A/N: For the 'Sport' theme on Dokuga's LJ comm - 400 words, no more no less. The next part of the serial "The Nightingale".

All due recognition to Hans Christian Anderson for the inspiration.

Originally posted on November 23, 2009. It won third place! :)

Match

She didn't want to think of it as a competition - Kikyo had been nothing but kind to her. She loved Inuyasha and had little interest in impressing Lord Sesshoumaru beyond what she could do to help repair the relationship between the half-brothers. It wasn't Kikyo's fault that she had a natural ability that rivaled her own, nor was it her fault that she had received vocal instruction as a part of her spiritual training.

But it was hard to suppress the jealousy when she thought of the expression on Lord Sesshoumaru's face when Kikyo sang. She tried to remember if she had ever received such a rapturous gaze when she performed for him. She was sure he had, but she hadn't appreciated it. She hadn't stored the memory of it away, to be pulled out and studied once he had lost his interest in her - something that she had always been convinced would happen and yet didn't prepare for.

Still, there was relief. Kikyo and Inuyasha had been left behind in the village that morning, and Kagome wouldn't have to think about the lovely miko and her even lovelier voice for quite awhile. If ever.

"Kagome." Sesshoumaru's voice cut through her musings. "You are falling behind."

She hurried her steps until she came even with the taiyoukai. "Sorry, my lord," she murmured. "I was just thinking."

His golden eyes slanted in her direction. "Of what?"

"How nice it was to meet your brother," she fudged. "His unusual choice in companion."

Sesshoumaru frowned. "Indeed. A miko."

"Lady Kikyo is very generous of heart," Kagome added quickly, unwilling to let him think she had any ill will towards the priestess. "She obviously cares for him deeply, hanyou or not."

The taiyoukai remained silent for a few moments. "Yes," he agreed. "She seems to have tamed my uncultured half-brother. It is well that I extended the invitation to both of them."

Her heart stopped. "Invitation, my lord?"

"They will visit my lands in some weeks' time," he replied.

"It is wonderful that you have decided to see your brother again," Kagome murmured, her mouth going dry. She couldn't stop herself from adding, "And to hear another concert, I would imagine."

He nodded once. "It is expected. My entire court should hear both of you."

And judge us both, as well, Kagome surmised with a silent sigh. Will this be a competition, after all?