The Merry and the Miffed by Stella Mira

Sole Exception!

December 2013 Challenge: Toys

Word Count: 450

Kagome had been lost in deep contemplation after the daiyōkai left, going over a list of potential surrogate mothers in her mind. However, as much as she tried to think of a suitable woman who would be willing to take care of Rin, none came to mind. Most of them were married and had their own children to take care of, and the rest were far too young or too old to be caring for a child. She was beginning to form a headache when a soft voice brought her out of her musings.

"Where is Sesshōmaru-sama, Kagome-sama?" Rin asked tentatively, her chocolate brown eyes clouded with worry.

"He just left, Rin-chan. You know he doesn't like being around humans," the miko informed the little girl apologetically, drawing her to her lap to cuddle her close.

"But Rin is human," the dark haired girl frowned, staring up at her with confusion.

"I guess you are an exception then," Kagome whispered in her ear, making the girl giggle in delight.

"Ne, Rin-chan, how would you like to live here?" she then asked, deciding to test the waters before she made any inquiries to the village women.

"Rin doesn't want to live in a village. Rin doesn't like humans either." The fearful yet absolute timbre in the girl's tone told Kagome that something must have happened in Rin's past that made her so distrustful of her own kind, but she chose to let the memories sleep for now.

"But Rin likes you, Kagome-sama!" the little girl confessed, her eyes glowing warmly behind her thick lashes as she gifted Kagome with a bright smile.

"I guess I'm your exception then," the miko laughed, pinching her nose playfully. Rin giggled at the teasing gesture, but then her expression turned worried once more.

"Did Sesshōmaru-sama leave because he doesn't like Rin anymore?" Rin asked in a quiet voice, biting her lower lip nervously.

"No! He just needed to take some fresh air. I promise, he'll return," Kagome hurried to reassure her, exhaling a sigh of relief at the radiant smile that formed on the girl's lips after her reply.

"Rin wants to be with Sesshōmaru-sama forever," she murmured, her cheeks shaded an adorable rosy hue.

"I see," the miko nodded slowly. There was nothing more Kagome could really say to the little girl after such a resolute declaration, but she definitely had plenty to say to her guardian.

"Can Rin come play with me?" Shippō interrupted their conversation, gazing at Kagome with hopeful eyes.

"Sure, Shippō-chan. Be nice and share your toys, 'kay?" Kagome ruffled his hair as she placed Rin on her feet, preparing herself for another round with the ice-lord of the West.

"Un."