I do not own Inuyasha or any other characters. I only own the idea of this story.


Kagome carefully opens the door to her mother's room and peeks in. Her mom slowly turns her head towards the door and smiles. Kagome restrains herself from running and curling up beside her. Kagome gently grabs her hand and sits beside her.

"Hey you," Kagome's mother says to Kagome as Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku quietly slip in behind her.

"Hey," Kagome says trying not to cry, "how are you feeling?" Kagome asks cringing at the surgery dressing and sling.

"Stop that now," her mom coos, "I'm fine, they have me on pain medicine."

Kagome's mom glances around the room and sees the others with their backs against the walls.

"Well come over here you silly kids," she says with a bright smile.

Inuyasha grabs a seat beside Kagome and smiles at her mother.

"Hi Ms. Higurashi," he says placing a kiss on the top of her head.

Kagome smiles to herself and squeezes his hand.

"Hi dear," her mom says with a smile, "who else is hiding back there?" she asks.

"You already know Sango," Kagome says pulling the other two towards the bed.

"This is Miroku," Kagome says handing her mom Miroku's hand, "he's Sango's boyfriend.

"Nice to meet you, although I wish it were under better circumstances," Kagome's mom says apologetically.

"Is there anything you'd like for us to get you?" Sango asks with a smile.

"Oh, just a little something to drink would be nice," she says.

"Let me go ask your nurse if it's okay," Kagome says getting up and walking into the hall.

Kagome makes her way to the nurse's station and finds her mother's nurse.

"How can I help you dear?" she asks with a smile.

"My mother is Ms. Higurashi, she was wondering if she could have something to drink," Kagome asks kindly.

"Sure dear, just be sure she takes it slow. The anesthesia makes people a little sick sometimes," she says.

"Thank you," Kagome smiles and heads back to her mom's room.


As she approaches the door, Kagome hears laughter. She peeks in to see her mother grinning from ear to ear and Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku laughing.

"Oh hello dear," Kagome's mom says through chuckles.

Kagome raises one eyebrow questioningly at Inuyasha and he just grins.

"The nurse said you can have something to drink as long as you take it easy," Kagome says.

Her mom just nods and smiles.

"So uh Kagome..." Inuyasha says.

"Hmm?" she replies.

"How long did it take you to stop crawling around naked?" he says as he holds up a picture.

Kagome's eyes go wide, and she immediately snatches it from his hands. Inuyasha, Sango, and Miroku all laugh as Kagome shoves it in her pocket and grabs her mom's purse.

"No more mother," she says with a stern face.

"Yeah yeah, now be a dear and get me some green tea," she retorts waving Kagome off.

'Really!? I've known this woman all 17 years of my life and she betrays me for people she barely knows'

Kagome sighs and starts to walk out in the hall when she feels someone grab her hand. She turns around and sees Inuyasha smiling at her.

"Come on, let's get your mom something to drink," he says as they walk out into the hall.

"That's mother-in-law to you!" Kagome's mom yells.

'No more opioids for you mother'

Kagome finds the nearest vending machine and pulls out her wallet only to have Inuyasha grab it.

"Let me get it," he says with a smile.

Kagome defiantly puts her hands on her hips and shakes her head no. He snakes his arms around her waist and pulls her close.

"Please let me get it," he murmurs kissing the top of her head.

Kagome sighs in defeat and nods.


After they bring Kagome's mom her tea, Kagome glances at the clock and sees it's almost 9 at night.

"Kids, you need to be heading home," her mom says with her "mom voice".

Sango and Miroku give her a hug and slip out into the hallway.

Kagome's mom motions for her to come towards her with her good arm and pulls her daughter into a hug.

"Now Inuyasha, take her home and make sure she gets plenty of sleep and goes to school tomorrow," Kagome's mom says seriously looking at him.

"Uh, mom I want to stay here with you tonight," Kagome says while gently pulling out of the hug.

Inuyasha grabs her hand and starts to speak before Kagome's mom can.

"Of course I will," he says gently shoving Kagome towards the door and winking at her mom.

Kagome grabs the door frame.

"Mom! Let me stay!" Kagome gently yells.

"I love you too honey!" her mom says with a smile while waving her good arm.

Kagome releases her hold on the door frame and sighs.

'I swear these two are tag teaming me'


Inuyasha and Kagome pull up to the house, and Inuyasha sniffs the air before they get out.

"I think we're just gonna stay at my house tonight," he says looking around.

Kagome immediately feels herself go into panic mode. Inuyasha hears Kagome's heart rate speed up, so he grabs her hand and strokes it with his thumb.

"Don't worry, it's from earlier today, but I don't want you sleeping somewhere that doesn't feel safe," he says as he starts the car.

Kagome sighs in relief.

"Wait, what about clothes for me to wear?" Kagome asks.

"You can borrow some of mom's. She dresses obnoxiously below her age," he says with a groan.

Kagome smiles as they drive towards Inuyasha's house and think on how wonderfully blessed she is to have him.


After an interrogation from Izayoi about Kagome's mother, she pulls Kagome into her huge walk-in closet.

"I've already picked a few outfits since I figure you'll be staying with us until your mother is well and at home," she says with a smile.

Kagome nods with a smile, thankful that she won't have to stay home alone. Izayoi hugs Kagome and shows her to the guest bedroom. Halfway to their destination, Kagome notices pictures of Izayoi dancing on a stage that seems so familiar. As they reach the guest bedroom, Izayoi hugs Kagome again.

"Get some sleep, mon étoile brillante " Izayoi says with a kind smile.

Kagome freezes feeling the lump in her throat form. She feels her heart sink.

"H-how do you know that?" Kagome asks in a whisper.

Izayoi grabs Kagome's hand and pats it gently.

"I knew the moment I saw you that you were Auguste's daughter," she says with tears in her eyes.

Then it hit Kagome. Those pictures in the hallway of Izayoi looked familiar because a ton of pictures of Kagome's father were taken in the same building. Kagome can feel herself choking on tears, and Izayoi pulls her into a hug, cradling Kagome's head against her shoulder.

"We danced together many times in Paris, your father and I," Izayoi smiles.

She guides Kagome to the bed and sits down. Kagome wipes the tears that are still flowing.

"How-how did you figure it out?" she asks.

Izayoi smiles and strokes her hair.

"Well for starters you are his mirror image…besides that beautiful Japanese hair," she grins, "and when you said he got sick...it hit me like a punch in the gut that you had to be talking about Auguste."

Kagome grabs a tissue from the nearest box and blows her nose.

"I do have a question though..." Izayoi says softly, "Why didn't you or your mother take his last name?"

Kagome sighs and rubs her puffy eyes.

"He wanted mother to keep her maiden name and give it to me so that the press wouldn't hound us all the time," Kagome says with a little smile.

Izayoi chuckles.

"He loved you very much," Izayoi says, "When we'd run into each other occasionally in Paris he always talked about 'mon etoile brillante'."

Kagome smiles and hugs Izayoi.

"All right now," Izayoi says standing up, "get some sleep...you have school tomorrow."

Kagome nods and grabs some pajamas from the dresser.

"Oh, and Kagome," Izayoi says as she walks out into the hallway.

"Yes ma'am?" Kagome answers.

"If...if you ever want to see some of his performances, I have videos," she says with a smile.


Kagome nods and walks into the bathroom to change into her pajamas. She brushes her teeth and places her glasses on the counter. She opens the door only to run right into Inuyasha.

"Well hey there," he chuckles and hugs Kagome, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, why? Don't tell me you can smell tears too?" Kagome asks.

Inuyasha just smirks and kisses Kagome's forehead. He actually came running the minute he smelled her tears minutes ago, but he stopped at the door and listened to Kagome and his mother talk.

"Come on. Let's get you in bed," Inuyasha murmurs and leads Kagome to the bed.

As he starts to tuck her in, she grabs his arm.

"Stay in here with me. Please," Kagome pleads softly.

"Of course, sweetheart," Inuyasha replies as he climbs in bed and pulls her close.

Kagome turns so that she's face to face with Inuyasha.

"Your mom knew my dad," Kagome says, "They danced together in Paris…before he died."

"Mom said you looked similar to someone she used to dance with," Inuyasha replies while stroking her hair.

"Yeah. She used his pet name for me and it was almost like he was here again," Kagome smiles sadly.

"Mon étoile brillante," Inuyasha muses, "that's French for…ah crap it's been a while since mom spoke French."

"My bright star," Kagome whispers.

"It's fitting," Inuyasha replies and kisses her nose, "let's try to get some sleep. You've had a long day."

Kagome nods and snuggles in closer putting her hand on Inuyasha's bare chest. She closes her eyes as the sound of his heartbeat lulls her to sleep.


xxxxxx

"Come on mon etoile brillante, show daddy how pretty your turns are."

Kagome sees herself at the age of 4 in a black leotard grinning from ear to ear as she spins on the balls of her feet.

"How did I do daddy?" little Kagome asks excitedly.

He picks her up and spins her around.

"One day you will be a great ballerina," he says proudly.

Kagome wiggles to be put down and runs to the barre that was specially made for her.

"More! I want to learn more!" Kagome says happily.

Her father kisses her forehead, walks to his barre, and begins teaching again.


BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP

'Damn...that...clock'

"Wake up sleepy head," Inuyasha whispers softly while gently moving her hair out of her face.

Kagome groans and pulls the blankets over her head.

"I don't want to get up," Kagome says.

Inuyasha gently pulls the blankets away and kisses the top of her head.

"Come on. Smells like mom cooked French toast," he says with a smile.

Inuyasha heads to his bathroom to get ready for school and Kagome heads to her bathroom. She brushes her hair and teeth before Inuyasha comes back and they head downstairs. The smells coming from the kitchen are amazing. Izayoi hugs Kagome and hands her a plate of French toast and bacon. The trio joke and eat together until it's almost time for school. Kagome runs upstairs and sees that Izayoi has pulled out a t-shirt and yoga pants.

'Thank goodness for female telepathy'

Kagome slips the clothes on and grabs her glasses. She pulls a pair of converse on that Izayoi set out for her and heads downstairs. Izayoi hugs both Inuyasha and Kagome as they head out the door.


Inuyasha holds Kagome's hand as he drives to school.

"You know, you look cute in glasses," he says as he parks his car.

"I wear them everyday silly," Kagome replies.

"I know. I just wanted to tell you," he says as he kisses her cheek.

Kagome blushes and grabs her backpack. As Inuyasha and Kagome start walking towards the doors, Sango walks up and bumps Kagome with her hip.

"Ready for our English project today my Juliet?" she jokingly winks.

'Shit'

"You forgot, didn't you?" Sango asks.

"Yeah...I did, but don't worry...I have a plan," Kagome says with a grin.

Inuyasha and Sango laugh as they all head inside towards English. Kagome stops at the doorway, and Inuyasha kisses her.

"Have fun...and don't do anything drastic," he says stroking her cheek with his thumb.

"No promises," Kagome replies with a wink.

Kagome hugs Inuyasha only to have the moment ruined when someone shoves both of them.

"That's disgusting for everyone else to watch," Kikyo says bitterly as she shoves past the couple.

Kagome nearly lunges at her, but Inuyasha grabs her by the waist.

"Watch," he says trying not to laugh.

Kagome sees Kikyo faceplant on the floor and notices Sango whistling innocently. Kagome hugs Inuyasha again before walking to her seat as Mr. Onigumo takes his place at the podium.

"Well, here we are...presentation day, or should I say performance day?" he grins evilly.

'I seriously think he does this every year just to prove that some kids will be eternally awkward'

After several really bad presentations, Ayame and Koga are called to the front. They perform the balcony scene perfectly. Mr. Onigumo seems surprised, but pleased as well. Now it's Kikyo's turn

'Oh I can't wait to see this'

"So Kags," Sango whispers, "how do you think she'll make out with herself?" Sango asks.

"I'm sure she knows a way," Kagome says giggling.

Kikyo shoots a death glare towards them and they stifle their giggles as she begins talking to herself. The whole class is quietly giggling...even Mr. Onigumo. She finishes with a triumphant smile and goes back to her desk.

"And now for our last group, Sango and Kagome," Mr. Onigumo says with interest.

The two girls get up, and Kagome notices Kikyo's foot shoot out into the aisle. Kagome intentionally stomps on it as she makes her way to the front. Kikyo lets out a strangled groan.

"Miss Higurashi what was that noise?" Mr. Onigumo asks.

"Oh, just thought I saw a huge bug on the floor so I stomped where it was just to be sure," Kagome says innocently.

He nods as Sango and Kagome set up their scene.

"Remember the plan?" Kagome asks laying on the fake death bed.

Sango nods and gives her thumbs up. Sango starts her monologue as Romeo and right before she picks up the "poison", Kagome springs up from the death bed.

"Juliet!" Sango rushes over, "I thought you were dead!"

"Oh Romeo!" Kagome exclaims pulling her close...and then the fake slaps begin.

Kagome "smacks" Sango on the cheek and the whole class gets wide-eyed.

"How dare you! How could you roofie me?!" Kagome nearly screams so she doesn't laugh.

"Babe...babe it wasn't me! Must've been that jackass, Paris!" Sango says pointing to Miroku who's trying not to laugh.

"I don't care what you say! You're still in love with Rosaline anyways!" Kagome screeches and points at Ayame who's doing all she can to hold her laughs in.

"You know what...screw you skank," Sango says with a secret wink.

"You wish!" Kagome screams as they both walk in opposite directions of each other.

The classroom erupts in laughter…even Mr. Onigumo. The two girls return to their seats.

"Lovely demonstration of a more modern twist on Romeo & Juliet," Onigumo says as he walks towards his desk.

Everyone sits around and chats while he writes down grades and passes them out. The bell rings, and Sango and Kagome practically skip down the hall and race up the stairs with huge grins on their faces.


They make our way into Biology, but someone grabs Kagome's wrist. She turns around expecting to see Inuyasha...but it's Hojo.

"So how's your mom?" he says trying to sound sweet.

"Go fall in a deep ditch you sorry sack of-" Sango growls.

"Sango!" Kagome says to cut her off, "take it easy...no need to get expelled before Christmas break."

Sango stands beside her friend defiantly.

"She's still in the hospital recovering from surgery, jackass," Kagome says.

He shakes his head.

"Temper, temper Kagome," he says, "I am so sorry your mother caught me in the middle of one of my bi-polar episodes."

'Uh...psycho says what'

"Whatever," Kagome says and tries to pull away, but he tightens his hold on her wrist.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asks angrily.

"To class," Kagome says and then knees him in the crotch.

He crumples to the floor, and Sango and Kagome walk into Biology.


During the Kagome/Hojo interaction:

Inuyasha grabs his Chemistry book from his locker when he smells a familiar scent.

'Oh great'

"Hey Yasha," Kikyo says while touching his shoulder.

He swats her hand away like a gnat.

"What Kikyo?" he says.

She flashes a look of genuine hurt, but he ignores her. She sighs and suddenly falls to the floor.

"Oh no...I feel so woozy" she says.

Inuyasha rolls his eyes trying to ignore her.

"Help me get to the nurse's office please?" she asks innocently, "You're the only guy around that's strong enough to help me."

Inuyasha sighs and helps her up.

'All the sudden she's interested because I'm actually happy with someone else'

"Fine...to the door then you're on your own," he says annoyed as he leans down to carry her.

Kikyo smiles triumphantly as they make their way down the stairs and to the nurse.


XXXXXXX

Kagome makes it through her biology exam with an extra 15 minutes, so she grabs her things and heads down to the cafeteria to claim their usual table. She stops dead in her tracks and hides in a corner when she hears Kikyo talking to her friends.

"It was so sweet! He carried me and everything!" Kagome squeals to Yumi.

"Yeah, okay...whatever," Yumi says rather bored as she stares at her phone.

"I thought you were done with dog boy," Eri says.

Kagome instantly feels her heart drop and slumps against the wall.

'How in the world could this be happening? Surely Kikyo is exaggerating. You're panicking over nothing.'

Kagome hears someone coming and pulls herself off the floor.

"You okay Kags?" Sango asks as she notices Kagome wiping the dust off of her pants.

Kagome touches her face involuntarily and realizes she's been crying.

"Yeah yeah...I was just thinking about mom coming home," Kagome lies.

Sango eyes her friend suspiciously, but links arms with her as they head down the stairs towards the cafeteria. Sango sends a text to Ayame to keep her in the loop as to what's going on. They're the first people in the cafeteria which makes the room eerily quiet.

"You eating school food today?" Sango asks.

Kagome honestly doesn't have the stomach for it, so she digs through her purse until she finds a protein bar and holds it up.

"I'm munching on this today...all this stress has ruined my appetite," Kagome says.

Sango eyes her suspiciously.

"I'm grabbing you an apple anyways while I'm up there," she says.

Kagome nods and pulls her hair up in a messy bun and viciously stabs her pencil in it. She grabs her phone, puts her earbuds in, and clicks play. She thoughtlessly eats her protein bar until she feels an elbow nudge me. She pulls her earbuds out.

"You have to eat this apple," Sango demands.

Kagome takes it from her and takes a huge bite.

"Has something happened?" Sango questions.

"I heard Kikyo mumbling something about Inuyasha carrying her to the nurse's office," Kagome says with a solemn look on her face.

Kikyo walks in the cafeteria, and Sango immediately stares at her with malice in her eyes.

"Stupid bitch. One day I'm gonna swing her around by her stupid ass ponytail" Sango hisses under her breath.

Kagome rolls her eyes and keeps eating her apple.

"Just don't bring it up to Inuyasha. I'm sure he was just being nice. I'm making something out of nothing," Kagome says pathetically.

Sango nods as the boys and Ayame walk up with their lunch trays.

"So Kags, I saw you finished that Bio exam early," Koga says.

"Yeah, I found it relatively easy," Kagome says with a shrug as she takes another bite of her apple.

She feels Inuyasha's hand reaching for her but pretends not to feel it.

"Easy my ass," Ayame says, "the body systems killed me. I mean who the hell knows what part of your brain is responsible for extreme emotion?"

"The amygdala," Kagome says absentmindedly while looking over her math notes for next period.

"The huh?" Koga asks.

"The amygdala...a cluster of neurons the size of a walnut that is shown to play a key role in emotional outbursts," Kagome says matter-of-factly.

The whole group just stares at Kagome who shrugs in response and goes back to studying equations. She can make out mumblings around her as she keeps listening to her music and reviewing in her head.

"All right mutt face," Koga whispers harshly, "what the hell did you do?"

Inuyasha holds his hands up innocently and looks at Sango hoping to get a hint as to what's wrong.

"Nothing! I didn't do a freaking thing," he defends himself.

"Well...you weren't there when we were going to Bio," Sango says trying to hint at the issue.

"I…had something to take care of," Inuyasha says.

All three girls roll their eyes. Kagome gets up and makes sure both earbuds are in so she can't hear anyone. She feels Inuyasha reach for her, but keeps walking.


'Just make it through the math exam...just have to make it through the math exam'

Kagome makes her way to the stairs when she feels someone bump into her causing her to drop her binder.

"Oh dear, looks like someone is a bit klutzy," Kikyo says with an evil smile.

Kagome grabs her binder and tries to keep walking.

"Where are you going Ka-go-me?" Kikyo asks enunciating every syllable of Kagome's name and in a split second, Kagome loses it.

"To study for my math test so I can pass it and not take it again next semester and actually graduate, unlike you! I hope you have fun in English for the second time," Kagome retorts and shoves past her.

Kagome hustles up the stairs and looks down to see her friends looking up at her with concern. She can feel tears coming so she walks towards class hoping to avoid Inuyasha and his inhuman speed. She feels two arms suddenly wrap around her.

'So much for a head start'

Kagome finds herself staring straight into Inuyasha's golden eyes.

"What is the matter?" he whispers against her forehead.

She tries to push away, but his grip is like steel.

"I...I'm just stressed...with exams and everything," Kagome says on the verge of tears.

He pulls her closer to him.

"You don't have to lie to me...what did I do?" he asks resting his chin on the top of her head.

She points towards the base of the stairs where Kikyo is standing watching the couple. He looks in the direction of her finger and stiffens.

"I walked with her to the nurse's office because she 'hurt' herself," he said using air quotes to emphasis the word hurt.

Kagome swallows the lump in her throat.

"Okay. Well you may want to clarify that with her, because she seems to think it was more than that. Or maybe I'm just blowing you physically carrying your ex to the nurse's office out of proportion. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get to math and take my final," Kagome retorts.

Inuyasha relaxes his grip, but tilts his head down and kisses her.

"I'm sorry...I love you," he says as he pulls away breathless and walks away.

Kagome feels like an idiot standing there with her jaw gaping as Sango and Ayame drag her into math. Kagome is pushed into her seat, and shakes her head as Mr. Myoga places exam packets on everyone's desk.

'Come on Kags...get it together'

Kagome takes a deep breath and starts her exam. She double checks her answers, turns in her exam, and gently opens and closes the door.


As she heads down the stairs to the dance studio, she closes the door behind her and grabs a chair to barricade herself in. She grabs her phone and chooses Three Days Grace from my artist list.

As the music starts to play, Kagome hums to herself as she feels the anger starting to rise and threatening to explode.

'Kikyo...Hojo attacking my mother...this bullshit...'

CRASH

The next thing Kagome knows, her knuckles are bleeding as pieces of the mirror fall into the floor. The line "I hate everything about you" comes out of the speaker.

'How appropriate'

She gasps in pain seeing tiny shards of glass protruding from her skin. She sneaks stealthily down the hall to an empty classroom and takes the first aid kit. She slips back into the studio and barricade herself back in. She opens the kit with her uninjured hand and pulls out everything she needs: tweezers, antiseptic, and bandages. She bites the sleeve of her shirt while she starts taking the glass shards out of her hand. She soaks the bandages in the antiseptic, and the second the cloth touches her skin she grits her teeth. Once the bandage is on and secure, Kagome kicks her converse off and lightly place her glasses on her backpack. She chooses the song Tonight by Seether.

At first, she just practices turns and leaps. The dance turns more aggressive as she starts to let go. Her turns are so fast that her hair falls down around my shoulders, but she doesn't care. She keeps turning and leaping not noticing the door being slowly forced open. She suddenly feels two hands gently grab her shoulders. She freezes when she see Inuyasha.

'Damn that nose'

He slowly begins to kiss her

if I was to die tonight, would it tear you apart

She slowly gives in as he slowly pushes her against the wall. He gently takes her bandaged hand and kisses her shoulder and collarbone.

Would you yell it from the rooftops down, until it's over and you're older

Kagome feels her heartbeat quicken and her pulse pounds in her ears as he kisses her jawline.

I feel so alive tonight, you've got me feeling sublime

She intertwines her fingers in his hair as their tongues meet causing a longing to rise in Kagome's chest.

I wanna yell it from the rooftops down, until it's over and we're older

He grabs her hips and lifts her up, squeezing them. She allows her fingers to explore the hard planes of his stomach as they both try to hold back groans of pleasure

Like sugar and cyanide, these worlds are meant to collide

They both break away gasping for air and lean back in with their foreheads touching.

I wanna yell it from the rooftops down, until it's over and we're older

The song ends, and Kagome can feel him staring at her. He gently picks up her bandaged hand.

"Kagome," he says softly, "why did you do that?"

"I...I was upset. It just kind of happened," Kagome says a little ashamed.

A look of genuine pain flashes across his face.

"I'm so sorry," he says in barely a whisper, "I wasn't thinking of how she was going to manipulate the situation around. I shouldn't put myself in situations that can look bad. It's not fair to you."

Kagome swallows the lump in her throat.

"It's okay...I forgive you," Kagome says placing her hand on his cheek.

He hugs her tight, still not putting her down.

"I meant it when I told you 'I love you'," he whispers.

She shivers involuntarily from the warmth of his breath on her ear.

"I...I love you too Inuyasha," she says shakily admitting it to herself for the first time.

Kagome feels the smile on his lips as he kisses her. Inuyasha gently places her down on the floor, grabs her glasses, and places them on her face.

"Come on," he says with a smile, "let's go get your house ready for your mom's homecoming."

Kagome smiles and nods as she puts her converse on. He grabs her bag and gently snakes his arm around her waist. They pass Kikyo, and Kagome sees the look of horror on her face. She can't help but smile to herself all the way home.


Two weeks pass after finals, and winter break is nothing short of perfect. Kagome's mom is feeling a lot better and able to do things for herself. Kagome and Inuyasha have spent every moment they can together and with their friends.

"So when is that darling Inuyasha coming over to help with the decorating?" Kagome's mom asks.

Before Kagome can answer, there is a knock at the door. She runs to answer it, and there he is.

"Hello beautiful," he says kissing her gently.

Kagome smiles and grabs his hand leading him towards the messy living room.

"Well...we've got some work to do," he says teasingly.

"Oh, I tried to start assembling the tree, but Kagome wouldn't let me," her mother says sounding annoyed.

Kagome sticks her tongue out as she helps Inuyasha put up the tree and decorate it. Her mom smiles at the young couple and then looks at the tree.

"I hate that I'm leaving you on Christmas to go see your grandpa," Kagome's mom says.

"I feel worse for not going," she replies.

"Well, I don't want you to feel obligated to go, especially since the dementia's gotten to the point that he doesn't recognize anyone," her mom says with an understanding smile.

Kagome nods as she rolls her mother's suitcase towards the limo Inuyasha called to take her to the airport. Kagome's mother pulls her into a tight hug.

"Take care, and be safe okay...and don't open those gifts until Christmas," she says with a smile.

"I will...and won't," Kagome says with a smile.

Inuyasha gently hugs Kagome's mom and whispers something in her ear.

"Of course she can!" she says excitedly.

Kagome looks at both of them confused, but helps her mom in the car as Inuyasha puts her luggage in the trunk of the limo. They both wave as the limo pulls away.

"I might actually miss her crazy self," Kagome says.

Inuyasha chuckles and leads her back into the house.

"Love," Inuyasha says, "you need to go upstairs."

"Uh...for what?" she asks.

"To pack a bag," he says matter-of-factly.

Kagome gives him a suspicious look.

"Why?" she asks and crosses her arms.

"Because," he says tilting her chin up, "you're staying with me while your mom is gone."

He kisses her to stifle her squeal. Kagome bolts up the stairs and immediately starts packing several days' worth of clothing. She hides Inuyasha's present beneath her clothes and zips her suitcase closed. She drags it behind her down the stairs.

"Here, let me help you," Inuyasha says kissing her nose.

Kagome smiles and grabs the presents under the tree.

"Hey! Your mom said no opening those till Christmas," Inuyasha scolds.

Kagome piles the gifts into the back seat of his car.

"I'm gonna open them at your house silly," Kagome says with an innocent smile.

They make sure everything is unplugged and locked, and then head towards Inuyasha's house.


"Oh by the way, my older brother will be home. I guess his attending finally decided to give him some off time," Inuyasha says.

Kagome raises an eyebrow at him.

"I don't think you mentioned siblings" she says.

He blushes embarrassed as they pull into the gates at his house.

"Sibling…and he's my half brother. You two should get along…even though he hated his pediatrics rotation," Inuyasha smirks.

They bring everything inside, including Kagome's presents for Izayoi and Taisho. She sees Inuyasha's older brother Sesshomaru lounging on the couch.

"Hey useless," Inuyasha says, "this is my girlfriend Kagome."

Kagome waves politely, but he seems to ignore her.

"Sesshy don't be rude," Izayoi says.

Kagome sees his face turn dark red as he changes the channel on the television. Sesshomaru gives up and grabs a few MRI images out of his briefcase and peers at them.

"Is that a shadow or a blood clot towards the right frontal lobe?" Kagome asks without thinking.

Sesshomaru turns around surprised.

"I'm sorry...what?" he asks.

Kagome sits beside him and circles the area with her finger.

"Right there...it's faint, but something is definitely there," Kagome says shyly.

"Oh my...you're right. How did the radiologist miss that?" he asks himself. He jumps up and shrugs his coat on.

"I'll be back mother and father. It seems Miss Kagome may have just saved my client's life," he says as he leaves through the front door.


Inuyasha just stares at Kagome.

"You're amazing," he says as they make their way upstairs.

"My mom is a nurse you know. I've loved this kind of stuff since I was little," Kagome says dragging her suitcase behind her.

"So of course you have your own room," Inuyasha says shyly, "but I kind of want you to sleep in my room...with me."

Kagome immediately blushes but shake her head eagerly. Kagome moves her suitcase out of the way and the two head downstairs to find something to eat.

Inuyasha pulls some leftover ramen out of the fridge.

"Ramen okay? Mom made the noodles herself," Inuyasha asks.

Kagome nods with a smile and watches him grab a pot to reheat the ramen on the stovetop.

"So, you know that I want to be a pediatrician. What do you want to do?" Kagome asks.

"Well I really enjoyed chemistry. Right now I'm considering medical research and pharmacy," Inuyasha replies shyly.

Kagome smiles and walks over to Inuyasha and hugs him from behind.

"I think either one of those is a perfect fit," she says softly.

The two eat their supper and then head upstairs to get ready for bed.

Kagome pulls her pajamas out of her suitcase and changes clothes in Inuyasha's bathroom. She brushes her teeth and sets her glasses on the counter. As she walks out, she has to suck in a breath.

'I will never get tired of seeing him shirtless'

"So...which side do you sleep on?" Kagome asks shyly.

"Kagome...if you don't want to be in here, I understand," he says.

Kagome sighs and pulls him down onto the bed with her and snuggles into his chest.

"Right here...I want to sleep right here," she says.

He smiles, turns the lamp off, and wraps his arms around her. They both drift off to sleep.


Kagome grabs her cup of coffee and takes a moment to absorb the scene around her. Izayoi and Taisho cuddled together, Inuyasha smiling at her, and Sesshomaru silently quizzing her on more scans.

'How was I ever lucky enough to be involved with this family?'

Kagome excuses herself for a moment to go call her mother and wish her a merry Christmas. As she returns, Taisho announces that it's time to open gifts. Everyone is all smiles as they pass gifts around. Izayoi exclaims in joy while Inuyasha and Sesshomaru cringe at the lingerie set Kagome bought her. Kagome smiles at the four brand new lace leotards Izayoi had made for her. Taisho drags Izayoi upstairs to "break in the new lace set" and Sesshomaru takes that as his cue to leave. Kagome sees Inuyasha nearly throw up. Kagome laughs and starts to open the gifts from her mom. At first, it's the usual gifts: a few clothes, a new pair of shoes, but then Kagome sees one small box. She opens it up and nearly cries.

"What is it?" Inuyasha asks.

Kagome holds it up. An acceptance letter...from a ballet company in Paris.

"They want me to come as soon as I graduate," Kagome says in disbelief.

Inuyasha kisses her forehead.

"Come on prima ballerina," he says smiling, "I have a personal gift I want to give you."

They make their way to his bedroom and sit on his bed. Kagome grabs the box out of her suitcase and holds it.

"I want to go first," she says.

He nods smiling as she hands him the box.

"I know it isn't much," Kagome says as he takes the simple gold chain out of the box, "but it was my dad's."

"Kagome," he says surprised, but she raises her hand to stop him.

"You mean a lot to me," Kagome says, "I just wanted to give you something to show you that."

He smiles and hands her the gift he bought her. Kagome opens a series of boxes to get to the red velvet ring box hidden in layers of tissue paper. She gasps as she opens the box. A beautiful sterling silver ring with two stones in the middle...their birthstones: garnet for Kagome's January birthday and peridot for Inuyasha's August birthday.

"Inuyasha, it's beautiful," Kagome says as she tackles him in a hug.

"Don't get too nervous. It isn't an engagement ring...just a promise ring," he says smiling, "the other will come later."

Kagome sits back up and places the ring on her finger. She looks at Inuyasha and sees the gold chain shining against his neck. She shoves the boxes and paper off of his bed and pulls him down in a deep kiss. He returns the kiss and tangles his fingers in her hair.

"We should get ready for bed," he says softly as he kisses her neck.

Kagome feels warmth spread from her head to her toes and nods in agreement.

'He's making sure we don't go too far…for my sake. I almost wish he hadn't'

They turn the lamps off, and Kagome curls into Inuyasha's chest listening to his gentle heartbeat.

"I love you Kagome," he murmurs into her ear.

"I love you to Inuyasha," she murmurs back.

As they fall into a peaceful slumber, Kagome says a silent prayer of thanks...and a prayer that nothing will tear them apart as she touches the smooth stones of her ring.