They soon forgot about the incident, moving on with their lives. Time was slowly slipping away, both well aware that their time together was running out, and so they intended to make the most of whatever measly months they had left. However, ever since the little incident, Sakura started noticing a strange change in Doma's demeanor. Although they were always joined at the hip while traveling (both literally and figuratively), he now rarely ever left her alone. Even when he went out to hunt, he only ate the bare minimum before rushing back at whatever place they were staying for the night.
Most noticeably, though, he was always touching her. Holding her hand, stroking her hair, pinching her cheek—every second they spent together, he was touching her in one way or the other. And, while some might have found it suffocating, Sakura was merely confused, and even a little worried.
"Doma, are you sure you're alright?"
The man simply offered her one of his small, genuine smiles, patting her head. "Of course, my Little Blossom. Why would you ask?"
"Well, I don't know. You've been acting a little… strange, since what happened at the inn."
His traits darkened a bit at that. "Yes, well, I was merely reminded of how fragile you actually were, is all. Humans are so easily killed! I'd cry if I could." His fingers trailed up her neck to her jawline, and his hand cupped her cheek as he pressed his forehead against hers. "You're not allowed to go anywhere, my Little Blossom, and you're certainly not allowed to die just yet."
She rolled her eyes, flicking his nose. "I'm well aware, but I'm not entirely helpless, either. I can take care of myself, all right? So stop fretting like a mother hen already."
He scrunched up his nose at that. "I'm not fretting, and I'm most certainly not acting like a mother hen."
"Then why are you holding my hand right now, as if I was going to run away and smack into some trouble as soon as you let me go?"
He paused, seemingly surprised. Then, he looked down and noticed that, indeed, he was holding her hand. When had that happened? Himself hadn't realized that he had become much more touchy-feely in the last few days. However, he couldn't help himself. The thought of losing her to the hands of that filthy slayer had made him lose control for the first time in his life, and something else had stirred inside of him upon seeing her covered in her own blood.
And she was warm. So, so warm.
"I don't know," he finally admitted, bemused. "Aren't you the empath? Why don't you tell me how I'm feeling right now?"
"How about you figure that one out by yourself?" she grinned, a tad teasingly.
He simply pouted, which made her laugh. As powerful a demon as he was, Doma really was clueless when it came to his own emotions—but she wasn't about to make it too easy for him.