"Did you enjoy having Kagome and Inuyasha visit?" I ask.
She nods. She has been unusually quiet the last remaining days of our journey.
"Perhaps we should ask them home more often?" I question.
She looks at me bewildered.
"But you don't like being around Inuyasha!"
"True, but even his presence is not as annoying as it once was and you seem to enjoy spending time with Kagome and the pups. Not to mention, I am the pups' only other family. I think some more time together will do us all good." I said, with absolute certainty.
Rin looked surprised. I don't know why. I did not say anything extraordinary.
"Would you fly us home, Sesshomaru?"
I willingly oblige of course. I carry her into my arms and take flight. In a few minutes, we should be home.
The Western Palace looms into view. I have never been more relieved to return home. I would never have considered it home before, but things have changed since then.
My thoughts wander to Rin. She deserves to spend the evening in comfort - roughing it in the woods may be harder for her as a woman. I have a good mind of telling cook to spoil her tonight. Perhaps after a steaming bath, she can sit down to a feast. I am satisfied with that thought.
Jaken greets Rin at the entrance, excited to see her again. Jaken may not admit it but he has clearly missed Rin. Rin wanders over to the stables to greet Ah-Un while I head to my study. I have papers to catch up on, after all.
An hour or two later, I smell Rin approaching.
"Come in, Rin"
"I am sorry to disturb - I know you have probably seen enough of me to last a lifetime, but I just wanted to let you know that I am taking dinner in my room, so you won't see me when you dine."
"I was hoping we could all dine together the first evening back but if you are tired, I understand. Perhaps I won't go down to dinner either..."
"Do you and Jaken just want to have dinner in my quarters then?" She asks.
"Yes that would be a speedy solution. Thank you Rin."
She comes closer, laying a hand on my forehead.
"Sesshomaru, are you sure you don't have a fever or anything? You just thanked me!"
"Stop your antics Rin. Don't make me regret it."
"Of course not." She smiles and stoops low to peck my forehead.
If I allowed myself to blush, I would. I do not know why she is acting so strange all of a sudden but it is unnerving. We avoid physical contact at all cost, especially me. But this peck on the forehead seemed so natural and almost like that of a mate casually showing affection.
"I think it is you who has the fever, Rin." I comment, laying a hand on her forehead.
She gives a genuine laugh and I am pleased.