Chapter 21: Strength

I slowly began waking up in a cool dark room. The only light on was above me. It was dim, but I could see to the end of my bed. I looked around seeing that I was in a room all by myself. I already knew I was in a hospital which meant that I was alive and going to recover. I looked down at my left arm to see it was in a new cast. It rested under my breast line. My right arm was hooked up to an I.V line giving me fluids and whatever else they needed to. They also had the irritating nostril thing in my nose.

I began waking up more, when the door opened and I caught the sight of silver in my peripheral vision. I knew who it was, "Sesshomaru?" My voice was weak but I knew he could hear me. I believe him hearing my voice alerted him because he was at my side standing right next to me.

"Rin you're finally awake," his voice sounded like he hadn't slept in days. His golden eyes had black circles underneath, telling me he was really tired. He lifted up the bed remote and pressed the nurse button. "How are you feeling? Do you need anything?"

My throat was parched. "A drink." My voice had a bit of a chill to it. I needed something that was hot to warm me up. "You're okay?" It wasn't a question. I raised my right hand and rubbed his cheek.

His lips were along my forehead for a few moments. "Yes, I'm fine. Are you hurting?" I actually was after being physically assaulted by my ex-family. I could feel the cuts and bruises all over me. My face felt sore from the smacking I'd received.

I nodded my head slowly. "Yes, all over." The skin of his nose trailed down till his lips hovered over mine.

The skin of our lips touched for just a second when the door opened and the lights came on. "Good evening, I'm nurse Mei. How is our patient this evening?"

A medium built nurse with short jet black hair came to stand by my bed. "Rin just woke up, and she is requesting something to drink. Possibly hot tea?" Sesshomaru knew me well.

"Of course, let me do a quick check-up and I'll have her drink brought up." Sesshomaru stepped aside so she could check my pulse, temperature and blood pressure. "All seems to be normal for her. Do you have a preference for the tea you would like dear?"

"Lemon? Please?" I was still feeling pretty tired but I didn't want to go back to sleep.

"No problem," with that she left.

When the door closed Sesshomaru was back at my side. I picked up the remote so I could be in a better sitting position. I just had to be extra careful not to cause my body any harm moving. But there was one thing I wanted, comfort. I very carefully scooted myself over to the left. "Lay with me?" I don't know how many days I went without him holding me close. I just needed his body next to me.

He removed his jacket which told me he just got here. "I'll have to let my father know you've awakened," he informed me. He pulled back the blankets and got under the covers with me. Oh how wonderful it felt to feel his body heat right next to me. I cradled my body into his, happy that I was safe. I could smell his lavish cologne along the skin of his neck. "Rin is there anything else you need other than a drink of tea?"

There was one thing I needed and I hadn't had one in days. "A bath?" I felt gross and my hair felt like it had a lot of knots.

"Would you like assistance with your bath?" he asked.

I knew I might need help since I was in a lot of pain. "Yes please." I was scared to see what my body looked like underneath this hospital gown.

"After you have your tea, I'll help you. Would you like some food afterward?" When he said those words my stomach started to wake up. "I'm going to take that as a yes. What type of food would you like? Soup?" I only nodded.

As we rested together I wanted to know how he saved me. I don't remember anything after being tossed into the river. "Sesshomaru, how...how did you save me?" I'm trying to remember but I can't."

"I jumped in and saved you. We both were close to going over the falls. But I got us out very fast." Tears released from eyes. "Shh, you're safe. I have you and you won't have to worry about your family coming after you ever again." I just cradled myself more into him causing my cuts to stretch. "Rin! Relax. You're going to cause yourself more harm doing that. Relax my love."

The machines I was hooked up to started to make alarming sounds and the door swung open and in came a doctor. "Please step aside, I need to check her," he alerted.

"She's okay doctor. Rin's reacting to questions she asked me." He rested his lips against my forehead again. "Relax and breathe my love. Do you want your bath?" I only nodded. "Can we get a waterproof cast cover? Rin requested a bath."

"Let me check her vitals first. I'll grab one and unhook her I.V line." The Doctor took out his stethoscope and checked my heart and had me do the normal breathing routine. Sesshomaru left to get the tub running for me. "Everything seems normal. Rin how are you feeling? You've been out for the past twelve hours."

"In a little pain from the cuts and bruises I've received." Twelve hours? I'm wondering if I woke up a few times while they worked on me? But everything is just a blur still.

"After you get a bath, I'll have my nurse bring you something for the pain. Let me go grab you the cast cover." He left without saying anything else.

"Rin?"

I turned to see Sesshomaru sitting beside me on the bed. "Yes?"

"My father and Izayoi are coming over soon," he informed me. "Izayoi is bringing a few things she thought you would like to have." Comfy clothes was what I wanted the most. I hated wearing hospital gowns.

The doctor came back in to unhook me and then wrapped my arm up in the waterproof cast cover. After he left again Sesshomaru asked, "Ready?"

"Yes," I said. Trying to move hurt every inch of me. My cuts stretched along my stomach and legs, making me want to cry so much.

"Do you want me to carry you?" I only nodded. He lowered the bed bars and very carefully lifted me up. "I'll be as careful as I can."

"Thank you." I rested my head along his shoulder as he brought me into the bathroom. The tub was filled almost to the tippy top. He sat me on the edge of the tub and also helped un-tie the drawstring behind my back. I watched him walk over and shut the bathroom door, then I closed my eyes and dropped the fabric, not ready to look at my body, because of how bad it looked. "Help me in?"

"Of course my love," he lifted me up and slowly placed me into the water. It was warm and felt great against my skin. But I was still afraid to open my eyes to look at my body. "Do you want help with your hair?"

"Yes, my hair feels gross." I still refused to open my eyes. "Sesshomaru?"

"Yes, my love." He started to wet my hair down with a cup he found.

"How horrible do I look?" I had a feeling he knew what I meant.

"Though you have these new scars all over, you're still beautiful to me." Even though his words were meaningful, I still didn't feel beautiful. "Lean your head back, I'm going to lather shampoo into your hair." I could tell the shampoo was a hospital brand and didn't do what it should do for my hair. But I'd deal with it.

His hands felt great rubbing my head. He massaged my scalp which felt so relaxing that I nearly fell back asleep. My back needed a massage but it would feel awkward laying on my broken arm. As he washed my hair out I remember he said something. I was safe from my ex-family? "Sesshomaru?"

"Yes?" he said while lathering the conditioner into my hair.

"I really don't have to worry about my family coming after me?" I know he could hear the sadness in my voice.

"You're safe my love. Both your aunt and uncle are locked up in a facility where their powers are useless. Your cousin was taken to the juvenile demon detention center. Their trial is in a few weeks." The way he said that made me think there was something else he had to say.

"Am...am I going to have to testify again?" I knew I would be scared to stand trial before them.

"I believe so Rin. The judge and the jury are going to want to hear your side of the story. I'll be there with you and so will my father."

"I'm scared Sesshomaru. I don't want to see them again." I brought my knees up, hid my face, and winced at the pain from my cuts.

"Careful my love. I know you don't want to face them, but you'll have to. It will be over soon before you know it," he softly said. "I'll be with you every step of the way."

"Thank you."

I must've fallen asleep when Sesshomaru combed my hair out with his nails. I heard the door outside the room along with Izayoi's voice. "Rin? Sesshomaru?"

"We'll be out in a bit."

"I bought some clothes for Rin. I had a feeling she would want something warm and comfy."

I remained still while he walked out to grab the bag and I guess to speak to her and his father very quickly. I couldn't hear what they were saying but I had a feeling it was about my ex-family. A minute or two later he was back. "Everything okay?"

"The news is about to come on in ten minutes about your family. Plus, father wants to speak with you too."

"About what?"

"You tried to say something the other night about your family, but I didn't let you finish. My father wants to know if anything was said to you that could increase the charges against your family." Now I know what he meant by that.

"Okay, could you help me out?"

"Of course my love." He carefully lifted me out and sat me on the edge of the tub. "Would you like your hair in a braid?"

"Sure, you can do it when we get back in the room."

After I was dried, dressed in comfy clothes, and my hair wrapped up in a towel, Sesshomaru lifted me back up and walked back out into the room. In the room I saw Toga, and Izayoi. They had the tv on which was at a commercial. "Rin dear, how are you feeling?" Izayoi asked. Sesshomaru set me down on the bed and she came to sit on the other side of me.

"I'm feeling a bit better, though I'm having small pain from the cuts I received." That memory was still haunting me. I could still picture the swats my ex-aunt inflicted with her blades.

"We'll make sure you get the best care." She hugged me but not too much.

"Rin?" Toga called for me as he walked over next to Izayoi.

"Yes?"

"Before the news comes on, I wanted to get your testimony of what Naraku said to you the other night. If you're not ready and want to wait until you're out of the hospital that's fine."

I took a deep breath. "He...he informed me that he had planned my death the first time back on the day I drowned and died all those years ago. But…he wasn't the one who pushed me into the pool. My ex-cousin Kana was. He ordered her to do so. He wanted my parents to lose me in a horrible manner." Tears released from my eyes. Now I am remembering that day. Kana wanted to show me an interesting pool toy. I thought it was neat so I tried to reach for it and she pushed me very hard and then my world went dark.

"Is that all he said?" Toga asked.

"No, he planned my death because he saw how Sesshomaru was following me around that day. He told me he was planning all of my family's deaths. Mine being the first."

"That bastard. He can get premeditated murder for that, by admitting the other night he wanted to kill you we can add more onto his sentence."

All of us remained quiet when the news came on. Looking up I saw the big red highlighting, 'Breaking News'.

A cat demon news reporter was standing outside the jail my ex-family was being held. "Jin Long here reporting outside Shikon Jewel Jail. The ten year search for the Shikon Camp murders has finally come to an end. Two suspects were arrested last night after a young witness came forward to say that her family were the ones that committed the murders. Rin Amari, the young survivor and kidnapping victim who is now recovering at the local hospital gave her testimony to detective Inu no Taisho.

"Naraku Tama an ex-coworker of Tashio's and his wife Kagura Tama are now charged with capital murder and premeditated murder. With these charges they could face the death penalty. Their daughter Kana Tama is being held at the juvenile detention center and awaiting her trial for help kidnapping Rin Amari. She could face up to two years if convicted. Our hearts are with the survivor and those families who lost their loved ones that tragic night. A trial has been set in one month from today. This is Jin Long with Shikon News."

When the news went back to commercial and the tv was shut off. "What now father?"

"We wait for the trail to come. I have a lawyer ready, Mr. Jaken Imp. Rin do you think you can stand trial and give your statement to the judge and jury only if they plead not guilty?"

I was scared but I had a feeling I could do it with everyone by my side. "Yes, I believe I can."

"Good."

The month went by super quick and we were all sitting in the courtroom waiting for the trial to start. All the families that lost their loved ones were here with hopes that this would be the end. I kept my eyes forward avoiding my ex-family's stares at me. My heart was racing and my palms were sweaty. "Rin, try to relax my love. Slow and even breaths. It will be over in just a few hours."

He was right. Today was the day they would give the sentences for both my ex-aunt and uncle. I turned to look at him and smiled, "yes."

The bailiff came to stand in the middle of the front room. "All rise for judge Mukotsu."

The room grew quiet as we all stood up and the judge came in and took his seat. "You may sit." We all sat and I grabbed Sesshomaru's hand holding it in his lap. "We are here for the case of the Shikon Camp Murders. I must say I never thought this day would come. To think that an ex-detective committed this heinous crime." I saw stars in the judge's eyes, happy to see this case coming to a close. "Mr. Tanaka, how do your clients plead?"

"They both came to an agreement and the defendants plea guilty, your honor. They wish to withhold the death penalty and take a prison sentence for the murders." I hope whatever they get keeps them in jail forever and away from me. Though I do see my ex-uncle getting the death penalty.

As we sat there listening to everything, I could hear my lawyer talking to Toga about something but I wasn't sure what though. Then I saw in my peripheral vision my lawyer standing up on the chair. "Your honor, please note that these two are a danger to society and should not see the light of day again. They almost killed my client by drowning last month. The death penalty would only be fair for them, especially him." I knew who he was pointing at. "My client wishes to give a victim impact speech if she may, your honor?" My palms were sweating again knowing I was going to face the whole court.

"Miss Rin Amari, please come up to the podium."

I had to take a few quick breaths as I started to feel nervous. My hand was still in Sesshomaru's. "Do you want me to come up with you?"

"No, I need you to support me from here," I whispered and got up to walk over to the podium. I stepped up and faced everyone.

"Hello, my name is Rin Amari. I am the sole survivor of the Shikon Camp Massacre. Ten years ago when I was six years old, I lost my family over a job promotion my father received instead of my ex-uncle. I became a mute, afraid to talk about that night because of what I saw.

"Ten years ago I was placed with my now ex-family and suffered the worst abuse you can ever imagine. I was tortured by their powers, poisoned by my ex-uncle, whipped by my ex-aunts' wind attacks, and my soul sucked out by my now ex-cousin. I was punished by my ex-family over the smallest things. Everyday I would say why me?

"When I was ten, I made the decision I wanted to be a criminal investigator. I started my early research by going to the library whenever I could. I printed newspaper clippings from that day at the camp off the Internet. I would hide them in an old photo album I kept under my bed. I always had suspicions that my ex-family were the ones behind the killings.

"When they thought I was asleep after my ex-uncle used his miasma on me they failed to realize I was becoming immune. I would hear him at night, talking to my ex-aunt and telling her, 'I wished I had killed more.' I so badly wanted to tell someone but feared for my life if I said anything.

"When I became older, I found a way to get me away from them for several months. I found out Shikon no Tama was accepting applications for new students and got mine in as fast as I could. This school allowed students to choose their courses to help with the career path they wanted the most. My calling was still to be a criminal investigator.

"When I arrived at the school, I kept to myself, afraid to talk to anyone. I wasn't allowed to have friends or to speak to anyone. At that time, I really didn't want friends. I was focused on my career path and my future. I had made plans when I turned 18 to live in a tent in the woods and support myself until I had the money for a downpayment on a home.

"But things started to change when I met a young man who brought a smile to my lips. I wasn't ready to talk still, Sesshomaru didn't even know who I actually was. The only person on campus who knew my true identity was my teacher, Lady Kaede. The only reason she knew me was because she was my past social worker. My true identity was finally revealed the day my ex-uncle, his daughter, and his nephew kidnapped me and took me into the woods to try and kill me. Their plan backfired though I was not awake at that time when Sesshomaru and Toga showed up.

"My ex-uncle said he found me hogged tied, which was a lie. Every word he said to them was a lie. I came too again when Sesshomaru and Toga got me back to campus. That night I finally used my voice to speak to everyone. The only person up to that point I spoke to was Sesshomaru. He helped me find my voice after helping me through a rough day on my sixteenth birthday.

"A few days later Sesshomaru and I were attacked by my ex-aunt. Sesshomaru shielded me and took the full blow getting several lashes on his back. I was scared that my family would come after him since they knew he was my boyfriend. He recovered quickly but I was still scared.

"That night was the first time I stayed with him for protection. He wanted to make sure I was safe."

I went on explaining everything that occurred up to several days before Thanksgiving.

"The day had come, when I had to take the lie detector test. I was scared but I had Sesshomaru and Toga by my side to ensure that I would be safe. Sadly, my ex-family managed to get the upper hand and hurt everyone in their path and managed to kidnap me and held me hostage in a cave. During those three days they held me, I was abused worse than they ever had in the past. I was physically and verbally assaulted. I waited for the day when they would actually kill me.

"I already knew their plan was to do it by drowning me. They knew I couldn't swim and water was my biggest fear. What they didn't know was that I was taught how to swim days prior, though I still needed practice. It was that night they found out I knew everything about them being the killers of Shikon Camp.

"Not long after, I inhaled my ex-uncle's miasma and passed out. But it didn't seem that long until I woke back up next to the river. Right there I prayed Sesshomaru would come and save me knowing he was badly hurt. My prayers were answered when I saw him appear several feet away demanding my ex-family to hand me over. Toga appeared right after saying the same thing. He refused and I watched a fight break out with my two ex-family members and a few detectives. My family lost and right after I was thrown into the cold dark water because my ex-uncle knew he had lost the battle.

"I really don't remember much from that night. I only remember the words my ex-uncle told me that he had planned my death since I was much younger. He planned my death because he knew my now fiancé was meant to be with me. He saw Sesshomaru following me like a lost puppy. That day, all those years ago, he ordered his daughter to push me into the pool and she did and I died. But thanks to Toga he was able to bring me back to life with his sword. Without Toga reviving me, I believe this case would never have been solved. Thank you."

That was the most I have ever said in a long time. I stepped down from the podium and Sesshomaru came over and pulled me into his arms. Wrapping myself around him, I released my tears soaking up his expensive shirt. "You did so well Rin. You should be proud."

"Miss Rin Amari?" the judge called out.

I turned around to face him. "Yes?"

"I want to commend you for your bravery by giving your speech. Not a lot of people who have been in your situation have the courage to stand up and face the people responsible for such a heinous act. I hope things get better for you."

The judge was right. I was officially free from my family, forever. "Thank you."

A few hours later, after more families got to speak like I did the judge finally was ready to give the sentencing to my ex-family. "Naraku and Kagura Tama, I find you both guilty of capital murder and sentence you to life in the maximum demon prison without parole. Guards take them away."

Happy tears released from my eyes that they would put away forever. Everyone including me stood up with happiness and relief. My parents and everyone else's families who perished would be so proud knowing their killers were finally caught.

When we left the courthouse we all stood outside where all the families gathered. They all waited to talk to me for a few minutes and thanked me for solving the case that's plagued us for ten long years. Some even left thank you cards. After a while we all headed over to the parking deck to the cars so we could head out for an early dinner. Sesshomaru and I left in his Bugatti heading south. "Rin, I'm sorry I keep saying this but I'm happy for you. You're so brave, for standing up and speaking. You've come a long way my little lavender. Tonight I made reservations to stay at a high end hotel in the city."

"What? Why? I wish you would have told me. I would have..."

"Izayoi packed a bag for you. I wanted this evening to be special for you. Plus, I wanted some alone time, just the two of us together. I made sure to book a room with the best view of the city." He grabbed my fingers and brought them to his lips. "I'm so glad your arm has fully healed."

"Same. I hated that cast so much. Now you can teach me to swim again."

"Yes. We'll save that for another day. For now we'll enjoy dinner with my family and then head over to the hotel." We pulled up to an Italian restaurant that looked very upscale.

After the car was parked we both got out, taking each other's hands and walked inside. We got there before Toga and everyone else. When we walked up to the podium where the hostess was, he asked, "Good evening, do you have reservations?" In an Italian accent.

"Yes, it's a party of six under the name Tashio. We're still waiting on a few others," Sesshomaru said.

"Ah yes, would you like me to take you and your partner to the room that was reserved?"

"Please."

He gathered the menus. "If you could follow me."

He led us to a room in the very back up a flight of stairs. Seeing the room where we would be eating in made my jaw drop. The room was huge for a party of six. We were brought to a huge round table that could seat more than our group. Sesshomaru being the gentleman he was, pulled out the chair for me and pushed me in. "Thank you," I said as he took a seat next to me.

He grabbed my hand. "Any time."

The host gave us our menus and then placed the others around the table. "Your waiter will be with you shortly." With that he left.

"I'm so hungry," I said, picking up the menu. I looked to see what appealed to me.

"Same, order whatever you want. I'm getting carbonara," he said.

"What's that? It sounds like it might be good."

"It's an Italian pasta dish made with egg, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper."

"That actually sounds good, I'll have the same with a cup of hot tea and a glass of water."

"You'll enjoy it. They get their ingredients shipped from Rome."

"Oh that's neat."

I watched his ears perk up. "They're here." I turned my head to see everyone being escorted into the room we were in.

After they all took their seats Toga said, "order whatever you like."

"Rin and I have already picked our meals. I'm getting the usual and Rin is going to have the same."

"Excellent, everyone else take your time choosing. How are you holding up Rin?"

"I'm hanging in there. Feeling relief. I'm finally free and don't have to worry about my safety."

"You won't have to worry about them trying to escape. For now, you need to focus on being happy and that you have people who love you and that will do everything to keep you safe."

"Toga is right Rin. Your parents would want you to focus on the same thing. Besides, I still need to take you out shopping again. I would kidnap you tonight but Sesshomaru is already kidnapping you."

"You and Rin can hang out another day." She still wants to take me to France.

It made me feel happy to be able to do things and not live in fear or feel scared of being out in public. A few hours later we finished eating and Sesshomaru and I left for the hotel. I already had a feeling why he wanted to spend time at the hotel alone and I couldn't agree more. I needed this intimate night with him.

A half hour later we arrived at a lavish hotel called Aman Tokyo. "Are you ready for this special evening together?" he asked as we walked up the sidewalk.

"Yes, I just want to be in bed, cradled in your arms."

"Very soon my little lavender."

After the room was paid for, we made our way to our room. "Let's make this night last forever," I said as we headed up into the elevator.

"I planned on that." He dropped our bags, pulled me close, and claimed my lips. Oh god he hadn't kissed me like this in forever. "You are already turning me on," he whispered.

I didn't look down knowing a tent was building in his pants. When the elevator dinged for our floor he lifted me and grabbed the bag and flashed to our door. He didn't even place me on my feet. He swiped the card, walked into the magnificent room, shut the door, and dropped the bag on to the floor. I looked into his eyes that held the pools I missed looking into. "I love you."

He threw me on the bed and climbed on top of me, stripping his shirt and undershirt away from his chest. I clung to him as he kissed my neck, my chest and nipped at my collar bone. I held his face as he sliced open my dress and underwear yanking them off me. "It's been too long," he crooned in my ear.

I fumbled with his buckle to get his belt off, then unzipped his fly. I swear he bounced out of his pants into my face before I had a chance to get them off. He pressed himself into my mouth moaning and thrusting carefully. I pulled back when I tasted the salt of his pre-cum in my mouth. Then it was his turn. He snarled as he made his way down my waist, worshipping my breasts, my nipples, god I missed how his mouth felt on them.

His fingers parted me and he dirty talked in my ear, "Little lavender, so hot, so wet." He pumped his fingers inside of me, before his face fell down to my clit. I wasn't sure how he knew what I wanted, but I needed this, to feel him so deep inside of me.

His mouth closed over my bud, making me shake in pleasure. It was like waves of the ocean rolling against me, lighting every nerve in my body on fire. I rocked my hips against his mouth as he vibrated his fingers in and out of me so quickly, I screamed as I orgasmed. "Good girl," he laughed coming away from my opening and then climbing over me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, bracing myself for when he entered.

I felt myself stretching to accommodate him and then he pressed his lips against the mark on my neck. I felt love, unconditional love and connection. He held me behind my head while he thrusted inside of me and I cried into his neck. It was all over, really over.

He came after the last thrust and then we snuggled into each other, finally safe from my ex-family.

Not waking up in fear felt amazing. I have a new family or I should say soon to be in-laws that care for me a lot. Today was my first day of freedom. I wanted to enjoy this day with just Sesshomaru. Turning my body, I saw he was awake looking at his phone. "Good morning my demon charming."

He placed his phone down and pulled me into him. "Good morning my little lavender. Did you sleep well?" Before I gave him my answer, I climbed on top of him and gestured my index finger for him to join me. He joined me fast, taking my lips. I ran my fingers through his silver mane, holding the back of his neck. "I'm going to take that as a yes. You are making me very horny."

He's never used that word for himself. I actually like it. I needed his touch all over me. Last night went by quickly. Today I want to make it last much longer. Though I did want to go visit my family's grave desperately. When I had to break for air, I allowed him to sink his teeth into my neck for a few minutes. "Sesshomaru?"

He removed his fangs and licked his mark. "Yes, my love?"

"Could we go visit my family's grave?" I knew we were not too far away from the graveyard.

"Of course my love. After we spend quality time together. We'll shower, get some breakfast, and then we'll head out."

I love when he plans our day out. "Thank you. It feels like forever since I've been there."

"We'll pick up some flowers along the way. I'm sorry I haven't been able to take you this past month. The news has been demanding to talk to you for so many days, that's why I didn't want you to get out of the house."

"I understand. I hate being in front of cameras and being asked demanding questions."

"Yes, lets go shower together and get ready for the day."

After getting ready for the day and having breakfast we headed in the direction of a local store that sold flowers. It was a cool winter morning in the city. The city workers were taking down the holiday decorations from Christmas. This was the first Christmas I was happy to celebrate in a very long time. Izayoi bought me lots of clothes that I'll only get to wear once. Sesshomaru gifted me antique silver diamond earrings. They were very simple. Just the way I like them. I never take them off.

After purchasing the flowers we headed for the graveyard. My heart was feeling happy again. I know they are smiling down on me and happy that I finally got their killers behind bars forever. "Rin, you okay?" I must have been thinking about everything and caught his attention. I realized we were also in front of their graves.

"Yes, I'm just thinking about my parents and brothers. I know that they are happy with everything. Thank you for bringing me here."

"You're welcome my love. Yes, they are very proud of you," he said quietly. We both placed the bouquet of flowers down together and said a little prayer. We sat on our knees in silence as we paid our respects. A gentle breeze blew around us and I knew it was my family thanking me.

I got to my feet first. I guess he wanted to pay his respect for a bit more. That was fine. I really appreciate it very much. "It's such a lovely day to be visiting. I know I keep saying this, thank you Sesshomaru. I really appreciate this very much."

He looked up at me. "My pleasure." He turned around to face me but stayed on one knee and placed his foot down. "Rin," he said my name and took my left hand in his.

"Sesshomaru, are you proposing to me again?" I was about to cry again. It had been so long since I'd worn my ring.

"Yes, I wanted to make this more special and have your family with us in spirit. Will you accept our future marriage again?"

"Yes." He slipped the ring on and got to his feet. "I love you and I can't wait to see what our future holds."

We kissed for a few seconds. "Same my little lavender. Creating a family with you is what I see. Our future is going to be bright. I may not be able to give you everything but I promise you my everlasting love till death do us part. I love you."

"I love you too. A family of our own is something I'm excited to see. I just want to wait till we're out of school."

"Yes, we'll wait. We can wait till you've finished college. For now, let's enjoy our youth. We can start with me taking you to your forever home."

I smiled brightly, "yes, let's head home and be with family." We both said goodbye to my family and left. My heartfelt happiness that I actually had a fairytale ending, finding my demon charming. I can't wait for what our future holds from here on out.

Elohiniar: thank you for being an amazing beta/reader and co-author for this story. Without you this story wouldn't be where it is now.

Coming summer/fall My Forever Heart: The Sequel.