Seasonal Steal by LM Bluejay

Garland

Garland

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Rin paid the merchant with turquois coins. He gave her a large bowl filled with popcorn and cranberries. Shippo grabbed the needles and thread. They found an empty table by the workshop’s window. Rin demonstrated what to do.

“That’s amazing,” Shippo gasped. He watched her string the popcorn pieces together.

“It helps that they’re stale. Do you want to try?”

“Sure!” He took the threaded needle from her and tried mimicking her technique. To his dismay he only succeeded in destroying kernel after kernel.

“Don’t force it,” Rin shook a finger. “You need to slow down and take your time.”

Shippo silently obeyed her command. He finally got one on the string but it broke in half. “I quit!”  His cheeks flushed when she grabbed his hands and moved them with hers.

“Here. Like this.” This time the kernel stayed on the string. For extra measure she did a couple more with him. She nodded approvingly when he managed to do one on his own.

“I did it! Thanks. You know you’re really creative, Rin.”

“Tis no problem at all and I know,” she smiled. After measuring out a new piece of thread she started a new strand.

They worked on their tasty garlands while humming to Christmas tunes in the background. During a break between songs Shippo paused from his stringing. He needed to ask her now or it would kill him inside. His blood began to race. “Um, Rin I have a question.”

She looked up, “What is it?” Her eyes shined something magical.

“I-I have to go pee!” He quickly got up and left. Once in the men’s room he ran into a stall. His hands covered up his face. I can’t believe I just said that! And here I was doing so well…

The restroom’s door opened. Two men walked inside. “That brat was her wasn’t it? Rin? The one M has a bounty on?”

“Yeah, that’s her alright. What luck we found her all alone. This is gonna be the easiest job ever.” A door slammed. “What was that?” They went to check the stall.

Shippo darted out of the room undetected. Why are they after Rin? He made it to the table breathless, grabbed her and took off.

“Hey! What are you doing?”

“No time! We need to run!”

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Words: 385

 

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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