Disclaimer: All but the plot to this particular story rightfully belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Words: 383
Nature
"Oh," she breathed after a brief pause.
"Hn."
Kagome's stare did not waver as she flipped through her thoughts. Rin-chan.
She was now twelve years old. And she was an orphan, under the care of only Lord Sesshoumaru, Jaken, and their two-headed dragon, Ah-Un- all of which were male. Rin possessed no female role model, nor did she have anyone appropriate to go to for advice or for assistance or for comfort. Particularly at such a delicate age.
Kagome vaguely noticed Sesshoumaru clench his jaw as she furrowed her brows and dipped her head slightly in thought. Did Sesshoumaru-sama... comfort?
Her eyes then widened a fraction in understanding as the theory hit her.
Rin was twelve. Her body must have been undergoing changes. Er- or almost undergoing them. And once it happened, she would be scared. Kagome frowned at the new weight on her heart. If she had not yet hit puberty, she undoubtedly would soon.
She took in Sesshoumaru's expression, as the sun had finally set enough to brighten his face, ironically enough. He showed no emotion, but he seemed expectant; as though he sincerely believed there was no way she would refuse.
He probably knows there'll be changes, but I don't think he knows what kinds yet, especially with a human girl. He must be just as scared.
Then she sighed. If not more.
Kagome's lips quirked at the notion.
A sudden, tiny jolt from her neck ran just below her skin and embedded itself deep in her abdomen. Kagome straightened at the familiar feeling-the prospect of an adventure, small as it may be.
And she would get to see Rin! That was more than enough excitement in itself, for the little girl had always been one Kagome enjoyed seeing. As well as finding Rin entertaining, Kagome also held a great deal more respect for the girl that one would normally have for a child.
It wouldn't hurt to leave the village in Inuyasha's eager claws for a little while, and Sesshoumaru wasn't exactly dangerous anymore. Not when Rin was concerned, that is.
Sesshoumaru observed the shift in her scent long before he noticed the change in her expression. He surveyed her curiously.
Making her decision, Kagome flashed him a bright smile and nodded politely. "Sure!"