Disclaimer: All but the plot to this particular story rightfully belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Words: 504

Resolve

Lifting her chin haughtily, Kagome wrinkled her nose at him, a blush speckling across her cheeks. She dropped the fabric once she reached the table and sat across from him.

"I see you chose to dress yourself this morning, miko-sama." Kagome looked up at the older youkai as she poured her tea, mirth sparkling in her kind eyes. "I apologize if my selection was not to your preference."

Sesshoumaru's voice held a slight tone of amusement, "This was the... preferable alternative?"

Her blush doubled and she fumbled over her words. "I... er, it ripped."

"Well, I think Kagome-san does it justice, don't you, my lord?"

She smiled appreciatively at Takuma's blatant lie. At least he tried.

"More than one would believe possible," Sesshoumaru replied heedlessly, eyeing the fabric with distaste.

Kagome started, turning toward him with inquisitive eyes. She was unsure whether it was an insult directed at the yukata or a compliment towards herself, but it was surprising nonetheless.

With barely a moment's pause, Sesshoumaru returned to the matter at hand. "Woman," he began.

"Kagome," she corrected with a smile.

He paused contemplatively, then continued, "You will be instructing Rin this afternoon. She requires female guidance and basic human comprehension. Your lessons will take place in the library."

Clearing her throat, she gingerly fingered the side of the teacup. "Sesshoumaru-sama, I thought you brought me here to help Rin-chan with her, um, situation. That can be done in an hour or two. I really think she's-"

"Kagome," he interjected, surprising her for the third time that morning. "Rin is young. She assuredly has many questions that this Sesshoumaru cannot answer. If it had been as trivial as one afternoon's worth of lessons, I would not have sought you out with such urgency."

"But-"

"The jewel has been destroyed, Naraku has been defeated, there is nothing imperative tying you to your village. Surely you could spare some time to advise Rin."

"Kagome-chan will stay?!" Rin removed her hand from the domestic's at the door and ran across the room, wrapping her arms around Kagome's neck. Her smile reached both ears as she glanced from Kagome to Sesshoumaru and back. "To be with Rin?"

Despite the decision she knew she wanted to make, Kagome felt a tug at her lips, slowly shattering her resolve. It was endearing to see her this excited. Reaching a hand up to smooth Rin's bangs, she sighed. Maybe the girl really was lonely. Even with all the attendants around, Rin had no one to relate to. She supposed it would be alright if she took some time off to teach her a few essentials about growing up; perhaps to answer what questions she may have that the gods knew Sesshoumaru could not (or would not) answer.

Smiling, she pulled Rin into a one-armed hug, "Of course I'll stay, Rin-chan." She peered over Rin's shoulder at Sesshoumaru's diminutive smirk and stuck a finger out at him, shooting him a pointed look. "One week."

"Hn."