May 13 2009

Title: Studious

Author: Ms. Jody

Theme: Block

Genre: General

Rating: G

Words: 400

Summary: CU. Sesshoumaru teaches Kagome a lesson.

Kagome was finding that Rin was no different than any other child, really. Though orphaned, muted, killed then resurrected, she was still a little girl at heart. And one who just happened to love shiny things. Kagome had given Rin the charm bracelet as incentive and would reward her with a new bauble every time she did something meritorious. The first was given for learning how to write her name, another for being brave and not crying when Koga dropped in unannounced. Soon the bangle could hold only one more trinket, and Kagome decided to give Rin the shiniest thing she could think of — a miniature disco ball. The task? Color within the lines for every picture in the coloring book.

The little girl was surprising quick to conclude her assignment, returning only three days later with the coloring book completed. Obviously her demon protector fell short on praise and Kagome began to contemplate what other necessities Sesshoumaru did not provide for the child. Just what kind of life did Rin have with the Lord of the Western lands? Did he make sure she was warm at night? Provide her food? Did he view her as some sort of pet? Proof of his power of life over death? A mere friggin' ego boost?! Did he even talk to her??!!

"Hmph!" Kagome was flabbergasted and quite a bit perturbed at the whole prospect and promised herself to bring rations for Rin as well next time. Miroku had advised her against doing such things, as not to offend his Royal Jerkness, but she would deal with the damn dog's pride when the time came.

Kagome tried to block such thoughts from her mind and turned her attention to the finished coloring book. Too distracted in giving the last charm, she hadn't actually looked at Rin's handy work. Not only was each picture colored perfectly to her specifications, but each page was immaculate. No dirt, stains or fingerprints. Flipping through the book, a piece of parchment slid out and fell upon the ground at her feet, it's surface covered with the same grouping of letters repeated on both sides. Kagome studied it, noting there were two distinct handwritings. One ornate, perfect and smooth, the other much smaller and shaky. Both spelling the same word:

"Rin."

A tear formed in the corner of Kagome's eye. He helped her practice and he had kept it.