It was a storybook like winter. Snow blanketed the ground, snowflakes slowly falling to the earth giving off the feel of a snow globe. Smoke puffed from chimneys and windows glowed with light. People bustled around, stopping to take a look outside and sigh, content with the world. Dinners were served and kids sat down to eat, happily chatting about what they did on their off day.

Inuyasha slowly drove down the street, eager to be home but not placing his safety in such a risk. Kagome had stayed home with Rin, baking gingermen cookies and decorating the house for the oncoming Christmas. Kagome had texted him throughout the day, telling him all about the fun he was missing out on. She took the time to rant about how she couldn't get his brother to leave his room and just couldn't convince Rin to go back to school.

He sighed, trying not to let that idea sour his mood.

Rin was odd. She was Kagome and Inuyasha's adopted daughter. Everyone in the family save for his heartless brother loved her yet she didn't seem to acknowledge their well-founded concerns over her lack of going to school. On October fourth, two days after her sixteenth birthday, she had announced to her family that she was dropping out of school. It had come as a shock to the entire family, sparking concerns about Rin's future, her social life, whether she was being bullied in school, and what the hell was going on in her head.

Inuyasha shook his head, he wouldn't allow it to drag him down. Yes, he didn't approve of it but he would never limit his little girl's options and take away her freedom of choice.

The hanyou pulled into the driveway of his little three-bedroom, two and a half bath home. The windows were glowing with warmth, allowing Inuyasha to see his wife bustling around the dining room, setting the table for the approaching meal. The hanyou turned off the car, retrieved his keys and papers and went inside.

The house was entirely decorated for Christmas. Little snowman sat on the windowsill, lights strung down the hallway, and stockings were hung where the coats typically went. Inuyasha shrugged off his own coat, inwardly smirking at the fact his wife had yet to notice his presence, and hung it over the stair railing. He quietly snuck into the dining room, sneaking up on his unsuspecting wife and pulling her to his chest.

She squealed at his assault.

Meatloaf, salad, pasta and bread rolls decorated the table set for four, along with red and green candles, plates, silverware, and napkins. The dishes steamed and the candles burned, little flames waving in the air, dancing like there was no tomorrow. The dishes screamed that they took time and effort to make and Inuyasha appreciated them.

"Inuyasha, I didn't hear you come in," Kagome said warmly, turning around in his arms to hug him.

Footsteps were heard bounding down the stairs. Rin's small form and black hair poked out, seeing who was there.

"Dad, your home," she said excitedly. She came fully out into the downstairs portion of the house, careful to avoid her father's coat and came to hug him and mom.

"Rin, can you go get your uncle for dinner?"

"'Kay mom."

Now that Rin was gone, Kagome pulled Inuyasha in for kiss. She melted into Inuyasha's body, warmth seeping into the hanyou.

"I love you Kagome," he said, pulling away as Rin re-entered the room, followed by a pissed off daiyoukai.

"Let's eat!"