Disclaimer: All but the plot to this particular story rightfully belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Words: 386

Friends

Takuma's laugh came out in a deep rumble, and canines peeked through his crooked smile. Rin's excitement was contagious. He crouched to Rin's level as she darted towards him and grabbed his clawed hands with a little bounce. "Isn't that wonderful, Takuma-san?!"

Takuma nodded affectionately, lifting and lowering his hands to coincide with her jumps. "That's tremendous, Rin-chan."

Kagome delightedly noted Rin's satisfaction at Takuma's acclamation and couldn't help her smile.

Rin's jumping came to a halt. "Takuma-san should meet Kagome-chan." She pulled him over to the miko, who abruptly stood at Rin's words. "She is a friend." Rin grinned at Takuma, then grabbed Kagome's hand, pulled her forward, and backed away.

Amused, Kagome smiled up at the demon, mentally considering how he towered over her. Takuma was at least a foot and a half taller than she was- possibly a head taller than Sesshoumaru, even. She felt so small in his presence, but she disregarded it. Unceremoniously jutting out an arm, she exclaimed, "It's always nice to meet a friend of Rin-chan's."

Takuma blinked at her extended hand. It was most a most unusual action coming from a lady. He had heard fragments about the miko from Rin and from the other demons at the pavillion and many had remarked on her... quirks. Tentatively gripping her hand, he straightened as she shook his firmly before replying, "Likewise, Kagome-sama."

"Ohh," she dismissively waved her hand with a nervous laugh, "Just Kagome." Honorifics had always made her uncomfortable.

What an odd creature. Takuma tilted his head at her, then glanced down at Rin, who was positively beaming. Smiling back, he nodded at Kagome. "Of course, just Kagome. I am Takuma, attendant for our Sesshoumaru-sama-"

"And friend of Rin," the little girl added with a sleepy smile.

Kagome lightheartedly shook her head, entertained by her infatuation with the youkai. "Rin-chan, it's time for bed." She returned her attention to Takuma. "Will you let Sesshoumaru-sama know I'll be down soon? He probably wants to talk."

With a polite nod following his somewhat bemused expression, he wished Rin a good night and set off to deliver his message.

Kagome placed her hands on her hips and cast a sideways glance at Rin. "Let's get you cleaned up, shall we?"

Rin flushed.