Welcome, one and all, to my newest addition, Lessons of Love!

This has been on my computer for a loooong time, and I'm very excited to finally be able to post it up! I can't wait to see what kind of response this gets. I'm quite proud with how this turned out, and I must have reread it, like, one hundred times. Squee! I really hope you enjoy it because I really enjoyed writing it!

Read on!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters in this story but I do own this plot line and the adorable little girl, Shaninri.

Lessons of Love
Lesson One: Approaching your student-to-be's guardian

-X-

Stand up straight, appear intelligent, keep eye contact with the guardian and always smile. You always want to make a good impression on your student-to-be's parents at the first meeting so be prepared for anything that he or she might throw at you. But remember to always keep your temper in check, no matter how rude or arrogant one of them - namely the father - might turn out to be. And be sure to watch your tongue. You don't want the child to be running around at home screaming a vulgar word at the top of his or her lungs.

-X-

The cool night air was pleasant on the young schoolteacher's face and she closed her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips as she stood amidst the colored leaves that scraped past her feet, carried by the gentle breeze of October. Wrapped in a warm fleece jacket to ward off the chill, Kagome sighed contently and slid her hands in her pockets for added warmth, enjoying the peace and quiet of the village park that she normally didn't get at work. Gooseflesh ignited on her legs though, since they were not covered up. Damn that stupid skirt policy…

Being the first grade teacher that she was, Kagome would often end her day at work with a migraine, or if she was lucky, a slight headache just behind the eyes. That one seemed to have taking a liking to her as of late and Kagome vaguely wondered if she needed to buy another bottle of Ibuprofen.

Chuckling softly under her breath, Kagome shook her head slightly and sighed again, chocolate eyes fluttering open to scan the empty park. It was six o'clock; she had needed to stay late for a conference meeting in the faculty room. She wasn't very fond of those meetings, especially when Hojo attended them. He had arrived at tonight's meeting at the last minute, though everyone wasn't that surprised. Since Hojo was an Elementary substitute teacher and a High School Health teacher, he was busier than the rest of the teachers and staff there, so it was no big surprise that he was late.

And of course, he had taken the seat closet next to Kagome, which just so happened to be the seat right next to her. Typical. And to make matters even worse, the Elementary School principle, an over-confident wolf demon named Kouga had growled when he scooted a bit too close to her.

Thinking of Hojo's current profession as a Health teacher caused Kagome to chuckle softly again, her raven tresses wafting about her face as she shook her head fondly. If fits him, she decided. When Kagome and Hojou had been in grade school together, Kagome would miraculously become sick with some illness or another and Hojo, being the concerned friend that he was, would always visit her at her house and with him would bring some sort of medicine or gift that would help her get better. He would even sometimes stay and help her with her back work that she'd miss or help her study for an upcoming test. Of course she appreciated his efforts, but he just couldn't take a hint. She only valued him only as a good friend, not a boyfriend.

Frowning slightly and wrinkling her nose, Kagome mumbled something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "Get a life" before sighing for the third time and turning to head back to her warm car. Remembering what she was doing in the park anyway, her earlier smile returned.

She had just decided to make a small detour to the park instead of her house where she would have to begin Monday's schedule for the hyper little children that made up her class. Of course, she could always make it tomorrow, or even Sunday, but she liked to get it done and out of the way so she wouldn't have to worry about it later. She hardly ever had time enough to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures, like taking a stroll in the park of buying an ice cream just for the hell of it. Her own apartment wasn't even as quiet as the park, especially with her new rowdy neighbors. She suspected one of them to be a teenager, but she hasn't had the time to catch them returning home or walking out the door.

Shrugging it off, Kagome was just about to round a picnic table to get to her car when the telltale squeaking of a swing swinging back and forth paused her in her steps and she blinked, her brow furrowing. I could've sworn there was nobody else here, Kagome thought with slight confusion, turning back around to scan the area once more. The squeaking continued and she found herself walking toward the playground section of the park, the squeaking becoming louder as she neared.

Finally the swings came into view and Kagome's eyes widened as she caught sight of a small figure sitting on the squeaky contraption, swinging back and forth innocently and seemingly oblivious to everything around them.

Kagome's eyebrows rose into the think fringe of her raven bangs as she stared at what looked like a little girl swinging on the plaything. What was a child doing here all alone in the park with no supervision? Was she lost? Did something happen?

Immediately concerned, Kagome continued her way toward the swing-set to the little girl who had ceased her swinging when she caught sight of the older woman making her way toward her.

Kagome slowed her walk when the girl hopped off and stood there, watching as the unfamiliar woman stopped a few feet in front of her. The child blinked owlishly up at her with bright amber eyes, innocence shining within the golden depths. Kagome noticed her current attire of a long, fuzzy gray button up coat with big black buttons that ended a few inches below her knees that hid anything else that she might be wearing from view. Small little black dress shoes adorned her feet and to complete the look, atop her head of shoulder-length snowy hair sat a red French beret. How cute, Kagome thought absently.

She smiled kindly down at the young girl and took a step closer to her, feeling something akin to gratitude when she didn't step back. Kneeling before her, Kagome tilted her head to the side slightly, kind smile still in play on her lips.

"Hey there, sweetie," Kagome began softly. "Where are your mom and dad? Are they near by or are you lost?" she asked, looking around for any other adults that might be this girl's parents.

The young child shook her head, her silvery strands swaying with the movement. "Um, no pretty lady, I'm not lost. I'm waiting for Papa to come from the potty. He said that he would be back, um, soon," she elaborated, staring at her with wide, shy eyes.

Kagome arched a brow but nodded. What father would leave his daughter all alone with no one to look after her? And in an empty park, no less?

She brushed that thought away and smiled instead. "Well, okay then. Would you mind if I stayed here with you until your papa comes back?" Kagome asked, not exactly liking the concept of having such a cute little girl being left alone. Who knew when her father would come back, even if it was just a bathroom break?

The child blinked at her then nodded, smiling shyly. "Okie. Um, what's your name?" she asked, cocking her head to the side.

"I'm Kagome." She replied kindly. "What's yours, sweetheart?"

The girl smiled brightly at her. "I'm Shaninri!" She said proudly and Kagome had to stifle a giggle.

"Shaninri," Kagome echoed. She smiled. "That's a pretty name. I like it."

Shaninri giggled and nodded. "Me too! And yours is pretty, too." Then suddenly, the girl swung around and hopped back on the swing, her small hands grasping the chains holding the swing up. She looked up at her pleadingly. "Can you pwease play with me, Miss 'Gome?" Shaninri asked innocently, a hopeful smile on her pink lips.

Kagome blinked at the sudden change in the girl. At first she seemed meek and quiet, now she was smiling and all giggles. Shaking her head, Kagome smiled back at her and stood up, walking behind the girl.

"Of course I will, Shaninri." She replied then grasping the chains her hands, Kagome leaned down and said, "Hold on," before pulling back then pushing forward, Shaninri's laughter piercing the quiet of the park.

"Whee!" she squealed, a broad smile on her lips as the pretty lady pushed her. She liked this woman, Shaninri decided. She was playing with her!

Kagome laughed with the young girl, pushing her gently on the back when she came swinging back toward her and Shaninri's delighted squeals of laughter echoed throughout the empty park and it was music to Kagome's ears. She absolutely adored children, part of her reason for deciding to be a teacher. She got to work with them everyday.

A few more minutes of swinging and pushing passed by and finally Kagome confessed that her arms were getting a little tired out and she sat down next to the girl, opposite the direction Shaninri was facing.

Shaninri continued to swing by herself for a moment or two then finally creased all swinging and just sat there, a bright, happy smile adoring her young features.

Kagome smiled at her but then a thought just occurred to her and she didn't know why she hadn't thought about it sooner.

"Shaninri," Kagome started, a slight frown marring her features. "What grade are you in?"

The girl blinked at the question then looked thoughtful before answering, "Um…my papa says I am in first grade."

First… Her frown deepened and she opened her mouth to say something but Shaninri interrupted her.

"Papa!" she suddenly chirped then quickly hopped off her swing and ran toward the figure that was approaching them.

Standing up, Kagome turned around and watched as Shaninri ran into her father's open arms and she could hear her laughter as he stood up with her in his arms and swung her around once then gave her a hug before setting her back down to talk to her. Apparently their subject of conversation was about her when Shaninri half-turned and pointed out Kagome.

Kagome just stood there patiently as her father followed the direction she was pointing in and nodded before standing back up, letting his daughter grab onto his pant leg as he walked toward her.

Coffee orbs widened when she got a good look at Shaninri's father. Oh…my…

Long silver hair cascaded down his back to end at his waist and piercing amber orbs, just like his daughter bore into her own. Although his facial features were set in a mild scowl of mistrust, he could easily pass off as handsome with his high cheekbones and strong jaw set with determination. His neck looked thick with strength, holding that handsome head up and Kagome had to resist the urge to lower her eyes down his body to the chest that she knew would be nicely toned with muscles.

Yup…that's definitely her father… But what really caught her attention were the two fuzzy triangles protruding from his head that flicked toward her as he stopped a few feet away from where she was standing.

She had to resist the urge to let her law job somewhere in the same region as her feet. He's a…dog hanyou? Kagome thought, her gaze automatically drifting down to his hands where she saw the sharp claws in place of human fingernails. Oh yeah… a dog hanyou alright…

Her gaze then shifted to Shaninri's small hands and her suspicions were confirmed when she saw the same claws sporting her fingertips as well, though not as long or sharp as her father's.

"She says you played with her," he stated gruffly, jarring Kagome out of her thoughts and causing her to blush. He apparently noticed it because he raised a black brow and scoffed, rolling his eyes and muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously close to "Stupid girl."

Narrowing her eyes, embarrassment forgotten, Kagome resisted the urge to mutter something back to him, knowing that he'd probably pick it up with his sensitive hearing but then remembered that Shaninri was standing right there and she didn't need to hear her father getting called vile names.

Clearing her throat, Kagome smiled and held out a hand to him. "Hi, I'm Kagome Higurashi. You must be Shaninri's father," she greeted politely, though she didn't really think this man deserved such politeness.

He just stared at her hand; not bothering to reach out and take it in his own and he crossed his arms over his chest instead, shifting his gaze back to her face.

Kagome lowered her hand slowly and sighed inwardly, wondering why she even bothered with politeness since this rude man certainly wasn't returning it. "Anyway, yes, I was playing with her until you got back." Kagome finally answered him, stuffing her hands back in her pockets. The temperature was decreasing.

"Miss 'Gome pushed me on the swing, Papa!" Shaninri piped up, tugging on his pant leg.

He looked down at his daughter and smiled and Kagome couldn't help but notice with a blush how handsome he looked when he did. "She did, huh? Did you have fun while I was gone?" he asked, laying a hand upon her head and swishing the hat back and forth, efficiently mussing up her hair.

Shaninri giggled and raised her small hands to grasp his large one. "Papa, stop it!" she laughed, trying to still his hand on her head.

He chuckled and swooped down to pick up his daughter up and over his head to set her on his shoulders. Shaninri squealed and his large hands found her small ones as he balanced her on his broad shoulders.

"C'mon, kiddo, time to go home. You need to finish your bookwork," he reminded her, giving her hands a squeeze.

Shaninri pouted. "But Papa, I wanna stay here and play with Miss 'Gome!" she whined, looking at Kagome pleadingly.

Her father looked at her as well. "I'm sure Miss Higurashi has to get home too."

At that Kagome rolled her eyes but looked up at Shaninri with a smile. "I'm sorry honey, but your father's right. I do have to get home and feed my fat cat." She elaborated gently, ignoring the rude demon's scoff.

The girl sighed loudly then nodded reluctantly. "Okie…" Then suddenly she perked up and smiled at her. "Can we play tomorrow?" she asked hopefully, a smile forming on her lips.

Kagome's eyes widened and she looked back at her father, raising a fine brow. "I don't know, Shaninri. It's up to your dad."

Said dad was glaring at her right now, glad that his daughter couldn't see his expressions otherwise he'd be forced to contort his face into expressions he's sure would scare away his daughter. But Kagome seemed quite pleased judging by the small smirk on her lips. Damn bitch was enjoying this! "Shaninri…" he began, trailing off with a bit of a warning.

"Pwease, Papa?" she begged, leaning down over his shoulder to peek at his face where he quickly erased his glare.

He sighed and blew his cheeks out, glancing askance at his daughter. "Two pages of bookwork when we get home and you can come back tomorrow."

Shaninri beamed at him and kissed his cheek before hugging him around the neck. "Thank you so much, Papa! I wuv you!"

His eyes softened and he smiled gently at her. "I love you too, babygirl."

She giggled and straightened back up to smile down at Kagome. "We can play tomorrow, Miss 'Gome!" she chirped happily, bouncing on her father's shoulders. He grunted and hitched his shoulders and she jumped with a giggle.

Kagome watched the display with a soft smile on her lips and her gaze lingered on the dog demon's face for a few more seconds before lifting her eyes to the child situated on her father's shoulders. She smiled. "Then I guess I'll see you tomorrow, Shaninri." She then dropped her gaze back down to the father. "What time?"

He shrugged carelessly. "Don't matter to me."

"How about…noon?" she asked, glad that tomorrow was Saturday. Sleeping in would be bliss.

He shrugged again. "Whatever." Then with that he turned around and started heading for the park's exit but Kagome stopped him in his tracks.

"Wait, I never got your name," Kagome remarked, taking a step toward them.

She heard him sigh and she smirked inwardly at the annoyance within it. "Inuyasha Takashi." He supplied shortly before continuing his trek.

Shaninri turned on her father's shoulders and waved, a bright smile on her face. "Bye, Miss 'Gome! See you tomorrow!" she called back.

Kagome smiled and waved back. "Bye, Shaninri! See you tomorrow!"

Satisfied, the little girl turned back around and decided to bug her father for the remainder of the time until they got home.

Shaking her head, Kagome sighed and spun on her heel then trotted back to her light blue Mustang (Hey, she's a teacher, she's gotta have a least one luxury with all the money they give her), slipping in and shutting the door. She revved the engine and circled the park before taking the exit, vaguely wondering where Inuyasha and Shaninri lived as she passed them.

Driving down the street now, Kagome sighed and turned up the heat. It had lost some of the precious warmth while she had been at the park, playing with that sweet little girl and talking to her rude father.

"Hm…Inuyasha," she mused aloud to herself, sucking on her cheek, a habit she'd acquired over the years. "How can such a sweet little girl have an arrogant and rude father? I wonder where her mother was…" Shrugging it off for now, Kagome figured she'd find out tomorrow and concentrated on the road. She really ought to get home and feed Buyo.

-X-

Shaninri – The name doesn't really mean anything. I made it up purely on my own. I thought it was pretty and it matches her, ne? But, "shan" does mean beautiful in Japanese, and I wanted her to have a cute little nickname, too.

Note: I'm not that good in child development and how they're supposed to act at a certain age, so if you have any pointers about how a six year old should act, please lemme know. I don't know if I should change her dialogue, or make her more shy, or...something. Anything is appreciated!

Please tell me what you liked about it and what you disliked so I know what to write and make some changes in the upcoming chapters! n.n;

Review! …Please?

Kei-Chan