Prompt: Child's Play – Row your boat

Word Count: 400

Posted: 4.08.11

A Hopeful Tomorrow

Monday

Sesshoumaru had slept uneasily. The human child, Kagome, confused him. He had stayed outside with her until her family had called her back into their home yesterday. They were silent and both just stood there, but when she left she gave him a smile that didn't quite reach her face. He was determined to see her smile truly, and that was why he was outside so early on a Monday morning; doing this for her.

"Sesshoumaru!" He heard her call to him from the distance. He didn't stop to look up, knowing she would come running shortly. "What's all this for?"

"Get in. I wish to show you something." Kagome didn't argue and quickly hopped in the small row boat. When she was securely in place he waded into the water pushing it out farther to sea and jumped in himself.

"Where are we going? I don't know if Mama will like it if I'm so far away."

"We have to pass the bluff. You are safe."

Content to watch as Sesshoumaru steered the boat around the small bluff her hands skimmed the surface of the water. The waves had long since quieted down and they drifted lazily in the open water.

"Look there. Do you see them?" His clawed finger pointed across the water on her left and she watched in fascination while a school of dolphins played in the distance. She clapped her hands joyously, facing him she smiled and he was happy to have been the one to put it on her face.

Kagome was in no hurry to go home and Sesshoumaru was content to stay there with her as long as she was happy. "Will you tell me about him?"

She leaned over the edge of the boat resting her head in her hands and stared at nothing. When she began to speak Sesshoumaru almost regretted asking. She told him everything she could remember and he could feel the sadness rolling off her in waves.

"Your mother is right you know. Your sadness will ease with the passing of time." She didn't speak. "We should be getting back." He turned the boat and picked up the oars to steer them back to shore.

"What's that over there?"

"The lighthouse; it has been there for centuries."

"Can you take me?"

"Not today. It is late. Tomorrow perhaps."

When they parted ways Kagome was hopeful for tomorrow.