Human lifespans have passed Sesshomaru like a blink of the eye. If it weren't for the passing of seasons, he'd have no sense of time at all. He used to plan his visits with Rin during these changes. The first snow, buds forming on cherry trees, first time Jaken complains about the heat, and the changing of color of trees where his indicator to travel to the village next to the bone eater's well. It was the perfect system.
It wasn't until Kagome's first death he became acutely aware of time passage. 50 or so years passed since she returned from her era. A surprise attack of the heart took her while she was tending the farm. Inuyasha, aging slower than his human mate, carried her body to his dwelling in time.
Since then, he noticed how age had effected his wards.
Kohaku continued to practice demon slaying until an accident broke his leg. Ever since, he walked slower and with a limp. But that did not stop him from being a devoted husband to Rin.
Her hair was no longer a deep black, but now a stark white. Wrinkles formed around her face, deepest in the corners where her grin would stretch wide and true. Thin skin hands are laced with veins that shake slightly as she stubbornly works on clothes for her grandchildren.
Sesshomaru begins visiting on the day of the full moon, much to Jaken's irritation.
A few years after Kagome's passing, he scents a hint of death in Kohaku's breath. Kohaku would not have much longer, maybe a month or sooner. The demon slayer's breathing was more labored, a sickly cough just starting to form.
Sesshomaru came every week until he passed a month later.
A year after Kohaku passed, something happened to the once cheerful little girl he saved so many years ago. It started off as forgetfulness. Things like not remembering where she placed things or combing her hair became forgetting her neighbors.
Inuyasha found her in the forest one morning. She had left her home in the night and got lost, but she couldn't remember why.
She soon forgot Sesshomaru, then herself.
He continued to visit her. Even though he had to introduce himself ever time now. She would pretend to remember and give a warm smile. It wouldn't be long until she would ask for his name again. Patiently, he'd answer her. He would comb her hair, bring her food, and have Jaken change her bedding.
When he smelt the hint of death on her breath his heart dropped.
He had over 60 years with Rin, but it was not enough. To him, she was still the little girl he found mauled by wolves.
But as he looked at her frail form, he knew her time was inevitable. Bound to her futon, her breath was shallow as she slept. He was told that she barely had moments of consciousness. It was a painful sight.
He started coming every day.
The scent of death became overwhelming a few weeks after it began. Rin and Kohaku's family began to visit as frequently as he did. Everyone began to sense her time coming. He rarely got time alone with her, not that he was complaining. Her last days should be crowded, even if it personally bothered him.
One early morning, Sesshomaru visited before the town became alive. He found her awake staring out the window. As he walked in, she turned to view her visitor. A smile gracing her lips as her eyes tried to see who walked in.
"Hello Rin, how are you today?" He asked, as he always does now.
"Lord Sesshomaru, is that you?" She squinted at him, a bigger grin spreading across her face. Unseeing eyes glistened in eagerness as she pat the blanket beside her.
It was the first time in months that she said his name. Rare emotion caught in his throat as he sat beside her. "Y-yes, it's me Rin."
"Milord, it's so good to see you. I'm doing well, I'm just waiting for Kohaku to come home. He didn't come home last night." Rin said as she looked out the window.
"Did you not sleep?" Sesshomaru asked, worry evident in his voice.
"No," She said slowly. Sight shifting from the window to where she thought Sesshomaru was. Sheepfully she fiddled with the edge of her blanket as she added. Tears shining on the corners of her eyes. "I'm so tired, butI can't sleep without someone being here."
"I'm here." He moved to her side, helping her lie back down. Carefully he raised her blanket to her neck, and tucked her in. He pushed her hair from her face as he caressed his cheek. "Rest now Rin."
A smile forming on the corners of her lips as she whispered. "Thank you Lord Sesshomaru."
"Thank you Rin," Sesshomaru countered. Making sure she heard him. "Thank you for being my daughter."
She hummed as she let her eyes closed. Sesshomaru stayed as she slept. Watching as her shallow breaths got slower and slower, before they stopped all together.
Omg this was so sad and beautiful at the same time. Thank you for taking the time to write it anon.
I loved what Sesshoumaru says to Rin: "Thank you for being my daughter" 😭😭❤️
