"You're...back…"
Kagome was torn.
Part of her wanted to drop all her groceries and jump onto the hulking figure parked in her living room. The other half wanted to throw her groceries at said figure and beat him black and blue. In the past, depending on the circumstances of his latest departure and escapes, she would alternate between the two. But now, she didn't know what to do.
At the slightest nod of his shaved head, tears poured out of her eyes. All feeling left her body, not even flinching as she tumbled down onto her knees. If this was a dream, she wished it away, preparing for the disappointing reality.
Richard B. Riddick hesitated, his entire body taut and ready to jump and turn away. This would ever be the only fight he would turn away from. Watching her fall to her knees before him did not bring the same amusement and pride he felt when he freighted others with his mere image. Instead, he felt shame, wanting nothing other than for her to stand up and start yelling at him. At least then, he'd know that he would still be welcome and forgiven. Her fiery temper was if anything, the best indicator that she was still up and fighting, still living. The one thing he worked the hardest on teaching her, the one thing he wanted her to hold onto.
Ten years since he saw her smiling face or heard her sweet voice.
He had forgotten how tiny she scaled to be next to him.
The last thing he remembered from their last meeting was the fear and hope in her voice.
"I hate you so much…you're such a jerk."
The laughter and light in her voice failed to come through, her tone low and unsteady.
"As I recall, you're my number one fan," He gave the smallest of smiles in return, hoping to elicit some sort of emotion.
He faltered as her lips and chin began quivering, her breaths hitching.
"Daddy..."
Right before his eyes, she returned to the baby girl he found years ago. The same exact image, on her knees with her balled fists rubbing the tears away, crying and babbling out loud in another language. Except back then, she was only two, dressed in dirty rags, with dirt clinging like second skin. It took him what seemed like eons for him to admit his attachment to her, but seconds for her to attach herself to him.
"D-don't leave me, D-d-hic-addy!"
Sighing in relief, Riddick collected his ward and carried her to the couch. For the first time in years, he relaxed.