Rin had finished freshening up for the night. They had traveled by foot for several weeks before reaching one of his castles. One of his castles. She hadn't realized how different her life would be now. She had her own room with a garden. Dinner was brought to her. Now she sat while her handmaid brushed her hair.
"This is Lady Rin. You will make sure that Her Ladyship has everything she needs. Don't stare like that. Go on!" Jaken had said to her handmaid earlier that day.
Her handmaid seemed nice. She was older than Lady Kagome but younger than Granny Kaede.
Lady guessed if Lord Sesshomaru was the lord of this castle, then she was his lady. It was strange. It wasn't every day an orphan nobody became a Lady.
She hadn't seen Lord Sesshomaru since this morning when they had arrived at the castle. She blushed as her mind drifted off to the last time they had been together intimately.
"Rin."
"What is it, my lord?"
"We must hurry," he grabbed her by both wrists, his eyes scanning their surroundings.
"Okay," she said, preparing herself to run or hide from danger.
"I sent Jaken on a false errand."
She blinked and then blushed as she understood his intentions. Master Jaken had been tough to ditch on their journey, even for a few moments. She and Lord Sesshomaru rarely ever had time alone.
He looked at her and she could feel herself getting lost. His white hair flowed gracefully in the wind. The crescent moon and stripes on his face brilliant hues of violet and magenta. His stern brow, that chiseled jaw line, and the slight frown to his lips made him so attractive. And his eyes! She loved those clear pools of amber gold that seemed to pierce right through her. How could anyone be so good-looking? She could remember the feel of his strong arms around her. The heat and muscles of his body against her skin. She couldn't wait to be with him again and to have him inside her.
She was surprised when he tilted his head down and buried his face in her hair. She could hear him breathing heavily. And the next instant, he had pinned her wrists against a tree and was kissing her passionately. She was in a daze he had moved so fast. His hands traveled up her wrists and their fingers intertwined. One thing led to another and soon her legs were wrapped around his hips. He supported her against the tree as he thrust into her. The birds flew for the sky when she cried out.
She had been so sore after that. Lord Sesshomaru had personally carried her for the next few days.
"Your Ladyship, is there anything else I could assist you with?"
Rin shook her head, "Thank you. You can retire for the night."
The bedroom door slid open, and Lord Sesshomaru stepped in. Her handmaid blushed at his presence and bowed before hurrying off.
He closed the door and turned to her. "How are you faring, Rin? If you need anything, simply ask."
She couldn't help but notice that he did not have his armor on.
"I only need you, my lord," she said, clearing the space between them. He extinguished the candlelight with a wave of his hand and the two of them kissed under the full moon.
~END SCENE~
It was hard spending time as a married couple while they were traveling. A-Un at least had the common sense to give them their privacy. Jaken was another story. Most nights they were able to share kisses right before Rin slept but they had to be discreet since Jaken was only a few feet away, usually snoring away, sometimes even on the mokomoko. No quantity of rocks to Jaken's head seemed to get the point across.
At least he and Rin had managed to steal away a few times.
"Jaken says you wished to see me?"
They were at a small pond in the woods. He had watched her for a bit as she sat on a rock with flowers in her lap, humming to herself. Her whole demeanor brightened when she saw him.
"Yes!" Rin exclaimed, leaping into his arms. Her arms encircled his neck as he lifted her feet off the ground. It was like looking up at the sun. Her smile was infectious as she peered down at him and grew when he returned it with his own. He leaned forward to greet her lips with his.
"I'm about to take a bath, my lord," she said, her eyes twinkling as she pulled back from their kiss.
Oh, he thought.
"I shall come back later then," he said, setting her down and turning away.
"W-wait!" she clasped his hand.
He stared at her, intrigued as she was blushing and moreover, her tongue was tied. Hoping to make her more comfortable, he leaned down so that his ear was close to her lips.
She smiled and said in a low voice, "Won't you join me, my lord?"
She giggled at the stunned look on his face and proceeded to walk them to the water's edge. He was reveling in how tiny and delicate her hand was in his. He stroked her hand tenderly before raising it to his lips for a kiss.
"Lord Sesshomaru…" she said, biting her lower lip to draw his attention to it.
He guided her hand to his heart and his other one pushed her hair behind ear before he lifted her chin so that their lips could meet again. His mouth parted her lips, wanting to taste more of her. He gently nibbled on her lower lip and a sweet moan escaped her lips. He now had arms around her, one hand caressing her hair and the other her lower back. He could feel her smile against his lips. His mouth traveled across her cheek and then down her neck.
To his surprise, she pulled away and took a step back. She looked exquisite, her lips slightly bruised from his assault on her lips and her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. She reached down to untie her kimono, her eyes never leaving his as she took off her clothes. Her kimono hit the ground a thud and she was standing before him. This was the first time he had seen her body like this. He could see the outline of every curve on her body. Her scent now was intoxicating. He reached forward to touch her, but she moved away.
"If you want me, you'll have to catch me," she teased, before jumping into the water.
He smirked and quickly undressed to follow her.
Back in the present, he and Rin had spent another night together in the castle. For now, she would be safe here. Rin had quickly adapted to their new life together. She carried herself with the poise and grace of a great Lady. The castle only had a handful of retainers, and they all admired her. He now laid there stroking her cheek as she slept, his mokomoko wrapped around her naked body. She was the perfect picture of a sleeping goddess. The sun was rising. He could feel her stirring. She gently placed her hand over his and a smile graced her lips.
~END SCENE~
Jaken was pacing the floor, beads of sweat rolling down his face. Rin had been vomiting for the last few days and not only that, but her scent had changed. If he noticed it, surely Lord Sesshomaru would as soon as he returned. On the one hand, Jaken had to admit he was elated at the thought of a child that belonged to his two favorite people in the world. On the other hand, it would be a half demon and historically, his master was not very fond of them. How would he feel about siring one now?
Would Lord Sesshomaru get angry? That would only make Rin sad. Jaken knew he had to do something, but what? Now it was him who felt sick to his stomach.
"Jaken."
He winced at his lord's harsh voice.
"My lord, you're back so soon! The crow demons had said it would take another day. But I shouldn't expect anything less from you, my lord."
"Is Rin awake?"
"Um, well she's – "
He didn't know why he tried to block the door. It just made it easier for him to be stepped on.
"My lord, wait! She's rest –" The door slammed in his face
Jaken groaned. He slid open the door just so that a sliver allowed him peer inside. Rin's room was connected to a small garden, which had become her favorite spot in the castle.
"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin stood up from where she had been rubbing her belly under a sakura tree.
He appeared by her side before she could take another step. His face was expressionless.
"You know, don't you, my lord?"
Lord Sesshomaru slowly reached his hand forward and touched her flat stomach.
Oh god, is he going to slice her open? This is torture! Why doesn't he say something?
Jaken closed his eyes, unable to bear the suspense.
"Rin."
"Yes?"
"Are you happy?"
Rin smiled and placed her hand over his, "For us to meet our little one? I'm overjoyed."
And then his eyes softened, and he looked at her in that way he only ever reserved for Rin.
"Little ones," he corrected her.
Jaken and Rin's eyes widened in amazement.
Lord Sesshomaru placed his other arm around her and kissed her forehead.
At that moment, Jaken could stay away no longer. He burst in on the scene, happy tears streaming down his face, "Lord Sesshomaru! Rin! What wonderful news! I'm so glad!"
~END SCENE~
Sesshomaru stood behind Rin, arms wrapped around her bump. She was playing with his hair and singing to the twins. They were underneath the Tree of Ages.
Together, they had decided it was best for her to return to the human village towards the end of her pregnancy. At least there, she would have humans who could tend to her delivery. He would join her soon after their children were born and take care of things from there.
Her lilting voice was lovely. Was this a new tune? Somehow, Rin had become more beautiful while she was expecting. She looked practically regal. He hadn't thought it was possible to love her even more. It was hard to let her go now but he knew what needed to be done.
It was time to say farewell.
He loosened his embrace as she turned to face him. He leaned down so that their foreheads barely touched.
"I love you, my lord," she said, placing her hand on his cheek, "We will all be together soon."
He nodded, caressing her cheek with his thumb, "Leave it to me."
For a moment, he stared into her soft, brown eyes, not wanting to forget what they looked like. The two of them shared one last kiss under the stars before he flew off. He looked back and saw her waving at him. He breathed in her, or rather, their scent one last time.
~THE END~
Q&A
Why is the story's title "A Moment in Eternity?"
Rin names her daughters Towa (which means eternity) and Setsuna (which means a moment). Eternity equates to Sesshomaru whose lifespan is so long he might as well be immortal. And the moment refers to Rin. Sadly, their love is but a moment in his eternity. This theory is all over the Internet, so I didn't come up with anything new. I just paid homage to it in the title and in Sesshomaru's proposal to Rin.
What did Rin wear to their wedding?
The white kimono that Sesshomaru gifts to Rin at the beginning of the story. It has cherry blossoms on it, which I made to be her favorite. But I think it's also what's on his kimono, although I've read some accounts that it's actually plum blossoms. Regardless, my intention was by matching their clothing it would be symbolic of them coming together.
Why does Sesshomaru not wait to hear Rin's answer to Kohaku and just accepts that she prefers Kohaku over him?
Honestly, I think a part of Sesshomaru has always struggled with whether Rin should be with him or with humans. There are hints in episode 162 of Inuyasha (Forever with Lord Sesshomaru) when he doesn't come immediately to her rescue as she's given the choice to leave with the monks and in episode 9 of TFA (Sesshomaru in the Underworld) when he regrets not leaving her at a human village after he revived her.
In the story, there's no way he doesn't know that Rin loves him (he's too smart for that), but I think it's him wanting what's best for her and thinking it may not be with him. He knows they're from two different worlds. He knows how half-demons are treated, having mistreated half-demons himself in the past. He's aware of Kirinmaru's prophecy. Also, like Kaede said in chapter 3, good things don't often happen for humans and demons who end up together. And let's face it, the dog demon clan (especially Sesshomaru) do not have a good track record of keeping the women who love them alive (Izayoi, Kikyo, Sara, Kagura, Rin's second death). While I'm sure Sesshomaru wouldn't place too much weight on prophecies and superstition, he knows that other people do and that can impact Rin and his future with her.
Now, here comes Kohaku, who I think Sesshomaru considers to be more acceptable than any other suitor to come Rin's way. He knows Kohaku to some degree. He's willing to accept the two of them together and like a gentleman, feels he should step back and allow Rin to have the life that would keep her safe and free of anymore suffering. He knows she has had enough trauma what with witnessing the murder of her family as a child. In the end, it's coming from the fact that he loves her and wants what is best for her. I also think it was hard for him to see the woman he loves being held and kissed by someone else.
Was Kohaku Rin's first kiss?
No. Given how outgoing and friendly Rin is, I like to think she had her fair share of suitors. I also think it's more compelling that after all these suitors she then chooses to settle down with Sesshomaru. Would Sesshomaru know about these suitors? Maybe yes, maybe no. He wasn't always around when she was growing up, so I would say he missed a few.
As for Sesshomaru, somehow, I doubt he was courting other demons before he got with Rin just because he's more reserved and doesn't let others in easily. And, he's such a loyal fellow! He was also busy conquering lands and whatnot. I think this is important as he had the chance to pursue this goal of his and realized it wasn't fulfilling.
What is Rin humming while she waits for Sesshomaru to get his act together in chapter 3?
In episode 77 of Inuyasha (The Panther Tribe and the Two Swords of the Fang), Rin hums this cute tune as she waits for Jaken and Sesshomaru to return from their fight with the Panther demon tribe. I included the lyrics in chapter 3.
Later in chapter 5, she hums a new tune in the last scene where she and Sesshomaru part ways. This is the melody Setsuna plays from memory in Yashahime.
What is this bond between Sesshomaru and Rin?
Rin understands Sesshomaru because she's an empath. Sesshomaru is one hard fellow to read so it takes someone who really cares about others to look past his cold and at times even cruel exterior. Sesshomaru himself is quite perceptive and recognizes people's emotions and intentions easily. This is seen multiple times throughout Inuyasha the series when he unravels plot lines quicker than the Inuyasha gang. Even during his fights, he is very strategic in how he deals with his opponents, not only in the physical sense but also mentally.
Sesshomaru also has a super demon sense of smell. Since Sesshomaru's sense of smell is supposed to be better than Inuyasha's as he's a full dog demon, I bet he can smell fear, sorrow etc and uses that to understand Rin better. He can sense precisely when her life is danger. There are several times in the Inuyasha series where he comes to her rescue just out of the blue or at the right moment. Sesshomaru is like a bloodhound that knows where Rin is at all times or at least is able to find her quickly. I think Rin knows this, which is why she trusts him and has total faith that he will always be there for her. It's that deep unspoken trust that makes their bond so powerful.
This bond also guides them when the nature of their relationship changes. Even as he's figuring out his feelings for her, he doesn't truly understand them nor does he do anything until he realizes she is attracted to him too (initially through the change in her scent and then, of course, from her words and actions). I feel like Sesshomaru takes a lot of cues from Rin. In episode 81 of Inuyasha (Vanishing Point: Naraku Disappears), he lets go of Kohaku mere moments before Rin awakens so that she doesn't see him strangling her new pal. In episode 99 of Inuyasha (Sesshomaru and Koga: A Dangerous Encounter), he doesn't kill Kouga because Rin doesn't care to be avenged nor does she hold any grudges. She simply wants to move on from the trauma. That, and Kouga ends up saving Rin. Sesshomaru is not one to rush into things, unlike Inuyasha, so it makes sense that he doesn't act until he knows Rin will be okay with it. And in understanding her feelings for him, he is then able to process his feelings for her. And yes, for those wondering, Rin eventually figures out that Sesshomaru can sense when she's in heat.
Also, I'm not hating on Inuyasha. He is my favorite. I'm just using him for comparison to explain Sesshomaru.
What is the significance of Rin's three proposals?
I think at face value, Sesshomaru has a lot going for him. He's powerful, possesses godlike beauty, and is of royal blood. Everywhere he goes he is respected and admired. Rin, on the other hand, is a nobody with no money and no powers. But I think she is still a desirable person. Her first proposal was from Lord Tomoya and this one is important because it shows that even outsiders find value in Rin. She's a beautiful girl and charming enough that another lord can overlook her lack of parentals. The proposal happens early on when she is not even thinking of marriage. Rin's rejection of this proposal showcases that despite coming from nothing, she is not afraid to be poor. She doesn't love Lord Tomoya and a life of comfort and security does not tempt her at all. Hence, when she chooses to be with Sesshomaru, it's not for his wealth or power. The first proposal also serves to get Sesshomaru's attention as he realizes Rin will likely fall in love someday and what that means for their relationship.
Kohaku's proposal was a test for Sesshomaru as I've discussed in question 3. It's also important for Rin as she cares for both Sesshomaru and Kohaku. Though both love her, it is here that she must differentiate the love she has for a friend versus a lover. For Rin, who lost her family, I bet it is a scary thing for her to be alone. Kohaku's proposal is framed as wanting to grow old with your best friend, which is a great idea, if you are in love with your best friend. However, it wouldn't be fair to Kohaku if she accepted his proposal just because she didn't want to be lonely, especially since she doesn't love him that way.
Above all, Sesshomaru cares about Rin's happiness and knows this is tied to her sense of freedom. It is why he has always given her agency in everything. Let's face it, throughout the Inuyasha series, she doesn't always do what he wants. In this story, he goes after her once he learns she declined Kohaku's proposal because he recognizes that even though he may think her life would be better with Kohaku, she has not chosen this for herself. It is a sign that he respects her decision. When Sesshomaru proposes to her, he makes it clear that giving up the title as his father's successor is inconsequential to him. Basically, he says in the order of priority, Rin goes first and then it's the pursuit of power. However, he tells her he does not want her to choose to be with him out of guilt for this. When he says he will put her happiness first and that he will be there for her, this has a double meaning. He intends that this will be the case if she chooses to be with him, but it will still hold true even if she rejects him. He knows how important he is to her, so he reassures her that no matter what she decides, she won't lose him. His love for her is selfless and he expects nothing in return. All he wants is for Rin to choose what will make her happy.
What was your inspiration?
I based a lot of the story on this article, in particular: Sesshomaru & Rin: Inuyasha's Healthiest Dynamic. I loved their analysis and I agree with most of the talking points.