Running With Flowers by Inu Guardian

Running With Flowers

Disclaimer: I do not own 'Inuyasha'.  Property belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.  I make no profit from writing this story.

A/N: Just a response to the Chibi Challenge.  A playful thought that came to mind.   I went with the line 'running with scissors' and turned it into something else.  I hope you all enjoy!  Oh, I did put this in AU universe, as it's not cannon, but not Kagome's time. 

"C'mon, 'Gome!" the dog-eared little boy shouted to a young girl picking flowers. "Momma doesn't need that many. Let's go!"

Kagome looked up from her work and smiled widely at her friend. Inuyasha was the mistress' son and second son to the Lord Inu no Taisho. He was her best friend. She stood, juggling the flowers in her arms as she balanced herself. "Your momma likes the flowers I pick for her," the child replied patiently. "And you know it's my 'sponse-bility to pick 'em for her."

Inuyasha growled in annoyance. "Yeah, yeah. I know." He grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her along after him. "Momma said that you could play with me when you were done, now let's go!"

As the hanyou boy dragged her along, Kagome's hold tightened on her precious flowers. She would accomplish her chore set before her by Lady Izayoi. Even if Inuyasha pulled her arm out of its socket in the process.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sesshoumaru walked down the corridor from the study, having finished his lessons for the day. The young boy didn't appreciate having his day wasted by know-it-all tutors.

"Stupid old man," he grumbled to himself. "Why do I have to learn about ningen rituals, anyway. Not like I'm ever gonna need to know that stuff." He scuffled his feet across the floor as he walked. "Humans. Who needs 'em."

The thought of his father's newest mate crossed his mind. Sure, the onna was nice and she treated him well. She wasn't his mother, though.

"Stupid humans. Stupid tutors. Stupid...OOFF!!!!"

Sesshoumaru's ranting was abruptly cut off as the body of his half-brother plowed into him. Crashing to the floor, he was surprised to be landed upon by a second body. He looked up and was assaulted by a cute pudgy face framed by white and yellow flowers.

Kagome's eyes slammed shut as she collided with Inuyasha and was then thrown into another. Realizing she was unharmed, she opened her eyes to check on her friend and the pillow beneath her. Her eyes were greeted by the sight of Inuyasha's older brother, Sesshoumaru.

Shock filled her big brown eyes. Oh no!

After a moment of panic, Kagome scrambled off the young youkai and prostrated herself before him. She had heard from the other servants of the house that Sesshoumaru was not very tolerant of being touched, nor was he tolerant with humans. She was now guilty of both offenses.

As he stood, Sesshoumaru kept his eyes on the girl, completely ignoring his little brother. "Girl," he commanded in the strongest voice he could muster, "what is your name?"

"What's it to ya?"

Sesshoumaru turned a glare to his younger brother. "I asked her, you butt-sniffer."

Inuyasha jumped up to stand between his friend and his brother. "Butt-sniffer? You grass-munching, toad-faced dog boy!"

"You're the dog boy," Sesshoumaru returned as he flicked the younger boy's twitching ear with a claw.

Inuyasha growled at Sesshoumaru. No one, save 'Gome and his mom, touched his ears.

"Kagome."

Both boys looked at the meek voice rising behind them.

"My name is Kagome." She looked up at them as she gathered the flowers that were now crushed from the impact. With the last flower in hand, she stood slowly and took a few steps forward. She took a flower from her bundle and offered it to Sesshoumaru. "I'm sorry for bumpin' into you and makin' you fall," she apologized. When he took the flower, she bowed low and quickly moved away, intent on finishing her chore.

"'Gome, wait up!" Inuyasha shouted. When he caught up to her, he slowed to match her pace. "Why'd'ya say sorry to him?"

Kagome turned sharply and and gave him her best pouty face. "It's YOUR fault we ran into him!" she yelled. "I'm gonna get in trouble now!" She stomped away from the boy and made her way to his mother's room.

- - - - - - - - -

Sesshoumaru watched the retreating girl's back with curiosity. She didn't make excuses for crashing into him, nor did she grovel and beg for forgiveness. Being friends with his brother might have had something to do with that. But she did not seem disrespectful, either.

"Kagome," he said, trying out saying her name. He smiled as he ran to catch up with the other two children.