Disclaimer: I don't own jack!
Connected
She'd been oddly quiet all night.
Kagome had eaten with him at the table and kept up small conversation but it was evident that her attitude had soured since this morning.
She'd been ecstatic at the chance to return to school then when she finally came home it was if the wind had been taken out from her sails entirely.
Dabi slouched further down on the couch.
He didn't like this.
He'd never been all that great at 'comforting' others. Kagome had always been especially difficult to handle in that regard. Her moods were fickle at the best of times and he doubted that, that had ever changed.
He scratched at the skin beneath his eyes.
"Hey Dabi," The young woman's voice drifted over the sound of the television. "Do you think people are destined to become something? I mean anything too. Like a hero or a villain." She kept her eyes focused on the screen as she spoke. "Do you think that our choices are meaningless?"
Ah crap, she was in one of these moods.
He was even worse at dealing with issues like this.
Dabi sighed through his nose, "Why're you asking, kid?"
Had someone filled her head with that sort of bullshit earlier?
Kagome tucked her legs up towards her chest and folded her arms beneath her knees, "Would you mind answering me first? It's something I..." She paused for a moment, as if contemplating her next words. "I need to know."
He fell silent.
Destined, huh?
He never really believed in anything quite like that. Hell he hardly believed in the existence of gods or buddha. So what purpose would destiny serve to someone like him?
He gave a rough snort through his nose, "No one is destined to become anything. How we turn out is the result of our own efforts and experiences." His fingers flexed at the thought. "So you might as well get that crap out of your head. If you want to do something then put your mind to it. Fuck everyone else who'll say otherwise."
Her lips curved upwards at that, "Has anyone ever told you that you have a certain way with words?"
Dabi tossed one of the throw pillows at her head, "Yeah, yeah. Now get to sleep. Kids should be in bed right now."
Kagome stretched herself out on the couch. She leaned down and pillowed her head against his lap.
"I think I'll stay here. You're always comfortable."
He didn't argue with her at that point. It'd be useless to do so. Once Kagome made up her mind, that was it. Plus she'd always been stubborn about violating his personal space.
His lips quirked upwards, "I'll be sure to return the favor tomorrow."
Dabi didn't miss the slight flush that crossed her features.
That was one thing that would never change about her.