My mark may allow you to heal faster than a normal human. Senses may be heightened as well." He explained.

"And... Is that the only reason why you marked me?" She asked.

"No. I also did it because I care for you. Because you are my mate. The mark only brings us closer." Sesshomaru explained.

"Oh." Was all she could manage, remaining quiet then to think over the words.

Sesshomaru gently caressed her cheek, forcing her eyes to meet his, "Do you regret letting me mark you, Rin?"

Rin's eyes widened at his sudden question and expression, "What? No! No, of course not, I...- I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that. I'm glad you did this..."

She broke off from there, unsure of what else to say.

Sesshomaru took her silence as a chance to close their distance once again, and he gently pressed his lips to hers.

Rin nearly wanted to sigh in relief that the tense and awkward moment was lost in this kiss.

Sesshomaru's hand trailed down her cheek, down to her side, stopping at her waist.

Soon, he was lowering her back down to the bedding made out of their discarded clothing.

A few hours had passed, and the sun was now at its highest.

It was ow that Rin felt the sudden need to finally get dressed.

It had to be late afternoon.

Kagome must be worried sick.

However, when she finally picked out her dark blue kimono, she remembered that it was clearly in ruins, no way able to keep her full form covered.

"Great. And it's ruined." Rin scoffed, discarding the kimono once again.

"You can wear mine for the time being." Sesshomaru said.

Part of her felt used to the saying, but another part of her wasn't used to such... Gestures.

"Yeah, and what do you think the villagers will think abut that when we get back?" Rin asked.

Sesshomaru stared at her, his eyes hardening slightly, "You know, we could just leave now. You are healed, we can-"

"No." Rin broke him off, "I'll go with you, yes. But you can't do this again without me at least saying goodbye. I know you don't care about the village, or InuYasha or... Anyone for that matter. But... Just one more day."

Sesshomaru was silent for the longest time; The only way she knew he wasn't going to say No even if he wanted to.

'Mate or not. This huma girl has a strong hold on me. One human...'

"Thank you, Sesshomaru." Rin took his silent expressions as an answer.

She reached over and kissed his cheek, before quickly grabbing the one left-over kimono of his that he had yet to put on, which was meant for her.

It was the same one he had given her that day.

She still felt weird as she put on the clothing to her fitting.

She had kissed him as if it were the most normal, every day thing between them. When it clearly wasn't.

Rin still wasn't sure exactly what this relationship would become of, but... She couldn't imagine it any other way.

A few hours later, they reached the outskirts of the village. Which they were soon greeted by an all too familiar half-dog demon, who did not look happy.

"And just where have you two-" He suddenly broke off as they came closer.

Of course he could smell it, hundreds of mile out, of course, but seeing it with his own eyes, and feeling its powerful effect.

"You marked her." He said, just below a whisper, "Never thought you would ever have the guts to do that."

Sesshomaru only glared at him, and Rin could clearly sense his being tense and ready for anything.

"Her is standing right here. So let's talk in first person, please." Rin said.

InuYahsa looked at her in surprise for a split second, before scoffing, "Okay smart one. You were marked."

"Yes. I was." Rin said simply, "Is Kagome around? I... I need to talk to her."

"You just missed her. She went home." InuYasha said, his glare intensifying at the news.

"Home? Why?" Rin asked.

"Hell if I know. Something about her stupid education she's so worried about." InuYasha said.

"Will she be back soon?" Rin asked.

"She said she needed a couple days. Waste of my time if you ask me." He answered.

Rin could literally feel her heart drop at his words.

Surely Sesshomaru wouldn't stand to stay here that long...

"What's so importat that you need to talk to Kagome for anyway?" InuYasha broke her from her thoughts.

"Oh... Nothing really. I just... D-did she happen to leave a bag behind? I... Kind of need a change of clothes." Rin asked.

"She did. It's in your hut. Change quickly though, I can only stand so much of Sesshomaru's stench." InuYasha said before walking away.

Rin took a deep breath once he was out of sight.

"Why didn't you just pass your message to InuYasha?" Sesshomaru finally spoke.

Rin turned to him, he had immediately calmed once InuYasha was out of sight.

"I wanted to tell Kagome first. Because she can talk to InuYasha better than I can, and get through to him. If I told him goodbye now... He wouldn't let me leave. And I wouldn't let you hurt him. So..." Rin took a deep breath, "I'm going to go change."

With that, she turned from him, heading further into the village until she found the hut.

Despite the intense emotions and feelings that came with Sesshomaru marking and claiming her, she was still torn between him and this village.

She couldn't just leave.

Despite how slightly upset she was to hear Kagome had gone home without really noticing she was gone... She didn't blame her.

But she wasn't going to let her come back only to find she had disappeared off the edge of the world with Sesshomaru again.

Because once she left with him this time...

They would probably never see each other again.

Sesshomaru would go his own path.

And InuYasha, Kagome and the others would resume their long journey for the jewel shards.

Rin barely noticed the couple of tears she shed.

Friends or eternal mate?

Friends or lover?

A/N: I know, another short chapter after such a LONG time, but I am trying my best and all your comments are keeping me motivated.

I went to a weekend camp last weekend, and since I couldn't bring my phone (Which is where I write all my fanfiction chapters), I copied out a few chapters and took them with me so I could maybe work on the story, and... I've got bits and pieces, but I'll put them together sooner or later. And that's chapter 23 that I'm working on! So, I really, really do want to see how this story ends, so I'm not quitting it, maybe HIAtUS here and there, but know that even if you don't see an update for a whole month, I'm still writing future chapters!

I was in such a good mood today, I made a halloween video, and so I thought, while I'm at it, I'll go ahead and update a chapter 'cause I think it's due.

Anywho, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Chapter 21 Sneak Peek

Kagome sighed in exhaustion as she finally made it home.

She had tried all day to have her friends catch her up on everything she had missed, but all they seemed to care about was InuYasha.

Needless to say, she didn't learn much. So, for the test she had to prepare for in one day, would have to be done old fashion.

Hitting the books.

Every single one.

However, when she had reached her room, guess who?

"InuYasha?! What are you doing here? I told you-"