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

After waking up from an unplanned nap that had lasted long enough to leave her shoulders aching, Kagome meandered through the hall and down the stairs. Sesshoumaru had left hours ago and Rin was most likely with Sayuri. Kagome wrinkled her nose. She had heard stories about the youkai at breakfast and at dinner the night before, yet she still had no idea who this Sayuri was.

Kagome dragged a finger along the wooden panelling lining the staircase as she descended. She sighed plaintively. Even though it was nice to have some time for herself, she rather missed Rin's excitable chatter. It was silly, she knew, especially considering Rin was probably only a few rooms away and it had barely been a few hours since she'd last seen her. And even though it had only been a couple of days, in this large house full of unfamiliar faces, Kagome felt a little lonely. Strange as it was to say, the twelve-year-old was her best friend at the pavilion. Or perhaps her only friend. She heaved another sigh and jumped down from the last step.

"That is an awful lot of sighs, Kagome."

Startled, Kagome lifted her head, spotting a figure leaning against a nearby frame. She smiled at him, happy to hear a voice other than her own. "Takuma-san!"

He stepped forward, "You are unhappy." He pointed out with a tilt of his head.

She laughed nervously, dismissively waving her hand at his words. "Ohh, no... I'm just bored!" She shifted slightly and looked down before admitting, "I'm not used to not having anyone to talk to."

Takuma bent forward, peering at her from under her bangs. "That isn't true."

She blinked at him. "It's not?"

"Rin-chan is near."

Kagome gave him a small smile. She was thankful for his persistent attempts to make her feel better. He was usually quiet and acquiescent, but he could be very personable at times. Throughout her stay, whenever she had come across a particularly tough situation, he had thrown in a few comments here and there to raise her spirits. This was another one of those circumstances. "She is," she offered.

"Ahh," he breathed in emphasized understanding, bending down a little further to meet her downcast gaze, "but a child is not quite the company you yearn for."

Now that it was said out loud, she couldn't help but agree. She hoped her expression didn't look as guilty as she felt.

Taking her silence as affirmation, Takuma straightened. "Well, I offer my company in the absence of your companions. If you'd like."

Angling her head, she felt a broad grin blossom across her face. Takuma was certainly proving to be one worthy of Rin's innocent affection.

(A/N: Sorry this measly chapter is the only one for the day; I've been busy with university exams and overtime at work, and I have been miserable. Also, backtracking- sorry it's measly to begin with! Sometimes fillers are needed to enhance characters.)