Two Set
by the mighty mighty m
disclaimer: I don't own them. Not even Shira, who no one wants anyway...
Sometimes Rin imagines what it might be like after it's over. Wandering with Manji by her side, dark and looming as he protects her. Waking up early to start the fire, breakfast with his sleepy grumbling as she sits anxiously on her heels and confides in him. Practice in the morning, his presence behind her as he guides her arms through exercises, his breath hot against her cheek as he watches her run through the drills with a critical eye. They travel down dusty roads together, Manji striding with Rin lagging slightly behind, both keeping an eye out for danger. Walking through towns with wooden stalls facing the road, and the two of them stop to sit side by side on the edge of a porch, people staring at the two of them with interest. They would be an odd couple, fresh faced girl and scarred man, though even now, people believed them lovers: Hyakurin, Shira, Makie, not to mention every innkeep in Edo.
And, now that she was free of Manji's teasing presence, Rin could admit that she did want that. Wanted broad hands that could hold her down and bring her close. She had felt his strength, when he helped her practice and when he protected her, but never had it been used to press her back into a sleeping mat, to keep her still as callused fingers explored the slits and folds of her kimono. Rin doesn't think she would minded if it had been though.