AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey there again! So sorry for a long wait for a new story by me. Christmas preparations, shopping…you get the idea. Anyway, please review and enjoy.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything from the series whatsoever

The moment had finally arrived. As soon as Kagome opened her eyes to start the day, her smiled widened from ear to ear. The realization on what the day precisely was slowly bought her half-sleep face into life; bringing a certain twinkle in her soft, chocolate brown eyes and a warm glow of her skin. Some level of excitement began to emerge inside her entire stiff body underneath the covers. She have been looking forward into this time of the year since the beginning of November, and now her anticipation can be over.

Kagome was wide awake but decided to stay in bed awhile longer, savoring the cozy, securing comfort of her blankets. Her mind went into focus on what to expect from this day as she stared at the ceiling. It was a blessing to be able to come home in her own time for this special occasion. How grateful she felt to be still alive to see this occasion, how joyous she felt to be with her ordinary family and friends, how fortunate she felt to become a normal sixteen-year-old human being again…..and to be free from the adventurous journey that her destined-or fated-double life offers her.

Kagome closed her eyes and sighed out of relief on the thought. Yes, she didn't have to worry about those things anymore. Today was not the day for sacrificing battles, constant jewel shard searching, fearing for her life being endangered by enemies everywhere she goes. More importantly, it was not the day for preparations on destroying their nemesis who changed her feudal friends' lives forever. It's been a year now since her gang traveled on this magical journey. She was sixteen now, and wanted to take every advantage on having a real Christmas this year. After all, her freedom for a normal life couldn't last forever.

Getting up, Kagome stretched and walked to the window. As she predicted, it was a descent Christmas morning. Neither the snow was as high or icy for people to walk into, nor there was a blizzard for everyone to be trapped in their homes. The snow looked so pure white and enjoyable, the flakes falling gently into the earth. Kagome's family had remodeled their entire shrine and house with various decorations. The trailing white lights would sparkle around the edges of the roof at night. Each window of her house had a single glowing candle, and there was a huge lighted wreath with a red bow hung onto their main door. Most of the temple statues were surrounded with holly, and the temple were also decorated with some lights and a smaller wreath. The only thing they didn't decorate was the Sacred Tree because they decided to leave its beauty the way it is. With the decorations bringing life and color and the snow falling gently on the earth, the Higurashi shrine seemed more tranquil and spiritual than before.

Kagome turned to look at the other side of her room and smiled. What made her spirit more content for this Christmas was the opportunity to spend it with Inuyasha. A lot had happened between the two over a year, from the moment when they first met and started their journey up until now. Aside from their obstacles, they've been closer than ever. Besides, Inuyasha never shared such a tradition with family and friends in his life, which was why (though stubbornly) agreed to come and experience the holiday, mostly for her. Kagome thought all of this as she stared at him sleeping comfortably at the corner near her door. He slept with his legs crossed, having the Tetsuaiga resting in his arms. His fuzzy white ears were calm and still by his soft breathing.

He looks so peaceful, she thought, giggling. But I have to wake him up. Today's the day! She then walked up to the hanyou as silently as possible and kneeling in front of him. With a soft, child-like voice, she whispered in his ear, "Inuyasha. Oh Inuyasha….." But the respond was only a grumble in his sleep, twisting the other way a little without opening his eyes. Growing impatient, Kagome now shouted in his ear as a wake up call. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!!"

That woke him up big time.

"Whoa!!" Inuyasha cried as he sprung up so fast on his feet. "Kagome!! What the hell's the big idea?! Screaming like a raging lunatic?!"

Kagome only laughed and stood up to hug him. "I'm sorry Inuyasha. I tried waking you up, but this was the only way. And it's Christmas! Merry Christmas!" Realizing that Kagome was hugging him though half-sleep, Inuyasha soon embrace her closer. His frown turned into a boyish grin.

"Uh…oh, yeah. Right back at ya. So the day finally came, huh? About time". The two broke their hug and Kagome smiled into his golden amber eyes.

"Yeah! Now let's go downstairs and say it to the rest. I can smell Mom's delicious cooking already. Let me get dressed and I'll be right out". Nodding his head, Inuyasha patiently waited for Kagome by her bed as she changed out her pajamas into some jeans and a pink sweater in the bathroom. When she came out, both left the room and headed for the stairs to meet her family in the kitchen.

* * * *

Once Kagome's family heard them coming down the stairs, her little brother, Sota, was the first one to run up and greet them. "Hey sis! Inuyasha! Merry Christmas!" He hugged them and his glowing face was just as cheerful. The holiday was also a great celebration this year, giving the thought that his role model was spending it in his own home. Sota always considered Inuyasha more like a big brother as well as a hero. "Hey Inuyasha, how about after breakfast we go out skiing down the hill? Or would you like to be my snowman model?"

Inuyasha made an awkward face, but patted Sota's head and responded, "Sure kid, we'll see. Maybe later". The three finally reached the kitchen where they met Grandpa and Kagome's mother already sitting down, enjoying their hot chocolate and warm breakfast. Grandpa looked up from his newspaper and gave them a warm welcoming smile. Kagome's mother came up and hugged both her daughter and Inuyasha.

"Merry Christmas you two. You're just in time for some hot chocolate and blueberry pancakes with some sausages. Inuyasha, you like pancakes and sausages also, right?" Kagome's mom asked with her warm-hearted smile. Inuyasha nodded.

"Mom, when do we open the presents again?" Sota asked while chowing down on his syrupy pancakes. "Can we open them after breakfast?"

Kagome's mom only giggled and said, "Now Sota, I know it's still tempting for you, but I thought we all agreed to open them later on tonight. Remember?" she asked in a somewhat hintful voice. She then gave Sota a wink. Understanding the message, Sota only smiled back and continued finishing his breakfast without saying anything.

Kagome, on the other hand, chirped, "Well I for one can't wait for the presents anyway!" she said happily. "Just the thought of unwrapping those beautiful gifts makes me still quiver. You won't believe what I got for everyone". She sat down at the table next to Grandpa with her breakfast and hot chocolate. As everyone continued eating in silence, Inuyasha was sitting at the opposite side of Kagome, next to Sota, viewing her pleasant attitude. He grinned to himself without anyone noticing. Now that the day's here, I'll have the chance to give her my gift tonight. He continued chewing on his sausage, waiting for the hours to tick by.

END NOTE: Well, I'm happy to finish this first chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it so far. The next chapter will be the last, and I promise to update that as soon as possible. Thanks for your time!