Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this dash of drama... especially for the triumphant one. A nod of recognition is bent toward Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Repeat Offender
Mid-February...
The next day, there were flurries… with an additional flurry of excitement when Kagome arrived at the elementary school. At the front doors, she was met by their damsel-in-distress kindergarten teacher, who staunchly barred the way, arms outstretched.
"I'm sorry Principal Higurashi," Miss Burke announced breathlessly. "But I really think you should wait out here!"
"Is there a problem?" Kagome inquired, peering over the young woman's shoulder in concern.
Blue eyes widened, and she lowered her voice. "It's Mr. Whiskers."
"Did he get away from you again?"
"How did you guess?"
With a smile, Kagome pointed through the window behind her. "Rat sighting."
A tiny bundle of white fur scurried toward them, hugging the wall as it skittered along the empty hallway. Even though she was safe on the other side of a heavy door, Miss Burke squeaked in alarm.
Inuyasha rounded the corner, his hands in his pockets as he slowly stalked the critter. To Kagome it looked as if he wasn't chasing so much as herding Mr. Whiskers, and even through the window she could see that he was talking. To the rat?
Judging by the scowl on his face, it wasn't sweet-talk.
Just as the classroom pet made it to the spot where two halls intersected, a stocking-footed redhead skidded into view like a base-runner sliding into home. He whooshed into the open on one hip, cutting off the rat's path and scooping him up in one acrobatic lunge.
"Oooh, running in the halls," Miss Burke softly scolded.
Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest and made a remark, then nodded toward their audience.
Shippo turned their way and grinned triumphantly.
"In we go," Kagome firmly declared, swinging the door wide.
Miss Burke fluttered pink mittened hands. "Thank you so much!"
"Glad to help," Shippo said offering her the bright-eyed rat.
"Oooh," she moaned. "I'm not very good with rodents."
"What, this cute little guy?" Shippo asked, tucking him securely against his chest.
Miss Burke shuddered and said, "Those sharp teeth and claws always make me think he'll start biting and scratching."
"He wouldn't," Inuyasha gruffly interjected. "He's really tame and patient with the kids."
"I know," she sighed. "The children love him, but I still don't like to get too close."
Shippo gently replied, "Yeah, I can understand why he might make you nervous. If you want, I'll carry Mr. Whiskers back for you."
"Oh, thank you!" she replied, immediately brightening.
As the two walked off, Kagome quietly remarked, "They're kind of sweet together."
"Not happening," Inuyasha said flatly.
"Why not?" she countered. "I think they'd make a cute couple."
"Kagome, just... please," he begged seriously. "Shippo's never had a problem going after what he wants. Let him choose his own future."
"He can meddle, but I can't?" she asked lightly.
"Yeah. If you want to show that idiot you care, there's better ways."
"Such as?" she challenged.
The dark-haired janitor waved her closer, and his warm breath tickled her ear as he gravely whispered, "Feed him."
Kagome dissolved into laughter, and Inuyasha smiled triumphantly as he took her elbow and casually herded her toward her office.
End Note: Posted on February 15, 2011. 521 words.