Word Count: 383
Chapter 35: Park
"The weather is lovely today," Kagome casually remarked, sitting down on a bench in a park, unaffected by the strange stares she received regarding her formal wear. She smiled as Sesshoumaru sat down next to her as well.
"Where is the fox?" he asked, noting that somewhere between the university and park, they had both lost sight of Shippou.
She shrugged, smiling still. "He said he needed to make a sweet trip over to Chiba."
"Chiba?"
"Yeah, the demon-inhabited district?" Kagome raised a brow at Sesshoumaru's tone. "I would think you would be familiar with the area."
"I am," he answered slowly, "I just wasn't aware you do as well."
She shrugged. "Truth be told, I've never been there before." She laughed quietly, "But I am intrigued by the secrecy of it all. The demons there must be strong to sustain a spell to hide an entire district."
Sesshoumaru remained quiet, his thoughts shifting elsewhere.
"Lord Sesshoumaru?"
"What is it?"
"You became quiet."
"Did I?"
Kagome leaned in closer, her hand reaching out for Sesshoumaru's cheek, and he remained still, watching her. Just as Kagome's fingers were about to graze his cheek, they heard a loud voice from behind them.
"Guess, who was generous and bought some extra daifuku?"
Kagome pulled back, her cheeks a few shades brighter.
Sesshoumaru, calm as ever, turned to the source of the voice.
"You're back," he said, voice neutral.
"I miss you, too, Lord Sesshoumaru," Shippou remarked dryly, "Here, catch."
Sesshoumaru effortlessly caught the little pink confection with one hand, blinking. His expression immediately grew sour when Shippou squeezed himself between the two, gently handing Kagome a white daifuku.
"It's delicious," Kagome said after a dainty bite, her eyes shifting over to Sesshoumaru. "Isn't it, Lord Sesshoumaru?"
At her gentle coaxing, he reluctantly took a bite as well. "It is," he agreed quietly, meeting her gaze, feeling a strange sense of contentment at her sudden smile.
"Of course, it is," Shippou interrupted the two, sounding offended, "I know my sweets." He blinked when neither person answered him. He looked between the two with a raised brow. "Did…something happened?"
"Eat your sweets," Sesshoumaru commanded, eyes shifting away to a nearby fountain, but not before catching sight of Kagome hiding her quiet giggles behind the sleeves of her kimono.