Authors note:

Aww I'm so touched by all the reviews! I didn't know that Barefoot was shared on X, but I am completely honored. To be someone's favorite FanFiction, is one of the highest praises I could ever hope to achieve. To me, it means I've done justly by the characters I love so much. Thank you. 3

I struggled with this chapter a bit, so it may be a little shorter than normal. I see Sesshomaru as triggered into obsessive thinking patterns, after almost every fight with InuYasha. My struggle was to find a way for him to get out of it, since emotional modulation isn't exactly Sesshomaru's forte. The obvious choice being - Rin. The only person who brings him stability.

I had to do some research to find a suitable "location" for Bokuseno. Ultimately I decided on Yakushima, which is a real island in the furthest south west of Japan. Its exceprionally beautiful, and very remote.

Enjoy!

Chapter 8 - Delicate

Sesshomaru was deep in thought the rest of the day, speaking neither to Rin or Jaken. He led them in silence back to the clearing where they had camped the night prior. Rin busied herself. She must have collected some berries and mushrooms at some point, because she sat at the fire with a small pile in her lap munching contentedly. Jaken nervously paced, anxious about his master's pensive mood.

It was truly unthinkable. That a half demon could somehow transform into a full blooded demon. How could this be? Clearly InuYasha's companions were afraid of his transformation. Something about the entire situation… he couldn't find a word the describe the feeling he felt. Tenseiga had been in a state since the moment he sensed InuYasha's change, feeling very much "alive" hanging at his side. There was a sense that InuYasha was in danger, though he couldn't explain why. In danger from whom? Himself?

For a brief moment, he wished he could speak to his father. Toga certainly would have the answers he needed. Inkimi wouldn't. Even if she did know, she wouldn't freely share the information, unless it somehow benefitted her. Was there no one that he could trust? Totosai and Miyoga certainly knew what was going on, at least to an extent, but their loyalty was resolutely with InuYasha. Even if they would speak to him, their view would not be impartial or rational. He needed an advisor, who was uninvolved. There was only one other of Toga's vassals. One who Sesshomaru ultimately, did have a significant amount of trust in. The issue was, Bokuseno was difficult to get to. It was a long journey, especially with Rin and Jaken in tow. Bokuseno resided on Yakushima island, the furthest West one could travel without leaving the Western Lands.

By the time that he came to the decision, that they would make the journey to see Bokuseno, Sesshomaru turned to find that his companions had fallen asleep. Jaken had worn a path back and forth in the grass, and must have just collapsed from exhaustion. Rin, was curled against the side of A-un, breathing evenly. Apparently, they would not be leaving tonight.

Moving to A-un, the dragons ears twitched as their master approached. Sesshomaru reached into the hidden saddlebag, and pulled out the thin blanket that Rin always used. Carefully he placed it over the sleeping girl, cautious not to touch or wake her. Stepping back, he watched her breathing for a moment, before moving away from the fire.

Sesshomaru moved back to his sentinel location at the edge of the clearing. The ground was slightly raised, elevating his visibility across the entire valley, and giving him ample view of the moon as it traced across the open sky.

It was just after daybreak that the group began their journey. Sesshomaru insisted that they depart immediately, not even acknowledging Jaken's complaints or questions as to where they were going. It would be many days of journeying, and an equal distance to return.

For a time, everyone was quiet, sensing Sesshomaru's state of mind. Jaken was perhaps afraid of incurring his masters wrath, but Rin was more pensive. Her eyes lingered on his face more than once, wondering what it was that bothered her demon Lord, and how she could help. It was nearly sunset when Rin finally ventured to break the silence. She skipped up to walk beside Sesshomaru, her steps quick, to match his long strides.

"My Lord. Will we be stopping for the night?"

For a moment there was no answer, so deep was his internal contention with his thoughts. Then, as if realizing he had been addressed, the yokai shifted to look down at her upturned face. His eyebrows drew together as he examined her expectant expression.

"No." He offered no other explanation and turned his head away from her imploring brown eyes. At the moment, her gaze made him uncomfortable, pulling him from the familiar and comforting darkness of his thoughts.

"Aren't you at all tired?" She urged gently, "You haven't rested, in a couple days."

Apparently she was more observant than he'd given her credit for. He hadn't rested since that dream prevailed upon him several days prior.

"No." His gaze cut to hers, sharper than he intended. "I am not human, Rin." The moment the words left his lips, he regretted it. The emphasis he put on human was cutting, even derogatory — the way he had formerly regarded all human life. Rin's hopeful expression faded, and her eyes dropped to the ground with a nod.

"Yes. I understand." Her voice was quiet, slicing him deeper than any blade.

Abruptly he stopped his forward motion, causing Jaken to nearly collide with him from behind.

Why must everything be so complex now?

He glanced down at Rin, who stood beside him, eyes on her bare feet. He'd injured her feelings, unintentionally, but surely.

"Rin." Slowly her eyes slid up to meet his.

"I did not mean to make you angry Lord Sesshomaru."

Did she truly believe he was angry at her? He was angry at himself. For being weak to these newfound excessively human-like feelings. He let out a long breath and turned toward her. Toward her. Toward InuYasha. Complicating and vexing his formerly simple existence.

"I am not angry at you."

Her brown eyes lingered on his face, as if trying to read his very soul. Wordlessly, he reached out his right hand to her. For a moment she eyed his outstretched hand, before a smile pulled at her lips and she placed her hand in his. Sesshomaru could have sworn he felt Tenseiga pulse with demonic energy when their hands touched. Satisfied that he was forgiven, he led her around Jaken and back to where A-un stood patiently waiting.

To Sesshomaru, she was delicate — no different than the buds of the lilacs she favored. He was careful not to touch her with his claws. Standing at A-un's side, the demon focused his energy on her, still holding his hand, she rose into the air and lightly set down on A-un's back. When he began to withdrew his hand, she reached out with her other hand and grasped his fingers.

"Please..." She didn't even have to finish her sentence, Sesshomaru divined exactly what it was she wanted. It was at that moment, he realized that he was helpless to her requests. Somehow this human girl had latched herself to the yokai Lord, and completely bent him to her will.

For a heartbeat Sesshomaru was silent, then withdrew his hand gently. "Jaken, we will fly the rest of the night." Beaming, Rin scooted back making ample room for him in the dragon's saddle.

"M-my Lord?!" Came Jaken's squeal from in front of A-un, followed by more rambling questions which his master conveniently tuned out.

With one smooth movement he mounted A-un, and grasped the reins, pulling them forcibly from Jaken's grasp, and directing the dragon to rise into the air.

"Hurry Master Jaken! Or you'll be left behind!"