Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha, all credit to Rumiko Takahashi etc.
A/N: This drabble was written for the prompt 'Ripple' at the LJ comm iyissekiwa - took second place, from memory. *glee*
Characters: InuyashaxKagome, implied. Word count, hovering around the 250 mark.
&&&
Stranger, No Danger
Perched on the edge of the fountain, the little girl sniffed and scrubbed at her eyes.
"Mama..."
One small fist uncurled and she looked down at the pale grey pebble sitting in her palm, picked up during their walk through the park.
"... where are you?"
"Oi."
She squeaked, startled, and the stone slipped from her hand and into the water, casting ripples across the stillness. A man with long black hair knelt down, peering at her closely.
"You all right, brat?"
"... I can't find my mama."
The corners of his eyes crinkled as he sighed. She just stared. He had a string of beads around his neck - she reached out to grasp them, tears all but forgotten in lieu of the sudden feeling of safety washing over her.
"... C'mon. Let's go find her."
She wanted to go with him, something telling her to grab on and not let go, but...
"Mama told me not to talk to strangers."
His hand dipped into the fountain and he presented her pebble, dripping and dark.
"I ain't gonna hurt you. Here - proof."
She smiled brilliantly, and he took her hand - very big compared to hers, but warm and safe as tugged her gently towards the cafe. She was so busy gazing at his hair that she missed his quiet words.
"Besides... we're not strangers, Kagome."
They found her mama eventually. As she waved good-bye to her dark haired saviour, she wondered if she'd see him again.
Little did she know that he was thinking along the same lines.
&&&
Reviews and criticism are rewarded with hugs. :) Also any views on a possible expansion/continuation? Been toying with this one for a while.