#2 - Juggling

Title: A Waste of Time
Shard: 2
Pairing: Sesshoumaru/Midoriko
Rating: PG
Squicks: Sesshy equals OOC-ness, hey, cut me some slack, he's supposed to be really young here XP
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.
Summary: "It is not a waste of time!"


"What are you so happy about?" Sesshoumaru asked, exasperated as Midoriko babbled on and on about some random purification power technique thingy he had absolutely no interest in. She'd lost him a little while back and at the moment, he was completely baffled as she chattered randomly about ways to use it.

At his comment, she stopped and gave him an exasperated look. "Were you even listening?"

"Yes," he said defensively. A few moments passed as she just gave him a flat look. After a few seconds, he gave in and sulkily admitted, "No."

"Didn't think so," Midoriko sighed. "Here, I'll explain it again and this time-"

"Will it be of any use to me?" he interrupted with an expectant look on his face.

She struggled with the answer, "Well, maybe, I don't know for -"

"Then I'm not interested." He turned and made as if to walk away.

"Wait! Sesshoumaru!"

"What?" he turned again, giving her a frustrated glare.

She gave him a pleading look, "Please stay! This... this is the first time I've tried something like this and.. I... I... I don't want to do it alone!" The last part was nearly shouted. Midoriko bit her lip and looked away, figuring the proud youkai would be disgusted at the blatant show of fear she'd shown.

Instead, she heard a sigh and the rustle of cloth, as Sesshoumaru leaned himself against a tree trunk. She look at him in surprise and he returned it with a flat look of his own that said 'hurry up so I can get out of here'. It wasn't the best expression, but Midoriko nearly shrieked with glee and hugged him tightly before rushing back to the center and starting to build her energy for her first try, leaving Sesshoumaru stunned and with faint pink cheeks.

Excited, Midoriko didn't see her companion's embarrassment and therefore could not laugh at it. Instead, she concentrated her energy on forming the little balls of purification power she'd seen a wandering priestess do. Soon, she opened her eyes, and true enough, a little light green ball of spiritual energy was floating before her. Midoriko beamed at it.

"That is what I was wasting my time for?" a disbelieving voice said. Midoriko suddenly remember her audience and glared at him.

"It is not a waste of time!" she replied hotly.

Sesshoumaru raised one delicate brow, as if daring her to push that statement. Midoriko had an idea and smirking at him, suddenly threw the energy ball. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened and he jumped out of the way just in time. The ball singed the tree trunk and the clearing was instantly quiet.

Sesshoumaru looked at her. Midoriko's eyes widened in shock and she shrieked as she ran. One red ball after another chased after her, and yet, she couldn't help but laugh.