Disclaimer: All but the plot to this particular story rightfully belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
Words: 517
Tiptoe
The next morning had begun early. Kagome, having gone to bed a little after sunset the night before, had woken up just after dawn. Taking the time to gather the spare yukata Takuma had graciously left her, along with a few bathing essentials from the wardrobe, she tiptoed down the hall.
As she walked, Kagome remarked on how eerily quiet a house full of youkai could be. Chances were, most probably hadn't slept a wink that night. She stopped at Rin's room to press an ear against the shoji, motherly instinct taking brief hold. The sound of a quilt rustling calmed her, and she resumed her walk. Stepping forward, a heavy creak greeted the weight of her foot and she cringed, casting a half-expectant glance over her shoulder. For a while she stood there; waiting, listening, worrying- but nothing. Breathing a sigh of relief, she bundled the items closer to her chest and continued.
"Kagome-chan," came a voice from behind her. Turning, she saw Rin's head peaking out from behind her door. A sleepy grin greeted her.
Crouching down, she patted the girl's bangs with an apologetic smile, "Morning, Rin-chan. Did I wake you?"
Rin shook her head, sliding the door open fully. When she caught a glimpse of the items in Kagome's arms, she bounced in place. "Will Kagome-chan eat breakfast with Rin after her bath?"
Kagome chuckled, "Sure. We can even start your lessons a little early today." She winked.
Rin's smile faltered and Kagome noticed it with a chortle. "Only one more embarrassing lecture, I promise." As she uttered the words, Kagome felt her stomach twist. Today she had resolved to give Rin 'the talk'.
She was almost positive that the girl had never gotten it before. In fact, she was pretty sure that most girls in this era had never gotten an extensive 'bird and the bees' lecture. She wouldn't be all that surprised to know that the girl had no clue about birthing, more or less conception. Taking in Rin's abashed expression, she shot her the best brave smile she could muster. "It'll be okay! When I was your age, my mom sat me down and told me exactly the same thing I'll tell you!"
Rin tilted her head, interest piqued. "She did?"
Kagome nodded, "Mhmm, and even though it was awkward at first, in the end I was glad she told me!"
Rin fidgeted, rubbing her toe against the wooden panelling. "So... Kagome-chan will teach Rin what Kagome-chan's mother taught her?"
Her shoulders relaxed and she tucked a messy bundle of hair behind Rin's ear. "Don't be so worried, Rin-chan. You'll make me doubt myself," she laughed.
Rin pulled back, a panicked expression on her face. "No-"
"Shh, I was just teasing." Nodding behind the girl, she gently pushed her back into her room. "Now go get ready for your day. I'll see you after my bath."
As she retreated down the hall, she took a deep breath. Never did she think she'd be giving anyone 'the talk' so early on in her life.
(A/N: Rin gets the dreaded 'talk' throughout the next couple of chapters, causing a bit of confusion, embarrassing curiosity, and questions for both Kagome and Sesshoumaru.)