Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Santa simply doesn't have the jurisdiction to grant him to me, either. (I would settle for Sesshomaru, Santa! Santa?)


Sparks


The sun melts into the warm earth before her crinkled eyes – another day of vegetable tending done. Her nose twitches suddenly.

Hmm…fish for dinner.

Contented she goes inside and begins preparing the kitchen.

She cannot help thinking on how she has grown rather fond of the little hut: its sturdy pine walls that smell like the forests of her youth, the ever-so-slightly uneven flooring (which she can feel even under the tatami mats), the small hearth in the middle of the room around which they gathered more and more often as of late, spinning tales long into the cold nights; she is startled at how much it has become like a home.

A home!

Ahome!!!!

Warmth bubbles through her, escaping through a giggle.

A home! She has a home…of sorts, but well enough ought to satisfy, she reasons.

"Well…someone had a good day."

She starts; too caught in her daze, she hasn't heard Hirosuke come in. Again, the cursed blush pinches her cheeks.

"Too much time in the sun?" He asks with genuine concern noting her face colour. She shakes her head frustrated with herself.

"I…was looking forward to the fish." She blurts out in an attempt to cover for her reaction. Hardly a better excuse.

"How did you know we were having fish?"

She freezes.

"Good…nose?"

"Very good nose!" He agrees heartily and she is relieved.

"You should smile more." He catches her gaze and holds it for longer than she is used to. "It suits you."

Again that something quivers inside her, making her heart spume with emotions she cannot comprehend, emotions she is not acquainted with. She hates feeling so inadequate.

"I apologise if my comment upset you." Hirosuke's soft voice breaks through her thoughts.

"Oh…not at all…"She waves her hand a little too energetically.

"I meant…I meant no insult, Kiyoko. I merely…intended…I mean…"He sighed. "What I am attempting to say, rather ineptly as it may be, is that you seemed happy and I was content for you and, also, I wish you to continue to be happy enough to smile like that."

This time containment was not even attempted as the brightest smile blossomed from her heart and onto her lips.

"Thank you."


Author's Note: Here we are. A wee Christmas prezzie to my lovely fans. :) I hope you enjoy this chapter. Merry Christmas to all and to all the very best!