Imperceptible: Interruption

Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this drabble… especially for the one who smoothly sidestepped a classic fandom moment. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.

A Debt of Gratitude: My thanks to my beta Fenikkusuken for her gimlet eye.

This drabble was originally posted on Live Journal on July 5, 2007.

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Interruption

He didn't have to walk. He could blur over distances at speeds that defied comprehension, and he could rise above the earth on a cloud of his own youki. Still, Sesshoumaru chose to walk. He liked to walk. Unhurried and unhindered, he tread his quiet conquest over the territories in his keeping. It was a peaceable domination, but no less satisfying to the taiyoukai. With every step, Sesshoumaru literally and figuratively placed the Western Lands under his heel. The steady rhythm proved relaxing, and over the centuries, Sesshoumaru had perfected the art of remaining alert while lost in thought.

Jaken and Rin both knew better than to interrupt the taiyoukai unnecessarily, but his half-brother's entourage was always finding ways to break his stride. Like now. It was the miko… again. The taiyoukai watched in growing disbelief as Kagome reeled before him, bouncing gracelessly on one foot as she fumbled with her strange footwear. She teetered in clumsy circles, wobbled precariously, and finally lost her balance completely in a series of short, backwards hops. To avoid the impending collision, Sesshoumaru sidestepped, leaving the miko to sprawl awkwardly at his feet.

“Ow,” Kagome groaned, pushing herself into a sitting position and nursing her elbow. Her eyes flew up, meeting Sesshoumaru's calm stare. “Oh!” she gasped, scrambling to her feet, face flushed. “A rock…” she offered in embarrassment. “In my shoe…” she added disjointedly.

As she hurried after the others, Sesshoumaru huffed in quiet amusement, then followed at his own pace.

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End Note: This drabble was written for the Live Journal community ebony(underscore)silks' challenge for Week 9—Break Theme. 248 words.