Chapter 15: Last Day

Once we got back to the house, I showed him the television, and how to use it. Which possibly could have been a mistake. He was glued to it. He was so fascinated by the things playing. He watched everything, movies and television shows. He even ended up on the news channel a few times. I had to explain the concept of things 'airing live' to him, and that had only led to more questions. It had rained the entire day. So we'd spent the day inside. I ordered things for him to try, and he ate them all. Seeing him get excited about the new tastes and smells was fun to watch. He was the one always showing me new things. It was nice to have the shoe on the other foot. When I introduced him to ramen, that was the most I'd ever seen him so excited. He really was similar to Inuyasha, but I would never tell him that. He tried to convince me to give him chocolate a few times. I respectfully declined all three times. He even tried to get my mother to give him some. I wasn't angry or annoyed that we stayed in. We felt like a normal couple this way. We lay in bed, ordering take-out. We talked with my family and looked at albums. It was nice to see this side of him. He was so relaxed and more open. This is what a duty-free Sesshomaru looked like, and I wanted more of it. I wish we had more time here. I wondered how much more of an effect this time would have had on him. Still, I was grateful for the little time we had here. We hadn't spoken about that strange conversation, that we had in the park. We went on as if it had never happened, and I was grateful for it. I didn't know what I would say if he asked me again. Now, I had woken up tucked into his side, and he was still asleep, and I mean actually sleeping, because he had spent the majority of the night watching TV. I carefully slipped out of the bed. I opened the door and closed it behind me quietly. I tiptoed downstairs and my mom and grandpa were already around the kotatsu having breakfast.

I smiled. "Good morning," I said in a sing-song voice.

"You seem chipper this morning." My mother said. "I never thought you would leave that room. Are we ever going to see Sesshomaru?" she joked.

"Ha ha, very funny. Yes, you will, but I'm not sure when exactly. He and the TV have become very good friends."

I sat across from her. "Yeah, this little getaway was needed. I missed you guys and suddenly becoming a nation's Lady, can be very taxing."

"Yes, you must have many responsibilities."

"I never wanna hear that word again," I mumbled.

"It's too bad Souta is away at college. I'm sure he would he would have loved to see you."

"Well, he should have stayed locally as I told him to." my grandpa chimed in. "Today is your last day here isn't it?"

I nodded. "Yeah, we have to get back. There's an important event that we have to go to."

"Horsecrap."

"Dad watch your language."

He waved her off. "What even could be more important than being with your family."

"Well, I'm married now. That means I have a family of my own. So I have certain things I have to do, Grandpa. Sesshomaru is demon royalty. This event is about meeting me, his new wife. I'm being introduced into society. So, it isn't like I can miss it. Besides I have been taking lessons about how to be proper. I'll be damned if I took them for no reason." I explained.

"I suppose that is important." He grumbled.

I smiled. "Exactly."

"So, what will you and Sesshomaru be doing on your last day here."

"Well, when he finally wakes up. I'll be taking him to a hotel. One with a private bath."

"Are our bathrooms not good enough for his royal highness?"

I rolled my eyes. "No one said that Grandpa. They are fine and he has not complained once, but our bathrooms are too small. Sesshomaru is a pretty tall guy. Plus back at the palace, we're used to big tubs and bathrooms with a lot of space. I just want his last day to be perfect and comfortable. He made me feel welcomed and comfortable. So, I would like to return the favor. I just need to pack a few snacks for him though. He's having a good time. Even if he doesn't want to show it."

My mother smiled. "Your mother is already ahead of you."

She pulled out a small pack from under the table and a thick envelope.

"What's all this?" I asked her.

She touched the pack. "The clothes you two arrive in, have been washed and packed away. There are also two more changes of clothes for Sesshomaru. I packed you some bathing necessities. I thought you'd be taking them to the past with you, but you can use them now along with some snacks. Don't worry I made sure there's no chocolate. This envelope has some money in it. Courtesy of Grandpa."

He folded his arms and puffed out his lips. "What money? I did not give anyone any money."

I kissed his cheek. "Sure you didn't"

I took them from her. "Thank you guys, this is so sweet of you."

"Yeah, you just make sure to pay me back."

I laughed. "Why? I thought you didn't give anyone any money?" I said stealing some food off his plate.

"You seem to be fond of this Sesshomaru."

"Grandpa don't pry. We get along just fine."

"Is it wrong to want to know more about your relationship? Especially with a man you've never mentioned."

My mother pretended not to pay attention but even though she was eating, she was paying close attention.

"You used to love Inuyasha, but you have married his brother. You cannot blame me for wanting to know more."

"Inuyasha is a jerk, especially to me. Nothing too serious happened between us. We kissed like three times. He was in love with another woman the entire time. Whatever we had was one sideded, and that was on me."

Now, I found myself in the same boat again.

"How does he feel about you?" he asked.

"Sesshomaru? I don't know." I answered honestly. "He asked me to marry him. He worries about my safety, and things like that."

His eyes narrowed. "I'm sure you two are sleeping together."

I felt my face get hot. "Grandpa!"

"You two are married. It is expected!"

I pressed my finger to his lips. "Shh. He might hear you."

He swatted my hand away. "Oh please. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Especially if he says there will be children soon. A statement you didn't deny."

"Why you-"

"Are you happy?" my mother interjected.

The look on her face was a serious one.

"I want him," I said.

"But are you happy?" she asked again.

It didn't matter if I was happy, but this is what I agreed to. Still, I couldn't tell her I had signed my life away. So I could stay alive.

"I try to find happiness where I can," I told her.

The look in her eyes softened. "If he breaks your heart. Don't hesitate to come home, you hear me? We will be here waiting for you with open arms."

I smiled. "Of course I will." I stood up. "But, if you'll excuse me. We've got to get going."

I gave her one tight squeeze before I jogged up the stairs and back to the room. He was already awake and sitting up. Imagine looking like that when you wake up, all beautiful and not having to put any effort in.

"Well look who's finally awake."

"Hn." he said getting out of bed.

I put my hand up. "Wait. You won't be using this shower today."

"How and where will I bathe?"

"That is a surprise."

"That is a vague response."

I smiled. "That is the entire point. Now come on. Just throw anything on so we can go. It is something that you're going to like. I promise."

The car ride over here was another interesting experience for him. Sure Sesshomaru had seen cars zoom by while we walked, but he never asked about them. He also had never been inside one until this morning. From opening the car door, to every little sound it made. I could see him trying to make sense, of how it worked. He was staring out the window. He tried to take in everything that we zoomed past. I loved watching him in my world. It was fun watching him pretend not to show an interest. I wondered if that was how I looked to him, while I was in his time. The rest of the ride was smooth and quiet. Eventually, he settled down and stopped trying to figure everything out. Or, at least he got better at hiding it.

We'd finally pulled up to the front of the hotel. I paid the cab driver and we got out. The hotel was on the smaller side, but that added to its charm. It gave it an intimate feel. It was just outside of Tokyo; about an hour, so it wasn't too secluded. It was surrounded by greenery; just like the palace was. The website said it was the perfect peaceful getaway, and it wasn't kidding. The stone walk-up and Edo-style building. I felt like he had a taste of the city life. I didn't want to overwhelm him. Some time away from it would be a good balance. He took the bag from me as we went inside. The decoration was very spa-serene-like. I went up to the woman at the front desk and checked in. I grabbed the key card from her and led him to our room. I stopped at the front door and turned to him.

I put my hand up. "Wait. I need you to close your eyes."

He raised a brow.

I smiled. "Just trust me."

He did as he was told. I quickly swiped the card and opened the door. I walked him through kicking the door shut behind me. I had booked the room with a traditional Japanese look to it.

"Okay, now open them."

"It reminds me of-"

"Our room?" I said excited.

He nodded. I could see his shoulders relax.

I smiled. "That's the same thing I thought when I saw the pictures."

"The silence is refreshing," he said setting the bag down.

"I thought you wished to get away from this."

"Yes, but this is all you know. You've had enough of my world. At least for now anyway. I thought we could have the best of both worlds, by ending on a peaceful note, but wait!" I ran over to the sliding door. "Yes, but look at this," I said sliding it open.

Pulling the door back exposed the private indoor spring in the other room. With the door fully open, you could hear the rushing water, and smell the mineral water. I was waiting for him to say something, but that's when I saw it. The small smile on his lips. He wasn't showing teeth, it wasn't an ear-to-ear grin, but it was a smile.

"Oh my God. You're smiling." I said in disbelief.

"It seems so," he said still smiling.

He began to strip his clothes, dropping each piece onto the floor.

"Oh wait, you're going in right this second?"

He got rid of the last article of clothing.

"Yes, we are," he said, his smile already gone.

"Wait we? But I'm not undressed."

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along. Before I knew it I was standing waist-deep in the hot spring water.

"Sesshomaru, I still have my clothes on."

"It is alright."

He turned me around and unzipped my dress. He pulled it over my head and tossed it to the side. He sat on the ledge in the water and pulled me onto his lap. He was pressed up against me. I could feel my face getting hot. I could feel him relax as he exhaled.

"I take it you're happy."

"I am pleased. Was my discomfort obvious?"

I laughed. "You didn't complain about it, but I could see how uncomfortable you were. Every time you came out of the bath. I figured I should show you the real baths we have here."

"Hnn." he hummed. I could feel his chest rumbling.

I leaned into him. "You smiled today. That was the first time I'd ever seen you do that. I don't think I'll ever forget it." I joked.

"Such a trivial thing?"

"Hey, the little things matter," I told him.

"I see... Your family."

"What about them?"

"They are kind and welcoming. They are supportive of you as well. It is different from what I have seen in my time."

I smiled. "They are, aren't they? They've helped me get through a lot. You would have liked to meet my younger brother too, but he is away at school. I can tell they're fond of you too."

"Even your grandfather?"

I grinned. "Him especially. Even if he didn't show what he felt. You and him have that in common. I mean He didn't throw talismans and salt to try and exercise you. So, I'd say that is a good start. My mother on the other hand. She is a sweetheart. She likes everyone."

"Meeting them was enjoyable."

"I'm glad you're having a good time. I can't wait to show you more on our next visit... you know I wish we could have shown Rin all of this. She would have loved it. Especially the chocolate." I teased. "Can I ask you something?"

"Hn."

"Why didn't you tell me that I'd outlive them... that mating with you would lengthen my lifespan."

"That was an oversight on my part. Time works differently for demons. It had slipped my mind."

"How old are you?"

"Old."

I laughed. "That is not a real answer."

"I am almost five hundred years old."

I held back a smile. "You really are old."

"You will be old one day as well."

Was that him telling a joke? I was beginning to rub off on him.

I slid off his lap and dunked under the water, staying there for a few seconds before coming up for air. I pushed my hair out of my face and squeezed out the excess water. His eyes were on me.

"Why do you do that?" I asked.

"What do you mean?"

"You watch me all the time. Why is that?"

He hesitated. "I do not have an answer."

I looked at the soaps and sponges they'd supplied.

"That's a first. The great Sesshomaru is speechless."

I dipped the sponge into the water, then rubbed the soap against it until it lathered. I rubbed it against his skin. His eyes slowly closed while I bathed him. I climbed on top of him, using the sponged to pour water onto his hair. I combed my fingers through it. I gave him a soft peck on the lips. He cracked an eye open.

"Do you really want children?" I asked him.

"It is expected," he said closing his eye.

"I know all about duty and expectations, but do you want children?"

"Do you?" he said ignoring my question.

"I think I'd make a wonderful mother," I said honestly.

"I agree. You have the traits for it. You have a nurturing way about you. You would raise them well."

"And you?" I pressed again.

"I would like children to carry on my lineage. I will make sure to protect them. You will make up for where I will fall short."

It never occurred to me that things like this bother him. He worried about how he would be as a father.

I stopped running my fingers through his hair.

"You don't think you're nurturing?" I asked him.

"Not particularly, no. I cannot provide them with something I am not familiar with."

My shoulders sank. "Well, I think you're wrong about that. You did a great job with Rin."

He opened his eyes and stared up at the ceiling.

"Hn. I suppose so."

"I'd want all of our children to look like you. They'd have an easier time that way. Part of me hopes they won't be half-human... I've seen how they're treated." I said looking down.

I could feel one of his claws under my chin. He tilted my head upward and made me look at him.

"I was once one of the ignorant who thought being half human and half demon was wrong. I know better than that now—half-human or not. There will be nothing wrong with our children. If there is anyone foolish enough to speak ill against them. They will have us to answer to. Do not fret about such things."

And he thinks he wouldn't make a good father; how silly of him.

"I would not want them to all favor me," he said. "A son perhaps yes. However, if we had daughters; your hair and your eyes. I'd wish for them to inherit them." he said closing his eyes again.

I smiled and lay against him.

What a perfect way to end our trip.