Rin's Gift

His stare was blank by normal standards, but those who knew Sesshomaru could tell that such an "expression" was his most pensive.

It had been a few weeks now since he had revived that human runt; he still wasn't sure what he'd been thinking drawing Tenseiga and committing himself to the needs of a child. Yet, he couldn't find the - Sesshomaru smirked at the sentimental word - heart to abandon her.

This is a ridiculous paradox, he thought. What purpose does that mortal girl have to me?

He turned at the sudden arrival of a new scent. Rin was staring at him.

Sesshomaru suppressed the urge to shift uneasily. Why did he feel guilty?

Rin simply smiled back. She had noticed how lonely her liege appeared. What had he been thinking about? Was something troubling him? Could she help? A score of questions tumbled through her head, but one resolution rang clear. She had the perfect gift in mind.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" She pranced up to him. "May I tell you something?"

Sesshomaru flicked his icy gaze downward, making no other motions to accommodate her vertical disadvantage.

"Uh, could you please come down?" Rin gestured so adamantly the demon lord couldn't ignore feeling obliged.

Seated, Sesshomaru sighed. "So wha- "

The Western Lord had never before been interrupted, and if anyone were ever so brazen to try venomous claws insured the error wouldn't be repeated. But now all pragmatic thought ceased. After all, no one had thought to addle Sesshomaru with a kiss.

Another smile spread across Rin's face as she pressed her lips to the daiyokai's striped cheek. The sullen countenance had been wiped clean - albeit by a shocked one.

Rin drew away gently. " 'Kay, that's all! Thanks for listening." Mission accomplished, she skipped off.

Sesshomaru ran his hand over his birthmarks, futilely attempting to regain composure. He didn't, and gave a smaller-scale expression of Rin's.

He may not have been sure of that child's purpose, but she had certainly given him his.

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A/N: This is a first installment in a Father's Day Collection, more will be coming. Critique appreciated.