InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Handprint ❯ Chapter 4

Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine, they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

 

# Handprint part 4 #

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama, are you sad?”

The tight grip of Rin's hand on his pant leg and the sudden sound of her voice jolted him from his distracted contemplation. Looking down, he saw the concern in her dark eyes and was surprised to find himself relieved.

Had he already gotten to the point where he looked for affirmation of her affection? Where he felt the lack if she did not show him any regard?

Yes.

The conclusion of his thoughts unsettled him greatly. Seeing the worry clouding her eyes, seeing the determination in her clenched hand went a long way towards quieting his inner discontent and making him feel reassured.

Such a short time ago, he would have felt nothing but annoyance.

Such a short time ago, he would have evaded such a personal question, even if the answer was a simple one to give. But a part of him previously unknown even to himself prompted him to ease her anxiety.

“No,” he replied to her honest query.

“Are you sick?”

“No.”

“Are you angry?”

“No.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No,” he said with a touch of impatience, his momentary mood of indulgence swiftly passing. “Why do you ask, Rin?” he continued, silencing her next question.

Rin tilted her head to the side, her large dark eyes regarding him with frighteningly accurate understanding.

“Because you look lonely,” she said simply.

“I prefer to be alone, Rin. That is not the same as being lonely,” he clarified, his tone brisk to the point of being sharp.

“Oh,” she said softly, looking chest fallen. She glanced down and away, her face changing to an expression that was wistful, almost sad. “Rin doesn't like being alone,” she added, “Rin thought that maybe Sesshoumaru-sama didn't like being alone either.”

The moment to form a reply, to bid her tell him whether the toy was more important to her, passed as he remained mute, unable to voice his hidden worries. It was with sudden, keen regret that he watched Rin scamper off—puppy in her arms—to admire a clump of wildflowers by the trail.

 

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