Dearly Beloved by Aviel

Yearning

Disclaimer: Though it saddens me to say it, I don’t own anything relating to Takahashi-sensei’s Inuyasha. However, the plot and/or ideas of this drabble series do belong to me.

A/N: Hmm… Might update again sometime today. Probably. Maybe. Keep your eyes peeled just in case. Update 2 of 2.

Chapter 95: Yearning

Sesshoumaru did not know what had caused her to drift away from him. He did not know if it was due to something he had said, or hadn’t said when Kagome had tried to draw him in to their previous conversations.

Every step he had taken toward her, she had taken two backward. She would shy away from his touch and hug herself instead. And it was deeply upsetting, for he was used to giving affection freely and receiving some in return. Her sudden withdrawal had left him at a loss. What was he supposed to do? What did she want from him?

He studied her form before him, noting the rigid set of her shoulders as well as the hasty steps that increased the distance between them. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the carmine yukata wrapped around her thin frame. She was shaking, arms vibrating with slight tremors. Had she always been that small? So delicate, so fragile? With the exceptions of her miscarriage and the death of her father, his wife had never given any indication of shouldering an inner burden that she couldn’t share with him.

To see her so distraught and closed off had bothered Sesshoumaru in a way he could not describe. For the second time in his life, he felt helpless–useless–like a person tossed into a pool without knowing how to swim. He smiled grimly. It had certainly felt like he’d been drowning.

He rubbed the ring on his finger for courage.

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Original Posting Date: February 24, 2013

Prompt: For Sunset Miko’s Once a Week Challenge, Puzzle

Words: 250