Chapter 15

Two years later…

Rin lazily lounged near the pond, watching the turtles take their evening swim. She pondered if she needed an evening swim as well, but shrugged it off. She had already bathed twice that day, another bath and she'd rubbed the skin right off.

Still… It's not like she was opposed to being sweaty all day, but what excuse could she give on a chilly evening? Rin laughed to herself for feeling vain, rolling onto her stomach.

"Now where was I?" she asked, darting her eyes over the battered scroll she'd been reading that afternoon. Takako had lent it to her several days ago, so she knew she would need to finish it before her next visit.

Over the course of their two years in the South, Sesshomaru and Rin found themselves in Kohaku and Takako's company quite often. They'd been living in the Southern lands for much longer than they anticipated, and hadn't returned to their former home in the West since the wedding.

And they weren't in a rush.

Rin found herself enjoying Kohaku and Takako's weekly visits, she loved the different pace of life there and relished in the grandeur of their Southern estate surrounded by waterfalls and hot springs. She frequented the markets Asa mentioned and joined the local community in their festivals. They celebrated her birthdays, anniversaries, and intimate moments together. And she wasn't completely closed off; she often received letters from Sayo, Taro, and Kagome and got to read all their happy news. Sayo was now a mother, Taro had proposed to Kume, and Kagome kept busy alongside Kaede. Occasionally, the married couple also visited Asa for new garments. Now married, all of Rin's attire bore Sesshomaru's flowery crest.

Sometimes they talked about returning, but it never led to anything. For two blissful years, they enjoyed married life alone in the country.

Rin continued to read the scandalous scroll, blushing at the colorful words. Lately, a couple of servants shared their literature with the women and after finding themselves unable to put the stories down, they began passing scrolls around like contraband.

It wasn't ladylike to read what the servants read, especially literature that spoke of—ahem— trysts, but Rin couldn't put them down. She found her current favorite to have an element of similarity with her own life: a human woman in love with an unnatural being. It was presented as a cautionary tale tied in with forbidden love.

Ugh, Rin loved this story.

As she rolled around the grass finishing up she heard Ah-Un's grunt from the sky above. Rin watched the two-headed demon stop near the north entrance of the home and she stood up and smoothed her grass stained kosode. She closed the scroll, heading towards the side entrance where she could see Sesshomaru barely walking in.

He looked relaxed, happy, and enamored by her presence.

"Rin," he called, taking off his armor, "I didn't think I'd find you here still."

"Well," Rin started, helping him take off his boots, "I thought Takako could take a little break from me. She's nearly ready to pop and slow moving. And since Kohaku will be visiting tomorrow, I think I'd rather see them then." She carried his boots as they walked towards the armory.

"Good idea," he praised, settling his armor and swords down. Rin placed the boots near the door and watched as Sesshomaru sat to clean Bakusaiga. He gestured to the spot next to him, leaning in to kiss her once she sat.

"Busy day?" she asked at his lips.

"Nothing like this morning," he smiled as Rin blushed, "but I found myself deep in unfamiliar hills."

"Do tell."

"Well, I was looking for one of Asa's suppliers, but ended up in the opposite direction."

"But you have an excellent sense of direction," Rin said puzzled.

"It could be a god playing tricks with the land," Sesshomaru shrugged. "Over the years, Kohaku and I have eliminated nearly every single demon here. They wouldn't dare to invade my domain so easily, so a mischievous god is the more plausible answer. Or perhaps," he chuckled lightly, "I don't know the land even after all this time."

"I'd prefer to believe that," Rin chimed. She passed him a silk cloth to he shined his sword. "I know we spoke of it in the beginning, but Takako is full term now. Have you thought about what will happen once Kohaku's little one arrives?"

Sesshomaru continued to clean his sword in silence. "Truth be told," he began, keeping his gaze on the sword, "Kohaku has asked to remain busy. He enjoys exploring and plans to bring his wife and child along. Given that he will be moving around, I would like to return west in a couple of months. Dan will continue to patrol this area and we may return whenever you please. But I've realized we have unfinished business back home."

"Home," Rin repeated, grinning softly. "I guess our extended honeymoon is finally ending, huh?"

"Finally?" Sesshomaru cocked an eyebrow. He placed Bakusaiga down, crawling on top of Rin. He playfully trapped her down, pressing kisses against her cheek as she laughed.

"Some part of me thought we permanently moved," Rin said between giggles, "but I guess every season has its end."

"We can return whenever you'd like, my love," Sesshomaru said, stopping to meet her soft brown eyes. "But for a while, we'll be in the west."

"What's this business we need to handle?" she asked curiously.

Sesshomaru's gaze softened. "It's nothing right now. Do you trust me?" he asked, voice deep and rich.

"With my life," Rin answered, kissing him.

With that, they found themselves just as busy as they were that morning.

.oOo.

AN: Unsure if anyone still reads this after all this time, but I am determined to finish this fic! Short little chapter. If you'd like to read some of my M-rated Inuyasha fics, pls read 'Returned' - inukag one shot :) Hope everyone is having a lovely new year.