Christmas through the Well

Author's Note: I don't know how many times this has been done before. I don't even know the proper Japanese customs regarding the holiday, beyond what information I found searching the web—which may or may not be accurate. I found a few good web pages that I'm using as my reference, but I'm too lazy to get real in depth with my research of the subject.

Anyway, this was simply brought on by a sudden and inspiring spurt of the Christmas spirit. Original or unoriginal, I couldn't help myself, and started writing. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Inuyasha. I'd like to, but that's just wishful thinking. Don't sue! You won't get much.

~*~

T'was two nights before Christmas Eve and Higurashi Kagome was in quite a predicament. Time was running out, and there was still so much to be done! There was last minute shopping that needed doing, presents waiting to be wrapped and mountainous boxes of decorations that needed to be put up—and she was still in the feudal era, miles away from the bone eaters well!

Kagome had planned for a weeks now to be home in time for Christmas. True, it may have been a highly commercialized western holiday that had little to do with Japan, but it was an occasion that brought family and friends together in celebration, and that alone was enough to make her yearn for home. Problem being, she hadn't even broached the subject with Inuyasha yet!

Not that she needed his permission. No way, no how! It was just that… well, she generally liked to inform him of her plans. Now only if she could do so without his angry tirades over how much wasted time she spent in the modern era.

Kagome sighed deeply, and action that didn't go unnoticed by Sango, who was walking alongside her. Slowing in her stride, the demon exterminator extended a hand in order to rest it upon Kagome's shoulder.

"Kagome-chan, is everything all right?" she inquired, deep concern shimmering on her countenance. Kagome smiled softly, nodding.

"Yeah, I'm fine. It's just—"

Shippou's voice interrupted her as his bushy-red head popped up out of the knapsack slung over her shoulder, the fox kit's cheeks smeared with the chocolate he had been pilfering moments before.

"Are you sure, Kagome? You've been really quiet all day!" he pointed out, wiping the remains of chocolate from his face with the back of his sleeve.

Kagome couldn't fight off the impending smile. It never ceased to warm her heart that, even over the tiniest things, her friends held overwhelming concern for her. It was beginning to make her feel guilty that she wanted to leave them behind in order to return home for such an extended period. But she'd promised her family, as well as Yuka, Ayumi, an Eri. There was no excuse in the world that could save her if she were to miss the holiday for the sake of the Sengoku Jidai.

She was just about to speak when her second interruption manifested itself, this time in the form of Inuyasha's strong, sturdy body—of which Kagome had just walked straight into. She stumbled back just slightly, looking up at him in surprise. His expression seemed remarkably flat.

Inuyasha, too, had noticed Kagome's lack of speech all morning. The fact that he had yet to be 'sat' yet was beginning to make him fear for the worst. What on earth could be troubling her so much that she would neglect to introduce his face to the cold, hard soil at every given opportunity? Whatever was wrong with her, he was going to find out; and seeing as Sango had brought up the subject, now seemed like as good a time as any.

"Okay, wench. What's the matter this time?" probed the hanyou, leaning in close so that he may inspect her better. Kagome's cheeks colored pink, and she instinctively began to lean backwards.

"W-Well…" she stammered, nibbling on her lower lip. Her mind had decided in that instance that it was now or never. After all, it was just a silly question, and she ought to just spit it out! Furthermore, it didn't really matter what his reply was; as always, she would go home whether he liked it or not. So really, what was there to be so nervous about?

Well, besides the fact that he was so close that she could feel the warmth of his breath across her cheeks as he spoke, and she came to notice just how pretty his eyes were at this particular proximity—

Oh, right. She should be speaking now, shouldn't she?

Sucking in a deep breath, Kagome squared her shoulders and looked Inuyasha straight in the eye, trying her best to look assertive yet disarming at the same time. If she could at all avoid an argument, she would.

"Inuyasha, I need to go home."

There, she'd said it! That had been simple enough. Inuyasha merely arched a silver brow, the corners of his mouth twitching into a frown. That was it? Sure, he didn't like it in the least, but it wasn't a particularly rare request on her part. He'd thought there would be more to her peculiar behavior than that. Never the less he spoke, not missing a single beat in the path that led to their usual squabbles.

"Like hell you do. You just got back a few days ago! There are jewel shards to be found, dammit!" he protested, folding his arms so that his hands completely disappeared within the sleeves of his haori. "What is it this time, anyway? Another one of your stupid 'tests'?"

Angrily huffing up, Kagome narrowed her eyes before defensively retaliating.

"First of all, my tests are not stupid! And secondly, this isn't about school at all! There's a big holiday coming up, and I need to be home for it!"

Finally stepping forward, Miroku rested a calming hand on Inuyasha's shoulder in an attempt to stop him before he inevitably blew up. Clearing his throat, Miroku spoke.

"Surely, Inuyasha, you can't deprive Kagome-sama of the right to return home for a festival. If there were such a thing amongst hanyou, I'd wager nothing she said would stop you from attending." spoke the houshi, his tone of scolding reprimand. Inuyasha grunted.

"Keh. I wouldn't give a shit in the first place." he grumbled in response.

Scrambling out of Kagome's knapsack, Shippou mounted her shoulder instead, glaring across at Inuyasha.

"C'mon, dog-breath. Just let her go," he began, then paused to turn a hopeful green gaze up to his surrogate mother. "Besides, holiday's mean goodies! You'll bring me back lots, right Kagome?!"

Kagome giggled, reaching up in order to pluck the kitsune off her shoulder and hug him to her chest.

"Of course, Shippou-chan!" she exclaimed, affectionately stroking a hand through the fox kit's hair. Inuyasha glared, trying his hardest not to be jealous.

Feeling horribly outnumbered, Inuyasha looked to the last member of their little group. While Sango had yet to speak a word, she didn't need to; her hand resting threateningly on her Hiraikotsu spoke volumes. With a grudgingly defeated sigh, Inuyasha returned his attention to Kagome.

"Just how long is this stupid holiday of yours, anyway?" he asked, causing Kagome to pale slightly and lift one arm away from Shippou as she began to count off on her fingers.

"Let's see, there's two more days until Christmas Eve, which I need to in order to finish preparing. Then there's the 24th and 25th, which is the actual holiday. The day after Christmas is when Mama and I always hit the bargain sales that pop up in all the stores, and the day after that, Yuka comes back from her family vacation. Every year we spend the day returning and exchanging the weird gifts her grandparents always give her—"

"Get on with it! Just how long is it that you're gunna be gone?!" Inuyasha demanded, quickly becoming fed up with the entire situation. Kagome squeaked, suddenly finding the ground immensely interesting as she mumbled her reply.

"Uhm, well. Six days, I think…"

And that was it. Nothing in the world--past, present, or future-- could have prevented Inuyasha's explosion.

"SIX DAYS?!?!?!"

In that moment it looked almost as if he were ready to pounce upon her. The angry spark in his eyes nearly frightened Kagome, and that was a very bad thing. Coming to terms with the fact that Inuyasha would never willingly agree to let her leave for her 'vacation' of sorts, she decided it was high time to make a run for it.

"Inuyasha…" she whispered, sending him a half-apologetic look. "Osuwari."

As soon as the word left her mouth, Inuyasha was plunged face first into the dirt. Whirling around in order to face Sango, Kagome sent her friend an almost frantic look.

"Can I borrow Kirara?" she asked, a request Kagome found herself making almost every time she wished to return home. Sango smiled in understanding, inclining her head in a nod.

"Of course, Kagome-chan. Have fun celebrating." replied Sango, embracing Kagome for the briefest of moments before beckoning to Kirara, who obediently bounded over and knelt down in order to give Kagome easier access.

Mounting the fire-cat, Kagome waved to Sango and Miroku, waiting for Shippou to release her and hop to the ground before taking her exit.

"Bye guys! Merry Christmas!" she shouted, just as Inuyasha's subduing was beginning to wear off.

Lifting his head, and waiting a moment for the clod's of dirt to fall from his face, Inuyasha glared daggers after the retreating miko. How dare she leave him for six whole days?! Just what the hell was she thinking? What a selfish little bitc—

"Inuyasha? Are you all right?" asked Miroku, tilting his head to one side in curiosity as he looked down upon the hanyou. Inuyasha sprung to his feet, grumpily dusting himself off.

"Of course I'm all right!" he snapped, though he was nearly shaking with rage. "I just can't believe that wench! Leaving for six whole days! While she's off in her own time, enjoying herself, Naraku could swipe all of the remaining jewel fragments before we even get a chance at them!"

Miroku sighed in exasperation, leaning heavily against his staff. It was quite obvious that Inuyasha wasn't nearly as put off about the shards as he seemed to be. He was merely upset over the prospect of Kagome being five hundred years in the future for such an extended period of time, enjoying herself while in the absence of the jealous-natured hanyou. At least, that's how it seemed to the monk, anyway.

"I highly doubt that, my friend. You're just being pessimistic." began Miroku, though he quickly brought a hand to his chin, stroking it thoughtfully. Inuyasha's brows flattened across his face.

"What's that look for?" he questioned, warily.

"I was merely thinking about how the holiday's always seem to put women in such high spirits. I was wishing that I could be in attendance, is all."

With a growl, Inuyasha brought back one fisted hand and clobbered Miroku across the back of the head. The perverted monk's lament had just affirmed Inuyasha's fears. While celebrating, Kagome would be so happy that she probably wouldn't even think about him. What if she were to succumb to the advances of another?! She was his, damn it!

Busily searching the back of his head for the knot that would no doubt develop due to Inuyasha's blow, Miroku pouted. Sometimes his companion's rash behavior was quite infuriating.

"I wasn't finished," protested Miroku, eyes narrowing slightly. "Before being so rudely interrupted, I was going to point out that it is in fact some holiday in Kagome's time—Christmas, as she called it—and that you are the only one who can travel through the well after her."

Inuyasha stared dumbly at Miroku for several long minutes, causing the houshi's thick brows to scrunch together in irritation.

"Do I really have to spell it out to you?" he asked, relieved to see some enlightenment finally filter across Inuyasha's face.

Smirking evilly, Inuyasha looked to the line of tree's behind them. Miles beyond lye Kaede's village, and just a little past that, the forest around the bone-eater's well. With his speed, he could be there in no time! If Kagome had thought she was going to get a six-day vacation without the apparent 'hassle' of his company, she was horribly mistaken! And without so much as a single word of parting to his traveling companions, he was gone.

Sango used one arm to shield her eyes from the dust the departing Inuyasha had kicked up, though behind it she glared dangerously at Miroku.

"You just had to give him the idea, didn't you?" she accused, shaking her head in disappointment. "Now Kagome will have no hopes of a peaceful holiday."

Miroku chuckled and crossed the distance between them, wrapping an arm around Sango's shoulders-- much to her dismay.

"I'm sure it will all work out for the best. And besides," he paused, leaning in much to close for the exterminator's comfort. "Now we have some time alone…"

Miroku winced as a sharp pain flashed through his leg. Not appreciative of being forgotten, Shippou had sunk his teeth into the monk's ankle. The first pain was soon followed by a second as Sango's open palm connected with his cheek.

"Hnf. I feel unappreciated." sulked Shippou, skittering up Sango's back in order to sit upon her shoulder. Sango apologetically patted him atop the head.

"I did not forgot, Shippou. Let's go. If we hurry, we can arrive back to Kaede's hut in time for dinner."

Met with an eager cheer from the kitsune, Sango smiled faintly and began the trek back to the village, leaving Miroku behind. Miroku sighed, rubbing his reddened cheek. It would seem that he had no luck at all.

Oh well. Sango's retreat was affording him a perfect view of her backside, which sashayed ever so slightly as she walked away. For the time being, it would make up for his inherent lack of good fortune…

~*~

End of chapter one!

I hadn't originally intended to make this a chapter story, but as I was writing, I just kept getting more and more ideas. To incorporate them all and still have this be a oneshot would have made it terribly long, and I didn't want to do that to you guys. Besides, this way it builds up a little anticipation. ^_~

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed it, and keep an eye out for chapter two! As always, reviews are appreciated. They warm my heart as well as inspire me to continue on.

-MsImp